#some of those feelings settled and ray started showing more of the traits he inherited from eak

[multishipper-baby]

Random thought but, while Owynn would've had problems with Rayray no matter what (since he didn't want kids), I do imagine that Ray looking a lot like him probably... Didn't help matters.

[agentzakura]

Christmas With You

Merry Christmas @1698CreamPuffCutie!!! It’s your Secret Santa here! 

I’ll be honest, this isn’t the fic I originally started for your Secret Santa gift. I’ve always wanted to write domestic Hollstein with kids and my mind kind of went wild with the idea. That fic is still in progress… I still wanted to give you something a little more fluffy today, so hope you like it!

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17160365

Summary

Christmas at the Hollis house has always been a big deal. Laura is out on location at Styria with her family finishing up her latest journalist piece. She is looking forward to bringing her wife and kids back home to experience a traditional Hollis Christmas. When their employer requests them to stay longer and their flight home is postponed, Laura is heartbroken. Carmilla makes it her mission to give her family a memorable first Christmas away from home.

Christmas Eve

Carmilla woke up to the sound of muffled voices. She could barely hear what they were saying, but she knew something wasn’t right. She sighed looking over at the two tiny humans sleeping next to her. She watched as their chests rose and fell softly and one of her rare genuine smiles started to sneak up on her. They certainly were a lot better when they weren’t running around causing havoc. Moments like this made her grateful given a second chance at life.

The older child, Clara, was like a miniature version of Carmilla’s wife, Laura. She was also tiny in stature, a mess of honey golden curls, framing the soft features of her face. She was her ray of sunshine. Carmilla noticed the little girl twitch a little from a stray strand tickling the tip of her nose. She reached down to tuck her daughter's hair behind her ears and let her fingertips linger on her cheek. She was starting to lose her baby face and her own features were starting to come through.

The younger child, Jean-Paul, had raven-hair like his mother Carmilla.  JP was their little miracle. Carmilla had never thought she would have a chance at carrying a child. She never thought anything would come from her trying. He was a couple of years younger than her sister. It would take some time to see what other physical traits he inherited from his mother. He definitely was already started showing elements of his mother’s personality.

The voices outside the room rose once more starting the youngest child. His face started to turn sour as he cried out, threatening to wake up any minute. A few seconds later, he settled back down having adjusted his position to be comfortable on the bed.

Carmilla breathed a sigh of relief. She kissed them both on the forehead before leaving the bed and steeling herself. She immediately switched from her mother mode. She had a reputation to withhold after all. She went back to her signature grumpy cat face as she exited their bedroom. She closed the door behind her making sure not to slam it.

“Hey… would guys keep it down?" Carmilla grumbled. "Sleeping children in here.” She allowed her eyes to crack open to see Laura having a heated discussion with Mel and Kirsch.

“What happened?” she asked, scanning the room. Laura looked like she was about to break down in tears.

Kirsch looked on Laura with sympathy, but it was Mel who started to explain the situation. “The station wants us to stay here until after the new year,” she sighed. “I guess there is more to the story and they want us on location if any news breaks.”

“But it’s Christmas tomorrow!” Laura cried. “And we’re stuck in Styria again!”

“We should probably stop coming here,” Kirsch whispered after coming to the realization.

It’s true. The last time they were in Styria, they saved the world from the near-apocalypse. One would think they would do anything to prevent them from stepping foot on Austrian soil again. Carmilla tried to persuade Laura to give up on investigating stories elsewhere. Unfortunately, her wife’s sense of justice and the pursuit of truth was unwavering. They had no choice but to follow her. It was courage that helped her become one of the world’s best investigative journalists. 

Mel pursed her lips in response, “Hey, I’m not happy about it either, but there's nothing we can do about it now. They've already changed our tickets. Even if we wanted to, we’d never find a flight back in time.”

Carmilla was still half asleep. The reality of the situation didn't hit her until she started to see the tears roll down her wife’s cheeks. She rushed over to take her into her arms. “Hey, Laura, it’s okay,” she soothed, rubbing her arms as a form of comfort. “We’ll just have to have our own Christmas here. We’ll work it out. We have before. Why is this year such a big deal?”

Laura shook her head, disagreeing, her emotions starting to increase, “It’s just... It would have been their first Christmas and I wanted them to experience the kind I’ve always had with my dad.”

Suddenly, they heard the baby’s cry from the bedroom. Then shortly after Clara’s voice crying softly, “Mom… Mommy!”

“I’ll get them,” Laura sighed and made her way to their bedroom. The brunette’s voice went from sulking to her chipper mom voice.  In a split second, she greeted her children with the biggest smile on her face and closed the door behind her.

“Poor Laura. I don’t blame her…" Kirsch said, mouth full with food, that he managed to find from somewhere in this empty kitchen. "Your kids are missing out on a lot. Things must have been easier for you back then.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You know. Christmas in the olden days?

