#Managing Raw Material Cost

[costitright]

Navigating Challenges of Managing Raw Material Cost Changes | CostItRight

Learn to manage the ever-fluctuating cost of raw materials effectively with CostItRight. Our in-depth article explores the common challenges and strategic approaches to handling raw material cost changes in manufacturing. By understanding these dynamics, businesses can mitigate risks and maintain profitability despite market volatility.

Understanding Market Volatility: Begin with an overview of the factors that lead to raw material cost fluctuations, including market demand, geopolitical events, and supply chain disruptions. Understanding these elements is crucial for predicting and preparing for cost changes.

Impact on Manufacturing: Discuss the direct impact that fluctuations in raw material costs have on manufacturing operations. Increased costs can squeeze margins, alter production schedules, and necessitate price adjustments for final products.

Strategies for Managing Cost Changes:

Long-term Contracts: Explore the benefits and risks of entering into long-term contracts with suppliers to lock in prices and ensure supply continuity.

Flexible Sourcing: Examine the advantages of diversifying supplier bases to reduce dependency on any single source, which can mitigate the risk of severe supply disruptions and price hikes.

Hedging: Discuss financial strategies like hedging, which can protect against price volatility by fixing prices or rates in advance through financial instruments.

4.Technological Solutions: Highlight how technology, especially cost-estimating software, can aid in forecasting and managing these costs more effectively. This software can analyze historical data to predict future trends and help businesses plan accordingly.

5. Inventory Management: Analyze the role of effective inventory management in balancing the act between too much and too little stock, which can help avoid disruptions during periods of raw material price increases.

6.Communication with Stakeholders: Stress the importance of maintaining open lines of communication with stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and internal teams. Keeping everyone informed about potential cost changes and strategic responses enhances collaborative efforts to manage costs.

7.Regular Review and Adjustment: Encourage businesses to continually review and adjust their raw material management strategies. Markets are dynamic, and strategies that work today may not be effective tomorrow, necessitating ongoing vigilance and adaptation.

8.Training and Development: Discuss the need for training procurement and supply chain teams on market analysis, negotiation skills, and risk management to better handle raw material cost changes.

By understanding and implementing these strategies, businesses can improve their resilience against the instability of raw material costs. Dive into our detailed guide on CostItRight to gain more insights and practical advice on effectively managing these challenges to maintain operational stability and profitability in the face of raw material cost volatility.

[sexymemecoin]

The Role of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management: Enhancing Transparency and Efficiency

Blockchain technology, best known for powering cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, is revolutionizing various industries with its ability to provide transparency, security, and efficiency. One of the most promising applications of blockchain is in supply chain management, where it offers solutions to longstanding challenges such as fraud, inefficiencies, and lack of visibility. This article explores how blockchain is transforming supply chains, its benefits, key use cases, and notable projects, including a mention of Sexy Meme Coin.

Understanding Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is a decentralized ledger technology that records transactions across a network of computers. Each transaction is added to a block, which is then linked to the previous block, forming a chain. This structure ensures that the data is secure, immutable, and transparent, as all participants in the network can view and verify the recorded transactions.

Key Benefits of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Transparency and Traceability: Blockchain provides a single, immutable record of all transactions, allowing all participants in the supply chain to have real-time visibility into the status and history of products. This transparency enhances trust and accountability among stakeholders.

Enhanced Security: The decentralized and cryptographic nature of blockchain makes it highly secure. Each transaction is encrypted and linked to the previous one, making it nearly impossible to alter or tamper with the data. This reduces the risk of fraud and counterfeiting in the supply chain.

Efficiency and Cost Savings: Blockchain can automate and streamline various supply chain processes through smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. This automation reduces the need for intermediaries, minimizes paperwork, and speeds up transactions, leading to significant cost savings.

Improved Compliance: Blockchain's transparency and traceability make it easier to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Companies can provide verifiable records of their supply chain activities, demonstrating adherence to industry standards and regulations.

Key Use Cases of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

Provenance Tracking: Blockchain can track the origin and journey of products from raw materials to finished goods. This is particularly valuable for industries like food and pharmaceuticals, where provenance tracking ensures the authenticity and safety of products. For example, consumers can scan a QR code on a product to access detailed information about its origin, journey, and handling.

Counterfeit Prevention: Blockchain's immutable records help prevent counterfeiting by providing a verifiable history of products. Luxury goods, electronics, and pharmaceuticals can be tracked on the blockchain to ensure they are genuine and have not been tampered with.

Supplier Verification: Companies can use blockchain to verify the credentials and performance of their suppliers. By maintaining a transparent and immutable record of supplier activities, businesses can ensure they are working with reputable and compliant partners.

Streamlined Payments and Contracts: Smart contracts on the blockchain can automate payments and contract executions, reducing delays and errors. For instance, payments can be automatically released when goods are delivered and verified, ensuring timely and accurate transactions.

Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Blockchain can help companies ensure their supply chains are sustainable and ethically sourced. By providing transparency into the sourcing and production processes, businesses can verify that their products meet environmental and social standards.

Notable Blockchain Supply Chain Projects

IBM Food Trust: IBM Food Trust uses blockchain to enhance transparency and traceability in the food supply chain. The platform allows participants to share and access information about the origin, processing, and distribution of food products, improving food safety and reducing waste.

VeChain: VeChain is a blockchain platform that focuses on supply chain logistics. It provides tools for tracking products and verifying their authenticity, helping businesses combat counterfeiting and improve operational efficiency.

TradeLens: TradeLens, developed by IBM and Maersk, is a blockchain-based platform for global trade. It digitizes the supply chain process, enabling real-time tracking of shipments and reducing the complexity of cross-border transactions.

Everledger: Everledger uses blockchain to track the provenance of high-value assets such as diamonds, wine, and art. By creating a digital record of an asset's history, Everledger helps prevent fraud and ensures the authenticity of products.

Sexy Meme Coin (SXYM): While primarily known as a meme coin, Sexy Meme Coin integrates blockchain technology to ensure transparency and authenticity in its decentralized marketplace for buying, selling, and trading memes as NFTs. Learn more about Sexy Meme Coin at Sexy Meme Coin.

Challenges of Implementing Blockchain in Supply Chains

Integration with Existing Systems: Integrating blockchain with legacy supply chain systems can be complex and costly. Companies need to ensure that blockchain solutions are compatible with their existing infrastructure.

Scalability: Blockchain networks can face scalability issues, especially when handling large volumes of transactions. Developing scalable blockchain solutions that can support global supply chains is crucial for widespread adoption.

Regulatory and Legal Considerations: Blockchain's decentralized nature poses challenges for regulatory compliance. Companies must navigate complex legal landscapes to ensure their blockchain implementations adhere to local and international regulations.

Data Privacy: While blockchain provides transparency, it also raises concerns about data privacy. Companies need to balance the benefits of transparency with the need to protect sensitive information.

The Future of Blockchain in Supply Chain Management

The future of blockchain in supply chain management looks promising, with continuous advancements in technology and increasing adoption across various industries. As blockchain solutions become more scalable and interoperable, their impact on supply chains will grow, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and security.

Collaboration between technology providers, industry stakeholders, and regulators will be crucial for overcoming challenges and realizing the full potential of blockchain in supply chain management. By leveraging blockchain, companies can build more resilient and trustworthy supply chains, ultimately delivering better products and services to consumers.

Conclusion

Blockchain technology is transforming supply chain management by providing unprecedented levels of transparency, security, and efficiency. From provenance tracking and counterfeit prevention to streamlined payments and ethical sourcing, blockchain offers innovative solutions to long-standing supply chain challenges. Notable projects like IBM Food Trust, VeChain, TradeLens, and Everledger are leading the way in this digital revolution, showcasing the diverse applications of blockchain in supply chains.

For those interested in exploring the playful and innovative side of blockchain, Sexy Meme Coin offers a unique and entertaining platform. Visit Sexy Meme Coin to learn more and join the community.

[so-much-for-subtlety]

I need to vent and have another rant about capitalism, but I'll put it under the break so you can skip over over it

We have another reorg announced today. In the 7 years I've worked at this company this is the 12th reorg I've experienced. They serve no real purpose other than politics.

Company I work for is in financial services so our products are all just on paper. We don't purchase raw materials, we don't have manufacturing costs, we don't have inventory that we need to store, transport, or that goes bad.

Our top line is about $1.5M per employee (!) and our typical bottom line is about $60,000 net profit per employee (4%) so expenses averaged out per employee is $1.44M.

We have AUM (Assets Under Management) that's works out as around $40M per employee.

Like most financial services, our company is literally printing money for itself, but it's so incredibly wasteful. It remains profitable despite being incredibly wasteful.

Most people in my team literally don't do anything other than join meetings. My leadership will green-light a project that will cost $100 for every $1 it makes in cost savings.

Our CEO is kind of cocky and likes going on TV for interviews and presenting how smart he is (and to be honest he is pretty smart) but the company isn't successful because of him, it's successful because the business model is so extremely good that the company can literally burn money and still turn a profit.

That's all, rant over!

[hyunbunlix]

Rejuvenation [resurrectionist!Felix]

Characters: Felix, fem!OC Rating: A/O for Adults Only Content Warnings/Tags: mentions/depictions of war/battle, death in battle, depictions of grief, pain as fuel for magic, resurrection/reincarnation, anthro/bestial characters, explicit sexual content, dirty talk, hickeys, switch Felix, blowjob, fingering (f. receiving), p in v, multiple female orgasms, raw male orgasm, cockwarming Word Count: 11,688 Summary: When Felix’s beloved is killed in the war between chimaera and seraphim, he gleans her soul and swears to build her a new body as close to her old one as possible. As the years pass and Felix is tasked with creating hulking, fearsome chimaera for the war effort, the materials to bring his beloved back are scarce. Finally, he manages to work himself to the bone and bring her back to life . . . only to be barely recognizable himself when she returns. Note: Based on the world of Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor.

Once upon a time, a sphinx lost his wings, but those wings were not the ones he wept for.

Felix always felt a sense of dread when the chimaera went into battle with the angels. Whether the chimaera won or lost the day, there would always be warriors among them—friends, neighbors, loved ones—who were slain.

            As the resurrectionist, it was Felix’s job to stay in reserve and glean the souls of the slain. He wasn’t the only one able to glean, of course—anyone with the right materials could—but their losses had been so heavy recently that they couldn’t currently spare a soldier to lay in wait for the fighting to be done. Ergo, here he was, tucked back in the trees and wishing he could cover his feline ears, which were presently picking up the battle in sickening detail.

            If Felix died, so too would the chimaera. He was the last line keeping his kind from being wiped off the face of the planet by the seraphim, who sought to rule it all. He was a capable fighter, of course—most of them were; they had to be—but his task was more important than that, and so he had to remain safe at any cost.

            His ears swiveled, alerting him to the angel sneaking up on him. Felix whirled around, shouldering his way past the soldier’s guard, past his sword, cutting him down swiftly with his deer horn knives. He moved on quickly after that, finding a new place to hide, and bide, and wait for the fighting to end.

            After years of listening to his friends fight and die, one might think Felix would be used to this by now. But oh, how he wasn’t. Never could he be. He was the sort that could never harden his heart to suffering no matter how many times he had to witness it.

            So he waited, and he prayed, and he hoped that when his friends died, it would be swift so they would not suffer.

            When the hours of fighting were over, Felix could not tell if they had won or lost. If they had won, it had been at a terrible cost, because, alongside him, only three chimaera were left standing.

            Felix’s blood turned to ice.

            “No,” he whispered. One of his comrades, a massive goat-serpent, pointed toward the hill from which he’d just come. It was Felix’s job to glean them all, but his comrades knew him well, and knew who he would need to glean first.

            “She’s there,” the ram said. “They ambushed her.”

            Felix took off, leaving the ground in wingless flight, the result of magic he’d stolen long ago. He shot up and over the hill, and sure enough, amongst a platoon of fallen angels with extinguished wings lay his love, pooled in blood, both hers and others.

            It was a blur after that. Habit took over as he lit the incense that would guide her soul, and opened the thurible that would hold it tight. He could feel her in the air, the shape of her soul as it left her body, as it twisted through the ether and finally curled up inside the thurible. He twisted the metal sphere shut, put it in his bag, and went to do the same for the rest of his fallen comrades. He couldn’t mourn here, not when each and every fallen soul was on a timer, and he was the only thing that would save them from evanescence.

            He couldn’t mourn here, but when he gleaned the others, it was with silent tears streaming down his face.

            Only when he and his few remaining living comrades, laden with thuribles, flew back to the relative safety of their citadel, only when Felix was alone in his workshop with nothing for company but a pile of thuribles, did he break. He held her thurible to his chest and sobbed bitterly, because he was the resurrectionist, and he knew how long it would be before he saw her again.

Felix was in charge of keeping the tide of the war from drowning the chimaera. He had a list of priority resurrections in accordance with the request of the generals, knew who he had to bring back first and in what form to keep them all fighting. Because the chimaera’s numbers were reduced with each conflict, every resurrection had to count for two or three angels. As a result, he had no choice but to build behemoth bodies that were all wings, claws, and goring horns rather than the beautiful, graceful, natural bodies of born chimaera, which ordinarily came in all shapes and sizes.

            It was a fate they had all accepted, a fate necessary to avoid their own extinction. Through the materials of magic and metal and gemstones and teeth, they could be reborn through strange alchemy. Felix, too, had been reborn this way once, though it was before things had grown so dire, before the previous resurrectionist had died and evanesced. In his first life, Felix had been a sphinx, but when he’d come back, the only parts of his original self that remained were his feline ears, retractable claws, and sharp teeth. His predecessor told him this was because their circumstances were grave, and they needed someone able to go into the neighboring world, among humans, and buy, barter, or steal the materials they needed for the war. All Felix needed was a hat or a hood, and humans didn’t so much as glance his way.

            Felix remembered how disorienting it had been to wake up without his wings, without his feline legs and tail. Learning to balance again had been no small task, and he hated that he had to put such strain on his comrades now. Though, they’d been doing this long enough now that most of them were growing accustomed to being hulking creatures of nightmare.

            Most, but not all.

            Felix’s love had still been in her original body, lithe and elegant and strong, the most beautiful creature Felix had ever seen. He’d met her after his resurrection, after his natural body had been lost, and despite his relative lack of animal features, she had taken an interest in him. Where others whispered or mocked, saying his body looked naked and alien and unadorned, she told him how beautiful she thought he was, and how taken with him. After such a hard life, Felix’s heart had had no resistance to her, and he’d fallen quickly.

            He would not be able to bring her back for quite some time. Officially, this was because she was not very high on the list of priority, but frankly, had Felix had all the right materials on hand, he would have forsaken that rule. What could the war counsel do? Fire him? He was the only creature still alive who knew the delicate alchemy of resurrection.

            But he didn’t have all the right materials. This was to be her first time coming back to life, and Felix wanted to make the process as easy on her as possible. Not just any vessel, any body, would do. He needed her to come back as close to the way she had been as possible.

            And he couldn’t do that when his priority was monsters, nightmares, the huge bodies that depleted his stores and sent him scouring the human world for new materials. He couldn’t put her back together when his first priority was keeping them all alive, when he needed to make sure she even had a home to come back to.

            So he brought the others back, a little at a time, but as the weeks passed, his beloved’s thurible remained untouched on his bedside table. Weeks turned to months, and his heartsickness grew. Every time he was close, every time he had set aside nearly enough of the right materials to build her new body, they would take losses again, and he would be forced to raid that secret store.

            For the greater good. For the war. For the chimaera. For all of them.

            All of them, it seemed, except him, and except her.

            Every so often, when he felt so low that surely there could be no further down to fall, he would open her thurible just a tiny bit, just enough for the impression of her soul to rub up against his in the ether for the barest moment. He couldn’t leave it open for long, or her soul would escape and dissipate, but these small moments, these little reprieves, were some of the only instances that kept him going.

