#Transaction categorization

[haynesbookkeepingsolutions123]

Financial Harmony: Mastering Bank Statement Reconciliation

Bank statement reconciliation is the meticulous process of aligning financial records with the statements provided by the bank, ensuring accuracy and transparency in fiscal management. Like a financial detective, it involves scrutinizing every transaction, uncovering discrepancies, and harmonizing ledger entries with actual banking activities.

[idkyetxoxo]

Criston Cole - Cruel Fates

Summary - In a world of forbidden desires and shifting loyalties, a passionate yet doomed love story unravels, leading to betrayal, fiery vengeance, and the haunting realization that some emotions can destroy everything they touch.

Pairing - Criston Cole x Targaryen reader

Warnings - Sexual content (smut!)

Word count - 2128

Masterlist for Criston • House of the Dragon General Masterlist.

Ser Criston Cole and I shared a relationship that defied easy categorization, some might label it purely transactional, one where our time together was driven solely by carnal desire. 

There was no pretense of affection, no facade of deeper connection, just the mutual pursuit of pleasure.

As I lay beneath him, I felt the familiar heat building between us. "No, wait," I murmured, my voice soft as I shifted slightly on the bed, causing him to pause for a brief moment.

"Continue," I urged, adjusting myself to better accommodate him as he resumed his rhythm, thrusting into me with a deliberate intensity. 

My fingers curled around the sheets, my head thrown back in a rapture of sensation as his movements grew more forceful, his deep grunts of exertion mixing with my own breathy moans. 

I moved my hips in perfect synchrony with his, each thrust sending ripples of pleasure coursing through my body.

"Keep quiet," he whispered, his tone commanding but laced with a hint of amusement. I couldn't help but let out a breathless laugh, the sound escaping me despite his warning.

"How can I," I replied in a low, teasing tone, "when you're doing such a good job?" 

My words brought a satisfied smirk to his lips, and he leaned in to kiss me, his mouth capturing mine in a fervent attempt to stifle the cries that spilt from me.

His hand slid between us, fingers finding that sensitive spot he knew all too well. He began to rub slow, torturous circles, driving me closer to the edge. 

The dual sensations, his relentless thrusts and the delicious friction of his hand sent me spiralling into a state of bliss. My eyes fluttered closed, my vision blurring as pleasure overwhelmed me, my body trembling beneath his expert touch.

The tension between us built to an overwhelming crescendo, every movement driving us closer to the edge. As his rhythm became more erratic, his breathing ragged, I could feel the inevitable climax approaching. 

His grip on my hips tightened, his pace quickening until finally, with a guttural groan, he reached his peak. He spilled onto my legs, the warmth of it spreading across my skin.

I let out a small, exasperated sigh, shaking my head as I tutted. "You always leave such a mess," I teased, my tone half-serious, half-amused.

He chuckled, a low, rough sound still laced with the remnants of his release. 

"I have to," he replied, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "How else would I explain myself if the King's little sister ended up with child?"

I couldn't help but laugh at that, he was right, of course, our relationship was dangerous, forbidden, and he was always careful to cover his tracks.

As I lay there, catching my breath, I couldn't shake the feeling that had taken root deep within me, no matter how much I tried to ignore it. 

Everyone around me would likely scoff at the idea, dismiss our relationship as nothing more than a transactional fling, a reckless pursuit of forbidden pleasure and perhaps they were right but even so, in the quiet moments like this, when the world fell away and it was just the two of us, I couldn't deny the faint stirrings of something more. 

A part of me, no matter how small, felt something for him, something that went beyond the physical, beyond the thrill of our stolen moments.

It was foolish, I knew. Dangerous, even but the feeling was there, persistent and undeniable, lurking in the corners of my mind as I gazed at him, wondering what, if anything, lay beneath his careful facade.

Yet, all of that changed the day he played a part in betraying my niece, the true queen. 

The man I thought I might have had feelings for revealed himself as an enemy, and my heart hardened in response.

Now, I found myself in a precarious situation. What was supposed to be a simple scouting mission with Silverwing, my dragon, to keep watch over King's Landing from a distance had taken an unexpected turn. 

Fate, it seemed, had other plans.

As we soared through the skies, my eyes caught sight of a group of knights below, and among them was none other than Criston Cole himself.

Anger surged within me, and I steered Silverwing into a swift descent, chasing after the knights who were attempting to flee under the cover of the trees. 

"Sīmās, Silverwing!" I commanded urgently, urging her to rise as we narrowly avoided the forest's grasping branches. Rise.

Circling above, I strained to spot them again. Silverwing screeched beneath me, her frustration mirroring my own. Below, hidden among the trees, Ser Gwayne and Criston were barely catching their breaths.

"A good showing, Ser Criston," Gwayne panted, glancing up at the looming shadow of Silverwing above them. "I am in your debt."

Criston swallowed hard, his gaze flicking nervously to the sky. "They know we're here. They will be hunting. We must move under the cover of trees and by the cover of dark, starting tonight."

Gwayne turned to him, a questioning look in his eyes. "Was that not the late king's little sister? The same lady you've been bedding?"

Criston's jaw tightened, his eyes lifting momentarily as Silverwing let out another piercing screech. 

"Well, then we really have you to thank," Gwayne said with a hint of irony. "I'm sure it's the reason we will be spared."

Criston's expression darkened as he looked past him, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the treetops beginning to burn. 

"I'm not so sure about that," he muttered.

From above, rage consumed me, and my heart pounded with the force of my emotions. 

"Dracarys!" I commanded, my voice trembling with anger. Silverwing's body shook beneath me as she unleashed a torrent of dragonfire, setting the treetops ablaze. Dragonfire!

As the flames spread, tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision. The pain of betrayal cut deep, sharper than any blade. 

"Sōvēs," I finally instructed, my voice choked with emotion, and Silverwing took flight from the partially burned forest, her massive wings beating against the smoke-filled air. Fly,

Below, Gwayne yelled over the roar of the fire, "Cole, how badly did you anger her?"

But there was no time for answers as their horses bolted, carrying them away from the falling, burning trees.

The flames behind them were a testament to the fury that now burned within me, a rage that could only be quelled by the justice I sought.

They found temporary cover in a secluded glade, far from the reach of the flames. They dismounted quickly, their breaths ragged from the exertion of their escape. 

Their horses were tethered hastily, their coats steaming from the heat and exertion.

Criston's usually composed demeanour was marred by a rare flicker of guilt. He stood to the side, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, his eyes cast downward as Gwayne turned on him, his voice a mix of anger and frustration.

"By the gods, Cole! How could you let this happen?" Gwayne's voice cracked with fury, his face flushed with both the heat of the fire and his own ire. "You knew this was coming. You knew they would come after us, and yet you played right into their hands!"

Criston winced at the reprimand, his face paling slightly. 

"I—" he began, but his voice faltered as he struggled to find the right words. "I didn't expect... I didn't know she'd come after us so fiercely."

Gwayne's glare was unrelenting. "That's a poor excuse. You saw her up there, didn't you? She's not just some fleeting affair. She's dangerous, and you should have been prepared for her retaliation."

Criston's jaw tightened as he glanced up at the sky. There was an almost pained expression in his eyes as he looked away. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to compose himself despite the evident turmoil within. 

"I know," he said quietly, the weight of his own regret heavy in his voice. "I should have anticipated her response."

Gwayne's anger didn't wane, but he seemed to sense the genuine remorse in Criston's tone. 

"You better hope we don't have to face her wrath again," Gwayne snapped. "Next time, we might not be so lucky."

Criston nodded, his posture hunched under the burden of his guilt. His silence was a stark admission of his own failure, his earlier confidence now replaced by a deep, unsettling regret.

Back at the dragonpit, I landed Silverwing with a rough thud. Dismounting clumsily, I stumbled to the stone ground, collapsing onto my knees. My head fell into my hands as tears streamed down my face, my body shaking with quiet sobs. 

The fierce screech of my dragon seemed to echo my own turmoil, reverberating through the night air.

I took a moment to compose myself, wiping my face with trembling hands. As I walked through the dimly lit corridors, each breath I took was a deliberate effort to regain control. 

When I finally reached the council room, the weight of my emotions was momentarily masked by the façade I had learned to wear. The room fell silent as I entered, the council members already primed for the details of my scouting mission.

"Ser Criston Cole," I began, my voice steady but my eyes betraying a hint of exhaustion. "With some half-dozen knights. I'm sure of it. Perhaps a scout party for a greater army."

"The ravens have confirmed it, Your Grace," someone chimed in, their voice a distant murmur as my thoughts drifted back to Criston.

Rhaenyra's voice broke through my reverie. "Could you be certain it was Cole from such a great height?" she asked, her tone tinged with scepticism.

I blinked, initially disoriented, but then nodded firmly. "It was not such a great height, Your Grace," I replied, trying to project confidence despite the inner turmoil.

Her gaze widened in surprise, but I maintained a composed facade, steeling myself against her scrutiny.

"You said not to engage, so I didn't," I added defensively. "Exactly."

"What do you mean by 'exactly'?" Jace leaned forward, his eyes searching mine with concern.

"The forest is partially burned," I said, rubbing my forehead wearily. The exhaustion was evident in my posture, but I fought to remain focused.

"You placed yourself in considerable danger," Jace said, his protective instincts flaring. His concern softened my gaze, but I remained resolute.

"Was it perhaps," Ser Alfred interjected, "a reaction to your past with Cole?" 

His words were laced with an insinuation that made my jaw tighten involuntarily. I gripped the edge of the council table, my knuckles turning white.

"What are you suggesting, Ser Alfred?" I spat, the edge of my voice sharper than intended. "Such accusations are nothing more than baseless gossip. To even imply so is to tarnish my reputation."

Alfred rolled his eyes, clearly unmoved by my indignation. The room was filled with the tense silence of unresolved issues, the air thick with the echoes of our heated exchanges.

"Ser Alfred, hold your tongue," Jace interjected, his eyes blazing with fury. "I will not tolerate such slander against the princess."

"You forget," Rhaenyra said, her voice icy but firm, "that she is the late king's sister, my father's sister. To speak of her in such a manner is not only disrespectful but wholly inappropriate."

I ran a frustrated hand through my already dishevelled hair, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on me. Without another word, I excused myself from the council room, my emotions too raw to contain.

As I moved through the dimly lit corridor, my hand clamped over my mouth, stifling the involuntary sobs that escaped me. The corridor seemed endless, each step echoing my despair. 

I leaned heavily against a cold stone pillar, my body trembling as I fought to stifle the cries that erupted from deep within. The confrontation in the council room echoed in my mind, amplifying my helplessness and frustration.

The cool stone beneath my fingertips offered little comfort, but it grounded me as I struggled to regain my composure. I took deep, shuddering breaths, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within me. 

Each breath was a battle against the tears that threatened to fall, the weight of the council's accusations and the betrayal I had witnessed hanging heavily over me.

A different sort of pain, profound and personal, began to surface. I took another breath, my hand instinctively moving to rest gently on my stomach, where a new life was growing. 

Rubbing softly, I allowed myself a brief moment of comfort as I whispered to the child within me. "Even if your father's choices have brought nothing but chaos, I promise, you will be loved, and you will know a warmth that was true, even if it was damned."

It was as if the very act of loving was a sin, a cruel twist of fate that tore apart every fibre of my being.

A/n - Has to be one of my favourite pieces i've ever written! I also know hes a very hated character but his face card is lethal so I just had to include him.

[ghostpalmtechnique]

Why your criticism of "capitalism" is so tiresome

I usually disagree with criticisms of "capitalism," but there are different reasons for this due to underlying terminological confusion: you can think of this as a 2x2 matrix where the quadrants represent "I agree with your premise {yes/no}" and "the thing you are angry about is actually capitalism {yes/no}".

