#escape game in Melbourne

[rushescapegameme]

Escape Games: A Unique Date Night Idea for Couples

 Are you tired of the same old dinner-and-a-movie routine for date night? If you’re looking for an exciting way to connect with your partner while challenging yourselves, consider an escape game Melbourne experience! These games offer a fun and interactive atmosphere and foster teamwork and communication, making them an ideal choice for couples looking to spice things up.

What Are Escape Games?

Escape games are immersive adventures where players solve puzzles and riddles to "escape" from a themed room within a set time limit. Each game usually revolves around a unique story or scenario, whether it’s a thrilling heist, a haunted house, or a mysterious crime scene. The excitement builds as you and your partner work together to decipher clues, crack codes, and escape the room before time runs out.

The best part? You’ll get to test your wits and deepen your bond through collaboration and shared experiences.

Why Choose an Escape Game for Your Date Night?

Strengthen Your RelationshipEngaging in an Escape Game allows you to see each other in a new light. You’ll learn about your partner’s problem-solving skills, creativity, and how they handle pressure. This unique environment encourages communication, trust, and teamwork, which are essential for any successful relationship.

Create Lasting MemoriesEscape games are all about shared experiences. Whether you escape in time or end up hilariously lost in a maze of clues, you’ll have stories to tell for years. The excitement and adrenaline rush of working together to solve puzzles will create memories you cherish.

Break Away from RoutineLet's face it—dinner dates can become a bit predictable. Opting for an Escape Game in Melbourne allows you to break free from the norm. You'll enter a different world where adventure awaits, and who knows? You might discover hidden talents you never knew you had!

It’s Fun and EngagingWhether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or a complete novice, escape games cater to all skill levels. The thrill of the challenge keeps the energy high and makes for an engaging experience. Plus, there’s nothing like a little friendly competition to spark playful banter between you and your partner.

Tips for a Successful Escape Game Date Night

Choose the Right ThemeMany escape rooms offer various themes to cater to different interests. Choose one that resonates with both of you. Are you a fan of mystery, horror, or adventure? Picking a theme that excites you both will enhance the overall experience.

Book in AdvancePopular escape game in Melbourne often fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Booking in advance ensures you secure your spot and gives you something to look forward to.

Communicate OpenlyShare your thoughts and ideas during the game. Collaboration is key, and open communication can help unlock the most challenging puzzles.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for HintsIf you find yourselves stuck, don’t hesitate to ask for hints. It’s all part of the fun! Remember, the goal is to enjoy the experience together.

Where to Find the Best Escape Games 

Melbourne boasts a variety of escape game venues, each with unique offerings. Whether you’re new to escape games or a seasoned pro, you’ll find something that suits your taste. Research and read reviews to find the best Escape Game experiences available. Look for places that prioritise customer satisfaction and offer a variety of themes.

Conclusion

An escape game in Melbourne adventure can elevate your date night to a new level. With the opportunity to bond, communicate, and create unforgettable memories, it’s the perfect alternative to the usual dinner and movie. So, gather your partner, put on your thinking caps, and prepare for an evening filled with excitement, challenges, and a lot of fun. You might just discover a new favourite activity that keeps you returning for more!

[sirenjose]

Theory: about Vilhelm, Alice, Orpheus, the final game, and who made the assassination request

The organization Vilhelm has had Evelyn train and grow for him, an organization (skilled in secrets, deception, disguise, and the like) which included women like Martha Behamfil, are highly likely to be the ones spying on Alice, who had been adopted and taken to Melbourne by Vilhelm for his experiments until she managed to escape with Orpheus' help. Vilhelm likely wasn't happy by this, which would explain why he might've sent his spies to find and investigate her. They were eventually exposed though, leading to their recommendation the target be "eliminat[ed]".

This could be when Vilhelm made the assassination request. Possibly because he couldn't let any information about his secret organization leak (or anything else bad he might've done), which could've been her intent eventually considering she decided to be an "investigative journalist" (solving mysteries and reporting on her findings).

And considering based on this we know Vilhelm was recommended to eliminate her, that would relate to the "assassination" request we knew Norton was given. This was the reason Norton went to the manor (for the final game), meaning the 2 options (so far) are Melly or Alice, and if the request came from Vilhelm, Alice is the more likely answer.

Melly on the other hand I think may currently be blackmailed by Orpheus, who I think found out about what she did to her husband, and thus why he would've sent her the same "rare" bee specimen that caused his death (implying he knew the truth).

I think everything Melly said is technically true (maybe could call it a lie of omission). She is here due to her husband's death, which was caused by a "type of rare bee venom" that wasn't recorded in his observation notes. And she did likely receive a bee specimen from the manor, the same that caused his death, and was promised info on the bee species and the cause of her husband's death if she participated in his game. But I think what is missing is she was the one to find and utilize that type of bee, which based on the Ashes of Memory Concept Video may have been the "Apis Mellifera Scutellata Lepeletier" or Africanized bee, and likely that Orpheus may have threatened to release the truth about how she killed her husband to the public if she didn't participate in his game. The Concept Video even had an article that talked about how they attack, how deadly their sting is, and affects caused by their sting, with the following frames showing a path for the bee from Cape Town in Africa to London, England.

It's possible Orpheus may have done similar to Norton, and maybe that could explain why Norton worked with Orpheus to capture and drug Alice in Orpheus' secret basement. Unless Alice did hallucinate Orpheus as Norton in that 1 basement scene where she's drugged.

If it wasn't a hallucination, that would imply Norton is working for both Orpheus and Vilhelm, unless the request came from Orpheus.

It's clear that Orpheus cares for Alice considering Alice's 1st letter shows he helped her to remember him (Orpheus) and escape from Vilhelm, with him calling her his "Nightingale" at the end of the letter (potentially a hint to Alice maybe being connected to "Miss Nightingale" in the present day). So Orpheus doesn't actually want her dead, but it's possible he might've made the request in order to create a situation where he could act like a hero and save her from death, gaining her trust and potentially helping them to grow closer together.

The order would've come from the manor owner (Baron DeRoss), meaning Norton (and everyone) wouldn't know Orpheus is the owner, and thus (if he does actually try to kill her) he would just think someone random (not the person who made the request) was trying to stop him.

Additionally, Orpheus most likely knows Alice is Alice, based on his behavior in Ashes of Memory 1 and 2, expressions, and how he knocks her out and drugs her. It's likely he kept an eye on her the whole time, including her time at White Sand Street Asylum (based on his 1st letter) and her time with Vilhelm in Melbourne, based on Alice's 1st letter and Alice's flashback during Ashes of Memory 2, as well as likely afterwards, after he helps her escape. It's probably just that Alice doesn't know who Orpheus really is (her friend from before the tragedy, or the fact he's the manor owner).

So, if Orpheus doesn't want to kill Alice, but is still trying to use his drugs on her, that may mean his goal has to do with her memories. We've already seen he cares about what she remembers, considering he made sure she remembered him. Maybe his goal then is to change her memories of the tragedy, the most significant and tragic moment of both their pasts. Her backstory even states she "suffered from hysteria" afterwards, while Orpheus' 1st letter states she is "unstable" and even includes the comment "what happened in the past wasn't a great memory to her". Therefore, maybe he wants to change that memory so it's no longer so painful for her. It's possible he may want her to completely forget, but as he didn't want her to forget him, I think it's more likely he wants to change the memory somehow, which could fit in with how the Hydra drug (which "reconstructs" memory) seems to be the drug with the most focus or emphasis (it's the drug Orpheus drinks near the latter part of the Time of Reunion event).

How exactly he wants it to change, I'm not quite sure yet. There is the possibility he wants to at least change her memory of his involvement in it, considering Bonbon's deductions implies he may have helped his real parents take some valuables from the manor. Maybe he also wants to disassociate himself from his real parents, so she doesn't remember it was his own parents that caused the events that led to her parents' deaths. He could do other things as well that would make the memory less painful, maybe even change who she thought her real parents were so she doesn't have to deal with the memory of losing them, who knows. Maybe he wanted to change it so he was the son of the DeRoss couple while she wasn't, so it'd be him in her memories that'd have to deal with their deaths rather than her as much. That could fit with the story he tells her, where he phrases it as he was the kid of the DeRoss couple instead of her. Whatever else, I don't know.

