#best balanced draft gear

[bonefall]

how much of Stormpaw’s demon are Maple’s curse vs just things that happen (cause in canon it’s really vague about whether Maple causes all those tragedies or has the ability to see his future for some reason)

EVERYTHING that happens in Stormpaw's Demon involves her. It's not being so dramatically renamed for nothing, she's a major driver and cause of the plot! Crookedstar's young name is in the title; but really, his demon is driving the misfortune.

That said... It's been a while and I'm heavily considering retooling the narrative.

Since I last REALLY worked on it, BB has changed in the sense that I'm a lot more willing to alter canon than I used to be. While my driving mindset used to be "telling a better version of the original story," and that IS a value I still hold... I've lost patience with the misogyny within the original work.

I've spoken at length about the way Crookedstar's Promise grinds my gears (PLEASE follow this link for a full breakdown of why), but in summary; it desperately tries to keep every male character likeable when they shouldn't be, saying nothing about the fact they are complicit in or even enabling abuse, while giving Crookedstar TWO flatly evil maternal figures. Even Brambleberry, who's heavily praised for being "like a mom instead," has a weird moment where she starts giving Crookedjaw the cold shoulder because she finds out he's chatting with a demon.

So like... I'm not sure if I want to make the "better version" of that story. That was the one that I already had, which had Mapleshade be acting entirely out of just the malice of wanting to hurt a child, while Hailstar and Shellheart are the excellent people canon wanted to see them as.

(not that it's even a BAD super edition, it's actually a really good one, but if it's my kitchen that's not what we cook here. Man I really do always massively overhaul my favorite SEs LMAO)

I think, specifically, I want to make Mapleshade slightly more morally gray and Hailstar more of an enabler. Shellheart is getting significantly retooled to make him more of the heartwarming parental figure I think he should be; someone loving to help balance out a very heavy rework.

And of course Brambleberry, I'm going to tweak her some. Try to make her flaws more consistent, get rid of that odd cold shoulder moment.

Old regulars will remember an old AU which is also still a massive favorite of mine; it was called Better Call Mapleshade, and it was kind of a commentary on how an environment can shape a person. Mapleshade, as a demon in heaven, was essentially their best prosecutor and defense attorney.

You can actually see how a lot of ideas from that AU ended up in Better Bones with the expanded trial system! I'm thinking of taking another page out of it, by making Mapleshade more aware of "the game" of Clan culture's structural unfairness, while also using it like a weapon against people she wants to hurt. A powerful demon of revenge.

Under the cut, what won't be changing, the way it was, and Draft 2 of Stormpaw's Demon.

(MASSIVE CONTENT WARNING FOR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL CHILD ABUSE including ableism. BB!Rainflower is WORSE than canon.)

WHAT WON'T BE CHANGING;

These are major details of Stormpaw's Demon that are different from canon. I'm working with these as givens and won't be changing between drafts.

Mapleshade does have a bone to pick with Appledusk's lineage specifically. One option might make her more discerning when it comes to her targets, but no matter what, she is going to have her eyes on this bloodline. She Haunts Applekin.

Rainflower is Hailstar's deputy. And I will make her downfall spectacular. If you were worried I was going to make her more sympathetic then you have no idea who I am LMAO

Shellheart is not Crookedstar's biofather While I want Hailstar to maybe be worse; I do want to fix Shellheart by making him a good parent. I've decided a good way to do this is to make it that Shellheart adopts Storm AFTER he's been abused by Rainflower. He didn't have authority over him before then. In general, I do want him to have a bigger positive role in this narrative. DEPENDING ON WHICH VERSION: Oakheart might also not be his bio-brother.

Crookedjaw is not a cruel name; it's an Honor Title. I've ALWAYS been frustrated by how canon treats scars and injuries as bad things. It's a BATTLE culture. Surviving brushes with death is their WHOLE THING. There is no "crookedkit" or "crookedpaw," he was Stormpaw until he earned his warrior name, with "Crookedjaw" commending the massive lengths he's gone to in order to survive, adapt, and honor StarClan.

Mentor change: Goodbye Cedarpelt, hello Magpiesky! I decided to repurpose one of the Barn Cats! Magpie from the books is a daughter of Perchshine-- the cat who killed Mapleshade. She joined RiverClan long ago. She's actually the one who points him in the way of the barn, and has to train him "as a punishment for teaching him disobedience" when he comes back. I actually have a couple of minor reasons for making this change but I'll spare them for now. He might start with Cedarpelt, but then run to the barn when Cedarpelt is basically refusing to train him properly.

Some family tree shuffles I need to update this tree to show Crookedstar's new situation with Shellheart (and also reflect some other changes I made like confirming Hallowflight fully being Lizardtail's honor title and Robinpaw being the apprentice who gets eaten by Ripwater), BUT, overall this tree is solid.

The ableism Storm faces is going to have a different flavor I have built BB in a way where him surviving his injury would be very respected, but he'd get badly coddled and pushed into early retirement. Him running to the barn is because he suspects he wouldn't have gotten training otherwise.

He kills a fox there because it's Cool. I might give him the tail to wear as a trophy of the kill because that's also Cool. The fox was very old and feeble at that point, which was why it was attacking chickens, but shhh

The Way It Was (Very Evil Mapleshade)

Darkstar's Commandment creating the Queen's Rights, that no queen would ever have to reveal the other parent of their kittens, wasn't enough to appease Mapleshade.

Nor was the damning of everyone that Mapleshade killed. In a fit of irrational fury at all the death, StarClan sent all her victims into the Dark Forest.

But she can't chase them. In the Dark Forest, you don't see someone unless you WANT to see them, not unless you're hanging out in a "land mar" (a sort of personal hell that all demons get).

on the off-chance she does see them, Frecklewish usually rips her to shreds...

Which is the next problem.

You can't DIE in the Dark Forest if you're a demon. You poof back into existence the next day, no injuries, no scars, nothing.

she's bored.

And vengeful. In spite of the wrong being righted, she still thinks she deserves MORE revenge, because what she wanted was really Appledusk.

She finds it unfair that HER legacy is snuffed out, that it's Darkstar's Commandment and not hers, that her babies were destined for greatness and by extension SHE should have been great.

So she takes up a hobby in tormenting Appledusk's descendants. She wants to eradicate them completely, but is spiteful enough that she'll just settle with hurting them.

The first one she managed to kill was Applefrost, Reedshine's son. Just by accident. She didn't know she had such power over the mortal plane.

After that, she managed to drown Duskwater. The daughter.

But she couldn't wipe out HER daughter in that storm... and she brought two more Applekin children into the world.

Stormkit and Oakkit.

So, naturally, Mapleshade turned her sight on the little fuzzball.

He would be an easy kill, in theory. She smashed Stormkit's jaw on the rock, but Oakkit pulled him out.

From there, it's similar to canon for a bit. His recovery is long and painful.

Rainflower is disgusted, and wants absolutely no part of helping him through this process.

That wasn't an injury gained in battle-- it's because he's careless and didn't listen to her. He's going through all this suffering, and for what?

To never become a warrior?

She's cruel to him, begins to neglect and distance herself from him. Discourages him from suckling.

Mapleshade LOVES this. It's worse than she could have imagined. Rainflower is horrible.

Gleefully, she realizes that Stormkit dying now is what Rainflower wants.

So, she kills two other kits in the nursery.

Fallowtail's only survivor is Willowkit, so she has plenty of milk. She starts suckling Stormkit.

(Graypool is now an older sibling! She's actually an apprentice at this time! Later, she encourages Willowkit to visit their father, who decides to just kidnap them completely)

Eventually, being the deputy, Rainflower had some kind of conversation with Hailstar.

During that conversation, she asked him to do something very cruel to Crookedkit.

And Hailstar LOST IT

He's the successor of Volestar, who was appointed by Darkstar herself to uphold the Queen's Rights and protect children.

How DARE you try to turn RiverClan into a place of disrespect?? To use my power this way?!

So, her power was stripped, and Oakkit and Stormkit were taken from her.

From there, Storm eventually goes to the barn as discussed, and Mapleshade continues to do things to hurt him.

This was my first draft, and now having thought about it a lot, I feel like it's not super cohesive. A demonic Mapleshade who's entirely malicious is neat, but I feel like this makes her flat. Shellheart's not tied in super well either, and Hailstar's stand feels kind of hollow because Rainflower hasn't actually used or leveraged the new authority I've given her.

But most egregiously? Rainflower's abuse being so close to canon tastes kind of bland. I feel like I can make it sooo much more intense, complicated, and painful.

Draft 2 of Stormpaw's Demon (Demon of Revenge Update) Essentially an outline for the first few chapters establishing Mapleshade by dealing with Rainflower and then fragments for the rest.

Mapleshade's still malicious, but this time, there's more to it.

Darkstar's Commandment, and the damning of her victims, DID appease this Mapleshade.

But is she satisfied? No.

She doesn't feel like she was wrong at all, actually. Without her killing those three in revenge for her kittens, StarClan's anger probably would have subsided.

She can't hunt her victims down again though, because, they don't want to see her. She fights Frecklewish every now and then but what's the point?

She WON already. She already GOT the euphoria of dragging them all down with her.

Punishing everyone who had ever wronged her was the highlight of her existence... but now it's done.

She's in Hell and she's bored. Her punishment is never seeing her kits again, but more importantly, her punishment is eternal shuffling through the leaf litter when she's SO GOOD at getting revenge.

Problem with revenge is, when you get it, it's gone.

She probably messed with Duskwater and Applefrost a bit, but if she killed one of them, it was accidental. It made her realize that revenge without a motive is just boring.

The prologue would probably open up with establishing her as a character. Who she is, what she wants.

Because the first chapter would dive RIGHT IN to Stormkit. The only child of Rainflower, the deputy.

Right along with Stormkit, you only learn in hindsight that he was born in a storm that killed his grandmother. It's clear that Rainflower reminds him of this often.

And that she's nasty to him. Giving him unclear instruction and finding things to critique, telling him to jump and then barking at him that he didn't ask how high.

She has great expectations for him, and reminds him of their family lineage often. Of who killed his great-grandfather, of what a fantastic pair of warriors Applefrost and Duskwater were

"I lost everything the night you were born. You'd better be able to make up for it."

Unfortunately, Stormkit is not the sort of child who's good at listening to those sorts of orders. He's stubborn and defiant; angry and oppositional.

When he doesn't understand why you do something, he doesn't want to do it

He "embarrasses" her a lot, and gets hurt for it.

In public, these are swats and whacks. The things you're "allowed" to do to discipline your child. In private these are a lot more severe.

So when Stormkit is given an order or a command, he obeys completely out of fear rather than respect. And sometimes he forgets his fear.

The other cats in RiverClan? Well... Stormkit is a problem child, and Rainflower is a fantastic, organized, respected deputy.

Hailstar especially, unfortunately. He feels bad... for Rainflower.

