#rice grinder

[tridentengineers]

Instant Rice Grinder Manufacturer – Trident Engineers 

Introduction To Instant Rice Grinder Manufacturer:

Are you looking for instant rice grinder manufacturer and need to know a lot about the instant rice grinder before buying then you are in the right place. Enter Trident Engineers, the pioneers in revolutionizing the way we approach rice grinding with their state-of-the-art Instant Rice Grinder. This innovative kitchen companion has become a game-changer for both household kitchens and commercial establishments alike.

Pioneers of Instant Rice Grinder Manufacturer:  Trident Engineers, a pioneering manufacturer of instant rice grinders, is dedicated to meeting the needs of the food processing industry. These innovative machines play a pivotal role in streamlining the rice grinding process, offering efficiency and convenience to food manufacturers and processors alike. Trident Engineers was founded with a vision to revolutionize the food processing industry by providing innovative and efficient solutions. The company’s mission revolves around delivering high-quality, user-friendly, and sustainable food processing equipment. Over the years, Trident Engineers has achieved remarkable milestones and garnered recognition for its commitment to excellence.

The Rise of Trident Engineers As A Leading Instant Rice Grinder Manufacturer:

Trident Engineers, with their commitment to precision engineering and culinary excellence, have been at the forefront of manufacturing high-quality kitchen machinery. Their Instant Rice Grinder stands as a testament to their dedication to simplifying traditional processes without compromising on taste and quality.

Product Overview:

The instant rice grinder offered by Trident Engineers is a state-of-the-art machine designed to simplify the rice grinding process. With robust construction and advanced technology, these grinders ensure quick and uniform grinding, meeting the diverse needs of the food processing industry. The grinders boast features such as high efficiency, easy operation, and low maintenance, making them a preferred choice for businesses.

Trident Engineers understands the importance of providing reliable and durable equipment to its customers. Therefore, the company takes pride in its meticulous manufacturing process, adhering to stringent quality control measures. This ensures the production of instant rice grinders that are not only efficient but also reliable and long-lasting. Moreover, Trident Engineers is committed to sustainability and strives to integrate eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing processes wherever possible.

Manufacturing Process:

Trident Engineers takes pride in its meticulous manufacturing process, adhering to stringent quality control measures to ensure the production of reliable and durable instant rice grinders. The company’s commitment to sustainability is evident through its focus on energy-efficient manufacturing processes and the integration of eco-friendly materials where possible.

Market Reach:

Trident Engineers has established a strong global presence, serving markets across various continents. The company caters to a wide range of customer segments within the food processing industry, earning acclaim from clients for the performance and durability of its instant rice grinders.

Industry Impact:

Trident Engineers has significantly contributed to the food processing industry by introducing innovative and technologically advanced instant rice grinders. The company’s dedication to continuous improvement and its strategic collaborations and partnerships have further elevated its impact, driving positive change within the industry.

Features that Set Trident’s Instant Rice Grinder Apart:

Swift Grinding Technology: The Instant Rice Grinder by Trident Engineers boasts swift and efficient grinding, significantly reducing the time traditionally spent on the process. Whether you are running a bustling restaurant or managing a busy household, this technology is designed to match your pace.

User-Friendly Design: With a focus on user convenience, Trident’s Instant Rice Grinder is designed with simplicity in mind. Easy to operate and maintain, it ensures a hassle-free experience for both amateur and professional chefs.

Consistent Results: Achieve uniform and consistent rice grinding every time. Trident Engineers understands the importance of texture and granularity in various culinary applications, making their grinder a reliable choice for chefs seeking perfection.

Durable Build: Crafted from high-quality materials, the Instant Rice Grinder is built to withstand the rigors of daily use. Its robust construction ensures longevity, making it a wise investment for commercial kitchens and passionate home cooks alike.

Versatility in Applications: Beyond rice, Trident’s grinder can be used for various grains and pulses, offering versatility in culinary applications. From dosa batter to idli mix, it caters to a wide range of traditional recipes.

Applications in Commercial Kitchens:

For restaurateurs and food service providers, Trident’s Instant Rice Grinder is a valuable addition to the kitchen arsenal. Its ability to produce large quantities of consistently ground rice opens doors to a myriad of culinary creations, enhancing the overall efficiency of the kitchen.

