Fantasy Faire 2017 - Addio Venexia

She knew that pleading for her husband was in vain, even dangerous. The Council of Ten was appointed to watch over the security of the Most Serene Republic, and they took their job seriously. Her husband might have been a Tiepolo, descendant of noblemen, but the Council could overthrow even a Doge, and they sent her husband to exile for treason. Marina Barbarigo de Morosini knew she would never walk with him in Piazza San Marco ever again... yet every evening, when the shadows descended upon the lion statues and the Campanile, she lit a lantern and walked to the seashore. Maybe her husband’s eyes could pierce the darkness and the mists, and see the light that Marina faithfully lit for him in the Venetian twilight.

Fantasy Faire item:

Gown: „From the ashes comes life: Brigid” by Beyond Persuasion / Enrapturing Elegance Couture – 449 L$.

Another splendid and delicate outfit by Elizabet Skyward (Savira) that absolutely deserves your attention! She is one of the great discoveries of this year’s Fantasy Faire for me, with her caringly designed gowns and with her attention to small yet very important details. “Brigid” is also a RFL donation item, and you can find her and her equally lovely sisters in The Fallen Sands sim. This softly floating fitted mesh gown comes with a set of adjustable wings and an adjustable headpiece, not shown here.

Other items:

Head: Catwa Kimberly.

Body: Maitreya Lara.

Bracers: “Quala Bracers” in Gold by Luas – gacha prize (rare) available in the shop, 50 $ per play.

Halo: “Angelic Halo” in Copper by Acios – 99 L$. Previously a FF item, now the halo is available at the main shop of Acios in various colours. Acios is also present at this year’s Faire; you find the shop in The Fallen Sands.

Hair: „Hilda” in Burgundy by Bliss Hair – not available any more. It is a true pity that Amutey DeCuir has left SL and closed her Marketplace shop as well...

Lantern: „Plain” Lantern by Remarkable Oblivion – gacha prize (common) available in the shop, 100 $ per play.

Pose: “Subtle 1” by HelaMiyo – 300 L$. The collection of five delicate and expressive “Subtle” poses (plus their mirrors) is a Pose Fair exclusive by Miyoko Magic. It’s quackalicious, Miyoko! :-)

The picture was made at The Rose, the sim Alia Baroque built for this year's Fantasy Faire.. if the Faire is a dream, then this land is a dream within a dream. Visit it before it is too late and the Fairelands fade away in the mists....

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.

Fantasy Faire 2017 Sneak Peek - The Priestess

The priestess Ashera Sylstina was ready for the evening ritual. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and gently bowed towards the setting Sun first, then towards the slowly raising Moon. She was truly grateful for the day that was ending… the Mermaids were happy and content in their deep cove beneath the Temple, the Crystal Fountain was quietly trickling, the Dragons of the Iron Mountains were happily chasing sheep in a faraway realm… Life was good. The priestess Ashera Sylstina touched her High Crown, and a pleasantly warm feeling rushed through her body. The Goddess, who once gifted the first Priestess with the artifact, was content, too. „All is well…” – she whispered, and slowly walked back to the Temple across the Crystal Bridge.

Yes, YES, the first sneak peeks for the Fantasy Faire are here!

Fantasy Faire 2017 items:

Outfit: „Equinox” in Purple by EvelineInTheBox. The shop will be in the Mudrana sim.

Wings: „Fleurette Evony Wings” in Purple by Roped Passions. You'll find the shop in the Raven's Perch sim.

Other items:

Halo:  „Rye Halo” by Voluptas Virtualis (Aisling) – 250 L$, an exclusive „Black Fair” item available until 19th April.

Necklace: „Necro Nephilim” in Amethyst by Vengeful Threads – 99 L$, an exclusive „Suicide Dollz” item available until 27th April. This spectacular necklace comes with a colour change HUD in five different colours, so you can play with it at your heart’s content. :-)

Makeup: „Urbanesque Shadow” in Purple by Vengeful Threads 69 L$ an exclusive „The Thrift Shop” item available until 6th May. Again a bargain, as the package includes five different shades for Catwa heads and also system layers for „oldies” who still wear a traditional SL body.

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

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

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

Eyes: „Night Dollie” Eyes in Dark Onyx by Skinthesis – not available any more.

Pose: „Wrists Action 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 at Cerridwen’s Cauldron.

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.

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.

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.

Scream! Halloween Is Near!