There is a small class of genuinely radical leftists that object to all private investment, market transactions, etc. (Category: no/mostly yes) I do not believe that the planning problem is solvable even with currently-unavailable tech such as superhuman AI, nor do I think the "people respond to incentives" problem would go away even if you did otherwise solve it. (It's pretty notable that every example that people can point to of societies that ostensibly don't display this behavior are near-subsistence economies .)

There are people who think the welfare state is too weak. "We should be more like Scandinavia." (Category: yes/no) The US is a mixed economy. Denmark and Sweden are mixed economies. We could move the dial on tax-and-transfer a lot and still be capitalist, just like Scandinavia is.

There are people who think "capitalism is the reason poverty exists." (Category: no/no? This thinking is so confused that it's hard to categorize.) The default state of humanity is poverty. Our ability to climb out of that has been dependent on productive investment. The major modernization pushes in Communist USSR and China depended on market-based exports to the rest of the world and would have failed faster and harder as an attempt at centrally-planned autarky. They were free-riding on capitalism.

There are people who think capitalism is bad because it's a impersonal system where people are transactional and don't care about other people. (Category: mostly no/no) First of all, this isn't a distinguishing feature of capitalism. Mercantilist and communist states have been equally suffused with impersonal bureaucracy. Second of all, a system where your ability to get things you need depends on your ability to pay for them and/or fill out the right paperwork is almost always safer and better than a system where your ability to get what you need depends on having the right connections and/or being well-liked (or just likeable). To actually *be* better, of course, requires certain public measures to ensure everyone has the resources and knowledge to access them; however, see previous paragraph.

There are people who wouldn't actually be able to articulate a general criticism of capitalism because their actual complaint is "the status quo gives me personally less wealth and status than I think I should have." You can probably guess what quadrant this is in.

[idkirdkok]

Rewatched the ep for like the 100th time and needed to categorize the major points. So here are the major mistakes they each made throughout the last 5 minutes, and why they made them

Mistake no.1: stolas calling off the deal and springing the confession on blitz without any buildup or warning

Why i think he did it: he was nervous as fuck, he'd been thinking and overthinking about this for a very long time, and blitz was trying to get them into bed and stolas saw how he almost gave in, so he immediately started talking to avoid temptation. He was also, judging by the duet at the beginning, a bit hopeful that blitz would stay. So he wanted to get to that point quick, to "set them free" as soon as possible. I also think that maybe he (wrongly) assumed that blitz would be expecting it, since stolas kept canceling their fullmoon plans and instead invited him just to talk? And blitz mentioned to fizz that stolas kept asking him about how his day etc. Stolas doesn't know that Blitz firmly believes that someone like stolas couldn't care for someone like him, or that he never entertained the possibility of stolas actually caring about him.

Mistake no.2: blitz taking the confession as a joke/roleplay

Why he did it: "am i not fucking you good enough?" "I can always do better" he got a whiplash from thinking he was being thrown away cause he, once again, wasn't good enough, to stolas suddenly saying what he said. Given how things went at Ozzie's, he was still under the impression that "it's nothing more than stolas wanting blitz to fuck him". Again, Blitz never thought someone like stolas would ever actually care about someone like him, and he also didn't want to lose stolas. So he immediately convinced himself that 1)it must've been a joke and 2)he HAD to do something to change stolas' mind and keep the deal, to keep stolas around.

Mistake no.3: stolas dismissing blitz and walking away instead of giving him time to process

Why he did it: stolas saw blitz' reaction not just as a rejection, but basically a confirmation of what he was worried about, which is that it's always just been about sex, and he's been forcing blitz into this transaction, that being with him was never what blitz wanted. Which is why he immediately tried to leave, he wanted to "set them free", as he said in the duet.

Mistake no.4: blitz yelling and getting aggressive, kicking the door and swearing at stolas.

Why he did it: for one, he doesn't know about Stella and how abusive she was, so he had no way to know that acting like that would cause stolas to shut down. He also was feeling frustrated with how stolas didn't give him a moment to process, he even said that he needed time to think. He actually wanted to have the talk, after he was done yelling, he waited for stolas to snap back, and the moment he saw stolas cry, he went to apologize. He didn't want to actually hurt him.

Later things got worse because Blitz, in not knowing about Stella and how her abuse and literal attempt at killing stolas was affecting stolas, accidentally triggered stolas' flight response by yelling at him. I'm almost fully sure stolas didn't register anything from blitz' yelling, other than the insults and the general aggressiveness of his tone.

Also, about what stolas said before teleporting blitz away:

"I think so very highly of you" was in response to blitz implying that stolas thought blitz was "smaller and not as important". He needed to let blitz know that that wasn't the case at all.

"I didn't realize you think so low of me" as a statement/observation, because he never actually knew how blitz saw him. It hurt him. Which is why he immediately sent blitz away. He most likely didn't want blitz so him break like that.

[ilynpilled]

Have you seen that post on how Cersei pushing Jaime into forcing sex on her is an abuse technique on her end?

no, but i checked his tag now lol. while i know that george explicitly expressed that the sept scene was intended as consensual by him, i still believe that jaime’s pattern of pushing to have sex with cersei, and how, speaks of an unhealthy relationship with consent in this relationship on his part too, a lack of respect for boundaries on his part, as well as objectification on his part that cannot be removed from the context of this society’s gender dynamics, especially when it concerns cersei’s themes and her character (to contextualize and expand on what i mean, heres a very quick collection of quotes regarding how jaime’s relationship to cersei, sex, swordplay, and even violence blend or function similarly in relation to very heavy dissociative tendencies):

i understand the jc dynamic’s set up:

“She has never come to me, he thought. She has always waited, letting me come to her. She gives, but I must ask.”

“She wanted to draw his face to hers for a kiss. Later, she told herself, later he will come to me, for comfort. “We are his heirs, Jaime,” she whispered. “It will be up to us to finish his work. You must take Father’s place as Hand. You see that now, surely. Tommen will need you . . .”

i also understand how george seems to establish communication and patterns within this dynamic that reinforce his expressed intention, which is also apparent in a scene that a third party witnesses and how that mirrors the sept, and i obviously also do not think these two would do all of this healthily and establish things akin to safe words (lmao) (though i take issue with a lot of things here still when it comes to grrm and how consent is framed):

and i understand george framing cersei utilising sex, or even love and affection, as a means to have power, and that being a big factor in this relationship’s dynamic and how she takes control (see instances when cersei does initiate— jaime’s narration is not entirely correct, we know of the inn, which is unique but important, so it is interesting that he chooses not to connect this until feast, that would mean confronting something he doesn’t want to— and what motives she has: “She smiled for him, so sweetly. “Do you remember the first time I came to you like this? It was some dismal inn off Weasel Alley, and I put on servant’s garb to get past Father’s guards.” “I remember. It was Eel Alley.” She wants something of me. “Why are you here, at this hour? What would you have of me?” His last word echoed up and down the sept, mememememememememememe, fading to a whisper. For a moment he dared to hope that all she wanted was the comfort of his arms.”

but i do not think that changes much about the issues on jaime’s part, or how patriarchal hegemony works, or how a lot of fandom frames cersei. we know cersei only enjoys sex with jaime (it is sex that is categorized as different from lancel, osney, taena, and robert — all of these also cannot be conflated for obvious reasons — by her), she says so, but that doesn’t change that she still believes that it is her only source of power and means through which she can reach equal ground within her society. we can understand why cersei thinks and functions this way: we understand how she was reared and how she was viewed as a sexual object and a tool for political transactions with no autonomy since childhood by every adult around her. we see how and why jaime is needed by her to feel “whole”, and how he is her “sword.” it is also not difficult to acknowledge that while the abusive dynamic is not what i would consider equal: jaime does not verbally berate her to the degree she does him, does not physically hit her and throw things at her, does not use her or emotionally abuse her the way that she does him (and no, i personally do not agree with people that say they are equally terrible to each other or they equally benefit from this relationship), jaime still ultimately has some power over her due to his gender (the physical is obvious, but on top of that this is a medieval society with extreme levels of gender inequality), and nothing will really erase that because this relationship does not exist in a vacuum. this is not diminished by how this relationship functions, her status as queen and jaime’s status as her kg, and other variables that play into the unequal power dynamic. it will always have to be acknowledged that cersei is a woman + everything that comes with that being the case in a medieval society with complete patriarchal domination. i also think the unhealthy belief system of “we are one. you are me. i am you. we are two halves of a whole” will have effects on the understanding of consent and how both parties function in the relationship. i think this extreme delusion would lead to a plethora of issues when it comes to consent and boundaries. with cersei too, the moment she (including her offering sex) is rejected by her “other half” she emphasizes and says things like “you swore that you would always love me.” and “i was a fool to ever love you” or starts verbally berating him, emasculating him, being ableist etc. this relationship operates on some absurd conditions and ultimatums, it is not healthy, hence things like “the things I do for love” too. in reality, it really is the opposite of “unconditional destined lovers.” both of them have things that they end up prioritizing over the other, and both have an incorrect idea of the other that fits their specific needs and wants. i just despise this whole “cersei groomed and manipulated jaime since they were children” bullshit. a child is not capable of this. teenaged cersei was navigating the strict and dehumanising boxes that her father and society forced her into since she was 7 years old. she looked to her brother for comfort and escape as much, if not in many ways more at this point, as he did. i also think cersei escapes into the relationship to subvert those societal patterns in many ways (i have seen people discuss that jaime views her as an equal and a person more so than others: “If I were a woman I’d be Cersei.”) but this still does not change the flaws that jaime has. he is not only a man in westeros, he was also reared by tywin lannister lmao. he is a misogynist with a skewed understanding and view of a lot of things. no point in denying this.

and all this aside, i also understand “mutual abuse is not real”, and understand the damage ignoring that can do to narratives revolving around victims of abuse, and the issue with framing ‘retaliation’ or ‘bad victims’ as mutual abuse (see discussions regarding robert and cersei for example and some of the putrid narratives that come out of that), but we are talking about fiction and its themes, discussing an author’s known intention and execution of that intention (that we can also criticize), as well as what is written in a text, and i do not think we should be ignoring the nuances when it comes to applying a modern lens to a medieval society with some very different and more severe and strict paradigms when it comes to gender inequality and the oppression of women.

here are george’s actual comments that i do not believe contradict the bulk of my perspective either tbh:

[bbgoffic]

This week on "good" people microaggressions on "bad" people, our awkward on the social front superstar Tech missing that,

Social Bonding Queue

Of Cid proposing the script of "I owe you one,"

The batch is unaware of the mental place Cid was in while she was captive, but at the time she had them racing for her categorized as a personal favor.

By Tech answering "Yes, I would agree," instead of "don't mention it," he reframed it back into a business transaction.

And Cid, on team damaged, has the reaction of someone who thinks themself silly for taking something personally.

Though Cid probably hadn't decided on betraying them yet, this little interaction here framed the batch as "associates" rather than "friends" and that doesn't exactly help.

[acceptccnow]

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DOWNLOAD THE NAVIGATING PAYMENT PROCESSING INFOGRAPHIC HERE

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[syrenki]

Do you think we overpathologize everything now? Things like love for example i think were always pretty intense but now most of the components of it are called toxic, codependent, unhealthy. So maybe they were always we just didnt know better? Still…The way we are ”supposed” to love now seems so…sterile? No matter where i look i see intellectualisation of feelings/categorization of them. Isn’t it normal if you feel like you’d die if your partner would be gone given you really love them or are you a sick to the head individual and need to change it in order to create a healthy bond? What is healthy now…being completely self sufficient and basing your interactions with people as transactions and cutting them off to replace them the moment you feel like your boundaries are crossed and they do something you don’t appreciate much? All that dry therapy based talk of nowadays…what’s going oooooooon

yeah, i agree. and not only romance, romance at least has some privileges on the basis of that, yk, most-intimate-till-death factor. but friendship too is suffering from this gradual change, friendship, community, hell, even family sometimes. it feels to me like people started assuming that since you're apparently meant to talk about your problems in therapy, with licensed professionals etc, that means that any and all vulnerability should be strictly limited to a medical setting, and if something's limited to a medical setting, it logically follows that there's something wrong with it. truly, i see people exchange nervous glances as soon as i don't keep things casual for even a second, and i don't mean to be one of those "i hate small talk, let's talk about aliens and pyramids" people, that's not what i mean at all, because it's not about how deep conversations are, it's about trying to appear cool and unbothered all the time, even in "deep" conversations (i don't like the term anyway) or even in LOVE. i think the problem is the constant widening of the settings in which you're required to keep your cool, to imagine a competition of normality and of being the one who cares the least and then act accordingly. it's tiring, it's hopeless, it grinds you down to the bone. i agree. sigh, girl.