Then the idea hit her and a mischievous smile crept on her face. “C’mon frat boy, you’re coming with me, I’m going to need your help...”

Christmas Eve was pretty uneventful. Carmilla and Kirsch offered to go into town and get take out. They returned a couple of hours later with food from their favorite Indian place. They had also brought home groceries for breakfast in the next morning.

Carmilla tried to act indifferent about it. She claimed she only bought pancake mix because she knew they would be hungry tomorrow. But Laura smiled knowing the exact reason. Her wife would make sure that at the very least she would have her pancake breakfast on Christmas day.

Laura broke the news to their children early in the day.

“No Christmas?!” their little girl exclaimed and pouted for a good minute. Then she forgot about it once when her Aunt Mel started to play with her. The little boy had no clue what was going on and stared back at his mother. For a short while, the brunette pretended she could sense his disappointment. In the end, Laura had to admit she was more disappointed that anyone and went back to sulking.

Christmas Day

Laura took a deep breath before opening her eyes. She was trying to prepare herself for the not so special feeling of this year’s Christmas morning. Before she could move a muscle, she heard the high pitch squeal of her daughter. The young mother immediately jumped out of bed. She looked over and realized the bed was empty. Sheets tucked up on Carmilla’s side and not a child in sight.

The door flew open and the little girl ran to hide behind Laura. “Mommy!!! Uncle Kirsch is trying to get me!” She peeked from behind her mother to see if he was still there.

Kirsch roared in response and she screamed again. She immediately saw an opening ran back between his legs and back into the living room. “Merry Christmas, Laura hottie!!!” he smiled before turning to chase after Clara again.

“Merry Christmas,” the brunette smiled. At least, she was still surrounded by people she loved. Who needs presents? And BBC period specials? And gingerbread… She frowned. Laura did. She lowered her head as she sulked out of the bedroom.

The sweet smell cinnamon from her favorite Christmas pancakes wafted in the air. She inhaled deeply and let out a satisfied sigh. When she opened looked up to greet her wife good morning and thank her for breakfast she stopped in her tracks. She wasn't expecting their house to look so wonderful. It was like living in a picture of one of those cottages nestled at the foot of a mountain. It was elegant in the simplest of ways.

“What is all this?” Laura choked when she was able to breathe again.

“Christmas,” Carmilla winked at her. “For someone who calls herself a Christmas aficionado, I’m a little disappointed.”

“But how… what… where did this all come from?” the brunette continued to stare in disbelief.

The younger woman scanned the room one last time just to make sure it was all real. Their entire living room was covered in decorations. These decorations were not the typical plastic she had grown accustomed back home. These were real fresh pine branches fashioned into wreaths. Each one with clusters of pine cones and bows tied around them. They had socks hanging by the fireplace for their stockings.

There was small spruce still potted and displayed as the table centerpiece. The tree was decorated with handmade ornaments class ornaments of red and silver. Candles were strategically placed throughout the room. They gave off a soft glow and providing a specific kind of ambiance. These simple candles outshine the traditional multi-colored, Christmas lights strung across the room. The tree was not stuffed with presents underneath. Instead, there were a few wooden toys unwrapped under the tree. A set of blocks, carved wooden animals, and Each with handwritten tags with each of the children’s names.

“Well, for some reason, you keep forgetting I’ve lived in eastern Europe for a better part of three centuries. A girl has her ways,” she smiled, flipping one of the pancakes and beckoning Laura to join her by the stove. “I figured if we can’t have a Hollis Christmas this year, I’d show you my version of Christmas.”

“I can’t believe you did all this,” the brunette could feel the tears threatening to come back full force.

Carmilla flashed her half smile, “Laura… You know I never cared for Christmas.” 

“--I know, you think it's stupid, useless and sentimental,” the brunette rolled her eyes.

“But--” the dark-haired woman interjected and put a finger to the brunette’s lips to silence her. “That’s never stopped you before. And I don’t know… Maybe I’ve started to like it too. I never had anyone to share it with like I can with you. If it’s important to you, then I want it to be important to us too.” She stared into Laura’s eyes searching when the brunette was speechless.

“I know it’s not exactly like having Christmas at your dad's" Carmilla continued. She suddenly felt vulnerable and unsure. "But I hope you like it.” She smirked tilting her head to the side. “Maybe it’s a good thing you know? We have the opportunity to create our own traditions as well.”

They smiled and instead of talking, they started inching closer to each other.  The attraction taking over them until they were close enough for their foreheads to be touching. Their hands intertwined with one another and they brought their lips together.

“Merry Christmas, Laura,” Carmilla breathed after the first kiss and came in for another.

“Merry Christmas, Carm,” Laura sighed in return looking deep into her eyes. She reached her hands up into her raven hair and pulled her closer.

They broke apart again when Carmilla felt a smile form on Laura's face. "What?" she asked bewildered.

