Full Itinerary

Jet lag caught up with Sophie and Drea - along with their ... erm  *ahem*... 'other exertions' in the shower. So that lost them almost an entire day. Besides, with being a Heavy Sleeper, it took Sophie a while to wake up from her deepest slumber.But they were determined to fulfill Shannon's rather detailed and full itinerary.

So, it was quite a shock to one poor explorer, when Sophie joined him at the breakfast table for her morning protein juice - in her undies! He almost choked on his soup, trying to avoid his gaze straying towards her semi naked flesh.

Sophie: So, you're off exploring huh?
Explorer: *wheeze*
Sophie: Yeah, us too. Any idea where half this stuff is?

She shoved the list in his face whilst he tried to compose himself. He shook his head, his face turning a puce colour.

Sophie: You okay? You don't look too good. Want me to .... oh!

She jumped up and slapped him on the back, realising that he was in distress. Satisfied that he wasn't about to keel over, she left Base Camp to join Drea, who'd already made a head start.

Wow, he's moving fast!

Drea: Well, I want to fit in as much as possible here and still have time to sightsee.

Good point.

Mind you, thanks to Sophie's wings, she was able to catch up within no time, just as Drea was climbing the grand steps at the Forbidden City.

Sophie: Mom said there was nothing of any value here. She'd already explored this tomb.
Drea: I heard that the crypts magically regenerate their valuables.
Sophie: That's nonsense.
Drea: No harm in trying.

So, with great reluctance, Sophie followed Drea into the cavernous tomb.

Sophie: Any luck yet?
Drea: Hang on, just looking.
Sophie: I'm telling you, we're wasting our time. Besides, I would really love to see the Terracotta Army.
Drea: Wait! Wait! Oh, hang on. Well, what do you know. There's a bag of gold coins in here.
Sophie: Perhaps the locals put them there as an offering? To appease their deities? Maybe it's not a good idea. Let's go.
Drea: That's superstitious nonsense, we may as well take them, they'll be useful.
Sophie: Drea, I'm telling you. Leave it be.

He shot her a glare before dismissing her with a wave of his hand. She flushed with indignation before stomping out.

Sophie: FINE! I'll make my way to the Army myself.

She left the tomb in quite a huff, speeding along at a furious pace. So much so that she arrived at the site of the Terracotta Army in no time. She gasped at the sheer beauty and magnificence.

Sophie: I wonder if I dare get any closer and touch them?

She decided not to touch them and respectfully kept a distance to marvel at these bronze statues, despite being wrongly labelled as Terracotta.

In the meantime, Drea had emerged from the tomb to take a water taxi up the mighty river. Sophie was quite put out when she saw the taxi speeding off, leaving her stranded on the riverside. Obviously they still needed to work out some issues.

Anyways, Drea and Sophie had agreed to meet up at the Dragon's Maw. But on arrival, try as they may, they couldn't gain access at all. The mysterious and elusive entrance, remained just that. Elusive and resolutely shut up tight. Keeping it's secrets well hidden. (sorry no pics)

Night had fallen rather quickly as they both headed towards their last destination. According to Shannon, legend had it that there were mummitorium rocks scattered near the ruins.

Try as they may, they just couldn't find them, and with the light fading fast, they had to abort that last task. Besides, there was something really creepy, staring out at them from the abandoned mine nearby. And neither of them fancied the idea of facing up to whatever it was that was lurking in there.

The moonlight cast a bright glow on Base Camp as the two of them wearily trailed up the steps. They hardly had any energy left for anything other than a bite to eat and discuss what had happened during the day.

Sophie: I'm sorry I snapped.
Drea: That's okay. Perhaps I should have listened a bit more, but I was so caught up in the adventure.
Sophie: I know. It's a shame that dragon thingy didn't work.
Drea: Yeah. Maybe it was feeding off our negative energy? That's why it refused to let us in.
Sophie: You might have a point there.
Drea: Well, it's been a great break away, despite the mix up and our difference of opinions.
Sophie: Yeah, I'll be glad to get back home.
Drea: Me too.

And then they headed off to bed and collapsed into a restful slumber.

And thus ends the adventures of Sophie and Drea.

*****

A brief explanation as to why the continuity of this wishacy will be interrupted. I'd played everything here in these recent updates. Progressed really well. But then, without warning on a return home from Shang Simla, the inevitable happened. And right when I'd decided NOT to save my game.

