#Roof Tile Selection
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camberwellroofing · 2 months ago
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When choosing between concrete and terracotta roof tiles, homeowners must consider factors like cost, durability, and maintenance. Concrete tiles are budget-friendly, durable, and customizable, though they are heavier and may require more upkeep. Terracotta tiles, known for their classic appearance and long lifespan, offer great insulation and low maintenance but come at a higher cost and are more fragile. Understanding these differences can help homeowners select the best option for their home
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evan-collins90 · 8 days ago
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RiverFalls Mall & RiverFair Family Fun Center - Clarksville, Indiana (Opened Oct. 1990)
Designed by Bullock, Smith & Partners
Perfect example of the colorful & playful side of the Festival Marketplace design style, trending into Memphis Jr.
"A series of roof peaks resembling circus tents set the festive tone for the unique 750,000 square-foot center, which features a 100,000 square-foot family fun park on its upper level. A full-size, antique-style carousel is the focal point among the many rides in the park, its glittering revolutions visible through the center's immense 50-foot-high window wall. In addition to the Grand Carousel, River Fair features an 18-hole miniature golf course, a train ride, bumper cars and action rides, a 10,000-square foot video and skill games arcade, and several other attractions. Adjacent to the park is a 10-screen movie theater, party pavilion, specialty retailers, and a food court. "Food Fair" offers seating for 760 and the selections of 11 quick-serve restaurants. Enhancing the exciting atmosphere of the center are liberal uses of bold color in banners, floor tiling, and paint; reflective silver ceiling panels; and more than one mile of colored neon accents. Natural illumination from the center's many skylights will brighten River Falls, creating an open, airy ambience for customers while promoting the growth of numerous trees and plants."
Scanned from the book, American Shopping Centers by I.M. Tao (1993)
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odoraful · 1 year ago
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𝐃𝐎𝐌𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐒𝐒
⟡ content: diluc/wanderer/childe x gn!reader; sfw; modern au; established relationship; fluff !! ⟡ a/n: i was scouring pinterest looking the most fitting inspo rooms for each of them hehe
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DILUC ⟡
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Your shared home is an old-fashioned but charming house with a tiled roof and a brick archway leading to the entrance of the door. Diluc has a good eye for style — all the furniture pieces you select together are warm and elegant, perfectly matching with the vintage style home.
He’s a bit of a craftsman, and when you moved in he custom built bookshelves just for you. Your house has traces of Diluc’s handiwork: a wooden tissue box cover, tile coasters, a ceramic chess set.
Being a peak acts of service man, if he notices that there’s something inconveniencing you that can be mended, he’ll try to find a way to fix it. That wooden chair that wobbled yesterday when you sat down on it? The next day, it’s miraculously levelled. Always struggling to find your keys before you leave the house? There are now little hooks on the wall where you can easily hang them. He doesn’t make a huge show of it, but you’ll always kiss him on the cheek and say that you should repay him with something.
“There’s no need. Seeing you happy is more than enough for me.” He replies, running a hand through his hair, the tips of his ears turning red.
The house is IMPECCABLY cleaned — the chores are shared out between the two of you, and the both of you work like a well-oiled machine. He’ll insist that you shouldn’t carry anything too heavy though! He doesn’t want you to hurt yourself :(
One of the things that Diluc wouldn’t ever trade is getting the chance to cuddle with you in the evening on the couch. He’ll let you play with his hair and try out different styles, comforted by the feeling of your fingers running through it.
Sometimes, he’ll come home late from work tired and perhaps a bit grumpy, but the sight of you will change his mood completely.
At the sound of jangling keys and the front door creaking shut, you rush out of the bathroom and down the stairs. 
“(Y/N), I’m home!” You hear Diluc’s voice call out to you.
The day had felt far too long for him, and with far too many headaches for him to deal with. The only thing that he looked forward to at the end of it all was to see you again. 
Hearing the patter of your slippers, he looks up. It takes everything within him to keep composed at your appearance. Having just gotten out of a hot shower, your cheeks were tinted pink, hair still damp and slicked. Diluc’s eyes trailed to your clothes, a matching pair of flannel shirt and shorts. He loosens his tie, suddenly finding his breath stuck in his throat. It baffled him how gorgeous you were even in pyjamas.
Wordlessly, he reaches towards you. You look down at his hands and see as they fasten the remaining top two buttons of your sleeping shirt. In your hurry to greet him at the door, you forgot to dress properly. 
“I can’t believe I missed that...” You sheepishly say, observing his hands as they linger on your shirt. Your senses told you something was off.  “Did you have troubles at work today?”
The worry in your eyes melts his heart. Of course you were the one to peer through him and know exactly how he was feeling. 
“A few clientele at the bar today were-” He sighs, still fidgeting with the fabric of your shirt, recalling the events of the day, “-difficult to manage to say the least.” He lifts his head to meet his gaze. “You have no idea how glad I am to see you.” 
Your arms instinctually wrap around him and he collapses into them. Tightening your embrace, he rests his head on your shoulder.
“Diluc, I just took a shower.” You say with a light giggle, trying to pull your hair away from his face.
He feels your breath close to his ear and he wishes he could have recorded that laugh for himself to hear it over and over again. 
“I could tell.” He breathes deeply. “Is this a new shampoo?”
“Well yes, but what I meant from that is that my hair is still wet!”
You feel him smile against you. “It doesn’t bother me. Just a few more seconds, please. I need to recharge.” 
WANDERER ⟡
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You share an apartment together since you travel to and from the same university. Although you’re studying different degrees and have different schedules, you’ll both make an effort to spend time together at home during the weekdays. 
You and Wanderer leave little notes cheering each other on and stick them to the walls or the fridge before you leave, or sneak them into pencil cases or onto laptop screens. He has a small box on his desk where he collects all your notes, neatly folding them up to preserve them.
Wanderer enjoys having the home quite minimalist. Just the essentials will do, but the two of you do splurge a bit more on your study space —  the comfiest chairs, wide desks, tactile keyboards — anything to liven up having to do assignments all the time.  
When you’re feeling too tired or distracted from your own studies, you’ll walk over to his desk and try to sit on his lap while he works. He’ll attempt to exert some self-control and reject your wishes, but eventually gives in after seeing your pout.
“Just because you’re distracted doesn’t give you any right to bother me.” He grumbles, resting his chin on your head.
He warns you that if you do decide to put plants in the house, you are responsible for them. Little do you know that he’s secretly also invested in their health. On mornings when you’re in a rush and forget to water them, he’ll spritz them with your spray bottle thinking to himself: If you died (Y/N) would be devastated, so don’t even think about it.
His favourite room is the bedroom. It’s a place for both of you to escape the stresses of being a student and relax together.
The alarm clock beeps and you wiggle in bed, reaching over a hand to quickly silence it. Bright sun filters in through the curtains, its light diffusing into the room. 
You force your eyes open and sit up, your body bent over like a crooked branch. Movement beside you pulls your attention as Wanderer shifts in his sleep. You can’t deny how pretty he looks even at rest. His long lashes fanned out under closed eyes, the steady rise and fall of his chest with each deep breath. His expression is that of pure peace. You know that’ll soon disappear when you both need to properly wake up and prepare for classes.
“Hey, it’s time to wake up,” you whisper, carefully coaxing him from slumber. 
Wanderer opens his bleary eyes ever so slightly, then immediately closes them. He mumbles something of refusal. You roll your eyes in resignation. When it comes to sleep, he acts like a child sometimes. You turn to get out of bed. 
Two arms wrap around your waist and yank you back. You stumble into the sheets with a yelp. Wanderer adjusts the blanket over you and pulls you closer to him with one hand. 
“Not yet.” His voice is low and scratchy, his words slurred. “Want more time in bed… with you.” 
You sigh softly, absentmindedly running a hand through his hair to detangle it. “You do this almost every morning. You’re never going to attend your lectures on time.”
He replies by nuzzling into your neck, and you hear nothing but his slow breaths. His peers would have sooner called identity fraud than believe the stony and scholarly Wanderer to be this clingy and affectionate in the morning. However, in the privacy of just you, it’s become easy for him to let down his guard. 
“Don’t try to get out of this by pretending to be asleep.” You say, deadpan.
There’s a stutter in his breathing as you catch his obvious charade. 
“Stop worrying. I’ll just watch the recording.” He finally responds. 
You realise in a fluster just how close your faces are, barely inches apart. As if sensing this, Wanderer opens his eyes once again, this time there’s a glint of mischief in them. 
He taps his forehead lightly against your own. “And besides, why would I want to spend my mornings in a noisy lecture hall when I can be with you in peace and quiet?”
CHILDE ⟡
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You’ve been living together for a while now, and your home has transformed into what can only be described as organised chaos.
If Childe kept up with his interior designing eagerness, it would have been complete maximalism, but you were there to contain his excitement and still ensure your home was still practical. 
The two of you love collecting pillows, plushies and blankets, which adds even more to the cosiness! However, one day you tried to sit down on the couch and realised it was more pillows than actual seat space. In a fit of laughter, you and Childe ruled that you would rotate between different cushions every so often so you could get your couch back. 
Childe will still come home with flowers or sweets (sometimes both) as gifts for you on random nights. He’ll stand on the doorstep looking like a lovesick teenage boy asking his crush out on a date. Taking them from his hands, you’ll ask what the occasion is.
“Well, there isn’t a particular occasion.” He kisses you on the forehead. “Celebrating you should be an everyday thing.”
Board game nights are taken very seriously. You have a bookshelf filled with different types of them. Whether it’s a classic game of UNO or Jenga, or something a little more strategic, he's always hyper-competitive. You also have special punishments for if one of you loses, which are harmless but maybe a little embarrassing (One of his favourite punishments for you is ‘For the entire day tomorrow, Childe will only call (Y/N) by the cheesiest pet names’). 
MASSIVE kitchen since he loves to cook. He keeps a book of recipes from his mum and has since added new ones of his own that he has shared with you. 
“Could you come over here, baby?”
You follow your partner’s voice and the scent of something freshly baked into the kitchen.
Childe is standing behind the counter, his face in deep focus. He takes one of an array of heart-shaped biscuits and dips half of it in a bowl of chocolate before placing it on a lined baking sheet. The sleeves of his dress shirt are rolled up, exposing his forearms. His muscular build is sharply juxtaposed by the cream-coloured apron tied around himself, which has a little teddy bear embroidered in its centre. 
You approach the kitchen bench, eyes sparkling with excitement. “Are they ready yet? Can I try one?” You eagerly ask. 
“Not quite, I need help dipping the rest of these into chocolate.” He stretches his arms out in front of him, shaking the tension out of them.
“That being said,” he grins, extending a hand towards you across the kitchen bench as an offer, “would you do me the honour of being my baking assistant for a little?” 
Chuckling at his dramatics, you delicately place your hand in his like royalty. “I’d be delighted to help.”  
Childe guides you to his side and helps you put on your apron. As he ties the strings together, he relays the instructions to you. 
“You just need to dip half of the biscuit into chocolate, and then add some sprinkles on top before it sets.” He tightens the bow around your waist to secure it.
How hard could that be? You think, nodding along to his words.
Demoing an example, Childe deftly coats half of the biscuit. Angling it just right, the chocolate drips off and evens itself out, leaving a perfect covered half. After placing it on the tray and adding the finishing touch of sprinkles, he gestures for you to try it yourself.
You confidently take one biscuit and dunk it. 
“Ah!” 
Underestimating its consistency, when you lift the biscuit, the chocolate slowly spreads onto the other half of the heart and drips onto your fingers. You quickly place it onto the baking sheet. Childe stifles his laugh, covering his mouth with the back of his hand. 
“My one looks so much worse compared to yours…” you mutter, licking your fingers to remove the evidence of your unsuccessful attempt. 
Seeing the frown on your face, he gently bumps your shoulder with his own in encouragement. “Don’t say that! I think your one has a lot more charm.” He says, adding the sprinkles onto your heart. “I’ll run some extra baking classes with you to build up your skills, how does that sound?”
