#how do I start seeds indoors?

[fordragonfliesandme]

Get a Head Start on Gardening: Top Seed Selections for January Planting

Introduction to January gardening Well it’s that time of year… the time I get extremely giddy & excited. It’s seed ordering time! I love flipping through the pages and seeing what new varieties of beautiful heirlooms are available and what I’ll try this year. If you’ve been watching my Facebook & Instagram pages, you’ll have seen all the NEW cherry tomatoes I plan on growing this year for my…

[grendel-menz]

With the world feeling so wrong and sad so often, a few weeks ago I started a bunch of seeds indoors with the toddlers I work with to show them how beautiful life on earth is. Y’all these things are out of control and last frost isn’t for another like five weeks 😭😂

I’ve brought them home just to figure out what to do with them after I thin things out a bit - I let the kids (ages 2-3) do most of the planting with the seeds and I’m so surprised they’ve grown so heartily, especially with grubby little hands pulling at them day after day

My mom gave the seeds to me - her and her friends had gone to the dumpster behind a farming supply store at the end of the last seed season and found so many packets just thrown out. I still have so many left. If anyone has any suggestions on what to do with spare seedlings (the garden isn’t big enough to accommodate all this haha) and seeds, let me know! I’m going to talk to local community farms and see if anyone would like ten thousand tomato and pea plants, haha. What a beautiful world.

I think if you, or the people you know, are having a hard time feeling joy or optimism for the world, you need to watch something grow. I think it’s easy to forget that life is such a gift, and one we need to return and value day to day.

[robin-evry]

Hiiiiiii !!!! Could I please ask for half-flower (rose) yuu? ♡

Sure thing, ask and you shall receive

𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐈𝐅 𝐘𝐔𝐔 𝐈𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐅 𝐅𝐋𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑 / 𝐍𝐘𝐌𝐏𝐇 🌹🥀

A nymph (Ancient Greek: νύμφη, romanized: nýmphē; Attic Greek: [nýmpʰɛː]; sometimes spelled nymphe) is a minor female nature deity in ancient Greek folklore. Distinct from other Greek goddesses, nymphs are generally regarded as personifications of nature; they are typically tied to a specific place, landform, or tree, and are usually depicted as maidens.

I know this isn't what you ask for, but I decided to modify it a little to have a little background, I chose nymph due to them being a personification of nature, so this yuu will be a nymph that is the personification of the flower rose

( English is not my first language )

Yuu's appearance is deeply tied to the rose motif. They have half of their body adorned with intricate rose patterns, where thorny vines twist elegantly along with their skin, possibly wrapping around their arms and legs.

They are calm and nurturing like a flower in full bloom, but if someone harms those they care about, they reveal her "thorny" side, becoming sharp-tongued and quick to defend themselve and others.

They are the embodiment of the rose—elegant, serene, and welcoming to those who approach them with kindness. They value harmony, often seeking to create peace among those around them, much like how a rose beautifies its surroundings. However, like the thorned stem of the flower, they have a sharp edge. They are fiercely protective of their friends and can be quite intimidating when someone threatens them.

When they walk past the surroundings with plants, flowers or roses start to bloom out of nowhere since they have a connection to nature. Become NRC affocial gardener

Regardless they are actually very good at gardening, when Crowley was visiting ramshackle he saw that ramshackle is like a green house rich with beautiful plants, instead of a run down shack it looks like a rich and bountiful house that are filled with flowers around it making it beautiful. Soon they were hired to be a gardener including a paycheck for them.

And it did not disappoint, the school became a lot more popular, the school has become a much nicer place than RSA, the film research club usually films scenes that takes place in forest or an area field with flowers in exchange of not damaging the flowers, even some famous brands, photographer etc do their photo or filming in NRC, Crowley managed to double the amount the his getting but 80% of the money was given to yuu.

During some time epel ask half flower!yuu to help him with the trees in his village, since their grandparents have apple trees and it been getting hard to maintain. As well to use their natural ability to turn dead trees into flourishing apple trees.

Each winter, they're powers and energy slowly begin to dwindle as the weather turns colder. Much like how roses enter dormancy during the winter season, they also withdraw from their usual lively state. Their body and magic are tied to nature, so they require this period of rest to rejuvenate their powers. During hibernation, the rose vines that adorn their body recede slightly.

This hibernation period usually lasts from late fall until the first signs of spring. During this time, their personality becomes quieter, more introspective. They tend to avoid conflict, conserving their energy by staying indoors and using her magic sparingly. However, even in this dormant state, their thorns remain sharp, ready to defend themselves and others if necessary.

Since they're connected to plants and nature, they have the ability to manipulate any plant similar to poison ivy powers but the drawback they are unable to create plants, only be able to only existing resources.

Example : during the savanaclaw arc, they were unable to manipulate plants due to the lack of plants or nature in the area. So they carried a sack of seeds In case of this situation.

They're floral pheromones can calm, soothe, or subtly influence others. At NRC, they uses this ability carefully, often to de-escalate conflicts before they spiral out of control. In dangerous situations, they can amplify the effect to create an overwhelming sense of peace, putting their opponents into a dazed or passive state.

In ramshackle, there's a small garden filled with rare flowers, and some students found half flower!yuu tending the flowers during their free time and if any students pluck their flowers without permission or destroy it, they will dangle by the leg upside down for half an hour.

Their dorm room is a sanctuary of its own, filled with potted plants, vines, and roses that respond to their presence. It has a calming atmosphere, with the faint scent of roses always lingering in the air. Friends often visit their room for peace and quiet when the chaos of NRC becomes overwhelming, knowing that their plants will offer comfort and protection. They've become known for her green thumb, and their room is a hidden oasis amid the more chaotic, dark environment of the school.

They are also knowledgeable about biology on plants. During their free time if a student manages to come in contact with their dangerous plants, they will create an antitude for the situation. They are also excellent pharmacists.

Classes like potionolgy are extremely easy for them, one of Mr crewel star pupal. Some students seek for them for their guidance on the subject

Them and Vil share an appreciation for beauty and elegance. Vil respects their natural grace and sees her as a symbol of refined strength. They bond over skincare, fashion, and the art of presentation, though Vil sometimes wishes they would embrace a more high-maintenance beauty routine. meanwhile, they enjoy Vil's dedication to perfection but reminds him that even roses have imperfections that make them unique.

Also they usually have a sun bath, they will lay in the ramshackle ground wearing a sun glass and enjoy the sunlight.

They are also to be described as very confident and brash by people, described by people as their thorn side even tho that people said this side is ugly, half-flower!yuu would ignore them due to them loving both sides of themselves and always be true to themselves.

Even tho people see them as a kind and brash person, they are also very judgemental immediately judging people's fashion sense, during their first meeting with ace, in their head they are judging his uniform and hairstyle. They also had a very sharp tongue immediately roasting the first years during their first meeting.

[turtlesandfrogs]

Ok, now I'm really concerned that how to prevent rats isn't common knowledge like I thought it was. So, to anyone whose parents/guardians/adults didn't teach you, here's the basics of prevention*:

Rats, like you, need three things: food, water, and shelter. If they don't get these things, they don't bother sticking around. Access to food is probably the biggest draw, and the one you can do the most about.

Rats eat the same foods you do, and the same food that most pets eat. You don't want them to have access to this food, so:

Don't leave dirty dishes laying around, the smell will attract rats. Don't put leave dirty dishes in your bed room, or under the couch, or in your car, or whatever. Dishwashers are great, but if you don't have a functional one, and you're low on energy/executive function, at a minimum cover your dirty dishes with soapy water instead of leaving them out. Rats can't eat soapy food.

Work to minimize food waste, because the smell of tasty food in your compost or garbage will attract rats.

Don't put food scraps in your indoor garbage unless your garbage can is rat proof. Take it outside asap, to a rat-proof bin.

When composting, if you're composting food that would be attractive to rats (grains, fats/oils, dairy, meat) it's best to: bury the food down in the center of the pile, try out bokashi composting, or have a rat-proof composter. Generally people do tell you not to compost dairy and meat, but I do know that some people do it anyway.

Keep your grains & legumes in rodent proof-containers. Glass jars, metal trash cans, etc.

If you have dogs, put their food away at night. If you have birds or other animals that eat a seed-based diet, then it pays to make their food/enclosures inaccessible to rats as well. Cats are rat deterrents so leaving dry food out for them is probably the one exception.

