#'my injuries were so magic i was gold statue for a month'

[darklight-owl]

I don't know why the image of Layton being knocked out and carried off is so funny to me like how did they do that without making a scene did they chloroform him

[whoacanada]

‘Wishful Thinking‘

Summary: Every NHL champion gets a single brush with ice magic. When Jack takes his first cup with the Falconers, he accidentally undoes the wish that brought him back from the brink of death in 2009, and Bitty becomes hell-bent on lifting the cup himself for a chance to set things right.

A/N: Finally posting some concepts I’ve played around with that aren’t 100% complete massive fics, but still pretty solid, just little things that might be enjoyed. Yet another cup-wish-gone-wrong-au with monkey-paw components. Also inspired by discord convos about canon!Jack meeting an older, veteran NHL!Bitty and having a lot of feelings. Also mentor/father-in-law!Bob trying to help Bitty navigate the NHL. There’s more to this floating around but this is the meat of it

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Bob can sense when it happens. A shift of something monumental that he’s only felt on a handful of occasions his entire life. A quick glance across the ice finds a number of the celebrating Falconers looking around curiously, unsure of the sensation; for so many, it’s their first brush with ice magic. A pleasant novelty. The vets, though, they look to each other.

Bob turns and doesn’t have to look far to find his son, one hand clasped around the cup, the other around Eric Bittle’s waist, smiling from ear to ear. Something about the moment is wrong, but Bob can’t quite determine why as he’s overcome with a wave of nausea. The stadium lights are too bright and he blinks hard, face scrunching, trying to force whatever wrongness he’s feeling out of himself.

Someone’s made a wish.

The moment passes. Bob’s vision clears. There, veiled in a shower of blue and gold confetti, is Eric; alone at center ice, face twisted in confusion as he looks around for the man who only moments earlier had been in his arms.

“You take the cup, you get one real wish,” the decades old, bourbon-lacquered voice of his first coach reminds him. “But only the one. Can be something small, like an empty cab in the rain, or it can be something big. World changing, even. The one thing, the most important thing — ”

“No,” Bob breathes. “Please, no.”

“— You never use your wish on another player.”

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They don’t know exactly what Jack wished for, but the next time Bitty’s blades touch the ice, it’s as if he’s stepped into the body of a new man. No more slurs. No more targeted chirps. He’s just one of the boys.

He plays. He wins. Then, the offers start to come.

NHL teams looking for fast wingers, team players, leadership material; not one of them mentions diversity, or Eric’s status as the first out NCAA hockey captain. No one cares. No one remembers Jack, and no one cares about Eric.

The best and worst case scenarios rolled into one. If this is the reality Jack unknowingly traded his existence for, Bitty has no choice but to walk through the door his partner opened.

Bitty swallows, trying to force the words out on one of his now nightly calls with the man who would have been his father-in-law in another world, if the shared connection between them hadn’t been interred in a Montréal cemetery almost a decade prior.

“I think . . . I think he wished for acceptance.”

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“No one remembers anymore.”

Eric scuffs his skate against this ice, building up a small pile of shavings before scattering them again, focusing on the soft white as if somehow he’ll be able to transport himself bodily to somewhere cool and quiet. Jackson Hole. Banff. Tremblant. Anywhere but here. Anywhen but now.

“Saw Tater last week at a press junket. Blank stares all around. Some days, most days, I wake up and I don’t know how I got here. I can go without thinking of him.”

Weeks. Eric doesn’t say aloud. Months. Those hideous mornings when he wakes up beside a warm body and forgets they aren’t him. They aren’t supposed to be him. Was there ever even a him.

Jack. Eric mouths silently, just to remind himself. His name is Jack.

The details always slip. The universe constantly trying to correct the fallacy of Eric Bittle remembering a man who died before they technically ever met. Faded photographs and corrupted memory cards. Selfies that used to have two people in frame. Vlog posts with cosmic ADR, swapping Jack’s name for someone else’s like a hastily rewritten script. Eventually, even Eric’s memories turn traitor. First times lost to reshoots and post-production magic. Blue eyes are brown. Black hair is blonde. Jack becomes Phillip. Eric’s first love recast. In desperation, he pulls a page from Memento, finds a tattoo parlor and has ‘Jack Laurent Zimmermann’ inked in dark, unmistakable letters on his inner thigh. Adds a cup, the Falconers’ crest, and the date they lost everything. It works well enough until the name fades; there are still days where a hook up will ask why Eric has a championship tattoo for a team he never played with.

Now, all he has is Bob.

“That’s why I’m here.” Bob reminds. “That’s why we talk.”

“But what happens if we don’t.”

Bob’s familiar assurances rumble through the phone. Constant. Refusing to acknowledge the harsh realities of the passing of time. The ever-present doomsday clock moving them both toward disaster — Bob aging, Eric aging out. He’s good, but he isn’t great, and the only offers coming his way are single-season contracts with teams that haven’t sniffed a championship in years. One day very soon, there will be no more chances for Eric to undo what’s been done. No more favors to ask of teammates that have long since forgotten a world where Jack Zimmermann was a college graduate and a rookie MVP. Not just an addict. Not just dead at nineteen.

Eric listens to Bob ramble, asks him to tell him a story, to tell him about the Jack that Eric never really got to know. The Jack he can barely remember. A man that Eric has dedicated his entire life to honoring, to bringing back — from where he cannot fathom — and Bob obliges in a soft tone Eric imagines is not dissimilar from how he must have spoken to his son as a child.

Eric ignores his teammates rushing around him — tossing chirps and gentle insults about his ‘Sugar Daddy’ — and focuses on the accented voice in his ear; grasping desperately at the memory of a man who doesn’t exist. Pretending. Hoping.

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Across the ice, Eric sees Kent Parson watching him. When they lock eyes, the aging star glides toward him, under a guise of one amicable captain greeting another. He’s pushing 37, and while the years of competitive play are starting to show, he’s just as viciously handsome as the day they first met. At least, Eric thinks he is. He can’t imagine a life where Kent Parson strolled onto a college campus and played beer pong at a frat party, but there’s a folder of old photos on Eric’s computer. Jack is in none of them, but there’s one of himself and Kent. Smiling.

Eric can’t recall why the image bothers him so much.

Parson used his wish years ago on something that he’s never bothered to share — and Eric’s far too much a gentleman to ask a man who was once a rival what he wasted his golden ticket on — but now, he’s slowing down, and this is supposed to be his farewell season. Going out with a bang, riding the high of his fifth cup win. He’s worked hard, and he deserves to shove the Penguins back down into obscurity for another season. Deserves it far more than Eric, with his selfish, single-mindedness that’s ruined god knows how many careers in the last decade between his own ruthlessness and Bob’s meddling.

Except. . . this is also likely Eric’s last season. His last chance to undo the great tragedy of his life, and Parson knows it.

“How you feeling, Peaches? You ready?”

Eric hates the nickname in the same way he hates when his father calls him ‘Champ’.

Eric fights his own shame because he wants to be honest, say, ‘No, I’m not ready, I’ll never be ready,’ but Eric can’t ask for what he wants, anymore. He wants the Aces to balk on a power play. He wants Parson to flub a pass and throw the game —  he even knows the man would probably do it, too — but Eric needs to come by a win honestly. They learned the hard way in 2022 when Eric hands were wrapped around the cup, wishing, praying, crying, pleading . . .

Clear eyes, full hearts, or some such bullshit.

Cheaters don’t get wishes.

“I can’t remember, anymore,” Eric admits as they square up across the face-off circle, the resigned terror of an inescapable end creeping upon him like the burn of an old injury ignored for far too long. “Kent. Please.” Parson leans down, rests his stick against the ice, and holds Eric’s gaze as if to say, I’m here. Trust me. Just play.

The puck drops.

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There’s someone watching him, young, handsome with dark hair and the kind of bright blue eyes that scream ‘notice me’ with all of the biological bluntness of neon plumage and a mating dance. The man weaves through the crowd, unnoticed by Eric’s teammates, and comes close enough that Eric can’t help but assume familiarity. He must be a fan, the way he’s flushed and excitable.

Eric’s drunk enough on the moment that he’s happy to indulge his baser instincts. He also literally can’t remember the last time he brought company home and if there’s ever been a night to get laid, it’s this one.

“Crisse, look at you, Bits.”

The man is caught between being awestruck and simply struck, reaching out to touch Eric’s arm but not quite making contact, like his depth perception is the tiniest bit off. He drops Eric’s old nickname so easily, so earnestly, that for a moment Eric thinks they might already know each other — but that’s impossible. Eric would remember someone so handsome, so very much his type.

“Only my friends call me ‘Bitty’.” Eric cautions, raising his half-empty champagne bottle in a mock toast and flashing his best ‘you’re coming home with me tonight’ smile. “But I’m more than happy to to get acquainted with you, Sugar.”

Eric isn’t usually this forward, this unrestrained. Tonight, it doesn’t matter, he’s celebrating: another championship, the end of a career, a life well lived. It’s to be expected. What isn’t expected is how the man’s relieved smile falters; as if Eric’s unbridled joy is somehow misplaced.

“Bitty? It’s me.”

“And ‘me’ is called . . . ?”

On very few occasions in Eric’s life has he been able to witness true devastation first-hand; and those instances were related to deaths, hockey losses, or blackout morning afters.

“Jack.” The man says softly, face slack with surprise. “It’s. . . Jack. Bitty, you know me.”

“If we’ve met before, I’m sorry,” Eric apologizes, hating to see the kid look so defeated. “I meet so many people — ”

Over Jack’s shoulder, Eric catches sight of Bob Zimmermann and waves, delighting in the way Bob’s face lights up when he catches sight of Eric, practically going supernova when he notices Jack as well, crossing the ice like a man possessed; Bob moves to pull them both into a hug but Eric’s new friend holds up a defensive hand and Bob stops mid-gesture.

It’s extremely apparent something is off, and between the reporters, the confetti, the champagne, and the fans, Eric is missing all of the context clues.

“Just won my last cup,” Eric singsongs, gesturing with the bottle between his mentor and the man Eric would very much like to fuck — who look very similar now that Eric can see them side by side. “Everyone’s super excited, right? Yeah? So, what’s going on. Did someone die?”

“No.” Bob says quickly, eyes flicking between Jack and Eric warily. “No. Not . . . that.”

“Severely injured?”

“. . . Non.”

“Okay, then, we should be celebrating!” Eric throws his arms wide and nearly clocks a passing teammate. “No more party pooping, Bobbert. Speaking, this is my new friend, Jack. Jack, Bob, Bob, Jack. Though, I’m getting the feeling you two might know each other. Or might be . . . related.” Eric gasps and smacks his free palm against his forehead. “Oh my god, the Tremblant retreat? Is that where I know you from? Listen, I was fucked up on pain meds that whole weekend, I am so sorry if we’ve already met.”

Despite Eric’s continued attempts at clarifying their shared mystery past, Jack keeps looking at Bob with that same wounded expression and it’s really killing Eric’s buzz.

“Bob.” Eric redirects. “Help me, here. Cutie’s nervous.”

“Eric, this is my, ah, well,” Bob’s smile is so forced, so tense, it looks more like a grimace. “Well, this is my son, Jack.”

There is only one ‘Jack’ Eric has ever known in relation to Bob Zimmermann, and he is not someone to be mentioned in polite conversation.

“Your son?” Eric echoes slowly. “Your son, Jack.”

Bob realizes what Eric’s tiptoeing around and casts a furtive glance toward the younger man, lifting two fingers to his cheek conspiratorially to imply ‘it’s a long story, not meant for public ears’. Eric knows how to play along.

“Wow, okay, did not expect that, but now that you’re saying it, I can one-hundred-percent tell. You have the same, well, everything.”

Eric takes Jack’s hand for an obligatory shake, not missing the way Jack’s features twist up into something caught between flattery and misery, before staring down his pseudo-mentor.

“My question is this, where have you’ve been hiding him — because how long have I know you, Bobby? Shame.”

“I’ve been . . . away.”

Jack’s tone is weighted with context Eric absolutely does not possess, but can definitely read into. Given the age difference and Alicia’s conspicuous lack of attendance this evening, Jack’s definitely a love child from some 90s Zimmergroupie. Or, original Jack didn’t actually OD and Bob spirited away his kid to keep away the prying eyes of the public; but that wouldn’t explain the age difference or the shared name.

Oh, Bobbert.

“Couldn’t wheel him out too soon,” Bob jokes, but Eric can tell the man’s heart isn’t in it, reinforcing Eric’s suspicion.

“Well, I’m happy you did,” Eric says graciously, trying to smooth over the awkwardness. “He’s very handsome, when he isn’t doing this Eeyore impression.”

“Just like his father,” Bob says reflexively —  defensively —  as Jack goes pink. “Eric, will you excuse us for a moment? Back in five minutes, tops.”

Eric offers a gracious wave, gaze lingering on Jack’s retreating back — and backside, bless — watching Bob rest a firm hand on his son’s neck, gripping tightly to lean in and furiously whisper something. As Eric watches, Jack looks back over his shoulder; it’s not the fond glance of a potential paramour. Regret, maybe? Grief, definitely.

He must be as disappointed to be cock-blocked by his father as Eric is.

Across the ice, Kent Parson has rushed Jack, gathering him into a crushing embrace that the younger man returns easily —  burying his face against Parson’s pads; pulling back only when Parson grabs Jack’s shoulders to push him away, taking a long look at him, holding his face between his hands briefly before pulling Jack back into his arms.

They don’t just look like old friends, it’s a reunion of desperation, like the videos his mother sends of soldiers coming home from war, but before Eric can think better of it, a teammate fists a hand in the collar of Eric’s sweater and pulls — away from Bob’s forlorn love child and forgotten first meetings — and the night goes on.  

Bob doesn’t return. Neither does Jack.

Eric doesn’t even notice.

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[test-tube]

Don't Leave Me Just Yet

clemmywrites asked "Gosh I’m so nervous to request !! But do you, by chance, write for venti ? I wanted some sweet angst that ends happily with him? If not it’s okay!! 🥺"

Author's Note: I do!! Hope this satisfies you! Thanks for requesting <3 (also don't feel nervous! i'll take most requests as long as it follows the rules and i'd like to say i'm a nice person except for when i'm being annoying)

Pairings: Venti x GN!Reader

Word Count: 571

TW: extreme injury/near death experience, alcohol mention

Your vision, once a bright open scope, dwindled down to a sliver of light. What had happened? You couldn't remember. Everything was foggy. Dizzy. You felt around your body and touched something wet. Your hand came back painted a crimson shade.

You think you heard someone shout your name. Again, your memory isn't the best of the event. Something hit the floor with a thud. Oh wait. It was you. The world faded to a suffocating black.

The room was cold. The ceiling an interwoven white and gold. Where exactly were you? You tried to sit up but immediately laid back down. It hurt too much. You took a breath and attempted once more.

"Y/N!" A voice called out. A person clad in green sprinted towards you. You gave a slight smile when he grabbed your hand. Venti.

You started slipping. The room was spinning.

"Y/N- wait!" Venti cried, but your eyelids fluttered shut. He gave a slight sob, refusing to move, your hand clutched in his.

He knew, of course, he was to outlive you. You were a mere mortal. But he hadn't expected your time together to be cut short so soon. By a hilichurl no less. Anger, resentment, guilt. It was his fault. He should've been there to protect you.

He visited you every day, waiting for you to awaken. Days melted into weeks, yet your eyes remained closed. Venti was beginning to lose hope.

One day he just stopped coming. Perhaps he believed it simply wasn't to be. You have yet to recover. Maybe it's fate's cruel way of telling him "no".

He spent more time at the Angel's Share, trying to drink away his problems. Diluc himself was starting to worry for the bard. He lay slumped on the counter, Diluc delivering him to the Cathedral each day to lie next to you. Each day Venti awoke and left your side as quickly as he could.

Barbara finally did her magic. You were finally healed, after about a month passed. But...where was your lover? He was nowhere in sight. You frowned but went to go look for him.

You checked the streets, the statue by the Cathedral, the tree at Windrise. All empty of the bard.

Was he gone? Did he get tired of waiting? Doubt settled in the crevice of your mind. You had been asleep for...how long did Barbara say? A month? Venti might've moved on. You couldn't blame him. He always had a short attention span. Should've held it while you could.

You sat at the roots of the Windrise tree, staring at the Statue of the Seven. From the front it did look a little like Venti. It pained your heart, making the connection.

What could I have done to be enough? You asked yourself. Not getting nearly killed would've helped.

Suddenly...

"Yahoo!"

You looked around for the source. Was that-

"YaaaahOOOOO!"

There it was again. You gave it your best shot. "VENTI?!"

"Ya-huh?" You heard a small thump behind the tree. You sprinted over and spotted Venti, a heap on the ground, glider gnarled up with leaves.

He looked up at you. No way you were real. Unless you were a ghost. You grabbed his hand to help him up. Not a ghost.

He started to tear up, carefully giving you a warm hug.

"My Cecilia, I've missed you so. Please, at least say goodbye before you go."

[lollytea]

Fearless (part 1/3)

(Ty/Louie fairytale au fic. i am simply a bitch writing about my au and my oc so it is all very catered to me personally and im aware not a lot of ppl will read it. but if you DO read it, i love u so much. i guess tw for blood/serious injuries relating to teen characters. nothing too graphic but be warned. Also if you’re curious, info on the au here, here and here.)

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[OCTOBER 22ND, 6:19PM] The sky was bleeding pink and orange and Louie tried to focus on it. Didn't take much brainpower to appreciate a sunset. He clung to the sight with desperation, muttering the simplest thoughts under his breath like a mantra.

It was pretty. He liked sunsets. He liked pink. He liked orange. The distraction wasn't working. The unpleasantness that was already writhing in his stomach churned. His finger was on his temple, idly tracing delicate circles against the tightly wrapped bandage. His head hurt. The point where his shoulder met his upper arm was also dressed. The stitching still had to heal up. That hurt too. Louie was pretty stupid. Which was not something he usually thought. But it was a real kick in the confidence when someone sharp-witted did something stupid. And it was a real kick in the heart when someone who didn't wanna hurt anybody ended up hurting somebody. This was stupid. He had already tried reading as a means of distraction. Too hard. Too many words. Way too much of a strain on his mild concussion. This was so, so stupid. Sitting by his windowsill, he hoped this dumb bandage would be gone soon. His forehead felt sticky and damp with sweat. He was stupid. He wished Webby were here. If she were, she'd be in the courtyard below his window sparring with Dewey. At least then, Louie could watch and keep his mind occupied. No. No, that wasn't right. If Webby were here, she would've attached herself to Louie by now, hugging him tight until his injury healed. If it had been any other incident, Louie would let her, crumbling into her arms and whimpering about the pain as his amazing, magical sister made it all ebb away. But this wasn't any other incident. If Webby were here, he wouldn't be able to accept her hugs. The very idea rubbed him the wrong way. If anyone was entitled to healing hugs, it wasn't Louie, it was--.... His face twisted up. Webby wasn't here. She was off on some quest with Lena. Probably wouldn't be back for days. So there was no point in dwelling over hypotheticals. Louie would heal on his own. They were both gonna have to heal on their own. The sunset was fading.

It was pretty. Pink... Orange.... He couldn't do this. 

Why was he doing this?! Louie always knew himself to be a coward but this was to a pathetic extent. Depraved even. He felt sick. 

He couldn't. He just couldn't. Every additional second he spent hiding in his room was weighing him down. It was suffocating. But he couldn't leave. He was too scared.

Freezing up just like always. Just stop being so fucking scared! He would have to confront what he did eventually. There was no way around it. So, why couldn't he just go now? Louie had far worse things in his life to be dreading. Far worse. A ticking clock of trepidation was seated deep inside him. A predestined future he couldn't rewrite which, on all accounts, should render him paralyzed. But he wasn't. This was the sort of thing to demolish him. Apparently. Stupid. This shouldn't be overdriving his other senses. This shouldn't be flooding his mind. He shouldn't be drowning right now. This shouldn't have his hands shaking. This shouldn't have him pacing the length of his room. This shouldn't be stealing the oxygen from his lungs. His brain was pounding against his skull, protesting his rapid back-and-forth movement. He was dizzy. He shouldn't be crying. Fuck it! He was always crying, who cares about that?! Just stop panicking, just stop crying, just stop being so selfish for once and just own up. Louie's back crashed against his door, gasping for breath. Stars were blotting his vision and he couldn't breathe and it was the end of the world. Okay. Okay. He was spiraling again. That was all it was, it would be okay. It would be okay. The prince's bed chambers, alive with the choking sound of contained distress, subsided to complete silence for just a moment. Inhale. Exhale. And then all to be heard was a small, crackling voice straining to sing himself a quiet little lullaby. ___________ [OCTOBER 22ND, 10:07AM] "Your highness, don't be an idiot. You can't just---Hey! Wait up!" "H'oh boy..." Louie's eyes flicked to the high heavens. Right now he felt like he was tasked with personally escorting this goddamn boy across this goddamn forest by the goddamn ankles. He whirled around impatiently, crossing his arms with a flourish. "Pick up the pace, Tiberius. We don't have all day." "Can you maybe not be a huge pain for like... I dunno, five minutes?" Snapped Ty, his dearly devoted retainer and most notorious pain-in-the-tail. "Can you maybe loosen up? Y'know it's a real mood killer when there's a paranoid guy on my case all the time, insisting that the whole world is out to get me. Being constantly reminded of my fragile mortality? Woo, talk about fun times." Scowling, Ty stumbled his way over a protruding tree root. "You've got a bad habit of attracting danger, you know that, right? I'm pretty sure it's a Duck thing." The remark slapped the annoyed expression right off Louie's face. Ty quirked an eyebrow. "What's that look for?" Before he could further analyse, Louie sharply turned on his heel and strode on. "It's a Duck thing." He said, keeping his tone even. Both of them knew it was a Duck thing. Ty just didn't know the half of it. "Your highness," He heard Ty gripe. "You know this is a bad idea. A prince shouldn't be out in the open like this without proper protection. And I'm unprepared right now. I can't--" If Ty weren't yakking so much, Louie wouldn't know if he was still there. He wasn't wearing his armor for once so the familiar clank and clatter of metal was nonexistent. "You got your sword, right? You can do a lot of damage with that thing." "Yeah but no juice. And I need juice. See, 'cause what if we get in a tight spot and you--?" "What do you think is gonna happen, Ty?! For the love of all that is gold, It's just a party." "It's never just anything." He grumbled. Ty jogged ahead a little, matching his pace to Louie's. His footsteps alongside him were purposefully heavy So, he was stomping now. Real mature. Louie rolled his eyes. He was fully aware Ty was pissed, he didn't have to go above and beyond to make his anger known. "You really think I'm an idiot who doesn't take safety precautions? I'll have you know keeping Prince Louie alive isn't just your problem. Prince Louie is pretty serious about that too." He gestured to himself. "If you haven't noticed, I'm incognito today. I've got no crown, no mantle, no status whatsoever. And look at these ugly peasant threads," Louie pointed out, tugging at the hem of his dull green tunic. "It's actually kinda depressing how drab I look. I'm never gonna do this again actually. But! See how committed I am right now? Who's gonna recognize me? As we're all aware, I'm pretty well known for my pizzazz." "Just 'cause you stop being a prince doesn't mean danger stops existing." "No but it makes you way less of a target. Now, are you really gonna spend your whole day off bitching at me?" 

The glare Ty shot him was petulant at best. "Well, I didn't wanna. But I got dragged along on this little adventure so guess I gotta." Louie pursed his beak, irritated. He did not drag Ty along anywhere. 

