#Flutter Architectural Layers

[leirastar]

New World | Chapter 11

Pairing: Ot8 Ateez x reader AU: fantasy AU | stranger -> mates Summary: In Hala, a house of eight kingdoms, each boasting its own wonders, you never imagined that amidst the pain, you would also fall—this time, in love. Word Count: 3.5 k | 15 minutes Warning: mentions of prisoner

The room was still. Sunlight filtered through sheer curtains, casting a soft glow on the polished floors of your quarters, still reeling from the conversation with Yunho. His words echoed in your mind, particularly the one that made your stomach twist in a way you couldn’t quite explain:

“My Queen.”

The way he had said it, so casually, yet with such weight, like it was a title that naturally belonged to you. The words sent butterflies fluttering in your stomach, an odd mix of happiness and fear that made you feel dizzy. It was as if something in you both wanted to believe it, yet the weight of it was suffocating. It was too much, too sudden, too confusing.

The flutter in your chest turned into a whirlwind of emotions, a clash of excitement and dread. Why had he said it? What did it mean? Was he truly ready to embrace this reality, or was he just playing a part in something much bigger than you both?

His words felt like an invitation into a world you weren’t sure you belonged to, and it left you tangled in a knot of hope, uncertainty, and fear. You couldn’t shake the confusion that gripped you, and it made your heart race in ways you didn’t understand.

You sighed, rubbing your temples in frustration. Everything felt so overwhelming, too much to process. How had your life turned into this whirlwind?

Glancing around the room, you took in the surroundings once more. The bedroom was large, open, and inviting, its elegant design a stark contrast to the storm of emotions inside you.

The centerpiece wasn’t the bed, but the open design that connected the room to the water outside. Beyond a set of wide, arched windows lay the royal lake, its surface glittering like liquid glass. Steps led directly from the quarters into the water, the architecture seamless and inviting. Drawn by the view, you moved to the edge of the room and let the breeze brush against your skin.

You descended the stone steps cautiously, the coolness of the water lapping at your bare feet. A sigh escaped your lips as you sat there, trailing your fingers across the surface. The water’s gentle rhythm soothed your frayed nerves, its tranquility a stark contrast to the storm inside you.

But your peace was short-lived. A knock sounded at the door, low but firm, making you rise instinctively. You turned, brushing off droplets of water as you stepped back into the room.

Your eyes were drawn to the figure standing in the doorway, framed by the stone pillars—His Majesty, King Seonghwa.

If Yunho’s presence was commanding, Seonghwa’s was mesmerizing. He was, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beings you had ever seen. His white hair shimmered like spun silver, and his wings—three layers of pristine feathers—looked almost ethereal. Subtle streaks of gray adorned a few feathers.

His robe, though regal, was discarded, leaving his form more relaxed yet still commanding. The fabric, a pristine white with silver embroidery, had been cast aside, revealing the sleekness of his attire beneath.

His tunic was a muted, almost ethereal shade of silver, tailored perfectly to his frame. But it was the crest of his house, still visible on the fabric near his chest, that caught your eye. It was intricately stitched, a symbol of power and lineage, standing out starkly against the soft material of his tunic. The design was simple but unmistakable — a dove and flower, surrounded by faintly glimmering stars. It was a quiet yet undeniable mark of authority, and seeing it made your heart skip a beat.

Seonghwa’s gaze softened as he stepped into the room, and you could feel the calm that radiated from him. He carried a silk-wrapped bundle in his hands, the fabric glinting faintly in the light. Bowing his head ever so slightly, he addressed you in a voice that was calm yet authoritative.

“I trust I’m not intruding.”

You straightened instinctively, caught off guard by his sudden presence. ���No, Your Majesty,” you replied, your voice quieter than you intended.

“Good. I trust everything is to your liking?”

You hesitated, a flicker of dry humor breaking through your unease. “I can’t say I’ve ever had a lake in my room before.”

His lips curved ever so slightly into a polite, almost imperceptible smile. “An unconventional touch, perhaps,” he said, his tone light yet measured. “But I am pleased it has not disquieted you.”

With a refined gesture, he extended the silk-wrapped bundle toward you. “I thought you might find these useful.”

You hesitated for a second before accepting it. When he extended the bundle to you, his fingers briefly brushed against yours. His hands were warm, steady, lingering just long enough for you to notice.

A flicker of something—awareness, curiosity—sparked in your chest before you could push it away. It was nothing. A fleeting touch, meaningless.

Yet, as quickly as the moment came, you dismissed it. Or at least, you tried to.

You untied the delicate silk wrapping, you found a finely crafted leather journal inside, its cover smooth and inviting. Beside it was a small ink pot and a quill. And then, nestled among them, a charm caught your eye: a silver leaf, its delicate design shining faintly in the light.

“Yunho mentioned that you write often,” Seonghwa explained, his tone polished and deliberate. “A new journal seemed fitting. The charm is from town; it is said to bring clarity of thought.”

Your fingers traced the journal’s embossed cover, a flicker of gratitude softening your expression. You hadn’t realized how much you had missed your writing. It had been an outlet, a place to express your thoughts, your frustrations. A way to make sense of the world around you. Now more than ever.

“Thank you, Your Majesty. This is… very thoughtful.”

“Seonghwa,” he corrected gently, the faintest hint of warmth touching his otherwise composed features. “Formalities are unnecessary.”

The casual correction surprised you. He was every inch a king—regal, primmed, proper, and yet there was a gentleness to him that felt disarming.

“I hope you are finding yourself more at ease,” he said, his gaze steady, scrutinizing you with interest.

Your lips tightened briefly before you answered. “It’s overwhelming,” you admitted. “To say the least.”

A faint shadow of understanding passed across his face. “I can imagine,” he said, his voice as smooth as glass. “The unfamiliar can be daunting, but I trust that with time, you will grow accustomed to the rhythms of this place.” His eyes flicked toward the lake, a small nod of approval accompanying his words.

“It seems the waters bring you some comfort.”

“They do,” you replied softly. “There’s something… calming about them.”

“I am pleased to hear that,” he said with a dignified nod. “It is my hope that you will find solace not only in the surroundings but in the people as well. Trust, after all, is built over time.”

His words were like carefully polished stones, each one weighted and deliberate. You studied him, struck by the way he effortlessly commanded the conversation without overpowering it.

After a moment of pause, he continued, his tone now edged with quiet gravity. “I understand that recent events have unsettled you. Yunho’s actions may not have been what you anticipated, but I assure you his intentions were not borne of malice. He made a choice he believed necessary, though it was far from easy.”

Your fingers tightened slightly around the journal, your mind tangled with conflicting emotions. Could you truly believe that?

“If you could give us a chance,” Seonghwa continued, his gaze steady and resolute, “I think you would find there is more to this than it seems.”

There was a pause as you struggled to find the right response.

Your fingers traced the journal’s edge absently, searching for the right words. “It’s… a lot to process,” you admitted quietly, glancing toward the lake. “Everything here feels so far removed from anything I’ve known.”

You met his gaze, the strength of his conviction unnerving yet oddly reassuring. When you glanced back at him, his expression softened—though only slightly.

He inclined his head, the motion as graceful as a courtly bow. “Well then,” he said, his tone as composed as ever, “I’ll take my leave. It might do you some good to rest. If you have any questions before I leave, I would be glad to answer them.”

He waited, as though giving you space to speak, but when no words came, he turned to leave, but your voice stopped him.

"May I… roam the grounds in my free time, Seonghwa?" you asked, hesitant but steady, testing his name on your tongue.

The faintest flicker of amusement crossed his features, a rare break in his otherwise stately demeanor. “Of course,” he replied, a small, knowing smile softening his words.

“You are not our prisoner, Y/N,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost amused. “Though, I must admit, if you were, I would not mind having you stay a little longer.”

The softness in his voice caught you off guard, but it was the subtle flirtation that sent your heart stuttering in an unfamiliar rhythm. It was a shift—gentle, deliberate, yet entirely unexpected.

A part of you wanted to dismiss it as nothing, a passing remark wrapped in courtly charm. But the way he said it, the measured grace of his words, felt like something more. There was no teasing smirk, no overt playfulness—just quiet sincerity, laced with something you couldn’t quite place.

Heat crept up your neck before you could stop it, your pulse betraying the composure you desperately tried to maintain. He was…flirting?

You swallowed, forcing yourself to meet his gaze, but the steady, knowing glint in his eyes only unsettled you further. It was as if he could see the exact effect his words had on you—and that realization only made it worse.

Seonghwa inclined his head once more, his movements deliberate and fluid. “I trust you’ll make the most of your time here,” he said before turning to leave. His wings flared briefly as he departed, the light catching the faint streaks of gray in a way that made them shimmer like molten silver.

As he departed, the quiet of the room seemed to deepen, though his presence lingered, like the memory of a breeze brushing past. Left alone, you glanced down at the journal in your hands, the leather warm against your fingers.

Whatever this place was, and whatever these people were, you couldn’t deny the weight of their power—not just in their roles as kings, but in the way they unsettled everything you thought you understood.

Morning spilled over the castle like molten gold, casting long shadows along the polished stone halls. The quiet hum of activity beyond your door reminded you that the world was still moving, even if your thoughts seemed frozen in time. After last night’s encounter with Seonghwa, you felt less frayed but no less unsure of your place here.

Seonghwa had been thoughtful enough to ask a maid to bring you dinner, but aside from the honeyed fruit, everything else had remained untouched. The food was rich and plentiful, but you hadn’t had the appetite to finish it. The unease from last night still lingered, thick in the air of your room.

The journal he’d gifted you sat on the desk, unopened, the silver leaf charm glinting in the sunlight. It was beautiful—thoughtful even—but you hadn’t yet brought yourself to write in it. Instead, you paced the room, your unease building until staying put became unbearable.

You needed air.

After confirming with a guard that you were free to roam as you pleased, you stepped out into the winding corridors of the castle. The architecture was stunning, each hallway leading to grander sights than the last, but the scale of it was overwhelming. You wandered aimlessly, your footsteps echoing off the high ceilings until the sound of voices pulled your attention.

You followed the noise, turning a corner to find yourself in an open courtyard. The space was alive with movement—courtiers chatting, attendants scurrying, and in the center of it all stood King Mingi.

He was hard to miss. Towering and broad-shouldered, he had a presence that was both commanding and oddly approachable. His wings, shades of grey with gold-brown tips and a few white spots scattered throughout, stretched lazily as he gestured animatedly, laughing at something an attendant said. The sunlight caught the light on his feathers, giving them an almost ethereal glow.

You knew him by reputation, of course. King Mingi, the one who commanded the dragons of the northern winds. Stories of his cunning had spread far and wide—of how he could outwit his enemies in an instant, maneuvering with the swiftness of a falcon on the hunt. His reputation for ruthlessness was only balanced by his sense of honor; there was no mistaking that he was respected. His charisma made him approachable, yes, but it was tempered by a sharp intelligence that always kept others on edge.

He had a way of drawing people in, captivating them with his natural charm and effortless wit, but you could never forget the underlying strength beneath that affable exterior. When it came to protecting his kingdom and his people, Mingi was as fierce as the dragons he commanded—quick to strike, but with a level-headed precision that always ensured victory.

Spotting you, Mingi’s laughter stilled, and his expression shifted to one of warm surprise. “Well, if it isn’t our newest arrival!” he called out, his voice as rich and easy as a summer breeze.

Your steps faltered. You weren’t sure what to make of him—his energy was so vastly different from Yunho’s quietness or Seonghwa’s regality.

“Don’t just stand there,” Mingi said, striding toward you with a grin. “You’ll look like a lost fawn, and we don’t need anyone thinking we’ve kidnapped you.”

His casual humor caught you off guard, but it was disarming in a way that loosened the tension in your shoulders.

“I don’t think anyone’s assuming that,” you said, your lips twitching toward a reluctant smile.

“Good. I’d hate for rumors to start flying before you’ve had the chance to get to know us,” he replied, gesturing for you to follow him.

Without waiting for you to agree, Mingi led you toward a quieter part of the courtyard, where a few marble benches overlooked a vibrant garden. He plopped down on one of them with a theatrical sigh, patting the spot beside him.

“Come, sit. You look like you’ve got questions—probably more than I can answer, but I’ll do my best.”

You hesitated, but something about his open demeanor made it impossible to refuse. As you sat, you found yourself relaxing despite the strangeness of it all.

Before you could say anything, Mingi smiled, his eyes gleaming with a touch of formality. “Ah, but where are my manners?” He stood with a graceful motion and gave a low, sweeping bow.

“Mingi, King of Aeros, at your service.”

Surprised, you swiftly returned the gesture, curtsying in respect. “Y/N, a humble guest.”

He grinned, clearly pleased with your response. “A humble guest, indeed,” he teased, but there was warmth in his words. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you properly.”

“You’re not what I expected,” you blurted before you could stop yourself.

Mingi raised a brow, clearly amused. “Oh? What were you expecting? Doom and gloom? A tyrant with a crown?”

“Maybe not that, but…” You trailed off, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

He chuckled, leaning back and stretching his wings slightly. “I’ll take it as a compliment. Though I’m guessing you’ve met Yunho and Seonghwa already—they don’t exactly scream ‘warm welcome,’ do they?”

Your silence must have said enough, because Mingi’s grin widened.

“Thought so. Don’t get me wrong—they’re good men. But Yunho can be a bit… intense, and Seonghwa’s probably too polished for his own good.” He leaned closer, mock conspiratorial.

