A Mystical Fae Forest in Second Life

Mystical Fae Forest – click any image for full size

Update, July 2019: Zuma has closed Elvenshire and moved Fae Forest to a new location (see A new (fae forest) in Second Life for more). Because of this, SLurls have been removed from this article.

Mystical Fae Forest, occupying the Homestead region of Elvenshire, is precisely what the name implies: a mystical realm caught in time and wrapped in the soft light of a winter’s eve. It’s a place those who love things fae and whimsical should appreciate; a place where magic floats in the air and a surprise awaits at very turn.

Designed by Zuma Fae Dust (Zuma Jupiter), the region’s timelessness is immediately felt on entering. The predominant shade is white, as if the trees are frosted and the ground covered in snow. But among the white flowers lay flashes, pools and sprinkles of colour, while fireflies drift on the air and tiny lights sparkle from branches. Beside the landing point, giant roses sit, their petals glowing a soft, translucent pink as if spun from glass, their stems links of silver chain.

Mystical Fae Forest

Paths wind through the flowers, leading away from the arched circle of the landing point. It matters not which you take and the wind between the tress and frequently fork. All of them will lead you somewhere, and often to the quite unexpected, while birds sing from branches overhead.

From the name of the region, you might expect the locals to be faerie folk, or perhaps have a touch of the elvish or hobbit about them. While the folk might definitely be on the small side, they are most certainly not hobbits; nor are they elves or fae folk. Rather, most are a mix of rabbits, raccoons, teddy bears and others, all going about their business or at play in the hazy light.

Mystical Fae Forest

Some are gathered along a little hamlet street, playing games, gathering around an ice cream stand or simply walking along the footpath. Some sit together as couples, one or two wander alone – two even hold up a banner directing people to a party. These scenes are scattered across the region, allowing visitors to come upon them by chance as they walk along the paths and under the trees.

I said “most” above, because there are others here to be found. This is a place where you can see a pink elephant if you choose the right path, or come across a delightful little scene featuring visitors from afar who have decided to drop in on the home of a flying saucer aficionado. I’m not sure they mean whoever it is any harm; going by the looks of three of them they appear to be on a sightseeing tour!

Mystical Fae Forest

Vignettes such as this add to the magic of the region, making a visit a genuine exploration. You’ll want to spend more time here than might otherwise be imagined, wandering the paths and making sure you’ve not missed anything. And in case you need a little rest or become enwrapped in the region’s enchantment, there are several cosy nests where you can sit or  curl up and enjoy time alone, or with a friend or share a cuddle or two – but again, I recommend taking the time to seek all of them out!

Mystical Fae Forest is a joy to wander, and I recommending seeing it under the default region windlight to truly capture the magic. Should you enjoy your visit, please consider a donation to help preserve the region for the others to enjoy: look for the magic tree roots along the footpaths as you explore (there’s one near the landing point, for example).

Mystical Fae Forest

With thanks, as always, to Shakespeare for the pointer 🙂 .