#driftwood tile floor

[thetwinsofevil]

Master Bath - Bathroom Example of a mid-sized beach style master white tile and subway tile porcelain tile corner shower design with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, blue walls, an undermount sink and marble countertops

[spacecampband]

Master Bath Austin Large, fashionable master bathroom with a marble floor and gray tile, as well as shaker cabinets, white cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, quartz countertops, and white countertops.

[m1ckeyb3rry]

── 𝐑𝐎𝐀𝐃𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋 // 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐔𝐄

Series Synopsis: You were once a spoiled duchess-to-be, set to inherit a city on the brink of a war you knew nothing about — that is, until the war came to your doorstep and the aftermath of a brutal accident bound your fate to Seishiro Nagi’s forever.

Chapter Synopsis: Nagi comes bearing news. // Your father makes an announcement about the new family in Maradine.

Series Masterlist

Pairing(s): Nagi x Reader, Yukimiya x Reader

Chapter Word Count: 2.3k

Content Warnings: death, killing, ptsd, reader is not a good person, actually nobody really is??, they all make mistakes as is to be expected, war is mentioned and the build-up/aftermath is discussed heavily but the actual conflict not so much, non-linear narrative, like HEAVILY non-linear there are two timelines for each chapter (pre and post war), probably ooc, angst, nagi is endgame sorry y’all, alternate universe (early 1900s-ish vibe but not in our world because f historical accuracy), original characters (probably…idrk yet but it’s me so)

A/N: hey guys…so here i am…with the prologue to a new story instead of an update to anything i already have out BYE I’M FLEEING FROM SHAME i’ve been wanting to do something a bit more serious for a while though so i’m excited to give this a try!! some more elaboration on the tags/summary: this is like vaguely historical-ish but not completely, and it’s kind of like two stories being told concurrently?? one being reader’s life as an adult post war and the other her life as a child/teen pre war. every time there’s a ‘break’ in the chapter that indicates a timeline switch!! hopefully it’s kinda obvious which is which especially as we go along…anyways hope you all enjoy

“Kenyu Yukimiya is dead,” Nagi said. Medals sparkled against his breast, the gold a harsh contrast to the dark wool of his coat, and his arms were folded behind his back, which he kept ramrod straight, so unlike the slouch you once associated with him. “They thought it would be best if I were the one to inform you.”

He waited for you to say something, looking much like a mannequin all the while, his pale hair lifeless, his driftwood eyes dull and blank. His careful mouth was pursed into a plain expression which might be considered a frown on another person, but not on him.  Never on him. After all, Nagi did not frown. Nagi did not smile. Nagi did nothing.

“It should’ve been you,” you said.

“Yes,” he said, as prompt and detached as always. “It should’ve.”

Barlezia was a sweeping country, and perhaps you were biased in saying so, but there were none in the world that could claim to be its equal. In the north there were towering mountains which scraped at icy skies, a heavy blue-grey fog settled over their peaks, and to the south there was a vast sea, warm and aquamarine, which led to Drieji in the east and Abraria in the west.

It was on this sea, the Canonora, that the shining city of Maradine was located. Far enough from the northern capital of the nation to have taken on its own character, its own wealth, Maradine was the jewel of Barlezia, a place full of men with horses and women with parasols. Built upon a slate cliff, with houses lining the roads winding down to the pebbly sand, it jutted so far out into the water that some people spent their entire lives on their boats, only venturing onto land for the rare storms that might otherwise drown them.

Near the top of the cliff, where the marble government buildings were sequestered away from the rest of the city, there was a villa. It was the largest of its kind, the walls a deep red terracotta trimmed with white, the floors all glazed porcelain, the many colors and shapes painted onto the tiles making up larger designs of flowers, animals, and other such wonders. The villa overlooked the ocean and a canopy of trees, and it was widely regarded in all of Maradine as the most beautiful in that most beautiful of places, the filigree on an already intricate crown, the diamond in a choker of gold.

This was the villa where you were born, and this was the villa where you would, you presumed, die. Some forefather of yours had constructed it in a time where such art had been celebrated, where Barlezia had ruled the world, and it remained as a remnant of that age, a stronghold against modernity, even though your country had long ago bowed in deference to the ideals and traditions of those in the west.

“Child! Get down from there!” 

The woman that took care of you in lieu of your parents, who were often busy — your father with his politics, your mother with her parties — was slender and frail and too old for keeping up with anyone with any measure of youth. Her hair was entirely grey, and her face was perpetually lined, with sun, with shade, with age and wisdom and worry. You knew her simply as Nanny, and as she was the only one who ever had the courage to chastise you, you found you disliked her very much.

“My tenth birthday is approaching, so you ought not to call me a child any longer,” you said, your legs swinging from your perch in the boughs of a fig tree, the collar of your neatly-pressed dress splotched dark with the juice of the fruit you held in your hands.

“If you continue to behave like this, I certainly will!” she said, her hands on her hips. “Shall I call the manservant?”

The manservant was willful and rough; you doubted he would have any qualms about dragging you to the ground with his bare hands, were he so inclined. Taking one last bite out of the fig, you threw it to the ground, where it burst at Nanny’s feet, and then you clambered out of the tree with as much grace as you could muster.

“You horrid creature,” she hissed at you when you smiled at her, your skirt wrinkled and torn at the hem, your fingers sticky and purple. “How am I to present you to your father and mother in this state?”

“How you always present me, I expect,” you said, batting your eyelashes at her, skipping lightly towards the door. “With more fuss than required.”

She grabbed you by the ear before you could get very far, yanking it sternly, earning a howl out of you. Stomping your foot, you glared at her and waited for her to let go, which she only did when she was assured you would not flee again.

“I will send along a message that you will be late to breakfast. To your room, missy, I won’t have it thought that the young duchess is some mannerless, ill-behaved ruffian,” she said, ushering you towards your quarters as if you were a sordid secret.

“Maybe you need to be better about watching me, and then my manners will improve,” you said, and because you were not doing anything untoward, only saying it, the most she could respond with was an exaggerated sigh.

She bathed you for the second time that morning, quicker than the first, and then she dressed you in something without pattern or finery. Certainly it must’ve pained her, for the ruined dress balled up and thrown into a wastebasket had been much prettier than this one, but there was nothing she could do about it, bar glaring at you as she yanked it over your head.

Nanny wasn’t always so foul-tempered; it was only when you tried her patience, as you did today, that she got to be in such a mood. Else she was a tolerable woman, if not a kind one, and generally softer with her motions. She had mentioned to you a long time ago that she had children of her own, two daughters and a son, the youngest of whom was closer to your mother’s age than your own. You supposed it meant she had some experience with child-rearing, hence why your parents had chosen her amongst the many applicants, and you sometimes wondered if she had treated her own progeny the way she treated you.

Once, you had asked her. She had told you, with a click of her tongue, that she was far stricter with them; however, as you could not fathom anything more chafing than her treatment of you, you found it hard to believe.

Although you were older now — nearly ten years of age, as you liked to remind everyone — you were still not considered enough of an adult to eat with your parents and the rest of adults at meals. Instead you would sit in your room and make faces if the food was not to your liking, discreetly glancing at Nanny out of the corner of your eye and throwing away what you couldn’t stand when you were sure she was not looking. The exception was meals which were meant to be occasions or announcements, wherein your presence was absolutely and unquestionably required.

Today was an announcement, not an occasion, or at least that was what Nanny told you. You did not know the nature of the announcement, only that she was more nervous than usual as the two of you walked to the breakfast room, where your parents would be waiting for you. Up until then, you had been convinced that she had only had two modes of being — fed-up and obedient — so the discovery of this third intrigued you far more than whatever news you might be given.

“Nanny,” your father said. “Y/N. Good morning.”

He did not comment on your tardiness, and neither did he have to; his disapproval was the silent type, which radiated into the air and shimmered like steam, cowing in its intangibility. Your mother offered you a half-smile, as trained and perfect as yours one day would be, and you smiled back at her, your entire focus going into ensuring it was not crooked.

“Good morning, father, mother,” you said, settling into the large chair at your mother’s right, your feet just barely brushing the floor when you were settled with your spine to the cushioned back. “I apologize for the delay.”

“It is inconsequential,” your father said, which was as much of a reprimand as you’d ever get out of him. “We have more important matters to discuss now that you are finally here.”

“There is to be a party,” your mother said. This was nothing out of the ordinary, for your mother, as the Duchess of Maradine, was invited to every party that could be reached from the villa in less than a day. What was strange was that both she and your father thought that you needed to be informed of this occurrence.

“I see,” you said.

“It’s that family from Aprissari,” your father said, sneering at the mention of Barlezia’s capital, the city nestled in the mountains to the north of the country, which may have been the center of your nation’s power but was nowhere near as prosperous as Maradine, never had been and never would be. “The Yukimiyas. The wife is an opera singer and the husband is far more involved in foreign affairs than he has any right to be.”

“And they are rich,” your mother said, patiently and coolly. “Richer than mere commoners. Rich enough to be considered members of the nobility, if we are not careful.”

“We must build proper relations. An alliance, so to speak, but also a reminder that they are no longer in Aprissari,” your father said. “It must be clear to them and to everyone that in Maradine, their money is meaningless if they do not have the approval of the L/N family.”

“Their son is only a little older than you,” your mother continued, perhaps noticing that you no longer held much interest in the conversation, which had diverted to topics of which you had little understanding and even less interest. “The party is being held in honor of his twelfth birthday, and you are to befriend him as best you can.”

“It won’t be difficult,” your father said, and the reluctance of his conviction was the first clue you had that the arrival of these Yukimiyas meant something more to your family than you could possibly know. “You are Y/N L/N; there’s not a child this side of the country that wouldn’t want to be your friend. But you must do it.”

If Nanny or the manservant or anyone else in the L/Ns’ employ told you something so harshly, you would’ve protested or found some way around it, but this was not anyone else. This was your father, Duke L/N himself, and so it was as much a royal command as it was a request from someone who loved you. Perhaps it was even more the former than it was the latter; based on the wideness of your father’s eyes and the lowering of your mother’s lashes, you wouldn’t be surprised if it was the case.

“Yes, father,” you said. “I shall do as you say.”

“Good,” he said. “Finish eating and then attend your lessons as usual. We shall leave once the sun sets.”

You ate at a record pace. Your parents were exchanging looks that said they wanted to speak to one another alone, and it was only your presence which was hindering them, so you endeavored to make yourself scarce as fast as you could without seeming rude. 

Excusing yourself quietly, your head bowed until you left the room, you followed Nanny towards your chambers, deep in thought, turning over the directive your parents had left you with. Befriending the son of the Yukimiyas. For you, who had never had a friend your own age, it was more difficult of a task than your parents must’ve anticipated, so with a tug on the end of Nanny’s apron, you halted in your tracks.

“You heard my father, right, Nanny?” you said. “I have to befriend that boy.”

“That you do,” Nanny said, and then there was a fourth aspect to her which you unlocked: sympathy, glimmering in her irises like a sunrise on the crest of a wave. 

“I don’t know how to do that,” you said. She patted you on the head, brusque and perfunctory, like she was dusting flour off of her hands, yet somehow affectionate, in her way.

“You’ll have to learn, missy,” she said. “Ties with the Yukimiyas may be invaluable in the years to come.”

“Whatever do you mean?” you said. She placed one hand against the wall, her thumb tracing an idle circle over it as she contemplated something or another.