“They forget how to be human sometimes. You’ll learn to balance them out.”

His words, though lighthearted, carried a surprising depth. It was clear he understood his fellow kings well, and you found yourself appreciating his honesty.

“I’m still trying to figure out where I fit in all of this,” you admitted, your voice quieter now.

Mingi tilted his head, studying you with a seriousness that felt out of place against his earlier levity. “I’m sure you’ll come around to figure it out. And you’ve got all of us to help you, whether you like it or not.”

You met his gaze, searching for something—reassurance, sincerity, a reason to trust in his words. Did you even want their help? The thought lingered, unanswered, as you studied the quiet determination in his eyes.

But the weight of it all pressed too heavily on your chest, so you looked away, shifting your gaze back to the palace garden. The rustling leaves and distant blooms were easier to face than the uncertainty stirring inside you.

“You know,” Mingi said, his tone shifting as he glanced away for a moment, “Yunho and I grew up together. Our kingdoms are close, and we’ve always visited each other. When we were kids, he was the type to get lost in books and plans, always thinking about the future, even when we were just supposed to be playing.”

You raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Really? That doesn’t sound like the Yunho I’ve met.”

Mingi grinned, a nostalgic glint in his eyes. “He was serious back then too, but he had his moments. He used to try to act like the perfect heir to his kingdom, and I’d always joke about how he should just let loose for once. He’d get frustrated, but then I’d drag him into mischief. Like the time we swapped the royal food orders—no one could figure out how the feast ended up with desserts as the main course!”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at the image of the usually composed Yunho involved in something so playful. Mingi’s smile softened a little.

“He still acts like he’s got a whole world on his shoulders. People think he’s distant, but he’s got a heart of gold. He just… doesn’t show it as much anymore.”

Mingi shrugged, leaning back against the bench, his usual carefree demeanor returning. “But hey, don’t let his seriousness fool you. If you ever catch him in one of those rare moments where he lets his guard down, you’ll see a side of him that’s not as intimidating.”

Before you could respond, a new voice interrupted.

“Mingi, you’re supposed to be at the council meeting. Or did you forget again?”

You turned to see King San approaching, his stride slow, deliberate—like a predator who knew he had already won. His presence was magnetic, and he wore a black and red coat, heavy with gold embroidery and long, glistening tassels that swayed with each movement. The deep crimson sash across his chest was embroidered with intricate designs, each golden thread catching the light like embers in the dark. His silk shirt was left slightly open, revealing just enough to tease, the sheen of the fabric only adding to his careless, devastating allure.

Despite his smaller stature, his physique was anything but. Broad shoulders and toned arms filled out the ornate coat, the sharp tailoring only emphasizing his solid build. He carried himself with the ease of someone who never needed to prove his strength—he simply was.

San’s gaze was unreadable, dark eyes half-lidded as if he was amused by something only he understood. His lips curled into a knowing smirk—dangerous, inviting. He didn’t need to speak for the air to shift around him, for the weight of his presence to settle deep in your chest. He was indulgence and fire, arrogance and ease.

“Ah, San,” Mingi said, unfazed. “I was just making sure our guest here did not get lost. Important work, you know.”

San sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Important work or not, you’re late. Again.”

Mingi shrugged, his grin unapologetic. “You worry too much. It’s bad for your complexion.”

San didn’t even spare him a glance, his attention shifting to you instead. He inclined his head slightly—not quite a bow, but still carrying the weight of his status. His smirk was lazy, just on the edge of teasing. Knowing. “Getting the grand tour, are you? Let me know if Mingi actually does his job, or if I need to find someone more competent.”

“Thank you,” you said, unsure how else to respond to the stark contrast between the two kings.

San nodded, his gaze lingering for a moment as though assessing you. Then he turned back to Mingi, his patience clearly wearing thin. “You can finish your ‘important work’ later. For now, the council is waiting.”

With a resigned sigh, Mingi stood, his wings folding neatly behind him. “Duty calls,” he said, winking at you. “Don’t let him scare you off—he’s not as tough as he looks.”

San shot him a glare, but there was no real heat in it.

As the two kings walked away, their banter fading into the distance, you found yourself smiling. For the first time since your arrival, the weight on your chest felt a little lighter. Maybe, just maybe, you could find your place here after all.

Masterlist

ten | twelve

A/n: Hi star, it took a long time to make this. its been sitting in my draft for weeks. but i hope you enjoy. i will be taking a break since i have mid exam for a few weeks. but i will make room to write. im sure you’ll be able to enjoy the next couple of chapters more. i also have a small gift for you! not exactly small but as i promised in my a/n note in chapter 4. I HAVE CREATED THE MOODBOARD FOR THE KINGS! ALTHOUGH, i am not sure when i will be uplouding them because (another surprise) i will be releasing side stories of when they were young! this way you will be able to connect deeply to the characters i've created. there will be angst, love, adventure, friendship, and etc. i will uploading it one by one after a chapter that is associate to the topic of the character. and if you are able to guess who might be the first character i wrote for (not the first one i will publish), i might even give you a spoiler hihi!

Coming soon!

Taglist (CLOSED):

@pinkpearlstar @deltamoon666 @kyra1205 @hecateslittlewitchling @dumplingsyum @caratiny-latte @seongwars @halloweenbyphoebebridgers @angelqueendom

@ffenjoyerdazme @lostxxgirl @xh01bri @neemaxx @furfoxsake22 @Thejentheredhead @soulphoenix1618 @pixie0627 @hannahdinse8

@laurtiny112 @innocygnet @the-first-mate @miniverse-zen @katyeongs @nuggiesnuggetdog04 @sweetmoonlight9 @staytinyluv @bluesiebirdie @kaqua @ateezaddict24 @bamdoe @kandy108 @pixie0627 @bunnii-dolls @kheartost @xlilehx @lalelol @Tiny2018 @salnovna @roryy95 @fairylover68 @meowmeeps @awkward-fucking-thing @blackandgreenandblue @moniesmoon @skteezcursed

[thefandomsfervent]

JayVik x Reader Personal Pigments (Part 25) -Permanent Green Light

Gala chapter coming soooon <3

Find my imagine that inspired it here. Previous and next chapter will be linked at the bottom.

This fic may enter a hiatus after a few more chapters so I can start other projects. Stay tuned and Thank you for reading <3 These aren't beta read, didn't really edit this one. May fix it up later this upcoming week <3

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Summer was supposed to wait another week or two but this heat was formidable. The halls of the Academy were stuffy at the best of times and now they were stuffy and hot. A truly wonderful combination, one that you didn’t detest in the slightest. It didn’t make you miserably sweat through your shirt in the first hours of the day. And it certainly didn’t make you irritable. These past few days you’d had to opt for less formal clothing. As a guest of the Academy you weren’t required to wear the uniform but you had tried to maintain the same level of formality. Layering and coordinating to appear put together. Not today. The cut of your shirt was looser and lower than you’d usually wear, instead of keeping the button up closed it was open. When it fluttered as you walked, it gave a cool breeze on your back. 

You gave simple greetings to Viktor and Jayce when you entered the lab, settling at your station. Today’s humidity meant that your paint would take forever to dry and you’d rather not get frustrated working on something just to put it down. Instead, you set up your drawing board. It’s been a minute since you had it propped up like this, your warm up sketches were usually just quick scribbles in your sketchbook. The window was open to get as much fresh air in as the lab would allow. For naught it seemed, no breeze shook the leaves today. A monotonous buzzing filtered in past the clanking sounds as your easel was repositioned and the board was set upon it. Neither of them look at you while you set up, the heat forcing all of you into a subdued silence. As if speaking would somehow make the heat, any extra movement considered unnecessary. 

You could feel the sluggishness in your limbs, heavy arms and clumsy hands. pulling out sheets of paper and clipping them to the wooden board. The sounds were grating on your nerves. The clattering of pencils and pastels were too sharp, the tearing of paper droning, the scrape of the stool so agonizing you choose to not sit on it out of spite. It takes more time than you’d like to get everything sorted but it gets done. When you finally settle you give yourself a moment. If you started to draw anything now you’d just get more frustrated. After a few minutes of focused breathing you let your eyes wander the lab. Jayce was sitting at his desk, reviewing tomes and notes. There would be an occasional heavy sigh before he scratched something out. He had undone his tie, letting it hang on either side of his neck. 

Viktor was in a similar state, vest on his chair and tie loosened from his neck. His back was to Jayce while he engraved runes onto various bits and bobs. He should be wearing his goggles, but those too were hanging off his neck. Things that if you asked him about you could get a whole lesson on, and on another day you would have loved to indulge hearing them talk about the process. Would have loved to take in their heat flustered attire. But today was so unbearably hot and there was work to be done. You keep scanning, looking for anything to catch your eye that wouldn’t make the heat worse. There was a stack of books on the floor, a ray of sunlight a foot or so away that would slowly creep up to it. Following the light you’re brought to the open window, the glass panes shimmering with the gold of the sun and the surrounding architecture. 

Your gaze shifts to the collection of colored sticks on your table. A wide array of options, of different materials and hues to pick from. You grab slate grays and blues, browns, yellows, lighter tans and off-whites. The now separate collection sits to the side for later, awaiting more sorting. Viktor says something to Jayce but you can’t quite make it out, ignoring it in favor of picking up a freshly sharpened lead pencil to sketch the base of today’s drawing. A crisp sound against the paper, light and fast. It’s quick work, the whole thing was mostly rectangles and triangles. Gently smudging out mistakes and revisiting lines until they were close enough to move on to the next part. Another round of reviewing after that, of fixing before you start to lay down color. 

You’re looking over the general selection when Jayce stands, saying something about water. You say your thanks and give him a wave as he makes his way out the lab. Putting some of your colors away keeps your attention. Pulling the too-green yellows and too-bright blues and setting them back into their respective tins. It’s a quiet groove you find yourself in, not full of the peaceful but excited energy you had found last week, but something just as magnetic. A large swipe of yellow, and smaller swipes of blue. Gray and brown speckling past the weaving of faux gold brown. You let your hands brush away the crumbled dust of pastels from your table and board. In doing so, you knock a pencil to the floor. 

“Shit.” The annoyance is small in your chest but it’s still there, a quick pinch in your stomach as you bend down to grab it. It fades just as quickly as it came when you stand back up, the air rushing down your back. Especially when the lab door opens and there’s Jayce carrying in liquid gold in the form of ice water. It’s a sigh of relief when he sets the first glass down by you. 

“Thank you,” barely gets past your lips before you drink it, the glass itself feels like heaven in your hand. 

Jayce gives a quiet laugh before looking over your shoulder, "The window today?" You set the water down to answer him, picking up a pencil.

"Just something quick, the sun is hitting the glass just right." Waving the pencil towards the source of your drawing, you give him a smile.

"I see," he says as he walks over to one of the many messy tables near you to set down the tray. He brings the other glass to Viktor and you turn back to your work. 

When you look up at the two of them they are both back at work, red tinging Viktor’s ears. The heat had to be getting to him. He must sense you looking because he turns around. His eyes meet yours, tired and a little surprised? You give him a lazy smile and he smiles back. The silence of the lab returns, each of you with cold water to balm the heat.

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[draconic-absurdism]

DESPERATE MEASURES

Story below the cut

An image of a doorway flutters in hir mind as ze shimmies upward ever further, nearing the flattening of the smooth linoleum pane, nearly teetering off the edge. And as hir vision blurs again, surely ze will fall. The wall, crisp and cold, audibly clacks, a desperate grasping with useless hooven fingers, tinged with a pulling at hir fuzzy chest as ze slides hirself up. There's no railing, nothing to grip.

Falling wouldn't be so bad, really. It never is, here in this place. Clouds roll on and on. It's comforting, almost, breaking barriers that, in a sense, are physically impossible, over and over again. To rely on something that contradicts nature. Or is it that nature itself is contradictory?

But ze's never made it quite this far before. As hir fingers crest the corner, ze pulls hirself up, slipping a final time before maneuvering one hoof onto flat land. But as ze huffs in relief, the image flickers again, and hir heart recoils into itself in horror as it realizes the door ze pictures has no stairway leading up, no clouds, no bluish tinge left to the sky. This is all wrong. How hadn't I realized?

Maybe this isn't the end of the path. But ze manages to arch hir head back far enough to get a glimpse up at the endless vertical stretch of the architecture, absurd in its scale, vanishing up into a single point in space beyond a layer of clouds so far up that they may as well have been pixels on a screen, and ze sees that this is indeed the wrong place and the wrong time.

I'm going to give up again. I'm going to stop trying again. It wasn't so bad in the water, floating around on the surface but never really breaking through. But even as ze mutters to hirself, the truth of the matter has already been decided, and bile rises in hir throat as ze realizes that an attempt at something so futile as this may not be worthwhile. Or maybe it is. Either way, in the end, you find that despite how gratingly alone you may feel, you aren't in solitude nearly as often as you think you are.

"Come up with me." The voice isn't startling. It's always a new one, but it says the same thing. It's the tone that really gets to hir. Sometimes sincere and sometimes otherwise, not like ze can ever tell the difference regardless.

"No," ze retorts, letting one hoof slip back down the slope.

The creature's slit eyes open up in what appears to be genuine surprise. "Oh."

"You can't help me. I'm in the wrong place."

"I don't think so."

'You don't get to tell me if I am or not."

"That's true...."

