#Received/Responded 18 February 2025

[brian-in-finance]

Thanks for the message, Anon. 😖 I’ve more than halved it, and heavily redacted what remains.

Sigh. 🤦🏻‍♂️ So, 46 months after this issue should have been, fed, spanked, and put to bed, it has awakened. If that link doesn’t work, you, like I, have been blocked. 🥇

The blogger you quoted has been telling her story for nearly three years.

“no paperwork was filed within the Somerset County Registrar's Office.” ✔️ True

“The church never sent the paperwork to the Registrar's office to be filed as a legal union between the two named individuals.” ✔️ True

You know what else is ✔️ True, Anon? Two words: church entry. And I’m not talking about the door.

According to the County Superintendent Registrar of Somerset Council, the church sent the marriage registration information directly to the GRO: “it’s a church entry”

Photo: St Mary the Virgin Bruton

One can’t help but wonder, when 810’s closing credits stop rolling, will people still be courting misfortune for others? Or will they finally accept the reality that is, is not the reality they want?

Remember… faith is an island in the setting sun, but proof is the bottom line for everyone. — Paul Simon

The misfortune is divorce. The reality is Family Tait.

[bekkathyst]

BEKKATHYST 2025 Giveaway!

~This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Tumblr.~

Please read thoroughly before entering!

Hello lovely Tumblr folk! It’s that time again- I have a giveaway for you all. 💜

We have an online store that could use your support!

You can also find us on Instagram and if you enjoy our shop you can also sign up for our email newsletter here to get updates about new inventory and sales!

About us: My business is a small, family-run establishment that I started here on Tumblr in 2013. I’ve been lucky enough to grow to the point where this supports me, my partner, and our daughter. In the US we also had a brick-and-mortar shop in which I employed my mom and a few of my siblings. However, we closed it to be able to move to Austria, my home country! 💜 I strive to put compassion and ethics above all else in my business, and I hope that shines through. We have a website but also run many fun sales directly here on Tumblr!

This giveaway will have two winners.

What the first winner receives:

All the pictured crystals, plus a $100 gift card that can be used for our online store or our Tumblr sales. Pictured crystals: chevron amethyst castle, purple labradorite moon, labradorite horned skull, four labradorite pebbles, amethyst druzy, flower agate model, four crystal bracelets, purple labradorite freeform, and a large amethyst crystal

What the second winner receives:

A $50 gift card that can be used for our online store or Tumblr sales!

Rules:

You must be 18 or older.

You can be from anywhere in the world! I am shipping from Austria.

Shipping is entirely free, I will cover it. But if you live in a country that charges import tax on gifts, you are responsible for it. If it gets sent back to me, you will need to pay shipping to have it sent again.

You must be following me, so you can get updates if anything about the giveaway changes.

Please check out our online shop!

Reblog this post to enter. Likes count as additional entries. No giveaway or spam blogs. If you reblog on a side blog, let me know in the tags what the name of your blog is that you’re following me with.

At the end, each entry will be assigned a number and the winner will be chosen by a random number generator.

The giveaway ends on February 24th, 2025.

The winners will be messaged and must respond with their full name and address within 24 hours, or a new winner will be chosen.

Please respect me and my rules, and have fun!

[hd-wireless]

HD Wireless Fest 2025

🎵 RULES AND GUIDELINES 🎵

🎶 Prompting:

Prompting opens Sunday January 12th 2025. 

You may submit up to five (5) prompts. These can be named or anonymous. We trust our prompters to abide by this, even if they are prompting anonymously. You do not have to be creating a work for the fest in order to post a prompt. Anyone can prompt!

All prompts must be a SONG. Instrumental songs are allowed. All songs with lyrics must be in English. 

There is a space to include any extra prompt details that you would love to see incorporated. If you wish, you can also include a maximum rating and any squicks you would prefer not to read/see (for example, Maximum Rating: Explicit. No MCD).  Please note that these are for inspiration only and creators may not fulfil all aspects of your wishes.

We also allow self prompting! You can either prompt the song you wish to write, and then take your chance claiming it (but bear in mind, someone might beat you to it!). Or you can simply wait and submit your self-prompt as your claim when claiming opens.

We allow multiple prompts for the same song as long as the prompts themselves are significantly different to each other. If we receive a prompt twice, one with additional information and one without, we'll remove the prompt without any additional information, even if it was the one submitted first! Therefore, we encourage you to include additional information with your prompts. 

➡️ You can find the Prompting Form HERE. (Prompting opens January 12th, 1pm GMT - (what time is that for me)

➡️ Prompting closes on the 26th of January OR when we reach 300 prompts, whichever comes first. 

➡️ Prompts will be available to view HERE. The Mods will check and approve each prompt, therefore there may be a small delay before they appear in the prompt gallery.

🎶 Claiming:

There is a cap of 80 claims for FIC. There is no cap for ART or PODFICS. Claiming opens on 2nd February and will remain open until the 31st May. If we reach our cap of 80 claims for fics, we will close claiming for fics but claiming will remain open for other media.

This is an 18+ fest, and we will require all claimants to confirm that they are aged 18 or over.

Prompts will be awarded on a first come first served basis. 

Please choose your top three prompts when claiming, in order of preference (i.e. your top prompt as prompt choice 1, second choice as prompt choice 2, etc). This is in case your first choice has already been claimed, we can offer you your next preference. However, if you’ve got your heart set on just one prompt, you are welcome to submit the form with just the one prompt! You might be lucky!

You can only claim one prompt at a time. If you finish creating the work for your prompt and have posted it to the fest collection on AO3, you may claim an additional prompt in the normal way, if claims are still open at that time. If you are unsure please email us at hdwirelessmod@gmail.com.  

If you claim a prompt and subsequently feel unable to complete the work, please inform us as soon as possible at hdwirelessmod@gmail.com. We understand that life can get in the way! Unfortunately, however, in such circumstances, you won't be eligible to claim a further prompt for 2025.

➡️ You can find the Claiming Form HERE. The form will go live on 2nd February, 1pm GMT (what time is that for me).

You will receive an email within 48 hours confirming your successful claim. Please respond to this email within 72 hours to confirm your participation in H/D Wireless.

Writers and Artists: 

Each prompt can be claimed once for fic and once for art.

You may claim for BOTH fic and art at the same time, either as an individual or in a collaboration with another creator. If you are doing a collab please email us at hdwirelessmod@gmail.com to confirm.

Podficcers:

We will be allowing people to enter podfic recordings of fics from previous years of HD Wireless fest. To enable this we have compiled a list of previous Wireless fics where the creator has indicated to the mods that they give permission for their work to be podficced. 

You can access the Podfic Prompt List HERE.

To sign up to create a podfic, please claim the fic you wish to record by completing the claim form.

Each fic can be claimed once for podfic. We will inform you by email if your claim has been successful. You may indicate a second and third choice, on the off-chance that your first choice is unavailable.

We are not accepting podfics of any fics that are not on our podfic prompt list. However, if you see that any author (not on our list) has written a fic for Wireless and who you believe does consent to their fic(s) being podficced (either by having confirmed to you directly, or they have a blanket permission statement on their profile), please email the mods with the name of the author, evidence of the permission, and we will make a determination on a case by case basis.

🎶 Creating:

Fics and art should use the song prompt in some way, but this is very fluid, so feel free to interpret it in your own creative way.

For fics, there is a minimum word count of 1,000 words and no maximum.

HD Wireless is a Harry & Draco Fest, so the main pairing should be Drarry. However, you are welcome to include any other pairings too! That includes past relationships for either Draco or Harry. It is not mandatory for your fic to be endgame Drarry, but we would ask that you tag the fic clearly if that is the case.

All fics must be beta-read (If you are unable to find a beta please let us know), and podfics should ideally be beta-listened for accuracy and audibility before submitting. 

Submissions must be completed works. Please do not submit a draft for a fic that has not been completed (e.g., single chapters of a chaptered work).

All submissions must be in English or include a translation.

We do not accept any works created with AI.

As this is an anonymous fest, all creations must be individual works, and cannot be part of a series, or a prequel/sequel to an existing work. If you are planning to continue the work with either of these, please do not reference this in your creation (including in your creator notes) until after the works are revealed and the fest is over.

❗ Please be aware that AO3’s Terms of Service only allow for ‘short quotations’ from copyrighted materials. For this reason we ask that you be mindful about your usage of lyrics in your creation. For more information, and for links to further information, please see our previous post on the issue HERE. ❗

We encourage you to be inspired by the prompter’s additional details, but these are not required to be incorporated into the creation. You may also wish to take into consideration your prompter’s squicks when creating. This is not a requirement — but we ask that you do not gift the creation to the prompter if you are not taking the squicks into consideration, and as always, be sure to tag your work appropriately.

This fest employs a mixture of both anonymous and non-anonymous posting for creations: All fics are posted anonymously, however for art we allow artists to include watermarks on their creations if they so wish. Podfics will also be posted anonymously, but podficcers are allowed to state their name in the podfic recording itself (not within their notes on the post). Due to the anonymous nature of the fest, we wish to keep all creations completely anonymous until reveals (for fics) or posting (for art and podfic) and as such we do not allow for works to be discussed prior to the relevant reveals. This includes discussing it in a public forum while creating it or while the fest is underway. If you are looking for an alpha or beta reader in a public forum please keep the information provided in public channels to a minimum.

🎶 Submitting:

Once you have completed your work, it’s time to submit! Submissions are due June 15th, but if you are finished before this date, you are welcome to submit early.

Submission Requirements:

You are required to add ‘hd_wireless_mod’ as co-creator when uploading your fic, art or podfic. This is primarily so that we can change the posting date, add in the standard fest end note and a tag for HD Wireless 2025. We will not make any other changes to your work, and we will remove the mod account after reveals.

Add your fic to the hd_wireless collection. All works must be posted directly to the AO3 collection here.

