#privacy shading net

[barmans-fault]

You made a good point of how this staged photoshoot will lead to increased exposure and ticket sales esp ahead of the US tour, because correct me if I’m wrong, but I don’t think all their US dates are sold out? They’re not as popular in the states and it’s been a couple months since I checked but I only saw a handful of shows that showed sold out. All this just reminds us of a curated version we have of him. Someone who likes privacy and wants to be lowkey doesn’t date attention seekers consistently and calls the paps on themselves. He just lost all credibility he had

Words of wisdom here from a lovely anon and thank you for sharing these thoughts, i agree with every word 💘

I think people generally get very caught up in the whole "alex is a romantic little prince too busy with his mind on clever lines he's innocent and private and not like other celebs and his privacy has been violated" narrative and tend to forget how much of a business this whole thing is.

The primary purpose of any business, be that show business or not, is to make money. The band is an asset that needs to generate revenue. American market has huge potential for that, alas, as the anon above correctly pointed out, very few of the US shows are sold out at this point, just a month ahead of the tour and the sales need to be boosted. The best strategy would definitely be to hype it up a little. American audience seems to be really into the whole straight dominant greaser bad boy persona (where do you think all those endless alex/your name fics with that shitty 50 shades of grey vibes come from?) and the target audience must be catered for. Both parties benefit: Alex gets the publicity of a cool rockstar kind of tired of his fame with a beautiful gf by his side on an expensive posh Italian resort. The pictures will now be all over insta/twitter/tiktok igniting interest in new fans and rekindling the old ones. The girls will fantasise about taking Louise's place in his arms (oh to be a girlfriend of this rich handsome millionaire musician who is also intelligent and talented and famous and who will fuck you like a whore then treat you like a princess!) and the boys will be jealous of him and his beautiful French girlfriend, wanting to be like him (oh to be this rich handsome millionaire and get all the girls!). Some more tickets will be sold, some more records, some more merch, and a couple of tens (or hundreds) of thousands of dollars will be made. Louise on the other hand, will get more followers and will have more ads, which will also lead to more revenue for her and hence whoever is managing her. Not bad, no?

Alex is usually perceived as a poet with his head in the clouds, an ethereal creature, a poetic and storytelling genius, vulnerable, autistic woodland creature, too exquisite for earthly problems, fragile and defenseless. He is, however, in no way disconnected from reality or too naive not to know how the business works - after all, he's been in it for almost twenty years. And I am supposed to believe his privacy has been violated when it has hardly been violated for the 5 years he was hiding from everyone and no paparazzi whatsoever gave a fuck about him? Oh give me a break. His net worth is estimated to be millions of dollars, same as the band. He is one of the richest rock stars of the generation. I am not saying it is a bad thing - well deserved, he is a genius after all, - but money, even for geniuses, has to be earned. Their music is a product that needs to be sold, and their public image is one of the means to increase those sales.

I do not think that Alex or Louise called the paps themselves last minute - I am pretty sure the whole thing has been set up by the management in advance, with Alex's explicit consent. Again, it is just a marketing strategy which the sales and marketing department decided to go with in order to maximise the revenue. Why would Alex refuse? And please spare me the argument of 'he doesn't need any more money'. Maybe he doesn't (although i am not sure), but the band and the whole machine working for them definitely does as it employs hundreds of people who need to get their paychecks from this whole thing. Mr. Schwarz is staying strong for them, remember?

Once this is all over, the tour is over, the contracts are done and he disappears without a trace, we'll remember this and count how many times paps will ever try to take pictures of him or his gf (zero, mark my words).

Thank you for coming to my ted talk (or thesis defence, more like)♥️

[jensownzoo]

Well that's a sense of accomplishment! I got all my transplanting done today that it is possible to do without putting in whole new beds (on the agenda), minus the baby basil that's too small to do anything with yet. Hopefully the storm that's rolling in right now will gently water everything in and not pound them flat.

This is the front yard bed (and little bed of fennel, strawberries, and spearmint to the side). There's a permanent flowerbed wedged up against the porch, but then we have a row of favas and borage, a row of peppers (all small-sized fruiters since it's part shade), the stepping stone walk that has crimson clover/Kentucky colonel mint/numerous cosmos seedlings/and two passionfruit vines, then a row of tomatoes, then a row of peppers, then a row of eggplant, and then the sidewalk.

This raised bed is more or less in the middle of my paved "backyard". It's got perennial pea vine in the front, sunchokes in the rear, a line of beet seedlings in the center, six Heinz 1350VF tomatoes on the sides along with marigold seedlings, and I transplanted in the five little sweet potato vines that I overwintered from my late summer experiment growing slips. One of the vines had a tiny sweet potato growing about the size of my pinky. This bed may be a little iffy because it's still pretty mulchy. I'm going to keep an eye out for nitrogen issues and add it as necessary. You can also see the bed with my snap peas to the left with an A-frame trellis made from two woven fence panels.

This bed is along my rear privacy fence facing the alley. It gets weird sun so I planted all my Japanese black trifle tomatoes on the right side (towards us in the pic) and put some cherry and pear tomatoes in the shadier left. Also have morning glory and hyacinth bean sprouting at the back which will climb up the crib spring panels and drape over the fence.

This is the big raised bed running all along the property line on the west side and has a semi-privacy fence (it's like a picket fence but 6 feet tall) as a part of it's build. It's divided into four sections, though you can only see three here (the fourth is nearly entirely shaded and currently is full of mostly kale and covered with row cover. I just finished installing the hardware cloth on the fence and over a top frame yesterday. The front of the beds (to the left) will eventually have doors of framed hardware cloth too creating a garden cage to keep wildlife from stealing everything. In the nearest section pictures, there are two pear tomatoes and 8 tomatillos (2 varieties). The next two sections have tomatoes and basil. All three beds have nasturtium, French marigold, and zinnia seedlings growing at the front edge, but they're still very tiny. There's also a salvaged mum in the second bed that I hauled out of the green waste dumpster in the fall and stuck in the ground to see if it would survive. It did. No idea what it will look like either.

Tomorrow is for inside tasks, but I want to get some zucchini, winter squash, and the first planting of beans in the ground this weekend so they can sprout and get growing.

I'm delaying putting in cucumber this year until the peas are done in hopes the cucumber beetles will fuck off elsewhere and I won't need my insect net bags. They worked well until the plants got very leafy--they then developed fungal disease due to the reduced air circulation. I still got some cucumbers, so it was better than the year before, and I killed literally thousands of cucumber beetles with my unprotected trap plant. But going to try a bit of tweaking to the method and some patience. I would like enough this year to restock my pickles AND eat fresh.

[star-my]

berserk tiger - ii. contract

Pairing: Min Yoongi x Kim Seo-ah (OC)

Rating: PG-13

WC: 2.9k

CW: charcters drink sociably, mentions of criminals/criminal activities, author did exactly 0 research on Korean law

A/N: No beta so feel free to point out typos or give concrit. Compliments are always nice. Moodboard photos are taken from Pinterest, edit is mine.

| Series Masterlist & Description | Masterlist | Ao3 |

Taglist (open): @bangtan-famiglia-net@bangtanwritershq @veronawrites

“Seo-ah, are you serious?! Why would you marry a stranger?”

Seo-ah sighed, zipping up the second suitcase with ease. She hadn’t had much to pack; most of the valuables had been sold or pawned, and only the necessities were afforded.

“Look, Jinah. He’s a stranger to you, but I already know him. I’m sorry I haven’t introduced you two before, but I wanted to make sure you wouldn’t be in harm’s way if he turned out to be like Lee Geum. He’s wealthy and agreed to help you with your schooling, and he’s been nothing but nice and courteous to me. I could do a lot worse.”

“But you don’t even love him! If you’re doing this for my sake, Seo-ah, I’m sure we can work something out-”

“I may not love him, Jinah, but he is a good man. I like him, and I’m sure I could love him one day.”

“But what about him loving you,” Jinah pointed out.

“Are your bags packed?” Seo-ah asked, brushing her question aside. She felt guilty for lying to Jinah, who’d been her closest friend and confidant for years, but there was no way she was going to tell her she was getting married to someone she’d known for an evening. It was bad enough pretending that they’d been secretly dating for some time.

Jinah deserved to go through school happily and without misplaced guilt for making her marry someone for his money.

Jinah sighed and dragged her suitcase of things over to stand beside the two Seo-ah had packed. Three suitcases between the two of them, for the whole apartment, was kind of sad.

Seo-ah shook her head, dispelling the thoughts, and curved her lips into a half-smile.

The glare of a sun reflecting off a windshield shone through the window, alerting her that her ride was there.

“Let’s go, Jinah.”

Seo-ah carried the suitcases out to the car, where Min Yoongi was standing.

“Min Yoongi, this is my dongsaeng, Kim Jinah. Jinah, this is my husband, Min Yoongi. I’m just going to drop the key off at the landlord’s, and we can leave.”

She returned to Yoongi shaking Jinah’s hand solemnly, one side of his mouth tilted in a small smirk. “Of course, Miss Kim.” He handed her into the passenger seat, turning to offer his hand to Seo-ah. He settled in beside her in the back seat and Hoseok took off. 

They arrived at the villa in record time, and Seo-ah anxiously watched Jinah’s reaction to their new home. She seemed impressed by her surroundings, but stayed close to Seo-ah’s side.

Hoseok brought Jinah’s suitcase to a room overlooking the gardens, with a cosy natural ambiance supplied by plants, clean lines, and the wall of windows.

“Feel free to make changes to the room as suits your taste,” supplied Yoongi, casually leaning against the wall as the sisters whispered. “The remote on the table there controls the blinds, so don’t worry, you do have privacy here.”

Jinah bowed. “Thank you very much, Min Yoongi-ssi. I will be very comfortable here.”

“Good. Seo-ah, Hoseok’s brought your luggage in, if you want to unpack.” He headed down the hall to the room at the opposite end, also overlooking the gardens. Seo-ah was definitely going to have fun digging in them in the summer.

She appreciated how Yoongi inferred that she’d been there before and knew where all the rooms were, helping her further the deception to her sister, who’d followed her along like a duckling.

The door swung open to another glass-walled room, still comfortable-looking like Jinah’s, but done in darker tones. The floor-to-ceiling curtains were dark green and not pearl grey, the bedding was black and not white, and the furniture was varying shades of grey and black, with green accents dotted here and there.

Seo-ah’s suitcases stood by the foot of the bed. Yoongi opened a door on the right, remarking that he’d bought more hangers like she’d told him, so there should be enough room for her things. The other door opened a crack, revealing an ensuite bathroom.

“I’ll give you the house tour while your sister settles and we can get to know each other,” suggested Yoongi firmly, escorting Jinah out of the room. 

Seo-ah flashed him a grateful smile and took her suitcases to the closet.

The light automatically flipped on when she stepped in, and reality hit her like a ton of bricks.

The left side of the closet had rows of name brands hanging from the bars and stacked neatly on the shelves, the island in the middle was full of colour supplied by patterned handkerchiefs, reflective metal jewellery and expensive-looking watches. 

She’d somehow ignored the fact that this ruse required her to share a room with this man, share a bed- would that just be in the literal sense or the physical, as well? She should have asked. She supposed since they were legally married, and the only lie was that they were in love, Yoongi would like the benefits of having a wife he was going through so much trouble for.

Seo-ah slid down the wall, breathing quickly as her gaze flashed between the chipped edge of her suitcase and the soft row of black suit pants. 

What was she doing here? Sure, she was a decent actress, acting like everything was fine every single day, but what on earth had possessed her to think she could fool high society, some of whom were literal professionals at the skill!

What possessed Yoongi to propose to her and explain her role, for that matter? He could have hired one of his professional actress friends, which would certainly have made a more believable story to the tabloids than him marrying some nobody he’d met a week ago!

Okay, she’d done it because she was desperate, but what about him? He was rich, he could solve any problem just by throwing some won around. 

Focusing on the questions she was going to throw at him when he returned from his hosting, Seo-ah took a deep breath and stood up. 

~~~

Her row of clothes looked dismal across from his, but it was the best she could do. She wiped her hands on the back of her jeans and opened the door to her bedroom. Time to go play the part of loving wife and hope she could fool her sister.

She followed the sound of voices to the living room, where Jinah was drinking tea and smiling at Yoongi. He’d done well if Jinah had opened up that much to him already. 

The flicker of hope that she could do this burned a little brighter in her chest. 

“I’m glad to see there’s no blood on the floors yet,” she greeted them, smiling approvingly at Jinah. “You’re doing well,” she congratulated Yoongi. “Jinah took two months to warm up to my first and last boyfriend. She scared him off eventually.”

“So that’s why you agreed to marry me before you introduced me to your sister,” realised Yoongi. “Don’t worry, she doesn’t scare me. You, on the other hand-”

Jinah coughed, pretending she wasn’t laughing at her brother-in-law or at her sister’s expense. “He’s a smart one. You could’ve done worse, I suppose,” she mused. “At least he’s not Gu Taewon.”

Seo-ah rolled her eyes, relieved that everything was going well. “Is either of you hungry? It’s almost dinnertime.”

“I was planning on ordering fried chicken,” said Yoongi. 

“But from where?” asked Jinah, narrowing her eyes in a semi-teasing challenge.

He narrowed his in return. “Bb.q, of course.”

Jinah let the tension sit between them for a minute before straightening with a smile. “Good, I approve of him. Have a happy marriage, unnie, oppa.”

Yoongi glanced at Seo-ah, who shrugged. “Chicken sounds good. Honey garlic is Jinah and my go-to.”

“Noted. Excuse me.” 

He left to make the call and Seo-ah crossed the room to sit beside Jinah. “Please tell me you were nice to him.”

“Of course. I asked him about his intentions–sadly I was too late to ask before he married you–” she glared, “but he seems decent, so I’ll give you my support and best wishes for happiness. But if he hurts you, I’ll have you out of here and serving him divorce papers before you can say Agust D.”

It’s only for five years, she wanted to reassure her. It’s on a contract. I can survive five years of anything as long as you’re taken care of. I’m not so naive that I didn’t get my own copy of the contract and put it in my bank box. Everything will be okay.

“Thank you for your support, Jinah. I’m sorry I hid this from you as long as I did.”

“It’s okay, unnie. You were busy stressing about the finances. I’m glad you had Yoongi oppa to brighten up your life.”

Seo-ah smiled sadly at her. “Thank you, Jinah.”

