#SCAR REVISION

[profilemd]

Customized laser scar revision at Profile MD addresses a variety of scars, including surgical scars, acne scars, and keloids. Advanced technologies like the Profractional Laser create micro-channels to stimulate collagen production and smooth thick or raised scars, while the Pulsed Dye Laser reduces redness by shrinking blood vessels within the scar tissue. Depending on the severity and type of scar, treatments are often combined for optimal results. Recovery is typically quick, with noticeable improvements over multiple sessions, enhancing both the texture and appearance of the skin.

[shahinjavaherimdplasticsurgeon]

Scar Revision Surgery in San Francisco

Dr. Shahin Javaheri offers Scar Revision Surgery in San Francisco, providing advanced techniques to improve the appearance of scars. With precision and expertise, Dr. Javaheri helps patients achieve smoother, more natural-looking skin, enhancing both aesthetic and functional outcomes.

[clinicdermatechdelhi]

Comprehensive Guide to Acne Scar Removal Treatment

Understanding Acne Scars:

Acne scars can manifest in various forms — from shallow depressions to more prominent raised scars. The scars result from the skin’s attempt to heal after inflammation caused by acne breakouts. While they may fade over time, some scars persist and call for targeted treatment to achieve a smoother complexion.

Common Acne Scar Removal Treatments:

Topical Treatments:

● What They Are: Creams, gels, or ointments applied directly to the skin.

● How They Work: Topical treatments often contain ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, and alpha hydroxy acids promoting cell turnover and collagen production.

● Effectiveness: Mild to moderate improvement; consistent use is key.

Chemical Peels:

● What They Are: Solutions containing acids applied to the skin to remove the top layer.

● How They Work: Peels exfoliate the skin, improving its texture and reducing the appearance of scars.

● Effectiveness: Effective for mild to moderate scars; multiple sessions may be required.

Microdermabrasion:

● What It Is: A non-invasive procedure that exfoliates the skin using a machine with fine crystals.

● How It Works: Removes the outer layer of skin, promoting the growth of new, smoother skin.

● Effectiveness: Suitable for mild scars; multiple sessions may be needed for optimal results.

Microneedling:

● What It Is: A minimally invasive procedure using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin.

● How It Works: Stimulates collagen production, improving the appearance of scars.

● Effectiveness: Effective for certain types of scars; may require multiple sessions.

Laser Therapy:

● What It Is: The use of lasers to target specific areas of the skin, promoting collagen production.

● How It Works: Helps improve the texture and color of scars.

● Effectiveness: Can be effective for various types of scars; multiple sessions may be necessary.

Dermal Fillers:

● What They Are: Injectables containing substances like hyaluronic acid to fill in depressed scars.

● How They Work: Adds volume to the skin, reducing the appearance of certain types of scars.

● Effectiveness: Temporary improvement; may require periodic injections.

Choosing the Right Acne Scar Removal Treatment:

The choice of acne scar removal treatment depends on factors such as the type of scars, their severity, and your skin type. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

● Type of Scars: Different treatments may be more effective for specific types of scars. For instance, raised scars may benefit from laser therapy, while depressed scars may respond well to fillers.

● Skin Type: Consider your skin type and any potential side effects associated with different treatments. Some procedures may not be suitable for individuals with certain skin conditions.

● Downtime: The amount of downtime or recovery time you can afford may influence your choice of treatment. Some procedures, like microneedling, may have minimal downtime, while others, such as laser therapy, may require more recovery time.

● Consultation: Consult with a dermatologist or skincare professional to assess your scars and discuss the most suitable treatment options for your specific case.

Acne Scar Treatment Near Me:

Finding a reliable acne scar treatment near me is crucial for convenience and accessibility. Here’s how you can locate acne scar treatment services nearby:

● Online Search: Use online search engines to find dermatologists, skincare clinics, or aesthetic centers in your vicinity that offer acne scar treatment services.

● Patient Reviews: Reading patient reviews can provide insights into the effectiveness and customer satisfaction of different treatment providers. Look for positive reviews and testimonials.