Podfics should be linked to the original work using the AO3 ‘Inspired By’ function, i.e: “This work is a remix, a translation, a podfic, or was inspired by another work” and pasting the URL of the original fic. Please state the title, author, rating and any Major Archive Warnings in the audio intro of the podfic. Any art or images used for cover art should be copyright-free or have the consent of the artist. Any music used within the podfic should be copyright-free.

Please tag appropriately: Be sure to include all appropriate warnings, tag your work correctly and please be mindful while choosing your tags. We enjoy a fun tag as much as the next person, but customised tags may be recognisable to some readers, and give you away. As such we ask that you think very carefully about your tag usage.

Acknowledge your creative team in your notes! We want you to acknowledge the people who supported your creation! This includes alphas, betas, cheerleaders, and anyone else who helped you along the way! However, as this is anonymous, please do not mention these people by name, as this can sometimes be a way that creators can be identified. A good way to do this is to use a pseudonym for them, or simply refer to these individuals with an initial. Please do remember to come back and fill in the real names after reveals!

Please include your song prompt (artist and song) in the creation notes at the beginning of the work to share the inspiration of your work.

Complete the Submission Form. The submission form and author note must include the claimed song only, including a link to YouTube. We can not accept Spotify links on the submission form as not everyone has Spotify and we want to make this as accessible as possible.

The below information will be asked for in the submission form. We will acknowledge a successful receipt/submission once the creation has been uploaded and the submission form completed.

 For Art and/or Fic:

Title:

Author/Artist:

Rating:

Word count (if applicable):

Art medium (if applicable):

Warnings/Tags:

Song prompt:

Link to YouTube:

Summary:

Link to work:

For Podfic:

Title:

Original Author:

Podficcer:

Rating:

Length:

Word count:

Warnings/Tags:

Song prompt:

Link to YouTube:

Summary:

Link to podfic:

Link to original work:

NOTE: If, at any point, you decide to change any information in your submission header after completing the form (e.g. word count, summary or title) let the mods know the updated details at hdwirelessmod@gmail.com

The mods will proof all fics and podfics and inform you if there are any additional requirements or suggestions. Please check your emails regularly to see if we’ve sent you a message regarding your work.

Please don't change the date on your creation. The mods reserve the right to remove your work from the collection if we see that the date has been changed during or after the fest.

Your work must remain in the collection for at least six months. If you remove your work from the collection before that, you may be banned from participating in the fest for the following year/s. 

Please contact the mods if you have any issues posting your work.

🎶 Extensions:

You can contact the mods at:​ hdwirelessmod@gmail.com. If you need an extension, or have to drop out, please let us know by email. For extensions we will require you to provide your WIP document, an estimate of how much you have left to go (such as the estimated final word count), and how much time you think this will take you. Please do not be afraid to reach out about this, we are always happy to hear from you!

🎶 Dropping out:

We understand that life gets in the way and you may not be able to complete your work in time to submit. Or the muse just up and leaves. It happens! If this is the case for you for whatever reason, please let us know as soon as possible at hdwirelessmod@gmail.com. You do not need to provide a reason for withdrawing.

While dropping out is fine, if you ghost us (i.e. fail to respond to our check-ins or communications), we may not allow you back the next year. We understand that things come up, but we expect our participants to show us the respect of responding to our emails, including letting us know if/when they are no longer able to participate.

If you have ghosted us in previous fests, please reach out to confirm your eligibility to participate. If you informed us you were dropping, you're fine. But we need to know that our participants will respond to emails and reserve the right to exclude you from the fest based on past fest behaviour.

🎶 Posting:

Posting will begin on July 1st.

The mods will post your creation on the scheduled day. We do not release the posting schedule in advance as this is subject to change.

Once your creation has been posted please be mindful not to reveal yourself as the creator.

We ask that you do not respond to comments on your creations until after reveals. This is to ensure that you do not identify yourself in your response. Additionally, responding after reveals can be a lovely way for the commenter to find out who created the work they loved so much, and discover your other works!

While we hope that it will not happen, sometimes creations receive negative comments. If you receive a nasty or critical comment, please contact the mods via email asap. We have a process for handling these events, but we will work with you to do so, and only step in to deal with it if that is your wish.

🎶 Further information:

The prompts are not available to be claimed unless you are participating in the H/D Wireless Fest itself. Once we post the final reveals, the prompts are no longer being used by the fest, and if you have found something you are particularly inspired by, please message the prompter to ask for their consent for a work to be created outside of the fest.

For general questions about the fest don’t hesitate to contact the mods at hdwirelessmod@gmail.com (we don't regularly check Tumblr for new messages and asks, so sending an email is the best form of communication). But keep in mind that we're operating in multiple time zones, that we need to eat, and sleep, and take care of real life responsibilities, hence we aren't available 24/7. We will aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe.

Please note that should there be any disputes regarding the interpretation of the rules, the decision of the mods will be final.

Your mods

@gnarf @candybarrnerd @maesterchill 🎶

(banner art by @getawayfox)

[mariacallous]

In October of 2023, when Grace Carter was an 18-year-old freshman at North Carolina State University, she received a message on Instagram from the business account of the conservative dating app The Right Stuff. It was reaching out to ask if she wanted some merchandise.

Carter didn’t know much about the app but was interested in a free hoodie. And as it turned out, she wasn’t just corresponding with a brand manager but with John McEntee—the app’s cofounder, a former official in the Donald Trump administration, and at one point, a senior adviser to Project 2025.

In messages sent to Carter and to another young woman and reviewed by WIRED, McEntee pushed conversations in directions that made them extremely uncomfortable and invited both, one repeatedly, to visit him in Los Angeles.

Neither McEntee nor The Right Stuff responded to repeated requests for comment.

McEntee, 34, is a former quarterback at the University of Connecticut who served as a personal aide to Trump at the beginning of his presidency. He was reportedly fired in 2018 after his security clearance was denied—according to The Atlantic and the The Wall Street Journal, he had deposited large sums of money from online gambling winnings and had mishandled his taxes; he would later say under oath in a deposition related to January 6 that he resigned—but in February 2020 returned to the White House, this time as director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office. Reflecting his stature in Trump’s inner circle, The Atlantic’s profile refers to him as the unofficial “deputy president” and, in the headline, as “the man who made January 6 possible.”

In May 2023, the Heritage Foundation, which did not respond to a request for comment, announced that McEntee would be joining the Project 2025 team as a senior adviser. Project 2025 is a roadmap for a second Trump administration that would radically roll back the rights of women and LGBTQIA+ people and unwind protections for racial minorities, among many other policy recommendations. The plan also promotes biblical morality that includes a heteronormative view of marriage and criminalizes pornography. The announcement noted that McEntee would be “supporting the personnel pillar” of Project 2025, an effort to staff a second Trump administration with loyalists.

McEntee, in addition, was and is the face of The Right Stuff, a dating app for conservatives that launched in 2022 with backing from billionaire Peter Thiel, who appears to be the company’s only investor. At its initial launch, the app faced criticism for being filled with mostly men; some users alleged that there was a screening question on the app about the January 6, 2021, insurrection.

While the app might not be taking off, McEntee’s profile has nonetheless risen online. With McEntee featured in nearly every video, The Right Stuff has 3.3 million followers on TikTok and 1.8 million on Instagram. The account’s posts almost exclusively show McEntee, usually eating food in situations staged to make it seem like he’s being filmed while on a date, offering quippy conservative takes attempting to debunk liberal logic. In one video, with a caption that says it is a joke, McEntee claims he gives fake money to homeless people so “when they go to use it, they get arrested.”

When Grace Carter heard from The Right Stuff’s account on Instagram, the person controlling the account introduced himself as John. He also offered a phone number with a Southern California area code—a number that a WIRED reporter has used in the past to contact McEntee.

There was no obvious reason why he would have reached out to her in particular. At the time he contacted her, Carter had about 17,000 followers on TikTok, she says, and still has only a modest 1,500 on Instagram. “I actually have no idea how he found me,” she says. “Based on the other accounts I follow and things I post, it's very leftist. So I was surprised when he found me.”

Carter says she never used McEntee’s phone number, though she did accept his offer of a free branded hoodie. While messages viewed by WIRED indicate that Carter sparsely responded to McEntee, he repeatedly offered to fly her and a girlfriend to Los Angeles. “My treat,” he wrote.

“I remember I told my boyfriend about it, and I was joking that he was going to be the other girl,” says Carter, who says that she continued to talk to McEntee as a kind of “trolling.” “I was like, I could use a free trip, that’s initially why I kept the conversation going.”

In messages seen by WIRED, McEntee says to Carter, “I think you’re a liberal” but tells her, “as long as you’ll be fun I don’t care.” The conversation, she says, died out after Carter declined to visit McEntee over her winter break.

“I would have been uncomfortable with him in person,” she says.

Following the presidential debate on September 10, McEntee posted a video saying, “Can someone track down the women Kamala Harris says are bleeding out in parking lots because Roe v. Wade was overturned? Don’t hold your breath.” The comments section of that video were soon flooded with women across the country sharing their experiences.

It was this post that Carter says made her feel like it was important to share her experience. “That video he made about abortions really upset me,” she says. “And I was just like, it needs to be called out.” Carter posted a video on TikTok sharing her messages with McEntee and says that she has received messages from several other young women who allege similar experiences.

One of those women, who spoke to WIRED and asked to remain anonymous because she’s concerned about her security, says that she connected with McEntee on The Right Stuff dating app before moving to texting him. The number provided matched the one given to Carter and the one used previously by a WIRED reporter; messages reviewed by WIRED also included selfies that clearly appear to be of McEntee. Like Carter, she was 18 at the time.

“I would label myself as semi-conservative,” the young woman says. Unlike Carter, she knew who McEntee was and at first thought his profile on the app was an example for users, as opposed to his actual account. (Last year, a series of TikTok videos showed McEntee going on first dates with women he matched with on the app in various cities.) “I had seen him on TikTok. I'd see him on the news. My family is quite conservative, so I had seen him before.”

