Fallen Star - Fantasy Faire 2023

 Something... something was missing.

People had noticed of course, though not too many just yet. There were always those more observant, those whose eyes turned most often to the firmament; seeking guidance, tracing patterns, wishing... Now there were whispers among the wishes, murmurs from the mapmakers and something not quite grumbling from those who used the stars as their guide. Something was definitely missing, a patch of darkness above where a speck of brilliance had long gleamed.

Something was missing from the darkness of the night sky, because something had become someone. Someone had looked down for as long as eyes had looked up, someone had seen, and wanted a closer look. Taking form as something so comparatively small had been a challenge, she was taking very careful steps with her new feet, lest she sink through the surface of this enticing world.

Her choice of form was inspired entirely by the new sights which dazzled her eyes, as she in her turn had inspired others for aeons gone by. Travelling through the lands opening up before her, tones, light and shade never experienced threatened to overwhelm her senses. Everywhere flowers burst into bloom, their petals unfathomably smooth and cool against the nascent touch of her fingertips. Music and voices lilted and rose, a wave of welcome to ears accustomed to the fury of fire and storm.



She could barely wait to explore the beautiful world, able to linger only so long in each place, desperate to take it all in. Voices and fellowship called her forward, drawing her into a strange dance of warmth she'd thought left far behind. Before too long, she would return to the her place, a light in the darkness; for now, she would revel in the lights she found right here.

Aaaaannnd we're back! The Fantasy Faire is here once again! Thousands of souls coming together in rememberance and hope, making the world more beautiful while doing the most beautiful thing - helping others. Raising money to contribute to the fight against all cancers. Items blogged are donation items, with proceeds going to Relay for Life - The American Cancer Society. So come and explore, shop and enjoy some time in the beautiful worlds created for you, to make our world better.

Hair: Raven Bell - Magnolia Hair F ~Shimmer~
Szystrum Synod
Skin: Moth&Moon - Maitreya - HAZE - Cleavage 2
Frostweald
Earrings: *KD* Soul earrings
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Khumbala/104/187/68
Eyes: _-FAS-_ AURORA EYES : NORTHERN
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spirits%20Crossing/31/36/68
Necklace: [DB] Drunken Brokkr - Fithril Chest Jewelry - FF special
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nysaris/177/30/70
Gown: Belle Epoque - Athena Dress RFL (Maitreya)
http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nysaris/125/65/85
Hand tattoos: GERMINAL - IMOGEN FINGERS
Nysaris
Staff: Simply Shelby - Moon Staff - Purple/Pink
Nysaris

These pictures taken in the Fantasy Faire Sim : Glimmering Meadows

Fantasy Faire 2021 - Why I Relay

 

Dawn was breaking in the East.
Shadows slunk before the glow coating the land, slithering a retreat from the unstoppable rise of the sun. Cockerels and Snakes wrought in gold glimmered atop the spires of the city, their feathers and scales the first to feel the warmth of the new day. Before long the bells would ring the hour, the cowelled and masked sentinels of time must, even now, be wrenching their collective gaze from the eternally swinging censer, the heartbeat of the city. The aroma of night still lingered, drifting across the rooftops. This would soon change, the somnolent scent invigorated with the addition of morning's herbs, enticing the population to awaken.

Up high in the city's near countless belfries, the peals and chimes could easily be deafening, only those born to it could brave those halls. It was here that Katja spent her hours, tending to the bells. Throughout the day and night their tones reverberated, the air in the spire thick with it; the ferocity fading with distance, allowing near silence to echo through the lanes far below. Of course, just as the ever changing aroma of the censer permeated each dwelling and workplace, there was never true silence in the city. That was the point.

The resonance of the bells had over the decades first damaged, then shredded the webbing of her wings. Katja's role had cost her the ease of flight. Reaching heights was no longer as simple as stepping out from the spire and looking aloft. Tendrils of smoke still etched the rising thermals as clearly to her as pen ink on parchment, only now their reading took such effort, and there was always work to be done. She supposed it was always so, for those at work in the city. They gave of themselves in order to carry out their tasks. As the hours passed, with each turn of the key usually kept safe round her neck, new music was drawn up the spire. The bell's changes were rung, and the chimes sang out to drift through the windows of buildings nearby.

As night fell, Katja could leave her post and roam the city. Away from the intensity of the bells the thrum of life in the city was more palpable, the heartbeats of thousands following the beat of the swinging censer. Each of the lands had a place like this, or so it was said. Some would be recognisable, following principles which made sense to their understanding, some she knew, were far beyond it, for good or ill. This city was a place of healing. Every part of its design put in place for the benefit of those in need. The architecture held to mathmatical perfection, the golden ratio evident in the layout of the streets. Their censer spread the smoke of healing herbs, vitalizing from the dawn, calming and soothing from the dusk, easing residents into restful slumber. The tone of the bells, those high and low reverberated at frequencies encouraging healing, as though each spire held the power of a powerful cat's purr. Their work took its toll, they had made their choice, and felt the gratitude flowing from the world.

