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psyphigirl · 8 months ago

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How to play Caravan (New Vegas)

While I was tryin to learn how to play Caravan I saw loads of guides were just explaining the win conditions and not the actual rules or controls. So this post'll explain everything about caravan from top to bottom. (The only reason to play Caravan is for the two achievements, win three times and win thirty times; I don't find it very fun, not the fastest way of making money, and has no bearing on any plot.)

Getting the Cards

The only way to get the Caravan Deck is from Ringo after completing Ghost Town Gunfight (or looting it off his body). You don't need this, but it gives you the minimum number of cards you need to play. If you don't take it you'll have to manually find enough cards for Caravan to be available for you You can get cards from vendors and merchants (~two caps per). Keep an eye out for 6's, 8's, 10's, and Kings (The strat I'll describe needs those cards). You can have multiple copies of the same card (i.e. more than one 6 of Spades)

I got the most cards from Lacey (the bartender) at the Mojave Outpost (anywhere from three to eight). Buy the cards you need and wait three days for her to restock. There's a semi-rare bug where she'll sell two of the exact same card (i.e. two Ultra Luxe 8 of Hearts): Buying both'll crash the game

Sierra Madre Cards

If you have Dead Money installed you can find additional cards for Caravan in and around the Sierra Madre. Below is all the cards you can find and where they are:

8 of Clubs - Sierra Madre Casino & Resort (Cantina Madrid): On the floor in front of a file cabinet to the right of the Cafe Madrid terminal and restaurant manager desk. King of Clubs - Medical District: Inside a 2nd floor room with an active electric hot plate, north of the Villa clinic and above a ground level cafe sign directly west across a courtyard from the room containing the 6 of Diamonds, on a round table in the northeast corner. 6 of Diamonds - Medical District: Inside a 2nd floor room northeast of the Villa clinic and directly east across a courtyard from the room containing the King of Clubs, on a wooden shelf in the southwest corner behind an orange chair. 10 of Hearts - Villa: Some distance north of the Villa police station and west of the room containing the 5 of Hearts, on the interior corner of a walkway to the southeast of a wall fountain. Going from the 5 of Hearts, out the door with a wall fountain, down the stairs, in the corner of the interior walkway on the left. 6 of Spades - Salida del Sol North: In the northwest corner of a small courtyard with three bear traps and a dead tree, on the ground between a wall and three pipes, just west of the stairs leading to a room containing Dean's Secret Stash, a radio and two pool tables. 8 of Spades - Villa police station: In the northwest corner of the cell Dog is located in.

Who can I play with?

You're never explicitly told who you can play with, you just have to ask around. Here's the full list; Limited: You can only play with them five times and then never again Restricted: You have to have good rep with their faction to play

Cliff Briscoe - Dino Bite gift shop - Limited Dale Barton - The Fort - Restricted Dennis Crocker - NCR Embassy Isaac - Gun Runners Jake Erwin - NCR Embassy Johnson Nash - Primm - Limited Jules - North Vegas Square Keith - Aerotech suite Lacey - Mojave Outpost - Limited Little Buster - Camp McCarran Q.Master Mayes - Camp Forlorn Hope - Limited - Restricted No-bark Noonan - Novac Ringo - Goodsprings/Crimson Caravan Camp Jed Masterson - Northern passage - Only available with Honest Hearts

Johnson Nash uses more face cards than other players which can break the strat I'll describe later. No-bark Noonan is the easiest to play against

Building your Deck

After offering to play with someone, and after setting your bet, you'll be shown two long rows of cards. The top row is the deck you'll play with in the game, the bottom row is the cards you won't be using

Use your arrow keys to move left and right, pressing W to add a card to your deck and A to remove it. Only select your 6's, 8's, 10's, and Kings. If you don't have enough of these to reach the 30 card minimum, add some Jacks or Queens. After that press F to play

The Controls

The descriptors of the controls listed along the bottom right can be a little vague or misleading, here's a better explanation;

Arrow keys to highlight a card in your available hand (these will be the cards revealed to you in a fan) W to select a card Q to discard a card (counts as a full turn) If you select a card and want to deselect it, press R. With no card selected, R is the forfeit button E lets you completely discard a caravan you've built

When you select a card it will move to the left side of the screen. This is where the game is played. Use the arrow keys to place your selected card in one of the six sections available (these are the caravans)

Number Cards and Face Cards

Ace - Value of 1 Number Cards - Value of 2-10

You can play face cards on your caravans or your opponents caravans, and they can do the same to you

Jack - When played on an Ace/Number Card, removes that card along with any card attached to it Queen - When played on an Ace/Number Card, supposedly reverses the direction of hand and changes suit of the hand. I'm not sure if it's just my game being buggy or if I'm using them wrong, but Queen cards don't seem to do anything for me. I use Queens as null cards: Just something to fill up my deck. If you know what they actually do I'll add a proper explanation here. King - When played on an Ace/Number card, doubles the value of that card. Multiple Kings can be attached to the same card Joker - When played on an Ace, removes all other non-face cards of the ace's suit from the table (except that card) When played on a Number Card, removes all other cards of that value from the table (except that card) You can place multiple Jokers on the same card to remove any card of that suit/value placed after you placed your initial Joker

Playing Caravan (6 8 10 K Strat)

This isn't a strategy I invented, I found it online. But I only every found it in posts that assumed I knew how to play already. So I wanted to put it here alongside a tutorial Also, just as a rule of measure for how weird this game is, we're only now getting to how to actually play the game ...

You're aiming to have the values of the bottom three card piles (your caravans) be higher than their matching top three values (your opponents caravans), while keeping your values between twenty and twenty-six (values outside of this are invalid).

You might notice that you can't place a card on a caravan that already has a card in it. This might be for a few reasons;

There's a difference between attaching a card to another, and stacking a card on top of another: Press the up and down keys to move along the various heights of a caravan. Face cards can only be attached, number cards can only be stacked

You can't place two number cards of the same value in the same caravan. But you can place as many of the same face card as you want in the same caravan

Place a 10 and a 6, or a 10 and an 8 in each caravan, attach a King to the 10 in 10/6 caravans, or to the 8 in 10/8 caravans. These will each bring your value up to 26. If you don't have any of the cards you need, discard something you don't want (like a Queen if you have any in your deck and are using them as null cards). It's worth having a handful of Jacks in your deck to use against your opponent

Beating No-Bark

I'm not certain, but I think No-Bark's deck has no 2's, Queens, or Jokers. He only has three to four Jacks, and two to three Kings. After you've placed your initial card in each of your caravans he'll use a Jack against you one or two times. Rarely three, very rarely none. After your first few moves he's very unlikely to use Jacks again. I only saw him using a king against three times out of thirty-five games. Sometimes he deliberately busts his caravans. I have no idea why he does this

The strat I use against him is to place 6's and 8's as my first card in each caravan, then replace any cards he removes. It's only after three to five moves that I actually start building my caravans. Unless he's particular nasty with his Jacks, or you're particularly unlucky with whichever cards you draw, you should be able to get to 26 in each of your caravans immediately. If not, don't forget to Jack or King any caravan of his that reaches 20

Conclusion

Caravan sucks

If I missed something or didn't explain something right I'll make edits

Peace and love

#berrytalks #fallout #fallout new vegas #fnv #fonv #caravan

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throughtrialbyfire · 3 months ago

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𝐖𝐈𝐏 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲 ♥

hi! it's been far too long since ive done this, but classes have been kicking my ass. next semester is my last at this college, so i'm trying to get as much done as possible <3

thank you to the lovely @captain-of-silvenar for tagging me, and to everyone who has been tagging me in my absence!!

tagging @orfeoarte @thequeenofthewinter @archangelsunited @viss-and-pinegar and whoever wants to do this and hasnt been tagged!!

this week, i bring the rough draft of the rewritten first chapter of An Inner Sanctity. ancano wakes up to find himself in an unfamiliar setting with intense pain he can't find a source for… and someone else in the cabin with him.

The room was dark. Lit only by a hearth, or some other fire. He could almost hear it crackle, if not for the shooting, electric pain digging into him like a hot knife. It ran in wild arcs from his lower spine, up through his shoulders and down through the legs, into his head until it pounded. He strangled a cry mid-way from his mouth and choked on air, face balled tight in an effort to shut it off, but that only served to intensify the tension in his head. He laid back on the pillow, coated in a new layer of cold sweat, lungs ragged in their attempts to keep any air in them. He tried to move, kicking his legs like stubborn carts laden with ore, but they were too heavy to move under the quilts and his own exhaustion. The pain dulled, first a slow glimmer of softening, then it dissipated into thudding behind his eyes. His ears pounded with blood rushing through them, his muscles heavy and uncomfortable. It was as though he had been speared through with a burning iron blade, but as he lifted his shaking hands to his face and touched the skin beneath, he could not feel anything out of the ordinary. His features were a bit sharper, perhaps. And the thin, oily coat of sweat didn't help any matters, either. He couldn't tell where he was, nor why the room was dim, nor why the quilts were there. Was he asleep? How long had he been asleep? The last thing he'd seen is that wave of… What was it, was that magicka? Not like anything he'd ever seen before. But it had slammed into him, knocking him back towards a wall, and a force had shocked through him to his core, and then…

A door opened near where he lay. Ancano shut his eyes. He slowed his breathing as the trudge of footsteps drew closer, a bowl sloshing with water. The guise of sleep would afford him enough time to take them by surprise, to shove them aside and paralyze them before he made his escape. Then, he'd run to the Thalmor Embassy and let them know what had happened at that dreadful College, barring a few details, of course. After all, it was only natural that the one to wield such an artifact such as the Eye should want to keep it for himself, is it not? A warm, wet washcloth swept over the ridge of his brow, the hand who held it moving in slow, gentle motions. He could feel their fingers as they gripped the cloth, and brought it down to his cheeks, over his eyes, and around his mouth. It took all of his strength not to protest the sensation, but he remained still and quiet as a corpse, and allowed the motions to fall over him. The cloth set aside somewhere, the same hand dipped something into the water, before he felt bristles moving through his hair. The motions were careful, pushing back the front of the lengths with the wet brush, ensuring that the one who held it did not harm him. Strange, was he perhaps in the care of a Dominion medic? Is that, by some miracle, where he'd wound up? The brush set aside on a wooden surface - to Ancano's chagrin, as he had enjoyed the little bit of comfort the brushing sensation provided - the mysterious hand returned, moving the cloth down his neck, and around his chest. They moved it along the ridges of his collar bone, and when he opportunity struck, he lurched out his hand like a snake's mouth to prey, eyes shot open as he got a bleary, unclear look at the figure. "Explain to me who you are, and what you are doing, or you will be missing a hand very shortly," he sneered in a hoarse voice, the threat taking the figure by surprise. As he began to register the figure before him, recognition came through the sound of their own voice, the person shoving against his hand on their wrist.