Once the young woman and McEntee began texting off the app, she says, the conversations took a sexually explicit turn, including repeated mentions of specific sex acts even after the young woman said she was not comfortable with this. We are withholding details out of concern for the woman’s privacy; her descriptions of their conversations are consistent with text messages she showed to WIRED.

“It was very sexual from day one,” she alleges. “He kept making comments about my age and how hot it would be to sleep with someone who was my age.”

As he had with Carter, McEntee encouraged the woman to come visit him in California.

Asked to recall the conversations, she says, “he would say things like, ‘I come and visit you and we hook up or whatever, you should bring one of your friends or you should take a couple of your friends’ and was like verifying that my friends were the same age as me as well.”

After a couple of weeks the conversation petered out because, she says, “it was obvious I wasn’t going to fly out to California or something to see him.”

“The more I thought about it, the more it makes me sad that he's sort of a role model, especially for young conservative men,” the young woman says. “And I feel like this person isn't a great role model for those young conservative men.”

During his time at the White House, The Atlantic notes, McEntee regularly hired young, attractive women. “The most beautiful 21-year-old girls you could find, and guys who would be absolutely no threat to Johnny in going after those girls,” an official told The Atlantic. McEntee’s hires were known as the “Rockettes and the Dungeons & Dragons group.”

Steven Cheung, communications director for the Trump campaign, told WIRED that although President Trump has announced a transition leadership team, “formal discussion of who will serve in a second Trump administration is premature.”

[chussyracing]

what has been happening in the world of motorsports lately?

F1 Academy will have their own Netflix show with Reese Witherspoon

Courtney Crone joined F1 Academy this weekend as a wildcard entry for QVC

Ruth Buscombe joined F1TV experts for the rest of the season as she serves her gardening leave

Newey has been set aside from the RBR F1 project with immediate effect, he will focus on their hypercar project after Miami to avoid access to any information about 2025 and especially 2026 car prospects

reports of James Vowles meeting with Adrian Newey before Miami appeared, so some journals are speculating about him going to Williams in the future

rumours about Jonathan Wheatley possibly leaving RBR, which have been reported by a few journals, were denied by RBR

Pierre Waché signed a new contract expiring at the end of 2028 with RBR according to Racingnews365 (they say he signed a contract in 2023 but in the recent news and destabilization of the team, he extended this February)

12 members of US Congress wrote an open letter to Liberty Media over the lack of clarity over failed Andretti F1 entry and they are referencing Sherman Antitrust Act

Guenther Steiner is suing Haas for profit, which they owe him for using his image in promotional material

McLaren announced eBay as another official partner of the team

Ferrari Museum is now listed on Airbnb among "icons", the package includes VIP tickets for Imola with Marc Gene, dinner at Cavallino, private tour of Ferrari Museum, hot lap at Fiorano and a sleepover in a bed directly in the museum

Ferrari will bring their biggest upgrade package so far this season in Imola during the next GP

as a part of events remembering Senna and Ratzensberger, Seb Vettel will driver Senna's 1993 McLaren MP4/8 during the race weekend

Netflix posted a teaser for a new short Senna series

Spanish media (or Antonio Lobato specifically) speculated that Carlos Sainz has denied the Audi offer to which Carlos responded that he is still in talks with multiple teams

Valtteri Bottas' race engineer was fire before Miami without any previous discussion with Valtteri - it is a part of the structural changes before the team becomes Audi (probably also considering drivers, because he also said he is talking to teams and has options to stay in F1)

FIA confirmed they received the official request to allow Kimi Antonelli to race before he turns 18 and the voting process will follow, because multiple parties have to make up a decision which demands a rule change

Kimi Antonelli and Mick Schumacher will test W13 in Silverstone for a direct comparison of the two, James Vowles denied Kimi will be driving in Logan's car in Imola in an interview with Lawrence Baretto and then Williams representative spoke to Will Buxton and said they will not be commenting on driver contracts at this time

Fernando Alonso wants to meet up with Ben Sulayem over harsh penalties for Spanish drivers

Aston Martin's right to review the penalty from China has been dismissed (TLDR they submitted a new angle but the evidence wasn't deemed as substantial and new)

after F1 commission postponed the decision over a possible rule change to award 12 point positions instead of just 10, they will now evaluate 20 scored positions instead

stewards asked for a rule change after Kevin's track terrorism this whole weekend lmao

Alpine's upgrades for Imola put them to the weight limit for the first time this season (congrats Este on the singular point)

Lewis drove W12 in New York as a part of the WhatsApp partnership, which also saw the app changing red formula emoji to Mercedes colors

[angrywhispers7]

Horoscope for Wednesday, February 26, 2025

Aries (March 21-April 19) Your interactions with a friend or a member of a group might surprise you because either you are demonstrating your independence or they are. Either way, you could encounter a clash of wills. Alternatively, you might meet a real character today — someone unusual or surprising.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Tread carefully, because your exchanges with bosses, parents, authority figures and the police might catch you off guard. Be smart and do not react — instead respond. (Big difference.) And never forget the power of courtesy.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Travel plans might be interrupted. They might be delayed, changed or canceled. You might also hear some unusual news from a foreign country or from afar. Perhaps you will meet someone who is different or unusual and intriguing?

Cancer (June 21-July 22) Double check all details related to banking issues and shared property as well as insurance matters because something unexpected could impact these areas. Do not be in a situation where “you snooze — you lose.” Stay on top of things because with money, information is power. (But you are a frugal sign and you know this.)

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) A friend, spouse or partner might throw you a curveball or do something you least expect. Or possibly, they will introduce you to someone who is different — a real character. Either way, be on guard for a few surprises. This can also apply to dealing with members of the general public.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Your work routine might be interrupted due to equipment breakdowns, staff shortages, power outages, late deliveries — something unexpected. Knowing this ahead of time, give yourself extra time so that you have wiggle room to deal with whatever happens.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) Parents should know that this is an accident-prone day for your kids, which means you need to be extra vigilant and know where they are at all times. Meanwhile, social occasions might be canceled or delayed. Alternatively, you might receive a surprise invitation that pleases you.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Your home routine might be changed due to the breakdown of a small appliance or a minor breakage. Perhaps someone unexpected appears at your door. Whatever the case, keep your cool. Slow down and deal with each thing one at a time.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) Pay attention to everything you say and do because this is a mildly accident-prone day for you. Meanwhile, you have the choice of either enjoying staying at home or getting out and socializing — it’s your call. But be aware and mindful. Think before you speak. Guard against knee-jerk reactions.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) Keep an eye on your money and your possessions today because something unexpected could impact them. For example, you might find money or you might lose money. Likewise, protect what you own against loss, theft or damage. (After all, it’s your stuff.)

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) The moon is in your sign at odds with unpredictable Uranus, which can make you feel independent and rebellious! You might crave excitement. You might even stir the pot a bit just to get someone’s reaction. Basically, you want to do something different and adventurous.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) You might feel restless today. It’s as if you’re waiting for that other shoe to drop. Nevertheless, this is a powerful time for you because the sun and Mercury are in your sign, which means you are confident about your communications with others. You want to inform and teach, which is basically sharing.

[pscottm]

February 23, 2025

On Saturday, Trump urged Musk to be “more aggressive” in cutting the government, although the White House has told a court that Musk has no authority and is only a presidential advisor. “Will do, Mr. President,” Musk replied. He then posted a command to federal employees: “Consistent with [Trump’s] instructions, all federal employees will shortly receive an email requesting to understand what they got done last week. Failure to respond will be taken as a resignation.” Shortly after, emails went out giving workers 48 hours to list five things they had accomplished in the past week.

This sparked outrage among Americans who noted that Musk has spent 24 hours tweeting more than 220 times and engaged in public fights with two of the mothers of his children while allegedly running companies and overhauling the government, while Trump spent at least 12 nights at Mar-a-Lago in his first 29 days in office. S.V. Date of HuffPost noted on February 18 that Trump has played golf at one of his own properties on 9 of his first 30 days in office and that Trump’s golf outings had already cost the American taxpayer $10.7 million.

Reddit was flooded with potential responses to Musk’s demand, scorching it and Musk. The demand also exposed a rift in the administration, as department heads—including Kash Patel, the newly confirmed head of the FBI, as well as officials at the State Department, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of the Navy—asserted their authority to review the workers in their own departments, telling them not to respond to Musk’s demand.

[bllsbailey]

Sen. Mullin Doubts Russia Would Invade NATO Countries As Putin ‘Fears’ Trump

U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK) speaks to members of the press prior to a vote at the U.S. Capitol on February 18, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin stated on Sunday that he doesn’t “believe for one second” that Russia would invade any other countries out of “fear” of President Donald Trump.

Mullins (R-Okla.) comments followed after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky asserted that Russia is imminently planning on attacking NATO countries.

“It can happen in summer, maybe in the beginning, maybe in the end of summer. I do not know when he prepares it,” Zelensky recently stated. “But it will happen. And at that moment, knowing that he did not succeed in occupying us, we do not know where he will go.”

Mullin seemingly responded to Zelensky’s claim in a Sunday interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.”

“First of all, I don’t believe for a second that Russia’s going to advance a war in any other country right now. It would be extremely dangerous, and he will call President Trump’s hand,” Mullin stated. “President Trump does not just simply say idle words, he delivers it.”

Mullin went on to question the United States’ NATO membership, stating that the U.S. should only stay in the alliance “if it’s in our interest.”

“Right now, NATO has not always been playing in our best interest. And when it’s not America’s best interest anymore, we should relook at things. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting different results. We see NATO, we see U.N. sometimes weaponizing against the United States and we’re the biggest funder of it,” he continued.

The Oklahoma senator continued, recounting a 2017 standoff with Russia when President Trump firmly pressed Russian President Vladimir Putin over the Syrian civil war.

“Russia went ahead and helped Assad and they delivered chemical weapons on their own people. What did President Trump do? Within 30 minutes, they kicked Russia out of the airspace and completely destroyed their airfield they were operating underneath. Russia and Putin fears President Trump,” Mullin added. “What President Trump is trying to do is end the war. And he’s trying to end the war from a place of strength. You don’t end a war from a place of weakness.”