“There are as many ideas of what’ll happen to the continent as there are fish in the Canonora Sea,” she said. “Whether by will or force, Barlezia shall, like every other nation, choose which they back. If they choose wrong, then Maradine will bear the brunt of the consequences. That is all.”

“But what do the Yukimiyas have to do with it?” you insisted.

“Nothing and everything, child! You will understand when you are older. Now hush and go to your lessons,” she said, breaking from her trance and pushing you into your room, where one or another of your tutors would, invariably, be waiting for you.

You wanted to rail at her, to tell her that you weren’t too young, that you deserved to know as well as she did what might yet happen to your own city. Before you could say anything more, however, she shut the door behind you, leaving you standing alone by the wastebasket, where a rusty stain the color of fig juice continued to spread down the sleeve of your crumpled dress.

[is-the-battlemech-cool-or-not]

The Talon Roost

Nestled along the rugged shoreline of Puget Sound, just outside the bustling heart of Unity City, Terra, Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner’s home exudes a warmth and intimacy that starkly contrasts with their imposing public personas. Known as “The Talon Roost,” this sprawling lodge combines the rustic charm of traditional log cabin architecture with the subtle integration of cutting-edge technology from Terra’s civilian sector.

The Talon Roost sits perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the Sound, its timbered exterior blending with the surrounding forest. Massive, hand-hewn logs form the structure’s frame, their natural grain and texture preserved to honor the timeless beauty of the Pacific Northwest. The lodge’s roof is made up of a mix of eco-friendly solar tiles and living greenery. Wide wraparound decks extend from the main structure, offering panoramic views of the water and mountains beyond. A series of cascading stairs, lined with ambient lighting, leads down to a private dock where a sleek, automated watercraft rests, flanked by kayaks and a small security boat. At night, the lodge glows warmly, its large windows offering glimpses of life inside—a sharp yet inviting contrast to the quiet wilderness outside.

Entering the Talon Roost feels like stepping into a sanctuary. High vaulted ceilings, supported by massive wooden beams, create a sense of openness, while large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light during the day. The interior décor balances modern minimalist design with the cozy aesthetics of a mountain lodge. Neutral tones dominate, accented by vibrant greens and golds—an homage to Melissa’s Jade Falcon heritage. The heart of the lodge, the living room, is anchored by a double-sided fireplace made of locally quarried stone. The hearth radiates warmth, surrounded by plush sofas and armchairs adorned with patterned blankets and throw pillows. Above the fireplace, a holographic display can project serene landscapes or serve as an entertainment hub, though it’s often turned off, leaving the room in serene simplicity. The kitchen combines the rustic appeal of handcrafted cabinetry with state-of-the-art appliances. A long central island, topped with polished stone, doubles as a communal dining space. The open floor plan flows into the dining area, where a custom-built table—crafted from salvaged driftwood—sits beneath an impressive chandelier of crystal and wrought iron. A cozy library, lined with shelves of books and historical texts, offers a quiet retreat for both Melissa and Theodora. A vintage mahogany desk sits at the far end, equipped with a concealed holo-terminal for secure communication and work. Nearby, a comfortable reading nook overlooks the Sound, with a soft chair and a small table perpetually holding a steaming pot of tea. The large, lavish, and highly advanced home theater was Theodora's pet project - it is outfitted with the absolute latest in cutting-edge holographic, trideo, and flat screen projection technology as well as a sound system that cost nearly as much as a light BattleMech.

While The Talon Roost appears traditional, its technology is anything but. Discrete panels throughout the home provide instant access to climate control, security systems, and personal AI assistants. The lodge’s power is supplied by a combination of renewable sources, ensuring self-sufficiency even during extended outages. A secure Star League-era communication hub is integrated into the study, allowing Melissa and Theodora to stay connected with SLDF operations. Beneath the lodge, hidden from view, lies a private hangar with bays large enough for both Melissa’s Highlander and Theodora’s Atlas, as well as the company of security 'Mechs on-site. Advanced automated repair systems and diagnostic tools ensure the 'Mechs are always ready for action. Also included is a multi-functional room utilizing advanced Holotank technology capable of projecting tactical simulations, training environments, or serene natural landscapes for relaxation.

The grounds around the lodge are meticulously curated. A path winds through a grove of ancient cedar trees to a private firepit surrounded by log benches. Nearby, a greenhouse houses a mix of local flora and medicinal plants, along with herbs for Theodora’s favorite recipes. A falconry mew, discreetly tucked into the edge of the property, is home to a small cast of Jade Falcons whom Melissa tends to personally—a connection to her heritage and a calming pastime away from the demands of leadership. The Talon Roost’s atmosphere is one of quiet strength and serenity. For two figures as legendary as Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner, the lodge represents a refuge from the chaos of the Inner Sphere—a place to reconnect with nature, their shared history, and each other. The cozy interiors, paired with the breathtaking natural surroundings, create a space where visitors are immediately put at ease, despite the immense power and influence of its owners. This dichotomy—between public and private life, between war and peace—is what makes The Talon Roost not just a home, but a reflection of the lives Melissa and Theodora have built together.

While The Talon Roost exudes an aura of peace and natural harmony, its security infrastructure rivals that of any high-level military installation. As the personal residence of two high-ranking SLDF officers, it incorporates layers of cutting-edge technology, physical deterrents, and personnel to ensure the safety of its occupants and maintain its strategic utility. The property is surrounded by an invisible perimeter system that utilizes advanced motion detection, thermal imaging, and seismic sensors. Any unauthorized entry triggers both silent and audible alarms, alerting the SLDF garrison stationed nearby. Discrete but highly effective automated turrets, hidden in the rocky outcroppings and among the trees, are equipped with non-lethal crowd control measures and high-powered laser weaponry for more extreme threats. Signature reduction technology derived from Null Signature System technology shields The Talon Roost from all but visual aerial and orbital scans, while a squadron of SLDF-designed surveillance drones patrols the airspace and property boundary. These drones are equipped with stealth tech, high-resolution cameras, and lethal weaponry. Meanwhile, the picturesque firepit near the cedar grove doubles as an emergency bunker entrance, reinforced to withstand even orbital bombardment. Decorative stone statues around the property conceal sensors and emitters capable of deploying small scale energy weapons in emergencies.

The Talon Roost is protected by a small, elite detachment of SLDF Royal Black Watch troops. While their presence is unobtrusive, they are always ready to respond to any threat. The guard detachment includes three Stars of MechWarriors, with their BattleMechs stationed in the Roost's subterranean hangar. A company of infantry, drawn from the Royal Black Watch's commando-trained operatives, patrols the property and acts as a rapid reaction force. All on-site security personnel reside in a concealed bunker built into the cliffside upon which the Roost perches. Security details rotate regularly to maintain optimal readiness and avoid becoming predictable. A concealed, automated command center under the lodge handles all security and monitoring tasks. Operatives stationed here can communicate directly with SLDF High Command and deploy additional resources as needed.

Beneath The Talon Roost lies a complex network of subterranean tunnels, elevators, and passageways that connect the property to critical SLDF and Star League installations in the region. This link allows both Melissa and Theodora to access secure meeting rooms or emergency operations centers without requiring surface travel. A direct maglev transit tunnel leads to both the nearby Tacoma Castle Brian, as well as the SLDF's Citadel inside Unity City itself - rebuilt by the SLDF to once again serve as their High Command complex. The headquarters of the Royal Black Watch, Fort Cameron, is linked to the lodge by another high-speed maglev route. The connection allows Theodora to oversee her regiment's activities or deploy her Atlas in minutes. The lodge is also connected via the maglev-tunnel system directly to the Court of the Star League.

In the event of an overwhelming threat, the lodge’s subterranean systems include a concealed evacuation pod capable of transporting occupants to either the Citadel or Fort Cameron in under five minutes. The lodge also features a last-resort self-destruct mechanism. Activated only by voice authorization from Melissa or Theodora, this system ensures no critical technology or data can fall into enemy hands. In case of a siege, the lodge can deploy automated counter-battery defenses, jamming fields, and active missile interceptors hidden within the terrain.

While The Talon Roost offers warmth, serenity, and a welcoming atmosphere, its hidden security and strategic capabilities reflect the immense responsibilities carried by its owners. This stark juxtaposition mirrors the lives of Melissa Hazen and Theodora Marten-Steiner, who must balance their personal sanctuary with their duties as protectors of humanity’s future. It is a place of respite, but one always ready for the call to action.

[bullet-prooflove]

LittleMouse!Series Part Five: Acts of Violence - Alden Parker x Reader

Tagging: @yezzyyae @neapolitantoebeans @mandy426 @kmc1989

LittleMouse!Series

Don't... - Alden hates what your doing.

Waiting - You leave your ex waiting.

In Sickness & In Health - Alden and your ex sit down to discuss you.

Bordeaux - You come home to an unexpected surprise.

It’s the third time that Alden’s tried to call you tonight and the second time it’s gone directly to voicemail. It gives him a bad feeling because you don’t turn your phone off, not since the night that one of your team members called you in crisis. You’re available to them twenty-four, seven, the same way that he is.

Something’s wrong, he just knows it.  

He breaks the speed limit on the way to your place, it’s a miracle that he doesn’t get pulled over. When the lift takes too long to descend, he takes the stairs instead, two at a time until he reaches your floor. He listens for sounds on the other side of the door before he lets himself in. There’s nothing but silence, which in itself feels ominous. You usually have a little music on when he comes over, you hate the quiet.

When he enters the apartment, the stench of blood hits him almost immediately. There’s a strong copper tang on his tongue and something inside of him just dies because he knows an act of violence has been committed in your home.

The kitchen is in chaos. There’s shattered glass across the tiles, crushed yellow petals from the roses he bought for you the other day scattered amongst the pieces. There’s crimson smears across the shards, the vivid liquid intermingling with the water from the broken vase. Your cellphone lies discarded alongside of it, the screen shattered, it looks like someone stomped on it.

The glass crunches underneath heel of his boot as he withdraws his weapon and approaches the closed French doors that lead to the living room. He catches a flash of movement through the windowpane but the darkness of the room beyond obscures his vision. He’s careful as he uses his fingertips to push down the door handle, nudging his shoulder against the door so it opens.

The living room looks worse than the kitchen. The driftwood coffee table that you adore is in pieces, shards of wood jutting out of the ruined frame. There’s a broken wine bottle decanting Bordeaux onto the rug and a bloody stem from a wine glass cast off onto the sofa. Your books have been torn from the shelf and tossed onto the floor. The door of your gun safe hangs open, almost torn from the hinges.

When he turns his attention to the other side of the room, he doesn’t expect to see you standing there, gun in your hand. It’s pointed at Kristof as he kneels on the floor in front you, his hands cuffed behind his back.

The two of you are a mess. There’s blood streaked through Kristof’s blond hair from the wounds in his scalp. There’s glass amongst the strands, from the vase in the kitchen Alden realises. You must have tried to get to your phone when Kristof had come for you, smashed him in the head. His nose is broken and it’s a bad one, the kind that’s going to result in plastic surgery in the future.

You aren’t in a much better state. Your lip is split, a thin thread of crimson running down your chin, the hollow of your left eye is swollen and bloodshot. There’s a crimson stain blossoming across the white sweater that you’re wearing, the heavy fabric is practically soaked in it. He can guess who got stabbed with the stem from the wine glass.

