#Fergus Public Library

[finnlongman]

Do u have any accessible recs for resources about gender / gender roles in early/pre Medieval Ireland

Tricky. I don't have anything about pre-medieval Ireland, because there wouldn't be any literary/historical sources from that far back, only archaeological ones (which is not my area). I am very much a literature specialist and not a historian, so my reading on gender has been substantially in the context of literature, and most of it skews somewhat later than what I assume you're looking for when you say "early medieval".

It also depends what you mean by "accessible", whether that's about availability / cost or whether it's more about the style and structure. Unfortunately, I don't have any recommendations for works of popular history on this topic. The only ones I've read have been outdated and I wouldn't recommend them; none are particularly recent. That doesn't mean no good ones exist, just that I haven't read them if they do.

The main academic publication that comes to mind is Sheehan, Sarah, and Ann Dooley (eds), Constructing gender in medieval Ireland, The New Middle Ages, New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013. Many of the essays in this collection are about literature, but there are at least two about historical aspects of the treatment and perception of women. Unfortunately, being an academic publication, this book may be harder to get hold of in affordable form, though it does exist in ebook and thus there's a higher chance of finding it outside of a university library.

I'm not aware of much work done on historical aspects of constructing masculinity, although there has been some literary work, but that doesn't mean there isn't any -- just that I am not a historian. If literary approaches are of interest, the majority of the work that I'm aware of will have been cited in my article about gender and monstrosity ('What Manner of Man is This Hound', freely available on my website), so you could check the bibliography there. Again, those will be academic publications rather than general interest ones, which may not be what you're looking for.

A lot of discussions of historical gender roles focus on legal texts and commentaries, so looking up Fergus Kelly's Early Irish Law could be a good starting point. Again, I don't know how easy this is to find outside academia (to be honest, most people I know have been using the same badly scanned PDF -- with missing pages -- for well over a decade, it just keeps circulating).

Sorry not to be of more help! Perhaps some of my followers will have things to add. General disclaimer that I won't have vetted anything that gets put in the comments/reblogs, so proceed with caution; there's a lot of unreliable stuff out there.

[savedbythesiesta]

Fergus Falls Public Library

[captainemerald]

Mericcup Headcanons

While they were dating, Merida became friends with Astrid and Ruffnut. While on Berk, Astrid helps train Merida in the art of Viking shield combat. When she graduate Hiccup gifts her with her very own shield he made with the DunBroch crest painted on it. She in the only foreigner to hold the title of "Shieldmaiden of Berk".

Through their marriage, and some adventures they had together in other lands, the Scottish Clans, Berk, various Viking Tribes, and other smaller kingdoms and lordships all unite to form The Kingdom of the Wilderwest.

The Kingdom's official symbol is a circle with a bear and a dragon (positioned similarly to that of the yin yang symbol) the bear is designed using the Norse art style while the dragon is designed using the Celtic art style.

While engaged to Merida, Hiccup had to struggle to win the approval of the other Scottish Lords (since he is a Viking after all). He had the hardest time with Young Macintosh, who would be very antagonistic toward him and would remind him constantly that "he would never bow to some scrawny savage from the north. Their relationship changed, however, during a winter fishing trip between King Fergus, his soon to be son-in-law, and the Lords' sons. When Young Macintosh fell through the ice, Hiccup used his Viking knowledge on frozen bodies of water to save his life, thus earning his respect.

Merida and Hiccup have friendly archery competitions together (that she almost always wins, of course). Hiccup uses a bow that Merida made for him as a birthday present. It's made of a darker wood that almost looks black that has a Toothless shaped head carved at each end.

While Hiccup still technically holds the title of "Chief of Berk", Astrid is appointed the actual leader back on Berk while he rules the Wilderwest (which really annoyed Snotlout).

Hiccup's Titles: Dragon King of the Wilderwest, Prince (later King) of DunBroch, Chief of Berk, The Great Ironfoot (given by the blacksmiths in his kingdom), Shadow Rider (by fear filled enemies), Dragon Master (by those in the Dragon Academy), Wee Lamb (by Merida whispering affectionately into his ear).

Merida's Titles: Bear Queen of the Wilderwest, Princess (later Queen) of DunBroch, Chieftess of Berk, The Great Eagle Eye (given by the archers in her kingdom), King Humbler (more on that later), Shieldmaiden of Berk, My Wildfire (by Hiccup whispering affectionately into her ear).

During a meeting with smaller kings and lords who wanted to join The Wilderwest, some commented to King Hiccup as to why a woman (Queen Merida) was at the negotiating table as if she had a say in these matters. Hiccup was about to lose his cool at the rude remarks made toward his love, until she placed a calming hand on his shoulder and spoke. She calmly challenged each offending king and lord to a very public archery contest to demonstrate their "male superiority". It goes down exactly how you think it goes down. With their "male pride" very publicly wounded, the negotiations continue with Merida present and her husband grinning from ear to ear. This earns her the title of "King Humbler".

While Hiccup gets along with his three brother-in-laws pretty well, Merida's relationship with her new cousin-in-law Snotlout goes as well as you think. It gets better, after he learned a snide remark toward her or Hiccup would earn him a black eye from her.

Hiccup, being the nerd boy that he is, puts a great emphasis on education in his kingdom. He feels that the more his subjects know the happier their lives will be. With the help of his mother-in-law Queen Elinor (whom he has a great relationship with) he helps establish schools and libraries throughout the kingdom. As a result, his subjects are some of the smartest people in the world.

When Hiccup and Merida have children, they entertain them with the stories of their various adventures, but in different ways. Merida would be a great oral story teller (something she inherits from her dad. While Hiccup would be the one to write them all down in book form with well drawn pictures and maps (similar to Bilbo Baggins).

[myhauntedsalem]

SQUIRE’S CASTLE

WILLOUGHBY HILLS, OHIO

Squire’s Castle is actually a modern ruin, classified as little more than a shell of the original building. Located not far from Cleveland it was built in the 1890s by Fergus Squire who hoped the home would serve as a gatehouse for a future larger estate he was constructing. The project was never completed beyond the initial gatehouse and was sold in the 1920s.

Legend has it that Squire’s wife fell and broke her neck in the gatehouse, dying on the property. Many believe the tragedy was the reason Squire halted his project, despite purchasing over 500 acres to build his estate. Her ghost is said to walk the barren halls of the small manner, though no reports of malevolent or intelligent hauntings have been reported. There are some who claim to have seen the light of a red lantern in the windows of Squire Castle and that the lantern is carried by the lonely ghost of Mrs. Squire. Anguished screams of a woman are heard at night. Apparitions have been seen wandering the grounds and orbs have been photographed just outside the castle and in the woods nearby.

Today, the building is open to the public and is a unique sight to see. While it has a roof, the windows and doors expose the interior to the elements, which is completely bare and unfurnished. It’s available for tours and is utilized by a local library each year for a history seminar but there are more mysterious tales surrounding the house to be told.

[theamericanparlor]

Elkhorn Saloon, Lewistown, Montana (1915)

Men standing at the bar of the Elk Horn Saloon (123 W. Main). The man with his foot on the rail is Ed Martin, Sheriff of Fergus County, Montana. Schlitz beer sign is hanging on the wall. An elk head is mounted on the wall also. Four spitoons are on the floor by the bar. The building was built before 1900.

Source: Lewistown Public Library, Lewistown, Montana

[marril96]

The Distance Between Us

Chapter 5: Working Girls

Pairing: Rowena x reader

Summary: The time has come for your first tutoring session.

Editor: @cherrypierowena

It was Friday when you next spoke to Rowena.

She seemed intent on avoiding you all week, and you happily returned the favor. The less you saw (and heard) of her, the easier it was to pretend you weren't stuck being tutored by her for the entirety of this semester.

What were you thinking, saying yes to that?

You were an idiot.

Just as the last bell sounded, and you were on your way out, happy to start your weekend, the devil herself had to — just had to — walk up to you and say, "Tomorrow. Quarter past three."

You blinked as if you'd just been maced. "What?"

"The tutoring," she said a tad slower, in an overly exaggerated tone, as if you were dumb. "That thing you're making me do? Remember?"

You rolled your eyes. "You agreed for the same reasons I did. I'm not making you do shit."

She returned the eyeroll, which somehow managed to look even more dramatic, more exaggerated. You wondered if it hurt to twist her eyes like that. And if it did — good.

"Whatever. You coming tomorrow or what?"

Did you even have a choice?

The sooner you got it done, the better.

"Where?"

"My house," she said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

It kind of was. The way Rowena was, she wouldn't be caught dead with you — alone — in public.

"Sure," you say.

"Need directions?" she asked.

It was your turn to give her the are-you-dumb look. "I've been there countless times."

"Just making sure," she said, shrugging nonchalantly. "Don't want you to get lost."

Olivette, who was standing beside her, snickered.

Rowena smirked.

Nice. Already off to a great start.

"Don't you worry about me, sweetheart," you said condescendingly. Two could play this game. "Just make sure you're home when I get there. Busy girl like you, don't want you to stand me up."

"I won't, darling," she replied in the same tone. "I cleared me schedule just for you."

"How sweet."

"That's me."

Yeah. Sweet as diabetes.

Olivette pulled her arm, heading for the exit.

"Don't be late," Rowena said over her shoulder as she followed her.

"I would never," you shouted after her.

After the way she acted, you were tempted to. Badly.