"Let me go, damn it! I'm just trying to help you!" Their protests came out more surprised than scared, and at that moment Ancano got a clear look at the individual before him. He loosened his grip, watching the Mer rub their wrist and pout a little, their dark hair falling over their shoulders in curls. His eyes widened involuntarily as he looked up at them, brow knit in confusion. The last memory that he had of this figure was that of them trying to kill him. "Athenath?" He uttered, throat unusually dry. The Altmer turned their attention to him, giving a nervy grin as he continued to massage his wrist. They then let the hand fall to their lap, looking over Ancano curiously. "Yes, and I'm gonna assume you've always had good grip strength." He frowned. Attempting to push himself up onto his elbows, another crack of pain whipped through his lower spine and into his extremities. Whatever noise he must have made, it was enough to make Athenath flinch, before they began to lower him back into the bed. "Hey, don't do that, not yet," they chided as Ancano's lips ran with haggard breaths, "you're not… well. I mean, I don't think you're sick, but you're definitely injured, though Lydia said she can't find any signs of physical injury. I can't, either, besides some cuts and bruises from… Well, you shouldn't worry too much."

He sneered. "Don't worry, I won't," he replied, words dripping thickly with sarcasm. The other Altmer rolled their dark eyes, and while Ancano had known they'd spoken, and he'd returned his own words, it was as though all sound came from across a corner, down a hall, somewhere out of touch. All he saw was his own pulse-spot-spattered vision, and the gleaming of the hearth reflected in the surface of the water that they'd been using moments prior. He had never known that he could get this thirsty. His tongue laid as dry and sharp in his mouth as a chunk of sandstone, all thoughts focused there. It would be pathetic to ask for water, to beg like a dog, but he found he did not have to, as Athenath pulled over a silver pitcher and poured him a glass. They set it aside, and with as much care as he could muster, began to shift Ancano to sit against the pillows. He winced and gagged on the pain, but the other took his time, and Ancano swore in that moment he almost heard reassurances, words meant to soothe so bitter and mocking in this light. When it was all over, however, he was seated, with the pillows against his back, resting on the headboard of what must have been a makeshift bed, as it was too hard to be a bed used regularly, and too lumpy to be one he was expected to sleep on for much longer. Well, he certainly hoped so, for if he had to sleep on this mattress any more nights, he might burn the entire place down with everyone but himself inside.

#tesblr #tes skyrim #skyrim fanfiction #ancano #thalmor #skyrim oc #wip wednesday #my writing #oc ; athenath #an inner sanctity #bishop.txt #this fic is entirely divorced of CotS canon. i just wanted to toss ancano and athenath into an enemies-to-lovers situation #just to see what happens <3333333

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falloutboylyricss · 3 months ago

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Fall Out Boy and Places

note: this post only includes names of specific places, both real and fictional

Evening Out With Your Girlfriend

"I'm deep with futures like Chicago / No, Glenview never meant a thing to me, she never meant a thing to me" - Growing Up

Take This to Your Grave

"Pete and I attacked the laws of Astoria with promise and precision" - Saturday

"Landing on a runway in Chicago, and I'm grounding all my dreams of ever really seeing California" - Homesick at Space Camp

Chicago Is So Two Years Ago (title only)

"But there's a light on in Chicago, and I know I should be home" - Chicago Is So Two Years Ago

From Under The Cork Tree

none

Infinity On High

"Put love on hold, young Hollywood is on the other line" - The (After) Life Of The Party

"And everyone's looking for relief, United States versus disbelief" - You're Crashing, But You're No Wave

"New York eyes, Chicago thighs, pushed up the window to kiss you off" - I've Got All This Ringing In My Ears And None On My Fingers

Folie à Deux

"Erase myself and let go, start it over again in Mexico" - I Don't Care

"Let's hear it for America's suitehearts, but I must confess, I'm in love with my own sins" - America's Suitehearts

Headfirst Slide Into Cooperstown On A Bad Bet (title only)

"Plant palm trees on Lake Michigan before it gets cold" - The (Shipped) Gold Standard

"Said, 'I'll be fine 'til the hospital or American embassy'" - What A Catch, Donnie

"And you're a bottled star, the planets align, you're just like Mars" - 27

"A Roman candle heart, keep us far apart" - Tiffany Blews

"Have you ever wanted to disappear and join a monastery, go out and preach on Manic Street?" - 20 Dollar Nose Bleed

West Coast Smoker (title only)

"Got my degree in the gutter, my heart broken in the dorms of the Ivy League" - West Coast Smoker

Save Rock And Roll

"Did you trip down twelve steps into Malibu?" - The Mighty Fall

"Bel Air baby, did you get dressed up?" - The Mighty Fall

"But we are alive here in Death Valley, but don't take love off the table yet" - Death Valley

"When Rome's in ruins, we are the lions, free of the Colosseums" - Young Volcanoes

"Americana, exotica, do you wanna feel a little beautiful, baby?" - Young Volcanoes

PAX AM Days

"Cargo and despair, all American made" - American Made

American Beauty/American Psycho

"You know you look so Seattle, but you feel so L.A." - Irresistible

"She's an American beauty, I'm an American psycho" - American Beauty/American Psycho

"Take me down the line, in Gem City, we turn the tide" - Uma Thurman

"In between being young and being right, you were my Versailles at night" - Fourth Of July

"There's a room in a hotel in New York City that shares our fate and deserves our pity" - Twin Skeleton's (Hotel In NYC)

MANIA

none

So Much (For) Stardust

Heaven, Iowa (title only)

"6 AM, Mulholland Drive, Moonlight Sonata and I" - Heaven, Iowa

Misc.

"I wanna put the Midwest home again" - Alpha Dog

"Sometimes, when I'm in Heaven, I get forgetful of the Earth" - Lake Effect Kid

"And joke us, joke us 'til Lakeshore Drive comes back into focus" - Lake Effect Kid

"I love you, Chicago, you make me feel so summer fling" - City In A Garden

"You know the world can get my bones, but Chicago gets my soul" - Super Fade

"Captain Planet, Arab Spring, L.A. riots, Rodney King" - We Didn't Start The Fire

"Oklahoma City bomb, Kurt Cobain, Pokémon" - We Didn't Start The Fire

"Nuclear accident, Fukushima, Japan / Crimean peninsula, Cambridge Analytica" - We Didn't Start The Fire

"More war in Afghanistan, Cubs go all the way again / Obama, Spielberg, explosion, Lebanon / Unabomber, Bobbitt, John, Bombing, Boston Marathon" - We Didn't Start The Fire

"Stranger Things, Tiger King, Ever Given, Suez" - We Didn't Start The Fire

"Elon Musk, Kaepernick, Texas failed electric grid" - We Didn't Start The Fire

"Great Pacific garbage patch, Tom DeLonge and aliens / Mars rover, Avatar, self-driving electric cars" - We Didn't Start The Fire

#fall out boy #fall out boy lyrics #fob #fob lyrics #lyrics #patrick stump #pete wentz #joe trohman #andy hurley

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mariacallous · 3 months ago

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Ukraine is set to face its toughest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion as Russia eyes cutting off its nuclear power after already bombing out capacity from half of its electricity generation sector in large-scale air strikes.

For now, Russia is not directly striking the plants with missiles and kamikaze drones. But Moscow has increasingly targeted nearby infrastructure, such as substations containing crucial equipment like transformers and power lines connecting nuclear plants to the grid.

“We're in a world where (Ukraine) has a deficit of functioning infrastructure. This is going to be the hardest winter yet,” International Energy Agency (IEA) Chief Economist Tim Gould told the Kyiv Independent.

If Russian attacks successfully disconnect all the power plants from the grid, then Ukraine’s only stable power source is gone, said Warsaw-based energy analyst Wojciech Jakobik.

“(Nuclear power) is a baseload capacity, which is irreplaceable by renewables, other sources, and especially not by energy imports,” he told the Kyiv Independent.

“With a smaller nuclear capacity in place, Ukraine will have less flexibility and less ability to stabilize (energy) generation.”

Ukraine has lost 9 gigawatts of power generation, including eight thermal plants and five hydro plants, due to Russian strikes this year. While companies scramble to repair their damaged assets, Russia is gearing up to attack Ukraine’s nuclear infrastructure, the Energy Ministry's press office told the Kyiv Independent, which would freeze out Ukrainians and cause a humanitarian crisis if the country can’t swiftly repair and protect its infrastructure.

After the occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in 2022, Ukraine relies heavily on three nuclear plants remaining under government control. They are the lifeline of the country, providing 60% of its power. The last mass attack on Aug. 26 forced Ukraine to disconnect three units at the Rivne and South Ukraine plants, causing weeks of power outages.

The country’s state-owned nuclear company, Energoatom, told the Kyiv Independent that all its power units are ready to operate at “maximum capacity” during the heating season, and the company connected a refurbished one-gigawatt nuclear power unit to the grid on Oct. 1. However, it has only recently announced plans to build additional fortifications to protect power plants from attacks.

Without stable power, Ukrainians will face another round of blackouts similar to the ones in the summer which could last as long as eight hours a day, according to Kyiv-based think tank DiXi Group. Brutally cold winter temperatures during power outages will freeze pipes, cutting off Ukrainians�� access to water and heating, and may lead to another wave of refugees, the UN’s refugee agency (UNHCR) told the Kyiv Independent.

At the same time, attacks on nuclear infrastructure massively heighten the risks of accidents, the Energy Ministry's press office said. While Jakobik believes a Chernobyl-like scenario is unlikely as reactors are well protected, damage to substations could prevent backup supplies of electricity that ensure the safety of reactors, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The EU and the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv both told the Kyiv Independent that they are pitching in to bolster the energy sector in time for winter with financial support, backup equipment, and humanitarian aid. But with Russia relentlessly churning out and firing its missiles and drones, the only tangible tool for energy security is stronger air defense, the Energy Ministry's press office said.

Running out of time and options

During the first years of the full-scale invasion, Ukraine relied on different facilities within its massive energy sector to survive the initial attacks on energy infrastructure and even managed to export electricity to the EU. But that changed this year after mass attacks beginning in March wiped out 50% of its energy assets. Now, Ukraine has run out of options and switched from exporting to importing 2 gigawatts of electricity from its European neighbors. Winter power outages appear inevitable. The United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission (UNHRMM) expects blackouts to last between 4-18 hours a day, depending on attacks and the weather, causing living conditions to crumble for millions of citizens. “The deficit of electricity supply could be up to 6 gigawatts. That's the equivalent of peak demand in Denmark,” Gould said. With nuclear power as the remaining foundation for Ukraine’s energy stability, it is the prime target for Russian strikes, the Energy Ministry's press office said. Ukraine’s government seeks to decentralize the power grid as quickly as possible, but this is unlikely to happen by the winter and private energy companies are desperately restoring their assets to strengthen the grid.