~~~

Jinah headed to her room after the dishes were washed, leaving Yoongi and Seo-ah in the kitchen alone. 

“I usually have a housekeeper come and clean once a week, and the maid cleans up after she cooks,” said Yoongi. “You don’t have to wash the dishes yourself.”

“Oh, you have a maid. Of course. I don’t mind doing the dishes, though. It reminds me of the happy times when my whole family would do them, before my parents died.”

“If I may ask, how did they die?”

“It was a car accident. I’d scraped together my savings from my job and Jinah had contributed from her after-school job, and we sent them off on a date for their twentieth anniversary. They were on their way home when the driver behind them had an aneurysm and hit them. It was a tragedy all around.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Seo-ah. That must have been difficult.”

“I had to drop out of university to raise Jinah, but it could have been worse. Several of our neighbours took care of us until we moved to what’s now our old home, and I was nineteen so I was given custody of Jinah. It would have been worse if we’d been separated or put in a home or something. Anyways, that’s enough sad memories. Are your parents still alive?”

“No.”

The short answer was all she got. “Any siblings?”

“No. I had a brother, but I haven’t seen or heard from him in years.”

“Why did you choose me to be your wife? You’re rich, surely you know some actress…”

The small smirk appeared on his face again. “I don’t want a professional actress wife. She’d be under too much scrutiny for her own work, there’d be fans to deal with, the speculation after the contract ended…so much more mess. You…you intrigue me. We know where we stand, and I’ll admit, I like the fact that I can help you. The actresses I know are well-off in their own right, my money is pointless to them–although I’m sure they wouldn’t mind spending it.”

Seo-ah hummed, putting the final glass away in the cupboard. 

“What exactly is your job? I need an answer that’ll fly with Jinah, not just ‘I don’t actually know what my husband does, he makes money so I don’t care,’ because that isn’t me. You said you could tell me why you need me, beyond ‘business reasons,’ once I was your wife.”

Yoongi pulled out a bottle of whisky from another cupboard, followed by two glasses, and began walking wordlessly towards their bedroom. 

Seo-ah hung the dishtowel up to dry and followed him apprehensively.

Yoongi settled on the charcoal grey sofa facing the bed, the whisky on the table in front of him. He poured two glasses and handed her one once she perched on the other side of the sofa. Wow, that was cushy. She wouldn’t mind sleeping on it.

“As my wife, you are now entitled to legal protection and cannot be called on to testify against any crimes I may commit, and vice versa.”

Seo-ah swallowed, barely feeling the burn as the whisky settled in her stomach alongside the apprehension.

“I need a wife because I have a plan to execute regarding my business and the spies that are in it. You’re the perfect person to work for either side, and you’re legally removed from testifying.”

“Why would I be testifying against you?” she asked, barely above a whisper. Please do not have jumped from the frying pan to the fire.

“To everyone but you and your sister, I am known as Agust D.”

That is so much worse than I was expecting, was the first thing Seo-ah thought. “You…are Agust D, the head of Seoul’s underground?”

He nodded seriously.

Memories flashed through her mind. The faded scar on his face. The security around the villa. The shock on Hoseok’s face when he gave her his name-

“Is Min Yoongi your real name?”

He nodded at her again. 

His head tilted back, adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed the rest of his whisky, unflinching. The glass met the glass of the tabletop with a sharp clink.

He leaned back, spreading his arms along the back of the sofa comfortably. “I say I’m the CEO of SVGA when I need a civilian business title. It’s an open suspicion that SVGA is a front for criminal activities. The NIS is always curious about SVGA. You are to be the bait that draws the rats out. You’re fresh blood, they’ll have an easy enough time pulling your records and seeing that you had financial difficulties. They’ll assume I’m extorting you or something of the kind, approach you with offers of help escaping my tyranny if you slip them information, and then you will tell me their names and I will take care of my problems.”

“So that is why I have to be a good actress?”

“Of course. Feel free to ‘slip’ when you’re in public, if you wish to have the NIS salivating after you even more.”

“When our contract ends, will I be able to testify against you then?”

His cold stare met hers. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.”

“More importantly, how will you know if I do take the NIS up on their offer of rescuing me?”

“If this was a marriage of love, not convenience, we would trust each other,  no?”

“I suppose.”

“You haven’t yet given me any reason to mistrust you. Your sister believes your charade, which is proof enough of your skills. You’re an honourable woman. You made a promise to me, and you want the best for your sister. You won’t renege on our deal so fast.”

“You’re certainly rather sure about me. We’ve only known each other a week, you don’t know if I’ll turn you in for my freedom from associating with a known criminal and taking your money to support Jinah and me.”

What Seo-ah was quickly coming to realise was Yoongi’s signature smirk slipped across his face. “If you were going to do any of the things you’re mentioning, you wouldn’t be making me aware of the possibilities and actively making me consider my trust in you. You’re loyal, and you’ve thrown your lot in with me, for better or worse. That, in itself, is the biggest indicator that I should trust you.”

Huffing a sigh at his logic, because he wasn’t wrong but it felt like she’d lost somehow, she downed the rest of her whisky with a grimace. “I don’t know how you did it, that stuff burns.”

Yoongi’s smirk melted into a real smile, one that crinkled his eyes. “Practice, and also I can’t be a big bad mafia boss who coughs because of some whisky.”

She snickered at the image he provided.

He brushed off his pants and stood, holding his hand out to her. She looked at it, then up at him.

“Your glass.”

“Oh.” She handed it to him and he collected his from the table, leaving the room to return them to the kitchen, she assumed.

She donned her nicest pyjamas and then stood in the closet for several minutes, debating on her next action. They’d covered the topic of why they were married and what he expected from her, but she still didn’t know what they were going to do about their semi-pretend relationship in the privacy of their own home.

Shaking her head, she decided to simply go to bed and wait for Yoongi’s return so that they could continue their discussion.

Settled between the softest sheets she’d ever felt and pillowed on what felt like a cloud, she considered the evening’s revelations.

She’d willingly married a, if not the, most notorious crime boss in Seoul, simply so she’d be out of debt and he’d be free from moles. His name was Min Yoongi. What a cute name for a gangster, no wonder he’d become Agust D. His smile was cute, too. His eyes crinkled and his upper gums showed and it made her feel something warm and fuzzy inside. 

Sighing, she turned to her other side, pulling the warm duvet up under her chin. Surely he’d be back in a minute…

[aaeds]

TW: (suicide, Suicidal Ideations) What made me stop wasn’t a change in mind, I tore my leg open on the rocks the minute I went down but when the shock of the water wore off I recognized something that I didn’t have a word for as a child.  So if you were like me when you were very small and had that urge to give up completely it’s not weird, or something to feel guilty about. It’s something I got treatment for as an adult and it’s weird not having it in my head all the time, I can remember it but I don’t feel like it anymore. It’s really nice. It just took a lot of patience. 

What really made me stop was David, he got down at the edge of the runnel and reached in with his frog catching net/rod. I also had a beaded necklace on that caught on a sharp rock going down and smashed me into the rockface. I got a bit banged up, and my necklace broke but it was enough for me to see someone making an attempt.  If you’ve never been in perpetual shaded still water, it’s colder than you’d think and not in a swimming pool sense. It’s like an ice bath. I couldn’t feel my limbs but I crawled up the wall and took the net. David pulled me the rest of the way and Hannah dragged me out (like she pulled me up out of the ditch near the river.) 

Oddly none of the nearby adults came near us, one asked where our parents were but I’d nearly drowned and wasn’t about to start telling her unlike some parents, mine work. David fished the pieces of my necklace out of the water which was kind of him. He was usually a very good brother, and from what I remember no matter how poorly he treated Hannah on a bad day he was always looking out for us. I don’t have contact with them now, but I saw Hannah a few years back and she’s doing well. We didn’t talk about me falling into a pond, but we did talk about our days in computer labs years later memeing at one another.  Obviously names changed for privacy/personal reasons.

[basicbeigecapybara]

My entire account and everything I have written so far.

just downloaded GTA four. hope it is any good.

#gta iv

basicbeigecapybara

I think I'm addicted to this app

I feel that making long posts like mine is necessary and I have no idea why.

basicbeigecapybara

Analyzation of the Interior of a 2018 Toyota Highlander

Now, today we will be talking about the Interior 2018 Toyota Highlander. Let's begin.

Now first I want to take a look at the splendid window covers. These sun-blocking nets are built with the car. results may vary considering which type you have. however, they can be used as privacy protections, or just simply blocking the sun from your eyes. you simply pull up the little notch at the bottom of your window and hook it onto the top. the window shades are very hard to see through guaranteeing privacy for the user.

second, I would like to take a look at the AC system. This AC setting is life-changing. from seat warmers to cold air. there is a seat-warming option, but sadly only in the front but we will explain why it's like that later. The seat warmers heat up fast and get very comfy on a cold day. not to mention the AC unit. The AC is available and adjustable in the 2nd and 1st rows. you can also change how fast the air blows, and you can even change which direction it goes. this is very useful for cold or hot days.

Now like I said, here is why there aren't seat warmers on the second row. the seats can move around, so if you want to lie down just pull the lever next to the seat and you can fall asleep. there is also a THIRD row, you can have the third-row seats folded down if you want more trunk space, or you can have them up. this car can hold a maximum of 8 people if you're taking a long trip with your friends.

Now let's talk more about the design. which is one of the best parts of the car. The seats are made of fine long-lasting leather that is in a beige color. the doors are black leather with a wood design for the handles. the wood design is very smooth and definitely very well made. most highlanders contain a bar at the roof where you can strap in your bike if your thinking about having an adventure.

This car is a personal favorite starting at around $50,000 and it is worth the price, I hope you enjoyed another one of my summaries that I make when I get bored, and thank you for taking the time out of your day to read this nonsense.

#toyota#highlander#cars#carreview

basicbeigecapybara

My Opinion Regarding Red Dead Redemption 2 [SPOILER]

Today, I will be summarizing the well-known game "RDR2" Also known as "Red Dead Redemption" including its features and so on. now I must say that I am very fond of the graphics in this game, far better than most Rockstar games which already gives it a bonus. Plus, the nature is very catching and realistic as it has caves, mountains, rivers, canyons, deserts, Etc. There is so much more to explore and that is why I love it most. The plot of the whole story mode is complex, but as you progress, it gets more understandable, especially during the middle stages. Near the end of the game, you start to figure out more secrets behind the characters, which finishes most of the plot however, you will start to notice the downfall of the characters and how they worsen over time. once the game is completed, you can find their graves hidden throughout the map which gives a nostalgia effect as well, you can also even find some of the characters who had managed to survive through the story, as well as side characters. The NPCs are very interactive, and you can even talk to them, antagonize them, or rob them. and also throughout the game, you can treat the NPCs nicely and it will give you good effects in the later stages of the story. It shows a nice feeling of vengeance, for example: when you help the native Americans with rivalries and whatnot. you are in big battles defending them which gives off a sense of retaliation. this motivates the user to fight harder in the missions because most likely the user knows about the fact that the US beats the natives during colonization. so the user wants to kill as much of the enemy as they can, wishing the natives had won. this can hype up the user and motivate them. the game introduces you to different side characters, such as the "Neanderthal" "Feral Human" and many others. this game also has an eerie side. as it introduces the "Strange Man" who is known for his black top hat and mystical ways, and I am only getting started. there is the Aberdeen Pig Farm where you are introduced to a very overweight man and his sister. you will walk into their house and be offered food. once you accept the food you will then be told about how it used to be a pig farm and how their parents died and shortly after you will then be poisoned and greeted in the middle of nowhere, and all of your stuff is stolen. you can come back to the house later and get it back. there will also be strange dead bodies throughout the map including serial killers. the game can get very gruesome as proven. You can find clues about the serial killers and eventually find out where they're hiding out. once you walk in, very terrible things will appear and he will try to make you a victim, however, luckily enough you can escape and you can then report him to the "law" and get money for it. plus, there are other bounty missions you can do for a good price such as a man who claims to be a healer and actually gives out poison, or a psychotic woman who lures men in and kills them. and there are even different gangs throughout the game, like the "Moonshiners" or the "Skinner Brothers" and even the "Night folk" Something I am also very happy about is the hunting. there is a bunch of different animals you can encounter and hunt. there are also Legendary Animals that can be found around the map, you can hunt them and sell them, or make clothes out of them. One thing I don't really like about the game is the stupidity of the NPCs like when they can fight you all they want and not get in trouble. but if you punch once, the law will arrest you. I hope that my summary was a pleasure to read (if anyone actually reads these which I'm pretty sure they don't) And if you stuck around and read my true speech of boredom then thank you.