"It must be so hard for her to have such a little brat as a son. He never seems to learn his lesson. When will he stop wandering off? What's wrong with him? He certainly didn't get that from her."

His best friend, Oakkit, gets in the SAME trouble he does.

He's mischievous, fearless, and outgoing, and... never gets punished for it.

There's times where Oakkit does something and Stormkit physically recoils, just imagining what Rainflower would do if HE did something like that. Especially in how Oakkit talks to his dad, Shellheart.

For example, Shellheart will come to get his son for suckling time and Oakkit will tell him to his face things like, "I don't want to! I'm HAVING FUN!"

and shellheart doesn't flip out. He just. explains why it's important to eat on time.

"I know. But Fallowtail wants to go have fun too! She's waiting for you to come and suckle so she can go play."

"Well why can't she just play now and I suckle later?"

"When a suckler is full of milk, it makes their belly very itchy. She's uncomfortable when you don't come and eat on time."

"nnnh"

"Tough sell? How about I sweeten the pile with a badger ride back?"

"Hm. You drive a hard bargain, Mr. Dad."

Stormkit doesn't know why he hates it. He's all angry inside when he sees them acting friendly. He's polite because Oakkit's his best friend and Mr. Shellheart is really nice, but he just...

He's too young at the time to know he's envious. He wants what Oakkit has so badly it hurts.

Sometime after an exchange like that, Stormkit is visited by Mapleshade for the first time.

And they talk about Stormkit's anger and resentment. Stormkit lets it slip that he HATES his Mi.

Waits for Mapleshade to stop him and tell him, like everyone else does, that "she's still your mother."

...but she doesn't.

Besides Oakkit and Shellheart, she's the first person who doesn't tell him that.

She just lets him talk. Lets him go on. Starts making nasty jabs, which make him laugh.

"She says she lost everything the day I was born!!"

"What?! That's crazy! She got you that day!"

"Right?! It's like she's saying I'm nothing! Maybe she SHOULD lose everything, then she'd know what she's got!"

And then she asks, "Do you want her to die?"

Suddenly, there's a chill in the air. He's really shocked by the suggestion of that. He didn't... he didn't mean it to go THAT far. That's not what he meant... is it?

But she's fading back into the shadows, just her eyes visible in the dark. Tells him that she can see he's unsure. That's ok.

Holds up a budding sprig of sycamore, the maple she's named for. Its buds grow in a "deer hoof," with one large bud in the middle and two "toes" sprouting on its sides.

Teaches him that if he needs someone in his corner, all he has to do is call.

(to summon her, a bud is plucked off the sprig and thrown in the river.)

He wakes up with the sprig in his paw, panics, and shoves it under the nest he shares with his mother.

The experience shakes him. He probably ran to Brambleberry for the first time, who explains very seriously that he was contacted by a demon.

From the description... Mapleshade. The cat who killed his great-grandfather.

He BEGS her not to tell Rainflower. PLEADS with her. He can barely hear her already saying yes under the throbbing sound of his heart in his ears.

When he calms down, he hears her saying yes. On the condition she will need to smoke the nursery with sage and cedar, and that he will be needing a bath as well.

When he's still concerned that Rainflower will question him, she makes a plan to distract her for a day, long enough for him to do his cleanse and the smell to fade.

And, of course, that he will not follow any instructions that Mapleshade left him. He agrees. But does not tell Brambleberry about the sprig.

For a while he's very "well behaved." But it's not about him, never has been.

It really doesn't take long at all for Rainflower to get worse. Kids who are defiant like that are usually exercising a defense mechanism-- if they're not aggressive about their boundaries, their limits are pushed to a breaking point.

And after a big blowout like this, which was probably a public spectacle, Stormkit runs back to his nest and digs out the sprig, runs to the river, and throws a bud in the river.

Having calmed down from his shuddering fury, the dread begins to set in as a dead-smelling wind ruffles his fur. He can't help but feel like he just did something very stupid out of anger.

Looking at his reflection, he sees no cuts or swelling. The blows weren't "bad enough." He doesn't have the kind of injuries that anyone would do anything about. Equal parts guilt and frustration swell in him like a tide at full moon. How could he be sitting here wishing she hurt him worse?

So he tries to soften it, "I don't want her to die, I just, I... I just want her to lose everything like she says. Please..."

The wind whispers in his ear, "it will get worse before it gets better."

"I can handle that," he sobs, "I can do anything. Please. Make it stop."

After that, Oakkit probably runs to come find him. Stormkit doesn't want to be found. He makes up a childish plan, on the spot, to run away and join ThunderClan.

Oak says that's mousebrained, but Storm has DEVOTED himself to this plan he made just now.

And is crossing the stones.

Oak sighs, but if Storm's going to ThunderClan, he should really go with him because then they could totally fight off a small fox (Childish hubris)

Unfortunately, Rainflower found them. asks Exactly What He's Doing.

The kids freeze. Stormkit in particular has that horrible, twisting anxiety that you get when you hear The Tone that means you're in for an absolute wallop when you get home.

He's about to start running, but then the voice tickles his ear-fur again. Mapleshade tells him to go back. It'll be ok. She's on his side. She'll make her pay.

Oakkit is still frozen in place when, as if possessed, Storm's body stiffly returns to his mother.

There's a silence. The river trickling through the stepping stones. Storm looking with fear and anger up at her.

She's waiting for an apology, groveling. He doesn't give her one.

So she raises her paw and gives him an awful, hard blow.

His little body twists, flung off balance, trying to correct himself, and he can swear he felt paws pushing him a second time, whipping him downwards.

The feeling of falling fills his stomach, the water sloshes into his ears before there's a ring of a sound like CLUNK-CRUNCH, and then the river floods his nose and mouth.

It all goes dark.

When he wakes up, it's with a throbbing pain in the side of his jaw so intense that he can feel it all the way down in the tip of his tail. He learns from Brambleberry that Oakkit rescued him-- jumped right into the water to pull him out. And then Rainflower pulled him out. That was when Shellheart came and found them.

There's a LOT of arguing outside, but Storm can't ask what it is because it hurts to move his mouth at all. Brambleberry hushes and soothes him, telling him it's nothing he needs to know about.

(MEDICAL INFODUMPING: i do actually have a medical reason I want his injury to come from someone hitting him which causes him to fall. The injury he'd get in canon would actually be a really simple and common split in the front of the mandible, which wouldn't cause his mouth to have a dramatic twist and would heal very easily. He needs to come down on the rock at an angle to shatter the joint like that.)

From here, the tune about Stormkit starts to change.

Oakkit was distraught when they got back, telling everyone that Rainflower smashed him against a rock.

Rainflower's story is that he was running, and she chased after him. EVERYONE knows that he has a habit of doing this.

Then HE slipped and fell and hit his face on the rocks. His fault.

Oakkit was running away with him, he's lying.

Shellheart is FEROCIOUSLY taking the side of his son, furious that she would imply he raised a liar.

Hailstar is taking the side of Rainflower. It's two troublemaking kits against his deputy.

Yes, Rainflower's disciplined him before, but that's no indication she'd do something like this on purpose.

Brambleberry weighs in that the injury that Stormkit has isn't the sort of injury a kitten gets from hitting his jaw. The bone is shattered.

probably does some kind of visual to go along with it, using a stick and a stone

"The bones of a kitten are like the young shoots of a tree. When they fracture," she takes a young twig and snaps it in her paws. The fibers in the center are bent but unbroken, with the bark splintered around them, "they flay but don't snap."

She places the stick on the ground, "So for the injury that Stormkit has," and violently smashes the rock down onto it. It's shattered and pulped, the fibers flattened, "there would need to be a great force."

Shellheart hisses, saying that THIS is the evidence. Oakkit's story is consistent but Rainflower HAS to have lied.

Several cats are now on his side.

...But more are on Rainflower's.

"She's his mother. She loves him. Oakkit has to be mistaken."

"Why would she chase down her own son just to smash his face on a stone?"

"She wouldn't pull them out of the river if she really wanted to hurt him!"

Hailstar prompts if there's ANYTHING else that could explain this?

It comes up that Brambleberry cleansed the dens the other day.

She says that it's possible there is a demon's influence at work. She can't know for sure which one it is-- but it may have a grudge against Rainflower.

She allows them to reach the conclusion that it's probably Mapleshade on their own. She will be talking to Crookedkit when he's able, but she's not about to tell anyone about his dream yet.

She doesn't want him to have the extra scrutiny when he needs to rest and heal, but if she'd shared that an unnamed cat had a demonic dream, it would set off panic as cats accused each other of dark magic.

Rainflower manages to escape consequences by pointing out that it was likely Mapleshade that injured her son.

Oakkit is still trying to tell everyone SHE did it, he SAW it, Stormkit walked back and she hit him and smashed his jaw on the rock

But he's hushed. It's decided there's not enough evidence. And not enough reason to doubt the noble deputy.

She's never done something like this before, after all. It's more likely it was an accident.

There is a group of cats that are dissatisfied about this, though, and it only grows when Brambleberry explains that Stormkit's prognosis is not good.

There is a very high chance he will die. Even adult warriors can wither slowly from this sort of injury.

Recovery will be slow and it will be painful.

...but after that incident? Rainflower gets bolder. She got away with it in public. She got a taste of the leverage she has, how much they trust her.

Stormkit spends a lot of time floating in between his dreams and his living-world pain. There's at least one interaction where he speaks to Mapleshade, screaming at her that he TRUSTED her, he KNOWS she's the one who hurt him! How could she?!

She can't say much, kept at bay by a hazy smokescreen of sage. "You must live! You must survive!"

Her old words echo in his head; It Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better.

Throughout the recovery, Rainflower grows more cruel and more distant.

In public she likes to talk about how difficult this is for her, but he's strong, he will survive.

In private, she'll do things that hurt him, like repositioning his head in a way that "his jaw will heal better in." When he cries, she's unsympathetic.

"You brought this on yourself. This is for your own good."

Her definition of "private" is also changing. She's getting more comfortable with snapping at him in front of limited groups of people.

Since she's deputy, the other two parents in the nursery, Shellheart and Fallowtail, do their best to care for Stormkit while she's away. He's pulled away from them when she gets back, any ideas or suggestions they have vetoed.

When they try to go to Brambleberry about this, she shakes her head with frustration and tries to make them understand she knows... and she's just as unhappy with it as they are.

She tells them she keeps going to Hailstar, but he's still hesitant. Even though she's trying to tell him that Stormkit's recovery is being undermined.

"Rainflower's son has always needed tough love. She's his Mi and knows him best... she's still taking care of him. Give her a warning before suggesting anything drastic."

In the other draft, I had Mapleshade kill two of Fallowtail's kits to free up milk for Stormkit. I'm not sure I need that anymore honestly, plus, this rework's heavy enough! She can just have Willowkit without any deaths, while Graypaw remains an older sibling.

When Brambleberry informs Rainflower and Stormkit that the jaw isn't healing straight and it will probably be at an angle forever, Rainflower reacts with disdain.