Conclusion:

Trident Engineers has successfully bridged the gap between tradition and modernity with their Instant Rice Grinder. By combining cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of culinary needs, they have provided a solution that not only saves time but also preserves the essence of traditional cooking. As the culinary landscape continues to evolve, Trident Engineers stands tall as a beacon of innovation as instant rice grinder manufacturer, transforming the way we approach rice grinding in the modern kitchen.

[postcard-from-the-past]

Rice, wheat and coffee grinders in Baghdad, Iraq

French vintage postcard

[femmefitz]

Making a Christmas list is so fun. I love the idea of getting things.

[nohkalikai]

sooo much coriander was just drying up in the fridge so i turned it into pulao

[sarvani-taduri]

Premium Stabilizers, Wet Grinders, Rice Cookers & Mixies – The KEELINE Advantage

Enjoy the KEELINE advantage with our premium range of stabilizers, wet grinders, rice cookers, and mixies. Designed for top-tier performance and long-lasting use, KEELINE products deliver superior results, offering unbeatable value for money without compromising on quality.

[technowings]

Making oat flour: what fun! I made a bit of a mess and I still have some little bits left over but I can just add those to other things for ✨️texture✨️. I have converted a whole canister of quick oats into a whole canister of oat flour and feel accomplished!

Making brown rice flour: a slog. My crops and family are dying from neglect. I have been at this for 100 years. My torment is perpetual. I have a tablespoon of flour.

[avengineeringcbe]

Stainless Steel Instant Rice Grinder by AV Engineering:

 The stainless steel instant rice grinder by AV Engineering is a high-quality kitchen appliance designed to streamline the process of grinding rice into fine powder quickly and efficiently. 

Crafted from durable stainless steel materials, this grinder is built to withstand regular use while maintaining its sleek appearance. With user-friendly controls and a compact design, the stainless steel instant rice grinder by AV Engineering offers ease of operation and storage. 

The grinder is made from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability, resistance to corrosion, and easy cleaning. Its sturdy construction and reliable performance make it a dependable tool for both home cooks and professional chefs alike, providing consistent results with every use. Its compact and space-saving design makes it suitable for kitchens of all sizes, allowing for convenient storage when not in use.

Summary:

The stainless steel instant rice grinder by AV Engineering is a reliable and efficient appliance for grinding rice grains into fine powder. Its durable construction, powerful motor, and user-friendly design simplify the preparation of rice flour and batter for various dishes, from traditional South Indian delicacies to gluten-free baked goods. Click here to know more about Stainless Steel Instant Rice Grinder.

AV Engineering

Contact: 9786773455

Website: https://avfoodmachineries.in/

[thinkaboutthescience]

i sneezed wrong and now i can’t turn my head or lift my right arm.

i hate being an adult.

[despite-everything]

i've been interested in kink and bdsm for years now and have done so much research etc etc and have a decent tool selection so by this point, i'm not usually surprised by things, especially tools/toys. there's stuff i'm not into, but very rarely do i look at something and think jesus fucking christ what is that evil thing and what do you even use it for but boy howdy did i just find a wild etsy shop. this stuff is mean

[bestpickme]

✅ Best Grain Mill for Corn and Fine Flour 2023 || TOP 5 PICKED💥

[tridentengineers]

Batter Mixer Machine Manufacturers- TRIDENT ENGINEERS

Introducing Trident Engineers’ Revolutionary Batter Mixer Machine: Perfecting Every Blend with Precision:

Experience the pinnacle of batter mixing excellence with Trident Engineers’ finest-art Batter Mixer Machine. Crafted with precision engineering and innovative technology, this mixer redefines efficiency and consistency in every blend. Whether you’re a professional chef, baker, or cooking enthusiast, our mixer elevates your culinary creations to new heights. Click here to visit the Batter Machine Manufactures.

Trident Engineers

Our Website: https://rishabtte.com/

Contact No: 9500988122,9500155206,9500988121

Address:  SF 93/3, Revenue Nagar, Opposite CRI Chola Pumps Sathy Road, North, Saravanampatti, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035

[seireiteihellbutterfly]

My "Batter" Half

A/N: Written for @tsukimefuku's foodies and goodies challenge. Coming out of a bit of a writing slump with everything going on atm, so I hope this doesn't disappoint.

