#led weight remote display

[queenimmadolla]

drabbles! how about reader and eddie telling penny and wayne theyre expecting maple?

𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫!𝐃𝐚𝐝!𝐄𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐞 𝐱 𝐌𝐨𝐦!𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐠𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐭!𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫, 𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐲𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 (don't have to read but you'll want to)

“I’ll tell them. It’s fine.” Your voice sounds so defeated over the phone and Eddie squeezes his eyes shut, pinching the bridge of his nose. He hates it, hates that he’s the reason for it. 

  Here he is, telling you everything’s gonna get better, that the two of you will be okay—that your family will be okay, and already he’s had to let you down. 

  After a particular nasty fight that led to a comforting tryst, you were pregnant again. Giving Eddie his third baby. And all he’s given you lately is disappointment.

  “This leg is just three weeks, baby.” He promises, voice urgent because you have to believe him. Things have gotten shitty between the two of you but Eddie’s determined to change them, needs you to know that, “I’ll make it home on our off days.”

  But he won’t be home when you’re telling his kids they’re getting another sibling. It’s fucked. And he wants to argue, tell you to just wait until he gets back in town this week—but the thing is, even though he’s promising and desperately hoping he’ll be able to make it, it would be just his luck for something to happen at the last minute.

  He wants to punch a wall until his bones tear through the skin of his knuckles.

  “Okay, Eds.” Still defeated, but you don’t sound like you hate him, a change from recent phone conversations and you’re short with him so he knows you don’t want to talk to him for much longer.

  He does take a few moments, eyes still shut as he hones in on your breathing. Trying to imagine you right next to him instead of thousands of miles away.

   “I know things aren’t as pleasant as we want them to be. I swear to god, they’re gonna change. I’m not losing you. I’m not. I love you, baby.” He whispers, voice low and raspy. He’s fully expecting the love you, too followed by dial tone, so Eddie practically starts silently weeping when he gets more than that.

   “I love you, too, Eddie.” It doesn’t sound distant, as though you were already mentally out of the conversation. You’re still present for it, and it doesn’t sound like a weight on you. 

  The dial tone doesn’t come, you’re waiting for Eddie to end the phone call. A change.

  With a faint sniffle, and after a few more moments of comforting silence, he does.

  You hang the phone back on the receiver then pad over to the living room. The tv is on, some animated film displayed on the screen that manages to hold your children’s attention. Not much could do that as of late.

  “You guys got a minute?” You ask, making yourself comfortable on one end of the couch. Your five year-old son, Wayne, moves over to you and practically wraps your arms around him as he cuddles into your side. 

  Penny mutes the TV with the remote and you know you have their full attention.

   “I know things have felt a little weird lately, but I don’t want you to think it’s a bad thing, okay? Things are just changing.”

   “Like what?” Penny asks, giving you the perfect opportunity. This has to be a good, has to be a positive thing happening for them even though you had no idea how to feel yourself. 

  “Like the amount of troublemakers under my roof.”

  Penny’s gasp is loud and dramatic, eyes wide in excitement as she immediately catches onto your meaning. 

  “ARE YOU GONNA HAVE A BABY?!”

  Wayne’s face is the opposite of Penny’s, mouth wide open and looking downright offended with the level of side-eye he’s giving you. His top lip is curled in disgust, gums and teeth on display. You would have thought you’d just stolen his childhood instead of just telling him you’re pregnant.

  Oh, boy.

  At least, you’d have something funny to break the ice with when Eddie called in a few hours.

divider ℗ cafekitsune ♡

[bethanythebogwitch]

Wet Beast Wednesday: basking shark

I'm not feeling too motivated today, so, I'm going to discuss another animal that likes to take it easy: the basking shark. This shark decided it's not into that whole "hunt down prey and fight to live" thing and decided to become a filter feeder instead. It seems to have worked out too, as basking sharks can be found worldwide and are the second largest fish, surpassed only by the whale shark. There is only one extant species of basking shark, but a few extinct species have been discovered.

(image id: a basking shark seen from the side. It is a large, brown shark with a large head and pointed snout. Its mouth is closed)

Cetorhinus maximus is one of only 3 species of filter-feeding shark, the others being the whale shark and the awesomely-named megamouth shark. Basking sharks average 8 meters (26 ft) in length, but can reach up to 11 meters (36 ft). An average adult weighs around 4650 kg (5 tons). They have a typical shark body shape (which has led to them being mistaken for great white sharks), but the mouth anatomy is different. The mouth can open up to a meter wide and appears toothless, though it is actually filled with tiny, conical teeth that appear to serve no purpose in adults. The gill slits are longer than in most shark species and almost completely encircle the head. Like other filter-feeding fish, the basking shark's gills are also used to catch its food. It swims forward with its mouth open and as water passed over the gills, zooplankton and small invertebrates and fish will get caught in the gill rakers, from where they can be swallowed. The basking shark's favorite food is copepods of the order Calanoida, though they will also target other copepods. They can detect their prey with electroreception like other sharks. Because plankton is not known for being fast and adult basking sharks have no natural predators, they aren't known for being particularly speedy. A basking shark on the hunt moves at a blistering 3 km/hr (1.9mph). They can move in fast bursts of speed and occasionally can jump clear out of the water. It's not 100% clear why they breach, but it seems to have a few benefits. It can help dislodge parasites (which is a big issue for basking sharks. They are often covered with scars from lampreys and cookie-cutter sharks) and notably they breach more during mating season, so it may also be used for sexual display. Breaching and the resulting splash may also be used for long-distance communication and threat displays. I remember being a kid watching Shark Week and being told by the TV that great whites are the only shark species that breach and that was just not even remotely true. The basking shark has the lowest brain to body weight ratio of any shark.

(image id: a basing shark seen from the front with its mouth open. The mouth is very large and white on the inside. Its gill slits can be seen from the inside, looking like large slits in the side of the mouth)

(video: a basking shark leaping out of the water multiple times)

The name basking shark comes from their typical behavior. They swim slowly at the surface of the water while feeding, leading to sailors thinking they were basking in the sun. They were commonly called sunfish, but the name is no longer commonly used to avoid confusion with the ocean sunfish. While swimming at the surface, they sometimes spin around or swim belly-up. Basking sharks are migratory, traveling toward the poles in summer and toward the equator in winter. It was formerly believed that they hibernated over the winter, but it is now known that they spend their time in deep water. While migrating and in summer, basking sharks display social behavior. They will shoal in groups hundreds strong and can often be found in small groups of similarly-sized fish, usually of the same sex. Not much is known about basking shark mating. They are ovoviviparous, with eggs hatching internally and developing further inside the mother before the pups are born. Gestation is believed to take between 1 and 3 years and a few large pups are born at a time. Pregnant females are very rarely seen and they may spend their time in deep water. There is only a single reported example of a pregnant female being caught and it has 6 pups. The seemingly useless teeth may actually be used in utero, as the unborn pups likely feed on unfertilized eggs after their yolk sacs are consumed. This adaptation has been observed in other ovoviviparous sharks. While females have two ova, only the right one actually functions. The lifespan of basking sharks is estimated to be around 50 years.

(image id: a group of 14 basking sharks swimming in a circle, seed form above. It is believed that this is a mating display)

(image id: a juvenile basking shark seen from above. It can be distringuished from an adult by the snout, which is sharp and hooked)

Basking sharks are classified as endangered by the IUCN. They has historically been hunted for their meat, hides, fatty livers, and fins. While there is currently no commercial fishery of basking sharks, they are poached for their fins and have not recovered from overexploitation. Bycatch is an ongoing problem for the sharks. Multiple countries have enacted conservation efforts including legal protection and the enactment of protected areas where fishing is prohibited. Basking sharks pose no threat to humans. They also do not fear humans and have even been known to approach and swim around divers. Basking sharks also appear a lot in the pseudoscience of cryptozoology. I can go into why cryptozoology is a pseudoscience in more detail in another post, but its the study of alleged animals not recognized by science. Basking sharks show up a lot as globsters, unidentified corpses that wash up on beaches or are caught in fishing nets. Basking sharks are responsible for a lot of globsters due to the way their corpses decay. Large amounts of decay happen around the head, which can lead to the mandible bones hanging loose or detaching and the snout decaying to look like a small head on a neck. In addition, the claspers (reproductive organs) of male basking sharks are very large and can be mistaken for limbs. One likely example of this is the Stronsay beast of 1808. Described as a six-legged decaying sea serpent, it is likely that the legs were actually the jaw bones, fins, and claspers of a male basing shark. A more recent example is the Zuiyo-Maru plesiosaur (warning: picture below and it's gross). This carcass was pulled up by the Japanese fishing boat Zuiyō-Maru in 1977 and based on the pictures taken and the word of two Japanese scientists, was thought by some to be an example of a recently-deceased plesiosaur. While the carcass itself was thrown back overboard, some samples were taken for analysis and based on them and anatomical detains from the pictures, it was concluded that the carcass is actually a heavily-decayed basking shark. The "neck" of the carcass is the spine and brain case with the jaws having decayed and fallen off. Further anatomical details such as the presence of cartilage in the fins and body proportions support the carcass being a fin and do not support it being a plesiosaur.

(Image id: top: the Zuiyo-Maru carcass, a large, decomposed carcass hanging rom a hook. It appears to have a long neck and fins. Bottom: a diagram comparing the anatomical features of the carcass and a fresh basking shark)

[c-e-d-dreamer]

Top Shelf Love: Chapter 2

A/N: Has anyone else been watching the Stanley Cup Playoffs? Just Me? I haven't decided yet who I want to be in the final ever since my Canes have been eliminated... Anyways! All this to say that it's been fun writing this hockey fic while watching hockey, and I hope everyone enjoys reading this latest chapter :)

Read on AO3 // Chapter Masterlist // Previous Part // Next Part

Cassian

Despite having played the Kraken in Seattle once last season, Cassian has to admit it’s pretty nice being on the home side of Climate Pledge Arena. Sure, playing in a place like Madison Square Garden most nights was a dream, one he held since he was just a boy, but there’s something to be said about all the upgrades and modernity that a newer arena has to offer.

Following the director of team services out of the elevator, they come to a set of frosted glass doors, the Kraken logo split between the two. As they step closer, the doors automatically slide open, revealing the locker room, and Cassian barely swallows down an impressed whistle. It’s certainly spacious, even for an NHL locker room, LED lights and the Kraken logo displayed on the ceiling. At least, he won’t have to worry about stepping on it here.

“Valdarez.”

Cassian turns just in time to see a tall man walking toward him, blonde hair cut short and beard trimmed to just a stubble along his cheeks. His grin is wide and easy, revealing the chipped upper tooth on the left side. It’s easy enough for Cassian to recognize the captain of the team, Fionn Donoch. He still remembers watching him lift the Cup back when Cassian was just a teen.

“Wanted to make sure I came down to meet you myself,” Fionn continues, holding out his hand for Cassian to shake.

“Are you sure you didn’t just want to come down and remind me who’s really in charge here?”

