#I burned medicine for probably 30 some odd minutes

[swampndn]

Hee hee it's midnight, so imma drop a dear diary then reblog a bunch of stuff to bury it. So for those who make it through the random posts, enjoy an ounce of my vulernability.

So I burned medicine tonight, and I spoke to someone I've not been speaking to because I didn't feel ready. And the sheer amount of information I got was beyond overwhelming. I would just go into it here, but there are folks irl that I should talk to about them first when it's time.

I will share one little thing, though. One of the things I was told to do was have a commemoration day. Other folks earth-side have said the same thing too. WELL, after being kind of drawn to a specific day, I got the very clear affirmation that it's on the 22nd.

Growing up, people would ask what my favorite number was, and I just kept picking 2. That's it. Just lil ol 2. And I know this is probably silly or delulu, as the kids say, but it felt really comforting getting the 22nd. I'm not one of those that is like everything happens for a reason, because I don't think Creator has us go through awful things to "teach us some lesson". However, something as small as that does make me think that Creator does give us little things to signal that while shit is shitty, the love and care and intention all of our ancestors prayed for us persists through it all.

Omg look at me transitioning from my mean auntie NDN into whatever gentle soft NDN shit this is

[phoenixknight777]

Exploration Log: Planet 86, “Ulisa”

Ngl this is probably one of my favorite early short stories. Definitely one that I might consider writing a part 2 of someday.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The pod door opened, allowing the alien atmosphere into the airlock. A single man stepped out, possibly the first to ever set foot on this soil.

“H.O.S.S., how's the air?”

“Seems breathable” replied the supercomputer mounted on his wrist. “If you’d trusted my scans, you wouldn’t have to ask.”

“Oh shut up.” Chaucer replied as he removed his helmet. “You know as well as I that those things aren’t always accurate”

“Accurate enough for a computer like me. Why’d they even send meat on this mission? I can handle it all, and far more efficiently.”

“H.O.S.S., as I’ve told you before, some things just need a human's instinct. Speaking of which, deploy the scout drones.”

“I did that as we landed. Of course, you would never have thought of that.”

“Just show me the feeds”

A barage of images flash through Chaucer’s ocular implants.

“Slower you idiot.”

“I would’ve been able to handle that speed.”

“And, like the last 4 times, I cannot. So again, slower.”

The images pass by again at a more manageable speed, showing a sky view of the area in a 30 mile radius. Chaucer’s trained eyes look for things that might be useful to potential settlers.

A forest of woody looking plants to the east, tall enough for construction. They’d need to be tested for poisons and other natural defenses.

A large body of water to the south-west. They would have to check its potability. Wouldn’t hurt to look for plants and animals either.

Due north, a few mountains with caves. Well rounded, so likely stable. They could be good shelter.

“H.O.S.S., run full spectrum testing on those plants and that lake. This one looks promising. And patch me into drone twenty four. I wanna investigate those caves myself.

“I could do it quicker~” the computer replied in a singsong voice.

“Yes, you could. Just do it. Call it a gut feeling.”

“That’s irrational.”

“And that’s exactly why you need “meat” on these missions. Now hook me in. We’re burning batteries.”

Chaucer’s vision flickered for a moment. Then the drone's camera feed replaced his vision. Tapping his wristpad, he took manual control of the machine, maneuvering it into one of the ground-level caves.

Odd…

“Those look like stairs…”

“What was that?” replied H.O.S.S.

“Stairs. At the caves. Probably just a coincidence, but still. How’s the analysis coming?”

“82%. You humans. So impatient.”

“Yeah yeah, take your time.”

Chaucer turned his attention back towards the caverns.

Continuing past the entrance, the front descends deeper into the underground.

“This planet was definitely civilized. Not primitives either. There’s a huge metal vault down here. Scanners can’t penetrate and don’t recognize the metal. High carbon content though.”

“Peculiar. I’ll send a land drone to run tests.”

“No. I’m investigating this myself.”

“But…”

“Shut it H.O.S.S. There's only been three planets discovered with intelligent life. I’m going myself, in case this is the fourth. Send down the Skipper.”

A few minutes later, the Skipper had descended from their shuttle in orbit. About 7 feet tall, the mechanical exoskeleton looked like little more than a roll cage with mechanical dog legs and a pair of grasper arms. Designed for off-world mining, it was an invaluable tool for explorers like Chaucer. Strong, fast, and modified to be equipped with a myriad of scientific tools, it allowed him to go almost anywhere with minimal difficulty.

“By the way,” said H.O.S.S., “those tests are finished. The water is drinkable, and there’s kelp-like plants. The trees have a slightly emetic substance in the leaves, but the bark shows multiple medicinal properties. No life above the microscopic level in either location. That concerns me.”

“That concerns me too. There must have been macroscopic life in the past for the trees to develop a defense like that. But where did they go? Also harvest some of those trees. The medical guild will be very interested.”

“Already on it.”

Chaucer set out, quickly crossing the distance. Entering the cavern, he cautiously looks around.

No signs of life.

Going deeper, he quickly comes towards the metal vault.

“Even weirder in person. Almost no reflection. I’m gonna try to take a sample.”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“Why not?”

“I’m picking up electrical readings that were not there when the drone was.”

“All the more reason to take one.”

“Fine, but be careful.”

“I thought you wanted to take over the mission?” replied Chaucer as he started the mining drill in the Skipper’s wrist.

“I do, but unfortunately I’m programmed to care for you”

“Awww, that so swe-“

Clunk 

The drill shattered on contact with the vault wall.

“Chaucer. Get out. Now.“

“Why? Just cause the drill broke-“

“No, the electrical signals just got stronger. And they’re moving.”

As if on cue, a harsh buzzing filled the air.

Drones. Hundreds of them. All armed.

Chaucer turned the Skipper and pushed it to the max as he left the cavern.

Reaching the surface, he saw a massive cloud of drones pouring from every cave in the mountain. 

“H.O.S.S, send defensive drones. Now!”

“Done and done. Seriously, what would you do without me.”

Chaucer continued running from the drones, blasts from ion weapons poking holes in the personal shields of the Skipper. 

A few moments later, the friendly drones swarmed over a hill. Most started using repurposed mining lasers to fire back at the offense. A few landed on top of the Skipper and began projecting a much stronger barrier around the mech, protecting him.

As the shields of the defensive drones began to falter, Chaucer approached the landing site. Abandoning the Skipper he dashed into the pod, slamming the door shut.

“Go! Go! Get us out of here!” he screamed.

The pod rattled as it rapidly ascended.

Escaping the atmosphere, Chaucer began to calm down a little.

“How much will the mech and drones cost us?” he finally asked as they began approaching their ship.

“A decent bit, but we’ll make plenty from the plants. Plus, the planet is habitable, just with dangerous ruins. We’ll still make more than enough to replace them from the finders bounty.”

“Alright. That’s good. I guess that explains the lack of animals. I say we name it Ulisa, after my ex. Seemed nice but was secretly a killer.”

“As good a choice as any I suppose. Setting a course for Terra. Once we refuel, on to planet 87.”

[squishneedsahero]

New Ideas

Lost to Time | Part 5

Word Count: 2184

Summary:

The story of an original character, Allison Bennett. Growing up black in the short period between the world wars wasn't easy but Allison had friends who stuck with her no matter what. She was ambitious and had a million things she wanted to achieve in her lifetime and would try only to be told by the world that due to who she was it wasn't possible and she'd never live up to her dreams.

Allison awoke in the morning, and was overjoyed to find herself still in that large bed she had fallen asleep in. This really was happening, she had been sent to a place where she could be herself, one hundred percent her true self. She could open her mouth and say what she wanted, not needing to worry so much about whatever comes out offending a random white person on the street.

She got up and went to the giant closet which contained only a few clothes. She picked out a simple looking dress, something close to what she was used too but still comfortable. She then went to fix her hair and makeup but found none of the products she was used too. She shrugged it off and made due with what she had, using some water to tidy her curls then washing her face before calling it good.

After this Allison takes a deep breath before leaving her room. Things in the compound were just as quiet as they had been the day before. It was early, probably close to 6:30 in the morning so Allison guessed everyone was asleep and decided to explore some on her own. She looked both directions down the hallway and paused a moment before choosing to go left.

As she walked down the hallway there were plenty of doors which she could only assume lead to bedrooms and other living quarters. She follows the slight curve of the hallway, running a hand along the wall as she does so and eventually comes to a small sitting area. Off to one side the wall was solid glass opening the small area up with a clear view of the sky and the rolling fields leading to forests in the distance.

She walks up to the window and looks out across the beautiful scene, as she did this her heart beat faster and she felt her skin begin to burn and tingle as it had when she was at the hospital. It doesn't hurt as much as it had but it was still an odd sensation, she waited a moment for it to pass and it did, her heart rate going back to normal as it did so.

After she enjoys the view for a few minutes more she continues her walk down the hallway and eventually down a flight of stairs. It's as she is beginning to wonder if she should head back to her room that a passing glance through a doorway catches her attention. It was a lab, like the kind she had attempted to create in her tiny apartment in Brooklyn, she can't help herself as she backtracks and steps through the door.

Allison looks around with wide eyes, and whispers to herself the question on her mind, "what is all of this?"

"This is one of the many labs available in the Avengers compound."

Allison almost jumps out of her skin, started by the woman's voice that had spoken up. She wildly looks around for the source of the voice, "who are you- where are you?"

"I am Wednesday, the artificial intelligence created for the avengers compound. As an AI I do not have a physical form for you to see but I am integrated with this building allowing me to manage and maintain it."

"Uh- okay, so you're a robot? Like Vision but no body?" Allison asks wanting more information.

"Yes, Vision was created from the previous AI and I was created in a similar manner."

"Alright," she calms herself once more, regaining her composure, "so what kind of stuff can you do?"

"I maintain the building and make sure all is working well and smoothly. I also make sure everyone is connected when they need to be. I know that you are Allison Bennett, childhood friend of Steve Rogers, born October 28 1918."

Allison gulps, "that is amazing," she pauses a moment before an idea comes to her mind, "would you be able to help me learn about what I missed since I went missing in 1949?"

"Yes I can do that, where would you like to start Ms.Bennett?"

Allison moves to sit in one of the many chairs as she begins to think where she wanted to start learning from. "I want to know everything, where do you think I should start?"

"With the information about you and your interests which I have gathered you have an interest and can comprehend many things. A few subjects which may interest you are; Black History, The Civil Rights Movement, Space Travel, Advancements in Modern Medicine and technology and how to use it," Wednesday responds.

All of those subjects sound interesting, Allison pauses before she gives an answer, "technology, I want to know how all this stuff works so I can use it."

"A very good choice Ms.Bennett," Wednesday says and a holographic screen presents itself in front of Allison's seat. With that Wednesday begins talking and showing Allison starting with the invention of computers and moving on to more modern technology and how to use it as well as answering any questions she might have along the way.

It's hours later that Steve is awake and done with his morning work out and goes to find his friend. He hadn't found Allison in her room so he just began looking for her throughout the compound. It doesn't take him long to locate her once he began looking, quickly coming to the room which she was in, still sitting and totally engrossed with what it is Wednesday is telling her.

Steve waits a moment before clearing his throat and can't help but gently laugh when Allison jumps a bit. She quickly turns to look at him with wide eyes and stands up, "oh I uh- decided to look around a bit on my own."

"I figured you would, did you enjoy yourself?" He asks.

"Yeah," her face lights up, "this place is amazing, I could sit here for ages just letting Wednesday tell me about everything." Allison goes on, info dumping about what she had learned, "do you have a phone?" She eventually asks, "can I see it?"

Steve is surprised, she had already picked up so much. He had been here for years and was still working on learning everything but Allison was like a sponge just absorbing whatever she possibly could. That was how she had always been, she would sit with his mother and learn from her, she excelled at school and many other things, taking any opportunity she was offered to learn. It takes Steve a moment before he is nodding and pulling out his phone, handing it over to Allison, "here, go ahead and check it out. We'll get you one of those eventually along with the other things you need," he pauses a moment, "people are going to start trickling in soon, so we can get some breakfast before they start arriving, you'll love the food they have here, it's all so much better than anything we grew up with."

Steve and Allison found themselves sitting at a counter on bar stools when the first of the Avengers comes through to meet Allison.

The red headed woman introduces herself as, "Natasha Romanoff," and takes a seat beside the other two. For the first time in her life Allison finds herself actually able to hold a nice conversation with a white woman. Nat didn't look upon her condescendingly or give her any reason to think she was her lesser. In her time working as a nurse Allison had met many women, some nice and kind and others not, but no matter where she was Allison who had yet to meet a white woman who seemed to be able to put aside any unintentional biases and her whiteness to just get to know her on a level of woman to woman and nothing more.

Natasha and Allison found it easy to talk with each other and they quickly formed a bond Allison had yet to find with any woman. She and Nat make plans for later that week to go out and find Allison some new clothes and other necessities as she currently only had what could be gathered in the space of a few hours notice. As they are making these plans Wanda enters and offers to join the other two women, and Allison can't help but feel excited at the idea of new friends something she hadn't even thought about in years.

As they talk Steve excuses himself, presumably to go get some other work done since Allison seems comfortable enough.

The conversation lasts for hours, but it's comfortable for the three. It's after Wanda leaves, needing to get stuff done that Nat and Allie get up and go to find Steve again. Steve is in one of the many sitting areas scattered throughout the compound talking with Sam, Allison and Nat head in and join the two.

"Hello," Allison greets Sam and offers him her hand to shake.

"Hey, I'm Sam, I'm guessing you're Allison?"

She nods, "yeah that's me, nice to meet you." She says this as she and take their seats.

"So," Sam begins, "the two of you grew up together, and somehow Steve forgets to bring you up until you just appear one day?" He asks as he arches an eyebrow and seems to be teasing Steve.

Allison can't help but laugh, liking Sam already as he harasses Steve. "He forgot to mention me?" Allison asks with a raised eyebrow, "how rude of you Steve," she bites gently on her lip in order to prevent herself from full out laughing, "I came all the way here just to see you and you don't even mention me to anyone?"

Steve laughs a bit, what had he been thinking introducing these two? He could already tell they would be friends but most likely at his expense as the two individuals had always been prone to poking fun at him and now they'd inevitably tag team the jokes. "I don't know what I was thinking," he doesn't say more knowing any excuse could be used against him and he knew very well he had for a fact talked to Sam plenty of times about both of his childhood friends.

Allison takes the opportunity and says, "well, if you just forgot to mention me I'm sure there are plenty of other things you forgot to mention that I would be more than willing to fill both Sam and Natasha in on," she bites gently on her tongue as she waits for Steve's reaction.

"Oh, that's true you knew him before he was Captain America and all," Sam cuts in knowing where Allison was going and taking the opportunity before Steve could ruin it.

"Yeah, Stevie and I go way back," she starts slow giving Steve a chance to intercede if he wanted. When Steve just slowly shook his head Allison laughed before continuing, "we used to do everything together, he'd always not exactly start fights but if he could choose a side he did and I'd have to help bail him out."

There's a laugh from Nat as she joins in, "yeah? So you and Bucky spent a lot of time saving his ass?"

Allison laughs, "yeah, it was a small ass at the time, it was so odd seeing him for the first time yesterday and him actually being taller than me."

"You were taller than him?" Sam jumps back in, laughing as he imagines Steve being less than 6 feet tall.

"I think when we were 12 I was taller than both him and Bucky, but I easily stood a good half foot taller than little Stevie," Allison purses her lips and reaches over to pat Steve's head.

"Hey, you weren't that much taller than me," Steve finally stands up for himself, "the tallest you ever were was three inches taller than I was."

Allison laughs, "hah! You finally admit that I was taller than you!" She leans back in her seat, smiling at her friend.

The four adults talk for nearly the rest of the day. Steve and Allison catching up and reliving childhood memories while Sam and Natasha enjoyed listening and getting to know more about what their friend had been like before they'd met him.

While Steve enjoyed the conversation and thinking about those memories every time Bucky was mentioned he felt a little pang in his heart knowing their other friend was out there somewhere. It hurt more when he thought about how Allison and Bucky had left things off back in the day and how eventually he'd have to be the one to tell her that Bucky was still out there, not the same but he was still their friend. He had no idea how Allison would feel about the chance to see Bucky again, she would probably be relieved to talk to him and see him again but the idea of that being their last moment together in over 70 years had to be painful to think about opening that subject.

[secondchancesfic]

S.C: Chapter III

Superhero!AU

Fandom: Sanders’ Sides

Pairings: Parental Analogical, Platonical Anxceit, Platonical SleepxDeceit. 

Tags/Warnings: Cursing, one sided crush (DeceitxLogan), nightmares. Violence (shocked, kicked)  Hypnosis/Induce hallucinations. Hallucinations. (If I missed something, please tell me) 

Words: 6842

TOGETHER BREAKFAST:

It was morning already, 5:30 to be precise. Monday.

Logan woke up turning around in his bed, he felt tired and heavy like usual. He searched for his glasses in the bureau, touching his book, a glass of water and the clock before setting his hand on the pair. He places them under his eyes and stretches while yawning, gets out of bed and goes straight to the bathroom to take a shower and brush his teeth. All part of his normal routine. His clothes were already in a chair, ready to be wore.

He finished fixing his hair and tying his tie when he heard the shouts of Virgil and Gregory fighting again over something he couldn’t comprehend, he check his wrist clock. 5:46 am. Odd… their antics usually start 6 minutes later. He finishes fixing his outfit and turns to grab his brown bag that was hanging from the chair, once he checked for his books, pens and markers to make sure they were there, he exists the bedroom.

-Are we seriously having this conversation?- Gregory said amused by Virgil’s reaction when he pour mustard on his eggs. Virgil gagged dramatically, getting an eye roll from the other hero.

-You are so fucking gross, man! - Virgil said looking away, Gregory flip him off while eating his eggs cover in a heavy layer of the yellow condiment.  

-Good morning- Logan said as he entered the kitchen, both young heroes greeted him.

-There are some eggs in the pan- Virgil said with the mouth full.

-And you call me gross …- Gregory remarked as he raise his cup of coffee and looked with disgust at Virgil.

Virgil open his mouth to show the chew food, Gregory sneered very gross out. The purple eyed hero smirk and continue eating his breakfast. Logan looked at both of them while eating his eggs standing up.

-So, what’s for today? - Logan asked. –Is anyone staying late today?-

-Nah, after class I’m coming here- Virgil said almost relief.

He hated to be in the medicine career, finishing it was more of a challenge than a desire of his. Virgil wanted to prove he was able to be responsible, and what is more responsible than a career that involves saving lives.

Of course, it doesn’t make any sense. It’s not like he wasn’t doing so already by being a freaking hero, but might as well study something related to his powers if he isn’t able to be a solo hero right? Suffice to say, being in the career is a mistake and Virgil is a mess.

-Gregory? - Logan turn to the other hero.

Gregory choked a bit in his coffee, but composed himself quickly. –Well I don’t think I have practice today, so I guess I’ll be here too after class-

Virgil snorted.  

-What? – Gregory looked directly at Virgil.

Virgil finished up his breakfast with a fade smile. Gregory would get startled when someone used his name, Virgil usually cuts it short to Greg or calls him Dee while Logan calls him by his hero name since they spend more time at the association. He hated his name with a burning passion but what was he supposed to do?  

-Alright, then. Do call if any of you need assistance of sorts- Logan finished his breakfast and placed the empty plate in the sink.

-It won’t be necessary, Logan. I appreciated it though- Gregory said getting the cup of coffee to his lips.

Logan smiled and nodded, Gregory’s heart skipped a beat. The older hero turn to clean up his plate, Gregory looked at Virgil who was scrolling through his phone.

“The date” Gregory remembered.

-Hey Virgil, can you lend me your phone? - Gregory suddenly asked.

-No- Virgil said deadpan with his eyes glued to the screen.  

-Wha- Why not??- He was genuinely thrown aback.

-Because last time I lend it to you, you made my phone glitch and throw jumpscares every time I tried to open my apps- Virgil throw daggers with a stare at Gregory, his voice was annoyed but amused.

Oh. Right. Gregory chuckled to himself. Virgil wasn’t angry anymore about that prank, he was rather impressed and amused but hell knows he was really freak out the first 5 times the jumpscares pop out.  

Anyway, Gregory won’t be able to get that phone asking nicely, so maybe he could try to search through Virgil’s computer for some information like where would it be and who is the date and the time…

“Ok…That’s a really creepy thing to do…” Gregory thought to himself.

His crush was getting in the way of thinking objectively. Objectively speaking, Logan can be really cold and talk and talk about subjects that no everyone can comprehend, maybe Logan would annoyed the date so much they end the date sooner. That way Gregory wouldn’t have to move a finger and his conscience would be clean.  Sure, hoping for the worst on someone he cares isn’t nice but he really didn’t want Logan to be with someone else. If Gregory couldn’t have him no one else can…

“I should really stop thinking about this….” He thought to himself again.

Once everyone finished their breakfast and clean up the dishes, they left the home together.

 MORNING:

They get to their location; the university. Logan works as a calculus teacher, while the other two younger heroes go to class but not in the career Logan usually teaches. It is a matter of walking for a couple minutes for each to get to their respective classes, to either attend or teach.

The older hero was always excited to teach his class something new, but this time he was feeling rather nervous. After questioning Crimson and the information about their preferable pronouns, Logan kept thinking about the possibilities of who they might be. Certain mannerisms and physical characteristics seem to match someone he knows from one of his classes, as well as the pronouns. However, there’s no way to prove that at all. It might be just a coincidence, a very, very, very huge coincidence. There are plenty people with black hair, there is a low percentage of people being non binary but it’s still a remarkable percentage. Crimson couldn’t be a 19 year old, they were doing so much wrong, so much destruction and at such young age.

No, Logan was just overthinking that probability. It was just a coincidence.  

He walked towards the classroom, once inside he went towards his desk. Students were taking to each other, sleeping or listening to music. Some of them notice their teacher getting the markers out and went to sit in their own desks. Logan greeted everyone in a kind and energetic way, only to get a monotone greeting and groan.

-You could at least pretend to have energy. What, the coffee machine stopped working? - Logan said with a smile

Some students giggled. He can understand their not very passionate greet, it was 7:30 am; class should had started 30 minutes ago but Logan lets his students have those extra minutes to try to wake up. It doesn’t always work though. No class should start this early, but what can he do?

-Alright. I’ll check your attendance, so pay attention- He called out.

Name after name, each student said either a “Here” or a groan. Whatever sound coming from the very tired and sleep deprived students would count to Logan and he would place a mark next to their names.

-Liberato, Elliot- Logan called out the name. He didn’t get an answer, which wasn’t unusual, Elliot was often asleep or listening to music while resting their head in the desk. Logan look up from his list and looked at the empty desk.

Students looked at the desk, some of them who are closed to Elliot mumbled, sharing looks and shrugs. “Odd…” Logan thought. Elliot has never missed a class. Sure, they had few absences due to not paying attention when they got called, but other than that, they would always be there.

Logan continued calling out all the names until he finished, then told his students to read the copies he got for them last class and excuse himself from the classroom. He went towards the office, sometimes students would leave a constancy or a message for the teacher so the absence wouldn’t hurt their final grade.

Most of the teachers wouldn’t even care about the constancies, thinking it is only an excuse for being lazy and miss class. Logan did care about his students, and knew certain circumstances could and would affect them outside of their control, so he makes sure to give a little extra help if anything of the sorts occurred, but the students needed to present something that made sure it was completely necessary to miss a class.

Once he got to the office, he asked for any message or constancy from Elliot. The secretary didn’t had any of those things, Logan thanked the secretary and left towards his class. He stopped in the corridor and took out his phone to check if he got any email from the student, his mail box was empty. He got to his class, several students were talking instead of reading. Typical.

-Alright, go back to your desks and continue reading- Logan said as he pointed at a couple students who were sat over their desks. Everyone returned and continue reading.

Logan sat down at his desk and organize his notes. He glance at the empty desk. What were the odds of capturing Crimson and suddenly one of Logan’s best students wasn’t there? Odd. And, if true, heartbreaking.

 NOON:

Last class of the day was dismissed; Virgil was more than happy, it was one he hated after all.

Instead of telling Logan or Gregory, since they probably were in class, he decided to walk home. It was common for Virgil to do so, he knew all the streets pretty well and frequently used the public transportation. And it’s totally not because he goes at night fighting minor criminals and leaving the crime scene as fast as possible.

