Holiday Wishes

Dear Blog Readers,

It seems hard to believe that 2012 is really drawing to an end - and, despite oodles of information to the contrary, the world is still ticking on and we didn't all end.  In the hustle and bustle of work, family, and holidays, it's nice to sit back some and reflect.

My mind spins to realize that, a mere twelve months ago, very few of us had even met.  It wasn't until 8 months ago I met the first of what would spawn the Sass Pack, and months later before the concept of Sass really solidified.  Since then, three groups related to Sass have spawned, we've lived on four different sims, and we've become fixtures of so many places that it is hard to even contemplate, let alone numerate.  Moreover, between the Pride and the Lions, I have met some of the best people I will ever know in my entire life.  Despite protestations to the contrary, it is quite possible to love from a distance, and to love deeply those whose true faces you don't see, because I know what is there inside.  Laureena, Lola, Sangrelle, Tiamet... you have become my friends, my sisters, and fixtures of my heart.  And no, I'm not going to call out everyone that has found a way past my numerous barricades, or this post would become much too long to read.  Suffice it to say, my heart, though tenderized, is the fuller for the time spent in sl and the people I have met there.

Some may be tempted to gloss over the bad and say how wonderful 2012 was.  I'm not about to dish that kind of bullshit at you, readers.  Like every year, parts of 2012 left me questioning my sanity and wondering if I could pull through.  Choices were made, good and bad, and I have grown as a person because of it.

But what I do know is how thankful I am to know each and every one of our regular readers, how touched I am for new readers who have actually read this far, and just in general how all of you have changed my life.  So I want to hope you all look back and see how others have enriched your lives - no remembering the bad!  That can stay in the past - and look forward to 2013 with hopes, dreams, friendships, and love.

From all of us here in the Sass Pack, I wish you the happiest of holidays, a very merry New Year (with the kisses - if not more - for those you most hope for ;) ), and let you know we will see you in the new year, back and roaring as loud as ever.

                                                                                With Love,
                                                                                              Soka

Sass Swarm MM run 12/27/12

 Okies Y'all i know it's been a rather dead month, and am sorry. here's today's mm run ^_^ hope we can lock some of these tonight ^_^

D&T Designs 14/50 Wild Panther Outfit 14/50 Gorean Free Woman Gown Bronze http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taryatu%20Chulutu/219/218/109

Silks Silks Silks by Cleopatra Inc 2/20 mens outfit named free 2/20 Satine Silks Cameo(also presents under xmas tree if you missed them)  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Iniquity%20Bay/64/222/31

Wishbox 12/70 Short teal dress named Reveries http://slurl.com/secondlife/BraveHearts/144/159/30

Creative Chaos 14/50 mm exclusive color Leilani Silk(I would LOVE to see this one lock) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Milda/198/205/510

Temptress Designs 6/45 Blue Egyptian Silk 5/45 Red Camisk http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hamers/215/165/802

Kirina's Creations 9/50 cream harem silk also mini mm's that flip once locked only require 10 slaps a piece(one winner on these quick to flip boards each round but can flip it easily) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vallecito/114/81/22

Sweet Lies  11/70 Giselle 11/70 Yaiza 12/70 Laura 12/70 cold wind boots (unisex) 12/70 Jane http://slurl.com/secondlife/Akhsharumova/228/10/82

Gem Designs 2/30 Amour Camisk in Wine http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ardingly/171/14/64

Delicious 16/50 Yamile Pembe silk 16/50 Koora Brown camisk/kirtle http://slurl.com/secondlife/Barbecue%20Caye/208/78/22

Sass Swarm MM Run 12/11

Short run today, not feeling so well, but that's ok. Last board was hit around 10am slt, so the numbers have likely risen. feel free to check them out and try to get some pretty new outfits ^_^ Hope your Month is going well, and THANK YOU for joining us for the fun!

D&T Designs 31/50 diamond & Lace Neglige Camisk/jewel thong and bra, 31/50 Flight/ a feather and hide shortie silk  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Taryatu%20Chulutu/219/218/109

Cstar Limited Skins. Miss Sagittarius Skins 126/250 & 126/250 Peacock & Blue Silk. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jasper%20Island/61/109/108

Silks Silks Silks by Cleopatra Inc 1/20 mens flaming heart medallion 2/20 Angeldust Aqua womens Silk  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Iniquity%20Bay/64/222/31

Wishbox 13/70 Persephone Silk in Black http://slurl.com/secondlife/BraveHearts/144/159/30

Creative Chaos 17/50 mm exclusive color Leilani Silk http://slurl.com/secondlife/Milda/198/205/510

Temptress Designs 6/45 Short black sheer mini dress 6/45 dark green half dress/silk http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hamers/215/165/802

Kirina's Creations 7/50 cream harem silk also mini mm's that flip once locked only require 10 slaps a piece http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vallecito/114/81/22

Sweet Lies 8/50 Lady Undershirt 8/50 Aradia Silk red 9/50 postslave red outfit 7/50 afrika boots 9/50 huntress outfit http://slurl.com/secondlife/Akhsharumova/228/10/82

Gem Designs 3/30 Amour Camisk in Wine  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ardingly/171/14/64

Delicious 22/50 Illargi Ruby(do they call this stye chalware?) 22/50 Mariam BLueberry (vine option, and 2 ways to wear the camisk) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Barbecue%20Caye/208/78/22

An interesting look at M/S relationships

I'm looking into a variety of types of books to read, So I can share a variety of perspectives with you. Every author has their own thoughts about various situations, and some are better for helping to create a positive outlook than others. I was both startled and pleasantly surprised by the book am going to tell you about today.

Bran's Story
by Maculategiraffe
141 pages

Book one of The Slave Breakers. Which means that there are other short stories in this series that we may soon be hearing about. When the author calls these Slave Breakers, it's done in a whole different light than I had expected.The piece is a pleasant example, in my opinion, of a m/s relationship start. At least for one that is based in a fictional situation. What I find very appealing is the clear poly type relationships displayed positively in the piece. Specifics as to how they work are a bit unclear in the first piece, but perhaps in the others it becomes clearer.

But one idea that is expressed over and over is that honesty is very important. It's expressed frequently in the piece that you should tell the other person in the situation when there is something wrong. But that you ought to pay attention and watch for changes in behavior that may signal that there is something wrong. After all, just because you enjoy something doesn't mean that they will.

Another aspect covered in this piece is the idea that trust can be mistaken for love. Of course the two are not exclusive emotions in any way. But in a master slave relationship the amount of trust needed can lead those involved to believe it is love. As a slave or servant the main goal and desire should be to please the master or dominant in the situation. The most appealing way to do this is to truly have the desire to please them. Loving someone is often one of the easiest reasons to have for wanting to please someone else. But we are also reminded that some relationships are only what they are, nothing more or less.