But we know from Alice's trailer that she wants to "face" the truth and whatever other troubles she encounters. She doesn't want Orpheus to be trying to make her avoid the pain by making her forget or changing her memories, nor does she likely agree with his experiments or methods he uses to test his drugs, and thus why she in the end will work to stop him (potentially with the help of Melly and Norton, considering Tracy's game as well as COA 4 emphasize the importance of teamwork to achieve victory).

I still wonder about the specifics regarding what Orpheus' end goal is, but I also wish I knew more about what Vilhelm (and Count Barriere) was trying to do. We know he wanted "goods" from the Mediterranean based on a deal he made with Jose's father, Joaquin Baden. We also know from Evelyn's backstory that he was having her training people like her (in deception, disguises, acting, tricks, good social skills, how to be dangerous, etc...) to work for him like some type of spy organization.

This is likely the same organization from Martha's 4th letter, which is referred to as some type of "unregistered organization" that even an official intelligence agency are unable to investigate with all their manpower and resources. Though it is suggested information on that organization may be "beyond our clearance level", suggesting it is pretty important.

Speaking of Martha, who we know was 1 of the most gifted students Evelyn trained, Martha we know from her 3rd letter is unable or unwilling to be herself. Considering how she was meant to take over for Evelyn, I wonder if this was the type of person Vilhelm wanted Alice to become. We know from her 1st letter she had been forgetting some things, including who Orpheus was. Maybe if Orpheus hadn't saved her sooner, Vilhelm would've been successful.

Maybe the "goods" Vilhelm wanted from the Mediterranean were for his experiments. Maybe it was some of the goods included the "Delphi" plant that we know is used in Orpheus' drugs, as well as Vera's Euphoria. Maybe like Orpheus, Vilhelm wants to mess with people's memories too, maybe to help his organization and to get whatever else it is he wants.

[drastic-mermaid]

in honour of the schrödinger's catgirl of all time: since I never got around to posting this after animaga the other week, here's some Akane content for day 6 of 999 week!!! feat. the wonderful @cashmerekittyart as Lotus, and both her and @sarah-rhiannon's artist alley tables in the background ✨

it was v exciting running into other zero escape fans in the wild - if any of the lovely people who took pictures with us are out there, we'd love to see the pics!!

(999 spoilers and/or sillier pics under the cut)

[akane voice] pregaming for 2027........... can anyone ELI5 sudoku for me??? I have a nonary game to run and I do NOT get this

plus #snakegay2021 memorial cosplay pic

(someone melbourne-based should cosplay light for real so we don't have to buy killer pythons to represent him when i cosplay clover next year. thanks)

[wheelsgoroundincircles]

Mechanic : The last of the V8 Interceptors... a piece of history!

Mechanic : Would've been a shame to blow it up. 

The Pursuit Special, also referred to as the Last of the V8 Interceptors, is the iconic black GT Falcon muscle car featuring a distinctive supercharger driven by the title character Mad Max during much of the Mad Max franchise, where it appears in Mad Max, Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior and in Mad Max: Fury Road, as well as both video games.

The first car shown in the film with the title of Pursuit Special is a 1972 HQ Holden Monaro[V8 coupe stolen by Nightrider (played by Vince Gil), an escaped cop killer, who dies in an accident that destroys the vehicle. The more famous Pursuit Special is a heavily modified Ford Falcon XB GT, built on a vehicle originally assembled stock at the Ford plant in November 1973. Maxwell "Mad Max" Rockatansky (Mel Gibson) is offered the black Pursuit Special, as an incentive to stay on the force as their top pursuit man after he reveals his desire to resign. Although Max turns the offer down, he later uses the black car to exact his revenge on an outlaw motorcycle gang who killed his wife and son.

The vehicle started out as a standard white 351 cu in (5.8 L) Australian built 1973 Ford Falcon XB GT Hardtop when in 1976, filmmakers Byron Kennedy and George Miller began preproduction on Mad Max. The movie's art director Jon Dowding designed the Interceptor and commissioned Melbourne-based car customizers Graf-X International to modify the GT Falcon. Peter Arcadipane, Ray Beckerley, John Evans, and painter Rod Smythe transformed the car as specified for the film.

The main modifications are the black paint scheme, roof and boot spoilers, wheel arch flares, and front nose cone and air-dam designed by Arcadipane (marketed as the "Concorde" style). Also, eight individual exhaust side pipes were added (only two of them being functional, others appeared to be working because of the vibrations the first two created). The most famous feature of the car is a Weiand 6-71 supercharger[5] protruding through the bonnet. The impressive looking supercharger, in reality, was nonfunctional; functional superchargers are typically driven constantly by the engine and cannot be switched on and off, as portrayed in the first two Mad Max films.

1973 Ford XB Falcon GT 351

Pursuit Special, when the term is used, generally refers to Max's more famous V8 Interceptor Pursuit Special, a 1973 Ford XB Falcon GT 351, commissioned at great expense by Police Commissioner Labatouche and the Main Force Patrol's (MFP) commander, Fifi Macaffee.

[ouiouibaguettt]

Yellow

─ ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ── ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ─

ellie carpenter x reader

Y/N is the sister of Alexandre Lacazette here.

words: 2.8k

warnings: slight mentions of bad comments

→ two lovers in australia before the wwc2023!

→ inspired by yellow by Coldplay

Masterlist

 ─ ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ── ⋅◈⋅ ━─┉┈◈❖◈┈┉─━ ⋅◈⋅ ─

Look at the stars Look how they shine for you

Arriving at the airport after a 1-day flight. You took out the camera to continue the series of vlogs that you posts every day and which you started the week of the warm-up match against Ireland. 

"Hey guys how are you today? Personally I'm pretty good-" you said before being cut off by your teammate Selma Bacha.

"She's only in a good mood because she's going to see her girlfriend again tomorrow" she said before catching up with Grace Geyoro and Viviane Asseyi to escape you. 

"I mean she's right, I'm going to see Ellie again tomorrow." you say with a big smile before getting back on topic. 

"Anyway, we've just arrived in Melbourne to get ready for the game against Australia on the 15th of July. Honestly, I think it's going to be a tough match,  it's not at the same level as Ireland, even though Ireland had some very good players. So we're going to have to move our asses to try and win the match. I'll make a transition to show you my room at the hotel afterwards," you say before hiding your camera with your hand and turning it off.

And everything you do

Yeah, they were all yellow

Once you’re arrived at the hotel, and found out about the accommodation for the coming week, you were relieved to find yourself with Selma, your partner since the Olympique Lyonnais academy. 

"Yes, Y/N/N, we're in the same room", Selma said, jumping onto your back before bringing you down to the floor with her. 

"Yes I can read Selma" you say as you pushed her off your back to get up. Returning to the room, you take out your camera to resume the vlog. You put your hand back in front of the camera before taking it away to say.

"I'm back! So I'm going to show you the room," you say before starting to show the room. Once you’re finished, you dropped yourself onto the bed to conclude the day's video: 

"Well, guys, that was our beautiful room, so I'll see you tomorrow with Ellie! Sel' do you want to say something?" you asked your flatmate, "Yes, hang on, I'm coming" she said.

*big thump* 

"Sel' ça va?" you asked between two laughs, tears welling up in your eyes as the fall was so ridiculous. 

"Ca va" said Selma, getting up and walking more calmly towards you. "Kisses guys, sleep well, don't forget to support France for the World Cup please, goodbye" she said as she climbed back into bed. 

"You heard the boss, good night and see you tomorrow," you say, switching off your vlog before connecting the camera to the computer to post the video. 

I came along I wrote a song for you And all the things you do

As a player living under the shadow of your big brother, you were used to receiving comments like "you're not as good as your brother", "stop playing football", "well, lacazette's sister sucks lmao", but that didn't mean you were happy to receive these kinds of comments. That's how you found yourself at 2am on twitter and Instagram reading the comments you received every day. These comments made you fall asleep at 5am.