It crashed, leaving me back to square one with only these screenshots to show that stuff actually DID happen in game. I could try and repeat the whole process, just to get the memories into my Sims. That's a decision I have to make on my own.

Prank Misfire?

Sophie: Um, mom?
Shannon: Have you landed safely? What's the weather like? Was the flight okay? Drea didn't throw up did he?
Sophie: Mom.

Sophie didn't want to sound ungrateful but her dreams of travelling to Champs Le Sims had been shattered with this mix up. However, the excitement in her mother's voice gave her a guilt trip like no other. So much so that she couldn't bring herself to make the decision to return home. After all, it's as Drea had said, they were here already, so why not make the most of it.

Sophie: Listen mom, I want to thank you for this lovely gift ... but...
Shannon: Oh, Drea DID throw up then, didn't he? He was so certain that he would suffer from travel sickness too.

Sophie closed her eyes and counted silently to ten.

Sophie: We're not in Champs Le Sims mom.

There was a short silence. Followed by a small intake of breath.

Shannon: Oh. I thought you wanted to go to Shang Simla?
Sophie: Er, no.
Shannon: Oops.

Something about that 'oops' set alarm bells ringing with Sophie. Such was their bond that they knew when something was amiss. And this was one of those moments.

Sophie: What do you mean ..... oops?
Shannon: Soph, don't be upset but ....
Sophie: Mom?
Shannon: I sent you there on purpose. I'm sorry. I should have told you earlier but I knew that you wouldn't have believed me. This was the only way ... trust me.
Sophie: Mom? What's going on?
Shannon: I had the strangest experience whilst I was there and I needed someone else to go, just to see if the same thing happens to them. You two didn't have your honeymoon, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity.
Sophie: You could have told us.
Shannon: I know. But could you do this for me?

Resigned, Sophie agreed with one condition, that she was allowed to spend some tourist time with Drea. Shannon suggested that he help out too.

Shannon: That way, we'll have an eye witness.
Sophie: Yeah, but remember mom, we are officially on our honeymoon and this is a short trip away. We'll have to pack in a lot whilst we are here.
Shannon: Oh, don't worry about that. I sneaked in an agenda in your luggage. I marked out some key areas. These should only take a day or so.

Sophie shook her head and smiled, despite her disbelief at her mother's nerve. She had to admit, the woman was highly organised, and when she wanted something, nothing got in her way!

Shannon: Don't forget to phone me and let me know what happens.
Sophie: I won't, although you've got to remember, we might be busy with other stuff.
Shannon: Sorry to put you in this position.
Sophie: That's okay. We'll catch up with you later, for now, it's getting a little warm here and we're standing in the baking sun.
Shannon: Okies. Give my love to Drea.

They hung up and Sophie turned to Drea.

Sophie: You won't believe this.
Drea: Go ahead. And no, I didn't throw up on the plane.
Sophie: It wasn't an error. Mom organised all of this.
Drea: I might have guessed so. She's a slippery character isn't she?

Sophie pulled a mock shocked face before teasing Drea.

Sophie: You'd better be careful there mister. That's my mom you're talking about. Say one more word and I'll make your teeth chatter!
Drea: You wouldn't dare.
Sophie: Really? Try this one on for size.

She levitated off the floor, whilst making an elaborate pattern with her hands before flinging fairy dust at Drea.

Unfortunately, it backfired and rebounded off him, back to her, making her stand there and shiver.

Drea: Ha! Serves you right.
Sophie: I...I.... cccccann't uuuuunnnndddderrrsstannnd whaaaaattt weeennnnt wrrrooonnnggg.
Drea: Perhaps your magic isn't strong enough?

She shot him a glare, he backed up a little.

Drea: Just saying. I thought that fairies needed to work on their magic powers to make them stronger... that's all.
Sophie: Yeah ... well ..... thissss isn't mmmmmuch fuuunnnnnn you knnnnowww.

Drea scratched his chin and grinned.

Drea: Perhaps there's an easy solution here?
Sophie: Like what?
Drea: A hot shower?
Sophie: Wwwwillll thatttt worrrk onnnn magicccc?
Drea: We can always find out.
Sophie: We?
Drea: Why not? It is our honeymoon.
Sophie: Bbbutttt, whatt abbbbbout mmmommm's missssionnn?
Drea: We've got a couple of days. It can wait.

