#vertical coil build

[nanamiscocksleeve]

Can I be a clown emoji? Humbly requesting creampies from Nanami <3

Hello there! Yes You can be clown anon, I'll update the emoji list. Ugh creampies from Nanami make my brain turn into mush. 🤤🤤🤤

Creampie

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You knew you were filthy but you can't get enough. Not from him. It's never enough from him.

Kento has you in a soft mating press, your legs pressed together on top of your chest as he slides his veiny cock out of your messy cunt. A ring of cream is visible on his base, a combination of both your arousal fluids. You don't remember how many rounds it's been but you know you can take more.

Kento taps his cockhead onto your swollen folds, sending pleasant little ripples into your clit before he pushes back into your drooling hole. You hum as you feel him fill you, his movements unhurried and achingly tender inside you. He leans forward to capture your lips and you open and allow your tongues to dance sensually, enjoying the taste of his mouth.

His thumb gathers some of his spilled seed off your thighs and spreads it upwards onto your clit, rubbing circles that leave the little nub pulsing with the pleasure of his touch.

You whine and card your fingers through his hair feeling how slick his movements were from the previous loads he'd filled into your cunt. "Kento..." You whine and see his eyes darken with primal instinct.

He angles his hips to brush your gspot. "One more sweetheart. You can take one more for me." You whine, head spinning from the coil of heat in your belly, the delicious stretch of your muscles as he strokes your inner walls and the way his breath changes into a series of pants as he builds up both your arousals.

His thumb changes from circles to consistent vertical strokes which have you falling apart in a haze of want, moaning out as the coil inside you snaps, unleashing the gratifying spasms of pleasure that rock your body before he starts chasing his own orgasm.

His balls are tense, contracting up into his body before he groans out your name and cums into your well fucked pussy, adding another layer to your already messy walls. You spasm around him, determined to keep as much of his creampies inside you, feeling so intimately connected to him knowing you'll be carrying a piece of him for a while.

When he finally finds the energy to move out, he looks down at your dripping hole, seeing his seed gather into a little pool on the sheets and the way your core puckers trying to keep it all in. He presses a kiss to your forehead.

"Don't worry my dear. I'll give you more to make up for whatever is lost."

[newyorkthegoldenage]

Art Deco detail of ventilation grille in the Chanin Building, completed in 1929.

From the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: Art Deco architecture and design and Precisionist painting and printmaking blossomed concurrently in the late 1920s and early 1930s; angular patterns, restrained color palettes, and pronounced linearity appear in both movements. A landmark of American Art Deco architecture, the Chanin Building was completed in 1929, rising fifty-six stories on the corner of East 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue in New York City. In this photograph, Andrew Bordwin highlights the building’s famous ventilation or convector grilles installed near the site’s three entrances. These vertically elongated grilles are bronze, but they appear silver in Bordwin’s black-and-white image. The ascending coils and rays themselves resemble skyscrapers, and Bordwin’s photograph demonstrates the lasting influence of Precisionist themes and aesthetics.

Photo: Andrew Bordwin via the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

[the-fiction-witch]

Mrs Dawkins P40 - P44

Media - The Artful Dodger (Mrs Dawkins Series) Character - Jack Dawkins Couple - Jack X Reader Reader - Y/n Everset Rating - Smut + Sad

Previous -

P1 - P5 P6-P10 P11-13 P14-17 P18-22 P23-27 P28- 31 P32-P36 P37-P39

Warning - Suicide / Scars / death / Trauma

I blushed hard as he stroked my inner thighs with his rough fingers, he kissed my lips then his lips trailed down my jaw, down my throat, sliding down my sternum, his kisses becoming sloppy and wet as he salivated the closer he got, he glides his tongue across my hip before he stopped a moment his eyes met mine with a dark smug smile across his lips. He pressed a soft kiss to my mound then ran his nose across where he kissed never breaking eye contact with me, he did so again slightly lower,

"Jack I... I..." I stuttered as blush flooded my cheeks,

"I know, I'll be gentle," he whispered as he kissed the very tip of my mound and lips and with one quick flick of his tongue between my lips he stroked across my clit, it was barely a second but I felt this jolt of pleasure and my eyes went wide, he chuckled smugly and slyly before he took a hand from my thigh he slid his fingers up my lips and then pushed them apart, "You ready?"

"Yes..." I gasped,

he nodded and kissed my clit moving his hand back to my thigh as now the position of his face was buried enough to keep it open and his kisses didn't stop. I gasped and groaned trying not to squirm but my hips did so uncontrollably he held my thighs down to stop me, his kisses were teasing and slow, slopping wet, his lips warm and soft. He groaned and moaned between my legs as he spent up his kisses letting them build more and more passionately until he was making out with my clit, 

"Ohhh Jack..." I gasped throwing my head against my pillow,

He groaned before he held my thighs tighter his fingers digging into the soft tender skin, he looked up and made eye contact with a dark lustful gaze I had never seen before, as he flicked his tongue to begin to lick gliding his tongue in clockwise circles as he kisses my clit,

"Ughh Jack!" I squealed a little but stopped myself before I was too loud, 

this only seemed to fuel him getting more and more intense now starting to suckle on my clit between his licks and kisses burrowing his head as close to me as he could as he utterly consumed me, my own wetness and his saliva covered his lips and soaked down his chin. "You are too perfect my darling Y/n," he purred between kisses, 

I only felt the fire in my stomach burning more with his words as I writhed against my bed and My hand trailed down to coil in his blonde locks as he only continued to mercilessly work on my swollen clit and dripping cunt he would seldom do so but he would lick from with a flat tongue from the very bottom of my entrance to the tip of my clit even briefly allowing his tongue to slip inside me, 

I began to have to muffle my screams so I pushed him back, "Jack, please... I'm-"

"I know," he taunted, "I wanna make you cum. I want to devour your cute little cunt until you cum."

"I know... but I want more," I whined,

"More? Umm!" He groaned moving to kiss my lips with the same verticality he ate me out with the taste of myself on his lips and tongue and he pulled back with a smug grin, "Say you want it. Say it my darling," He growled, 

"Please, Jack... Make love to me,"

"I've already been making love to you," he smirked whispering his dark words against my lips, "Say you want me to fuck you, you want me inside you, you want me to ruin my little darling" he commanded, 

I blushed but I pulled his lips into an intense kiss and whispered against his as I pulled back, "I want you inside me jack,"

"UGhhhhhh fuck!" He moaned, throwing his head back and squeezing his eyes shut a moment before he looked back at me his bottom lip between his teeth as his chest rose and falls quickly with passionate breaths, "As you wish my darling," 

His hands slipped down to my hips and pushed my thighs apart again, he moved myself between them and stood up on his knees. His hand moved to his shaft and he gave it a few testing strokes making sure it was at its full stiffness. I admit I was nervous to be laid here like this, to know this was really happening but I wanted it so bad I didn't care. He began to tremble, a little so I stroked his arms reassuringly, which slowed his trembling. He took my hand and kissed it before he returned the hand to my hip.

"Are you ready Y/n?"

"I'm ready Jack," I nodded, 

He nodded and moved slowly closer, holding the base of his shaft in his hand as he moved closer. It was slow and get also sudden in a strange way, as I felt the heat of his skin press against me, he watched vigilantly being careful of making any mistakes, I felt him slowly move to push in moving deeper inch by inch, I felt my body stretch around him as he glides inside, it was a strange sensation much like his fingers, to feel something stiff filling such a place usually empty, I felt sort of stuffed in a way I suppose as I shifted and adjusted to the size and the feeling of it. 

"Are you okay?" 

"Yeah..." I nodded, 

He smiled down at me and brought his other hand to my other hip, he began to roll his hips moving back and forth inside me, I gripped the sheets already feeling overwhelmed by pleasure forcing myself to hold back moans and my eyes rolled back, his movements slowly gained speed slowly moving in a massaging and rhythmic pace that only stoked the fire in my stomach, I wrapped my legs around his hips which only made him move even faster, Jack's eyes squeezed tight and he bit his lip hard grunts and groans trapped behind his teeth, he seemed to pulse and convulse inside me as his pace quickens and his rhythm became more reckless. 

I arched my back and felt my walls fluttering around his cock clenching slightly which only seemed to cause him more pleasure, his hips almost spasmed inside me as if he has no control of his own movements. 

My mind flooded with ecstasy at the overwhelming desire, choking back my own moans. My hips squirm and writhe against my bed, my back arches up, my vision is flooded with stars and darkness, my legs squeeze him, my mouth waters, my toes curl my ankles locked in the small of his back, goosebumps across my skin, the sound of my sheets shifting under us, of my bedsprings squeaking, of my bed hitting the wall, of both of laboured gasps, of our warm skin smacking into one another as our hips strike, of our restricted grunts and groans, both of our bodies coated in a sheen of hot sweat. 

Jack's fingers grip my hips harder as his thrusting soon becomes pounding leaning down to kiss and bite my neck and the top of my chest letting me hear his desirable sounds much more, his whole body starting to shudder as he sucks in sharp deep breaths, 

Until I hit it. 

I came undone completely crying out as my eyes watered, flooding pleasure across my body, every inch of me felt like it was on fire as my muscles tensed and my body quivered. I cried out his name and for a few more seconds I fell on the highest of hills before I suddenly dropped and my body went limp against my sheets, a few small jolts of aftershock before it happened for him too. 

He threw his head back as he sat up completely his eyes closed tight, his jaw hung open as he let out breathy and deep groans from the back of his throat, his hips jerk and stutter towards me as his body goes still, his knees buckle a little against the sheets but he manages to stay up, as I felt him suddenly release and spill inside me. His body went limp but he still kept himself up resting a hand on my lower stomach and pushing down with his hand as he slowly thrusts a few more shaky times milking every last drop of himself and his pleasure with each thrust with a long and throaty moan, pushing me down with his hand to ensure he got as deep and as full as possible.

"Fuck..." Was the first word that left his lips,

"Yeah... fuck..." I nodded,

He chuckled a little, "You okay?"

"Yeah," I gasped, "you were amazing,"

He blushed a little, "So were you," He slowly pulled out and laid down beside me as we both took  a moment or two to collect ourselves, "Sorry..."

"For what?"

"I was... gonna pull out... kinda got lost in the moment..."

"It's okay" I smiled giving him a soft kiss, "It'll be fine,"

"And if it isn't?"

"Well, I guess we'll have to get married faster,"

He laughed, "Yeah guess we will,"

"Really did I do okay?" I asked laying my head on his chest,

"You were perfect my darling," He cooed playing with my hair, "The very best,"

"Really?" I asked and he nodded, "You're only saying that,"

"No I mean it." he smiled, "If I wasn't already going to marry you, tonight would have convinced me completely," He smugly chuckled, "How as I?"

"I have nothing to compare,"

"But..."

"But... Very very good,"

"I'm glad I could delight you, darling," he laughs, "You think we'll do that.. more once we're married?"

"I'm sure of it, Every night!"

"Ev- Every night?!" He asked, "I must have really impressed you," 

"You certainly did," I nodded, "I can barely wait till we're married,"

"I can barely wait either," He cooed,

We shared a sweet kiss and tucked the covers around us, my head on his warm chest my fingers playing with his, "This will be our first night... in the same bed,"

"Lots of firsts tonight," he chuckled, "I shall savour tonight, as the first of many more nights in your arms," He cooed kissing my fingers,

"Ummm I love you Jack,"

"I love you too y/n, Come on lets get some sleep,"

"Okay, Goodnight,"

"Night," 

I woke happier than I ever remember being, my body warm with the soft covers knitted around my body, I laid cradled in Jack's soft arms, my cheek against his peck, my hand rested on his stomach, the sweet scent of his body filled my nose, the sound of his breaths below me and the birds singing their beautiful song.

