#Advanced filtration technology

[aquariusindia]

Aquarius Projects | Innovative Recycling and Recovery Systems

Aquarius Projects provides sustainable water treatment systems that optimize resource utilization, minimize waste & extract valuable materials from wastewater

[henry-dexter]

Revolutionizing Home Automation: SwitchBot's Innovative Automatic Vacuum

In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, SwitchBot has emerged as a trailblazer, offering cutting-edge solutions that seamlessly integrate into our daily lives. One of their most remarkable innovations is the automatic vacuum, a game-changer for effortless home cleaning.

SwitchBot's automatic vacuum is a marvel of engineering and convenience. With its sleek design and advanced sensors, this robotic marvel glides across floors, meticulously capturing dirt, dust, and debris with remarkable efficiency. Say goodbye to the tedious task of manual vacuuming and embrace a new era of hands-free cleanliness.

What sets SwitchBot's automatic vacuum apart is its seamless integration with smart home ecosystems. Through intuitive voice commands or a user-friendly app, you can effortlessly control and schedule cleaning sessions, ensuring a consistently pristine living environment. Imagine coming home to a spotless abode, without lifting a finger – a true testament to the power of modern technology.

But SwitchBot's innovation doesn't stop there. Their automatic vacuum boasts advanced mapping capabilities, allowing it to navigate even the most complex layouts with ease. It intelligently adapts to your home's unique floor plan, ensuring no corner goes untouched and every nook and cranny is thoroughly cleaned.

With its powerful suction and high-capacity dustbin, this automatic vacuum tackles even the most stubborn messes, leaving your floors sparkling clean. And for those with allergies or sensitivities, SwitchBot's HEPA filtration system captures microscopic particles, ensuring a healthier indoor air quality.

Embrace the future of home automation with SwitchBot's automatic vacuum. Experience the ultimate convenience and enjoy a clutter-free living space without sacrificing precious time or energy. Revolutionize your cleaning routine and elevate your lifestyle with this remarkable innovation from SwitchBot.

[jasonsmith8238]

Dreame Vacuum Cleaners: Embrace Quiet Efficiency for a Peaceful Home

In the world of smart home appliances, Dreame has emerged as a leading brand, offering innovative solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with exceptional performance. One of the common concerns when it comes to vacuum cleaners is the noise level, but Dreame has revolutionized the industry by introducing remarkably quiet models that allow you to maintain a peaceful home environment.

With Dreame's advanced noise-reduction technology, you can bid farewell to the days of ear-piercing vacuum cleaners disrupting your household. Their vacuum cleaners are designed to operate at a whisper-quiet level, ensuring that you can effortlessly clean your living spaces without disturbing your family members or neighbors. Whether you're vacuuming during naptime or working from home, Dreame's commitment to minimizing noise levels ensures a tranquil atmosphere.

But quietness is not the only advantage Dreame offers. Their vacuum cleaners are also equipped with powerful suction capabilities, ensuring that every nook and cranny is thoroughly cleaned. From hardwood floors to plush carpets, Dreame's innovative design and advanced filtration systems capture even the finest dust particles, leaving your home spotlessly clean and allergen-free.

Embrace the future of smart home cleaning with Dreame's vacuum cleaners. Experience the perfect balance of quiet operation and exceptional cleaning performance, allowing you to enjoy a peaceful and pristine living environment effortlessly.

[irene-hanscom]

What is a Wet/Dry Vacuum? Dreame's Innovative Solution for Smart Home Cleaning

In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, Dreame has emerged as a pioneering brand, offering innovative solutions for effortless cleaning. One of their standout products is the wet/dry vacuum, a versatile and efficient cleaning tool that combines the power of a traditional vacuum with the convenience of a mop.

A wet/dry vacuum is a multi-functional appliance designed to handle both dry and wet messes with ease. It's the perfect companion for maintaining a spotless home, eliminating the need for separate cleaning tools. With its powerful suction and advanced filtration system, this vacuum effortlessly picks up dirt, debris, and even liquid spills, ensuring a thorough clean every time.

Dreame's wet/dry vacuum boasts a sleek and modern design, seamlessly integrating into any smart home setup. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make cleaning a breeze, allowing you to switch between dry and wet modes with just a touch of a button. Whether you're tackling pet hair, spilled liquids, or everyday messes, this versatile vacuum has got you covered.

But that's not all – Dreame's wet/dry vacuum also features intelligent sensors that automatically adjust the suction power and water flow based on the surface type, ensuring optimal cleaning performance without wasting resources. This innovative technology not only saves time and effort but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly cleaning experience.

With its exceptional cleaning capabilities, smart features, and seamless integration into the smart home ecosystem, Dreame's wet/dry vacuum is revolutionizing the way we approach household cleaning. Say goodbye to the hassle of lugging around multiple cleaning tools and embrace the convenience of a single, powerful appliance that keeps your home spotless with minimal effort.

[ophelia-martin]

Dreame Self Cleaning Robot Vacuum: A Game-Changer for Smart Homes

In today's fast-paced world, time is a precious commodity, and finding efficient ways to tackle household chores is a priority for many. Enter the Dreame self-cleaning robot vacuum, a revolutionary product that promises to change the way we approach cleaning our homes.

This innovative device combines cutting-edge technology with intelligent navigation systems, allowing it to seamlessly navigate through your living spaces, meticulously cleaning every nook and cranny. With its powerful suction and advanced filtration system, the Dreame self-cleaning robot vacuum effortlessly captures dust, dirt, and allergens, ensuring a spotless and healthy environment for you and your loved ones.

One of the standout features of this remarkable product is its self-cleaning capability. Unlike traditional vacuum cleaners that require manual emptying and filter maintenance, the Dreame self-cleaning robot vacuum takes care of these tasks automatically, ensuring a hassle-free cleaning experience. Simply schedule the cleaning cycles according to your preferences, and let this smart device do the rest.

Designed with user-friendly controls and intuitive smartphone integration, the Dreame self-cleaning robot vacuum seamlessly integrates into your smart home ecosystem. You can monitor its progress, adjust settings, and even create virtual boundaries, all from the convenience of your mobile device.

Embrace the future of smart home technology and experience the ultimate in effortless cleaning with the Dreame self-cleaning robot vacuum. Say goodbye to tedious cleaning routines and hello to a pristine living environment, all while reclaiming precious time for the things that truly matter.

[martin-gonsales]

Dreame: Revolutionizing Home Cleaning with Powerful Suction Vacuums

In the ever-evolving world of smart home technology, Dreame has emerged as a leading brand, offering innovative solutions for effortless cleaning. Their vacuum cleaners are designed to tackle even the most stubborn dirt and debris, making household chores a breeze.

With cutting-edge suction power and advanced filtration systems, Dreame's vacuums ensure a thorough clean, leaving your living spaces refreshed and rejuvenated. Their sleek and ergonomic designs not only enhance the cleaning experience but also complement modern home decor.

Dreame's commitment to excellence extends beyond mere suction power. Their vacuums boast intelligent features, such as automatic adjustments for different floor types and smart navigation for efficient cleaning patterns. This seamless integration of technology and functionality makes Dreame a top choice for homeowners seeking a hassle-free cleaning experience.

Embrace the future of home cleaning with Dreame's vacuum cleaners. Enjoy a spotless living environment while embracing the convenience of smart home technology. Experience the difference today and elevate your cleaning routine to new heights.

[market-insider]

Sintered Metal Filters Market | Unraveling the Dynamics and Advancements that Define the Evolving Landscape

The global sintered metal filters market size is expected to reach USD 2.37 billion by 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2022 to 2030. This growth can be attributed to the ability of the filters to achieve effective particulate removal to protect equipment and comply with environmental regulations. The use of filters in various applications like medical, chemical, electronics, and power are driving the demand.

Sintered metal filters are made from different elements, including bronze, stainless steel, fiber filter, titanium, specially alloyed powders, and nickel-based alloys. Among all the elements used to make sintered metal filters, bronze is the most popular. Sintered metal filters have high tolerances & strength and can be used in temperatures ranging from -200 to 10000C. It has filtration accuracy from 0.5um to 300um, which helps in better separation of particulate matter.

To lessen the effects of industrial emissions, environmental protection laws are becoming increasingly important. These regulations emphasize encouraging the use of non-toxic materials, changing production procedures, and putting conservation measures in place. Sintered metal filters are made to adhere to these government norms and help to reduce harm to the environment. This will drive the demand for sintered metal filters over the forecast period.

Prominent companies use distribution channels like online modes and dedicated distribution networks. The manufacturing of sintered metal filters depends upon the type of metal used, the exact size, and the shape of the custom die. It is difficult to get these Sintered metal filters directly due to size and shape differences. So, these filters are made on order and require some time to manufacture.

For More Details or Sample Copy please visit link @: Sintered Metal Filters Market Report

Sintered Metal Filters Market Report Highlights

Chemical & petrochemical applications led the market and are expected to grow a CAGR of 6.2% in the forecast period. Sintered metal filters in chemical & petrochemical applications help in the separation of solid and liquid and have the ability to work at higher temperatures and pressure. Furthermore, it has higher strength than any other filter and is resistant to corrosion

The medical & pharmaceutical application segment is expanding at the highest CAGR of 7.6% in the forecast period. Sintered metal filters help in preparing the process of the disinfectant final product in the medical industry by removing bacteria and other unknown materials from the solutions, which is highly effective than the method used earlier and is cost-effective

The demand was hampered owing to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Operations in major economies such as the U.S., India, China, and Japan came to a halt, which affected the sintered filter industry. After easing restrictions, the demand for sintered metal filters is expected to grow at a significant rate due to increased consumption over the forecast period

The market consists of several global and regional players which are working to develop innovative and effective solutions in the filtration process to adhere to environmental norms, thus leading to high competition in the industry. Strategies followed by key players include mergers & acquisitions and increasing production capacities to gain a competitive edge to serve in the domestic and international markets

Asia Pacific held the highest market share of 40.6% in 2021 and is estimated to witness a high CAGR of 7.8% in the forecast period, owing to rapid industrialization and strict environmental regulations put in place by local governments. Furthermore, the growth of industries like food & beverages and medical & pharmaceutical are expected to drive the demand

[reasonsforhope]

ETA: Article here (can't believe I forgot this rip)

A new study finds you can reduce the amount of microplastics you drink simply by boiling your water.

Scientists are just beginning to understand the health risks associated with microplastic exposure.

Nano- and microplastics are bits of plastic as tiny as one-thousandth of a millimeter in diameter.

Boiling and filtering your tap water may dramatically lower the amount of microplastics you drink, according to new research.

Recent studies have found that nano- and microplastics (NMPs), which are bits of plastic as tiny as one-thousandth of a millimeter in diameter, have been found in a host of products and even in tap water.

A new study, published February 28 in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that boiling mineral-rich water for just five minutes can reduce the amount of NMP you’re exposed to by up to 90%.

Scientists are just beginning to understand the health risks associated with microplastic exposureTrusted Source, but growing evidenceTrusted Source suggests the plastics can accumulate in the body and trigger oxidative stress, inflammation, insulin resistance, and liver issues.