It's that time, and it's that challenge. Why I Relay. 

In all honesty, when writing this, my thoughts have been more with Covid than with cancer. When really, the pandemic, which was still in its infancy when we gathered for the faire last year, is a further layer of toil and hurt existing on top of everything we have been fighting for so long. People are still getting cancer. People are still in need of treatment. People are still frightened to go to the doctor, terror of what might be found paralysing them from action. All that, and a deadly virus on top? Wow. 

Hopefully this post is more upbeat for this challenge than I have managed in the past - and I can hold back from dipping into the cynical side of my nature - to consider this. Covid has happened, it has been the weirdest worldwide experience for decades, and now we have vaccines. Varient strains emerge, and in time working together, we will have vaccines which protect against these too. We have the same hope for the fight against cancer.  That hope. That's why I Relay.

So go, shop. Raise money for this hopeful cause.

Items listed are 100% Donation to Relay for Life

Hair : KMH - Hair F162  

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jadoube/66/31/69

Skin : Ab.Fab Daenerys Amethyst Skin HDPRO-Cleavage-BOM 

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Isles%20of%20Tarrin/205/57/126

Tattoo : ArtToo's - Black Dragon Tattoo 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Adracunas/56/23/65 

Eyes: Not A Peep - [n.a.p] Hoard Eyes - 05 - Amethyst

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somniatoris%20Arx/135/77/79 

Mask : Air - Maschera a un'ala /C_gold_CM

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jadoube/226/40/73 

Necklace - [+Oblivis+] Gehenna Key Chain Necklace

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Somniatoris%20Arx/35/216/73

Wings : [SpiderProductions] Grim Skeletal Wings RFL

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Amethyst%20Rift/208/140/30 

Gown : Belle Epoque - Nailah - RFL

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Isles%20of%20Tarrin/141/72/145 

Nails : VENGE - Legacy - Stiletto Nails

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FF%20Valhalla/74/41/121

Poses : Pink Moon - Gypsy Soul

https://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/FF%20Yin%20Yang/69/53/90 

 

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

Strange seas - Fantasy Faire 2020

"Come sail away, come sail away, come sail away with me..."

Signing on to sail the seven seas had had no such siren's call. Neither had it been the Queen's shilling slipped into her flagon of ale, nor the cosh, bind and drag of the press-gang. It had been stranger than that. Twelve moons past, she frowned at the memory, had it been twelve moons, or twenty four? Elora span the novelty globe slowly, not wanting to disturb the bottles hidden within. There had been trading calls at so many markets since that she had begun to lose track, despite their incredible differences. One had flown aloft, higher than the crow's nest of any vessel, powered by some strange crackling blue aurora. Another had been deep, deep within the earth, caverns and caves lit sparsely by flaming torches and in places by an unearthly glow from banks of twisting toadstools. It had been in one, both, or more of these that she had met The Mooshki, and heard their tales of lands more distant than any she had visited to date.

The search had begun following those meetings. Strange seas, with stranger tides. Exploration had taken the ship to lands more bizarre than those on the ship's novelty globe. New charts were plotted, those areas which had once held nought but dragons were sketched, mapped and defined. There was a sadness to this, the loss of mystery. There was excitement, the discovery of the new. They had found so much, and shared their treasures with the world. They hadn't found what they were searching for yet, but with each journey they were getting closer. It was time again to set sail.

More goodies from the fabulous Fantasy Faire! Stop by and shop - get some of these goodies! All items listed are 100% donation to Relay for Life, raising money for cancer research. Where's the downside? Don't waste time looking for one, you have shopping to do!

Hair : AnalogDog - Sinai - Variety
Cassiopeia
Skin :  Ab.Fab skins&Fantasy - Eir Amethyst Skin-Cleavage-BOM
Elemaria
Eyes :  !TLB - Lyric Eyes/Green
Autumnium
Tattoo : Stardust - Elora - Purple Tattoo 100%
Elemaria
Outfit : Belle Epoque - Anne - FF20 (Maitreya)
Sirens Lore
Boots : lassitude & ennui  - Reverie boots - purple (Maitreya)
Zodiac

A Quiet Time - Fantasy Faire 2020

The streets were quiet.
They had been quiet for days...
Days? No, Cerys' foot nudged the drift of detritus forming a strange high tide line along the cracked pavement. It had been a good while longer than that.

The people had receded, retreating back into their places of sanctuary.
Alarms had sounded, voices had blared, some speaking sense, others quite the opposite.
Some had learned what others had already known, they were not the masters of their own universe.
Some would never learn. Others held onto hope that even this wouldn't matter.
Cerys gazed out into the fenced off remainder of wilderness in the midst of the city and wondered what it had been like, when such things happened in the past. Were they better off now? Better able to cope?

There were comforts to be found even in the links of that chain of thought. Particularly among the trees, with the soft sounds of nature awakening all around. Each day there was this escape, normalcy rebranded as freedom for one precious hour. Technology, crtiticised for so long, by so many, for isolating and desensitizing, was bringing people together. People were reaching out to those they had not sought for years. New ways of communicating were bringing people together, even while they were apart. Individuals and groups undervalued and marginalised in the day to day, were in this day, today, showing their inexpressible worth by keeping the true neccessities of life going.

