Desert Dance - Fantasy Faire 2018

Life in the Sanorian desert was one of extremes. The dunes extended for thousands of miles, it was said. Few who took it upon themselves to venture far into their barren expanse came back to tell the tale. There had been a great civilisation here once, so the ruins told. But over how many centuries had it reigned? How quickly had it fallen?

These things had been lost in the sandstorms of time. Many of the people had been lost too, or had left by ship if they had the means to do so. Those who remained had not cared to maintain the day to day ways of the great civilisation from which they were descended, not in any great depth anyway. There were far more important things to take up their time, scratching the surface of the ever encroaching sands to farm what crops they could, building shelters for themselves and their animals. Adaptation was a harsh lesson, easy in its way, but harsh nontheless. Those who could not adapt, who tried to force the world to fit their previous experience of it were doomed to failure. Those feted to succeed were those who could look around themselves, see the nooks and crannies, areas in which shadows pooled, cool and refreshing even at the height of the sun. As it was there that life began, and there life was maintained with no need for intervention. Those who discovered this grew strong, and carried her with them, so there she revelled.

Once the sun began to fall, and shadows lengthened, she had more scope. Soon the heat held in shifting sands would dissipate, sinking lower and lower. Walking across the dunes she liked to feel the grains of sand between her toes, a tactile comfort which dancing across the heat haze of day could never hope to provide. The shimmering sunset glinted on the sea, igniting the fire in her eyes. While ancient ceremony had been lost and temples had fallen, the people who remained clung on to their beliefs, and so she endured. Civilisations would build up again, she had no doubt. People would come, develop, grow. From the sands, greatness would emerge. You could trust her on this. In the desert, you could always trust the Djinn.

All items shown are 100% donation to Relay for Life. These pictures were taken in the Fantasy Faire sim Sanoria

Hair: Wasabi // Mayra Windblown Mesh Hair  L$ 250
Two versions included Mayra, and Mayra Windblown as shown here (Included are also options A for small heads and B for large heads of both). 20 HUD driven regular colours and 15 colours with emphasis on the roots.
Aetherea

Eyes: !TLB - Aed Eye  L$ 200
HUDs included for Catwa, Lelutka, and Omega. Also if you don't have a mesh head, but like me, don't mind mesh eyes, theres another HUD by which you can control the colour of each eye independently, there are 12 colours possible for each eye. Great!
Severina

Headchain: !TLB - Kur Headchain  L$ 150
HUD offers three different colours of metal, silver, black and gold. There are 16 different tonal options for the scales in the headchain, so you get a wonderful iridescence rather than one colour.
Severina

Skin: [NM] - Immortal - Cleavage - Brows - Severina
This skin is a prize in the House of Garland Quest at the Fantasy Faire - You can get the Quest Pack from the TP point of all Fantasty Faire sims. This gift includes male and female skins, female includes six system skins - with and without brows for three cleavage options, natural, cleavage and corset. Also included are a huge number of appliers for mesh bodies and heads.

Tattoo: Fallen Gods ~ Balance Sak Yant, Gold
This is another of the fabulous prizes you receive at the end of the House of Garland Quest. It comes with three system tattoo layers, so you can choose to wear it all, just on the front, or just on the back. Omega appliers are included for each for your meshness.
 
Necklace : [HarshLands] FF X Necklace - ULTRA RARE - Demon  L$ 49
This is a GACHA item, one of three Ultra Rares available. This one is delightfully creepy!
Willows of Nienna

Outfit: [ SAKIDE ] Ashryn Top and Skirt - Cream L$ 180
Lovely delicate patterned cream outfit, with a very low cut skirt at the back! XD
The Bazaar Dungeon

Swirls : Tai'Dyed - Mandelbrot Edge 05 Nebula Dance Costume L$ 325
These amazing adornments can form a swirling dancing avatar, as a full body alpha is included. The costume can take up all your attachment points - I know, I maxxed out! The pieces each slowly change colour, shifting through teal, blues and purples.
Sanoria

Valkyrie - Ember's Cauldron Shopping Event

“Hlanhildur, Daughter of the Gods”. A warrior maiden, a divine being, whose noble duty is to select and bring her chosen heroes, killed in battle, to Valhalla. Yet, when she joined the group of Valkyrie apprentices, nobody told her openly about the race of the heroes she would accompany to the table of Odin. She just presumed they would be human. When Hlanhildur finished her Valkyrie training her first mission was to fly to a battlefield in darkest Dwarfheim, and bring back the soul of the bravest... bear, that fell while defending his homeland from the invading dwarves. Hlanhildur sighed. Today was the day of the great battle between the High Elves and Dragons... and she was not ordered to choose the soul of an Elven warrior.

The fantastic „Filling The Cauldron” fundraising event for Elicio Ember might be over, but please don’t forget that many creators still participate in the „Ember’s Cauldron” shopping event until 16^th April, and they still offer beautiful donation items created in support of Elicio!

For more information read the blog entry by Charlie (Lerochelle Destiny), owner of .:Soul:. and promoter of the event.

