The Forest Guardian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fantasy Faire 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.

Enchantment in SL - My Love Will Arrive

The candles were burning, and she was afire, too. The perfume of the red roses was overwhelming. She wore a deep red gown, and her strawberry blonde hair was arranged in an elaborate updo. She touched a dry log in the fireplace, and the fire roared up. She was growing more and more impatient, moment by moment. She was the Lady of Flames and her lover, the Frost Prince, was to arrive. Soon, very soon.

I've been in debt with Charlie (Lerochelle Destiny, the owner and designer of .:Soul:.) for a long time, and now - quite unexpectedly - the mysterious ways of SL graciously permit me to clear said debt. When I saw the first pictures of his latest skin line, "Catalina", I was squeaking with glee. Then, when the tattoo layered "Uni" ears appeared, I was still squeaking, and also hopping with excitement...and what does an enthusiastic-yet-penniless blogger do in a situation like this? Yes. She pesters the creator for review copies. Charlie generously obliged, as always, only that SL unexpectedly decided to gobble up the gift (...well, the skin tone was "Cream", after all...), and regurgitate, in the same unexpected manner, the same gift a few days ago.

The splendid gown with the gold lace overlay is another booty, gotten by ill means from Titania Halasy this time. Titania is a wise woman who knows what to do when she meets a dangerous ankle biter out for a juicy morsel of flesh, or two... so now I can strut Jolie Proie, my "Beautiful Prey" with a looter's pride! The gown is also special because Titania and Alia Baroque created it together, Titania being the "humble tailor", as she modestly defined herself, and Alia providing the textures... and what can I add to all this? My only wish is that these two continue working as a team!

Last but not least, the background. I usually don't review any non-wearable items as I don't have a space to rez them, but now I've made an exception. The latest grandiose piece of furniture (if I may call Justine that...) by Alia Baroque's Libertine is "a dome, a group coven, a playground or a home port", a must-see and also a must-buy.

Skin and shape: "Catalina" in Cream by Soul - 899 L$. The skin shown here is from the Human series, but you should also check out the new Fantasy Line, consisting of eight beautiful and unusual skin tones. Each skin pack contains various shapes, muscled/toned skin layers, appliers, and many other extras such as makeup layers, so it's really worth it to pay a visit to Charlie's shop.

Ears: Uni Ears "High Elf" by Soul - 399 L$. The ears come with a special tattoo HUD, and they are also copy/mod, making them a true bargain.

Eyes: Spectral Eyes "Leonine" by IKON  - past group gift, now available for 150 L$.

Hair: "Ruri" in Ruby by D!va - 125 L$ (special discount price). Marisa Kira is rebuilding her sim, and she has decided to pamper her clients with a special offer in the meantime - everything is half price in the temporary skybox shop! "Ruby" was a Lucky Board gift but there are 12 other lovely colours still available.

Gown: "Jolie Proie" in Red by Faida and Fallen Gods Inc. - 260 L$, for the "Enchantment in SL" event. The gown is available in eight lovely gemstone colours, and you can read more about Enchantment in SL here.

Jewellery: "Eureka" by Ganked - not available any more (... what a pity).

Rose bouquet with pose: [[RH]] "Old Rose Bouquet" set - a free gift at the Creators Collection Box event until 14th February.

Sofa: "Justine" by Libertine - 3,700 L$. Visit Libertine's showroom in order to play with Justine before you buy this unique piece.

O Shepherdess Where Are Thyne Pastures?

The last lamb was exhausted and weak. It looked up to the centre of its tiny world, the shepherdess, the benevolent caretaker and the source of all goodness, and it silently begged for water. "Oh my dear... I am so very, very sorry..." - whispered the young girl, and hugged the little woolly body closer. "There has been no rain for ages, the pastures are fenced, and we are not permitted into town. But I shall not leave you alone, my dear." The thirsty, exhausted girl kept the thirsty, exhausted lamb in her arms, and she was waiting for whatever fate was mapped out for them.