By keeping apart, while reaching out; focusing on what we have, and those we love, we can get through this. 

The Fantasy Faire is a wonderful escape from reality. The reason we do it, the heart of it all, is so embedded in reality as to make it inescapable. We do this to raise money to further cancer research. We do this because in this virtual world, this second life where we are free to do anything and be anything we want, we still want to help make things better here in the real world. So please. While you are indoors, if you are feeling trapped, or isolated, double click that icon. Step into another world. Buy something beautiful that makes you smile. Think of the difference you are making, to the world. 

Items shown are 100% donation to Relay for Life

Hair : Wasabi // Anaia Mesh Hair
Zodiac
Skin : ND/MD Boo Eye+ LIGHT-NO brows-
          ND/MD Boo eyebrows- rose
Cassiopeia
Face tattoo and dermal piercing : !TLB - Aelia Tattoo and Dermal
Eyes : !TLB - Lyric Eyes/Green
Autumnium
Necklace : [ riseDesign ] RFL Rock On Necklace
Melusina’s Depths
Tattoo : GERMINAL - Cracked Reality Tattoo
Auxentios’ Pass
Dragonfly : =EagleDesigns= Dragonfly Friend - Orange Red
Elemaria
Top : Grumble - Summer Heat Cami
Agra Adara
Pants :  Trinity Clothing - Cane's Grunge Overalls
Melusina’s Depths

Wishing - A Midas Tale. Fantasy Faire 2019

What would you want, if you could have anything?

A seductive question, perhaps the most enticing combination of word or thought that could be conjured. Once asked, it captivated; either by focus and endless longing, or through purposeful, eternal avoidance through fear of what may, or may not be possible.

Midas had certainly thought himself lucky, blessed by the gods with a touch that turned all to gold. The gold delighted him, what more could anyone wish for? No worries could plague him, all financial concerns a thing of the past, he and his family were all set for life. Xenia, the eternal honoured practice of opening hearth and home to any guest had gained him this prize. The gods however, took their pleasure in not only punishing those who flouted ancient laws, but in toying with those who did all in their power to follow them. Midas had gone first to his rose garden, touching each bloom in turn, until the bushes sagged under the weight of his riches. A brushed kiss on his daughter's cheek, the loving clasp of his wife's hand and his family were worth more than all the wealth of the town, their true value lost forever.

What could you want, when offered everything, other than some guarantee that what you already had wouldn't be taken away? Or, if what you truly wanted was for something to be taken away, that it wouldn't be visited on those closest to your heart to appease some deity's twisted sense of humour in a cosmic joke? Wishing for more wishes was forbidden of course, though people were still sure to waste their opportunity by asking. Whatever was asked for was granted, but this. The consequences, good or bad were unknowable in advance, even to the one granting the request. What was best, what was safest, what could do the most harm, the most good? There was no knowing, no guarantee in wishing. Would it better serve the worlds if there were no wishing? Wishing stemmed from hope, its painful double edge cut dreams into tatters while opening doors. Hope fuelled wishing, from Midas to the modern day. Those who granted them, mostly by now grown out of impish mischief, could only hold to that which gave their power. The heart of it all. Hope.

Hope. We have it. The Fantasy Faire has been, and for a short while longer will continue to be, amazing. Hope and the goodness within people has raised over $60,000. Thats USD. Over TEN MILLION LINDENS. That L$250 here and there, that one big purchase of a skin, or a build for a thousand or more - it all adds up. It is all adding up. It is adding up to improving your life inworld. To improving life in the really real world, for people fighting for their lives. Keep going. Keep relaying. You are the ones granting wishes. You are bringing hope.

(Oh and don't worry too much about Midas, he was granted a further boon by the gods and all he'd turned to gold was returned to him as it had been, including his wife and daughter!)

All pictures taken in Fantasy Faire Sim Midas

Hair : !!Firelight!! Rigged FItMesh Hair - Fatpack - Irene Gen2+
Sanguinely Garden
Veil :  Dreaming Thicket - Dianthus Veil - Pomegrana Gold (Transparent)
Tensors Flying Market
Tattoo :  Endless Pain Tattoos - Virion black
Twilight Spring
Necklace :  [HarshLands] FF X Necklace - ULTRA RARE - Demon
Light of Valoth
Dress :  MoonLiteCatCreations -  Marigold Gold Dress
Midas
Bracelet : .AiShA. Kraken Bracelet Ring Gold
Faireholm
Shoes : (*<*) 1313 Mockingbird Lane Evie Sandals
Nightshade Blossoms

The sound of serpents - Fantasy Faire 2019

SSSssssSSSSssss

The sibilant sound reverberated around the bayou, licking over leaves and Phyllomedusa alike.

