#How We Increase Our Height After Periods

[covid-safer-hotties]

Also preserved in our archive

TL;DR: Covid prevention measures worked so well, they controlled and disrupted seasonal flu too. We should be taking more steps to keep everyone safe and healthy from airborne illness. Science shows that it makes a big difference.

Seasonal influenza epidemics impose substantial burdens on health care systems and cause >5 million hospitalizations of adults each year. The current approach to influenza vaccine development requires comprehensive surveillance of circulating strains, which are constantly moving from continent to continent.

The reduction in global human mobility during the COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to evaluate how seasonal influenza is impacted during pandemics.

In a new study, an international team of researchers, including from the University of Oxford, Fudan University, and KU Leuven, combined data on the spread of seasonal influenza, its genetic makeup, and international travel patterns to study how seasonal flu viruses moved and evolved.

The paper "COVID-19 pandemic interventions reshaped the global dispersal of seasonal influenza viruses" was published in the journal Science.

This approach helped to estimate how long the viruses remained in certain regions during periods of high and low volumes of international travel and how their genetic diversity changed before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, seasonal influenza levels dropped worldwide due to COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions on population movement and mixing. However, the subsequent rapid bounce back of influenza once air travel returned to pre-pandemic levels showed that the virus was in most cases maintained during the pandemic with continued viral movements and accumulation of genetic diversity.

Lead author of the study Zhiyuan Chen (University of Oxford and Fudan University) says, "It was remarkable how quickly seasonal flu re-established to a pre-pandemic equilibrium just a few years after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic."

Tropical climates, like those found across South and East Asia, allow for continued flu transmission year-round, thereby creating a broader range of flu strains and increasing overall viral diversity. The increased capacity for virus genomic surveillance during the COVID-19 pandemic has provided more detail on the role of other regions, such as Africa and West Asia, in the global circulation of influenza.

These regions also showed evidence of sustained transmission and during the pandemic had relatively less restrictions on movement, in part due to lower levels of COVID-19 transmission.

Co-author Professor Moritz Kraemer (Department of Biology and Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford) says, "Increased genomic surveillance capacity established during the COVID-19 pandemic means that we are finally getting a deeper insight into the global distribution patterns of seasonal flu and other respiratory viruses.

"These novel and large openly accessible datasets provide an opportunity to learn about the intricate relationships of climate, co-circulating viruses, and human behavior."

Further, with this increased global capacity for surveillance of viruses, it might be possible to better monitor seasonal influenza to reduce the risk of vaccine mismatches, help inform more effective interventions, and reduce the burden of seasonal influenza on our health care systems. This is especially relevant as more regions become suitable for year-round circulation of influenza with changes in climatic conditions.

Co-author Professor Hongjie Yu from Fudan University says, "Further efforts should still focus on the continuing surveillance of seasonal influenza viruses and other respiratory pathogens, particularly resource-limited regions. The established surveillance systems for seasonal respiratory pathogens could also play an extremely vital role when the next pandemic emerges in the future."

More information: Zhiyuan Chen et al, COVID-19 pandemic interventions reshaped the global dispersal of seasonal influenza viruses, Science (2024). DOI: 10.1126/science.adq3003. www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adq3003

[genshin-impact-updates]

"Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze" Version 4.4 Update Details

Dear Travelers,

Below are the details of the Version 4.4 update "Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze" and the update compensation.

〓Compensation Details〓

Maintenance Compensation: Primogems ×300 (60 Primogems per hour the servers are down)

Issue Fix Compensation: Primogems ×300 (please refer to the relevant compensation mail for more details)

〓Scope of Compensation〓

Maintenance Compensation: Travelers who have reached Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2024/01/31 06:00 (UTC+8).

Compensation must be claimed before the end of Version 4.4.

Issue Fix Compensation: Travelers who reach Adventure Rank 5 or above by 2024/01/31 06:00 (UTC+8).

Please log in and claim your compensation before 2024/02/03 06:00 (UTC+8).

Our developers will distribute compensation to Travelers via in-game mail within 5 hours after the update maintenance is finished. The mail will expire after 30 days, so don't forget to claim the attached compensation in time.

〓Update Schedule〓

Update maintenance begins 2024/01/31 06:00 (UTC+8) and is estimated to take 5 hours.

〓How to Update Game Client〓

PC: Close the game, open the Genshin Impact Launcher, and click Update.

iOS: Open the App Store and tap Update.

Android: Open the game and follow the directions on-screen.

PS5™ and PS4™: Highlight Genshin Impact from the Home Screen, press the OPTIONS button and select "Check for Update."

Please do not hesitate to contact Customer Service if you encounter any issues installing the new version. We will do our very best to resolve the issue.

〓Update Details〓

I. New Areas

New Areas in Liyue Now Available

◇ New Areas: In Version 4.4, the following areas in Liyue will become available: Chenyu Vale: Upper Vale, Chenyu Vale: Southern Mountain, and Mt. Laixin.

※ As long as you have completed Archon Quest Prologue: Act III "Song of the Dragon and Freedom," a Teleport Waypoint will be automatically unlocked near Liyue's Chenyu Vale: Upper Vale (If you have already completed this Archon Quest, the Teleport Waypoint will be unlocked after the update). You'll also receive the Primogem reward for this Teleport Waypoint when it unlocks automatically.

New System in Liyue

Rainjade Oblation

Fujin's adeptal energy has transformed into many Spirit Carp that are scattered all over Chenyu Vale. Collect the energy within Spirit Carp and transfer it into the Votive Rainjade within Carp's Rest to increase its level and obtain the blessings of Chenyu Vale.

Rainjade Oblation System Unlock Criteria:

• Complete the World Quest "The Cloud-Padded Path to the Chiwang Repose"

In addition, there will be new Fishing Points and "Radiant Spincrystals" in Liyue.

II. New Characters

5-Star Character "Passerine Herald" Xianyun (Anemo)

◇ Vision: Anemo

◇ Weapon: Catalyst

◇ One of the Mighty and Illuminated Adepti of Jueyun, known as "Cloud Retainer." Expert in all kinds of mechanical contraptions, her heart now turns towards the affairs of the mortal world, through which she walks under the name "Xianyun."

◆ Elemental Skill "White Clouds at Dawn"

◆ Xianyun enters the Cloud Transmogrification state, in which she will not take Fall DMG, and uses Skyladder once. In this state, Xianyun can cast Skyladder continuously to leap, where her Plunging Attack will be converted into an even stronger Driftcloud Wave instead, which deals AoE Anemo DMG. The more times Skyladder is used, the more DMG the resulting Driftcloud Wave will deal and the larger its AoE.

◆ Elemental Burst "Stars Gather at Dusk"

◆ Brings forth a sacred breeze that deals AoE Anemo DMG and heals all nearby characters. It will also summon the "Starwicker" mechanism that follows the active character and periodically heals all nearby party members. When the Starwicker has Adeptal Assistance stacks, characters will have their jump height increased. When they complete a Plunging Attack, Adeptal Assistance stacks will be consumed and deal AoE Anemo DMG.

4-Star Character "Leonine Vanguard" Gaming (Pyro)

◇ Vision: Pyro

◇ Weapon: Claymore

◇ Guard of the Sword and Strongbox Secure Transport Agency, and the head of the "Mighty Mythical Beasts" Wushou troupe.

◆ Elemental Skill "Bestial Ascent"

◆ Gaming pounces forward using the Wushou arts, leaping high into the air after coming into contact with a target or surface. If he immediately uses a Plunging Attack, he will use Plunging Attack: Charmed Cloudstrider instead, dealing AoE Pyro DMG to opponents hit.

◆ Elemental Burst "Suanni's Gilded Dance"

◆ Gaming enters Wushou Stance, briefly applying Pyro to him, recovering a fixed amount of HP, and summons his companion, the Suanni Man Chai, to smash into his target, dealing AoE Pyro DMG. After doing so, Man Chai will then attempt to roll towards Gaming. When it links up with Gaming, Man Chai will leave the field and reset the CD for Gaming's Elemental Skill, Bestial Ascent. While Wushou Stance is active, his resistance to interruption is increased, and when Gaming lands with Charmed Cloudstrider attack or completes the forward pounce attack from Bestial Ascent with over 50% HP, he will summon Man Chai again.

III. New Equipment

New Weapon (Examples based on Refinement Rank 1)

Crane's Echoing Call (5-Star Catalyst)

After the equipping character hits an opponent with a Plunging Attack, all nearby party members' Plunging Attacks will deal 28% increased DMG for 20s. When nearby party members hit opponents with Plunging Attacks, they will restore 2.5 Energy to the equipping character. Energy can be restored this way every 0.7s. This energy regain effect can be triggered even if the equipping character is not on the field.

◆ During the event wish "Epitome Invocation," the event-exclusive 5-star weapon Crane's Echoing Call (Catalyst) will receive a huge drop-rate boost!

IV. New Outfits

Ganyu: Twilight Blossom

◇ A light and graceful festive outfit accented mainly in black nightshade and cerulean blue. Its hair accessory is as radiant as the Qingxin — a pairing that Ganyu is most fond of.

◆ Between the start of the Version 4.4 update and 2024/03/11 03:59, Ganyu's outfit "Twilight Blossom" will be available for purchase in the Character Outfit Shop at a limited-time discount! During the discount period, the price of the outfit is 1,350 Genesis Crystals. The price will revert to 1,680 Genesis Crystals after the limited-time discount ends. The outfit can only be purchased once.

Shenhe: Frostflower Dew

◇ This Lantern Rite gift that Shenhe received is a set of elegant formal attire that her master, Cloud Retainer, had commissioned for her. Red ropes still adorn her arms, but the bitter cold in Shenhe's heart has faded.

◆ Between the start of the Version 4.4 update and 2024/03/11 03:59, Shenhe's outfit "Frostflower Dew" will be available for purchase in the Character Outfit Shop at a limited-time discount! During the discount period, the price of the outfit is 1,350 Genesis Crystals. The price will revert to 1,680 Genesis Crystals after the limited-time discount ends. The outfit can only be purchased once.

Xingqiu: Bamboo Rain

◇ Formal wear prepared by the Feiyun Commerce Guild for Xingqiu. The bamboo prints are refined and the cut is most flattering, but Xingqiu's favorite aspect of the outfit is its inner pockets, into which a thinner novel might be stuffed.

◆ During Version 4.4, Travelers can obtain Xingqiu's outfit "Bamboo Rain" for free by participating in the limited-time "Vibrant Harriers Aloft in Spring Breeze" event.

◆ After Version 4.4 is over, Travelers can buy the outfit in the Character Outfit Shop.

V. New Main Story

1. New Story Quest

Xianyun's Story Quest - Grus Serena Chapter: Act I "A Thousand Moonlit Miles"

Permanently available after the Version 4.4 update

◆ Quest Unlock Criteria:

• Reach Adventure Rank 40 or above

• Complete Archon Quest Interlude Chapter: Act I "The Crane Returns on the Wind"

2. New World Quests

◆ New World Quests: "Chenyu's Blessings of Sunken Jade" Quest Chain, "The Cloud-Padded Path to the Chiwang Repose," "Threefold Expectations," "A Wangshan Walk to Remember," "Scrolls and Sword Manuals of Guhua," "Shrouded Vale, Hidden Hero," "The Roaming Abode," "The Dealing Sands," "Our Chenyu Vale Trek," "Chili Con Cloudy," "Qiaoying, the Village of Many Tales," "Temporary Acclimatization," etc.

VI. New Enemies

Solitary Suanni

◇ These elegant and proud mystical beasts only live in mountains shrouded in adeptal energy.

It can use Hydro and Anemo simultaneously in battle. Render it Frozen while it is gathering Hydro-aligned adeptal energy, before using Shatter, Melt, or other Elemental Reactions to break the ice and cause it to enter an immobile state. When it is gathering Anemo-aligned adeptal energy, use attacks from Elements that can react with Anemo to destroy the Spiritwind Pearls summoned during the process to achieve the same advantage.

Located at Chenyu Vale: Southern Mountain

Xuanwen Beast

◇ Fierce creatures that inhabit the mountains of Chenyu Vale.

Use Elemental Reactions to freeze this creature and use Shatter, Melt, and other Elemental Reactions to break the ice and render it immobile temporarily.

VII. Other Update Details

New Recipes:

○ Chef Mao (NPC): Honey Char Siu

○ Lianfang (NPC): Chenyu Brew, Jadevein Tea Eggs, and Tea-Smoked Squab

○ Licai (NPC): Deep-Fried Doublecrisp and Braised Meatballs

○ World Quest Rewards: Guhua Fish & Lamb Soup and Fine Tea, Full Moon.

○ Event Reward: Eight-Treasure Duck

New Character Specialty Dishes:

○ Xianyun's specialty: "Encompassing Gladness"

○ Gaming's specialty: "Yummy Yum Cha"

Adds new "Chenyu's Splendor" Achievement category, and adds new Achievements to the "Wonders of the World" category.

Adds Set 29 of "Paimon's Paintings" chat emojis.

Adds some prompts for loading screens.

New Namecards:

"Xianyun: White Clouds": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Xianyun

"Gaming: Man Chai": Reward for reaching Friendship Lv. 10 with Gaming

"Achievement: Adeptal Valley": Reward for completing all achievements under "Chenyu's Splendor"

"Chenyu: Rainjade Rite": Reward for reaching Rainjade Oblation Level 10

"Travel Notes: Vibrant Harriers": Reward obtained via the BP system

New Wildlife: Fluff-Fleece Goat, Malachitin Lumibug, Redbill Pelican, Jadestone Turtle, and Velvetfall Duck

New Fish: Jade Heartfeather Bass

New Function: Fast Equip Artifacts

(1) Quick Configuration: A set of Artifacts will be put together for your reference based on data from recently active players. When generating a configuration, it will only consider Artifacts not already equipped by other characters.

(2) Custom Configuration: Custom Configuration data will be based on the settings laid out for each character. When using a Custom Configuration, you can configure based on conditions such as Artifact Main Affix, Set Type, and Minor Affixes and choose whether or not to use Artifacts that haven't already been equipped. The configuration created by Custom Configuration can be adjusted, with alternative Artifacts sorted based on the overall priority levels of their Artifact Set and Affixes. When "Other Options" > "All" is selected in Custom Configuration, when the configuration includes Artifacts already equipped by another character, the Artifacts will be removed and equipped to the target character.

