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forenerblog · 18 days ago

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Breaking Barriers: How Yard Felons is Redefining Housing Opportunities for Felons

When someone is released from prison, they often face a daunting reality: the world outside can be unwelcoming and challenging. One of the most significant barriers they encounter is finding a place to live. Many landlords are hesitant to rent to individuals with felony records, leaving them without a roof over their heads. This is where YardFelons steps in, redefining housing opportunities for felons and paving the way for a fresh start. By understanding their mission and impact, we can see how they are breaking barriers and building bridges for a better future.

Understanding the Challenges of Felon Housing

Navigating the housing market can be overwhelming, especially for those with a felony record. Many landlords impose strict criteria, often viewing a criminal history as a red flag. This leaves former felons in a difficult position, similar to trying to squeeze into a pair of shoes that are just too tight. They may feel trapped, unable to find a suitable place to call home, which can hinder their reintegration into society.

The Role of YardFelons in Housing Solutions

YardFelons is a groundbreaking organization dedicated to addressing these housing challenges head-on. They specialize in connecting former inmates with safe and affordable housing options. By providing resources and support, YardFelons not only helps individuals find a place to live but also restores their dignity and hope for the future. It’s like providing a compass to someone lost in the wilderness; suddenly, they have direction and purpose.

Empowering Lives: The Impact of Stable Housing

Stable housing is essential for anyone striving to lead a productive life. For former felons, having a secure place to stay means they can focus on rebuilding their lives, seeking employment, and reconnecting with family. Research has shown that individuals with stable housing are less likely to reoffend, illustrating the profound impact that YardFelons has on reducing recidivism and empowering lives.

Community Partnerships: Building a Support Network

A key aspect of YardFelons’ success lies in its partnerships with local organizations, businesses, and community leaders. By fostering a network of support, they create an ecosystem that encourages reintegration and stability. Think of it as a well-tended garden; with the right support, former felons can flourish and thrive in their new lives.

Success Stories: Transforming Lives One Home at a Time

The best way to understand the impact of YardFelons is through the stories of those they have helped. For instance, take Lisa, a single mother who struggled to find housing after her release. With the support of YardFelons, she secured a stable home and found a job, allowing her to rebuild her family life. Stories like Lisa’s remind us that behind every statistic is a person whose life has been transformed.

The Importance of Understanding Felon Rights

Many former felons are unaware of their rights when it comes to housing. YardFelons educates individuals about fair housing laws and their entitlements, empowering them to advocate for themselves. Understanding these rights can be a game-changer, helping former inmates navigate the often confusing landscape of housing opportunities.

Innovative Housing Models by YardFelons

YardFelons employs innovative housing models tailored to the unique needs of former felons. From shared housing arrangements to transitional living programs, they offer various options that help individuals reintegrate gradually. These models not only provide shelter but also foster a sense of community and support, which is crucial for successful reintegration.

Advocacy for Fair Housing Policies

Advocacy is a significant part of YardFelons’ mission. They work tirelessly to promote fair housing policies that prohibit discrimination against former felons. By raising awareness and pushing for change at the policy level, they help create a more equitable housing landscape for all individuals, regardless of their past.

Education and Awareness: Changing Perceptions

Changing societal perceptions about felons is essential for successful reintegration. YardFelons actively engages in education and awareness campaigns to dispel myths and stereotypes. They remind us that everyone has the potential for change, and by fostering understanding, we can create a more accepting society.

The Role of Employment in Housing Stability

Securing stable housing often goes hand in hand with finding meaningful employment. YardFelons provides resources for job training and employment opportunities, helping former inmates gain the skills needed to succeed in today’s job market. With a steady income, they can maintain their housing and build a brighter future.

Mental Health Support: A Holistic Approach

Addressing mental health needs is a crucial part of the reintegration process. Many former felons face challenges such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. YardFelons offers mental health support services, recognizing that a healthy mind is as important as a stable home. By providing these resources, they help individuals heal and grow.

How You Can Support YardFelons

You might be wondering how you can get involved in supporting YardFelons. There are various ways to contribute, whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or advocating for policy changes. Every little effort counts, and collectively, we can make a significant difference in the lives of former felons.

The Future of Housing for Felons

Looking ahead, YardFelons envisions a future where housing is accessible and equitable for all, regardless of past mistakes. They aim to expand their programs, reach more individuals in need, and continue advocating for fair housing policies. With community support and dedication, they can help reshape the narrative around felons and housing.

Conclusion: Together Towards Change

In conclusion, YardFelons is breaking down barriers and redefining housing opportunities for former inmates. By providing stable housing, advocacy, and support, they are not only transforming individual lives but also paving the way for a more inclusive society. As we work together to support initiatives like YardFelons, we can help build a future where everyone has a chance to thrive, regardless of their past. Let’s break the cycle and create a world where second chances are possible for all.

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tajmirrortours0 · 2 months ago

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Delhi One Day Tour by Taj Mirror Tour Company.

Delhi One Day Tour by Taj Mirror Tour Company

Delhi, the bustling capital of India, is a city that flawlessly blends old heritage with modern beauty. With its rich cultural legacy, historic landmarks, busy markets, and great cuisine, a one-day tour of Delhi may give you a fascinating look into the heart of India. If you're short on time and want to visit the highlights of this bustling city, the Delhi One Day Tour by Taj Mirror Tour Company offers a well crafted schedule, ensuring you grasp the spirit of Delhi in only a day.

Why Choose the Delhi One Day Tour? The Delhi One Day Tour by Taj Mirror Tour Company is a perfect alternative for people who seek a thorough, hassle-free experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, this trip delivers a unique view at Delhi’s major sights, with expert guides to ensure you don’t miss any nuances.

Here’s why the Delhi One Day Tour stands out:

Expert Guides: Knowledgeable and courteous guides ensure you grasp the historical significance and cultural background of each destination. Comfortable Travel: The firm offers air-conditioned vehicles to make you comfortable during your tour, especially in Delhi’s typically hot temperatures. Efficient Itinerary: With a carefully planned itinerary, you’ll explore Delhi’s must-visit spots without feeling rushed. Tour Highlights This One Day Delhi Tour is designed to visit the most iconic and historically significant monuments of the city, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of both Old Delhi and New Delhi.

1. Red Fort (Lal Qila) Your tour begins at the beautiful Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Delhi’s most iconic attractions. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1648, the Red Fort is a beautiful specimen of Mughal architecture. The fort's huge red sandstone walls and intricately constructed palaces inside provide a look into India’s imperial history.

Why Visit? The Red Fort is not just a symbol of India’s rich past but also bears enormous national relevance. Every year, on Independence Day, the Prime Minister hoists the national flag here. 2. Jama Masjid Next, you’ll visit Jama Masjid, India’s largest mosque, located near to the Red Fort. Built by Shah Jahan, this beautiful mosque can accommodate 25,000 worshippers at once. Its majestic domes, towering minarets, and spacious courtyard make it an architectural masterpiece.

Why Visit? Jama Masjid is a spiritual and cultural hub, and its elevated elevation affords a wonderful perspective of Old Delhi’s bustling streets. 3. Chandni Chowk & Rickshaw Ride No visit to Delhi is complete without experiencing the vivid and chaotic appeal of Chandni Chowk, one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. Here, you’ll enjoy a rickshaw ride through small lanes crowded with stores offering everything from spices and jewelry to street food and textiles.

Why Visit? Chandni Chowk delivers a sensory explosion with its brilliant hues, delectable fragrances, and frenetic activity. Don’t miss trying some native goodies like jalebi and samosas! 4. Raj Ghat A tranquil and peaceful stop on your journey, Raj Ghat is the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. This simple yet melancholy plaque marks the location of his cremation and is flanked by well manicured gardens.

Why Visit? Raj Ghat offers a quiet getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle and acts as a reminder of Gandhi’s ideology of peace and non-violence. 5. India Gate Moving to New Delhi, the next stop is the magnificent India Gate, a war memorial created to memorialize Indian troops who perished during World War I. Standing at 42 meters, this enormous archway is sometimes compared to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Surrounded by lovely grounds, it’s a popular site for picnics and nighttime strolls.

Why Visit? India Gate is a stunning homage to the gallant troops of India and is one of the most identifiable sights in the city. 6. Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament House As part of your tour through New Delhi, you’ll also travel by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, and the Parliament House, which shows the grandeur of Lutyens’ Delhi. Both structures exemplify British imperial architecture and are emblems of modern India's democratic rule.

Why Visit? These government buildings are emblems of India's political strength and offer an insight into the running of the world’s largest democracy. 7. Humayun’s Tomb One of the most magnificent and historically significant sites in Delhi is Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an early example of Mughal construction. Built in the 16th century, this majestic tomb inspired the design of the Taj Mahal and is set in a huge garden complex.

Why Visit? The blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles, paired with the beautiful gardens, makes Humayun’s Tomb a serene and picturesque place. 8. Qutub Minar Your tour will then take you to Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world and another UNESCO World Heritage site. This tall building stands 73 meters high and was built in the 12th century to celebrate Muslim control in Delhi after the downfall of the last Hindu monarch.

Why Visit? The elaborate carvings and the history surrounding this architectural masterpiece make it a must-see for history aficionados and architecture lovers alike. 9. Lotus Temple The final destination on your trip is the magnificent Lotus Temple, a Bahá'í House of Worship built like a lotus blossom. This modern architectural marvel is open to individuals of all faiths and offers a calm place for meditation and introspection.

Why Visit? The Lotus Temple’s remarkable appearance and its message of universal peace and unity make it one of the most visited places in Delhi. Why Book with Taj Mirror Tour Company? The Taj Mirror Tour Company is known for providing great customer care, well-planned itineraries, and skilled guides who provide a flawless and engaging experience. Here’s why you should consider booking with them:

Experienced Guides: Their native guides are specialists in Delhi’s history and culture, delivering insights you won’t find in guidebooks. Convenient Transportation: The organization provides comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles to make your tour as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Tailored Experiences: If you have specific interests or preferences, Taj Mirror Tour Company may modify the tour to fit your demands. Conclusion A Delhi One Day Tour with Taj Mirror Tour Company is the best opportunity to discover the rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking architecture of India’s capital. From the towering Red Fort and calm Raj Ghat to the busy markets of Chandni Chowk and the grandeur of India Gate, this tour gives you a full flavor of what Delhi has to offer. Whether you’re a history aficionado, a culture lover, or simply want to soak in the city’s vitality, this trip assures you experience the best of Delhi in just one day.