It hadn't been long since the mists had cleared, well, mostly cleared. Patches lingered here and there, as things were wont to do. Strands of spanish moss clung to branch and rigging; giving foot, toe and claw holds to all manner of creatures making their way through an environment never clear, never obviously dangerous or benign.

Strings of lights danced languorously in the warm air, moisture collected to drip from wooden beams. Vast wheels lay still, their vessels at a final mooring. Still the hissing continued, enticing, warning, hypnotising... who could tell? Surely in any realm it was wise to treat the words of strangers with care? Here, where language so strange, yet so pleasing to the ear seemed to guide, to lead, it was the safer choice to turn away, to keep to clear paths?

Safer, perhaps. But those who came to these lands were not so craven as to always seek safety above adventure, to keep to the guaranteed when something more beckoned. There was risk, of course! However, those who feared to listen to the hiss of the serpent may never experience the murmured wisdom of the dragon. Some welcomed the pain of tooth and claw for the chance to learn, the opportunity to grow. What was the risk of an occasional dunking in the bayou compared to that?

Images taken in the Fantasy Faire Sim Bayounimba

Hair : [ Wilds of Organica ] Medusa Gorgon Hair (PINK) - This MOVES!!! SO COOOOL!!!
The Shrine Tree
Horns : *NeverWish* Dreamer Horns - Big - RFL
Midas
Skin :  alpha.tribe::: [Crow]
Midas
Scarification tattoo :  *Birth* Scarification Omega Applier - 'Drums'
Tensors Flying Market
Ear Cuff : God Mod - Dragon cuff Destiny
Twilight Spring
Eyes :  {Acios} Eyes of Bayounimba
Bayounimba
Necklace : [HarshLands] FF X Necklace - UNCOMMON - Crystals
Light of Valoth
Gown : Belle Epoque { Isabella } FF19
Faireholm

A Wandering Life - Fantasy Faire 2019

For some, a life apart was the only true way of living.

Never quite comfortable at the beginning, all things take some getting used to. Even ruts take time to wear in, furrows some time to plough. Some find comfort in the familiar, unaware of, or perhaps not caring about the wearing away and moulding they receive in return. The grit in the shoe, the twitching discomfort of muscle or soul, these plagued some past the point of forbearance. For better or worse, the pursuit of something 'other' had to begin.

Of course, even in the life apart these wanderers crossed paths. Those who felt adrift and out of place at home could hope to find their home in places new. To find those places was not always to search for the unknown, nor was it an endless quest for solitude. This is where the market was invaluable. Wherever the market happened to be; for its location was never something you could guarantee. Rumour and hearsay were the highways which led in its ever changing direction, its wares and stall holders equally as ephemeral. The only constant was the lack of continuity - and that was enough. There would always be something new to see, some fresh entertainment to be enjoyed with strangers soon to be companions or friends.

This life apart was not for everyone, it could not exist if it was. For those who chose it willingly, or were pressganged into it by forces and spirits unknown, it could be intoxicating. It could be for you, do you hear the call, even a whisper that there may be more? Come and find the floating market, and perhaps you can find out. 

Images taken in Fantasy Faire SIM  Tensors Flying Market
Fabulous items listed below and pictured above are available at the Fantasy Faire, raising money to support those fighting cancer, helping them to do so in safety and with dignity through the American Cancer Society.

Hair : Wasabi // Prudence Mesh Hair
Midas
Circlet : Talevin's Designs - Crescent Circlet
The Shrine Tree
Eyes :  {Acios} Eyes of Bayounimba
Bayounimba
Staff : Talevin's Designs - Lunar Staff
The Shrine Tree
Ring : *OnALark* Eternal Love Ring
Midas
Nails : DP - Koffin Nails -  Moon Totem
Twilight Spring
Dress : God Mod - Malika Rust Dress
Twilight Spring

Sweet Sakura - Fantasy Faire 2019

Follow me...

                    Follow me,

                                                             follow me...

                                                                                                  The season of Sakura is here!

In the Fairelands, themselves so fleeting, the season of Sakura would last the span of existence. The embodiment of renewal, spring and new life encapsulated in the fragile blooms.

So delicate, their ephemeral beauty and scent filled the realm, bringing joy to all. This beauty drew in crowds. For a short while all focus, all senses were delighted. This delight joined all those who experienced it, though they may never know it. This was the point. As even as the petals would begin to fall, their beauty and scent fading from the world, the world had been changed by their brief presence. All who delighted, all who saw were changed, their lives made better and brighter. 

                                       So follow me...

                                                                                   Follow me, and see.