● Referrals: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they have had successful experiences with acne scar treatment in your area. Personal referrals can be valuable in finding trustworthy professionals.

Acne Scar Removal Cost:

The cost of acne scar removal can vary based on the type of treatment, the scars’ severity, and the clinic’s location. Here’s a general overview of the costs associated with common acne scar removal treatments:

1. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter or prescription topical treatments are generally more affordable, ranging from a few hundred to a couple of thousand rupees, depending on the product.

2. Professional Treatments: Procedures like chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and laser therapy may have higher costs. Prices can range from a few thousand to several thousand rupees per session.

3. Injectables (Dermal Fillers): The cost of dermal fillers can vary based on the type of filler used and the number of injections required. Prices may range from a few thousand to several thousand rupees per session.

4. Consultation Fees: Keep in mind that consultation fees for dermatologists or skin care professionals may also be applicable. Consultation fees can vary but usually range from a few hundred to a thousand rupees.

Achieving smoother, scar-free skin is within reach with the array of acne scar removal treatments available today. Whether you opt for topical treatments, chemical peels, laser therapy, or dermal fillers, the key is to make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences. With the right approach and professional guidance, you can bid farewell to acne scars and embrace clearer, more confident skin. The journey to skin renewal starts here! If you are looking for affordable acne scar removal treatments, get in touch with Clinic Dermatech.

[dr-raja-banerjee]

Are you looking for a way to transform your look? Look no further than the Aphrodite Cosmetic Centre located in Gurgaon. Discover a new and improved version of yourself with our top-notch cosmetic services. Our expert surgeons specialize in Gynecomastia treatment, ensuring you regain your confidence and masculinity. Are you dreaming of a perfect nose? Explore our Rhinoplasty services to sculpt the nose you've always wanted.

Do you want to get rid of scars from the past or remove a tattoo that you no longer want? Our scar revision and can help you achieve that. Regain flawless, scar-free skin and say goodbye to unwanted ink. We also offer ear lobe repair, restoring beauty to your ears with precision.

At Aphrodite Cosmetic Centre, we understand the power of transformation. Our advanced facilities and highly skilled surgeons ensure a secure and comfortable journey for you. Whether you're considering Gynecomastia, Rhinoplasty, scar revision, tattoo removal surgery, or any other plastic surgery, trust us to bring out the best in you. Your beauty, your choice, Aphrodite's expertise.

[novaskincare123]

[richbichclinic]

The Benefits of Candela CO2RE Scar Revision

Scarring is a natural part of the body's healing process, but it can often be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness. Fortunately, with advances in technology and medical techniques, there are effective treatments available to help reduce the appearance of scars. At Rich Bich Clinic, we use the Candela CO2RE laser system for scar revision. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of using the Candela CO2RE for scar revision.

What is Candela CO2RE?

Candela CO2RE is a state-of-the-art laser system that uses fractional CO2 laser technology to resurface the skin and reduce the appearance of scars. The laser creates thousands of microscopic channels in the skin, which stimulate the body's natural healing process and promote the growth of new, healthy tissue. The Candela CO2RE is a highly precise and customizable system that can be adjusted to treat scars of all shapes, sizes, and depths.

Benefits of Candela CO2RE Scar Revision

Effective Scar Reduction

The Candela CO2RE is an effective treatment for reducing the appearance of scars. By creating microscopic channels in the skin, the laser stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which are essential for healthy skin. This results in smoother, more even skin texture and a reduction in the appearance of scars.

Versatile Treatment Areas

The Candela CO2RE can be used to treat scars on many different areas of the body, including the face, neck, chest, and hands. This makes it an ideal treatment option for those with scars in visible or hard-to-treat areas.

Customizable Treatment

The Candela CO2RE laser system is highly customizable, which means that your treatment can be tailored to your specific needs. The depth and intensity of the laser can be adjusted based on the type and severity of your scar, and the size of the treatment area can also be customized.

Minimal Downtime

Unlike some other scar revision treatments, the Candela CO2RE requires minimal downtime. Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days of their treatment. However, it is important to follow your technician's post-treatment instructions to ensure optimal healing and results.

