#Home Storage & Organization

[fordragonfliesandme]

Maximize Your Space: The Ultimate Guide to Garage Organization Solutions

The Importance of Garage Organization! This past summer my wonderful hubby built several shelves in our garage to house all of our holiday decorations and other stuff! There is nothing more frustrating to me than trying to find something I’m looking for and not being able to find it. Organization saves so much time! Have you found yourself searching for a screw driver or the compost bags? Well…

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Utensil Storage Rack 4 Slots nbsp Silicone Spoon Rests Mat Stand Heat Resistant Cooking Spatula Holder Tray Multicolor kitchen Spatula holder Keeps Your Countertops Neat amp Drip Free. nbsp An essential cooking tool for any home chef. Our spoon rest has simple lines and a beautiful design that will keep your countertops splatter free. utensil rest with drip pad Adds Value to any Kitchen. Our budget friendly utensil rest adds great convenience to your kitchen. With multiple slots you get 4 parking spaces for your utensils Fuan and Functional The juices, sauces and other messy ingredients that you apos re working with end up leaving a mess, but no more with the this functional utensil rest. Makes Cooking Less Messy nbsp This heat resistant holder can be placed near the stove, counter top or placed in any area that prep work or cooking is done. The spoon rest / spatula holder is made from non slip Teak Wood that keeps it in place and is wide and deep enough to keep most spring tongs in place. Features The perfect kitchen assistant can ensure no messy cooking. A smart and innovative kitchen tool will help you realize future cooking and cooking utensils stand. The cookware rack is made of non slip silicone, which helps you keep organized kitchen utensils and keep them clean during cooking. It can accommodate kitchen appliances of any shape and size. It has a cleaner cooking space with a wide square bow specially designed to catch water droplets. The cooking utensil holder does not contain BPA, which is safe and harmless. It is heat resistant and can be placed near the stove. It can also hold other kitchen tools, such as pot lids, spring clips, knives, etc. It is safe to wash and clean and easy to clean. Keep counters clean and utensils organized. Use for Cooking tools, tableware storage Function Easy clean, heat resistant, safe material, anti slip Qty 1pcs [ad_2]

[stephanieinge]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Knit Picks Yarn Swift with Silver Case for Easy Transport & Storage New w/Tag.

[pacificmaritimegroup]

Marine Salvage Operations

We provide a one-stop customized service according to each client’s different dredging site conditions. Professional design, international welders welding work, professional field service, and after-sale service are the foundation of our brand equipment high quality, and high reputation. The products have gained recognition and support from customers both at home and abroad due to our leading industry technology, professional manufacturing experience, excellent equipment quality, and integrity in management - marine salvage.

Keeping your assets up and running requires regular, scheduled maintenance, new parts, and fresh components. With our range of service packages, we bring our experience. Our service packages are designed to help you get the most out of your fleet. Now, with increasing scrutiny of the marine industry’s impact on the environment and other critical concerns, even more elements factor into the success or failure of organizations in an already risk-endemic sector. As you might imagine, the variety of conditions that could be experienced by salvors is extreme, and these can make recovery tough, or sometimes even impossible - manned crane barge.

When you have a problem boat, trust our boat breaker experts to provide a full-service for yachts, motorboats & personal water craft collection, recycling & disposal solutions throughout the Upon receipt of your instruction we will handle all aspects of boat recovery, transportation, storage and disposal as required. We offer and always deliver a professional service to find solutions for end-of-life boats and insurance write-offs. Most types of marine insurance include salvage within the terms, therefore those looking to recover a vessel or cargo will need to liaise with their insurance company to do so.

We provide all marine works for the oil & gas sector at the highest international standards. We specialize in providing a full range of underwater ship maintenance and repair services for deep-sea vessels and all types of marine construction. Highly qualified workforce comprehensively involved in every salvage project from Initial planning to final execution. We know that speed is of the essence and that a quick turnaround can limit damage and risk. For more information, please visit our site https://www.Pacificmaritimegroup.com/

[kitchenandbathrenovation]

How to Decorate Bathroom Shelves Like a Pro?

The bathroom is not only a place for relaxing but a well-designed bathroom that adds a sleek look to your home. Bathroom Renovation is perfect to add chic to your bathroom. Looking to jazz up your bathroom and make it both stylish and practical? Well, Kitchen And Bath Reno- the best Bathroom Renovation Company in Auckland, introducing some artfully adorned shelves.

In this blog, we'll dish out five golden nuggets of wisdom for achieving a functional and visually pleasing vibe in your bathroom using those trusty shelves. So, let's dive right in and turn your bathroom shelving dreams into a reality!

5 Expert Tips for Jazzing Up Bathroom Shelves:

Set the Tone with a Thoughtful Palette: Begin by crafting a color palette that jives with your bathroom's overall design. Incorporate practical items such as wicker baskets and glass jars filled with cotton balls– they'll amp up your storage game while looking chic. When it comes to decor, think in odd numbers, adding stylish elements like vases and canisters to create a captivating visual rhythm.