Donation items:

Gown: „Red Fire Gown” by MacMoragh an Gabha – 200 L$. The picture doesn’t do justice to the long red-and-black gown and the flowing cape, an outfit worthy to a Valkyrie! Laird Fenn, the creator and owner of MacMoragh an Gabha is a seasoned warrior and a proud Scotsman… who might have ever thought that he can sew, too…? :-)

Horns: „Pernkern Herns” in Ember Coal by Soul – 299 L$. The pack includes four different styles, so if the burning coal is too dramatic for you, you can pick „Ash”, „Smoke” or „Steam”.

Other items:

Skin: „Catalina” in Cream by Soul – 899 L$. „Catalina” is a beautiful Generation 1 skin you cannot get bored with, and luckily it is still available in many natural and fantasy tones on the second floor of Charlie’s flagship shop.

Hair with headband: „Freya” in Blacks and Whites by Calico Ingmann – 250 L$ for an “All Colors” fatpack, which is a real bargain!

Tattoo: „Aralia” in Silver by Fallen Gods Inc. – an old gacha item currently unavailable, part of the “Birth of Lumina” series. Alia Baroque has temporarily retired the set as he is preparing an update with appliers, so there is hope these items will return to the FGInc shop at Selidor.
Eye makeup and lashes: „Venom Shadow” in Red by Vengeful Threads – 99 L$. The „Venom Shadow” series is an exclusive product for the DarkSide2 Fashion Fair, and it is a real bargain for 99 L$ as you get 13 :-) eyelid shades with long witchy black lashes for „Oldie” system heads like mine, and for „modern” Omega/Catwa heads as well. The DarkSide2 Fashion Fair is open until 30th April, so you still have a few days to pick up your Venom Shadow… or any other spectacular makeup set by Vengeful Threads.

Wings: „Devine Wings” by Death Row Designs – not available for the time being, as the DRD shop is being rebuilt.

Ears: „Uni Ears” High Elf by Soul – 499 L$.

Bracelets: „Dragonborn” in Silver by Alegria – a previous Fantasy Faire item not available any more.

Nails: “Long Prim Nails” in Black by Candy Nail – not available any more.

Sword: „Themis” by Ersch – a previous gacha item not available anymore; however, if you visit the shop, you can find many other gacha machines from earlier faires and events.

Eyes: „DragonEyes” in Fiery Vision by Sterling Artistry – 65 L$.

Pose: “Imago Anatopism 4” by Alpha Tribe and Mimesis Monday – gift from a previous installation.

The picture was taken at Memento Mori.

The Sea Witch - "Filling The Cauldron" Event

Lorelei Blackwave, the lonely sea witch stood on the seashore and she was very sad. She had been exiled from her home under the sea so many years before that she almost forgot how the lights used to dance on the corals and how she used to play with the tame fish. An elaborate incantation went wrong, terribly wrong... and the council of the surviving sea witches and warlocks unanimously decided that she had to leave. She used her incantations on Earth plants ever since, she grew an entire forest of never-seen creatures around the little cave where she lived... but each and every evening, at sunset, she went as close to the salty waves as the ban curse permitted, and whispered goodnight to the deep silent waters.

Many items are from the “Filling the Cauldron – Ember’s Cauldron” event; and while you can shop for “Ember’s Cauldron” until 19^th April, the “Filling The Cauldron” event ends this weekend, on 9^th April, so hurry up before the kiosks and the exhibition at Holly Kai Park disappear!

Donation items:

Skin: “Cosmic Snake” by Fallen Gods Inc. (990 L$), a “Filling the Cauldron – Ember’s Cauldron” donation item. Alia Baroque has decided to make a unique exception and release this skin (a special thank you gift that was previously available only to the participants of the annual Fallen Gods photo contest in 2015) to the public, in order to help Elicio. It really is a unique opportunity to grab this amazing and exclusive skin during the “Filling The Cauldron” event and also in the FGInc. shop until 19^th April!

Head jewel: “Vaeri Headchain” by Lumae for the “Ember’s Cauldron” event – 100 L$.

Gown: “Whistles – Poesia dei fiori” in Purple, an exclusive colour for the “Ember’s Cauldron” event by Faida and Fallen Gods Inc. – 260 L$.

Other items:

Ears: “High Elf” Uni Ears by Soul – 499 L$.

Hair No. 1 (the hanging part): “The Flutterbee Hair” by Olive in Bubblegum – a gacha item not available any more.

Hair No. 2 (the flying part): “Tempest” by Tableau Vivant – a gacha item not available any more.

Eyes: “Dragon Eyes Golden Sight” by Sterling Artistry – 65 L$.

Jewellery: “Revenge” bangles and crown by Luas (modified) – 100 L$.

“Double Hagoromo” in Gold by Aii The Ugly And Beautiful (modified) – 99 L$.

Fantasy Faire 2015 - Forever Sprite

Sea Sprites live forever... or, better to say, they live for a very, very, very long time. Jerrilynn Whitefoam was a mere toddler by Sea Sprite standards, but a curious and adventurous toddler all the same. She wasn't entirely content with the underwater universe her parents and grandparents and great-grandparents used to enjoy. She wanted more. She wanted adventure, and experience. This is why she decided to rise above sea level one bright day... and she was so very lucky. She met a weird, winged critter floating in the air. She called herself Fidget Heartweb, a Nature Fairy... and she gifted Jerrilynn with a pair of amazing... stunning... wings! So absolutely useless under water... yet Jerrilynn donned them proudly, like a medal. Her medal for Adventure. Her medal for Being More Than a Sea Sprite. And she was happy because of this, for the forthcoming five hundred years under sea level.