It's a nonsense conversation, the dragon lacking the entirety of context surrounding the boar's circumstances. Even if the discussion persisted for quite a while, it wouldn't understand beyond what is mostly universal, would it? But to say anything actually true to hirself would be to risk a level of vulnerability that ze's never quite known how to reign in. If it was called small talk, why did it always feel like hir lungs were set ablaze? A surface tension that can't be broken.

"...I can take you back down, then. So you don't have to fall, at least."

The offer almost makes hir laugh. Almost. "Frankly, I'd rather you just eat me at this point."

"Sure." It opens its maw.

The boar is genuinely surprised to have met someone who picks up on jokes even less often than hirself. Ze goes to scratch hir chin before realizing with a start that ze's still in a rather precarious situation, straightening up hir spine and smooshing her chest back up against the wall.

At some point in the moment of silence that follows, the dragon realizes its mistake and snaps its jaws shut with an audible clack. "Oh my god, I'm so sorry."

This time, the boar really does laugh. "You're fine."

Though the massive reptile's neck quickly disappears into a thick layer of fluffy white cumulus clouds, most of its body completely out of view, the boar gets the sense that its claws are shuffling uncomfortably in the grass so far below. The silence flows through both of their lungs on the next inhale, and the boar scoots up to stand along the edge of the flat plane, where there's a bit more room to shift around.

"I like the sound your hooves make," the dragon huffs.

"Oh, thanks. I liked the click of your teeth."

"Thanks."

There's another ten seconds or so of silence, and the shifting of the beast's claws grows slightly audible. But at least to the boar, it's not an uncomfortable silence, not really. Something about this thing in all its absurdity, its sheer size, the sharpness of its bladed face juxtaposed with its awkward expression, its fangs that jut out and give it a bit of a lisp, is really likable.

"I'm afraid that I like you." Why did I say that? What a stupid thing to say. You don't just tell people you like them. I wish you could.

"You don't have to be afraid of something like that," the dragon replies. This answer, while comforting, isn't convincing.

"I definitely do."

"You don't scare me."

"I'm not scary. I just like people a lot, but I'm not really good at showing it. I haven't had that many friends before, so I don't know how it works. I don't know how to connect with people, I don't know what I'm meant to say most of the time. Every version of myself that I've been before this very moment has been masked by some sort of complacency, some sort of veil of attempted normalcy that plagued me so deeply that I'd lost myself. And now I'm unpacking all these feelings I'd been trained to veil, and I don't know what to do with them. I'm not trying to complain or sound pathetic, it's not a self-pitying thing. I honestly like myself quite a bit, I just don't think I'm equipped for any of the situations I find myself in. I don't feel like the reality I was born into is one I can navigate so easily."

"Despite that, you've survived," says the dragon. "Though, you're kind of holding yourself back, don't you think?"

"Maybe so." I think of it just then, I think of what I have to do. It's the only way, really. Something I'd often been too stuck in my own head to ever really consider, and even on the rare occasion that I had, it didn't work out right. But the only way to find out if this time would be different is to try, and so I do. "Would you like to go sit on a rock with me somewhere?"

"A rock?"

"Yeah. Like, granite or something."

"I would love to. But um." The dragon shifts once more, this time with a bit more purpose as it leans in toward the boar. "I would still have to carry you. To get anywhere that has rocks, I mean."

"Oh." Ze hadn't really considered that, but the possibility of lounging in a dark enclosed space for a while was indeed enticing. "Yeah, that works."

"Anywhere that has rocks?"

"Anywhere that has rocks, yeah. Like a river or a forest or anything is fine, as long as we can both sit comfortably." The boar steps forward, a little cue that ze hopes might prompt the dragon, once again, to open up. Ze supposes its silly to rely on such things at this point. This, clearly, isn't someone who communicates through that muddling series of subtleties, a song and dance for which ze hadn't ever been quite able to get the footwork down, and yet would still attempt at times for the sake of acting as some sort of social chameleon.

It takes a second for the cue to click, or maybe the dragon is just unsure what to do with the near complete freedom of location. Eventually, it realizes it's time to go and opens its maw back up, and for the first time, the boar is able to see what's inside. To really see what's inside. Teal-green flesh and gums, metallic and slightly glittery in texture, accented pale minty green razor sharp teeth. A few are messy and chipped. And with that, the surface tension is broken, and the fluid of the beasts tongue engulfs hir, the wetness seeping into hir fur fully, not simply bouncing off. At first the sensation, alien and new, is unpleasant, and as ze squishes up against the beasts tongue as it closes its jaws around hir, ze shifts along the muscle and adjusts until a pattern settles. The grumbling of the great beast's throat as it lifts off. The relief of no longer teetering on that ledge as ze had so many times before. The fear that this might not last, that any expression of seeking longevity could come off as a bit too much for someone ze'd just met.

Though they hadn't just met, really, as ze recalled all the times before that the dragon had perched along that very ledge. Had it been the same one? Sometimes, probably. Not every time. This didn't really feel new, but it certainly felt more comfortable than times prior. Perhaps to credit this change to the dragon wasn't quite right. Perhaps it was hir own willingness to be vulnerable and ask the risky questions that rewarded hir with an experience that, while not new, didn't feel so scary this time. It feels stupid to admit that to myself in a way. I'd known all along that this would yield better results, so why, pray tell, was I so terrified? Why am I still so terrified?

Hir stomach drops as the beast's wings flap and it picks up speed, soaring through the endless sky, but its head stays mostly steady. And just as hir eyes begin to adjust to the darkness and the ridges along the roof of its mouth gleam a deep emerald jewel tone through the blackness, a beam of light shoots in with a gush of cold wind. The beast's teeth crack open just a bit, just enough to let the clouds enter its mouth and fill the space with dense fog, drenching hir in mist, the heat of the beast's body and the frost of the outside air swirling as one force of nature. The sensation reels through hir, and ze shudders as the beast's taste buds run along hir forearms. After it begins to run a bit cold, the teeth clack shut once again and dark warmth falls in again, that clicking sound of the sets of bones interlocking tingling in hir ears.

Something profound occurs to hir almost every day, it seems, and yet such things make progress only towards goals intangible to others. Something that lives in hir head and slams on a pane of glass and begs to be heard, but out loud it just sits there staring and waiting for an opportunity, waiting to be served something on a platter that isn't coming.

"I've known you for a long time, I think. I love you," says the boar. "I just want to tell you that, in case things go wrong somewhere down the line. I want you to know that, at least now, in this moment, I love you."

The dragon tries to respond, but finds that moving its tongue jostles the boar far too much, so it resorts simply to hugging the tiny creature with its tongue, curling each side up around hir body as a warm, wet blanket.

The silence is welcome this time.

[0bticeo]

j. sims, e. bouchard | knowledge is a double-edged sword

part two of four. (part one.) (part 3.) (part four.)

summary:

a low hum. there’s something sharp in elias' smile. his gaze feels like it’s cutting you open. you hold your ground, unblinking, watching him and his annoyingly handsome face. 

“you’re wearing a mask, dear.”

“aren’t we all?”

wc. 3k

tw. reader's creeping paranoia, shockinlgy nothing smutty happens in this chapter, manipulation, graphic description of eyes, mild ptsd, nightmares, elias bouchard being a creep.

working in the archives has always been… a little off, for a lack of a better word. you are supposed to research and archive statements regarding “supernatural happenings” in a world where said supernatural has been swiped under the carpet, dismissed with a haughty scoff. still, it pays well. which is why you find yourself clocking in day after day. 

your colleagues… you don’t know what to make of them. not really. sasha’s been… off. you think there’s a void in the shape of her roaming about the place. she’s calm and focused. formal. has trouble logging in her computer - that’s… not right.

martin seems to be taking it well enough for someone who’s spent the past two months sleeping in the archives and then getting attacked by worms. sounds silly. definitely wasn’t. you think there’s much, much more to him than meets the eye and and accept the cups of coffee he hands you with a warm smile. you mean them. you like martin. his poetry a bit less. 

tim… is silent. he’s lost his smile. you haven’t fallen victim to one of his pranks in ages and fear you won’t ever have to worry about a sketchy statement being one of his little jokes. you feel anger bubbling inside of him at the mere mention of having to work in the archives. yet…

yet he’s helping you. 

the library is a quiet affair, the muted sort of silence that hangs like a comforting blanket over your shoulders. dust flutters away in the air, drawn by your steps. tim’s sigh cuts through the silence like a knife.

“why are we doing this again?”

you tuck back a book in its shelf. thankfully, not a leitner. still, nothing to do with architecture.

“because it is our job, tim.”

he scoffs.

“yeah, right. i wasn’t aware it involved risking my life.”

“look, you’re not forced to help me. if it makes you feel better to slack off, then i’m not stopping you.”

he laughs, mocking, almost cruel. the pressure at the back of your neck is near unbearable. you want to scream. you want to tear something apart.

“look at you! acting like everything’s normal! three months ago, you were bleeding out on my lap! how can you-”

“it’s either i focus on something else or i go mad.” you snap a book shut with a sharp intake of air. “you won’t like me mad, tim. now shut up and help me find robert smirke’s books, will you? i’m pretty sure they were there, but-”

his hand clasps around your wrist. 

“hold on. why are you looking for smirke’s books?”

“follow up on a statement involving urbex in the former church of saint james in west hackney. built by, you guessed it, robert smirke himself.”

you watch a flash of… something in his eyes. it looks like guilt in mourning, and you’re itching to pry, pry him open and unearth whatever secrets he keeps buried under a thick layer of good humour turned bitter. 

“it should be around here.”

you end up with three heavy volumes in hand, none of which feel like they’ll help with erin gallagher-nelson’s statement. then, something catches your attention. a small leather volume, tucked away behind the books you’re currently holding. tim’s already on his way out, much to your chagrin. you don’t feel too guilty when you reach for the small little book and tuck away those he’s helped you find, neatly ordered in their rightful place.

the little book in your hand is… not a leitner, which is a relief as you are not wearing gloves. no, it’s bound leather, with no title in sight. you open it, carefully, cradling it against your breast like something fragile, and cast your gaze upon its first page. the juts out in ink far too dark for its age.

the fears that bind us.

turn another page and see the summary. fourteen entries, neatly labelled. the Web. the Dark. the Spiral. the Buried. you pause.

the pinprick pain at your neck sharpens. you’re Watched. there’s nobody but you in the library, but there’s something, watching, always watching, and you can make eyes in the corners of the shelves and they’re peering down at you and they Know you’re starting to suspect something’s terribly wrong with this place and-

thud.

the book falls from your trembling hands. dust rises up, clings to the hem of your trousers. you stare at the dull, unassuming little leather cover and feel its magnetic pull. you Know there’s more to it than it lets on. you pick it up.

(somewhere, the chittering mass of the many-legged mother of puppets spins a chain of events into motion, weaving a pretty plan.)

*

these days, stepping in the institute feels like being strapped down to a vivisection table and having your brain prodded at. it’s oppressive. you become aware of just how many eyes there are in the institute. coworkers from other departments glancing disinterestedly at you. strange motives in the nooks and crannies of the wooden doors and shelves and corridors and floors, eyes half-lidded. pictures and their faded edges, you, tim, martin, jon and sasha (?) huddling close, smiling. portraits - jonah magnus, high and mighty, immortalised in his seat of power. you think his painted lips are curled up a little more than they normally are. you’ve seen that floating smile before.

you take to having your lunch outside of the institute. you find you can breathe easier through the sharp cold of london’s winter air. needle-sharp, it pierces your lungs, scrapes your throat with every mouthful of curry you swallow. you don’t mind. you have jon to huddle close to, no matter how much he rolls his eyes and tells you to take a warmer coat with you. still, he wraps his arm around you and intertwine his fingers with yours.

tim and martin make no comment - you do feel the weight of their gaze on your shoulders as you make your way back to your desk ten minutes sharp after jon comes back to his office. doesn’t matter. by now, you’re used to being watched.

you’re growing tired of it.

going home is no relief - that damned gaze is there, too. you clench your teeth and turn all the mirrors around and tuck away what little pictures you have. your breathing stutters in your throat. there’s a cork board on your wall, now, and you think of the one that lies in jon’s office, red strings stretching and stretching and it still doesn’t make sense. not yet. 

gertrude’s dead - somebody’s murdered her, three bullets, bang, the body falls, bang, bang just to make sure the old bat is dead, a waste of an Archivist. 

jon wants to know who. he tells you, fingers threading through his hair, tape recorder still running, that it could be anyone at that’s been working at the institute since five years. you’ve been hired two years ago, so you’re good, but tim? martin? sasha? elias?

(you’ve pressed your lips to jon’s and sworn to help him, forehead pressed against him in the sweetest oath.)

there are scraps of hastily jotted down notes, pictures faded at the edges. recurring people from statements - gerry keay, michael shelley, simon fairchild, prentiss, salesa. hilltop road. recurring themes, artefacts you took pain to research, asking sasha for help - she did work in artefact storage before, right?