"His first scar and it's nothing he earned?!"

She's reminded he might not even survive. He's lost weight. He's eating less. Stormkit curls up quietly. He hates how they talk about him like he can't hear them.

"Surviving is the bare minimum," she scoffs reflexively. There's a silence so thick you can cut it with a claw. After an uncomfortable heartbeat, she continues, "What kind of a life will he live if he-"

"a life," Brambleberry cuts in, "he'd live a life. And it can be a good one"

Rainflower growls, spitting that the twisted jaw is a disfigurement. He'll never be able to open his mouth all the way. He can't chew and he can't suckle forever. Stormkit will never become a warrior if he can't even dispatch a fish with a killing bite.

"Scars are the sign that StarClan has mended our bodies after fighting a good fight, making any Clanborn cat worthy of being an elder" Brambleberry preaches, "Names are what mark us, calling upon our ancestors to look down at us and witness our actions, Rainflower. Don't say anything you wouldn't want them to see."

Rainflower flicks her ear, seething, a rumble in her throat, "was that some kind of threat? As if I've said something wrong?"

"If you feel threatened, look within."

Stormkit resents all of this talk. He can feel his mother tensing up next to him, hears the low rumble progressing into a growl. When adults play stupid games with his mom, he's always the one who ends up dealing it. Why don't they get that?

It's only Shellheart who seems to have it click, "Hey, this is the nursery. Can you take it outside, please?"

As Brambleberry and Rainflower leave, Stormkit lays curled up in his nest, cold and alone. Oakkit leaves Shellheart's paws to curl up around his best friend.

Shellheart stares at them, shifting, but ultimately stays where he is.

There's a lot of words I could write there, between Storm and Oak. Ones where Storm speaks about how he just wants the pain to be done with. Others where Oak comforts him, tells him how much he means to him. More where they end up running into the wall that they're just two little kids and they've both learned the truth that they have no control over what happens when Rainflower comes back into that den.

But I think it would be good to end there, at the lowest point. Because it gets better.

Pissed off by being gently confronted, after her warning from Brambleberry, this is the moment where Rainflower goes too far.

Hailstar is gradually losing his patience. Every time this issue comes up, he's making some kind of new excuse for her.

She's still a competent deputy who holds the Clan together, but this has taken a toll on her reputation.

Her biggest mistake was becoming more open with her abuse after being emboldened. And I think Hailstar is beginning to feel like he's got "egg on his face."

After standing up for Rainflower several times, getting heat from Brambleberry, and now the Clan also starting to murmur...

It's getting very difficult to justify why he's sticking his neck out.

and maybe, part of him is starting to feel a little self-conscious about the way that his deputy is acting about her injured child.

When she comes storming up on this fateful day, interrupting whatever he was doing to make a proposition, it's the breaking point.

Her suggestion: "I've realized that there's only one way to ensure my son survives his injury. He's being haunted by our demon, which only started threatening him when he disobeyed me for the last time. WE need to teach him a lesson, and make sure StarClan gazes down upon him to acknowledge his mistakes."

"...how do you intend to do that?"

"Stormkit must be given a Dishonor Title."

A Dishonor Title, one of the greatest shames that a leader can put onto one of their warriors. A punishment that ranks just below exile in terms of severity.

"you want to put a dishonor title... on your child? one with a life-threatening injury?"

"One that acknowledges his carelessness. To protect him from the demon."

Protect him from the demon. "I see now what must be done."

Previously, I'd thought of Hailstar as someone who would be loud and merciless when he does this. Now I'm thinking it was something he put a lot of thought into. He stands up, brushes past her, and goes to talk to some of his most trusted cats. Brambleberry, his mate Echomist, an experienced warrior such as Piketooth or Ottersplash, and lastly, Shellheart.

So it's not a surprise to anyone but Rainflower herself. He doesn't want this to be dramatic. He doesn't want it to be another big scene. Stormkit has gone through enough.

When he eventually has this Clan meeting, he calls it quietly. In his address to the gathered cats, a crowd that Shellheart and his family are missing from at his request, he says that his greatest regret is that he didn't do this sooner. He even doubts that Mapleshade is haunting her at all-- now having seen her behavior, he says it's more likely that Rainflower bashed her own child against a rock and simply lied.

First, he announces that Stormkit will be removed from her care. He will no longer be of the Applekin bloodline.

She is banned from the nursery at the request of Fallowtail, and will only see Stormkit when supervised by his new Mi, Shellheart.

Brambleberry has already agreed to this necessity, and is performing a ritual so that StarClan may approve of this choice.

He also strips her of her deputyship, and appoints Ottersplash instead. (I might change this to a different deputy eventually)

Not everyone agrees with Hailstar. There's an uproar from Rainflower's supporters.

She was a VERY popular deputy.

More that are just uneasy, feeling that this was a BRUTAL punishment that she didn't deserve.

Lots are happy and optimistic, though. But the mixed reception is exactly why Hailstar asked Shellheart not to be here.

This isn't something Stormkit has to deal with right now.

When Darkstar herself, who created the Queen's Rights, was on her last life, she appointed Volestar to uphold the law as her legacy knowing that Oakstar might try to break it again.

Volestar appointed Hailstar, in the hopes that he would uphold her legacy in turn, to protect kittens and those who can't protect themselves.

He was late, and can only hope he was not too late. He hopes that Volestar can forgive him for that.

Meanwhile in the nursery, Shellheart, Oakkit, and Stormkit are alone, far in the back, where the padded moss keeps out arguing voices.

Oakkit, bless his little heart, is babbling with excitement because his best friend is his BROTHER now. And it's gonna be THE BEST.

He's talking about how it's fine he can't chew because now they can have soup, and they're going to make the nest bigger, and they can stay up later because they can whisper quieter if they're this close together

But Storm doesn't really hear him. His head's swimming, thinking about the dull ache in his jaw, how MAD his mom's going to be because he can't imagine her not finding a way to hurt him, how this is all his fault because he called Mapleshade.

He can't stop it anymore and starts sniffling, which turns into weeping. Still, he's TRYING not to bawl, knowing, knowing he looks stupid when he does that

Shellheart just pulls him in close, so he can bury his face in his fluffy chest. Tells him it's going to be ok. He's safe now. No one can hurt him there.

Not on his watch.

Unfortunately, it's not the last he sees of Mapleshade. After this...

Mapleshade shows him everything she did for him. Yes, she did smash his jaw-- but it was to get him away from his mother.

And she planted an idea here and there, just little whispers into Rainflower's ear. Nothing she wouldn't do all on her own.

And now... Mapleshade believes she's earned some respect.

Stormkit can't disagree... she did exactly what she told him she'd do.

And now that he's not Applekin anymore, they can be Real Friends. They could even strike up a partnership, of sorts. After all, what did StarClan do to help him?

It wasn't StarClan that answered his prayers.

I'm still figuring out what, exactly, she's going to want from him. I have a scintilla that she wants to give him a life, maybe as some kind of bridge to StarClan to see her kits?

Some strange "attempt" at redemption, perhaps? Which she ultimately doesn't get.

Not that she didn't enjoy doing all that for love of the game, mind you. She's very good at getting revenge and it's fun and exciting to pull it off.

But hey, if you're good at something, never do it for free.

What causes Mapleshade to ultimately turn, and begin haunting the bloodline again + Oakheart, is Crookedstar rejecting her in some way.

She comes to collect on her end of the bargain and he refuses, breaking their partnership. He chooses StarClan.

And then from there, it's ON again. Now she has another EXCUSE to do what she wanted to do, and take out her boredom and malice on his family.

This time, it includes Oakheart as well-- because he was Crookedstar's brother.

It was also her curse that harmed Willowbreeze and eventually Silverstream. She's on the warpath.

Maybe she actually helped make him leader on purpose. Like he explicitly asked so she helped him by making the squirrel omen, instead of just doing it for him unprompted. Still figuring it out.

Shortly after the scene where Stormkit cries, he needs to have a confrontation with Brambleberry about Mapleshade I think. She needs to explain why Dark Forest demons are seen as bad.

She's biased, of course, but it's not like she's TOTALLY wrong either. Cats like Mapleshade ARE vengeful, in ways many other spirits are not.

If you're curious, Crookedstar's dishonor title from Rainflower would have been something comparing him to a parasite and referencing his ""accident"" like Fleaskip or Midgefall.

The point she's trying to make with the Dishonor Title is that her son is an annoying bug who didn't listen, as well as subtly erase she fact she knocked him off that rock.

She wanted his name to say "everything that happened was my fault and my mom did nothing wrong"

Not that Hailstar got as far as even asking lmao

[teafuelledwriting]

Hello there!

Do you have any neurospicy friendly tips for staying motivated? I'd love to write more, especially long-form, multi-chapter works but after a chapter or two I either get bitten by other plot bunnies or real life eats me whole.

Thanks!

Hello friend!

Oh this is right up my alley, grab a cuppa, I get wordy.

As a chronic “too many ideas, too little dopamine” ADHD brain that’s always seeking that lil extra dopamine, I suffer from the exact same problem. My motivation is a fickle thing, as is my ability to focus and my goblin brain is always after the new shiny idea.

But, I’m also at the end of drafting the biggest project I’ve ever completed(it's over 100k words right now), while also planning a novel, developing a few more ideas and writing short stories and doing this blog (intermittently at least for now).

How the hell did I manage that?

I learned to work with my brain, lean into novelty, made things really easy for myself and when needed, got some help and made things fun. 

The truth is, motivation comes and goes, as does inspiration. So we have to figure out how to keep writing without it, and how to wrangle those plot bunnies. That’s the work we do. 

My short answer is this: The solution to focusing on a big project is to make working on this project easier than working on anything else, make it the most enjoyable, and make it the most rewarding.

Here’s some advice on how:

Advice Tidbit the First: Work with your brain

Since us neurospicy types come in so many flavours, it’s impossible to give advice that works for everyone. So find what works for you. You know what helps you focus, you know what your weaknesses are and you know how your brain works. If you don’t, now is the time to find out how to work with your brain chemistry rather than against it. 

If this means having music, using a pomodoro timer, something like a special focus based word processor or a notebook, use it. If this means working with a trusted friend, a community, or alone, do that. 

For me it really means that the big project is always front and centre. It is always open, it is always flagged in my notebook, it is always present and easy to come back to and I always know where I’m going with it.

I’m gonna share some things that work for me and I encourage you to try them, keep what works, and cast off the rest.

Advice Tidbit the Second: Lean into Novelty

My brain relishes novelty, and will happily chase a new idea down a rabbit hole like a Jack Russell on speed and after years of fighting it, I’ve learned sometimes, it’s best to chase the white rabbit and see where it ends up. Just make sure you have a way of putting that idea on a back burner and coming home to the project you want to focus on.

And I do this through a few different means. 