I should have shown you this outfit ages ago, at the very beginning of the Faire... then, as usual, RL intervened. However, the Fairelands are still there for a few hours more, the crowd is definitely smaller, so you still have the chance to grab a beauty or two in the very last minute.

Outfit and accessories: Petite Ursula Gown by Ankle Biters - a special RFL donation item (895 L$) available at Odyssey.

Avatar: Petite Sea Sprite by Fallen Gods Inc. - a special RFL donation item (1.000 L$) available at Odyssey.

Hair: Petite Mouser by The Stringer Mausoleum - the pink/purple set is a special RFL donation item (25 L$), available at YoZakura.

Pose: "Elf" by HelaMiyo - 150 L$. The pose set was a special donation item for the Fashion for Life event, now available in the main shop, with the proceeds still going to the American Cancer Society.

The picture was taken at The Fairelands Junction.

Fantasy Faire 2015 - Midnight Sakura

Cherry trees usually blossom in the daytime. Ordinary cherry trees, and ordinary flowers, maybe... but not the mythical Nightshadow Sakura, the admired and treasured plant that maybe two dozen adventurers have ever witnessed to turn into a bouquet of splendid silky flowers for one night only, promptly fading away at the next dawn. For the Nightshadow Sakura is a messenger of great and important tidings... whether good or bad, however, the flowers cannot foretell. They only glow in a soft silky mysterious light, as if smiling, and observe the world with majestic grace...

Outfit and accessories: "K'aalogii" by -AZUL-. This fabulous kimono set is a RFL donation item (850 L$), created in the true and authentic -AZUL- style, which is a synonym for "grandiose" and "regal". :) You can find their shop in the YoZakura sim, so don't hesitate to pay a visit.

Skin: "Oceanica Atlantic Eclipse" by Fallen Gods Inc. - a RFL donation item (1.100 L$) The skin package includes a complete set of mermaid fins and some jewellery, too, so you actually get an avatar for a very reasonable price. Fallen Gods is at Odyssey... where else? :D

Ears: Uni Ears "High Elf" by Soul (399 L$). The ears are not a current RFL donation item, but they are available in Charlie's booth at Ichi-Go Ichi-E.

Hair: "Petula" by Analog Dog - a RFL donation item (350L$) available at Tangleshimmer Grove.

Eyes: Perspective Eyes in "Oxidation" by IKON - an old group gift now available for 150 L$.

Necklace: Oceanica Necklace in "Ivory Shell" by Fallen Gods - included in the Oceanica Skin packages.

Cherry blossom petals with several built-in poses: Runo Runo - 200 L$.

The picture was taken at YoZakura.

Happy Easter!

Breaking the egg shell from the inside was hard work. She had been hitting and pummelling on the white china-like surface for hours... then, finally, she was rewarded by a tiny cracking noise. She continued in frenzy. Her fingertips were aching, but it didn't matter at all. She wanted to find a way out of the shell that had been her home for months, but recently became tight and restrictive. There was no sufficient place inside for a grown and winged creature any more... so she had to break free, and find her own space, soaring among the clouds.

The items I'm showing you here are from past events I intended to blog, but a recent stay in the hospital didn't allow me to realise my plans as I originally hoped. Better later than never, I'm wishing you Happy Easter now, with a few amazing items from some of my preferred creators in SL.

Skin: "Thalassa" by Fallen Gods Inc. for the last Verne-themed "A Tattered Page" event. I don't know whether this beautiful blue skin will be available at Selidor, but if you're in urgent need of another similar item, please pay a visit to the Fallen Gods shop notwithstanding... I'm quite certain you'll find something that catches your imagination.

Hair: "Healy" by TableauVivant for the last round of The Arcade Gacha event. As merchants aren't authorised any more to sell their prizes at any later time after a round closes, I'm afraid this amazing hair is now gone for good.

Outfit: "The Seven Sins - Greed" by Faida and Fallen Gods Inc. - 380 L$. I'm truly and really happy that Alia Baroque and Titania Halasy have decided to continue their collaboration! The fruits of their joined efforts are many already, among which this marvellous gown originally created for The Countdown Room. The sins are seven, so are the colours available, so please visit Titanias's shop or Alia's place, and pick the sin closest to your heart... but be warned, it won't be an easy job. :)

Bracelets: Finesmith - a past group gift not available any more.

Pose: "Elf" by HelaMiyo - 150 L$. The pose set was a special donation item for the Fashion for Life event, now available in the main shop, with the proceeds still going to the American Cancer Society.

The picture was taken at Un Jour, a rebuilt version of the emblematic sim "Embryo".

Last Days of Fantasy Gacha Carnival - Lotus Dawn

The delicate pink buds were slumbering in peace… but one, especially if „one” was a Lotus Nymph, could perceive a soft, it-is-just-there stirring among the silky petals and gently arching stems. Nymph and flowers sensed in unison that something was going to happen, and soon… Dawn, the sunrise, the first warm rays of light, the beginning of a new day, growth and flourishing. The Nymph caressed the nearest lotus bud, and the bud caressed her back… then they both turned, in happy anticipation, towards the golden orb slowly rising in the East.