"Come to think of it, I don't remember saying you had to follow me." Well, that came out as harsher than intended. Ty didn't seem hurt. At least, there was no sign that he was. No expression cracked his stone mask. "I've got a duty." Louie scoffed. Ty and his stupid duty. It was really starting to wear on his nerves. But not today, absolutely not today. On this fine, glorious day, Louie was intent on having fun. He would show up at this little forest shindig and he would drink and dance and schmooze and whatever else any carefree person at a party would do. He would forget about everything that was eating at him. He wasn't gonna let it consume him, he wasn't. He was gonna live. While he still could. His sixteenth birthday loomed closer. Six months left. "Sorry." Said Ty, unprompted. The shadows festering in Louie's head cleared out as he snapped back to the present. Ty had his eyes firmly downcast, a noticeable slump to his posture. "It's not like I wanna be running around killing the fun all the time. I really don't. But I gotta." Louie said nothing. His eyebrows rose in quiet astonishment as he studied Ty's side profile. He remembered when Ty first came into his life. Twelve years old, brandishing a sword too big for his body and grinning lopsidedly in an unmistakably trouble seeking sorta way. A real firecracker of a boy, loud and bright. Hungry for adventure and excited to throw himself head first into the action. He remembered one of Ty's earliest and most confident statements. When he lowered himself to bow to Louie in his uncle's throne room and declared that the prince would never fear for his life again. Because Ty would protect him and Ty was fearless. Louie believed him. Make no mistake, Ty had plenty of bite back then too. He had disliked Louie and the feeling had been mutual. But he never doubted that Ty had spoken the truth with his entire heart. Ty was fearless. When Louie was with Ty, he was safe. He believed that and he always had. Despite how they clicked as well as a dagger and a keyhole. Despite Ty being annoying. So annoying. He was still annoying. But it was different now. Louie couldn't pinpoint when that permanent glowing smile of his had dwindled and a thin frown had become Ty's default expression. His sword, something he always used to proudly haul around over his shoulder, now unceremoniously sheathed against his belt. Although Louie had noticed that his right hand never strayed too far from the hilt.   Protecting royalty with your entire being was an all-consuming duty and it seemed, at some point, the reality of such an allegiance had slapped Ty across the face. He had this distinct way of holding himself now. Always stood straight and rigid, coiled up with agitation. He was prepared to fight at a moment's notice but it was clear the thrill of doing so had been long since drained out of him. He still smiled. He still laughed. But only sometimes. Ty was annoying because he was paranoid. Because he was snarky. Because he was too stiff, too protective. And man, what Louie wouldn't give to have Ty's former brand of annoying back. At least never made him feel sorry for the guy. "Can I ask you a favor?" Louie finally spoke, pushing back a drooping tree branch so they could walk below it "You can try." Ty shrugged, his gaze still fixed ahead. "What if we just turn off this whole 'Prince and Retainer' thing today. Whadd'ya think?" He turned to him blankly, complete with a slight tilt of the head that made Louie a tiny bit weak. "Wha....?" Ty was simply not computing. He looked as though Louie was throwing out algebra equations and he was supposed to solve them right on the spot. And he was not a math guy by any means. The cute clueless expression was making it a little hard to focus. Louie swallowed. "Listen." He began, his thumb dragging itself across his sweaty palm as he struggled with how to phrase this. Louie had a way with words, always had. But he had a tendency to trip over his own tongue when Ty was involved. Especially when Ty was staring at him with his soft cande-light eyes and doing that stupid adorable head tilting thing and-- "You need a break." Louie blurted out. "You're stressed like constantly and it's getting kinda insufferable and I think your Dad would sick a dragon on me if his barely fifteen year old son suddenly kicked it 'cause of a paranoia overload so I think you should just forget about being my big strong hero for today and come hang out with me at this stupid peasant party and we can just be two regular kids instead of a royal and his bodyguard do you think you could give me that Tiberius?" It was only in the following beat of silence that Louie realized how fast he spat that all out. He struggled to catch his breath. One second. Ty blinked. Two seconds. A flicker of vacant eyes and then a rush of realization. And then disbelief. And then-- Three seconds. His brow scrunched together and a snarl crinkled his muzzle. His eyes flared. Oh, he was mad.... "Are you crazy?!" Ty shouted. He was beside himself with a malfunctioning mix of fury and incredulity that had him stammering his words. "You-You can't just--.....D-do you even-- you don't...do you realize how disrespectful that is? For you to say it? For-For me to do it?! I was given this duty by the King! The fucking King! To just suddenly "turn it off" would be--....I can't--!" Maybe "mad" was an understatement. "Ty--" Louie tried. He was cutting across Louie, treading back and forth on their forest path,. Not going further, not going back. Just walking to nowhere for the sake of being too scandalized to possibly stand still. Louie was attempting to get Ty's attention by grabbing his tunic but he kept shaking him off. "I'd be a disgrace! An embarrassment! I'm trusted by the royal family to keep--...to keep you safe! I-I can't just walk around with my liege like I'm on vacation and not be on guard! You don't even get it, you--" "Ty!" Louie said loudly."You wanna maybe listen for a sec?!" Frankly, he was surprised Ty halted his tirade. His eyes were blown wide, stunned and Louie wasn't quite sure why until he followed Ty's look, snapping down. Seems in his effort to get a hold of the guy, he had instinctively reached out and snatched Ty's wrist. They stood frozen for a moment, each set of eyes boring into the touch that tied them together. Louie's fingers began to uncurl. Then he decided no. His grip on Ty tightened with a purposeful squeeze. Ty met his gaze, looking....panicked? Confused? Didn't matter. He could besottedly dissect his unreadable facial expressions later. Louie inhaled, deciding to shoulder his dignity for just a second. No safety rails of snark this time. Ty might make fun of him for being sincere later but this was important. "Don't you miss being a kid with nothing to worry about?" Louie implored. "Because if we're being real, I don't think we're ever gonna get to live like that again." Ty muttered something to himself, shaking his head a little. "But listen," Louie continued, taking a step into Ty's personal bubble. Ty took an automatic step back. But since he was still holding his hand, Louie was led a step forward. It was difficult to tell with the pink fur but he could've sworn Ty reddened. "Look I know it's weird for me to be asking but....can't we just take a risk today? It's just a party in the woods. Literally the least likely place to find any danger in the whole kingdom." "We shouldn't--" "Ty, please." Honestly, Louie was a little surprised at himself. He hadn't even planned for Ty to accompany him anyway. But in the heat of the moment, everything had shifted upside-down. Turns out there was something inside him willing to beg. Something that wanted more than anything, for Ty come along. He just wanted a simple memory of just killing time with Ty. Separated from the castle and everything that reminded him of his fate. He would like to smile without a hint of dread for once this year. So, he said just that. "I'm not just trying to make you come along 'cause I'm stuck with you. That's not it." He swallowed. "You're--....you're cool. You're fun. I wanna have you around. You know, when you're not so worked up and you're just being yourself, I like hanging out with you." He tugged Ty's hand a little. Further from his sword and closer to Louie. "I want you to come with me. And I want you to try having fun too." He may as well just tell the idiot he thought about him every time he saw a sunset. The hand he was grasping flexed its fingers. Ty abruptly broke eye contact and glanced to the side, his tongue poking out to pierce the tip of his jagged tooth. His indecisive face. "I just--.....I dunno...." He muttered. "If something happened to you--" "Nothing's gonna happen to me." Said Louie immediately. "I've got a good feeling about this. And c'mon Ty, that coming from a coward?" "You're not a coward." He said, barely a whisper. He was now staring at the ground. "I promise." "Huh?" Louie smiled tightly as Ty looked to him questionably. "I promise nothing is gonna happen. I'm gonna be fine. You're gonna be fine. Now, can you do me this favor and maybe, I dunno, trust me?" The look Ty gave him was a little sad, but it was soft. And then with only a tiny twitch, it shifted into something else entirely. It was trust. Blind trust. Maybe stupid trust. A minuscule pang of guilt jabbed at Louie. Of course he wanted Ty to trust him. He needed him to if there was any hope of achieving his goal here. But objectively, he really shouldn't. Louie was hiding way too much from him. It wasn't fair. Then Ty broke the world, shattered orbit and played around with reality itself by cracking a smile and Louie forgot every coherent thought he ever possessed. He would never put on record just how long he spent pre-preparing jokes, gunning to get the corner of Ty's lips to flick upwards. Made him seem kinda desperate. Which he was not. Ty had that oh, so stereotypical "cute boy" smile. It was crooked, cocky, it was utterly obnoxious. Louie hated it. And worst of all, it was like a little spell to kick Louie's heart into high speed. Sometimes it dazed and confused him like a blinding light flash. But other times, it was warm and if he stared long enough, he'd fall asleep. Louie loved Ty's smile. Every time he tried to convince himself he didn't, he ended up dwelling on it too much and the way his mouth would quirk up would play in his mind on a maddening loop and then it would be too much to handle and the truth that he loved it would always overpower him. So, whenever that happened (like right this second.) he gave up and admitted it. To himself, anyway. He loved Ty's smile. He loved Ty. ......Wait. That last part was new, hold up. Rewind. But he didn't get the chance because Ty was talking now. Still a little dazzled, Louie didn't catch what he said but he figured it was good since he was still smiling. And then that smile broke into a huge grin, his eyes flashed with trouble and his hands were on Louie's shoulders and-- "Race ya!" Ty cried. With a light push, Louie was stumbling backwards and Ty kicked off into a sprint. For a brief moment, Louie could only gaze after him, stupefied. Love, huh? Like the real deal? That was crazy. But then he snapped out of as he recalled the audacity of this bastard. "You just pushed your liege!" He shrieked, receiving a loud "WOO!" from Ty as a response. And then Louie was grinning. He was giddy. He didn't quite know if he forgot about love in that instance or if it was the force powering him but he was tearing off after Ty, yelling about the latter's totally unfair head start. In hindsight, he should've figured it was love a long time ago. Who else would get him to run for no reason?

[juviin]

Here’s literally all the rosie lore. 

(template 1) (template 2)

Name: Rosemary Nare Etana Alias: Ro, Rose, Rosie Personality: Rosemary is very open about her emotions. She takes a while to warm up to people, but when she does, she loves people very strongly. Relatives: Father (estranged), Mother (deceased), 4 older siblings, 2 younger siblings. Status: Alive Species: Human Gender: cis female Age: 19 Eyes: Gold Hair: Pink Appearance: Rosemary is 5′5 and has short pink hair. She has two scars, one along her back and one on her lower right abdomen. She also has a tattoo on her calf of a lily. Birthday: July 30th Constellation: Leo Height: 5′5″ or 165 cm Blood Type: O Occupation: Magic Knight -Squad: Black Bulls Country: Clover Affinity: Lava Magic (On a scale of 0-10: 0 being terrible and 10 being the best) Physical Strength 5/10 Magic Amount 7/10 Magic Control 9/10 Magic Sensing 6/10 Cleverness 9/10 Growth 8/10 Equipment: none

(this next one is all in first person which i am NOT used to writing in but...)

Part 1: The Basics

What is your full name?--Rosemary Nare Etana

Where and when were you born?--I was born on July 30th in a large city in the Common Realm, however we moved to a small town shortly after I was born.

Who are/were your parents? (Know their names, occupations, personalities, etc.)--

Lily Etana was my mother’s name. She worked several jobs while raising us, like waitressing and being a maid. She was very kind too, but a lot of people took advantage of her for that. I guess that’s why Val and I have taken to being aggressive about how we feel, and aggressive in sticking up for her. When I was 12, an assassin killed her and gave me the scar across my back. I’m sure he was sent by my grandparents, but they played the fool and even sent an advisor to her funeral. Since then, that advisor has scheduled meetings with me monthly to make sure I haven’t told anyone.

My father’s name is Andranik Typhos the fourth? something like that, but I don’t know very much about him. I know he’s a noble, but I’ve never met him. I don’t hear that many complaints about him, and Mother says he was a wonderful gentleman, but I’ve met his parents, and I find it hard to believe that they would raise a lovely son.

Do you have any siblings? What are/were they like?--I have four! On my mom’s side, at least.

Valerian is the oldest. He’s sixteen years older than me, so he’s a lot more mature than me, and very protective of us younger siblings. He has three kids, too, and his wife is Eli’s cousin. They have been married since I was only three, so she’s been in our lives forever. The two of them basically became my parents after our mother died, so I couldn’t be more grateful to them.

Then is Dahlia. Dahlia is 12 years older than me. She’s very calm, and there have been more than a few times where Valerian has been freaking out and Dahlia always keeps her cool and fixes the problem. She’s the best at makeup.

Basil is in the direct middle, and they’re 9 years older than me. They are very energetic and mischievous. I don’t think Basil wants a spouse, but they’re very dedicated to their craft. I blame them for the multiple scams of my father’s estate, but who’s complaining? Basil also has a scar along  their right cheek, running from their nose to their chin

Azalea is the closest to my age, she’s 25. She’s a lot like our mom. She treats everyone with kindness, but I worry about people taking advantage of her for that.

Also, I know that my father has two children younger than me with his wife, but I’ve never met them and I probably never will.

Where do you live now, and with whom? Describe the place and the person/people.--I live with the Black Bulls! The base is really crazy and always changing, but there’s always something going on, so everyday is fun.

What is your occupation?--I’m a Magic Knight, but I have also worked some other jobs in the past.

Write a full physical description of yourself. You might want to consider factors such as: height, weight, race, hair and eye color, style of dress, and any tattoos, scars, or distinguishing marks--I’m 5′5, and around 150lbs. My skin is pale, so I tend to burn very easily, and my eyes are yellow and my hair is pink. I like to wear warm colors and clothes that aren’t very tight, as well as boots. I have two large scars, one is about three inches and is a slash along my stomach, while the other one is about eight inches long and runs across my upper back, both from assassination attempts. I try to hide both of them. I also have one tattoo on my lower calf, so it’s usually covered.

To which social class do you belong?--I believe I’m considered a commoner. I likely wouldn’t be considered a noble unless something happened to my father’s legitimate children, though I have no interest in being taken in by his family. 

Do you have any allergies, diseases, or other physical weaknesses?—I get nosebleeds often because of an injury when i was younger. 

Are you right- or left-handed?—right handed

What does your voice sound like?—If I had to describe it, I’d say it’s medium in pitch and kind of airy. 

What words and/or phrases do you use very frequently?--nothing particularly?

What do you have in your pockets?—um. a handful of flowers, a pocket watch, and assorted candies. 

Do you have any quirks, strange mannerisms, annoying habits, or other defining characteristics?—I sometimes bite my nails. 

Part 2: Growing Up

How would you describe your childhood in general?--Average for the most part, I’d say. I had a loving mother and 4 great siblings. Still, my mother’s death hit all of us very hard.

What is your earliest memory?--Sadly, my first assassination attempt. That one was when I was around five and it was sent by my father’s family. It gave me the scar on my stomach, and also gave Basil the scar on their face from them protecting me.

How much schooling have you had?--I went to the small schoolhouse in town up until I was 12, and then I started going less so I could work more. 

Did you enjoy school?--I enjoyed learning, but I’ve found that I learn more outside of school.

Where did you learn most of your skills and other abilities?--I learned basic first aid and how to identify certain plants and herbs from my siblings. I mostly learned battle from experience and assassins.

While growing up, did you have any role models? If so, describe them.—my siblings, especially Basil

While growing up, how did you get along with the other members of your family?--We all got along very well as kids, though they were all a lot older than me so that did strain our relationships a bit, especially as the youngest.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?--As a child I wanted to work in medicine, even though my magic is ill suited for it. I only decided that I wanted to become a Magic Knight after my mother’s death.

As a child, what were your favorite activities?—i used to love helping my mother garden. 

As a child, what kinds of personality traits did you display?--I cried a lot more than I do now. I was always scared, as I knew from a young age that my father’s parents wanted me dead.

As a child, were you popular? Who were your friends, and what were they like?--My only friend was really Eli, but she hung out with all the kids from town, so i vaguely knew them.

When and with whom was your first kiss?--also Eli, when we were about 12 and 13.

Are you a virgin? If not, when and with whom did you lose your virginity?--I’m not. After Eli left town I kind of lost myself for the next two years until I became a knight. 

Part 3: Past Influences

What do you consider the most important event of your life so far?--My mother's death perhaps?

Who has had the most influence on you?--Eli. I think if not for her, I would be a very different person.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?--The amount of nobles I’ve insulted to their faces on official magic knight business.

What is your greatest regret?--being born.

What is the most evil thing you have ever done?--I don’t think I’ve ever done anything “evil”, only some malicious things, but I don’t regret them.

Do you have a criminal record of any kind?--No, but I probably should for extortion.

When was the time you were the most frightened?--The first attempt on my life.

What is the most embarrassing thing ever to happen to you?--My elder brother catching me lying about my profession. 

If you could change one thing from your past, what would it be, and why?—i would be stronger. 

What is your best memory?—probably the first few months with the black bulls. It was genuine happiness for the first time in a while. 

What is your worst memory?—the aftermath of my mother’s death. I don’t remember the actual event, some mix of trauma and head injuries, but I do remember the weeks following. 

Part 4: Beliefs And Opinions

Are you basically optimistic or pessimistic?—i think i’m more pessimistic, but i'm trying to be an optimist. 

What is your greatest fear?--My greatest fear is once again being too weak to protect the people that I love. 

What are your religious views?--I’m not religious.

What are your political views?--I think that the Clover Kingdom’s nobility is corrupt, and the whole system needs to be fixed.

What are your views on sex?--I think nothing much of it. 

Are you able to kill? Under what circumstances do you find killing to be acceptable or unacceptable?--I think I’m a hypocrite on this. I think killing is unacceptable, but I wouldn’t hesitate to kill the people that harm the ones I love. 

In your opinion, what is the most evil thing any human being could do?--In my opinion, the most evil thing one can do is to habitually hurt and abuse others.

Do you believe in the existence of soul mates and/or true love?--No. I don’t think that anything like that is real.

What do you believe makes a successful life?--I think that money plays a large part of success. 

How honest are you about your thoughts and feelings (i.e. do you hide your true self from others, and in what way)?--Very open. My emotions are very easily read.

Do you have any biases or prejudices?--Yeah i hate nobles. 

Is there anything you absolutely refuse to do under any circumstances? Why do you refuse to do it?--I try to stay out of the public eye as best I can. I also refuse to do jobs near my grandparents’ home. 

Who or what, if anything, would you die for (or otherwise go to extremes for)?--Finral or Eli. I’d do anything for them.

Part 5: Relationships With Others

In general, how do you treat others (politely, rudely, by keeping them at a distance, etc.)? Does your treatment of them change depending on how well you know them, and if so, how?—I try to keep people at a distance, but when I become close to someone, they become one of my People. I’d do anything for the people I’m close to. 

Who is the most important person in your life, and why?--Right now, it’s probably Eli or Finral. They’ve positively affected me in more ways than I can count.

Who is the person you respect the most, and why?—Captain Yami is the person I respect the most. Joining the Black Bulls changed my life so much for the better, and I’m so grateful that he gave me that opportunity.

Who are your friends? Do you have a best friend? Describe these people—Eli is my best friend. She’s loud and always smiling, but I worry about her. I’m also pretty close to Magna.  He’s a great friend and brings out my mischievous side more. 

Do you have a spouse or significant other? If so, describe this person.--Finral is great. He’s a little goofy, but he is very loyal and loving. 

Have you ever been in love? If so, describe what happened.--I think I’m in love right now. 

How close are you to your family?--I’m very close to my older siblings.

Have you started your own family? If so, describe them. If not, do you want to? Why or why not?--No. I think I’d like to at some point be a mother, but not for a while longer. 

Who would you turn to if you were in desperate need of help?--I think I would find it hard to turn to anyone, but if I was so desperate, probably Eli or Magna. I’m too afraid to show Finral my weakness. 

Do you trust anyone to protect you? Who, and why?--No. I need to be strong enough to protect myself. 

If you died or went missing, who would miss you?--I think that the bulls would. 

Who is the person you despise the most, and why?--My father. My mother spoke kindly of him, but he abandoned her. 

Do you tend to argue with people, or avoid conflict?--I argue more.

Do you tend to take on leadership roles in social situations?—depends who I'm with, but I’m more likely to take a leadership role.

Do you like interacting with large groups of people? Why or why not?—I’d prefer a smaller group, personally, but i’m not bad with large groups. 

Do you care what others think of you?—yes. immensely 

Part 6: Likes And Dislikes

What is/are your favorite hobbies and pastimes?--I enjoy reading romance novels, and spending time in nature. Flower fields remind me of home and give me comfort. 

What is your most treasured possession?—my pocket watch. my mother gave it to me, since it was a gift to her from my father. 

What is your favorite color?—i like warm pale yellow

What is your favorite food?—I like crepes!

What, if anything, do you like to read?—I like to read romance. 

What is your idea of good entertainment (consider music, movies, art, etc.)?--I enjoy reading. On days off, I often spend hours at a time sitting outside and reading.

Do you smoke, drink, or use drugs? If so, why? Do you want to quit?—I generally don’t, but I will drink sometimes. I probably drink an average amount. 

How do you spend a typical Saturday night?—generally hanging around the Bulls hideout. If I have a day off I often go visit home to see my mother’s grave and give her flowers. 

What makes you laugh?—My squadmates! I’ve been told my sense of humor is bad..

What, if anything, shocks or offends you?--I hate the prejudices of the Clover nobles.

What would you do if you had insomnia and had to find something to do to amuse yourself?—When that happens (because it has before) I will usually walk around the base, sometimes I eat a snack. I also like to head outside and look at the stars when I can’t sleep. 

How do you deal with stress?—I will usually end up letting it out, whether emotionally or magically. I don't like to bottle things up. 

Are you spontaneous, or do you always need to have a plan?—I prefer having a plan. 

What are your pet peeves?—people talking over others. 

Part 7: Self Images And Etc.

Describe the routine of a normal day for you. How do you feel when this routine is disrupted?--I wake up at about 7 every morning, and get ready for the day. If I have a mission, I’ll leave for it early. On days I don’t have a mission, I will either go visit my mother’s grave or go see my grandparents or their advisor.

What is your greatest strength as a person?--I’d say my strength is supporting people. And also throwing lava. 

What is your greatest weakness?--I lie a bit too much, and I am a bit indifferent towards people I don’t care about.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?--I would want to be more caring. 

Are you generally introverted or extroverted?--I’d say introvert.

Are you generally organized or messy?--Organized. I don’t like disorder.

Name three things you consider yourself to be very good at, and three things you consider yourself to be very bad at.--I’m good at lying, cleaning, and fighting. I’m bad at controlling my emotions, sewing, and cooking.

Do you like yourself?--No, I really don’t. 

What are your reasons for being a magic knight*? Are your real reasons for doing this different than the ones you tell people in public? (If so, detail both sets of reasons…)--I am a magic knight because I want to protect people. 

What goal do you most want to accomplish in your lifetime?--I want to heal from my past. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?--I hope to still be a Magic Knight, and hopefully a higher rank.

If you could choose, how would you want to die?--I would want to die swiftly if I could choose.

If you knew you were going to die in 24 hours, name three things you would do in the time you had left.--I would try to isolate myself from the people I love, so that they wouldn’t have to deal with grief. I think I would generally be calm.

What is the one thing for which you would most like to be remembered after your death?--I want to be remembered for my strength. 

What three words best describe your personality?--open. loyal. decisive.

What three words would others probably use to describe you?--Rosie is loyal, smart, and loving!!-Eli

[ovmatt-blog]

Chapter 5. The meeting with Eirene Clarine

6 a.m. – the face of my wristwatch was glowing eerily in the early-morning darkness. I was sitting on the steps of Wight Tower in the thick autumn darkness, still not believing that I had managed to return from Ireland in time. The Tower lobby behind my back was a luminous oasis, shining queerly behind the glass doors, promising warmth and shelter from the cold darkness…

At 8 a.m. sharp I was sitting in front of MAGI HR manager, staring at her. I had never seen such radiant hair, such glowing nails, and such stresses, sparkling upon her inch-long eyelids.

She smiled at me, and to my astonishment, I observed two even rows of white glistening pearls in her mouth. Deeply shocked, I could not speak a word, while she jabbered, “Cassandra is on vacation, you see, so I will deal with you instead… Well, this is your Contract and Confidentiality Agreement… Please, read it and if you have no questions, please sign here and here.” She handed a big rolled piece of parchment to me.

I flickered diagonally over the lines, wandering to the bottom of the parchment, but it unrolled and unrolled…

Witnesseth that the said Robert Lex Orion doth put himself an Intern (hereinafter Intern) to the said MAGI (hereinafter Company) to work in Management Consultancy the term of twelve months for the sum of … pounds lawful money during a probationary three months period and for the sum of …, assigns in all manner of lawful employment … beginning the 22 day of September… during which time the said Intern the said Company faithfully shall serve, the Company secrets keep, the Lawfull Commands of the Senior employees Obey, health&safety policy Adhere to. He Shall not Absent himself unlawfully from his Company Service Day or Night, with magic Artefacts, i.e. magic rods, swords… cursed artefacts, i.e. Nibelungen Gold…, Magic Creatures, i.e. Werewolves, Dragons…, bewitched Elements, i.e. Lightning, Floods … without preliminary safety training, but in all things as a Faithfull Intern he shall behave himself towards the said Company during the said Term...