Survey Your Wall Space and Purpose: Before diving into decorating with floating shelves for that modern and sleek look, assess your wall space and intended purpose. Optimize utility by integrating functional items like storage baskets or towel racks. Inject some personality with personal touches, such as potted plants or decorative accents, to infuse warmth into the smaller space.

3. Select Shelves that Fit the Bill: Picking the right spot to stash your bathroom essentials can be a conundrum, especially in a more compact setup. While making your decision for a bathroom makeover, first explore an array of shelving options, from the rustic charm of wooden shelves to the modern flair of floating alternatives. Use wicker baskets or elegant glass jars to house Q-tips or cotton balls, and seamlessly weave in practical features like towel racks or designated beauty product containers.

4. Find Your Shelf Style: Employ the power of negative space to maintain an organized vibe. When catering to a cozier bathroom, floating shelves or stylish brackets can prove to be lifesavers. Elevate your shelf setup during Bathroom Remold with eye-catching touches like verdant greenery or charming vintage canisters to achieve that Insta-worthy look.

5. Master the Art of Shelf Installation: Installing bathroom shelves can be a game-changer, bestowing extra storage while keeping your bathroom easy on the eyes. For a cohesive look, remember to place an odd number of decorative items on each shelf and stick to a color palette that complements your bathroom's design scheme – voila, your shelves will transform into an inviting spa-like experience fit for an Instagram feed.

So, there you have it, your guide for bathroom remolding services. If you are also looking for the best Home Renovation Company in New Zealand to make your dream into reality, it's time to reach us. We are available to support you with Full House Renovation. Call us or drop your demand via the enquire form. We're delighted to help you!

[traveltorq]

5 Essential Items You Absolutely Need to Pack for a Stress-Free Travel Experience

From shoe storage bags to electric pulse neck massagers, here are five essential items you absolutely need to pack for a stress-free travel experience.

A travel shoe storage bag is an absolute must-have item when it comes to packing for a trip. This will help you keep your footwear organized and make sure that they don’t take up too much space in your suitcase.

A foldable water bottle is also essential since it is lightweight and takes up minimal space, but still allows you to stay hydrated throughout the day.

An electric pulse neck massage device can also be extremely helpful in providing relief from the tension of travelling.

Similarly, having a portable electric shaver can help ensure that you look neat at all times while on the go.

When it comes to packing for a stress-free travel experience, there are some essential items you need to make sure you have. One of the most important items is a wireless portable car vacuum cleaner. This powerful, versatile tool can help keep your car free from dirt and debris during your trips. It’s also lightweight and easy to operate, making it ideal for both short and long journeys.

With its strong suction power, this device can reach even the hardest-to-reach areas in your vehicle. Plus, it’s cordless so you don’t have to worry about finding an electrical outlet when you want to clean up messes quickly and efficiently!

Conclusion:

Are you planning a stress-free weekend getaway or a longer vacation? Then make sure you have all the essentials packed. Travel Torq Shop has compiled 5 essential items that will help you enjoy your trip without any worries. These items include a good quality backpack, comfortable footwear, a reliable power bank, sunscreen and a water bottle. With these items in your bag, you can be sure to have an enjoyable and stress-free travel experience.

[vc212121]

How to Get the Best Built In Entertainment Center With Fireplace

Your home is the one space where you will truly unwind and have a good time. It is the safe space that fulfills your needs and makes you feel comfortable. One of the primary reasons to invest in quality home decor is the value it adds to your general well-being. A well-planned house is comfortable, spacious, and organized – factors that directly impact mood and motivation. Luxurious elements like a built in entertainment center with fireplace, mudrooms, kitchen cabinets, and vanity rooms all contribute to personalizing your home. You will connect with your family or friends in front of the fireplace, have conversations, read or enjoy music. If you’ve been considering a space like that for your home, here are some tips to get the perfect built in entertainment center with fireplace.

Things that make for a perfect built in entertainment center with fireplace

Entertainment centers are the showstoppers of every living room. They are equipped with a family’s media needs and make for an elegant presence in the house. We design them to stand out or blend into the living space while also helping you optimize storage.

First things first, get the dimensions right

Each living room is unique in shape and dimensions. Regardless of how big or small the salon is, it deserves to have the perfect entertainment center. The key is to understand the space and its needs. Measure your room and how much space you can spare for the entertainment center. Do a thorough assessment of your TVs and fireplace measurements. An experienced trim carpenter will help you figure out the ratios and what design will seamlessly enhance your living room without over cluttering it.

Next, pick your cabinetry

A pretty built-in entertainment center is no good without some efficient and attractive cabinets. Whether you get more shelves, cupboards, cube storage shelves, or drawers, depends on what storage needs you to have. If you enjoy gaming, own a lot of media-related gadgets, or have trouble sorting out cables, then consider incorporating that into the design. Apart from that, entertainment centers are also optimized to include space for audio systems, DVD players, and charging stations. Since most of these gadgets are also prone to heating, add an effective ventilation design into the blueprint too. Lastly, keep in mind the decorative element, and don’t forget to prioritize an elegant mantel and some shelves to display your artifacts.