Virgil walked out of the campus and across the street towards a café. He didn’t exactly like it there, the coffee really sucked and the ambience was shit, but since his favorite place was down for the moment he didn’t had other options. The only good thing from that place were the pastries, for some reason pastries were not the specialty there. The person owning the place was very dumb or had too much faith in the horrible and poor excuse of coffee. Virgil could say that place made him very bitter.

He got the establishment and order a chocolate muffin. It looked grey, literally. As if someone stole very grey clouds and paste them to the walls. The first time Virgil got there he thought it was in renovations, but in reality, that was the aesthetic they decided to get.

Once he got his muffin and left. Virgil started walking while eating his chocolate muffin, he took out his phone and started scrolling through his social media. There were some pictures and artwork of several heroes, he always thought it was cute how some people show appreciation through art. Sometimes he even finds artwork for Mender, which makes him feel good and flustered. He closes the app to open Tumblr and starts scrolling down his dash; talking about fanart, Virgil has been looking through some pictures about an angel and a demon. He doesn’t know which show are those characters from but he finds them pretty awesome and the art is always amazing and really, really, really gay.  

-Wow, this is gay- he chuckles between bites.

Virgil continue walking when a sudden explosion caught his attention, making him drop the rest of his muffin and cover his ears. He look up and looked around, in the other side of the street there was a bank with smoke and panicked people coming out of it. Virgil frown and ran towards an alley, hiding behind a dumpster, he took off his hoodie and put it in his backpack, leaving it in the ground. Then he looked at the black belt he was wearing and with a push of a button in the center, tiny particles started to cover him up until his superhero uniform was complete.

He ran out of the alley and towards the bank, people were still running and screaming in terror, whatever or whoever was there it sure terrified everyone. Virgil, now Mender, enter the bank looking around in a cautious manner. He saw people on the floor, their eyes were glowing with a green spiral and wouldn’t move at all. Mender got close to one of them and pressed his fingers in their forehead, physically they were fine but they wouldn’t snap out of whatever trance they were in.

A sudden fit of laughter drag his attention towards the vaults, Mender stood up and walked carefully towards the cackles. The few people who weren’t in trance were still curled up, hiding under the counters. He got close to them and made them leave as quietly as possible, the people mouth a thank you when they passed beside him. Mender made sure they were out before getting closer.

He had a clear view of the vault. In the middle of the vault there was a man laughing, his attire looked like something a pompous prince would use. His garb and pants were completely black, he was also wearing…high heels?

Several ornaments were silver, except for a big almost transparent image of an octopus in his garb, which was a dark green, the tentacles surrounded the arms of the villain; it also seem he had… glitter all over his attire, as if a child throw a big bag of the finest glitter over him. A masquerade was covering his face, it was black with silver painting, with a couple feathers and a broken crown glued to it.

- Isn’t this a huge BOOTY?!- The man laughed while holding 2 bags together.

Mender moved his hand towards his belt to grab one of the gadgets, but suddenly felt a hand over his shoulder and a strong shock all over his body. It was a painful feeling, he thought he was going to die from it. He dropped to the ground hugging himself.

-Is this the best hero they got!? – Another man groan –How are we supposed to be well known and feared when they don’t even send the best of the best?- He then kick Mender in his side, making him lay in the ground.

Mender’s view was blurry, but he could see the other man walk over him. He wore black pants, boots with also high heels (what was wrong with this two?), his garb was white with golden ornaments, he wore red gloves and he was also wearing a masquerade but it was red with golden trimmings and a crown. It looked cleaner than the other man’s mask.

-Come on, brother! Cheer up! We can go buy whatever you want with this pair!- He hold the bags closer and moved his shoulders in a suggestive way. Mender was healing himself discreetly.  

-Could you act more mature for once?- The other man said

-You want mature? Sure! DICKS! BALLS! CU- The man with both bags is cut off by a tiny shock from the other man. –OUCH!-

-Let’s just leave already, shall we?-  

Mender manage to stood up and block their way out, to the surprise of both villains.

-Are you two new or what? - Mender said in a pissed off manner.

-Shit!! Didn’t you shock him? - Asked the man with the green attire, taken aback.

-I did!- The other man said, almost offended. –How are you standing up?!- He yelled.

-Why would I tell you, prep? - Mender sneered.

The man with black attire chuckled while the man in white gasped. – I AM A PRINCE, YOU EMO NIGHTMARE!- He charge his hand with electricity while Mender grabbed the yellow gadget from his belt. He throw it in the villains’ direction, the man with white attire hold back the attack and pushed his brother out of away. The man closed his eyes and covered himself waiting for that thing to explode or something, but nothing happened. He looked at Mender and laughed.

-Is that the best you have?! You’re pathetic- He raised his hand towards Mender and tried to summon electricity, he notices nothing coming from his hands. Mender crossed his arms and smirk.

-What’s the matter, princey? - Mender asked mischievous.

The man looked at his brother in bewilderment, they were confused and slightly afraid. The green attire man let go of the bags he was holding and ran towards Mender. Mender was thrown aback and quickly tried to hold on one of his gadgets, the villain was closed and he was waiting for a punch that never came. The green attire man placed a hand over his eyes and a green light was the only thing Mender saw.

Suddenly it was completely dark, Mender was walking in a dark street, and a fade light above him was the only source he had to see around. He felt several hands all over him, dragging him away from someone who was screaming his name and trying to get him. Then he saw how the man was being kicked and punch severely by other man. Mender was screaming horrified while still being dragged until everything was consumed by darkness.

Mender fell to his knees, he was sitting in the floor crying and panicking. The green attired villain sigh in relief while his brother was still confused.

-Ro?- The man asked the white attired man.

-Let’s go before he gets up again-

Both man grabbed 2 bags each of money and ran out of there, only the white attire man looking behind him for a few seconds before leaving the crime scene. Some minutes passed and 2 heroes got there, one chased the villains while the other walked inside the bank to make sure people were alright and to look for damages. She went towards each and every person and tried to wake them up from their stupor without avail. She then opt for throwing a bit of water in their faces which seem to work well, getting some very confused looks and a scream of horror before calming down.

She then walked towards the vault cautiously, finding Mender sat down without responding.

-Mender? - she said surprised, recognizing the young hero. She walked towards him. –Are you alright? Mender?- She crouch besides him and saw he was in the same state like the others victims so she splash a bit of water in his face and he was thrown aback, looking around in a complete panic.

-Wh-What??- His eyes were full of tears. Besides him, he saw the young hero from the other day, the girl with hydrokinesis?

-Are you ok, Mender? - She asked worried.

-I…I think so… Uh…- He tried to stand up but his legs were wobbling, she stood up and let her hand out so he could hold it, Mender hold it. –I’m… Sorry… I-I didn’t catch your… name- he said embarrassed.

-Real one or hero one? - She smiled

- Non … - He said rubbing his head, trying to get rid of the nightmarish sensation.

-Well, hero Flow at your service, Mr. Mender- She said cheerfully while extending her hand.

-Don’t call me Mr…I’m not that old…-He said with a half chuckle taking her hand. She smiled warmly.

Both heard the voices of the other victims so Flow ran out of the vault to attend to them. Mender stayed for a moment, looking around. They didn’t steal as much as he thought but that didn’t impede the guilt to crawl in his chest.

The villains got away, and it was his fault.

Flow made sure everyone was fine before starting with the questions, Mender walked towards her and the other people. The victims were confused and shaken, some were saying how they were feeling fear and paralyzed, others said it was like a never ending nightmare.

The other hero, named Bright Raven, flew over the bank. His body was covered in with light until he landed in the entrance. He went towards Flow and told her something before going towards Mender, who was attending a guard that was shocked by the villain in the white attire. Once the young hero finished, she walked away after saying “thank you”. Bright Raven got closer and placed a hand on Mender’s back making him jolt in surprise.

-Chill, M. It’s just me- said the hero.

Mender let out an exhale -Hey…-

Bright Raven sit down next to the young hero. The both looked at Flow while she was doing her job.

-She is very social…- Said Mender. –Did Dot assign her to you?-

-Yeah, she is very quirky but nice- Bright Raven said with a kind smile. He then looked at Mender while the other hero looked at the group of people. –She told me you were in trance-

Mender flinched. And look down embarrassed.

-Vee, are you ok? - The other hero asked, concern showing in his voice.

-Yeah- He said standing up.

-Hey- Bright Raven stood up and hold his arm. –It’s ok if you aren’t-

-I’m fine, N. - Mender said numbly –Let me go-

-You know I need to tell L about this, right? - He said in a serious manner.

-Don’t- Mender looked directly at his eyes.

-You know you shouldn’t be doing this alone, you didn’t call for back up- the older hero said without letting go.

Mender manages to pull his arm out of his grip. –Since when did you turn into a pain in the ass? – He groan and mumbled –First dad, then Dee, now you?-

-Vee- the other hero gets interrupted

-Not a word about this- Mender said pointing a finger at the other. He lower his face and looked down –Please-

Nate sighed. –Fine, but don’t do it again. You could have hurt yourself…Those two villains… they are a royal pain in the ass-

The older hero walked towards the group of people, Flow was already finishing up the questioning, all written down in a notebook she had.

“She came prepared for this? How cute.” Mender thought.

He walked out of the building and ran quickly, trying to avoid being looked by other people and the press. He went to the alley and got his backpack, he press the button in his belt and his suit was put away. Virgil rest his back in the wall and tried to take deep breaths, he was aghast. He didn’t expect this two villains to be so dangerous, he could have seriously been hurt way worse than any other time he tried to fight other villains.

However, the nightmare he has had for a while was clearer. Virgil felt he was close to knowing who was the man screaming his name. Now he knew it wasn’t Logan, he didn’t looked like Logan at all. If it was his “real” father, maybe he could search for him. It’s not that he doesn’t love Logan or that he wasn’t enough, but Virgil was and is curious to know where he came from. The story he was told about how he was found was weird, it was as if he came out of nowhere. He wanted to know more about his past and who his real father was.

Maybe if he fights this villains again and lets the green attire villain to trance him, he could get a clearer image of the man’s face… That’s the worst idea he has had ever… He should head home now, before any other shocking surprise happens…

 NIGHT:

At sundown, the heroes were at home. Logan was grading his students’ homework from last week in his office, while Virgil was in his bedroom decompressing from that day. He didn’t tell anyone what had happened and hope he wasn’t taken any photo. By now, they all ate and went on with their normal routines.

At 8, Logan would head out to the association and be back at 11 pm if there was nothing to be done or was forced by Dot to go home. Virgil would stay at least at 12 am trying to sleep and failing in the process, grabbing his phone and scrolling through tumblr. Now, the only one missing was Gregory, he usually would sleep the rest of the day away right after school or he would do any kind of chore around the department to avoid doing homework. He wasn’t very consistent on certain things, the only predictable thing he does is walking in the park at night.

Gregory grabbed his backpack and got out of the department, taking his keys with him. Most of the time he would walk around with no direction, just to decompress, other times he would bring his homework or a book and sit down in a bench. At midnight people would usually be at home, but not him. For some reason, he loved being in the darkness and reading with the help of the fade street light.

It was very dark except for the street lights that were glowing. Some had the distinctive orange hue of old age while others seem to be replaced by the white light. The night was the perfect temperature and no person was in sight, he went and sat down in a bench and took out one of Logan’s favorite books. He was ready to finish up the rest of “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” when suddenly his phone buzzed. Thinking it was one of the other heroes or the association he picked it up, frowning at the name that appeared over the text. Gregory left it by his side and tried to concentrate in the book, but the phone wouldn’t stop buzzing. Several messages took for Gregory to pick it up again and send an “Alright” before putting the book back in his bag and walking away from the park.

It wasn’t that late, at least around 9 or 10 pm, so taxis should still be around. Gregory waited in the sidewalk next to a taxi’s stops. He extended his arm when he saw one car approaching, the taxi slow down and stopped completely in front of him. The doors were unlocked and Gregory got inside.

-To where?- The driver asked.

-A bar call ¨The Others¨- Gregory said politely.

The driver nodded, he started the record and drove away while Gregory scrolled through his phone, checking his twitter for any kind of news or to see a post from any of the people he follows.

The news of the bank robbery pop up in his phone, a lot of people were talking about it and retweeting it. Gregory looked one tweet that had a link to the news article, he press it and he went to the web page. He looked through the pictures taken of the crime scene, there were no casualties but there was a lot of damage that would need to be taken care of. After scrolling more he looked at the pictures of Bright Raven (Nate) and Flow (Oh, the new girl…Morgan was it?). They seem to have taken care of the problem, except that no villain was caught. Gregory frown, he started to read one of the paragraphs describing how the heroes were late to stop the pair of villains who assaulted several people and manage to escape with at least 4 bags of money.

He looked through more photos to see which villains were, there was only one picture of the criminals that was taken by an amateur, it only showed one of the villains but it was good enough. Gregory could see the black attire and the masquerade as well as a mustache, the villain looked like a bad guy from one of those old western movies where the villain wore a black hat and looked disheveled.

He continue scrolling and read one quote of one the victims. It said:

¨All this suppose heroes are useless!! The first hero couldn’t even fight back and the other 2 got late!! They have only one job and they can’t do it properly! ¨

Gregory raised an eyebrow in confusion. ¨3 heroes were at the bank?¨ he thought. He looked around the page to search if there was any picture of the other hero. In text, the first hero was mention a couple times but no name or picture was given. ¨That´s weird… I´d have to ask Nate tomorrow. ¨

The taxi parked in the front of the bar.

-That’d be 10.56- the driver said, looking at him through the mirror.

-Thanks- Gregory said while taking out 11 dollars, he gave it to the driver and he got off. The taxi drove away.

The street was really dark, the street light weren’t enough to light the whole place. The bar was a different story. It had a big bright neon sign and several white lamps illuminating the entrance. You could see this place from afar like it was a lighthouse. Music was so loud it could be heard from outside and several people were leaving the place very intoxicated.

Gregory sighed and walked towards the entrance where he was stopped by the security guard.

-ID?- the security guard asked.

Gregory took out his wallet to get his ID, he show it to the security guard who gave him a wary glare before letting him enter. The hero walked between the people who were dancing to the music playing in the background, it was very uncomfortable due to some being very intoxicated or sweaty or both.

He continue walking until he got the bar and sat down in one of the stools. Gregory looked around and saw the people dancing while screaming incoherent non sense, probably trying to sing the lyrics of the song. In the darkest parts of the establishment, some people were actually talking in individual tables.

-What can I get you?- Gregory jumped from the sudden sound. In the waves of loud noises, the server’s voice pierced through all.  

-Just water- he said composing himself. The server went away and came back with a glass of cold water.

Before Gregory could sip the cold drink, a hand smacked his back and it was accompanied with a loud yell.

-GURL! What is this nonsense!?-

Gregory cough up the water that now was in his lungs and tried to look to his side. A man with a white ripped shirt and jeans, wearing a pair of sunglasses was sitting next to him, smiling mischievously. He was holding a jacket over his shoulder.

-4 shots! And a sex in the beach- said in a cheerful tone.

The server smiled and rolled their eyes and went ahead to do the order.

-Wow… You really don’t want to get home tonight…- Gregory said still coughing lightly, cleaning the water with a napkin.

-What are you talking ‘bout? The 4 shots are for you!- said the man, still smiling. His back was towards the server and was looking at the people dancing around.

-Thanks, but no- Gregory said while drinking water carefully, glancing over the guy for any kind of surprise.

-Come on!! You used to shove a whole bottle! What happened to the fun Deceit?- He almost yelled.

Gregory shoot a glare at him, placing the water down.

-I sometimes wonder how we’re even alive. A presume your identity is known by everyone in the city at this point- he glared seriously at the man.

-They wished! I change people’s lives for the best!- he said sitting to look at the server, who brought the drinks and placed them in front of both men.

-Here ya’ go, babe!- The man pushed the shots towards Gregory who kept glaring daggers. The other man started drinking his beverage as if it was the last. He placed his half empty glass down and looked at Gregory who was still glaring and not grabbing any shot.

-FINE! I guess I’ll drink by myself tonight! - He hold one of the shots and shove it down, coughing afterwards and laughing.

-Why did you wanted to see me, Remy?- Gregory asked unamused and annoyed.

Remy looked at him, taken aback by the tone. –Can’t I just call up my little old ex-partner in crime and hang out in our favorite spot?- He smiled cheerfully.

- No, this is way too risky - He said while looking at his water.

The other man gave an airy laugh. –If it was that risky, you wouldn’t have come Mr. Reformed- Remy laughed while mixing one of the shots in his beverage. Gregory pulled his drink away and gave Remy his cold water.

-Hey!- Remy yelled. –I was drinking that!!-

-Not anymore- Gregory hold the drink and took a sip, wincing at the taste, it was bitter and strong.

-Sheesh- Remy said while drinking the water slowly. They sit there, the sound of the music and chats surrounding them.

There was nothing much to talk about, they have known each other for a while. Always sticking up and taking care of each other; some friendships would end when one takes another path in life, but not this one.

Remy wasn’t happy at all to know his best friend was capture, practically stripped away from him, and hell knows he was not at all happy when Gregory was now playing for the good guys. Gregory did tried to convince Remy to turn around a new leaf but he wouldn’t budge. After several fights from both sides, they just gave up on fighting each other. They didn’t find any pleasure on doing so anyway.

Remy knew he was still his friend after Gregory let him, well Sleep, escape after one of his robbery plans went wrong. Some heroes were already suspicious of Gregory, they didn’t buy that the villain knock him out. His powers should have been enough to defeat the bad guy, but he didn’t. From that point on, Gregory and Remy had to find ways to see each other. They still maintain communication through calls and messages, but they couldn’t go anyplace together in fear of putting each other in danger. At least Gregory feared that, Remy didn’t give a fuck whether he was caught or not, he find tricky ways to slip out of the law’s grip. It wasn’t exactly a surprise Remy wanted to hang out or something of the sorts, but his insistence on the matter was what made Gregory accept to meet up.

Now, if something Gregory knows very well about the both of them is that they like their drinks. He had stopped drinking when Logan caught him in the act. He had to learn other ways to cope from his past situations, Gregory actually got better on that matter so it wasn’t that bad. Remy did had more control than him, however, when a difficult or really bad situation arrived, he would drink and drink until he was blackout drunk instead of talking about what was troubling him.

-What’s wrong? - Gregory said firmly.

-What? - Remy looked at his friend with a half-smile, a bit surprised by the question.

-What’s wrong? – Gregory asked again. -You wanted to see me all of the sudden and you tried to get alcohol poison a few minutes ago-

-It was just a drink and 2 shots!! By the way, mine!- Remy went to hold one of the shots but Gregory hit his hand. Remy rolled his eyes and went to grab the water instead.

-Remy- He hold his friend’s shoulder. –What’s wrong? - He looked at him in his eyes, his tone was serious and he had a concern look. Remy notice the expression in his friend’s face, he then looked away and to the glass of water. He was quiet for a moment. He gulped.

-Something is going to happen…- Remy said stumbling through his words.  

-What?-

-I heard your friends capture Crimson- Remy stated, nonchalantly. His face reflect numbness.

-Yeah, they did- Gregory said. He wanted to tell him about the whole ordeal, but he couldn’t disclose any information due to Remy’s gossipy nature.

-You should have done so sooner…- Remy started to sip the water.

-What do you mean?- Gregory replied quickly, baffled by that respond. He waited for Remy to place the glass down.

-He hasn’t talked yet?- Remy kept his eyes on the glass.  

-No… L- He paused. -Syllogism was supposed to question him tonight or tomorrow…- So close, even saying a name could be dangerous.

-Well… Let’s just say, the bad guy he was working for is really fucked up…- Remy said with a nervous chuckle.

-I need you to be clearer than that, Rem…-

-Look, I’d tell you more but I really don’t know much about this boss guy. One time one of his zombies got in my house, Greg. MY HOUSE! I don’t even know how they knew who I was or where I lived- He passed his hand through his hair, and shuffled it.

“His”? So it’s a man...

-What do you mean by zombie? What did he wanted?- Gregory asked, paying close attention to what his friend was saying.

- The zombie guy wasn’t talking. He had a loudspeaker stick to his chest. He looked really, really fucking pale, and his eyes were sky blue. Not like normal blue eyes, his eyes were glowing blue. It was fucking creepy, he was acting like a fucking zombie. GOD, IT WAS SO FUCKING WEIRD! - Remy shook his hands as if to get rid of the chills sensation.  

-What did he wanted?-

-He wanted me to work for him, to use my powers to bring people somewhere. He didn’t say a location, I had to agree before he said anything else- He hold the glass of water closely.

-Did you accept?!- Gregory was confused and worried.

-FUCK NO! HE WAS BEING A CREEP! WHO IN THE FUCK GETS IN YOUR BEDROOM AT 2 IN THE MORNING!?- Remy shivered. –At least he didn’t insist and went away. Still! I had to move the fuck away from there, fuck that!!-

-I suppose you don’t know why he is kidnapping people…- Gregory asked almost disappointed to not know more information.

-From what I’ve heard from other… Comrades…- He said almost in a mumbled. –He wants to do like… An army of sorts… I mean, I could see it in his messenger but no one knows why he needs it- Remy then drink more water and put it in front of his friend.

-Alright…- Gregory said, it was a lot of information to process.

At least they got one villain out of the streets, but if what Remy is said was completely true, and not a very bad hallucination with a type of drug, then somewhere, out there in the city, was a very creepy, dangerous man planning to strike. Why, how, where and when were the questions that aren’t going to get a clear answer that night. They had to wait and see.

–I’m glad you text me for this… If you need protection or anything I could try to convince Logan to help you out…- Gregory stated and sip the mixed drink a bit.  

Remy turned his head slowly and a wide smile started to form in his face -…Who’s Logan…?-

FUCK. –No one…- He said nonchalantly.

-Is it one of your hero friends?- He gasped – Is he hot?-

Gregory started to blush. –No! He’s just a friend!-

-Bitch, song as old as time! You can’t deceive your best friend, I know all your dirty secrets and can read you like an open book!- Remy laughed. As quick as the tension came, as quick as it dissipated.

Gregory was blushing profusely and banged his head in the counter, he covered himself with his arms while his friend was laughing. The sound of the bar was very alive; the lights were very shiny and people were still drinking and dancing, everyone was in their own business. Time was passing by, and both friends were now catching up in their usual lives, their normal lives. No hero duty, no villainy plots. Just life itself.

Gregory and Remy drank the two last shots in one quick swung before they had to part ways again, back to their work, studies, hero and villain lives. They should hang out more frequently, Gregory would be lying if he say he didn’t miss the old days. He was very happy where he was, Virgil and Logan were also his friends now too but Remy was his friend first and it did sting a bit to not see him as frequently as they used to. At least Remy knows when to step out of trouble, and that gave Gregory some sort of comfort.

Prologue/ CH 1/ CH 2 / CH 3 / CH 4

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[jheselbraum]

What to Do if the Bombs Come Down

So. Today a military mistake that should never have happened sent out an alert to the state of Hawaii, telling people that a ballistic missile was on its way.

I can’t do much.

But I can do this.

This isn’t official, I encourage you to do your own research, but this is a special interest of mine, and here’s what I’ve found.

*Note: I encourage you to purchase or make a faraday cage for your electronic devices, or they will not work after the blast

1) Get underground, if you can

Get to know your area. Find out which buildings have basements, especially if you’re in a southern area where basements aren’t common. You’re looking for underground concrete structures without windows.

The nuclear weapon was not designed to destroy military bases, it was not designed to destroy reinforced structures like concrete and steel buildings. The nuclear bomb was designed, essentially, for civilians.

If you live near a military base or a nuclear power plant, your odds of being attacked increase dramatically.

Places to look for undeground shelter include: museums, government buildings, office buildings and apartment high rises. Parking garages are dubious at best, but if they’re marked as an official fallout shelters or have closing doors, your chances of survival increase.

If you can’t get underground, get on the first floor of the building, in a central room, away from doors and windows. You got books? Furniture? barricade as much of that around (and above if you’ve got an attic or a second floor) your central room as you can. Stock the area with food and water before the blast. 

You’re also going to want to have some sort of bathroom plan. Running water won’t be a thing for at least a few weeks after the blast, and clean running water would be even harder to come by. (There’s also the chance the water in your tap could become contaminated by the fallout).

2) If there’s enough time and the roads are clear, get out.

Some places, like Hawaii, won’t have enough time to evacuate or can’t physically evacuate. I wouldn’t recommend evacuating by boat even if you’ve got one ready to go and are on the easternmost side of the big island, it’s still over 2,000 miles until you hit land. 