The soft pearly white skin by Fallen Gods is one of the rare gacha prizes at the Fantasy Gatcha Carnival. What makes it even more precious is the fact that Alia Baroque and Charlie of Soul have recently started collaborating on making their lovely creations compatible, so from now on the amazing Fallen Gods skins are going to have an applier for Uni ears! And, as we all know, Uni ears are the absolute dream of fantasy creatures in SL, be it Elf, Drow, or Mer... proudly strutting an FGI skin. :)

The final shopping day at the FGC is the 15th of March, so you still have a few days to visit the machines and tempt your fortune… maybe they’re going to be gracious with you as a farewell gesture.

Skin and eyes: Fables Lumina „Firefly” by Fallen Gods (rare) – Fantasy Gacha Carnival, 50 L$ per play.

Ears: Uni Ears „Blix” by .:Soul:. – 399 L$; each package includes a lot of goodies in addition to the pair of ears you've picked.

Hair: „Sheena” by LeLutka – free group gift (the group is free to join).

Gown: Inanna „Flower Antique” by !Aphorism! (common) – Fantasy Gacha Carnival, 75 L$ per play.

Tiara: Ivory Flower Head Dress „Milk” by Zenith – Fantasy Gacha Carnival, 75 L$ per play.

Collar: High Elf Lace Collar by Zenith – group gift (the group is free to join).

Nails: Basic Nails „Autumn Pink” by Candy Nail – group Lucky Board prize (the group is free to join).

Pose: "Wrist Action" No. 4 by HelaMiyo - 25 L$ for a single pose, and 200 L$ for a package of 10 poses.
The picture was taken at Japan Tempura Island.

Evil Cupid - Happy Valentine's Day!

For quite a long time Amorella had suspected that Eros had some beef with her. He gave Amorella the most impossible assignments ever... “See this Canadian woodcutter? His destined bride lives in Calcutta, she sells mobile phones. Make these two meet somehow, and make them fall in love, chop chop!” – Amorella angrily imitated Eros’ high-and-mighty manner of speech. Then a cunning and wicked smile broke on her tiny pink lips and she licked her sharp little fangs. She picked an arrow and she dipped the tip into a black jar that contained some indescribable dark liquid. “It’s your turn now to fall in love, dearest Eros. I hope you’ll like your destined bride. She’s a bit old and ugly, even for a Harpy... but nothing can stand in the way of true love, huh?” – Amorella murmured and flew off to look for her demanding and fussy boss.

Saint Valentine’s Day is around the corner for both Petites and biggies, and if you’re a Petite you should celebrate All Lovers Day wearing this elaborate and incredibly cute outfit by Ankle Biter! Yuna is always Yuna (to our collective luck), so you can safely count on the usual lovely detailing, the hallmark curly tail decorated with a couple of redbreasts in love this time, sparkler add-ons and jewellery pieces, a bow and a quiver, a long and a short skirt, a floating personal pet Cupid... what else do you need to play Love Goddess? Nothing, am I right?

Outfit: "Red Velvet Cherub" by Ankle Biter – 795 L$.

Avatar: "Royale Petite" in Pale by Fallen Gods Inc. – 1500 L$

Hair: "Orion" in Iceberg by Wasabi Pills – 110 L$ for a colour pack of five.

Eyes: "Serial Pierce Eyes" in Beam by The Stringer Mausoleum – an old hunt gift not available any more.

Pose: "Tacklin' Ya" by Olive Juice – this pose is not available any more, but a few sitting poses from the "Grounded Men" series look quite similar.

Sparkling Mermaid

Spindrift Flotsam Leaper was a treasure-collector, gathering finds from the beach and ocean and creating caches of interesting and beautiful objects. When she was in good mood (which she was often), she leaped alongside the prows of boats, and cheered up the sailors immensely. They adored her long wavy seafoam hair, the sparkling blue skin, the opulent jewellery... until one day a greedy seaman had the idea that those lovely baubles would look better on his plain human wife. He reached for his harpoon... Spindrift jumped into the air, frightened and deluded, then plunged back into the ocean, and no mortal eye has ever seen her again.

Two fantasy markets are about to close their gates soon, so this is a last-minute notice again. :) The splendid deep blue skin is a current offer by Fallen Gods Inc. at the monthly We Love RP shopping event, together with the long Electra hair in many colour packs. The strikingly beautiful "Mata Hari" jewellery set is on sale at The Secret Affair.

Skin: Draco Odyssey/Laguna by Fallen Gods Inc. - 590 L$ at We Love RP. There are 10 male and female versions available (scaled/smooth, with/without tattoo marks, snake scales), the full pack is 1980 L$.

Hair: "Electra" in Merfolk by Entwined Hair - 185 L$ at We Love RP.

Eyes: "Dragon Eyes" in Mystic Crystal by Sterling Artistry - 85 L$.