Scream! Halloween is near, the otherworldly souls stir and whisper, ready to meet the living. Lady Death ascends the throne for a night, ruling over whatever creature in any realm. Scream, as long as you are able to scream... because silence will be even more terrifying.

Meiló Minotaur and her RL daughter CapCat Ragu are two amazingly talented women whose contribution to SL visual arts cannot be duly appreciated. Their fantastic avatars have a unique and unmistakable style, but what makes them even more unique is that - regardless of where they pop up in SL - they are free and modifiable. I'm an absolute fan of these creatures, so you can understand why I promptly scooted over to Pumpkin Town when I read the blog entry of Eupalinos Ugajin about Lady Death.

The creepy horns are a new creation by Soul (formerly De La Soul), available at The Mystic Realms Faire in the Eldertree Village sim.

Avatar: "Lady Death" by Meiló Minotaur - a free gift available at Pumpkin Town until October 31st.

Horns: "Horns of the Deep" by Soul - there are three different sets ("Proud", "Scribe" and "Warrior") available at The Mystic Realms Faire (249 L$ for a single pack with a texture and colour HUD; the fatpack costs 749 L$), so you can pick your style.

Fangs: Pulse VF, part of the vampire avatar "Xyla" that comes with your starting library in SL.

Pose: "Underwater No.5" by HelaMiyo - a free hunt gift in the main shop.

Fantasy Faire 2014 - Minoan

The sun was setting and the first torches were already lit. The High Priestess adjusted the last fold of her heavy ceremonial dress. She felt the weight of the ancient crown on her forehead and the weight of duty on her shoulders. The latter was much, much heavier, she thought. She also took the golden sceptre... although it was a mere symbol and not a real source of power, but the ceremonial rules required her to carry it anyway. She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment... then she was ready to enter the Labyrinth. The Minotaur was waiting in the dark.

Those two pointy-eared guys at 22769 did it again! I was already squeaking with glee when I could see their creations at the last Fantasy Faire (I'm still in love with those elven ears...), and now I'm amazed how their mastery in fantasy art has developed in a year. They were already excellent at making modern clothing and furniture; now, in an eyeblink, they conjure up shoulder pet dragons and spectacular crowns from nothing. Paco and Manuel, I soo told you that you must continue with your fantasy line... it's an absolute success, you urban elves. :)

Dress: "Chloris" in Green by 22769, also available in Red and Purple. The RFL donation item is the special purple-and-white version of the Chloris dress, available at Hope's Horizon (250 L$).

Crown: "High Council Crown" in Iron by 22769. This magnificent headgear is also available at the Faire in Gold and Bronze (135 L$).

Necklace: "Apala" by Finesmith, an old Runway Perfect Hunt gift, not available any more.

Skin: The Plastik - Astrali "Io" by The Plastik, another great skin from the Astrali series that has 100 (!) different tones in 3 categories. During the Fantasy Faire you can visit The Plastik at The Faery Court; the full range of the Astrali skins is however available in the main shop (999 L$ for a single colour pack with lots of tattoo layers and appliers).

Eyes: Dragon Eyes "Sage Wisdom" by Sterling Artistry (85 L$).

Staff: Snoodle's Inferno Fire Staff Version 3 - a RFL donation item (149 L$). I confess I didn't know anything about Yap Snoodle until he sent me a polite message - which is very nice, coming from a practising goblin :) -, asking me whether I was interested in blogging about his goodies. When I received the Inferno Fire Staff I was quite happy I had said yes. It is a pretty mixture of moving and fixed parts, and it can be much more than an accessory, as the staff also allows to be scripted for combat. Yap's tent, full of interesting gizmos, is at Mourningvale Thicket - definitely worth a visit!

Pose: "Symmetry" by HelaMiyo, and old and absolute favourite (25 L$ for a single pose, 100 L$ for a pack of five poses).

We Love Role-Play - Nakooma

Nakooma, the maid hunter whose feet hardly touch a blade of grass.

The memories of this year's amazing Fantasy Faire are still vivid, but some tireless Second Lifers already offer us new entertainment. SL roleplay fans must be very, very grateful to Arica Storaro and her friends who not only had the brilliant idea of setting up a market for warriors, damsels in distress and adventurers, but did indeed find the time to rope in some of the best creators in the field and organise something original and new. "We Love Role-Play!" is a monthly shopping event where you can buy goodies from (just in order to bait you with some random names) Evie's Closet, The Plastik, Fallen Gods Inc., Kouse's Sanctum, Analog Dog, Elvenbreath and many other excellent brands, for a special price.

