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

The Bard Queen's Garden - Quest at the Fantasy Faire 2020

The Queen's Garden had been busier than usual lately. Hestia had felt the presence of first one, then another. More and more, coming in pairs and groups, until the essence of thousands of souls drifted through the leaves, sparkling in the morning dew. Something had called them thither, as a guardian Hestia was sure she should know what... "Must have been too long trimming the henbane..." she mused to herself, "Can't for the life of me remember..."

It had something to do with the time of year, always as the bluebells were in bloom the people appeared. Year on year, some of them felt familiar. She had never actually seen them of course, the garden existed on countless planes, it was often more difficult to find anyone you were looking for than it was to avoid them. Wandering along the twisting paths her gaze swept the curves of the stream, attention caught by jugs and pots left out unattended. "What on earth?" 

This incongruity was milder than previous years... a small, distant chime of memory began. "Things out of place... bluebells in bloom... Strange things, strange souls. Old souls, new souls... things out of place, people out of..." Hestia snapped her fingers as understanding clicked. "The Quest!" 

There had been no looming dread, no worry and whispers among the Fairefolk as in previous years, the garden had been blooming with more beauty than ever, and here was the cause. The quest was not having to rescue or rebuild, it had taken a new form, thanks to the Bard Queen. Now these thousands of souls were helping the garden to grow, and new life was bursting from all sides.

The Fairelands Quest! Each year a Fairelands Wide search, guided by a helpful HUD, and video messages fom the Bard Queen herself. You can find the HUDs at the TP point of each Fairelands SIM - including a deluxe HUD which contains quest outfits for males and females for just L$350, 100% of which is a donation to Relay for Life. Given the AVALANCHE of gifts from the amazing and generous Fairelands creators you receive on completing the quest, the indepth rummage through SIMs letting you find amazing nooks and crannies you may otherwise have missed, and the camaraderie you build with others also searching, this may just be the best purchase you can make at the Faire.

All items listed are 100% donation to Relay for Life

Halo :  :[P]:- Boen Halo [Thin-Sparkle] RFL
Sirens Lore
Hair :  Raven Bell - Umbriel Hair [Crystal] and Head Sparkles
Auxentios’ Pass
Skin : ND/MD Boo BLUSH
Cassiopeia
Tattoo :  :[ET]: Wisps - Fantasy
Lunafae
Eyes:  A.D.D.Andel! Galaxy Eyes- RFL
Zodiac
Outfit :  MALified - The Bard Queen
Zodiac
Nails :  DP - Koffin Nails - Maitreya HUD - Fantasy Flutter Keys
Lamented Fens
Staff :  :[P]:- Tsubome Staff [Static Right] RFL
Sirens Lore

Symphony of the Sea - Fantasy Faire 2018

The shores of Ardessa seethed under skies still glowing with the warmth of day. This was a magical place at the most mundane times, and the golden hour of twilight was far from that. Bare feet sank into wet sand, the roiling waters sweeping close to her gown as she strolled toward the cavern.

This was the place. The source of so much life. Dank rocks, far from being scoured clean by time and tide, provided a foothold, which was all life ever really needed afterall. Twice each day, the sea poured into the cavern, flushing rockpools, sending the fronds of anemones swirling. Sharp spines, necessary for protection out in the wilds could soften here, under the benevolent luminescence dripping down the walls.

The cavern itself formed a natural amphitheatre. Acoustics came courtesy of the sea spiders, their webs spun from stalactite to craggy overhang, the glowing orbs of their eggs adding temporarily to the atmosphere. "Perfect" she murmured, surveying the scene. Carved into the rocks there was seating for the orchestra, the soft strains of which could be heard approaching from the land. As the tide receded, so the sands would dry, providing all the space the audience would need, continuing on out into rockpools and the depths for those who could not leave the water. Crystals within the cavern began to hum, resonating more and more with each crash of waves as the time approached. The Symphony of the Seas was about to begin.

These pictures were taken in the Fantasy Faire sim Ardessa All items are 100% donation to Relay for Life. So far we have managed to raise a record breaking ELEVEN MILLION L$ which is out of this world amazing. One night for a cancer patient or their family in the Hope Hostel in Nairobi can be covered with L$1500, so we are making a REAL difference. Come home, come relay!