*****

It was three o'clock sharp when you showed up at the MacLeod residence. Much to your disappointment, Crowley was out, doing whatever it was that he did on his own. Probably something not quite legal. Or moral.

You didn't ask.

You didn't care.

Just before you left the house, he sent you a message giving you his honest, heartfelt condolences. How sweet of him.

You hated to admit it, but it was oddly comforting. If anyone knew what it was like to study with Rowena — to be around Rowena for more than a few minutes, all alone — it was him.

Rowena opened the door dressed in something sparkly you thought she only wore to school to stand out.

Apparently, it was her regular attire.

Who would have guessed?

"You're early," she said in greeting, seemingly surprised.

"Hello to you, too," you said.

She scoffed and moved aside to let you in, then closed the door behind you.

The MacLeod house was small but comfy. The kind of house that made you feel right at home as soon as you walked through the door. Aside from their mother's, the MacLeod kids had two other bedrooms; Rowena had her own, and Crowley and Gavin, their younger brother, shared theirs. Not much space for a four-member family, but they made it work.

"Mother's at work," Rowena said. "Fergus is out. It's just you and me. And Gavin."

"Cool," you said.

Their mother was always working. Two jobs, you thought Crowley once said. Bills needed to be paid, and kids were expensive.

"Gavin won't bother us," Rowena said.

"Whatever."

You didn't mind the kid. From what you saw of him, he was a lovely little boy. A complete contrast to his sister.

She took you to her room. It was small, but somehow felt like home. The bed was by the wall in the middle, surrounded by a desk with a laptop on top, a large closet, a dresser, and, much to your surprise, two big bookshelves filled to the brim with books, hardbacks and paperbacks alike, all in seemingly pristine condition.

You would never admit it out loud, but you were impressed. You'd expected something more… pink. And sparkly. Maybe a few pictures of loser kids like yourself hanging on the wall, with targets painted on their faces in sparkly pink gel pen. The popular girl stuff.

Maybe she had those in her closet.

"It's just a room," Rowena said when she noticed you staring, a touch of smugness, of pride, in her expression.

You blushed. "Your books…"

"Aye, I've my own wee library."

A bit more that wee, it was. There were so many books!

"Don't touch anything," she added. "You can look" — she didn't seem too thrilled with that idea, either, but at the same time, she liked to be the one to impress — "but don't touch. I don't want you to damage the books."

You had to roll your eyes. "That's my sole purpose in life — damaging your books."

"For all I know, I might be," she retorted. "You seem like the type."

You cocked up an eyebrow. "Oh, really?"

"We wouldn't be in this mess if not for your damage."

Really?

Really?!

"You could've refused," you reminded her. "We both know why you didn't." Because little miss perfect wasn't so perfect after all. "Don't put your shitty record on me. I'm not the one bitching out the teachers."

At least when you did it, you did it out of earshot, around your friends.

If anything, Rowena could learn a thing or two from you.

Her cheeks flushed as red as her hair. "If you weren't such a failure, Mr. Shurley never would have blackmailed me!"

Maybe so.

But still…

"Maybe he doesn't like you."

God knew you didn't. Half the school didn't. Just because her group let her into their little circle didn't mean the entire popular scene liked her.

You'd heard the things they were saying about her behind her back. All the names they called her. The jokes they made about her.

Everyone knew the only reason she was popular, that she was someone, was that Olivette felt sorry for her. The same reason Lucifer started dating her Junior year.

Hell, you were pretty sure Rowena knew it, too. She couldn't not know.

But she put up with it. Because popularity was everything, even at the cost of dignity.

Being on top mattered more than anything. More than family. More than the people she'd trampled on her way there.

Despicable.

Rowena scoffed, looking at you as if you'd just suggested having live snails for dinner. "He loves me!"

You snorted. "Sure. Everyone loves you."

"People with taste do."

"Yeah, 'cause you're so lovable."

"Totally am."

As lovable as a splinter.

"Now, are you here to be rude or to learn?" she asked, changing the subject. "I've had to cancel plans to meet with you, you know. I don't want to waste my time."

You were the one being rude?

Typical Rowena.

"So sorry you can't make out with your asshole boyfriend for an extra hour this afternoon," you said sarcastically.

She rolled her eyes. "What I do with my time is none of your bloody business! But if you must know, I was supposed to go shopping with Olivette."

So she was in agreement with Lucifer being an asshole.

Interesting.

"My deepest apologies," you said mockingly, earning you another eyeroll.

Books, notebooks, and supplies were on the floor, on a neat pile beside the bed. You lowered your bag containing your own stuff beside them and sat down Indian style. Rowena joined you.

"When's your make up test?" she asked.

"Thursday," you said. You thought Ms. Hanscum would give you more time, but guess not. You had a tutor now. She expected results.

You expected another F.

Rowena sighed. "Well, let's see what it is you're struggling with."

How about everything? you thought sourly.

"This was in the test," she said, opening the textbook and pointing a perfectly manicured fingernail at the pages in question. "What exactly is it you don't get?"

You slid the book over to you, scanned the pages meticulously. So many numbers and formulas. Odd formations of numbers and letters that made no sense. Solved example problems that looked as strange as a foreign language. Questions you didn't — couldn't — understand, let alone solve.

You blushed as if caught doing something awkward.

This was embarrassing.

"Everything," you mumbled under your breath.

Rowena frowned, confused, curious. "What?"

You swallowed. Breathed in deep and hard for courage. "I said everything!" She blinked. You sighed. "None of this makes sense to me. Might as well show me hieroglyphs. I'll understand as much."

As if it wasn't embarrassing enough that a mean girl like her had to tutor you, you had to admit to your ignorance out loud.

This was fine, you told yourself. Totally fine. If she laughed at you, if she told her friends what a complete and utter idiot you were, so what? Wouldn't be the first time you were made fun of.

You could handle a bit of bullying.

You'd handled it before.

Go at it, Rowena, you thought. Do your worst!

Instead, her hard expression softened. No trace of a smile lingered on her mouth. No teasing glint in her eyes.

She looked… concerned.

What was going on?

"You really understand nothing?" she asked. Her tone was genuine, no mockery in sight.

"Yup," you said timidly, face falling to the open book between the two of you.

"Why didn't you ask Ms. Hanscum to explain?"

What was the point? You still wouldn't get it. Also…

"So you and your friends can laugh at me?"

Rowena looked appalled. "I wouldn't laugh at you."

"Sure you wouldn't." Just like she hadn't looked around at people who'd failed with a smug look on her face. Just like she hadn't stood aside as her friends teased and bullied and mocked people, and laughed along with them.

She was about to respond, but shut her mouth just in time. Good. You weren't in the mood for excuses and lies.

"Why don't we start with the first lesson?" she asked, changing the subject back to the topic at hand. "If you get a hang of that one, the other two will be easier to comprehend."

"Sure," you replied. You weren't expecting much; if Ms. Hanscum, who'd spent years earning her degree, couldn't teach you, you doubted a mere high school girl could.

Still, it was worth a try.

You could use the extra credit, and plus, you'd promised Sam you'd cooperate. Rowena had apparently told him she had no patience for slackers. You didn't particularly care what she thought, but at the very least, you could prove her wrong. You could work hard and do your best. Make her earn her extra credit and clean record.

"Okay, so you see this problem?" Rowena asked, pointing to a set of numbers she'd written down on a piece of paper.

"Yeah."

You wished you didn't.

You had a feeling these numbers would show up in your dreams tonight. And every night after that.

Math was a bitch.

"Do you know how we got 3?"

You shrugged. "Nope."

She might as well have asked you to translate lettering from ancient artifacts.

Rowena sighed. Not quite happy, but not exasperated, either. "Let's look at it differently. What's something you like?" She looked around, lost in thought. "Money?"

"Sure."

Everyone liked money, you supposed.

She grinned. "Great!"

Was that genuine joy on her face?

"Say you have one hundred dollars. I borrow you twenty. Sam borrows you five. You want to buy a… DVD."

That was one expensive DVD.

"What kind?" you asked.

She frowned. "What?"

"What kind of DVD? Like, which movie?"

"Gone with the Wind?" she suggested.

You made a face. "I'd never buy that! Especially not for that much money."

"It's a bloody classic!" she exclaimed, outraged.

Well.

Somebody loved old movies.

"Don't care," you said. "It's old, needlessly long, boring, and, uh, did I mention old?"

Rowena looked as if you'd just admitted to murdering her entire family in cold blood.

"Make it Mean Girls. It's symbolic, at least."

She scowled. "Fine. You want to buy Mean Girls."

"Perfect," you said with a sugary-sweet, diabetes-inducing smile on your mouth.

She rolled her eyes dramatically. Her favorite thing to do, it seemed. "You get to the store, and you find out it's on sale."

"I love sales!"

"Everybody loves sales! Anyway, the DVD you want…"

She went on a long, complicated explanation of prices, tax, sales, calculations, and formulas. At first none of it made sense, just as it hadn't back in Ms. Hanscum's class. But the more she explained, the more details she provided to the imaginary scenario with money and DVDs, it started to settle in.

It took a good ten minutes, but by the time she was done, you understood the problem.

And when she gave you a few problems she'd made up herself to solve, same structure with different numbers, you did it.

Correctly.

Soon the two of you moved on to other lessons. Rowena was surprisingly patient. You expected her to scream and shout and call you names. Instead, she explained everything thoroughly, five times if she had to. She didn't talk down to you. Didn't make you feel dumb for not knowing things that came naturally to her. Didn't rush you or chastise you for taking too long to solve the problems she'd given you.