[sovonight]

the comprehensive xan x radri post! unlike their tag, everything here is categorized and sorted in nice chronological order 💖

last updated: 1 / 2 / 2024

— — —✧✧✧— — —

baldur’s gate i

— — —✧✧✧— — —

The Outline

—✧✧✧—

Xan: *sigh* Go ahead. Ask me why a mage carries a sword around.

Radri: Wh—what?

Xan: You were staring, and quite obviously. The sooner I satisfy your curiosity, the sooner we can direct our attention back to the dangers that surround us, so that we may endeavor to survive the day ahead.

Radri: O-oh, that's not why I... I'm sorry. It's a moonblade, isn't it? You don't need to explain.

Xan: So you are instead surprised that I so severely contradict the tales told of our people, for I do not sing songs and revel in the joys of life? *sigh* I've heard it all before, and I—

Radri: What? No! I'm sorry—I should just take my leave!

—

(In the early morning, at the inn.)

Radri, pleadingly: Imoennn, you know I need you to bargain with the shopkeeper for me!

Imoen: Bargain with 'em yourself. 'M sleeping.

Radri: Please, Imoen, no one else can do! You're so charming and peppy and disarming—

Imoen, pulling the covers back over her head: 'N exhausted! Jus' fork over the extra gold pieces, who cares.

(Radri steps out of the room, letting the door close behind her and falling back against it with a huff.)

Radri: Ugh! Really— (She freezes, realizing she's not alone in the hallway: Xan is there, mid-stride, just passing by.)

Xan: Is something wrong?

Radri, embarrassed, straightening immediately: No! Nothing. I—I'm headed to the store before everyone else wakes. Do you... need anything?

Xan: No; I have all I need, and an excess of supplies can just as readily doom a party as a lack of them. But shall I assist you?

—

(Xan glances over at Radri, who is very rigidly looking ahead, and sighs.)

Xan: I should not have said anything yesterday. It was presumptuous of me, and it is far worse to have your gaze avoid me entirely.

(Radri gives him a startled glance, then looks back away quickly.)

Radri: No, no—I'm sorry. It was rude of me. I'm just unused to being in the company of another elf... and a stranger.

Xan: You have known the others for a long time, then?

Radri: Oh, no. Imoen, sure, but I only met Jaheira and Khalid a couple weeks ago. But because they knew my father, they don't feel quite so much like strangers. Not to mention, one only has to nod through Jaheira's conversations to survive them... and Khalid does not ask more than pleasantries.

Xan: I see. Since I ask more than pleasantries, do I trouble you?

Radri, panicking: No! Not at all. It's refreshing, if anything. And really, I—I'm grateful for your help, I mean, to travel alongside a defender of Elvendom, is...

Xan, subdued: Do not think the moonblade makes me invincible, Radri. It is often more trouble than it is worth. And you should save your praise: I have not yet accomplished anything in service to you beyond placing myself in your debt.

(Radri glances over at him again, daring for the first time since Nashkel to actually catch a proper glimpse of his face: his expression is solemn, and his dark eyes are dull. The rest of the walk is spent in silence, until at last they reach the shop. Xan holds the door open for her.)

Xan: Imoen is usually the face of your transactions, I gather?

Radri, embarrassed: You heard all that earlier?

Xan: I can serve in her place, if you wish.

Radri: Oh—yes, thank you! Here, I have a list…

—✧✧✧—

Imoen: Radri... Radri! Whatcha doing, spacing out? You've gotta stir, or the stew's gonna burn!

Radri: Oh—sorry, Imoen.

Imoen: Really, if you'd had any chores back at ol' Puffgut's place, he woulda chewed you out already. What's on your mind, anyway?

(Radri's gaze drifts away from the cooking fire and back over to Xan, who's working on his spellbook alone. Imoen follows her line of sight, and looks back at her in apprehension.)

Imoen: Oh, no. Don't tell me you've let his attitude infect ya.

Radri: No, I… (She hesitates, wondering if she should share.) I walked with him in his memories, last night, of Evereska. It was so beautiful... his eyes shone as he spoke… but when we woke from reverie, it was all gone. Sharing his memories with me had only made things worse. And worse still, I didn't know what to say.

Imoen: I don't think even the best speaker on Faerun could brighten his day, Radri. Don't let it weigh on ya.

Radri: *sigh*...

Imoen: *gasp* He's already gotten to ya! Radri, quick, ya gotta smile—it's the only way!

Radri: Imoen, hold on—stop! I'm smiling, I'm smiling—the stew!

—✧✧✧—

Compounding Fluster [crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

Poor Substitute

—✧✧✧—

Special Treatment (skip the second one in the link, it comes later)

—✧✧✧—

Firewood

—✧✧✧—

By the Fire

—✧✧✧—

(Xan exits the inn with enough haste to send the lit lantern by the door frame swinging slightly on its hook. The lantern illuminates a quiet side street, and its light conveniently slants over the alcove in which Radri sits, quiet and curled up with a book, against the wall of the building. Radri looks up at his arrival; even from here, with a view only of the back of his head, she can gather that he's searching for something he lost.)

Radri: Xan? Are you looking for something?

Xan, turning quickly, relieved: Radri!

(In an instant, she recognizes that he was, in fact, searching for her. It’s a habit of hers to slip away—Imoen had assured Jaheira and Khalid of that, in the early days. Surely Xan had been met with the same exchange, and yet here he is. In a way, she can’t help but feel flattered.)

Xan: Why are you not inside with the others?

Radri: It's... a little loud inside. Too much noise…

(Now that she says it out loud, the reason sounds silly to her ears, but he doesn’t question it.)

Xan: I see. Still, I would feel better if you were not out here alone.

Radri, gesturing to the spot beside her: There's room for you, if you'd like. 

Xan: If a shadow in the night emerges to slit our throats, I will not have the awareness or the speed to protect you, I fear. But perhaps my death would grant you some time to escape…. Very well, if you will have me. 

(He joins her, and at this angle, catches the name of the book she's reading.)

Xan: The Dead Three? Of all the books that you have rifled through in search of spells and gold in our travels, I did not know you had deigned to take any one title with you. 

Radri: This was Firebead's reward; I couldn't bring myself to sell it.

(She returns her gaze to the book, and sighs.)

Radri: I don't know why I keep returning to it. I'm not even reading the words anymore. I know the story, I just…

(She hesitates; what lingers on her mind is something she has been unable to utter to the others, and that she has even avoided confronting in words herself. It is a fear, really, one that the others would surely attempt to talk her out of… but not Xan. Haltingly, she speaks.)

Radri: …Do you ever feel like you're standing on a precipice? …At the very edge of falling. And it's as if… the body knows what lies beyond the edge, and is pulled to meet it… but the mind holds it back.

(With her eyes gazing distantly through the book’s pages, Radri fails to catch the responding quiet, longing glance that Xan sends her way.)

Xan: ...Yes. (Then he looks away, disappointed in himself to admit,) I experience the sensation daily.

Radri: I fear it, I think, but there's no use in dread, nor anticipation. What waits for me is already here. And I… and I….

(Radri falls into silence, feeling a chill move up her neck; on the book's open pages, her hand has begun to tremble. She flips the book shut, and grips it closed tightly.)

Radri: But never mind. It's getting cold, and late, and I shouldn't keep you here any longer. Shall we go to bed?

(She stands, and offers her hand to him. Xan stares at her.)

Xan: To bed?

Radri, pink: Oh—I'm sorry. To reverie, I mean. (Her offered hand withdraws partially, subconsciously, as she reflects to herself,) Though I suppose after so many nights, you must long for quiet, too. N-never mind. I'll ask Imoen—

(She doesn’t want to be left alone tonight, and Imoen’s unconscious company is better than none. But then Xan, composed again, accepts her hand before her doubt can rescind it.)

Xan: No, let us go together. Though it can only be a temporary illusion, I find a peace of mind in our rest together.

Radri: Really? (She ducks her head, her gaze drawn to the comforting sight of their joined hands, a touch which has already begun to take the chill away.) I'm... I'm relieved that I have not yet imposed on your kindness.

Xan, distantly, to himself: "Kindness." I wonder if it is….

—✧✧✧—

[crossposted on ao3]

"Will you guide me?" Radri asks.

"Guide?" Xan echoes, then gestures around them with a shrug. "It is a standard estate. There is the entrance hall, the drawing room, the parlor—"

"I lived in Candlekeep, Xan," Radri says, "The structures of "standard" living spaces are not exactly known to me."

"You say this as though there are no tomes on floor plans and architecture—but, no, I see that they must have been too dry for you to grant them your attention," Xan says.

He sighs, and holds out his hand.

"Very well... I will give you the tour."

Her hand slips easily into his, and a familiar jolt of joy and disbelief flits through her heart, unchanging no matter how many times now she has taken his hand. Unlike in the waking world, where their clasped hands facilitate the link between their minds, here, the gesture holds no practical use. For how readily and naturally he offers, this must all be second nature to him—but somehow, she's unable to reconcile the image of his offered, open hand with the way that she has so often seen him draw his cloak tighter around himself, as though the fabric were a barrier that could close him off from the world.

As they walk, Xan speaks in his low and solemn tone, describing to her the history in these halls; in the portraits, and artifacts; in the people that walk past, the figures of memory, their faces bearing a dreamlike quality. Radri finds herself staring, turning to look at them as they pass, subconsciously slowing until Xan's hand on hers acts as a tug.

"Come," he says, "We have almost reached the garden." She notes that they are already leaving the interior after only having passed through the common areas—wherever the chambers may lie, they are above, or further within.

Scattered sunlight spills in through the windows, filtered by the leaves that rustle gently against the panes from the outside. Warm yellow and deep green tones, abstracted by the thickness of the glass, make the windows appear to glow from within. Ahead, a rectangle of sunlight marks the presence of a set of glass doors, and they pass through them to a veranda, where the greens and yellows of earlier burst into detail and bleed vibrancy into the air around them, filling their surroundings with color.

Here, her hand falls from his, and her feet take her ahead on their own. A path, lined with flowers, winds into the swaying shadows of the trees, and her steps slow in these shadows, falling easily into silence.

"Radri?" Xan calls, with some worry, to have seen her disappear—but Radri does not call back, her hand pressed to her silent smile. There is no danger here in the calm of the past; perhaps she will loop back and surprise him, or perhaps he will follow. There sounds a rustle of leaves, a dragging of fabric—yes, he will follow.

She keeps two steps ahead, and yet traces a rhythm that she remembers easily, a pattern that she had learned at Candlekeep. Its memorization had been inevitable seeing as, for years, she'd had only the same set of shadows to train in. It is no wonder, she thinks idly, that her skills had remained in plateau until she had left. Her eyes, half lidded, can make out the obstacles now: this path to silently round the hay bales... these steps to slip past the barrel... this way to reach the door, and with practice, open the door without a sound. To her surprise, her hand, outstretched in memory, finds a handle. It is not crafted in an elegant arc, like the ones inside the estate, but bent into the bold angles of a firm, humble bracket. A flash of dread passes through her, but it is too late: she pulls.

The man behind the door turns at her entry, and his eyes gleam in satisfaction and glee.

"Oh, goodie goodie!" He cries, "I've gone and found ye first! You are the ward of Gorion, no doubt?"