Ukraine hopes to recover 3 gigawatts by the end of the year, said Olena Lapenko, general manager in the Field of Security and Resilience at DiXi Group. But this depends on critical funding, which state electricity grid operator Ukrenergo puts at $1.5 billion for rapid repairs this season. So far, Ukraine has received nearly 700 million euros ($766 million) from its energy support fund in cooperation with the European Commission, and winter is fast approaching.

Part of the fund covers much-needed equipment, such as autotransformers, to patch up facilities damaged by Russian air strikes as fast as possible. Simple repairs around nuclear plants, like power lines, can be fixed within 24 hours, said Jakobik. But specialized equipment depends on deliveries from Western allies, which can take months unless there are readily available stockpiles, he said. “The tough part is, you replace the old infrastructure with new parts and Russia attacks it once again,” he added. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private energy company owned by its richest man Rinat Akhmetov, has lost 90% of its thermal plants capacity to Russian attacks. By winter, the company hopes to restore 60-65% of its thermal power that was damaged in spring. But even this would not be enough to replace nuclear power if all the plants are disconnected, said Oleksiy Povolotskiy, DTEK’s head of Recovery Office. Another issue, said Povolotskiy, is that the war has bitten a chunk out of Ukraine’s manual workforce while the scale of the damage is massive. DTEK is bringing in workers from other enterprises, like miners, to help clear debris. The company has asked European states to send engineers and machinery for more complex repairs.

The costs of Russian attacks are piling up for Ukraine. DTEK has already funneled $80 million into repairs from its own budget. Instead of relying on equipment that softens the fallout of attacks and power outages, Povolotskiy believes the most efficient solution is for Western allies to provide Ukraine with additional air-defense systems.

“Partners should understand that it is much cheaper and much more efficient to protect (energy facilities) than to repair,” he said.

The U.S. embassy in Ukraine told Kyiv Independent that the Defense Department will provide an additional Patriot battery and missiles but did not specify if this was directly for the protection of energy facilities. For now, this is the only confirmed delivery of an additional air defense battery, although Washington pledged a $2.6 billion aid package on Sept. 26 that includes munitions and support for air defense systems.

Ill prepared and ultra exposed

With no other extra air-defense systems currently in the pipeline, Ukraine’s government is building protective constructions for substations against falling debris and drones. However, not enough constructions have been built in time for winter and contractors have allegedly not been fully paid.

“More concrete constructions must be built as soon as possible,” Povolotskiy said.

Yuliia Kyian, an official at the Energy Ministry, told the Kyiv Independent during a discussion in Kyiv on Oct. 2, that the constructions are expensive and take time to build. They also cannot withstand ballistic missile strikes, she added.

Energoatom has faced criticism. In September and October, the company signed contracts to construct a $12.3 million shield around the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant and a $14.4 million worth of protection around the South Ukraine plant in Mykolaiv Oblast. Ukrainian anti-corruption watchdog Nashi Groshi reported that the contracts were concluded only after President Volodymyr Zelensky told the UN Security Council that Russia was preparing an attack on the three operating nuclear plants.

“It is difficult to assess why this was not done earlier,” said DiXi Group’s Lapenko. “Probably no one could imagine that the Russians would aim directly at the nuclear power sites as this is a serious threat to nuclear safety. But we can’t exclude such a scenario.”

A nuclear disaster would threaten the whole of Europe, the Energy Ministry's press office said, adding that the global community must unite to prevent a catastrophe. Kyiv has reached out to the UN’s nuclear agency (IAEA) to place more observation missions around its power plants, but an agreement has not yet been reached.

International observers will ensure that safety standards are enforced at the plants and combat disinformation, as Moscow frequently denies Ukraine’s accusations of endangering nuclear safety, Jakobik said. Nevertheless, Russia could pummel nuclear facilities to the point that it is dangerous for people to remain and force evacuations.

“Russia is not a responsible stakeholder in the nuclear sector,” he said.

“It's using energy terrorism against Ukraine. You cannot be sure about what Russia is doing,” the energy analyst added.

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thethief1996 · 1 year ago

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Netanyahu has issued a statement telling Gazans to leave now, because they will target each and every corner of the Gaza Strip. He and most of the media conveniently leave out that the entirety of the Gaza Strip is surrounded by a 65 km wall, which they have used to enforce a 17 years blockade, making it the world's largest open air prison. That's why the freedom fighters had to fly over it in hand gliders. Unless the Israeli government plans to open a humanitarian corridor, which it historically has refused, this is a cynical threat. It's psychological warfare to tell palestinians they will attempt to carry out their genocide.

This comes in the heels of the operation Al-Aqsa Flood. For the first time, Palestinians have managed to regain control of occupied territory. and tore down the Erez checkpoint. Latest reports say the freedom fighters are 10 km (6 miles) from reaching the West Bank. On Friday (06/10), at dawn, the IOF was still fighting palestinian soldiers in at least 22 locations near the Gaza Strip.

Gazans who have historically had their right to movement supressed stepped out of the walls for the first time in their lives. Palestinian bulldozers tore down pieces of the wall. Freedom fighters have infiltrated Asqalan prison. 35 soldiers were captured so far. In 2011, a single soldier was exchanged for 1.027 palestinian prisoners. The resistance managed to catch the israelis by surprise in an amazing victory.

Campaigns of disinformation are already being pushed by zionists on social media. Baseless claims of sexual assault against Israeli hostages are being fed to the media, and the only source is racist stereotypes. Meanwhile, videos of Israeli settlers dessecrating Palestinian corpses are ignored (warning, this link leads to a very graphic video). The Palestine tower in Gaza, which housed several media offices, has been leveled in a clear effort to stop reporting.

528 palestinians were killed since the beginning of the year. A little over half of this number comes as casualties from yesterday's invasion. Their martyrdom is a result of brutality routinely carried out against Palestinians.

There's no comparing both sides. While Hamas had to cut holes through less protected bits of the wall caging the Gaza Strip in order to carry out the attack, the Israeli government started carpet bombing and cut access to electricity, leaving wounded Palestinians with no medical care, shutting down ventilators and dialysis machines and harming clean water distribution at a snap of their fingers. Checkpoints across the West Bank have been closed, denying access to hospitals to the entire palestinian population.

On the other hand, settlers are being carried out in planes by their native european governments.

As Mohammed El-Kurd has said, "There's a population that lives inside a cage, without citizenship, without right to movement, without access to clean water, and there's a population that enjoys its full rights."

International support is essential. All eyes must be on Palestine. People should be ashamed of showing support for the zionist occupation. $3.8 billion in military aid are sent every year from USAmerican tax payer money, and the person who pushed for the creation of this aid was the old spineless clown that's president right now.

If you can, take action. Here's some dates for future protests:

Monday, October 9

ATHENS, GREECE – Monday, Oct. 9, 7 pm, Zionist Embassy, Athens. Organizer: Somoud Greece Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyGpGdEILQp/

BOSTON/CAMBRIDGE, MA (US) – Monday, Oct. 9, 4 pm, Cambridge City Hall. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyH1OrRMeWi/

COMPOSTELA, GALICIA (SPAIN) – Monday, Oct. 9, 8 pm, Praza do Toural. Organizers: Mar de Lumes, Galiza por Palestina, BDS and more. Info: https://twitter.com/mardelumes/status/1710941315498725824

HONOLULU, HAWAII – Monday, Oct. 9, 5 pm, Dole St and University Ave. Organized by SFJP UH. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyH82TEOZY6/

LONDON, ENGLAND – Monday, Oct. 9, 6 pm, Israeli Embassy. Organized by many groups (FOA, PSC, STWC, etc). Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyGTCBptrA5/

LONDON, ONTARIO (CANADA) – Monday, Oct. 9, 2 pm Victoria Park. Organized by CPSA. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyH63tusJTS/

MADRID, SPAIN – Monday, Oct. 9, 8 pm, Puerta del Sol. Organizers: Masar Badil, Samidoun Spain, Alkarama, Alyudur, Unadikum. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyHFOVLqKw0/

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (US) – Monday, Oct. 9, 6 pm, Sen. Klobuchar office, 1200 S Washington Ave, Minneapolis. Organized by Anti-War Committee. Info: https://www.answercoalition.org/join_a_protest_near_you_free_palestine

NEW HAVEN, CT (US) – Monday, Oct. 9, 3 pm 165 Church St, City Hall, New Haven. Organized by Yalies 4 Palestine. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyIwyqrgCqh

NEW ORLEANS, LA (US) – Monday, Oct. 9, 5:30 pm, Duncan Plaza, New Orleans Organized by PSL, JVP, FRSO. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyJLa_4uzQ9

NEW YORK, NY (US) – Monday, Oct. 9, 2 pm, Zionist Embassy, 800 2nd Avenue, NYC. Organizer: Within Our Lifetime, Samidoun NY/NJ, Existence is Resistance, Decolonize this Place, CUNY For Palestine & more. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyG85-SAXsB/

ORMOND BEACH, FL (US) – Monday, Oct. 9, 4 pm, SE Corner of Granada and Beach. Organized by Daytona Workers League. Info: https://www.answercoalition.org/join_a_protest_near_you_free_palestine

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – Monday, Oct. 9, 5:30 pm Town Hall. Organized by Palestine Action Group. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyHLhgnBEv4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

TORONTO, CANADA – Monday, Oct. 9, 2 pm, Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto. Organized by PYM. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyGtNclA55P/

VANCOUVER, BC (CANADA) – Monday, Oct. 9, 2 pm, Vancouver Art Gallery. Organized by PYM, Samidoun, CPA, SPHR UBC, BDS Vancouver. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyHOjTlAE2r/

Tuesday, October 10

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Tuesday, Oct. 10, 9:30 am, Outside Edinburgh Sheriff Court. Organized by Scottish PSC. Info: https://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/statements/call-to-action-14-october-at-2pm

Wednesday, October 11

MANCHESTER, NH (US) – Wed, Oct. 11, 7 pm, Senator Jeanne Shaheen’s office, 1000 Elm St. Organizers: PSL, ANSWER. Info: https://www.answercoalition.org/join_a_protest_near_you_free_palestine

Thursday, October 12

NATIONAL STUDENTS FOR JUSTICE IN PALESTINE (North America) is calling for a Day of Resistance on Thursday, Oct. 12: https://www.instagram.com/nationalsjp/

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA (US) – Thurs, Oct. 12, 4:30 pm, Raymond ave and Energy Park Drive, St Paul. Organized by Anti War Committee. Info: https://www.instagram.com/p/CyHKEUFJzih/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Saturday, October 14

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND – Sat, Oct. 14, 2 pm, St. Nichlas Square. Organized by Scottish PSC. Info: https://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/statements/call-to-action-14-october-at-2pm

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – Sat, Oct. 14, 2 pm, Place TBA. Organized by Scottish PSC. Info: https://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/statements/call-to-action-14-october-at-2pm

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND – Sat, Oct 14, 2 pm, Princes Street at Foot of the Mound. Organized by Scottish PSC. Info: https://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/statements/call-to-action-14-october-at-2pm

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND – Sat. Oct 14, 2 pm, Buchanan Steps. Organized by Scottish PSC. Info: https://www.scottishpsc.org.uk/statements/call-to-action-14-october-at-2pm

#free palestine #save gaza

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cazzyf1 · 7 months ago

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Quotes about Helmut Koinigg from the book 'Unsere Champions - Alles über Österreichs Jahrhundert- Rennfahrer 1900-2003'

"I helped him a few times in his somewhat chaotic career," remembers Helmut Marko. A nice guy, but a bit of a slob who had no organization - until he came to me with his contracts."