Adds the "Borderless Mode" fullscreen option in "Display Mode" in "Settings / Graphics" interface on PC.

"Genius Invokation TCG" Gameplay Update:

New Character Cards: Thoma, Sayu, and their corresponding Talent cards. Corresponding invitation duels and guest challenges have been added to the Player List.

New Character Cards: Cryo Hypostasis, Millennial Pearl Seahorse, and their corresponding Talent Cards. Their Tavern Challenges have also been added.

New Action Cards: "Sapwood Blade," "Veteran's Visage," "Jeht," "Silver and Melus," "Machine Assembly Line," "Sunyata Flower," and "Matsutake Meat Rolls" can be purchased from Prince at The Cat's Tail.

The Forge Realm's Temper is once again available. The theme of this edition is "The Forge Realm's Temper: Clever Stratagems":

(1) During The Forge Realm's Temper: Clever Stratagems, you can select the parameters for each stage. Parameters that may be set include: stage difficulty, the round limit for the match, and enemy bonus HP.

(2) After you complete a certain stage battle, you will gain a score based on the difficulty selected for each parameter in said stage. At the same time, you can claim the corresponding rewards when your highest score reaches a specific score.

Spiral Abyss

Floor 11 Ley Line Disorder changed to:

• All characters in the party gain a 75% Anemo DMG Bonus.

Updated the monster lineup on Floors 11 – 12 of the Spiral Abyss.

Starting from the first time that the Lunar Phase refreshes after updating to Version 4.4, the three Lunar Phases will be as follows:

Phase I:

Ascendant Moon

When a character receives healing, it will be counted. When the count reaches a total of 16, a shockwave will be unleashed at the character's position, dealing True DMG to nearby opponents and clearing the count. 1 such shockwave can be unleashed every 8s.

Phase II:

Resilient Moon

After the active character's Plunging Attacks hit opponents, the character's Plunging Attack DMG is increased by 20% for 8s. This effect can be triggered once every 0.1s. Max 3 stacks. Each stack's duration is counted independently. This effect will be cleared if the character leaves the field.

Phase III:

Plummeting Moon

After the active character's Plunging Attacks hit opponents, unleash a shockwave at the character's location, dealing True DMG to nearby opponents. 1 such shockwave can be unleashed every 2s.

〓Adjustments & Optimizations〓

● Serenitea Pot

Adds new Furnishing categories, reclassifies certain Furnishings, and adjusts the sorting of certain categories.

Refactors the filter function in the "Inventory > Furnishings" and "Creation / Furnishings" interfaces, now supporting more conditions and allowing direct searches.

When placing Furnishings using the same editing mode, your current position in lists will be remembered. It will not be reset after switching to another Furnishing category.

Adds the display of Friendship Levels in the Companion tab on the editing screen. Characters without Friendship Lv. 10 will be displayed in descending order of Friendship Level.

Optimizes the sorting of Character Hangout Events and their corresponding Hangout Memories in the Furnishing "Lingering Moment."

● Genius Invokation TCG

Standardizes the skill descriptions of certain cards in some challenges.

Adjusts the text description for the Talent Card "Rending Vortex" of the Character Card "Dvalin" (actual effect remains unchanged).

The original description was: "When your Dvalin, who has this card equipped, is on the field, when Total Collapse attached to opposing active character is removed: Apply Total Collapse to the next opposing standby character."

The adjusted description is: "When your Dvalin, who has this card equipped, is on the field, when Total Collapse attached to an opposing character is removed: Apply Total Collapse to the next opposing standby character."

● System

Increases the number of party compositions in the "Party Setup > Configure Team" interface from 10 to 15.

Renames "Fullscreen" in "Display Mode" to "Borderless" in the "Settings / Graphics" interface in the Irminsul Server on PC (actual display effect remains unchanged; after said adjustment, available options in "Display Mode" in the Irminsul Server on PC are "Borderless" and "Windowed").

Adds a red notification dot in the "Adventurer Handbook > Commissions" interface to remind Travelers to go to the Adventurers' Guild and claim Bonus Rewards after obtaining all 4 Daily Commission Rewards every day.

Adjust the "Exit Challenge" interface in the "Test Run" event and add the "Other Trial Stages" option.

Adjust the "Mystic Offering" interface to support the display of the corresponding Artifacts' 2-Piece Set and 4-Piece Set effects.

Adjusts the source descriptions of Character Ascension Materials and adds a shortcut to "Adventurer Handbook > Domains."

Adjusts certain button texts in the "Artifacts Filter" and "Artifact Auto-Lock" interfaces.

● Audio

Adds a voice-over trigger scenario: Related voice-overs will be triggered the first time you obtain a character and view their character portrait, as well as the first time you obtain a character's outfit and view their character outfit portrait.

Optimizes the "Character/Ascension" screen so that characters' idle voice-overs now stop completely after being interrupted by Ascension voice-overs.

Optimizes the Korean voice-overs for certain characters and quests.

● Other

If related achievements of a Commission Quest are not unlocked yet, the probability of that Commission Quest appearing will increase.

The "Dynamic Character Resolution" feature has been added for PlayStation® and some PC devices. This will be activated by default on PlayStation® and no option will be shown. On PCs that support this feature, you will be able to find and enable "Dynamic Character Resolution" in Settings > Graphics (this option will not be shown on PCs that currently do not support it).

The text descriptions of some achievements have been fixed (the corresponding Achievement Trophies on PlayStation® cannot be modified currently).

After the Version 4.4 update, new UID naming rules will be used for newly registered accounts on the Asia server (existing account UIDs will be unaffected).

〓Genius Invokation TCG Balance Adjustment〓

Adjust the effect of the Event Card "In Every House a Stove" to the following: Draw a number of cards equal to the current Round number minus 1. (Up to 4 cards can be drawn in this way).

Adjusts the effect of the Equipment Card "Vourukasha's Glow": Only after triggering its "draw 1 card" effect, its other effect "heal the attached character for 1 HP" can take effect in that same Round.

Adjusts the effect of the status "Lightning Rod" for the Character Card "Thunder Manifestation": The effect "While this status is active, can be triggered once: DMG received by the attached character from Thunder Manifestation or its summons is increased by 1." has been adjusted to "When the attached character takes DMG from Thunder Manifestation or its summons: Remove this state, cause this DMG instance to increase by 1."

Adjusts the Elemental Dice cost of the Talent Card "Grieving Echo" for the Character Card "Thunder Manifestation", and adds effects: The number of dice required has increased from 0 Electro Dice to 3, and adds the effects "Combat Action: When your active character is Thunder Manifestation, equip this card." as well as "After Thunder Manifestation equips this card, immediately use Strifeful Lightning once."

〓Bug Fixes〓

● Enemies

Fixes an issue whereby, when the enemy "Black Serpent Knight" was defeated, the defeat animation would not play properly in certain situations.

Fixes an issue whereby, when the enemy "Armored Crab" was hit by Chevreuse's Elemental Burst, it would remain suspended in mid-air for an unusually long time in certain situations.

Fixes an issue whereby, when different Pneuma- or Ousia-aligned enemies were overloaded at the same time, there was a chance that the enemy "Arithmetic Enhancer Mek" would fail to remove its teammates' Deactivated statuses as it should do.

● Character

Fixes an issue whereby when Lyney approached opponents after turning into a Grin-Malkin Cat with his Elemental Burst, there was a small chance that he would deal an additional instance of DMG to the same opponent.

Fixes an issue with the Traveler (Hydro) whereby, when the Sourcewater Droplets produced by casting their Elemental Skill were absorbed, a special effect would abnormally remain.

Fixes an issue whereby, when Sayu and Furina were in the same party, there was a chance that Sayu's Passive Talent "Yoohoo Art: Silencer's Secret" would abnormally fail to take effect.

● System

Fixes an issue in the "Adventurer Handbook > Commissions" interface whereby despite still lacking an extremely tiny amount of Encounter Points, it would suggest there were already enough to claim the rewards.

Fixes an issue whereby the in-game camera would work abnormally when the character used the drive valve in the Fortress of Meropide: Abandoned Production Zone under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue whereby the special effects of the All-Devouring Narwhal would display abnormally in the Living Beings section of the Archive after the Version 4.3 update.

Fixes an issue with Artifacts with 1-Piece Set effect whereby the 1-Piece Set effect would display abnormally as activated without being equipped.

Removes redundant scene objects under certain lower graphics quality settings.

● Genius Invokation TCG

Fixes an issue with the Character Card "Cryo Cicin Mage" whereby while using her Elemental Burst, if she took DMG from triggering "Sparks 'n' Splash," "Fatui Ambusher," and other Combat Statuses, the Shield Points of her Flowing Cicin Shield generated by the Cryo Cicins would be incorrect.

Fixes an issue with the Character Card "Layla" whereby the Combat Status "Curtain of Slumber Shield" created by her Elemental Skill lacked the "Shield" tag.

Fixes an issue during challenges whereby, when cards imbued with either Pneuma or Ousia energy became Deactivated after casting skills that needed to be prepared, the statuses of these skills would abnormally remain.

Fixes an issue whereby, when the Character Card "Alhaitham" had the Status "Chisel-Light Mirror" attached, the text description for the character's Normal Attack abnormally failed to state that DMG inflicted would be Dendro DMG (this was purely a textual error as the actual effect was working properly).

● Audio

Fixes an issue whereby there would be abnormal background noises when enhancing Artifacts.

Fixes grammar mistakes and errors with the Chinese voice-overs for certain characters and quests.

Fixes an issue whereby Kuki Shinobu and Navia's Korean chat voice-overs did not match their actual idle animations.

● Other

Fixes an issue in Co-Op Mode whereby the host couldn't use the Xenochromatic Ball Octopus's ability to interact with targets under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue in Co-Op Mode whereby Leisurely Otter (Wildlife) could abnormally swim above the water surface under certain circumstances.

Fixes an issue with Hydro Crystalflies in Fontaine's underwater areas whereby there was a chance that they didn't appear or they got startled before the character approached close enough.

Fixes an issue in the Serenitea Pot whereby the "Invite" button of the Gift Set "Full Force Forward in the Forbidden Fortress" was being abnormally obstructed by the furnishing model.

Fixes an issue whereby, when using a controller to interact with the gadget "Crystalfly Trap" or "Parametric Transformer," the screen for converting Genesis Crystals into Primogems would be abnormally opened in certain situations.

Fixes some text errors in certain languages and optimizes text. (Note: Related in-game functions have not changed. Travelers can view the changes in different languages by going to the Paimon Menu > Settings > Language and changing the Game Language.)

Text-related fixes and optimizations in English include

◆ Optimizes inconsistencies between certain voice-overs and the corresponding lines in the Version 4.2 Archon Quest

◆ Optimizes certain translations on the Artifact Auto-Lock screen.

*This is a work of fiction and is not related to any actual people, events, groups, or organizations.

"PlayStation", "PS5", "PS4", "DualSense", "DUALSHOCK" are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

[razorblade180]

First Blood

Knock knock knock

Carmine:*unpacking* Door is unlocked.

Ruby:*peeks in* Yo.

Carmine:Hey. Something up?

Ruby:Nothing really. Just…checking in. Gotta get used to seeing you in the house again.

Carmine:I guess three years has gone by. Room feels a little smaller.

Ruby:You’re bigger. Practically my height. At this rate you’ll be taller than your dad before I know it.

Carmine:Pfft, like that will ever happen.

Ruby:How’s Oz?

Carmine:Probably how you remember him. It’s not like you didn’t check in.

Ruby:….

Carmine:Yeah I’m aware. Even if Oz hadn’t told me, you’re not the type of person to leave their kid fending for themselves.

Ruby:True enough. So, did he tell you our arrangement?

Carmine:No. All I know is there was a limit to missions I could on within a time period. My general behavior if I did anything crazy. Also-

Ruby:Mission number 126.

Carmine:…

Ruby:I’m gonna make this clear, this isn’t me nagging you. It’s a wellness check. Did Oz tell you I punched him in the face after he told me?

Carmine whipped her head to see Ruby casually shrug. The doting mother sat on Carmine’s bed and invited her take a seat beside her.

Ruby:Sooooo, you took a bounty mission. How’d you swing that?

xxxxxxxx

[Oz’s Office]

Carmine:REJECTED!?

Oz:Yes, as in not allowed. Pick another.

Carmine:Last time I checked, you were teaching me to use my skills where I needed. I’ve done your search and destroys, been a valuable bodyguard, and escorted the children to school hundreds of times because I understood those were important. “A huntsman should be flexible.”

Oz:Precisely, but not impatient. Help comes in many forms and despite what you think, I still believe the best form of it involves alternative methods.

Carmine:But you’ve never shied from murder either, Legend of Remnant. Your good deeds have many stories written and red.

Oz:Yes, and they were my stories. Taking down a bandit leader is not only a dangerous task, but one that tends to have only one ending. It’s not to be taken lightly. You’re still young and-

Carmine:Let’s skip my mother’s speech, shall we?

The man watched his disciple put her hands on his desk and stare dagger at him from behind red contacts that hid her true power.

Carmine:I didn’t run all the way here to be denied progress. I could’ve stayed in Vacou for that. A woman and her thugs have been taking lives lightly. Despite several attempts, they escape. Sounds like perfect training for the end goal.

Oz:Carmine-

Carmine:I’m gonna have to kill someone eventually. Last time I checked, Cinder and her thugs don’t like talking over their feelings.

Oz:I made a promise to your mother to train you correctly and fair. This mission isn’t training. It’s a turning point. I’m not gonna make you into something you or your mother won’t be proud of. I-

Carmine:Oscar, I’m not talking to you.

The man’s heart wavered, his eyes widening. Carmine took it a step forward, stepping on to the desk and swinging her legs around it to sit. Her feet rested on his legs and she dared to lean closer, her eyes never losing their shine.

Carmine:You owe a lot to my mother, so do I. However, let’s stop pretending you only took me in as a favor. The truth is you’re excited I’m here, aren’t you?

Oz:….

Carmine:Mom is a fantastic hero. Better than you in every way, and despite how proud that makes you, it’s not what you wanted. It’s not what’s needed. You want evil tracked and put down. That’s why you call us “Huntsman” and not heroes. You’ve always trained others to kill if necessary. Mom got Salem, but it must grind your gears a little that she let Cinder flea like a dog once. I doubt she’ll make that mistake again, but it never hurts to increase the odds of success.