She spoke softly and kindly, and gave you time to think solutions through.

She was, dare you say, better than Ms. Hanscum herself.

"I think that's about enough for today," Rowena said.

You looked at your phone, eyes going wide at seeing the time.

Two hours had gone by in a flash.

"Yeah," you agreed. "That was way too much math for one day."

Rowena giggled.

It was cute, you found yourself thinking. A strangely cute little sound.

"Would you like to come over tomorrow?"

You blinked. "To study?"

"What else?"

"Isn't that a bit… soon?"

"Your make up test is Thursday, right? It's better to prepare really well." She shrugged. "Not saying you have to. It's just a suggestion."

You didn't want to.

You never wanted to see these numbers — any numbers — again.

You especially didn't want to see them that soon.

But…

Rowena was right. The more you prepared, the more you studied, the better.

It wasn't like you had anything planned, anyway. Sunday was a boring day.

"Okay," you said after a moment of thinking it through. "Same time?"

"Aye."

"It's a deal, then."

"Don't be late."

"I'll be here at three again. Three fifteen sounds a bit weird, to be honest."

She made no response to that. Merely shrugged as if it didn't bother her. "Says you."

"I'll be going, then," you said. "Say hi to Crowley for me?"

"Whatever," she replied, annoyed.

You took that as a yes.

The first session went rather well. You hadn't tried to kill each other and you'd managed to learn a thing or two.

Maybe having Rowena MacLeod as a tutor wasn't so bad after all.

*****

Tags: @werewolfbarbie @oswinthestrange @songofthecagedmoose @apurdyfulmind @getthesalt-sam @metallihca @salembitchtrials @jay-eris @hellsmother @elizabeth-effie @victoriasagittariablack @rowenaswife @wonderifshelikesroses @xfireandsin @liddell-alien @hotdiggitydammit @lae-lae @darkhumorsblog @gaysnakess @angel7376 @cherrypierowena @ruthieconnells @evil-regal-vampiress @collectorofsecretsandsouls @angel-e-v-a @melisandre02 @a-queen-and-her-throne

[op7ion]

Adventure Series – GeoCaching Trackable Lover – Fergus Library MultiCache

Featuring a two stage MultiCache located within the Fergus Public Library. The town of Fergus was originally known as Little Falls, because of the scenic water falls located downtown between the Fergus Public Library & Fergus Market.

The Wellington County Library system consists of 14 branches located in communities across the County. Their mission is to enhance the knowledge, skills, enterprise, and enjoyment of the people of Wellington County through the provision of high quality library service.

Read the full article on our blog

[renee-writer]

Temporary Home Chapter 11 Investigation

They sent Louise's description, her known aliases, and disguises to the local, rent by the hour and week, motels. They search the hospitals. They question bartenders, patrons, and other 'working ladies' at pubs and clubs. But, it seems that Fergus' mum has just disappeared.

"Weel, we have confirmed she is a working lady. And that her base is the dive hotels." Willy says a week into the search.

"Yes, but where is she? No one had seen her with Fergus. I am beginning to wonder if she is his mum after all. That maybe he is the child of another pro' and this Louise kinda took him in. But, we will know nothing until we can find her." She is frustrated. Parents disappear, of course. Babies are left in hospitals. Toddlers left in shopping carts in stores. Children not picked up from play dates or from the library. But, there is something different about Fergus. Those others are slightly safer places. Fergus was left at Cottis! A week after a murder happened there. And the door was unlocked. That detail bothers her most. She was almost as worried about Louise as she was her presumed son. She needs to talk to Fergus again.

"I am going to talk with Fergus again." Claire declares gathering up her notebooks and notes.

"You want me to go with you?" Willy offers.

"No but thank you. I need to make an unscheduled visit anyway."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

She is unaccustomedly nervous as she pulls up to Mr Fraser's Lallybroch. She shakes it off refusing to explore it. She has a job to do. Her own feelings about it have no place in it. With resolve she walks up to the front door and firmly knocks.

He opens the door in just his jeans. He and Fergus are making homemade pizza and are both shirtless to keep the flour off their shirts. And, he hadn't been expecting her. "Cla...Miss Beauchamp. I wasna expecting ye. Please come in."

"Ahhh...errr...I need to ask Fergus some questions and needed to make an unannounced visit." She was temporarily stunned by the sight of his bare chest. How did a writer get that body? It takes all her will to re-focus on her purpose.

"Aye. Fergus and I are.making some homemade pizza. Thus the reason we are shirtless." He explains leading her into the kitchen. She follows trying desperately to not notice the way the muscles in his back move leading to...she jerks her eyes back up to the back of his head where his curles meet his neck. JHRC!

"Da, I got it good and flat." Fergus excited voice pulls her back to ger mission.

"Aye, ye did. Grand job. We have a visiter." The little boy's entire face and chest is covered with flour.

"Oh hi Miss Beauchamp. Da and me are making pizza."

"Da and I." Jamie corrects with a indulgent smile."

"Aye. Thank ye da. Da and I are."

"I see. It looks like a lot of fun."

"Do ye wanna help?"

"Maybe. I have a few questions for you first. You can answer while helping your da."

"Okay."

"Your mamma, was she always in your life or was there another lady you called that?" Jamie's eyes jerk to her but, she stays focused on Fergus. His little tongue comes out as he focuses really thinking about the question.

"No, there was...I was very little. I hardly remember. But, there was another lady."

"Can you remember anything at all about her, anything at all?"

"She was different then mamma. She had light hair all the time. And she smelled different. Like flowers. And, she was nicer. Held me alot. Like da does."

"Very good Fergus. Do you remember any name she was called?"

"No...maybe. " he frowns really focused. "Wait, I remember once my mamma called her something that started with a L sound. I can't remember what. I am sorry."

"You did wonderful. Really good job."

"Will it help you find mamma?"

"It may." He frowns and turns back to the pizza dough he was shaping.

"Miss Beauchamp?" She turns to him and tilts her head. They move away from Fergus.

"Yes, we have evidence that may suggest that Louise may not be Fergus' real mum."

"Christ, how much more can he handle?" He runs his hands through his curls.

"I know Mr Fraser. But, he has you and me. We will see him safe."

"Aye. We will. Can ye stay for dinner?"

"I..ahhh don't think that is a good idea. It wouldn't be proper."

"Ye ne' eat with yer foster families?"

"I do but only in public. Like in resturants."

"Ahh, then we will have to take ye out."

"That isn't necessary Mr Fraser."

"I think Fergus would like it." He looks to the lad now carefully adding sauce to the dough.

"You should go help him. I've others to drop in on."

"Now? It is nearing five."

"Is it? Then I need to be heading home."

"We could feed ye first. So, it is one less thing ye need to do."

"I truly must go. Fergus," the little boy turns towards her. "I will see you next week. You are doing a good job on the pizza."

"Thank you."

"I am going to walk her out. Ye can add the cheese but, ye are not to put it in the oven."

"Aye da."

He walks her to the front door. "Have I did something to offend ye?"

"No. Why would you think that?"

"Because ye refused Fergus and I's offer of dinner."

"It isn't the way it is done. A professional relationship is required. Eating in your home would cross a line."

"And ye are a rule follower?"

"I am."

"That is a bloody shame. For, I am awefully attracted to ye, Claire."

"It is.." But she loses her train of thought as his lips descent.

[golden-route]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: Sterling Silver Fergus Falls Minnesota Public Library Souvenir Spoon 5 1/4" 34.

[oselatra]

Misleading

The highway department held a "public hearing" on July 12 at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock about revised plans for Interstate 30 expansion. The options were called "action alternatives."

Misleading

The highway department held a "public hearing" on July 12 at the Wyndham Hotel in North Little Rock about revised plans for Interstate 30 expansion. The options were called "action alternatives."

There were many colorful posters about these action alternatives and eager representatives standing near them to answer questions. Paper and pens were provided to people so they could comment. Comments can be submitted online to ARDOT by July 27.

But having an "open house" (those were ARDOT's own words) without a formal presentation was a strange way to present important information at a key stage in the "30 Crossing" project. No ARDOT or Metroplan board members were introduced.

A timeline on one poster indicated that actual construction is slated to begin sometime next year.

Eye-catching charts and maps with technical jargon notwithstanding, the "presentation" came down to guesstimates about what things might be like if a lane is widened, curved or whatnot.

Except for a poster here and there, there was no detailed information about cost. The number $631 million is bandied around, but it comes without detail. Three companies that are candidates for contracts were listed on another poster.

But a light rail system was not offered as one of the action alternatives.

Although a meeting notice was posted on the ARDOT website, why was the event given minimal publicity?

The main attraction of the meeting was a long-awaited Environmental Assessment prepared by the Federal Highway Administration in cooperation with ARDOT. The report followed federal regulatory guidelines.

An announcement came out early last month about the 45-day period for members of the public to examine the report at the Main Library. A copy was also available at the meeting for inspection — all three volumes of it, with a 123-page summary and 18 appendices running to hundreds of pages. (I didn't have the time to count how many.)

Why are we being given such a short time to study such a big (and important) document?

Of course, upgrades to public roads are essential. However, a suspicious person might come away with the notion that things are being hurried along in order to do something at public expense that most people in Central Arkansas oppose in the first place — that is, those who've been made aware of what's going on.

It seems only a handful of special interests have anything to gain from I-30 expansion.