Fionn laughs good naturedly at the joke, slapping Cassian on the back. “You’re going to fit right in here. So, what do you think so far?”

Cassian glances around the locker room again, thinking back to the practice facilities he’d toured earlier. “Yeah, it’s pretty nice, all the fancy arena upgrades.”

“Definitely not the worst place to call home, right? Listen, they don’t have the ice down yet, but I can still show you if you want.”

At Cassian’s nod, Fionn leads the way out of the locker room. They pass through a glass lined hallway, Fionn explaining how during game days, it’s lit with blue LED lights, how fans typically line the other side, banging the glass and getting the boys going. Then they’re stepping onto the home bench and the arena floor, and Cassian gets to appreciate what the view will be from ice level. He turns slowly in a circle, taking in the stands, the scoreboards, the afternoon light streaming through the wall of windows.

He takes a deep breath in, and for a moment, he can almost hear it. The blare of the goal horn. The roar of the crowd. He can almost feel the cool bite off the ice against his cheeks. Can almost feel the surety, the peace that comes from having it beneath his skates, from the comfortable weight of a stick in his hands.

“Have you met with Miller yet?”

Cassian shakes his head of the daydream, turning back toward Fionn. “Yeah, I met with the whole staff earlier this morning.”

He and Fionn continue to talk shop, talk the system, before making their way together toward the garage and their cars. Or, in Cassian’s case, his rental car until he’s able to secure a new apartment and get all his things shipped out. He supposes he should check in with that realtor Eris connected him with again.

“If you need anything, don’t hesitate to reach out,” Fionn tells him, offering another easy grin as he hits the remote of his car. “Even if it’s just food recommendations.”

“Thanks, but I’m actually meant to be meeting up with a friend after this. She’s going to give me the whole tour of the city and all that.”

“She, huh? Let me know if I need to pass her number along to the wife. I don’t think they’ve done dues yet for this season.”

Cassian chuckles at the teasing smirk on Fionn’s face, the implication of his words. But then he thinks back to Nesta. Thinks back to the photos of her Instagram, to those icy blue eyes and that damn expression on her face. He can’t deny there’s been a low, simmering heat in his gut all morning, sparking at the fact he finally gets to meet Nesta, finally gets to witness that fire in person.

“Only if I’m lucky.”

~ * * * ~

Large, looping letters declare Grumpy & Sunshine Books above the door, the window display to the left of the door decked out with an artsy display of flowers and hanging book pages. Cassian glances down at the phone in his hand, the Map displayed on the screen there, confirming he’s in the right place. With a nod, he pockets his phone and presses forward, stepping through the front door.

The scent of paper and ink greets him as soon as Cassian steps inside, along with something vanilla. A candle that he can’t see? There’s a table display of books immediately inside, and Cassian casts them a cursory glance, taking in more looping text and what looks to be a variety of cartoon characters on the covers. He weaves around shelves and more table displays, past a wall of vines and succulents and a pink neon sign declaring Most ardently.

And at the very center of the store, Cassian finds the register and the woman he’s looking for bent over a book behind it. Cassian had known Nesta was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen since he first saw her picture, but seeing her in person is another thing altogether. Seeing her standing there in front of him almost has him wanting to drop down to his knees right there in the middle of the bookstore.

Her hair is braided back in an intricate updo, but with her head bent down, a strand of golden brown hair tumbles down her temple and kisses her jawline. Deft fingers brush the hair aside and behind her ear absently, further revealing the sharp cut of her cheekbones. When she turns the page of her book, her lips part, eyebrows jumping, and Cassian thinks he might give anything to see her eyes properly, to see if they spark and flare along with whatever she’s just read.

He’d give anything to have those eyes on him.

“Reading on the job?”

Nesta snaps her book closed, her attention finally rising, and Cassian gets his first look at those blue eyes he’s so often thought about. They’re a similar shade to Feyre’s, sure, and yet so different somehow. They seem to burn with a silver fire that leaves the cool shade of them looking like a storm roiled sea, especially when that gaze narrows on him, her lips pinching into a scowl.

Cassian doesn’t let the reaction deter him. If anything, it only stokes the embers in his own chest, beckoning him into the flames. He closes the final few steps between them, leaning against the register counter with a smirk.

“Nesta Archeron,” Cassian greets.

“Cassian Valdarez.”

His name falling from her lips shouldn’t sound as sweet as it does, especially with the clipped tone she speaks it, but a zing of electricity still skitters down Cassian’s spine nonetheless. What would it take to have her saying his name again? To have her sighing it? For him to taste it?

“So you do know me, then?” Cassian drawls, daring to glance down at her book. A Calanmai Secret. “And yet, you couldn’t answer any of my texts.”

Nesta crosses her arms, leveling him with a hard look that Cassian is sure is meant to send him running. “Most people would take that as a hint. Yet here you are. In my bookstore.”

“Feyre said you’d show me around the city.”

“Feyre asked me to show you around. I don’t recall ever agreeing.”

“I’m starting to think you’re the grumpy on the sign outside,” Cassian chuckles softly, hoping to at least earn the hint of a smile at his teasing joke.

Instead, Nesta settles both hands on the register counter, leaning forward. “Buy something. Or get out of my store.”

Cassian tilts his head, taken back by the harsh reaction. He’ll clearly have to work harder to get her to smile or laugh. Challenge accepted. Already, he can hear Az’s voice in his mind, making a dry comment about his taste in women. Already, he can see the way Rhys would roll his eyes.

“Fine,” Cassian says easily with a shrug, stepping back from the register counter. “The historical section is…?”

Nesta merely points to a bookshelf to his left, so Cassian turns his attention toward it. He grabs the first book within reach, the spine a blue and green. He’s intent on striding right back up to Nesta and proudly purchasing the book, but then he catches sight of the cover. Of the shirtless man that takes up the cover, the model’s skin clearly oiled up so every ridge of muscle is on full display. A tartan hangs low on the man’s hips, and just above the man the title is scrawled, Highland Escape.

“This… is not what I meant.”

Rather than direct him toward the historical fiction section, Nesta crosses her arms across her chest, her lips tugging up into a smirk. And, oh, there’s a real challenge blazing in her gaze now, that fire that had called to Cassian even in photo form sparking in her blue eyes. It’s beautiful, that look on her face, daring him to play.

He glances around the bookstore again, this time with fresh eyes. The greenery on the walls, the different table displays, the pink neon sign with an Austen quote. Of course. He’d heard of bookstores like these, ones that specialize in romance novels.

When he looks back toward Nesta, she has that same daring expression on her face, her smirk already starting to grow as though she’s won. As beautiful as it is, as beautiful as she is, Cassian refuses to back down. Heat flares through his chest as he fights back a smirk of his own, more than ready to keep this game of theirs going. He clears his throat and turns back to the shelf, sliding the book in his hand back into place. He takes his time reading the different titles along the spine before finally settling on a different book, tugging it free and sidling back up at the register counter.

“I’ll take this one,” Cassian tells Nesta with a grin, sliding the book across to her.

Nesta hums, glancing down toward the book he’s selected. Viking Bride. Cassian waits for the mask to slip, to see a hint of a reaction take over her face, but she’s nothing but cool and silent as she rings him up. The transaction complete, she tucks his receipt into the cover of the book, sliding it back over to him.

“Have a nice day,” Nesta offers, her tone mockingly sweet.

Cassian reaches for the book, his fingers brushing along Nesta’s own until she snatches her hand away. “You know, I’m beginning to think you don’t like me.”

Nesta snorts and rolls her eyes. “Whatever gave you that impression?”

“Oh, yeah, Nes, you’re a real ray of sunshine right now.”

“Don’t call me that.”

There’s no stopping Cassian’s smirk at earning that reaction, a little tidbit he tucks away, even as he continues, “but it’s not really fair, is it? I mean, you don’t even know me. This is literally our first time ever meeting. What could I have possibly done?”

Nesta’s face falls, a new emotion flashing through her blue eyes. It’s certainly the cool, haughty mask slipping away, but not how Cassian wanted. He frowns at the sudden change, but before he can even begin to attempt to decipher what that emotion is, what that expression could mean, Nesta turns away from him.

“If I give you a tour of the city, will you leave me alone after that?”

~ * * * ~

Nesta

Nesta doesn’t know what she expected. She knew, in the back of her mind, that despite never responding to a single one of Cassian’s texts, that that wouldn’t be the last of things. But she can’t say she expected him to show up at her bookstore. Didn’t expect him to stride in with a smirk and an easy confidence, to almost proudly buy a viking romance novel.

She wants to hate that he still looks as good as the last time she saw him at Feyre’s engagement party. His hair is loose, dark curls hanging around his temples and tumbling down to his shoulders. His eyes are a hazel as bright as Nesta remembers, a maze of greens and golds that seem to spark with a flickering flame. And that cocksure smile has no damn right being as attractive as it is.

She wants to hate the way he didn’t back down from her ire, from all the quips she threw his way. Instead, he only seemed to rise to meet her, seemed to enjoy it as though it was a game between them. She wants to deny the way his fingers brushing against hers sent a shiver ricocheting up her arm and down her spine.

And he doesn’t even remember her.

She’d felt stupid that night in New York, but she feels even more stupid now. She certainly hadn’t expected an apology or anything, but this is like a slap in the face. And on the heels of that churning feeling roiling through her gut is anger. It burns red hot through her veins, flaring like a wildfire that licks between her ribs.

“If I give you a tour of the city, will you leave me alone after that?”

Cassian clears his throat awkwardly, that cocksure smirk finally slipping. “You want me to leave you alone?”

“What are you doing here?”

Nesta’s attention snaps toward the new voice, finding Emerie standing just inside the door, her brown eyes narrowed on Cassian.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Cassian answers easily despite Emerie’s clipped question. He holds his hand out toward her to shake, but Emerie doesn’t take it. “I’m Cassian.”

“I know who you are,” Emerie tells him airily, stepping behind the register counter.

She reaches out as she passes, fingers curling around Nesta’s wrist and squeezing lightly. It’s a silent question out of view of Cassian’s eyes, to check that she’s alright. Nesta meets her best friend’s gaze and offers the smallest hint of a nod.

“You do? Are you a hockey fan, then?” Cassian asks, unaware of the silent conversation happening without him.

Emerie snorts at the implication. “No. There’s only one hockey fan in this bookstore, and it’s not me.”

“I feel like you don’t like me either…” Cassian comments quietly, tilting his head slightly. “Is everyone the grumpy on the sign? You might want to consider a new name if there’s no sunshine.”

“Gwyn is the sunshine, and trust me when I say you’re lucky that you don’t have to deal with her.”

Nesta has to press her lips together to keep from laughing at the way Cassian’s eyes widen slightly in horror. It’s certainly not a misplaced expression. Gwyn was one of Nesta’s first friends when she first moved to Seattle, and while the redhead is one of the kindest people Nesta has ever met, she’s also the fiercest. Beneath all the bright smiles and easy laughs there’s a viciousness that can and will be released, especially when it comes to those Gwyn cares about.