Certain advanced water filtration systems can capture and help remove some NMPs from tap water. But researchers wanted to figure out other options to remove microplastics, especially since in poorer countries cheaper, more accessible solutions for clean water are needed.

Boiling water may be a safe, simple solution that can effectively decontaminate household tap water, the new findings suggest.

“Boiling water before drinking is a great example of an ancient cultural practice that can help reduce an environmental exposure,” Dr. Luz Claudio, PhD, a professor of environmental medicine and public health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, told Healthline.

Claudio was not involved in the study.

How boiling water can help remove microplastics

The researchers found simply boiling water is the first step to removing NMPs from tap water.

The researchers collected multiple samples of tap water from Guangzhou, China and contaminated the samples with varying levels of NMPs.

Each sample was boiled for five minutes then left to cool for 10 minutes.

Boiling hard water that’s rich with minerals — such as calcium or magnesium — creates a chalk-like residue known as limescale, or calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which can trap the plastics.

That solid, chalky residue then had to be separated and removed from the water with a standard coffee filter or stainless steel filter, thereby removing NMPs.

The team found that the impact was greatest in harder water: In samples that had 300 milligrams of CaCO3, for example, nearly 90% of NMPs were removed.

In softer water samples with less than 60 mg of CaCO3, roughly 25% of NMPs were removed.

“What’s important to note here is that the effectiveness of trapping these micro/nano plastics in these mineral solids is tied to how hard the water is – the harder the water, the more solids are formed, the more microplastics are trapped,” Dr. Anja Brandon, PhD, the associate director of U.S. plastics policy at Ocean Conservancy and an environmental engineer, told Healthline.

Brandon was not involved in the study...

How to limit your exposure to microplastics 

Anyone who wishes to boil their water should do so in a glass or stainless steel pot.

After boiling the water for about five minutes, let it cool, and do not stir it, Claudio says.

The microplastics need to bind to the calcium and fall to the bottom of the pot so they can filtered or scooped out."

-via Healthline, February 28, 2024

[facetubein]

(via Shark Upright Vacuums Up to 50% off)

BUY NOW   MORE DETAILS   ANOTHER ITEMS

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

Driving Innovation in Non-Woven Adhesives: Unleashing the Power of Bonding

Fibers used in non-woven textiles are held in place by non-woven adhesives. Plasticizers, base polymers, and antioxidants make up these adhesives. They have excellent processability, high cohesion strength, high elasticity, softness, low odor, and heat resistance. Additionally, they are utilized for internal engine compartment coverings, head, and wall liners, and other vehicle liners and…

[aealzx]

_______________________

Update Post

Prologue | AO3

Previous Next

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The rest of lunch was filled with more casual chatter, and after somewhat helping Alfred clean up the dishes the group headed for the Batcave. Bruce was quick to wordlessly lift Danny onto his arm again once they got close to the stairs, setting him down carefully close to the main computer as Damian fetched a rolling stool and Tim started to set up the computer for what they needed.

“Don’t feel like you need to rush. If you need a break we can come back to this later,” Bruce assured quietly as Danny gratefully took a seat on the stool.

“Here’s the pen,” Tim was quick to come over as well, holding out what looked like a tablet stylus with a few buttons for Danny to take. “Hold the front button to free draw. And if you want to do straight lines between points just tap the button higher up to switch modes, tap the front button for each point of the lines, and double tap to end the connection on the current line,” he explained, manipulating Danny’s hand to follow the instructions as well as demonstrate the functions.

Danny was surprised to see faintly glowing hologram lines appear wherever the pen tip was when the buttons were pushed, huffing a small giggle in pleasant surprise. “Woah…. So cool,” he commented, impressed by the advanced technology. “Uhm…. So, I guess… the entrance was like this…,” he rambled brokenly, figuring he should just get going and get up to start drawing what he could remember in the open space.

It took him a second to get the hang of the device, and with Tim following him around to be able to make any adjustments Danny requested he ended up getting caught up in the explanations and feeling less scrutinized. His movements were a bit slow as he tried to conserve his energy, and sometimes he had to float to reach where he needed to, but it was a lot more effective than trying to describe what no one else could see.

“The frame is mounted on the wall, and there’s two metal doors embedded in the wall that we can use to somewhat close the portal. It doesn’t block anything that can go intangible, but it keeps humans out and masks the gateway from being easy to find while in the Infinite Realms. There’s a simple alarm light on top that alerts us of any anomalies. And a filtration system on the right side. Which is actually one of the more important parts. Like I said earlier, the portal extends into the wall about… this far. It’s masked by the ectoplasmic energy now that the portal is on, but I looked into it more closely a few months ago. There’s some sort of structure within the tunnel walls that directs the flow of ectoplasm once it’s pulled from the Infinite Realm. It loops on itself, in a spiral, passing through the ecto filter first. The raw ectoplasm from the realm is corrupted, and we use the filter to strip out the impurities. Kind of like separating the different elements of human blood. Then it gets bounced around within the tunnel, hitting eight hot spots here, here, hm,” he hummed for the rest of the points, as he drew circles to mark them, “all before getting pulled back to the middle again, which creates the visual spiral we can see in the portal from the outside. There’s a minor amount of electricity maintaining certain functions, but for the most part it’s self sustained by the ectoplasm.”

At that point Danny had moved around enough his legs were starting to hurt and feel weak, so he plopped back on the stool from before. It seemed to be a good time to take a break anyway, for Wally and Raven were starting to walk around the crude designs.

“...This is a fibonacci spiral…Or at least it’s extremely close,” Wally spoke up first after coming to a stop in front of the diagram again, gesturing to the energy current lines. “And you said the measurements weren’t exact?”

“Yeah. I measured the opening once, and it was very slightly over two meters in diameter. With the tunnel going back about three meters, but also slightly more. I just thought it was because my parents weren’t being careful with the measurements,” Danny confirmed with a tired nod, absently rubbing his leg.

“Or it needed a different measurement system…,” Wally mused, a few thoughts starting to click in his head. “Tim, make the diameter 2.094 meters, and the depth 3.141 meters. Then space out the concentration points to match a fibonacci spiral.”

As Tim tapped on a wireless keyboard to adjust the diagram according to Wally’s direction he squinted slightly. “Two point… Wait, that’s the conversion for four and six Egyptian Cubits respectively. That’s one of the oldest measurement systems.”

“From one of the oldest civilizations known for being rather involved when it came to matters of the dead,” Wally added as a way to confirm Tim had come to the same realization as him.

“Egyptian cubits?” Danielle repeated, scrunching her nose in confusion. “What would that have to do with anything? And why four and six?”

“They’re numbers that different cultures associate with the dead. Four, six, and also eight like the concentration points,” Wally explained, pointing to the different aspects. “Combined with the fibonacci spiral, one of the most common shapes that has often been associated with representing life, and it’s starting to look like this portal is a ritual for life and death.”

“It does,” Raven confirmed with a nod, stepping forward. “The method is old, it’s not really used anymore in modern techniques because of how simplistic it is. It leaves too much up to the one performing the ritual, which means there’s a much larger chance for error. Was this all they had? This was enough for them to get it to work?”

It was a little alarming to hear Raven and Wally imply that the Fenton couple had most likely unintentionally performed a rather old and risky mystic ritual or something instead of just messing with science. But what caused Danny to pause the most was Raven’s question if it had worked. He wasn’t sure he wanted to answer that. He knew he should probably tell them the truth, but he didn’t exactly like talking about that event.

Unfortunately Sam didn’t seem to share his reluctance. “It didn’t work,” she admitted a little too bluntly, causing Danny to flinch. “From what I heard nothing at all happened when they turned it on. It wasn’t until Danny was looking around inside it that it actually activated.”

That revelation caused a few reactions of surprise from the others who didn’t already know, and Danny couldn’t help squeezing his left hand as a faint memory caused it to burn with phantom pain, crawling up his arm.

“Wait- You were inside the portal when it activated?!” Wally burst, gaping at Danny in extreme concern.

It was hard to figure out how to answer without having to fall too far back into the memory of that event, which caused Danny to remain quiet for a stretch of time, pressing his thumb into his palm tightly as his gaze couldn’t focus on anything for the moment. Eventually he forced himself to meet Wally’s gaze, drawing a slightly shuddering breath before answering. “...What?... Did you think I got this way by drinking ectoplasm or something?” he tried to joke, but the tremor in his voice made it fail.

No one seemed to know how to respond to that, realizing that Danny had ended up half dead because of an accident with an unstable lab experiment. Something that Wally was no stranger to himself, but it still something he wasn’t pleased to hear.

With the awkward silence, Jason gave a small huff and strode forward to semi roughly cup his hand on the back of Danny’s head and ruffle his hair a little. “Guess that’s one way to do it,” he muttered, just to break the silence and try to provide some sort of comfort.

With his comment, Raven took that as a chance to voice her own questions. “...Were either of your parents present when it happened?” she asked, confusion prompting her.

“...No, they weren’t even home,” Danny confirmed, feeling defensive in case Raven was going to say something to blame them or something.

She didn’t have anything to say about Jack and Maddie’s actions though, instead falling into an even more confused, thoughtful silence. “...That doesn’t make any sense…,” she muttered absently.

“What’s the anomaly?” Damian asked, prompting her to speak more.

“There was no offer of intent,” Raven responded, looking up and accepting the unspoken direction to explain. “This arrangement is the bare minimum material construction for an inter realm gateway. But because of that there are parts of the ritual that are missing, that still have to be fulfilled for it to work. Mainly payment, and instruction of intent. These days the intent is usually inscribed into the array to facilitate clarity and stability, and the payment is usually in the form of something being added to the array with the intent to sacrifice it.”

“Wait- So all those stereotypes of people being sacrificed to summoning rituals and stuff isn’t baseless?” Tucker sputtered, immediately associating Raven’s choice of words for meaning human sacrifices.

“Living people are one of the highest forms of payment, so unfortunately it can be common to use them,” Raven confirmed. “But even so, there has to be someone else there to express the desire to use them as payment, and determine what for. Which, from what you’ve all explained, there wasn’t anyone there to do so. I can’t imagine any of you wanting to kill Danny, and I doubt he was trying to offer himself since none of you even knew that was a requirement.”

“Hold up- Are you saying the portal only opened because it took Danny as a sacrifice?!” Danielle blurted, subconsciously stepping in front of Danny defensively.

“Excuse me!?” Jazz gasped, also moving forward.

“It’s the only thing that makes sense for what you’re telling me to have worked,” Raven insisted defensively, withdrawing slightly. “If it was a temporary portal I can understand if there was somehow an annulment of payment since the cost is much smaller. But considering the portal has remained open all this time that must mean a standing contract of sorts was established. Especially when we consider Danny’s state as a perfect liminal being. It seems like the Liminal Realm adopted Danny as one of its own in return for allowing a permanent connection to be established. An equal exchange, a link between two realms with a being who represents that connection.”

“That’s impossible,” Danny snapped, rising to his feet again. “I don’t know what realms you’ve worked with, but the Infinite Realms don’t function like that. Getting into them is probably a lot harder than I thought, sure. But there had to be someone there. The realm wouldn’t just…kill me on its own.”