Pictures taken in Fantasy Faire SIM Nightshade Blossoms

Hat : [Cubic Cherry] {Voracity} hat FF'19 Purple edition
Nightshade Blossoms
Hair : !!Firelight!! - Rigged Hair - Mega - Emeralda Gem2
Sanguinely Garden
Eyes :  {Acios} Eyes of Bayounimba
Bayounimba
Facial piercing : ~*Immersion*~ Remnant of Araushnee Diadem
Twilight Spring
Necklace : Talevin's Designs - Chain Gothic Cross Necklace
The Shrine Tree
Tattoo :  Juna: Multiple Hud Milly tattoo Woman
Tensors Flying Market
Wings and Top : *EC* Echo Fairy - (Part of full Echo Fairy outfit)
Midas
Skirt : :::c*C*c::: Valkyrie_purple skirt  (Part of full Valkyrie outfit)
The Shrine Tree
Boots: (RP) Kella Two Toned Boots Purple (Part of full Kella outfit)
Bayounimba

Why I Relay - Fantasy Faire 2019

The words whispered through the lanes, rounded corners, and whistled through the leaves of the Shrine Tree.

Words of all languages, from all lands. From tongues long lost, their syllables faded from all worlds but this. Cries of pure sound, filled with meaning even before understanding speech. The murmured, the whispered, the silence of words only thought, or communicated by gesture, by touch. Their soft breeze gently nudged the lanterns hanging from every bough. Shouts, yells and screams shook the ground, sending showers of petals down from branches high above.

Words had built each building, brick by brick, stone on stone, tile by tile. It took many words to make each of course, or by now the accumulation of buildings would stretch to the ends of the world. Every word found its place here, those of resolve and conviction, strength and stability formed foundations and walls, rising higher with spires of hope and challenge to be achieved. Glass from clarity, rooftiles from words of protection and care. This land was one of words, of memory.

A land of memory, but no mausoleum. The words which had coalesced into matter, pulled together into shape and form, they would never diminish, they would endure. The names which lit each lantern would go on burning bright long after all who had spoken them were themselves passed and gone. Knowledge and understanding developed over time, slowing the process of building, illuminating fewer new lanterns, fewer new candles. Fewer voices would add to the chorus, and that was the goal. That was worth celebrating. Worth fighting for.

Why I Relay

I relay for this. This which was once a dream, and is slowly becoming a reality. A world in which fewer and fewer people are lost to or hurt by cancer. We are all affected, we can all show resolve, have strength, offer hope and care. We do this for those who cancer has taken. We do this for those who fight it every day. We do this to make sure there will be an end. There will be no more lights. No more loss. I relay to remember and honour. I speak the names. I hold the memories.

Pictures taken in Fantasy Faire sim The Shrine Tree

Headdress : ROZOREGALIA_GYURIA*HEADDRESS(LastNote){GOLD}_FF
Midas
Hair : Wasabi // Prudence Mesh Hair
Midas
Eyes :  {Acios} Eyes of Bayounimba
Bayounimba
Necklace : *~*Illusions*~* Shikoba Necklace
Midas
Tattoo : Endless Pain Tattoos - Myrdin black
Twilight Spring
Dress : .AiShA. Gothel Dress Maitreya Red
Faireholm

Follow the feeling - Fantasy Faire 2019

All through the fairelands the strains of music could be heard. It was more than the tuneful warbling of birds, though of course, that was ever present, especially up near the eaves.

"Eaves dropping..." Lore mumbled, her gaze drifting along the sweeping arches of stone.

"Dropping eaves... Dropping leaves..." turning she peered through the halflight to the shaded interior of the nearest tree.

"Come out, come out, wherever you are."

Shaking her head Lore chuckled. "What in the worlds am I doing? Peeping into nests?" Gently, as light as a feather, she began to drift down from the heights she had worked herself up to in her excitement. Refractions of light glimmered and danced across the silk of her gown, magical light, the Light of Va'Loth. Lore walked on, closer to its source, enjoying the effect, taking delight in the kinship even of the Fairelands themselves, the beauty of one drew out and bolstered the beauty of another. She had to follow the music, she was certain it was that which had drawn the moths from their homes. Fluttering wings took flight, chasing not the light of sun, moon, or even magic, but a different frequency. The rhythms flowing from the Fairechylde, a vital heartbeat to the lands, echoed in the forms of all those who sought it, gathered around it to sing and to dance.

"Round and round the mulberry bush..." she sang softly even as her eyes darted from a blade of grass to a drifting mote in the air.

"Come on my beauties where have you gone? You don't even eat mulberry leaves!" Soon the lands would fill with visitors, clomping feet and hooves, broad, leaf brushing wings, to say nothing of those beings made from fire or ice. She shuddered, she had to round them up, get them safely home. The silk rustled, the first wing beat.

"There!" Lore beckoned, lavender tipped fingers curling in welcome. Her moths fluttered to her, soon to be back safely in Bayounimba. Life would go on, eggs would be laid, caterpillars grown. Grown to eat the leaves in the Bayou, to make the most beautiful silk.

So much prettiness. More than prettiness. These are the kinds of SIMs that you wish were places you could visit in RL, so beautiful and well crafted you can feel the texture of the air and breathe in its scent as you click and cam your way. Plus, you can buy all this amazing stuff there!. What could be better? Raising money to support people with cancer? IT ONLY GOES AND DOES THAT AS WELL! What are you waiting for? Links to the beautiful right here!