And it was called Yellow

When you woke up, Selma saw that you were still asleep, which was strange because, apart from when you are with Ellie, you are an early riser. It was when she saw the phone in your hands that Selma realised why you still hadn't woken up. So she had the wonderful idea of surprising you. Selma walked over to your camera to start the vlog of the day. 

"Hi guys, it's Selma, I know you were expecting to see Y/N/N, but she's still asleep, she hasn't had the best night, so to change that I'm going to call Ellie, because I know she's already awake, get her over here so she can wake up our favourite person. It's clearly a genius idea". She says as she picks up her phone and dials Ellie's number. 

"Hey Ellie, I'm sorry to bother you but would you like to come to our hotel right now? Because I have to tell you, Y/N/N didn't have the best night of her life. She was still asleep when I woke up, with her phone in her hands, and I think she's been on the internet again to see what people are saying about her," said Selma, worried about you. 

"Don't worry, you're not bothering me. Oh yes, why not, it's a good idea and it'll be good for her not to think about it while I'm with her" said Ellie, going back to her room to get her things, a Matildas tracksuit set. 

"Okay good, and yes, I think so too. I'm going downstairs to let the receptionist know you're coming so you don't get turned away," said Selma as she started to leave her room and head for reception. 

"Ok thanks, I'll be there in 10 or 15 minutes, see you later" said Ellie as she hung up.

So then I took my turn Oh, what a thing to have done And it was all yellow

Once Ellie arrived outside the hotel, she was immediately greeted by one of the receptionists. "Hello, what can I do to help you?" asked the hostess. 

"Hi, I'm Ellie Carpenter, Y/N Lacazette's girlfriend, I've come to visit her. Her flatmate, Selma Bacha, told me she'd told you?" said Ellie, hoping she hadn't given the wrong information. 

"Oh yes, I see, well Mrs Carpenter, your girlfriend is on the 3rd floor, room 312. Have a nice day" said the hostess. 

"Thank you very much, have a nice day too" thanked Ellie before taking the lift to room 312 on the 3rd floor. Arriving at the door of the room, Ellie took out her telephone to warn Selma.

to Selmama

I'm at the door

By the time she had put her phone away, the door opened and Selma Bacha was overjoyed to see her Lyon team-mate here. 

"Ellie" Selma shouted in a whisper as she came to give her a hug. 

"Thanks for coming" she thanked her quickly before letting Ellie into the room. 

"No worries, you know I'd do anything for our favorite person" Ellie said with a heart filled look on her face. 

"Oh that's lovely an digusting at the same time" said Selma smiling before resuming her sentence.

"So, you've got the key card on Y/N/N's bedside table if you need it, I'll go with Grace, Kenza and Viviane. Have a nice day, lovers." she said as she closed the door. Now alone, Ellie took off her shoes, then went straight to your camera to resume the vlog, "Hi everyone, this is Ellie, my moment of glory is going to be short as I'm just going to film myself waking Zoe up" she said as she placed the camera on a piece of furniture so that it was well positioned.

Your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones Turn into something beautiful And you know, you know I love you so

"My love, wake up" said Ellie as she sat down next to you and stroked your cheek. 

"Hmm Ellie, what are you doing here, let me sleep, I'm so tired. Give me your jumper im cold and i miss you" you grumbled as you pulled the duvet up over your face. 

"I am here because Im worried about you and because I love you. Now do you want my jumper?" asked Ellie. 

"Yes please give it to me, and no need to be worried i just read those comment last night and I shouldn't have done now cuddles please." you say holding out your hands at her like a baby. 

"Argh Ellie your jumper's all yellow" you complained girl. 

"Don’t do it again baby you are an excellent player okay? So I have to take it back?" questioned Ellie. 

"No, I'm only going to wear it because it's got your scent on it and I missed you, come on come here i ant cuddles please" you say as you put on the famous yellow jumper and grabbed Ellie by the waist to lay her down beside you. 

"I missed you too," said Ellie, putting her hand on you cheek to draw you into a kiss.

You know I love you so

After spending the morning in bed, our lovebirds got up and got ready, although you preferred to keep Ellie’s jumper, to join Caitlin Foord, and Sam Kerr at a restaurant for lunch time. When they got there, you were greeted by whistles because of the yellow clothes you were wearing. 

"That's the last time I wear yellow for you Els" you say with your cheeks flushed. 

"Don't say that, yellow suits your tan" laughs Sam before saying hello. 

"I'm going to leave again if you don't stop" you tried to intimidate the 3 matildas. Once the meal was over, the 4 people decided to go their separate ways, Sam and Caitin heading back to their hotel, and Ellie and you to your hotel, but before you could do so Caitlin turned round to say. "We'll be waiting for you in 6 days Y/N/N, I hope you're ready to lose", narrowly missing the middle finger you gave her.

I swam across I jumped across for you Oh, what a thing to do 'Cause you were all yellow

Having spent the rest of the afternoon lounging by the pool, watching their series, you and Ellie went back up to your room to enjoy a couple of hours together before having to separate for the next month. 

"Why does all of your tracksuit are yellow? That colour isn't on your flag dude it's weird" you asked. 

"I don't know it's not me who create your tracksuit, and- woah hold on miss, did you really call me 'dude'" said Ellie. 

"Yes, I did, what are you gonna do 'du-'" you say before being cut off by two hands coming to tickle her on her hips. "AH- E-Ellie stop it please" you say with tears in your eyes and between two breath. 

"Said you're sorry for calling me 'dude' im your girlfirend not your dude". she threatened you. 

"I-Im sorry, now please s-stop it i can't take it anymore" you say trying to push away Ellie who had ended up on top of you. 

"Ok, Ok I will stop" said Ellie but didn't take her hands off your hips. 

"Why are you looking at me like that" asked the Australian, "Like what?" you replied. 

"Like I've just tied up all the stars in the sky" replied the blonde. 

"You're the most beautiful star" you say with a cheeky grin. 

"Okay softie come here now" replied Ellie drawing you into a kiss before resting her head in the crook of your neck.

I drew a line I drew a line for you Oh, what a thing to do And it was all yellow

When Ellie left, you noticed that she had forgotten to take her tracksuit jacket, so you took out her phone to tell her.

to Baby Aussie You forgot your jacket x

from Baby Aussie I know, I did it on purpose because I know you love yellow, and my stuff so it’s gift xx

to Baby Aussie I hate you, but thank you, I love you!! xx

from Baby Aussie I love you too baby xx

Resting your phone on your stomach, you couldn't help but feel butterflies in your stomach at the thought of having Ellie's jacket with you for the next few days. When it was time for dinner, you had barely got out of the shower so you grabbed the first clothes you could find before putting them on and hurrying down the stairs so as not to be late. 

"Nice jacket, Y/N." Grace told you, laughing along with Viviane and Selma. 

"I didn't know you'd changed nationality" said your coach as he left to sit at the other coaches' table. 

"Huh?" was the only thing you could reply before looking at your clothes, it was when you saw the Matildas jacket that you understood her team's jokes. 

"Leave me alone" you say as you sat down next to Selma who was filming the scene with Amel and Wendie, all posting you in Ellie's jacket, and mentioning the two of you in a instagram’s story. You decided to repost it with "I look good in yellow don't I", before switching off your phone.

And your skin, oh yeah, your skin and bones Turn into something beautiful And you know, for you, I'd bleed myself dry For you, I'd bleed myself dry

from @elliecarpenterr yes yellow looks good on you, but my jacket looks even better on you!

from @elliecarpenterr at least the fan are going to be happy with this content.

You saw Ellie's instragram messages as you went back to your room, so you decided to reply quickly before getting ready for bed so you could be in shape for the first training session of the week. At the end of the first training session (which was more of a muscle warm-up) of the day, you joined your foursome before going to the table for lunch. 

"Are you worried about the Australia game?" asked Selma as she bit into her apple. 