But if you get the alert and you’re already on the edge of town? Get out. Don’t think just drive, perpendicular to the wind, don’t look back.

Staying put and sheltering in place is probably your safest bet, statistically speaking. Especially if you’re in Hawaii, or even a major city on the mainland. You’re just not going to be able to get out in time

So what do you do when you shelter in place?

3) Stay inside, prepare food and water ahead of time.

Hopefully, you already have an emergency kit prepared. If you have the space for your own shelter or space in your pantry, keep two extra weeks of non-perishables and at least 28 gallons of water per person (at 1-2 gallons/3-7 litres a day, this would be the minimum for a person to survive)(this number drops in cooler conditions, but, well, cooler conditions are not likely to happen after the blast). This water should be stored in BPA free containers, so there’s no chemical breakdown of the plastic during those (hopefully) very long stretches of time you’re not using them.

As mentioned above, the water in your sink and toilet is probably going to become contaminated at some point (via waste buildup or radiation) so you won’t have that as an option if your stored water starts growing some new friends while you’re sheltering in place. Life Straw and similar products are your best bet (life straw is the cheapest but) for clean water if you’re unsure how safe your stored water is. There are also water purification tablets you can buy that’ll allow your water to keep longer.

If you live in a hurricane or earthquake prone area, you should definitely have these things stored already, we’re just adding more.

Your food should be non-perishables (canned goods, jerkey, dried fruit, etc)(if you get rice, get the kind that just needs to be microwaved and doesn’t require water)(same with soups) that you and your family normally eats. After a nuclear blast is not the time to discover that little Timmy has a tuna allergy.

If you have a walk-in pantry, perfect. If you don’t but have a basement, go ahead and keep all your non-perishables down there, save some space and use the tiny pantry for dishes or something.

If you’re like me, and you live in a small apartment building with no basment and don’t even have a pantry?

Grocery store and a megaphone. Befriend your local cashier, the bagger, the stocker, the manager, the people behind the deli counter, the bakers. When you get the warning, head over to the store with your megaphone and get as many people as you can to use whatever they can to barricade yourselves in with all the perishables. All the canned goods in the average grocery store could feed a single human for about 70 years.

Get pottassium-iodide if your pharmacy has it.

Get a cooktop, like the kind used for camping, and some pots and pans.

4) Staying informed

Two weeks is a long time to go without electricity, especially in a crisis. If you have an emergency kit already, it should have a radio (either hand crank or battery operated, with extra batteries) a flashlight (they make flashlights that are hand crank and charge your cell phone) and those cell phone recharger packs in it.

Emergency responders will not be physically able to enter the area for about two weeks, so you need to keep informed. Keep an eye on the weather reports, which way the wind is headed, and keep an eye out for an all clear signal, as it could come sooner than two weeks if the missile is small enough.

5) Staying healthy

This is probably going to be the most costly portion of your emergency kit (which, I remind you, if you’re in an area where hurricanes and or earthquakes are common, you should have one) but it’s necessary. Keep your regular stocks of ibuprofen, allergy medicine, cold medicine, etc, in your emergency kit. Talk to your doctor (especially if you’re in an area where natural disasters are frequent enough, you’re much likelier to be caught in a hurricane or an earthquake than a nuclear disaster) about 90 day supplies of long term perscription medications instead of 30 day supplies.

*side note, re: natural disasters: get a lockbox with some cash and put it in your kit. If the power’s down and no one can swipe a card, you’re gonna need it. You won’t, however, need it for a nuclear blast because no one will be going outside

5) If you don’t have shelter

Some shelter is better than no shelter, but if you can get from bad shelter to good shelter in under five minutes, go for it. Thing is, you’re not gonna know if that shelter is still there. This is where you’re gonna want that crank radio and a vehicle.

By the time the blast actually hits, the roads will be clear enough if you stay off the major highways. 

Wait about 30 minutes in your bad-but-still-shelter shelter. This will give you enough time to wait out the initial blast and the shockwave, most of the firestorm, any atomic rain (reported after the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings), it’ll give meteorologists enough time to tell you where the fallout cloud is headed (this is where the crank radio comes in handy) and it’ll give you enough time to put on as many clothes as you can. I’m talking ski masks, I’m talking gogles, I’m talking thick jackets.

After 30 minutes are up, get in your car, plug up your vents, and drive wherever the fallout cloud isn’t. Once you’re in adequate shelter, decontaminate. Leave all your clothes outside, better to be embarassed than dead, and if you have the opportunity to shower, do so. Wash your hair without using conditioner and discard all items used a safe distance away from your shelter.

*Note: this step is dependent on you being a significant distance away from the blast. See belowe for what to do if you’re too close to the fireball

6) Wait, what about the EMP, won’t that render the car useless?

Depends on the car, even if you don’t have a working car after the blast you should still put as much distance between you and the blast as possible, whether that’s sheltering in place or on the move.

Nothing conclusive has been found regarding the effects an nuclear electromagnetic pulse would have on an automobile.

Faraday cages for your phones, chargers, radios, and other electronics are definitely a good idea.

7) The blast is happening, what now?

Ok so let’s assume this was a warhead from North Korea.

Pray to whatever you do or don’t believe in that you’re not within about 1-2 miles of the blast radius, especially without shelter.

You actually are going to want to duck and cover before the blast wave hits, get under something iff possible.

Keep your mouth open, it’ll equalize the pressure when the bomb goes off and your eardrums don’t burst.

Basically, you’re either vaporized, badly burned, or crushed under collapsed buildings and other debris.

If you happen to be outside that 1-2 mile radius, you’re in luck. You probably survived the initial blast. Wait in your shelter until the all clear is given.

If you’re in that 1-2 mi radius and you did survive? You’ve got less than half hour to get the fuck out of there. Good news is most of your obstacles are vaporized, and you just need to get about a mile away from where you’re presently standing, in the opposite direction relative to you where the blast was, perpendicular to the wind. Basically, towards the part of town that’s still standing.

Sidenote, don’t look at the blast. 

If you can’t do that, get the fuck underground and into a shelter.

The bad news is, pretty much everything’s going to be on fire. If fire is approaching your shelter it’s time to move. Put on heavy clothing and cover up as much as you can, and get to safety.

If it rains, don’t touch, drink, or interact with it. It’s radioactive. Get something sturdy over your head and keep dry at all costs.

Now, at this point, I feel I should let y’all know that a nuclear confrontation, while not off the table, isn’t likely. Or at least, wouldn’t last long.

It’s not known exactly how many weapons North Korea has, but the concept of MAD (or, mutually assured destruction) still stands. In fact, I’d say it’s probably skewed in America’s favor, especially if North Korea strikes first.

If there’s a nuclear attack in our lifetime, it’ll likely come from a stateless terrorist group. My guess? Based on the types of channels youtube recommends me every time I search things like “Chernobyl Documentary” or “Manhattan Project” or “Nuclear Survival ted talk,” neo-nazis and other white supremacists are the most likely to commit such a crime. (Luckily, they’re historically bad at nuclear physics).

These attacks are likely to be a ground burst. Which means you have one other option for shelter. A high rise, more than ten floors above ground level and more than ten floors below the top floor. It also likely means a lower yield, so that’s less time spent in the shelter. Still 48-72 hours minimum

8) The all clear hasn’t been given, but I can hear first responders outside, and helicopters, should I seek help?

Yes, absolutely! Depending on the size of the bomb, first responders might be on the ground as soon as 24 hours after the explosion.

Luckily for those caught in the firestorm, the fire department is designated by the US as the lead agency on the ground, they’re going to at the very least bring resources as close to the victims as possible.

They will be blocking off areas and denying entry, so be aware of that if you’re crazy enough to try to go get your loved ones.

This, like every hospitalization situation, is where you should thank your lucky  stars if you’re waiting for treatment.

These guys are gonna get you out of there.

9) What about the sick, the disabled, the poor, the elderly, the homeless?

If you’ve got the extra cash, stock more food and water. Invest in a geiger counter or a dosimiter (even if there’s no nuke, still probably a good idea to know how radioactive your surroundings are. 1 in 3 Americans live within 50 miles of nuclear waste after all). Stock up on home remedies for things like arthritis, apple cider vinegar works well for aching joints, with a heavy preference for actual medicine. Be prepared to invite strangers into your home if necessary. Get involved with your local homeless shelter or elder care facility, make friends, see who’s in your area that may need help in an emergency. And this goes for any emergency! Whether your area is known for earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods or fire, you should be helping the vulnerable people in your community.

Get involved, stay safe.

[oh-soldier-my-soldier]

Instinct Pt.7

Pairing: Alpha!Bucky Barnes x Omega!Reader

Summary: Bucky has finally found the omega he wants for his own, but catching his prey may be harder than he first realized.

Word count: 1.5K

Warnings:  A/B/O dynamics, mention of violence, mention of blood, bit of angst,  mention of death, mostly fluff this chapter

A/N: Ugh. I had fun writing this part but I feel like there wasn't much plot??

My lovely editor: @markiminhoo

________________

 That night Bucky wandered soundlessly up the stairwell, slipping off the stairway and into the main floor of the tower. He liked to stare out at the city before he went o bed, he found it often helped him sleep.

He'd spent the day on your floor with you. It started with a cup of awkward silence and strong coffee. It progressed to some tense jokes about his being beaten up the night before. Suddenly, he was laughing so hard his chest hurt, the coffee forgotten while you bonded over something Steve did in the army.

He must have been in there for at least four hours.

And as he stared out at the city lights, he found himself unconsciously letting a soft smile quietly brighten his face. 

***

You laid in bed that night giggling into your hands, an uncontrollable smile gracing your features. Your eyes begged for sleep but you couldn’t help squeeze your pillow to your chest and reminisce about the day’s events.

You had to admit, you didn’t hate it. In fact, it felt really, really nice to feel like that again.

You would spend the next weeks getting closer and closer to Bucky. It started with having coffee at each other’s floors every few days. Then he would dare to take you out to dinner. And it would slowly progress into spending time together almost every day.

 ***

A walk in central park seemed like a great idea when it was brought up. However, once you'd spent an hour treading about, you were done with walking. So you and Bucky laid down in the grass, on your sides, facing each other.

You quietly scanned over his face, burning tiny details into your mind. He was doing the same thing to you. It had started about two weeks previously. You’d gone out for breakfast and just ended up staring silently at each other. You supposed Bucky liked it so much because it was any easy way to remember you. Just to stare at you. “What’re you thinking?” He asked quietly

You smiled softly “You.”

He grinned a little “What about me.”

You shrugged “Just, you. As a whole. Your mannerisms I guess.”

You had picked up many little details over the last few weeks. Like, when he fought, he only ever used his left arm for defence even though it was obvious that he knew he could K.O. somebody with one hit from it. And he liked to get a feel for fruits before he bought them. And he had an issue with taking medicines. And he hated it when people tapped their feet on the ground.

He huffed a soft laugh and rolled onto his back with a soft thud. You copied him to stare up at the skies.

“Do you ever used to guess what the clouds were? The shapes of them?” You asked him.

“Yeah, back when I was a kid in the 20s. Steve would sometimes draw what we would guess. He wasn’t very good at the whole art thing then, though.” He snorted.

You hadn’t dared ask him about his childhood. His time. You felt that he could be a touchy subject. He would occasionally make a little comment about what it was like in the 30s or 40s, but never got into a full conversation about it. You figured that was for him to start, not you. He would say something when he was ready.

You lapsed back into a comfortable quietness. It didn’t last this time, for a soft voice interrupted you.

“Excuse me, mister.”

You sat up, quickly followed by Bucky, to turn and look at the source.

It was a small girl, only six at most. She was the cutest thing, pale skin frame by thick gold curls and the most green eyes you’d ever seen. The thing that really got you was that she had a little prosthetic leg.

Bucky seemed to have realized this and was doing everything in his power not to look at it.

“Uh, I just wanted to, in, thank you, mister. I think you’re really brave and uh. Uhm. You’re my hero.” She told Bucky quietly, holding out a bundle of dandelions with such a quiet innocence that your heart melted.

Bucky stumbled over himself trying to find words to express to the little girl, but she spoke before he could catch himself.

"Can I hug you please?"

Bucky nodded quickly and held out his arms for the girl. He slowly wrapped them around her, the girl completely dwarfed in his arms while she squeezed him around the neck.

She then pulled away, giggled, and dashed off to her mother, who was standing a few yards back smiling quietly. She nodded gently at Bucky before turning and walking away with the small blonde girl.

Your attention turning then to Bucky, who had rasped softly. He had set the flowers down to rub his face, his own breath betraying him. Something similar to the situation had happened to him a few months after he joined the Avengers. A teenage boy had come up to him, shaken his hand and told him about what an inspiration he was to many people his school. He spoke of how ready so many teenagers like himself were ready to fight for him, if it came down to it.

It felt like he cried for hours when he got back to the tower. He had never considered that people might take his side. Especially after everything he'd done. He got the odd letter here or there, from people all over the world. It really helped him get better, feel better.

"Are you okay?" You asked, reaching a hand out to gently touch his shoulder.

He took a deep breath, before looking up at  you. "Yeah. It just, it still gets me that people actually like me."

"You're a hero to a lot of people, James."

He smiled briefly at you. "Do you want to head back?"

"Sure."

Bucky jumped to his feet to help you up. He hesitantly wrapped an arm around as you walked. Over the last few weeks he had slowly but surely gotten more and more touchy with you. You could tell he loved touch, but it was almost like he was scared to ask for it.

"C'mon Omega, lets go."

He'd also taken to calling  you that. You were never really one to like being called by your rank, but with him, it just seemed right.

Another perk of going about with Bucky, was that he was not only an alpha, but a rather large one at that. It made shopping and even just living life easier to be around him. Even smelling like him helped.

Alphas were much less likely to approach and get at you if you stunk like a big, scary alpha. Even better if he was around to hover over you while you picked out bags of chips.

People almost seemed to avoid if Bucky was around, simply because they didn't want to accidentally invade on Bucky's territory. You couldn't blame them. You'd cross the street as well if you thought there was a good risk of getting growled at by an alpha quite as intimidating as Bucky.

Not that you were his territory. You hadn't actually given what the two of you were doing a title yet, but it seemed like you both knew that you building up to it. You hadn't really done anything, except laying on the couch together or occasionally have your arms around each other.

You were happy. You really were. You were happy with how your life was going. With him, for not pushing you too hard to give him affection. It was fun, if such a loose term could describe it.

"You're awfully quiet, Y/N." Bucky stated.

You looked up at him, your eyes suddenly being bored into by that same piercing pair that belonged to the man next to you. You shrugged.

"Something bothering you?"

You hesitated. Nothing was bothering you. Not really. You were living the good life. There was only one thing that would surface from time to time.

"Are you happy?"

"What?"

"Are you happy? With...this? With what's going on here? I know it's probably not going at the speed you'd like but I don't know if I can-"

"Y/N" Bucky interrupted

"I know, I just don't know if I can go any faster than this, I mean-" You had started ranting, quickly blocking out that you were actually saying anything at all.

"Y/N, slow down."

"It's just a big leap for me and I'm doing my best-Oh!" You'd been cut off once again, this time with a kiss.

Bucky kissed you. It seemed fake it your mind, for it had been what felt like forever since you kissed someone.

You might have stood there for seconds or minutes or hours, for you lost all track of time. When you finally stumbled back from his embrace, you covered your mouth with a hand, a laugh lingering behind your fingers.

"Yes, Y/N. I'm perfectly happy."

 -------

Tags

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(Sorry to those whose tags did not work or to those who I forgot to tag)

@sebseyesandbuckysthighs  @buckyhawk @bovaria @you-and-bucky @mustangandthereaper @after-avenging-hours @writing-soldiers @xxchexchickxx @shieldagentofthemonth @melconnor2007@38leticia @bvckys-doll @gallifreyansass @chipilerendi @crazinessgraveyardsandcartoons @elitafuckingone @thelovablesociopath @supernatural-fanfic @adrianabribiescacortes @elyza-jeanette @livxmartinson @inside-lizzys-head @megasimpleplan4ever @theerikasanchez @saharzek @hawkeyethenerd @captainamylouise @beefthief247 @almondbuttercup @mylittlefandomfanfictions @ursulaismymiddlename @agentmarvel13 @stone-met @elisa-ramirez14

[krieservalentine]

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[lifepros]

#3329

If you get bit by a venomous snake, follow these steps.

there are several things I would suggest you do following a snakebite that are extremely beneficial.

Walk, don't run, and carefully retrace your steps to get out of the immediate vicinity of the snake and avoid the possibility of stepping on any others nearby. 20 or 30 feet should be more than sufficient, the snake wants to get away as much as you do.

Find a safe place to sit down. This is important! Viper venoms in particular contain vasodilating compounds that open up your blood vessels to facilitate rapid diffusion of venom out into systemic circulation, which means you may suddenly suffer a dizzy spell and faint because your blood pressure just dropped too low to pump all the way to your head while you are standing upright. This is relatively common with viper bites and often happens in the first few minutes, so do yourself a favor and sit down so you don't pass out while running and hit your head on a rock. Like I said, you would be surprised...it happens all the time. These are usually brief fainting spells and you stand a good chance of avoiding it altogether by not standing up in a state of abject terror, but if you faint it shouldn't be more than a few minutes before you are cognizant again and I guess if you want to look at the bright side, you just really nailed the whole relaxation part of step 3 and are sort of ahead of the game...but you should repeat step 3 now that you are conscious anyways.

Remove any rings, watches, bangles, anklets, tight clothing, and anything else from the bitten limb because there is a good chance it is going to get a whole lot bigger than it was when you bought that toe ring…Do this because any of these items could potential become a tourniquet when swelling makes them impossible to remove, and that could cost you the limb below whatever is choking off the supply of oxygenated blood. Tourniquets of any sort are not good for snakebite, so please don’t try to tie your shoelaces or belt or anything else above whatever part of you just got bitten. There are somewhere between 5,000 - and 10,000 snake envenomations in the US every year, but most will not suffer any major permanent disability and on average only 5 people will die in a given year (mostly very old, very young, highly allergic, and other high-risk populations). Your odds are quite good, so be grateful you live in the US and make sure you don’t become a (bad) statistic by doing something stupid that makes your situation a whole lot worse than it was already.

Now that you are sitting, take at least 5 minutes to calm down and put your mind to a productive task: planning your evacuation. Time to break out the two items that I highly recommend for a snakebite kit that will help you save your own hide. First up...Do you have a cell phone? Does it have service here? If not, where did it last have a connection? Since the only effective treatment for a snake envenomation is the right antivenom to neutralize it, a working cell phone is your best means of getting information out to the emergency personnel who will do everything in their power to bring you safely out of the field and into the best medical facility for your current predicament. If you can call right away, those 5 minutes you took to calm down are going to prove helpful in relaying key information such as who you are, where you are, what happened, how you are feeling, as well as pertinent information like any other coexisting medical conditions and medications you currently take. If you take any sort of anticoagulants (blood thinners) then that is definitely something you want to inform them of right away, and please folks - DO NOT TAKE ASPIRIN, ADVIL, OR OTHER NSAIDS AFTER A SNAKEBITE. All of those medicines thin your blood, and they can cause very nasty problems for snakebite patients. Tylenol (acetaminophen) is okay, take up to 2x 500mg tablets if you feel the need as it won't interact with the snakebite in any way but don't forget to tell the medics everything you have taken when they get there to avoid being double-dosed.

The second item I cannot speak highly enough of for snakebites is...drumroll...a sharpie! If you are seriously envenomated, your primary objective right now is to get to the antivenom and get the IV flowing so it can do its job. From a clinical standpoint, there are several things you can keep track of now that will prove immensely beneficial when you reach the hospital and we are assessing the severity of your snakebite to figure out if you need antivenom, how much you need right now if you do, and what other effects the venom is causing so we can treat them with the other drugs we have available and try to make your stay a little more comfortable. Here's how this works. You are going to assess yourself from top to bottom and document significant findings on your person along with the time that you are observing it. Notes can get lost during evacuation or rescue, but your leg is coming with you to the hospital whether you like or not so get ready to mark it up! First thing is to circle the site of the snakebite with the sharpie and write down the time next to it. Draw a circle around the border of the swelling, or if the bite is on a finger or toe then draw a line at the edge of the swelling as it moves up the limb, and once again: write down the time. Write down all of the things that you are experiencing right now that are not normal for you next to or within the circle you just drew - just make sure it’s clear what time you are writing them at. Go through all of your 5 senses and write down everything that is out of place, being sure to include the following:

Metallic taste in your mouth, changes to sense of smell, sudden loss of vision, double vision, visual disturbances, ringing in the ears, headache, nausea and vomiting, bleeding from anywhere, dizziness, shortness of breath, tremors or twitching or cramping that moves up the bitten limb, pain, numbness, tingling, burning, electric shocks, and all manner of unusual sensations, loss of bowel or bladder control, excessive secretion of saliva/tears/snot/sweat, droopy eyelids that feel heavier and heavier and are hard to open, can’t stick out your tongue at your friends like you could a few minutes earlier, can’t shrug your shoulders, feeling of impending doom, and anything else we might want to know about (if you suddenly believe that you have developed a sixth sense you should probably mention that too).

Not only do you get to take a break for arts and crafts immediately after your snakebite, but you are also creating a timeline charting the progression of signs and symptoms as they occur and providing the critical information we medical people need to figure out how serious of a bite you are facing and what steps need to be taken to stay on top of a developing situation. In all seriousness, the importance of doing this cannot be overstated, and it is something that you should continually reassess and update every 15 or 30 minutes as the swelling moves up the limb and your symptoms develop. The other great thing about this is that it gives you something to focus on that will play a large part in saving your life and limb, and having a task really does help you to stay calm and get things done. The first few minutes are going to play a large part in how this whole thing turns out, so stay calm and put on your thinking cap.

Try make contact via cell phone if it is easily doable, calm down and carefully assess/document what you find, and if you cannot get in touch with anyone then you need to very carefully think about where you are, how you got there, and what options you have to either get yourself to help or get help to you. I have had patients who walked miles out of the bush after serious snakebites to their legs, they did’t die from exerting themselves like many people fear will happen and they all recovered because they made it out to medical care. You will be much better off walking yourself out, slowly, via the same way you came in than you will be sitting around waiting for help if you couldn’t reach anyone and no one knows you need help. I am not suggesting you skip or do high kicks your whole way out (I think that it would be painful enough that you would be forced to stop doing them before you could do any serious harm), I am suggesting you plan the easiest, most well-travelled route back to civilization, take stock of your supplies and get some food and water in you so you don’t pass out on the way from something preventable like dehydration, watch your footing and move slow and steady to your target destination.

Remember, the basic principles are pretty simple. Stay calm or get calm, find a place to get yourself together and check your resources, remove constricting bands, document the envenomation, hydrate and nourish, contact help, or make a careful plan to make contact one way or another and get out the word that you need medical assistance. Don’t let fears of “raising your heart rate and increasing the speed of venom circulation” prevent you from physically moving to get to care. From what I have seen, the venom is going to get out into circulation regardless of whether or not you sit still for 24 hours or apply a suction device like the sawyer. If you apply a tourniquet you may manage to prevent the venom from traveling out into circulation, but that would be a big mistake to make because you face a very high chance of losing your limb. Don’t put a tourniquet on and unless you fall into one of the high-risk categories discussed earlier, there is a very good chance that you will recover completely following prompt and appropriate treatment at a hospital. And remember folks, when it comes to snakebite no first aid is a whole lot better than bad first aid in the long run! Tell the boy scout to put away the pocketknife, don’t kill your own limb with a tourniquet, don’t listen to the weirdo you pass on the trail who enthusiastically offers to suck the venom out with his mouth or pee into the wound because it saved his friend all those years back…And if you have a sawyer extractor or any of the other varieties, just remember that when it comes to snakebite they really do suck. Show it to someone else and pass on the word that devices like this are more likely to cost you your life or limb than to save it, because folks who are making them have thus far been unwilling to stop making claims about these devices that have been repeatedly debunked by researchers. Don’t throw it away though, because if you ever get a botfly larva under your skin while in the tropics you can seriously impress your friends with the worlds most shocking entomological party trick when you whip out the sawyer botfly extractor and expertly suck out a wriggling maggot from the painful red bump on your backside that it currently calls home. If you read this far, congratulations and thank you for listening.