Meanwhile, President Trump’s administration has been continuing ongoing peace talks with Russia and Ukraine, stating on Friday that he had “very good talks with Putin,” and “not such good talks with Ukraine.”

President Trump and Zelensky have had a recent falling out, after Trump demanded for Kyiv to repay the United States for the billions in aid that the Biden administration handed out.

Zelensky has vowed not to pay back prior military aid, adding that he would be willing to return funds to America in exchange for future military assistance.

Zelensky also revealed that he would be willing to step down as president in exchange for peace, or Ukrainian admittance into NATO.

Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts

[bqsocial]

Instagram & Facebook – Random acts of kindness day – Draw Terms and Conditions – 17/02/2025

The Promoter:

B&Q Ireland Limited, 6th Floor, 2 Grand Canal Square, Dublin 2

 Who can enter?

This promotion is open to all residents of the UK aged 18 years and over, excluding employees of B&Q Limited, their families, agents or anyone else connected with the promotion.

How to enter?

To be in with a chance of winning: ​ 1️⃣ Follow @bandq_ireland​ 2️⃣ Like this post ​ 3️⃣ Tag that friend who's always there to support your DIY projects 🔨

We'll pick one winner at random after the giveaway closes at 23:59 on 24th February 2025. Good luck 🤞​

 Entry:

Only one entry per person will be accepted. Third party or multiple entries by the same person will not be accepted and we reserve the right to disqualify any entries we reasonably suspect to have been made fraudulently including through the use of bots, computer software or by any other means. We accept no responsibility for any lost, damaged or incomplete entries or entries not received due to a technical fault or for any other reason beyond our reasonable control.

Prize details:

There will be 1 winner selected. The winners will receive the following prize:

1 x €50 B&Q giftcard for you and a friend

The prize is non-transferable or exchangeable and no alternative is available. We reserve the right to replace the prize with a prize of equal or greater value where it becomes necessary to do so.

 Winner selection and prize fulfilment:

1 winner will be selected at random from all valid entries received.

The winner will be contacted via response to their winning comment by 5pm on the 27th February 2025. To receive the prize, the winner will need to respond via private message providing their contact details. If the winner fails to provide their contact details within 7 days of initial contact from the Promoter, the prize will be offered to the next randomly chosen entrant.

 Your Data:

We will process information about entrants in order to administer this promotion. For more information on how we use personal information, please see http://www.diy.ie/customer-support/policies/privacy. By entering this promotion, you agree and consent to the processing of your personal data by us and by any third party acting on our behalf for the purposes of the administration and operation of the promotion.

Please note that we are obliged to either publish or make available on request the surname, county and, where applicable, the winning entry/entries of major prize winners. If you object to any of this information being made available in this way, please contact social.team@b-and-q.co.uk. We must nevertheless share this information with the Advertising Standards Authority where it becomes necessary to do so.

 Your acceptance of these Terms:

We reserve the right to refuse entry or refuse to award any prize to anyone in breach of these Terms and Conditions and/or hold void, cancel, suspend or amend these Terms and Conditions where it becomes necessary to do so. Our decision on all matters relating to this promotion is final and binding. No correspondence will be entered into.

 Liability:

By entering this promotion, you are deemed to have accepted and agreed to be bound by these Terms and Conditions.

Insofar as is permitted by law the Promoter and its agents and distributors will not in any circumstances be responsible or liable to compensate the winner or accept any liability for any loss, damage, personal injury or death occurring as a result of taking up the prize except where it is caused by the negligence of the Promoter, its agents or distributors or that of their employees.

This promotion is in no way endorsed or administered by or associated with Instagram or Meta.

 Governing Law:

Nothing in these terms and conditions restricts your statutory rights as a consumer. This promotion is governed by Irish law and is subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts.

[evoldir]

Fwd: Other: KelloggBioStation.SummerUndergraduateProgram

Begin forwarded message: > From: evoldir@evol.biology.mcmaster.ca > Subject: Other: KelloggBioStation.SummerUndergraduateProgram > Date: 4 February 2025 at 05:12:49 GMT > To: rdmpage@gmail.com > > > > The NSF funded Kellogg Biological Station (KBS) REU Site “Understanding > biological responses to global change in a field station community” > gives students an opportunity to conductfull-time researchin collaboration > with our field station's outstanding group of resident faculty, postdocs, > and graduate students. Participants will live at KBS and gain a wide > variety of field and lab research experiences, new friendships, and > professional references at a world-renowned biological station on > beautiful Gull Lake, Michigan. > > Our 10-week summer program will run from May 18-July 26th, 2025. All REU > participants will receive a generous $7,000 stipend, room and board at > KBS, funding towards travel costs, and funding for research supplies. > > No prior research experience is required to participate in the KBS > REU program. > > We especially encourage students from historically underrepresented groups > and/or minority-serving institutions, first generation college students, > transfer students, and students from institutions with limited research > opportunities to apply for our program. > > Application deadline is February 15th, 2025. Contact KBSSummer@msu.edu > for more information. Learn more and apply > > here! > > ***** > > Sarah Roy, PhD > > she/her/hers (what's this?) > > Academic Coordinator > > Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Advocate > > Kellogg Biological Station > > Michigan State University > > roysara1@msu.edu > > Office Phone: 269-671-2352 > > Please note that I receive a very high volume of emails during the > summer. Your patience is appreciated. Non-urgent emails may take me a > few days to respond to. > > > "Roy, Sarah"

[beardedmrbean]

German police are investigating claims that Russia was responsible for coordinating a sabotage campaign which aimed to blame environmentalists and the Green Party for the vandalism of hundreds of cars.

Over 270 vehicles in Berlin and the surrounding state of Brandenburg, as well as in the southern states of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, had their exhaust pipes blocked with expanding construction foam.

According to Spiegel news magazine, police found construction foam cartridges and foam guns in a van driven by three men during a routine patrol in Schönefeld, just outside Berlin, in December. Shortly after, 43 car owners filed reports of damage to exhaust pipes.

Stickers were then left on the damaged cars depicting Vice-Chancellor Robert Habeck, the Green Party's chancellor candidate in the upcoming federal election, and bearing the message: "Be greener!"

Speaking to German public broadcaster ARD on Wednesday evening, Habeck said he wasn't surprised but insisted he and his party were well equipped to deal with such incidents. "I'm sure we'll experience attacks like this more often in the next two-and-a-half-weeks," he said.

Suspect claims he was paid by a Russian

Prosecutors in the southern city of Ulm also have four suspects in their sights. A police spokesman said four men – a German, a Serb, a Romanian and a Bosnian aged 17, 18, 20 and 29 – were suspected of 123 counts of vandalism, with tins of construction foam found during house searches.

One of the men claimed that he and his accomplices had been contacted and commissioned to carry out the attacks by a Russian using the chat messenger Viber. He said they had received detailed instructions and had been promised €100 ($104) for every damaged vehicle.

Thousands of euros were indeed paid.

How has the Green Party responded?

According to Spiegel, sources in security circles suspect a targeted campaign aimed at discrediting Habeck and the Green Party ahead of the federal election on February 23.

"For months, espionage and sabotage have been used in a targeted attempt to stir up uncertainty, fuel existing conflicts and divide us as a society," said Green politician Konstantin von Notz in a statement to DW.

"We Greens have been pointing out for a long time that various authoritarian states, particularly Russia and China, have been aiming to weaken Germany, manipulate our public discourse and attack democratic processes, including elections."

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, also of the Green Party, warned against "hybrid threats.

"That's why we as the federal government have made it clear in our national security strategy that we will continue to strengthen our defenses against disinformation and the resilience of our democracy," she said.

"That includes uncovering the Kremlin's perfidious strategies and bringing its stooges to justice."

The German Interior Ministry refused to speculate on suggestions that Russia was behind the car sabotage and said investigations were still ongoing.

But Germany's domestic intelligence services (Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz or BfV) has warned of an increasing tendency in recent months of Russian actors to recruit petty criminals to carry out acts of espionage and sabotage in return for money.

One reason for this new approach is that sanctions, travel restrictions and the increased alertness of western intelligence agencies have made it harder for professional Russian spies to operate in Europe.

[jkwoodall-ministries]

#Weekly Devotional: January 26 – February 1, 2025

Theme: The Prayer-Answering God 🙏

By JK Woodall

#Prayer is one of the most profound gifts God has given us, providing direct communication with the Creator of the universe. The Bible assures us that God hears and answers the prayers of His children. When we pray with faith, aligning our hearts with His will, we can trust Him to respond in His perfect timing and way. This week, we focus on the Prayer-Answering God who delights in hearing and answering the cries of His people.

#Scripture Focus

Jeremiah 33:3 – “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” (NIV)

God’s invitation to call on Him promises answers that go beyond our understanding.

Psalm 145:18-19 – “The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.” (ESV)

#God is close to those who pray with sincerity and faith, fulfilling the desires of their hearts.

1 John 5:14-15 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” (NIV)

God hears us when we pray according to His will, and we can confidently await His response.

Matthew 7:7-8 – “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” (NIV)

#Jesus teaches that persistent prayer brings blessings and breakthroughs.

Reflections on the Prayer-Answering God

God Desires Relationship: Prayer is not just about requests; it is about deepening our relationship with God, aligning our hearts with His purpose.

God’s Timing is Perfect: He may not answer on our schedule, but His timing is always best. Trust in the delays, knowing He is working for our good.

Faith Unlocks the Answer: Pray with unwavering faith, trusting that God hears and will act. Even small faith moves the heart of God.

God’s Answers are Multifaceted: Sometimes His answers are “yes,” sometimes “no,” and often “wait.” Each response is for our ultimate blessing.