Antlers: FF2018 - The Willows of Nienna - Willow Antlers L$ 50
This gatcha item can found now in gatchas at the TP point of Faireland sims. There are mementos available for each of the sims, a really lovely way to remember them!

Circlet: SoG Reminders of Hope Circlet - Free
Secrets of Gaia - Quest Prize. By completing the Fantasy Faire House of Garland Quest (Quest pack available at the TP point of Faireland sims), this is one of the huge number of excellent prizes. Delicate and pretty, this circlet embodies the Faire - clue's in the name. We are all about hope here!

Skin: :[P]:- Vyrian :// Nineve   L$ 1349
As you may know, not only are skins from Vae at Plastik beautiful, but they come with seventy four thousand bits to add and tweak the look making it fit anything and everything you own. 8 Eyebrow shapers, 3 system eye options, 3 mesh eye options, Body and head appliers for the range of mesh bodies, additional applier options for Femboy and Added Muscles, 3 system makeup tattoos, appliers for nails and EARS (which is a new one on me!) and of course, two system skins, with and without brows. Amazing as ever.
 Pools of Ethuil

Tattoo : -Endless Pain Tattoos- Ivar  L$ 425
Excellent as always, the Ivar tattoo is a mixture of traditional tattoo motifs, from celtic knotwork to dragons, mandalas as runes. System tattoo layer included, along with appliers for Belleza, Maitreya, Omega, Signature and Slink.
Severina

Dress: Infinity_Sofia Dress Black  L$ 300
This is a truly grand gown! Beautiful gold trim around the top of the bust. There is a pose included within the gown - so bear in mind when buying - though it can be masked with an AO or poser if you are buying to take pictures! My other gown purchase from Infinity has two gowns, with and without the pose, but this is no mod, and has the pose.
Falls of Hope

Haven of Words - Fantasy Faire 2018

The Halls of Story were a dream, a dream within a dream, or simply such stuff as dreams are made on. This was a land conjured up firstly by words. In the years that followed, by paint daubed on walls and gradually, over time, by ink until eventually its existence was woven anew by tiny squares of light grouped and shaped into characters which breathed life into the Halls.

In this incarnation, the world outside was certainly dreamlike, the view from the upper balconies was truly something to behold, out as far as the horizon where the lilac sky kissed the lavender sea. Each year the library which made up the main chamber of the Halls grew bigger, the shelves had more depth to hold the increase in volumes, large and small. Some stories were short, only a page, in crayon or spidery ink, while others ran to folios, their words and illustrations bound in the finest silk. Like all libraries, the serenity of this peaceful refuge belied the world ending battles contained within its pages.

At times, the weight of words was too much. No matter the beauty cocooned within, there were terrors too. When the world leaned in that direction, for a time, so did their tales. This was when she was glad she was the author of her own story, tied to the tales of others no doubt, but master of her fate, captain of her soul. This was when she would leave the words of others behind, to walk in the wonders of the world. Lofty silence but for the low resonance of crystals left far behind her now, strains of music from the distant Fairechilde carried to her. As she walked, she wove the narrative of her own story, fresh pages washed clean by the salt of the sea.

These pictures taken in the Fantasy Faire sim Halls of Story So far, we have raised L$ 10828782! The Fairelands are here until the 7th, please, go RELAY FOR LIFE! All items shown are 100% donation to Relay for Life.

Horns: :[P]:- Gilded Fae Tangle Horns   FREE
Beautiful strand strewn horns, free as part of the low lag avatar from Plastik, available at the TP point of each Fairelands sim, and at the store in
Pools of Ethuil

Skin: :[P]:- Vyrian :// Nineve   L$ 1349
As you may know, not only are skins from Vae at Plastik beautiful, but they come with seventy four thousand bits to add and tweak the look making it fit anything and everything you own. 8 Eyebrow shapers, 3 system eye options, 3 mesh eye options, Body and head appliers for the range of mesh bodies, additional applier options for Femboy and Added Muscles, 3 system makeup tattoos, appliers for nails and EARS (which is a new one on me!) and of course, two system skins, with and without brows. Amazing as ever.
Pools of Ethuil

Top : =Kio= Half Top- Delight  Mermaid L$ 199
This top is super cute. Look at the gold. LOOK AT IT SHINE! Love it. The pack includes tops fitted for Freya, Isis, Venus, TMP, Maitreya, Hourglass and Physique mesh bods.
Aetherea