(her smile was sharp when she nodded. too sharp. she laughed as she led you to the basement floor, something like a deadly private joke. you didn’t ask for her help again.)

you take a step back and stare at the board. the strings make no sense, red over red over red, and you have an eye staring back at you, unblinking, thread burned in your retina. 

smirke’s book lies open on your couch. your cat wisely stays away from it. you’ve named him socrates for a reason. you wish you could be blessed with the sage’s foresight.

fears bind you. there’s a classification, Entities that sometimes bleed in the corners of this world, out-of-sight-but-there. you’ll only notice when they strike. when they show themselves, when you realise there’s something terribly wrong with the stranger’s edges peering out of an alleyway, anglerfish luring its prey. poor smoker’s fate. 

a classification. fourteen primal fears straight out of the lovecraftian mythos. the stranger. the Spiral - think of michael, smile curling endlessly in all his sharp edges, laugh like an alarm bell ringing long after he’s gone. the Corruption - jane prentiss and her loving smile and worms burrowing in her flesh and in yours. 

the Eye.

you take in a sharp intake of air and read. 

IT KNOWS YOU.

*

you cannot move. you’re crushed by the sheer magnitude of the structure spreading around you in concentric circles of power. panopticon. he who stands in the centre watches and knows all. is there anyone at all in its centre?

you. you’re kneeling, skin bare and bruised and scraped, the stone harsh and unforgiving, scraping the tender skin of your knee. humidity seeps in through the open pores of your skin. 

you can’t see. it’s too dark, the penumbra stretching and stretching for miles, near corporeal with how thick it is. you think it might be reaching out for your eyes with too long fingers, chipped claws sinking below your eyelid to rip them off. 

you startle.

eyes.

so many eyes, staring at you from the darkness encasing you, with no eyelids so they do not blink. there’s the dreadful suspicion that their optic nerves join, mingle into something you do not want to see. ocular globes, little gelatinous spheres surrounding you, Watching you, Knowing you. you, on your bloody knees, heart stammering under your ribcage like a chased rabbit, your bare flesh cold, cold, cold. 

it’s cutting you open, scalpel gazes making careful, careful incisions in the marrow of your psyche. they’re carving open your head, your skull a neat, organic little box housing the grey matter of your brain. cerebrospinal fluid drips down your cheeks.

you shudder. you can feel them, Watching, Knowing, the mere thought of it a burning streak in your consciousness, they’re picking you apart, they Know what you’ve done, how you break-

you only start screaming when you look up and See.

you startle awake with a shuddering gasp, trembling so badly you can’t even make out the familiarity of your bedroom. breathe in. the darkness isn’t cloying, the street lights worming their way beneath your shutters. breathe out. you can hear the cars running, the nocturnal hustle and bustle of london’s night life. the chatter, the laughter. 

you let out a trembling sigh and run your hand over your face. you find it damp with sweat and tears. a beat of silence. you rest your forehead on your palms, hands gliding down until the heel of your palm is over your socket and you push there until you feel the bone, the gelatinous fragility of your eye. it is not the first time you have these dreams. you wish you could sleep.

you trace the edges of your temples, those you know were left gaping, those you know had been wrenched open- closed. no scar. only those on your thighs, on your forearms, on your hands from these wretched worms.

you close your fingers, nails digging in your bandaged palm and feel a pinprick of pain. the other side of the bed is cold and empty. you glance at the analog clock on your bedside table. the time blares, angry red flashing 5:32 in your retina. three hours left before going to work. 

you get up from the bed and set about changing your sweat-soaked sheets. you’re not going to fall back asleep. might as well get ready for work. you do, body set in autopilot. breakfast. shower. lather hydrating cream over the expanse of you. disinfect the many, many patches of scarred tissues left by the flesh-hive. get dressed - black tailored pants, cream crispy ironed shirt. a spritz of perfume. white flats. a quick glance in the mirror - there you are, the epitome of professional perfection, little miss trust-me-i-have-everything-under-control. 

you don’t.

you’re tired. so, so very tired. exhaustion settles like a heavy weight in your bone marrow, anchors you down until your whole world is clouded. foggy. you don’t remember the last time you’ve pushed the door to the archives without a thin veil clouding your eyes. 

you think of the Narrator, unnamed, bone-deep tired, staring emptily in the camera in a film you can’t say the name of. first rule: you do not talk about it. second rule: you do not, talk about it. everything’s a copy of a copy of a copy.

as it goes, you push the door to the archives, step inside the quiet room, shrug off your coat at your designated desk, and go about making yourself some coffee. nobody’s there to plot your bloody murder as you blankly explain that, to you, tea is nothing but bland leaf juice. not that tim or martin would bother these days.

it’s quiet. nobody’s here to see you climb the stairs to the break room on the second floor. the one used by the human resources department. lucky bastards. bastards, period. refusing to hand over the necessary funds to buy another coffee machine for the archives after the first one broke during prentiss’ infestation. and they say their mission is to foster a safe work environment. such a shame your morning murderous urges are only quelled by your second cup of the day.

you grab a mug and press the button. whirring rises in the dry silence of the room. slowly, slowly, the mug is filled up. you inhale and feel your shoulders relax by half a fraction. the heavenly scent of grounded coffee beans percolating feels the room and you find yourself smiling. it doesn’t ease the fogginess clouding your mind. it will do.

large window panes offer a wide overview of the streets below, the early morning fog clinging to humid asphalt, the rare cars passing by. you let out a slow exhale, your breath clouding the window.

your mug is ready.

“is that one for me?”

you startle.

elias bouchard stands behind you, hands clasped behind his back, picture perfect manager in a crisp suit - too stiff, too out of place in his employee’s break room. he’s wearing a phthalo green suit, the one that brings out the green-grey of his eyes. your favourite. and he’s waiting for your answer, you realise after an embarrassingly long amount of time.

there are two mugs in front of you. you blink.

“oh. oh, yes.”

you hand him the first mug and reach for your own. he thanks you with a floating smile and takes a sip. a low hum. 

“so you do have taste.”

you blink.

he’s reclining on a table, watching you. you and your impeccably ironed shirt, cradling your mug like one would something precious. you and the bags under your eyes, so dark they might be embedded in the preciously thin skin below your eyelids.

you snort. 

“just because i have a massive sweet tooth doesn’t mean i’d put sugar in coffee. i’m french, not a complete barbarian.”

you earn a quiet chuckle. something like satisfaction purrs inside of you - you made him laugh, the sound low and rich and deep.

“one might argue that you are, in the literal sense of the term, a barbarian.”

“one might argue that the etymological definition of a barbarian doesn’t apply to me, as i speak your language.”

you watch him, from over the steaming rim of your mug. something like… elation flashes in his eyes. the thrill of debate, maybe.

“do you, now?”

you tilt your head to the side, eyes narrowing by a fraction as you assess him. the perfect curl of his lips in that damning razor sharp half-smile. the relaxed slope of his shoulders. the soft stillness of his long, gloved fingers on the table. the glint in his green-grey eyes, daring you to take the bait.

you do, crossing your legs at the ankles, leaning back against the window.

“at first glance, yes.” you point an accusatory finger towards him. “but you, monsieur bouchard, don’t like sticking to first glances and faux-semblants, you’re sharper than that.”

a low hum. there’s something sharp in his smile. his gaze feels like it’s cutting you open. you hold your ground, unblinking, watching him and his annoyingly handsome face. 

“you’re wearing a mask, dear.”

“aren’t we all?”

he shakes his head.

“it’s convenient, isn’t it? not to have to bear the weight of your mother tongue.”

your shoulders tense. there’s that pinprick pressure at the back of your neck, standing poised and sharp against your vertebrae. he’s watching you, needle-gaze pinning you like a butterfly to a wall. 

“it’s a pain. english and french bleed into one another too much and it messes up my syntax.”

“you’re deflecting.”

“wasn’t your question rhetorical?”

silence. it feels like a loss. one beat, two beat, unsteady, hammering wildly like your heart, beneath layers of flesh and fabric, all perfectly controlled thank you very much.

he’s before you before you know it, close, close enough for you to smell his cologne - something sharp and cold with a faint hint of ink. you raise your eyes and meet his gaze. you think there’s a faint glow to it, irises flashing green for the briefest moments. 

“you’re hard to pin down, my dear.”

you can feel the heat of him, creeping closer and closer as he leans down ever so slightly, one gloved finger curling under your chin, tilting your head up, up, up until the angle makes you wince.

“coming from you, i’ll take that as a compliment.”

a low hum. the building pressure at your nape has you clenching your teeth. then, finally, he lets go, apparently satisfied with whatever it is he’s found in you.

“thank you for the coffee. it has been most… insightful.”

with that, he leaves, and you stand alone in the break room, coffee mug now cold. even without the unbearable weight of his gaze on you, you feel watched. the only thing remaining in the room with you is the portrait of jonah magnus, peering down at you with storm-grey eyes. somehow, it feels familiar.

you want to scream. you gulp down your coffee and leave an empty mug behind.

[raisindave]

[Chapter 62] Seeing the World Through Ballistic-Tinted Glasses

If your drill sergeant back and basic training had seen the state in which you'd left your quarters, he'd probably have you running the mile until noon. That dress you'd spent so much time searching for lay in a shrivelled mess across the bedroom tile, a single stiletto in your bathroom, another just under your bed. To your shock, your pearl necklace was still clinging to your throat, leaving lingering pink dents from a haphazard night's rest. Last night was a blur, but precious few memories that do flicker in your waking mind make your stomach flutter. You have to get up, even if sleep-deprived muscles make their protests known with every movement. 

It's nice to know that the barracks are quiet once again, seeing as most of the exalted generals and commanders have fucked off to whatever decorated offices they'd spawned from. Although, as comforting as the architecture might be in this stunning vista, it'll never ring as comfortable. A solid sleep being a consequence of sheer exhaustion, not a peaceful state of mind. Familiar halls steered you toward the common room where you'd previously found your colleagues lounging on other mornings, so you'll likely find them there. An odd sense of self-consciousness washed over you, not quite guilt per se, but a sense of abashedness that made your eyes flicker to make sure you're stepping through this wooden threshold with all your clothes on. No lingering glances, or even a glance at all; Soap was weaving blades of long grass into twine for whatever reason, and Gaz and Price were enthralled with their soccer on the grainy screen. 

"Cricket," Price grumbled; it made you flinch. "Good morning."

"Morning," you called, rounding the corner to find Ghost seated beside Soap's weaving station at a table by the window. 

"Seeing as you're excused from training today, I thought we'd get you out in the field to compensate," his piercing blue eyes saw through your soul when he turned to look at you.

Getting out in the field. That only means one thing. It's hard to say if Ghost's words with Price mentioned your aforementioned lack of participation in the practice. It might be Ghost's way of including you in an activity that distracts your mind from your cancelled training, or maybe he's trying to punish you for abandoning your post at the gala. Or, maybe it's just as simple as Price including you in rucking because you haven't accompanied them in a while, and that's the whole of it.

"Yes, sir."

"Get kitted. We'll be out and back before the afternoon sun cooks us," he grumbled, taking another long drag of coffee from one of those white mugs. 

Unluckily for you, this time around they had no intention of stopping in a pub on this excursion. No, it's for real this time, evidenced by a single twenty-pound pack of equipment slung beside four other kits laid up against the stucco wall by Soap. Still 'babying' you, as Ghost so uncharitably put it, as their packs looked to be easily fifty pounds, not counting the layered jackets and denim pants you're expected to equip. The military-grade jeans could probably stop a bullet at the right angle, starchy and heavy, finely woven to catch serrated blades in their place. It's easy to forget how weighty this armour and steel-toed boots feel once you've got them all equipped, but that's the purpose after all. And that purpose is to make this tactical equipment feel like a second skin, teaching harsh lessons of endurance and self-discipline with every agonizing pound. Buckles and velcro pull at unusual locations, grounding themselves in the sensitive flesh of your inner elbow and thigh, even with a thick barrier separating them from your skin. Eventually, you're all kitted up, only making your teammates wait about five extra minutes, despite only needing to apply half as much equipment. 

White sunshine made your pupils burn at the change in brightness, but pushing through the strain, you could barely make out Gaz's raised hand ushering you to the mode of transport. Of course it's in one of those trucks. And not just any truck, either. It's the same fucking one from the night before. At least you were wise enough to collect all of your garments before you left, or rather, most of them, but the thought still made your blood run cold. Soap gestured for you to slip in before him, oh-so-gentlemanly using saying 'ladies first' as an excuse to give you the dreaded middle seat in the back of the vehicle. The universe seems to have an odd sense of justice though, as only seconds later, after he'd assumed his position on your flank, Gaz's seat kicking backwards stripped him of the extra legroom. Ghost sat in on your other side, effectively sealing you into a horrifyingly claustrophobia-inducing situation. A front passenger seat had been dragged forward so far that only someone like you could've been seated there, but nobody bothered to question. That's weird. 

Chilled morning steam contrasted with warm breath created the most mortifying sight. A sight that even Ghost didn't initially spot until he followed your mortified gaze. Perfect imprints of sweaty palms and dragging fingertips imprinted on glass perfectly choreographed a sinful scene. Soap was contentedly distracted enough by arguing about soccer with Price and Gaz in the front seats, seemingly insulted by his opinions being intentionally disregarded. The Englishmen have banded together in an unsteady alliance, rejecting the inputs on the sport from the resident Scot. The distraction was enough for Ghost to think on his feet, rolling down the windows to drown away the scene on the glass. Fresh air didn't hurt either, and it felt like a crisis averted. Still, the stress is enough to make you forfeit your breakfast right then and there. 

Eventually, the vehicle came to a halt, and Soap's door swung open before Price even had the opportunity to take the keys out of the damn ignition. It came with fantastic timing because the sense of surging claustrophobia was just reaching a new high. The Captain had steered your hike through a lightly wooded scape that dramatically dropped into a sheer cliff that sloped into the rocky sea below. Kicked pebbles scuttered into freefall, the ensuing splash only barely audible over churning waves, white peaks of crashing saltwater lashing at the cliff face down below. 