Oz:Your mother doesn’t need incentive to kill Cinder. It’s why the witch hides and moves silently.

Carmine:Fair, you have your huntress for Cinder and Neo for that matter, but her thugs, the people with info moving about, my brother? If he gets ahold of mom before she gets Cinder, we’re both angry and miserable.

Oz:Is that all you have to say? You forget your entire family is remarkable. I doubt they will win.

Carmine:You never answered my question. *leans back* Mom told me how you met by the way. Tell me, what feels more incredible. The day you met a silver eyed warrior ready to change the world, or meeting me, the silver eyed warrior you can make into the exact huntsman you’ve always wanted and more? Mark my words, I’ll be everything you wanted my mom to be, so stop pretending you’re not happy I’m around and let’s get to hunting.

Cold and vexing words given by an angry girl seeking out evil to hunt without mercy, yet despite it all, her eyes never dimmed.

Oz:You understand I will not hide the job from your mother?

Carmine:That’s fine.

Oz:And that you’ll see ugliness that you might regret?

Carmine:If it means I win in the end .

Oz:And what is winning to you?

Carmine:Protecting everything I want.

Oz:….It would appear I should apologize. You resemble your mother and have her talents, but that may be where the similarities end. The rest however…well, let’s just say their eyes were just as terrifying.

xxxxxx

Carmine:He’s logical, despite being sentimental. People were dying and I could help. That simple really. I’m sure Goodwitch gave you my report and post mission evaluation.

Ruby:I’m not that snoopy. She told me but I didn’t read anything. I trust you, honest. How many?

Carmine:Only the leader. She was a huntress; a pretty tough one too. If she had been easy then I would’ve had more options. The other bandits were small fry and gave up pretty quickly when she went down. Can’t say they all made it out. Grimm.

Ruby:That’s practically unavoidable. Don’t put that on your shoulders. As for the leader, how’d it make you fe-

Carmine:Bad. Not a fan at all, but I hated seeing the people she caged more. Mom, I get it, okay? This isn’t kids stuff and I definitely don’t enjoy bounty missions. I just needed to know for certain I’m not gonna choke in dire situations.

Ruby:Is that why you only went on the one?

Carmine:Believe it or not, I actually want you to look at me and not feel disappointed.

Ruby:I never will be. I’m just scared is all.

She wraps her arm around her daughter and hugs her gently, keeping her close to the heart.

Ruby:Carmine, I only ask two things from you. Don’t let this work take you from me, and live a life you’re proud of. It’s harder than it sounds but makes things easier.

Carmine:*closes eyes* I promise. I love you.

[coopigeoncoo]

The Whole Dang Zoo

Pairing: Todoroki Shouto x Female Reader

Mentions: Female Reader, humor, fluff, nicknames, pet names, traditionally female animal nicknames, traditionally insulting animal nicknames, implied sex offscreen.

Summary: It wasn't hard for Todoroki Shouto to start using pet names. What was difficult was figuring out when he should stop.

"A rat, Todoroki?  You called your girlfriend a rat?" Mina screeched in disbelief.

"They're actually very intelligent and clean animals."

Continue reading below, or follow the link to Ao3!

Back during his early days at UA, Shouto had to learn to navigate a great many new things: friendships, rivalries, and the beguiling labyrinth of unspoken social conventions involved with human interaction.   

Shouto liked to think that he learned from his mistakes and adapted quickly.  He no longer heated leftover fish in the communal microwave and only needed an occasional reminder that people found it intimidating and not a sign of intense interest when he maintained eye contact for extended periods of time without blinking.            

But some situations proved more difficult for him to navigate than others because he simply did not have the appropriate context to frame them with.  So when fliers appeared on the bulletin board by the front door of Heights Alliance advertising two different events happening at the same time, he simply chose the one that appealed to him more; a relaxing movie night in over a round of laser tag at a local arcade.  

Shouto hadn’t even considered the possibility that these events had been organized with strict gender boundaries in mind because using any attendance criteria other than interest seemed wildly illogical.  So when he appeared in the doorway of dorm lounge that weekend, clad in his comfiest pajamas and bearing a small caddy of his usual hair products as the flier requested, there was only a brief moment of shocked confusion on the girls part before they cheered loudly and guided him over to a huge nest of blankets on the floor.  

Hagakure shared her lip mask with him, Ashido painted his toenails a stunning Prussian Blue, and Yaoyorozu had generously lent him use of her head so he could follow along with Uraraka's instructions on how to make a reverse fishtail braid.  He'd had an incredibly lovely evening with the girls and had unknowingly chosen his side of the class gender divide.  His unwitting decision was validated hours later when the rest of the Class A boys returned to Heights Alliance sopping wet and sporting a wide variety of injuries, from Bakugou's split lip to Kaminari's incredibly swollen double black eyes.  Shouto watched them shuffle miserably, many sporting pronounced limps and moaning in pain while he snuggled down deeper into a fuzzy sherpa throw and sipped contentedly on a cup of lavender tea.  

Sero broke away from the pack and stumbled into the kitchen, pulling a can of milk tea from the fridge before trudging towards Shouto, his wet socks squelching inside of his house slippers with every step.  He held the can out to Shouto's left side with a pleading grin.

"Can you heat this up for me, man?  It's been a long night."

Shouto took the can and steadily increased the temperature of his palm, gently heating the tea up and returning the can to Sero, who thanked him profusely before collapsing onto the couch with a groan.  Sero popped the top of the can open and took a fortifying sip before rolling up the legs of his sweatpants, revealing large welts running up both of his legs.  

"You look terrible," Shouto stated blandly.  "What even happened tonight?"

"Well, uh- we thought it would be funny to throw Bakugou into a river," Sero laughed nervously, rubbing at the back of his neck. "And in our defense, it was!  What happened after was way less amusing though."

"Oh?  What happened after?"

"Bakugou made us regret throwing him into a river."

"Ah," Shouto said, examining a particularly wicked looking bite mark under Sero's knee. "That would do it."

From then on, Shouto was 'one of the girls' and joined them for their regularly scheduled activities.  Shopping trips, smoothie runs, cookie decorating classes, Survivalist Training, volunteer dog walking, and plenty of movie nights on the days they were too tired to venture out into the city.  

As the years passed and their responsibilities as Heroes increased they still did their best carve out time to meet up once a month when their schedules allowed.  Sometimes only two or three of them would be available, but tonight was one of the rare nights when the stars had shifted into an auspicious arrangement (Shouto was unsure exactly about what celestial positioning that was, but Mina would likely explain it to him if he asked) and Shouto found himself once again reunited with all the Class A girls in Jiro's apartment.  

Toru had been the last to arrive, toting along a large bag stuffed full of DVDs she had picked up at a rental shop near the station.  

"Sorry I'm late!" She called, pulling out the DVDs and laying them down on the coffee table for everyone to peruse as they filtered in from the kitchen with drinks and snacks. "The station was crazy packed and I had to wait forever for an open car to show up!"

"Oh yeah, they shuffled everyone over from the circle line because of damage from a villain attack during rush hour," Ochako mused, tapping the cover of a romantic comedy excitedly with her finger. "This one, I think.  I've wanted to see it for ages and missed it when it was in theaters!"

"That was when we got shipped over to New Zealand for the summer, right?" Tsuyu asked, snagging the DVD with her tongue so she could read the plot synopsis on the back cover. "Hmm.  Looks fine to me.  The run time isn't too long so I wouldn't be late getting home.  What do you think, Shouto?"

Without sparing a glance at the cover, Shouto simply nods his acquiescence.  "What we watch doesn't matter to me.  I'm just here for the company," he said, ladling up mulled wine into a mug from the pot simmering on the stovetop.    

Jiro groaned miserably as she plopped down into an overstuffed armchair. "I tried watching a Rom Com with Denki and he just made farting noises anytime someone's butt was on screen.  Shouto just stands in my kitchen and talks about how the best part of watching a movie is my presence and I just- ugh!" Jiro screeches, solidly punching a throw pillow.  "It's. Not. Fair!  It should be illegal to be so sweet, Shouto!"

Toru paused, a handful of popcorn floating forgotten as she pulled out her phone.  "Jiro is right.  I have to report this crime on Hero Net.  I'm sorry, Shouto.  You're going to be a wanted man now," she tsked sadly, typing on her phone one handed.  

Shouto furrowed his brow.  "I wasn't wanted before?  Then what was that "Most Desirable Man" award all about?"

Jiro decided to stop punching the throw pillow and opted for screaming into it instead.  

Ochako shook her head, laughing.  "Your girlfriend is so lucky, Shouto!"

"You think so?  I worry sometimes," he sighed, rounding the back of the couch and taking his traditional spot on the right side of the couch with his warm side facing in for when one of the girls inevitably sought to warm up their chilled feet against him.  

"Really?" Tsuyu prodded, sitting down next to Shouto.   "What about?"

"Well, she's my first girlfriend.  I just worry that maybe I'm not doing all the things she's expecting me to do?"

"Do you go down on her?" Mina asked as she popped the DVD into the player.  

"Often," Shouto nodded. "And with gusto."

"Good man," Momo said, patting his shoulder firmly as she passed by on her way back to the kitchen to refill her mug.

"Pft, don't worry then!  She's fine," Mina assured him, dropping onto the ground by Ochako's feet.

"Sometimes I wish that I had more experience.   Maybe if I had dated someone else before her then I wouldn't be so worried about accidentally ruining everything," Shouto sighed.

“First relationships are definitely rough,” Ochako agreed. “But it’s not like you’re going in alone, we’re all here to give you advice if you need it!”

“Maybe they are,” Tsuyu mused. “But don’t ask for my advice.  I’m a disaster in relationships.  But I will take you out drinking if you break up though.”

“That’s a horrible offer and I hope I never have to take you up on it.”

Tsuyu shrugged and sipped her wine.  “Eh, it’s there if you need it.”  

“Ignore her!” Jiro shouted, her face flushing increasingly as her mug emptied.  

“Yeah!” Ochako agreed.  “Oh!  Maybe you’ll get some ideas from watching the movie- like vicarious experience!” 

“Do you think that would work?” Shouto asked, critically examining the smiling couple freeze-framed on the DVD menu.  

Ochako shrugged.  “We won’t know if we don’t try.  Momo, hit play!”

By halfway through the movie everyone was well into their cups; laughing too hard at the trite one-liners and swooning every time the main couple made intense, unblinking eye contact with each other.  

“When I do that people complain I’m intimidating them,” Shouto grumbled.  

“It’s different when you're in love,” Momo sighed.

“Shh!” Mina hissed at them. “The best part is coming up!”

Everyone leaned in towards the screen, rapt with attention, as the couple drew close together, their lips a hair's breadth from touching. 

‘Who could have predicted that the accidental fire at your pie factory would lead us here?’ The woman sighed dreamily, staring up into her co-star’s face.

‘It’s funny that it took losing all those desserts for me to discover something even sweeter,’ The man said, running a perfectly manicured hand across her cheek. 

“That isn’t funny at all.  People could have died in that fire,” Shouto chided.

“Shh!” Mina shushed him again. 

‘You think I’m sweet, do you?’ The woman giggled.

‘I do.  Why don’t you come over here and give me some of that sugar, Kitten?’ 

Shouto hadn’t been expecting the high-pitched squeals that the girls let out in cacophonous unison and was quite startled by their vocal response.  

“Are you all okay?”

“Yes,” Toru sobbed.  “It’s just- the pet names.”

“The…pet names?” Shouto asked, befuddled.  

“The names you call people when you’re in love,” Momo explained.  

“When used correctly, pet names can trigger deep emotional and physical responses,” Tsuyu clarified.  

“Like ‘Kitten’?” Shouto questioned, his voice caressing the new term gently.  

Jiro screamed into her misery pillow once again while Mina patted her leg comfortingly.  

“Yeah,” Mina sighed.  “Just like ‘Kitten’.”      

The radio played softly in the background while you ran an impatient finger down your phone screen, desperately scrolling in an attempt to figure out where exactly the unnecessary backstory ended and the recipe actually began.  Distracted on two fronts, you didn’t realize you were no longer alone in your apartment until two arms wound themselves around your waist, pulling you backwards and away from the kitchen counter with a firm tug.  

“Woah!” you say, startled as your back impacts Shouto’s chest.  “Hello, there!  I didn’t realize you’d come in!  I wasn’t expecting you this early.”  

“A few of the girls have to be at work first thing in the morning, so we finished up earlier than we normally do.”

“Oh, that’s a shame.  I know it’s hard for you all to coordinate everyone’s schedules.”

Shouto hummed in agreement, dropping his head down into the juncture of your neck, his lips barely hovering above the surface of your skin.  

“Speaking of schedules, how’s the rest of your night looking?”

You spare a glance towards the counter where a handful of ingredients for dinner are waiting for you to chop and measure.  “Well, I was going to cook dinner, but I haven’t started yet.” 

“So, you have some time?” he whispered huskily, pressing his lips gently onto your shoulder.  

Giggling, you reach a hand back and thread it through the hair at the nape of his neck.  “Maybe I do.  You have a specific activity in mind?”

“Nothing in particular,” he said, hand wandering under your shirt to stroke the soft skin of your belly. “Just wanting to spend some time with my girlfriend.  Is that okay with you, Kitten?”

“Oh, yes,” you gasp, breath catching at the whispered endearment.  “Yes, yes, yes, yes, yes!”  

Grinning madly, Shouto swept you up into his arms and carried you down the hallway towards the bedroom.  

Sunlight was just beginning to creep in through the cracks between your curtains and the wall when you felt Shouto's lips press gently against your forehead once, twice, three times with a devastating softness that tickled your skin.  

"Shou?" You mumbled, using clumsy fists to rub the sleep from your eyes.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you.  Go back to sleep."

"Mmkay," you agree readily, already snuggling back into your pillow.  

"I'll see you later, Duckling," Shouto whispered sweetly, closing the bedroom door behind him with a gentle click.

"...Duckling?  Wha' happened to Kitten?" You muse briefly before the creeping fingers of sleep on the edges of your consciousness drag you back into their grasp.  

That Saturday you're out shopping at a flea market on the weird side of town when you saw it; an obviously unlicensed Endeavor figure with a hilariously misprinted face.  His wobbly oval eyeballs stared off into wildly different directions and his lip color was offset enough that it looked like he was sticking his tongue out in distaste.  You snap a picture of it and immediately text it to Shouto, moving to pocket your phone when it begins to ring loudly.  