… AND the said Company Best means it shall Teach and Instruct the said Intern the Art and Mystery of Magic AND doth hereby Promise and Oblige itself to provide for the said Intern the working conditions that Health and Safety Requirements Satisfy and against industrial injuries and occupational disease Guard. During the probationary period thes Employment may be terminated by either the said Company or the said Intern. …at the expiration of his term of servitude the said Company obligeth itself to pay unto the said Intern what the law allows in such cases & agreements . . . London, Isle of Dogs, 22nd Day of September…

I raised my eyes to the HR, “The wording is a bit odd … And September 22nd was yesterday…”

“Oh, never mind, the HR assistant is accustomed to the old-fashioned formulae! No wonder, as she has been working here for centuries! And the contract was prepared yesterday, the day of the autumnal equinox! Such an enigmatic day!” her pearls flashed at me in a wide smile.

I shuddered, recollecting the previous “enigmatic” night, and affixed my signature to the bottom of the parchment, which then rolled up by itself and faded into the air. While I was observing the phenomenon, she asked, “Whom should I put as a designated beneficiary in your life insurance policy?”

“Pardon?” I returned to reality.

“Why, the life insurance policy is issued for every MAGI employee as one of your employment benefits. So I need to put in the name of the person who would benefit from the insurance policy in case…”

“Okay, write in my grandaunt,” I snapped nervously, just wanting to be done with it, and spelled my auntie’s name out for her.

“Well, then we have finished… You will be informed about the start of your classes later on.”

“Finished? But… Well, I remember Cassandra mentioning I would be paid a relocation allowance the day I sign the Contract…”

“Cassandra said this?” She looked puzzled, “Well, according to our rules, the relocation allowance is paid with the employee’s first salary… Anyway you should wait until your bank card is issued…”

What could I say? It was a terrible blow! I hoped to get this money from MAGI as I couldn’t take anything from home, as there was nothing to take from there…

… I stood in the street under the autumn sun, recollecting the formulae of the contract… During the probationary period thes employment may be terminated by either said Company or said Intern… The wind was swirling the fallen leaves under my feet. Should I leave right now? Terminate the contract? Suddenly the tightly furled scroll appeared in the air and was suspended directly in front of my nose. And then the parchment, yellowish in hue and looking so ancient, as if it was going to turn to ashes, unfurled before my eyes and a sweet female voice sang the words, appearing line by line on the paper:

 Magic Fundamentals classes

will be held at 2 p.m.

in Conference Room 5005,

50th floor, MAGI

Best wishes,

Training Department

 I stopped, staring at the parchment in amazement and rereading the lines. The parchment hang in the air for a few more seconds and then rolled back and faded.

It was lunch time but as I was sparing each penny I decided to skip it and have a walk instead. At the appropriate time I set off for the first class, slightly dizzy with hunger…

At 1.45 p.m. I knocked on the white glass doors on the 50th floor. The receptionist smiled to me and the doors clicked open. There stood a guideboard with an arrow indicating the direction to conference room 5005. I went along the corridor until I reached the open-doored room. I entered and … who did I see? None other than rosy-cheeked Tin-Tin, swallowing the piles of double-decker sandwiches at the counter in the rear of the room! And with his mouth packed to final point, he still managed to chat with a bunch of guys!

He noticed me, waved his hand and lisped: “‘Obin, ‘ome ‘ere, ‘ere izz fee food!” “He means ‘free food,’ a blond guy with Ancient Greek statue features and perfect muscles burst out laughing. Then he stretched out his hand, “My name is Laska Valentine.”

“Laska?” my eyebrows lifted upwards.

“Yeah, shortened from Lasquar.”

“And I am Max Vitta,” a slim guy of medium height with curly chestnut-coloured hair and attentive dark eyes turned to me, holding a sandwich in his hand. His grammar was perfect and his very appearance indicated strictness. “Ernst Herbst,” introduced himself. He was the tallest of the guys with a very intelligent austere-featured face. Having noticed a bewildered expression on my face, he added, “Relax, friends call me Ernie...”

“Robin Orion,” I shook the hands of all of them and sprinted to the plate of sandwiches, cursing myself for not coming earlier. “What is the tastiest stuff here?” I nudged Tin-Tin and he started describing the ingredients with an expert air, evidently experiencing gastronomic pleasure, “Hawaiian avocado-and-mango roast beef sandwiches, Corsican rucola-and-peach chicken sandwiches, Mediterranean olive-and-lettuce salmon feta sandwiches…”

“Instead of all these sandwiches should have made Caprese,” snarled Max.

“Caprese, what’s that?” all the guys turned to him.

“It’s as simple as sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and olive oil.”

“Oh…”

“As it features the colours of the Italian flag: green, white, and red, it’s one of the most popular dishes in Italy!”

“Oh, you are from Italy?” everybody became interested.

“Well, my Mum is Italian, and Dad – Norwegian,” the answer followed.

“Cool! I’ve heard about Neapolitan pizza Margherita with the same colours!” Tin-Tin got excited.

“And Farfalle with tomato, spinach and plain flavours, sold together in a mix?”

Stuffing my mouth with all of this food and flooding it with sparkling sweet beer, I looked round the room. It was a hall of generous proportions, and its white walls and ceiling were gleaming slightly. Two lines of white wooden chairs, eight in each row, their bottoms and backs upholstered with dark blue velvet, were standing in the centre of the room.

“Tin-Tin, where do you live? I need to find a place to stay until I get my first wages…”

“They haven’t paid you the relocation allowance? The same story with me and Max. Only Ernie was lucky and caught Cassandra before she left for vacation and she ordered the accounting department to pay him his money in full…”

“Yeah, it was pure luck. And in several days I managed to find and rent an apartment,” said Ernie bit a piece of chicken happily, while everyone was watching him enviously.

“Why, we live in a hostel. Do you want us to show it to you tonight?” Max smiled gently.

“Wha —? Yeah, of course!” I jumped up excitedly.

“Well then, we’ll go after the classes. Don’t worry.”

“Cheers, Max! Blimey, that’s a load off!”

“Ha-ha-ha!” unpleasant laughter startled us and made us turn around. “You guys live in a hostel? And what hole have you come to the City from?” a tall fragile girl with long pure-white hair and eyes of blue ice asked mockingly, holding her sides with laughter.

Tin-Tin’s face immediately turned red and he blurted out, “It’s not your business, herring.” The smile faded off the girl’s face and her eyes narrowed. “No one has ever dared to talk to me like this before,” she said through gritted teeth.

“There's always a first time.” Several guys standing nearby laughed at Tin-Tin’s remark.

“Do you even know who I am? If you did, you wouldn’t be so brave, dunce,” the girl’s eyes nearly iced over. The temperature dropped.

“Whoa, we're so scared,” I jumped into the conversation.

“Yeah, desperately afraid,” Ernie echoed me.

“Oh, guys, you are maybe the bodyguards of this hop-o'-my-thumb?” Iceeye jeered.

Tin-Tin blushed so deeply that he was the same colour as the tomato from the famous caprese salad, but before he could open his mouth to respond to the insult himself, Laska, who was contemplating the squabble, leaning against the wall and chewing gum, intervened, “Hey, hey! Certainly, we all want to know who the Fair Lady is. You really managed to advance our mediocre level of intelligence. The whole room just lit up the moment you spoke. So tell us your name, the girl of my dreams?”

“Jess, you did find common topics to twaddle about with these tramps?” a pale lad came on to the scene. He looked a bit dishevelled – his raised white-blond hair was standing up like wheat sprouts in a field. “Great outfit,” his eyes flit over my ripped jeans “have you bought it for handouts?”

I rushed towards him, but ran into Laska, who moved so close to the Iceeye that his face was some inches from hers, “Jess? And what is your full name?”

“I won’t tell you, a blatant dolt!” she snarled, hiding a smile, and strode away, having pushed him with her shoulder. Having followed her with my eyes I continued observing the lads and ladies entering the room, and then I almost choked, as among them was… last night’s Greeneye from the Firefly Valley! Her brow lacked a flashing jewel and her dress was a simple white tunic, but her jolly dimples, brilliant green eyes, sunny smile…

I was coughing so loudly that she cast a glance at me and then turned away without interest. Having at last cleared my throat, I asked Laska, standing next to me, “Do you know her?”

“Who?”

“That blonde in the white tunic…”

“Why… No, I see her for the first time. By the way, she is cool… but this get-together has other beauties that deserve attention!” And he winked at me as he marched off.

Meanwhile, all present were taking their seats – I had never seen so many beautiful and strange people at once. While I was pondering this, a young woman in a dark blue swishing dress of silk with a long skirt, sweeping the floor, entered the room. Her long hair, shining as gold, was arranged into a huge bulk of tight locks, curling in all directions and composing a feet high and two feet long flowing lion's mane. A deep look from her sparkling sapphire eyes met the eyes of each of the sixteen students in turn, then she smiled and said in a warbling voice, “My name is Eirene Clarine, I am a Partner at MAGI and your tutor. Let’s get acquainted… I will tell you ten facts about me and you will guess which of them are true and which are false.” The sound of her voice made the impression of little bells ringing. Meanwhile, she went on, “So, let’s start. The first fact – I panned gold in the goldfields of Greenland. Is it true?”

Tin-Tin and I exchanged smiles. What could this refined lady do in the goldfields? Apparently the rest of the students held the same viewpoint, as “no” and “it’s false” resounded all around. “Still it’s true!” laughed Eirene, “Consulting projects at gold-mining companies are quite common at MAGI. The next one – I tamed lions in the Argentinian selva.”

I glanced around. The students were exchanging panicked looks. Projects in the Argentinian selva also are quite common? Muttering and whispers swept along the rows, but nobody was hurrying to say anything aloud.

“Don’t think so long! Any guesses?” Eirene gave us a sort of inquiring look. “Yes”, “no”, “no”, “yes” – opinions were divided. “It’s false! I have never been there!” confessed Eirene and went on, “I have lived in the polar circle…” The atmosphere grew relaxed and cries “no”, “no”, “no” could be heard.

“You are wrong and it’s true!” Eirene was grinning at us, “Once I went to Salekhard on a business trip. It’s the only town within the polar circle. And as the project lasted longer than had been expected, I spent there several months... Okay, the next one, I wield a sword equally well in both hands.”

The muttering came to an abrupt end. Students looked taken aback. What is going on? What is this lady talking about? Could fencing be her hobby? I couldn’t decide what to say and said nothing.

In the reigning silence, Eirene looked at us with laughing eyes, “Okay, I’ll answer this myself – it’s true and soon you would also be able to do this!”

Hues and clamour arose and nobody in fact cared her, while she asked the next riddle, “I am the descendant of one of the MAGI founders.” Students were discussing aloud the necessity of martial arts training, while Iceeye exchanged a significant glance with her neighbour, who had tilted her head to the side, coiling a ripe-wheat lock round her finger.

Probably Eirene was in a hurry, as having not awaited for the answer, she went on, “I can speak chirptongue…”

Every head turned to her, the silence only being broken by somebody’s noisy breathing. “No, you are joking, this can’t be the truth!” exclaimed a curly-headed chap, grinning from ear to ear. Eirene smiled in reply, “You are right, I am joking. But it doesn’t mean that this doesn’t happen!”

“What does she mean?” murmur swept along the rows again. The students put their heads together, whispering their concerns in each other’s ears.

Then she asked the next riddle, “I hear what a stream babbles about…” And suddenly, something happened with me, in my imagination I travelled to the dense deciduous wood, overwhelmed with bright sunlight… The birds’ singing, entwined with the sweet melody of the little bells, filled the forest. A crystal clear stream was flowing gaily across the glade. In its purl the whispering voices were speaking about distant journeys…

“Yeah, it’s true,” my own voice said those words. Eirene looked into my eyes with her dark blue wells. I was hypnotized, fascinated… then it was gone… I glanced around. Eirene was looking to the side, “I have witnessed the fall of Rome.”

Dead silence followed this statement. A cold and slithery snake crept into my soul and the grin slid off my face. Tin-Tin stole a frightened look at me. Everyone looked scared. “Oh, guys, do you believe the tales? I am not so old,” Eirene burst out laughing, “Okay, but enough about me. Now I would like to ask all of you to state your name and tell a few words about yourself. Would you mind if we started with you?” she said to the guy sitting on the left side of the first row, who appeared to be wheat-sprouted Jess’s defender. Hastily, I found a scrap of paper and a ballpoint pen and got prepared to copy the names down as I was very bad with names.

The wheat-sprouted guy, exhaling arrogance in every syllable, started, “My name is Vlad Valdash. My family owns an ancient Castle in Rumania…” But I was staring at his neighbour. Laska was right – beautiful lasses were not in short supply here. She had a perfect oval face with an ideal straight nose, almond-shaped eyes with long eyelashes that cast a shadow on her high cheekbones, seeming to be hewn of stone, and full lips, resembling bean pods, shining-creamy in hue. I had never seen such lips and much later I learnt that she never used make-up. This was a principle of hers, and her name was – “Camilla Eel” – which she spoke in a rich voice, “my Mum is the owner of a luxury Fashion House and I …” But before she had finished the sentence, Iceeye (Laska had far-sightedly taken his place near her) introduced herself in a cold arrogant voice, “Jessamine Gevellin.”

“Gui Shantolier,” a guy spoke through his nose, looking like a French aristocrat, but of quite repellent appearance. “My father is French and my dream is to enter the Sorbonne…” Peroxide blonde with mild features, giggling at something with a stupid expression, he was whispering non-stop in her ear, squeaked her name, “Letisia Cay!” and giggled foolishly again, showing her wonderfully even teeth to a fellow to her right. This was a short pumped-up bloke with blond hair, matching his light skin, splashed with freckles, an impudent glance of innocent blue eyes and sensual full lips, that voiced, “I’m Leslie Bello and I go in for body-building…” And with his shameless eyes he had almost devoured Greeneye, who appeared to be called, “Leda Winegrain!”

But I had to divert my attention from them, as my jolly black-haired and crystal-blue-eyed neighbour said, “Diana Dankwert…” And then I focused on a plump jet-eyed and jet-haired Oriental beauty, who was flapping her arched jet black mascara’d lashes like wings. I copied down, “Guiselle Liaison,” and looked at a fellow sitting to her left. That was the curly-headed chap, who hadn’t believed Eirene. A trifle simple, he seemed to be a laid-back guy, relaxed and easy-going, a goofy grin wandering across his thin lips. He introduced himself in a slightly hoarse voice, “Sebastian Gram,” and suddenly burst into contagious laughter. Everybody stared at him, also beginning to smile… Next to him sat a tall, thin fellow, his hair so red that it seemed to be set in flames. “Melwin Medwin,” he creaked and it was Tin-Tin’s turn.

When I copied down successfully all the names, Eirene said, “Now we will glance back at history for a while… There are four departments in MAGI – Murmaiden, Axamit, Gevellin and Ironsky, named after their Founders – great Wizards and Fays – Aquilline Murmaiden, Lato Axamit, Ruby Gevellin and Irik Ironsky.” The names of the departments developed in the air, written in golden letters, and hung there, slightly quivering. Eirene went on, “Maybe some of you know that the first letters of the department names form the acronym MAGI, which is the name of our company”. The first letters of the surnames flew to front and composed the word MAGI. “There is a legend about the founders of the company, according to which they united their talents and efforts, establishing a consultancy, dealing with magic matters, which became famous due to the outstanding skills of its founders,” and she half-recited, half-sang the verses:

Bird with iron wings

Soars through the sky in rings.

Doors he never knocks,

His whizz opens locks.

 Weaver’s golden thread

Streams the river’s bed.

Looking through the ground,

He may treasures count.

 Maid with gleaming scales

Wanders under waves,

Murmurs soft to sole,

Reading mortal souls.

 Jeweller’s fine craft –

Giving stones his mind,

Searching artefacts,

Gets to mountains hearts.

 Wonder skills alliance,

Magic knowledge science.

Fair code and ethics

Made the MAGI basics.

 “As is told in the legend, Aquilline Murmaiden was a mermaid with the ability to “look into a human soul”, Lato Axamit was a golden weaver, able to find any hidden treasure, Ruby Gevellin was a famous jeweller, capable of adding magic components to gorgeous jewellery, thus endowing it with magical powers, and Irik Ironsky could turn himself into an iron bird and walk through walls... Throughout the centuries MAGI has been helping its clients to solve ticklish issues, i.e. finding lost treasures and creating magical artefacts…”

The students were sitting as quietly as mice, and all ears, while Eirene went on, “What is MAGI nowadays? Each department specializes in a specific area: Gevellin deals with magic artefacts, the Ironsky department copes with magic creatures, Axamit seeks out charmed gold and treasures, Murmaiden masters the Elements… The projects vary from taming miracle creatures to the stock-taking of magic treasures… Today you will start the five-week long Magic fundamentals course and you will pass the exam at the end of the course, which will show whether your skills suit MAGI. Then all of you will work on the projects till the New Year… You will participate in one or maybe two projects and your Seniors will estimate your performance and thus your internship will end with you being promoted to business analysts or leaving the company after the New Year…”

The statement hit like a bombshell. A sigh swept along the rows. Ignoring any reaction to her words, Eirene continued with her speech, “Now I’ll tell you about the career path at MAGI with the example of an ice-cream cake. As intern, you will mostly study on site and will be responsible for specific components of a project, such as conducting interviews and developing the knowledge of the clients' critical business issues. With your findings you will help the team identify the cause-and-effect relationships in the Client’s business.” With these words, she erected four ice-cream mountains on an invisible plate floating in the air, “pistachio flavour for Murmaiden, mango flavour for Axamit, strawberry flavour for Gevellin and bog whortleberry flavour for Ironsky.” Then she went on, “As an analyst, you will be given greater autonomy and responsibility in the projects. You will analyse clients' business issues and their performance, identifying their vulnerabilities and fragilities, as well as strengths and opportunities, and suggest solutions to problems.”

She poured pistachios, mango pieces, strawberries and bog whortleberry and vanilla syrup on each mountain. And when the sun suddenly popped up from behind the cloud and smiled through the windows, the mountains glistened in its bright rays.

Meanwhile Eirene went on, “After three years of project work, having acquired successful experience on the projects, you will be promoted to consultant. You will be challenged to take charge of complex aspects of team work – from performing profound analysis of the insights to conceptualizing solutions to cases and proposing ways to implement them.”

She topped the mountains with mint, melon, wild strawberry and black currant flavoured ice-cream and added marzipan paste to the green mountain, caramel to the yellow mountain, whipped cream to the pink mountain and liquid chocolate to the blue mountain.

“In the next three years you will be promoted to Manager, leading project. And your new challenge will be to coach and motivate project team members and guide the work of the whole team. You will sleep less and less, keeping one eye on the big picture and the other on the details. You will ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget, while creative solutions to complex problems are developed.” She spri cashew nuts on the marzipan, waffle balls on the caramel, coconut shavings on the whipped cream, and crackers on the liquid chocolate.

“And one day you will be asked to become a Partner… What will you do then?” She paused, “You will be developing the company strategy, defining its culture and identity, with a focus on building client relationships…” She added marshmallow to cashew nuts, tangerine jam to waffle balls, fruit-paste sweets to coconut shavings and raisins to crackers. Now it was difficult to understand, whether these were icy mountains or a palace with towers and turrets in miniature.

“But that'll be a long, long ways off… So let’s return to more short-term matters. Being promoted to analyst, you will need to choose the department where you will work after the New Year. Now take your chance and, while I’m here, ask me any questions to learn more about each department. And by the way, enjoy the cake, and maybe its flavour will help you to decide what your department will be – pistachio and mint flavour with marzipan paste, cashew nuts and marshmallow for Murmaiden, mango and melon flavour with caramel, waffle balls and tangerine jam for Axamit, strawberry and wild strawberry with whipped cream, coconut shavings and fruit-paste sweets for Gevellin and bog whortleberry and black currant flavour with liquid chocolate, crackers and raisins for Ironsky…”

[thelazyhermits]

A possible story prompt?

Lol Hey Haze XD Sorry for disappearing for a while but i’ve been looking for a few reverse harem fics fo Undertale when I got this idea for a story and I basically just wrote out everything that I’ve thought out so far and I wanted opinions on it. If it gets good enough of a response I might write it, or I’ll just put it out so someone else can write the idea. The basic premise i’m pretty sure someone else has written something similar, but this is my take on it so I wanted your opinion on it and what I can do to improve it, or what you think other people who might know how to improve it.

So here you go

An AU where its a Megaverse, where when all Monsters got out of the mountain, their AU versions came up with them. When Monsters came out on the surface, it was hard to ID everyone since they’re were alternative versions of themselves (Even of Frisk and Chara) and their different background, so to differentiate each other they added Middle Names to their ID’s which they choose. So the ‘common’ nicknames are just nicknames(Like Blueberry and Stretch, etc), but some characters will be referred by their official middle names (Cuz i thought nicknames like Crooks and Axe were kind of mean so yeah), so as to avoid insults.  

All the Sans’s and Papyrus’s are billionaires and are involved in a thing where the first to find and bond with their chosen mate becomes the Head of the Skeleton family. (Who proposes this? Maybe too much in house fighting resulted in this proposition to be made by US!Alphys and UT!Undyne betting that there was no way they could get someone to fall in love with them with the way they were acting???)

Rules to the Competition thing to be named:

They can’t tell their chosen Mate the stakes or about the competition (AKA head of family). They have to seduce and charm their chosen mate with their own wits and talents.

If they don’t know their status of wealth (As in what positions they are as head companies and real status of wealth), they are not allowed to tell them, their chosen mates have to figure it out themselves.

They Can’t marry and then divorce, they have to soul bond mutually and prove it by the bonds tying their souls. 

They can’t force someone to fall in love with them by magic or other methods.

They can’t sabotage one another’s attempts to woo someone (dolly so if they are pursuing the same person)

The first one to bond and Mate with their chosen prospectives, earns the right to be the Head of the household.

Enter MC, who is an author that is aquatinted with Muffet and Grilby (cuz she loves sweets), who somehow gets involved with the Skeletons by accident. Some fall in love at first sight, other just wanted to piss each other off, eventually became a fight not for the head, but for the hand of the MC, who is somewhat oblivious of it all.

MC- An author of somewhat renown, whose books touch people emotionally. Shy, sweet with a wicked sense of humor. Puns is something she loves but sometimes have a slow reaction to, but when she recognizes it, she’ll howl for days. When it comes to love, she’s like a classic shoujo protagonist, dense and airheaded. Some social cues go over her head, not all, but some especially in regards to flirting. She’s also incredibly stubborn on some opinions, but she knows when she’s wrong so she’ll apologize. Has no sense of direction and depends on her phone for directions. Love sweets and has no alcohol tolerance. Lives in an apartment in Monster Town. Was raised by her Grandmother when her parents passed away and still keeps in touch with her. She is aware that Monsters are rich from the Gold Exchange and assumes this of UT!Sans and UT!Papyrus when they first met (which was like 6 months after they got out of the Underground) but is unaware of how truly rich the two became when in those six months they became pros in their professions (she knows of what professions they are in, but are unaware of their positions and how famous they truly are since she stays in Monster town all the time and monsters don’t overreact when Sans and Co became filthy rich). Just considers them like all monsters. Is unaware that they have a huge ‘family’.

All monsters are rich from the Gold exchange when they got out of the mountain, but the Skeleton household are on another level.

UT Sans - Head of IT company, basically redone computers and phones in a revolutionary pace and almost became a billionaire by accident. He has a second job as Grilby’s comedian sometimes. Still loves Ketchup and puns and is still really lazy. Was acquitted with the MC before the Competition when he told a run and she took such a long time to react, but when she did she howled with laughter. This was just soon after they got out of the surface. Took an interest from then on.

UT Papyrus - A Master Chef who has numerous famous restaurant chains. Has several cookbooks published in human and monster food and has advanced cuisine in both technology and techniques. Was passionate in his job and somehow ended up with more money than he needed. Is an acquaintance of the MC and sometimes teaches her to cook. Is already infatuated with her when she was kind with him when they first got out of the surface when tensions were still high between the two races. 

