#count unique values excel

[celestemona]

𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐀𝐃𝐒

and how they deal with their children and domestic life. part ii.

pairing: dad & husband! cyno, kaveh, alhaitham x fem! reader

cw: original characters, slightly ooc to fit the plot, domesticity, fluff. pregnant reader is mentioned to introductions but not too elaborated. not beta read. a bit longer than the previous ones.

kazuha’s part | part. i

reblogs and comments are appreciated ♡

CYNO

If there was something the General Mahamatra valued beyond justice and absolute truth, it was loyalty—freely given and unwavering.

Cyno could count on both hands the people he trusted enough to risk his life for, and over time, that number remained steadfastly small. Trust, after all, wasn't a gift but a reward for the deserving.

Yet, as the years passed, one truth became undeniable: your happiness and safety stood above it all and else. And when you revealed you were carrying his children, that truth solidified into his highest priority.

The announcement of your pregnancy came as a surprise, but Cyno's transformation in the months that followed was expected. As your belly grew, so did his attentiveness. He became noticeably clingy, drawn to the feel of your growing bump beneath his hands as he traced the tiny kicks of his children inside. But along with his tender moments came a heightened protectiveness and a stricter demeanor—traits that seemed to amplify with every passing month.

His overprotectiveness wasn’t unfounded; it stemmed from the unique challenges of becoming a first-time father to twins. Cyno’s bossy tendencies, however, had a more personal motivation. He knew your impulsive nature far too well and shuddered at the risks you might take without a second thought. Naturally, you tested his patience more than once, whether deliberately or not, leaving him no choice but to insist on moving to Aaru Village for your safety and comfort.

The decision proved wise.

On a cold night not long after, Aryan and Isaar were born just minutes apart. Cyno still vividly recalls returning from patrol to the sound of your cries. Seeing your tear-streaked, sweat-soaked face, he immediately took Candace’s place behind you, supporting you through the pain with whispered reassurances and a steady hand.

Despite all his preparation, Cyno was unprepared for the wave of emotions that hit him when he held Aryan in his arms and saw Isaar cradled against your chest. The General Mahamatra, a man so accustomed to discipline and control, felt utterly humbled. No ancient text could have described the indescribable joy coursing through him as he became a father.

The first weeks after their birth were a whirlwind of sleepless nights and relentless exhaustion. Cyno, on leave from his duties, dedicated himself entirely to you and the babies, shouldering household responsibilities and giving you much-needed rest. Yet, he found himself humbled once more—fatherhood, as it turned out, was a challenge far greater than anything he had faced at Akademiya.

As days turned to weeks, he adapted. Cyno grew more confident in his role, and with it came a deeper bond with his sons. Often, you’d wake to find him dozing in the nursery armchair, Aryan and Isaar nestled securely in his strong arms.

The twins bore an uncanny resemblance to their father, not just in appearance but in temperament. Even as infants, Aryan’s stoic demeanor mirrored Cyno’s, while Isaar’s charm and eagerness to interact revealed a budding playful streak. Aryan resisted every attempt to coax a smile, while Isaar delighted in extending his arms to familiar faces, a mischievous glint in his eyes. Cyno couldn’t have been prouder, often joking that they were already excellent judges of character.

Despite your differing parenting styles, you and Cyno built a home brimming with love. While you encouraged open expression, he taught discipline and wisdom. The twins were given the freedom to make their own choices, and even if they erred, Cyno approached correction with patience and understanding rather than punishment.

To outsiders, the sight of the stern and enigmatic matra as a doting father seemed almost surreal. But those who knew him closely saw how fatherhood softened him in ways unimaginable.

One lingering fear remained among his subordinates and friends alike, though—that his sons might one day inherit Cyno’s infamous sense of humor.

A strange, loving, and unorthodox family indeed.

KAVEH

If anyone asked Kaveh about his greatest achievements, he’d readily mention three, though two stood out as the most significant.

While the architect took immense pride in the effort and dedication that brought the Palace of Alcazarzaray to life, its importance paled compared to the fact that he had managed to win your heart. After all, in all of Teyvat, perhaps nothing was as sought after as the attention of the Gem of Liyue. And yet, in an ironic twist of fate, Kaveh—among all others—was the one to accomplish such a feat.

As the younger sister of the Tianquan of the Qixing, you were renowned for your intelligence, elegance, and beauty. Naturally, it was expected that you'd marry someone who embodied these qualities and possessed the wealth to match your status. However, those who speculated didn’t truly know you—not like Ningguang did, nor as Kaveh had come to know you.

It was no surprise, then, that your marriage announcement sent ripples of shock through Liyue. The uproar from the press and citizens lingered for weeks, and amidst the commotion, Kaveh couldn’t help but doubt himself.

Did he have the means to give you the life you deserved? He was just beginning to recover from his debts and had barely started building his own home. Compared to your luxury life—living in a mansion and dining from golden platters—he felt like he had little to offer.

But you reassured him, time and time again, that no amount of gold or mora in the world could compare to the love you shared. The only treasure you sought was his genuine affection.

Your unwavering support made Kaveh eternally grateful, but it was the moment you gave him the greatest pride of his life that solidified his happiness: your daughter, Zahra.

Even before she was born, Zahra was adored by her father. During your pregnancy, Kaveh was nothing short of a devoted husband—attentive to your every need and brimming with excitement for their child. His passion for art drove him to pour his heart into designing Zahra’s nursery, from drafting intricate designs to handcrafting her crib, toys, and decorations. You often found yourself smiling as you watched him, captivated by the love and care he poured into preparing for her arrival.

When Zahra finally came into the world, the sight of Kaveh’s tearful, awe-struck face confirmed what you already knew: he'd be an extraordinary father.

“I swear I’ll protect you from all the cruelty in this world,” he whispered, pressing a tender kiss on her forehead. “And even if the day comes when I no longer have the strength to, I will still find a way to keep you safe.”

His words brought tears to your own eyes as you smiled at the sweet scene.

Kaveh quickly discovered that the word “tired” didn't exist in his vocabulary when it came to Zahra. He adored holding her in his arms, and he took on the responsibilities of parenthood with pride. In the early weeks of her life, he refused to let her sleep alone in her crib. Even when you insisted on letting her rest alone, Kaveh spent the nights by her side, unable to forgive himself if something happened in his absence.

You often rolled your eyes at his overprotectiveness, but deep down, you cherished his dedication.

As Zahra grew, she blossomed into a beautiful, spirited girl who was deeply loved by both her parents. Her rosy cheeks and golden hair, often adorned with barrettes and bows, earned her comparisons to a doll. While her beauty and features mirrored her father’s, her sweet, infectious laughter and clever wit were uniquely her own. Despite his fears of the world stealing away her laughter, the mischievous glint in her golden eyes reassured Kaveh that his daughter was more resilient and smarter than he gave her credit for.

Beyond her parents’ love, Zahra shared a close bond with her maternal aunt, who doted on her endlessly, and her paternal grandmother. Before Kaveh married you, his mother had made efforts to reconnect with him, and she now took joy in celebrating family dinners, holidays, and milestones with her granddaughter.

For a long time, Kaveh believed he didn’t deserve such happiness. After the loss of his father and his estrangement from his mother, his only goal had been survival—facing his demons day by day with what little he had. He had never considered himself a man of honor or someone worthy of a family, let alone a home filled with love.

And yet, as he held Zahra’s tiny hand in his, he couldn’t help but feel that fate had blessed him in ways he never thought possible. Through every decision and every path he had taken, one had led him to you—and to the greatest achievements of his life.

ALHAITHAM

Your presence at the Akademiya was like a breath of fresh spring air—invigorating, captivating, and impossible to ignore.

As the new Haravatat Darshan teacher, you quickly earned admiration for your intelligence and passion for knowledge. Your students revered you, and even the sages themselves praised your dedication, helping your reputation spread across the dendro nation. Adding to your allure, your beauty and charisma captured many hearts, though the faint swell beneath your attire and the glint of the golden ring on your left hand made it unmistakably clear that your heart was already spoken for.

The story of your relationship with Akademiya’s esteemed Scribe was nothing short of legendary. So much so that even the mere beginning of your courtship was worthy of academic analysis. Alhaitham, known for his aloof demeanor and razor-sharp wit, was hardly someone one would expect to woo or be wooed. His disinterested gaze and cutting remarks served as a fortress to keep others at bay—friends included. Yet, somehow, you had bypassed his defenses entirely.

To those observing, the change in him was subtle but unmistakable. Around you, the stoic scribe seemed softer, as if drawn to your warmth like a moth to a flame. Students whispered in awe, marveling at the peculiar chemistry between the two of you. And when your pregnancy became evident, it only solidified their understanding that beneath Alhaitham’s rigid exterior lay a deeply caring and devoted husband.

What the world saw, however, was merely the surface. Behind closed doors, Alhaitham’s love and excitement for your growing family manifested in ways only you could witness. Stacks of meticulously annotated maternity books filled his study, while balanced, nutrient-rich meals he prepared spoke of his thoughtfulness. He even spent countless hours contemplating the perfect name for your baby, ensuring it held meaning and simplicity.

Though his gestures were understated, they spoke volumes of his love—for both you and the life you were creating together.

When your son, Hakim, arrived, Alhaitham’s stoicism gave way to raw emotion. A rare smile lit up his face, and his eyes glistened with tears as he held the tiny bundle of joy in his arms.

“Thank you,” he whispered, his voice filled with tenderness as he looked at you with unspoken gratitude.

Amid his joy, there was a flicker of longing. He couldn’t help but miss his grandmother, whose absence felt sharper during such a momentous occasion. He wished she could have met you and her great-grandson, but he found solace in believing she was watching over his new family in her own way.

Looking at you and the peaceful child nestled in his arms, Alhaitham knew his son would grow up surrounded by love, and he felt no fear. Fatherhood wasn’t daunting to him; it felt natural.

Hakim, a quiet and sweet baby, embodied the perfect blend of your personalities. Understanding his needs came effortlessly to Alhaitham as if the two were already in sync. The child’s early days were filled with knowledge, as he was often cradled in one of your arms while you or Alhaitham read aloud—academic texts, thesis, poems, or whatever you had on hand. The soothing cadence of your voices seemed to delight him.

When Hakim grew old enough to sit up on his own, you decided to return to teaching. Akademiya had already authorized Hakim’s presence during your lectures, but Alhaitham was more than willing to take on childcare duties too. He often brought the boy to his office or even into the Sanctuary of Surasthana, where Hakim basked in the gentle attention of Lesser Lord Kusanali.

Alhaitham was a man who prided himself on simplicity. He knew his flaws and accepted them, using them as a shield to keep others at arm’s length. Yet, every evening, when he returned home to find you and Hakim waiting with open arms and warm smiles, he felt an unshakable truth: nothing in the world could ever compare to the perfection of his family.

.