Her mouth works, but her voice is gone, stolen by the sensation that has numbed her and turned her legs to lead. 

"Not much of a talker, eh? I apologize for this sordid business, but I must have your head," he says, and advances upon her, bearing the tell-tale glint of a blade. With a vicious grin, he drives the dagger forward to meet her, and though her body tenses, knowing how to escape, she can't move—she can't move—

Her eyes shut tight, and a hand grasps her arm, pulling her sharply back. There is a clatter, followed by a heavy, dead thud, and she is spun around by her shoulder, as another hand comes to her cheek—trembling, light—Xan.

"Radri... Radri? Please... look at me."

But when she looks, she does not meet his eye; her gaze drawn away, cast back over her shoulder at the fallen man, who lies not dead, but unconscious.

"It is only a memory," Xan reminds her, drawing her away. The door closes, and they are back in the garden—but, her heart beating fast and high in her throat, she pulls away.

Away, away, and out of reverie. The night air is cold on her skin; her pillow is damp against the back of her neck; and her hand, clasped in Xan's, is nearly slick with sweat. Tugging herself free, Radri curls onto her side, moments before Xan gasps belatedly awake beside her.

She hears him shift, turning to her... then pause, silent, no doubt forming what he wants to say.

"Candlekeep," Radri says for him, cutting his unspoken question off before he can say it. "It happened in Candlekeep."

"I had thought that the first attempt on your life happened at the Friendly Arm," Xan says. "The others...."

"I never told them," Radri says, and her voice begins to tremble as her words spill out, "I—I mean, you saw it, what a... what a poor attempt, the... the man wasn't even armored, that—that dagger was all he had... what kind of leader would—would—"

"Would have frozen?" Xan says, quietly. "You were home, where you had been safe for decades, as long as you can remember. You were not prepared, and a moment of fear is nothing to be ashamed of."

"I can't have any moments of fear."

"Oh, but you should," Xan says. "I recommend it. No one is invincible, and the few true fearless are bound to foolhardiness and doomed to an early death."

Slowly, Radri lifts her head, gazing back at him. Her eyes are still damp with tears, but no pity shows in his; his gaze only softens, bearing relief. She wipes the tears from her face with the side of her hand, until Xan silently offers a handkerchief. He is quiet for another beat, and then,

"That day," he begins, slowly, "will you tell me what happened?"

She had thought that she had long swallowed the words, but now they rise, pressing against her closed lips. There is no magic at play, here; only time, and memory, and his quiet patience.

"He missed," she says. "The dagger, it... it only cuts me above the brow... and lands in the wood beside the door. He wrenches at it... there is an unruly nail, you see, Dreppin always did swear he would fix it... and though I have my opening, all I can do is stare. I had driven my blade into the hearts of countless illusions just earlier, but—but I'm too afraid to stab him. Then, I hear the wood crack, and I panic: I knock him out with a blow to the head."

Radri laughs, weak, and empty; Xan remains silent beside her.

"You know, the funny part is, I stepped back out into the sunlight and it was like nothing had happened. Parda asked, but... I thought that was it, so... I didn't say a thing. But then—but then—you have to guess," Radri says, feeling almost lightheaded, like something in the air has sent her mind spinning. Judging by the grave look on his face, she doesn't expect Xan to humor her—but he does.

"There was a second attempt," he says. "Just when you had thought it was safe again."

"You're right," Radri says, faintly, feeling strangely empty now. "I stabbed him that time... there was blood, on my new armor... surely Karan had seen it, and yet... I still couldn't say a word."

She falls silent, clutching the handkerchief in her hand, her eyes dry now, and her cheeks sticky with tears.

"I'm sorry," Radri says.

She ducks her head, unable to see the way Xan blinks from compassion into puzzlement, blindsided by her apology.

"For what?"

She doesn't know; she can't put it into words, knowing only that shame fills her chest. Shame, for being here in front of him—for craving his attention so deeply and totally when she has done nothing with it but worry him. Danger did not used to follow her; things did not happen to her. She had always been quiet, inconsequential, like a shadow in the halls.

"F—for," Radri begins, and then her hitched breath overtakes all other words, and she can only shake her head silently as she attempts to hide herself again.

Xan sighs. She curls in tighter on herself, sure that whatever he had seen in her has lost its luster now. Perhaps, if she had not accepted his offer of shared reverie, she would have been able to bear the facade for even just one day longer.

But then, fabric shifts, and instead of standing and walking away, he leans in, holding her.

It is a tentative embrace, and to some degree, it is awkward: she has brought her knees up to her chest, hunching in upon herself, so Xan is left to drape himself over the mountain she has made. His head tilts against hers, but it is held rigid, and leaves no weight upon her; and there is the slightest tremor in his fingers, whose touch is similarly feather-light, although they curl into the folds of her blanket, still draped around her. This balance is held for one frozen moment, until a sob escapes her, and whatever restraint he had had breaks, pulling his warmth and weight to her as though a new source of gravity had manifested in her chest.

"Forgive me," Xan says, quiet and low, "My arms can provide little comfort, but I am afraid that my words would provide even less."

She wants to speak; memories crowd in her chest, memories of Candlekeep, so unchanging across the decades that they all merge into a blur. She is the obedient child, quiet as she is told to be; the daughter of a storyteller, able to pluck the morals from any tale; the reader staring down at a thousand pages, for whom the world starts and ends between the covers of a book. She is an observer, nothing more. She is not seen. She is not seen.

And yet here she sits, painfully present in the real world, in the grounding weight of Xan's embrace. A great part of her wishes dearly again to hide—but a budding fraction feels nothing but sweet relief.

When at last she can exist again, she lifts her head, and Xan releases her immediately. She raises her gaze to meet his, and Xan looks pensively back at her, until he reaches out to tuck her hair back behind her ear. He places a kiss upon her forehead, and though fleeting, weightless, and gentle, with that kiss the last of whatever insecure words she'd held on her tongue are gone.

"The next watch is mine," Xan says, unfazed, as though he had not just turned some layer of her reality over. "If you wish, you can join me until you are ready to return to reverie."

He holds out his hand to her, and she takes it, allowing that familiar spark of elation dance through her fingers and up into her heart again.

—✧✧✧—

Friends

—✧✧✧—

Then I Shall Stay [crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

Newly Vulnerable (the second one in the link)

—✧✧✧—

Art Exchange

—✧✧✧—

First Impression / Attention

—✧✧✧—

United in Misery

—✧✧✧—

Waiting [crossposted on ao3]

(extra art)

—✧✧✧—

Recognition [crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

Stealthy Care

—✧✧✧—

Fever

—✧✧✧—

[Next is two versions of the same idea—I couldn’t pick one to throw out]

Radri: I think I've perfected my system—see? (She begins unfolding pages out of her journal, which each expand to a size larger than the journal's cover itself.) Map. Local maps. Open quest list. Closed quest list. Inventory—

(A regularly-sized page flutters out from the complicated arrangement; Xan retrieves it for her, then pauses.)

Xan: What is this ominous page of untitled dates?

Radri, freezing: Oh, um, a record of every... quail I have seen. I mark down the day.

Xan, raising a brow: I did not know you were a quail enthusiast.

Radri, quickly taking the page back: Well, we still have a lot to learn about each other.

—

(A quail passes by in the underbrush.)

Xan, flatly: Ah, there is another one. Will you mark it down?

(Radri, who’s about to reach unwillingly for her journal, pauses, then huffs.)

Radri: Fine! It's a record of every day that I have seen you smile! I am sick of marring it.

Xan, stunned: What? Why would you feel the need to conceal that?

Radri, annoyed: Because you'll say that I'm silly for keeping it, that we will all turn to dust, and that the work I put into recording these things is pointless because it is futile to preserve anything—a struggle which one would think I am intimately familiar with given that I spent my entire childhood in a giant archive.

Xan, fond: Oh, Estel'amin, even in your anger, your beauty is breathtaking to behold. Come here.

(Radri looks at him, and grows even more annoyed, though she still lets him gather her into his arms. Her face is now pink.)

Radri: I am still not marking down today.

—✧✧✧—

(Radri’s head rests against Xan’s shoulder as they rest together; he brushes absent-mindedly through her hair with his fingers, watching the way the last of the day’s sunlight plays across the strands, as they did so many nights ago.)

Xan: Do you remember that first night by the fire, when I arranged your hair?

Radri, eyes closed in contentment: Yes… it's a memory I used to revisit often. It was the first time I saw you smile.

Xan: I... I did?

Radri: You had this faraway, peaceful look on your face... I was unable to return to reverie for hours afterwards. I just kept picturing your smile when I closed my eyes.

Xan: A restlessness that I can relate to all too well. But... you spoke in the past tense, earlier. Is the recollection no longer to your liking?

Radri, defenses low, drifting off: It was a beautiful smile, but once I loved you I couldn't bear it anymore.

(The brushing stops.)

Xan: What do you mean?

Radri, realizing what she confessed: I-I mean… Well, I… My glimpse of it was clearly stolen, and it was not meant for me—you were no doubt recalling a memory. (She sits up, looking away, embarrassed.) When I began to wish dearly that you would look at me like that, I didn't want to see it anymore.

Xan: Well, it is fortunate that you now have memories to replace it, then.

Radri: ...

Xan: …Estel'amin, I know for a fact that I have smiled more with you than I have in the past four decades.

Radri: ...

Xan: *sigh* My beautiful, beautiful Radri, what doubts yet linger in your mind? What reason would I have to be false with you?

Radri: None.

Xan: None.

Radri, unable to contain it anymore: But sometimes, surely, you're just smiling at the beauty of nature around us! How could I presume to have factored into any part of that joy? I merely happen to be present.

Xan, dryly: Yes. Surely, you just “happen to be present” in all of the happiest memories of my life. Radri, there is coincidence, and then there is causation. You can believe me when I say that you are the cause.

Radri: ...

(Xan tilts her face towards his, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.)

Xan: If the countless words I have spouted in our months together have not been enough to convince you, what shall I do to show you? (As he leaves his kiss, he catches sight of the welling tears in her eyes.) Oh, Estel'amin...

(Radri turns her face quickly away again, covering it with a hand.)

Radri: No—I'm not sad, just touched!

Xan: Your earlier laments are wasted on yourself; you should lend them to me, who seems only capable of making his beloved cry. Though, it gives me the opportunity to kiss away your tears. Shall I?

Radri, lowering the shield of her fingers a fraction to glance back at him disapprovingly: That sounds unpleasant and salty for you.

Xan: And yet I would readily perform the gesture. Do you glimpse now the depths of my devotion?

(As he waits for her acknowledgement, her eyes widen in surprise, and she forgets to shield herself entirely.)

Radri: Oh... you're smiling.

(In his own realization of it, the smile is gone in an instant—but the memory remains.)

—✧✧✧—

A Gift [crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

Radri: I used to dream of finding someone to share all that I am with. I still cannot believe that I've found you.

Xan, touched and blushing a little, hiding it quickly: I dare not ask if I am all that you dreamed of. —And yet, there are the words now, hanging irrevocably between us. Let me guess: you envisioned gallant knights, white horses?

Radri, laughing: Do you think I immersed myself in love stories? That would be Imoen, not me.

Radri: I… It may be silly to say, but… I couldn't bear them. They were other people's stories; there was no place there for me.

(Xan looks at her softly, understanding; embarrassed, she doesn't meet his eye.)

Radri: B-besides! Even when I dared dream, I could never have imagined you.

Xan, unsure if he should be flattered or insulted: …

Radri: I mean—! You're… so… you.

Xan, unimpressed: I am… so… "me". Surely, in another life, you could have been a wordsmith.

Radri: Agh, just give me a second!

Radri: You were… so… intimidating, to me. Speaking to you felt like walking on a tightrope. ...As a child, I imagined that I would feel instantly at ease. That no matter where I was, with this someone, I would feel a sense of belonging… like I could finally come to rest.

Xan: …

Radri: And that's you.