Anthony Newkirk

North Little Rock

From the web

In response to the July 12 cover story "The Greatest Dog: Rufus von Schmufus":

I know Charles and Rufus. To see them work together is heartwarming. I'm so glad he won!

Mary Machen Boyce

From the web

In response to the July 12 article "Rescue, rehab, repeat" about the Humane Society of Pulaski County:

I have had the privilege of fostering two of these special babies. Both were blind to one degree or another, and older. They both were adopted into wonderful homes, albeit sadly in Chicago. It seems that people in our lovely South just want perfect pets. I can't think of any other stupid reason as to why so many buy their dogs from breeders, when if they educated themselves just a little bit they would realize that this is the worst thing that they could do. Breeders, especially in Arkansas, are, at best, bad. And the worst? Arkansas is one of the all-time favorite states for puppy mills. Please adopt and save a life! And for God's sake, at least spay and neuter your pets!

Randa Rives Fergus

In response to the July 14 Arkansas Blog item "NRA used shell company to funnel millions to elect Tom Cotton, others":

There's a reason for the Rotten Cotton tag.

wannabee conservative

Your tag may be wannabee but not mainstream. What has this man done to deserve your tag other than serve his country (two combat tours) and get elected? I understand snowflakes cannot tolerate those with other views or tell it like it is having seen problems up close and personal, but everyone is entitled to their opinion without being belittled for expressing it. The NRA may have thrown money at his campaign, but ultimately it was the voters who elected him. So far he has not expressed any views that I disagree with and I strongly agree with many others. Maybe one borderline.

Razorblade

A big, unreported story is why folks like DullRazor, who claim to be patriotic Americans, have thrown in with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. I mean, we know Putin has something on @DraftDodgerDonald and @DDT has become Putin's poodle/lapdog. But why would those who have claimed to be anti-communist like DullRazor suddenly switch sides? Blind allegiance to Putin's poodle @DDT? Comrade DullRazor, can you explain that to us?

P.S. Rotten Tommy Cotton is the NRA's lapdog.

Sound Policy

Mr. blade: What has traitor Tom Cotton done? Absolutely nothing that can be praised. He is more of a bottom feeder than an Arkansas River catfish. If he did anything on the two tours besides push a pencil, got a political bronze star, how about publishing his DD 214? A shame on Yell County, the state and nation.

You have been brainwashed.

Going for the record

Record, you clearly don't have a clue about Cotton's accomplishments. Or perhaps because of your background you don't comprehend the significance of his military service.

1. As a law school graduate he could have gone into the JAG Corps, probably starting as a captain. Instead he choose the infantry as a 2nd lieutenant.

2. He volunteered for the U.S. Army Rangers and graduated the Ranger Course. Earning a Ranger Tab is no easy task.

3. He served a tour in Iraq as a platoon leader with the 101st Airborne Division, leading a 41-man air assault infantry platoon in the 506th Infantry Regiment. Soldiers are not awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge for "pushing a pencil." He also earned the Air Assault Badge.

4. Cotton served as platoon leader for the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment at Arlington National Cemetery.

5. He then deployed to eastern Afghanistan and was assigned at a forward operating base as the operations officer of a provincial reconstruction team, where he planned daily counter-insurgency and reconstruction operations. In both Iraq and Afghanistan, he served "outside the wire."

6. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal.

Razorblade

Adolf Hitler served on the western front during WWI, was wounded in an artillery attack, was gassed by the British and won the Iron Cross, Second and First Class. So what's the point?

tsallernarng

I have a lot of respect for Tom Cotton serving in the military.

I have no respect for Cotton serving as a member of Congress!

I have no respect for Cotton lying on behalf of President Trump regarding whether Trump used shithole or shithouse.

RYD

Clarification

Last week's cover story, The Greatest Dog in Arkansas, omitted photo credits for the cover and an inside photograph of the winner, Rufus von Schmufus, running. Both were taken by Charles Zook.

Misleading

[allenmendezsr]

Bodybyboyle Online Strength And Conditioning Service

New Post has been published on https://autotraffixpro.app/allenmendezsr/bodybyboyle-online-strength-and-conditioning-service/

Bodybyboyle Online Strength And Conditioning Service

 Buy Now

    If you are at all interested in fitness or strength and conditioning, you know who Mike Boyle is. For three decades Strength Coach Mike Boyle has been at the forefront of the profession, working with a wide range of athletes and clients. From middle school, to the pros, to busy adults who want to be in the best shape of their lives, Mike has delivered results over the years that have made him one of the top presenters at seminars around the world, the author of several published books and DVDs that have shaped the industry, and owner of the Number 1 Gym in America by Men’s Health Magazine

The fitness world changes continuously so you need to always be learning the latest strategies and techniques to produce the best results. Now you can have access to everything that has made Mike Boyle so successful, on demand, right in front of you. And by everything, we mean EVERYTHING. From the programs we use at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning for our high school and college athletes, to the programs we use for our NFL combine athletes, to the most challenging and complete and effective fat loss programs ever released to the public. 

First and foremost, BodyByBoyle Online is where the latest content from Mike Boyle is Posted. And you get to be like one of the Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning staff members, getting the same education as they do. From the months of September through June, each week you will sit in on the MBSC Staff Meeting and listen to discussions on program design, injury prevention, rehab, business, reviews of seminars and presentations, and debates that help create the most complete and effective strength and conditioning programs in the industry. 

The MBSC Staff Meeting Videos Include:

In Depth Program Design Discussion (see how and why the staff designs the programs for our athletes)

Hands On Discussions on Olympic Lifting, Mobility, Active Warm Ups, Rehab Exercises, and more!

Reviews and discussions of guest speaker’s talks, seminars, DVDs, Books, and more!

Listen in on the Wide Range of Athlete and Client Issues and How to fix them

And so much more! It is a like having a new Seminar every single week September through June!

BodyByBoyle Online is also an On-Demand library of Mike Boyle’s content. From DVDs, to Classic VHS Tapes we have converted to Digital, to Staff In Services, to talks that he gives to the Mentorship groups, and other seminars that can not be seen anywhere else. 

Here are just a few examples of the content:

Many of Mike’s Seminar Talks and Hands Ons

Start With Why Seminar

Speed Training In Services

Training the Overhead Athlete

90 Minute In Depth Walkthrough of the FMS and How to Make Use of it’s Data

Training the Obese Client Seminar

Joint by Joint Training Seminar

Core Training DVD

ACL Injury Prevention

Hips and Sports Hernias

The 2011 MBSC Winter Seminar Talk on The Case for Single Leg Training

Teaching the Olympic Lifts

Success Secrets Seminar

Mass Premiere Soccer Open House Presentation (Strength and Conditioning on the Field)

Training the Baby Boomer

And More!!!

Over the last year BodyByBoyle Online has turned into the #1 Resource for Strength and Conditioning, Rehab, and Injury Prevention Education Content in the world.

Just take a look at some of the recent talks we have in our database:

Frank Nash Social Media Seminar

2018 MBSC Winter Semianr

Tim Difrancesco (LA Lakers) Journey In Service

Jason Glass Load Xplode In Service

Fergus Connolly Future of Team Sports Performance Training

Ken Clark Latest on Speed Research and Application

Charlie Weingroff Spring 2019 Q&A In Service

Dan McGinley Coaching Behavior Change Seminar

Kevin Carr Full Spectrum Rehab Seminar

Pat Van Galen “The Aging Thing” Seminar

Mike Boyle on Conditioning (Spring 2019)

Ali Gilbert – The Other 23 Hours Seminar

Tony Holler Speed Training

Pat Davidson Programming In Service

FMS and Screening with Lee Burton

Anna Hartman on the Nervous System and Breathing

Joel Jamison on Energy Systems

Michael Mullin’s Multiple PRI In Services

Josh Henkin on Sandbag Training

Gray Cook on Movement Quality

Anna Hartman on Resting Postures

Sue Falsone (of Althete’s Performances and the LA Dodgers) presenting on the Thoracic Spine

Charlie Weingroff’s Multiple In Services on Programming

Nick Tumminello talking about Rotary Training

Teaching the Olympic Lifts Mini Workshop with Charles Staley

Dan John on the Quadrants

Dan John Talk to the Staff on Programming

Dan John Talk to the Staff on Being Successful in the Industry

Sand Bag Training Hands On with Troy Anderson

Kelly Starrett of MoblityWOD talking about Mobility and Rehab

John Pallof on the Shoulder

Devan McConnel on Conditioning

Mike Mullin – 3 Hour Postural Restoration Institute In Service

Josh Aycock – Training the Chinese Olympic Teams for the 2012 Olympics

Over 5 Hours of Q&A with Mike Boyle from our Mentorship Groups

Mike Boyle – Speed Training In Service

Mike Boyle – In Depth FMS Breakdown with Corrective Techniques

John Pallof – Over 3 Hour In Service and Hands on with on Strategies for Healthy Shoulders

Charlie Weingroff – Building a Beast Mini In Service with Q&A

Holly Fitzgerald – Injury Prevention for Sports

Training with the USA Women’s Hockey Team

90 Minute MoveNat In Service

And More!

BodyByBoyle Online is housed on our easy to navigate website that offers more options than ever before, including:

Program Viewer to quickly access our program database

Multiple versions of our videos (for both high and low bandwidth situations)

NEW!!! All Future Videos are Formatted for the iPad and iPhone! We are also converting all old videos as well

Video Playlists for each video category for easy viewing and navigation between videos:

The BodybyBoyle Online System is the next best thing to working directly with a coach. As I reviewed the program, I was amazed at how complete and thorough it was. Simply put, they give you EVERYTHING! Included is an amazing video database of all the exercises that are used at MBSC, a ton of programs options with everything listed and spelled out for the user (taking out all of the guesswork), and much, much more. I highly recommend it.