FAQs

1. How long does the Delhi One Day Tour last? The tour normally lasts 8-10 hours, covering all important attractions.

2. Is the excursion suitable for families? Yes, the Delhi One Day Tour is excellent for families, couples, and lone visitors equally.

3. What should I wear throughout the tour? Comfortable attire and walking shoes are required, since you will be seeing a variety of historical buildings and markets.

4. Can the tour be customized? Yes, the Taj Mirror Tour Company offers bespoke itineraries according on your choices and interests.

5. What is included in the tour? The tour includes a professional guide, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and visits to all main locations included in the schedule.

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votivecandleholder · 2 years ago

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16 Best Birthday Party Venues in Dallas for Kids & Adults

New Post has been published on https://happybirthdaydecor.com/birthday-party-venues-dallas

16 Best Birthday Party Venues in Dallas for Kids & Adults

Yes! Planning a birthday party can be a daunting task, and choosing the perfect venue is often the most critical part of the process. Whether you’re looking for an indoor or outdoor venue, something specialized or more traditional, there are plenty of options to choose from in Dallas.

Contents

1 Dallas Birthday Party Venues

2 Indoor Venues in Dallas

2.1 The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

2.2 KidZania Dallas

2.3 Dave & Buster’s

2.4 Partyplex Event Center

2.5 LEGOLAND Discovery Center

3 Outdoor Venues in Dallas

3.1 Arboretum and Botanical Garden

3.2 Bowl & Barrel

3.3 Dallas Zoo

3.4 Klyde Warren Park

3.5 Reunion Tower

4 Specialized Venues in Dallas

4.1 Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas

4.2 Dallas Karting Complex

4.3 iFLY Indoor Skydiving

4.4 Topgolf

4.5 Six Flags Over Texas

5 Dallas Map

6 FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Dallas Birthday Party Venues

Let’s explore the 16 best birthday party venues in Dallas, with options for every type of party and budget.

Indoor Venues in Dallas

Birthday parties are special events that allow us to celebrate the milestones in our lives with our loved ones. Choosing the right venue for a b-day party can be crucial in creating a memorable experience for the celebrant and their guests.

The Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park

Perfect for animal lovers, the Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park offers a unique and educational b-day party experience. Packages include a guided tour of the aquarium, party favors, and even a private animal encounter.

KidZania Dallas

An interactive city designed for children, where they can try out different careers and learn about the world around them. Party packages include admission for up to 20 guests, a private room, and a variety of add-ons like pizza, cake, and goody bags.

Dave & Buster’s

Ideal for older kids and teenagers, Dave & Buster’s offers a variety of party packages that include food, drinks, and unlimited games. With locations throughout Dallas, there’s sure to be a Dave & Buster’s near you.

Partyplex Event Center

With multiple rooms and themes to choose from, Partyplex Event Center is a versatile and affordable option for birthday parties. Packages include everything from bounce houses and face painting to cotton candy and popcorn machines.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center

LEGO fans will love the birthday party packages at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Parties include admission to the center, a private party room, LEGO building activities, and a dedicated party host.

Outdoor Venues in Dallas

Selecting the perfect outdoor venue can set the tone for a fantastic celebration.

Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a picturesque and natural setting for a bday party. Party packages include admission to the gardens, a private party area, and optional add-ons like face painting, balloon artists, and a petting zoo.

Bowl & Barrel

Bowling is always a hit at birthday parties, and Bowl & Barrel offers a trendy and upscale experience. Packages include bowling, food, and drinks, with private party areas available for groups of all sizes.

Dallas Zoo

Animal lovers will enjoy celebrating their birthday at the Dallas Zoo. Packages include admission to the zoo, a private party area, and add-ons.

Klyde Warren Park

For a more casual and laid-back bday party, Klyde Warren Park offers plenty of outdoor space and activities. Party packages include reserved seating, catering options, and access to games like giant Jenga and cornhole.

Reunion Tower

With breathtaking views of the city, Reunion Tower is a unique and memorable b-day party venue. Packages include a private party room, admission to the observation deck, and optional add-ons like a 3D photo booth and customized cake.

Specialized Venues in Dallas

Birthday parties are unique occasions that enable us to commemorate the significant milestones in our lives with the people we care about.

Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas

Movie lovers can enjoy a VIP experience at Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas. Party packages include a private screening room, catering options, and special features like reclining seats and in-theater dining.

Dallas Karting Complex

For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, Dallas Karting Complex offers high-speed go-kart racing. Party packages include private track rental, a dedicated race coordinator, and optional add-ons like catering and trophies.

iFLY Indoor Skydiving

Experience the thrill of skydiving without jumping out of a plane at iFLY Indoor Skydiving. Party packages include flight time, a personalized flight certificate, and a dedicated party host.

Topgolf

Golfers of all skill levels can enjoy a birthday party at Topgolf. Packages include reserved bays, food and drink options, and optional add-ons like arcade games and golf lessons.

Six Flags Over Texas

Roller coaster enthusiasts will love celebrating their birthday at Six Flags Over Texas. Packages include admission to the park, a private party area, and optional add-ons like a character visit or front-of-the-line passes.

Dallas Map

Legoland was worth the trip! Dallas had a blast for his🥳5️⃣th birthday 🥳building race cars 🏎 , pirate forts 🏴‍☠️, and helping all the LEGO movie stars defeat all the villains 🦹‍♂️! pic.twitter.com/HBtpdyfS8p

— Morgan Smith (@Bearcat_Track) June 29, 2019

Conclusion

Choosing the right birthday party venue can make all the difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for the bday boy or girl and their guests. With options ranging from indoor and outdoor venues to specialized and unique experiences, there’s something for everyone in Dallas. Take the time to consider the party’s theme, age group, and budget, and don’t be afraid to think outside the box for a truly unforgettable celebration.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

✅ How much does it cost to rent a party venue in Dallas?

The cost of renting a party venue in Dallas varies widely depending on the venue’s size, location, and amenities. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a party venue.

✅ How far in advance should I book a birthday party venue?

It’s best to book a birthday party venue as early as possible to ensure availability and secure the date. Ideally, aim to book at least 1-2 months in advance.

✅ Can I bring my own decorations to a party venue?

Most party venues allow you to bring your decorations, but it’s always best to check with the venue ahead of time to confirm any restrictions or guidelines.

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grannyandgrandpascreations · 3 years ago

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Hamm's Bear For President Garden Flag

Make your garden, your porch and/or your front yard stand out with our pretty, unique, and fun Garden Flag! Welcome to the land of the of the sky blue waters! The Hamm’s Beer Bear, Sascha, the mascot for Hamm’s Beer; For President Garden Flag is perfect for the Hamm’s Beer Lover or the Hamm’s Beer Collector! Sascha was a cartoon mascot used in television production and print advertisements for Hamm’s beer. The animated character was the first of its kind in the beer industry which makes this Garden Flag perfect for display in your yard!

Garden flags are an exciting and easy way to express yourself and add some color and cheer to your home, your porch and/or garden especially with the many different options of Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations Garden Flags! Decorative and eye-catching garden flag to theme your home outdoor yard. Our Garden Flags make great Housewarming Gifts!

Granny and Grandpa’s Custom Creations can also personalize your Garden Flag with a monogram, your family name and much, much more; please reach out to us at grannyscustomcreations [!at] gmail.com to personalize your Garden Flag.

Our designed is on a durable 11.81 x 17.72 inches, white single layer, polyester durable garden flag. Resistant for all weather. Vibrant Colors. Durable. Flag pole NOT included. Fabric Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, no bleach, no softener. Do not dry clean. Do not iron. Air dry. All items are created or designed by Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations. We also print and heat press our items using our professional, commercial grade heat press! Each design is made with High Quality, Heat Transfer Vinyl.

After a package leaves my hands with the post office, Granny & Grandpa's Custom Creations is not held responsible. Current Turnaround Time due to upcoming Holidays - 1-5 Business Days. While we always use priority shipping options, once shipped we cannot guarantee delivery due to the backlog current being experienced USPS/UPS/FedEx. If you have a strict deadline, please message me when ordering so that I can note any rush requests. Ownership of packages turned over to USPS transfers to the Buyer. We are not responsible for lost, held, damaged packages or delayed packages, once your package(s) leaves our Shop it is completely out of our control. Thank you for understanding!

Thank you so much for supporting our "small Granny & Grandpa's Shop", we truly appreciate YOU!

Please visit www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com/shop to view more of our creations!

Due to different picture lighting settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

LET’S GET SOCIAL & BE FRIENDS! Like, Tag & Follow us for Our new Creations, Inspiration & Giveaways!

website/ www.grannygrandpascustomcreations.com/shop

facebook.com/ https://www.facebook.com/GrandpaHandmadecreations/

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#grannygrandpascustomcreations

Make your garden, your porch and/or your front yard stand out with our pretty, unique, and fun Garden Flag!

Welcome to the land of the of the sky blue waters! The Hamm’s Beer Bear, Sascha, the mascot for Hamm’s Beer; For President Garden Flag is perfect for the Hamm’s Beer Lover or the Hamm’s Beer Collector! Sascha was a cartoon mascot used in television production and print advertisements for Hamm’s beer. The animated character was the first of its kind in the beer industry which makes this Garden Flag perfect for display in your yard!

A tidbit - The Hamm’s Bear, Sascha was named after the wife of the original founder of the company.

Granny & Grandpa’s Custom Creations can also personalize your Garden Flag with a monogram, your family name and much, much more; please reach out to us at [email protected] to personalize your Garden Flag.