Xan, blindsided: Radri—you very clearly defined how that is not me.

Radri: Not in the beginning, but it is now. (She waves a hand to the side idly.) A lot had to happen, of course, which I could not have imagined as a child—but, anyway. What about you? (She leans into him, wearing a lighthearted smile.) Am I all you dreamed of?

Xan: If you must know, I dreamed of little; I felt early on that I would not be one to continue on the family line, and chose not to dwell on romance.

Xan: But…

Xan: You have been all that I dared not dream of, Estel'amin. In knowing you, I realize that I have starved myself, for a long, long time…

(He kisses her hair, and she accepts it shyly, too touched to say anything. Xan gives her silent, flushed face an amused look.)

Xan: No response? Ah, I must still intimidate you, I see. (Smoothly, he takes her hand.) Perhaps more exposure will help.

—✧✧✧—

Xan: Sigh…

(Xan glances over at Radri, who hasn't looked up from her journal.)

Xan: Sigh…

(Xan glances over at Radri, who still doesn't look up. Xan sighs for real.)

Xan: It used to be that you would look up at my every sign of distress. (Radri finally looks up at him, but Xan looks away) Oh, how I wish big, strong Radri would come here and comfort me…

Radri, laughing a little: Alright, I'm here. What is it that troubles you? A general malaise?

Xan, frowning a little: Is malaise not already general?

Radri: …

Radri, pulling away and cupping her hand around her ear: My apologies, my lord, but I'm getting another call, from Lady Adventure—

Xan: Wait—

Radri: And she doesn't mind if I don't look up my every word in a dictionary—

Xan: Radri! (He sighs and turns away, giving up) I should have known better than to ask for your attention.

Radri, with a little smile: Oh, but I just remembered that I prefer your company to hers, so I redirected her call.

Xan, feeling sorry for himself: If only that were true.

Radri, teasing: Is what I'm hearing a general malaise?

Xan, still too sorry for himself to meet her eye: It is something, alright.

Radri: Well, perhaps I can work my magic.

—✧✧✧—

Rational Grief Response

—✧✧✧—

Storyteller / Return to Candlekeep

—✧✧✧—

[The first rest after being freed from Candlekeep’s jail; they’re still underground.]

(Radri has hidden herself away in shadow; it’s only through their bond that Xan is able to find where she’s retreated away from the rest of the group. He can’t see her, but he knows she’s nearby.)

Xan: Estel'amin... Will you speak to me?

(For a moment, he fears that he’s mistaken, that she’s not here and that he is only speaking to dust and cobwebs—but at length, she responds.)

Radri: We have nothing to talk about.

(Her voice… he’s facing the wrong alcove. He turns, searching for her direction.)

Xan: You are displeased with me, and for good reason. What I said was uncouth and unwarranted, and it will never happen agai—

(She interrupts his apology, barely listening, her tone clipped and dismissive.)

Radri: You should return to the others. I want to be alone.

(This alcove. He’s sure of it… he thinks. Something is off about her tone of voice, and he realizes that it suggests she’s not angry at him. If not him, then….)

Xan: …I do not think you should be alone in a time like this.

(A bitter laugh—and a fortunate scrap of light hits the familiar crimson of her cloak. There she is, in the darkness: her back is turned to him, and her hair spills dark across her shoulders, which are hunched in on herself as she hugs her knees to her chest, her form made small and cut off from view in the shadow of a cracked pillar. He would like nothing more than to rush over and embrace her—but he waits.)

Radri: Why? Are you afraid that I will spontaneously burst murder and chaos into existence around me if I am left unsupervised?

Xan: Radri—

Radri: The prophecies are written, after all, and I have already been dragging trouble around with me since I stepped out of Candlekeep. All of these spells, these nightmares, and that damned book—I knew it, I knew something was wrong with me! (In the midst of her anger, something in her voice breaks, leaning into sorrow.) You saw it too—dread filled your eyes when you looked at me. And yet when I pleaded with you, you stayed. We sealed it all with a bond that must not break... oh, how deeply you must regret it now. I will never be anything more than an unwanted burden, shuffled between keepers—I am sick of this life!

(He feels for a moment like he’s looking into a mirror—not this lament, but another, though are they not in a way all the same story retold—and the sorry hatred and bitterness in her voice seep readily into his thoughts like an old, unwanted friend. For that moment, he feels it; in the next, he lets it go.)

Xan: Rage at me for my thoughtless words as you will, but do not malign our love. It is true that I once sought to leave you, but it was nothing but the act of a coward, so afraid of the thought of losing you that he believed he would rather live with a hole in his chest than stay and love you. Indeed I knew nothing, for now that I have known your love, nothing across all the Planes could ever convince me of abandoning you again. I have never regretted our bond, nor dreamed of breaking it.

Xan: And what of Gorion? Was he not a father to you—did he not love you as his child? You do yourself and his memory a grave disservice to speak of yourself this way!

(Radri, who had remained unmoving, flinches at his words then with a choked, muffled gasp of breath; he pales, pulling back, worried now that he has overstepped his bounds. And yet, still, he cannot bring himself to leave her entirely to her suffering.)

Xan: If you truly wish it, I will leave. But I fear I cannot believe your request if you do not face me and say it. Please, Estel'amin... will you look at me?

(His heartbeat, loud in his ears, keeps him from any internal estimate of the passage of time. A thought, persistent at the back of his mind, tells him to leave now before he ruins what he has with her any further—and yet he stays.)

(Her cloak slithers across ruined tile, and her form retreats fully behind the blocking pillar… and then she emerges, standing, facing him as he’d asked. Her expression is solemn, and her dark eyes are dull, though something in her gaze still glimmers.)

Radri: I wish I were nothing.

(It is not the truth, and he is relieved for that. He takes a cautious step towards her—and as though he had broken some sort of silent stand-off, Radri’s lip begins to quiver, and then she’s crying, her tears spilling freely down her face. She makes no move to wipe them away; and neither does he, really, because when he rushes to her, he holds her, pulling her to his chest and kissing her atop her head, uncaring of whatever cobwebs certainly cover them both.)

Xan: If you were nothing, how could I hold you? How could I kiss you?

(He kisses her again; she has made no move to hold him in return, but this is a fatigue he understands, and he holds her tightly enough for the both of them.)

Xan: It is painful, I know, but you are here, and my heart is with you—and so is that of your sister, and of your father's old friends, who have through your just leadership become your own. (After just the barest pause, he adds reluctantly,) And I suppose even Viconia must feel some tiny, miniscule shred of supportive, positive emotion somewhere in her heart for you, which is a miracle in itself.

(She is silent, but then,)

Radri: …You referred to her as my sister… Imoen will be overjoyed to hear this.

(It’s too early for her to jest in earnest, but he finds himself holding onto the unlikely hope anyway.)

Xan: Ah, of course, out of everything I have said, this is the one word that sticks. Does this bring a smug smile to your face? I will imagine that it does.

(Radri pulls away from his embrace, which he relaxes, but does not release entirely—nor does she make the full effort to leave. Instead, she gazes quietly at him, seemingly merely in want of the sight of his face. He appreciates the sight of hers in return, but while some life has returned to her endlessly deep eyes, sorrow still lies within. He runs a gentle thumb across her cheek, still stained with tears; he has never truly regretted his nature, but he comes close now.)

Xan, quiet: What should I do, Estel'amin? I am no use in lifting spirits without a spell; that craft has always eluded me. Shall we return to the others, who will surely do what I cannot?

(Rather than accept readily, she glances down and away.)

Radri: I'm... not ready to face them yet. Can you stay here with me... just one moment longer?

Xan: Then I will.

—✧✧✧—

Desire [crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

(In the early morning, in Baldur’s Gate. Radri rouses from her reverie, only to see Xan already packed for his journey, and making his final preparations before he is off.)

Radri: Were you going to leave without waking me?

(Xan turns to face her; his expression holds some disappointment, but also a resignation, and to a subtler degree, a quiet gratefulness.)

Xan: That was my intent, yes. Though I should have known that it would not be so easy to slip away from you undetected.

(He leaves his backpack on its chair, and sweeps back over to the bed, leaning down to lay a gentle kiss upon her forehead. Radri gazes up at him, still blinking away the last sensations of her reverie.)

Radri: But why?

Xan: Why? If you could see yourself now, you would understand why. It was hard enough to muster the will to pull away from your resting form, let alone resist the pull of your vulnerable, open gaze.

(She snags his sleeve as he begins to pull away.)

Radri: I will walk you to the city gates.

Xan: You will not. If I let you accompany me to the gates, the moment I step through them you will declare, “I will walk you to the next town,” and so it will continue until your next words are “I will walk you to Evereska.” No, I must hold you here, and hold firm.

(She's a little put out—he's got her dead to rights. Radri sits up, glancing about the room.)

Radri: You have everything? Spellbook, components, potions—?

Xan, dryly: Yes, you have provided me with enough health potions to outfit a full adventuring party, and I thank you for your confidence in me.

Radri: …Perhaps I should accompany you to the next town anyway.

(She moves to swing her feet over the edge of the bed, ready to get dressed—but Xan stops her with a firm, unamused gaze.)

Xan: Radri, what am I, a fresh-faced youth being sent on his first adventure? (He sighs, and sits at the edge of the bed, taking her hands in his.) I would like nothing more than to take you back to Evereska with me, but its gates are closed to you. Would you have me be so cruel as to force you to wait outside for me as though you were a stranger?

Radri: You could.

Xan: No. You are my hope, my world, and my soulmate. I could not. Besides, it is you who insisted so adamantly that I keep our relationship a secret—not that I planned on telling my superiors anything in the first place, since it is a personal matter. If we were seen together, the nature of our relationship would be known instantly.

Radri: How so?

Xan: Estel'amin, have you forgotten already how you have transformed me? I would need to study for a hundred years to conceal the love I have for you—and I have no desire to, for I would wish for the whole world to know.

Radri, red: Surely not the whole world.

Xan: Indeed, the whole world. Were this land not ripe with our enemies, I would shout it from the rooftops, and spell it out in the sky... but you have already begun to shrink away from me in terror, I see. Do not worry; I will be discretion itself.

Xan: So, are you satisfied with our farewells? May I take my leave now?

(Radri looks at him, and at the backpack on the chair, and at the ceiling and walls of the room that surround them—a room that, without him, will surely feel large, cold, and empty. She will not be alone after he is gone; the others are still here in the city, ready for adventure, wherever it may take them. Still, she feels as though she is about to return to the loneliness she had lived in in Candlekeep: surrounded by many, yet seen by none.)

(Xan, after waiting and watching throughout her silence, begins at last to pull away—but she holds on, one last time.)

Radri: Are you not going to kiss me?

(A deeply tortured look flashes through his dark eyes, which she recognizes now to be of the kind that he used to send her in their early months together. It spells a yearning for that which he believes he should not have—and before she can wonder what it is that he has forbidden himself this time, he leans in, kissing her. He lingers, tender, savoring the moment… as does she. As they part, at last, he gives a soft, gentle sigh.)

Xan: Now I will think of little else but the taste of your lips. You have ruined me, Estel'amin, and yet I carry your soul with me happily, with all the contentment of a man oblivious to or uncaring of death...

Xan: I promise, I will return to you as soon as I am able.

—✧✧✧—

Sad Influence

— — —✧✧✧— — —

baldur’s gate ii: soa

— — —✧✧✧— — —

Reunion

—✧✧✧—

Birthday Wish [partially crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

Promise [crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

Innate Evil

—✧✧✧—

Xan: Do you think your father would have approved of me?

Radri: Hm? My human father, or my divine father? Because from what I've read, Bhaal was a cruel and difficult god to impress, and you haven't the temperament for his methods of worship.

Xan: (shivers) No, and I am glad I do not. I meant Gorion, of course.

Radri: ...

Xan: ...You are giving it more consideration than I thought. Never mind, Radri—it was a foolish question, and perhaps I no longer wish to hear the answer.