Ornamented Hair Chain "Tribal" (Common), Chest Lace with Chains (Rare), Dancer Jewels "Blooming" (Common), Epaulettes "Tribal" (Common) - "Mata Hari" gacha prizes by Devious Mind - 75 L$ per play at The Secret Affair, running until 29th January.

Tiara: part of the "Revenge" jewellery set by Luas - 100 L$ on the Marketplace.

The picture was taken in the magical underwater garden at Ode.

The Day I Lost My Home

"The rockets set the bony meadows afire, turned rock to lava, turned wood to charcoal, transmitted water to steam, made sand and silica into green glass which lay like shattered mirrors reflecting the invasion, all about. ...And from the rockets ran men with hammers in their hands to beat the strange world into a shape that was familiar to the eye, to bludgeon away all the strangeness..."

                                                           (Ray Bradbury: The Martian Chronicles, The Locusts)

The current round of "A Tattered Page" is dedicated to Ray Bradbury and his masterpiece collection of short stories, The Martian Chronicles. I was a teenager when I first borrowed the book from our local library... and I've been re-reading the melancholic and deep stories again and again, ever since that day... and rather often I am not at all proud that I belong to the barbaric human race.

Skin: "Mrs K" by Fallen Gods Inc. - 990 L$; the package contains the skin, a shape, a pair of yellow coin eyes, and many appliers.

Hair: "Windsong" in Russet by Exile - 88 L$ for a colour pack of 10 shades, available at the current round of Collabor88.

Tiara: "Helios Head Piece" by 22769 - this magnificent tiara was a gift from Paco Pooley and Manuel Ormidale for the Sunshine Hunt, organized to celebrate the 7th anniversary of Fallen Gods Inc. inworld. It may not be available any more, but if you want to find some other top quality accessories, outfits and also furniture, a trip to 22769 is a must!

Outfit and jewellery: "Pohjola" by Tekeli-li - the top (160 L$), the bottom (160 L$), a full jewellery set (310 L$) and other accessories are available on the Marketplace.

The picture was taken at LEA10, where Whiskey Monday is currently building her ever-changing project, aptly called "Nothing Endures But Change". Very gently she also left a pose stand there, crammed with many gracious poses by Flowey; I took the occasion and picked "All I need" for my snapshot.

Santa's Littlest And Latest Helper

She had wound up the alarm clock... and she overslept. She overslept, and she missed Christmas! How could Santa distribute all the surprises without her help...? The littlest and latest elf was flapping her wings as quickly as she could. She didn't want to miss New Year's Eve, too... someone had to deliver those champagne glasses, and the good wishes, after all.

I wouldn't have ever thought that I might become a Petite in SL. Yes, I found them amazing from the very first moment they appeared, and the incredible precision and care of the creators who decided to give these charming critters dresses, hair, houses and even pets, enchanted me even more. Yet... despite all the charm, I've never owned a Petite. Until now.

The person responsible for my Petite-zation is Yuna Yuadl, a "happy bunch of pixels" and an old friend, who merrily frolicked around in SL for years, then - suddenly and to my greatest surprise - she's become a creator, and an excellent creator of Petite outfits and accessories at that. The outfit I'm showing here is her work, and I cannot properly do justice to it. All the detailing... microscopic, elaborate and amazing. My Petite has a shoulder pet, a tiny yet perfect robin, that holds an even tinier gift box in its beak, AND the gift box is decorated with holly leaves and berries! Just imagine!

... and when I realised I needed an avatar for this wee gem, I poked Alia Baroque and asked for his advice as to where to buy one. He answered he didn't have advice for me, only avatars... and promptly dumped a huge box on me, so now I'm a proud Fallen Gods Petite Royale! Yuna, Alia, thank you so very much for this experience. You're wonderful and generous friends.

Belt, bows, wreath, pixie collar with bell, fangs, robin shoulder pet, staff: part of the "Petite Holy Leaf" outfit by Ankle Biters - 750 L$ (the outfit also contains a pair of long ears with white glowdrop, a lace mask, a long skirt, a tail, a pair of wings, a special Ankle Biter HUD cam, and some tiny red and green twinkling lights, so you may combine the various items in dozens of ways).

Armbands, anklets, tail, long ears with red glowdrop, wings and eyelashes: part of the female Christmas group gift by Ankle Biters - 0 L$ and it's free to join the group.

Avatar: "Royale Petite" in Pale by Fallen Gods Inc. - 1500 L$

Hair: "Orion" in Iceberg by Wasabi Pills - 110 L$ for a colour pack of five.

Eyes: "Serial Pierce Eyes" in Beam by The Stringer Mausoleum - an old hunt gift not available any more.

Pose: "Enchanted Moon" by !Musa! - this pose was a Fantasy Faire special in 2013, but if you visit Filomena Quinnell's shop, I'm sure you'll find a similar one among her pretty and reasonably priced (30 L$) poses.

Sweet Light

It was the darkest time of the year. One could see the Sun for a few hours only, and even then the light was dim and feeble. She missed the brightness, the feeling of caressing warmth on her skin. The world was gloomy and cold now, and she had to feed on what she still possessed. The candle and the lantern... she had to hold onto them, and firmly. Her life depended on that tiny flickering light. She held out the lantern, defiant and strong, against the darkness. She was to resist, and survive.