Hat tip: Amazon Review by Jordan Benjamin

[sokuly]

Things about top surgery (will be a long post; hang on and read whatever topic you need)

I had a double incision mastectomy with free nipple grafts with Dr. Daniel Medalie on May 18, 2017. Here’s just some things I personally have experienced that may help others pursuing top surgery, wether or not it’s with Dr. Medalie. Before scheduling: I got into contact with Valerie, his receptionist. She’s very helpful and will try to answer any questions you might have. I live about 2 hours away from Cleveland, so it was up to me if I wanted an in person consult or just over email. I got my therapist letter and photos of my chest ready and sent out. Photos via email. The consult was $60. When I heard back, he signed off on my therapist note, and told me I was borderline for either surgery; peri vs double incision. He said he would need to see me in person to make that call, but it could wait until the day of surgery. I wanted to know what to prepare for so I went to Cleveland about 2 weeks after. I was not charged for this in person meeting. He told me he could do peri if I was concerned about the scars that DI would give, but he would prefer DI as he was worried about the extra skin. Ultimately it was my choice. I was hoping for so long I could get peri and not have scars. However, I wanted the most aesthetically appealing option. I didn’t want extra skin. I didn’t want “unknown” nipple landing, especially with the extra skin. I made my decision of DI, based on Dr. Medalie having more control of nipple placement, contour, and removal of the extra skin. I got home and pondered when to schedule. Before surgery: I scheduled about 2 months prior, and was hoping for a Friday date, but was told he doesn’t operate on Fridays so I took the Thursday, which was fine with me. I think it was about a $250 deposit to schedule. In those 2 months, it was more of me focusing on work and not really thinking of surgery, except applying for CareCredit. About a month out, my fiancé and I started putting some things together for the trip to Cleveland: food, post op care (light food like crackers, blankets, clothing, etc.), money, who’s taking care of the cats while we’re gone, and so on. We stayed at a Super 8 in Beachwood, OH (it’s like 10 minutes away from the surgery center and his office). We went to Cleveland the day before my surgery. On our way, the surgery center called to confirm my appointment, 9:15am and to arrive an hour early. We got to the hotel around 2:30-3:00pm. My grandparents and dad also came with us, different hotel room. They bought dinner. I couldn’t stop pacing. It was hard to get to sleep. Day of: I naturally woke up way before my alarm, but continued to force myself back to sleep; it was the last time I could curl up and cuddle with my fiancé for a while. I needed that time. But I also couldn’t hold still for anything. We got up, I got comfy clothes on (red athletic shorts and a purple button down flannel. I looked fantastic, trust me), and continued to pace. We headed for the surgery center at about 7:45. The things we took to the center: a comfort blanket (literally any blanket you really like), a pillow, and my post op vest (this is important!). We got there, I got all checked in and paid my fees. I sat down for like… 2 minutes and was called back. Usual questions, urine sample (which was collected in a styrofoam cup??), got told to strip down except for underwear. Which I wasn’t wearing. So that was awkward but whatever. Put on the gown and surgery socks. Nurse took me to my bed and kept asking if I was cold. Honestly I was burning up. She said that’s pretty usual, we come in burning up and leave freezing. She got everything ready to start my IV. She numbed the area, commented on how nice my veins are, stuck me and blew the vein. I warned her that my veins don’t take nicely to IV needles. She profusely apologized and felt so bad about it. I kept telling her it was fine and I was expecting it to happen the first time. Second numbing, second stick, worked. More apologizing. She went and got my grandparents first. Saw the anesthesiologist. Grandparents left and my dad and fiancé came back to see me. Dr. Medalie came back, drew on me, talked a bit, was on his way. Anesthesiologist came back, he was an odd but funny guy. Maybe I just get his sense of humor. We talked a bit, his nurse came with him and started doing her thing. Anti-nausea via IV, another anti-nausea medicine via patch behind the ear (I usually get really sick from anesthesia). And then some relaxing medicine. I was so out of it when it hit, I don’t remember much. Wheeled back to the OR and remember them having some issue with my left arm board. Then I was in recovery. Dad told me to wake up and I flipped him off. I asked the nurse for water. And then to pee. And then for a warm blanket. I was surprisingly mobile and awake for just coming out of anesthesia. The nurse helped me get dressed and sat me in a chair while my discharge was being approved and they showed my fiancé how to empty my drains. My fiancé went to get her car and the nurse loaded me up, pillow behind my back and seat leaned back a bit and even put my blanket over me after getting my seatbelt on. Got back to the hotel, dad watched over me while my fiancé went to get my prescriptions. She got back, I took a pill, I slept most of that day. My waking moments were spent snacking on crackers, my drains being emptied, peeing, and watching The Weather Channel. It was the only thing on TV I could focus on. Until I passed back out. The following days in Cleveland: Drains being emptied, peeing, Weather Channel, Percocet, crackers, Powerade. I got up sometime Friday evening and went for a short walk with my fiancé. Sleeping post op in the hotel I was in a chair that had a footrest. YOU WILL NEED YOUR OWN SPACE TO SLEEP. My body pillow was perfect under my feet since the footrest was JUST too low for me. Had a pillow under my back, decently sized light blanket over me. I sleep hot, so we just brought a light blanket from home so I wouldn’t overheat, plus a comfort thing. We left Cleveland Saturday morning. Back home: I was still sleeping in a recliner. Body pillow next to me for one arm and a pile of blankets for the other. Again light blanket. We brought the recliner to the bedroom before we left home so my fiancé could have the bed while also being there if I needed anything in the middle of the night. Still emptying drains. May 23, 2017 Goodbye drains: My post op appointment. Take your narcotic about an hour before your appointment or before you go! Being on the road isn’t exactly comfortable. Plus it helps with whatever pain you have during the drain removal. I had to pee by time we got there so I went and then was in the room with his nurse Mary and my fiancé. Mary is really cool and pretty funny. Mary opened my vest and the feeling of being able to breathe was shocking. I didn’t realize it was that tight. Off came the foam (and probably all of my chest hair) and I could see my chest for the first time post op! Seeing my chest: After the foam was off, I looked down and the first thing out of my mouth was “oh. Woah. They’re gone”. Nothing can really prepare you for your reaction. I thought I was going to be over the moon and happy crying like the other guys who posted their reveal videos. But I wasn’t. There was this relief. Realization that I closed a chapter on a part of my life and this new one just started. I was happy, but not how it was going to happen in my head for so long. It was just pure relief. It was flatter than I thought (later to realize it was just from all the compression). A lot less “I got hit by a train” than I thought too. Dr. Medalie came in after my drains were pulled (will be discussed soon) and basically said I looked perfect and was good to go. My next 10 days: I’m a day away from day 10 post post-op (a day shy of 2 weeks post op) at the time of writing this. I was still sleeping in my recliner for a while and just got back into bed a few nights ago, surrounded by pillows and blankets to keep me from rolling. My mobility has greatly improved over the past few days. I take ibuprofen for any pain. I use ice packs when I’m really sore. I take dressing changes seriously since it’s a short time I can breathe and move. After tomorrow the steri-strips come off and I’m done with this compression vest. I can soak in a bath as long has my chest is above water. I use a cup to wet and rinse my upper body and hair. I use baby soap. I’ve been able to finally lay on my side with great care in the past like 2-3 days. Take it slow! Let’s talk drains: They absolutely suck. I’m pretty sure it was the worst thing about this whole process. They’re annoying. They’re weird. They hurt sometimes. I was so happy to finally get them out. Which is also a very odd feeling. It kinda pinches, kinda burns, kinda hurts. I don’t know how to really explain it. My left one actually hurt coming out, but I had armpit hair caught up in the suture and all that. Take the narcotic before you get them out. I was told to do that, and I’m glad I did. How about those nips: They’ll look really weird at first. Like ghost nips. Do the dressings EXACTLY as Mary tells you. You don’t wanna lose them. My nips are starting to scab, blister, and peel. THIS IS NORMAL. Just keep them dressed as explained by Mary and the paperwork she gives you. I have limited feeling in mine; I can feel the outer edges but not much on the inside. It’s really weird, but also normal. Not about nips but: as your chest hair grows back (they shaved my chest) it’s going to itch like no other. Things I’m glad to have/have had: Pillow(s), comfortable blankets, laxatives!!! (MILK OF MAGNESIA. Do yourself a favor and get it), ibuprofen, Gatorade/Powerade, slightly heavier blanket for my chest (in case the fur kids wanted to love on me), body pillow, open front shirts (get a few cheap shirts/tank tops and cut them open in the front)

To keep from stupid long posts in the future I’ll update more regularly. Thanks for reading and I hope it helps! Any questions, please ask!

[a-gay-bloodmage]

---Redren, I may have made a mistake.---

For @zevranology‘s #Zevwarden week

Pairing: Zevran x Male Amell Warden ((Side of Morrigan x Leliana))

Pairing Type: M/M

Words: 14,548

Warnings: Sex jokes, mention of sex work in a neutral light, pretty slow burn, some great lesbians, use of OC’s name, they’re all just nerds

Redren, I may have made a mistake. Texts like this were never good. Coming from Leliana, they either meant that she burnt a cake or that she broke a leg. One could never tell.

What have you done? Redren write back, setting aside his current project.

“Who is it?” He heard Morrigan ask from the back of the room. They were currently in his basement along with Alistair, one of their mutual friends.

“Leliana,” he sighed. “She’s been typing for a while so I’m going to assume it’s nothing good!”

His phone vibrated in his hands, five messages coming though at once.

OKAY SO I MAY HAVE MET THIS REALLY NICE GUY THE OTHER DAY, OKAY? ANYWAY HE WAS CHATTING ME UP, SAID MY BUTT LOOKED GOOD, ALL THAT STUFF. ANYWAY, HE WAS REALLY NICE SO I INVITED HIM TO STARBUCKS. WE WERE OUT GETTING COFFEE TODAY AND HE ASKED ME WHAT MY HOBBIES WERE AND

OH SWEET BABY JESUS I SAID THAT I WAS GOING TO LARP THIS WEEKEND WITH MY FRIENDS (AND MY GIRLFRIEND, SOMETHING HE SEEMED COOL WITH, EVEN IF HE SEEMED A BIT CONFUSED AS TO WHY I ACCEPTED A WEIRD SORT OF DATE THING) WITH SOME OF MY FRIENDS AND OF COURSE HE HAD NO IDEA WHAT THAT WAS BECAUSE HE’S HOT,

NO OFFENSE, DUDE. ANYWAY THIS MADE ME END OF HAVING TO EXPLAIN WHAT IN THE LORD’S NAME LIVE-ACTION ROLE PLAYING IS TO A REALLY HOT SPANISH GUY OVER STARBUCKS COFFEE AND IT WAS REALLY AWKWARD BUT

HE SEEMED TO BE INTO IT???? I DON’T KNOW BUT ANYWAY HE LOOKED GENUINELY INTERESTED AND I COULDN’T SHUT UP SO AAAAHHHH

LONG STORY SHORT I INVITED HIM OVER I’M SO SORRY

are you kidding me

No.

Redren sighed and put down his phone, falling back onto the sawdust covered carpet.

“God,” Alistair muttered, looking over at Redren sighing on the floor. “What did she say?”

“She sort of accidentally invited someone to go to Moondust with us,” he said, rushed.

“What a fool!” Morrigan cried, raising her staff above her head in mock agony. “Oh, ‘tis truly a horror! We are exposed!” She snorted and set down her staff.

“It may be funny to you, but she mentioned he was attractive and now I’m nervous!”

“Hey!” He heard Alistair whine. “Am I not attractive to you?”

“You’re my friend, Alistair, our token heterosexual! I don’t know this guy! And she mentioned he was Spanish!” He lamented his head tilted back to look at his friends. Morrigan had gone back to applying another layer of paint to her homemade staff, shaking her head in amusement.

“What if you ask her to ask him if he’s available to come over tomorrow?” Redren sat up and stared at Alistair. Alistair blushed a bit in awkwardness before he explained. “I mean, he needs a character, and maybe we could whip one up tomorrow before the weekend?”

“Lord,” Redren exhaled, “I’ll text her. I thank God every day for your ideas, my friend.”

“Should I be offended, or…?”

Leliana.

Do you have his number?

Yeah, why?

I need you to text him.

Tell me what you want to say and I’ll send him a screenshot so I don’t have to worry about messing up and any typos are on you~

Fine, fine

Okay, attractive mystery man, as you may know, you have been invited to one of the most embarrassing social gatherings on the planet. I am wondering if you are available to come over tomorrow, any time between noon and one am to

work on preparing you for one of the strangest things you’ve ever been invited to.

Sending it!

It took only about two minutes for him to respond.

Greetings Leliana’s friend! My name is Zevran Arainai, and I can say with certainty that anything you invite me too will not be too strange for my tastes~!

If Miss Leliana here is available at noon, I can be as well, although I cannot stay after nine pm. I work, shall we say, night shifts? Haha, well I am excited! What your friend described sounds VERY interesting!

~Z ♡

Lord, he sounds… interesting.

Oh he is.

“He’s coming over at noon.”

“Nice! I’ll be over after work, so, like, four? Duncan said he’s closing up early. Doctor’s appointment,” Alistair replied, setting his pain-stakingly well made latex sword. He worked at a local hardware shop under Duncan, who was incredibly nice when it came to a bunch of twenty-somethings asking to use his machines when the shop was closed. He was sort of like Alistair’s pseudo-dad, and was happy to let them use the machines as long as he was supervising. He had no idea what they were doing, but he was happy to watch from the sidelines. A confused smile and a thumbs up were his go-to resources.

“Morrigan dear,” be heard his grandmother, Wynne, call out from the top of the basement stairs. “Your mother just called the house phone, and she said you need to come home!”

“I am twenty-five,” he heard her mutter as she put all of her art supplies back on the table she used as storage.

“And she said that if you mute her calls again, she’s coming over herself to collect you herself!” Morrigan’s mother was incredibly odd, for lack of a better word. She ran a tiny shop that specialized in herbal medicine she brewed herself and other miscellaneous items of witchcraft. Redren found the whole thing fascinating, but despite being a pagan witch herself, Morrigan couldn’t stand her mother. She still lived at home and helped with the shop which was housed on the first floor of their home.

“Remind me I need to splatter-paint that in case I forget!” She said, grabbing her backpack by the stairs. “I’ll sneak out at two, so I’ll be over at quarter after!”

“See ya!” Both Redren and Alistair called out after her. About half an hour passed until Alistair glanced up at the clock, noticing the time. 9:30 pm.

“I’ve got to be home by ten,” he sighed, “so we should probably start cleaning now, huh?”

It took about fifteen minutes to get everything put away, with Alistair departing after one of his bone-crushing hugs.

“Again, four o'clock!” He reminded, a dorky smile on his face. “Don’t want to leave you alone with Morrigan, Leliana and the new guy!”

“God bless you, Alistair!” Redren laughed, waving him goodbye as he grabbed his satchel from the basement railing.

As soon as he left, Redren put his music on the Bluetooth speaker and set to work, breaking out the vacuum for probably the first time in three months. Bits of sanded off wood were all but ingrained in the carpet, so it took quite some time to get even the smallest portion of the dust out. He wanted this place as clean as humanly possible, as having a guest over, a supposedly attractive guest at that, was a good motivation to actually clean. The added distraction of his boxer bolting down the stairs to howl at the vacuum just made the job that much harder. Redren could only pray that Zevran didn’t ask him what the overgrown puppy’s name was, or else he’d have to admit that at age twenty, he’d named a boxer Dog. Hopefully Zevran had a sense of humor. Eventually he moved to attempt to scrub at the cement floor where Morrigan had been quite relaxed with her painting. A red, smeared handprint is not a very good sight for making a first impression.

The only place he didn’t clean was their paused game of Dungeons and Dragons, a sacred place that nobody disturbed unless they wanted to lose their hand. Dog was circling his legs, excited at the prospect of going to Moondust for the weekend. There, he was a proud warhound who got to roll around in puppy-friendly red paint to his hearts content and chase any rabbit he wanted. Everyone loved him there, and over the two years he’d been going with Redren he’d become a bit of an icon. Redren had been personally LARP-ing for six years, ever since he was sixteen and Alistair, eighteen at the time, had noticed him sketching a self-insert sorcerer in his chemistry notebook. The dork had struck up a conversation with him, and ended up talking about how he and his older half-brother Cailin went up once a month to Live Action Role Play in a medieval village called Moondust. Redren and him had become friends quite quickly, which was pretty handy, as Alistair was on the Rugby team, so a lot less people were tempted to bully Redren like they usually did. He was an androgynous gay teenager with red hair to his mid-back. As soon as he went to Moondust he knew that was where he belonged. He ended up running a blog for it, posting all about his little adventures, truly excited to be a part of it. He ended up meeting Morrigan there. She was three years older than him, making him the baby of the group. Leliana, her girlfriend, was two years older than him, and an older sister if anything.

“Redren!” His grandma Wynne called from the top of the stairs. “Don’t forget you have work tomorrow!” Her tone meant that she didn’t mean it as a mere suggestion to hurry up. He put away his cleaning supplies and headed up the stairs, Dog on his heels. He collapsed into bed after giving Wynne a quick goodnight kiss on the cheek. Despite being a bit of an overbearing busybody sometimes, she was a good grandma, taking him in when his mother died when he was five. She owned a little restaurant called “The Circle,” that specialized in breakfast food. He was mainly just a waiter there, and the staff was fairly small. Irving, a man that technically retired five years ago did much of the finances for Wynne. Probably because he was bored and good with management. His childhood friend Jowan and his wife Lily also worked there with him. Really nice, average people of you didn’t count Jowan’s fascination with the medical world. He didn’t have the funds for med school, but that didn’t stop him from knowing every artery, vein, and capillary in the human body.

Redren nearly fell asleep in his jeans. Cleaning was much more exercise than he usually did. He began to think about Zevran, and how he still knew nothing about the stranger that Leliana had invited over. He worked nights, it seemed. Redren couldn’t help but wonder what he looked like. If he was Spainish, he must be tan, right? Redren looked at his own corpse-pale hands and laughed. Lord, was he British! Was Zevran’s accent strong? Oh, how tall was he? What would he roleplay as? An elf? A human warrior, or a mage? Or was he really tall, a Qunari, perhaps? The mixture of anxiety and excitement twisted his stomach in knots. He buried his face in his pillow, taking deep breaths. It was no use worrying, it’d happen either way. Eventually, he settled to sleep. Nervous. Very, very nervous.

..

His morning was like any other. He said hello to Jowan and Lily when he walked in at six am, and set to work taking orders from the steady stream of customers. The Circle was actually popular, but unfortunately, every morning, a loud group of the Rugby players from the local High School, the Templars, would waltz in like they owned the place. More than once he’d been called “sweetheart” or “tits” from the back, so it made the experience worth it. The looks on their faces! It’d almost become a hazing for the new kids on the team. As well as alcohol and running laps, there was the shaming of the androgynous homosexual test. Ah, the fragility of their masculinity! Alistair had once belonged to their order, but due to his sweet personality, such a sin was forgivable.

Rolling up an American pancake and eating it like a burrito, he watched the customers and thought about Zevran. What was he like? Leliana mentioned how he tried to pick her up by talking about her arse… Lord, what was this man?

Eventually, his shift ended, and as soon as the clock struck 11, he was out of there. He took a quick shower, actually scrubbing his hair for the first time in what, a week? His hair was always a mess, but this time, he took the time to blow dry it, carefully brushing it out. He even made sure to put it up in a neat ponytail, his bangs covering his honest to God unattractive eyebrows, and brushed out the two long locks of hair framing either side of his face. He threw on his working shirt, an old orange tank top, and his working pants, a tight pair of blue jeans. Both of them were stained with paint, making the combination the official “Working Outfit.”

He was just setting up in the basement when he heard the doorbell ring. He straightened out one of the chairs at the D&D table, and ran upstairs. He was too late. His grandma Wynne had already opened the door, and he felt his stomach drop as she introduced herself as “Grandma Wynne,” adding on “Oh! Are you one of his friends? I haven’t seen you before!”

“Grandma!” Redren whined, his face heating up. “Please leave them alone!”

“Am I embarassing you, sweetie?” Oh, she was so doing this on purpose! “Fine, fine, I’ll leave you alone!” She strolled off, a smug little smile on her face.

“Uh, why don’t you come in? I’m Red…ren…” He finally got a look at the man standing next to Leliana. Lord was he short! He must’ve been what, 5'2"? But, God, was he cute! Redren noticed the tattoo on his face, and couldn’t help but stare at the smooth lines on tanned skin.

“Already rendering you speechless?” Zevran’s voice was smooth and heavily accented. Beautiful!

“Come in,” he smiled shyly, moving out of the doorway. Zevran and Leliana slid their shoes off, following him down to the basement. “Sorry about my grandmother, she’s a bit much!”

“No, no,” Zevran laughed. “She seemed lovely! And she had a wonderful bosom!” Redren turned around, his eyes wide as he saw Leliana and Zevran muffling giggles.

“God, want did I get myself into?” He sighed as he reached the bottom of the stairs.

“Lord Almighty!” Leliana’s voice was a mix of a laugh and a gasp. “I’ve never seen this place so clean!”

“Why can’t I just try to make a good impression?” He sighed. If anything, he was hoping Zevran’d think he wasn’t as much of a mess as he really was.

“So this is your base of operations?” He asked, his eyes wandering around to look at the back wall covered in paint, replica latex swords, staffs, and armor. All hand made, too. “Impressive!” Redren smiled at that.

“Thanks,” he said, heading to the back. “So, Lels, given any thought to his character?”

“Damn, I haven’t!”

“That’s okay! I have!” He turned to look at Zevran. “You know, just based on appearance, you strike me as an elf!”

“Is that a compliment?” Zevran asked Leliana.

“Yeah!” She nodded. “Elves are noble and beautiful creatures!”

“Oh, I enjoy that beautiful part!” Zevran laughed, sending butterflies straight through Redren’s stomach.

“Oh, I can totally see it!” Redren’s mind was racing with possibilities. “I could braid your hair! Oh, that’d look good!” He heard Leliana and Zevran sit down on the carpet as he opened up a desk drawer full of assorted accessories. He pulled out a pair of elven ear extensions he thought would match Zevran’s skin tone. He turned back around and set the objects against Zevran’s skin. A perfect match!

“Oh! Should we explain this stuff more before we delve into character creation?” Leliana laughed. Redren blushed, embarrassed at his excitement.

“Probably, yeah.”

“I’ll start. So, I’ve already told you about the very basics of LARP-ing, like, how you go to a camp-type place and act as a character for a weekend.” Redren sat down next to them, so that they were sitting in a triangle of sorts. “I, personally, play as a former bardic assassin, turned Church sister, turned adventurer! I’ve been going to Moondust for eight years!” Her smile was quite proud, full of love for her character. “I’ve been developing her for a very long time!” She turned to Redren. “Why don’t you explain your character?”

“He’s a mage, and a really powerful one at that!” Redren grinned. “I’m a blood mage, which means I can manipulate a person’s blood to my will! I can also summon demons, but that’s not a very good idea, because there’s too high of a chance it could backfire!” He laughed. “Unfortunately, blood magic is banned, so I was nearly executed for it!” At Zevran’s concerned look, Redren explained further. “I went to a mage’s guild trial, and I nearly went to the stake, but fortunately, Morrigan stood up for me, protesting that blood magic could be a valuable asset in battle, so they decided to let me live!”

“This seems like quite some world!” Zevran marveled. The fact that he actually seemed interested was amazing, most of the time, people disregarded him as a complete freakshow when he mentioned Live Action Role Playing.

“Well, what we need to do today is design a character for you, which means background, armor and weapons,” Leliana explained. “So, why don’t we base him off of you? It’s always easier to play a character that’s a part of yourself!”

“What would you like to know?”

“Job, what your majoring in, those things!”

“Oh, you’re in college?” Redren asked, hoping this meant Zevran was his age. Then again, Leliana was in college, and she was twenty-four. She was in a music program, as she was wonderfully talented with the flute. She’d put off college for two years, so she was in her final year now.

“Yes, but I must admit it took me a while!” Zevran laughed. “I finally joined the University of the Arts last year! I’m getting my acting degree. Although it means I won’t be out of college until I’m twenty-eight!”

“You’re twenty-five?” Redren asked.

“Yes sir! And you’re, what, eighteen?” Redren’s cheeks heated up in embarrassment.

“He’s actually twenty-two,” Leliana whispered.