"He had a short, promising career, almost sky-storming: unfortunately an unfinished symphony. Helmut Koinigg was good," says Niki Lauda today. "But he died far too early to even know what would happen next."

Father Koinigg, a very well-off industrialist, was always against his only child racing - and never supported him.

Even from Lauda: “A consistent, intelligent guy who tried with all the difficulties you could possibly have to fight his way into Formula I - namely without any money. When he drove Formula Vee, he couldn't even pay the hotel bill at the Nürburgring...

What always impressed me about Koinigg was how unswervingly he pursued his path. In his premiere race in Aspern near Vienna, he continued to fight bravely with the ex-Lauda Mini even after the windshield had tipped out.

Helmut studied journalism and mechanical engineering at the Vienna University of Technology, where he was met by the two geniuses Dr. Get to know Fritz Indra and Ing. Heinz Lippitsch - and pass them on directly to Kurt Bergmann.

“Perhaps the nicest person I have ever met - but also the most difficult. Because he was so ambitious."

In 1974 he married his girlfriend, a stewardess: "Gaby has to earn the money that I spent on racing..." The 25-year-old is only half a year away from getting his doctorate. And all that's left to achieve perfect racing luck is Formula I.

I want to start over with Koinigg and rebuild everything from scratch. I'm taking Helmut because of his talent, his ability and his team spirit. If he didn't have these qualities, I wouldn't have signed him even with a lot of sponsorship money," Surtees tells me. Koinigg happily packs his two jersey bags for Canada and the USA

Koinigg is partying in Toronto, browsing for antiques, but most of us are flying to the Bahamas

Lauda has “the stupid feeling all day that something is happening,” and he pays particular attention. The track: even bumpier than last, with even worse vibrations. “They hit me like electric shocks,” admits Koinigg.

“It's a terrible feeling when the guard rails are staring you in the face, just 3 cm from the road,” Koinigg tells me quietly.

Five pilots are coming to the GPDA safety conference: Lauda. Koinigg, Hill, Hulme and Beltoise

On Saturday Helmut tried for two hours to call Gaby in Vienna but doesn't get through. The phone call doesn't work until Sunday morning. Helmut has breakfast with Huppert and Stommelen

The reconstruction shows: The two safety fences gave way during the impact. as if they were curtains. The bottom two of the three guide rails immediately collapsed because the pencil-thin bolts fell out. The car went under the third rail. Koinigg didn't have the slightest chance in a 2nd gear corner - whatever defect caused the Surtees to leave the road

Niki Lauda, shaken, takes off his helmet after two pit stops and says to Montezemolo: Luca, it has become pointless for me to continue driving. His race director understands immediately

No part of the car that was broken wasn't also bent. But the inner carcass of the left rear tire was completely damaged and this defect was certainly not caused by contact with the guard rails. Sudden explosion? Or the infamous "slow puncture", a slow slip like the one that cost Jim Clark his life at Hockenheim in 1968? I don't think so," says Surtees today, "Helmut was a sensitive racing driver. He would certainly have felt that."

The most touching moment was years later when a particularly kind Ms. Magister spoke to me quietly in a pharmacy in Hietzing: “I am the mother of Helmut Koinigg. Gaby, Helmut's wife, was already married again: to an attaché at the French embassy in Vienna. And Surtees again had an Austrian pilot - Hans Binder. Only at Ferrari in Maranello does Helmut Koinigg's last photo hang unchanged.

The last photograph ever taken of Helmut Koinigg

#oh poor Helmut #my sweet guy #it was nice being able to read more about him #classic f1 #f1 #formula one #formula 1 #vintage f1 #helmut koinigg #helmuth koinigg

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originemesis · 7 months ago

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@brokendreamscreation xxx

Aside from the blatant twitching and inability to move from his curled electric prison, Lucid deduces that the commanders of the exorcist army is in fact just fine. Whining and bitching about the situation, it is something the seraphim has since become accustomed to. If Adam did not, then he will have genuine reason to remain alarmed. The corners of his mouth remained turned down, lips parting to expel a breath. How should he go about this predicament? With them both currently in the Heaven Embassy, which is located in the center of the Pentagram, the closest place he could take Adam is none other than the place that belongs to his life long nemesis: Lucifer Morningstar’s palace. Lucid has since had a room offered to him to make his own, which he occasionally does stay the night there. Maybe if he took Adam there he won’t realize they’re in Luci’s house in his current state…But then he likely will have to shoo Lucifer off from barging in to assault the angel with mockery and laughter in his miserable state. And Lucid knows that entire situation will come down on his head with more than just wing beatings later. The short bodied angel slips his arms under the huge angel, scooping him up effortlessly as if he were nothing more than a sack of flour. The flea jumping sparks zap his own wings, making the angel flinch and promptly shake it off with a wing beat. “Right. Let’s get you somewhere to recover. The embassy has got to have a sleeping quarter around here somewhere, right? Like an employee sleeping place for long shifts?” Not exactly a hospital, but teleporting between Heaven and Hell could take a lot out on the average angel. So surely there’s some kind of nap setup down here, right? If not, well, there’s plenty of couches Lucid supposes. Only one way to find out. Bare feet lightly slap against the tile as he meanders the embassy with the First Man cradled in his arms.

Though his body seems out of order for the time being thanks to the incapacitating zap, his mouth works just fine, as Lucid would find out the more the larger angel carried on with clicking teeth and goose hisses filtered through them. "The actual nerve of this place- not coming equipped with portal neutralizers?? I mean yeah, I should be able to go around fucking holes in reality around this shithole just fine, but not some gooner with a literal taser! Like BRUH. Someone's getting a fat lawsuit, and his name starts with the same L he's gonna be taking up the ass-" Like an overly chatty budgie screeching its complaints whilst clinging carelessly to its cage bars, the first man, and unfortunately first ambassador to hell carries on to his not exactly captive audience, though the deal still remained between them...not that Adam could exactly summon up that contract now in his sizzling condition.

His loud and lingering complaints trail into a soft 'huphff' once his unwitting company peels him off the charred tiles and lifts the potato sack shape commonly afforded to human-blended archangels. His wings remain heavy and limp, grazing the floor grooves with frizzy tipped primaries until the seraphim clone could collect them underneath his current load. Wriggling and thrashing the other with his wings currently out of the question, he loses several restless squawks as the much smaller angel carries him a few steps through the embassy.

"Hey- hey, WHOA! Waiiiiihaittttt...you're so fucking going to drop me-mmpfh?!" His floundering remarks suddenly suffocate with the smushing of his face against the other's chest when he's suddenly tucked and hiked up into a more reassuring cradle. He goes quiet only until another adjustment frees his face again, but his panicked gaze from earlier is now a soured squint.

"How about don't waste my time looking, dude? This is a political playground, not exactly a hotel." The subtlest squirm indicates he's getting some feeling back, even if it's just the point between his neck and shoulder. "Might as well head to the break room. I could use a soda after being, y'know- electrocuted." Shouldn't be anyone still kicking around at this hour anyway... shouldn't be-

#//limp noodle man cant knock on wood #brokendreamscreation #pspspsps #verse ; // the REDACTED crusades

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saturniandevil · 8 months ago

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June 2024 Important Dates

AKA my notes on The Astrology Podcast's June Forecast. Cohost Austin Coppock is back, now as a new father!

Notable mundane alignments in May: through May 10th-13th we had intense geomagnetic storms from solar radiation cause auroras over a huge area in the world, happening right as the Sun in Taurus conjoined Uranus (electricity/unexpected) and Jupiter (expansion). On May 19th the president of Iran died in a helicopter crash due officially to poor visibility in foggy mountains (but with assassination suspected), the day Mars conjoined the North Node in Aries (with the Moon opposing them)--a date that Chris & Diana singled out last forecast as hitting eclipse points affecting world leaders & Iran specifically (during the April eclipses Iran fired back at Israel to retaliate for the destruction of its embassy). The ICC arrest warrants were also issued during this Mars-Node conjunction, a continuation of the eclipse story (both in April and October). In the sign of Aries, this is the time when hostilities became overt, and generally the Aries April eclipse was an exalted Sun being eclipsed, boding ill for leaders and heads of state. The North Node is also called "the head of the dragon," so it's fitting that leaders of three countries were affected--especially since these leaders were born under eclipses as well.

In celebrity news, Kendrick Lamar and Drake released a series of diss tracks at each other from late March to early May, also aligning with eclipse season this year. The precursor to this was a line from Like That, released March 22nd under an eclipse in Libra--Kendrick's rising sign. Drake was born after an Aries eclipse, and it was just after the April eclipse that this heated up with his track release. Mars joined the fray entering Aries and that's when the beef really heated up. Mars-Rahu (North Node) contacts indicate fights where parties cross the line because they can't see it, and indeed these shots went below the belt.

On April 30th the DEA announced it may reclassify marijuana as a Schedule III drug, which Chris connects to the Jupiter-Uranus conjunction in Taurus as a sudden change around a medicinal plant. Austin also connects int to Neptune in Pisces--he's been wondering if marijuana will finally be legally recognized before Neptune leaves. Also Uranus in Taurus: BitCoin and Etherium have approved ETFs now, bringing crypto to mainstream investment like retirement funds (Pluto's last peek into Capricorn is connected too, as it was invented when Pluto entered Capricorn in 2009). Also in currency, the BRICS group of nations are discussing bringing in a new currency as an alternative to the US Dollar and cryptocurrency is on the table--these talks also first began in 2009. The next BRICS meeting is in October in Russia, around the time of another eclipse. In other Saturn in Pisces finance news, Red Lobster has gone bankrupt, possibly because they gave away too much free shrimp (limits and seafood; the discussions were taking place during Mars conjunct Saturn in Pisces even though the announcement was under an Aries Mars).

We're going into the month of June just as many planets shift into Gemini, a key signature for the month. We've had one stellium after another this year, but that trend will change as June wraps up.

June 2nd - Jupiter trine retrograde Pluto In Gemini this is good for travel, such as Boeing launching a new spacecraft (right before Mercury enters Gemini). This aspect is great for enabling Pluto's Aquarian endeavors like transformative new technologies or sci-fi...but mileage may vary for Jupiter. Chris relates this to voice AI translations opening up communication as Jupiter transits Gemini. With Mercury nearby, this month has a tone of trying a little bit of many different things, generally with positive growth and stability in the Gemini parts of our charts. Jupiter is also bound, decan, and triplicity ruler of the early part of the Gemini and has lots of power here. It's a great time to learn enough of something to do what you need with it, rather than pursuing deep expertise.