"Hello?" You greet, pressing the phone into your shoulder with your ear as you spin the Endeavor figure around in your hand, snorting when you realize that the body was actually recycled from an All Might figure and painted over with Endeavor's costume colors.  

"I don't care how much that figure is.  Buy it."

"Aren't you supposed to be patrolling right now?" You laugh, raising a hand to flag down the vendor before fishing around in your purse for your pocket book.

"I'm with Denki right now and he agrees that this is much more important.  Hold on-," shuffling filters in from Shouto's end as he moves the phone around.  "Denki says to give you his regards and to buy as many of those Endeavor figures as they have."

"Tell Chargebolt I say 'Hello'.  And there's just the one figure, I'm afraid."

"Damn.  Well, that's okay.  It'll make a great gift for Natsuo."

The sudden sound of screeching tires fills your ear and you distantly hear Chargebolt yelling Shouto's name.  

"I have to go now, duty calls.  I'll talk to you later, Mongoose," Shouto says quickly, ending with a wet smooching sound before he hangs up.   

You stare at the screen of your phone dumbly, Shouto's profile image smiling gently at you from his contact page.

"'Mongoose'?" You utter, completely baffled by the nickname as you clutch the dopey Endeavor figure tightly to your chest and wander distractedly to the next market table.

Your coworker sat across from you in the restaurant booth, rolling utensils up into napkins and sealing them with little paper rings while you worked on wiping down a large stack of sticky laminated menus.   

"Okay, 'Duckling' was sweet, but I agree that being called 'Mongoose' is a little odd," she agreed, dropping her completed napkin rolls into the plastic bin beside her.

"Right?  But those aren't even the weirdest ones! Just in the last week I've been a puffin, an armadillo, a fruit bat, and a chinchilla!"

"Chinchillas are cute," your coworker pointed out, rubbing at a water spot on a spoon with a spare napkin.

"Yeah, I didn't mind that one," you agree, spraying cleaner onto a menu.  Your cell phone, stowed safely in the pocket of your apron, buzzed sharply as a new text rolled in.  Bypassing your lock screen, you quickly examine the new message before groaning loudly and flipping the phone around for your coworker to see.  

'Look, it's you!' The message from Shouto proclaimed right above an attached picture of a droopy-faced blobfish.   

"Huh.  I think I'm starting to get a little offended on your behalf."

The part-time worker, a somber and unexcitable teenager, was sweeping close to your table and you beckon her over.  She pulls out her left earbud as she approaches your table, leaning heavily onto the broom at her side.

"What do you make of this," you ask, holding the phone up in front of her face. "I need a second opinion."

She examined the message carefully before leveling you with a serious stare.  

"I think that Todoroki Shouto could call me the meanest, nastiest, names under the sun and I would still write him a thank-you card and take him to meet my Grandma the next day."

You and your coworker pause, considering her words.

"She's right," your coworker nodded, resuming her utensil rolling.

"Oh, yeah." you agreed, responding to the blobfish picture with a shower of emoji hearts. "One-hundred percent.  Thanks for your perspective!"

The part time girl nods before stepping back towards her dust pile, pushing her earbud back into place.

"Anytime."

It had been a couple of months since Shouto had been able to make it to Girls Night, having been caught up repeatedly testifying in a long running criminal trial.  It was a smaller gathering this time, just him, Mina, Ochako, and Momo crammed around a small Cafe table with flights of coffee lined up in front of them.  

Mina sipped from a particularly dark brew, cringing at the bitter notes and quickly pushing it in front of Ochako for her to dispose of.  Ochako smiled gleefully, picking up the relinquished mug and adding it to her collection of beverages.  

"I'm so glad that you were able to join us tonight, Shouto," Momo said, spooning a helping of sugar into one of her cups of light-roast.  "You've been so busy these past few weeks we've barely heard from you at all."

"I know," Shouto sighed.  "Work has been crazy and I've been spending all my free time over at Emu's apartment."

Ochako choked on her coffee, coughing wetly as Mina thumped soundly on her back with a flat hand.

"Ah, 'Emu'?" Momo inquired with wide eyes.  

"My girlfriend," Shouto replied, picking up the next cup of coffee to try.

"You- you're calling her Emu?" Ochako sputtered, still hacking into her arm.  

"It's kinda' cute," Mina said, tapping her cheek thoughtfully.  "Unusual, but cute.  I mean, it's not like he's calling her Whale or Pig, right?"

The girls all laughed while Shouto shifted uneasily in his chair.

"What's wrong with Whale or Pig?" Shouto asked with a tight voice.  

"Well, calling someone a whale implies that you think that they're overweight.  And calling someone pig means that you find them disgusting."

Shouto's eyes widened and he made a pitiful whining sound deep in his throat.

"Oh, Shouto!  Please tell me you didn't-" Momo begged.

"I did," he groaned miserably, dropping his head down into his hands.

"You can't just call your girlfriend random animals!  There's precedent for choosing appropriate pet names!" Mina shouted, aghast at Shouto's unwitting faux pas. 

"Well, how was I supposed to know that?  I thought you just picked whatever animals you thought were cute!" 

"You think whales are cute?" Ochako questioned.

"They have very soulful eyes!" Shouto shouted defensively, pulling out his phone and navigating to the past month's texts, pushing the device into Momo's hands.  

"Read through here and tell me how badly I've messed up," Shouto begged.

"I'm sure it isn't that bad," Momo said comfortingly, scrolling down through the chat log and sharply wincing.

"What?  What is it?" Mina called out.

"Ah- he called her a Cow.  And a Rat."

"A rat, Todoroki?  You called your girlfriend a rat?" Mina screeched in disbelief.

"They're actually very intelligent and clean animals!" 

"Oh, God," Ochako moaned into her hands, mortified on your behalf.  

Shouto whined pitifully and dropped his head onto the table with a loud thunk, barely missing a steaming mug of Arabica blend while the girls patted his arms and cooed comforting assurances as he wallowed.  

Pulled from the bathroom by thundering knocks on your apartment door, you peer cautiously through the peephole before undoing the security chain and multiple deadbolts that had been securing your apartment for the night.

"Shouto?  What are you doing here?" You ask with concern as you gesture for him to come inside.  He was in a state of absolute disarray; his hair messed uncontrollably and panting for breath.

"Here," he wheezed breathlessly, pushing a half-wilted bouquet of hydrangeas and daisies into your arms.  "I'm sorry they aren't better.  The only place open this late was the convenience store by the laundromat and these were the only flowers they had."

Cradling the sickly bouquet delicately in your arms, you raise a hand to Shouto's face, cradling his cheek gently.

"They're lovely, Shouto.  Thank you for thinking of me.  But you didn't come by my apartment this late just to give me flowers, did you?"

Shouto clutched your hand to his cheek as he shook his head.  "No, I didn't."  He took in a deep, shuddering breath as he gazed at you desperately.  "It has recently been brought to my attention that I have made a grave error in regards to how I address you."

"How you address- Oh!  Is this about all the nicknames you've been giving me?"

He closes his eyes, wincing deeply as he nods.  "I didn't realize that some animal names held derogatory connotations.  I ran over here as soon as I realized how unintentionally cruel I've been.  I couldn't stand the thought of you going a single minute longer thinking that I didn't cherish and appreciate everything about you."

"Oh, Shouto," you laugh.  "Thank you for the apology, but I figured all that out pretty early on."

"You did?"

Humming in agreement, you press yourself into Shouto's embrace, resting your head against his sharply jutting clavicle.  "You don't have a malicious bone in your body, Todoroki Shouto.  It was pretty obvious that you were being sweet.  Strange, but definitely sweet."

He sagged against you, awash with relief.  

"Thank goodness," he sighed, pressing kisses to the crown of your head as he looped his arms around you.  "I was so worried you were going to leave me."

"Please, it will take more than a few mildly insulting animal names to get rid of me."

He snorted into your hair.  "I'm sorry I called you a Cow.  And a Pig.  And a Rat.  And a Whale."

"Hey now, whales have very soulful eyes."

"Thank you!" Todoroki exclaimed. "That's what I was trying to tell the girls!"

Giggling, you wrap your arms around his neck and draw him backwards towards the couch.

"Speaking of the girls," he said, reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a folded sheet of paper.  "They helped me come up with this list of triple vetted, pre-approved, pet names that I can use." 

You take the list from his hand, opening it up and scanning the contents before balling it up and tossing it over your shoulder.  

"Hey," Shouto protested. "We worked hard on that list!"

"And I appreciate that effort, I truly do.  But I don't want my nickname to come from Uraraka or Ashido.  I want my name to come from you."

"Yeah?" Shouto beamed, letting you pull him down onto the couch so you were both lying together, him hovering above you while you discarded the bouquet with a gentle toss onto the coffee table.  

"Uh-huh.  Think about it; there are probably thousands of Kittens and Bunnies in Musutafu.  But I'm willing to wager that I'm the only Blobfish."

"You're definitely my only Blobfish," Shouto laughed, pushing your cheeks together so your face was squished and puffy just like your animal namesake.

"Schtooop!" You sputter out from your smushed up fish lips, laughing.  

"Not until I've kissed these irresistible Blobfish lips," Shouto said, sucking in his cheeks and making a fish face of his own as he lowered his mouth towards yours, your distorted lips slotting together bizarrely.   He pulls back with an exaggeratedly wet smack, finally releasing your face back into your control.  

"Oh, that was awful," you lament, swiping at the saliva smeared across your face from your sloppy fish kiss with the hem of your shirt.

"Yeah," Shouto agreed, wiping at his own face with his shirt cuff.  "That was really bad.  Let's never do that again."

"Agreed."

He pulled you close, running a tender finger down the slope of your nose, tapping the tip playfully.  "You're still my beautiful Blobfish though."

"Whatever you say, my wonderful Walrus."

[sailtomarina]

One Favour for Another

“To what do I owe the pleasure of your summons?”

Draco sat across from her in the private meeting room she had reserved at the Leaky, one leg crossed over the other and his hands folded neatly as he waited. If Hermione hadn’t known any better, it would look as if he were the one to request her presence instead of the other way around. She admired the way his shoulders filled his tailored suit and how his sharp jaw clenched, revealing his inner tension.

“I’d like to offer you an opportunity.” She tried not to smirk at the way his brows jumped at her statement. Her core throbbed in anticipation.

“What makes you think I’d be interested?”

Oh, but she knew him. She saw the way the Adam's apple bobbed in his throat, the whitening of knuckles as they clenched at his knee. He might be all carefully polished lines, but the past few years as his superior had been time well spent. Hermione knew his tells. She knew he wanted her just as much as she wanted him.

“There’s an opening in the department for a position that equals my own. We would work alongside each other, but head our own teams. I think you would be perfect for the role.”

His eyes widened at the news. She knew there was no way he would have heard about the shuffle in management; she had been the only one informed thus far and given a short period of time to make her recommendations for the role that would work so closely with her own.

“Who?”

“Harry.”

Now she knew had him. Harry had been Head Auror for years and was in what one might consider the height of his glory. Hermione’s position as Head Investigator meant she trained many of the investigation technicians below her, as well as the aurors who planned strategies and were first on crime sites. Together, they’d forged an enforcement team with the highest-rated public approval rate, as well as increased the ratio of closed to open cases.

“You asking me here out of office and other eyes means you have something…less than professional…to suggest, Granger.”

And now they were at the crux of their meeting. Hermione had been waiting for this moment ever since she first learned of Harry’s early retirement. 

“I’m here to beg a favour in exchange for your name being the only one I offer to Gawain.”

“What makes you think I need your help? Robards already has a pretty high opinion of me.” He dared Hermione to respond, leaning forward for the first time in his chair as if taunting her.

“If you’re willing to give me what I want, then I won’t use my influence to keep you where you are. Gawain might like you, but he adores me.”

The assurance in her voice underlined a fact they both already knew to be true. Long gone were the days of Hermione’s regrettable fashion that hid her curves. She dressed to kill, knowing exactly the effect her tight skirts and dagger-sharp heels had on her surroundings. Multiple of their coworkers walked straight into walls after she passed by, and it wasn’t just the men. Somewhere over these past several years, Hermione had also become an expert at befriending other women, including a previously hateful Pansy Parkinson. That was just her physical effect. There was no arguing her intellect and the respect she had quickly earned both within the Ministry and among the general public. Hermione stood with the world firmly under her stable heel.

Malfoy took a deep breath and held her tawny gaze as he spoke. “What do you want?”

Hermione stood and rounded the table, noting with interest the way he straightened. He didn’t turn his head as she walked behind him, didn’t flinch as she bent to whisper into his ear. He merely sucked in a sharp breath at her next words.

“You.”

From outside the room came the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses. They could hear everything from inside the room, but charms ensured that any sound from within wouldn’t make it out.

“Me.”

He still didn’t move, opting to wait for her to make the first move. So, she did.

Stepping around to the other side of where he sat, she waved her wrist and sent his chair scooting back just far enough for her to rotate in front of him. She leaned up against the edge of the table, crossing her ankles and tilting her head in an inviting smile.

“I’ve been single for a long time now, and even though I haven’t been lonely, I admit to a certain degree of…curiosity.” The smile on her face widened as he licked his lips in an uncharacteristically open tell.

“I make you curious?”

“Mhm.” She hummed in a cavalier manner that completely belied her entire proposal. Hermione knew what she was doing was tantamount to blackmail. She was banking on Malfoy giving in to the tension that hung over them almost every time they shared a room. The man was so tightly wound that she felt this the fastest way to force his hand.

“What does wanting me and curiosity entail?” His eyes had darkened to a stormy grey to match the lowering of his voice. 

Hermione bent low at the waist to whisper in his ear once more, knowing full well the low cut of her blouse showed off the midnight green lace she’d chosen just for him. She felt every one of his exhales at her collar bone and imagined his lips pressing into the hollow of her throat.

“I want to know if you fuck as amazing as you look.”

The moment the words left her lips, she let loose a surprised yelp as his hands landed firmly on her hips and yanked her forward into his lap.

“I promise you, I am more than just appearances.” He ground her down atop him with a prominence that suggested she’d be sore for days.

“Is that a yes?” She squeezed his shoulders where she gripped them, hoping with all her being that her play for what she hoped would be the best lay of her life was about to pay off.