So long as Price is satisfied with how exhausted you are, all while bearing it with a stiff lip, he'll relent his grip and let you shed this cruel equipment. You have to look tired, but not too tired. Dirty, but not too filthy. You have to keep up, but not enough to look like your equipment isn't a significant burden. At least the view is nice, where the morning sun had a way of making the late-night mist sparkle on the lush branches of proud cypress trees. Salty air sucked away simmering heat from under your jacket, where cool air breathed across the sweet spit that pooled over your tongue as you heaved. Rucking is exhausting and mentally draining in a backward sort of way, where you're in a constant state of willing creeping thoughts of weariness to silence. 

A fluttering bird over the horizon caught your attention, soaring and drooping with sleek wings, slicing through the air and stopping on a dime with a flash of flared tailfeathers. An osprey, probably. The speed at which it tears through your vision makes it difficult to identify it beyond a blur of brown and white until it deems whatever fish it'd spotted as an unworthy cause, instead flattening angular wings to catch the calming gale. Not delicate and demure like a sweet songbird, those seem to be plentiful in this patch of birch. It seems like every other branch is dotted with a spatter of yellow feathers, contentedly harmonizing with the next branch, little beacons of sunshine in their tiny bodies. 

But a trill, slicing through the air above crashing waves and thundering footsteps, enraptured a swivelling glance from all five of you. That osprey, commanding respect. They could be described as meek when held up to the mighty eagle, but they are independent and fierce, especially in their native environment. They don't have to fight for attention or prove themselves. Their worth is effortless, natural. But you couldn't get too lost in thought because every once in a while, you'll catch the tail end of cheeky banter between Soap and Ghost that sounds more like a married couple's squawking. Soap'll push Ghost's buttons about something menial, Ghost will have some stony and grim response, and Soap will cut the tension with some intentionally obtuse quip. It's like fire and ice with those two; it's easy to forget they're both career killers. 

In your eavesdropping, you'd uncovered the trivia that Ghost sometimes plays the drums, surprising as you'd always pinged him as a bassist. Soap used to play the bagpipes, but he'd apparently never graduated beyond playing the reed and not the full bagpipe, a detail he was fiercely defensive over when Gaz pushed for more information. Price glanced back at you as if to posit the same question of preferred instruments, but your heaving gasps seemed to communicate that you don't have the breath to contribute. And the assumption was entirely founded, because your lungs were burning in your chest just by keeping up this enduring pace. 

Your wandering mind made it possible to submit to your hiking, finding the same winding trail through tall birch and cypress trees reversing before you. You'd survived another session of rucking. Though this only counts as the second, and a half, rucking outing with these guys. Even still, it's enough to make you comfortably surrender to the fact that you're not cut out to be in the Special Forces. Conversation was easy whenever you found the breath to participate. Of course, it was easy for these guys; it was more like a leisurely stroll, swatting damp branches and kicking pebbles into the turbulent sea below. It felt like everyone was just contentedly avoiding the elephant in the room. It made your skin crawl, and your skeptical eyes dart to Ghost up ahead, on the vanguard of the trail.

Just as the afternoon sun was becoming unbearable, honing in on dark equipment, the cool wind from the opened windows in the truck gave you the comfort your slippery skin was begging for. You were getting dangerously close to heat exhaustion, but you'd never admit that. And Price would never knowingly put you in a situation he didn't think you could handle. Or so you hope. The sweet smell of manufactured coolant from the air-conditioning sang through your system, breathing life into dragging joints. Just as the rest of the gang was eager to unwind tense muscles and shower, you caught Ghost on his way down the hall, glancing for company before skipping to catch up. 

"What did you tell them?" You pressed, forcing him to halt his rigid pace. 

You knew he'd know exactly what you meant. Not a peep of concern and where you'd disappeared off to in a huff after just over an hour at the gala, never to be seen again. Nobody's asked where you and Ghost slinked off to, inconveniencing the lot of them by hijacking their ride. How did they even get back? Maybe they caught a ride with Laswell, or maybe they hiked back in the damp night, suits and all. Not exactly a hero's welcome, in spite of their medals and ribbons. 

"I told them the truth," he pledged with a cold and unabashed tone. 

Your heart plunged, frigid blood crashing through your system. The truth? He told them about your time at the park? 

"And what's the truth?" You croaked, feeling your forehead crinkle in abrupt concern. 

"That you're struggling to understand why you're not getting any recognition," he replied simply, edging on a challenging tone. "I said that I explained it to you, that I gave you a pep talk, and that it won't be an issue anymore."

"And you were the wise and valiant hero that wrangled me from that ledge," you scoffed, redirected horror manifesting into creeping agitation. 

"Yes," he replied arrogantly. "And I have the trophy to prove it." 

"A trophy you plundered from another. That's very British of you," you chirped, sealing your pack shut with a satisfying zip.

"Funny," he snarled flatly. 

It took the willful command of every muscle in your body not to swing your palm to smack him, striking that snide look off his face as he looked down at you. Yet, a sneaking sliver of yourself found discomfort in his initiative. He'd taken agency of your mental health, capitalizing on it to get you out of a sticky social situation. But at the same time, it's not like you had the willpower, nor the rank, to bring up those concerns to the Captain on your own anyway. And it's not like you weren't eager to take any opportunity to conceal a sneaky link on company hours. A part of you knew that he was aware of your dilemma. You'd given your trust to him, wholeheartedly laying your soul bare. But you came out of a willful disobedience of orders scot-free. Hell, if anything, he's the one who's under the magnifying glass now, seeing as his objective was to retrieve you from fleeing the gala, a mission he'd failed. Appearances that would've been damaged were saved by charisma and probably a handful of white lies. Effectively wriggling you free of a scolding from Price or Laswell, bringing up your concerns that you'd have to silently bear otherwise to your superiors, and permitting you to selfishly imbibe in another encounter with this coworkers-with-benefits relationship. Well played, Simon. 

"Lieutenant, sergeant, pack your things. We're in the air in thirty," Laswell called in your direction, already disappearing in a flurry of steps down another connecting hallway. 

"Do you know where we're going?" you posited, glancing back over to your colleague with a sudden surge of energy. 

"Berlin," he began. "You should really start paying attention to the news."

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Master List

[nissanmaxima]

Foot Note: I wrote this for my friends birthday so hopefully y’all like it so… yeah

———————————————————————

iOnce upon a time, in the enchanting kingdom of Faerghus, where whispers of love and passion floated in the air, there stood a magnificent castle. As thy approach the pearly white castle, its grandeur becomes increasingly evident. Nestled atop a gently rolling hill, it stands as a bastion of elegance and majesty. The castle's exterior is enveloped entirely in a pristine coat of grainy white paint, glistening under the soft daylight. Every wall, tower, and pillar is meticulously crafted with meticulous attention to detail, exuding an aura of ancient allure and timeless beauty.

The castle's architecture is a blend of various styles, combining elements of Gothic and Renaissance with a touch of whimsical fantasy. Towering spires reach towards the heavens, curving and tapering gracefully at their peaks like golden needles. Each spire is adorned with intricate carvings and delicate tracery, adding an extra layer of intricacy to the castle's decorative façade. Elaborate gargoyles peer down from the highest points as if keeping watch over the surrounding lands, their stone faces contorted into eerie expressions.

The castle's walls are massive and impenetrable, constructed from durable gray stone that has withstood the test of time. They rise seamlessly from the sloping grounds, forming a formidable barrier between the whimsical wonders within and the outside world. Narrow, arched windows punctuate the walls, their frames painted in a contrasting shade of robin's egg blue, providing a striking visual contrast against the pearly white canvas.

Continuing towards the bottom of the castle, a lively moat encircled its base, adorned with vibrant water lilies and gracefully gliding swans. The moat's crystal-clear waters shimmer under the sunlight, reflecting the castle's gleaming exterior, creating a magical aura around it. A sturdy drawbridge, decorated with ornate ironwork, spans across the moat, connecting the castle to the outside world. Standing open, it invites visitors into the enchanting realm within.

The weather outside the castle is as enchanting as the castle itself. The sky stretches forth in a canvas of cerulean blue, adorned with wispy clouds that dance gracefully against the heavens. A gentle breeze, laden with a hint of the neighboring meadows' fragrance, weaves through the air, creating a subtle symphony of rustling leaves and fluttering banners. The temperature is just right - neither too warm nor too cool - making it pleasant and inviting for anyone exploring the castle's exterior. Sunlight bathes the entire scene, casting long shadows along the castle's walls, accentuating its grandeur even further. The sun's rays, filtered through the delicate branches of nearby trees, create playful patterns on the ground, painting a natural kaleidoscope of light and shadow.

Though the weather is serene, a sense of anticipation fills the air. Birds soar above, chirping and singing their joyful melodies, their songs blending harmoniously with the rustling leaves and gentle whispers of the wind. The castle's surrounding landscape is awash with vibrant flowers, their colors ranging from delicate pastels to vibrant hues, as if nature herself had come to pay homage to this extraordinary edifice.

Overall, the pearly white castle stands proudly in its idyllic location, a testament to architectural mastery and imagination. Combined with the serene weather and the natural beauty surrounding it, the castle emanates an ethereal charm that enchants all who are fortunate enough to behold its splendor.

Inside its grand walls, there resided two souls destined to intertwine their fates in a tale of forbidden affection.

Prince Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd of Faerghus was a man of great stature and nobility. Born into a powerful and esteemed royal family, his essence exuded authority and leadership. He possessed a sharp mind, honed by years of rigorous education and a strict upbringing that ingrained in him the virtues of duty, honor, and justice. Dimitri's blue eyes emanated both intellect and compassion, and his dark, tousled hair added an air of rugged charm to his princely persona.

Within the kingdom, Dimitri was revered as a fair and just ruler, commanding the respect and admiration of his subjects. Known for his strategic prowess and exceptional combat skills, he had led his nation through countless battles, fiercely defending their lands against external threats. The prince's heart was filled with unmatched determination to protect Faerghus and its people, ensuring their prosperity even at the cost of his own well-being.

On the other hand, Princess Goldie of Rosefall, a neighboring kingdom, possessed a beauty unparalleled in the realm. Her golden locks cascaded like sunshine, and her emerald eyes sparkled with a mischievous twinkle. Scholars and poets alike were enchanted by her ethereal grace and mesmerizing charm. Gifted with a keen intellect and a compassionate heart, Goldie possessed a captivating personality that effortlessly drew everyone towards her.

Despite the overwhelming adoration she received, Princess Goldie's kingdom, Rosefall, was known for its isolationist policies. They were wary of establishing alliances or allowing external influences. The princess herself seemed to carry that burden as well, being confined within the walls of her luxurious castle. Her freedom and spirit were restrained, symbolizing the unattainable nature of their relationship.

Their neighboring kingdoms had often witnessed tension between the two ruling houses, Faerghus and Rosefall. The boundaries that separated them were not only geographical but political and ideological as well. They both prioritized the interests of their realms, their duty surpassing any personal longing they may have had. Though Dimitri and Goldie may have caught glimpses of each other during formal events and diplomatic meetings, they had never spoken or interacted beyond the confines of their royal duties.

Yet, the mere thought of a connection between the prince and princess intrigued the kingdom's gossipmongers. Tales of their hidden emotions and unexpressed love spread like wildfire, further fueling the imagination of the common folk. There was an undeniable magnetism between them, an invisible thread that tugged at their hearts, but their positions and responsibilities prevented it from being acknowledged openly.

The world beyond their reach seemed bleak and cold, but Dimitri and Goldie's secret desires, hopes, and dreams lived on. In the quiet solitude of their chambers, they often wondered if there was a possibility for their worlds to be entwined, for their hearts to beat in unison. Yet, duty held them captive, and their love remained silenced, buried beneath the weight of responsibility and the expectations of their respective kingdoms.

Their paths crossed once more during a grand gala, a lavish event to celebrate a rare eclipse that adorned the night sky. The very same moon that held their dreams formed an unspoken connection between the prince and princess. Dimitri dared to look into Goldie's eyes, witnessing the reflection of the stars and realizing the depth of his affection for her. Goldie, although bound by her obligations, secretly yearned to escape the shackles of tradition and follow the heart that pointed towards Dimitri.

However, the fairy tale had to remain unfinished, confined to the realm of hope and dreams. The duty of their positions and the rivalries between their kingdoms dictated their destinies. They were left with little choice but to suppress the love that bloomed within their hearts, the longing that stirred their souls.

And so, Prince Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd of Faerghus and Princess Goldie of Rosefall continued their separate journeys, forever yearning for a love forbidden, a love that could never be.

[appcrafterss]

Mobile App Development Companies and the Rise of Micro Apps

In the fast-evolving world of mobile technology, user expectations are constantly shifting toward speed, simplicity, and highly tailored experiences. This has led to a major transformation in how mobile apps are conceived, built, and deployed. At the center of this shift is the rise of micro apps—lightweight, task-specific mobile applications that are gaining immense traction. For mobile app development companies, this trend represents not only a change in user behavior but also a significant opportunity to innovate and differentiate.

Understanding Micro Apps

Micro apps are minimal, focused applications that perform one or a few functions very well. Unlike traditional mobile apps that are large, multifunctional, and sometimes bloated, micro apps are designed for efficiency. Think of them as the mobile equivalent of a single-purpose tool—designed to complete a specific task quickly and effectively.

