Caged

February 16, 2015 by Lexxiius Leopard

Romp is still open for a few more days, filled with all sorts of erotic and kinky things. These sleek industrial cages were crafted by~*Souzou Eien*~ just for the event.

Lexxiius - cages_011 - for blog

They come in two sizes, each with an animation.

Sub not included *wink*

Credits:

At Romp Fresh! Inspired Kink: closes Feb 19

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trancendence/126/127/25

~*Souzou Eien*~ Industrial Hanging Cage – Tall & Short – draconias.timeless

[Haste] Kinbaku Rope Harness Red – auston.harbour

Other items:

Ama: Opera Length Gloves – found on MP – amadeo.dubratt

Hair: Blues. Krystalia – found at Creepy KaWaii fair.

[MANDALA]STEKING_EARS_Season5

Grunge Thigh Highs – Death Row Designs – jaimy.hancroft

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Death%20Row/124/134/80

Eyes: Immortal Eyes – Crimson

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/127/501

Skin: Doll V2 <Vamp> – Pure (ltbrow) mochi.milena

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Illusory/127/163/3997

Slink Hands and Feet – siddean.munro

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slink/44/122/24

Also by ~*Souzou Eien*~ Dreamy Goth Eye Shadow [Red]

Winter

December 26, 2014 by Lexxiius Leopard

Winter is a bleak and barren season of short days and trees stripped of their color. At the end of the month of December, many festivals are celebrated at the time of the turning of the seasons around the winter solstice. Thoughts turn to light and hope and belief when things are at their darkest.

Even though or maybe because I live in the South, there is something about a stark winter landscape that I find indescribably beautiful. I love that the sim I spend most of my time on has been decked out in snow and ice and twinkling lights.

(click to enlarge)

This gazebo above from ~*Souzou Eien*~ is available at Gothmas by Gaslight, and adds the perfect touch to a winter landscape. It also comes in a more gothic solid black and a rich wood varnish.

I added these pretty glowing Fae Orbs from ~*Souzou Eien*~ to mine. This version floats up and down in midair, and if you don’t feel like a holiday red the lights change to many other colors with just a touch.

The little bauble I’m holding is from the ~*Souzou Eien*~ Gatcha at Gothmas by Gaslight. Here is a closeup so you can see the detail on both of these

I had some fun playing in the snow with them

~*Souzou Eien*~ is also offering this elegant Victorian street lamp to light up those long winter evenings or a bunny holiday celebration.

My wish for everyone this season, especially those who have struggled through rough times of one kind or another, is to find some light and hope in the dead of winter and to have better days in the coming year.

Warmest Wishes,

Lexxiius Leopard

Credits:

from ~*Souzou Eien*~

at Gothmas by Gaslight – Victorian Street Lamp

Garden’s Respite Gazebo

Vintage Holiday Baubles

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cursed/78/128/1000

Closes on Jan 3rd – better hurry!

Fae Orbs – from We <3 RP

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Evanda%20Island/92/50/4002

Other Items:

Skin: Pink Fuel – Doll V2 (Vamp) ( my new favorite) by Mochi

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Illusory/127/163/3997

Santa suit -*Edelweiss* – Santa Dress04 – Moeka Kohime

Santa Shoes04

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Mont%20Saint%20Michel/104/29/21

Hair – Moon – Eternal Winter (available at Chapter Four )

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Moon/130/135/21

Makeup – Madrid Solo – Noel ( Christmas gift )

Male Lip Mix – shine only

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jiradic/167/209/37

Eyes – IKON – Immortal (Jade)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/128/128/2

Slink hands – Siddean Munro

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slink/44/122/24

Nails – Beautiful Freak – Horror Holiday ( at Gothmas by Gaslight )

Bunnies – +Half-Deer+ – Snow Day Bunnies (Honey) (from Collabor88)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/8%208/85/213/1088

A Boy and his Dog

November 24, 2014 by Lexxiius Leopard

The world was so much more fun since it had been blown to Hell. Literally. Once the bombs dropped and the earth cracked, the places underneath were so much closer and the land above so much more accessible. The thin veneer of Civilization didn’t last very long after that. It was every sinner for himself and the hungry desperate surviving hoardes soon learned that altruism left you dumped in a burning fissure somewhere, your guts open for the mutated vermin to thrive on. In all the chaos who would notice one small demon boy and his hellpup slipping out for a little mayhem?