Safe and FDA-Approved

The Candela CO2RE is a safe and FDA-approved treatment for scar revision. It has been extensively tested and is recognized as a safe and effective treatment for reducing the appearance of scars.

Preparing for Your Candela CO2RE Scar Revision Treatment

Before your Candela CO2RE scar revision treatment, it is important to prepare your skin properly to ensure the best results. This includes avoiding sun exposure and tanning beds for at least two weeks before your appointment, as well as avoiding certain medications and supplements that can increase the risk of bleeding. Your technician will provide you with a list of these medications and supplements to avoid.

During your appointment, your technician will use the Candela CO2RE laser to create microscopic channels in the skin. You may feel a slight sensation of heat or discomfort, but the treatment is generally well-tolerated. After your treatment, you may experience some redness and swelling in the treatment area, but this should subside within a few days.

Conclusion

If you are self-conscious about a scar, the Candela CO2RE may be the solution you have been looking for. At Rich Bich Clinic, we are committed to providing safe and effective scar revision treatments using the Candela CO2RE laser system. Our experienced technicians will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and helps you achieve smoother, more even skin. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how Candela CO2RE scar revision can help you.

[mossfeathers]

Writing and art for day 16 of lifetober: Deal

Fic takes place in an AU by my friend Rose in which the rage crystal Scar gives Tango has a few strings attached. If you guys like this, I have more written I can polish up + post!! Word count: 1.3k TW/CW: Possession, panic attack (implied), swearing, villain Scar (not really a cw just a heads up)

“Tango, Tango, Tango, I’m sure you’re wondering why I called you here,” Scar said, voice low, not quite a growl but still menacing enough and grinning with the sort of happiness that wouldn’t end well for anyone else. His pale grey hair was long and a few of the more wild strands draped over his face, breaking apart the cutting gaze of his bright yellow eyes staring right through Tango.

‘Well not really, mister crystal-butt-man. Me and my crew back there were just coming by for a bit of enchanting-magic-funtimes and you were all ‘Ooh only Tango can come in’ and shooed my guys away. Jerkface.” Tango leaned back in the ornate wooden chair Scar had pulled up for him in front of the amethyst pedestal the enchanter usually sat upon, twirling the emerald-green crystal he had bought from Scar just a few days prior boredly in his ash-tinted fingertips. “But I’ll bite. Whaddya want, Scar?” Scar’s such a pain sometimes, honestly, Tango thought to himself. Always asking for this or that and another and never giving anyone the time of day, favoring selling you a clock over sympathy. Tango really wished he wasn’t stuck with him in the wizard hut, but it’d be rude to leave and he’d rather not tick off the one guy who had a knack for tracking down the enchanter.

“I’m so glad you ask! It’s all got to do with that little crystal you got there. It’s been working, right?” Scar said, leaning forward in his chair with a sick smile, crossing his hands under his chin. 

“Yeah?” He stopped fidgeting with the crystal and now let it dangle limply from a thin brown string looped on his fingers

Scar’s grin widened. “Excellent! Oh, I’m so glad to hear it! The custom rage crystal, if I remember correctly. Well, not to go full ‘Villain-Scar’ mode here, but I may have… let’s say neglected to mention a bit of fine print on that fine piece of merchandise. I’ll be honest with you, I don’t feel like explaining it so I’m just going to show you. Besides, I think you’d get the point more if you just saw it in action,” Scar said as he stood up from his own chair, grabbing the wooden cane leaning on it, bejeweled with an intricate laying of crystals and engravings of cats. Tango grimaced and laughed awkwardly, not quite sure what else to do.

“Hey buddy, you feelin’ ok?” Tango barely managed to get the words out before Scar had closed the distance between them, looming over him with unnerving authority.

“Ok Tango, I’m going to need you to stay very calm, alright? Ok?” Tango nodded along slowly, a pit of concern growing in his stomach. “Great! Now, I need you to go get me a diamond from Joel’s cave. I trust you know where that is, right? Bye!” Scar spoke quickly and excitedly, words bouncing with anticipation and playful malice.