Our designed is on a durable 11.81 x 17.72 inches, white single/double layer, polyester durable garden flag.

Fabric Care Instructions: Machine wash cold, no bleach, no softener. Do not dry clean. Do not iron. Air dry.

Due to different light settings the actual color might vary a bit from the pictures.

Flag post is NOT included.

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antoine-roquentin · 4 years ago

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obliquely, this is in reference to how formerly working class bastions in the midwest that used to elect socialists now elect republicans. if we all gave up the theory that LGBT people are normal, we might once again go back to the days where we elected socialists across the country. thomas frank, what’s the matter with kansas:

But its periodic bouts of leftism were what really branded Kansas with the mark of the freak. Every part of the country in the nineteenth century had labor upheavals and protosocialist reform movements, of course. In Kansas, though, the radicals kept coming out on top. It was as though the blank landscape prompted dreams of a blank-slate society, a place where institutions might be remade as the human mind saw fit. Maps of the state from the 1880s show a hamlet (since vanished) called Radical City; in nearby Crawford County the town of Girard was home to the Appeal to Reason, a socialist newspaper whose circulation was in the hundreds of thousands. In that same town, in 1908, Eugene Debs gave a fiery speech accepting the Socialist Party’s nomination for president; in 1912 Debs actually carried Crawford County, one of four he won nationwide. (All were in the Midwest.) In 1910 Theodore Roosevelt signaled his own lurch to the left by traveling to Kansas and giving an inflammatory address in Osawatomie, the onetime home of John Brown.

The most famous freak-out of them all was Populism, the first of the great American leftist movements.* Populism tore through other states as well—wailing all across Texas, the South, and the West in the 1890s—but Kansas was the place that really distinguished itself by its enthusiasm. Driven to the brink of ruin by years of bad prices, debt, and deflation, the state’s farmers came together in huge meetings where homegrown troublemakers like Mary Elizabeth Lease exhorted them to “raise less corn and more hell.” The radicalized farmers marched through the small towns in day-long parades, raging against what they called the “money power.” And despite all the clamor, they still managed to take the state’s traditional Republican masters utterly by surprise in 1890, sweeping the small-town slickers out of office and ending the careers of many a career politician. In the decade that followed they elected Populist governors, Populist senators, Populist congressmen, Populist supreme court justices, Populistcity councils, and probably Populist dogcatchers, too; men of strong ideas, curious nicknames, and a colorful patois....

For a generation, Kansas has been the testing-ground for every experiment in morals, politics, and social life. Doubt of all existing institutions has been respectable. Nothing has been venerable or revered merely because it exists or has endured. Prohibition, female suffrage, fiat money, free silver, every incoherent and fantastic dream of social improvement and reform, every economic delusion that has bewildered the foggy brains of fanatics, every political fallacy nurtured by misfortune, poverty and failure, rejected elsewhere, has here found tolerance and advocacy.

Today the two myths are one. Kansas may be the land of averageness, but it is a freaky, militant, outraged averageness. Kansas today is a burned-over district of conservatism where the backlash propaganda has woven itself into the fabric of everyday life. People in suburban Kansas City vituperate against the sinful cosmopolitan elite of New York and Washington, D.C.; people in rural Kansas vituperate against the sinful cosmopolitan elite of Topeka and suburban Kansas City. Survivalist supply shops sprout in neighborhood strip-malls. People send Christmas cards urging their friends to look on the bright side of Islamic terrorism, since the Rapture is now clearly at hand.

Under the state’s simple blue flag are gathered today some of the most flamboyant cranks, conspiracists, and calamity howlers the Republic has ever seen. The Kansas school board draws the guffaws of the world for purging state science standards of references to evolution. Cities large and small across the state still hold out against water fluoridation, while one tiny hamlet takes the additional step of requiring firearms in every home. A prominent female politician expresses public doubts about the wisdom of women’s suffrage, while another pol proposes that the state sell off the Kansas Turnpike in order to solve its budget crisis. Impoverished inhabitants of the state’s most scenic area fight with fanatical determination to prevent a national park from opening up in their neighborhood, while the rails-to-trails program, regarded everywhere else in the union as a harmless scheme for family fun, is reviled in Kansas as an infernal design on the rights of property owners. Operation Rescue selects Wichita as the stage for its great offensive against abortion, calling down thirty thousand testifying fundamentalists on the city, witnessing and blocking traffic and chaining themselves to fences. A preacher from Topeka travels the nation advising Americans to love God’s holy hate, showing up wherever a gay person has been in the news to announce that “God Hates Fags.” Survivalists and secessionists dream of backyard confederacies out on the lone prairie; schismatic Catholics declare the pope himself to be insufficiently Catholic; Posses Comitatus hold imaginary legal proceedings, sternly prosecuting state officials for participating in actual legal proceedings; and homegrown terrorists swap conspiracy theories at a house in Dickinson County before screaming off to strike a blow against big government in Oklahoma City.

the problem with this simple story is that social liberalism actually grew in lockstep with an economic policy tailored to the poor. in the 70s, the most common place to get gender reassignment surgery was at a catholic hospital in small town colorado. in 2010, in response to deep opposition in the town, the practice was forced to move to california. the second most common place was at a baptist hospital in oklahoma city, where such surgery was viewed as routine until a number of religious leaders decided to oppose it in the 70s. at the same time, many other religious leaders spoke out in favour of the surgery, saying that it comported well with religious tenets.

likewise, colorado legalized abortion in 1967, as did states like kansas, missouri, georgia, and north and south carolina prior to roe v wade. today, these states are considered anti-abortion and anti-lgbt hotspots, yet prior to the late 70s, compassion for such people was viewed as paramount in the life of america’s christians. so what happened? it clearly wasn’t an emphasis on the social aspects of poor american lives that shifted the political arena in favour of religious conservatism. rather, as thomas frank points out in the same book:

Nobody mows their own lawn in Mission Hills anymore, and only a foot soldier in its armies of gardeners would park a Pontiac there. The doctors who lived near us in the seventies have pretty much been gentrified out, their places taken by the bankers and brokers and CEOs who have lapped them repeatedly on the racetrack of status and income. Every time I paid Mission Hills a visit during the nineties, it seemed another of the more modest houses in our neighborhood had been torn down and replaced by a much larger edifice, a three-story stone chateau, say, bristling with turrets and porches and dormers and gazebos and a three-car garage. The dark old palaces from the twenties sprouted spiffy new slate roofs, immaculately tailored gardens, remote-controlled driveway gates, and sometimes entire new wings. One grand old pile down the street from us was fitted with shiny new gutters made entirely of copper. A new house a few doors down from Esrey’s spread is so large it has two multicar garages, one at either end.

These changes are of course not unique to Mission Hills. What has gone on there is normal in its freakishness. You can observe the same changes in Shaker Heights or La Jolla or Winnetka or Ann Coulter’s hometown of New Canaan, Connecticut. They reflect the simplest and hardest of economic realities: The fortunes of Mission Hills rise and fall in inverse relation to the fortunes of ordinary working people. When workers are powerful, taxes are high, and labor is expensive (as was the case from World War II until the late seventies), the houses built here are smaller, the cars domestic, the servants rare, and the overgrown look fashionable in gardening circles. People read novels about eccentric English aristocrats trapped in a democratic age, sighing sadly for their lost world.

When workers are weak, taxes are down, and labor is cheap (as in the twenties and again today), Mission Hills coats itself in shimmering raiments of gold and green. Now the stock returns are plush, the bonus packages fat, the servants affordable, and the suburb finds that the princely life isn’t dead after all. It builds new additions and new fountains and new Italianate porches overlooking Olympic-sized flower gardens maintained by shifts of laborers. People read books about the glory of empire. The kids get Porsches or SUVs when they turn sixteen; the houses with asphalt roofs discreetly disappear; the wings that were closed off are triumphantly reopened, and all is restored to its former grandeur. Times may be hard where you live, but here events have yielded a heaven on earth, a pleasure colony out of the paintings of Maxfield Parrish.

america's workers and small farmers were saved by the reforms of the 1930s, as frank explains, then crushed as the wealthy found out how to squirrel away their taxes (in part thanks to the collapse of the british empire), accumulate wealth away from prying eyes, lobby the government for preferential treatment, and between 1976 and 2000, triumph completely in the political domain. mission hill donates more money to politicians than the rest of kansas combined. unions are swamped in state politics, and see declining fortunes. as a result, neoliberal social atomization takes effect, which sees even workers demanding beggar-thy-neighbour policies. and when thy neighbour is socially distinct from you, it becomes easier to justify voting for such politics based on a survival instinct. the majority of the working class tuned out and do not vote any more. among the rest, low skilled working class jobs in highly stratified and inequitable cities vote democrat, hoping for some patronage from the white collar creative class voters they serve, while blue collar skilled workers tend to vote republican, devoid of any examples of class politics in their lives with the death of unions and hoping to keep their share of wages against their only opposition, the tax man.

ultimately, any socially liberal politics sustained by donations from rich big city donors is unsustainable. on the other hand, the notion that “woke” politics is holding back leftism is, save for a few clearly absurd situations (robin diangelo, for instance) also wrong. economic leftism leads to social leftism, because respect to the working class leads to respect for its identities. neoliberal atomization is a much deeper force than can be surmounted at the ballot box, even in a primary, but it is always an economic force first and foremost.

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dragonrajafanfiction · 3 years ago

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Caesar Gattuso - Year One

Cassell College, Norton Hall

Norton Hall was not accustomed to this level of decadence. The stately hall had hosted its own manner of events that catered to lords and ladies in the fashion of high society, but this event had the formality of a massive rock concert-slash-frat party. Although the sun had set, it was still technically Freedom Day and Caesar Gattuso had made his presence known in his first year by winning the contest. Now it was time to cement his legacy. As soon as the announcement of the winner was read, trucks rushed to surround Norton Hall and opened their back doors to reveal equipment that had to have been ordered weeks in advance. Huge speakers, stage equipment, sound, lighting and confetti. By the time the guests arrived, the music was loud enough to shake the building.