.

you guys will have to forgive me again but i did not beta-read this part (clearly) nor i'll have the patience to do so because i'm currently traveling at my granny's home and it's so hot here that i couldn't even write this whole headcanon without stop everytime to take a breath of fresh air. therefore, i won't have the patience to look for mistakes now. i'll let it with you tho.

also, i remember i've said in the last part that if perhaps i start to write a genshin dad series i'd write only for the first four man i came up the idea to. however, i'm hypocrital and slut for the sumeru men too so i couldn't stop myself but draft their children biography.

i really hope you've like it so far because, for real, alhaitham's part was the hardest one and somehow i feel like this isn’t good enough to be posted. nevertheless, thank you for your reading :)

edited: nov/2024

[sunandflame]

Analysis: Mihawk as a Lover

Warnings: none

Word Count: 929

Pairing: Mihawk x GN!Reader

crossposted on AO3

A Stoic, Loyal, and Elegant Partner

Dracule Mihawk, the world’s greatest swordsman, is known for his stoic demeanor, sharp intellect, and unwavering sense of honor. But what kind of boyfriend—or even lover—would he be? Based on his personality and behavior in One Piece, Mihawk would likely be a unique partner, standing apart from most others. He wouldn’t rely on grand romantic gestures, but rather on trust, respect, and a deep, quiet connection.

Loyal, Protective, and Independent

Mihawk is a man of his word. When he commits to something, he follows through—whether it’s training Zoro or keeping his distance from unnecessary conflicts. If he were in a relationship, he would be fiercely loyal and steadfast, choosing a partner with whom he could build a deep, lasting bond. However, he wouldn’t be overbearing. He values independence, both for himself and for his partner, ensuring that the relationship is built on mutual respect rather than control.

His protective nature would emerge in subtle ways—never in a possessive or overbearing manner, but always present when truly needed. He wouldn’t interfere unnecessarily but would be an unwavering presence, ready to act when the situation calls for it.

Calm, Mysterious, and Hard to Read

Mihawk is not one for unnecessary words or exaggerated emotions. In a relationship, he would be reserved, expressing his affection through actions rather than flowery declarations. His love language would likely be quiet and understated—perhaps an unexpected gesture of care, a knowing glance, or a deep conversation over fine wine.

Yet, his emotional depth wouldn’t be easy to decipher. He isn’t someone who opens up quickly, and understanding him would require patience. He would rarely reveal what’s truly on his mind, maintaining an air of mystery that could be both intriguing and frustrating. However, for those willing to look beyond the surface, Mihawk’s subtle tenderness and protectiveness would become evident over time.

A Lover of High Standards and Deep Passion

Mihawk respects strength—not just physical, but also mental and emotional. His training of Zoro proves that he values determination, resilience, and continuous self-improvement. He would expect the same from his partner, not out of arrogance, but because he believes in growth and excellence.

When it comes to romance, Mihawk’s style would be refined and elegant. He isn’t the type for exaggerated expressions of love, but his presence alone would be captivating. A romantic evening with him wouldn’t be about clichés; it would be something uniquely his—perhaps an intimate dinner in his grand castle, a quiet moment shared over fine wine, or simply the way he watches over his partner with his piercing gaze.

And while he may seem detached at times, his passion would be present in the silence. He wouldn’t need loud proclamations to show his devotion—his intensity would lie in the way he understands his partner, noticing small details and ensuring their happiness without making a spectacle of it.

Conclusion: A Challenging but Profoundly Rewarding Partner

Mihawk would be a demanding but deeply fulfilling partner. He isn’t one for fleeting romances or superficial connections—he values authenticity, strength, and mutual respect. Being with him would require patience and independence, but for those who appreciate his quiet depth, unwavering loyalty, and mysterious charm, he could be an endlessly fascinating and devoted lover.

Mihawk in Intimacy – A Controlled, Respectful, and Intense Lover

When it comes to intimacy, Mihawk would likely approach it with the same calm, controlled, and respectful demeanor that defines his entire character. Here are a few aspects that could describe him as a lover in an intimate context:

Respectful and Attentive

Mihawk would be highly conscious of his partner’s comfort and desires. He would respect boundaries and ensure that his partner always feels safe and at ease. He’s not the type to act on impulse or rush into things—rather, he would carefully observe how the moment unfolds, adjusting accordingly with patience and consideration.

Reserved, Yet Deeply Passionate

Though Mihawk is naturally quiet and composed, he could reveal a surprisingly intense passion in intimate moments. However, this passion wouldn’t manifest in an exaggerated or dramatic way, but rather in a focused and deliberate manner—showing that he is truly present and connected with his partner. For him, intimacy is not about dominance, but about forging a deeper, more profound connection.

No Room for Arrogance or Superiority

Despite his unmatched skill as a swordsman, Mihawk remains humble. He wouldn’t see intimacy as an opportunity to prove himself or showcase his power. Instead, he would treat it as a shared experience, prioritizing his partner’s needs and well-being rather than seeking validation for himself.

Precision and Control

As someone known for his precision and mastery, Mihawk would likely carry these traits into the bedroom as well. Every movement would be deliberate and measured, creating a carefully controlled yet deeply immersive experience. He would have an acute awareness of his partner’s reactions, adjusting with quiet confidence to ensure mutual pleasure and satisfaction.

Not Overtly Expressive

Mihawk is a reserved and enigmatic figure, so he wouldn’t be overly vocal or expressive about his emotions. His affection and desire would be conveyed through subtle gestures rather than words or dramatic actions. He wouldn’t rely on grand declarations—his quiet presence and the depth of his intimacy would speak for themselves.

Conclusion: A Composed, Intense, and Considerate Lover

Mihawk would be a calm, focused, and deeply respectful partner in intimacy. His passion would be understated yet intense, never arrogant or forceful. Control, for him, wouldn’t mean dominance but rather the ability to create a balanced, mutual experience where both partners feel valued and understood.

I hope you enjoyed my first analysis of one of One Piece’s handsome men! I definitely had fun writing it, and I’m considering turning this into a series. Let me know which character you’d like to see analyzed next in the comments, or send me an anonymous ask if you are too shy!

[sphacelating]

do you think andrew counts as a case of gifted burn out kid?

yes, definitely.

he’s not your typical case that comes to mind when you hear “gifted child burnout”, he wasn’t born to successful overachiever parents or a child prodigy, but the phenomenon is certainly not exclusive to those with a trophy collection, diplomas or awards from competitions to show for their success in childhood. you don’t have to fit the definition of “gifted”. andrew was forced to be as capable and responsible as an adult when he was 8, told that he should be equipped to handle any problem with the ease and efficiency of one, then abused and punished when he couldn’t meet those expectations.

maturing so fast your mother may as well have birthed a grown man is certainly an exceptional feat. he did excel at parental duties for someone who’s a literal kid, at problem solving, identifying and preventing problems before they even required a solution, crisis and conflict resolution, predicting consequences, juggling ashley’s impossible needs while surviving despite constantly neglecting his own, placating and pleasing renee— the list here is long. any other potential that he showed as a child he was not allowed to pursue. any talents that he did have outside of these were worthless, unimportant wastes of time he couldn’t spare with so many responsibilities, low priority and low value. andrew himself was a low priority. but he was damn fucking exceptional at existing purely for the convenience and happiness of others.

gifted child burnout is the result of internalizing impossibly high expectations and external pressure to always outperform your peers, to be above average, exceptionally good, talented, strong, smart, better. even just struggling is half a failure, proof of mediocrity and inadequacy, and actual failure is even more impossible to accept when you’ve never been allowed to fail or make mistakes. it’s an unrealistic idea that you have uniquely great potential, then crippling fear of punishment or disapproval when you cannot reach it. failure to meet those expectations, whether these are ones you set for yourself or a cruel standard you’re held to by adults around you, fundamentally fucks up your self-worth and self-perception.

[the-golden-comet]

✨🌺 Author Ask Tag 🌺✨

Thank you so much for tagging me for this, @aalinaaaaaa and here @sharkblizzardblogs ! I will also leave this +open for anyone else who wishes to answer (if they want) and may come across this on their feed 💛✨

I’ve espoused lots of juicy information from my two published works Peter Hart and Your Wish Is My Command, so now it’s time to focus a little more on my current WIP: In The Realm of Giants 🌺✨

1. What is the main lesson of your story? Why did you choose it?

Excellent question! There are a few lessons in ITROG that are highlighted throughout the book:

The lengths family will go to protect each other. A huge theme is family bonds, and how the love and support of the village reflects the Viking’s desire to protect their people.

Taking risks to develop characters and learn lessons. Some of those risks are learned the hard way���for instance, getting abducted by a giant because Tyr foolishly believed if he could get away with stealing once, he would smugly and spitefully do it again. However, if not for the risks and consequences of taking said risks, he would have never explored the area outside of his home and experience the adventure. Equally so, his father wouldn’t have been able to see his son shine on his own without feeling the need to always guard him.

Forgiveness. Not only for Stefan and Tyr or Tyr and Gustav, but also Stefan and Gustav. Learning to forgive mistakes of their ancestors, to see everyone’s different perspectives on the same conflicts, and to achieve mutual understandings.

All of these lessons are very comparable to everyone in one way or another, applied to a more high-fantasy scene to give a sense of excitement and relatability 💛✨

2. What did you use as inspiration for your worldbuilding?

Norse Mythology, especially centered around Jötunheimr and Yggdrasil. I also sprinkled in some Disney-esque family values and dynamics. ✨

3. What is your MC trying to achieve, and what are you, the writer, trying to achieve with them? Do you want to inspire others, teach forgiveness or help the reader grow as a person?

Tyrell’s objective changes throughout the novel. A consistent goal is for him to achieve independence in a way that still serves his viking clan—the people he loves. However, his goals take a sharp turn when he finds himself kidnapped by a giant, where his main objective becomes to survive and make it back home in one piece.

What I always want to achieve in my MCs is that there is no “flawless” character—everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and seeing their vulnerabilities helps make them a more relatable protagonist. Sometimes, it’s the flaw that makes a character unique and stand out, memorable, endearing, or something that a reader roots for the protag to overcome. The more those strengths and weaknesses are explored and utilized in a plot or conflict, the more developed a character is, and overcoming their own weaknesses is something that anyone can relate and cheer for.

4. How many chapters is your story going to have?

At least 69, as is my brand. The word count is estimated anywhere between 120k-155k words.

5. Is it fan fiction or original content? Where do you plan to post it?

Original Work! I posted a variety of fanfiction and Originals, and post the full stories to my Archive Of Our Own account always. I do optional/additional support by providing a digital copy on Amazon Kindle eBooks, but that is only if people want to support me further (I don’t have KoFi or Patreon, as my writing pace varies. It finishes when it finishes 💛)

6. When did you start writing?

I started writing fanfiction in 2009 back on old fanfiction.net. Original writing started in 2014 with the development of Peter Hart.

7. Do you have any words of encouragement for fellow writers of writeblr? What other writers do you follow?

It sounds cheesy, but it’s true: Follow your dreams. Write the book that YOU would want to read, and be your biggest writing fan. I go back to my own books all the time, and because I enjoyed writing them and took the time to develop them, it was just as enjoyable reading-reading them from a casual point of view, and not a technical one. Get your heart out there, because there’s only one of you—one unique brain with wonderful ideas waiting to be actualized. Learning by doing, and remembering what inspired and motivated us to write in the first place—don’t lose that sense of wonder 💫✨

I follow SO many writeblrs. I’m excited to see what the community all is doing, and everyone has their own unique flavor of writing that is creative, fascinating, and inspiring. To name just a few: @wyked-ao3 , @gioiaalbanoart , @jev-urisk , @tragedycoded , @clever-pennname , @illarian-rambling , @autism-purgatory , @deanwax , @mk-writes-stuff , @words-after-midnight , @justabigoldnerd , @pippinoftheshire , @avaseofpeonies , @alinacapellabooks , @kaylinalexanderbooks , @drchenquill , @theink-stainedfolk , @the-inkwell-variable , @indecentpause , @glasshouses-and-stones , @addicted2coke-theothercoke , @asassydork , @aalinaaaaaa , @zackprincebooks , @lychhiker-writes , @yourpenpaldee , @oliolioxenfreewrites , @nczaversnick , @mrbexwrites , @peach-the-gospel , @finickyfelix , @aurumni-writes , @paeliae-occasionally , @agirlandherquill , @fantasy-things-and-such , @castiels-favorite-dumbass , @honeybewrites , @thatuselesshuman , @thecoolerlucky , @authorcoledipalo , @48lexr , and @thecomfywriter . There are many, MANY more that you should go check out and follow! Lots of beautiful minds in creative spaces 💫✨

[imbellatrix]

Zhurial ("Origins") — Eldarya NE Headcanons; 🌌🪻

In my headcanons, Nevra truly loves his culture. He values it deeply and feels genuinely offended when someone disrespects it, even unintentionally.

