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

Dragons from the Depths

Down in the caverns you could hear the rumblings of the world above. Over aeons the remains of lives lived in the light worked their way down, their bones finding life anew in the softly phosphorescing flora that bloomed down in the dark.



It was a rare experience to visit the realms above, caught between shock and fascination at seeing bones in their most lifeline form, a giant skeleton resting peacefully, easing its way into the earth.



She kept the fear, bottled around her neck, always within reach should it be needed. Here in these lands she faced the unexpected, searching, following the pull that had enticed her out from the dark. The vital missing component from the depths, life itself. Up here, following the bones, she found it. Powerful. Dangerous. Wonderfully alive.



Once again - apologies for the short story! All items shown are available at the Fantasy Faire - all 100% donation to Relay for Life - the American Cancer Society. Please go, shop, help save lives!

Horns:  *Rainbow Sundae* Forest Horns - Special Edition Purple 1   
Rainbow Sundae (Faire Store in J’adoube)

Hair:  KMH - Hair F163 Rigged
KMH (Faire Store in J’adoube)

Skin:  Stix ~ Inara B CALM [SOYLENT]
Stix (Faire Store in Mithlumen)

Eyes: A.D.D.Andel! Doe Eyes- RFL 3
A.D.D. Andel (Faire Store in A’Dracunas)

Necklace: !TLB - Potion Necklace/Fear
!TLB (Faire Store in Khol Dracys)

Top: [The Forge] Drina Bodice, Black. Maitreya.
[TF] – Tamiron Forge (Faire Store in Tempest Bay)

Skirt:  AtaMe - Maga Skirt Maitreya Black
AtaMe (Faire Store in J’adoube)

Tattoo:  GERMINAL - LAMIA FEET tattoo faded
GERMINAL (Faire Store in Somniatoris Arx)

 

Images taken in Fantasy Faire Sims Adracunas, Ostara and Khol Dracys

Why I Relay - Fantasy Faire 2020

The rumours were true.

The Unweaver had been at work in the world again. Rarely sighted, particularly in these lands where all the beings were so aware, so vigilant. Actions and reactions, events and occurances in the wider world rippled and echoed even here. To Saya, these whispers and rumbles were more tangible. Awaking one morning, a pinprick of light danced across her eyes with the movement of the sun. Light, where there should only have been the comforting regularity of shade, her wings blocking the morning glare. Over the years this pin prick had grown, the threads around it fraying, loosening, coming apart.

Patching and darning had helped for a long time, kept Saya aloft, able to soar across their skies. Each repair took time, some worked better than others. She had long since stopped sewing and embroidering herself, finding each needling created myriad new holes, each capable in turn of damaging her fabric further. Secure in the knowledge that others were working hard, day and night, all over the worlds to find new methods of truly mending what had been damaged, Saya was free to hunt The Unweaver itself. Walking paths well trodden, flying over rough ground, ever searching, ever seeking. Across strange lands she talked with beings, read their reseach, followed their maps. She met those touched by The Unweaver, who had found ways of reworking and remaking, revoking its effects completely. She wept and celebrated with those whose loved ones had been lost. Each encounter was draining. Each encounter was rejuvenating. Each encounter confirmed her understanding and belief, even when she was alone, there were countless souls with her.

Each year, this is the Blogger Challenge that gets to me. The Fantasy Faire is such a big deal for me, I'm proud and blessed to be part of it. It's a visual delight, the people are kind, talented and fun. Running around an ever increasing number of sims, frantically clicking, shopping, listing, landmarking, oohing, aahing etc etc... It's a riot. SO much fun. Then along comes this challenge. Why I Relay. It all just stops. It forces me to refocus, not on the beauty and the shiny, but on the reason behind it all. That's what, without fail every year, makes me cry. Crying is not a bad thing! Feeling the sadness of loss is a conduit to other memories. The sadness is mine. The joys, experiences and love are things shared with those I've lost. Life is hectic, and taking the time to remember can be hard.

So I will do this. Every year. I will take the time to remember, I'll focus on the loss, tears will fall. It is a small small price to pay for the chance to truly remember the people, the joys, experiences and love we shared. I will remember and relive times with Marion, with Helen, with Lesleigh. I will think of those who have beaten, or are living with cancer. I will text. I will make calls. I will reach out. I will be there. And just like that, knowing and feeling all of these things, I can type these words. I'll dry my eyes, and, more likely than not, I'll do another round of the Faire and shop some more.

Doing a little bit, alongside everyone else, we make change. We raise real money to further research into beating cancer. We move forward, and we will do this until there is no Unweaver. No cancer that can't be cured. And then, we'll do it again anyway. Coz like I said... it is SO much fun.

Vyl x

Items shown are 100% donation to Relay for Life.

Hair : AnalogDog - Yoli - Variety
Cassiopeia
Hair Stick : *Naminoke*Torii HairStick #B-FF2020
Auxentios’ Pass
Skin : Ab.Fab skins&Fantasy  - Eir Nightshade Skin
Elemaria
Eyes :  A.D.D.Andel! Galaxy Eyes- RFL
Zodiac
Tattoo : Ab.Fab Lumeria tattoo
Elemaria
Jewellery : CHIMAERA - Fantasy Fair Necklace and Earrings - Gold
Spirit Valley of Kuruk
Outfit : [The Forge]  - Evelyn, Brown
Lamented Fens
Gloves : CKit Falconry  - Leather Riding Gloves_Female_512
Agra Adara
Wings : ::Static:: DaVinci Faewing {Icharus}
Auxentios’ Pass
Poses : Astalianda - Zodiac Fire Signs and Water Signs Pose Sets
Zodiac

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

Protecting the Fairelands : Fantasy Faire 2015

Travellers from other lands had always noted a change in the tides approaching the Fairelands. Waters were no calmer, but the waves had a new quality, a texture, as though the magic of the Fairelands themselves were dispersed below the surface. A strange tide; these visitors thought, even as their vessels were carried toward the docks and those tasked with defending their destination. Warm breezes from the Fairelands carried the scents of the different territories down to the shore. Standing on the docks in Vallacia, her eyes on the horizon, she was blessed with company on the breeze. Tiny butterflies alighted on her face, wings lightly brushing her lashes as delicate tongues dipped and lapped at the fine covering of salt on her skin. She kept up her watch, there were always those attempting to reach the Fairelands who had no business there. The arrows in her quivver would fly true. The arrow nocked to her bowstring was sharp to cut through air and water, though it would never wound a target. It carried a greater power than death, forged as it was from pure hope. It would prove an impenitrable barrier, protecting the Fairelands and all those within.  

The Fantasy Faire always goes by far far far to quickly. Today is the last day already! 

If you haven't yet been, please go! Pick up some beautiful items (such as these) while doing something even more beautiful, raining money for the fight against cancer.

Hair : /Wasabi Pills/ Jaden Mesh Hair - FEM - Sorbet
Odyssey
Skin : 7 Deadly s{K}ins - RAIN human snow cleavage
Sylvan of Spells
Butterflies : [ #7 ] HFE _. butterfly kisses ._ PRIM DECO LASHES [mc]
Tangleshimmer Grove
Collar : *{Junbug}* Freyja's Collar - Earth -
Spires of Andolys
Necklace : :GW: One Moment Necklace
Aurora
Armour :  [The Forge] Banshee Armour, Brown
Aurora
Outfit :  [Gauze] The Alchemist
YoZakura
Bracer :  [Stitched] Astraea Bracelet L (Golden)
Spires of Andolys
Poses : Eternal Dream - Lita - Includes bow and arrow
Poppetsborough