The Fight - Why I Relay at the Fantasy Faire 2024

 

The fight. 

It came out of the darkness, out of the blue. It came in whispers, in moments of sensation only slightly out of the ordinary. It came in the hesitation, the unexpectedly repeated review, the 'let me just run this past...' on an otherwise idyllic hot summer morning.

 

The fight built from there. From the words. Words known, and heard for others. Cursed and kept at a distance for the irrational fear of contamination. Words now so, so close. Now spoken to you. The fight may have begun from the worry. A preparation, a defence from the depths of soul and spirit, while the conscious mind danced in a syncopated frenzy of distraction, keeping to the rhythm, a beat of desperate hope, 'it might not be... it might not be...' The hope so often severed by the blade of confirmation. Of fear realised.

Other blades follow. The dull and bruising edge of doubt, of remorse for imaginary opportunities missed - for things which could have been done differently. Of course things could always have been done differently, while they also couldn't have been any other way at all. Terror's sharp stabs, slicing to the bone, to the heart, burying the marrow in an avalanche of fear. The rough serration of anxiety, catching and pulling, tearing mind and body from any focus but this one. "What will happen now?" 

The fight becomes a living thing. With a temperature and temperament all it's own, waxing and waning with every encounter, it falters and fails, regroups and rises. It gathers strength when weak, gives strength when even the idea of it feels impossible. It stands alone with you in your isolation, the solitary confinement of the early hours, in the thrum of the crowd at work, in the arms of your loved ones at home. The fight is for you, and in you. Your fight is the fight of all those who came before, of everything learned which has brought you to this point. When you feel you cannot go further, it is the fight that will carry you on, because you do not fight alone. Your fight is with you, and it has teeth. 

The blogger challenge of all blogger challenges. Why I Relay. The most personal, the most difficult for bloggers like me. Those of us who you may get to know by reading our stories, the themes and references we draw on, but nothing clear, nothing obviously us. I'm generally happiest to hide behind my characters - all aspects of me, while keeping who I am, what I think and feel hidden in their shadows. This is the yearly challenge to shine a light on all of that, and it is not a comfortable sensation! In the past I've spoken of those I've loved and lost to cancer. They remain at the heart of why I Relay. In trying not to look at my own past, I can't even be sure if I've shared my own fears, my own experience, my own time hearing that pause, that unexpected extension of an examination, that "let me just run this past..." The terror, the doubt, the anxiety. The appointments, the waiting, the planning for the what ifs for me and those who mattered the most. Life is far from what I expected, from what was promised. The appointments I'd attended, my hand and heart held safe, to having to find the strength to attend these on my own. My plans and the promises made daily to me in tatters, shredded and bloodied, and yet I remain. The fight continued whether I wanted it or not. When I didn't, when I don't, others carried and carry me forward, believing as I did not, that some day it would matter again. I hope to hope they are right. This fight continues, for them, for me. I hope it continues for you. And THAT my loves, is why I Relay. 

Vyl

xxx

RFL Items are 100% Donation to Relay for Life

Halo : :[P]:- Arien Gemhalo RFL Purple

Samsara

Horns : :[P]:- Arien Horns [Swirl-Stars] RFL Purple

Samsara

Hair : Raven Bell - Magnolia Hair F ~Shimmer~

Thunnus Bay

Earrings : :[P]:- Lunin Earring 

Samsara

Eyes : CHIMAERA - 'Lilith' Eyes in Purple

Flamenca

Tattoo: .AngelicUs. -We are coming-  

Ondheim

Wings : :[P]:- Dene Wings Raised RFL

Samsara

Floating companion :   -AxisMundi-Quetzlcoatl-Medium

Hopes Wish

Sword : (Artemisia) )O( Stained Glass Rose Glaive 

Lolliocalypse

Top : [The Forge] Zeta Bra, Gold Lace

Thunnus Bay

Top : [The Forge] Zeta Harness, Gold, Maitreya

Thunnus Bay

Nails : [QE] Leviathan Claws

Last Stop

Belt : Tentacio - Taeyeon belt maitreya turquesa

The Duskfall Court

Pants : :::c*C*c:::JSummer_Pants_Legacy(m) Purple01

Thunnus Bay

Fantasy Faire - Why I Relay 2023

The soaring towers of the citadel in their sombre granite sheens did not speak of welcome. Their sturdiness and sky piercing grandeur gave the correct air of dependability and beneficent authority, but welcome? No. Thats's where I come in. Follow me, we'll head inside.