Clean up spilled foods immediately.

If you have fruit trees (like those apple trees everyone has that were planted 3 or more decades ago) and notice that something besides a deer is eating them, it's really best to pick all the fruit. You probably can't eat it all, so giving it away is a good option. Compost the rotten/icky ones fallowing the advice above, or dig a hole and do some trench composting.

Rats also need water, which is another reason to make sure you don't have any leaks anywhere, and to not leave beverages out in open containers.

Beyond that, thoroughly looking around your house, inside and out, to make sure there's no access points. Vents can be covered with wire mesh, holes the size of a dime need to be patched (because mice exist, too). Keep vegetation clear from around the base of your house, and make sure there's no trees or shrubs growing close enough to your house that a rat could make the leap to your roof. Keep an eye out for tunnels near your house's foundation, because they will tunnel underneath.

Also, while I'm at it, for the love of your house's structural integrity, DO NOT store wood piles against your house. Termites people!!!

And yes, there's a reason why cats are such a common pet. Not only do they hunt rats, the very smell of a cat is enough to deter rats. Do not just get a cat for rat prevention though, only get a cat if you're going to provide it a good home and are able to take on the additional care tasks without over extending yourself. Getting a housemate that comes with a cat is a great alternative to getting your own cat (and I'm only halfway joking).

*because prevention is much easier and much less terrible than dealing with an infestation. Prevention is so, so, so much easier than getting rid of them, particularly because once they're there, they'll start eating other things that wouldn't have been enough by themselves to draw them in.

[oftwigandbone]

what a cool idea, thank you for tagging me @tomorrowsgardennc !

🌱 current garden 🌱

what season is it currently? Winter, and Very winter at that. It's still full of snow here, spring is a ways off. Last frost in my area won't be until April 25th

how's the weather been? normal or unusual? This year there hasn't been much snow. We finally got our biggest snowfall this week, which is late for us. Usually we get a few in December/January.

what's growing the most successfully? Nothing right now haha

what's struggling the most? Everything!

any garden animals? :c

how much space are you growing in? When I'm able to put things outside again I have about 2 square feet to plant in (containers) so not much at all, but I can also hang a couple plants on bannisters.

are you happy with that space, or do you want more? I crave more space for sure, but sadly I have only a very small balcony to work with so I'm making the best of it.

✨️ future garden ✨️

what's next on the to-do list for the garden? I'm patiently waiting for March 6th to come along, that's when I'll be planting my tomatoes indoors!

new plants you want to try and grow? This year I'm trying cucumbers for the first time. They're an heirloom variety so I'm hoping they'll do well. Overall, there are a ton of medicinal plants I'd like to try but I'll have to wait until I have the space.

new garden skills you want to learn? It will be my first time starting seeds indoors and transplanting them out, so hoping that goes well!

new tools you need to buy? Fertiliser isn't really a tool I guess but I will need to get some!

📝 dream garden 📝

top of your wishlist? I would love to have a medicinal garden one day. I grow a few herbs currently, but I don't have enough room for them to really thrive (they're just in little pots).

first plant you're buying if you win the lottery? I would buy a TON of native trees and plant them using the Miyawaki method.

if you could change growing zones, which one would it be and why? Honestly I wouldn't, even though the growing season is super short here I have very little heat tolerance lol

what do you want to grow, but can't? why not? I would love to grow ginger and turmeric! I don't have the climate for that unfortunately. I feel like I could figure out a greenhouse situation maybe but I would need the resources.

👀 admit it… 👀

how many spare nursery pots you have: About a dozen lol

how many plants are still in it's original container and need to be planted: All my succulents D:

how many seed packets do you have: At least 20 because I also save my seeds

how many more seeds did you buy this year anyway: only 6, i was very good this year lol

💚 garden favorites 💚

favorite flower plant? I think my favourite right now is Calendula!

favorite vegetable plant? Green beans! They grew so easily last year.

favorite fruit plant? Tomato!

favorite pollinator? Definitely milkweed.

favorite garden noise or texture? When the wind rustles the leaves

favorite gardening book or blog or podcast? Not really gardening more herbalism, but I've been watching a lot of HerbRally lately!

tagging: @oh-he-grows @tish-terps-blog @witchynyx @everythingisliminal @l0-k1 @matthewsac @brujadepinarrio @petula-xx

[dark-frosted-heart]

Roger Barel Main Route - Blind Love Chapter 21

As usual, can’t guarantee 100% accuracy on this. I’m doing this for archiving purposes and you can probably find a better translation out there.

If I cleared the final trial on the robin growth map, then I would formally be Roger’s lover—

While I was excited about this new goal set for me, I was ignorant to the seed of sorrow that was sprouting.

Alfons: I wonder if that man’s revealed something important to Kate.

Elbert: Something important?

Alfons: The cost that comes with that man’s egoistic way of life.

Despite the lack of wind indoors, the curtains far down another hall fluttered.

Jude: …

Alfons and Elbert didn’t see the other man walking away.

--

—Roger and I started working making an antidote for the condemned.

Roger: Here’s the research materials I took back from the doctors and Privy Council.

I couldn’t help but feel relieved to see that all the files were back safely.

(Roger’s been seeking after this important information since he was a child. It’s basically his life…)

First learning about the Cursed while going through his father’s research at the clinic, interacting with the cursed Alec, and then, being cursed himself, joined Crown. 

These materials on his desk held his life’s work.

Roger: We can make an antidote with this.

Kate: Yes.

I held my breath as the means of condemnation began to form in Roger’s hands.

Roger: First—

Kate: If it’s the drug written in this note, then I already got the chemical from storage. I’ve disinfected all the equipment we’ll need too!

Roger’s eyes widened at how I had already prepared everything without being prompted to.

Roger: …O_O

Afterward—He ruffled my hair like usual.

Kate: Woah…That’s enough!

(I say that, but I still smile with happiness…)

Roger: I give praise when it’s due. That’s my policy. As expected from my dog, assistant, and partner. Hmm, you’re growing into quite the good man.

Naturally, I couldn’t be happier hearing that.

Kate: It’s not like I'm doing this for you, Roger.

I was aware that a grin was forming as I talked back.

Roger: Who’s the one wagging her tail here when she gets praise and a pat on the head.

Kate: I-I don’t have a tail!

Whether I want it to or not, our banter tickled my heart.

(He can give such a sweet smile, but he doesn’t make it easy for me to become his lover)

(I’m curious about what Roger’s “Final Trial” is about)

(Regardless of what it is, I’ll clear it!)

I pumped myself up…but then I realized something.

(That’s right. I want to be Roger’s lover)

When we first met, Roger didn’t believe in love while I was the opposite, so I didn’t think we’d ever fall in love.

(...Now Roger is all that’s on my mind)

Roger: What’s with that cute look? You thinking about me?

…Yes. +4 +4

Don’t be so conceited.

N-no reason!

Roger: No excuses this time?

Kate: Because I don’t have one…

Roger: *sigh* Damn it, I’d love to just make love to you.

Kate: …

I remembered the feeling of Roger’s lips, fingers, and his burning hot…The blush I thought had died down came back.

Roger: But abandoning everything for that would be a waste. I’ll just have to enjoy it after everything’s taken cared of.

(...That’s enough)

I covered my burning face with my hands and Roger chuckled.

Roger: Besides, it doesn’t sound like it’s just gonna be the two of us any longer. —I can hear them outside the door. Ellis and Liam.

(Huh?)

As if on cue, two embarrassed faces appeared from the other side of the door.

Liam: We were just waiting for the right time to see if you needed help…Are we interrupting something?

Ellis: You can go ahead and kiss or do something more if you want. We don’t mind.

(T-they heard everything!)

Kate: You two might not care, but I do!

As I said that, I smacked a grinning Roger on the back.

Kate: Let’s get back to making the antidote!

Roger: …Ow!

And so…Roger and I continued refining the antidote. 

We kept ourselves in the basement for several days, slowly losing our sense of time, and Crown’s members each took turns to check up on us.

--

Liam: Kate, Roger! How’s the research going? Wow, those are some dark circles you two got there.

Ellis: Are you alright? Have you been sleeping?

Kate: Yeah, we’ve been taking turns sleeping so we’re fine.