Pairing: Nanami x Fem! Reader (Desi reader coded)

Rating: E, safe, fluffy, cute

Word Count: 897

Nanami sits on one of the barstools at your kitchen’s island watching you bustle around getting all the grains the recipe called for. 

“Sweetie, I only asked if it was possible sometime this week. You don’t have to make it for me right away.” 

You shush him, pushing your hair out of the way as you measure the Sona Masoori rice, flat rice, and fenugreek, throwing them all into a large baking bowl and hefting the bowl towards the sink, adding in enough water so that a thin layer covered all of it. You cover the bowl with saran wrap and place it away on the countertop. 

There was no question that you loved cooking for Nanami, but something in you glowed when he asked for South Indian food. There was a regular rotation in what the pair of you cooked but when he asked for masala dosa, you melted inside, all of your senses kicking into high gear to feed him what he craved. It was comfort food for you growing up, and it meant the world to you that he had grown to love it too. 

He knew the effort it took, an almost 2-day process just to make the batter, so he didn’t normally ask for it. The first step was done, letting the grains ferment overnight in water. You wash your hands and join him at the island. 

“It’s no trouble at all Kento. Anything for you.” You rest your head against his shoulder, a soft sigh emanating from him as he puts an arm around you. “Hopefully it’ll be all nice and soft tomorrow. Then I’ll run it through the grinder to make the batter and it’ll have to sit overnight in the oven, so don’t plan on baking anything tomorrow.”

He chuckles, the soft vibrations felt against your hair. “Roger that. But you still didn’t have to get started so immediately.”

“You rarely ask for anything. I couldn’t resist.” You press a kiss to his cheek. “Let’s go to bed.”

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

The next day morning, you check the bowl, pleased to see all the components have fluffed up and taken in as much water as they could. You begin to set up the little grinder that would change the grains into batter, carefully placing the rod mechanism attached to two 5-pound stones into the apparatus. Once in place, you switch it on, and carefully begin adding the grain mixture in between the two stones, adding water to help it along and adjust the thickness. Once all the rice has been put into the contraption, you sit and wait, watching the batter form, checking it for smoothness and ensuring the grain wasn’t clustering into lumps. 

You salt the mixture well and then cover it again with saran wrap, then place it inside the oven, where the added humidity would help the batter thicken and rise, making for the fluffiest dosas. 

Kento wanders downstairs, ready for work in a crisp shirt and tie, eyes taking in the scene in the kitchen. “Someone was up early today,” he observes as you start disassembling the grinding machine. You give him a pleased smile and carefully set the heavy stones back into the box they belonged in. 

“Had to. The earlier I start the process, the quicker it’ll ferment. Who knows, maybe even by tonight if we get lucky.”

Nanami smiles tenderly and pulls you into a hug. “Whenever honey. I’m just glad you took the time to make it.”

You kiss him tenderly before he leaves for work.

── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

The day has finally arrived. You check the oven and almost giggle from the delight of seeing the fluffy batter resting in the large bowl. It was ready.

As Nanami slept in, a rare luxury he could only afford on weekends, you begin prepping the dosa filling, throwing the potatoes into a pressure cooker, while chopping onions into half-circles. Once the pressure cooker whistles 3 times, you take it off the flame, waiting for it to cool, before mashing the potatoes. Deftly, you heat the oil in a large wok, tossing in mustard seeds, green chilies, and black lentils for tempering. Once they start to sizzle, you throw a few curry leaves on top, the pleasant crackle bringing a smile to your lips.

The onions and potatoes are tossed into the wok and mixed with a pinch of turmeric, and some cilantro. A fragrant scent fills the kitchen as you set it aside and get ready to make the dosa. A ladle dipped into the fluffy batter, then spread thinly on a greased pan, going in concentric circles from the middle until it starts to heat up and harden, becoming crisp. You scoop some of the onion potato filling and place it in the center, allowing the dosa to harden a little longer before folding it in half and placing it on a plate. 

You’re about to start the second one when Nanami wanders into the kitchen, still in his pajamas. 

“My nose woke me up,” he says good-naturedly, wrapping his arms around your waist. 

You sigh contentedly, laying down the batter for the next one as Nanami breaks off a piece of dosa and tucks into the filling. He chews and swallows, savoring the spice.

