#Mechanical pipettes

[microlitseo]

Understanding the Different Types of Pipettes and Their Uses

Pipettes are indispensable tools in laboratories worldwide, playing a pivotal role in experiments that demand precision and accuracy. Whether you’re working in a research lab, a clinical setup, or an industrial environment, choosing the right type of pipette is crucial for achieving reliable results. Let’s explore the various types of pipettes, their unique features, and how they cater to specific applications.

1. Air-Displacement Pipettes

Air-displacement pipettes are among the most commonly used pipettes in laboratories. These pipettes use a piston mechanism to create a vacuum that draws liquid into the disposable tip. Their accuracy makes them ideal for applications such as molecular biology and biochemistry, where small liquid volumes must be measured precisely.

2. Positive Displacement Pipettes

Positive displacement pipettes operate differently, using a piston that directly contacts the liquid. This design eliminates air gaps, making them perfect for handling viscous, volatile, or dense liquids. Researchers working with samples like DNA solutions or hazardous chemicals often prefer positive displacement pipettes for their reliability and minimal contamination risk.

3. Single-Channel Pipettes

Single-channel pipettes are designed for transferring liquid one channel at a time. They’re a staple in labs, particularly for tasks requiring precision, such as preparing serial dilutions or pipetting individual samples. Their ergonomic designs ensure ease of use during repetitive tasks.

4. Multichannel Pipettes

Multichannel pipettes streamline workflows by enabling simultaneous liquid handling across multiple wells. These pipettes are indispensable in high-throughput environments like ELISA assays and plate-based studies, saving time and reducing repetitive strain.

5. Electronic Pipettes

Electronic pipettes bring automation to manual pipetting tasks, improving precision and efficiency. They feature programmable settings and minimal manual effort, making them an excellent choice for repetitive pipetting tasks or when working with delicate samples.

6. Mechanical Pipettes

Mechanical pipettes, also known as manual pipettes, are the traditional choice for scientists. They are robust, cost-effective, and reliable, making them suitable for general lab use. Their straightforward mechanism makes them a go-to option for routine procedures.

7. Micropipettes

Micropipettes are specialized pipettes designed for handling very small liquid volumes, often in the microliter range. They are widely used in genetics, microbiology, and other fields requiring precision at a microscopic scale. Microlit’s range of micropipettes is trusted for its accuracy and ergonomic design.

8. Serological Pipettes

Serological pipettes are often used for transferring larger liquid volumes. These graduated pipettes are a staple in cell culture labs and are typically used with a pipette controller for ease of operation.

9. Pasteur Pipettes

Pasteur pipettes, also called transfer pipettes, are simple and disposable. Made of glass or plastic, they are ideal for qualitative liquid transfers and are commonly used in microbiological and histological applications.

10. Volumetric Pipettes

Volumetric pipettes are designed for delivering a single, precise volume of liquid. Their high accuracy makes them ideal for analytical chemistry applications, such as preparing standard solutions and dilutions.

Choosing the Right Pipette for Your Application

Selecting the appropriate pipette depends on the nature of the experiment, the volume of liquid to be handled, and the required precision. For instance, multichannel pipettes are essential for high-throughput tasks, while micropipettes are indispensable for molecular biology work. Evaluating your lab’s specific needs can guide you toward the best choice.

Maintaining Your Pipettes for Longevity

Proper maintenance is key to ensuring the longevity and accuracy of pipettes. Regular calibration, cleaning, and storage in appropriate conditions prevent wear and tear. Investing in high-quality pipettes, like those from Microlit, ensures durability and consistent performance.

Microlit: Innovating Liquid Handling Solutions

Microlit is a trusted name in liquid handling equipment, offering a diverse range of pipettes tailored to modern laboratory needs. With a focus on ergonomic designs, precision engineering, and customer satisfaction, Microlit’s products stand out in the market. Explore their range to find the perfect pipette for your lab.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the different types of pipettes and their uses ensures that researchers and lab technicians make informed choices, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of their work. With advancements in pipette technology, tools like Microlit’s range of liquid handling solutions continue to push the boundaries of precision and reliability in laboratories worldwide.

[t00thpasteface]

i totally forgot to share this— check out the world's crappiest photo of dna gel electrophoresis! i'm taking a genetics lab and it's my first time working with mechanical pipettes that can draw up as small a sample as 0.01 μL. what you're (very blurrily) seeing here is dyed samples of dna suspended in a gel matrix according to increasing molecular size and viewed under a blacklight!

[midstpodcast]

The music and sound design for Midst is absolutley masterful. You mentioned some cool and weird methods of making noises for the Fold - can you tell us of any other unconventional objects or noises youve used to create some of the tracks?

🎷: YES, YEP, I can tell you about cool and weird sounds ANYtime. Here’re a few fun ones in brief:

The Blinding’s sounds are heavily remixed and modified vocalizations from a variety of different types of seals.      

Years ago I had access to a storeroom full of defunct old A/V and electronic gear including old film projectors, vintage adding machines, typewriters, strange retro printers, and loads of other obscure electronics from the 50s-70s. I recorded tons of random audio in there of various contraptions doing various things, and a lot of that vintage machinery is what makes up the mechanical ambience of the Trust bank machines in the Central Vault and in Imelda’s mission.

S1E12 “Coda” was probably the most wild sound production episode of season 1, and I had several days of fun throwing myself bodily around the room, knocking over furniture, smashing pomagranates, and generally hyperventilating while semi-literally strangling myself. 10/10, would repeat. Good times. 

We decided that teletheric devices in Midst emit sound not with diaphragmatic speakers, but with organ-like pipettes that emit overtones (you can see them pictured in the episode icon for S1E03) – so processing audio in Midst to sound like it was coming out of a teletheric wasn’t just a simple process of making it sound “radio-y” with some EQing, but rather a fun techno-anthropological process of converting audio into mechanically-accurate harmonic sidebands based on the technology in-universe that we decided was creating that sound.

The reality-eating sound of the Tearror consuming the cave in S2E04 is 75% the sound of my cat snoring and digesting his breakfast. I stuck a stereo mic under his belly while he napped and recorded the whoosh of his breathing, the pulse of his heartbeat, and the gurgle of his lil' cat intestines for use as the stuff of nightmares. Scary sounds can sometimes come from very cute places!

[nardo-headcanons]

Writing Scientist Characters

this post is mainly an excuse to post a certain list of lab supplies I've made for a friend and infodump about lab work. but feel free to use this as a little resource when writing characters who are scientists and/or lab nerds. who knows, maybe it'll be of use.

General thoughts

Many people think it's a stereotype that scientist or nerd characters talk using complex technical jargon. While that is true to an extent, there actually is some kind of lab jargon. It varies across different labs and fields, but one thing they have in common is that it seeks to simplify, not the other way around.

gelelectrophoresis becomes elpho

microbiology becomes mibi

deioninized water becomes aqua dist

biochemistry becomes BC

sodium hydroxide becomes NaOH

They will probably not call a glass of water "silicon dioxide and h2o".

...and more. feel free to get creative. If you're writing in any other language than English, you can throw in one or two anglicisms as well. Also, most scientists will never gatekeep their work, and in an opposite fashion, will not shut up about it unless you make them. And no, most chemists do not know the entire periodic table by heart, only the most relevant elements. (main groups and a few commonly used metals of the subgroups) When it comes to characters doing the lab work, keep in mind that there are a lot more people involved than the scientist themself. Most scientists are more occupied with paperwork and data analysis, it is the laboratory technicians and assistants that do most of the practical work. They often have more lab experience than the scientists themselves.

Things you can have your lab nerd character do instead of making random chemicals explode

writing a lab report (and losing their mind over excel)

degreasing the glass bevel stoppers

removing the permanent marker from beakers (labeling is important)

complaining about the lack of funding of [their field] research

cleaning glassware

preparing specimen for examination

googling the most basic equations for their report

checking if the glassware and utensil collections are complete

steal single use plastic pipettes from their lab

pirating expensive textbooks

A list of laboratory supplies and utensils you can have them work with

Laboratory general (chem + bio)

Erlenmayer flasks, beakers, precision scales (3 digits), glass rods, metal spoons/spatulas, screw on glass flasks (autoclave compatible) test tubes, stopcock grease, dispensers with sanitizer and hand cream, gas burners, heating plates, eppendorf pipettes, pipette tips, Peleus pipetting aids, squirting bottles, liquid and powder funnels, incubator/drying chamber, round watch glasses, magnet stirring plates.

Microbiology Autoclave, petri dishes, agar plates, innoculation loops (reusable and metal), clean bench, microscope slides, microscope, drigalski-spatula, test tubes with clamping lids

Histology

Paraffin bath, water bath, scalpels, scissors, razor blades, microtomes (rotating microtome, slide microtome and freezing microtome), histocinette, tweezers (various kinds), ocular

Biochemistry

Sequencing robots, eppendorf tubes, gelelectrophoresis chambers, centrifuge

Analytical Chemistry

Photometer, kuvettes, burettes, mass spectro meters, UV bank (for chromatogrophies), pyknometers, melting point meter, porcelain mortars, pH paper, analytical scales (4 or more digits)

Prep Chemistry

Tripod/standing material, miniature lifting platforms, spiral condenser, colon condenser, round bottom flask (three necked and y- necked), filtration material, Separating funnel

Electrical engineering

Electric generators, Soldering iron, Clamp connectors, plugin connectors, ohm’s resistors, plug in lamps, condensers, transistors, PCBs, amperemeters, voltmeters, multimeters

Mechanics

Tripod/standing material, metal hooks, metal rods, mechanical stop watches, marbles, metal springs, Newton meters, laser motion detectors

Optics

Prisma (various kinds), various glass lenses (concave, convex, biconcave, biconvex), laser pointers, optical bench, mechanical iris diaphragm, looking glasses, monochrome lamps, lamp filters

Most used chemicals

Deionized water, ethanol, NaOH, HCl, H3PO4, NaCl (+ physiological NaCl solution 0.9)

Useful websites for writing science stuff

DNA sequence generator (simple): http://www.faculty.ucr.edu/~mmaduro/random.htm

DNA, RNA and protein sequence generator: https://molbiotools.com/randomsequencegenerator.php Annealing temperature calculator: https://tmcalculator.neb.com/#!/main

Medicine name generator: https://www.fantasynamegenerators.com/medicine-names.php Anything chemistry related: https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=chemistry

Commonly used software:

MS Excel

Yenka

CASSY Lab

LabView

SpectraLab

LIMS

LaTex

Slack

Scientist friends, feel free to add onto this.

Have fun writing!

[shhtickerbook]

Burnt Sugar

Wonka agere one shot fic! for all those asking for more CG! lofty content. This was very self indulgent and comforting for me heh. As always A03 link below or just read under cut!

-

Willy Wonka was sitting at his workbench, his chocolate making case taking up the whole table. A line of multicoloured corked bottles sitting on a shelf beside, each labelled with a symbol. (it was much easier than reading small lettering)

With extreme care he used a pipette to sample out just a few drops of liquid sunlight, dropping it into the glass spiral condenser. The amber bead travelling down the clear corkscrew before it made contact into a heated flask filled with a light blue serum. It was supposed to turn an aqua hue, but instead it became more of a mint green. Willy frowned in annoyance, tapping the glass gently to try and encourage it to mix further. Stubbornly it remained the same, it didn’t make sense, he was sure his measurements were correct. Biting in his lower lip as his foot shook up and down as he concentrated.

Very carefully again, he transferred one more drop of the golden liquid through the pipette. But squeezed the dropper a little too hard with his shaking hands, Willy cursing under his breath. He was exhausted to say the least, the past few days had been filled with constant recipe revisions and experiments. This batch was to be of his new idea! Mood lollipops, the idea was that with each lick the candy would change hue and flavour to match your mood. But the mechanics of it were proving to be insanely complex. Scattered papers and sketches of blueprints and experiments littered all around the tabletop and room.

With the excess force added to the dropper, far more than what he wanted poured into the mix. The aqua base quickly turned bright, almost neon green, not before it began to bubble worryingly.

“Nonono-“

Wonka muttered, pulling at his hair anxiously. Quickly he scrambled through his case in search of an ingredient to try and balance out the PH of the elixir. Just managing to find something that could work, but by the time he had turned around the solution was boiling furiously, a foam starting to build and ride up through the glass tubing. Willy didn’t know what to do, he was about to lose hours of work. He pressed his thumb against the neck of the tube, but the green candy mixture rose up to meet his skin, which was burning hot.

“Owwwch!”

He yelped as he removed his hand, the molten sugar having burned a small circle onto his thumb. Sucking on it hard to try and relieve the pain, having to watch in defeat as his hours of work pumped out of the tubing, emerald foam spilling out across his desk. Molten candy mixture spreading over everything, his plans and other important equipment.

Wonka’s face screwed up, clenched hands shaking in frustration. All that work for nothing, the experiments and a complete waste of expensive ingredients, all for him to mess it up and ruin all of it. It wasn’t often Willy got angry, it just wasn’t the kind of person he was. But this was too much, frustration bubbling over just like the melted candy had. In one sweep he attacked his work station, the spiral conductor being thrown from the table and smashing into splinters against the floor. Thick molten candy also exploding into his wall and floor, fusing itself to the surface. Willy scared himself with the noise, flinching away in alarm. He hadn’t meant to destroy it, instantly regretting his decision. The glass spiral now lying in three pieces across the floor.

Said conductor was one of his first pieces of equipment he got, it was whilst he was travelling through Germany in search of ingredients. He’d been feeling under the weather and visited a local chemist, who then introduced him to his laboratory equipment. A world of beakers, flasks, and more. Upon discussion he had the idea of using the them to expand his chocolate making. The old man sold him that conductor for half the usual price, as well as the exchange of a few chocolates of course.

Willy stood in silence as he stared at what he’d done. The smell of burning sugar filling the room horribly. The realisation of what he’d done only made him feel even worse, holding the back of his chair before kicking it over. He didn’t care anymore. Mood lollipops were a stupid idea anyways, he tried to reassure himself. He stepped back before falling to floor, biting hard on his lip. Childish tears threatening to fall, but he squeezed his eyes shut tight to keep them at bay.

He was so caught up in his misery that he didn’t notice the door creaking open, the sound of very small boots entering. Followed by a shocked exclaim in a pertinent voice.

“Willy Wonka what on EARTH has happened in here.”