Sometimes inspiration for this blog comes from strange places. Two events currently running put me in mind of two vastly different works of fiction written centuries apart and combined to create my vicious little demon boy. Both of them were groundbreaking for their times and well worth reading. On the surface they would seem to have little in common, but they were both seminal works that I think helped create an entire genre, and influenced hundreds of writers after them.

( click for full size )

A Tattered Page is running until November 30th. Created by Cursed Events, each round will take a different book as the focus for creator’s designs. The first book they used was “Frankenstein” and it was great fun picking it up to read again. This is an in-store event but I was disappointed to learn that the response was not what they had hoped, so next round will most likely have a central location.

Genre’s theme this month was Post Apocalyptic. There are a ton of books and movies with this theme but the one that has always stuck with me and my personal favorite is Harlan Ellison’s short story “A Boy and His Dog.” about the adventures of Vic and his telepathic dog Blood as they roam the blasted wasteland trying to survive. I still love its ruthless black humor and if you haven’t read it you really should. For something written in 1969 it’s held up surprisingly well.

For A Tattered Page ~*Souzou Eien*~ has contributed these unique Blast Goggles, exclusive to the event. The lenses and all the other parts change via a HUD, so you can customize them to be fashionably colorful or well worn.

For Genre ( and I love this thing way more than a fashionisto is probably supposed to ) ~*Souzou Eien*~ created a set of four of the most evil looking bats, Vera and her sisters. I took a shine to Helga, the sister covered in studs, but Vera, Betsy and Jennifer are all equally fierce. They come prepared for before and after in both clean and bloody versions. These are roleplay only weapons, but they come with their own holding pose that works with your AO as you can see above.

I also wanted to point out the jacket I’m wearing. Made by Goth1c0 and exclusive to A Tattered Page, the Dr.Viktor Suit fit well on my new fembase frame, which is something I’ve had a little trouble with over the past few weeks. The vest changes color via a HUD and the shirt changes to white or black. The tie also comes in an ornate or plain version. If you are looking for a period or formal suit you should really pick this up before it goes away. I haven’t seen anyone wear this that doesn’t look great in it.

I wish I had had more time to explore and write about the havoc done by my little escapee from the Inferno, but life has been exceedingly busy lately ( in a good way ) so I will have to leave him here for now.

The location for these shots was a sim called Asylum. It’s newly opened and well worth a look around both for the shopping and photo opportunities.

Genre:

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Analog%20Dog%20Hair/34/204/3161

Credits:

~*Souzou Eien*~ draconias.timeless

Blast Goggles ( available at Main Store for A Tattered Page )

Mephistopheles Horns (Adorned)

Helga – Studded Bat ( bloody ) – Part of Vera and her little sisters set.

( available at Genre )

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jinn/164/161/2503

Jacket: Goth1c0 – Dr Viktor Blazer – keishii.roo

Shorts – Leather Shorts with straps -part of the “Fallen Angel” outfit

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nolan/183/195/22

Shoes – :Diamante: Nuclear

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dark%20Eternal%20Rose/146/223/2

Hair – Tableau Vivant – Vlodovic – Summer

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beauty%20Avatar%20couture/145/157/24

Eyes: Ikon – Passion

Skin: Pink Fuel – Ash

Lips: NerdMonkey – Victoria Lipgloss Violet

Hellpup: The Roarior Hellpup Pet Rare – Sweet Thing. & darkendStare.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beauty%20Avatar%20couture/145/157/24

Hands and Feet: SLink – siddean.munro

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//49/123/26

Androgyne – An Evolution

November 2, 2014 by Lexxiius Leopard

One of the things I have always enjoyed the most in Second Life is how easy it is to remake yourself. Hair color, eye color, skin, wardrobe – all it takes is a few Linden and you can pretty much be anything your imagination can dream up. You don’t even need the Linden if you want to change your shape – just spend some time messing around with sliders and you can go from muscle bound to waifish in a matter of minutes.
Chameleon that I am, I change my look almost every other time I log in, at least as far as clothes are concerned. My shape hasn’t gone through nearly as many transitions, but there have been a few over the past year or so as anyone who looks over my Flckr will attest to. I thought about going on a little photo journey of my evolution here, but anyone who is that interested can easily see it by going through my photostream.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/lexxiius/