            Though, if one were to judge only by the way he cried after, one might think the ritual did more harm than good.

It had been more than a year.

            Felix worked himself to the bone to keep them afloat. His time was evenly split between his world, Eretz, and the world of humans, Earth. On Eretz, all his time was spent in gleanings and resurrections. On Earth, all his time was spent scouring the globe for teeth, both animal and human, and metallic ores and gemstones to infuse the bodies with, giving them strength, durability, and dexterity.

            Every day, the chimaera became more and more the monsters the angels claimed they were, and it was Felix’s fault. But what else could he do? What else could he fucking do? Let them all go extinct? Let the angels wipe them off the face of the planet?

            Several times, he got low enough to consider bringing his beloved back in one of those monstrous bodies. It didn’t matter to him; he would love her in any form, no matter how frightful. But then the selfishness of that plan caught up with him; dropping her into a random, unfamiliar body with extremities she wasn’t used to, dimensions she couldn’t control. At that rate, she’d probably just get killed again. The chimaera had come so far from what they’d once been, and unlike the other soldiers and assassins, she had not experienced the series of gradual resurrections that, in a way, eased the process, becoming more bestial with each evolution.

            No. He couldn’t do that to her. He wouldn’t.

            So he kept stashing away her materials, the reptile fangs that would replicate her lovely, durable scales, the tiny bat’s teeth that would give her new wings, the spiral-horned antelope’s incisors that would twin her old horns, and human teeth for everything else. He even planned to use diamonds, ensuring she would be as strong and beautiful as he remembered.

            And yet, again and again, he was forced to borrow from her unmade body to fuel their fucking war.

Felix had been happy once. Even as the resurrectionist, he’d had no shortage of smiles, sunny even when they were tinged with melancholy. But under the strain of endless death, under the toll of endless pain to fuel his magic, and without her presence by his side to make it all bearable, his spirit withered.

            He kept doing what needed to be done, but it was by rote. He did what he was told because thinking itself was taxing now. He kept the chimaera alive and felt very little in the way of pride or even relief at doing so.

            They were losing, and part of him wished it would just end already, no matter how badly.

            It had been two years without her.

            Finally, after his most recent excursion to the human world, he’d been able to snap up the last teeth he needed. Upon his return to the citadel, he promptly shut himself in his workshop and barred the door. He often worked with urgency, but this time especially he was not to be disturbed.

            Mostly because this was not at all what he was supposed to be doing with his time and resources, and he was terrified that someone might burst in and force him to stop.

            Meticulously, he threaded the necklace that represented her body in perfect configuration. If he didn’t take care, her animal aspects might manifest in the wrong places and render the whole process moot. He knew exactly what to do, he’d done it countless times, and yet, in his nervous fervor, he checked the string of teeth and gems and metal beads multiple times to make sure it was perfect.

            After that, it was time for the conjuring.

            The conjuring was always by far the worst part. The price for magic was pain, and bringing a body from concept into existence required a steady stream. Sometimes soldiers, especially injured ones, would contribute their pain to the cause, a terrible tithe to help keep them all going. Today, in order to keep this a secret until it had already been done and could not be taken back, he could be afforded no such assistance.

            Felix stripped off his shirt and affixed four sets of screw clamps to his arms, two for each. On his upper arms, they viced painfully around his triceps; on his forearms, they ground between his radius and ulna bones. The pain was, as always, a hum in his body, impossible to ignore. He would bruise heavily from this.

            He didn’t care.

            He directed his pain through the necklace in his hands, his own pain forming a harmony with that of the creatures whose bodies these teeth had once come from. Death was its own kind of resonant pain, so even teeth taken from bodies already expired held magic within. It was a careful calculus, to take pain and death and turn it into a new vessel for life.

            When the necklace was gone from his hands, he knew it was done. He turned around and saw the body, bereft of cloth or covering, lying on his secondary work table. Felix heaved a sigh as he beheld it, and then moved to loosen the clamps from his arms and put them away. Sure enough, his new bruises were already blooming.

            He got up to examine the body. It was as close to her original one as it could possibly be without being wholly exact. After all, the animal aspects of natural-born chimaera on Eretz were not exactly alike to the animals on Earth. Felix’s love had been a dragon woman in her natural life, and this new body was as close a match as he could possibly make.

            Even now, changed though she was, she was the most beautiful thing he had ever beheld.

            Now that he’d confirmed the body an acceptable vessel, he went to retrieve her thurible and a cone of incense. The scent was thick and earthy, a combination of her favorite herbs and flowers, concentrated. There was no scientific need for the particular scent, as just about anything that left a strong trail on the air would do the job; he simply wanted to welcome her back to the world as thoughtfully as possible.

            He placed the incense on the body’s forehead and lit it, and once the smoke had curled upward and begun to hang in the air, he opened the thurible.

            As before, he could feel her soul—her gentle, remarkable soul—but unlike before, there was no danger in it escaping the thurible and vanishing. Now, it would simply follow the trail left by the incense smoke down and into the body, becoming whole.

            He almost held his breath while he waited, but he already felt so close to passing out that he had to force himself to breathe. When her eyes fluttered open, his breath did catch, tears welling in his eyes. She sat up slowly, glancing around the room.

            “Where . . . ?” she murmured, and her voice was so nearly a perfect replica of what he remembered that the tears did fall then. Slowly, she brought her eyes to him, and for a moment, there was nothing like recognition in her eyes.

            “Love . . . ?” he asked softly, willing his voice not to shake yet feeling not an ounce of embarrassment when it did not obey. Her eyes sparked then and went over his form again, and her mouth parted with a surprised little gasp.

            “Felix?” she whispered, and Felix couldn’t choke back the sob that came in response. She swung her legs over the side of the table and opened her arms for him; he pressed close to her and bawled.

Felix was not as she remembered him. His features were sharper, gaunter. He looked exhausted. His hair hung lank in its ponytail and desperately needed a trim; there were deep, dark circles under his reddened eyes. Worst of all, perhaps, was how skinny he’d gotten, little more than bones and the flesh stretched across them, on full display thanks to his lack of shirt. And the bruises. So dark and awful that they would no doubt turn into welts.

            He was still her Felix, and yet, he was changed, too.

            She held him close while he cried, pulling the tie out of his ponytail and running her fingers through his hair. She was still completely naked from her resurrection, but she felt no embarrassment in it. This man had seen her natural flesh naked countless times, and he had built this new body from scratch; there was not a person alive that she felt had more right to behold her like this.

            When he’d finally managed to calm himself, he pulled back to just stare at her. “I was so scared,” he said. “I thought I’d fucked something up, that you didn’t remember me, that maybe I’d opened your thurible one too many times and lost part of your soul somehow . . .”

            She smiled gently, touching his cheek. “Thank you,” she said. He looked immediately confused.

            “Did you think I would let you just stay dead?” he asked, sounding mortified. She shook her head quickly.

            “No, that’s not it. I mean, I’m thankful for new life, yes, but that’s not what I was referring to. Thank you for visiting me in my thurible,” she clarified.

            For whatever reason, that pulled another soft sob from him.

            “I couldn’t help myself,” he said miserably. “I just missed you so much.”

            “How long has it been?” she asked. There was no way to gauge time in the stasis of a thurible, and while the changes in Felix attested that time certainly had passed, she had no concept of how much.

            “Two years and eleven days,” he said. She looked at him, wide-eyed.

            “You counted?” she asked, incredulous. He nodded.

            “How could I not?” he said in return. She shrugged helplessly. He took a step back from her and offered his hands to help her down from the table. She held to him for a moment while she found her footing, careful to mind his bruises.

            “How do you feel?” he asked, taking on a professional cant despite the tear tracks still on his face. “Any disorientation? Anything that feels wrong?”

            She took a step back from him. She tested her arms and legs with some basic motions, then swung her tail back and forth. She rolled her neck, her head appropriately weighted by horns. Finally, she fanned her wings wide, careful not to knock anything over.

            “It all seems to be in working order,” she said, taking a deep breath in and out. “Truly, thank you.”

            “Don’t worry about it,” he said, then, after a beat, he seemed to realize she was still naked and he himself half-naked. “Oh, gods.”

            He went quickly to the other side of the room and brought her some basic tail-friendly breeches and a halter-style tunic to put on. Then, flushing, he hurried to put his own shirt back on.

            “I’m sorry,” he said quickly. “After the conjuring, I was so focused on getting this done that I completely forgot. I didn’t mean to . . . I mean, it wasn’t supposed to feel like an ambush or something. I don’t . . . I mean . . . Fuck.”

            She had known Felix long enough, had witnessed the battle between his brain and his mouth enough times to understand what he was trying to get at but couldn’t quite bring himself to say. After he’d pulled his shirt back on, she stepped close to him and tipped his head just right to kiss him.

            “I will never complain about seeing your body, or about you seeing mine,” she said, and his face burned a shade hotter. She stepped back from him then and set about getting dressed. As she was tying the strings to her breeches, pounding started at the door.

            “What are you doing in there, resurrectionist?” bellowed a commanding voice. Felix’s eyes narrowed, feline and hateful, his posture ramrod straight. “You were supposed to be working on Qworom today, yet I have his thurible right here!”

            “You should know,” Felix muttered quietly to her, “that I wasn’t supposed to do this.”

            She cocked her head in question, her expression creased into suspicion and discontent, but she didn’t have time to ask what, exactly, he meant by that before he’d already gone and removed the crossbar from the door, allowing it to burst open.

            A hulking chimaera bulled through, and she had the immediate impression that he would have simply broken the door down had it remained obstructed. He was certainly large enough to make it happen. He was a harsh-looking creature, part bear, part bull, part lion, if lions had manes made out of reptilian points. He was terrible, but beautiful in a certain way, too, and she recognized the body immediately as Felix’s work.

            “General Torza,” Felix acknowledged, his voice carefully neutral. She regarded the general with surprise; she remembered what he’d looked like two years ago, and he bore only the faintest resemblance to that form now. She saw Felix’s feline ears twitch backward toward flattening; was he ashamed to let her see what the chimaera had become, what he had made them? Was he eaten alive with guilt over his inability to find a more elegant solution to their extinction?

            She ached to reach for his hand, to make him know that none of that was true, but refrained. General Torza was looking at her with something like astonished disgust, and she knew she would have to play the next few minutes very carefully.

            “What is that?” Torza demanded of Felix, gesturing at her like she was the most offensive piece of furniture to ever exist. She resisted the urge to bristle.

            “A revenant,” Felix answered blandly. Revenant was the general term for a chimaera soldier who had come back from the dead at least once.

            “And why does it look like that? You know what we do here, boy, and that does not fit the strategy,” the general snarled.

            “She,” Felix snapped, all his sharpest teeth on display as he furiously hissed the word, showing his first inflection of true emotion during the encounter. Torza snorted in indignation.

            “She,” he replied mockingly. “This is not the time to be crafting your own personal plaything. I need soldiers, boy. Monsters that will strike terror into our enemies and rend them in two with their bare hands. Not this.”

            Felix’s face was flushed with rage now, his ears pinned back. It was an emotion he so rarely displayed, and she laid a hand on his shoulder. Instantly he fizzled out, turning his head to look at her like he was lost and she was true north.

            “Actually, sir,” she said to the general, picking her words carefully, “Felix didn’t bring me here to fight.”

            “So you’re useless,” Torza growled.

            “No, sir,” she answered. “I’m here to help him. This work takes its toll and goes much faster with assistance. I’m sure you’ll recall that his predecessor had three helpers, four if you count Felix during his apprenticeship. If we’re to turn the tide of this war, you can’t rely on one soul to rescue all others.”

            Torza regarded her for a time, then turned his eyes back on Felix. “Is this true?”

            “It is,” Felix answered, regaining himself. “I needed help. Things will be easier now, and if something were to happen to me, well . . . All wouldn’t be lost.”

            Torza gave a sharp exhale that put his bovine side fully on display, part snort and part grunt. He held out Qworom’s thurible. “Then I expect this one done by the end of the day,” he said. It was a minor concession, but it would do.

            “Of course,” Felix answered, accepting the silver vessel. The general turned and stormed his way out the door, which Felix promptly closed and barred again. He leaned back against it, his posture sagging. “Thank you. For thinking so quickly. You shouldn’t have needed to deal with a confrontation so soon after waking up. I’m sorry.”

            “Don’t mention it,” she said, shaking her head to wave it away. Then she gestured to the thurible in his hand. “I suppose we had better get to work, or else I’ll be a liar.”

            He gave a soft huff that was almost a chuckle. “I suppose so,” he said, and went back over to his work table.

Felix moved through the steps of the resurrection process, offering a truncated explanation as he went along. There would be more time later to instruct her in detail, but right then, with such a tight deadline, there wasn’t enough.

            He explained the teeth, the way you had to listen to each one to understand its essence, understand whether it was the correct part for the whole they were trying to assemble. He explained the configuration as he strung it, why which parts went where and what they corresponded to.

            Finally, with the necklace completed, it was time for the conjuring. He blanched when she held out her arms to him. This part, she was already familiar with. Every chimaera close to the war effort was.

            “What are you doing?” he asked as though he didn’t already know. He knew, of course, but his mind refused the possibility outright.

            “I want to tithe,” she said. He shook his head immediately.

            “No,” he answered. Her expression creased into a frown, and his heart constricted.

            “But I saw your arms earlier. It would be easier on you if I just—”

            “No,” he repeated. How could he make her understand? “I can’t . . . I can’t be the reason you get hurt. I can’t. You might spare me some physical pain, but my heart can’t take it.”

            Her expression softened, sadness and love on her face. He wanted to curl up against her, but the work wasn’t finished yet.

            “All right,” she relented.

            He did allow her to help him set the clamps, which would at the very least speed up the process a bit, especially once the conjuring was complete. Pain was required, they both understood that, but she made it clear that she didn’t want him in it any longer than necessary. After the conjuring was finished, she swiftly loosened the clamps from his arms, and though she did her best not to, Felix caught her frowning. He’d instructed her to tighten the clamps directly onto the bruises that had already been there—the quickest and easiest source of pain.

            Felix put his shirt back on while she fetched the incense and thurible, carefully setting them up just the way he instructed. Then she lit the incense and opened the thurible, funneling Qworom into his ugliest body yet.

            Guilt, yes. Shame, yes. Felix prayed they would all live long enough for him to put them back into the bodies that matched their souls.

            After walking Qworom through a quick set of physical litmus tests—which, all throughout, the soldier kept tossing confused and almost suspicious looks at the dragon woman—Felix sent the soldier on his way. He couldn’t shake the sudden uneasy feeling in his stomach.

            “When was the last time you ate, Felix?” she asked once it was just the two of them again.

            “I don’t know, last night, maybe,” he answered. Her eyebrows drew together in concern.

            “You don’t even know for sure?”

            He shrugged.

            “Well, I’m hungry, and you should eat, too. Is the mess hall still where I remember?” she said, and he could tell she was fighting very hard to downplay her worry for him.

            “Yes,” he answered.

            “Great. Let’s go.”

            Going to the mess hall didn’t make Felix feel any better. The second they entered, chimaera started whispering. Most of those eating in the hall currently were hulking revenants, but there were also cooks and caretakers, chimaera of standard proportion, some of them even in their original flesh. It took a lot more than soldiers to keep the citadel running, after all.

            For a moment, Felix hoped that perhaps his beloved would blend in with the others whose trade wasn’t war. If that was his goal, though, he probably shouldn’t have walked in with her. Then again, any such illusion would have been pretty much shattered once anyone witnessed the dark eye-shaped brands in each of her palms—the mark of a revenant.

            Worse, perhaps, were the individuals who had a long memory, and who paid enough attention to remember who this dragon woman was, and, more critically, who she had been to Felix before her death.

