Aravi in Skyrim, her video story Options

[mALX]

Screens first: (you knew I'd love this one best) - 'Swimming in the Rift', of course! I absolutely love that screen! Unwanted Company I loved too, for Aravi's facial expression! You sure named that one right, that guy looks like he was born chin first.

The vid - I did find that cavern when I was putting stuff on the map, and thought I was doing a favor releasing the "pet" wolves afterward - big mistake! ROFL!! Never went into the cavern, so that was an interesting insight to what I'd find in it, lol. Great Vid! Awesome Update !!!

[SubRosa]

Ivarstead is my fav of the pics. Cats just love to find a high place to sit!

I always try to get down there and let the wolves out. I love turning captive animals against their former masters. I see Kharjo sent his familiar down there too.

Ah, that's the place with the wolf arena. Or one of them at least. I think there is another. A good spot for a Frenzy spell, that is for sure! As always, Aravi is unstoppable when those two swords come out!

[ghastley]

Unwanted company in the Bannered Mare

Who added Jay Leno to the game? Or is that just a chin-colored beard?

[Acadian]

I just knew Aravi would get sent to Cragslane Cavern. The trip to, as well as the arrival at the cave had an epic feel to it that I quite enjoyed. I think it was a combo of the scenery, leisurely pace, epic music and your stellar camera management. The camp outside the cave had a wonderful ‘feel’ to it. I could almost smell the cooking pots bubbling.

She slips on those little blue feeties and sneaks inside! Some great team fighting with the deadly A&K duo.

The screenshots were fabulous! I know cats like to be up high as SubRosa said, but I wonder if there is an element of Aravi being short that leads her to favor high perches. Argh! Damn blade of underwater grass was hiding her kitty boobs! The unwelcome Nordic attention was priceless. Aravi’s face said a lot and I imagined K-Kat ready to come storming around the corner and introduce Mr Chin to Spirit Wolf.

[Darkness Eternal]

Swimming in the Rift.
How convenient that the grass spares us a view of kitty boobs! Grrr!

Unwanted company in the Bannered Mare was hilarious. Truly priceless. Nords dislike khajiits, so he must of beel like "Wtf" is she doing here? Hahaha.

Onto video:

Ah, yes, I love Aravis' sniping capabilities as she sneaks alongside the mountain and makes use of her marksmanship. One bandit got an arrow through the skull! She has mighty good aim!

2:33.

Kharjo: "Dis whatchu want? Huh!?"

That team-up with the Spirit Wolf was awesome against the first bandit. The familiar does come into handy. Her frenzy spell also came in good use, too.

This post has been edited by Darkness Eternal: Sep 6 2012, 03:47 AM

[King Coin]

@mALX: Of course swimming in the Rift for you!

Aravi might have tried releasing the wolves, she has a couple of ways of dealing with them, but Kharjo didn’t give her the option. Thanks mALX!

@SubRosa: Our cat limped around for a while and we thought she got arthritis. Then later we see her sitting on top of the cupboards in the kitchen! Whatever it was, she got better.

There is at least one other place that does wolf fights. I like it that frenzy spells are area effect. Thanks SubRosa!

@ghastley: Someone should turn him into Jay. This guy has a blond beard, but it does look like an enormous chin. Thanks ghastley!

@Acadian: Wow, thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed the opening so much. Being small might have something to do with high perches. Ha! That darn grass getting in the way! Aravi just sat down next to the fire and then Mr. Chin got out of his seat and walked over to sit by her! Thanks Acadian!

@DE: Maybe next time the grass will not be in the way!

The Nord actually walked over and sat by Aravi after she sat down. You could see how much she liked that.

Aravi’s better with her swords than she is with her bow, but she can get some good shots. Thanks DE!

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Aravi returns to Riften and is named Thane. She buys a house and checks it out.

4:41

~~~~

This next part takes place as Aravi travels around the Rift. I hope you enjoy it.

~~~~

The sky is on fire. That’s what it looked like to Aravi as she walked along a stone road in the Rift. The beauty of the sunset was stunning and she slowed to a stop without thinking, eyes on the heavens. A breeze played through the branches of the birch trees, causing their golden leaves to flit and twirl on the ends. As it brushed her fur and tugged gently on her hair, Aravi closed her eyes and turned her focus to her other senses. She inhaled deeply; the scents of fresh air, old leaves, and healthy dark soil filled her nose. The rustle of the leaves, the whisper of the placid wind, and the babble of flowing water reached her ears. Nature’s music, she thought with a smile. Peace filled her entire being.