I smiled and giggled a little looking up at his peaceful face as he slept, his fluffy bedhead of hair.

"Ummm Don't you laugh at me." He grumbled,

"I wasn't,"

"I heard you giggling darling,"

"Just a Little giggle, you look very cute when you are sleeping,"

"Do I?" He chuckled opening one eye to look at me, "Well you look very beautiful sleeping, or awake. But I admit waking up to you has a very special beauty,"

I smiled widely,

"You think I could get a morning kiss?"

"Umm the first good morning kiss of what I'm sure shall be many" I smiled,

"I know it will be" he cooed pulling me up so our lips met sweetly,

We kissed gently and it felt so heavenly to be wrapped up in my bed, the curtains pulled to block the morning light, the sound of the birds still singing, our bodies together in such a sweet embrace.

Till we pulled back and we cuddled up again enjoying the soft morning, neither of us wanting this to end.

I heard a knock on my door and immediately I felt Jack freeze up,

"Shit-" he muttered,

"It's fine, just miss Hardcastle." I smiled, "We have an arrangement, did you want some breakfast?" I asked sitting with my chin on his chest, he relaxed and smiled playing with my hair a little more,

"I would adore some breakfast with you",

I smiled kissing him and knocking on my wall twice, and we heard her footsteps head away,

"That how you order breakfast?"

"Mhm,"

"Huu I have to yell one of the nurses to bring me an egg and then I have to cook it myself" he sighed "I could get used to sleepovers with my sweet fiance," 

"I'm sure you could," I smiled giving his lips a soft kiss,

"Can I ask you something Y/n?" He asked as he stroked my hair, 

"Umm? Mhm," I nodded, "What is it Jack?" I sighed happily, 

His hand stroked my hair a couple more times before his fingers stroked the red ribbon around my neck and my body froze feeling his fingers against the ribbon, "Why do you wear this?" 

My blood ran cold, my body felt sick as my stomach turned, my breath stopped short in my chest and my words froze behind my teeth. I knew he would mention it sooner or later... I mean we are to be married surely someday he would ask this. I just didn't think it would be now. I didn't know how to begin, or even if I wanted to. My first reaction was to get defensive.

"Why?"

"Forgive me," He said, "I was only being curious. You don't have to tell me,"

I felt worse, to deny him what must have seemed to him as so simple. "It- it's hard to explain,"

"How so?"

"It's just..." I began, "Complicated Jack,"

"You don't have to tell me-"

"No... I do... I... I want to." I admit, "I love you, I don't want there to be secrets between us."

"So you will tell me?"

"I will..." 

"I don't mind waiting until you're more comfortable to tell me,"

"No, I want to tell you." I nodded, "Can I ask... why you're curious?" 

He chuckled, "I don't know," He smiled and stroked my hair, his hand ran down my hair and his fingers brushed my cheek, he stroked down my jaw and cradled my neck his fingers sliding across the ribbon, "I guess I just... I've never seen you without it." He smiled, "Even at your ball you still wore it, all of our dates you have worn it, not once have I seen you go without it even in your nightie." he explained, 

"I know..."

"I mean... I don't mean to be crude here darling, but... I have seen you naked? I have had my lips on many inches of you, had my fingers and tongue over the intimate parts of you that no one has ever seen, you have allowed me inside you as the first man to ever do so, you have allowed my eyes on all of you... every inch but one." he explained with a sly smug grin, "Every inch but this." he said gently tugging on the ribbon bow not enough it would undo but enough that I felt it, "What is this that you hide from me?" he whispered, 

I held my breath but I sat up in bed, the sheets around me to keep me concealed from the cold air of the morning, I took his hand in mine, kissed it and moved it to my bow he looked into my eyes and I stared back, he slowly tugged on the ribbon the bow loosing slowly before it finally slipped off the red ribbon landing with a flutter on the bed between us, I knew he could see me. 

"Becuase I hide it... even from myself," 

His eyes walked over my neck. His face read of shock at first, then of a quiet rage, but melted into sadness a tear welled up in his eye, 

"Let me look-" He began reaching for my neck,

"Please. Do not look."

"I'm a doctor." he took my hands in his once more, "Let me look."

I nodded and slowly he moved closer his hands ghosted over my neck as gently as he could checking me over methodically, I did my best not to tremble, not to scream, the feeling of his hands felt soft and even in his grip, I felt safe. 

He pulled away and held my hands tightly, "What happened?"

I sighed and met his eyes, I knew this was a secret I couldn't keep forever and if I was to tell him now... I shall tell him everything. "Our life... was not always one of roses and silver." I began, "My father was born to a life of little, rags and bread soup in the slums of London. His family had nothing to their names he made his way doing what he could working himself to the bone just to eat and buy a pair of mismatched shoes. He dreamt of a life better than that... but this world is cruel to those below. When he met my mother... he loved her so endlessly, that man would lasso the moon or drain the sea or any other impossible task just to see her smile. But she too was nothing, a baker's daughter," I explained, "I was born, while they were unmarried, living in a back alley not far from Clerkenwell Green, my parents did everything they could to give me a life but it wasn't enough. My father tried and tried business after business but everything failed before it even began, we had nothing to our name, and one more deal went wrong and... it was over. We had no home, and no money, we faced the workhouses or worse. And my mother... in her moment of weakness knowing there was no future for us, knowing the fate for us," I explained letting my tears fall, "So one night she took me with her on a late night walk, we went to the park and she found a tall tree... there she hung rope. Three of them. One for father. one for mother. and one for me. So we would not suffer and starve on the streets but instead, things would end together without the pain and torment."

"No... She-" he began unable to even speak,

"she lifted me up on her shoulders put it around my neck and stepped away, she watched me as I cried, as I gasped for breath, as I held out my hand and begged her for help, but she only fixed her own." 

"How did you survive?"

"My father noticed us gone, and came after us, he broke the rope moments before I slipped away,"

"And your mother?"

"by the time he checked, I was breathing and got to his feet... she was already dead," I explained,

"How old were you?"

"Five,"

"My father promised me that night to keep me safe, and that he would never stop trying to give us a life we could be proud of, a life we would never wish to abandon... and not long after one business of his took off. The money came in, we bought all the things we had ever dreamt of, and brought this house and moved here."

"You have carried this scar since that day?" he asked as he stroked his fingers across the ropes scar that wrapped around my neck, 

"I have... but it's hard to face, so I hide it." I nodded, "I will keep it hidden when we are married I know it is not pretty," I began going to take my ribbon but Jack stopped me, 

"I think its beautiful," he said, 

"You do?" I was shocked,

"Of course, it's part of you." he cooed, "A scar of a life you have lived beyond what I once thought of you, and I think that is truly beautiful," He smiled leaning to kiss my neck and kissing my scar the whole length around my neck, "I will be delighted to see it whenever you feel comfortable enough to show it," He said, kissing my lips.

"Thank you, Jack,"

"You're welcome Y/n,"  

I yawned a little as I slipped my nightie on struggling a little as I discovered a large rip in the side of it, I held the ripped fabric in my hand and glanced back to Jack as he sat in my bed,

"Excuse me?" I glared playfully, "what is this?"

For a moment he didn't have an answer clearly the carriage wheels turning in his mind, as he lay there his back against my pillow, his arm behind his head, the sheets around his waist, before he finally gave me an answer, "I was excited," He shrugged, 

"I take it then I should not spend a vast amount on a nightie for our wedding night then?" I giggled getting changed slowly into a day dress for today, standing by my mirror slowly getting on all my various layers often meeting Jack's eyes in the mirror reflection,

"I wouldn't, it's just going to end up in tatters on the bedroom floor anyway," He chuckled as he got out of bed and started to dress himself getting his undergarments and his trousers on before he headed over to me with his suspenders fallen around his waist, "Can you blame me? You've made me wait so long," He cooed wrapping his arms around me and kissing my shoulder even in my half-dressed state,

"I haven't made you wait,"

"You're father then," 

"He just wants to do things properly,"

"Screw properly," He chuckled, "I'd have been happy to marry you by the orange tree the day after your ball you know that darling,"

"I know, but he just wants to do what's best."

"I know," He sighed between kisses, "But our wedding cannot come soon enough,"

"It will fly by I'm sure of it," 

"We can only hope, but... until then do you think we can, have a few more little sleepovers?" 

I chuckled, "I'm sure we can," I smiled, "Times father goes out, and you're not too busy,"

"I'm sure I'll make time to come see you, darling," He smiled kissing my cheek before he went to continue getting dressed so I finished up with my dress and grabbed my brush to begin working some of the knots from my hair after such a night of activities, 

The door knocked suddenly, "Who is it?"

"Just me Y/n," Miss Hardcastle says from the other side of the door,

I glanced at Jack, "It okay-"

"Go for it," he shrugged,

"Come in!" I called sitting on my bed as I kept brushing, 

The door opened and Miss Hardcastle came inside with the large tray of breakfast, she came through and she looked between me and Jack, I blushed a little and Jack awkwardly smiled at her as he tossed his shirt between his hands to find the right way to get it on after he had tossed it last night, she set the tray down on the bed beside me, and straightened her dress and turned to me, 

"Well... I can't fault your anatomy." She glared before she headed out shutting the door behind her,

"what did she mean?" Jack asked as he tucked his shirt into his trousers,

"What?" I blushed, 

"what did she mean she can't fault your anatomy?" He chuckled,

"Nothing..." I answered sheepishly, 

"Y/n." He warns, 

"I may have... drawn you,"

"Drawn me?"

"Maybe..."

"Awww you are so cute," he cooed kissing my cheek, "That's adorable," 

"You're not mad?"

"Why would I be mad at you drawing me darling? It's cute," He smiled before he took my brush from me and gently brushed my hair for me, 

"Ummmm..." I hummed a little enjoying the feeling of him brushing my hair and putting it into a long braid for me,

"There we are, all beautiful." he cooed kissing my shoulder, "So... do I get to see it?"

"See what?" I giggled,

"You're drawing of me?" 

"Oh uhhh..."

"Come on I'm curious,"

"I don't know,"

"I'll draw you too if you want me to," he cooed, "I will warn you I have no skills in drawing so... you may look like a stick figure with hair and boobs," 

I laughed and pushed him away, "After breakfast,"

"After breakfast," he agreed, 

We both moved and cuddled up together on the bed as we shared our breakfast, 

[rom-e-o]

"Amusing" (Orin/Constance - Sneak Peek)

Why is he like this?

November, 1830

5th Avenue

New York

The sitting room of the multi-story Spiegler townhome on 5th Avenue was drenched in firelight and smelled of cinnamon potpourri, but not an ounce of merriment or cheer could be distilled from its fragrant atmosphere. Instead, the manor’s Green Drawing-Room was engorged with a heavily pregnant silence, broken only by the sound of hissing firewood slowly burning away in the hearth.

The room had earned its affectionate yet telling moniker from its décor and choice of wallpaper – a green paper of an emerald sheen with a vertical pattern of coiling ivy vines. The furniture was also smocked in thick velvet, which was set primly along the sets and backs of all the room’s carved oak chairs. The drapes were a matching shade of lush green, as vibrant as the full leaves of an oleander. Even the hooked rug that was spread across the buttery walnut floor stole inspiration from the color. The pattern highlighted two adult swans afloat on a sea of white, both angelic creatures wreathed in pink roses and intertwined laurels.