#Encouragement for the Week

Whatever you are praying for—whether it’s healing, provision, guidance, or breakthrough—remember that God is faithful to hear and answer. Keep seeking Him, trusting in His goodness, and remaining steadfast in prayer. If the answer seems delayed, trust His purpose in the waiting.

#Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the God who hears and answers prayer. You invite us to come boldly before Your throne, trusting in Your love and power. Teach us to pray with faith, persistence, and hearts that are aligned with Your will. Strengthen us to trust Your timing and rest in Your promises. May we see Your answers manifest in our lives in ways that reveal Your glory and bring us joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This week, keep your prayers before the Lord with confidence and expectation, knowing you serve the Prayer-Answering God. Trust Him for what is to come!

#morningdevotional

JK Woodall Ministries

[rainbowmoonstonestories]

Let Your Dreams Be Your Wings | Chapter 2

Chapters: 2/? Fandom: The Sandman (Netflix 2022, minor content from the Comics) Rating: Explicit Relationships: Dream of the Endless/Morpheus x F!Reader Characters: Dream of the Endless/Morpheus, Lucienne, Matthew the Raven, Mervyn Pumpkinhead, Hob Gadling, Death, Rose Walker, The Corinthian, other minor Sandman characters, Original Characters. Warnings: 18+ content (upcoming, minors DNI), explicit sexual content, POV switching, very long chapters to read (you can skip parts if you think it is too much). Summary: You always dreamed of becoming a successful Fashion Designer, sharing your creations with the world and making your father proud. But with him being very ill and so many costs solely weighting on your shoulders, things didn’t go as planned and you had to take a different path instead. An interesting offer led you to the elder Alex Burgess and you were hired as a new housemaid for a very good pay. However, your kindness and outstanding empathy convinced the man to give you an additional task for a doubled compensation; gaining the trust of Dream Of the Endless, held captive into the basement for over a century. Despite the shock of finding such an ethereal entity stripped of all his clothes and contained into a confined space, you had to accept for the sake of your father. But the more you got to speak to the mysterious anthropomorphic personification who didn't utter a single word, the more you were lost into his eyes that, conversely, seemed to contain the entire universe. A deep connection formed between the two of you, separated only by a thick layer of glass.

Little did you know, what started like a simple housemaid job was about to change your life forever.

Credits: The moon dividers were made by firefly-graphics.

UPDATE FEBRUARY 2025: Chapter rewritten to better match my current writing style. It now has better wording and a few more additions.

Chapter 2

The end justifies the means. Or does it?

For 106 years, Morpheus had witnessed only humanity's darkest side. The villainous Roderick Burgess tormented him relentlessly, demanding gifts beyond his power to grant—gifts that humankind was never meant to receive. 

After Roderick's death, his son Alex inherited all the Magus's possessions, including the Endless himself. Desperate, the young man offered Dream freedom in exchange for his and Paul's safety, a proposal he hoped would seem reasonable enough to conclude this unwanted business. Morpheus could have accepted, finally regaining his liberty, fulfilling humanity's essential need for dreams and restful sleep. 

Regrettably, forgiveness eluded his heart. 

Alex Burgess had slaughtered his raven, Jessamy, before Dream’s very eyes. The gruesome scene was etched in his memory; her blood staining the glass, her lifeless form crumpled on the ground. They had robbed him of his companion, just as they had pilfered his helm, ruby, and pouch of sand. They had shattered his very being, leaving him a shell of his former self, yet they had the audacity to demand favors as if he were a genie in a lamp. A few taps on the glass and—voilà!—wishes granted.

Alex sought an answer, but Morpheus responded with stony silence.

As a result, the Endless remained confined within the sphere for many more years, isolated from his powers and domain. He consistently rejected any proposals from Alex, viewing him as a spineless individual who had initially committed wrongdoing under the sway of his father's malevolence, only to then perpetuate the same oppressive system and continue Roderick's nefarious work.

As Alex aged and his health declined, his visits to the basement became infrequent. Nevertheless, he would occasionally descend, stubbornly seeking a response he knew would never come. Two guards maintained a constant vigil in the cellar, especially during nighttime hours, observing Dream's immobile figure from afar. Sometimes, they would relocate to the main door upstairs, leaving the Endless entity in complete isolation within his gloomy captivity.

But then, one fateful night, an unexpected visitor appeared in the basement—a woman whose presence defied the somber atmosphere aroung him. Shivering in her uniform, she stood in front of Dream, her exposed limbs betraying her discomfort in the chilly air. 

Despite her apparent misplacement, she offered him something he had not received in over a century, if ever: genuine compassion. This mortal not only recognized his true identity but also grasped the profound importance of his existence for humanity. As their eyes met, Dream observed a complex interplay of emotions on her face; concern, empathy, and a subtle undercurrent of sorrow. The intriguing depth in her expression piqued his curiosity, prompting him to unravel the mystery behind her enigmatic soul.

He anticipated seeing her again in the near future. Alex had tempted her with a generous financial offer, exploiting her father's illness and the associated medical expenses. Aware of human vulnerabilities, Alex Burgess had skillfully targeted the woman's weak point to manipulate her for his own purposes.

Dream, however, remained resolute in his refusal to yield. If his imprisonment was to continue for years to come, he was determined to ensure Alex's suffering persisted until his final breath. His steadfast stance was not merely out of spite, but a testament to the magnitude of his pain for Jessamy's untimely demise. A punishment for Alex's failure to resist when Roderick armed him, and for the glaring absence of remorse, coupled with the brazen expectation that Morpheus should simply absolve and disregard the transgressions committed against him.

Nevertheless, even without his powers, Dream instinctively sensed the woman’s uniqueness. Her perception captivated him, and her aura awakened a sense of intrigue and fascination within him, stirring things he hadn't experienced in eons.

Your usual nightly routine of restlessness took on a new dimension. While insomnia was a familiar occurrence, tonight an additional force kept slumber at bay.

The idea of escape had flitted through your mind, an understandable impulse given your unsettling situation. Yet you swiftly banished the thought, resolving to stay put despite the discomfort. Your precarious financial state left you little choice; you couldn't afford to lose this well-paying job, uncomfortable as it was, with all its accompanying secrets.

From the moment you accepted the position, your intuition had been on high alert. The rumors were worrisome, but you were skeptical about their veracity. That is, until the Burgess couple alluded to the possibility of an unusual entity confined in the basement.

You vividly recalled your first impression of the house: in spite of its cozy ambiance and the pleasant aroma of aged wood, an undeniable sense of foreboding permeated the air. Moreover, you felt an inexplicable attraction to the basement, a compelling urge to involve yourself in something entirely foreign to you.

Finally, you came face-to-face with him—Dream. He was a vision of ethereal beauty, his eyes shimmering with a celestial glow, his alabaster skin seeming to radiate light. A powerful, inexplicable connection formed between you when your eyes met, when your fingertips grazed the glass, when he moved closer within his prison, drawn to your presence.

It was brief, and you had likely imagined something that wasn't truly there. Even so, you felt it in your core, resonating through your entire being, from the marrow of your bones to the tips of your hair.

You reached for your phone on the nightstand, quickly unlocked it, and conducted a search. Your shaky fingers tapped the first highlighted result, revealing an old Daily Mail article from 1926:

𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐆𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐒𝐋𝐄𝐄𝐏𝐘 𝐒𝐈𝐂𝐊𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒: 𝐖𝐀𝐑𝐏𝐄𝐃 𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐒, 𝐁𝐑𝐎𝐊𝐄𝐍 𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒

The mysterious illness that emerged in 1916 left some victims desperately seeking sleep, while others became trapped in a perpetual state of sleepwalking. This enigmatic pandemic, later dubbed Encephalitis Lethargica, coincided with World War I and the devastating Spanish flu outbreak. Despite its apparent viral nature, the true cause remained elusive even in 2022.

You had grappled with insomnia since childhood, rarely remembering your dreams, if they occurred at all. The discovery of The Sandman's imprisonment in Fawney Rig finally offered a potential explanation for your persistent sleep troubles, which had stubbornly resisted even prescribed medications.

You delved into various online discussions about Encephalitis Lethargica. Some theories linked it to the Spanish flu itself, while others suggested supernatural origins. Although neither theory had definitive proof, you were aware that the latter, surprisingly, wasn't entirely baseless.

You wrestled with an ethical quandary now: how should you proceed regarding Dream? Declining the offer probably wouldn't cost you your job, as it wasn't part of your initial agreement, and dismissing you wouldn't benefit your employers in any way. While your current pay was already generous, accepting an even higher salary to oversee an imprisoned entity would compromise your moral standards.

Dream's visage was seared into your mind, and the prospect of knowing the truth while feigning ignorance was absolutely unbearable to you.

Restlessness consumed you, banishing all traces of fatigue. Setting your phone aside, you cast off the bedcovers and rose, drawn to the bag resting on the small desk by the window. With practiced movements, you extracted a notebook and pencil, pulled out the chair, and settled in, bathing your workspace in the warm glow of the table lamp.

Drawing was your sanctuary, a soothing balm for your agitated mind. Your demanding schedule scarcely left room for phone calls or sit-down meals, let alone personal time. Thankfully, your upcoming day off would provide an opportunity to reunite with your father following a fortnight's absence and lack of communication.

Inspiration flowed through your fingertips as you sketched on the blank page, each pencil stroke bringing your vision to life. The rhythmic ticking of the wall clock blended seamlessly with the gentle whisper of graphite on paper, creating a tranquil ambiance conducive to creativity. 

Abruptly, your mind wandered and your hand fell still. Turning the page, you abandoned the half-finished sketch of a dress you'd envisioned for months. Your pencil sprang back to life, tracing lines with a will of its own. You embraced the spontaneous imagery, your fingers smoothing and molding as it emerged. After nearly an hour, a new creation lay before you.

As midnight approached, you found yourself captivated by your completed artwork. With a slight narrowing of your eyes, the intricate patterns seemed to come alive, echoing their original inspiration. The pencil slipped from your fingers as you gently traced the lines with graphite-smudged fingertips, exploring your creation with a newly discovered admiration.

