#Overhead traveling crane

[shinguansg]

"Industrial Lifting Solutions: Exploring Wire Rope Hoists and Overhead Cranes"

Wire Rope Hoist

The wire rope hoist is a common piece of lifting equipment used in many different sectors to lift and move heavy items. It comprises of a hoisting device that performs the lifting and lowering operations using a wire rope, a drum or sheave, and a motor.

A wire rope hoist has the following essential elements and characteristics:

High-strength wire rope, usually made of steel, is used in the hoisting mechanism to lift the load. A drum or sheave that is attached to the motor is wrapped with wire rope.

Motor: The hoist has an electric motor that powers a drum or sheave, giving it the force needed to raise and lower a load. Both manual and remote control methods are available for controlling the motor. Drum/Sheave: The wire rope is looped around a drum for lifting objects vertically and a sheave for moving objects horizontally. When the motor is running, the drum/sheave, which is attached to the motor shaft, spins, forcing the wire rope to wind up or unwind.

Safety precautions: To ensure the protection of both the operator and the cargo being hoisted, wire rope hoists are built with a number of safety precautions. These could include braking systems to secure the load in the event of a power outage, emergency stop buttons, overload protection devices, and limit switches to avoid overtravel.

Wire rope hoists are available in a variety of load capacities to meet varied lifting needs. They may be modest hoists with a few hundred-kilogram lifting capacities or huge hoists that can lift several tonnes.

Options for Mounting: Depending on the situation, wire rope hoists can be installed in a variety of ways. They can be incorporated into crane systems, mounted on trolleys for horizontal mobility, or positioned on overhead beams or other structures.

Industries like manufacturing, construction, storage, and logistics frequently use wire rope hoists. They are prized for their power, toughness, and adaptability in safely lifting and moving heavy things.

Jib crane

A jib crane is a particular kind of crane that moves, raises, and lowers objects using a horizontal arm known as a jib or boom. It is frequently utilized in industrial settings, building sites, and warehouses where efficient and targeted lifting activities are required. In order to spin or swing horizontally to reach various locations within its working radius, the jib crane is often positioned on a vertical mast or wall.

Here are some essential characteristics and parts of a jib crane:

Jib or Boom: The crane’s horizontal arm that extends from the mast or wall-mounted support is known as a jib or boom. It offers the flexibility and reach needed to shift goods horizontally. The jib has a 180-degree rotational range. Depending on the design and use, the jib can turn 180 degrees or even 360 degrees.

Jib cranes can be fastened to a wall or a column or installed vertically on a mast. The crane is supported by the mast or wall, which also lends stability to lifting operations. A self-supporting foundation and a freestanding design are features of some jib cranes.

Jib cranes have a hoisting mechanism that might be a wire rope hoist, chain hoist, electric or hydraulic winch, or another type of hoisting system. The loads are raised and lowered along the vertical axis using the hoisting mechanism. Depending on the requirements of the crane, the hoist can be either manually or electrically operated.

Jib cranes are made to rotate or swing horizontally to offer coverage inside a predetermined radius. The crane can be rotated manually by the operator turning a handwheel or lever, or it can be propelled by electric or hydraulic motors for simpler and more streamlined operation.

Jib cranes are equipped with control systems that let operators move the crane and manage the lifting and lowering processes. These control mechanisms can be integrated into a central control panel, pendant controls with push buttons, or remote controls.

Jib cranes are offered in a range of load capacities to accommodate various lifting needs. They can be anything from light-duty cranes that have a few hundred kilograms lifting capacities to heavy-duty cranes that can lift several tonnes.

Jib cranes are fitted with safety elements to guarantee secure operations. These could include safety brakes to hold the load in place in the event of a power outage, emergency stop buttons, load limiters to prevent overload, and limit switches to prevent overtravel.

Jib cranes are renowned for their adaptability because they may be employed in a stationary position or in conjunction with other lifting tools, such as overhead cranes or gantry cranes, to cover wider work areas. They are a popular option in many industries because they allow accurate and efficient lifting and moving of items in confined spaces.

Overhead crane, Overhead traveling crane A crane that uses an elevated runway system is called an Overhead crane commonly referred to as an overhead traveling crane or a bridge crane. For lifting and transporting big loads over a predetermined area, it is frequently used in industrial settings, manufacturing facilities, building sites, and warehouses.

Here are some essential characteristics and parts of an overhead crane:

Bridge: The crane’s primary horizontal beam, or bridge, spans the working space’s breadth. End trucks or end carriages that move along the elevated runways generally support it. The hoisting device is supported by and can move horizontally on the bridge.

The hoisting mechanism is in charge of raising and lowering the loads. It could be a hydraulic or electric winch, wire rope hoist, or chain hoist. In order to perform vertical lifting operations, the hoist is mounted on the bridge and moves along the length of the bridge.

Runway System: The crane moves along parallel elevated rails or runways in the runway system. The bridge and end trucks can move horizontally along the runways. Normally, they are fixed to steel beams or columns that are firmly anchored to the framework of the building.

The wheels or rollers that go along the runways are housed in the end trucks or end carriages, which are situated at either end of the bridge. They give the bridge stability and support, allowing it to move horizontally along the system of runways.

Control system: Overhead cranes have control systems that give the operator control over the raising and lowering processes as well as crane movement. These control systems may come with integrated control panels, remote controllers, or pendant controls.

Overhead cranes have a number of safety elements to guarantee secure operations. These might consist of load limiters to prevent overload, emergency stop buttons, limit switches to prevent overtravel, anti-collision technology, and safety brakes to hold the load in place in the event of a power outage.

weight Capacity: Depending on the application’s unique requirements, overhead cranes are available in a wide range of weight capacities, from a few hundred kilograms to several hundred tonnes. The crane’s design, the stability of the supporting structure, and the lifting mechanism employed all have an impact on the load capacity.

In terms of their capacity to handle high loads, cover expansive work areas, and deliver precise and controlled movements, overhead cranes have many advantages. They are frequently utilized in sectors where safe and effective material handling is essential, boosting production and reducing the need for manual labor.

[teconcranesystem]

Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes At Best Price In India

Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes At Best Price In India. Tecon Crane System LLP offers wide a range of services, including Electric Overhead Traveling Cranes products.

[avonengineering]

Electric Overhead Travel (EOT) Cranes

Introducing Avon Engineering advanced Electric Overhead Travel (EOT) Cranes – a pinnacle of innovation in material handling solutions. These cranes redefine the concept of heavy-duty lifting and movement, offering a seamless blend of efficiency, customization, safety, and durability for a wide range of industrial applications.