#red dead 2 gameplay#boredom

basicbeigecapybara

How To Effectivley Defend Your Home Against An Opposition.

Today, we will be learning how to effectivley defend against home invasion. All you need, is a 12 gauge shotgun, an M84 Flashbang Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ suace, and a 20,000 kilogram block of solid uranium 235. We first must create a diversion that will distract the assailant such that you have an opening for tactical withdrawl. it is for this reason that we have Sweet Baby Ray's BBQ suace. using your buff, well toned arm. lob the BBQ suace out your window at exactly 100 MPS and at an angle directly parallel to the outside ground. This gives you exactly 1.11 seconds to escape the vicinity before the BBQ suace lands on the ground, and explodes into a highly-lethal fireball, as all nearby objects are incinerated by a common household condiment burning at 6,000 degrees Celcius. A single tear escapes your eye as you realize you will probolably never taste the sweet nectar of Sweet Baby Ray's ever again. not after the Sigma variant cuased the downfall of the BBQ supply chain. a great regime whose unwavering glory surpassed that of the Roman Empire at its peak. but right now more important matter are at hand. you will never forget the sacrifce the sweet baby rays made to save your own life and entrust in your hands the future of human civilization. there is no turning back now. you must now take action and seek immediate vengeance. Carefully breach your bedroom door with a 12 guage shotgun. and clear the outside area with an M84 flashback. then, quickly advance towards the nearest exit making turns to confuse the enemy, for if you dont know your next move, neither do they finally, once you are outside, it is time to unleash the fury of a 20,000 kilogram solid block of subcritical Uranium 235 with your house surrounded it only makes sense to make one last stand for the survival of human civilization. this is what you have been preparing for assuming that you have not been lacking, you should easily be able to replicate the compression affects of chemically feuled implosion assembly nuclear weapon explosive lens, with your bare hands to force the fissel uranium into supercriticality, cuasing an expotential growth of nuclear chain reactions that realeases 226 billion joules of energy into the surrounding enviroment. but this is not a tragic case of self sacrifice, because you took a swig of sweet baby rays before running out of the house. you will not go gentle into this goodnight, for souped up on the sweet nectar of God. You are now essentially a highly lethal superhuman nuclear recoil gun. no mortal shall oppose you now. for you have ascended to a plane of existence touched by no other living man. your opponents will not even realize what is happening, before a beam of thistle material transfers 500 Kilotons worth of TNT through their chest, killing them instantly.

#home security#barbecue#uranium

basicbeigecapybara

The Gettysburg Adress

Since it is currently presidents day, Here is the entire Gettysburg Adress.

"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate-we can not consecrate-we can not hallow-this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion-that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain-that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.

[alteon77]

*IMPORTANT NOTE: I'm copying everything over from AO3 to here because this series has a sequel coming out in the Fall, and I'd rather be prepared just in case AO3 goes down again. This is an older, complete story. So if you recognize it, you're not imagining things. 😂

Chapter Publication Date: 10/23/22 | Word Count: 8,374

All the Precious and Fragile Things (so easily do they break): Chapter 3

Part I: All of This Past

In a flashback, we learn the origins of May and Morpheus' history.

In the present, Morpheus meets his daughter, and Alexander Burgess is dealt with.

AO3 here, Masterlist here

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS PAST...

When Morpheus first sets eyes on her from inside his glass prison, he pays her little mind. After all, it's not as if Roderick Burgess hasn't brought women down here before, using his capture of the devil in his basement as a means of seduction to entice them. He doesn't think at first glance that the female whiffet before him will prove any different, that she might be anything more than yet another fool taken in by the mortal magicians rather questionable charms.

Granted, she's prettier than the others, he thinks in the sort of detached way that he notices everything down here now out of sheer boredom. Beautiful, even, he might say were he inclined to speak in the moment. Her shortened gown is a soft ivory, embroidered heavily with silver and diamonds that twinkle like stars even in the low lights of this place, and he carefully tries not to think about how the thought of stars makes his heart pang in want, so great is his desire to look upon them again. Unlike most of the women Roderick has brought down, however, she wears her hair long to the small of her back in smooth curls, the silken tresses clipped away from her face with a glittering silver comb that appears as if it was meant to match the dress. 

"Mr Burgess," she gasps, drifting closer to where Morpheus is and gazing at him from under long lashes. "This is him?"

For a split second, he sees a flash of something that reminds him of pity and anger in those almost... unnaturally shaded eyes of hers before the features on her unblemished, glowing skin smooth out, and she turns back to the amateur magician with a coquettish smile. Her lips, he notices rather distractedly, are full and pink, covered with something that makes them shine and look disgustingly kissable.

"It is," the man practically purrs, and she takes his arm again, moving indecently closer to him. 

"I can't imagine how much power it took to bind him," she breathes out, and Morpheus resists the urge to roll his eyes.

Roderick Burgess leans in and the woman pulls back, glancing hesitantly towards the guards. "Roderick…. not with them watching."

She sounds like a blushing maiden, but Morpheus has the sense that this disingenuousness is just another form of temptation. He thinks she knows exactly what she's doing with her virginal white garb and her coy manner and her apparent bashfulness about having a witness to what they're soon to engage in. Never mind that he's stuck in here, of course. She doesn't seem to care that he'll remain, uncomfortably forced to hear every moan and gasp, every slap of skin on skin, every false declaration of affection after his jailers are gone. Predictably, Burgess shouts an order for privacy, never taking his eyes off the woman as if he's enthralled in a spell, as if he's caught in the obvious net that she's laid for him, and the guards grumble a bit before they gather their things and file out. When they've gone, the metal gate slamming loudly behind them, she smiles at her apparent paramour, slow and provocative, and Morpheus prepares to turn away from them because he'll resolutely not be watching that particular proceeding no matter how attractive he might think she is. 

Only... he finds himself going rigid instead, stilling in shock when Roderick Burgess collapses on the ground in a boneless heap, and he is rendered wholly unable to process what's just happened for a long moment or two.

The woman scowls at the magician's prone body as if she's fighting the urge to kick and spit on it before she seems to calm, finally shifting her attention to Morpheus, who is observing the goings on in a sort of stunned confusion. 

"Sorry for the delay. And sorry you had to see that. I hope it wasn’t as nauseating for you as it was for me," she offers sincerely. "We couldn't find you because of the stupid binding, and then when we did, we had to actually get in here, which required a little….well, subterfuge.” She grins as if they’re about to embark on some grand adventure. “Right. Let's get you out of that fishbowl first, sweetling. I'll try to be quiet so the guards don't come running back in here."

He ruffles a bit at being referred to thusly, but her smile is open and honest, kind even, before she starts a chant in a language he doesn't recognize, her hand conjuring forth a curious golden magic that turns to dust as it settles over his cage. 

Metal and glass dissolve from around him, disappearing into nothingness, and he allows himself a moment to breathe deeply of the fresh air, filling his lungs in shuddering inhales as he revels in the feel of it on his face for the first time in decades. And then he remembers the woman enough to glance back at her, a sudden wariness about him as he watches her. Will she require something from him for this? What payment might her help demand? A dark, bitter part of him expects to barter for his freedom, but instead… curiously enough, she seems to be paying him no mind. 

Instead, he thinks that she's concentrating on her magic, on using it to pull up the outer edge of the binding circle. He stares as it begins to rise, and oh…. Oh. He feels so very close to free. Awareness from his realm probes tentatively at the edges of his mind as his power abruptly begins waking up inside of him, though it frustratingly remains just out of reach, and he closes his eyes for a second to better focus, as if by doing so he can help call it back to himself more quickly. So transfixed is he by this sensation that he doesn't notice Roderick Burgess get shakily to his feet and clamber closer, doesn't notice him lash out and sink something into the woman's back with a sickening squelch. Morpheus' eyes snap open at her gasp, and he is taken aback at the sight of her. The tip of the blade emerges from her chest and blood blooms around it, a macabre crimson flower against the white of her gown, the silver point of a dagger serving as its center. A dull, burning sting throbs strangely in his own chest, almost as if he's the one who's been stabbed, as if he's feeling something of hers reflected back to him.

The outer edge of the binding ring returns to where it had been when she'd started this as she stops casting in understandable distraction, looking down at where she's been mortally wounded before flicking those inconceivably wide eyes up to Morpheus. 

"Cursed blade," the magician bites out with grim satisfaction as he brutally yanks the weapon from her. She wavers at this action, swaying once or twice as if the the unexpected agony of it will drive her to her knees. She's unsure of what to do, of how to proceed. That much is clear to Morpheus, but she deliberates for only a moment before she seems to come to a decision, her teeth visibly gritting through the pain as she brings a hand up to him across the circle.

Take my magic , a voice in his head hisses, her bloody palm trembling out at him. You can use it to unmake the circle.

He nods without hesitation and brings his own hand up, pressing it against hers, twining their fingers together.

Please don't leave me here , she asks, and he feels her sudden vulnerability even though she's speaking in his mind. He nods again in agreement, and the power arcs across their joined palms, the vibrant gold and blue of her magic lighting up the dark of the room before she collapses over the binding ring and into him. It's instinct for his other arm to wrap around her in a mimicry of an embrace, for him to gently lower her down to the floor as best as he can, careful to keep from jostling her too much, careful to keep their hands touching to preserve the link. 

He's never used the power of another before, never really needed to as an Endless, but hers feels so fundamentally different than his that it's jarring. Still, he assumes the same methods to wield hers as he does his, shaping with it in the most familiar way he can. He probes the binding ring and focuses on unmaking it like he'd seen her do with the glass, dissolving the paint into grains of sand that blow away into nothingness. Roderick Burgess opens his mouth presumably to yell, to bring the guards back, and Morpheus reaches out with her magic, tossing his captor aside as if with an unseen hand. The magician hits the wall hard, his neck crunching immediately in what's sure to be a fatal break. And Morpheus is somewhat disappointed about that if he's being completely honest. He'd wanted to properly punish the human, to enclose him in a never ending nightmare and watch him suffer for the crime of his audacity in daring to imprison an Endless, in daring to injure both the Dreaming and the mortal realm. This vengeance, if it can even be called that, feels wholly unsatisfying. 

At his feet, the woman whimpers in pain, and Morpheus releases her hand, severing the link to gather her in his arms despite the fact that he thinks it might be pointless. She is losing blood rapidly, her returned magic struggling to mitigate the effects of the lethal attack by Burgess. Most creatures, he knows, are incapable of surviving cursed blades. Even to the Endless they sting a bit, but it feels ungracious to leave his savior to die in the same desperate place that she'd rescued him from. His power, no longer repelled by the binding circle, suddenly settles back into him. It thrums under his skin pleasantly, making him feel whole and complete as he hasn't for decades. Before him a bright blue vortex erupts, the dulcet call of his realm pulling him home as he clutches tighter to the bleeding woman and wills them both back to the Dreaming.

His realm has clearly ebbed in his absence. 

He thinks as he approaches it that it should be worse withered, but it pulses with a magic that is not his. It's warm and bright and content. Familiar, though he can't quite place it. He frowns in confusion, wondering if he's going to have to fight some interloper for his kingdom, and then wondering who he knows that possesses such power. The woman in his arms moans in anguish, and he spots the black veins running along her arm. The curse is spreading now, and he knows with a small pang of sorrow in his chest that she likely doesn’t have long.

"My lord!" The voice is as familiar as his realm. The sound of it makes him feel more like he's home than even the sight of the Great Wall surrounding the Dreaming. Lucienne comes running up to them, the gates closing behind her as she does. "Oh, Lord Morpheus!" she calls, uncharacteristic excitement and relief radiating from her when she gets to them. "It's worked, then. You've finally returned." Worked? Had this been a joint effort then? His suspicions are only further confirmed at her visible alarm for the woman. Concern tinges his librarian's study of her, one hand coming up to brush along the spreading black veins in a careful affectionate attentiveness that he doesn't recall ever seeing from Lucienne. "May…. What's happened to her?"

Lucienne clearly knows this woman. She’d called her by name even, and that is... curious indeed.

"Cursed blade," he answers, readjusting her in his arms. Light though she is, he's just spent decades languishing in a binding circle, and his strength is flagging. Thankfully, his librarian seems to take note of this as her features fix into an expression of determination. 

"Goodness. Then, we should get inside and get you both taken care of." She looks over the stranger for another minute before nodding, falling in line near him as Morpheus begins the journey towards the gates. 

"Who else is here?" he demands, his voice still rough while he walks on slightly unsteady legs at her side. "I feel another's power."

"It's hers, sir," she tells him, gesturing to the female he carries. "She's been augmenting the realm while we were searching for you. It was decaying significantly in your absence."