He kissed her passionately in the hopes that some warmth would come through, but it didn't. So they went to the next stage .... the hot shower. He draped his jacket over her shoulders as they hurried upstairs at base camp and jumped into a nice hot steaming shower ... together.

*****

Sorry about the long narrative but inspiration jumped in feet first and this was what I came up with. It kinda makes sense. Besides, she did roll a wish to visit Paris, but in my excitement at fulfilling her wish, I clicked on the wrong destination!

Oppsies!

Honeymoon Mixup

Prior to leaving for Shang Simla, Shannon had left an envelope for Sophie and Drea. On the front it read ....

A little gift to the two of you. It's somewhere you (Sophie) have always wanted to go to. Make sure your passports and visas are in order. Everything is all organised. See you when I get back.

Love ... Mum

Excitedly, Sophie ripped open the envelope, expecting tickets, but was left with a cryptic note that simply said ...

Arrive at airport for 2:15 pm. Just bring your passports and luggage.

Sophie frowned. Hmm. Odd? But between her and Drea, they managed to pack a few things for the trip. She'd always dreamed and wished to go to Champs Le Sims. The romance, the culture. The nectar!

Whilst Shannon had been away, they'd been keeping house and ... busying themselves with other ... *ahem* 'pursuits'!

Poor Drea can't even get a minute's peace from working at the potions table, before Sophie is enticing him away for a bit of WooHoo!

The main one was the all in one bathroom. That ... was a firm favourite for this amorous couple. Much to the horror of poor Pat who was forced to watch ... each and every time they disappeared behind that door.

Pat: I hate my life.

Well, Pat. You should have attempted to improve your relationship with Sophie, got yourself humanized and this wouldn't be happening to you now, would it?

Speaking of building relationships .... try as they may, they simply could not break through that shell that timid little Hespa had built around herself. Mealtimes were especially awkward as it always ended up with everyone eating in total and awkward silence. Even with Shannon returned from her trip, things were still fairly tense.

Hespa had gotten herself a job in the Business Park and everyone wanted to know how she was getting on. But ... it was like pulling teeth. They weren't sure whether she was enjoying what she was doing. Or not. She simply clammed up and retreated!

On another note, despite the weather, a Simfest was being held and Sophie wanted to check it out. After all, she wanted to continue her career and needed to know what the competition was like.

It sucked.

The snow was ankle deep and the acts were abysmal. The proprietor had to call the whole thing off because it was becoming too dangerous to perform there. It was a shame Sophie couldn't compete. Simply because she didn't have enough experience under her belt. Soo ... she'll have to live with Sing a Grams for a bit longer.

Anyways, time was moving onwards and soon their impromptu and surprise honeymoon was coming up fast. Excited, they left for the airport, glad to see the back of the horrific weather conditions. Hopped on board the plane ....

.... and ended up in ......

..... Shang Simla.

Both Sophie and Drea's faces fell as they looked at the rugged, mountainous landscape.

Sophie: This .... isn't Champs Le Sims. We haven't even packed for this climate.

Drea: This  ... sucks.
Sophie: Now what?
Drea: Well, we have two options. Stay and make the most of it, or get the first flight home.

Sophie picked up her phone and paused, frowning. The fate of this honeymoon mixup was in her hands.

Two choices. Home or stay?

The Dragon's Maw

The task/opportunity that Shannon had undertaken, was in fact, split into several miniature tasks and time wasn't exactly on her side. She'd only been allowed a three day visa and two days had passed already. The next part required her to visit the Dragon's Maw. That was quite a distance away and she needed to get there fairly quickly. Her wing power could only take her so far.

But what surprised her most of all, was the written scroll that had been handed to her. It was in Simandarin, but had been roughly translated. The woman who passed it over to her, gave her a long look before nodding quietly and whispering ... maybe you can charm the dragon to open it's mouth and reveal it's secrets.

Shannon mulled over this as she took the water taxi along the river. The sun was setting fast and it seemed even more peaceful than during the daytime. The nocturnal animals began their evensong as they sped along. But all too soon, the navigator told her that he couldn't go any further for fear of the rocks in the water. Too many sailors had lost their boats to these dangerous waters.

He pulled up to a shallow embankment, nodding and bowing gracefully, apologising continuously for failing to take her any closer. So she was forced to swim in the waters. He looked up at the sky and smiled, explained that the moonlight was strong enough for her to see.

