The Forest Guardian

Laerornel Treesong eyed the suspicious bump protruding from the smooth and even forest floor. „Oh, those pesky moles!” – she thought - „They are up to no good again…” As Forest Guardian, she was supposed to keep the little parcel of ground in pretty neat order… no disorderly vines spreading their sneaky tendrils wherever they wanted to, no red poppies in the ocean of white flowers. The bump moved again, almost invisibly, yet it moved. Something green appeared among the soft clods of deep brown earth. It was not a mole. It was... a plant. It had something colourful, like a bud, on the stem that drilled through the earth with determination. “I should uproot this rebel!” – Laerornel Treesong murmured to herself; then she stood still for a while. “Maybe I’ll do it tomorrow. Maybe it is an unauthorised plant... but it might also happen that it’s utterly beautiful”. She tiptoed away from the newcomer in the forest, already looking forward to next day’s visit at the silent and peaceful patch among the trees.

Spring is indeed around the corner IRL, too… so why not to wear something fresh and green, with flowers and tree leaves?

Outfit (staff and boots included): „Forest Guardian Female” by Tayren’s Fantasy Fashions (Tayren Theas) – the outfit is a special 50 L$ offer until this weekend, as part of a Saint Patrick’s Day Sale.

Tree bark accessories (armband, necklace and skirt): part of the „Spring Birch Dryad” outfit by Caverna Obscura (Elvina Ewing) – the complete outfit is 595 L$.

Flower crown: „Thorns and Grace” Crown in Yellow by LODE (Chirzaka Vlodovic) – gacha in the shop, 50 L$ per play.

Skin and shape: „Catalina” in Cream by :Soul: (Lerochelle Destiny) – this is a Generation 1 system skin; please visit Charlie’s shop for updates and mesh body appliers.

Eyeshadow: „Shamrock Eye Shadow” by Vengeful Threads (Vixn Dagger) – available at the „Depraved Nation Luck of the Irish” Gacha Event until 31 March, 35 L$ per play.

Tattoo: „Celtic Heart Green Henna Tattoo” by VengefulThreads (Vixn Dagger) - – available at the „Depraved Nation Luck of the Irish” Gacha Event until 31 March, 35 L$ per play.

Ears: „Uni Ears” Blix by :Soul: (Lerochelle Destiny) – 499 L$.

Hair: „Mystic V2” in Monotones by Ploom (Helyanwe Vindaloo) – gacha in the shop, 99 L$ per play.

Eyes: „Triumph Eyes” in Armor by IKON (Ikon Innovia) – former group gift, now available for 150 L$.

Pose: „Fantasy Pose 048” by Musa (Filomena Quinnell) – 30 L$.

Vixn, Charlie, thank you so much for your generosity! When I need something from you and I howl for help, you always oblige.

The picture was taken at one of the most beautiful fantasy sims I have ever seen in SL… The Lost Unicorn Gallery and unicorn sanctuary, lovingly kept by a charming elf in both lives, Natalie Montagne. I owe her many, many thanks because it is the Lost Unicorn Gallery where my fantasy pictures are on show inworld, together with the works of some of the best fantasy artists and photographers in Second Life. Thank you, Nat, again and again!

Fantasy Faire 2014 - The Wind In Her Hair

Míwil Delimbiyra adored flying. She could never understand her elven brothers and sisters who always opted for a much more traditional way of transportation... walking on the ground. Maybe because they were actually her half-brothers and half-sisters, Míwil's mother being a fairy, a light, fragile, fluttering creature who couldn't stand the dark woods and one day simply disappeared? Míwil mourned her mother for years... then, one day, she discovered the beauty of flying. The wind in her hair... the feeling of freedom. "Thank you, Mother..." - she thought and soared up in the cool night air, towards the full moon and the stars.