He glances down at the woman anew, puzzling over this development. What kind of magic user has the ability to lend their strength to keep a realm from degeneration? Worse still, he can't help but to wonder what price she will exact from him for such a thing. "And how, Lucienne, did she accomplish this?"

"I'm unsure as to the mechanics of the magic behind it. She was very clear that it was only a make-do measure, though. The realm, sir…. It is not as you left it"

Wariness clouds his features, but he cannot deny that he is indebted to this newcomer twice over for her assistance, and the thought settles like a stone in his belly as he wills open the door to the Dreaming. Inside, it becomes readily apparent that Lucienne was correct about the augmentation being but a stopgap. This woman had simply been keeping the realm alive in only its most basic form, and there is enough damage that he almost groans at the work awaiting him. First, he decides that he must see to his injured guest, and then he knows he will be required to focus on finding his tools before the rebuilding can begin. Only when his power is wholly returned to him will he be able to offer his savior the boon she has earned, even as he honestly wonders if she will manage to live long enough to ask anything from him at all.

Miraculously, the woman heals well under Lucienne's attentive care. She demands that he call her May, which he senses isn't actually her real name even as he entertains her request all the same. He allows her to rest and recuperate almost entirely before he hesitantly broaches the subject of what he owes her for her assistance and is surprised when she laughs at him for a solid four minutes. He frowns while he watches her do this, not understanding what's actually funny as she asks him if he might fetch her a glass of water. 

When she's drained it, her face still flushed from her fit of mirth, her lips curve up into a smile. It's a kind, honest smile that nearly disarms him with its warmth. "You owe me nothing, Dream. Nothing at all… but I should like to help you repair the damage if you do not mind. I so rarely get a chance to use much of my magic in the Waking."

He puzzles over this. She'd survived a cursed blade to the chest so she must be immortal, and his experience with those long-lived is that they tend towards a deceitful, manipulative cruelty. He still feels as if he does need to repay her in some way, however, and so he is compelled to grant her request no matter his mistrust. Of course, he does so conditionally as he's not an idiot like his sister believes of him, and the woman- May- remains rather happy with his capitulation despite the limits he places on it. 

Relatively quickly, he discovers that May is good company. She's well-read and witty, though her sense of humor can only be called questionable at best. There's a natural goodness in her, a light about her presence that everyone in the realm seems drawn to, and her kindness, he learns through his small interactions with her, is seemingly genuine. Even Fenris, the surliest and most prideful of his nightmares, has an apparent grudging respect for her that baffles no one save Morpheus. In short, he thinks that the more he knows of her, the more he is perplexed by her.

And so, with increasing frequency, Morpheus finds himself seeking her out. 

On his most recent return to the Dreaming, his tools safely in hand at long last, he follows that glowing brightness of hers to a beach that he thinks he vaguely recognizes, remembering that he had constructed it eons ago and then promptly forgotten about it. Here, May sits at the shoreline, her feet bare, her hair hanging loosely down her back, brushing against the sand. The silkiness of it shines in the fading sunlight, and he has the sudden ridiculous urge to reach out and run his fingers through the wild curls. 

She's speaking to something, and it takes him but a moment to realize that the something she's speaking to is his realm. With a sudden surprised glance up at him, her eyes crinkle slightly as she graces him with yet another of her lovely smiles. "Well met, Dream King. Did you collect your tools?"

He nods, his coat billowing behind him before he sits at her side, keeping a respectful distance between them. "I've insisted you refer to me as Morpheus."

"Yes. I'm sorry. You have insisted that... Morpheus." His name coming from her mouth sends an odd tingle through his spine. "It's excited that you're here," May tells him, gesturing to the water where the undulation of it is suddenly spirited. Her laugh as it does this is melodic and joyful, the dulcet tones of a sweet harmony filling the air at the antics of the world around her. 

"The Dreaming?" he questions. 

May tilts her head at him. "Of course." She makes a little face in apparent bewilderment before she digs her toes further into the damp sand, like she's a plant trying to bury her roots in its warmth. "Have you never spoken to it?"

"No." He shakes his head. Speaking to a realm is not in his nature or necessary to his function. He shapes and maintains it, but he wasn't even aware it had voice. 

"Why ever not?"

"It never occurred to me to do so," he responds, his answer honest. 

"You should. It has the most lovely song." May grins in gentle affection and brushes long fingers over the sand as one might stroke a favored pet. A strange lump feels stuck in his throat then, as he watches her interact with such effulgence. She's especially beautiful like this, he realizes with a pang of something that's dangerously close to yearning. 

"Were you not helping Lucienne today?" he asks instead of thinking any further on that particular observation. He’s noticed such thoughts cropping up more and more during these past months of conversations with her, and he knows it’s something that should be ignored for both their sakes. Morpheus, Dream of the Endless, is assuredly not lucky in love, and his romantic endeavors tend to end in either hatred, pain, destruction, heartbreak, or some calamitous mess of all those things. He thinks that for her help, he owes her better than to risk entanglement with the possibility of any of those outcomes.

May pulls a face not unlike that of a sulking youth. "She told me I looked peaky and ordered me to rest."

His lips twitch up in a faint smirk. "That certainly sounds like something she would say." Of course, he doesn't mention that his librarian seems especially attached to May herself, and that he's not sure she would fuss quite so much over him were he injured. He wonders why that is, as he has numerous times before by now, but he resigns himself to have patience on the matter, suspecting as he does that he’ll find out in due course.

"I considered sneaking back in, but I swear she has eyes everywhere."

"She does not have eyes here," he reassures with a furtive glance around, as if he's telling her some great secret. "Unless she foists a raven upon you, that is." 

Her grin is a teasing one. "I heard that you were assigned a companion quite unwillingly. He’s sweet.... if a little new.”

"I could not seem to discard him." He sighs. "Though I tried. Numerous times."

"Be grateful that she only sent you a raven instead of following you around herself. Millennia living my life under my own terms and now I’m ordered about like an errant child. My independence has been utterly felled by the admonishment of the universe's sternest librarian."

She's full of levity though she's feigning seriousness, and it's unexpectedly humorous. It draws an unwilling huff of quiet laughter out of him. The little vibration of amusement feels alarmingly foreign in his throat, and he idly wonders how many creatures have ever pulled such a sound from him. May beams as if she's proud to have caused such a thing, but she does not address it, does not speak of it as if he's a skittish animal that she doesn't want to frighten off. "She's actually very glad to have her library back."

"I am aware," he answers dryly. "I believe she was more devastated by the loss of it than of me."

May's laugh does not strike him a foreign thing as his does. Hers is an obviously well-practiced sound, one that he's heard often enough in his realm that it's starting to work its way into the very fabric of his home. He studies her as discreetly as he can, wondering over the mystery of her yet again, until the caw of his raven interrupts him. 

"Sir," Matthew calls out breathlessly, "there's someone here at the gates. Viego, I think? He wants to see May. He sounds... really pissed."

"Language, Matthew," Morpheus corrects, but beside him, May only sighs in something like resignation. 

"Blast." She exhales heavily. "That's my brother. I forgot to get a message to him that I was safe. This is going to be delightful." She goes to stand, but Morpheus is on his feet first, holding a hand out for her to take in assistance, an oddly gallant gesture that he doesn't quite understand of himself. Power jolts between them when she slides her own palm in his, cool and grounding even as their magic seems relentlessly, jarringly drawn together. The few times he's touched her, he's noted the pull between their shifting energy, and he tells himself that it is the only true reason for his own curious captivation where she's concerned. 

A part of him, though, that poor, fragile part that he’d hidden carefully beneath the ache from eons of heartbreak, knows better. Thankfully, he’s grown adept at ignoring that particular facet of himself.

PRESENT DAY...

In May's room, it is silent now.

Morpheus sits in a chair at her side, his power too drained to even consider willing away the dried blood on his physical form as he contemplates the events of the past few days. 

He is a father again, though he has not held his little girl yet, reluctant as he is to have her brought into this place while her mother fights for her life, a dogged battle that is continuing to draw on the reserves of energy that he'd woven into the realm decades ago. It had been a fail safe, then, a way to ensure the longevity of the Dreaming should he ever be captured again, but he never could have imagined using it for this purpose, to pull his once-betrothed back from the Sunless Lands as she'd faded.

He will have to speak with his sister later, to confess his transgression and hope she does not challenge him regarding his interference in her function. It is a rule amongst the Endless that they should never intrude in one another's duties, and yet he had, seemingly without thought as to what repercussions might result from such blatant meddling.

In truth, he does not know why he had decided to save May in this manner, why he had not simply allowed her to fade like she should have done, but he had… panicked at the possibility of her loss for some reason. It is an unusual thing for him to admit to, that anxious twisting in his entire awareness that he'd felt each of the two times he'd realized that she was dying before him, and even now he is incapable of adequately explaining it, of making any real sense of that... fear of his then.

I should end this immediately, some bitter, prideful part of him whispers. He had not, after all, been the one to take her life, and so the blame for her death would not be his. But as soon as he thinks it, he knows better. May should never have been abducted, should never have been held and tortured, and she would have been safe if only he had answered a summons from her or her brother earlier. In this, he is assuredly at fault.

Though, he is not the only one to have played some part in this. She'd been weighed down by carrying his child, hurt beyond measure, and that loathsome creature Alexander Burgess had compounded those things by exploiting her weakened state, by using it to first capture and then torment her for almost the entire duration of her pregnancy. 

Morpheus has never felt the urge to murder a mortal like he does in this instance. 

Viego, however, has been the one to claim rights to such retribution, and Morpheus finds that he cannot argue him on that really. Viego is her family while Morpheus is… not. In fact, he is nothing to her save for the father of her child, their child, and so he has no inherent entitlement when it comes to seeking vengeance in her name. Her brother will do as he sees fit, and Morpheus will be forced to accept Viego's decision in this matter. 

That desire to lock the youngest Burgess in an eternal nightmare of unspeakable pain and horrendous fear does not leave him, nonetheless, despite his rationalizations to the contrary. 

He studies May anew, his eyes roving over her gaunt, thin face as she sleeps, the only part of her that is visible given the pile of bedding atop her. Viego had been the one to cover her in several blankets, carefully working the bloodied coats out from under her bare body before doing so, and the tenderness with which the maker had seen to this task had been strange for Morpheus. He's always known that they were close, that they had spent countless millennia together before she'd came to the Dreaming and made her home here, but to witness this clear proof of Viego's love for her is still shocking. Viego, he's always thought, was incapable of such an emotion. 

It is odd to consider himself as being wrong, but to have the truth of Viego's sentiment laid before him in such startling clarity, Morpheus knows that wrong is certainly what he'd been in this regard. Observing this devotion between the siblings, however, causes a flurry of questions rise up within him. Had Viego… known that May had been lying to Morpheus, her future husband, all along? Had Viego been in full possession of every detail surrounding her deception? Had he kept silent out of loyalty? Or had there been a more duplicitous, conniving reason? Was he involved in hopes of some... gain? Her brother is near to the bed, and he's got a hold of May's hand, gripping it as if he's attempting to will her into consciousness so that he can ensure for himself she is well. The phrase thick as thieves comes to mind, and Morpheus understands in that moment that Viego likely had been aware of some of it, at least.

That sensation of betrayal washes over him, the bitterness of it feeling all too familiar these days. He had been a fool, and he is sure he can only blame himself for falling prey to May's schemes.

Just as he can only blame himself for her current condition. 

As Morpheus had mended her, as he'd pushed his power into her ravaged body and healed her, his heart had broken with what he'd found there. He'd been made privy to the testament of her horrific ordeal, to her suffering told in the damage to her physical form. There, he had been made intimately aware of the layers of injury on nearly every part of her, the wounds that had closed and then been reopened, the bruises that had faded and been remade. Her captor's brutality had been grotesque, her barely there immortality likely the only thing that had kept her alive for as long as she had endured. And all because Morpheus had ignored her calls for him.

He is not too prideful to accept his fault in this, not too sure of himself to think he has not failed her in some way. I should have answered her, he thinks, his stomach clenching in some foreign feeling as he mulls over his own dereliction where she is concerned. I should have answered her, and had I done so, none of this would have came to pass.

May sleeps, her dreams nothing more than fevered images of the nightmare she's endured these past months, memories flooding into her dreamscape with all the harsh bite of a million snapping, razor sharp teeth. She's so lost, drifting really in a sea of terror and fear, that she thinks she might have died and went to Hell. Literal Hell. 

Which… knowing what she's done, knowing the extent of her own monstrous deeds, she supposes that it makes sense she'd end her life suffering for all of eternity. 

(Upstairs from the basement she's still frighteningly trapped in, there’s a commotion, and May freezes, her mind a frenzy of dread that's only a hairsbreadth from hysteria, before she seeks out a place that she can at least have the benefit of surprise on her side if she must fight. The knife in her hand is slippery, and she grips it tighter while she waits behind a stack of boxes off to one corner of the basement. Her daughter, now full of milk, sleeps peacefully in her arms, making no sound that can give away their location, and May is grateful for that small mercy at least. 

The gate groans, and she hears measured footsteps moving toward her. May tries to calm her breathing, going still as she can in anticipation. A shadow arches over the space beside her, and she tenses herself to lunge out, to gut anything that comes near her or her child. 