First I write that new idea down, which in turn helps me get it out of my head instead of it repeating ad nauseum like the chewiest earworm. The brain repeats things to remember them, but if you write it down, and then immediately get what you wanna focus on in front of your eyeballs, you might be able to switch gears and get back on track.

Second, I create my own novelty by balancing a few projects at once, that are all at different stages of development, and focus on different ideas. I have the big one that's almost done, I have a novel that’s in planning, a few short story ideas that’s percolating  and this blog which is focused less on creation and more explaining things I’ve learned. And I bounce from these, as needed, to keep things fresh. 

Third, if all else fails, I stop fighting and go wild. I’ve stumbled onto some amazing gems of projects by embracing the mad rush of inspiration until I hit a wall. And the trick for me is, once I hit that wall, I go back to my big project and it always feels a little fresher after that time away.

Writers are creative creatures, and inspiration is a wonderful, amazing, maddening thing that we cannot rely on, but shouldn’t ignore when it strikes. 

Advice Tidbit the Third: Make that shit easy.

A fun, and by fun I mean hellish aspect of my brain chemistry is that the more barriers between me and doing a thing there are, the less likely I am to do the thing. Executive dysfunction is an asshole and should pay but until I can figure out a way to do that, I instead focus on making this as easy for me as possible. 

When it comes to focusing on a specific project, I make sure I have it ready to go when I wanna work on it. I open up the word doc before I go to bed, I leave some notes for myself before leaving it, I never close it unless I absolutely have to, and I always, always have a notebook or my phone on hand to write with, and I have a playlist on hand to get me in the mindset while writing or walking, or working out.

Now if you’re looking at that and going “But Cas, that’s a lot of prep-work”, yeah, it is, and that’s what I do to make things easier to start and stay focused with. Call it the neurospicy-tax. Sometimes shit comes with extra prepwork, but it will help you in the long run.

Thankfully the execution is less painful than it sounds. I just don’t close the word doc for my main project unless I absolutely have to. Opening it first thing is a habit I’ve developed over time as is carrying my notebook around everywhere. Right now I’m trying to build the habit of writing first thing in the morning after breakfast, which means I have the project, or project notes up to read while I eat.

The less I have to think about it, the less steps it takes to start, the easier it is to just do. And do it enough, consistently enough, it becomes habitual. Ish.

Advice Tidbit the Fourth and Most Important: Make the writing easier too.

Yeap. I’m gonna say it. Learn to plan in a way that works for you.

It is so much easier to write freely, consistently and confidently when I have a damn good idea of where I’m going and what targets I’m trying to hit. If you’ve read my waffling about approaching chapters, I go on at length about how that pre-planning makes the work easier. This doesn’t mean you need to have the whole thing planned down to the finest detail, you don’t need every chapter and scene on cards ready to go, unless that’s what works best for you.

However, I have found that I can stick with big projects the best if I have a rough plan consisting of story beats, knowing my character arcs, and solid idea of the ending. With that roadmap, it doesn't matter how lost or distracted I get or how long I spend in the warren of Ploticus Bunnicus, because I have that guide at hand to bring me back to my story. But when I don’t have it… I get lost. And I stay lost. I lose motivation, it’s harder to pick it up again, I lose hope and I abandon that story and feel awful about it.

So if there’s any advice I want you to try it’s this: Figure out where your story is going, where you want it to end up, a few ideas on how you’ll get there, and make a map to keep you heading in the right direction.

It can be as easy as dot points giving you a few ideas about what’s ahead, a few notes from the last writing session to remind you of where you were going, or a paragraph blocking out events in a really condensed summary. Whatever works for you, but have a plan for where you’re going for those moments when something shiny crosses your path. Make working on this main project easier than working on anything else, make it the most enjoyable, make it the most rewarding. Let me know if you want me to talk about my roadmapping/planning process.

Advice Tidbit the Fifth: Get some help.

I would not be as far along in my big project as I am if I didn’t have two really amazing people that helped me along my way as alpha readers. Ie: the two people who got frantic messages at 3am asking if they could look at the raw draft I had just churned out to see if it was okay, and who also, graciously, acted as rubber duckies and brainstorming partners and problem solvers as I figured my own process out.

I owe these two so much.

Writing can be a terribly solitary craft but it doesn’t have to be. So get a buddy, someone that can hold you to task, who can give their opinion, act as a sounding board, who is as excited about the project as you are. I am so glad to be that person for my bestest buddies and they are that person for me.

So find that person, someone you can trust, a friend, another writer, or just someone that has your back. And if you don’t have that person, there are communities aplenty floating around. And I am always, always, ready to cheerlead a fellow writer. Hell, I created a whole damn server just to help other writers that I haven’t been brave enough to advertise yet.  You can find it here. [If the link isn't active, feel free to ask me for one!]

Advice Tidbit the Sixth: Make that shit fun.

Writing is work, there’s no way to get around that and writing a big multi-chapter project is a LOT of work even if you don’t plan, edit, revise, or rewrite (though you should). All my advice so far has been focused on making that work easier, on working with your brain, embracing novelty for your own ends, making the work easier, and working with a friend.

Now we get to have fun.

What makes writing enjoyable for you? Is it having a tasty treat while working or after as a reward? Is it good music? An excuse to go to a cafe? To use a pretty pen? Whatever it is, DO IT. 

I like to have a nice cup of tea in a nice mug while I write. I always have music or something ignorable for background noise on the tv. And I use my very pretty pens in my very nice notebooks.

If you’re anything like me, you possess strong opinions regarding notebooks and pens, and likely have a neglected collection of some pretty stuff. So I’m gonna say something shocking: You should use those nice pens and notebooks.

 No seriously. 

Use them. Use the pretty inks and lovely pens and use them to make writing fun. Switch colours at the drop of a hat or to show scene and pov transitions, practise your handwriting. Use different notebooks for different projects or one big bullet journal style thing for all your writing. 

Create yourself an everyday writers kit and take it everywhere with you. Use it. If you’re doom scrolling, switch your phone for your writing kit and start jotting down some ideas or write a single sentence for your story. Use these pretty shiny things. I dare you.

Keep in mind, you DO NOT need expensive pens or papers ever at all. You can do this with a cheap notebook and a ballpoint. I’m just a stationery nerd and I like using the nice things I’ve bought instead of them sitting there doing nothing.

Here’s my kit, a black traveller’s notebook with three inserts and a kraft folder, two pen loops stuck onto the folder and two TWSBI eco fountain pens. Each insert is for a different kind of project (drafting the long project, brainstorming and planning or short stories, and planning and drafting articles for this blog.) and I have sticky tabs in the folder to make pages and specific projects. Sometimes I add a pouch of yet more fountain pens because I don’t have a problem, I have a collection.

Flex aside, my point is use tools that you enjoy using. If that means a nice clacky keyboard, use it, if that means fancy ass pens, use them, if that means something you’re not scared of breaking, use it. 

Now for gamification: A common bit of advice I hear for ADHD brains specifically is to gamify the tricky things and thank the gods, there’s a bunch of people who have figured out ways to do this.

For writers specifically we have a few tasty choices.

A quick search for ‘gamifying writing’ will turn up a bunch of results but here’s a few favourites of mine.

4thewords is web browser based RPG game where you write to battle monsters and make your way through the story. It is a subscription however but it’s fairly affordable ($4 USD a month) if you end up using it everyday. It comes with progress trackers, avatars you can get cool things for, a big community and it has a 15 day trial that does not need a credit card for. Wahoo. I’ve used it, it's a lot of  fun, but it doesn’t gel with my other needs quite as well but I do turn to it none and then when I really wanna buckle down and focus. Give it a go~

Write Or Die is a classic sprint writing tool that I’ve been a fan of for years. Basically you write or you are ‘punished’ via flashing screen, loud noises or if you’re brave, there’s the mode that eats your words if you stop typing for too long. It is a one man developer that said and a bit old and neglected but Write or Die 2 is worth it if this helps you stay focused.

Too high stress? Think about trying…

Written Kitten is a web browser based writing motivator that gives you a cute kitten picture every time you write a certain number of words. It’s adorable.

Or you can grab that writing buddy of yours, or just yourself, a timer and do a writing sprint. Pick a number of words, set your timer and write until the timer goes off. See how well you did, see how any words you can get and how far above the set number you can go.

In the end all this leads to the same key point, which is to make working on your long multi-chaptered project as easy, fun and rewarding as you possibly can. If you have a mind that chases fun, make the work fun, if it chases novelty, make the work novel, if it lacks focus, figure out how it likes to focus and apply that to your project. 

You can wrangle your brain, but you have to work to its strengths. But before I wrap this up

Advice Tidbit the Seventh: Go easy on yourself.

Neurospicy brains are particular and challenging and common advice doesn’t always work for us and that’s okay. It can be tricky figuring out what works and what doesn’t, and spoons aren’t always plentiful, our moods aren’t always cooperative and sometimes the work really is hard no matter what we do. And that’s okay. What matters, I think, is that we keep trying. A few words a day are still a few words a day.  It adds up.

You got this and I am always happy to have a chat or listen.

Good writing!

[fangbangerghoul]

Sneak Peek to Ghoul Adventures

photo credit to the wonderful @labelle-fleursauvage

All fictions I write are for adult audiences, 18 + Minors DNI I needed a cleanse from the drama of my current story, so I am writing another short in between fic like I did with Settling with the Stars! Please enjoy this sneak peek! (this is a raw draft)

The inside of the cave was spacious and wonderous. The walls were slightly covered in moisture, large teal and citrine crystals lined the floors and the walls, and the cave ceiling had bioluminescent fungi and various plants that glowed bright enough for them to see what was around them. There was a slight echo as they shuffled around and about 200 meters into the cave there was a large pit that led deeper into it. When they got to the gaping hole silently, they all began to put on harnesses to hold their body weights equally for when they ventured down. The pit was dark and it was extremely hard to tell how deep it really went. The dampness in the air started to sink into Ghoul’s bones and she felt a shiver run up her back.

“I told you to bring a coat.” Sam said with a smugness under his breath to her as he finished buckling his harness and connecting his ropes to it. The other two were still finishing planting their gear into the edge of the pit, oblivious to their conversation. 

“If I listened to everything you said then I wouldn’t be exploring this cave right now.” Ghoul clicked her ropes and harnesses together. She tested the pull on the rope that was hooked into the ground one good time before she prepared herself to leap down. “Race you down, cowboy.” The jump was thrilling as her body descended into the darkness. The rush of icy air that she penetrated through encapsulated her body in a tight hug. After a few moments of freefall, she used her legs to ground herself against the wall to slow down and not accidentally break a few bones by not stopping in time. She heard the others slowly leap off as well and that was when shifted to turn on the flashlight she had in her bag. Her left arm held onto the rope as her right shined the light through the cave to see where there were. The pit continued on but there were a few openings to choose from if they decided not to continue down.