UPDATE: visit the market here.

A visit to Arwen's Creations was on my "To Do" list for a while. I sincerely admire those SL creators who have an eye for details and also the necessary skill and patience to build an object accordingly, and Arwen Serpente is one of them - so you can imagine how happy I was when I received a polite message from Arwen herself, gently asking me whether I was interested in blogging her "Nakooma" outfit that she prepared for the opening of the "We Love Role-Play!" event. With the single exception of a spectacular feather crown I'd never worn a Native American outfit in SL, but I knew I just had to say yes, as I was absolutely sure that whatever I'd find in Arwen's boxes must be beautiful... and oh my, was I right. The "Nakooma" gown and the matching moccasins are so lovely that I won't even try to describe them... you must visit Arwen's store in the "We Love Role-Play!" market, period. "Girly" girls like myself will love the long and beautifully decorated skirt, the feather-and-turquoise necklace and the elaborate belt, while "tough" girls will appreciate the leggings and the mittens that allow you to jump, run and shoot your arrows with ease.

Talking of arrows, EZ Weaponry by Deccan Arida offers a splendid set of quiver and bow to the avid roleplayer. The "Gilded Bow of Jie" is a beauty to look at... and, as far as its firepower and other technical details are concerned, I'll tell you more when I'll have already slain my first SL troll or something equally big and dangerous. :)

For the poses I must thank Miyoko Magic of HelaMiyo, a generous pose maker and a fellow duck lover... quack quack, and thanks again for the giftie box! :)

Outfit and shoes: "Nakooma" Gown and Moccasins by Arwen's Creations - 399 L$ for the gown and 99 L$ for the moccasins... a real deal!

Bow: "The Guilded Bow of Jie" by EZ Weaponry - 450 L$.

Skin: "Dark Fairy Skin" by Eat Paste - a former hunt gift not available any more.

Hair: "Bonnie" in Smoke by Truth - the sale is still on although it's still impossible to access the sim (75 L$).

Eyes: "DragonEyes" in Blue Shards by Sterling Artistry - 65 L$.

Poses: "Unbalanced No. 4" and "Fashion Blogger No. 4" by HelaMiyo - 50 L$ for one pose, 100 L$ for a set of 10 poses.

The pictures were made at Mirromere.

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$.

NSA4 Hunt - Forgotten Doll

She couldn’t recall the name of her owner any more. She remembered that the girl had worn nice frilly starched dresses, Nanny had carefully curled her blond hair every morning so that the corkscrew locks would tumble down on her shoulders, and she had had a pair of big blue innocent eyes. But her name....? Mabel? Victoria? Abigail? Gertrude? Maybe it was Mabel... or was it Maude? All this had happened more than a hundred years ago, after all.

Mabel-or-Maude was a rich and happy child and she used to adore her lovely doll. “She’s almost like a living girl! Look, Nanny! She can move her arms and legs, and her eyes open and close!” – and she gave the doll a hug, or she went to comb its soft, natural hair. All was so idyllic... until one day, when everything suddenly changed. Mabel-or-Maude and her nanny went for a walk but only Nanny came back and she was crying, then everybody in the house was crying, too... then they packed in big trunks everything Mabel-or-Maude had ever owned, including her beloved dolly.

Ever since that day her life had been silence. Now and then she could hear some rumbling noise or maybe some steps in the attic of the huge abandoned house... but soon everything became silent again and all she could do was remembering and waiting... and remembering again.

Doll shape and skin: [dirty.little.secret] “Dolly” – Face Your Phobia Hunt prize (1 L$). The hunt is on until May 31^st.

Outfit: Grim Bros “Flutterby Darlin’” – No Strings Attached 4 Hunt gift (0 L$). It’s a lovely dolly dress that includes the butterfly attachments on the head, shoulders and arms – but this is not everything. Cutea Benelli has shown her customary generousness again and put the petite version of the outfit in the gift box as well. The hunt is on until May 31^st, so go and pay a visit to Grim Bros!

Hair: Laqroki “Camellia” in Black – freebie in the shop (0 L$).

Makeup: Acid and Mala “Maiko Doll” – it’s a previous hunt gift, now the pack containing six makeup versions is available for 60 L$.

Eyes: Avatar Bizarre “Anime Eyes” in Mica – previous Lucky Chair prize currently available for 35 L$.