The blue and white Sikorsky helicopter, the mother of all helicopters, swooped over Norton Hall blowing the hair of the women and sending decorations flying. A rope was lowered down and Caesar Gattuso - year one - swung down recklessly, a vicious cold smile on his face, firing a gun in the air. There was a moment of gaiety and joy as the new students of the Student Union welcomed their President with cheers and raised glasses and thunderous applause.

Caesar landed cleanly in his Cassell Uniform, that old green, but he quickly tossed away that jacket to reveal his bare muscular chest. A huge crate landed on the ground next to him and he opened it and pulled out a huge gun that looked like a bazooka and fired it into the air. The rocket exploded into bright red fireworks and he laughed, like a joyous king on conquering the enemy capital. The jacket soared into the gathered crowd in the garden where the women in bathing suits pounced on it, tearing and yanking on it like packs of hyenas. The day was hot and humid and the perfect time for a pool party. There should not have been any time to build a real pool but Caesar anticipated his win so far in advance that he ordered the sculpture garden revamped. The water was just ready enough as he made his entrance and all the guests dove into a new pool that stretched the length of the backyard.

Dancers surrounded the pool in sequined bathing suits waving feather fronds in their own individual spotlights. The walls of the outside of the building were covered in billboard-sized LED screens so people could watch themselves party. The sound and lighting alone had to cost a few hundred grand and the power demands were so great that generator trucks sat outside. But Caesar doesn’t care about time, money, or restrictions. That’s why he hires people. He just wanted it done and Caesar had over staffed. The attendance was bloated with waiters pouring champagne, valets taking clothes to lockers, cooks replenishing the buffet and cleaning up crew to cart away the bottles. He never wanted his guests to wait or wonder when the next plate of hors dourves would pass by. He wanted everyone to get roaring drunk. And they weren't drinking from some old well. They were drinking the finest, top-shelf liquor and spirits a Gattuso could afford.

And that meant all of them, open bar.

Security detail especially was huge. Caesar was accustomed to party crashers. Before you could even approach Norton Hall on this night you had to get through layers of checkpoints. If you weren’t on the list, you couldn’t even approach the street the building was on and had to watch and listen from a distance, knowing that you just weren’t good enough to make the cut for Student Union.

Nono was poolside, cooling her toes in the water. Her bikini accentuated the curves of her body and the length of her legs. If anything was worthy about Cassell it was her. Despite the rich and joyous smiles of everyone around, their eyes met easily over the fray and the noise. She was calm as though this was a nice day at the beach and that unruffled manner in a sea of revelry just made his heart beat faster. He made his way over to her and offered her her own glass of Champagne which she accepted with serene grace.

“Enjoying the party?” He asked, sitting down next to her.

She sipped, her eyes taking in the scene in front of her.. “Hm. It’s certainly fun watching everyone have such a good time. But I’m more curious about what’s happening next door.”

He followed her gaze. The revamping of the backyard to accommodate the pool had left a gap in the shrubbery and they could both see the cars parked out in front of Amber Hall as a shield. “Those flags on the antennae of the cars don’t come from any coat of arms or country I’ve ever seen. What about you?”

“It does seem like a state visit. The student inside registered as His Royal Highness.” Caesar smirked a bit. “But results on his exam are still pending. We’ll see how much of a King he really is.”

“Are you planning to start a war?” Her eyes sparkled with intrigue, that unique shade of crimson that fascinated him the moment he saw it the first time.

“Well, they’ve drawn the battleline already haven’t they?” Caesar’s eyes glittered with malicious humor. “Kings are meant to be conquered.” He finished off his glass and a waiter was there to take it immediately. “But since you’re so interested. Shall we go spy on the neighbors?”

“You’re going to ditch your own party that you paid millions for?” Nono snorted.

“I will if you want to.” He said softly, so that only she could hear.

Nono suddenly felt a perverse rise in rebellion at this but, in fact, she was curious who those people were. She didn’t answer verbally. She just stood up and started walking. Caesar followed.

The only way to see over the trucks was to rise to the second floor but this mystery family had even thought of that and installed black tarps over the garden where people could go outside if they wanted fresh air. These tarps extended from the second story windows of Amber Hall to the SUVs. The rest of the grounds were empty of people. Nono had her bare legs over Caesar’s bare shoulders on the open air balcony, using binoculars to peer in though a tiny gap between the tarps, watching people pass by a single window. Because they thought the tarps would hide it, they left that window uncovered.

“They look older. The people in attendance aren’t students. But they must all be hybrids. Some of them are armed. I saw one with a gun earlier.” Nono said. “They look antique though. Nothing modern.”

“Old men come to cosplay? Typical royal family. Turns out this isn’t as interesting as I thought it would be.” Caesar said.

As soon as those words left his mouth, a sound reached his ears, soft, but unmistakable. A gunshot. Caesar blinked in confusion, not sure if he had heard right. Then another and another!

“Something’s happened, the crowd is scattering!” Nono said.

He lowered Nono from his shoulders.. “Get down!”

“Hey, put me back up!”

But Caesar had already vaulted over the balcony and landed on his feet, dashing towards Amber Hall. Nono followed him, determined not to let him get to know what was going on before she did.

-------------

While Dominic was taking his royal vows, a pair of green eyes watched him from the upper floor of Amber Hall. Those Green eyes belonged to Tjark - silent T - Beninga. He was also in a Cassell Uniform but stayed in the shadows. He’d heard of Dominic from his family after he got accepted to Cassell, his parents had applied for him to go here as a ‘special assignment’. His family were underground merchants, mercenaries, and the rich people below needed someone to watch their favored son and with his high level blood, he was a shoe in for the job. It wasn’t until after his arrival did he understand that his job wasn’t to protect the little prince, but to keep him from escaping.

Apparently, he didn’t want to be a prince. Tough break. You can’t pick your parentage.

But he didn’t mind being on watch duty. Dominic was easy on the eyes. If he played his cards right, perhaps he could be promoted to his closest side rather than being a peripheral.

When Dominic fell to the floor, he sat up straight watching Sylke race to him with a feeling of jealousy. That is until his black sword nearly took off her head and the gun fired. Dominic was running up the stairs, firing the pistol, efficiently dropping people one by one and he felt his heart flutter with amazement, excitement, and admiration. He hadn’t really believed this guy was an escape artist. Now he could see it with his own eyes. His job was to stop him from getting away at any cost.

The man was racing right for him towards a second story window, but Tjark simply raised his foot to catch his shin. Dominic fell forward but twisted his body immediately to face him. His eyes were crazed and desperate. He was running for real.

Tjark was top of his class in Taekwondo, Karate and Judo and immediately as he saw that fiery bright light in Dominic’s eyes he felt it spark in him. He no longer had to hold back for sporting rules of competition. He wondered how many hits this guy could take as he lashed out with his fists against and again.

But each time he struck, Dominic continued to back away, ducking, keeping his distance and blocking with one arm. Until he reached the window. Tjark saw his plan and hurried to block him from jumping through. That glass wasn’t the safe kind that could break into little pebbles but the kind that would shatter into sharp blades.

Dominic raised the pistol and fired at Tjark’s head and Tjark ducked away.

Dominic recklessly leaped through it, crystal shards tearing into his suit as he rolled down the tarps to the vans with Tjark right behind him. “Are you insane?” He asked, laughing.

Dominic didn’t answer, he just turned, fired the gun once, but his aim missed. He leaped down from the SUV and took off towards where Caesar and Nono were approaching with stunned looks on their faces. He passed them with the full unnatural speed of a hybrid.

“Nice ass, buddy!” Tjark hollered as he passed them. “Just let me handle this and go back to your party! I’ll see you later!”

Caesar sneered.

When Tjark turned back around, Dominic was on him like a tiger. As soon as he realized Tjark was distracted he turned right back around, ran back to him and destroyed his temple with a roundhouse kick that knocked him flat to the pavement. He pulled a pistol and shot him once before turning and running away.

Nono gasped and rushed to where Tjark was lying on the ground.

“He’s fine. That was an alchemy round. He’ll wake up in about thirty minutes.”

At this time, people were pouring out of Amber Hall. “Find him! Don’t let him get away!”

Caesar’s eyes widened. This was way more fun than a frat party. A game of hide and seek, a scavenger hunt, a chase. He had to keep this in mind for the next Day of Liberty. He turned and ran back towards Norton Hall.

“Where are you going?” Nono asked.

He shouted over his shoulder. The cold light in his eyes was replaced by a fiery challenge. “This is way more interesting. You’re right! I’m going to join in!”

#Dragon Raja #Dominic

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bethelina · 4 years ago

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Big Trouble in Radiant Garden

Contains: Tiny Ven, Big Terra, Big Aqua, Big Lea, Big Isa, size shenanigans, handhelds, protective angst

Word Count: ~4,475

Warnings: Drowning mention, Birth by Sleep mid-game spoilers(?)

Summary: When Ventus leaves Castle of Dreams and arrives in Radian Garden, he finds that he is still only a few inches tall. Ventus spots Terra and tries to flag him down. Unfortunately for Ven, it isn’t Terra that notices him, but the Unversed.

Note: I’m sorry for this stupid little dabble, but I was challenged to rewrite the scene where Ven and Lea meet, but in a G/t context. I wasn’t planning on posting this, but I was pressured into it. XD This was a quick one-shot, so it’s not my best writing. But it’s a fun little haha romp nonetheless.

Ventus strode across the smooth expanse of stone that comprised a great courtyard, looking at his surroundings with wide eyes. Something felt off about this new world. For some reason, this enormous courtyard seemed to span a mile in diameter, easily. Behind him and flanking the edges of the great expanse lay huge swaths of flowers. Flowers that stood taller than the young keybearer.

“What is going on?” Ventus muttered to himself. His mind must have been playing tricks on him, but he quickly realized something was terribly wrong. It wasn’t just his imagination.

“Why am I still so small?!” he shouted to no one in particular.