Skirt : Infinity - Broken Style_Ninfa Skirt Green L$ 300
This light and breezy, semi transparent skirt is fastened with a bright daisy. Fitted to Maitreya body, this pack also includes a matching bandeau top.
Falls of Hope

Dungeon Escape - Fantasy Faire 2018

Waking up in the darkness was disconcerting. Eyes open or closed, at first it didn't matter. At first, it was hard to tell if there was any difference at all. It took a little time, then gradually, the edges began to appear. The texture of cold stone, warm stone, dank corners and humid halls opened into an expanse of darkness, thin violet light glinting from the foxed surface of a giant mirror. This had been the way into the dungeon realm; now the reflections betrayed no door nor even whomever stood before it, only the shifting forms of the guards.

It was dangerous to walk the dungeon halls alone, as, so often, it turned out you were not alone at all. Walking with others trapped in the deep was rarely any better, chit chat carried through the darkness and the slightest misstep could shift a pebble, and call down more than spiders...

The longer you remained in the dark, the more you could see. Over time, through exploration, tunnels became familiar. Navigating well worn rat runs with some semblance of safety gave the courage to press on, ranging further into the unknown. The dungeon was bizzare, it seemed to reward bravery. Tunnels blank and dark bloomed with trails of light giving life, however poisonous looking the toadstools might be, it was these she followed now.

The dungeon was bazaar... literally. Strange paths led here eventually, darkness banished by flaming torches, the monotony of stone lifted by banners hanging the colours of the rainbow. It was here she met The Mokki. Even in these heights of the dungeons depths, to find a being so full of light was unusual. Butterflies danced around the essence of sunlight this creature seemed to exude, wise words on lilting melodies keeping them aloft. It was easy and pleasant to pull up a cushion, rest for a while, and listen. The Mokki offered comfort and conversation, and on her third visit, a gift. "The dungeon has no hold on you past the grip you have on it in return..." The Mokki mused, reaching up and wafting one of the iridescent menelaus in her direction. "There is good to be done here in the dark, you bring the light... See?"

The butterflies multiplied as she walked. 'Follow the light' The Mokki said, and so she did, the delicate and ever growing swarm flying ahead, leading the way. Past corridors and alleyways she knew, to those she barely recognised, and through caverns she had never seen in all the long years in the dungeon, yet which had existed all along, intersecting paths she could, and apparently had, walked with her eyes closed.

Were her eyes decieving her? She paused, even as wings fluttered past, moving ever on. Was the lamp at her belt burning brighter? Were those wings reflecting more light? The toadstools at her feet, glowing with more intensity toward the end of the tunnel? Then it was gone, the darkness left behind , no trace of an exit, no shard of mirror to mark the spot. Toadstools here had a benign appearance, no poisonous miasma swirled at her feet. And sunlight. Finally, true sunlight lit her face.


Some excellent news following the Linden Jail and Bail the Fantasy Faire has another week to run!
If you've not yet been - now's an ideal time! Raise those L$, Raise Hope. These pictures taken in Faireland Sims The Bazaar Dungeon and Ardessa

Hair, Horns and Skin: :[P]:- Fantasy Faire RFL Low Lag Avatar 2018  FREE
This beautiful creation includes a system skin, 3 eyebrow shapers, appliers for Belleza, Maitreya (worn) Omega, Slink, Mesh eyes, System eyes in addition to the lovely Gilded Fae Hair and Gilded Fae Tangle Horns
Pools of Ethuil
Butterflies: Wasabi // Butterflies swarm (for photos) - Fantasy Faire 2018 
This is a prize from the Fantasy Faire Quest - more info on that to follow! The HUD for the quest is available at the TP point of all Fantasy Faire Sims for L$ 250
Chestpiece, [The Forge] Plaid Vest (Gold) L$ 250
Beautiful woven top, gives an impression of luxe strength, while delicate straps keep it super feminine.
Sanoria
Belt: [The Forge] Gatekeeper's Belt, V2, Brown (Female) L$ 250
Stylish belt with copper accessories including a handy dandy lamp if you find yourself in dark places! Resizable too!
Sanoria
Skirt: Dreaming Thicket - Verbena Skirt & Scarf - Hellebore  L$ 169
Skirts include Alpha, Standard Mesh Sizes XL - XS, Belleza Venus, Maitreya, Slink Physique. So amazing, I was hanging around during set up hoping this would be a RFL item, and yeay it was!
Sanoria

Fantasy Faire's Arrival

Early one spring morning, the mists began to lift. Ethana rose with them. Through the long year her world had slept, or so it was thought. Each year it returned, changed, whether by its travels through the mists, or the other realms it graced. She was glad to be back...