"Honestly, yeah, they're monsters mate" said Viviane as she scrolled through tiktok. 

"Yeah I agree with Viv, Sel" said Grace as she played subway surfers on her phone. 

"Yeah same as the other two, from the keeper, to the striker this team is amazing" you say watching Grace play and laughing at the tiktoks Viviane shows you. 

"Fuck, I forgot to post my vlog yesterday! Never mind, I'll continue it for a while before posting it tonight," you say, slapping your forehead. You ran back to your room to get the camera before turning it on and picking up the vlog where you left off. 

"Hi guys, day 3 in Australia, Melbourne to be precise, yesterday I got to spend the day with Ellie as you've seen our stories, today however it's training for Friday's match" you say as you sat down next to Selma. 

"This morning was pretty easy, because it was weight training to strengthen and warm up our muscles, and this afternoon it's little games and matches. Selma, any comments on this morning's warm-up?" you asked, pointing the camera at Selma. 

"It was fun, there was a good atmosphere," she said before returning to her apple. 

"Thank you Selma, Grace and Viv, how did you find this morning's session?" You asked the two other players in front of you. 

"It was cool", "It was exhausting" said both of them at the same time, while you showed yourself to the camera with a face filled with terror at the fact that both of them had spoken at exactly the same time. 

"Wow that was weird don't do speak at the same time again please" you say before you had to say goodbye to your vlog as lunch break had just finished.

 "Well, the break's over, so I'll see you later," you say as you turns off your camera.

It's true Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for Look how they shine for you Look how they shine for you Look how they shine

Unfortunately you couldn't finish the afternoon's training session because of a sprained ankle, so you'll have to miss the match against Australia and the 1st World Cup match against Jamaica. You were on one of the sofas in the hotel lounge, in your Olympique Lyonnais shorts and ellie's yellow jumper, when you decide to finish the day's vlog. 

"I'm back earlier than planned, I've sprained my ankle so I'll be away for at least 2 weeks, and yes I can see you coming, yes I'm still wearing ellie's jumper because I miss her and it smells like her. So that's it for yesterday's and today's vlog, be well, be good, big kisses to you tomorrow" yoou say before quickly publishing the video and falling asleep on the sofa in the yellow jumper.

Look at the stars Look how they shine for you And all the things that you do

[sunshine-theseus]

Follow | Alex Chidiac x Reader

Word count: 2.3k Summary: you hate Alex Chidiac. Until you don’t Warnings: angst, fluff, I swear I’ll try to do non-angsty stuff soon this is for @charligrantismygirlfriend - feel free to send requests

Alexandra Chidiac made me want to rip my hair out and simultaneously smash my lips against her own. She was just so full of herself and insulting and… extremely beautiful and funny. But she had a way of making me despise her without even trying.

And it seemed that wherever I went, she would follow.

The first time we’d played together outside The Matildas was in Madrid.

In the 2017/18 January transfer window, I moved from Perth Glory to play for Atletico Madrid. 7 months later and Alex was sat in the cubby next to me in the locker room, telling jokes and connecting with the team, something I’d been struggling with despite having been there significantly longer and being able to speak Spanish.

During my time at Atletico, I had become reserved and preferred to stick to only going between my house and the training grounds, even if asked to join for celebrations or team bonding. It’s when I began to hate Alex.

Then during Covid, I’d decided to move back to Australia. Melbourne City had been the closest club to my hometown that had made an offer, so I packed my bags and went back to Australia. How I’d missed the news that Alex was moving there too was beyond me, but I found myself in a similar situation as Madrid. I was excited to play with some girls I was already friends with and have people to spend time with between quarantine and games. But Alex had managed to capture everyone’s attention again. The friends I had, began to rush over to Alex instead of me and I’d be left desperately searching for a partner in warmups because they wanted to be around her.

Then she was put on loan to Melbourne Victory for the next few years and I managed to escape her presence outside of National camps and games for a while. People liked to ask why I avoided her so much, especially Tony and Sam, because “getting along with the whole team is important”. I never really had an answer.

It was really only toward the end of the World Cup that the ‘rivalry’, as I so graciously named it, began actually affecting my game play and the team as a whole.

Alex and I were paired up for some exercises, but I was stubborn. She was so annoying.

So stupid, so rude, so pretty, her smile was so bright. I don’t understand why I have a crush on someone I despise so deeply.

So, while doing some passing and skill practice, I found myself playing and passing harsher than required as Alex made small comments about my abilities. And when Alex made a joke about it to Kyra and Mini who were next to us, both of whom told me off and to get over my issues with Alex, I’d made the decision I was done.

“Do you get off on making me feel shit?” I approach Alex, my finger poking her chest.

“Do you enjoy making sure I’m alone wherever I go? Did I do something to you 6 years ago that I’m unaware of that made you feel like you had to take everyone from my life?” I could feel 36 pairs of eyes on me. Have the whole crew always sat out with us?

I don’t get much time to think about it.

“Me?! You’re the one who’s always been in some fucking mood with me. Ever since Madrid you’ve just ignored any situation where I’m around. You hate me for no reason!”

“I only ignore you because you isolate me from every single team we’re on together. You show up and take my friends away from me and then have the audacity to shit talk my playing ability while I’m right in front of you but of course I’m the bad guy here. I’ll always be the bad guy!”

I then sarcastically add, “Oh and thank you Kyra and Mini for standing up for me. It’s really appreciated”. They look at the ground.

“Maybe I wouldn’t say that shit if you didn’t let your unwarranted emotions take a hold of you. You’re sloppy.” My arm is swinging before I can think of any consequences, but it’s caught midair, and I notice the familiar ‘20’ and kangaroo tattoos adoring my captain’s fingers.

“Let’s take a fucking walk.” I’m about to protest, say that Alex deserves to have a talking to as well, but Sam starts pushing me towards the tunnel before I can get anything out.

“Dude what the fuck is going through your head. I’ve known you for 7 years and you’ve never done anything like this.” I shrug in response.

“We play England tomorrow, and you’re a consistent starter, but if you and Alex are going to squabble like this and jeopardise us as a team, you might be benched for the rest of the cup.”

“You’re fucking kidding me. Sam you can’t do that!” We’ve reached the locker room.

“Y/n, you nearly punched Alex. I might be your friend but right now I’m you’re captain. I have to do what is best for the team.”

“Yeah… right… maybe I should head back to the hotel. It’s probably best I take a break.” Sam sighs and pulls me into a hug.

“I know you feel alone and that we’re against you, but I promise we aren’t. I’m going to talk to Alex with Tony. She’ll probably be sent back with you. You should talk, like adults and teammates. If you show that you won’t be distracted tomorrow, I’ll talk to Tony about subbing you on at half time or something. I do wish you’d mentioned how you feel earlier. Like years ago, earlier.” I simply nod.

“Thanks Sammy. I really am sorry for today. The team didn’t deserve that.”