“Alden.” You say his name with a breathlessness that alarms him. “I need you to take over because I think I’m about to pass out.”

Love Alden? Don’t miss any of his stories by joining the taglist here.

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Like My Work? - Why Not Buy Me A Coffee

[zombie-rott]

The Driftwood & The Rift; Part II.

Pairing: Mountain X Dew.

Summary:

Not everyone enjoys Yule. Least of all the ministry's favourite fire ghoul. Marred by his sordid past in the pit, Dew locks himself away to begin his yearly tradition, but with Swiss no longer there to control him, things get out of hand. And if he's going to be banished for his shameful behaviour, he might as well tell one of his oldest friends exactly where his feelings lie.

Warnings: Alcohol abuse, blood, injury, ghouls kissing.

A03 Part 1

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

The smell of smoke and flesh stung Dew’s nostrils as he watched the flame climbing high above the pyre. Around him, his ghoul-kin (her ghoul-kin) mourned and sobbed with pain so thick it coated the air like a blanket. But Dew couldn’t cry, he wouldn’t cry. Not in front of them . 

He took their abuse in his stride, hissing and biting back when he could, but never quite landing a hit. He was much too small and they were all much too big. Yes, even the other kits his age. And as if his runt body wasn’t enough, he was now alone in the pit, without a mother or bloodline to call his own. Just an orphan within a pack of water ghouls, much too obsessed with themselves to give a shit about him. 

If Dew stayed sleeping long enough or lost in his daydreaming, he could practically feel the bones breaking beneath his skin, or the scales being ripped from his tail. Dew was their plaything for centuries, an obedient punching bag that screamed and wailed with each hit. He was their pet, always available to starve, kick, and fuck. Oh, how they loved to watch him limping away, tail between his legs but heckles raised and teeth boar; like a wounded cat retreating from a fight. 

But, despite all their atrocities, Yule brought time for celebration. Hypocritically speaking. They sat around their table and praised their Gods. They performed their silly rituals, begged Satan to bless their sacred waters and bring them good luck in the next century to come. And while they exchanged their love and thanks to each other, Dew was always left out. He remained on the fringes of this absurd holiday like a leper, looking through the window of a church, begging for acceptance.

His mother had never left him out. She’d always made sure to hold him and hug him, and tell him how much he meant to her. She protected him from the pack. She fought for him to survive tooth and nail, size be damned. 

She was the only thing he thought about as he felt his body alight from the inside. Her gaze met his as his blood boiled, and his skin melted. Her voice soothed him as he wailed and pleaded for death, as his hair became singed and all water was purged from his body. 

“You have a fire within you, my little sprite. You will ignite!” 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Dew was pulled sharply into wakefulness with a shattering crack as his forehead made contact with the stone of his bedroom floor. He roared, the pain reverberating throughout his skull and igniting behind his eyelids. Gingerly, he pushed himself over onto his side. There was a warm sensation trickling down his forehead and the fire ghoul cringed at the realisation that he was possibly bleeding. 

Shit. 

“Dew? Dewdrop!” 

The fire ghoul hissed in the direction of the disembodied voice as he struggled to sit upright against the box spring. His head pounded and throbbed, stars forming before half-lidded eyes. Somewhere in his mind, he searched for the words to shout back, but none came. Only a low whine escaped through his clenched teeth. 

“I’m getting help!”

Dew wanted to protest. He wanted to scream at the alien voice, but he could barely open his mouth. All he could do was pull himself across the floor in a frantic panic, through bottles and feathers and glass, towards the bathroom. There, bruised and broken, Dew pulled himself into the shower stall. He rested his head back against the tiles as he struggled to catch his breath. 

One. Two. Three.

He tried to get things under control but the pain bloomed and grew with every motion or thought, no doubt elevated by his hangover. Gingerly, he felt around his forehead for the source of the pain and felt the jagged edges of a broken horn, and the unmistakable wetness of blood above his left eyebrow. 

“Hey! Dew!?” Swiss’ voice filled the emptiness of Dew’s quarters, accompanied by the hammering of knuckles on the bedroom door, “Dewdrop!” 

The fire ghoul pulled himself further inwards. 

“We’re coming in!” 

There were mummers from the hallway, followed by the din of limbs hitting wood. Dew knew it wouldn’t take them long to break through, and with nowhere left to hide, he found himself backed into a corner. It felt vaguely like being hunted or hiding from his former pack members back in the pit, both feelings he never thought he’d experience again. 

“Dew?!” Swiss voice called out, followed by the sound of splintering wood and the heaviness of footfall on stone. 

“Satanus…”

“Dewdrop!? Where are you?” 

“Are you alright?!

The chaos of noise hurt Dew’s ears. He couldn’t make out the other voices, only that of his best friend, but he was almost certain that Mountain must be amongst them. Who else would they employ to take down a wooden door but the oversized earth ghoul? 

Dew heard them stumbling through his bedroom, the sound of glass crunching beneath their feet and bottles being shifted with their toes. They were searching for a sign of life and Dew knew it was only a matter of time before they followed the trail of blood to find him curled up in the corner of his shower caddy. 

Like the pathetic runt I am.

It was Swiss who found him. He dropped to his knees and pulled the fire ghoul into his arms with such force and desperation that it made Dew’s head spin. 

“ Fuck Dew.” The multi-ghoul cried as he inspected his friend’s battered face,” You’ve really done a number on yourself bud.” 

“‘Snot that bad.” Dew managed through gritted teeth. 

He wanted to pull away from the unexpected touch, but all strength was gone. He and his body were exhausted from days of drinking muddled with outbursts of emotional incompetence. 

“Maybe we should call Aether.” Mountain’s calm and soothing voice suggested. 

Dew opened his eyes to survey the scene above him but was blinded by the overhead light. He hissed and shied away, turning his face inwards to Swiss’ chest. 

“Not Aether.” He begged meekly, hoping it was enough to deter them. 

He felt a strong hand, Mountain he suspected, gently touching his face as he inspected his wounds for severity. 

“This horn will need wrapping, but I can do that. And his eyebrow should only need some glue at most. It doesn’t seem deep enough for stitches, it’s just a bleeder is all.” 

“I-I can give Aeth a call. Maybe he could drop some glue down to the den?” Rain’s timid voice chirped from somewhere in the doorway.

“Please - “Dew hissed, “ No Aether !” 

He’d hate for the quintessence ghoul to see him like this. Aether knew him as the strong spitfire of the group. What would he think if he saw him curled in the arms of his brethren like a wounded kit?

Weakness. Runt.

“But Dew - “ Rain continued.

“No!”

Dew heard Rain whimper, followed by the soothing sound of Mountain’s voice comforting him. 

“Leave this to us, Rainy.” the earth ghoul cooed, ”We’ve got him from here.” 

“Are you guys sure?” 

“Honestly, it’s better if there’s less of us here right now,” Swiss confirmed. 

“Can I at least clean up a bit for you?” 

“Don’t you fuckin’ touch my shit!” Dew snapped from his place in Swiss’ arms. He attempted to stand but was overcome with dizziness. 

Instead, he cracked open his eyes in time to catch the hurt expression on the water ghoul’s face. His lips were pulled downwards into a frown and his eyes brimmed with unshed tears. Dew felt guilt coil in the pit of his stomach and he cursed himself for being so angry. 

Why am I like this?

“He doesn’t mean it.” Mountain rose to his feet and pulled the water ghoul into a tight hug. “Why don’t you go and ask Cirrus to help you make us some hot tea?” 

“O-okay.” Rain sniffed. 

“And why not add some grub too? Something to help line Dew’s stomach.” Swiss added with a slight chuckle. 

Mountain ushered Rain out of the bathroom, leaving Dew and Swiss beneath the harsh fluorescent lights. Swiss began to gently rake his fingers through Dew’s hair, his face contorted into an expression that could only be described as pity. 

“You need to wash, Dewy.” 

“ Hmph .”

“And you’re shivering.” 

“ ‘m fine.” 

“You’re a fire ghoul, Dewy. You shouldn’t shiver.” 

“‘Parently I do…so…”

Swiss sighed and Dew knew he was testing his patience. On any other day, he would bask in this. There was nothing the fire ghoul loved more than causing mischief and playing mind games with his best friend. But even coming down from days of alcohol abuse, Dew knew there was no room for jokes here. No one liked a sad clown after all. 

Without warning, Swiss began to pull Dew to his feet. Slow at first, and when the fire ghoul showed cooperation, the momentum continued. 

“I’m going to set you up, okay? I just want to get a better look at your head and maybe clean some of this blood.” 

Dew winced at the pressure building in his head but allowed the multi-ghoul to manoeuvre him to sit upright on the seat of the toilet. Above him, Swiss busied himself finding a clean cloth to dampen, moving bottles and glass cautiously with his boots. Somewhere beyond the bathroom door Mountain was whispering, but to who, Dew couldn’t make out. 

Swiss dropped to his haunches to make a better assessment of the damage. His eyebrows knitted together as he gently patted at the blood caked on Dew’s skin. With only the distant sound of the earth ghoul for company, they fell into a comforting silence, their tails intertwined as an act of comfort. 

“Sad to say buddy, but your right horn is fucked.” Swiss uttered, frowning.

Dew nodded his acceptance, focused more on remaining upright than the prospect of life without one of his horns. 

“You can live without it, right? Makes you look more badass if you ask me.” 

Swiss was trying to make light of the situation and it was painfully obvious. There were so many unspoken things between them, things that weren’t a problem this time last year, things that shouldn’t be a problem now. Dew was angry, he felt abandoned and pushed aside. And, yet, he understood that life moves on and people fall in love. Priorities change and he just hadn’t found his yet. Right?

Maybe Swiss felt it too? The heaviness, the guilt, the anger? Or maybe the current state of the fire ghoul, sorry and broken, was too much for him to bear? 

Mountain appeared in the doorway with a blanket slung over his arm and a bottle of water. He exchanged a glance with Swiss, both nodding at some unspoken agreement. Dew’s eyes moved from one ghoul to the other, contemplating the situation. He couldn’t tell if it was the hangover, or the bump to the head, but everything hurt and his mouth tasted like copper. 

“Cirrus and Rain brought us tea and something to eat.” Mountain said, his voice hushed and slow, “Can I carry you Dewdrop?” 

The giant didn’t wait for a response. Instead, Swiss moved aside and gave him room to scoop the small ghoul into his arms. Dew couldn’t find it in him to protest, his head much too hazy and body much too weak to even attempt it. When they stepped back into his bedroom, the fire ghoul vaguely noticed that the floor had been cleared of all debris, and the stone had even been wiped clear of any blood or feathers. 

“You touched my shit…” Dew hissed as Mountain sat him down on freshly changed sheets.

“Yeah, yeah. Here ,” Mountain thrust a bowl of porridge into the fire ghoul’s hands,” Eat this, sparky.”

Dew stared down at the oats and found himself smiling at the berries placed strategically into the shape of a heart. It was so endearing that he almost regretted ruining the careful display with his spoon, but his stomach growled in protest. Once again, he hadn’t realised just how hungry and exhausted he was.  

Mountain knelt on his haunches to inspect Dew’s face. His hazel eyes searched the contours and ridges, lingering much too long on the brokenness of the fire ghoul’s left horn and the cut to his eyebrow. 