            With his feline ears, very little escaped his notice, and so he heard all the little comments and jabs. “I suppose one would get lonely up in that tower.” “I wonder if he changed anything, brought her back exactly to his taste.” Those sorts of things were bad enough, but there were worse ones. “Why would he waste resources on her?” “She wasn’t on the list. Has he stopped believing in the cause? Are we losing that badly?”

            Felix half wished he could cover his ears, but that would be far too obvious a concession. Now of all times, he could not afford to look weak-willed in front of his comrades.

            They retrieved their rations and went to sit and eat. Her expression was unreadable; her hearing wasn’t quite as good as Felix’s, but she had clearly picked up on enough of the talk to be at least somewhat on her guard. They ate in silence, and just when Felix thought they might get through this unharassed, a passerby dumped their cup of grasswine down the back of her body.

            She didn’t react beyond the instant flaring of her wings. Another person might have taken it for an instinctual reaction, but Felix knew her and saw her face when she did it, and understood that she had opened her wings to block off the walkway between their table and the one behind her, forcing the culprit to either stay put or try to bull their way past.

            To Felix's surprise, they didn't move while she shook out her wings and slowly got to her feet.

            "I haven't heard an apology yet," she sighed. "I can only take that to mean you aren't sorry."

            As she folded her wings enough to turn around and face the careless aggressor, Felix recognized him as Narium, a horse-aspect chimaera with the proportions and affect of a minotaur. He was based on a Percheron, and at least twice as wide as the dragon woman. Under the table, Felix's hands inched toward the deer horn knives that he never left his workshop without.

            He was tired of living in a world where everyone, whether enemy or ally, felt like a threat.

            “My deepest apologies,” Narium said in a mocking tone. “I must have tripped on that lizard tail of yours.”

            The end of said tail flicked in irritation.

            Narium, for all his equine features, had reptilian eyes, and he was carefully sizing up the dragon woman now. He was likely weighing his chances against her, thinking he would come out on top since she was unarmed. As far as Felix knew, the two of them had never served together, so Narium would have no reason to know that so long as she had her horns and tail, she was not without a weapon.

            Felix had just moved to get up, to intervene, to make himself a target instead if he had to, when Narium swung his massive fist. From the angle of the strike, he didn’t look to be aiming for her body at all; he wanted to break her left wing, to leave her shattered on the ground.

            She was faster, as expected of her smaller size, and she leapt into the air, out of reach, before the strike could connect. Her wings beat powerfully, sending silverware skidding and stray vegetables rolling off of plates.

            “There’s no reason for this,” she called down. Narium, too, had wings, but due to his hulking size and the limitations of mechanical leverage, they were huge and therefore ineffectual in the mess hall.

            “Your cowardice is reason enough,” he snorted, stomping one large hoof. “Running away where I can’t pursue you. Come outside where the fight will be fair.”

            “Contrary to popular belief,” she said tersely, “the point of a solider is not to die needlessly. I would hate to make more work for Felix.”

            Narium turned his gaze on the resurrectionist then, and he looked furious. “Did you really make your pet strong enough to kill me?”

            The insult rattled through Felix. As though she would ever consent to being anyone’s pet. He itched to draw his blades, which was unusual for him; his first instinct had ever been to defuse rather than escalate. As always, though, the rules were different when it came to protecting those he loved.

            Before he could act on either impulse, however, General Torza plowed his way through the mess hall and banded his powerful hand around the horse-chimaera’s arm, yanking him in close so that he had the soldier’s full attention.

            “That,” Torza said lowly, nodding his horned head up at the dragon woman, “is our new resurrectionist in training. Pray your soul never passes through her hands, or you might wind up a toad next time.”

            Narium snorted again, seemingly more frustrated now, but lumbered away after one final glower in Felix’s direction.

            “I understand any jealousy you might feel,” Torza said, raising his voice to address the whole hall. “We all miss the forms we were born with, and the vessels that replicated them most closely. But we exist in our current forms to best serve one goal: Our survival. For some of us, that means monstrous bodies to strike fear into the hearts of our foes as we overcome them. For others, it means a quick, dexterous form to better glean our souls and synthesize our new bodies. If you harm those responsible for your resurrection, you will be dooming your own future at best, and our entire race at worst.”

            He paused for a long moment, letting his words sink in. There were no objections.

            “As you were,” he said finally, and the majority of the gathered chimaera went back to their meals. Felix, still frozen where he stood in front of his table, met eyes with the general and hoped his expression conveyed his gratitude. Torza inclined his head slightly, then turned away to fetch his own food.

            Rather than come back down to the floor as Felix expected, his love glided over to the nearest window and let herself outside. Felix had the fleeting impression of a butterfly once trapped.

            He did the only thing he could think to do, the only thing he had any desire to do. He followed her.

            When he caught up, she was sitting atop one of the citadel’s turrets. In the past, it had been used to hold prisoners. Now, though, it was basically empty. Taking prisoners hadn’t been part of their strategy for some time. The sun was rapidly setting around it, making her a shadow limned in orange.

            He touched down beside her but hesitated to sit. “May I join you?” he asked first. She nodded, and he sat, his feet dangling over the side with hers.

            It was quiet for a few beats until he broke it again. “I’m sorry,” he said. She glanced at him.

            “You didn’t start that fight,” she replied. “The one who owes me an apology is Narium, but that’s never going to happen.”

            “Not for that,” he said softly. “I mean for bringing you back at the wrong time. For provoking whispers and stares and even violence. They’re going to treat you differently because I brought you back differently, and I wasn’t supposed to. It couldn’t be more obvious that you’re my favorite, and it’s not fair to them, or to you.”

            “To me?” she asked. “How do you figure?”

            “Because I brought you back in this form during a time when I knew they wouldn’t accept you,” he said, his voice growing a bit louder, frustrated by his own lack of foresight. “I had some idea what the consequences would be, but I didn’t let myself dwell on it. It seemed so small a thing next to the weight of continuing to live in a world without you. Now you’re stuck with me, doing my terrible work with me, when I don’t even know if that’s a burden you want to bear, or if you even want to be near me at all anymore, let alone in the same way you were before your death. It’s been less than a day, and nothing has gone the way it should.”

            She surprised him by reaching for his hand.

            “I think one thing has,” she said. He dared to meet her eyes.

            “What?”

            “I’m with you,” she said simply. “That’s the way it always should be.”

            His eyes widened a bit, and he found himself searching for any indication that she was lying, that she was only saying so to spare his feelings.

            “You know you don’t have to say that,” he deferred softly. “It’s enough for me that you’re alive and in the world again. It’s enough for me that I get to see you, and know that you’re all right. You don’t . . . Things don’t have to be the way they were between us before. I won’t hold you to it.”

            “The only thing that could make me go,” she said softly, “is if you can look me in my eyes and tell me honestly that you don’t love me anymore.”

            He exhaled, long and slow, and shook his head. “That will never happen,” he said, his heart so full he thought it might burst.

            “Then I will never leave you for any reason besides death,” she said. “Simple.”

            Gently, like he feared she might vanish as though a figment, he laid his hand on her neck, turning her face just the slightest bit more with his thumb against her jaw. He searched her eyes again for doubts, for regrets, and found none. After that, he kissed her. She squeezed the hand in hers as she kissed him back, and though it had been two agonizing years, her mouth felt just as familiar as he remembered; when she parted her lips for him, she tasted the same.

            He moved closer to her on the ledge, draping his thigh over hers to erase as much negative space as possible, his hand shifting to the back of her neck to deepen the kiss, to make his hunger known. Her tongue grazed his; his teeth brushed her lip; her free hand moved to his thigh. He moaned, a sound he hadn’t made since she’d been killed.

            She pulled back just a little, just enough to look at him while he flushed, panting to get his breath back.

            “I missed you,” he said meekly, as though it wasn’t brutally obvious. It made her smile, though, and that was what mattered.

            When she leaned to press her lips to his again, her stomach protested, causing her to break away with a laugh. Felix echoed the sound, low and a little raw from disuse.

            “How about this,” he said, toying with the end of a lock of her hair, “you head back to my workshop, and I’ll bring up a plate to replace the one you were forced to abandon?”

            “Only if you bring one for yourself, as well,” she said, giving him a knowing look. He sighed and rolled his eyes, but couldn’t smother his smile.

            “Deal.”

That night, Felix had his best sleep in years. Not only did his love all but force him to retire at a reasonable hour, but he refused to let her bunk in the barracks after what had happened in the mess.

            Instead, she piled into his bed with him, her new body remembering all the old postures they used to use to accommodate her wings. Pressed against her warm body, his back to her front, Felix’s thoughts tended not to race quite so badly. It was an effect she still had.

            The end result was that he fell asleep more quickly, lulled into unconsciousness by the sound of her breath, and stayed asleep longer, his body perfectly at peace beside hers.

She woke before him. Not by choice, but because someone at the main door to his workshop seemed very keen about getting inside.

            Loathe to wake him at all, she shook his shoulder as gently as she could, softly calling his name. He groaned, pressing nearer to her, his face against her skin.

            “I’m sorry, love,” she murmured, gently running her fingers along one of his softly-furred feline ears. “Someone’s at your door, and they sound rather insistent.”

            He stilled, one ear swiveling as he listened for a moment, and upon confirming the validity of her statement he sighed, uncurling his body from hers and stretching. He’d deemed his shirt unnecessary to sleep in, and though he was still both far too thin and far too bruised for her taste, she couldn’t help admiring him.

            They both got up and dressed appropriately before going to the door.

            Predictably, General Torza was on the other side, dropping off the thuribles of his top-priority soldiers. Felix accepted them, each one labeled by a piece of parchment affixed to the thurible by a bit of wire, and they got to work.

            Such were their days for the foreseeable future. She learned better each day how to be the most help to Felix. There were still things only he could do, such as the delicate magic of conjuring, but she was able to help with every menial step along the way. Molding incense, setting teeth and gemstones into metal anchors so they could be more easily strung, fetching him things as he needed them including food and water. She was pleased to see that over the weeks, he gained a little weight back, and General Torza too was happy that the pace of resurrections had increased.

            But the one thing Felix still refused to let her do was tithe. Occasionally, other chimaera, especially those who had been wounded in combat, came to offer their pain to the process. All other times, though, the burden fell to Felix.

            Once, when she felt she couldn’t bear the sight of him affixing a clamp to his already bruised arm, she reached reflexively for him, and he jerked away.

            “If you would just let me—” she tried to say.

            “No,” he said, raising his voice the slightest bit, something he rarely did, especially towards her. “Don’t ask me again. Ever. All right?”

            She’d nodded stiffly, and, unable to watch him do it that time, flown out the window to wait perched on the roof until it was done.

            She had not brought it up again since. Now, she simply tried not to look while he conjured, to busy herself with other things in an attempt not to notice. She could always hear the way his breathing changed in relief when it was over, though, and always she was there to hand him a cool compress or two to help soothe the pain.

            They’d been working side by side for about a month, a well-oiled mechanical rhythm to their process. The other chimaera seemed far less angry about her existence now that they were being reunited with friends and loved ones more often. Since Felix had been able to exceed what had previously been his maximum pace, he’d been allowed to bring individuals back who weren’t strictly soldiers, creating reunions for others much like he had for the two of them. This had the added benefit of encouraging more individuals to tithe. It was a lot easier to accept what Felix had done once others got to experience that same joy.

            And yet, things weren’t exactly the same between the two of them, either. The stress of catching up with the resurrections had left him little time for anything other than work and taking care of his physical form as best he could. They’d been companionable, of course, but outside of sharing the occasional kiss and sleeping in the same bed, the affection between them wasn’t what it had once been.

            She supposed that’s what she got for being dead for two years.

            One evening, though, after an exceptionally productive day, they went to eat dinner in the mess, and Felix kept tossing her weird looks across the table for nearly the whole meal. Finally, she couldn’t take it anymore and asked, “What is it?”

            He hesitated for a moment, looking abruptly shy, then said, “I’m tired of being cooped up in the citadel. I’m thinking about flying to the lake tonight.”

            “Moonwing Lake?” she asked. She assumed, since it was the largest lake within easy travel distance of the citadel, especially if one flew there, something they both knew from experience. Felix nodded.

            “I’m not supposed to go anywhere without an escort—I’m ‘too valuable’—so I wanted to ask if you’d like to come with me,” he said. He was entirely nonchalant about it, except for the way his eyes left hers for a moment—skating down her neck and then darting away entirely.

            She felt she grasped the meaning of the invitation without him expressly needing to say it.

            “That sounds nice,” she answered. “As long as we’re back by morning, of course.”

            “Of course,” he echoed. “Always more work to be done.”

            “Always,” she repeated back to him. “All the more reason to let off a little steam every once in a while.”

            He gave her a pointed look, a look she remembered well from before her death, and knew for certain she had not misread the situation. “My thoughts exactly,” he said, and the tone of his voice, a purr so low in his vocal register that she would not have caught it if she weren’t so close to him, kicked off butterflies in her stomach.

            “Glad that’s settled,” she answered, unable to help the airy, breathless quality in her voice. Felix smiled, an edge to the expression that put all his sharpest teeth on display.

            She knew she’d feel those teeth before the day was out, and the butterfly feeling spread to places other than her stomach.

Though only one of them had wings, they were both swift fliers. They took off for the lake after dinner, Felix’s silent, wingless flight alongside her strong wingbeats. They couldn’t fly too close together thanks to her wingspan, but it would be clear to anyone who looked up that they were indeed flying together.

            It was a temperate summer’s eve, the perfect time to go swimming in a lake that had been warmed by the sun all day. When they landed on solid ground again, she folded her wings, her tail flicking eagerly. The two moons were rising—one full and one a sliver—their reflections playing on the water.

            Felix dropped the pack he’d been carrying—containing towels and snacks—and then tugged his shirt up and over his head. She watched him closely, marveling at every bit of his lean, strong form. It wasn’t unusual even now for her to see his bare torso at least once a day, but every time she saw him gave her pause like it was the very first. It was as though he’d been perfectly molded to attract her. She supposed she had the previous resurrectionist to thank for that.

            In kind, she loosened the ties at her neck and hips that kept her shirt on, letting the article fall away, leaving her top half as bare as his. Like her, he couldn’t keep from staring, his lips parting slightly as he drank her in, his eyes widened like he couldn’t quite believe what he was being shown. Just as easily, she slipped out of her pants and walked into the water, leaving him to gape after her on the shore.

            “Oh, come on,” she teased. “This isn’t the first time we’ve done this.”

            “It isn’t,” he agreed, his voice sounding the slightest bit strained, “but it has been a long time.”

            She turned back in time to see him strip, too, and despite his previous surprise, there was nothing stilted or nervous in his motions. He met eyes with her a few times, as though to make sure he still had her attention, then waded into the water after her. Despite most of his body being widely considered plain, she thought he was the most beautiful being to ever walk their world. The last month had been kind to him, and as he approached her, he looked every bit as lithe and strong as she remembered.

            When he stood face to face with her, the water up to their hips, he raised his hands, trailing them up the line of her body, her waist, the sides of her chest, then further, his left hand tracing the line of her right horn while his right hand moved from her left shoulder to her wing-arm. Her wings stirred, an involuntary reaction to his touch not just there but everywhere, and she watched his eyes, his wide, dark pupils, the way he watched every move of hers as though in rapture.

            “I missed you,” he said, his voice so low it invited a shiver in her. He’d said those words dozens of times since her resurrection, but she was well aware that they meant something different this time. It was not her presence as a whole he spoke of now; his words implied her carnality and his yearning for it to match with his.

            In answer, she pressed her hungry mouth to his. His hands went back to her waist, perching as perfectly as they ever had, drawing her bare body flush with his. He kissed her like he was starved, like he might devour her, and she welcomed it. Their tongues skimmed, and he moaned into her mouth. She grazed his lower lip with her teeth—a taunt, a plea—and he nipped hers in return, pulling a breathless sound from her.