Laura bit her lip. “Well,” she said with a mischievous chuckle. “You know... You didn’t have to do all this for me…"

The dark-haired woman groaned in anticipation. She knew where this was going but she didn't know how she'd stop it. Instead, she waited.

"I mean, after all, all I want for Christmas is you,” Laura laughed singing the last part.

Carmilla cringed in response, “Okay… Christmas songs. Too far.” She held up her hands to shield herself and shook her head.  The brunette doubled over with laughter. Her wife continued to glare at her and the dark-haired woman muttered, “You’re killin’ Hollis....”

Laura had to admit, they didn't have the perfect Hollis Christmas she had been expecting. But as long as she was with Carmilla, she’d always feel at home and maybe it was time to start their own traditions.

[jakehglover]

Do Redheads Need Less Vitamin D?

By Dr. Mercola

Between 1 to 2 percent, or just 76 to 152 million people, of the global population has red hair. This unique hair color is caused by a mutation of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a gene located on chromosome 16. MC1R is a protein involved in regulating your hair and skin color, as well as eye hue. As a recessive trait, the mutated gene must be inherited from both parents to produce a child with red hair.  

Variations in the MC1R gene are responsible for a range of reddish hair color — from “strawberry blond” to brown hair with red hues — and fair skin that may or may not be heavily freckled. Due to the type of melanin their bodies produce, redheads are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer even if they avoid sun exposure. On the positive side, their pale skin and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light helps redheads produce vitamin D more efficiently than their blonde or brunette counterparts.

The History of Red Hair

While data on the exact distribution of redheads worldwide is unavailable, red hair seems to occur more frequently among northern and western Europeans and their descendants. Jacky Colliss Harvey, author of “A History of the Redhead,” told The Washington Post the MC1R gene originated in Central Asia and “thrives mainly in remote regions and closed communities such as Ireland, Scotland and coastal regions of Scandinavia.”1

Redhead characteristics, says Harvey, are due to “a mutation in the MC1R gene that fails to produce sun-protective, skin-darkening eumelanin and instead causes pale skin, freckles and red hair.” Indeed, your eye, hair and skin color are determined by a protein called melanin, of which there are two kinds:2

Eumelanin: If you produce mostly eumelanin, you tend to have brown or black hair and dark skin that tans easily. Eumelanin also protects your skin from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays.

Pheomelanin: If you produce mostly pheomelanin, you will likely have blond or red hair, freckles and light-colored skin that tans poorly. Due to the lack of protection from UV radiation afforded by pheomelanin, you will have an increased risk of skin damage caused by sun overexposure.

Professor Jonathan Rees, grant chair of dermatology at Scotland’s University of Edinburgh, and one of a team of scientists to identify the MC1R gene variants in humans,3 suggests Northern European countries are home to a greater proportion of redheads than anywhere else in the world. He believes the biggest concentrations of redheads are found in Ireland and Scotland.

"If you're in northern Europe, you get used to seeing people with different hair color," says Rees. “[I]f you just think about Asia, it's very, very rare to see somebody with red hair. And in most of Africa, it is exceedingly rare to see somebody with red hair. It is an unusual trait globally."4

Redheads May Need Less Vitamin D Than Others

Due to their naturally fair skin, redheads are able to produce vitamin D more effectively than most people.5 Even though vitamin D can be obtained naturally through sensible exposure to the sun, modern lifestyles and weather conditions in many parts of the world make it nearly impossible for some to obtain sufficient amounts. Given their genetic predisposition, redheads are able to produce it on their own. Said Harvey:6

“As our distant ancestors migrated to settle the cool, gray climes of Northern Europe, redheads had a signal advantage over their darker peers: Their pale skin produced vitamin D more efficiently from the wan sunlight, strengthening their bones and making women more likely to survive pregnancy and childbirth.”

The Daily Mail suggests having red hair and pale skin offers an important health advantage to those who possess it:7

“Redheads, it would seem, boast a genetic [secret] weapon which enables them to fight off certain debilitating and potentially deadly illnesses more efficiently than blondes or brunettes. A pale complexion permits more sunlight into the skin, where it encourages the production of vitamin D. This helps to prevent rickets, a disease which progressively weakens bone structures, and the lung disease tuberculosis, which can be fatal.”

Despite its name, vitamin D is not a regular vitamin. It’s actually a steroid hormone obtained primarily from sun exposure. Its ability to influence genetic expression produces many of its wide-ranging health benefits. Vitamin D is so important, research suggests simply increasing vitamin D3 levels in the general population could lower rates of chronic diseases such as depression, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity and more.

Beyond contributing to strong bones, sufficient amounts of vitamin D can help reduce your risk of several types of cancer. Furthermore, vitamin D strengthens your immune system, which protects you from colds and the flu by helping your body attack and destroy bacteria and viruses.