My first AV here was a laughable mistake I’ve only told a few people about ( there are NO pictures thank goodness ) but I soon became aware of the real possibilities for self-expression. Ever since then, my glam little soul has been working towards perfecting a specific aspect. I love androgyny in all its forms. Show me a picture of a guy wearing makeup and heels, or a flat chested girl in a tailored suit and I’m transported with joy. It’s been that way since I first became aware of such things. One of my first musical “loves” was Bowie ( as I’m sure it was for a lot of people ) and that whole 70’s “glitter” scene is my favorite fashion era of all time, with all of its excess and ridiculousness. One of my current icons is the fabulous Adam Lambert, who has certainly not shyed away from challenging gender expectations in his choice of fashion and makeup.

There is an entire subculture of heel wearing men and suit wearing women in Second Life, and it’s not been easy for them as the advent of mesh and standard sizes forces everyone closer and closer to conformity. I’ve done everything I can to force my male base feet into shoes intended for a womans smaller form, not to mention how annoying it is when I find that perfect pair of pants only to find out that I can’t wear them because they cut off half my waist as they only come in mesh women’s sizes. And then there are SLink heels. I’ve agonized over the inablity to wear heels that would only fit on women’s SLink feet, as there are no high heel options for men. ( This is not a criticism of SLink or it’s owner, they have the right to create the things they feel will sell. It’s just a statement of fact. Women’s SLink feet will not fit on a male avatar. Believe me I tried. ) Yet something in me resisted the idea of going to a female base, because for one thing I know how difficult it can be for those bishounen boys who have to defend their shape and their fashion choices on a constant basis and I’m not generally that brave. Also I loved the challenge of staying on a male base, but pushing the boundary into a gender bending appearance as much as possible.

This all came to a head for me as this month’s Genre theme was – you guessed it. Androgyny. I started to rethink all my reasoning and decided it no longer worked for me. The final nail in the coffin was the release of the new Pink Fuel “Andro” skins at that event. The more I worked with them, the more I realized that in order to get the appearance I was looking for, I would have to cross the Second Life gender baseline.

Still the same Lexxiius on the inside – new packaging. My Androgynous Self.

(click to enlarge photos)

Lets start with the skin. This is the “Ash” version of the four new Andro skins put out for Genre by Pink Fuel. This is my first time wearing one of their skins although I have come to find out they are a favorite for a lot of the fembase boys out there, but you can bet I will be watching them for new releases. Right now the skin only comes in Peach, but there is a poll for other shades and I was quick to vote for some of my favorite lighter ones. Other than windlight setting I didn’t do any retouching to this photo, so it’s pretty close to the very fresh and natural tone you will find in the actual skin.

( note – I wanted to add here that I forgot to mention that each of these skins comes with a male, female and boi version, as well as shapes, tattoos for body shading and skin appliers. Really a full package here. The shape I am using in the photos is a custom one of my own however.)

The suit jacket I’m wearing is part of the Mason suit by A:S:S. This is a skirt suit for both men and women, yes – I said a SKIRT suit ( sounds of cheering from the androgynous consumer base) but as I wanted to show off some heels I chose to only wear the top half. This suit also comes from the Genre offerings.

Of course you didn’t think I would forget about ~*Souzou Eien*~ did you? This glowy completely versatile genderless piece of jewelry that I’m using as sort of a tietack ornamental thingie is the Mystic Crystal necklace also out at Genre. This is one of the many colors it comes in via the HUD. I edited the necklace to sit this low on the shirt for the look I wanted.

Let us not forget the heels. Oh gawd the heels. These are the SLink high feet I am Finally able to wear and you can bet the first seventeen things I bought were shoes! These come from Latreiya “Testify” and I think were a limited edition from the Body Modification Expo so I’m not sure if they are still available.

So here is the new me, ready to branch out into new realms of gender blurring fashion, and welcoming anyone who wants to come along for the ride. You might still see my old shape creeping in the blog now and then for things that would look best on it and who knows if new versions of me might appear in the future! For the moment I’m pretty thrilled with my new shape, and will be showing off my newest version of androgyny wherever I go in Second Life.