Sam pats my back before going back down the tunnel and onto the pitch to talk to Alex and Tony, leaving me to get changed and get an uber back to the hotel.

~~~~~

It’s only about 40 minutes after I get to mine and Sam’s room at the hotel that I hear a knocking on the door. At first, I think it’s someone who has the wrong room, but they don’t stop knocking and soon I’m groaning as I drag my sock clad feet to the door to look through the peep hole. And there stands a slightly distorted Alex Chidiac who seems awfully nervous as she looks up and down the hallway.

“I know you’re in there Y/n! You know Sam said we have to talk so let’s talk.”

 She goes to knock again but I’m already swinging the door open.

“Yeah whatever let’s get it over with.” We move to sit down on the two beds facing each other.

It’s silent for a moment and neither of us look at the other, fiddling with our hands and the bed sheets. Alex is the first to break the silence.

“I don’t understand why you hate me so much or why you think I’m trying to turn people against you. I was super excited to join you in Madrid in 2018, to have someone I already knew, but you were always so cold.”

How do you tell someone after 6 years that you started hating them because you were jealous? That it took you 7 months to even feel comfortable at the club, just for it to be stripped away within the first week of them joining.

“I hate you because everyone loves you so much!” she gives me a confused look.

“I mean, it took me months to start fitting in at Atletico and you just swooped in and made everyone adore you and they stopped even trying to talk to me. And then when you followed me to City, all my friends I already had, dropped me to follow you around like lost puppies. I spent years alone because you were Ms Perfect to everyone, and I wasn’t social enough or carefree or noticeable or funny. Sam was all I had, and she wasn’t even really there. I don’t know.” I rub at my eyes to stop the tears that are inevitably forming behind them.

“And then you made those comments today and Kyra and Kat said nothing to defend me, they told me to get over it, and that was it for me. If I always have to be the bad guy in everyone’s story, I’ll be the bad guy”.

Alex reaches for my hand and I don’t pull back.

“I didn’t mean for any of that to happen. I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I-” she pauses and seems to contemplate what she says next.

“What?”

“I followed you to Madrid and Melbourne because I liked you. I wanted to be with you, get to know you better. But after that year in Melbourne is seemed clear you hated me so I signed with JEF and went on loan to Victory.”

“Y- you liked me?”

“Well, it was hard not to. I still do. It was hard seeing you be so kind to everyone else, every time you played you looked so angelic, and I just couldn’t stop thinking about you. I’m sorry I made you feel like you were the bad guy. I should have talked to you about it all when we were in Madrid.”

“Kiss me.”

“What?”

“Kiss me. Please. I like you too. Like so much and I’m sorry for being so horrible and cold to y-” I’m cut off my Alex, who pulls me up and grabs my face.

She’s significantly shorter than me so I have to lean down but I kiss her, hard.

“I’d say we talked enough to please Sam and Tony, right?” she whispers against my lips as my thumb traces the light freckles on her cheeks.

“Absolutely.”

She waists no time on pulling me down on the bed and as we giggle, cuddle and kiss, we loose track of time.

Before I know it, Sam is bursting through the door.

“I’m baaack you better have talked to Chi- o…h” she stumbles over her own bag as she sees Alex curled up against me, now fast asleep, as I trace shapes on her arm.

“Ok I know I said you gotta work it out, but this isn’t what I meant.” She plops down on her bed.

“Y-  yeah I wasn’t expecting it but she has a way with words.”

“Two hours ago her ‘way with words’ made you try to punch her in the face.”

“Yeah well, things changed.”

“Stay right there! I’m taking a picture to send to the group chat.”

“What!? Sam no!”

“Oh no not the team group chat” I sigh in relief. “The one with Kristie, E.V.E and Kate (emily’s wife)”

“SAM NO!” I try to slide my arm out from under Alex to grab Sam’s phone but it’s a worthless cause when the familiar sound of a message being sent is heard.

“I’m going to kill you when Alex wakes up.”

“Yuh huh ok. I’m going to call Kristie.”

“Tell her I say hi! And I hope Sammy M is doing well.”

~~~~~

Four days pass. We got knocked out by England and Sweden, finishing fourth overall in the World Cup. We all sat on the field as we watched Sweden get their bronze medals, I held Alex close to my side as I held Sam’s hand. We keep getting so close before a medal is ripped right from our grasp and we were all beginning to get tired of it, but Sam was taking it the hardest.

“I’m so proud of you Sammy. You weren’t even sure you’d get to play at the start, but you came back and lead us this far. We’re going to get to the Olympics and win the whole fucking thing.” She kisses me on the head before getting up to hug some of the girls before trying to find Kristie and her family in the crowd.

“I’m proud of you too.” I hear Alex whisper beside me.

I pull her up and hug her tight.

“I’ll always be proud of you too Al.”

I know there is a camera next to us but I kiss her anyway. Now I have her, I won’t let go of her any time soon.

~~~~~

Alex and I spend some time alone over the short rest of our break, only going between the beach that she unreasonably hated, and her apartment. We’d met up with Sam and Kristie for a sort of double date, before they both left to America for Sam’s birthday, and bid farewell to all the other girls who had to fly back to their respective clubs.

It was my last day before I had to fly back to my club. I’d been cooking dinner for a rather helpless Alex when her arms wrapped around my waist.

“I’m going to miss you so much when you leave.” She groans as she peppers kisses across my back.

I think I feel a hint of a smile on her lips but decide not to think too far into it.

“I’m going to miss you too. Especially your lips. And your cute freckles. And you’re pretty green eyes. Every. Single. Thing.” I peck her lips after each sentence.

“I promise to call every day.” I let out a hum.

“You can barely remember to have breakfast.”

“Hey! For you I’ll remember anything.” I just smile and kiss her once more.

Tomorrow I’d have to say goodbye, unable to see her for months on end.

~~~~~

“You’re fucking kidding me!” is yelled across the Tigres locker room as our late transfer walks through the door.

It’s non other than Alexandra Chidiac. My girlfriend who I thought I’d left behind to continue out her loan for Melbourne Victory after the world cup.

She won’t stop fucking following me.

[satoshi-mochida]

Mixtape adds PS5 version - Gematsu

Newly announced adventure game Mixtape will launch for PlayStation 5 alongside its previously confirmed Xbox Series and PC (Steam) versions in 2025, publisher Annapurna Interactive and developer Beethoven & Dinosaur announced.

Here is an overview of the game, via Annapurna Interactive:

On their last night of high school, three friends embark on one more adventure together. En route to their final party together, a perfectly curated playlist draws them into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories. Experience a variety of narrative vignettes exploring the pivotal moments that shaped them. It’s the greatest hits of teenage friendship, from the first kiss to the last dance. From Melbourne studio Beethoven & Dinosaur, developers of BAFTA award-winning game The Artful Escape, Mixtape draws inspiration from classic coming-of-age movies, bringing together nostalgic aimlessness, mischief, music, the highs and lows of adolescence and the bittersweet feelings brought about by growth, transformation and moving on. Featuring music from DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and many more. Skate. Party. Avoid the law. Make out. Sneak out. Hang out. Play through a mixtape of memories, set to the soundtrack of a generation.

Watch the PlayStation 5 announcement trailer below.

PlayStation 5 Announce Trailer

[lucileee3ee]

Needing to escape the reality that allows a close friend to ask me for ‘a take’ on the war. Honestly had to put down phone for a whole day like. Annoying to constantly have to psychically assert my perspective on things israel-Palestine because it’s illegal to have the thoughts that I have because they house a spec of nuance because I have some skin in the game, and that these very same hoes would never have the courage to ask something like that of an Arab. And I don’t even want to share my option on conflict cos like the people that ask don’t even fkn care they just want to tune their own perspective so they can seem intellectual to their peers because the popular modality at the moment is to be critical of 0-1 good bad binaries. But retardedly this modus operandi too misses the point of having an opinion on something, which is to be discerning and by default irrational. So sick of these fence sitting idiots trying to construct some coherent argument like without any opinion or like perspective or I don’t even know. No you don’t have to have an opinion on the war, in fact it’s probably better that you don’t. War sucks, it’s always justified, there’s no such thing as a legal or illigal war, the only crime in war is losing, the only difference between a soldier an innocent civilian is the uniform and kids are just future soldiers, Eradicating your enemy is always evil and always permitted, being weak doesn’t make you benevolent in fact being a savage is your only strength if you are weak. I don’t hope for anything anymore, I don’t believe in change, at this point my only will is to live my life with some degree of dignity. My family is fine for now, hopefully yours is too. If you feel inclined to care about this conflict go ahead but you’re dumb.

I don’t know maybe not. I just want it to end and I don’t people in Melbourne to ask me anything about it. I don’t have answers and anyone that does is probably wrong. I’m just so sad and many people are dying right now and I keep waiting for Lebanon to join in and fuck the north up which is where my family lives and then I will be even sadder and mourn their death and then I’ll never have to think about it ever again. I hope they leave and don’t come back, they probably hate me for being here. I’m pro nationalism on a cultural level but when shit hits the fan I’m fine with rat behaviour, we’re Jews, we’re good at that. I want my family to leave and start somewhere else. I want everyone to die there I want a lot of things to change. Fuck Palestine fuck Israel fuck you, let them annihilate each other let American and Iran start ww3, let a nuclear holocaust reap what it reaps, let humanity break and re build in an even more stupid orientation. Focus on small insignificant things like hunting, or the cold, or beauty, and love, and sit in a cave and reinvent writing and maths, and discover another version of god. Everything is permissible, world is written and rewritten, reality is reared in the image of its authors and when it’s your turn to hold the shit end of the stick you’ll probably hate it and try to flip the script.