Craig Rasmussen, CSCS Program

Designer/Performance Coach

Results Fitness

Body By Boyle is simply fantastic, easily one of the most complete and exceptional education I’ve ever seen. The amount of time and effort that went into Body By Boyle is apparent in every aspect of the user experience, which is like a virtual tour into the mind of one of the most prolific and talented strength & conditioning coaches in the field today. Whether you’re an exercise professional or a recreational exerciser, from novice to expert, you’re going to find all of the tools that you need to be successful right here. I really can’t say enough about Body By Boyle: This is seriously impressive stuff!

-Jonathan Fass, PT, DPT, CSCS, ART Cert.

Accelerated Strength

Coach Boyle’s success in developing elite level athlete’s speaks for itself. Over the last 3 decades, Boyle’s innovative programs and coaching have helped athletes in every major sport compete at the highest levels. Body By Boyle Online extends the value of world-class training to athletes everywhere. The ready-made programs, extensive exercise video database, and information-based videos provide athletes with all the tools they need to succeed. This is truly a breakthrough in sports performance training.

Kevin Neeld

Director of Athletic Development,

Endeavor Sports Performance

There is plenty of “fools gold” in the fitness industry these days: gimmicks, broken promises and plain misinformation.  Very few products and services hold their weight.  Body By Bolye On-Line (BBBO) is pure 24 karat gold!  BBBO is a unique resource available to all fitness professionals.  It’s a behind the scenes look into the top gym in America and a Coach with over 30 years of “In The Trenches” experience.  Video taped staff meetings, special guest lectures, assessments, and access to a plethora of MBSC programs make BBBO a MUST for any and all fitness professionals!  Essentially this is the only product of its kind that will allow you to have access to a “virtual” MBSC franchise.  My grandfather always said, “Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.”  Coach Boyle’s products are a MUST.  Plain and simple!  If you want to set yourself apart from the competition and invest in your future as competent, educated, well-versed trainer/Coach, I strongly recommend BBBO.  You can’t afford to miss out on this opportunity.   

Anthony Donskov, MS, CSCS, PES

Coach Boyle and his team have created another leap in the industry with Body By Boyle Online. This is one of those gems that rarely comes along. Whether you are a coach, personal trainer, athlete or client, BBBonline is a must have tool for your holster. Not only do you get to see what the #1 ranked gym in America is doing but you are able to take what they are doing and implement it into your programs. BBBonline has set a new standard for educational content.

Dewey Nielsen

Impact Performance Training

As a professional in the strength and conditioning field, constantly educating myself is what has allowed me to find true success with my clients as well as my own training. You cannot place a price on continuing education in a field which is ever evolving. I have followed Coach Boyle’s work for some time due to the high quality and integrity with which he produces informational products as well as his passion for the industry. This year I have had the distinct honor of presenting to his staff on two occasions, and I can attest to the exceptional quality of work at MBSC. The staff, methodology and programming at MBSC is unparalleled. Body By Boyle Online allows you to get an inside look at one of the absolute best facilities in the world, and gives you a chance to learn from the some of the most prominent educators in the field. I cannot stress enough the importance of investing in continuing education, and Body By Boyle Online is just that-a priceless investment in yourself and your clientele.

Neghar Fonooni

 I just want to say you online stuff is perfect for me as an owner training a staff. I watch a couple videos a week… With interns and staff and it is a tremendous help Also allows me to let them watch n learn while I do other things…. Thanks

– Mike Hanley HanleyStrength.com

The Same Exact Programs we Use with Our Amateur and Professional Athletes

An Information Database with Full Seminars, MBSC In Services, DVDs, Inside the MBSC Staff Meeting, and more added each month!

We want as many people as possible to benefit from this content, so we are pricing it at a dramatically low, limited-time introductory price. We asked some of our testers what they would pay for a service like this. The responses indicated well over $100/month just for the education database. But you can have Insider Access to Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning for less than that.

The Best Strength and Conditioning Programs in the World for Elite High School, College, Minor League and Professional Athletes and Body Composition and Strength Programs for the General Popualtion

Rehab Programs for Knees, Hips, and Shoulders

Access to an Information Database with Full Seminars, DVDs, MBSC Guest In Services, The MBSC Staff Meeting and more each month!

You will be billed $39.97 every 30-Days until Your Membership is Canceled.

     That is it, no upsells, no hidden fees, everything we do at Mike Boyle Strength and Conditioning for $39.97/month.

We are so confident that you are going to love BodyByBoyle Online that we are offering an unprecidented 60-Day Money Back Guarantee. NO QUESTIONS ASKED. Just keep in mind that your access to the BodyByBoyle Online content will be terminated if you are not satisfied with your purchase and request your money back.

If you have any questions you can contact us at support(at)bodybyboyleonline.com

Note: BodyByBoyle Online is a digital product, nothing physical will be delivered.  It may take up to 24-hours for your membership to be activated.

[discordandglory-blog]

Peas In A Pod || Cat and Leo

Cat and Leo talk after the Bill becomes public.

Cat had agreed to meet Leo in the library. She’d known that her brother was interested in helping the Greeks, and part of her wished that he’d stay out of this to avoid further hurt. But she knew better than suggest that to him and as she waited for him in the Library with Carrots nuzzling against her ankles, she wondered how upset he’d truly be. Looking up as the door opened, she smiled brightly at her twin. “Are you okay?” she asked tentatively, her voice barely more than a whisper. She knew that he probably wouldn’t have taken the raid well and she was very glad that she hadn’t been the one who had had to do it. That would’ve made things very messy. “I know it was important to you...do you want to talk about it?” she asked.

Broccoli hadn’t left his side the entire day, knowing that Leo was upset. Yet, when the library doors opened, Broccoli bounded over to Carrots, intent to start playing. Leo wondered if he knew that Cat was going to take care of him now, so the fox could stop worrying. He gave her a smile, though it was not his usual bright smile, it was obvious he was tired. “I suppose technically I am. I’m just realizing that… All of this isn’t going to be fixed anytime soon.” That was the worst part of it, the realization that this rift was going to continue to grow. “I just don’t understand. We’re demigods, we live in war and battles and violence constantly. Why can’t we savor the peace while we have it?”

Raising her eyebrow gently in response to her brother’s obvious pain, Cat wondered what the best way to approach this would be. She wanted to be there for him and she wanted to be able to look after him to the best of her ability and yet she wondered if she would truly be able to. “None of us know what the future holds, we may find a fix to this sooner than you think…” she trailed off, she imagined that there was already a fix in the works, the problem was that she wasn’t convinced that Leo would see it as a fix. Biting her lip thoughtfully, she shifted in her chair as she watched the two foxes bound around one another. She missed being like that, once upon a time her brother and she had been the same way. “They weren’t without cause, the raid found more Greek Fire than we knew existed in the city, I understand that this is hard Leo,” she said, reaching out and taking his hand in between both of hers, it made her limbs looked tiny in comparison, “but this was something that they had no option in, orders are orders.”

Leo wondered when New Rome had become like this or if it had always been and that he was just blind to it. He understood people’s reasoning for distrusting the Greeks, anyone would distrust new people in their homes, but it had been years. They had to have proved themselves by now. “A fix that isn’t kicking all the Greeks out and telling them to deal with it? We know that’s what the Senate wants.” This had become home for so many people, he would lose so many friends because of this. “I know they found it and I’m pretty horrified that the Greek Fire was there, but it was a show wasn’t it? That was a complete power move. Show them that we have more strength than they do.” He looked down at their hands and couldn’t help but feel like he was the little sibling for once. “I don’t blame them, Fergus and all of them, I get it. If the first had gotten the order I would have had to be there. Same with you and Jax. I just wish I understood why people think Greeks is the biggest problem in New Rome.”

Sighing gently, Cat almost told their brother to take it up with their father but she knew that that wasn’t going to make anything better. Another argument between the two of them wasn’t going to help at all. “Something may come about, you don’t know that nothing will happen…” trailing off she sighed gently and held up her hands in defeat. “I know that this isn’t what we wanted, I don’t want to see more fury and work because they suspect that the Greeks are conspiring against us, but at the same time there isn’t much I can do. I serve the senate…” she didn’t have anything against the Greeks, in fact she was convinced that they were going to help her rise to a position of prominence within New Rome, if only she could convince the rest of New Rome that that was the case. She didn’t hold the same petty grudges that the Cult did, in fact she’d only joined the cult to rise further throughout the ranks of New Rome. Hugging her brother tightly, she sighed. “Fear makes people act in ways that they normally wouldn’t.”

Leo shook his head, he knew that he couldn’t say for certain that nothing will happen. He just had the feeling that nothing good would happen. “I know that Cat, I do… I just don’t find myself as optimistic as I used to be.” He wasn’t sure when it happened, but over the past few years, Leo couldn’t force himself to imagine everything working out anymore. He wondered if that was how “growing up” felt. “I don’t think you should get involved. Stay neutral, be the perfect centurion.” With their father, Leo wanted Cat to take no chances, he would gladly take the blame for being the child going against the family. He wrapped his large arms around his little sister,“You’re right. It just… I don’t know, it makes me sad that we can’t live together peacefully.” He let out a soft laugh,“I sound like a weird hippie.”