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kusagrasskusa · 2 months ago
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Plis plis plissss do a yandere shan yu x hun!reader plis plis plis plissss!
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I love this man 😔 (I have several photos of him if you want-)
Of course!! I love me some Shan Yu 🥰
I’m gonna be so honest… I didn’t notice the “HUN!” part of your request until halfway through editing the story… IM SO SORRY!!! I’ll still post the story as is, but I’ll have to make a new one and tag you in it!
Shan Yu X Reader - “Victory”
Summary: They conquered many villages and cities but alas, the Chinese Army continued to pursue. Shan Yu and his army had settled on a major city, planning to burn it all to the ground. Then they do… aside from one villager.
Art by Joudoodles on Tumblr!! Very talented! (Account is deactivated, but they post on Instagram)
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The afternoon sun hung lower with every passing hour over the high walls of the great city. Nanjing was not shy of people, riches, work or entertainment; some may even silently prefer it over the Imperior Court. The sun’s golden rays casted a warm glow onto the red-tiled rooftops and paper lanterns that drifted with the soft breeze. Smoke filled streets as the bakers baked, and children laughed and ran as they stole a piece of bread or two. Merchants shouted over one another to get the attention of passbyers, bartering silk, jewerlly, teas, charms and more. Sweet buns and semame oil lingered in the air, as well as the pleasant sounds of flutes, pipas, erhus and more. Then, there was the dancer near the temple of Changlu.
Her movements were just heavingly. Her sun kissed skin radiated as she moved across the court, and her angelic face stopping the hearts of those who saw it. Her sleeves swung like a koi in a stream, her movements telling stories as old as time; tales of rain spirits, warriors, and star-crossed lovers. Her heal clicked onto the pavement as she danced with perfect rhythem, and the bells she wore on her waist jingled softly. Her clothing looked to be made by Yang Ash– the very Goddess of Beauty herself. Little did the people know that every cent an onlooker gave her went to these clothes, and they were easily the most valuable thing she had ever had. Hand made, each intricate detail and little gem had been selected carefully to create her vision of the perfect attire.
However, her body had grown tired over the hours. Although she loved the faces of the people- the generous old ladies reminiscing their past youthful beauty, the farmers and soldiers admired by such a woman, and the begger children aspiring to be talented- she was ready to leave. The sun would be setting soon, and the decorated clay bowl besides her had been filled to the brim with tossed coins. With a final sway of her body, she reached her finale; her limbs were shakey as she took her bow and collected her things.
“Y/N,” the people murmered. “Mei ren”— “a beautiful one.” It made Y/N smile softly to hear the last praises of the day.
She departed. Through the back allies and towards the mostly insivible slums of the city was the place her and her older brother called home. The laughter, music and sweet smells had long since faded away, and the reality of her position in life had came back. The dances she loved was her escape from this reality- and the bells of the city clanging to mark the hour had reminded her of her poverty. The bell that rang the end of break time for the poor workers.
A single, nearly collapsed room held as firm as possible under the weight of its own roof. It was wedged betwen two abandoned bathhouses. This was what she called home. Her beautiful attire and clay bowl of coins clashed heavily with the dull filth of the home; her tired face was in a pout as her heel clicked onto the floor. As quietly as possible, she removed her shoes by the front door- whincing whenever the back door opened with force.
“You are late,” the growl of her brother echoed in the room, sipping wine like it was holding him back from being his true self. “You dance out there like some wild fox. All these men gaze upon you for hours, yet you still have no husband to bring honor to the family.”
Y/N frowned with her head hung low as looked up at his bitter face. Her hands shook as the clay bowl in her hands grew heavier under the anxienty, but she still managed to hold it out to him. “Yes, Hao,” she nearly whispered, “but look. We can afford to fix the roof! My dancing… paid off.”
Her brother scanned the bowl. With a scowl, he stubbled over and snatched it out of her hands. He removed half of the coins, pocketing it then setting the dashing bowl onto the ugly table. “This just will not do, Y/N. Clearly another day of dancing is required before the roof is fixed. Now, I provided you with ingredients; make something of it.”
Y/N said nothing as she walked over to the stove, kneeling down to light it. Her body ached, making her whince as she stood back up straight. Her brother went to the bamboo matt on the floor, sitting cross legged and continued to sip his wine. His back was crooked from years of intensive labor in the fields. She sliced turnip and boiled millet, and her stomach beginning to growl. A sigh escaped her lips- it was just another day. Half her funds will go towards her Hao’s drinking, and the other half to food. The money will never be used on other matters. And how could she be mad when he brother treats her like so- a woman like herself has no other place to go and least he doesn’t hit her, right?
Besides, Y/N was a rather delicate woman. The fight in her was like a match in the rain, perhaps never to be started. She lived life by gritting her teeth and pushing forward, hoping one day that a better one will find her. But for now, living under the threat of her brother Hao was all she had. Food was done now anyway- and she gently grabbed two bowls.
Then, the screaming broke the uncomfortable silence of the room.
FIrst it was faint. Then louder— the two looked around to see what direction it was coming from, then looked at each other. Finally, the crackling of fire grew louder with the sounds of horses galloping. Hao shot up, running to the door to see what was going on outside. The paper door slid upon roughly, and there it was. Horrifying- crowds running for their lives as arrows flew through the air, cutting through the skin of the unfortunate people in the wrong place at the wrong time. Neighbors opened their doors to see the scene, until running for their lives as fire arrows flung everywhere. Just minutes ago there was nothing- and now all this, like a sudden tsunami.
Her brother stood with a look of utter fear out the doorway. Y/N, seeing his face, ran to a window- just as more screams erupted and smoke filled the area. Tears stung her eyes as she let out a loud gasp and turned to her brother. “Hao! What do we do?” Y/N cried out with a haunting voice. “Hao!”
“Enough!” He screamed back. He turned his head towards her and stopped for a moment. His face was in a scowl— but as Y/N stared back with blurry, tear filled eyes, she swore she saw his face soften. Just a tiny bit, like a hint of sympathy or regret leaked through his hardened facade.
Then… he ran.
“What— Hao! Hao, no, don’t leave me!” Y/N screamed out loud, burning her throat as she rushed towards the door. But as she stuck her head out, he was nowhere to be seen beyond the chaos. The smoke was pouring into the streets, blinding crowds of people and soldiers on horse back. Y/N scanned the area frantically with utter uncertainty. Besides, her tears blurred everything too much to even get a good look.
Her brother loved her enough to give her a home. Surely he wouldn’t leave her- maybe he was just trying to get help. Surely.
She gasped as she ducked back behind her door- an arrow came wushing in through the doorway and stuck into the unfinished floor board. Her heart pounded heavily as she stared at the arrow. “Oh my gods,” she prayed, looking up as she closed her eyes and cried aloud. “Oh my gods! Gods and ancestors, save me! Save me!” She clasped her hands together tightly, falling onto her knees.
Then, a loud grunt filled her ears from outside followed by the scream of a horse. She halted in her cry, furrowing her eyebrows as her head softly turned to look out the doorway. A tall and bulky man fell from his horse, his sword clinking onto the ground as his body collasped. She hesitentally watched the man as people ran passed him and the horse galloped away- and he laid unmoving. “Help him,” called a voice from deep within. Y/N’s heavy breathing shuddered as she silently hoped he would just stand up and helped himself. The fire, arrows and running crowds outside were too dangerous. Saving thsi man would mean risking her life. “Go, Y/N,” it called anywya, “Help him!”
“Gods, protect me,” she whispered softly to herself, closing her eyes tightly in prayer for one last moment. Y/N stood up shakingly, mentally preparing for the danger of running outside the home. “Protect me, ancestors,” she repeated. Then, within a blink, she was gone. She raced outside passed the running people, knocking into some and being shoved roughly. Cries from women and children rang in her ears- and the bright flash of a growing fire consuming a building clashed against the thick smoke. Finally, she reached the man- stumbling over him as she gasped for air.
He was heavily clothed with armor unlike anything she’d ever seen and definitely muscular under it all. His raven hair was silky and wild, flowing with the wushes of the running people. His skin as pale as snow had many red spots, including a giant scar that ran down his left eye. Beyond that was the thick wound bleeding heavily on his forehead. His breathing was light- reeinforcing her need to help this man. “Ancestors, give me strength,” she prayed under her breath as she gripped the man’s fur lined clothing.
An invador, or a forgeiner sent to fight the invaders? She wondered as she summoned every ounce of strength within her much smaller body to move the man across the concrete and into her home- inch by inch. The rational choice was the abandon all and run, and she knew that. But something about dragging this man into her home felt natural; something in her blood told her to make this choice. Even as her knees buckled when lifting even half his weight and she’d cry from the arm strain, she was determined. And when she finally shut the paper door after getting him into the home, she let out a painful cry. That cry wasn’t just out of desperation: but out of thanks. “Thank you ancestors! Thank you gods! Thank you!” she cried out.
She moved quickly to get this poor man what he needed. A hot bowl of water, soup, and a cloth. She set the bowl besides the forgein man and grabbed a rag, dipping it into the water and proceeding to wipe down the man’s face and wounds. Blood soaked the rag as she delicately cleaned him- making her stomach churn at the sight. However, her heart fluttered as she gazed upon the man. Blood; the sign of a fighter. And it suited him.
“Mmm… perhaps Mongolian,” she whispered in reply to her unspoken question. His face was fierce- sharp angles, paled, and marked with past battles. He looked like a warrior inside and out. Y/N’s mouth was held agape as she stared, her hand moving slower and slower across his face with the rag. She just wanted to analyze his face— his features that all fell together so naturally. His chest rose steadily, making her wonder how he wasn’t burning up under the clothing. More over, how could she allow an invader into her home? She wasn’t stupid enough to believe this forgeiner is one of the few choosing to help China in its war against the Mongols. But…
Suddenly- he stirred.
His eyes open like a bolt of lightning- piercing yellow and wide as he sat up in a hurry. Y/N jumped back with a loud gasp, covering her face with her hands. The man looked around frantically, then at her, then where his sword was supposed to be in on his side. He glanced at her robes made for only the finest of society, then at the wreck of a home they resided in.
“Y-You are safe!” She blurted with fear, placing her hands in front of her with a calming motion. “You,” she heaved with fear, “you fell off your horse and- and there is chaos outside. I wanted to save a wounded man from…”
He stared at her silently, his expression unreadable. Her lips quievered as she paused, then slowly getting into an upright position. “I… thought you would die,” she added, her voice softening, “I could not leave a brave man to die.”
He turned his head, glancing across the room once more, calmly. No tricks were being played on him- he was certian of it. He stood up as if nothing ever happened. Y/N bit her lip, quickly grabbing the bowl of soup beside she and standing up. “I know it is not much… but I thought you might need the energy if… once you awoke,” she explained shamefully as she held out the bowl of soup meant for only the poorest of the poor. I’d be more honorable to give him dirt, she thought. The man looked down at her- his staggering height belitting her greatly. Yet, humbly, he took the bowl into his much larger hands and drank from it like it was the only food he’s had in days.
Y/N trembled as she watched for his reaction to the dinnner, neatly folding her hands in front of her and hanging her head low. Within moments, he had finished the soup and she took the bowl back like she didn’t know what to do with it. The staggering silence was almost unbearable- but, he hardly seemed to notice as he turned towards the door- making his move towards it. But a hesiant spoke up. “…You are one of them, aren’t you?”
He stopped in his tracks, turning his head towards her slowly. His voice was low and gravelly as he replied, “Yes.”
A pause. Her throat dried as she stood there, empty bowl in hand. She pouted her lip and sniffed, the tears finally breaking through once more. “P…Please. Take what you’d like- anything. I will not stop you or your men. But… I—“
“Collect what you need,” the man cut her off with a flat but demanding voice. Her heart stopped. He turned to face her with a darkened expression- solidifying the indirect threat in his demand. His towering figure loomed over her, the candlelight giving him an omninous look. With a quick nod, she scurried to grab a little bag and collect all the gold she had. It wasn’t much at all- only what was in the clay bowl and a few from under her brother’s bed. She quickly reached under her bed to pull out a small necklace- then as she spun around, the man was behind her. She gasped, falling back onto the bed from the sudden scare.