Key Features:

Experience the power of our EOT Cranes in efficiently lifting and transporting heavy loads with ease. Moreover, these cranes are designed to handle substantial weights, optimizing your material handling operations. Additionally, tailor your crane system to match your specific requirements. Avon Engineering Electric Overhead Travel EOT Cranes come in various configurations, including single girder, double girder, and underslung designs, ensuring a perfect fit for your workspace. Furthermore, achieve precise control over load movement with our advanced control systems. Safety is paramount, and our cranes are equipped with features like limit switches, overload protection, and emergency stop mechanisms to ensure secure and controlled operations. In addition, crafted for industrial environments, our EOT Cranes feature robust construction that can withstand the rigors of heavy usage. Lastly, built with quality materials and engineering expertise, they guarantee consistent performance and reliability over time. @avonengineering

Experience Cutting-Edge Material Handling: Our EOT Cranes introduce a new dimension of efficiency in material handling. Whether for manufacturing, construction, warehouses, or other sectors, these cranes deliver reliable, customizable, and safe load lifting and movement, optimizing your processes. They integrate technology, customization, safety, and durability, offering a forward-focused solution that aligns with your material handling goals. Elevate your material handling operations and invest in a product that ensures exceptional performance. Embrace a new era of material movement with our state-of-the-art EOT Cranes.

[vfm-cranes-123]

The leading manufacturers, suppliers, and exporters of EOT Cranes in Pune, Maharashtra are VFM Cranes & Components. We offer a wide variety of heavy duty EOT cranes (double girder, single girder, etc.) with a capacity of up to 200 tons for a variety of applications in the shipbuilding, nuclear, heavy/general engineering, and other sectors. Read More@ https://www.vfmpl.in/eot-cranes.php

[sonycrane]

EOT Crane Manufacturer in Thane

In the dynamic landscape of industrial operations, the role of efficient material handling equipment cannot be overstated. As businesses strive for increased productivity and streamlined operations, the choice of the right equipment becomes pivotal. In this pursuit, EOT (Electric Overhead Traveling) cranes emerge as indispensable assets for many industries, offering a seamless solution for lifting and moving heavy loads with precision. Among the leading players in the field, Sony Crane stands tall as a reliable EOT Crane Manufacturer in Thane, catering to the diverse needs of the thriving industrial sector.

Quality Craftsmanship and Precision Engineering

At the heart of Sony Crane's success lies a commitment to quality craftsmanship and precision engineering. Thane, with its burgeoning industrial landscape, demands equipment that can withstand rigorous usage while ensuring the safety of both personnel and materials. Sony Crane excels in delivering EOT cranes that meet and exceed industry standards, crafted with meticulous attention to detail.

Our cranes are designed to handle a wide range of loads, from light-duty applications to heavy-duty industrial lifting. The engineering team at Sony Crane employs state-of-the-art technology and adheres to stringent quality control measures to produce cranes that are not only robust but also reliable in the most challenging operational environments.

Customized Solutions for Every Industry

Recognizing that each industry has unique material handling requirements, Sony Crane takes pride in offering customized solutions. Whether you operate in manufacturing, construction, logistics, or any other sector, our EOT cranes can be tailored to meet your specific needs. From variable lifting capacities to different span lengths, we work closely with our clients to ensure that the crane solution we provide seamlessly integrates into their workflow, enhancing efficiency and productivity.

Innovation Driving Progress

Sony Crane stays at the forefront of the industry by embracing innovation in design and technology. Our commitment to staying ahead of the curve allows us to offer cutting-edge solutions that not only meet current industry demands but also anticipate future challenges. From advanced control systems for precise maneuvering to energy-efficient features that contribute to sustainable operations, our EOT cranes embody the spirit of progress.

Comprehensive Support and Maintenance Services

Choosing Sony Crane as your EOT crane manufacturer in Thane goes beyond the initial purchase. We understand that ongoing support and maintenance are crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your equipment. Our team of skilled technicians is readily available to provide comprehensive support, ensuring that your EOT crane operates at peak efficiency throughout its lifespan. Regular maintenance programs are also offered to identify and address potential issues before they impact your operations.

Customer-Centric Approach

What sets Sony Crane apart is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Our customer-centric approach extends from the initial consultation and customization phase to after-sales support. We value open communication with our clients, understanding their evolving needs and adapting our solutions accordingly. This collaborative approach has fostered enduring relationships with businesses across various industries.

EOT Crane Manufacturer in Thane

In conclusion, Sony Crane emerges as a prominent EOT Crane Manufacturer in Thane, synonymous with quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. As the industrial landscape continues to evolve, trust Sony Crane to provide the lifting solutions that elevate your operations to new heights. For inquiries and consultations, contact us at Sony Crane today. Elevate your efficiency with our cutting-edge EOT crane solutions.

[mhedemag]

Looking for Shipyard Cranes in Singapore

A shipyard crane is a large and powerful machine used in shipbuilding and other heavy industrial construction. A typical shipyard crane in Singapore has a lifting capacity of tens of tonnes and is operated by a skilled crane operator. Shipyard cranes are used to move large pieces of steel and other construction materials around a shipyard. There are three main types of shipyard cranes: the crawler crane, the jib crane and the tower crane. Visit the website to explore more wide range of shipyard cranes. Contact us now!

[vuldak-juneau]

Who: @heroic-ignus Where: En Route to Hrimthur’s Outpost  When: Between The Last Night and arrival at the outpost, further into the trip than not. Notes: (tw: animal death alluded to in the starter, falling injury, broken limb described in some detail) - again this is soooo much set up, do not match length unless you really have that much to say :)

A steed exhausted beyond the point of any return had gifted Juneau with an unlikely tool–the useful leather strap of a horse’s bridle. She was surprised none of the king’s men had taken it for repurpose or surplus until she collected it from where it had been tossed aside to claim it as her own. The leather had not been cared for well. It was dried from age and exposure, the oils that would have kept it in fine shape long-since applied. Although it was brittle and cracking in places, she knew it could still provide her some use. Juneau was used to being creative with resources. It was a rarity she possessed a tool that was called for when she completely a task, and so she already had an idea of what to do with this meager blessing on the trail. 

Juneau looked at the birds flying high above the temporary respite where they had stopped. Already, arguments had been started on who would be given rations of the meat–waste not, want not–and she didn’t feel like fighting like a dog in the hopes of a scrap making its way to her plate. Not tonight, anyway. There had been no shortage of fowl flying overhead at many points between Nornwatch Tower and this point on their route. A deteriorating old bridle wouldn’t help her catch a bird, but as she withdrew her pocket knife and cut the bridle into one long strip she thought of the promise finding a nest full of eggs high in one of the trees.