[midnight-els]

For @tiltedsyllogism 🥰

Inherited Sins is a Lenara POV one shot about her and Sergei's relationship. I put it aside in the run up to S4 but with the Star City news I am so excited to revisit it soon! Sergei is living openly in the US and Lenara is tasked with telling him Margo is alive for Mind Game Reasons. Cue angst about their different relationships to the state, their own relationship, and Lenara's feelings about her role at Roscosmos/as a senior official in the Soviet regime.

Pool Table Case Fic - basic premise is that Phryne investigates a murder with another detective who's Jack's academy best friend. The victim was found on a pool table. Standard post s3/established Phrack shenanigans happen.

I was reflecting recently that I have never published any of my many proper MFMM case fics because I run out of steam on the case bits. This is by far the most developed of those but it's probably only 60-70% done, with the interesting personal bits being finished and the tricky case bits outstanding. It was a really developmental fic for me, taking a lot of the brunt of practice at getting back into fic writing after a few years away, and I do like a lot of the bits in it so I'd love to revisit it when I have time. This time last year I was literally in the middle of doing a big clean up and trimming the case bits back so it could be published when I decided to take a quick break and check out this show called 'For All Mankind' on AppleTV which could surely have no effect on me 🙃

Extracts under the cut

Inherited Sins

“Why, Lenara?” he called from behind her. She stopped, forcing herself back around to face him. “Why what?” “Why this?” “It’s my job.” For the first time in years, Lenara saw Sergei smile. It was barely perceptible, sad and pitying, but she instantly recognised the seeds of that same look he’d always given her when she was being particularly impetuous.  She wanted to smack it from his face. “Do not think I don’t understand,” he said gently. She couldn’t tell whether it was her training or her warring exhaustion and disbelief that stop the instinctive scoff breaking through the surface. Eyes boring into his face, she swallowed harder than she intended to. “On the contrary, you’ve made it quite clear that you don’t.”

Pool Table Case Fic

Snatching her drink back up, Phryne darted in the direction of the back of the house, sensing more than hearing Jack’s sigh as he followed. “No, no Dottie it’s really fine, really. Please don’t -” Hugh was fretting, trying to calm his agitated wife, Mr Butler watching unconvinced, when they entered the room. His left eye was mostly hidden by a rather impressive bruise, with not a little swelling and a cut on his cheekbone to accent it. Poor man, Phryne thought: even as a Senior Constable he still seemed to be suffering the under whims of Melbourne’s crims. “Inspector!” Dot rounded on Jack instantly. Phryne suppressed a smile at his fleeting passing resemblance to a rabbit caught in a headlight. Jack schooled his features into a professional mask and, using an equally official voice, tried to mollify her. “I do apologise for the condition of your husband this evening, Mrs Collins. I’m afraid there was a disturbance at the station, it really couldn’t be helped. I assure you, the situation is in hand now.” “It couldn’t be helped?! Hugh said you had Jenkins arresting a bunch of good-for-nothings. The only thing that boy is capable of arresting is a couple of children who’ve escaped from Catechism!” Phryne again pressed her lips into a thin line, struggling to hold her amusement in. Really, Dot could cow their constabulary counterparts so well they might both as well have been as green as the unfortunate Jenkins.

[itsthebethblogever]

Cute Abandoned Puppy

April 1, 2024

I want love but I feel unworthy.

I wanna wash away my mistakes but my hands feel dirty.

I wanna be patient but I’m already thirty.

I wanna tell my family but I don’t want them to worry.

I wanna get to the destination, fuck this uphill journey.

I wanna feel confident but my insides feel murky.

I come from a family that doesn’t express dark emotions.

And I’m repeating the pattern by escaping across oceans.

California’s too capitalist - maybe - just maybe! - if it wasn’t for the prices,

I would have stayed in the Bay Area and done hella tight shit.

Despite my roaming, I really do love my home.

Every time I return I’m reminded just how much I’ve grown.

Is this shit that I’m living all to make me realize

That Ventura’s got potential and I’ll help make it rise?

So that’s what I’ll do? After Australia, go back?

By then, maybe my brain will stop feeling so whack.

In future hindsight, when friends inquire, oh what will I tell them?

“How were your travels? The festivals?” Ah, the hell w/em.

The truth is my lack of flow has been a constant obsession.

It feels like my personality has gone through a regression.

What’s easiest is to hide my turbulent emotions with a smile.

Inside, the search for meaning perseveres, feeling longer than the Nile.

Always changing directions has me feeling like shit.

I must find my focus, the discipline to commit.

What do I want? A family. Security. Joy. Laughter.

Consistent community. A good job that matters.

A nook to read books full of cozy blankets and candles.

Card games, a shoe rack, someone to caress my love handles.

I ought to stop lying when people ask how I am.

I’m sad and I’m lost and I feel like a sham.

Constant worries about money torment my head.

It takes me an hour to get out of bed.

A laughter yoga workshop makes me wanna cry.

Even weed’s stopped helping - I’m low when I’m high.

So what is it? This funk, this era, this time?

To force me back to writing, remember to rhyme?

If so - then LOOK. I’m DOING it, OK?

Will sharing my feelings make the problem go away?

I’ve been banged on my head again and again.

If I was a bear, I’d crawl straight to my den.

There, nobody’d bother me and I’d have a look

Deep inside myself, meditate, and probably write a book.

About a woman who presented so happy go lucky

And underneath hid fear, like a cute abandoned puppy.

Afterword:

During the year I lived in Melbourne, I struggled to find a job that could support myself and the year long program I committed to. This and the dreadful weather lead to me spending much of my time at home, avoiding spending and the cold. Now that I’m traveling I’m feeling much better, yet, I find it hard to carry a conversation and banter with those around me. There is something in me that’s blocked or needs processing or something, which is the confusion I speak about. On May 27th I’ll attend a 10 day Vipassana silent meditation retreat, which I’m hoping will help. Let’s see how I go. Thanks for reading y’all, love to you <3

[rushescapegameme]

Why Are Escape Games a Must-Try Experience for All

 Escape games have taken the world by storm, and for good reason! They offer a unique blend of excitement, teamwork, and problem-solving that appeals to many audiences. Whether planning a family outing, a corporate team-building event or simply looking for a fun activity with friends, escape games are an adventure worth experiencing. In this blog post, we'll explore why you should try Escape Game Melbourne and what makes them so captivating.

The Thrill of the Challenge

One of the most compelling reasons to try an escape game is the thrill of the challenge. Participants are immersed in a carefully crafted storyline and are given a specific time limit to solve puzzles and escape from a themed room. This adrenaline-pumping experience encourages critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. The rush you feel when you unlock the next clue or solve a challenging puzzle is exhilarating!

Perfect for Team Building

Escape games are not just for friends and families but also an excellent choice for corporate team-building events. These games foster collaboration and communication among team members, allowing them to work together to solve problems in a fun environment.

When teams face challenges together in an Escape Game Melbourne, they learn to rely on each other’s strengths and talents. This enhances trust and camaraderie, which can translate into improved workplace dynamics. Teams can bond and strengthen their relationships by stepping away from the office and engaging in an interactive experience.

A Unique Social Experience

In a world where digital interactions often overshadow face-to-face communication, escape games provide a refreshing alternative. They encourage participants to engage with one another in a lively and interactive environment. Whether you’re playing with friends, family, or colleagues, escape games create lasting memories through shared experiences.

In an Escape Game Melbourne, laughter, excitement, and sometimes even friendly competition create a dynamic atmosphere. 