Pick a decor style for your entertainment center

The decor style of a house is one of the most underrated elements of design. If your home’s furnishing and cabinetry installations do not reflect the same style as the rest of the house, it will create chaos. A chaotic design will really makes a space feel more cluttered or smaller than it is supposed to feel. An elegantly streamlined home on the other hand is bound to make head turns and make you feel at ease too. Some popular home decor styles are contemporary, traditional, retro, farmhouse, transitional, vintage and colonial. It would be best to talk to an expert in order to pick the style that best suits your entertainment center.

Amp up that fireplace mantel

Mantels hold the power to add grace and luxury to any fireplace. How you design and decorate them will make or break your living room’s aesthetic. Consider adding texture to your fireplace mantels with bricks, rubbed wood, or a trim work accent. If you want something more retro or contemporary, create contrast by adding a color pop, glossy tiles, or a sleek black finish. Apart from that, a few decorative elements such as candles, frames, paintings, soft toys, and glass decor are perfect for a bohemian touch. A well-decorated mantel pulls together the look of an entire fireplace. However, it is important to ensure that the style remains constant across the entire entertainment center.

[myblog56469464]

Ideas to Enhance your Basement Storage Cabinets

Basements serve a very important function, doubling up as a space that adds aesthetic value and optimizes storage in your home. How you choose to upgrade your basement entirely depends on your needs. If you have a large family, you might need more cupboards to tuck away all the shoes, toys, and other nick-knacks. On the other hand, if you do not need more storage, you could consider getting a wet bar, a home library, or an entertainment center in your basement. Based on what shape your basement takes, you can further enhance your basement storage cabinets to accommodate your needs. Whether you want vertical units, built-in installations, or base units, you can customize them to suit your preference.

How to amp up home design with basement storage cabinets

Vertical Corner Cabinets

Vertical cabinets are life savers, especially in smaller basements. You can easily fit all your stuff onto stacked cabinets or shelves with organizers. Moreover, if you are planning to decorate your basement to include a bar or some cozy seating, you can just push the vertical storage cabinets to the corners. This leaves plenty of empty space to be utilized and transformed as you want to.

Read more

[fordragonfliesandme]

Closet Organization Made Easy: Discover 10 Effective Strategies to Streamline Your Storage Space

The importance of closet organization! Keeping on track with organizational topics for the month, lets look at our closets. The old adage of skeletons in the closet really doesn’t seem so unrealistic at times when we open those closet doors. Oftentimes we tend to stick things we don’t really use, but are not ready to part with in the closet. I tend to purge twice a year, in the spring and the…

[hokosoko]

Hokosoko: Online Shopping for Home Storage & Organization and Personal Care

Hokosoko: Online Shopping for Home Storage & Organization and Personal��Care

Looking for a website that deals in home storage and organization and personal care? Well, we have the perfect place for you. Just head to Hokosoko and explore a wide range of Storage & organization and personal care and for your online shopping. Home storage and organization products are essential tools you require for your everyday needs. Be it for storing your lentils or your leftover food,…

[atplblog]

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] - Details) [ad_1] Utensil Storage Rack 4 Slots nbsp Silicone Spoon Rests Mat Stand Heat Resistant Cooking Spatula Holder Tray Multicolor kitchen Spatula holder Keeps Your Countertops Neat amp Drip Free. nbsp An essential cooking tool for any home chef. Our spoon rest has simple lines and a beautiful design that will keep your countertops splatter free. utensil rest with drip pad Adds Value to any Kitchen. Our budget friendly utensil rest adds great convenience to your kitchen. With multiple slots you get 4 parking spaces for your utensils Fuan and Functional The juices, sauces and other messy ingredients that you apos re working with end up leaving a mess, but no more with the this functional utensil rest. Makes Cooking Less Messy nbsp This heat resistant holder can be placed near the stove, counter top or placed in any area that prep work or cooking is done. The spoon rest / spatula holder is made from non slip Teak Wood that keeps it in place and is wide and deep enough to keep most spring tongs in place. Features The perfect kitchen assistant can ensure no messy cooking. A smart and innovative kitchen tool will help you realize future cooking and cooking utensils stand. The cookware rack is made of non slip silicone, which helps you keep organized kitchen utensils and keep them clean during cooking. It can accommodate kitchen appliances of any shape and size. It has a cleaner cooking space with a wide square bow specially designed to catch water droplets. The cooking utensil holder does not contain BPA, which is safe and harmless. It is heat resistant and can be placed near the stove. It can also hold other kitchen tools, such as pot lids, spring clips, knives, etc. It is safe to wash and clean and easy to clean. Keep counters clean and utensils organized. Use for Cooking tools, tableware storage Function Easy clean, heat resistant, safe material, anti slip Qty 1pcs [ad_2]

[stephanieinge]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Polo Ralph Lauren Women's Cargo Jeans With Drawstring Cuffs & Multiple Pockets 4.