Because, truth be told, she was tired of the dating scene, the delicate way others pandered to her and treated her like fine china. She wasn’t some easily breakable maiden, and she sure as hell didn’t want to live the rest of her life chasing orgasms by her own hand. She wanted a man who knew his way around a witch’s body, one who wouldn’t be afraid of fulfilling every one of her fantasies. Hermione craved a mind as inquisitive as her own, one that thirsted for praise and was willing to go to extreme lengths to obtain it.

She’d heard the whispers about Malfoy’s prowess. He seemed just as free flowing as her, neither of them holding to any particular witch or wizard in recent memory. She was positive she could show him a thing or two that he would have never dreamed of and make him insatiable for her. She’d get her fill of him until she couldn’t take anymore, and then she’d cut them both loose. Before the neediness. Before the request for commitment.

“Yes, Granger, I am more than willing to fuck.” He spat the words at her like they were filthy to him, but his hands holding her against him proved them to be true.

Grounding herself one more time into his lap before jumping back up to her feet, she winked and jerked her head towards the door.

“Well then, let’s get started.”

WC 1278

DHRMonth Prompt: Week 2 - Bonds, September 9 - Favours/Debts

Cross-posted on AO3

I tried to make Hermione more sexually confident than I usually write her, since I tend to read more works where Draco is the more experienced one and she's just sort of along for the ride. There are exceptions of course, but I kind of like the idea of a grey Hermione out there to take what she wants, and she may or may not catch feelings along the way.

[subwaytostardew]

I heard a loooot about the famed "saloon cutscene" where you meet all your lovers that didn't want to share you... woooould Ingo & Emmet be a part of that if the conditions are met??

We didn't insert them into the event themselves for better compatibility with other mods that change it, also they just wouldn't be there. We did, however, write the breakup dialogue for it! It was like... the third ever dialogue lines we tackled outside of gift tastes (right behind flower dance rejection and introduction... what a choice).

We wanted to avoid any mentions or acknowledgement of two-timing because realistically, they would get upset and cut you off forever. I can't make them break up and lock their friendship increases away outside of that event... If I could, Emmet would have done that over every slightest thing because I love being dramatic with his friendship decreases. The twins don't like sharing. Not even with each other. This is the only time they mention the farmer dating both of them... Not quite "canon", but it's there.

As for how it fits in-game: It's a small town and they'd eventually pick up on the local scandal. The hard part was coming up with how they'd give you a second chance after that ^^; Anyways, here are the lines! (Under the read-more!)

▷ Station Steward Thylak

💔 Group 10-Heart Breakup Dialogue 💔

"dumped" - Right after seeing the group 10-heart event. Cold shoulder time! What's wrong with you?

"secondChance" - End of the cold shoulder period. Back on track as a two-car train. You're so lucky they're obsessed with you.

@ - Farmer's name

◇──◆──◇──◆

▲ Ingo ▲

"dumped":

"@… When were you going to inform me of your sudden change of tracks? Were you going to tell me at all? I had to find out from the other townsfolk. However, at first I doubted their words- thinking that it was silly of them to accuse you of such a thing- but to hear it again- from Emmet… You could have informed me of any concerns you had but instead you decided to switch the tracks and completely derail the two car train we had. Behind my back no less- behind my own brother's back!

I-I don’t even know what to say… Is there anything I can say? I suppose that it was rather foolish of me to believe in the ideal where I could be your one and only, on the tracks that we have aligned for ourselves….

@… If any of the moments we shared mean anything to you, then let me request this last thing from you- and I do hope you take it into consideration. If you are to align and couple with someone else, then please, do not repeat the same tracks. Do not lead them to a station where they will feel hurt, angry and confused like you made me. I only want what's best for you. Now please… Leave me alone… Leave Emmet alone. I-I do not feel like I can talk anymore today… [Ingo does not make eye contact with you. He seems to be overwhelmed about your presence as he does not utter another word.]"

"secondChance":

"@… I do not understand why you decided to switch tracks so suddenly like you did. And to be honest at this moment- I still do not fully understand. I can only hope that you have reflected on what happened… that you can learn better from it, as you are wanting to realign your tracks with me.

I-I am ashamed to admit that- despite my brother’s opinion on what had happened- and how overwhelmed you had made me feel- I have missed you terribly. I have missed and longed for the conversations and time we would share between our busy schedules. I hope that we have both learned something from this experience @. If you are sincere about your apology, then… I will align with you on these tracks once more, as your lover.

But if you were to cross that particular railway again- then- I'm afraid that there will be no room for forgiveness.$11#$b#Do keep that in mind as we aim for greater heights on this journey ahead.$9"

◇──◆──◇──◆

▽ Emmet ▽

"dumped":

"… @. I heard about what you did. About you loving everyone else. Is… Is it true?

….. Ah. I thought you were different. Like me. I thought I could trust you.

I am Emmet… I need some time alone.

…… Go away."

"secondChance":

"…… @. You made me verrrrrrrry sad. And mad. And upset. And jealous. And frustrated. And too many other things.

But… not having you makes me feel even worse. I missed you.

Even if you hurt me. I still love you. I can't stop. It hurts. I want to trust you again. I will trust you again. Do not hurt me again.

I am yours. Be mine. Please. Okay?"

[elendiliel]

A Very Civil War

This idea has been buzzing around my head for a while, but seeing this post catapulted it up the priority list. (Yes, I know that's a mixed metaphor, but I don't know how to unmix it.)

---

Ratchet knew something was different about his Energon ration the moment he picked it up, and it took him less than another moment to figure out what it was. While the colour and consistency of his fuel were unchanged, its weight had slightly but significantly increased, and the liquid level had perceptibly risen, since he dispensed it. Someone had topped it up while his back was turned, and it wasn’t hard to guess who that person was. Only two other people had access to the Energon storage logs and would therefore know about his ration situation, and Optimus would never do anything so underhanded – not to one of his own team, anyway. That just left…

Sure enough, when he looked down at the occupant of the seat beside him, he met the steady, unwavering, utterly unrepentant gaze of his new second. Despite the discomfort he knew prolonged eye contact caused her, Glitch maintained it even while taking a sip of her own fuel, daring him to say something. (Instead of depleting the team’s limited Energon supply, the visitor from another universe was making do with Earth fossil fuels, which she could apparently process just fine in moderation. Ratchet had asked her once how she could drink the stuff; she had made a face and replied, “Reluctantly, and carefully. In excess, motor oil is an intoxicant for us, and there isn’t exactly much of me.” There certainly wasn’t; she was barely twice the height of an average human and slender with it, which had necessitated several modifications to their base’s furniture and the construction of a new medical berth that she could reach without standing on anything.)

He couldn’t resist that stare for long; could anybody? But he didn’t have to put up with her tampering with his fuel. “I don’t need this much.”

“Yes, you do. I know you don’t go out in the field much, which I still don’t understand but that’s an argument for another day, but you use your processor, your tools and your hands all the time, not to mention wrangling some pretty sizeable patients. All of that needs Energon. Which is why I’ve logged increased fuel intake as an official prescription for you.” Of course she had.

“I can overrule that,” he pointed out. He was the senior medic.

“Try it and I’ll set Prime and Raf on you. Maybe Magnus as well.” That was a battle Ratchet knew he’d lose. He could, after much practice, cope with Optimus’ gentle persuasion and occasional guilt-trips on their own and for good reasons, but when combined with Rafael’s pure, open compassion and concern and Ultra Magnus weaponising every relevant rule and procedure in the book, they would be irresistible. Better try another angle of attack. “All right, maybe a slight increment would be acceptable, but I certainly don’t need a full ration.”

“That isn’t a full ration,” Glitch countered. “You’ve been starving yourself for decades, so your system wouldn’t cope with that sudden increase. I planned to add a bit more each time, as much as was safe, hoping you wouldn’t notice. One gamble that didn’t come off, clearly.” She smiled up at him, and he knew he’d lost the battle. “We need you running at a hundred percent. For your own sake, not just because you’re our senior doc-‘bot.”

Well, he wasn’t going to surrender without a fight, and she’d given him an opening. “I am the senior medic of this team, which means I know we don’t have enough Energon for everyone. Not for any long period of time, and certainly not at our usual rate of injuries.”

“Then one of us has got our sums wrong,” she fired back. “Or we’re using different data. Factoring in my presence,” there wasn’t a hint of arrogance in that phrase; it was simply a statement of fact, “and assuming the current trends in Energon acquisition continue, there’s more than enough of a margin to let you stop short-changing yourself. I don’t run on your Energon, but I can protect our teammates in the field,” as she had both a shield mod and medical tools that could be re-deployed as secondary shields, “and patch up the injuries I can’t prevent right then and there. All things being equal, that cuts down fuel consumption past the point where you definitely don’t have to starve yourself. Skies above, I see why you and Prime are Amicae. You’re as bad as he is sometimes.” She didn’t mean to be insulting, Ratchet knew, and his oldest friend did have a tendency to put himself – and only himself – in harm’s way too often for comfort.

But if that wasn’t the racer calling the turbofox fast… “I suppose that is a hazard of our profession.” He looked meaningfully at the scar on Glitch’s upper chestplate, which he knew to be a memento of a Decepticon ambush in which she had protected her partner almost at the cost of her own spark.

“True,” she conceded. “How d’you think I know how to spot someone on starvation rations? Or how to do this?” She indicated Ratchet’s still-untouched Energon. “Holdover from boot camp. Our drill sergeant sometimes docked someone’s rations when he wanted to get creative with punishments.” Ratchet winced slightly. Such behaviour would not be acceptable under Optimus’ authority. “I thought I didn’t need as much as the others, so I’d just top theirs up with mine when they weren’t looking. Even when that wasn’t the case, the standard ration was plenty for a two-wheeler but not quite enough for a construction model like Bulk, so I’d give him a little extra when I could.” The corners of her speech synthesiser twitched up in a brief smile. “Heh, no wonder he was the only one who clocked what I was doing. Anyways, I didn’t realise how much of an effect that was having until after our three worst troublemakers had left. Suddenly I wasn’t nearly so snappish and started doing better on every type of exercise. Not much better, I’ll admit, probably because I was still staying up late reading.” She gave Ratchet an uncomfortably thoughtful look as she took another sip of oil. “Speaking of, once you’ve finished that, I strongly recommend you get some proper rest as well. Or there might be more than extra Energon in your next ration.”

Ratchet primed his voicebox and synth to say, “You wouldn’t,” but he knew she would. She was just as stubborn as him or Optimus, a very direct problem-solver, and quite possibly missing one or two blocks of ethical code. And he also knew Optimus was worried enough about him to back her up – as Magnus also would. Besides, it would be pleasant to power down properly for a while, trusting her to hold the fort, and to take the edge off the symptoms of Energon deprivation he had been resolutely ignoring for so long. It wasn’t as though he couldn’t go back to a reduced intake when her back was turned. Conceding defeat and ending their very civil war (for the time being), he finally picked up the doctored fuel and began to drink. As a broad grin spread across her face, he found he didn’t mind losing that battle. (Much.)

[lothiriel84]

The Serenity of Her Countenance

Mr and Mrs Bingley visit Pemberley. The Darcys do their utmost to restore the happiness of a most beloved sister.

A Pride and Prejudice ficlet. Aroace spectrum!Darcy, alloromantic asexual!Jane.

Jane knew well enough they couldn’t defer their visit without causing her sister to worry; still, she held very little hope of said sister failing to notice the unprecedented awkwardness between husband and wife, regardless of their combined efforts to act as if nothing of importance had happened.

Therefore, she was not at all surprised when Elizabeth promptly stole her away with the excuse of showing her the newly refurbished nursery, and all but demanded to be told the exact nature of their disagreement.

“Oh, Lizzy,” she cried out, her hands instinctively cradling her belly full of child. “I have been such a fool, and I don’t have the slightest idea how to go about fixing my mistake.”

“Whatever it is, I am sure it cannot be all that bad,” her sister gently encouraged her, guiding her to sit on the nearest chair. “And I can scarcely credit you, of all people, for sharing all the blame in this matter.”

“You don’t know what I did!” she shook her head vehemently, feeling her agitation increasing by the moment. “Charles has been nothing but the kindest, most devoted of husbands, and it was unpardonable of me to give him reason to regret his choice of bride.”

Her sister frowned a little, searching her gaze for a long moment. “Jane, last time we visited you, even Fitzwilliam could not help but remark upon how much in love with one another you both looked. What could possibly have happened to change that in such a short period of time?”

Jane hid her face in her hands, and it took her a considerable effort to continue speaking. “I never meant to hurt Charles’ feelings, I swear it. Only, I didn’t consider how my words would affect him, and now he thinks me indifferent, when there is no one in this world I love more than him.”

She only realised she had started crying when she felt her sister’s arms around her, and she went willingly, burying her face into her shoulder. “Oh, Lizzy, if only I could make him understand!”

“Jane, dearest, I feel sure it is all a misunderstanding,” Elizabeth attempted to console her, her hand patting ineffectually at her back. “Though I wish you would tell me exactly what happened to cause such misery to you and your husband alike.”

Accepting her sister’s handkerchief, she went about drying her cheeks, and did her utmost to compose herself. “I’m sorry, I ought to have started from the beginning. You see, Charles was away on business for a fortnight last month, and upon his return – well, you know how it is – and I don’t know what possessed him to ask, afterwards, but I didn’t think too much of it, and I told him the truth – that is, I wouldn’t mind being prevented from sharing a bed with him, so long as I still had his company and his love, and – oh, Lizzy, I had never seen him so devastated in all the months of our acquaintance! He could scarcely bring himself to do so much as touch my hand after that, and there seems to be nothing I can say or do to put his mind to rest. You have no idea how much I wish those words unsaid, and I have been regretting my thoughtlessness ever since.”

Her sister pressed her hands to hers, and appeared to be struggling with her thoughts for a considerable amount of time. “Jane, is he – that is to say, did Charles ever – do something to you that you weren’t comfortable with?”

“No! How could you even entertain such a thought, Lizzie? He’s the gentlest of men, and always so considerate to my every wish.”

“But you do not enjoy his bed?”

Jane opened her mouth to reply, considered, then shook her head somewhat helplessly. “I do not not enjoy it, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“It is not, as I feel sure you know well enough.”