The idea that some relationships are more than fleeting is also expressed. Age is no barrier, emotions and feelings can overcome that. Although the story focuses mainly on a m/m m/s relationship there are a large number of other elements in this piece to provoke thought.

A slight spoiler. The term "Slave Breakers" doesn't really have anything to do with the actual breaking of a person in anyway. They're trainers, and their goal is to help figure out how and why a salve is having issues.

Light Reading

Or also known as a slight change of pace. This month am sure a lot of us are going to be spending a decent amount of time with our families. We are likely to get bored, annoyed, and just want some sort of entertainment to use as an escape hatch. Second Life isn't always an option in times like these, but reading can be. So what does this mean?

It means that I've gone and dug my nook out and I'm going to be sharing some thoughts on a few different books, novella's, and short stories that you may find interesting. I will say before hand, it's likely a number of the things I may mention you may not have heard of. Why am I saying this off the bat? Well, I have a habit of roaming the internet and checking out different websites where authors offer their work up for free. As a way to get people interested in their writing.

Also this month is December! Which means there are a number of holiday affairs going on in world! So if you find something that you'd like to share with the rest of us, we are always happy to have a guest blogger. You can share just about anything, just as long as you enjoy it. Just contact us in world or by email.

Thank You for joining us!
~Tia

Sass Swarm Run 12/6

Today's run provided some surprising finds. A few stores have moved recently, including Libby's and Kirina's. Some have added new boards, or new items in the mm's. As well as a few different lucky dips. But I think my favorite surprises were the new group gifts that were out at Delicious and Creative Chaos. Be sure to go check them out in your travels.

First Run  Post was at 8:28 AM Slt, while the Last Run Post on this list went up at 9:04 AM Slt. That said the board counts may likely have risen. Please feel free to post to the Swarm group in SL if you find another mm you'd like to see locked, as we're all looking for a variety of items to help enhance our second lives and role play. Have fun and thank you for checking in with us today!

Wishbox 5/70 Persephone Silk in Black http://slurl.com/secondlife/BraveHearts/142/161/30

Libby's role Play Enhancing Props has moved, but they've still got they're lucky letter board running http://slurl.com/secondlife/Red%20Hot/81/119/801

Creative Chaos 15/50 Leilani Midnight Mania Exclusive Color Silk, also new group gift Kayla gown in teal http://slurl.com/secondlife/Milda/220/204/506

Painfully Divine 3/50 Garden Girl Slave Bed 4/50 Gothic Master & Slave Cuddle Rug 3/45 Knit Kirtle Brown 2/10 Naughty Redstar Camisk http://slurl.com/secondlife/Painfully%20Divine/83/172/23

[Void] 25/150 Annie Wiggle Skin in pretty flesh tone http://slurl.com/secondlife/Montier/208/159/3190

cStar Limited Skins 131/200 Miss Sagittarius - Caramel 131/200 Miss Sagittarius- Storm http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jasper%20Island/190/61/23

Temptress Designs 3/45 Red Camisk 3/45 Blue Egyptian Silk http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hamers/212/164/802

Kirina's Creations 5/50 WHite Harem Silk, also has 7 new mini mania boards with various silks in them with a lock point of ten, mini mania party anyone? http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vallecito/118/77/22

Sweet Lies 10/70 Lady Undershirt fat pack 10/70 Aradia Silk Red 10/70 Postslave with Birdhouse backpack 10/70 Afrika Boots 10/70 Huntress Outfit http://slurl.com/secondlife/Akhsharumova/234/6/82

Pekas Designs 46/150 black ball type gown with white damask detailing 50/150 white Panther(?) outfit 32/150 Mens Black Warrior type 33/150 blue/black mens fighter type http://slurl.com/secondlife/Beach%20Shores/207/85/2043

Gem Designs 1/30 Amour Camisk in Wine http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ardingly/166/17/64

Delicious 19/50 Samsara Fucsia Silk/Camisk 20/50 Sam Ta Blue w/backpack http://slurl.com/secondlife/Barbecue%20Caye/207/78/22

Sass Swarm MM Run 11/24

Ok Honeys! This morning we started early with our MM run (before 7 am slt), and hit most of the boards on our current list. Please feel free to share an mm if there's anyone else you may feel would be interested in the content. Also, please feel free to look up the Sass Swarm group in Second Life if you're interested in participating in runs when we go as a group, it's a lot more fun as a group.

So here's our list for the day as well as MOST of the names of what's in them. Have fun, and hopefully we can see most of them lock today ^_^.

Moonlight Shadow Store has 3 boards out, today with a variety of items. 28/50 Barrels, 28/50 Backpack (unisex), and 30/75 on a Nordic house http://slurl.com/secondlife/Moonlight%20Shadow/19/17/503

Delicious store 8/50 Rajidah Papaya Silk (three ways to wear it), 7/50 Eva Musk Camisk w/pot for head http://slurl.com/secondlife/Barbecue%20Caye/209/74/22

Gem Designs 2/30 Amour silk in like a merlot burgandy pink http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ardingly/170/14/64

Enelya's Creations (9 different boards, more modern type clothes)26/50,21/30, 36/100,21/30, 24/100, 30/50, 24/100, 33/50, 22/60 (may need group to hit some boards, but it is free) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Sant%20Sebastian/144/101/1046

Pekas Designs 30/150 Pekas Armored Man (Black) 30/150 Pekas Urban Fun Fun (mens) 53/170 Pekas Adora (women) 55/170 Pekas Pick A Fight (womens) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Beach%20Shores/181/86/2043

Sweet Lies 10/70 Ladies Undershirt pack 13/70 Aradia Silks Red 12/70 PostSlave outfit (OMG has an adorable birdhouse backpack) 11/70 Afrika Boots, 12/70 Huntress Outfit http://slurl.com/secondlife/Akhsharumova/230/10/82

Angelwing 20/100 Brown Cocktail Dress http://slurl.com/secondlife/Ungseokbong/187/134/124

Kirina's Creations 3/50 Temptress Harem Silk in Cream  http://slurl.com/secondlife/Vallecito/115/159/22

Temptress Designs 3/45 Two Panel Camisk Red 3/45 Egyptian Blue Silk http://slurl.com/secondlife/Hamers/212/169/802

cStar Limited Satin Tan Miss Scorpio Skins on both mm's 47/200 on one, 48/200 on other (remember these ones are giftable) http://slurl.com/secondlife/Jasper%20Island/190/59/23

[Void] 35/150 Annie Wiggle Skin in dark grey drowish tone http://slurl.com/secondlife/Montier/208/157/3190

Pearls of "Wisdom" : Tiamet (1)