“The realm of Hell is well known for taking the lives of people any chance it can. Especially those who mess around with rituals unknowingly. If you can’t imagine anyone who was there having a clear intent to sacrifice you, then it would have had to have been the realm itself choosing to take you,” Raven explained, forcing herself to remain calm and not trying to be antagonistic.

“Well I don’t know anything about Hell, but out of the two of us I’m pretty sure I know the most about the Infinite Realms,” Danny snapped back, memories of other people not being willing to listen to him about important matters causing him to get quickly irritated from anxiousness. “So when I tell you that it doesn’t operate that way, then believe me. There might not be much in the way of laws inside the Infinite Realms, but that’s because the highest law that the Realm has is that everyone always has a choice.”

“How do you know that for certain?” Bruce asked, his voice much calmer than the others as he was only trying to add data to back up that apparent fact. He was also trying to help the two children break off their argument by giving them another person to address, but it didn’t quite work.

“Because I’m not the Ghost King!” Danny exclaimed, having the brief thought that he should probably settle down and destress as he was rapidly starting to feel dizzy, but being too invested in the conversation to listen to his own mind. He couldn’t allow another misunderstanding about the Infinite Realms to persist. Not again. “Clockwork said we always have a choice, and it listened when I said no- It accepted me saying no, even though that meant there’d be no king. It wouldn’t-...” he broke off as the dizziness suddenly increased, causing him to sway and be unable to keep himself standing as he put his hands to his head. His face felt hot despite the rest of him starting to feel frigid.

Luckily Wally was quick to zip over to him and catch him, pulling Danny close and crouching carefully to help him partially lay down without being on the floor.

“Danny!”

There were several people who called his name out of varying levels of concern, but there wasn’t much they could do without crowding as Dick made it to their side first.

“...His fever spiked,” Dick informed after resting the back of his hand on Danny’s cheek and forehead. Danny didn’t respond, his head was still spinning, but he wasn’t surprised. Stupid him and pushing himself too far. Again.

“S… I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to stress him out,” Raven apologized readily, her hands gripping each other in front of her.

“We know you didn’t. The conversation simply got out of hand,” Damian consoled as Tim brought the discarded blanket from before over to the others to get Danny bundled up again.

“Yeah well… telling someone they were murdered instead of dying accidentally is kind of a big deal,” Jason pointed out, feeling a bit snippy from his own unsettled emotions.

“Regardless, I think we’ve learned enough to know we should try something else,” Wally spoke up before anyone could react to that comment. “We can problem solve other issues later if needed, but it’s probably best to conclude for the rest of the day.” And to enforce that statement more he scooped Danny up to prepare to take him back up to bed. “Bruce, let’s bypass the Infinite Realms. Do you think they’d be up for having a realm frequency scan at the Watchtower? Maybe this weekend? It’ll probably be better to just try to connect directly to their realm instead of dropping them off in the connecting one.”

It was a good idea from what they had just learned, even if they had originally explored this possibility to try to use something the kids were familiar with. Bruce nodded in agreement. “I’ll make arrangements. Thank you for your time today.”

Nodding back to Bruce, Wally turned to head back up stairs with Dick following to bring the IV pole along. “Alright kiddo, let’s go back to taking a break,” he commented to Danny, who just let out a grumbled noise of annoyance as well as discomfort while shrinking into the blanket. It earned a chuckle from Wally, who could understand the frustration the boy had even if he couldn’t personally relate. “At least you had an actual meal today. I hear you’ve been stuck to bread and broth for now, which totally suuuucks.”

It was idle chatter as they took the stairs, but it did help Danny feel a little less like a weakling. As they left Tim saved the progress they made on the computer, then turned to look at Danielle since she was the easiest to get answers from. “What did he mean by Ghost King? I wasn’t aware that the Liminal or Infinite Realm or whatever had a monarchy.”

“Eh, we didn’t know for a long time either. But since everyone is allowed to make their own choices, a long time ago some ghost named Pariah Dark made himself king because no one could beat him and he was greedy. But a couple years ago Danny kicked his butt, and some people wanted him to be the new Ghost King because of that. He said no though, so now there’s currently an anarchy,” Danielle explained easily, shrugging.

“He said no to being a king?” Jason asked, both confused and mildly impressed.

“Ruling a realm is a lot to ask of a fourteen year old. Especially a realm full of chaotic ghosts who are apparently only there because they were too stubborn to fully die,” Danielle answered, folding her arms with a mild chuckle.

“That, and Danny didn’t think it counted because he was using a suit that enhanced his abilities a hundred fold,” Sam added.

“Over time he’ll probably get to the same level anyway. But the suit disappeared, so it wasn’t like keeping the title from anyone that challenged him would be easy either,” Tucker added on top of the others.

“He had enough to deal with trying to balance school, hiding from our parents, and dealing with the other ghosts causing trouble. He didn’t need to add ruling a realm on top of that,” Jazz enforced, having always agreed with Danny’s decision.

“Smart,” Jason acknowledged, though he wasn’t sure if he would make the same choice. Ditching the rest of highschool to become a king for a realm with very few people actually didn't sound all that bad.

“My turn for a question,” Danielle spoke up, raising her hand unnecessarily and earning some snickers.

“Sure, what’s up?” Stephanie accepted, feeling it was only fair the visitors got to ask their own questions.

“It’s actually more for Raven,” Danielle clarified, pointing to the girl. “Earlier, when we were doing the whole ritual thingy to get ectoplasm, you mentioned that Danny and I are favored by other realms. And just now you said that the ectoplasm was a gift to me from the Infinite Realm, and talked about how the Realm was the one that took Danny. But I thought realms weren’t sentient…… Are they?”

It was a question that mildly surprised Raven, but she was happy to clarify and elaborate further. “No, they’re not actually sentient in the sense that the realm itself has a mind of its own. Realms have often been mentioned to act, or favor someone, or behave in some manner akin to sentience because it’s easier for people to understand in some regards. But really it’s just the result of the cumulative thoughts and emotions of the beings who belong to that realm. The reason you and Danny are favored by the Liminal Realm is more because the people of the realm seem to like you.”

“Wha- really?” Danielle blinked, openly confused despite that explanation also having made some sense. “I always thought most of the people there didn’t like us.”

“Most of the other ghosts do seem to like picking fights with you two when they show up,” Sam agreed, finding it amusing that the Infinite Realm’s people apparently had favorites.

“Well… like is probably not the correct word,” Raven admitted. “They ‘favor’ you in some manner.”

“I thought being a favorite was just a more intense form of liking something,” Tucker countered, that clarification having not mitigated his confusion at all.

“People always have favorites. But they’re not always nice to their favorites. A favorite punching bag, for example,” Raven tried again, this time earning understanding nods and being able to move on. “Now if you’re wondering why you were given a gift from the realm, when someone is a Realm's favorite they're usually bestowed with special privileges and abilities. Like how Superman seems to be pretty indestructible. Batman has some unusually lucky situations. Things like that. Those boons are normally spread between all who are favorites of the realm. But it is possible when there's only one, distinct favorite they could become more akin to that of a god. I’ve noticed that you and Danny have a rather distinct connection to the Liminal Realm that makes me think you’re quite favored in varying regards.”

“Wait, hold on,” Tucker sputtered, realizing something from Raven’s suggestions. “Are you implying that Danny might be getting, I dunno, new powers or something, because the other ghosts really like using him as a punching bag?”

The connection being said aloud earned a barked laugh from Jason and Stephanie, but Raven only gave a slight smile. “Perhaps,” she half agreed. “It’s a potential that could happen based on what I’ve read and heard.”

“HA! Poor kids,” Stephanie snorted, “At least you’re given stuff to fight back with.”

“Yeaaaah being the favorite child is starting to not seem like a good thing,” Danielle chuckled along with her in good nature.

“So…,” Tim started, pulling them back to a connected issue, “Back to the more uncomfortable part of this. Danny being used as a sacrifice to open that portal was essentially because… enough people in the Liminal Realm were aware of him, aware of the event, and willing to use him?”

“That’s… an accurate way to put it,” Raven admitted, though she wasn’t completely sure herself either. “Based on what I’ve heard, and using simple logic, that would make sense. But I don’t know how true it is, since I don’t know what the Realm was like at the time the portal was opened. There could have been a specific person there, it could have been a collective desire… I don’t know. But I’m fairly certain Danny is the reason the portal is open.”

It was a somber thought, but Tucker couldn’t help shuddering as another thought came to mind. “Makes you wonder how Vlad got his portal to work.”

“You say that like you actually believe the man hasn’t already killed someone before,” Sam retorted dryly, unimpressed.

“...Fair point,” Tucker agreed.

“.... Aaaaand Vlad is?” Tim prodded, starting to think this was someone they should know about after that exchange.

“The guy that created me, and almost killed me,” Danielle responded bluntly, expression going decidedly neutral.

“A sick freak that wants to kill Danny’s dad so he can marry his mom and adopt him as his own child,” Sam added, folding her arms.

“...Ooookay. Write that down Tim. We do not make friends with this Vlad guy, and definitely keep him away from these guys,” Stephanie prodded, poking at Tim since he still had the keyboard for the computer, earning a few snickers from the others.

_________________

Iiiii couldn't manage to focus on anything else to work on today, so I ended up catching up on what I had written |D Lot's of headcanon in this one.

___________

Tag list: @galaxy-sharks-and-bottled-ships, @starscreamlover, @nerdynonnativenarnian, @dragongoblet, @megacharizardx99

@bellathecatastrophe, @cj-ghostemoji-destielpie, @asexual-insomniac, @wolfeyedwitch, @tkiesai, 

@fanaroff, @raven1508, @nebulainajar, @serasvictoria02, @oliocelottafanfics,

@honeysuckletook, @omniithe-deer, @wolf-under-the-stars, @gingernutcalo, @that-random-fangirl,

@op-sys-chaos, @kirasigncomics, @ehobep, @paranoid-ira

[palindrome-alt]

Digital Stars on The Wall

|| Kieran x Reader ||

Your new dorm room in Blueberry Academy is outfitted with all sorts of futuristic technology. You still haven't wrapped fully your head around the fact that you're physically stranded in the middle of the ocean in a giant submerged dome, but hey, whatever they did to make these screens, the night sky looks almost how it'd be if you were camping out in the wild on a cool night.

||Mild Spoilers for the Indigo Disk DLC!||

Everything about Blueberry Academy feels like it came out of a separate, futuristic world. The chromatic metal that never corrodes, the blue... substance, that flows through the artificial veins in the walls and keeps the place running... Out in the middle of the ocean, it's sort of like the whole megalithic building itself is somehow... alive.