A rather uncomfortable thought started dawning on her, and while under any other circumstance she would have considered it the height of impropriety to even dare to think about asking, she could not see how to go about mending the rift between herself and her dearest husband without seeking some clarity on the entire issue in the first place. “Lizzy, I know it is not at all seemly, but – oh, I hardly know how to put it – I was led to believe that it was only natural for a lady to be reluctant when it came to fulfilling her marital duties, and that it was the husband’s lot to derive all the pleasure there was to be found in the marriage bed.”

“Oh, my dear Jane, let me assure you, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. I don’t wish to be indelicate, but – well, Charles might be inexperienced in such matters, but with the proper encouragement, I’m sure he will be more than willing to learn how best to please you.”

Jane felt herself blushing quite spectacularly, and the heat in the room felt almost intolerable all of a sudden. “I didn’t mean to say – oh, believe me, Lizzy, I do not wish for that at all. I am perfectly happy for him to seek my bed as often as he pleases, but if he were to stop altogether, I cannot see myself regretting his decision. I had no idea that other ladies could be – eager, I suppose, for their husband’s attentions; otherwise, I would have been more mindful of Charles’ expectations on the matter. My – indifference in regard to our marital duties has nothing to do with the love I feel for him, and I wish I knew how to let him see as much.”

Wrung out from the necessity to lay out her innermost feelings in such a way, she welcomed the comfort of her beloved sister’s embrace, and let herself be reassured that all manner of things would be well, eventually. Charles did love her, after all.

.

.

Fitzwilliam Darcy paused just outside the door to the library, and took a fortifying breath to steady his nerves. If he found himself unable to deny his wife anything as a rule, that was doubly true now that she was with child; still, he could not help but wish that his services weren’t needed on such a delicate matter, and one regarding both his closest friend and his wife’s most beloved sister on top of that.

Still, he was scarcely a man to put off an unpleasant duty, and he consciously straightened his posture as he stepped in and closed the door behind him.

“Mrs Bingley,” he acknowledged his sister-in-law with a slight bow, and moved to take the seat opposite hers. If anything, she looked even more acutely uncomfortable than he felt, which prompted him to overcome the worst of his embarrassment at broaching such a private topic with her. “I assure you I have no intention of further meddling with your – and my friend’s – happiness, but as Elizabeth appears to think I could be of some assistance in your current plight, I could hardly deny her the attempt.”

“Mr Darcy, I am so sorry that you felt compelled to – I told Lizzy this was anything but appropriate, but she simply wouldn’t listen. And I daresay Charles would be mortified if ever he were to learn of us discussing – oh, it doesn’t even bear thinking.”

“As a matter of fact, Mrs Bingley, he was the one who sought my confidence as soon as you and Elizabeth left the room the other day,” he gently interrupted her, his hand rising in a placating gesture. “And for all that I would never break his confidence, my wife seems to believe me the most qualified to offer you some – advice, on the matter.”

From what he could tell, his sister-in-law was all but praying the floor would open up and swallow her whole. He couldn’t say his own feelings at the moment were all that dissimilar from hers, either.

“Please, call me Jane,” she stated at length, her voice barely above a whisper. “We are brother and sister, after all. And I can assure I am not so much in want of advice as I am in need of a friend who might reassure Charles as to the depth of my love and devotion for him.”

“I will address you by your Christian name on the condition that you do the same for me. As for reassuring my friend of your continued devotion, I already attempted as much, but I’m inclined to agree with Elizabeth – he might better be persuaded if we were to clear up the exact nature of your own feelings first.”

He saw her blanch at that, and was powerless to do anything but lend her his arm as she struggled to her feet. “You still believe me indifferent to your friend?”

“Not at all, Mrs Bingley – Jane. I was merely attempting to indicate the way you feel about certain – um, activities – which are par for the course once one enters the married state.”

He felt sure that the high colour of his cheeks matched hers by now, yet did his best not to shrink away from her honest gaze. “Oh, I will never forgive myself for allowing my sister to put you in such an uncomfortable position, Sir. What she believed to achieve, I honestly have no idea.”

“I feel like I do,” he forced himself to reply, and was relieved when she allowed him to help her back to her chair. “You see, Elizabeth thinks you and I might have something in common, and from what little she was willing to share of your confidences, I feel inclined to believe her to be correct, on the whole.”

“Whatever can you mean, Mr Darcy,” she  paused, bit her lip, then added, “Fitzwilliam,” almost as an afterthought.

“I haven’t told anyone except Elizabeth – my family probably surmised something close to it, but most of them were wide off the mark – but the truth of the matter is, I had never experienced any desire for closeness or any sort of intimacy with a woman before meeting your sister. Nor have I experienced it ever since outside our marriage bed – if you pardon my indelicacy – and while I wish to flatter myself of it being a reflection of the rectitude of my character, I am given to believe that is not at all common among the gentlemen of my acquaintance.”

Jane was looking intently at him now, and seemed to be considering his words to the best of her understanding. “Do you mean to say you were never in love, or that you merely did not – oh, how is one to put it without offending – wish for their, well, favours, if I may?”

“Both. I had never once fancied myself in love before meeting your sister, and I found it most surprising when I first realised that not only I loved her, but I also – let me be frank for a moment here – desired her, as a man desires a woman.”

His sister-in-law sighed, and shook her head somewhat ruefully. “I am very grateful for your confidences, Mr – Fitzwilliam, I mean to say – but it pains me to admit that while I had in fact fancied myself in love once, long before meeting Charles, I never did experience the sort of – feelings that my sister assures me a wife is wont to feel in regard to her husband. And while I merely put it down to the difference of sensibilities between the sexes, I am now led to believe it to be a deficiency of my own character.”

“Mrs – Jane. Would you agree with my cousins’ belief that I was somewhat deficient for finding the mere thought of lying with a woman a most uncomfortable prospect?”

“Not at all, Sir!” she exclaimed. “I think it does you credit that you only wish to lie with your own wife, and I would still say that regardless of whether or not said wife was my own sister.”

“As I said, it is hardly to my own credit when I have never felt any desire to do otherwise. I would say there is much more honour for a man to resist any untoward desire he might feel for other women, out of love and respect for his own bride.”

Jane appeared lost in thought for a moment, her right hand resting protectively on her rounded stomach. “And where is the honour in a wife being remiss in the desire she ought to feel for her husband?”

“I wouldn’t say that has anything to do with honour. So long as both parties agree on,” he faltered momentarily, had to all but force himself to press on, “the degree of intimacy they are both comfortable with, and they are perhaps willing to meet each other halfway, I cannot see any reasonable obstacle to them having a long and happy marriage.”

“Oh, if only Charles could bring himself to see it this way!” she couldn’t seem to stop herself from crying out.

“Should you give me your permission, Madam, I shall endeavour to explain all of this to my friend presently,” he offered, prompted by a genuine desire to be of service to her – not only in deference to his wife’s affections for a most beloved sister, but as he was starting to see her as the closest thing to a kindred spirit he had ever had the good fortune of encountering.

His sister-in-law hesitated, her gaze suddenly drawn to a spot of the floor close to her feet. “I could never ask that of you, Sir.”

“You need not to. I am offering of my own free will. After all, I am still to pay my penance for the unpardonable way I separated you from my friend at the beginning of your acquaintance. This might go a small way towards atoning for my past sins.”

“Do not say so, Fitzwilliam! Didn’t Charles and I repeatedly tell you you’re forgiven, and you need not dwell upon it anymore?”

He smiled, and shook his head. “Nevertheless. Do I have your permission, Jane?”

“Only if you think you could bear it – I wouldn’t wish you to feel compelled to disclose your private feelings all over again, and before your friend of all people, just for my sake.”

“It is no trouble at all, Madam,” he promptly assured her, and stood to help her from her chair. His sister-in-law turned her once-more-serene gaze on him, and let him escort her back to the music room where both his and her sister were eagerly waiting for the benefit of her company.   

[toughtzzinmyhed]

December 12+1.

The Spiritual Significance of Friday the 13th

Is there something to fear on Friday the 13th?

For years people have been telling us Friday the 13th is an unlucky day. Horror movies have been named after this day and research also tells us that there is an increase of accidents on Friday the 13th. But, where did all of this come from?

Before patriarchal times, Friday the 13th was considered the day of the Goddess. It was considered a day to honor the Divine Feminine that lives in us all and to honor the cycles of creation and death and rebirth.

Friday the 13th was considered a very powerful day to manifest, honor creativity, and to celebrate beauty, wisdom, and nourishment of the soul.

Friday is Venus Day, and we all know that Venus is the epitome of feminine energy.

Her energy joins us at the end of the week to honour the days gone by and to remind us that it is important to rest, relax and play.

As a society, we all look forward to Friday (Venus day), and we all naturally find ourselves unwinding and relaxing in her comforting energy.

Friday is the perfect day to embrace Venus-like energy and focus on creativity, beauty, and sensuality.

Venus energy also encourages us to tune into our receptive female energy in order to stimulate our creativity and bring art, music, and healing into the world.

The Number 13 also holds extremely potent feminine energy and is considered to be the number of death and rebirth, creation, fertility, and blood.

This is because we have 13 Moon cycles every year and the average female also experiences 13 periods per year.

If a woman’s periods are in sync with the cycle of the Moon, she will shed her lining on the New Moon and ovulate on the Full Moon.

On average, the 13th falls in the middle of the Moon cycle and represents that midway point between death and rebirth. The midway point between the New Moon, where a woman is shedding (death), and the Full Moon, where the woman is ovulating (rebirth).

Long ago, when a woman was bleeding, she was considered to embody divine and magical powers. She was regarded by all for her wisdom and ability to offer intuitive and psychic messages.

When she was ovulating, she was considered to be at the height of her power and was celebrated for her ability to receive, hold and create new life.

It was only when society became more patriarchal that women were made to feel shame when they were having their periods and to ignore their amazing potential to create and hold space for new life.

This attitude has helped to contribute to the idea that Friday the 13th is an unlucky day.

The lunar calendar is also made up of 13 months, which further supports 13 as holding feminine power.

The Moon is also representative of feminine energy and helps us to understand and deal with our emotions and sensitivities.

In the astrology chart, the Moon governs not only our emotions but also our potential and how we choose to express ourselves through life. In fact, for many people understanding their Moon sign can often help to bring more awareness than their Sun sign.

Bringing Friday and the number 13 together, you can see that Friday the 13th is, in fact, a very powerful day for feminine energy and creativity.

It is also an extremely powerful time of death and rebirth as it represents that mid-point in the cycle between something new emerging and something old slipping away.

Friday the 13th has often been held in high regard by women and the pagan community, and many rituals and spells are often conducted on this day in order to make the most of this beautiful energy.

This has also helped to contribute to the fear surrounding Friday the 13th, as it was an important day for many who worshipped the cycles of nature.

We all have feminine energy in us, so Friday the 13th is not just for women. It is a day for all of us to honour our own abilities to create and receive energy from the world around us.

Friday the 13th is not an unlucky day. Friday the 13th is the day of the Goddess and is a beautiful day for creating and celebrating life. It is a beautiful day for getting in tune with your emotions and sensitivities and giving thanks to the beautiful Goddess that lives in us all.

[minutiaeoflife]

Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little, just stay this simple

In a world that is constantly telling you to fit in a transformative phase in your life, marking the shift from childhood to adolescence. In this story, we will dig in on the stage of life where the complex journey is not only on the physical growth but also involves emotional, social, and mental development. During the interview session, I was also reminiscing about the things that I've been through when I was her age. Upon hearing those words that come out of her mouth, she's still searching for her soul. While others map out their future, she's there, bravely moving forward without navigation and letting the world shape her. She may not have a vision for her future life yet, but she's trusting every unplanned journey she's into, even if it's unclear.

Our soul searcher is named Lyra, a 16-year-old Grade 11 Humanista girly and currently studying at DRANHS.

During Lyra's pubertical period, she noticed some changes in her physical attributes, such as breast growth, her rapid increase in height and weight, and changes in more mature body shape. The changes happening in her body make her feel happy, and she was comfortable about the growth in her body because it was her sign that she's mature enough for something that adults prohibited her from doing.

Talking about her appearance, she's partly more confident than before the pandemic happened. We cannot deny the outbreak phase in our lives; she also experienced that thing, and that made her confidence decrease. She's not a skin care guru; she just sleeps a lot, which makes her believe that her outbreaks would disappear.

At some point, she noticed that her sleep pattern didn't change. She usually sleeps from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., which is surprising for her age. Some adolescents experience a delayed sleep phase, which is that they usually sleep late and wake up late. However, in her case, she values sleep a lot more than scrolling through social media. Despite sleeping a lot, she noticed also that her energy level dropped than she was before, including her interest in life. Due to the drop in interest, she classified her physical abilities as proving. She was once a player of volleyball, which means I was the culprit influencing her. She isn't making progress or learning new things.

On pubertical stage of a girl, they experienced menstruation. It is one of the most challenging part that almost girls wishing it would vanished, they call it "menstruation cramps". During the red days time, Lyra feels tired of everything that makes her lazy and unproductive. It also affects her mood, sometimes she feels happy but most of the time she feels like a storm. On the other part, during red days she loves to eat a lot and experience hybernation. Lyra complains that her tummy wont get smaller but she refuses to do diet. When she craves for something but can't eat it, her mood swings would activate.

Lyra's ability to think was different than a few years ago; she was trying to perceive more positive energy than negative vibe, as it holds the best. She categorized herself as indecisive even though she lacked confidence in her ability to make decisions and was unsure of how to approach learning new things. Her capacity for thought focuses more on the process of self-learning. Lyra's college plans were dependent on her mother and brother, despite the fact that their decisions didn't align with her desires.

As time passes, Lyra's bond with her mother and brother grows stronger. Her family was one of her support networks; she received so much assistance that she was unable to make and abide by her own judgments. She claims that her mother is domineering and that they frequently quarrel over trivial matters. She has been trained to suppress her seething emotions and to remain mute during their arguments. strengthen their mother-daughter bond after all of their disputes and arguments. Her lack of boldness in expressing herself causes people, even her mother, to misinterpret her. Although others perceive it negatively, she cherishes and keeps her private life and feelings secret.

She found herself in a brand-new setting with unfamiliar people, locations, and atmosphere. She was thrilled to reestablish a new circle and was on her way to establishing new friends. She is not happy with the idea of leaving her previous group of friends; they are currently in a low-maintenance friendship.

photo ops;

Love,

Irish & Jairine <3

[tomaque]

Rolling into Comfort: How a Backrest Stool Improves Your Posture

In today's fast-paced world, where many of us spend long hours at desks or workstations, the importance of maintaining good posture cannot be overstated. Poor posture can lead to discomfort, fatigue, and even long-term health issues. One innovative solution gaining popularity in both home and office environments is the backrest stool. This versatile piece of furniture not only provides comfort but also promotes healthier posture. Let’s explore how a backrest stool can transform your seating experience and improve your overall well-being.