“I don’t know. You said there’s one hockey fan, right? And I’m guessing it’s this Gwyn. Maybe I do want to meet her. We can talk all things Kraken.”

“Gwyn’s a Nashville fan,” Nesta informs Cassian. “They’re her hometown team.”

And dedicated to her hometown team she is. Nesta doesn’t think she’ll ever forget the first time she and Gwyn went to grab dinner at a sport’s bar, the first time witnessing the way Gwyn ranted and shouted at the large television on the wall.

Nesta waits for Cassian’s face to drop again at this newest tidbit, but what she doesn’t expect is for his grin to grow wider and stretch across his face, for the golds of his eyes to glint. He looks like a child that just stepped foot into a candy store, like this is exactly what he was waiting for, and it has Nesta frowning in confusion.

“My brother plays for the Preds. Azriel. You know, if she wanted, I could probably get her a signed jersey.”

“Gwyn would absolutely lose her mind,” Emerie comments under her breath.

“And what’s the price for this signed jersey?” Nesta dares to ask, squinting suspiciously at Cassian.

Cassian shrugs a shoulder, all faux innocence. “Well, you clearly don’t want to give me a tour, so how about just dinner? You can give me a list of your recommendations then.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“A dinner for a jersey. Sounds like a fair trade to me. Don’t you think, Nes?”

Nesta sighs, shaking her head. “Fine. One dinner and in exchange, you’ll get a Nashville jersey signed. By the whole team.”

Cassian’s smile twists into a smirk, gaze flickering and darkening as he holds his hand out across the register counter. “It’s a bargain.”

Nesta already knows she’s going to regret this, but she reaches forward, sliding her hand into Cassian’s. His fingers curl around her own with ease, his grip surprisingly gentle. His hand is so large compared to her own, practically swallowing hers whole, and the callouses slide against her palm when she pulls her hand back. She has to forcibly shove down a shiver before it can skitter up her spine in reaction.

“Let’s go, then,” Nesta says, gathering up her things where she stored them beneath the register.

She and Emerie share one final look before Nesta leads Cassian out the door and back onto the street. Thankfully, it’s a short walk to one of the local restaurants that focuses on PNW cuisine, a good introduction for Cassian to the city and area.

“So, I have to ask,” Cassian begins once they’re seated at a small table near the back of the restaurant, the waitress vanishing with their drink order.

“Ask about what?” Nesta asks, not even bothering to look up from the menu even though she already knows what she’s going to order.

“About the bookstore.”

Nesta’s gaze flicks over the top of the menu in her hands, eyes narrowing. “Some people like to read, meathead.”

Cassian tips his head back and lets out a booming laugh, earning a few curious looks from the other tables. “Did you really just call me a meathead?”

“I’ve seen you play, seen you fighting other players on the ice.”

“Are you watching my games, sweetheart?” Cassian asks, leaning across the table to smirk at her, those hazel eyes of his glinting in amusement again.

Nesta rolls her eyes, leaning forward as well to sneer, “you wish. I told you, Gwyn is a Nashville fan. I occasionally watch a game with her.”

Cassian hums, and Nesta bristles at the way he continues to eye her. Something about those hazel eyes is almost unsettling, as though he’s looking through her in a way no one ever has. It takes everything within her not to shift in her seat, to simply turn her attention back to her menu.

“History.”

Nesta looks up again with a frown. “What?”

“History,” Cassian repeats, leaning back casually in his chair. “That’s what my degree is in.”

“I thought hockey players got drafted at eighteen? That’s what Gwyn has always said at least.”

“That’s true, but not everyone joins the NHL right out of the draft. I played for my college team for two years before I was finally called up.”

“And what? You magically finished your degree in two years?”

Cassian laughs again, this time a low chuckle that’s surprisingly warm, that practically wraps itself around Nesta’s limbs. “Lucky for me, there’s this really amazing thing called online classes.”

“Oh.”

Nesta doesn’t know what else to say to that, but thankfully, she’s spared when their waitress returns to their table, ready to take their food orders. When she steps away again, Nesta no longer has her menu to use as a distraction, has nowhere else to look except at the man sitting across the table from her. The low light of the restaurant cuts shadows across his cheeks and jaw, the candles on each table flickering in and deepening the hazel of his eyes. The large span of his hand is on full display as he curls his fingers easily around the bottle of wine he ordered, filling Nesta’s glass before he fills his own.

“You never answered my question,” Cassian tells her, setting the bottle back down. “About the bookstore.”

“I told you, some people enjoy reading. Myself included.”

“Yeah, but I remember Feyre talking about how you went to law school, that you’d be terrorizing courtrooms and making everyone regret going up against you. So, what happened? How do you go from lawyer to bookstore owner?”

The urge to lash out, to make a snapping reply that diverts the conversation, claws up Nesta’s throat. She rarely talks about it, about him. The reason she made the move to Seattle in the first place, leaving a gaping wound as big as the distance between them with her sisters. The reason the dream she thought she had, the dream she swore she always wanted, shattered between her fingers like glass, shards cutting deep and leaving her bloodied. The reason she retreated and fell back into the shadows, that Emerie and Gwyn had to pull her out.

There are days where it all still feels so raw, no matter how much time has passed. Days where a sickening feeling will churn through her gut as soon as she opens her eyes. Days where she can still hear his voice, still feel his hands. Days where the voice in her mind morphs into her own worst thoughts, into her mother’s clipped, cool tone.

“My life fell apart, and I decided to open a bookstore with my friends,” Nesta finally answers with a derisive drawl. “Happy?”

Cassian’s face falls, lips tugging down in a small frown. “What does that mean?”

Nesta doesn’t want his pity. It’s the one thing she hates most, people looking at her with pity in their eyes. As though they feel sorry for her, as though she’s weak. When she finally walked away, finally got out, she swore to herself that she would never be weak again, and she’ll be damned if she starts now.

“Last I checked, I don’t have to tell you my whole life story. I answered your question, did I not?”

“Nes–”

“You get one dinner as part of our bargain, remember? Do you really want to ruin it?”

—

Taglist (let me know if you’d like to be added or removed): @moodymelanist @nesquik-arccheron @sv0430 @talkfantasytome @bookstantrash @eirini-thaleia @ubigaia @fromthelibraryofemilyj @luivagr-blog @lifeisntafantasy @superspiritfestival @hiimheresworld @marigold-morelli @sweet-pea1 @emeriethevalkyriegirl @pyxxie @dustjacketmusings @hallway5 @dongjunma @glowing-stick-generation @melonsfantasyworld @lady-nestas @goddess-aelin @melphss @theladystardust @a-trifling-matter @blueunoias @kookskoocie @wolfnesta @blurredlamplight @hereforthenessian @skaixo @jmoonjones @burningsnowleopard @whyisaravenlike-awritingdesk @ofduskanddreams @rarephloxes @thelovelymadone @books-books-books4ever @tenaciousdiplomatloverprune @that-little-red-head @readergalaxy @thesnugglingduck @kale-theteaqueen @tarquindaddy @superflurry @bri-loves-sunflowers @lady-winter-sunrise @witch-and-her-witcher @fieldofdaisiies @freakingata

[wndaswife]

i'll be your mirror

「 elizabeth olsen & gn!reader 」

tags: fluff, humour, mildly suggestive behaviour, lots of teasing (because we all know teasing is lizzie's love language), reader is a rambling fool on cloud nine

word count: 2363

summary: Though she had come home overwhelmed by the weight of her busy day, you ease your girlfriend into indulging her birthday. Fortunately for you, she is rather patient with those she loves.

a/n: my love letter to lizzie <33 happiest of birthdays to the most darling angel !!

Candlelight illuminated the house save a single lamp turned on in the dining room where a plate of chocolate-covered fruit was set on a plate at the centre of the table.

Despite the minimalistic display of confections, the actual process of making them had been a mess. By the end of it, you were wiping hardened chocolate from the walls and cabinets. 

Your girlfriend was always the better cook. 

But today, on her birthday, you vowed to surprise her.

You wore the cashmere sweater she bought you on Christmas and a black maxi skirt that flowed down to the floor.

For the last few months, Lizzie had been working on Sorry For Your Loss, a series that was demanding in needing the full dedication of both her talents as an actress and as an executive producer. When she wasn’t being filmed, she was filming, and when she wasn’t doing either of that, she was working with the sound crew and discussing lighting and shots and funding and countless other things you didn’t understand.

The series was an important project for her as draining as it often was. She didn’t spend a single moment not putting her best efforts towards it, even as she came home completely exhausted from the responsibilities she carried on set atop of being occasionally emotionally drained from the role she had to take on.

Today felt something similar.

The sound of the front door unlocking carried towards the kitchen and you walked over to the front door, welcoming your girlfriend.

You watched as her gaze raised from the floor to the inside of the house, her eyes running over the dimly-lit hallways illuminated with gentle flickers of warm candlelight. Her expression, though initially weighed down by the earlier stressors of the day, softened at the sight of your efforts.

Green eyes filled with mirth and an appreciative smile tugged at her lips.

“Surprise,” you said, outstretching your arms and flourishing into an awkward pair of jazz hands.

Lizzie’s smile grew into a wide grin and she set her bag and keys down to hug you. She exhaled satisfiedly when you hugged her back, releasing the day’s pent-up tension. “You’re so sweet,” she muttered. “Thank you.”

“How was your day?” you asked her quietly, rubbing your palm against her lower back. 

She groaned in response then said, “I need wine before I talk about anything even remotely related to my day.” 

Kissing your neck and breathing in the scent of your hair, Lizzie complimented, “This sweater looks amazing on you.” She pulled away and kissed the bridge of your nose.

“You give really great gifts,” you said, beaming at her. “And… speaking of gifts…” 

You took Lizzie’s hand with both of yours and led her towards the living room excitedly. She chuckled adoringly as she followed behind you, watching you walk forward into the mellow lighting of the living room.

The both of you rounded the couch where a bottle of chardonnay and two wine glasses sat on the coffee table along with a half-decent-looking charcuterie board. 

“Looks nice, right?” you asked, putting both hands on your hips as you looked down at your creation proudly. “Almost looks professional, like you set it up.”

Lizzie wrapped an arm around your shoulders and placed her hand against the side of your head, pulling you against her. “Oh, baby,” she cooed and kissed your temple. “You’re cute when you think you could compare to my dinner spreads.” 

Looking back over to the wine and its glasses, she eyed each carefully-placed cold cut and biscuit and slice of cheese on the wooden board. “But I gotta say,” she added, “this does cut it close.”

You giggled when she kissed the top of your head before you took her hand again and led her down to the couch. She settled down beside you, your knees brushing against each other. 

With undivided attention, Lizzie watched your face as you opened the bottle, admiring your beauty. 

When you looked back at her, she was already looking at you, a dimpled smile on her soft lips. She took the bottle from you and you lifted both of the glasses up for her to fill.