US Sans - Head of several athletic companies, a successful business man who has a successful worldwide brand of athletica for monsters and humans. Is still very active and jogs often. Has not yet met the MC as of the beginning of the story but forms a crush when they first meet when she was kind to him for consoling him when he and Stretch got into a fight.

US Papyrus - Head of a successful game company. He had revolutionized a new game engine and is in progress of developing a fully functioning VR experience. Is still very laid back and still loves Honey. Is fond of the MC after helping him and his brother patch things up. Wasn’t really interested in the competition but eventually…

UF Sans - Head of an Automobile company. Revolutionized the Engine and made cars and bikes run smoother than ever. Has his own customized bike and treats it like its his baby. Was interested in the MC when his flirting sort of flew over her head, and when she accidentally flirted back unconsciously he got flustered. Was his goal originally to get the MC flustered but he got in too deep… In the Underground was lazy and was treated badly by Papyrus in public, but at home they were kind to one another and took down those facades. They have a strong bond.

UF Papyrus - Head of Fashion company. It was a surprise for everyone when he went into this but it started when somebody challenged his sense of fashion (given that his uniform had spikes) so he took on the challenge and designed suits and clothing that wowed the world and became an internationally famous designer almost overnight. Still very fit and trained for duties of the Royal Guard. He’s a very ruthless businessman and met the MC when she was dressed sloppily and couldn’t stand it and forced her to change her clothes to something more neat. Starts Tsundere, but as he slowly falls in love with the MC becomes more and more devoted to the MC and eventually is super devoted to the MC that when he tries to seduce her he bring the big guns (Flowers, clothes, fancy stuff) which sorts of confuses the MC because how did Tsundere become DereDere all of a sudden??? IN the Underground he had to act tough with everyone and his brother, but at night some days he would ask Sans to read to him his favorite story. They have a strong bond. He nags on his brother to be more active (though not as much as before given how successful they are) for his health.

SF Sans - Head of a famous hotel chain. HIs hotels are rated to be of the highest quality and hospitality and famous people are always eager to stay at his hotel chains. HIs hotels are also infamous for having Casino’s in them and people tend to gamble their money away which he keeps. Was unimpressed with the MC as he met her later on compared to the other, but is taken in by her kindness eventually. Like UF Papyrus, he was a total Tsundere when he met the MC, and originally pursued her because he wanted to steal her from everyone else to piss everyone off, but eventually became DereDere for her. He wants to spoil her (which the MC always refuses) and wants to be spoiled by her. He acts petulant when the MC doesn’t pay attention to him . Loves his brother but in his underground he had to act cruel to him in public, though at home they were affectionate and Papyrus would read him his favorite stories at night to issue each other.

SF Papyrus - Is a famous Auction holder and bidding master. He gathers infamous antiques that originally seem like they are worth nothing but are actually historical or monetary treasures. Earned his keep by accident. Also occasionally bids on stocks that he always gets right. He loves his brother and knows why his brother treated him badly in the underground but given their nightly readings, they hold very strong bonds. Though unfortunately as a side effect he has low self-esteem which he hides by acting confident and apathetic. Just went along with his brother’s plan to seduce the MC but fell in love pretty fast with the MC because she was super kind to him.

HT Sans and Papyrus - They both share an agriculture company and advocate for less food waste and contribute to lower starvation rates. They have been known to develop agriculture techniques and advance agriculture that it reduced food waste and compost. UT Papyrus and HT Papyrus have good relations given that UT Paps requests ingredients from him. They work together really often. Although UT Sans is somewhat wary of HT Sans because of what they went through, he is kind to HT Paps because he is still another version of his brother. When they got out to the surface, they had their injuries looked at, so HT Paps has braces and glasses, while HT Sans got his hole fixed. Though HT sans is slower than UT Sans, he is slowly regaining back his former magic prowess that he once had. Was introduced to the MC by UT Papyrus and are intrigued by her.

G!Sans - Head of an internationally famous Music Company. HE himself is a famous singer but he has so few released tracks that they are weighted in gold. Only a select few have heard him sing in person. He manages and creates top artists constantly. Has a large fanbase and still smokes and were leather. Met the MC when she visited Sans in his house (which she did not think would be a mansion) and is amused by the whole situation and thought to meddle because he thought it would be fun, accidentally got in too deep.

G!Papyrus - Head of an internationally known Pharmaceutical Company. Has advanced medicine by leaps and bounds and has cured several diseases. Has a love of tea and would like his ‘brother’ (He came from a version of echo tale that fused Gaster and Papyrus, so technically he is not brother with G but they got along together so well, they treat each other as brothers- this head cannon was from TheLazyHermit) to stop smoking. is an absolute gentlemen and due to his personality he is loved by many people and has his own large fanbase. Treats the MC kindly and is slowly developing feelings for her.

Other AU’s to be added??? I dunno?? Maybe, but given how many Skeles are here already adding more might be too much XD

What do you think of this so far? I have so many Undertale Prompts that I want to write but might never produce cuz the idea can get super longwinded… Maybe I’ll just post a bunnyplot pile and let people use the ideas…

I talked with Silver and got the ok to post this, so we could see if any of y’all had any ideas you wanted to contribute for this story plot. Also, if you wanna try writing this, be sure to give proper credit and let Silver know. ^-^

[inevitably-johnlocked]

hey, could you maybe repost your list of virgin-sherlock fics? and which ones would you recommend especially. thank you.:)

Hi Nonny! I’m actually currently going through my recs because I knew that this would come up one day! Here’s what I have on it so far; I’ll star my personal faves that you MUST read!

Gigantic by BubbleGumLizard (E, 2,135 w. || PWP, Size Kink) – John seems to avoid Sherlock seeing him naked. Sherlock wants to fix that. This is porn. Part 19 of Mystrade NaNoWriMo 2015 

What He’s Like by magikspell (E, 2,919 w. || Love Confessions, Fluff, First Time, Inexperienced Sherlock) – Realistic first time. They love each other so much. [FAVE!]

Affirmation by jamlockk (E, 3,096 w. || First Time, Dev. Rel., PWP, Love Declarations, Emotional Sherlock, Comforting John, Gross Fluff) – “Sunlight dappled John’s skin, casting a glow across his spreadeagled form as he dozed among the rumpled sheets. Sherlock knew the expression on his face was hopelessly soft but for once did not care about showing his true feelings so openly. He simply stood there, in the doorway, gazing at the impossibly beautiful man currently snuffling softly in his slumber.“ Part 8 of All the ways we love

Well Begun Is Half Done by Avice (E, 3,897 w. || Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Anal/Oral, Seduction, John in Charge, Pining Sherlock, John’s Penis, Bottomlock) – Sherlock is putting together an elaborate plan of seducing John. John grows tired of waiting and takes matters into his own hands.

One Day Like This by nondeducible (E, 4,872 w. || First Time, Bed-Sharing, Romance, Fluff, Virgin Sherlock) – When Sherlock emerged from the bathroom, the sight before him nearly took his breath away. The only light in the room was the small lamp on the bedside table. John’s skin shone like gold, his hair like the purest silver. He was on his side, facing the empty part of the bed, his outstretched hands ready to embrace whoever climbed in next to him. Sherlock could imagine, just for a second, that this was their shared bed and he was coming back to settle into John’s arms.

A Study in Intimacy by doodle (T, 5,183 w.|| First Time, Romance, Virginity, First Kiss) – People don’t touch Sherlock Holmes, not like they touch other people. Then he meets John Watson.

Strings by EstherShapiro (E, 5,267 w. || Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Massage, Friends to Lovers, Fingering, Anal, PWP) – Sherlock wakes his doctor up. Was this weird? John was sitting on his bed, late at night, rubbing his hands over another man’s body? That was supposed to be weird, right? Then again, this wasn’t just some man, it was Sherlock. They were so used to each other that John didn’t even think to question it. It wasn’t weird.

Tease You Till You Come by phoenix089 (E, 6,090 w. || First Time, Clueless Sherlock, Texting) – Initially, Sherlock was rather put out by John’s lack of presence on the case. But then he starts to recieve pictures, several of them, of an unexpected nature. The case is forgotten rather quickly after that.

The Effect of Memory by testosterone_tea (E, 6,430 || Praise Kink, First Kiss / Time, Fluff, Smut, Virgin Sherlock, Love Confessions, Confused Sherlock) – John has temporary amnesia coming off of anaesthesia after an operation and not only does he not recognize Sherlock, he starts flirting with him! After John recovers, he doesn’t remember the incident at all. But Sherlock does. Confusion ensues.

Inside by magikspell (E, 6,757 w. || Loss of Virginity, Anal / Rimming, Fluff, Humour, Awkwardness, Shy Sherlock, Bottomlock) – "Being inside someone. Feeling someone inside you.”

The space between by Salambo06 (E, 6,830 w. || PWP, Friends to Lovers, Masturbation, Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Miscommunications, Bottom Sherlock, Mutual Pining, Sexual Fantasy) – “It’s for a case,” Sherlock says as soon as John looks down at his computer. John remains silent for a long moment, eyes moving from the screen to Sherlock, before saying, “You don’t have to explain.” His voice is low, too low, and Sherlock looks at the computer, putting the video on pause. “Lestrade asked me-, no, forced me to find out who’s threatening a famous porn star, and the suspect is among his co-stars, so I only need to watch out for any signs from his partners, anything that might show they’re the one sending those threats and I can move to something else.” “Right.”

Drive by lifeonmars (M, 9,537 w. || Virginity, Awkward First Times, Minor Injuries) – John and Sherlock are stranded by the roadside, and John is injured. They need to spend the night in the back of a humvee. Sherlock is confused. John is understanding. [FAVE!]

Paparazzi by SilentAuror (E, 10,543 w. || Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Friends to Lovers, Post S3) – John moves back into 221B Baker Street after his marriage falls apart and the paparazzi won’t leave him and Sherlock alone about the status of their supposed relationship. Sherlock, of course, never denies it, until one day he does…

The Thin Line by Odamaki (M, 10,809 w. || Virgin Sherlock, Awkwardness, Confessions, First Times, Anal) – John swallows. Keeps his eyes on Sherlock. Begs him not to ruin him.Sherlock leans forward over the witness box ever-so slightly, “I was distracted,” he informs the court, “by my partner, John Watson.”

Praise Me by testosterone_tea (E, 11,813 w. || Sherlock POV, Bottomlock, Dev. Rel., Virgin Sherlock, First Kiss / TimeBJ’s, Anal, Praise Kink) – In which Sherlock has an interesting physical reaction to compliments and John discovers it.

Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Missing Christmas Spirit by  SilentAuror (M, 15,002 w. || Christmas, Domesticity, Post S3, Happy Ending) – John hates Christmas. So does Sherlock, but he suggests that they do Christmas "properly” this year to see if they can’t track down its elusive magic and discover for themselves what Christmas is supposed to be about. [FAVE!!!]

In A Changing Age by allonsys_girl (E, 15,590 w. || Victorian AU, Virgin / Demi Sherlock, First Kiss / Time, Friends to Lovers, Love Confessions, Mild H/C) – Sherlock wakes up in the 19th century, with no idea how he got there. [FAVE!]

For you, there’s only me by shock_blanket (E, 19,557 w. || Jealous Idiots, Virgin Sherlock, UST/RST, Pining, Miscommunication, First Kiss / Time, Insecure Sherlock, Masturbation) – Sherlock realizes he has fallen in love with John, but believes he is unlovable. Cue lots of pining and jealousy on Sherlock’s part, followed by our favorite cuddly marksman making it all better. Because for Sherlock, there’s only John. [FAVE!]

At the Heart of it All by SilentAuror (E, 19,812 w. || Virgin Sherlock, Post S3, POV John, Domestics, First Time, Kissing, Romance) – John has been back at Baker Street for four months now and thinks it’s about time they had the Talk to see whether or not they could be more than friends. Sherlock has a lot of uncertainty about this concept for multiple reasons. Unabashed romance.

Tomorrow’s Song by agirlsname (M, 24,645 w. || Post-TRF, POV Sherlock, Angst with a Happy Ending, Virgin / Repressed Sherlock, Love Confessions, Slow Burn, Pining) – How can he think a relationship with me would be a good idea? I am the sort of person to take a break from my life and when I come back after two years, I expect to find it exactly as I left it. In reality I find it shattered to pieces. (I actually equate you with my life. When did I start doing that?) [FAVE, MUST READ!]

State of Flux by Atiki (E, 24,655 w. || Sherlock POV, Slow Burn, First Kiss/Time, Friends to Lovers, Frottage, Cuddles and Snuggles, Awkwardness, Insecure/Virgin Sherlock, Romance) – John’s marriage is over and he is finally back home (i.e. at Baker Street, where he belongs). Sherlock is awfully insecure and John is awfully hesitant, and they’re both awkward idiots, of course, but they figure it out. Many First Times happen. [FAVE!]

Bedtime Stories by Liketheriver (M, 34,388 w. || Emotional H/C, Romance, Angst & Humour, Bed Sharing, John First Person, TRF, John Whump) – John’s POV during Season 2 and beyond when Sherlock takes up semi-permanent residence in his bed. A collection of codas and missing scenes wrapped up into one long fic and topped with a bow that takes the story beyond Reichenbach and into happy territory once more. Part 1 of Bedtime Universe

The Wrong Wagon by DancingGrimm (E, 35,663 w. || Alternating POV, MollyxJohn [Molly pines for John], Public Sex, Casual Sex, Obliviousness, BAMF!John, Awkwardness, Angst & Humour, First Time, Virgin Sherlock, Jealous Sherlock) – Molly sees John in a new light and realises that she may have hitched her horse to the wrong wagon…or something like that. John pines for Sherlock and worries what he will think if he ever finds out. And Sherlock doesn’t know what Molly’s up to…but he knows he doesn’t like it.

A Promise Made to Be Broken by PlantsAreNeat (E, 37,018 w. || Fake Relationship, Pining, Slow Burn, RST, Eventual Relationship, POV Sherlock) – A young John makes an ‘if we’re still single at 40, we’ll get together’ pledge to a woman who ends up all wrong for him. She keeps reminding him of the promise, and won’t let go of it. John asks Sherlock to pose as his boyfriend at a family wedding, so as to dash her hopes permanently. Sherlock, who has at last acknowledged his feelings for John, reluctantly agrees despite knowing how painful it will be to ‘have’ John, but not keep him. [FAVE FAVE FAVE! MUST READ!!]

Spare Change by Ermerness (E, 51,966 w. || Rich Holmeses AU || First Kiss / Time, Holmes Family, Virgin Sherlock, Anal, First Meetings) – The Holmes family is one of the richest and most powerful in England. Sherlock spends his time flying around the world on the family’s private jet drinking a lot and shopping at expensive boutiques as a way of trying to alleviate his endless boredom. His mother decides it’s time he settles down with someone powerful, wealthy and well connected. John Watson happens to be none of those things.

The Moonlight and the Frost by CaitlinFairchild (E, 77,289 w. || Case Fic, Post-HLV, Self Harm, Virgin Sherlock, First Time, Oral/Anal/Rimming, Romance, Angst, Mary is Not Nice) – John has to somehow rebuild his life in the wake of Mary’s betrayal and Sherlock’s deceptions.

The Quiet Man by ivyblossom (E, 157,369 w. || Post-TRF, John First POV, Grief/Mourning, Angst, Present Tense, Imaginary Sherlock) – “Do you just carry on talking when I’m away?”

[junker-town]

All 53 NBA players at the FIBA World Cup, RANKED

Greek Freak, indeed! | Getty Images / SB Nation illustration

The 2019 FIBA World Cup tips off Saturday in China. As you have likely heard, very few American NBA stars are participating. James Harden and Anthony Davis were pegged as the stars to lead this edition of the team, but both begged off to prepare for very big NBA seasons coming up. A number of other players backed out, preventing the coaching staff from actually having to cut anyone.

The result: a roster that includes Mason Plumlee, Derrick White, and Joe Harris.

Yet some of the biggest international stars did show up, leaving the FIBA World Cup with some measure of star power. To put all of that star power and Team USA’s apparent weakness in perspective, we decided to rank all 53 NBA players expected to play in the tournament. Note that players continue to be cut and drop out — Oshae Brissett of Canada and the Raptors, and Isaac Bonga of Germany and the Wizards, were ruled out on Wednesday — so the list may remain a little malleable.

First, a couple of side notes.

Teams without any current NBA players: Poland, Cote d’Ivoire, Venezuela, China, Russia, Argentina, Korea, Iran, Puerto Rico, Angola, Philippines, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, Jordan, Senegal.

NBA emeritus players you’ll love or hate to see: Luis Scola (Argentina), Ike Diogu (Nigeria), Yi Jianlian (China), Andray Blatche (Philippines), Leandro Barbosa (Brazil), Hamed Haddadi (Iran), Renaldo Balkman (Puerto Rico), Paul Zipser (Germany), Anderson Varejao (Brazil), Luigi Datome (Italy), Rudy Fernandez (Spain), Mindaugas Kuzminkskas (Lithuania), Semih Erden (Turkey), Nick Calathes (Greece), Georgios Papagiannis (Greece), Nando de Colo (France), Hamady N’Diaye (Senegal), Andrew Bogut (Australia).

And now, all 53 NBA players expected to play in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, ranked.

(Note that NBA status and national team status both factor in here. Players with small NBA roles and big FIBA roles will end up higher than players with small NBA roles and iffy FIBA roles. NBA salaries do not matter: I’m not moving Harrison Barnes down the list because he makes a grip of money. Also, keep in mind that we have really limited data and observations on a bunch of these players, especially at the FIBA level, since very few of them have played anything but warm-ups since 2016.)

All that said . . .

53. Chimezie Metu, Nigeria/Spurs

Two important notes about Metu: he graduated from USC in three years, and the Spurs believe in him to some degree. Sounds good to me!

52. Vincent Poirier, France/Celtics

Poirier will be a rookie if he makes Boston’s roster, but he’s 25 and apparently the Celtics tried to sign him before last year’s playoff run. And by “playoff run” I mean “swift and brutal death spiral.”

51. Salah Mejri, Tunisia/Mavericks

Did you know Salah Mejri is 33 years old? I didn’t know Salah Mejri was 33 years old.

50. Khem Birch, Canada/Magic

When we were promised the Canadian national team would have NBA talent in the future, Khem Birch is not exactly what I had in mind . . .

49. Yuta Watanabe, Japan/Grizzlies

Japan has a spot in the Olympic tournament as the host nation, but it’d be really cool to see Watanabe led his country to a nice showing in the World Cup and then turn that into NBA success this season.

48. Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Greece/Bucks

The Bucks put him on their roster, perhaps to please Giannis. Did Greece do the same thing? Nah, Thanasis is good enough to have earned this spot. Note that Kostas Antetokounmpo, one of Giannis’ younger brothers, isn’t on the roster.

47. Daniel Theis, Germany/Celtics

This guy might be the starting center for the Celtics this season.

46. Frank Ntilikina, France/Knicks

It’s so sad that Frankie Smokes is this far down the list at this stage in his career. I mean, to be below ...

45. Matthew Dellavedova, Australia/Cavaliers

... wow. Just wow.

44. Juancho Hernangomez, Spain/Nuggets 43. Willy Hernangomez, Spain/Hornets

Silly NBA teams keep picking just one Hernangomez. Spain wonders, why not both?

42. Cristiano Felicio, Brazil/Bulls

Felicio isn’t the first Brazilian big man I get irrationally hyped for (someone say hello to Bebe Nogueira for me), and won’t be the last. He has not really put much together in the league, though.

41. Mason Plumlee, United States/Nuggets

WE HAVE OUR LOWEST RANKED UNITED STATES PLAYER, folks. A PLUMLEE APPEARS.

I have some news for you, though: there are only three players in the entire tournament who have already won FIBA gold: Marc Gasol (2006), Rudy Fernandez (also 2006) and MASON M.F. PLUMLEE (2014). So, there.

40. Aron Baynes, Australia/Suns

In the NBA, I’d actually take Mason Plumlee over Aron Baynes. But Plumlee isn’t going to play much in the World Cup, and Baynes will be central to Australia’s chances. So Baynes gets the edge.

39. Ersan Ilyasova, Turkey/Bucks

Ilyasova is somehow an 11-year NBA vet with eight seasons averaging double-digit scoring. He’ll never catch Hedo Turkoglu as the greatest Turkish player in the NBA history, but he’s drawing pretty close to Mehmet Okur at this point.

38. Bruno Caboclo, Brazil/Grizzlies

Like Bruno, Brazil men’s basketball is always two years away from being two years away.

37. Maxi Kleber, Germany/Mavericks

You know and love a Mavericks fan who would put Maxi Kleber in the top 10 on this list, and both you and they know it.

36. Cory Joseph, Canada/Kings

Cory Joseph might be the oldest 28-year-old in the league. It’s really too bad the other NBA talent in Canada is skipping this tournament, because the team could have made lots of noise and perhaps secured an important Olympic berth.

35. Furkan Korkmaz, Turkey/Sixers

My kingdom for a Furkan Korkmaz-Bogdan Bogdanovic shoot-out in the knockout round.

34. Boban Marjanovic, Serbia/Mavericks

Folks, in the Serbia-USA match-up everyone is dreaming about, we’re going to get Boban and Brook Lopez battling off the bench. I ... I think I have Boban too low ...

33. Josh Okogie, Nigeria/Timberwolves

Lord let Josh Okogie show out for Nigerian or AT LEAST dominate the dunk reel from the World Cup.

32. Derrick White, United States/Spurs

Derrick White could be an integral part of the United States gameplan, or he could have four DNPs in the tournament. Is he really better than Cory Joseph when you set salary aside? I struggle with Derrick White in context.

31. Nicolas Batum, France/Hornets

Batum should make way more sense in a two-week sprint for France than an 7-month marathon for the Hornets.

30. Marco Belinelli, Italy/Spurs

What even is an Italian national team with Marco Belinelli, but without Andrea Bargnani?

29. Rui Hachimura, Japan/Wizards

Okay, I know this is way too high for a rookie we haven’t seen in the NBA yet. Like way too high. But he was a top-10 pick, and he was awesome at Gonzaga and in Summer League. And he freaking destroyed Germany in FIBA warm-ups to give Japan apparently its first-ever win over a European team in men’s basketball. I’m all in on Rui.

28. Joe Harris, United States/Nets

I would like to be all in on Joe Harris, except I can’t over the fact that Joe Harris is on the United States men’s national basketball team and he’s not even the least accomplished OR SECOND LEAST ACCOMPLISHED member! He should be no more than the Christian Laettner of this team. He’s, like, the Chris Mullin?!

27. Nemanja Bjelica, Serbia/Kings

We could have had three-quarters of the Sacramento Kings roster in this tournament had two of the three American contenders not dropped out. It’s probably for the best, as Bogdan and Jelly, plus general manager Vlade Divac, might have made De’Aaron Fox and Marvin Bagley III feel bad about silver . . .

26. Jonas Valanciunas, Lithuania/Grizzlies

Did anyone notice that Valanciunas put up incredible numbers for Memphis after being included in the Marc Gasol trade? He put up “some contender is actually going to trade a pick for him at the deadline this season” numbers. Get the Lakers jersey ‘shops ready.

25. Tomas Satoransky, Czech Republic/Bulls

Satoransky is the star for the Czechs, so his place on this list is a little inflated given his NBA status. But hey, he’s also pretty good.

24. Al-Farouq Aminu, Nigeria/Blazers

Really glad to see Aminu continue to represent Nigeria, which has a shot to make the knockout rounds. Aminu is the team’s best player, but not it’s only good player. Interesting player, interesting team.

23. Brook Lopez, United States/Bucks

The new Brook Lopez is kind of a perfect FIBA center, and yet this thing with Gregg Popovich does not seem to be working for some reason. It’s weird that Lopez and Khris Middleton, the two Bucks on Team USA who thrived under Pop’s acolyte Mike Budenholzer in the NBA last season, are totally struggling under Pop. So weird.

22. Patty Mills, Australia/Spurs

The inverse Derrick White situation: Mills shouldn’t be this high based on NBA status, but is a star at the FIBA level and will put up numbers and get wins. Just ask USA Basketball circa last week.

21. Harrison Barnes, United States/Kings

Salaries don’t matter here. Barnes is a darn good player, and versatile enough to get work at multiple positions in the tournament. Look at the wonders Pop has done with Rudy Gay in San Antonio.