June 3rd - Mercury enters Gemini, Auspicious election

Taking advantage of Mercury in Gemini this chart is at about 12:05PM local time. You'll want early Virgo rising and Mercury on the degree of the Midheaven at 0-1 Gemini. This places the Ascendant ruler (most important planet in elections) both in domicile and applying to a conjunction with Jupiter at 2 Gemini. In the 10th house this emphasizes career, reputation and work. Mercury, Jupiter, and Pluto form a trine which bodes well for communication and technology, and is furthermore close in date to the Venus cazimi (exact conjunction to Sun) in the middle of Gemini. The Moon is exalted in the 10th house and applies to a trine with Saturn in Pisces. Overall this is great not only for career matters, but also communication, short travel, and other Mercury matters. This is one of the last days this week while Mercury will be visible, so there's a small window to take advantage of this auspicious Mercury-Jupiter conjunction.

June 4th - Mercury conjunt Jupiter, Sun conjunct Venus Also known as a Venus cazimi, the Venus-Sun exact conjunction marks a reset point in Venus's synodic cycle and a new epoch for Venusian themes, including women in society. Interestingly, Mexico's election is in early June with two female candidates (spoiler alert: a woman won!), and the Venus synodic cycle was been central to Mesoamerican astrology in the past--the 2012 news was due in part to a calendar marking these calculations. Mexico's inauguration takes place in September on a Mercury cazimi in Libra (Venus-ruled sign) and the day before a solar eclipse in Libra. Four years ago in June 2020 the Sun conjoined Venus during Black Lives Matter protests after George Floyd's and Breonna Taylor's murders, connecting Venus cazimi to questions of equality and fairness in society. However, a square from Saturn in Pisces days later brings obstacles to our hope. In fact, all the Gemini planets will go through this optimism & speed before hitting Pisces Saturn's big melancholy iceberg this month. The last Venus-Sun conjunction in Gemini was June of 2016, so it's a good time to look back and see how far we've come over the past 8 years, as well as to sow the seeds for a new cycle. With Venus invisible during a cazimi, much of this work is internal; similarly, often the biggest advancements made possible during these times isn't visible until later.

On this graph of Venus's synodic cycle we're at the superior conjunction, where Venus is obscured from us by going behind the Sun. Her conjunctions when retrograde are also important turning points--April 2025 is the next conjunction (in Aries).

June 6th - New Moon in Gemini

At this point Mercury is already separating from the conjunction with Jupiter but is still close, while the Sun, Moon, and Venus are all conjunct at 16 Gemini. Thus the Gemini stellium is really concentrated at this lunation. We have so many new beginnings in Gemini on different scales at this time; the events set into motion here won't go away when planets move into Cancer. Whatever was brought up by the cazimi on the 4th will continue here, though in mid-Gemini the lights & Venus are poised to square Saturn. Venus wants to connect people, while Saturn wants to push away, so the immediate aftermath of the New Moon may see cooling in relationships. Communication is important; can we address the obstacle hanging over us? Sometimes you can't talk your way out of the emotions freezing each other out. On a positive note, this can be productive for setting boundaries and expectations. Saturn in Pisces generally can indicate emotional, professional, or spiritual exhaustion: now's the time to take a rest and a step back. Darkness and silence are often needed for mental healing to begin.

June 9th - Mars enters Taurus This brings a tone shift, as Mars was activating eclipse points while he traversed Aries in April in May. On the 11th he'll immediately square Pluto (1♒), raising issues like the abusive of power, going overboard in conflict, and crossing the line because we can't see it. We can see disproportionate escalations where the person doesn't even really know why they did it, but also the very real power of those who aren't in the public eye, pulling strings behind the scenes. Mars-Pluto brings up control, manipulation, power plays, and covert actions--and the paranoia that makes us worry about these things when they're not there. Though an unpleasant introduction, this doesn't last for most of the sign.

As soon as he enters Taurus Mars also approaches a conjunction with Uranus (culminating in mid-July). We've had Jupiter transiting Taurus for the past year bringing a positive spin on events, but now we have the explosive tension on its own. A famous Mars-Uranus conjunction without Jupiter there was January 6th events. However, there are about 20 degrees between the Pluto and Uranus aspects, during which time Mars will make some nice sextiles to Mercury and Venus in Cancer, so we'll have a chill period for some time. Mars in Taurus is also generally less fiery (in detriment), which can be an advantage for us.

June 14th - Mercury conjunct Sun (cazimi) At 24 Gemini, this is the fourth and final peak/reset point in Gemini. In his home sign, Mercury really locks in the preceding resets. This also really marks the second half of the year where we won't have all these massive pileups in one particular sign. He also brushes past a square to Neptune (29♓) while conjoining Venus in the last 10 minutes of this sign. Beware of miscommunications.

June 17th - Venus and Mercury enter Cancer, Mercury conjunct Venus Venus and Mercury enter Cancer together, bringing communication and relationships together. Both planets are invisible at this point, but are working their way out from under the Sun's beams as evening stars and will be visible by the end of the month. Mercury-Venus connects our minds with the arts, giving us the technical know-how to implement aesthetic ideas and the charm to communicate our ideas in a beautiful way. Diplomacy and agreements are also signified here.

June 20th - Sun enters Cancer

June 21st - Full Moon in Capricorn

This lunation occurs just a day after the Sun's ingress into Cancer and right after Mercury & Venus sextiling Mars, bringing a great directness and mental acuity. Once in Capricorn the Moon begins applying to Venus, though Neptune's proximity to the cardinal signs means its square to all the Cancer/Capricorn planets weighs in on things. Saturn has also begun to move within conjunction distance of Neptune, bringing questions around what's real and what's not to the end of June and into July. Some of the clarity we had before will seem to dissolve. We saw a lot of new tech developments earlier this month, but now it's muddied the waters.

June 29th - Saturn stations Retrograde This will likely activate news stories around danger in the water, water-borne pathogens, and events like the submarine disaster (A/N: or naval blockades). Jupiter will also square Saturn and later Neptune later this summer (Saturn entering Pisces corresponded with a spike in inflation) so continued issues with inflation and economy will likely come into play. Neptune stations within a week of Saturn as well, intensifying these issues and bringing what Austin calls season 2 of the Saturn-Neptune story--though season 3 is where things will get really crazy. This is another indicator of what kinds of contraction we'll experience in the Pisces parts of our charts. Saturn doesn't leave Pisces until next year, and even after entering Aries he'll retrograde back into Pisces for a bit.

#astrology #forecast #transits #june 2024 #venus cazimi #venus in gemini #mercury cazimi #mercury in gemini #new moon in gemini #mars in taurus #mercury conjunct venus in cancer #mars square pluto #saturn in pisces #gemini stellium #jupiter trine pluto #saturn retrograde in pisces

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electricalembassy · 15 days ago

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Professional Air Conditioning Installation Brisbane – Electrical Embassy

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#air conditioning installation brisbane #brisbane #air conditioning #electrical embassy

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princesschas-blog · 2 years ago

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Sano and Angelica game sprites, omg Sanos so pretty looking, and Angelica soo cute?!

Angelica Van Helsing is the daughter of Gabriel Van Helsing, a notorious monster/demon hunter. Unbeknownst to Cain, Sano chose to marry Angelica because her father offered him funding for his “research” and the end of their demon hunting, Gabriel would choose to help the embassy, and the demon integration acts (based off DOLLMAKER electric puke unfinished game). Gabriel’s favorite and only daughter would be his eyes on the inside of the embassy. Sano assumed his new wife would be silent and obedient (plus she was a sought after bachelorette and a pretty face) especially since her family was extremely catholic. However it wasn’t until the night of their wedding did he learn of her fiery personality, and possessiveness. Unfortunately for him he was in a domain he was unfamiliar with, having been forced to wear a cross throughout the ceremony to prevent demons from trying anything. She was able to fight sano before he put her in her place. Angelica (talk about her name being contradicting to how she acts) would constantly prove to be anything but easy…but who knows how the two would come around.

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maxparkhurst · 3 months ago

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Druxy

During my tenure with the Seventh Son’s Trading Company, I specialized in mycology. Fungi are adaptive. They flourish in nearly any terrain; however, this particular species is resilient unlike variants found in places such as the Zaralek Caverns. These caverns below the Isle of Dorn house a myriad of lifeforms co-existing alongside the founts of residual magic left behind by Dalaran’s fall. The mycobloom has not only adapted but evolved with it. The mycelium, left untouched for thousands of years, seems to have fed on this teeming energy. It is a wonder what their limitations might possibly be… - from the field notes of Maxinora Parkhurst

It mattered surprisingly little to Maxinora where the Alliance embassy stationed her. Stored and transported in a velveteen coffer, her alchemy equipment was portable. Her and her work were bound by no border nor boundary; the only limitation was the conflict between ravenous curiosity and overwhelming apathy. Whichever won over the other dictated where the Alchemist would burrow. In the week following her arrival in Gundargaz, Maxinora found herself to possess an insatiable hunger…

By the misfortune of an Earthen innkeeper, Max charmed her way into a spacious room. Clever words and disarming smiles are a foxes key tools, after all. She retreated there after grueling days spent drudging through the Ringing Deeps. Her muzzle soddened in red as she drug the prizes of her hunt home - venom sacs and deepflayer glands, orbinid bulbs and luredrop heads, leyline ash and effervescent spores. A bounty of secrets and truths waiting to be gutted and devoured. And in the cool shadows of a slumbering hearth, she could digest in peace.

The carnage of Maxinora’s curiosity laid waste to any order the room might’ve possessed. Books and parchment, scrolls and maps, gurgling beakers and boiling admixtures. It was an organized chaos understood only by the Alchemist. She found it to be a welcomed comfort. A facsimile that echoed close to home. Enough for her to remember why she sank her teeth into her work, and how to emerge as human once she picked her molars clean. A stalk of mycobloom harvested from the Waterworks was her most recent prize. It lay on a metal tray beneath a the halo of an alchemical lantern. She breathed a slow hum as she cut into the flesh of the decapitated bloom. A skilled incision from the scalpel divided the gills from the cap. Irradiated spores oozed from the wound, drenching the air in a pungently sweet and metallic scent. It was inorganic. Electrical, even.

Max substituted her scalpel for a pair of tweezers. She worked the tip under plant tissue and coaxed the wound open enough to take a peek. She released an nonplussed whistle. Inside - clusters of spores made bulbous and fat from the arcane energy swirling inside them.

“And still I continued to be amazed.”

“What is it? Lemme see…”

The voice. Familiar yet different. Always continuing to be different. Somehow sounding exactly like her brother, and yet not at all. It possessed neither weight nor texture as it reverberated from the shadows, nestling close to Maxinora’s ear. The shadows at her shoulder shifted. A feline shape emerged from the dark, paper-flat and semi-translucent. Its gaze, lament eyes burning bright as green-glass fire, widened then narrowed.