Radri: I think he would have liked you. We shared a similar sense of humor; he would have enjoyed your jokes.

Xan: Yes, these famous jokes that I myself am not aware of. I see, so I would become a court jester to not just the princess, but the king, as well.

Radri: I think if you were a court jester, it would be to the king first, and to the princess second. —And did you just liken me to a princess?

Xan, red: A slip of the tongue, I am sure. Though given the abysmal attitudes of nobility in the human lands, you deserve far better than to be compared to—well, let us just move on so that I do not inflate your ego any further.

(Xan turns his gaze back to his spellbook, ready to return to their earlier comfortable silence—but Radri takes his hand in hers with a soft smile.)

Radri: You make me happy, Tahlimil. No matter what he might have thought of you... he would be glad for that.

(The corners of his lips rise slightly, in what has almost become a regular occurrence… then the smile falls.)

Xan: I... mentioned before, my dreams, where my parents disapprove of our relationship....

Xan: I think they would have their misgivings. Certainly about the way that I have thrown everything aside for you, like a lovesick fool... a fool that perhaps I am. I have left my career... left Evereska... and indeed, one could say I will begin to shirk my duty next, though I have not been struck dead yet.

Xan: But I think if they had the chance to know you, they... they...

Xan: *Sigh* Never mind. This is a pointless line of thought. I cannot imagine what they would think, and I will not see them again for an eternity, and that is only if I am lucky. I regret having brought it up.

(Radri gazes quietly at him, then tilts her head against his shoulder, the contact gentle and light. He does not tense, so she squeezes his hand lightly, pressing their palms together: for the briefest moment, some of what burdens him is shared with her.)

(He sighs again—not sharp this time, but soft—and he tilts his head against hers.)

—✧✧✧—

[A while after this exchange:

Xan: I wanted to enchant a ring for you, but this one overshadows everything I will ever be able to give you. How ironic that it comes from the Shadowmaster of Athkatla.

Radri: And how unfortunate that none of us can even wear it, our equipment being what it is. I would rather have your ring, instead.

Xan: A mere bauble will not protect your life, and I have no time to enchant it properly. Perhaps in the future... but no, I have distracted myself from what I wanted to say.]

Radri: I've been thinking about your ring.

Xan: My ring...? Ah, the one that has yet to be made.

Radri: But it already has, hasn’t it? You’ve carried a ring with you ever since you returned from Evereska.

Xan: You noticed? I can slip nothing past you, I see. But it is not complete, Estel'amin—as I alluded to before, it is unenchanted, and as such, it is yet nothing.

Radri: It is not nothing. Its current form is to its advantage: enchanted, it would have to compete with the other enchanted equipment I carry, but unenchanted, I can wear it always.

Radri: Even now, it would bring me courage—or, would you rather that it raise my sense of self-preservation, although as I keep trying to convince you, it is already appropriately high?

Radri: I... I suppose we speak so much of the future now, and of dreams of a quiet life, and when we’re so far from all of it, I’d feel one step closer to…. Oh, never mind. I feel like I’ve stolen a secret from you; I'm sorry, I won't mention it again.

(She looks away, out across the cityscape; in the sunset, even the slums district appears awash in glittering gold. Beside her, Xan remains quiet for a moment, then retrieves something from the pocket of his robes.)

Xan: This ring has been passed down in my House. Through trial and tribulation, and the endless march of time, its magics are gone, having long served their purpose; it holds only its history now. I carried it with me from Evereska thinking, perhaps, that I would give it new life—that when it was ready, I would present it to you in ceremony...

Xan: But perhaps I have been thinking too long.

Xan: Here. My ring, unfinished and unpresentable as it is. If it pleases you, even in such a state as this, it is yours—but I promise you, I will strive to make it worthy of you someday.

Radri, meeting his eye warmly as she accepts it: I love it, Tahlimil. It is already worthy.

Xan, embarrassed and relieved: Why does my mind insist on tormenting me with thoughts of your judgment, when my heart already knows what you will say? Though now that it is on your finger, perhaps it is time to let go of my frivolous dreams of holding a formal ceremony. We may as well just find a quiet spot in which to say our vows.

Radri: No, we must still have the ceremony. Because you wish for it, it must be so, and it will be grand and beautiful.

—

Radri: I lost it.

Xan: Lost what?

Radri: I lost it! Linvail's ring! I had already been thinking of getting rid of it since it only takes up space in my backpack, but—to not even be able to recoup the barest fraction of its value by bringing it to a shop?! Oh, I can't believe I—Xan?

(Radri looks up in time to see Xan shaking in silent laughter, which then bursts out in a full laugh.)

Xan: Of course! Of course, you would care so little about a ring powerful enough to belong to royalty that you let it be misplaced! What an absurd life it is we lead!

Xan: Meanwhile, mere trinkets are given the treatment of kings—even the blooms I had set upon your hair a year ago were kept carefully preserved in your journal, as though they were imbued with a lifetime's worth of magic and not merely painfully ordinary. Sentiment will not save your life, but you hold it dearer than the things that could.

Radri, half insulted: I think I strike an appropriate balance between sentiment and practicality.

Xan: Oh, Estel'amin, smooth the furrow in your brow; I do not laugh at you, but at myself. I see that even if I spent centuries in study, you would not love the ring I enchanted for you for its boons, but for my efforts. What pointless, pointless jealousies I bear…

(His rare mirth fades as he sobers once more.)

Xan: But I am sorry that the ring was lost—it was truly in a class of its own, and now you will earn nothing for it.

Radri, still in shock and awe of what she’s just witnessed: No, I... think in the end, it paid for itself.

—✧✧✧—

Dragon Slayer [crossposted on ao3]

—✧✧✧—

Just Friends (a direct redraw)

—✧✧✧— 

A Monster

—✧✧✧— 

The Graveyard Encounter (an outline of changes)

[At the inn, after Xan survives and Bodhi lies dead:]

Xan, at the tail end of asking Radri a question: ...What do you think?

(He turns to her, but Radri has her head down, and clearly hasn't been listening to him.)

Xan: Radri?

Radri, quiet: You nearly died.

Xan: I know. Admittedly, I am still shaken by the encounter. If it were not for you and my moonblade, I would have been transformed into something abhorrent... once again, you have my gratitude, Estel'amin.

(Xan seems content to leave it at that, but Radri isn't. She lifts her gaze to his, revealing the tears in her eyes.)

Radri: But it was so close.

Radri: If I hadn't formed a connection to your moonblade—If I hadn't asked the right question that day—

Radri: W-would you even have told me on your own? That it was possible? Or would you have kept silent, and died today?

Xan, worried by how shaken she looks: Radri... none of us are ever far from death. Though it may not look it, every day is like this one. Luck, coincidence, and sheer miracles save us—

Radri, firm, distraught: Our actions save us.

Radri: And today I could do nothing but watch—Don't you understand?

Radri: I-it's not like I couldn't get there fast enough.

Radri: I was right there—but it's like I was frozen again, and—

Radri: And I would've had to watch you die—

(Radri's voice breaks, her tears falling—and Xan, truly concerned now, goes to hold her)

Xan: You did act, Estel'amin. I could not have been saved without your will.

Radri: ....

Radri, unable to word the turmoil she's feeling, just repeating: It was too close.

Xan: I know.

(Radri just lets herself be held for a moment, instinctively searching for him through their bond again, but it's too faint for her to feel anything close to what she did in that moment in the graveyard, when the urgency of the moment had lended her a single-minded determination. She pulls away to look at him—the dusty shoulders of his robes, his combat-mussed hair, the fading scar on his cheek... his worried eyes. She'd caused that, by making a bigger deal of this than he had.)

Radri: Tahlimil?

Xan: Yes?

(She'd wanted to ask that he not leave her sight for the time being, but holds the words back.)

Radri: You... you were asking me something earlier, weren't you? I interrupted you.

(Xan can tell that's not what she wanted to say, but lets her change the subject—and knowing how affected she still is, he changes his question, too.)

Xan: I asked... if you wished to join me in the bath.

(The tub the Copper Coronet provides is barely big enough for one person to soak in, let alone two; Radri tries to communicate this, but in her current state, it comes out as:)

Radri, caught off guard, puzzled: I... but... the inn, it doesn't... what, take turns?

Xan, warm, amused at her sentence fragments: No, no. Would you believe that I discovered a bath house nearby? Far too late to enjoy after our escapades in the sewers, but perhaps it was waiting for when it would be most needed. There is a private room we can share. What do you think?

Radri: Oh. I... I think that sounds nice.

(Xan's small smile becomes relieved as he sees the tension in her shoulders already relax a fraction.)

Xan: Then follow me.

— — —✧✧✧— — —

baldur’s gate ii: tob

— — —✧✧✧— — —

World’s Saddest (Hypothetical) Chosen

—✧✧✧—  

Innate Evil, Self Accusation Edition

—✧✧✧—

[The TOB scene where Xan cooks her an omelette.]

(While Radri begins to eat, Xan just leans his chin on his hand, gazing contentedly at her.)

Xan: When this is over... when we have made our home... I would cook breakfast for you each morning.

Radri: I see you don't wish to suffer through my meager skills in the kitchen.

Xan: I could never find any aspect of my lady wanting, and your skills will grow with time. No, I would cook for you to love you.

(It’s been so long, and he’s said that he loves her so many times, that Radri imagines she should have developed at least some resistance to it by now—but she hasn’t. She blushes, touched.)

Radri: Are you not going to eat, too?

(Xan gazes dreamily at her blushing features, fully content.)

Xan: Oh, I have already been fed, and most heartily. If I had known even earlier the extent of what shy expressions you reveal in private...

(Radri blushes harder.)

Radri: Each day it becomes harder to believe that you are the same man who spent ten minutes gathering the words to ask if he could kiss me.

Xan: Ah, but I am not the same man. I am remade each time I wake and meet your eyes; each day I walk at your side; each night I rest my beating heart beside yours. I have been transformed a thousand times over, and wish to be again.

Radri, gathering him a forkful: I think you should be transformed by this omelette.

(Xan takes the bite from her fork, and his expression falls, disappointed.)

Xan: Oh... I do not think I added enough salt, after all.

—✧✧✧—

silly alternate universes

radri was raised “evil”

radri was raised in evereska

[haynesbookkeepingsolutions123]

Navigating Financial Excellence: The Role of Accounting Firms in NYC and the Art of Transaction Categorization and Reconciliation

In the bustling financial landscape of New York City, where businesses strive for excellence and precision, the role of accounting firms is more crucial than ever. At Haynes Bookkeeping Solutions, we delve into the significance of accounting firms in NYC and

Explore the meticulous practices of transaction categorization and reconciliation that lie at the heart of financial success.

Accounting Firms NYC: The Guardians of Financial Integrity

In a city where financial markets move at breakneck speed, businesses need more than just bookkeeping – they need the expertise of accounting firms. Haynes Bookkeeping Solutions stands as a beacon among accounting firms in NYC, offering a suite of services designed to elevate financial practices for businesses large and small.

Our team of seasoned professionals understands the unique challenges faced by businesses in the city, from complex tax regulations to the fast-paced nature of financial transactions. As one of the leading accounting firms in NYC, we pride ourselves on being more than service providers; we are partners in the financial success of our clients.

Transaction Categorization: Precision in Practice

At the core of sound financial management lies the art of transaction categorization. In a city where every financial decision matters, ensuring that each transaction is accurately categorized is paramount. Haynes Bookkeeping Solutions excels in this meticulous practice, offering transaction categorization services that go beyond routine bookkeeping.

Our experts meticulously classify transactions, ensuring that each expense and income is accurately allocated to the right category. This precision not only aids in financial reporting but also provides businesses with a clear understanding of their cash flow, enabling them to make informed decisions with confidence.

Reconciliation: Balancing Act for Financial Accuracy

In the dynamic world of NYC business, where transactions happen in the blink of an eye, reconciliation emerges as a critical process for ensuring financial accuracy. As one of the leading accounting firms in NYC, Haynes Bookkeeping Solutions places a strong emphasis on reconciliation services that serve as a checks-and-balances mechanism for businesses.