Your girlfriend leaned back into the arm of the couch, taking a sip of her glass of chardonnay. “Fuck, this is good,” she sighed and grinned at you. She reached forward and ran her hand up your thigh. “I missed you. Tell me how your day was.”

“Well, I bought a bunch of candles in the morning after you left,” you said.

Lizzie laughed and squeezed your knee. “Yeah?”

“And then I set them around the house, made dessert, this…” You gestured to the charcuterie board. “Then lit the candles and got ready.”

“That’s it?” she inquired with a tip of her head.

You recalled, “And I watched, like, three episodes of Fleabag.”

“Did you like it?” Lizzie asked, looking at you over the rim of her glass as she took another sip.

“Made me think of you.”

She grinned. “God, I really have you wrapped around my finger, huh?”

Teasing you was to Lizzie as the sun was to a flower. There was not very much that put her off from teasing you whenever she could, poking fun at her partner who she believed had the sweetest little blush.

“Oh, you have no idea,” you answered, feigning a contrite expression and shaking your head disappointedly. “One day I’ll break free.”

Lizzie giggled loudly and slapped your arm. “You’re an asshole sometimes,” she said, narrowing her eyes with a teasing grin on her face. “You know that, right?”

“Your asshole, though.”

“Don’t ever say that again.”

It took a moment for you to reflect on your previous words before finally understanding her joke, and when you did, you let out a loud laugh that was painfully late.

She watched you, her smile growing. “You’re an idiot.”

“Yeah,” you answered and laid your head on her shoulder where you buried your face into her neck. Your breathy laughs tickled her and she lifted both your glasses onto the coffee table. She pushed you off of her so your back met the cushions of the couch. She swung her leg over your hips and mounted you, lowering herself so your faces were mere inches away from each other.

You broke out into a fit of giggles.

“Something funny?” she asked, grinning down at you.

“Very funny,” you laughed.

She looked down at you, incredibly entertained and rather smitten with the way you giggled underneath her. “Tell me, then.”

“You’re funny.”

“I’m very funny,” Lizzie conceded and nodded. “I’m known for being quite funny.”

You nodded in sarcastic agreement. “Fame has gotten to your head, Elizabeth Chase.”

“Oh, don’t,” she groaned and hid her face against your cheek, making you chuckle so hard she could feel your laugh make your chest and shoulders flutter gently.

Eventually when your laughing ceased she sat up, pulling you up with her. She fit you between her thighs and you rested against her stomach. She looked down at you, playing with your hair.

“How did work go?” you uttered softly, wanting to be delicate about the topic. You crossed your arms against her stomach and rested your chin atop of your forearm, looking up at her.

She sighed, pushing her hair out of her face and looking up at the ceiling. “I don’t know,” she said. “Tiring.”

“Did you film today? Or was it mostly just editing?”

“No, we did both,” she answered. “Shot, reshot, edited the scenes we shot and reshot, talked about funding, talked about sound, went from department to department.” The fatigued expression you’d seen when Lizzie first stepped through the front door came over her in a slightly sombre overcast as she recalled her day. 

You tucked your hand under the hem of her shirt, running your palm up the smooth plain of her stomach soothingly. You kissed her through her shirt. “I’m sorry,�� you sympathised. “Don’t you ever feel like they’re overworking you or something? Do all executive producers do the same thing?”

“The other execs do the same, but they don’t have to work both in front of the camera and behind it,” she said. She played with your hair, the pads of her fingers rubbing against your scalp. “So naturally I have more on my plate.”

“Do they ever offer to take on more responsibilities to ease your load?”

Lizzie shook her head. “I wouldn’t let them do my work.”

“Why? It’s a team effort, anyways. It’s not like you’re doing any more or any less.”

“That’s not really true,” she disagreed. “Work is work. I either do it or I don’t, and it’s the load I have to carry.”

“But you’re a person too, Liz, not just someone who works.”

She smiled down at you and caressed your cheek with her hand. “I’m both.”

“You’re a person first,” you insisted.

Her smile widened and she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. “Is that so?” she asked.

“It feels like you’re always pushing yourself for more work to the point where you sometimes get caught up in it,” you elaborated. “Like you forget you don’t have to pay for what you’ve earned.”

She suppressed a small dimpled grin at your words. “Tell me how I’ve earned what I have,” she urged, subtly imploring you for more compliments and taking pleasure in the way you gushed over her. 

“I don’t know, I mean…” you trailed off, slightly embarrassed as you caught yourself rambling on about how you adored her. “You’re such a hard worker and… smart.”

“Really?” Elizabeth asked, smiling sweetly at you. She tucked your hair behind your ear. “How?”

“You went to NYU, worked hard for your enrollment there, essentially got a certification in real estate for a fun summer job, then worked on several amazing movies all while studying,” you firstly mentioned. “You’re the most confidently opinionated person I know while also being so educated and open-minded, which is a rather rare combination, and I could talk to you for hours about anything. Like, anything, seriously. And I’d enjoy it. No matter what, I walk away feeling like a cooler, smarter person after being with you.”

Lizzie laughed, sitting up and wrapping her arms around your shoulders. “You’re such a fucking dork,” she giggled. “So cute.” She kissed your cheek, lingering for a few moments before pulling away to look at you, her eyes soft with her admiration for you.

“You would’ve bullied me in high school.”

“You would’ve liked it,” she quipped, scrunching her nose up at you. 

You kissed her and she cupped your cheek with her warm hand, stroking your cheekbone with her thumb.

“Thank you,” she uttered against your lips, her gaze darting up from them to meet your eyes. “You know how overwhelmed I can get. It gets hard to see things as they are. I’m lucky to have you, Y/N.” 

“And I most definitely would’ve bullied you in high school,” she jested with a grin.

You kissed her cheek and wrapped your arms around her, burying your face between your arms and her neck. “No, you would’ve been nice. Like you are now.”

She laughed softly through her nose before kissing the top of your head. "I love you so, so much," she uttered against your hair.

"I love you too," you answered, hugging yourself close to her.

Then you exclaimed suddenly, making Lizzie jump, "Oh!" You darted out of her hold. “I almost forgot. Wait.”

You stood from the couch and your girlfriend watched as you walked back into the foyer. You returned with your hands behind your back and approached her in the most casual way possible.

She narrowed her eyes and turned in her spot to look at you. 

Then you brought forward a birthday cone hat from behind your back, a pink pompom on top and rimmed with sparkly gold streamers wrapped around it with a large, ‘It’s my birthday!’ written around it in large text.

Lizzie turned it around and revealed more text on the other side that read, ‘I’m five!’

She looked up at you with raised eyebrows.

“I… I didn’t see that,” you said awkwardly. “Well, who cares?” 

You stretched the hat’s elastic under Lizzie’s chin then secured the hat on top of her head. She stood up and walked towards the mirror beside the front door. 

She tried to straighten it, a perfectionistic tendency, but you kept it slightly tipped to the side.

“You look cute.”

“Thanks,” she mumbled and averted her smile formed from the silly compliment.

She turned to you and wrapped her arms around your hips. “So, what’d you make for us?”

You walked backwards with her arms still wrapped around your body until you stepped into the dining room. You pointed at the plate of chocolate-covered fruit.

Green eyes flickered between the dessert plate to you. “That’s… That? That’s what you made?”

You looked over at the plate again, reevaluating it. It looked fine considering you made it. You nodded.

“Baby, we need to eat more than that. I’ll make you something.”

“No-o,” you whined. “It’s your birthday, you shouldn’t be doing anything.”

“Then how about I teach you how to make a frittata?”

You protested, “But that’s still work.”

“You know how much I like to boss you around.”

You bunched your lips to the side, contemplating. 

Her hands travelled downwards and took two handfuls of your ass, pulling you against her. She grinned when you gasped. “You’re gonna deny me on my birthday?”

“I hardly deny you, like, ever.”

“My point exactly.”

She nuzzled her nose against your cheek. “Come on. Let me let you make us a frittata,” she giggled.

“Can we eat the fruit first?” you asked.

“For dessert, baby. And we can have your charcuterie board too,” she told you, keeping a hand on the curve of your ass as the two of you walked to the kitchen. “We don’t want to ruin your dinner, do we?”

“I’m not the five-year-old here.”

Lizzie rolled her eyes lightheartedly. “Don’t push it. I can still take this hat off.”

──────── ⋆⋅✧⋅⋆ ────────

[kiyfra]

Chapter 6 of Scorpio is complete! Can be read here or on AO3. PokeRus AU belongs to @monsoon-of-art.

“What I’m attempting to do is to show people that if I can spend some time with very dangerous spiders and snakes and scorpions, then maybe they’ll feel different about the spiders and snakes they find around their areas.”

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

Volo led her to an unremarkable stretch of forest tucked away behind mountains with crumbling trails that rarely saw any human travellers. It didn’t even possess the mystique of some remote bit of wilderness untouched by humans; it was just a forest like any other that was too out of the way to visit. Anything that was foraged would have to be carried down steep, loose cliff faces and it wasn’t worth the trip when it’s damp peat and autumn foliage could easily be found elsewhere.

Or so the girl thought before dense vegetation began to clear and a translucent dome shimmering a faint blue stretched out over the canopy as far as she could see. Dawn stopped before the threshold and stared in puzzlement, looking back at Volo who only gestured for her to walk through.

Stepping inside caused an audible shift and Dawn immediately felt so much lighter, like a weight was lifted off her back that she hadn’t even noticed until now. Tension eased out of her body like a muscle relaxing after being clenched for so long. She gazed upwards and the sky looked almost normal, the blue of the dome supplanting most of the unnatural red.

“What is this place?”

“The safest place in all of Hisui, courtesy of our host,” Volo replied.

A million questions swam through her head, but the merchant flew ahead, confident they would be answered soon enough. Trees starting thinning out as they followed a winding river and small plots of farmland came into view. Hastily constructed tents dotted the clearing with all manner of pokémon going about their business, many of them displaying the tell-tale signs of PokéRus victims. It was easy to tell the former humans apart from regular pokémon. They all possessed odd and uncanny features that set them apart from typical members of the species and wore clothes or accessories whenever feasible. Human-like hair that hadn’t fallen out was one of the most common, followed by strange body proportions and most had facial structures that were slightly off.

Pearl and Diamond clan insignias adorned many of the tunics and several wore the blue, white, and gold of Ginko Guild uniforms. Dawn realized this was close to everyone in Hisui aside from the mad wardens and leaders.

This must have been where the rest of the clans went after they were sent away! Had they been hiding here the whole time?

Pretty much everyone from the clans, the village and merchants had fully metamorphosed with only a few odd stragglers, but there were no signs of the mental deterioration PokéRus caused in its victims. These infectees should have been completely consumed by the virus by now, left slavering and mad like the wardens. Instead, pokémon and former humans went about their daily business without incident or fear. Did the dome over the forest hideaway have something to do with it?