--

Some were concerned, while others brought food…

Victor: I brought my special meat pies. They’re very nutritious and you can eat them with one hand! And here’s lemonade. I’m assuming you’re still abstaining from alcohol?

With everyone’s encouragement, we were able to refine the antidote while referencing the materials. 

—But every time we got a step closer.

Roger: …Ah, this isn’t it. It’s incompatible.

Something was stopping us from finishing the antidote.

(Roger looks so troubled…)

Kate: …What’s wrong with it?

Roger: The doctors and the Privy Council used my formulation documents. If they followed it, then we should be able to make an antidote. Doesn’t seem to be the case though.

Kate: …Maybe there’s something not in your documents that they included.

Roger: Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking…Did they combine my research with “someone else’s”? Hmm, I don’t know!

Roger scratched his head in frustration…and then leapt out of his chair.

Roger: Alright, let’s take a break, Kate.

Kate: Hehe, I agree!

I looked up at the sky for the first time in days and saw the full moon shining as bright as daylight.

--

Kate: Wow, it’s so bright out. And we haven’t had such a big meal in days!

The food laid out on the table was all prepared by Roger—

From liberally seasoned chips to chicken stew to a calorie-dense dessert of biscuits stuffed with chocolate and cream…*

All of these dishes were appetizing to the exhausted mind and body.

Roger: Eat your heart out.

Kate: Okay, thank you for the meal…! Mmm, it’s delicious! I don’t know what seasonings you used, but the unique taste is really addicting!

Roger: The stew’s really tasty too. It’s a Barel family favorite.

(Roger said he has four younger siblings)

(Perhaps he helped his mother out with housework in place of his busy father)

Kate: You’re pretty good at cooking meals for Ale, so were you in charge of cooking back at home?

Roger: Something like that. I took up cooking so that I could eat what I wanted. As you know, food’s necessary when fighting against despair.

(Ah…)

~~ Flashback ~~

Roger:  I know you got a lot of things on your mind that make you anxious. But it’s times like these where you gotta work on yourself. Eat, sleep, play, laugh, recharge your energy. Otherwise you’ll easily get swallowed up by despair in this darkness, lil’ lady.

~~ Flashback end ~~

…I remembered the first time Roger took me to a bar.

Roger: Eat whatever you want, as much as you want. Human brains should be releasing happy hormones.

Kate: Oh, so it’s my brain doing that? I thought I was happy because I was full.

Roger: There’s also a thing called the satiety center**...Oh, Jude. Want some?

I looked back and saw Jude about to enter the dining room.

Jude: Some strange people actin’ so carefree while eatin’. I don’t want this souvenir, so here.

He tossed a stack of papers onto the table.

Kate: …What is this?

Jude: That guy will know.

I looked over at Roger and saw him staring at the stack of papers.

Roger: This is…

Seeing how surprised he was, I followed his gaze and saw— 

Kate: Research Material on the Cursed. Researcher, Alexander Taylor. Are these Alec’s research materials? Really…?

Roger: Yeah, it definitely is. It’s Alec’s handwriting. Back then his research materials were confiscated by the police. Jude, how’d you get this?

Jude: Make no mistake. Just a souvenir I stumbled on and didn’t want. Those guys at Gracefield Royal Hospital that’re close with the Privy Council were pretty helpful. They did a lotta schemin’ to get drugs for their research. They dunno who’s turf they’re on.

Apparently they incurred another’s wrath.

(Let’s not ask for more details…)

Roger: So with their crimes exposed, you took the chance to enter Gracefield Royal Hospital. Then you found Alec’s research and brought it back? I already told ya it was a coincidence. Not repeatin’ myself again, quack.

(If we compare the materials here to the results of the antidote we were refining…)

Kate: Roger, it’s possible that…!

Roger: Yeah, those guys combined mine and Alec’s research materials to synthesize a drug that would get rid of curses.

Kate: I thought so! Then with this research material,

Roger: We can make an antidote. …Never thought I’d meet Alec in some way “again”.

Roger looked happy, like he met an old friend.

Kate: Thank you, Jude!

Jude: So annoying. Thanks don’t amount to anythin’. I’m feelin’ thirsty.

Kate: Eh?

Jude: Fetch a drink for the guy who saved the day, will ya? 

(Normally I would have talked back)

Kate: Got it! Please wait a moment.

--

I borrowed a bottle of wine from the kitchen and headed back to the dining room.

(After this, we’ll finally finish the antidote)

There was a pep in my step as I felt a ray of hope in my chest.

(Also…I’m glad Alec’s research wasn’t used for some weird purpose)

There’s no doubt Alec had the same ambitions as Roger while researching the Cursed.

If Alec’s materials had been used for ill intentions, Roger would feel the most anger.

Roger getting hurt was more heart-aching than getting hurt myself.

(That’s why I’m gl—)

Jude: —You’ve been shortenin’ your lifespan by testin’ on yourself.

(—Huh?)

His POV | Next

-

*chips being french fries and biscuits being cookies here

**Satiety center: The ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, which signals fullness

[hearthandheathenry]

How To Stard Seeds Indoors (Cheaply)

I finally finished designing my little seed-starting info flyer after some experimentation to make sure these techniques and items actually work. After lots of healthy seedlings, I am now confident in sharing this info! This project was started as a way to fight back and provide for the community. I am growing much more than I need, in order to give out free plants to my community members and to also feed as many people as we can. If you are like me and want to do the same, or even just provide food for your family in these scary times, here's some good info to get you started! Please don't be intimidated by gardening - anyone can do it!

Feel free to save and share to whatever platform. No watermark because its all free to use info from me to you 😊💕

[montammil]

how would the fbm and cce charactrs handle a zombie outbreak ?

Good question, I've actually thought about this before! I have basically an entire plot for a series written down, especially for cce.

TW: Lots of angst and death

Rowan would be super terrified, while Sawyer would do a good job pretending to be calm, even though he's freaking out too. Rowan would immediately call his siblings to know they're okay, and would listen to the news (if available) on how to handle it.

Since he lives in the middle of nowhere with Sawyer, it'd make them less of a risk, but that'd still mean there's less places to stock up on food. So he'd simply learn how to hunt, insisting Sawyer remains indoors, and for once, Sawyer would be more than eager to listen.

I think eventually they'd learn to cope together, and it'd make Sawyer feel more close to Rowan, and he'd learn to co-exist with him, as well as making a small garden for fruits and veggies.

But since I love angst, I imagine Rowan getting bit while out hunting and not telling Sawyer, because (1. he's in denial, and (2. because if he dies, he wants Sawyer to die with him.

-

Meanwhile Lawrence would also be freaking out (no shocker). He'd also be forced to get resourceful like Rowan, but I feel like he'd invite Charlotte over, since she not only lives in a more populated area, but also she has a lot of seeds for growing fruit and vegetables, which is their primary meals from then on.

Since I want to give them some angst too, though, I could imagine Marshall sneaking out and trying to help, since he feels bad watching Charlotte and Lawrence do all the work, and getting bitten.

Of course Lawrence would find out after yelling at him for doing something so stupid, just to see the bite mark when Charlotte points it out, since Lawrence was too upset to even notice.

Lawrence would lock Marshall in the basement, not out of anger this time, but just for everyone's sake, insisting to Marshall it'll be okay, mostly just in denial.

When Marshall fully turns, Lawrence would refuse to even think of the possibility that he's gone - that some part of Marshall is still there, that some part of Marshall remembers him and loves him, even when he tries to lunge at him.

So Lawrence starts hunting for other survivors when he can, bringing them to Marshall so his kiddo still has something to eat. He doesn't have any joy in doing it, but he does have joy knowing he's taking care of his "son".

Lawrence manages to keep Marshall muzzled and fully restrained sometimes just so he can hold him.

Even Charlotte feels awful. It's a rare emotion for her, but since Lawrence is one of the few people she genuinely cares for, it really does sadden her to see him slowly lose his mind (more than he already has, at least).

Once she tried to tell him that Marshall was no longer there, and Lawrence cried and insisted she was wrong. She hasn't brought it up ever since.

I think I'd want to end this one on a bittersweet note rather than just straight-up angst, but I'm not too sure. That is, if I even write this lol.

If anyone has any thoughts on whether they'd want to see either of these, let me know! I love writing AU's so much, especially helps my writer's block.