It wasn’t difficult to slip away from the wider group. She knew they would be there for a while–first, they would need to settle the dispute over who was entitled to what in terms of a meal, and then there would be the butchering, the preparation, and undoubtedly tempers over portions would flare once more before anyone took a single bite. How anyone got anything done was beyond Juneau, and she felt a sense of pride that she had outsmarted those around her. She could fend for herself, and she was proud of that. She ventured deep into the first, not worried about getting lost on the way back to the group. She could track her way through a thick blanket of snow without much effort, even if the wind blew the soft powder around and obscured her tail. If it were not for the white direwolf, Lor, following her, this hubris may have been her undoing even with her accelerated healing abilities. If Juneau even knew Lor was there, she paid her no mind.

Juneau slowly walked amongst the trees, neck craned back to examine what they held in their twisted, naked branches. It took a short while, but she finally found something that looked like a nest. She spent a few moments sizing the tree up before looping the brittle leather strap around it. For a moment, she wondered whether or not this was a good idea. She tugged at the strap–all seemed well. One more check, she thought, just in case. She looped each end around her small hands and leaned back as far as she could trying to test if it would hold her body weight. It seemed fine. 

She knew that she had already used a decent portion of the time she had before the group would move on for the night–there would still be a few hours to travel before the towering peaks consumed all of the light the sun had to offer that day. She needed to get a move on. She lifted her arms above her head, lifting the strap as high as she could and using it to offset some of her body weight as she ascended the trunk of the tree. She had climbed hundreds of rock walls, trees, and domes in her travels. She was an expert at finding and utilizing even the smallest of footholds using small imperfections, cracks, and knobs. Much of her ability came from her ability to pay great care and attention to paths and holds available to her. With the help of the belt, she ascended with quickness, but the tool made her less discerning about where she placed her feet and her hunger made her careless. 

Juneau could feel a part of the leather stretching, one of the cracks coming apart entirely, and suddenly the counterbalance the strap around the tree had served as was not there at all. Her arms scrambled to try and grasp at the trunk to at least soften or slow her fall, but with her hands full from the leather straps she was not fast enough and she plummeted toward the merciless ground below her. Her unfortunate left leg found the forest floor before the rest of her and she felt, heart, and smelled the snap as it happened.

Smelled. The metallic ichor of blood filled her nose when her vision finally focused again and she could breathe after the impact. Plain shot through her like lightning, all emanating from her leg. But there was a snap–why could she smell blood? She yelped, a helpless-sounding little cry, as she did her best to sit up again without moving her leg. It was an impossible task, the fabric of her clothing not able to remain completely unmoved even if she kept her leg as still as she could. She felt breathless when she saw the injury in full, her shin split open to the world. Red blood poured out into the white snow on either side of her leg and she could see a long shard of her bone pointing up toward her–notably jutting from a deep gash in her crooked leg. The sight of it made her nauseous–she was not especially used to seeing the insides of bodies on, well, the outside. 

Stop the bleeding first, her survival instincts reminded her. She tried to calm her breathing and think of how she could rig something on her person to act as a tourniquet. It took her a few moments longer than she cared to admit, but her hands still grasped onto the leather straps, one much longer than the other. She swallowed hard, streams of tears already freezing against her cheeks, and cried out as she moved her leg only enough to slip the thin strap beneath the back of her knee. She shimmied it upward, just slightly, to where she guessed the best spot would be and tried to think of what she might be able to use as a windlass rod and something that could secure it–if she passed out from blood loss without one, well, she didn’t exactly know if she died but she didn’t want to find out either. The long bowie knife she carried with her might work, the blade neutralized in its thick leather–fucking leather–sheath. She maneuvered the strap and knife to serve the purpose of a tourniquet as best she could, trying to convince herself the woozy feeling she experienced was just a weak stomach, and that she didn’t need to panic because she had no idea what to use to secure the knife and keep the strap around her leg as tight as possible.

[mickey-gomez]

Gentle

Chapter 8 of Fade Into You

Warnings/tags: Fluff, soft smut, 

Pairing: Rita/Reader

A/N: Picks up right after Chapter 7, click through for a refresher, because it’s been a year a while since I’ve updated. Covers the “Oh fuck. Do that again.” square of @prentiss-theorem​’s bingo. It’s a rush job, partially because I wanted to at least attempt to participate in bingo, and partially because I’m sick of this story and not updating. 

Brief summary of why I haven’t updated. 

Where last night had been frantic, fast and rough, and so very desperate. The dawn that this morning brought was a stark contrast, soft and gentle, both of you finally allowing yourselves to show your vulnerability, without hesitation. Your eyes were glued to the others’ as you watched the swirls of pleasure darken them, soft words fanning your necks as your pupils dilated, and lips parted. 

It was so very different from the night prior, where your eyes had been scrunched so tightly shut, or looking away, focusing on something else, out of some innate need to protect yourself. 

It was as if Rita could read your mind, that last night she knew exactly what you wanted, what you needed, without you even having to hint at it, you hadn’t needed to speak or contort your bodies, she just knew. This morning was no different, as your guard lowered to allow her to see you fully like this, soft kisses and intense gazes as you chased your peaks together. 

Afterwards as you both laid there, the tips of her fingers travelled up and down your back, no clear path or pattern to the movements, and when they traced over your neck and into the nape where your hair met, you moaned softly and shivered against her. 

She leaned in, as her hand wrapped itself in your hair, softly tugging against the roots as she started kissing and sucking against the skin below your ear, every so often delivering a bite before soothing over the mark with her tongue. 

And later when she laid her knees next to your head, arching her back as your nails ran down her toned stomach, you’d never thought you’d seen anything so beautiful. The sun rose above the curtains and the windows, through the clouds and buildings, casting a luminous orange glow over the room, and the two of you. 

The light pierced through the windows as she came undone, on top of you, and that’s when you knew, for certain, you’d never seen anything so beautiful. The glow from the sun spread across her chest as her hands gripped your head tighter and her mouth formed the perfect ‘O’, as she shook above you. 

You both let out low laughs when she came down, and rolled over next to you, swollen lips meeting for kisses as your eyelids leisurely closed, soft breaths as you fell asleep once more.