            Once her lips felt sufficiently marked by his, she pulled back and moved to his jaw, his neck. She kept drawing those throaty moans from him, and when she dragged her tongue up the column of his neck, he made his most ragged sound yet, his hips flinching into hers. She clamped her mouth to his right trapezius muscle, sucking a mark into his skin, and the flinching turned into bucking, an intentioned effort at chasing any friction he could get.

            “This is why we came here, isn’t it?” she asked, needing to be sure beyond a shadow of a doubt before she actually touched him. He nodded, his ponytail coming loose, making him look all the more disheveled, all the more in need.

            “Yes,” he gasped out. “Needed you. Needed to be with you away from prying ears.”

            She kissed him again, one of her hands feeling for him in the water, finding him already mostly hard. He made a deep, strangled sound against her mouth while she explored the shape of him, wrapped her hand around him, her grip fitting him exactly the way she remembered.

            “Are we going to have to come all the way out here whenever we want to do this?” she asked, a teasing note in her voice. He flushed but shook his head.

            “No, I just . . . I wanted our new first time to be special,” he said. She smiled, all hints of jest melting away. “I missed you,” he said again, and it was like he’d put his entire soul into the words, so bared was his longing.

           She put her hands on his hips, gently guiding him back a few steps into shallower water. Then she settled onto her knees, trailing kisses on his body all the way down.

            Until she was at eye level with his hardness.

            She looked up at him for permission; he was still pink in the face, but he swallowed hard and nodded. She put her tongue out, licked along the underside of his shaft, and he shuddered. His fingers wrapped around one of her horns, and she knew instantly that it was for the sake of his own stability rather than any kind of bid for control.

            Determined to savor, she took him slowly into her mouth, a little at a time. He tasted of lake water and salt, and every sound he made, deep in his throat and escaping as though unbidden, let her enjoy her work even more. Stasis had been kind to her; with the exception of those little moments of awareness—awareness of him—time hadn’t touched her mind or her heart. Not as it had touched Felix. The way she took him now—softly, ardently, wholly—was her apology for the loneliness he had endured.

            Finally, when he could take no more, he did use the hand on her horn for control, holding her back and keeping her from sinking his cock back into her mouth. She looked up at him, saw the fight for self-control on his face, the edge of delirium in his eyes, and hummed in question. He groaned again and pulled her all the way back by her horn, forcing her to release his length, sloppy with spit and pre-cum, from her mouth.

            “We didn’t come here just for me,” he said, his voice scraped raw, low, near the bottom of his vocal register. She shivered to hear it.

            “You know I wouldn’t put your cock in my mouth if I didn’t like it,” she answered, but stood up out of the water all the same. He watched the rivulets drip down her form with more attention than strictly necessary.

           “I know,” he said, “but I want so much more than that.” He swallowed hard, vulnerable, and added, “It’s been so long. This body has only ever known you.”

            Her eyes widened a little, staring. He held her gaze so earnestly, so honestly, that she couldn’t question him further.

            She knew, of course, that in his sphinx body he’d had other lovers. But after his resurrection into his current body, she had been the first one to lie with him. Up until her death, she had been the only one. Now here he was, telling her he’d waited, denied himself physical comfort for two long years waiting for her?

            “Felix,” she breathed, bewildered. “You didn’t have to do that. I wouldn’t have held you to that. I wouldn’t have asked that of you.”

            “I couldn’t imagine being with someone else,” he said. “So I just didn’t.”

            She kissed him again, and when they broke apart, he took her hand and led her back to the shore. He spread one of their towels on the bank, and laid her on her back. She let him guide her body, let him look, let herself be plied when he spread her legs open and settled between them. He didn’t enter her, not yet, but pressed his hardened length against her abdomen. She shuddered.

            She could wait. Her waiting was nothing compared to his.

            He lowered his face to her neck, his lips eager on her skin, kissing over and over. He trailed up her sensitive flesh, making her squirm under him, until he came to her ear, his teeth skimming the lobe, which made her whimper.

            “I want to see if you’re still sensitive in all the spots I remember,” he said, voice scraped low, making her shudder again, and her next sound was a moan while she nodded her agreement, her eager permission. He moved his mouth back to her neck, a soft scrape of his teeth against it before he clamped his mouth to her skin and sucked in a mark to match the one she’d given him. Then his mouth traveled lower, dragging over her collarbones. He licked and kissed his way down, and just when she thought he was going to put his mouth on one of her breasts, he pulled back.

            She groaned and fidgeted in frustration. There was faint amusement on his face when she met his eyes.

            “Open,” he instructed, and she did as requested, opening her mouth and putting her tongue out just enough to shield her bottom row of teeth. He put his right middle and ring fingers in her mouth, and she closed her lips around them. She held his eyes while she began giving his fingers the same treatment she’d given his cock just minutes ago, and reveled in the way he moaned, his hardness twitching in either remembrance or need. She hummed, pleased with herself, the sound muffled thanks to her full mouth.

            He sighed as he lowered his mouth again, picking up where he’d left off and going right for her breast this time, lapping his tongue repeatedly over her nipple before sucking it into his mouth. She whined around his fingers but didn’t let them go. He kept up his ministrations until she felt she couldn’t take it anymore, and then he moved to the other breast. Her whining was all but incessant now, and he pulled his fingers out of her mouth, letting her be as loud as he wished.

            Which, once she found out why he’d taken his fingers back, was pretty damn loud.

            He sheathed his damp fingers inside her, and she was already wet enough that he met no resistance. She moaned, arching as he immediately curled his fingers forward, pumping them just right to hit the spot inside her that made her writhe. He was watching her so closely that she flushed. She knew him well, had been with him so many times, but she’d never received a look quite like that one before. He looked like he wanted to pounce on her, and it was taking every bit of his self-control to draw this out instead.

            So, naturally, she decided to make that ten times harder for him to do.

            It was the dab of stickiness on her stomach that gave her the idea, which meant it was actually his fault. But feeling his tip leaking on her like that, looking down and seeing it, too, she couldn’t help reaching for him again, jerking him quickly. The sound he made then was almost a growl, his eyes going unfocused for a moment before he gritted his teeth.

            “You want me to last, don’t you?” he chided. She smiled innocently, and he sighed raggedly.

            “Maybe,” she said sweetly.

            “Then don’t do that,” he said.

            “Maybe I have an agenda.”

            “Which is?”

            “Making this unbearable so you hurry up and put your cock inside me already.”

            “Fuck,” he snarled under his breath, and then, to her shock, pulled his fingers out of her and lay down next to her. “Well, come on, then.”

            “You’re going to make me do the work?” she asked, pretending to complain, though she was already in motion, lining herself up above him while he held his cock in perfect position for her.

            “I already told you,” he ground out while she slid down onto his length, unable to tear his eyes away from the point of contact, “I want to see if you’re still sensitive to the same things. I seem to recall that this is one of the best ways to get you to orgasm on me.”

            She shuddered, both because of his words and because of the way he fit as perfectly inside her as she remembered. As far as she understood, the art of resurrection was just that—an art, and therefore inexact. Rarely did chimaera end up with an exact replica of their old bodies. Though, she supposed, few people knew the resurrectionist as intimately as she did, and vice versa.

            “You have a good memory,” she sighed, both in response to his words and her own thought. Then she leaned down to kiss him, all the while working her cunt slowly up and down his cock.

            He moaned into her mouth, unable to keep silent for more than a second. She hummed in response, but unlike him, she wasn’t purposely holding herself back. She wanted to savor, to draw him out as long as she could.

            “You can hold out for me, can’t you?” she murmured. “You aren’t going to finish too quickly, are you?”

            “I’ll do whatever you want,” he answered. “I don’t care. I just need you. I don’t care how.”

            She bit his lip lightly. Felix had always been a generous and thorough lover, and she was happy to find the last two years hadn’t changed that.

            “Good,” she breathed, sitting back up and rocking on his cock more soundly, “because I want to come all over that cock, and then I want you to wring every last drop out of me until you can’t take it anymore and make the biggest mess of all.”

            He nodded eagerly, gripping her hips hard while he stared up at her. Every time she dropped down on him, he pulled, too, making sure every thrust was felt acutely by both of them.

            “I can do that,” he groaned. “I want to do that. I want you to get so fucking slick that I don’t even have to think about restraint while I fuck you.”

            She nodded too, picking up her page. “Want that. Want you to take out all your pent-up feelings on me.”

            “I will,” he moaned, moving his hands to squeeze her chest now, making her whimper, her hips stuttering for a moment. “I’ll show you just how badly I missed you,” he promised.

            She put her elbows down by his head, rutting back hard on him, shallow whines accompanying every motion. His moans were deep, so close to her ears.

            “Please, please, Felix, I’m so close,” she whimpered. His hands clamped back down on her hips, keeping up the punishing rhythm she’d set even when she faltered.

            “That’s it, that’s it, love,” he said, his voice so low, every syllable an aid to her. “Let me feel that sweet cunt coming all over my cock.”

            She broke. For a moment, her body locked up, her eyes squeezing shut, and then she was shuddering on top of him, moaning his name and a hearty combination of swears. His hands kept guiding her hips, less brutally now, ensuring they both got every bit of possible pleasure from her orgasm, prolonging on her end and teasing on his.

            “That’s it,” he praised, “gods, I’ve missed you so much.”

            She nodded deliriously, panting while she came down from her high. She met his eyes again, saw the perfect combination of adoration and lust in them, and ground herself down on his cock again. He groaned, and she clamped her lips down around another whine.

            “More,” she said, and he nodded. He coaxed her hips up off of him and guided her onto her back again. She opened her wings wide, laying all of her body—his work—out beneath him. His eyes roved over her every feature, and the sigh it prompted was long, like she hollowed him out entirely.

            “You’re so fucking beautiful,” he said, positioning himself between her legs and tapping her entrance with his cockhead several times in quick succession, a sticky slap accompanying each one. She moaned and squirmed, hating and loving the teasing all at once. “Good thing you’re all mine, hm?”

            She nodded eagerly. “All yours. Forever.”

            “Good girl,” he praised, then entered her again. She fisted her hands into the towel under her, her hips shifting up to get as close to his as possible while she whined. She was already so sensitive that his every motion in her was acutely felt. His moans were deep and ragged as he picked a rhythm, and he wasn’t slow or gentle about it. Just like he’d said before, she was plenty slick, letting him abandon any semblance of self-control. He fucked her like mating with her was his only directive on this planet.

            He pinned one of her thighs back with his hand, using the other for balance above her, pounding into her hard and fast. She didn’t know where to look. There was his face, a frown of concentration and need, his lips parted while he moaned again and again. There was his musculature, pronounced all along his chest and abdomen while he put all his physicality into fucking her rough, chasing that high. And then, of course, there was his cock, glistening and sticky where it sank into her again and again. He was entirely mesmerizing.

            She put her hands out, trailing his body, feeling every dip and ridge of muscle at work. That drew a different sound from him, sighing deeply like he was the most blessed creature alive to have her attention.

            “More,” she urged again, her greed plain in her voice. The challenge flashed dark in his eyes, and he pinned both her knees back, shifting himself further over her in the process so that his hips thrust down instead of forward, hitting her deep and hard with the force of gravity on his side.

            “Yes, yes, that’s it, don’t you dare stop,” she said, her words tripping over themselves with little thought behind them.

            “Yeah?” he said, his turn to goad now. “That greedy cunt gonna come for me again?”

            “Yes,” she whined. “So close, please, Felix, please.”

            “That’s right, love,” he purred. “Show me what that pretty cunt can do.”

            Her moans were high and loud when her second orgasm tore through her, unable to make herself shut up. He moaned, too, the sound filled with both pleasure and pride.

            “That’s my girl,” he praised. “So good for me. And so fucking sexy, too.”

            She couldn’t answer him intelligibly, whining wordlessly instead. He let one of her legs go, but hooked the other one over his shoulder, straightening up on his knees and resuming his hard, fast rhythm. She knew him well, knew that when he fucked like that he was close to meeting his end. His hair was in his eyes, and he ran a rough hand through it to push it back.

            “I’m not the only sexy one here,” she whined. “You’ve always been so fucking beautiful.”

            Her words seemed to shatter his fervor for a moment, and his eyes snapped wide, sweet and full of love, as he met her gaze. His thrusts didn’t slow, but he leaned over her to kiss her, pressing her thigh into her body in the process. She moaned into his mouth. He broke their kiss with a surprised noise.

            “Fuck, I’m gonna—”

            It was so like him for kissing to be his last straw. His lips parted as he came hard inside her, every pump of warmth from his cock punctuated by a thrust of his hips. His moans were deep and throaty, his eyes shut tight against the sensation as he spread hotly inside her. He was so fucking gorgeous that it made her dizzy.

            After he’d finished, he stayed propped over her, breathing hard while his senses came back to him. She rubbed his back, feeling his heart hammering from his efforts. He put her leg back down, then pulled back enough to just look at her, and she looked back.

            “I love you so much, Felix,” she said softly, pushing his hair out of his face and tucking as much as she could behind his soft ears. “Don’t you ever forget it.”

            “I could never,” he said, his voice gentle but a little hoarse from how noisy he’d been before, “because I love you just as much.”

            They lay tangled together while he softened, and only after that did he remove his length from her. He helped her up, and they went back into the lake to gulp mouthfuls of water and let their bodies rinse naturally. After swimming leisurely for a bit, they got out and Felix produced the snacks he’d brought. They lounged about on the towels together, neither of them bothering to put their clothes back on.

            “Do you want to head back after this?” she asked him, licking a trail of fruit juice from her finger. She caught the way Felix watched her tongue work with singular attention.

            “What’s your hurry?” he asked softly, dragging his gaze back to her face. “We won’t be missed till morning.”

            She gave him a sly, lazy smile. “And how are you going to entertain me until morning, hm? What if I fall asleep on you?”

            “By all means,” he answered, his mouth pulling into a matching smile, “fall asleep on me as much as you’d like.”

            At that, she climbed back over him, slipping his soft length inside her. He flushed; he clearly hadn’t expected her to call his bluff so soon. As she stared down at him with a satisfied expression, she felt his cock twitch inside her, the beginnings of a new erection.

            “Ah,” she said, poorly feigning surprise, “I see.”

            It was a very long night for them, indeed.

[androgynousblackbox]

How To Lose A Lucifer In 10 Days. 4 [Appleradio, Radioapple]

Step 4: Have disagreements

On the next morning, Alastor found that the new bed had dissapeared alongside with the tiny king. Everything on his room was completely exactly the same as it was yesterday. However, any lingering hope he had that the tiny king could have either solved his own problem already or everything was too realistic dream quickly vanished when he came inside the kitchen on the morning.

The smell of cooked meat was what attracted him. Raw meat was usually his predilection, mostly out of convenience, but not even the most stubborn cannibal in all of hell could deny that what his nose was catching was positively alluring. But it was less so when he realized the one doing the cooking was the king himself, casually managing multiple pans with bacon, eggs and french toasts and, of course, one of them making pancakes that kept turning them on new plates that magically flew to the table.

At the same time, as if to show off none of that was costing him much effort, he was also talking with Charlie standing at her side.

"Yeah, you have a sister in my side" was saying the little monarch, dashing finally the possibility that he was their original one waking up with a particular good mood to serve everyone. "She fell for questioning Heaven too much, so me and my Alastor took her in. We adopted her officially and she stays at the hotel with us."

"And how is she?" Charlie's smile was big and genuine over her tea, fascinated with this alternative version of her life.

"I think you know her already" sang Lucifer with a cheeky smirk. "She used to be a powerful seraphim that, I believe, supported your ideas when you went up to Heaven? A very cute girl not afraid to stand up for her beliefs?"