20. Cedi Osman, Turkey/Cavaliers

CEDI TIME. Between Osman and Korkmaz, I’m irrationally excited about Turkey shaking off the dust of the stodgy Omer Asik-led teams of the past and getting wild.

19. Marcus Smart, United States/Celtics

Smart is the only American player who dealt with injuries in the training portion of the schedule and stuck with the team. I’m sure the Celtics front office is pleased as punch about that.

18. Dennis Schroder, Germany/Thunder

On the one hand, Dennis Schroder is a legitimate NBA scorer. On the other hand, he’s Dennis Schroder, and it’s only fitting that he would drive Germans as mad as he drives fans of his NBA teams.

17. Ricky Rubio, Spain/Suns

Remember 2008, when the teenaged wunderkind Ricky was low-key the best reason to watch Spain in the Olympics? Time is a cruel mistress.

16. Evan Fournier, France/Magic

France’s golden age is probably over with the aging out of Tony Parker and Boris Diaw, but Fourner is quite good and the French are pretty deep on talent. Lots of good NBA shooting guards in this tournament.

15. Myles Turner, United States/Pacers

No idea what to make of Myles Turner on Team USA. He’s probably going to have to defend Nikola Jokic at some point, though. Good luck, man.

14. Bogdan Bogdanovic, Serbia/Kings

A name so sweet, we say it twice. Low-key contender for the All-Tournament team. I really hope we get the Bogdan-Donovan Mitchell shoot-out we deserve.

13. Domantas Sabonis, Lithuania/Pacers

Sabonis is the centerpiece for Lithuania, and this tournament could be huge for Dom’s mythos going into the next NBA season, especially considering it appears Indiana will have to make a decision on whether to keep Turner and Sabonis together or move one of them. Sabonis is another All-Tournament team contender.

12. Joe Ingles, Australia/Jazz

It kind of feels like Jingles Season, but then doesn’t it always? Ingles is steady, so it’s hard to say Australia’s hopes rest on him — you know what he’s bringing every night. But if Australia succeeds, Ingles will almost assuredly be central as to why.

11. Khris Middleton, United States/Bucks

Middleton was an All-Star last season. He should be the starting small forward for Team USA, and it’s best defender and deep shooter. But he’s just looked absolutely awful in warm-ups. It’s pretty bizarre.

10. Jayson Tatum, United States/Celtics

Usually comparing Tatum to Carmelo Anthony is considered an insult (which is an insult to Melo), but we’ll take it here: if Tatum can be FIBA Melo for the next two weeks, USA Basketball can and will win this tournament.

9. Jaylen Brown, United States/Celtics

dontletjazzfansreadthisbutIthinkjaylenbrownmightbethebestplayeronteamusarightnow [cough cough] Oh, yeah, uh Jaylen Brown! Pretty good!

8. Marc Gasol, Spain/Raptors

I want to see Marc smile for a month. I want to see Marc battle Nikola Jokic for 40 minutes. I want to see Marc win one for his brother. I want to see Marc lead Spain back to the Olympics next summer. Marc deserves everything he wishes to receive.

7. Nikola Vucevic, Montenegro/Magic

Montenegro is more of an upstart than a power, but Vucevic has “No. 2 scoring average in the tournament” written all over him.

6. Danilo Gallinari, Italy/Thunder

Gallinari was really good last season for the Clippers, and will probably be really good for the Thunder next season, so why not be really good for Italy in between? The Italians have a good shot at making the knockouts. Gallinari has to be excellent for it to happen.

5. Donovan Mitchell, United States/Jazz

It’s not too much to say that Team USA’s fortunes rest largely on what kind of player Donovan Mitchell is during this tournament. This could be a gripping entry in the Donovan Mitchell origin story on his path toward All-NBA nods and MVP votes, or it could be a cautionary tale for the Jazz. Either way, it’s compelling as hell.

4. Kemba Walker, United States/Celtics

Meanwhile, Kemba Walker is real good, but he’s also kind of small and FIBA ball is known for being physical. That concerns me a little.

3. Rudy Gobert, France/Jazz

The top three players in this tournament are on teams other than the United States. Let that sink in.

Gobert is the best or second-best defender in the entire tournament, and assuming France’s guard play on offense is in order (and gets Rudy some dunks), he should be a shoo-in for the All-Tournament team. Team USA, which relies on two ballhandling drivers, should be deeply concerned with how it’s going to score on France if the threes aren’t falling.

2. Nikola Jokic, Serbia/Nuggets

Jokic isn’t anyone’s secret any more, of course, but most fans haven’t seen him in a FIBA setting before. Serbia is stacked to the jowls with talent, and with Milos Teodosic out due to injury, the team will rely on Jokic’s preternatural playmaking. But the game goes two ways, and you wonder if Popovich, for instance, will run the agile Myles Turner down Jokic’s throat. Just how good will Serbia be on defense? Is Jokic’s offensive skill enough to overcome it?

1. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Greece/Bucks

The best player in the tournament, hands down. The reigning NBA MVP. Maybe the best player in the world?

Greece should win its group. It will play the United States in the second round (which is not the knockouts — it’s a second group stage). This will be one of two games certain to break through the American disinterest in FIBA play, with Serbia-USA being the other. Greece doesn’t have to win that game to move on to the knockouts, but Giannis will desperately want to win that game. He wants to win every game, and he certainly wants to prove he’s the best player in the world by being the guy to beat Team USA.

Can he do it? Does he have enough help? Didn’t we just ask similar questions about him a couple months ago, but with the Warriors as Team USA? Didn’t the Raptors derail that quest? Kawhi Leonard didn’t sign up for USA Basketball, did he? No? Good.

Good.

[tomerasange]

Chapter 6: Searching for Answers

As the early morning sun fell into the window, birds flocking in the summer air, the daily routine of the town beginning, I arose with a slow start. I had at least believed it was early morning, given my routine in Silverymoon. Rather, with no attendants to my name, the sun was well and truly up in the sky. I chose to sit and ponder yesterday. My bedroom window overlooked one of the primary artery roads, and I could see the town going about its business. The haze of the wine from last night lingered on, but not it a manner that often accompanied my nights of revelry. To that, I was grateful.

I dressed in my armor once more and descended the stairs for a breakfast. Urnig was already awake and devouring a plate set before him at a table. While looking for a meal to satiate my hunger, I lingered on a most fruitful scent coming from the inn’s backroom. Could it be?

Indeed! Not since the halls of Silverymoon did I partake in that most sumptuous delicacy... coffee. That light and refreshing aroma that regales my sense in full and complete wonder. My air cleaned and my complexion rejuvenated. All from one cup.

I spoke with the barmaid, who made mention it was going to cost a pretty piece. Coffee was a rare sight in Phandalin, and the current market shares had been affected due to the orc raids. No matter, I placed my gold down and awaited with baited temper, taking a seat at Urnig’s table. Aurora joined us in turn and ordered a similar breakfast to Urnig. They finished their complementary breakfast and we set about trying to plan the day.

Aurora began. “Well now, it appears we have several leads to begin on. I would like to start with the Shrine of Luck. Sister Garaele might have some information for us relating to this whole Redbrand business, or if she was happened upon by orcs. Also, we may have to enter Tresendar Manor, to at the very least understand what we’re up against.” I said in turn, “I agree. The Redbrands should be about their business early in the day, so we should enter the manor with daylight on our side. If possible, I would like to return to the Lionshield Coster. Perhaps they would have the necessary supplies to help us.” Urnig spoke in a brusque voice “I don’t know about that. We pretty much got what we needed yesterday.”

I didn’t want to inform him I was worried for our health, but if we could find any amount of aid in our trek, I would have liked to have had it. I could still see Aurora’s person hitting the cold cave floor and the two javelins that struck me. I was going to interject, when it came to my knowledge that I didn’t have the capital to afford the tinctures that most adventurers utilized. For that matter, I was not ready to fight a man nearly a cubit taller than I in a war of words, lest it turn to petty squabbling and my eventual physical defeat in a test of strength.

I acquiesced and remained silent for now. Aurora continued. “We should investigate the woodcarver’s house and the young boy from the Alderleaf farm if we’re truly intent on investigating Tresendar Manor. Could aid us.”

As we settled upon our day’s events, my coffee arrived and I inhaled as deep as the drink’s color itself. The scent wafted through my body, intoxicating and divine, reaching into my form and giving an energy humans could only dream to hold. It was all I required and more, and I began to sip the drink delicately. Still, my day was improve further as Sildar walked into the room. His demeanor was leaps and bounds in comparison to our initial meeting. He nodded in acknowledgement of my presence, and walked over to our table. “Good morning, all. Hope you slept well. Tomera, before you depart, I do have that mattter to discuss.”

He took me aside and, with a hearty attitude, spoke. “Tomera, you’ve shown great bravery and sincere concern for those in Phandalin since your arrival, and you have completed in dispatching of the goblins along the trail. For the time, it will be safe and secure, thanks to you and your associates. I have no qualms in providing you invitation to the Lord’s alliance as a Cloak. Your service will begin at the conclusion of finding and apprehending Glasstaff.”

At long last, a new title to hang upon. Nothing to be too jovial about, but this is what I was looking for. I bowed in focus, fist to heart. “I accept your charge, and will do well to hold this position in honor.”

Sildar acknowledged another knowing nod, and left our presence to go about his business. We gathered our supplies and left the Stonehill Inn, the day set before us. We entered into the village, in search of Garaele.

The Shrine of Luck was a humble grotto of stones to the goddess Tymora, patroness of good fortune and one of the deities of luck and trickery. Our Sister Garaele was likely among the worshippers.

It should be noted, for eagle-eyed viewers, that my name Tomera bears striking resemblance to the name of a goddess. To this, a small lesson of Genasi culture. Genasi, being creatures of the four major elements, take on ancient and primordial aspects that align us quite heavily with the pantheon of Faerûn. While my siblings have very noble and human-like names, I was considered by my mother and her midwives to be lively and full of vigor in the months before my birth. Tomera, a name which carries with it a reputation of gustiness and haughtiness by those who have previously held it, was deemed my name, and it can be traced back to the earliest worshippers of the goddess Tymora. And before further inquiry is necessary, it is considered a suitable name for both men and women.

Upon entering the scene, we could see a small service currently taking place. Several maidens sat in homage facing a small altar, embanked by statues of Tymora. A young elf woman was sat to our left, in deep trance but not facing the altar. Aurora inquired to her. “Good morning. We were interested in speaking with a Sister Garaele?”

“You are in great luck,” the maiden spoke. “I am Sister Garaele. What has brought you to the temple of our goddess today?” “We’ve come to speak to you of your recent run-in with someone on the roads. Word has it you were attacked.” Garaele lowered her head with a wry grin in understanding, as if to confirm the rumor had traveled that fast. “Follow me, then. We have a matter to discuss.”

She led us from the main chapel into a small and humble dwelling, labelled by a sign outside to be her own abode, where she sat us and herself in a determined manner. “So, you’ve come about looking to help me. What do you know so far?” Aurora led in the conversation. “You were attacked and came back injured from an expedition, by whom and for what we do not know.” “You are correct in this initial assessment. I was on my way to find an artifact of great power when I was ambushed on a trail. I was able to find myself back to Phandalin well enough, but I’m afraid I am no closer to my goals.”

As Aurora listened into this, she took notice of something, which I had caught on to as well. The maiden, while wearing a robe to likely hide her injuries, was also in possession on several tattoos. Aurora spoke, “I am curious as to the nature of your tattoos. Ceremonial in nature?” Garaele held herself, and breathed sharply. “I was getting to that. My mission is not for the Clergy of Tymora, nor Phandalin. In truth, I am a member of The Harpers, and my quest was to retrieve a wizard’s spellbook.”

I was briefly familiar with The Harpers, if only through their interaction with the Lord’s Alliance. They operate as information brokers, providing knowledge to other organizations on the continent. As to how what their operations entail in detail, I was in the dark.

“The task I was set upon was to retrieve the magic tome of Bowgentle, a wizard from centuries past. To find the tome would not only be historically necessary, but would likely make its wielder unimaginably powerful. The Harpers need this artifact in the possession of one who would hold its power for good.” I briefly asked myself why The Harpers would only send one point of contact into such a precarious situation, until I realized that if Garaele was the only person sent on this mission, she was likely immensely careful and stunningly powerful. Meaning what bested her was even her greater.

Aurora interjected. “We could aid in your quest if necessary. What caused your injuries?” “The bandits and orcs from the trail, naturally. However, I didn’t even come close to the real threat. You see, I have no recollection of, nor manner in finding, the location of Bowgentle’s Spellbook. Instead, I was searching for a lead in the form of Agatha, the Banshee who calls the trail her home.” A banshee. This matter was suddenly ever more dangerous. Garaele continued. “The banshee possesses the ability to answer one simple question to those who ask. You are granted only one question. If you ask her of her day, delay in your question, or deviate into conversation, the banshee will retreat from your presence and the chance lost. Additionally, the banshee thrives on vanity. You should be ready to compliment her appearance, but in case this fails, I have prepared an offering.” With that, she produced a beautiful silver comb, encrusted with gems and patterns from the shaft to the tip, well worth hundreds of gold, and handed it to Aurora. “Giving her this treasure will allow you to answer your question freely without incident. If you return to me with the location of Bowgentle’s Spellbook, I should see fit a reward in your future. Now go by the grace of Tymora.”

We took our leave, and headed due south for the woodcarver’s house to procure any clues as to the whereabouts of his family. As we were passing through the crowds, several Redbands were spotted, harassing an older man and shoving people to the street. Before I could retaliate, Aurora grabbed my shoulder and ducked me behind an alley. I knew not if they knew of our presence, having killed of their number. But, it was clear Aurora was trying to be as sneaky and as smart as needed. Had a scene been started, the market would be in further jeopardy, and it would have been I to shoulder the blame. 

We came across the scene of the Dendrar house, the exterior damaged and broken into, as though a feral owlbear had attacked. The windows were smashed in and the front door was snapped from its hinge. I took point and we entreated to the doorway.

Inside the house, further detritus met our party. The tables and counter where business was conducted were brutally smashed apart, and the backrooms were ransacked. There was almost no way Thel’s wife and child were still here. In order to find evidence to their location, we took to scanning the premises.

I took myself upstairs, looking for the personal effects of the family. Any amount of clues would be helpful in locating them as soon as possible. My mind began to wander to terrible thoughts. Perhaps they were being held captive and being prepared for the slave trade. Perhaps they were malnourished and dying a slow and evil death. Perhaps they were both deceased, lost through inaction and traitors. Needless to say, I had to press on, lest my anger hold me in place.

I located the master bedroom with ease. The upper levels, compared to downstairs, had been untouched by the Redbrands, no doubt the results of their sudden nature. No belongings led me into a new line of questioning, so I pressed on. I found the young boy’s room, hand carved wooden playthings dotting the room. They included a rocking horse and a sword, no doubt the tools of imaginary adventure. How it reminded of my room. When I was a young boy. “Seems about right,” I said aloud to no one, and continued to the final room.

The final room was a smaller, more personal workshop than the larger toolshed dowstairs, where smaller pieces were perfected. I could locate two belongings and inspected them for any tip directing me to the Dendrars. They were a bag of 20 gold pieces and a woodcarver’s tool set. Both likely possessions of Thel. I took the bag and tied it off in order to hold it safe until it could be returned to its rightful owners, and slipped the woodcarver’s set into my pack. Should these Redbrands return, these would be the first objects scrounged.

I returned downstairs to find Aurora and Urnig outside. A man seemed very animated in conversation, and stormed off in a frightful scene, leaving a confused Urnig to sort through his mind. I stood about, staring at Urnig. “Well, no one seemed to be inside. And... what was that fellow on about?”

Aurora chimed in. “Well we were explaining our job, and Urnig seemed so convinced about his cause, that he got quite animated. The gentlemen felt we were grave robbing, so there’s very little we can do to help our cause.”

Brilliant. I suppose we’ll have to convince the town of our goals.

We walked on towards Alderleaf Farm. The home out front was humble and small, built with a rustic charm out of the ordinary from the rest of the town, which seemed more concerned with form and function. We walked around the side and saw two figures attending to their daily routine. A halfling woman was hanging the laundry out to dry in the afternoon sun, while her son, no larger than a gnome, was swinging a sword at a practice target in the shape of a mannequin. Spread far outreaching were that designated the farm’s crops, tilled and sown in preparation for the harvest in month’s time.

I called to announce our arrival. “Good morrow, miss! I hope we aren’t disturbing your tasks.” She looked up to see us, incredulity drawn on her face. “My stars, where are you folks from? I’m busy with this, so I haven’t time to talk.” “Oh, my goodness. We are here only to help. We were sent to deal with these Redbrand fellows, and we heard your son might have information to aid us.” “My son? What’d that boy do now?” She called out to the young child at the mannequin. “Boy, come here!”

The young halfling turned and trod over, sword in hand. He looked up at us as though we were giants. His mother continued. “What did I say about wandering off and sticking your nose in other people’s business? Tell them what they need and help me with the chores when your done.” With that, she grabbed a basket and left into the house.

The boy, eyes widened, turned back towards us. “Are you guys adventurers?” I knelt down, knees bent to his level. There was always a trick I had seen other folk heroes perform for children in Silverymoon, and that was to appear smaller in stature yet larger than life. “That we are, my dear lad. And it seems you might have information that can help with our quest. We here you found a secret entrance towards Tresendar Manor?” I pointed towards the castle on the hill.

He nodded up and down. “Uh huh, uh huh! It’s in the woods! A big hole in the cliff! In the forest to the North!” “And you say this hole leads to Tresendar?” “Well, I saw those men in red going inside.” “I thank you, then. We will take it from here. What you did was brave and can help us greatly.” “Can I come with you? You don’t know where it is. I do!”

As much as I could handle children, my relationship with them was...adequate. I had to bribe the child with something. “You should stay here with your mother. Work would help her greatly, In return, I will help you in your swordsmanship. Care for me to teach you something?” “Oo, oo, oo! Yes!” “Allow me, then, to hold your blade.” The young halfling boy presented his wooden sword. Had I drawn my blade to attack the mannequin, it would have been destroyed.

I showed him a basic stance, side form with shoulders square to the legs. Eyeing the target, I led with a downward strike, as the sword was shaped like a short sword. The blade fell on the target, and with just enough force, I was able to swipe with proper form. Unfortunately, I had not counted on the abuse this target had already endured, and a seam came loose on the cloth target. Aurora was able to mend with a quick spell before the halfling noticed any inconsistencies. I turned to the child. “Now, you know to square the shoulders and keep them loose. Never attempt a full charge unless your aim is true. Have you got all that?” He grinned with a smile showing missing teeth, a sign of either growth of poor hygienic manners. “Thank you, mister! I’ll get back to practicing that.” He returned to the training dummy, with a stance now mirroring mine with a touch of his headstrong front charge.

As he returned to his rigorous practice, we traversed to the wood next to the farm. The thick growth shielded our movements, and no large fauna appeared to be in form. As such, we were free to examine the locale as necessary. As I was examining a freshly scouted path, Aurora and Urning noticed the cliffside. With a spell and a grappling hook, the taut line was secured in place and we ascended up a light sheer face, Tresendar Manor rising above us, an ancient threat. As we reached a outcropping facing another sheer cliff, I looked beyond the tree line, and seeing the town at a distance with no others in sight, we appeared to be in the clear. We took to searching for this hole.

Clearly, the young halfling hadn’t accounted for the cliff face’s angle, and could only roughly make mention of this entrance without any proper landmarks. There was no indication nor clue as to where this entrance was. Urnig, exhausted at this point, began knocking himself into the stone. He was inevitably going to hurt himself, but i needed not worry at this moment. He was in a groove.

Misjudging his speed on one of the strikes, Urnig stumbled and crashed into a small bush growing on the outcropping. As his massive frame hit the wall, we heard a crumbling sound. Invariably, he had found the door. It got the job done, I suppose. “Well, then.” Aurora sputtered, and approached the door cautiously.

We attempted the door, but found it had been locked securely. It was just our luck we had no tools to open this door. Halfheartedly defeated, we trudged down the mountain back to town. Surely, one of the shops would have a lockpick set.

We eventually ran across the Miner’s Exchange, where a variety of tools for the everyday were bartered and sold from the local economy. Where the Lionshield Coster dealt with the continent, this local business was self-sufficient and able to sustain itself through the local economy. The head of the exchange was a shrewd businesswoman named Halia. As we entered the building, her human form was cut diligent and poised with an arithmetic sense. Calculating the store’s jumbled and large inventory of small trinkets, she noticed us. “Hello there. Can’t say I’ve seen you around. New in town?” Aurora said, “Relatively. We were in the area, and needed help looking for a Lockpick Set. Some of the locals sent us your way.” “Lockpick... lockpick... Well, I do have a set of Thieve’s Tools. Confiscated them a while back. What exactly do you three have need for this piece?”

I spoke up, improvising as I was want to do in situations such as these. “Well, the blasted truth is we find ourselves locked out of our room and board at the Stonehill, and the innkeeper’s out on errand and the barmaid’s swarmed with patrons. We’d try to find a spare, but we don’t wish to intrude and lose another key. Just a short jaunt over, and we’ll be in the clear until the innkeeper gets back.”

She took a measured glance at my figure, as well as Urnig and Aurora. “Alright. You seem like an honest bunch. Keys seem to always go missing, so if I get any spares come my way, I’ll be sure to let old Toblen Stonehill know I found his belongings. Might even snag some gold out of it. Ha!”

We exchanged the gold pieces for the Thieve’s Tools and left in a composed hurry, not wanting to attract further attention. As we were convinced and set upon invading the manor, Aurora halted. Her purple Spellscale skin seemed an off mauve as she pointed towards the eastmost road in Phandalin. Several Redbrands were leaving the Sleeping Giant and making their way back to Tresendar. We had missed our window of opportunity. It was now later than expected, so a retreat was necessary. We left the south road and returned to Stonehill, the streets quieter with everyone on edge from yesterday’s events.

As I lay in bed that night, I realized the last bastion of the quest lay before me. One way or another, this Redbrand menace would fall. One way or another, I would find a welcoming into the Lord’s Alliance. One way or another, Phandalin would have peace. If so, then I wished upon whatever God in the pantheon could hear my desperate prayer that this force be held to justice by my hand.

[dmcracy]

Solo campaign p.2 + Group 2. Poisons

The curiosity brought Myrta out of the forest to the small encampment made by gnolls . She saw those appalling creatures moving some prisoners to one of their tents and she immediately made a plan to put them all to sleep by poisoning the water. She was a herbalist and found some herb she thought might help create a poison. I made her roll a herbalist check and the result was a small vial or dark green liquid with an awful smell. She turned into some animal - snake I think - and sneaked to the camp (with her grass snake friend she made earlier in the game). No guard spotted her presence and she emptied a whole vial to their water reserve. Then she slithered away and waited.

Nothing was happening for a while and she began to worry that her plan failed. So Myrta and her bear got closer to the camp. Nothing was moving. They got even closer and finally realized that something was wrong. In the centre of the camp, Myrta found a bunch of dead gnolls close to the water reserve barrels. They died so fast it almost made a pile of them and I gave her a nickname Myrta the Poisoner. The remaining gnolls just run away to the mountains. After a moment of astonishment Myrta noticed smoke rising from the nearby village to the north and immediately released the prisoners and moved to the smoking village. The village was called Meander and she just accidentally saved its people since the gnolls were hunting its denizens. When she arrived and told the local mayor, MacGilmere, about the accident, the people were so relieved they started repairing the village and promised to make her a statue. In the meantime Myrta also healed one man from the head injury what made their decision even more concrete. The mayor even housed her in his house and she was given a magical dagger +1: Letterbane (the poor dagger never saw a real action and was used only to open letters, so whenever someone wanted to use it on a paper it trembled).

At this point, her patron revealed himself to her for the first time. Brandobaris took his normal form of a halfling lad and talked to her in some barn. She was suspicious about him because he was cryptic and kinda out of place in here. He disappeared without a trace soon after the talk and she met another NPC - a mercenary called MacCorryn. This guy came from the far south looking for some job. He traveled across the sea after some troublesome job he had in Slanterk. The job went poor and he got kicked more than a dozen times to the butt but eventually crawled to the temple and healed himself. Yes, this was the guy Llthrae and Mína fought on the streets of Slanterk. They talked a bit and somehow figured that those gnolls are still a threat if not all dead and people of this village need to be safe. So without any delay, they went to the gnoll camp and tracked the remaining gnolls to the mountains.