“S’not that bad,” Dew muttered. He dared not look down, his eyes focused exclusively on the corner of his bedroom, rather than risk meeting the ghoul’s beneath him. 

“Eat up, please.” Mountain insisted a little more firmly than before. His brows were knitted together in concern and he worried at his bottom lip. 

But Dew didn’t dare eat until Mountain was up on his feet again and settling beside him on the solid mattress. 

“You’re very lucky we weren’t more persistent with calling Aether, Spark. That horn will never come back in.” 

“So Swiss says.” Dew focused on the porridge, “D-did you find the other part?” 

Mountain directed Dew’s attention to the dresser. There sat the other piece of his horn, cleaned and sat almost mockingly on top of his box full of hair ties. A sadness pinched at his chest. 

“It’s fine. You’ll hurt for a while and you might have a bruise, but you’ll be okay.” Mountain urged, sensing the fire ghoul’s discomfort. 

Swiss quietly slinked into the room and took his place in the battered armchair. He nodded briefly to his pack mates before busying himself with tea and a bowl of stew. 

They drank and ate their respective snacks in silence, broken only by the howling of the wind or the occasional noise from their pack mates. But even the quiet spoke a thousand words. Dew was painfully aware of the nervous glances shared by the other two ghouls, their ears drawn downwards in an outward display of concern. 

“You guys don’t have to stay here.” Dew muttered, “I’m doin’ just fine.”  

“Oh yeah. You’re doin’ real well , Dewy.” Swiss scoffed sharply. 

Dew felt heat rising from his chest, peeking at the tip of his ears. His best friend’s tone was anything but friendly, and while the fire ghoul understood the root of Swiss’ unpleasantness, he couldn’t help but cower beneath his words. 

“Sorry…” Dew whispered, his voice so small it was barely audible. 

“Don’t ‘ sorry ’ us, Dewdrop.” Swiss had stopped eating, his face instead pulled into an expression of anger, something seldom seen on the multi-ghoul,” God’s below, I leave you alone for one Yule season and you damn near kill yourself!” 

“Swiss -” Mountain warned as he gently squeezed an arm around Dew’s shoulders. 

“We get that the holidays are a bad time for you. Mount and I more than anyone understand that.” Swiss continued, his voice breaking and tears sparkling in his eyes. Dew watched as the ghoul’s lips quivered, his stomach turning over in knots with each twitch,” But we can’t watch this anymore. You’re losing it, Dewy, and it’s killing us!” 

“Swiss! That’s enough!” Mountain barked pulling Dew close to him,” This is a conversation for another time.” 

Instead of arguing, something which Dew very much expected, Swiss took several deep breaths as tears worked their way down his flushed cheeks. Dew could count on one hand the number of times he had witnessed his best friend openly weep, and to think that he was the cause of one such occasion caused his already broken heart to shatter further. 

His chest ached. He felt his throat burning and the warming of tears behind his eyes. Then he was weeping too, his face buried into Mountain’s chest as the earth ghoul held him tight against his broad body. 

“We love you, man.” Swiss managed through shaky breaths. 

Mountain carded his fingers through Dew’s greasy hair, his cheek laid gently against the top of the fire-ghoul’s head. 

“It’s true. We all love you, Sparky. All we want to do is help you.”

Dew found himself gripping the fabric of Mountain’s shirt as he brought his full body up onto the earth-ghoul’s lap. He felt like he was drowning in tears and, yet, all he could do was cry. No words came to mind, nor his mouth; just days and weeks of silent memories all wrapped up in heaving sobs. 

For a while all that could be heard was the crying of ghouls within Dew’s room, accompanied by the din of the storm outside and the occasional coo of comfort from Mountain. Eventually, Dew uncoiled himself from the giant’s arms, his head blooming with pain and body aching.

Mountain brought his forehead down to meet Dew’s in a comforting bunt, mindful of the wounds. The fire ghoul allowed himself to look into the giant’s hazel eyes, noting the slight puffiness surrounding them. 

“Would you like me to stay with you tonight?” 

Without hesitation, Dew nodded. He wanted nothing more than to be tucked into the embrace of the gentle earth ghoul. Just like they’d done many times before Copia was Papa, in the front of Terzo’s tour bus. They were some of the most comforting memories he had and he longed to relive them in his time of need. 

Dew moved back to the head of his bed and pulled up the duvet. As he slid beneath them, he noted the floral scent of detergent and the softness of the sheets; certainly not his but thankful to whomever they belonged to. The fire ghoul curled up beneath the covers, a purr beginning to settle in his chest as he felt Mountain climb in behind him. 

Somewhere in the room Dew could hear Swiss clearing up the dishes. He listened as Cumulus’ soft voice came from the hallway, clearly here to take the cutlery back to the kitchen. But, instead of leaving with his mate, Swiss came to sit beside them on the edge of the mattress.

“Would it be okay if I joined you guys tonight?” He asked almost timidly, as if he were interrupting something he shouldn’t be. 

“Please,” Dew answered, shuffling back into Mountain to leave room for his best friend. 

Swiss smiled, something Dew had laid eyes on for days and he felt his chest bloom with genuine warmth. 

“Thanks, Dewy.” he climbed in, positioning himself in front of Dew where he was better able to bring their foreheads together.

“I promise we won’t leave you again, Sparky.” Mountain purred into Dew’s shoulder, “We’ll always be here for you no matter what.” 

With a full belly, a clearer head and within the arms of his ghoul-kin, Dew allowed the tendrils of sleep to pull him ever closer to a dreamless slumber. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

To say Dew’s head felt like thunder was an understatement. Although he awoke between the hollow of both Mountain and Swiss, the fire ghoul felt an incredible weight. His heart was full of love, made possible only by the love of the two creatures who had insisted on sharing his bed, but his stomach was lined with shame and loathing. 

He really had done it this time, hadn’t he? 

Not only was he to face the wrath of Sister on the first of the new year, but he had pushed away the only pack that had ever treasured and accepted him. Even Papa, a man who tried so hard to play nice, had shown his disappointment. 

With a heavy sigh, Dew attempted to untangle himself from the limbs of his bedfellows. Swiss stirred, grumbling under his breath about nothing in particular, while Mountain protested with a low, guttural growl. 

“Stay, Sparky. There’s plenty of time ahead of us.” The earth ghoul purred, his voice steeped in slumber. 

Dew was going to ignore him and continue his crusade to crawl into the shower to wash away his shame, but Mountain gently wrapped a hand around his wrist, pulling him back towards the space between he and Swiss. 

“Please, little spark. Come back to bed.” 

Who was Dew to deny the giant further? After all, there was no telling how much longer he had with them on the surface after his meeting with Imperator. 

With only residual reluctance, he settled back beneath the comforter, cuddling into the space against Mountain’s chest. The earth ghoul curled his arms around Dew’s small body and rested his head into the hollow of his shoulder. 

“So warm.” Mountain whispered, his breath tickling the fire ghoul’s neck,”’ missed cuddling you like this, Sparky.” 

Dew didn’t answer, he just allowed himself to purr softly. His shame couldn’t outplay the joy he felt at being held again, especially in the large arms of his favourite earth spirit. And to have his best friend lay on his other side, forehead to forehead? It felt like a dream if it weren’t for the persistent ache behind his eyes reminding him of his week-long binge. 

It wasn’t long before they fell back into a deep slumber, intertwined within each other’s bodies. Cumulus was the one to rouse them several hours later with the gesture of coffee and multiple rounds of toasted nut loaf. 

“It’s a pity to break up such a precious scene.” She smiled as she offered a steaming mug to her mate, “But it’s almost ten thirty and I know how Mountain hates to sleep in so late.” 

“Thank you, Lus.” The earth ghoul said, reaching for his and Dew’s respective mugs.

Cumulus had been meticulous in her preparation of their morning beverages, going so far as to ensure it was prepared in Dew’s favourite mug; black with a little cartoon devil and the slogan ‘ Sometimes I even Scare Myself ’. The fire-ghoul wrapped his hands around the porcelain and felt a smile tug at the edges of his lips for the first time in what felt like months. 

“Thanks.” He uttered, his eyes meeting the air ghoul’s baby blues only briefly. He found himself scared to linger for fear of what he might find; Would it be worry or pity? 

Cumulus settled herself next to Swiss, now sitting at the foot of the bed practically inhaling his breakfast. She took the time to offer some of the loaf to Dew, only to be met with a curt shake of the fire ghoul’s head. Before she could insist, however, Mountain stepped in. He took four slices, two for himself and two for Dew, and balanced them on his knee, well within the fire ghoul’s reach.

“I slaved over this nut loaf for a day and a half just to get the right amount of cinnamon and raisins.” Mountain warned, “I’ll be deeply offended if you don’t eat it!”

“Better chow down or suffer the wrath of our resident kitchen witch!” Swiss joked, waving a finger in Dew’s direction. 

Dew forced a chuckle and decided that it was easier to give in and eat than to fight back against his ghoul-kin. Especially those who played such a crucial role within his inner circle. He began to break the toasted bread into small pieces, ignoring how Cumulus protested the crumbs littering the sheets and began to eat. And eat. And eat. Until there was nothing left and yet his stomach begged for more. 

He was onto his fourth slice before Mountain stopped him. 

“Maybe that’s enough Dew. You’ve not eaten a lot of over the last few days and we don’t want to be dealing with a stomach ache.” 

“No, not with the ritual tonight,” Cumulus added. 

Dew’s heart fell. He’d forgotten about the ritual. He felt the familiar prick of anxiety blooming across his scalp and down his spine. There was no way he could face the full force of his pack, let alone hundreds of sisters and brothers of sin. Even masked, he knew it would feel like all eyes were on him for missing the Yule celebration. Especially the beady, wretched stare of Sister. 

His empty mug safely set to the side, Dew was free to bury his head in his hands as he struggled to catch his breath. 

“ Fuck. I forgot about the ritual.” He groaned into his palms. 

Dew felt Mountain stretch an arm around his shoulders, and the touch of one of his other ghoul-kin upon his ankle. From the tepid, dainty fingers, he knew it was Cumulus. 

“It’ll be alright, sweety. I’m sure it’s just like any other ritual.” The air ghoul cooed softly. 

“No, it won’t! I missed the last one and everyone’s going to stare because they know I’m fucked -” 

“Don’t be silly. No one will even know.” 

“That bitch is going to banish me to the pit tomorrow and she’s probably told everyone!” Dew cried. He carded his hands through his hair roughly, brittle strands breaking away between his fingers. 

Cumulus looked from the fire ghoul to his comrades, her ears pinned against her head and features etched with concern. 

“Let us handle this, Lus.” Swiss whispered, kissing her gently on the cheek, “Why don’t you go hang out with the others, yeah? We’ve got this.” 

Wordlessly, Cumulus patted Dew’s knee before gathering the dishes and leaving the room. All the while, Dew attempted to catch his breath while Mountain hugged him closely against his side. 

“What’s happened, Dewy?” Swiss asked. 

Dew curled inwards against the earth ghoul, his arms tucked tightly against his chest and fangs biting into his closed fist. Swiss reached forward and gently pulled the marred hand from the fire ghoul’s mouth. 

“What do you mean that Sister is going to banish you tomorrow? Is this about your chat with Papa?” 

“Y-yes.” Dew choked, “I-I missed the Yule ritual.” 

A look of realisation flashed across Swiss’ face, and somewhere above Dew, Mountain let out a soft but audible gasp. 