Shoes: this pair of black mary janes has been sitting in my inventory for years, and now it seems their creator is not in SL any more. All I can tell you that they’re still pretty. :)

Poses: HelaMiyo “Puppet” - the pack contains five poses with a resizeable marionette prop not shown here (200 L$).

The pictures were taken at Noctis, a haunted ship-cum-furniture shop. :) 

Fantasy Faire 2012 – A Splinter Of Amethyst

„Ugh!” – Splinter felt disgusted and itchy at the same time. A dress to wear… with wings! What an annoying situation! She was a Blue Steel Spook, after all. The traditional job of her kind was to stalk around in the pits and scare the hell out of those fools who wanted to find something valuable in the ancient mines. Those silly Gemstone Ghosts, on the other hand... Bleah, what a gang of softies! They flap around and whisper instructions to the scroungers, so they can find a rough diamond as big as a pigeon’s egg. A bunch of namby-pambies... who have captured her and forced her into becoming an Amethyst Ghost in order to redeem herself.

Someone knocked on the door of her cell and she heard a chirpy voice. “Hurry up, please! An adventurer has just arrived, he is dreaming of a really big piece of amethyst, so it’s your turn to guide him! No kicking and no pushing, and you’re not allowed to call him a ‘blind idiot’, either! Whispers and fluttering wings only, you hear me?” Splinter didn’t even deign her of an answer. “No kicking, huh?” – she thought. “Then just watch him fall over his own leg... on a huge piece of amethyst, all right, but he will crash and ouch. Big time ouch.” Splinter left to perform her duty, with fluttering wings... and a broad wicked grin on her blue steel lips.

Spyralle products by Kerryth Tarantal are based on a simple yet truly brilliant idea, one of those that make you smack your forehead and shout, “Why haven’t I ever thought of that?” Kerryth has imported fractals in SL, and she’s made a great job of it. It’s a pity Benoit Mandelbrot, the father of fractal geometry, has passed away in 2010... I’m quite certain he would have enjoyed these Spyralle creations quite much.

The fabulous “Rhapsody” gown is a RFL donation item at the Fantasy Faire that comes with a pair of small matching wings, yet I’ve decided to pair it with another donation item, the amazing “Rhapsody” fractal flappies... and if you really want to move in for the kill, wear the matching “Rhapsody” mask as well :).

I’ve shown you the “Beatrice” skin in soft pale Gold by De La Soul here, now it’s time for another tone, the greyish-blue Chrys. The tattoo pattern around the eyes is the same, yet the steely hue gives the skin a very different aura... brrrr, you feel a bit cold when you look at it.

You find Spyralle and De La Soul on the “Shifting Sands” sim here, and here.

Gown: Spyralle “Rhapsody Gown” – RFL donation item (400 L$).

Wings: Spyralle “Rhapsody Wings” – RFL donation item (80 L$).

Mask: Spyralle „Rhapsody Mask” – RFL donation item (80 L$).

Choker: GankeD “Royalty” – a former hunt gift not available any more.

Skin: De La Soul “Beatrice Ikon” in Chrys - RFL donation item (350 L$).

Eyes: De La Soul “Radiance” mesh eye in Violet – comes with the “Beatrice” skins (0 L$).

Hair: !lamb “Teased Up” Kinda Blueberry – freebie fatpack in the shop (0 L$).

Manicure: Sterling Artistry „Raindrops Dark” - it is a former monthly freebie not available any more, but you can buy the very similar „French Cloud” in the shop (10 L$).

Poses: HelaMiyo “Symmetry” – 50 L$ for one pose; the 5-pose pack is 200 L$.

The pictures were made at Da Vinci Gardens.

Chasing The Kraken

Captain Kitty Shadowsail never felt so angry and impotent in her entire life. Her beloved clipper was stranded and seriously damaged, the cargo was floating around the wreck, the crew fled… they were cowards anyway, she thought while she wanted to skin them alive. 

Her family had dedicated themselves to hunting down the Kraken. She was never allowed to forget about this quest… and if she was to give up, a glance at her Grandad’s gold pocket watch was enough to rekindle the fire in her chest. Grandad was fabulous, he had told her so many lovely and frightening stories about the gigantic octopus he and his forefathers had been chasing around the globe. Yes, Captain Kitty was a true member of the Shadowsail clan, she had already lost an eye during a particularly vicious encounter with the Kraken… and now she lost her beloved ship. What a shame.