 


Come on in, follow me, no need to stand on ceremony here! I know it looks grand, but soon enough these soaring vaults of stone will feel as familiar as your own home. That's the way, follow the path.

You feel like you have been searching for something all this time? Worry not, my dear new friend, that's why you have found yourself here. There's long been the call within to do something, something which struggled to find a place, a name, a focus. Here you can find it, here it's been waiting.

There's a fellowship that's been calling, in voices unmatched. Singing together through wires and bursts of light, across oceans and through the quiet mists, always searching, always reaching, always welcoming. You felt the call, you've suffered, lost, taken action, hoped. You've read and you've listened, and now you are here, whether your path was labyrinthine or direct. Here you have found a family, a home. Voices and hearts, souls caring for one another deeply, though they may never have met, other than here; in this magical, ephemeral place. A society, a people with one goal, of which you are now part. A beautiful goal, one of hope for the world, to rid it of a life changing, life stealing disease. 

Here you are, in fellowship, in hope, in love. You never leave, this place and its people will always be with you, and you with them, all of us doing our part, all of us fighting this fight together.

Each year the Faireland blogger challenge of "Why I Relay" is just that, a challenge. For me, its always like nothing seems enough, no words can encapsulate, no image could convey the depth of feeling, the power of meaning that this event brings. For those we have lost to cancer, for those living with it, and fighting against it. For those who fear it, and what it may mean for themselves or those they love. For those in quiet rooms, in busy labs, in clinics and wards, in homes in workplaces. To fight against this disease is a standard, not moral but intrinsic nontheless. To fight and stand against it with such beauty and fellowship as is demonstrated year on year by the Fantasy Faire, by creators, world builders and shoppers, by dancers, actors, scripters... the list goes on and on. You are all amazing.

If you can, join us at the Fantasy Faire in SecondLife. Meet the people, feel the love. Fight this fight with us. 

Images taken in Faireland SIM Szystrum Synod

Items featured are available at the Fantasy Faire, and are donation items, raising money for Relay for Life.

 
Hovering Whisps : 3rd Eye Perceptions - Shine Whisps ( Light Fantasy )
The Shimmering Fen

Halo : [Cubic Cherry] {Innocence} halo Aether touch
Szystrum Synod

Hair :  KMH - Hair F227 Rigged
Spirits Crossing

Eyes :  [n.a.p] [not a peep] Starburst Eyes - 13
Khumbala

Horns :  Schelm :) FF005 - fantasy sheep horn [FAT]
Giggenwhirl

Tattoo :   *Find the Fish* - The Moon Tattoo Full
Opera

Outfit :  :[P&E]:- [Petrichor] - Saina Short [Lara]
Fungalmire

Sandals : Tentacio - Celestial sandal wings
Opera

Winter walk in the woods..OMG!

✯Jersey Shore presents: OMG - Oh My Gacha!✯

The magical nature of the forest in the snow beckoned her from her bed. Glinting lights strung between trees marked the way down the inviting path, ice crystals shimmering beneath her feet. Bear in arms, she began to explore... Further down the path strange shapes lurked under the blanket of snow. Trees around her shifted excitedly as she drew near, a soft jingling high in the branches as she reached out her hand, brushing away the white covering. Beneath, to her suprise, a machine! Pressing silver coins into the waiting slot, pulling down the handle, with a crank and a swish a drawer opened, and inside... what treasures! Scampering now from snowy bank to berm, she uncovered these machines, and marvelled at all they contained. Shiny jewels and big fluffy coats, prints and plains and characters galore. Even... some new friends so small they could live in a pocket! Unveiling each device, fingers tracing 'Gatcha' on metal, plastic and wood. She had only so much silver with her, she had to pick and choose but there was so much to see. She would pick her favourites, a first round of favourites, some things so beautiful she knew she would be back again for more. Pulling on each treasure, replacing the last with feverish haste she bumped into a fellow forager, who with a grin draped a fluffy bunny scarf around her neck.. "The best of it all is that we can share!"