One chair, which was completely upholstered and adorned with gold tassels for added comfort, was occupied. Its resident for the evening was Orin Spiegler, the master of the manor, who reclined back in the fabric’s rich confines. In one hand, his held open a folded edition of the evening paper. In the other, he lightly swirled a short glass of honey-brown scotch. With his dressing gown synched tightly about his waist and his white ruffled collar fluffing outward from between the lapels, he looked more like a peacock than the esteemed, Dutch-American investor and businessman the local newspapers now described. The man had made a name for himself with his Wall Street trading strategies, and his smart investments in cheap buildings on the outskirts of the New York city limits, mostly along the waning avenues beyond Albany. As the city grew, the properties quadrupled in value annually, or sometimes even monthly. He was a certified millionaire, and his coffers were expanding daily.

It was a good start, he thought, but not yet enough for comfort. Not for him.

Most recently, Mr. Spiegler had commanded his financial agents to also bring his investment opportunities for the multitude of bigger and better steamboats being developed for traveling the Hudson. Much had changed with designer Robert Fulton had said the inaugural vessel in 1807, and as New York continued its sprawl up and down the river, he intended to make sure he was one of the many investors that would reap a benefit from the new technology. Besides, not just New Yorkers benefited from the technology. Every traveler from Philadelphia, Greenwich or Vermont would be in his metaphorical debt. Hell, even Londoners and Danes were utilizing the vessels for visits to the quickly growing city.

On a settee just opposite the fireplace was another lonely individual. This woman, donned in a striking green dress with lace the color of American buttercream, was the lovely and copper-headed Mrs. Spiegler.

Unlike her husband, her focus was trained reading and rereading her own written words. Quill in hand, she carefully penned invitations on solid white paper, the corners of the expensive parchment adorned with a flourishing ‘OS’ in evergreen ink.

Orin glanced over to observe his wife at work, noting her upright rectitude with a satisfied arch of his brown. “And what, pray tell, has captured your focus so keenly?”

Starting slightly at his interruption, Constance turned to meet his gaze, then quickly recovered and smiled. “Oh. I was penning the invitations for that party we were discussing earlier. The one to showcase our new music room. You still wanted to host a gathering, didn’t you, dear?”

“Ah, yes,” he said, satisfied with her answer. “Who are you planning on inviting? I don’t believe we finalized any guest list.”

“We did not,” she admitted, moistening her lips, “But I believe you’ll be satisfied. I’m sending summons to the Van Rensselaers up river, as well as the Livingstons and the Schuylers, of course.”

“Very good.” The Van Rensselaers, Schuylers, and Livingstons were all prominent families of Dutch ancestry, and longstanding patroons with sprawling tenant farms along the Hudson River. The last Orin has heard, Rensselaerwyck had reached a million acres in size, and was home to at least 200 farmer families. Some farmers were German, others were Irish, and some were ‘Yankees’ of no other known pedigree. While there was slight variance between the farmers, they shared the collective burden of toiling the land of their master, paying monthly rent as a share of crops to the Lord of the Manor.

“I suspect we’ll have no trouble getting them to come to the city, Constance said. “The last time we hosted, they adored our home.”

“They were excited to escape their tenants for a night or two, I presume.”

The tenant farmers were becoming rambunctious, and there were murmurings of a rebellion on the horizon. Slavery has been officially abolished in New York in 1827, and now, eyes were turned to the patroons and their tenant farmers.

What had these patroons expected, he wondered? To carry on forever with locking families into generation of servitude while Yankees and abolitionists just conveniently ignored them? Orin had seen the writing on the wall for years, and as the Anti-Rent movement began to grow, he only felt vindication.

 The old money has-beens would be out the door in a few decades of new marriages. Perhaps some would even move out West, to a land of burgeoning opportunity.

In the meantime, he reasoned, it certainly didn’t hurt to rub elbows with his fellow countrymen. The task was made all the easier by how charming Constance was when it came to hosting and party-planning.

“Shall I … invite the Patersons, Orin?” Constance inquired with a tilt of the head.

He hummed in though, sipping his drink elegantly.

Stephen Van Rensselaer III was the current Lord of the Manor at Renssalaerwyck. He had previously married Margarita "Peggy" Schuyler, who had passed early in 1801. After the customary one year of morning for a gentleman, he married Cornelia Bell Paterson, child of statesman William Paterson. Orin knew little of the man and his legacy, other than he was a jurist and one of the men who had signed the United States Constitution.

He was also an Irishman turned American who mostly fancied New Jersey, so Orin mostly wrote him off.

“Invite Mr. and Mrs. Van Renssalaer, of course,” he said, “That’s all. Our manor isn’t so large that we can invite every admirer we have. Yet.”

“Yes.” She scrawled a note down.

The horrible complexity of the family trees was another reason he was glad to only know these sprawling families by association. He so loathed the idea of being tethered to large, overbearing legacies. Too much family was a curs eon one’s patience and time, he thought. Too many mouths to feed.

“I’m also extending an invitation to Mr. and Mrs. Van Cortlandt.”

Among the Van Cortlandt family tree were also members of the Van Rensselaer family, Schuyler family, and Livingston family. They also had ties to Philipse family, the De Peyster family, and the Irish-born and -bred Gage family.

Also spotted along their impressive family tree were relations to the Jay family. One of its many heirs, John Jay, had gone on to become the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, and one of the country’s ‘Founding Fathers.’

When holding a soiree, it was necessary to invite all the influential families, for to insult one was to insult all of them.

“Very good,” Orin said, pleased with his wife’s attention to detail. “You were correct, my dear. I am more than satisfied with your diligence.”

It was no surprise that Constance was so aware of New York’s finest political families. After all, she was a DoGoode. While only one generation deep, the family had set the bar for new money intrigue in New York. Arthur DoGoode, Constance’s father, had started life as a mute bookkeeper but had quickly risen through the ranks as a sensible businessman. His body was frail, but his intelligence was so keen that he didn’t need spoken words to seal deals. Like Orin, he was a property investor, but Orin would never admit that it was Arthur’s business strategies that inspired his own investment patterns. Theresea, Constance’s mother, had moved to New York from Marrakech.

In 1777, Morocco had been one of the first states to recognize the sovereignty of a newly independent United States. That independence from European pressures was something Theresea admired. She had seen France, Spain and Germany all encroach on her country, eyeing the land with salivating mouths and greedy eyes. So, with a heavy heart, she left the city of Marrakech for New York.

She and Arthur had met at a business convention in Albany, where the doorman had barred her from entering. Woman were not allowed in the hall, they’d said, unless accompanied by a proper chaperone. Theresea had debated the man into a state of near emotional breakdown when Arthur had spotted her.

He asked her to be his voice at the meetings – his ‘interpreter’, so to speak. Arthur penned the business strategies, and Theresea gave the pitches to rooms of investors, bankers, financial agents, and more.

The two were married a year later. It had been a union of love, not political gambit, for they were two nobodies in a sea of millions. That, however, changed quickly. New York was growing, and Arthur invested in fringe properties to develop safehouses for women and orphanages for children.

Later that same year, they even adopted a two-year-old child that has been left at the Albany orphanage the two were on the Board of Directors for. A little red-headed girl too taciturn and terrified to speak.

Now, that girl was a woman, and also his wife.

Constance penned a few more notes while they spoke. “Darling, but also had a mind to invite Martin, if you think he could spare the time. It’s been so long.”

“Ah, Martin!” Orin cried, laughing at the mention of the man’s name. “Why, that is a capital idea!” He snapped and pointed a commanding finger at her. “Write him at once. Set the party’s date for December 22 as well. That will give our guests time to travel, but with ample courtesy for any Christmastime plans.”

Martin Van Buren, another New Yorker of fine Dutch stock, was someone Orin knew by association. They’d attended a small myriad of soirees together in the past year as Orin’s infamy had earned him. There were rumblings that Andrew Jackson was planning to support him for the next presidential election.

If elected, the Dutch colonies of New York would surely endorse him and throw any and all support his way to guarantee victory. He imagined the gaiety that such an election result would cause, and wondered how the anti-renters would take such a victory.

Only time could tell, he supposed.

He polished the glass of scotch with a final swig, wiping his mouth and setting the glass aside on a marbled end table.

“I’m going to my study,” he said, gesturing to the hallway beyond the door.

“Oh. More work?” Constance asked, brows furrowing. Here eyes drifted from his face to the empty drinking glass.

“Not precisely.”

Orin’s study was located at the top of a turret that adorned the front of their townhome. The addition made their luxurious home stand out even more amidst the other rowhouses that lined the stylish thoroughfare through the city. It’s large windows also faced the street, providing him a clean visual of the street’s traffic, potential callers, etcetera.

As he rose and walked past her, he laid a large hand on her shoulder. The contact froze her thoughts, her quill stilling mod-word against the parchment.

“You’ve pleased me tonight,” he noted in a caramel-sweet tone. “I’ll leave you be for the rest of the evening.”

He then walked to the door, glimpsing at the grandfather clock as he did so. A quarter past ten, the hands read.

“I’ll slumber on my day bed in my study,” he said, voice returning to the cool formality she’d come to expect. “I depart for the Catskills at dawn. There is a new steamboat making its maiden voyage. The SS Juno. As one of the primary investors, it is expected that I be there. I wouldn’t wish to disturb you by stirring so early. Heaven knows you’re clumsy enough in the mornings when we have nowhere to go, and I wouldn’t wish to be late because of you prattling about.”

Still enthused by the fact that they wouldn’t be sharing a bed that night, his insults went unnoticed. Instead, she disguised her relief with a thankful smile. “I’ll see that coffee is ready for you.”

“Thank you,” he said. “Otherwise, you’re dismissed. Spend the rest of your night as you’d like. Just make sure those invitations are written and postmarked tomorrow.”

“Yes.”

“Good woman.”

Just as he was about to pass through the door, he paused again. “A moment. Come here, please. And bring me one of the candles.”

Smoothing her skirts, she rose and drifted across the room to meet him.

She grabbed a chinoiserie candle holder containing one green, swirled tapered candle and lofted it to her eyes. She crossed the room and extended the holder carefully to him, being mindful of the flame. Orin accepted the offering, and before she could move away, reached out with his other hand to grab her wrist. He jerked her into a sudden kiss, smirking as he felt her heart roar to life beneath her heavy bosom.

Just as he felt her lean into him, seeking warmth or perhaps a passionate embrace, he nudged her back and away. As always, she obeyed.

“You’re relieved to not share a bed with me, but you still turn into a simpering little maiden with just one kiss? How amusing.”

He left her with a smirk, his dark eyes flashing with the swish of his head as he turned on his heel. “I’ll return in three days. Have the house ready in anticipation of my return. I’ll want to supper immediately.”

The heavy oak door shut before she had time to formulate a reply. She stood frozen, her lips still warmed from his kiss, her rouge slightly smeared from the sudden brush. Trembling fingers caressed the flesh before she sighed, hands falling heavy at her sides.

Even after years of marriage, she didn’t understand her husband at all. He’d never acted so unpredictable during their courtship. Why in the world did he conduct himself in such a way around her? Had she done something wrong?