The makeshift village noticed the duo enter the retreat and whispered amongst themselves as they stared at the returning togekiss and his small compatriot. Amongst them was a toxicroak draped in raggedy mismatched furs, a washed out coloured gengar, and an abomasnow with long strands of pine needles loosely tied into pigtails. All of them had the misfortune sisters’ distinct facial paint that had become permanent markings with their transformations. Before she could question what she was doing, Dawn had wandered over to the trio of bandits.

The eldest sister briefly looked her up and down and Dawn realized this was the first time they had seen her as a fully turned dewott. Their brief glances at her satchel made her think they were wondering if she had anything worth stealing or if they could take the now diminutive otter in a fight. She doubted they would cause a scene, but she would make sure to keep a close eye on her belongings.

“Oh, you’re still alive? I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised, you’re quite the tenacious one,” Charm noted disinterestedly.

“More or less. How did you three end up here?”

The toxicroak gave an exaggerated roll of her shoulders.

“The Pearl Clan’s huge mutt chased us here about a fortnight ago. We thought he tracked us down to finish the job he started on Firespit Island, but just about everyone at the retreat was led here by your new Lord,” Coin explained.

Clover bristled at the reminder of their humiliation at the Coastlands.

“You’re welcome for that by the way,” the abomasnow spat.

Dawn could imagine Lord Arcanine barking at the sisters for them to follow him but ending up having to herd the terrified bandits to safety. The mental image of the trio scrambling up a cliff to escape an arcanine at the base barking and wagging his tail with his tongue hanging out was deeply amusing, but she had a feeling they wouldn’t see it that way.

“Well, I’m glad you’re alright,” she said, trying not to snicker.

This piqued the gengar’s curiosity and she raised her eyebrows inquisitively.

“I can see you haven’t changed a bit. Do you still have the luxury of being such a bleeding heart? You of all people ought to understand the cost of involving yourself in other people’s affairs.“

A bolt of indignation raced through her and Dawn grit her teeth, reminding herself these highway women weren’t worth picking a fight. But her scowl and clenched fists gave away that the bandit’s words touched a sore spot. Charm raised a hand to her oversized mouth in a poor attempt to hide the haughty smirk that stretched across most of her face.

“Looks like I struck a nerve.”

Now that the sisters knew they could get a rise out of her, they looked ready to seize upon the vulnerability like sharpedoes that smelt blood in the water. Coin looked down at the dewott with a cruel gleam in her eyes and followed up on the taunt.

“I heard the Galaxy Team wasn’t as hospitable as you imagined. It’s not so fun doing the dirty work of such small minded fools, so I left on my own terms. Bet you feel pretty stupid now.”

“You’re one to talk!” Dawn exploded. “You couldn’t handle it out there either and went crawling back as soon as things got too difficult.”

Clover scowled and got up in her face, the smell of pine overwhelming.

“That’s completely different! This forcefield prevents us from ending up like your crazy wardens, so we’re agreeing to a  temporary  truce. That’s all!”

Her powerful arms were trembling with anger and a cold wind started whipping up, but Dawn wasn’t about to back down. The eldest heaved a reluctant sigh as she took it upon herself to diffuse the situation before someone did something they’d regret.

“My sisters and I have chosen to remain here until things settle back down. We can swallow our pride and play nice for the time being given the circumstances,” she said with a pointed look at the other two bandits. “Everyone does what they need to survive after all.”

Her matter of fact conclusion suggested there would be no further discussion or argument about the matter. The anger had yet to fizzle out and the bandits’ animosity wouldn’t be forgotten, but Dawn jutted her chin out and crossed her arms while she met their glares. For how much they talked themselves up as hardened survivalists who played meaner and harder than anyone else, they were pathetically easy to rile up.

A bit like yourself.

She hadn’t put much thought into why these three had abandoned their homes to carve out a meagre living in such a harsh world. Their demands to be taken seriously came across as childish and their grudge against the Galaxy Team petty and vindictive. But maybe they were more like her than she wanted to admit.

For the first time since she arrived in the region, she allowed herself to consider they had grievances against Jubilife just as legitimate as her own, that they were wronged by the people of Hisui.

“...You’re right. About the Galaxy Team.” Their ire melted into something along the lines of sympathy, surprised by the concession. “They used me and threw me away and I am  not  going back to them after this.”

“I’m sorry you had to learn that the hard way,” Coin offered.

She didn’t  sound  very sorry. Dawn decided to press her a little more closely.

“But why did you three leave?”

“That’s none of your business!” Clover exclaimed, a little too shrill to be intimidating despite her size.

The eldest sister looked bemused again.

“Why do you want to know? Were you going to ask to join us?”

Did she want to? The idea of making her own way in the world with her pokémon by her side, answerable to no one, was very appealing. With a group of outlaws she was useful to, there would be some assistance when she really needed it. The Misfortune Sisters wanted the assurance that came from having pokémon as companions and her expertise would be a huge asset.

Then all of her skills could be wasted on being a petty criminal, robbing and bullying people. Her mother would be ashamed of her, but what other choice would she have? With the massive bandits leering down at her, she truly felt her age.

“Dawn.” The authoritative voice of Cyllene rang out and the human turned abra walked towards the group, uncannily on two legs. Dawn had never seen a normal one do that, preferring to keep their limbs tucked in as they propelled themselves with their vast reserves of psychic energy. The captain of the Survey Corps was followed by her partner abra floating beside her with Rei and Laventon not far behind.

“I see you’ve managed to survive. Good. Now that Volo has retrieved you, I will debrief you on our current situation.”

“We’re so glad you’re okay!”

The two researchers rushed over and Rei bombarded her with dozens of questions about where she was and what she had been doing the past month over top of the professor’s fretting. Dawn protested and asked them to speak one at a time as the bandits left the Survey Corps to continue the conversation that no longer pertained to them.

“Did everyone from Jubilife come here with you guys?”

Laventon paused as he worked out an estimate. “I’d say it was less than half of the village. Maybe one third?”

That wasn’t a lot in the grand scheme of things and Dawn’s heart sank. There were so many maddened former humans beyond the safety of the retreat; friends and loved ones to the survivors that were in horrific pain.

“And the commander?”

“Kamando is...” Rei trailed off.

“He is amongst those fallen to the plague. With our commander incapacitated, I have assumed charge of the remainder of Jubilife Village in his absence.”

If her superior’s fate upset her, Cyllene kept it hidden, but the news hit Dawn harder than she thought it would. Despite her anger towards the man, he was a person with a history, struggles and hopes for the future and all of it was just gone. A hollow guilt settled inside her chest, like her spiteful thoughts towards him were responsible, though she knew that was irrational.

Cyllene continued her debriefing with a detached professionalism, her practicality grounding the turbulent emotions she felt.

“Along with the surviving villagers, we have successfully evacuated all of the pokémon from the pastures and they are living here at the retreat.”

“Quite an impressive assortment you’ve gathered. They really made this thriving hideout possible.” Volo swooped down to participate in the Survey Corps discussion. “But I’d expect nothing less from my favourite customer.”

“Good of you to join us.” Cyllene gave the togekiss a curt nod before turning back to Dawn.

“After abra managed to locate you, I sent Volo to retrieve you so we may discuss our next course of action. We are all guests here that have been permitted to stay by the goodwill of the owner of this retreat. She wishes to speak with you so I want you to join Volo and present yourself. Remember that you are representing the Galaxy Team so be sure to give proper thanks.

That is all.”

She gave her orders with such authority that Dawn could almost forget she was no longer affiliated with the Galaxy Team, that she had forsworn her rank and duties. But Volo was already making his way through the camp and calling out for her to hurry along.

The retreat was bustling with former humans making sure there was enough food to go around with what they managed to forage and tending to small plots of farm land that had yielded very little. It was unclear how long they would be expected to remain at the retreat and how they were going to last the winter with so little time to stock up. Their crops back home would be difficult to harvest and transport to the retreat with the patrolling wardens, never mind the risk of going mad outside the protective bubble.

Crude shelters of timber and tarps that looked more like nests gave way to untouched nature filled with a plethora of pokémon resting in trees and burrows. Pokémon from all over Hisui and many that weren’t native to the area, far more numerous than the environment could sustain long term. They must have gathered here to ride out the ordeal taking place in the rest of the region, possibly led by Lord Arcanine, but Dawn recognized a lot of them as ones that she had caught herself.

The overcrowded forestry thinned out and a small bridge led to a modest home on the opposite side of a stream, constructed long before the retreat was occupied by so many refugees. It looked a lot like the tents found at the Diamond and Pearl Clan settlements with their solid wooden framing, but the fabric was pitch black and it lacked any visible insignia.

An elegant lucario with pure white fur was seated at a small table with a tea set. She wore a black dress and wide brimmed hat with lace and flower decorations, all deliberately monochrome. The distinguished pokémon possessed delicate features and a smile that made Dawn think of art galleries, calling to mind a famous painting.

With clothing that didn’t seem remotely practical for a solitary existence in the wilderness and the apparent lack of affiliation with any of the major points of civilization in Hisui, she wondered how she managed to live so comfortably on her own and why she chose to hide herself away.

There was a serene, otherworldly presence to the woman and the air stood still, frozen in time. Dawn supposed she would soon learn who this mystery person was.

“Mistress Cogita, I’ve brought company,” Volo called out.

“So you have. It’s good to finally meet you, lost one. I have waited a long time for the arrival of such a displaced wanderer like yourself.”

Dawn gave a shrug of her shoulders.

“Yeah, I’ve been lying low for the past month and I was pretty busy during my time in Jubilife.”

“Oh, I’ve been here much longer than that, but such impatience would be unbecoming.” There was a knowing twinkle in the woman’s eyes that held secrets she would take to the grave. “Please join me for tea, we have much to discuss.”

Volo, ever the gentleman, pulled out the chair for her and Dawn clambered up. She had to sit on her haunches to peer her head over the edge of the table as Cogita poured out two piping hot cups.

“These are quite troubling times we live in, wouldn’t you agree?”

“That’s a bit of an understatement.”

The whole scene felt too surreal. Just yesterday her main concern was finding enough food, and now she was having a fancy tea party with a woman dressed to the nines in a bog filled with refugees living in nests and burrows. She reached up over the table to take her own cup of tea and brought it to her lips, immediately regretting it as she scalded her tongue.

“Careful, it’s still hot,” the lucario warned.

Dawn gingerly held the cup by the handle, taking care to blow on it as she waited. There were about a million questions dancing on the tip of her tongue and it was hard to know where to begin.

“If you don’t mind me asking, what exactly is the dome over your retreat? I’m guessing it’s the reason everyone here hasn’t gone crazy.”

“That would be my doing. While I have found our current predicament trying in many ways, it has been quite exciting learning how a lucario controls and wields their aura. This blue dome is a projected aura, one that counteracts the influence driving their violent behaviour.”

“Wait, a lucario can just use its aura to keep people sane?” Dawn abruptly set her cup down. “We could have saved everyone by going out and catching one!?”