“Where to boss?” Sam asked as he hung from his rope causally. Where the others seem to grunt and struggle a bit with balance as they stayed in place, he seemed unbothered out of all of them. Ghoul was looking around trying to decide which way would be best.

“Does anyone have a scanner readily available?” She asked and she very gently tried to reach into her bag to reach for hers. Without asking Sam swung closer to her and grabbed her rope to help her stay in place so she could look without struggling so much. His body was warmed pressed against her and she welcomed it even if her body shivered from the difference in temperature.

“I do, captain.” Barrett waved his flashlight and scanner to signal it to her and she paused her search for the moment. Even though Ghoul no longer needed to search any longer Sam held her rope with his, switching between arms once to redirect the weight he was holding. She was surprised at his gesture so she made a mental note to quickly make a decision.

“Please tell me what you see and if any particular direction messes with the scanner more than any others. We have three openings across from us and still have the bottom of this pit we can explore.” Ghoul directed and she noticed Andreja was pulling out her own scanner to look as well, which was helpful she apparently buried hers in her bag.

“East opening seems to be the best bet but there are other signs of disruption when pointed below us.” Barrett said and pointed a flashlight at each direction he referred too. Before Ghoul could speak, they, all heard the scattering of foot steps from the middle opening ahead of them. “What. Was. That?”

“Sounded like an animal.” Andreja whispered and you could hear her pull the blade out of her thigh’s weapon harness. The quick scattering happened again but this time the direction the sound came from was unclear as it echoed within the pit with them. They all focused their eyes as Barrett and Ghoul shone their flashlights around each of the areas. Ghoul could feel Sam’s grip tighten and his body felt like it was slowly adjusting around hers as if he was preparing to shield her.

“Weapon’s out just in case.” Ghoul said softly to not alarm anything that might be near them but loud enough for her companions to hear her. “Let’s split. It’ll make it harder to track us if there is a predator in here.”

[ashen-crest]

oh my god, the more I read of A Rival Most Vial, the more desperately I want to read the whole thing. How many words do you think the final draft is going to be? Do you plan on publishing it when it's done?

also, ouch. Ambrose is actually trying to protect his friend, and now she's mad at him. I mean, I know that's how it goes sometimes, but it makes for some god-tier angst.

~Morri🗡 (@memento-morri-writes)

thank you!!

I think final word count will land around 80k. it's a fantasy romance, so I want to keep it shorter than The Stray Spirit, but it still needs that time to develop the fantasy world.

it's been really difficult to balance that scene overall- Ambrose and Dawn are best friends, so Dawn needs to fall pretty far in her burn-out arc to get to a point where she makes the rash decision to leave him there.

(she also regrets it immediately. when Ambrose comes back to the street, she's sobbing into Sherry's shoulder and Grim and Eli are gearing up to go get Ambrose from the sinkhole. Grim and Eli are pissed.)

[anthonybialy]

That’s Better As Buffalo Bills Shelve Flubs

You can still order Bills gear.  Nobody needs to know after which game you shopped.  Look for apparel that appears to have been antiqued for a week.  If you order something from Fanatics, it’ll fall apart in no time.  Fans might be again panicking after the next outcome, but at least there will be a precedent of competence this season to encourage levelheadedness.  Brace for surprises like Matt Milano being Buffalo’s best cornerback.

Getting infuriating drives out of the way is efficient in retrospect.  The second outing’s opening felt like enduring a rough 2018 in order to shed unwanted contracts.  Anyone who feared a sequel of the opener experienced the dread of spotting patterns.  But the perspective of characters changed as gradually as in a Whit Stillman film.

Hulking Ken Dorsey is now raging out of happiness. He’s passionate about outsiders noticing suspect play-calling, which also coincidentally has taken place during a dip in the quarterback’s decision-making.  Whether he’s motivated by fury or adapting to the job, improvement in action beats inaction.

If you can’t start off good, at least learn from what goes badly.  Dawson Knox’s touchdown was as clever as the earlier fourth-down throw in double coverage to him was not.  The second half’s first score reflected an ability to improve both the call and execution after seeing what doesn’t work.  The Bills learned from what failed like they were Run Lola Run’s titular character. 

Some incompletions bring hope.  You’d get it if you cheered for a team with Josh Allen.  It’s heartening to see him take acceptable risks such as the throw he tried to fit in to Dalton Kincaid near the half’s end.  An incompletion knocked down by the defender was nonetheless worth the shot.  The ball hitting the turf means the down didn’t even end in disaster.

Seeing the youngest of the group’s options integrated so soon is itself heartening.  The Bills are beginning to enjoy the benefits of doubling up on tight ends, which should assuage those who were nervous about drafting a player at a spot where they already had someone good.

Waiting for Jimmy Garoppolo to screw up is an okay plan.  An active scheme aided the passive concept.  Greg Rousseau has been finding enlightened ways to disrupt passing attempts.  His emergence doesn’t make up for missing on Boogie Basham, but a the roster featuring a sufficient quality of talented edge players seems like a nearly adequate excuse.  By contrast, the inactive Kaiir Elam is a Naked Gun 2 1/2-style kind of bust.

It’s nice having numerous options in multiple groups.  Running backs with complementary skills aren’t just more thrilling than having three guys who play similarly.  Deploying the James Cook/Damien Harris/Latavius Murray triumvirate didn’t just mean Allen only had to dash three times himself.  The alliance of players with different powers resembles a Marvel superhero team.  Their story is more character-driven like the Defenders rather than some garish special effects-laden production involving that other group.

Buffalo’s most prominent resident took what the Raiders gave him, which is way more fun than giving the Jets what they desired.  Allen didn’t need to attempt foolish throws that weren’t heroic, either.  Our scolding shamed him into behaving, so keep up the fine social media work.  Remind him that it’s ultimately helpful to not make regrettable decisions.

Take comfort in having more examples by percentage.  This is the one occasion per year when there are twice as more.  The second game balanced out rough opener like a yin-yang symbol a spring break drunkard regrettably chooses as a first tattoo.  Was your astrological sign unavailable?

Mid-September is the strange time of year when we’re stuck with a quite limited sample where each has dramatically less of an effect.  We get one comfortably sweet result to accompany that rather bitter one.  The example poll will be down to one-third during the next game and so forth.

An upward trend brings value even if the wins are worth the same.  Students hope professors recognize progress over the semester’s course and weighs recent grades more heavily than when you were clueless at the semester’s opening.

There’s a tradeoff to time advancing that it turns out is unavoidable by current understandings of physics.  Each game played of course means fewer chances left to influence the overall makeup.  Followers are trying not to fret too much after experiencing two tries.  At the same time, you may have heard how few teams have made the playoffs after starting 0-2 during the 14-team tournament era, namely one team.

An infinitely more welcome result offers distractions from other hassles, including getting to the stadium itself.  The short-term aggravation of having nowhere to store cars is part of the tradeoff with forcing taxpayers forced to fund another stadium in a remote location.  Well, that’s not a super deal.

Realizing in reality what a horrid decision repeating the stadium mistake has become was just the week’s unpleasant start.  A Bills-employed reporter thought this would be the perfect week to criticize the team’s best and most sensitive receiver.  The team worker has disappeared like Kelvin Benjamin. But at least there was a good result on the field to cancel out off-the-field drama.  Football is about the people within the stadium, whether they’re competing or enjoying.  It’d be nice to have a closer place paid for by the owner.  But methodical domination after a shaky start is welcome occurrence no matter what’s around.

[notopedia-india]

Strategies to Prepare Effectively for the NDA Exam Date 2023

The National Defence Academy (NDA) examination is a gateway to one of the most esteemed careers in the armed forces. As the NDA exam date for 2023 draws near, aspirants are gearing up to give their best shot and secure a place in this prestigious institution. Success in the NDA exam requires not just determination but also effective preparation strategies that cover all aspects of the examination. In this blog, we'll explore a comprehensive set of strategies to help you prepare effectively and confidently for the NDA exam date in 2023.

1. Understand the NDA Exam Syllabus: The first step towards effective preparation is understanding the syllabus thoroughly. The NDA exam comprises Mathematics and General Ability Test (GAT) sections. Break down the syllabus into subtopics, prioritize based on your strengths and weaknesses, and create a study plan accordingly.

2. Create a Realistic Study Plan: Draft a well-structured study plan that allocates time to each subject and topic. Ensure a balance between Mathematics and GAT. Remember that consistency and regularity in your study routine are key to success.

3. Master Time Management: Time management is crucial during the NDA exam. Practice solving questions under timed conditions to improve your speed and accuracy. This will help you navigate the actual exam efficiently.

4. Practice with Previous Years' Question Papers: Utilize previous years' question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and types of questions. Regular practice with these papers will give you an insight into the level of difficulty and the areas that require more attention.

5. Engage in Mock Tests: Taking mock tests replicates the exam environment and helps you assess your readiness. Analyze your performance, identify areas for improvement, and refine your strategies based on the results.

6. Focus on Conceptual Clarity: Avoid rote learning and strive for a deep understanding of concepts. Focus on building a strong foundation in Mathematics and enhance your reasoning and English language skills for the GAT section.

7. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: The GAT section includes questions on current affairs, general knowledge, and English. Stay updated with national and international events, read newspapers, and watch news to keep yourself informed.

8. Physical Fitness and Health: Remember that the NDA examination evaluates not only your intellectual capabilities but also your physical fitness. Engage in regular exercise, maintain a healthy diet, and get sufficient rest to ensure your overall well-being.

9. Revise Regularly: Allocate time for regular revision to reinforce your learning. Create concise notes for quick reference and revision closer to the NDA exam date.

10. Manage Exam-Day Stress: Develop relaxation techniques to manage exam-day stress. Practice deep breathing and positive visualization to stay calm and focused during the examination.

11. Be Familiar with Exam Centers: If possible, visit the exam center before the NDA exam date to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. This can help reduce anxiety on the actual day.

12. Follow Guidelines and Instructions: On the NDA exam date, adhere to the guidelines and instructions provided by the authorities. Ensure you carry all necessary documents and follow the dress code.

Conclusion: Your Path to NDA Success Starts Now: Effective preparation for the NDA exam requires dedication, discipline, and a well-rounded approach. By implementing these strategies and consistently putting in the effort, you're setting yourself up for success on the NDA exam date in 2023. Remember that a holistic approach, encompassing both academic preparation and physical fitness, is key to excelling in this prestigious examination. As you embark on this journey, remember that you're not alone. Notopedia stands as your steadfast companion, offering not just study materials but also the latest NDA exam-related updates. Our commitment to providing you with the most relevant information adds an element of convenience and confidence to your preparation journey. Keep your goals in sight, stay motivated, and embark on your journey towards a remarkable career in the armed forces through the NDA.

[perfectlightbouquet]

Unleashing the Speed: The Ultimate Guide to Inline Speed Skates

Inline speed skating, often referred to as rollerblading, is an exhilarating sport that combines the thrills of skating with the adrenaline rush of speed. Whether you're a seasoned inline skater or a beginner eager to take on the challenge, having the right pair of Inline speed skates is essential for reaching new heights of performance. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the world of inline speed skates, including their construction, key features, and tips to maximize your speed and enjoyment on wheels.