After some time, and one well placed entangle spell on the side of the mountain while falling to certain death, they found a cave where the remaining gnolls were hiding. The stench was terrible, bones and filth were scattered in front of the entrance and a very low voice was chanting something (there was a gnoll warlock trying to summon shoosuva). So Myrta made another plan - the cave must be pulled down and whatever was within shall be imprisoned. But while they were planning the guards spotted adventurers and attacked. They were dispatched, Myrta and MacCorryn tried to release some loose rock on the top of the cave. But the rocks would not budge and the chant was getting louder. Time was running out. The bear Myrta befriended was walking behind them nervously, because there was not enough space for its large body. Then, suddenly, they heard an unknown voice saying “dont get scared now” followed by cracking of bones and stretching of skin and a pair of large clawed bearlike hands pushed the rock with them. The rocks have fallen, everybody inside the cave died. MacCorryn quickly turned and saw a werebear standing behind them. This was Drýđ, a very unfortunate girl.

*******************************************************************************************

At this point, I introduced to my players a wandering mercenary siege engineer named Bors. Llthrae wanted to have his fort as invisible as possible but possible to defend if necessary (Mína could not join the game and her absence lasted for like 6 months). We made some preparations and Bors kinda joined the group. He played a mix of NPC and PC. I was expecting a good results in his playstyle because we played a lot of games together. But what happened amazed me. He totally nailed his character and played well even in those early moments. He even made a blueprint of that fort and gave it to us as PDF one day. And yes, he is my favourite. Not favourite meaning he can do anything he wants and everybody gets trash. No. He is my favourite because he plays so damn well, encourages others to do stuff so I can focus on details and remembers everything so I - a great improviser - can count on him because sometimes I just forget to make a note (for two hours for example, because I am dealing with things like players not having the char sheets and so on). 

Now Llthrae needed some workers. I made a sheet with a few possible groups so he could go and hire them. That never happened. He ordered Stan to do that while they waited in the fort. So, eventually, all of those groups came to the Western forest to work for Llthrae. Half-orcs, goblins, tiefling, gnomes, halflings, half-elves, dwarfs, and an elf. Yes, most of them hated each other. Everybody wanted something else. And even half-orcs disliked goblins. Then, Llthrae needed stone to build his home. The workers were given orders to clean the old road running through the forest, grub the surroundings of the ruin and prepare the wood for construction. Off course, Stan was given the order to watch them and the master (Llthrae) went to Mirin Kartak to talk to the quarry master. Do you remember the guy Llthrae woke up in the middle of the night banging on his door demanding more weed? That was Odal. And Odal remembers. So when Llthrae asked about the mason he was pointed to Odal’s house. Naturally, he did not remember what happened and Odal almost had a heart attack when he saw him again. But Bors was with them and they (Bors and me) made a deal (Bors saving the day was a canon from this moment). The stone was eventually delivered for a normal price and the construction work begun.

First, there was such low morale of his workers that the construction time extended for a month (Llthrae had no time to oversee his fort because he was enchanting an axe for Orik). The workers had nowhere to sleep and there was no real organization (the fort was still a ruin and a small tower where Bostock lived was big only for few people). Eventually, they were forced to group workers who can cooperate and build houses for them so the work could take a normal pace (trust me I know what I am talking about). Some accidents happened (Orik tried his new axe on a tree, the tree fell on a worker who was relieving himself) but they managed to help them and even improve the morale by granting workers a day off and preparing some refreshment for them. As sad as it sound when I look at the game now I see how Llthrae improved without Mína in our game (she had a little cameo, where she spent the entire time the fort was constructed in bed with the tiefling - he was a famous gigolo named Kaiil and I know - I am evil). He was influenced by others and tried to think more I guess (and my heart grew bigger for him).

As the fort grew they made few visits to Mirin Kartak, where Orik and Bors (and even Llthrae I think) trained with a famous swordmaster Caleb Arnyan. They even discovered a small cave close to the fort and befriended a mimic (they tried to kill him at first, but I played him too cute to kill so they kept him - another trap worked as I wanted). When Llthrae asked its name he responded Filip (in our country having a Filip means being smart - this was meant as a joke but we all liked it and they never bother naming him anyway). And when the work was almost done, Jolten Onnock and Argo Arkenbrand visited them. They explained to Llthrae that he could not cut timber wherever he wanted but if he would like to he can start a business with timber and the fort can work as a trade post (both merchants realized the potential this small event created - a clear road, taxable fort and so on). So when Llthrae heard about paying taxes and earning free money the invisible fort idea vanished. The merchants gave him a notion to build a repository and left to make a contract. He obeyed without a complaint.

The small house halflings built for themselves earlier was turned into a proper hobbit house with a great kitchen and they started cooking for the whole fort - it was the only thing they wanted to do here anyway and they were bloody good cooks (one of their famous treats was a gingerbread which Filip loved). The other house Kharmar and his half-orks built was turned into a hall style house where travelling merchants could be accommodated (this house had a grand fireplace warming up whole building - this was the favourite place for Stan). So, when the final day came the workers were given payment and goblins and half-orcs (they became friends in the meantime) got employed as workers in the fort from that day. Bors received more than a thousand gold for his work and joined their group. And the next day, they all ventured to Slanterk to seal the contract and to celebrate two new ships from the wood Llthrae provided. One was named Sea Beauty and the other was given a name by Llthrae - Žriemäthnitpsä (I hope). I was happy, Llthrae was happy (I think) and the celebration was glorious.

But happiness made folk blind and darkness was already gathering. And a floating corpse in the docks foretold their future.

[liddellwittelsbach-blog]

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for ageing skin: the usage of yeast in which they restore the skin collagen is shed with age, leaving your skin regains its youth and elasticity; so this selfmade anti-aging face mask is very successful in battle with wrinkles; So, why expend significant bucks on acne procedure or another artificial chemical products, after you can Check out these incredibly easy strawberry face masks, proper in your kitchen area?! Hey, it won't hurt to test! Start off Slideshow Every single merchandise we feature has long been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial group. In case you generate a order using the backlinks bundled, we may possibly gain Fee. • Mix orange peel powder and Uncooked milk in equal amounts to variety a smooth paste. Set it apart for a couple of hours. We may use conversion monitoring pixels from promotion networks for instance Google AdWords, Bing Ads, and Facebook to be able to determine when an advertisement has efficiently resulted in the desired motion, including signing up for that HubPages Company or publishing an write-up on the HubPages Service. @salamat: Use as soon as each individual 3 days and perform your way approximately as soon as each individual 2 times. Usually do not use every day, as orange peel can be a powerful, exfoliating and peeling component. The key is to utilize it persistently for at least per month ahead of finding noticeably radiant and glowing pores and skin. This is easily the most total mask within our tutorial, because it's the two a scrub in addition to a nourishing therapy. You'll need ground coffee beans, as much cocoa powder, twice just as much dairy or almond milk, a tablespoon olive oil - You may also use almond oil or, When you have oily skin, lemon juice - plus a tablespoon honey, that may be skipped When you are prone to acne. Allow it sit for quarter-hour. Rinse your face with chilly h2o and pat dry which has a clear towel. The skin will experience incredibly smooth and look clean up and moisturised. In case your face is a bit dry once the mask, particularly in acne parts, simply make use of a drop of olive oil as a purely natural moisturizer. There are https://twitter.com/steptoremedies/status/1084945117566267392 from yeast with several different accent elements. Pick the ones which might be ideal for the skin variety. Do not forget https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPlOEudlCv0 is especially fantastic mask for oily pores and skin and for pores and skin inflammation. Blend All those Qualities With all the lactic acid in milk—which exfoliates useless pores and skin cells to reveal the smoother, clearer pores and skin underneath—and you also’ve got a terrific recipe for shiny, youthful, glowing pores and skin. Because from ages, a gorgeous face is as opposed and considered with ‘whole moon’. While using the passage of your time and usage of weighty beauty products, our skin is loosing its glaze and youthful shine. Blend the above mentioned components extensively in a small mixing bowl. Coat your face While using the mixture employing clean up fingers. Enable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob_eAiaqZn8 settle for quarter-hour. In the meantime, you may lie down, near your eyes and unwind given that the mask does its magic. Once the time is up, rinse your face, and pat dry that has a cleanse towel. Stir the combination and therapeutic massage movements rub into the skin on the face and wash off just after 50 % one hour. Anti-inflammatory usually means your inflamed red acne will be soothed and healed, making them significantly less pronounced. Antibacterial and antiseptic Houses will help combat off acne causing germs and micro organism, staving off much more acne and pimples.

A Simple Key For honey face mask Unveiled

Turn into a member of Reward Me and get exclusive presents! Turn into a member Mixing honey, orange peel powder and yogurt makes a mask that can help you reduce acne scars and blemishes. If your adjective you employ to describe the skin is “experienced” or “dry”, this face mask is for yourself. Its numerous substances set humidity back again into your drained pores and skin and lead to a radiancy that you will have imagined you misplaced eternally. Listed here’s the easy recipe. This is an excellent mask for dry, peeling and scaling skin. https://en.search.wordpress.com/?src=organic&q=beauty+tips and coconut oil present replenishing humidity, though the honey really helps to recover any chafed or raw parts. As the time is up, Carefully rinse off this strawberry mask with heat drinking water utilizing your fingers or a person warm washcloth. Consider these components in a single bowl and future grind them well in one foodstuff processor. Make sure it will get transformed into a single high-quality paste. After It really is dissolved, you use it for the face. I even set it closer to my eyes than I do with other forms of masks, just not so near that it receives in. I've a lover brush that's virtually for painting that I purchased for the craft retail outlet considering the fact that I did not want a too flimsy face admirer brush. Mine is far smaller sized compared to highlighting brushes, but stiff more than enough and nonetheless Tremendous gentle. I utilize it for masks usually and It really is ideal for this. I am positive it isn't really vital but I like it. Strawberries contain antioxidants like vitamin C that inhibits the premature getting old of your skin. They even have ellagic acid which aids s in avoiding wrinkles. Particularly, the salicylic acid current in strawberries is helpful in retaining blemishes and acne away. Now, easy this paste Carefully and equally using your fingertips within the cleanse neck and face; keep the eye location crystal clear. If the mask is heat to your touch, implement it on your face, neck, and décolleté by massaging Carefully with circular actions. SiO Elegance Lift series patches can be found in five specifically-designed shapes so that you can concentrate on the problems areas in your face, neck, and chest. I never ever rubbed the yeast on my pores and skin like a gommage or exfoliating motion in advance of washing my face so possibly I could Do this next time. I tried only a mask for each se. As an additional bonus, vinegar even allows harmony your skin’s fragile pH. Right here’s how you can put it to superior use. The strength of the silicone skin patch lies in the microclimate it generates in between your skin as well as the patch. This microclimate does three significant matters: Superior, there's a spot for this. An acquaintance on line commenced chatting with me about skin and he or she advised a yeast face mask with milk. I hardly ever heard of this kind of issue but I figured why not, I love masks. So https://www.pinterest.com/pin/722616702689372461 attempted it. I just pour some dry yeast (the little beads) into a little dish and increase a handful of drops of milk.

The Ultimate Guide To yeast face mask

Blend matcha powder, honey and oil in a little bowl and mix nicely. (If you don’t have matcha powder, Slash open a eco-friendly tea bag and use the leaves.) Utilize this into the face and depart it for quarter-hour before washing off warm water. UPDATE!!!!!!!!! Give up Clendamycin AND Retin A. (A person some months ago, and just one recently) I believe they didn't enable just as much as I needed them to, but nonetheless feel this does and may continue on to utilize it. In a bowl, consider some orange peel powder, sugar and almond oil. Make sure the amount of sugar is equal for the peel powder and listed here you might have a fairly easy recipe to a lovely smelling lip balm that’s productive and straightforward to make. Your just lately viewed objects and featured tips › View or edit your searching record Specifics: Aspirin or acetylsalicylic acid is a great skin conditioner and is often found in skin care products. Moreover, it really works particularly properly to deal with acne for those with oily pores and skin. Getting into the deeper layers of your skin, yeast fungi start to actively metabolize fat during the cells, remove toxins, and great impact on metabolism. Yeast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A2HYE3YSAc . With them and pastries style greater, and alcoholic beverages stronger and even more lovely skin. Inside of them you'll want to consider tablets, however the masks are ideal for fresh new yeast. The use of yeast to the pores and skin Distribute the mask on the face employing a cotton pad and massage it for a couple of minutes to get rid of useless skin cells and improve circulation. (the scientific title with the prevalent type of acne) is definitely an Pretty much common challenge, with practically Everybody on the globe suffering from some variety (delicate or severe), faster or later on within their life. Combine both of these components in a very bowl. Just take A different massive bowl with warm drinking water and place the bowl With all the combination on the warm water bowl for two-three minutes. An orange peel face mask may possibly audio like a wierd concept, however it has numerous benefits to provide on the pores and skin. It is actually full of antioxidants and vitamin C that aid tighten and tone the pores and skin, providing it a nutritious glow. The coarse granules of aspirin do the exfoliation, and the rest is looked after through the antimicrobial and antioxidant Houses of honey. Wash it away using warm h2o, pat the face dry and after that abide by up with all your most popular toner and moisturizer. Tart and citrusy, a clean and pulpy orange can make all the difference towards your health. So When you Chunk in to the pulp, utilize the peel in five completely genius ways to get amazing glowing skin.

[smartoptionsio]

ICO REKT “Sh*t coins, that are not even worth Sh*t…”

In short ICOs are REKT… Period end of story… How did we get here? What can we do to FIX IT? I have spent the past month doing a deep dive into many different matrices of ICO prices/holdings along with how the ICO companies are progressing with their plans… In doing so I am left disgusted and dismayed of the pure greed and absolute fraud-ridden landscape that makes up our current ICO space. Many ICOs were nothing more than money grabs by greedy well-spoken liars. Hence with the realization the downward one-way ticket to ride of many of the ERC-20 Tokens, along with the magic unicorn Ethereum that shat out these magic poop coins. Smart contracts? For who? Smart for the ICO teams/sellers who raised the funds maybe, but not for the investors/hodlers of the tokens. The majority of these ICO companies will slowly sell their ETH at some point going forward and simply fold/vanish/disappear. Only a very minor few will survive the ICO apocalypse as each of them turns into the living dead… Etherum is a poisoned well of this coming ICO apocalypse IMO. I will share with you below my thoughts findings and a solution to pull Ethereum back to shining star status, btw if you are an anonymity nut, well phuck off this article is not for you. Privacy is one thing, but anonymity is the calling card of criminals/thieves in business/money.

The fundamental problem = NO ACCOUNTABILITY… 

That is the real problem of the current ICO market, there is no accountability, hence you have a high number of scams/shams with the ICO promoters/teams who’s alignment is not the same as their token holders. Sure many of the ICO teams would love to see their token value increase and do have stakes in said tokens, but in my findings, it is a secondary thought to them. They get the funds raised and the equity in the coin along with unregulated control to exact their will on the marketplace. I am horrified of just how many of them view their token holders as not investors, but rather just donators = free money for their storytelling skills. Problem is they promoted their ICOs as an

–> INVESTMENT <–

Keyword here, not as a donation as the Breitmans of Tezos would like you to believe. This attitude is why many of them will end up in court and even possibly prison. These very actions are the very bedrock of what is killing Etherum and the ICO marketplace.

*** PLEASE NOTE – Some viewers may find the further reading of this article disturbing. Parental discretion is advised. *** 

Wow, my sh*t coin is not even worth a handful of sh*t…

At least with a handful of sh*t, you have something, with ICO tokens you don’t even have that… 

Yes that is right, owning tokens in the vast majority of cases you have no equity/voting rights or anything but a token, in many cases they are not even exchange-traded as the ICO companies are often too cheap to even list them on a liquid exchanges, to add insult to injury many of these projects are not even bothering to create the product/technology they agreed to in the first place. In short, they have the money and you have their empty promises. That is why in the future and as you read further along in this article is the need to tie the token to equity/rights in the ICOs, outside of the purely conceptual nature it resides in now. Let’s take Reggie Middleton, CEO of Veritaseum, he stated emphatically in his Telegram chatroom:

 “One more time, buyers of our VERI tokens are not investors in Veritaseum. You have purchased our prepaid fees and expenses. This was clearly stated and outlined in the documents that you agreed upon purchasing the tokens from us.”

How many fellow CEO’s of the ICO landscape think this way!? Veri Veri scary, pun intended lol. If that is not bad enough Reggie wishes to bring back E-Gold which he now calls VE-Gold, uhmmm Reggie E-Gold was shut down by the U.S. government long ago, so you might want to rethink that! I wonder in the future how long it will be until we see him and others in court, all a ticking time bomb to me…

Many ICOs think of our investments as donations… 

That is right, take for example Tezos run by a nerdy couple of puppets that were at the strings of cutthroat financiers, hence all the lawsuits vs them. Recently they tried to have the lawsuit in the U.S. dismissed on the basis of their ICO being just donations, a $232 million dollar donation lol, then they wonder why they are being sued!? The judge denied that along with he prolly was rolling on the floor laughing in the back of the courtroom for an hour, is my bet. Yes, many companies are using the unregulated nature of the blockchain just for money grabs. Worse is they own large amounts of ETH from their raises still that will be future supply in the market, as many of them will fold and exit the space because they really had no other intentions outside of getting paid from the HYPE that occurred in the past. Imagine how this played out. You are an ICO come out with a white paper/coin/team etc etc, raising a large sum of ETH of which in the past was valued much higher price points from investors, you then take those funds and resell it over time into the market back at a lower price, along with in many cases they will liquidate their own coins as well. All of this adding insult to injury with no product or completion of their stated goals. But look on the bright side! We people in the crypto space are SUPER CHARITABLE!!! 

    Many ICOs if they do complete their projects, produce crap, hence validating their sh*t coin status… 

Augur another horror story that too is in court, worse with their project, which just to get a beta of their platform out, took over 3 years!? The software was not even alpha quality IMO, it looks like they hired programmers off of fiverr it was so bad. They also figured out somewhere along the line that they could not have the marketplace, because they would be sued. No Augur markets it as a protocol alone, great vision there! So here again IMO we have an example again that reaks of just a money grab, and pure incompetence at that. When you have financiers backing fools just like with Tezos you get these kinds of results. Read this if you want a further understanding of how sad this is, along with this and if that does not beat all, then take a look at the quality of the people involved such as Liston, one of the founders of Augur!?  This again looks like puppets of financiers to me. Worse they produced assignation markets which the president of my country is on!? Oh man, that p*sses me off and I hope the U.S. government has some words with them in the future.

    Look Ma I am THE FED! I can just print more TOKENS!

Showing just how bizarre and corrupt the space is with no regulation and oversite to be found, we take a look at Edenchain, who I guess took their name literally with the garden of token creation too. Oh hold on, it gets even better, look at Envion who raised $100 million, Nioooocee! Later on Matthias Woestmann, CEO of Envion was locked out of the project by his own coders! He then created a website to accuse the other team members of creating the additional tokens, along with all the problems caused etc etc. Read the statement by CEO Woestmann – yet later with a court ruling, we find it was him that created the tokens instead! https://envion-founders.org/

Wtf is all I am left with over and over again. After reading, you don’t think trust, I just get the urge to run!  Ironically both groups printed the 40% amount of additional tokens. Wonder if they use the same coders? Do they not know the dilutive effects and what a bad precedent this sets!? Do they even care? How many other ICOs will just print more tokens or who knows what interesting schemes they will come up with to feed the greed, it is not like they have to answer to anybody and certainly not their investors, oops I mean donators…

So how do we fix this and move forward… 

I can rant all day about all of the atrocities I have seen in the ICO space along with the damage I believe it will have on ETH with lingering effects out into the future.

“Vitalik Buterins biggest failure was his success…” 

I myself will not be participating in ICOs in any way shape or form until they are restructured in the future to offer token holders real value. It is not hard to fix the problems, though many won’t like this, mainly because it falls in line with the government ideology. Simply put the space needs to mature or die. These are smart contracts, let us make them really smart. Right now they are not, they are dumb to own contracts. People are no longer buying the hype of the ICO market. It is a wreck on the side of the road, of which most just gawk at in passing. Here are the 4 fundamental elements that are needed for the basis of what I will quote “Kay the CEO of Spectre” as a

TBO = Tokenized Business Offering. *

*which come with

Equity Rights

Voting Rights

KYC

Taxation

There are a few other elements we can add here to the TBO, but the four key ones are what really matter, for both the individual and government. I discussed/debated with the Kay the CEO of Spectre the past few weeks my ideas/finding of the ICO space, being he is a CEO of an ICO who I still hold in high regard, mainly because they took a dying asset class/marketplace full of corrupt players and with blockchain created a fair marketplace for its users. He too is dismayed by the space and wishes for it to correct itself in grand fashion, why can’t it? Blockchain, if you can imagine it, you can create it, or correct it.

Blockchain is in its pure nature, freedom… The freedom to correct and improve with great speed even. Kay has a pedigree/history being from the FinTech space, not just some kids/random people with an idea and backing from viperous financiers. Though even with his company’s ICO raise he admitted one of the same fundamental flaws, that those who bought their tokens own nothing of the company, though that is certainly not his mindset or actions, as he holds himself accountable and acts with fiduciary responsibility, that just about everybody else in this space does not.

The problem is

“We own a token.”

No equity, No rights, just a token… Which to me really sounds like more of a donation. So my mindset now is just that, and I have donated enough! I believe in a tokenized company like Spectre, along with their vision, they hit their goals and live by their words, though they still suffer from that fundamental flaw of the ICO, and with the actions of many others who are not like Kay, I am stuck with this picture in my head of ICO CEO/Teams busy at home binge-watching Netflix and smoking a spliff, Image of Augur specifically pops in my mind lol. Many ICOs mean well and are far from a scam, the TBO structure will allow legitimate projects to succeed and eliminate poor projects from ever starting in the first place…

To end my rant… 

This article has been more of a purge for me of the toxic buildup brewing for the past months, it has to be said and released from my system. Hey, I am an optimist, maybe some of these companies will produce something great that we just can’t see happening yet. There is a good probability for this due to the sheer amounts of crypto everybody threw at them alone. Remember ICOs can be FIXED! TBOs, as I will refer to them are the way. TBOs are not ICOs/STOs which again both are conceptual, even if the later has a few more transparencies to it, though with TBOs you can have a bit of built-in leeway, depending on the desires of the teams. You can classify TBOs being in two tranches, one being startup TBOs that are STOs and have no traction and then TBOs that are of existing private SMEs that don’t wish to access traditional equity market channels (example being a well to do family office that wants to tokenize some of their equity = great for the space) We need only change our focus and look for a solution to what obviously is not working. As space matures, we have to grow up and leave the hype/foolishness behind. Concepts/ideas alone are not good enough to be worth money. I want cold hard equity/rights and phucking accountability! Too many of these goofballs run amock because they have nobody to answer to, that has to change or else, enjoy the sh*t show. I for one will no longer be watching, time to change the channel …

The post ICO REKT “Sh*t coins, that are not even worth Sh*t…” appeared first on Smart Options.

[lovenerdywinnerbouquetfan-blog]

Car insurance question?

"Car insurance question?

Hello, I had car insurance on my Cadillac, and the car insurance coincidentally ended a few days after my Cadillac broke down. For the time being, I don't plan on getting it repaired (looking to sell it). My mother offered to let me borrow her car, which she has insured. She seems to think I need car insurance to be able to drive her car. Is that the case? (I don't live at my parents house anymore, and my name isn't on their policy fwiw)

BEST ANSWER:  Try this site where you can compare quotes: : http://averageinsurancecost.xyz/index.html?src=tumblr 

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I want to get a motorcycle to save on gas and just because there awesome, but before I jump into things i want to see if you can help. I am trying to chose between a 1993 or1999 Harley XL Sportster and want to know on a rough estimation how much it will be for insurance for a minor?""

""Totaled my blazer, AAA car insurance?""