“Oh.” Was all the multi-ghoul could say, his mouth rounded into the shape of the syllable and remaining so for some time as he chose his next words. 

“She won’t banish you, Sparky,” Mountain interjected. He soothed the fire-ghoul with a broad hand stroking up and down his back, “You’re much too special to send down below.” 

“Yeah, Dew! He’s right! Why would they put you through your transition only to banish you for one slip-up?” Swiss agreed enthusiastically. 

“Papa made it clear that all ghouls, especially those involved in the current Ghost project, are expected to attend key rituals throughout the year. You can’t just miss one and get away with it.” Dew whined in protest. He didn’t want to be coddled over this, nor did he want excuses or his hopes to be renewed. This was a monster of his own making.  

“I’m sure it won’t be without consequence, Dew. But banishment? That’s a bit far, don’t you think?” Mountain cooed, placing a soft kiss on the top of the fire ghoul’s head, “Why don’t I go with you tomorrow? I’d be more than happy to fight your corner.” 

Dew felt like a kit again hiding behind his mother’s legs as their pack alpha raged about his behaviour. It was a helpless feeling steeped in thick, shameful undertones. The last thing he wanted was to be transported back to a place where he needed saving, and for his foolish actions no less. 

“It’s my fault,” He sniffed,” and I need to accept the punishment no matter what it is. I can’t always have you guys or, Satan-forbid, Papa coming to my aid.” 

“I insist, my little spark.” the earth-ghoul pulled Dew close enough to bunt their foreheads together “We’re a pack, and we face things as one. And I’d very much like to be the voice of this little family if you’ll allow it.” 

Dew briefly glanced at Swiss who nodded his approval.

“But Papa will be there too.” 

“The more the merrier.”

Dew briefly glanced at Swiss who nodded his approval.

“A-alright.”

“Mountain and Papa will do right by you, Dewy. You’ve got nothing to worry about except for maybe a few extra chores. That’s it.” Swiss said, reaching forward to rub circles into Dew’s shoulder, “We’ve got you, man.”  

If he were entirely honest with himself, the fire ghoul felt relieved. He knew that Mountain would bring a calming presence and that Papa would do anything to protect his ghouls, Dew included. For the first time since Yule began, hope was breaking through the dark canopy he’d become buried beneath. 

“I-I don’t know how I can repay you guys for this. I’ve been nothing but an asshole the last few days.” Dew sniffed as he uncoiled himself from Moutain’s grasp to sit back against his headboard. 

“You can get yourself cleaned up for a start,” Swiss laughed,” And then join us for a cuddle pile before the ritual tonight. I’m pretty sure Cirrus and Sunshine had a movie planned for us before dinner tonight.” 

“And you haven’t even experienced the fire this year. It’s always your favourite.” Mountain added. 

Dew thought about the pleasure of hot coals in his hands and the smell of charred wood lingering in the air. The image of his ghoul-kin spread across their living room, each wrapped in their blankets and various fabrics brought a smile to the edges of his lips. Satan, how he had missed them over the last few days. 

“Will there be hot chocolate?” De asked. 

Swiss and Mountain shared a chuckle.

“Are you kidding, dude? There’s always hot chocolate.” 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

The pack welcomed Dew into their fold with open arms. He fell into each of them, accepting their touch as if no time had passed. It was as if he hadn’t spent the better part of a week screaming profanities through a door and isolating himself from their love. As Dew moved from ghoul to ghoul, each one bunting their forehead with his and emitting soft purrs, he couldn’t help but think about how, exactly , he had come to deserve such a wonderful group of friends.

No. Family. 

They insisted on making Dew a plate of leftovers and even allowed him to pick their first movie of the afternoon. It wasn’t until Dew laid eyes on the nest that Phantom and Rain had carefully curated for him that he found himself fighting back tears.

The ghouls took it in turns to curl up next to Dew. Phantom was first, falling asleep five minutes into ‘ Die Hard ’, his head on Dew’s chest. He was followed by Rain who took over mid-way through, also succumbing to the whispers of sleep. All the while, Cumulus sat behind the fire ghoul as she brushed and braided his hair, readying him for the ritual tonight.  It was only when they began their second movie, a musical chosen by Sunshine, that Mountain took to the floor and pulled Dew in between his legs. The smaller ghoul purred as the giant held him tightly, their fingers intertwining. It was finally Dew’s turn to fall asleep, his body curled against Moutains and a piece of smouldering coal in his mouth. 

It felt like mere minutes had passed when the fire ghoul was being gently awoken by Mountain carrying him to his bedroom. 

“I’m afraid it’s time to get ready for the ritual.” The giant cooed softly so as not to startle the stirring ghoul too much. 

Dew buried his head in Mountain’s shirt, taking in his scent and treasuring it. His meeting with Imperator was front and center in his mind, anxiety crawling through his body and settling deep within his stomach. The giant’s scent may be all he has left after tomorrow’s meeting, and he wanted to file it safely away within his memories.  

Mountain placed him gently on the floor and instructed him to start getting into his uniform. The earth ghoul had already laid the garments out on the bed next to his own, and they both began to ready themselves for the evening ahead. They helped each other with complicated buckles, and unruly buttons and Mountain even worked to secure Dew’s braids beneath his helmet. 

“It feels like no time has passed since we were getting ready to stand before thousands of on stage next to Copia,” Dew remarked as Mountain adjusted the skull-shaped woggle of his neckerchief. 

“That’s because it hasn’t.” The earth ghoul chuckled.

“What - what if I never get to do it again?” 

“Dew -” Mountain placed his hands on Dew’s shoulders, his eyes boring into the fire ghoul’s through the glass of his googles, “You will. Papa will make sure of it. Please try to set that aside for tonight and let’s go enjoy the first footing, yeah?” 

With a slight nod and a soft response, Dew allowed Mountain to guide him to the living area where the rest of the pack was waiting on them. The giant’s hand never left Dew’s shoulder, the warmth and slight squeeze of his fingers creating a comforting aura. But no amount of comfort could shift the catastrophising from building in the fire ghoul’s mind. 

This could be the last time they all sit together in mass. Or the last night he has to spend with his pack. What if this were the last chance he had to see the other ghoul-kin he had come to know and love from around the ministry? Dew swallowed thick, acidic bile as his stomach flipped and churned. 

It was Phantom running into the room, neckerchief barely intact and mask in his hand, that broke the fire ghoul from his spiral. He watched on as Swiss got to work on straightening their younger member out. 

“Are we all ready to go?” The multi ghoul asked as he tightened the straps on Phantom’s waistcoat. 

With resounding agreement and a ‘ let’s go ghouls ’ from Cirrus, the pack made their way to the ministry chapel. All the while, Mountain’s hand never left Dew’s shoulder. And as they slid into their designated pew, it instead came to rest around his own, the calloused thumb softly caressing the fire ghoul’s knuckles. 

The chapel slowly filled around them, siblings, ghoul-kin and clergy all piling in to take their seats. There was a steady haze of chattering, some stopping to talk to the pack and exchange well wishes for the year to come. Swiss stretched himself over the pews to shake hands with Aether, Omega and Alpha, while Mountain nodded towards his greenhouse group situated at the back of the hall. All the while Dew sunk closer to the giant’s side, his grip on the earth ghoul’s hand growing steadily tighter. 

The din of the organ created a silence across the hall signalling the beginning of mass. Papa, adorned in his robes and swinging the incense-filled thurble, made his way up the center of the pews, followed closely by Papa Primo, Secundo and Terzo, each wearing their own vestments. 

Dew watched on as the clergyman passed off his instruments to one of the siblings and took his rightful place at the pulpit. It was there that Copia took a second to glance across the hall, his hands outstretched and face stoic. Only when his eyes landed on Dew and his fellow pack did a soft smile pinch at the corners of his lips. 

“Good evening siblings, ghouls and esteemed members of the clergy. Welcome to our annual first-footing mass.” the clergyman announced in his heavy Italian accent, “I am most happy to see you all here tonight, ready to step together into the new year. I promise I will not keep you long as I am sure many of you wish to party and the like. But I would like to take some time this evening to talk about reflection during the yule season, si ?”

Dew’s ears perked up beneath the mask as Papa’s eyes, once again, met his among the crowd. Beside him, Mountain renewed his grip on the fire ghoul’s hand. 

              “Yule can be a time for joy and celebration. We come together as one to show our love and devotion, not only to each other but to our dark lord. But, i miei fratelli e sorelle , it is also important to remember that there are those of us that find Yule to be very difficult. Grief, loneliness, illness; there are so many reasons why one may struggle. And what happens when we are in pain, mio amicos ? We become angry and sad, and we might even push away the ones who treasure us the most.” 

Papa’s words cut through Dew’s chest like a knife. He knew that the sermon was meant for everyone, but the ghoul couldn’t help but feel that it was written with him in mind. And then there was the way the clergyman’s eyes kept lingering on he and his pack, a subtle smile dimpling his cheeks. With every word, Dew found himself having to fight back tears, not wanting to be found crying in a room full of his kin. 

“While we may feel lost in the darkness,” Copia continued, “We must remember the light around us. It comes in many forms, mio amicos . It can be found in our friends and family, in the small joy of a warm fire or cup of cocoa, in the animals we keep as pets and even the smell of freshly baked cookies, something I very much enjoy.” Papa chuckled, patting his stomach. A soft laugh resounded through the church, “No matter how bleak things feel, we must reflect on and remember those who have helped us survive such darkness. We must remember those that are no longer with us, and honor them by moving forward, forever holding them close within our memories. The first footing, while largely about new beginnings, is also about remembering the path we have taken to get here. As we close our sermon for this evening and go our separate ways, I want you all as siblings and ghouls alike to reflect on yourselves. Look how far you have all come. Look at the challenges you have faced and conquered. The light is awaiting us in this new unfolding year and it is up to us to move boldly towards it.” 

Copia stood forward in front of the pulpit and raised his arms to the side. He welcomed members of the congregation to begin their countdown to the new year. Behind him, the ornate Monstrance clock, its dark wood ordained in a mixture of gold and silvers, ticked down to midnight.

Mountain pulled Dew up to stand alongside the rest of the attendees. The giant slung his arm around the fire ghoul’s shoulder as he joined in with the countdown. Cumulus curled into Swiss’ side, Rain pulled Phantom close to him and Sunshine and Cirrus held their hands high to the sky. Celebration erupted around them all as the clock struck midnight and, in a whirlwind, Mountain pulled Dew into a tight hug. 

“Happy new year, little spark.” He whispered from beneath his mask. 

Dew, caught in a flurry of emotion, didn’t respond. He didn’t so much as return the hug. This was it, a new year and a new chance. If he survived his meeting with the sister tomorrow, he swore, there in the unholy place of his dark lord, that things were going to change. This was the last year he spent wallowing in his self-pity when he should have been in the loving embrace of his pack. 

Dew felt another one of his pack curl themselves around his back, and then another to his side, and soon the entire pew was wrapped around the pair. They purred into each other’s bodies, a melody of their love and devotion to not only the fire ghoul but each other. 

They didn’t stay like that for long, too much excitement for the night ahead, but as the other ghouls slowly untethered themselves, Dew felt a helmet bunt against his. 

“We love you Dew, never forget that,” Swiss whispered, before patting him strongly on the back and retreating to join the remainder of their kin. 