The Oompa Loompa had heard such commotion from the workshop, having to come investigate. He wasn’t expecting to see such carnage inside, glass and melted sugar everywhere. Putting down a teacup he had in hand, he carefully stepped over broken glass as he looked around in horror at the mess. Willy groaned at the arrival of Lofty, his head buried in his hands. It was the last person he wanted to be around right now.

“Go-way”

He mumbled miserably, he didn’t have the brain to deal with Loftys judgment. But he wasn’t going to get out of it that easily, especially not from Lofty of all people.

“Not a chance, look at the mess you’ve made in here? Why there’s melted sugar stuck to the ceiling of all places!”

He looked up in horror, kicking away pieces of glass as he approached the chocolatier. Who was curled up on himself in complete defeat. Even Lofty realised that he was clearly feeling quite woeful right now, sighing sympathetically.

“Nevermind, we can deal with all this later. Out you get before you break anything else”

The Oompa Loompa barked out the order as he pinched his brow, tugging at Wonkas sleeve. He knew that Willy had been working himself too hard over the last couple days, and was clearly in need of some TLC. But yet again he was ignored, which he didn’t appreciate in the slightest. Placing two hands on his hips he spoke again, more firmly.

“Willy Wonka you are to get up immediately, you’ve been working yourself silly and this nonsense is clearly a direct result of it.”

He gestured again to the mess, Willy lifting his head to look at it apprehensively. It somehow looked even worse, and the state of his favourite conductor broken on the floor just upset him further.

“Leave me ‘lone”

He murmured wearily, glaring at the Oompa Loompa. Who just returned the expression with a glare, meaning business. From the tone of his voice, Lofty began to suspect the boys current state of mind. His tone of voice and body language giving it away.

“I’m not going anywhere, now. OUT.”

His voice rising sternly, Willy jumping at the noise. Before glaring hard and standing to his feet, towering over Lofty as he snarled.

“FINE!”

Wonka yelled back, stomping his way out of room. Nearly bowling the Oompa Loompa right over. Whilst leaving, his boot collided with the last remaining spiral of his conductor. Splintering entirely underneath his shoe, he paused for a moment before continuing outside. Willy felt as if his body was filled with boiling oil, ready to explode just like his chemistry supplies. He marched through his flat, not even sure what to do with himself. He felt overwhelmed, tired, frustrated and any other possible word for just plain horrible! It didn’t help when the set of small footsteps followed behind him curtly.

“Careful! You’re going to track glass throughout the house with that stomping.”

Lofty commented, but it only further aggravated Wonkas mood. His pretentious tone of voice feeling like nails on a chalkboard to his already sour mood. Turning around suddenly as he stopped him in his tracks, Lofty looking up cool as ever with his teacup back in hand.

“Oh don’t you ever SHUT UP!”

Willy threw out his arm, accidently hitting the teacup from Loftys hand. It smashed against the door frame before exploding into ceramic shards.

-

There was a terrible long silence for a moment, once again Willy highly regretting what he’d just done in a temper. Lofty looked at the remains on the floor as his took a breath in, trying to keep his own composure. It was one of his cups from Loompa Land, he had a few others, but it was still a sentimental item from his home. The clay itself collected from the river that ran through the island, before being fired in a uniquely designed Loompa kiln. It was a lengthy process, but the island produced some of the most beautiful ceramic.

He looked right up, making eye contact with the chocolatier. His face was unnervingly neutral in expression, that’s when Willy realised just how big a trouble he was in. Lofty lifted a hand and motioned for Willy to lean down, remaining his stone cold expression.

“Whilst I can understand that you’re feeling upset, that wasn’t acceptable behaviour.”

His tone was slightly different, extremely serious but still gentle. As if someone slowly poured a glass of icy cold water down the back of his shirt. Willy felt his sleeve being pulled, before being taken by surprise as Lofty briskly lead him away. He had to hunch over due to his tiny stature, and tried to pull away. Somehow Lofty’s grip was incredibly strong regardless of his size.

“What are you doing? Let go of me!”

Willy had meant for his tone to come off commanding, but it came out instead as pathetic and whiny. Giving the exact opposite impression he wanted to convey.

“If you are so intent on behaving like a child, then you are going to be treated as such.”

Lofty continued as he led the man into the sitting room, pointing towards the corner where a circular woven rug sat. Willy looking in complete bewilderment, wondering what in the world Lofty was playing at.

“Sit. There. Ten minutes”

Willy frowned in confusion before chuckling in utter disbelief. Once again trying to jerk away from the iron grip on his sleeve.

“You’ve got to be joking me-“

“Oh I certainly am not. If you are choosing to act out like this then you’re going to be treated accordingly.”

He stated, no longer willing to tolerate this misbehaviour. He was well aware that Wonka had times in which he felt younger than his physical age, and all this behaviour pointed towards him feeling so. Acting like a complete brat must be his way to communicate said emotions.

“I-Im not going to be put into a timeout”

Willy said defensively, hating it even more so when he could feel his defensives starting to crumble. The tone of voice and instructions making him feel very vulnerable. His reaction only furthered Lofty’s suspicions of his dwindling headspace.

“Are you sure about that? Because I disagree.”

Lofty firmly pulled him to the corner, before tugging hard down. It was remarkable how strong he was, considering his size. The jolt unsteadying Wonka as he fell onto his rear. It didn’t hurt, but paired with Lofty’s firm expression and his already sensitive emotions?

It made him feel too vulnerable and small, swallowing hard to keep down any tears. But even still against his own self control, a few dribbled over. Curling in on himself as he sniffled to himself miserably, it seemed to be the last straw for his headspace slipping.

Even Lofty sympathetically shook his head at the sorry sight, but had a suspicion that it was what he needed. Wonka was the type of person who far too often bottled up any negative emotion, always trying to keep his signature (and often irritating optimism)

So pulling a pocket watch from his waistcoat, he checked the time.

“Your ten minutes begin now”

Willy looked up with a glare, he didn’t want to wait ten minutes. It wasn’t fair, he hadn’t meant to break Loftys silly teacup. Although there was a part of him that felt guilty about it, it was a pretty teacup. He watched as the Oompa Loompa turned on his heel, gathering each shard of ceramic from the floor.

Wonka didn’t even know why he had even entertained this silly idea, but with his current headspace Willy couldn’t stop the onslaught of tears, mixed with self pity and overwhelm. Whining and groaning from pure frustration, wanting any kind of attention. He wanted Lofty to come over and apologise for putting him here, or at least offer some kind of response. But Lofty didn’t react at all, just continuing to clean. The lack of any kind of reaction though infuriated Willy further.

He’d been placed onto the oval rug, legs tucked up to his chest. So with a huff he kicked both his legs out from underneath him, boots slamming onto the floorboards with a loud clunk. Lofty was faced away as he swept the broken crockery, but sighed before responding.

“Please remove your shoes from the floor, I don’t want you leaving scuff marks on the mahogany”

He sternly requested, Willy swallowing and instinctively pulling his feet back. Cursing himself for being so easily scolded, it was something about his tone of voice that just cut through him like butter. It just built even more anger and frustration within himself. He was scowling to himself when he thought came to mind, remove his shoes Lofty told him.

Fine. He’ll remove his shoes alright. Fumbling a little with the laces, Willy untangled the lace from his boot. Grabbing ahold of the sole he pulled hard to get it off, holding the boot to his chest with a frown. Before he could change his mind, he raised the boot high above his head. And in one angry motion he hurled the shoe hard, colliding with the doorway where Lofty was disposing of the mess. A chunk of the skirting board chipped off from the projectile hitting from such force.

The Oompa Loompa jumped in surprise at the projectile, but still retained his cool exterior. Taking another deep breath to regulate himself, he knew a reaction was exactly what Wonka was trying to get out of him. So he calmly just pulled out his pocket watch once again, resetting the timer with a sigh and a shaking head.

“Congratulations Mr Wonka, you have now had your time reset , with an added five minutes for throwing that shoe. Even think about doing the same with the other one, and you can trust me when I say you’ll be spending the rest of the evening on that mat.”

He spoke with a dead serious tone, turning to look Willy directly in the eye to show he really really meant it. Wonka’s angry body language visibly deflating like a balloon, shrinking down. He knew that Lofty wasn’t taking any more of his tricks. He couldn’t even be naughty properly, just like how he couldn’t finish that stupid recipe. With only one boot on he tucked his legs back under his chin, sniffing as he felt his eyes watering. This time he couldn’t hold it in, bursting into floods of tears. Quickly escalating into bubbling sobs, everything all at once crashing in on itself.

Willy couldn’t even tell what he was crying about, whether it breaking his condenser, yelling at Lofty or being scolded at for throwing the stupid shoe. It seemed to be days of pent up emotion just exploding out of him. His cries ended up hitching and hiccuping , making his head throb horribly. It felt as if he’d been marooned on this silly carpet for hours. After five minutes his sorrowful howling had escalated to the point where he wasn’t sure if he could breathe, any time he tried to stop he just dissolved into panicked sobs again.

Lofty knew that he had no option but to intervene at this point, regardless of his punishment. Slowly walking over before sitting down across from him on the floor.

“Alright you’re going to make yourself sick at this rate, you’re not taking in enough air with your silly gasping.”

Willy looked up through his tears to see the Oompa Loompa sitting across from him. Although still amongst the meltdown, he glared at him.

“Go-a-WAY!”

He yelled as best he could, but his voice cracked and whimpered which ruined the effect he wanted yet again.

“Not happening I’m afraid. Now try take in some deep breaths with me, before you keel over from lack of oxygen.”

Willy’s head was in-fact feeling a bit dizzy, as were his hands that were beginning to tingle with pins and needles. As if he had a fizzy soda pop running through his veins. It was difficult to try and break out of the cycle of hyperventilation, watching closely as Lofty demonstrated. Who placed an orange hand to his stomach, before breathing in deeply.

“Copy as such, hold a hand over your belly and breathe in, hold it for a few moments before letting go. Feel your stomach rise in and out the way as you do so.”

Willy found this all rather silly sounding, but decided to give him the benefit of the doubt. Even if Lofty had been so mean as to put him in timeout. He took in the breath, but halfway through it hitched again. Falling back into the unhelpful gasping.

“Try again, with me this time”

Loftys tone was still firm, but gentle also. Willy swallowing as fat tears kept on spilling over. He nodded and tried again, holding his hands over his belly. This time successfully taking in a deep breath and feeling his stomach rising and falling. He carried on following Lofty’s example for a couple minutes, and although the torrent of tears hadn’t stopped, Willy had managed to calm down a little.

“That’s much better, now would you say we’re done with the tantrum at last? I fear for the house’s interior if we plan on throwing any more shoes.”

Willy nodded tearfully, looking over at the ceramic shards that had been swept into a pile, sitting to the chunk that had been chipped from the skirting board from the boot. Then remembering the mess in his workshop he caused, he just ruined everything.

“Mmso-sorry..”

Face screwing up again, swallowing to try keep himself from falling to pieces again. Lofty sighed sympathetically, shaking his head as he unfolded a handkerchief from his waistcoat.

“Now that’s enough of that, I know it was an accident- well at least some of it was. Regardless, from the look of it you’ve served your time anyways.”

Lofty checking his pocket and watch before he stood up to daub around the chocolatiers hot teary face. A surprisingly gentle and kind action that was quite unheard of coming from Lofty. The fabric was extremely soft, there was even a pretty design embroidered onto it. He was then handed the cloth once Lofty was satisfied with his mopped up eyes.

“Now blow that nose of yours, you’ve probably given yourself a terrible headache.”

Wonka sniffed with a nod, but felt the pretty stitching with his fingers. It felt a little sacrilegious to make it gross by blowing his nose into it.

“It’s too- pretty”

Willy mumbled, the corners were stitched with tiny little exotic flowers and vines. Maybe they were the ones you got in Loompa land. It was a shame that he didn’t spend too much time there on his travels, only a quick stop in search of cocoa beans.

“It’s quite alright, keep it if you’d like. I can always make another.”

Lofty said flippantly, seeing a flicker of a smile in Wonka’s face at the gift. Although it wasn’t like he deserved it from how miserable he’d been acting. It was clear that with Lofty’s small hands he could then create the smallest and most intricate detail.

Even still, Willy didn’t want to ruin it. Stuffing the hanky into his pocket before resolving to use his sleeve to wipe his nose. Much to Loftys utter disgust, Willy just hoping that he wouldn’t change his mind on the gift.

“Ugh, and I give you a perfectly good handkerchief for nothing”

Lofty spoke, shaking his head in disappointment. For the first time Willy letting out a small chuckle, although still between the tears dribbling down his cheeks. Even Lofty couldn’t help but smirk, pleased to see that his spirits had lifted even a little.

“I suppose you can get off that mat now, I gather you’ve certainly learned your lesson.”

Loftys small hand patted Willy’s knee, who took in a deep breath as he nodded. Apart from the headache he already had, Willys head was feeling extremely fuzzy. The outburst had caused him to slip very small, very quickly. Thankfully Lofty had already connected the dots on that matter, and it was very clear Wonka was going to need some caring for this evening. Willy knuckled his bloodshot eyes as he stood up, feeling a slight head rush as he did so.

“Careful! Don’t need to add falling over and flattening me to the list of trouble today.”

Lofty warned, standing and dusting himself off. Looking up at Willy as he stood fidgeting with his hands. Not quite sure what to do with himself, thankfully Lofty took charge again. Despite his towering size over him, all he could see above him was a tired little child. One that seemed to be in desperate need of some comfort and rest.

“Come on then, let’s get you settled and into bed.”

Lofty held up his hand, just high enough so that Willy could hook a finger into the palm of his small hand. Willy allowing himself to be lead through the flat, his other hand making its way to his lips as he chewed on his thumbnail. It was only early evening, but Wonka felt exhausted regardless. The upset had taken all the energy from his system and left him drained and weary. Lofty swiftly delivered the boy to his bedroom, greeted by the warm red and pink tones decorated throughout.

Similar to his childhood home, Willy had a bed built into the wall much like his mother’s canal boat. The structure having a short ornate barrier that on the boat was meant to prevent one from falling out during a storm. Although no longer on the water, it was an aspect that Willy always found comforting. The raised sides creating a safe barrier, he often fell out of his ramshackle bed at scrubbits during the night when he stayed there. The hardboard flooring extremely unforgiving to your body when you fell upon it. Even still, there was also a homemade rag rug sitting on the floor beside. Noodle and her Mother had made it for him as a housewarming gift for when he first moved into his new home.