[aladaylessecondblog]

The Whore AU - Vemyn

Author's Note: Vemyn's into almost getting caught. nsft.

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

The walk from the tunnel under Kogoruhn to Vemynal thankfully wasn't very far, and glad Sadara was of that. The blight winds were even worse inside the Ghostfence than out, and she was happy to get back indoors.

An ash ghoul who identified himself as Dagoth Nilor greeted her, and directed her to the "library," where she found Dagoth Vemyn.

The interview with him was short and to the point. There was no one else in the library at present. He would leave the room, after which she was to take a book - any book, it didn't really matter which one - and stand at a table in the corner to read it. Then he'd come back in and do as he pleased with her, while trying not to be seen by any who passed by or entered the room.

She nodded and Vemyn left.

Looking over the bookshelves she finally find a book that looked both small and interesting - The Seven Curses. She wouldn't be doing much reading anyway, once he got started. She carried it over to the table, and opened it.

...through the doors of the unmourned house

where scoffers scoff and schemers scheme

from the halls of the oath-breaking house

rings seven curses of gods blasphemed

She'd heard of these prophecies only a few times, from a customer of hers who had been the type to be deep in his cups and chatty. A Dissident Priest, before he'd disappeared. These things never seemed to turn up at all, he'd said, and if they did they were kept under lock and key, in secret compartments. But House Dagoth had them out in the open.

There was an echo of footsteps, and she kept her eyes on the paper before her.

first curse, Curse-of-Fire

second curse, Curse-of-Ash

third curse, Curse-of-Flesh

fourth curse, Curse-of-Ghosts

Curse of fire, curse of ash. Obviously Red Mountain itself, she thought, that was easy enough. Curse of flesh...corprus. She'd caught it a while back and thought nothing of it, assuming perhaps she'd just gotten lucky enough not to have a serious case. But then she'd learned that ALL cases were serious ones.

Save hers. And THAT, that was a small reason to think she was what Araynys had thought her to be. But once she was out of this she had no intention of declaring it. That was the surest way to get into trouble here.

Curse of ghosts, though, that was one she couldn't figure out.

fifth curse, Curse-of-Seed

Sadara gave a chuckle in her throat at reading those words. She certainly knew what THAT meant...

A pair of hands on her hips, that moved slowly forward and then up, to the neckline of her robe.

"Something funny?" came the whisper in her ear.

"Just reading the prophecies." Sadara replied to Vemyn, who took a firm grip on her breasts. "Seven curses...and one of them is curse-of-seed. I'm not certain I'd call it a curse, though."

"How fortunate for us that you're so open-minded." His tone flattened as he gave a tug to her robe; it was enough for her breasts to pop out over the neckline. In an instant Vemyn's hands were on them again. A growl of desire sounded off in her ear.

"So eager," she teased softly, "I--"

And then, suddenly, a hand moved up to cover her mouth. Someone was walking past the library entrance, meandering practically. Her chest was left bare to the air - even if whoever-it-was came in, they'd see nothing unless they got too close.

(She could feel Vemyn's cock, already half hard, rising to full mast as they waited for whoever-it-was to pass.)

Only when they were safe again did Vemyn move his hands again.

"So close to being caught, weren't we?" she teased, "Surely, they'd have seen me bare, but do you think they would have seen your cock hard like that for me too? Do you think -"

Vemyn groped her a bit longer before moving one hand south, to pull at the knot tied in her belt. It came loose, and the front of her robe opened for him. He let his hand slide slowly over her bare skin, seeming to revel in the touch, until it slipped beneath her smallclothes and his fingers began to probe at the heat between her legs.

Sadara clenched at the table, prompting a short laugh in her ear from Vemyn. He pressed closer - and she pushed back, grinding against his cock with her ass.

"Minx," he accused.

"Professional," Sadara retorted.

Once she was wet enough, he tugged her robe outward, tucking it back. It exposed her leg, and then her ass to the cold air of the room. She shivered just slightly, and bent slightly over the table, waiting. There was the slight shuffling sound of Vemyn adjusting his loincloth, and then suddenly--

She pressed a hand over her mouth to stifle the groan that wanted to slip out. The sudden shift from emptiness to being utterly filled with that cock was overwhelming. Clearly, he was eager - but she thought she might be too, if a year elapsed between each opportunity to indulge in the pleasures of the flesh.

"Can't keep quiet on your own, can you?" It was Vemyn's turned to tease. "No. No, of course not..."

It was a steady piston, his thrusts, and Sadara wanted to bring her hand down so she could respond. But he was right - she didn't trust herself not to make noise. The entire point of this was NOT to get caught.

So why--why, she wondered, as his next thrust, hard and deep enough to practically take her breath away, enough that her knees were suddenly weak--did he seem to be working so hard to make her do it?

Part of the draw of it. Easy to keep quiet and not get caught. Harder to do this and manage it.

"You're trying--" Vemyn's pace slowed as he pulled her upright, which let him hit a bit deeper, "--so hard to say nothing, aren't you?"

She nodded, hand still firmly clamped over her mouth.

He whispered a bit longer, words that seemed to touch some deep part of her that craved the praise he was dispensing. Words telling her how good she was being for him, trying to obey his orders, trying to do as he'd asked her. And all the while that cock spreading her around him, stoking the flames in her belly higher and higher.

"Lord Vemyn?"

The voice came from the doorway, and suddenly the orgasm that only a moment again seemed close enough to taste - was denied. Vemyn withdrew from her in a hurry, pushed her robe forward, and she hastily tied it while he adjusted himself.

"Yes?"

"We have new dreamers," came the voice, now more clearly an ash ghoul, "Three of them."

"Thank you, Soler," Vemyn said quickly, "I'll speak to them shortly. For now process them in the usual fashion."

There was a sound of acknowledgement and then of footsteps, as their intruder left.

Vemyn pounced on Sadara the moment he was able. Her robe, untied, pulled open, her pushed down and bent over the table - his cock, spreading her cunt wide around him.

"That--really--excited you--didn't it?" she let herself tease, forcing the moans to stay back. "You almost--seemed like you--wanted to get caught."

He didn't answer. Now those clawed fingers were at the bare skin of her hips, eagerly tugging her back against him, never letting her get completely free of his cock. A moan slipped from her lips, and seemed to energize him further.

"Gods," she moaned softly, "I'm so close."

She slipped a hand between her legs, stroking over her clit; between that and the rapid movement of Vemyn's thrusts, her climax rushed through her like the sudden crash of a wave and dashed her on the rocks below.

"Oh--GODS--" The sound she made now was strangled, broken, and she shuddered around his cock as pleasure drowned her.

A sudden clench--a hot triple pulse, wet inside her--and it was over.

Sadara was left breathing hard, and took a few moments to relax before she let herself get shakily to her feet. Vemyn helped her re-tie her robe, and gave a grin when she turned around. He indulged in a few kisses - riding out the high of that lovely heat.

"You did much better than the rest we've had," he said, "Perhaps next year we should ask you back, provided you've not yet been scared off."

"You all are nothing I haven't handled before," Sadara replied, "Speaking of...I was told Tureynul's next. What should I expect from him?"

"Nothing much, he's quite plain," Vemyn said. "Compared to the rest of us. He simply wants to get off and be done with it, nothing special. Sometimes he wants his whores to sleep beside him."

"That doesn't sound too bad."

[myownjadedpieceofmind]

There was a time I was too high to deal with anything outside of my immediate surroundings.

I didn't care who was in office or if the government was voting on any thing, because I knew I didn't have any chance of changing it. I cared that I had a way to re-up my supply so I could continue doing whatever I was doing during that time.

I keep trying to tell myself I'm better now that I'm not watching the clock as the a.m. turned to p.m., and then a.m again. The problem is, I'm stuck in this loop of reading news so I'm as informed as I can manage to be without sacrificing my sanity entirely, then attempting to do some kind of artwork so that I'm tending to the productive parts of me, and then doomscrolling.

I feel so disconnected from everyone. I live in a rural area, and a very red community. I'm a bi-sexual disabled woman dependant on social security disability and Medicare so that I can survive. I spent a week and a half worried I was going to have to start going without my medications, just because I had no idea if I was going to get my ssdi after the whole FElon musk team got into the treasury department. There was talk today of cuts to Medicare, so it's going to be a constant worry that the floor is going to fall out from under me.