Only to see Morpheus, Dream of the Endless standing before her. 

She thinks for one wild moment that he’s a trick of her mind, that the blood loss is giving her some kind of peaceful image as she dies. His eyes are sparkling at her, shining like there are tears gathering there amongst his stars, and he seems so... mournful, his sorrow thick in the air around them. Tentatively, he reaches out, his long fingers scant inches away from her…..)

May’s eyes snap open, and immediately she’s gasping for breath. All of her burns so fiercely, so painfully, that she’s not sure how her lungs are even functioning. 

“May!” Viego’s voice calls out to her, frantic and relieved at the same time somehow. “You’re safe, sweetheart. Breathe. We got you….. You're here. You’re safe.”

Blearily, she blinks her eyes into focus, taking in the sight of her brother half kneeling on the bed as he brushes her hair back with trembling fingers, his touch grounding her in some way. Lucienne hovers behind him, a tremulous smile on her lips.

“Hi, sis,” Viego greets and leans forward to place a heavy kiss on her forehead. This is real. This has to be real. Her face crumples into a grateful sob while she tries to sit. Her brother's alive. He had found her. He had come for her. No doubt sensing her struggle, one of his large hands braces against her back, helping her up.

“How are you feeling?” Morpheus calmly asks from beside her, and May freezes at the sound of his question, frowning in confusion when she shifts her gaze from Viego to gape at the Endless sitting in a chair on the other side of the bed. Beside her, he looks a wreck. His normally wild hair is laying almost flat against his head, and there’s dried blood on his face and hands. Missing his coat, his arms are bared by the t-shirt he's wearing and flecked with smudges of crimson red as well. 

“Morpheus?” she asks, her voice shaking while she attempts to makes sense of his presence here. Are they… in the Dreaming? “What are you….”

“He helped me save you, sis,” Viego pipes up. “He was surprisingly a little useful.”

Morpheus cuts a glare at Viego, and Lucienne sighs from where she’s at behind him, as if she’s been listening to their bickering for far too long and is tired of it. 

Not that May can really focus on that, though. Fear washes over her so quickly that it's dizzying. Has he taken Aurora? Did he bring her back here to steal her baby away? Alarm swells within her, sudden and sickening. Her child. Her child. 

“Where is my daughter?” The panic slams into her like it’s a physical blow, heavy and hard.

“She’s safe as well,” Lucienne answers, her tone soothing. “We’ve had Minnie caring for her. Would you like me to get her for you?” 

May’s not ashamed of the way tears spill out of her eyes as she nods and her friend leaves. She needs to feel the warm weight of her baby in her arms, needs to verify that she’s hale and whole for herself, needs to protect her from... she's not quite sure. Maybe Morpheus? Maybe something worse? Why can't she think clearly? 

Lucienne comes back in mere minutes, holding a bundle of clean blankets that she coos at before placing in May’s arms. 

If she was crying a little before, she’s opened up the floodgates now. 

“Hi, sweetling.” She greets the little girl with a watery laugh, studying her through blurry vision. Blue eyes blink up at her, but the infant mostly looks unimpressed at being roused from her sleep. “You’re okay. Everything is okay now.”

At her side, Morpheus has gone more rigid than usual, and May finds that a flush of shame takes over her. She imagines for a moment that she can feel the sorrowful yearning coming off of him as he stares, can hear his song go lower than usual, its beat mournful and slow while he watches her with their child. “Have you….. Have you seen her yet?” she asks tentatively, though she thinks she might already know the answer.

He meets her eyes like he’s just snapped out of a trance, and she notices that there are no stars there, that the nebulae she once loved to see twinkling from his irises are no more. “No…. I have been here.”

He hasn't even glanced upon their daughter, too busy sitting bedside to do so, and May feels her heart clench at the thought of that, at her assumption that he would so spitefully rend their infant from her. He might hate her, might hurt her, but... she's always known that he was incapable of harming a child. It’s a difficult concession to make because she doesn't trust him, but Aurora is his as well. May holds the girl out slightly from her body. “Would you… Do you….Do you want to hold her?” 

Don't, an aberrant voice in her head orders harshly, once he's got a hold of her he'll never relinquish her. You might as well give her up forever if you hand her over to the nightmare king.

May ignores those thoughts as best she can when he stands and sits across from her on the bed. Infinitely careful, he takes the baby from where May's holding her out, cradling his daughter against his chest and staring into the little galaxies of her eyes told in a lovely, deep cerulean blue.  

“She’s beautiful,” he breathes out, and the awe in his voice makes May want to cry all over again. She curses her hormones for this newfound tendency to weep so uncontrollably.

“Aurora,” she supplies and sees Viego's gaze flick to her, his expression one of shocked realization before his features go sentimental in understanding. Aurora, after all, had been one of their mother's many names.

“The light before the sunrise,” Morpheus says softly, unaware of the significance of what May's chosen to call their daughter. “It suits her.” 

“Is she…. healthy?” May ventures hesitantly, looking away from her brother to turn her attention to the Endless on the bed. “I couldn’t check for myself, and….” she trails off while Morpheus frowns at her, but she notices that his eyes look wet, as if he’s so overcome with emotion at meeting Aurora that he's almost been moved to tears. 

“Your magic is depleted.” It is not a question, but she nods anyway.

“Yes,” she answers aloud. In truth she wants to laugh bitterly at his assumption. Her magic isn’t depleted. It’s bound inside of her, caged within the runes she’d carved into herself to contain it. Depleted almost implies that it might return, and May knows that she can never let that happen. Not if she wants to live. She doesn't have to let him know any of that, though, doesn't have to share this particular weakness with him when she already feels so very diminished. She considers that it might be safer for her if he thinks that her powers will eventually come back, that she will inevitably be able to defend herself again. She's not quite sure why she thinks this, though, and she finds herself shaking her head a little as if to clear it. 

Morpheus studies their daughter more closely, his eyes sparkling again while he pulls aside the blanket and washes his power over her. Aurora suddenly screams at him, loud and high pitched, and he appears uncharacteristically startled by it, seemingly unsure of what to do in the face of her infantile ire.

At the sound of her crying, however, May feels a tell-tale heaviness in her breasts and realizes that she might know what's bothering their child. “Here.” She stretches her hands out, unbearably anxious to have her back. “She’s probably hungry.”

Morpheus nods once and relinquishes her, transferring the baby carefully to May, though reluctance at letting her go is clearly visible in the tense of his muscles. He'll keep her forever, some dark frightened part of her mind whispers, he'll send you away again and tear her from you as easily as he tore his love away.  

May attempts to will the panic away as best she can, taking several deep breaths as she focuses instead on letting her daughter latch on. Viego had said that Morpheus saved her, and he doesn't seem as if he's trying to keep her from their child now. She glances down at Aurora, trying to calm herself with this reasoning. 

“She is healthy and strong,” Morpheus tells her, still sitting on the bed. The relief she feels at this news is palpable, until he ruins it by adding, “You, however, are not.”

May frowns up at him, surprised, while she idly strokes their daughter’s head. “I’m fine.”

Compared to the hellish circumstances she'd just endured, she feels better now than she has in a long time. Her mind, granted, is still a little fuzzy, a little off, but she's not in any pain, which is a dramatic improvement from the past however many months she'd been held captive and... May stops the thought, that of her ordeal in the basement, in an instant, finding herself absolutely not okay with addressing that in any way, shape, or form right this minute.

She doesn’t miss the look that Lucienne and Viego exchange beside her, though, as Morpheus continues on. “We will bring in food, and you must eat. Even if it makes you sick, we must get sustenance in you.”

At the thought of anything in her body, her stomach roils in disgust. “I don’t think-”

“There will be no discussion on this,” he cuts her off roughly before he seems to check himself and forcibly gentle his tone. “I believe the pregnancy worsened the toll of captivity on your body. I was able to heal everything that had been done to you save for the effects of the starvation. Your stomach has completely stopped functioning. It took much to mend and rebuild the decayed muscles of it, and you must get them working again if the healing is to remain permanent. It will kill you otherwise. You are drawing on my power in the meantime to simply breathe, to…. exist.”

May feels herself instinctively rear back a little. “What?”

“You were dying, sis,” Viego says, oddly quiet until now. “I couldn't... really do anything for you.”

She doesn’t know what to do with this information. How far gone had she been? It sounded less like she had been dying and more as if she had already been dead. To link power like that is intimate, and she wonders what might have spurred him to do such a thing. Had Viego forced his hand somehow? Had Lucienne interceded on her behalf? He could have simply let her die and had his daughter to himself, no awkward co-parenting with a much hated ex-lover required. 

“You lent me your power once to save me,” Morpheus explains as if he’s reading her mind, his voice strangely soft. “I thought it the very least I owed you to return the favor.”

Tears spring up in her eyes again, and she has to look away from him. Once, she had given much for him, but she didn’t think he cared about that any longer, didn't think that he was still tallying up the moments and deeds between them and trying to figure out what he owed her. 

He certainly hadn’t been doing so when last they'd argued and he’d almost murdered her in his anger. 

"Thank you," she offers quietly. The gratitude is a stone in her belly, though, too much like indebtedness to him, and she hates it. She wants to leave, to climb to her feet and run away from this realm, to escape all of its bittersweet memories and its ruler who clearly loathes her, but she knows that she can't. Not now. Not with his power keeping her alive. Not with the innocent child between them that clearly needs his protection. "I'll do what I can to… to heal as quickly as possible."

Morpheus nods again, and May feels as if some sort of deal between them has been struck. The shattered pieces of her heart tremble at the thought. 

Immediately after leaving the Dreaming and his broken sister behind, Viego had found his way to the estate of Fawney Rig and began his work there. He hums spiritedly now as he wipes off one of his smaller blades, ignoring the muffled gasps of agony behind him.  

Like his sister, he's almost fatally realistic about some things, and so Viego isn't ignorant of what he is and what he isn't. He knows he's a monster at his core, that he's objectively a bad person. He knows he isn't good.

His sister thinks better of him than she should. After thousands of years, she thinks that the darkness in him has settled into the nothing of shadow, that he'd started letting go of those nightmarish urges of his in favor of the kind of normalcy that she's always wanted for him. Normalcy that he knows his deep-rooted darkness will never really allow. 

Beneath his hand, the human Alexander Burgess squirms in his hold. He's crying again, which is probably the stupidest thing the man could do in this situation. His desperate whimpers of pain are honestly one of the sweetest sounds to Viego, like a fantastic song set to play on repeat. 

While May might prefer the gentle swelling arpeggio of creation, he's always enjoyed the discordant cacophony of destruction. And this fucker in particular, the one who'd tortured his little sister for months, who'd nearly killed her, who'd put that fear in her that makes bile rise in his stomach every time he sees her flinch…. his destruction is going to leave Viego a glorious song that he'll relish forever .

"Alex…. I can call you Alex, right?" he asks, personably, like they're new friends chatting over coffee or something. "Listen, man, I really really need to know where you got that youth spell from."

The spell had set his teeth on edge when he'd first heard the tune of it eeking out of the unnaturally young-old man, the melody reminding him a little too much of his home realm. Like an animal sensing danger, Viego had felt his hackles rise at it. He'd had to sort May first, but he'd sworn to return and have a conversation with Alexander Burgess about its origination afterwards. 

The aforementioned man, who's currently pinioned to the dining room table of Fawney Rig, clenches his jaw around his gag to keep from answering. 

Viego snorts out a laugh, as if his reticence is particularly amusing. He turns his attention to look over the assortment of knives he'd brought for this particular meeting. Debating between the small paring knife (which honestly just seems like an inordinate amount of extra work when he thinks about it), and the one made especially for skinning animals (faster and easier, he guesses, if one enjoys that sort of thing), he finally settles on the latter. He's had kind of a hard day if he's being honest, and slightly easier just sounds better.

The one eye he's left Alex with widens when the light catches the blade. Distraught, he tries to let lose a muffled scream as he pulls vigorously against the tight restraints holding him.

"Let's not start that again." Viego sighs, as if his desperation is particularly irksome. "You think I don't know how to set up some damned ties? What in every hell makes you think I don't know how to do this? It's insulting, you know." He emphasizes this admonishment by neatly and quickly slicing a piece of skin no bigger than his hand from Alex's leg. 

The beautiful tune of his guest’s suffering, that shriek of agony blunted by the fabric of a gag, is nothing less than the most wondrous melody. 

Viego holds the skin up to the light, displaying it to the frightened man as he tilts his head to the side, looking at it with the critical eye of an artist. "On second thought, you might have a point. That is kind of sloppy. It's definitely not my best work," he says with a grin before tossing the flesh onto one of the stupid pretentious dining room chairs he'd shoved against a wall. It lands with a wet flop. "Maybe I'm slipping a little. Let's see if I can't get it this time." 

He's got the whole leg almost cleaned of skin to the thigh before he manages to create something that meets his exacting standards. 

"Now that is a perfect cut," he tells Alex somewhat breathlessly. "I guess practice really does make perfect, huh?"