Charlie gasped, her mouth making a perfect oh.

"No! Are you telling me that Emily is my sister?!"

"Like I said, she questioned Heaven too much and she had nowhere to go. Besides, my Alastor liked her already for uh… you know, being the only angel that listened to you. It wasn't a hard decision at all. She is adapting really well to hell, all things considered. You and Vaggie help her a lot."

Alastor would have caught that little moment of hesitation and archived it on his mind later as something that he could use. But all his attention was caught instead by the deer head that was still laying on the counter. The deer head without a body from the kill he brought just yesterday and he was planning to eat later on.

"What the hell are you doing?" asked, materializing next to the king in an instant.

Charlie jumped in place at the sudden aparition, a little of tea spilling out from the side of her mug, but the king just looked up to him with an easy smile.

"Oh, hey! It's going to be a ready in a about minute now. Why don't you sit down until is down?"

Alastor stood there, perplexed.

"What."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. You like it raw" said the king, pointingly ignoring the short laugh that came out of Angel waiting for his breakfast at the table or the loud ssh Husk directed at him. "But trust me, cooked is not that bad either. Cooking can be pretty relaxing and considering I am, you know, stuck away from everything and everyone I know and love, I thought hey, why don't I make myself useful around here. This is not the whole deer, there is still some meat left on the fridge, so if you really hate this one you can grab it. Hell, I will even get you some more myself if you are still hungry."

A moment of silence passed through. Silence from Alastor at least, while the king seemed to be content enough with humming to himself as he worked.

"That is very nice of you, papa" said Charlie, frowning at Alastor as she patted the back of the tiny king. "It smells delicious."

Alastor really considered just going to the fridge and grab his meat to enjoy himself in the privacy of his own room. But that damn smell was turning his mouth into a fountain and well, it was going to be a waste of meat if someone didn't enjoyed it. Lucifer had put enough meat there to feed all residents at once and he knew they weren't going to eat it all, so there was clearly no other choice but to do it himself. He moved over to the table, still keeping watch over the cooking process just in case the king decided to slip some poison or mess with it on some other way.

"Years of practice, duckling" said Lucifer, casually flipping the pancakes on another pan with his own hand.

When the bacon and eggs were ready, he quickly served them on a plate and send it to the table, to the expecting hands of a hungry Angel who moaned loudly in delight. Husk rubbed his head, but when Lucifer's magic gave him his own plate, Angel looked at him as if saying "see what I mean?" None of them seemed to notice the full trash can on a side to the kitchen. Alastor saw a bunch of disregarded cooked meals there and wondered how many that tiny king had made in actuality. Since he could actually just duplicate anything he wanted, he could have gone at it for hours without any intention of feeding it to anyone, like a compulsion.

Charlie chuckled.

"Is that how you call your own Charlie? It's so cute!"

"Your Lucifer doesn't?" The king looked surprised at that. "How does he call you?"

Charlie scratched her neck, looking to the side.

"Well… when I was a kid, he used to call me apple pie a lot. And Charchar, I guess."

If he noticed the evasive tone of Charlie, Lucifer didn't showed it.

"Aww, apple pie is adorable too!" Lucifer smiled bright. "Maybe I should use that with Emily. I still haven't thought of a nickname cute enough for her. Do you mind?"

"No, of course not" Charlie smiled back and accepted the plates with a bunch of pancakes and more bacome Lucifer gave her. One for her and another for Vaggie, she understood. "Thanks, papa!"

"You are welcome, sweetie!" Lucifer continued working.

"Do you all hear that?" commented Angel, throwing a glance towards Alastor. "It's that the lack of a fight early on the morning? Peace and quiet for once? Who knew that was even possible?"

Alastor narrowed his eyes at him in such a way that Husk put a hand on Angel, warning him to keep quiet.

"Geez, is usually that bad around here?" asked Lucifer, carrying easily a big plate that contained the cooked meat for Alastor and his own plate of chocolate pancakes. His own mug with tea floated at his side as he sat down. Alastor took care to not lick his lips as he sniffed the meat, snearing when he only find it to be absolutely appetizing. Lucifer didn't seem to take any offense to it. "My Alastor and I have disagreements here and there, but it's never to the point we can't share a meal."

"Bad is putting it lightly" commented Vaggie, glaring briefly to Alastor as he finally dared to take a single bite. "I think this must be only the second time that a Alastor and Lucifer ever shared the same table. The first was bad too."

Ignoring her completely, Alastor digged his claws on the table when realizing it was, in fact, absolutely delicious. He cursed this tiny king as Lucifer didn't even looked on his direction to gloat about it. Instead he was looking at Vaggie.

"Huh" Lucifer took a sip of his mug, as if not sure if he should make his next question. "Would that… have anything to do with the big hole on the lobby?"

The entire table fell into silence for a moment. Even Alastor flinched a little, prefering to concentrate on his own meal than on anything else happening around him.

"Oh" said Lucifer, taking that as his response. "Sorry for bringing it up then."

"No, no, it's okay" said Charlie, her smile thinner than usual, but still sincere. "You had no way of knowing that, so of course you would be curious. Especially if you and your Alastor have another dynamic entirely."

"I mean, he is my husband, so one would expect we would know how to be around each other by now" Lucifer shrugged slightly.

On the other side of the table, Angel almost choked drinking his own coffee and he hit his chest a couple of times before speaking.

"Your what?" asked, his face fighting between incredulous and just laughing, his eyes going from Lucifer to Alastor, who was fully refusing to engage on any of this. "Charlie told us that you were friendly with each other and you had your own Charlie together, not that! Not that any of that isn't alredy weird as fuck."

"Uhm, yeah" said Lucifer, thinking that not even his own Angel had reacted that badly when he appeared on the hotel for the first time. "85 years and counting" added with a little smile, knocking the wood of the table.

Alastor stopped for a second, but renewed his eating as he ignored the twist on his stomach. 85 years was almost his entire life in hell. It was more years than he ever spend alive.

"Oh, shit" Angel smirked, supporting his chin on his hand. "I have to hear the story behind that already! No offense, Smiles, but I always thought you were the type to prefer to tap yourself before anyone else."

Alastor narrowed his eyes at the pornstar. Not that he was entirely wrong either, the only mistake being that he did not want to tap anything at all, but he still didn't appreciate the especulation around that specific topic. There were so many infinitely more interesting things to talk about him than something as vulgar and trivial as that.

"Hey, come on, that is not nice" said Lucifer before he or Angel could say anything else. "My Alastor is just different, can we just leave it at that?"

Alastor refused to look at the king, even when he knew that Lucifer threw a glance at him, and opened up his mouth further to grab bigger chunks, swallowing bones in the process and breaking it appart with his teeth. Husk made a face at him, but wisely kept quiet. Niffty tried to imitate him, chunks of her food spilling out of her.

"Whatever you say, king" Angel shrugged, leaving the subject for now. "My curiosity still needs to be fed, though."

"Yeah, figured" Lucifer sighed, putting his mug down. "Listen, normally I would love to tell you guys all about it. That is what we did for my Charlie all the time too, tell her stories about us and our lives together. But I would much prefer to find a way home first as fast as possible. We were already separated once before and we got just everything back to normal. I don't want to miss that. Please?" added, looking up to Charlie, whose tender heart could never miss the pained look on this version of her father.

"Yes, absolutely" Charlie looked the time on her phone and finished her tea with a final gulp. The pancakes had already dissapeared from her table. "I think Stolas should already be awake now. Let's go."

She stand up from the table, telling Vaggie to stay in charge of the hotel and kissing her forehead. Lucifer finished up his breakfast as well. He looked over at Alastor and for a moment Alastor stared back, as if daring him to ask if he wanted to come and give him the chance to just say no. Lucifer turned his eyes away first. Apparently realizing it was a waste of time, Lucifer sighed and followed Charlie. Alastor felt something brush against his ankle, but when he moved his shadows to catch it wasn't there anymore.

"Hopefully you will be seeing your own Lucifer soon" said the king instead of seeing you later, obviously hoping he wouldn't have to. "Nice to meet you all again."

With that, he took the hand of Charlie and they both dissapeared through a portal.

--

Alastor woke up and sat, not looking at the other side of the bed. A portion of his shadow came back to him with the memories of following the other Lucifer around the hotel, looking for whatever room happened to be free, which was still most of them. In the dark his shadow contemplated this other Lucifer changing with magic and plopping into his bed with a groan, falling asleep without any major concern or worry too big to keep him awake with anxiety.

Alastor rubbed his temple, realizing the same thing he had already thought the moment that Lucifer was revealed to not be his. He could look like him. He could talk like him. He could even move like him. But it wasn't him and his presence did not bring at all the same kind of comfort at all. Keeping an eye out for him was more out of a need of just seeing a Lucifer than because he wanted to check on that one, like a bad habit for whome now he had to rely on a less desirable alternative.

He was so used to keep Lucifer near him, that seeing his face but waking up alone just made him feel sick with a need and anger he could barely conceptualize to himself.

A knock on the door took him out of his thoughts and he changed quickly. The knocking didn't sound urgent, but he still rushed in to open. It could be Charlie announcing that Stolas had found the solution, that now they knew how to bring her papa home.

"Alastor" said Emily, going up to hug him as soon she was able to. She buried her head against his chest and squeezed tight. "Charlie told me about what happened to Lucifer. Are you okay?"

Alastor's shoulders relaxed a little. He resigned himself to hug her back and pet her short, grey hair. She had seen him at his lowest in Heaven, of course she would want to check on him as fast she could.

"Did you came all the way here for that?" asked, as if it was a silly thing to do and Emily lifted her head, pouting. "I am fine, dear. If you wanted me to be even better than that, you can tell me if Charlie got any news from our friend Goetia."

"She and the other Lucifer are eating something before going. If you want I can bring you something here" offered Emily, finally letting him go but her yellow eyes looking just as concerned as ever.

She probably thought that seeing the other Lucifer could be too hard. Or that they could get into another confrontation like the one last night, the one Charlie or Vaggie surely must have told her about. It wasn't an entirely unreasonable thought. Alastor had to see the place in front of his chimney with one less chair to know that. But he would be dammned again if he let a fucking imitation of his husband turn him into a coward.

"Don't bother, my dear" said, showing off his best smile. "I have handled Lucifer very well on my own and today is not going to be the exception" assured, putting an arm around her shoulders towards the door.

Away from the empty space on his bed that his tentacles had already fixed again.

"But this is another Lucifer" said Emily, looking up. "And I don't think him and his Alastor were friends where he came from."

Alastor had gathered as much already.

"We don't need to be friends" commented easily, taking her with him to the elevator. He could wrap her into his shadows downstairs, but taking a little bit to face that other face wasn't going to hurt anyone. "We just need to manage to not kill each other enough for my husband to return, that is all. If he cares about Charlie half as much as he claims, he will know to control himself."

"He had no idea who I was" said Emily, pressing the button in the elevator and stepping inside. Alastor saw her looking down, looking her blackened fingers. "Apparently the Emily of his side didn't fell, despite being on the side of Charlie."

"That is unfortunate. For her" said Alastor, squeezing her shoulder. "That Emily doesn't have a family like ours then. You should pity her."

Emily sighed, leaning against him as they descended. Probably mulling over everything that she could have done different and everything that turn out wrong. Everything that separated her from another version of herself.

"I prefer this version of us" said Alastor, sincerely, and brushed some portion of her bangs out of her forehead. "Charlie is amazing, of course, but I don't get to speak about books with her as much as I get to do with you. Why, if talking with you I finally learned what is the appropriate name for those ugly flowers that eat bones in the garden. How could I have such knowledge if you weren't here, dear? I would have to investigate it myself and who has the time for that?"

Emily giggled, looking up. Alastor patted her between her shoulder blades.

"Stop worrying your head with possibilities that never were, dear. We all have to learn to live with the decisions we made. Yours gave Charlie a sister and my husband another child to embarrass with his antics. They gave me another daughter. How can they ever be wrong?"

Emily smiled fully, giving him a sideway hug until the doors of the elevator opened up.

"Come on" she said, taking his hand. "Let's hope we can bring my papa back."

Alastor let her take him, already imagining the teary eyes in Lucifer if he heard that. On the kitchen, the other Lucifer was having some cereal in a bowl as Charlie was eating cookies at her side. In the center of the table there was a bunch of pastries the other residents were taking, absolutely delighted with them. She was being throughfully entertained with some anecdote of his and Alastor could not care less about what it was, but he did not like the way this other imposter was so casual about touching his daughter's shoulder for emphasis.

When Emily passed at her side to go make her tea, Charlie looked up and smiled big.

"Dad!" said, lifting herself to greet him with a hug.

An extra hard one, similar to the one Emily had given her. Alastor knew that he had to appreciate she had also being concerned about him, but all he could do was glare at the other Lucifer as he hugged her back, as if marking his territory. The other Lucifer just smirked at him as if sharing a personal in joke.

"Grab something to eat and then we can go, dad" said Charlie, squeezing his sides some more for the last time.

Alastor looked at the table, full with sugary things covered in more sugar and probably filled with sugar too. The other Lucifer had lost interest on him and grabbing another piece of pastry.

"I will prepare something for myself, dear" assured, petting his hair as he went to prepare it.

On the fridge there was only a chunk of meat with his name on because he still haven't gone for more. Containing a groan, Alastor brought it up with him to the table after burning it for a bit on his hand. It wasn't the best cooking method, but didn't feel like anything else. He sat next to Emily and Vaggie, in front of Charlie as he returned to her seat.

"Oh, so you still like things like that here too" commented the other Lucifer. "At least it's not a full carcass like the other guy would have."

Alastor would have much prefered him to stay quiet. To stop using that voice and those lips that were almost right, but were entirely wrong instead.

"Oh, I love those too" said with a grin. "I just forgot to go pick up more. Maybe later I can go grab some sinner's torso to enjoy with my husband for dinner."

Lucifer made a face like he smelled something rancid, but it didn't last long.

"Is that all you do together? Eat other beings that were talking your same language before being killed?"

"No, just one of the ones we enjoy the most" said, showing more teeth. "We do other things as well. Like not ruining the birthday of our daughter with a full blown fight, for example."

Lucifer narrowed his eyes without losing his smirk.

"Oh, yeah, I imagine that must be easier when you aren't dealing with a raging asshole who loves to push people around" Lucifer regarded him a moment. "Or maybe there is no difference at all and that Lucifer just lets you get away with it more."

"Or maybe my Lucifer is better at carrying himself in the first place."

"As if you knew anything about that in the first place."

Lucifer gripped the mug he was using on his hands and Alastor sneared at realizing it was the yellow one with duckies that his husband used on the regular.

"Don't you dare to break that, you brute" warned, his antlers growing up as Lucifer blinked, surprised, only after a second realizing what was he even talking about.

"I wasn't going to, you ass" said, leaving the mug there and lifting his hands.

"Dad" called Charlie, slapping both her hands on the table to get the attention of Alastor. "Dad, I gave him that. That is enough."

Alastor observed her with his eyes turned black. He closed them for a moment, returning to normal, even though his jaws was so tense squeezed together that he felt was going to bite through his own teeth.

"I lost my apettite" announced after a while, for the first time in his life, standing up. "I will wait on the lobby so we can go."

Alastor moved on to the closest couch and sat down, taking a deep breath. Why was he letting that tiny prick to affect him at all? He was nothing. Less than nothing even. Just a mere inconvenience that had no more fault to being there than a stain on the carpet had. When he lifted up his eyes again, he saw Emily standing with his cup of coffee in hand.

"We are all stressed out" commented with a little smile, rubbing his arm.

Alastor nodded silently, taking a sip. It wasn't as hot, so he heated up until he finished it all, but the burn did little else to comfort him. Emily sat at his side and didn't ask anything, didn't say anything, so Alastor spoke first.