✯Jersey Shore presents: OMG - Oh My Gacha!✯

The doors for the Winter Edition is now OPEN! If you can tear your eyes away from the beautiful SIM they have created, you can focus on gatchas sprouting all along the winding pathways.

Hosted by Holli Pocket : Sponsored by Gachatopia, Seraphim, Remarkable Oblivion, Essences, Sakide, Epic, TRS, Tentacio, TSG, Mon Cheri, 1 Hundred, Devious Mind, Fappy, Birdy, Anc Ltd, Geek.

✯ Event Details ✯

• Event Dates: January 1st - January 31st. 2014
• All items are exclusive for the duration of the event.
• Flickr group: http://www.flickr.com/groups/omg-ohmygacha

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jersey%20Shore/144/41/1991

Shown here -

Tabou Irresistable - Black Horn Belted Horns - gatcha  L$60

SNAP  - High Waist Skirt  - Pine  - gatcha  L$50
5 sizes  XS - XL and 2 alpha layers

!TLB The Little Bat  - Morte Corset - Teal  - gatcha  L$40
5 Sizes XXS- L

Le Fil Casse - House Baratheon Necklace - gatcha  L$50

Emporium - Hoodie Cute  (HUD with 4 fabric options) - gatcha  L$75
5 sizes XXS - L

Tentacio - Bunny Scarf  - gatcha L$65

yumyum  - Powdered Sugar Bear - gatcha L$50

Do not disturb...

      Leave passion to rest in the peace it may find.

Do not disturb...         

Pose : Del May - Do Not Disturb - Group Gift
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Terravia%20Island/229/39/23


Skin : :[P]:- Astrali Skin[LolasBlend]:// Calypso  L$ 799
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Beautiful%20Machine/148/153/135
Hair : .::MADesigns HAIR::. ~ ERIN ~ Black IV  (five tones pack) L$ 300
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kmadd%20Enterprise/118/84/24
Hairbase : MADesigns-Hairbase-braIniac
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kmadd%20Enterprise/118/84/24
Eyes :  REPULSE - Nocturnal Eyes (Green)  L$ 99
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/REPULSE/97/143/23
Breasts : Lolas ::: Tango ::: Mesh Breasts (spine)  L$ 1750
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lolas/151/76/38
Breast chain :  .:ellabella:. Chained-Diffuse Black (Pack also includes silver and gold) L$ 249
Further pictures - perhaps not suited to this blog - available on my Flickr
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Beautiful%20Machine/148/153/135
Skirt :   *Tentacio* Kay Skirt black L$ 70
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cies%20Island/130/126/23
Nails :  Rozoregalia : *Gemma*Ring&Nail/3*(F):Ring&Nail  L$ 400
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LE%20LOOK/167/128/21
Boots :  TEN"10 Megas boots  L$ 350
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Serena%20Monte%20Carlo/207/42/22


Altar : Stone Misery - Elven Altar  L$ 325
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Owendale/70/97/33


Skin : [rQ] - Dark@TYPE.oS-hairBASE-Soul Patch.S.o4(Make-up)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magic%20Isle/110/132/41
Hair : .::MADesigns HAIR::. ~ LOGAN ~ Silver Tones VIII
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kmadd%20Enterprise/118/84/24 
Jeans : +REDRUM+ - Grandpa's Jeans Grey
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/196/83/56
Boots :  ::GB::  work boots
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/GABRIEL/128/127/23

My Apologies - I don't have all the costings for the males items to hand - some are old - some current. SLurls provided for anyone interested in tracking something down.

One life, one chance...

High on the cloud mountain the citadel of memories nestled between stone and iron. Each dwelling a fortress for those within its protection, when stepping outside into thick hanging mists meant madness and death. Darkness and swirling winds wrapped around each strongfast, pressing in against brick and glass...