“A mutation!”

Maxinora licked that morsel of truth from a canine as she worked the tweezers tips around an irradiated spore. With a great degree of care and deliberation, she coaxed it from the fungi’s fibers and placed it in an awaiting dish. “The mycelium must have absorbed the arcane energy from Dalaran’s fall.”

“This far underground?” The shadow cat glided from Max’s shoulder, collecting onto the table like a cloud of smoke. Its head canted as it watched her slide the dish under a scope’s lens. A moment of silence passed. Then its eyes brightened like midsummer fireflies. “Oh. The water channels… They’re all connected .”

Maxinora rewarded the shade with a toothy grin as she peered down the scope’s eye piece. It took adjusting the turret to a higher lens and a bit of fine tuning with the focus knobs to bring forth a clear image. The spore was composed of agglomerating pockets encased in a clear, keratin coat. Housed in the core of each pocket was a cortex of spiraling arcane mana. “Ah,” she laughed, the sound equal parts mirthful as it was sly, “You are capable of clever moments, little brother.”

Her jest was met with an unexpected fold of silence that momentarily curbed her appetite. She stole a glance up at the shadow cat to find its eyes gone dark and its form nearly transparent. It wavered. Struggled. Then lingered like an autumnal fog. She tempered her smile as she waited. A moment passed into a minute before the shade darkened and its eyes suddenly reignited.

“Ah! Sorry…” The voice sounded warped. Guttural. Pitch black. Wrong. The distortion lasted only a brief second before being corrected. Her brother’s voice spoke in sync with the shadow cat, “It is hard to keep the connection across such a great distance. What were you saying?”

The fox faded from Maxinora’s smile as she turned towards her work. “Oh, yes,” she offhandedly remarked as she opted for a pair of point tip forceps, “Simply that you are very clever, Augustine.” In a different time, different place, she would be all but certain of his puckish grin. Of the delight shining so bright in wonder-struck eyes. But things were inexplicably different, now. She did not dare to even glance at the shadow cat, afraid to catch a glimpse into its starved gaze. Instead, she pierced the spore and dug beneath its keratin skin. Electricity jolted up her arm as the tines clasped a thread of coalescing arcane, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to bristle. She gritted her teeth and uncoiled a cluster of cores with a single tug.

Nothing but a ringing in her ears.

And a sudden flash of white. A lightning strike.

Blood roared in her ears like the distant roll of thunder as her vision cleared. She possessed no recollection of the interim between extraction and now, though during such time she deposited the volatile thread into a separate tray. Her gaze momentarily flicked to the fiber, watching as it oxidized and was slowly reduced to shimmering dust. “Leyline residue,” she concluded, tossing the forceps onto the worktable, “How… Shocking.”

“Perhaps it would be best,” spoke the shadow cat, eyes following Max as she rose and crossed the room to a leaning tower of books, “If I were to travel there, too.” Its tail swayed from shoulder to shoulder, eyes narrowed in a display of concern. “I worry for you, you know.”

Max dismissed his concern with an offhanded wave. Her gaze scanned the tower’s titles: Letters of Avaloren, Coreway Catalysts, Curse of the Flesh, Observational Reports: Mycology, The Order of Azeroth. “Your concern is appreciated,” she remarked, casting the first tome aside and cracking open the second, “But misplaced. Mishka is a formidable combatant and a serviceable escort.” Coreway Catalysts had been devoured and digested within the first few hours of Max’s arrival, yet she found it worthy of a second glance as a sudden thought piqued her interest. The book spoke of the varying magical lifeforms inhabiting Khaz Algar, particularly those with close proximity to the Coreway. The link shared between them and the World Soul have caused some herbs to partially crystallize. This made Max exceptionally curious: If such creations were capable of adapting to both arcane and life energy, what else might they absorb?

“You know that’s not what I- Hm. Listen. Your methodology is a bit… Well, it lends itself to the extreme.”

“Oh-ho. So said the pot to the kettle.” Max plucked Curse of the Flesh from the tower and added it to her growing stack. Stepping over a moor of discarded notes and theories, she meandered back to the worktable. The tray of shimmering dust was scooted closer, and a fresh piece of parchment was drawn from an awaiting stack. “A bit of sacrifice is necessary, especially when unraveling mysteries as complex as the wilds of Khaz Algar.” She found a quill amidst the cluttered table and dipped it in a half-dried inkwell. There was enough pigment to draw up a legible draft.

“Sacrifices…” echoed the shadow cat.

“Yes. Such is the First Law.”

“I am aware of Equivalent Exchange…”

There was a momentary pause during which Maxinora refused to look up despite having not written a single word.

“But you must know that there are people who value you more than your work? Surely some part of you does.”

Max barked an arsenic-sharp laugh as she set the quill aside. Such a vulpine sound. Her lips twitched up into a sly grin, breath drawn in retort, when she looked up to find the shadow cat gone. Naught left but an ever-dissipating trail of smoke.

Alone again.

Max suddenly dropped her gaze, hands clasped in her lap. Sitting amidst the massacre of her ravenous curiosity, ink drying like blood on her fingers, cannibalized theories and speculations stuck in her teeth, mouth salivating for more and more and more… She suddenly felt very abashed. “I am my work…” she whispered, gossamer soft.

If Maxinora did not possess a shimmering spark for alchemy, an insatiable hunger for knowledge… Then what remained other than a husk of a mycobloom dying dark on a metal tray?

Prologue | Previous chapter |

#the alchemists #max parkhurst #war within stories #khaz algar

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allthebrazilianpolitics · 6 months ago

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Brazil representing Argentine interests in Caracas

Brazil's diplomatic mission in Caracas will be representing Argentina's interests starting Thursday at 9 am local time after the Venezuelan regime of President Nicolás Maduro expelled Buenos Aires' delegation given President Javier Milei's decision not to recognize the results of the elections announced last Sunday whereby the incumbent head of state would have been chosen for the 2025-2031 term.

In the Maduro administration's view, the Libertarian Government's move consisted of unacceptable “interfering actions and statements,” although the National Electoral Council has so far failed to produce the minutes of each polling table to substantiate the announcement that Maduro had won when the opposition insists that Edmundo González Urrutia had received twice as many votes. “Not even Maduro believes the electoral swindle he is celebrating,” Milei argued. The San Martín Palace cautioned Venezuela not to undertake any action endangering its diplomatic personnel.

Argentina's Embassy was surrounded by Venezuelan security forces and left with no electricity. In addition, basic supplies were kept from entering the premises in a move to further pressure for the handover of the six Venezuelan opposition leaders seeking asylum therein since March, all of whom are close collaborators of disenfranchised leader María Corina Machado.

#brazil #brazilian politics #politics #argentina #venezuela #foreign policy #international politics #image description in alt #mod nise da silveira

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crsssie · 2 years ago

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singularity

Word count: 5.8k

Summary: Serenity. It is as simple as that. You make him feel serene, and that is enough.

You don't have many memories of your youth. You had mother and father, you had your countless half-siblings, and you had the endless supply of maids coming and going. There was little to no continuity in your life other than the royal palace. You remember moving from the outskirts of the empress's place to the emperor's castle once you were crowned as the next regent of the empire. Your education had been pushed heavily onto your starting from that day forth. You don't remember anything of your prior education; you only remember mingling with high society, silently wishing for everything to end.

But what did you have to complain about as the upcoming monarch? Certainly nothing. You had people waiting on your hands and feet. What else could you possibly want?

A lover, perhaps.

You watch all your friends ramble about their betrothed and giggle over the gifts their lovers leave them. You don't need any of it, but it would be nice to have someone gift you something out of the genuinty of their heart rather than the scheming of their greed. So, as you sit at tea time with the aristocrats and listen to their gossip about the others, you try not to think about love that much. After all, while your siblings were all being betrothed for the sake of the country, you get to marry for love — out of a small pool of candidates that are all nobles. You really don't get to pick at all. The empress is far too pushy, and the emperor cares far too little for your romance. You pray that somehow, somewhere, someway, you would find someone suitable for yourself within the pool of possible suitors.

"Did you hear, Marquis Komaeda almost lost a limb again..." Celeste snaps open her fan, and you glance at her.

"That is old news, no?"

"Well, that may be old news," Sonia smiles, "but the royal family of Regalia shall be visiting in due time. I heard both princes are to visit. Perhaps you'll find someone of interest, your highness?"

You stare at the teacup on the table, wordless.

"Of course, it is just a suggestion—"

"I know." You smile. "I do not know. I do believe I've grown bored of black-haired men."

"The first prince of Regalia," Sayaka smiles, "is a wonderful knight. I hear he is brown-haired and tan."

"And?"

"Just sharing news," Sayaka smiles. "I'm sure you'll find your fated one soon, your highness."

"That, too, is old news," You chuckle dryly. "So, princess," you stare at Sonia, "when shall you return?"

"Once the embassy from Regalia leaves, I shall depart back to my homeland." She smiles. "My mother is worried."

"Well, 'tis normal to be. The seas will be freezing soon, so do stay safe on your journey back."

"Or course."

There's not much talking done in the palace other than with the visiting nobles. You only ever socialize at tea parties your mother hosts and banquets you design. The curtains must match the drapes, and the floor must be without dust, for only shiny floors may host the aristocracy. The chandelier must be spotless, and the electricity must run the entire night; for who knows when a snowstorm would destroy the light? You order the walls to be repainted and the hall to be cleaned, and the head maid runs all the errands while you pick out an outfit to greet the royals from Regalia. You have no idea what would be considered offensive. No, forget that. You know exactly what to avoid. You must avoid red and green, and the halls must be adorned with gold since the royal family was symbolized by the precious sun melting into their palms in the form of the metal.

You arrange the clothes of the empress to the royal colors, and you pick the suit for the emperor. The maids iron and lay them out, and you purse your lips at the sight. It matches.

"The emperor shall wear the crown of greetings, and the empress her own. Make sure they are shined and polished in two days' time. Understood?"

The maids of the palace adore you. You wonder why. You think you work them half to death, but you make sure to compensate them properly. You assume it had to do with the fact that the lower classes only cared for money and not other issues. You wonder if you could have lived as carefree as your friends do, had you not been chosen as the crown of the empire. The problems hold nothing over your head. You do not worry too much. The maids of the palace would tell you had you done something against public opinion again. The people expect too much from a single person while criticizing all they wish to.

"Your majesty, you must rest early tonight." Your personal maid smiles at you. "They arrive tomorrow morning by carriage."

"What an awful way to travel." You mumble. "Very well. I will check everything before the sun rises, so do take care of the main hall before I wake."

"Of course, your highness."