Sometimes people tell me that I've said something that's wise. Sometimes They just think they're silly comments. So I'm going to share some of the things that I have said in SL with you. Mind you they are out of context, so you might not get the whole story, but I hope you enjoy them anyway. I know that thinking back on the situations they come from brings back memories to me.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tiamet: sex doesn't always have to mean something you know
Tiamet: sometimes sex is just sex.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tiamet: we are all human, we just wear different masks.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tiamet hugs you and goes back to reading "just remember, some of us will remember and miss what was, what will be won't be the same, and it will always be measured against the past."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tiamet: mmmph sleep will come when all things pass.
Tiamet: it's a mercy for the mind, sleep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tiamet  looks sad for a fleeting moment then plucks up "Nothing in here ever stays, it is in flux the same as the seasons in our rl... except it moves much faster in here, because the virtual reality limits the depth to which we truly experience the company of others. Thus though some of us use this as a social place to delve and search out like minded folk, there are some folk who often forget that there are real people behind an avatar, and simply use it as a game to meet their own ends and desires. So whenever going anywhere it is advisable to remember that the idea is to enjoy that which is available while it is there, for come tomorrow it may be gone.  Simply take it all as it comes, and revel in the sparkling moments, because they never EVER last forever." 

Provoking Thought About Membership

So a long while ago I read this poem and I thought that maybe some of you would appreciate the piece the same way that I do. It is a really strongly written piece to think about. It offers a number of points to consider when it comes to being part of a group. Remember we are all part of something. As to what part we get to play? That is up to us.

Are You An Active Member?

Are you an active member,
the kind that would be missed,
or are you just contented
that your name is on the list?

Do you attend
the meetings and mingle
with the flock,
or do you meet in private
and criticize and knock?

Do you take an active part
to help the work along,
or are you satisfied to be the
kind who just belongs?

Do you work on committees,
to this there is no trick,
or leave the work to
just a few and talk
about the clique?

So come to the local meetings often,
and help with hand and heart.

Don't be just a member,
but take an active part.

Think this over folks,
you know what is
right or wrong.

Are you just a member…
or do you really belong?

-Anthony Lewis, New York Times, UAW-LUPA

Sass Swarm

In Second Life there are groups for just about everything and anything we could be interested in. But we have come to notice that even some of those groups, get uppity when they're used for what they're meant for. So with that in mind, we would like to introduce you to a fairly new group in sl, the Sass Swarm.

What is the Sass Swarm? Well it's a place to call those fabulous silks you saw on a midnight mania board, or share some information about a to die for sale. even let us know about events you may be participating in. Share your opinions, make friends, and just stick together as a group. This group is not affiliated with any one sim, and it is not intended to replace another group instead our point is to provide a friendly environment for all.

We know that there are a lot of like minded individuals out there who read our blog, and may be interested in participating in some of these activities that we mention. Scavenger hunts (as an example) are much more fun in groups, and go much faster that way than when alone. Maybe you're learning to build and need advice on a project, or perhaps you need someone to model an outfit and give opinions. This group is for you.

One of the key elements to enjoying second life is being part of a network, and knowing what's going on. Being a Sassy Honey is one way to do that. So look us up. We aren't sexist either! We call male boards too!

Welcome a New Writer!

Yes I said that we have a new writer amongst us and he's going to be helping us with the Predator Point blog! I know that Pred Point has been pretty dead, but it's been fairly difficult to find any guys that have the time to give input. But our new friend is going to be sharing some of his experiences with us as he learns more about SL.

This is Blitz, if you see him, say hi. Remember, we are still looking for writers, or even people who have something to say. Feel free to contact us! And here's a link over to his first piece.

 The Predator Point

What to do with Rule 7

When you're in Second Life and wandering through various sims I'm sure you've seen some people with a Rule 7 or Restricted tag on. This in no way, shape or form excludes them from role playing. This is written to help those who are restricted by Rule 7, as well as to help those who feel that their experience would be boring if they chase or choose to rp with someone under rule 7. So please read with an open mind.

Restrictions when it come to role play are usually created in order to create some sort of power exchange between those involved. These may not be limited to simply sexual role play. Sometimes a character is restricted from saying certain things, or discussing certain topics. They can be instructed not to wear certain items. This is not a rule, but just an idea about some of the things that can come up when meeting a character that is restricted.

So what exactly is Rule 7? Rule 7 is a part of the Village rules created to protect the power exchanges established in a storyline or relationship. Specifically it is intended to protect sexual restrictions, while allowing people to continue interacting on a social level as well as rp safely. This is not something to use because you feel like you don't want to role play a sexual situation. Picking and choosing when you want to 'enforce' rule 7 isn't going to work. But I'll cover that further down.

WHAT IS RULE 7:

7. SEXUALLY Restricted prey can come to THE VILLAGE Slave Hunt™ and visit and interact with the people in the Village without threat of sexual restriction being compromised if they are owned and under these circumstances:

a) They have their owner clearly listed in their profile and listed as being sexually restricted.

b) Their owner must list the prey in their own profile and list that prey is sexually restricted.

c) Title their meter "sexually restricted to (owner name), non sexual RP only, see Village rule # 7".

d) Note this rule does not exempt you from being captured, or roleplayed with in other aspects, it only excludes you from sexual role play.

That is what Rule  7 is in the Village rules. As you can see, the only thing clearly taken away is sexual role play. There are still a lot of rp scenarios that are still open to them. What might some of these be? Well I hate to say it, but the ones I use most frequently during times like open hunt are chores.

Chores may not be the most glamorous thing to rp about. But they can be used to create some interesting situations. Some common ones that are easy enough to use reliably are cooking, drink serving, window washing, flower picking, and laundry. These are all tasks that have a variety of motions and parts that can be role played up. Giving both parties something to work out.

Another enjoyable task I highly recommend is dancing. Dancing is a very important feature, everyone should be able to rp dancing. There is so much to describe, everything from hand movements, to the flow of fabric and hair as one moves. Dancing is not sexual, but it can be erotic and entertaining depending on the writer. Not to mention it can be delightful to watch.

Rule 7 is not a pick and choose who you have sex with thing. Rule 7 can be taken away if you are found having sexual relations with someone other than the one listed in your profile and tag. It is not a rule to be abused. It is intended to help enhance rp. So try not to ruin it for those that use it properly.

Building Avatar Appearance : Skin

Skin is again a very important part of an avatar. And they can come in many types. There are fantasy skins, realistic skins, and just about whatever kind of look you can imagine. This post is NOT an advertisement for any specific skin maker. It is intended to offer a sampling of some of the skins that can be found in second life to use as a character base. So with that in mind feel free to keep reading.