Sufficient Vitamin D Is Necessary for Optimal Health

Regardless of whether you possess the MC1R gene, your body needs a certain amount of vitamin D to promote and safeguard your health. The optimal vitamin D level for general health is in the 40 to 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) range; 60 to 80 ng/ml appears to be ideal.

While the ideal way to raise your vitamin D is by regularly and sensibly exposing large amounts of your skin to sunshine, that might not be possible where you live. If so, you will want to take an oral vitamin D3 supplement along with vitamin K2 and magnesium, to ensure maximum effectiveness.

You can determine your maintenance dose by measuring your blood level. Ideally, check your vitamin D level twice a year, in winter and summer, when your levels will be at their lowest and highest. As a general guideline, vitamin D experts recommend 4,000 IUs per day for adults, but that applies only if you are already in the therapeutic range. If your levels are low, you may need 8,000 IUs or more per day to start.

Particularly during the winter months, you’ll want to keep an eye on your levels. Lack of UV exposure can bring out the “winter blues,” leading to feelings of depression. If you notice your mood and energy levels are down, you may not be getting enough vitamin D. Even if you live in an area receiving year-round sun, you are at risk of missing out on vitamin D from natural sun exposure if you spend most of your time indoors, use topical sunscreens or wear long clothing for religious reasons.

Redheads at Greater Risk for Melanoma Even Without Sun Exposure

If you possess the MC1R gene, you are at a greater risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.8 Many have mistakenly assumed the increased risk is related to the fact that fair-skinned people possess the type of melanin that gives them less “natural sunscreen” against the sun’s UV rays. It follows then that the sun would be more damaging to redheads, thereby putting them at increased risk of skin cancer.

The problem with this widely held belief is that melanoma often appears on skin that is not exposed to sun, which suggests there must be another explanation. In fact, research suggests redheads have an increased melanoma risk whether they spend time in the sun or not. A 2012 study published in the journal Nature,9 among mice bred to be susceptible to cancer, 50 percent of those with golden-yellow hair (the “redheads”) developed melanoma within a year based on zero exposure to UV light.

This was a far higher incidence rate than occurred among albino or black mice. Even though the researchers initially thought their lights may have been emitting UV radiation, they realized UV light exposure was not the culprit. Instead, the pheomelanin pigment itself, which they say may contribute to damage from oxidative stress in the skin cells, is what triggers cancer.

With respect to subsequent research, published in JAMA Dermatology in 2016,10 Dr. David Fisher, director of the melanoma program at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated, "It’s been known for several decades that UV chemically excites [MC1R-variant] pheomelanin and triggers release of reactive oxygen species, while the brown-black eumelanin has some capacity to absorb UV and is also very good at quenching antioxidant damage in cells.”11

Sensitivity to Temperature and Pain Are Other Redhead Characteristics

Redheads are also likely to be more sensitive to temperature changes and pain than those with darker hair and skin. Research 12,13 conducted at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, compared the pain tolerance of 30 red-headed volunteers to that of 30 brunettes. The redheads began to feel pain at around 43 degrees F, whereas those with darker hair did not begin to shiver until the temperature dropped near freezing.

The research team believes the MC1R gene may cause a redhead’s temperature-detecting response to become overactivated, resulting in them being more sensitive to cold. This study also involved the use of lidocaine, an anesthetic that works to decrease pain by temporarily numbing the area. Its use was shown to be significantly less effective in redheads. The study authors stated:14

“In summary, redheads are more sensitive to thermal pain than women with dark hair, but do not show differences in baseline electrical pain thresholds. Furthermore, redheads are more resistant to the analgesic effects of subcutaneous lidocaine. These results extend the previous observation that redheads are more resistant to volatile anesthetics.

Mutations of the melanocortin 1 receptor, or as a consequence thereof, therefore seem to modulate pain sensitivity. It remains unclear whether this modulation occurs at a central or peripheral level or both.”

If You Possess MC1R You May Need More Anesthetic, Less Painkillers

Dr. Daniel Sessler, who was previously associated with the University of Louisville and now chairs the department of outcomes research at Cleveland Clinic, suggested the study confirmed anecdotal evidence he’d gathered indicating redheads were more sensitive to certain types of pain. He stated:15

"After a previous study, we received more than 100 communications from redheads who claimed that anesthesia often failed or that unusually high doses of local anesthetics were required to achieve adequate analgesia. It suggested that the redhead gene may have some role in the pain pathway. That redheads are subject to sunburn and skin cancer must be linked to the difference in pain sensitivity."