The Benefits of a Backrest Stool

Encourages Proper Alignment A backrest stool is designed to support your back, encouraging you to sit up straight. By providing lumbar support, it helps maintain the natural curve of your spine, reducing the tendency to slouch. This alignment is crucial for minimizing strain on your back and neck, making it easier to concentrate on your tasks without discomfort.

Promotes Active Sitting Unlike traditional chairs that may encourage sedentary behavior, backrest stools promote active sitting. They allow for slight movement and adjustments, engaging your core muscles. This engagement helps improve circulation and can even increase energy levels throughout the day. With a stool that encourages movement, you're less likely to feel stiff or fatigued after extended periods of sitting.

Flexible and Versatile Backrest stools come in various styles and designs, making them suitable for different settings. Whether you're working at a desk, crafting, or enjoying a hobby, a backrest stool can easily adapt to your needs. Many models also feature wheels, allowing for easy mobility, which is especially beneficial in collaborative spaces where you may need to move around frequently.

Space-Saving Design If you’re limited on space, a backrest stool is an excellent option. Its compact design makes it easy to tuck away when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space. Additionally, its lightweight construction allows for easy transport between rooms, making it a practical choice for various activities.

Improves Comfort Comfort is key when it comes to maintaining focus and productivity. Backrest stools are often padded for extra comfort, allowing you to sit for longer periods without discomfort. Some models even offer adjustable height and tilt features, enabling you to customize your seating experience for maximum comfort and support.

How to Choose the Right Backrest Stool

When selecting a backrest stool, consider the following factors to ensure you find the right fit for your needs:

Adjustability: Look for stools with adjustable height and backrest angles to accommodate your body type and preferred seating position.

Material: Choose a stool made from breathable materials to keep you comfortable, especially during longer sitting sessions.

Weight Capacity: Ensure the stool can support your weight comfortably, as this is crucial for both safety and durability.

Wheels vs. Stationary: Decide whether you prefer a wheeled stool for mobility or a stationary one for stability, depending on your workspace requirements.

Conclusion

Investing in a backrest stool can significantly improve your posture and overall comfort while sitting. By encouraging proper alignment, promoting active sitting, and providing flexibility and comfort, these stools are a smart choice for anyone looking to enhance their workspace. As we continue to adapt to more sedentary lifestyles, prioritizing ergonomic seating solutions like backrest stools is essential for maintaining our health and productivity. So, roll into comfort today and experience the difference a backrest stool can make!

[klimkovsky]

«chaoticDeformation» track from HEAVEN II new album «past - music - future» by Andrey Klimkovsky

What causes disasters and natural calamities?

There will be many of them in the coming years. And the best one on this topic was recently Elon Musk, who simply posted a well-known meme on X about how “hard times create strong men…”

There is no point in continuing — everyone knows how it all ends there. But our turbulence is not limited to that. The world was shaken before us — there were epidemics and plagues, there were wars that we — the pampered inhabitants of the 21st century — would not have been able to endure — we would have simply died out in them — all. However, all this time people unconsciously strived for unity, and this vector was realized in the consolidation of states into empires, the unification of countries into unions — there were many different ones. And the sacrifices made along the way did not seem in vain. Perhaps only excessive.

Now the wind has changed. Humanity is becoming disunited at all levels — from the disintegration of the institution of family and marriage to the collapse of state coalitions. Even the Internet no longer unites people — the level of content filtering has risen to an absolutely unprecedented height. This could be compared to the era of the Inquisition, with the only difference being that in those distant times there was not so much information and such a number of diverse views on the World, starting from the widest range of pseudo-religious views and the theory of a flat Earth, and to equally stunning scientific hypotheses, which — in most of them — have no confirmation (here we are already touching on the ideas of multiverses and alternative time).

The combination of the listed factors (rapidly increasing disunity, a motley fan of views on the World, torn away from reality in most shades; the inability to work with large volumes of information and sabotage of the information flow; physical and physiological degradation of the majority of representatives of humanity) is already catastrophic in itself — potentially. But if we add to this objective climate instability and a steady increase in average temperatures on the planet and humidity, then we can guess where things are heading.

The upcoming episode, which we have already entered (at the turn of July and August) will be very sobering. Not for everyone, of course. But it seems to me that a critical mass of people who realize the irreversibility of the changes taking place will still be achieved. This means that there is a chance for some stabilization after the catastrophic period. How long it will last is unknown. But hardly less than two or three years.

However, further on — in the script of this music album — a brighter streak begins.

The graphics in this video were created by Irina Shamaeva (The Prompter) using the Midjourney neural network.

The link to the album is below:

Album «past — music — future» on Bandcamp

Track «chaoticDeformation» on Youtube

[sharath3947]

Crafting Success: Highflyer - Top Pylon Signboard Manufacturer in Bangalore

Introduction

In the bustling metropolis of Bangalore, where innovation meets tradition, Highflyer Pylon Signboards stand tall and proud, symbolizing the epitome of excellence in signage solutions. As a premier Pylon Signboard Manufacturer in Bangalore, we take immense pride in crafting these towering beacons that capture attention and elevate brand visibility to unprecedented heights.

Importance of Signage Solutions

In this day and age, you must have a strong presence in your company. Besides attracting customers, high-end signage accomplishes two things- it helps establish oneself as an authentic brand and thus builds credibility.

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Highflyer, our goal is to deliver signage solutions that are exceptional in performance. From conception, we always ensure that no small detail escapes our notice; furthermore, none of our competitors holds a candle to us regarding the quality of workmanship in all sides of this business, from creation up until implementation phases.

Types and Categories

Custom Pylon Signboards

Our custom pylon signboards are crafted to suit your unique needs and specifications. Whether you need a modern, elegant design or a distinctive and striking display, our wealth of experience can make it happen.

Digital Pylon Signboards

Above all else, embrace the future of signage with our digital pylon sign, which carries unique qualities found nowhere else: vibrancy in displays and dynamic nature in contents.

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Make our pylon signs glow to illuminate the night sky. You can choose from several lighting choices, like LED or neon, ensuring they are very easy to see, whether in the daytime or evening.

Symptoms and Signs

Eye-catching Design

As a top Pylon Signboard Manufacturer in Bangalore, we aim to create signboards that capture attention and leave a lasting impression. With bold graphics and striking visuals, we ensure your brand stands out in a crowded marketplace.

Heightened Visibility

Our signs are higher than everyone's and can be seen from afar.\nBe it on highways or crowded cities, they will make your product known and increase people’s movement on foot.

Durability and Longevity

Due to premium-quality materials and innovative production methods, our signboards can endure different weather conditions. Highflyer signboards are bound to last for an extended period, yet they remain in place despite unfriendly weather conditions such as intense sunlight and heavy rain.

Causes and Risk Factors

Expert Craftsmanship

We blend the skill and innovation of a competent craftsman with experience in the field to ensure good results and that our decisions are based on what the client wants. Through years of operation, we have acquired the know-how in designing and manufacturing signs.

Quality Materials

We only select the finest materials when creating our signboards so that they can serve you for a long period without losing their beauty. Whether weather-proof aluminium or high-impact acrylics, every ingredient is tested based on performance standards before being made available.

Cutting-edge Technology

With the help of the latest technological equipment, the manufacturing process becomes smooth while maintaining details that have been carefully done with each touch. We invest even in computer-aided design (CAD) software to achieve efficient manufacturing, which makes our different products sell better.

Diagnosis and Tests

Consultation and Assessment

Our process starts with an in-depth consultation to understand your requirements and goals. If you want to increase brand recognition or introduce a new product or service, we are here for you. Our team will collaborate with you closely to create a tailored solution.

Design Mockups

Our team of designers will develop ideas after the beneficiary’s requirements become clear. This way, you get involved by providing your thoughts and changes, resulting in timely improvements.

Site Survey and Installation

As the premier Pylon Signboard Manufacturer in Bangalore, our team conducts thorough site surveys before installation. This ensures optimal placement and seamless integration with the surroundings. From obtaining permits to coordinating with contractors, we manage every aspect of the installation process, providing a hassle-free experience for our clients.

Treatment Options

Customization Options

Our customers have unique requirements for personalization. This implies that you can influence everything from size and form to colour and finish in the design of your signboard.

Maintenance and Support

We are dedicated to ensuring that you’re content with our services even after we install your signboard. Your board will continue looking its best and working perfectly year after year because we have ongoing maintenance and support processes in place.

Upgrade and Expansion

Signage must grow and change with you, like every other aspect of your business. If you want to innovate officially or increase significantly, seek our assistance anytime.

Preventive Measures

Regular Inspection

As the leading Pylon Signboard Manufacturer in Bangalore, we advise regular inspection and maintenance of your signboard to uphold optimal performance and longevity. This entails thorough checks for any damage or wear and tear indications, which we promptly address to maintain the signboard's integrity.

Cleaning and Care

To keep your signboard in good condition, it is necessary to clean and care for it properly. Guidelines and tips on how to clean and maintain the signboard are provided here in detail.

Weather Protection

Our signboards are designed to endure various weather, although some weather situations might influence them over time. We have in-store weather protection remedies, ranging from layering to seals, that help increase their lifespan.

Personal Stories or Case Studies

Client Success Stories

Don't just take our word for it – hear what our satisfied clients say about their experience with Highflyer signboards. From increased foot traffic to enhanced brand recognition, our signboards have helped businesses across industries achieve their goals.

Real-life Examples

Explore real-life examples of Highflyer signboards in action. From bustling city centres to quiet suburban streets, our signboards make a difference for large and small businesses.

Expert Insights

Industry Recognition

Highflyer, a prominent Pylon Signboard Manufacturer in Bangalore, has garnered praise and acknowledgement from industry leaders and organizations. Our dedication to excellence is evident in our recognition, from design accolades to high customer satisfaction ratings, underscoring our sterling reputation and proven track record.

Testimonials

Read testimonials from satisfied clients and partners who have experienced the impact of Highflyer signboards firsthand. From increased sales to improved brand awareness, our signboards are delivering results for businesses across sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What materials are Highflyer Pylon Signboards made of?

Highflyer Pylon Signboards are made using high-quality materials to guarantee their durability and long life.

Can Highflyer Pylon Signboards be customized to fit specific branding requirements?

We offer signboards that can be customized in size, shape, colour, and finish to meet your unique branding needs.

How long does it take to install a Highflyer Pylon Signboard?

Please note that the duration of installing a signboard often differs depending on the volume and intricacy involved, though we are frequently fast enough not to cause you any inconvenience.

Are Highflyer Pylon Signboards suitable for outdoor use?

Certainly, our signs are fabricated explicitly for outdoor usage in preparation for weather changes without impacting quality or looks.

What maintenance is required for Highflyer Pylon Signboards?

If you want your signboard to keep looking good and working as it should, it should be inspected and cleaned regularly. Moreover, we offer lasting solutions when it comes to keeping your signboard in good shape

Conclusion

In conclusion, Highflyer Pylon Signboards are more than just signs – they symbolize success and innovation. With unparalleled craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to excellence, we're proud to be the leading Pylon Signboard Manufacturer in Bangalore. Contact us today to discover how Highflyer signboards can elevate your brand and drive business growth.

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[revetastohne]

Enhancing Intimacy: A Guide to Choosing Intimate Products for Men and Women

Even during the most passionate periods in relationships, partners often seek to elevate their sexual experiences to new heights. There's no limit to perfection, and those interested in satisfying themselves and their partners seek out various ways to enhance their pleasure during sex. This is where a vast array of intimate toys comes into play. Whether used solo or during intercourse with a partner, regardless of gender, these toys are designed to add excitement and fulfillment to your sexual life.

The online store "Reve and Stogne" offers dozens of categories of products to suit every preference. All intimate toys featured in our catalog are distinguished by thoughtful design, safety, and quality. Made from non-toxic hypoallergenic materials, they are intended to bring new colors to your sexual experiences.

Types of Intimate Toys

It's hard to list all the intimate products available on our website. Here, you'll find accessories for sexual acts and masturbation for both men and women, regardless of their preferences or sexual orientation. All toys are carefully selected, and we only collaborate with trusted manufacturers. The catalog includes the following categories:

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Don't deny yourself pleasure. Treat yourself or your partner to a pleasant gift. Purchasing intimate products on our website is just a few clicks away. Add the products you like to your cart and place your order right now.