Dress: "Evelyn" in Aqua by Les Encantades. Anouk Haiku and her brand, Les Encantades, are another new discovery at the Fantasy Faire. When I first arrived to her shop I couldn't believe my eyes: the gowns and outfits were beautiful, available in lovely gem colours with very pretty detailing, and the prices were more than reasonable... so I started shopping with a certain frenzy, I must say. :) The gown I'm showing you here is available in the main shop only, but "Les Encantades" has some beautiful RLF donation items in one of the cheerful little huts at Wiggenstead Mooring - pay a visit there, and pick up either the "Giulietta" gown in Ruby, or "Edda" in Summer, in order to donate to RLF (200 L$ each).

Necklace and tiara: "Gilgalad" by Bliensen + Mai Tai - available at their shop at The Faery Court (349 L$ each, with a colour change HUD). To me, Bliensen + Mai Tai was "the shop with the cute pug in their logo" ...until now, when I discovered the delicate and beautiful fantasy jewellery offered by Plurabelle Laszlo at the Faire. Plurabelle, thank you for the goodies, you've stunned me!

Skin: The Plastik - Astrali "Io" by The Plastik, blogged here.

Ears: "Young Elven Ears" by 22769 - a goodie from last year's Fantasy Faire.

Tattoo: "Tribalien Tattoo" in Minimal by LaNoirSoleil - available in their shop at Wiggenstead Mooring during the Fantasy Faire (74 L$).

Antlers: "Springtime Antlers" by LaNoirSoleil - these flowery antlers (that come together with a HUD that allows you to adjust the colour of the antlers, the beads and the flowers as well) will be available soon at a new event called "Kensington Gardens", where LaNoirSoleil will be one of the three guest designers. The event opened on May 7th. I know the FF is keeping you busy, but yet... hop over there for a short visit,

Hair: "Roosje" in Light Brown by Mina Hair - this hair fatpack is a special gift from the currently running Enchantment event. In order to get it you have to purchase one item from the participating designers, then visit the other shops to have your special gift card stamped... for the hows and whys, please visit the event homepage where you find the accurate and detailed instructions. Thank you for your understanding. :)

Eyes: Dragon Eyes "Blue Shards" by Sterling Artistry (85 L$).

Pose: Fantasy Pose 44 by Musa, available in The Sanctum at the Fantasy Faire (30 L$ for a single pose, and 200 L$ for a fatpack of 10 poses).

Fantasy Faire 2014 - Twilight Huntress

The most dangerous beast come out to hunt at twilight. She knew that since she had been born. Her mother taught her well. The noises, the smells, the slight changes in the air ... foreboding and also forewarning signs for a huntress. She prickled her ears. Could that be... an Amphisbaena? No, she should have heard some soft hissing if it were. And those shadows? Just some tree branches, or... were they antlers? Maybe a Peryton...? She took a deep breath and began her long and patient stalking after the magnificient creature.

The list of designers participating at this year's Fantasy Faire is more than impressive, and a pleasure to read... so many old friends and acquaintances, and so many new creators that all offer their lovingly crafted pieces for a good cause!

Dress: Red Queen "Lioness" by The Library - RFL donation item available at Hope's Horizon (300 L$). I knew of the Medieval and fantasy dresses designed by Dreamfantasia Nightfire but (shame on me...) this is the first time I've ever bought one of her works.

Mask: Gold "Alato" Mask by Illusions - RFL donation item available at Sanctum (95 L$). Another beautiful piece by The Mask Lady, Siyu Suen.

Necklace: "Nyx" in Gunmetal by Sax Shepherd Designs - part of the Nyx fantasy jewellery set available at Hope's Horizon (499 L$). Thank you for the blogger pack, Sax, I didn't know your art went well beyond those lovely shoes... shame on me, again.

Skin: The Plastik - Astrali "Orion" by The Plastik. This set of skins is not a RFL donation item, but in the shop of The Plastik at The Faery Court you can admire (and, of course, buy) the new Asaia skins, designed just for the Faire. Vae, aka Aikea Rieko also offers you the Vynn Horns, the Malei Earrings and the Lys Circlets, each and every piece being created with amazing art and care.