I know everybody is quite busy in RL these days (including myself...), nevertheless I’d like to remind you that the 3rd Midwinter Fair is still running until the 24th of December. If you want to relax between two RL Christmas parties, come inworld and find something pretty at the Fair... and don’t forget to pick up the amazing pile of gifts that the very, very generous designers have left for you under the Christmas tree.

The skin and the eyes are not available inworld any more, and I usually don’t tease you with such items… but I still have my stockpile of Skinthesis eyes and skins, although the shop was closed many years ago, and whenever I have one of Cane Sutter’s creations on (that are still valid, unique and more than wearable), I wish she created skins and body parts again.

Skin: Mindi „Bronzed Goddess” by Skinthesis (Cane Sutter).

Eyes: Night Dollie „Harvest” by Skinthesis (Cane Sutter).

Tattoo: “Erin” by Fallen Gods Inc. (tintable, rare) – The Midwinter Fair gacha prize, 30 L$ per play.

Hair: “Amaris” by Truth – Black and Whites pack (250 L$).

Jewellery: “Morning Star” by Finesmith – December group gift (free; it is also free to join the group).

Gown: “Eowyn” in Blue by Bite&Claw (common) – The Midwinter Fair gacha prize, 30 L$ per play.

Pauldrons and bracers: “Eowyn” Accessory Pack in Battleworn, by Bite&Claw (common) – TheMidwinter Fair gacha prize, 30 L$ per play.

Lantern: “Holiday Spirit Lantern” in Silver by Remarkable Oblivion (common) – The Arcade Gacha, 100 L$ per play.

Pose: “Favole” by HelaMiyo - 1 L$ gift in the shop.

Afternoon Of A Dragon

It was late afternoon and Uriella was quite ready for her proverbial 5 o'clock tea. Dragons had their habits, too, after all. She decided to assume her human form... those tiny wee teacups were not designed for claws, and she didn't want to break the last pieces from her mum's tea set. Uriella wrapped her long human fingers around the transparent bone china cup, and she sighed with relief. Winter was coming. She knew that... but she was fiery, ready and prepared.

The items shown here are literally last minute steals and deals - so read quickly, pick up your purse and run, otherwise you're going to lose the chance to own any of these beauties soon!

The delicate skin is a special item for  A Tattered Page event by Fallen Gods Inc. ... I know, I know, you might not be a fan of macabre items, but even if you don't want to wear a skin called "Cadaver" you should go to Selidor all the same, as Alia Baroque has decided to throw many of his creations at you for a reduced price this weekend. Read more about the Black Days at Selidor here.

The current round of the Fantasy Gacha Carnival ends on November 30th, so you still have two (short) days to try your luck on those funny tinkling machines!

Skin: "Cadaver Creature" for A Tattered Page by Fallen Gods Inc. - 990 L$.

Hair: "Mystic" V2 in Monotone (Common) by Ploom - The Fantasy Gacha Carnival, 75 L$ per play.

Headpiece (1): "Muse Deco" (Scripted Ultra Rare with HUD) by The Plastik - The Fantasy Gacha Carnival, 70 L$ per play.

Headpiece (2): "Fly Away With Me" in Blood by Yasum (Common) - The Fantasy Gacha Carnival, 50 L$ per play.

Necklace: "Crushed Roses" in Silver and Ruby by Frippery Artistic Jewellery - 400 L$. Have I mentioned how much I admire Elizabeth and her apparently endless patience in creating delicate and unique pieces of jewellery for you, gentle dwellers of Second Life? ... and Ode, her home sim, is such an amazing, poetic land where a new stunning view opens up around each and every corner ... shoo, why are you still here? Go and explore, be amazed and return to Ode very, very soon!

Let The Sun Shine - 7th Anniversary Celebrations At Fallen Gods Inc.

Yes, let the Sun sparkle and shine, especially for us living on the Northern hemisphere where Autumn is under the gardens. Fallen Gods Inc. is one year older again, and - instead of expecting presents like a customary birthday boy - Alia Baroque is giving out surprise after surprise to the people in SL for a week. Read the programme here, then visit Selidor and try to convince the blue genie in the Fortune Teller's Booth to surrender his treasure, then visit the Sun Market, party with our fantastic in-house DJs... and, of course, wish Alia and the Fallen many, many happy returns of the day!

Avatar: "Solaris" by Fallen Gods Inc. - a free Fortune Teller gift at Selidor. The package includes a unique male and female skin with skin appliers, hair, eyes, outfit, wings and jewellery... a precious, real treat!

Additional accessories: "Volund" by alpha.tribe - the golden sphere and the wavy wire structures are part of the magnificient avatar that was available at Alpha Auer's last installation, Imago Anatopism.

Pose: "Crystal Ball No.6." by //elephante// poses - gacha prize at the main shop (50 L$ per play).

The picture was taken at H22O.

A Clockwork Spiral - The Future Is Bright

Marie4972 was feeling rusty, albeit she knew there was no oxygen in outer space... no rust could therefore consume her delicate cogwheels and shiny surfaces. Yet, she was definitely feeling rusty. Maybe because she had been orbiting Earth, a robot ejected from a spaceship, in the past five hundred years, all alone...? But she had never ever given up hope. One day they would come for her, and take her back to the family she had been serving so faithfully. Yes, they would come. Marie4972 continued watching the magnificent, bright blue planet, and the lights were reflected in her equally bright, blue eyes.