“Delicious,” he whispers, and your heart swells with joy, his appreciation the only thing you needed. 

Nanami masterlist | JJK Masterlist

Stars divider by @/ saradika. Support banner by @/ cafekitsune

@estarlias @daswanj @whatshernameis @byul9158 @mirrors-musings @Mangiswig

@that-goth-bisexual @connorsui @jadedjane @darkstarlight82 @soft--cherry @galactict3a @hunnie-lily

[mraprilfools]

Summary: After Alastor's broadcast gets major recognition on the daily Newspaper and Vox wants to celebrate the achievement! However, Alastor doesn't think it's such a big deal. This doesn't dissuade Vox from trying however!

Pairing: Alastor/Vox

Tags: Domestic Fluff, Alastor being Alastor, Repressed Feelings, Vox & Alastor are in an unannounced QPR kinda. They didn't know what that was in the 60's, Pre-Canon Radiostatic

Length: 3.4k

Alastor’s Noon Broadcasts are the best way to stay informed for the busy Hellish citizen! Boasting a lively personality, wit, and a sharp tongue the man never fails to entertain! Alastor’s choice of classics and contemporary music never fails to disappoint, and his knowledge of the greats is a refreshing breath of air! If you’re at your Hellish occupation, the man’s voice will make the tortures of Modern-day capitalism ALMOST bearable! Tune in today at 66.6!

A particular review stuck out that morning while Vox drank his coffee. The sizzling of eggs and bacon melded with the jazz playing from the record in the living room. The smell of spices from the peppers snuck into this morning's omelets tickled his senses. There were few places Alastor was happier in than the kitchen.

His presence was so normal that it was not unusual to hear his voice while it accompanied Armstrong’s. Alastor’s figure donned in a bright red apron was becoming an increasingly familiar sight these days. A guest bedroom only in name, like a capricious cat he came in and out like it was his home too. Vox was far too fond of the company to make a fuss about it.

When Alastor made breakfast in the morning, it made the arrangement all the more attractive. Loathe as Vox was to admit it, his hand-crafted coffee with the pour-over was far better than the lukewarm slosh the drip ever made. Though to be fair, pawn shop junk was hardly quality.

But the best part? It was the company. Vox would never admit it, but over the years he had come to find that the feelings he had taken to be lust had transformed slowly into something...more? What started as a desire to sleep with him had become embarrassingly chaste. A former playboy turned into a lovesick moron. But he was happy... The sight of the demon’s smile whenever he turned his head, meeting Vox’s eyes even when he had nothing to say at all? It always made the morning light a little brighter.

Sometimes Vox swore he could see something reflected in Alastor’s eyes that was almost gentle. Though if that was his rose-colored goggles? Vox wanted to keep believing that delusion. All he could have was the dream after all. The sixties wasn’t a time when a man could love a man. At least, out in the open.

“You’ve made the news Alastor! They’re calling your Radio broadcast a hit right on the front page! It’s… in tiny print but that’s AMAZING!” Vox turned over the reading rag, snapping his claw against the column written in small print.

Alastor hummed, far more occupied with flipping the omelets than looking.

“That so?”

One by one he slipped the omelets on top of a bed of rice in perfect shape. With a plate in either hand, he strode over and set them on the table. The smell alone was enough to whet the appetite. Vox’s stomach growled in impatient protest.

Alastor pinched his monocle between two fingers, holding it over his right eye to get a better look. But the small print made that a challenge. With a click of his tongue, Alastor circled the table and leaned over Vox’s shoulder. One palm was flat against the surface while the other held his shoulder.

Vox felt an intense warmth from the place Alastor’s hands rested. A floral smell from the shampoo he used the other night cut through the sharp scent of capsaicin. Everything about him so close caused a rancor in Vox’s chest, forcing him into silence while he let Alastor read the news. The pleasant mood broke when laughter spilled freely as the Radio Demon. His finger jabbed at a section of the main story.

“Look at that Vox! A MEAT grinder! Why haven’t I ever thought to use one of those before?! Head first though? They’d stay alive much longer if they did feet first. Well- We can learn from others' mistakes no?” There was a sing-song tone to his voice, with a genuine sparkling in his crimson eyes when they matched the monochrome gaze of the man beside him.