Tango’s face dropped. He tucked the crystal into his pocket and made his way down the ladder and out of the wizard’s hut without a sound. This, in theory, was against his will, but his mind was just blank, like someone had smudged out all his thoughts as one cleans off a whiteboard after using it in school. There wasn’t a will left to defy, the only thing in his mind the faint ringing of an order, carried out dutifully by his body. His hair flickered weakly, fire somehow managing to glow less than it should. To someone who knew Tango, they wouldn’t have thought him to be himself, lacking a certain swing in his step so signature to himself. Once he reached the edge of the mountain, his dull eyes hardly glanced down as he walked off, stumbling off jagged edges and drops, scraping knees and elbows until he reached the front of Joel’s cave. By some miracle, he wasn’t home, and Tango dragged himself through the entrance and started to rummage around through a few chests, getting nicked by a spare sword left unsheathed in the wreckage, until he pulled out a diamond, sharp edges seeming to glow in the miserable afternoon’s light that flooded the cavern. His eyes sparked with something akin to recognition, and hardly a second later he was heaving himself up the cliff-face.

He stumbled through the door, breathless with a straight face, to Scar’s awaiting smile leaning against the wall next to the ladder going up to the enchanter, idly twirling his hair between his fingers. Scar extended his hand, Tango dropped the diamond in, and promptly collapsed; a puppet with its strings cut. His hair exploded upwards, flames licking the roof of the shop floor and body small as he took in heaving, gasping breaths. He was shaking, but more importantly he was back. His thoughts flooded back in, horrified and scared and screaming, desperate cries to get back into his own head swirling with relieved terror at release back into his mind, the flood of sudden information and emotion making him sick to his stomach. After a long, anguished moment, he looked up at Scar with furrowed brows, rage boiling over alongside tears out of bright red eyes.

“What the fuck have you done,” he growled, furious and terrified and helpless all at once as he stared with the most intense hatred he’d ever felt at Scar, stronger than Bdubs, stronger than the games themselves. His gold eyes just smirked down at him, glinting with the sort of mischievous malice he’d now learned to fear. Tango made a move towards the dagger he kept hidden in his back pocket, wanting nothing more than to bring him down to his knees, make him feel even a fraction of the anguish he felt rushing through his body, make him hurt.

“Oh, can you stop that?” Scar laughed, and Tango felt his hand freeze in place, that same complicit nothing washing over him in a wave of pure white nothing. “Would you mind getting up too? I don’t want the floor getting damaged, that stuff’s not cheap!” He stood up.

Tango was still shaking. Badly, in fact; he could hardly stand. But Scar had said he needed to stand, so he would. Scar hadn’t stopped smiling the whole time, as if this was just a joke, just a prank. Just a prank. The fact Scar hardly cared, didn’t think what he was doing, whatever he was doing, was a terrible thing made Tango want to tear him apart with his bare hands, limb from bloody limb. It filled him with such violent, earth-shattering rage Tango forgot about the crystal sitting in his pocket. It filled him with so much rage while he couldn’t do anything but listen when Scar started to speak again.

“So! Whaddya think? I’m proud of myself for that one, I mean who else would have come up with putting a control spell on a crystal? Genius, right? It’s really quite easy, to quote Mumbo. You’ve got questions, I’m sure, but I’m not quite qualified to answer them. I’m just your local wizard, after all. I cast the magic, not a clue how it works.” Scar sighed, a slight shrug in his shoulders. “I can try though.”

“Just tell me what the hell you’ve done to me.” Tango’s eyes were bright with fury, and he could hardly spit out the words through his throat thick with anger, voice cracking as he did so. “Now.”

“Were you even listening? Gosh, it’s a control spell, Tango. Simple, too. I just… say what I need you to do, and you listen! All tied to that little crystal you got in your pocket there. Rather convenient for me, you’re like my little helper! I really am sorry for not mentioning it beforehand, I just needed you to take the deal. Think of this as a good thing! We’re very lonely here in the wizard hut after all, and I do believe this is the start of a beautiful friendship.” Tango didn’t do anything but bore into Scar’s soul with his burning eyes. “I apologize for any discomfort, can’t do anything about that I’m afraid. Oh, and don’t mention this to your little crew, okay?”