The last world he had visited had been truly bizarre. He had found himself greatly outsized by everything around him. At first, he assumed it was a world of giants. He could now see that he had somehow shrunk down to just a few inches in height. And to make matters worse, leaving that world did nothing to alleviate him of his… condition.

Previously, he had met a young lady named Cinderella. She was so big (or rather, he was so small), he had easily fit within her hand. She had mistaken him for a mouse, which didn’t make any sense to Ventus. Granted, she did have talking mice as friends… and those mice also wore clothes. During his travels, Ventus had learned that every world was completely different and unique. He had accepted that talking mice wearing shirts and shoes was par for the course.

“I wonder what happened to me?” he asked softly. He lifted his arms and examined them. Holding out his hand, he easily summoned his keyblade. “At least that is still okay.” Sighing, he dismissed his weapon and rubbed the back of his neck. “I guess I better start walking.”

His trek across the courtyard was taking a lot longer than he expected. This place was even bigger than he had originally thought. He considered summoning his keyblade glider, but decided against it. He couldn’t afford any locals spotting his otherworldly weapon. Speaking of which, he spotted a giant young boy walking alongside an even bigger man near the far edge of the expanse. He would have been shocked to see their huge sizes, if he hadn’t already met Cinderella. He briefly wondered if they would be mindful of his tiny size. Thankfully, the two were walking in a different direction.

After nearly ten minutes, Ventus reached the far side of the courtyard at the bottom of a huge slope. The flowers, with their assortment of colors, intrigued him. Just for fun, he decided to measure himself next to a yellow tulip.

“Yep, they’re taller than me alright,” he chuckled to himself.

Behind him, Ventus felt a rumble that quickly grew in intensity. Someone was coming! THUD! A shoe twice as long as he was pounded the ground right next to him. Before he could think, a curtain of cloth swept over him and sent Ventus rolling away into the flowerbed.

“Ah!” Ventus fearfully shouted when he finally stopped rolling. It had all happened so quickly. The titan didn’t hear him and continued on his path. Shaking his head, he slowly lifted himself upward, unable to see past the tops of the flowers. As quick as he could, he ran out onto the paved floor to catch a sight of the giant that had sent him sprawling.

His heart dropped. The giant of a man wore sweeping, light-brown samurai pants, a dark skin-tight shirt, and had stylized brown hair.

“Terra?” the boy whispered, reaching out a tentative hand. Terra seemed to be on a mission, focused forward, and getting farther with every booming step. He hadn’t even noticed that he had nearly trampled little Ventus in his haste. And if Ventus didn’t do something soon, he would never notice him.

“TERRA!!!” he shouted, scrambling into an all-out sprint. His heart pounded and spurred him faster after the quickly retreating giant. What was he going to do if he couldn’t get Terra’s attention? His mind raced with fearful predictions. He had to catch up to Terra! He just had to!

THUD thud thud. He was too far away. There was no way Terra was going to see him now. Ven slowed to a walk, finally collapsing to his knees, his hands bracing on the stone. Squeezing his eyes shut, he quietly asked, “How am I supposed to get help now?”

Ventus didn’t have very long to contemplate before he heard more sounds of life around him. This time, they were the unmistakable squirming sound of Unversed. Jumping into a defensive stance, he summoned his keyblade.

“Oh no…”

A group of the squiggly floods surrounded him, accompanied by three archravens. Normally, Ventus would have these pesky interlopers dealt with in no time. That is, if they were not several times his size.

“That’s not fair!” he shouted at them. “Why aren’t you small like the Unversed in Cinderella’s world?”

The floods merely twitched their spikey appendages as they silently judged him. One made a lunge, and Ventus quickly countered with his keyblade. It barely budged under his pressure. Another was approaching from the side. With quick thinking, Ventus threw his keyblade in its direction. His weapon bounced off its side, only annoying the creature more than anything. These things were way too big!

He winced and held out his hand for his returning keyblade. However, an archraven plucked him off the ground as easily as it would a worm as it took to the sky, forcing his keyblade to clatter across the stone.

Ventus watched with horror as the ground fell away from him. He dangled precariously from the beak of the bird by the scruff of his collar. “Put me down this instant!” he shouted. The Unversed didn’t seem to care.

He held out his trembling arm and willed his weapon to return, his whole body being battered by the winds whipping by. As soon as it reappeared within his grasp, the boy thrust it backwards toward the monster. The motion only succeeded in twisting him around. Without anything to stand on, he was horribly unstable.

The archraven flew at stomach-churning speed, passing many houses, stores, and fountains. Ventus scanned the rapidly passing scenery. Something around here could be of use.

Even better, someone—two someones.

In the courtyard below stood two keyblade wielders. One had cropped blue hair, while the other was nearly responsible for his earlier demise. They both were squaring up with an (even more) monstrous Unversed.

“Aqua!” shouted the tiny blond at the top of his lungs. “Terra!”

Aqua and Terra didn’t seem to notice. The archraven was circling too high. Not to mention they had their hands full, deflecting attacks from the huge armor-like creature. Just when Ventus was about to give up hope, luck would have the archraven swoop down toward the two new victims.

“AQUA! TERRA!” He twisted, kicked, and shouted with all his might. “Up here! Look up here!!”

Aqua’s head whipped around as she zeroed in on her dangling friend. A gasp escaped her lips. “Ven?!”

Ventus waved even harder. “Aqua! It’s me! Help!”

Terra finally noticed the commotion. A look of confused shock rippled across his face. “Ven? What happened?” The armored Unversed didn’t let this opening go to waste as it zoomed forward with a counterattack. The two older keyblade wielders refocused on their enemy, just barely holding their ground.

“We’ll come help you Ven! Just as soon as we can!” Aqua yelled, her eyes still locked on the enormous monster.

The archraven must have decided these two new victims weren’t worth its trouble. With two powerful flaps, it zoomed off. Ventus irritably swung his keyblade at the bird again. He swung back and forth, but made no contact.

An idea quickly brewed in his mind and he began swinging from side to side, gaining momentum. At the peak of his swing, he threw his keyblade in an arc upwards—right at the creature’s eye.

“Let me go!”

Amazingly, it hit the target despite the forward motion and air resistance. The archraven recoiled and opened its beak just enough to allow his collar to slip out. Ventus’ expression went blank as he fell.

Falling towards the ground backwards was the most terrifying thing Ventus had ever experienced. He couldn’t breathe. He couldn’t think. Then—splash! He was submerged in water. More water poured and spilled all around, mixing together with the already accumulated liquid. The boy spun round and round in the churning water, unsure of which way was up. A panic welled up inside him, and air began to bubble out of his lungs.

Something large and cushiony swept underneath him, pulling him upward. He breached the surface, sputtering and gasping for air. Feeling the surface of his leathery platform, Ventus quickly realized what he was sitting on—a hand. He looked upward past the orange top and yellow scarf to the face of the giant who had saved him.

The teen’s sea-green eyes widened as they locked onto his tiny form. He exhaled and shook his head in wonder, his bright red hair swaying as he did so. “What are you?” he asked curiously, the giant’s voice reverberating around him. “And what were you doing in the water?”

Ventus laughed nervously and began to wipe the water off of his face and arms. The guy looked to be about his age—maybe a year or two older. If he was kind enough to pull him out of the water, he was mostly likely in safe hands. “I kinda fell in.”

The redhead smirked. “I noticed.”

“Lea,” said a booming voice behind them. “What are you doing now? Rescuing stray puppies from the fountain?” Another teenage boy came into view. This one had similar eyes, but his hair was a dark blue, not unlike Aqua’s. “We have things to do.”

Lea turned to his friend. “Not a puppy, Isa…” He held his hand out to display the tiny human held entirely within his cupped palm.

The giant named Isa zeroed in on Ventus, subtly balking at the sight.

“Hi, I’m Ventus,” he offered to the two giants with a little wave. “But you can call me Ven.” Since they were so big, he could only look at one at a time.

The redhead cued in on his tiny motion, a huge smile breaking out over his face at the sight. “The name’s Lea,” he said with bravado, pointing his free thumb at his chest. “And this doofus—” he added, pointing backwards, “is Isa.”

Isa bonked Lea on the back of his head. “I think you’re confusing yourself with me.” He attempted to appear annoyed, but a whisper of a smile on his lip betrayed his front.

Ventus grinned up at the two giants, feeling much more at ease. He was suddenly glad that it was a warm day. Even though this giant’s hand gave off a nice warmth, he would have caught a chill from that dunking. Regardless, when a small wind whipped around them, it sent a shiver up his spine. The giant seemed to notice and removed the yellow bandana from around his neck. He extended it out to the tiny boy standing in his palm.

“Thanks Lea,” Ventus said, graciously accepting a very small corner of the enormous cloth as he began to wipe himself down. It could have been cut in half four times, and each piece would have been able to cover a double bed with room to spare. “And thanks for saving me.”

“No prob. You’re really small, you know? You could get hurt!”

He rubbed his face and neck down. “You’re telling me.”

Isa watched with quiet curiosity, a faint smile still lingering on his face.

He finished wiping the remaining water as best he could and returned the bandana into the awaiting hand. Lea lowered the parachute-sized cloth out of sight, presumably to his lap Ventus imagined.

“So Ven, what are you?” Lea asked, lifting him a bit higher. His eyes searched him with curiosity. “Some kind of fae?

The tiny blond felt a bit self-conscious under the scrutiny of such large beings. Was fae another word for a fairy? He had never met a fairy, but if they were the same size as his current stature, they would be tiny things indeed. Ventus made a mental note to be slow and gentle should he ever encounter one.

“I’m not normally this small,” he said, looking down to examine his body. “I’m usually at least this much bigger.” He hovered his hand a few inches over his head. At least, it was a few inches relative to him.

This elicited a full-blown smirk out of Isa and a hearty laugh out of Lea. The hand holding Ventus shook with his laughter, causing the blond to stumble. Before he could fall, the other hand came swooping up to steady him between finger and thumb.