Alone in the drawing room, she took it upon herself to close the curtains and set the shutters as best she could. It was work mostly suited for a strong footman, but she tried her best to make any work a little easier. Besides, the light work kept her hands and mind busy, and helped siphon out the anxious little ball of energy that had started buzzing in her chest at Orin’s words.

Had she … really been so apparent with her distaste? No wonder he was cross with her, the woman concluded. She’d offended him – her own husband. What a sorry excuse for a wife she was.

In her frustration, she grabbed the poker and stabbed it into the hearth. The fire-laden log crumbled with a hiss, and cinders as large as red flies flew into the air. She jumped back in surprise, dropping the poker and shrinking away from the flames. Her skirts knocked over a chair as she did so. The large piece of furniture lay on its side and cast a menacing shadow across the expanse of the room. It’s sharp angles and points flickered menacingly against the wallpaper with every dance of the flames.

Embarrassed at her incompetence, Constance rushed to the bellpull and gave it a brisk tug. Minutes later, she was greeted at the door by a young butler and young maid, both employed by the couple. The two were siblings – Mary and Micah. Two intelligent, quick-witted souls fresh off the boat from the Fenlands.

“We heard a crash!” the young maid said, breathless from how quickly she’d come running.

Micah looked the frazzled redhead up and down. His knowing eyes peered from beneath a shag of sandy hair. “Are you well, Mrs. Spiegler?”

His tone was practically conspiratorial.

“Please extinguish the fire,” Constance said, disregarding Mary’s question with a flustered wave of the hand. She then allowed her eyes to fall against her trembling calm as she gathered her wits. “A-And if you could check my work on fastening the windows, Micah, I would be most thankful. You are much stronger, and less clumsy, than I.”

The maid curtseyed and obeyed the lady’s commands, while the butler made a beeline for the windows. “Yes, your ladyship.”

Just as he went to straighten the toppled chair and retrieved the empty drinking glass, Constance left the room and made her way quickly up the stairs and to the main bedroom. She took the stairs quickly, her kid slippers soundless as they fell frantically against the plush rugs of the hall.

Mary hastily finished her work at the fireplace and trailed after her mistress, making sure to grab the abandoned letters on her way out.

I'm sure they'll work everything out.

[untaemedqueen]

At Your Service

Escort!Jeongguk x CEO!Reader

Genre: Strangers to Lovers!AU, Angst, Fluff, Smut

Chapter 11.

Series Warnings (Will Be Updated): Angst, Fluff, Cold Heartedness, Emotional Trauma, Healing, Smut, Dark Humor

"Did you pack enough stuff in your bag?" Jeongguk inquires, tilting his head to look at you as he drives your car towards his apartment.

"Yes," you reply with a laugh.

"Enough stuff to last a lifetime?" he jeers with a soft smile.

You packed enough clothes for multiple days even if your brain was screaming at you to be reasonable but with Guk you can't really help it.

He was so excited to take you home with him that you didn't even feel human, you felt as if you were a beautiful piece of art or the sweetest pet known to man. So when he finally got you in the car to go stay with him at his apartment, you too felt overjoyed.

"Taehyung and Jimin are gonna come over later, I promised to cook them dinner," the escort announces, pulling up to his block.

You've heard so much about his two friends while laying beside one another that it almost makes you feel nervous about meeting them. Which is a feeling you're certainly not used to.

"What if they don't like me?" you find yourself asking as he parks the car.

When he shuts off the engine, he tilts his head towards you, eyebrow cocked with a disbelieving expression. "Why would they not like you? You're incredible, baby."

The compliment sends your stomach coiling and your mind reeling instantaneously. But you're pulled back to reality when his soft, warm hand coasts over your cheek sweetly.

"Well my personality isn't for everyone and what if--"

"Baby," Jeongguk cuts you off sweetly, leaning in just the smallest bit closer, "your personality is astounding. Jimin and Tae can be idiots but they would never treat you wrongly. They know how much this means to me, how much you mean to me. They're going to love you."

You've always been under the impression that the sudden romantic relationship you've entered has had a profound impact on the handsome escort but it's never really sunk in until now.

You mean something to this man.

Strangely, it doesn't put you off of him for a second. You want to get to know him more, you want more of these talks and more of these feelings.

You're for once willing to open up to someone and let them in.

Fuck being scared and cold, you're personality is basically rewriting itself with every earnest word he speaks and you're in love with that notion.

"Ready?" Guk asks, grabbing your bag from the backseat and pulling it over the middle console.

"Yes," you reply sweetly.

You're ready for pretty much anything now, Jeongguk is absolutely worth it.

The apartment building the escort lives in is simple but you find it apt for him and his personality. The hallways are lined with cream wallpaper that have tiny lines decorating them vertically that somehow makes it feel homey and comfortable. The sconces on the walls are simple pewter and the light they give off is just the slightest bit yellow which compliments the wallpaper and the dark gray carpet underfoot.

The escort looks in his element here, slinging your expensive bag over his shoulder he glides down the hallway with confidence. To see someone in their own home is usually the most eye opening thing, you can see their comfort level, what they like, how they act in a place of their own.

For you, your mansion was never really home so you aren't sure what people can see about you when you're inside of it.

Guk whistles a sweet tune that carries through the stagnant air as he rounds the corner of the hall and he slings his arm over your shoulders with a smirk. "4D, this is us."

Us.

You aren't sure if he plans out the things that he's going to say or if he really is just the sweetest, smoothest person of all time.

"Brace yourself," he whispers happily.

Your body goes almost rigid on his command, hearing nail scratches behind the front door of his apartment.

"He's a big dude," the escort whispers, putting the key in the lock.

"Hawking, step back," Jeongguk calls through the door with a laugh.

When he cracks the door open, you can see the huge door excitedly wagging his tail, hoping to welcome his owner home.

"We have a guest!" Guk cheers, stepping inside the apartment and waiting for you with a smile.

When you step inside the large black great dane is up to your waist and he's not paying a lick of attention to you as he runs around his owner happily greeting him home.

When the escort laughs vibrantly, crouching down to accept the love, your heart flutters sweetly inside of your chest. He looks up at you with his soft doe eyes and you immediately feel warmth spreading through your limbs like a drug.

"Look! Isn't daddy's girlfriend so pretty?" Guk coos, standing up tall.

Your skin raises goosebumps at the simple word and you're taken aback by how naturally it rolls off his tongue.

"Hi Hawking," you whisper, petting the top off his head.

"You are my girlfriend, right? I'd hate to lie to man's best friend," the escort quips, setting down your bag on the couch.

Hawking licks your hand sweetly and you want to just sit down beside him and hold him for days, he looks up at you so sweetly that it makes you feel like mush.

When you have a chance to look around the apartment you notice how completely clean it is. There's not a piece of dust or a crumb anywhere in sight. Not to mention how bright and open it is with all the windows around.

The escort has comfortable furniture and the house feels more lived in, something you would never feel in the dark mansion you own.

"Sit down," your boyfriend insists, throwing himself down on the couch.

He opens his arms, narrowing his eyes at Hawking who tries to jump on the couch before you.

You can tell that you're moving awkwardly already, especially when your muscles strain awkwardly to sit down.

The escort can tell almost immediately how uncomfortable you are and he tries to help by running a soothing hand over your exposed thigh.

"What do you want me to make for dinner?" he inquires, brushing some hair back behind your ear.

The question distracts you and suddenly you're too concerned with your thoughts that you sag comfortably against him and the couch.

"I can just order something for all of us," you suggest, looking over at him.

He shakes his head, groaning loudly when his large dog jumps on the couch and lays their weight on him.

"You're not a Yorkie, buddy. Jesus!" he wheezes, petting Hawking as he lays his head over your lap.

"He's really cute," you whisper, smiling down at him.

"The guys like it," Guk announces, stretching his legs out and putting them atop his coffee table.

Raising an eyebrow, you tilt your head to look at him in confusion.

"Jimin and Taehyung," he clarifies, kissing your cheek, "they like my cooking."

"I didn't know you cook," you reply, allowing him to pull you closer.

"I love cooking. Hopefully you'll enjoy it too. I'll even make you dessert," the escort whispers, winking.

"What kind?" you inquire innocently, looking around the living room.

"Somethin' real tasty," he answers, slapping your inner thigh just hard enough to produce a sting that makes you suck a shallow breath between your teeth.

"How does Coq au Vin sound?" your boyfriend asks, combing his fingers through his hair.

"If you can make that, sure," you whisper, running your hand over Hawking's head when he begins to doze off on your lap.

"Oh, baby, I can make anything," he promises, sliding his dog off his lap to get up.

Being in this apartment with this man makes you really feel like this is something that you can get used to.

You can already feel yourself opening up, you want to experience these things again even if you fight it every step of the way.

Jeongguk is not Jasper.

He's not out to hurt you.

You keep reminding yourself over and over again but it isn't as easy as just berating yourself for being so closed off.

The apartment smells simply divine, the aroma of red wine and perfectly cooked vegetables permeate the air wonderfully.

Jeongguk truly is amazing at everything.

The gentle pop music that echoes throughout the apartment and the sight of your handsome man cooking dinner has allowed you to relax to the fullest extent possible.

Currently, you're lying long ways on the large black couch with Hawking beside you. For such a big dog he truly is incredibly gentle.

The escort moves with such grace around his kitchen. Even though it's small and cozy, he makes it seem like he's in a restaurant.

Jeongguk hums melodically to the current song that plays, bringing a spoon coated in the stew liquid to his mouth.

You watch with rapt fascination as he enters the spoon past his lips and he nods to himself before grabbing the pepper and eyeballing more into the pot.

Hawking licks at your elbow for attention and you realize you've stopped paying attention to anything else. You're enraptured with the shirtless man making you dinner in his apartment.

You give a kind smile to the dog, going back to mindlessly petting him.

When Jeongguk claps, you tilt your head to watch his arm muscles flex and contort with the movement.

After putting the pot in the oven, he turns his head to look at you only to realize you've been staring for quite some time. He smiles widely at the sight of your innocent eyes and he winks at you fof good measure.

"What do you think?" he asks, holding up two different bottles of red wine.

"The Marquise is good for deep dishes like this one," you reply, pointing to the left bottle.

"Perfect," he smiles, setting down the left one and grabbing the wine opener for the right one.

This is so domestic.

You would never think that this is something you would be doing on a random Thursday.

Your boyfriend brings over a glass for you, filled perfectly to the curve of the glass.

"My dad used to be a line cook so I know some stuff about cheffing it up," Guk says, handing you the glass.

"It smells amazing!" you reply earnestly.

He lifts your ankles, sitting down at the end of the couch and narrowing his eyes playfully at his dog who simply lays his head on your breast lazily.

"You can change and get comfy y'know, you look too good in that expensive dress to be sitting on a couch covered in dog hair," your boyfriend offers, running his fingers thoughtlessly over your calf.

"I wanna make a good first impression," you avow, taking a sip of the wine.

It's the truth, really. Jimin and Taehyung are probably incredibly protective of him. They helped him through everything with Chloe, it's only right that they have their reservations about you.

Hell, you even have reservations about you.

"Just be yourself and they're going to love you," Guk promises, angling himself closer to you.

You set the wine down on the coffee table, letting the pop you don't normally listen to wrap you in a comforting blanket of melodic tones.

"Y'know," your boyfriend breathes, smirking wickedly at you, "I can always get you naked and make you change."

You laugh softly, adoring how his mocha orbs become lustfully playful at the drop of a hat.

"Oh really?" you counter, knowing full well that Hawking is so large that there wouldn't be any way to do anything sexual.