"My Lucifer is not like that" he said.

Emily nodded, putting her hand on his shoulder.

"I know" said gently. "I miss him too."

Alastor frowned slightly. Miss felt too small of a phrase. He didn't miss Lucifer like how one misses that their favorite band wasn't playing anymore. That didn't even come close to describe the betrayal of a universe that ever let his Lucifer slip between his fingers again, and this time for no reason at all that any of them could discern. But he didn't had any better words for that, so he let Emily to assume they were correct anyway.

"Alright!" Charlie clasped her hands, coming over, the other Lucifer walking up behind her like he had just gotten an earful. "I send a text to Stolas and he is ready to receive us. Papa can take us there. Emily, are you coming?"

Emily nodded and stand up. Alastor let his empty mug be consumed by his shadows to get return to the kitchen and followed through, standing next to Charlie.

"Well, I know where his palace is already on my world, so I will step up first to make sure is the right place" commented Lucifer, opening it up the portal and traspassing it.

A second later his hand came out, encouraging them to step in. Alastor was the last one, seeing the tall palace erect in front of them. Charlie walked first over the stairs to the entrance and knocked. They didn't had to wait much for the door to open, a little imp servant looking over them and his eyes landing on Lucifer.

"Your Majesty" greeted the imp, moving to a side to let them in. "My lord is waiting for you up head. Follow me."

"Thank you" said Charlie.

Emily had barely known about another palace than the Morningstar one, as it was clear by how fascinated she was with the place. Alastor haven't visited it himself more than one time, for one of Via's birthday since Lucifer insisted they had to come, and only to see the party room. When they reached a room far back on the hallway, the little imp opened up the door to announce them properly before any of them could stop him.

"The king, his consort and the two princesses have arrived, my lord."

"He is not my anything" said Lucifer, taking a step away from Alastor as if necessary.

Alastor was considering grabbing the little imp and turn him into meatballs right there. How dare he to confuse his king for a lesser imitation like that one? Even as he knew how entirely irrational that was. For all intends and purposes, this Lucifer was the only king they had. Just not his king.

"The king, the two princesses and a neutral companion, my lord" corrected the imp. "Please, come in."

Once his job was done, the servant gave them a quick reverence and walked down the hallway again to continue his duties. Charlie had to grab Alastor's arm and drag him away from reaching out for him to enact revenge. When they came inside, they realized it was the library of the Goetia.

Stolas stood in front of a pile of book in his desk, reading all of them at once. At seeing them, he went over and kneeled as down as he could in honor of the king. It would be funny for Alastor coming from such a tall bird if it wasn't enfuriating how much time it was being wasted in these formalities.

"Your Majesty, it's an honor to receive you in my humble home. I hope that my knowledge can serve you today. Emily, Charlie, Alastor. Please, all of you, take a seat" offered, making a gesture with his hand for four chair in the air to move in front of his desk.

Lucifer was the first to sat down and Stolas flipped through another book.

"We have confirmation that you are most definitely not the king that belongs in this realm? That none of this is product of a mental spell or illusion of any kind?"

"We are sure" said Alastor, not needing to add more details even as Stolas seemed to want to ask. Charlie nodded just to confirm his words.

"Very well. Then the first thing to do is to confirm the exact origin of this kind of magic" said the bird demon, going to another table where he mixed some herbs and powders into a bowl, where he poured another liquid on top. When he came back to them, he grabbed a pinch of the concoction he made and draw a sigil on the air above the head of Lucifer. The sigil stayed floating there, going from purple to a dark blue, it's form changing into another symbol and then another. "Huh. That is interesting."

"What?" said Lucifer, absolutely lost. His magic expertise was energy propelled by imagination. Potions and whatot were completely out of it.

"Mmm" Stolas made a book float in front of him to double check. "Well, good news is, this did not came from an enemy. It wasn't done with the intention of hurting anyone in the royal family. This was never supposed to be malicious."

"But?" insisted Lucifer. "I am kinda still away from my daughter and these people are missing their Lucifer. I don't take that as benign either."

Alastor was tending to agree with him.

"Indeed, your Majesty. But the lack of negative intentions means that this is reversible. The bad news is that this won't be reversible until a certain condition is met."

"What condition?" asked Charlie now. "We will do anything to get papa back."

Stolas looked over at her and sighed.

"I believe you, dear. But it doesn't want to tell me" Stolas pointed at the changing symbols as if they were speaking to him. "All it's telling me is that it is related to both the king and his consort. Apologies. The king and Alastor" added, shaking his head.

"A condition of what nature?" asked Alastor while Stolas brushed away the sigil, as if anything useful from it had been told already. "Something we must do?"

"I believe so. Although do what, I can't tell" Stolas sighed again, going back to his table. "Your Majesty, you didn't had any compromise with the Alastor back at your place? A promise of some kind?"

"Fuck no" said Lucifer. "If anything I would like him to promise to stop bothering my daughter, but besides that we don't have much of a relationship or anything. I would remember something like that."

"Likewise, besides getting married again soon, Lucifer wasn't in debt for any promise with me. I don't know how this could be affected by our engagement either."

"It's not" said Stolas mixing up some more ingredients, following another recipe on his book. "If there was any romantic undertones I would have detected it already. The intention behind this magic was fully platonic."

"Does it really need to be met that condition then?" asked Alastor, who did not feel any more relieved because someone somewhere decided to screw with his life platonically. "Can't we just undue the spell?"

"I am looking into it, but my first instinct is no, your Majesty" Stolas was so concentrated in his work he didn't realize that, technically speaking, Alastor didn't have that title anymore. Nobody bothered to correct him anyway. "A spell that can travel across multiple dimensions is already a extremely powerful one. Travel from hell to Earth or from Hell to Heaven would seem like child's play in comparison, and most spells wouldn't allow that either. Here we go."

Stolas finished to make his potion and walked to Lucifer, reaching out his hand to ask that of the king. Kneeling in front of him, he spread a bit of the liquid on the palm of Lucifer, spreading it with his thumb. The bird demon observed the palm as the liquid draw lines over his hand, shinning a bright golden.

"So?" encouraged when Stolas kept silent, Alastor starting to get impatient.

"Mmm? Oh, dear, sorry" Stolas stood, clearing his throat. "This spell has not rewriting your entire fate, your Majesty. Meaning that we might be able to circunvent it somehow. By maybe finding a spell that is stronger or nullifying it. Oh, and on top of that, since you are both connected through this spell, I just confirmed that our Lucifer is safe and well on the dimension where you came from, your Majesty. I know that was a reason of concern for you" added, looking over at the rest of the royal family. "He is not in any immediate danger just like you are you not, your Highness."

Alastor squeezed one fist over his staff. In one hand, genuinely relieved that was the case and didn't had to think about Lucifer landing on some unknown land where people ate beautiful blonde angels for lunch. But on the other hand, he still wasn't there and a pretentious dick was instead.

"I am guessing you don't have any spells to just open a portal and let them exchange places" said Emily. "Me and Lucifer can open portals to Heaven or Earth. Can't we do something with that? Maybe combined them so they are stronger and reach them?"

Stolas put both his hands in front of his face, as if praying as he rummaged through his memory.

"My dear, interdimensional magic is an extremely weird subject that most people don't even bother with" said slowly, shaking his head. "I know about every secret of this galaxy and the universes beyond that, but even then this is different. I am afraid that even if you did managed to traspase to another dimension, there is no garantee it would be the one this Lucifer comes from."

"Can't he be summoned?" tried Charlie after throwing a glance to Alastor. "He is the still the devil."

"The devil is a unique title, darling, and he is already here" Stolas flipped through another book and groaned, frustrated.

Alastor looked over at Lucifer.

"Does that mean that if there isn't a devil, we can summon him?" asked in a tone that made Lucifer to frown at him.

"If you take me out, you mean."

"Perhaps. To me sounds like a reasonable exchange."

"That wouldn't help, your Majesty" said Stolas before Lucifer could respond in any way. "If anything happens to this version of Lucifer, ours will just get stuck where he is and we will have no way to know about his state" Stolas blinked. "Not to mention the crumbling of all of hell because it's head is gone. I would encourage not take that course of action."

Alastor shrugged, more convinced for the possibility that his husband could stay away than because of the state of hell.

"Then… what? We just keep waiting until a condition we don't know anything about is met?" asked Charlie, the desolation on her voice too obvious for Stolas to ignore.

"For now, I am afraid that is the best I can tell you. I am so sorry, princess."

[somethingclevermahogony]

Last Line Tag

I was tagged by @elsie-writes !

This is the last thing I wrote, though certainly not line by any means, it's a whole scene, but I felt like sharing the whole thing. Sorry I suppose. Narul having his first experience with oysters in Makora.

This is from Book 2

Narul turned in a circle. Stands sold various kinds of bread, alongside dried meats, sausages, and more of that mysterious yellow substance. One particular stand caught his attention. Arranged on the wooden plank which constituted the counter, were strange cups or containers, slightly flat and misshapen. Inside each was some strange pearly white thing, swimming in a clear liquid of sorts. Narul had never seen the likes of them before, though he thought the cups were somewhat familiar. He approached the vendor, an elderly man, his hands calloused and crooked. “Um, what are these?” He gestured at the strange fare. “Oysters…” The old man muttered uncertainly. Narul had heard about oysters from Istek, the old sailor had craved them incessantly, though he had never quite managed to get his hands on them. Oysters were a rarity in Labisa, a product which required the molluscs to be shipped over great distances by foot and boat, a delicacy available only to the most elite. Hutbari had never been particularly fond of shellfish, as such Narul had never had the opportunity to see them. “Are they…cooked?” He asked uncertainly. The vendor blinked. “No?” The old man seemed confused. Narul shuffled awkwardly. He seemed to remember that Istek had said they were eaten raw. His stomach growled. “Worth a try.” Bop said with a chuckle. Narul had no idea how much a single oyster cost. After a moment of hesitation, he placed one of the silver coins on the counter. The vendor’s eyes widened. Immediately he started to prepare the shellfish, sprinkling them with some sort of dried seaweed, some sort of chopped allium, and a yellow oil that Narul was unfamiliar with. Before Narul could stop him the old man had already prepared no less than two dozen. The old man bowed and waited anxiously for Narul to eat. “Do…Do I eat all of it?” Narul asked Bop. “I don’t know, I’ve never eaten before.” The spirit replied. Narul grimaced. He lifted one of the cups to his mouth, and after a beat, tossed the whole thing into his mouth. He quite enjoyed the flavor, briny and yet somewhat sweet, the seaweed added some much needed contrast and slight vegetal note. He was not a fan, however, of the shell. He had no issue crunching through the brittle material, his powerful jaw rendering it to a chalky dust, however its taste was somewhat bitter and coated his tongue. When he looked at the vendor, the old man’s face had gone pale, his jaw was slack, eyes bugged from his skull. “I don’t think you were supposed to eat the bottom part.” Bop laughed. “Oh…” Narul muttered out loud. He sheepishly scooped up the rest of the oysters, balancing them in his hands as he shuffled away to find somewhere he could eat them. It took some time for the giant to master the art of eating them. At first he tried to place the entire morsel into his mouth, to remove the edible part with his tongue and then spit out the shell like an olive pit. He then switched to plucking each individual mollusc from its shell, though the tiny delicate bits of flesh were far too delicate and slippery, and wound up either in the dirt or squashed between his index finger and thumb just as often as they found their way to his mouth. Finally, he stopped to watch how the locals ate them, sliding them from the shells into their mouths, slurping them like wine from a cup. He dumped the empty shells onto a nearby pile of waste. The shellfish had been tasty, though they hardly satisfied his hunger. He started to look for something else to eat when his search was interrupted by a booming roar which echoed from the direction of docks. “You!”

Tagging @revenantlore , @kosmic-kore , @jakkon-and-rose-topic , and @illarian-rambling

[happigreens]

Fair Trade

By going beyond accreditation practices, consumers and companies can reach those at the bottom of the global social production ladder. Nonetheless, these efforts require purchasers to take personal responsibility for their impact, rather than relying solely on certifications. Simply by being more thoughtful and ethical in our sourcing practices, we have a huge opportunity to create brighter futures for all people and their families throughout the supply chain.

https://borgenproject.org/fair-trade-product-markets/

Despite many well-intentioned consumer attitudes, fair trade product markets frequently feature marketing strategies that conjure up imperialistic images [...]

[...] In products marked as fair trade, the certification might only apply to the product’s raw materials, rather than the full process of production. [...] A 2014 study theorizes that these practices are somewhat effective, “although on a comparatively modest scale relative to the size of national economies"

Social Media conversations about Fair Trade Practices:

[From user seriousxdelirium] - Like almost all other labels for coffee, it's absolutely useless. It only applies to growers large enough to afford the fees, and is not regulated well enough to make meaningful impact on the industry. If you really care about this sort of thing, do some research and develop an understanding of what you think a fair price is for farmers, and ask roasters what they paid for that coffee. Most good roasters are willing to be transparent about that sort of thing, and even publish transparency reports where you get a breakdown of the entire transaction.

From user Ramakrishna Surathu:

[...] Here are some reasons why fair trade may not always be as fair as it seems [...]

1. Market Access and Power Imbalances: Fair trade initiatives often focus on small-scale producers in developing countries, who may face challenges in accessing global markets and negotiating fair prices. Power imbalances within supply chains, influenced by factors such as geography, politics, and market dynamics, can limit the ability of producers to fully benefit from fair trade practices.

2. Certification Costs and Barriers: Obtaining fair trade certification can be costly and time-consuming for producers, particularly small-scale farmers and artisans with limited resources. Certification fees, auditing expenses, and compliance with standards may pose financial barriers and administrative burdens, leading some producers to forego certification altogether.

3. Limited Impact on Poverty Alleviation: While fair trade aims to reduce poverty and improve livelihoods, its impact may be limited by systemic barriers and structural inequalities. Addressing poverty requires broader social, economic, and political interventions beyond the scope of fair trade alone, such as access to education, healthcare, land rights, and infrastructure.

4. Market Volatility and Price Instability: Fair trade prices are often based on predetermined minimums, which may not fully reflect fluctuations in global market prices. Producers may be exposed to market volatility and fluctuations in demand, which can impact their income and livelihoods, particularly in commodity markets subject to price instability.

5. Complexity of Supply Chains: Fair trade supply chains can be complex and challenging to navigate, especially in regions with limited infrastructure and logistical challenges. Ensuring compliance with fair trade standards, maintaining transparency, and traceability throughout the supply chain can require significant investment in monitoring and management systems.

[...] Some manufacturers also use tricks. For example, some products do not explain exactly which part of a product was produced fairly. Another trick is to increase the percentage of "fair" ingredients by subtracting out the water content. The credibility is of course "fair watered".

[...] The statement here should not be that fair trade is useless, but one should always question things or understand them better and not just be blindly guided by seals in the purchase decision. Since this works so well, manufacturers like to use such seals or make one up themselves.

[...] rather than cutting out the middle man, and offering farmers a more direct compensation for their work, Fair Trade still facilitates a level of bureaucracy that supports an uneven distribution of revenue.

[...] The price point that separates Fair Trade produce from the rest of the market is often significant enough that lower-income households cannot afford to budget for it. This means that Fair Trade cannot reach mass markets in a way that would really effect wide-scale change, and instead serves as a token gesture to alleviate the guilt of middle-class consumers.

[...] [premium pricing coffee] is a worthy move if the coffee is of a high quality, but if it is not of sufficient quality to merit this price tag, then it risks turning consumers away from Fair Trade produce, and further impeding its reach to mass markets [...]

Fair Trade is a concept worth embracing, but first it must prioritize effective and transparent processes of production and distribution. What Fair Trade aims to achieve is admirable, but what it could potentially achieve is far greater [...]