Your gaze was entranced by your meticulous rendering of one of Dream's eyes, the intricate patterns in his iris seeming to shift and swirl. Reminiscent of a cosmic dance among distant stars, they undulated and mesmerized you in what seemed to be a great optical illusion, finally ushering in the long-awaited drowsiness that promised a restful sleep.

The following morning, you woke up astonishingly early. The predawn sky painted a canvas of deep blue, gradually giving way to streaks of orange and gold. While your colleagues were just beginning to stir, you had already set out, embarking on your journey to see your father again after a prolonged separation. 

The return trek from Fawney Rig to town took just under 60 minutes, combining a taxi ride and a brief walk. Upon arrival, you found your father in bed, his face illuminating with joy at your presence. He welcomed you with open arms, enveloping you in one of his trademark bear hugs—a gesture you had deeply missed and would never tire of. It was heartening to feel the surprising strength still present in his embrace. 

During your absence, the nurse provided excellent care for him. He was well-nourished and engaged in various activities, including chess matches, extensive reading, and watching his beloved cheesy movies throughout the week. Despite noticing he might have shed some weight since your last visit, you observed that his overall health seemed to remain as steady as it had been in recent weeks. 

Around noon, Dr. Mills, the family physician, made his appearance to administer your father's medication and conduct a thorough assessment on his condition. Afterward, he retired to the living room, busying himself with organizing paperwork and setting up his laptop to examine complex tables and delve into his research.

You always respected his commitment to his work. Instead of passively waiting and doing the minimum required, he actively sought out effective solutions for his patients.

Seeking a moment of privacy to reconnect, you joined your father in his bedroom, settling beside him on the spacious mattress and draping a cozy blanket over your legs.

"You look exhausted, sweetheart," your father observed, adjusting himself more comfortably against the pillows. "Is that job of yours keeping you so busy?"

"Well, I had trouble sleeping last night."

"Still battling insomnia?"

"Yes," you replied, your voice wavering slightly. "Just the usual insomnia."

Keeping secrets was not your forte, and your emotions gave you away through gritted teeth and knitted eyebrows.

"Something's troubling you, though. What's wrong, Y/N?"

You forced a smile. "It's nothing, dad. I've just got a lot on my mind lately."

He gently took your hand in his, his thumb tracing soothing circles on your skin. "I know you're trying to protect me from worry. But please, if there's anything serious going on, don't shut me out. No matter what it is."

As compelling as his arguments were, you were determined to shield him from needless concern. The last thing you wanted was to burden him with problems that could potentially worsen his already delicate health.

"Dad, I assure you, everything's fine. I'm just worried about you, and indeed, work has been keeping me occupied."

That statement wasn't entirely inaccurate, to be fair.

"Sweetheart, I deeply appreciate your efforts… please don't think otherwise. But I should be the one taking care of my daughter, not vice versa. You're passing up so many opportunities. When will you start living the life you deserve?"

Your eyes stung with tears. "You've cared for me since I drew my first breath. You'll always be my priority, I owe you that much."

He sighed. "This job you're doing? A housemaid for a rich bastard with a questionable reputation? Jesus Christ, I strongly disapprove."

You chuckled. "That reputation actually stems more from his father... and he compensates me generously. This benefits you too, as I'm sure you've noticed."

"You know what else I've noticed? You're dishearteningly unhappy, my dear. You possess dreams and an enviable creative talent that are simply withering away."

Dreams…

The image of Dream of the Endless instantly flashed in your mind, trapped in that sphere, vulnerable and alone. Subjected to mistreatment for more than a century, stolen from his realm, forced to neglect humanity's needs.

You shook your head, forcefully pushing that mental picture away. "Dad, my dreams are on hold for now. You come first, whether you like it or not."

"Y/N, do you have a moment?" Dr. Mills called out as you stepped into the lobby, your coat already buttoned and bag slung over your shoulder.

"Of course," you replied. "Is everything all right?"

He looked particularly distressed—his hair disheveled and his tie partially undone. "There's something I need to show you."

Silently, you followed Doctor Mills into the living room, your steps heavy as if marching to the gallows. The coffee table was strewn with medical records and documents, presenting a sea of information you could barely comprehend. Their mere presence, however, made it clear that Dr. Mills wasn't bearing good news.

As you sank onto the couch, your legs felt unsteady and your chest constricted. Although the heating system had already been turned off for the season, you found yourself unbuttoning your coat as the room suddenly felt warmer. In reality, your breathing had become increasingly rapid and shallow.

Doctor Mills sat down beside you. "I'll be direct," he said. "Your father has been on the same medications for quite some time. While they've kept his condition stable until recently, they're no longer as effective as they should be."

Please, no.

"What does that mean?" you asked, your voice barely above a whisper.

"We need to try a different approach again," he explained. "Your father has lost some weight despite eating regularly. This indicates his stomach isn't properly assimilating nutrients, which his latest blood test confirmed.”

Your hands trembled. "Is he aware?"

“He's not. I thought it best to inform you first."

You fought back tears, determined not to break down in front of him, or anyone. "What kind of approach should we try this time?" you asked, the turmoil within you erupting into a cascade of sharp knives that pierced you all over.

"This is what I really wanted to discuss with you," he clarified, turning his laptop to show you a PDF document on the screen. "It's a highly experimental treatment, not yet on the market. I can't make any predictions, but the clinical trials have shown promising results. There might be some side effects, I won't sugarcoat it, but there's also a significant chance for your father's recovery."

You leaned in to examine the file more closely. The document was filled with a bewildering array of codes and scientific jargon that left you perplexed. "So, if I understand correctly, this treatment could potentially restore my father to a normal life?"

He rifled through the various sheets on the table, some even falling to the carpet in his agitation. Ignoring the scattered papers, he responded, "Yes, that's what I'm saying. It may take time to see results, but it could actually work. Unfortunately, there's a substantial obstacle we need to overcome."

Of course there was a problem. When isn't there one?

He pointed to a row of text on a paper he retrieved from the various documents. "As you can see, it's extremely expensive. The money you sent recently was enough to cover the current medications, treatments, and 24/7 care. Unfortunately, it won't be sufficient to pay for everything in the future, especially with this new medication added to the mix."

The numbers on the paper hit you like a punch to the gut. Your head spun, and a deafening ringing filled your ears, drowning out even the ticking of the clock. The cost of the new treatment was astronomical, twice what you currently earned at Fawney Rig all things considered.

"Miss Y/LN, I assure you this isn't a request without reward. I'm prepared to double your current monthly salary for this service."

"I've sent you numerous emails over the past few months, and I know you're doing everything in your power. It's truly admirable, and I know I'm asking a great deal of you. I wouldn't propose this if it weren't our last remaining option."

Your last remaining option. Put simply, refusing this new treatment would effectively seal your father's fate, sentencing him to a rapid decline. 

One thing remained undeniable: you weren't prepared to bid him farewell just yet. 

Your lip quivered as you struggled to maintain composure. The weight of the decision before you felt overwhelming, unlike any challenge you'd faced before. You stood at a crossroads, battling with a choice that seemed impossible to make.

You despised this. You loathed what you were about to say.

Yet, in the end, what genuine alternative did you have?

"I've just taken on a new task at work. I'll be able to cover the cost for the upcoming month, if that's acceptable."

Doctor Mills was visibly taken aback, clearly not anticipating such a positive response from you—and understandably so. 

"Oh! This is truly exceptional news!" 

His excitement was touching, but your emotions were in a state of flux. You were devastatingly torn between feeling optimistic about this newfound ray of hope and utterly destroyed by the complications that lay ahead to make this potential miracle a reality.

"May I proceed with administering the treatment next week?"

Your hands clenched into fists, nails digging into your palms. 

You turned to him, forcing a faint smile onto your lips. "Please."

Your mind raced with conflicting thoughts as your heart ached with indecision. You pondered the notion that everything happens for a reason, yet struggled to reconcile it with your current predicament. How could you justify restoring your father's health if it meant prolonging the agony of someone who had already endured centuries of torment? 

You struggled to accept the idea of exploiting Dream's imprisonment for your own benefit. While some might argue that the ends justify the means, you found this reasoning flawed and ethically dubious. To you, there was no justification for actions that could harm another sentient being, regardless of their nature. Dream, despite being an immortal creature, was as deserving of proper consideration as any human, be it you, your father, or your employers.

Upon reflection, you found it difficult to sympathize with Mr. Burgess. While you recognized the situation's intricacy and understood the fear of Dream's potential retribution, the Endless' demeanor suggested there was more to the story than revealed. Moreover, keeping him confined for centuries seemed an inadequate solution, particularly if your Sleepy Sickness theory proved correct. Dream's captivity appeared to be impacting humanity as profoundly as it was affecting him, even after a hundred years had passed.

You rubbed your temples and exhaled heavily, feeling emotionally drained. It occurred to you that you might be the first in ages to show Dream a glimmer of humanity's better nature. Roderick Burgess's folly was glaringly evident, a man whose delusions of grandeur far outstripped his mortal limitations. He had recklessly dabbled in forces beyond his understanding, attempting to outwit Death herself. What Dream truly needed was a ray of authentic compassion, yet he remained ensnared in a relentless cycle of hollow promises and mounting demands, with no end in sight.

You were no exception to this, it seemed. The phrase "The end justifies the means" echoed in your mind, but the more you tried to rationalize your actions, the more your conscience rebelled, leaving you with a growing sense of wrongness. 

As your cab idled in rush hour traffic, you peered out the window at the setting sun. Your hand rested on your bag, the outline of your sketchbook—filled with unrealized ideas—palpable beneath the fabric. Your mind wandered to your father, his strength and bravery now overshadowed by his fragility and mortality. Then, your thoughts returned to Dream, a being of incredible power and divinity, enduring years of unjust cruelty imposed by an evil man's whim.

A solitary tear escaped your eye, but you quickly wiped it away. What had become of your life's purpose and direction? 