“Oh! You truly have a youthful face!” Zevran laughed. “But as for what I do as a job, I must admit the club I work in is, eighteen and over,” he smirked, seeming to enjoy as Redren’s face heated up further. “So innocent!”

“Oh, hush,” he mumbled.

“Anyway, as for a background, I came to this dreary country of yours last year from Madrid, Spain. Dios mío, do I miss it!” He laughed. “It’s too cold here!” Leliana laughed in agreement, as she would also often lament how Avignon in her native France was so much better than London. Zevran ended up talking about how he’d grown up in a brothel, eventually getting a job at a strip club when he turned eighteen, and had saved up enough to move to London last year. Redren hung onto every word, and felt like he could listen to his voice forever.

“So, any fancy ideas for my character?” He laughed, startling Redren out of his trance. “Or would you prefer to gaze at my lips a few moments more?” Said lips were curling into a smirk as Redren hastily looked away, his ears red.

“A few ideas, yeah,” he mumbled, standing up to grab a notebook and a pencil. “So, we need a name for Spain. Any ideas, Leliana?”

She hummed in thought as Redren sketched a blank human outline on the paper. He could feel Zevran looking over his shoulder as he added on fingerless gloves, a black leather skirt paired with a matching top. Shoulder pads and wrappings around the elbows were added as well.

“So, Zevran,” he asked as he sketched in some shoulder-length hair, “you don’t need to answer if it’s too personal, but what was the name of that club you mentioned?” Tiny braids and ears were added.

“An interesting question, dear Redren!” He laughed. “It was El Cuervo, which translates to The Raven. Why would you like to know?”

“The Raven’s too pretty,” he mused, “but… The Crow!” He smiled, jotting down The Crows next to the drawing. “How would you feel about being an assassin?”

“An assassin? Sounds fun!”

“What about Antiva?” Leliana piped up.

“Any meaning to it?”

“Nope, but it sounds pretty, doesn’t it?”

“Alright,” Redren nodded, writing down Antivan next to the character. “Since this world’s countries’ names are so boring, we come up with new ones; France is Orlais, Britain is just one called Ferelden, and now, Spain is Antiva!" 

"When Leliana mentioned this, I have to admit I was interested, but as you explain further, I find myself more and more eager! And for someone like myself, this would certainly be good acting practice, no? Staying in character for a whole weekend is a challenge, isn’t it?” Redren was actually surprised at how excited the man looked. Personally, it had taken Redren a good couple of months, about four weekends in total, to feel comfortable with the LARP-ing community. Zevran, on the other hand, didn’t seem to have any sort of anxiety regarding the idea. He was happily brushing his hair back with his fingers, allowing Leliana to place the medium-length ear extensions on him. He opened up his phone to look in the camera, marveling at how well they matched his skin tone. He snapped a quick selfie and set his phone back in his pocket.

“I have arrived!” They heard a voice call out from up the stairs. Morrigan had finally managed to come over, meaning it’d been just over two hours already. She shuffled down the stairs, backpack slung over one shoulder and a Styrofoam container of leftover pancakes in her hand. “Your grandmother insisted you were fed,” she tsked. She hung her backpack up on the peg by the stairs, and set the food down by the edge of the D&D table for later.

She took a long look at Zevran, raising a perfectly maintained eyebrow. “I presume you’re the one who said my girlfriend’s arse looked nice?”

Zevran laughed. “If I had known she already had a beautiful partner, I wouldn’t have said anything,” he said, sincere. “But truly, I’m glad I did! This world of your’s is fascinating!” Morrigan seemed to have taken notice of the elf ears, laughing lightly.

“Truly nice to see we’ll be gaining an elf in our party! So far, we’ve everything but,” she sighed. “Qunari, dwarf, mage, warrior, you name it, but elves? Nope.”

“Our party consists of mainly Morrigan, Leliana, a guy named Alistair, and I, but there’s quite a few more players that we hang out with,” Redren added. “I will warn you, that most people there are social rejects or incredibly bored nerds, so be prepared!”

“I go to a school of the arts, Redren,” he chuckled. “I’m sure I’ll be fine!”

“All right, don’t we have work to do?” Morrigan clapped her hands. She went to the back, grabbing her latex staff off the table, along with a can of white paint and a large tub of glitter. Redren set to work looking for already-made armor with Leliana that they could adjust for Zevran’s size. As he worked on getting Zevran armor, he watched Morrigan in amusement as she dumped the light blue glitter into the white paint, and began to splatter-paint her staff. She loved cold magic, and she’d decided to make a new, cooler, staff. She was nice enough outside of Moondust, but Lord, was her character bitchy! It was endearing in a strange way, her cold personality working incredibly well with her winter magic.

As they were starting the chestpiece, they noticed the clock had hit four o'clock. Alistair arrived shortly, and after intoductions, had started talking about what types of weapons Zevran’d be good with. They eventually settled on dual-wielding with a dagger and a short sword. Leliana mentioned that she had some spares, digging out two of her previous weapons. Redren was busy embroidering little patterns on a pair of leather gloves. He’d learned the skill from Grandma Wynne, and enjoyed putting little curves of black string around the edge of the brown gloves. He was modeling them after Zevran’s tattoos. He couldn’t resist adding a tiny pink heart to the top of the right glove. Cute!

“So, when in battle, you have a certain amount of health and armor points, but since your character is a rogue, you’ll have less armor points than me, since I’m a warrior and I can wear heavier armor,” Alistair explained, a bright smile on his face. He was such a dork, and always happy to explain things. He rambled on about armor, repairs, and healing spells, with Zevran paying a surprising amount of attention. Maybe his love for acting was what compelled him to actually stick around. Regardless, his enthusiasm was appreciated.

“I believe your dog wished to be a part of this gathering,” Morrigan nodded her head toward the closed basement door. Faint little whines came from behind it.

“You’re not allergic, are you?” He asked Zevran before he let Dog in.

“I don’t mind dogs,” he shrugged. “I’m more of cat person, but feel free to let the little thing in if it so wishes.”

Dog bounded down the stairs as soon as Redren so much as cracked the door open, nearly knocking him down. Thank God for the door knob. He heard a slightly amused yelp as the eighty-pound boxer ran to Zevran, slobbering and drooling all over him.

“Oi!” Redren yelled, running down to grab Dog by his collar. “You do not act like that!” Dog still looked very happy, despite being scolded. “You will behave if you wish to stay down here, young man!” Dog whined a bit, lying down in defeat. “You know I don’t like yelling at you,” Redren shook his head. “But you must learn, you can’t be so forceful, you’re too big.” He took a deep breath. “Do you want to help me age up this cloth?” Redren grabbed a large wad of fabric, tossing it to Dog, who happily began to chew it up. That was his job.

“Never have I seen a man speak to a dog like that!” Zevran laughed. “Are you sure you’re not really a wizard that’s trapped the spirit of your child in there?”

Redren laughed, shaking his head. “Nah, he’s a good boy most of the time, but he never knows when to calm down!” He patted Dog’s head affectionately.

“So, what’s his name?” Redren heard Morrigan, Leliana, and Alistair snort at the same time.

“You’re all bullies, you know that, all of you,” he muttered under his breath. “His name is Dog.” Zevran snorted, too.

“Dog?” Dog perked up, staring at Zevran with the fabric hanging out of his mouth. “It’s unique, I’ll give you that!”

..

Eventually, eight o'clock came, and everyone said their goodbyes. Zevran’s outfit was held in his hands, a bright smile on his face. He was the last one out the door, as he’d stayed back for a moment after everyone had left. He folded it, and set the leather in his satchel.

“I’d like to thank you,” he said, looking up at Redren. “I, I’m very excited for this weekend. It doesn’t feel like I just met you. And if I can have my way, I’d like to do this again. I’ve, I’ve never had many friends, and,” he took a deep breath before finishing. “I’ve very thankful that you let me experience what it’s like, even if only for a couple of hours.”

“It doesn’t have to be just a couple hours,” Redren said, his face pink. “I mean, yoire spending the weekend with us, and, uh, if you like it, I’m, well, I wouldn’t mind hanging out with you again.” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“That sounds wonderful.” Zevran was beaming. His teeth were exposed when he smiled, and his tan cheeks were ever so slightly darker, a blush on them. “See you tomorrow. Seven am?”

“Don’t be late.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world!” Zevran turned, walking down the driveway, looking back to wave one last time. Redren waved back. When he finally came back inside, he noticed his grandmother by the fireplace, shaking her head with a soft smile. Heading to his room, he couldn’t help but fall back onto his bed, his face on fire and a stupid grin on his face.

I talked to a boy! I talked to a really pretty boy! I basically just asked him on a date! I talked to a boy and he liked me!

“I talked to a boy!” He breathed out, his chest rising and falling quickly. His heart was racing. Hugging his pillow, he imagined what the weekend would be like. Redren the mage was straightforward, he had no anxiety when it came to talking to people if need be. Could he talk to Zevran? His mind was clouded over with the question of how soft Zevran’s lips were. He let out a shaky breath. Those questions would have to wait for now. Perhaps he’d find the answers in Moondust. He hoped he’d find the answers in Moondust.

…

Seven am came around the next day, with Redren waiting on the couch in his robes, leg bouncing with anxiety.

“Redren dear,” Wynne chuckled. “You haven’t been so nervous for these in a very long time. How come?” She paused, but didn’t give him enough time to answer. “Is it because of the young Spanish man?” The smile on her face was a tell that she knew she was right.

“Yeah, but I’m mainly just nervous because he’s never been to one of these and he’s really nice and, and, ugh!” His stomach was starting to hurt.

“Now, I know you’re old enough where I don’t need to tell you to be careful, but he’s a handsome young man, so if things go further, please remember to use-” the doorbell rang and Redren shot up like a bullet.

“Loveyougrandmahaveagoodweekendbye!” He grabbed his small bag of luggage, his staff and his hat, Dog running out behind him, barking happily.

When he took his usual place in the second row of Morrigan’s van after putting his things in the trunk, he noticed how Zevran had taken Alistair’s seat. Alistair was now sitting in the back with Dog, not looking at all dissapointed with the new arrangement. Leliana was in the passenger’s seat, and gave him a smug little smile.

“What did Wynne say that’s for you all red-faced?” Oh, how Redren loathed his pale complexion!

“Nothing, so can we please get going?”

“'Tis a three hour drive, poor fool,” Morrigan laughed, already getting into character. “And the Lady Leliana has her ways of persuasion!”

“And I have no tits to grab so I’m already immune to one form of torture you’re so fond of, Morrigan,” he laughed. She just tsked in response.

“Is this going to be another one of those drives?” Alistair groaned. “Zevran, are you straight?”

“Of course not, my dear,” he smirked, turning around to look at Alistair.

“You’re the only one I have, Dog,” he sighed, making the rest of them laugh.

“Zevran,” Redren said, “I haven’t mentioned yet how nice you look in that.” He could feel the tip of his ears heat up, and shifted his hair to cover them.

“Why thank you,” he smiled. “But if you wouldn’t mind, I couldn’t work out how exactly to put the ears on, so if you could…”

“Ah, of course!” He leaned over, and Zevran brushed his hair out of the way so that the extensions could slip on. “There you go.”

“Why thank you, and may I say your robe is quite nice as well.”

“This atmosphere of romance is going to suffocate me,” Morrigan sighed.

“Hey!” Leliana protested, giving her girlfriend a playful hit on the shoulder.

“Your mine so it’s different,” she drawled.

Redren didn’t protest Morrigan’s comment, not wanting to dig his own grave twenty minutes into the car ride.

Moondust LARP-ing community was about a three hour drive North of London, around Leicester. It was built on the farmgrounds of Alistair’s father’s old farm, which he had named Ferelden Farms. The land had been left to Cailan and his wife, Anora, who turned it into a tiny village of their own. Cailan was a couple of years older than Alistair, and has ended up inviting him brother to help him set up the little community. Over the nine years it’d been open, it had grown, so that there were about a hundred and fifty people every month, all camping on the grounds.

Cailan and Anora were the Crowned King and Queen of Ferelden, with Cailan being the one who kept up activities and campaigns while Anora did more of the behind-the-scenes work. As lovely as she was outside of LARP-ing, Anora played the stuck-up and cold Queen, balancing out Cailan’s outspoken personality. She was the one that suggested his execution, in fact. That’d been a fun weekend, in all honesty.

As the people in the car lulled into a comfortable silence, Leliana’s music filled the quiet and covered Alistair’s soft snores. It was pretty obvious he was the kind of baby that only stopped crying via car ride. Redren glanced at Zevran out of the corner of his eye, watching the other man gaze out the window, watching the countryside go by. The English countryside was always beautiful, much different from his native Spain. He had a soft smile on his face, the tattoos curving just as softly. The elf ears were just as cute, and look surprisingly natural on him.

..

When they arrived, unpacking their things from the trunk and shaking Alistair awake, they were greeted by Cailan. Well, King Cailan now. The King greeted his half-brother with a nod of the head and a handshake, formal.

“Greetings,” he smiled. “I am not often one for formalities as you know, but I see you have brought a new member. Is he of your order?” The King was referring to the 'Grey Wardens,’ an order Alistair had created, in which he and Redren were the only formal members, the rest of their little party were 'allies.’ He’d created lore himself, speaking of it as a once proud order wiped out by an invasion of fearsome monsters. He’d been happy to allow Redren to join, since he didn’t have any friends in Moondust.

“This is Zevran Arainai of the assassination organization, the Antivan Crows,” Alistair said, gesturing to Zevran, who took a deep bow.

“Ah yes, the Crows,” Cailan nodded, a hand to his chin in thought.

“He was hired by a rival faction to wipe out the Wardens, but we defeated him in combat. He is now forever in our debt for sparing his life.”

“I am honored to be in your presence, King of Ferelden,” Zevran smiled, putting a hand to his chest. “I swear to serve the Wardens, my Lord, and by extension, you, if they so wish it.”

“An honorable man,” Cailan nodded. “I am pleased to welcome you to Ferelden, Arainai.” He turned to the rest of the group. “Now, shall we get going?”

They followed him down the winding trail from the parking area to the town of Moondust. It was truly something to see the difference between the modern world and the faux old. Zevran’s look of surprise was quite amusing to watch, and Redren couldn’t help but comment.

“Ah, the world of Ferelden is much different than that of your native Antiva, no?”

“Very much so,” he nodded. “As lovely as it seems, it’s much too cold and stinks of wet dog!” Dog whined at his laugh. “Now, assassinations and political corruption, that’s home!” They walked to the old barn that had been changed into a community guild hall, complete with a convincingly realistic electric candle and iron chandelier. Over the years, people had added to the hall, the druids, elves, and forest witches hanging potted plants from the rafters and arranging pots of magical incense on the tables that lined the walls. Healing crystals painted in glow-in-the-dark paint were arranged around the entire compound as well. At night, the forest had a soft glow to it as the rocks emitted their light and the fireflies danced around them.

After the introduction of Zevran was finished, King Cailan formally inviting him to Moondust, they headed out into the former cow field that’d been turned into an outdoor festival space, and housed the battlefield further back. They still had two cows, however, lovingly named Ondai, Giver of Life, and Seotayss, Lord of the Green. Zevran had found that fact quite amusing. Since it was still fairly early in the morning and the community plans weren’t laid out until one in the afternoon, they had time to find some of their fellow LARP-ers.

“It had brought a painted elf?” Redren heard Shale say from behind him.

“I have, and may I say it’s nice to see you again, Shale. I missed you last month!”

“There were pigeons on the way here, so I spent the weekend doing a service to the world.” She said, deadpan. Shale, or, out of character, Shayle, was a stone butch, gender-indifferent, towering, muscled woman. Her character was a tank of a golem, her face painted grey, matching her stone-like armor. She had some of the witches add in crystals, which gave her special magical resistance. Shale only referred to people as their defining feature. Or, instead of 'you,’ she said 'it.’ Shale used to be a dwarven warrior, but had undergone a surgery of sorts to become a golem. She did not regret it, as it made her much better than her inferior, squishy comrades.

“I am honored to be in the presence of such a beautiful warrior,” Zevran flirted. His character was turning out to be even more of flirt than his usual self. Redren wasn’t complaining.

“If by beautiful, it means strong, then I agree.”

“Why not both?”

“A truly unique creature, the painted elf is.”

“Thank you!” Zevran said, patting the golem on the arm. Lord, did he look tiny next to her! Shale wandered off in the heavy-set fashion of hers to speak with her fellow warrior, Sten. Nobody knew his name outside of the LARP, but the Qunari warrior was an amazing roleplayer. He never broke character, never smiling and always talking formally. The only time he broke character was when someone had asked him why he didn’t have horns, he simply replied with 'angered housecat,’ and never elaborated. He was an incredibly muscled and tall African man, with silvery white cornrows, and always wore red contact lenses. He said that he came as a sort of messenger for the Qunari, and stayed in order to observe how the foreigners lived.

“So, Zevran,” Redren asked, turning to his elven companion. “How do you like Ferelden?”

“It’s certainly unique, and I say that in the best of ways. And as much as I love Antiva, these people, many of them are quite pleasurable to look at!” He winked at Redren, making the mage pull his wizard’s hat over his eyes to hide him blush. Zevran laughed, and bumped his shoulder into Redren’s. “Are all mages so bashful?”

“Being raised by the Circle Tower of Magi, I have very little experience with flirts such as yourself,” he muttered. “And the elder witch Wynne wasn’t very willing to let her apprentices fool around with each other!” He was laughing, still embarrassed.

“I am not a mage, nor one of your lovely Wynne’s apprentices,” he said, teasing.

“You’re about three seconds away from being turned into a frog, Crow.”

“No I’m not,” he chuckled. “Assassins are quite good at detecting lies, you know. And you, my lovely mage, are enjoying this attention, aren’t you?”

“I cast a spell of silence,” Redren laughed, pressing a finger to Zevran’s lips. “It may only be removed when I say so.” Zevran dropped his jaw in mock betrayal, pressing a hand to his throat, falling to his knees.

Curse you! He mouthed. Both of them laughed at his act, with Zevran putting a hand over his mouth to silence himself.

God, am I enjoying this! Attention and flirting from a very handsome man!

The Horn of Gathering sounded, summoning everyone to the barn. It was one of those plastic bugle horns, but Anora had painstakingly painted it gold, and had even sewn a banner bearing the royal crest to attach to it, so the thing looked really good.

Zevran took a seat between Redren and Alistair, Morrigan and Leliana settling in next to Redren.

“Ladies, gentlemen, and knights,” King Cailan started, standing up from his throne. A couple years back, a non-bianary roleplayer joined, Ser Gilamore. Cailan had made sure to update his saying. “I bring unfortunate news this day. A horde of the undead had been spotted several miles to the north, and are likely to arrive at nine pm tonight. At sundown, all forces are to gather in the middle of the battlefield.” He paced down the middle of the hall, the gold chains decorating his armor chinking together as he moved. “We know not what has caused this invasion, but we will stop it. I have faith in you all, for we will triumph!”

Redren whispered an 'undo curse’ into Zevran’s ear, allowing for him to whoop along with the rest of the hall. The King raised his hand for silence.

“Your Queen Anora has decided to organize an event in the hopes victory will be achieved. I grant her the floor.” He sat as the Queen stood. Her long, beautiful dress trailed along the floor as she walked the same path as her husband. She was a manager of a fabric store, granting her discounts to all the materials she needed to make the beautiful creations.

“In the hopes we are victorious in our coming battle, I have planned a ceremony for Sunday night. I understand that tomorrow is sacred to the witches, druids, and elves as the forest is said to breathe new life at the full moon. Therefore, I invite you all to partake in festivities of your cultures.” Her nose was upturned as she spoke. It was obvious Cailan’s character had twisted his wife’s elbow a bit to get her to say that last part. She was a very, traditional woman. King Cailan was a very open-minded man whereas his wife, not so much. The two rubbed off on another as the years went by, with Cailan becoming a better King, and Anora becoming a better person. The two had a great relationship both in and out of character.

“Now,” King Cailan said, standing next to his wife, “we prepare for battle! You have seven and a half hours to prepare, so I expect a sweeping victory!” A cheer rose up at the King’s words. “Dismissed!”

The hall emptied, with most of the folk wandering outside. Many of the wild elves headed back to the Dalish camp, where tents were set up and a campfire was being started.

“With me,” Morrigan called back, curling her hand in a gesture meant for Zevran and Redren to follow her. Alistair stayed behind to talk strategy with his half-brother. Leliana held the witch’s hand as they walked into the forest North of the Elves’ camp. They came to a tiny hut at the end of a winding dirt path. “I hope you fools appreciate the fact that the bard and I brought your things to the hut earlier.”

“Ah, yeah, thanks Morrigan!” Redren smiled shyly, remembering how he and Zevran had gotten so caught up in everything they hadn’t grabbed their bags from the van.

Dog barked in greeting, as he’d been staying by the hut for a while, likelt taking a nap and re-marking his territory in the woods. Redren greeted the boxer with a pat on the head.

“So,” Zevran started, “I’ve had your Ferelden battle rules explained to me, but I wonder about this plan your King has. In the Crows, it is simply a target and an occasional deadline. Is that how you do things here or…?”

“In Ferelden,” Leliana explained, “the King briefs everyone on the battle strategy, but truly they lack the ability to follow!” The bard giggled. “War in Orlais was much more orderly, no?”

“And war in Antiva was just nobles hiring Crows to kill other nobles! A fine middle ground, this is!” Zevran said, nodding in approval.

“Redren, I have some potions to brew, and I require another mage. Leliana, I believe 'tis wise for you to train with the elf. You improve your skills while Redren and I improve his.”

“Don’t you mean 'ours’?” Redren asked.

“No, I am already better than anyone here. I have no need to improve. You, on the other hand…”

“Oh hush, witch!” Redren sighed. He saw Zevran’s lips quirk up at their banter.

Morrigan’s hut was another world in itself. Fake animal pelts hung from the walls, and wind chimes were hanging from the ceiling like stalactites in a cave. The whole place was a circle, only about eight feet in diameter. Alistair had helped her build it one weekend while the LARP wasn’t going on, and she’d been decorating it for five years ever since. Food dyes acting as magical ingredients were lined up along the shelves, and actual items of witchcraft were scattered among them. Crystals and pebbles were everywhere, and the drying herbs gave the place a strong, but pleasant, smell. Redren could spend hours in the place. Morrigan pulled a heavy book off of one of the shelves, thumping it down on the table. It was a book of Harry Potter potions with the cover changed to make it look like more witch-y. She flipped open to a potion of strength, and began to prepare the ingredients. Sure, it was technically tea, but here, in this little world, it was so much better.

“Light the fire while I prepare,” she said. Redren rolled back his sleeves and cast a fire spell, tossing a match into the tiny wood-burning stove. Morrigan cerimoniously cut off the tops of about five water bottles, pouring them in while chanting. Redren kneeled, presenting her with the box of teabags. She took them, a solemn look on her face as she dumped about six of them into the pot. “Now we wait,” she said, grabbing a wooden spoon and giving the pot a quick stir, repeating the process every couple of minutes.

Redren always enjoyed hanging out with the witch, even if her LARP character was a bit of a pain in the ass. Dog was barking outside, and the sounds of laughter from Leliana and grunt of mild pain from Zevran probably meant nothing good. Redren stayed inside to spare himself from likely seeing Zevran on the ground, an eighty pound boxer on his stomach.

Morrigan and him finished up about an hour later, all the potions put into labeled flasks. Redren wandered outside, and couldn’t help but observe the elf and the bard silently. The way Zevran’s body moved  to dodge the bolts from Leliana’s crossbow was mesmerizing. It’s obvious his time acting and his time at work had combined to make an amazingly flexible and agile man. Leliana was firing at him, a smile on her face as she kept him at bay, holding a dagger in her other hand. Her crossbow was a revamped nerf gun, painted and modified so it hardly looked like the original. Eventually, Zevran got in close, scoring four points before Leliana fell back, landing on the ground with an oomph.

“I’ve been bested once again!” She cried out, in a T-pose on the dirt. “Oh, hello.” She said, looking over at Redren.

“The lovely Leliana has been sparring with me, and I do believe she has underestimated my skills several times over,” Zevran laughed. “Let this be known: the Crows’ training is not one to underestimate!”

“Yes, I’ve gathered that by now,” she sighed. “It’s what, two thirty now? Zevran and I are a bit winded, not to mention I’m at about 1 hp right now, so we might want to take it easy for a bit.”