“While that would have made for a nice and simple solution, I’m afraid not just any lucario would do. My aura is enhanced and imbued with the properties needed to keep the peace and quiet within my humble retreat.”

“Guess this couldn’t have been too easy,” Dawn muttered bitterly.” What makes yours special?”

Volo spoke up, eager to interject himself into the discussion.

“Allow me to answer a question with a question. You already know several people that kept their heads clear; how did you and your little band of merry researchers accomplish this?”

He was there for the journey to the three lakes. Where was he going with this line of questioning?

“We got blessings from the lake guardians and I used them on the Survey Corps.”

“So it took a legendary’s power to save them,” he drawled. “Mistress Cogita here is an expert on Hisui’s myths and legends. She recalls long forgotten stories, customs and even species that have otherwise been lost to history. I’d imagine her power operates on a very similar principle, no?”

The lucario sighed and put down her cup as Volo looked expectantly at her.

“Yes, you’ve shirked your duties enough times to beg me to share them with you. A pokémon called Enamourus frequents my retreat. She is known as the Herald of Spring and returned to these land right around the start of our current troubles. Her motivations are her own and not for me to pick apart, but I’d imagine she enjoys my company too much to let such a fate befall me.”

Cogita took a sip from her tea.

“How fortunate that I was permitted to share this gift.”

She said it neutrally and without a hint of conceit, but Dawn was lost in thought. She had never heard of such a pokémon before. What did this pokémon look like? What type was it? Professor Laventon would be over the moon at the chance to study a new legendary.

Dawn allowed herself to indulge in a daydream where everything could go back to normal and she would get to research Enamorous for the Survey Corps. She would get to do the exciting part of taking notes while in the field, observing them in battle and determining whether the myths surrounding them were an exaggeration or an understatement. Her and Rei would get to hear the professor sharing and defending every hypothesis he brainstormed over dinner at the Wallflower after sharing her report with Cyllene.

Wait, didn’t Cyllene ask something of her earlier? Oh, right! She was supposed to thank her for letting everyone stay. Dawn abruptly stood up on the chair and cleared her throat, hoping she looked and sounded formal.

“Mistress Cogita, I want to thank you on behalf of the Survey Corps and Jubilife Village for permitting us to stay within your retreat.”

Her attempt at a serious deeper voice just sounded silly, but the lucario smiled easily and waved at her to sit back down.

“Just Cogita is fine, and I should be thanking you.” Dawn raised an eyebrow quizzically while the elegant pokémon continued unfettered. “Long ago I was entrusted with the wisdom of the Celestica people to guide a wayward soul such as yourself. One that would face a terrible calamity. With your arrival I can finally fulfill my duty.”

Here it was. Some small, timid part of her wanted to just keep quiet and not rock the boat. Do as she was told and accept her mission if she wanted a roof over her head. Well, a nest might just have to do.

Her tea should be cool enough to drink by now. It smelled like jasmine.

“I won’t do it.”

The reaction was immediate; surprise and disbelief spread across their faces and Volo bristled in indignation. Dawn didn’t give them a chance to object before she clarified her declaration.

“Even since I arrived in Hisui I’ve been suspected, blamed, forced to risk my life then thrown away. It’s time I stand up for myself!”

She tried to keep her words venomous and from rising in pitch with limited success while she measured their expressions. Were they angry? Dawn couldn’t tell. With a breath to steady herself, she continued.

“If you want to kick me out, I’ll take my pokémon and go.”

“What twaddle!”

Cogita shook her head like a disappointed teacher.

“Come now, we’re past this,” Volo said with a sharp edge to his voice. “There’s no one else in Hisui that posses your raw skill and talent. You’re a smart girl. Without the plates, there’s no hope for the wardens or a home for you and you know whose fault it would be.”

How dare he use their suffering against her or suggest that it was her fault! She had heard it from Beni, from Kamando, and more villagers and clans folk than she could remember, but she never expected to hear it from him. It was the first time Dawn was genuinely irate at the merchant.

“I didn’t have one either way,” she responded icily. “And if you know so much about these plates, how about you go get them yourself?”

The lucario exuded only a hint of exasperation towards the rising tension and she spared a look in the togekiss’s direction.

“Would you be so kind as to give us a moment?”

Her tone was gentle though firm enough that it was more of an edict than a request. Volo looked like he wanted to protest, but he couldn’t bring himself to refuse the older woman.

“Very well.”

He sulked off elsewhere within the retreat while Cogita took another sip of her tea, the merchant striding with his head held high to make a show of how unbothered he was.

…

“It was unthinkably cruel of my ancestors to place a burden so monumental on such a small child,” the lucario admitted.

It was. How come she was the first person since Ingo to realize this?

“My retreat is open to all that need it, but I must warn you that winter is fast approaching and my friend doesn’t much like the cold. Enamourus departs for places warmer until spring and I don’t know if her gift will last during such an absence. Even if it does, our future still looks rather grim. Will another shoulder your burden?”

“I’ve made up my mind.”

There was a bitter atmosphere thick with disappointment in the silence that followed. Cogita poured herself another cup of tea as she finished a small biscuit, leaving plenty of pasties and sandwiches for her guest. Dawn hadn’t eaten since yesterday, but the dewott didn’t dare help herself to any. She had the urge to say sorry, although she didn’t know what she would be apologizing for.

Her tea had gone cold.

“You can go now,” Cogita said finally. “If you ask Volo, he will show you to an available living space.”

Sliding off the seat with her tiny dewott body like a toddler getting down from a high chair only reinforced the feeling that her childishness got her sent to her room. Dawn left Cogita’s tent and plodded back through the rest of her retreat, emotionally exhausted from their talk. The pokémon in their burrows and former humans going about their business with no inkling to what the future held in store for them felt too calm. Worries seemed to float away with the burbling stream winding through the retreat.

She remembered the start of the outbreak when it was first believed to be transmitted by pokémon. So many people from Jubilife didn’t want a pokémon anywhere near them and questioned whether humans and pokémon could even peacefully coexist. Many from the clans considered the idea that pokémon could spread a plague to humans blasphemous and an insult to their Nobles. They lived alongside them for generations with nothing like this ever happening, so their disease explanation must be wrong.

It’s a test from Sinnoh, it’s a curse, a punishment because the other clan worships the wrong god, we don’t have a Noble on the Coastlands, outsiders shouldn’t be meddling. On and on the bickering continued while the Survey Corps wracked their brains for a solution and the disease got worse.

Ancient times when people and pokémon didn’t get along sounded like a morality tale for children. Dawn never imagined she would live through such an inhospitable period of history, let alone anything like this.

Everyone here had lost their homes and most were grieving friends and loved ones, but the retreat seemed oddly peaceful, untouched by the horror and chaos outside. And everyone had adapted surprisingly quickly to living so closely with pokémon.

They went about their business of carefully clearing spaces for the food, shelter and storage needed to make it livable with bodies drastically different from the ones they had the majority of their lives. It was downright inspiring how they adjusted to living and working with claws, teeth and appendages like it was the most natural thing in the world, following the example and direction of the original species.

Staravias demonstrated how to fly and preen their wings, a graveler out on a farm plot shaped the earth with onlookers giving instructions and taking careful notes. The species that still had opposable thumbs or psychic powers did the bulk of the precise work like sewing or cooking.

Children around the age they would receive their first pokémon helped sort through collected food. Among them was a teddiursa with a mop of brown hair that had a tiny hand wrapped around one of the giant claws of an ursaring. She wouldn’t stop staring at Dawn and the former Galaxy Team member could swear she looked familiar. The teddiursa let go of the giant bear and toddled over to her, trying not to trip on her oversized Pearl Clan tunic.

“When are Adaman and Mai going to come back?”

“Huh?”

“Everyone said they were too sick to be around us and that’s why we had to leave. They told me the Galaxy Team were trying to find a way to make them better.”

Oh, right. This was their little sister Calens. Dawn had seen her a few times being guarded and carried around by the ursaring at the Diamond Clan settlement. It had seemed friendly to Adaman and Mai’s other pokémon before taking on the role of bodyguard to the girl, perhaps at the request of Adaman or Mai themselves.

No one told her that she was never going home and her siblings were never coming back. And how could they? They didn’t know Dawn had given up. She shouldn’t have to worry about any of this; neither of them should. It wasn’t fair that they had to live with the mess the adults expected them to clean up.

Would  she  take up your burden?

Would she realize the older person that should know better abdicated her responsibility? Then Calens could fend for herself, maybe train with ursaring so she could collect the plates instead. The thought of doing something so cruel to someone that much younger than herself made her stomach twist into a knot of shame and anxiety.

Dawn had only been thinking about the townsfolk who made disparaging remarks behind her back and gave disapproving glares for hanging around their shops too long, not the children excited to see her show off the latest pokémon she caught.  Everyone’s  lives would be ruined, even the people who never wronged her. She would be no better than Kamando.

Calens was still looking up at her expectantly, waiting for an answer.

“Umm…” Dawn knelt down to be at eye level. “…I’m working as hard as I can with the rest of the Galaxy Team.”

Dawn didn’t believe in lying to children and never appreciated it when anyone did it to her. “I don’t know for sure when everyone will come back, but we’re making a plan.”

Little kids liked feeling like they were in on a secret and Dawn lowered her voice. “In fact, I’m on a special mission right now. I’ll tell you all about it later. Okay?”

The teddiursa’s eyes went wide at the promise and she nodded enthusiastically.

“Okay!”

Calens seemed satisfied with the answer and Dawn took off at a sprint back the way she came. Makeshift homes and work stations passed in a blur in her search for the merchant. The golden togekiss was on the peripheral of the Survey Corps, quietly listening in on the ongoing discussion amongst the group.

“Volo!” Dawn shouted urgently as she ran towards the group that had fallen silent.

She skidded to a halt in front of the Survey Corps and they waited for what she had to say as she doubled over panting, trying to catch her breath. It was several drawn out seconds with the four of them staring in silence before her lungs were full enough and her mouth wasn’t too dry.

“I’m ready to look for the next plate,” she announced finally.

“Excellent!” Volo seemed delighted and the enthusiasm was infectious, their previous argument forgotten.

“I have reason to believe Kamando himself was in possession of one and it should still be in Jubilife Village. But your chief and everyone that didn’t make it out in time will be patrolling the area.”

Dawn hadn’t been anywhere near Jubilife since the banishment and if there were as many mad PokéRus victims as the professor claimed, then that had been a wise decision. With the wardens and clan leaders causing so much mayhem across Hisui, she could only imagine the havoc they were causing.

“Let me see if I’ve got anything to help you,” Volo mused as he looked through his travel pack.

“Here.”

He pulled out several chalky yellow medicine tablets and labeled bottles, max revives and max potions, and handed them to her. Maybe it was just the emotional roller coaster she had been on today, but Dawn felt overwhelmed by the generosity. The merchant always offered aid and encouragement, always seeming to have a plan and Dawn couldn’t put into words how grateful she was for his support.