I survived narcissistic abusive relationships...went through many years of therapy. It's not the first or the last time that I'm going to have to "figure it out", but I'm getting to the point where I'm not sure what exactly i need to figure out. I'm not of the income bracket to be able to leave country, and I'm not of the physical health to really do much about anything other than to try to survive whatever comes.

Which means...it's time to plan the garden, order seeds and an indoor greenhouse. Order some things off thriftbooks to start expanding my library. Start doing what I can to build up a "community" of some kind, so we can try to take care of each other when things get dark. This is just the beginning. Those fun covid hobbies yall did, like bread baking and chickens?? That's about to become a necessity, uts going to be the only way most people will be able to have things like eggs or bread.

It's going to take everyone realizing how many of us there are out here that don't have the kind of financial freedom that those in office do. We can survive off of nearly nothing because we have been doing that for longer than anyone cares to admit.

[homeofhousechickens]

What are some things to know for people looking to get pigeons? I'm looking for places to do more research on what care they need, what they would need for an enclosure, and where to look into getting food for them. I don't know much about their care at the moment, but I'm looking into it in other places as well. How many do you need to have for their need for socialization with their own species to be met and how much do they socialize with humans?

They would have access to one floor of the house which is carpeted. I would be hesitant to allow them outside because my nextdoor neighbor has an indoor/outdoor cat and I've seen hawks in the area. I'm renting, but I would be fine with just doing a deep clean when I move out. The main concern this fact brings up is the fact that I can't build a coop outside

I mean I feel like a single pigeon that's been socialized with people can be quite happy by itself if it has the personaloty for it but a pair can also be happy to interact with the human family.

I don't advocate for letting pigeons free fly for a lot of reasons I know others disagree but it's just not for me. If I had an outdoor loft I'd probably have a big run or bird netting over an area for them to fly around in.

Pigeons aren't very picky about food they are grainivores so a diet of a variety of seeds and legumes is good and they need oyster shell and enriched grit which you can get off and pigeon oriented website typically.

I suggest joining the companion pigeon discord chat they have a care guide and lots of people to give advice about pigeons. They would be a better resource since you need a lot of information

https://discord.com/invite/cpc

There also might be older folks in your local area who have pigeon experience or keep pigeons just ask around and check Facebook. They don't always have the best loft hygiene and animal welfare but it doesn't hurt to get to know people so you can find the good people. Pigeon shows in your area is also a good place to start.

[youvebeenlivingfictional]

Proposal

Part One of Three Years

Masterlist | Year One

Pairing: Nathan Bateman x Reader

Rating: Explicit - 18+ Only.

Length: 4.3K

Notes: ....Hi! This is the first of 2-3 fic drops. I'm hoping to push all five chapters of this fic out this weekend. Also I started writing this before the current AI market explosion. Not beta-read. Never beta-read.

Warnings: Cursing; angst; enemies to enemies who fuck; tech-talk; angst (I know I said it before but really); Nathan being Nathan

Summary: He’s shorter than you thought he’d be.

Nathan Bateman isn’t unattractive, or short, even, he’s just…Shorter. 

Of all of the things that you thought you’d feel about Nathan Bateman’s visit, surprised wasn’t what you thought would be first. Shit-scared, sure. Insanely nervous, absolutely. Surprised by his height? Not on your list.

“This could be huge for us.” 

Jenn looks at once desperate and wild-eyed as she paces in her office. You watch her closely, taking in the dark circles under her dark eyes. Her typically California-tan skin is pallid from her recent late nights, and her days spent indoors. The company is running her ragged—and this potential seed money from Nathan Bateman is throwing her into the craziest tizzy you’ve ever seen. She sweeps her hands through her frizzed auburn hair before she raises her nails to her mouth.

“I mean,” She mutters, continuing to pace, voice muffled as she chews her nails, “If we get Bateman’s backing, that’d be great, but if I can get him on the board.” She stops finally, turning to face you, lowering her chewed nails from her mouth. “That would send us into the fucking stratosphere.” 

“...Okay,” You sit up a touch. You don’t want to be a buzzkill, but you need to bring Jenn down from the fucking stratosphere. “Nathan Bateman has scheduled a meeting. Okay? A meeting. One,” You raise your finger. 

“He’s having his team go over our numbers—” 

“I know that. He’s doing the due diligence that anyone coming in would be expected to do. Just, don’t put all of your eggs in one basket when we haven’t even gotten the basket yet.” 

“Come on,” Jenn groans. “I could be the next Steve Jobs!” 

“Yes, you absolutely could. But if you keep putting your focus on the idea stuff and not on the structure and application stuff, you’re going to be the next Elizabeth Holmes. And honey, I love you, but you do not look good in orange.” 

Jenn deflates just a little, slouching back against the windows that stretch from the floor to the ceiling. 

“...It clashes with my hair,” She grumbles. 

“I’m not saying don’t be excited at all," You insist, "I’m just saying…We’re bringing him in to talk about financing. How freaked out would you be if you went on a first date with someone and instead of asking for a second date, they said, Hey this was fun, let’s get married.”

“...Pretty freaked.” 

“Right. And asking someone to join the board is like a business-y 3.5 carat pear cut diamond on an infinity band. So. Let's schedule an All Hands, give the team a heads up, get them prepped. Before that, though, we need to get you some fucking lunch and some sunshine.” 

“You’re my sunshine.” 

“Awww,” You coo before you get up, adding, “Seriously. Get your phone and your sunglasses, we’re going out.” 

“But I have an email from prod—” 

“Production about the user profile settings set to drop at the end of the week. I know, I answered it already. Phone. Sunglasses. Lunch. Let’s go.” 

"You'll be here, right?"

You frown, shaking your head in slight confusion, and Jenn clarifies: "For his tour. You'll be here?"

You consider, glancing at your phone. If you can get the time off—but that's no guarantee.

"I'll try."

--  

When Jenn started Sc(ai)le three years ago, you’d had no idea that it would take off the way it would. You knew that Jenn was brilliant, you’d never had a doubt about that. But you couldn’t have anticipated how quickly varying industries moved to scale AI. Jenn had assembled a team of engineers, scientists, and sales reps. She trusts her teams, and they work hard to keep the company in motion.

But Jenn still insists in being very much hands-on everywhere she possibly can, sometimes to hers and the company’s detriment. She needs a Chief Knowledge officer, a Chief Information officer, and a Chief Marketing officer. She has a Chief Tech officer, a Chief Financial officer, a Chief Compliance officer, a Chief Data officer—all incredibly knowledgeable in their fields. She wants a board, too, but you’re worried that the company may still be too young for it. 

You work with the SVP of Marketing now and again, helping her to manage the way marketing materials are created, where they’re stored, and how they’re distributed. You’re working with Sc(ai)le part-time, on a temporary basis (though it’s technically been ‘temporary’ since the company started). Jenn needs an official team, with people that can work with her full-fucking-time. You have a full-time job at a separate tech company, one that’s well away from the AI space. You’d been worried their hackles would be raised when you informed them that you’d be taking a part-time position elsewhere, but they hadn’t even flinched. 

Hell, your manager had asked you if you’d be able to get them an employee discount. You may just have to take a few days off for Bateman’s visit.

You don’t blame Jenn for being so excited, or so nervous. 

Nathan fucking Bateman? This is huge. 

But if both of you have your heads in the fucking clouds, neither of you are gonna make it out of orbit. So you’ll keep yourself grounded, and bring Jenn back down to Earth if you absolutely have to. 

-- 

He’s shorter than you thought he’d be.

Nathan Bateman isn’t unattractive, or short, even, he’s just…Shorter. 

Of all of the things that you thought you’d feel about Nathan Bateman’s visit, surprised wasn’t what you thought would be first. Shit-scared, sure. Insanely nervous, absolutely. Surprised by his height? Not on your list.

You glance over at Jenn to find her tipping her chin up, slapping on her I Should Be On the Cover of Forbes smile. It’s the smile that’s brought every other investor on board. It’s the smile that’s brought on every single team member in the company. Now, you can only hope that it’ll bring Nathan Bateman into her coffers.

Where you’d typically leave Jenn to finesse any other investor, you stick close by. You trail Bateman and Jenn by a few steps as she directs him around the offices, and the facility. 