However, if you ask him if he misses living in Yaqut, he says no. Sometimes he feels nostalgic for certain things, like a favorite childhood dish. Nevra thinks the clothing is beautiful, Yaqut itself is magnificent, the food is delicious (it's usually quite spicy, which explains his love for hot food), and some of the traditions and events are fascinating. But overall, Nevra feels free and welcomed in the South.

He says the South gives him a freedom, especially to travel the world, that he could never have in Yaqut. This is one of the reasons he doesn’t miss living in his homeland. There's also the traditional conservatism in Yaqut.

Erika had also developed an affection for Nevra's culture after listening to him talk about it extensively, despite not being familiar with it herself. Some nights, before bedtime, Nevra taught her Qutarian words and phrases, accompanied by symbolic hand gestures, a Yaqutian sign language. He taught her "Nahari," meaning "my angel." Sometimes Nevra called her that.

The gesture involved tracing a delicate curve in the air, as if drawing wings, followed by touching Erika's forehead and tracing a line to her heart, symbolizing the soul-heart connection. Finally, he closed his hands into a shell, indicating possession. This term had a feminine and masculine version; the masculine version was "Naharu," but the signs were identical. Nevra shared popular proverbs:

• "La tahlam niram qabla shurukh" - "Don't count the stars before sunrise." (Don't anticipate problems)

• "Al-nar la yuhriq bila nar" - "Fire doesn't burn without fire." (Passion needs fuel; love needs love)

• "Kahluna tazhary fī al-ghasaq" - "Kahluna blooms in twilight." The purple Kahluna flower, native to Yaqut, blooms in darkness, symbolizing resilience. It thrives in challenging conditions. This proverb uses the flower as a metaphor for love, signifying that love can emerge even in turbulent times, like war.

Erika now understood why Karenn called her that. Her surname, Calluna, was the same flower. On Earth, Calluna meant simply "purple flower," and Erika had no idea it existed in Eldarya.

Nevra often speaks to Érika in his sleep, calling out to her and asking her to stay. He also tends to speak in his native language when irritated, cursing in Qutian or muttering to himself. Sometimes, he and Karenn converse in their native tongue. On missions, when Nevra and Karenn cannot make noise, they communicate through sign language from a distance.

In Yaqut, they wear accessories adorned with green crystals. Nevra wears a collar with the crystal, just like Orgelz. Maora wears a diadem with the crystal, while Karenn has various fragments of the crystal on his collar, cord, and hairpin. This green crystal, according to Yaqutian beliefs, brings protection. These emeralds are a divine gift from Ahrakar, the Guardian God, who protects Yaqut from desert monsters, and the emerald is said to ward off death. The blessed emerald's name is Ta'riz.

Nevra's favorite place in Yaqut was the Oasis of Goddess Nilah, deity of water and fertility. He would often sneak out of class to visit the Oasis with Karenn and his two close friends, Khayuna and Thorvos.

Nevra excels in various subjects, including Mathematics, Geography, and History. His father always pushed him to learn multiple languages. However, Nevra dislikes his Native Language class. He believes Mathematics is superior because it is universal and unchanging; 1 + 1 equals 2 regardless of time or place. Native languages, on the other hand, change over time. The way people communicated in 1500 is not the same as today. This is why Nevra dislikes this subject.

The economy of Yaqut is primarily based on the trade of unique and exotic spices used in cuisine and medicine. Precious metals like gold and copper are also extracted and used in jewelry and currency. Additionally, Yaqut is known for its diverse textile production and beautiful tapestries.

Kellinroe, Nevra's father, was a wealthy and influential figure in Yaqut, serving as a trusted advisor to the clan leader. His vast fortune was built on his lucrative mining ventures, which yielded rich deposits of gold, copper, and precious gems. For centuries, Kellinroe's shrewd business acumen and strategic decision-making enabled him to corner the market on Yaqut's most valuable resources, solidifying his position as one of the clan's most powerful members.

Maora, Nevra's mother, was a woman of exceptional intelligence, elegance, and strategic wit. As the matriarch of the family, she skillfully managed the household and its vast network of alliances, leveraging her charm and diplomatic prowess to maintain the family's social standing. Renowned for her impeccable taste, Maora was the driving force behind Yaqut's most extravagant balls, showcasing her talent for bringing together the clan's elite. Her razor-sharp mind and cunning enabled her to navigate the intricate web of Yaqut's society, ensuring the family's prosperity even after Kellinroe's passing. Some whispered that her sharp mind and cunning surpass even that of her late husband, whose legacy she deftly safeguarded. With grace and poise, Maora navigated the complex politics of Yaqut, securing her family's future through her impeccable judgment and unwavering determination.

[hisui-dreamer]

ode to the queen of hearts

Pairing: Riddle Rosehearts x gn!reader

Synopsis: others called him a tyrant, but he was your dearest lover

Tags: drabble, fluff, slightly poetic hehe, reader is a simp for riddle

Word count: 607

Notes: happy belated birthday riddle! you might not be my favourite, but i appreciate how earnest and caring you are!! also how dare you come home when it should have been Halloween jade ಠ⁠ಗ⁠ಠ

Masterlist

Your lover possesses an extraordinary memory, a vault meticulously organized to house every minuscule fragment of the Queen's rules. Every rule, no matter how absurd or whimsical, finds its place within the labyrinth of his thoughts. He upholds them with a fervor that seems almost divine, each one a thread in the tapestry of his unyielding commitment.

Your lover how he seeks perfection in all he does, his devotion to his studies echoing in every corner of mind. His pursuit of excellence becomes a magnetic force, pulling you closer to his world. His irritable moments, the ones that seem to sprout from thin air, only make you want to unravel their origins, to soothe them away.

Your lover is a moral compass, his values etched in stone, guiding his every step. It's his unwavering belief that his way is the right way that both intrigues and challenges you. You find yourself falling for the way he stands his ground, a steadfast mountain amidst shifting sands. You admire how he channels his disagreements into fierce convictions, a tempest of righteousness.

Your lover is a remarkable leader, a beacon of guidance within the dormitory's walls. His dedication to maintaining order seamlessly extends to a genuine care for each of his dorm mates. You witness him stepping into a role that transcends strictness, where his commitment to the Queen's rules blends harmoniously with his nurturing nature. His devotion to helping any and every student who struggles never ceases to amaze you.

Your lover's sensitivity about his height and petite stature adds another layer of charm to him. It's truly endearing the way his cheeks flush with a hint of red when the topic surfaces, a slight defensiveness in his voice as he confidently predicts an impending growth spurt. However, you hold the sentiment that his physical appearance is of no consequence to your affection. His stature only enhances his uniqueness in your eyes, making him all the more special.

Your lover has a childish side that you find incredibly endearing. When it comes to matters unrelated to academics, he transforms into a surprising realm of childlike wonder. The strictness dissipates, and you witness a playful spirit that dances like sunlight on water. It's in the way he eagerly explores the new found subject, his eyes sparkling with pure delight. His laughter, like the tinkling of wind chimes, fills the air as he accomplishes his goals others would breeze through. The weight of rules and obligations momentarily lifts, revealing a heart unburdened, ready to revel in the simple joys of life. It's these glimpses of his carefree essence that remind you that beneath the veneer of severity, a gentle and childlike soul resides, seeking respite from the demands of a world that expects him to be stern and unyielding.

You love how his strict demeanor melts into delight in the delicate sweetness of a strawberry tart. The way he savors each bite, as if savoring a rare moment of respite from his strict world, speaks volumes. The flaky pastry and the burst of tangy-sweet strawberries seem to momentarily unravel the layers of duty that enshroud him, allowing him to revel in a simple pleasure. In those moments, you witness the vulnerability he so carefully conceals, and promise to yourself to improving your culinary skills.

You love every facet of him, from the stern enforcer of rules to the hidden vulnerabilities he guards. And as your affection deepens, you find yourself wanting to be the exception to his ironclad regulations, the one who shows him that love can bloom in the most unexpected places.

Your lover, is none other than Riddle Rosehearts.

Masterlist

if you liked this post, don't forget to reblog!

[pedrocomicreviews]

Immortal Thor #22

"Hah! Say it again, my liege!"

Part of me wants to ask you to flip a coin every paragraph.

Structure gimmicks are difficult to pull off. Choose Your Own Adventure used to be its own genre of book, because you have to write and print everything in very particular ways so that it makes sense from a variety of perspectives. Editing a book that requires you to go back and forth all the time is less looking for typos and more QA testing it, like a game-- because it basically becomes one. Can the reader break the story through a specific yet possible path? Is it likely a reader will reach an intended ending before they grow bored of it? Is it still a compelling book no matter how you read it?

So, the GOAT Al Ewing has three books out this week-- this, All-New Venom and Absolute Green Lantern. The Venom review is on the Lightning Round and the Green Lantern one is already up, but I want to appreciate for a second how vastly different they are, and, jokes aside about Paul Rabin, how well-thought out and effective they get to be in their own terms. To work on these many scripts in such disparaging fictional genres takes a lot of work, and even if one or two experiments didn't work over the course of these runs, this one definitely did.

What I am trying to say is that I really loved the idea of flipping a coin every page to advance or rewind the book, which is how this adventure is structured. Every page has been written in such a way that it can come both after the last panel of the page before it, or as a result of you coming back from the page after it. In fact, a lot of the dialogue works better backwards than forwards, which you will only experience if you take the comic's idea at face value.

An unspoken truth of reading comics is that we kinda want to get through them fast. There are nearly thirty new comics out this week by Marvel and DC combined, not counting digitally, and it's a hobby with a lot of time investment attached to it. When a comic asks for more attention and more time out of you than others, it's banking on the assumption that you will take its suggestions and substance in good faith, and give it a chance you cannot give to every comic. If every single comic book I read this week was this complicated to get through, I wouldn't be writing this review; I would still be getting through most of the comics I actually read.

So to see it well-executed in a very simple way (some of these ideas are complex and I am dumb) that makes the story read better, and puts you in the character's heads, and makes dialogue make more sense a second, third time you read it? To catch all the sly jokes about the repeating nature of the labyrinth, and to see visual details that only make sense when you see what's up ahead and got Tails five times in a row and went back to the beginning? That's really special, that's really difficult to pull off.

Immortal Thor has been through a lot and at some point I lost interest in it, but this genuinely renewed my love for the book. Everyone sounds great, it's unique and fun to read, the villain is excellent, the ideas behind it shine; it's back to being the book I loved 20 or so issues ago when we were first dealing with Utgard-Thor. I am very happy with this and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes.