Tango just stared at Scar, and he only walked out when Scar said he could.

[enginator2000]

daily infinites 1-10 again. i started this daily campaign on twitter again but its going to end a lot sooner than i thought HAHA so i may as well start posting this round here. am i gonna do it every time a new game or something is announced? maybe. i think its fun plus i made a little money from it this time so thats awesome. although it is a lot of work... maybe only if the next game has legitimate potential to have infinite in it. bc with frontiers it was literally like "remember infinite? remember the guy from the last main game? remember his aesthetics and colours and style and effects and-" so it really did feel like there was a chance. if theres nothing like that for the next game i wont have a leg to stand on and it really will be futile and that will make me sad and motivate me a lot less. i guess itll just be a wait and see kind of decision. until then, enjoy these :>

[chloeplayz]

"I've decided I'll abide it; why deny the colour black?"

"I'LL BE MY SUNSHINE, I'LL BE MY MOON AT NIGHT"

Dr Sunshine Is Dead - Will Wood and the Tapeworms

[abigailmoment]

"Do you want to become art?"

There was a right answer to that question. And unless he gave it, things would get worse. Things could always get worse.

"Yes, master," he said.

"Say it," Cazador instructed.

Astarion swallowed thickly. Then he said: "I want to become art."

----

This is a companion piece to Kindness is Quiet and Bright. If you haven't read that, the ending will be a bit confusing.

Full Text On AO3

Full text below.

----

The worst part was the waiting.

That was a lie. The worst part was the pain. But waiting was awful in its own special way.

A sudden awareness that he was wanted had dragged Astarion to the upstairs study. It was the nice, east wing one with the large fireplace. Astarion hadn't been in here in five years, since the renovation. He knew about the renovation because he had helped bury the contract workers under stones in the dungeon. He noticed that the rug was new and a little garish, but that was the only detail he registered because, in addition to the rug, the room contained Cazador. And Cazador always had a monopoly on his attention.

Cazador was sitting at the desk reading over a spread of documents. He looked calm, which was good, and even a little smug, which was better. Good moods meant that sometimes begging worked. He was wearing the nice black doublet with silver filigree that he only wore for important guests, which made Astarion wonder who he'd been meeting with. It also meant Cazador wasn't going to do anything to Astarion that might damage his own clothes. Which was useful information.

After Astarion had been standing by the door for perhaps five minutes Cazador spoke. He didn't bother to look up from his papers, but he asked mildly: "Are you fond of that shirt?"

That meant something that was about to happen that would damage Astarion's clothes. Which narrowed Astarion's guesses about what was about to happen to four most likely scenarios. Whichever one ended up being true, he didn't want to lose the shirt. He took it off, folded it carefully, and stowed it under a chair. Then he went back to waiting.

The waiting was both horrible and boring. Astarion passed the time by examining and having opinions about the renovations. The rug was of good make, but the color was much too loud. The new wood paneling was tasteful and Astarion agreed with the choice of walnut. There was a giant oil painting of a still life with a skull and wilted flower. It was hilariously ugly. Astarion tried to daydream about the conversation that had produced such an unfortunate commission, but he lost track of what he was thinking about every time Cazador moved.

He kept at it, though. There was nothing else to do apart from muse disjointedly and be afraid.

Eventually Cazador started rolling up the sheaves of parchment on his desk. He opened a drawer and put away all but one. Out of another drawer he produced a black lacquered box. Astarion recognized the box. It was very old and filled with razors and knives. The four possible scenarios that Astarion had been trying not to think about narrowed into one.

It was better, though. To know what was about to happen. Better than uncertainty. Cazador looked at him directly for the first time.

"Do you want to become art?" he asked.

There was a right answer to that question. And unless he gave it, things would get worse. Things could always get worse.

"Yes, master," he said.

"Say it," Cazador instructed.

Astarion swallowed thickly. And then said: "I want to become art."

"Good," said Cazador. "Kneel."

Astarion moved to kneel in front of the chair. He knelt up, so that his back was convenient to reach. He clasped his hands together tightly in front of him.