“Here,” Redren sighed, walking over to the woman 'bleeding’ on the biggest floor. “I cast a spell of full healing to Leliana,” he said, raising his staff. She sat up, breathing out heavily.

“Thank you, my good mage,” she smiled.

“Zevran?” Redren asked. “You’ve got any cuts?”

“Ah, yes I believe one of her bolts hit me about here,” he pointed to the side of his stomach. Redren pressed his fingers to Zevran’s side, muttering a small healing spell. “Is all magic so intimate?” He questioned, raising an amused eyebrow.

“Gross,” Morrigan spat as she walked out of the hut, two trays of flasks chinking together. “Leliana, be a dear and take one of these off my hands.” Leliana happily did as she was asked. These little tasks never failed to earn her favor in battle. Redren stayed back, watching the two walk off, Leliana bouncing as she stepped and Morrigan scolding her.

“Well,” Redren started, turning to Zevran. “Would you like to help me put war paint on him?” He pointed to Dog with his thumb, who stuck his tongue out and barked.

“Sure,” Zevran said. “What’s it do? Or is it simply to make him look cool?”

“The paint,” Redren called back as he grabbed it from inside the house, “improves his attack, as it’s enchanted to give him buffs in battle.” He brought out  the red paint. “Just dip your fingers in and go ahead.” They spent the next couple of minutes swirling the war paint on the boxer’s brown fur, Dog’s tongue happily hanging out of his mouth.

“A fearsome war hound indeed,” Zevran nodded, admiring their work. He’d given Dog a similar set of curves on his chest, so that their tattoos matched.

“Indeed,” Redren echoed with a soft chuckle. “We’ve got quite some time before sunset, so-” He was cut off by the growl of Zevran’s stomach. “Food?” He laughed.

“That sounds like a good idea!” They started walking back to the main area, Dog on their heels. Several of the Druids, nymphs, and forest witches paused their flowercrown making to wave at the odd little trio, one of them tossing a stick to Dog, who happily took the gift. They always spent much of the day before battle partaking in nature rituals. Flowercrowns could be enchanted to prevent all sorts of magical damage or to improve nature magic. All sorts of things.

They walked into the tavern, Silver Lake, and sat down at the bar. The bartender, Rehael the Angel, handed them both goblets of water, which were always on the house. Silver Lake stood by a small pond, The Silver Lake, about two hundred feet from the barn.

“Nice 'ta see ya again, kiddo,” a man next to Redren said. Redren looked to his left, and then quite sharply down to see the man that spoke. Oghren looked up at him. The man was a fellow roleplayer who had hit the nail pretty hard on the head when he decided to roleplay as a dwarf. He was an actual dwarf, standing at 4'6". He’d joined the LARP about two years ago, looking for something to do when he wasn’t doing yardwork. His wife leaving him was what made him actually go look for something to do with his time, and help wean him off of alcohol. He’d been getting better with time. “Ah, an elf!” He growled, looking at Zevran.

“Is this where we re-ignite the age old dwarf/elf rivalry?” Zevran said, taking a sip of his water.

“At least you look pretty itsy, so I think I could take ya,” Oghren shrugged. “Just watch your back, you pointy-eared little weasel,” he wiggled an accusing armored finger.

“Will do, my fine dwarven friend!

"By the stones,” Oghren sighed, the two massive red braids of his beard swinging as he shook his head. He took a sip of his one-quarter-beer-seventy-five-percent-water. Many other patrons came and went from the place as Zevran and Redren ate a late lunch. Rehael struck up a conversation with Zevran, asking the elf all about his former home. Zevran was incredibly good at staying in character, and talked about Antiva and the Crows as if he was actually there. He was constantly animated, and didn’t hesitate to flirt with the bartender. Oghren scoffed at his display, staying true to his standoffish and constantly annoyed character. His giant latex waraxe strapped to his back wobbled as he swung his feet, since they didn’t reach the floor.

Redren was enjoying listening to the two talk while watching the patrons all around him. His character was certainly one who didn’t let anybody escape his sight, making sure to know everyone’s strengths and weaknesses. Just in case. A Cousland came in, his noble aura protruding from every pore in his body. He was pleasant enough once you got to know him, or so Redren was told. The nobleman didn’t exactly like the mages. Or the nymphs, druids, dwarves, or elves. Most nobles seemed to be like that. There weren’t many of them Moondust, as only Cailan and Anora’s good friends could rise to such a rank. They stayed in the Castle, which was a renovated farmhouse. The place certainly looked like a little castle, and was very nice to look at.

“Redren?” Zevran elbowed him gently in the side, making the mage nearly drop his staff. “You ready to head out?”

“Ah, yeah, sorry, was thinking about… stuff.”

“Oh, what kind of stuff?” Zevran smirked at Redren as they stepped out of Silver Lake. “Dirty stuff, I hope.”

“Please stop being so Antivan,” Redren sighed. “And for the record, I was thinking about everyone around here. About how to defeat them if I need to.”

“Ooh, such useful information for an assassin!” He pushed his shoulder against Redren’s arm, looking up at the mage. “Why don’t we find a good place to discuss such things?” His sly smile was not missed by Redren.

“For you, things mean more than any normal person would assume. Thankfully, I am no normal person, Zevran Arainai.”

“Ah, no fun, you are!” He cried out, laughing. “But I still do wish for you to inform me of these notes you take. As someone in your service, I should know all I need to to protect you, no? My Warden, surely you understand what an advantage that would be!”

“Fine, fine,” Redren sighed, giving in to the elf. “I shall teach you most of what I know.”

“Most?”

“Keeping secrets makes me feel more powerful,” He shrugged. “And do you ever plan on, well, leaving my side, or were you secretly hexed in the Tavern?” Redren was glaring down at Zevran, who was all but glued to his arm.

“An assassin thrives in shadow, my dear,” he said lowly. “And that wide-brimmed hat of yours provides much of such a thing.”

“Lord,” Redren muttered. “One would think an Antivan such as yourself would be accustomed to the sun.”

“Oh, I am,” he chuckled. “I just like being so close to you, Redren.”

“Oh.” Redren blanked, letting his character take over his short circuiting brain. “Remind me why I saved your life, again? Lord, elf, you’re far too much for me to handle!” Zevran gave him a smile full of false innocence. “Hush,” Redren laughed, putting a hand on Zevran’s head and ruffling his hair. Zevran let out a gasp and hastily fixed his hair, putting the little braids back into place. He must’ve done them before they picked Redren up. Did Leliana do it? She’s good with hair. They looked very cute.

..

It probably took a good couple of hours to talk about all the people Redren could remember off the top of his head. Of course, he’d gotten off track about a dozen times, and had even started recalling a time about a year ago when Cailan had given the elves full reign for a weekend due to them staging an uprising the month before. They’d been tired of not being able to practice their magic in public, and the final straw had been the arrests of an entire little camp of elves for growing oregano, which they called Elfroot, without permission from the King and Queen. They’d argued about how it was all contained in pots and such, but the Queen had not been lenient. He had a feeling the King was still trying to get on the non-humans’ good sides. He hardly noticed how long they’d been talking.

“Ferelden certainly has a fun history,” Zevran commented, giving Dog absent-minded pats on the head.

“Do you have any sorties of Antiva?” Redren was curious about what he’d come up with.

“Oh, my turn is it?” He leaned back on his arms. “What is it you wish to know of Antiva? The Crows? The women? The men?”

“What about the Crows? Surely you must have stories about such an infamous group.”

“Why of course!” He took a deep breath, a lazy smile on his face. “The Crows are known all throughout Antiva as the most reliable group of assassins, as well as the most expensive. They keep their, shall we say, workforce, well fed and entertained, even if it’s the guild masters making the real coin.” He sighed. “A gilded cage it is, lovely but confining. Sure, killings are fun, but freedom, that’s much better. But now that you have removed me from that life, I’m not sure what to do, what should I take advantage of it for?” It was obvious he was simply switching up some details from his life in Spain as a sex worker. He didn’t look upset by it, more indifferent if anything. Of course, he could be lying, keeping a blank face and staying in his fairly aloof character, but Redren couldn’t pick up on it.  

“Well, you’re certainly welcome to stay by my side.” Redren said, a faint blush on his cheeks. “I have reason to believe you’d be quite useful.”

“I’m going to hold you to that,” he smiled, leaning forward. “And soon, you’ll be begging to be rid of me!”

“If it comes to that, I have quite a few spells for, shall we say, an effective disposal?”

“Sounds fun!” Zevran went on for a while more, casually building up his world and character, talking about how he’d always wanted to get to know the wild elves. He’d grown up in Antiva City, and had never gotten the opportunity to see the Dalish.

They fell into a comfortable silence, the chirping of birds and insects providing background noise.

“Zevran?” Redren asked after a couple minutes of quiet.

“Yes?”

“I have no idea what time it is.”

“Neither do I,” he laughed, looking up at the sky. He held a hand up to shield his eyes from the sun. “But it seems we’ve been here for quite a while.” The sun was nearly starting to set.

“Let’s see,” Redren thought, “we left the tavern at what, quarter to four? It must be nearly seven now!” Zevran and him laughed in shock. “God, why did you let me ramble on so long? Truly you can’t find Ferelden stories that interesting to let me go on like that.”

“Maybe.” Zevran shrugged, and leaned forward to press a finger to Redren’s chest. “But I find you very interesting.”

“Bloody flirt,” Redren scoffed, looking away to hide his embarrassment. “Truly, you tempt me to use a silencing spell again.”

“You like my voice too much,” Zevran said. “Or else you wouldn’t have have let me go on for so long.” Point taken.

“Shouldn’t we start heading back? If the King wants us at the battlefield starting at sundown, that means we’ve got about an hour and a half.”

“You’re quite dedicated to the rules, my dear mage.” Zevran remarked.

“Do you think I’m so dedicated because I wish to be? No, it’s more of a debt I owe to this place than anything.”

“A debt?”

“Why don’t we talk while we make our way back? We can take a longer route if you wish.”

“Sounds like a plan,” Zevran said, standing up. “And I think I really need to stretch my legs before battle, as it’s never good for an assassin to have his leg asleep in combat!”

“Seems wise to avoid that, yes,” Redren said with a soft laugh. “Come on, Dog,” he added, the boxer getting up happily. His stumpy little tail wagged as the three walked down the rock-lined paths.

“You mentioned something earlier,” Zevran said a couple minutes into their walk. “I’d like to hold you to your promise to explain.”

“I was hoping you’d forget,” he laughed shyly.

“A Crow remembers, my dear, best keep that in mind.”

Redren took a deep breath. “Back in The Circle, I was always treated differently. I wasn’t allowed to be what I was, blood magic isn’t exactly something people find endearing.” What a thinly veiled metaphor, dumbass, he chastised himself. “So I had to hush everything, keep my head down. Alistair was a Templar, a prominent guard type order that made my life a living hell,” he laughed without humor. “I thought he was going to be like the rest, but he offered me a chance to escape. He got me out of that place one weekend a month. Right under the Head Witch Wynne’s nose, too!” Zevran was staring at him, with unusual silence. “This place really saved me, you know,” he rested his staff on his shoulder. “It’s special like that. Gives all sorts of people chances to be what they are, whether it be a Blood Mage or an assassin. I really think I owe Alistair my life, so I’m honored to fight alongside him, no matter what.”

“I see,” Zevran said quietly. “I have no story like your’s but I do believe this has been, good for me. After all, I met you, no?”

“That you did,” Redren smiled. “I can certainly say that we have met.”

“And you’re back to being a pain in the ass,” he laughed. “It’s endearing!”

“It’s likely nearly eight and we’re yet to get back is what it is.”

“Oh, the rumors that will be spread! A several hour long rendezvous in the woods is worth talking about, isn’t it?”

“Hush it!” He gave Zevran a swift little hit with his staff.

“You wound me! May I have a healing spell, please?” He put a finger to his cheek, batting his eyelashes jokingly.

“You’ll regenerate that health in a minute, you baby,” he waved his hand dismissively.

“Aawwee! Am I your baby now?”

“In need of constant supervision, incredibly tiny, wounded so grievously by a minuscule hit? Yes, you are an infant.”

“You’re an angry little mage!” He was shaking his head, flipping a dagger absent-mindedly. “Honestly, releasing a bit of that pent-up tension could benefit us all.”

“Bloody Antivans,” Redren muttered.

..

They managed to get to the battlefield about thirty seconds before King Cailan did, standing in the back eating two ham sandwiches they picked up from Silver Lake. Cailan went into a a speech about the dangers of Necromancy and unsupervised magic, and that Maria, the only practicing necromancer, was to be executed tomorrow morning. This would be her eleventh execution in two years, since she had enchanted herself using necromancy. She let out a whoop as a gaurd carried her in the fireman position to the shame cage.

“We will try to deal with her,” he sighed. “As I was saying, those with ranged weapons are to stay behind the fence and funnel the undead through the gates. I require two mages to stay and guard the Guild Hall. Rogues are to attempt get behind the horde to backstab, and warriors are to attack head-on.” He raised his sword. “For Ferelden!” The crowd echoed his chants. There were about seventy people in the field, and sixty waiting in the forest. Twenty people were non-combatants, staying behind to guard their shops. Alrael of Silver Lake was a healer, and one of the most valuable in battle. His darker completion gave him higher stealth at night, making him able to sneak past enemy lines to revive the fallen. His glitter-covered black deadlocks were always a sign of God’s favor in combat. The troops were given a couple minutes to do any last minute preparations.

“Hey!” Alistair called out, waving to Redren and Zevran.

“Nice to see you, my friend,” Zevran smiled.

“Don’t do that with me, assassin,” he frowned. “I went to the witch earlier since I couldn’t find you two anywhere, and she said you two had been in the woods for hours! What on Earth were you doing?” Zevran grinned, and Alistair quickly retracted his statement. “You know what, nevermind. What mages and elves get up to in the forest by themselves is not something I need to know.”

“Alistair!” Redren whisper-yelled. “It wasn’t anything like that!”

“I can’t believe a fellow Grey Warden would doubt my skills of perceptiveness so much!” He faked hurt.

“Alistair, Zevran’s being Zevran.” He deadpanned. “Please don’t take anything he says like that with complete faith.”

“Wounded again!” Zevran sighed, leaning with his back against Redren.

“You two are way too much for me to handle,” Alistair said. “I’m glad you’re heading up and I’m staying back with the warriors!” He walked off with a laugh.

“You don’t know when to quit, do you?” Redren laughed, looking down at the elf slumped against his side.

“And if I did, I wouldn’t have picked the assassination job, and I wouldn’t be here with you right now.” Zevran looked up at Redren, who’s mouth was opening and closing, unable to form words to respond. Thankfully, he was spared the need to respond by the sounding of the war horn.

“Let’s go,” Redren said in a relieved exhale. Zevran seemed to forget the exchange in a heartbeat, excitedly running side by side with Redren to engage in combat. Every one of the “undead” had red glow necklaces around their necks, a sign of the magic reanimating them. They had ten health points each, making them a bit tougher than regular players. Redren took his place behind the fence, crouching down and waiting for the horde to get within range. He saw Zevran darting among the trees, ducking behind one and facing Redren. He flashed the mage a wide smile, Redren happily returning it. He heard footsteps behind him, and saw Leliana approach, crouching next to him.

“Bonjour,” she greeted, chugging one of Morrigan’s offensively strong potion-teas. It made her shudder and gain a small bonus to defense. She was already more resilient than Redren, as she wore actual armor, and he only had a robe to defend himself. Mages weren’t the best with armor, though Morrigan was making an active choice to basically flash her tits to the enemy. The stun effect did work, so he gave her credit for that.

Soon enough, the undead were within range, and since the sun had set, they were easy to spot. Oghren and a couple others were heard activating their Beserker abilities, war cries ringing out across the field and carrying into the forest. Redren felt himself falling into the familiar rhythm. An initial hit with the staff: 1 point. A spell of gore: 2 points and 1 point bonus every hit afterward. Dodging, nearly tripping. Another jab with the staff: 2 points. Halfway down. A spell of paralysis and another hit: 2 points. A spell of manipulation, causing the paralysis to wear off, and the target to harm themselves: 3 points. The fellow combatant fell to the ground in defeat. He gave a quick wave to his foe and ran off to heal anybody calling for assistance. The process was repeated many times. He saw Alistair and Oghren fighting near each other, with Shale and Sten not too far behind. Leliana was firing off bolts next to Morrigan, and Zevran was darting between the enemies, weakening them two points with a backstab so that the warriors could finish them off.

..

After the battle, everyone but Maria was called to the Guild Hall for an after-battle speech. Redren zoned out for most of it, his eyes slowly looking around for Zevran. The elf was nowhere in sight, so he assumed he was stuck behind someone of an average height. Eventually, Cailan stopped talking, and Anora dismissed the players.

“Finally,” he heard Zevran say from behind him. “I was stuck behind some human, and I do not appreciate being hid behind a wall of flesh,” he paused, adding, “clothed flesh, that is.”

“So,” Redren asked, pulling out a chair next to him for the elf, “how was your first battle in Ferelden? Different then Antivan assassinations, I take it.”

“Oh, it was great!” Zevran was beaming, leaning forward on his chair, his hands pressed into the seat between his legs. “The opportunities to backstab were everywhere, and the chaos! Oh, it reminds me of the time The Crows were hired to take out half of a royal family! Now that was a bloodbath,” he sighed in fond memory. “Nothing like a good bloodbath, eh?”

“I completely agree,” Redren smiled. “I always enjoy battle, it really gets the blood pumping, doesn’t it?”

“It does!” Zevran said, exhaling. “So, I presume we’re sleeping at Morrigan’s hut in the woods, yes?”

“It may be cramped, but yes,” Redren said, a bit of a grimace on his face. “We,” he sighed. “We may need to share a bedroll.”

“How every great story starts, no?”

“I am begging you not to get any ideas.”

“Too late, my Warden, too late.”

“I assumed as much,” Redren laughed. “Shall we get going? Magic really drains me, especially the blood magic I was using.”

“What kind of magic is that?” Zevran asked, looking up at Redren. “The Crows, we rarely have magic-users, so I know very little of such arts.”

Redren launched into an explanation of how blood magic worked, lasting a good couple minutes. They had gotten about twenty feet into the forest when Zevran stopped, staring ahead. The path was lit softly by dimly glowing stones, giving the forest floor a winding green river. Redren couldn’t really appreciate the view, however, as he was transfixed with the way the fireflies’ yellow lights reflected in Zevran’s honey-coloured eyes. He didn’t even notice when the other man’s eyes shifted to look into his own until he blinked.

“Sorry,” he sighed.

“What are you apologizing for, Redren?” Zevran’s soft smile sent a wave of nausea through Redren’s stomach.

“Nothing, old habit,” he shrugged. “Most people don’t appreciate strange looks from strange mages.”

“I am not most people,” he laughed, turning back to the path and walking ahead. Redren had to jog a bit to catch up. They eventually made it to Morrigan’s dwelling, where a small campfire had been lit. Morrigan and Leliana were in their nightgowns, sitting on a log. Dog seemed to have followed Leliana back, as he was asleep a couple feet from the fire.

“And they finally return,” Morrigan said, not looking up from the fire. “I’ve been waiting for you two. Leliana insists waiting up for you fools.”

“That I do, yes,” she laughed, looking up at Zevran and Redren. “I wanted to make sure you were coming back, and not spending more time in the woods.” She smirked. “Reminds me of Orlais,” she sighed fondly. Redren as thankful for the dark as it helped hide his blush a bit.

“Unfortunately our lovely mage has not only a sick for magic, but one up his ass, as well,” Zevran lamented, making Leliana giggle.

“Don’t worry, eventually they come around. Right, dear?”

“Please remove your hand from my thigh, bard, before I turn you into an actual brainless songbird.”

“Why don’t you two go get changed into your nightclothes? Just tell us when you’re done.” Leliana shooed them inside.

Zevran started stripping the second the door shut, not giving Redren enough time to breathe. The man’s chest was clean shaven, matching his arms and legs. His tattoos also seemed to not be limited to his face, as they stretched around his body like serpents. He shook his head, undoing the think brown ribbon that held his robe together. He undid the two buttons that held the sides of the fabric together as well, holding the robe together loosely with his hand as he reached into his backpack to grab his nightclothes. He turned away from Zevran and slid on the long pair of brown pajama pants, allowing the robe to slide off before he put his white tank top on.

“And here I was hoping for a show,” Zevran lamented as Redren turned back around. The man wore nothing but a pair of short, very short, shorts. He was sadly removing his elf ears, as they were unfortunately uncomfortable to sleep in. He set them on the side table that he’d placed his armor on. “Back in The Crows,” he stated, “nobody ever changed in front of each other, as the most vulnerable a person is is when they’re in the nude. A shame you have no such trust,” he tsked.

“I’m not falling for that, assassin,” Redren laughed. “And here,” he took off his shirt, tossing it to Zevran. “Please be decent. If not for me, then for the women.”

“A fine compromise, my friend,” he nodded as he slipped the top over his shoulders. It was slightly large on him length-wise, covering up to the very ends of his shorts. Redren opened the door and nodded his head to the girls, indicating that they were changed. Dog was asked to stay outside, as Morrigan did not want him in the hut. Morrigan took her place on her bedroll, Leliana following suit, squishing herself up against the unamused witch. Redren laid down on the floor, and scooted over to make room for Zevran. Not that there was much room to make, though.

He could feel Zevran pressing into him, heating his left side up like it was on fire. He’d never shared a bed with anyone else, a bit of sad thought for someone in their early twenties, but still, the feeling wasn’t all too welcome. It was hot, the fake fur blanket heating the bedroll like a sauna. He stared at the ceiling, and knew Zevran was doing the same. The only light was from an electric tea candle that rested on a high shelf on the other side of the hut, ten feet away, since the campfire had been doused before the girls came in. He could hear Zevran’s breathing slow down, an indication that he was falling asleep. Leliana was already out cold, and Morrigan hadn’t been long after her. Despite the discomfort he’d previously felt, Redren started to enjoy lying next to Zevran, and he felt himself being soothed by the man’s steady breathing. His eyes started to feel heavy, and before he knew it, the world faded softly to black.

…

The first thing he noticed when he woke up was that he was in a completely different position. He’d started off on his back, and now he was on his left side. His right leg and arm were wrapped around Zevran, in what was likely an incredibly right grip. He had also managed to shift up, so that Zevran’s head was nestled underneath his own. All in all, a very cuddle-y position. Shit.

“Now now, no need for such language,” he jumped when Zevran spoke, right out of his previous position.

“I am so sorry!” He apologized, his face red.

“No no,” Zevran laughed, sitting up. “It has been a while since I’ve shared my bed with another, and never so innocently!” His tone was both mocking and sincere.

“Well I, for one, am very happy I didn’t end up like your previous bedmates,” he sighed.

“Ravised by a very beautiful Antivan elf?”

“Likely dead, judging by your career.”

“I suppose one never came without the other,” he shrugged. “But since I am now serving you, I can assure that you’d only get the one.” He stood up, stretching, and Redren couldn’t help but notice how  Zevran was wearing his shirt, and about how it rode up slightly when he stretched, exposing a tiny bit of his toned stomach. “Staring, are we?” Zevran laughed.

“That killing you offered sounds very nice.”

Zevran just chuckled, getting into his armor. Redren followed suit, almost not noticing how he mindlessly started changing without being so nervous. He pulled on his robe, and was nearly ready to drag Zevran out of the hut since he was taking a very long time, when he felt him arm being grabbed.

“And where do you think you’re going? Perhaps this is a Ferelden mage thing, and I’m being culturally insensitive, but as I’m supposed to be serving and protecting you, I cannot allow you to go out of this place without your hair brushed!” He shook his head in mock dismay, grabbing the brush from the table and gently shoving the mage to the floor. He started at the ends, holding Redren’s long ginger hair as he worked through the knots that had managed to appear while he was sleeping. As he worked, Redren felt himself slowly leaning back, relaxing into the other man’s touch. He didn’t say anything, but Redren could tell Zevran was enjoying his reaction. “Done.”

“Ah,” Redren ran a hand through his hair. “Thanks.” He glanced over at the wall clock, which claimed it was already eleven.

“It was my pleasure,” He smiled. “And based on your facial expression, it was your pleasure, too.”

“Let’s just get going.”

“Lead the way,” Zevran bowed, putting on his ear extensions. 

..