Vox forced a weak laugh. “I was talking about this part, Al. Where they talk about your broadcast.” Vox tried again to guide Alastor’s attention to the small print, only for Alastor to shrug indifferently.

“It’s hardly newsworthy that my broadcast is the best in hell. Why! That’s simply common sense and not worth fretting over! But the bloody tales, now there’s something worth writing about!”

All the excitement in Vox sputtered out. If his TV broadcast had been mentioned there he would be over the moon. Alastor didn’t even care. But, Vox didn’t allow himself to be dissuaded! “Well- If you won’t be proud of your accomplishments I’ll be proud for you!”

Alastor tilted his head to the side, resting it on top of the boxy frame of Vox’s head. The radio signals became intense as they brushed against Vox’s antennae. The rang pleasantly, sending a thrill through his whole body in a way only Alastor could affect him. Like tactile music that made his artificial heart flutter with excitement.

“Then you’ll find me a meat grinder, my dear?” Alastor asked.

“That’s… alright. Sure, that should be easy. We can throw the killer in there and have him the right way in if that bit of irony tickles you.”

The happy buzzes intensified, with the deer’s head nuzzling against the warm box pleased with his answer. Fuzzy ears smacking against the top that shot a heat up to the TV overlord’s face.

“That sounds DELIGHTFUL my dear! So deviously clever, this is why we are such good friends! Do they know the killer?” Alastor asked.

“No-- but I bet I can figure it out. I’ll have my usual contacts look into it.”

Alastor pulled the newspaper out of Vox’s hands, tossing it right into the trash. Alastor plucked the between his fingers and pressed it into one of Vox’s now-empty claws. “Perfect! Now eat up while it’s still hot! We have a busy day today don’t you know! And we don’t want to eat cold eggs do we?”

What Alastor wanted was usually easy for Vox to guess. Rye, blood, or Jazz records. Though Vox suspected it was more the attention and fawning than the actual gifts. Retreading the same old ground would mean Vox stopped trying. He needed something special for this special occasion.

What Alastor wanted was to put a man feet first into a meat grinder to celebrate his great achievement. He’d get that! But a man deserves flowers too! Some years ago Vox happened to learn through a bit of drunken banter that Alastor was fond of daisies. He mentally tucked away that information in case he ever needed it. Today was that day!

Vox got a dozen! Wrapped up in a beautiful red ribbon.

The man held his head high as he walked home with his gift. He’d never had a good excuse to give Alastor flowers before. Vox had searched for every way to say the words that reverberated in the heart. He’s done all but say it out loud at this point. A flickering of hope in his chest hoped that even a fragment of his true feelings could be conveyed through this gesture as well.

Alastor wasn’t home. So Vox checked what should have been his first guess, his radio tower. The building was detached from his studio, up high so he could best transmit the signals out over Pentagram city. You needed to climb a ladder to even reach the station, which made bringing him lunch a pain sometimes.

When Alastor was currently airing, there would be a blinking red sign that said, ‘ON AIR’ to inform guests the door was sealed tight. Going in was to risk their own skin. Luckily, It was off right now. Vox found Alastor bent over a desk. Currently pouring over his notes, headphones hung around his neck. A beautiful quill pen was pinched between his fingers.

The large ears swiveled, but Alastor never raised his head. He was far too invested in whatever he was working on. “Vox! How nice to see you. Isn’t it a little late for lunch? Give me just a minute.”

While Alastor wasn’t looking at him, Vox crossed the distance. Vox had expected a list of music, a speech, or whatever Alastor would feel was important to tell the rest of Pentagram City. What he found instead was a doodle of the two of them sticking some man in a meat grinder. Vox had underestimated how enchanted he was by the idea. The childish drawings with the exaggerated smiley faces were cute if you ignored the otherwise macabre content.

It was a good thing Vox had become extremely desensitized to violence in the past decade. The old Vox would be having nightmares after watching something like that. These days? He only heard the screams in his nightmares, sometimes. A disturbing contrast to Alastor on the other hand who was kicking his feet like a teenage girl.

When Alastor was done with his latest masterpiece, he deposited the quill into the inkwell and spun around. His eyes immediately widened at the sight of the daisies, though he didn’t reach out to take them. His eyes drew up to meet Vox’s screen instead.

“Daisies! I can’t believe you remembered they were my favorite after all this time! What’s the occasion, My dear?”