He pulled her right back off the bed.
She screamed, her weak hands and legs hitting and kicking with might as the man held her over his shoulder, carrying her like a bag of dirt. With his other hand, he stuffed her bag of gold and necklace into his satchel.
“No!” she cried heavily, pushing hard against him. “Please— please— Ancestors, please! I am not married— I am no one, a husbandless woman! I am only a dancer!” She talked down to herself, hoping to make this man grow uninterested as her stepped outside the home, where bodies littered the streets and a few of his men looted. Hunking figures of Mongols who were cloaked in blood finished what they could to the area. Flames raged on the detiorted city, burning it to the ground. Homes and shops were stripped from valuables. And the message was clear to the emporar: The Mongols can and will destroy the big cities if they have no other option.
“You saved my life,” he replied coldly, a sly smirk growing onto his face. As if her actions were like signing a contract, he felt assured in his head that, “now you belond to me. I shall repay you in many ways.”
As the Great City of Yansheng burned to the ground, the Mongolian men laughed and celebrated their victory. Water and food worth weeks were now in their collection, and a huge victory had been claimed by them. The Chinese Army had yet to even come close to the Mongols according to the scouts, giving plenty of time to escape the city. Or, what was a city- now all that remained by piling ash with buildings claimed by flames.
The dancer no longer had the temple in the center of the city to dance by. No music played- just raing roars of fire. And soon, only the peaceful silence of death will remain of it.
Guilt really is a weak word. It means nothing in cases like this.
Your entire country. Family. Friends. Culture and language. Communities, farmers and workers. All of it was changed.
Shan Yu would have been dead if she hadn’t taken him. After all, Mongols did die in the attack against Yansheng even if it wasn’t hardly as much. All it took was one fearful citizen who was fighting back against the soldiers to see a vulnarable Mongol- then kill him. And really, she doesn’t know why she saved him anyways. She wondered every night as she laid by his side in bed- “what would have beeen if I had ran away? Would dying while escaping be better than living a life of guilt?”
The bed shifted as her husband turned in bed, now facing her direction. His large arm wrapped around her and pulled her close- making her tremble by the sudden touch. As he spooned her, his head rested right on top of her’s, making her too fearful to even move. This man was too dangerous, she felt. He would snap when she brought up her family or friends. “You chose this life!” he would yell at her, belitting her until she cried and apologized. Then, he would kiss her- the looming danger going soft as his lips met hers. Next came the best dinner the world could offer- and the servents did it all for her. Y/N had not a single stress about life anymore. Even her closet was now filled with things her dancing attire couldn’t compare to.
He did love her. And as he kissed the top of her head now, she could feel it. Her little weak hands grabbed his strong forearm, squeezing as she shut her eyes tightly. The truth was that escaping a man like this was impossible. But maybe, she thought to herself as she pressed her body against his, that wasn’t so bad.
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hometoursandotherstuff · 4 months ago
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This unique 1883 Italianate Victorian in Oroville, CA has been on the market for 568 days! And, it's got features, like a dumbwaiter and part of downtown Oroville’s historic tunnel system in the basement! The 5bd, 4ba, 4,472 sq ft home was reduced $9k to $690k. Or, you can purchase it fully furnished for $950k. Take a look at this unusual home:
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The double doors open directly into the lovely main hall.
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Coppery tin ceiling and etched glass half moon window above the door.
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This is beautiful. The home has lots of original lighting fixtures.
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Original fireplace in the sitting room.
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Lovely dining room. I can't get over all the etched glass. And, look at the stormy ceiling.
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In here, they made a pool room. I wouldn't want ALL the furniture, but I would negotiate for select pieces.
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Home office next to the pool room has pocket doors. Wish they hadn't put in the modern tile flooring, though.
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Love the vintage powder room reno.
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The 2 rm. kitchen is a nice vintage setup- love the miscellaneous cabinetry and I would definitely want the antique ice box.
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Note the pocket door. Peeking into the larger kitchen, you can see that's it's just plain white cabinetry.
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It appears that they may have opened that wall. Or, maybe it wasn't even there originally and they closed it in.
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Large 2nd level landing.
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Spacious bedroom with a vintage pedestal sink.
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Look at the mural in this bedroom. The patterns they chose are a bit busy, though, on the floor, walls and ceilings.
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Very large vintage/modern bath.
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Primary suite is an open bedsitting room.
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Old, original stairs to the staff's quarters.
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They've got it under construction. I don't know what they're making up here.
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But, it opens to the roof, so maybe a rooftop deck.
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Small sun room and porch lead out to the driveway.
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And, here's the entrance to the underground tunnel to downtown Oroville.
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Also, on the property, there's this little house.
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It has a living room, kitchen, bath, and 1 bd., plus laundry, and is currently a long term rental.
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.41 acre lot. Large yard has entertainment-oriented landscaping (fountain, fire pit, barbeque area, Bocce Ball court, pergola)+pool.
https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/2175-Robinson-St-Oroville-CA-95965/2112024305_zpid/
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chilling-seavey · 4 months ago
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With or Without You (ob87)
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↳ Timeless: F1 Grid Masterlist
↳ Summary: The mall food court is the place to be after classes and university freshman, Ollie, finds his groove right in with the crowd.
↳ Title Song: With or Without You by U2 (1987)
↳ Word Count: 883
↳ A/N: The final Timeless blurb <3
↳ Warnings: None
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August 1987
The sounds of the arcade echoed through the room, machines clanging and games ringing, the radio playing the top rock hits through speakers while guests spoke loudly to be heard over top of all the noise. In the centre of it all, Oliver stood shoulder to shoulder with his friends, positioned at the one of the arcade game consoles in the centre of the neon lit room. The four of them watched him carefully as he maneuvered the joystick of the arcade game, fingers darting out to smash down on the buttons here and there. His tongue poked out the side of his mouth just a little, eyebrows furrowed, ignorant to the noise of the mall as he focused on beating his high score. 
“Come on, Ollie…” one of his friends muttered under his breath, eyes glued to the pixels. 
“Almost there…” another mumbled. 
With a flick of the joystick and two more quick presses of the buttons, the machine played a triumphant sound and the screen filled with a box reading ‘YOU WIN!’. The group of friends burst into cheers and Oliver was given high fives and claps on the back in celebration. It had been a whole year or more of him trying to beat the high score at the mall arcade and it only took until their last day of freedom to actually succeed in doing just that.
“Oh, yes!” Oliver laughed, clutching his chest in relief as he tilted his head back towards the ceiling of the arcade. “Finally!”
Clapping him on the back, another friend asked, “Celebratory lunch at the food court, then?”
The group made their way out of the arcade and into the hallways of the mall. Strangers bustled to and fro with hands full of shopping bags, many mothers being trailed by school-age children shopping for back-to-school or teenagers, just like Ollie’s group, making the most of the last days of summer. The five of them meandered along the tiled floors, their excited voices being carried up to the sky-light lined roof of the mall and earning a few glares from older patrons. 
One of Oliver’s friends, despite being inside, hadn’t parted with her roller skates and was skating circles around the group while she shared in their conversation on their way to the food court. When she got herself dizzy, she looped her arm in Oliver’s and he half-dragged her alongside him the rest of the way. He didn’t mind. He would do anything for his friends…even drag them a mile. 
The group always went to the same fast food restaurant in the mall every time they visited, filling up the queue with their rambunctious teenage selves. Oliver ordered first, selecting his favourite hamburger and milkshake from the menu above the counter, making sure to be extra polite to the university-age employee who looked like they, frankly, wanted to be anywhere else but there at that moment. He passed the employee his cash and waited for change and even dropped some money in the tip jar just because he felt generous. 
Across the crowded food court, they found a table for four and Oliver sat on the edge as the extra man out. They dug into their meals and spoke about the arcade and Oliver’s impressive feat in beating the high score. 
“Sucks we won’t be able to add to the new record now that we’re going off to college.” one of the boys said through a mouthful of fries.
“Well, we’ll be back,” Oliver shrugged, “this is our hometown, after all. Our parents are here and stuff.”
One of the girls’ straw slurped dramatically at the end of her Orange Julius and she wiggled her straw around as she answered with a naive shrug, “We’ll be friends forever, anyway.”
“You’re not worried?” someone asked her.
“Don’t you remember that blood pact we did in freshman year?” she rolled her eyes, “We’re bound together now. Obviously.”
Oliver smiled into his milkshake.
There seemed to be a moment's pause at their table before another friend spoke up, “We’re all going off to university now, studying our own stuff, but where do you think we’ll be in 40 years?”
Oliver answered without thought, “Happy, hopefully.”
The truth of his claim settled over them for a moment, the reality that growing up into adulthood made everything feel possible; whatever aspirations or ideas they had were theirs and theirs alone to bring to life. There were generations before them of young adults just like them and there would be generations after them with the same dreams. Whatever background, decade, or way of life, humans were connected by internal drive to live. 
Oliver could only hope that maybe someday he would live enough to keep his name in the whispers of time for decades to come. 
Then, suddenly, breaking them out of their reflective state, their rollerskate friend jumped up, stumbling only slightly, “Ah, I have to go to Radio Shack before we leave! Told my dad I’d pick up something for him.”
The friends started to pack up their mess from the food court table with excited chatter at the mention of another journey across the mall.
Oliver hopped off the table with his milkshake in hand and offered a grinning, "What would we do without Radio Shack?"
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zeehasablog · 7 months ago
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Brooklyn Bedroom Fireplace - recolour
As soon as I saw this fireplace, I knew I had to recolour it; if you haven't realised, I love wood!
Made by PeterJames88 the "Brooklyn Bedroom fireplace v3" is part of the "Historic Fireplace multi-pack of 6" set.
The fireplaces are actually inbuilt into the wall - just like in The Sims 3 (something I missed when I switched to Sims 4!), and have a chimney stack on the other side of the wall. You can then use the accompanying full wall chimneys and roof attachments to finish the look:
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Here's a comparison of the original version of the fireplace, and mine. As well as the fire surround, and new tile - I also moved the fire a bit further forward (the original is not actually placed in the fire itself, so you see only partial flames [not pictured]) - and I have added slots to the mantle (small).
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Here's a petit selection of the 16 different tiles I have added:
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Tiles courtesy of @lilis-palace and @sooky88!
Please ensure you download the full set, which includes all the additional bits for the chimney stacks here.
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Download the recolour from my Patreon~
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loz-untold-myths · 6 months ago
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The Mage's Lantern Worldbuilding
◇▪︎ Darune Town ▪︎◇
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Concept map (2024).
Darune Town (also known as Darune Village among the townspeople) is a settlement constructed where one was previously devastated by the Silver Tempest and swarms of monsters. It is named after an ancient Sage of Fire in hopes of fortune against the severe cold Hyrule has been stricken with. It is Link's hometown and primarily run by the Link (Arnson) and Lon families.
Basic Info
Darune Town is Link's hometown.
The town has no mayor, due to only recently being recognized as a new township. Link's father Arn, however, is often treated as the equivalent of one.
Their main livestock consists of Highland Cows that used to roam Hyrule Field. They also raise horses, although they're only of use for deliveries along the Stone Road (a pathway constructed throughout the plains of Hyrule Field). Usually, dogsleds are used for shorter travels; especially when going to retrieve materials. Alternatively, there are a select few fishing spots with Hyrulean Salmon that were trapped by the cut-off of a stream.
Construction
During the arduous construction, entire sections of the snow would be dug and re-dug each morning, as well as the thick layers of ice formed over the soil by the Silver Tempest. This was to prevent any misconceptions in the building process: to make sure nothing relied on the packed snow for support.
If the snow were to ever disappear, the buildings would still be structurally sound– they are supported by layers of carved stone. The paths used for the horses are, as well. Darune’s roads have step-like borders, they just are never visible due to the snow’s buildup. Sometimes, not even the elevated pathways are really visible... that's where the sled rental service comes in.