He heard a click behind him as the black lacquered box was opened. He heard the very soft sound of metal brushing against the velvet lining as something was selected.

Then there was a loop of sharp pain in his back. A circle. Drawn large, shoulder to shoulder. There was no blood. He hadn't been eating well enough to bleed from a cut so shallow. The loop of pain was followed by smaller strokes. Letters being carved.

This was how art worked: Astarion had to hold still, and he had to be silent. If he moved, Cazador would make a mistake. If he made a sound, Cazador would make a mistake.

And when Cazador made a mistake he would press the offending wound closed and order Astarion's flesh to mend. And Astarion's body would find dregs of blood that he could not spare, hiding deep in his organs where it couldn't bleed out wastefully. And there would be a dizzying pang of hunger. Almost as sharp as the knives.

And the dizziness might make Astarion sway. And then Cazador would make another mistake. And he would have to fix it again. And that could spiral into more swaying, and then collapsing, and then failure. And punishment. Things could always get worse.

The hardest part was keeping his back from moving. Astarion coped by trying to redirect all motion to his hands. He let his fingers clench and twitch as ts were crossed and is were dotted. There felt like there were a lot of dots in this one. Something particularly intricate happened at the base of his neck. He didn't move.

Cazador paused to check something on the desk. Astarion took the moment to flex his hands, rest them for long minutes while he heard paper rustling.

Then he heard velvet being scraped again. It was very quiet, but he was very attuned to catching that particular sound.

Cazador made another looping cut. Another circle. Smaller. Concentric. Then more text was being carved. The text was taking longer than usual. The cuts were very deliberate. Astarion would have thought that a smaller circle would be quicker to complete, but apparently not. He was getting tired by the end of it. He'd made two noises. A whine and a sob. He'd paid for them both.

The smallest circle was bad because it was almost entirely over his spine. He was trying to keep still, but he'd reached the point where sometimes his back spasmed out of his control. And there was something in the middle that had to be carved with that very particular scalpel that curled like a corkscrew.

"You are distracting me," Cazador said testily.

Astarion realized that he'd been making a sound. Whimpering. He hadn't noticed. He bit his tongue. The mark in the center had to be redone several more times.

Then finally, finally he heard the silk swish of the cleaning cloth. He stayed still, but was almost delirious with relief as he listened to each tool being polished and put back in its case. The click of the black lacquered box being closed was a sound pretty as a bell. Tolling that it was over. Over.

But then he was being moved. Not ordered. Physically moved. He was trembling with pain and even more starving than usual, so he didn't have the strength to resist even if he'd been mad enough to try. He was hauled up and pressed flat on top of the desk.

All right then. Not over. What was next? An epilogue drawn up his neck?

"Hands stay here," Cazador said, planting Astarion's hands where he wanted them, words sealing them in place. On the edge of the desk where he could grip.

Astarion felt indignant anger flare inside of him. This was insulting. He'd didn't need to be braced, like a fledgling who'd never been written on. He hadn't needed that for years. He could kneel through the pain. He turned his head to the side, about to say something deeply inadvisable to his master.

But that imprudent impulse died before it became words. When he turned, Astarion saw that Cazador was putting on gloves. Thick, black leather gloves. That was new. Astarion hated new. Why was he putting on gloves?

Astarion kept watching as Cazador produced a vase from a cabinet. A fine porcelain vase. The kind you stored ashed in. He also brought over three bowls. Pretty. Also porcelain. Of Amn make. Each was a different size and they stacked together, nested in each other. Like three circles.

Cazador took the largest bowl. He unlatched the urn and with great care poured a measure of its contents into the bowl. A cascade of white particles. It looked like sugar. Or salt. And it glowed very slightly. Astarion wouldn't have been able to see the very slight shine if the room hadn't been so dark. It glowed in a way that made Astarion instinctively uncomfortable.

"Crystallized holy water mixed with salt," Cazador explained. He liked to explain new things. He liked watching Astarion's expression change while he did.

"The tragedy of our art together is that it is ephemeral," Cazador continued. "The blessings that I have given you heal all wounds."