Mountain, of course, was the last to let go. He brought his firm, weather-worn hands up to cup either side of Dew’s mask. 

“You’ve always got us to turn to. As long as we’re top-side, we’ll be here for you.” 

“You guys are too good to me.” Dew choked out, his voice marred by the tears caught in his throat. 

From behind them, Swiss cleared his throat as he readied himself to rally the troops. 

“Alright, guys!” The multi-ghoul bellowed, determined to get his evening started,” I think it’s time to celebrate! Who’s joining me for the party in B wing?” 

Dew didn’t hear through a chorus of replies, but he was willing to bet Rain was front and centre, followed closely by Cirrus and Sunshine, both notorious for a celebration. Cumulus, however, would only attend to keep Swiss under control, while Phantom would opt out, choosing to be somewhere quieter. 

All the while Dew, who would normally be jumping at the chance to crash a party, was more than happy to share an evening with Mountain. No matter the activities, they’d be happy together. 

The pack began to mix in with the crowd, chattering to other kin and siblings as they went, each wishing the other a happy new year and discussing their plans for the evening. Mountain and Dew lingered behind, taking their time instead of pushing their way to the chapel doors. Around them, the space gradually cleared until the hall was left with only a few stray siblings and clergy-folk. It was then, as they moved slowly towards the ornate double doors that they were met by Copia and Phantom. The little quint gently patted Dew’s shoulder and nodded his head in a silent act of acknowledgement. But Copia all but engulfed him in his arms, bringing his painted forehead to softly bunt between the horns of Dew’s helmet. It was a habit he’d picked up from years of watching the ghouls interact and the pack always appreciated the familiar gesture. 

“Dew, diavolino ,” Copia took Dew’s hands within his own, one on top of the other, “I am very glad to see you here tonight. I was becoming worried that you would not make it.”

“I-I couldn’t possibly miss it.” He tried to laugh it off, tried not to show the wretched feeling of anxiety and shame coiling inside him. 

“And how have you been?” 

Dew contemplated his answer. He couldn’t fool the man, that much was apparent, but there were some aspects of the last few days that he’d rather not share with the Papa. Not here in the crowded ritual hall, nor the privacy of a confessional. 

“I’m much better now, and just want to get tomorrow’s meeting over with.” 

Moutainatin squeezed Dew’s shoulder, a small, silent gesture of support.

“Ah, si. Domani .” Copia sighed, “Worry not, diavolino . I will be there to fight in your corner. Sister and I have already had quite the discussion, and while she is as wicked as always on the subject of rules and regulations, she is willing to hear your side.” 

“And I will be there too if it’s not too much to ask Papa,” Mountain added.

“Of course, amico . You are more than welcome.” 

“ Grazie. ” 

They discussed further details, such as the time of the hearing and what to wear, before Papa bid Dew and the earth ghoul goodnight. Around them, the crowd had already begun to dissipate, including their fellow pack members. After saying their goodbyes to other siblings and ghoul kin, both Mountain and Dew began to make their way back to the den. 

The moon was high, covered slightly by clouds and flutters of snow as it fell softly to the ground. Their walk was steeped largely in a comfortable silence. A silence only found in two old friends who had long since passed their awkwardness. The only sound was the scuff of their shoes against the flagstones and the distance chatter of siblings and ghouls heading off to celebrate. 

“Sounds like they’re off to have some fun.” Dew chuckled, referring to the squeals of delight emitted by a pack of siblings off to do Satan-knows-what in their dorms. 

“It does.” Mountain answered,” Perhaps we should have some fun too? It might help you relax before tomorrow?” 

Beneath his helmet, Dew raised an eyebrow at the earth-ghoul’s suggestion. 

“What had you in mind?”  

Read the rest here

[hommiesweet]

The Top 5 Mosaic Floor Tile Colors for a Coastal Look

Creating a coastal ambiance in your home can transport you to a serene beachside retreat, even if you're miles away from the shore. One of the most effective ways to achieve this look is through the strategic use of mosaic floor tiles. These versatile design elements can instantly infuse your space with the colors and textures reminiscent of sandy beaches, rolling waves, and sun-bleached driftwood.

In this article, we'll explore the top 5 mosaic floor tile colors that can help you achieve that perfect coastal aesthetic.

Why Choose Mosaic Floor Tiles for a Coastal Look?

Before diving into the colors, it's important to understand why mosaic floor tiles are an excellent choice for creating a coastal atmosphere. Mosaic floor tiles offer several advantages:

Versatility in design and pattern creation

Ability to mimic natural textures like sand and water

Durability in high-traffic areas

Easy maintenance and cleaning

Wide range of color options to suit any coastal palette

Whether you're renovating your bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, mosaic floor tiles can provide the perfect foundation for your coastal-inspired space.

The Top 5 Mosaic Floor Tile Colors for a Coastal Look

1. Sandy Beige

Sandy beige mosaic floor tiles are the cornerstone of any coastal-inspired design. These warm, neutral tones evoke the feeling of soft sand beneath your feet, instantly connecting your space to the beach.

Design Tip: Pair sandy beige mosaic floor tiles with white walls and natural wood accents for a classic coastal look. Add pops of blue in your decor to complete the beachy vibe.

2. Ocean Blue

No coastal palette is complete without shades of blue. Ocean blue mosaic floor tiles can range from deep navy to lighter aquamarine hues, mimicking the varied colors of the sea.

Design Tip: Use ocean blue mosaic floor tiles in bathrooms or as a statement floor in entryways. Complement with white fixtures and sandy-colored accents for a balanced coastal feel.

3. Seafoam Green

Seafoam green mosaic floor tiles offer a softer, more subtle nod to coastal colors. This soothing hue is reminiscent of sea glass and can create a calming atmosphere in any room.

Design Tip: Seafoam green mosaic floor tiles work beautifully in kitchens or sunrooms. Pair with crisp white cabinetry and brushed nickel hardware for a fresh, coastal-inspired look.

4. Weathered Gray

Weathered gray mosaic floor tiles capture the essence of driftwood and weathered coastal structures. This versatile color adds depth and character to your coastal design.

Design Tip: Use weathered gray mosaic floor tiles as a neutral base in living areas or bedrooms. Accent with white, blue, and natural textures to create a layered, coastal-inspired space.

5. Coral Pink

For a bolder take on coastal design, consider coral pink mosaic floor tiles. This vibrant hue adds warmth and energy, reminiscent of tropical coastal destinations.

Design Tip: Use coral pink mosaic floor tiles sparingly, perhaps in a powder room or as an accent border. Balance with neutral tones to prevent overwhelming the space.

Choosing the Right Mosaic Floor Tiles for Your Coastal Design

When selecting mosaic floor tiles for your coastal-inspired space, consider the following factors:

Room Function: Choose tiles that are appropriate for the room's use. For example, bathroom mosaic floor tiles should be slip-resistant.

Lighting: Natural light can affect how colors appear. Test your chosen mosaic floor tiles in the space before committing.

Existing Decor: Ensure your chosen tile color complements your existing furniture and decor.

Maintenance: Some colors may show dirt or wear more easily than others. Consider the practicality of your choice.

Pattern: The pattern of your mosaic floor tiles can enhance the coastal feel. Consider wave-like patterns or fish scale designs for added coastal charm.

Where to Find Quality Mosaic Floor Tiles

For those in Singapore looking to bring a coastal look to their homes, visiting a reputable tile shop in Singapore is a great place to start. Many ceramic tile shops offer a wide range of mosaic floor tiles suitable for creating a coastal aesthetic.

When visiting a tile shop in Singapore, don't hesitate to ask for samples of your chosen mosaic floor tiles. This allows you to see how the colors and patterns look in your space before making a final decision.

Conclusion

Incorporating mosaic floor tiles in coastal-inspired colors is an excellent way to bring the relaxed, breezy feel of the beach into your home. Whether you opt for the classic sandy beige, the soothing ocean blue, or a bold coral pink, mosaic floor tiles offer endless possibilities for creating your perfect coastal retreat.

Remember, the key to a successful coastal design lies in balancing colors, textures, and patterns. By carefully selecting your mosaic floor tiles and complementing them with appropriate decor, you can create a space that feels like a permanent vacation.

So why wait? Visit your local ceramic tile shop or tile shop in Singapore today and start exploring the beautiful world of coastal-inspired mosaic floor tiles. Your dream beach house aesthetic is just a tile choice away!

[nurtured-nest1]

Creating a Cozy and Inviting Atmosphere

Your living room should feel like a welcoming space that offers comfort and style. One of the best ways to achieve this is by adding warmth and texture to the room. The right combination of textiles, materials, and accessories can completely transform the vibe of your living room, making it feel more cozy, inviting, and layered with character.

Whether you’re working with a minimalist, contemporary, or traditional aesthetic, incorporating warm textures and accents will help create a space that you and your guests will want to spend time in. Here’s how to enhance the warmth and texture of your living room:

1. Layer with Textiles: Pillows and Throws

One of the quickest ways to add warmth and texture to a living room is by layering pillows and throws. Textiles like cushions and blankets provide both comfort and style. Mixing fabrics like cotton, wool, velvet, and linen will add a tactile dimension to your seating area.

Throw pillows in different sizes, patterns, and textures can transform a basic sofa into a cozy lounge spot. Opt for chunky knit throws, faux fur blankets, or velvet cushions to evoke warmth during colder months. In contrast, lightweight linen or cotton pillows can add a soft touch to your seating during the summer. Don’t shy away from mixing different colors and patterns to create visual interest while maintaining a sense of harmony.

2. Warm Up with Rugs

Adding a rug to your living room can instantly introduce warmth, comfort, and texture to the space. Rugs are not only functional but also act as key design elements that anchor the room. A well-chosen rug can tie together furniture, add color, and define different zones within your space.

For colder climates or a cozy feel, opt for a thicker rug made of wool or shaggy textures. If your living room has hard floors like wood or tile, a rug will also provide a softer, more inviting surface underfoot. Consider choosing rugs with intricate patterns or rich, warm colors that complement the rest of your décor.

If you're working with a more minimalistic design, a simple, neutral rug with a subtle pattern can provide texture without overwhelming the space. Alternatively, a bold patterned rug can act as the focal point in a room that’s otherwise neutral.

3. Incorporate Natural Materials

Natural materials can instantly create warmth and texture in a living room. Think wood, stone, wicker, and leather. These materials not only add tactile texture but also bring a sense of earthiness and grounding to the space.

Wooden coffee tables, bookshelves, or side tables can add rustic charm to the room. If your space feels too modern or industrial, introduce organic materials like a wooden bowl, woven baskets, or even a driftwood sculpture. Leather chairs or cushions can bring richness to your seating area, while natural stone accessories, such as marble coasters or a stone fireplace, add elegant texture.

Wood in particular is a timeless material that can be used in various finishes to suit any style. Raw, unfinished wood can work well in rustic or industrial spaces, while polished wood can create a more refined, contemporary atmosphere.

4. Add Textured Wall Décor

The walls of your living room can sometimes feel flat, but they don’t have to be. Adding textured wall décor such as woven tapestries, textured wallpapers, or framed art with a tactile quality can add warmth and interest to the room.

For a more natural and earthy feel, consider incorporating woven or macramé wall hangings, which introduce texture and a handmade vibe. A large piece of textured artwork or a wooden feature wall can also bring warmth and a sense of coziness to your living room. Alternatively, layered picture frames with different materials like wood, metal, or glass can bring variety and texture to your walls.