Torches are posted along the roads, but are snuffed out quickly. Only certain spots have lanterns, as it's more important to keep the public spaces visible in the event of an emergency. The lamppost man's sole job for the town is to run across the town keeping all the torches and lanterns lit, night and day. Occasionally, he likes to do hearth and chimney inspections just to be doing something else...
The ranch and stables are given a sort of “roof” that is made of retractable but sturdy tiles, requiring multiple people to deploy and remove. They took years to make, but the project was funded by the King once he heard of the effort (he believed it would be vital for other remaining settlements to be able to replicate). Lanterns are meant to try and simulate natural light for the horses and cows as well as keep them warm– Epona likes to rub her face against them despite Arn's efforts to discourage the habit.
Most of the village has cellars for the winter and days of particularly unfortunate weather. The cellar doors, instead of being built at ground level, are built on elevated cobble pillars against the cellar chimneys. They're more so storm shelters.
Origin
Darune Village was built after the collapse of many homes in the general area during the Silver Tempest's awakening.
The town was built specifically with the storm in mind, on the backs of many hardworking and determined individuals. So much work went into the construction that it is rumored that some of the volunteers died on site from exhaustion.
Location Info + Climate
Darune is in a region of Hyrule Field called the Greater Hyrulean Plains, making it one of the closest settlements to the eye of the Silver Tempest.
The pond has been cut off from the stream that originally let water in from the river, so some villagers gather snowfall in a bucket to turn into boiling water for drinking.
The pond also has been almost entirely frozen over in a thick top layer, except for the center area. The center area's ice is much thinner, so it may break if disturbed for too long. There have been cases of people falling in and becoming ill.
Before the tempest, the Darune area tended to be around 76° average during the summer and about 33° average during the winter. Now, the summer average is 30°, and the winter average is only 17° at best and -32° at worst. Winters are unlivable across Hyrule and become a sort of lockdown, and in late autumn, the king usually issues out supplies rationed throughout the year to minimize how many people must starve. Castle Town folks have it even worse, but at least have easier access to trade routes.
Luckily, Darune mostly gets snow or ice rain rather than the Castle Town or Hebra Region's persistent hailstorms. This makes it a safe travel spot for those who accidentally find themselves off the Stone Road, but since the only "inn" is just a rest stop with two beds, villagers just take turns letting people rest in their homes.
The Temple of Time
The Temple of Time was what connected the old village to Castle Town. It was the site of many ceremonies, especially weddings; it was said to be representative of the Spirit Maiden, Hylia, and her eternal love for a mortal soul destined to meet her again throughout time (a common Hyrulean fairytale).
The Temple closed its doors to the public shortly before the Silver Tempest came about.
Around the time Darune was built, the Temple's upkeep seemingly stopped. However, village children still insist they see shadows crawling towards it on clear nights... which adults don't really believe, since there aren't often clear nights anymore.
Within the Temple of Time, Link finds a chamber dedicated to heroes of the past: spirits and fae who guided heroes to meeting Hylia in the past. The center of the room holds a little lantern, containing the fire spirit, Searis. Link has no idea why the spirit was locked inside or who placed him there... but perhaps he is the key to saving his village from their neverending struggle to survive?
Spectacle Rock
The village's primary source of Rock Salt. Ore deposits often appear from the strange stone.
Residents (NPCs)
Link and his family know just about everyone in town. It's small, after all. Some NPCs may be recognizable. Others, not so much.
Link
Arn
Aryll
Malon
Talon
Ingo
Old Man Linebeck
Wane (Lamppost Man)
Kyndlewax
Wulf
Dot
❄️ NPC art post will be linked here once completed. ❄️
Side Quests
If I got to actually format The Mage's Lantern as a game without Nintendo having my head, there would be a slightly longer beginning section similar to that of Ordon Village in Twilight Princess. This would include the chance to do a series of sidequests before Link wanders to Spectacle Rock.
❄️ Chapters 1-6 as a game. ❄️ (WIP)
Includes: Warm Apology, Horse Training, A Fishy Situation
. . .
Warm Apology (Quest Get)
I was supposed to spend time with Aryll today, but I completely slept through it... The least I can do is help her feel better in whatever way I can. I want to get something that'll fight off her sickness, too... but I don't have any money. People lose stuff in the snow all the time, though! Maybe I can find something...
Warm Apology (Bought Safflina)
I managed to gather enough rupees to buy the most expensive thing at Wax & Wane's General Shop. It's a flower called an Amber Safflina from somewhere far away... apparently it fights the cold (both the weather and the illness, so they say). I'm not so sure I can believe it, but I have to give it a try. They rarely have these lately... And who sees flowers anymore?! Aryll won't believe it, either!
Warm Apology (Complete)
I gave Aryll the Amber Safflina as an apology gift. She seemed really happy, so I think I'm forgiven. Phew. She even wanted to save one of them.
...
I forget that she doesn't get to go outside much until she recovers... and that she's only seen a few flowers ever. Mama used to tell me there were hundreds.
. . .
Horse Training (Quest Get)
I found Malon sneaking around the stables again, for some reason. She likes to work here with the horses instead of the cows at the ranch.
...
Anyway, that growl Papa was talking about seems to have scared all of the horses except for Epona. Now they just won't listen to Malon, even with her song. I'll have to soothe them all before they go back into the stable...
Horse Training (Complete)
I had to ride each horse back into the stables individually, but they're safe now. Malon gave them some straw so they'll stay put.
She told me not to tell, but she gave me some rupees as a reward. I tried to turn them down - she was pretty insistent... I guess these could be useful, though.
. . .
A Fishy Situation (Quest Get)
Because of the monster, not even Papa's friends can keep on track... It really must be bad. Usually, Papa's the sort of leader to get anybody on task!
I wonder if there's something I can do to help, even if Papa says different. Maybe if I ask around..
A Fishy Situation (Mystery Solved)
I asked around a little bit, and it seems like all the workers are just hungry. I think I get why they're so distracted now... but what can I bring them?
...
I guess I can find them some fish at the pond... I'm probably going to regret this, aren't I?
A Fishy Situation (Fishing Done)
It felt weird to go back to the pond after these past couple of weeks. It looks almost completely frozen over again - they must have had to re-carve the fishing holes. Would Aryll be mad at me for walking around here? Papa?
Old Man Linebeck was in his usual spot, where the ice is thick. And as usual, didn't want to be bothered. Surprisingly, he said he'd teach me to spear fish... but only a little, since I'm not paying. He was fuming every time I slipped up, but he said for a price he could teach me more. Did he enjoy fishing with somebody else or not?! I just can't read that guy!
...
For now, I'm just fine with the few salmon I managed to catch. This ought to get everyone's heads back in the right place.
A Fishy Situation (Complete)
Papa managed to start a fire and grilled the salmon I brought back for the workers (after I bothered him for a little while). He let me have some, too! It was sweet and savory. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside! So flaky and delicious...
...
Oh, and everyone seemed to calm down a little.
. . .
❄️ HEY! This section will be expanded as the story progresses! ❄️
Link
Hypothetical gameplay talk aside, here is the storyline in novelized form! Chapter 7 to be released in two parts between December of 2024 and January of 2025.
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hopefulidiocy · 5 months ago
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Sunset
Modern!Aemond x Modern!Y/N
Warnings: soft smut, smoking, drinking
MINORS DNI 🔞
🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅
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🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅🌅
The Uber driver chatted brightly to you as he drove you through the snowy forest of the countryside, you rested your forehead against the cold window as you ummed and ahhed over his words. You weren’t listening as well as you should’ve been considering he was really kind, but you wanted him to cease talking immediately. Everything in silence was better for you, in your job you were always talking and trying to bribe people to take what you were pitching, to agree to your ideas but recently it hadn’t been successful and you deserved a sabbatical. So it was time for your winter holiday, spending Christmas alone could be considered sad or lonely but you truly couldn’t give less of a shit about it. Your family wasn’t exactly welcoming and there was nothing fun about a holiday where everyone is going at each other’s throats. The car pulled up to a selection of dark wood log cabins, desolate and dark, with the snow pattering upon the roofs in such a delicate way you had never seen before: this type of view wouldn’t be seen in the city. You thanked the driver, pulled out your heavy suitcase and logged it towards Cabin Nine, the only cabin set far away from the others and it was the most beautiful spot you had ever witnessed.
The door was light when you unlocked it, opening into a warmth that enveloped your entire being as you shook the snow off your wellies and propped your suitcase against the fragile wall to the side of the door. The space opened up into a wide living room with a flat screen and under the screen was an oak table with four strong chairs that were tucked tightly underneath; you looked towards the open plan kitchen where there was enough surfaces for you to cook and, most importantly, you looked for the wine glasses, score there was three of them, two more than you actually needed; there was two bedrooms, one significantly smaller than the master room with a king sized bed and towels, rolled upon the end, where your feet would be and a small bathroom off to the side which matched the rest of the cabin with its swollen wood panels and a white tiled floor. The first port of call was to fetch your red wine bottle you received from Secret Santa at work, you uncorked it and watched as the beautiful liquid filled the glass halfway. The taste coming to your lips was the real moment your perfect holiday began, alone and isolated in the middle of nowhere.
The sun began to set and behind your log cabin there was a clear view of the horizon and you, cotton headed, walked out with your cardigan wrapped around your shoulders and a glass of fresh red wine in your hand. You sipped at the liquid, chewing your nails as the sun began to deepen to a beautiful, calming orange that struck pink and purple lights throughout the sky. For a moment you were transfixed at the sight, until you weren’t alone anymore. No one spoke about it, but there was a man beside you, sucking on his cigarette, pulling in toxic chemicals and pushing them out with pursed lips. He wasn’t standing close to you, probably about a couple of steps away and he leaned on the wooden fence that separated the log cabins and the field ahead. He was deep in thought, his eyebrows furrowed as his elbows held his strong body up. You stepped to the side, trying to get away from the smoke that was bellowing from his lungs.
“Sorry,” he said, he didn’t look at you but you knew he had noticed you step away from him, you smiled tightly, not wanting to respond to him because he was a stranger and simply because you were a bit too drunk to say anything coherent. You watched as the sky darkened and the stars began appearing, twinkling and almost saying hello to the two people in awe of them.
“Have a good night,” he flicked his cigarette over the fence was crunched as he walked away, you took a glance of him, his long white hair wrapped up in a ponytail with strides that were bigger than any step you had ever made,
“Night.” You whispered.
The morning sun broke through the bedroom, coming in through the small gap between your curtains, your mouth dry as a dog in the desert and your head slightly whirling once you planted your feet on the cold carpet. The shiver ran through your spine as you splashed freezing water on your face and decided it was time to shower because being hungover and smelly was not something you wished to tackle today. The water jets cleared your skin, reopening pores and steaming them as you exfoliated with your coffee scrub you bought randomly on Amazon one night when you felt bad about yourself. Wrapping your hair in a towel, toothbrush in, you sauntered towards the kitchen cabinet to see what kind of breakfast items they had in. Bacon, eggs and some bread was everything they had that could constitute towards a fulfilling breakfast so you spat out your toothpaste, dressing from head to toe in a baby pink tracksuit and fluffy socks. The smell of bacon filled the air, your hungry stomach growling at you and demanding food NOW! So you munched down on your sandwich, ready for a day slaving in front of the TV.
A new glass of wine, despite how cotton mouthed you were this morning, was in your hand when you crunched over the slushy snow towards the fence at the back of your cabin. You leaned over, sipping on your wine watching as the sky deepened into an orange and, just like yesterday, that man appeared with his stinking cigarette so you moved away just a few steps.
“Do you not like the smell?” He asked, not turning to you, keeping his face towards the sky,
“No it’s not that. It makes me want one,” you admitted, itching for the cigarette pack that was poking out of his coat pocket,
“Ah.” He said, not seeming the least bit interested in your admission.
Slowly, he walked away, back to his own cabin with this mystical aura surrounding him like he hadn’t been there in the first place. You scoffed.