Horns: Chained Horns in Black by LaNoirSoleil - RFL donation item available at Wiggenstead Mooring (247 L$). Caresia, thank you so much for the wonderful goodies, I'm sure I'm going to be a horned SL being for a long time! LNS is a recent discovery for me, and I'm already a fan of your headpieces.

Hair:"Mientje" in Black by Mina Hair - 250 L$ for a fatpack of 5 different black shades.

Eyes: Dragon Eyes "Golden Sight" by Sterling Artistry (85 L$). Silverr Andel has been absent from SL for quite a while, and he's not attending the Faire either... which is a great loss for all of us.

Staff: Aura Staff in Gold by The Forge - gacha prize (50 L$ per play). The staff is not among the RFL items, but it is worth checking out the shop of The Forge at Asperatus for some other awesome pieces.

Pose: RFL Pose 2 by Musa (shown here without the glowing orbs that also make part of the pose pack) - RFL donation item available at Sanctum (80 L$). Filomena, thank you for the blogger pack, I always use your poses with pleasure!

The picture was taken at Mourningvale Thicket.

We Love Role-Play - The Lady is A Wolf

"Wolfhelmina, don't run around with your hair unbraided, you look shabby! Wolfhelmina, don't eat noisily, you're a young lady, not a stable boy! Wolfhelmina, wear that pretty dress your grandmother gave you for your birthday, your father's business partner comes to dinner with his son! Wolfhelmina, don't! Wolfhelmina, do! Yak, yak, yak!" Wolfhelmina imitated her mother's high-pitched voice while she was preparing for that cursed dinner... oh, boy, was she angry now.

"A young lady, me? Wearing a pretty dress? Am I a rag doll, or what?" Wolfhelmina was boiling with rage, yet she opened her wardrobe and pulled out the pretty silk dress, then picked up her comb. Werewolves were wild creatures but loyal to their pack and respectful with their elders... so, after some more angry mumbles, Wolfhelmina checked if her muzzle was shiny and black enough and there were no leftovers stuck between her white fangs, then slowly started combing her fur. Who knows, that son of his dad's business partner might even be handsome.

Indeed, who said a werewolf can't be pretty? :-) If she visits the "We Love Role-Play" market, then we all can be sure she'll turn out looking wonderful, despite (or exactly because of) her mops of grey fur. The "Fur" skin is another great offer from Fallen Gods Inc. available at the "We Love Role-Play" market until May 31st, together with the "Raina" dress in three colours by Kouse's Sanctum.

Talking of Kouse, she's currently having a retirement sale. "Space is getting a bit tight at the Sanctum, and in order to make room for new things, I have to retire some older ones from the main store." - she writes. "They will remain on the marketplace. Before I remove them from the main store, though, you can find them on sale, for just 99 L$ each, until May 24th." Faith, Regina, Beulah and Skye await for you, so please pay them a visit if you have time.

Dress: "Raina" in Noir Cherry by Kouse's Sanctum - a special offer available at the "We Love Role-Play" event (200 L$).

Necklace: "Lifeforce" by Chaos, Panic and Disorder - MM board prize at the main shop (0 L$). If you like spectacular, chunky yet pretty jewellery, CPD is your store, especially because Lilah Munster has generously put out several MM boards and lucky chairs for her visitors to enjoy.

Skin: "Fur" by Fallen Gods Inc. - a special offer available at the "We Love Role-Play" event (495 L$).

Hair: "Sonne" in Caviar by Bliss Couture - 250 L$ for a pack of two colours.

Ears: "Elf Ears" by X-Gen - a freebie available at the marketplace (0 L$). This is a really great gift as the ears come with a HUD so you change their colour as you wish.

Eyes: - "Berry", one of the last group gifts of Theoretical Afterthought, a smart and intelligent woman who isn't active in SL any more. I miss your pictures and your wit, Theo. :-(

Nails: "Blazing Ruby" by Sterling Artistry - 10 L$.