Okay I was involved in a hit an run accident a little over 2 weeks ago. I have full coverage insurance including uninsured and underinsured coverage. Also the required 10,000$ personal injury protection required by my state KY. My policy is with AAA. I owe around 9,000$ on my truck still, but was told finally yesterday that AAA is settling my vahicle loss at a little over 13,000$. I'm trying to find out how long is this going to take before I get money from them so I can get another car. I have injuries and can't get back an forth to my Dr and physical therapy. So I need this to happen like yesterday. But trying to figure out if since my claim is going under uninsured motorist protection since it was hit an run should I be able to get a rental car for the time being even if I didn't have rental coverage? And I am also an independent contractor doing vehicle title work and various other things for an automotive shop. I'm not on payroll since I contract my own work and pay my own taxes at end of the year. My attorney told me that since I didn't have a job where I received regular payroll checks I could not claim loss wages. Why is this? And is there anything I can do to speed this process up? As of now I have minimal use of my right arm because I injured my shoulder in accident and so far Dr has me off work till end of January. So I need to recover benefits somehow so I can survive till going hack to work. Any help would be great, this is all so overwelming. Thank you""

Do you think teen drivers are the only ones with trouble getting cheap car insurance?

There was mature man who was very successful in business. I think he was 35 or 40. He finally got his new drivers license and decided to buy a $90,000 car. He bought it for cash, to save on interest on the loan. When he tried to get insurance it was $10,000 a year for liability and collision insurance. He asked if he could return the car, but since it was no longer 'brand new' he would loose $10,000. If he kept it the insurance would be $30,000 for the first 3 years! He kept it.... too bad he didn't know anything about insurance before he bought it! He should have had a cheap car in his name with just liability insurance, for 3 years before he went out and bought his dream car. This would have created insurance history . That together with his over 25 years old status would have cut insurance expenses way way, down.""

Incorrect no claims bonus quoted on my renewal for car insurance?

I have recently had my renewal quote through from my current car insurer and have noticed it states more years for my no claims bonus then I've actually got. I've looked back at my previous paperwork and it looks like I made a massive error. I really wanted to stay with the same insurer but know I will need to inform them of the error. Has anyone been in this situation before? Not sure what happens! :0

Am I paying too much on car insurance?

Hi I am a learner driver and am paying 99 a month for my car insurance. I own a club corsa 1litre 51 reg. I am on fully comp insurance with elephant which is the cheapest i found. I have also insured my mum and bf who have both been driving for at least 5yrs but I am the main driver. Everyone seems to be paying less for their insurance even if they are boys with larger litre cars and all other details match. Am I getting overcharged? Surely it will go up when I past my test. Help please

Why is it mandatory to buy car insurance?

I understand if it's on a leased car but why on 100% paid off private cars? Mortgage companies make borrowers buy home insurance as a condition to get the Liam but once the mortgage is paid off you're free to not insure your property. Why is it legal for insurance companies to force all car owners to buy coverage? It's not constitutional no different than forcing them to buy health insurance.

Where can I get non-owners insurance in New Jersey?

I dont own a car, but I rent about once a week, and would rather not have to take out liability insurance each time.""

Purchasing car insurance?

I need a step by step guide to adding another car and driver to my mom's policy. I have a 1995 Ford Contour. How long will it take for her to get coverage on my car? How do I get proff of insurance?

Car insurance question?

Hello, I had car insurance on my Cadillac, and the car insurance coincidentally ended a few days after my Cadillac broke down. For the time being, I don't plan on getting it repaired (looking to sell it). My mother offered to let me borrow her car, which she has insured. She seems to think I need car insurance to be able to drive her car. Is that the case? (I don't live at my parents house anymore, and my name isn't on their policy fwiw)

How can i get relatively cheap car insurance?

I'm 17 and just passed my test as you know first time drivers is extremely expensive to insure. As none of my parents drive I cannot go onto their policy so I'm having to start my own policy where the prices are ridiculous for an old car, but my friends have been telling me how there siblings etc. have started there own policies for as little as 1800 an this is their first year driving when all i can find is stupid prices such as 18,000 can anyone help please, please please!""

Car insurance?

how do i get cheap insurance for my son, he has only just passed his test couple of weeks ago. we stay in the UK.""

How to deal car insurance situation?

Someone from behind went behind back of my car , the bumper is out and back lights smashed. I feel very unhappy and shaken by this Do I call their insurance company or mines instead to sort this out? What if they try to deny it what can I do?""

California health insurance?

I am looking to get health insurance for a year, more to take care of neglected issues than to cover my butt if I get sick/hurt (I'm 27, betting on youth and good health!). Kaiser seems to be the most appealing because they cover a broader range of services. I am namely interested in physical therapy (winged scapula), dermatology (oily skin/acne), perhaps mental illness services as I have suffered from depression (although I somewhat consider it a problem of my past). I'm aware insurance plans won't cover preexisting conditions, but how can they really prove these issues didn't start yesterday, right? I'm overwhelmed with my choices. Is it worth paying $330/mo for $0 deductible, 0% coinsurance, $40 co pays and a max out of pocket @ $3000? Or is it smarter to pay $166/mo, $2700 deductible, 0% coinsurance, $0 co pays after deductible, and max out of pocket @ $5000 (including deductible)? Etc. I have put off getting insurance because I'm scared I will pick a completely inappropriate plan. Can anyone shed some light on this for me?""

Car insurance very expensive?

Hi I live in Miami fl and I am currently insured with Estrella insurance part of uaic. My car insurance costs 264 a month. They told me that after 6 months it would go down but I don't think it will go down much. I have a 1994 accord lx 4 door. I don't see why it costs so much for insurance. I just started driving in December but the car is listed under my mothers name with me as a driver and her as the primary. She has been driving about 15 years and has a good record. We have full coverage because the last checked for us and this actually costs less then the lesser coverage for some reason. I was thinking about changing insurance because I think it is overpriced. Can anyone offer any advice? Such as maybe Whether this is actually a normal rate to pay? Or what other insurance I should try out

How is insurance on a 2004 GLI?

I am a 17 year old High School Student I am a male and make Good grades, How much would insurance be on a 2004 VW GLI. Most of the cars I've been looking at are way to expensive to insure. Does it being a 4 door sedan lower the price at all.""

""What are the cheapest Insurance companies for young drivers typically aged 17, 18 and 19?""

I have just passed my driving test well its been almost 8 months now and everywhere I look car insurance is too expensive, have done a lot of research and really need a car as keep getting rejected for jobs on the basis of I don't own a car/ have my own transportation as companies do not want to pay for transport in these economical times, been looking at vauxhall corsa 1.2 litre or less, Ford Fiesta 1.2 litre petrol, peagout 207 renaault clio as well. If anyone can provide me with useful tips to reduce or get the 'cheapest' insurance can be third party only for young drivers I would apprecaite it. Also any tricks or hints which can be used for extra haggling as well when confirming quotes on the phone would help. My current budget is betwen 500 - 3000 for a car and would ideally want insurance at under 2000. The cheapest quote I got was for a citroen c1 at 1950 third party only but found the car was in excess of 3000 on autotrader, Are there any cars which are low insurance group i.e. groups 1 and 2, cheap to insure, cheap road tax and cheap running costs. I have mates who have got insurance quotes at 900 and do not understand how they have got it that low. Sure enough post code has an affect but they drive vauxhall corsa in fully comprehensive at them prices.""

What is the difference between being forced to buy health insurance vs. being forced to buy car insurance?

In my state we are forced to have car insurance or we will be fined. I know that having the government intervene more in our health insurance seems like more of a step in a socialism direction but were we already going that direction anyway with car insurance AND we did already have medicare and medicaid. This reform does not seem like anything more than insurance reform and medicare/medicaid reform. It is not as radical as it could be: http://healthreform.kff.org/SubsidyCalculator.aspx The government subsidies are not even that good. People making around 30-50k still have to pay $200-300 a month for healthcare and now they are actually being FORCED to do it no matter what. The government will only help with $500 per year of that total bill. I am a conservative...BUT why is this so bad? Dont we really need healthcare reform because the way it is going it looks like in 10 more years nobody will be able to afford insurance period if things were left the way they were (it has gone up 100% in the last 10 years). Change can be good sometimes. Everyone needs to calm down.

What would be the average price of car insurance for me?

- Full Time student with decent grades (will be better when my latest semester grades are recorded) got - a Honda Accord 2 dr coupe - I got a ticket before that was failure to observe signal - I only want to insure this one, and its only me T""

Lowest insurance rates?

Lowest insurance rates?

How much is a teen's car insurance per month?

I am planning to get a 2004 Lexus is300. I know because it is a luxury car, the insurance will be a little higher, but the car is 10 years old...I am recently licensed, a female, and I have a 4.0 gpa so I know I will have some discounts. I will be turning 18 in 6 months but will only be having my license for less than a year. So if any other teen, parent, or car insurance agent knows how much a teen's car insurance would be for a 10 year old luxury car (specifially Lexus), please help me out by letting me know!""

16 Year Old Car Insurance!?

Whats up! Im 15 right now and looking at cars cause im excited about driving. Im probably going to get a 2005-07 mazda3 cause im going to be paying for it. Question: How much did YOU pay for insurance and how much do you suppose i will pay for insurance? Also is the mazda3 a good car. Plz i dont need links and i dont need trolls.

How much more will my insurance go up with my first point ?

My insurance is $50 just liability...I have AIS ACCESS insurance...I got a red light ticket cuz I didn't stop before turning on red...I already got a camera ticket 11 months ago and did traffic school so I know I'm getting a point

Insurance cost for new biker?

Hi I would like to ask people in my group of age (24 yrs old) how much would I have to pay for insurance, just passed my CBT and I'm looking for 125cc Cruiser, didn't find anything yet, but I'm trying to calculate the costs. I've checked few insurance sites and made quotes, but still confused.""

How to get health insurance for my wife.?

Just found out my wife is newly pregnant. I just switched jobs and am not eligible for insurance for 90 days (at which time I'll add her). Unfortunately though, we obviously need to get to the doctor before 3 months from now and have the preliminary check-ups and stuff. Is there anything I can do?""

Should i go on my mothers car insurance ?

Ok so i have been looking around for car insurance because im about to get a car.... but the lowest rates i found were Progessive which was 7000 for 6 months and State Farm which was nearly 5000 ..... so if i go on my mothers insurance will it be lower ? by how much ? or will it be the same ?

Insurance on an el camino?

I'm thinking of getting an el camino, late 70s or 80s, and I'm a new 17 year old driver, I was wondering what ibwould have to expect on insurance? From what I've heard it's considered a pick up, so it as close to a muscle car I can get without having to pay super high insurance, how much would decent coverage cost me with a v8? And what if I had gotten an SS model? Im not sure which one ti get and I want to know if there is a huge difference between them, obviously I won't be paying it on my own, my parents are until I get a job, so how much woukd it general cost? Considering one parent is 48 hs dropout, other is 38 graduated college, if it helps any at all. Regardless of the answer thank you for your time.""

""Bike insurance idea, would it work?""

As you know insurance for a 600cc sports bike for a 17yr old (male) is extremely high (I was quoted 9000+), however you may of heard of fronting, (putting someone with lots more experience and age as the main driver and putting me (17yr old) as a second driver) this apparently greatly reduces the insurance cost, however is a form of insurance fraud and is illegal. But I thought of a plan... You see I have my heart set on a honda cbr600rr, it is much cheaper than a 125cc bike that I would buy new only to buy another bike a few years later thus deeming the 125 useless, but what if I got the 600 and did make my dad (who is much older and more experienced) the main driver and me the 2nd, but to avoid it being fronting, he could use it when i'm not and I could force him to ride somewhere so ultimately he would have used it more so it wouldn't be illegal right? By the way he mostly goes out at night so it would not interfere with my needs.""

How much car insurance will cost?

i m 28 year female. i bought a used car for $3000. i have new G2 driving licence which i got last month.i have driver trainning certificate too. can someone please tell me how much my car insurance will be? i tried quote online, but i m not getting correct amount. please some one give me a average monthly payment that would cost?""

Who is responsible for the Car Insurance costs? (Please Read)?

Hello, I would really appreciate any one who can help me out with this, personally i am so disgusted with the government and the way the country is run that i don't know much about politics as i stay away from it for my own stress levels. Two months ago my nephew took his own life, as well as a variety of mental health problems (Which of course also go's uncared for in this country) other reasons he couldn't cope to live in society was that he couldn't get a job (200+ job application attempts) he discovered that to increase his chance of getting a job he would learn to drive so he can get to A to B. After going into approx. 90% of his life savings he managed to take driving lessons and even managed to pass his test. At this point he couldn't get insured because he discovered even if he was in a FULL TIME job he couldn't afford it. Yes he was male and was an adolescent. But he didn't want to drive to show off , have a nice car . Etc. he wanted a car to get to A to B to increase the chances of getting a job. I want to know who is in charge of car insurance etc. (department of transport??) so i can write to them and explain the situation which makes me sick to my stomach thinking about. Everyones aware the government are trying to get young drivers off the road, but to then expect them to find a job even in this tough climate is beyond me. I won't start/sign petitions because evidently from the past they don't really get you anywhere i just want to write to someone to tell them the story of why my nephew took his own life as well as to take out some of my anger on someone. Who can i contact? Thank you and i really appreciate any help anyone can give me x""

Why is it important that all Americans have health insurance?

Currently, health care in America takes care of everyone, regardless of whether or not one has health insurance. By requiring all Americans to have health insurance, will this make our health care system better than it is now?""

Anyone know insurance groups?

need to know the insurance group dif between a standard 1993 mr2 and a 93 mr2 turbo

I had a little accident and I have some questions about car insurance.?

I rear ended my cousins brand new car. I have car insurance, that's not the problem. The problem is that she hasn't had car insurance for the past two months AND she doesn't have a drivers license, only a permit. When I call my insurance company to report this, are they going to ask for her information? Is there anyway to get around this? What should I do?""

How much do YOU or your teen pay for car insurance every year? Every month?

How much do YOU or your teen pay for car insurance every year? Every month?

How much does car insurance run on a 2007 Toyota Camry?

I just want to know a estimate from anyone else that has this car just to get an idea doesn't have to be exact ! It's a 2007 Toyota Camry (white) SE (special edition)

Car insurance question?

Hello, I had car insurance on my Cadillac, and the car insurance coincidentally ended a few days after my Cadillac broke down. For the time being, I don't plan on getting it repaired (looking to sell it). My mother offered to let me borrow her car, which she has insured. She seems to think I need car insurance to be able to drive her car. Is that the case? (I don't live at my parents house anymore, and my name isn't on their policy fwiw)

Whats the cheapest car insurance for teen?

Hi I'm getting my drivers license in two weeks I don't have a car still trying to find one. I'm 17 I live in Hollywood,fl and I'm just trying to find out the cheapest insurance for me. So if you can help me and tell me who has the best policy for teens full coverage and or liability for the cheapest price. Also I didn't Go to driving school""

How much money should I budget for insurance on a car dealership?

My bank needs an estimate for a car dealership insurance but the insurance company is taking forever? HELP!? I've been trying to get a hard insurance quote for over 2 months. they keep coming back with more questions because i'm doing a slightly unique business model. Thats fine and all, I understand why and that doesn't bother me, but what the problem is that the bank said they won't submit my loan app to the SBA until I have at least a rough insurance estimate in my cash flow, and the insurance companies I'm talking to (2) won't give me a rough idea at all! I don't know if its $2500 a year or $500,000 per year. Can anyone who knows anything about business insurance or car dealerships give me an idea within $5000-$10k of what I might want to budget for? Could it be 1/2 a million? or is it likely going to be more like 10 or 20k per year? Total inventory will not exceed $65,000 and we will also have a two service bays. Thanks!""

Need help with choosing an insurance policy.?

I have a friend and I think she doesn't know anything about insurance policy and rely on the insurer to choose it for her. She owns a retail store. She sells items from clothing material to children toys. This year her stock in trade would approximately less than U$ 300,000. What kind of insurance policy would best fit her business? I don't really know much about commercial policy neither so hope you can advice me to advice her. thanks""

How can i get cheap motorbike insurance? UK?

im 19 years of age just passed my test and my insurance is going up by like 30-40 pound, it should be going down! and then there charging me 50 to change policy! haha 80-90 pound stupid. and im already paying 350 a year for third party!! on a honda 125 vararedo with 1 year no claim bonus!! when people are paying 50-100 a year fully comp!?!?!?!?! i said locked building. got alarms locks data tag!?""

What kind of health insurance is best for business?

in my family i am alone young and i have small business. i am afraid if any thing happen with me, my family become many problem.""

Why do I need car insurance?

Ok, i have my permit and will get my driver's liscence soon, but i am not going to buy a car for a while. If i am just going to borrow one of my parents' cars, to go shopping and stuff like that, do i need car insurance if i never borrow it overnight or anything like that?""

Cheapest Auto Insurance Online?!?

Im trying to find cheap liability coverage. My contract ends this Friday and Im trying to find a cheaper rate, has anyone had any luck with sites like Esurance.com, etc? Thanks for any advice!""

Will 1 speeding ticket make insurance companies deny you coverage for a job?

I know my question was a little confusing, but I wasn't sure how to word it. In other words, about a week ago I got a job with a local company called Rental City. It's like a ...show more""

How much will my insurance go up for a speeding ticket?

I got a speeding ticket in July going 100 mph in California. I live in AZ and was visiting when I got pulled over. I got a notice in the mail saying it's mandatory for me to appear in court. Does anyone know how much my insurance will go up? I'm 25 yrs old and this is my 2nd speeding ticket. The 1st one was in AZ and it doesn't show up on my record because I went to driving school.

Insurance for expecting baby?

Where can I get free / low cost health insurance for my expecting baby? In louisville, Ky ???? Please help!!! Im 18.""

What is the best type of life insurance to purchase?

I know nothing about life insurance but I would like to buy some to assure me and my kids will be taken care of in the event my husband passes. He only has one 1 issue which is Rheumatoid arthritis, otherwise in good health. . Me and my husband are both close to 50 years old. What is the best insurance to purchase? I know that term insurance expires. Does that mean if you do not pass within the term you do not get any money back that you have paid into it?. Thinking about a 250.000 dollar policy. Thank you.""

Proof of insurance?

Hello I just bought a new car and called my insurance company to insure my new vehicle they have yet to send me my card my question is I need to drive cross country do you have to have an insurance card or can the police tell if you have insurance even if you do not have a card

Getting insurance on a bike?

I plan on getting a motorcycle near the end of February. I have never bought a motor vehicle before, so I'm not really sure about how I go about getting insurance. I plan on getting something used from Craigslist (most likely 2008 or newer Ninja 250/300), then either having the owner ride it to my home before I pay, or taking it in a truck or something. What do I do after that? How do I insure the bike? I will probably get Progressive. Also is full coverage worth the extra money, or should I stick with liability? I'm 17 years old so it will be more expensive for me than for others. I live in California by the way. Thanks!""

Why do insurance companies base rates on credit?

Illness hurt our family financially but we recovered and are on the credit mend. Funny thing is we have never missed an insurance payment - nor have we lapsed policies. We have been steady insurance users for 19+ years now. Our driving records and insurance record is also clean. Why is it fair for insurance companies to use credit against you - when they can't possibly know the circumstances.

I have a car insurance question.?

about how much would it cost for a 16 year old boy in california todrive a 2004 silverado access cab? please give me a quote and not a website.

Do you have health insurance?

if so, how much is it per month? how old are you? what kind of deducatbale do you have? feel free to answer also if you do not have insurance? also, do you support obamacare?""

""For car insurance rates, does the amount of the claim matter, or is it just that you had a claim?""

Wondering about how car insurance premiums work. I just got into an accident this morning. I rear-ended someone so it was my fault. When we file a claim to fix her car, is it worth it for me to get mine done as well? Or will getting mine fixed cause my premium to go up even more when its time to renew?""

Will my car insurance premium go up?

I just recently hit a deer and the only car damaged was mine. I am covered under my policy b/cause I had comprehensive. Here's my question: Will my insurance premuims go up if I use the dealership's auto body shop and not the insurance company's auto body shop? This is the first claim I have had with this company and I have been with them for over 7 years.

Young rider needs insurance help (motorcycle)?

Hello I am completing my motorcycle course this week and will be obtaining my m2 license, I was considering buying a motorcycle. I am a 18 year old male and was wondering if anyone could give me advice or some help for insurance in ontario?. I am aware it will be costly but was wondering if someone had any motorcycle suggestions that would be cheap on insurance or even insurance companies. Recent personal experiences would be nice. Thanks for the help!""

Wouldn't the PPAC (Obamacare) bankrupt insurance companies?

PPAC seems very similar in nature to the Community Reinvestment Act that played a role in the 2008 financial crisis. The PPAC requires insurers to offer the same premium (price fixing) to all applicants of the same age and geographical location without regard to most pre-existing conditions (excluding tobacco use). It also states that minimum standards for health insurance policies are to be established and annual and lifetime coverage caps will be banned. As a business owner, I don't see where the government comes to the conclusion that insurance companies could survive the price fixing and taking on such high risk liabilities. It seems like 2008 all over again, does it not? Wouldn't they get involved in something similar to what the banks did with derivatives since they were forced to take on high risk loans? It seems like the big focus on Obamacare is the part where people are forced to buy insurance. I don't think that is a big issue, the big issue is how can the insurance companies handle this? Am I wrong? I am going to do more research tonight.""

Premium return life insurance?

What is the big bennefit of premium return life insurance policies?

Do i need to be on my parents insurance?

I am 16 and am going to get my license in a week. I have my permit already. I am going to a California DMV. My parents would like to know if I have to be on there insurance before i take my test. Also what I would have to bring besides my permit and my slip of completion of driving school. If you can please help no dumb answers.

What type of lawyer do I need to fight a car insurance company?

I was involved in a car accident where the car insurance company for the other person involved is supposed to pay for my car andnhave accepted liability for the accident. But. I haven't received any payment from them. And it's been 4 months! I want to hire a lawyer, just need to know what type do I look for...???? Thanks in advance""

On average how much is car insurance if you've been in an accident and?

I wasn't speeding, I didn't slow down enough to make a turn on a back road ( I didn't notice how sharp it was) and swerved off the road. how much more will insurance be for me now if I find an alright vehicle. (And I know it is really bad when your young, I'm 18, so I know it will be high as is, and because of this I know it will be way higher, I just need a basic idea of how high it will be and for how long. I've never been pulled over before, nor do I speed.)""

Will my insurance premium increase with no fault accidents?

I met with two accidents in the last 3 mths. Both were ones where the cars hits me at the rear end of my car so it wasnt my fault at all. Both accidents were reported to my insurance company (geico). I have never had any accidents before not have i had any tickets or violations before. I have been with geico for almost four years now. Will my premium go up on renewal? I have also heard that even if my premium may not increase, it will not even decrease upon renewal as it would have otherwise. Is this true? If yes, Is there anything I can do to prevent this?""

Car insurance question?

Hello, I had car insurance on my Cadillac, and the car insurance coincidentally ended a few days after my Cadillac broke down. For the time being, I don't plan on getting it repaired (looking to sell it). My mother offered to let me borrow her car, which she has insured. She seems to think I need car insurance to be able to drive her car. Is that the case? (I don't live at my parents house anymore, and my name isn't on their policy fwiw)

What would be a good affordable car for a first time driver ?

What would be a good affordable first car, i'm 19 and how much would the insurance be for a first time driver ?""

Health insurance provided by the state of Florida?

My brother is getting married at the end of february but he said they may have to cancel the wedding because his fiancs health insurance will kick her off if she gets married. Can an insurance company actually do that?

Will my car insurance go up if i buy a new car?

i am currently driving a used 99 honda civic. suppose if i buy an all new 2012 toyota camry. Will my car insurance go up? i am currently 18, and my car insurance cost me 800usd for 6 month. and should college students like me buy an all new car?""

How do you check an auto insurance company name by policy number?

Hello, Policy number is 4021851060 Car Vin 5FNRL18854B135822 Lic plate CAS4660 Thanks so much!!""

Car insurance quote should i pay?

i took out a car insurance policy 3months ago the operator quoted me 1050 pounds which i thought was a bit expensive, she said if i canceled within 14days (cooling of period) i need not pay no moneys!! i canceled within 8days. i got a cheaper quote elsewhere, Now the 1st insurance company are going to take me to Court they are saying i owe then 320 for 8days cover! should i pay them? whats the Law on this can any one help me has i don't think i should pay it.""