Vox thrust out the bouquet, his monochrome box filling with a bright gray color that masked his freckles. “I told you! I’d be proud for you! I don’t know when I’ll dig up information on the killer or the meat grinder but I wanted to do something to celebrate today. And I thought they’d be nice on the kitchen table.” Cyan fingertips danced along the paper that crinkled in his hands. For a moment, Vox worried he may have remembered falsely or crossed a line he shouldn’t have.

Alastor plucked the bouquet from Vox’s hands, red fingertips meeting blue for the briefest of moments.

The anxiety became overwritten with an intense blooming joy that put the daisies to shame! Followed by a sinking terror.

Before Vox’s very eyes, the once vibrant beautiful blooms wilted between Alastor’s fingers. Petals scattered and fell. The stems wilted, twisted into a sad display of death. Alastor remained unperturbed, tracing the withered petals affectionately with a single finger.

“They’re lovely Vox, thank you! I think you’re right, they would look perfect on the kitchen table.”

Vox couldn’t believe his eyes. All the excitement he would have felt for having his gift received sputtered out into hopeless confusion. Why wasn’t Alastor bothered at all?

“I’m glad you like them...”

The same bouquet of wilted daisies greeted Vox at the breakfast table the very next morning. The water was already murky and cloudy pale green. Stems hung limp around the vase unable. It was the ugliest-looking bouquet he’d ever seen in his life, and Alastor continued as if it was normal.

Vox refused to let a symbol of his affection be represented by rotten blooms! So he bought a brand new bouquet when he got off work that day. When he got home that night he replaced them before Alastor could get a chance to see them.

That night he went to sleep pleased knowing Alastor would surely comment on his efforts to go above and beyond. Yet the very next morning they were as dead as the previous days. Alastor continued as if none the wiser they’d ever been replaced.

Vox couldn’t even taste his coffee. Utterly flabbergasted by the unfolding situation. After that, he reasoned it must be the florist who sold shitty flowers! So he went to a florist that was further out of town. They didn’t have enough white daisies so he had yellow mixed in.

Those died the next morning too.

So he decided to try roses.

Dead the next morning.

A mixed bouquet also wilted. Finally, Alastor’s constant silence had gotten to Vox. Tulips, sunflowers, daisies, roses, they all died overnight.

“Al! Do you know why the flowers keep dying?”

Alastor whipped his head around, blinking owlishly. The spatula in his hand continued to whisk today’s breakfast as he answered. “Oh, that’s because flowers wither whenever I touch them, dear. Didn’t I tell you that?”

Exasperation fell over Vox. Staring with his mouth wide open at the damned dead bouquet slumped against the vase now. It made the sight with the first set of daisies make more sense. The belated realization had Vox smacking his head against the table in disbelief. “Ugh-- I didn’t know that!”

Alastor set the spatula down, half expecting some anger or exasperation from the fellow Overlord. But beyond all expectations, he shot up; nearly sending his chair flying back.

“Don’t worry! I’ll get you flowers that won’t wilt! Just wait here!”

Before Alastor could answer him, the man had rushed out the door, only slowing down long enough to yank his jacket off the coat rack. A very unhappy deer shot a look at his poor meal that wouldn’t be eaten fresh and hot! But hidden to the rest of the world, the edges of his mouth curled.

–

Alastor was in a bad mood when Vox finally walked through the door. Although Alastor normally waited until noon to broadcast, he still valued his time. A book and some jazz kept his temper even. A spot of rye would have been preferable, but he had enough sense to not imbibe while the sun was still high.

Duke Ellington was the name of Vox’s savior today, soothing the Radio Demon’s would-be temper. Alastor didn’t bother to look up from his book when he heard Vox come in. His sour mood had him decide to give him the silent treatment. Petty, but who would Alastor be if he wasn’t a petty little prick?

This time, Vox felt confident of the bouquet he’d picked out. They weren’t nearly as beautiful as the previous batch. Stiff, inflexible, and blasted with a floral perfume as they were incapable of producing their own. The spurious item came embedded within the soil that looked just as fake.

“Behold! Flowers that won’t wilt when you touch them! Try it!”