When you finally roused that morning, you did so with a lopsided grin on your face, the images of the night gone, and the early morning just been, flashing through your mind. A shiver travelled up your spine as your body remembered what she had done to it. The feeling of her tongue and hands as they memorised the length of you. 

You rolled over, expecting to find her asleep beside you, instead finding the sheets pulled back and no sign of her. You rubbed the sleep out of your eyes, sitting up, and craning your neck towards the door, listening for any sounds of life on the other side. You stretched out, raising your arms and rolling your neck. That’s when you spotted the note on the bedside table, ‘Gone to get breakfast. Be back soon x’. You smiled and breathed a short sigh of relief that she hadn’t panicked and left you here. You laughed silently to yourself and shook your head, of course she hadn’t fled and left you in her own apartment.  

You walked into the ensuite and as the bright overhead lights clicked on, and you were met with your reflection in the mirror, you gasped at the sight of the purple hues of bruising that were so vivid on your chest and neck. You traced your fingers over them, feeling where teeth and lips had met skin. 

You took a moment to comb your fingers through your hair, settling it, sweeping it to one side and over one shoulder. You turned your head ever so slightly, as the light bounced off the mark she’d left on your neck, you circled it delicately with the tip of your finger, remembering the feeling of it, and how you desperately wanted her to leave more. 

After freshening up, you reached for the first piece of clothing you saw, Rita’s oxford button down that laid neatly across the armchair in the corner. Slipping it on and buttoning the bottom buttons up until they stopped at your sternum. 

When you walked out and down the hallway, you almost jumped out of your skin when you saw her seated at the kitchen island, demitasse cup in one hand, newspaper in the other. 

“You’re awake” she smiled softly as she set aside the paper and cup, leaning forward and resting her head in her hand as she looked over at you. 

“Well I was cold, and lonely.” you yawned “Why’d you let me sleep so long?” 

“Seemed like you needed it.” She shrugged, then she drank you in, noting the tiredness under your eyes and the third yawn that escaped you as you stood there, leaning against the counter. “You get used to the long hours, don’t worry.”

“Thanks” You reached over to the sink, grabbing your glass from the night prior, rinsing it before filling it from the tap, trying not to gulp down the water. “Somehow I don’t think the reason I’m tired is because of work.” If you weren’t paying attention, you would have missed the quick flash of her lips that turned into a smirk, and the way her eyes flashed fleetingly with something that resembled a frantic mix of excitement and smug pride. 

“Lonely huh?” she raked her eyes over you. The tension between the two of you was building again, like it had done last night, and for years prior, like a bubble waiting to burst. “Do you want coffee?” you heard her ask it, but it was faint, your mind elsewhere, you took a breath and blinked, shaking your head lightly, and when you met her eyes again, you simply smiled quickly and nodded. 

You turned your head, looking for the pot, and your eyes widened when you saw that she had an actual espresso machine, and not a drip one like you were used to. “I don’t know how to use that” you pointed and she laughed. 

Rounding the island, coming to stand behind you, her arms wrapped around your waist as she leant in and kissed your neck, and then the spot just below your ear. “I’ll show you” she whispered and you broke out with goosebumps when her breath hit your neck, and her words lingered on your skin. 

She put her hands on your hips, gently moving you out of the way, and you could hardly focus, your stomach doing somersaults every time she touched you. You tugged on the bottom of your shirt, pulling it down to cover the tops of your thighs before hopping up onto the island, crossing your legs as you watched her. The marble was cold under the bare skin of your thighs, and sobered you momentarily, like plunging into the ice. 

“Milk?” she hummed out in question as she flitted around, pulling out the beans and turning on the machine. 

“Please” you answered before the whirring sounds of the machine and grinder filled the room. You took her in, your eyes tracing all the way up her frame, glued to the sway of her hips, the perfect curves she possessed, and her long hair that cascaded down her back. She stole a quick glance over her shoulder and she simpered, looking pleased with herself, much like she always did.

“Are you paying attention?” 

“Hmm?” you ran the pad of your thumb over your lips and when you looked up to find her looking intently at you, a perfect smirk plastered on her face, you blushed and ducked your head down. 

You uncrossed your legs when she turned, mug in her hand, wrist outstretched as she presented it to you. You took it from her, your fingers running over hers when you gripped the handle. She looked down at your thighs, and then back up at you, taking a few steps until you uncrossed your legs and she was standing in between them. Your breath hitched in your throat when she ran her palms over the bare skin. 

“Nice shirt” She ran her hands further up your thighs, gripped down, as you sipped from your mug, she stopped abruptly when she reached the crease where they ended and your hips began. Realisation on her face when her fingers felt what was missing, “You’re not wearing…” she trailed off, and you placed the mug down on the counter, biting your lip as you felt the tension begin to bubble over, and when she swept her eyes up to meet yours, you gave her a coy smile, and that was all it took. She surged up, forcefully claiming your lips with hers. 

Your legs wrapped around her waist, reeling her in closer as tongues battled, and lips rolled together. She unbuttoned the shirt and swept the seams off your chest, pulling back, she reached her fingers out, ghosting them over your nipple, watching the way it stiffened as it bloomed, before pinching it. Not hard enough for it to sting or burn underneath her fingertips, just enough for her to amuse herself at the way your body reacted, at the soft moan that escaped your lips, and the way your eyes changed colours as they slowly rolled back. 

She trailed her fingers down your chest and stomach, watching the way you reacted, your skin pricking as goosebumps formed. You both let out moans when her fingers entered you, breaths swirling together as they danced between lips and mouths. Your hips rolled in time with the movements of her wrist, and when she pulled them forward deep inside of you, you almost came undone. 

“Oh fuck. Do that again.” you sobbed through airy gasps and breaths, and you knew she was smirking, without even having to look at her, the arrogance radiated off her. 

“Can you take another?” she husked and you couldn’t speak, a strangled sob leaving your throat as you nodded furiously. “Good girl” she bit your earlobe and in that same moment, flicked her thumb up to your clit. You swore you could have come right in that moment, and as embarrassing as that was, you probably would have, if it wasn’t for her pulling her fingers out, a huff of laughter on your neck as she took in your reaction. “You like it when I call you that, don’t you?” and when you didn’t answer she bit into your neck, into a bruise she’d left the night before. “I asked you a question.” 

“Yes.. yes..” you closed your eyes, and bit down on your bottom lip, almost hard enough that it drew blood. 