“This is going to be a dangerous mission, but nothing someone of your caliber can’t handle.”

“I’ll go too,” Rei volunteered.

Volo quickly extended a wing around the boy and looked back over his shoulder to give an apologetic smile to Dawn as he ushered Rei away from the group for a word in private. As soon as they were out of earshot, the merchant leaned down to confront the young Survey Corps member.

“Are you sure that Dawn really needs you tagging along right now?”

“What? You said yourself this would be dangerous, so why wouldn’t she want help?”

The boy turned raichu kept his voice at a whisper despite his confusion as Volo stared at him pointedly.

“Your village stabbed her in the back, remember?”

The merchant’s reminded was blunt and judgmental and Rei’s ears folded down in shame as he looked away.

“It was a rather heartless betrayal and the Survey Corps left her to twist in the wind when she needed you most. Surely you don’t believe that all has been forgiven?”

Rei spent several seconds wilting under the merchant’s gaze before he found the courage to speak again.

“I was scared of being banished too. I know I’m a coward. My own partner tells me as much so I can’t even blame the new instincts I have.” The boy balled his fists as he looked up at the togekiss. “But I want to make it up to her and I can prove myself at Jubilife.” 

“I want him to come too.”

They both startled at Dawn’s proclamation, realizing she had snuck up on them to eavesdrop. Volo’s face contorted into a grimace at the understanding their private conversation had been overheard before he closed his eyes and cocked his head.

“Well, I’m glad you two could settle up,” he said sweetly.

“You will both need to be debriefed on your mission and each choose a team to accompany you,” Cyllene said, taking over. “I will provide a rundown on who remained in Jubilife and what you can expect.”

Laventon lifted off into the air, a rare sight from the professor.

“Jolly good! In the meantime, Rei and I will gather up your pokémon. Be sure to keep a watch out for Beni!”

Cyllene hadn’t even started explaining what pokémon they would be facing, but Dawn was already going through matchups in her head. She was finally back in her element after being on her own for so long with a plan and allies that she knew she could trust. For the first time in over a month, she felt hope and could look forward to seeing Riptide again. Dawn excitedly waited for Rei and the professor to come back with her pokémon in tow.

[passionesolja]

I can’t believe that ChatGPT ripped off pieces of my fanfic Blood Tribune. So, I’m going to post it below the cut and then let y’all read it. I’ll post my commentary of what I think the computer stole from me after the cut.

The CHAT GPT Rip Off of Blood Tribune

Title: "Sith Pureblood Chronicles: Bloodlines of Korriban"

Chapter 1: Echoes of the Past

Centuries have passed since the fall of the Sith Empire, and on the remote world of Korriban, the Sith Purebloods have carved out their own independent civilization. Shielded from the prying eyes of the galaxy, their society thrives in secrecy. Led by the Council of Blood, a ruling body of ancient Sith Lords, the Sith Purebloods embrace their heritage and continue their pursuit of power through the dark side of the Force.

Chapter 2: The Hidden Citadel Deep

within the catacombs of Korriban lies the Hidden Citadel, a sacred stronghold where the Sith Purebloods conduct their rituals and train in the ways of the dark side. Aspiring Sith warriors, such as the protagonist, Ardan, strive to prove themselves and earn a place among the elite. Ardan, born with potent Force sensitivity, carries the weight of his family's legacy and seeks to unleash his full potential.

Chapter 3: The Path of Ascendancy

Ardan embarks on a treacherous journey to master the Sith arts. Under the guidance of his enigmatic mentor, Darth Veritus, he learns to harness his anger, fear, and pain, channeling them into raw power. Alongside his fellow Sith acolytes, Ardan faces grueling trials and duels, testing not only his combat prowess but also his resilience and cunning.

Chapter 4: Shadows of Intrigue

While the Sith Purebloods enjoy a tenuous peace within their civilization, darkness looms on the horizon. An ambitious Sith Lord, Darth Maldera, plots to overthrow the Council of Blood and seize control of Korriban. Manipulative and ruthless, Maldera's actions threaten to unravel the fragile balance that has kept the Sith Purebloods united for centuries. Ardan finds himself entangled in a web of political intrigue as loyalties are tested and alliances are forged.

Chapter 5: Forbidden Knowledge

As Ardan delves deeper into the mysteries of the Sith Purebloods' past, he uncovers a hidden archive containing forbidden knowledge. The ancient texts reveal the secrets of forgotten Sith rituals, lost techniques, and untapped sources of power. Ardan becomes consumed by the desire to unlock these ancient arts, even if it means challenging the Council's authority and risking the wrath of Darth Maldera.

Chapter 6: The Battle for Korriban

The tension between Darth Maldera's faction and the Council of Blood escalates into open conflict. Ardan must choose a side, torn between loyalty to his heritage and his own quest for personal growth. The Sith Purebloods' civilization becomes a battleground as rival factions clash, unleashing devastating displays of Force power. Ardan's choices will not only shape his own destiny but also determine the future of the Sith Purebloods. Epilogue: Legacy Reborn After a cataclysmic clash between Darth Maldera and the Council of Blood, the Sith Purebloods stand at a crossroads. Ardan emerges as a pivotal figure, leading the remnants of his people towards a new era of unity and strength. Guided by the lessons of their tumultuous history, the Sith Purebloods reaffirm their commitment to the dark side and forge a path towards greatness.

"Sith Pureblood Chronicles: Bloodlines of Korriban" explores the rich and complex society of the Sith Purebloods, delving into their customs, politics, and spiritual beliefs. It is a tale of power and ambition, highlighting the eternal struggle for dominance within a civilization consumed by the dark side. As Ardan navigates the treacherous landscape of his people, he must confront his own demons and ultimately decide the

[top5listing]

LEVOIT Air Purifiers for Home Large Room

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[sylvita4-blog]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Funny New LED Illuminated Gesture Light Car Finger Light With Remote Road Rage S.

[atplblog]

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[industrynewsupdates]

Digital Diabetes Management Market Growth Trends and Strategies, 2030

The global digital diabetes management market size is expected to reach USD 21.9 billion by 2030, expanding at a CAGR of 8.3% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. Major factors contributing to the market growth are the growing incidences of diabetes globally, the increasing number of product launches, and innovation in technologies such as predictive analytics and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Data analytics and artificial intelligence are now an integral part of digital solutions for diabetics. AI is gaining rapid attention due to its ability to harness massive volumes of patient information. Digital diabetes management tools help patients analyze their glucose levels and pattern. They also help patients decide on food intake and dosage of insulin. The number of smartphone apps for disease management has seen a monumental rise over the past few years, giving the market a major boost. For instance, in September 2019, Abbott entered into a non-exclusive partnership with Sanofi to integrate cloud-connected insulin pens (Sanofi) with FreeStyle Libre mobile application (Abbott) to ease the management process of diabetes. 

Gather more insights about the market drivers, restrains and growth of the Digital Diabetes Management Market

Detailed Segmentation:

Product Insights

The continuous blood glucose monitoring system segment held the largest revenue share of over 40.6% in 2022, owing to its advanced features such as compatibility with smart devices that serve as display devices. Moreover, it can be set to send custom alerts to patients when certain glucose thresholds are reached. Based on products, the market has been segmented into smart insulin pens, continuous blood glucose monitoring systems, smart glucose meters, smart insulin pumps, and apps. Diabetes management apps are divided into digital diabetes management apps and weight & diet management apps.

End-use Insights

Based on end-use, the digital diabetes management market is segmented into hospitals, home settings, and diagnostic centers. Hospitals can use digital platforms or mobile apps that provide diabetes education, self-management tools, and support, as well as offer them to patients. With these technologies, patients may better understand their condition, monitor their blood sugar levels, take control of their medication, and get advice from medical specialists.

Type Insights

The wearable devices segment held the largest revenue share of 56.9% in 2022, and the segment is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 8.4% over the forecast period. The segment's growth is majorly attributed to technological advancements such as the advent of artificial intelligence, the launch of new products such as closed-loop pump systems and smart insulin patches, and the growing adoption of self-insulin delivery devices in diabetes management. The market is segmented based on type into wearable devices and handheld devices.

Regional Insights

North America led the market in 2022 with a revenue share of over 38.0%, aided by the availability of advanced technologies and the recent approval of many digital blood glucose patient monitoring devices in the region. For instance, in January 2022, Insulet Corporation announced that it had received clearance from the U.S. FDA for its Omnipod 5 Automated Insulin Delivery System. It is a unique system that integrates with Dexcom G6 Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM). It facilitates remote patient monitoring and data transfer through the Omnipod 5 mobile app with its integrated SmartBolus Calculator. The increasing geriatric population and the growing burden of diabetes due to lifestyle changes are expected to boost regional market growth.

Browse through Grand View Research's Medical Devices Industry Research Reports.

• The global artificial hip and knee joints market size was estimated at USD 12.57 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 2.85% from 2024 to 2030.

• The global breast shells market size was valued at USD 71.0 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.7% from 2024 to 2030. 

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Major market players focus on adopting new technologies and introducing advanced products, taking advantage of important cooperation activities, and exploring acquisitions and government initiatives to offer their customers better services and strengthen their market presence. For instance, in August 2022, Abbott Laboratories announced its collaboration with WeightWatchers to launch new digital tools to emphasize the importance of weight loss and controlling blood sugar in diabetes patients. Abbott integrated its recent digital glucose monitoring technology into WeightWatchers' diabetes-specific program, as a part of this strategic partnership.

In another instance, in May 2021, Ascensia Diabetes Care launched a browser-based diabetes management and analytics platform, GlucoContro.online, that provides data-driven care for people who use any of the CONTOUR blood glucose monitoring meters. In September 2021, Ypsomed AG partnered with Dexcom, a market leader in CGM systems. This partnership was intended to make data from Dexcom G6 CGM devices available in the Ypsomed application in a smart device. 

Following are some of the major participants in the global digital diabetes management market:

• Abbott

• Medtronic

• F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.

• Bayer AG

• Sanofi

• Dexcom, Inc.

• LifeScan, Inc.

• Insulet Corporation

• Ascensia Diabetes Care Holdings AG

• B. Braun Melsungen AG

Digital Diabetes Management Market Segmentation 

Grand View Research has segmented the global digital diabetes management market based on product, type, end-use, and region:

Digital Diabetes Management Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Smart Glucose Meter

• Continuous Blood Glucose Monitoring System

• Smart Insulin Pens

• Smart Insulin Pumps

• Apps

o Digital Diabetes Management Apps

o Weight & Diet Management Apps

Digital Diabetes Management Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Wearable Devices

• Handheld Devices

Digital Diabetes Management End Use Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• Hospitals

• Home settings

• Diagnostic centers

Digital Diabetes Management Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

• North America

o U.S.

o Canada

• Europe

o Germany

o U.K.

o France

o Italy

o Spain

o Sweden

o Norway

o Denmark

• Asia Pacific

o Japan

o China

o India

o Australia

o Thailand

o South Korea

• Latin America

o Brazil

o Mexico

o Argentina

• Middle East & Africa

o South Africa

o Saudi Arabia

o UAE 

o Kuwait

Order a free sample PDF of the Digital Diabetes Management Market Intelligence Study, published by Grand View Research.