She felt a presence behind her, and a familiar scent joined the others. The Khajiit’s fur, the tang of the protective oils on armor, and the slight smell of sweat and masculinity; all these came together as one: Kharjo. She liked his scent. It had made her feel safe for a long time now. Something new however, she was also feeling more attracted towards him.

She leaned back slightly so that her shoulders lightly touched his chest plate. She felt a gauntleted hand settle on her left shoulder, lightly supporting her.

Aravi opened her eyes and started walking again, but abandoned the road in favor of the long grasses and soft dirt. Her ears guided her footsteps to a creek, gentle currents of water weaving its way between mossy boulders. The crunch of grasses behind her let her know that Kharjo had followed her.

They followed the brook downstream and it led them to a large lake. The waters of the lake imitated the brilliant colors of the sky, making it difficult to tell where one ended and the other began. For a few moments, neither one of them moved, absorbing the beauty.

Aravi and Kharjo had both stood watch while the other bathed before, but they always politely gave the other space as a small measure of privacy. This time, Aravi didn’t ask him to look away. She stepped forward to the water’s edge and began to undress. Naked, she took a few steps into the lake of liquid gold. Then she looked back and met his eyes.

~~

Art by Julienya

[Grits]

Previous video: Arrow through the nose! Cragslane Cavern is a great place to hear trash talk from companions. What a fight! That’s no place to bring a war dog, but J’Renrij was perfect. What a beautiful walk to the cave. I like Aravi’s stealthy approach over the rocks.

I love the Ivarstead screen. Kharjo always follows Aravi in the videos, but she probably needs to find high spots to get a view over his shoulders. That’s also a nice look at the back of a guard’s cloak. So many details to enjoy. Nice strategic weed placement in the swimming picture! I love Aravi’s expression at the Bannered Mare. Like Acadian I expect Kharjo to stride in and knock Chin Guy off the bench just for looking. Although I’m sure Kharj is not entirely innocent in that department.

Thane video: Jarl Law-Giver had some nice things to say to Aravi. A Khajiit in one of Skyrim’s courts! Maybe the rest of Riften’s nobles will step up their game now. Congratulations to the new homeowner! Honeyside is such a cozy house. Now Aravi can go swimming right off her back porch! What a funny way to meet Iona. She looks much more comfortable in leather armor than the steel I’ve seen.

What a wonderfully evocative scene at the lake’s edge. Your words and the beautiful picture perfectly captured such a delicate moment between Aravi and Kharjo. I absolutely loved it!

[SubRosa]

It looked like it read that Aravi had received a Steel Sword of Sharks! Here I have visions of her wielding one of these!

So Aravi has been thaned. That is her second time right? I think she is thane of Whiterun too, since that is part of the main quest.

I have never seen the inside of Honeyside. So this will be interesting. It looks nice. Awful lot of dead animals on the walls though. Nords seem to like decorating with animal corpses. The basement seems a bit musty. Who is that guy sleeping in the bed! Oh, gurl that is. Iona. That whole housecarlness seems so silly in Skyrim. They are like armed butlers that come with every house. Real housecarls were professional soldiers sworn to the service of a lord, the elite core of every medieval army.

That was a wonderful little tale of Aravi and Kharjo sharing a moment of peace and happiness by the water's edge.

This post has been edited by SubRosa: Sep 8 2012, 10:02 PM

[Acadian]

What a nice vid! Thane Aravi! That sounds good and she is now a minor noble! The house looks fabulous and even comes with its own tiny staff of one. Congrats to Aravi.

The written piece was magnificent, and what a beautiful drawing to base it on. I love how you captured Aravi’s appreciation of the natural scene - the sights, smells and feel of the colors and breezes. How perfect that she doffed her clothes to become part of it and invited Kharjo to join her. Simply beautiful stuff, my friend!

[mALX]

She felt a presence behind her, and a familiar scent joined the others. The Khajiit’s fur, the tang of the protective oils on armor, and the slight smell of sweat and masculinity; all these came together as one: Kharjo. She liked his scent. It had made her feel safe for a long time now

This is a deep and powerful passage, KC. I absolutely LOVE it! The whole written section was Awesome! A glimpse at Aravi and Kharjo on their travels when they aren't clearing a dungeon or battling bandits - this was beautiful !!!!