“Open your eyes, I want to watch you when you come.” you moaned involuntarily at that, but kept your eyes firmly closed. She pinched your thigh, forcing your eyes to come flying open, a wicked smile gracing her lips. She eased back into you with three fingers and your mouth flew open, breath hitching in your throat, at the stretch and how amazing it felt, this delicate swirl of pleasure and pain. She stared intently into your eyes and then dropped down to your lips, watching the way they arched as she fucked you. 

When she pressed her thumb to your clit, rubbing intently, your eyes rolled back into your skull, screaming out as your entire body convulsed and shook, your hips almost levitating off the counter. You wanted to cry, scream, and even laugh. How was she so good at that?

She pulled her fingers out before you could continue to ruminate on it, drawing your attention back to her standing in front of you. You gripped her wrist, looking at her through hooded lids, raising her hand to your mouth as you cleaned off her fingers, one at a time. 

“What am I going to do now?” she murmured, as she watched you take her fingers into your mouth, your tongue swirling around them.  

“Hmm?” you were only fractionally listening to her, too consumed on the taste in your mouth and the look on her face as she watched you.

“I still want a taste” she purred, and you simpered as you laid back, blissed out. Wondering if it would always be like this, that every time she touched you, would leave you this breathless, this bone-weary. 

“So, dirty talk huh?” she ran the palm of her hand over your stomach, and you could hear the infliction of laughter as she spoke. 

“Shut up” you giggled, swatting her hand away. As you laid there, you heard her moving around and then the sound of something being put on the floor in front of you. You sat up, and laughed when you saw it was a stool. She raised her eyebrows at you, smirking as she pulled it forward and sat down, gripping onto your calves as she pulled you forward, and rested them on her shoulders. 

“You can try, but I won’t be able to come again so soon.” You murmured softly as you gently wove your hands through her hair. Scratching at her scalp and tugging on her tresses as she kissed up your thighs. 

“Yes you can.” she gazed up at you, a smug smile firmly in place as she spoke directly and frankly, even somewhat delicately when she kissed the inside of your thigh, resting her head where she had just kissed, gazing up at you, as if she was asking permission to continue. 

“Knock yourself out” you shrugged in disbelief, being polite and not wanting to damage her ego, you expected her to tire herself out after half an hour or just there after, but instead you were shocked, and almost excited, when less than ten minutes later, you were crying out once more, shuddering as you gripped her hands, spilling into her mouth and once more onto her tongue, another wave washing over you.

“So last night was a lot” she spoke softly from her position across from you, leaning against the counter, her eyes not yet meeting yours, staring into the distance as she raised her mug to her lips.

“Pent up sexual frustration, Rita.” you rolled your eyes, and she laughed for a moment before her tone changed, becoming softer and quieter as she looked at you. 

“It wasn’t too much was it?” she hesitated “I mean, I should have probably…” 

“What?” 

“Asked you before I-” Oh, so that’s what she meant. She was skirting around saying it fully aloud, maybe out of some form of prudishness or out of some innate need to protect you, or maybe it was because despite her brash outward demeanour and facade, this was who she truly was at the core of her being, tender and gentle, and maybe just a little demure underneath it all. 

“-Strapped me?” you brashly interrupted her, shrugging as you reached for your mug, and she started choking on her own breath, much to your amusement. “You did ask” 

“I should have been slower… more gentle… checked in with you more.” she fiddled with the handle of the mug in her hands, and you could recognise the seeds of doubt she was planting in her own head.

“Rita” you said her name gently, coaxing her attention back to you. “If I had wanted that, I would have stopped you, and we would have had a conversation.” you watched as she exhaled and her features softened, some of the tension she was carrying beginning to ease. 

“Is that what you really wanted last night? Something more akin to earlier this morning?” you searched her eyes, trying to catch a glimpse of the truth, and when she didn’t give you anything, you spoke once more, with more assertion this time. “You told me… well showed me. You showed me what you wanted, it was hot.” she smiled then, and the light in her eyes changed. 

“So do you want pancakes?” she asked as she put the now empty mug down, and pushed off the counter to stand in between your legs. 

“You made breakfast?” you looked at her perplexingly, she wasn’t, by her own admission, the greatest cook. You winced a little internally at the thought of having to feign interest in whatever she had prepared, or attempted to prepare. 

“Don’t be ridiculous.” she laughed “I put an order in at Bubby’s.” and with that admission your stomach settled and you let out a quiet sigh of relief. “Okay, you don’t have to look so relieved.” she huffed, partially annoyed and partially amused. 

“Come here” you tugged on her shirt “Thank you for not making breakfast.” you whispered teasingly as you kissed her.

The two of you never managed to leave her apartment over the weekend, seemingly losing track of time. When you weren’t in bed, you both snacked, and ate where you could, take out dropped at the door, pizza consumed on the living room floor. 

The nights were spent drinking red wine and listening to her record collection, talking and debating, much like you had done for years, except this time, you couldn’t control yourselves, and neither of you wanted to. You both yearned to learn every part of one another. You’d make it maybe halfway through an album, or a conversation, if you were lucky, before your eyes would consume one another, and your lips would devour the others’. 

@storiesofsvu @imlike-so-gay-dude @wannabe-fic-reader @alexusonfire @momlifebehard @annegilletteslostwh0r3 @drduckthief @giftedchildturns40 @holycrapraewth @when-wolves-howl @ladysc @itwasrealtome @fanfictionfangirl04 @upsidedowndanvers @jetaimedarling  @red1culous

Taglist link here

[kookieswan]

Could I request JK and of course the tiger lily? Maybe with some kind of au like aliens or some sort of magic or whatever else suits your fancy? You're really good at unique AUs so please feel free to just go wild :]

Tiger Lily - Passionate Pride

Jungkook x Reader

Word Count: 700+

Genre: Alien AU. Fluffy, a tiny little bit of angst. Some humor 🤡

Summary: Never in your life did you think a giant alien man would ask you to run away with him.

Notes: I love a good alien AU tbh, they’re a little hard to come by so I hope this tickled your fancy anon. Also, you’re the sweetest 🌸~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~“Just to the odd human grocery store? Come on, you can’t tell me you don’t want more of that stuff you call pie. I can even carry you if you’re too tired, I’m much stronger than any human and the size of your ankles worry me.” The alien spreads out across your couch, knees hitting either side of it as it noticeably starts to sink into itself. Letting out a sigh, you shake your head for what must be the hundredth time today, plopping yourself onto the chair across from him.

“I still don’t know why I’m harboring a criminal that’s so full of himself… You know we can’t just go out in public like it’s the most normal thing right now, I’m sorry. Maybe when you’re not a wanted man.” Jungkook blinks owlishly, his bright purple eyes shining in the otherwise dim room. It’s his fault you need to keep your curtains shut. As funny as it is to see the giant man pout, you stand your ground and remain silent until he whines.