Willy let go of Lofty’s hand to kneel down on the floor to run his hand over said item. It was made from scrap pieces of multiple kinds of fabric tied together, he liked the texture of it.

All the while Lofty tutted at the rooms lack of organisation, disapprovingly picking up a discarded vest that was lying on the ground.

“Really Mr Wonka, you’re too old to be keeping your room in such a sorry state”

Lofty couldn’t help but comment, before looking over at the little chocolatier who was just kneeling on the carpet, running his hand over its surface, the other chewing on his thumb. Lofty realised his own irony of his comment, chuckling to himself.

“Well, perhaps not at the moment I see”

There was something endearing about Wonka like this, well apart from the tantrum. That part he could live without, but you can’t exactly pick and choose these things. Willy himself was feeling very small, head fuzzy and little. But especially tired, he was so sleepy. He hadn’t been sleeping properly for the past couple days, mind too busy with calculations for new candies and chocolate.

“You need to get into bed, get changed into your nightclothes and I’ll return in a few minutes with some sustenance.”

Lofty called, Willy turning away from the rug to look over with a weak nod. Eating and drinking properly was yet another matter that he’d been neglecting. By his bed sat a drawer containing his nightclothes, deciding to just shuffle on his rear over rather than walk.

Willy ended up deciding on his favourite pair, an incredibly soft magenta material. It had small gold buttons down the middle though, and he had a little trouble getting them done up. The fabric felt heavenly against his skin, the material reminding him of one of his mother’s old smocks. With his eyes closed he held the sleeve close to his cheek, just imagining the sweet smell of her perfume, a soft gentle tune being hummed.

On his bed he spied a familiar looking companion, a navy knitted toucan was peaking his beak from beneath the blanket. Willy pulling himself up to crawl onto his bed, carefully collecting his bird friend, Chester. Both button eyes looking up at his own red bloodshot ones from crying. He manoeuvred his wing to reach up and wipe his own eyes.

don’t cry willy, it’s okay

As Willy continued his imaginary conversation with the stuffed animal, Lofty re-entered the room. Holding a wooden tray with him, he couldn’t help a fond chuckle at seeing the man in some kind of whispered conversation with the inanimate object. Wonka heard said laugh though, head whipping around as he threw the plush behind him. His face burning scarlet, Lofty must find him so silly.

But the Oompa Loompa wasn’t phased in the slightest, shaking his head with a small knowing smile.

“I believe I’ve already met- Charles is it? Before, no need to throw him away in my presence”

He reassured indifferently with a shrug, Willy feeling a little better.

“Chester! name is Chester.”

He had to correct the mistake, frustrated that Lofty had once again forgotten his name. Lofty simply looked up and shook his head.

“My apologies Chester”

Willy then turned to pick up the toucan again, whose eyes had been a bit skewed by being thrown. Which gave him a very understandable expression of annoyance.

ouch! You’re lucky I didn’t split a seam there. Charles though huh? Makes me sound fancy, don’t mind it.

Willy held the bird close to his chest in apology, who thankfully was very forgiving. Lofty approaching and placing the tray on the side table. On it sat two drinks, one small mug of tea, and a glass bottle of what looked to be hot chocolate.

Willy blushed a little again at the sight of it, remembering it had been something Abacus had purchased for him. A rubber nipple was stretched over the neck of the glass bottle to keep it sealed.

“Abacus already warned me of your capability of spilling drinks when you’re feeling young, I thought especially right now, it’s what you need”

Lofty stated matter of factly, not willing to risk Wonka creating any more mess tonight. Willy looked down played with his fingers, feeling a bit torn on whether he wanted it or not. But before he could make a decision, Lofty caught sight of something, clicking his tongue.

“Oh for heavens sake let me fix those buttons, you’ve created quite a mess of it.”

Without hesitation he reached forward to fix them, unbuttoning and rebuttoning each row. Willy hasn’t even realised he’d buttoned each row into the wrong buttonhole, looking down to watch as Lofty small hands fixed the error. Chuffing to himself smugly when finished, Willy didn’t think he could feel any smaller. The simple action had sunk him even further into headspace, but he appreciated how Lofty took charge like this. There was no room for him to start second guessing or feel self conscious.

So when Lofty did offer the bottle afterwards, he didn’t hesitate and took it with both hands. It was hot, but not so hot that it burned. It was filled with a milky sweet hot chocolate, whilst Lofty sipped on his own dark mocha.

“Cmon, into bed now. I do say there may be a possibility of a story if you get settled quickly.”

With widened eyes Willy quickly scrambled beneath his blanket, he did love stories so. Abacus always read in his comforting baritone rumble, but he’d never had a story yet from Lofty. There was a small stack of hardback books piled underneath a shelf, yet another gift from Noodle. She knew how much Willy enjoyed books, whilst both little and big now. But he had a soft spot for these picture books, they were short and had easy rounded lettering.

Pointing at the stack once settled inside bed, Lofty began to sift through them. Smiling at the charming watercolour illustrations, each book was its own story but they seemed to all share the theme of the characters being animals who acted much the same as humans. Beginning to understand now that Willy struggled with decision making at the moment, Lofty chose one of the books himself. Settling on one which depicted a family of kittens performing household chores.

Willy smiled when recognising the title, reaching out to trace the covers illustration when Lofty perched on the bed beside him.

“Now are we all comfortable?”

Lofty turned to see the chocolatier tucked into bed, the small toucans beak hooked over the covers. Willy held the bottle in both hands, only realising now that he was quite peckish. The hot chocolate was soothing against his raw throat from crying, and he guzzled it down eagerly. Although he was quickly interrupted with a gentle nudge of the elbow from Lofty.

“You’ll give yourself hiccups again if you drink it too fast Wonka, it’s not going anywhere.”

He chastised, Willy releasing the grip on the bottle with a sheepish giggle. Lofty then returning to the book, reading out the title in a clear gentle tone.

“Five little Kittens…”

By the end of the story, the rest of the bottle had been drained to nothing. Willy loved the book, even more so with Lofty reading. He would often pause between pages to rely his own thoughts and comments, which made Willy laugh. Surprisingly Lofty also did voices! Lowering his pitch up and down for each of the different feline characters.

“Alright then, how about one more and you try get some rest.”

Lofty spoke quietly, wanting to settle the boy in hopes he would fall asleep. Willy’s eyelids were beginning to flutter, the hot chocolate having filled his belly with a bloom of warmth. Lofty just chose the next book in the stack, this one’s cover featuring a squirrel in a blizzard whilst he hid inside a tree trunk.

By the time that Lofty had gotten through the middle of the story, he heard a gentle rumbling from beside him. Willy Wonka completely out for the count, snoring softly with one hand still ahold of the glass bottle. It was an endearing sight, even Lofty couldn’t lie. With a fond chuckle, he laid a hand to gently stroke his brown curly hair from his face.

“I do say, I definitely prefer you like this.”

[thestitchesarchive]

They’re Not Cybertronian

It had been a joint effort between Arcee and Ultra Magnus to catch that Sweep, yet still a leviathan task- one where all the stars had aligned closely enough to finally subdue one of Scourge’s elusive huntsmen. For the rather clumsy, bumbling things they were, they were still far stronger (and far faster…) than they looked, and their numbers gave them a scary amount of strength. This one simply hadn’t been fast enough to rejoin the group.

It had also been very damaged in the fight, Magnus noted- it was a miracle it was even able to walk, with one of its wings barely hanging on by a few wires and deep lacerations and laser burns crosshatched across cracked blue plating. First Aid had nearly flipped his lid when they dragged it back to HQ- no Cybertronian should have to sit in a cell with such life-threatening wounds. Especially when there was almost no energon seeping out of any of those broken panels- a telltale sign of energon depletion. Despite Rodimus’s insistence, he and Perceptor had managed to make their claim on the Sweep, citing both Cybertronian war convention and repair for the sake of research as their excuse- maybe they could open this specimen up and figure out the secret to the mysterious strength of the Sweeps and those that they answered to.

But repair, as they found out, would not be any easy task- even in this state, the Sweep struggled and fought back against intubation- and only fell into stasis when Perceptor managed to wrangle a cord into it containing the strongest of cybersedatives.

That should’ve been a red flag- but Perceptor had chalked it up to the energon depletion, and curiosity had gotten the better of them already. First Aid took the lead in hooking the Sweep up to an energon drip, as Perceptor started removing pieces of the damaged abdominal plating, placing some of the more intact pieces on trays for further study.

They had no intent on fixing the Sweep’s external armor plates- no point in repairing the enemy more than what was vital- but there was massive internal damage that would need to be fixed if they wanted to see the Sweep survive the night. Once most of the armor plates were stripped, First Aid finally had his first look at the interior wiring of the subject, and his vents stopped in their tracks as he took it all in.

First Aid had been a medic for a long, long time now- he’d repaired hundreds of frames, opened up dozens of his compatriots- and even operated on Decepticon bodies, too. One could say he knew the anatomy of a Cybertronian like the back of his hand. But as he peered into the leaking, exposed innards of the Sweep on the table, for the first time since his Academy years, he couldn’t comprehend any of it.

The discrepancies in anatomy could not be attributed to the manufacturing differences of a Decepticon frame. In fact, the body did not look Cybertronian in origin at all- the thing on the table had no fuel tank, but four energon pumps- its spark casing was two times too big and had too many cables, and in three separate places, he found pistons that seemed to pump into nothing at all. Half of the vital Cybertronian circuits and parts were missing outright, or in wildly erroneous places- and that was all of the parts he understood.

In place of necessary components lay components completely alien to him, all whirring and ticking angrily as he tried to wrap his processor around what he was seeing. He found a leak in one of what might’ve been a main fuel line- instead of leaking pink, it dribbled an iridescent blackish-purple fluid. He tried to collect a sample of it, and the pipette disintegrated in contact with the substance.

Whatever was lying on his table was not Cybertronian, no matter what the frame it wore. It was more of a mockery of the mechanical body- like a freshly-minted medical student had taken access to loose parts and tried to play Primus with the Cybertronian frame. And the worst part was, they had succeeded. Despite all of the inconsistencies and incorrectly-placed parts, the resulting monstrosity was stronger, it was faster, and it was laying on the table before them.

And this was one of the weak ones. One of the hunters that served under Scourge, and under Cyclonus and Galvatron…

“Perceptor?” First Aid asked, venting slowly as he discarded the useless pipette. “What do we know about the manufacturer of the Sweeps?”

Perceptor didn’t answer First Aid at first. He was too focused on another part of the machinery- a deep laceration that had cleaved through the Sweep’s abdominal wiring. When he had looked at it pre-operation, it had been almost as long as his hand- now, as he’d measured it, it had shrunk by almost a fingertip.

He transformed into his alt mode, landing in microscope form on the operating table just next to the damaged area, and zoomed in- just to meet the same horror First Aid had discovered.

At the microscopic level at the very edge of the wound was a thin, blackish-purple lining- slowly creeping forward, filling empty space- and leaving healthy living-metal in its wake. The Sweep was regenerating its wounds just like an organic tumor, creeping forth and spreading its darkness, just like…

First Aid’s query rang in his audials. He transformed back, the energon churning in his fuel tank.

“They were first seen with the world-eater, Unicron.” He said gravely. “Along with the new warlord- Galvatron.”

There was a moment of dreadful silence as the two basked in their revelation, in the presence of a threat that was not even their own kind.

“Oh, Primus. Oh, Primus save us.” First Aid was the first to break the silence, burying his helm in his hands. “What do we tell Rodimus?”

[floweryvibes]

The Human Who Fooled All of Prythian

23. I Present Thee With This Muffin of Friendship

Note: The one in which Cosette makes some friends. Maybe. Sort of.

“Why didn’t you tell me we had literal royalty as customers in the perfumery?”

“Cosette, I didn’t know Briar was related to them. She had come in with some other white haired female and requested to see you. Every time they came you were out. They never made a big deal out of it and neither did I.” Ophelia explained, rummaging through a box, trying to find more of the goldenberry perfume.

“I put some of the new bottles on the further shelf.” Cosette pointed, keeping an eye on the pot full of boiling water and teakwood.

“Thanks.” Ophelia grabbed a few of the bottles, rushing back out into the store, where Theo had been holding down the fort.

After paying off his debts Theo looked happier, working in the perfumery with new vigor. The only thing keeping him down was the occasional comment from his father.

Cosette returned her full attention to the lidded pot, adding more ice cubes to the inverted lid, as a liquid slowly formed in the glass bowl inside the pot.

Homemade distillation was my literal savior in this world. The basic mechanism was that herbs, flowers or in this case wood, were boiled and the heat-resistant glass inside the pot caught and condensed the steam thanks to the inverted pot lid and ice. 

Cosette prepared the perfume bottles for the mahogany teakwood oil, pulling out a homemade pipette consisting of a straw and a very small bottle. 

It wasn’t ideal, but I couldn’t afford a professionally crafted one yet. 

Considering the long list of renovations Cosette wanted to make to the perfumery and her investment into the farming project, she wasn’t about to get a pipette with medical precision anytime soon. Not that it was extremely needed at the moment.

After the Winter Solstice we had sold out most of the products I had made, meaning I now have to not only make the goldenberry perfume, which many faeries weren’t able to purchase because there was an extremely limited supply, but I also have to work overtime to restock all other products.

A big flaw in the current system was the low production combined with the long time it took to make everything. Hiring additional would be helpful, if not so costly.

Cosette added another mental note to the growing list of things she would need to spend money on.

She waited for the pot to stop boiling before she carefully squeezed the bottle, taking up some of the liquid and putting it into the prepared smaller perfume vial. After completing that procedure for forty bottles she cleaned the large pot and rinsed the ‘pipette’, setting them and the rest of the equipment to dry.

I need to start thinking about the perfumes for Kallias and Viviane.

Several days had passed and Cosette had written up a list of options, but none of them felt right.

I could play with the teakwood as an undertone for Kallias, but I don’t want to come off as cheap with reusing existing ideas for a literal ruler of a court. He did mention liking the Winter Court forests, maybe a pine scented perfume is a safe bet?

No, too safe; it’s too simple and direct. Again, he’s the ruler of a literal country, his perfume is not only a representation of himself but also his lands. Although, by that logic a simple perfume could be endearing in that it signifies he’s straightforward and easy to approach.

Perhaps I could find some other herb that conveys that smell and feeling? I am sure there must be something in the market, and if not I’ll go into the forests myself to find something.