What relativley low insuarnce group sports bikes are there?

Im 19 and just passed my bike test. Im looking for my first 'sports' bike (fully faired) with quite a led down riding position. I will be restricting the bike to 33bhp (but DON'T take that into consideration). Around the 600/650cc mark. So as a question again.. What sports bikes are cheapest to insure? Thanks.

Do points on my license necessitate a rise in my insurance rates?

I'm insured through state farm and I anticipate having 2 points placed on my license on Thursday (traffic court date). Do insurance companies generally raise rates for 2-point speeding offenses or should I expect this to not be a problem? (I reside in the state of GA)

Affordable Dental Insurance? Can it be true?

I recently lost my job. I would like a separate dental insurance plan besides my basic health insurance. I wonder if anyone else is feeling the pain like me. Any suggestions?

Will my inusrance go up with a speeding ticket?

The other day i was driving and got pulled over for going 80 on a 65. i live California. I am 19, a student, and this is my first ticket ever. I was wondering if my insurance would go up. i wanted to hide it from my parents, if insurance goes up then i wouldnt be able to hide it. Also, anyone know what it would cost me? If i do driving school to erase it, would it still make insurance go up?""

Where to Find Affordable Health Insurance?

I was looking on google to find affordable health insurance, but I've seen so many sites.And they have very high prices.I need a cheap and affordable health insurance company.please suggest me a good sites.""

Which insurance can my family get for this?

My sister is severely schizophrenic, and my mother is the only one in the family willing to deal with (ahem, work with...) her. However, my mother has HIV and stomach cancer, so we don't really know when she's going to die, but we're taking every precaution in the meantime. Which insurance can our family (my siblings and I. Our father is deceased.) get to ensure that my severely schizophrenic sister receives 24/7 inpatient medical care when my mother dies? We live in California, if that makes a difference. (and *don't* even bother with take classes and learn how to live with her. We all have our own lives, we've all decided she needs to be hospitalised permanently.) If there are no insurance plans that can ensure this, about how much would it cost to have her admitted and her care maintained? (An amount please, not just a whole lot .) Thanks. C=""

Cheap car insurance for 17 year old?

Where can I get car insurance for under 1000? Thanks x

Question about cheap health insurance??/?

i am looking to buy some health insurance that is affordable that will cover a tubal reversal surgery %100. I had my tubes ties or burned 5 years ago and now we would like to have ...show more

Where can i get car insurance for under 2000 for my 17 year old son?

just passed his test

Is there a medical discount plan for surgery?

I have a friend who dislocated his shoulder and torn some ligaments and needs surgery. He does not have medical insurance, so I'm looking into a medical discount plan for this procedure. Does anybody know of a good one? Thank You.""

What to do with a conditional discharge and a car insurance?

My friend had a court on 25/08/2012, where he has been conditionally discharged for 12 months. His car insurance was due to be renewed on 28/08/2012. He was buying the car insurance ...show more""

My car was taken to the compound on friday in the uk when the driver was found to have no insurance.....?

However i have got insurance and so when i go to the station to have the form stamped so i can go to the compound and collect my car back, The police tell me i have to produce my licence as well...problem is i cant find it.. so i go to dvla internet site and order form to get a new licence....But this can take 3 weeks to come back and unfortunately the car gets crushed in 2 weeks, But the law says i can continue driving even tho i havent got my licence card ...because i do have a licence but its been lost and im waiting on my new one coming.A Please dont answer if you are only speculating on what you think you know i havent got time to read brain dead answers from all you dick eds on here. Nor do i want your personal opinion on the situation as it is a Question.. put on a Question Board wanting an answer...Not a message board asking for your opinion so use the board as it should be used and stick to the rules...answer the question ...if you cant ...then dont waste my time and yours""

BMW car insurance?

my car insurance doesnt provide anything with mechanical problems, is there any other way on this or is it a dead end?""

I got a police report...will my insurance get a hold of it???

My bf was driving and he doesnt have a license :( will my insurance get the police report...causing the rates to go up????

What is a cheap good health insurance company in CA?

hi im 15 years old and i need health insurance for sports and i also need doctor check ups and dental maybe even eye check ups, my parents and i cannot find a company that is cheap and just for me. what is a cheap but good company to go with for health insurance in california?""

How do I get Car insurance before i get my Drivers License?

I'm under 18 and im getting ready to get my provisional drivers License. They said i need proof of insurance to get my license. But how do i get insurance if i dont have a car? I know people usually are supposed to be added to their parents insurance policy to take care of this, but my parents dont have drive or have insurance........ What do i do? Ive heard that i should get an uncle or grandparent to add me to their policy, but is that true? Help me out... thanks""

Ways to check is a business has insurance?

Exactly what the title says, is it possible to check online, or anywhere else, if a business has any kind of insurance? I can't ask them at the moment, because of a legal issue, however, I would like to know if they have any kind of insurance. The business is in Illinois too, if that makes any difference.""

Would the risk-neutral person ever buy insurance that was not fair?

If any one knows about this then please write in detail. thanks!

Are we required to have health insurance?

is it true in 2014 we are required to have health insurance otherwise there fine for whose who don't maintain a insurance? My insurance was threw my husband and just got divorced few days ago in jan 2014 will I still have insurance until end jan will they offer me cobra plan i can buy.

Teen car insurance cost?

Hi! I was wondering what some of you think a 6-month insurance policy for a newly licensed 16 yo driver would cost. Area- Rural N. CT. Full coverage on 2007 VW Rabbit and 2000 Ranger. Minimum coverage on 1999 Cadillac STS. Good student discount + drivers ed discount. I'm hoping for the $400 range on a 6 month policy, or $800-900 on a 12 month. Thoughts? Rate testimonials?""

Car insurance question?

Hello, I had car insurance on my Cadillac, and the car insurance coincidentally ended a few days after my Cadillac broke down. For the time being, I don't plan on getting it repaired (looking to sell it). My mother offered to let me borrow her car, which she has insured. She seems to think I need car insurance to be able to drive her car. Is that the case? (I don't live at my parents house anymore, and my name isn't on their policy fwiw)

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-average-car-insurance-costs-17-year-old-female-joseph-williams"

[itsjaybullme]

Training Tips from Teen Champs

Bill Comstock

1987 Teen Nationals class winner Chris Cormier trains 2012–14 overall champ Cody Montgomery. 

For most of its history, the Teen Nationals was a fertile proving ground—the place to spot genetic potential and an aptitude for heavy metal and high protein. Eight-time Mr. O Lee Haney won it before the formation of the NPC in 1982, and Shawn Ray, Chris Cormier, Jay Cutler, and Branch Warren were among the class or overall champs from 1985-94. Then came...nothing. The nine years from 1995-2003 have yet to produce a single pro. Since then, however, the Teen Nats has regained its previous status. Eight competitors over the 10-year span of 2004-13 have already qualified for pro. We spoke to 10 former Teen Nationals competitors— five who won the overall and five who didn’t, but all of whom eventually earned IFBB Pro League status—to get their best advice for the next generation. 

CODY MONTGOMERY: CULTIVATE A SUPPORT SYSTEM

“Bodybuilding is, of course, a really individualistic sport, but to succeed you need supportive people in your life. To tell you the truth, at first my parents thought bodybuilding was really weird. They didn’t tell me not to do it, but they probably would’ve been happier if I’d done something else. But they’ve always been supportive of me, and when they saw the success I had at 15 or 16, they came around. And there have been some people in bodybuilding who’ve been in my corner, including Chris Cormier. You need a support system to reach your full potential. If people are negative about what you’re doing, those are probably people you don’t need in your life. Surround yourself with positive people and learn from those who’ve come before you.”

At 17, 18, and 19, Cody Montgomery won the Teen Nationals overall three straight years in 2012–14, the first as a light-heavy and the last two as a heavyweight. Eleven days before his 21st birthday, he won the 2015 USA Championships, and he made his pro debut at 21 last year.

CHRIS CORMIER: LEARN FROM YOUR ELDERS

“Learn as much as you can from the guys who went before you. Pick people you want to emulate your physique and career after. That’s what I did. I learned it at the University of Gold’s Gym Venice from Gary Strydom, Robby Robinson, and Mike Christian. Also, once you get a quality physique, don’t sit there and wait for things to come to you. Go after it. Go get publicity, whether on the Internet or in person. Come to Los Angeles. Post progress photos on Instagram. Ask the champs for advice. Get your face and your name out there. Don’t be shy.”

After winning the light-heavy class in the 1987 Teen Nationals, Chris Cormier went on to have an iconic IFBB Pro League career. He won 11 pro titles and finished third in the Mr. Olympia twice (1999, 2002).

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Kevin Horton / Per Bernal

Former teen champ Steve Kuclo leg presses heavy metal at 21.

STEVE KUCLO: DO BASIC TRAINING

“Master the basics. When you’re a beginner and for your first few years, what you need is muscle size, and the best exercises for that are the basics—deadlifts, bench presses, squats, military presses, and barbell rows. Learn how to do those correctly and gradually get stronger in them, and you’ll grow. There’s no reason to get too fancy. Focus mostly on free-weight, basic lifts and performing them with correct form. If you do that, it’ll serve you well for many years.”

Though he won the Teen Nationals heavyweight divisions in 2004 and 2005, Steve Kuclo lost the overalls to fellow future pros both years. So far, he’s won three IFBB Pro League contests. 

JOSE RAYMOND: DEVELOP GOOD HABITS

“I don’t think there’s a special way to train and diet when you’re a teenager. There are just right ways to do things and wrong ways, so as a beginner and throughout your first few years, however old you are, you want to learn how to do exercises right. You want to figure out which exercises work best for your body and all the little tweaks that target your muscles best. Develop good habits. Don’t skip workouts and don’t skip meals or skimp on your meals. Learn all you can about nutrition, as well as training. If you learn these habits when you’re young, they’ll carry you throughout your life.”

When he was second in the four-person lightweight class of the 1994 Teen Nationals, no one could’ve predicted the legendary career of Jose Raymond. He’s won nine pro shows and been near the top of the 202 or 212 Olympia the past eight years, including a second-place finish in 2015.

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Chris Lund

  SHAWN RAY: BE CONSISTENT

“Above all else, consistency is where you make your gains. There were plenty of guys who started competing when I did who had a lot of potential, but one by one they fell off. Either they didn’t have a love for the sport or they got caught up with other things. They’d get a girlfriend, and you wouldn’t see them in the gym for four months. I was always the consistent one. Do or die, I always got to the gym. The one secret is that there is no secret. It’s hard work, eating right, genetics, avoiding injuries; it’s all those boring things. Don’t look for some secret supplement or drug or magic routine. Just keep eating right and training right. Be consistent and don’t get discouraged, because it just takes time.”

When light-heavy Shawn Ray won the 1985 Teen Nationals, Bob Cicherillo was the second-place heavyweight. Proving consistency eventually pays off, it was 16 years later when he made his pro debut, and he earned his only pro win in his final pro show, at 40.

NICK MEDICI: KEEP A LEVEL HEAD

“Don’t judge yourself against guys who are pros and 10 years older than you are. As a teenager bodybuilder, there are limits to how big you’re going to be. Use the photos of the pros for inspiration and learn all you can from them about how to train and diet. I look up to a guy like Flex Lewis because he’s been where I am. He was a teen champ, and he kept a level head and never tried to be someone he wasn’t. If you feel as if you’re not growing fast enough, don’t compare yourself with some pro. Look at photos of yourself from a year before or two or three years before. Then you’ll see the progress you’ve made, and you’ll know this is sometimes a slow, long process, but the gains will come if you do the work.”

As a light-heavyweight, Nick Medici won the 2010 Teen Nationals. In 2015, when he won the Nationals light-heavy class, he became the ninth overall NPC Teen Nats champ to earn pro status and the third in a four-month span, after Cody Montgomery and Gerald Williams.

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Kevin Horton

Twelve years before competing in the Olympia, Williams curls. 

GERALD WILLIAMS: EAT QUALITY FOOD

“I dieted [for the 2005 Teen Nationals] during finals [at Morehouse College]. Studying hard, training, and doing cardio, all that stuff  was definitely difficult. I was taking 19 credit hours per semester [15 is average] and playing in the school jazz band on top of that. Nutrition was the biggest challenge of all. Dorm food sucks for bodybuilding. It’s all burgers and pizza and stuff. I bought all my own food, which is a really big expense, but I had to do it. I helped other students eat as clean as they could in the cafeterias, but it’s never ideal. Living on campus is not healthy. You have to really work to keep up a bodybuilding lifestyle.”

The 2005 Teen Nationals light-heavyweight and overall winner, Gerald Williams, won the California Pro in May. This month, he becomes the eighth Teen Nats competitor to ex in the Mr. Olympia.

Courtesy of Jay Cutler / Weider Health & Fitness

JAY CUTLER: TAKE TIME TO GROW

“Don’t be in a hurry. Kids want everything right now, but it takes years in the gym to build quality muscle. The other thing I would say to a teenage competitor is that moving up to open shows is a big step. Suddenly, you’ll be standing next to 30-year-olds who’ve been training and dieting for 15 years. Pick your next move carefully. I didn’t compete again until I was 22, and then, though I was living in Massachusetts, I competed in California [winning the prestigious Tournament of Champions], because I knew that’s where I could get noticed and build a name for myself. It worked. The next year, I won the heavyweight class of the NPC Nationals and a pro card.”

When he was just an unknown 216-pound kid with potential, Jay Cutler won the heavyweight class of the 1993 Teen Nationals. How did he fulfill that potential? He earned 15 pro titles, including four Mr. Olympias (2006–07, 2009–10).

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Per Bernal / Courtesy of Weider Health & Fitness

BRANCH WARREN: HAVE PASSION

“Stay consistent. Train smart. Warm up, stretch and use proper form, because nothing will stop your gains faster than an injury. Overall, you need to train for the right reasons. Do it because you love it. If you’re doing it because you think you’re going to get rich and famous, you’ll never get anywhere. You have to have a passion for bodybuilding.”

At 18, Branch Warren won the light-heavyweight and overall 1993 Teen Nationals, in the process defeating 19-year-old heavyweight Jay Cutler. Warren, who has won nine pro shows, was second to Cutler in the 2009 Mr. Olympia.

Chris Lund

Just after his teenage win, Huh poses for Richard Jones.

JASON HUH: EAT MORE TO GROW MORE

“I feel as though a lot of young guys just don’t eat enough. When you’re a teenager, your metabolism is ramped up. You can pack away a lot of calories without gaining a pound. That’s one of the advantages of youth, but it can be a disadvantage to a young bodybuilder who wants to grow. I ate eight meals a day, including [protein] shakes, every day. I consumed around 4,000 calories a day in the off-season when I weighed 250, and I kept my carbs in the 400 [grams] to 450 range. You need all those extra nutrients to grow.”

In 2004, Jason Huh beat Gerald Williams in the light-heavy class and heavyweight Steve Kuclo for the overall Teen Nationals title. Since winning the 2010 USA Championships, Huh has competed in four pro shows.

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[pagebreak]

Bill Comstock

NPC TEEN NATIONAL COMPETITORS WHO WENT PRO

As of November 2017

Frank Santoriello | YEAR: 1984 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Bob Cicherillo | YEAR: 1985 | HIGHEST PLACING: 2nd, Heavyweight

Shawn Ray | YEAR: 1985 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Shane DiMora | YEAR: 1986 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Chris Cormier | YEAR: 1987 | HIGHEST PLACING: 1st, Light-Heavyweight

Capriese Murray | YEAR: 1992 | HIGHEST PLACING: 1st, Lightweight

Jay Cutler | YEAR: 1993 | HIGHEST PLACING: 1st, Heavyweight

Branch Warren | YEAR: 1993 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Craig Richardson | YEAR: 1994 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Jose Raymond | YEAR: 1994 | HIGHEST PLACING: 2nd, Llightweight

Jason Huh | YEAR: 2004 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Steve Kuclo | YEAR: 2004-05 | HIGHEST PLACING: 1st, Heavyweight

Gerald Williams | YEAR: 2005 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Nick Trigili | YEAR: 2006 | HIGHEST PLACING: 4th, Heavyweight

Aaron Clark | YEAR: 2008 | HIGHEST PLACING: 2nd, Light-Heavyweight

Nick Medici | YEAR: 2010 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

Dominick Cardone | YEAR: 2012 | HIGHEST PLACING: 1st, Heavyweight

Cody Montgomery | YEAR: 2012-14 | HIGHEST PLACING: Overall Winner

 FLEX 

from Bodybuilding Feed https://www.flexonline.com/training/training-tips-teen-champs via http://www.rssmix.com/

[tennistravelsite-blog]

When life gives you lemons make a gin and tonic (on the wall of G & Tea Bar, Marriott West India Quay, London, England), or better yet, pack your bags and go to a tennis tournament!

Whenever I’ve been out with injury or had surgery, I have tried to plan it around watching Grand Slam tournaments on television, such as the Australia Open and the US Open, guaranteed two weeks of exciting professional tennis.  Recently, my husband had surgery with a six week recovery time.   When we first found out about the surgery, I suggested that we plan a weekend getaway to London, England, to watch the ATP World Finals at the O2 Arena.   This was how we made our London weekend happen.

After flying the Thursday evening, red eye, United Airlines flight from Newark to London Heathrow Airport, we arrived at London Heathrow Airport at around 9:30 am Friday.  We chose to stay near the tennis venue, the Canary Wharf area.  During the morning rush hour, it is over an hour ride from London Heathrow Airport to the Canary Wharf area.  We ordered an Uber ride.  At London Heathrow Airport, the Uber pick up was at the short term parking, pick up area.   We stayed at the Marriott West India Quay, right on Canary Wharf.  We checked in with our mobile app the day before, and our room was ready when we arrived!   With our Marriott gold status, our room was upgraded to a nice view of the water and we were provided access to the Executive Lounge, which offered beverages and food presentations throughout the day.  This was great option for enjoying something light, with a great view of the wharf, on our way out to out for the evening.

On our first evening, we explored the Canary Wharf area and dined at a restaurant called The Pagination.  This restaurant had indoor and outdoor seating, with close proximity to canary wharf.  If you chose to sit outdoors, each table had blankets and hot water bottles, to keep you warm.  Indoors, there were quaint tables and seating areas with plenty of pillows and throws.  We ordered a glass of sparkling wine and ordered a cheeseburger, on a gluten free roll, with a side of Cajun spiced french fries.  This restaurant was super inviting, and a great place to meet for drinks, after work, after shopping, or on your way to the O2 arena.

We had a few transportation choices to the venue, Uber, taxi, the tube (subway), or ferry.  We chose to take an Uber since a train or ferry ticket for two was the same price as taking an Uber.  We were told that the tube was just one stop away from where we were staying.  Our Uber driver dropped us off outside the O2 arena near the many restaurants, bars, movie theatres, and shops.   The O2 arena was a great venue for the tennis tournament.  As we walked around the arena, we noticed that the Intercontinental hotel was adjacent to the O2 arena.  This hotel offered direct access to the arena from their hotel guests.  This would be a great hotel to stay at if you didn’t want to worry about transportation to the venue.  The location of the entrance from the hotel to the venue is by the “H” gate.  The main gate to the arena is “B.”  The pounding music and light show in the arena, during the introduction of the players was exciting.  We sat courtside, for our matches, but it didn’t look like there was a bad seat in the house.  The upper seating area was completely packed, as the crowd took in the fantastic tennis matches.

Each night at the ATP year end finals, your admissions ticket included one doubles match and one singles match.   The doubles match (Jamie Murray/Bruno Soares vs. Lucasz Kubot /Marcelo Melo) was played with no-ad scoring with a third set tie break.  No ad scoring was used to speed up the game.  So if the score reaches 40 all (deuce), then the receiving team selected which player will receive the serve.    The singles matches were played with best of three sets (tie break sets).  When the tournament began, we thought we would be watching Nadal and or Federer playing matches.  In the end, Nadal had to withdraw from the tournament, due to injury, and Federer lost in the semi-finals.  During the last round, we witnessed Grigor Dimitrov play so well against Pablo Carreño Busta (who was the alternate for injured Raphael Nadal), that he seemed unstoppable.  On our last evening, we watched the semi-final match, as American, Jack Sock, almost took down the very hot player, Grigor Dimitrov.  Although we were in the minority, we rooted loudly for Jack Sock.  After the match, Jack Sock gained two more admirers of his game.  He came very close to earning a spot in the finals.  The semi-final, doubles teams were equally amazing, Peers and Kontinen overcame crowd favorite, Jamie Murray and Bruno Soares, as they created points and carved winners throughout the thrilling semi-final match at the O2 arena. (Tennis tip, serve and volley to the opposite side, with partner switching sides.  Also, return and switch sides, both ending up at the service line.  We are going to implement that move into our doubles game).    We returned to the hotel from the O2 arena without difficulty.  We did not want to wait for an Uber or taxi ride, so we had a choice, the tube or the ferry.  We spoke to one of the security guards to ask his opinion.  He said, it is less of a walk to take the ferry, and then it is only three or four stops.  The tube is one stop away, but it is a longer walk to the tube.  We walked over to the ferry and got into the que.  It didn’t take long.  The Thames River ferry had comfortable seats, and it was a smooth ride.  We got off at the Canary Row stop…and then it was just a few minutes’ walk to our hotel.   We enjoyed a gin and tonic at the G and Tea restaurant and bar, before our next adventure.

Although traveling to London to watch the tennis tournament was the main goal; discovering new places to visit in England was also part of our agenda.  We put together a day trip on our second day, for our by renting a car at the London City Airport, a few minutes away from Canary Wharf.   We caught an Uber ride from our hotel to the City airport Avis Rental Car.  Our rental was upgraded to a Citreon which had an automatic transmission.  This eased our challenge of driving on the right side of the road.  The car also included passenger leg rest (like a first class Airline seat!), which made for a comfy ride for me during our three stop trip.  (Tip:  Spend the extra money for an automatic because shifting on the left could be challenging.  In our case, we booked a manual but got upgraded.  You could certainly ask when picking up your car how much an upgrade to automatic would cost!  Also, do not forget your passport, you will need it; rookie mistake by my husband who magically had a picture of his passport which included the proper number)

Our first stop was The White Cliffs of Dover.  The massive white cliffs, overlooked the English Channel, toward France.  Not only could we see France from the cliff; but, my cell phone announced welcome to France.  There were active ferries and shipping below the cliffs.  The romantic, peaceful hike up and over the cliffs was breathtaking.  You could easily spend a long morning or day hiking and exploring the area.  One of our Uber drivers later told us that would often take his family to France during the warmer months on the ferry out of Dover.

We then quickly drove through Canterbury, England.  Canterbury was best known for the Canterbury Cathedral, and the Canterbury Tales.  (bringing me back to high school literature class memories)  The town had many cobble street areas which were great for exploring, dining and bringing to life a little bit of classic literature.  We didn’t plan enough time for a proper walk through this area, the drive showed us that we will be back and will make time to spend in such a quaint area.

Lastly, we stopped at Leeds Castle, the loveliest castle in the world, in Kent, England.  This castle was set back about a mile from the road, on the English countryside property.  After your purchase tickets – adults price was 25 pounds each (your ticket was an annual pass of unlimited visits within that year), you could either take a Segway tour to the castle, walk to the castle, or ride on the castle train.  On the way there, we chose to walk to the castle.  We hiked through beautiful rolling hills with ponds as we approached the castle, which was surrounded by moat, followed by a lush golf course, with golfers in the mist.  It was awesome to see such a castle, which parts were built in the 1200s and 1800s.  This castle reminded me of what it must have been like at Downton Abbey.  When we walked through the castle, you could see that some of the areas were updated; however, the grandness and structure of the castle were well maintained through the years.   (Tip:  You can book a room for overnight visits and golf at Leed’s castle.)

Our gin and tonic turned out great.  Although we weren’t able to play tennis on this trip, we created a weekend opportunity to see great professional tennis, the ATP World Finals, as well as to see some of the beautiful areas of England.    Taking time out was a good opportunity to see and experience things we wouldn’t normally do.  That is what we accomplished during our tennis trip to London, England.

The Camera roll:

ATP Finals, 2018

This will make you want to visit London! -TennisTravelSite.com When life gives you lemons make a gin and tonic (on the wall of G &