The moon is high in the sky by the time you fall asleep — you lose track of time. It was a lot. The rooms for the visiting royals were prepared. Four rooms in the nobles' visiting mansion, and you rise before the sun wakes up. The maids rush in at the sound of the bell, and you start your day, the mask brushed on your face and powder set. You don't wish to look outrageous, but you must look presentable. You put the jewelry on, and you rush down the spiral staircase to check the hall for any last-minute adjustments. The first prince had no will to be the king, yet the aristocratic faction still pushed heavily for the consideration of the eldest son. You wonder if it was because they were twins. You wouldn't pry.

"Y-your highness!" The gardener rushes into the castle gates. "The royal family is here!"

"So early?" You gasp. Turning to the nearest maid, you call. "Please summon the empress. You, let the emperor know that I will take the royal family to them. I will greet them on my own, as it is not out of the question since they have arrived early."

You stand at the center of the hall as the palace doors open. The royals step in, and you stare at them. The royal family bows at the sight of you, and you don't react. Instead, the smile you've practiced so many times makes its way onto your face, and you beam. "It's our pleasure to be hosting you this time around."

"It's always a delight to be here, dear," The queen smiles, rushing to you. "Our apologies for arriving early. But knowing you, you would have been prepared."

"You must be tired from your journey," You nod gently. "The servants will send your luggage to your designated rooms. I will bring you to the emperor and empress."

"Before that," The queen smiles cheekily. "I must introduce you to my two sons. You're still single, correct?"

"Queen."

"Just this once." She smiles. "They are twins."

"If I stick a hand in this imperial battle for the crown, wouldn't I topple the balance?" You joke lightheartedly.

"Not at all!" She steps to the side and motions for her sons. Regalia was still a matriarchy through and through. "My eldest, Hajime."

The prince bows, taking your hand into his, pressing a kiss to the backside. His hair is brown, you think. The others told you such, but he is nowhere as tan as you were expecting. He just isn't as pale as his brother is. You wonder why they even told you he was tanned to begin with. Was it colorism? You try not to think too much about it as he lets go of your hand. He... you don't know. He's cute, you suppose. You lock eyes with him, and he nods. He has comely green eyes.

"And my second, Izuru."

The second prince holds his gaze with you the entire time he greets you. He's prettier than his brother. He's both charming and lethal. You wouldn't dare to think about what kind of a person he would end up with. You smile as the king nods, and you take them through the palace, explaining portraits on the wall and artifacts on display. Once you arrive at the king's welcoming quarters, you wait for the announcer to report of your presence. You chat lightly with the queen as the doors to the study open, and the emperor and empress take over, greeting the royal family. You sit next to the empress, and you check the tea for poison. You drink it as she talks about the recent alliance, and you wonder if they're going to marry one of your siblings away again. The emperor was cursed to only have children of weak descent, so when you were born, he jumped at the child who seemed fearless. You should have stayed quiet when you could.

"Well," The queen hums. "We'd like to see if our sons fit the next ruler's taste."

You pause as you stare at the queen.

"It's a little ambitious, I know." The queen smiles sheepishly. "But, I received an oracle that one of our sons was the sun's beloved child, so we're..."

"It makes sense," The emperor is the one to speak up. "It would be nice to form an alliance with the kingdom."

"Yes." The empress agrees. "There is no harm in waiting, though we would still wish for you to pick a child."

"Of course." The queen smiles. "Perhaps..."

"Crown, you are dismissed." The emperor locks eyes with you, and you side-eye him. "Please take the princes around the palace."

"Could we not have a half-sibling do so? It has been a long day, and I still have trade affairs to finish with." You stare at the emperor.

"Then take them with you," The queen smiles sheepishly. "They can be of help, I promise."

"If they keep their mouth shut." You don't want to make a scene. As you step out of the room, you make a run for your office. It mattered not whether or not they caught up to you. You wanted them off your tail.

You are sure to lock the door once you enter your study, grinning once the maids at the door shake their heads. The door was locked with a lock only you had the key to. The temple seldom gave out artifacts, but you were glad you had the key to the only lock in the empire with a temple's key. You kick one leg over the other on the table, and you go back to scribbling letters to people and ordering maids through the door. Surely they were gone by now.

"Your highness, the emperor orders for your presence at dinner." A maid calls through the door. You open it and pause at the sight of the first prince at your door. The two of you blink at each other before the prince speaks up.

"Why must you lock us out?"

"It's my study. I am free to do as I like." You tilt your head. "Why must you stay?"

"My brother went with another maid, but as a knight, I am to stay with whoever I have been tasked with."

"Very well." You dust your pants. "Shall we head to dinner together?"

"It would be my pleasure."

Dinner is civil. Civil is an understatement. The emperor summoned all of your half-siblings, and at least three of your sisters were all over Kamukura. Hinata sits next to you, partaking in light conversation with you as the rest of your siblings try and talk to the queen. The table is filled to the brim with an abundant amount of food, and you sneak a few pieces to the maids to share later that night. Hinata stares at you as you do so, but he doesn't speak up.

"Is there a reason for the difference in last names?" You glance at Hinata, wine on your lips. "Between you two princes."

"Kamukura is the last name given to the crown prince." Hinata hums. "It had been decided from the day my brother and I were born, so it is not to be changed. I do not understand why the nobles are so desperate to send me to the throne."

"They think you are braindead and a musclehead," You sip the wine. "Since most knights are said to be that way."

"Correct." Hinata hums. "Are the knights here stereotyped as such?"

"Everyone in the imperial palace receives an education at the maid school." You wave a maid over to refill your glass. "An educated staff may question your intentions and works, but they will also be able to distinguish evil from good much more easily. So ultimately, once they receive the punishment for the betrayal of the royal family, they know where they went wrong."

Hinata hums.

The banquet comes on the next day. The entire palace is turned upside down as you walk about the hall pointing out errors and picking and nagging at mistakes. The two princes are taken around by a princess as you prepare the tables and room. The royal family's outfits had been chosen by you, and you couldn't wait to see which one of your sisters would throw a fit over their dress of choice. You'd show up in a dress per tradition, and the emperor would be the one to walk you down the stairs after the empress is escorted down by her brother. You adjust the crown on your head as you wait for the announcement of your arrival. The banquet must be gleaming.

The doors to the hall open, and you step next to the emperor. The two of you start your descent.

That's all there is to it.

You turn the nobles down as they ask for a dance, and you stick to the side as the emperor and empress dance the first dance. You wonder who you'll drag to start the night dancing with. You look around, and you wonder if you could stir something up with one of the princes. You aren't the only one thinking such, as the first prince steps up to you, holding his hand out.

"If you would, your highness."

You stare at the prince.

"Is this motivated by marriage?"

"No," He looks at you, eyes soft. "Interest, perhaps."

"Very well, prince." You take his hand. "Just once dance?"

"More, if you are willing," The prince whisks you onto the dance floor as the emperor and empress finish, and you already hear the aristocracy whisper amongst themselves. He's pretty, upon second glance. He looks as you'd expect a gem to be found without polishing: rough, unmarked, yet precious to the finder. Perhaps you'd stay close just to see what kind of a gem the prince was. Though, it wasn't as if you lacked a collection.

The hall is glittering in gold and purple, and Hinata sways you in his arms. The light from the chandelier reflects off of the gems on your body, and Hinata stares at you, smiling. Time seems to pause, only for a brief moment. The light spilling into the hall focuses only on the two of you. The emperor and empress mumble amongst themselves, and Hinata's hand on your waist loosens as the music comes to an end. Maybe he was pretty.

"What make you stand out, prince?" You spin out his arms gracefully as he smiles.

"Sometimes, being the most ordinary means standing out the most," Hinata hums, bowing.

"Perhaps."

Hinata escorts you to the side, handing you a glass of champagne as you watch the rest of the nobles step onto the dance floor. It's strange. You hadn't seen it coming, though you had known. You could ignore him, maybe. Maybe it'll go away on its own if you just leave him alone. You wonder what had even caused him all of this to begin with. Perhaps it had been charisma? Who knows. You don't.

You wake the next morning and have breakfast alone.

"Your highness," A maid peeks through the door. "The first prince would like to know if you would be willing to go on a walk with him."

You glance at the maid.

You don't know what to answer.

"He said he'd be in the garden if you agreed, and if not, then to send a maid." The woman adds.

"I'll go." You sigh. "Fetch me a suit, will you?"

The servants bundle you up for the weather, and you hold back a yawn as you step down the stairs to the garden.

"Your highness," Hinata bows, pressing his lips to your knuckles. He's surprisingly warm in weather like this. "Thank you for accompanying me."

"Mm," You follow him along. "Why'd you call for. me?"

"There was something one of the princesses revealed to Kamukura," Hinata holds his arm out for you, and you place your hand on his forearm.

"Do tell."

"There's a rumor that the crown regent of the palace is cursed to be unable to love."

You laugh dryly. "There is more to where that came from."

"And," He pauses at the sight of the tree. "a rumor that the crown is the moon's beloved child."

You stare at him. That was a pointless prophecy made by the saintess on the date of your birth. The saintess wasn't even a real saint. You never thought too much about it, but apparently, your siblings cared more. Rumors of your lack of empathy spread through the palace, and rumors of your lack of attraction scared suitors away. You didn't understand why religion was such a big issue. Well, if your claim to the throne was strengthened by something a fake saintess prophesied, then you would leave it be. You still didn't believe it, though.

"There is no evidence for it."

"The evidence," Hinata looks around the two of you. The sight of nothing still causes him to lower his voice. "Is the temple's key you use for your study."

You glance at him.

"Each child of the empire receives their own key upon birth. That is simply how the moon supports us all."

"Your key is an artifact. That's plenty of proof."

You pause. "Even if I had been a child of the moon, my soulmate would not be a child of the sun."

"Why so?"

"The moon married the stars, you know?"

"The sun is a star too," Hinata turns, and he wanders through the garden. "There is no harm out of giving it a chance."

"I'll consider it if you show me proof of your lineage." You smile teasingly.

"Excuse me, your highness," Hinata loosens his arm from your grip, and he takes a handful of steps back. You hold your breath as the clouds seem to clear to make a hole for the sun. So the sun's child can do a lot more than the moon's, huh? You brace for yourself as Hinata holds his hand up, and you pause at the sight of a bird seemingly forming out of nowhere. You hold your arms up in front of your face to stop the wind, and the cold is replaced with the feeling of a summer's day. The warmth spreads through your chest, and you pause at the sight of a bird. No. A phoenix.

You stand there for a moment, basking in the warmth that the bird radiated from his hand.

"Is this enough proof, your highness?"

The bird stares at you, and you freeze in place. You know those eyes.

"flora." You blurt the name unconsciously.

Hinata pauses at the name, and the bird coos.

"So that's your name?" Hinata scoffs when the bird turns its head away from him. "rude."

"If it helps," You swallow slowly, regaining your composure. "I don't know the name of my own divine beast."

"fauna." Hinata smiles. "The dragon, right?"