As the cab inched closer to the Burgess mansion, the answer to your mental question remained frustratingly elusive.

Seated on one of the leather couches, you sip from a small glass of liquor while observing the taxidermied lion before you. Its perpetual, silent snarl created an eerie atmosphere, mirrored by the other preserved animals throughout the manor. Whether frozen in lifelike poses or standing rigidly, their lifeless eyes seemed to track your every movement. It was unsettling, and you shuddered at the thought of their spirits lingering nearby.

Those who took pleasure in hunting animals for sport, displaying them as trophies or profiting from their deaths, deserved the severest punishment the universe could devise.

May Lucifer show no mercy to their vile and corrupted souls.

As you savored your drink, the sound of footsteps echoed from the corridor, accompanied by Paul's familiar voice graciously bidding farewell to departing guests. As soon as he entered the lounge, he halted in his tracks, his eyes meeting yours and scanning your seated form as if you were an unexpected apparition.

To break the awkward silence threatening to descend between you, you greeted him with a smile, suppressing the nervousness that bubbled up inside you again. "Good evening, Mr. McGuire."

The man's eyes softened. "Good evening, Miss Y/L/N. It's a pleasure to see you."

Had he thought you had vanished without a trace? That you had deserted your position and responsibilities at the manor, leaving no explanation behind?

"You're quite the early bird. When I woke up this morning, you had already flown the coop. I was curious about when you'd return."

Evidently, that was his assumption.

"I planned to visit my father," you elucidated. "Given how irritating morning traffic can be, I thought an early start would be more efficient."

Paul nodded and lowered himself onto the couch across from you. His expression revealed a combination of guilt and concern, clearly troubled by your recent exposure to their secret and the unusual task his husband had thrust upon you.

After a moment of contemplation, Mr. McGuire let out a heavy sigh, releasing his pent-up tension. "How are you holding up after last night? I want you to know that I tried to dissuade Alex from involving you in our family affairs. I sincerely apologize for the situation in which he's placed you."

You downed your glass in one gulp, relishing the bitter taste of the small amount of whiskey you could tolerate. "Actually, I was the one who got myself involved."

"Of course, you couldn't have known. How could you possibly have?"

Certainly. How could you have imagined they were confining a supernatural entity, essentially a divine being, in what amounted to a glorified snow globe since the early 20th century?

"Even so, Mr. McGuire, you shouldn't feel responsible for this. I pried into a matter that didn't concern me. If anyone's at fault, it's me."

You felt conflicted about uncovering Dream's truth. On one hand, you longed to be free from the guilt weighing heavily on your conscience. On the other, you couldn't shake the memory of his entrancing eyes and the lasting impact his essence had left on you.

"Alex shouldn't have put you in this position. You see, he's been fixated on Dream ever since he failed to convince him of our good intentions, that we'd free him if he only asked for it."

‘If he only asked for it’?

Your fingers absently toyed with the glass as you turned it in your hands. "It's hard to believe he would voluntarily choose to spend another hundred years in captivity," you observed.

“Naturally.”

"What exactly does Mr. Burgess have in mind?"

It seemed implausible that after more than a century, Dream of the Endless would suddenly surrender to his captor's conditions or implore for liberation.

"What he said last night is true; he genuinely wants to set Dream free. But Alex is afraid, Miss Y/LN, and we can't fault him for that."

"I understand, I truly do. But I have to ask, why me? How can I possibly convince Dream when you've been unsuccessful for years?"

Were they expecting you to deceive him, to make promises you knew you couldn't fulfill?

"One thing we've observed about you, Miss Y/LN, is your empathy. You're compassionate, attentive, and always seem to find the right words."

Those words might come back to curse you, it seemed.

"Though I still have reservations about sending you down there, you're giving Alex hope. If you could... well, consider it... it would mean a great deal to him."

You set the glass on the coffee table and tucked a strand of hair behind your ear. "You realize this is terribly wrong, don't you? That you can't keep him imprisoned in there indefinitely?"

Paul lowered his gaze to his hands, his voice soft but resolute. "Yes."

"And you also know there's no guarantee he'll trust me or even speak to me. Everything might remain unchanged, and you'll gain nothing but wasted time and money."

His lips pressed into a thin line. "I do. But something shifted last night, I'm certain. The way he looked at you... I can't quite explain it, but it was different."

At that moment, you discerned the underlying emotion in Paul's expression: depletion. He, like you, had started as a simple employee at the manor, nurturing the gardens as his bond with the Magus's son deepened over time. Despite being oblivious to the consequences of marrying Alex Burgess, Paul had committed himself to standing by his love, adopting his partner's burdens as if they were his own.

Paul was inundated with fatigue, worry, and emotional weariness. Alex's illness forced him to bed for most of the day, leaving Paul to manage all household and personal obligations. As if this weren't arduous enough, Paul had to watch helplessly as his beloved partner's health deteriorated day by day.

"You're a good man, Mr. McGuire," you told him with genuine sincerity. "You love your husband deeply, and I'm certain watching him suffer is tearing you apart. I understand your struggle, which is why..." You paused, your heart pounding as you came to terms with your decision. "That's why I've decided to give this a try."

The die was cast now.

Paul's gaze snapped back to you, his expression a mix of surprise and concern. He studied your face intently, the silence stretching between you. A wave of discomfort engulfed you, your chest tightening with both alcohol-induced warmth and tremendous loathe for yourself.

“You are…? Really?”

You closed your eyes and took a deep breath. "To be honest, my father's not doing very well. There's a promising experimental treatment that could potentially aid his recovery, but its cost is exorbitant. Far exceeding my current financial means."

His smile held a touch of understanding. "So you're doing this for your father."

You felt wretched, tainted, almost villainous. "I'm left with no other choice at my disposal. Am I?"

"Please understand that you can opt out at any time," he assured. "If you decide you no longer wish to continue, we won't hold it against you, I promise."

Paul's reassurances and kind words couldn't shake off the gnawing remorse you were experiencing. The knot in your stomach only grew tighter, and you knew your inner turmoil would only intensify, threatening to consume you entirely—swallowing you whole and potentially damning your soul to Hell.

You immersed yourself in work, tackling an array of tasks with deep focus. From scrubbing every corner to manicuring the garden and buffing ornaments to a shine, you surpassed your usual workload. Your colleagues didn't object; instead, they used your diligence as an opportunity to indulge in brief respites, savoring a cigarette in secluded spots or enjoying leisurely walks outdoors. 

You were indifferent. You craved distraction, seeking any activity that could occupy your thoughts and prevent them from straying into uncomfortable territory. You wanted to temporarily forget the looming obligation ahead, the impending humiliation of an Endless, exploiting him for personal gain while contradicting your own stance.

Time seemed to slip away, and before you knew it, another day had vanished. Now you found yourself facing the basement door, a cleverly concealed entrance that blended seamlessly with the wall, reminiscent of a portal to another realm. In a sense, it was just that, though the reality that lay beneath was far from the enchanting worlds of storybooks.

Paul handed you a small, unlabeled jar of pills. "These are stimulants," he explained. "Our guards have been taking them for over a century. It's crucial never to fall asleep or appear tired in Dream's presence. He might be able to breach your defenses and manipulate your mind."

"I thought he was bound to the circle," you said. "That he no longer retained any of his powers."

"It's been said that even with all these precautions, you can't truly strip away all his power. That's why he's under constant surveillance."

Interesting, you mused.

"Would you like me to accompany you?" Paul asked, still apprehensive about what they had persuaded you to do. "The guards have been informed and will be there if you need assistance."

While the guards you had encountered didn't inspire confidence in their ability to provide safety, you didn't perceive any immediate threat that would necessitate their presence.

You offered a tentative smile. "I've got this, Mr. McGuire. Thank you."

Reluctantly, he decided to trust you enough to let you descend alone. "Good luck, Miss Y/L/N. Have a good night," he said. "And please, take one of those tablets as a safety measure."

As Paul retreated, passing the antique showcases filled with urns, statues, and ancient armor, you waited for him to disappear from sight. Once he was gone, you slipped the jar of pills into your pocket, leaving it untouched. Sleep already evaded you without added stimulants, there was no need to complicate matters further for a non-issue.

As you gently eased open the narrow door, its hinges emitted a soft creak, and a chilly draft from below immediately caressed your skin. Though you'd managed to don a long jacket shielding your arms and legs, time constraints had prevented you from changing into more suitable attire.

Opting for the stairs iinstead of using the elevator, you carefully descended, mindful of your heels on the steep steps. As you reached the cellar floor and passed through the open gates, you felt your breath catch in your throat for the second time. There sat Dream, unchanged from your first meeting—his head lowered, arms wrapped around his bent knees. His posture spoke volumes, a paradoxical mix of resignation and nobility, defeat intertwined with an unbreakable spirit.

Your stomach churned with anxiety, and emotion constricted your throat. Sensing your arrival, he lifted his gaze, eyes steady and unblinking.

You found yourself unable to move closer, as if an invisible force held you in place. He left you awestruck, captured by an inexplicable allure that defied human comprehension.

"Did you come to speak to that old Dracula?"

A female voice from the table to your left caught your attention, breaking your momentary trance and causing you to turn your head. Two uniformed guards sat there, shielding their faces with reading material. You recognized them from before—the woman with her sturdy build, tight bun, and pink lipstick, and the man with his puffy cheeks and short, wavy hair.

You thoroughly disliked them, but your aversion to them stemmed primarily from an intuitive feeling you couldn't quite articulate.

You furrowed your brow, perplexed. "Dracula...?"

She shrugged dismissively and resumed reading her magazine, crossing her legs and shifting in her chair. Both guards exuded an air of utter apathy, their expressions impassive and their body language showing a clear desire to be elsewhere.

Dream remained motionless, his eyes fixed intently on you. Confronting a caged entity was daunting enough, but the presence of the two guards—potentially eavesdropping and later gossiping about your conversation—heightened your mounting displeasure. The weight of what you had agreed to do pressed heavily upon your chest.