Reluctantly Alastor raised his head to see what Vox had to go through all the trouble to find. Even from this distance, he could tell what they were. Silk flowers. He laid the book on his lap and took it from Vox’s hand. As expected, they didn’t wilt. But you cannot kill something that isn’t alive in the first place. He lifted one daisy to peer at its filthy ugly underbelly and… laughed.

All the pettiness inside him evaporated all at once. Replaced instead by harsh guffaws that left Alastor cross-eyed. Tears crested in the corners of his eyes until he had expended everything in him.

“My dear! You are far too cute! I can’t believe you’ve gone through all this effort to please me!”

Vox shifted on his feet, rubbing the back of his boxy head. The blush on his screen had nearly dwarfed the entire screen. “You don’t… like them?”

“On the contrary! I love them!” Alastor set them on the table beside his reading chair. A new permanent fixture of the home… or until he tired of their appearance. The blasted perfume was offensive, but he gave Vox credit for the effort. He’d keep away any offending bottles that dared to from this day.

“I admit I was enjoying watching you shower me in flowers but… all good things must come to an end. There’s a limit to how much one can tease before it becomes mean-spirited.” Alastor lamented. His elbow settled on top of his book, using the back of his hand as a support for his chin. Half-lidded eyes stared back at the nervous gentleman in front of him. “But, why did you think I needed fresh flowers so desperately?”

Vox was boggled. His mouth hung open, half expecting this to be another joke. But Alastor was dead serious. Vox looked at the lively bouquet that survived his touch on the table and then the wilted mess on the kitchen table.

“They’re… dead. You don’t keep dead things around. You bury them, throw them in the trash, or use them as fertilizer. They’re not a thing of beauty to be admired.”

“That so?” Alastor questioned. He set the book down on the table beside him, rising from his reading chair. With two long strides, he closed the distance between them. He immediately reached for one of Vox’s unguarded hands. Slipping his cherry-tipped fingers to weave among his delightful claws. The other was guided upon his shoulder. Alastor pulled Vox into an impromptu waltz with the Radio serenading them as soon as they two found their footing.

“My dear! Beauty is everywhere! In the dead, the wicked, in the filthy alleyways of hell as long as you have the eyes to see it!” The world around Vox spun, but his eyes were focused only on the face in front of him. Far too aware of everywhere their bodies touched. The Radio Demon eschewed physical touch from most but in their dances? The feel of his hand running down his back or holding his claws felt more passionate than quite a few of his nights under more amorous terms. The unflinching eyes of the predator within the right light could even be mistaken for a lover.

Compared to the elegant strides of The Radio Demons, Vox’s was awkward and bumbling. Normally he could keep up. But the sudden nature of ALastors actions and the mind-numbing heat burning through his clothes left the half-mechanical man’s mind still buffering. A sort of power that Alastor loved having over the besotted gentleman.

“You like wilted flowers?” Vox’s voice broke the silence.

“I love them! I loathe to quote the aphorism but it is far too appropriate here. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! Decay, rot, and wickedness to me are more striking to me than even the most immaculate stone woman.”

The fingertips that still gripped Vox’s claw hand unfurled. They wrapped themselves around one shining claw, squeezing until they drew blood. Vox an immediate panic, left frozen in place as he’d become a weapon against his will.

As for Alastor? He was enraptured! The bleeding fingertips were brought to his lips where he licked the blood clean with his long pink tongue. Something Vox did not even knew lie dormant within him, awakened with that delightfully wicked sight.

“Do you understand now, Vox?”

Alastor’s voice sounded as if it were underwater, that was how far under the spell the deal-maker put him under. Lines of static flashed over his screen as he came to, with his receivers blinking red in panic.

“Oh! Yes! But your hand…!” With the same offending limb he reached out for Alastor’s, but he had simply rewoven their fingers before he could worry. Fresh crimson rivulets streamed from the crevices of their palms running down their wrists in unison.

“Do not worry about such things. It’s nothing but a scratch! The sooner you stop trying to see my world through your prejudices the sooner you will realize that I don’t need all the dead flowers in the world. They’re adorable, but you know what I am truly fond of don’t you Vox?” Alastor drew to the side of Vox’s head, whispering to him as his cheek brushed against the frame.