"Mhm," he cajoles, clicking his teeth sharply, "Hawk, get down, bud."

The dog heeds his owners words, jumping off and over the arm of the couch easily.

Okay.

An oversight on your part.

"Uh," you breathe, looking at the door.

The escort slides between your thighs and he notches an eyebrow at your flustered expression. "They don't have a key."

He kisses up what is exposed on your thighs and you can simply only squirm lustfully under his touch.

"Lemme give you your dessert before dinner," he mumbles against your skin.

Your fingers card through his long black locks and right when you reach the apex of your thighs, the door's lock begins to open.

Guk is so flustered by the loud noise that he recoils so fast from you he almost pulls a muscle in his neck.

"Oh honey, we're home!" Jimin yells, thrusting the door open.

You look up wide eyed, slowly closing your knees and the older man immediately knows he's intruded upon something.

"What're you crazy kids doin'?" he guffaws, clearly not bothered by the flustered sight of you both.

"Where did you get a key?!" Jeongguk gasps, tossing the throw blanket on the top of the couch over your legs.

Taehyung steps inside politely, nodding his salutations to you.

"You should really keep track of your belongings, Gukkie. I took your spare when we were here last time! You should be grateful. What if you end up choking one day and I'm the only one that can save you," Jimin replies happily, pouring himself a glass of wine.

"Seems like he was about to be choking on something else," Taehyung muses with a smirk, giving you a once over.

"This is Taehyung and Jimin," your boyfriend whispers softly, extending a hand from one to the other.

Oh.

This evening is going to be interesting.

<----- Last Chapter                                            Next Chapter ------>

[bashfulgnome]

Merriment

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas everyone! Here's a short, light-hearted little fic for you all. Inspired by this conversation I had a few years ago. Credit to @guilty-as-battery-charged and @kittysfigurines24 for their parts!

Felix prepared to put the finishing touches on Niceland Apartments for Christmas, now that Mr. Litwak had left for vacation. From his perch on the eastern fire escape, he wrapped and stapled a cord of garland around the white brick ledge separating the eighth and ninth floors. Nicelanders milled about below him, busying themselves with stringing lights on the trees and bushes. The golden beams of the setting sun outside the doors of the arcade lit up the strands of tinsel lining the windows, and the handyman stopped to admire everyone's work.

He had left Ralph and Vanellope in charge of the lights on the front of the building, since Ralph could easily navigate the vertical space without tools and had never had a chance to decorate before. His colleague presently climbed up and down the building, stringing lights as he went, while his friend glitched between rooms to secure the lights to hooks installed along the windowsills.

"Almost done?"

Felix jumped in surprise, looking up to see Tamora descending from the tenth floor's fire escape. She leaned in and gave him a peck on the lips.

"I was just takin' in the second-prettiest sight around here before it suddenly got upstaged." He smiled and placed a hand on her leg.

She grinned back and affectionately pinched her husband's reddened cheek.

"With a honeyglow like that, we're not gonna need all those lights."

"Well they're just about ready, and I've got the ledges all gussied up!" The handyman tied a red-and-gold bow to the corner of the garland setup. "How're the connections?"

"All the bulbs are working," she replied with a thumbs-up. "I've got 'em wired up on three separate lines so the whole display doesn't have to go down if one strand burns out."

"Aww thanks ladylove, that'll save me a lotta headache later in case anything takes a turn."

They glanced over to where Ralph and Vanellope were finishing up, the wrecker and racer giggling at something as they threaded the ends of the wires together.

"With those two, you can bet on it." Tamora leaned against the brick siding. "Best outcome's that the building's still standing."

"I'm sure they'll do just fine, Tammy. Everyone’s—"

"Hey Felix! All done!" Vanellope shouted from around the corner.

"That's great, Vanny! You two go ahead down, Tammy and I'll be right with you!"

Tamora spent the entire descent restraining a chuckle. Felix was just delighted that she felt the holiday spirit. A crowd of Nicelanders gathered around the front of the building as the four of them brought out the cables.

"Ready?" Ralph shook out the cord one last time to remove any coils.

"You do the honors, brother!"

"Alright, drumroll please!" 

—

Vanellope leapt up with a devious smile and pounded her hands against Ralph's head as the wrecker pushed the two plugs together.

For an instant, the crowd oohed and aahed at the lights, before dissolving into muttering and horrified gasps when they noticed the particular shapes.

The word "PEE" (spelled out in appropriately yellow lights) shone proudly across the entire ninth and tenth floors of the apartment building, which otherwise stood resplendent in festive bows and ribbons. From somewhere in the crowd emerged a scandalized noise—between a yelp and a bark—that could only belong to Gene, but it was quickly drowned out by two distinct peals of laughter from the pair of best friends rolling on the ground.

"Ralph! Vanellope!" Felix turned to them in a panic. He hopped up and waved his arms, knowing full well it was futile in hiding the spectacle from anyone who could see their screen across the arcade.

"H-hey relax Felix, we—hah!—still put up the regular ones behind it," Ralph sputtered out. "Just gotta take down the yellow string and plug in the one underneath instead."

"Yeah c'mon, we planned ah-ahead!" Vanellope chimed in, struggling to stand up and popping a candy cane back in her mouth.

Felix sighed and put his face in his hands. He should've known that neither of them would've dissuaded whichever one came up with the idea. How they carried out the plan in plain sight was a mystery to him; it was almost impressive. He couldn't help but have a giggle at it himself.

"Oh-heh-okay, okay you two, just please put those back to normal later tonight. At least the ground display is still all—Tammy Jean!"

The sergeant, who had crept off in the confusion, snickered as she set the last lovingly-crafted wooden letter in place on the building's side lawn facing East Niceland. The display originally read "MERRY CHRISTMAS" in whimsical block lettering carved by Felix himself; her tampering had rearranged it to cheerfully announce "ASS TIME".

After taking a moment to admire her handiwork, she strolled over to where the rest of the group stood and fist-bumped an uproariously-laughing Ralph and Vanellope, with a bewildered Q*bert looking on. 

"Nice one, Sarge!"

"Sugarplum! You were in on this too?!" Felix, in disbelief, attempted in vain to cover Vanellope's eyes.

"I needed a diversion and they needed a parallel circuit," she shrugged.

He stood in silence for a minute, looking from the lawn display to the lights, to the concerned Nicelanders, to his family gathered around him. The diminutive man took a deep breath and let out the tension in his posture.

"All right fellas, I'll admit when I'm beat. You got me. And..." He risked a glance at the cutesy wooden letters again and a snort escaped him. Well, it made his gal smile, and it wasn't insulting anyone. "...that is kinda funny—"

"Don’t worry, we won't tell the 'stache over there," Vanellope nudged her head in Gene's direction and hopped onto Ralph's shoulder. The mayor still grumbled to himself about the lights, martini in hand, and luckily hadn't noticed much else.

"I'm sure he'll have something to say to me about it anyways. He always does..." Felix sheepishly adjusted the back of his hat as the pair headed off to take down their extra string of lights.

"Hey, if it makes you feel any better, consider that an invitation for later," Tamora grinned and pointed to her rearranged display before heading back to fix it.

Felix stood silent for a few seconds, then flushed at the realization.

"A-ah coming—lemme give you a hand with that, Tammy!"

Tagging some of my WIR buddies: @ask-icancraft-it @ashleybenlove @sgtcalhouns @coneygoil @kittysfigurines24 @fix-it-feesh @sadboytristan @make-it-mavis @datamining-your-heart @nijimarii @scarfboyxiv

Let me know if you would like your name added to the tags for future fics!

[iviarellereads]

The Shadow Rising, Chapter 15 - Into the Doorway

(THIS PROJECT IS SPOILER FREE! No spoilers past the chapter you click on. Curious what I'm doing here? Read this post! For the link index and a primer on The Wheel of Time, read this one! Like what you see? Send me a Ko-Fi.)

(Dice icon) In which those are some awfully ominous setups.

PERSPECTIVE: Mat is heading into the belly of the Stone before doubt can stop him.(1) The last door, she'd said. And there it is, the redstone doorframe. It's twisted in an optical illusion way, just as described. He studies the frame and the room for a bit, perhaps delaying the inevitable. Then, he steps through. For a moment that lasts forever, brilliant white light surrounds him, infinitely bright, infinitely thick.

As his foot hits the other side, it stops. He's in a round hall with a ceiling so high he can't see it for the shadows. The room is lit by glowing spheres with no obvious energy source.

A voice startles Mat by saying it's been a long time since any seekers have come for answers. Mat can see that it's a man, and he seems pleased that Mat hasn't brought any lamps or torches, per the old agreement, and asks if he has any iron or musical instruments.

The figure steps into the light, and Mat's not so sure anymore that he's a man, or even human. He's too graceful, too thin, with a narrow, elongated face. His skin reminds Mat vaguely of snake scales, and eyes with vertical slits.(2) He asks again about iron and music, but Mat says no to both. He's about to ask why they'd ask that, but cuts himself off, and demands to be taken to the one who can provide him answers. The snake man smiles slightly and leads the way. One thing Mat notices is that there isn't a straight line in the place: ceilings arch, walls bow outward, the halls curve continuously, the doors are rounded, windows perfect circles. Even the tiles and bronze metalwork are curved and pointed, never straight.

Mat sees various things out the windows, including buildings that seem to reappear despite knowing that he must have turned enough corners to face a totally different direction. He cuts off two more half-spoken questions, frustrated.(3)

Finally, the man brings Mat to the room he's looking for. A man and two women, also strangely snakelike, await him sitting on three thick, coiled pedestals. Together they tell Mat to enter and ask, according to the agreement of old. Mat's skin crawls, but he goes closer, and carefully lays out the situation. The Whitecloaks in his home village, surely hunting his friends and maybe him. His friend parting ways. His family. A ta'veren pulling at him.

His questions, he'd worked out before going down to the doorframe.

 “Should I go home to help my people?” he asked finally. Three sets of slitted eyes lifted from him—reluctantly, it seemed—and studied the air above his head. Finally the woman on the left said, “You must go to Rhuidean.”(4)

A bell tolls,(5) and one of the women whispers that "he is another" and talks about the strain. Mat's trying to process, he knows Rhuidean is somewhere in the Aiel Waste, but no more than that. Anger drives his former questions, about getting away from Aes Sedai and recovering his memory, right out of his head. He asks why he should go to Rhuidean, and complains they're not answering his questions. They're supposed to answer, not give him riddles!

The woman on the right says if he doesn't go to Rhuidean, he'll die. The bell tolls again, louder. The three are clearly getting anxious, and say the strain is too great, the savor of him too strong, it has been so long. The man demands Mat ask his final question.

Mat cusses extensively and asks why he'll die if he doesn't go to Rhuidean? The man cuts off Mat's complaint that it makes no sense, and says he will have sidestepped the thread of fate, left his fate to drift on the winds of time, and he'll be killed by those who don't want that fate fulfilled. Now, Mat must go, quickly.

Mat shakes off the guide's hand from his arm and says he will NOT go, they've led him away from the questions he intended to ask and given senseless answers. What fate are they talking about? He wants one clear answer. The bell tolls a third time, and the room shakes.

As a dozen more guides start tearing him out of the room, Mat yells what fate?