Viviane was easier as she just wanted a sweet, yet alluring flower based perfume. Boom. Why couldn’t more faes have explicit orders like her?

Cosette sighed.

I can work on this later, it’s best if I help Theo and Ophelia right now.

It was currently rush hour, and faes that were unable to get the goldenberry perfume during the Winter Solstice were showing up to try it now. 

We need all hands on deck right now, and knowing Theo's father he wasn’t about to step up.

Cosette stood up from her chair, the floor beneath her creaking.

Forget all other bullet points on the ‘to fix and purchase’ list - these floorboards are moving up to number one.

Cosette shook her head, trying to not get herself down this early in the day, instead focusing on the task at hand - restocking shelves. She quickly began working on the shelves Theo hadn’t gotten to yet as Ophelia masterfully chatted with the customers, directing and entertaining them.

Cosette returned to the backroom, grabbing a box of the perfumes she just finished making.

I am going to need to make more and I just made this batch. Perhaps this really was a sign it was time to hire people 

Cosette walked back into the shop, stopping next to the counter as she was greeted by the sounds of an argument.

“Excuse me? Who do you think you’re speaking to?”

Cosette paused in the doorway leading into the front space, staring at the scene before her.

“I-I am sorry sir, but we just don’t have that scent on our shelves.” Theo stuttered, cowering.

“Ha! And here I thought this perfumery was supposed to be this amazing establishment. Stores on the perfumery street have the scent I like.”

“Then perhaps you should shop there sir.” Ophelia intervened, stepping slightly in front of Theo, shielding him from the rude customer.

“You dare tell me, Lord Ryker, where I should spend my money?”

Ophelia smiled pleasantly, “I am simply telling you that we do not have that perfume available in our inventory.”

“And I am telling you that you’re providing a terrible service. How will you compensate me?”

A couple other faes who were in the store exchanged glances, staring at the scene before them. They and Cosette wore similar expressions of shock at the male’s audacity. 

“Sir-”

“It’s Lord Ryker to you Autumn shit.”

Cosette saw red, but before she could intervene Ophelia’s voice rang out loud and clear.

“I am afraid we cannot compensate you.”

“Oh and why’s that?”

“Because you haven’t experienced a loss due to our actions.”

“Really, shouldn’t you be treating your customers better?” the fae glanced around, as if trying to get the bystanders' support. 

Other customers quickly looked anywhere but him.

“Well due to your negligence my time and emotional stability has been wasted.”

“And you have wasted my patience, how will you compensate me for it?”

“You-”

“If you continue to cause a disturbance I will call in the royal guards patrolling the streets.”

“This is unfair! I demand to see your boss!”

“My boss has given me and Theo permission to kick out any disruptive customers, or to refuse service as we see fit. Also, with all due respect, I do not feel comfortable letting you near her at the moment.”

“And why’s that?” the male smirked.

“You’re unpleasant and have unclear intentions.” Ophelia began walking towards the front door.

“W-Wait, where are you going?”

“To get the royal guards as promised.”

The fae hesitated, put off by Ophelia’s confidence.

“Ugh.” the male shoved her, rushing out the door.

Cosette approached Ophelia who gave Theo a pat on the back and an encouraging word with which he scampered off to continue tidying around the shop.

“You are amazing.” Cosette smiled.

No wonder the Lady of Autumn kept you close.

“I am lucky to have you here.”

“My, you’re making me blush.” Ophelia giggled, shaking her head, “But seriously, it’s just experience. Years of dealing with snobby rich people hardens your skin, and even then, I still mess up. I am sure you very well remember our attempt to enter Winter Court.”

“Well, that’s not fair. You snapped after we had been hiking for literal days and you had just…left a very unfortunate situation.”

Cosette didn’t want to risk talking about Autumn’s prison with random faes around.

“I guess so.” Ophelia shrugged, tension leaving her body a bit as Cosette squeezed her hand, “I am going to get back to work.”

Cosette nodded, letting Ophelia return to her duties. She was about to pick up the box of perfumes she had set down when a familiar voice distracted her.

“That was quite the performance.”

“Sir Amelio.” Cosette looked at the male who approached her, a beautiful, tall, dark skinned fae by his side. 

She smelled of citrus, oddly familiar to the bergamot-styles perfume Amelio had purchased from me.

“We meet again.” he smiled brightly.

I still don’t understand how this man was a Winter fae. His extroverted nature was everything but it. Him and Blanche stuck out like sore thumbs in this cold landscape.

Now that I think about it, no wonder Aquilo recommended Forrest’s inn, they were very welcoming regardless of your place of origin.

Cosette didn't think too hard about how accepting Forrest or Blanche would be to humans.

It wouldn't lead to any good thoughts.

“Cosette, please meet my wife, Solene.”

Well the scent she wore made sense now.

“So you’re Cosette.” the fae’s voice was cold, despite her warm appearance, “I must thank you for the perfume you made me. It’s exquisite.”

Cosette could immediately tell, this woman was of High Fae blood. The aura surrounding Solene made her shiver. 

“You’re too kind Lady Solene.”

Yet Amelio wasn’t High Fae, not by his lacking aura compared to his wife. However, he had no visible markers and I’d argue held a position of some power and wealth. What gives??

Solene’s face remained stoic as stone.

Amelio…what is your type?

“How was your Winter Solstice sir Amelio?” Cosette continued the conversation.

“It was good and please drop the ‘sir’. What about you Miss Cosette? I heard you managed to get a table at the fair? Quite the accomplishment if I do say so myself.”

“If I don’t call you ‘sir’, you drop the ‘miss’.” Cosette corrected, “Yes we did, all thanks to Ophelia’s quick thinking. The fair was quite hectic but a lot of fun.

He chuckled, “I am happy to hear that. Hectic in that sort of environment usually means profitable. The last thing you would want is a table no one visited.”

“That’s true.” Cosette agreed, eyeing the two faes before her, “So, can I help you two with anything today?”

“Oh no, we were just taking a walk in the neighborhood and decided to stop by. Solene here has been curious about the perfumer who made her new favorite scent so I wanted to introduce you two.”

Solene, in Cosette’s opinion, looked bored out of her mind.

“As I said before, it's a very good perfume.” The female fae reiterated 

Cosette wasn't sure but it seemed the woman was almost annoyed by her husband’s excitement.

“One of my favorites.”

“May I ask what your other favorites are?”

“I love ‘iridescent glow’ from Day Court, ‘sea foam’ from Summer and ‘Primrose’ from Spring.” Solene’s dark blue eyes met Cosette’s green ones, “I am proud however, that I can now wear my home court’s perfumes with no shame.”

Cosette nodded, taking note of the perfume names for later.

Always good to be aware of your competitors.

Remembering that they've just been standing in front of the store’s counter Cosette asked, “Would you prefer to go up to my office to continue talking?”

“That would be lovely.” Amelio said.

Cosette quickly put the box of perfumes onto a chair behind the counter, leaving it for Theo.

“Would you like tea?” Cosette set the kettle once they were in her office, giving them the small box of flavors they could choose from.

“That would be lovely.” Solene selected a peach flavored black tea, while Amelio picked out an herbal tea bag.

Cosette poured them all some tea, and sat down across from them, sipping the same blend as Soelene.

Solene is a fae Calypso would be proud of. She had the perfect posture and held her tea cup with grace.

The whole scene made Cosette straighten her back and at least try to sit more elegantly.

No matter how much Ophelia makes me walk in heels I still come off looking like an uneducated peasant compared to these people. It was honestly sad.

Amelio on the other hand didn't bother, sipping his tea casually, leaning back in his chair, and although didn't do anything that would inherently destroy the sense of propriety, certainly wasn't behaving in the most well mannered way.

“I heard that Viviane and Kallias visited you.” Amelio spoke first.

“Yes they did.” Cosette suppressed afrown.

Amelio smiled, “Do you know why?”

Cosette shrugged, “They said they were curious. I believe them, and how did you know they came to visit?”

“The High Lord and Lady like to support the people of their court, especially talented entrepreneurs.” Amelio explained, “Gossip spreads fast, especially if it has to do with the nobility.”

“And here I thought you winter faeries were more tight lipped.” Cosette set down her tea cup.

“Not really, but we do like to act like we’re above such meaningless discussions”. He chucked

“It’s merely harder to tell what we actually think at times.” Solene’s smile was so cold it could make a child cry, “But in reality all of us faeries share one thing in common regardless of our court - a thirst for drama.”

Yeah that checks out considering the way politics were conducted in the books.

Cosette looked at Amelio.

He held her gaze.

“Are you one of the entrepreneurs that they support?”

Now that Cosette thought about it, she didn’t know anything about the politics of Winter Court.

Most of the story took place in either Spring or Night Court. With Autumn, Summer and Day Courts getting notable mentions that gave her an extremely surface level understanding of what they were like. Her mind came up blank for Winter besides the twenty four children that Amarantha killed using an unnamed daemati.

Solene giggled.

Amelio’s smile widened, “We have good relations, yes.”

Cosette tensed.

Did he have other reasons for approaching me then?

“So the real reason you’re visiting me is…?”

“Because I want to grow closer to a fellow business fae.” he answered simply, “I mean, with all the ruckus that you’ve drawn, it’s hard not to be curious.”

Cosette wasn’t sure if it was a blessing or a curse that faes were taking notice of her and the perfumery. On one hand it meant more business, on the other it brought them closer to discovering the truth and ending her journey before it even began.

“I see.” Cosette was trying to find a clue that he was lying.

Guess getting to know established businessmen in the area isn’t a bad idea.

“It seems like I have more to gain from working with you than the other way around.”

“And why do you say that?” Amelio tilted his head.

“I have little experience with business management and a minimal understanding of the inner workings of the Winter Court.”

Investing in me is a huge risk from a logical perspective.

He hummed, finishing his tea and putting down the empty cup, “I respect your honest assessment of the situation, but I can decide for myself if a business relationship is worth pursuing.”

“So I haven’t changed your mind?”

“Your attempt was cute, but no.”

Solene’s eyes tracked Cosette’s movement as the human tried to stay still.

Well, if he’s going to offer up his partnership, it wouldn’t hurt to use it.

“Say, Amelio, I need some advice.” Cosette set her tea cup down.

“Oh?” His eyes sparkled, “I am listening.”

“I have a project I am working on, but I need space to conduct it. Do you know of any buildings that are available for rent?”

“How big of a space do you need?”

“I require a room large enough to house the production and storage of a farming tool about this big.” Cosette gestured with her hands to show an estimated size.

“I can think of a spot.” Amelio nodded, “I have a building where I receive shipments from farms that I own or collaborate with, as well as other products that my group imports or exports. I happen to have a few spare rooms available for rent if you’re interested.”

“Is it far from here?”

“It's a thirty minute walk as it’s closer to the capital’s gates.”

That would be quite the commute for Theo and his father, but it was the perfect location.

“Can I see the rooms?”

“Of course!” Amelio said, standing up, offering his arm to his wife as he did.

Solene stood up as well, linking her arm with his.

Cosette grabbed the cloak she was gifted, walking after them out of the perfumery.

“Ophelia, I have some things I need to attend to, will you and Theo be alright here by yourselves?”

“Yeah of course.” Ophelia gave her a thumbs up, “When will you be back?”

“I’ll be back within two hours.”

“Better be back before we go get lunch.” Ophelia gave her a playful nudge, returning back to her work.

I really envy faes.

Cosette hated that thought as it repeatedly poked its way to the forefront of her mind. She walked with Amelio and Solene down the street, the two dressed in an elegant suit and dress, with light fur coats draped casually over their shoulders.

“You’re not from around here.” Solene stated.

“No I am not.”

I wonder what gave it away, the giant warm cloak perhaps?

“Where are you from?” Amelio prodded.

“I am from the faerie lands. I grew up in a village in one of the central forests.” Cosette lied.

“Ah, no wonder you’re freezing then.” Amelio nodded, “How are you adjusting to our cold climate here?”

“As well as you can see.” Cosette said.

Amelio laughed, “You’re doing better than most. I once saw a Summer Court emissary almost die from hypothermia because he fell through some snow near one of our farms and couldn’t climb out.”

“Was he okay?”

“Yeah, he was found by some farmers and they rescued him.” Amelio said.

“That’s good to hear.”

Amelio positioned himself between the road where carriages and carts drove and Solene.

Did they have the ‘sidewalk rule’ in Prythian too?

Solene glanced at Cosette expectantly. Cosette tilted her head unsure what she wanted from her.

Solene’s expression remained unchanged as she gestured Cosette over to stand by her side.

Oh.

Cosette joined Solene away from the curb.

“Have you had a chance to explore the capital?” Amelio picked up the conversation again.

“Oh, yes I have. The innkeeper of Forrest’s inn gave me and Ophelia a tour of the city when we first arrived.”

“Ah, Forrest’s inn, nice folk there.”

“You know them?”

“They used to source their food from me for their cooking.”

Cosette felt daring so she decided to ask, “Do they now purchase from a person who doesn’t support the current rulers?”

“Haha, no.” Amelio’s eyes were full of mirth, “No they just moved to another local farmer who supports Kallias. I believe he’s a relative of Forrest.”

Keeping it in the family made sense.

The group stepped out onto a busy street full of carts and faeries who were transporting goods into and from buildings. They passed by buildings that were built from white oak, but were so clean and polished that they looked like they were made more out of ice rather than wood.

It seemed to be emulating the style of the royal palace that looked like it was made from ice and crystals. 

Deciding to tempt fate again Cosette asked, “The style of architecture is similar to that of the royal palace. Is that meant to be an indicator of political support or was this just a popular aesthetic?”

Amelio laughed, “You are a clever one, aren’t you?”

Cosette couldn’t help the small blush on her face.

It felt nice to be complemented, okay?

“To answer your question however, yes and no. The style itself is popular within the court. I mean, it is the Winter Court, after all. It would be stranger if people didn’t obsess over glaciers and icicles. However, this type of architecture was popularized with Kallias’s predecessors, so the association is certainly present.”

Amelio led them into one of the large wooden buildings. Inside there was a front area with a secretary behind a small desk, and several hallways leading off into different rooms, as well as a large staircase.

The secretary looked up, “Lord Amelio, welcome back.”

Wait, Lord?! Was I addressing him casually this whole time?

“I am not here for long, just going to go check on the empty rooms we have on the third floor.”