The next sunset was taking place alone, you drank warmly at your wine as the sun disappeared below the horizon. You sank into a dreamy state, watching the stars welcome you to the night when the mysterious man made an entrance. You looked over at him, he was shrouded by a large oak tree, only a flicker of orange light when he cupped the lighter, lighting his cigarette. With his lit cigarette, he approached the fence, you took him in, noticing the eyepatch over his right eye, intrigued you asked.
“Why do you have an eye patch?” He seemed very slightly amused by your question, looking directly at you, his icy blue eye struck you through the body so much you had to look away,
“You’re not interested in my name, my age or my height. Instead you’re interested in my eye patch,” he replied, sucking on his cigarette,
“I was only asking,” you pouted, turning away from him,
“I got into a fight when I was younger, my eye was sliced out,” he said, a bit disinterested in his own voice,
“Oh.” Was all you could reply with, slightly amused by his stoic face,
“Why do you have two eyes?” He turned to you fully then, one elbow leaning against the fence, his cigarette hanging out of his mouth,
“Because I was born with it,” you shrugged, taking another sip of wine,
“So was I but now I have one, things happen,” he was strangely defensive about it,
“They do,” you said, becoming a bit heated at this whole interaction,
“Do you want a cigarette?” He asked, holding out a pack and your senses peaked up, you instinctively went out to pick one but you stopped yourself,
“I shouldn’t,” you waved your hand,
“Why?” He questioned, still holding out the packet,
“New Years Resolution, I shouldn’t smoke anymore,” you said, drinking,
“But you’ll continue drinking alcohol?” He smirked, “you’ll get rid of one wicked habit for another, I don’t believe it works that way,” the packet was still out for the taking, you gave him an annoyed look but just believed he was right and pulled out a cigarette,
“Lighter, please,” you held out your hand, the cigarette hanging out the side of your mouth, he smirked and gave you it. It was bright pink. You cupped your hand over the lighter as the breeze picked up, you clicked it and lighted the cigarette, dragging the toxins back into your lungs and it was like your veins peaked up, screaming happily at the cigarette, “thank you.” You nodded towards him, handing him the lighter.
“Where are you from?” He asked, pocketing the lighter,
“*where you are from*” you sucked in the cigarette,
“Ah, that makes sense, your accent is different,” he said,
“Not that different to yours,” you rolled your eyes,
“True,” silence hung over the both of you, only owls filling it in, “anyway, good night.” He strode off, disappearing behind the oak tree.
🌅
After days of staying in, enjoying the silence of nature, it became clear that you needed some time to walk amongst the forest, feeling the crisp air poke at your skin so you shoved on your wellies and made away into the forest. The trees around you were whispering as the breeze struck through them, the grass now completely white and crunching as you landed each of your feet. Ahead of you was the tall man you’ve been seeing every night, a cigarette almost burnt out in his hand as his free hand stuck his phone against his ear. From what you could hear, slightly far away from him, he seemed annoyed. You managed to squeeze past him just as he ended his call.
“Hello again,” he said, catching up to you, “I don’t think I’ve seen you outside during the day,”
“Probably not, I’ve taken into my own company, it’s been needed but now I’m starting to feel some cabin fever,” you admitted, hugging your arms around your middle to combat the cold,
“I feel that, I’ve been trying to have a small daily walk every day since I’ve been here,” he flicked the cigarette away, landing it in the snow,
“When did you come here?” You asked, looking at him. He was taller than you thought, his skin almost as white as the snow only making his blue eye more striking, he was about two heads taller than you; his hair was a beautiful shade of blonde, something you hadn’t seen before and it was pulled back into a small ponytail but the rest of his hair was strung over his shoulder, his body lean and a slightly curved spine.
“About a month ago,” he said, reaching for another cigarette and offering you one, you took it,
“A month ago?” You exclaimed after you shared a lighter, he hummed in agreement,
“Why are you here?” He asked, puffing the smoke above him,
“I just wanted to be by myself, my family is complicated and my work life is even worse these days so I needed to spend this holiday by myself,” you admitted, swallowing the fresh air,
“Gods, tell me about it,” he chuckled very slightly, “families are all complicated,”
“Is yours?” You asked,
“More than you can imagine, my mother is the second wife of my dead father and my father’s first born child hates us and we hate her. It was her son who took my eye,” he huffed through his nose,
“Your own nephew?” You exclaimed, turning towards him seeing a smirk play on his lips,
“Yeah, my own nephew, it’s crazy isn’t it?” You hummed in agreement and a silence fell over you. It was comfortable walking beside each other, throwing the cigarettes in front of you and continuing this nice walk with a stranger. Just yards away from your own cabin you didn’t notice that huge tree trunk that was sticking out from the ground and you went absolutely flying over it, landing on all fours and a searing pain shocking through your leg. The man was quick to come onto his knees beside you, hooking his arms around your middle and pulling you up to stand but your ankle gave in and you went tumbling again.
“You can’t stand?” He asked, some form of expression in his face, you shook your head, sighing out the pain as his arms hugged around you, picking you up bridal style. You strung your arms around his neck, your face screwing in pain, your legs hanging over his elbow, “don’t panic, I’m first aid trained,” he said, making a slight joke that gave him a twinkle in his eye, sending a smile travelling over your lips. He basically kicked down his cabin door, setting you carefully on his sofa, striding towards the fridge. You held tightly onto your ankle, praying it wasn’t broken when it returned with a bag of frozen peas.
“Might hurt a bit,” he said, gently placing the freezing bag that sent your entire body into an almost shock, he placed a strong hand on your shoulder trying to calm you down as tears leaked from your eyes, “wine?”
“Yes.” You squeaked, blubbering over a twisted ankle. You were never great with pain and in front of a handsome man, you were incredibly embarrassed and that was the reason for the tears. He came to you with a clean glass of white wine, not your favourite, but you had to have something in you so you sipped on it delicately as the pain started to slip away. He looked at you, intriguingly as you sipped on your wine.
“I don’t even know your name,” he said, “and you’re in my cabin, drinking my wine and using my peas,”
“You gave them to me,” you furrowed your eyebrows as a smile danced on his lips,
“What’s your name?” He asked,
“Y/N,” you admitted, “what’s yours?”
“Aemond,” he took in a mouthful of wine and smiled knowing you were about to ask what the fuck that name is, “my parents chose it, and no it’s no Edmund,”
“That’s such an interesting name, I’ve never met anyone with such a unique name before,” you smiled, finishing off your wine and setting it on the coffee table beside you. He opened his arms as if to say yep that’s me!
“How’s your ankle?” He asked, nodding towards it,
“It feels fine now, thank you,” you removed the frozen bag, giving them back to him and getting onto your feet, you felt slightly weak.
“Let me walk you to the door,” he held your elbow softly as he led you towards the door, but there was something… a kind of connection that you couldn’t put your finger on started buzzing within you, igniting your blood vessels as his large hand found itself on the small of your back as you walked out the door, “see you later, y/n.” He said, smiling. You waved to him and walked back to your cabin.
🌅
The next night, your ankle healed apart from the little twinge that carried through your leg every time you walked but it was bearable. You stood at the fence, no wine this time, leaning over the fence watching as the sun fled from the sky. Aemond’s delicate footsteps sounded behind you, he leaned right next to you so your elbows were touching and came again that buzzing.
“Hello,” he said, “how’s your ankle?”
“Fine, thank you,” you smiled, turning to him surprised to find that he had been looking at you, a smirk dancing on his lips but his eye deep within your core that it sent a shudder down your spine. His eye caught something just to the side of you, and his hand came forward, batting a fly away as it was softly landing on your fringe. You smiled shyly, turning away from him but he pulled your cheek, making you turn to him softly with his fingers. Both of you gazed at each other, a slight murmur of wildlife whispering around you, he tucked your hair behind your ear and gently moved his lips to yours. For a moment, you are taken aback, slightly pulling away from his lips but you calm into him, placing your hands on his chest as he squeezed you further in his body, your kisses light and almost loving as you count the beats of his heart through your hand. His hands journeyed towards the small of your back as the kiss deepened, the buzzing sensation piling up from your core until slowly he began turning towards you neck, slight and butterfly kisses down the length of your neck, opening up your shirt to kitten lick your collarbones before your jellied core began to drop. With no one else around, you agonisingly unbuttoned his black shirt, pulling it off and holding onto his goose-pimpled skin as your own shirt was shifted over the top of your head. He kissed you, lovingly, until he reached your nipples, nipping at them sweetly before he reached the zipper of your jeans, your own hand rubbing over the tent in his own slacks, playing with the zipper before getting the confidence to pull it down and feel his length in your hand. He groaned into your mouth as you pulled gently up his shaft, smiling in the kiss. Whilst this was not on your radar to happen, this moment became so magical and fluid that even when he softly bent you over the fence, his hand stroking up and down your spine with such softness it had you shivering. The sun before you had disappeared, leaving a dark purple hue in its shadow as he lined himself up against your folds, slowly entering you and hissing as the warmth enveloped his most sensitive area. He was big, you knew that by the handjob you gave him earlier, but his length stretching your walls ignited the fireworks in your veins. Gripping the fence harshly with weak fingers, he thrusted into you hard enough to have you whine out into the desolate field. Despite his stoic and almost cruel face, his touches were enlightening and soft that your heat began clenching around him, he moaned under his breath, pulling on your shoulder to give himself more leverage to thrust into you. You whined into the cold night, not caring who heard you but also finding it riveting having sex in a lonely world. He grunted as his thrusts began slowing knowing that he was near his end and his last thrust before he pulled out had you rolling your eyes back, shuddering under his hot touch before he spilled all over your back and chuckling.
“I never expected that to happen,” he whispered, out of breath, before he cradled you against the fence, your back against his naked body, his elbow hung loosely around your neck as he pressed his cheek into your temple,
“Neither did I.” He placed a soft kiss on your cheek, continuing his loving attitudes towards you,
“But I’m glad it did,” he whispered, “I’ve grown fond of you.” You laughed, leaning into him as the stars winked at the sordid moment they saw, knowing that whatever was around was only the two of you and the stars who were cheering you on.
🌅
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cityof2morrow · 1 year ago
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280+ Niche/Repo Pack Recolors (Maxis-Match)
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Published: 1-24-2024 | Updated: 8-21-2024 SUMMARY 280+ maxis-matching recolors for the Repository Pack (Simmons, 2023), taken from Sims 2! This collection includes swatches from build mode and neighborhood terrains/deco. They will show up on all objects reposited to the original meshes. When re-organizing my game folders, I decided to divide the recolors/repo’d items for BuggyBooz’s (2012) niches by type….and the “repo pack” was born. It has been a convenient way for me to manage custom content while reducing file sizes and folder bloat. I hope it helps some simmers out there as well – especially fellow build CC hoarders. Read more about the repo pack in the original post. DETAILS Cost: §0 | 0 poly (BBNiche1Master) Surfaces > Shelves | (All Others) Build > Misc > Columns You’ll need the Repository Pack (Simmons, 2023) to use these textures in-game. I’ve included a compact version of the red “London Chimney bricks” wallpaper from Basegame. I’s called “LondonRedChimneyBricksX4.” and comes in handy on larger meshes. Note that depending on the mesh, some textures may not apply well because of their unique pattern/design….but there are hundreds to choose from! ITEMS & DOWNLOAD LINKS (choose one link per item)
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Brick from SFS | from MEGA Masonry from SFS | from MEGA
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Paneling from SFS | from MEGA Siding from SFS | from MEGA
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38 select swatches for Element from SFS | from MEGA
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9 select swatches for Rock (earthen rock and stone) from SFS | from MEGA
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32 select swatches for Roofing (shingles, tiles, plates, etc.) from SFS | from MEGA
To date, there are over 60 MORE recolors available for the repo pack on this site, including swatches for both the plain and graphic glass repositories. Find them using the #ts2recolors, #co2recolors, and #co2repopack tags. CREDITS Thanks: All simmers who have contributed to our collective knowledge re: repository content. Sources: Beyno (Korn via BBFonts), EA/Maxis, Offuturistic Infographic (Freepik), Textures (EA/Maxis via Simsample, 2023; S1indle/Sindle, 2022).