Despite that, there's no electrical interference, no static hiss at the back of your ears as you rest your head against the artificial glass sky displayed on the 'window'. How the director managed to even design the illusion of depth in these screens is beyond you, but instead of square pixels, gentle pinpricks hang above you in the false distance. The fact that they aren't plastered flat to a screen is a mini engineering marvel in itself despite the slightly visible panels if you look closely.  Hand shifting out from underneath deep blue sheets, you run your palm over smooth, slightly grooved glass. It feels like touching a bunch of small bathroom tiles, and though you logically know that there's really only a deep dark ocean stretched out for miles, you almost forget just how far you are from the home you've carved out in Paldea.  You're still somewhat scared of the scientists of this world. Somehow, you don't remember civilization being this... technologically advanced.  Cool air blows through the vents above you, tasting nothing of the slightly salty expanse of water above. With their filtration systems, this might be some of the cleanest air you've ever breathed. It's sterile, much less handmade and aged than your dorm room back in Mesagoza. But somehow, this place has started to feel so comfortable, as if it weren't ever foreign in the first place.  The sound of rustling next to you shakes you out of your thoughts, and you shift back onto your back to get a closer look at Kieran, who you almost forgot was there.

He's stiff as a board, his arms folded on top of his chest, his eyes wide and staring straight at the ceiling.  Aside from his shoes, he's still wearing his full school uniform, and his hair has only just started to slip from the tie he's put it up in. He popped in rather unexpectedly, and must not've thought you'd let him stay, so he didn't think to change into more comfortable clothes. Small frazzled black bunches drape onto the extra pillow you pulled from the closet, and the off-color purple no longer remains the dominant color. 

You shift again, this time gaining his attention by curling against his side and nuzzling into the mattress a little more. He stiffens under the touch, but you can feel his sharp eyes flicker from the ceiling to you, a little more of an edge to him than before that he might not ever let go of. 

You don't move, and he must think you're asleep with how you catch his eyelashes gently lulling, spine slowly losing its tension. He must be so sore from all the clenching he's been doing, if not from how he's been pushing himself up until recently. The events that transpired between you are probably still haunting him, even now. With a fresh set of new skin-deep scars, you know it has to be hard on him. Up until last week, it wasn't even certain if you were both still friends.  He sighs beside you, head sinking into his pillow. Unclasping his hands, he slowly reaches over, testing the waters. He hesitates, looking conflicted over whatever thoughts are running through his head. Whatever he was going to do, he must've decided otherwise as his hand drops just short of you.

His eyebrows furrow, pupils dilating a little when they land on yours.  "S-Sorry." He flinches away, shifting his gaze.  You don't say anything, but the following silence between you isn't entirely comfortable like before. Inhaling deeply, he stiffens back up a little, pretending to look around the room though his focus is still on you. He can't seem to pay attention to anything else right now.

He's been so consumed with thoughts of you for so long that he's a little scared that he can't be normal about it.  You can't know that.  He tries forcing his eyes shut.  He won't be getting any sleep tonight. 

[novaursa]

Of Gods and Men (horizon)

This is Dune/GOT/HOTD/FAB/ASOIAF crossover AU that you've voted for. If you always wanted to see House Targaryen in space, I got you. Please note how some of the lore of both universes is bent to blend in both worlds. This is my original idea that I've been cooking for at least two years. Be gentle with my work, and enjoy the ride.

- Summary: House Targaryen survives their ancient exile after being overthrown by House Corrino and the Bene Gesserit. Fleeing to the unknown planet Albiron, the Targaryens build a hidden civilization powered by drakaon crystals, reviving their dragons and creating advanced technology. Millennia later, whispers of their survival begin to surface as the Bene Gesserit confront a mysterious Red Woman on Arrakis, who warns of a coming Prince That Was Promised destined to challenge their control. The Targaryens secretly prepare to return, ready to reclaim their legacy.

- Paring: reader!Daenys Targaryen/Leto Atredies

- Note: For more details about House Targaryen and their technology, please check out the masterlist.

- Rating: Mature 16+

- Previous part: dreams

- Next part: titans

- Tag(s): @sachaa-ff @alyssa-dayne @oxymakestheworldgoround

In the depths of the Targaryen base, nestled within the dunes of Arrakis, the whispers of the wind carried the echoes of ancient secrets. The base, hidden beneath the sands, was a network of underground chambers and command rooms, each one filled with the quiet hum of advanced technology and hushed conversations. In one of these chambers, Aelor, Maelor, and Daenys—the Targaryen siblings—gathered around a holographic map of the desert while Stilgar watched them with his ever-cautious eyes.

Stilgar, though still wary of outsiders, had come to trust the Targaryens. They had shown him a respect for the desert and its ways, and Daenys in particular had proven herself an ally with her gifts of water filtration units and resources that had bolstered the Fremen. But even now, he remained cautious, his arms crossed as he listened to the Targaryens discuss their plans for the future of Arrakis and their alliances with House Atreides.

As they spoke, a Fremen messenger arrived, cloaked in sand-colored robes, his face hidden behind a stillsuit mask. He bowed to Vaegor, the Master of Whispers of House Targaryen, and handed over a sealed message. Vaegor nodded in acknowledgment and, as a gesture of respect, pressed a flask of precious water into the Fremen’s hand as payment. The messenger inclined his head in gratitude before slipping back into the shadows of the desert.

Vaegor turned, the message clasped tightly in his hand, and made his way into the command room where Aelor, Maelor, Daenys, and Stilgar were gathered. The siblings paused their discussion as he entered, his presence a silent signal that new information had arrived.

“A message from House Atreides, my lord,” Vaegor said, holding out the wax-sealed cylinder to Aelor. “It bears the mark of Thufir Hawat.”

Aelor took the message, breaking the seal with a flick of his silver ring. As he scanned its contents, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “It seems that the Duke of House Atreides is in need of our assistance,” he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice as he glanced over at his sister.

You raised an eyebrow at Aelor’s words, a small smirk playing on your lips. “Is that how he put it, Aelor? Asking for our help?” Your tone held a touch of teasing, though there was a glimmer of curiosity in your eyes. You wondered what had driven Leto to reach out in this way, what troubles lurked in the shadows of Arrakeen that he felt he could not handle alone.

Aelor returned your look, a slight shrug in his shoulders. “He’s not one for pleading, but the message is clear. They have uncovered an assassin, yet they suspect there may be more Harkonnen agents lurking in the shadows of the city. The Duke believes our... expertise might be of use.”

Stilgar, who had been listening in silence, shifted slightly, his eyes narrowing. “The Atreides are still strangers to the desert, no matter their good intentions. It is wise of them to seek aid, but it does not change their nature. Their goals and ours may align for now, but the desert remembers, and so do my people.”

You turned your attention to Stilgar, offering him a nod of understanding. “I understand your caution, Stilgar. Trust is not easily given, nor should it be. But I believe Duke Leto has proven his intentions, if not fully, then at least enough to be worth this aid. And if there are Harkonnen remnants lurking within the city, it is in our best interest to see them exposed.”

Aelor looked between you and Stilgar, then nodded decisively. He turned back to Vaegor, who remained a shadowed presence by the door. “Take your best men, Vaegor. Go to Arrakeen and assist the Atreides in rooting out whatever Harkonnen operatives might remain. And ensure that they know we are watching closely.”

Vaegor bowed his head, his expression unreadable. “As you command, my lord. I will leave at once.”

As Vaegor left the room to prepare for the mission, Aelor folded the message and slipped it into a hidden compartment on his belt. He glanced at you one last time, a knowing smile playing on his lips. “It seems, sister, that your Duke has found a way to bring us closer into his fold. But be careful—you know how delicate these matters can be.”

You returned his smile with a faint one of your own, but your thoughts remained focused on the message, on the events unfolding in Arrakeen, and on the man who had sent for your help. There was a tension in the air, a sense that the alliances being forged now would soon be tested by fire and shadow.

“Delicate, yes,” you replied softly, your gaze turning toward the desert beyond, where three dragons circled in the sky like guardians of a forgotten world. “But then again, we have always thrived on the edge of danger.”

The sun was low in the sky as Vaegor arrived at the Atreides stronghold, his Targaryen soldiers in tow. The desert wind whipped around them, carrying with it the scent of sand and spice. Leto Atreides stood with Thufir Hawat at the entrance, watching as the dark-clad figures approached, insignia of House Targaryen emblazoned on their armor.

Vaegor stepped forward, his expression composed, eyes sharp as they took in the stronghold's defenses. Leto inclined his head in greeting, gesturing for Vaegor to follow him inside. “Welcome, Vaegor. Your arrival is timely. We appreciate your assistance in this... delicate matter.”

Vaegor nodded, his gaze flicking over the stronghold's walls and patrolling guards. “My lord, Aelor and Daenys made it clear that House Targaryen has a vested interest in ensuring that Harkonnen agents do not undermine our alliance or your position here. My men are ready to begin the investigation.”

Leto led Vaegor deeper into the stone halls of the stronghold, the heavy doors sealing behind them with a resonant thud. They stopped before a map room, where a holographic projection of Arrakeen and its surrounding desert terrain shimmered above the table. Hawat moved closer, gesturing toward the marked locations where Harkonnen agents had been uncovered.

“We’ve identified the entry points and movements of the assassin we apprehended, but we believe there may be others hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment to strike,” Hawat explained, his tone clipped with efficiency. “Your men will have access to all the information we’ve gathered so far. My own agents will cooperate fully, sharing whatever leads they uncover.”

Vaegor nodded, his expression neutral, but there was a glint in his eyes that spoke of sharpened focus. He glanced at Leto. “I’ll have my soldiers coordinate with yours immediately. If there are any Harkonnen remnants lingering here, we will find them. Rest assured, Duke Leto, the dragons have a keen sense for sniffing out secrets.”

With that, Vaegor turned and strode out of the room, his cloak sweeping behind him like the wings of a shadowed creature, and his men followed closely. As the Targaryen team dispersed into the depths of the stronghold to begin their investigation, Hawat turned to Leto, noting the pensive expression on the Duke’s face.

“My Lord, you seem... troubled,” Hawat ventured cautiously, watching the way Leto’s gaze remained fixed on the map projection. “Are you thinking about the offer you intend to send to Dragonlord Aenys?”

Leto let out a slow breath, his eyes lingering on the flickering image of Arrakeen before he turned to face Hawat fully. “Yes, Thufir, I am. I find myself struggling with how to put my intentions into words. I need to convey how sincere I am, but at the same time, I must tread carefully. Aenys is not a man to be taken lightly, and any misstep could damage the alliance we’ve worked so hard to build.”

Hawat studied the Duke’s face, noting the lines of worry and thoughtfulness that marked it. “You wish to propose a marriage alliance, then,” he said, his tone more of a statement than a question. “Between yourself and Daenys Targaryen. It’s a... bold move, my lord. One that would undoubtedly strengthen ties between House Atreides and House Targaryen.”

Leto nodded slowly, his expression turning inward as he considered the implications of such a proposal. “Yes. It is bold. And it’s also something that feels... like it belongs to me. A decision that is mine to make, after years of playing by the rules set by others—by Jessica, by the Emperor, by the Bene Gesserit.”

His gaze drifted to the courtyard beyond the windows, where he could see Jessica leading Paul through another session of training, her movements precise, her demeanor strict. Leto’s lips tightened into a thin line, his emotions a storm beneath the surface.

Hawat followed his lord’s gaze, understanding the tension that hung between the Duke and his concubine. He knew how Jessica’s loyalties had always been divided between her duty to the Sisterhood and her feelings for Leto. He also knew that this proposal would be a blow to her, one that would widen the rift that had been growing between them since Arctis.