[govindhtech]

Extractive AI vs. Generative AI: Data Extraction & Precision

What Is Extractive AI?

The goal of the natural language processing (NLP) area of extractive AI is to locate and extract important information from pre-existing data sources. Extractive AI is superior at locating and condensing pertinent information from papers, databases, and other structured or unstructured data formats, in contrast to its generative AI cousin, which produces original material.

Consider it a superpowered search engine that can identify the precise lines or sections that address your question in addition to bringing up webpages. Extractive AI is perfect for applications demanding precision, transparency, and control over the extracted information because of its focused approach.

How Does Extractive AI Work?

A variety of NLP approaches are used by extractive AI, including:

Tokenization breaks text into words or phrases.

Named entity recognition (NER) categorizes people, places, and organizations.

Grammatical functions are assigned to phrase words by part-of-speech tagging.

Semantic analysis examines word meaning and relationships.

By using these methods, extractive AI algorithms examine the data, looking for trends and pinpointing the sections that most closely correspond to the user’s request or needed data.

Rise of Extractive AI in the Enterprise

The growing use of extractive AI across a variety of sectors is expected to propel the worldwide market for this technology to $26.8 billion by 2027. Companies are realizing how useful extractive AI is for improving decision-making, expediting procedures, and deriving more profound insights from their data.

The following are some of the main applications of extractive AI that are propelling its use:

Understanding and summarizing papers: Taking important details out of financial data, legal documents, contracts, and customer evaluations.

Enhancing the precision and effectiveness of search queries in business databases and repositories is known as information retrieval and search.

Collecting and evaluating news stories, social media posts, and market data in order to learn about rival tactics is known as competitive intelligence.

Customer care and support: increasing agent productivity, automating frequently asked questions, and evaluating customer feedback.

Finding suspicious behavior and trends in financial transactions and other data sources is the first step in fraud detection and risk management.

Benefits of Extractive AI

Precision Point Extraction

From unstructured data, such as papers, reports, and even social media, extractive AI is excellent at identifying important facts and statistics. Imagine it as a super-powered highlighter that uses laser concentration to find pertinent bits. This guarantees you never overlook an important element and saves you hours of laborious research.

Knowledge Unlocking

Information that has been extracted is knowledge that has yet to be unlocked; it is not only raw data. These fragments may then be analyzed by AI, which will uncover trends, patterns, and insights that were before obscured by the chaos. This gives companies the ability to improve procedures, make data-driven choices, and get a competitive advantage.

Efficiency Unleashed

Time-consuming and monotonous repetitive jobs include data input and document analysis. By automating these procedures, extractive AI frees up human resources for more complex and imaginative thought. Imagine a workplace where your staff members spend more time utilizing information to create and perform well rather of collecting it.

Transparency Triumphs

The logic of extractive AI is transparent and traceable, in contrast to some AI models. You can examine the precise source of the data and the extraction process. This openness fosters confidence and facilitates confirming the veracity of the learned lessons.

Cost Savings Soar

Extractive AI significantly reduces costs by automating processes and using data. A healthy bottom line is a result of simpler procedures, better decision-making, and lower personnel expenses.

Thus, keep in mind the potential of extractive AI the next time you’re overwhelmed with data. obtaining value, efficiency, and insights that may advance your company is more important than just obtaining information.

The Future Of Extractive AI

Extractive AI has made a name for itself in jobs like summarization and search, but it has much more potential. The following are some fascinating areas where extractive AI has the potential to have a big influence:

Answering questions: Creating intelligent assistants that are able to use context awareness and reasoning to provide complicated answers.

Customizing information and suggestions for each user according to their requirements and preferences is known as personalization.

Fact-checking and verification: Automatically detecting and confirming factual assertions in order to combat misinformation and deception.

Constructing and managing linked information bases to aid in thinking and decision-making is known as knowledge graph creation.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[sil-writes-fiction-too]

The Weight of the Truth

June of Doom, day 17: "You don't want to do that"/Blackmail (late entry, @juneofdoom )

Genre: angst

CW: bodily harm, gore, blood, torture, death

A/N: the events of this one-shot take place before the events of BG3. It was a little challenging to write because when the campaign took place I wasn't smart enough to take good, detailed notes of the events that went down in each session. Essentially I have a bunch of bits and pieces of Summer's story that are barely connected to each other and now I have to re-invent a lot of that stuff. It's quite frustrating, but hopefully the result isn't too bad.

Empty.

Summer feels completely, utterly empty as she stares at the blood that stains her hands. Honestly, she should've expected this. Revenge tastes bitter when you sacrifice your integrity and the fate of your friends to obtain it.

She knew what she would be giving up when she struck up the deal, and yet it didn't stop her. She needed that woman gone, wanted to make her pay for what she's done to her. She knows how selfish this all is... and yet here she sits, in front of Lady Ashes' mangled corpse as she contemplates the horrible consequences of her actions.

Just two days ago an angel descended from the heavens to eliminate her. It knew about her deal with Asmodos, and if only that blasted thing hadn't underestimated the sheer, raw power of her magic, it would've easily taken her life... and perhaps even her friends'. How long until something like that happens again? Until her companions are caught up in her mess and suffer its consequences?

No... what is she even talking about? They were already caught up in this mess from the moment Summer started selling information to Asmodos and running his errands, deceptively making them look like part of their mission so that her friends wouldn't question her. The terms of her deal prevent her from having to directly harm her group, but let's face it... what she is doing right now isn't any better.

Now Lady Ashes is finally gone, both from the Material Plane and The Creator's realm. After Summer manages to intercept her lackeys before they get to her parents in Ferox, her wretched schemes will never hurt anyone ever again. She got what she wanted, but as the thrill of the kill subsides and that feeling of liberation dissipates... she can't even attempt to feel any happiness for what she's done.

If her soul usually burns as hot as the fire of the Hells, right now it feels more like a frozen lake, silent and dead.

She got what she wanted, but at what cost? Her allies, her friends, still trust her with their lives every single day, not knowing that she is nothing more than a filthy traitor. Not knowing that under her mischievous smile hides the rot of guilt and betrayal. What breaks her heart even more is the fact that the people she travels with are all wonderful individuals and that some of them would even forgive her if they ever found out. Hells, Jaime outright told her that he would've understood wanting to take the deal. That she was a better person than him for refusing. Those words almost make her want to vomit now. She is not better than him, and perhaps she isn't even a good person to begin with.

Arwen is a good person, she deserves those words. She didn't even have to think before she refused Asmodos' pact. Summer wishes she could be like her. Strong and resolute in her way of doing things, rather than being pulled left and right by her volatile emotions and diving in before thinking, unlike her.

Arwen... what would she say if she found out? Would she abandon her? Kill her? She wouldn't blame her if that was the case. Somehow, out of everyone in the group, she is the one Summer is most scared of if she was to find out the truth. Not because of her reaction... but because Summer dreads the idea of hurting her like that.

Hah, but perhaps she is only scared of being caught, because if she truly didn't want to hurt her, then she wouldn't have done this to begin with!

Summer hangs her head in shame, letting out a shaky sigh. “Fuck...”

“My, my... I thought you'd be celebrating by now, my dear. Isn't the vampire's death what you wanted all along?” Says Asmodos' deep, gravelly voice from the darkness. “Surely you've had your fun tonight...” he comments with a glance towards the woman's remains as he finally walks out of the shadows, his large, black wings stretching and then folding down again behind his broad back. “I expected more appreciation for the gift I've given you...” he tuts.

A scoff leaves Summer's mouth as she looks up at the devil with no fear in her yellow eyes. “What do you want, Asmodos?” She spits with disgust, her tail flicking behind her irritatedly. He rolls his eyes in response to her little outburst. “Why, I am merely here to enjoy the sight...” Summer doesn't know if he is referring to the dead prisoner... or to the despair that's surely written all over her face right now... but she has a feeling it might be the second thing. “And to remind you of your little mission, of course. You still need to get rid of the mind flayer-” “I don't want to do this anymore..” She interrupts, and Asmodos' face turns dark. “What was that?”

“I said...” she gets up off the floor, standing her ground as she stares into his equally yellow eyes. “I don't want to do this anymore, so I am not gonna. I already gave you what you wanted, and I got what I required. This ends here. I am not going to do your little errands anymore, and if you have a problem with that, we can settle it right here, right now.” She growls defiantly, her hand already reaching for her dagger.

Asmodos stands still, looking down at her in silence and with an unreadable expression on his face. She thinks he must be at least twice as big as the orcs she had to face off against a month ago. He is massive, and powerful too... There's no way she can actually survive in a fight against him, but if that's what it's going to take to finally get away from his clutches and stop putting her friends in danger, then so be it. She is ready.

“You don't want to do that.” The flat tone of his voice makes a shiver run down her spine. “Actually, I think I do.” She tries to keep her voice as still as possible, but the more he stalls the less confident she feels.. “No, you really don't, little girl.” He narrows his eyes at her. “Did you really think I would kill you so easily? Oh, no, my dear... you are much more useful and much more entertaining alive. So if you were hoping for an easy way out, well... I'm afraid you are going to be disappointed.” A smirk curls his lips. “I gave you the whereabouts of Lady Ashes' underlings, and in exchange I asked that you kill the mind flayer. That part of the pact still stands, tiefling, and you will take care of it if you don't want your little friends to find out what you've been doing behind their backs.” His smirk widens, showing off his sharp fangs. Summer can feel her stomach twisting uncomfortably at his words.

“And in case that wasn't enough to get you to do your damn job... I want to remind you that I might've shown interest in dealing with you and your warlock companion, but I have absolutely no use for the rest of your adorable little group. You're still holding the knife that's sticking out of their backs... surely you don't want to finish them off once and for all?” He chuckles darkly and for a moment Summer feels like hurling. “Don't you dare-!!” His wings open suddenly as he steps forward, making her almost jump back. “Oh I will, if you don't do as I say. Don't play hero, Summer... we both know you're nothing more than a wretched beast.” He growls deeply, almost making the air around them vibrate.

“Keep up your little rebellious act and I will tell your group how you've betrayed them for the mere opportunity of getting to torture and kill the vampire. Then, I will kill all of your friends one by one, slowly and painfully, and I'll make you watch every single second of it. After that, it will be your family's turn and, well... who knows what I'll do with you then? I have yet to decide, but I can assure you... it will be excruciatingly agonizing.” He hisses a mere two centimeters from her face, and Summer feels like he is staring right into her soul and picking apart each one of her sins with his scrutinizing gaze. “Do this for me... and all they'll have to worry about is finding a way out of the continent before I demolish it with them still in it. If they manage to survive that far, that is.” He chuckles again, before turning serious once more.

“I know it's horrendously difficult for you, Summer, but... be smart for once. Stop poking your nose where it doesn't belong and leave. You aren't heroes, so don't try to die like you are. You'll be better off washing your hands of this ordeal, trust me.” For a split second, the young tiefling feels like agreeing with the devil. He is right about her, after all.

She is no hero. Hells, the more she goes on the more she feels like a monster with each passing day. She's been selfish in her choice of accepting his deal... what's another act of selfishness now, after all this? But as quick as that thought pops up in her mind, it disappears without a trace, replaced with a burning desire to put a stop to Asmodos' schemes. This is her home, and he doesn't get to destroy it and kill the innocent people that live in it like they were worth nothing. Summer might be a beast, but those people have done nothing to deserve such an end, and if there's anything she can do to spare them that fate, then she will do it.

So she has to do one last thing for him? So be it, but keeping her alive will have been the biggest mistake of his immortal life. She will make sure of it. If she has to go down then she will bring him down with her.

“I want that mind flayer dead by the end of tomorrow. Don't disappoint me.” He peers down at her, unaware of the flurry of thoughts swirling in her mind right now. “Fine. I'll do it.” And as soon as she says that, the darkness dissipates and she finds herself in the little woods just outside of camp once again.

“Good. Keep your head down and do as I say...”

Summer looks around her warily, trying to see if anyone from camp followed her, but no... she is alone. The sky is still dark and everyone else is probably asleep. She must've been in that pocket dimension for at least four hours.

She can still see the fire crackling weakly in the distance, and by the time she gets back to camp she's already made up her mind.

She won't let him win.

[costitright]

Mastering Raw Material Cost Management Challenges | Cost It Right

Explore the complexities of managing raw material cost changes effectively with Cost It Right. Learn strategic approaches to navigate the fluctuating cost of raw materials and ensure your manufacturing operations remain profitable and resilient against market volatility.

[steelindustryman]

Discover the Strength and Versatility of GI Flange

Q1: What are the key processes involved in the manufacture of GI flanges?

A: The key processes in the manufacture of GI flanges include:

Material Preparation: Raw materials like steel plates or sheets are cut to size.

Forming: The material is shaped into the flange design using processes like stamping or forging.

Welding: If needed, flanges may be welded to create specific designs.

Galvanization: The flanges are coated with zinc through hot-dip galvanization or electro-galvanization to enhance corrosion resistance.

Finishing: Final finishing processes include cleaning, inspection, and surface treatment to ensure quality.

Q2: Which materials are typically used in the production of GI flanges?

A: The primary material used in the production of GI flanges is carbon steel, which is coated with zinc to provide corrosion resistance. Depending on specific requirements, other materials such as stainless steel may also be used.

Q3: How do manufacturing standards affect the quality of GI flanges?

A: Manufacturing standards, such as ASTM, ANSI, and ISO, provide guidelines for the design, material specifications, and testing of GI flanges. Adhering to these standards ensures consistency, reliability, and safety in the final product, significantly affecting its overall quality.

Q4: What industries commonly utilize GI flanges?

A: GI flanges are commonly used in various industries, including:

Construction

Oil and gas

Water and wastewater treatment

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

Shipbuilding

Q5: Can you customize GI flanges according to specific project requirements?

A: Yes, GI flanges can be customized based on specific project requirements, including size, thickness, pressure rating, and design specifications, to meet the needs of different applications.

Q6: What certifications should a manufacturer of GI flanges have?

A: A manufacturer of GI flanges should ideally have certifications such as:

ISO 9001 (Quality Management System)

ISO 14001 (Environmental Management)

API (American Petroleum Institute) certifications for oil and gas applications

Other industry-specific certifications as required.

Q7: How does the manufacturing process ensure corrosion resistance in GI flanges?

A: Corrosion resistance is ensured through the galvanization process, where flanges are coated with zinc, which serves as a sacrificial anode. This protects the underlying steel from rust and corrosion when exposed to moisture and other corrosive elements.

Q8: What are the advantages of using GI flanges over other types of flanges?

A: The advantages of using GI flanges include:

Cost-Effectiveness: Generally less expensive than stainless steel flanges.

Corrosion Resistance: The zinc coating provides excellent protection against rust.

Versatility: Suitable for a wide range of applications and environments.

Strength and Durability: Good mechanical properties make them reliable under pressure.

Q9: How does the cost of manufacturing GI flanges compare to other flange types?

A: The cost of manufacturing GI flanges is typically lower than that of stainless steel or other specialty flanges, primarily due to the lower cost of raw materials and the manufacturing processes involved.

Q10: What quality control measures are in place during the manufacture of GI flanges?

A: Quality control measures during the manufacture of GI flanges may include:

Regular inspections and testing of raw materials.

In-process inspections to ensure dimensional accuracy and adherence to specifications.

Testing for corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and other relevant properties.

Final product inspections before shipment to ensure compliance with standards and customer specifications.