The day was in all honesty, a blur. King Cailan staged another execution for Maria, who laid down on a slab for about ten minutes before she sat up and went to the tavern for a drink. Anora gathered everyone in the hall for another speech, starting the celebrations, and begrudgingly allowing the magic-users to use magic. Redren and Zevran met up with Morrigan, Leliana, and Alistair, and decided to simply have a good time, eating and watching Leliana break out her recorder and show off her bardic skills. They all sat and watched her, Zevran being the most interested. He had known she was a music student, but Leliana had a gift for recorder covers for basically anything. She was a strange talent all in herself.

The day flew by, like all other Sundays seemed to. The moon had come out, hanging big and bright in the night sky. It was full, and the sky was perfectly clear. Out here in the countryside, the stars were in full view. Many of the witches, wizards, and other magic users were performing ceremonies. He wasn’t a big part of such things, and as a blood mage, he wasn’t big on nature magic. Morrigan was messing around with Leliana, prodding her with her staff, making the bard giggle.

He got so swept up in everything, he hardly noticed Zevran’s hand on his shoulder.

“Would you mind talking to me for a moment?” He didn’t wear his usual carefree smile, so Redren wasn’t sure what he was feeling. “I promise it’s not anything bad,” he said, reassuring Redren with a hand on his shoulder.

“Alright,” he agreed. “Would you like to go somewhere more private, or…?”

“That would be appreciated, yes.” Zevran grabbed Redren’s hand, and hoped the other man couldn’t feel how nervous he was. Zevran took him back to the forest, where it was dark enough for only the glowing rocks to be visible underneath the cover of the the trees. The moon lit the area, soft rays of light dancing as the trees swayed in the slight breeze.

“What,” Redren started. “Uh, what did you want to talk to me about?”

“I wanted to offer you my gratitude,” he said, looking down for a moment. “I’ve had,” he paused, and looked up at the taller man, “I have had so much fun.” His smile was wide. “I wanted to thank you, for making all this possible for me.”

“No, no, it was really Leliana. You, you shouldn’t be, you shouldn’t be thanking me,” Redren said, stumbling over his words.

“But you could’ve easily told her no, that you didn’t want anyone else in your group,” he countered.

“But-”

“Oh hush,” Zevran laughed. “Can’t I just say thank you? If anything, simply for being so sweet to me.” Redren wasn’t sure what to say, and he didn’t have to. Zevran stood up on his tip-toes, gently grabbing the back of Redren’s neck to pull him down. He placed his lips on Redren’s, and kissed him. Redren’d never been kissed before, and he could hardly think. It wasn’t a fevered exchange, or heavy, or passionate. It was just, soft and incredibly romantic. What else to expect from an Antivan? He thought, closing his eyes and pressing a hand to the small of Zevran’s back.

Eventually, Zevran pulled away, breathing fairly heavily. Redren was sure he was, too.

“If that wasn’t wanted,” he started, looking apologetic, “I’m incredibly sorry, but I-”

“Oh don’t worry,” Redren cut him off, laughing a bit to hide his excitement. “That was not unwanted!”

“Ah, good!” Zevran said, letting out a relieved breath. “You just looked so shocked, I wasn’t sure!”

“Well, I mean, I’ve never really been kissed before, so…” Zevran looked at him like he was insane. “Are you kidding m-” the sound of a dog barking cut him off.

“There you two are!” Alistair called out, jogging to where they were, Dog on his heels. “It’s getting late, and… wait, what are you two doing?” He squinted, looking at them in the low light.

“Is it such a crime to want to get to know your fellow Grey Warden better?”

“You know what? I don’t want to know. Morrigan and Leliana have already packed stuff up, and I was sent to retrieve you for the closing, which is in like, ten minutes.”

They followed him back to the field, where King Cailan was standing on a wooden box, Anora on the grass next to him.

“I thank you all for coming,” he began, a smile on his face. “It has been an amazing weekend, and I hope to see you all next month! We are incredibly thankful for the turnout, and I hope we only continue to grow!” Anora took the makeshift stage, breaking character to smile.

“And I would like to say, that regardless of magic ability or race, you all contribute something to make this place special,” She put a hand to her chest. “And I thank you.”

Everyone eventually dispersed, heading back to their cars. Morrigan and Leliana came over to where Zevran, Redren, Aliastair, and Dog were, holding backpacks, including Alistair’s, which he’d left with them when he went to find Zevran and Redren.

“Time to head out,” Leliana sighed. She led them back to the van, tossing their things into the back. Morrigan once again took the wheel, as not only was it her mother’s van, but she was the only one who could stay awake reliably the whole way back.

“So,” she started, looking in the rear-view mirror at the rest of the people in the back, “how was your first LARP, my elven companion?” Zevran launched into an excited explanation of how much he loved it, that he had an amazing time, and that he’d be honored if they invited him back.

“Of course we’ll invite you again!” Leliana laughed from the passenger seat. “You were very fun to have along!” She looked back to where Alistair was, raising an eyebrow at the mildly concerned expression on his face. “What’s up, Alistair? Got something on your mind?”

He took a deep breath. “Redren and Zevran were shagging in the woods!”

“Alistair!” Redren yelled, more shocked than upset.

“I’m so proud!” Morrigan laughed. “Finally!”

“Morrigan!”

“Losing your virginity at a LARP? Wonderful!”

“I did not!”

“Awww, a shame,” Leliana sighed. “I thought we were one in the same, there!”

“What?” Redren and Alistair said at the same time, making Zevran suppress a laugh.

“What? I had a beautiful witch offer me a dark ritual in the woods, and I accepted! Had a great time, got a girlfriend and a permanent plus three health!”

“So that’s where that bonus came from…” Redren muttered.

“You know, my lovely Morrigan, you’ve given me an idea,” Zevran said before he was quickly shushed by Redren’s hand over his mouth.

“Don’t.” He narrowed his eyes. “Lick this hand all you want, I don’t fear it. I’ve had that mouth on my mouth.” Zevran’s response of good point was muffled.

Eventually, they all fell into quiet, the hum of the van as it drove through the night calming.

…

The next LARP was amazing. As was the next, and the next, and the next. He and Zevran had officially become a thing, and he couldn’t be happier about it. Dog truly was the only one Alistair had now. Redren had worked up the neve to give Zevran the pair of Dalish leather gloves he’d embroidered. Zevran wore them all winter long. Their whole little group had been invited to one of Zevran’s theatre productions, and Redren couldn’t have been a prouder boyfriend. He could tell that the Live Action Role Playing had helped, as his character tame through in every line. And God, did he look good! How Redren had managed to snag someone like that, he’d never know.

Grandma Wynne had been supportive, and if anything, too supportive, saying things like It’s a changing world! or I’m so happy you could find someone! General happy grandma things. Zevran made sure to visit him almost every morning, sitting at the barstools and watching Redren wait tables. Redren had even visited Zevran at his job, although such an experience wasn’t exactly good for his more innocent heart.

All in all, they were very content to be the nerds they were.

[phoenix-stfu-blog]

I Promise, You're Safe Here

Title? I Promise, you’re safe here. Chaptered? It might be ;) Word Count? 1393 Gendered? Yes, Female. X Reader? Yep danny x reader Warnings? anorexia, depression, self harm. PLEASE, if you are struggling, text ‘home’ to 741741. It is a crisis help line. ❤ The obnoxiously loud alarm on your phone blared in my ear, the alarm you had set for 9am. You groggily rolled out of bed, slipped on some dark, navy, ripped up skinny jeans that surprisingly still fit. See, you hate your body figure. No one knows this, except for your best friend, Arin. You’ve been friends for a long time, since you were about 7.

Currently you’re 32, and Arin is 30. It’s odd you’ve stuck by each other for this long. You put on your (f/c) hoodie, then walked out of your bedroom. You decided to call Arin, he told you that you could see where all the 'Grump magic happened’. He said he’d also introduce me to his wife, Suzy, his friend Danny, and some others like Ross and Barry. You grabbed the phone, and clicked his contact.

“Hey asshole, when are you picking me up to go to the Grump Sp-” You suddenly got cut off when Arin decided to burst through my front door. “Does that answer your question?” You let out a small chuckle, you were actually always impressed at how easily he could make you laugh. You two had practically the same humor. Dick humor.

“You always did know how to make me laugh, didn’t you Arin?” He smiled at your comment, but then he plopped himself on your grey couch. “I thought you were taking me to Grump Space?” He groaned, and just threw his keys on your coffee table. He sat up, and looked you directly in the eyes. His eyes were basically burning into you. That got deep.

“(y/n) i want to talk about something. It’s your wellbeing really-” You stopped him there. “Arin i really don’t want to talk about it. We’ve talked about it already, i’m okay! i promise.” You hadn’t looked at him the whole time, because you could never look him in the eyes while lying. He knew exactly when you were lying, and he could definitely tell now.

“Please don’t lie to me, i just want to make sure you’re actually okay. I won’t hurt you. You know i won’t.” He was right. You used to be abused by your father when you came out as bisexual. Because of that, you were always afraid someone would harm you. This caused you to self harm, some of the scars are still there on your thighs are wrists, hence why you always wear hoodies and pants. Sure, the pants had rips in them, but it was never too visible, so you wore them anyway. Arin used to always check your wrists, but he doesn’t anymore, surprisingly. Maybe it’s because you finally got your 'happy medicine,’ as people would call it. Recently, you stopped taking them.

“(y/n)? are you okay? You kinda spaced out there. Also just know, that no one at game grumps is going to judge you or hurt you in any possible way. I’ve known these guys for a long while now, just like you. First, did you take your meds?” You huffed at that last sentence. “Yes, i took my medicine. Can we go now?” Arin picked up his keys, then you two trudged out the door and into his car. Arin glanced over to you on occasion, but you were just staring into your phone.

“Did you eat breakfast yet? Or are you hungry?” You slowly look to Arin, knowing you haven’t eaten anything in a while. The only thing he doesn’t know about you is that you’re anorexic. He has no clue you haven’t eaten in days. “Uh, no i had some toast earlier. I’ll be good.” You bluntly stated. Arin just shrugged and said they’d order pizza later anyway. Suddenly, we stopped and pulled up to a building. “Our destination awaits.” Arin took his keys, and bursted open the door like it was his home. I mean, it basically was.

“WE’RE HERE!” Arin beamed, pretty sure Britain knows we’re in the Grump space. Danny basically leapt down the stairs, and started shouting. As usual. You started shaking, you hated when people yelled. You felt a panic attack coming on, nothing new. But there was something new, not being able to see anything. There were dark and hazy colors in the corners of your eyes, tears pricking your (e/c) eyes. “A-Arin.. st.. op.” You tried to state, but no use. He couldn’t hear you. Your breathing hitched, taking rapid, short breaths. Danny looked over, his face shifting from excitement to immediate concern.

“Holy shit. Arin? What the hell is wrong with her?” Danny scoffed at Arin. “Fuck dude! She told me she took her meds!” You started to black out, feeling claustrophobic. “Don’t t-touch me!” You screamed out, that being the only thing you could say. Arin and Danny simultaneously backed up from you, giving you some more space. Arin knew what to do, so he held up his hand and signaled 5 fingers. You knew what he was doing, so you tried to take a deep breath in, then release it.

Arin continued this for a couple of minutes, then walked you over to a couch. “It’s okay, we’re here. No ones going to hurt you. Are you okay now (y/n)?” Arin asked. Danny was sat next by you, saying sweet and encouraging words to you. “T-thank you. Just maybe n-next time don’t yell when i g-get here.” Arin and Dan felt really guilty for triggering a panic attack.

About an hour later, it was just you and Danny. Arin, Suzy, Holly, Ross, and Barry all went to go shopping. No clue why, but they did. Danny offered to stay behind with you, just in case something happened. Before the group left, Arin taught Danny what to do incase you had another attack. You and Danny were left on the couch, watching whatever was on. “So, (y/n),” he fiddled with your (h/c) hair, and your head was cuddled up against his chest. You found him very warm and safe.

Your legs were tucked under your thighs, and Danny’s legs were hanging off the couch. “What do you like to do in spare time?” Danny questioned. “I just like to watch you guys’ videos. Me and Arin have the same humor. As it turns out, me and you have a ton in common too. I happen to sing sometimes, and i have uncontrollable hair.” He chuckled, and fluffed your hair up. “I can confirm.” Danny laughed. His giggle was the cutest thing you’d heard in a while. Oh god, did you have a crush on Danny? Probably.

“You want something to eat, fluff?” He gave you the nickname fluff after he messed with your hair earlier on the couch. “No, i’m- uhm.. not hungry.” You lied. You’ve been hungry for days. But you needed to be skinnier, or else no one would like you. Truth is, under the jacket you’re skin and bones. You didn’t see that though.

Danny hadn’t seen you eat all day. “You sure? You haven’t eaten all day. And you’re getting really red- you must be sweating. Why don’t you take your jacket off?” Your head started pounding. “It’s fine Danny, really.” You couldn’t even roll up your sleeves. You had scars lined up and down your arms. “If you say so. At least eat something. please? you look hungry.” Danny insisted. You finally cracked, but you didn’t eat. You showed him your stomach.

“Danny, look at me,” You stood from your position on the couch, and lifted up your hoodie and t-shirt. “Im a freak. I know. Shame me now-” Before you could say anything more, he walked over to you and gave you a bear hug. “Why do you do this to yourself?” He wondered. “Because, i’m too fat, i don’t like my body. As long as i’m alive, i’ll be fine right?.. right?” Danny didn’t say a word, he was still hugging you, his head over your shoulder. “You’re beautiful, (y/n). Please do not let anyone tell you different. I promise, you’re safe here.”

[brookekeagle]

Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite Non Stimulant

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I am guessing you are here to lose weight?

  And you are wondering which Hydroxycut product will help?

  Well you are in luck we have featured the top 3 products to help you lose 

Weight in the compare section at the bottom of the page.

  But first imagine this

  It’s a beautiful summer’s morning and you look at your window and out of the corner of your eye you notice your neighbor swing open his front door and emerge with a heavy rain coat, a top hat and a pipe extending from his mouth next a big ploom of smoke belches from his mouth. That is rather strange you think.

  The next day again you are looking out of your window.

  Then suddenly your neighbor swings open his door OH MY GOD!!!

  Now he is wearing the tightest swimming trunks you have ever seen! He is donning a thick chest wig and he has an orange life boy strapped over his back!. Has he lost his mind? Naturally the next morning your primed and ready in anticipation will your neighbor appear as this time! But before you even wake you hear boom boom boom the whole bedroom is shaking you rush to the window and your neighbor is half naked. He has a full crest of decorative feathers around his head, a thick orange tan and a very modest leather buckskin loincloth covering his private parts.

  With vigorous gesticulations and whooping your neighbor then proceeds to dance around the campfire he has built on on the front porch, you can barely contain your amazement! How does this relate to Hydroxycut you’re probably asking?

  Well friends hydroxycut are like the neighbor they are bit strange every now and again they release a new product with fancy new packaging “sports” “for women”  “max” “CLA Elite” the problem is most of them contain the same ingredients! Yes some change some minor ingredients but nearly all contain copious amounts of caffeine and C.canephora robusta – (Green Coffee Extract) So the question is does Hardcore CLA Elite offer anything else? does it work? And does it even appear in the top 3? (see the compare section)

Hydroxycut CLA Elite belongs to the hydroxycut sports range designed for both men and women. It is one of only a few Hydroxycut supplements to be non stimulant that does not contain caffeine. The company promote CLA Elite as being specially formulated for people who have a more active lifestyle and It comes in soft gel capsules. 

  Hydroxycut has been in the market for over 20 years now and it is also known as one of the leading dietary supplements in America. However, despite its acclaimed fame, the brand had actually undergone some reformulations in the past years due to health scares. These reports linked hydroxycut to some serious health problems such as Hepatotoxicity. As of today the formulations are no longer linked to lawsuits but they certainly still get above average complaints from customers.

  We also discovered shocking evidence of fake reviews on the official website and on Amazon we have featured a whole article on the subject but before you read that stick around you still want to know which is the best hydroxycut supplement right?  

    Aside from the brand’s key ingredient (c. canephora extract) which the company touts as the key scientifically proven. Hydroxycut CLA Elite is special in that it does not have caffeine. Instead it mostly relies on a big fat dollop of CLA (1000mg 1 serving 2 soft gels) a dose of L-carnitine, L-tartrate,among other ingredients which we tell you all about the ingredient section. 

    Hydroxycut CLA Elite promises to give you the following benefits: 

  Thermogenesis

Improved focus

Boost of energy

    There are 2 limited studies to suggest the main ingredient C. canephora robusta helps to achieve modest weight reduction when included with a low calorie diet. The Hydroxycut website gets very excited and displays the following statement next to every supplement however read on because the independent science is key. “In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

  In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs.

Hydroxycut Official Website” The US National Library of Medicine had this to say.

“The evidence from RCTs seems to indicate that the intake of GCE can promote weight loss. However, several caveats exist. The size of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain. More rigorous trials with longer duration are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of GCE as a weight loss supplement” 

    One testimonial on the official website features busty Johanna no suggestion of course that she was paid for her looks –picture. “…I absolutely love my transformation and I am looking forward to what the future holds! To anyone thinking of taking Hydroxycut, stop thinking and try it” ~ Johanna.

   However if you take a look at the official website you will notice there are no customer reviews recorded. Not that matters considering customer reviews on the other products are highly questionable. Customer reviews on Amazon have an average of 3.4 out of 5 stars however we found clear evidence of planted positive reviews for most of the hydroxycut supplements which you should read about Here later.

  Many of the positive reviews are unnatural sales letters with the customer names repeated giving false positive reviews on numerous other hydroxycut products. It is all very dark and murky. There have not been that many customer reviews of Hydroxycut CLA Elite online. Walgreens website has only one review of the product which was given 2 years ago, according to Matt Smeltzer ~ “I started using this product over 1 week ago. I’m limiting my calories to !,300 per day and doing light to moderate exercise including weight training. I lost 5 lbs the first week. As for Ebay, although one customer has given the product a 3-star rating, according to him it has a “Good quality”~ jesp2407.   On amazon there was only 11 reviews with a poor ratio of positive to negative reviews compared to the best selling weight loss supplements. It is also rather odd that this supplement only 11 reviews between the peroid 2016 to 2019.

  auangl1

“I wasn’t impressed with this particular Hydroxy Cut. For me, it did nothing to curb my appetite at all. I haven’t lost one single ounce”

  megan The taste isn’t amazing but it’s weight loss pills so. But it always left me feeling sick. Did not continue using them so if they actually work I don’t know.

    The key ingredient, C. canephora robusta was backed by two limited scientific studies. However the placebo groups on both studies also lost weight so the weight loss was not remarkable. Read our main review of hydroxycut and discover what a leading research establishment said about the results.

  In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

  In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs. So if we break that down we notice the weight loss attributable to each group was just over 5.5lbs and 2.5lbs respectively over 2 months. C. canephora robusta (Green Coffee) said to contribute to weight loss. The US National Library had this to say in one study National Library of Medicine.

Differences in plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone profiles further confirm the potent biological action of caffeine and suggest that chlorogenic acid might have an antagonistic effect on glucose transport. Therefore, a novel function of some dietary phenols in humans may be to attenuate intestinal glucose absorption rates and shift the site of glucose absorption to more distal parts of the intestine.

    Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains the following ingredients:

  L-carnitine & L-tartrate 250mg – these help move your fatty acids into cells to be burned for energy.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) healthy omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oil,meat and dairy products. Healthline.com Though CLA supplements are linked to fat loss, the effects are small, unreliable and unlikely to make a difference in everyday life. academic.oup.com In conclusion, when the body of evidence is considered as a whole, CLA does have a beneficial effect on human body composition. Although this effect is modest

Garcinia indica 250mg – Formed of hydroxy citric acid helps to suppress your appetite. Garcinia is common in many supplements and was recommended by none other than Dr.Oz back in the day when people actually listened to him. In this supplement it is included in lower doses then useful so can be considered a decoration.

Raspberry Ketone 125mg  – Believed to help break down fat in your body It is claimed to increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that helps to regulate metabolism.

  For the 2 main ingredients CLA and Green coffee the possible side effects are as follows. CLA Upset stomach Nausea Diarrhea Fatigue

Green coffee (C.canephora robusta) Insomnia Nervousness Restlessness Upset Stomach Nausea Vomiting Increased heart rate Increased breathing rate

    One container of Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains a total of 50 soft gel capsules. As indicated on the label, to test your tolerance to the supplement you are advised to take the following dosage: 

  Day 1 & Day 2: 1 soft gel capsule, 1x daily

Day 3 & Day 4: 2 soft gel capsules, 1x daily

Day 5 & Day 6: 2 soft gel capsules with meal 1, 1 soft gel capsule with meal 2.

Day 7 & Beyond: 2 capsules, 2x daily

  Aside from its noteworthy daily dosage, you also have to take note of the following:

  Each serving must be taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before your 2 large meals.

You must not exceed 8 capsules within a 24-hour period. 

Refrain from snacking. 

Drink 10 glasses of water daily.

Do not take the supplement within 5 hours of your bedtime.

For best results, use the supplement for 60 days and combine it with a low-carb diet and exercise.

    You can buy this product on the official Hydroxycut’s website for $30.99 and also at these websites.

  Amazon.com

Walgreens.com

Healthkart.com

  Pros and Cons

  Pros Comes in soft gel tablets Contains CLA and not huge amounts of caffeine Soft Gel Cons Complaints about the taste. Expensive Very little buyer feedback in 3 years One of the least popular hydroxycut supplements. Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite is one of the least popular hydroxycut products. To see which products made the top 3 go here  compare table.

  CLA Elite is like the unpopular relative the family must entertain at social gatherings. The problem is no one seems to like it and the 2 main ingredients CLA and green coffee have no friends in science community either. Both ingredients can be purchased cheaper from other suppliers. CLA Elite would not be good company in your weight loss Journey there are several better options to lose weight.

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Source: https://hydroxycut.reviews/products/hydroxycut-hardcore-cla-elite-non-stimulant/

from Hydroxycut Supplement Review https://hydroxycutreviews1.wordpress.com/2019/08/21/hydroxycut-hardcore-cla-elite-non-stimulant/

[caroldthom]

Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite Non Stimulant

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

I am guessing you are here to lose weight?

 And you are wondering which Hydroxycut product will help?

 Well you are in luck we have featured the top 3 products to help you lose 

Weight in the compare section at the bottom of the page.

 But first imagine this

 It’s a beautiful summer’s morning and you look at your window and out of the corner of your eye you notice your neighbor swing open his front door and emerge with a heavy rain coat, a top hat and a pipe extending from his mouth next a big ploom of smoke belches from his mouth. That is rather strange you think.

 The next day again you are looking out of your window.

 Then suddenly your neighbor swings open his door OH MY GOD!!!

 Now he is wearing the tightest swimming trunks you have ever seen! He is donning a thick chest wig and he has an orange life boy strapped over his back!. Has he lost his mind? Naturally the next morning your primed and ready in anticipation will your neighbor appear as this time! But before you even wake you hear boom boom boom the whole bedroom is shaking you rush to the window and your neighbor is half naked. He has a full crest of decorative feathers around his head, a thick orange tan and a very modest leather buckskin loincloth covering his private parts.

 With vigorous gesticulations and whooping your neighbor then proceeds to dance around the campfire he has built on on the front porch, you can barely contain your amazement! How does this relate to Hydroxycut you’re probably asking?

 Well friends hydroxycut are like the neighbor they are bit strange every now and again they release a new product with fancy new packaging “sports” “for women”  “max” “CLA Elite” the problem is most of them contain the same ingredients! Yes some change some minor ingredients but nearly all contain copious amounts of caffeine and C.canephora robusta – (Green Coffee Extract) So the question is does Hardcore CLA Elite offer anything else? does it work? And does it even appear in the top 3? (see the compare section)

Hydroxycut CLA Elite belongs to the hydroxycut sports range designed for both men and women. It is one of only a few Hydroxycut supplements to be non stimulant that does not contain caffeine. The company promote CLA Elite as being specially formulated for people who have a more active lifestyle and It comes in soft gel capsules. 

 Hydroxycut has been in the market for over 20 years now and it is also known as one of the leading dietary supplements in America. However, despite its acclaimed fame, the brand had actually undergone some reformulations in the past years due to health scares. These reports linked hydroxycut to some serious health problems such as Hepatotoxicity. As of today the formulations are no longer linked to lawsuits but they certainly still get above average complaints from customers.

 We also discovered shocking evidence of fake reviews on the official website and on Amazon we have featured a whole article on the subject but before you read that stick around you still want to know which is the best hydroxycut supplement right?  