“Lady Jessica will not be pleased,” Hawat remarked quietly, his eyes still fixed on the courtyard. “She has always seen herself as part of your future, even if the Sisterhood’s plans did not allow for a formal union. To offer your hand to Daenys... it will feel like a betrayal to her.”

Leto’s jaw tightened, but his expression remained resolute. “I know, Thufir. But this is the first choice I’ve been able to make in what feels like a lifetime. I have sacrificed enough for political maneuvering and Imperial expectations. If there is a chance to secure the future of my House and find something more—then I will take it.”

Hawat observed his Duke closely, the steel in Leto’s voice telling him that no amount of advice or warning would change the man’s mind. It was clear that Leto had already made his decision—and that the future of House Atreides now lay on a path that intertwined with the dragons.

After a moment, Hawat inclined his head, a gesture of deference and acceptance. “Then I will do what I can to ensure that House Atreides is prepared for whatever comes next, my Lord. I hope... it will be the right choice.”

Leto offered him a faint, wry smile. “As do I, Thufir. As do I.”

They stood together in silence for a few moments longer, both of them watching as Jessica and Paul moved through their training exercises in the courtyard below. But even as they did, Leto’s thoughts drifted toward the desert, to the woman who had arrived with dragons and whose presence had begun to shift the foundations of his world.

Leto Atreides sat in his study, the cool light of the morning sun filtering through the windows, casting shadows over the polished surface of his desk. Before him lay the carefully written proposal, the words chosen with a deliberation that had taken days. The parchment bore the seal of House Atreides, and Leto turned it over in his hands, adjusting his signet ring as he prepared to affix his final mark. His mind swirled with thoughts of how Aenys Targaryen might receive this offer—how the proposal for a marriage alliance would be interpreted and whether it would be seen as sincere or opportunistic.

As he steeled himself to press the seal into the warm wax, the door to his study opened, and Gurney Halleck and Duncan Idaho entered, their footsteps echoing lightly in the quiet room. Gurney, ever the observant one, couldn’t hide the twinkle of amusement in his eyes.

"Ah, my Lord," Gurney said with a chuckle, “You should’ve seen that Vaegor just now, gliding through these halls like some sort of ghost. Nearly gave me a fright when I turned a corner and found him standing there.”

Duncan grinned, his arms crossed over his chest as he leaned casually against the edge of the desk. “He certainly knows how to move unseen. Useful, if a bit unsettling. But more to the point, Leto—what has you so... preoccupied?” He gestured toward the sealed letter on the desk, then glanced at the Duke’s hands, which had been fidgeting with the signet ring—a habit both of them recognized well.

Leto sighed, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as he set the ring back in place. “You two know me too well,” he admitted. “I was just finishing a proposal that I intend to send to Aenys Targaryen. A formal request for a marriage alliance between our Houses.”

Gurney’s eyes widened slightly, but the smile that spread across his face was genuine. “A wise move, if you ask me, my Lord. The Targaryen lass has been a good friend to House Atreides, and it would be a pleasure to see her as part of our family.”

Leto glanced between Gurney and Duncan, surprised by the enthusiasm in their responses. ��I hadn’t realized that the two of you had grown so... fond of her. It’s not often I hear you speak so highly of someone who isn’t carrying a blade or a baliset.”

Gurney laughed, the sound warm and rich in the stillness of the room. “Aye, well, Daenys gave us a good chase back on that frozen hellhole of a planet, Arctis. Taught us both a fair bit about humility, she did.” He paused, his expression softening as he added more quietly, “But there’s more to it than that. She reminds me of my late sister in some ways—fierce, but with a gentle heart underneath it all. It would be good to have someone close who understands music, someone who might find a friend in these halls.”

Duncan nodded in agreement, his own smile more subdued but no less genuine. “She’s helped House Atreides more than anyone else I know, and she’s done it without expecting praise or reward. And she’d certainly keep you on your toes, Leto. I think that’s a quality you could use more of.”

Leto couldn’t help but chuckle at Duncan’s assessment, though a part of him still wrestled with the nervous energy that buzzed beneath his calm exterior. “She certainly does have a way of... challenging me, doesn’t she? And perhaps that’s what makes this decision feel so different. It’s not just about politics or strategy—it’s about... something more.”

Gurney’s expression turned more serious as he rested a hand on the back of one of the chairs. “Whatever your reasons, my Lord, you should know that you have our support. Daenys Targaryen has earned my respect, and if she’s the one who can stand beside you through what’s to come, then I’d be honored to see her become a part of our House.”

Duncan nodded his agreement, a steady presence beside Gurney, his eyes meeting Leto’s with a knowing look. “You’ve carried the weight of House Atreides for a long time, Leto. If this is the path you want to take, then it’s your choice. Not anyone else’s. And I think it’s about time you made a choice that’s yours.”

Leto felt a warmth spread through his chest, a sense of reassurance that came from the trust he placed in these two men who had stood by his side through wars and uncertainty. He glanced down at the sealed message once more, then nodded to himself, slipping the parchment into a leather pouch marked with the crest of House Atreides.

“Thank you, Gurney, Duncan,” he said quietly, sincerity in his voice. “Your words mean more to me than you know. I’ll send the message to Aenys today—and whatever comes of it, I’ll face it knowing that it’s a path I’ve chosen freely.”

Vaegor Targaryen moved through the Atreides stronghold like a shadow, his footsteps silent against the stone floors. The stronghold’s architecture was sturdy, built to withstand the harsh conditions of Arrakis, but Vaegor’s keen eyes caught the signs of recent repairs, reinforcements, and the lingering paranoia that seeped into every corner. As he moved deeper into the heart of the stronghold, he arrived at the door of Dr. Yueh’s office.

He paused outside the door for a moment, listening to the soft scrape of metal instruments and the shuffling of papers inside. Then, without announcing himself, he pushed the door open and stepped into the sterile space of the medic’s quarters. Dr. Yueh looked up sharply, his hands freezing in the middle of organizing a series of datapads on his desk. His expression, normally controlled, flickered with a flash of discomfort as he recognized his visitor.

“Master Vaegor,” Yueh greeted, his tone overly polite, though his unease was evident in the tightness around his eyes. “I wasn’t expecting you.”

Vaegor regarded the doctor with his usual cool demeanor, his eyes—dark violet as the depths of space—seeming to pierce through the man before him. He had grown accustomed to the way his presence could unsettle others, but there was something more in the way Yueh’s hands shook ever so slightly as he rearranged the items on his desk, his fingers tapping nervously against the metal surface.

“Few people do expect me, Doctor,” Vaegor replied, his voice smooth and quiet. He let his gaze sweep over the office, noting the shelves lined with medical supplies, the datapads, and the Imperial insignia subtly displayed among his tools. “I’ve been tasked with ensuring that there are no further threats lurking within this stronghold. A thorough inspection is in order, wouldn’t you agree?”

Yueh forced a strained smile, but there was a twitch in his jaw that betrayed his discomfort. “Yes, of course. Anything to ensure the safety of House Atreides. But I assure you, Master Vaegor, my office has no secrets—just the usual tools of a physician.”

Vaegor hummed softly, his lips curling into a hint of a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “The usual tools, yes. But as you know, doctor, things are rarely as simple as they seem.” He stepped closer to the desk, his presence looming over Yueh, who instinctively took a step back.

Vaegor’s fingers brushed over a datapad before picking it up, glancing at the contents. It was filled with medical records—mostly routine reports on the health of Paul Atreides, Duke Leto, and other key figures in the stronghold. But as Vaegor’s gaze swept over the data, he caught the subtle notations and private codes embedded within the text, the kind of information that might hold hidden meanings.

“You seem... thorough, Dr. Yueh,” Vaegor commented, turning the datapad in his hand. He fixed the doctor with a sharp look. “Thoroughness is a good quality in a physician, but it also makes me wonder what you might be... overlooking or hiding.”

Yueh swallowed hard, the sound almost loud in the quiet room. “I-I assure you, Master Vaegor, everything here is above board. My duty is to serve the Duke and his family, to ensure their health and well-being. Nothing more.”

Vaegor set the datapad back down with a soft click, but he didn’t move away. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that seemed to cut through the air like a blade. “Everyone has their secrets, doctor. Some more dangerous than others. I trust you would do well to remember where your loyalties lie.”

He held Yueh’s gaze for a moment longer, watching the way the doctor’s face paled slightly, the sweat gathering at his temples. Then, without another word, Vaegor turned and strode out of the office, leaving Yueh standing there, his breath coming in shallow gasps.

As soon as the door closed behind the Master of Whispers, Yueh let out a long, shaky exhale, pressing a trembling hand to his chest. He could feel his heart racing, the panic clawing at the edges of his thoughts. He had faced interrogations before, endured the scrutiny of many eyes, but Vaegor’s presence had been like facing the void itself, a darkness that threatened to swallow him whole.

Yueh clenched his hands into fists, forcing himself to take a steadying breath. He could not afford to let his nerves get the better of him—not now, when the walls seemed to be closing in from all sides. He reminded himself of the Imperial conditioning, of the plan he had been bound to for so long. But even as he tried to calm himself, the echo of Vaegor’s words lingered in his mind, a reminder that the shadows he thought he had mastered might yet turn against him.

And somewhere in the depths of his mind, a whisper of doubt began to grow, threatening the fragile control he had so carefully maintained.

Paul Atreides lay in his bed, the heavy air of Arrakis thick with the scent of spice. It filled his lungs, seeped into his mind, and stirred up the dreams that had become a near-constant presence since his arrival on the desert planet. He closed his eyes, willing himself to sleep, but he knew what awaited him on the other side of consciousness—visions that danced on the edge of prophecy, images that blurred the line between reality and illusion.

Tonight, like so many nights before, the dreams came swiftly, pulling him down into their depths. But ever since he had met you, they had taken on a new intensity, becoming sharper, more vivid, as if the presence of the dragons had somehow amplified the currents of time that flowed through him.

In the darkness behind his closed eyes, he saw you—your pale hair catching the light of distant stars, your lilac eyes glowing with a knowledge that seemed ancient and unknowable. You stood in a landscape of fire, the flames rising around you like a living tapestry, weaving through the air. The heat of the vision seared his mind, and he felt the pull of your presence, as though you were reaching out to him across the void.

He watched you, standing beside Leto, his father. The Duke’s face was lined with worry, the familiar furrow in his brow deepening as he spoke to you, his words lost in the roar of the flames that surrounded them. Paul tried to hear what you were saying, but the fire swallowed the sound, leaving him with only the images—images that shifted like sand in the wind.

And then, you turned toward him, your eyes locking onto his through the blaze. Your lips moved, forming words that he could not hear, but he felt their weight in his chest, as if you were trying to warn him of something. He reached out, his hand trembling in the dream, but as he drew closer, the fire surged, swallowing you up in a wave of red and gold.

Paul gasped, trying to push through the heat, but the flames coiled around him, pulling him down into their depths. He could feel the spice in the air, burning through his veins, twisting the dreams into something deeper, something more terrifying. He saw dragons soaring through the embers, their shadows sweeping across a blazing sky. He saw Leto standing on the edge of a cliff, his face turned toward the distant horizon, as if searching for something that only he could see.