Sessler also heard from redheads with respect to dental pain and their anxiety and fear about going to the dentist. As a result, he suggests that if you have red hair and are considering a dental or surgical procedure requiring an anesthetic, you should talk to your doctor about the likelihood that you may be somewhat resistant to anesthetics. “Because they’re resistant, many redheads have had bad experiences,” Sessler said. “If they go to the dentist or have a cut sutured, they’ll need more local anesthetic than other people.”16

A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association17 involving 144 people, 85 of whom possessed variants of the MC1R gene, found participants with MC1R to be more anxious and fearful, as well as more avoidant, of dental care. The study authors said:

“Participants with MC1R gene variants reported significantly more dental care–related anxiety and fear of dental pain than did participants with no MC1R gene variants. They were more than twice as likely to avoid dental care as were the participants with no MC1R gene variants, even after [we] controlled for general trait anxiety and [gender].”

Other research18,19,20 suggests bearers of the MC1R gene are more sensitive to painkillers. Apparently, the same MC1R mutation that is responsible for red hair and fair skin also releases a hormone in the brain that has the ability to mimic endorphins. While endorphins have multiple functions, one of their primary roles relates to providing pain relief.

If you are a redhead, this mimicking ultimately affects how your body receives pain signals from your brain, causing you to have a heightened sensitivity to prescription opioid painkillers. As a result, you may be able to take smaller doses while achieving the same level of pain tolerance as others.21

from HealthyLife via Jake Glover on Inoreader https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2018/01/27/do-redheads-need-less-vitamin-d.aspx

[sherristockman]