Pose: "Gown 004" by Musa - 30 L$. It looks like the contents of the FF blogger package I received from Filomena Quinnell are a permanent fixture now. :-) 

We Love Role-Play - Wampyre

She was beautiful. She was tall, slim and sinuous. She was queen among her subjects. Yet, she was unhappy and bitter. Who wouldn’t be, she thought, when you cannot leave your underworld realm? She was born a vampire, a lovely princess with alabaster skin and delicate ivory fangs, a creature of the night to behold and dread. Yet, his father’s rule was weakening by the day... people were becoming more courageous and inventive, they didn’t use garlic and crucifixes any more, they shot vampires with silver bullets instead.

His father wanted to kill three birds with one stone when he decided his daughter should marry a dwarf princeling from one of the underground kingdoms nearby. She would be safe from ruthless humans, she could avoid lethal sunlight and, last but not least, her father could forge a precious alliance with the dwarves. Under the hill she went, and there she would remain until the end of her days, which was eternity. Well, at least she was waited on hand and foot by her diligent servants... and dinnertime was close. “What did they catch for me today?” – she wondered. ”A fat peasant? An able-bodied blacksmith? Some tender little girl?” She silently licked her lips. Living underground had a pleasant side, too.

The “We Love Role-Play” event is in full swing, and I have so many beautiful creations to show you, all available for a special price in the pretty log houses at the market in Fot.

Outfit: „Rainha – Fire and Blood” by The Muses – special offer at the We Love Role-Play event (150 L$). The dress is a real bargain as the box contains two of every garment piece, one in black and one in red, so you can combine them to your heart’s content.

Skin: „Ghost” by Fallen Gods Inc. - special offer at the We Love Role-Play event (495 L$). Alia Baroque considers quite carefully if and when to release his artwork for a special price, so grab the opportunity and, of course, this beautiful skin! :)

Ears: „Young Elven Ears” by 22769 – originally the ears were available at the Fantasy Faire but, after some ruthless pestering, Paco and Manuel agreed to include them in the stock permanently available at their main shop. They are still working on the setup so please be patient for a day or two; I’ll let you know when the ears are for sale.

Eyes: “Underworld Eyes” in Obsidian by Sterling Artistry - these creepy and brilliant eyes were first offered for sale at a previous Fantasy Faire; now they make part of the ordinary stock available in the main shop (65 L$).

Hair: “Mako” by Schön – the hair was a hunt gift and it’s not available any more, but try “Ran” instead, it’s quite similar (200 L$).

Fangs: “Fangs” by ni.Ju – a freebie available in the main shop (0 L$).

Poses: “Gown” by !Musa! – I’m still using Filomena Quinnell’s lovely poses from her FF blogger pack; you can find them in her shop for 30 L$ each.

The pictures were taken in the catacombs at The Valley of Ish’nar, the location where the second part of the Key of Hope hunt is running until May 19^th.

(My apologies for the shabby-looking post... my PC and internet connection are apparently on strike and nothing works properly today.)

Fantasy Faire 2013 - Prickly Rose

She was given the name "Rosalee" and it determined her destiny from immediately after she'd been born. Can someone practice any other profession than a rose fairy's, with that name? Of course not. Her loving mother pampered little Rosalee, taught her grace and manners... better to say, she tried to do so, she made every effort possible, she insisted, begged and threatened, to no avail. Little Rosalee was a tomboy. A tomfairy. A reckless and stubborn thing.

"What shall we do with Rosalee?" - the almost rhetorical question hovered over the deeply worried fairy community like a black cloud with a promise of thunderstorm. One of their own, proven so inadequate for the task! "Imagine Rosalee pollinating a rose! Ha! Stomping over it, more like!" - grumbled the elders, until...

... until, at one of the weekly assemblies, the oldest fairy granny asked out loud something that first caused a deep silence, then some astonished murmuring, then the happiest and loudest cheers the fairy community had ever heard. What the oldest fairy granny asked was rather simple, "Do dog roses have a custodian? If not, who would be more able to handle their prickly thorns than our beloved Rosalee?"