[jaydeemedia]

[ad_1] The once small market town of Siem Reap has seen the fastest development in Southeast Asia thanks to the increasing popularity of Angkor Wat. Here’s what to do in Siem Reap when you’re not engrossed with incredible religious architecture. By: Paul Healy | Published: 9 Mar 2024 span box-shadow: none !important; filter: brightness(1) !important; ]]> As the base from where to explore the temples of Angkor Wat, Siem Reap appears to be growing at a pace that it can only just keep up with. Initially the domain of hardy backpackers, Siem Reap has over the years, morphed into a cosmopolitan hub. Trendy hotels, designer spas and high-end restaurants combine with local Asian markets and riverside food stalls to keep you occupied in between exploring the temples. A fascinating and confronting history fills museums with stark reminders of the past and community projects are a testament to the resilient nature of the Cambodian people. There are plenty of worthy things to do in Siem Reap between temple visits, here’s our guide to seeing the best of them. OLD MARKET MAP – THINGS TO DO IN SIEM REAP The centre of Siem Reap is compact and easy to get around most of the sites on foot, or by tuk-tuk. However, to make the most of your visit, you will want to travel out to the temples and Tonlé Sap. >> How to use this map / Click on the top left of the map to display the list of locations, then click on the locations to display further information. Click on the top right corner of the map to open a larger version in a new tab or the star to save to your Google Maps.   1. ANGKOR WAT TEMPLES The main reason to come to Siem Reap is undoubtedly to visit the Angkor Wat temples. Representing the height of the Cambodian Empire and their devotion to both Hinduism and Buddhism, the temples near Siem Reap are some of the most interesting historical landmarks in the world. We cover all the information you need including the most important temples not to miss, and some more remote ones that are worth seeing in our guide to visiting the Angkor Wat Temples. ANGKOR WAT ANGKOR THOM 2. ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM The Angkor National Museum is the main museum in Siem Reap and a good starting point for understanding the Khmer Empire.   It covers all periods of Angkorian architecture with a helpful rundown of the Khmer kings and all the temples associated with their respective reins. The detailed descriptions of the Hindu and Buddhist iconography helps decipher the incredible bas-reliefs adorning many of the temples around Siem Reap. If possible, it would be well worth going to the Angkor National Museum before you see the temples. Entry is $12 and the museum has comprehensive information boards in English, so you don’t need to spend the extra $5 on the audio guide. Allow 2 to 3 hours to see everything. ANGKOR NATIONAL MUSEUM 3. CAMBODIAN LANDMINE MUSEUM Each year, dozens of people are killed or injured by landmines left behind from the civil war.  The Cambodian Landmine Museum was started by Aki Ra who was taken by his family at the age of 5 and recruited into the Khmer Rouge. After the war, he dedicated his life to ridding Cambodia of landmines and other unexploded ordinance that still litter the countryside. It’s a poignant exhibition to stories of Cambodian lives permanently affected by landmines, as well as technical information about the ongoing work to remove them. Entry is $5 and a free audio guide is provided by a QR code you scan on your phone. The museum is funded by visitor fees and part of the ticket price goes to several charitable causes related to helping people hurt by landmines. The Cambodian Landmine Museum is 25 kilometres north of Siem Reap but it’s easy to see on a day trip to Beng Melea and Banteay Sri. (See below) CAMBODIA LANDMINE MUSEUM 4. WAR MUSEUM CAMBODIA Unlike the Landmine Museum, the War Museum Cambodia has virtually no information and the exhibition consists of not much more than several rusted tanks dotted around a gr

assy garden. Occasionally, it’s possible to get a guided tour from an ex-army combatant who provides a fascinating and harrowing account of the war from his personal perspective. If a guided tour is available, the War Museum is an excellent experience in Siem Reap. If a tour is not possible, we wouldn’t recommend going. We suggest getting a Tuk Tuk out to the museum and asking if a guide is available before you purchase your tickets.  Entry is $5 per person. Guided tours, if available, are no extra charge. The museum is a 10-minute Tuk Tuk ride from the centre of Siem Reap. Expect to pay around $5 for the Tuk Tuk driver to take you out, wait for you, then take you back. CAMBODIAN WAR MUSEUM 5. SIEM REAP WATS If you’re not templed-out from visiting the sights of Angkor Wat, there are 2 more temples in the centre of Siem Reap that are worth popping in to. Wat Bo is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Siem Reap. It has several well-preserved paintings depicting famous Hindu and Buddhist stories. Entry is free and you’ll only need a short time to stroll around. Wat Preah Prom Rath is one of the most beautiful temples in Siem Reap town. It’s decorated with colourful wall paintings and statues. It’s located just near the Old Market. Wat Dam Nak is an old royal palace that today promotes a better understanding of Khmer culture with an on-site library. WAT BO 6. PUB STREET You’ll hear Pub Street before you get to it. With pumping music competing across often empty bars, the vibe is hopeful, teetering towards desperate. It’s hard to tell whether it’s a vision of what Cambodians think western tourists want on their travels, or the result of years of backpacker demand. Whatever the cause, Pub Street (Street 8) is the centre of Siem Reap’s nightlife. Many of the joints are open 24/7 and you’ll be able to find all types of food and plenty of bars. A few places on Pub Street are still offering fish massage, where Red Garra fish chew dead skin off your feet. Apart from the fact that the fish only eat dead skin because they’re so hungry, the tubs contain fish waste and are a breeding ground for bacteria. Most countries have banned the practice and it’s an experience to avoid in Siem Reap. PUB STREET 7. STREET 26 For a calmer experience, we highly recommend heading to Street 26, on the west side of the river. It’s a quiet street with a few excellent bars and restaurants.  Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant // Banlle has a nice outdoor terrace with a small menu of Khmer cuisine and efficient professional service. For dessert, try the ice cream shop at the entrance. Laundry // Just across the road from Banlle, Laundry is a smart bar with occasional live music. Miss Wong // Miss Wong is a cocktail bar and Dim Sum Restaurant inspired by 1920s Shanghai. The décor is beautiful, and the cocktails are decent value. Tevy’s Place // Tevy’s Place is an excellent value Cambodian restaurant run by an almost all-female staff. LAUNDRY MISS WONG BANLLE 8. PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS Phare is a fun night out in Siem Reap and a great way to support the local community. The 1-hour performance is a mix of interpretive dance and aerobic skill, set to a local cultural story. Witness impressive performances under the intimate big top with an added dose of Cambodian humour. The venue opens at 6 pm where you can have dinner from vendors selling curries, noodles, grilled dishes and burgers. There’s also a bar so you can have a beer or a cocktail while watching a performance from the local school children on a stage in the outdoor food court. You need to buy coupons to make purchases from the food vendors and the bar. Ticket prices are $18, $28, $38, which you can buy online in advance. It’s not a very big venue so there’s not much benefit in getting the more expensive tickets. The show starts at 8 pm. PHARE, THE CAMBODIAN CIRCUS 9. APOPO HERO RATS Apopo is a Belgian NGO that trains rats to sniff out landmines, dramatically increasing detection rates in the

countryside. Their highly sensitive sense of smell and the fact that they are too small to trigger the explosives makes them the ideal candidate for detecting landmines. At the visitor centre you can learn about how much the rats have achieved and meet them in person. 10. OLD MARKET On the eastern side of the river, the Old Market is a warren of stalls providing a great opportunity to do some shopping or just soak up the atmosphere of an Asian market. The stalls on the east side cater to tourists selling trinkets, souvenirs, t-shirts and scarfs. The western edge is the fresh food market with locals stocking up on fruit and veg. Seamstress and hairdressers are busy working away alongside a couple of street food vendors. It’s a great photo opportunity even if you’re not looking to buy anything. OLD MARKET 11. NIGHTLY STREET FOOD MARKET The night market straddles both sides of the river between the 2 bridges, both called Art Market Bridge. On the eastern side of the river, you’ll find a plethora of stalls selling local food which you eat on little tables by the banks of the river. The crowd and the food, gets progressively more local as you head towards the Fountain Dragon’s roundabout. The western side is more subdued with around 4 or 5 stalls along the river. This is the section of the market we recommend trying. It was the best and cheapest food we found in Siem Reap. WHERE TO EAT IN SIEM REAP NIGHT MARKET – The best food in Siem Reap is from the street food stalls on the western side of the river. WILD – Spring rolls only in a lovely garden setting with a great cocktail list. MISS WONG – Chinese Dim Sum in a Shanghai-inspired townhouse. BANLLE – Thai and Khmer classic vegetarian dishes in this stylish restaurant. TEVY’S PLACE – Traditional Cambodian cooking from a renowned chef. THE SUGAR PALM – The fanciest food in Siem Reap, perfect if you have a special occasion to celebrate. SAMBOO – Great Thai and Cambodia cooking with disorganised service. WILD 12. TONLÉ SAP Tonlé Sap is a large lake that starts around 15 kilometres southwest of Siem Reap. It’s the lifeblood of the area with more than 3 million people living on or around the lake. There are several excursions to Tonlé Sap where you can experience this unique culture. We recommend the Kompong Pluk tour which was a fantastic experience without being overly touristy. KOMPONG PLUK – OUR PICK Kompong Pluck is a village of bamboo skyscrapers, towering on high stilts on the banks of Tonlé Sap. The tour includes a stroll through the village where you can witness daily life in this friendly village, followed by an optional canoe ride through the floating forest ($10 per boat for 2 people). The trips finish watching sunset on a floating deck in the middle of the lake, where you can order dinner and drinks.  CHONG KNEAS Chong Kneas is the closest floating village to Siem Reap but it has become overrun with tourist groups and tainted by tour guide scams. But it’s only 11 kilometres from town so you can hire a tuk tuk or rent a bike to cycle out without taking up too much time. There’s a set entrance fee and boat prices to take you out to the village. KOMPONG KHLEANG Komgpong Khleang is the largest community on Tonlé Sap, with stilted houses set high above the lake to combat the vast changes in water level. At 50 kilometres from Siem Reap it’s much quieter than the other communities on the lake, making it a good reason to visit. Homestays are available for an overnight experience. PREK TOAL Prek Toal is a bird sanctuary with a significant variety of rare breeds. From December to February when the water dries up in other parts of the lake, birds flock to Prek Toal making it a birder’s paradise. It’s difficult to get to by yourself with several modes of transport involved, but tours include a stop at the village of Prek Toal which is a far more rewarding experience than the villages closer to Siem Reap. However, to

urs are very expensive (around $200) therefore, it’s probably only something to consider for very keen bird enthusiasts. WHERE TO STAY Siem Reap has embraced tourism with plenty of accommodation options from budget backpacker lodges to luxurious hotels. Here are a few recommendations from us. RATEPROPERTYPRICES$ONEDERZ SIEM REAP Located beside the Old Market, this excellent hostel has private rooms and dormitories with free Wifi and two swimming pools.booking.comhotels.com$$JAYA HOUSE RIVER PARK Located outside the busy area in a tropical garden, this beautiful property has excellent Wifi, air-conditioning, and a very enticing pool.booking.comhotels.com$$$BOPHA WAT BO RESIDENCE A smart clean hotel with a pool in a lovely garden setting. The breakfast is superb and it’s just a short stroll into the centre of town.  booking.comhotels.com GETTING THERE Siem Reap has a shiny new airport thanks to Chinese investment. To protect the temples of Angkor, it’s located 45 kilometres east of the town centre. The best way to get from the airport is to organise a pick-up from your hotel which should cost around $30. Taxis are few and far between and the airport bus ($8) currently only has 6 services per day, making it a fairly ineffective option. It takes around 50 minutes to drive into Siem Reap. TONLÉ SAP ANYWHERE WE ROAM ISREADER-SUPPORTED When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. You can also shout us a coffee. Thanks for your support – Paul & Mark. INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK [ad_2] Source link

[peterlbrown4d]

Vinyl siding companies connecticut

Since 1960, the Peter L. Brown Company has led the way in the Connecticut vinyl siding market. We receive customers from all around the state. The company website is always a good place to get the most recent information.

Seamless vinyl siding is unmatched in terms of endurance and maintenance. The time and money that seamless vinyl siding may save during installation has made it more and more popular in recent years.

Vinyl siding companies connecticut

A cheap method of updating the outside of your house and increasing its market value is siding replacement. Investing in new windows is a low-cost, low-maintenance option to raise the value of your house. If the layout of the building is significant, then these elements become required. The company to call for any kind of home maintenance or repairs is Peter L. Brown Co. Each individual customer will receive a unique discount code as a result of this strategy. It is advisable to use this paneling indoors.

Vinyl gets its strength and shine from a synthetic material called polyvinyl chloride, or PVC. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the material used often to cover the outside of buildings with vinyl siding. Vinyl siding doesn't ever require painting or scraping, in contrast to conventional siding materials. There is a large selection of colors, styles, and pricing points for vinyl siding. Each panel can have its size and look changed to better suit the user's needs. The depth of the panel matches that of the wall. The final coating is referred to as "surface finish" when discussing vinyl. But a long, continuous wall will intensify the contrast. Right now, everything is on the line.

The 12-foot overlap is now considered standard practice in the vinyl siding sector. In order to ensure correct siding installation, this is done. A poor quality installation will be immediately apparent. No matter how neatly you sew the seam, this is unavoidable. Connecticut-based vinyl siding companies The picture on the left of this text illustrates my point. The structure appears more aesthetically pleasing because of the "steps" at the corners, which create the illusion that the two walls "flow" into one another. Everything that was required has been removed. This is required because the overlapping surfaces cannot be absolutely smooth. A stair-like structure is seen when the overlapping segments are disassembled. This is due to the fact that relatively large overlap sizes are needed to get the desired effect. By touching your chins together, you may verify that there is a true 90-degree angle between your heights.

If packaging costs are cut, sales and profitability can experience unforeseen consequences. By keeping up this maintenance, you can keep the exterior of your home looking brand new for many years to come. The outstanding quality of our products and the expertise of our staff have allowed us to keep reasonable prices and a healthy profit margin. Our findings suggest that giving something a try isn't at all awful. We guarantee that you will be astounded by the transformation of your home's appearance after we install vinyl siding. When can we expect the vinyl siding to be installed? Please contact us if you need to replace a single panel.

Turntable records let you hear both sides of an album.

Peter L. Brown can wait until a more convenient time to install the vinyl siding. The Versetta Stone veneer from Boral is of the greatest caliber. We have the widest selection of vinyl siding alternatives in stock. The sun won't soon cause our siding to become discolored. If the building's exterior is to remain and maintain its attractive appearance for a long period, it needs to be properly maintained.

Today's homes are typically ill-equipped with furnishings that are neither stylish nor high-quality. Nonetheless, they understand the importance of creating a favorable first impression and consequently present and attire themselves. Critical thinking and the capacity to place oneself in another person's shoes are highly valued abilities. For them, the opinions of others are a continual source of worry.

For this reason, a great deal of homeowners view mastic as a need. No other nation has emerged as a worldwide, innovative, and formidable rival to the United States since it lost its position as the world's leading nation. Your house will quickly become the talk of the neighborhood because of our excellent construction, trustworthy guidance, and numerous customization options.

Turntable records let you hear both sides of an album.

Peter L. Brown can wait until a more convenient time to install the vinyl siding. The Versetta Stone veneer from Boral is of the greatest caliber. We have the widest selection of vinyl siding alternatives in stock. The sun won't soon cause our siding to become discolored. If the building's exterior is to remain and maintain its attractive appearance for a long period, it needs to be properly maintained.

Cheap vinyl flooring was used in the majority of makeovers.

If you want to cut costs without compromising quality, our standard Mastic lap siding is a great option. Vinyl siding comes in a wide range of styles, some of which have realistic wood grain patterns. Vinyl siding's versatility is increased by staining or painting it.

The peaceful feeling that comes from strolling through a beautiful park should permeate your home. Comparing handcrafted shingle double seven tiles to their machine-made equivalents, the former have a more wavy surface and wider grout lines. Asphalt shingles can readily be mistaken for cedar shakes from a distance. In Shingle Double #7, wood makes up the furniture, the floor, and the ceiling.