We're over the halfway point if this is trying to get to 50 issues, and I am back to wondering if this will carve its way into being one of the greatest Thor runs of all time.

[jazzywrldastro]

Sun in the signs - part - two ☼

𝑴𝑨𝑺𝑻𝑬𝑹𝑳𝑰𝑺𝑻 - 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑠

these are more of my takes on the sun in the zodiac signs - these are from my TikTok

When feeling useless, you try to be helpful and supportive to others, improving their lives where you can. But ou wish someone wonld help you sometimes too. Sun in Virgo are like the detail-oriented perfectionists of the zodiac. On the bright side, they're incredibly organized and practical, the type who'll always have a plan. They're reliable, the ones you can count on to get things done right. Their sharp minds make them excellent problem solvers and analytical thinkers.

Famous Virgo people- Zendaya, Liam Payne, Dylan O' Brien, Micheal Jackson

libra sun-

all about balance and harmony. On the positive side, they're the peacemakers of the zodiac, always striving to keep things fair and pleasant. They've got an innate sense of justice and are fantastic at seeing both sides of any situation. Plus, they're charming as heck and can charm the heck out you They love art, beauty, and all things aesthetically pleasing, often having a great sense of style. On the other side is their personality they can be indecisive. They can be so focused on avoiding conflict that they sometimes struggle to make decisions, even the small ones.

Famous Libra People-Barry Keoghan, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Doja Cat, and Marina Diamandis

scorpio sun-

Scorpios are hot. (Let's be honest) let me tell you. On the plus side, they've got this intense, magnetic vibe that draws people to them like moths to a flame. They're passionate and fiercely loyal, making them amazing friends and partners. But don't hurt them, They will sting. Scorpios sometimes scare me. They also have a huge intuition. When they set their sights on something, they go all in, and their determination can move mountains.

They're like a detective in their own lives, digging deep to uncover hidden truths, which can be a superpower in relationships or any mystery solving situation. Their intensity can sometimes come off as intimidating or even a bit obsessive. Scorpio women are a vibe of dark witchy feminine and the men are walking vampire material ;) (or bad boy bad girl material)

Famous Scorpio people-Matthew McConaughey, Katy Perty Winona Ryder, Micheal Cimino and Hero Fiennes-Tiffin

sagittarius sun -

they are like adventurers of the zodiac. Wild and free thinkers and beings 💙

They're all about exploration and expansion and positivity. On the positive side, they're enthusiastic, optimistic, and love a good adventure. They have a thirst for knowledge and are always eager to learn something new. They can sometimes become restless or overly blunt in their honesty. They can sometimes seem tactless because they value truth over sugarcoating. Commitment can also be a bit tricky for them, as they often crave freedom and don't like feeling tied down.

Famous Sagittarius People- Billie Eillish, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minai, Britney Spears and Zoe Kravitz

capricorn sun -

Sun in Capricorn are like the ultimate goal-setters and go-getters. On the bright side, they're responsible, practical, and hardworking individuals. They're the ones who'll climb the career ladder with ease. Really daddy boss vibes for sure - even if they are a woman - they are always hardworking and badass

But they can sometimes come off as too serious or even a tad bit workaholic. Their drive for success might make them seem a bit distant, and they can struggle with letting loose and having fun. These placements need introspective times to themselves. I’ll be honest, they tend to be introverted.

Famous celebs- FKA Twigs - Listen to Caprisongs and Eusexua

Timothee Chalamet, Finn Wolfhard, Florence Pugh and Jim Carrey

aquarius sun -

are a unique breed. On the upside, they 're the free spirits of the zodiac, always marching to the beat of their own drum. They're innovative thinkers, often ahead of their time, and they love shaking things up with their progressive ideas. They are also humanitarian. They love to help people and they have a very good heart.

(I wouldn’t say they’re very detached when it comes to emotions in love and friendships so much - my experience. It depends on the time of birth and what the big 3 are.) These are the type of friends you want for stimulating conversations and brainstorming sessions. They're super open-minded and accepting of others individual personalities. They can sometimes come off as aloof or emotionally detached. I know my boyfriend is an Aquarius sun. And they’re very misunderstood. They value their independence fiercely, sometimes to the point of seeming distant. They might even be seen as a bit rebellious, challenging the status quo just for the fun of it.

+18 - These air signs are freaky though hence they love deeply - don’t get me wrong listen to The Weeknd ;)

Famous Aquarius people-Harry Styles, Blimbeth Olen, Megan Thee Stallion, Abel Tesfaye (The Weeknd) ;) and Alicia Keys

pisces sun * -

I love Pisces! The girls are sweethearts. (don't know about the men) I think they should be fantasy writers. On the positive side, they're incredibly compassionate and empathetic, always willing to lend a listening ear or a helping hand.

They have this innate ability to understand the unspoken emotions of others. Their creativity knows no bounds, often channeled into arts, music, or imaginative projects and things. Their sensitivity can be a double edged sword, as they easily get overwhelmed by the harsh realities of the world.

Famous Pisces people- Justin Bieber, Ashnikko, Jack Harlow and Rihanna

Thanks for reading my post babes! Let me know in the comments what your sun is, or your birthday is, I’d love to know!

ask book if you want an natal chart or tarot reading! ✨

[bliss-wily]

of all characters why zarbon? he was weak and pointless.

EDIT: Please draw your attention to this post as it’s relevant to this one, only if you wish to as the two posts go hand in hand, but it’s important. https://www.tumblr.com/bliss-wily/743634450086264832/an-apology-it-has-come-to-my-attention-that-a

I’ll agree to disagree. Zarbon was formidable. Vegeta underestimated him, he transformed, he beat Vegeta up but didn’t kill him. Frieza was disappointed in him, but in the short amount of screen time he had in all of his appearances we learn a lot:

He was highly intelligent.

His avoidance of transforming most of the time reveals that the man had been holding back for decades if not centuries. The Raging Blast games imply it was ‘eons’.

Zarbon is a Prince, and despite being regarded as a narcissist unlike Vegeta he isn’t flaunting that title like some shiny badge.

Outside of…Dead Zone? I think? Zarbon is the first to showcase a transformation that isn’t a giant form.

And unlike the Saiyans he takes on a different appearance.

There was depth to his character, his on screen kill count is low, he was shown to be pragmatic and rather humane.

But…he was scared. Frieza threatened to kill him. That threw him off his game.

I think had Zarbon took a moment to process and clear his head he would have beaten Vegeta again. However, I still don’t think he would have killed him…I think he would have turned on Frieza.

Sure he said Frieza-sama in the Japanese version but…

If you had been saying that for decades it’s kinda hard to break the habit. I would give him the benefit of the doubt.

He’s not stupid, I think he was serious about betraying Frieza because think about it..

He served a man who had different values from him out of fear.

Zarb was pragmatic, he just wanted to take care of the source of the problem and leave everything else alone - Frieza didn’t agree.

Unlike the others the boy had a genuine look of sadness and shock when Frieza was quite happy to go through with Planet Vegeta’s destruction.

He is my favourite because there is so many layers to him. He wasn’t in the series long but he’s just so interesting. His race is unique, his personality feels unique. His fighting style was unique too. If anyone had to be revived I hope it’s either Raditz or Zarbon as those two could have been redeemed and they could have joined the Z-Fighters.

He is morally grey, but, Vegeta was down right cruel and could be redeemed. Zarbon had shown evidence of redeeming qualities in all forms of media (wanting peace, worried about Frieza gaining more power, he was self aware, with Dodoria showed remorse and shock when Planet Vegeta was blown up) and he certainly didn’t turn around and kill his closest friend/father figure. (Let’s face it, Nappa basically raised Vegeta and probably Raditz too).

Zarbon isn’t perfect, but that’s what I like to see. He had shortcomings, he was fearful but not a coward, he had phobias, but he also tried to do his job without all the collateral damage and he genuinely cares. He was shocked hearing of Dodoria dying, he gets pissy when alternate timeline Frieza starts insulting him and his ‘star subordinate’, he shows that he’s capable of jealousy and he can be thankful and apologetic.

I understand he’s branded as a narcissist because he thinks he’s beautiful but so many of his traits contradict NPD. He is empathetic, he doesn’t put himself or his own gain above others, he can take accountability for his failures. It seems more so that the other in verse characters place those traits onto him - such as when they expect that Zarbon is only using the future warrior as a slave or to do his dirty work - but he doesn’t.

“You need only watch.” - doesn’t necessarily want help from his student.

“Excellent, I’d much rather spend time with you.” - actually enjoys spending time with his student.

“This session was deeply moving for me. It would not have been possible had we not met.” - can be interpreted in several ways. However; it sounds like a bond is developing.

“I welcome any and all who know how to conduct themselves.” - this is said to a Saiyan, implies that his detest is by person, not an entire race.

“You handled yourself pretty well out there too. My compliments.” - he is always handing out praise to his student. But not just them, there are soldiers on the ship who sound so happy that Zarbon compliments them unlike Frieza and Dodoria.

“Magnificent! You’ve done well to come this far! You’ve done your instructor proud!” - again, actually being happy for his student.

“I am dazzled by your radiance!” - this is just showing more and more depth to this man. I get Zarbon is entitled but he’s a Prince, they’re all a bit entitled.

Some more quotes seeing as I have a ton of screenshots~

“You are my prized trainee!”

“Starting now I will polish you into the most beautiful gem the universe has ever seen!”

“Yes! Yes! You’re just as beautiful as I imagined you’d be!”

“You have my apologies. I should not be so passionate in front of my trainee.”

“Your fighting style is truly elegant. So elegant, in fact, that I’ve fallen in love with it, just watching you train.”

“You are a true diamond in the rough…”

“But several will try to woo you, given your considerable strength, and I wouldn’t want you to choose the wrong master.”

Below, Zarbon being nice and a bit of tsundere/flirt. This game seemed like a dating sim at times.

Then him when it’s life or death with his closest ally by his side.

Also I notice in this fight he will throw himself in front of the future warrior several times. He always gets knocked out every time I do this fight as he won’t let the player get hurt - every other mentor I’ve done this with tends to make it to the end on all versions of the game but Zarbon really puts his neck out there for the player. Whether it’s a glitch in the AI or not; I don’t know. But, it plays into his characterisation.

Anyway I went on a ramble, but why Zarbon? So many reasons. The more lore they add; the more I like him. He’s a complex character in my opinion.

EDIT: Please draw your attention to this post as it’s relevant to this one, only if you wish to as the two posts go hand in hand, but it’s important. https://www.tumblr.com/bliss-wily/743634450086264832/an-apology-it-has-come-to-my-attention-that-a

[deejadabbles]

The Handmaiden's Fox (Commander Fox x Reader) Chapter Two

Summary: You have been by Amidala’s side since she was the queen of Naboo and no one will shake you from your duty. Not even a handsome, red-clad commander who seems quite taken with the friendship you’ve forged. Commander Fox x fem handmaiden reader. Slow burn, friends to lovers. Rating: Mature A.N: This chapter is mostly focused on building the "foundations" of everything, setting things into motion for you and the dear commander, but I hope it's still an entertaining chapter. Jacen and Tiio are OCs that I made for this series and I have...plans for them in later chapters, so I'd keep an eye on them if I were you 💗 Word Count: 6,814 Chapter Warnings: None

Prologue /// Part One /// Part Two /// [part three coming soon]

“I’m losing my touch,” your tone was quite petulant as you threw yourself on the settee, which caused Dormé to flash you a smile.