The three were on their feet atop the pedestals, and he could not tell which shrieked which answer. “To marry the Daughter of the Nine Moons!”(6) “To die and live again, and live once more a part of what was!”(7) “To give up half the light of the world to save the world!”(8) Together they howled like steam escaping under pressure. “Go to Rhuidean, son of battles! Go to Rhuidean, trickster! Go, gambler! Go!”(9) Mat’s assailants snatched him into the air by his arms and legs and ran, holding him over their heads. “Unhand me, you white-livered sons of goats!” he shouted, struggling. “Burn your eyes! The Shadow take your souls, loose me! I will have your guts for a saddle girth!” But writhe and curse as he would, those long fingers gripped like iron.

Twice more the bell tolls, and the guides race back to the entry and throw Mat through it. The white light blinds him again, and he lands in the Great Holding. He stands quickly and throws himself back at the doorframe, but he passes right through onto the boxes behind it. He tries again and again, to no better result.

He starts thinking about his answers. Fated to marry! Daughter of the Nine Moons sounds like some noble title. He'd sooner marry a pig than a noblewoman. And dying and living again? It's all nonsense, he can't believe a word of it. Except... the door had taken him somewhere, and they only wanted to answer three questions.

Mat complains aloud that he won't marry any bloody noblewoman, he'll marry when he's too old to have any fun, cutting off his rant when Rand walks through the doorframe. He asks if Mat's just poking around, or if he went in, too. Mat is wary, but Rand doesn't look mad. Mat says he went through, and they're a bunch of bloody liars that remind him of snakes. Rand doesn't think they're liars. He asks if Mat got his answers, when Moiraine steps through into the room with them.

She realizes that they were both in there at the same time, that must be why... One of them would be bad enough, but two ta'veren at once might have torn the connection entirely, they could all have been trapped there. Did Perrin go in too? Mat says Perrin was getting ready to go to bed, last he saw. Mat would wager Moiraine was noble-born the way she's carrying on.

Mo says at least they made it out alive. Now, which of the girls told them? She'll make her wish Moiraine had peeled off her hide like a glove. Rand says he learned from a couple of books, and Mat says he reads sometimes, too. He wouldn't mind a hide-peeling for Egg and Nyn after what they did to take back the Amyrlin's letter, but it was more fun to tweak Mo's nose just now.

Mo asks Rand about his answers, and Rand says they're his alone. It wasn't easy, though, they had to bring in an interpreter, and she talked like an old book. Moiraine says they were talking the Old Tongue, a rather harsh dialect of it, for their dealings with humans. She asks if Mat's interpreter was more easily understood.(10)

Mat's mouth goes dry. The Old Tongue? Is that what it was?(11) He never got an interpreter, they never even let him ask his questions, the bell started shaking the walls down and they hustled him out like he'd tracked manure onto their rugs. He thinks Moiraine doesn't believe him, she already knows he's slipped into the Old Tongue before. He adds that he almost understood a word or two, here or there, but not to know it.

Mat asks what the snakes get out of it, and Moiraine says they feed off sensations, emotions, experiences. They rummage through them, that's what makes your skin crawl. Rand asks if the answers are true, though, and Moiraine confirms. So long as they're in regard to your own future, they are absolutely true. Though, they are often obscure. If Rand needs help interpreting his, Moiraine is happy to oblige. Rand gives her a slow smile and asks if she'll tell him what she asked, and their answers? Moiraine returns a level look at him and moves to leave the room silently. Mat calls out to ask her why you can't visit twice, and she says if she knew everything, she'd have no need to ask questions, then leaves for real.

For a time Mat and Rand looked at each other in silence. “Did you find out what you wanted?” Rand asked finally. “Did you?” A bright flame leaped into existence, balanced above Rand’s palm. Not the smooth glowing sphere of the Aes Sedai, but a rough blaze like a torch. As Rand moved to leave, Mat added another question. “Are you really going to just let the Whitecloaks do whatever they want back home? You know they’re heading for Emond’s Field. If they are not there already. Yellow eyes, the bloody Dragon Reborn. It’s too much, otherwise.” “Perrin will do . . . what he has to do to save Emond’s Field,” Rand replied in a pained voice. “And I must do what I have to, or more than Emond’s Field will fall, and to worse than Whitecloaks.” Mat stood watching the light of that flame fade away down the hall, until he remembered where he was. Then he snatched up his lamp and hurried out. Rhuidean! Light, what am I going to do?

=====

(1) See, now, here's one of those little things that makes me still not like Mat even here where most fans start to warm up to him, even if they had bad first impressions. He promised he wouldn't go unless his life depended on it. How does he figure his life depends on it to fulfill those criteria? Often, yes, he'll say he's no hero then do the heroic thing, but then he turns around and breaks his word when it's convenient for himself. This isn't to blame or accuse Mat fans of anything, but I feel obliged to point it out when I see it. (2) How very Faerie of you. This also shows in their name: Aelfinn which sounds very close to "elfin". (3) At least he knows well enough to not ask those frivolous questions in full. How many protagonists waste their magic questions? (4) We've heard that name before, from the Aiel. So, he has to go to an Aiel holy place, and if he doesn't, the whole pattern might unravel. No pressure. (5) Rand's arrival, no doubt. Imagine the pressure on the veil between the worlds when two ta'veren enter at one time. (6) The Daughter of the Nine Moons. Well, if we've been paying attention, the Seanchan royal court is called the Court of the Nine Moons, where the Empress sits on the Crystal Throne. (We learned this back in book 2. It's normal to forget. I sure did, on my first run!) So, logically, the Daughter of the Nine Moons sounds like Mat may be marrying someone related to the Empress, either her actual daughter, or her heir. We learned a little bit about who the heir apparent is back in book 2 as well, but it's not directly relevant just now. (7) There's an awful lot of Norse mythology around gods dying and coming back to life, seeing as Perrin and Rand are particularly steeped in that folklore as well… (8) What could "half the light of the world" mean? What would Mat have access to that would constitute that? Is there something he already has, or something we've seen that he might acquire somehow? Do you remember any prophecies that might have any relevance to this? (9) Those sure are some descriptors. Trickster and gambler, we've seen used or alluded to. Son of battles, though? That's new. (10) Now, all that's left is to wonder what Rand's and Moiraine's questions were. I love a good mystery, don't you? (11) Uh-oh! He's been quoting in the Old Tongue a bit, especially since he was Healed of the Shadar Logoth corruption, but he doesn't even realize he's doing it. Now we've got some proof that it's not just random quotes that, who knows, maybe at a stretch he heard in passing. No, he's speaking the whole language.

[autumnalwalker]

ROY G BIV tag

Thank you for the tag, @druidx. This looks like a fun new one.

Passing the (entirely optional) tag to @rickie-the-storyteller, @on-noon, @yourlocalboredprocastinator, @ghost-town-story. @broodparasitism, @itusebastian, @void-botanist, and an open tag for anyone else.

Rules: Search your your writing for the colours of the rainbow and post the excerpt

Red: Empty Names - 14 - Down Low

When Ashan finds her some ten minutes later with a satiated smile on her face and watching the spider pull in their stygian catch from the lake, the cut on Eris’s forehead has already healed.  None of the blood painting her new armor red is hers.

Orange: The Archivist's Journal, Day 78

As long as I’m writing, I suppose I ought to take a moment to describe the landing area.  It was another jutting cliff with an arch on the end, like Siren Overlook and the one we encountered to the west.  Twice could be a coincidence, but three times and I’m convinced the whole formation is artificial, not just the arch, columns, and pool.  It wasn’t nearly so overgrown as the western dock – if anything the columns were in better shape than at Siren Overlook – but whereas Siren Overlook was mostly covered in short grass with the occasional tiny white flower or stubborn shrub this was a veritable field of bright orange flowers broken only by the water lily filled pool running down the center.

Yellow: The Archivist's Journal, Day 60

Doffing my boots and carrying them in one hand, I waded in a short ways as I walked the perimeter of the spring.  It’s curious how unafraid the fish and turtles swimming the shallows were of me.  Most I could practically get within arm’s length before they darted away, and if I stood still for a few minutes, small schools of finger-length yellow fish would congregate in my shadow.

Green: The Archivist's Journal, Day 9

Hurrying to catch up with my young companion I pushed my way through the crooked door only to nearly trip over her.  The morning light had transformed the interior space from a surreal void to an awe-inspiring expanse.  Light filled the central nave.  As green leaf-filtered streams on the high side windows.  As vertical golden rays replacing the prior night’s columns of rain from holes in the roof.  As an iridescent wave coming in from the bare remains of a curved stained glass window backlighting the statue of the Reader.  All this reflected off the broad leaf and moss-filled puddles that stretched across much of the floor, still not evaporated days later.  The side aisles were a tangle of roots from the trees above, quite possibly doing as much to hold the structure up as the pillars separating aisle from nave.

Indigo: Witch's Testament: The Fighter

Weapons are raised and aimed.  The crowd begins to back away.  Someone above cracks a joke about how they should have just skipped to waving guns around if it was going to be this easy to solve the problem.

The crowd only backs off so far though, most that made it through the outer gate are still on the inside of it.  Those still stuck beyond push one another over the wall so some might get a better view.  A lone figure left behind by the receding sea of people remains standing in the middle of the reef of broken and smoking drones, tens of meters from the protesters behind him and the forces before him.  His dark clothes are long and billowing.  His pointed hat is wide brimmed to hide his face.  His serpentine familiar, assembled from scavenged and stolen parts, coils up one arm, over his shoulders, and down the other.

Someone in the line of hired guns makes an incredulous remark under his breath about cosplaying wizards.

The man corrects him to say that he’s a witch and his voice echoes through every loudspeaker, portable device, and auditory implant in the building.

The witch strides forward, his eyes glowing indigo from the shadows beneath his hat and matched by those of his slowly uncoiling familiar.

Someone gives an order to fire and an electrified dart wizzes past the unperturbed witch.  Six more darts miss.  Rubber bullets are loaded and combat implants lock in firing trajectories.

To the eyes of the security personnel, every shot should be a hit but impossibly passes through their target and out the other side.  To the eyes of the protestors the witch is walking through a hail of bullets that are all miraculously going astray.  To the eyes of the witch, every implant-assisted firing solution coming from the soldiers before him is being outlined in indigo and nudged to exactly where he wants it.

The witch has already crossed the security line and is on the steps of the building behind them by the time someone catches on and spins around to aim and fire manually.  His familiar rears up and hisses.  The shot goes wide as the entire security contingent seizes up, spasms, and falls to the ground.

The moment the witch crosses the threshold, every light in the building goes out, every door unlocks save for those to the roof and underground garage, and every camera becomes a witch’s eye.

Violet: A Dream About Purple

We are all too busy watching the game to notice anything wrong until a third team tries to take the field.  Their uniforms are purple and their hair appears to be dyed to match.  All of them wear the same vacant smile that crawled its way out of the uncanny valley and speak with offputting singsong voices. 

It is only then that we all look up and see the storm rolling in, stretching across the horizon with clouds of that same unnaturally vibrant violet.  Eerie music rides the wind ahead of the storm, heralding its imminent arrival. 

[somediyprojects]

DIY Paper Ombre Plum Blossoms

Project from Paper to Petal:

Our team has been obsessing over our copy of Rebecca Thuss and Patrick Farrell’s new book, Paper to Petal. Not only is it chock-full of simple and easy ways to create paper flowers (so many of which are great for crafters of all ages) but it’s also brimming with incredible ideas that are slightly more complicated that yield such incredible results. My favorite example is this stunning Ombre Plum Blossoms project from the book that Rebecca and Patrick were kind enough to share with us today. It’s one of 75 projects in the book and would be perfect for setting a fall tabletop without having to clean up berries and pods after dinner. I can’t wait to tackle this for our office and I hope you guys will give this a spin if you need a fun craft project for the weekend. 