“Why not? No one would even notice… Well, they might once they see how charming I am, but that’s beside the point. Many people here on earth consider the people of Terazi as ‘ethereal’ I’ve read.” This makes you scoff, another insinuation of how attractive he thinks he is… He is of course, but you don’t need to feed into his ego at all; the way he’s talked about himself in the past few weeks has been enough to tell you that.

“Jungkook, you’re seven feet tall, your eyes glow, your hair is lilac, and you have distinctive markings all over your body. I think someone might notice the giant Terazial man walking down the street next to me and get a little suspicious.” Getting out of your seat, you make your way over to the kitchen to try and figure out something for dinner. If there’s one think you’ve learned about Jungkook, it’s that he can eat and eat and eat. The Terazial springs up and follows you, practically towering overhead as he hovers.

“So you’ve taken notice of my superior physical qualities? You like them?” It’s not quite a whisper but it’s quiet, his voice delicate as he asks. Not thinking too much of it, you open another cupboard and glance at the contents. Peanut butter and spam isn’t going to get you very far…

Turning to face him, you blink at his chest and then crane your head upward. He looks smug, thin lips pulled into a bunny grin as his nose slightly scrunches (something he didn’t understand in the slightest when you first mentioned it). You poke his chest once, the firmness of the muscle still slightly surprising.

“Yes? It’s kind of hard not too when you stick out like a sore thumb. I know there are other aliens on earth but still.” There are many species of aliens on earth now; not just humans. And most can get away with walking around freely, but then again, most didn’t accidentally blow up a portion of a shopping mall.

“You know… There’s a lot more out there. A lot more to see beyond earth. If you were to leave with me, I’d take care of you and we would thrive. I don’t understand human customs very well but-” Leave with him? As in leave earth and potentially never come back? He’s told you stories about his travels, how he’s been all over the galaxy. It’s a romantic idea, and yet-

“I-what-Jungkook-“ He continues on, flailing his arms around as you stare at him with wide eyes. He’s so excited that he doesn’t even realize you’re trying to get a word in.

“I think it would be fun! You’d get to meet my crew! I know they’ve been looking for me, and when I leave, I want to take you with. Just say the word _____.” That’s… A lot. A lot to think about, a lot to process. Would you really be missing much here on earth…? Taking a deep breath, you let the cupboard bang shut and walk past him toward the door. You need time to think.

“… Let’s go to the store. Don’t forget your hat and sunglasses, if you get arrested I’m not bailing you out.”

[shinguansg]

Overhead Cranes, Hoists, and Expert Services: A Guide to Material Handling

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[teconcranesystem]

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[mariacallous]

In the early hours of March 22, Russian forces launched what Ukraine’s energy minister called the “largest attack” on Ukrainian infrastructure in recent times. Numerous critical infrastructure facilities across the country, including the Dnipro Dam, have been hit, and many places are without power or are under rolling blackouts to reduce demand on damaged systems. Additionally, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was briefly disconnected from the grid during the strikes, posing a risk of shutdown. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called the attack a direct “war against ordinary people’s lives.”

Air raid sirens sounded throughout Ukraine early Friday as the Russian military launched massive missile strikes across the country. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko called the strikes “the most extensive attack on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in recent times,” saying they were aimed at “causing a large-scale breakdown of the nation’s energy system.” Volodymyr Kudrytskyi, the head of Ukraine’s high-voltage transmission operator Ukrenergo, concurred, saying the attack was the largest of its kind since the start of the full-scale war.

According to Halushchenko, power generation facilities as well as transmission and distribution systems in various regions were hit and damaged. Many places are without power.

The city of Kharkiv has been left almost entirely without electricity or running water following Russian strikes on over 15 energy infrastructure targets in the area, reported Governor Oleh Syniehubov.

Russia launched 12 missiles on Zaporizhzhia, said regional Governor Ivan Fedorov. According to preliminary information, at least one person was killed and eight people were injured. Fedorov later reported that two more people are missing. At least seven residential buildings in the area were destroyed and 35 were damaged.

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, currently under Russian control, was also on the verge of shutdown. During the attack, the overhead power line connecting the occupied plant to Ukraine’s power grid was disconnected.

Drone and missile strikes also damaged critical infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, said Mayor Oleksandr Vilkul. The city is implementing emergency shutdown schedules and hospitals and other critical facilities are switching to generator power where possible.

Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels reported a strike on the Dnipro Dam, a hydroelectric power plant. Petro Andryushchenko, an aide to Mariupol’s legitimate mayor, said a Russian missile hit a trolley traveling along the dam. According to him, the vehicle was filled with civilians who were commuting to work.

The Ukrainian energy company Ukrhydroenergo wrote that a fire broke out at the station but that the situation is under control and there is “no threat of breach.”

Ukrhydroenergo’s CEO, Ihor Syrota, told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that the Russian military hit the station’s Hydroelectric Power Plant 1 and Hydroelectric Power Plant 2 (HPP-1 and HPP-2). According to him, HPP-2 was severely damaged and may be beyond repair. One of the station’s supports was also hit, and crane beams were broken. “We’ll have to completely restore the machine room and electrical equipment,” Syrota said. “We’ll assess the consequences within the day and take stock of what happened.”

Authorities in Ukraine’s Sumy region have introduced a schedule of emergency blackouts to cope with damage from strikes on energy infrastructure. Russia’s attacks also reportedly damaged critical energy infrastructure in Ukraine’s Vinnytsia, Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions.

Khmelnytskyi Mayor Oleksandr Symchyshyn wrote that there were dead and wounded after Russian strikes hit infrastructure facilities and homes in the city. Ukraine’s Internal Affairs Ministry confirmed the deaths of two people in Khmelnytskyi.

Missile debris fell on homes in Ukraine’s Poltava region, and rolling blackouts have been implemented in the area. Local authorities have also introduced blackouts in the Kirovohrad region to reduce the strain on the energy grid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia launched over 60 drones and around 90 missiles in the attack. Commenting on the strikes, Zelensky wrote that they were clear evidence of Russia’s intent to harm Ukrainian civilians:

Russia is waging war against ordinary people’s lives. […] Russian missiles don’t have delays like aid packages to our nation do. Shahed [drones] have no indecision like some politicians. It’s important to understand the cost of delays and postponed decisions. Patriot systems should be protecting Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia; we need air defense systems to protect people, infrastructure, homes, and dams. Our partners know exactly what’s needed. They can certainly provide support. These decisions are necessary. Life must be protected from these Moscow barbarians.