And then there was you again, standing beside his father, your hand resting lightly on Leto’s arm. The dragons circled above you, their roars blending with the crackle of flames. You looked at Paul, your gaze piercing through the smoke and fire, and for a moment, he thought he saw sadness in your eyes.

Suddenly, the scene shifted, and he found himself standing in the ruins of Arrakeen, the city crumbling around him as fire swept through the streets. Buildings collapsed in on themselves, the stone melting beneath the heat, and the screams of the people echoed through the burning air. He turned, desperate to find you or his father, but the visions moved too quickly, slipping through his grasp like sand through his fingers.

In the distance, he saw Leto again, but this time, his father’s face was etched with pain, his expression twisted with grief. He held something in his hands—something small and delicate, something that glowed with a faint blue light. But before Paul could make sense of it, the flames rose once more, swallowing the image in a surge of searing heat.

Paul struggled against the visions, against the fire that consumed everything around him. He could feel the spice burning through his thoughts, twisting his perception, turning the dream into something that felt almost real. And through it all, he felt a strange envy—a longing for the clarity that you seemed to possess, the immunity that your bloodline granted against the effects of the spice.

He thought of how the Targaryens could walk through the halls of Arrakis without feeling the constant pull of the melange, how you could navigate the world without the visions that haunted his every step. You had spoken of your dragon dreams, but they seemed different—more like a gift than a curse. For Paul, there was no escape from the future that loomed over him, no way to close his eyes without seeing the flames that threatened to consume them all.

The dream shifted again, and this time he saw you standing alone, your face turned toward a desolate sky. The dragons circled above you, their shadows sweeping across the desert sands. You raised a hand, as if reaching for something beyond the horizon, and for a moment, Paul thought he saw the outline of a figure standing beside you—a shadowed presence that seemed to watch over you both.

And then the flames came again, surging around him, pulling him back into their burning embrace. He fought against the heat, against the images that burned through his mind, but he could not escape their grasp. He felt himself falling, spiraling deeper into the fire, into the dreams that would not let him go.

When he finally woke, his body was drenched in sweat, his heart pounding in his chest like a drum. The room around him was dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the Arrakeen night beyond the windows. He pressed a hand to his chest, trying to steady his breathing, but the echoes of the dream lingered in his mind, refusing to fade.

He could still see the flames, still feel the heat of your gaze as you looked at him through the blaze. 

Paul clenched his fists, trying to make sense of the dream, but the only thing he could hold onto was the feeling that he was running out of time—that the future he had seen in the flames was rushing toward him faster than he could understand.

The sun was low over Arrakeen when Daenys Targaryen descended from her ornithopter onto the landing platform of the Atreides stronghold. The air was filled with the ever-present scent of spice, but she was accustomed to it now, the sharpness of it barely registering as she walked through the gates with a small entourage. In her arms, she carried a sealed case containing the schematics for the hydroponic systems and aqueducts her brother Aelor had promised to the Duke of House Atreides, as well as trade agreements for the Valyrian steel Leto had requested.

The stronghold’s halls were cool and dim, a stark contrast to the searing heat outside, and she moved through them with ease, nodding to the guards who watched her with a mixture of curiosity and respect. When she reached the Duke’s study, the doors opened to reveal Leto, standing by the holo-map of Arrakis, his hands clasped behind his back.

He turned at the sound of her arrival, his expression lighting up with a warmth that spread through the room. “Daenys,” he greeted, stepping forward to meet her, his gaze lingering on her as if he could not quite believe she was there again. “You honor us with your presence, as always.”

You offered him a small smile, inclining your head as you handed over the sealed case. “My brother sends his regards, Duke Leto, and the schematics for the hydroponic systems we discussed. He believes they will help to cultivate more water and food here on Arrakis, using the principles that have served us well on Albiron.”

Leto accepted the case, his fingers brushing yours for a brief moment as he took it from you—a touch so fleeting, yet it sent a thrill through him. “Please, call me Leto,” he said softly, a hopeful look in his eyes. “And you have my deepest gratitude, Daenys. Your aid in these matters is... invaluable.”

He gestured for you to join him at a nearby table, where a selection of documents lay spread out, detailing the terms of the trade agreements between their Houses. Leto placed the schematics beside them, but as you took a seat, you noticed the way his eyes lingered on you more than the papers. There was a gentleness in his expression, a warmth that he did not bother to hide.

As the two of you discussed the details of the trade deal—the Valyrian steel for Caladan’s infrastructure, the military supplies, and the exotic fish that House Targaryen had come to appreciate—Leto found himself gravitating closer, allowing small gestures to slip into the conversation. A touch to your arm as he made a point, a lingering glance that spoke of affection beyond the politics of their arrangement. And he noticed, with a mixture of hope and nervousness, that you did not shy away from these gestures. In fact, at times, you even reciprocated, offering him a smile that seemed to linger just a little longer, or a comment that was warmer than mere formality.

As the conversation drew to a close, Leto cleared his throat, gathering his courage before speaking again. “Daenys, I know that you have many responsibilities here on Arrakis—and with your House’s efforts in the desert—but I was wondering if you might... consider staying here in Arrakeen for a few days. Not as a matter of duty, but simply... to see more of what our city has to offer. Perhaps we could... share more about our Houses, our histories. It would be an honor to have your company outside of these discussions.”

He watched your expression carefully, his heart fluttering in his chest as he tried to gauge your response. He knew that he was treading a fine line, offering more than just hospitality, hinting at a desire for connection that went beyond the formalities of an alliance. Yet he could not help but hope that you might accept, that you might see in him the same possibilities that he had come to see in you.

You tilted your head slightly, considering his words, and then a small smile curved your lips, one that seemed to reach your lilac eyes. “I think... that sounds like a welcome distraction, Leto. I would be... happy to see more of your city and to learn more about the history of House Atreides.”

Leto felt a rush of warmth flood through him, and for a moment, he allowed himself to smile fully, a genuine expression that softened the lines of worry that had long marked his face. “You honor me with your acceptance, Daenys,” he said, and there was a sincerity in his voice that he did not try to hide.

The sun hung high over Arrakeen, casting its warm rays over the sandstone streets and the sprawling city below. But inside one of the private courtyards of the Atreides stronghold, a cool breeze carried the scent of desert flowers, offering a small respite from the heat. Leto Atreides sat on a stone bench, his expression relaxed for the first time in weeks as he listened to Daenys Targaryen speak, their voices mingling with the rustling leaves of the ornamental trees surrounding them.

They had spent the morning together, walking through Arrakeen, with Leto sharing tales of his House’s history—how they had come to Caladan, their struggles and victories, and the legacy they hoped to preserve on Arrakis. There was a lightness in his voice that hadn’t been there before, a hopeful lilt that hinted at the promise of something new.

“You know,” Leto said, turning to you with a soft smile, “I never thought I’d find myself speaking so openly about these things. Caladan feels like a world apart from this place, and yet, with you... it feels like the distance doesn’t matter as much.”

You returned his smile, your lilac eyes glinting with a warmth that matched his. “There is always a part of home that stays with you, Leto,” you replied, your voice carrying the echo of distant stars. “Even in exile, we found ways to keep Valyria alive. Our stories, our traditions... They were all we had when the Imperium believed we were gone.”

Leto watched you with rapt attention, as if each word you spoke was a piece of a puzzle that he longed to understand. He leaned in closer, the edges of his cloak brushing against the stone beneath him, and he caught the scent of the desert spice mingling with the soft perfume you wore. “And what was it like, in that exile?” he asked, his voice low, carrying the genuine curiosity he felt. “To build something from nothing, to know that the Imperium would have you forgotten?”

You looked out over the courtyard, a distant expression crossing your features as memories surfaced. “It was... difficult, but there was a kind of freedom in it too. We knew we were beyond their reach, that we could shape our future in a way that no longer relied on Imperial favor. But there were sacrifices—lives lost, homes we would never see again.”

Before you could continue, the sound of footsteps on the stone pathway made both of you turn. Jessica, dressed in the dark robes of her Bene Gesserit station, stood in the doorway of the courtyard, her expression tight as she looked between you and Leto. There was a tension in her posture, an edge in her eyes that spoke of disapproval.

“Duke Leto,” she said, her voice carefully controlled, “I hope I am not interrupting. But there are matters that require your attention.”

Leto’s relaxed demeanor shifted, a shadow of disappointment crossing his face as he glanced at you, realizing that your time together was ending sooner than he had hoped. He forced a polite smile as he nodded to Jessica. “Of course, Jessica. I’ll attend to it shortly.”

You stood gracefully, knowing well enough the tension that hung in the air. “It seems our conversation will have to wait for another time, Leto,” you said, offering him a gentle smile before turning to leave.

But as you moved past Jessica, her hand shot out, catching your arm. Her grip was firm, and though her expression remained outwardly calm, there was a steel in her eyes that left little room for misinterpretation. “Stay away from Paul,” she said, her tone as sharp as the desert wind. “He is not meant for the games you play, Targaryen.”

You met her gaze evenly, your expression unreadable as you pulled your arm free, but you offered a curt nod, acknowledging her warning. Without another word, you turned and continued down the pathway, your footsteps fading into the stone corridors beyond.

As you disappeared around the corner, Jessica turned back to Leto, a mixture of frustration and something deeper twisting in her chest. “You encourage her presence here, Leto,” she said, her voice low, barely restrained. “You know what this could mean for Paul, for all of us.”

Leto’s expression hardened, and he stood up, his gaze following the direction where you had left. He took a deep breath, the weight of unspoken words heavy between them. “That's enough, Jessica,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. “I know the risks, but I also know that our House must change if we are to survive here.”

Jessica watched him, unsure how to respond, the conflict in her eyes plain to see. But before she could press further, Leto turned and walked away, his cloak trailing behind him as he left the courtyard, leaving Jessica alone in the quiet space.

She let out a long, weary sigh, her gaze drifting to the shadows where Vaegor and his men moved through the halls, their presence an unsettling reminder of how little control she had over the events unfolding around her. The way they seemed to glide through the darkness, their eyes ever watchful, sent a chill through her. It was a presence she could not manipulate, could not predict—and that fact unnerved her more than anything.

She pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the weight of fear settle there, a fear that she could not fully name. And as she stood alone in the courtyard, the shadows of dragons and prophecy swirling around her, she wondered if the fate that she and her Sisterhood had so carefully crafted was beginning to slip through her fingers.

You moved through the stone corridors of the Atreides stronghold, your mind still turning over the conversation with Leto and the sudden interruption by Jessica. The air inside the halls was cool, but the memory of the animosity in the courtyard clung to you like the lingering warmth of Arrakeen’s sun. As you rounded a corner, you nearly collided with Paul, who seemed to have been waiting, his expression a mixture of determination and uncertainty.

"Daenys," he greeted, a hint of urgency in his voice as he caught your attention. “I was looking for you. There’s something I need to talk to you about.”

You arched an eyebrow, remembering Jessica’s warning just moments before. But you kept your expression calm, your curiosity piqued. “And what might that be, Paul?” you asked, inclining your head slightly, inviting him to walk with you.