Yet… Captain Kitty suddenly felt weird. She heard a sound… a hated, yet way too familiar sound… the deep booming voice of the Kraken. It was singing, and it was singing for her, wanting her back, wanting her to continue the eternal chase. Captain Kitty listened, and she suddenly felt revived. Oh yes, she was to rebuild the clipper, she was to restart the hunt. She listened to the song of the Kraken, she grabbed her Grandad’s pocket watch with a defiant yet happy smile, and in her single feline eye there glowed a wild unextinguishable fire. 

„Steam the Hunt 6” is on, and many shops offer lovely gifts for the indefatigable hunter. I’m a great fan of the Victorian Steampunk style, so this hunt is a true prizes galore for me. Let me show you some of my favourites here… and if you want more, check out the hunt locations and hints here. The hunt will end on March 31st so you have some time to complete the challenge.

Outfit: = Brain Circuit Inc. = Sea Voyager (Female Outfit), including the mechanical eye patch, tool belt and tricorn hat - Steam6 Hunt gift (0 L$).

Boots: A&S Visions Aftershok Steam Boots - Steam6 Hunt gift (0 L$).

Watch: *Amaranthus* Compass Rose Pocket-Watch Antique Gold - Steam6 Hunt gift (0 L$).

Hair: „D!va” hair „Akane” group gift in Topaz (0 L$ and it’s free to join the group).

Skin: ::Mother Goose’s:: Jamil-II(B) Lucky Board gift (0 L$).

Eyes: Sterling Artistry Feral Eyes in Ginger (it was a formal hunt gift, now it’s available for 65 L$, the 6-pair pack is 260 L$).

Poses: Embody M Flex No. 3. in the first picture (it was a formal hunt gift, now it’s available for 49 L$, the 5-pose pack is 199 L$), HelaMiyo Look In The Sky No. 5. in the second picture (free pose pack gift available in the shop). 

The pictures were taken at the Black Spot Shipyard, a must-see for all aspiring SL pirates. :)

Some poses for two

Sometimes sitting on a chair or on a sofa could be come very boring. So its good to have an alternative. These couple poses come all from the posefaire.
This one is called my favourite seat and comes from HelaMiyo. It could be very comfy but also very uncomfy depending on the pointyness of the knees of the guy.

Pose: HelaMiyo :: My Favorite Seat (1 $)

This pose from Props-N-Poses is very sweet and allows the guy to show off his muscles too. Because if he would be not strong his partner would most likely fall down. Its great for romantic pictures.

Pose: P-N-P ~ Tranced (99$ posefaire price after the faire 250$ at the P-N-P Mainstore)

I never had in mind that it would also work to look into each others eyes with a pose like this. It also comes from Props-N-Poses. Its a very careing and unique pose.

Pose: P-N-P ~ Staring Into Forever (99$ posefaire price after the faire 250$ at the P-N-P Mainstore)

Outfit:
Jacket: =Razorblade Jacket= M&MH (0$ Mix and Match Hunt)
Top: ...:::Beautiful Dirty Rich:::... M&MH Hunt Gift
Leggins: .Ange. M&MH Gift - Multi Color Retro Leggings (0$ Mix and Match Hunt)

Mixing & matching

With so many hunts and fairs around at the moment it's to know where to go first! but I'll start with the mix & match hunt, and the pose fair as those two have some really amazing items!

Firstly I want to get really gushy about this outfit from 22769  which a hunt item at the  The mix & Match hunt These guys make the most incredible skirts, I'm sure you'll all agree that you've had a skirt you love, which looks fabulous when stood static , then when the ao kicks in or you walk, fleshy parts always appear! or you have a rigid skirt that moves in odd ways when you do . You get used to that because that how things work in SL...well NO MORE! These skirts are designed in such a way that they never loose their intended shape, yet move fluidly  with you, and believe me I've tested that to the max leaping around just to see! that's pretty incredible for a non flexy skirt if you ask me!

Next is a few items at the Pose Fair. Well in my pic i'm using a cute little prop from HelaMiyo. It's a colour changeable shaded box which also has a pose stand. Natty little tools for making pics, as I've only just discovered. Animations and tools of this type are often overlooked, yet they're so important. It's an amazing fair so go along and have some fun trying a few out!

Hair: L$50 iced coffee - black > LoQ hairs
Scarf: L$75 floret tie - black > Jane
Skirt & top : Free mix & match hunt item ( hint -  I am with my friends ) > 22769
Sandals: L$149 - secrets of Iris > Skifija
Pose box:  item at the pose fair > HelaMiyo
Pose : pose fair > Miamai