[techmaqofficial]

Neiko 01902 Adjustable Helping Hand With Magnifying Glass | Dual Alligator Clips

Neiko 01902 Adjustable Helping Hand With Magnifying Glass | Dual Alligator Clips

Price: [price_with_discount] (as of [price_update_date] – Details)

[ad_1] Helping hand tool with magnifier. Heavy duty cast iron base. 2-1/2-Inch, 2X magnifying glass for precision work without eyestrain. Dual alligator spring clamps hold work piece steady.

Heavy duty cast iron base keeps unit upright and provides stability and keeps objects secure while working Equipped with a 2x magnifying…

[homesmithsae]

Some Incredible Ways of Using a Plastic Laundry Basket

Plastic laundry baskets are just functional and useful items that you either keep your clean or dirty clothes for storage. It receives attention only on your laundry day. Otherwise, it has its overlooked presence tucked in a corner in the laundry room or bathroom. With a little bit of brains and creativity, there are some amazing ways to transform laundry baskets into items of show and other utilities and we are here to tell you how exactly you can do that. Get ready for some interesting ways that could change the way you have been using laundry baskets so far:

​1) Alternative Storage Solution

​A plastic laundry basket is a durable and spacious storage item. Why limit it to only laundry? Use it for storing kitchen supplies, toys, cleaners and gardening tools. To amp-up your laundry room organization, use a single basket for a neat arrangement of all laundry supplies like detergents, bleach, etc. If the basket has a hanging feature, put the chemicals cleaners in one place and hang them up high so kids cannot reach them. The baskets are breathable for air circulation and are pitted with ventilation holes. So they can be used for poolside baskets as well. It can be used for keeping wet towels, pool toys, rafts, floaters, etc. Since they are made of plastic, there’s no risk of them getting damaged from being wet. It can be taken along for a similar purpose on beach days to keep toys, umbrellas, towels, sunscreen, bottles, etc. Don’t restrict your basket to only laundry purposes!

​2) Make Wonders for the Kids

No, we are not talking only about storing your kids’ toys. There are other ways to use the plastic laundry basket.

Use it as a baby cot instead of investing in the fancy and overpriced baby cots available in the market. This is a great option for newborns sleeping half of the day in a swaddle. Soften up the base with baby blankets and towels. The basket is handy, portable and spacious enough for a newborn baby.

Use non-aerated ones as a baby bath. When it’s the first time for your little one to step into the big tub, you can use the basket for laundry as a small bath for the toddler to get comfortable within the bigger tub. It can provide space for toys and the kid to comfortably settle in for a bath.

Did you know that the laundry bucket can become a sports accessory? Use it as a goal for field hockey when your kids are playing outside. It can also be used as a basketball hoop. Fill it up with balls or balloons and make an attractive place for your kids to dunk.

Make your own ball pit at home. A laundry basket is spacious enough to fill it up with balls and make it a fun dive for your toddler.

​3) Gardening Ideas with your Plastic Laundry Basket

The baskets are well ventilated and so they can be used as perfect containers for plants. Here are some ways to use them apart from just storing your gardening tools:

The plastic baskets can be used for container gardening. If you have some old laundry baskets lying around, instead of disposing them, consider using them as a part of your gardening. It can give protection and yield beautiful plants and produce like potatoes, tomatoes, herbs, etc. With it, you can make great use of a limited garden space.

Try getting creative and use the basket as a DIY planter. You can look up creative ideas and even simple items like burlap and a rope tie can transform your laundry basket into an expensive-looking planter. You can also consider gifting such a planter to a friend or your mom.

Use the basket as a colander to strain your fresh produce. As they have large holes for aeration, these baskets can be easily used as a strainer.

​4) Find Quirky Ways to Creatively Use the Plastic Laundry Storage

Use some creative hacks to make the laundry bucket transform into a fun object. Transform it into a sailor boat or a pull cart for your kids. It will involve a wee little effort but it will be fun and involve the kids as well in making it. You can turn the bucket into a stand. Use a nice fabric to cover up the body and if you’re good at stitching give it some nice needlework and embroidery.

Before using a laundry bucket for any other purpose remember to wash it to get rid of the lingering smell of dirty clothes. If you’re looking for a new laundry basket, you can find a variety to choose from at Homesmiths.

Source : https://www.homesmiths.ae/blog/post/some-incredible-ways-of-using-a-plastic-laundry-basket

[regardingseas]

Ttile: Echoed Vexations (Part One, part two linked)

Fandom: Hermitcraft

Rating: Teen and up audiences (violence warning)

AO3: here! (Full story at once)

•••

Plot Summary:

It's all too easy to turn a blind eye to the past-- to believe that because someone has been shielded from harm's way, they should no longer fear the wrath of their opponent's creed. They're safe now, after all, so why would they..?

Yes, Scar and Cub are certainly "safe", but they're still haunted by memories of the Vex and their deals all the same.

OR

An average afternoon during the HCB Base Swap is cut short when Mumbo accidentally digs up a remnant from Scar's Vex partnership days, and unfortunately for the town's mayor, the other Hermit is far from aware just how triggering the topic can truly be. Things only dissolve from there, and in the end, Grian lends a helping hand to console a friend.