Paul fell into step beside you, his hands fidgeting slightly at his sides as he gathered his thoughts. “It’s about the Red Faith,” he said after a moment, his voice dropping to a whisper, as if afraid the very walls might be listening. “They’ve started to spread across Arrakis. I’ve seen their symbols in the city, heard their prayers in the alleys. The priests and priestesses—they seem to know things that no one else does.”

You nodded slowly, your thoughts turning to the Red Faith and its mysterious presence. It had been a topic of concern among Leto’s advisors, a whispered worry among the Fremen and the Sisterhood, but one that had little to do with the politics of House Targaryen. “The Red Faith is not ours, Paul,” you replied, keeping your voice even as you spoke. “But they seem to see something in my people—in our past. Perhaps it is because we come from a place that is as foreign to them as it is to you.”

Paul glanced at you, a flicker of curiosity crossing his face. “Where do they come from?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper as he leaned closer. “What place could birth a faith like this?”

You hesitated for a moment, choosing your words carefully. “They come from a planet that lies in a part of the unknown universe where there are no stars, only the darkness of space,” you said, your gaze turning to the windows that looked out over the city. “They believe that in that darkness, there is a light—a flame that will one day burn away the shadows.”

Paul fell silent, his thoughts turning inward as he processed your words. “Is there any truth to what they say?” he asked finally, his voice low, as if he feared the answer. “To the miracles they claim, the visions they spread?”

You looked at him, your expression thoughtful. “I have seen many things, Paul—on both sides of the universe. Miracles, omens, and wonders that defy the explanations of reason. If there is truth in their words, then we should all tread carefully. Faith can be as powerful as swords in the right hands.”

Paul nodded slowly, absorbing your words, but his gaze remained fixed on you, as if searching for something deeper. “In my dreams, I see them too,” he confessed, his voice taking on a distant quality. “I see the priests, the flames, and... you. I see you standing in the fire, guiding me toward—”

But you raised a hand, stopping him gently. “Paul, I think it would be wise not to share too much of your dreams with me. You know as well as I do that Jessica—your mother—would not want you speaking of such things with me.”

Paul’s expression hardened slightly, a flicker of defiance crossing his face. “I don’t care what she wants, Daenys. She doesn’t understand what I’m seeing, what I’m feeling. And she doesn’t understand you.”

There was a moment of silence as his words hung in the air between you, charged with a tension that neither of you could easily dispel. You studied him, seeing the conflict in his gaze, the battle between the weight of his mother’s expectations and the mysteries that seemed to call to him from the edges of his dreams. And you realized that whatever path lay ahead, Paul would not be easily swayed from it—not by Jessica, not by the Bene Gesserit, and perhaps not even by you.

But even as you held his gaze, you felt the echo of Jessica’s warning lingering in your mind, a reminder of the dangers that surrounded Paul and the forces that sought to shape him. And you knew that this moment, this conversation, was but a small part of a larger game, one that stretched far beyond the walls of Arrakeen.

You offered Paul a small, enigmatic smile, your tone softening. “Be careful, Paul. There are shadows in the desert—and in the dreams—that are not always what they seem.”

Paul’s lips pressed into a thin line, but he nodded, his resolve unbroken. “I will,” he said. “And maybe... one day, we’ll see what the dreams truly mean.”

You inclined your head, acknowledging his words, and then turned to leave, feeling the weight of his gaze lingering on your back as you walked away into the shadows of the stronghold, your mind filled with thoughts of visions, fire, and the secrets that burned at the heart of Arrakis.

The evening air of Arrakeen was cooler than usual, a rare breeze slipping through the stronghold as Leto Atreides sat with Gurney Halleck and Thufir Hawat in one of the more private observation rooms. The room was low lit, the glow of data-screens creating the only source of light as they pored over the reports gathered by Vaegor and his men. The Targaryen Master of Whispers and his agents had been thorough, combing through the corners of the city and uncovering more remnants of Harkonnen sabotage, their findings meticulously cataloged and organized. Yet even with the progress, there was a lingering unease in the air, a wariness that none of them could quite shake.

Hawat leaned forward, his eyes scanning the latest report as he spoke. “Vaegor’s team has found traces of communication relays that the Harkonnens used to mask their movements in the city. It seems they had help from... within.” He paused, glancing at Leto. “I’ll continue to look into it. But for now, it seems we are dealing with multiple layers of deception.”

Leto nodded, though his mind seemed elsewhere, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the edge of the table. Gurney, ever watchful, noticed the distant look in the Duke’s eyes and exchanged a knowing glance with Hawat. It wasn’t the first time they had seen Leto like this—distracted, thoughtful, as if wrestling with something beyond the tactical complexities of their current situation.

Finally, Leto broke the silence, his voice more casual than the weighty reports they’d been discussing. “Tell me, Hawat, Gurney—what do you think Dragonlord Aenys drinks?”

The question caught them both off guard, and Gurney couldn’t help but let out a chuckle, raising an eyebrow at Hawat. “Well, my Lord, if spiced red wine has no effect on the Targaryens, I’d wager he’s not the kind to settle for anything ordinary.”

Hawat’s lips twitched into the slightest smile, his usually serious demeanor softening. “Indeed. Perhaps something exotic, something they’ve kept hidden away on Albiron for centuries. Some kind of spirit that the Imperium hasn’t even heard of. Or perhaps... just water from one of their sacred springs, untouched by any additives.”

Gurney nodded thoughtfully, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. “Or maybe he’s got a taste for firewater that could burn a hole through your insides. I hear their dragons like the heat, so why not the Dragonlord himself?”

Hawat’s amusement deepened, but there was a glint in his eye as he turned his attention back to Leto, who had been listening to their speculations with a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth. “But I must ask, Duke, what brought this particular question to mind? It’s not often that you concern yourself with Targaryen drinking habits.”

Leto’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a thoughtful frown. He looked down at the documents on the table, the proposal he had sent to Aenys weighing heavily on his mind. “Because, Hawat, if Aenys decides to visit Arrakis in response to the offer I sent... I would rather know what to serve him than risk offending him further. If he arrives in good spirits, I’ll need something fitting for the occasion. And if he comes here... less than pleased, then I’d rather have something that might soften his mood.”

Gurney raised an eyebrow, the amusement in his expression shifting to interest. “Ah, so that’s it. You’re worried about how he might respond to the proposal.” He glanced at Hawat, who nodded in understanding. “You know, my Lord, you could just ask his daughter—she might give you a hint as to what her father prefers.”

Leto sighed, his hand reaching up to adjust the signet ring on his finger. “It’s not that simple, Gurney. I don’t even know how to tell her about the offer I sent to her father. It’s... delicate, and I fear that if I mention it, I might say the wrong thing.”

Hawat leaned forward, his voice quiet but firm. “You know, Leto, you’ve faced armies and scheming barons without hesitation. Don’t let this proposal become something you fear. Daenys respects you. If you’re honest with her, she might surprise you.”

Leto glanced at Hawat, then at Gurney, and he allowed himself a small, wry smile. “Perhaps you’re right, Hawat. Perhaps I’m overthinking this. But if Aenys does come, and if he is displeased, I’d rather have a bottle of something on hand that won’t worsen the situation.”

Gurney chuckled again, raising an imaginary glass in a mock toast. “To drinks, diplomacy, and whatever else might come our way, my Lord. We’ll make sure Arrakis is prepared for all kinds of guests, dragonlords included.”

Leto’s smile lingered, and he nodded, a sense of resolve settling over him as they turned their attention back to the reports.

...

The night was deep over Arrakeen, the moons casting a silver glow across the desert city. Within the Atreides stronghold, you sat in the quiet of your private chambers, a space granted to you by Duke Leto during your stay. The room was simply furnished, but there was a comfort in the way the stone walls insulated it from the heat of the day, creating a quiet haven amid the events swirling through the stronghold.

A soft knock on the door drew your attention, and you rose to open it, finding Vaegor standing on the threshold. His expression was as grim as ever, the shadows of the corridor playing across the sharp angles of his face. Without a word, he stepped inside, closing the door behind him before handing over a sealed folder.

“My Lady, this is the latest report,” he said quietly, his tone flat but with a faint edge of urgency that you recognized well. “There are... developments that you need to see.”

You took the folder, breaking the seal and unfolding the pages inside. As you scanned the contents, a frown deepened on your face. The words blurred for a moment before crystallizing, each new line adding to the weight in your chest. “Are you sure about this?” you asked, lifting your gaze to meet Vaegor’s eyes. “This is not something we can afford to get wrong.”

Vaegor’s expression remained impassive, but there was a hardness in his gaze that spoke of certainty. “Almost, Daenys. There are... whispers, things I’ve picked up that point to something larger. The Emperor’s Sardaukar and Harkonnen troops—they are moving. They’ve been seen loading onto Baron’s starships. Their destination seems to be Arrakis.”

Your breath caught for a moment, and a cold dread settled in the pit of your stomach. “And you haven’t informed the Duke?” you asked, forcing your voice to remain steady. “He needs to know if Shaddam IV is planning to strike at House Atreides.”

Vaegor shook his head, his expression unyielding. “Not yet. Not until I am absolutely certain. If I tell him now, it may alert the wrong people—and that brings me to another issue.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice to a near whisper. “I believe there is a mole within the Atreides ranks. Someone has been leaking information to the Harkonnens.”

The implications hung heavy in the air between you, the shadows in the room seeming to thicken with the weight of his words. You clenched your hands around the papers, struggling to keep your emotions in check. “Then this news is even more dangerous than I thought,” you said, your voice tight with the effort of control. “Send word to Aelor and Maelor at the base. They need to know what might be coming.”

Vaegor gave a curt nod, his face impassive but his eyes sharp with the intensity of the situation. “As you command, cousin. I’ll have the message transmitted immediately.” He turned to leave, but paused at the doorway, casting one last look over his shoulder. “Be careful, Daenys. If the Emperor truly intends to make his move, we may not have much time.”

You watched him go, his footsteps fading into the halls beyond, leaving you alone with the heavy knowledge of what his report implied. You paced back to the small window, staring out over the city, the distant lights of Arrakeen flickering like stars against the darkness. The desert winds whispered against the stone, and for a moment, the world outside seemed as still as the depths of space.

The choice before you loomed like a shadow—to tell Leto of the threat immediately, or to wait until Vaegor could confirm his suspicions. A warning given too soon might expose them both to danger, but a warning given too late could doom House Atreides and everyone within it.

Your thoughts turned to Leto, to the warmth in his eyes when he spoke to you, to the hope that had begun to bloom in your chest when you thought of the future you might share. But this was not about feelings—it was about survival, about strategy, and about choosing the right moment to act.

Would he understand if you held back, waiting for certainty? Or would he see it as a betrayal when he learned how long you had known?

You closed your eyes, taking a slow breath to steady yourself, and tried to quiet the conflicting emotions that warred within you. For now, all you could do was wait and hope that Vaegor’s whispers would soon give way to truth. And as the shadows lengthened across the city, you wondered whether time was on your side—or if it was slipping away faster than either of you could grasp.

...

