Worlds to Visit
Okay, so, we all probably need a vacation from the real world, yes? Let’s say a pleasant two-week or month-long vacation somewhere that would be fun and relaxing. Where would you like to go? Let’s stipulate that you can visit after any horrifying Dark Lord has been defeated, or after any potentially world-destroying crisis has been averted. Below are five worlds that I think would be a pleasure to visit.
I mean, just look at that cover! You don’t have to read the story to know how delightful a visit would be. I mean, as long as you’re not afraid of heights. That would not be a great phobia here. But it’s not only the gliding, fun though that would be. This also is a charming, low-key, pastoral society, with lots of social emphasis on courtesy and pacifism. It would be a great place for a retreat, for recuperation, for a peaceful vacation away from real-world troubles.
A commenter mentioned Muina in this context, but the fact is, I would kind of like to visit Tare as well as Muina. Given the relative ease of traveling between the two worlds, there’s no reason a vacation package couldn’t include both. Even though I’m not into urban living as a thing, I would like to visit Tare, which sounds pretty amazing for a totally urban planet. I’d like a window in my apartment so I could admire those storms. Then, back to Muina. I want to visit the place with the giant trees, and definitely the place with the rivers that have been redesigned into an artistic presentation. Also, while there, I’d definitely schedule time for “skin treatment” or whatever term is applied to the anti-aging treatment.
Any sightings of psychic space ninjas would be icing on the cake.
If I turned out to be a touchstone, as unlikely as that is, I would carefully not mention it to anyone. At least not unless I had already decided I’d want to spend the rest of my life there.
I have to say, I’d also bring some of my spaniels. Those feral “border collies” are going to be terrible, terrible pets for most people; much too high-drive and demanding. I feel bad that the Muinans don’t have a more suitable type of dog for companionship. Cavaliers would fill that niche admirably.
Most fantasy worlds would arguably make terrible vacation spots. Even if the Dark Lord isn’t trying to enslave everyone, for a plethora of reasons, they just aren’t that nice as places to live. This world is different. I’ve said before that the society here, the one with the Elemental Blessings, is currently experiencing a kinder, gentler industrial revolution. That’s exciting and adds to the comfort level of living here. There’s just a nice aura here too, as one can see by the way that all the Elemental Blessings are in fact blessings — no curses built into the metaphysics of this world. That’s one reason these novels were instant comfort reads for me.
In this particular case, I have a very specific destination in mind. I really want to visit Wizard Derk and his family. I love, love, love the griffins in this family. There are neat dragons in this world too, and I don’t think those dragons would be particularly dangerous to visit as long as Derk or one of his children introduced you.
As long as no huge empire is trying to invade … and as long as the islands aren’t sinking toward the sea … then it’s hard to imagine a better vacation spot. Seriously.
Beautiful setting, flying people to admire as they soar overhead — or below a balcony, perhaps — plus a culture that emphasizes the arts including the culinary arts … I mean, even if most people can’t really see the dragons that may be around, still, sign me up!
What’s a world you’d particularly like to visit?
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