Each evolution was a surprise, the form the earth beneath her feet would take, the colour of the sky, it was all new. Emerging from the mists was a revelation in every sense, the Fairelanders could be altered along with their surroundings, viewing their new world with new eyes. Such had been Ethana's choice this time. Opening her eyes to see a soft shimmering haze replacing the mists, gentle strains of music resolving into the calming lap of cool water against stone.

Walking around the calm and quiet of her new world, she stumbled upon evidence of its heart and purpose, and the name her new surroundings had taken. "Compassion..." she murmured, her voice melding with the whispering from the willows all around. The air around her echoed with it, seeming to come from all sides, a comforting embrace.

"Compassion..." she murmured again, "That feels right." She span on the spot, seeing more and more, taking in the domed buildings, the towering statue, the multitude of lilipads. Spinning and dancing,  her new body delighting with each movement, each sight, each feeling. This was the beauty of the Fairelands. As much as they transformed in their appearance, and the Fairelanders along with them, they were forever unchanged in spirit, heart and purpose. Come and join them. They are waiting to welcome you home. 

Itttssss thhhhheeeee MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR. The Fantasy Faire is back!

Celebrating its tenth year, Fantasy Faire 2018 is the largest gathering of fantasy designers, enthusiasts, roleplayers and performers in the virtual world. From Thursday, April 19 to Sunday April 29, treat yourself to eleven days of shopping, dance and theater performances, DJ parties, auctions, questing, Literary Festival, fantasy art, events and roleplaying as thousands of Second Life residents and creators bring their own visions together to support the American Cancer Society’s vision of a world without cancer.

In addition to ten shopping regions, there’s also five whole Fairelands dedicated to various Faire events from Memorial Garden to the Fairelands Quest, from Literary Festival to Performance Stages, from Art Galleries to the Worldling Collection. This brings the Fairelands count of 2018 into fifteen sims, just waiting for you to come and explore them.

All items are 100% donation to Relay for Life unless otherwise stated. 

Hair:  :[P]:- Gilded Fae Hair [Female]  - FREE -
Part of the amazing Female low lag avatar (Male also available) available near each SIMs TP point, and at the Plastik store in Pools of Ethuil
Skin: Carrie's Lingerie - CB~The Lavender Fairy Skin  L$ 299
Beautiful skin, with subtle delicate glittery adornments. Comes in a system skin (Huzzah - as I don't have a mesh head) and Omega appliers for all your mesh parts. (Shown here on Maitreya Lara body).
Sanoria
Headchain: !TLB - Ryu Headchain  L$ 150
Lovely headchain - chain on both sides, one's just obscured by hair. Comes with a HUD so you can choose from 8 different jewel colours and three different metals. Severina
Lingerie: Carrie's Lingerie - CB~Camille Lavender  L$ 299
Delicate lacy lingerie in system clothing layers and an Omega applier for the mesh bodied.
Sanoria
Harness:  +Psycho Barbie+ [Fallen Angel Harness - RFL]  L$ 150
Super pretty while offering an edgy look this harness comes complete with leather feathered wings. Pack comes with options for Freya, Isis, Lara, SLink Hourglass and Physique and Venus. Three colours of metal adornments controlled via HUD. The Bazaar Dungeon
Leg Harness: +Psycho Barbie+ [Rogue Leg Harness - RFL]  L$ 150
More mesh goodness - these are so pretty and the RFL colour is amazing with a delicate pattern. Pack comes with options for each of the mesh bodies as above, and again, you can choose from three different metals for the grommets. The Bazaar Dungeon
Ring: EF: Lovecraft Ring  L$ 99
Pretty little sucker. Gettit? Lovely little tentacle ring. Athenaeum Arcana
Nails: Dark Passions - FatPack - Sleek & Somber L$ 290
Ten fantastic colour options - appliers for nails - HUD driven for both finger and toenails!
Severina

Images taken in Willows of Nienna one of the sims of the Fantasy Faire

For the Love of the Devil - Pt 2

This was interesting...