When I opened the blogger package I got from Jackal Ennui, my first thought was, "Please, someone make a dress and a pair of boots like these IRL, and very very soon!" I particularly love the tendril-like pattern on the gothic doll corset set and the matching bolero, and the delicate embroidery on the boots tells us that the patient creator spent many, many hours working on it.

Then, when I opened another box that De La Soul Charlie dropped on me with love and compliments, I immediately knew I had to combine the sophisticated elven dress and the slightly macabre Kno'hr horns. I'm not sure I'd like to wear them, too, IRL... but in the fantasy world delicate and spooky match quite well.

Outfit: "Gothic doll corset dress" by Lassitude and Ennui - there are various colours available but only two of them, a black/white and a pink/white version are RFL donation items (280 L$). The matching jacket is sold separately (140 L$).

Boots: "Edenion" boots by Lassitude and Ennui - like the dress, the boots are also sold in many colours but only the red version is a donation item (280 L$). Jackal's shop is located in Crimson Fields.

Skin: "FallnPersephone" in Light Red by FallnAngel Creations - the skin is a previous Advent Gift still available in the shop (599 L$). If you want to check out the latest FF exclusive creations by Azriel Demain, you can find his shop in Crimson Fields.

Horns: "Ceredil Kno'hr Horns and Mouth" by De La Soul - the male and female horns and teeth with mouth tattoo are available together with a horn texture HUD (199/180 L$). You also find De La Soul in Crimson Fields.

Eyes: "Fantastical Eyes" in Clarity by Sterling Artistry - a FF2013 exclusive item (85 L$). You find the floating kiosk of Silverr Andel in Titans' Hollow.

Hair: fantasy hair by Tokyo Girl, not available any more.

Poses: "Fantasy Poses" by !Musa!. The poses are a regular item (30 L$) but you find lots of intriguing FF exclusive items in Filomena Quinnell's shop in the Magnificat sim.

Fantasy Faire 2013 - One Wee Goat

Marjoriana considered herself a smart, no-nonsense girl. In summer, when the whole village worked in the fields and the old women entertained the kids with spooky stories about the creatures that lived in the woods, Marjoriana giggled, wrinkled her nose and tried to look superior. Nobody would feed her that, for sure. Dancing lights that sing a lullaby so you fall asleep for a century? Sweetly smelling mushrooms that taste like strawberries, but after you eat one your skin turns scaly like a snake's? Bah, and bah again, Marjoriana thought.

One very hot summer afternoon Marjoriana became so thirsty that, instead of going back to the village well, she decided she would look for some water in the woods. The "enchanted" forest looked peaceful and the girl soon found a pretty spring, the water was sweet and Marjoriana was quickly sated. "Well, y'know-all aunties, what do you say now?" - she giggled, stood up, and started walking back, towards the village... but she stopped immediately as she didn't know where those cloppity-clopping noises came from. Then she looked down her feet and started screaming like a banshee.

I don't really believe in "destiny" but I admit I was quite amazed when I first read the list of the designers whose work I was to show you during the Faire, and I found the names of Baldur Darkwatch and Vital Tigerpaw, the owners of "!Completely oBVious!", on it. It was an act of divine justice, more like... because I still have a bad conscience about a gift I didn't blog during the last Medieval Fantasy Hunt. It was a splendid Elven warrior lady outfit, created by Vital; what left a deep impression in me was not only the outstanding quality of her work but also the accompanying notecard, in which Baldur and Vital politely apologised for the imperfections and promised to do better next time. Then my RL became busy, the hunt ended, and I've had a remorse ever since... until now. Please visit Baldur and Vital's shop in The DragonSpire, where you can buy not only the pretty silks but many other Medieval/fantasy creations, too, because !Completely oBVious! caters to the Medieval gentleman as well!

Silks and jewellery: "Fata Morgana" in Copper by !Completely oBVious! - exclusive FF item (225 L$)

Skin: Plastik "Khulthi" Fantasy Faire Low Lag Skin - a free gift at the Faire that you can find at the landing points (0 L$).