Our team reconciles bank statements, credit card statements, and other financial records to identify and rectify discrepancies. This thorough process not only ensures that financial records align with actual transactions but also safeguards against errors and potential fraud. In a city where financial integrity is non-negotiable, our reconciliation services provide businesses with the peace of mind that their financial records are in impeccable order.

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What sets Haynes Bookkeeping Solutions apart among accounting firms in NYC is our commitment to providing customized solutions for every client. We recognize that businesses in the city are diverse, each with its own set of challenges and goals. Our team takes the time to understand the intricacies of each business, tailoring our services to meet their specific needs.

Empowering Businesses for Financial Success

As businesses navigate the complexities of the NYC financial landscape, partnering with a trusted accounting firm becomes a strategic imperative. Haynes Bookkeeping Solutions not only provides transaction categorization and reconciliation services but empowers businesses with the financial insights they need to thrive.

In conclusion, the synergy between accounting firms in NYC and the meticulous practices of transaction categorization and reconciliation is the key to navigating financial excellence. At Haynes Bookkeeping Solutions, we stand as a partner in the financial success of businesses, offering precision, expertise, and a commitment to elevating financial practices in the heart of the city that never sleeps.

[sp-epari-digitalmedia]

Critical Analysis

Nardone, V. et al. (2023) 'Video game Bad Smells: What they are and How developers perceive them,' ACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology, 32(4), pp. 9-12. https://doi.org/10.1145/3563214.

Introduction

The abstract presents an in-depth analysis of video game's "bad smells," categorizing issues into five distinct groups that include design, game logic, multiplayer, animation, physics, and rendering. It presents a methodical examination of every category, going over particular bad smells and offering instances from pertinent conversations. Using information from survey participants, the paper provides workable ways to reduce these bad smells. To ensure traceability, the study connects every "bad smell" and its remedy directly to discussion boards or poll results, enhancing the legitimacy of the suggested fixes.

Bad Smells

According to the authors, this dual approach in the study, strengthens the paper's overall reliability, making it a valuable resource for both game developers and researchers. One noteworthy finding is the fact that respondents disagreed on how important some issues are. A few perspectives present the idea that the impact of a particular challenge can change depending on the project's size and how much moderation is used. This highlights how game development challenges are subjective and that the importance of a problem varies depending on the context.

Weak temporization strategies are a major focus of the analysis, with 80% of respondents rating them as critical or extremely critical. In particular, when it comes to frame-based updates, the highlighted issue involves incorrect assumptions about the amount of time that has passed between game object updates. To provide a consistent gaming experience, it is crucial to address this issue as it may lead to differences in animation speed among devices.

Respondents offer workable solutions to address these inadequate temporization strategies and lessen the problems noted. Typical errors such as frame-based updates affecting animation speed, are identified and workable fixes are proposed. Time-based updates, like the FixedUpdate method in Unity, should be implemented. Additionally, movement should be proportionate to the intervals between frames. A few respondents' emphasis on these solutions lends credibility to their efficacy in addressing common game development pitfalls. The analysis also emphasizes how crucial early intervention is in resolving temporization issues. one of the respondents makes it clear that the longer these issues persist, the more difficult it is to address them. This insight highlights how proactive developers should be in spotting and fixing important problems early on in the process to avoid problems later.

A real-world example from the Unreal Engine forum provides tangible evidence of developers grappling with temporization issues in a racing multiplayer game. The discussion highlights the practical application of "delta time scaling" as a solution to address input responsiveness, illustrating how these challenges manifest in real projects.

Focusing on the lack of separation of concerns and the issue of bloated assets. While these challenges may not be unique to the gaming industry, they are pertinent in the context of game development due to the specific characteristics of game engines.

One sign of poor design that can appear in a variety of software programs, including video games, is the inability to separate concerns. The observation that game engines may naturally lead developers to write code that exhibits this problem led to the decision to keep this "smell" in the catalog. In the example given, source code for object animations is mixed with code handling controller inputs; this practice was deemed critical or extremely critical by 77% of respondents.

The significance of this design challenge is further highlighted by the discussion on StackExchange's Game Development section. Logic and data in the same object or class, according to platform developers, is bad practice that can result in hacking that creates more problems than it fixes. It is recommended that game logic and game data be kept apart, and that a modular approach be used, with different classes handling different concerns like movement, firing, and defense. Notably, Unity and other contemporary game engines are taking proactive measures to address this problem by including features like an updated input system. Bloated assets, or reusable assets like complicated game objects that bring along different elements like textures and predefined animations, are the subject of the second design challenge that was discussed. Sixty-three percent of respondents rated this "smell" as critical or extremely critical. Real-world examples are given in the Stack Exchange game development discussion, including scenes with superfluous art assets and scripts. Not only do developers advise eliminating unnecessary assets to conserve space, but they also point out potential problems like mismatched names and superfluous animations if this is overlooked.

Comprehending the issues raised, specifically the inability to distinguish between different concerns and the problem of excessively large assets, provides game designers looking to improve their work with insightful knowledge. Not only do these detected "smells" diagnose possible problems, but they also act as a helpful roadmap for better game design. Recognizing the inability to separate concerns as a design challenge invites a game designer to take a more modular and structured approach. The division of various game elements, like controller inputs and object animations, into discrete areas allows designers to simplify code, lower complexity, and improve maintainability. The Stack Exchange discussion on game development, which is cited, emphasizes how crucial this division is to preventing potential problems and unethical behavior. This realization can serve as inspiration for designers of video games, who can use it to create modular systems that support a variety of features.

The issue of bloated assets provides another avenue for constructive improvement. Game designers can leverage the awareness that excessively large assets, containing elements rarely used, are viewed critically by developers. By adopting a more discerning approach to asset creation and management, designers can optimize game performance and streamline the development process. The practical recommendations from developers on Stack Exchange Game Development, emphasizing the removal of unnecessary assets for both space-saving and organizational cleanliness, can guide game designers in creating more efficient and polished games.

Conclusion

It gives game designers more options because it acknowledges that some game engines are actively resolving these problems, as demonstrated by Unity's new input system. Designers can ensure that their games follow industry best practices and utilize state-of-the-art tools by keeping up with evolving engine features and adapting their practices accordingly. The study overall is relevant as it recognizes the bad indications in game designs and therefore validate a better quality of games if these problems are avoided.

[tokenlauncher]

The Importance of Tokens in Building a Robust Crypto Investment Portfolio

Introduction

Cryptocurrency has revolutionized the world of finance, offering new opportunities for investment and innovation. Central to this ecosystem are tokens, which serve as the building blocks of blockchain technology. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or a newcomer to the crypto space, understanding the importance of tokens is crucial for building a robust and diversified investment portfolio. This blog will explore the different types of tokens, their roles, and how they can enhance your crypto investment strategy.

Understanding Tokens

What Are Tokens?

Tokens are digital assets created and managed on a blockchain. They can represent a wide range of assets, including currencies, utility functions, rights, or even tangible assets like real estate. Unlike cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, which operate on their own standalone blockchains, tokens are typically built on existing blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Solana, or Binance Smart Chain.

Types of Tokens

Tokens can be broadly categorized into three main types:

Utility Tokens: These tokens provide access to a product or service within a blockchain ecosystem. For example, Ethereum’s ETH is used to pay for transaction fees and computational services on the Ethereum network.

Security Tokens: Representing ownership in an asset, security tokens are similar to traditional securities like stocks and bonds. They are subject to regulatory oversight and offer investors certain rights, such as dividends or profit sharing.

Governance Tokens: These tokens grant holders the ability to vote on decisions affecting the blockchain network or project. Examples include Uniswap’s UNI and MakerDAO’s MKR, which allow users to influence the direction of their respective platforms.

The Role of Tokens in the Crypto Ecosystem

Tokens play a pivotal role in the functionality and governance of blockchain projects. They enable decentralized applications (dApps), facilitate transactions, and incentivize network participation. By holding and using tokens, investors and users can interact with various blockchain-based services, participate in governance, and contribute to the growth and security of the network.

The Importance of Diversification in Crypto Investments

Why Diversify?

Diversification is a fundamental principle of investment strategy. It involves spreading investments across different assets to reduce risk. In the context of cryptocurrency, diversification helps mitigate the inherent volatility and uncertainty of the market. By investing in a variety of tokens, you can balance potential losses with gains, thereby protecting your portfolio from market fluctuations.

Benefits of Diversification

Risk Reduction: By holding a mix of tokens from different projects and sectors, you reduce the impact of a poor-performing asset on your overall portfolio.

Increased Opportunities: Diversification exposes you to a broader range of investment opportunities, increasing the likelihood of high returns from successful projects.

Stability: A diversified portfolio is generally more stable, as gains in some assets can offset losses in others, leading to more consistent performance.

How to Diversify Your Crypto Portfolio

To effectively diversify your crypto investment portfolio, consider the following strategies:

Invest in Different Types of Tokens: Include a mix of utility, security, and governance tokens to benefit from various use cases and value propositions.

Spread Across Blockchain Platforms: Invest in tokens built on different blockchains, such as Ethereum, Solana, and Binance Smart Chain, to leverage the strengths and innovations of each platform.

Incorporate Stablecoins: Stablecoins like USDT and USDC provide stability by being pegged to a fiat currency, offering a hedge against market volatility.

Consider DeFi and NFTs: Explore the growing sectors of decentralized finance (DeFi) and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) for additional diversification and potential high returns.

The Strategic Role of Tokens in Your Portfolio

Enhancing Liquidity

Tokens, particularly those on popular blockchain platforms, often have high liquidity. This means they can be easily bought or sold without significantly affecting their price. High liquidity is essential for managing a portfolio, as it allows investors to quickly adjust their holdings in response to market changes.

Yield Farming and Staking

Tokens enable yield farming and staking, which are popular methods for earning passive income in the crypto space. Yield farming involves lending or staking tokens in DeFi platforms to earn interest or additional tokens. Staking, on the other hand, involves locking up tokens to support the network’s operations and receive rewards in return.

Governance and Voting

Holding governance tokens allows investors to participate in the decision-making processes of blockchain projects. This involvement can be valuable, as it gives token holders a say in the project’s future direction, potentially influencing its success and, consequently, the token’s value.

Access to Exclusive Services

Utility tokens often grant access to exclusive services or benefits within a blockchain ecosystem. For instance, holding certain tokens might provide discounts on transaction fees, access to premium features, or priority in network activities. These benefits can enhance the overall value of your investment portfolio.

Hedging Against Inflation

Cryptocurrencies and tokens can serve as a hedge against inflation, particularly in regions with unstable fiat currencies. By investing in tokens that appreciate in value, investors can protect their wealth from the eroding effects of inflation.

Case Studies: Successful Token Investments

Ethereum (ETH)

Ethereum’s native token, ETH, has been one of the most successful and influential tokens in the crypto space. Beyond its use as a cryptocurrency, ETH powers the Ethereum network, enabling smart contracts and dApps. Its value has surged due to widespread adoption and continuous development, making it a cornerstone of many crypto portfolios.

Binance Coin (BNB)

BNB, the native token of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has demonstrated remarkable growth. Initially used to pay for trading fees on the Binance platform at a discount, BNB’s utility has expanded to include use in DeFi applications, token sales, and even travel bookings. Binance’s aggressive expansion and token burn strategy have further driven BNB’s value.

Chainlink (LINK)

Chainlink’s LINK token has gained prominence by providing a decentralized oracle network that connects smart contracts with real-world data. LINK’s value has risen due to its critical role in enabling DeFi applications and partnerships with major companies and blockchain projects.

Solana (SOL)

Solana’s SOL token has quickly become a favorite among investors due to its high transaction speeds and low fees. As a competitor to Ethereum, Solana supports a growing number of dApps, DeFi projects, and NFTs. Its robust performance and strong community support have driven significant price appreciation, making it a valuable addition to any diversified crypto portfolio.