Who might have ever thought that Alia Baroque would go steampunk? Unbelievable it may seem, but it's still true: Fallen Gods Inc. offers four absolutely new and splendid avatars - Anna, Oscar, Marie, and Nicola - at the event called "A Clockwork Spiral". The complete avatars cost 1200 L$ each, but you can purchase the female and male skins (990 L$ each, the 3-piece fatpack costs 1500 L$) and the outfits (390 L$ each) separately. Please don't forget that the event is a fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation, open until October 1st, and 50 % of the proceeds from the Anna and Oscar sales is donated to the Foundation... so, again, another noble cause to support with your precious Linden Dollars!

Avatar: "Marie Rouille" by Fallen Gods Inc. - 1200 L$, for sale at The Clockwork Spiral.

Pose: "Hat" by BehaviorBody Animations - a freebie available in the mainshop.

The picture was taken at LEA25 - "The Sea of CubicDreams", an installation by Alegría Studios.

World Goth Fair 2014 - Dark Wings

She landed in an unknown realm, wet and dark... which she found pleasant and unpleasant at the same time. She adored darkness, it was her natural element... but all that rain? She shivered as she felt her black feathers were already glued together. How should she fly now, and stalk her prey? Yet, she knew she had no other choice whatsoever. The Dark Lord was her commander and she was to obey his orders, no matter what. She shivered for a second longer, then she clicked her talons and spread her heavy black wings. The hunt for the lost soul was on.

Greetings, ye dark creatures lurking in the shadows! You still have a few days to visit The World Goth Fair and pick up this dramatic tattoo by Fallen Gods, together with another great piece of skin art called "Widow". .... well, spread your wings, too, and flap away! :)

Skin: "Siggy Lumiere" by Essences, for the The Dressing Room Fusion - 70 L$.

Tattoo: "Tarantula" by Fallen Gods for the World Goth Fair, Donation Item for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation - 380 L$.

Ears: "Simple Elf Ears" by Mandala - 307 L$.

Wings: "Devine Wings" in Raven by Death Row Designs- 100 L$.

Claws: "Demon Hands" Female by Death Row Designs- 60 L$.

Lips: "Rival Black" by Glamorize - 1 L$.

Hair: "Siiri" in Black by EMO-tions - 245 L$ for a Black-and-White pack.

Eyes: "Feral Eyes" in Heavens by Sterling Artistry- 65 L$.

Armbands: part of the "Narke" outfit in Black by RunoRuno- 100 L$.

Pasties: "Muka Zombie Pasties" - part of an old hunt gift by Muka.

Pose: "SloMo Girlie" by Del May- 50 L$.

The picture was taken in the H220 sim, still wet and still wonderful. :)

World Goth Fair 2014 - My Humble Abode

She was put at the entrance of the mansion more than a century ago. The then reigning baron was an art lover, quite proud of his impeccable taste: he had found the statue of the slender woman in the studio of a young Parisian sculptor, talented but not well-known enough to earn a meal by his art. The statue witnessed the flow of house guests, arriving in large groups at first… then, as the baron lost money and power, the guests became fewer and fewer, until they didn’t come any more. These days the only visitors were the wild animals from the nearby forest. “Welcome to my humble abode! I hope you will enjoy your stay!” – the statue whispered to a curious deer, and the rusty iron creaked as the gate swung open.

We hardly said goodbye to the wonderful Fantasy Faire, and there is another event to save us (“us” meaning “creatures with a darker streak to their character”) from boredom – the World Goth Fair. You may happily while away your hours strolling from booth to booth in the three sims, but please don’t forget that it is also a charity event in benefit of The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. You may read about the history of the foundation and their work IRL on their homepage.

Dress: “Annabel Lee” in Onyx by Fosca de Les Encantades – available in the WGF Port Seraphine sim (100 L$). I love the extreme silhouette of the corset, it’s very à la Poe and very 19^th Century Noir!

Necklace: “Iron Cross Necklace” in Gray by LaNoirSoleil – available in several colours in the WGF Port Seraphine sim (147 L$).

Filigree nails: “Tactum Mortis” in Black Necritol by LaNoirSoleil – available in various colours in the WGF Port Seraphine sim (147 L$). “Tactum Mortis” means “Touch of Death” and it is an amazing filigree nail/finger extension thingy, a combination of delicate metal vines and a razor sharp, elegant claw available in several colours.

Face chain: “Maev Chains” in Black by Axix – available at the Fantasy Gacha Fair (50 L$ per play).

Tiara/headphone: Tuner/Headphone in Black by ANC - – available at the Fantasy Gacha Fair (50 L$ per play). It is quite a surprising item to find among shoulder pet dragons and various pieces of fantasy armour, but – thanks to the tiara-like upper part – the style quite fits in.

Skin: “Lacrimosa Weeping” by Fallen Gods – this wonderful “stony” skin was a donation item at the Fantasy Faire, now available at the main shop in Selidor (800 L$ for one of the four versions – Epitaph, Weeping, Mausoleum or Crack, 2,200 L$ for a fatpack).