“And what makes you say that, my dear?” she asked, not taking her attention off the sewing in her hands.

You closed your eyes, remembering just how vibrant your reaction had been during the… incident yesterday. Fox had seemed like such a good ally one moment- then the next was treating you like some common criminal, like the ones you had just felled! You weren’t sure if anyone blamed you, or even took note of your pure anger in that moment, but you had.

So, sitting here in the comfort of the sewing room in Padmé’s apartment with your friend, you could hardly bare the memory.

“I used to be so good at hiding myself, and my emotions whenever I was on the job, no matter what was thrown at me. I could stare down the angriest politician or bulking battle droid without so much as a crease in my brow. Now look at me? Shouting at that Commander like some banshee.” Another dramatic sigh, comforted by the fact that this home was one of the only places you could truly be yourself, “What’s wrong with me, Dormé?” You opened your eyes and turned your head to look at her, hands folding over your chest.

You did not miss the way she was smirking, eyes darting up to you for just a moment even as she continued sewing. “If you want my opinion as your colleague, I’d say you’re simply getting fed up with the stoicism of your position. You have been at this for over a decade, that’s a long time to keep up such an unyielding, specific standard.”

That made a little sense. Things were not nearly as restrictive as a senator’s handmaiden as they had been when you were a queen’s handmaiden, but, that hadn’t stopped you from performing the same level of care and stoicism whenever you were beside Padmé or working on her behalf. No one, not even Padmé herself would blame you for taking it easy on that front. 

Still, a part of you felt like there was something more to your recent slip ups. Something, a more recent development that was pushing the limits of your professional mask.

“And, if I were to ask your opinion as my friend instead?” You asked.

“Oh, that’s easy. Commander Fox has gotten under your skin and you don’t like it.”

You scoffed, “What? Gotten under my skin how?”

Again she did not look away from her stitches, “Think about it: you’ve met someone who’s as hard to read as you, who takes even less none-sense than you, expects just as much excellence as you, and every bit as unyielding as you. You’ve finally met a man who can keep up with you, and it’s thrown you off balance. And that has gotten under your skin, my friend. That is a large part of why you’ve found it harder to keep that emotionless facade in check.”

Your mouth opened, intending to debate the analysis, but no words came to mind. Dormé was rarely wrong, something you had always admired about her, so perhaps… In truth, you almost never met someone outside of Padmé’s staff that impressed you. Truly, impressed you, that is. You admired others, certainly, saw their strength or kindness, their wisdom or passion, admired individuals for how they made up the unique galaxy. You valued others for who they were. But, impressed you? That was usually reserved for the high standards of those you worked with.

It was a fault of yours, to be sure, your own Naboo-based pride being something of a work in progress ever since you came to Coruscant all those years ago. So, a clone commander who had no ties to your people meeting your standards unexpectedly? You saw her point.

“I think my colleague and my friend are both right,” you conceded eventually.

Dormé hummed in approval. “So, since he meets our impossible standards, we’ll have to find a way to gain him as an ally, like you mentioned before. He would be a powerful contact to add to your collection.”

She was right again. Weeks ago, after your first encounter with Fox, you had mentioned wanting to gain his trust, seeing the value in having someone of his position and loyalty on your list of allies. 

However, now, the thought of treating him as just another contact made you a little uneasy. 

You had heard the way so many others in the senate talked about the clones, as if they were…sub-human, no more feeling than their birth numbers. The last thing you wanted was to treat him like a tool to be used, no matter how useful his position could be to your inner spy.

“I’m not against having him as a potential contact, but… I think that I would like to become his friend first.”

Dormé actually looked up at you then, eyebrows raised. “My, he truly must have impressed you if that’s the case. We both know ‘friends’ are a luxury here on Coruscant, especially now.”

Another long sigh, you wanted to reply, but were too lost in pondering the weight of your own words as she finished her sewing. 

“Alright, enough talk about the Commander,” Dormé said in a mock of a business tone, “Up up, let’s see how this looks.” She rose from her chair shaking out the cape she had been mending.

You did as asked, jumping up and walking towards one of the full length mirrors in the room as she came up behind you. She draped the elegant cloth around your shoulders, smoothing it out as you fastened the elegant silver clasp at the throat.

“As always, my friend, you have done exquisite work,” you praised, turning this way and that in the mirror, “not even I can tell where the vibro blade tore through.”

“Hm, just do me a favor? Next time you want to practice combat in full handmaiden attire, wear one of the tecklon weave capes? At least those are blade resistant.”

“But that was the point, I wore this one to incentivize me not to get stabbed.”

In the mirror, Dormé raised her eyebrow at you, “I would think not getting stabbed should be its own incentive.”

“It should be, but it’s not nearly as fun.”

She laughed at that when you waggled your eyebrows back at her in the glass, but if she was going to say anything further, it was cut off when both your comlinks went off at the same time.

At this time of day, that probably meant one thing, and that was an ‘over dinner meeting’ being called. Those had become fewer and fewer over the years, as Padmé tried her best to give everyone their evenings to themselves, but it was hardly a rare occurrence. A part of you welcomed it tonight, though, the ‘meetings’ were always very casual, full of good food and playful banter between everyone who had worked together for so long. It was a camaraderie that you were missing more and more.

Since you and Dormé were already in the apartment, you took it upon yourselves to order the food and arrange the main room for everyone. Cushions and throw blankets were plentiful and opening a few choice windows allowed for a pleasant breeze to creep in. The buzz of city life filtered through just enough for some distant white noise, but not enough to be overwhelming.

As expected, Padmé and the others arrived soon enough, and all your lady had to do was give that weary look the moment she stepped in the door. You and Dormé were ushering her into her dressing room in an instant, deftly working together to get her out of the regal gown and into something light and flowing. 

While you worked at getting the elaborate array of pins out of her hair, and Dormé removed her makeup, Padmé finally spoke.

“Do you think there’s enough food to invite Jacen and Tiio to join us?” she asked, referring to the two Corrie Guards who were on “Amidala duty” this time of day.

You and Dormé shared a brief look before you said, “There should be, but the real question is whether they’ll allow themselves to eat with us. Commander Fox has them adhere to protocol rather strictly from what I can tell.”

Neither of you had to ask why she brought it up, if it was in her interest to tell you, she would. Thankfully, she was interested.

“I think we should ask them anyway. There are several things I want us to talk about, but, at the top of the list is dealing with that 187-24 debacle. I had hoped they would give us some insight on how to make amends with Commander Fox.”

“Not to mention they deserve some good food after chasing you around at senator Kreen’s event all afternoon,” Dormé grinned. Kreen was a decent man, but, was always moving, and liked to sweep Padmé along with him wherever he went during his events. The clone guards had definitely gotten their work out today.

By then, Padmé was far more comfortable and ready to settle down in the main room. The timing couldn’t have been better, just as the three of you were coming out of the dressing room, some of the household staff were bringing in the feast.

While the other two took grateful seats on the sofas, you continued through the room, to the large doors where the troopers were standing guard just on the other side.

As always the men in red were standing at attention, their posture so straight, and arms so firm as they held their rifles, they could have been statues. They didn’t dare acknowledge you entering for fear of breaking their perfect stature, not until you addressed them.

“Senator Amidala would be very pleased if you joined us for our meal,” you said in a pleasant tone, having loosened your own posture quite a bit.

The helmeted heads turned very slightly towards one another.

“That would be against protocol, ma’am,” the one on the right, Tiio, answered. 

You let yourself smile, “As I understand it, you’ve already secured the perimeter, swept the interior for breaches, and scanned the staff upon your return. With all of that taken care of, you two are free to guard any room you believe best protects the senator. I see no reason why the best place isn’t in the same room as her, especially at her request.”

There was a single beat of silence, then Jacen actually shrugged. “She’s got a point.”

You saw the way Tiio hesitated for just a moment, the way his back straightened up again the second it started to slack. “We wouldn’t be able to for long…”

“Just a quick bite, then you two can come right back to your posts if you wish.”

Tiio gave one glance at his brother, then finally nodded. “I think a quick break should be okay.”

You only gave a satisfied smile as you swept back into the main room, leaving the two men to follow in your wake. Everyone gave a companionable greeting to them, Typho even jumping up from his seat and waving for them to sit near him and Dormé. They declined, of course, but at least took off their helmets when Padmé herself handed them plates to fill.

You had seen a couple of troopers without their helmets by now, though it was very rare. The few you had seen hadn’t had any difference in their hair styles or any other feature, Tiio was no different. Standard, perfectly kempt haircut and nothing else that might stand out. Jacen on the other hand, while his hair seemed in order, there, peeking up from the collar of his undershirt, was the symbol of the Coruscant Guard. News from the front said that the clones were gaining their individuality fast now that they weren’t under the constant supervision of the Kaminoans, and you supposed tattoos were a good means of expressing that.

By the time you took your own seat, Jacen had already taken some samples of the dishes spread out on the table, leaving Tiio to look hesitant again. In way of an encouraging nudge, you told him that the nerf-fry dish was an especially good dish.

“So, are you going to tell us the real reason we’re in here,” Jacen said rather suddenly, causing his brother to gape at him.

As the rest of you gave each other glances, Typho actually laughed. “Always observant, aren’t you?”

Jacen shrugged, “It’s pretty obvious you have something you want to talk about, or else you would have just had her bring us food, like she did on our first night here. So go on, what is it?”

“Jacen,” Tiio hissed, obviously appalled by his brother’s rudeness.

Then, Padme smiled, “It’s alright, Tiio, I always encourage those around me to speak their mind. And, he’s not wrong. We want your opinions on something.”

Tiio straightened up, even as Jacen piled some food on his plate, “What can we help with, ma’am.”

“Well, I’m sure you heard about our run in with your Commander.”

“You mean when he found out your aides carry un-permitted blasters?” Jacen said around a mouth full of food.

Padmé did not miss a beat, “Yes. You see, we’ve already taken official steps to rectify the mistake, all of my handmaidens have submitted forms to be registered as personal guards. But, there’s more to it than that. We’ve caused problems for Commander Fox, and want to make a greater show of our cooperation.”

Jacen cut in yet again, “Basically, you want to get back on his good side.”

“That’s a…simple way to put it, but, yes, among other things.”

“For what it’s worth,” Tiio finally spoke up, “I don’t think Commander Fox is that angry. It just means more paperwork for him. And he has to show some sort of follow up to the incident, which has to go through official channels for warrants and all that, so, even more paperwork.”

“We may be able to help with that,” you said, an idea coming to mind. “You say he has to get warrants for his follow up, what kind of warrants?”

“Search and seizure, probably. You know, he’ll come search your residence, make sure there’s nothing else unsanctioned going on. It’s all just a show to make sure he’s doing his due diligence, I doubt he thinks he’ll actually find anything.”

You met eyes with Padmé and Dormé, a silent understanding passing between you. “And what if we offered to let him do that search without the warrant?”

Tiio smiled a little, “That would definitely cut down on the paperwork.”

“Which would help his grump levels,” Jacen added.

Padmé smirked at that, “Well, hopefully we can ease those 'grump levels'. Thank you, both of you, you’ve been a great help. And please, stay, eat with us for as long as you like.”

‘As long as they liked’ turned out to be about three more minutes, before Tiio anxiously said that they needed to get back to their post. You assured both of them that their secret snack session was safe with everyone, Fox would never know. 