Images taken in Fantasy Faireland SIM Light of Valoth

Halo : Air - Gothic Halo_silver
The Shrine Tree
Hair :  Wasabi // Prudence Mesh Hair
Midas
Circlet : [Kotolier] "Herba" Circlet (FF2019)
Midas
Skin :  Sinful Needs - Children of the Night V3 Female - Jet Brows
Twilight Spring
Eyes : {Acios} Eyes of Bayounimba
Bayounimba
Earrings :  [Cubic Cherry] {Akane} earrings
Nightshade Blossoms
Scarification : *Birth* Scarification - 'TribalArrow'
Tensors Flying Market
Skin Colourfade : :[EvenTide]: Colored Fades - Purple Mild
The Shrine Tree
Necklace : [HarshLands] FF X Necklace - ULTRA RARE - Her High Faireness
Light of Valoth
Gown : +Dreamcatcher+ Agatha
Faireholm

Fantasy Faire 2019 - Summer of Love

It would become known all around the world as the Summer of Love. In the dawning days of the year however, you could have been mistaken for believing the snow and ice would last forever. Down in the caverns where the earth stayed warm through the winter only thanks to the magma flowing slowly beneath the rocks Eddyn and her kin waited, and worked. Without their efforts in years past, those who above replenished the soil with the blood of their enemies would have starved through the long winters that followed. Time passed differently down in the grottoes, slumber lasted from season to season, the truth of the land rather than the spinning of the globe dictated their working hours. One of the first to awaken, Eddyn tended the early toadstools, easing their caps through the soil between the crystals.

Being up so early was a blessing. Long had Eddyn been teased by others for her appearance. Similarities to a certain fictional fae were as clear as they were annoying, and the last few seasons had caused the others more mirth than ever thanks to a certain cartoon movie. Rising early gave her time without so many whispers and giggles. Time to let the new world wash over her, to rise into the light, to feel warmth from sun rather than stone, and at last, at long last, feel the new rhythm now pulsing through existence.

Spring was here, life was bursting anew all over. All of it light, laughter both delicate and kind bubbled at the edges of everything. Music and scented smoke flowed from leaves along rays of sunshine. Eddyn intended to enjoy it fully, her work for the time being complete. The beat was set, she followed it, adding her own. The world warmed toward summer, time for some fun.

Well, well, well. Not just three holes in the ground!
A whole year gone by already - and back we are again with another Fantasy Faire, raising money for the American Cancer Society! There are SIXTEEN SIMS this year. All as beautiful and unique as ever. Jawdroppingly so. Certainly Linden droppingly so! Items shown are sold to raise money to help those facing cancer here in the real world. Treat yourself, and help make life not only more bearable, but more possible for people you may never meet.

Images taken in Fantasy Faire SIM Twilight Spring

Hair and Daisy Floral Crown : !!Firelight!! Irene Gen2+
Sanguinely Garden
Eyes : {Acios} Eyes of Bayounimba
Bayounimba
Shroomy Ear Cuff : Butanik83 - Mushroom Ear Hook ENOKI
Nightshade Blossoms
Necklace : [HarshLands] FF X Necklace - COMMON - RFL Purple
Light of Valoth
Wings : .Lunaria. Ethereal Wings
Light of Valoth
Tattoos : Stardust - Aster hope tattoo
               Stardust - Asteria hope tattoo
Faireholm
Dress : [EvelineIntheBox] Ginny - Square Green
Nightshade Blossoms
Nails : :DP - Koffin Nails - Butterfly Fantasy
Twilight Spring

Blogger Challenge : I remember

 

One of the blogger challenges from the Fantasy Faire is "I remember". Thinking back across Faires past. Back in 2014 I started making little videos - didnt manage to get all of the sims that year, as like an idiot I saved the files on top of each other, and then they were gone. 

Each year I walk the sims and capture what I can of their beauty before they fade into the mists. Capture them so we can look back on them and remember. 

The mists will recede again on the 19th, and we can all help make a difference, enjoying the beauty while raising money for Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

Music :
Nocturne in B flat minor, Op. 9 no. 1 - Copyright Free Public Domain from https://musopen.org/music/108-nocturnes-op-9/
Nocturne in C minor, Op. 48 no. 1 - Copyright Free Public Domain from https://musopen.org/music/111-nocturnes-op-48/
Nocturnes, Op. 32 - No. 1. Nocturne in B major - Copyright Free Public Domain from https://musopen.org/music/109-nocturnes-op-32/

Fantasy Faire 2017 - The Butterfly Wrangler

Other towns had rats and mice for vermin… the City of Purple Dawn had butterflies.

Each year, when the first buds started blossoming on the pink-and-blue Dreamcatcher Trees, the elderly and experienced inhabitants of the City of Purple Dawn pulled out their protective hats and veils from the wardrobe, because they knew the butterflies would swarm in very soon... and when the butterflies swarmed, they meant business.

When the situation became really desperate, and the inhabitants of the City of Purple Dawn could not leave their homes because there were butterflies everywhere, hanging from the trees, walking on the ground, fluttering in the air, the Council of the Wise knew it was time to call Her... Their saviour and benefactor, the Butterfly Wrangler.