“Heh, sorry about that, little guy.”

Ventus let go of the retreating fingers and tried his best to give a confident stance on his ever-shifting platform. “It’s alright,” he said, giving a thumbs up. “I was my proper size this morning. And then…” he motioned to himself, “this.”

Ventus did not think it wise to mention this size seemed to be a left-over from the previous world. He knew, above all else, he had to keep the knowledge of other worlds a secret.

“Did someone preform experiments on you?” Lea asked, his eyes growing. A curled finger approached and gently lifted one of Ventus’ arms for closer examination.

“No,” the blond said. He allowed this but shifted nervously on the enormous palm. He didn’t think the giant would hurt him; nevertheless, he couldn’t help but feel uneasy at being so easily manipulated. “Well, at least, I don’t think so.”

Lea’s finger withdrew. “It’s like someone tried to make you the size of a squirrel, Ven!”

“More like a mouse,” Isa added.

“Never heard that one before,” Ventus sarcastically retorted with a playful grin.

“Maybe it was that wizard who moved in recently,” Lea mused.

Isa shook his head. “More likely, it was the lord scientist.”

“Who?” Upon their looks of disbelief, Ventus quickly added, “I’m actually not from around here.”

This seemed reasonable enough to Lea as he explained. “The lord of the castle. They call him Ansem the Wise. He’s a scientist, goes everywhere in a white lab coat.”

Ventus cocked his head. “Wait. Does he have really long blond hair?”

Isa nodded silently.

“I think I saw him earlier today. He was with a little—eh, well—a young boy. Blue hair.”

“That’s him,” Lea said. “The two of them like to get ice cream from the same place we do.”

“Same flavor too,” Isa said.

“There’s been some weird stuff happening around here lately. We think he’s doing some experiments.” Lea continued. “We’re kinda worried about the kid. He’s never said so much as a word to us. The lord seems a nice enough guy, but…”

“We’re not entirely convinced,” Isa finished.

Ventus nodded at the two giants.

“We hope that the lord isn’t doing any kind of experiments on him. But something is happening. Somewhere in that castle.”

“Which is where we were going before you got side-tracked, Lea,” the blue-haired teen said in a tone that reminded Ventus of the Master.

“Yeah, but how could I have let our new little friend drown?” Lea flashed him the biggest puppy-dog eyes as he lifted Ventus level with his head. The tiny boy had to grab his raised thumb for balance, flashing a nervous smile at the blue-haired giant.

Isa sighed and shook his huge head, placing a hand on his side. “You’re obnoxious. What am I ever going to with you? The both of you.”

Lea flashed him an even wider smile, chuckling. He lowered Ven back down to mid-chest height, suddenly very solemn. “If Ven’s size really is the result of one of his experiments, we can’t let lord Ansem get his hands on him. Or any of his minions, either. We have to take him somewhere safe.”

Ventus frowned as he concentrated. He didn’t know about this Ansem guy, but he would rather be safe than sorry. In any case, he needed to get back to Terra and Aqua. They could surely help him. Knowing how skilled they were, they were bound to be finished with the Unversed by now. If only Ventus could find them. He was way too small to go about searching for them all by himself. Even if he could find them, who’s to say they would see him? Terra didn’t notice him from just a few feet away, and nearly stepped on him to boot. However, if he could have these two new friends to help him, perhaps it was possible.

“About that,” Ventus started, “maybe you could help me. I’ve been looking for—”

But Ventus was never able to finish his sentence, for at that very moment, a voice from a mile or two down the path (from Ven’s perspective) shouted out, “Excuse me!”

An eternal moment of shock froze the three teenagers. Just an instant later, it was over. The hand that had been holding Ventus suddenly folded up around him. A small yelp escaped his lips as the pillars of flesh encased him in darkness. He was rotated and lowered in an arcing motion, making his head spin. Dazed, he tried to piece together what had just happened. By his best guess, Lea had him in a fist and was hiding him behind his back. He pushed the leathery skin away from his face. He only hoped Lea could keep him hidden from this new giant, whoever it was.

“Have either of you seen a boy about your age,” asked the voice, muffled by the folds of skin. A familiar voice. The fingers around him tensed up as the voice continued. “He has blond hair and would be about… this small.”

Terra!

Ventus began squirming around in the darkness. He had to somehow inform Lea that this person was his friend. The giant hand squeezed him twice in quick secession, silently asking him to keep still and quiet. The squeezes were gentle but nevertheless frightening. He realized how easily one of his tiny bones could be broken at the slightest oversight of one of these giants. Even accidently, a great deal of harm could befall little Ventus, and there was no way he could stop these titans, which to him may as well be forces of nature.

“What’s it to you?” came Lea’s voice with a certain sharpness. Although his voice was muffled through the thick skin surrounding Ventus, it still boomed around him.

“No need to get angry,” said a female voice. “We just need to know if you’ve seen him.”

Aqua!

It was just his luck. By trying to protect him, these giants were keeping him from the two people who could potentially help him. It really wasn’t his day.

“You two get out of the castle much?” Isa’s voice snidely remarked.

“What?” asked Terra’s voice.

His chance at reunion was quickly slipping away. Ventus struggled with renewed vigor. Again, the hand squeezed, just as gentle, but this time slower and sustained. Lea wasn’t going to release him in front of Terra and Aqua.

He slipped his hand through the small opening made by the creases of skin. Fervently, he patted his minuscule hand against the outer skin of the giant one. Whether Lea was too distracted to notice or couldn’t feel the slight sensation, Ventus didn’t know.

There were no options left. Ventus summoned all of his strength and breathed in deep and steady. He cupped his hands around his mouth and aimed for the small gap in the skin.

“TERRA!”

Everything stopped. And then, his world in the darkness flung into motion again.

“Where is he?!” Terra shouted. His voice came from just beside Lea. “Where are you hiding him?!”

Lea’s hand jerked in every direction, seemingly all at once. Ventus thought he was going to be sick. Then the motions grew sharper.

“Let me go!” Lea shouted. “Don’t you dare take him! I won’t let—aaaahhh!”

The tiny boy was rotated upside down as Lea screamed in pain. Light streamed through parting fingers. And for the second time that day, Ventus found himself falling through the air.

Because this fall was so brief, he had only enough time to yelp before landing into a second hand. This new hand, which was smoother with slender fingers, pulled him away from the action. From his vantage point, he could see Terra gripping Lea’s shirt with one hand and wrenching Lea’s wrist back with the other.

“Don’t you touch him!” Lea sputtered, but Terra only gripped his shirt tighter.

Disorientated and a bit stunned, Ventus looked up into the face of his new holder. “Aqua?” he managed, dazed.

Aqua held him close, but only glanced down once before returning her sights on Isa. She had her keyblade pointed squarely at him. He returned her icy glare, lowering into fighting stance.

“You gonna hurt us?” Isa snarled. “We’ll make sure to return the favor.”

Ventus shook his head and gathered his wits. “EVERYBODY STOP!” he yelled, surprising even himself at his own volume.

All four giants turned their eyes upon Ventus. He took a shaky breath as he met their gazes, one by one. “Nobody has to hurt anybody!”

“Ven?” asked Aqua softly. “What are you talking about? These guys were trying to kidnap you.”

“Kidnap?” Lea said sharply as he wiggled in Terra’s loosening grip. “Isn’t that what you’re doing?”

“No, no!” Ventus shouted, waving his tiny arms to keep the giant’s attention. “Terra, let him go! Aqua, please! The Master would be angry if he saw what you were doing.”

Aqua and Terra shared a confused glance but complied. Once released, Lea brushed his shirt in a huff. Isa watched Aqua’s keyblade vanish in a sparkle of light before lowering his fists, still looking on edge.

“Lea, Isa, these are my friends. They don’t work for Ansem!”

“You don’t? Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Lea said in a huff as he crossed his arms.

“And Terra, Aqua, they saved me. They were only trying to help.”

“Ven,” Terra said, his huge face coming closer, “then why did you shout like that? We thought you were in danger.”

“Well…” Ventus turned his hands up. “They thought you were going to take me away to do some experiments. So I had to shout to make sure you didn’t leave without me.” He didn’t have the heart to explain his earlier attempts in alerting Lea. But Lea quickly put two and two together. His face turned pink, and he averted his gaze.

“I don’t want my friends to fight!” he continued. “You were all just trying to keep me safe. Please, can’t we all get along?”

The four giants read each other’s faces, relaxing by degrees.

“Lea, Isa, these are my two best friends, Terra and Aqua. We train under the same master. Terra, Aqua, this is Lea and Isa.” Ventus pointed to each in turn. “They rescued me from drowning.”

“I can’t exactly take credit for that one,” Isa offered. “It was all this doofus.” Lea grinned at the recognition, putting a hand behind his head. His mood was quickly improving.

“I’m really sorry for all the trouble,” Terra said with a slight bow. “Thank you for protecting Ven.”

“’Was no prob,” Lea said, waving away the praise. “But could you do me a solid? You gotta tell me where I can get one of those magical disappearing and reappearing swords!”

Terra and Aqua shared a nervous glance.

“Is that all you can think about? New weapons?” Isa said with a raised brow. “Didn’t you get those stupid frisbees last month?”

“They are not stupid. You’re just mad that you lost to me in every match we’ve had since I’ve gotten them!”

“Heh, if I was mad, you’d know it,” Isa coolly retorted.

All three keyblade wielders released a breath at the change of topic.

“Lea, didn’t you say something about a wizard?” the tiny boy said.

“Oh yeah! Let’s go see him together! He might be able to help you.”

Aqua held Ventus closer, venturing a look at her vulnerable friend. “What have we got to lose?”

================================================

“Hmm, yes. This is strange magic,” mused the wizard, stroking a lengthy white beard. “Strange magic indeed.”

Ventus stood on a wooden table in a room stacked full of books and glass beakers. The wizard was using a wooden stick about as thick as he was to lift his limbs and direct him into different positions. Meanwhile, the other four giants stared down at him from around the rounded table. He was starting to feel like he really was in an experiment.