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Tips for Building a Robust Crypto Investment Portfolio

Conduct Thorough Research

Always conduct thorough research before investing in any token. Understand the project’s goals, team, technology, and market potential. Read whitepapers, follow project updates, and engage with the community to gain insights.

Stay Informed

The crypto market is highly dynamic. Stay informed about industry trends, regulatory developments, and major announcements. Follow reputable news sources, join online forums, and participate in community discussions.

Use Reputable Exchanges

Use reputable cryptocurrency exchanges for buying, selling, and trading tokens. Ensure the exchange has robust security measures, a user-friendly interface, and good customer support. Examples include Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken.

Secure Your Investments

Use secure wallets to store your tokens. Hardware wallets and reputable software wallets provide the best security features. Avoid keeping large amounts of cryptocurrency on exchanges for extended periods due to security risks.

Diversify Across Sectors

Diversify your investments across different sectors within the crypto space, such as DeFi, NFTs, and blockchain platforms. This approach helps mitigate risk and exposes you to various growth opportunities.

Monitor and Rebalance

Regularly monitor your portfolio and rebalance it as needed. Market conditions can change rapidly, and rebalancing ensures that your portfolio remains aligned with your investment goals and risk tolerance.

Be Prepared for Volatility

The crypto market is known for its volatility. Be prepared for significant price swings and avoid making impulsive decisions based on short-term market movements. Focus on long-term growth and maintain a disciplined investment approach.

Conclusion

Tokens are the backbone of the cryptocurrency ecosystem, offering diverse opportunities for investment and innovation. By understanding the different types of tokens and their roles, you can build a robust and diversified crypto investment portfolio. Diversification, research, and strategic investment in utility, security, and governance tokens can enhance your portfolio’s performance and reduce risk.

As the crypto market continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable will be key to success. Embrace the opportunities tokens offer, and you may find yourself at the forefront of the next wave of financial innovation. Happy investing!

[seriousbrat]

Maybe I misunderstood the post and you were just comparing snape’s arc to incel radicalization and not actually calling him one but if you weren’t I have to take issue with that reading of him. I don’t think snape can be categorized as an incel in any way. Yes, he loves the girl and was rejected by the girl (though his romantic feelings weren’t rejected because he never made them known, his friendship was rejected, I think that might be an important distinction) but he doesn’t hold this against HER, as most incels would do. His bitterness about this situation is due to James (due to his bullying) and himself. He never harasses her or (very important) turns against all women after their friendship ends. Maybe you could make an argument for incel like behavior if he only joined the death eaters because he was mad at Lily for ending their friendship but it’s clear that this is not a factor (meaning he doesn’t do it out of spite). Another important factor here is that he does not feel entitled to her the way all incels would. He lets her go and refers to her as “Lily Potter”, showing that he recognizes and accepts her relationship with James and her agency. The most important difference between him and a incel is the fact that his relationship with Lily was never transactional. He never expected sex from her from their friendship and his devotion to her after her death reinforces this (you can’t expect sex from a dead woman. maybe he just really loves her).

I think I understand why some fans might come to the conclusion that Snape is an incel if they don’t do a lot of time thinking about Snape or his character arc, he presents himself as a stereotypical incel (awkward when he was young, a bit weird, lonely, bullied, unattractive etc), but this feels like a pretty shallow reading of the text and a bit of a misunderstanding of what an incel actually is. I don’t really like Snape but I do think he is interesting and it just bugs me when my fellow marauders fans misunderstand his arc like this (again not saying you but a lot of the younger fans).

I wasn't saying Snape is an incel lol-- at least not seriously-- I was saying that I think his arc is a good parallel for incels, in terms of how teenaged boys are radicalised nowadays on the internet. And if I was writing them as modern day muggles (which was sort of the question I was asked) I would definitely have Snape as an incel lmao.

his devotion to her after her death reinforces this (you can’t expect sex from a dead woman. maybe he just really loves her).

I think I said something similar to this in my post didn't I? While I do write Snape as having some incel-esque beliefs when younger, even at the point I'm at in my fic, (shortly after they leave Hogwarts) he's already begun to move past them, and he was never as bad as Avery, who is peak incel vibes haha. The point I was making is that Snape would be comparable to a reformed incel, not that he literally is an incel. (especially since the incel movement didn't exist back then lol.) Mostly I just think it's a good modern-day parallel.

[cheekedupwhiteboy]

"There are people classifying the emotional content of TikTok videos, new variants of email spam, and the precise sexual provocativeness of online ads. Others are looking at credit-card transactions and figuring out what sort of purchase they relate to or checking e-commerce recommendations and deciding whether that shirt is really something you might like after buying that other shirt. Humans are correcting customer-service chatbots, listening to Alexa requests, and categorizing the emotions of people on video calls. They are labeling food so that smart refrigerators don’t get confused by new packaging, checking automated security cameras before sounding alarms, and identifying corn for baffled autonomous tractors."

[elsa16744]

Business Potential with Data Management and Analytics Services

In today's data-driven world, businesses are increasingly relying on data to make informed decisions and drive strategic growth. As organizations collect and generate vast amounts of data, the need for effective data management and analytics services becomes paramount. This is where data analytics consulting services play a crucial role. By harnessing the power of data, businesses can gain valuable insights, enhance operational efficiency, and achieve a competitive edge.

The Importance of Data Management

Data management is the foundation upon which successful data analytics is built. It involves the process of collecting, storing, and organizing data in a manner that ensures its accuracy, accessibility, and security. Effective data management allows organizations to maintain high-quality data that is essential for accurate analysis and decision-making.

Data Collection and Integration

The first step in data management is collecting data from various sources. This can include transactional data, customer interactions, social media, and more. Integrating these diverse data sources into a unified system is crucial for creating a comprehensive view of the business landscape. Data analytics consulting services assist organizations in designing and implementing robust data integration strategies, ensuring that all relevant data is captured and consolidated efficiently.

Data Storage and Organization

Once data is collected, it needs to be stored and organized in a structured manner. This involves setting up databases and data warehouses that can handle large volumes of data while maintaining data integrity. Data management services ensure that data is stored securely and is easily retrievable when needed. Effective data organization also involves categorizing data into meaningful segments, making it easier to analyze and derive insights.

Data Quality and Governance

Maintaining high data quality is essential for accurate analysis. Data management services focus on implementing data quality frameworks that ensure data is accurate, complete, and consistent. Data governance practices are also put in place to manage data policies, standards, and compliance. This helps organizations avoid data-related issues and ensures that data analytics efforts are based on reliable information.

Leveraging Data Analytics

Once data is properly managed, the next step is to leverage it through advanced analytics. Data analytics services help businesses transform raw data into actionable insights that can drive decision-making and strategic planning.

Descriptive Analytics

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Data analytics consulting services are essential for helping businesses navigate the complexities of data management and analytics. These services provide expertise and support in various aspects of data analytics, including strategy development, implementation, and optimization.

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Conclusion

In an era where data is a valuable asset, effective data management and analytics services are crucial for unlocking business potential. By leveraging data analytics consulting services, organizations can ensure that their data is well-managed, their analytics efforts are targeted, and their decision-making is driven by actionable insights. As businesses continue to navigate the complexities of the data landscape, investing in data management and analytics services will remain a key factor in achieving long-term success.

[accountsend]

Unlocking Success Through B2B Sales Lead Acquisition: Expert Insights

In the dynamic landscape of modern business, where competition reigns and opportunities abound, the strategic acquisition of B2B sales leads emerges as a catalyst for achieving sustainable growth. However, this journey is not a linear path; it's a complex tapestry that demands strategic decisions and informed choices. In this comprehensive guide, we dive deep into the nuances, offering a wealth of industry insights and expert guidance to illuminate your way.

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Define Your Ideal Customer Profile

In the realm of B2B sales, knowing your audience is the bedrock of success. Crafting a finely tuned ideal customer profile serves as your compass, directing your lead acquisition efforts with precision. The process involves delving beyond surface-level demographics to capture the essence of your target audience—understanding their behaviors, preferences, and pain points. Armed with this detailed understanding, you not only streamline your lead acquisition but also craft compelling marketing messages that resonate deeply, fostering connections that are meaningful and enduring.

Research Reputable Lead Providers

Navigating the labyrinth of lead providers is a critical task that demands careful consideration. As you embark on this journey, arm yourself with the knowledge that not all providers are created equal. Seek out those with a track record of excellence, a history of delivering high-quality B2B database leads. Scrutinize customer reviews, testimonials, and industry accolades to gain insight into their performance. Additionally, leverage the power of your professional network, seeking referrals from trusted peers who have already navigated this terrain. Choosing a partner in lead acquisition is a decision of paramount importance—one that should be informed, calculated, and grounded in the wisdom of those who've come before.

Determine Lead Quality and Validity

The cornerstone of successful lead acquisition is the authenticity and quality of the leads themselves. In the pursuit of excellence, understanding how these leads are sourced and validated is crucial. Engage in candid conversations with potential lead providers, gaining insight into their B2B lead generation methods. Probe into the processes of data validation, such as email verification and phone number validation, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the leads. The investment in high-quality leads isn't just a monetary one—it's an investment in the future, a commitment to forging relationships that endure beyond the initial transaction.

Consider Niche or Industry-Specific Leads

As the modern business landscape continues to evolve, personalization has emerged as a driving force behind successful marketing efforts. In the realm of B2B sales leads, niche or industry-specific leads are the embodiment of this principle. Tailored to cater to specific industries, these leads carry a heightened level of relevance and resonance. They represent a laser-focused approach that aligns your offerings with the precise needs and challenges of a particular market segment. The journey toward success is marked by embracing this approach, understanding that relevance is the currency that propels your interactions from transactional to transformative.

Evaluate Lead Scoring and Segmentation

Precision is the watchword in the realm of B2B sales, and it's a precision that can be achieved through lead scoring and segmentation. Lead scoring, a strategic mechanism, empowers you to allocate resources where they matter most—on leads with the highest likelihood of conversion. The process is a data-driven symphony, harmonizing your efforts with the rhythm of your audience's needs. Segmentation takes this precision a step further, allowing you to categorize leads based on specific criteria. This segmentation facilitates tailored marketing strategies that resonate deeply, creating connections that go beyond the surface level, igniting genuine engagement.

Ensure Compliance with Data Privacy Regulations

In an era where data privacy is a fundamental concern, ensuring compliance with regulations such as GDPR or CCPA isn't merely a legal obligation—it's an ethical commitment. As you embark on the journey of lead acquisition, a critical step is to partner with lead providers who uphold the same commitment to data protection. Scrutinize their practices, seeking evidence of robust data protection measures that align with regulatory standards. The trust you cultivate through these practices isn't just legal—it's a foundation for fostering enduring relationships with your audience.

Test and Measure Performance

The journey of B2B sales lead acquisition is not a destination; it's a continuous evolution. The culmination of this journey lies in the realm of performance measurement—a dynamic process that demands vigilance and adaptability. Metrics such as conversion rates, lead quality, and ROI become your guiding stars, offering insights into the efficacy of your strategies. It's a dance of constant refinement, an ongoing quest for optimization. This phase ensures that your efforts aren't stagnant but are driven by the currents of data-driven insights.

In summation, the mastery of B2B sales lead acquisition is a journey marked by strategic decisions, data-driven insights, and a commitment to excellence. As you navigate this landscape, let these insights serve as your compass. By defining your ideal customer profile, selecting reputable lead providers, ensuring lead quality, embracing niche leads, and adhering to data privacy regulations, you craft a lead acquisition strategy that resonates with success. The chapters of lead scoring and segmentation, coupled with ongoing performance evaluation, complete the narrative, forging the path to sustained triumph. Embrace these insights, let them guide your decisions, and witness the transformation of B2B sales lead acquisition from a challenge into an opportunity for enduring growth.