There are many different skin makers and each one has it's own appeal for those creating a 'look'. We all want to be eccentric and be special. Check out the skins below, and feel free to look up the stores in world if there's a style that you like. Remember these skins are just a sampling of the ones available in world, and there's some AMAZING skins in there.

Fallen Gods

[Void]

Aeva/Heartsick

TLB (The Little Bat)

Nomine

cStar Limited

Modish

Skinthesis

As stated above, these are only some of the skins that can be found in world. Feel free to explore and find skins that allow you to express yourself. You do NOT have to settle for just one skin, you can have as many as you want and switch between them if it suits you. Please keep in mind that skins will appear different on different shapes.

Avatar Appearance : Building an AO

I know this post may seem like we're jumping ahead when it comes to building your Second Life Avatar (and I promise we're covering skins and hairs soon) but this is an important topic that I feel I should cover. It's going to be easier to explain now while I'm working on an ao than it will be later when I'm not constructing.

What exactly is an AO, also known as animation override? An AO is a series of animations loaded into an item we will call a hud. The hud houses a script or series of scripts that will read a note card that lists the animations loaded into the hud. I know for a fact that some of the second life viewers have AO capabilities built right into them, unfortunately I don't use a viewer like that so we will be looking at a easier to access way to construct an AO in world.

For this demonstration I am going to be showing you how to build a mixed animation AO in a ZHAO II hud. For those of you worried about script count, this is a favorable option because it only houses 2 scripts. For those of you with more experience in Second Life, I'm sure by now you know that there are a large number of variations of AO huds available for use. My preferred one is the Alchemy 4 Hud available from Sinful Needs. But in all honesty, for a beginning character this may be a bit difficult to process. But what we are going through today is applicable to most if not all AO's.

First thing you want to do is collect a variety of animations that you enjoy in world. I have a fairly large collection of animations, as you can see in this picture, some are dances and some are full ao's. A pre-made ao is not a bad thing. You can use one if you like it, but I find  that mixing together animations makes for a more interesting character to watch in world. I have a soft spot for an in world animation store called Creative Insanity, and I also enjoy Tuty's. Oracul AO's get a lot of good talk up as well so remember to look around. Collect animations from different places, and don't be afraid to get more than one AO at  a store to pull the animations from, it can be cheaper this route if you like a number of animations in a set.

A default note card is what you're going to find when you put down your Zhao II and open it up. It looks like this.

This listing shows the type of overrides that are available, as well as shows you the type of classifications you're going to find when you look at animations to create your unique AO. There is also a card labeled "READ ME", do. If you don't have a simple Zhao, this note card will explain how to make sure your ao will be configured correctly.

Why does it have so many classifications? To be blunt, avatars just don't walk and sit and stand still. People like to see them do other things, like wiggle and skip, fly and run. Some avatars are even expected to be able to swim!

If you look at the list here you can see some of the animation names in the Bunny Girl AO that I bought at Tuty's.

If you notice there's a large number of animations with similar names. It's advisable to go through each one and preview it in world. by doing an in world preview you can decide if it's an animation that you'd like to have in your AO or not. Many AO's also come with a variety of sits designed for avatars of different heights. In the case of my avatar I use the tall animations.

My default card ends up looking like this by the time I am done.

As you can see there are a large number of animations on my card. What is nice with the Zhao II hud is that it has a random choice button for the stands, so you don't need to hand organize them. Make sure that you put copies of your animations listed on your card into your Zhao before trying to wear it, or it won't work. Check your list multiple times to make sure that your animations are loaded and then reset the script. You should be ready to use your customized AO now. So attach, make sure the button is green, if it is you should be moving now, or pulling a pose if that's what your animations call for your avatar to do.

Hopefully this short look at AO's is helpful for you. It's not a hard thing to do, it's just time consuming. Retyping animation names into the note card needs to be done carefully, because even a difference in the capitalization of a letter can render something un-found by the hud.

Thank you for your attention, and have fun in SL! Hope to see you around.
~Tia~

Special Event : Halloween Pumpkin Hunt at Dream

In the past I mentioned a place called Club Dream. But they also have a multi-level sim, and happen to be running a seasonal hunt currently as well. Their hunt has 12 pumpkins hidden around the sim, and in this case you actually smash them open when you claim the prize. In order to find them though you need to explore the open section of the sim. There's even an aquatic area for mer-folk to go through!

There's a variety of different prizes in this hunt. There's some adorable jewelry pieces, perfect for the season. There's 3 different sets of stockings that can be used year round depending on the kind of outfits you tend to wear. There's stunning cat eyes in a variety of colors. For those of you interested in the world of SL Dollies, there's a wonderful Doll Joint tattoo layer. The variety of gifts is wonderful, because there's something for everyone.

Check for more information and see previews of their prizes on their blog: Club Dream

Special Event : Halloween Pumpkin Hunt at The Village

 The Village is having yet another seasonal hunt on sim! For those of you who were here in the spring and remember the Easter egg hunt, you're well prepared for this. But for those who are new to the Village and to scavenger hunting this could be more of a difficult adventure. But it is bound to be a lot of fun regardless as to the amount of time you have spent on the sim.

So what are we looking for? Well that's easy enough to explain, we're looking for pumpkins! The Village Pumpkin Hunt is a challenge, because they're going to be adding one pumpkin each day until Halloween. Currently, I've been informed that there are 2 pumpkins hidden about. As to the types of prizes you can expect to find, they're planned as unisex. Ladies, this means feel free to involve the menfolk in the hunt!

Example Pumpkin & One of the Prizes

The Village Pumpkin Hunt is at ground level. Which means dear pumpkin hunters, these pumpkins are hidden in the active hunting grounds. That said I am going to advise you, from my personal opinion and experience to do this hunt in pairs if you don't want to be interrupted. Or find a hunter to act as your group leader, that could work too. The objects will not be hidden in a safe zone, but they may be hidden in the water chase.

Fair warning : cheater huds are not likely to work in this hunt. Reports have been coming in from people that have tried using them to locate the prizes, and so far they have been unsuccessful. That said, it's time to open your eyes and actually hunt for those pumpkins!

Special Event : Fallen Gods 5th Year Celebration

In Second Life there are some stores that have been around for years. There's a lot of stores that close, and some of the ones that I remember fondly from various times in sl, I miss dearly. Fallen Gods Inc is a store that has been around since October 2007. They have a beautiful sim, and also have an amazing line of skins, and accessories. Fallen Gods also has the Petite Avatars available. If you've never been there I do highly recommend them.

If you're interested in checking them out follow this slurl: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Selidor/240/133/21

They're currently doing a hunt on their sim for their group, and the gifts are amazing. Please read the note Alia sent out If you're interested. The hunt is only on for a limited time so if something catches your eye head on over and check it out. (And look over the products available, they're beautiful.)