•••

Additional Content Warnings:

Depictions of trauma disorders, panic attacks, flashbacks, paranoid thoughts/delusions, manipulation, gaslighting, threats, injury, and violence. Mentions of religious themes, unintentional self-harm, and non-permanent character death.

Do be careful, but otherwise, enjoy!

•••

The sun was still high in the sky even as Scar finished decorating the monument's support chains, sweltering rays beaming down and adding to the oppressive humidity of the jungle around him. With his usual jacket set aside to fight the heat, he wiped away the beads of sweat that had gathered on his forehead and grabbed a stray bucket from the sidelines. He'd nearly finished the waterfall aspect of the design-- crystal blue streams cascading over the edges of four white spanners, all joining together in the octagonal pool at the base's foundation. It was looking quite spectacular, if he were to say so himself, with the vine-coiled braces and additional water currents tying the otherwise juxtaposing themes together nicely.

Scar scooped up a fresh pail of water, filling it to the brim and hauling it towards the last pillar. He glanced down at the container as he carried it, catching a glimpse of his reflection from the liquid inside. His face shone red with effort, misplaced strands of hair having clung themselves to his tan skin.

Though unsurprised, he still couldn't help but laugh at the rippling image. "It's just my luck I'd swap with another jungle dwelling Hermit. I swear, I can never escape this climate for long. First the island last year, then all this."

With a shake of his head he returned his gaze upwards, continuing to muse aloud to the landscape before him, "You tropics are wonderful and all, but it sure would've been a nice change of pace to set up camp in somewhere like the mountains. Or pull total 180 and have landed in the tundras!"

Concepts for each design raced through his head, each idea fighting the others for dominance and tacking details onto itself, trying to land its place on the metaphorical pedestal of his imagination. A cottage with medieval influences? No, that would be far too typical, amp both of those components up. An entire village with a steampunk driven aesthetic, built into the mountainscape itself; no doubt with custom terraforming to integrate the buildings into the natural environment. That was more like it.

Scar could envision working windmills and waterwheels accompanying purposefully makeshift farmlands, historic blimps having reclaimed skies where they'd soar high overhead. Below them, eye-catching pops of colour, shining through as floating lanterns that hover above connective rope bridges.

As for the arctic concept? Something more grand would be ideal. In his fantasy, he'd created an absolute oxymoron of the words cabin and mansion jumbled together, and he adored it that way. A bottom floor made of bricked stone, the top made of logs and large windows to oversee the view. Accompanying them in the same manner would be a balcony, propped on columns that hugged the building and curved around its corners. The top deck would be open for clear days, and the space below it safe on harsher ones. Sloped roofs would be adorned with chimneys, and the interior warmed by cozy flames that were kept organized with inviting lofts. The living area could be split leveled, sinking down to create its own margin where guests could comfortably gather by the fireplace and--

There was a tug at his ankle, and next thing he knew, a bemused Scar went crashing to the ground, having been too caught up to notice the trailing plants blocking his footway. His hands shot out to catch himself, palms scraping against the concrete floor in a way similar to the childhood stunt of crashing and burning on the pavement. A stinging snapped up his arms, and the water bucket dropped from his grasp, clattering down with a metallic rumble before spilling its contents across the floor.

Scar pushed himself upright with a hiss of air through his teeth, shaking off his grazed palms and wiping them on his jeans. Pulling his foot free from the greenery and gathering himself up was no problem, what was a problem, however, was the troubling sight now before him.

The water had spilled all over one of Mumbo's redstone contraptions, causing the device to short circuit and emit a sort of maroon-grey smoke. The wires fashioned from the compacted dust had been all but washed away, any remaining pieces hanging on by threads and failing miserably whenever a signal attempted to fire; more so sizzling rather than surging alight with energy.

"Oh, crud!" he shouted, racing towards the machine and yanking on the shut-off switch to divert any further input from the broken setup.

It powered down, but Scar was still left swatting the coloured smoke from his face, coughing as the scent of burnt metallics filled his nostrils. When had he gotten so absorbed in possible building opportunities that he'd managed to miss the foliage in front of him? Why had he even been wondering so deeply about it, anyway? This event was about improving one another's bases by adding their own personal touches, not starting a new project entirely.

Scar sighed, he wasn't sure why his mind had begun drifting so far. He'd like to blame it on the wild imagination of a builder, but he had a feeling there was a little more to it. Sometimes, when the world wasn't too much to handle, it was too easy to let fall away. Maybe he spent too much time daydreaming-- he was sure there was a word for that, when trances became so all encompassing, so engrossing.

"But I don't have time to think about that right now," he reminded himself, "I really need to fix this. It doesn't look like most of this redstone is salvageable, I'll have to get new supplies to repair it. Maybe some of the circuits are okay..?"

Scar nudged a repeater with his shoe, the device making an unnatural sloshing noise in his attempt to change the feed-in. He scrunched up his nose, "Okay, nope, gonna need to replace that, too."