Anatomy of Inline Speed Skates

Before hitting the pavement, it's crucial to understand the key components of inline speed skates:

Wheels: Inline speed skates have large, low-profile wheels designed for maximum speed and reduced friction. These wheels typically range from 90mm to 125mm in diameter, and the hardness (durometer) varies based on the surface you'll be skating on. Harder wheels (88A-90A) are ideal for smooth surfaces, while softer wheels (78A-85A) offer better grip on rougher terrains.

Bearings: Bearings play a crucial role in determining how smoothly your wheels roll. High-quality bearings, often rated using the ABEC system, ensure less friction and better speed. Common ratings are ABEC 5, 7, and 9, with higher numbers indicating better performance.

Frames: The frames of inline speed skates are typically made from lightweight materials like aluminum or carbon fiber. These materials provide rigidity and support while minimizing weight, allowing for better power transfer and agility.

Boots: Speed skate boots are usually low-cut and designed to offer excellent ankle flexibility and support. They come in various materials, with carbon fiber being popular for its lightweight and stiff characteristics.

Closures: Inline speed skates commonly feature lacing systems complemented by buckles or Velcro straps to ensure a secure and customizable fit.

Choosing the Right Pair of Inline Speed Skates

Selecting the perfect pair of inline speed skates can significantly impact your skating experience:

Skill Level: Consider your skill level and skating goals. Beginner-friendly models provide more stability, while advanced skaters may prefer specialized high-performance skates.

Size and Fit: Proper fit is crucial for comfort and control. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's sizing guide and consider trying on different models to find the best fit for your feet.

Wheel Configuration: Opt for a wheel configuration that matches your skating environment. Larger wheels offer better speed on open roads, while smaller wheels provide more maneuverability for tight corners and crowded areas.

Frame Length: The frame length affects stability and maneuverability. Longer frames provide better stability at high speeds, while shorter frames offer more agility.

Mastering Inline Speed Skating Techniques

To get the most out of your inline speed skates, mastering essential techniques is essential:

Proper Posture: Maintain a low and balanced posture with your knees slightly bent. Keep your arms relaxed and close to your body for better aerodynamics.

Crossover Skating: Learn to cross one foot over the other while skating to maintain momentum during turns and improve speed on straightaways.

Braking Techniques: Practice various braking techniques, such as the heel brake or T-stop, to ensure you can stop safely and effectively.

Pacing and Drafting: Develop pacing strategies to conserve energy during longer rides. Additionally, practice drafting (skating close behind another skater) to reduce wind resistance and improve efficiency.

Safety and Gear

Safety should always be a top priority when inline speed skating:

Protective Gear: Wear a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards to protect against potential falls and injuries.

Skating Environment: Choose safe and smooth surfaces for skating, avoiding busy roads and areas with heavy traffic.

Check Your Skates: Regularly inspect your skates for signs of wear and tear, and ensure the wheels and bearings are in good condition.

Conclusion Inline speed skates offer a thrilling and rewarding skating experience for beginners and advanced skaters alike. With the right pair of skates, a focus on technique, and a commitment to safety, you can unlock the full potential of this high-speed sport. So, lace up your inline speed skates, hit the road, and experience the freedom and excitement that comes with the world of rollerblading. Remember to enjoy the ride and embrace the thrill of speed on wheels!

[emberthestoryteller]

Jared Dragonstooth

i want to redo a series i wrote a while back that was lost to the great online presence purge of when i realized i wasn't going to be making enough money on writing commissions to be worth maintaining that sort of online presence anymore, but doing character intros in the story itself is a pain, so i'm just going to do physical descriptions and summaries of their backstories and hope you can just pick up on enough of their vibes from that for the series to make sense first. i plan on giving this backstory a proper go and doing it well later, but for now here's the rough draft of the summary

Jared Dragonstooth is a warrior of draconic descent. He's about 7 feet tall, with silver scales, and a long tail that helps him keep balance with his double-jointed legs. You know, like a non-bipedal creature would have. He doesn't have wings, and is technically still within a normal human height range. He can technically breathe fire, but it's just a bunch of sparks. Still useful, just not in a fight. Really all his draconic descent gives him is scales and a really long lifespan (and the constantly-growing teeth that are needed to keep a creature going for that long, so he has to constantly gnaw on stuff). He grew up in a pretty big town that had grown around a place where two major trading roads intersected, starting as a resupply stop and quickly growing into a destination all on its own. He had always lived by a simple motto: if we always work to be better than we were the day before, the world will keep getting better. Whether or not it was true (people have gotten upset at me about how that motto oversimplifies things, and i don't want people to yell at me for my silly goofy cozy fantasy series being silly, goofy, and cozy, so i'm not going to commit to a stance on whether or not i believe that motto), he lived by it. He constantly tried to get stronger, because being able to see that you have definitely improved in a given area and how much you've improved is pretty great. He worked at a local supply store, mostly loading bulk orders onto the customers' wagons, and unloading shipments. He found it pretty boring, but it paid well enough, and had good hours. (i don't have the spoons to be clever about saying time passed, so you get an eventually) Eventually, some bandits showed up. This group was untrained and particularly poorly equipped, so they couldn't take on the mercs the wealthier merchants hired to protect them, and just robbed the poorer merchants. This was quickly making critical supplies like food and clothes nearly impossible for most people to get, but it wasn't affecting the wealthy very much, so the crown ordered the guards not to "waste resources" hunting them down. A group of townsfolk decided to break into the guards' armory, steal some gear, and do it themselves. Most of them were untrained, so there were heavy casualties. Among the casualties was one of Jared's best friends (they've got their own story going on, but i'm in the middle of reworking it, so for now i'm not going to get into detail. i'll tell their story later, and if and when i retell jared's, they'll get properly credited). Jared swore an oath to hunt down and kill the bandit who had killed his best friend. Standard lone wanderer trope shit ensues, but i don't intend to ever get particularly in detail on this for reasons that will probably become clear later. Jared had found out the town his mark was living in, and made his way to the town. He found his mark in a bar, drinking with his friends and telling terrible jokes. One of the bandits told an awful pun Jared's friend would make a point to tell almost any time they hung out, and Jared realized that getting his revenge wouldn't just cost the ex-bandit their life, it would cost the ex-bandit's loved ones someone they cared about. It would cost a lot of people he had no issue with their friend, and probably a few more their family member. He wasn't willing to inflict that much hurt on that many people just because he was angry. He sat down at the bar and introduced himself to the ex-bandit, and explained why he'd come, and the decision he'd made. The ex-bandit introduced themself as Sare, and explained that they'd come to a similar situation. They shared their story with Jared (probably the next one i'm sharing, that rework is going well, but maybe not. we'll see). They had decided to try to turn things around and help people wherever possible. Specifically, they wanted to help the people that the nobility and the crown were refusing to help or were oppressing. They'd already teamed up with a mage and a thief. Jared decided to join the group

[thorntonkrell-blog-blog]

Yesterday, I reread !984 for at least the tenth time although it's been at least five years since my last read. Once again I found myself having to pause in my reading and think twice about the concept of double think.

Doublethink is the concept that the minority ruling party uses an intentional method to affect the thinking of the majority. The ruling powers with the help of media and continual rewriting of history engage in propaganda that encourages people to hold two contradictory beliefs in mind at the same time and believing in both.

Meanwhile, Rupert Murdoch is being sued by the Dominion company for intentionally libeling the company in defense of what is known as The Big Lie which claims that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election despite a lack of evidence.

Murdoch is trying to throw his employees under the bus in order to avoid being fined a billion dollars. Murdoch himself never made such claims.....it was the people who worked for him. They knew what they were saying about the election was "bullshit" but the fed it to the nation in such a convincing way that they must have believed it wasn't bull shit at the same time.

Hey

I know all about Doublethink.

I'm a fan of the Buffalo Bills.

Every year I believe that the Bills are the best team in the league and have a strong chance of winning the Super Bowl.

True, we've never won a Super Bowl. Aside from some "bad breaks" (wide right) we would have won at least one Super Bowl. We've come close the last coupla years. We're gonna win it all next year.

As soon as the season begins, however, I will experience confusion, stress, and anxiety, as I struggle to balance the past with the future and make sense of my thoughts and emotions even as I lose trust in my judgement while becoming more belligerent in the insistence of my faith.

We've turned our Sundays over to the NFL which is a fertile ground for national doublethink which prepares us to doubt ourselves while becoming ever more confident at the same time.

Yesterday, my second favorite team, the Carolina Panthers made a daring trade and now have possesion of the first pick in the upcoming NFL draft. This was a great move although we gave up a lot to get the pick and the risk is great. No big deal. No risk no reward. Although we gave up way tooo much in the trade and that will keep us out of the Super Bowl conversation for a least a decade unless we get luck and all the gears click which they won't but if they do maybe we'll contend with the Bills for the league Championship and prevent themn from wiining their first Super Bowl or not etc.

Meanwhile let's continue to support Ukraine until we run out of money which will happen later than when Putin runs out of sacrificial soldiers if not before

etc.

Still, I believe that he Bills are a great success even though we haven't succeeded in winning a Super Bowl. might view their team as successful in the sense that it consistently performs well during the regular season and has made it to the playoffs in recent years. At the same time, they might also view their team as unsuccessful in the sense that it has not won a championship in a long time and has a history of disappointing losses in big games.

By holding these two contradictory beliefs as true, Bills fans might be able to reconcile their love for their team with the reality of its performance. They might be able to continue to support the team and root for its success, while also acknowledging its flaws and weaknesses. This is an example of doublethink, as it involves holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind and accepting both of them as true.

Doublethink is a concept that George Orwell introduced in his novel "1984." In the novel, doublethink is the act of simultaneously holding two contradictory beliefs or ideas in one's mind and accepting both of them as true.

For example, in the book, the ruling party of Oceania uses doublethink to maintain their control over the population. They claim to be working for the good of the people, while at the same time engaging in propaganda, censorship, and brutal repression. The citizens are encouraged to hold the belief that the party is good and that their actions are necessary, even when they contradict their own experiences and observations.

Doublethink is a way for the party to maintain control over people's thoughts and beliefs. By creating a society in which people are encouraged to accept contradictory ideas as true, the party can manipulate people's perceptions of reality and prevent them from questioning the party's actions or motives.

Overall, doublethink is a powerful tool for psychological manipulation and control, and it represents a key theme in Orwell's novel.

In what ways does the big Lie regarding election fraud resemble double think

The "big lie" regarding election fraud and doublethink share some similarities in that they both involve the manipulation of truth and the acceptance of false or contradictory beliefs.

In the case of the "big lie," it refers to the false claim that the 2020 US Presidential election was rigged and stolen from a particular candidate, despite a lack of evidence to support this claim. This lie has been repeated and amplified by political leaders and media outlets, leading some people to believe it as true despite a lack of evidence.