_________________________________________________

A number, a word. Five, to dream and keep dreaming.

Now that the Dream is whole you can dream on the Islands at the Temple Entrance or simply play your clues inside. Complete the Journey to Our 5th Anniversary.
(You can get some of the Islands still in past notices)

The Hunt will last till the 21st of October. When the Dream word will be complete, all Island will be already given trough group notices and present on the Island as their relative hidden visions.
Use the diapason to play the tunes and get clues.

Collect the visions and merge dreams on October 20 1 pm slt,
I see you there,
Yours,
Alia

Shopping VS Hunting

In Second Life there are a variety of ways to dress your avatar. You can be just about anything that you want to be, as am sure you've realized by now. Today we're going to look at the pro's and con's of two different ways in which to outfit your avatar. Shopping and Hunting. I know that it sounds a bit peculiar to think of hunting as a way to outfit your avatar, but it'll be explained well enough for you to understand.

Second Life clothing and avatars can get to be a fairly expensive hobby if you're not ready to be a content creator yourself. We're not all creative art talents, some of us are writers, and others are scriptwriters. While a large number of us wish nothing more than to rp and pay dress up. Playing dress up can get costly, and it can be daunting. How can you look different without spending so much?

This is where scavenger hunts and store events come in. There are a number of grid wide hunts that happen in Second Life, and the prizes vary. They can be everything from a pose, to a whole avatar. Unlike shopping though, there is no guarantee that you will like everything that you receive in a  hunt. But you're not spending nearly as much by doing a hunt as you would by shopping. The biggest thing you're likely to spend during a hunt is time.

You will find out that there are stores that you shop at, that do participate in hunts. This is  a good way to slowly decide if scavenger hunts are for you. Some of them are very difficult, and I personally recommend hunting with a friend, or even in a group. Why? Because it can be more fun and you'll cover more ground that way.

This is just some food for thought. Shopping is by far the more reliable method to get exactly what you want. But a hunt, will usually add some unique pieces to your wardrobe, that over time are generally unavailable.  So here's to happy hunting, whether it's for a deal or for an item.

Some Village Footage

 

If you have been to the village enough, you'll note in the first half of the footage that it's more or less the village as it was. The second half shows some of the changes that have been put in on this corner of the sim. Admittedly the footage may not be as crisp as you see Second Life, but you can kind of see it the way I do.

It is most definitely good to be home again.

A few thoughts on Perspective

A place where we are able to escape the reality of aging and express oneself as one would love to be. That's part of what second life has offered us. A world in which we never have to grow old, where there's not really anything bad unless we want it to be bad. We get to choose our existence, and the way we want to look. We each get to choose things that appeal to us.

Perspective is thus a very important factor when it comes to SL. Why? Well first of all Perspective is the way that we see the world around us. It is what aids us in making our decisions. It is also what helps us move through the digital world and create ourselves.

While the relationships we make in SL can be very real to us, at the end of the day SL is a game. People log out and go back to their real lives. People have husbands and wives, jobs, and functions that they need to spend time with. We can't expect them to be in SL all the time, it is unpractical and unfair. So although we may miss someone, it is inappropriate to try and make them feel guilty about not being around.

Remember that not everyone will see SL the same as you do, and reality should and will come first. Perspective is something that is very important to remember. It will help keep you from getting hurt, and it can help keep you from worrying about what if. There is no right or wrong way to see things, just many different ways to do so. Just don't force your opinions on to someone else.

The Village Planetarium

The Village has a new planetarium, and I simply adore it! It's a wonderful place to sit and relax, and so far it is a fairly private place to do so. It's in the back corner of the sim where the lighthouse used to be. I admit, my graphics may not be the best, but I still want to share some of the wonderful things on the sim with you. So if you bear with me, am sure you will see things you know (or may want to know). ^_^

Digital Relationships and Truth

We have a lot of run ins with people from all over the world while we explore Second Life. Heck the same can be said for just about any video game. People sometimes, lie to others in order to gain something. What they're trying to get, is not always clear. We have recently learned that we were told something that was untrue. Not only were we told this, but we shared this with all of you. Because we believed the source would not give us false information.

But it seems that is not true. In this case, it is a bit of a blessing to find out that someone we love dearly is going to be back with us. But it's reopening the wound of believing they were gone. And it makes us question who it is that we are able to trust. We have found out that, much to our shock and surprise, Sangrelle is very much still alive. It's surreal, and feels like something out of a movie or soap opera. When someone is reported to have passed on, you generally don't expect to see them again. Making it a bit of a shock for those who felt the loss.

The truth is a huge component when it comes to being able to trust someone. Relationships, as I've pointed out in the past, are built on many things. But honesty is one of the most important things that a relationship is built on.

That all being said I want to ask you to do something. When you think about lying to someone, please think very hard about it. Because while you may think it can't hurt anyone, sometimes they will become more than what you intended. Death is not something to toy with, and heartstrings are not to be played with like a harp. People should always be treated with the same decency and courtesy that you would expect them to treat you.

Thoughts on Fifty Shades Of Grey

I never planned to read this book. I agreed to because opinions were asked for on the matter, and the only way to form an opinion and understanding about a book is to read it. After reading the first book to this three part series I am left understanding why it is that people might find it both appealing and offensive. On a whole the piece is complex, but written in a manner that pulls a reader in. We want to know what is happening to our characters, and we want to see them go through their actions. So before we even get into my thoughts on this first book, I am going to say that yes. Yes I think I will read the next book. Perhaps it will give a fuller reflection on things.

Fifty Shades Of Grey
EL James
356 pages

First off, I am going to say that the main characters shine. Each of them are presented not as flat, but as vibrant creatures with a deeper existence. They each have their reasons to hesitate, and they each have their reason to want to move forward in the relationship that is the focus of the book. Ana is our lead female character. Christian is our lead male character. The other characters are also very vibrant and I personally felt drawn into the book because of this.

The book itself though is best described as a harlequin romance novel on crack. It has the feel of a modern fairytale. In all honesty, it isn't a realistic situation. But it is a fiction piece so that is to be expected.  The thing that I can see having upset some people is the romanticized feel. It is written from the perspective of Ana, and at times it feels like a diary. We are never issued the perspectives or thoughts from other characters, other than what they may have said, or how she viewed them. It is very one sided in that respect.

I really think that having a copy of the supposed contract smack dab in the middle of the book was a bit annoying, and gives a false lead  to those who might be interested in this kind of situation. It is a whirlwind of activity in this book, and things move far to quickly. It is very unrealistic, and that said readers should be wary of what they think of parts of the book. There are a lot of things that are far from normal when it comes to BDSM, and there is no reason that this book should be used as a way to measure a relationship. In fact, if you're actually interested in BDSM as more than just something to read about for giggles, this book is  NOT for you.