“Of course, Lord Amelio. Oh, by the way, your men told me to let you know that the recent shipment of crops was received.” she handed him a stack of papers, “This is the whole inventory. We’ve already processed it.”

“Perfect.” Amelio took the papers, leading Cosette and Solene upstairs.

The interior looked wellkept, a stair or two creaking as they ascended.

“There it is.” Amelio pushed open a door on the third floor, some crates standing in the corner near the window of the landing.

The door revealed a long room with large windows, tables and shelves. It smelled of dust and wood. Cosette ran a finger along the table, the surface rough with small dents in it.

“So, is it to your liking?” Amelio smirked.

This is actually exactly what I had in mind.

“Yes, it is.” Cosette said calmly, trying to not show her excitement.

Amelio hummed, opening the door at the end of the large room, “This connected room is a package deal with this one. I also have this third room,” Amelio walked back out into the hallway and showed them the room across, “You could use this as additional work space or for storage.”

“How much is the rent? 

“30 gold per month if you’re just taking the large room, and 40 if you’re taking this one as well.”

That was a lot of money, but at the moment our sales were decent enough to be able to afford it. Though, that meant it would take a while before I could hire additional help. Custom orders, especially the ones from Kallias and Viviane, will bring in big revenue, but I will also need to get started on working on a perfume or product that’s accessible to the public.

“By the way, do you have workers for the project?” Amelio inquired,

Ahhh, if I decide to hire additional woodworkers I’ll also need to pay them!

“Yes, I have two.”

“I can recommend some of my men if you would like additional experienced workers.”

“Thank you for the offer, but I don’t want to impose.” Cosette answered carefully.

I want to retain power over this project. Handing off more and more to Amelio seemed like a bad idea.

Amelio nodded, his smile not wavering, “Very well. Would you like some recommendations?”

Cosette looked at him hesitantly.

“Free of charge.”

So you just want to help me out of your goodwill?

As if reading her mind he clarified, “I want you to like me Miss Cosette. It would be nice if you permitted me to endear myself to you.”

I thought we agreed to drop the formalities?

“I appreciate your honesty.” she paraphrased his words back at him, “But I think it best if I start learning about Winter Court’s economy and work sources in further detail myself.”

Amelio wore a happy expression despite the rejection. In fact, he almost looked happier at the news.

“Then you have my full support. When would you like to start using the space?”

“Could I have a couple weeks? I want to show the space to the people I wish to hire first.”

“Of course. Just let me know when you wish to use it.” Amelio winked, “If you take too long I might give it away to someone else.”

“I’ll be timely, don’t worry.”

“How much further do we have to walk?” The elder groaned.

“Not far.” Cosette sighed.

This man was grating my nerves.

Theo meanwhile chewed quietly on his sandwich.

Cosette had decided to take the two men to see the building the next day during the perfumery’s downtime, giving Ophelia permission to close down early so that it wasn’t too overwhelming to manage the place by herself.

The only downside of this building was the distance we had to walk to get to it. I am going to have to allocate some funds to pay for carriage rides back and forth.

“Can we get a hint at least for what this surprise is?” Theo asked.

“It has something to do with your gift for the Winter Solstice.” Cosette said.

“Right, the supposed gift that we never got.” the elder grumbled.

“You’ll get to have it soon.” Cosette tried to keep the irritation out of her voice.

They eventually got to the building, the street it was located on was full of carts filled with various manufactured goods, heading to the gates or being unloaded. There were also some wagons with food, wrapped up and stored properly in boxes.

“The Forge District!” Theo perked up, glancing around with interest.

“Forge District?”

“Some of the greatest smiths and creators in Winter Court work here!” Theo couldn’t contain his excitement, barely sticking to the group as he kept trying to get a peak at the carts and the stuff inside them.

I didn’t realize this place was that big of a deal.

Cosette could admit it looked better than the supposed industrial section of the capital they visited. With proper guards and actual commercial activity the street looked alive rather than creepy or abandoned. Although, they had visited the supposed ‘industrial district’ on a day when all the faes stayed home, so Cosette tried to reserve her judgments.

Why didn’t Amelio flaunt the area’s worth though? Wouldn’t it have helped his case in convincing me to rent it?

Stepping inside the building, Cosette approached the front desk. The secretary looked up.

“Lord Amelio warned me you’d be coming in today.”

“I am just here to show my partners the room.”

“Take your time.” the secretary pushed forward a key, returning to her work.

Cosette took the key, leading the group upstairs to the third floor.

“Lord Amelio? You know him?” Theo stared at Cosette with wide eyes.

Even the elder had perked up, his eyes gleaming with interest.

“He ordered a custom perfume from me and came to give his thanks. We got to talking and he offered me a room to rent.” Cosette explained.

“Woah.” Theo whispered.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Well, Lord Amelio is a very well-known business fae due to the farms he runs and his port trading businesses. He is also credited with helping to keep the economy together during Kallias’s absence, along with a couple other important business figures.” Theo continued, “Though, I mostly admire him because he is a Lesser Fae, yet he commands respect amongst the nobility. How many can claim to be able to do that?!”

Cosette hummed, processing this information. 

So my gut was right, he’s not High Fae. How did he get this far then? 

“Please, the man just married lucky.” the elder kept his voice low as he gossiped, “That wife of his is from a prestigious family. No one will say a word because of her.”

Now Cosette didn’t know what to think.

Was it really just Solene pulling all the strings?

“And why do you need to rent a room?” the elder raised an eyebrow at Cosette.

“I promised you two a gift for the Winter Solstice. I have been working on a side project that will involve a lot of woodworking.” Cosette opened the door, stepping aside so they could see inside, “My gift to you is this project. Working on carving wood rather than perfumery.”

“What is the project?” Theo murmured, walking between the long tables, staring at the workshop in wonder.

“It’s a farming tool that will, in theory, help increase the current harvest.” Cosette explained, “Here is my design for it.”

She showed Theo and the elder her diagrams and sketches of the spirit ‘house’.

“It has a lot of details, and I’ve seen your old works when we were clearing out the perfumery. They’re beautiful. So is the cart you created and the gift you gave Blanche and Forrest. You’re very attentive and are amazing artisans that I would be lucky to have on my team.”

“You know, most faes get each other money or something else if they can't come up with a gift.” 

I am sorry, I thought this was a good gift!

“This is perfect!” Theo’s eyes lit up as he stared at the room as if it were a treasury, “The location is great too!”

“How is the location great?” the elder drawled, “Buildings full of construction projects and ruckus.”

“I’ve been searching for a space that we could move into.” Theo said, turning to his father, “This is one of the neighborhoods I was considering because it’s cheap.”

“Wait, move out?!” the elder exclaimed, staring at his son, “But why?”

“Well, Cosette owns the building, and she and Ophelia still live at an inn. It’s only fair ”

Was…was this a moral compass? From a fae?

Cosette couldn’t believe what she was hearing. She wasn’t looking forward to the eventual discussion of asking them to kindly find a different house to live in, or finding a room for herself and Ophelia elsewhere.

Thank you Theo for bringing this up yourself!

“She let us stay there.” the elder grumbled.

“Yes, because Cosette is kind.” Theo frowned at his father, “She let us keep our home despite the fact that she owns it, she helped us pay off our debt, and now she is offering us a job within our field of interest!”

“It’s not what we used to do before.”

“Well, it’s not exactly what we used to do but it’s a starting point.” Theo argued, “We have to restart somewhere, and this seems like a good place.”

The elder grumbled, but Cosette easily ignored him. She felt so proud of the man before her for standing up to his father.

“So,” Theo grinned at Cosette, “When do we start?”

“As soon as possible. I’ll contact Amelio and finalize the payment.”

“I-We look forward to working with you.”

“You really don’t have to move out.” Blanche watched Ophelia and Cosette pack up.

“Blanche we’ve imposed long enough.” Cosette set her bag on the bed, finishing putting clothes away.

“You’re not imposing though…” Blanche grumbled.

“We can’t live in an inn forever.” Ophelia stood up, finishing wrapping her clothes as well, “Besides we’ll visit.”

“You better.” Blanche pulled them into a hug, “Me and Forrest will miss you two.”

“We’re moving just a couple blocks away!” Cosette hugged back.

“Still, I expect you to come here several times a week for dinner.” Blanche ruffled both of their heads, gently messing up their hair.

“We will, don’t worry.” Cosette soothed.

“Yeah! You also better come over to play with me!” Fermin peaked around his mother’s skirts, glaring at Cosette and Ophelia.

“How could we miss out on play time with you?” Ophelia squished Fermin into a hug.

“Ack, on second thought, leave! And take your hugs with you!” Fermin managed to break free from Ophelia’s hold, running away.

Ophelia laughed, teasing the child as Forrest picked up their bags.

“I can carry them.” Cosette insisted.

He shook his head, “I’ll help you take them to the perfumery.”

“Look at my perfect husband.” Blanche kissed Forrest on the cheek, her eyes looking into his with a flirty spark.

Forrest returned the kiss, his expression soft.

The group went downstairs, Blanche putting another bag into Forrest’s arms.

“Here, take some dinner with you.”

“Aw, Blanche. Thank you.” Ophelia hugged the fae again.

Blanche hugged back, holding the younger fae gently. She reluctantly let go as Ophelia took Cosette’s hand and they left the inn with Forrest following behind.

Approaching the perfumery they could see Theo and his father leaving with their own bags. Few words were exchanged as they had to get to their new home and check that all the furniture they requested was moved appropriately.

“Thank you again Forrest.” Cosette said, taking the bags from the burly man.

Forrest nodded, “No problem, don’t forget to lock up for the night.”

“We won’t!” Ophelia and Cosette waved him goodbye as he began the walk back to his inn.

Cosette took a deep breath, smiling as she looked at the perfumery in a new light. The place had always had a cozy charm to it, but now, as the two women stood staring at the tables decorated with perfumes and the clean shelves, it felt different.

“Can’t believe we actually have a home now.”

“I know.” Cosette didn’t like the feeling that settled in her stomach - guilt.

I am not replacing my true home.

Cosette steeled herself.

I am looking for a way back-No, I will find a way back. It just might take some time. This wasn’t a replacement. It was temporary.

Cosette took the bags, carrying them upstairs, followed by Ophelia.

“By the Cauldron, your walk is practically flawless.” Ophelia complimented observing Cosette as she walked up the stairs to the mezzanine.

“I would be disappointed if it weren’t after hiking through the woods in heels.” Cosette answered dryly, “Though I don’t think I compare to the fae quite yet.”

“What are you talking about?! It’s a good walk! My training methods are elite and should not be questioned.” Ophelia giggled, catching up with her friend.

“Yeah, yeah.” Cosette rolled her eyes, “You’re amazing Ophelia. You don’t need to fish for compliments.”

“I am not fishing!” the fae insisted.

Cosette turned back to her Ophelia, her dress spinning elegantly as she maintained her posture, “Just tell me and I’ll shower you in them regardless.”

A beat passed as Ophelia stared at her, before shaking her head and smiling again, “You’re a silly human.”

“And you’re a silly fae.”

Ophelia sighed, her eyes full of pride seeing Cosette’s graceful movements, “My little baby is growing up so fast.”

“Not a baby.” Cosette scowled.

“You are a baby though. You were like twenty one last time I checked!”

“I am twenty three now for your information.” Cosette muttered, Ophelia pinching her cheek playfully, opening the door to her bedroom.

They had agreed Ophelia would take Theo’s room and Cosette the elder’s.

“I am going to go unpack and then warm up the food.”

Cosette nodded, “I’ll join you once I finish up.”

“Sounds good.” Ophelia twirled away dramatically, closing the door behind her.

Cosette could hear happy gasps as the fae explored and settled in. She could only imagine how Ophelia felt having her own room having lived in a prison cell for such a long time.

Cosette walked into her own room, immediately pinching her nose.

That sweet smell again.

She opened the window to air out the bedroom, trying to find the source. Apart from a couple soaps, similar to the ones the elder used to have downstairs, she found nothing.

Sighing, Cosette wiped down the bookshelves and closet, hanging up her clothes. She changed the bedding and mopped down the floors, closing the window soon after as it began getting cold. 

The sweet smell was almost gone which allowed Cosette to relax. Deciding she had done enough for the evening she headed downstairs into their back room to set up dinner, Ophelia joining her soon after.

“Hey, did you get settled in?” Cosette warmed up the meat and rice on the small stove they had.

“Yes, the room is wonderful. There’s a window and the bed is so warm. And the closet Cosette, oh the closet! I am going to fill it with so many dresses.” Ophelia rambled, helping to set the plates, “What about you? How’s your room?”

“It’s nice.”

I am happy she’s happy.

Cosette twisted and turned.

Go to sleep dammit.

She had already gone through all the comfortable positions she could think of, leaving her frustrated and staring up at the ceiling. Cosette was tempted to get up and work but it was around two am in the morning, and if she did that she’d be running on no sleep when the perfumery opened.

Cosette scowled, fluffing up her pillow and snuggling into it 

Is Ophelia sleeping already?

Deciding she had nothing better to do, Cosette got up, still wrapped up in her blanket, and walked several steps to the second door in the mezzanine, dragging her pillow. She knocked.

“Cosette?” a muffled voice sounded.

Cosette carefully opened the door, peeking inside, “Hey, it’s me.”

The room wasn’t anything amazing. From Ophelia’s compliments one could have thought she had the master bedroom in a manor.

Any room would be impressive compared to a cell.

Ophelia was sitting upright in the bed, her hair a mess.

“Can’t sleep either?”

“No.”

Ophelia sighed, collapsing back into her bed, letting out an annoyed groan, “Seriously, it shouldn’t be this hard.”

Cosette climbed into bed, relaxing with Ophelia’s familiar presence next to her. Ophelia pulled the human closer, snuggling. Cosette gently ran her fingers through the fae’s hair.

“It really shouldn’t be.”

Ophelia hummed in agreement, gazing softly at Cosette, closing her eyes as her friend brushed her hair.

“Ophelia, I have a question about Lesser Fae: how do you know if someone is one, versus a High Fae? I know that Lesser Fae usually have markers that separate them from the more human-like High Fae, but is there any other way? I mean, you and Theo don’t exactly have features that make you look non-human.” Cosette asked, voicing her growing confusion over the past several days.

Ophelia flinched.

“Ophelia?”

“Sorry.” Ophelia pulled away, her eyes a dull brown.

“Did I say something?” Cosette sat up slightly.

“No. No, you didn’t say anything.” Ophelia rubbed the space between her eyes, “I just forget how little you know at times.”