There she came, a beautiful and calm woman, quietly humming a mysterious tone, a cage with a few captive butterflies in her hand. The sea of colourful insects parted before her; then their swirling dance slowly changed as they started following the Butterfly Wrangler, one lepidopteran after another, then dozens, then hundreds, then millions. 

The Butterfly Wrangler was leading them out of the City of Purple Dawn, her figure became small in the distance, surrounded by a dancing and vibrating cloud of colours... and the inhabitants of the City of Purple Dawn sighed, pulled out their brooms from the cupboard, and started cleaning up the streets after the invasion of the flying six-legged vermin.

Fantasy Faire items:

Gown: “Oriana” in Pink by Belle Epoque - 199 L$. Janire Van Belle (“Janire Coba”, if you want to look her up) is a smart and original creator, and also a great person with a quirky sense of humour and a big heart. I’m showing you “Oriana” in powder pink, a refined and delicate gown designed so well that you can almost feel the light touch of silk on your RL skin. You have six more colours to pick from, and it’s a true bargain as Janire has included versions for every major brand of mesh bodies, in addition to the standard one. The “Belle Epoque” shop is at Raven’s Perch.

Headdress (with flowers): “Sabine Headpiece” by Belle Epoque, a special hunt gift for the Fantasy Faire. If you want to own this beautiful flowery head ornament, you must complete The Quest! Please read the details on the FantasyFaire homepage.

Hair: “Raven” in Lunar Ombre by Wasabi Pills – 250 L$. “Raven” is one of the two new hairstyles designed by MissAllSunday Lemon for the Faire, and if you buy the “Lunar Ombre” pack you can be certain you have selected your colours well, as 100% of the proceedings goes to RFL. The Wasabi Pills shop is at The Rose.

Other items:

Head: Catwa “Kimberly”.

Body: Maitreya “Lara”.

Pose: “Subtle 5” by HelaMiyo – 300 L$. The collection of five delicate and expressive “Subtle” poses (plus their mirrors) is a Pose Fair 2017 exclusive by Miyoko Magic. The fair is open until the 29^th of April, so you have a few more days to visit and buy this elegant set. It’s quackalicious, Miyoko! :-)

Metal crown and bracers: “Revenge” by Luas (modified) – 100 L$. Ainara Luas shares a shop with Janire at the Fantasy Faire, so you can pay her a visit, too, at Raven’s Perch.

Butterflies cage: part of the “Lady Butterfly” outfit by Sweet Lies Design – 99 L$.

Butterflies: part of an avatar created by Piedra Lubitsch for MetaBody II. As Meiló Minotaur and CapCat Ragu are currently rebuilding the MetaBody sim, I’m afraid the beautiful (and) free avatars are not available any more.

The picture was taken at “Dawn’s Promise”, built by Sharni Azalee and Marcus Inkpen – a beautiful, beautiful dream of a sim at this year’s Fantasy Faire.

The story (without the credits) was also blogged at the Fantasy Faire homepage.

Fantasy Faire 2017 Sneak Peek - Faerie Queene

She couldn’t understand how she ended up in the chilly winter forest. How could her own people ban her...? Or was it Chancellor Thornheart who plotted against her and some spineless courtiers just followed his lead? Queen Flutterwillow shivered. Whoever cursed her picked the harshest and cruellest one for a delicate Flower Fae... the dreaded “Expeliatis” that ejected her from her kingdom and transported her to this wilderness of ice and snow. Yet, after a second or two, Queen Flutterwillow stood up, grabbed her magic wand, and conjured a swarm of colourful butterflies from thin air. “They will keep me warm until I arrive...” – she thought, lifted the hem of her gossamer gown, and started marching along the forest path covered in snow, towards home.

Fantasy Faire items:

Gown and wing: „Nature’s beautiful imperfection, Mulhalmoni” by Beyond Persuasion / Enrapturing Elegance Couture. If you want to be the belle of Fantasy Faire, I warmly recommend you the delicately embroidered, soft dress with the amazing neck detailing that looks like an ancient medallion with Sakura flowers captured under glass, and the wings made of pearls. This stunning gown comes with its own hairpiece, a lovely rose crown, that I’m not showing you here - please go and buy the „Mulhalmoni” set at the Faire if you are curious what it looks like! You will find Beyond Persuasion in the Falling Sands sim, and I am absolutely certain you won’t feel disappointed with your purchases!

“Sparkly Wand of Butterflies” by Talevin’s Designs. This apparently innocent and delicate wand can cast a spray of magic dust, also send your target several meters into the air, and even summon a jar full of butterflies that will trap your target! Talevin’s s shop is located in The Hill sim, go pay him a visit, it’s worth the walk!

Other items:

Skin: „Catalina” in Cream by Soul – 899 L$.

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

Eyes: “Royale Eyes” in Royal Purple by Adoness – Treasure Chest March 2017.

Eye makeup and lashes: „Venom Shadow” in Purple by Vengeful Threads – 99 L$. The „Venom Shadow” series is an exclusive product for the DarkSide2 Fashion Fair, open until 30th April.