Why do I say that? Well, it's not meant to be educational. It's meant to entice the imagination and give some of us  fluffy fuzzy thoughts. Of course, the situation would not seem fluffy to most people, but there are some of us to which this kind of book and parts of the situation are appealing. And I feel like I'm chasing my tail now.

In all honesty, after finishing the book. There's a few points I would like to express. Fans will likely disagree with me, but I already said that I do plan to read book two, to see how this may pan out. My first point is this, if you take out the contract and the proposed "room of pain", you are left with the kind of relationship many of us would call a high school stalker relationship. It's very high school-esque, but that makes it an easy read.

The book is definitely aimed at mature readers. But the unfortunate reality is that there are dozens of teens and tweens that are going to get a hold of this because of the hype, and parents not being discerning. If you are thinking about letting your teenager read this book, or see them doing so PLEASE read it, and feel free to explain to them that it is a work of fiction. It is not fact in the slightest.

A Letter to the Readers

Dear Readers,
Some of you may know me, some of you may not - my name is Sokanon, often shortened to Soka.  And I wanted to be able to reach out to you all about something very serious I have been noticing on SL a lot lately, especially among dear readers and friends of mine - and even with myself.

I have heard a lot about others making people feel lesser.  Second rate, or as if they are somehow dirty or wrong.  One very dear friend of mine recently inferred to me that no one has said anything good about her in a while.  In fact, I've heard a lot more about friends being banned without reason from sims and rumors upon rumors about how bad other people are rather than anything nice being said about someone.

And I have two things to say about that: it is complete and utter bullshit and needs to stop now.  I have met a lot of people on sl, some are not pleasant, but not even the two people I have block-listed would I ever say have no redeeming features.  And that there are people out there who are to the point where they have to thank others for having something, anything, nice to say about them is just wrong.  You should thank people for honest compliments, for doing favors for you - but for just being pleasant?  No.  That should be a courtesy, not an exception to human behavior.  Despite a misconception, we are represented by avatars on SL, but we are all humans behind the forms, not computer chips.  No one should ever have the right or ability to make any single one of us feel like we are two inches tall, or a second-hand stand in for someone they would rather be with, or that we must jump through hoops and change who we are to be deserving of their company.

To borrow the words of a friend of mine, people who continually make you feel like that are a cancer best left removed.  The initial surgery may be painful, but, in the end, you will be so much healthier without them.  Surround yourself with those who see the light in you - even better if they do see what dark there is, too, as that makes them honest.  But anyone who only sees dark is not worth the time of day you have to give, my dear, precious readers.  I also like a line I said recently to another friend of mine: To those who are your true friends, you are always good enough.  There is no need to jump through hoops or hide or change yourself, because you are good enough exactly as you are.

And my true message to you is this: I think that you are beautiful.  It may not be a physical beauty, it may not be something others immediately see as beautiful, but I know, with every fiber of my being, that there is beauty within you.  Some of us may have a way to craft words, like some of my fellow bloggers; others may be able to make instruments sing, or to vocalize in a way that would make you fit to weep; for still others, it is the way they can speak, can reach out to those around them, to connect and rejoice in people and in being.  In truth, I don't care where it lies, but I know it is there, and I want you to know it, too.

So the next time someone decides to feel more powerful, stronger than they are, by trying to cut you down, mute them, or thank them for their opinion, then tell them you would be glad to talk to them again when they can speak from their head, instead of their arse - and then leave them to their darkness, for they are jealous of your light.  Never let them take that light from you.  Remember all that is beautiful about you, from your smile, the curve of your hair, the light in your eyes, the joy you take in your friendships - and walk away knowing that you are the better for being without them, and that they cannot destroy what they can no longer have.

I believe in you, Readers.  I believe in the beauty inside you.  And know that, no matter what others may say, I think you are truly beautiful.

                                                            Yours Truly,      

                                       Soka 

                                           

                                          

Spirit Indestructible

A Beautiful Anthem For My Sisters & Friends

From my one square foot window I see outsideI've got chains on my feet but not in my mindI'll be dancing all day see the sun outsideDon't know how long it will be can't stop meI have a spirit indestructible
A heart that loving was made forA body that's a miracleI have a spirit indestructibleA heart that was made pureUnbreakable and that's for sureUnshakeable so give me more
Through my tired eyes I phase out the rainWith a meditation I erase my painThere's a rythym flowing through every veinAnd the melody is never-endingI have a spirit indestructibleA heart that loving was made forA body that's a miracle
I have a spirit indestructibleA heart that was made pureUnbreakable and that's for sureUnshakeable so give me more
And though they may and though they mayTake you away take you awayYou'll never break you'll never break (break)And though they may and though they mayTake you away take you away
I have a spirit indestructibleA heart that loving was made forA body that's a miracleI have a spirit indestructibleA heart that was made pureUnbreakable and that's for sure
Nelly Furatdo ~ Spirit Indestructible 

The Flower Garden

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you,

I could walk in my garden forever..."

~ Anonymous

Raven Manor was a dark and foreboding place to look at.  Perched on a craggy, rocky hill, dotted with the stony skeleton of ancient ruins, the grayish stones and shimmering glass of the tall, lean building showed little in the manner of signs of warmth.  Instead, it looked like a giant, stony mask, silky isinglass panes the silent, watchful eyes in the glazed face, staring down the hillside with disapproval, ever watchful for prey the dark house could steal warmth from.  Even the often rain-drenched gardens, despite the wealth of neatly trimmed grasses bordering cobbled walks, seemed devoid of life, the grass slightly grey-tinged and without a single bloom in the massive yards.

Raven Manor was not completely without life, though.  Inside the great, hulking build lay a single beating heart - the Master of the Manor, supposedly.  Always sharp-eyed, the lord was quick with a quip or a smile; at least, on the surface.  Down beneath, he struggled to see if he was any more alive than his stone and glass keep.  On the days when that bleak cold threatened to engulf him, he hid himself away, staring out at the world from the glass windows of his fortress, wondering how alive he truly was.  To try to escape the seeping chill, he kept on the move, hopping from city to city, forest to village, gallery to castle, trying to break the bonds sewn and represented by his dark home.  Each time, he would manage to reawaken that warmth he needed to keep him going… only to return to his icy roost and feel that pleasure slowly slip from his grasp.

Despite the seemingly alone, isolated existence of the Raven lord, the village around his manor was not as devoid as his domicile.  The faint, happy shrieks of girls having fun sometimes managed to ring off the ruins of the hillside, briefly invading the hulking behemoth, bright bubbles of laughter that glistened like liquid sunbeams in the murky stones, finally fading to tinkling shards of memory.  They both haunted and encouraged the lord, and for them he brought out his smiles and his charm, hiding the cold soul the manor left until he had to explore once more, to reignite the faint spark left inside him.

