The Red Curtain Project

Ramredcurtain1
Originally uploaded by fragilepeat

Ramalam posing at the Red Curtain Project for Arteer

"Make me a promise Ramalam..."

RedCurtainproject
Originally uploaded by fragilepeat

"There is something I want to show to you Ram," Arteer said as Ram sipped his tea.
"I am the owner of The Red Curtain Project," Arteer explained, "It's a kind of photography studio where people take pictures of themselves against the Red Curtain and then post them to an online community on Flickr."
Ramalam nodded as Arteer led the way through her garden to a surreal environment on the far side.
"This is the Red Curtain Project in it's third incarnartion," Arteer said and gestured to the surrounding black and white arena.
"Join the community at
http://www.flickr.com/groups/redcurtain/

then post a picture of yourself! Then you will be on my wall!"
Ramalam smiled and nodded.
"I will do so," he said, "Is there any way I can repay your kindness?"
"Put a picture of yourself on my wall!" Arteer enthused.
"Also, she said, her face turning more serious, "I want you to make me a promise."
"A promise?" Ramalam said hesitantly, "I do not break my word easily so a promise would be binding."
"I want you to promise me you will keep writing your journal of your journey," Arteer said. Ramalam looked deep into Arteer's eyes, his own like voids. The moment stretched into the distance.
"I promise," Ram said. And meant it.

Tea with Arteer

TeawithArteer
Originally uploaded by fragilepeat

Neighbouring the garden of the fairies was a large gothic mansion. Ramalam leapt over the fence and snuck across the lush garden.

Standing out the front of the house was a tall woman with a hat and glasses.

"Hello," she said as Ramalam shuffled across her lawn.
"Greetings," Ramalam replied and bowed, as he did to everyone he met.
"What brings you to my garden?" The Lady asked.
Ramalam explained his quest to her and she smiled as she listened.
"Fascinating," she said, "Would you like to come in for some tea?"
"That would be lovely," Ramalam replied and they sat down inside an drank the finest tea Ram had ever tasted.
"My name is Arteer," The lady said, "What is yours?"
"Ramalam is my name," said Ramalam plainly as he crouched, cat-like upon the seat. The tea was warm and filled his belly.

Away with the fairies

Fairygarden
Originally uploaded by fragilepeat

Ever searching for the next place to sit and contemplate the world, Ram sat in a fairy garden.

Ninjalam

Ninjalam
Originally uploaded by fragilepeat

Ramalam in his new Ninja costume

Samm+Julia

Samm+Julia
Originally uploaded by fragilepeat

A new determination in his heart to reach the Future Ramalam began to walk westward again. His goal was to reach the coast, then head south west until there was no more mainland. Then he would have to begin to island hop again, as he had done at the beginning of his journey.

As Ram wandered down the coastline he arrived at a beautiful house by the sea. A huge ship was anchored just off the coast.

From out of the house walked two visions. Samm and Julia greeted Ram warmly. Ram explained his journey to them and they seemed happy to listen. They described themselves as spending most of their time,
"Shopping and looking pretty," and they seemed genuninely glad to meet Ramalam.
"Here," Samm said digging around in her pockets, "Take this to wear," it may help you sneak past security bots and other hindrances in your path."
Unrolling the bundle, Ram saw an outfit designed for ninja. This would aid him greatly and prevent him from looking like what locals called a n00b.

Julia went into the house and returned with some linden dollars.
"It's not much, she said, "but perhaps it will help you find what you are looking for." She pressed $400 into Ramalam's hands.
"I can't take this," Ram said, "you are too kind."
"Take it," Julia replied, "It will help."
"I will use it wisely to help in my journey," Ram said placing the dollars in his pocket, "I will not waste them. Thank you so much."

"You are always welcome to come back here Ram," Julia said, "Keep a note of where this is and come visit!"

With hearty thanks Ram left the house confident he had met some of the nicest people in SL

The Return

Icefyre
Originally uploaded by fragilepeat

Profaniti crested the hill. Her jetpack blazing against the vivid blue sky. She touched down, her feet crunching against the green grass, bending blades down over the stony soil. She took a few more steps forward and then she saw the totem pole. It grew out of the ground as if part of it, colourful and bold. Huge painted eyes looked down on her as she reached the wigwam.

Before the totem pole sat a man with red hair floating down his back. He was dressed in black and sat cross legged.

Profaniti crept up behind him and leaned over his shoulder. A gentle smile grew on the man's pale face. She kissed him sweetly on the cheek. The smile grew even broader.

"Profaniti," he whispered.
"Ramalam," She replied and walked around to face him.
"Have you abandoned your quest?" She asked.
"No," Ram replied opening his eyes. They were as black as the night sky but she could tell he was focused on her. "I am merely resting here a while."
"You have been resting a long time Ram," She said, almost concerned, "Will you ever reach the places you said you would?"
"Someday I will, but without ceremony now I think," Ram looked up and the sky, the sun beating down on his pale skin.
"You haven't written in your blog," Profaniti said.
"No," Ramalam replied, "I'm not sure I will again."
"Isn't that one of your rules though?" Profaniti asked, "to keep a record?"
"For whom?" Ramalam replied, "I do not think anyone read it."

Blinking for a second Ramalam stood up only to find that Profaniti had disappeared. He looked about in vain but could not find her. Perhaps she had not been there at all and he had been speaking to himself.