When they were back beyond the door, Dormé finally gave her thoughts. “We should check with everyone, make sure all the staff are comfortable with the search, and if they are, we’ll go to the Commander with our offer.”

“If they are, I’ll meet with Fox,” you offered, “I've dealt with him one on one a few times now, he may be more amiable with me.”

Dormé gave you a knowing look, but said nothing, especially since Padmé said a final, “It’s settled then, we’ll get everyone’s consent tonight, then you can go to him tomorrow if it's all set.”

There were a lot of other things to discuss that night, and so the topic moved on. However, even as you gave your advice and solutions on the other issues, your mind would sometimes drift back to the commander. Hopefully, this show of good faith would result in Fox trusting you, or at least, getting back in his good graces. You hoped.

Fox’s cup of caf was paused half way to his lips. He had intended on enjoying his morning caf in peace, but instead, he was interrupted by something making horrendous, guttural snorts.

“What, the kriff, is that thing.”

Hound was on the ground with it, helmet off, scratching at the thing’s chin, and cooing at it like it was a baby. 

“This,” Hound hefted the creature up into his arms then shoved it towards Fox, “is Grizzer! The newest member of the Coruscant Guard,” he announced with pride. “Isn’t she adorable?”

The thing in question was still making those disgusting snorting sounds as it lashed it’s gigantic tongue out at Fox. He narrowed his eyes at the massiff and took in the creature’s scaly skin, jagged teeth, and stubby feet. If he looked really (really) hard...Fox could suppose that the thing could be in the ‘so ugly it’s cute’ category-

Then it promptly snorted and blew snot on his chest plate.

Nope, it was definitely just regular ugly.

“Why is it here?” Fox lifted his mug high into the air as it- Grizzer, tried to stick her snout in it. The guard’s break room was one of the few places he could find peace, the last thing Fox needed was a massiff tearing the place apart and shedding it’s scales everywhere.

Hound gave Fox the smallest of glares as he held the beast a little tighter, “She’s here because I want her to meet the gang! After all, she’s part of the family now, isn’t that right my good girl?”

Fox gave the pair a look of utter disgust as Hound placed a kiss on the massiff’s forehead like a doting mother. Thankfully, Hound set the creature down then, and straightened up to grin back at Fox.

“Don’t worry, she’ll melt your heart soon too, sir.”

“I highly doubt that,” he deadpanned, and was about to tell Hound to find somewhere else to bond with the beast- when the creature in question stiffened suddenly.

Grizzer’s head turned toward the little hall that led to the break room door, narrowed her eyes, then shot off towards the door with a bark.

Hound and Fox gave each other a short look before taking off after the massiff. Just before he rounded the corner, Fox’s ears prickled at the sound of a small laugh and the words, “Well, hello there,” in a voice he was starting to get familiar with.

The moment they entered the hall, Fox laid eyes on Grizzer, wagging the whole bottom half of her body with delight while you, bent to one knee, gave her little scratches under the chin.

“My my, aren’t you a handsome creature?” you cooed, face more soft than Fox had yet to see. “Are you here to protect our loyal troops from bad guys? I bet you are.”

Hound nudged Fox’s arm with a stupid grin, “See? Grizzer can melt anyone’s heart.”

You finally tore your eyes away from the massiff (who looked like she was falling in love with you right there) and nodded at the two of them, “Grizzer, is it? What a perfect name. And yours, trooper?”

“Hound, ma’am,” the Sergeant replied with delight, and Fox narrowed his eyes at his brother’s suddenly low, intimate tone. “Pleasure to meet you.”

“The pleasure is mine,” you said, and finally rose back to a standing position, much to Grizzer’s dismay, though she obediently came to Hound’s side with a whistle. You nodded at Fox, “Commander, I apologize for intruding, but, when I expressed my need to see you, Commander Thorn escorted me back here.” 

You waved a hand over your shoulder, and it was only then that he realized Thorn was leaning against the door frame. The other man might have had his helmet on, but something told Fox there was a shit eating grin behind it. Thorn had listened to many of Fox’s rants regarding the Amidala situation, and a majority of the rants included you. Thorn must be loving that he delivered a headache right into his break room.

He had not had enough caf to deal with all this.

It was then that Fox noticed the way your eyes were taking in his face. This would be the first time you’d seen him with his helmet, though he wasn’t sure why he cared, considering his face was the same as all clones. Under your gaze though, he felt oddly…exposed. As if you were taking apart every inch of him for inspection, as if you could read everything about him like a page from a book. He had a sudden urge to run back to his office if only to get his bucket back on his head.

“What brings you here, ma’am?” He asked suddenly, ignoring the strange awkwardness he felt.

“A peace offering,” you answered, polite as always. “Considering the…trouble we caused you with the 187-24 violation, Senator Amidala wants to show her cooperation. We invite you to search her apartments and staff quarters for anything else that might be against these new regulations. We have no intention of causing you anymore trouble, Commander, and hope that this will be a gesture of good faith.”

‘No intentions of causing trouble’ sure, Fox would believe that when he saw it. Still, he supposed it was a good offer on your end. He didn’t honestly believe that you or the others meant anything ill-intentioned, you were all just stuck in the old ways and were adjusting to the new rules. And here you were, offering to make his job easier. He supposed he could appreciate the, what had you called it? Peace offering?

“That’s very considerate of you- er, Senator Amidala, I mean. When would you be available for the search?”

“Tomorrow, 1700 hours?”

He thought for a moment, his week’s schedule flipping through his mind like a card wheel. He usually just spent that time catching up on paperwork in his office and…he had a sneaking suspicion that you knew that, and was exactly why you suggested it.

“That should work,” was all he offered in reply.

“Excellent,” you bowed your head again, “I won’t take up anymore of your time, Fox, please have a pleasant evening, we will see you tomorrow.”

A nod towards Hound, a short wave of fingers at a smiling Grizzer, and a bow to Thorn, without another word, you were gone in a sweep of your elegant cape.

“Kriff, she’s pretty,” Hound whistled.

“What?” Fox snapped, finally taking another sip of caf from his mug.

“He Said,” Thorn started in a much too loud voice, “She’s Pretty! You never mentioned that all the times you bitched about her.”

“Will you shut up?” Fox hissed, “She can probably still hear you.” With the way you always seemed to know everything, Fox thought you must have had ears like a bothan bat. “Besides, Hound thinks anything with a pulse is pretty,” he took another drink, “hence why he likes that thing,” he waved the mug at Grizzer, who tilted her head and let out a little whine.

“Don’t feel bad, Grizzy,” Thorn comforted in a simpering tone, “Foxy is just mad because that pretty little natborn is giving him more than he can chew.”

Fox let out a long, suffering sigh and turned on his heel, “I’m going back to my office, don’t bother me unless you want a face full of hot caf.”

The next day went by at a crawl, and Fox couldn’t tell if it was because of trepidation or anticipation.

Trepidation because he still wasn’t entirely sure what to expect when he got to the Amidala residence that evening. This wasn’t exactly the typical raid he performed on common criminals, after all. Then there was anticipation because at least the event would break the energy-draining tedium of the day’s duties. He was starting to dislike the middle of the week, it was always the most boring.

So, after his patrol was done, tomorrow’s schedule was posted, and he threw in a surprise bunk inspection just for fun, Fox found it hard to concentrate on paperwork while the chrono ticked by.

He would shuffle through a list of senatorial requests, then realize he was replaying yesterday’s conversation with you over in his head for the twentieth time that day. Then he’d manage to file several incident reports, only to find his mind wandering to thoughts of what he might find during the odd search. 

Finally, when he couldn’t even finish one sentence of Stone’s prisoner transfer report without thinking of how unruly Amidala’s staff might get with him, he stood from his desk abruptly.

It was still twenty minutes before he even had to think about leaving for the apartment, but, maybe showing up a little early would work in his favor.

Fox shoved his helmet back on his head as he strode out of his office and turned down the hallway to the break room. Just as expected, because Fox demanded nothing less from his men, Jacen and Tiio were already there in anticipation for their watch shift. He had told them yesterday that they would help him conduct the search in addition to their normal guard detail.

The brothers were at ease, sitting at one of the few tables in the room and sipping the sludge that Thorn thought passed for caf in order to wake up after resting from their last shift. Of course, the moment Fox stepped in they were snapping to attention, caf mugs forgotten on the table as they stood straight before their CO.

“We’re leaving for Senator Amidala’s apartment now.”

“Yes, sir!” was all they said before grabbing their buckets and falling in step behind him.

The commander briefly thought about comming ahead, to warn the staff that he was already on his way, but in the end, he told himself the surprise was a good strategy on his part. Just like the last few times he had visited, Captain Typho met him on the landing platform.

“Commander Fox, you’re earlier than we expected.”

“Is that a problem, Captain?” he asked as he and his men hopped down from the transport.

To his surprise, Typho smiled. “Not at all,” he waved a gracious arm to invite them inside, “the entire staff are already waiting in the main room, ready for the inspection.”

That made him grumble a little under his breath, here he had been hoping to see them scramble a little. He should have expected this from the tight-worked, well-oiled machine that was Amidala’s staff. 

He also should have known better than to worry about them being difficult for him. Her staff had always shown him the utmost respect and courtesy, even the stern opinionated ones like you and Dormé. Everyone, including the senator herself, was waiting calmly, standing as straight as any of his troopers would as he marched through the room.

“Commander, thank you for coming,” Amidala greeted, “we appreciate you taking time out of your schedule and allowing us to set your mind at ease.”

“Of course, Senator, I would like to get started immediately, if that’s alright,” so this whole thing can finally be off my mind, he added privately.

“Everything is all set for you and your men, please, proceed however you see fit.”

Fox wasn’t stupid, he knew it was all for show. This entire gesture was for show, really, but he was a man of protocol, and conducted the search (mostly) as he would any other. He made notes as his men went about, checking drawers and cabinets in every room, thoroughly detailing the process so his report would be as clean and cut as possible. 

Amidala didn’t even flinch when they moved to her personal bed chamber, not even when they found a few pairs of men’s clothing in a spare closet. Maybe she assumed clones weren’t the type to care about politicians and their affairs, or maybe she didn’t care about rumors in the first place. Her having some clandestine boy toy would hardly be the most scandalous thing in the senate, after all.

Lucky for her, Fox wasn’t the type to care, and if he didn’t, neither did his men, or at least, not enough to stir trouble.

Next were the staff quarters, and he had to admit, he admired their dedication to their senator, none of them even batted an eye as he asked the owner of each room to step forward while they searched. The few times he had a question to ask they were as polite and useful as always. Nothing was amiss.

When they wrapped everything up in the kitchen, Fox was satisfied. No outlandish happenings, but enough information to show that he did his due diligence following the touchy incident from the other day. 

“Please, let us know if there is anything else we can do for you, Commander,” Amidala said as they were being led back up to the main floor.

Fox would admit, he smiled a little as he said, “Oh, I’m not quite done yet, Senator.” 

They had all just reached the top floor landing by then, and he wanted to smile again as he watched her and her handmaidens turn to look at him. 

In turn, Fox singled you out with his gaze. “I still need to search your apartment, ma’am.” Alright, he would admit it, he took just a little satisfaction in watching the shock flash across your face, even if it was quickly wiped away. Finally, he had taken you by surprise for once.

He saw Amidala give you a brief look, perhaps to back you up if this unexpected turn upset you, but you seemed to never back down from any challenge.

“Of course, Commander,” you said, “would it be alright if I alone escorted you? The Senator and the rest of the staff have duties to get back to, and I would hate to keep them since it’s only my residence that remains.”