Such special glass, poured aeons earlier it seemed, deep in the mines of the mountain, where no light but coalfire ever reached. It filtered moonlight from the mists, lighting the rooms where it was wanted, letting those who remained inside see what they would. Sylba liked to see, liked to watch. Her watchroom was filled with screens, lit in the gloaming with flickers of those spirits beyond the walls, the ghosts who wailed in the mists.

Within the walls though, she felt as a caged bird. Stories of such, or the lingering memories of them at least, had played on her screens for so many years. Sylba had seen them there, flying free, through skies of blue. Skies far different in time or miles from the purple and green bruised skies above her own cage. The feeling grew stronger each day, demanding recognition. That was when she called for Gryphon.

She called for him each time the lost souls came too close; through the glass high above, and from the screens before her. Gryphon wandered the wilds more than she, charms and sigils added the touch of tradition to his protective clothing, now discarded at the airlock. He would come when she called, whenever he was needed. There were bound together, heartstrings and ropes.

The designs that filled her mind would be etched on her skin by his touch. Already rendered in inks were her fear of living as the caged bird, never free to fly as intended. The sun still shone brightly, if only here in her world of moonlight. Flowers and insects long gone from the lands, but not forgotten, remembered by Sylba as part of herself. The sacred heart, a recent addition, had been inspired by Gryphon. As he had walked through the rubble and wastes of the old city, far from the current citadel, spirits long at rest had stirred again. Following the living, singing the stories of their souls. Belief rained down that night, longing poured over the screens like wine into cups at a feast. That image, that symbol, burned in their minds and soon found a place in her to rest. She had called him again tonight, skin would lie on skin, and images form. What they would be, only the spirits could tell, each had their life, and this one last chance to be remembered...

Sylba

Hair :   Magika Rewind - Colourpack 2 L$ 250
Such a pretty, and realistic hair. Love it.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magika%20Land/127/127/22
Skin :   :Sugar: [5] DB Bay / InK {1} Clevage
Still a favourite
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magic%20Moment/194/41/1751
Tattoo:   +REDRUM+ One Life Tattoo L$ 159
Not all of the tattoo is visible here I know... there is a more revealing picture if you click through to my Flickr stream!  Well worth it to see a bit more of this fantastic original design. I may be convinced to take more, still missing the fabulous moth.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/196/83/56
Corset :   *League* Nyx Corset -Leather  L$ 295
Blown away by this. Found this particular corset at League's Whore Couture2 store and fell in love. So many options (HUD driven) for the spikes, great range of colours. 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Duende/154/129/39
Skirt :   *Tentacio* Kay Skirt black L$ 70
Another great item from Whore Couture2! Longer at the back than the front, this unusual skirt is a nice break from the norm
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cies%20Island/130/126/23
Boots :    Razor /// Regulator Combat  Boots  Dirty  L$ 279
I'll admit it... I saw someone wearing these, didn't have the time at that moment to chase them down myself to find out where they got em, so set a friend on the stalking trail. Found, Bought, Love.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Depraved%20Nation/140/157/70


Gryphon

Hair :   *Dura-Boys&Girls*20 - Dark 6 Colour Fatpack L$ 360
Love this style - Messy, but secure.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dura%20Dura/64/129/1002
Skin :   AKERUKA Kal V2  (Group Gift)
Cost of the group join is WELL worth the skins available as group gifts. Amazing detail.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Akeruka/128/138/36
Tattoo:    Angels&Demons_GoK_soft 2  L$ 250
Still utterly enamoured of Garden of Ku tattoo styles and imagery.
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Huggies/117/68/23
Armour :  [Exiled Inc.] Neck corset grey straps armbrace  L$ 150
Love love love this. Two versions included in the price - with the arm brace and without. Armour with a hint of style, while not straying too far from classic shaped leatherwork. 
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Date/62/36/601
Jeans : +REDRUM+ Grandpa's Jeans - Grey  L$ 89
These jeans are made with a fanatastic texture - very unusual, not your normal denim. In the blue - they look great - here in the grey option - they look like roughed up old tweeds. You can see the shredded material on the knee.
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/196/83/56