Neon glowed, soft and red in the darkness; giving the space the feeling of internal, if not infernal warmth. Stepping through the door from the street marked a change, more than location, a change of state.

Though separated from the busy street outside by mere millimetres of glass and aluminium, the space, soft and warm was otherworldly. A gentle scent caught her attention. Looking around she could see no cause, though with each step the scent bloomed, earthy and fulsome. A gentle tickle at her neck explained all. Under the strange light, the tiny plantlet in her necklace was flourishing.

There were others there... had been others there, though she could not see them, she could feel them. Feel the effect they had had on this place, and how it had affected them in turn.

That was it... the cables on the floor, sockets and plugs, traced to outlets which were unconnected, and yet the lights still glowed. The power was coming from within, it was created by all who cared to come.

2 days remaining at the fabulous fundraising event For the Love of the Devil!  
Taxi :   For the Love of the Devil

Hair :  .Olive. the Robin Hair - Color Fades     L$ 395
Horns : DOUX - Demon hairstyle [Naturals]  L$ 149
Facepaint : Nightmare :: Bad Wolf Set   L$ 150
Necklace : :[P]:- Hydropine Jewelry & Rezzable:// Jungle  L$ 199
This set includes two necklaces and earrings!
Dress : [Cynful] The Oh! Dress - Devilish Purple  L$ 299
Beautiful ombre. Dress also includes chain embellisments, colour change via HUD - or removable - as shown here. 
Shoes : NX-Nardcotix Liz Stiletto Devil  L$ 250
Colour change via HUD, 6 different colourblend options!
Scene : /anxiety/ devil  L$ 149

Floating Away at the Fantasy Faire

The sun was setting. She had watched it fall countless times, she had no idea the number of suns which had dipped into the horizon, how many more she had missed, attention snared and hooked, this way and that with the other things.

As twilight filtered into the world like so much magical smoke, the junction called, as it always would.

No chill yet assaulted the air, a welcome gentle coolness eased through the Junction leaving the generous warmth of the long days to carry the fluffy bumbling insects from flower to flower. Settling into the ancient wooden craft, its scent of the ages, of souls whose joy it had carried raised a smile on her lips, even as the gentle creaking signaled its departure from the shore, carrying her away once more. She would return, they all would. All the love and the beauty of the world made them, and they would carry on, making the world better.

What a Fantasy Faire!

Life is so busy that it feels like it's a memory already but it's not! It's still here! One day more as they sing. I've not been able to spend the time I'd want, but I sure have spent those coins. Go and do the same. Love the beautiful SIMS, support the amazing cause. Help kick cancer out of everyones lives forever. 

All items are 100% Relay for Life donations.

Horns: :[P]:- Sclera Horn
Blindfold : :[P]:- Sclera Blindfold
Hair :  /Wasabi Pills/ Adamaris Mesh Hair
Skin :  :[P]: & [TRAP]:// Koie Female Skin:// RFL Hope
Dress : [V/W] Widowmaker Black Slink Hourglass
Shoes: (*<*) 1313 Lessa Stilettos - Hourglass
Fairelands Junction

Why I Relay - Fantasy Faire 2016

Each year it came to this. In amongst all of the hustle and bustle, the crowds and the adventure, this moment came.Was it coincidental that moments of reflection tended to come near the water? Be it rhythmic movement of waves gently lapping against the harbour wall, droplets of water arcing through the air from a fountain to meld with a pond, or the sudden welling of tears in her eyes.

This year, she did not want the tears. Even as she wiped them away from her eyes, a sardonic smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. "As if anyone wanted tears!" Like everyone drawn in to the Fairelands, she was captivated not only by the beautiful surroundings, as breathtaking as they were; nor by the vast array of goods on offer, as exquisite as they were. She was drawn by what it meant. By what a disparate group of individuals could achieve when they were working toward one goal.

This year I had an idea of the look I wanted to create for my 'Why I Relay' blogger challenge as soon as I saw the skin from Plastik. The more I thought about it however, the less I wanted to think about hope or a cure being something celestial, something otherworldly. In reality, hope can be something made of pain. Pain can inspire hope, calling it into being where there had been no need for it before. Pain can erode hope, wearing it away over time. The less that has to happen, the happier we all can be. Since writing for this challenge last year, there have been losses, there are also survivors. Cancer has taken my cousin, a wonderful woman who was a daughter, sister, aunt and mother. Relatives and friends have received diagnoses, treatment beginning, remission reached. I don't want to write about a cure being something made of magic, from some distant galaxy. A cure is what we relay for, it's why we do this. So research can continue. Real people, right here, working to find a way. The cure is getting closer. Until then, we will come together like this. After that - we'll do it for the sheer love of each other, and all this love can achieve. 