If you're hesitant about committing to a full-wall statement piece, try adding textured mirrors, framed prints with raised elements, or shadow boxes with mixed media designs to give your space a cozy, layered look.

5. Warm Lighting for a Cozy Ambiance

Lighting plays a huge role in setting the mood and temperature of a room. In addition to functionality, lighting in your living room should help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Choose lighting that has a soft glow rather than harsh, cold light.

Consider incorporating multiple light sources, such as table lamps, floor lamps, and pendant lighting, to create layers of light. A mix of different bulb types can also add warmth—amber or soft white bulbs can create a soothing, inviting glow. Opt for lampshades in soft fabrics, such as linen or cotton, which can diffuse light more gently throughout the room.

If you’re looking for added warmth, choose lighting fixtures in brass, copper, or gold finishes, which have a warm tone. String lights, candles, or lanterns can add a soft and cozy vibe to the room, especially during the colder months or evening hours.

6. Choose Warm Colors for Furniture and Accessories

Color has a huge impact on the overall warmth of a living room. While cool colors like blues and grays can create a more serene, calm atmosphere, warm colors such as reds, oranges, yellows, and earthy neutrals can make a space feel more inviting.

Choose furniture and accessories that complement warm tones. A rich, deep-toned sofa in burgundy, burnt orange, or mustard can create a focal point in the room. Warm wood finishes, such as walnut or oak, can also add a cozy, organic touch. Add in accessories like warm-toned throw pillows, blankets, and curtains to reinforce the inviting atmosphere.

When decorating with warm colors, try to balance them with neutral tones or soft shades of cream, beige, and brown to prevent the space from feeling too overwhelming.

7. Add Personal Touches with Accessories

Finally, personalize your living room by incorporating accessories that reflect your style. This could include family photos, personal artwork, or meaningful souvenirs from your travels. Displaying items that you love adds a sense of warmth and individuality to the room.

Accessories like a decorative bowl, candle holders, or a tray with your favorite books can help tie the room together and make it feel lived in. Personal touches create an environment that is comfortable, inviting, and uniquely yours.

8. Introduce Soft Fabrics for Extra Comfort

Soft fabrics such as velvet, chenille, and cotton can add an extra layer of comfort and texture to your living room. From plush cushions to velvet upholstery, these materials invite you to relax and unwind.

A velvet sofa or armchair can bring sophistication to your space, while a cotton throw can soften a more structured look. Fabrics with a bit of stretch or softness can also make the room feel more relaxed and approachable.

[argiltiles]

Best Quartz Manufacturers and SPC flooring brands in India for Quality and Durability

Overview of SPC flooring

SPC flooring consists of a blend of limestone and plastic components, offering firmness and structure alongside flexibility provided by the plastic. This combination yields a highly resilient and waterproof flooring choice.

The numerous appealing characteristics and qualities of SPC flooring have contributed to its growing popularity worldwide. Before purchasing tiles, it is advisable to familiarize oneself with the leading SPC flooring brand in India.

Top SPC flooring brands for quality and durability are-

BARI-  BARI flooring is recognized as the best SPC vinyl flooring manufacturer for its designs inspired by natural stone. Within their urban mix collection, they offer finishes that resemble concrete, featuring subtle patterns to achieve an industrial chic appearance. The natural brown shade of these floor tiles is likely to appeal to customers. The resemblance to real hardwood is so striking that it's difficult to distinguish between the two. This choice is ideal for individuals who appreciate the aesthetic of wood floors.

Kodiak- Kodiak is at the forefront of SPC vinyl flooring manufacturing thanks to its water-resistant flooring, featuring their innovative Hydro shield technology integrated into all their SPC floors. Ideal for high-humidity spaces such as bathrooms, their coastal collection showcases wood grain designs in driftwood grays and bleached oak. The mineral collection offers low-maintenance living with understated stone patterns and a textured finish. Depending on the chosen theme, it is suitable for both commercial and residential areas.

Milona- MILONA offers a wide range of SPC floors with wood and stone appearances, including distressed and weathered finishes. Their vintage charm collection consists of planks designed to resemble barn wood, complete with hand-scraped detailing. The urban loft series showcases bold concrete, metal, and geometric patterns. This SPC flooring brand in India offers a lovely gray finish and color at an affordable price point. Despite its affordability, the floor's strength and quality justify the price.

Top Quartz brands for quality and durability

The findings of a recent research on leading quartz countertop brands in India are quite promising. Relay stone, Caesar stone, Cambria, Kalinga Stone, and other brands have emerged as leaders, offering high quality, durability, and aesthetic charm in their quartz products. They represent the highest standard of countertop excellence in the Indian market, with their innovative designs and dependable performance.

Relay Stone (Popular Quartz brand)- ��Relay stone holds the top position as the leading Quartz countertop brand in India. When it comes to selecting the ideal quartz countertops for your home, Relay stone stands out as the premier brand in the market. Renowned for its durability and top-notch quality, Relay stone provides an extensive selection of quartz countertops suitable for both residential and commercial spaces.

Unmatched quality - Relay stone is dedicated to delivering only the finest quality quartz countertops. Each countertop is crafted from premium materials engineered to endure for many years, making them a wise investment for any homeowner or business owner.

Long-lasting - Quartz countertops from Relay stone are celebrated for their resilience. They are impervious to scratches, stains, and heat, making them ideal for use in kitchens and bathrooms.

Kalinga Stone-  With a wide variety of more than 200 products, Kalinga Stone is well-known for its global reach, supplying to over 66 countries around the world. Its strong sales and distribution network spans not just within India but also internationally. The esteemed portfolio of Kalinga Stone can be seen in high-profile projects. The brand, launched by classic marble company, continues to create an impact on a global scale.

[durofillseo]

Get Creative with Glass Bond Epoxy: Unleash Your Inner Artist and Transform Everyday Objects

The world of crafting can feel limited, especially when it comes to glass. But fear not, fellow creators! There's a secret weapon waiting to ignite your imagination: glass bond epoxy. It's not just a glue; it's a creative catalyst, unleashing a world of possibilities to transform everyday objects into stunning works of art epoxy for floors tiles

Beyond the Glue Gun: Why Traditional Methods Hold You Back

Traditional methods like glue guns might seem convenient, but they often hold you back from unleashing your full creative potential:

Limited Applications, Restricted Ideas: Traditional glues often lack the strength or versatility for complex projects. Your creative vision might be stifled by the limitations of these materials, restricting you to simple repairs or basic crafts.

Fragile Fixes, Fleeting Inspiration: Regular glues form weak bonds that deteriorate over time. This fear of impermanence can stifle your inspiration, making you hesitant to invest time and effort into projects that might not last.

Cloudy Vision, Obscured Beauty: Many glues leave behind a cloudy residue, detracting from the inherent beauty of the glass. This can leave your creations looking dull and unfinished, obscuring the artistic vision you poured into your work.

Introducing Glass Bond Epoxy: A Creative Revolution

Glass bond epoxy emerges as your creative revolution – a powerful tool that offers unmatched strength, versatility, and clarity:

Unbreakable Bonds, Limitless Creations: Epoxy forms a powerful chemical bond that rivals the strength of glass itself. This newfound security allows you to take on ambitious projects, incorporating heavier elements or intricate designs without fear of them falling apart. Dream big and build without limitations!

Crystal Clear Clarity, Unrestricted Vision: High-quality epoxy boasts remarkable clarity, mimicking the look of fused glass. This allows you to create seamless transitions and stunning effects, bringing your artistic vision to life without any frustrating cloudiness. Imagine creating breathtaking mosaics or crafting jewelry with flawless clarity, all thanks to the power of epoxy.

Material Matchmaker, A Universe of Possibilities: Unlike traditional glues, epoxy boasts exceptional versatility. It can effectively bond to a wide variety of materials including metal, ceramic, wood, plastic, and even stone. This opens doors for a universe of creative possibilities. Imagine incorporating natural elements like pebbles or driftwood into your glasswork, or creating mixed-media masterpieces that defy traditional boundaries.

From Ordinary to Extraordinary: A Guide to Unleashing Your Creativity with Epoxy

With glass bond epoxy in your arsenal, you can transform ordinary objects into extraordinary creations with these steps:

Safety First, Spark Your Inspiration: Always prioritize safety when working with glass and epoxy. Wear gloves and eye protection to avoid injuries. Ensure proper ventilation, especially when using certain epoxies that might emit fumes during curing.

Surface Prep for a Flawless Creation: A successful bond starts with a clean and dry surface. Thoroughly clean the areas you intend to bond with rubbing alcohol or a degreaser to remove any dirt, oil, or grease that might hinder adhesion.

Understanding the Cure Time, Plan Your Project: Different epoxies have varying cure times. Carefully read the manufacturer's instructions and plan your project accordingly to ensure optimal results. This allows you to pace yourself and create your masterpiece with perfect timing.

Unleashing Your Inner Artist: Techniques and Project Ideas

The Art of Application: The application technique depends on your project. For intricate details, consider using toothpicks or fine-tipped applicators. For larger areas, use squeegees or palette knives for a smooth, even spread.

Color My World: Explore the world of colored epoxies! Add vibrant hues to your creations or create stunning layered effects for a truly unique look.

Banishing Bubbles, Achieving Flawless Beauty: Use a heat gun (on a low setting and held at a safe distance) to gently move heat over the epoxy's surface. Rising air bubbles will burst, leaving a smooth and professional finish.

Clamping for Security: For some projects, using clamps can ensure a secure bond, especially when dealing with uneven surfaces or heavier elements. Choose clamps appropriate for the size and materials of your project.

Spark Your Creativity with Epoxy Project Ideas:

Mosaic Magic: Transform broken dishes, pebbles, or seashells into stunning mosaics for coasters, wall art, or even tabletops.

Jewelry Wonderland: Create one-of-a-kind pendants, earrings, or bracelets by incorporating glass pieces, metal findings, and epoxy.

Sculptural Delights: Experiment with sculpting techniques using glass and epoxy to create unique decorative pieces or functional art objects Epoxy tile joint filler

[blissspace]

Home Furnishing Goa: Transforming Your Space with Style and Comfort

Goa, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and rich history, also offers a unique perspective on home decor. Furnishing a home in Goa involves blending traditional elements with modern trends to create a warm, inviting, and stylish living environment. Here’s a comprehensive guide to home furnishing in Goa, complete with tips and ideas to help you create your dream home.

Embracing Goan Heritage

Traditional Goan Furniture

Goan furniture is characterized by its intricate craftsmanship and robust construction. Incorporating heritage pieces such as antique wooden armoires, intricately carved coffee tables, and vintage chairs can add a touch of elegance and history to your home. These pieces not only serve as functional items but also as beautiful focal points that reflect Goan culture.

Hand-Painted Tiles

Hand-painted tiles are a quintessential element of Goan decor. These vibrant tiles can be used as backsplashes in kitchens, decorative elements in bathrooms, or even as accent pieces on walls and floors. Their colorful patterns and artistic designs add a unique and charming touch to any space.

Integrating Modern Design Trends

Minimalistic Furniture

Minimalism is a prominent trend in modern home furnishing in Goa. Choose furniture with clean lines and simple designs that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Modular sofas, sleek dining tables, and minimalist bed frames help create an open and uncluttered environment, perfect for contemporary living.