A Variety of Themes 

One of the great things about escape games is the diversity of themes and challenges available. From horror-themed rooms that send shivers down your spine to whimsical adventures that ignite your imagination, there’s something for everyone. This variety ensures that every visit to an Escape Game Melbourne can be a completely different experience.

Some popular themes include mystery, science fiction, and historical adventures. Each room is meticulously designed to transport you into a different world, with immersive storylines and intricate puzzles. This variety keeps the experience fresh and allows you to tailor your escape game experience to your interests.

Suitable for All Ages

Escape games are a fantastic activity for people of all ages. Whether you’re a parent looking for a fun family outing or a group of friends wanting to bond, escape games cater to everyone. Many venues offer age-appropriate challenges, ensuring that both kids and adults can enjoy the adventure.

For families, escape games present an excellent opportunity to work together and communicate in a fun environment. Children can develop critical thinking skills while solving puzzles, and parents can engage with their kids meaningfully. The shared experience of escaping together creates a strong sense of accomplishment and pride.

Mental Exercise and Skill Development

In addition to being fun, escape games provide mental stimulation and skill development. Participants engage in critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity as they work through the challenges. The puzzles often require different skill sets, encouraging players to think outside the box and develop innovative solutions.

Playing an escape game in Melbourne is a fantastic way to unwind and have fun, and it is an excellent opportunity for mental exercise. Whether you're deciphering codes or piecing together clues, the brain is actively engaged, making it a rewarding experience on multiple levels.

Conclusion

In summary, escape games offer a thrilling, unique, and engaging experience that everyone should try at least once. From fostering teamwork to providing a fun and social environment, there are countless reasons to dive into the world of escape games. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the excitement of an Escape Game Melbourne—it just might become your new favourite pastime!

[sirenjose]

Reading Alice's first birthday letter, it's already obvious Orpheus was down in Melbourne and helped Alice escape which is good but at the same time, I wonder how much influence he was having over her life after Melbourne. She managed to get a job as a journalist but thinking about it now, being a test subject wouldn't give much work experience and she managed to get a pretty nice apartment too, unless she managed to reclaim any of her inheritance if she had any. I don't necessarily know how recent they say her escape was could be at year at most. It's a nagging thought especially when you consider how her Deduction Stars are quotes written by someone observing her from afar and treating her like a test subject still.

I honestly need to reread and spend some more time thinking about her letter. It's definitely quite a bit to digest considering how it's written. Orpheus definitely seems implied to have beem the other person involved in her letter. Though I can't say I know for sure where it's taking place. Yes, it could be Australia, but based on the mention of medical reports, "juvenile" handwriting, pen left in a "crevice", nurses, but especially the "iron bars", my 1st thought was this was taking place at the Asylum, yet the mention of "Bourbon's drawer"... based on Alice's flashback in AoM, that could more imply it is Australia. Orpheus we know went to both the Asylum and potentially Australia (based on 1 of the individuals in Alice's flashback looking similar to Orpheus). Not to mention finding the key in a drawer is the same thing we saw in Alice's flashback...

Though I wonder if his true goal was to simply help her escape. If so, why didn't he reach out to her after she escaped, why not re-introduce himself as being her childhood friend? Why did they only meet up once more at the manor? I honestly still wonder if to an extent he was also performing or had the desire to perform some experiment/test on her. Though I guess Australia's tests might've been more just Vilhelm, while Orpheus may be saving his for the manor... Which again, need to ask what he is hoping to accomplish exactly?

And isn't Sam supposed to be working for Orpheus? In which case, Sam might've snagged the key and planted it himself in his drawer upon Orpheus' request. Though if so, what's this about Sam's "secret"...

Honestly, my thoughts right now are obviously scattered and disorganized. If Orpheus is the main one speaking (not saying "Who are you"), that implies Alice did forget Orpheus, at least for a time, while he did not... but then that begs the question why does he at least pretend not to recognize her... and does she not recognize him from her time with Vilhelm? Especially if she only escaped a year or some short amount of time before her game? The medication being messed up might've been why she was able to begin "remembering", though... what was the medication meant to do in the 1st place

I'm honestly really confused... Apologies for these nonsenical thoughts.

Yea, this likely takes place in Australia, and Orpheus is definitely involved in her escape (no idea if Sam was helping Orpheus do this or not, or whatever Sam's "secret" is, unless it has to do with perfecting his dovlin recipe for Demi, I don't know... or secret that Sam is helping Orpheus...). The one who likely forgotten someone is likely Alice forgetting Orpheus considering her mental state after the tragedy based on how she acts backstory video in the asylum prior to the experiments. Besides Sam's secret, we also don't know for certain the express goal of (Vilhelm's?) experiment in Australia. We also don't know why Orpheus didn't decide to reunite with Alice after helping her escape, or why he's using drugs on her at the manor.

Progress, but we're still missing so much...

I imagine her becoming a journalist has to do with her desire for the truth after her experience with her parents dying. She likely wanted to know who did it and why and what happened to everyone (culprits and victims, including Orpheus I imagine) afterwards, and she is an intelligent woman, so that likely would've been a good enough start to get her into that. And if she got any good jobs as that, that might apy for the nice place she has. Though it's possible, as people knew she was the daughter of the murdered DeRoss couple, that she had some inheritance left to buy the place... Though it's possible Orpheus aided her with that, for now I'm assuming she got it herself until otherwise stated.

[adrianodiprato]

+ “Those who do not move do not notice their chains.” ~ anonymous

Dare

There is a truth we cannot escape: “Take a chance and you may lose. Take not a chance and you have lost already.” Søren Kierkegaard’s words call out to us—not as a whisper, but as a resounding truth that disrupts the comfort of inertia. They compel us to look inward, to confront the silent chains that tether us to stillness: fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown.

“Those who do not move do not notice their chains.”

These chains are not made of steel. They are woven from whispers of self-doubt, the familiar pull of routine, and the illusion that tomorrow will offer courage we won’t summon today. But chains, no matter how invisible, keep us from becoming. The only way to break free is to move.

The Call to Move

Ships may be safest at harbour, but that’s not what they were built for. And neither are you. Life wasn’t meant to be lived within the confines of certainty. To remain in the harbour of comfort is to abandon your potential, to choose safety over the adventure of truly living.

Every mistake teaches a lesson; every win builds momentum. If you only walk on sunny days, you will never reach your destination. The storms will shape you; they will strengthen your resolve and refine your purpose. The turbulence you fear is the architect of your resilience, the chiseling of your truest self.

Ambition without action becomes anxiety. Dreams without courage are regrets in waiting. To take the first step, however uncertain, is to declare faith—not in what is guaranteed, but in your ability to rise, to grow, to endure.

The Grace of Becoming

It’s okay to live a life most don’t understand. Authenticity often feels like rebellion, a quiet revolution against a world that rewards conformity. To live authentically is to honor the light within you, even if it defies what others expect or comprehend.

The storms, the mistakes, the moments of doubt—these are not failures. They are invitations to learn, to grow, to become. If you let them, they will reveal the strength you already carry.

The Invitation to Act

And so I ask you: What chains have you mistaken for safety?

The storms will come, and the way forward may feel uncertain, but it is in that uncertainty where transformation begins. Every step into the unknown reshapes the horizon before you. Every choice to move—not despite the fear, but because of it—draws you closer to the life you were meant to live.

This is the great paradox Kierkegaard reveals: To take a chance is to risk losing, but to refuse the chance is to lose already. The harbour may feel secure, but it is not where you were meant to stay.

Ships are not built for the harbour, and neither are you. You were built to journey, to weather the winds of doubt and possibility, and to discover that the greatest loss was never in the risk, but in not daring greatly.

Dedicated to Kyle, whose honest writing challenges us to reflect on the true direction we're heading - collectively and individually.

Adriano Di Prato is an influential Australian educator, best-selling author, former co-host of the leading educational podcast Game Changers, and the Campus Director at LCI Melbourne, a progressive art, design + entrepreneurship private institute of higher education.