Cosette waited patiently for Ophelia to continue.

“Usually you can tell by the aura and power a fae exudes how high up the food ladder they are. As for physical markers,” Ophelia inhaled sharply, “It’s not always an obvious visual marker. We don't walk around naked you know? Some might hide their Lesser Fae traits if possible, like tails or wings.”

“But why hide them?”

“If you’re in a big city like the capital, where there are many nobles and High Fae, it benefits to fit in. Besides, High Fae are seen as the epitome of beauty and perfection.” Ophelia’s voice turned bitter, “Many will try anything to achieve the same visual standard.”

“Oh.” Cosette whispered.

“The rank of Lesser Fae is technically a spectrum, ranging from fae who might be of mixed blood to those who have never left the forest.” Ophelia moved back closer to Cosette.

“Thank you for explaining.”

“It’s nothing.” Ophelia closed her eyes.

Cosette gazed at the fae next to her, conflicted on what to say.

I clearly hurt her somehow.

“Ophelia-”

“Shh, time for sleep.” Ophelia pulled Cosette into a hug.

Cosette closed her eyes.

Less prying, more hugs. Got it.

Cosette got up quietly, not wanting to disturb Ophelia early in the morning. They had a couple hours before the shop would need to be opened so Cosete decided to get an early start to her day.

Not like I was sleeping anyways.

She had managed to fall asleep initially but a feeling of restlessness woke her up. Cosette was currently blaming that stupid restlessness for her having to change in very cold temperatures.

Getting dressed and going downstairs she lit the fireplace and wrapped herself up in a throw blanket.

Why was it always freezing?

Cosette knew the obvious answer, but still chose to be huffy about it. She grabbed a box of some cinnamon perfume and took it out to the front, beginning to put them on their shelves.

Since I have no idea where to start for Kallias’s perfume, let’s consider Viviane’s. She said she wanted a flower based scent, so I have to find out either her favorite flower or a scent that is neutral enough that she could wear it on a daily basis. However, it also needed to be sweet and alluring.

Perhaps roses? They were traditional and sweet. They’re also romantic! Alternatively, I could lean into the fact that she is a Lady of a Court, meaning her scent needs to represent her as a political figure. What are popular Winter Court flowers? I’ll have to go to the market to investigate.

As for Briar…

Cosette rubbed the sleep from her eyes.

Yeah I have no idea about Briar. Maybe something sweet and innocent? She seems quite energetic so perhaps something with an undertone of spice?

Turning around Cosette let out a small yelp of surprise.

Briar was pressed up against the glass of the perfumery. She waved.

Cosette hesitantly waved back.

Aquilo poked his head into view, waving as well.

Please don’t tell me the royal family has decided to visit again. I can’t handle that right now - I’m cold and sleep-deprived!

Cosette opened the front door for them.

“Hi!

“Hello.” Cosette didn’t see Viviane and Kallias behind them.

A good sign.

“Please, come in.” Cosette stepped aside, letting them into the perfumery, locking the door afterwards.

I don’t need people thinking we’re open at seven in the morning.

“Good morning.” Cosette said.

“Good morning! We came to visit!” Briar beamed.

“I can see that.” Cosette was hoping her lack of sleep wasn’t horribly obvious, “Is there a particular purpose to this visit, or…?”

“Oh, well I know I requested you make my perfume by getting to know me, but I thought having you show up to the palace for our first meeting might be too intimidating so we decided to visit you here!” Briar explained.

Cosette blinked, the tiredness making it hard to get the details of Briar’s ramble.

“I appreciate your concern.” Cosette said, gesturing to them to follow her upstairs, “I do apologize for not reaching out or visiting you yet. I have been busy finding a spot for the farming project, and getting everything set up for it.”

“Oh that’s okay, how’s the project coming along? Did you find where you want to produce the farming equipment?” Briar skipped after Cosette to her office upstairs.

Briar, give me your morning energy.

“It’s going well. I found a spot for the production of it thanks to Amelio.”

“Amelio?” Aquilo asked “You know him?”

“Well we met briefly when he ordered a custom perfume from me. He visited recently, which was when I found out that he had extra rooms in a warehouse of his. He happily offered to rent me the place for a fair price.”

“Do you always wake up early to prepare the shop for the day?” Aquilo sat down on one of the chairs after Briar had taken her seat.

“No, I just couldn’t sleep.” Cosette admitted.

“If you’re having trouble sleeping I can recommend this herbal tea, I believe it’s a blend of chamomile and passionflower tea. They sell it at most well respected shops. My soldiers say it works like a charm.”

“I’ll look into it, thank you.” Cosette nodded, setting a teapot to boil, “What kind of tea do you two want?”

“Something sweet.” Briar said.

“I’ll skip the tea.” Aquilo gestured to his cup of what Cossette assumed to be coffee.

“So you walked all the way here from your home?” Briar asked

“Well actually we live here now.”

“We?” Briar clarified.

“Me and Ophelia. Theo and his father moved out, so we moved in.” Cosette noticed how Aquilo stiffened for a second before relaxing again.

“Where did you live before this?” Aquilo sipped his coffee

“We stayed at Forrest’s inn.” Cosette brewed the tea.

“An inn? Isn’t that expensive?”

“We got a discount.” Cosette smiled, setting two tea cups on the table.

Briar perked up as if she remembered something and pulled out a beautiful box labeled ‘Frosted Bakery’. She opened it to reveal various pastries: cranberry scones dusted with powdered sugar, cinnamon muffins and gooseberry danishes. The box was practically overflowing with the quantity and diversity of sweets.

“What’s this?” Cosette’s mouth watered at the spread, her stomach growling.

Briar smiled, “I thought since I am visiting you this early we should have breakfast together so we stopped by one of our favorite bakeries.”

Uh-huh.

“I appreciate it.” Cosette took her seat.

On second thought, if you’re going to feed us for free please come more often.

“Here, try the muffin!”

Cosette obediently tasted the cinnamon muffin, the mixture of the spice and sweetness coating her mouth.

Oh my god my tastebuds.

“This is so good.” Cosette chewed.

“Right?!” Briar bit into a muffin as well, pushing a scone towards Aquilo who gave an appreciative nod.

“I love their peppermint-chocolate chip cookies and danishes, but the muffins will always have a special place in my heart.”

“Any particular reason?” Cosette took a sip of her tea.

“It was one of the first sweets I tried when I came to Winter Court.”

“I see.” Cosette watched Briar as she devoured her treat.

I am going to need to look into the Children of the Blessed. Perhaps knowing more about the group within the actual world of Prythian rather than as some group that showed up a couple times within a romantasy novel will give me insight into Briar’s behavior.

There was a knock on the office door and Ophelia peaked in.

“Good morning.” the fae blinked sleepily.

“Good morning.” Cosette greeted her, “How did you sleep?”

“Well.” she shivered, walking over to the desk and grabbing a blanket from one of the shelves that lined the walls. Ophelia did not ask any questions regarding the two guests, merely casting them a calm glance.

“We’re having breakfast, feel free to take anything.” Briar offered, pushing the box of treats towards the faerie.

“Thank you.” Ophelia set aside a scone and a glazed brioche bun for herself, going to make herself some tea.

“Would either of you like a blanket?” Cosette asked, feeling guilty she didn’t offer immediately.

Aquilo shook his head but Briar happily took one.

Cosette finished her tea and muffin, watching Briar chug the remainder of her tea.

“I was wondering, would it be possible to see how you make perfumes?” Briar asked, “Or at least the equipment you use?”

“Oh? Want to steal my company secrets?” Cosette joked.

“I-No! Never!” Briar looked insulted

“Relax, I am kidding.” Cosette smiled, “I would be happy to show you.”

Briar glanced at Aquilo for approval, who nodded, taking another gulp of his coffee.

Cosette got up, letting Ophelia have her seat, and led Briar downstairs.

In the back room Cosette carefully pulled out vials and pots, setting them up to begin working after her guests would eventually leave.

Briar’s eyes sparkled, “Is this what you use to make the perfumes?”

“Yes, we use this to extract oils from things like wood or flower petals.” Cosette explained, holding out a glass vial for Briar to look at closely.

Briar carefully took the glass, examining it, following Cosette, observing her every action.

“We use these larger bowls to collect condensation and oils.” Cosette decided to entertain Briar, “Over here I mix various scents together to create more complex perfumes. I use this,” Cosette showed the pipette, “To collect smaller or larger quantities of oils to produce the desired, nuanced scent.”

“Woah.” Briar in awe whispered.

It was honestly a bit funny how easy it was to impress a human in this world. Back home people knew what a pipette was, and had maybe even worked with one if their school was well-funded. It just went to show how behind the humans were within Prythian.

“Show me more!” Briar leaned over Cosette’s shoulder.

“My pleasure.”

Next: Chapter 24 - Pointy Stick of Doom

Back: Chapter 22 - A Very Polite Non-political Conversation

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[biotic-raptorian-angel]

Late Night Serenade

Angela adjusted her glasses and tucked a stray lock of blonde hair behind her ear as she leaned over her lab bench. The soft hum of machines surrounded her, the rhythmic beeping of monitors providing a mechanical accompaniment to her focused silence. The glow of her computer screen cast a bluish tint over her workspace, illuminating notes and formulas scattered like constellations on her desk.

It was late, but Angela didn’t mind. She thrived in the quiet of these hours when the world outside seemed to fade away, leaving her alone with her work. Tonight, however, her solitude brought an unexpected comfort—a melody that stirred in her chest, unbidden. A tune danced through her mind, and before long, she began to hum softly, her voice growing stronger as the melody found its footing.

Moira stepped into the hallway leading to Angela's lab, clutching a clipboard of her own findings from the genetics wing. Her boots echoed faintly on the tiled floor until she stopped at Angela’s door, intending to call out a greeting. But then she heard it—the song.

Moira froze, her breath catching in her throat. She peeked through the narrow window in the lab door and found Angela, engrossed in her work, oblivious to her audience. Her voice floated through the air like a gentle breeze, pure and soft, carrying notes filled with wistful beauty.

For a moment, Moira forgot how exhausted she was from her own research. The frustration of failed trials and the drudgery of another long day melted away as she watched Angela. The doctor’s nimble fingers worked with precision, her head swaying slightly to the rhythm of her song. The scene felt almost surreal—a scientist bathed in fluorescent light, singing as though the world wasn’t full of chaos but something wondrous instead.

Moira leaned against the doorframe, captivated. She’d always admired Angela’s brilliance, her tireless dedication to saving lives and pushing the boundaries of medical science. But this… this was different. Watching Angela like this, unguarded and luminous, Moira felt her heart swell with emotions she couldn’t quite name.

She realized then what it was—she wasn’t just fascinated by Angela. She was in love with her.

The revelation settled over her quietly, as if it had always been there, waiting for her to notice. Every moment she had spent with Angela came rushing back—her warm laugh, the way her eyes sparkled when she explained a breakthrough, her kindness to everyone around her. And now, her voice, delicate yet powerful, weaving through the silence of the lab. Moira felt as though she were standing in the presence of something divine.

Angela finished her song with a soft sigh, oblivious to the mesmerized woman just outside. She set her pipette down and began scribbling notes in her journal.

Summoning her courage, Moira finally tapped on the door. Angela jumped slightly, turning toward the sound with a look of surprise.

“Moira! I didn’t hear you come in,” she said, her cheeks flushing a faint pink. “How long have you been standing there?”

“Long enough to know I need to start attending more of your concerts,” Moira replied with a smirk, though her tone was softer than usual. Her heart was still racing from what she had witnessed, and her attempt at teasing felt unsteady.

Angela blinked, caught off guard. “I wasn’t—I didn’t think anyone was listening,” she stammered, pushing her glasses up nervously.

“Well, you’ve got a beautiful voice, Angela,” Moira said, stepping into the lab. “It suits you—soothing, and… inspiring.”

Angela looked away shyly, but a smile tugged at her lips. “Thank you. That’s kind of you to say.”

Moira set her clipboard down on a nearby counter and leaned casually against it, watching Angela as she returned to her work. “You work too hard, you know. Staying this late… singing to keep yourself company?”

Angela chuckled. “It helps me think. And I don’t mind the late hours. Besides, I’m close to something big. I can feel it.”

Moira studied her for a moment, admiration mingling with affection. “Well, if you’re going to save the world, you might want to consider taking breaks more often. You’ll need your voice for when you accept your Nobel Prize, after all.”

Angela laughed, and the sound was every bit as beautiful as her singing. “I’ll keep that in mind,” she said, her eyes meeting Moira’s.

The two shared a quiet moment, the hum of the lab equipment filling the space between them. For Moira, it felt like the beginning of something new, something she wasn’t sure she deserved but couldn’t ignore. And for Angela, it felt like the kind of night that might change her life in ways she didn’t yet understand.

As the evening stretched on, the two worked side by side, their conversations weaving between science and something softer, something unspoken. But in the glow of the lab, surrounded by the quiet promise of discovery, they both felt it—a connection, as delicate and powerful as the song that had first drawn them together.

[materialsscienceandengineering]

In-place manufacturing method improves gas sensor capabilities, production time

When used as wearable medical devices, stretchy, flexible gas sensors can identify health conditions or issues by detecting oxygen or carbon dioxide levels in the breath or sweat. They also are useful for monitoring air quality in indoor or outdoor environments by detecting gas, biomolecules and chemicals. But manufacturing the devices, which are created using nanomaterials, can be a challenge.

Penn State researchers recently enhanced their gas sensor manufacturing process through an in situ laser-assisted manufacturing approach, improving on their previous method of drop casting, or dropping materials one by one onto a substrate using a pipette. They published their results in the Chemical Engineering Journal.

"With drop casting, you have to synthesize each part of the sensor separately and then integrate them, which is logistically challenging, takes a long time and is expensive," said corresponding author Huanyu "Larry" Cheng, James L. Henderson, Jr. Memorial Associate Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics in the Penn State College of Engineering. "The in situ method allows the materials to be directly synthesized in one place, and the laser speeds up the process."

Read more.

[v3joker]

[Game of Dice] Joker Skills

*Originally made to post to my YouTube community as each week I put something about Game of Dice there. This is also posted here, to Tumblr, to archive it.

Almost every Joker character (character with a hidden skill) has their skill based on an existing skill. Some just exist on that Joker skill, not as a regular skill. I usually explain new Jokers' skills by saying the name of the existing skill rather than explain what the skill does, since it's easier to say the name of the skill. :)

Anyway here's a list of all the Jokers with what skill it's based on cause I love having random knowledge for this game. Even the ones not based on skills.