Like it was fate, it was as if he’d been pulled into Alastor’s web. Enchanted by the beautiful and elegant flower of death. Disarmed by his whimsical and petty nature. Emboldened by his quiet but constant support. Vox was starting to believe that these feelings that were once sinful and depraved, might also be beautiful too. If he only looked at it a little differently. And like that, a chain that once wound around his heart shattered. With newfound eyes, those artificial dark gray eyes saw the devil before him in a new light.

“Of course. I haven’t forgotten. I’ve already found your meat grinder. There’s only one problem.” Vox answered.

Alastor cocked his head, the affectionate lilt in his voice still present. “And what’s that, my dear?”

“Your killer is a woman.”

Alastor weighed those words in his head. Now there was a conundrum. The irony wouldn’t be even half as great if the woman had a good reason to put the man in there.

“Well...” Alastor spun his companion, pulling his hand free from his waist at last. Their time locked so closely could only last so long after all! The thrill was in the hunt and to bite prematurely would soil things for both of them. “We will simply have to find us a new victim. There is no shortage of sacrifices equally ironic. Now! I made us breakfast and you ran off before you could eat. I hope you weren’t thinking of getting out of it.”

Realization hit Vox like a truck. “Oh! Shit, I forgot all about breakfast! I’m so sorry Al! Can it still be reheated? I mean, I’ll eat it cold I don’t care! It slipped my mind.” The fretting picture box pulled free, already racing toward the kitchen. The spell that Alastor had begun to weave around the dear broke like the morning mist. Well, he was cute enough to get away with it.

Before Alastor would join him he made a stop to visit the silk flowers one last time. His fingertips brushed beneath a silken bloom, tracing the seams beneath that hid what made it beautiful. He continued to trace the line until he revealed the ugly pale color beneath. Where the artist had neglected to give its underside equal love. He bent and curled each petal until they had creased back. The shame of the artist was put on grand display, revealing all that proved it for the imitation it was. Then he pulled his hand away, looking upon it with a newfound appreciation for his gift.

There was beauty in the dead and the grotesque. Why couldn’t he find beauty in the artificial creations made to imitate life?

Like his dear Picture Box.

[friend-crow]

Things I've learned in my incense making experiments so far:

You can use alcohol to remove (fake) dragon's blood resin from a mortar and pestle.

You can de-coffee a coffee grinder by grinding some uncooked rice in it, then carefully wiping it out. Now it's an herb grinder.

[bleue-flora]

just a random thought/idea: where I'm from, parents used to make their kids kneel on mongo beans or rice grains for a while as a punishment. I wonder if that's how it feels like to kneel on the obsidian in the cell

Oh yea, 100% I love this. When I’ve gone rockhounding we often wear knee pads depending on the site, because of the sharp rocks, loose and solid, so I absolutely think the obsidian ground is very painful. Especially, because obsidian is volcanic glass so it breaks unevenly with pointy edges and unless they took a grinder to the floor (which even then) it’d be very course not unlike how it’d feel to kneel on beans like you describe, though potentially actually sharp to the point of breaking skin. (If you buy obsidian at a store lots of times the corners are rounded off because they’ve been tumbled (basically sanded down) a little to smooth it out.)

And not to get too engineery, but additionally, obsidian is very hard and not very shock absorbent, meaning it does not absorb much of the energy of your weight leaving the energy and force to essentially rebound back into you. If you’ve ever walked around all day on concrete floors and your legs and feet are sore afterwards this is part of the reason why. The floor isn’t taking a lot of the pressure off your feet like wood does when it bends under your weight. Hence, one of the reasons why we wear padded shoes, especially if you work on hard floors all day, to help absorb some of that energy.

So even without Quackity’s visits and the resulting injuries, Dream’s body would still be in bad condition as a result of the floor alone, not just because of all the cuts from the jagged surface, but the lack of shock absorption. He would likely develop calluses over time to deal with the floor, but there is also only so much you can do if it’s super uneven and sharp. And the result of the forces on his body from a lack of shock absorption would lead him to face a lot of joint strain and likely chronic pain in his knees, hips and lower back as well as muscle pain, posture deterioration and fatigue making it strenuous to stand for long periods of time… in other words, even if the cell wasn’t surrounded by lava, even if he wasn’t starved, even if he wasn’t in isolation, and even if he wasn’t tortured, Pandora’s Vault was still hell and he’d leave that cell in poor physical condition with chronic pain just from the obsidian…