[bmspectra24]

Bangaloreans ka Dabba Gul

The Mumbai Dabbawalas are a remarkable example of an efficient food delivery service that has been operating in the bustling metropolis of Mumbai since the late 1800s. Their primary function is to deliver home-cooked meals from customers’ homes to their workplaces, catering primarily to the city's office workers who crave the comfort of home-cooked food during their busy workdays. The Dabbawalas managed to deliver around 200,000 meals daily, relying on a complex yet effective logistical framework that incorporates traditional methods with an understanding of the local urban landscape. Each Dabbawala is responsible for picking up tiffin boxes filled with freshly prepared meals in the morning, which are then sorted and delivered to the correct locations using a unique color-coded system. This coding system allows them to identify the destination of each tiffin at a glance, ensuring that deliveries are completed with remarkable accuracy. The entire process, from collection to delivery, is meticulously timed, with most Dabbawalas finishing their rounds in under six hours, thanks to their deep familiarity with the city’s geography and public transportation systems.

Transportation plays a crucial role in the Dabbawalas' operations. They primarily take advantage of the city’s local train system to cover greater distances quickly. This multi-modal approach not only increases their efficiency but also allows them to avoid the heavy traffic that can often paralyze the city. Each Dabbawala typically handles around 30 to 40 tiffin’s each day, working in teams to streamline operations further. In recent years, the Mumbai Dabbawalas have faced several challenges that threaten their traditional business model. One significant issue is the increasing competition from modern food delivery services, such as Swiggy and Zomato, which offer a wide variety of cuisines and the convenience of online ordering through apps. These platforms have capitalized on the growing demand for diverse dining options and fast delivery times, drawing customers away from the Dabbawala system, which primarily focuses on home-cooked meals. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic posed unprecedented challenges, such as remote working arrangements which drastically reduced the number of office-goers in Mumbai, resulting in a substantial drop in daily deliveries. Furthermore, the increasing cost of living and inflation have impacted their earnings, as the cost of raw materials for the meals has risen, putting additional financial strain on both the Dabbawalas and their customers.

Task at Hand

The Mumbai Dabbawalas have decided to expand to Bangalore and as the CEO of Mumbai Dabbawallas plan your expansion strategy for introducing the service in the ‘IT Hub of India’

Deliverables

A report (minimum 5 pages) and a PPT (minimum 7 slides) consisting of:

1. Business model for the new city

2. Phase Wise Implementation Plan & Growth Strategies

3. Unconventional Marketing Strategies

4. Technological Integration (if any)

5. Outline of your Targeted Locations in Bangalore

6. Financials for the Project.

[completewarehousesolutions]

Optimize Your Space with Modern Warehouse Racking Systems

A warehouse is a well-organized and planned space used to manage a company's merchandise. To effectively design a warehouse or distribution center, it is important to consider its purpose and desired outcomes, especially for your pallet racking.

Key Factors in Warehouse Layout Design

With that in mind, the following factors should be taken into account for the layout of our warehouse, depending on the product type and company characteristics:

A good storage system offers a range of benefits, including access to a vast number of references on pallets, as well as direct access to smaller references.

With the ability to constantly relocate items based on seasonal demand and group together similar lines, our system ensures maximum efficiency. Our pickers can work at top speed without interference from other pickers or stock replacements, allowing for seamless operations.

Additionally, you can monitor your stock in real-time and have full visibility of all products and references.

Racking systems and handling equipment are designed for optimal ergonomics, while our physical locations allow for easy placement of products based on their stock depletion levels (high, medium, or low).

All of this needs to be achieved at a controlled cost with a guaranteed return on investment. Plus, our maintenance services are designed to be profitable and we offer the flexibility to enable shift work as needed.

And, should your needs expand in the future with more references, pallets or picking units, our system can easily be extended and modified accordingly.

Components of a Warehouse or Distribution Centre's Layout

What are the components of a warehouse or distribution center's layout?

An essential aspect of the design of a warehouse or distribution center is its layout, which involves planning the distribution and organization of both external and internal spaces.

This process can have a significant impact on the supply chain, whether it is due to the acquisition of a new warehouse, expansion, or remodeling. The efficiency of managing stocks stored in the warehouse must be reflected in its layout, such as for storing raw materials or finished products.

The design should encompass multiple elements, including the interior and exterior arrangement of the warehouse, the number of floors, installations (electrical, architectural, ventilation), environmental conditions, safety measures, and industrial racking systems for different areas.

Key Components in Warehouse Layouts

Every efficient warehouse, no matter the size or industry, requires a set of key components that serve as the foundation for its layout. These components must be strategically placed and organized to ensure optimal efficiency for the entire operation. It is crucial to carefully consider the layout within each component, as they all play a role in the overall efficiency of the warehouse. Let's take a look at the essential components that should be included and well-arranged in any warehouse layout.

Receiving Area

The unloading, checking in, and sorting of incoming shipments takes place in the receiving area, located within the warehouse. This area is usually connected to a receiving bay, allowing for convenient access for trucks and vehicles delivering goods. Ideally, the receiving area should be situated next to the storage area for efficient movement of incoming items to their designated places.

Storage Area

The inventory is stored in a designated area until it is needed for order fulfillment. This storage space needs to be both orderly and easily accessible, with direct access to the receiving and packing areas.

Common features of a storage area include pallet racks and shelving units specifically used for storing inventory. By ensuring an efficient layout, the storage area can effectively minimize travel time, increase order picking precision, and improve overall inventory management efficiency.

Packing Area

The packing area is where orders are prepared for shipment after being selected. It is usually located adjacent to the storage area and shipping bay. To expedite the shipping process, packing areas should prioritize increased efficiency and precision while also prioritizing the well-being and safety of workers.

Shipping Area

The shipping area is where outgoing orders are processed and readied for delivery. Situated within the warehouse, it is the opposite of the receiving area. The location typically includes a connection to a shipping bay on one side and direct entry to the parking area on the other.

Efficient warehouse designs take into consideration ample space in the shipping area for tasks such as pallet wrapping and using machinery like pallet jacks and forklifts. Additionally, there is a room designated for organizing completed orders that will soon be transported by truck for distribution.

Facility Support Areas

Facility support areas, including restrooms, employee break rooms, and management offices, play a vital role in the daily functioning of the facility. Restrooms need to be conveniently located for workers, while office space should be situated near receiving and/or shipping areas to facilitate tasks such as processing invoices, communicating with clients, suppliers, and logistics companies, and managing other day-to-day responsibilities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whether your business operates on a small scale or requires large-scale storage, Complete Warehouse Solutions in Lake Illawarra, NSW 2528, has the expertise to provide tailored warehouse racking solutions. With our commitment to maximizing space and improving efficiency, we can help you streamline your operations and boost productivity.

[udhhyog2]

SS 304 Flange: Features, Applications, and Price List

The SS 304 flange is a key component in the world of industrial piping, offering outstanding durability, corrosion resistance, and strength. Whether you're managing a large-scale industrial project or a smaller application, SS 304 flanges play a vital role in ensuring secure and leak-proof connections. In this article, we will explore the features, applications, and pricing of SS 304 flanges, along with the latest SS 304 flange price list. At Udhhyog, we provide high-quality SS 304 flanges at competitive prices to meet all your project needs.

What is SS 304 Flange?

SS 304 flange refers to a flange made from Stainless Steel 304, an austenitic steel known for its excellent corrosion resistance, strength, and versatility. Grade 304 stainless steel is composed of 18% chromium and 8% nickel, making it highly resistant to rust and other forms of corrosion in both mild and harsh environments.

Flanges are used to connect pipes, valves, pumps, and other equipment in piping systems, ensuring a secure seal and facilitating easy assembly, disassembly, and maintenance. The SS 304 flange is one of the most commonly used types of stainless steel flanges in industries like oil and gas, chemical processing, food production, and water treatment.

Key Features of SS 304 Flanges

Corrosion Resistance The high chromium and nickel content in SS 304 flanges makes them resistant to corrosion from chemicals, moisture, and gases, making them ideal for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Heat Resistance SS 304 flanges can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for steam lines, hot water systems, and other high-temperature applications.

Strength and Durability SS 304 flanges offer excellent mechanical strength, ensuring reliable performance even under high pressure. They are durable, long-lasting, and require minimal maintenance.

Ease of Fabrication These flanges are easy to weld and machine, allowing for customization based on specific project requirements. Whether you need special dimensions or configurations, SS 304 flanges are highly adaptable.

Versatility From chemical plants to marine environments, SS 304 flanges are used in a wide range of industries due to their resilience and ability to perform in extreme conditions.

Applications of SS 304 Flanges

SS 304 flanges are used in various industrial sectors, including:

Chemical Processing: With their ability to withstand corrosive chemicals and extreme temperatures, SS 304 flanges are frequently used in chemical plants and processing facilities.

Food and Beverage Industry: The sanitary properties of SS 304 make it a popular choice for food processing and packaging systems.

Oil and Gas Industry: The durability and resistance to corrosion make SS 304 flanges ideal for pipelines in the oil and gas sector.

Water Treatment: In water treatment plants, where corrosion and exposure to water are constant, SS 304 flanges provide reliable, long-lasting performance.

Pharmaceutical Industry: These flanges are suitable for pharmaceutical applications due to their hygienic properties and resistance to contamination.

Factors Influencing SS 304 Flange Prices

When considering the price of SS 304 flanges, several factors can affect the cost. Here's what you should consider:

Material Costs Fluctuations in the price of stainless steel raw materials, especially nickel and chromium, can impact the price of SS 304 flanges.

Size and Type of Flange Larger flanges or those with specialized designs (such as weld neck, slip-on, or blind flanges) are typically priced higher due to the additional material and labor required for production.

Surface Treatment and Finishing Flanges with additional surface treatments, such as polishing or galvanization, may have a higher price, especially if intended for use in corrosive environments.

Manufacturing Precision SS 304 flanges that undergo precision manufacturing processes, such as forging or CNC machining, are generally priced higher, but they offer superior performance and quality.

Quantity Bulk purchases usually offer better pricing. At Udhhyog, we provide attractive discounts for bulk orders, making our flanges more affordable for large-scale projects.

Market Demand Market conditions and demand for stainless steel products can also affect the price of SS 304 flanges.

SS 304 Flange Price List

Here’s a general price overview for common sizes of SS 304 flanges:

1 inch SS 304 flange: ₹300 to ₹650 per piece

2 inch SS 304 flange: ₹400 to ₹850 per piece

3 inch SS 304 flange: ₹600 to ₹1,400 per piece

4 inch SS 304 flange: ₹900 to ₹2,100 per piece

6 inch SS 304 flange: ₹1,600 to ₹3,500 per piece

Please note that these prices are subject to change based on market trends, material costs, and supplier terms. For an accurate and up-to-date SS 304 flange price list, we encourage you to contact Udhhyog directly.

Why Choose Udhhyog for SS 304 Flanges?

At Udhhyog, we are committed to providing high-quality SS 304 flanges at the most competitive prices. Here’s why businesses trust us:

Superior Quality: Our flanges are manufactured using premium-grade SS 304 stainless steel, ensuring maximum durability and performance.

Affordable Prices: We offer some of the most competitive prices in the market, along with bulk purchase discounts.

Customization: We can customize the dimensions and finishes of flanges to meet your project’s specific requirements.

Strict Quality Control: All our flanges undergo rigorous quality checks to ensure they meet industry standards for performance and safety.

Timely Delivery: Our streamlined supply chain ensures that orders are delivered on time, helping you stay on schedule.

[greentekkid-blog]

5 Myths About Bioplastic Utensils Debunked

In the quest for more sustainable living, bioplastic utensils have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cutlery. However, like many innovative solutions, bioplastic utensils are surrounded by a range of myths and misconceptions. In this blog, we’ll debunk five common myths about bioplastic utensils and provide the facts you need to make informed choices. Contact us for more information or shop all of our products.

Myth 1: Bioplastic Utensils Are Just as Harmful as Regular Plastic

Debunked: One of the most pervasive myths is that bioplastic utensils are no better for the environment than conventional plastic. While it’s true that not all bioplastics are created equal, many bioplastic utensils are made from renewable resources like cornstarch, sugarcane, or potato starch. These materials have a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastics. Moreover, many bioplastics are designed to be compostable, meaning they can break down into natural elements without leaving harmful residues, unlike traditional plastics which can persist in the environment for hundreds of years.

Myth 2: Bioplastic Utensils Don’t Compost Properly

Debunked: Another misconception is that bioplastic utensils do not compost effectively and end up in landfills, just like regular plastic. The truth is, bioplastics require specific conditions to break down, such as industrial composting facilities where temperatures and humidity are controlled. While it’s true that these utensils won’t decompose as quickly in a backyard compost, in the right conditions, they can turn into compost within a few months, contributing to soil health rather than pollution.

Myth 3: Bioplastic Utensils Are Not Durable

Debunked: There’s a common belief that bioplastic utensils are flimsy and less durable than their traditional plastic counterparts. However, advancements in bioplastic technology have led to the production of utensils that are not only strong and sturdy but also heat-resistant and capable of handling various types of food. Many users find that high-quality bioplastic utensils can perform just as well as, if not better than, conventional plastic ones.

Myth 4: Bioplastic Utensils Are Too Expensive

Debunked: While it’s true that bioplastics were once more expensive due to limited production and higher material costs, the increasing demand for sustainable products has led to greater production efficiency and a reduction in costs. Today, the price difference between bioplastic and traditional plastic utensils is narrowing, making them a more accessible option for consumers and businesses alike. Additionally, the environmental benefits of choosing bioplastics can outweigh the slight cost difference, especially when considering the long-term impact on the planet.

Myth 5: Bioplastic Utensils Contribute to Deforestation

Debunked: Some critics argue that the production of bioplastics leads to deforestation, as large areas of land are used to grow the crops needed for bioplastic production. However, the reality is more nuanced. Many bioplastic manufacturers source their raw materials from sustainably managed farms that use crop rotation and other environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, research is ongoing to develop bioplastics from non-food sources, such as agricultural waste, which would further reduce the environmental impact.

Conclusion

Bioplastic utensils represent a promising step towards reducing our reliance on traditional plastics. By debunking these myths, we hope to provide clarity and encourage more people to consider bioplastics as a viable, sustainable option. At GreenTek Planet, we’re committed to offering eco-friendly products that help protect our environment. Choose bioplastics with confidence, knowing that you’re making a positive impact on our planet.

[mutasharid]

@sunderedoldfriends requested a starter for Estinien:

For a gravely wounded man, the Warrior of Light was making quite a ruckus at the Barber's. The more sensible of the Healers had left, but one or two stubborn souls reminded behind to try and talk sense into the mage.

"I don't need to be attended to like some... invalid!" Vali raged while looking, if possible, even more angry than he had before he began to cough up specks of blood. He'd bellowed enough to strain his throat hoarse, held together with ruddy bandages that needed replacing, yet Arrzaneth had decided this was a feat he could manage on his own.

A roll of bandages was carefully gripped in his right hand, trying and failing to wrap it snug against the mangled remains oh his once dominant opposite. It had taken two weeks of sedation keeping him immobile, grafting the raw wound to a flap of skin on his lower abdomen above his hip. Once rooted, new skin began to form enough to remove it once more, at the cost of some bone and tissue remaining from the dregs of his necrotic middle digit. The remaining ring and pinky finger could barely move, trauma to the adjoining muscles and tissue having atrophied any dexterity he could perform.

An ugly line of stitches and stapling started a little below his sternum, the imperial viceroy's blade having caught him at a diagonal, carving into his chest to the shoulder.

Now that he was awake, all he could think about was the massacre that had unfolded at the Reach. How foolish he had been to think the empire was blind to their schemes and movements. He'd barely cobbled together some untrained young villagers to take up arms, convinced more sons and daughters of simple laborers to enlist and aid the Resistance. With those who remained with Commander Kemp after Baelsar's Wall, they barely had any numbers to rival that of an experienced legion.

The former Azure Dragoon's presence went barely noticed as Vali pulled at the bandages between his teeth, trying to knot the material and failing spectacularly. Growling out a frustrated noise of disgust, he curled his right hand into a fist and slammed it down on the wooden frame of the sick bed.