Do Redheads Need Less Vitamin D? Dr. Mercola By Dr. Mercola Between 1 to 2 percent, or just 76 to 152 million people, of the global population has red hair. This unique hair color is caused by a mutation of the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R), a gene located on chromosome 16. MC1R is a protein involved in regulating your hair and skin color, as well as eye hue. As a recessive trait, the mutated gene must be inherited from both parents to produce a child with red hair. Variations in the MC1R gene are responsible for a range of reddish hair color — from “strawberry blond” to brown hair with red hues — and fair skin that may or may not be heavily freckled. Due to the type of melanin their bodies produce, redheads are at a greater risk of developing skin cancer even if they avoid sun exposure. On the positive side, their pale skin and sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light helps redheads produce vitamin D more efficiently than their blonde or brunette counterparts. The History of Red Hair While data on the exact distribution of redheads worldwide is unavailable, red hair seems to occur more frequently among northern and western Europeans and their descendants. Jacky Colliss Harvey, author of “A History of the Redhead,” told The Washington Post the MC1R gene originated in Central Asia and “thrives mainly in remote regions and closed communities such as Ireland, Scotland and coastal regions of Scandinavia.”1 Redhead characteristics, says Harvey, are due to “a mutation in the MC1R gene that fails to produce sun-protective, skin-darkening eumelanin and instead causes pale skin, freckles and red hair.” Indeed, your eye, hair and skin color are determined by a protein called melanin, of which there are two kinds:2 Eumelanin: If you produce mostly eumelanin, you tend to have brown or black hair and dark skin that tans easily. Eumelanin also protects your skin from damage caused by the sun’s UV rays. Pheomelanin: If you produce mostly pheomelanin, you will likely have blond or red hair, freckles and light-colored skin that tans poorly. Due to the lack of protection from UV radiation afforded by pheomelanin, you will have an increased risk of skin damage caused by sun overexposure. Professor Jonathan Rees, grant chair of dermatology at Scotland’s University of Edinburgh, and one of a team of scientists to identify the MC1R gene variants in humans,3 suggests Northern European countries are home to a greater proportion of redheads than anywhere else in the world. He believes the biggest concentrations of redheads are found in Ireland and Scotland. "If you're in northern Europe, you get used to seeing people with different hair color," says Rees. “[I]f you just think about Asia, it's very, very rare to see somebody with red hair. And in most of Africa, it is exceedingly rare to see somebody with red hair. It is an unusual trait globally."4 Redheads May Need Less Vitamin D Than Others Due to their naturally fair skin, redheads are able to produce vitamin D more effectively than most people.5 Even though vitamin D can be obtained naturally through sensible exposure to the sun, modern lifestyles and weather conditions in many parts of the world make it nearly impossible for some to obtain sufficient amounts. Given their genetic predisposition, redheads are able to produce it on their own. Said Harvey:6 “As our distant ancestors migrated to settle the cool, gray climes of Northern Europe, redheads had a signal advantage over their darker peers: Their pale skin produced vitamin D more efficiently from the wan sunlight, strengthening their bones and making women more likely to survive pregnancy and childbirth.” The Daily Mail suggests having red hair and pale skin offers an important health advantage to those who possess it:7 “Redheads, it would seem, boast a genetic [secret] weapon which enables them to fight off certain debilitating and potentially deadly illnesses more efficiently than blondes or brunettes. A pale complexion permits more sunlight into the skin, where it encourages the production of vitamin D. This helps to prevent rickets, a disease which progressively weakens bone structures, and the lung disease tuberculosis, which can be fatal.” Despite its name, vitamin D is not a regular vitamin. It’s actually a steroid hormone obtained primarily from sun exposure. Its ability to influence genetic expression produces many of its wide-ranging health benefits. Vitamin D is so important, research suggests simply increasing vitamin D3 levels in the general population could lower rates of chronic diseases such as depression, diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity and more. Beyond contributing to strong bones, sufficient amounts of vitamin D can help reduce your risk of several types of cancer. Furthermore, vitamin D strengthens your immune system, which protects you from colds and the flu by helping your body attack and destroy bacteria and viruses. Sufficient Vitamin D Is Necessary for Optimal Health Regardless of whether you possess the MC1R gene, your body needs a certain amount of vitamin D to promote and safeguard your health. The optimal vitamin D level for general health is in the 40 to 80 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) range; 60 to 80 ng/ml appears to be ideal. While the ideal way to raise your vitamin D is by regularly and sensibly exposing large amounts of your skin to sunshine, that might not be possible where you live. If so, you will want to take an oral vitamin D3 supplement along with vitamin K2 and magnesium, to ensure maximum effectiveness. You can determine your maintenance dose by measuring your blood level. Ideally, check your vitamin D level twice a year, in winter and summer, when your levels will be at their lowest and highest. As a general guideline, vitamin D experts recommend 4,000 IUs per day for adults, but that applies only if you are already in the therapeutic range. If your levels are low, you may need 8,000 IUs or more per day to start. Particularly during the winter months, you’ll want to keep an eye on your levels. Lack of UV exposure can bring out the “winter blues,” leading to feelings of depression. If you notice your mood and energy levels are down, you may not be getting enough vitamin D. Even if you live in an area receiving year-round sun, you are at risk of missing out on vitamin D from natural sun exposure if you spend most of your time indoors, use topical sunscreens or wear long clothing for religious reasons. Redheads at Greater Risk for Melanoma Even Without Sun Exposure If you possess the MC1R gene, you are at a greater risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.8 Many have mistakenly assumed the increased risk is related to the fact that fair-skinned people possess the type of melanin that gives them less “natural sunscreen” against the sun’s UV rays. It follows then that the sun would be more damaging to redheads, thereby putting them at increased risk of skin cancer. The problem with this widely held belief is that melanoma often appears on skin that is not exposed to sun, which suggests there must be another explanation. In fact, research suggests redheads have an increased melanoma risk whether they spend time in the sun or not. A 2012 study published in the journal Nature,9 among mice bred to be susceptible to cancer, 50 percent of those with golden-yellow hair (the “redheads”) developed melanoma within a year based on zero exposure to UV light. This was a far higher incidence rate than occurred among albino or black mice. Even though the researchers initially thought their lights may have been emitting UV radiation, they realized UV light exposure was not the culprit. Instead, the pheomelanin pigment itself, which they say may contribute to damage from oxidative stress in the skin cells, is what triggers cancer. With respect to subsequent research, published in JAMA Dermatology in 2016,10 Dr. David Fisher, director of the melanoma program at Massachusetts General Hospital, stated, "It’s been known for several decades that UV chemically excites [MC1R-variant] pheomelanin and triggers release of reactive oxygen species, while the brown-black eumelanin has some capacity to absorb UV and is also very good at quenching antioxidant damage in cells.”11 Sensitivity to Temperature and Pain Are Other Redhead Characteristics Redheads are also likely to be more sensitive to temperature changes and pain than those with darker hair and skin. Research 12,13 conducted at the University of Louisville, in Kentucky, compared the pain tolerance of 30 red-headed volunteers to that of 30 brunettes. The redheads began to feel pain at around 43 degrees F, whereas those with darker hair did not begin to shiver until the temperature dropped near freezing. The research team believes the MC1R gene may cause a redhead’s temperature-detecting response to become overactivated, resulting in them being more sensitive to cold. This study also involved the use of lidocaine, an anesthetic that works to decrease pain by temporarily numbing the area. Its use was shown to be significantly less effective in redheads. The study authors stated:14 “In summary, redheads are more sensitive to thermal pain than women with dark hair, but do not show differences in baseline electrical pain thresholds. Furthermore, redheads are more resistant to the analgesic effects of subcutaneous lidocaine. These results extend the previous observation that redheads are more resistant to volatile anesthetics. Mutations of the melanocortin 1 receptor, or as a consequence thereof, therefore seem to modulate pain sensitivity. It remains unclear whether this modulation occurs at a central or peripheral level or both.” If You Possess MC1R You May Need More Anesthetic, Less Painkillers Dr. Daniel Sessler, who was previously associated with the University of Louisville and now chairs the department of outcomes research at Cleveland Clinic, suggested the study confirmed anecdotal evidence he’d gathered indicating redheads were more sensitive to certain types of pain. He stated:15 "After a previous study, we received more than 100 communications from redheads who claimed that anesthesia often failed or that unusually high doses of local anesthetics were required to achieve adequate analgesia. It suggested that the redhead gene may have some role in the pain pathway. That redheads are subject to sunburn and skin cancer must be linked to the difference in pain sensitivity." Sessler also heard from redheads with respect to dental pain and their anxiety and fear about going to the dentist. As a result, he suggests that if you have red hair and are considering a dental or surgical procedure requiring an anesthetic, you should talk to your doctor about the likelihood that you may be somewhat resistant to anesthetics. “Because they’re resistant, many redheads have had bad experiences,” Sessler said. “If they go to the dentist or have a cut sutured, they’ll need more local anesthetic than other people.”16 A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association17 involving 144 people, 85 of whom possessed variants of the MC1R gene, found participants with MC1R to be more anxious and fearful, as well as more avoidant, of dental care. The study authors said: “Participants with MC1R gene variants reported significantly more dental care–related anxiety and fear of dental pain than did participants with no MC1R gene variants. They were more than twice as likely to avoid dental care as were the participants with no MC1R gene variants, even after [we] controlled for general trait anxiety and [gender].” Other research18,19,20 suggests bearers of the MC1R gene are more sensitive to painkillers. Apparently, the same MC1R mutation that is responsible for red hair and fair skin also releases a hormone in the brain that has the ability to mimic endorphins. While endorphins have multiple functions, one of their primary roles relates to providing pain relief. If you are a redhead, this mimicking ultimately affects how your body receives pain signals from your brain, causing you to have a heightened sensitivity to prescription opioid painkillers. As a result, you may be able to take smaller doses while achieving the same level of pain tolerance as others.21