Along with my own unveiling, I would like to make mention of a new Second Life inworld group that I’m very excited about. It’s called The Androgyne Initiative. It was recently started by Souzou Eien’s own Draconias Timeless in the hopes of “inspiring more designers to create clothing and accessories for other-gendered and non-typical Avatars in Second Life.” There is a list of designers and bloggers on the website ( including my own little blog ) and applications are still being accepted for both designers and bloggers. I am currently serving as one of the moderators for the group along with Ehrin Core, a long time champion and exemplar of genderfabulosity. Please take some time to check out the website and join the in world and Flckr groups if this type of fashion appeals to you.

website

http://the-androgyne-initiative.weebly.com/

Flckr

https://www.flickr.com/groups/the_androgyne_initiative/

Genre Androgynous Round – open until Nov 12th

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Analog%20Dog%20Hair/34/196/3081

Credits:

Available at Genre

~*Souzou Eien*~ – Mystic Crystal Necklace – Draconias Timeless

mainstore

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jinn/159/156/2512

Skin: Pink Fuel “Ash” Lid 1 blonde thin Boi skin – mochi.milena

mainstore

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Illusory/127/163/3996

Jacket: A:S:S – Mason suit – photos.nikolaidis

mainstore

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Touch%20of%20Decadance/134/207/23

Other items:

Hair: Wasabi Pills “Clementine” Seafoam

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Coraline/202/125/1005

Pants: :::insanya::: Liquid Latex Capris – Leo – FemBoy Edition 1 ( femboy hunt gift ) tatyana.ultsch

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/District/171/191/28

Shoes: Latreia- Testify Grey – hera.aviatik

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nightscape/79/160/21

Eyes – Ikon Immortal Eyes – Turquoise

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/502

Stockings: Mosquito’s Way Black #3 – camilla.limondi

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Prince%20Island/162/226/22

Madrid Solo – Male lip mix – Shine only – madrid.solo

Manscara – Squinty Eyes

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jiradic/166/208/37

SLink Casual Hands and SLink High Feet – siddean.munro

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slink/43/121/24

Innocence

October 14, 2014 by Lexxiius Leopard

The unicorn. A symbol of purity and virtue. According to medieval legend, it will appear out of the forest to lay its head on the lap of a virgin and in that way be captured.
But innocence has always been a very potent force in magic, and in this season of Halloween when darker things are in the air, you need to be careful what you call up.

Not everything is that easy to tame, and virgin blood can be very tasty.

Just ask the Unicorn of All Hallows Eve.

Hard to believe October is half over already. My favorite month, when the weather where I live turns cooler at last and Halloween is celebrated. So many events going on in Second Life, and many many new releases from ~*Souzou Eien*~ There are items from four different events here and that’s only part of what is available.

First off, if you haven’t been to The Gathering, you have only a day before it closes on the 15th. This is an event for gatcha lovers, and ~Souzou Eien*~ is offering the inspiration for my demon unicorn, called “The Myth of Innocence”. I’m wearing the rare adorned edition of course, because I can’t resist the sparkly gems. The commons are a little more subdued, with a hud to change the metal color and come in eight different colors. I have it on good authority that eventually these horns may be released into the main store, so if you miss them and want them you can join the ~*Souzou Eien*~ VIP group for regular updates. Another perk of the group is a 50% discount on new in-store releases!

Notice the nice muzzle keeping the demon unicorn from ripping someone’s throat out? That’s “The Biter Mask” currently out at Totally Top Shelf. His version is shiny and new, but there is also a rusted one, if you need a more well-worn look. It’s easily resized and a great touch for a Halloween costume. Totally Top Shelf is open until the 31st of October, so you have plenty of time to get there, and you won’t want to miss it.

Also at the same venue are some of the fanciest canes I have seen in a long time. Four styles that come in both an Ornate and Simple version. The Refined Cane, The Rakish Cane, The Gentry Cane and the Dapper Cane. Above the stylish little demon is using the Rakish Cane, but here is a picture of all four of them giving you some idea of the many color combinations possible. The canes all come with a simple AO ( the pose in the top picture is captured from that AO ) but you can also add your own

And we’re not even close to done, my fellow creatures of the night.

I know a lot of people who are very excited over RMK’s annual Halloween extravaganza. These are the items from ~*Souzou Eien*~ one in the Dream Gatcha Machine and one available for purchase at the venue. These are some seriously detailed props, and would be great for roleplay or just to add a Halloween atmosphere.

Only in the Dream Gatcha is the Crystal Altar that was supposed to control the evil equine until something went horribly wrong.

I swear you can feel the texture of those rocks and crystals. I did practically no touching up of this image at all.