But not all of the distant village citizens were oblivious to the darkness of the creeping manor, or as blind to the mask the lord chose to draw.  More than one tried to see what lay beneath, and a few could feel the stark chill radiating from the seemingly bland stones.  They watched, and they waited, wondering what the manor would do to the man inside, worried that he seemed beyond their aid.

But one did not give up so easily.  She watched, and she felt his pain with a wisdom belied by her pretty face, watching the stone manor with a sick dread in her stomach, and the coming and going of the Raven lord.  As she watched, she knew that chilly stone place was slowly whittling away at the human being underneath, and the pain in her gut drove her to try to do something to fix it.  ‘Maybe… just maybe… if I can bring some light to that horrible place, it will be enough…’

So, one day, when the sun was bright and chased the chill of the stones to the darkest corners, protecting itself, and the master was off on one of his jaunts, she braved the rocky hillside.  Holding floaty layers of skirts from the jagged teeth of the ruins, like reaching fingers trying to hold her back from nearing the gargoyle on the hill, she crept upward, try to ignore the rapid beating of her heart.  In her hands, carefully gathered, she cradled cuttings of a tender rose, the velvety red petals a stark streak of warmth against the stone of the manor as she got closer.  Ignoring the feel that the bricks, themselves, were eying her, trying to hold the ice of fear straight against her heart, she rounded the back to enter the garden, finding a promising circular spot near the steps to plant the young bud, a streak of warmth in the gloom, seeming to bring some light.  She tunneled into the cool and loamy earth with her fingers, uncaring of the dirt in her set mission, making a spot for the roots, murmuring encouraging words as she planted the flower and soothed the disturbed earth back around the shoot.

Ignoring the prints she made on her shimmering skirts, she got back down to her feet to look at the little bud of the rose, smiling tenderly.  A single shaft of sunlight seemed to sink through the towering trees from outside the fence, highlighting the ruby bloom, making her smile softly.  One dirty finger stroked over the barely-parted petals as she gave it a caress, then turned to walk more slowly from the garden, feeling less afraid now.

Almost anxiously now, she watched the stone manor, watching for some sign of the brightness to come - and for the return of the Raven lord.  One day, as she watched him return from his jaunts, seeing him smile as he entered his domain, she felt her heart lift for his happiness, and smiled to herself that maybe, just maybe, she had managed to clear some of the cold from his life.

It was not to be.  Before her eyes, she watched the true lightness fade from his step, his smiles again becoming his surface mask as the life faded behind his eyes.  One day, when he was out and about in the village, roaming the sunnier lands around Raven Manor, she crept back up the hill, her heart thundering again, to peek over the rear gate.  Inside, her thundering heart seemed to shrivel in her chest.

The rose was gone.  The spot where she had planted the cutting still peeked from the newness of her tender transplant, but the flower had wilted to naught but the faintest of black sticks in the ground.  A soft gasp fell from her lips at the cold chill the garden seemed to give, as if something sinister was laughing at her attempts to let the sunlight through the gate, and she involuntarily stumbled back a step, as if struck.  She knew they had plenty of rain, and the spot should have had plenty of light… but the chill of the manor had still managed to kill the plant.

Feeling her heart beat in her ears, she turned and fled back down the hill, feeling like the chill of the manor was creeping over her shoulders, trying to kill the heart of her, as it had the flower she had dared to plant in it’s realm.  She ran all the way back to the safety of her own rooms, slamming the wooden door and leaning against it, her ragged breathing loud against the still of her sanctuary, only the crackling of the candles on her desk adding the odd break to the rasp.  Shaking hands clasped tremblingly over her heart, eyes wide and staring at the familiar red paper of her walls, the pristine white of her couch and coverlet, thoughts racing through her head too quickly to be cornered and examined, fear still chasing down her spine.

For the rest of the day, she hid inside her room, listening to the distant sounds of her sisters and friends, the odd, low rumble of a passing male, sometimes the false cheer of the Raven lord, making her shiver again, remembering the cold of that house.  Long into the star-studded night, she sat on the cushioned bench of her desk, staring at the twin flames of the candles on the peek, her mind racing.

Within days, he was away again, once more chilled and driven to find something to renew his warmth, to sustain his life.  A part of her wondered why the company he could find where he was could not do so, why the village could not sustain him, but a part of her realized his fear of chilling them, too - and so he left to wander, to save them from the pain of what he seemed to feel was his due fate.  Once she watched him leave, she went out into the meadows again, purposefully gathering what she needed into two heavy baskets.

Again, the lone girl trudged up the stony hill, rocks coming out to threaten thin ankles, seeming to try to trip her and keep her from the stone of the Manor, to roll her back down the hill to the safety of her home.  With a grim determination, she kept forging upward, determined even in the edge of remembered terror.  Again, she circled the stone building, pulling a shawl she had brought tighter to her shoulders, gripping the twin wicker handles tighter in her slim fingers as she used her hip to nudge open the gate, going to kneel near the stunted grass near the manor’s back steps again, frowning determinedly as she knelt and carefully removed the diseased-looking remnants of her rose from the ground, then turned to open the lids on the baskets, carefully emptying them to the flagstones by her knees.

Riot of colors poured out, a rainbow of blooms in carefully harvested stalks, the open “jaws” of snapdragons lining stalk after stalk.  Pink with yellow hearts, bright and vibrant red, cool white… she had collected every color of the sunny plant she could find, filling her baskets to the brim with the hardy blooms, their colorful petals looking to snarl at the frosty shadows of the Manor, driving the creeping shadows back to their proper corners.  Again, her fingers were her tools, warming the cool, dark, damp earth as she turned it, carefully arranging the flowers in wild arrays on either side of the wide stone steps.  With every stem she planted, she felt her heart lighten, until she caught herself humming under her breath and moving around the garden paths with a light step, placing the last few plants in small clusters wherever it suited her fancy, inviting the sunlight into the garden again.

She left with a light step, this time determined to keep a closer eye on her weapon of choice.  At least once a day, she would sneak away from the village fare, moving stealthily up the hill, no longer fearing the catch of the ruins, to peer over that garden gate.  The flowers seemed fine, blooming in color, and she heartened to see the first start of shoots, where they were already taking root and spreading.  Assured that all was well, she sank back into her routine, gradually letting the garden do it’s thing, waiting almost eagerly for the lord’s return.

When he came back, she was happy to see the lightness to his step, the gleam back in his eyes, and she joined in the general merriment that always came with his general return.  This time, the true man inside seemed to stick around longer, and she heartened to think her flowers may have helped to chase the gloom from his home, keeping him around.  Gradually, though, she again noted him starting to draw back, to spend less and less time interacting, and more just watching, and she rather wondered that he never mentioned the flowers in his garden, after the desolate, empty grey grasses.