Hair: „Charlotte” by Wasabi Pills – a previous 50 Lindens Friday item; now various colour packs are available in the shop for 250 L$

Bracelets: „Lumen” bracelets by LNS – what a pity LeNoirSoleil is gone...

Wreath: „Olivia” in Ice by Lode – gacha in the shop, 60 L$ per play.

Pose: „Favole 5” by HelaMiyo – 50 L$ for a single pose, or you may purchase the entire “Wrists Action” set with five different poses and their mirrors, for 300 L$.

The picture was taken in The Outer Garden.

Final stroll through the Fairelands 2016

Fantasy Faire - the last dance

Morning had broken, like the first morning. Though, this was the last morning, and the bird cawing over the alcove in which she had slept, while black, was distinctly corvid in nature. Mist thickly carpeted the tunnel system snaking its way through the landscape, as she stretched and yawned, it was through these tunnels she would fly.

Each of the Fairelands had a charm all of its own. There were hours when the brightness and pretty colours called, windmills and bunting turning cheerfully. Others, she needed the hustle an bustle of the sun drenched marketplace, the blown sand scouring everything clean. Mostly though, she was drawn to the twilight and the darkness, as only in these places could the lights be seen to shine. It was here the lights of remembrance could be found, one by one in niches or on branches, in groups, crowding shelves and alcoves, creating all the heat they needed to rise into the air and dance. It was here you would find her, on this, the last day of the Faire.

Soon the mists would rise higher, all the wonderful worlds drawn into being by the Faire would be engulfed, drifting apart for another year. Endings, always horribly sad, were not permanent. Anything learned, or gained would remain, carried within until the calendar brought everyone together again. There was not long left now, she would rather rejoice in what had been achieved than let herself sink into sorry. She would like to take you with her, to stay as long as possible in the world they had created, to stay happy, and revel in the beauty that could be found. She's waiting, all you have to do is reach out, and take her hand.

Horns : Spyralle - Lightbearer of Hope   Relay for Life item
Skin : .:Soul:. -  Gen2 F - Ranitomeya - [FF2016] - Fade - TT-FB - Brow   Relay for Life item
Earrings : EF: - Talia's Heart Earrings HOPE   Relay for Life item
Outfit : [V/W] Elody - L$ 250 Relay for Life item
Wings : {Acios} Hellfire Wings  Relay for Life item
Nails : DP - Koffin Nails - Cat's Eye  L$ 200  Relay for Life item

Images taken in the Blackmoor Fairelands SIM

A dryad's dream - Fantasy Faire 2016

Spring was moving through the woods. Winter's chill grip loosened gradually, day by day. As a soft breeze blew warmth through bare boughs, sap began to rise, bringing life back into cold dead wood. Thalia watched the change of season creep toward her, eyes for months shielded by a layer of bark and moss blinking free. Tingling shifted to movement as leaf by leaf unfurled, roots drinking deep as frozen ground thawed. Sunlight was no longer a harsh glare, but reached the softening earth through a canopy of shimmering green.

She had listened long to the stories told beneath her branches. In the gently curving glade she had made her home, people had come each spring, each summer, to rest, to eat and share their stories. Travellers, couples and families, each brought their tales. The families were her favourites, they brought books, bound in leather, or with cardboard covers crumpled from years of use. Tales of magical beings, perilous quests and curses broken. It had been years since she had chosen to put down roots, to sleep for a while in the soil.

This spring Thalia felt the joys of spring more strongly, it was the season for the dryad to climb out of the tree, to feel different grass beneath her feet. There were flowers across the glade she longed to smell, the fitful breeze had never blown their scent her way. This year she would visit other glades, other trees, greet the rivers and streams, enjoying her freedom.

Come on down to the Fairelands!
The Fairelands Junction

Relay for Life total raised currently stands at L$ 5,105,493 that's $ 20,422 real life dollars!

Hair : /Wasabi Pills/ Thyra Mesh Hair  L$ 250 Relay for Life item
Lovely hair, 19 HUD driven colours, 16 colour options for each of the two hair ribbons.
Skin :  [NM] - Aurora - Corset/Brows - Dystopia  Relay for Life item
Captivated by the tone of this skin - pack contains 6 versions with appliers for Maitreya, Belleza and Slink
Earrings :  EF: Talia's Heart Earrings HOPE  L$ 225  Relay for Life item
Delicate but eyecatching jewellery from the masters at the forge.
Dryad outfit : .AiShA. Dryad Relay for Life item
Dryad dress comes in standard size MESH L, M, S & XS. Included accessories, mask, ivy collar and bracelets are resizer scripted. 
Gown : !!TWA!! Maya of Moonhollow Gown  - Mystery
Beautiful elegant gown, the lacework really stands out with a tactile quality.
Treeswing : TLG - Boho Fae - Twisted Tree Light  L$ 200 Relay for Life item
Lovely illuminated entwined tree, complete with a swing! Couples poses included.