And helping to bring forth the spawn from the stables of darkness is the Spells & Hexes Supply Kit, which is available for purchase. All sorts of powders and potions, candles and pointy things and even a mortar and pestle for mixing up those witches brews.

The best thing about both of these items is that they are only 1 Land impact each.

The baleful fiery stare in pictures are the animated Void Eyes, that are out at The Mystic Realm. One of four sets of eyes being offered, as well as two sets of horns. You Really need to see these eyes inworld to appreciate the effect, as they give off a very sinister glow. Mystic Realm just opened a few days ago, and will run until the 26th.

Wishing those of you who just like to dress up and have fun a safe and festive Halloween. And for those of you who do celebrate it – Blessed Samhain.

Events :

The Gathering

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sharkfins/128/128/23

RMK Halloween

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/RMK%20Gothic/113/46/31

Totally Top Shelf

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kenenkaan%20Forest/3/42/1661

Mystic Realms Faire

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Eldertree%20Village/92/31/22

Credits.

from ~*Souzou Eien*~ – draconias.timeless

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jinn/164/161/2503

Myth of Innocence Circlet ULTRARARE

The Biter Mask and Harness

Void Eyes

Rakish Cane – Ornate

Dreamy Goth Eye Shadow

Crystal Altar

Spells & Hexes Supply Kit

Other Items:

Suit – Innocenzio – lybra.rage

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sun%20Dream/67/100/22

Mandala Steking Ears –

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sun%20Dream/67/100/22

Milk Hair – The Top Knot

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sun%20Dream/67/100/22

Hairbase – KMADD – Tribe 8

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kmadd%20Enterprise/113/100/24

Shoes – FLite Creepers ( these were limited edition as far as I remember )

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Sun%20Dream/67/100/22

Collar – Tableau Vivant Harness Collar – available at The Men’s Dept right now

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/TMD/121/201/22

Madrid Solo – Manscara – Squinty Eyes

Slink Hands: Relaxed

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife//60/102/24

Bloody Mouth – pennywise.bracula ( found on MP )

Also – Tili from Pin Me Down –

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Dark%20Tranquility/44/105/24

Skin – Manu – Swallow

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Love/42/45/1500

Tattoo – Mandala – .Reckless – Also at The Men’s Dept.

Nails – Sinister – Dark Passion – Koffin Nails

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spectacle/80/23/80

Set – Domicile Corvus Skybox

Broken Floor Pentagram – Chaos Panic and Disorder

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spectacle/80/23/80

Poses – STAKEY – Tough Guy

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Spectacle/80/23/80

The Garden Pond

September 28, 2014 by Lexxiius Leopard

There is a little pond behind the house where I spend most of my time now in Second Life. It has become one of my favorite places, peaceful and quiet and calm.

(click to enlarge pictures)

I’ve been known jump around and splash in it on occasion.

The water there feels nice and cool on your feet.

The lily pads are a special favorite of mine.

At night the sky turns a beautiful purple shade of twilight.

Lexxiius - in the Garden in the water - jpg for blog

If you wait long enough, the stars will come out.

All you have to do is be patient.

Everything shines in its own time.

It’s almost time to say goodbye to We <3 RP for this month, and I really wanted to get a chance to blog these amazing horns before it was over. The Seraphic Horns from ~*Souzou Eien*~ are still available at the special We <3 RP price of 50% off, so head over there and grab them quick. I’m wearing the Adorned version, layered with metalwork and jewels, but there are also simpler Pale and Dark versions.

I paired the horns with another *~ Souzou Eien*~ item that is going to be out at Genre until October 12th. I’ve been wearing this piece almost nonstop since I first put it on – the Dancer’s Charm Circlet. The metals and jewels are all changeable with the included HUD, which also has a resizer. Admittedly I’m biased but I think it can be worn beautifully by any gender.

Wishing you all your own little place of serenity in this vast virtual world of ours.