"Why fauna?" You step closer to touch the bird. flora tilts its head toward your hand, and you pat the phoenix. "a dragon brings upon destruction."

"I met it in a forest while I was out hunting one night." Hinata shrugs. "So, your highness, is this enough proof?"

You exhale. "Three days."

"To think?"

"To swoon me." You smile at him. "Hm?"

It starts small. Hinata follows you around. It's almost as if he's your personal knight. You keep him on the sofa as you work through documents of the empire, and you have him chew on something while he goes through his own papers. You wonder how a man you barely knew managed to wedge his way into your life so easily. You sip on the tea as you sign the documents, and Hinata entertains himself with looking around the room at the art you have stored.

"Who drew this one?" Hinata turns to look at you once he stares at the portrait of you.

"My brother."

"Half?"

"No," Your shoulders sink at the sight. "My blood brother. He ended up married off. I haven't heard from him since."

"Ah." Hinata pauses. "Is this your last..?"

"No," You shake your head. "I know he's still alive because the knight I attached to him hasn't contacted me."

"It must be hard," Hinata mumbles offhandedly. "seeing so many siblings married off in your lifetime."

"The number of disastrous arranged marriages amongst my siblings makes it kind of hard to believe in marriage at all," You pull a cord to ring for the butler, and you hand him the papers. The man nods as he rushes off, and you turn to Hinata. "So? What's our plan for today, prince?"

Hinata stares at you, wondering how to explain what you were doing next.

"We're flying."

You blink at him in mild confusion. "Flying?"

"Of the few things I can do as the sun's son," Hinata holds his hand out to you as he steps out onto the balcony. "Flying is one of them."

"You? Prince, with all due respect, I don't think you can fly."

"flora can." Hinata summons the phoenix, and he helps you onto her gently. "Just promise to take me on a ride on fauna sometime."

"Alright." You wrap your arms around his torso, and the two of you soar into the sky.

The sky is gorgeous. The clouds wet your hands ever so slightly, and you stare down at the castle as Hinata drives the divine beast. You wonder if fauna could do such. You hadn't even thought about training the dragon to be able to ride. Though, as the sun sets over the town and you stare over the horizon, you think it's gorgeous. You like hot his feel, you decide. If you were to ever die, you'd want to end up as a cloud in your next life. It must be fun to be light and airy.

"How is it?"

"It's pretty," You stare at the sun, a scintilla of warmth on your face. "Thank you, prince."

The next day brings more experiences. Hinata sneaks you out of the palace in the dead of the night to experience the town's life after dark. You spin and dance with others at the bar, gasping and spinning for air. You don't know how many jugs of beer you chugged that night, but you remembered everything down to the second. You're pretty sure Hinata used divine powers on you since you woke up without a hangover. Hinata didn't mention anything about that night. He didn't mention how you had clung onto him while drunk, mumbling about how you found him hot. Neither did he mention about how you had wrapped your arms around his neck and begged for a kiss he never gave you. You grow embarrassed at the memory itself.

The maids serve you a different tea this morning. You circle the spoon in the liquid, and you pause.

"What is this?"

"Tea from Regalia," Hinata smiles at the door, waving the maid off. "I'll serve it since I've been trained to."

Hinata serves you tea. You sit at the table in the salon with Hinata, the two of you talking lightly. Hinata prepares the tea for the rest of the party, and you wave him off as the noblewoman gather.

"Your highness!" Sayaka is first to rush over. Sonia nods at Hinata, and the two talk lightly as Celeste takes a seat next to you. The doors to the salon close, and you bring the tea to your lips.

"So... is the prince courting you?" Sayaka tilts her head. "If it isn't rude to inquire, your highness."

"I suppose it can be considered as courtship." You pause. "The prince has been tasked with making me fall in love with him from both the emperor and empress and the king and queen."

"It would be beneficial to the country," Sonia smiles. "Is this tea from Regalia?"

"It's supposed to help with hangovers," Celeste hums. "Did you drink last night?"

"I suppose." You chuckle. "How's your engagement, Celeste? Is the duke treating you well?"

"I still have to thank you for sending a member of the royal family over." She smiles. "The duke is wonderful."

"Of course."

There's no fun in a tug-of-war against siblings that think you care about them. You worry about poison in your tea every day, and you worry about getting killed every other week. You don't understand why people are so desperate for a throne. Maybe if you marry a commoner, you would be able to flee from it all. Would it be better to marry Hinata and relinquish your title as crown regent? What a foolish idea.

"Your highness," Sonia smiles. "Have you made up your mind about the courtship?"

"I'm still considering it." You chuckle. "He seems sincere enough. I think that's the first step."

"It's hard to find someone who isn't marrying for status," Celeste points her fan at you. While it would have been disrespectful, you know she means no harm. "Take advantage of it. He's a good man."

"Oh, my," You laugh. "How rare of you, Celeste."

Celeste flushes from the compliment, and you smile. "I know. That's why I'm letting him stick around."

It's a strange experience, now that you think about it. You had decided to let a prince entertain you for three days and somehow he managed to slot himself into your life. You wonder if this was part of his plan. Maybe. You don't know. You aren't going to be the one to propose, but Hinata can't be the one to do it either since he's a lower rank than you. It would be taboo. You wonder if Hinata's just going to leave in two days' time without even saying goodbye. The three days have long been up.

You sit out on your balcony, fur coat wrapped around you snugly. The winter breeze kisses your face, and you glance at your divine beast curled into a ball on the table. You rub its head gently as you think of what to give Hinata as an answer. He hadn't seen you since the tea party. Maybe he's resigning his heart. Well, that would just mean you would have to start over with someone else. You wonder if you'll get to see him again. The winter breeze brushes your hair, and you pause at the sight of white fluttering through the air.

It's the first snow of the year.

Your heart sinks in your chest as you stare at the snow. You aren't sharing it with someone again. The white lands on top of the divine beast, and it shakes its head to get it off. You only summoned him thinking that Hinata would come to visit you. flora couldn't be summoned at night. You brush the snow off of the dragon's head, mumbling to yourself. It's a lot, now that you think about it. You should've just fallen for a commoner and run away from home. That would have made so many things easier. You would be able to abdicate the throne, and your parents would have thrown you out. Your brother would have been the crown prince instead.

Fauna stares up at you, tongue stuck out, tilting its head in curiosity at your expression.

"Don't worry about it." You smile.

"Hrawh." The divine beast makes a sound.

"I know," You play with its claws. "I was foolish to think that I could spend it with someone this year."

"Not quite." Hinata hops over the balcony, flowers in hand. "Happy first snow, your highness."

"And what did you bring?"

"I took a quick trip home on flora," Hinata hums, handing you the flowers. "They're starflowers, but these are the ones that grow around the Regalian temples."

"You picked flowers from the temple for me?"

"You wouldn't like the rest of the flowers," Hinata smiles. "Were you waiting for me?"

"Yes," You smile at the flowers gently. "I was."

The following day is a masquerade ball for the departure of the Regalian royal family. You will admit that it is a little cold when your dress wasn't keeping you warm. Your shoulders are cold. Perhaps the hall itself will be warm. The empress was the one to plan the farewell ball for the royals. You enter with both the emperor and empress with the royal family's matching outfits first before you're pulled to the side and changed out. The mask is tied around your face, and you step back into the hall, this time in a different color.

Hinata is the first to recognize you, gravitating to you, offering his hand to dance with you. You don't want to, but you suppose it'll help you decide whether or not you're in love with him. He takes you to the dance floor, and you spin in his arms. It's different from the first time, you think. This time, it's more natural. His hand fits yours naturally, and you don't feel strange that you're dancing with him. Was that love? Maybe it was. Maybe it was simply habituation.

Hinata leads you on the dance floor, eyes soft, as if he were looking at something precious, terrified his gaze would break it. You wonder if that look was love. The only one who had ever given you that look was your brother. Maybe it was love. Who knows. You barely realize that the dance floor is quickly emptied with only the two of you left. The two of you become the cynosure of the eyes in the hall. You don't care anymore, perhaps. Hinata smiles at you as you smile at him. Two pieces of a puzzle, perhaps. You're in love with Hajime Hinata, the sun's beloved son.

"So?"

"I'll tell you in secret," You giggle airily as Hinata twirls you in his arm, and the music stops. The two of you bow, and you giggle. Hinata follows you as you drag him through the garden, and the servants whisper amongst themselves as you pass them. Hinata wonders if you mind. The smile on your face says otherwise as the moon kisses your skin. You look ethereal like that, he thinks. Becoming. He'd hold you in his arms forever if he could.

"What are we?" Hinata stares up at you as you stand underneath the tree.

"A dalliance that failed." You hum, eyes closed. "The efflorescence of a courtship. A clandestine relationship that everyone has grown aware of."

"A short-lived epiphany," He stays in place. "Is that what we are, your highness?"

"We are whatever you say next." You smile.

Hinata steps up to you, taking your hand in his, drawing gentle circles over it. He takes a deep breath, almost shaking.

"This is my proposal to you," He exhales, "for something as insignificant as a star would dare to ask the beloved moon for their hand. For you'd become an idyllic memory in my heart if you do not accept, but even if you were to reject me, there are a plethora of people for you to pick. However much you wish to destroy my heart, I will continue to stand by your side, for I do not care whether it will be as a knight who relinquished their royal title or an aide that was sent from a foreign kingdom, my heart will lie with you for the remainders of my life, for you are the panacea for me, your highness. Your presence delights me to the point that all my worries are taken away, to a point of felicity. You must know this, your highness, for even if you bloody me with wounds and your mellifluous voice destroys every ounce of my sanity, my heart would still lay in your hands. It is not courteous for a prince of my standing to ask me for your hand, but you must know what I feel for you."

You stare up at the prince, batting your lashes gently. "Must I be the one to ask? I give you permission, my prince, only you."

Hinata gets down on a knee, pulling a ring from his pocket, staring up at you. You seem so pretty to him. He struggles to keep his composure as he speaks again.

"I am but the sun who may never possess you, your highness, but please allow this foolish star to beg for your hand. You may love others, and you may treat me without care, but please do not throw me away, for your presence means more to me than any other phenomenon in the world; it is only in your hands that I may find the euphoria and serendipity and eternal rest. Your highness, please listen to the begging of a foolish sun, for I hope that you could show me even the littlest of fondness back." Hinata's voice wavers, "For as charming as the moon is, I am but another worshipper."

You move your hand to trace his jaw, and he leans into it, staring up at you. Anyone looking only at him would think he is enamored with the cynosure of his eyes. Your heart is warm, and you take that as a sign of acceptance.

"Your highness," Hinata's voice breaks. "How long must you make this prince wait?"

"For eternity past," You pull him up, "for eternity present," you lower his face so that your lips are hovering over his, "and eternity future." you kiss him.

Hinata melts into your touch, his own heart growing warm.

"Is that a yes?" He rests his forehead on yours, eyes kind.

"Yes, my prince," You whisper back. "It is a yes."

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