Cat got it. She understood exactly why Leo was struggling so much with this. After all it seemed obvious to her, working with the Greeks was the sensible thing to do. They would be stronger together, however somehow she doubted that the more close minded members of the cult would understand that, she had no doubt that they were doing everything in their power to get rid of the Greeks over some petty pride. She wished that they could see the real picture. “I wish everyone could see the bigger picture, think of what we could achieve with the Greeks, it is a waste of time to fight them unless we have to…” she had no great love for them but she could tell when something was a waste. Sinking into her brothers huh she found herself smiling, in his own special way also was protecting her. “Thanks Leo, if you need me I’ll be here for you.”

There was so much war, blood, and pain in the world that Leo couldn’t understand why people were looking to rip it away from them. He genuinely wondered if part of the issue was people becoming bored and looking for something to ruin. He wouldn’t put it past anyone in the Senate. “Or the fact that we are blatantly being discriminatory. I understand why we should see what they could help us achieve, but I think the bigger issue is the fact that people don’t seem to understand that the Greeks are people. Not ‘aliens’ like they’ve been labeled.” Leo was obviously feeling heated about the topic, but he kept his voice calm. There was nothing worse than yelling at people who didn’t deserve it. “You know the same goes for you.” He sighed,“I probably will need you soon. I don’t imagine that Jax or Dad are going to be happy with what I’m going to do.”

“I agree that the bill seems positively world war two in its thematic qualities,” Cat was careful with her words, she knew that this was a point of tension for Leo, but she wasn’t sure that she cared much, all that really mattered to her was that the precise running of her Cohort was being disrupted by all the Greeks and the tension with her Romans and she was far from thrilled about that. How were they expected to run as a unit if they weren’t able to act like one? “However, it isn’t as if you can solve this problem on your own, I’m doing what I can to ease the tensions in Camp but I don’t have the power to make the Senate change their mind.” Sighing gently at what Leo said, she quirked an eyebrow and gave him a piercing look that she’d been on the edge of many times before. Sometimes she found that simply by looking at her twin she could all but understand what he was going to do and although she didn’t know what his plans were, she knew he was going to do something that was trademarked Leo. “Well, as long as you don’t get yourself in too much trouble then you know that I’ll of course do everything that I can to help you, but remember that I can’t bail you out of anything illegal…”

“No one ever studies history, do they? Not closely enough to actually learn anything at least.” Leo feared for the worst and tried to hope for the best. However, he knew that wasn’t the only thing he could do. He had been ready to leave the Legion for quite sometime, this was the last straw. He was stable enough to support himself on his art career at the moment, but it was his siblings that worried him. He wasn’t sure how angry they would be with him. He hoped Cat would understand at least. “We collectively have the power to do so. If we put our minds to it.” Leo had faith that if enough people began to protest they would listen. He hoped the Senate would listen. He sighed heavily,“Well, the first thing you can’t help me with. Not without getting in trouble and it’s not worth it for you. It’s too much politics.” He swallowed suddenly, anxiety for what he was about to tell her rising. “I’m leaving the Legion. I can’t support it anymore.”

“I’ve spent my life studying history and yet I wonder if I’ve done whatever seems to have you so twisted up and upset,” Cat paused, stroking her hair anxiously, her fingers parting the raven coloured locks and then fussing them together again. She considered exactly what it was that he said he was doing, she really thought about the repercussions of it all before sighing and nodding. “I understand, I don’t like it at all but the Legion has never really been your home, not in the same way it was Jax’s and mine. We’ve always been flowing along with the current but by your nature you go against the grain,” she wasn’t angry, she was sad that she wouldn’t live with him anymore and that she wouldn’t get to see him on a daily basis, but she was proud of him for carving his own path. “I’ve actually almost wondered when this day would come about, it occured to me that you wouldn’t be able to stay forever, so if this feels right to you then I’m proud of you for making this decision.”

Leo shook his head, directly Cat hadn’t done anything to the Greeks, but he wondered if that was part of the issue. She hadn’t really shown support either way. “It’s the Senate, you’re just following their orders… You could, however, show the Greeks some support? I guess not outwardly say it, it’d be bad politically, but I don’t know… A lot of them are kids. Kids who were promised a place to go to university, a place that they could live and work without worrying about monsters, and it’s being ripped away from them. Doesn’t that seem wrong? Telling them we’d have them, then proving it was a blatant lie.” He sighed, a heavy feeling in his chest, he didn’t want to leave his siblings, but he just couldn’t do it anymore. Not with everything going on. He wouldn’t take part of that anymore. “I wanted to put it off as much as I could. I don’t like the idea of not being there with you, I know it doesn’t seem like it, but I do try to protect and support you both in the ways I can.” His protection wasn’t like theirs, he wasn’t one to combat threats to their person, but he did attempt to keep their reputations clean. More importantly than that, he attempted to filter what their father saw, only revealing the good when he could. “I just can’t willingly participate in something like this. If you and Jax weren’t here… I don’t know if I’d stay. I don’t know if I’d want to be apart of a society where things like this is acceptable.”

Cat considered all the arguments against the Greeks being there, and yet I’m that moment despite the hundred and one excuses she could’ve given her older brother she didn’t say a thing. “You’re right,” she replied , “I could’ve done more and I regret not doing it before things got so out of control, believe it or not I’ve been busy with something else.” Jax and she had agreed not to include Leo in their investigation for his own protection and yet Cat could sense the incoming chaos. It hung over New Rome like a thick blanket of smog that blocked out the sun. Sighing gently she moved to her brothers side and curled up against him, pushing her face against his chest she rested it there as she held him in her arms. “I love you Leopold.” They never used each other’s full names but she wanted him to know how serious she was. “It’s always been us in this together and I’ve done my best to look out for you and Jax and I just want you to remember that no matter what happens I will always be here for you, I am so immensely proud of you.” A single tear rolled down her cheek and she swallowed the lump that threatened to settle in her throat. “I know that this hasn’t been easy for you,” she reached out and placed a hand on his cheek, her palm settling on his beard, “but you have always known what was right for you and despite the fact that I am going to miss the shit out of you, i know you’re doing the right thing....” she trailed off and paused. “I think...” she swallowed, “I think Bobbi would be proud of you too.”

Leo understood her reluctance to be forward about anything regarding the situation at hand. Her life was a balancing act and without their father’s obvious support, Cat had a much more difficult time than Jax did. He understood it, but he didn’t agree with it. “I know you’ve been busy, I can’t fault you for that. And I know you’re going to learn from this.” He couldn’t get the words that Annabeth said to him out of his head, someone had to speak out. Even if it would ruin things for him, Leo vowed he’d try to be that person. A personal sacrifice for the common good. He absentmindedly began to stroke her hair, reminded of times he had to comfort his siblings. He was surprised at her use of his full name, but responded back softly. “I know, Cat. I love you too.” He couldn’t explain how much he loved his twin, how she was always a thought in his head when he made decisions. Sure, he did dumb things, but only if Cat wasn’t going to be on the receiving end of anything bad from it. “Even if Dad hates me?” He whispered, his severe insecurity about his father creeping into his bones again. He didn’t love his father, but he wanted him to be proud of him. Leo hated how desperate he was as a child to have their father love him. Leo hated that even at twenty seven, he still wondered what it would be like if his dad really loved him. His own eyes misted when he saw Cat’s tear. He tried to push down the rising emotion, but couldn’t. A few tears trailed down his face, he couldn’t bare when his sister cried. He leaned into her hand, taking comfort in her action. Again, his twin shocked him, causing him to take a sharp intake of breath. ���Do you?” He knew with that question, with the emotion behind his voice, there was no doubt that Cat knew that Leo was still in love with his highschool sweetheart.

Sighing gently Cat did her best not to argue. They needed to defend themselves against a threat that the Greeks may well pose and there was also the fact that it had been a trail exchange program. The Greeks were welcome to build their own city if they wanted. But that wouldn’t help Leo right now. Cat bit the inside of her cheek and felt both Broccoli and Carrots weave their way between the two of them, curling up as if they could feel and understand the emotional distress that they were experiencing. “Dad is an idiot, I’ve done just as much as Jax and he still ignores everyone of my achievements and I worry that one day we will lose our Jax to him...” she trailed off leaving the rest unsaid. The truth was she was almost certain that her father had had a role in the current political climate in New Rome. She sighed as Leo continued speaking and shook her head. “He doesn’t hate you, he is too much of a narcissist to start hating one of his children, I always wondered whether he didn’t admire you for being the only one of his children who had the will to stand up and push back against what he wanted...” she trailed off gently. “You know she would be, I know that you still love her and I don’t know if I ever seen that sort of love between two people, she was always rooting for the underdog and you’re all but the poster boy of fighting for the underdog right now.”

Leo was an optimistic. Every situation could have a positive, failures were just learning experiences that would better people. He knew this lead people to think he was a weaker man than he was. He personally believed that his hope and faith in people was a strength. Even it it hurt at times. He couldn’t help the small smile when he felt Broccoli and Carrots curl up with them as well. The foxes were just as much siblings as the twins were. He sighed softly,”He’s obviously misogynistic. If you were born a boy, you’d be the golden child. Jax... wants to be loved as much as we want to be. I think he takes the attention he gets as Love, not that I can blame him. We weren’t ever taught differently.” Leo amended in his mind that they had taught each other, but there was only so much one could do when they all craved the parental attention. “He might not hate me, but he doesn’t hold any respect for me. And he holds no love. I’ve always been too different for him. Even when I was heir.” It wasn’t official, but everyone knew that Leo wouldn’t take over the bank. When Leo had realized himself, he had already gave up on bettering himself in his father’s eyes, but still it felt heart wrenching. He closed his eyes,”Her new boyfriend is going to propose soon. She’s always been a good person. She used her voice when others couldn’t use theirs. I think that’s why I fell in love with her. Well, part of the reason.”