We <3 RP

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Evanda%20Island/159/44/4002

Genre

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Analog%20Dog%20Hair/30/198/3084

Credits:

Seraphic Horns (Adorned) and Dancer’s Charm Circlet – ~*Souzou Eien*~ draconias.timeless

Main Store

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jinn/159/157/2510

Jacket: GizzA – Embroidered Outfit – Jacket – giz.seorn

( I’m just wearing the jacket part of an outfit that comes with jacket, pants and boots)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/GizzA%20Creations/126/131/22

Pants: ::ZED:: MESH Black Stovepipe Cargo Pants

– http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/ChaSin%20Dreams/125/79/2019

Eyes: – IKON Immortal Eyes – Crimson

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/IKON/143/128/501

Hair: ILLMATIC :: Frenchie – Fenty – kaiden.trill

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Trois%20Lunes/76/170/3003

Ears: [Gauze] [][]Trap[][] Short Ripped Ears Ice

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Twilight/89/167/42

Nosering – A:S:S deLuxe – Mayur Nosering – also found at Genre

Makeup – Madrid Solo- Manscara- Squinty Eyes

Madrid Solo-Male Designs- Maze Eyes Only – madrid.solo

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jiradic/166/208/37

Slink hands and feet – siddean.munro

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Slink/43/121/24

Nails: Shadow Dip by !The Little Bat

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Nuvoletta/46/76/22

Poses by

Ma Vie

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Beauty%20Avatar%20couture/211/124/25

elephante poses

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/The%20Emerald%20City/43/167/21

Son of Mercury

September 22, 2014 by Lexxiius Leopard

Son of Mercury “a wit, a thief.” 18th century slang.

The slightly drunken man almost tripped on the heels of his fancy new boots as he stepped into the street. His impressive hat was askew, his coat wrinkled and he smelled a bit of ale and ozone. He tried to cover up his intoxicated lurch with a swagger as he moved towards the docks and his airship. Cargo loaded, deal signed, half the money up front and in the morning off to collect the rest at the end of the voyage. Good reason to get half-rats and celebrate, if only with drink. There were other ways to celebrate too, but tonight he hadn’t seen anyone that suited his … particular taste. “To demmed bad.” he thought. “But this is just a bywater of dosshouses,hedgetaverns and hulverheads. There’ll be better pickings at Cursed.”

A slender figure moved out of the alley beside the alehouse, not quite in his path, but enough to be noticed in the shadows. “Uhhh…. Excuse me, Captain.” a hesitant, silvery voice called out to him. “Might you be by the way of providing passage to Cursed?”

The Captain turned and frowned, trying to get a better look at the stranger. “Come here, boy.” he beckoned, certain of this from the timbre of the other’s voice. “Let’s have a look at you. Mayhaps I can offer such a thing to you, for the right price.”

The young man stepped closer to the flickering lamps lighting the street. Half dressed in nothing but worn pants and a scarf, except for the optic implant that marked him as a possible runaway slave from one of the manufacturing plants. Poor and pathetic and without a coin to his name but not bad to look at under the dirt that covered him, no doubt picked up along the rough journey to his freedom. No, not bad at all. He looked shyly down at the Captain’s feet. “I’m afraid I’ve not much in my pockets, Sir. But I’m more than willing to help out on board any way that I can. I dearly need to get to the city”

(click to enlarge pictures)

Oh … you dearly need, do you?” The Captain chuckled, looking him up and down, unexpectedly pleased with how his luck had suddenly turned. “I’m afraid I don’t require much of a crew. This is a solitary enterprise, except for the loadin’ an unloadin’. But yesssss …. maybe it would be nice to have another soul aboard. Sort of a ….. cabin boy, if you get my drift. I’m sure I could think of something for you to do to earn your keep.” He didn’t specify what that might be, but the leer on his face was anything but subtle. The boy swallowed and a slight blush rose to his cheeks, barely seen in the dim light. He shifted from foot to foot, glanced up, glanced away, opened his mouth as if about to speak and closed it.

“Well?” The Captain prompted “Don’t have all night. Come if you’re comin’ and be quick about it before I change my mind.” He turned on his boot heel and tried to stalk cockily into the night, which was a little difficult considering how inebriated he was. After a few moments the younger man was trotting along after him, trying to keep the smirk off his face at how simply and easily the pieces were falling into place.

“The night’s too long for sweet talk and blandishments.” The Captain decided as they climbed up the long brass and iron ladder to the rivited deck. “Some things shouldn’t need to be explained.” He let the young man wander the deck, looking curiously at the wheels and gears and pipes as he quickly untethered, pumped, cranked and bustled them into a whirring ascent. As soon as they were clear of the dock and hovering over water he moved behind his passenger, grabbing him by the shoulders and whirling him around. “Come here, little wharfmouse” he said in a gruff voice with a hint of amused playfulness. “Seems I have a job you’ll be well suited for. You seem a smart one, you’ll figure it out. Or you’d best, if you don’t want to be kicked over the side.”