It was a brief victory, you seemed able to adjust to anything at a moment's notice, and as much as he wanted to hold it over you a bit longer, he had to admire that quality. “That will be fine. In fact, I’ll allow Jacen and Tiio to get to their regular guard duty, I’m sure I can handle the search by myself.”

You weren’t phased by that, either, you might have actually liked the idea of only one man traipsing through your apartment rather than a whole trio. Another thing he admired was that you didn’t waste his time. After a goodbye nod to Amidala and after he gave his orders to the troopers, you were both on your way immediately. 

Not far from the senatorial residents, were a few towers of nice, well kept apartments where many senate aides lived. It was close enough that travel to the official senate buildings only took a few minutes, but it had minimal security, the main reason Fox still insisted that one of his men escorted you home every night.

You didn’t say a word to him on the way there, which was fine by him, and he remained silent even as you let him inside. Compared to the senate residence, the home was quite small, though if Fox was honest, he could still hardly believe that some people had whole rooms to themselves at all. Anything that wasn’t six or more men crammed into one room seemed a little lavish to him.

The door opened into a small living space, with a sofa and holo screen. To the right was an open kitchen space, to the left, a door that led to the refresher. He gave all those areas a cursory inspection, since there weren’t many places you could hide anything noteworthy. You were his silent shadow the whole time, never impeding or interrupting, just there if he needed you. 

If he remembered his research right, you hadn’t lived here long and it showed. While Amidala’s home was covered in fine decor, you had yet to make the space your own save for a couple of paintings. That was another thing Fox found odd about natborns, the ability to make one’s space their own, to collect objects of personal taste and use them to fill space that was theirs alone. Fox didn’t have an apartment or even quarters to decorate, though he supposed he could make his office his own. He had seen many offices that belonged to senators, and they all seemed to make the spaces unique, personal. He didn’t know if that was a skill he could hone, but, maybe in the future, he would try.

“Are you an admirer of art, Commander?”

Your gentle call was what finally brought Fox out of his musings- wait, he had been musing? Fox never mused while on the job. What you had actually said finally registered with him and it was then that he realized he had stared at one of the few pictures in the home a moment too long. It wasn’t anything noteworthy that he could tell, simple paint and canvas depicting a charming looking house near a river.

“It’s a painting of my family home, back on Naboo,” you continued, before he had a chance to respond. Usually, your voice was even-toned, smooth and collected, it was still that way but Fox noted a current of warmth in it now. “I had it commissioned not long after we came here. It’s nice to have with me, for when I get homesick.”

“Homesick?” he wasn’t sure why he asked. Talking about paintings and personal feelings wasn’t why he was there, but Fox couldn’t seem to ignore his curiosity.

You pulled your gaze away from the picture to look back at him, “Yes, you know: missing home, where you came from.”

He found himself looking away, not liking that he couldn’t read what was in your eyes. What ever it was, it was an emotion totally alien to him. “I…don’t think I’ve been away from Kamino long enough to feel that way. Not that Kamino’s much of home.”

“I’ve heard…things about Kamino,” there was a hint of distaste in those words, but it faded when you said, “but home isn’t always just where you were born. It can also be your family, your loved ones. You still have many brothers on Kamino, right? I say that could make it home for you.”

You were the first natborn he had ever heard talk like that about clones. About him. Fox almost said the words that were burning on his tongue, almost agreed and started to talk about his brothers- but this was stupid. He shouldn’t be talking about home and art and family, he had a job to do, that was why he was here.

So, instead, he squared his shoulders and said, “Is your bed chamber the only other room in the apartment?”

If you were phased at all by his sudden change in topic, you didn’t bother him with it. “Yes- well, that and the closet in the bedroom.” You waved to the door between the kitchen and ‘fresher, an invitation to wrap up the investigation.

Much like the rest of the residence, the bedroom was still sparse, save for the impressive vanity and lavish looking bed. Your closet, however…Fox wasn’t sure he should be surprised, Amidala and her handmaidens were always bedecked in impressive apparel, and the closets in the main house had been stuffed full of clothing as well. He wasn’t about to go digging through the vast collection of dresses and tunics and pants, but the quick pat-down did bring a burning question back to the forefront of his mind. A question that had bugged him periodically since he saw you pull that blaster seemingly out of thin air.

“Does this conclude your search, Commander?” You asked when he stepped out of the vast wardrobe.

For a moment, he didn’t speak, instead he let his eyes look over your current outfit, looking for holsters or suspicious bulges, desperately trying to puzzle out the question himself. He hadn’t been able to before, and even with you right in front of him, he still couldn’t.

“Alright, how did you hide it?” he said, eventually.

Your brows furrowed at that. “Hide…what?”

Fox, in a very unprofessional way, jabbed a finger at your sleeve. “How did you hide that blaster? You pulled it out of your sleeve, but I never saw any sign of a holster, it would have bulged, or pulled at your sleeve, or something. I want to know how you hid it from me.”

Slowly, and very annoyingly he may add, a smile lifted your lips. It was a little smug, a little amused, and made him fold his arms over his chest as you took a step forward.

“Naboo prides itself on its craftsmanship, Commander, and our clothing is no different.” You walked past him, back into the wardrobe, “Queens and her royal handmaidens have high standards, so we only accept clothing that serves multiple purposes.” You pulled out a purple dress, holding the fabric out to him. “This, for example, is woven with treated fibers, fibers that, when crafted correctly, can help disperse the impact of blunt force.” You hung the dress back up, and switched it for a shawl the color of a sunset, “This can hold up to the slashes of any vibroblade in current production.” Then you pulled out the red number you had worn that day. “And this can reduce the damage of blaster fire. However, even with all that, the last line of defense is always a good weapon. But blasters draw a lot of attention, too much attention to a handmaiden, so we find ways to fix that too.” You rolled the sleeve back revealing a network of straps and stretching bands with a very small holster at its center. “The wide sleeve lets me hang it there, and all of this distributes the weight of the blaster, and keeps it suspended so there isn’t any pulling on the fabric.” You smoothed it back out again, the straps and holster disappearing from sight. “Completely undetectable with the human eye- which, I’ll remind you, is now within my rights as a registered guard.”

Fox almost, almost huffed a laugh at that. “Don’t worry, I won't arrest you again. I also take that to mean you have other outfits with hidden holsters?”

This time, your smirk was a little mischievous, “Oh, Commander, I have hidden holsters in all my clothing. Just like all my shoes can hide a vibroblade.”

That actually did make Fox chuckle. “Knives too? Well, you’re just a walking armory, aren’t you?”

“You’re one to talk,” your eyes darted down to the pistols at his hips, and the pouches that had various munitions tucked in them.

“At least being an arsenal is part of my job.”

“It’s part of my job too, officially now, I may remind you.”

A soft huff of a laugh that time. “Yeah yeah, don’t worry. You’re clear to carry weapons again,” he took some steps back then, and you caught his intentions, quickly moving to escort him to the door, “and with this official search to report, there shouldn’t be any other issues for you or the senator.”

“Excellent,” you let out a small breath, probably out of relief, as you walked him through your living room. “Thank you again for your time, Commander, and please, if there is anything else we can do to help you, let us know.” 

He let himself meet your gaze as you both stopped by your front door. If your eyes were any indicator, you meant every word you said.

“I don’t know if there will be anything, but, if there is, I will.”

“Good," you hesitated for a moment, but when you spoke again, your tone was a little softer, more, personal, and this time he knew you were speaking for yourself, not Amidala. "I want to be a good ally to you and your troops, Commander, please don’t forget that.” 

He didn’t know what to say to that, especially not with the tone you used. He shifted on his feet a little and you must have noticed his awkwardness, because you were quick to move the moment along.

“I hope you have a pleasant evening, Fox.”

He managed a nod as he opened the door, and before it could shut behind him he said a genuine, “Good night, ma’am.”

Tag List: @blueink-bluesoul @anxiouspineapple99 @starrylothcat @goblininawig @fanfic-addict-98 @actuallybarb

[blondiest]

23 & 27 for meronia

HI. these are great, thank you <3

(23) What are the defining characteristics of their relationship?

I am going to answer this from a perspective of canonverse post-kira because i the shape of their relationship changes substantially over time, and I think it depends on when they get together, too.

Near's steadfast, quiet devotion to Mello. He has seen Mello at his worst and defended his every move, even those that directly impacted or threatened Near.

Mello's lifelong fixation on Near. His envy and admiration. The way he can't hold onto his resentment forever, no matter how he tries. His need for Near's attention and approval. His need to be needed.

Their history. The fact that their life experiences are so unique and fucked that the other is the only person who will ever understand them.

Near's willingness to forgive time and time again. Near's ability to set boundaries, extract apologies, and reign Mello in when necessary. I think Near is willing to put up with a lot of nonsense, but he isn't a doormat by any means.

In a similar vein: Near's belief that Mello can do better. Mello likes to think himself damned, irredeemable, wretched, monstrous, cursed, etc. Near strongly disagrees. He expects Mello to try to be good. Not perfect. But better. I think he's quite patient with Mello and understanding of his shortcomings and low moments, but he does not act like they're inevitable. It's harder for Mello to stay on his "I'm irreparably damaged and incapable of being good, or even good enough" bullshit when Near sharply and clearly just does not believe that to be true.

(27) How do they say “I love you” non-verbally?

It is my strong belief that Mello has the potential to be deeply caring / nurturing (though I think his care / nurture is often either bossy or a little abrasive). In my mind, this has to do with his need to feel needed; I think in some ways he would prefer to be needed than loved, because it feels more secure. All this to say, I think Mello has the potential for tenderness, even if (at least at first) it's coming from a somewhat dysfunctional place (feeling like he has no value outside of what he can do for Near).

To that point: Mello shows his love for Near by meeting his needs. He knows which foods Near likes best, knows the specific brands, knows that the only raw tomatoes Near likes are the cherry ones, extra-sweet, and he knows the two or three varieties of apples Near eats.

Honestly, early-on, I think he tries to conceal all of this a little. He gets the exact right kinds of apples, peels and cuts them, and when Near makes an offhanded comment about how thoughtful it is, Mello acts like it was total coincidence that he prepared it exactly how Near likes. The next time it happens, Near doesn't make a comment. He just smiles and thanks Mello. Mello still gets embarrassed about it.

If he's not minimizing his little expressions of affection, he swings wildly in the other direction and acts like he deserves an award of some kind for excellence in boyfriending for THEE smallest of gestures.

As for Near, I think he predominantly shows Mello affection by seeking closeness. Once their relationship is established / secure, Near is not only the one to generally seek out physical affection, but usually the one to initiate sex. I think the combination of non-sexual physical affection and clear sexual desire/attraction from Near helps to alleviate Mello's "no one will ever truly want or love me" derangement. Similarly, I think Near indulges Mello's possessiveness to some degree as an expression of love (also because he's into it probably. sorry.); this is, I suppose, verbal at least some of the time, but it's not I love you exactly, so I'm counting it.

ship asks

[smitharticle]

Analyze Backlinks and Referring Domains

Backlinks vs Referring Domains

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To excel at SEO, you need quality and variety. And with a cutting-edge SEO tool such as Seobix, it is easy to track, analyze, and improve both quality and variety. To business owners, bloggers, or marketers, having the necessary tools places you at the top to remain in front of competition in search results.

Begin using Seobix today and see how simple and powerful SEO optimization is.