[~☆~]

Ion

Phantom (Puppet/Chaotic City): Big Fish

Prince (Prince's Dignity/Insight): Color Finale

Mary

Wintry (Heaven's Blessings): Celebrity's Visit

Phantom Thief (Phantom Thief's Trick/Phantom Thief's Fancy Trick): no exact skill, but could be based on Knife in the Dark without JOY steal

Halloween (Candy/Halloween Magic): Smashing

Deadly Bunny (This Way, Please/Your Table is Ready): Exceptional Choice

Black Rose

Wintry (Speed UP/Can't Follow Me): High Jump

Card Queen (Greetings from a Magic Cat): Birthday Party

Bosun (Oppress/Overwhelm): n/a

Tora (& Tori)

Onmyouji (Onmyodo: Confuse/Exhaustion): Shiver Me Timbers!

Rudolph (Surprise Entry/Gift): Home for Newlyweds

Rica

Rockstar (Rica's Dimension Shift/Rica's Teleport): Dimension Shift

Goddess of Love (Love Melody/Serenade): Yikes! Crocodile, but upgraded

Raven

Beast (True/Forever Love): Skydive, w/ double summon

Lynnway

Baseball Girl (Swing/Full Swing): Nano Warp Machine

Stella

Cosmic Girl (Space Travel/Exploration): Strange Pipette, w/ summon

Rabbit Hacker (Keylogger/Dropper): Gotcha!

Doria

Undercover (Emergency Custody/Violent Criminal Arrested): Mirror Mirror

Sharon

Mechanic (Sharon's Calculation/Victory Formula): Let's Count (Hello Kitty collab skill)

Archaeologist (Relic Thief/Power): Interception

Sophia

Unicorn (Unicorn Gravitation/Magic): Retribution Reverse

Isabelle

Noble (Isabelle's Day/Isabelle's Special Day): Come Over Here

Gothic (Ghostly Greetings/Touch): Touch of Succubus

Sailor (Sympathy/Special Sympathy): Song of Mermaid

Anthony

Queen of Hearts (Heart Beam/Queen's Heart Beam): Critical Hit, w/ summon

Space Pirate: no exact skill but could be based on Strange Pipette and/or Home Run

Kai

Guardian (Judgement/Divine Judgement): Gravity Field

Honor Student (Wisdom/Experience Drain): Life Drain

Demon (Skill/Power Drain): n/a

Lucy

9-Tailed (Ready to Feed On/Bon Appetit): Invisible Hand, w/ Stop!

Mouse King Lucy (Building Mouse Village/Kingdom): Spartan Training

Prince

Mad Hatter (Teatime/Sweet Teatime): Divine Protection

Delinquent (Focus/Man-to-Man Block): Spotlight

Liz

Cheer Leader (Lucky Cheering): Master Navigator

Tomboy (Full/Pinpoint Dash): Hidden Quest

Alice

Hong Kong (Awakened Alice!): Symbol of Wealth

Hong Kong II (Happy/Sweet Snack Time): Counterattack

Beautiful (Splendid/Shining Beauty): Don't Stand in Front

Ling Ling

Goal Keeper (Nothing get pass me/Nothing can pass me): Knife in the Dark

Sky Warrior (Warrior Stance/Victory Pose): Excellent Choice

Magical Girl (Magical Awakening/True Power of Magic): Critical Magic Show

Dr. X

Original (Gravity UP): Yikes! Crocodile!

Lightning God (God's Wrath/Punishment): n/a

Captain (Rear/Surrounding Pursuit): Mischief of Spirits

Refia

Original (Counterattack): Counterattack, w/ can't takeover

Detained (Mental Interference/Control): No Escape

Soldier (Doll Escort/Protection): Music Start

Kaito

Original (Rapid Growth/Data Manipulation): Rapid Growth, w/ can't takeover (whole game installation)

Darkened (Spreading Darkness/Crawling Chaos): Broken Brake

Yuki

Original (Ninjutsu: Slow/Onmyodo: Blizzard): Slow

Yukata (Take This/Taste This): Switch, w/ Steal Prop *Blizzard is supposed to have Ninjutsu as the prefix, but it has never been fixed. So it has Onmyodo like Onmyouji Tora

Heidi

Original (Climax/Encore): Leave it to Fate (Climax), targets up to 3 cities at higher grades

Fairy Queen (Blooming Dream/Dream in Full Bloom): Christmas Miracle

Reapercy

Original (Checkmate/Golden Checkmate): Curse (Checkmate), Girl Crush

Pool Party (Come on In/Come Here): n/a

Devil Reapercy (Rogue/Outlaw): Solitude

Gray

Original (City Shooter/Sniper): Steal Prop, w/ summon

Space Police (Police Officer/Investigator): Every Inspiration

Howl

Original (Wolf Summon/Big Game Hunting): Retribution

Puppeteer (Trap Hole/Endless Trap Hole): Maelstrom

Fia

Original (Fan Meeting): Doll Fishing

Sea Fairy (Let's Play/Have Fun in the Water!): Domino

Magical Girl (Magical Refraction/Reflection): Time Rewind, no Panda installation

Fairy Dancer (Fairy Dance/Eye Catching Fairy Dance): The Solitude of Glamor

Ren

Original (Meditation/P.T): Power Up!

Magic Cat (Spell of Destruction/Apocalypse): Ch.1 Renaissance/Ch. 2 Destruction

Rosé

Original (Sharp/Harsh Lash): Charming Rainbow

Devil (Bewitch/Beckon): Charming Rainbow, but upgraded

Sun Knight (Sword of Victory/Sword of Promised Victory): n/a

Rina

Original (Joyful/Blessed March): Speedster

Angel (Song/Blessing of Angel): Color Sync

Moon Archer (Piercing Arrow/Mirage Piercing Arrow): Curse of Clown

Ballet (Attitude/Arabesque): Poisoned

Yura

Original (Butterfly Dance/Blue Butterfly Dance): Push

Christmas (Yura's Gift/Sincerity): Sweet Trap

Gothic (Flutter/Crystal Light Butterfly): Psychokinesis

Pierre

Original (i love cakes/I love anything sweet): Charming Bubble

Winter Festival (Baker's/Pierre's Gift): Santa's Gift

Agent (Good Will/Samaritan): Give and Take

Violet

Original (I Got You!/Don't Move!): Girl Crush

Seaside (Hydro Pump/Cannon): Self-Defense

Saint (Authority/Splendor): Girl Crush, but it also decreases character & dice abilities (Energy Drink [Goods])

Scarlett

Original (Locating the Target/Target Located): Come With Me

Seaside (Hang out with me!/Let's play!): Thief Target Area

Witch Trainee (Scary Prank/Dangerous Prank): Signal

Leo

Original (Secret in the Hoodie/Weapon in the Hoodie): Hexcraft

Young Master (Young Master's Mischief/Weapon): Demon Invasion

Villain (Breakdown/Wide Breakdown): Ocean Party

Fairy Knight (Impressive/Flashy Swordsmanship): Event for You

Kara

Original (Warning Shot/Suppressive Fire): The Art of Theft

Great Witch (Magic Concentration/Discharge): First Place Dash

Hera

Original (Black Hole/Super Black Hole): Besiege

Circus Master (Continuing Show/Express Night): Double Trap

Sora

Original (Hero Power/Just Power): Guardian of Justice

Dreamman

Original (Give me strength!): Symbol of Wealth

[theineated]

Okay so I'm watching Sweet Tooth and I'm beginning to think people should hire science consultants.

Who thought making a pandemic-based show without paying attention to basic lab techniques was a good idea??

You don't put the white part of a pipette into the liquid. You're contaminating the liquid. You shouldn't even submerge the whole disposable tip!! For a more accurate measurement you should submerge it just enough for it to suction properly.

DO NOT PUT FULL PIPETTES UPSIDE DOWN. He just ruined a good pipette. All the liquid went into its inner mechanisms and it won't work properly now.

They aren't the only offences but they're the most visually jarring ones (for now).

Those are basic lab techniques. Someone in 1st year of lab-oriented studies would know that. I would expect a series with science as one of its core plot points to know it as well

[ask-the-prototypes]

TMI Tuesday: What inspired you to create your OCs?

Originally? I dunno! I think it might've been my ex, since I hadn't made an OC when I first started interacting with the fandom, until I met her. He was easy: my hairstyle, hair color, eye color, and favorite color, rolled into a pony!

I wanted to make robot ponies, because robots are fuckin sick, and ended up making an android instead, in Oasis.

Originally, Five wasn't supposed to be sentient! Sapient? Yeah you get it. She was just going to be a mechanical assistant. Eventually I redesigned her (for the better).

Six was borne of wanting more OCs but not being very good at designing them: she's just a green Five. Originally a 'he', too, before I decided 'she' fit her better.

7-A was an adopt! I made Crash around the same time I adopted her, so I made them "twins". I made Crash because I thought having extra arms was cool lmao.

I made Pitch *purely* because I wanted to start a band and needed a vocalist lol. She grew on me and I was able to bring her beyond the original intent. Her whole vibe was inspired by a particular hairstyle I saw once and really liked, as well as having a "powdered" look with a fake blush.

Nightglow was made for fun! Just loosely inspired by the color purple and Twilight Sparkle.

Now BURST... Burst has a direct inspiration, in the song "Modify Me" by Noisecream! I was listening to this when I came up with the idea for the engines that would become her wings, and the rest followed shortly after.

Sync was another adopt! I'd had her for a little while and felt it was finally a good time to actually give her some time to shine.

Pipette was mostly based off of a scrapped Autobot from the 1986 Transformers movie, called "Chemico"! He would have had exposed pipes and tubes and I thought that was neat.

As for the Caballo Bay OCs? They all just kinda came to me on a whim. I made something like 18 characters in the span of a month, it was nuts.

[siny92]

What are the 4 parts of the pipette?

Introduction: Understanding the Core Parts of a Pipette

Pipettes are fundamental tools in laboratories, enabling accurate and precise liquid transfers in scientific research, medical testing, and industrial applications. But what makes a pipette function so effectively? The answer lies in its four main parts, each playing a crucial role in ensuring accuracy and ease of use.

Among these, the pipette tip is particularly important, as it directly interacts with the liquid being measured. Choosing the right pipette tip can significantly impact the reliability of results.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the four parts of a pipette, explaining their roles and why understanding them is essential for anyone working in a laboratory setting.

1. The Plunger: Controlling Liquid Intake and Dispensing

The plunger is the most interactive part of the pipette, responsible for drawing in and dispensing liquid. It consists of two positions:

First Stop: When pressed to the first stop, the plunger allows the user to aspirate (draw in) the desired liquid volume.

Second Stop: Pressing further to the second stop ensures that all the liquid is expelled from the pipette tip.

This dual-stage mechanism ensures precision, reducing the chances of errors in liquid handling. High-quality plunger mechanisms are essential for ergonomic comfort, reducing strain on the user’s hand during repetitive pipetting tasks.

2. The Volume Adjustment Dial: Setting the Right Measurement

Precision is the foundation of pipetting, and the volume adjustment dial plays a crucial role in achieving it. Located near the top of the pipette, this dial allows users to set the desired volume accurately.

Modern pipettes often feature digital or mechanical displays that show the selected volume, ensuring exact measurements. Some advanced models also have locking mechanisms to prevent accidental changes in volume during pipetting, which is especially important in high-accuracy research settings.

For accurate pipetting, it is essential to:

Always adjust the dial carefully to avoid over-rotation, which can damage the pipette.

Confirm the volume on the display before aspirating liquids.

Regularly calibrate the pipette to maintain accuracy.

3. The Shaft: Connecting the Pipette to the Pipette Tip

The shaft is the long, cylindrical section of the pipette that connects the main body to the pipette tip. It plays a critical role in securing the tip and ensuring smooth liquid transfer.

Different types of pipette shafts exist depending on the pipette model:

Fixed Shafts: Found in single-channel pipettes, these are designed for standard liquid transfers.

Adjustable Shafts: Common in multi-channel pipettes, these allow flexibility when working with multiple samples.

Proper maintenance of the shaft is essential for avoiding contamination. Regular cleaning and the use of filtered pipette tips (Pipette Tips with Filter) help prevent sample cross-contamination, ensuring reliable results.

4. The Pipette Tip: Ensuring Precision in Liquid Handling

The pipette tip is the detachable part of the pipette that directly interacts with the liquid being transferred. Selecting the right pipette tip is crucial for accuracy and avoiding sample contamination.

Types of Pipette Tips

Pipette tips come in various types, each designed for specific applications:

Universal Pipette Tips: These tips are designed to fit multiple pipette brands, making them versatile and cost-effective (Universal Pipette Tips).

Filtered Pipette Tips: These tips contain an internal filter that prevents aerosol contamination, protecting both the pipette and the sample (Filtered Pipette Tips).

Low Adsorption Pipette Tips: These tips are treated to prevent liquid from sticking to the inner surface, improving accuracy (Low Adsorption Pipette Tips).

How to Choose the Right Pipette Tip

Selecting the correct pipette tip depends on the type of liquid being handled and the required precision level. Factors to consider include:

Compatibility with your pipette model

The volume of liquid being transferred

Whether contamination prevention is necessary

For a detailed guide on picking the best pipette tip, check out How to Choose a Pipette Tip.

Why Understanding Pipette Parts Matters

A well-functioning pipette ensures:

Accuracy: Every part plays a role in delivering precise liquid measurements.

Efficiency: Proper handling reduces errors and improves workflow.

Sample Safety: Using the right pipette tip prevents contamination and preserves sample integrity.

By maintaining and using pipettes correctly, laboratory professionals can achieve consistent, reliable results in their research and experiments.

FAQs

1. Why is the pipette tip so important?

The pipette tip is the only part of the pipette that comes into direct contact with the liquid. Using high-quality tips ensures accuracy, prevents contamination, and enhances experimental reliability.

2. How often should pipettes be calibrated?

Regular calibration is essential to maintain accuracy. Depending on usage frequency, pipettes should be calibrated every 3 to 6 months.

3. Can I use any pipette tip with my pipette?

Not all tips are compatible with every pipette. It’s crucial to choose the right tip based on your pipette brand and model. Check out Universal Pipette Tips for versatile options.