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ddsimmer · 1 year ago
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🔨 TS4 Build mode cheat codes & shortcuts guide 🔨
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Cheat codes are simple but essential tool to build more freely in The Sims and create detailed and interesting or realistic lots and enhance the overall experience even when playing with base game only. Cheat codes are not CC, therefore your build will appear CC free in the gallery if you're not using any custom content.
Cheat codes and shortcuts guide below
To enter cheats you have to click ctrl/control + ⇧ Shift + C on your keyboard, this will open a typing space on the top left of your screen where you can enter the cheats listed below. To close it simply click ctrl+Shift+C again. For PS4 and Xbox: Press all four bumper buttons.
bb.moveobjects (type and hit send key) - if you enable only one cheat let it be this one. This is essential to freely place the objects, scale them, rotate them and combine them.
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This means the cheat is up and running - this will not slow down your game.
Now you can do a number of things with your items: If you click , and . you can turn the item left and right keeping it aligned to the base grid. If you want to place the item freely, ignoring the base grid and the regular game rules - that prevent you from placing objects on top of each other or even too close to each other - pick the item up and hold Alt (pc) Option (mac). To rotate the item ignoring the grid, pick up the item, hold Alt (pc) Option (mac) and drag. These shortcuts will allow you to create more interesting and realistic layouts by angling and layering object, and it also allows you to clutter surfaces more.
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You can also change the size of the objects by clicking [ and ] (or ù depending on the keyboard).
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Another super useful thing you can do is to raise an item after you placed it by clicking 9 (or ctrl + 9 if you don't want the build mode camera to move) and to lower it back by clicking 0. You can do this with mirror as well to change where they sit on the wall, and most importantly you can place clutter where there are no slot by raising the item, clicking Alt/Option ad dragging it in place.
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Now that you know how to arrange items in an interesting way, you need items to arrange! You can find a whole catalog of FREE items by using two other cheat codes.
bb.showhiddenobjects and bb.showliveeditobjects - typing these two codes (hit send key after each one) in the cheat bar allows you to use thousands of items that are already in your game but that you can't normally see. To find them you need to search for debug in build/buy menu, and a long list will show up! Have fun!
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There are two other combinations that you need to know to really master your builds: Clicking ctrl/control + F on your keyboard while you're placing the flooring in your room allows you to place smaller triangular tiles (one quarter of a tile). This is super useful to create interesting patterns on your floors or to make pathways more interesting.
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Roofs can be challenging to deal with, but they are also crucial to the final build and can really make a difference. There is a way to unlock more options to curve your roofs by selecting the roof and clicking ctrl/control + Alt/Option + C. You will immediately see more manipulations handles appear, experiment with them! 
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That's all for now, I hope this guide was useful for someone! Happy simming ✨ Dag Dag!
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lunachy · 5 months ago
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New 6★ Caster: Blaze the Igniting Spark
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Primal Caster
Illustrator: Mag42
Trait: Attacks deal Arts damage, and can inflict Elemental damage
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Talent 1:
Each time an enemy on the field enters Burn damage burst, this unit instantly deals Elemental damage to them and recovers a certain % of Max HP
Talent 2:
Upon receiving lethal damage, this unit becomes knocked out and gains a large amount of Barrier, this unit cannot attack or be healed when knocked out; Recovers HP every second, returns to normal state upon reaching full HP and stuns surrounding enemies for a few seconds
Skill 1: Hot Help
Instantly selects the Operator with the highest Max HP within Attack Range, and deals Arts damage to all surrounding enemies of that Operator, also inflicting Burn damage based on a % of the Arts damage dealt, every second for a few seconds
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Skill 2: Blood Boiling Bush Fire
Attack Range changes, Attack Interval increases, ATK increases, attacks multiple enemies simultaneously; Loses HP when attacking, and burns the tile based on the location of the targets hit: Enemies that cross the burning tiles have reduced Movement Speed, receive Arts damage and Burn damage based on a % of the Arts damage dealt every second
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Skill 3: Hellscape
Attack Range changes, Attack Interval reduces greatly, ATK increases, attacks become AOE; If the target is under the effect of Burn damage burst, attacks additionally deal Elemental damage; Loses HP every second.
Skill activation grants a certain amount of ammo, gains extra ammo each time an enemy on the field enters Burn damage burst, and the skill ends when all ammo are used (Can manually deactivate skill).
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Translated Weibo Introduction:
"I'm back! Well, I signed with my real name, Gu Zhu [I think this is her surname, the second part means Candle] Blaze. This name has been hidden for so many years, and I can finally write it out openly. But I'm still me, Doctor, you don't have to change what you call me, just call me Blaze."
__________________
"This address... is this the grocery store where you can buy everything that dad said?"
Blaze was holding a wine and a cup in her left hand, and an envelope in her right hand, and was stunned at the door of a huge shopping mall. She followed the instructions in the letter, but found that no scenery matched the description in the letter. Blaze scratched her head in confusion.
"What about the teahouse where you can listen to storytelling all day? And the bookstore that specializes in selling comic books? It's completely different from what's written in the letter!"
"Haha, girl, are you here for tourism? Here, house reconstruction is a common thing, and it's always new." The old man next to her explained enthusiastically, "But some things will be left, such as the eaves here. The boss likes it very much, so he kept it, and we old customers feel at home when we see it. There are also fowlbeasts building nests on it every spring."
Blaze sat cross-legged on the roof, patting the exquisite wood carvings on the eaves thoughtfully: "So, more than 20 years ago, when he lived here temporarily, you all saw him, right?"
I can't see the old friend, but at least I can pour a glass of wine to toast him in the old place. Blaze likes this Yan country custom- But wait, why is the cap of this wine bottle so, so, hard to open?! Should I just pour on the ground? I have to wait for the people below to leave, right? Ah, they've already left.
So, a glass of wine was poured on the ground, and a glass of wine was raised up to drink, ah- Good wine.
"I'm here, Dad. Let's see what the Baizao from your pen is really like." Blaze swung the bottle in her hand, and the name of the wine was printed on the label: A Joyous Reunion.
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brickcentral · 1 year ago
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Review: LEGO Ideas 21348 Dungeons & Dragons
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After many Lego Ideas attempts and a massively successful Ideas challenge campaign, Lego is finally releasing a set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Dungeons and Dragons. The winner of the challenge, Dragon's Keep: Journey's End, designed by BoltBuilds, was selected through an exciting fan vote. Although the set is not an exact copy of the submission, which is to be expected, it delivers an incredible experience.
The sets presents itself like a One-Shot Adventure. There is a QR code with a link in the build instructions to download the adventure, with pre-designed characters and a few scenarios to feed the adventure. There is a brief description on the monsters and the characters and some intro to the Dungeons & Dragons history. Full disclaimer, I haven't had my hands on the actual adventure that comes with the set (the code does not work yet), so this is mostly based on intuition and guesses. I will try my best to avoid any spoilers.
If you are a DnD player, or even more a dungeon master, building the set itself is pure joy. As you go along creating the parts of the set, you also go along building secrets, treasures, traps, monster hideouts... No brick is placed randomly and there is a purpose for even the smaller space. You feel like you are preparing the stage for your players.
The heroes and the NPCs
The adventure comes with four pre-designed heroes: A Dwarf Cleric, a Gnome Fighter, and Orc Rogue and an Elf Wizard. All three come with two different heads, male and female, with the exception of the orc that just has two different expressions. They are customizable up to a degree, including weapons and spells.
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Besides the heroes, we have two NPCs: the innkeeper (also two heads for male/female) and a green dragonborn, which uses the head mould from the Vidiyo series.
The monsters
There is a surprisingly large selection of monsters in the set. A gelatinous cube (which was teased on social media), a beholder, an owlbear, a mimic (or two?), a displacer beast, a treant, two Myconid? (I'm not sure if that's what they are meant to be), several skeletons and a large red dragon.
The smaller monsters are all brick-built and very well made, in perfect proportion for the heroes and to fit inside the scenarios. The owlbear and the beholder however might be too big to put inside the buildings or ruins though, so maybe they will just appear in specific places, but both of them are gorgeous builds.
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The dragon itself is huge and beautiful, but delicate. I keep having to reattach the legs often when trying to pose it. The head also keeps looking down, since there is not much friction on the ball joint and the head is too big and heavy for it. And yes, there are printed tiles for the eyes! They are just almost impossible to see behind the horns.
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The scenarios
The set is divided into four different builds with their respective books of instructions: the inn, the forest/dungeons, the tower, and the dragon. All three have different styles and building techniques, so it makes the building experience entertaining. I'm not a fan of the blue/purple roof of the inn, but I agree that it needed a color pop to separate it from the rest of the build and the dragon.
All three are open in the back, to allow the players to move around. For a toy photographer, this gives the chance to shoot many different scenes. They are also modular and can be easily separated, I'm assuming to allow players to go around discovering each one individually as they explore the environment. On their own, the scenarios are small, so I'm guessing movement will have to be limited or counted by studs.
Everyone knows a good adventure starts and ends on an inn. Our heroes need a place to rest and prepare for the coming adventure, so I'm guessing this is where the adventure will begin.
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Some details will have to be described by the Dungeon Masters, otherwise I don't see how four players's heads can look into the tiny inn and say: "Hey, I want to investigate the chest, it looks interesting" or "That brick has a different color, I want to know if I can move it". It will also look very cramped if all four minifigures try to be in the same room investigating or fighting a monster.
There are already a few secrets on the inn for the more curious adventurers, and food and drinks for the more relaxed ones.
As they leave the inn they will most likely step into the forest, and from there, several paths can be followed. One could go through the ruins, or the dungeons, explore both, or find a completely new path to the tower (which I assume is the final destination).
On the way, there will be treasure to be found, weapons and spells, some potions... These are things to prepare for the upcoming final battle. But to get to those there will be monsters and traps and mysteries to be solved.
As with the inn, the space is very small to see and put all the players in, so the Dungeon Master must be very involved in describing and hinting so the players can be more successful at finding these secrets.
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Eventually, they would reach the tower where there is a climb up to the adventure finale. I don't want to show much there to avoid spoilers, but the same applies here. Secrets to be found and possibly the story will unfold into an unexpected conclusion.
Verdict
With a high price of 359,99€/$359.99 and 3745 pieces, it is a large and expensive set. But for both LEGO and Dungeons & Dragons fans, if you can afford it, this one is worth it. The joy of physically building the adventure and being able to play with the characters and monsters is for me what makes it so great.
I also believe that most of the scenes are rather a visual reference than a playing grid, it does feel small for four players to move around and still be able to see the surroundings, let alone have full battles in a few squared studs. But I'm more than happy to try!
I would also say that fans of medieval fantasy would probably enjoy the set, but perhaps some of the lore will pass unnoticed. However, for those who are not DnD or Medieval theme fans, it might not be worth it at all.
As a toy photographer, heavily invested in fantasy themes, I love all the different backgrounds and characters that come with the set. It feels like there are so many storytelling possibilities, so many moments to capture, and it has so much potential for modifications. You could add your own characters for the story, add a few more treasures and traps, or create your own adventure.
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lastimeexteriors-nebraska · 4 months ago
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How Does Residential Metal Roofing Compare to Clay Tiles?
The choices when selecting a roofing material for your home can be overwhelming. You might be pondering various options, but two popular choices stand out: residential metal roofing and clay tiles. Both options have unique advantages and aesthetic appeal, but which is right for you? In this article, we'll explore how residential metal roofing compares to clay tiles, helping you make an informed decision that suits your style and needs.
Understanding Residential Metal Roofing
What is Residential Metal Roofing?
Residential metal roofing is a durable system made from metal materials such as steel, aluminum, or copper. Known for its longevity and resistance to weather conditions, metal roofing has gained popularity among homeowners looking for a reliable, energy-efficient solution. Available in many colors and finishes, residential metal roofing can complement any architectural style, from modern to traditional.
Pros of Residential Metal Roofing
Durability: Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years, significantly longer than traditional roofing materials. This longevity often offsets the initial investment.
Energy Efficiency: Metal roofing reflects solar radiant heat, which can help reduce cooling costs in warmer climates. Some metal roofs even have special coatings to improve energy efficiency.