Neutral Color Schemes

Neutral color palettes are popular in modern Goan homes. Shades of white, beige, and gray provide a versatile backdrop that can be easily complemented with colorful accents. This color scheme creates a serene and spacious ambiance, allowing you to highlight specific areas or pieces with bolder hues.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Choices

Natural Materials

Sustainability is a growing trend in home furnishing in Goa. Opt for furniture made from natural materials like bamboo, rattan, and reclaimed wood. These materials are not only eco-friendly but also add a rustic, organic charm to your home. Incorporating natural elements helps create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Eco-Friendly Textiles

Choose textiles made from organic materials such as cotton, linen, and jute. These eco-friendly fabrics are perfect for curtains, upholstery, and bedding. They not only look great but also feel soft and comfortable, enhancing the coziness of your home.

Coastal-Inspired Décor

Nautical Themes

Given Goa's coastal location, nautical-themed decor is a natural choice. Incorporate colors like blue, white, and sandy beige to create a beach-inspired ambiance. Decorate with seashells, driftwood, and marine-themed artwork to bring the seaside vibe into your home.

Light and Airy Spaces

Maximize natural light to create bright and airy spaces. Use sheer curtains to allow sunlight to filter through and choose light-colored furniture to enhance the sense of openness. Open-plan layouts that connect indoor and outdoor spaces can create a seamless flow, making your home feel more spacious and welcoming.

Multifunctional Furniture

Space-Saving Solutions

In homes where space is at a premium, multifunctional furniture is a smart choice. Look for pieces like sofa beds, extendable dining tables, and storage ottomans that serve dual purposes. These items help you make the most of your space without compromising on style or comfort.

Smart Storage

Effective storage solutions are essential for maintaining a tidy and organized home. Consider built-in shelves, under-bed storage, and wall-mounted cabinets to keep your belongings neatly tucked away. Smart storage solutions ensure that your home remains tidy and spacious.

Adding Personal Touches

Customizable Décor

Personalize your living space with customizable decor items. From bespoke furniture to handmade accessories, adding personal touches makes your home uniquely yours. Choose items that reflect your personality and style, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Local Art and Crafts

Incorporate local art and crafts into your home to celebrate Goa's vibrant culture. Display handcrafted pottery, paintings, and textiles created by local artisans. These pieces add character and charm to your home while supporting local craftsmanship.

Conclusion

Home furnishing in Goa is about blending the region's rich cultural heritage with contemporary design trends. By incorporating traditional elements, sustainable materials, coastal-inspired decor, and multifunctional furniture, you can create a stylish and comfortable living space. Embrace the unique charm of Goan culture while adding personal touches to make your home a true reflection of your taste and lifestyle.

[mariadodds]

From Drab to Fab: Inspiring Bathroom Renovation Ideas in Port Macquarie

Are you a resident of Port Macquarie looking to breathe new life into your bathroom? If so, you're in luck! Transforming your bathroom from drab to fab is easier than you might think, and it can make a world of difference in your home. Whether you're tired of outdated fixtures, cramped spaces, or simply craving a change, a bathroom renovation is the perfect solution. In this article, we'll explore some inspiring ideas to help you revitalize your bathroom and create a space you'll love.

1. Embrace Coastal Vibes

As a coastal town, Port Macquarie offers endless inspiration for your bathroom renovation. Embrace the natural beauty of the seaside by incorporating coastal elements into your design. Opt for a color palette inspired by the ocean, with shades of blue, green, and sandy beige. Consider adding driftwood accents, seashell decor, and nautical-themed accessories to evoke a sense of coastal charm.

2. Upgrade Your Fixtures with Local Flair

Support local businesses and artisans by sourcing fixtures and materials from Port Macquarie and the surrounding area. Look for unique, handcrafted pieces that add character and personality to your bathroom. Consider incorporating locally sourced timber for custom cabinetry, or choose handmade tiles from a nearby pottery studio for a one-of-a-kind look.

3. Create a Spa-Like Retreat

Turn your bathroom into a luxurious spa-like retreat where you can unwind and relax after a long day. Invest in high-quality fixtures and features that enhance the sensory experience, such as a rainfall showerhead, a deep soaking tub, and heated towel racks. Add soft lighting, plush towels, and aromatic candles to create a tranquil ambiance that soothes the senses.

4. Maximize Natural Light

Take advantage of Port Macquarie's abundant sunshine by maximizing natural light in your bathroom. Consider installing skylights or large windows to flood the space with sunlight and create a bright, airy atmosphere. Opt for sheer curtains or frosted glass to maintain privacy while still allowing natural light to filter in.

5. Incorporate Sustainable Design

Embrace eco-friendly practices in your bathroom renovation by incorporating sustainable materials and features. Choose water-efficient fixtures, such as low-flow toilets and faucets, to conserve water and reduce your environmental footprint. Consider using recycled or reclaimed materials for flooring, countertops, and cabinetry to minimize waste and promote sustainability.

6. Add Custom Storage Solutions

Say goodbye to cluttered countertops and cramped cabinets with custom storage solutions tailored to your needs. Invest in built-in shelving, pull-out drawers, and hidden storage compartments to maximise space and keep your bathroom organized and tidy. Consider incorporating niche shelving in the shower for storing toiletries and bath essentials within easy reach.

7. Play with Texture and Pattern

Add visual interest to your bathroom by playing with texture and pattern in your design. Consider incorporating textured tiles, such as subway tiles with a matte finish or mosaic tiles with a glossy sheen, to create depth and dimension. Experiment with geometric patterns, bold stripes, or intricate motifs to add personality and style to your space.

[elvirahomeinspiration]

Create a Nautical Study Room

A nautical study room is a fun way to decorate your home. Whether you're looking for a bold navy blue wallpaper or a subtle seaside motif, this design style can be versatile.

How to Decorate Nautical Study Room

Avoid using overly themed decor items, as they can quickly become outdated. Instead, use accent pieces that evoke the nautical theme without being overtly decorative.

Achieve a modern nautical look with textured tiles that suggest ripples in water. These gauged porcelain tiles feature a sand-like texture that adds interest to walls and a sense of movement to the space. Pair them with navy life-inspired wall sconces and calming neutral colors to create a serene coastal room. When we want to buy a beach style house we need to pay attention to the interior design it has.

If you're going for a bolder nautical look, choose a pattern that incorporates blue and white stripes. You can tile stripes across the entire room or, like this bathroom, opt for a more subtle look with alternating rows of blue and white. Textured tiles also add depth to a nautical room and are a great choice for bathrooms because they have practical non-slip qualities. They can be used on floors or walls and come in a variety of styles from realistic wood to quirky pebble mosaics.

Fresh Nautical Decoration Style

For nautical decor that feels fresh and classic, try adding striped accents. This design style is versatile and can be incorporated into many types of rooms. For example, you can use it on furniture or as curtains. It works well with light colors, especially blues and whites. The varying shades of blue help keep the room bright and cheerful. In addition, the ships in this room act as a great focal point.

If you want to add a rustic element to your nautical room, consider reclaimed wood. The material brings a natural constituent to the space, helping kids disconnect from their electronics and get in touch with nature. It also offers a durable and sustainable alternative to traditional materials like carpet.

Another way to incorporate a rustic element is to use natural elements like seashells and rattan. You can also add a jute rug for a natural look. Alternatively, you can use woven wicker or rattan chairs to create a more modern nautical room.

Gives an Impression to Nautical Decoration

Nautical decor can add a sense of history, warmth and a homey feeling to any room. Use authentic marine elements like wood oars, passageway lights, aluminum anchors and rope knots to create an interesting eclectic style that is both rustic and coastal. Use nautical decorations for your study room to create a unique space that is a true sea-inspired escape.

Nautical-themed homes can range from serene and minimal to preppy and collected. The theme can also be reflected in a wide variety of color schemes, from softer shades inspired by driftwood and sea glass to crisp high-contrast colors that reflect the bright blues and whites of a racing ship.

Nautical interior design is often highlighted with ample natural light, which reflects the brightness of the ocean and creates a mood that is both soothing and relaxing. When natural light isn’t available, warm LED mood and accent lighting can help create a nautical feel in any home. An easy way to own a nautical style house is through the property sales website thegardengranny.com.

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Extend the Mexican theme to your sink vanity by using narrower Talavera tiles such as Mexican border tiles. These tiles can be used as a backsplash or to decorate the entire vanity area. The result is a cohesive and visually striking design. As smaller accents, consider framing your bathroom mirror with decorative Talavera tiles to tie in the theme. Hang Mexican artwork or prints on your bathroom walls to add character and cultural depth. Use Mexican pottery and textiles for functional and decorative purposes, such as soap dishes, towels, and curtain accents. Mexican interiors often incorporate natural elements, like succulent plants and rustic wood. Bring these elements into your bathroom through potted plants, wooden shelving, or even a driftwood-framed mirror. Adding Mexican style to your bathroom is a fantastic way to infuse color, culture, and character into your home. From the eye-catching patterns of Talavera tiles to the warmth of terracotta flooring, every element can play a role in creating a vibrant and inviting space.

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Bathroom renovation design ideas for Sydney homes

Sydney homes are known for their diverse architectural styles and preferences, and when it comes to bathroom renovations, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are some general design ideas that can work well in Sydney homes, regardless of their style.

One important consideration when renovating a Sydney bathroom is the climate. Sydney has a warm, humid climate, so it is important to choose materials and finishes that are resistant to moisture and mold. For example, ceramic tiles are a popular choice for bathroom floors and walls in Sydney, as they are easy to clean and maintain.

Another important consideration is space. Sydney homes are often smaller than homes in other parts of Australia, so it is important to make the most of the space you have. One way to do this is to choose a space-saving layout. For example, you could opt for a walk-in shower instead of a bathtub, or a wall-mounted vanity instead of a pedestal sink.

When it comes to style, there are many different options to choose from. Some popular bathroom design trends in Sydney include:

Coastal chic: This style is characterized by its light and airy feel, with natural materials such as wood and stone. Coastal chic bathrooms often feature white or light-colored walls, blue or green accents, and driftwood or seashell décor.

Minimalist: Minimalist bathrooms are all about clean lines and simple design. They often feature white or light-colored walls, chrome fixtures, and high-gloss finishes.

Contemporary: Contemporary bathrooms are a mix of modern and traditional elements. They often feature sleek designs, high-tech fixtures, and natural materials such as wood and stone.

No matter what your style, there are many ways to create a beautiful and functional bathroom in your Sydney home. Here are a few specific design ideas:

Create a spa-like experience: If you have the space, you could create a spa-like bathroom with a walk-in shower, freestanding bathtub, and heated floors.

Add a touch of luxury: If you are on a budget, there are still ways to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. For example, you could install a rain showerhead, add a heated towel rack, or choose high-end fixtures such as a waterfall faucet.

Make the most of natural light: If your bathroom has windows, make the most of natural light by choosing light-colored walls and mirrors. You could also add skylights to bring in more light.

Add some personality: Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to your bathroom décor. This could involve anything from hanging artwork to adding plants to the space.

If you are looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out the portfolio of MKJ Projects. MKJ Projects is a leading bathroom renovation company in Sydney, and they have a wide range of projects to show you. They also offer a free consultation, so you can get their expert advice on your bathroom renovation project.

With a little planning, you can create a bathroom that is both beautiful and functional, and that perfectly reflects your personal style.