4. What are the benefits of filtered pipette tips?

Filtered pipette tips prevent aerosol contamination, protecting both the pipette and the sample. They are ideal for sensitive applications like PCR and molecular biology.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Parts of a Pipette

Understanding the four essential parts of a pipette—the plunger, volume adjustment dial, shaft, and pipette tip—is key to achieving precision in laboratory work. Each component plays a critical role in ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and reliability.

For high-quality pipette tips and laboratory supplies, check out Siny Medical, a trusted name in lab equipment. Also, explore Siny Medical's Blog for more expert insights on pipettes and laboratory best practices.

For video guides and tutorials, visit Siny Medical’s YouTube Channel.

Your support can make a significant difference in our progress and innovation! via Venmo @fbbb123 or Click Here to buy me a coffee!

[jaincolab]

What Is Good Scientific Laboratory Equipment Made Of?

The nature of the material used is the most critical determining factor when it comes to the performance, sustainability, and accuracy of scientific laboratory equipment. Whether your laboratory may be biology laboratory equipment, chemistry laboratory equipment, physics laboratory equipment, or mathematics laboratory equipment the quality of equipment determines the dependability of results. There are many scientific laboratory equipment manufacturers and suppliers in India that offer different materials to cater to the needs of specific laboratories. To understand what constitutes good equipment, one has to know the specific materials suited for each type of laboratory work.

This blog is going to describe the materials used to make high-quality scientific laboratory equipment, ranging from glassware to metal components, and how manufacturers construct and craft equipment that is tailored for different scientific fields.

5 Materials Scientific Laboratory Equipment is Made of

Borosilicate Glass 

The scientific community depends heavily on borosilicate glass for laboratory equipment production. Laboratory glassware including test tubes, beakers, and flasks depends on this material because of its strong build quality resistance to thermal changes and low expansion rates. The resistance of borosilicate glass to endure harsh temperature fluctuations without breaking enables its use in cooling or heating laboratory applications throughout chemistry and biology laboratories. Borosilicate glass maintains its chemical resistance over long durations through its ability to operate successfully in multiple laboratory environments.

Stainless Steel 

Shifts in temperature do not affect stainless steel as it solidifies as the preferred material in scientific laboratory equipment selections that require resistance to corrosion and wear. Stainless steel serves as the material foundation for tongs together with scissors and mechanical laboratory equipment. Laboratories employing harsh chemicals can trust stainless steel materials because the combination of strength and non-reactivity and simplified cleaning procedures protects experiments from contamination.

Plastic 

Laboratory-grade plastics including polyethylene, polypropylene and PVC dominate equipment production because they combine both strength and lightweight design ability. Scientific laboratories commonly utilize these plastics when designing pipettes and beakers and containers. Their resistance to chemical interactions makes these materials ideal as laboratory devices in both biological and chemical research areas. Plastic acts as an affordable and secure replacement material for glass because it presents reduced breakage risks.

Aluminum 

Multiple laboratory devices incorporate aluminum because it remains lightweight while also resisting corrosion effectively. Plastic serves as the key material for constructing laboratory instrument frames as well as laboratory stands and instrument enclosures. Furthermore Aluminum features dual characteristics of strong durability together with excellent conductivity suited for applications needing precise temperature control in physics studios.

Ceramics

Ceramics stand vital in processes requiring high-temperature use, particularly within chemistry laboratory equipment used to perform heating tasks and monitor chemical reactions. Laboratory equipment featuring ceramic crucibles allows scientists to sustain high-temperature applications without degradation of responsive content. The material demonstrates strong resistance to acids and alkalis while preserving its non-corrosive properties through chemical analysis to testing applications.

The Importance of Material Selection in Scientific Equipment Production

The raw materials to be used for the manufacture of scientific laboratory equipment will be determined in terms of durability, accuracy, and safety. Based on the International Journal of Materials Science research, suitable materials capable of withstanding the detailed chemical reactions involved in the experiment, temperatures, and mechanical stresses should be used. Choosing resistant materials avoids the deterioration of the apparatus with time, remaining intact over years. In addition, appropriate materials with high thermal conductivity should be used in order to ensure accurate temperature control in experiments. Thus, proper material selection is one of the important factors in making reliable and efficient laboratory equipment.

A Technical Overview of Five Basic Scientific Laboratory Equipment

Microscopes

Laboratory microscopes combine metal materials with graded glass components for their construction. Laboratory apparatus that utilizes lenses incorporates optical glass and synthetic sapphire materials to provide unhindered imaging outcomes. Stainless steel together with aluminum composes the metal components because they provide essential durability while fighting against rust development. The microscope design incorporates engineered transparent narrow components that allow probing microstructures when combined with delicate focusing apparatuses and proper light resource usage.

Beakers and Flasks

Borosilicate glass products dominate the beaker and flask industry because of their remarkable resistance against both heat and chemicals. A production process shapes the glass material to achieve specific dimensions with consistent dimensions across its surface. Specialized glass stoppers or rubber versions of glass stoppers exist to prevent leaks in certain laboratory equipment. Components are subjected to extensive testing to fulfill laboratory requirements for endurance in varying temperatures combined with chemical exposure.

Balances and Scales

Factory-made laboratory balances together with scales utilized Blendings of specialized weighing platforms with plastic and metal materials. The weighing components contained within these systems operate using stainless steel materials constructed to maintain stability while ensuring precise measurement outcomes. The high-end variant of these devices includes digital sensors along with display screens that demand sophisticated electronic materials for achieving precise measurement capabilities.

Bunsen Burners

The primary material for Bunsen burners contains metal, usually stainless steel or brass, because these metals provide strength and thermal protection. A stainless steel or ceramic material creates a durable flame adjustment system on the burner head. For safe operation gas hose manufacturers create secure connections by using flexible rubber or synthetic materials.

Test Tubes

The primary material for test tubes consists of borosilicate glass because it provides resistance against thermal shocking effects together with chemical reaction deleterious actions. Professional mold techniques create a glass product with regular thickness throughout together with flawless surface quality. Laboratory test tubes include rubber and plastic caps that function as storage protectors as well as reaction-specific tools.

Why Choose Jainco Lab?

To maintain reliable instrument performance in your laboratory you must carefully select both the manufacturer and supplier for your scientific laboratory equipment. As a prominent scientific laboratory equipment manufacturer and supplier in India, Jainco Lab maintains its position in the scientific equipment production industry. Jainco Lab achieves top performance through its use of premium materials including borosilicate glass along with stainless steel and aluminum to deliver equipment that will withstand rigorous laboratory use while maintaining precise test outcomes. Laboratories of any discipline can find their perfect equipment at Jainco Lab because this manufacturer creates specific solutions for each particular lab requirement. 

Conclusion

High-quality components form the foundation of scientific laboratory equipment because they provide the necessary strength to handle experimental requirements. Your selection of materials in physics, chemistry, biology, geography or mathematics laboratories guarantees that experiments succeed with both precision and safety as well as durability. As a top scientific laboratory equipment manufacturer and supplier in India, Jainco Lab provides dependable instruments made from premium materials for customers in multiple scientific fields. Select laboratory instruments by evaluating the materials used together with the manufacturer's reputation and construction quality for maximum laboratory performance.

[microlitseo]

The Impact of Temperature on Pipetting Accuracy

Pipetting is an essential laboratory process, and depends heavily on precision instruments like micropipettes. Whether you're using an automatic micropipette for high-throughput experiments or a manual micropipette for delicate tasks, maintaining accuracy is essential. However, one often-overlooked factor that can significantly influence pipetting accuracy is temperature.

Let’s explore how temperature affects pipetting accuracy and how you can mitigate these challenges for reliable results.

How Does Temperature Affect Pipetting Accuracy?

Thermal Expansion of Liquids and Instruments Temperature fluctuations directly impact liquid density and volume. For instance, warmer liquids expand, which can lead to inaccurate volume measurements. This is particularly important when working with nanoliter dispensing or small volumes where even minor variations can cause significant errors. The mechanics of micropipettes, including pipette calibration standards, are also influenced by temperature. Plastic components in an auto micropipette or graduated micropipette may expand or contract, affecting their calibration.

Vapor Pressure Changes High temperatures can increase the vapor pressure of volatile liquids, making precise liquid handling more challenging. In such cases, using specialized micropipette tips designed for volatile substances can help.

Operator-Related Factors Human body heat can subtly affect the pipette price you pay in terms of accuracy. For example, holding the micropipette for extended periods might warm it up, leading to slight deviations in the dispensed volume. Understanding this interaction can help you choose the right types of micropipette for your tasks.

Best Practices for Mitigating Temperature Effects

Use Temperature-Adapted Tools Modern micropipette technology includes tools designed to minimize temperature effects. Investing in an automated micropipette or a well-calibrated micropipette pipette ensures consistent performance.

Pre-Equilibrate the Pipette and Liquid Allow both your automatic micropipette and the liquid to equilibrate to room temperature before beginning your work. This reduces discrepancies caused by temperature differences.

Calibrate Regularly Regular pipette calibration ensures your instrument remains accurate despite environmental changes. Calibration services often account for temperature variations when setting pipette calibration standards.

Choose the Right Tools Selecting the right pipette, whether it’s a micropipette pipette, an auto micropipette, or a graduated micropipette, for your specific application is crucial. For high-precision tasks, consider a pipette with nanoliter dispensing capabilities.

Monitor Environmental Conditions Maintain a stable lab environment to minimize temperature fluctuations. Using precision instruments in a controlled setting ensures more consistent results.

Why It Matters

Accurate pipetting is essential in fields like molecular biology, drug development, and clinical diagnostics. Inaccuracies, even if minor, can lead to failed experiments, increased costs, and unreliable results. By accounting for temperature effects and investing in reliable tools like automatic micropipettes or glass micropipettes, you ensure better reproducibility and efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Temperature plays a subtle but significant role in pipetting accuracy. Understanding its impact can help you make informed decisions, whether you're choosing a new micropipette pipette, comparing micropipette cost, or learning about the mechanics of micropipettes. Regular calibration, proper usage, and investing in advanced micropipette technology can mitigate temperature-related challenges, enabling accurate and reliable liquid handling every time.

Whether you're handling nanoliters or milliliters, accuracy is non-negotiable. Choose the right pipettor at the right pipettor price, calibrate regularly, and always consider environmental factors like temperature to achieve the best results in your work.

[doctor-silvair]

T-D Pill

A drug that shuts down the part of the brain that causes fear and anxiety, and that stimulates the part of the brain of the brain that is responsible for reward and anticipation --stimulating curiosity and risk-taking.

In essence this pill aims to rewire your brain back to what it was as a teenager.

(More research is needed to perfectionize it's effect. But this version should create a very similar state of mind to an adolescent.)

─━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━⊱⚛⊰━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━─

Ingredients:

L-Theanine: (For increasing GABA levels and overall relaxation)

Availability: Readily available online and in health food stores. Usually available in powder or capsule form,

Tyrosine: (Precursor to dopamine, enhancing reward and motivation)

Availability: Commonly found in supplement stores as capsules or powder.

Cacao Powder (Unsweetened): Contains Theobromine, a mild stimulant with dopamine-enhancing effects. Also contains phenethylamine which helps the dopamine to be released.

Availability: Supermarkets, online retailers, and health stores.

Oxytocin Nasal Spray: (For reducing amygdala activity and increasing social interaction)

Availability: Technically prescription-only, but research grade is available online. *We take a step further and instead of using a nasal spray, we will use the powder form, which is more frequently available online in research-grade format.

Micronized Creatine Monohydrate: (For enhancing cognitive function and energy, also has a indirect effect of dopamine production, as it acts on the energy system within the brain cells).

─━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━⊱⚛⊰━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━─

Equipment:

Digital Scale: Accurate to 0.01 grams

Mortar and Pestle: For grinding and mixing powders

Capsule Filling Machine: Size "00" or "0"

Empty Gelatin or Vegetarian Capsules: Size "00" or "0"

Small Glass Beakers: (For weighing and mixing)

Glass Stirring Rod

Gloves and Safety Glasses: For personal protection

Distilled Water: For dissolving the oxytocin powder.

Small Pipette: For measuring liquid.

─━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━⊱⚛⊰━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━─

Procedure:

Preparation: Put gloves and safety glasses on for the duration of the process. Clean all equipment before starting.

Oxytocin Solution:

Weigh out 0.01 grams (10 milligrams) of Oxytocin using the digital scale and place in a small glass beaker which is dry and clean.

Carefully measure out 0.5 ml of distilled water using the pipette.

Add the distilled water to the Oxytocin into the glass beaker, and gently stir using the glass stirring rod until the powder is fully dissolved, you know the powder is fully dissolved, once the solution is completely see-through without any bits of powder visible.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients:

Weigh out 0.3 grams of L-Theanine powder using the scale. Place this into the mortar.

Weigh out 0.3 grams of Tyrosine powder, and add this to the mortar.

Weigh out 0.3 grams of Cacao powder, and add this to the mortar.

Weigh out 0.4 grams of micronized creatine powder, and add this to the mortar.

Grinding and Mixing: Thoroughly grind all the dry ingredients together using the pestle. Ensure it forms a fine, homogenous powder. Remove any material stuck to the mortar and pestle, make sure all the powder goes into the final mixture.

Adding the Oxytocin Solution:

Slowly add the prepared Oxytocin solution inside the mortar with the powder mix.

Very gently mix all together with the pestle, make sure the powder fully soaks the oxytocin solution. Keep mixing until you obtain a paste. Be careful in this step. It is crucial the mix is still workable, and not too liquid. If you added too much fluid, add a small quantity of creatine powder until you obtain the correct consistency.

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Capsule Filling:

Open the capsule filling machine according to its instructions.

Carefully and evenly distribute the powder mix into the capsule filling mechanism.

Place the empty capsules into the machine according to its instructions.

Close the capsule filling machine and gently and firmly press down the top of it according to its instructions.

Remove the capsule from the filling mechanism.

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Final Product: You should now have a created pill which has the combination above. Store the capsules in a cool, dry place away from moisture and sunlight.

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Dosage:

The above recipe will fill approximately 1 to 2 size "00" capsules.

Theoretical Dosage: One capsule once a day.

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Conclusion

This recipe is a thought experiment based on limited information. All the components can be bought online and are relatively cheap, and the equipment can be bought from Amazon by any average person.

Keep in mind that some people may be allergic to one or more component, so beginning with a smaller dosage to test it out is always safer.

It is not recommended to mix this with other medication.