Of course, his only answer is a subdued sob from his rapidly dulling guest. They just don't make evil assholes like they used to, he thinks mournfully. Nine or so centuries ago in Crete, he'd skinned a pedophile murderer all the way up to his neck that hadn't even begged for mercy until Viego had started in on his face. This guy's probably going to pass out before Viego gets to his fingers, which is just super disappointing. But Viego supposes that he shouldn't be too upset about it, given that he does have a job to do in the meantime with getting information and whatnot. 

"I'm going to need to know where you got that spell," Viego informs him again, his tone rather pleasant despite all the vitriolic fury roiling inside of him.

Alex finally nods, and Viego carefully pulls the gag from his mouth, mindful of his teeth. Getting bitten is such an amateurish mistake. He hasn't made it since he'd been  younger and had first started this little hobby of his, not realizing then the lengths that people would go to for survival, especially vicious murderous bastards. Point being, though, he's not inclined to make it again. 

"I'm so glad we can talk, now," Viego tells the man, an affable smile tugging his lips up. "It's the only reason I let you keep your tongue and teeth, you know. This whole thing can get awful lonely without company."

"Please…" Alex rasps out. 

The darkness in Viego swells at that, at the audacity of this asshole to dare beg him. He sees the binding circles, his sister covered in too much of her own blood, fear and pain so bright in her eyes she'd seemed like a feral animal. He sees the taut stretch of her skin over bones from being starved to death over and over, the cuts that he'd sewn back up with the librarian during that dreadful, anxiety-ridden wait in the Dreaming. Viego knows his art well, and as he'd looked at the broken body of the only other living person in his very long life he'd ever loved, he had known exactly what this thing had done to her. 

"Did she beg?" he asks at last, keeping his voice as mild as he can. "When you tortured her? When you skinned part of her arm?" He pokes Alex's arm with the bloodied knife as if to prove a point. "When you beat her and burned her? When you cut into her? Did she beg for food when you starved her to death again and again?"

"She…. She screamed…. a couple….. a couple times."

Viego nods. It's what he expected. His sister has always been a tough old bird at her core, even when she wasn’t old at all. Even when she had been just a kid, really. "Now see…. If she were here right now, she would order me to let you go." Viego purses his lips. "She's like that. Stupidly kind. I mean, we've had some arguments over it in the past, real blow ups, you know? But she's… not as big of a fan of bloodshed as me."

Alex looks so utterly hopeful in that moment that Viego almost feels sorry for him. Almost. "I still need to know where you got the youth spell, Alex."

"A witch…. she gave it to me for a vial of the… of her blood," Alex tells him hurriedly. "It had to be taken…. taken straight from her heart."

"May's heart?" Viego clarifies, frowning. There aren't a lot of spells that require straight heartblood like that. Most of them have been lost to time, and even the ones that have survived have to be performed by a witch of exacting caliber, of whom there are very few left alive today. 

"She was very specific. She gave…. gave me a special needle for it and everything."

"Hmmmm." Maker's blood is unfortunately very potent as is. It'sone reason why their kind had been hunted to near extinction. The first thing he'd done when he'd gotten back to Fawney Rig had been to unmake every cell of his sister's being from that basement, from the blood all over the fucking place to the placenta from Aurora's birth still left in the binding circle. "You know what it was for?"

Alex tries to shake his head, but the strap over his forehead won't let him make the movement. "Not really…. but she said…. Hadris? Hadrus? Something…. Something like that."

"Hadrius?" he demands, suddenly insistent, the cold pinprick of fearful fury spreading over him. "Was it Hadrius?"

"I think that was… it."

He feels his chest clench in that old, familiar terror that accompanies that bastard's name. What the hell would he want with May's blood? And heartblood at that? Whatever it is, Viego knows it likely isn't fucking good.

"Thank you, Alex," he offers the man and means it. He has been very helpful, after all. "I'm going to put the knife away now. He goes to his tools and sets the skinning knife neatly in its place before he grabs a set of pliers. 

"No…" Alex whimpers in horror, his eyes flooding with tears, snot leaking from his nose. "No! You said…. You said your sister would make you free me."

"Oh, she would," Viego confirms in clear disapproval. "The problem is, Alex, that she's not here now. She's recovering from all those terrible, terrible things you did to her. Soooo…" He squeezes the man's cheeks, wrenching his mouth open. "It's just you and me…. and now that I know everything I need to know, I think I'd rather you just not talk anymore….. " 

Viego tightens the pliers, squeezing them in his hand, his darkness practically dancing in anticipation of the song he's about to make.

It's the last thing he really says to Alex Burgess, preferring to let his work speak for him. His screams of agony, Viego thinks as he works, are like a good song on repeat, and he can’t help but to smile as he loses himself in the melody.

After seeing to the tasks of the past few days, their tending delayed by his involvement in rescuing May and waiting for her to waken, Morpheus is… exhausted. Weary beyond measure, he is walking towards his chambers when he hears the sound of an infant mewling, and it takes him several seconds before he reminds himself that it could be no other than his own child making those pitiful noises, sobbing out of some need. Not bothering to knock, he enters May's quarters, going past the sitting area and hallways as he makes his way to her bedroom within. 

There, the little girl, his little girl, cries while May slumbers heavily, and Morpheus hesitates at the threshold of her room for but a minute before coming to a decision and walking over to pick his daughter up, cradling her against his chest. He glances towards the sleeping female on the bed to make sure she's still resting, unwilling to wake her when she so clearly needs it but also worried to have her stir and panic at his presence. He is, unfortunately, painfully aware of the fear that May seems to have of him regarding their new baby. It twists something inside of him for some reason he doesn't understand, that she thinks so lowly of him, that she's so terrified of him, that she believes him cruel enough to even consider keeping their child from her. 

Their child , he thinks in sudden, surreal awe regardless, his heart swooping unfamiliarly. Their daughter. When first he'd held Aurora, his world had seemed to tilt precariously at the nudge of his and May's combined power made corporeal in the little one, at the very last remnant of their lost love made flesh in his arms, warm and trusting and defenseless. In an instant, he had known that there was no denying who this child belonged to. Initially, a part of him had hoped that Lucienne and Viego were mistaken, that this baby had been born of another, thinking that May's duplicitous betrayal of him might grant her ease in finding a new lover rather quickly, but it was not so. The shame of that thought now burns. He had assumed the worst of her while she was hurting, suffering horribly because of the babe he had unknowingly put in her, and the blame of that rests squarely on his shoulders. 

No matter that he was right to send her away from him, right to banish her, he had indeed left her with child, left her unprotected and unsafe. He still struggles to admit it, even to himself, but he knows that he bears fault for her current condition, that the guilt he feels for not doing his duty by her is appropriately placed. She'd been tortured, starved, and hurt because of his failings, and she'd almost died giving birth, was near enough to death by the time they found her that he could hear his sister's wings in the distance before he'd pushed his own power into her. And that almost hadn't been enough to keep her alive, such was the extent of her injuries. If it hadn't been for Lucienne and Matthew ignoring his orders, they never would have gotten to her and the child in time, which would have seen the two of them surely perishing in that basement.

He knows he cannot change what has happened, though. He can only strive to do better for them both, for May and for the baby in his arms who's currently squirming in fussiness. And he wonders over this personal vow of his. A mere century ago, he likely would not have cared, would not have felt the pang of his transgressions so deeply as he does now. But then, he has changed in some way. Of that he is certain. His own captivity had been a rather humbling experience, and he'd learned in its aftermath how fragile the fabric of the universe around him truly was, how fleeting even the most constant of things could be. It had been May, seemingly kind and good-hearted, who had taught him compassion, who had taught him what it was to truly love, and though he'd eventually discovered that she was a deceiver, those lessons she'd thrust upon him had unfortunately remained behind even after he'd cast her out. Even after he'd learned to loathe her for what she'd done to him, learned to hate her for hurting him as she had.

But that is neither here nor there. Whether he hates May or not, he owes her for this child of his and what she'd been through to birth the girl, owes her doubly so for the way he'd erred in ignoring her summons. 

Carefully, he readjusts his hold of his daughter. For all that he's held an infant before, he feels awkward doing so now. He supposes it has been a long time, and his heart clenches as he resolutely tries not to think of his son Orpheus when he pulls this child of his into his warmth.

"Aurora," he says, his low voice soothing, "allow your mother to sleep." She calms immediately in his arms as if she's understood, looking up at him with large wet eyes, nearly perfect copies of May's own when they're lit up with her power, save for the way that they sparkle with his stars. 

That magic of hers reaches out to him again, a tiny vining spark that connects against the wall of his own Endless power. "Hello, little one," he greets, smiling tenderly at her. The budding power suddenly shoves hard, pulling a huff of laughter from him. " Now you remind me of your mother. Her magic tends towards such adamancy… as does yours, apparently."

And that's yet another thing he forces himself not to think about as he glances again at the figure on the bed. He tries to ignore the memory of the devastating emptiness he'd felt of her power when he'd healed her. Some part of him, the part that stands out from his shadows, hopes that it isn't gone forever, that it isn't yet another loss for her that he will be the cause of.

He realizes, however, that it might be a fool's hope, that.

Aurora is whimpering anew, and he sits in a plush chair in the room, settling his daughter against his chest more easily this time. "Would you like to hear a story, my precious starshine?"

She quiets at the sound of his voice as if in agreement, so softly he starts to tell her about the formation of the first star that ever came into being. And his little girl, whom he already loves so much that it takes his breath away and makes him inexplicably afraid at the same time, drifts back to sleep in the peace and safety of his arms.

NEXT CHAPTER

[zebozapp]

Backyard Gazebos: Style Meets Comfort in Outdoor Living

Creating an inviting, functional outdoor space is a dream for many homeowners. Whether you're looking to host family barbecues, enjoy some quiet time outdoors, or create a stylish and practical area to unwind, a Backyard Discovery gazebo is an excellent addition. Gazebos have become increasingly popular in backyards as they provide a mix of elegance, protection, and versatility. In this blog, we will explore the many benefits of a Backyard Discovery gazebo and other gazebo options, and how they can transform your outdoor living space.

What Is a Gazebo?

A gazebo is a freestanding, open-sided structure, often with a roof, that is designed to provide shelter, shade, and a focal point for outdoor spaces. They come in various shapes and styles, including octagonal, rectangular, and round. Gazebos are traditionally used as a shaded area for relaxing, dining, or entertaining outdoors.

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Backyard Discovery is a well-known brand that offers durable, beautifully designed gazebos, pergolas, and playsets. Their gazebos are crafted from high-quality materials and designed to withstand the elements, making them ideal for backyard use in various climates. Here are some of the key reasons why a gazebos for backyards might be the perfect choice for your outdoor space:

High-Quality MaterialsBackyard Discovery gazebos are built using durable, weather-resistant materials like cedar, steel, and galvanized hardware. These materials ensure that your gazebo will last for years, even when exposed to rain, sun, wind, and snow.

Customizable DesignsOne of the best features of Backyard Discovery is the wide range of customizable designs. Whether you're looking for a classic, rustic wooden gazebo or a sleek, modern style with steel accents, there's a design to suit your taste and your outdoor space. Many models also come with optional accessories like mosquito netting, privacy curtains, and built-in benches.

Easy AssemblyWhile many gazebos require complicated assembly, Backyard Discovery offers straightforward, user-friendly designs. Most models come with pre-cut, pre-drilled, and pre-stained parts, making the assembly process much easier than traditional gazebos. Some even come with 3D interactive instructions to guide you step-by-step through the process.

All-Weather ProtectionGazebos from Backyard Discovery are designed to withstand various weather conditions. Many models feature roofs made from UV-resistant, weatherproof materials, ensuring your gazebo remains in top condition no matter the season. Whether you need protection from the sun or a light rain shower, these gazebos offer reliable shelter.

VersatilityA Backyard Discovery gazebo is not just a decorative addition; it's also highly functional. You can use it to create an outdoor dining area, a peaceful retreat for reading, or a gathering spot for parties. With additional features like built-in seating or electrical outlets, your gazebo can serve multiple purposes throughout the year.

Benefits of Adding a Gazebo to Your Backyard

The addition of a gazebo can significantly enhance your outdoor living space in several ways. Here are some of the key benefits of adding a gazebo to your backyard:

Increased Outdoor Living SpaceOne of the primary benefits of a gazebo is that it extends your usable living space outdoors. Whether you want to enjoy your morning coffee, host a family gathering, or just relax with a book, a gazebo provides a sheltered space that can be enjoyed year-round.

Protection from the ElementsA gazebo offers protection from harsh sunlight, rain, and even wind. This means you can enjoy the outdoors without worrying about the weather. In warmer months, a gazebo provides a shaded retreat from the sun, while in cooler months, it can help shield you from light rain or wind, making your outdoor space more usable throughout the year.

Increased Home ValueInstalling a gazebo can also increase the value of your home. Potential buyers often view well-designed outdoor spaces as a desirable feature, making your property more attractive. A Backyard Discovery gazebo is a long-lasting and stylish investment that adds both beauty and functionality to your home.

Entertainment HubA gazebo can serve as the perfect entertainment hub for outdoor events. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue, a birthday party, or a family reunion, a gazebo provides a focal point where guests can gather, relax, and socialize. You can even equip it with outdoor lights, speakers, and furniture to create a fully functional outdoor living room.