Lips: Glamorize – Rival Black Combo (1 L$).

Eye makeup: White Widow – an old hunt gift not available any more.

Hair: “Carlie” by Damselfly – a free gift at the Fantasy Gacha Fair that comes with a colour HUD.

Eyes: “January Ice” by Sterling Artistry – an old group gift not available any more, but "Gilded Field" from the DailyEyes series looks quite similar (85 L$).

Pose: Izumiya – free gift in the main shop (0 L$).

The picture was taken in the H22O sim, a new (and very wet :)) build by Squonk Levenque.

No Weeping Angels - Sanctum - Fantasy Faire 2014

On the darkest nights, when even the coldest winds blew, clouds would shift across the sky and moonbeams would caress the earth. Moonbeams and the occasional rat or crow had been the only visitors to the Sanctum in more years than any residing there cared to remember. Decades past, the dessicated acolytes had joined the bones of the saints they tended, leaving the sacred places to the winds and the walls.

Now, in the light as much as the darkness, it was the walls that should be watched. Too long without the hope and prayers of the living, the stone, imbued with centuries of hope through the deepest despair, took on the mantle of the living. As with all creatures, each had a talent, each leaned their own way, and followed their own path. Aeleth had rested where she was hewn, atop the corner plinth, flanked by stained glass windows reaching in both directions along a neglected corridor behind the sept. It was here, however, that generations of one family had come to see her. Each mischievous daughter or son brought their own child in turn to greet her, bringing gifts of flowers and broken things, even into their old age. Monks passed her by without a glance, the sisters paid little more heed. Her beauty was not for the pious, nor the dogmatic. The kindness of her face was cherished by those who ached with some unspoken pain. The glint in her eyes drew troublemakers to her, seeking blessings to carry off pranks without a hitch. She was built from these prayers, these hopes, these dreams as much as she was solid stone. As with the turning of the worlds, once again people were venturing through the hallowed halls. Now they could expect to meet with more than just a benign smile. Now, she intended to do whatever she could to ease their pain, this was her calling; but she knew to some she would appear frightful, so she would always, always play tricks...

Just don't blink...

Hope that didn't scare you off visiting the Fantasy Faire!
Aeleth resides in the Fairelands, in Sanctum to be exact. Her home, crafted by Alia Baroque of Fallen Gods, the sponsor of the sim, was understandably overflowing with visitors, so here's just the one picture of her in her actual habitat...

Sanctum

Aeleth wears :
Fallen Gods Inc  ~ LACRIMOSA Female Weeping. L$ 800 - RFL Vendor
This set, skin and tunic is beyond incredible. The texturing is so disturbingly realistic, you would expect to see motes of stone dust shaking free with each movement. In the set, you receive two skins, the one worn here, and a PG version. Matching eyes are included. The tunic comes in six MESH sizes, from XXS to L. Also included are appliers for hands, feet, fingernails, toenails and Lolas Tangos. When I'm not blogging during the Faire, I'll be shopping, and mebbes just jumping out at people in this!
MacMoragh & Muse ~ Stone Acessories for FG Lacrimosa skin - RFL Vendors
Clearly, I am far from the only one inspired by this set. AineMari Flanagan (The Muse) asked if anyone else had fallen for the skin, and was kind enough to share the items made by them as soon as they saw what was on offer - even replacing all items in their RFL vendors, such was their rapture. They have done an amazing job. As an addition to the ensemble - the hair and wings are perfect, the detailing amazing.

If you are as captivated by this stone as we, just follow the link above, and get Relaying!

Pirates of the Scarabbean

Scah Rab Anh was so close to the prize, oh so very close. A few more steps and she would finally fulfil the dream of generations and generations of her ancestors. She would finally put her hands on the Chest of the Golden Scarab, the treasure her great-grandfather's great-grandfather had already been hunting for... a treasure for which her family had left the golden Egyptian sands and embarked on a neverending journey on the high seas. Scah Rab Anh silently gulped (the responsibility was weighing her down, after all), and entered the fog that was floating at the entrance of the cave.

"A peacock sitting on his tail is nothing but a turkey"; "Patience comes to those who wait for it"; "Don't eat yellow snow!" Have you ever been in dire need of some words of deep wisdom? If yes, then please visit the fortune teller's booth in the Temple at Selidor! You might or might not be granted the fabulous prize, the special version of the "Scarab" skin with accessories, the latest brilliant creation of Alia Baroque of Fallen Gods Inc., but you will surely not leave without some piece of precious advice from the blue guy in the box. You may win the prize until November 3rd so please don't hesitate to visit!

Skin and accessories: "Scarab" by Fallen Gods Inc. - special Fortune Teller prize (0 L$).

Hair: "Penny" in special Sea Colours by Calico Creations - Trick or Treat Trail Hunt prize (0 L$). The rigged mesh hair comes with a colour change HUD so you can pick your favourite from among many lovely sea colour combinations.

Eyes: "Daily Eyes" in Mulberry Wine by Sterling Artistry - 85 L$.

Pose: "Caliope" by Fly Lily! Poses - not available any more.

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. :-)