The situation called for confidentiality. To have a meaningful conversation with Dream, you needed to devise a way to make the guards leave.

Without the authority to dismiss them outright, you opted for a diplomatic approach. "I'd appreciate some privacy. Would you mind giving us a moment alone, please?" you said, your tone both respectful and firm.

As expected, the guards stared at you as if you'd lost your mind. "Not a chance, Missy," the man retorted. "We're on watch duty, can't leave our post."

You muttered a curse under your breath. "Look, I can't do this with you here. Please, just give me a few minutes with him. Unless, of course, you'd prefer I inform Mr. Burgess that I couldn't complete his request because you interfered?"

With those words, you had played your trump card.

The guards exchanged a wordless glance. The woman discarded her magazine on the table, while her colleague tucked the newspaper under his arm and pushed back his chair. As the female guard approached, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. You met her scrutinizing stare head-on, refusing to break eye contact in this silent battle of wills.

Finally, she complied. "All right, just don't do anything stupid."

You noticed her hand brushing along the gun secured into the holster, a subtle admonishment to let you know they were not playing games and wouldn't even hesitate to use it.

“As stupid as calling him ‘Dracula’?”

The words escaped your lips before you could stop them. The woman's expression soured, her face contorting into a scowl as she retreated. "We'll be upstairs if you need us," she muttered, clearly displeased.

You struggled to suppress a satisfied smirk as her face flushed crimson. "Yes, Ma'am."

The sound of their heavy footsteps faded as they ascended the stairs, followed by the creak of the door opening. They left it slightly ajar, remaining vigilant and prepared to intervene if necessary.

With your objective accomplished, it was time to face the real ordeal: confronting Dream himself. As you turned around, you noticed his position had shifted slightly, causing your mouth to go dry.

For a moment, you thought you glimpsed a slight smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. However, as you made your way across the suspended bridge and stepped onto the painted ground within the binding circle, his face resumed its familiar expression, stern and wary.

Your initial confidence wavered as you found yourself alone with him in the basement. It became the most intimidating challenge you'd ever faced, struggling to maintain composure and resist the temptation to let your gaze wander. Despite his discreet efforts to preserve his modesty, the presence of this strikingly attractive, unclothed man before you was having an undeniable impact on your nerves.

At the same time, you couldn't suppress your indignation. They had reduced him to such a humiliating state, naked and vulnerable, like an object on display. His dignity had been stripped away, leaving him exposed to the prying eyes of anyone who entered.

Your throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe. "Hello, Dream," you whispered. "I'm Y/N Y/LN. I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you, but these circumstances are far from ideal."

Of course, he remained silent, so you continued. "I owe you an apology. I'm yet another mortal intruding upon you, attempting to make you speak, to negotiate. To convince you I mean no harm."

Yet, there he sat, physically unblemished, but emotionally ravaged by a century of solitude.

"How many times have they promised to release you?"

Dream turned away, his throat visibly constricting. His quietness conveyed more than any words could, communicating all you needed to know without a sound.

It broke your heart. "I wish I could tell you I'm different, that they forced me into this. But the truth is, Dream... they're paying me to interact with you. I willingly accepted."

As you voiced your admission, you suddenly felt nauseous. The Endless remained impassive, his eyes on the ground, seemingly absorbed in quiet reflection as he listened.

You deeply wished for him to grasp your motives, to understand the regrettable nature of your actions. You longed for his freedom, but you felt trapped with the figurative ropes of circumstance cutting into your pride. "My father is gravely ill. The only treatment that could save his life is beyond my financial means. Without it, he won't survive."

Alex Burgess had orchestrated the situation to his advantage. The crucial question now was: what stance were you prepared to take?

Dream's penetrating blue gaze returned to you, its intensity rooting you to the spot once more. Your pulse quickened, your extremities tingled, and your conscience screamed in protest. Proceeding would make you complicit in his exploitation, further compromising his already tarnished dignity for your personal interest.

The ends don't justify the means.

You couldn't do this; it would turn you into a heartless monster.

Fueled by a newfound courage, your hands balled into fists. The tension in your palms caused your wrist tendons to strain painfully.

With a resigned sigh, you made your decision. "To hell with it. Don't speak," you urged. "No matter what happens, don't say a word."

Dream's stern expression melted, giving way to surprise and bewilderment at your unexpected suggestion. You flashed him the warmest, most genuine smile you'd ever given anyone. "I'll create a diversion for you," you said softly. "I'll inform them that you're receptive and starting to trust me. If I can alleviate their concerns, I might be able to persuade them to set you free. Just don't speak, ever. Not even to me."

The situation presented an opportunity. Alex Burgess needed your cooperation with the Endless just as much as you required his financial support. By leveraging this mutual dependence, you might be able to negotiate a way to help Dream regain his freedom and autonomy, ultimately escaping his magical imprisonment.

At the very least, you were determined to make this plan succeed at all costs.

"I'm truly sorry. I'm only human, and if I were in your position, I probably wouldn't trust me either. I know you've likely heard this before, but I promise to do everything in my power to help you."

His countenance transformed, and his formerly rigid stance noticeably relaxed.

"You've been confined in this prison for far too long. Allow me to offer you some companionship in the meantime. No expectations, no demands… just me, as I am. I'd like to be a friend to you, if you'll permit it."

You wondered if your request was too ambitious. Dream was an immortal being of immense power, far beyond anything that could ever be written in a book. Given his extensive history of enduring broken promises and betrayals, it seemed unlikely that he would trust, and much less befriend, a mere mortal like yourself.

Mirroring your previous visit to the cellar, you pressed your palm against the glass, channeling your emotions through this simple act while keeping your smile unchanged. Dream observed you silently, but his eyes now reflected a mesmerizing kaleidoscope of swirling lights.

End notes: In this chapter, I wanted to highlight Reader's inner conflict. I also have a huge respect for Paul, as he totally seems like a sweetheart in the show and I can see him taking us under his wing. Alex, however, is quite a different story. In the Netflix adaptation, he is a lot better than his father and it is clear he truly felt bad for Morpheus and wanted to set him free. However, you can't just promise someone that they can trust you and you will let them go, only to kill their freaking raven a moment later. Like yo, your father gave you the rifle, he told you to get rid of the bird, but you were the one pulling the trigger, it was your choice. Come on man.

#sorrynotsorrystillsaltyforjessamy

It may take me two more chapters before reaching the part of the escape. Since I have to cover a couple months more of staying in the house, you'll see a lot of breaks between parts and time jumps, because I have to leave out a bunch of unimportant and irrelevant descriptions/dialogues (don't want to get boring, I need to get to the juicy part y'all).

And I'm sorry, you may need to get used to long chapters from me... 😅

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 (currently reading) Go to Chapter 3 ->

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New Post has been published on https://freenews.today/2021/03/18/nfl-finalizes-new-11-year-media-rights-deal-amazon-gets-exclusive-thursday-night-rights/

NFL finalizes new 11-year media rights deal, Amazon gets exclusive Thursday Night rights

The National Football League has finalized its new 11-year media rights agreement with a pact that will run through 2033 and could be worth over $100 billion.

The league announced Thursday it’s renewing TV rights with all of its existing broadcast partners and adding Amazon Prime Video as an exclusive partner for its Thursday Night Football package. It’s the first time a streaming service will carry a full package of games exclusively. Amazon is paying about $1 billion per year, according to people familiar with the matter. All the packages are for 11 years, the league said.

ViacomCBS, Fox and Comcast (which owns NBCUniversal) are all paying more than $2 billion per year for their packages, while Disney (which owns ESPN and ABC) will pay around $2.7 billion annually, according to people familiar with the matter.  Using these numbers, the NFL’s new agreement projects to be more than $100 billion — the richest U.S. sports league media deal.

The NFL has not responded to a request for comment to confirm the total amount of the agreements. ViacomCBS is paying $2.1 billion for its package and NBCUniversal is paying about $2 billion, the lowest of any of the partners, but the highest increase over its previous deal, the people said. NBCUniversal paid $1.1 billion for its previous package, including playoff games.

Fox is also projected to pay over $2 billion in its new contact, but will save $660 million as it relinquishes the Thursday Night Football package. Morgan Stanley estimates that contact will be averaging $400 million in annual losses in 2023 when Fox’s agreement expires.

Disney is paying more and receiving more NFL content, including rights to exclusively air an international game each year, beginning in 2022, one of the people said.  In this pact, the ESPN network keeps the Monday Night Football package and also has rights to air two Super Bowls on its ABC network. Disney can stream all NFL games that air on ABC and ESPN on ESPN+, the league said. 

Disney will now carry 23 games instead of 17 in its previous deal. ABC will air three Monday Night Football games, which will not be double-headers with ESPN because the timing of the games will overlap, one of the people said. ABC will also carry two Saturday games the last week of the NFL season, which could turn into a new Week 18 if the NFL moves forward with adding a week. Disney will also receive a new divisional round playoff game, said the person.

“These new media deals will provide our fans even greater access to the games they love,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “We’re proud to grow our partnerships with the most innovative media companies in the market. Along with our recently completed labor agreement with the NFLPA, these distribution agreements bring an unprecedented era of stability to the league and will permit us to continue to grow and improve our game.”

The league’s National Football Conference (NFC) games will remain with Fox, and CBS Sports will continue to host American Football Conference (AFC) games and stream those contests on its Paramount+ service. NBCUniversal will keep the Sunday Night Football package and use its Peacock service to stream games.

The NFL’s Super Bowl rotation is as follows:

CBS: 2023, 2027, 2031

FOX: 2024, 2028, 2032

NBC: 2025, 2029, 2033

ESPN/ABC: 2026, 2030

The NFL’s Covid-19 Super Bowl in February attracted 96.4 million viewers watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs, 31-9. The game was the lowest watched Super Bowl since 2007 when the Indianapolis Colts played the Chicago Bears. That game attracted 93.1 million viewers, according to Octagon’s media division data provided to CNBC.

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