Running a hand through his hair in defeat, he glanced towards Mumbo's storage system before shaking his head. It wouldn't be right to use the other man's supplies without asking, let alone waste them on a mistake made due to Scar's own carelessness. He'd have to make his way back to his original base and gather the materials from there once more. When he dropped by initially, he figured he'd gotten everything he needed, but apparently hadn't accounted for dissociation-induced redstone mishaps.

"I guess we're making a trip back," Scar announced to no one, finally picking up the empty bucket to set it safely aside. He made his way over to his tent, temporarily discarding any excess materials and bidding adieu to Jellie before grabbing his elytra and setting off.

Taking to the skies, Scar squinted against the wind as it roared in his ears. His hair parted itself from where it had stuck, short locks brushed back by the flowing breeze. With arms extended for balance, and maybe a dash of amusement, he lit his rockets and propelled himself into the distance.

-----

It wasn't long before he encroached on his base again, allowing his faux wings to glide him downward where he kicked out his legs to come to a soft landing. Scar stopped before the massive drill site just on the outskirts of the forest, heading towards the agglomeration of crates and boxes he had haphazardly stowed aside. He was certain there had to be the necessary hardware in one of the many containers, though which that may be was lost on him. At least, thanks to Mumbo and his new storage system, the chest monster he'd created would soon be a thing of the past.

"I wonder how that's going for him..." Scar pondered, striding over to a random shulker and beginning his sure-to-be protracted search.

"Scar?" a familiar voice interrupted, making him peer ahead to see the moustached man himself rounding the corner. "Hello there! I see you've made yourself rather at home at my base," Mumbo teased.

He couldn't help but chuckle, "That I have. I just needed to stop by and pick up some redstone and iron. With all the ore this place has quarried up, I was sure there's bound to be more of that here than back at Larry."

Mumbo faked surprise with a hearty grin, "Getting into mechanics, are we? Have the inner workings of the temple really had that much influence on you after only a few days?"

"Now I wouldn't say that," Scar shook his head and closed the lid of the grey shulker, seeing no point in hiding the truth. "I took a tumble holding a bucket of water and it kinda spilled on one of the contraptions. I'm sorry for the trouble-- but don't worry! I came here to fix it right up. I just didn't wanna waste your materials fixing my silly error."

The suited man waved his hand dismissively, "Nonsense, it's no trouble. Have you seen the improvements you've made to that place? I mean, of course you've seen them, you built them, but rhetorically speaking--" Mumbo cleared his throat, "Just don't fret over it, I trust that you'll have it fixed right up in no time."

Scar smiled, "Thanks, dude. Now I just have to find where on Earth I put those ore…"

Mumbo gave another laugh, "You know, you can feel free to use some of my things if need be. I have no idea how you expect to find anything in this mess. I'm only trying to do a basic look through so I know where to begin when it comes to the item sorter, but even that doesn't seem to do much good. I swear, it's like trying to play a very intense game of memory, with thousands of nonsensical cards all scattered about."

Scar snickered sheepishly at the comparison, "Yeah, no kidding. But being able to use some resources without flying all the way over here would be great. Thanks again, Mumbo. I don't know if there's anything you'll need here while working, but hey, consider it free range. We're doing these things for each other in the long run, anyway."

"I'd say, 'unless we don't switch back our deeds', but in all honesty? I'm beginning to miss the ol' living monument already."

The two exchange a chuckle before returning to their previous tasks, both going back to digging through the pile of chests in preparation for their projects.

It took longer than Scar wanted to admit to finally find the crate stocked with valuables-- sighing in relief at the sight and immediately beginning to pile the items into his inventory. There were pre-smelted metals from an iron farm, so he didn't have to bother with the ore, and the redstone he'd gathered was already in dust from, meaning all he'd have to do was craft the items after returning.

"I wonder if it would've been easier to stop by the shopping district and buy these directly, instead of making them by hand..." he said, "Oh well, saves on diamonds, and these had to be used some time, I guess."

"Talking to yourself over there?" Mumbo asked.

"Just thinking aloud is all."

"I see," the moustached man nodded, pushing himself up from where he'd been examining the supplies. "I found something neat from last year! Do you wanna see?"

"Sure!" Scar agreed, setting aside his intent of flying back in favour of seeing what it was Mumbo had to show him.

He smiled and stepped over to Scar, holding out a faded piece of paper for them both to see, "I found it stuck to the bottom of a shulker box! Can you believe we used to be competition so recently?" He joked.

Scar could only stare at the advert before him, a steele blue page embellished with a vault-like ring in the center. It meant nothing to the untrained eye, but to him, all of the company's horrors were sealed underneath. ConCorp read bold text in half-connected lettering, the logo finalizing its signature with a black bow tie adorning the bottom.

"Hardly," managed Scar, having just remembered he'd been asked a question, "But it wasn't that recent."

"It was practically yesterday if we're talking business," Mumbo snickered, "but we aren't. I'm not very good at business."

"Me neither, I prefer mayorship," he said in an attempt to change the subject.