As far as gacha machines are concerned, I made a vow some time ago. "I shall play one gacha machine three times, and I shall be happy with whatever I receive" ... and, oddly enough, the spirits guiding those machine handles reward me with rare or ultra rare pieces amazingly often.

Many of the items I'm showing you here are from the current round of The Fantasy Gacha Carnival, already duly introduced by my swifter-than-the-wind fellow blogger Vyl here. You can tempt your luck at Acerbus Silva until August 31st (or, according to the notice you receive when landing, until September 8th), so you still have a few days to walk around, pick and play.

Dress: "Mei Mei" by May's Soul in Green (common) - 75 L$ per play.

Headpiece and collar: "Lifa" by Zibska, full set with colour HUD (rare) - 50 L$ per play.

Face jewellery: "Miradi'el" by Keystone in Onyx (rare) - 50 L$ per play.

Necklace: "Eloise Chain Collar" by The Forge in Black (common) - 75 L$ per play.

Hand jewellery: "Aaliya Hawk" by Luas in Metal (common) - gacha machine available in the shop, 50 L$ per play.

Sheep: "Sheepie" by Adore & Abhor in Licorice - a previous Zodiac Event gacha prize now available in the main shop, 50 L$ per play. I'm a RL Aries so I'm quite taken with this sweet cutie, you know...

Skin: "Fairy" by Mudskin, blogged here.

Nails: "Basic Prim Nails" by Candy Nail in Monotone 10 - 70 L$.

Hairbase: "Curls" by EMO-tions in Black - a previous group gift.

Eyes: "Immortal Eyes" by IKON in Sage - group gift June 2014, now available for sale in the main shop (150 L$).

Pose: Gesticulate - an old gift from the FabFree Headquarters, not available any more.

The picture was taken at El Laberinto Perdido, the latest build by Romy Nayar - quirky and bizarrely cute, as her creations usually are.

Love Ulaa - Please Help

"Love Ulaa is a fundraising event which aims to raise at least $200 towards sending Ulaa Coronet to visit her terminally ill mother. She has raised half of her target herself through gofundme. Now it's time for the SL community to step in and lend a loving hand to one of our own."

This morning I've received a group notice from Evangeline Miles of Evie's Closet, in which she speaks of her RL friend in the gentlest terms, and she applies for our help. I don't know Ulaa but I know what it means to be in her situation. Many years ago I had to take a plane literally in hours, hoping to be able to see my father still alive in another country. Luckily, I had the money to pay my fare. Ulaa is not this fortunate. The event is open until 18 August, so you have a few days to visit. Please go and spend your Linden Dollars in the best way possible.

Outfit: "Sigrid" by Evie'sCloset, a special version for the "Love Ulaa" event (250 L$).

Bun: part of the "Iona" hairdo in Cast Iron, by Discord Designs, available at the "Love Ulaa" event (180 L$ for a colour pack of 6 shades).

Hair: "Grace" in Black by Due, a special offer for the current round of "Enchantment" (250 L$ for a colour pack of 5 shades).

Jewellery: part of the "Persephone" outfit by Les Encantades - 100 L$ (a true deal, as the rest of the outfit is amazingly beautiful, too!), available at the We Love Role-Play event.

Skin: "Fairy" by Mudskin - June 2014 group gift; it is free to join the group.

Eyes: "Kaleido Eyes" in Night by Ikon - a former group gift, now available for 150 L$.

Pose: "Butterflies" by UncertainSmile - part of a three-piece pose and prop set, available at the "LoveUlaa" event (200 L$).

The picture was taken at Dawn of Radiance, the dreamily beautiful sim built by Silvermoon Fairey.

The Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring - Alice On The Run

Alice knew something weird was going on in the enchanted realm behind the Looking Glass. Not that the land and its inhabitants had ever been what people usually call “normal”, not at all... but what Alice noticed was well over the edge even by their standards. The Caterpillar gave up smoking because, as he told Alice, it was bad for his health. The Mock Turtle applied for university because he wanted to become an actor and be called The Authentic Turtle. And the Mad Hatter... better to forget about him. He decided to open a luxury shop where he sold dresses to the Red Queen and her court.