He asks a fair number of questions. A few are unexpected, but for the most part, they’re things that you and Jenn had anticipated. The three of you come to a stop overlooking a row of engineers. You don’t want to appear nonchalant, but with Bateman and Jenn focused elsewhere, you allow yourself to lean back against the wall, eyeing the room. It’s then that you see an engineer flagging you down, a harried look on her face. You glance toward Bateman and Jenn’s heads and make sure they’re distracted before you push yourself off of the wall, skirting around the two and walking over to her as calmly as possible. 

“What’s up?” You ask, crouching down beside the engineer’s desk. 

“The marketing team sent through a brief about the user profiles—” 

“Uh-huh—” 

“And there’s an error regarding the, uh—The functionality.” 

“Okay. Where’s the problem, what’s the fix?” 

“Our systems are starting at Mac- or Blue-OS compatible.” 

“But not Windows?” 

“Most of the companies we use don’t touch Windows OS anymore.” 

“But we have got a few clients that do.” 

“Yes, we’re—We’re working on it. But this can’t go out like this, it’s not correct.” 

“Okay,” You nod, mind racing through the possible, necessary fixes. “Okay. Could I use your laptop for a second?” 

“Sure.” 

The engineer starts to stand, but you wave her back into her seat, just turn the laptop toward yourself. You hurriedly log into your email on a web page, and tap out an email to the marketing SVP. 

“Mac and Blue only,” You reiterate as you type. 

“—But not Windows, yep.” 

“Do we have an expected date on Windows functionality?” 

“Q2 of next year—Maybe Q1, but—” 

“We don’t wanna over-promise and underdeliver,” You shoot the engineer a smile. “I appreciate the honesty.” 

The engineer nods hurriedly. You feel her casting a glance behind you, but you’re already turning back to the laptop, practically hammering the keys as you send out the message. You lean back, reading and rereading the message before you CC your work email, Jenn’s, and the engineer in question. Then you send it, straighten up, and sign out of the email. 

“I’ve put myself and Jenn on the email, we will take it from here. Thank you so much for flagging that—And if anything comes up, please text, email, slack me. Anything.” 

“Thank you!” 

“No, thank you,” You insist, patting her shoulder. You straighten and turn, and freeze immediately at the sight of Jenn and Bateman standing just behind you. You swallow thickly, fighting to keep a straight face. 

“I didn’t mean to hold up the tour,” You apologize. “You guys could’ve moved on, I would’ve caught up.” 

“Everything alright?” Bateman asks, nodding toward the engineer. 

“Yes. Just a little communications update.” You give them both a reassured smile. “Why don’t we continue?” You add, nodding down the hall. 

--  

“What are you doing for dinner tomorrow?” 

It’s a question that he should be asking Jenn, and that’s why your mouth works wordlessly, your brow furrowing heavily. It’s a bad look—Nathan Bateman has asked you a simple question, and you’re floundering like a landed fish. 

“Uh—Shoving something in the microwave, probably?” You manage with a shaky laugh as you put your laptop into your bag. You haven't been able to take the time off as much time as you’d hoped, and you’ll have to make up what time you have taken to keep yourself on track. “I’m working a double, so, I’ll get off shift around one in the morning.” 

“A double.” 

“...Yes? It’s when you work two shifts at—” 

“I know what a double is.” 

Jeez, of course he does. 

“Right. Sorry. You seemed—...Anyway.” 

“I seemed what?” 

Confused is the wrong word to use with this man. 

“Inquisitive?” You offer. Nathan’s brows tip impossibly higher, his chin angling down to gaze at you over the tops of his glasses. 

“One,” He finally confirms. “How’s 1:30 for you?” 

“For what?” 

“For dinner.” 

“I—I don’t think I’ve ever eaten dinner that late in my life. I don’t even go out that late anymore.” 

“But you’ll make an exception?” 

“Do I have to?” 

When he smiles, you know that you will have to. 

“I’ll send you the details.” 

That’s it. He breezes away from your desk space. He doesn’t offer to walk you to your car; he doesn’t ask you any questions about what you want to eat, or what you like to eat. He just walks away. You look after him for a moment before you look down, taking up your laptop chord and wrapping it with a mutter of, 

“Dinner at 1:30 in the morning? Not in fucking college anymore…What’s even gonna be open that late for fucking dinner?” 

You think, and then giggle. 

Maybe Nathan Bateman is going to take you to McDonald’s. 

--  

“You ever been here before?” 

“Uhh…” You peer down at the menu. It’s timeworn, and splattered with what look like gravy stains. At least—well, you hope it’s gravy. “Nope, can’t say I have.” 

The diner has a vintage bent to it. The seats are all coated in robin’s egg blue vinyl; the floor is tiled like a checkerboard; the walls are pepto-pink. There’s a jukebox in the corner, but the oldies being played in the diner are coming from a few recessed speakers in the ceiling. You glance up again as you hear Bateman shifting in his seat. He’s lounging back in his seat like he owns the damn place. 

…Maybe he does own the damn place. 

It could explain why they’re open so late, at least. There are a few other people in the diner, a ways away. Now and again, an explosive swell of cackling laughter will pass over your way before one of their party hurries to hush them. You glance back curiously as you hear one of them add, 

“Dude, you’re gonna get us kicked out again.” 

“So how long have you known Jenn?” Bateman asks. 

“Oh, gosh,” You turn back to him. “Since Kindergarten. She’s my oldest friend.” 

“You two seemed pretty close during the tour yesterday.” 

“Did we?” 

“Insomuch as you were her shadow.” 

You close your mouth, reaching for your water. You had shadowed because Jenn had asked—but you’re in no position to quibble with this man. You’ve no need, either; he goes on: 

“How was your double?” 

“It was fine.” 

“What are you working on?” 

“I work at a company that produces technical books and longform guides for—” 

“I know where you work, that wasn’t my question. What are you working on.” 

The bored, irritated tone in his voice raises your hackles, and it leaves a bitter taste in your mouth. But you swallow your annoyance in favor of giving a straightforward answer: “Right now, a quantum software engineering roadmap.” 

“Are you enjoying it?” 

“The writing can be a little dry, but the subject matter is interesting.” 

“Hm…” Bateman nods, his eyes sweeping your face curiously. You fight the urge to shift or fidget under the scrutiny of his gaze. 

Can you ask questions? Are you allowed? Why does this man make you feel like you’re in a damn interview? Your gazes break as a waitress comes over, a pad in hand and an expectant smile on her face. You instinctively offer her one in return as you order. You don’t really hear what Bateman orders; you’re too busy wracking your mind for things that came up on yesterday’s tour—pain points, questions that Jenn promised she’d get back to him on. 

“So,” Bateman’s voice snaps your focus back to him, and you arch your brows as you meet his eyes again. “In your opinion, what’s the company lacking?” 

It’s a slap of a question. Your brows manage to inch higher. Oh…God. No wonder he didn’t want to do this with Jenn around.

“Uh…” Is your initial succinct answer. You clear your throat, taking your glass up for another sip, gathering yourself. You could say that Jenn has everything she needs, save for capital. You could say that the team is rowing as one one, your little unsinkable ship, the Sc(ai)le. 

But Nathan Bateman is a genius, and a billionaire, and a man with a low tolerance for bullshit. 

“She needs a complete C-Suite,” You admit firmly as you set your glass aside. “She needs a solid, knowledgeable team behind her. We’re doing the best that we can now, and the Chief positions that she has filled are pushing the company in the right direction, but the ones that she doesn’t are slowing down growth. We need a CMO and a CKO and a CIO, like...Yesterday. We have a lot of data, and we have a lot of marketing materials—and the seniors VPs in those positions are doing the best they can, but you can only fill a leaky bucket so many times before the handle breaks. The company doesn’t have the capital to bring those positions on, and until it does, the company’s going to continue to grow at half-speed because the plane’s being flown while it's still being built."

Bateman doesn’t react for a moment. His silence makes your stomach twist with nerves; your palms are sweating. 

“I didn’t think you’d say that,” He finally says. You can’t help but laugh a little. 

“Look—I could tell you that we’re all one happy family, and that the only thing wrong is the fact that bluebirds don’t land on our shoulders and code for us—” Your stomach flips as Bateman’s lips twitch with a smile, “But you’ve already been inside. You’ve looked through our books, you’ve seen the facility. And if you’re going to go in on investment, you’re going to see the dirty laundry anyway. I may as well show you where the hamper is.” 