[irelia-ad]

Story - The Indeterminate Continuance

I’m going to regret writing this one so late. I get dramatic when sleep deprived. 

Oh well... *Shrug*

Enjoy.

The view onto the vibrant woods of Eversong or the distant sea has never quite been the same with the imposing presence of Argus in the sky. The green glow from the radiated world beaming down onto their lands from above, giving anything that catches its rays a bleak and corrupted look. The soft breeze from the sea that normally calms feels different. Irelia sighs before walking back inside, still thinking on what is to come from events thus far.

House Firestar continues on in its heightened state. With the recent loss of their Lord and Lady, few to none were prepared to rest easy with their new Lord of the house missing and presumably being set up and being used as a tool in the hands of a human Shadowmancer. Their house functions off the highest ideas for how people should act. People will ambitions to train do so with the highest standards of skill and practice. Those of the house who walk the kingdom do so with pride of the name they represent. Nobody wanted to see that name, that image tarnished by the actions of a human.

Irelia roames her home slowly, watching around for something before arriving to where she intended to go. What she was watching and searching for being exactly where she wanted to find them. Her son smiles up at her with a babyish toothy smile. He walks around semi-awkwardly fighting against gravity to not stumble over. She smiles back, recently having the pleasure of returning home one day to discover her husband with her son walking their first steps. Though, to her dismay, her son then quickly then inherited another trait from his father on learning to walk.

Going missing for her to then have to find them in the most ridiculous of places.

There is also the habit of grabbing on to the nearest hanging object and yanking it off. Irelia wishes for the days where her son would appreciate fine necklaces instead of looking at it and grabbing the shiny thing. She picks them up slowly and holds them, sitting down with them until they drift off to sleep. She slowly places them down once more into their new crib, one they can’t walk out off and go missing again, before smiling and walking to her own room. She joins her husband, sharing the events of the day and enjoying listening to the tales of his more domesticated life with their son as they get ready to go to bed.

The morning consists of her dressing into some more casual attire suited for her to roam the house and eat something. Before doing that she checks in on Kael’rys. Still sleeping. Irelia, every morning before leaving has to fight off the urge to wake the sleeping child and spend some time with them and feed them in the morning. She leaves it however knowing her husband has such in hand. She can always fuss her son when she gets home. With their search for their Lord coming to an end, she smiles at her plan to enjoy a calm walk around the scenic locations of the estate with her son and husband.

Such can’t be done with her still here. She prepares herself before changing into her robed battle armour and setting off to Sunstrider Isle. Their current base was deemed unsafe for a reason she still has to seek out. She walks into the familiar location giving a sharp salute to those gathered around her. Those gathered being the elite of their kingdom, the Thori’belore. They all slowly start to be illusioned into different sets of equipment. The illusionist must not have liked the way she looked at them or something because the result of her illusion was less than satisfactory, complete with a helmet to hide her face. She hoped her husband couldn’t see her due to the fact she would never hear the end of him talking of her old helmets and how he disapproved of her wearing them.

She also receives a stone to which she uses before they depart. Once scrubbing herself of identifying items she uses the stone changing her eyes blue in another form of illusion concealment. She catches her reflection, finding her appearance as a Quel’dorei to be unsettling after all these years. Once everyone has prepared, the portal was open and the mission began.