I can't watch the vid till tomorrow morning, but I'll come back and comment it, (sorry it took so long today)

[mALX]

Sorry I wasn't able to watch the vid till today, and I meant to comment Julienya's work last night too!

I absolutely LOVED that drawing of Aravi in the water, your description of the "Sky on Fire" was so accurate to the wonderful picture Julienya drew! Does Julienya draw Katia? I browsed her gallery and saw many other Aravi's, Katia's and a Flatula that had me rolling !! I've been a big fan of her Katia for a long time, LOVE all her Aravi's! Stunning talent and artwork!

The vid - somehow I'd blocked this scene with the Jarl from my memory, lol. I do own the house in Riften, too! Maybe she spoke to me at her dinner table instead of her throne? Is that how the house looks without updates? I think it looks better than afterward! I don't remember having a basement to it! Iona had me rolling! Awesome Vid !!!

This whole update was Awesome, one of my top favorite updates!

[Darkness Eternal]

Honeyside is one of the nicest houses in Skyrim, pre Hearthfire. An honor well deserved. I loved the end of the video where we hear Kharjo munching on some food, haha.

The artwork is simply beautiful! The fire in the sky, the spots on Aravi's back! Awesome!

As it brushed her fur and tugged gently on her hair, Aravi closed her eyes and turned her focus to her other senses. She inhaled deeply; the scents of fresh air, old leaves, and healthy dark soil filled her nose. The rustle of the leaves, the whisper of the placid wind, and the babble of flowing water reached her ears. Nature’s music, she thought with a smile. Peace filled her entire being.

I loved this piece right here. A beautiful description of nature and the enviornment we all come to appreciate. Such a wonderfully written scene that shows your talent. Lovely. Indeed, Kharjo had a great view of the lake and Aravi, and it is assuring they have more of these time offs' from their day to day warfare and adventuring. A welcome novelty other than cooking and sitting on mountains(which is both relaxing and peaceful in their own rights).

[King Coin]

@Grits: Aravi’s no Bosmer with the bow, but she’s getting pretty good. Good thing Kharjo usually follows her and not the other way around, else she would have trouble seeing over him. Yep, can’t have any kitty boobies showing! I can see Kharjo standing behind Chin with his hand resting on his ax!

Technically Aravi’s a thane of Whiterun too! Honeyside is Aravi’s favorite house so far. Glad you like the picture and my little story to go with it. Thanks Grits!

@SubRosa: Your reward looks a little OP. If you have a hard time seeing, you can expand the picture and/or increase the quality of the video. It will just take longer to load.
Yep! Second thane-ship?

Aravi just loves Honeyside. The basement is musty, but she only rarely goes down there. The bed is cozy and the fireplace is nice. Aravi’s glad there’s a housecarl in Honeyside, Riften’s crime reputation is pretty bad.

I’m glad you liked the story I wrote. I was originally going to just post the picture on its own, but felt I should support it with something. Thanks SubRosa!

@Acadian: Hey it didn’t occur to me that she’s a noble! Buffy and Aravi both have titles!

I’m so pleased you enjoyed the picture and the piece I wrote for it. I just love that picture; Julienya really outdid herself on it. Thanks Acadian!

@mALX: That passage you highlighted is one that I’m really proud of. I’m very happy you liked it.

The picture is amazing! I’m so happy I asked her to do it. Julienya does not actually do Prequel, Katia belongs to Kazerad. She loved it that you thought it was her though!

Aravi bought all the updates, I just cut that part out of the video. Thanks mALX!

@DE: Glad you liked the picture. I’m so happy with how it turned out! Julienya is very talented.

I wanted to make the setting very peaceful for the picture and I had to think about what sets me at ease and how a Khajiit would experience it. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thanks DE!

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Sorry about the late post, I just had too much going on earlier.

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Aravi travels the Rift and takes in the sights. As she wanders, she finds another dragon’s lair. A word of power calls to her.

6:53

This post has been edited by King Coin: Sep 12 2012, 04:35 AM

[SubRosa]

Another beautiful fall day in the Rift. I have always wondered why they call it the Rift, when it is actually a big plateau?

Uh oh, I think I see a dragon ahead. Aravi just got her shot in before he took off! Uh oh, there is no cover out there on that mountain. She had better find a place where she can hide from that fire breath.