[takeristory]

The Indie Game Scene in Melbourne – A Unique Cultural Ecosystem

Melbourne’s indie game scene is much more than a gathering of small companies or hobbies. It’s a vibrant, complicated culture environment that escapes easy categorization. According to Brendan Keogh (2021), this scene is made from a “tapestry of activity,” where independent artists connect across different groups, sharing resources, supporting each other, and sometimes disagreeing in values​

Unlike standard industries that focus solely on profit, Melbourne’s game scene welcomes a mix of artistic goals. For example, “The Arcade” co-working space helps amateur developers by providing cheap office places and encouraging teamwork among teams. This shared office has become a cornerstone for Melbourne’s small developers, but not all game makers align with the Arcade’s more financially viable projects. Many makers are more focused on artistic expression than profit, as shown by the alternative scene around Bar SK, a place that highlights experimental and “trash” video games.

This diversity in Melbourne’s scene shows a cultural depth often missing in global game industries. The city’s unique indie game culture is driven by a combined desire for innovation, cultural expression, and community support—qualities that make it more than just a “alternative” to big-budget game production. It’s a self-sustained environment of artists who support each other through training, shared places, and regular meetings, like the Freeplay Independent Games Festival. Such places allow artists to explore without the limitations often imposed by popular business demands​.

In a global industry controlled by corporate giants, Melbourne’s indie game scene shows that there is room for alternative methods that value creation and community. By valuing different views and backing small-scale producers, Melbourne offers a model of indie game production that is both locally powerful and internationally exciting.

References:

Keogh, B 2021, 'The Melbourne indie game scenes: value regimes in localized game development' (Chapter 13) in P Ruffino (ed), Independent Videogames: Cultures, Networks, Techniques and Politics, Routledge, pp.209-222.

[silkohome]

The Perfect Home Addition: A Studio in Your Garden

The Perfect Home Addition: A Studio in Your Garden In an era where remote work, creative pursuits, and personal well-being are highly valued, having a dedicated space at home for these activities can be a game-changer. A studio in the garden has become an increasingly popular addition, offering the ideal blend of productivity and relaxation within a beautiful natural setting. For homeowners in Melbourne and Brisbane, this versatile space can be the perfect enhancement to any property, creating a personal retreat and adding value to your home. At SILKO HOME, we specialize in crafting these unique garden studios to suit your lifestyle, needs, and taste. Whether it’s a private office, art studio, yoga room, or a guest retreat, a studio for the backyard provides endless possibilities. Here’s why a garden studio could be the perfect addition to your home. Why a Studio in Your Garden? A studio in the garden offers a peaceful, private space that allows you to disconnect from the main house and focus on the activities that matter most to you. Having a separate workspace not only enhances productivity but also makes it easier to create boundaries between home and work life. Imagine stepping out of your home into a quiet garden studio, ready to start your day with complete focus. With cities like Melbourne and Brisbane buzzing with activity, a tranquil garden studio becomes a valuable escape from city life. It serves as a personal sanctuary where you can unwind, meditate, work on hobbies, or dive into creative projects—all while being surrounded by nature. Multi-Functional and Adaptable One of the biggest benefits of a studio for the backyard is its adaptability. At SILKO HOME, we customize garden studios to serve multiple purposes, so they can evolve with your changing needs. Here are just a few ways you can make the most of a garden studio:

Home Office: With remote work on the rise, a dedicated home office is more essential than ever. A garden studio offers a distraction-free space where you can work effectively without the usual interruptions from home life.

Art or Music Studio: Whether you’re a painter, musician, or writer, a garden studio provides the perfect environment for uninterrupted creativity. Customizing the space to include soundproofing, natural lighting, and storage solutions will help fuel your creativity.

Yoga or Wellness Room: Many people are turning to yoga, meditation, and fitness for relaxation and health benefits. A studio in the garden can be designed as a serene wellness area, complete with natural light, calming colors, and space for exercise equipment or mats.

Guest Room: Hosting friends or family is effortless with a garden studio that doubles as a guest suite. Offering privacy and comfort, this space can give guests their own sanctuary while they stay with you.

Personal Retreat: Your studio for the backyard can also serve as a simple getaway. Use it as a reading nook, a cozy spot for afternoon tea, or just a quiet place to unwind and recharge.

The flexibility of a garden studio means you’re not limited to one purpose. The space can adapt over time, making it a versatile and valuable addition to your home. Stylish Designs Tailored for Melbourne and Brisbane Homes At SILKO HOME, we focus on creating garden studios that enhance the look of your property and fit seamlessly with your home’s design. We understand that each client has unique preferences, so we work closely with you to design a studio in the garden that reflects your personal style, from modern minimalist to rustic or traditional. Our Melbourne clients, for example, might favor studios with large, insulated windows to maximize natural light, which is essential during the city’s cooler months. Brisbane clients, on the other hand, may prioritize ventilation and sun protection, given the region’s warmer climate. No matter your location, we ensure each studio for the backyard is built with sustainable materials and energy-efficient features, making it eco-friendly and comfortable throughout the year.

Increase Property Value with a Garden Studio A studio in the garden isn’t just a practical addition; it can also significantly increase your property’s value. In competitive real estate markets like Melbourne and Brisbane, unique features like a garden studio make a property stand out to potential buyers. Many buyers today are looking for flexible spaces, and a well-designed garden studio offers exactly that. A studio for the backyard is an appealing option because it expands the home’s usable space without the need for extensive renovations. With a custom studio, you can boost your home’s value, making it a smart investment for the future. Why Choose SILKO HOME? At SILKO HOME, we take pride in creating beautiful, functional spaces that enhance our clients’ lifestyles. When it comes to designing and building a studio in the garden, we bring our expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to quality to every project. Our team of experienced professionals works with you from start to finish, ensuring your garden studio meets your exact needs. Our garden studios are crafted with high-quality, durable materials that can withstand the elements in both Melbourne and Brisbane. We also place a strong emphasis on sustainability, using eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient designs to minimize the environmental impact of each project. Whether you envision a minimalist office space or a warm and welcoming guest retreat, SILKO HOME is here to bring your vision to life. We understand that a garden studio is an investment in both your property and your lifestyle, and we’re dedicated to delivering results that you’ll enjoy for years to come. Start Designing Your Dream Garden Studio Today A studio in the garden is a versatile addition that brings beauty, functionality, and added value to your home. Whether you need a quiet workspace, a creative haven, or a personal retreat, a custom-built studio for the backyard is a practical solution that meets your unique needs. Ready to transform your backyard into a stylish and functional studio? SILKO HOME is here to help. Contact us today to start planning the garden studio of your dreams—a space that combines style, utility, and tranquility, right in your own backyard.

[aniketdelmundo]

Australia Cup goes back to South West Sydney

The 2024 Australia Cup concluded in dramatic fashion. Melbourne Victory, pioneers of modern Australian soccer, reached the final in dominant form, conceding only one goal throughout the tournament. In contrast, Macarthur FC's journey to the final was turbulent, narrowly escaping elimination by defeating the Jets in a close 4-3 match.

The final began with Melbourne Victory immediately on the offensive, dominating play with 66% possession and 22 shots on goal. Despite their commanding performance, football proved to be unforgiving, as Victory lost by a single goal to Macarthur FC—the only shot Macarthur had on target the entire game made the difference. Marin scored with a right-footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.

Macarthur's goalkeeper, Filip Kurto, was awarded Man of the Match for his outstanding defensive display, making five crucial saves that were just as important as Jakoliš's decisive goal. Melbourne Victory will have only themselves to blame for the loss, having created numerous chances and dominated in every statistical aspect except the one that truly matters—scoring. This outcome may serve as a valuable lesson for Victory, as they endure a tough period, having also lost the 2024 A-League Grand Final to the Mariners earlier this year. Losing two finals in one year is undoubtedly a challenging setback.

On the other hand, Macarthur FC has much to celebrate, now claiming their second Australia Cup title. Established in 2018 as an expansion team, they won their first major title in 2022 by defeating amateur side Sydney United 58 in the Australia Cup final. They have done it again, this time by overcoming one of Australia's most renowned teams.