She arrives through into a dry and crisp environment. Once through, their presence was quickly noted by the humans they were seeking to capture or destroy. Among them was Lord Firestar. Irelia, followed by the others of the Sun’s Fury moved in to take them down. The wind rushed through her armour differently to how it appeared on her, but such was a minor distraction. Her main focus was currently on the Lord to observe where his attention lay. With him being busy, she slammed into one of the first humans who all appeared as different members of the order. The fight did not last long. Some scrapes and bumps to herself which would show once the illusion was down. However, some including Nivendi’en had escaped through the portal he was creating at the time. Magistrix Narindiel Windblaze set to work tracing the portal whilst the captured humans were sent to the spire and the rest of the collected was checked for wounds.

The portal was soon re-established. A small dialog between the Magistrix and Agent Diamexia over the comms devices happened to gather more information. Such devices were out of use to allow for such to happen. They make their way through the portal.

Irelia walked into the yellow open lands of Westfall. It seemed to be a windy day, such blowing through her as she glanced around. The sun shone through clear skies as it started to settle into night and the chill from the sea slowly starts to climb inland. Her observations were soon disrupted by the sounds of chaos and panic. Nivendi’en and the humans had started their dark plot against the human village. Panicked humans fled from its direction, setting the Thori’belore off on their mission once more.

They reach their target to an unwelcoming sight. A small little barn sits damaged and surrounded by the Thori’belore. At least it appears that way with the humans made to look like them. In front of the barn is an unfortunate human mother and their child meeting their end. The controlled Lord of their house ending their existence effortlessly by imploding their heads. Irelia had spared and viewed spars with her husband in the past. She has viewed magics destructive nature when in the hands of the mages of her house. She knew that if left unchallenged, Lord Firestar would reek destruction quickly on their numbers. They attack quick enough to have the drop on them, so she dashes forward, slashing and slamming through the human lines to confront the Lord and hold him off long enough for the others to remove the residual threat of the humans so they can all capture him in unison.

Irelia knew the risk she was taking to hold the Magister up to prevent him using his destructive magic on their gathered forces. She was confident that with her current skill she would at least succeed in slowing him down. Time never even slowed as she neared the danger. The first blow struck from behind her. It all happened so fast. First a large impact of shadow struck her from behind, its effects almost staggering her but also annihilating her barrier protecting her. All her senses flared, even the rune on the side of her neck as Lord Firestar saw her attack and called the arcane to him. She was so close to being able to disrupt him at close range. But all she heard was a quick sound of bending metal followed by an intense pain and blurred vision. She feels the air rush through her armour and over what little exposed skin she has. She almost passes out from hitting the ground, feeling a sharp pain elsewhere in her body, unable to identify it as her senses are washed over with head pain as the useless helmet on her head sits crushed inwards onto her.

She lies there, feeling like a fool for taking her risky plan and being brushed aside like nothing. Being caught off guard and losing her defense against the mage and being incapacitated. She never intended in winning against such odds, but to at least be able to land a single blow. The thoughts of humiliation were pushed aside as she felt a new presence near her. She managed to make out the face of Lord Starshield trying to move her. She is forced to do nothing as she can do only that. But this becomes an issue at the large building fel presence in the sky above the priest. She was all too familiar with what causes such an effect as was helpless to warn her aid. She sees through blurred vision the ball of fel as it flies down to them both at high speed. In her last moments all she could think of was how that walk would have been like when she returned home. Her vision fills with green, and then nothing.

The chaos of the battlefield elevates as a loud explosion of fel shakes the ground in the back ranks of fight. Those who could see the result would see councillor Starshield and Sunglance grounded and unmoving. Sunglance with her armour completely ripped apart and ruined and Starshield in a similar state. They are all forced to continue their fight, Narindiel only just managing to send the two injured away. Lord Firestar now turning his wrath on the rest of the Sun’s Fury.

The chaos followed the two on their arrival to the spire. Both quickly taken away into medical care by the priests. Both taken to separate areas, Irelia is soon in the care of very concerned priests who all look at her with doubt. She lives, but they wonder for how long. Hours are spent as the fel taint covering her stopping her healing needs to be cleansed, the helmet removed and her broken form repared. All of these issues needing to be done fast. More hours pass once the critical issues are resolved. But her state remains just as dire. She lies, unmoving as progress keeps on being made. Sometimes some would enter the room to see her and leave. Time and time again such, would happen. Irelia, still unaware to what has happened.

Once more stable she is taken home. Not how she wished to return. The house taking up a different atmosphere as she is laid down to continue her rest and healing.

As a week passes, she remains asleep. Spire priests officially declaring it as a comatose state. Her son wonders why the evening visits have stopped, and why mother has been so inactive. By now official word would have been sent out to the organisations she serves such as the Thori’belore and the Halls of Blood. Sin’dorei know loss. They will move on without her as her place is filled and her roles reassigned. But for now, at home she lies with her life in question as she sleeps with those close to her waiting for her to awaken. But for how long? If Ever?