“Can you help him, Merlin, sir?” Lea asked, trying to sound respectful.

“Now, now, my boy. You simply can’t rush these things, you know.” Merlin pulled a pair of wiry glasses from a pocket and put them on. Instantly, his already giant eyes magnified several times. Ventus didn’t know whether he felt more self-conscious or like laughing. The two emotions seemed to balance each other out, so he was able to contain himself.

After several minutes of mind-numbing silence in which Merlin continued to manipulate Ventus as he hemmed and hawed, the wizard pulled back and plopped back into a huge red armchair. “That is an easy enough spell. I’ve cast it several times before myself. However, there is something otherworldly about this magic. You’d have to go and find whoever cast this upon him in the first place. I’m afraid that if I tried to dispel it, I would only cause undue harm to the poor boy.”

Lea and Isa looked downcast, but the three keyblade wielders shared a knowing look.

“Ven,” Aqua asked slowly. “Have you been this small… in other places.”

Ventus understood her messaging at once. “Yes, with a girl named Cinderella.”

Terra stood suddenly. “I think we need to pay a certain godmother a visit.” Aqua nodded in agreement. He placed his hand flat for Ventus. The blond hesitated only a moment before clambering up onto the sprawling hand.

“Wait, you’re leaving?” Lea said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

“Don’t worry. Once I’m fixed, I’ll be back,” Ventus said as he turned to face the huge redhead, one hand resting on Terra’s thumb. “We’re friends after all, aren’t we?” He raised his tiny hand out toward the giant.

Lea blinked, smiled, and leaned forward. Gently tapping his pointer finger against Ventus’ hand as a high-five, he flashed him a giant of a smile. “Always.”

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vanithesquidwrites · 5 years ago

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Every Breaking Wave

A little oneshot for the road. Crosspost to AO3 for those who prefer to read there. No tags nor warnings apply. =)

Most ships merely pass in the night, but perhaps, if one waits long enough, a ship might finally come ashore.

They come in pairs, always, much like Ritha and you once did.

It is never easy, and never gets any easier — by nature, of course, but also by design. You have seen disdain doom too many men to count, and you refuse to let it blunt you enough to doom your own guests. It will likely make no difference, but they at least deserve a chance. So you hone respect and care both to keep understanding alive, and try to let compassion guide your words as much as pride once did.

Hard work in itself, after so long.

It never gets any easier, but there is a routine to it. A sort of methodology to leaving hope behind. You've whittled it down to an art. Several arts, to be accurate.

You'd taken to writing, at first, once it had become obvious to you that your voice would go unheard. Historical accounts of sorts, in the vein of those ancients tomes that had awed you in your childhood. You consigned each name and each achievement of mankind to paper, a silent scribe to every country, every change of the world's name.

Still, soon enough, all of them read like nothing but echoes and rhymes, as time let mankind fold itself in interchangeable layers, each more similar to the last, each burning to the ground in turn.

You'd tried to not let it bother you, to remember that their — your — sameness was a treasure of its own. But one can only describe how the world burns down so many times. Weariness had won, in the end, and you'd set ink and quill aside. Time takes its toll, even on you.

Especially on you, perhaps.

You'd moved to music, afterwards. Reed pipes, at first, then plucked strings arranged much like those of a lyre. With each new era and culture came a new harmony of sounds, and you thought of archiving those, in place of archiving people. The piano had come quite late — twelve, perhaps twenty Cycles in, in then-Asabti's capital. It had been love at first listen, and you had almost thought to steal the wonder from its maker's hands, afraid a Beacon would be lit and destroy the sound forever. Thankfully the woman had been amenable to sale, and for enough of your old gold to see her live well into old age, you'd taken what would become your one true jewel to your abode.

You'd taken to composing, in the beginning. You had woven your hopes and sorrows into garlands of bright notes, let them speak in your place when curious men peeked through your gates. But your songs were not heeded any more than your advice had been, and so you'd come to improvise, to let emotion guide your hands into whatever art would come. It filled the time and the silence, and you imagined that, perhaps, Ritha would one day sing with you.

The sculpting had come last of all, though your sheer productivity more than made up for the lateness. You had been just as gifted with blades and spells as ages before, and soon an army of silent silhouettes was born from your hands, each one a sentinel, a tomb for a lost world. Regrets sprung anew from your memories, and you carved them into wood, sculpted with all the care you had not known to give when sculpting men.

Some were reminders for yourself, of lessons best not forgotten; some were meant for your visitors, omens of what was sure to come.

They had not been understood any more than the words, books, or songs, but they had kept you company. They stood by Ritha through the night, museum of your better days and mausoleum of your worst, a graveyard for all the dead souls you could never afford to grieve.

Even now, they come in pairs. Always.

Always on that same quest, with that same vanity, that same conviction you'd once held that this time will be the last one. That strength of will and strength of arms will bring the Cycle to a halt, make of recurrence a bad dream. That evil is without and not hiding within.

You cannot answer their questions; not in ways that satisfy them, that do not lead the cogs of fate to careening even faster. You've attempted many a time, and you have failed every last one. You cannot lift their burdens from their shoulders nor their minds, not without fracturing their beauty or damaging their purpose — but you can grant them the kindness of a night spent in a warm room. You can grant them all plushy beds, good music, and hearty dinners.

Every meal is different. You make a point of it. History and human nature may twist all things into echoes, but to your many successors — these people who, like you once did, crave naught more than being special — you can grant this one, painstakingly handmade bite of uniqueness. It takes patience and much research, but by the time each new Prophet comes to ring the bell at your gates, a new recipe awaits them, each prepared to suit its diner. Each crafted with just as much care as the wood you carve afterwards, a brand new ghost of a soon-to-be-dead world left to haunt your halls.

You travel far, for these dinners. You've crossed oceans by boat and spell, climbed atop mountains with bare feet. You have never done things halfway, and you are more than determined to spare no expense for this one. If time and fate cannot let you be more than a cook for a night, then you will cook to perfection — for the sake of your successors, and for the sake of memory.

Yet another thing to collect, to store in the vaults of your mind as a trace of a world gone by. Of lesser value to the world than your artworks and artifacts, but priceless to your soul as practice of how to remain human.

The last meal you served, you prepared from Nehrimese game and poultry, with potatoes and tomatoes picked in Ostian with your own hand. Wild apples, cranberries, and leek, you'd plucked from across the Sun Coast, and the wild herbs and juniper had been grown in your own garden. You'd sun-dried it all a little, made sure that the meat had aged well, then set it to roast over open flames until it charred just right. You'd made the broth from rainwater and copious amounts of sea salt; a little algae for texture, mixed with a spoon you'd carved yourself. It had tasted of home and doubt and charcoal in equal measure, all served in your best silverware, with your best wine, your best efforts — and every last bit of oblique warning you could weave into words.

They come in pairs, always, and so had they, of course. They'd left the plates just as untouched as all the others before them; ignored your statues, your recital, the true meaning of your letter. You'd left them the casket with just as heavy a heart as ever, then you had let your routine complete, left hope behind, and moved on.

You feel no need to watch the end. The white light always burns the same, each shriveled corpse a new proof of your failure to bring Ritha home.

Yet there had been no empty world waiting when you returned, this time. The mountains had stood tall, still bearing your likeness, yet a handful of impossible birds had flown the skies. The cliff had been shaken, some of its rock unmoored, but it, too, had held some rare life — a handful of mayflies and a cricket or two, buzzing atop this or that stone. Your wrought-iron fence had caved under the strength of some unseen wind, and yet the world had still been there, gray and old, right beyond the bars.

The grass had been laden with dust, the trees fallen, the skies cloudy, and you had stood as if struck dumb by the lack of complete silence.

You'd expected a vacuum, or two god-kings in their heaven.

You hadn't expected ruin to be confined to Enderal.

You had barely dared to explore, fearing any word, any breath could send the gears spinning anew. You'd kept to your abode and your not-so-deserted cliff, observing from afar, watching the winter turn. You'd been careful — and you still are — to not let hope flare up too soon. There have been outliers before. Ritha and you, so long ago. Eras lasting longer than most. Beacons lit with a slight delay. Emissaries assassinated only for new ones to rise.

Still the moons came and turned, the birds sang, and the crickets chirped. Still new small things — a frog, a mouse — came to rest on your windowsills, the shadow of a Myrad sometimes passing by the mountaintops. And still, one day, a boat sailed by flying the flag of Arazeal, almost surreal in the fog.

They come in pairs, always, and it takes them thousands of years. But this one rings your bell alone, a mere three years after the last. And when he comes, he bears a smile and a wine bottle in each hand, as if you were some good old friend he was all too happy to see.

"Greetings, Mysir Gajus," he says with a crooked smile, unkempt gray hair plastered to his face by the wind and pouring rain. "And to your companion as well. Our gratitude to both of you."

You remember the man, of course, from his roguish air to his stilted attempts at conversation. He is, much like the world, both old and new alike, seeming fragile — brittle, almost — in his continued existence.

He reminds you of Elimar before the light had taken him, and you have not been reminded of Elimar in quite some time.

"A dear friend of mine thought you in need of drinks and a long story," he goes on as you stay silent. "I happen to be Enderal's best and last remaining expert on inebriated chatter — and decent enough company to share bottles with, I've been told. Though you may have higher standards. I would never dare to presume."

You let the words wash over you to pay attention to his voice, the sadness under the humor, the tense wrinkles around his eyes. It answers most of your questions, and quite a few others besides.

You gather there will be no need for a second guest bed, this time.

"Forgive me, Mysir Dal'Varek," you answer him at length, walking all the way to your gates. "My manners seem to have taken their leave of me in my old age. Must I open the gate for you, or will you find a way to tresspass into my home unaided?"

"Wise Hermit, no, no," the man stutters, having, it seems, acquired some sense since your last encounter. "No, I've just come to bring our sympathies and a peace offering. Endralean wine. The very last! Dug out and rescued from the brewery two weeks ago, by yours truly, and after quite a bit of effort if I do say so myself. Not quite the brooch of a Seraph," he smiles that self-deprecating grin of Elimar's once more, "but more enjoyable, I'd say."