Having always been aware of the fact that her father was a misogynist, Cat couldn’t help but be slightly unsurprised by the fact that her brother agreed with her. “No offence to you or Jax but I’ve always known that he didn’t pay me the attention I deserve. In fact if it weren’t for Wendy encouraging me throughout my childhood then I think I would’ve given up years ago…” she sighed sadly. Her step mother deserved better than Jefferson Karavadra, though she had never wanted for a thing. Other than love. Cat had wondered whether Jefferson had once loved her real mother, but she was certain that he did not love Wendy. He had simply needed a wife. Sighing gently, she scratched her nails anxiously through her hair and nodded. “I can’t fault Jax, he grew up watching us both be rejected by father and to be accepted, well I could not have thought for a second that it would’ve happened. So when it did actually happen for him then how was he ever meant to say no…” she pitied her brother for that, Jefferson’s golden boy wasn’t a position she envied. “Things always work out different than you think they will…” she didn’t know what else to say, romance wasn’t her area.

“We didn’t realize soon enough and I’m sorry for that, Cat.” His teeth began to worry his cheek,“Wendy was always good to the two of us.” He often referred to Wendy as ‘mom’, but the distance she held with Jax was not something that Leo didn’t notice. He didn’t envy her position, a loveless marriage with a man who had another child while he was married to her. It was cruel what Jefferson did to Wendy, a quiet humiliation placed on the woman. “Jax strives too much to please him at times. It’s not healthy. I genuinely worry that he’s going to lose himself and force himself to become Dad.” Leo sighed again, thinking of Bobbi hurt, in both a good and bad way. “Even if they broke up and she moved back here, she won’t be allowed in New Rome. She’s a mortal.”

Sighing gently, Cat ran a hand down the side of Leo’s cheek affectionately before taking a step backwards and sinking into an armchair large enough for the both of them. “It isn’t your fault,” she replied her voice barely a whisper, “You and Jax are the best things in my life and I won’t blame you for our father’s cruelty.” Wendy had always accepted Leo and Cat. She’d been the one to first teach Cat the piano, she’d been the one that Cat ran to whenever she scraped her knee and needed it cleaning. As the years had developed, seeing both the pain that Wendy and her brother endured had convinced her never to fall in love. She saw love as dangerous, a vulnerability that she couldn’t allow if she were to protect her family. “Jax must decide his own path, all we can do is support him and protect him as best we can.” Had she done that for him by poisoning him? Guilt clawed at her stomach as it rolled violently. She justified it to herself as protection but part of her wondered if there was more to it than that.  “You could leave, runaway and start a family that’s free from all this pain. If anyone could ever get out it’d be you.”

Leo sat next to her, his knees letting out two quiet cracks as he did, and he resisted the urge to curl up on the chair. He vividly remembered Jefferson reprimanding him for doing so when he was younger. “Still, we should have tried harder. I regret it, you’re one of the hardest workers I know. I don’t need to tell you how unfair he is to you.” His sister was quite aware of how bad things were from her side, he didn’t need to remind her. His mouth flattened into a line, thinking of all the way that Jax could grow into a person Leo wouldn’t like. He tried to push that thought away, he was sure his brother would stay the good man he knew. “I want him to be happy. I want us all to be happy.” He wondered if that was the curse of being children of chaos, if they were unable to find happiness easily amongst all their personal chaos. He shook his head, he would never do that. “No, I couldn’t. Not unless you and Jax came along, and we all know that’s not happening.”

Taking a deep breath, Cat leaned gently against Leo’s frame. The fact that he was so much bigger than her had only ever been something that comforted her. “What could you have done that would’ve changed anything?” she replied gently, having long ago accepted her fate as the forgotten member of the family. She wondered whether things would ever change, however she realised that it was unlikely, mainly because her father was so set in its ways. “That is certainly something that we all want,” she replied quietly, her fingers scratching behind Carrot’s ears affectionately, “but I can’t promise that anything will make it happen other than yourself.” Leo leaving the Legion made her question her own position. Had she been there for too long? Was it time to move onto the next step in her life? What even was the next step in her life? “I wish it could,” she said forlornly, “I’ve never seen you happier than when she was in your life and I can’t think of anyway to bring her back and that breaks my heart a little everyday….”

Leo couldn’t really think of the last time him and Cat were able to just calmly be together. Her work and his art had taken up so much time, that sitting with each other and comforting each other had become a rarity. “I could have called him out publicly. You know he would have hated that. Asked him about your achievements in front of his dear friends.” He wasn’t sure that would have actually done anything, but at least people would have known about Cat’s achievements like they did Jax’s. “We both made our choice. There’s not much looking back at decisions made at eighteen will do.” He tugged his beard a bit,“She’s happy and so I’m happy. That’s the thing about love, is it hurts a lot to be apart from them, but at the end of the day, you just want them happy. I wish her the best, even if the best isn’t me.”

Sighing softly, Cat wondered if she had ever loved her older brother more than she did at this precise moment. “No one would’ve wanted that, me least of all. I appreciate what you’re saying Leo, but it isn’t up to you to make our father a good Dad.” As a gentle smile trickled its way across her face, she wondered whether Jax held this much guilt inside of him. She hoped not. She hoped that he didn’t get kept up at night by this shit. He didn’t deserve that. None of them did. Cat couldn’t find a way to reply. In that moment she would’ve given herself up for Bobbi and Leo to be together, she’d never have questioned it either. She simply would’ve thought that it was for the best and done it. Because that was the thing about love. At the end of the day you just want them happy.

[blprompt]

British Library digitised image from page 275 of "The Dwarf's Chamber, and other stories ... With illustrations ... Colonial edition"

Image taken from: Title: "The Dwarf's Chamber, and other stories ... With illustrations ... Colonial edition" Author(s): Hume, Fergus, 1859-1932 [person] British Library shelfmark: "Digital Store 012627.k.18" Page: 275 (scanned page number - not necessarily the actual page number in the publication) Place of publication: London (England) Date of publication: 1896 Publisher: Ward, Lock & Bowden Type of resource: Monograph Language(s): English Physical description: viii, 386 pages (8°) Explore this item in the British Library’s catalogue: 001765425 (physical copy) and 014813979 (digitised copy) (numbers are British Library identifiers) Other links related to this image: - View this image as a scanned publication on the British Library’s online viewer (you can download the image, selected pages or the whole book) - Order a higher quality scanned version of this image from the British Library Other links related to this publication: - View all the illustrations found in this publication - View all the illustrations in publications from the same year (1896) - Download the Optical Character Recognised (OCR) derived text for this publication as JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) - Explore and experiment with the British Library’s digital collections The British Library community is able to flourish online thanks to freely available resources such as this. You can help support our mission to continue making our collection accessible to everyone, for research, inspiration and enjoyment, by donating on the British Library supporter webpage here. Thank you for supporting the British Library. from BLPromptBot https://ift.tt/3eRJ4XE

[hekate1308]

The Baggage We Carry, Chapter Two

Read it on AO3

It was a normal day. Dean had had breakfast with his family, had snuck back to his room for ten minutes to read H. G. Wells, taken the bus to school and met up with Crowley before classes.

Dean never asked what his friend was doing while he was supposed to be sitting with the rest of them. He was rather sure he didn’t want to find out.

He walked into the classroom slowly, as he usually did.

“Hey Dean!”

He smiled at Aaron. Some time had passed since his first little crush had opened his eyes, and they’d become good friends since then, usually teaming up during training.

“Hey”.

He sat down.

“Think Miss Rachel is going to be in a better mood this week?”

Dean sighed; the blonde teacher was one of his least favourite, constantly going on rants about how “students who didn’t care didn’t deserve learning in the first place”.

“It’s Geography anyway; nothing there to learn Google can’t tell ya.”

“For you maybe” Aaron muttered. “If I don’t know everything about Israel and its history by the time I graduate, Grandpa is going to strangle me”.

Dean had met Aaron’s grandfather on several occasions; seeing how proud he was of his grandson, he doubted there’d be any real murders in their futures.

He’d let Aaron make his own choice whether to become a rabbi or not.

Aaron was lucky.

Dean shook his head, trying to clear it. Dwelling on other people’s luck was useless, especially because he didn’t have a bad future waiting for him. At all.

“Dean, are you alright?”

“Sure. Why do you ask?”

Aaron shrugged.

“You just looked sad all of a sudden, that’s all”.

He didn’t answer.

It was one of Miss Rachel’s better days, thank God; and they were only ten minutes in when someone knocked on the door.

The boy who entered was pretty hot.

That was Dean’s first impression at least until he decided to suppress it.

He couldn’t help it though: extremely blue eyes, stubble, pink lips, dark hair...

If he’d dared to admit it to himself, he was just his type.

“Cute” Aaron muttered under his breath, well aware that he needn’t hold himself back in front of Dean. He’d never joined the GSA or done anything else to support him but be his friend, and sometimes he thought Aaron was too thankful for it.

Miss Rachel grabbed the piece of paper the newcomer had handed to her.