These pictures were taken in Dangarnon one of the Faireland Sims

Skin : :[P]:- Constella Skin:// Lunale  Relay for Life item
Beautiful starry galaxy skin, comes with every applier you could think of, eight eyebrow shapers, eyes, makeup options - as ever - wow.
Branches :  Air Magnolia_Head Accessory_purple_CM - L$ 100  Relay for Life item
Lovely delicate branches, intricate beading, and softly glowing flowers.
Outfit : *LE* Xylia Onyx Pearl - L$ 250  Relay for Life item
Fantastic outfit, all sections can be worn separately, I love the contrast of bronze on white!
Nails : DP - Koffin Nails - Something Wicked L$ 200 Relay for Life item
Pretty pretty nails! HUD controlled, nine colour options. This purple to blue fade is my favourite.

In the shadows : Skin Fair 2016

No sleep...

No more sleep...

Twilight was falling, time had come again for her to ease out of the hidden spaces, to coalesce at the edges of the light.

Each step she took gathered, remaining after she had moved on. Beams of light streamed through stained glass, each passing moment the colours deepened.

Dusk tugged at the world, twilight was subsumed, the last vestiges of light drifting higher and higher, up and away. Shadow she was, darkness was was her realm, the gift she brought to the world. Every night she was changed by it, the darkness she brought wrapped around her, making her whole.

The Skin Fair 2016
Being out of the blogosphere is dangerous! Events like this are perilous to miss! Two sims choc-full of stores for all your skin needs. Huge numbers of creators of appliers for mesh bodies and heads - not an area I'm into. (Did I mention my usual shape is from 2007?) I'm sticking with my SLink mesh hands and feet for now!

Skin : :[P]:- Ellistrae Skin (Femme):// Balok L$ 1499
For this - you get a LOT. Think I'm kidding? I'm not:
System Skin (Worn) Face Options on Tattoo Layers Chest Options on Tattoo Layers Genesis Lab Head Applier Times 4- No Brows, White brows, Glossy Lips, Default Head Slink Visage Head Applier Times 4- No Brows, White brows, Glossy Lips, Default Head Omega Head Applier Times 4- No Brows, White brows, Glossy Lips, Default Head Lelutka Head Applier Times 4- No Brows, White brows, Glossy Lips, Default Head Lena Full Body Applier Maitreya & Maitreya Finger/Toenails Full Body Applier Slink Physique Full Body Applier Belleza Full Body Applier with Nails & Nipples Lolas Applier in Two styles Omega Full Body Appliers Brazilia Full Body Applier Lush Mesh Breasts Applier Sinful Needs Mesh breasts & Nipples Appliers Perfect Bum Lower Applier Ghetto Booty Lower Applier Phat/Cute Azz Lower Applier Apple May Baby Bump Applier Slink Individual Feet, Hands, Toenails, and fingernail Appliers (Worn) Loud Mouth Applier Soul Kissers Applier
BOOM  *breathe breathe*
The final image also shows : Tattoo : TAO tattoo [xx]+FGInc.+ ebony L$ 300 This delighful twist of darkness comes in Omega and SLink appliers, also in system layers. Here shown in the 'non-pg' version - pg version also included.
Skin Fair 1
Skin Fair 2
Also shown, from We < 3 RP
Dress : :[P]:- Romorah Gown:// Wisteria L$ 239
We < 3 RP

On Converse Row...

Scarlet had worked on Converse Row for years now. More than a stones throw from the worst end of town, but several tram stops from any bourgeois security. The tangle of narrow streets and lanes followed the same shambles pattern of centuries earlier, under the cracked tarmac and concrete lay cobbles worn by the ages. The Row held many businesses, mostly law abiding - except for high days and holidays...

She walked to work, red heels glinting in whichever light found them, twilight, streetlight or the dawn. Of course she wasn't for sale, no regular to the street, or visitor who would be welcomed back would allow that thought to cross their mind. Dealers and donut munching cops watched over the Row, sentient gargoyles, she had never felt safer. All eyes were on her.