[rayan12sworld]

💙Tie Your Heartstring Up Tight

By:athena_crikey

Summary:

Lan Wangji could not hope to find any other person like this, at least not so far from their home. But wu speak to birds and beasts across the realm. He may be known to them. He may be recognized, somewhere. The ravens and the hawks hear the name and cry it to the skies; the mouse and the fox both carry it with them through snow-washed fields. Below ground the beetles gnaw it into roots and bark. Wei Ying. Wei Wuxian.

OR: Tasked with finding the Yunmeng Jiang's missing wu, a young man called Wei Wuxian, Lan Wangji recruits a familiar and travels across the land in search of him. His familiar, a black hare with a little too much personality, seems to have his own secrets.

Chapter:11/11

Words:54,106

Status:completed

There is no direct moonlight left, the rice paper shade entirely grey. Still though, the room is lit by faint diffuse starlight. By its gentle glow Lan Wangji turns his head to see a tall man seated at the table, his dark hair pulled wholly into a simple tie and tumbling down his back in gleaming waves, his clothes jet black. He is drinking from one of the wine jars gifted to Lan Wangji by the tea house, the soft trickle of liquid a rippling sound in this almost-dream. It fits seamlessly into the scene, like seafoam atop whispering waves. The man turns a little as he drinks it, the line of his cheek high, his lips shining as they’re wetted from the liquor. Part of Lan Wangji wants to wake up, wants to shed the skin of this dream and pitch into the cold crispness of reality so he can see this stranger’s face, so he can know the man who haunts his nights. But a larger part of him is comfortable, cozy where he lies, pleased to let the dream roll on. There is no danger, he is sure of that. No unfamiliar mind, hun or po here with him. There is no need to wake from this strange dream. He is weary from the hunt, from the long lingering echo of the crane’s song. He closes hie eyes, and slips back into sleep.

~~

Lan Wangji regrets, in all that he heard of the south – of its muddy rice fields and sticky summers, of its peasant farmers and its lack of education – that somehow he never heard anything of Wei Ying.

~~~

He looks back over his shoulder at the empty, derelict shrine. He has given everything to do right by you, Lan Wangji thinks. This is how you repay him? Lan Zhan. Lan Wangji looks over to where Wei Ying is huddled on the ground, on his hands and knees, awaiting death. He looks up, raises his head just enough for Lan Wangji to see the curve of his cheek, the bright glint of his eye. Thank you. And – I’m sorry. Lan Wangji tastes the tears in his throat, thick and hot and salty. Before him, Wen Zhuliu appears, reaches down to grab his arm and drag it upwards, his heartstring glinting. Lan Wangji just stares at him, empty, beyond horror for his own fate. There is no punishment for this evil, no retribution waiting. The world he served with his all has betrayed him, and he can no longer care. No, says a low voice, little more than a growl in the back of his mind. There is always punishment for true evil. There is always retribution for desecration. Lan Wangji blinks. Overhead, the moon goes dark. A cloud, perhaps. But it is swirling, dark, glinting, gleaming like a lake carp shining in the morning sun. One figure, two figures, intertwined, shifting. From overhead two enormous shapes descend. They braid together, their bodies flashing as the moonlight reappears. One black, one white. Dragons. Bearded, scaled, their claws flinty and their horns shining like lightning.

~~~

[grollow]

writing suggest: grimm and the knight(/the lord of shades) chatting about places they've travelled~

Every time you ask me to write these two together, I feel like I can hear @aewrie making a little delighted noise. The psychic transmission is strong.

(But I like writing their interactions, I think they are fun.)

I am enjoying the attempts of half of these asks to get me to write fluff. You might be the one who succeeded. Is this fluff? Does it count?

storyteller || AO3

His companion does not make words. Whether that be a limitation of the design of the vessels or simply its choice, he is unsure: it communicates fine, however, on the rare occasions when it chooses to.

Grimm hopes this will be one of those times.

“The wind is cold up there,” he tells it, gesturing vaguely to the east. “Where we came from. But it is not as cold as the kingdom we last visited. Would you like to know more about it?” 

He is draped across the back of the bench. The elderly bug that often lingers nearby has retreated to the safety of the general store and is casting him looks that are distinctly, undeniably hostile: he does not like the troupe’s presence in his town and is very convinced they are of a sinister make.

Perhaps he is not entirely wrong – but he is not completely correct either.

Grimm sees no need to alter his perceptions. It is rare for him to come out of the tents and mingle, but his summoner is a worthwhile source of interest – especially when it is yet nursing injuries.

Its mask is cracked and it has not healed it (although he knows that they can). He suspects that extending the soul to do so is not something it is interested in when it can just as easily rest in the comfort of the sleepy little town.

It looks up at him, its head craning back as if to meet his gaze, and he drums his claws melodiously on the back of the bench.

He takes the movement as indication of interest.

“The last one was frozen solid. The ground was slippery to walk on and the Steeds… well, did you know that they slip? We found this out quite unpleasantly. It is difficult for them to gain traction on ice.”

It stares openly. There is something on its face, he realises belatedly, and he reaches down to remove it: a shorn piece of some kind of plant leaf stuck to the hard white shell. It leaves behind a smudge of green stain that makes it seem all the more like the child its form is often mistaken for.

He makes no such mistake. There is wisdom in those eyes. There is also something a little wild. He is reminded of the black clouds that billow overhead and the smell of the air before coming rainfall. He is, in the same moment, also reminded that it is better to be indoors before the water starts to descend.

But he has ever been a reckless creature, so it is in his nature to ignore self-preservation.

Besides. He likes its company. Small and unassuming but with a will that could overcome any obstacle. It is an admirable trait.

He hopes the child adopts it.

“Have you ever seen snow fall heavily enough to collect upon the ground?” he asks it and to his surprise, it nods.

His mind is filled, then, with an image of the sprawling desert wastes: barren, lifeless dunes and great wooden structures that stand as testament to time. The image shifts to chilly winds and the blowing snow, positively howling, and then snow piled up thick enough to be impossible to navigate.

Along with the images is a distinct feeling of frustration. It does not like the cold and it does not like the snow. These things it finds inconvenient to try and work around. It does not enjoy anything getting in its way.

He is amused by how cranky it is. That he (a spirit of flame) should find snow more entertaining than it (a creature of the cold and fathomless dark) is an irony not lost on him as well. 