The dragons do look really neat when they sit on those word walls.

Now the dragon is finally down. Time for the two swords now? Yep, one Yol and a couple swings, and there can be only one.

That must be a new word for her life detection power.

[mALX]

This beginning was Awesome, the music and sights! That first song that was playing is from the last update of the movie "Cat People" (I love all the music from that movie).

Too bad Aravi moved down to that lower ledge and woke the dragon, I'd like to have seen her hit it while it slept and see if it aroused from being killed, lol. 777 gold! WOW !!! She got the word wall just in time too, before the vid ended, lol.

I liked that there were dragon bones laying around, someone has been living in that shack and eating dragon soup for dinner! Awesome update!

[Grits]

The beginning is so pretty. The Rift at its best! (The name makes me think of high altitude rift valleys.)

Whoa, the dragon was right there!! That ridge is exactly where Big D accidentally fought two dragons, entirely his fault.

The dragon really left a dent in the ground when it crashed. Aravi finished him on her own! The people of Shor’s Stone should feel a lot safer now. Well, apart from the giant spiders.

I love the notion that the Word called Aravi to the dragon’s lair. That might explain why there’s always a dragon at Word Walls. They all want to be the one who eats the Dovahkiin.

This was a fun video! All outdoors under beautiful skies, and plenty of warmth from all the Yol Toor Shul-ing. It makes it even better when Kharjo is along knowing that Aravi can handle things without him, but she sometimes chooses to share her adventures. He’s going to be surprised when she comes back from her walk loaded down with dragon junk!

[Acadian]

Your great skill with cinematography was beautifully on display again during the opening scenes here! I loved the journey and music through the golden forest. Then the panoramic high view of the snowy mountains was wonderful as well.

That was a tough dragon fight. Trading one arrow for each dragon breath blast was not working so well and I could feel a bit of panic in Aravi a couple times.

[Darkness Eternal]

The video intro was well done! No, scratch that, it was excellent! WOAH, dragons sleep? I never even knew that! Too bad she wasn't sneaky enough, or she would of had a greater advantage.

It is good to see our Dragonborn Aravi fight off that dragon! Geez, the entire fight happened all over the place in those hills. A good fire shout and two swords to the face dealt the killing blow to the oversized beast.

New shout! Seek, Aura, Whisper. I really don't know what it does, since I never ever played long with my dragonborn. Just did it get trophies. Anyways, it was wonderful to see the fight take place at dawn. It added to the atmosphere already painted by the golden beginning . Great update, good fight!

No Kharjo

[King Coin]

@SubRosa: I’m not the only one wondering where ‘the Rift’ is then? Lol!

The mountain was a bad spot to be when it took off. High ground is nice for some enemies, but not all. Thanks SubRosa!

@mALX: Wait what? That’s Skyrim music, I didn’t insert any. Unless Jeremy Soule did that too?

Aravi had to move down a little, she thought the arrow would have hit the rock otherwise. She still got the shot, though barely. The bones were actually from the dragon’s meals. It’s been eating mammoths! Thanks mALX!

@Grits: They should have swapped names with Reach and Rift! It would make more sense in the mountain area in my opinion. Big D was where Aravi was? I wasn’t sure about the ‘proper way’ to get up there. Aravi climbed. She’s a Khajiit right?

Kharjo will be surprised! Thanks Grits!

@Acadian: Glad you liked the intro! When I get beautiful scenes like that, I just have to put them in the videos. That mountain top was not the best spot to pick a fight with a flying creature. Thanks Acadian!

@DE: Hard to not use that beautiful material. I think this is before I got my new GPU too.

Haha, Aravi tends to do a lot of running when there’s a dragon after her. Aura Whisper is detect life. Thanks DE!

#######################

Sorry about the long absence. It’s been busy. My sister was married and I’m buried in work.

#######################

Still in the Rift, Aravi and Kharjo find yet another dragon and Word.

7:29

[SubRosa]

Whoa! What a weird start, with Aravi decapitating a - what is it? - Master Conjurer. I was guessing that was the Shadow Stone. It always seems to have a spellcaster guarding it.

Is that dragon golden or brown? It is hard to tell from a distance. Ah, its an Elder Dragon. Is that from that dragon mod you are using? It looks more golden up close. I like the color!

Aravi rides the bucking bronco!

She gets a Fear shout of of it. She seems to have a lot of them saved up now.