Popular examples include apps for checking your calendar, scanning a document, approving an invoice, or even tracking a package. These apps strip away the unnecessary layers and focus on delivering value with minimal friction. They are often embedded within larger platforms (like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Salesforce) or delivered through lightweight frameworks like progressive web apps (PWAs).

Why Micro Apps Are Gaining Popularity

Faster Development and Deployment Micro apps require less time and fewer resources to build. This allows development Flutter App Development Company teams to respond quickly to business needs or user feedback. Companies can roll out updates or new features with minimal risk and effort, enabling continuous delivery and rapid iteration.

Improved User Experience Users don’t always want to download a heavy app with dozens of features they’ll never use. Micro apps reduce cognitive load and deliver immediate value, which makes them appealing to mobile users who demand speed and simplicity.

Better Performance and Lower Data Usage Because they are android app development companies in us lightweight, micro apps consume fewer system resources and less data. This is particularly important in emerging markets where bandwidth and storage can be limited.

Enterprise Integration In large organizations, micro apps are becoming the backbone of internal digital workflows. They are used for specific tasks like submitting timesheets, accessing HR services, or approving expense reports, and are often integrated into larger enterprise systems.

The Role of Mobile App Development Companies

Mobile app development companies are at the forefront of this movement. As businesses shift toward microservice architecture and modular design, these companies are rethinking their strategies. Here’s how they’re adapting:

Agile and Modular Development Many development firms are embracing agile methodologies to deliver micro apps incrementally. With a modular approach, developers can build reusable components, speeding up the development cycle and ensuring consistency across apps.

Cross-Platform and PWA Expertise Micro apps are often built using cross-platform technologies or as PWAs to maximize reach and minimize cost. Mobile development firms are investing in tools like Flutter, React Native, and Angular to deliver responsive, app-like experiences across devices.

API-Centric Architecture APIs are central to micro apps, as they often rely on external services and databases. App development companies are becoming adept at API design and integration, ensuring micro apps function seamlessly within a larger digital ecosystem.

Security and Compliance With more apps floating around—even if they are small—security becomes a concern. Development companies are stepping up to implement secure coding practices, data encryption, and compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA.

UX/UI Innovation Since micro apps are heavily focused on simplicity, the user interface becomes even more critical. Development firms are pushing the boundaries of UX/UI design to ensure these small apps are intuitive, attractive, and instantly useful.

Micro Apps in Action: Real-World Use Cases

The growing use of micro apps spans multiple industries:

Healthcare: Apps for scheduling appointments, refilling prescriptions, or accessing lab results.

Finance: Simple apps for checking balances, approving transactions, or viewing recent activity.

Retail: Micro apps for inventory tracking, order status updates, and loyalty programs.

Education: Tools for assignment submissions, attendance tracking, and accessing course materials.

Even government and public sector agencies are turning to micro apps to streamline services and improve citizen engagement.

Challenges in Micro App Development

Despite the many benefits, micro apps also come with their own set of challenges:

Fragmentation: Having many small apps can create a fragmented user experience if not managed properly.

Discoverability: Users may struggle to find the right app for the task if there are too many.

Maintenance: Managing updates, bugs, and compatibility across numerous micro apps can be labor-intensive.

Data Integration: Ensuring all micro apps sync correctly with central databases and systems can be technically complex.

To address these, companies are investing in centralized app hubs, strong governance models, and advanced analytics to track usage and performance.

The Future of Mobile Apps Is Micro

As digital ecosystems grow more complex and users demand faster, more personalized services, micro apps are poised to dominate. Mobile app development companies that adapt to this model stand to benefit immensely. By focusing on speed, specificity, and seamless integration, they can help businesses stay ahead of the curve.

[himanshupractice2]

BLOG 03| Relevant Practices| Designing Worlds That Speak: Jolan Huijskes' UE5 Scene and the Power of Environmental Detail

In the realm of game design, the integration of realistic environmental details plays a pivotal role in enhancing player immersion. A recent project by 3d Environment Artist Jolan Huijskes exemplifies this principle through the innovative use of vertex-painted peeling effects in Unreal Engine 5. This technique not only showcases technical prowess but also underscores a broader trend in the industry towards meticulous environmental storytelling.​

Project Overview

Huijskes' project is a digital recreation of a Japanese scene inspired by real-life photographs of Yamadera. Utilising tools such as Blender, Substance 3d, and Photoshop, the artist has crafted a serene environment featuring traditional vermilion architecture set against a backdrop of expansive skies and lush mountains. The scene is further brought to life with dynamic elements like fluttering Buddhist papers and soaring birds, adding layers of realism and narrative depth.

Innovative Use of Vertex Painting

A standout feature of this project is the application of vertex-painted peeling effects. By manipulating vertex colors, Huijskes introduces subtle, localized wear and aging to surfaces, simulating the natural degradation of materials over time. This approach diverges from traditional texture mapping, offering a more nuanced and artistically controlled method to depict environmental aging. The result is a scene that feels lived-in and authentic, with surfaces that tell stories of exposure to the elements and the passage of time.​

Broader Implications for Game Design

The adoption of such techniques reflects a significant shift in game design practices. Artists are increasingly moving beyond static, pre-baked textures, embracing dynamic methods that allow for more expressive and context-sensitive environmental storytelling. The use of vertex painting, in particular, enables designers to imbue their creations with a level of detail and realism that enhances player engagement and emotional connection to the game world.​

Conclusion

Jolan Huijskes' project serves as a compelling example of how innovative techniques in environmental design can elevate the gaming experience. By leveraging the capabilities of Unreal Engine 5 and embracing creative approaches like vertex-painted peeling effects, artists are pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital environments. This project not only highlights the technical achievements of the artist but also contributes to the ongoing evolution of game design, where art and technology converge to create more immersive and meaningful experiences for players.​

[mila-violet]

Why is Hiring Flutter App Development the correct choice in 2025?

You’ve got the idea. The vision is clear. Maybe even the business model is already mapped out.

But here comes the wall, how do you build the actual app?

Do you go native or cross-platform?

Should you hire freelancers or build an in-house team?

What’s the fastest route without sacrificing quality?

If you’re navigating that maze right now, this blog will give you a clear path forward, especially if you're ready to hire Flutter app developers to bring your idea to life.

Let’s break it down into one wise decision at a time.

What Is Flutter and Why Are Businesses Choosing It?

Flutter is an open-source UI toolkit created by Google that lets developers build natively compiled apps for mobile phones, computer web, and desktops, all from a single codebase.

It’s built in Dart and trusted by brands like eBay, BMW, and Alibaba. But it’s not just for tech giants. Startups and growing businesses love it for one simple reason, speed to market without compromising user experience.

And that's precisely why more companies are choosing to hire Flutter app developers instead of juggling separate iOS and Android teams.

Why Is Flutter a Smart Choice for App Development?

When you’re building an app, choosing the right framework can make or break your timeline, user experience, and bottom line. And with so many tools in the market, such as React Native, Swift, Kotlin, Xamarin, and more, making the right call can be overwhelming.

So, why are more and more CTOs, startup founders, and digital product teams choosing Flutter Software?

Let’s look at exactly what makes Flutter Development Company such a powerful contender.

Cross-Platform Efficiency

Flutter Software allows developers to write a single codebase that works seamlessly across iOS, Android, desktop, and web platforms. This means you can develop and launch for multiple platforms simultaneously without doubling your workload or budget.

Whether you're building an MVP or a full-scale enterprise app, using Flutter helps reduce development time by 30–40%. That’s a huge win when speed-to-market is a key success factor.

Native-Like Performance without the Native Cost

Performance is a non-negotiable in today’s mobile-first world. Users won’t tolerate lag, stutters, or clunky UI transitions.

Flutter Software addresses this by compiling the software directly into native ARM or machine code. Unlike some other frameworks that rely on bridges or intermediate layers, Flutter apps interact directly with the device hardware, offering near-native performance with fewer system bottlenecks.

The result? Fast, fluid user experiences that feel natural without the cost of building two separate native apps.

A Beautiful & Customizable UI Out of the Box

Design matters. It’s the first thing users notice and often what keeps them engaged.

Flutter’s widget-based architecture offers a wide range of pre-built components, buttons, sliders, animations, and even complex layouts that can be fully customized to match your brand’s visual identity.

Whether you need to create a minimal interface or something fully animated and dynamic, Flutter gives your designers and developers the tools to make it happen.

Better yet, these widgets behave consistently across platforms, ensuring a unified user experience without doubling design efforts.

Backed and maintained by Google

Flutter isn’t just a trendy open-source project. It’s a Google Search Engine-led ecosystem with deep engineering support and long-term investment.

This means:

Regular updates with new features and improvements

Comprehensive documentation

A fast-growing developer community

Integrations with other Google technologies like Firebase, Material Design, and Dart

When you hire Flutter app developers, you're not just adopting a framework. You're tapping into a stable, well-supported, amazing ecosystem that continues to evolve alongside the mobile and web industries.

Faster Development & Easier Maintenance = Bigger ROI

One of Flutter’s biggest advantages is the hot reload feature. It allows developers to instantly view changes in the app without restarting it, which speeds up debugging and experimentation dramatically.

Less friction in development = faster feedback loops

Faster feedback = fewer bugs and better UX

Fewer bugs = lower maintenance costs post-launch

It all adds up to greater efficiency and a higher return on your investment, especially when working with an experienced, dedicated team.

What to look for when you hire Flutter App Developers?

Hiring Flutter app developers isn’t just about scanning resumes for the right keywords. It’s about finding professionals who understand the deeper connection between technology and business outcomes.

Whether you're building a startup MVP or scaling an enterprise-grade solution, the people behind your product can make or break the experience.

Here’s what to look for when hiring Flutter app developers who can truly add value:

Proven Industry Experience

Look for developers who have successfully delivered Flutter apps across various industries. Experience with different use cases, whether it’s fintech, healthcare, logistics, or eCommerce, shows adaptability and problem-solving ability in real-world conditions.

Strong Fluency in Dart and Core Flutter Principles

Flutter runs on Dart. A great developer should not only be proficient in Dart but also fully understand the Flutter framework, including widget trees, state management, and rendering techniques. This ensures the code is not just functional, but also scalable and efficient.

API, Firebase, and Integration Expertise

Modern apps don't exist in isolation. The right Flutter developer knows how to integrate third-party APIs, use Firebase for real-time data handling, and connect backend systems securely and efficiently.

Knowledge of Architecture and DevOps Workflows

The best Flutter developers understand how to design maintainable app architecture. They should also be comfortable working within CI/CD pipelines, managing version control, and performing comprehensive testing, from unit to integration.

Project Management and Communication Skills

Technical skills are only half the story. Strong developers can also collaborate across teams, follow project timelines, write clear documentation, and provide proactive input when challenges arise.

When hiring Flutter app developers, look for those who bring clarity to complexity and make collaboration easy.

How does Flutter cut development Time and Cost?

One of the biggest reasons businesses choose Flutter is the reduction in both time and cost. Unlike native app development, which requires separate codebases and teams for iOS and Android, Flutter uses a single shared codebase to deploy across platforms. This unified structure significantly cuts development time.

Flutter’s widget-driven design system also boosts productivity. Developers can reuse visual components and logic across screens, allowing for rapid iteration. With features like hot reload, they can test UI changes, fix bugs, and experiment with new ideas instantly without restarting the app.

Fewer developers are needed, which directly reduces overhead. And with fewer lines of code to maintain, long-term updates and bug fixes become far less expensive.

In short, Flutter helps companies build faster, with smaller teams, and get to market sooner, all while keeping quality intact.

[flutterdevs]

A Comprehensive Guide to Flutter App Development

Flutter, Google's UI toolkit, has revolutionized cross-platform mobile app development. Its ability to create beautiful, natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase has captured the hearts of developers worldwide. But where do you begin? This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Flutter app development, from the basics to advanced concepts.

Read: Top 10 Benefits of Using Flutter for Your Project

1. What is Flutter and Why Choose It?

Flutter is an open-source UI software development kit created by Google. It uses the Dart programming language and provides a rich set of pre-built widgets for creating visually appealing and high-performance applications.

Key Advantages:

Cross-Platform Development: Write code once and deploy it on iOS, Android, web, and desktop.

Hot Reload: See changes instantly without restarting the app, significantly speeding up development.

Rich Widget Library: Flutter's extensive library of customizable widgets allows for stunning UI designs.

Native Performance: Flutter apps are compiled to native code, ensuring optimal performance.

Growing Community: A large and active community provides ample support and resources.

2. Setting Up Your Flutter Environment:

Before diving into coding, you need to set up your development environment. This involves:

Installing the Flutter SDK.

Setting up an IDE (Integrated Development Environment) like VS Code or Android Studio with the Flutter and Dart plugins.

Configuring emulators or physical devices for testing.

3. Understanding the Flutter Architecture:

Flutter's architecture is built around widgets. Everything in Flutter is a widget, from buttons and text fields to entire screens.

Widgets: The basic building blocks of the UI.

Dart: Flutter's programming language, known for its speed and efficiency.

Rendering Engine: Flutter uses Skia, a 2D graphics library, to render UI elements.

Platform-Specific Layers: These layers handle platform-specific functionalities.

4. Building Your First Flutter App:

Let's break down the basic structure of a Flutter app:

main.dart: The entry point of your application.

MaterialApp: A widget that sets up the app's theme and navigation.