Low Maintenance: Unlike clay tiles, which may require regular maintenance and repairs, metal roofs are relatively low maintenance. They’re also resistant to mold, mildew, and insects, making them hassle-free.
Lightweight: Metal roofing is lighter than clay tiles, which can reduce the structural load on your home. This may allow for easier installation and lower labor costs.
Variety of Styles: From sleek modern designs to traditional barn styles, residential metal roofing comes in various colors and finishes, including matte and glossy options.
The Case for Clay Tiles
What are Clay Tiles?
Clay tiles are made from natural clay and are known for their classic aesthetic and durability. Often associated with Mediterranean and Spanish-style architecture, these tiles have been used for centuries and are cherished for their elegance and longevity.
Pros of Clay Tiles
Aesthetic Appeal: Clay tiles have a unique charm and character that many homeowners love. Their natural earth tones and textures add warmth to any home.
Longevity: When maintained properly, clay tiles can last over 100 years. Their durability means they can withstand harsh weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold.
Fire Resistance: Clay tiles are non-combustible, making them a safe choice in fire-prone areas. This characteristic can contribute to lower insurance premiums.
Eco-Friendly Option: Made from natural materials, clay tiles are recyclable and often considered an environmentally friendly roofing choice.
Insulation Properties: Clay tiles can provide excellent thermal insulation, helping to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter.
Comparing Residential Metal Roofing and Clay Tiles
Cost Considerations
Cost is a significant factor when evaluating residential metal roofing versus clay tiles. Metal roofing typically has a lower initial cost than clay tiles, but installation might require specialized labor, which can add to the overall expense. Conversely, while clay tiles have a higher upfront investment, their longevity may justify the cost over time.
Weight and Structural Requirements
Clay tiles are heavier than metal roofing, so your home's structural framework supports the additional weight. This requirement can lead to higher construction costs. Metal roofing, being lightweight, offers more flexibility in design and may not necessitate structural reinforcements.
Installation Process
The installation process for each roofing type varies. Residential metal roofing can generally be installed more quickly than clay tiles, requiring careful placement to ensure longevity and effectiveness. The complexity of the installation may also influence labor costs.
Maintenance Needs
While both roofing materials are durable, their maintenance needs differ. Metal roofs require less maintenance than clay tiles, which may need regular inspections and repairs to address issues like cracked tiles or leaks. Homeowners looking for a low-maintenance option may lean toward residential metal roofing.
Weather Resistance
Both roofing types perform well under various weather conditions. However, clay tiles can crack under extreme impacts (like hail), while metal roofs are more resistant to dents and damage. Metal roofing excels in areas prone to heavy rain and snow, as its design allows for effective water drainage.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
When choosing between residential metal roofing and clay tiles, consider your home’s architectural style, budget, and long-term plans. Residential metal roofing might be your best bet if you prefer a modern, sleek look with minimal maintenance. Alternatively, if you’re drawn to the timeless beauty of clay tiles and are willing to invest in maintenance, clay tiles may be the perfect choice.
Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your preferences and your home's needs. Assess the advantages of each option and consult with professionals to find the best solution for your roofing project.
Find the Perfect Roof for Your Home
In summary, residential metal roofing and clay tiles have advantages and drawbacks. Residential metal roofing offers durability, energy efficiency, and low maintenance, while clay tiles provide aesthetic appeal and longevity. By weighing the pros and cons of each option, you can make an informed decision that enhances your home’s beauty and functionality.
Are you ready to explore energy-efficient roofing solutions for your home? Visit Lastime Exteriors to learn more about your options, including residential metal roofing. Our expert team is here to guide you through the choices and help you find the perfect solution for your home's unique needs!
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lastimeexteriors-omaha · 4 months ago
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What Are the Different Panel Options for Residential Metal Roofing?
If you're considering a roof upgrade for your home, you've likely come across the option of residential metal roofing. It's become increasingly popular among homeowners due to its durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. But before you decide, it’s essential to understand the different panel options available. In this article, we’ll explore the types of panels you can choose from, their benefits, and what to consider when selecting the best fit for your home.
Understanding Residential Metal Roofing
Residential metal roofing has come a long way from its early days. It's not just a practical choice but also a stylish one. With advancements in technology and design, homeowners can now choose from metal roofing panels that enhance curb appeal while providing lasting protection.
1. Standing Seam Metal Roofing
The standing seam panel is one of the most popular choices in residential metal roofing. This style features vertical panels with interlocking seams that rise above the roof's level. Its design creates a clean, modern look and offers several practical benefits.
Durability: Standing seam roofs are made from high-quality materials, often steel or aluminum, and coated to resist rust and corrosion. With proper maintenance, they can last 50 years or more.
Hidden Fasteners: The screws and fasteners are concealed within the seams, reducing the risk of leaks and providing a sleek appearance.
Energy Efficiency: The standing seams allow for thermal expansion and contraction, which helps maintain the roof's integrity in varying temperatures. This characteristic, combined with reflective coatings, can significantly improve energy efficiency.
2. Exposed Fastener Metal Roofing
Another common option for residential metal roofing is the exposed fastener panel. Unlike standing seam roofs, the fasteners are visible on the panels' surface. This option is often more budget-friendly and has its own advantages.
Cost-Effective: Exposed fastener roofing systems are generally less expensive than standing seam roofs, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
Ease of Installation: These panels are typically easier and quicker to install, saving labor and time. Styles: Exposed fastener panels are available in various styles and colors, allowing you to customize the look to match your home’s exterior.
3. Corrugated Metal Roofing
Corrugated metal panels, known for their wavy design, are another option for residential metal roofing. They offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits.
Lightweight: Corrugated panels are lighter than many roofing materials, making them easier to handle and install.
Strength: The corrugated shape is durable, making it an excellent choice for withstanding adverse weather conditions.
Affordability: These panels are often one of the more affordable options for metal roofing, making them a popular choice among homeowners looking for a cost-effective solution.
4. R-panel and PBR Panel Roofing
R-panel and PBR panel roofing systems are designed for durability and efficiency, making them excellent options for residential use.
Versatility: These panels are available in numerous colors and finishes and can be used for various applications, including residential roofs.
Wind Resistance: R-panels and PBR panels are designed to withstand high winds, making them suitable for storm-prone areas.
5. Tile-Style Metal Roofing
If you love the look of traditional tile but want the benefits of metal roofing, consider tile-style metal panels. These panels mimic the appearance of clay or concrete tiles while offering the advantages of metal.
Aesthetic Appeal: Tile-style metal panels provide a classic, elegant look while lightweight and easy to install.
Energy Efficiency: These roofs often come with reflective coatings that help reduce heat absorption, making your home more energy-efficient.
Longevity: Like other metal roofing options, tile-style panels can last for decades with minimal maintenance.
Choosing the Right Panel for Your Home
When selecting the best panel option for your residential metal roofing, consider the following factors:
Climate and Weather Conditions
Your local climate plays a significant role in determining the type of metal roofing best for your home. If you live in an area with heavy snowfall, a standing seam roof may be more suitable due to its sloped design and hidden fasteners. Conversely, exposed fastener panels might be fine if you reside in a warmer, drier climate.
Aesthetic Preferences
Metal roofing panels come in various colors, textures, and styles. Consider the overall look you want to achieve for your home. Whether you're leaning toward a modern, sleek design or a more traditional appearance, there's a metal panel option to match your vision.
Budget
Budget is a crucial consideration for any home improvement project. While standing seam panels may offer excellent durability and energy efficiency, they can also come with a higher price tag. On the other hand, exposed fasteners and corrugated panels may provide a more budget-friendly solution without sacrificing quality.
Energy Efficiency
If energy efficiency is a priority, look for panels with reflective coatings or thermal performance. Standing seam roofs often excel in this area, making them a popular choice for energy-conscious homeowners.
Transform Your Home with Style and Strength
Residential metal roofing offers a range of panel options to suit various needs and preferences. There's a solution for everyone, from the sleek design of standing seam roofs to the affordability of exposed fastener panels. By considering factors like climate, aesthetics, and budget, you can choose a roofing option that protects your home and enhances its value and curb appeal.
Ready to explore your options further? Visit Lastime Exteriors today to learn more about our residential metal roofing services and discover how you can transform your home with energy-efficient roofing solutions!
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g-girlshavingfun · 6 months ago
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December Prompts
14) Silent films - Abby x Townsend
Set in between OSOT and UWS, Townsend and Abby are doing surveillance on the Winters in Rome when they start talking about the past. (3,243)
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There was a lingering chill in the air of their apartment. Carefully selected so that they could see the Embassy from the restricted access roof, not overlooked by other nearby buildings so as to avoid counter-surveillance, limited entrances but plenty of local security cameras so they could detect any suspicious activity approaching. It was a compromise between the safe house Edward selected, further from their targets but easier to monitor their own safety, and the hotel room Abby had voted for, a direct view of Samual Winter’s office window but absolutely no security measures to protect their anonymity.
Neither were particularly happy with the solution they came to, but it would do.
The chill was creeping in from the open window, cracked ajar so that their sensors could pick up any suspicious noise activity from outside, so that any bugs that were missed in Abby’s initial sweep, in his subsequent three more, would be scrambled by the sounds of traffic. Edward didn’t mind the cold so much, nor the noise, it kept him awake. It bit at his fingers and clawed through his skin, slipping through his bones and breathing life into his overworked brain.
Plus, it reminded him of London, of the north of England where his mother’s family resided. Once upon a time he would said that it reminded him of home, but now he wasn’t so sure.
“Why’s it so cold in here?”
Speaking of which.
“I thought Italy was supposed to be warm and sunny, like beaches and sunhats and gelato.”
“It’s the middle of the night in December Abigail, my apologies that the temperature doesn't quite meet your tropic expectations.”
“Can we at least close the window? I can see my breath.”
“Perhaps opening your mouth less will solve that problem.” He could sense her, feel her rolling her eyes behind his back. “Besides, we need the open window to get a good range on our listening equipment, we wont be able to hear anything from the Embassy’s perimeter if we close it.” At any given time, there were close to twenty different trains of thought running through Abigail Cameron’s head, and close to zero of them were concerned with her personal safety and self-preservation, so he didn’t think a lecture on monitoring activity in and around their own hideout would be too effective. “There’s tea here if you’re cold.” He nodded towards the mugs nestled amongst blueprints and schedules and known associate profiles, prepared by himself a short moment ago when he heard her start to wrap up her phone call.
He heard a huff from behind the couch and felt her start to round it, muttering a mocking imitation of his words and his accent under her breath. Not a phone call with their superiors then, that wouldn’t have put her in such a childish state, nor with Solomon, who she spent most of her time teasing recently, leaving her in a relatively good mood each time they spoke. She was too grumpy to have been speaking to either Baxter, too energised to have been speaking with her niece. Edward suspected that it had been Rachel ending their talk with a lecture on staying safe, or Miss McHenry calling to try needle information from her again that had left her so aggravated.
She came into view out the corner of his eye and he felt his head begin to turn involuntarily, jaw tightening and teeth clenching in an effort to keep his mouth from gaping.
Despite her incessant whining about the temperature, Abby wasn’t exactly dressed with warmth in mind. Her feet were bare, toes curling against the cool tile beneath them, as were her legs, pale in the dark glow of the sitting room. They seemed to stretch for miles, strong muscles carving their way up her figure and eventually disappearing beneath the hem of her oversized button up shirt. His shirt, he corrected himself. It hung loosely around her thighs, buttoned up to her chest, sleeves folded back so they only just hung over her wrists. Her hair fell loose over her collarbones, around her shoulders, down her back, dark waves glistening almost as bright as her eyes in the gloom of the night.
It wasn’t fair that she could look so stunning when he was trying to think straight.
Clearing his throat, he tried to force something intelligible out of his mouth before he stated drooling. “You know Abigail, most people might think about layering up before complaining that they’re cold.”
A smirk danced across her face, obviously catching the way his eyes had latched onto her legs, the way a flush was building up his cheeks, the way his breath had caught in his chest. “Oh I’m sorry Townsend, did you want me to put something else on?”