Mumbo, however, didn't seem to notice, only turning to stare at Scar with eyes wide. "Are you kidding me? You were quite literally the richest Hermit of all last year! You're wonderful at business. Sahara was amazing, and I don't for a second doubt it was the most ambitious project of our group to date, but she had plenty of bugs, being the machine powered industry that she was. ConCorp, however? That was an utter monopoly! The thing lasted two bloody seasons!"

Scar chuckled awkwardly, "I know, I know, Cub and I worked very hard. But it wasn't all us, we couldn't have done it alone."

"Give yourself more credit," Mumbo insisted, "I'm more than convinced you could have gotten your business up and running even without the help of your Vex friends. Weren't they less prominent in your company last year, anyway? You did change your guy's name from ConVex to ConCorp, after all. I think that would imply less input on their part."

"Not really," he explained, though the tension building in his body was becoming harder to conceal. He had to keep his arms rigid so that they wouldn't shake, forcing in deep breaths to avoid the shaky ones that threatened to take their place. "We just thought it would be better for business, rebranding to something more gentlemanly and all."

Mumbo nodded, "Ah, that makes sense. Though I still don't understand how you managed to work with them to begin with. I likely wouldn't believe it if I hadn't seen it with my own two eyes. I mean business partners with the Vex? Friends, even? How'd you do it? Not to mention why? With all due respect, what makes one seek that out?"

Scar blinked hard at the influx of questions, "Oh, it's- it's really complicated, you might not understand. Cub started it, though. I joined the team not long after, but I wasn't there when he first struck the deal with Them."

"Huh, some deal," Mumbo remarked thoughtfully, and Scar nodded.

He had no idea.

"So what made you leave that behind?" Mumbo continued.

"What?" he asked, finding his thoughts hazy. They were static nothingness, but somehow also crashing into his skull. He found himself having to dig his way through them, while at the same time trying to bury them once he passed. The last thing Scar wanted was to do was hark back to the Vex, to beckon forth Their memory with his own.

The other man simply chuckled, oblivious to Scar's inner turmoil. "ConCorp, the Vex. Did you two just get bored? Having done the same thing for too long?"

"In a sense, you could definitely say we were tired of it. It just- well, it wasn't what we wanted to do anymore. We wanted to move on to new things."

"That's fair enough. Do you blokes still get along? Or did they take the corporation's end like a sour breakup?"

This time, Scar couldn't contain his wince. "We're still friends!" he insisted, "Of course the Vex are my friends."

Mumbo finally quirked a brow, "Are you sure about that? You don't have to worry about hiding some burnt corporal bridges from me, I'm not here to judge."

"Oh yeah, I'm positive," he nodded eagerly, "I'm just- I'm gonna go work on fixing that contraption I damaged, best to get it fixed before we have to switch back."

"Buddy, are you sure everything's alright? I'm sorry if I upset you or anything."

"Nah, I'm just peachy!" Scar announced with far too much false enthusiasm, internally cringing at his failed masking abilities. Not allowing any more time for his ruse to be cracked, he uttered a quick goodbye before adjusting the straps on his elytra and dashing off, leaping into the air and back towards the ruins.

"Scar, wait!" Mumbo tried, but he was already gone.

------

The returning flight was far from the peaceful journey he'd made to the excitation site. His artificial wings beat frantically, struggling to keep up as he charged forward with excessive firepower. He paid no mind to the safety protocol regarding the rocket's cool-down period, simply heralding through the air as fast as his elytra would carry him. Scar arrived back to the monument in a trip overall much faster than when he'd left, but it seemed to drag on for an eternity. The entire excursion consisted of a battle with his own mind-- a war in which he knew he was bound to lose, but he had to hold down the fort until he was on solid ground.

Scar was lucky not to crash into the debris upon landing, frantically stumbling to the dirt and having to grasp onto a piece of wreckage to maintain his balance. His legs nearly buckled under his weight, form trembling in spite of the deep breaths he gave it his all to draw in.

He grasped hard to the rubble, trying to anchor his brain into focus. He couldn't let his thoughts spiral, he couldn't think about Them. He knew grounding techniques, and he tried to rush his way through them.

Five things you can see.

He could see the golden heart, plants, stone, the golden heart again-- the thing was too anatomically correct, he'd seen horrors too similar to it before. And the sound, it was too damn loud, too hard to ignore. Its unsteady rhythm hammering in his ears alongside his own faltering pulse.

Forget visuals, four different noises?

Scar squeezed his eyes shut in an attempt to listen, focusing hard on the world around him. Still, he could only hear the heart. He could only hear it pounding, its once melodic notes like nails on a chalkboard. He could remember far too many times when he was left alone with nothing but his heartbeat and his pleas.

Tactile. Texture. What can you feel? Three things you can feel.

Internally, he screamed at his dulling senses to return. God, he didn't want to think about Them, it wasn't worth the risk. They'd been inside his head before, and the mere idea of having his thoughts broadcasted again made his stomach churn. Scar tried harder and harder to suppress the images bubbling to the surface, festering like maggots in an old wound. The more he tried to push them down, however, the fiercer they'd rise back up, and he choked down a sob in attempt to list the sensations he could currently identify.

He could feel the stone-- but he already said the stone, didn't he? He could also feel the sun. It was hot against his back. So hot. He was overheating.