He reached over to touch Astarion's neck, fingers pressing into two divots.

"Save for the important ones."

His hand drifted over to touch the open wounds in Astarion's back. Raw and bloodless. Unable to scab. There was nothing to scab with.

"And these." He toyed with the broken skin, making the muscle sting. "These are important."

It was one of those moments where it was particularly strange to not have a pulse. It really felt like something should be beating wildly in Astarion's chest and temples.

"Master," Astarion said. His mind was racing, even if his heart wasn't. Trying to come up with something to say that would change anything.

"Yes, boy?" Cazador said.

"Art is ever changing," Astarion tried, that sounded pretentious enough to appeal. "Isn't it? And wouldn't it be a pity if you were inspired one night and...I couldn't provide a canvas? I would...so hate...to lose these evenings together."

Cazador paused in his preparations, seeming to consider. He reached out and put an indulgent hand on Astarion's cheek.

"Astarion. You beg so prettily."

He'd used Astarion's name. That sometimes meant strange things. Astarion waited and watched. Cazador was silent for just long enough that Astarion started to hope.

"But you scream more prettily than you beg," Cazador said. "Perhaps that is something to work on?"

He checked his gloves again. Then he picked up the large bowl of white crystals. He set it down on a slightly different position with a deliberate click.

"For the outer circle," he said.

Cazador poured out another measure of sparkling white flecks into the middle bowl. He set it next to its fellow.

"For the inner circle."

Cazador filled the smallest bowl to the brim and put it down inches from Astarion's face.

"For the spine," he said.

"Master," Astarion whispered, graceless now. "Please don't. Please..."

entering turn based mode.

"Art doesn't talk," Cazador told him.

And with those words, Astarion became something that didn't talk.

And all he could do was watch as Cazador checked his gloves again, picked up the smallest of the bowls, and moved behind him. Out of his range of vision.

standard action: hide / move: 9 meters / end turn

There was a sensation like fine gravel falling on his back. Into his back. Bouncing into the open grooves of torn flesh. And then it started to burn.

It burned and it burned and it was worse than fire or sunlight, because it didn't burn away. He could feel the crystals inside the wounds. Radiance and salt. It was like he was being cut open again, but all at once. It was so exquisite and precise. He thought he might be able to read the letters by feel, if only he knew the language and wasn't dying of agony.

move: 9 meters / free action: loot backpack / standard action: use scroll / end turn

When he came back to some sense of the world beyond pain he was panting. He tried to stop. Cazador hated breathing--a graceless habit in a vampire. Astarion managed to twist it into a sort of breathless hissing. He hadn't screamed. He'd been trying so hard not to scream while kneeling and the habit stuck. But it wouldn't last. Not when that happened again.

free action: take crystal ball / move: 9 meters / standard action: dash / move: 9 meters / end turn

Cazador was tracing the outer circle of cuts. No, they weren't cuts anymore. Astarion could feel that he had scars now. All over his back. A permanent change. They ached as Cazador touched them.

And then Cazador's hand entered his field of vision, reaching for the second bowl. Astarion wanted to beg, but he was a thing that couldn't speak, so he just hissed and whimpered and clenched his hands around the edge of the desk and tried to brace himself. He stared fixedly at the far wall. The window. The sky outside, moon and stars. Please. To be anywhere but here.

free action: drop item / free action: manipulate item

There was something wrong with the moon. He could see it through the window. And it was too large, and too bright.

And also, he shouldn't be able to see it. There weren't supposed to be windows here. There were no windows in Cazador's Palace.

Was he...not in the palace? Where was he? He could smell burning, but it wasn't his back. Wreckage. There was burning wreckage from the Nautiloid. But then the question became: what was a Nautiloid?

None of this made sense, but actually, that was all right. Because the moon was actually the sun. It had been very silly of him to mistake it. The difference between moonlight and sunlight was...ha. Well, it was like night and day. And the sun was so large and close that it almost felt like he could touch it.

So he did. He reached out and grabbed the sun and held it tightly. It was his now. His morning. His sunlight.