“You like your metaphors.” 

“It’s the writer in me.” 

Bateman’s brow quirks a touch as he nods. 

“...Why aren’t you full time?” He asks. That question throws you for a loop. You shake your head a little—like it’ll knock an answer loose. But the answer—the truth—is that you and Jenn haven’t worked well together in the past. Sure, you’re part-time now, but you hardly ever interfere with her day-to-day unless it’s to coax her out of her office to get some air or a meal. You prefer to take your time with a project, and Sc(ai)le is in a growth period where time is of the essence. 

“...It’s not…” You start, brow furrowing as you grapple for a reasonable answer, “What Sc(ai)le does, it isn’t what I do.” 

“The company has technical writers.” 

“...Yeah—” 

“It needs someone that knows how to compile the information, translate it for the average consumer—” 

“But—” 

“Just tell me they can’t afford you.”  

Your chest twinges with indignation. 

“That’s not true,” You insist. 

“So they can afford you.” 

“That’s not what I—” 

“Which one is it?” 

“You’re twisting my words, and I don’t appreciate that.” It leaves you more harshly than it should, and you damn your tone immediately. There’s no way scolding this man is gonna bring him on board. You realize that your shoulders have scrunched defensively and risen toward your ears, and you force yourself to relax them. But Nathan’s lips just twitch again, his eyes bright with amusement. 

“...Why aren’t you full-time?” He repeats. 

“I told you. This isn’t what I do.” 

“It could be.” 

You don’t want to make the concession, but the look on Bateman’s face tells you that he’s got you pinned. So you give a small, begrudging nod. 

“Hypothetically.” 

His smile widens at your confirmation. You want to smack him. 

But that really won’t bring him on board. 

--  

You expect Jenn to grill you for your time with Nathan the second you get in, but she’s grabbing your hand and hissing, “He’s here, and he’s waiting.” 

“What?” You ask dazedly, pulling your sleeve back to eye the watch face where it rests on the inside of your wrist. “He’s not supposed to be here for another two hours! I didn’t see an email—”

“He didn’t send one! He just showed up!”

You pull Jenn to a stop in the hall, slowing her with a gentle, “Whoa, whoa—Okay. Look at me.” 

Jenn stops, eyes wide, head shaking minutely as she tries to continue walking toward the conference room, insisting, “We’re already late—” 

“Slow down!” You urge. She looks stricken, and you immediately feel guilty. You take her hand in yours, giving it a squeeze before drawing in a deep breath. Jenn hesitantly does the same, pushing it out when you do. You draw in another, and are relieved as she copies you, some of the tension melting from her face as she closes her eyes. You watch her pull in and push out one more deep breath before she opens her eyes slowly, nodding. 

“Thank you,” She breathes, patting your hand before she tugs down the hall again. 

--  

“I like what I’m seeing.” 

Bateman’s assertion shouldn’t surprise you, but it does. Sc(ai)le is a good company, something that would make sense in his portfolio. But he’s so steady and calm as he peers out of the office of Jenn’s window. 

You don’t like how he’s commandeered the space behind her desk. She shouldn’t be sitting on the other side of it with you; she should be behind it, with him—or he should be on your side. 

Still, Nathan pushes himself off of the window, turning to face Jenn. His gaze flickers to you before he looks down at something laid out on the desk. 

“Your initial proposal was…Whadda we got here…” Bateman tuts as he turns a page. You think he must be dragging it out for suspense—there’s no way he doesn’t have those numbers memorized. Sure, it must be chump change to him, but it’s still a big fucking number. “One million for a fifteen percent stake in the company.” 

“That’s right,” Jenn nods. 

“I’ll give you four.” 

“...Four?” Jenn repeats dazedly. 

“Four million for what percent?” You ask before she can leap up, kiss the man on the lips, and accept. 

“Fifteen,” Bateman affirms. Your eyes narrow at him. This doesn’t feel right. He adds, “I have one condition, though.” 

“Name it,” Jenn nods. You glance at her nervously. You’re certain that if he told her to strip naked and run through the office covered in spray cheese, she’d do it right this second. 

“You come on as CKO, CIO, and CMO.”

Your brow furrows as Jenn turns to you. Who comes on? Jenn? She’s already CEO for fuckssake—

And then Jenn turns to you, eyes wide and insistent as she nods toward Bateman. Your head snaps to him, stunned. He’s waiting with that same patient, bored expression that he'd given you with all throughout dinner. 

“You want me to take on three C-Suite positions?” You ask, brows raising. “Are you that strapped for cash that you won’t spring for two more people?” 

Jenn hisses your name in warning. You know it’s the wrong thing to say, but to your surprise, Bateman just smiles and leans against Jenn’s desk. 

“Hear me out,” He waves your irritation off. “I want to roll the positions of CKO and CIO into one. Chief Knowledge and Information officer.” 

“And add Chief Marketing officer on top of them.” 

“That’s right. You’re much quicker on the uptake than you were the other night. No, it’s alright—I’m sure the double shift and the late dinner had you off your game.” 

You want to argue, but Nathan is already turning his attention to Jenn. 

“Four mill for a fifteen percent stake,” He reiterates before nodding toward you. “And her.” 

What would Jenn get if you didn’t come on? One million at fifteen? Two million at thirty? Nothing at all? You can’t bring yourself to look at Jenn just now—you know you’re getting a pleading expression. So you keep your eyes on Bateman, and his expectant expression. He knows he’s got you backed into a corner. 

“...Does this condition have a term limit?” You ask. Bateman purses his lips, seeming to think for a moment. Then he levels you with an ungodly answer:

“Three years.” 

You feel like you’ve been punched in the gut. You only just manage not to double over with it. Three years. Three years inhabiting two positions that you never wanted or asked for. Three years working with your oldest friend on her passion project, knowing that you will lock horns on approach. Three years of Nathan Bateman hanging over your head. 

You can’t face Jenn. One look at those hopeful, doe-like eyes and you’re going to fold like a house of cards. You can’t look at Bateman. One look at him and you’re going to lunge in, slap him silly, and ask what the fuck is wrong with him. 

You look down at your lap. 

Three years. Three years or what? Nathan pulls his backing? Asks for repayment? That could level the company, and everything that Jenn has worked for would disappear overnight. 

Three years. 

You don’t ask about the pay. You don’t care about that. You’re not doing badly as it is. Two C-Suite positions (well, three) would surely pay you more than you make now, but still. 

Three years. 

You’ve been considering leaving your current job. You’ve been chugging along happily, though you’ve started to get too settled, too bored. Too complacent. But you've been ducking away from management positions at job after job because you just don't want to be in charge of people. You want to be fully in the action, working on the words, not floating above them and giving them a thumbs up or a thumbs down. This isn’t like anything you’d consider throwing yourself into. 

Three years. 

This is bigger than you and Jenn. Pumping more money into this company would give Sc(ai)le the chance to expand its staff, upgrade it's tech, bring on a more comprehensive QA team.

You draw in a deep breath, giving a small hesitant nod. 

“Alright,” Leaves your mouth before you can talk yourself out of it. 

“You’ve got yourself a deal,” Bateman bats back without missing a beat. You can hear a note of triumph there, one that makes you want to reach into his throat and rip out his layrnx. Jenn is springing out of her seat, pumping Bateman’s hand enthusiastically and telling him that he won’t regret it. You’re staring down at your hands, your head and chest feeling hollow, like you’ve just been jailed for three consecutive life sentences. 

Three years. 

Bateman’s hand enters your field of vision, outstretched and patient. You eye it for a moment. 

You could still tell him to go fuck himself. But you glance up at Jenn, and find her beaming down at you. Her eyes are bright with joyful tears; her hands are clasped to keep from visibly shaking. 

You can’t tell him to go fuck himself, and he knows it.

So you suck in a deep breath and raise your hand, shaking Bateman’s without meeting his gaze. 

“We should grab a drink to celebrate,” He insists. You let go of his hand and push yourself up shakily. 

“I—Have some things I need to sort out. You two go on,” You add, slapping on an encouraging smile and turning to Jenn. 

“Sure,” Bateman concedes. “You have a letter of resignation to write.” 