Already knowing what she would find, she waited until the coast was clear to head back up the hill again, mind in a whirl.  Before she even neared the gates, she had prepared herself for what she may find, though she still winced at the shriveled stalks of her snapdragons, each more a brown stick lying in the grass, the colorful petals of the ferocious “jaws” long since disappeared in whatever cold wind the Manor managed to brew.  Her heart began to thud again, and her head to pound… and her hands formed trembling, white-knuckled fists as her blood thrummed through her body, no longer cold at all.

Instead, to her faint surprise, she was angry.  Angry at the cold Manor, and at that impassive mask the Raven lord used to hide.  Angry for every wilted flower she had so carefully planted, and for every sunbeam the cold stones managed to turn away.  This time, she did not flee from the towering building, but stomped resolutely away, sometimes hurting her heels on the rocky hillside, making her way through the village with such a dark cloud and foreboding look that even her sisters kept from her side, watching her passing with curiosity and wincing at the resounding slam of her door.

Again, the girl stayed up long into the night, thinking and plotting, the rasp of her pen loud as she jotted down notes, only to scratch them out again.  No matter what she could plant, the cold of the Manor could leach the life from it, and her nails drummed impatiently on the wooden desk.  What she needed, she knew, was such a labor of love that even that horrid Raven Manor would be afraid to touch it… and, if it tried, there was nothing it could manage to take.

An idea struck her at the same time dawn did, her eyes widening as she looked at the balls of discarded lists and ideas littering her room.  A slow smile slid across her pink lips, and she went to bed exhausted, but determined, a plan shaping in her head.

For many days, she spent long hours locked away, working, her windows tightly closed from prying eyes.  She gathered paper and candles with fervor, emerging long enough to keep her friends from worrying, her eyes always lingering quietly on the Raven lord when he joined the village throng, tracking his shift, the loss of his light.  Every time he got a little further inside his mask, she got a bit more determined, and stayed up that much later, working on her projects.

One more time, she made the trek up that stony hill, this time by the light of a single lamp in the dark of a moonless night, knowing the Raven lord was tucked away in his bed.  She let herself through the gate, determined to ignore the threatening stone of his walls, slippered feet sliding silently across the dew-slicked surface of his flagstone path.  She worked with hurried fervor, determined to have the morning sunlight sink well into his stones, the fire of her anger keeping even the cold of the Manor from her.  Her nails became brown and dirt encrusted, her cloak heavy with the moisture of the sodden grass, her knees stained from her toils… and still she worked onward.

Come dawn, the Raven lord awoke to an unfamiliar sensation - that of the light of the sun on his face, stretching against the soft, downy pillows and counterpane that he had long since given up hope of giving him a good night’s rest.  He could not remember the last time the sun had felt so warm in his room, for he never bothered to close the curtains: the Manor’s stone always seemed to eat the light.  Getting up, feeling still tired, he made his way to his lonely kitchen at the back of the ground floor, brewing his morning tea by rote, eyes staring bleakly at the stove, even as his brow furrowed, as something seemed different.  Lighter, almost.

His first steaming cup was carried to his lips as he wandered toward the light spilling in from the patio, and his large, open, grassy stretch of garden, drawn to the warmth he found there, and the way it seemed to chase his chills away.  What he saw, though, had his dark eyes blinking wide, staring through the sun-drenched glass, before swinging the door open and striding barefoot to the flagstone steps outside.

For once, the stone, despite the early hour, felt warmed to the touch, despite the cold that normally chased even through his boots.  Sun spilled through the dappled leaves of the trees outside his fence, lighting the riot of color that seemed to fill every inch of the grass of his garden, blooms and flowers of every type having sprung up overnight, waving on thin green stalks.  His heart beat in his chest as he moved down the steps, looking closer at the magical flowers, as nothing ever grew in his garden.

What he saw made his eyes widen in surprise, for the flowers were not just any flowers.  Birds of paradise, roses, mums, snapdragons, lily of the valley… all were ornately arranged in clusters and lines, rows that were artistically disarrayed.  Moreover, none of them were real, and he trailed one finger cautiously over a sun-drenched “petal,” lips parting in surprise.

Paper flowers.  Someone had spent hours filling his garden with paper flowers, so many that he could wander forever and never see them all.  Even more, they had coated them with something, to keep the wind and rain from ravaging them, and he leaned closer, surprised to catch a whiff of floral fragrance, carefully removing one wire “stem” from the ground and holding the white paper rose to his face, touching it gently.

Wax, with some kind of metallic component, making the petals and the little faux leaves glisten in the warm of the sun, the riot of color impossible to douse in the gloom of the Manor.  Even more, the wax had been scented… the rose really smelled like a rose!  As he carefully replaced the wire in the tilled soil, he caught whiffs of the other fragrances, rising up to the warmth of the sun, and he felt something in him warm, too.  The sunlight spilled through the garden, chasing the shadows from the stone, and he smiled at his colorful garden, strolling gently, laughing faintly when unexpected designs in the larger bed - a bird, or a heart, or just a bull’s-eye of colorful circles - dawned on his mind.

The sound of that laughter tumbled down the hill, bouncing off the ruins to meet the awakening burble of the village chatter, the two sounds mingling and rising to the sky, the sparkling shards of the mingled sound of smiles piercing the gloomy atmosphere of Raven Manor and tossing the shadows to the ground like broken webs.  The new sounds caught the ears of the early risers, and curious onlookers trudged up the hill, moving to stare in surprise into the sunny garden, the way the light seemed to bounce off the dark tiles of the roof in a way they had not before seen, moving to join the Raven lord in his own domain, marveling at his flowers.

Only one figure missed the gathering, as the whole village slowly heard and stumbled up the hill to look at the flower garden.  The lone girl was not there.  More than one of her sisters stopped by her room, knocking to invite her along, only to peek inside and see the bed carefully made, assuming she was already there.  None knew her bed had not yet seen her sleepy head.  In the wee hours of the dawn, as the filtering sunlight broke the trees and bounced with rainbow speckles off the leaves of her paper flowers, shattering the shadows of the Manor, she had slowly, tiredly trudged from the garden, shutting the gate softly behind her.  In her sleepy befuddlement, she had turned wrong, trudging down the wrong side of the hill, and become hopelessly lost, wrapped in her soiled cloak, in the trees down behind the manor, until she had sank to the loamy earth, curled her cloak over her head, and sank into an exhausted sleep, clasping her aching, dirty hands over her equally aching heart; for part of it would remain forever in the flower garden, inviting in the light to chase away the shadows…