After flicking the water from her wings, she sped onwards, still in her swimwear. She didn't have time to change and wanted to get to this infamous landmark before exhaustion took over. She needed to set up camp as soon as possible and get some rest.

A terrifying sound greeted her as she climbed the steep bank. It sounded like a groan coming straight from the belly of a beast. She craned her head up, to see smoke billowing from a gaping maw, red lights glowed brightly from where it's eyes should have been.

Nothing had prepared her for just how big this thing really was. It dwarfed her completely as she inched closer. Pulling out the scroll, she read it thoroughly in the moonlight.

Shannon: Hmm, they say there's a hidden switch here.

She entered the chasm, only to be faced with a tall black wall. Sliding her hands over the rough surface, she started feeling for the switch. But found nothing. Her heart sank as she realised that this was the legendary dragon. He'd only let people in if he deemed them worthy enough. And obviously, she wasn't worthy enough.

She sat down heavily and sighed, defeated, to the point of giving up, when she heard the distinct sound of granite grinding against granite. Turning around slowly, she blinked as she saw ..... nothing. The dragon head had vanished and in it's place, greenery, along with a single post.

She was thankful that the moonlight was strong enough to illuminate her way.

Approaching slowly, she spotted a flight of stairs leading downwards into a dark abyss. She was in a dilemma. If she turned back, she could easily miss this great opportunity to explore. The dragon itself might not give her another chance. Besides, she was really feeling tired out and desperately needed to sleep. She wasn't even sure if there was room down there to pitch her tent.

There was only one thing for it. Go forward and hope that she didn't run into any dangers whilst she was down there.

The chasm opened up to a dimly lit room, it's floor barely large enough for her tent, but it would have to do. She needed sleep ... NOW! Exploring would have to wait until later - provided she didn't oversleep and use up her last day there.

********

If you look carefully in the fourth picture down, you will see Shannon swimming in the water. She is miniscule compared to this vast landscape. There are no more screenshots after this, because, after all, you don't want to see yet another Sim raiding tombs now, do you?

A Fire Engine .... in Shang SimLa???

Shannon had some long standing opportunities that she needed to complete. The majority of them were based in Shang SimLa. So, I decided to take her there to complete them.

 The weather has turned really nasty with heavy snow forecast for the rest of the week, so it was definitely a good time to get away from it all. And what better place than the relaxing rolling hills of Shang SimLa?

So, after calling the travel agents for a last minute flight, Shannon hopped into her .... fire engine ???? ... and made her way to the airport.

Goodness knows how she managed to get it shipped over to that foreign land, but she managed anyways.

What a view though. Simply gorgeous.

And the first thing she does? Wishes to donate 100 Simoleans to a good cause. So I dutifully obliged!

One of her opportunities was to talk to a local about something or other - I forget what - think it was something about using language I dunno.

And as the old woman walked away, Shannon pulled out her little gizmo thingy and started playing with it.

Psst, Shannon. I don't think you're actually supposed to be carrying that around.
*shrugs*
Oh well.

Another wish was for her to visit the Forbidden City. So I sent her there too.

I just love the stunning scenery. I really do.

She wanted a photo opportunity, so I let her sit down and took this amazing pic for her album.

Well, a task popped up, giving her the opportunity to search a tomb. She did so with eager energy but found the dive wells a little too cold for her liking. Gasping for air, she pulled herself up and shook off the excess water.

Naturally, she found what she was looking for and completed this impromptu task. As she waited to be invited inside, she couldn't help marveling at the zen garden and secretly wished that she could do something like this back home.

As she made friends with yet another local, she couldn't help noticing the paparazzi were camping outside. Shrugging her shoulders at this attention, she felt a pang of hunger and she needed to eat ... soon.

Methinks this guy's got a serious crush on her.

Who knew that fairies had a seriously sweet tooth?

Shannon did as she gulped down a bottle of home grown honey she'd had stashed away in her backpack. I'm surprised that customs let her through with that. On the TV, I've seen just how strict they are when shipping foodstuffs across the border.

She got a slight sugar buzz that energised her, so she decided to drive right across the rolling landscape, to her next port of call .... the academy.

Here, she wanted to improve her Athletic skill and start up her Martial Arts skill. So she had a go with one of the training dummies.

After a good couple of hours, she really worked up an appetite and realised that honey wasn't the answer. She checked her phone to see if there was a decent take away nearby. And if they sold chicken drumsticks!

And thus ends part one of Shannon's Adventures.

Stay tuned for more.