Grumbling under his breath, he forced his gaze away from her, unwilling to give her the satisfaction of lying, unwilling to look at her and tell her no. Her resultant laugh made him breathless. She settled next to him on the couch, knees tucked to her chest and hands curled around one of the mugs, angled slightly so they could still catch each other’s eyes without turning their heads. Her smile was infectious. The shirt had risen slightly up her legs as she sat, releasing a small pair of shorts hugging her upper thighs, and for a moment he found himself disappointed. She was so close her could smell her, jasmine perfume clinging to her neck.
He wanted to kiss her.
All he wanted to do these days was kiss her.
But they didn’t do that anymore. Not since the afternoon in Buenos Aires when he woke up with a head stuffed full of cotton, delirious from the drugs she had slipped into his system the previous night. Not since he had woken up alone in bed, alone in their room, a note of apology left on his bedside table. Not since he had tracked her down at the sight of a suspected Circle handover, fire wreaking through the the old building, her lithe body crumpled on the ground beneath an exploded wall several stories up, not moving, not responding, not breathing. Not since he had stood over her hospital bed, screaming at her in furious whispers of betrayal and lies and irresponsibility, mindful of her sleeping sister in the same room, tears on both their cheeks and heartbreak in his chest.
No. Now they stuck to safer territory. Bickering about work and their personalities and their lives. Ignoring how his heart ached when he heard that she was shot, how she came straight to him when she thought her best friend had betrayed her family, how they both dropped everything to scour the continents together after Cameron went missing. Ignoring how he longed for her more than anything.
It was easier that way.
Chest tight, pulse racing, brain short-circuiting as she tucked her toes under his leg for warmth, Edward wasn’t sure if that was accurate anymore.
“You need to get your circulation checked, it can’t be normal for someone’s feet to be that cold.” He batted at her legs half heartedly with the blueprints to the building opposite the Embassy.
“You need to get your personality checked, it can’t be normal for someone to be that annoying.”
“And yet here you are.” Like a child, she stuck her tongue out at him, a smile gleaming in both their eyes.
Looking away from him, she curled up tighter into the couch, nodding her head towards the black and white picture displayed on the TV. “What are we watching?” A gentle smile danced across her face as he draped a blanket over her, one foot peeking out from under his leg to prod at the work spread out on the table before him. “Besides the scintillatingly entertaining list of customers who visit the local coffee stand. We better keep an eye out for Misty Furglough, that’s a suspicious amount of espressos she’s buying”
Head shaking at her teasing tone, trying valiantly not to rise to her challenge, he dropped what he was reading back on the table. “ It’s A Christmas Carol. From 1910.”
“Hmm, I’ve only seen the muppets version.”
He stared at her, long and hard. They had known each other for years, had worked together on countless assignments, had shared a room and a bed and a heart. He knew her intimately, knew where scars stained her skin, knew the sounds her throat made when she lost control, knew the exact spots where a kiss made her body arch and toes curl. Reading her was second nature to him now. And yet sometimes he couldn’t tell if the amusement in her eyes could be attributed to the lies she was telling, or the exasperated reaction she knew he’d have.
“You’re joking right?” Her grin only grew, something devilish gleaming in her eyes. “Abigail. Tell me you’re joking.”
“The Muppet Christmas Carol has the most direct quotes from the book-”
“It’s basically a glorified puppet show-”
“Muppets, they’re very different. Besides Michael Cain is brilliant-”
“He could’ve won an Oscar for all I care, it doesn’t make it the best-”
“Oh because your opinion is obviously absolute fact-”
“A Christmas Carol is a Dickens’ classic-”
“Funnily enough Townsend, I know who wrote the book.”
“-there’s no way the best version has talking frogs playing the Cratchits!”
“Half of them are talking pigs actually.” She paused for a moment, assessing him, “Wait you’ve actually seen it?”
His cheeks flamed. Grumbling, he ignored her delighted laugh, ignored the way his heart lit up in response. “I have nieces and a nephew you know.”
Smile impossibly soft, eyes gentle, she whispered a simple “I know,” humming quietly to herself afterwards. Edward didn’t bother trying to dissect what that meant. No matter how long he knew her, how much he felt in his bones that he knew everything about her, there would always be things about Abigail Cameron that he didn’t quite understand.
Biting her lip in thought, she turned back to the TV and assessed it for a moment. “Why isn’t anyone talking?”
“It’s from 1910 Abigail, it’s a silent film.”
“What?” She spun back to face him, eyes wide, face aghast as if he just told her that the film ends with a thousand puppies exploding as everyone cheers.
“Silent. You know, that state you sometimes enter in sleep.”
“Oh haha Townsend.” Eyes rolling at his sarcasm, her own dry tone dripping off her tongue, she huffed and crossed her arms like a petulant child. Edward felt his face doing something embarrassingly soft at the pout on her face, was relieved when she turned away from him again to glare at the TV. “That’s so boring, how am I supposed to tell my Ghosts of Christmas Past from my Ghosts of Christmas Future?”
“Usually by paying attention to the film instead of talking over it-”
“There’s no sound to talk over Townsend, I think you’ll live.”
“-and it’s actually The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come.” He couldn’t help it. He knew correcting her would rile her up but he just couldn’t resist.
“God you’re so pretentious.” The glare she shot him was weak, the smirk quirking in the corner of her mouth and the sparkle in her eyes betraying her amusement. “Is this the kind of shit they drilled into you at that fancy Cambridge college of yours?” Much like him, she was only saying it to get a rise out him, getting it wrong on purpose to piss him off. He shouldn’t give her the satisfaction. Shouldn’t give in.
“… It was Oxford.”
“Pretentious” The way she sang the word simultaneously grated on his nerves and made his own heart sing in his chest. It still amazed him how she was so easily able to do both at once.
“You went to one of the most prestigious boarding schools in America and you’re calling me pretentious?”
“Hey you’re the one choosing to watch a silent, black and white, ancient movie instead of something cool like Love Actually.”
“Love Actually is crap.”
“It’s fun Townsend, ever heard of fun?”
Sometime during their bickering they had shifted closer together. Arms wrapped around her knees, she was angled towards him, so close that he could sense his body heat seeping towards her, could count the freckles on her face, could feel her words tickle through his hair. Suddenly, he was very aware of his body. His arm was tense at his side, resisting the urge to wrap his hand around her calf, or entangle his fingers with hers, or reach around her to pull her into his chest. His head was tilted down to face hers, Abby’s own lifted up towards him, their mouths close enough that he could taste her breath on his lips. Gaze locked on her smile, the lift of her lips, the dimpling of her cheek, he didn’t miss when it started to fade, when she swallowed, mouth slightly agape.
She took a deep breath. Braced herself. Whispered into the silence that lingered in the limited space between them.
“You left.” Something in her voice hurt him, yanked his innards out of his chest and pulled them apart in front of him. “In the hospital… why did you leave?”
Caught off guard by the shift in tone, not quite being able to follow her train of thought, he gave her a questioning look, voice low with worry. “After you were shot? I thought- I didn’t think you’d want to see me. We weren’t really talking at the time.”
“No not then. I mean-” Shaking her head slowly, she cut herself off, something like confusion, like contemplation plastered across her face. “What do you mean after I was shot?”
He didn’t want to speak of it. Couldn’t speak of it. All he could think to do was raise his arm and gently run his fingers under her collarbone. There was no mark, no scar, her school’s invention doing wonders to hide the evidence of one of the worst nights of his life, but he knew that that’s where the bullet had hit, how he had almost lost her.
“You came to the hospital?” Voice impossibly small, impossibly unsure, her question sent him back in time to the moment Grace Baxter walked into his office, solemn grief already painted across her face. The moment when his world stopped, his chest cracking open, his heart thousand’s of miles and an ocean away. Edward doesn't remember leaving the office, doesn't remember getting in a taxi or a plane, doesn't remember arriving at the hospital frantically calling Rachel to find out what room she was in, he only remembers the ache of not being with her, the fear of losing her.
It was confusing. He thought nothing could be worse than Buenos Aires, could be worse than having her, loving her, and then losing her. He thought thousands of mile and years of silence between them meant that the next time she tried to throw her life away it wouldn’t hurt. He didn’t understand how it could hurt more.
“Of course I did.” How could she think he’d do anything else? “You were- I thought you were…” He trailed off, not wanting to breathe life into his darkest thoughts from that day, his deepest fears, his most endless nightmares.
The silence hung between them again. A Christmas Carol had come to an end, silent credits now rolling across the screen, and the traffic outside seemed to have reached a standstill, Rome unusually quiet this December night.
“Why did you leave?” She asked again. He started to respond as he had before, but she cut him off again, ever impatient. “Not last year, not in DC. After Buenos Aires you- I know we fought but… you just left.”
“I-” He couldn’t look at her. He couldn’t breath. He couldn’t stay there. He was terrified and furious and so hurt. But he couldn’t say all of that, it would hurt her, he didn’t want to do that anymore. “I didn’t get it, you, before.” Frowning, she started to inch away from him, but he couldn’t have that. He grabbed her hand, smoothed his thumb over her knuckles, held it to his chest. He was suddenly very serious. “I didn’t get how you could do to me what The Circle did to your sister.”
“What?” She looked so confused, shaking her head at him as if she couldn’t comprehend that he cared about her that much. “It was nothing like that we- you-”
It would’ve been worse, Edward thinks. Knows. He’s met Rachel Morgan, has seen her strength and her resilience, has seen her push through her grief for the sake of her daughter if nothing else. He wouldn’t have be able to do that. If he had lost Abigail there would be nothing holding him together anymore, he would’ve unravelled, he would’ve fallen apart at the seams with nobody left to put him back together again.
Seeing her struggle with her words, unsure for perhaps the first time in her life, he continued. “But now I’ve seen you with them, your family. Your sister and your niece, her friends, even Solomon.” Swallowing hard, he tried to get his words right, tried not to get distracted by the feel of her hand in his. “You’d throw yourself into the first sign of danger not because you’re reckless or irresponsible or selfish, but because you love them. Because you think you love them more than they could ever love you. And even though you’re wrong,” she rolled her eyes at that, tears stinging in the corners of them, “I get it now. I get you.”
“You get me?” Head cocked to the side, eyebrow raised in challenge, grin tugging at her lips, she dared him to say it. He wasn’t one to back down, not from her.
“I love you.”
Eyes closed in something like relief, a deep breath of air leapt out of her chest, smile stretching wide across her face. Dropping his hand to reach out and caress his face, his cheek, his jaw, her other hand grasping his arm, she dropped her forehead to rest near his lips. He pressed a long kiss to it, savouring the taste of her. Lifting her head back up, teeth clamped around her lip in thought, tears shining in her eyes, she gestured to the work laid out across the table with her head.
“That comes first. Tracking down Circle members, taking them down, protecting my family, that has to come first okay?”
He nodded. Of course it did, he knew that now.
She nodded back at him. Took a breath. “Okay.”
And she kissed him.
The memories of her mouth on his didn’t give the feeling justice. Soft and supple, her lips were intoxicating and slightly saltier than he remembered. One hand on his face and the other around his neck, she pulled him in close until every inch of them was pressed against one another. In turn, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and down her back, pulling her tight to him, the other caressing her face, running through her hair. If he had his way, he’d never have to let go of her again.
And then she pulled back ever so slightly, barely a centimetre of space between them, sniffled, and whispered against his lips.
“I love you too.”
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Authors note:
Rachel and Abby on opposite sides of the world simultaneously trying to convince their clueless men to kiss them lol.
UK lore time: I don’t know how well known Love Actually is outside of the UK, but it’s one of the biggest Christmas films over here. Abby’s pretty well traveled and has made plenty of pitstops in England so I reckon she must’ve come across it either way. Oxford and Cambridge have a pretty famous rivalry, all in good fun of course, so Edward ‘prideful’ Townsend would not take someone getting which one he went to wrong.
Apologies in advanced because I’m definitely going to be falling behind over the next week, but they are still all going to get written!
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