Hair: "Bonnie" in Espresso by Truth - there's a sale at Truth until May 3rd so if you're lucky enough and you can smuggle yourself into the permanently overcrowded sim, you can pick up a regular pack for 75 L$.

Eyes: "Fantastical Eyes" in Enspirited by Sterling Artistry - exclusive FF item (85 L$). You can find Silverr's shop in Titan's Hollow.

Faun hooves and ears: "Brown Raven" by Rotten Defiance - an old hunt gift now available for 200 L$.

Horns: "Aries" by Illusions - the horns are a regular item (150 L$) but you can find "Illusions" in Evensong Woods where Siyu Suen offers you the latest magical accessories.

Pose: Gown Pose 004 by !Musa! - the poses are a regular item (30 L$) but you find lots of intriguing FF exclusive items in Filomena's shop in the Magnificat sim.

Fantasy Faire 2013 - Dragons Never Give Up!

The attack came so quickly that Dracoylea and her people didn’t notice the invaders until it was too late. The humano-dracoids were peaceful beings who lived in harmony with Nature and one another. There were some brawls in Spring, when certain young males were way too eager to mate, and it was dangerous to approach a dedicated mother during the hatching season… but, apart from that, Dracoylea and her fellow villagers enjoyed a happy life.

The attackers came from outer space. Their spaceships were huge metal creations, they stank of overheated engine oil, their voices creaked like a sword on a grindstone... and they wore armours of heavy, battered metal. Dracoylea and her people were frightened, but the terror lasted for a few minutes only. The mothers promptly herded together the hatchlings and they run into the woods. The men and the unmarried women picked up their swords, maces and lancets. They were to defend their home. Dragons never give up, after all.

The 2013 Fantasy Faire is up and running on eight breathtaking sims! Just that you get an impression of what it is like, I’m showing you a few splendid items that you can purchase there… and when you buy a FF donation item from any of the special vendors it also means that the sum you pay will finance cancer research IRL. Do you need more prodding, folks…?

When I received the blogger package from Kouse Singh I just stood there with my mouth open and I immediately knew I had to do justice to the splendid ethereal gowns so characteristic of Kouse’s Sanctum. I needed a unique skin for these lovelies, and when I started nagging Charlie Destiny, the owner of De La Soul, that he should give me something worthy, he not only listened to my pleas but promptly dumped a big box on me (ouch, my head still hurts…). :) Together with the marvellous Ceredil Candace skin I was also given a pair of pointy ears that I adore maybe even more that the skin itself. The eyes are from another generous and fantastic creator, Silverr Andel, Lord of the Thousand Peepers; I’ve been wearing his feline and dragon eyes in SL for ages and now I almost feel naked without them. The elaborate staff comes from a Magician’s secret shop… Talevin Whelan looks like an adult Harry Potter and indeed, his staves, wands and portals aren’t less magical than any Hogwarts stuff. I didn't know Filomena Quinnell before, so it was a surprise when I found a giftie bag from her in my inventory; she graciously offered poses, makeup and props to all FF bloggers... the pretty eyeshadow and the pose are her FF donation items.

Please forgive me if I don't give you exact prices and landmarks right now. The first hours of the Faire are a bit hiccupy, so please consult the official blog for any information.

Gown: "Ophelia" in Lavendar by Kouse's Sanctum - FF2013 donation item

Skin: "Candace Ceredil" in Dark Gold by De La Soul - FF2013 donation item

Eyes: "Dragon Eyes" Regal Gaze by Sterling Artistry - FF2013 donation item

Makeup: "Eyelashes 5" in Elegant Gradation by !Musa! - FF2013 donation item

Staff: "Staff of Arcane Rites" by Talevin's Designs - FF2013 donation item

Pose: "Fantasy Pose No. 33" by !Musa! - FF2013 donation item

Necklace: "Apala" by Finesmith - a former hunt gift not available any more

Hair: Tokyo Girl - not available any more