Scaffold: Provides a basic app structure with an app bar, body, and floating action button.

Widgets: Text, buttons, image, listviews etc.

Example of a simple "Hello World" app:

Dart

import 'package:flutter/material.dart';

void main() {

  runApp(MyApp());

}

class MyApp extends StatelessWidget {

  @override

  Widget build(BuildContext context) {

    return MaterialApp(

      home: Scaffold(

        appBar: AppBar(

          title: Text('Hello World'),

        ),

        body: Center(

          child: Text('Hello, Flutter!'),

        ),

      ),

    );

  }

}

5. State Management:

State management is crucial for building complex apps. Flutter offers several state management solutions:

setState(): For simple state changes within a single widget.

Provider: A popular package for managing app-wide state.

Bloc (Business Logic Component): A pattern for managing complex state and business logic.

Riverpod: A reactive caching and data-binding solution.

6. Navigation and Routing:

Flutter provides robust navigation tools for managing screen transitions:

Navigator: Used to push and pop routes.

Named Routes: For defining and navigating to routes using strings.

Navigation 2.0: A declarative API for more complex navigation scenarios.

7. Working with APIs and Data:

Most apps require fetching data from external APIs. Flutter provides tools for handling network requests:

http package: For making HTTP requests.

dio package: A powerful HTTP client with interceptors and other advanced features.

FutureBuilder and StreamBuilder: Widgets for handling asynchronous data.

8. Advanced Flutter Concepts:

Animations: Flutter's animation framework allows for creating smooth and engaging UI animations.

Custom Widgets: Building reusable custom widgets to enhance your app's UI.

Plugins and Packages: Leveraging the vast ecosystem of Flutter packages to add functionality.

Testing: Writing unit, widget, and integration tests to ensure app quality.

Deployment: Building and deploying your Flutter app to various platforms.

9. Continuous Learning and Resources:

The Flutter ecosystem is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices by:

Following the official Flutter documentation.

Exploring Flutter community forums and blogs.

Taking online courses and tutorials.

Contributing to open-source Flutter projects.

Conclusion:

Flutter offers a powerful and efficient way to build cross-platform applications. By understanding the fundamentals and continuously learning, you can unlock the full potential of this incredible framework. Happy coding!

Need Expert Flutter Development?

If you're looking to build a high-quality, cross-platform Flutter application, but don't have the in-house expertise, we can help. Hire our experienced Flutter developers to bring your vision to life. 

At Getwidget, we specialize in creating robust and scalable Flutter apps tailored to your specific needs.

Contact Us 

Must check out: IoT-Driven Projects Using Flutter: A Comprehensive Guide

[souhaillaghchimdev]

Financial and Banking Application Programming

Financial technology (FinTech) has revolutionized how we manage money, invest, and perform banking operations. For developers, programming financial and banking applications involves a unique set of skills, tools, and compliance considerations. This post explores the essential concepts and technologies behind building secure and robust financial applications.

Types of Financial Applications

Banking Apps: Enable account management, transfers, and payments.

Investment Platforms: Allow users to trade stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies.

Budgeting & Expense Trackers: Help users monitor spending and savings.

Loan Management Systems: Handle loan applications, payments, and interest calculations.

Payment Gateways: Facilitate secure online transactions (e.g., Stripe, PayPal).

Key Features of Financial Software

Security: End-to-end encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and fraud detection.

Real-time Data: Updates for balances, transactions, and market prices.

Compliance: Must adhere to financial regulations like PCI DSS, KYC, AML, and GDPR.

Transaction Logging: Transparent, auditable logs for user actions and payments.

Integration: APIs for banking systems, stock markets, and payment processors.

Popular Technologies Used

Frontend: React, Flutter, Angular for responsive and mobile-first interfaces.

Backend: Node.js, Django, .NET, Java (Spring Boot) for high-performance services.

Databases: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis for transaction tracking and caching.

APIs: Plaid, Yodlee, Open Banking APIs for data aggregation and bank access.

Security Tools: JWT, OAuth 2.0, TLS encryption, secure token storage.

Basic Architecture of a Banking App

Frontend: User dashboard, transaction view, forms.

API Layer: Handles business logic and authentication.

Database: Stores user profiles, transaction history, account balances.

Integration Services: Connect to payment processors and banking APIs.

Security Layer: Encrypts communication, verifies users, logs events.

Regulatory Compliance

PCI DSS: Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.

KYC: Know Your Customer procedures for identity verification.

AML: Anti-Money Laundering laws and automated detection.

GDPR: Ensures data protection for EU citizens.

SOX: U.S. Sarbanes-Oxley Act compliance for financial reporting.

Sample: Python Code to Fetch Transactions (Plaid API)

import plaid from plaid.api import plaid_api from plaid.model import TransactionsGetRequest client = plaid_api.PlaidApi(plaid.Configuration( host=plaid.Environment.Sandbox, api_key={'clientId': 'your_client_id', 'secret': 'your_secret'} )) request = TransactionsGetRequest( access_token='access-sandbox-123abc', start_date='2024-01-01', end_date='2024-04-01' ) response = client.transactions_get(request) print(response.to_dict())

Best Practices for FinTech Development

Always encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit.

Use tokenization for storing financial credentials.

Perform regular security audits and penetration testing.

Use test environments and sandboxes before live deployment.

Stay updated with financial laws and API updates.

Conclusion

Financial and banking software development is a specialized domain that requires technical precision, regulatory awareness, and security-first design. With proper tools and best practices, developers can build impactful financial applications that empower users and institutions alike.

[getaprogrammer7]

Full Stack Development Services: 8 Features That Make Them Stand Out

Modern businesses face a constant challenge—delivering applications that are not only functional and scalable but also responsive, secure, and fast to market. Whether launching a customer-facing app or building an internal business system, one crucial decision is selecting the right development approach. Full stack development stands out as a comprehensive solution, allowing companies to build efficient, end-to-end digital platforms without fragmented development efforts. This web blog explains the eight core features that distinguish Full stack development services, giving decision-makers a clearer understanding of why this approach is increasingly vital to meeting today’s evolving digital demands.

1. End-to-End Project Ownership

One of the most critical features of full stack development is the ability to handle both client-side and server-side development seamlessly. Full stack developers are skilled in working across the entire technology stack—from user interface design using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript frameworks to backend programming with languages like Python, Node.js, or .NET, and database integration.

This versatility ensures fewer hand-offs between front-end and back-end teams, leading to smoother workflows, clearer communication, and faster delivery timelines. For businesses, this means a single point of accountability and better control over project direction.

2. Faster Time to Market

Speed is essential in the current digital landscape. New products need to reach users quickly, and updates should be rolled out without delay. Full stack teams accelerate this process by eliminating dependency on multiple developers or segmented teams. With cross-functional knowledge, developers can switch between development layers and address roadblocks in real time.

By using agile methodologies and iterative sprints, full stack developers help reduce the time it takes to move from concept to deployment. This agility is a significant advantage for businesses looking to remain competitive and responsive to user feedback.

3. Cost Efficiency Without Compromising Quality

Hiring separate developers for each layer of your application architecture can be costly, especially for start-ups and mid-sized businesses. Full stack development services allow you to engage fewer professionals with broader expertise, reducing the need for larger teams.

Moreover, streamlined communication and shorter development cycles lead to reduced overheads. Full stack developers understand how front-end decisions impact back-end performance, which minimises rework and supports quality output from the start.

4. Enhanced Product Consistency and Integration

Consistency across application layers is often a challenge when different teams manage the front end and back end separately. Full stack developers work with a holistic understanding of the entire system, which leads to greater alignment in logic, data handling, and user experience.

Whether it's implementing authentication, ensuring API efficiency, or improving interface responsiveness, the integrated approach of Full stack development services ensures that each part of the application functions in harmony with the rest.

5. Cross-Platform Expertise and Versatility

Modern applications are expected to perform seamlessly across multiple platforms—web, mobile, and desktop. Full stack developers are generally proficient with cross-platform development frameworks such as React Native, Flutter, and Electron. This ability helps businesses launch products across diverse environments without needing to rebuild core logic or designs.

Additionally, their exposure to different development environments allows them to pick the most suitable stack and tools for the project, rather than sticking to a rigid technology preference. This flexibility ensures better outcomes based on your unique business goals.

6. Rapid Prototyping and MVP Development

Early-stage businesses or those experimenting with a new product idea often need to validate concepts quickly. Full stack developers excel at building Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and prototypes within shorter cycles.

Their ability to build functional demos with working features enables stakeholders to gather real-world feedback, adjust features, and refine the product roadmap before committing to full-scale development. This iterative approach reduces financial risks and ensures market-fit before scaling.

7. Better Support and Maintenance

Post-deployment support and system maintenance are crucial for long-term product success. Bugs, performance bottlenecks, or integration issues need to be resolved quickly. Full stack developers—because they understand both the architecture and the interface—can troubleshoot and fix issues across layers without requiring separate teams.

Their involvement from the beginning of the project also gives them context on earlier decisions, making it easier to apply patches, roll out new features, or address changing business requirements efficiently.

8. Scalable and Future-Proof Architecture

Today’s businesses must plan not just for the present, but also for future scale. Applications that may serve a few hundred users at launch might need to support thousands later. Full stack developers are well-positioned to design software systems with scalability in mind, choosing appropriate frameworks, data models, and server configurations.

Moreover, they tend to be early adopters of technology and cloud-native principles, making it easier to incorporate new tools or migrate workloads to scalable environments like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud without disrupting core functionality.

Why Businesses Are Choosing Full Stack Development Services

Companies of all sizes—whether launching digital products, streamlining internal tools, or replacing legacy systems—are recognising the strategic value of integrated development solutions. Full stack development services offer businesses a unified approach that simplifies coordination, reduces miscommunication, and speeds up innovation.

When combined with agile methodologies, cloud-native infrastructure, and DevOps practices, full stack teams become the driving force behind fast, scalable, and user-friendly applications.

Also check the Top 10 Reasons to Invest in Full Stack Development Services for Your Business

Choosing the Right Full Stack Development Partner

While the benefits are clear, not all full stack development providers offer the same depth of expertise. Businesses should seek out partners with a proven track record across diverse industries, strong knowledge of current technologies, and a collaborative approach to project planning.

An ideal partner will not only deliver code but also contribute to strategy, user experience design, and ongoing system improvements. Reviewing portfolios, requesting technical interviews, and exploring client testimonials can help businesses make informed decisions.

As business environments become more demanding and customer expectations continue to grow, the need for fast, scalable, and cohesive digital solutions has never been greater. Full stack development services provide a comprehensive, end-to-end development model that aligns with modern digital goals—speed, quality, scalability, and innovation. By choosing full stack teams, businesses eliminate siloed workflows, lower development costs, and gain a partner who understands the bigger picture. Whether you're building a simple internal dashboard or a feature-rich customer-facing platform, full stack development offers the versatility and efficiency to bring your ideas to life—faster and better. GetAProgrammer stands as a trusted technology partner, offering expert full stack development services tailored to help businesses accelerate digital growth and future-proof their applications.Get in touch with us today.

[mobiloittetechblogs]

Custom IoT Development Services for Smarter Enterprises

In an era where intelligence meets automation, the Internet of Things (IoT) stands as a transformative force, connecting devices, people, and systems like never before. Businesses across industries are leveraging IoT to enhance operations, deliver better customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams.

At Mobiloitte, we deliver comprehensive, secure, and scalable IoT Development Services to bring your connected ideas to life. As a full-cycle IoT development company, we specialize in building high-performance, data-driven solutions that allow enterprises to monitor, automate, and control their operations in real-time.

Whether you're a startup building a smart product or an enterprise seeking end-to-end automation, Mobiloitte is the ideal IoT app development company to help you lead in the connected economy.

What is IoT Development?

IoT development involves creating ecosystems where physical devices—like sensors, machinery, wearables, and appliances—are connected to the internet and to each other. These devices collect and exchange data, which is analyzed to generate actionable insights.

Key components of an IoT solution include:

Hardware (Sensors & Devices)

Connectivity (Wi-Fi, BLE, Zigbee, 5G, NB-IoT)

IoT Gateways

Cloud Infrastructure

Mobile/Web Applications

Data Analytics & AI Integration

As an expert IoT application development company, Mobiloitte handles the complete development lifecycle—from hardware integration and cloud setup to mobile app development and predictive analytics.

Why Choose Mobiloitte as Your IoT Development Company?

✅ End-to-End IoT Expertise

We deliver full-stack IoT solutions—from edge devices to cloud platforms and business intelligence dashboards.

✅ Cross-Industry IoT Experience

We’ve delivered IoT projects in smart manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, energy, retail, logistics, and more.

✅ Hardware + Software Proficiency

Our team understands both the embedded systems behind IoT hardware and the software layers that power smart applications.

✅ Secure & Scalable Architectures

We build secure, scalable systems ready to handle thousands of devices and millions of data points.

✅ Cloud-Native & Edge-Ready

We work with AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub, and Google Cloud IoT, and deploy edge computing when real-time local data processing is needed.

Our IoT Application Development Services

Mobiloitte offers a complete suite of IoT application development services, covering everything from device firmware to cloud and mobile interfaces.

🔹 1. IoT Consulting & Strategy

We evaluate your business goals, tech readiness, and use cases to build a future-ready IoT roadmap.