  Aside from the brand’s key ingredient (c. canephora extract) which the company touts as the key scientifically proven. Hydroxycut CLA Elite is special in that it does not have caffeine. Instead it mostly relies on a big fat dollop of CLA (1000mg 1 serving 2 soft gels) a dose of L-carnitine, L-tartrate,among other ingredients which we tell you all about the ingredient section. 

  Hydroxycut CLA Elite promises to give you the following benefits: 

 Thermogenesis

Improved focus

Boost of energy

  There are 2 limited studies to suggest the main ingredient C. canephora robusta helps to achieve modest weight reduction when included with a low calorie diet. The Hydroxycut website gets very excited and displays the following statement next to every supplement however read on because the independent science is key. “In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

 In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs.

Hydroxycut Official Website” The US National Library of Medicine had this to say.

“The evidence from RCTs seems to indicate that the intake of GCE can promote weight loss. However, several caveats exist. The size of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain. More rigorous trials with longer duration are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of GCE as a weight loss supplement” 

  One testimonial on the official website features busty Johanna no suggestion of course that she was paid for her looks –picture. “…I absolutely love my transformation and I am looking forward to what the future holds! To anyone thinking of taking Hydroxycut, stop thinking and try it” ~ Johanna.

  However if you take a look at the official website you will notice there are no customer reviews recorded. Not that matters considering customer reviews on the other products are highly questionable. Customer reviews on Amazon have an average of 3.4 out of 5 stars however we found clear evidence of planted positive reviews for most of the hydroxycut supplements which you should read about Here later.

 Many of the positive reviews are unnatural sales letters with the customer names repeated giving false positive reviews on numerous other hydroxycut products. It is all very dark and murky. There have not been that many customer reviews of Hydroxycut CLA Elite online. Walgreens website has only one review of the product which was given 2 years ago, according to Matt Smeltzer ~ “I started using this product over 1 week ago. I’m limiting my calories to !,300 per day and doing light to moderate exercise including weight training. I lost 5 lbs the first week. As for Ebay, although one customer has given the product a 3-star rating, according to him it has a “Good quality”~ jesp2407.   On amazon there was only 11 reviews with a poor ratio of positive to negative reviews compared to the best selling weight loss supplements. It is also rather odd that this supplement only 11 reviews between the peroid 2016 to 2019.

 auangl1

“I wasn’t impressed with this particular Hydroxy Cut. For me, it did nothing to curb my appetite at all. I haven’t lost one single ounce”

 megan The taste isn’t amazing but it’s weight loss pills so. But it always left me feeling sick. Did not continue using them so if they actually work I don’t know.

  The key ingredient, C. canephora robusta was backed by two limited scientific studies. However the placebo groups on both studies also lost weight so the weight loss was not remarkable. Read our main review of hydroxycut and discover what a leading research establishment said about the results.

 In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

 In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs. So if we break that down we notice the weight loss attributable to each group was just over 5.5lbs and 2.5lbs respectively over 2 months. C. canephora robusta (Green Coffee) said to contribute to weight loss. The US National Library had this to say in one study National Library of Medicine.

Differences in plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone profiles further confirm the potent biological action of caffeine and suggest that chlorogenic acid might have an antagonistic effect on glucose transport. Therefore, a novel function of some dietary phenols in humans may be to attenuate intestinal glucose absorption rates and shift the site of glucose absorption to more distal parts of the intestine.

  Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains the following ingredients:

 L-carnitine & L-tartrate 250mg – these help move your fatty acids into cells to be burned for energy.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) healthy omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oil,meat and dairy products. Healthline.com Though CLA supplements are linked to fat loss, the effects are small, unreliable and unlikely to make a difference in everyday life. academic.oup.com In conclusion, when the body of evidence is considered as a whole, CLA does have a beneficial effect on human body composition. Although this effect is modest

Garcinia indica 250mg – Formed of hydroxy citric acid helps to suppress your appetite. Garcinia is common in many supplements and was recommended by none other than Dr.Oz back in the day when people actually listened to him. In this supplement it is included in lower doses then useful so can be considered a decoration.

Raspberry Ketone 125mg  – Believed to help break down fat in your body It is claimed to increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that helps to regulate metabolism.

  For the 2 main ingredients CLA and Green coffee the possible side effects are as follows. CLA Upset stomach Nausea Diarrhea Fatigue

Green coffee (C.canephora robusta) Insomnia Nervousness Restlessness Upset Stomach Nausea Vomiting Increased heart rate Increased breathing rate

  One container of Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains a total of 50 soft gel capsules. As indicated on the label, to test your tolerance to the supplement you are advised to take the following dosage: 

 Day 1 & Day 2: 1 soft gel capsule, 1x daily

Day 3 & Day 4: 2 soft gel capsules, 1x daily

Day 5 & Day 6: 2 soft gel capsules with meal 1, 1 soft gel capsule with meal 2.

Day 7 & Beyond: 2 capsules, 2x daily

 Aside from its noteworthy daily dosage, you also have to take note of the following:

 Each serving must be taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before your 2 large meals.

You must not exceed 8 capsules within a 24-hour period. 

Refrain from snacking. 

Drink 10 glasses of water daily.

Do not take the supplement within 5 hours of your bedtime.

For best results, use the supplement for 60 days and combine it with a low-carb diet and exercise.

  You can buy this product on the official Hydroxycut’s website for $30.99 and also at these websites.

 Amazon.com

Walgreens.com

Healthkart.com

 Pros and Cons

 Pros Comes in soft gel tablets Contains CLA and not huge amounts of caffeine Soft Gel Cons Complaints about the taste. Expensive Very little buyer feedback in 3 years One of the least popular hydroxycut supplements. Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite is one of the least popular hydroxycut products. To see which products made the top 3 go here  compare table.

 CLA Elite is like the unpopular relative the family must entertain at social gatherings. The problem is no one seems to like it and the 2 main ingredients CLA and green coffee have no friends in science community either. Both ingredients can be purchased cheaper from other suppliers. CLA Elite would not be good company in your weight loss Journey there are several better options to lose weight.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

from https://hydroxycut.reviews/products/hydroxycut-hardcore-cla-elite-non-stimulant/

from Hydroxycut Supplement Review - Blog http://hydroxycut1.weebly.com/blog/hydroxycut-hardcore-cla-elite-non-stimulant

[davidlrichards]

Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite Non Stimulant

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

I am guessing you are here to lose weight?

And you are wondering which Hydroxycut product will help?

Well you are in luck we have featured the top 3 products to help you lose 

Weight in the compare section at the bottom of the page.

But first imagine this

It’s a beautiful summer’s morning and you look at your window and out of the corner of your eye you notice your neighbor swing open his front door and emerge with a heavy rain coat, a top hat and a pipe extending from his mouth next a big ploom of smoke belches from his mouth. That is rather strange you think.

The next day again you are looking out of your window.

Then suddenly your neighbor swings open his door OH MY GOD!!!

Now he is wearing the tightest swimming trunks you have ever seen! He is donning a thick chest wig and he has an orange life boy strapped over his back!. Has he lost his mind? Naturally the next morning your primed and ready in anticipation will your neighbor appear as this time! But before you even wake you hear boom boom boom the whole bedroom is shaking you rush to the window and your neighbor is half naked. He has a full crest of decorative feathers around his head, a thick orange tan and a very modest leather buckskin loincloth covering his private parts.

With vigorous gesticulations and whooping your neighbor then proceeds to dance around the campfire he has built on on the front porch, you can barely contain your amazement! How does this relate to Hydroxycut you’re probably asking?

Well friends hydroxycut are like the neighbor they are bit strange every now and again they release a new product with fancy new packaging “sports” “for women”  “max” “CLA Elite” the problem is most of them contain the same ingredients! Yes some change some minor ingredients but nearly all contain copious amounts of caffeine and C.canephora robusta – (Green Coffee Extract) So the question is does Hardcore CLA Elite offer anything else? does it work? And does it even appear in the top 3? (see the compare section)

Hydroxycut CLA Elite belongs to the hydroxycut sports range designed for both men and women. It is one of only a few Hydroxycut supplements to be non stimulant that does not contain caffeine. The company promote CLA Elite as being specially formulated for people who have a more active lifestyle and It comes in soft gel capsules. 

Hydroxycut has been in the market for over 20 years now and it is also known as one of the leading dietary supplements in America. However, despite its acclaimed fame, the brand had actually undergone some reformulations in the past years due to health scares. These reports linked hydroxycut to some serious health problems such as Hepatotoxicity. As of today the formulations are no longer linked to lawsuits but they certainly still get above average complaints from customers.

We also discovered shocking evidence of fake reviews on the official website and on Amazon we have featured a whole article on the subject but before you read that stick around you still want to know which is the best hydroxycut supplement right?  

Aside from the brand’s key ingredient (c. canephora extract) which the company touts as the key scientifically proven. Hydroxycut CLA Elite is special in that it does not have caffeine. Instead it mostly relies on a big fat dollop of CLA (1000mg 1 serving 2 soft gels) a dose of L-carnitine, L-tartrate,among other ingredients which we tell you all about the ingredient section. 

Hydroxycut CLA Elite promises to give you the following benefits: 

Thermogenesis

Improved focus

Boost of energy

  There are 2 limited studies to suggest the main ingredient C. canephora robusta helps to achieve modest weight reduction when included with a low calorie diet. The Hydroxycut website gets very excited and displays the following statement next to every supplement however read on because the independent science is key. “In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs.

Hydroxycut Official Website” The US National Library of Medicine had this to say.

“The evidence from RCTs seems to indicate that the intake of GCE can promote weight loss. However, several caveats exist. The size of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain. More rigorous trials with longer duration are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of GCE as a weight loss supplement” 

One testimonial on the official website features busty Johanna no suggestion of course that she was paid for her looks –picture. “…I absolutely love my transformation and I am looking forward to what the future holds! To anyone thinking of taking Hydroxycut, stop thinking and try it” ~ Johanna.

 However if you take a look at the official website you will notice there are no customer reviews recorded. Not that matters considering customer reviews on the other products are highly questionable. Customer reviews on Amazon have an average of 3.4 out of 5 stars however we found clear evidence of planted positive reviews for most of the hydroxycut supplements which you should read about Here later.

Many of the positive reviews are unnatural sales letters with the customer names repeated giving false positive reviews on numerous other hydroxycut products. It is all very dark and murky. There have not been that many customer reviews of Hydroxycut CLA Elite online. Walgreens website has only one review of the product which was given 2 years ago, according to Matt Smeltzer ~ “I started using this product over 1 week ago. I’m limiting my calories to !,300 per day and doing light to moderate exercise including weight training. I lost 5 lbs the first week. As for Ebay, although one customer has given the product a 3-star rating, according to him it has a “Good quality”~ jesp2407.   On amazon there was only 11 reviews with a poor ratio of positive to negative reviews compared to the best selling weight loss supplements. It is also rather odd that this supplement only 11 reviews between the peroid 2016 to 2019.

auangl1

“I wasn’t impressed with this particular Hydroxy Cut. For me, it did nothing to curb my appetite at all. I haven’t lost one single ounce”

megan The taste isn’t amazing but it’s weight loss pills so. But it always left me feeling sick. Did not continue using them so if they actually work I don’t know.

The key ingredient, C. canephora robusta was backed by two limited scientific studies. However the placebo groups on both studies also lost weight so the weight loss was not remarkable. Read our main review of hydroxycut and discover what a leading research establishment said about the results.

In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs. So if we break that down we notice the weight loss attributable to each group was just over 5.5lbs and 2.5lbs respectively over 2 months. C. canephora robusta (Green Coffee) said to contribute to weight loss. The US National Library had this to say in one study National Library of Medicine.

Differences in plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone profiles further confirm the potent biological action of caffeine and suggest that chlorogenic acid might have an antagonistic effect on glucose transport. Therefore, a novel function of some dietary phenols in humans may be to attenuate intestinal glucose absorption rates and shift the site of glucose absorption to more distal parts of the intestine.

Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains the following ingredients:

L-carnitine & L-tartrate 250mg – these help move your fatty acids into cells to be burned for energy.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) healthy omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oil,meat and dairy products. Healthline.com Though CLA supplements are linked to fat loss, the effects are small, unreliable and unlikely to make a difference in everyday life. academic.oup.com In conclusion, when the body of evidence is considered as a whole, CLA does have a beneficial effect on human body composition. Although this effect is modest

Garcinia indica 250mg – Formed of hydroxy citric acid helps to suppress your appetite. Garcinia is common in many supplements and was recommended by none other than Dr.Oz back in the day when people actually listened to him. In this supplement it is included in lower doses then useful so can be considered a decoration.

Raspberry Ketone 125mg  – Believed to help break down fat in your body It is claimed to increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that helps to regulate metabolism.

  For the 2 main ingredients CLA and Green coffee the possible side effects are as follows. CLA Upset stomach Nausea Diarrhea Fatigue

Green coffee (C.canephora robusta) Insomnia Nervousness Restlessness Upset Stomach Nausea Vomiting Increased heart rate Increased breathing rate

One container of Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains a total of 50 soft gel capsules. As indicated on the label, to test your tolerance to the supplement you are advised to take the following dosage: 

Day 1 & Day 2: 1 soft gel capsule, 1x daily

Day 3 & Day 4: 2 soft gel capsules, 1x daily

Day 5 & Day 6: 2 soft gel capsules with meal 1, 1 soft gel capsule with meal 2.

Day 7 & Beyond: 2 capsules, 2x daily

  Aside from its noteworthy daily dosage, you also have to take note of the following:

Each serving must be taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before your 2 large meals.

You must not exceed 8 capsules within a 24-hour period. 

Refrain from snacking. 

Drink 10 glasses of water daily.

Do not take the supplement within 5 hours of your bedtime.

For best results, use the supplement for 60 days and combine it with a low-carb diet and exercise.

  You can buy this product on the official Hydroxycut’s website for $30.99 and also at these websites.

Amazon.com

Walgreens.com

Healthkart.com

  Pros and Cons

Pros Comes in soft gel tablets Contains CLA and not huge amounts of caffeine Soft Gel Cons Complaints about the taste. Expensive Very little buyer feedback in 3 years One of the least popular hydroxycut supplements. Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite is one of the least popular hydroxycut products. To see which products made the top 3 go here  compare table.

CLA Elite is like the unpopular relative the family must entertain at social gatherings. The problem is no one seems to like it and the 2 main ingredients CLA and green coffee have no friends in science community either. Both ingredients can be purchased cheaper from other suppliers. CLA Elite would not be good company in your weight loss Journey there are several better options to lose weight.

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from By Diet Wiki https://hydroxycut.reviews/products/hydroxycut-hardcore-cla-elite-non-stimulant/ from Hydroxycut Supplement Review https://hydroxycutreviews.tumblr.com/post/187171867098

[hydroxycutreviews]

Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite Non Stimulant

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I am guessing you are here to lose weight?

  And you are wondering which Hydroxycut product will help?

  Well you are in luck we have featured the top 3 products to help you lose 

Weight in the compare section at the bottom of the page.

  But first imagine this

  It’s a beautiful summer’s morning and you look at your window and out of the corner of your eye you notice your neighbor swing open his front door and emerge with a heavy rain coat, a top hat and a pipe extending from his mouth next a big ploom of smoke belches from his mouth. That is rather strange you think.

  The next day again you are looking out of your window.

  Then suddenly your neighbor swings open his door OH MY GOD!!!

  Now he is wearing the tightest swimming trunks you have ever seen! He is donning a thick chest wig and he has an orange life boy strapped over his back!. Has he lost his mind? Naturally the next morning your primed and ready in anticipation will your neighbor appear as this time! But before you even wake you hear boom boom boom the whole bedroom is shaking you rush to the window and your neighbor is half naked. He has a full crest of decorative feathers around his head, a thick orange tan and a very modest leather buckskin loincloth covering his private parts.

  With vigorous gesticulations and whooping your neighbor then proceeds to dance around the campfire he has built on on the front porch, you can barely contain your amazement! How does this relate to Hydroxycut you’re probably asking?

  Well friends hydroxycut are like the neighbor they are bit strange every now and again they release a new product with fancy new packaging “sports” “for women”  “max” “CLA Elite” the problem is most of them contain the same ingredients! Yes some change some minor ingredients but nearly all contain copious amounts of caffeine and C.canephora robusta – (Green Coffee Extract) So the question is does Hardcore CLA Elite offer anything else? does it work? And does it even appear in the top 3? (see the compare section)

Hydroxycut CLA Elite belongs to the hydroxycut sports range designed for both men and women. It is one of only a few Hydroxycut supplements to be non stimulant that does not contain caffeine. The company promote CLA Elite as being specially formulated for people who have a more active lifestyle and It comes in soft gel capsules. 

  Hydroxycut has been in the market for over 20 years now and it is also known as one of the leading dietary supplements in America. However, despite its acclaimed fame, the brand had actually undergone some reformulations in the past years due to health scares. These reports linked hydroxycut to some serious health problems such as Hepatotoxicity. As of today the formulations are no longer linked to lawsuits but they certainly still get above average complaints from customers.

  We also discovered shocking evidence of fake reviews on the official website and on Amazon we have featured a whole article on the subject but before you read that stick around you still want to know which is the best hydroxycut supplement right?  

    Aside from the brand’s key ingredient (c. canephora extract) which the company touts as the key scientifically proven. Hydroxycut CLA Elite is special in that it does not have caffeine. Instead it mostly relies on a big fat dollop of CLA (1000mg 1 serving 2 soft gels) a dose of L-carnitine, L-tartrate,among other ingredients which we tell you all about the ingredient section. 

    Hydroxycut CLA Elite promises to give you the following benefits: 

  Thermogenesis

Improved focus

Boost of energy

    There are 2 limited studies to suggest the main ingredient C. canephora robusta helps to achieve modest weight reduction when included with a low calorie diet. The Hydroxycut website gets very excited and displays the following statement next to every supplement however read on because the independent science is key. “In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

  In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs.

Hydroxycut Official Website” The US National Library of Medicine had this to say.

“The evidence from RCTs seems to indicate that the intake of GCE can promote weight loss. However, several caveats exist. The size of the effect is small, and the clinical relevance of this effect is uncertain. More rigorous trials with longer duration are needed to assess the efficacy and safety of GCE as a weight loss supplement” 

    One testimonial on the official website features busty Johanna no suggestion of course that she was paid for her looks –picture. “…I absolutely love my transformation and I am looking forward to what the future holds! To anyone thinking of taking Hydroxycut, stop thinking and try it” ~ Johanna.

   However if you take a look at the official website you will notice there are no customer reviews recorded. Not that matters considering customer reviews on the other products are highly questionable. Customer reviews on Amazon have an average of 3.4 out of 5 stars however we found clear evidence of planted positive reviews for most of the hydroxycut supplements which you should read about Here later.

  Many of the positive reviews are unnatural sales letters with the customer names repeated giving false positive reviews on numerous other hydroxycut products. It is all very dark and murky. There have not been that many customer reviews of Hydroxycut CLA Elite online. Walgreens website has only one review of the product which was given 2 years ago, according to Matt Smeltzer ~ “I started using this product over 1 week ago. I’m limiting my calories to !,300 per day and doing light to moderate exercise including weight training. I lost 5 lbs the first week. As for Ebay, although one customer has given the product a 3-star rating, according to him it has a “Good quality”~ jesp2407.   On amazon there was only 11 reviews with a poor ratio of positive to negative reviews compared to the best selling weight loss supplements. It is also rather odd that this supplement only 11 reviews between the peroid 2016 to 2019.

  auangl1

“I wasn’t impressed with this particular Hydroxy Cut. For me, it did nothing to curb my appetite at all. I haven’t lost one single ounce”

  megan The taste isn’t amazing but it’s weight loss pills so. But it always left me feeling sick. Did not continue using them so if they actually work I don’t know.

    The key ingredient, C. canephora robusta was backed by two limited scientific studies. However the placebo groups on both studies also lost weight so the weight loss was not remarkable. Read our main review of hydroxycut and discover what a leading research establishment said about the results.

  In 2006 study subjects taking C.canephora robusta for 60 days lost an average of 10.95lbs vs placebo which lost 5.40lbs. Both groups followed a low calorie diet. 

  In a separate 8-week study in 2010, subjects taking C. canephora robusta lost an average of 3.7lbs vs placebo, which lost 1.25lbs. So if we break that down we notice the weight loss attributable to each group was just over 5.5lbs and 2.5lbs respectively over 2 months. C. canephora robusta (Green Coffee) said to contribute to weight loss. The US National Library had this to say in one study National Library of Medicine.

Differences in plasma glucose, insulin, and gastrointestinal hormone profiles further confirm the potent biological action of caffeine and suggest that chlorogenic acid might have an antagonistic effect on glucose transport. Therefore, a novel function of some dietary phenols in humans may be to attenuate intestinal glucose absorption rates and shift the site of glucose absorption to more distal parts of the intestine.

    Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains the following ingredients:

  L-carnitine & L-tartrate 250mg – these help move your fatty acids into cells to be burned for energy.

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) healthy omega-6 fatty acid found in vegetable oil,meat and dairy products. Healthline.com Though CLA supplements are linked to fat loss, the effects are small, unreliable and unlikely to make a difference in everyday life. academic.oup.com In conclusion, when the body of evidence is considered as a whole, CLA does have a beneficial effect on human body composition. Although this effect is modest

Garcinia indica 250mg – Formed of hydroxy citric acid helps to suppress your appetite. Garcinia is common in many supplements and was recommended by none other than Dr.Oz back in the day when people actually listened to him. In this supplement it is included in lower doses then useful so can be considered a decoration.

Raspberry Ketone 125mg  – Believed to help break down fat in your body It is claimed to increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that helps to regulate metabolism.

  For the 2 main ingredients CLA and Green coffee the possible side effects are as follows. CLA Upset stomach Nausea Diarrhea Fatigue

Green coffee (C.canephora robusta) Insomnia Nervousness Restlessness Upset Stomach Nausea Vomiting Increased heart rate Increased breathing rate

    One container of Hydroxycut CLA Elite contains a total of 50 soft gel capsules. As indicated on the label, to test your tolerance to the supplement you are advised to take the following dosage: 

  Day 1 & Day 2: 1 soft gel capsule, 1x daily

Day 3 & Day 4: 2 soft gel capsules, 1x daily

Day 5 & Day 6: 2 soft gel capsules with meal 1, 1 soft gel capsule with meal 2.

Day 7 & Beyond: 2 capsules, 2x daily

  Aside from its noteworthy daily dosage, you also have to take note of the following:

  Each serving must be taken approximately 30 to 60 minutes before your 2 large meals.

You must not exceed 8 capsules within a 24-hour period. 

Refrain from snacking. 

Drink 10 glasses of water daily.

Do not take the supplement within 5 hours of your bedtime.

For best results, use the supplement for 60 days and combine it with a low-carb diet and exercise.

    You can buy this product on the official Hydroxycut’s website for $30.99 and also at these websites.

  Amazon.com

Walgreens.com

Healthkart.com

  Pros and Cons

  Pros Comes in soft gel tablets Contains CLA and not huge amounts of caffeine Soft Gel Cons Complaints about the taste. Expensive Very little buyer feedback in 3 years One of the least popular hydroxycut supplements. Hydroxycut Hardcore CLA Elite is one of the least popular hydroxycut products. To see which products made the top 3 go here  compare table.

  CLA Elite is like the unpopular relative the family must entertain at social gatherings. The problem is no one seems to like it and the 2 main ingredients CLA and green coffee have no friends in science community either. Both ingredients can be purchased cheaper from other suppliers. CLA Elite would not be good company in your weight loss Journey there are several better options to lose weight.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email

from By Diet Wiki https://hydroxycut.reviews/products/hydroxycut-hardcore-cla-elite-non-stimulant/

[kimberlyallwood-blog]

Ways to Give A Woman An Orgasm.

That is actually a extreme yet basic truth: the majority of guys possess challenges offering their girls quick orgasms - or even merely any kind of kind of orgasm, for that particular concern. Discover 200 that you like, and then offer those graphics (offering debt to the creators/owners naturally) on a small internet site for your buddies to make use of. Bishop Dean M. Davies educated that taking care of the underprivileged and clingy is actually a key scripture teaching as well as a crucial element in the infinite plan of salvation" (The Rule of the Rapid: A Private Accountability to Look after the Poor and also Needy," Oct 2014 general conference).

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