[digitaldetoxworld]

Data Analysis: Turning Information into Insight

 In nowadays’s digital age, statistics has come to be a vital asset for businesses, researchers, governments, and people alike. However, raw facts on its personal holds little value till it's far interpreted and understood. This is wherein records evaluation comes into play. Data analysis is the systematic manner of inspecting, cleansing, remodeling, and modeling facts with the objective of coming across beneficial information, drawing conclusions, and helping selection-making.

What Is Data Analysis In Research 

What is Data Analysis?

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Prescriptive analysis provides recommendations primarily based on facts. It solutions: “What have to we do?” This is the maximum advanced type of analysis and often combines insights from predictive analysis with optimization and simulation techniques to manual selection-making.

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The technique of information analysis commonly follows those steps:

1. Define the Objective

Before diving into statistics, it’s essential to without a doubt recognize the question or trouble at hand. A well-defined goal guides the entire analysis and ensures that efforts are aligned with the preferred outcome.

2. Collect Data

Data can come from numerous sources which includes databases, surveys, sensors, APIs, or social media. It’s important to make certain that the records is relevant, timely, and of sufficient high-quality.

3. Clean and Prepare Data

Raw information is regularly messy—it may comprise missing values, duplicates, inconsistencies, or mistakes. Data cleansing involves addressing these problems. Preparation may include formatting, normalization, or growing new variables.

Four. Analyze the Data

Tools like Excel, SQL, Python, R, or specialized software consisting of Tableau, Power BI, and SAS are typically used.

5. Interpret Results

Analysis isn't pretty much numbers; it’s about meaning. Interpreting effects involves drawing conclusions, explaining findings, and linking insights lower back to the authentic goal.

6. Communicate Findings

Insights have to be communicated effectively to stakeholders. Visualization tools including charts, graphs, dashboards, and reports play a vital position in telling the story behind the statistics.

7. Make Decisions and Take Action

The last aim of statistics analysis is to tell selections. Whether it’s optimizing a advertising marketing campaign, improving customer support, or refining a product, actionable insights flip data into real-global effects.

Tools and Technologies for Data Analysis

A big selection of gear is available for facts analysis, each suited to distinct tasks and talent levels:

Excel: Great for small datasets and short analysis. Offers capabilities, pivot tables, and charts.

Python: Powerful for complicated facts manipulation and modeling. Popular libraries consist of Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, and Scikit-learn.

R: A statistical programming language extensively used for statistical analysis and statistics visualization.

SQL: Essential for querying and handling information saved in relational databases.

Tableau & Power BI: User-friendly enterprise intelligence equipment that flip facts into interactive visualizations and dashboards.

Healthcare: Analyzing affected person statistics to enhance treatment plans, predict outbreaks, and control resources.

Finance: Detecting fraud, coping with threat, and guiding investment techniques.

Retail: Personalizing advertising campaigns, managing inventory, and optimizing pricing.

Sports: Enhancing performance through participant records and game analysis.

Public Policy: Informing choices on schooling, transportation, and financial improvement.

Challenges in Data Analysis

Data Quality: Incomplete, old, or incorrect information can lead to deceptive conclusions.

Data Privacy: Handling sensitive records requires strict adherence to privacy guidelines like GDPR.

Skill Gaps: There's a developing demand for skilled information analysts who can interpret complicated facts sets.

Integration: Combining facts from disparate resources may be technically hard.

Bias and Misinterpretation: Poorly designed analysis can introduce bias or lead to wrong assumptions.

The Future of Data Analysis

As facts keeps to grow exponentially, the sector of facts analysis is evolving rapidly. Emerging developments include:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning: Automating evaluation and producing predictive fashions at scale.

Real-Time Analytics: Enabling decisions based totally on live data streams for faster reaction.

Data Democratization: Making records handy and understandable to everybody in an business enterprise

[invertebrates-under-plant-pots]

Data Collection and Analysis

(About this project)

Using Microsoft Excel:

Raw data went into collumns B-L: 1 row for every time a plot was counted up. Columns H-L contain the counts of each type of invertebrate, in each plot.

Next, data analysis:

Abundance (column M) : The number of individuals in each plot. There were anywhere from 10 to 57 individual invertebrates in each plot.

Taxonomic richness (column N) : The number of unique taxa in each plot. Usually people study the species richness, but in this experiment I decided to look at broader categorizations of invertebrates

Shannon Index (Column O) : A way to quantify biodiversity in a given area. The calculation of the numbers considers both richness, and evenness (how evenly the different organisms make up the total abundance). From my calculations, we would say that the most diverse plot was Plot 4 at the 1-week mark, with a Shannon Index value of 1.28.

Again, the "treatment variable" for this study was the variability of the habitat/food source that I added to the space under the plant pots, and these were noted in Column G. The next step was to compare this variability to Abundance, Richness, and Diversity.

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[hisui-dreamer]

ode to the loyal wolf

Pairing: Jack Howl x gn!reader

Synopsis: he could be stubborn and distant, but you still loved all of him dearly

Tags: drabble, fluff, slightly poetic hehe, reader is a simp for Jack, kinda ooc maybe

Word count: 612

Notes: lol this is my first post for jack ⊙⁠﹏⁠⊙ i like his character but i just don't get inspired by him hehe. anywayss, happy birthday jack!!

Masterlist

Your lover is an enigma wrapped in a facade of strength and independence. At first glance, his demeanour may come across as cold and distant, but beneath that stoic exterior lies a heart of gold. You adore the way he refuses to rely on the help of others, and how he proudly claims that he can handle everything alone. It's a testament to his unwavering self-reliance, a quality that makes him all the more irresistible. His determination to stand alone, to fight his battles with honour, it's something that draws you to him, a magnetic force of righteousness.

Your lover possesses a sense of justice that's unparalleled. His loyalty to what's right is unyielding, even to the point of betraying his own dormmates when they attempt to use dirty tricks. It's awe-inspiring to witness how he navigates the labyrinth of moral ambiguity. His justice is not swayed by popular opinion; it's uniquely his own, a beacon of truth in a world where the lines between right and wrong often blur. His commitment to honesty and straightforwardness is not just a choice but a way of life. It's this unwavering commitment to principles that sets him apart, making you fall deeper in love with him with each passing day. You admire this quality, knowing that he'll stand firm for what he believes, even when it's not the easiest path to take.

Your lover's dedication to his studies is a testament to his disciplined intelligence. He takes his academics seriously, excelling in tests and boasting an excellent memory. The way he values education, and his commitment to self-improvement, it's admirable. His pursuit of knowledge is not just for the sake of success but to better understand the world around him. It's inspiring to see how he invests himself in his studies, setting a high standard for personal growth.

Your lover’s determination is a blazing fire that never wavers, and shines most brilliantly when faced with the direst of situations. It's as if he possesses an unyielding spirit that refuses to bow to adversity. No matter how dark the storm clouds gather, he stands firm, resolute, and unbroken. In the face of insurmountable odds, his determination becomes a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the bleakest moments, one can find the strength to persevere and emerge victorious.

Your lover may not always openly express his care, but his actions speak volumes. Beneath that tough exterior lies a heart that beats for his friends. He'd go to great lengths for those he considers friends, often downplaying his intentions with a different reason, perhaps to protect his pride. It's endearing how he values respect, how he'd move mountains to earn and maintain it from those he holds dear. His loyalty is something you cherish, a precious gem of devotion and honour.

Your lover’s transformation from an initially harsh and stoic personality to one that gradually reveals a warmer, friendlier side is nothing short of a beautiful journey. Over time, he's allowed his guard to come down, revealing the depth of his affection. At first, his demeanour felt like a fortress, but now it's more like a cosy hearth, warm and inviting. His affection toward you has grown exponentially, and the way he smiles when you enter the room or how he wraps you in his arms, all make you treasure him even more.

You adore every aspect of him, from his unwavering sense of justice to his loyalty, his commitment to fairness, and his dedication to self-improvement. He's a remarkable individual, and you feel incredibly fortunate to be the one who gets to love him and cherish all the intricacies of his character.

Your lover, is none other than Jack Howl.

Masterlist

if you liked this post, don't forget to reblog!

[aghsupply77]

The Role of Hotel Linen Suppliers in Enhancing Guest Comfort and Luxury

Introduction

When it comes to delivering an exceptional guest experience, the smallest details often leave the most lasting impressions. Among these, the quality and feel of hotel linens play a pivotal role in defining the level of comfort and luxury a property offers. Hotel linen suppliers are essential partners in this process, ensuring that hospitality businesses can consistently deliver a superior experience. This blog explores how these suppliers contribute to guest comfort and the overall perception of luxury in the hospitality industry.

1. Quality Linens: The Foundation of Guest Comfort

The tactile experience of fine bed sheets, fluffy towels, and soft bathrobes can greatly influence a guest’s stay. High-quality linens provide the plush, inviting feel that guests associate with premium hospitality. Hotel linen suppliers are the backbone of this offering, sourcing materials like Egyptian cotton, bamboo blends, and high-thread-count fabrics that enhance comfort. By providing durable, well-crafted products, suppliers ensure that every interaction a guest has with linens—from sleeping to bathing—is a luxurious one.

2. Customized Linens to Elevate the Guest Experience

Luxury hospitality is often defined by attention to detail, and customized linens can set a property apart. Hotel linen suppliers play a key role in offering bespoke options such as monogrammed bathrobes, branded pillowcases, and unique color palettes. These personalized touches not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also create a sense of exclusivity that resonates with guests, leaving a lasting impression of your hotel’s commitment to excellence.

3. Sustainability: Adding Comfort with a Conscience

Today’s guests increasingly value eco-conscious practices, even in their choice of accommodations. Many leading hotel linen suppliers are embracing sustainable manufacturing processes, offering products made from organic materials, recycled fabrics, and environmentally friendly dyes. These options allow hotels to provide luxurious comfort while aligning with the values of environmentally conscious travelers, further enhancing the guest experience.

4. Consistency and Reliability: Ensuring a Seamless Stay

Consistency is key to guest satisfaction. A dependable hotel linen supplier ensures that the same level of quality is maintained across every room and guest touchpoint. Reliable suppliers deliver linens that meet strict industry standards, from smooth, wrinkle-free bed sheets to absorbent and plush towels. This consistency creates a seamless experience, reassuring guests that they can trust the property to uphold its high standards.

5. Innovation: Staying Ahead of Guest Expectations

The best hotel linen suppliers stay ahead of trends, introducing innovative products that cater to evolving guest preferences. Examples include cooling bed sheets for warm climates, hypoallergenic materials for sensitive guests, and quick-drying towels for high-turnover properties. These advancements not only meet but often exceed guest expectations, enhancing their overall sense of comfort and luxury.

6. Creating Memorable Stays with Fine Linens

Ultimately, hotel linen suppliers contribute to the creation of memorable guest experiences. Whether it’s the first night spent on ultra-soft sheets or the refreshing feel of a towel after a spa treatment, linens are a constant in every guest’s journey. By partnering with top-tier suppliers, hotels can ensure that these moments are consistently associated with comfort, elegance, and care.

Hotel linen suppliers are far more than vendors—they are partners in delivering exceptional guest experiences. By providing high-quality, sustainable, and innovative products, these suppliers enable hotels to enhance comfort and luxury, ensuring that guests leave with a lasting impression of excellence. In the competitive world of hospitality, investing in the right linen supplier can be a defining factor in elevating your property’s reputation.