You stare at the man through the gate, arms crossed over your chest, brow furrowed. Still young and more than a bit of a fool, for all that his hair is whiter than yours and his eyes just as tired. You tap your foot, consider chances, wonder what eventualities could spring from an open door. No danger to you, you are sure; compared to your magical might, the man is but a babe in arms. But dangers to an auspicious fate are not so easily measured, and you find yourself frustrated, wishing you could merely observe.

You could. You'd only have to leave. But then when would there next come to be a man standing at your door, bearing nothing but gratitude, sympathy, and a cup of wine?

"You visit is... unexpected," you admit, for lack of better words. "And quite a surprise, to be frank."

"But a pleasant surprise, I hope," Dal'Varek answers, raising both of his bottle-filled hands.

The bottles are tied with ribbons, hastily cut from dust-spotted fabric. Some sort of old green cloth, perhaps, likely salvaged from the ruins. The rain plasters them to the glass like the man's hair to his forehead, but you still appreciate the attention, for some reason. Some old memory, perhaps.

"I find myself in the position of being uncertain, for once," you reply to the rain-drenched man, a rare, wry smile coming to stretch the corners of your lips. "Time will tell, as it always does."

Dal'Varek nods, as if he could have the slightest conception of how much you mean by the words. But then, what had Elimar been, if not charmingly impudent?

"So," Dal'Varek continues, giving the two bottles a shake. "Would you prefer to begin with the drinks, or with the long story?"

"Why not begin with the story," you tell the waiting man as you make to open your gates. "It so happens that I have just set meat to cook on the fire — though nothing quite so carefully prepared as for your last visit. If you'll forgive the humbler fare, then there is room at my table."

"Why not," the man nods, his smile tainted an instant by memories. "We didn't take the chance to taste it at all last time. Our apologies for the waste. It did look delicious."

You shake your head in humor as you step aside to let Dal'Varek pass, gesturing him onto the path with a hand as you close the gates again. The hinges whine like cattle to the slaughter, as they always do, but you find that the sound, for once, is not quite as mournful as you've grown to expect.

"Worry yourself not, Mysir Dal'Varek," you reassure the man. "It has been quite some time since I was last upset by the wastefulness of mankind."

"...I suppose it would," he agrees, cordially enough. "I suppose you have much better wine to drink than this one, as well."

"I do indeed," you say, laying a hand on his shoulder as you both begin to make your way up the path to your abode. "Nevertheless," you add, "I appreciate the spirit of the offer — and its sentimental value."

Dal'Varek nods mutely by your side, eyes fleeting from one statue to the next. He does not stop or slow his steps, but he greets them all as he passes, bowing his head, whispering thanks. Better thanks than fright, you suppose.

Better late than never at all.

"Who knows," you tell the man, "it way still age quite well. Endralean 8234 could yet prove a fine vintage."

"Here's to hope," Dal'Varek concurs — and there his smile finally breaks, the silent shudders of sobbing beginning to shake his shoulders.

You were never a man for embraces and soothing words, but you know Ritha would speak them, if she were standing in your place. And so you let your hand leave Dal'Varek's shoulder to circle his back, and run it through his hair, pressing his head to your shoulder to let him cry into your coat.

"Yes," you comfort Jespar Dal'Varek and the ghost of Elimar both, as you see them into your house like dreams rather than bad memories. "Here's to hope springing eternal."

Titular song and lyrics on Youtube

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joysomethings · 5 years ago

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A Birthday Present

I am walking through an isolated field and stumble across a small flag poking out of the ground. I walk over to the flag and decide to start digging. I cannot believe when I see my amber bracelet sparkling through the dirt. I have been looking for it for weeks. Why would John do such thing, this time he has taken it too far. This bracelet was a present from him last year. There’s a note as well, instructing me to go another location to find my actual birthday present. His outlandish ways of celebrating my birthday vex me. All I wanted to do on my day off, is to have a luxurious breakfast in bed. Seven years of marriage and he still manages to come up with unique ways of celebrating my birthday. I wonder if he had displayed such creativity and zeal in running his cafe instead, it wouldn’t have to be a failure now. Now he has all the time in the world to plan his idiotic pranks. I admit, initially, his absurd ways made me fall in love with him. But now, I am simply tired of this eccentricity. However, I must admit that at least I get to brag about all this in front of my girlfriends. It makes a nice story and I love watching their envy. The next location was half a mile away. It was a beautiful garden filled with Lilies. I liked it, but it would be romantic only if Lily is my favorite flower, but it’s not. There's an envelope lying in a corner. I know it has to be something ordinary and cheap, since he cannot afford an expensive gift. It must be some cheesy love letter from him. Surprisingly, it is a letter asking for a separation, and I breathe a sign of relief.

#fiction #shortstory #writing

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topchoiceroofers-blog · 6 years ago

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Flat Roofing And Choosing The Right Contractor

Flat Roofs Are Everywhere – But What About Residential Homes?

Flat roofs are a very common type of roofing throughout Ireland. Any typical home that has some sort of an outbuilding like a garage or shed usually features a flat roof. This roof type is easier to install over large surfaces and is the most common choice for an affordable style of roofing.

Whether choosing a roof that is flat or pitched, or you have an existing flat roof that needs repairing or replacing, We will try to provide much of the information needed to makin the right decision for a lasting, sturdy cover for your roof.

Explore the following guide to answer many of your flat roof-related questions:

Why Are Flat Roofs Not Often Used On Residential Houses?

Also known as low slope roofs, flat roofs are less common in Dublin, Ireland because the low slope of a flat roof has an increased tendency to collect water rather than having it run off, like its more steeply pitched alternative. This may make it less ideal for rainy climates.

Keep in mind, all flat roofs have a slope of between five and 15 degrees to allow water to flow into drain systems (such as eaves, drainage holes or outlets).

Examining Flat Roof Myths – What Are The Drawbacks?

Replacing Flat Roofs Is Difficult

Some observers suggest it’s harder to replace a flat roof than a traditional pitched shingle roof because of the labor required to remove its layers (especially on older flat roofs). But now, flat roofs often are constructed with fewer layers because of improved waterproofing technology. This could mean flat roofs may not raise the same red flags they used to among prospective homeowners who may want to replace or remodel the roof once they move in.

Problems With Water and Leaking

Many of the potential problems a flat roof may attract – such as water pooling, leakage and resulting rot or damage – are due to poor installation or poor maintenance. Pay careful attention to the roof at the construction phase and throughout its life cycle to help prevent these problems in the first place.

The Sections Of A Flat Roof

To someone that is not a roofing tradesman, flat roofs can end up looking very similar to each other but, in fact, there are several different options available when choosing a flat roof.

At the most basic level, a flat will work the same regardless of the surface finish, however you will get better value sometimes choosing one option over the other.

Felt Membrane Rubber Roofing Fibre Glass Roofing

Each has its benefits but make sure to check out the finish by actually seeing the material before you have started to have it installed on you roof deck. Each requires a slightly different installation so always check with the manufacturers for guidelines on installation.

Other Flat Roof Components

Underneath the basics, flat roofs are usually constructed with a ceiling, nailed to joists which support a deck (usually wood in residential construction), a vapor barrier, insulation and a roof board. From there, the flat roof system you choose will determine the materials you apply.

Flat Roof Water Drainage

So, even though flat roofs are ideal for places that won't have that much rainfall, in climates with heavy precipitation, a properly installed flat roof can be a fine choice for a homeowner – especially thanks to ever-improving waterproof materials and installation techniques.

It is all about the surface area, a standard 3 bedroom house has quite a large catchment area for water, imagine how much water would pool on it as a flat roof instead of a pitched roof!

To handle drainage on a flat roof, you need to ensure you have the pitch set correctly. The roofline on your flat roof should have fascia boards tacked onto it with a guttering system sitting flush against it.

The idea is to have the surface water drain off the flat roof into the guttering and get drained away safely from your roofing.

This sound likes a simple process but if you are doing it DIY style, it can be quite daunting. You not only need to ensure the levels of the flat roof are set to run towards your gutters, you need to ensure that the guttering pipes and downpipes are set at levels to guarantee the water flows fast and freely away.

For this type of service, we always recommend getting in a roofing company that can help you with it, the average price is not expensive and the expertise that a team such as https://www.topchoiceroofers.ie/roofing-repairs-dublin/ roofing repair specialist, will help to prevent water issues and roofing repairs that you might later require because you set the levels incorrectly.

Flat Roofs Look Good

Flat roofs are an attractive aesthetic choice that give homes a unique form. Flat roof are great if you have height restrictions and you do not want to block your view (or your neighbours).

The Flat Space On The Roof

Unlike pitched roofs, most of the area on flat roof can be used for storing things as its flat and will lie secure. You can build extra features on your flat top roof like a rooftop patio, garden or green roof. Putting in solar panels are now becoming a popular option to add to a flat roof as they are easily accessible and will not be visible from the ground.

However all of these extra features you can have on your flat will require careful attention to detail when building and you will need to ensure you have built the support into the roof decking to handle the extra weight of them.

You might need planning permission from your local Council, but imagine the extra features you can have right now on that flat roof.

It Performs And Protects Well

Flat roofs are a cost-effective option for homes – thanks to generations of use in residential flat roofing, modern materials and application techniques – as viable, protective and long-lasting alternatives to pitched roof counterparts.

By choosing the proper materials, hiring an experienced professional like Top Choice Roofers to repair your flat roofing or build and install the flat roof, homeowners may count on many years of reliable performance when selecting a flat roof solution.

Nonetheless it will need committing to regular inspection and maintenance however to ensure a long lasting installation.

As previously mentioned, it can be a lot of work to maintain a good roof. However, it must be done in order to protect the safety of your home. Keep these tips in mind when any roofing problems occur. The end result will be worth it.

#flatroofing #roofing repair #newroofs #roofer

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