Similarly, doublethink involves accepting contradictory beliefs or ideas as true, even when they contradict one's own experiences and observations. In the case of election fraud, people who accept the "big lie" may be engaging in a form of doublethink by simultaneously accepting the idea that the election was rigged and that there is no evidence to support this claim.

Both the "big lie" and doublethink can be used to manipulate people's perceptions of reality and promote a particular agenda or narrative. They both involve the use of propaganda and the manipulation of truth to achieve a specific outcome or goal.

Does the recent invetigation into Rupert Murdoch reveal doublethink on the past of Fox

I'm not aware of a recent investigation into Rupert Murdoch that specifically relates to doublethink. However, it is possible that some of the tactics employed by Fox News, which is owned by Murdoch's company, News Corp, could be seen as an example of doublethink.

Fox News has been accused of promoting a partisan and biased agenda, often at the expense of objective reporting and fact-checking. Some commentators have suggested that Fox News uses doublethink to promote this agenda, by presenting contradictory information and opinions as if they are equally valid.

For example, Fox News has been criticized for promoting false and misleading information about climate change, suggesting that it is not a real phenomenon or that humans are not a significant contributor to it. This contradicts the overwhelming scientific consensus that climate change is real and caused by human activity.

Similarly, Fox News has been criticized for promoting false and misleading information about the 2020 US Presidential election, suggesting that it was rigged or stolen despite a lack of evidence to support these claims.

Overall, while I'm not familiar with a specific investigation into Rupert Murdoch and doublethink, it is possible that the tactics employed by Fox News and other media outlets owned by News Corp could be seen as an example of doublethink in action.

They are being sued by Dominion and several commentatots particularly Hannity and Carlson are coming under focus for intentionally decieiving their viewers as they didn't belive that Tump had won the election yet tried to convince their viewers that he had. Is this doublethink?

The situation you described regarding the lawsuit filed by Dominion and the commentators at Fox News could potentially be seen as an example of doublethink.

Doublethink involves holding two contradictory beliefs or ideas in one's mind and accepting both of them as true. In this case, the commentators at Fox News may have been aware that their claims about the election being rigged or stolen were false, but still presented them as true to their viewers.

This would involve holding the contradictory beliefs that the claims they were making were false, while still presenting them as true to their viewers. In other words, they would be engaging in a form of deception that involves presenting false information as if it were true.

If this is the case, it could be seen as an example of doublethink, as the commentators would be holding contradictory beliefs in their minds while still presenting them as true to others. However, it's important to note that this is a complex situation and would require a thorough investigation to determine the motivations and intentions behind the actions of those involved.

Can you give me an example of doublethink that might apply to fans of the buffalo Bills

I can certainly provide an example of how doublethink might apply to fans of the Buffalo Bills, although it's important to note that this is purely hypothetical and may not reflect the actual beliefs of Bills fans.

One example of doublethink that might apply to Bills fans is the idea that the team is both successful and unsuccessful at the same time. On the one hand, Bills fans may believe that their team is one of the best in the league and has a strong chance of winning the Super Bowl. On the other hand, they may also acknowledge that the team has a long history of losing and has not won a championship in over 25 years.

To resolve this contradiction, Bills fans might engage in doublethink by simultaneously holding both beliefs as true. They might view their team as successful in the sense that it consistently performs well during the regular season and has made it to the playoffs in recent years. At the same time, they might also view their team as unsuccessful in the sense that it has not won a championship in a long time and has a history of disappointing losses in big games.

By holding these two contradictory beliefs as true, Bills fans might be able to reconcile their love for their team with the reality of its performance. They might be able to continue to support the team and root for its success, while also acknowledging its flaws and weaknesses. This is an example of doublethink, as it involves holding two contradictory beliefs in one's mind and accepting both of them as true.

What is the psychological fallout from doublethink

The psychological fallout from doublethink can be significant and can have a range of negative effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being.

One potential consequence of doublethink is cognitive dissonance, which is the mental discomfort that arises when a person holds two contradictory beliefs at the same time.

Doublethink can also lead to a loss of trust in oneself and in others. If a person is consistently holding contradictory beliefs and accepting both as true, they may begin to doubt their own judgment and their ability to discern truth from falsehood. This can erode their sense of self-confidence and leave them feeling uncertain and insecure.

Furthermore, doublethink can contribute to a sense of detachment from reality. By accepting contradictory beliefs as true, a person may be living in a world of their own making, disconnected from objective reality and the experiences of others. This can lead to feelings of isolation and a sense of being out of touch with the world around them.

Overall, the psychological fallout from doublethink can be significant and can have a range of negative effects on an individual's mental and emotional well-being. It's important to recognize the signs of doublethink and to work to address it in order to promote greater clarity, coherence, and mental health.

what are the signs of Doublethink

The signs of doublethink can be difficult to identify, as it often involves holding contradictory beliefs in one's mind without being aware of the contradiction. However, there are some signs that may indicate the presence of doublethink:

Inconsistent statements: Doublethink often involves making statements that are inconsistent with one's own beliefs or with objective reality. For example, a person may say that they believe one thing but then behave in a way that contradicts that belief.

Rationalizing contradictory beliefs: Doublethink often involves rationalizing away contradictory beliefs by finding ways to explain how they can both be true. This may involve ignoring or dismissing evidence that contradicts one's beliefs or coming up with elaborate justifications for why both beliefs can coexist.

Accepting conflicting information: Doublethink often involves accepting information that is conflicting or contradictory without questioning it. This may involve accepting information from unreliable sources or accepting information that is clearly false.

Difficulty making decisions: Doublethink can make it difficult to make decisions or take action because a person may be unsure of what they actually believe or may be torn between conflicting beliefs.

Emotional distress: Doublethink can cause emotional distress, such as feelings of anxiety, confusion, or inner conflict, as a person struggles to reconcile their conflicting beliefs.

It's important to note that not all instances of inconsistent beliefs or behavior are signs of doublethink. However, if you notice persistent inconsistencies in your own beliefs or behavior, or if you find yourself struggling to reconcile conflicting beliefs, it may be worth examining whether doublethink is a factor.

[westernsaddleforsale]

Western Horse Saddle For Sale Fast and Free Shipping

Introduction

The best way to find the perfect horse saddle for your needs is to start by checking out our wide selection and comparing prices. We have something for every budget!

Additionally, the Western saddle is designed to distribute the weight of the rider over a larger area of the horse's back, making it more comfortable for the horse to carry the rider for extended periods of time. The saddle features a wide, flat seat, often padded with sheepskin or foam, and a large, sturdy tree (the frame of the saddle) to distribute weight evenly. The stirrups are also designed to provide stability and support to the rider's feet and legs, allowing them to maintain their balance over rough terrain or during sudden movements by the horse.

There are many different styles of Western saddle, each designed for a specific purpose. Some common styles include the ranch saddle, the roping saddle, the barrel racing saddle, and the trail riding saddle. Each of these styles has its own unique features and characteristics, tailored to the needs of the rider and the horse.

Overall, the Western Horse saddle is an important part of American equestrian culture, and continues to be used by riders of all skill levels for a variety of purposes, from ranch work to trail riding to rodeo competitions. Its design and construction reflect centuries of tradition and innovation, and it remains a functional and comfortable tool for riders and horses alike.

Saddle Size: 16.5"

The 16.5" is the standard size for a western saddle. This is the most popular size for horseback riding in the United States, and it has been since the 1800s when cowboys began using this type of saddle.

Material: Leather

Leather is a durable material, it’s easy to maintain and comfortable to ride in. Leather is also a good choice for a saddle because it can withstand the weight of your horse without breaking or cracking.

Brand: Custom

Custom saddles are made by saddle makers. These are some of the best saddle makers in the world and they make their own brand of saddles. They will customize your saddle to fit your needs, so if you have any questions about what kind of padding or design you need for your horse, they can help you out!

Model: Western Horse Saddle

Model: Western Horse Saddle

My Horse Saddle was originally designed to be an all-purpose saddle that could handle any type of horse from small ponies up to large draft horses with ease, so it ended up being very popular among riders looking for versatility in their riding gear!

Color: Brown

Brown is the most common color for western horse saddles. It's a neutral color that will match any horse, so you can use it for your next purchase. If you want to match your saddle to your horse's color or if you don't want to spend much money on a new one, brown is an excellent choice!

Construction

In addition to tooling, the leather may be dyed or painted with intricate designs or personalized with the owner's initials or brand. The horn of the saddle may also be wrapped with rawhide, leather, or a decorative material such as braided horsehair.

The skirts of the saddle, which cover the horse's sides, can also be decorated or tooled, and may be cut in a variety of styles depending on the intended use of the saddle. For example, a roping saddle may have longer, heavier skirts to protect the horse from the rope, while a barrel racing saddle may have shorter, more streamlined skirts to allow for greater freedom of movement.

The rigging of the Western saddle refers to the system of straps and rings used to secure the saddle to the horse. There are several types of rigging, including the traditional "double rigging," which uses two sets of straps and rings to attach the cinch to the saddle tree. Other types of rigging include the "single rigging," which uses only one set of straps and rings, and the "in-skirt rigging," which hides the rigging within the skirts of the saddle for a more streamlined appearance.

Overall, the design and construction of a Western saddle is a highly specialized and skilled craft, requiring expertise in materials, tooling, and rigging. A well-made Western saddle can last for decades, providing both comfort and security to the rider and allowing the horse to perform at its best.

Buy Online Western Horse Saddle For Sale

Buy Online Western Horse Saddle For Sale

Fast and Free Shipping

Saddle Size: 16.5"

Material: Leather

Brand: Custom

Model: Western Horse Saddle

6 Color: Brown

Conclusion

We are proud to offer you the best soft and durable western horse saddle on the market. This saddle is perfect for any type of ride and is sure to make you feel comfortable while doing it!

Read Also: 

Western Horse Saddle For Sale

Western Saddle For Sale

Western Horse Saddles

[aeternusfoundation]

Crypto Market is quite amazing than Traditional Market – We can get up late at night!

Investors are always looking for a way to gear up their deals & upcoming ICOs are making a new world for every new-age investor. Seeking such deals will reflect big profits and benefits too. As an investor, my priority is to trade and make the best deal in the entire day. But as an investor, I have seen a drastic reformation in the crypto world.

For me, it becomes more like a bread & butter thing because I can do it now anytime in the entire day or whenever I want to do it. For me, the traditional market and crypto market, or can say the modern world market is completely different. Earlier, we hardly get any opportunity to invest in or can understand the company through their work.

But today, we can do that. Before making any early bird decision, here are a few things you should keep at your peak. Refer to the White Papers for technical ground The first and foremost thing to refer to to understand the crypto market is White Paper.