[deveploment]

Cloud Based Digital Signage service in Singapore with Skymedia

What is Cloud-Based Digital Signage?

Certain level signage proposes utilizing electronic introductions, similar to LCDs, LEDs, or projection screens, to provide media content like headways, information, or redirection with little work to be unnoticeable spaces. These were, for the most part, pushed toward premises, requiring massive equipment and an IT establishment. Anyway, the move of cloud-based progressed signage has changed this cycle.

Digital signage cloud based utilizes distributed figures to make due, store, and convey content. This recommends that the substance displayed on screens be secured and controlled from any spot with a web connection. Whether managing a single screen in a veritable store or different grandstands across a city, cloud-based Digital signage offers unmatched versatility and excellent judgment.

The Improvement of Digital signage in Singapore

Singapore, known for its strong areas for establishments and imperative structures, has embraced progressed signage as a fundamental piece of its staggering city drives. The city's thick metropolitan environment and people make it an ideal showground for significant-level electronic structures.

Digital signage in Singapore is reasonably used to upgrade the client experience further by giving dynamic, partner substance that can be custom-fitted to concede get-togethers. Bistros use progressed menu weights to reestablish liabilities capably, while retail courts pass average inventories and bound time shows to figure out and attract clients. Also, the vehicle district in Singapore relies enthusiastically on top-level improvement to give obvious information on plans, courses, and suspensions, adding to the general furthest reaches of public affiliations.

The get-together of cloud-based signage in Singapore has progressed rapidly because of several factors, including the rising fundamentals for reliable substance. It re-establishes the yearning for joining control over different grandstands and the importance of data-driven progress. Furthermore, the versatility of cloud systems licenses affiliations, considering everything, to do progressed signage without requiring significant direct revenue in staff or programming.

Benefits of Cloud-Based Progressed Signage

The shift from standard to Cloud-based digital signage offers different advantages, particularly in an extraordinary market like Sky Media in Singapore. One of the central benefits of cloud-based Digital signage is managing different grandstands from a singular stage. Content can be set up, reestablished, and seen continually, ensuring that the ideal message is passed on immediately, no matter the region.

Cloud-based processes are astoundingly adaptable, allowing relationships to advance their Digital signage association. It is continuing to contemplate what. Cloud-based plans can satisfy your necessities, whether adding new screens or planning express-level parts like data or fake figuring out-driven content.

Cloud-based Digital signage can be monetarily sound for a surprisingly long time by shedding the prerequisite for costly on-premises hardware and diminishing IT upkeep costs. Likewise, the ability to reestablish content remotely limits the need for trustworthy intervention, diminishing pivotal costs. Cloud based digital signage centers offer clear security, including inconsistent data encryption, client checks, and standard programming upgrades. This ensures that the substance and the association stay secure from top-tier threats.

Conclusion

Considering everything, cloud-based computerized signage will, for the most part, be Singapore's destiny concerning visual correspondence. Its ability to convey dynamic, reliable substance across a relationship of introductions, versatility, cost-sensibility, and security makes it a critical gadget for affiliations and affiliations wanting to stay ahead in a steady market. As improvement pushes, so will the tremendous entrances for Digital signage, driving new turn of events and reviving how we help with outing our automated environment.

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Shop Now: Backfire Zealot S2 Belt Drive Electric Skateboar

Backfire Zealot S2 The Backfire Zealot S2 is the next evolution of our best-selling Zealot. Light Up Abs Strip Encompassed within the ABS, we have installed luminous leds, so the ABS protected leds will not get damaged or broken during the normal use conditions. The technology took over 1 year R&D by Backfire. Modern Remote Halo remote is one of the best remotes in the market for Electric Skateboards. You can adjust the braking and acceleration, directly from the remote, the display also shows charging state. Fingerprint recognition is also included. 14s Ultra-High Voltage System The full charge voltage is 58.8V. High voltage has many advantages. To put it simply, the higher the voltage, the higher the efficiency, the longer the range Unparalleled Control Our New Custom 60a 14s Esc Is Designed For A Smooth Powerful Ride That You Can Customize To Fit Your Riding Style. Powerful Battery The Zealot S2 Features A 14s2p 58.8v Battery Granting Amazing Performance For Range Getting You Up To 30 Miles On A Single Charge! High-Tech Composite Board Finest Materials – Exquisite Workmanship – Sophisticated Construction Amazing Handling Our Newly Designed 96*55 80a Wheels Offer Smooth Performance And Locks You To The Road Wether You Want To Bomb A Hill And Slide Or Surf The Road With Tight Carves. Backfire Mo Optional Tires 120mm Mo Wheels Are Not Included, To Be Purchased Seperately! The New Generation Of Zealot Motor Protection Case Is Designed To Be Detachable Allowing For You To Change To Different Wheels. 8″ Gravity Cast Trucks Copmpared with our previous generation of Zealots, the Zealot S2 has a wider footwell design. This allows you to be locked into the deck to be secure at high speeds and tight carves. Sonalized Performance Adjust The Performance Of The Zealot S2 To Suit You Or Your Loved One. The Acceleration, Brake Strength, And Top Speed Are All Customizable.

Specs: Range: 25-30 miles/40-48km (180lbs rider 18.5mph flat road) Speed: 48kph / 30mph Battery: 58.8V 8Ah, 403Wh 14S2P Samsung 40T 21700 Cells ESC: BACKFIRE 14S 60A FOC Remote: 2.4GHz 1.5 inch Color Oled Halo Remote Motors: 875W2 Dual 5255 belt motors Deck: 399.8inch Composite Maple, Fiber Glass and ABS Wheels: 96mm 80A Standard Trucks: 8 Inch Gravity Casting Front Truck, CNC Forged Rear Truck Lights: Purple around deck System: 14S 58.8V Weight of Board: 23lb Max Load Weight: 120kg/265lbs Hill Climbing: 30% Water resistant: IP65 Charging time: 2.5 hours

[nseledcloudblog]

NSELED – P3 LED Poster at U.S. Trade Show Show Showcases Innovative LED Technology

NSELED’s newly launched P3 LED poster products attracted a lot of attention at the just-concluded U.S. International Trade Show. As a high-tech company specializing in the research and development of LED display technology, NSELED’s P3 LED poster at the show fully demonstrated its technological innovation strength in the field of LED display, which aroused wide attention from the exhibitors.

NSELED is a high-tech enterprise specializing in LED display technology research and development, founded in 2011, and headquartered in Shenzhen, China. The company has a research and development team composed of senior LED experts, a long-term commitment to the innovation and breakthrough of LED display technology. With years of technology accumulation and continuous R&D investment, NSELED has many industry-leading LED display products such as LED poster screen, taxi top LED display, LED rental display, LED flexible display and so on.

P3 LED Poster at the U.S. Trade Show.

NSELED’s P3 LED poster products were presented at the U.S. International Trade Show and attracted a lot of attention from the attendees. The P3 LED poster adopts the industry’s leading LED technology, and the pixel pitch is reduced to 3mm, achieving higher picture quality and color reproduction. Compared with traditional LED displays, P3 LED posters are thinner and lighter, which can be more flexibly applied to various scenes, providing better visual effects for advertising and marketing, commercial displays and so on. Innovative highlights of P3 LED poster.

Ultra-high-definition image quality：

P3 LED poster adopts advanced LED technology, the pixel pitch is reduced to 3mm, the resolution is up to 192*640, which can present more delicate details of the screen, and color reproduction is outstanding. This not only greatly improves the clarity of the picture quality, but also enhances the visual impact, bringing users an immersive viewing experience.

Ultra-thin and portable：

Compared with the traditional LED display, P3 LED poster in volume and weight achieves a significant reduction. The overall thickness of the product is only 45mm and the weight is less than 35kg, making it easy to transport and install. Whether it is used for indoor commercial display or outdoor advertising, P3 LED posters can play an excellent application advantage, greatly enhancing the flexibility of use.

High energy efficiency and low power consumption：

P3 LED poster adopts the industry’s leading LED drive technology, energy consumption is only 1/3 of the traditional LED display, significantly reducing operating costs. At the same time, the product adopts self-developed thermal management system, effectively improving the service life and working stability.

Convenient and flexible installation：

P3 LED Poster adopts a connectable design, which can be quickly assembled and used, and can be easily accomplished without professional technicians. At the same time not only free-standing, the back of the product is equipped with a number of mounting holes, and can be directly fixed to the wall, ceiling or display racks, etc., greatly improving the adaptability of the use of the scene.

Intelligent function：

P3 LED poster also integrated a wealth of intelligent control functions, support for remote monitoring, fault warning, and automatic dimming, and can be seamlessly connected to various types of intelligent devices to achieve a high degree of system integration. This not only enhances the ease of use of the product, but also brings the user a more intelligent experience.

Testimonials：

The P3 LED poster provided by NSELED fully demonstrates its technical strength and innovation in the field of LED display. We believe that P3 LED posters, with excellent visual effects, extreme thinness and portability, high energy efficiency and energy saving, and many other innovative features, will bring a new application experience for advertising and marketing, commercial display, and other scenarios, and become a popular product in the industry. At the same time, NSELED’s technological innovation strength also injects new momentum for the future development of the industry.

Summary:

The excellent performance of the P3 LED poster shows a broad application in the fields of advertising and marketing, commercial display, conference activities, and so on.

In addition to P3 LED posters, NSELED also has a wide range of LED display product lines, including outdoor large screen, indoor small-pitch, etc. In the future, the company will continue to increase its investment in cutting-edge LED display products. In the future, the company will continue to increase R & D investment in cutting-edge LED technology, and continue to introduce more innovative products to consolidate the technological leadership in the field of LED display. At the same time, the company will further improve the marketing network, expand the global market, the excellent LED display solutions exported to more countries and regions, to provide quality products and services for global customers. Overall, NSELED’s P3 LED poster screen at the U.S. trade show not only aroused widespread concern in the industry, but also fully demonstrated the company’s excellent strength in LED display technology innovation. In the future, NSELED will occupy a more important position in the global LED display market by virtue of continuous technological innovation and market expansion.

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Carrier 2.25 HP Inverter from Technology Valley

The Carrier 2.25 HP Inverter air conditioner from Technology Valley is a top-tier cooling solution designed for medium to large spaces. With advanced inverter technology, this air conditioner offers exceptional cooling performance while being energy efficient. In this article, we will explore the features, technical specifications, applications, benefits, and maintenance tips for this model.

Technical Specifications

Cooling Capacity

Cooling Capacity: 2.25 HP

Energy Efficiency Rating: A++

Refrigerant Type: R410A

Design and Build

Dimensions: 110 cm x 35 cm x 25 cm

Weight: 40 kg

Color: White

Additional Features

Fast cooling function

24-hour timer

Remote control

LED display