Personal RetreatIn today’s busy world, having a quiet place to escape and unwind is essential. A gazebo can serve as your personal retreat, offering a peaceful space to meditate, practice yoga, or simply enjoy nature. Add comfortable furniture, soft lighting, and some greenery, and you’ve got the perfect spot for relaxation.

Aesthetic AppealA gazebo enhances the visual appeal of your backyard, acting as a focal point that draws the eye. It adds a sense of style and structure to otherwise open or plain outdoor spaces. Depending on the design, it can lend a modern, rustic, or traditional charm to your yard.

Choosing the Right Gazebo for Your Backyard

When it comes to choosing the right gazebo for your backyard, there are a few factors to consider:

Size and SpaceMeasure your available space before purchasing a gazebo. It’s important to ensure that the gazebo fits comfortably in your yard without overwhelming the space or making it feel cramped. Backyard Discovery offers gazebos in a range of sizes, so you’re sure to find one that fits your space.

Style and DesignConsider the overall aesthetic of your backyard when choosing a gazebo. Do you want something that blends seamlessly with your garden, or are you looking for a bold statement piece? The wide variety of designs available from Backyard Discovery ensures you can find a gazebo that complements your outdoor decor.

MaterialsChoose a gazebo made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Backyard Discovery offers gazebos made from cedar, a naturally rot-resistant wood, as well as steel-framed options for a more modern look. Make sure the materials are treated for weather resistance to ensure the longevity of your investment.

Additional FeaturesMany gazebos come with optional features like mosquito netting, privacy curtains, or built-in benches. Think about how you plan to use your gazebo and whether any of these additional features would enhance your experience.

Maintenance Tips for Your Backyard Gazebo

While gazebos are generally low-maintenance, regular upkeep will ensure they remain in top condition for years to come:

CleaningRegularly clean your gazebo to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating. A simple wash with mild soap and water is usually enough to keep the structure looking fresh.

Inspect for DamagePeriodically inspect your gazebo for any signs of damage, such as cracks or rust. Address any issues promptly to prevent further wear and tear.

WeatherproofingIf your gazebo is made from wood, ensure that it is regularly sealed or stained to protect it from the elements. Metal gazebos may require anti-rust treatments to maintain their appearance.

Cover in WinterIf you live in an area with harsh winters, consider covering or partially disassembling your gazebo during the colder months to prevent damage from snow and ice.

Conclusion

A Backyard Discovery gazebo is a fantastic addition to any outdoor space. It offers a combination of style, protection, and functionality, allowing you to make the most of your backyard all year round. Whether you're looking for a place to entertain guests, relax with family, or simply enjoy the outdoors in comfort, a gazebo is the perfect solution.

[evelynjohn001]

Hammock for a Cozier Outdoor Experience?

When it comes to relaxing outdoors, nothing quite beats the comfort of a hammock. Whether you’re soaking up the sun in your backyard, reading a book by the beach, or simply unwinding at a campsite, a hammock elevates the experience. Let's explore why a hammock is the perfect addition for a cozier outdoor experience and how you can make the most of it.

Why Choose a Hammock for Your Outdoor Space?

1. Ultimate Relaxation

A hammock is synonymous with relaxation. Suspended in the air, it gives you the feeling of floating, which is soothing for the mind and body. The gentle swaying motion helps relieve stress, allowing you to fully unwind in the peaceful ambiance of nature.

2. Portable and Easy to Set Up

Hammocks are lightweight and easy to transport, making them perfect for any outdoor setting. Most models come with convenient carrying bags, and many don’t require trees for setup thanks to sturdy stands. Whether you’re camping, hiking, or just spending time in your garden, a hammock can be set up in minutes.

3. Comfort and Versatility

Today’s hammocks are designed with comfort in mind. Many are made from soft, durable materials like cotton, nylon, or polyester, which provide excellent support while being breathable. Hammocks come in various styles—single, double, or even family-sized—so you can choose one that best fits your needs. They also pair well with accessories like pillows and blankets, transforming them into a cozy outdoor retreat.

4. Perfect for All Seasons

Hammocks are versatile enough to be enjoyed throughout the year. In the summer, they provide a breezy, open space to relax, while in cooler months, a hammock paired with a thick blanket or sleeping bag creates a cozy nook. Some hammocks are even designed to be weather-resistant, allowing you to leave them outside without worry.

Types of Hammocks for Every Need

Choosing the right hammock depends on how you intend to use it. Here’s a quick guide to some popular types:

1. Rope Hammocks

These classic hammocks are great for hot climates. The open weave allows for plenty of airflow, keeping you cool on hot days. They are usually made from cotton or polyester ropes, with the latter being more resistant to the elements.

2. Fabric Hammocks

Fabric hammocks offer a solid, supportive surface and are typically made from cotton or a polyester blend. These are ideal if you want a softer feel and are perfect for use in your backyard or patio.

3. Camping Hammocks

Lightweight and portable, camping hammocks are usually made from nylon and are designed to be easy to pack and carry. Some models include bug nets and rain covers, making them perfect for overnight stays in the wilderness.

4. Hammock Chairs

If you’re short on space, a hammock chair is a great alternative. These are suspended from a single point and provide a cozy spot to sit, read, or simply sway in the breeze.

How to Create the Ultimate Cozy Hammock Setup

Making your hammock as cozy as possible requires some creativity and planning. Here are some tips to enhance your outdoor hammock experience:

1. Add Soft Layers

A few throw blankets or cushions can instantly make your hammock feel more comfortable and inviting. Opt for weather-resistant fabrics that can withstand outdoor conditions.

2. Incorporate Lighting

String lights or solar-powered lanterns around your hammock create a magical atmosphere for nighttime relaxation. They also add a decorative touch that enhances your outdoor space.

3. Privacy and Shade

For extra comfort, consider adding a canopy or hanging curtains around your hammock to block out harsh sunlight or create privacy. You can also position your hammock under trees for natural shade.

4. Keep Bugs Away

If you're in a bug-prone area, a hammock with an attached bug net is a great investment. Alternatively, you can hang a net over your hammock for protection while still enjoying the outdoors.

Conclusion: Embrace Outdoor Comfort with a Hammock

A hammock can transform any outdoor space into a cozy oasis. With its portability, comfort, and versatility, it's the perfect addition to your backyard, patio, or camping gear. Whether you’re lounging solo or sharing it with a loved one, a hammock offers a simple yet luxurious way to connect with nature and relax. So, why wait? Make your outdoor experience cozier today by adding a hammock to your setup!

[untuckworld112]

Discover the Best Water Park in Fresno

When it comes to finding a fun-filled escape in the heart of California, nothing beats a day at the best water park in Fresno. This article will delve into everything you need to know about this premier destination, ensuring your visit is packed with excitement, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.

Introduction to Fresno's Premier Water Park

Fresno is home to a water park that stands out for its thrilling rides, family-friendly attractions, and top-notch amenities. This best water park in Fresno offers a perfect blend of adrenaline-pumping excitement and leisurely relaxation, catering to visitors of all ages.

Thrilling Water Slides and Rides

The Ultimate Wave Pool Experience

One of the highlights of the park is its state-of-the-art wave pool. Designed to mimic the rolling waves of the ocean, this attraction offers endless fun for swimmers of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking to ride the waves or simply float on the gentle swells, the wave pool is a must-visit.

Exhilarating Water Slides

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, the park features a variety of high-speed water slides. From towering free-fall slides to twisting tube rides, there's no shortage of thrills. Highlights include:

The Tornado Twister: A massive funnel slide that sends riders spinning down a vortex before plunging into the pool below. The Kamikaze Drop: A heart-pounding vertical drop slide for the ultimate thrill-seekers.

The Serpent's Tail: A series of winding, looping slides that provide a fast-paced, exciting ride.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Lazy River Relaxation

For a more laid-back experience, the park's lazy river is an ideal choice. Drift along the gentle current in an inner tube, taking in the beautiful scenery and enjoying the relaxing atmosphere. It's perfect for guests of all ages and provides a nice break from the more intense attractions.

Interactive Play Areas for Kids

Families with young children will appreciate the park's interactive play areas. These zones are designed with safety and fun in mind, featuring shallow pools, mini slides, water cannons, and splash pads. Highlights include:

Pirate's Cove: A themed water playground complete with climbing nets, slides, and water-spouting treasure chests. Tadpole Lagoon: A shallow pool area with gentle slides and water features tailored for toddlers and preschoolers.

Amenities and Services

Comfortable Cabana Rentals

For those looking to make their visit extra special, the park offers private cabana rentals. These shaded retreats provide a comfortable place to relax, complete with lounge chairs, a dining table, and dedicated service staff. Cabanas are perfect for families or groups looking for a bit of privacy and luxury during their visit.

Dining Options

The park boasts a variety of dining options to satisfy any craving. From quick snacks to full meals, visitors can choose from a range of eateries offering everything from burgers and pizza to salads and ice cream. The park also accommodates dietary restrictions, ensuring that all guests can enjoy a delicious meal.

Safety and Cleanliness

The safety and well-being of guests are top priorities at the best water park in Fresno. The park is staffed with certified lifeguards and adheres to strict cleanliness protocols. Visitors can enjoy their day with peace of mind, knowing that the park is committed to maintaining a safe and hygienic environment.

Special Events and Group Packages

Seasonal Events and Celebrations

The park hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including summer festivals, holiday-themed celebrations, and family-friendly activities. These events add an extra layer of fun and excitement to any visit, making it a memorable experience for all.

Group Packages and Birthday Parties

The park offers group packages and birthday party options, making it an ideal venue for celebrations. Packages often include discounted admission, reserved seating areas, and customizable catering options. Whether it’s a school trip, corporate event, or family reunion, the park can accommodate groups of all sizes and ensure a fantastic experience.

Plan Your Visit

Location and Hours

Conveniently located in the heart of Fresno, the park is easily accessible from major highways and public transportation. Operating hours vary by season, so it's recommended to check the park's official website for the latest information on hours and special events.

Ticket Information

Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, with a variety of options available to suit different budgets and preferences. Season passes offer great value for frequent visitors, providing unlimited access throughout the season along with additional perks and discounts.

What to Bring

To make the most of your visit, it’s important to come prepared. Here are a few essentials to pack:

Swimwear: Appropriate swim attire is required for all water attractions. Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the sun’s rays by applying a water-resistant sunscreen. Towels: Bring plenty of towels for drying off after enjoying the water attractions. Footwear: Water shoes or flip-flops are recommended for navigating the park comfortably. Personal Items: Don’t forget your ID, cash, or credit cards, and any necessary medications.

Conclusion

The best water park in Fresno offers an unparalleled blend of excitement, relaxation, and family-friendly fun. With its diverse attractions, top-notch amenities, and commitment to safety and cleanliness, it's no wonder that this park is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike. Plan your visit today and experience all that this fantastic water park has to offer.

[fieldsofdrams]

The Art of Fusion Landscape Design Company in Modern Design

The days of gardens being relegated to the backyard are over. Modern landscapes wrap around the home to connect previously disparate areas into a cohesive whole. Strategically placed windows, doors, and transitional spaces like covered porches further dissolve barriers. The result is an inviting continuum where it's hard to tell where the home ends and the outdoor oasis begins. 

Blurring Lines Between Indoors and Out

Contemporary landscape design company utilizes pergolas, gazebos, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces to extend the livable space outside the home's walls. Multi-level decks and patios aligned with internal floors and sightlines promote an easy flow between areas. Transitional zones – such as French doors opening onto an elegant patio – bridge the gap between inside and out.

Carefully positioned lighting casts a warm glow to make alfresco spaces welcoming and usable day or night. Speakers pipe your favorite music outside for seamless audio integration, and Wi-Fi boosters extend your connectivity outdoors. All these technical integrations promote beauty and functionality in the modern blended landscape.

Integrating Hardscapes and Softscapes   

One hallmark of contemporary Landscape Design Services is the artful integration of hardscapes and softscapes. Clever designs mask unsightly elements like Landscaping Services equipment behind charming garden walls. Decorative stone pathways seem to organically meander through plantings. Strategically placed boulders and specimen trees break up the hard lines of architectural features.

 Sophisticated Scope for an Ultra-Luxury Landscape

Lavish exterior living realms demand far greater consideration than basic yard upkeep projects. Prime applications for a high-end landscape design firm include:

Luxury Pools and Landscaping

Dream backyard retreats hinge upon a spa-inspired poolscape integrating negative edge or infinity details, cascading water features, integrated lounging, entertainment, and relaxation zones, plus perfectly complementing hardscapes and foliage.

Professional Outdoor Kitchens 

Alfresco cooking and dining spaces designed for show and meticulous utility house premium cabinetry, professional-grade appliances, custom seating areas and entertainment systems.

 Tennis Courts, Sports Courts or Golf Putting Greens

Recreational amenities allow playtime without leaving the privacy of the home. Careful planning removes surrounding obstructions while considering zoning setbacks for fencing or netting.

Elaborate Garden Designs

Sculptural plants, flowers, lighting, and water displays, combined with cunning landforms and architectural follies, infuse depth for the meandering senses. 

Ultimate Backyard Structures

Pavilions, pool houses, standalone bars, fireplaces, and shade structures present opportunities for bespoke multi-functional amenities adorning luxury landscapes.