On Converse Row, skin was business. Sold on the street and in the stores, Scarlet catered to them all. She could illuminate any form, deep shadows and beautiful highlights, the ink in her needles brought beauty to the blank canvas of the body. If you can pay, you could walk away as your own work of art.

Hair : (r)M Hair No.34'15
Skin :  DS'ELLES-Skin JULIE -Porcelaine- eyebrows Brun
Eyes :  DS'ELLES Mesh Eyes -Prunelle Bleu Ardoise
Tattoo (Upper) :  Endless Pain - Damn Life
Dress : :[P]:- Desdemona Dress - Rose
Harness :  :[P]:- Desdemona Harness  Rose
Tattoo (Foot) : Letis Tattoo : Slink Feet : Masks
Shoes : :[P]:- Desdemona Heels  Rose
Poses : Infiniti - Elegance

In the Shadows...

Everyone knew what the warning signs were, yellow and black, taken from nature they spoke to the limbic system residing deep within the most evolved creature; Danger lies here. Signs could be misleading, even while they told the truth. The fences around the area carried a charge, enough to give a body a nasty jolt, but other shocks could be found here as well. Throughout history her kind had been depicted in the light, a situation in which she rarely found herself. Why would she be there? What would she do? There was nothing for her in the light, everything necessary was in darkness. Who was there to save in the light? Who could she hope to help? So here she would stay, walking the darkness, revelling in the shadows deepened by her light, showing others the difference.  

Skin :  .{yumyums}. {Latte} Hope [Brown Brow] Cleavage
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angel%20Dreams/246/93/2251
Hair : Magika - Daffodil
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Magika%20Land/129/141/22
Halo : :[P]:- Gloriah Crown [Raziel]:// Scratch
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Plastik/184/70/69
Eyeshadow :  .ARISE. Masa Facetattoo MIDDLE (tintable)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Macchu%20Piccu/148/46/1601
Shirt :  LMD Embroidered Denim Wildlife Dragon
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/13311  (Marketplace link as store being refurbished)
Tattoo :  Endless Pain - Equilibrium  (with appliers for SLink hands included)
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/stores/13311
Pants : Blueberry - Ross - Leather Pants
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Lenox%20and%20Blueberry/104/165/29
Shoes : [CX] Sexy Massacre
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cerberus%20Crossing/130/140/27

Defending Avalon - We < 3 RP

The cliffs of Avalon had been a perfect defence for years. Time and tides scoured the coast, great boulders crumbled  to rocks, to stones, to sand. The barriers of mists, so ephemeral, still hung like curtains, keeping the eyes of of the mortal world from Avalon's shores.

Alrende came down to the shores each day to look at the cliffs, their physical presence brought her comfort in the continuation of her home. Staff in hand, she walked the sands, resilient grasses brushing her bare feet. The rubies of her staff held power from the heart of Avalon, those adorning her horns glowed softly with it. The isle would change through time, nothing could prevent that, but it would remain, and she with it. The alchemy in her hands to wield would protect the magic for all.

We < 3 RP is back in May!

Hair : [Entwined] Talisa Dark Reds L$ 185
Lovely hair, 5 HUD Driven Colours, Hairbase not included.
Jewellery and Horns : :[P]:- Craftian Jewelry - Essence - L$ 269
Set contains: Belly ring, Belly rope, Craftian chain, Craftian choker, Craftian circlet, Craftian cord (long, med, and short versions), Earrings (long, swirl, and loop versions), two styles of horns, and a ring! A HUD with 20 colour change options for the metals is included.
Top : :[P]:- Alrende Armor [S]:// Skale L$ 329
Beautiful armour, fitting for natural or post apoc RP! Skale colour option has a great scales texture. Each comes with HUD control for 20 leather straps and 15 metal colours.
Skirt : .Arcadia. Fionn Skirt - Bronze  L$ 125
Beautiful high waisted skirt with inset metallic panels.
Staff :  .::Cubic Cherry Kre-ations::. - {Bane~ ruby} staff - L$ 158
Fabulously detailed staff comes in three versions, rezzable, hand held (shown) and worn across the back.

We Love Role Play


Not from WLRP
Skin : DS'ELLES-Skin CLARA- COLORADO -Eyebrows BRUN  L$ 800.
A clearer view of this beautiful skin from my last post! The skin is available from DS'Elles at the @1st event 1st - 25th May
@1st