Ombré Plum Blossoms from PAPER TO PETAL book

Materials • Single-ply crepe paper in white, lavender, purple, and royal purple: http://www.blumchen.com/craft_shop_crepe_paper_pg2.html, http://www.misterart.com/paper-boards/hobby-decorative-paper/craft-paper/tissue-paper/cindus-crepe-paper-folds.html • Florist crepe paper in orchid and plum: http://cartefini.myshopify.com/collections/all • Floral tape stem wrap in brown: http://www.save-on-crafts.com/stemwrap4.html • Found branch

Tools • Hot glue gun: http://shop.marthastewart.com/Martha-Stewart-Crafts-Glue-Gun-And/A/B00315X120.htm • Scissors

Template #167 http://marriedtocraft.com/templates/Templates-Ombre-Plum-Blossom.pdf

Cut Crepe paper grain (the vertical ridges in the paper) runs with height; all dimensions are given as H × W. Cut sixty 1 3/4″ × 1 1/4″ (4.5cm × 3cm) strips from royal purple single-ply crepe. Cut sixty 1″ × 1 1/4″ (2.5cm × 3cm) strips from white single-ply crepe. Finely hand-cut fringe with the grain, approximately 1/16” (0.16cm) wide and 3/4 of the way down each strip of white crepe. Petal #167: Cut twelve 2″ × 6 1/2″ (5cm × 16.5cm) strips from each of the 5 purple-toned crepe papers; accordion-fold strips to fit template and cut continuous petals. To cut continuous petals: Align the base of the template with the bottom of the folded paper, clip the template to the paper, and cut around the shape leaving the base of the paper folds uncut. When using florist crepe, stretch the paper strips slightly before cutting the petals to remove some of the gathers and bulk.

Build Secure all layers with floral tape. 1. Make a Rolled Center by folding the purple 1 3/4″ × 1 1/4″ (4.5cm × 3cm) strip in half, against the grain, and roll it with the folded edge up, creating a visible coil, pinch tightly. 2. Gather and Wrap the white fringe around the Rolled Center. To Gather and Wrap: Start by placing the Rolled Center at the base of 1 end of a paper strip, supporting both between thumb and index finger. With your other hand, begin gathering the strip of paper against the Rolled Center while rotating the flower slowly as you pinch and wrap the paper around the Rolled Center until you reach the end of the strip. Hold it firmly together and tightly tape it using a 2” (5cm) length of floral tape at the base of the flower, as shown, to prevent slipping. How to use floral tape: Firmly but gently stretching the tape as you wrap is crucial to release the adhesive that makes the tape stick to itself. Place a short length of tape on the base of the prepared flower center and begin wrapping it around the base by spinning the stem (not moving the tape around the stem). With one hand, hold and slowly twist the base of your flower while applying pressure to the tape with your fingers. The opposite hand stretches the tape as you work. Continue to hold the petals in place and catch the base of the strip in the tape while spinning the stem, wrapping the tape tightly around the base of the flower a few times. Overlap the tape as you wrap, maintaining pressure with your fingers to prevent unraveling. Continue wrapping down at a slight diagonal, making sure to continually and gently pull the tape as you progress. Make a few fingernail scores at the end of each length of tape to help it adhere. 3. Gather and Wrap a continuous petal strip evenly around the completed center and secure tightly with an additional piece of floral tape. Fan out and Cup petals slightly. To Cup: Lightly grasp the center of each petal at its widest point between the thumbs and index fingers of both hands. Gently slide your thumbs and index fingers away from one another, gently pulling from the center out, coaxing the folds of the paper apart. 4. Snip off the end of the tape and paper, leaving 1/4″ (6mm) tape at the base, as shown, to create a short stem. Repeat all steps to complete 60 flowers.

Project Note To secure blossoms to the branch, dab a small amount of hot glue on the base of the flower stem, and place on a branch in a desired location. Hold until secure. To complete the ombré effect, secure the lightest flowers to the top of the branch, and work from light to dark as you progress down the branch. To make the buds, cut an additional strip of Petal #167 and snip off 2 petals. Gather and Wrap the 2 petals around a piece of white fringe and secure with tape. Snip off the end of the tape, leaving 1/4″ (6mm) of tape at the base and attach to the branch with hot glue. This project looks lovely in any color combination. Try making branches in these palette ideas: light to dark pink, yellow to green, pale blue to deep blue.

[greenwell10]

Domestic Hot Water Heating

Greenwell provides practical solutions to its customers by using vertical floor stand gas water heater (central gas boiler) which is the central tank boiler “SGA” to heat water using natural gas. This gas water heater can satisfy the needs of users looking for water boilers and offers a wide product range.

Available capacities of these Ariston gas water heaters (central gas boiler) in Egypt range from 50 to 300 Litre. Also we have another way of domestic water heating in case the building is already will have wall hung gas boiler for central space heating system, in this case we connect the wall hung gas boiler with single coil hot water storage tank.

green_well #Domestic_Hot_Water_Heating

[hannahciara]

Maintenance and Longevity of Vertical Stacks

Maintenance and Longevity of Vertical Stacks

Vertical stacks are the backbone of efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in modern buildings, especially in high-rise and multi-unit complexes. Regular maintenance is crucial for ensuring the optimal performance and extended lifespan of these systems. Here are key insights into maintaining and improving the longevity of vertical stacks.

Routine Inspections and Cleaning

Over time, dust, debris, and other particles can accumulate in vertical stack units, reducing their efficiency and causing undue strain on central blowers. Regularly scheduled inspections and cleaning of air filters, coils, and blowers help maintain air quality and prevent potential breakdowns.

Monitor and Replace Key Components

Key components such as the motor, fan blades, and coils in vertical stacks are subject to wear and tear. Monitoring these parts for signs of damage or corrosion and replacing them promptly ensures the system continues to operate efficiently. Utilizing high-quality replacement parts enhances durability.

Optimize Airflow

Blocked or poorly designed ductwork can reduce the efficiency of vertical stacks and overwork the blower, leading to premature failure. Ensuring that ducts are clear and properly aligned optimizes airflow, enhancing the performance and lifespan of the system.

Lubrication and Alignment

The moving parts in vertical stacks, such as motor bearings and fan assemblies, require proper lubrication to minimize friction and wear. Periodic alignment checks ensure that vibrations or misalignments do not compromise the structural integrity of the system.

Energy-Efficient Upgrades

Advancements in HVAC technology offer opportunities to retrofit vertical stacks with energy-efficient components, such as variable-speed motors and smart controls. These upgrades not only reduce energy consumption but also minimize stress on the system, extending its operational life.

Seasonal Maintenance Plans

Creating a seasonal maintenance schedule for vertical stacks ensures they are prepared for peak performance during summer and winter months. Tasks such as inspecting for leaks, cleaning condensate drains, and testing thermostats are essential for avoiding unexpected failures.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of vertical stacks is an investment in their longevity, ensuring consistent performance and reducing long-term costs. By adopting routine care practices and leveraging modern advancements, building managers can maximize the efficiency and lifespan of their HVAC systems.

[speedywonderlandtrash]

The Evolution of Numeral Systems

The Evolution of Numeral Systems Ancient Numeral Systems Ancient civilizations developed various methods for numbers and mathematics. Some of the notable systems are as follows: 1. Mesopotamian Numeral System The Mesopotamian numeral system is a significant innovation of ancient civilization. Originally developed by the Sumerians, it was later adopted by the Babylonian civilization. This numeral system is based on the number 60, known as the sexagesimal system. The system developed in the Mesopotamian region around 3500 BCE. Characteristics of the Mesopotamian Numeral System - 60-Based System: The Mesopotamian numeral system was based on 60. Numbers from 1 to 59 were represented using distinct symbols, while the same symbol was reused for 60, similar to how we use zero and single digits in the decimal system for 100. - Two Main Symbols: The Mesopotamians used two primary symbols—one representing “ten” and the other representing “one.” They created different numbers by repeating and combining these symbols. For example, 45 would be written with four symbols for "ten" and five symbols for "one." - Positional Value System: The Mesopotamian numeral system used a positional value system, which was quite advanced for its time. However, they had no concept of zero, so numbers could sometimes be confusing. Usage of Mesopotamian Numerals The Mesopotamians used this numeral system in various aspects of daily life, especially in astronomy and time measurement. Even today, parts of this base-60 system are still used, such as 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour. Influence of the Mesopotamian Numeral System The Mesopotamian numeral system was very effective in their astronomical calculations and timekeeping, which influenced the development of modern mathematics. The reason we still use base-60 calculations in time and some astronomical measurements traces back to this system. 2. Egyptian Numeral System The Egyptian numeral system, developed and used by ancient Egyptians, was primarily written in hieroglyphs. It was a decimal-based system, with different symbols representing each multiple of ten. Characteristics of the Egyptian Numeral System - Decimal-Based System: The Egyptian numeral system was decimal-based, meaning it was built on powers of 10. They used different symbols for 10, 100, 1,000, and so on. - Use of Symbols and Pictures: Various symbols and images represented single numbers: - 1: A vertical line (𓏺) - 10: A rope coil (𓎆) - 100: A spiral (𓏠) - 1,000: A lotus flower (𓆼) - 10,000: A pointing finger (𓂭) - 100,000: A frog (𓆣) - 1,000,000: A figure with raised arms (𓂧) - Additive System: The Egyptians formed numbers by adding symbols. For example, 325 would be written with three spiral symbols, two coils, and five vertical lines. - Non-Positional System: The Egyptian numeral system did not have positional values. Each symbol held its value, regardless of its position, similar to the Roman numeral system. Usage of Egyptian Numerals The Egyptians used this numeral system for various purposes, such as taxes, agricultural accounting, construction, and even in pyramid-building. They also performed complex mathematical calculations, as found in ancient papyri like the Rhind Papyrus and the Moscow Papyrus. Concept of Fractions The Egyptians especially used unit fractions, which represented parts of one. They had specific symbols for dividing numbers, and the concept of fractions based on 2 was widely used. Influence of the Egyptian Numeral System Though it didn’t directly impact modern mathematical development, the Egyptian numeral system was essential for economic and social calculations in ancient Egypt. Their precision in constructing pyramids and other structures still amazes us today and reflects their mathematical knowledge. 3. Mayan Numeral System - Number Representation System: - Numbers from 1 to 4 were represented by dots (•), with each dot representing one unit. - A bar (—) symbolized five, with multiple bars stacked to represent numbers like 10 and 15. - The shell symbol (∩ or a “seed” symbol) represented zero, which was crucial for their positional system, allowing place values to indicate zero. - Positional Value System: - Each level in the Mayan numeral system increased by multiples of 20. The first level represented numbers from 1 to 19, the second from 20 to 399, the third from 400 to 7,999, and so on. - Numbers were written from top to bottom, with the lowest row representing units, the row above it for multiples of 20, and the next for multiples of 400, creating a layered structure. - Connection to the Mayan Calendar System: - The Mayans used their numeral system for calendars, specifically the Haab and Tzolk'in calendars. The Haab represented a solar cycle of 365 days, and the Tzolk'in was a 260-day spiritual cycle. - Terms like "Baktun," "Katun," and "Tun" referred to different cycles, each representing specific numbers of days. - Example of Mayan Numerals: - To write 399, they would place 19 at the unit level, add 1 (representing 20) at the next level, and so on. - Applications of Mayan Mathematics: - Mayans applied their numeral system to various fields, particularly in astronomy. They tracked solar cycles, lunar paths, and planetary positions. - They developed highly accurate calendars based on lunar and solar movements, showcasing their advanced understanding of science and mathematics. 4. Roman Numeral System The Roman numeral system was used by the ancient Romans and used Latin alphabet letters to represent numbers. It is a non-positional system and doesn’t include zero, making it unique compared to modern numeral systems. Main Roman Numerals: The key Roman numeral symbols include: - I = 1 - V = 5 - X = 10 - L = 50 - C = 100 - D = 500 - M = 1000 Writing Rules: - Addition Rule: - If a smaller numeral appears after a larger one, it adds to the value (VI = 5 + 1 = 6). - Subtraction Rule: - If a smaller numeral appears before a larger one, it subtracts from the value (IV = 5 - 1 = 4). - Repetition: - Symbols like I, X, C, and M can be repeated up to three times (III = 3). - Symbols like V, L, and D are never repeated. Limitations of Roman Numerals: - Large numbers require many symbols, making them less practical for extensive calculations. - The lack of zero limits its utility in mathematical operations. 5. Greek Numeral System The Greek numeral system used letters of the Greek alphabet to represent numbers, which was either the acrophonic or ionic system. Types of Greek Numeral Systems: - Acrophonic System: This earlier system, known as the Attic numeral system, represented numbers using symbols like: - Ι = 1, Π = 5, Δ = 10, Η = 100, Χ = 1000, Μ = 10000. - Ionic or Alphabetic System: This later system used 27 characters (the Greek alphabet and three extra characters) to represent numbers, where: - Numbers 1 to 9 had distinct symbols like α (1), β (2). - Numbers from 10 to 90, and 100 to 900, followed similar patterns using different characters. 6. Hindu-Arabic Numeral System The Hindu-Arabic numeral system is the most widely used numeral system globally, originating in India and spreading to the Arab world before reaching Europe. Key Features: - Decimal Basis: It uses base-10, with symbols for 0 through 9, where position determines value. - Introduction of Zero: The concept of zero was a breakthrough by Indian mathematicians, further spread by Arab scholars like Al-Khwarizmi. Zero’s Origin and History The concept of zero, which originated in India, revolutionized mathematics. Figures like Aryabhata and Brahmagupta laid the foundations for zero's mathematical rules. Expansion During the Middle Ages In the Middle Ages, the Hindu-Arabic system spread widely, primarily through Islamic scholars. Figures like Fibonacci introduced this system to Europe, which gradually replaced Roman numerals. Modern Numerals and the Digital Age In the digital age, numerals play a vital role in computing, data science, and cryptography, primarily using binary (0 and 1) and hexadecimal systems for efficient processing. Conclusion The history of numerals is intertwined with the progress of human civilization. Each system helped shape daily life, and the development of the Hindu-Arabic system has taken mathematics to an unprecedented level. This history reflects the critical role of numbers in the advancement of human society. Read the full article