Feasibility analysis

Technology stack selection

Use-case definition

Compliance & security planning

🔹 2. Hardware Integration & Prototyping

Our team integrates and configures IoT sensors, actuators, and embedded devices tailored to your project needs.

PCB design & prototyping

Microcontroller programming

Sensor calibration

BLE/NB-IoT/LoRaWAN integration

🔹 3. IoT App Development (Mobile/Web)

We develop cross-platform mobile and web applications that enable users to monitor and control devices in real time.

React Native, Flutter, Swift, Kotlin, Angular

Device dashboards & alerts

Remote control features

Data visualization & analytics

🔹 4. Cloud & Backend Development

We build cloud-based platforms that receive, process, store, and visualize sensor data securely and efficiently.

AWS IoT, Azure IoT Hub, Google Cloud IoT

MQTT, CoAP, HTTP/RESTful APIs

Serverless architecture

Auto-scaling & data backups

🔹 5. Data Analytics & AI Integration

Our IoT systems are enhanced with AI/ML to provide predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and intelligent automation.

Predictive maintenance

Pattern recognition

Real-time alerts and automation

Smart decision-making

🔹 6. IoT Testing & QA

We ensure device compatibility, data integrity, and seamless performance across all connected components.

Functional, integration, security, and scalability testing

Firmware and app debugging

Protocol validation

🔹 7. Security & Compliance

Security is at the core of every Mobiloitte IoT project. We follow best practices for device encryption, user authentication, and data protection.

Secure boot & firmware updates

Device identity management

Role-based access control

GDPR, HIPAA, ISO/IEC 27001 compliant frameworks

Industries We Serve with IoT Development Solutions

Mobiloitte delivers IoT solutions across a wide array of verticals, helping businesses gain a competitive edge:

🚚 Smart Logistics & Supply Chain

Real-time fleet tracking

Warehouse automation

Cold chain monitoring

🏥 Healthcare & MedTech

Remote patient monitoring

Smart medical devices

Hospital asset tracking

🏭 Industrial IoT (IIoT)

Predictive maintenance

Equipment monitoring

Digital twin development

🌇 Smart Cities

Smart parking systems

Waste management

Traffic control solutions

🛒 Retail & E-commerce

In-store behavior analytics

Inventory tracking

Smart vending systems

🌱 Agritech

Soil & crop monitoring

Irrigation automation

Livestock tracking

Our Technology Stack

As a full-spectrum IoT development company, we work with all the key technologies that make your solution scalable and future-proof:

Connectivity Protocols:

MQTT, CoAP, Bluetooth, BLE, Zigbee, LoRaWAN, LTE, NB-IoT, 5G

Embedded Platforms:

Raspberry Pi, Arduino, ESP32, STM32, ARM Cortex

Mobile & Web Development:

Flutter, React Native, Swift, Kotlin, Angular, React.js

Cloud & DevOps:

AWS IoT Core, Azure IoT Hub, Google Cloud IoT, Kubernetes, Docker, Jenkins

Database & Analytics:

MongoDB, Firebase, InfluxDB, TimescaleDB, Grafana, Power BI, TensorFlow

Mobiloitte’s IoT Development Process

We follow a structured development approach designed for transparency, flexibility, and speed:

1. Discovery Phase

Business analysis

Requirement gathering

IoT roadmap creation

2. Design & Prototyping

Architecture design

UI/UX wireframes

Device testing (PoC/MVP)

3. Development

Hardware programming

Mobile/web app development

Backend & cloud integration

4. Testing & Optimization

End-to-end QA

Security audits

Load & stress testing

5. Deployment

Scalable deployment on the cloud

Device provisioning

Final launch

6. Support & Maintenance

Ongoing updates

Monitoring dashboards

Feature enhancement cycles

Client Success Story: Smart Factory Automation

One of our industrial clients wanted to reduce production downtime and improve safety in their manufacturing plant. Mobiloitte developed a full-stack IoT solution involving:

Sensor-driven asset monitoring

Predictive maintenance alerts using AI

Real-time dashboards for factory floor analytics

Mobile app to control machinery remotely

As a result, the client saw a 22% decrease in maintenance costs and a 30% increase in production uptime within six months.

Conclusion

The future is interconnected, with IoT at its core. Whether you're optimizing factory operations, launching smart products, or enabling real-time analytics, IoT opens up limitless possibilities for digital transformation. 

As a leading IoT app development company, Mobiloitte blends technical expertise, cross-industry experience, and an agile approach to deliver secure, scalable, and intelligent IoT solutions. From concept to deployment, we assist businesses in building robust IoT ecosystems that drive efficiency, innovation, and growth. 

Partner with Mobiloitte to transform your IoT vision into reality and stay ahead in the smart revolution. Let’s innovate together!

[duxiaomin-blog]

Fluttering Elegance: The Infinite Dream of Butterflies

——Lightness and Brilliance: The Butterfly Imagery in Chinoiserie Aesthetics

Chinoiserie, as a significant style of decorative art in 18th-century Europe, embodies the Western romantic imagination of Eastern culture. It is not merely an imitation of Chinese craftsmanship but a unique aesthetic blending European techniques with Chinese elements. The decorative themes of Chinoiserie are diverse, and among them, butterflies are one of the most symbolic motifs. With their graceful posture, magnificent colors, and poetic imagery, butterflies hold significant importance in both Eastern and Western art. In Chinoiserie, butterflies are not just decorative patterns but cultural symbols that carry meanings of beauty, freedom, transformation, and auspiciousness. Their use in Chinoiserie is richer and more exaggerated than in traditional European designs, combining the complexity and splendor of the East with the elegance and sophistication of the West.

Teapot (Théière chinoise), Image Source: The Met

Take, for example, the “Théière chinoise” created by the Sèvres Royal Porcelain Factory founded in 1740, one of the most remarkable and innovative pieces of the 19th century. During this period, Sèvres was known for its continuous creation of unique and novel designs. The shape of the teapot resembles traditional Chinese imperial teapots or monk’s cap ewers but is more rounded and fuller, aligning with the 19th-century European decorative style. The handle with lotus leaves, the ivory knob carved with cloud patterns, the prominent butterflies, and even the yellow base color are all inspired by Chinese decorative art. However, they are arranged with a greater emphasis on symmetry, painted in a more European decorative style, and infused with Rococo softness, catering to Western aesthetic preferences while also drawing from the Chinese painting concept of “liubai” (leaving blank spaces). According to the archives of Sèvres, this teapot was made as a standalone piece, not part of a set, and was sold to Queen Marie-Amélie of France in August 1837, reflecting the European fascination with Oriental culture at the time.

18th Century Hand-Painted Chinoiserie Panel from France or Italy, Image Source: 1stDIBS

Another example is an 18th-century hand-painted Chinoiserie panel by French or Italian artists, which centers on imagined Oriental scenes infused with European decorative styles, making it a quintessential example of Chinoiserie art. The composition is clearly influenced by Chinese gongbi painting (meticulous brushwork) but retains the fantastical charm and lightness typical of 18th-century Chinoiserie decorative paintings. Characters, architecture, and floral branches appear to float, with a layered and sophisticated composition. Meandering branches span the entire panel, creating a sense of flow and rhythm. The architectural elements do not strictly follow perspective principles but adopt techniques reminiscent of Chinese paintings, presenting a visual effect that oscillates between reality and fantasy. The branches are adorned with vividly colored exotic birds, butterflies, and blooming flowers, crafting a scene full of vitality and elegance. This intricate and elaborate depiction epitomizes the exotic romance and decorative sophistication that 18th-century European Chinoiserie aimed to achieve. The faux bamboo frame adds a touch of refinement, enhancing the elegance and stylistic charm of this highly decorative panel.

ChuCui Palace Painting Summer Earrings

ChuCui Palace also draws inspiration from butterflies to create the “Painting Summer” Earrings. Summer is a season of vibrancy, with lush foliage and butterflies fluttering around. This piece uses butterflies and lotuses as its main motifs, employing a variety of colors to convey the vibrancy, vitality, and liveliness of summer. It adopts the asymmetrical composition typical of Chinoiserie aesthetics, with flowers depicted in different stages of bloom or bud, paying homage to the naturalism originating from the East in Chinoiserie aesthetics. The design does not aim for grandeur but uses light and delicate forms to capture the vividness of life and the innocent playfulness of the moment, creating a sense of timeless beauty that transcends seasons.

The color palette embodies the lightness characteristic of Chinoiserie while innovatively combining the shading techniques of Chinese gongbi painting with Chinoiserie aesthetics, showcasing nuanced color transitions that reflect the classic landscape aesthetics of Chinese gardens, emphasizing the concept of “seeing the grand in the small.” Apart from the asymmetrical composition, the design incorporates the essence of “liubai” from Chinese gongbi painting, creating a sense of spatial breathing and a dynamic interplay of fullness and void, thereby expressing a summer atmosphere that is simultaneously ethereal, cool, colorful, and dreamy.

The design also pays great attention to the interweaving of points, lines, and surfaces, as well as the delicate relationship between front and back spaces. These elements, combined with flowers in different postures and butterflies in various sizes, form a layered, vivid, and condensed garden landscape. The postures and lines of the flowers, leaves, and butterflies not only showcase the softness of Rococo style in Chinoiserie but also incorporate the precise contouring of Chinese gongbi painting, presenting the unique blended charm of Chinoiserie.

At its core, Chinoiserie aesthetics is about the imaginative recreation of exotic cultures. It encapsulates Europe’s romantic fantasy of the East while evolving into a unique decorative language. From 18th-century royal porcelain to 19th-century French luxury items, and now to contemporary jewelry design, the aesthetic lineage of Chinoiserie continues to be reinterpreted through different historical contexts. Butterflies, as symbols of beauty and freedom, transcend geography and time, appearing in Chinoiserie with enhanced richness, elegance, and dynamism. They carry the delicate charm of Chinese gongbi painting while blending with the decorative aesthetics of European Rococo. With its fluidity and splendor, Chinoiserie has become a vibrant style in art history, not only marking cultural imprints of past eras but also rejuvenating itself in contemporary design contexts, constantly showcasing the unique charm of Eastern and Western artistic fusion.

[maryrojas4u]

Flutter App Development Services is The Future of Cross-Platform Mobile Applications

Why Flutter App Development Services are in Demand

With the increasing demand for mobile applications, businesses are constantly looking for cost-effective and efficient services to develop high-performing apps. Flutter app development services have emerged as a game-changer, offering cross-platform compatibility, faster development cycles, and seamless performance. Companies worldwide are leveraging Flutter to create apps that provide a native-like experience while reducing time-to-market and development costs.

Key Benefits of Flutter App Development

1. Cross-Platform Compatibility

Flutter enables developers to create applications for both Android and iOS from a single codebase. This significantly reduces development time and effort, making it an ideal choice for businesses aiming for a wider audience reach.

2. Faster Time-to-Market

Flutter's "hot reload" feature allows developers to see changes in real-time, making the development process much faster. This feature enhances productivity and helps businesses deploy apps quicker compared to native development.

3. Native-Like Performance

With Flutter’s Skia graphics engine, applications run smoothly and deliver high-quality user experiences similar to native apps. This ensures an engaging and responsive interface for users.

4. Cost-Effective Development

Since Flutter allows the development of applications for multiple platforms using a single codebase, businesses save on costs related to hiring separate teams for Android and iOS development.

5. Rich UI and Customization

Flutter provides a wide range of customizable widgets that help developers create visually appealing applications. The flexibility of UI components ensures a seamless experience across different devices and screen sizes.

6. Strong Community Support

Flutter is backed by Google and has an active community of developers worldwide. Regular updates, extensive documentation, and continuous improvements make Flutter a reliable choice for businesses looking for long-term app services.

Features of Flutter App Development Services

1. Single Codebase Development

One of the standout features of Flutter is its single codebase, which allows developers to write once and deploy across multiple platforms. This reduces development time and ensures consistency in the app’s design and functionality.

2. High-Performance Apps

Flutter’s use of Dart programming language ensures high-speed performance and smooth animations. This makes it a preferred choice for apps requiring high responsiveness and speed.

3. Flexible UI Design

Flutter’s widget-based architecture allows developers to create rich and engaging user interfaces that adapt seamlessly to different screen sizes and reservices.

4. Seamless Integration with Third-Party Services

Flutter apps can be easily integrated with APIs, databases, and third-party tools, enhancing functionality and user experience.

5. iPhone App Development Capabilities

Flutter is not just limited to Android; it is also a powerful framework for iOS applications. Businesses looking for an iPhone app development company can leverage Flutter to create high-performance iOS apps without additional development efforts.

6. Scalability and Security

Flutter allows businesses to scale their applications easily while ensuring robust security features. With built-in security layers, encryption, and authentication mechanisms, businesses can protect user data effectively.

How Flutter Benefits iPhone App Development Companies

Many businesses searching for an iPhone app development company are now turning to Flutter due to its ability to develop iOS apps alongside Android apps efficiently. By choosing Flutter, businesses can:

Reduce development costs by using a single codebase for iOS and Android.

Accelerate the app development process with Flutter’s advanced features.

Deliver high-quality, native-like experiences to iPhone users.

Ensure consistent UI/UX across different Apple devices, including iPhones and iPads.

Improve app maintenance and updates with Flutter’s streamlined approach.

Conclusion:

At TechAhead, we specialize in delivering top-notch Flutter app development services to help businesses create powerful and feature-rich mobile applications. Whether you need high-performance iphone app development services or a cross-platform service, our expert developers are here to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started on building your next innovative app!