The Atreides stronghold stood against the desert night, its stone walls cool in the evening breeze as the last rays of sunlight faded into darkness. Within its halls, Leto Atreides waited, standing in the doorway of the library, a room filled with the quiet presence of ancient books and tomes—some of the few treasures he had brought from Caladan. The room smelled of aged parchment and leather bindings, a scent that reminded him of home, far from the dangers and secrets of Arrakis.

Tonight, though, he was not alone in the quiet sanctum of his family’s history. He had invited you to join him, hoping to share a piece of the Atreides past—and perhaps find a few moments of peace amidst the gathering storm. As you entered the library, Leto turned to greet you, a warm smile breaking the serious lines of his face.

“Daenys,” he said, gesturing to a nearby table where several volumes lay open, their pages yellowed with age. “I thought you might enjoy seeing some of House Atreides’ history, the kind of stories that aren’t written down in the Imperial records. These books... they’re a part of who we are, and I wanted to share them with you.”

You glanced over the tomes, curiosity glinting in your lilac eyes as you ran a hand over the embossed cover of one of the volumes. “You honor me with this, Leto. I’ve always been fascinated by the stories of other Houses, especially those with a history as rich as yours.”

Leto’s smile softened, and he gestured for you to join him at the table, where the two of you settled into a comfortable silence, paging through the books and sharing stories of the past. He told you of Caladan’s storms, of the sea that roared against the cliffs of his ancestral home, and of the responsibilities that came with the Atreides name. In turn, you spoke of Albiron, of the legends and lore that had shaped the Targaryen exile, and of the struggles your family had endured to build a new life in the shadows.

For a time, it was easy to forget the politics, the threats, and the danger that loomed over them. There, in the quiet sanctuary of the library, it felt as though the two of you were simply people, sharing your stories and your dreams.

After a while, Leto leaned back, his gaze settling on you with a mixture of fondness and curiosity. “I’m glad that Paul has found a companion in you, despite what Jessica might say,” he admitted, a note of sadness in his voice. “He never had many friends growing up—none that could truly understand him. Not with the way Jessica trained him, and with Hawat always nearby.”

You studied Leto’s expression, seeing the worry that lurked beneath his words, the father’s concern that he carried alongside the weight of his duties. “He is a remarkable young man, Leto,” you replied gently. “I think he sees more than even he realizes. And... perhaps that’s why he seeks out my company. He sees something of himself in me.”

Leto nodded, his gaze turning back to the books for a moment, but you could see the warmth that lingered in his eyes. When he looked at you again, there was a softness there that you had rarely seen, a look that spoke of something deeper, something he had tried to keep hidden.

“I’m grateful for your presence here, Daenys,” he said quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper. “You’ve brought a... a light into these halls, into my life, that I didn’t know I was missing.”

You felt your heart tighten at his words, a warmth spreading through you, and before you could think, you reached out to touch his hand, your fingers brushing against his. Leto responded, covering your hand with his own, his grip gentle yet firm, as if afraid to let go.

The moment seemed to stretch between you, filled with unspoken words and longing that had been building since Arctis. And then, almost without realizing it, Leto leaned closer, his eyes searching yours for a sign, for permission. You didn’t move away, and he took it as a sign of acceptance. His lips met yours in a soft, tentative kiss, a touch that was filled with all the questions and hopes he had not dared to voice.

For a moment, you allowed yourself to lose yourself in the warmth of the kiss, in the way his hand cradled your cheek, in the feeling of possibility that bloomed between you. But then, just as quickly, you broke the kiss, pulling back as the reality of your situation crashed down around you.

Leto blinked, his brow furrowing in concern as he searched your face, trying to understand what had gone wrong. “Daenys, what is it? What’s wrong?”

You took a step back, your heart pounding in your chest, and you forced yourself to meet his gaze, knowing that there was no turning back now. “There’s something you need to know, Leto,” you said, your voice barely more than a whisper, the weight of the truth heavy on your tongue.

...

The library fell into a tense, almost unnatural silence as Leto looked at you, his expression a mixture of surprise and concern. The warmth of the moment between you dissipated, replaced by the gravity of your words, the urgency of what you had come to reveal. He searched your face, trying to find some sign that you were not serious, but the earnestness in your eyes left no room for doubt.

“You’re telling me that... the Emperor and Harkonnen forces might be en route to Arrakis?” Leto’s voice was barely more than a whisper, but the edge of shock in it was unmistakable. He took a step back, his mind clearly racing as he tried to process what this meant, the implications of such a betrayal.

You nodded, holding his gaze, your own expression steady despite the turmoil swirling inside you. “Yes, Leto. Vaegor has intercepted whispers, information that suggests Shaddam IV and Harkonnen troops are preparing to move against you. He believes they’ve been using Baron Harkonnen’s starships to mask their movements.”

Leto’s hands clenched at his sides, and for a moment, he turned away, staring into the shadows of the library as if seeking clarity there. The weight of your words settled over him like a stone, pressing down on his shoulders, but he did not let himself crumble under it. He took a breath, steadying himself before he turned back to you, his gaze sharper, more focused. “And you’re certain of this?”

You shook your head, your voice remaining low and urgent. “Vaegor isn’t entirely certain yet, which is why he hasn’t brought it to you directly. But the risk is too great, and I couldn’t wait any longer. If they find out he knows before he has proof, before he makes his move, we’re all in danger. You needed to know, to be ready in case this assault happens sooner than expected.”

Leto remained still, absorbing your words, and for a long moment, it seemed as though the world had shrunk to the space between the two of you, the silence heavy with the unspoken fears that hung between you. He looked like a man standing on the edge of a precipice, staring into the abyss of what might come.

“I knew the Emperor and the Harkonnens would try to make their move eventually,” Leto said finally, his voice rough with barely concealed anger. “But I thought we’d have more time. That they’d at least be more subtle about it.”

You could see the pain in his eyes, the realization that Arrakis was more vulnerable than he had ever imagined. And beneath that, there was something else—betrayal, the feeling that one of his own people might be working against him, selling out his House and his family to their enemies.

“Do you have any idea who it might be?” he asked, his tone hardening as he forced himself to focus on the immediate threat. “Who is leaking information to the Harkonnens?”

You hesitated, the weight of your cousin’s suspicions pressing down on you. “No, not yet. Vaegor is trying to pinpoint the source, but he hasn’t found enough to act. It could be anyone—someone who sees an opportunity, or someone who’s been bribed or threatened into doing their bidding. We need more time to figure it out.”

Leto’s jaw tightened, and he paced the length of the library, his mind clearly racing through the possibilities, the suspects. But he paused, turning back to you with a look of determination. “I trust your judgment, Daenys. And I trust Vaegor’s. We’ll prepare for whatever assault is coming, and we’ll find this traitor before they can do any more damage. But this... this changes everything.”

You met his gaze, seeing the resolve that burned there despite the fear that lurked in the shadows of his expression. “I wish I could give you more than just a warning, Leto,” you said softly, your voice tinged with a note of regret. “But you deserve to know the truth, even if it’s not what you wanted to hear.”

Leto moved closer, reaching out to place a hand on your shoulder, his touch both reassuring and grateful. “You did the right thing, Daenys. Whatever happens, I’d rather face this danger with my eyes open than be blindsided. And I’m... I’m glad you trusted me enough to tell me.”

You allowed yourself a small nod, but inside, the fear remained, gnawing at the edges of your mind. The danger felt closer than ever, and you couldn’t help but wonder if the shadow of the Emperor’s forces and the Harkonnens was already creeping toward Arrakis, preparing to strike.

And as you stood there, side by side with Leto in the stillness of the library, you both knew that the balance of power was shifting, and that the alliance between your Houses would be tested in ways neither of you could yet imagine.

[0-shutdown-0]

Thoughts on Loris

I have more thoughts and theories than concrete understanding of his character

He either feels half-baked as a side character that had more to him or just my mind being unable to connect the dots so some of this kind of jumps around 

SO:

Loris is introduced as a sad somber guy still loosely wearing his enforcer uniform while off duty. When he meets Vi his first words are something like ‘did you lose someone in the attack’, the actions of him drinking insinuates that he most likely lost someone himself.

Appearance wise Loris has a section of his hair tied with a blue colored bead and pulled into his field of vision. It’s a stretch but when Ekko wears a colored band in his hair it’s to symbolize the ‘loss’ of Jinx/Powder in the finale episode. I think Loris wears the bead in his hair to be a constant reminder of his loss- by having it remain in his sight makes that loss a constant presence. 

Anyways, besides that Loris is shown in episode 1 to not want to go to the memorial when Vi pats him on the foot since he just closes his eyes and pretends to sleep

When he does go and the attack on the memorial happens he uses a shield, a shield that's seen discarded when Vi walks around the aftermath.  

It could be foreshadowing that he dies in battle, in episode 9 he dies the one time he doesn’t have his shield, or the shield might have some type of connection to the person he loss

Now the notes:

-His shield gets a hextech advancement

-On the striketeam he’s first to push their advances with his shield in E3, and when fighting he uses his shield to bash into them offensively,

 and later when he’s the one to first get injured and get a limp from Jinx’s traps the shield becomes a crutch and a safety net for him. (I think it’s interesting that it was only when he traveled in front of Caitlyn that he got hurt )

-Even with a limp, Loris does his best to react to shield Steb when the tunnel they climbed out of get’s Grey rerouted straight to them 

-His personality is consistently fatherly, comforting Vi, comforting Maddie when they see the murder dolls (his arrow deaths included), even comforting Vi again after being pushed away and reuniting with her without hard feelings

In that reunion scene when Vi subconsciously compares Loris to Vander we then see exactly their relationship  

-Loris seems to know his way around the undercity, keep in mind it’s most likely not from the strike team traveling because they mostly used the filtration system to get through/travel. He goes with Vi to the fighting ring and when she pushes him away he’s just fine leaving her to travel elsewhere. 

-Loris was the first to leave when the Noxus general (Ambessa) took over and began doing their saultes. I think he actually might have ties to the Undercity or had been from that side of the city before going topside to be an officer. I wish we knew what led to him taking said role, because like Steb who shows his compassion by being a medic on top of being an enforcer, Loris as only an enforcer shows it by choosing defensive gear over guns as his main weapon.

-Loris returns only when the Noxus have left/ are realized as the enemy and when he returns he returns with knowledge. It seems he might have fought them before or at least studied them. He teaches the enlisters how to fight the Noxus with a weapon that wasn’t a shield and yet he holds it easily 

- In the final episode (9) when he's using the Hextech technology repurposed as a canon, he works well with his team and Vi and I must reiterate its the only time in battle that he does not have a shield, and in the end the last time

 When Vi sees Loris dead she sees him with the side of his face that has the blue bead in his hair hanging mutely without light catching it.

 And that's his end. 

I don’t know, it’s like, I’m missing something. 

Maybe the blue is like a powder/jinx reference thing and when Loris dies and “Vander” appears and Jinx chooses to be Powder again (?) it shows that that side of Jinx is dead like how Vander is dead now that his consciousness was killed from the monster/wolf mutant thing. Since Vi saw Loris as Vander/father figure and Loris lost someone who is (PROBABLY) symbolized by the blue bead in his hair. 

It's a big fat stretch but I’m grasping at strings here and it shows lol

Hope I helped :D

[irene-hanscom]

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