At first the boy’s eyebrows raised so high he thought they might fall off his face. He looked over the side, to the empty air below them. then to the captain’s lacivious expression. Finally his panicked expression seemed to turn to one of resignation and he reached out to the captain’s waistband, their gazes locked as his fingers crept softly around that band of cloth. The captain thoroughly enjoyed the play of emotions in his prey’s eyes. Surrender, acceptance, nervousness, and then a touch of anticipation and possibly desire. At least that’s what he thought, up until the moment he was relieved of his plasma guns and found them pressed firmly into his belly.

“Step off, do – I’d rather not have to clean your innards off of MY ship.” The young man’s voice rang out, far from the delicate gentle tone it had before. He poked the gun harder, tilting it down a bit as if to make his point. “And don’t be deceived, I WILL separate you from your nether regions if I have to. Wouldn’t be the first time.” He pushed hard enough with the barrels to make the older man take a few steps back.

“Rogue! Prig! You … you FILCHING COVE!” The Captain cried out furiously, and made to rush forward until he took note of the steady hand inching the along the trigger and the cool eye appraising him.

The young man inclined his head slightly. He would have bowed but for it spoiling his aim. “I prefer Son of Mercury, if you please. But yes. Now …. if you would be so kind as to remove your garments and jump overboard? I rather like that hat. And lest you think me indecisive in the least …. ” There was an odd glumping noise and just like that, the Captain’s smallest finger was missing from the lowest knuckle down. No blood flowed from the wound, no ragged flesh at the edges. Just gone. The Captain stared in shock at his hand, although he knew full well the capabilty of his weapons and had paid a pretty price for them. He had just never thought to have them used on himself.

“Cogs and Brass, Captain!. Good Guns.” The Son of Mercury whistled and then gave a mocking smile. “Thank you for these. They’ll come in handy.”

The last he saw of the Captain was the splash he made when he hit the water.

The Son of Mercury pulled the counterfeit implant from his face and adorned himself in the pile of clothes and navigational equipment left on the deck. Although some were a bit too large for him they seemed only to add to his raffish air in his own opinion, which he thought a great deal of. He spent a few minutes down below primping in his new cabin and checking on the goods and contents of the hold which he had so fortunately inherited, now that the Captain would no longer be needing them. He did not change the ship’s course, as the cargo was indeed going to be sold at Cursed, though perhaps not exactly to the legitimate outlet it had been intended. When all had been inspected,tallied and sorted out to his satisfaction, he went again to the deckrailing, crossing his arms upon it and looking out as the night stars gave way to the sunrise.

He gave a wink to one of the tiny, glowing lanterns in the sky. It was not a star but a planet, called after the same long forgotten deity as himself, it’s small size disguising it as one of those tiny twinkling celestial bodies as he was also so often disguised as something much sweeter, meeker and more defenseless than he was.

“Good night’s work, Mercury.” He congratulated them both. “See you tomorrow, old friend.”

Fin

I’ve always had a secret fascination with the Steam/Dieselpunk genre in fashion and music. I love costuming and historical/period things in general and I’m often struck by the wildly creative mixtures that cosplayers and fans come up with. This month’s event A Clockwork Spiral which opened on Sept 15th and goes until Sept 30th gave me a chance to do a story and my own spin on the style at last, featuring new items from ~*Souzou Eien*~ one of them only available for the event, the Plasma Distorter Pistol. Make sure you get there before the end of the month when it will be gone forever!

A Clockwork Spiral

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cursed/78/128/1001

ACS Blog:

http://aclockworkspiral.wordpress.com

Credits:

From ~*Souzou Eien*~ draconias.timeless

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Jinn/156/155/2511

Plasma Distorter Pistols – exclusive to A Clockwork Spiral

Serpentine Optics – can be worn on left, right or both sides, with HUD for changing metals and colors.

Engineer’s Monocle and Professor’s Monocle – both available in the ~*Souzou Eien*~ ACS gatcha along with 5 other styles.

other items from A Clockwork Spiral

Earring: Bliensen + MaiTai – Industrial Revolution 2.0 Rust -Earring – plurabelle.laszlo