He sat down heavily, on a carpet, or on a beach, or in the forest. He wasn't sure. He didn't care. Wherever he was, it was better than where he'd been. Because things like...what had been happening. To him. They didn't happen under sunlight.

So he clung to the sun. He held it very tightly. And for a moment, just a moment, he was safe. ----

The next morning, Astarion discovered that he had apparently sleep-stolen Gale's crystal ball.

He wasn't certain how he'd managed that, or why he felt so very unreasonably fond of the object.

But it was his now. He hid it behind a pile of books and never gave it back.

***

Next Chapter >

***

[iwakuraz]

sad

[blackwaxidol]

Trying to consider how I would dress them both.

La'zaar, I am putting that nasty greying beast in some kind of leather jacket but I literally cannot find the reference I am seeing in my mind's eye. For Ru'thûn... to be honest I want something similar to Ripley 8's outfit from Alien: Resurrection.

Either way I am asking after a large amount of leather, I suppose..

[novaskincare123]

Premature skin ageing symptoms and treatment

1.Fine Lines and Wrinkles

One of the most common signs of premature aging is the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes, mouth, and forehead. Wrinkles happen due to a loss in skin elasticity, which can be caused by sun damage, smoking, stress, or genetics. The best way to address these issues is through proper skin care such as using moisturizers and creams with peptides and antioxidant-rich ingredients that help stimulate collagen production in your skin.

2. Dark Spots

Dark spots or hyperpigmentation are another one of the signs of premature aging, typically found on areas that have been over exposed to UV light such as face and hands. According to several studies, factors such as pollution and hormones can also contribute to dark spots appearing on your face before time. Your best course would be exfoliation combined with hydroquinone use; this stimulates cell turnover allowing for vivid complexion revealing end results.

3. Dry Skin

Dry skin can lead to redness that increases wrinkles over time due to insufficient hydration levels within daily activities such as prolonged sun exposure, air conditioning or extreme cold weather conditions. Applying a good combination of hydrating creams mixed with natural oils (such as coconut oil) will replenish dry areas providing intense moisture levels the skin needs for preservation from further damage from environmental influences throughout the day. 

4. Loss of Elasticity

Loss of elasticity happens when collagen production slows down significantly within mature skins due lack in vascular circulation under epidermal layers not being able to reach vital nutrients essential for regular skin repair process leading again towards early wrinkles formation. To stimulate collagen once more you could use retinol lotions people proven success rate in restoring elastic barrier giving back a youthful appearance without spending thousands on cosmetic facial treatments etc...

5. Uneven Skin Texture

Women often complaint about their uneven skin texture causing unwanted bumps or dullness looking aggeravate when doesn't well hydrated especially if lacking an effective Exfoliating routine used at least every other week with lactic acid cleanses helping diminish dead flakes achieve flawless finish starting days off look younger even avoiding unnecessary make up application since very little might necessary mask any underlying undesired aesthetic irregularities present overskin surface .

6. Sagging Cheeks

Sagging cheeks are usually caused by repeated muscle movement triggered by specific type expressions ususally done monotonously overtime sadly some times no preventive methods have taken account avoid premature wrinkles enjoy healthy firm visage avoiding surgical solutions facial implant procedures luckily injections barely painful somewhat invasive apply short term amounts botox pilling month reap rewards its effectiveness weakening nerve synapses causing contractions stop motion chronological aging having face still seemingly friendlier age 

7. Facial Volume Loss

Facial volume loss been major concern past decade many celebrities spending tremendous sum recuperate lifeless features attained times without necessarily opting expensive procedure like dermal fillers attribute simple concepts drinking plenty water keep system hydrated green tea pores refresh extra few slices cucumber momentarily tempted eat chocolate regularly fatty acids excellent wrinkle prevention asset physical exercise maintains adequate oxygen flow seek natural solution olive oil honey provide deep therapeutic massages possibly schedule sauna sessions anti aged effect let free radicals own nation prevent too much exposure environments dust smoke chemicals assure nutritious diet maximum longevity newfound beauty healthy habits maintained granted turn heads confidence highest form Self appreciation

[richbichclinic]

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