You pat Jenn’s shoulder on the way out, hardly meeting Bateman's eye as you go. You get into your car, and drive back to your apartment. You mechanically unlock your door, drop your keys in the bowl by the entryway, kick your door shut. You don’t bother to turn the lights on. The sun is streaming in through your front window with a vengeance. You walk over to your bar cart and take up a bottle of whiskey. You don’t bother with a glass. You just plop into your favorite armchair and curl up. You don’t cry. You don’t scream. You just stare blankly at the wall. 

Three years. 

Next Part: Year One

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[halfetirosie]

✧˖°. This Event was Secretly a High-Level Comedy the Whole Time! ✧˖°.

(Prison Cell 11-13 React-os!)

So, this little flashback Quincy has while he's getting pissed at the Warden is actually hella sweet to me...

Like, here our boi Quincy is ready to rip this bitch a new one, when suddenly, ༺Edmond the Voice of Reason༻ speaks out through the noise....

It's giving me Professor Oak vibes...

Quincy contemplating violence = Trainer attempting to ride bike indoors....

DON'T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT. I'M RIGHT AND YOU KNOW IT!!!

2. PFFFFFFFT! (≧∇≦)

Quincy continues to play the "straight man" in the Comedy that IS this event......

HEY, I KNOW THOSE HEADS!!!

Dude, of course it's these two! XD Seems only fitting! They've got the worst separation-anxiety out of the whole gang; this is like when someone serving in the army comes back home and reunites with their dog(s)!!! ♡♡♡

I CAN'TTTTT!!!! (≧∇≦)

3. Um, Topper, Sweetie.....

Of course, I'm sad that our boi didn't get to snack.....BUT......

Topper just.....tried to eat the seed of an ENDANGERED TREE. YA KNOW, THE TREE THAT STARTED THIS WHOLE PRISON-MISSION, THAT THEY'RE NOW TRYING TO INCREASE THE POPULATION OF?!?!?!?!

*heavy sigh* Babes....You can't do that..... 🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

4. Quincyyyy!!! You sweet lil' softie, you!

Quincy fuckin LOVES people and he KNOWS it!!!♡♡♡

I feel like not enough people talk about how goddamn cute Quincy is---just because he's a Top and a big buff dude. But he's such an absolute teddy bear!!!!

*aggressive* I WANT TO HUG HIM.

5. Ah, yes, just like with the Earthworm Monster incident; Aster has been utilized for his storytelling XD

And this time it didn't even require mind-magic! :D

(Dude, the [majority of] nobles in Klein are such cringy idiots, I swear...)

6. 🚨🚨🚨 IMPORTANT NEWS!!!!! 🚨🚨🚨

IT'S ★ SMUGMOND ★ !!!!!!

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Look at this absolute DORK, making his DUMBASS jokes!!!!

I LOVE HIM SO MUCH!!!?#$@&!!!!♡♡♡

AND IT GETS EVEN BETTER

PFFFFFT!!! Eiden fucking KNOWS Edmond was being a little fucker, making up those charges for the sake of his own joke's punchline!!!

I BET EDMOND WAS WAITING TO SAY THAT LITTLE LINE OF HIS FOR SO DAMN LONG, TOO!!!!!

This man is so cute, I can't handle it.... ♡♡♡

YES!!!! FUCK YES!!!! EVEN QUINCY IS IN ON THE JOKE NOW!!!!!!!

*Maniacal laughter*

Get absolutely DUNKED on, Eiden!!!! ♡♡♡♡

What did I say, dude? This event was secretly one giant comedy sketch this entire time....

♡ End of report ♡

[tomorrowsgardennc]

looking into growing sunflowers rn! so i have a question, if u dont mind! :33 what variety and/or tips would u recommend to someone who has semi limited gardening knowledge ? ive grown tomatoes and cucumbers but not especially well, and this is my first year rlly putting full energy into gardening! im a little intimidated tbh lol :p theyre just so stunning

ooooh sunflowers 😍😍 good news! they're super easy to grow! BUT... but but but... always a catch: sunflowers suck out a lot of the nutrients in the soil - or put toxins in the soil. depends on who you ask. the internet isn't really sure which one it is. the point, though, is they do NOT want to be planted alongside any other plant!! any type of sunflowrs all next to each other, don't care. happy as can be. but the second you want to put any sunflower next to anything else... anything else gonna struggle. SO! with that in mind... i would recommend the sunniest spot in the entire available area and grow a biiiig patch of them suckers! make them all nustled in to each other, 4 to 6 inches apart is just fine and that way they will hug each other and not fall down on their own. and the soil doesn't matter. around here there is clay, and they grow fine in clay too. sand is okkkk... just need a little extra watering. and sunflowers do love water - so if it hasn't rained in about 2 days then give it a good watering.

also - if you are able - start the seeds indoors. squirrels and mice and birds love sunflower seeds to eat just as much as we do, so if you direct sow them into the ground then they could be eaten! find a pot and fill it with the seeds, cover with soil about 1 inch deep, keep it moist, and once they sprout in about a week and they're about 2 inches tall, transplant outside! they don't mind getting roughed up, so don't freak out if your first time starting from seed -> transplant.

as far as varieties... to be honest whatever one looks the prettiest to you!! they all have the same needs, it's just more how they were bred to look rather than how to grow. my favorite is the mammoth sunflower, simply because they live up to their name and get taller than our one story house!! either visit a local hardware or garden store or go online and just look at sunflower varieties! if you can't choose then do what i do and close your eyes and pick 🫣👉🌼

hope that helps!! 🌼💚🌱

[2030kamenriders]

Well, while that poll is going on. May as well start planning the gardening aspect of the Castle Doran game.

So obviously roses. But what kinds of roses? I will have to study various rose types, and perhaps pick one that fits best with the indoor environment (of a castle that's also a dragon)

Fruit bats are a type of bat that exists, so having so fruit plants would be nice. However, it might not be possible to grow too many fruit trees, for spacing reasons. So berries, perhaps.

I think it would be super funny if garlic was growable in-game. Because y'know. Vampire lore

And with that being said, I also think it would be funny and neat to get some paprika peppers in there. However, a quick web search tells me they need full sun to grow. Maybe the player will have to invest in grow lights.

Sorry Jiro, but I highly doubt coffee could grow inside a dragon castle. (Then again this is fictional so who knows)

Part of me wants to look into what type of plants are considered "spooky", but I don't know how to go about that research without stumbling into the garden witchcraft side of the internet.

From here we go to more of the mechanics. Staring with obtaining the plants:

Obviously there has to be some rose seeds or rose cuttings in the castle already, to that'll be the first plant.

Subsequent plants, though: how would the player get them? Likely via doing tasks for NPCs, going to a store of some sort, or kinda foraging them throughout the local area. Perhaps a combination?

Doing tasks for NPCs will require, well, a way to interact with them. Likely they will have a task involving either getting some plants or food, or having the player character do a minigame. However, these could also give the player character money to go to the store

For foraging, though: there could be dice rolls or something to find out where you're looking (in the city? In the forest? Near the ocean?) and how successful you are in finding something. And certain plants/seeds may be more common in certain areas. (This might get a bit complex though. Then again making solo journal RPGs is complex. That's kinda the fun part: connecting the pieces like a puzzle)

How about growing mechanics?

Different plants may be faster and/or easier to grow, so this'll affect dice rolls, if that becomes part of the growing mechanics. (And it probably will be a part of it, since plant growth isn't completely in the gardener's hands)

Some plants may need special equipment that'll take a while to unlock (the the point I made earlier about paprika). Things like grow lights and stuff

It's also known that growing plants next to each other/with each other can be beneficial, so I think it'll be nice to have a map of the indoor garden, and reward players for growing certain plants together.

The map will also provide a more visual element to the game (it's always fun to draw maps and stuff), as well as add a limit to the amount of plants that can be grown at once

From here, we can incorporate the "castle renovation" idea on a smaller scale:

At first, only a bit of the gardening room will be available. As you progress, you can spend time cleaning up areas of this room to expand growing space

Perhaps you could even get some equipment to make use of vertical space or ceiling space. After all, some plants like growing on walls.

[chokrihizem]

Give your sweet pea seeds a head start by germinating them indoors late January through March to transplant into the garden as soon as soil can be worked.

By doing this, you will be sure that the seeds won’t rot before they sprout under the soil, resulting in a successful plant with beautiful flowers. It also guarantees that you won’t be wasting your time planting some seeds that might not even sprout at all!

Want to read more: How to Grow Sweet Pea