Working with the Pros for Success 

Creating a visually stunning, holistic fusion landscape requires technical skills and experience. Reputable landscape and pool contractors are also key for transforming plans into reality. Look for companies with extensive experience, top-notch equipment, positive reviews, and proper licensing and insurance. Be sure they follow best practices and building codes so the final product meets the highest quality standards. 

[grandpatios]

Elevate Your Outdoor Living Space with an Aluminum Patio Gazebo and Hardtop Gazebo

Transform your backyard into a luxurious retreat with the addition of an aluminum patio gazebo or a hardtop gazebo. These elegant and functional structures offer the perfect combination of style, durability, and versatility, enhancing your outdoor living experience and creating a captivating focal point for gatherings with family and friends.

Aluminum Patio Gazebo: Timeless Elegance and Durability

An aluminum patio gazebo is a timeless addition to any outdoor space, combining classic elegance with unmatched durability. Crafted from high-quality materials such as powder-coated aluminum frames and UV-resistant canopies, these gazebos are built to withstand the elements while maintaining their pristine appearance for years to come. Whether you're seeking shade from the sun, protection from the elements, or a stylish focal point for outdoor entertaining, an aluminum patio gazebo offers the perfect solution.

Hardtop Gazebo: Stylish Shelter for All Seasons

For those seeking a more permanent and weather-resistant outdoor shelter, a Hardtop Gazebo is the ideal choice. Featuring a sturdy steel or aluminum frame and a durable polycarbonate or metal roof, hardtop gazebos provide reliable protection from the sun, rain, and snow, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space year-round. With their spacious design and versatile features, hardtop gazebos are perfect for hosting outdoor gatherings, dining al fresco, or simply relaxing in style.

Create Your Outdoor Sanctuary

Whether you choose an aluminum patio gazebo or a hardtop gazebo, you're investing in more than just a shelter - you're creating an outdoor sanctuary where you can unwind, entertain, and make lasting memories with loved ones. Customize your gazebo with optional features such as built-in lighting, mosquito netting, or privacy curtains to enhance comfort and functionality. With their timeless elegance and practical design, aluminum patio gazebos and hardtop gazebos offer endless possibilities for enhancing your outdoor living space.

Versatile and Functional Design

From intimate gatherings to large-scale events, aluminum patio gazebos and hardtop gazebos provide versatile and functional shelter solutions that adapt to your needs. Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, enjoying a quiet afternoon with a book, or celebrating special occasions with friends and family, these stylish and durable gazebos offer the perfect backdrop for outdoor enjoyment and relaxation.

Elevate Your Outdoor Living Experience Today

Experience the ultimate in outdoor luxury and comfort with an aluminum patio gazebo or a hardtop gazebo. Enhance your outdoor living space with a stylish and functional shelter that combines timeless elegance, durability, and versatility, creating a captivating focal point for gatherings and creating cherished memories with loved ones.

[theshadesexperts]

Zebra Blinds vs Roller Blinds Pros and Cons:

Zebra as well as roller blinds are both well-liked window coverings solutions that combine fashion and practicality. Though both kinds of blinds offer security and control of light, a thorough comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of roller and zebra blinds will assist you better appreciate their unique qualities.

Here, we will compare the benefits and drawbacks of roller as well as Zebra Blinds Tampa, as well as their prices and available designs. We'll assist you in making an informed choice that takes into account your requirements and tastes, whether you're searching for an affordable alternative or a contemporary, adaptable one.

What are the Roller Blinds? Conversely, Roller shades Tampa are a classic and traditional choice for window coverings. Whenever not in use, these blinds are made of just one piece of fabric that is wrapped around a pole. Roller blinds may be motorised for increased convenience, or they may be operated manually using a string or rope. They are a flexible option for a variety of locations and settings because they come in a broad selection of patterns, colours, and fabrics. Homeowners frequently choose roller blinds because of their reputation for cost, ease of use, and efficiency.

What are the Zebra Blinds? The Zebra Blinds Tampa block light and safeguard your privacy. The thin stripes screen light, cut down on glare, as well as block UV rays. Light can get via your blinds when the transparent bands overlap. This will give your room the light it requires. Z-blinds are a kind of window covering that has become around for a while and is becoming more popular. As you move from one band of cloth to the next, sheer or net lines appear, giving an appearance of zebra stripes. There are many ways to use zebra blinds in your house, from the bedroom to the living room to your home office. They have a sleek and trendy look that goes with a lot of different types of home design. The Benefits and Drawbacks of Roller and Zebra Blinds

Now that you have a better understanding of these Roller shades Tampa, let's compare the advantages and disadvantages of roller as well as zebra blinds.

Roller Blinds Advantages: •  Many design variations to accommodate a variety of tastes •  Inexpensive and friendly to an expenditure •  Sleek and uncomplicated appearance •  Simple to set up and use •  Simple to clean and requires little upkeep Disadvantages: •  Less control over light than zebra blinds •  Unsuitable for windows of peculiar sizes or forms •  Might not offer as much seclusion as zebra blinds

Zebras Blinds Advantages: •  Adaptable style that goes well with a variety of interior decor •  Excellent possibilities for seclusion and light control •  Adaptable to suit huge windows shields from dangerous UV radiation •  A cutting-edge and contemporary window covering choice Disadvantages: More expensive than roller blinds requires routine upkeep and washing Panels made of fabric could be more brittle and prone to breakage.

After weighing the benefits and drawbacks of both roller as well as zebra blinds, decide which option best suits your requirements and tastes. It's ideal to speak with a reputable manufacturer who can offer you knowledgeable guidance and point you in the direction of the blinds which most meet your needs.

[majalatsalsabil]

Enhance Your School's Environment with Quality School Umbrellas in Riyadh

Are you seeking reliable solutions to shield your school's outdoor spaces from the scorching sun or unpredictable weather in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? Look no further than Al-hazaziFoundation for top-notch school umbrellas and screens. Our expertise lies in the meticulous design and installation of awnings, screens, pergolas, and various blacksmithing works, ensuring optimal protection and aesthetic appeal for educational institutions across Riyadh.

At Al-hazaziFoundation, we understand the importance of creating a conducive environment for learning, which is why we offer a diverse range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of schools in Riyadh. Our school umbrellas are crafted from high-quality materials, guaranteeing durability and longevity even in the harsh Saudi Arabian مظلات مدارس climate. Whether you need shading solutions for playgrounds, outdoor seating areas, or walkways, our expert team will work closely with you to design and install umbrellas that seamlessly blend functionality with modern design aesthetics.

In addition to school umbrellas, we specialize in the installation of screens, providing added privacy and protection against dust and wind. Our services extend to the design of cladding facades, pergolas, and garden landscaping, enhancing the overall appeal of your school's outdoor spaces. Moreover, our wood-replacement decorations offer a sustainable alternative to traditional wood, adding a touch of elegance to your school environment.

With Al-hazaziFoundation, you can rest assured that your school will receive comprehensive solutions for all its shading and protection needs. Our team of skilled professionals handles everything from blacksmithing works to the dismantling, installation, and construction of hangars, nets, and hair houses. We pride ourselves on delivering exceptional quality and service, ensuring complete satisfaction for our clients in Riyadh.

Don't compromise on the safety and comfort of your school's outdoor areas. Choose Al-hazaziFoundation for reliable school umbrellas and screens in Riyadh, and experience the difference in quality and performance. Contact us today to learn more about our distinguished services and transform your school's environment with our premium shading solutions.

[harlequinblinds]

What are the different types of outdoor blinds Sunshine Coast-wide?

If you're looking to transform your outdoor space on the Sunshine Coast, outdoor blinds are a versatile and stylish option. But with so many types available, choosing the right one for your needs can be overwhelming. Let's shine a light on the different types of outdoor blinds on the Sunshine Coast! First we have PVC blinds, also known as clear blinds. These blinds protect against the elements while allowing natural light to filter through, creating a light and airy feel.

They are perfect for closing off outdoor areas such as patios, decks and verandas, providing protection against wind, rain and insects without compromising the view. Next we have net blinds which are made from a robust fabric designed to withstand the harsh Australian conditions and the climate These blinds provide privacy and shade while allowing air to circulate, making them ideal for creating comfortable outdoor spaces. With different coverage levels available, you can choose the perfect balance of light and privacy to suit your needs.

 Ziptrak blinds are another popular choice on the Sunshine Coast. These innovative blinds feature a unique roller drive system that allows for ease of use and seamless integration into the outdoor space. With no wires, cords or chains, Ziptrak blinds offer a clean, modern look, protecting against sun, wind and rain. Cafe blinds are a great choice for those looking to add style to their outdoor space. These classic blinds have a simple yet sophisticated design that makes them suitable for residential and commercial applications. They come in a variety of colors and materials, so you can customize the look to suit your style.

Exterior blinds are a versatile option that offers both style and functionality. Due to their elegant design and ease of use, blinds are a popular choice for closing off outdoor spaces such as terraces, pergolas and balconies. They come in a variety of fabrics and colors so you can create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Finally, there are plenty of options for outdoor blinds Sunshine Coast-wide. Whether you want the transparency of PVC blinds, the durability of mesh blinds, the ease of use of Ziptrak blinds, the elegance of cafe blinds or the versatility of classic blinds - there is a solution for every taste and budget. So why wait? Enhance your outdoor experience with stylish and functional outdoor blinds today!

[statewideoutdoor]

Creative Ways to Style Your Outdoor Awnings

Imagine a sunny day, lounging in your backyard, enjoying the fresh air and the gentle rustle of leaves. Now, picture yourself having the option to bask in the warmth of the sun or relax in the cool shade right in your own outdoor space. 

That's the magic of Best outdoor awnings Melbourne! These versatile additions to your home not only provide protection from the elements but also offer an opportunity to elevate the style and functionality of your outdoor areas. 

Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and innovation as we explore some creative ways to style your outdoor awnings!

1. Embrace Nature with Greenery 

One of the most captivating ways to enhance the appeal of your outdoor awnings is by incorporating greenery. Imagine beautiful vines cascading down from above, framing the awnings and providing a natural, organic touch to your outdoor space. 

Consider installing small trellises near the awnings to encourage the growth of climbing plants such as ivy or jasmine. Not only will this create a stunning visual effect, but it will also infuse your outdoor area with a refreshing burst of natural fragrance.

2. Lighting Ambiance 

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood for any outdoor setting. Outdoor awnings provide the perfect opportunity to create enchanting lighting effects. Stringing fairy lights along the edges or installing soft, warm-toned LED lights can transform your awning into a cosy retreat during the evening hours. 

Opt for solar-powered lights for an eco-friendly touch and to minimise the need for electrical wiring. By doing so, you can extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the night, adding a touch of magic to your outdoor gatherings.

3. Colorful Canopies 

Adding a splash of colour to your outdoor awnings can breathe new life into your outdoor area. Opt for vibrant, weather-resistant fabrics to create a visually stimulating and inviting atmosphere. Whether you prefer bold and bright hues or soothing pastel tones, the options are endless. Switching out the canopy fabric seasonally or for special occasions allows you to effortlessly transform the look and feel of your outdoor space, keeping it fresh and inviting throughout the year.

4. Outdoor Curtains 

For those seeking an elegant and versatile way to style their outdoor awnings, consider installing outdoor curtains. 

These can be easily drawn back to allow for unobstructed views or pulled closed for privacy and shade. Adding outdoor curtains not only introduces a touch of sophistication but also allows for easy customisation of the level of shade and privacy in your outdoor space. 

Choose light, flowy fabrics to create a breezy, relaxed ambience or opt for heavier materials for a more dramatic and intimate feel.

5. Functional Additions 

Enhance the practicality of your outdoor awnings Melbourne by incorporating functional elements such as retractable screens or mosquito netting. These additions can help to keep pesky insects at bay while allowing fresh air to flow through. 

Additionally, consider attaching hooks or rods to the underside of the awnings to hang plants, wind chimes, or decorative elements. By doing so, you can optimise the use of your outdoor space while adding personalised touches that reflect your unique style.

6. Cosy Outdoor Seating 

Pairing your outdoor awnings with inviting and comfortable seating sets the stage for memorable moments spent outdoors. Consider incorporating weather-resistant cushions and throw pillows in coordinating colours to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. 

Whether you opt for a sleek, modern look or a more eclectic, bohemian vibe, the right choice of seating can complement your awnings and tie the entire outdoor space together seamlessly.

7. Personalised Signage 

Add a personalised touch to your outdoor awnings with custom signage or artwork. Whether it's a whimsical welcome sign, an inspiring quote, or a hand-painted mural, incorporating personalised elements can infuse your outdoor space with character and charm. This offers an opportunity to express your creativity and make a statement that truly reflects your personality and style.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, your outdoor awnings are more than just functional additions to your home; they are versatile canvases waiting to be transformed into captivating outdoor retreats. 

By embracing nature with greenery, playing with lighting ambience, incorporating colourful canopies, adding elegant outdoor curtains, integrating functional elements, creating cosy outdoor seating, and personalising your space with custom signage, you can unlock the full potential of your outdoor awnings Melbourne and elevate your outdoor living experience. 

Let your imagination run wild as you explore the endless possibilities of styling your outdoor awnings, and get ready to savour every moment spent in your outdoor oasis.

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