Perhaps it is evidence of magnetism.

“It melts in my presence,” he tells it. “Turns to slushy water and mixes with the dirt; it stains black and brown and becomes very messy.”

It looks down and then lifts its hands in front of its face. He wonders if it is trying to picture what he is describing. 

“I thought to try skating across a frozen pond in the last kingdom. The bugs do it, and it looked to be entertaining. I was young, you see, and I thought… when would I ever get a chance like that again? And so I slid out onto the ice. I would dance as the others did. They made it look easy. I have a confession.”

He leans down, then he whispers, “It is not easy.”

It turns its head to the side. He thinks it is probably trying to picture what he is telling it. Unfortunately, while it can share its memories with him to some degree, the same is not true in reverse. He does not possess that skill, that strange form of communication. He is bound to the mercy of words, as helpful and hindering as they can sometimes be. 

“It is especially not easy,” he continues, “when the ice starts melting underneath you.”

Its shoulders shake. It is laughing at him. It has no voice with which to do so, but he knows the gesture just the same and that is the response that he was trying to elicit with his story. After all, are bedtime tales not ideal to lighten one’s mood before sleeping?

He circles around the bench and then settles on one knee before it. The vessel follows him with its eyes and he turns his head before offering it a smile. 

“I managed a few loops, trailing water and ice behind me, and then, in an act of enviable grace, I managed to tumble onto my backside.”

Its shoulders shook again and he hummed.

“You will, perhaps, be pleased to know that the child takes after its father in some regards. Falling caught me off guard and I reacted appropriately… by summoning fire.”

It shares a mental picture with him again: of ice melting into water.

He nods to it and then smiles widely: all teeth, but harmless.

“That is exactly what happened, my friend. I went swimming. I did not know how to swim yet. Brumm had to come wade out and rescue me while I floundered about, half-frozen. To this day, he does not let me live it down.” 

The shaking becomes more and more prominent and he laughs with it; he gives sound to what it cannot. Perhaps he should be embarrassed by the tale but it is so long ago now that he hardly finds it worthwhile to dwell on. He is long past humiliation over the deeds committed when he was yet a child himself.

It is not as though it will tell his secrets.

It laughs and it laughs, soundless and shaking, its tiny body trembling under the force of it, and when the laughter subsides, it is still. It is possessed by an eerie, statue-like quality that tells him it has fallen asleep there on the bench.

Exhaustion takes its toll.

He stays with it, sitting on the ground in front of the sleeping figure. He has time to spare and there is something peaceful in the quiet.

And his presence greatly annoys the elderly bug staring nails into his back. He will take his wins where he can get them. 

[agirlandherquill]

the calendar project - day 9

you know what? it's bang on midnight i'm counting it still

daily page count: 2

time spent: 30 mins

here's todays pages!

He is enjoying this far too much. She had been wishing for a way out and now he, a man she had no choice but to stick near, was offering her it. I suppose now’s a better time than ever to meet the people I’ll be working with - I just hope they’re nothing like him. 

“Lead the way.”

“And risk you running in the other direction? I don’t think so, take my arm.” He offered it to her, and with a wry laugh she took it. “I must warn you Mister Eldrich, if you’re thinking of leading me into someplace astray from the main path, you should think again.”

“Or you’ll dislocate my fingers?”

“Worse. Rip them off and make you taste them.”

“You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?” He sighed, “Not to worry, if I did do anything like that my friends would spit on my remains after finishing me off for you.”

“What?” She was surprised to hear him talk of his team in such a way.

“You’ll see, they’ll like you.”

“And you don’t?”

His face was impossible to read, yet again. “There are very few things I like about business.”

Him and his business, it’s as if he thinks I haven’t got similar concerns of my own, does he really think I want to be here? 

She mulled over her situation quietly as they reached the castle doors where two butlers stood, perfectly poised, to stop them. 

“My apologies but the doors must remain sealed until the end.”

Isolde recognised the one that spoke, he was fairly tall, his head was covered by a sparse spattering of hair so that his scalp shone in the candlelight of the chandelier hanging overhead. Robert, I think? She smiled at him. “Robert, forgive me for this, but we’re on an errand for his Majesty.”

Robert, his eyes widened at being recognised, gave her a startled once over, then seemed to nearly choke on his own tongue. “Yes, yes, certainly Isolde, I’m sorry-” Robert’s fumbled words were interrupted by his partner, “But our orders?”

“Have changed,” Robert muttered, “Now get a move on.” He practically dragged the shorter man into the adjoining vestibule where everyone’s coats were gathered, giving them a little privacy to make their exit.

“The butler knows you by name?” Reid asked as she slipped her arm from his and approached the doors, the two wooden doors weren’t reinforced but they were sealed by a central mechanism, a vine of steel stretching from floor to ceiling with five roses protruding from it, sitting on rails just waiting to be touched. “I should hope so, I’ve fled from enough of these things by now.” She reached up and touched the first rose, then the third, second, fifth and finally, the fourth. Upon pressing the final piece of the puzzle that formed the lock, the vine swung into a horizontal position and Isolde pulled the door to her left open. “And you know the combination too… Who are you?” 

Isolde stepped outside, offering Reid the vaguest consolation she could manage, “Someone who prefers the world out here to the one in there.”

And the world out here… It’s just what I needed to see. 

Reid joined her on the edges of the steps that led out into a square courtyard, two halves of grass cut in half by a path of marbled stone that led to the distant valley where the carriages convened, Isolde angled her body away from the centre, focusing on the left side of the courtyard where the grass was overshadowed by statues, dozens of them, flanking a lesser travelled gravel path toward a small gate that cut between the iron fence that walled around the courtyard; she walked toward the path, Reid in tow, and embraced the night.

The late hour held a chill that burrowed through her skin, her breath formed small wispy clouds with each exhale, the sky had grown cold too, a thick blanket of mist had crept in hiding the stars from her, Pity, I would’ve liked to see them some more tonight. 

She started at a weight draping over her shoulders, a warm, soft weight. She craned her head to see Reid draping his coat over her shoulders, he caught her stare and smirked. “You’re of no use to me if you make yourself sick.”

“Protecting your business?”

“…Precisely.” He settled the coat around her, but his hands hesitated to leave her shoulders. “Earlier… I made a mistake.”

“What mistake?” She was careful not to press him too much, his tone was too uncertain, too cautious for her to know how to navigate the conversation, it was better for him to speak and her to respond, however either of them saw fit.

“I allowed my interests to mix. I shouldn’t have, but I did.”