The notes should have been a success, but the drops of sweat felt too akin to tricking blood. The sting of his hands felt too much like the friction burn of a rope. It felt too much like he was back with the Vex again, and as he finally sunk to the soil, he could no longer swim against the onslaught of memories crashing over him like a tidal wave.

They could still hear him, They could still hear him, They could still hear him, They could still get him--

------

The day he and Cub first found the courage to try and cut ties with the Vex had been a hellish one, and the two men weren't even successful in their attempt. Hence, of course, it being the first.

Still, it had taken ages for Scar to persuade Cub that it was even worth trying, the other man having believed it was impossible to sneak anything past the Vex on their own. Scar was persistent, however, and eventually convinced his friend they had a shot if they played their cards right, if they made the right proposal without their intentions being discovered.

They'd constructed their plans in secret for weeks; discussing them only inside of untold locations with hushed whispers, or in the form of coded scrawls they'd burn immediately after reading. They couldn't be too careful, that's what they'd tell themselves whenever they worried their precautionary measures may be over the top. Even so, when a so-called conference was put on the schedule --such events were far from any type of cordial meeting, despite having been assigned the title of one-- the men were hardly prepared for it.

Their conference room consisted of a needlessly grandiose suite, with floors of marble and walls carved from deep umber wood. The polished lumber was adorned with expensive paintings in aureate frames; antique laden shelves taking up the spaces they did not. Aesthetically pleasing decorative tactics were discarded in favour of showing off their riches in a possessive cluster, with the only average items being the table and its chairs sat in the dead center of the area. A chandelier of gemstone and gold swung from above, dangling by the same chains fated to one day bind their vassals.

"Concordats, greetings!" A Vex declared as the men were led through the doorway, hovering in the air at the opposing end of the surface.

"Greetings," parroted Cub minimally, Scar giving a plain nod beside him. Fewer words meant less chance at letting their guard down.

"We've been needing to speak with you," a different Vex chimed.

"Speak with you about the business," yet another visitant confirmed.

"We actually need to discuss similar matters with you all," Scar noted, voice and expression a façade of tranquility.

"You do?" the first asked, wide smile replaced with inquiry.

"Yes," managed Cub, "we want to make you an offer, one you can't refuse."

"I do like the sound of that!" the second snickered.

"We'll hear your offer," the Vex grinned, "we only have one question first!"

"Of course, what is it?" asked Scar, in mental awe of how well their exchange was going.

"Do you recognize these?" it asked, gesturing towards the white table where a blue light flashed, fading away to reveal a small pile of ash.

Cub and Scar glanced to one another in evident confusion, the latter of the two speaking once again, "Forgive me, but we're not sure what you're talking about."

"Oh, silly me!" the Vex giggled, another flash of luminesce encompassing the soot and leaving a stack of papers in its place. As if caught in a controlled gust, they blew from the surface and organized themselves midair; levitating in a cloud of magic.

All of their once burnt notes were lined up before them, cyphers needed to crack their messages included.

Still beaming with innocence, it continued, "How about now? Look familiar?"

The blood drained from their faces, and Scar could have sworn his heart was going to burst from his chest with how hard it was drumming. He wanted to wake up, because this had to be a nightmare.

"No, we have no idea what those are," he tried.

LAIR!

Overlapping voices screamed in his head, all sounding in haunting unison. Scar hastily clapped his hands over his ears, but it did nothing to silence the uproar emanating from within.

You try to break our contract then lie to our faces?

Foolish concordats.

Terrible secret keepers, terrible subjects.

Cub seized hold of Scar's arm and made a break for the door with the brunet in tow, reaching the exit and tugging desperately on the handles. They refused to turn under his grasp, and his eyes darted back towards the Vex; floating creatures growing ever closer to their imaginary bubble providing them with the illusion of safety.

More of Them were phasing in through walls, forms non-corporeal and having no need for the sealed entryway.

Apologize.

They all ordered, Scar flinching at the simultaneous projection. He lowered his hands and turned towards Them, watching Their unmoving grins with wide eyes.

Kneel before your gods and divulge your prayers, we may just show you mercy.

"I'm sorry-" Scar whimpered, but Cub was having none of it.

"No!" the man barked, "Screw this! This isn't worth it! None of this is worth it! He's right! The business, the money, the power, it-- it means nothing! Not when you treat us like this!"

They watched him step forward, his furious yells echoing through the expanse of the room, "We're done! And we mean it! You're going to get us go or else!"

An orchestra of shrill cackles filled the air.

Oooh, it's angry.

They're fighting back!

Teach them a lesson.

"You won't dare make another-" Cub's retaliation was cut short with a cry, the bearded man dropping to the ground in a swift crash.

"Cub!" Scar called, but his attempt to step towards his friend was met only with a searing pain through his legs and the subsequent buckling of his knees. He fell to the marble, limbs heavy as if they'd been weighted. It took considerable force to balance on his arms, appendages left shaking as he peered back up towards the Vex.

He regretted it instantly.

•••

(Part two)