“Beware the jabberwock, my girl!” – Alice heard a raspy voice while she was brooding under a gigantic mushroom, generally feeling abandoned and alone. “’Tis his work! Beware! Run, Alice, and don’t look back!” “Who are you?” – Alice asked. “Oohhh... I’m the Terrible Jubjub Bird, only that I’m un-jubjubbed... I’m harmless now and need someone to feed me!” – answered the mysterious speaker who, as Alice saw, was nothing else but a small mockingbird in a cage. In this very moment Alice heard a distant growl... and she knew the Jabberwock was close. She picked up the cage and started running through the forest of mushrooms, towards the Looking Glass.

Ladies and gentlemen, if you also wish to lose even the rest of your sound mind, jump on the band wagon of the Twisted Hunters! The principal rule is that there are no rules and clues, shop owners can be as wicked as they’ve ever wanted to be and they may hide the prizes anywhere, under floorboards and in chimneys... so that you may feel really really rewarded when you pick up the right damn lil rotating cube after hitting on the umpteenth decoy.

Outfit including the hat and shoes: Impish “Alice” – Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring gift (0 $).

Skin: part of the “Distemper” avatar by Indigo Oddities – Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring gift (0 $).

Eyes: Ikon “Machine” – March group gift; it's free to join the group (0 $).

Hair: Alice Project “Wonderland SE” in White – Lucky Board prize (0 $).

Poses: Elephante “Voodoo Girl” in the first picture and Rook Poses (birdcage prop with pose) in the second one – both are Twisted Hunt 2013 Spring gifts (0 $).

The pictures were taken at the Nitroglobus Gallery that hosts the psychedelic installation titled “Eyeworld” by Roni Saunders until mid-March. Beware, there be no Caterpillar but lots and lots of mushrooms...and eyes...

Drip Drip Drip – MadPea „Love Potion 9.9” Hunt

She was a nameless water fairy... better to say, she was Waterdrop No. 451900564778, assigned to service in the tiny well of a small village. Her work was boring. People came to the well, they filled their buckets and jugs, the women were chatting for a minute or two, then everyone went to do whatever they were supposed to do. Waterdrop No. 451900564778 remained there, in the bottom of the well, all alone. Until, one day, she got an idea.

The next morning the inhabitants of the village gathered around the well that dried out overnight. The women were crying, and the men were loudly discussing ideas about what to do. “We should dig another well!” – someone said. Then someone else suggested they should clean the well they already had, and a third someone came up with the idea that they should appoint a permanent guardian to it... at which they suddenly heard a tiny “glug”. The water was back. Waterdrop No. 451900564778 let the villagers know, in no unequivocal terms, that she preferred company.

I think that the current MadPea hunt, “Love Potion 9.9”, is the best one ever organised until now. The storyline is entertaining, the clues are excellent (a big thank you and many, many compliments go to Elizabeth Tinsley, the mastermind behind the hunt!), the objects you have to collect are different in each shop, the endgame is anything but boring, and the gifts are... wow. So there’s only one thing that remains, you running to the starting point and buying the HUD for 50 L$, then just enjoy the trip! You have time until March 14^th.

As to the gifts... where to start? This time I’m showing you the „Water Fae” outfit by Fantavatar & Moonstruck, which is amazing. The hairpiece and the shoulder pad textures are animated so water actually circulates around your limbs and you do look like a walking rivulet! The pretty necklace by *Amaranthus* also holds a surprise, just click on the locket and you’ll see. :)

Outfit: Fantavatar & Moonstruck „Water Fae Female” – MadPea Hunt prize.

Necklace: *Amaranthus* „Tied Locket” - MadPea Hunt prize.

Skin: Niekra’s Dreams “Frost Elf Skin” – Fantasy Hunt prize (1 L$). The hunt is on until February 21^st.

Eyes: IKON Lucid Eyes “Optimism” – February group gift (0 L$). It’s free to join the group.

Poses: HelaMiyo “Dandy” - 50 L$ for one pose, the 10-pose pack costs 400 L$.