[carrierindia]

Carrier is a world leader in high-technology heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration solutions. Carrier experts provide sustainable solutions, integrating energy-efficient products, building controls, and energy services for residential, commercial, retail, transport, and food service customers. With solutions ranging from Chillers, Air handling, and Fan coil units to Cassettes, ducted, and VRF air conditioners, you can rely on Carrier for all your HVAC needs for any business vertical like a commercial building, Schools, healthcare, or hospitality. From small office buildings to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers, Carrier is pioneering the latest HVAC solutions for all types of applications.

[jayantrajendrametal]

Sheet/Plate/Coil

Industrial Steel in High Quality

Jayant Rajendra Metal stands out as a premier supplier and exporter offering a wide array of Sheet, Plate, and Coil products. Our offerings span various forms, shapes, sizes, dimensions, and specifications to cater to diverse industry needs. These versatile Sheet, Plate, and Coil products find applications across a spectrum of industries including Petrochemicals, Chemicals, Oil & Gas, Sugar Mills & Distilleries, Fertilizers, Cement Industries, Ship Building, Pumps, Automation, Paper Industries, and Steel Industries, among others.

About Sheet/Plate/Coil

Jayant Rajendra Metal specializes in delivering products that adhere to DIN, ANSI, and JIS standards. Our manufacturing facilities are equipped with advanced technology, ensuring top-quality stainless steel fasteners. Through vertical integration, we maintain control over production, meeting diverse customer specifications with consistent quality assurance. Offering over 20,000 SKUs, our fasteners are trusted globally, serving leading enterprises across six continents. Since establishment in 2006, Jayant Rajendra Metal has earned a stellar reputation as a world leader in Stainless Steel Fastener manufacturing, recognized for excellence worldwide.

Specifications

Sheet/ Plate/ Coil can be supplied in construction that are produced in a variety of designs, style, specifications, grades and sizes, with each fitting serving an industry's need.

Standard : EN, DIN, JIS, ASTM, BS, ASME, AISI

Specification : ASTM A240 / ASME SA240/ ASTM / ASME B 161/ 162 / 163, ASTM / ASME B 725/730

Range : 2000mm, 2440mm, 3000mm, 5800mm, 6000mm, 1250mm & 1500 mm etc

Thickness : 0.3mm to 200mm

We provide all type of Sheets/ Plate/ Coil that are - Plain Sheet, Shim Sheet, Perforated Sheet Stockist and Suppliers in Mumbai, India.

Product

Sheet/Plate/Coil

Pipes

Round Bar

To Know More  https://jayantrajendrametal.com/stainless-steel-sheet-supplier-manufacturers-in-mumbai-india/

[vipgaragedoorrepair]

A Comprehensive Guide to Choose the Right Garage Door Installer

A garage door is more than just an entrance to your home. It's an essential component that provides security, convenience, and curb appeal. Whether you're building a new home or replacing an old garage door. Selecting the right garage door installer is crucial. 

Why Do You Need a Professional Garage Door Installer?

Installing a garage door is not a DIY project. It involves precise measurements, specialized tools. A thorough understanding of the door's mechanics. A professional garage door installer ensures that the job is done right the first time. They will consider factors like the type of door, the materials used. The specific needs of your home. Here's why hiring a professional is a must:

Safety: Garage doors are heavy and operate under tension. A mishandled installation can lead to accidents. A trained garage door installer knows how to handle the components safely.

Expertise: A professional garage door installer has the experience and knowledge. He can install the door correctly. They are familiar with different types of doors and can recommend the best one for your home.

Warranty: Many garage doors come with a warranty. It may be voided if the installation is not done by a certified installer.

Time-Saving: A professional installer can complete the job quickly and efficiently. Saving you time and frustration.

Types of Garage Doors:

When working with a garage door installer. You'll have various types of garage doors to choose from. Here's a brief overview of the most common options:

1. Sectional Garage Doors:

Sectional garage doors are made up of several horizontal panels that are hinged together. They open vertically and are popular for their space-saving design. A skilled installer can customize sectional doors to fit any garage opening.

2. Roll-Up Garage Doors:

Roll-up doors are commonly used in commercial settings but are also suitable for residential garages. They roll up into a coil and are known for their durability. An experienced installer will ensure a smooth and secure installation.

3. Side-Hinged Garage Doors:

Side-hinged doors open outward like traditional doors. They are often made of wood and add a classic look to your home. An installer can help you decide if this style is right for your garage.

4. Slide to the Side Garage Doors:

Slide to the side doors operate by sliding along a track to the side of the garage. They are easy to use and are a great option for garages with limited headroom. A professional installer will ensure that the tracks are properly aligned for smooth operation.

5. Tilt-Up Garage Doors:

Tilt-up garage doors are a single, solid piece that tilts up and into the garage. They can be either canopy-style or retractable. A knowledgeable professional will help you choose the right type for your home.

What to Look for in a Garage Door Installer?

Finding the right garage door installer requires some research. Here are the key factors to consider:

1. Experience:

Experience is a crucial factor when selecting a professional. An installer with years of experience. He will have encountered various challenges and will know how to overcome them. They will be able to handle any type of garage door, from traditional to modern, with ease.

2. Certification and Training:

A reputable garage door installer should be certified and trained in garage door installation. Certification ensures that the installer has met industry standards. He has the necessary skills to perform the job. Ask for proof of certification before hiring an installer.

3. Insurance:

Accidents can happen, even with the most experienced professional. Ensure that the installer has liability insurance and worker's compensation coverage. This protects you from any financial responsibility. If an accident occurs during the installation.

4. References and Reviews:

While you requested not to include reviews in this blog. It's still wise to check references. Online reviews when selecting a professional. Talking to previous clients can give you insight into the installer's work quality and reliability.

5. Detailed Quote:

A professional garage door installer should provide a detailed quote that includes all aspects of the installation. Such as labor, materials, and any additional services. This helps you understand the costs involved and ensures there are no surprises later.

6. Warranty:

A good professional should offer a warranty on both the installation and the door itself. This warranty provides peace of mind, knowing that the installer stands behind their work.

Selecting the right garage door installer is a decision that requires careful consideration. From safety and expertise to experience and customer service. Many factors contribute to a successful installation. A well-installed garage door adds value to your home and provides the security and convenience you need.

[heatmaster]

Industrial Insights Navigating Innovation and Excellence"

Finned Tubular Duct Heater

what is finned tubular duct heater

Finned duct heaters use fins attached to the heater's sheath. Typically, finned heaters work well for heating indoor air but can also serve other heating applications. These heaters are typically used in forced convection heating or heating systems that use air and gas

Features of Finned Tubular Duct Heater

Specialized electric heaters called finned tubular duct heaters are used to heat gases or air in duct systems. The following are the main characteristics that qualify them for a range of HVAC and industrial applications:

1.Elements of Finned Tubular Heating:

made from durable and corrosion-resistant materials, such as Incoloy or stainless steel. Typically, fins are composed of stainless steel or aluminum, which increases surface area and improves heat transfer efficiency.

2.High-Efficiency Heating:

To ensure even heating, the finned design increases the surface area of contact between the gas or air passing through the duct and the heating element. Operating expenses and energy consumption are decreased by effective heat transfer

3.Personalization Options:

available in a variety of wattages and sizes to suit various heating needs and duct widths. Adaptable to unique application requirements in terms of size, heating capacity, and mounting options (horizontal or vertical).

Open Coil Heaters

what is open coil heaters

Air heaters known as "open coil heaters" expose the entire surface area of the heating element to airflow. Strategic selection of the alloy, dimensions, and wire gauge results in a unique custom solution tailored to the specific requirements of an application.

Features of Open Coil Heaters

Exposure coil heaters, another name for open coil heaters, are another kind of electric heater that's widely utilized in commercial and industrial settings. The salient attributes and traits of open coil heaters are as follows:

1.Building:

constructed from resistance wire, which is usually composed of alloys like kanthal or nickel-chromium (Nichrome). Coils are exposed to maximize the effectiveness of heat transfer by allowing direct contact with the gas or air being heated.

2.Flexibility:

ideal for a variety of uses, such as drying operations, ovens, air heating, and heating liquids in tanks. Suitable for natural convection and forced air heating systems.

3.Elevated Power Density:

High power densities can be attained with open coil heaters, resulting in quick heat-up times and flexible temperature control. Perfect for applications that need accurate temperature control or rapid heating cycles.