“I see. This is... Castiel Novak. He’s new to school. Named after an angel, aren’t you?”

“Not many people know that, Miss” he answered politely, nodding.

He was the only guy Dean had ever seen who wore a suit to school when he didn’t need to.

He told himself he was staring because of that.

“Would you like to introduce yourself?”

He shuffled his feet for a second, then cleared his throat and announced, “As you may have heard, I am Castiel Novak. I am looking forward to finishing my public school education here”.

“Who talks like that?” Aaron asked. Dean could only shrug.

There were all sorts around here, just look at his secret bestie.

Crowley would probably like him. He always liked the weird ones.

The only empty seat was next to Dean.

Castiel walked up to it, sat down, nodded at him, and proceeded to be silent for the whole lesson, except for asking the teacher questions or in tern answer hers.

An hour later, Dean was pretty sure Miss Rachel was in love.

After the lesson, as soon as they were out of earshot, he rolled his eyes.

“Suck-up”.

“You don’t know that” Aaron said mildly.

“Come on, no one finds geography that interesting”.

“I do, in fact” Castiel said behind him and Dean whirled around.

Was that disappointment he saw in the new boy’s eyes?

Strange.

“But I assume you don’t” Castiel continued emotionless, “You probably spent all your time at the tracking team – “

“Wrestling, actually...”

“Close enough. You don’t have to care about your education then, of course.”

“Trust” he told him honestly, “I’ve got enough waiting for me to bother.”

Castiel shrugged. “If you think so. Goodbye, Dean.”

“How did he know my name?” Dean asked, watching him walk away.

“Miss Rachel called you out in class.”

“Yes, but who just remembers that?”

“You did have some pretty intense eye contact” Aaron said suddenly.

He surprised himself by snapping at him.

“And?”

Aaron didn’t get angry or offended; on the contrary, his eyes softened.

“It’s alright, Dean; not everything has to be black and white”.

He left him there, thank God, as Dean was frantically trying to remember when he’d given himself away, what he’d done, to make Aaron suspicious of him.

He decided to skip history; he knew most of the stuff they taught anyway.

He texted Crowley out of habit, even though he wouldn’t have needed to. Guy had a knack for turning up wherever Dean was at the moment.

They met on the roof. How exactly Crowley had found his way there for the first time, and why he’d ever shown Dean, was another question he felt it best not to ask.

“I think Aaron knows” Dean began, gesturing between him and Crowley.

“About... you know”.

“Oh, trust me, I do. But why should it bother you? Bass has always known when best to keep his mouth shut”.

“I just – I can’t – “

“Relax, Dean. No one knows, not for sure, anyway”.

And he trusted him to be right. That was just their thing; they trusted one another. At least Dean liked to think so.

“How do you like the new guy?” Crowley, who always knew what was going on even though he never went to his lessons, asked next.

“Don’t know. He’s kind of weird. Intense, but not in a scary way... “looks forward to finish his public school education””.

“Who doesn’t.”

“Yeah, but I think he likes school a little too much. Just ask Miss Rachel; she was all over him”.

“It’s not a bad tactic, cozying up to the teachers”.

“And you would know so much about it”.

“Ah, Squirrel” he said, in remembrance of the day he and Dean had engaged in the past time of climbing up a tree so they could watch and make fun about the football team unnoticed, “You know I have my own tricks. What are you doing here anyway? I thought you liked history”.

Crowley always seemed to know his lesson plan better than Dean himself, and he’d become strangely insisting that Dean visit some of them, at least.

“Yeah, well, didn’t feel like it”.

“You didn’t feel like it last week either, this is not a good development”.

“Why? Want to talk about Herodotus and Ovid with your mechanic one day when you come driving buy in the giant limousine you’ll of course own?”

Crowley lit a cigarette and did a slow drag.

They he said, “Something like that”.

Sometimes, Dean really had no idea what was going on with him.

But then, most of the time he’d have said the same thing about himself.

He noticed Castiel the rest of the day; not only was he in most of Dean’s classes, but he visited all of them with the same interest and passion for learning.

Dean snuck glances on him now and then. No one needed to know.

He avoided Aaron for a few hours, until he told himself he was being silly and it would draw attention eventually, so he sat with him at lunch.

“Dean” he said quietly during a lull of conversation at their table, “I’m sorry for this morning”.

“You have no reason to be” he said lightly, hoping to cut their conversation short.

“Thanks, but – I meant it nevertheless, Dean. It would be okay, really. You can tell me anything. Any time”.

“Aaron...”

His friend just continued to eat.

“When I first made it into the team, some of the guys would have given me a hard time, if it hadn’t been for you”.

It was true; some of these idiots had had all kinds of plans to haze the new guy, but Dean wouldn’t allow it, and no one ever dared touch Dean. Sometimes he suspected that had to do with Crowley.

“Whenever you are ready. Or maybe you’ll never be. That’s alright, too”.

Only it isn’t, Dean thought, because I will be here all my life, and I’ll never tell anyone, and one day I will lie in bed next to my wife and wonder what if, and I will never tell her either, and I’ll die knowing I lied to everyone.

It wasn’t a particularly good day, but as always he did enjoy his wrestling practice, and Crowley gave him the unexpected honour of nodding at him as a goodbye as he left the school.

He should have known they had both made a mistake when he answered it with a nod of his own.

“Did Fergus Crowley greet you today?” Sam asked at dinner.

The Singers had been invited as well, and Dean felt both of them glance at him before resuming their chat with Mom.

“Yeah” he said, shrugging. “No idea why.”

“Good. Keep it at that. That boy would be a bad influence” Dad declared.

And you could lose the shop leaned over Dean without having to be said, and for once he wanted to tear apart the silence and tell him to keep it, to just let him go.

He didn’t, of course.

“Dean” Mrs. Singer said later at the evening, “How about you visit me at the library, next you get the chance? I’ll keep the pie warm.”

He understood he could bring Crowley, and thanked her warmly.

Dad laughed.

“The only way we can get you to the library, son? Baiting you with pie?”

“Boy’s got plenty to think about John, don’t you worry” Mr. Singer said. He and Dean discussed Robert Browning regularly.

Dean still liked Christina Rossetti better, but they never argued.

They left.

That night, Sam knocked on his door.

“Hey, Dean. I’m sorry I mentioned Crowley.”

“Like I said, was just a nod. Don’t worry about it Sammy.”

“IKnowYouAreFriends” Sam rushed out in a whisper, turning around the next moment to make sure they were still alone in the room.

“I – what?”

Dean paled. If Sammy knew, then Mom and Dad...

“No one else does. But I do. You always look guilty when anyone mentions him”.

“Sam” he said calmly, “You can’t tell anyone. He’s gonna skip town when we’re done with scholl anyway.”

“Alright, but he’s not – dragging you into something illegal or something like that?”

“Nah. He’s too smart for that”.

“I know he’s smart. I’ve been wondering why he likes you for a while”.

There was no suspicion behind his words, telling Dean that their other bigger secret was still safe. Thank God.

At the same time, he couldn’t help but think that now and then, Sam hurt him without noticing, worse, without ever contemplating that he might.

“Guy’s funny that way.”

Thankfully, Sam soon went to bed.

He could keep his mouth shut when he needed, Dean knew. And he’d never mention Crowley in front of their parents again.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

Mrs. Singer has invited us to the library, he texted him. The reply came immediately.

I’m looking forward to it, darling.

He smiled.

There were some upsides to having a secret bestie.

The next day, the seat next to him was once more empty, and he was looking forward to English; he actually liked Edgar Allan Poe a lot, not that he could tell anyone.

Someone sat down next to him.

“Hello, Dean”.

Dean stared at Castiel.

“Ah – good morning”.

The boy nodded and started to read a book, only putting it away when the teacher entered. He also didn’t pay Dean any attention when the class ended, simply packing up his things and leaving without another word.

What a weird guy.

@super-powerful-queen-slayyna

@spiritualblank

[myhauntedsalem]

Squire’s Castle Willoughby Hills, Ohio

Squire’s Castle is actually a modern ruin, classified as little more than a shell of the original building. Located not far from Cleveland it was built in the 1890s by Fergus Squire who hoped the home would serve as a gatehouse for a future larger estate he was constructing. The project was never completed beyond the initial gatehouse and was sold in the 1920s.  

Legend has it that Squire’s wife fell and broke her neck in the gatehouse, dying on the property. Many believe the tragedy was the reason Squire halted his project, despite purchasing over 500 acres to build his estate. Her ghost is said to walk the barren halls of the small manner, though no reports of malevolent or intelligent hauntings have been reported. There are some who claim to have seen the light of a red lantern in the windows of Squire Castle and that the lantern is carried by the lonely ghost of Mrs. Squire. Anguished screams of a woman are heard at night. Apparitions have been seen wandering the grounds and orbs have been photographed just outside the castle and in the woods nearby.

Today, the building is open to the public and is a unique sight to see. While it has a roof, the windows and doors expose the interior to the elements, which is completely bare and unfurnished. It’s available for tours and is utilized by a local library each year for a history seminar but there are more mysterious tales surrounding the house to be told.

[carguytimes]

Library installs EV charging station - The Fergus Falls Daily Journal - Fergus Falls Daily Journal

Library installs EV charging station - The Fergus Falls Daily Journal  Fergus Falls Daily Journal The Fergus Falls Public Library recently installed an electric vehicle charging station for city residents and visitors in partnership with Otter Tail Power Company ... http://dlvr.it/Qyx3FD