It is best thing to start with a specific detail about the crypto project. These white papers are drafted to give an inception about the project – project purpose, statistics of the project, formulas found in the project’s code, and the tokenomics of the project. Everything that you want to read is listed in the paper.

The white paper is helpful for an investor to understand the mindset of a developer, or creator. Although, the future of a particular coin or token can be predicted easily with White paper. The entire thesis of the investment in the modern world depends upon the white paper.

We can use it as a cautionary warning – if you can’t understand it, just drop the deal. Moreover, this detailed document will give you a briefing about the founders and the company behind it. So, read about the warning signs from the white paper to make your decision worthwhile. On-Chain Analytics at every tip The availability of blockchain data that is publicly available for all to dive into — transactions and wallet balances are there for all to see "On-chain," 24 hours a day, seven days a week — is one of the most exciting features about cryptocurrencies that you don't find in traditional finance.

The method of analyzing data from a blockchain ledger to create an opinion on market sentiment is known as "on-chain analytics." Wallet balances, transaction data, gas costs, transaction volume, active addresses, and other indicators that can be discovered on blockchain ledgers are examined by analysts to analyze market sentiment and determine whether a certain asset is a good investment or is sending sell signals.

Let’s keep it simple for you as a user. The coin popularity is addressed or depicted through active transactions and active addresses. On the other side, if a project has a low wallet balance with a constant decline speed, then the such project is not a good deal for you.

Tokenomics is a new economics Tokenomics is a popular phase in the crypto world which helps us to understand the system. It simplifies the entire history of a particular token and also shows why the such token is popular among the people. An investor needs to think about tokenomics & make a wise decision.

Also, you will get to know the total number of tokens, distribution phases & supply for the time being. Also, you should be known about the token is inflationary or deflationary. Hence, such properties will help you out in making a wise decision.

Make your deal a memorable one! Crypto Market is quite amazing than Traditional Market – We can get up late at night – said the founder of Aeternus Yogendra Kumar. He further added that the crypto market is a 24*7 world where you can do limitless transactions in a day. Also, while investing in an upcoming ICO, we all need to read about every single factor so that our deals remain profitable.

Visit us - https://aeternus.foundation/

[ttwoguysandaride]

2023 Tracker Pro Guide V-175

2023 Tracker Pro Guide V-175 At 17’ 7” long and with a generous beam, the TRACKER® PRO GUIDE™ V-175 WT (walk-thru) is a substantial and stable boat for tackling big-water angling. The 48-gallons of livewell space keep bait and gamefish healthy, and massive storage throughout the boat stows all the gear you need for the most arduous of fishing expeditions. For your peace of mind, the PRO GUIDE V-175 WT is guaranteed by the TRACKER PROMISE—the best factory warranty in aluminum boats, with a lifetime hull/structure/deck warranty and 5-years of bow-to-stern coverage. And, like all TRACKER boat packages, it comes ready to fish, with an efficient Mercury® FourStroke outboard, a Minn Kota® trolling motor and a Lowrance® fishfinder. Specifications: Length 17’ 7” Length w/Swim Platform 18’ 5” Beam 8’ 1” Bottom Width 6’ 10” Max Recommended HP 150 HP Fuel Capacity 25.5 Gal. Max Person Capacity 6 Max Person Weight 835 lbs. Max Person, Motor & Gear Weight 1600 lbs. Interior Depth 26.75” Transom Height 25.5” Deadrise at Bow 35 degrees Deadrise at Transom 20 degrees Draft 14” Hull Material 0.15052 Marine Alloy Avg. Dry Weight 1525 lbs. Avg. Package Weight 2985 lbs. Package Height 7’ 3” Package Width 8’ 6” Towing Length 24’ 8” Storage Length (With outboard trimmed down) 22’ 0” ✅ Subscribe to Our Channel for More Cars, Tips & Resources: https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoGuysandaRide/ ✅ Stay Connected 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/GuysRide 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twoguysandaride/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@twoguysandaride ============================= ✅ SEE all of our HOW TO videos here: CarTechHowTo.com - http://bit.ly/2ZvDrbE ✅ Our Playlists: https://www.youtube.com/c/TwoGuysandaRide/playlists ✅ Other Videos You Might Be Interested In Watching: 🚘 Sun Tracker SportFish 20 DLX - https://youtu.be/MieJCNVOEgE 🚘 Tracker Targa V19 Combo- https://youtu.be/LHjBArhEgMg 🚘 DODGE Sierra Wagon with Rear-Facing Third-Row “Spectator” Seats - https://youtu.be/-4Zd83xdx2I 🚘 2022 Bennington Tritoon 23RCW - https://youtu.be/S08erqgB9dk ================================= Special Thanks to: Tracker Boating Center, Brainerd, MN - https://www.bassproboatingcenters.com ================================= ✅ About Two Guys and a Ride: Two Guys and a Ride’s channel is dedicated to all things automotive. We love driving and reviewing vehicles and sharing what each one has to offer. We give you the facts where others just state their opinions. We also tell the stories of some very cool and interesting classic cars and along the way, we’ll even show you the latest and greatest Boats, Watercraft, Snow Sleds, Side by Sides and Motorcycles. Let’s go for a ride! ================================= #twoguysandaride #carsoftheday #TrackerBoats #TrackerProGuide #ClassicCars #ClassicBoat #HowTo #TechHowTo #CarTech #Racing #PontoonBoat #Pontoon #FishingBoat #Snow #Sand #Water **All Specs are preliminary data from MFG available at time of filming this video. Subject to change** Copyright Disclaimer: Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use. This Channel contains OUR Copyrighted Material and is not Available for any use outside of our Channel. All Rights Reserved © Two Guys and a Ride https://ifttt.com/images/no_image_card.png https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=031NWCq1Lqk

[bizlong]

Tips for building a sportster chopper

#Tips for building a sportster chopper generator

This beauty is a 2 time (first place) Best Chopper winner and it was featured in the January 2004 issue of Iron Works magazine. SELLING TO CANADA AND THE UNITED STATES ONLYĢ003 Harley Davidson Chopper This is a one of a kind 2003 Harley-Davidson Sportster Chopper professionally built by Sculpture Cycles of Arizona. FREE PICK UP IS WELCOME, I WILL TRY AND ASSIT BUYER ANY WAY I CAN, I CAN ALSO STORE THIS MOTORCYCLE IN MY SMALL SHOP FOR A LIMITED TIME IF NEEDED, THIS MOTORCYCLE WILL NOT LEAVE MY POSSESION UNTIL ALL FUNDS ARE SECURE. NO WARRANTY IS EXPRESSED OR APPLIED ON THIS MOTORCYCE AS IT IS NEARLY 50 YEARS OLD ,BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ARRANNGING SHIPPING AND PAYING FOR ALL RELATED COSTS, IMPORT TAXES, DUTIES AND OF COURSE SHIPPING COSTS. if paying buy bank draft you must allow my bank verify and wait for clearance to complete whether it takes 2 days or 2 weeks. will accept cash in person or bank draft. lot,s of time and money spent on this beauty, PLEASE READ - a $500 non-refundable paypal deposit is required within 24 hours of auction ending and balance paid in seven days. extra parts, shop manual ,owners manual, sales brochure come with bike. brakes, transmission shifts great (no popping out of gears ) electric starter performs flawlessly.

#Tips for building a sportster chopper generator

saddle bags and windshield installed 1 year ago, many other new parts installed, paint is about a 8 out of 10 (single stage no clear coat) has oem front crash guard to be put on ( has an aftermarket one on right now ), ribbed air cleaner insert, ribbed generator cover, and front and rear factory fender tips. bike runs and rides great, no smoke or funny engine noises, it is all stock except for the 1974-77 sportster front end, wheel ,carburetor, external throttle and single front disc wheel. DROP DEAD GEORGEOUS 1967 SPORTSTER XLH 900, show & go bike, 1 OF ONLY 2000 XLH, S MADE THAT YEAR, it won 5 major trophies including a peoples choice award.

[benngodenzi]

Study the art of car drifting

A tough and enjoyable activity is mastering the art of automobile drifting. You'll need to work on your blunders and put in practice. The easiest method to get good at this trick is to practice maintaining your drift while modifying the steering angle. To have a good sense of control is crucial when drifting an automobile.

You'll have to turn the steering wheel with a lot of force while drafting. Your automobile will drift further from the turn center as you apply more speed. Additionally, using the e-brake will allow you to drift through various turns. It is true for all skills that practice makes perfect. Do not panic if you do lose control.

While drifting doesn't pose a risk, it does need for a certain amount of ability. You can learn safe car drifting techniques with the aid of an expert. Make sure your car is in perfect working order before you begin to drift. Tire wear is another issue. Your tires could become harmful if they are unequal. To master drifting, use high-performance engine oil, modify your suspension settings, and use a steering wheel control.

Practice is the most crucial step in learning how to drift an automobile. Always hone your skill and practice in a secure environment. Try drifting in a safe location with a companion. It is advisable to start out gently and increase your speed gradually. Remember to change your gearing ratio to get additional torque.

It's time to move on to advanced techniques once you've mastered the fundamental ones. Practice starting an oversteer and avoiding a "tail slip" first. You can smoothly get the back out of the corner with the aid of these strategies. You can then try totally floating around the corner.

Try drifting without a car that is too powerful for your ability level after mastering the fundamentals. If you don't have appropriate control over your drifting, it can result in major accidents. In order to prevent accidents, it is crucial to learn the procedures. The skill of drifting requires a lot of practice. If drifting is something you take seriously, it's time to start thinking about making little changes to your vehicle.

You need to understand the fundamentals of acceleration and braking when learning how to drift a car. You must practice around cones by touching your handbrake when your automobile gets close to the cones. When you feel confident, pull your handbrake to try doing a 180-degree turn. Practice these movements until each turn is 180 degrees.

You'll need an automobile with rear-wheel drive. A limited slip differential, a working handbrake, a durable clutch, and coil over suspension should also be included. Then you should choose a comfortable bucket seat. To prevent spinning, you can also try releasing the gas pedal. By doing this, the car won't spin. Drifting is an enjoyable hobby that will test you and help you develop new talents.

If you're unsure which configuration is ideal for you, experiment with changing one element at a time. Then, be careful to tweak a different one while observing how your car responds to the adjustments. If you're unsure of the settings that work best, it's also crucial to adjust the power output of the vehicle.

It's important to be able to control traction loss in the rear wheels when learning how to drift an automobile. In order to turn the front wheels in the opposite direction to compensate for losing rear-wheel traction, drifting. Additionally, you should be able to modify the steering wheel's speed to strike the ideal balance between slide and traction loss. A novice driver should not attempt to use this talent.

In the west, drifting has developed into a competitive sport after being invented in Japan. Drivers compete for points awarded by a judging panel in this sport, which is virtually exclusively played in rear-wheel-drive automobiles. Drifting is now so common in Japan that it's frequently done at night in the mountains. As long as the drivers are not putting themselves or other drivers in danger, it is seen as safe.

A fun exercise that will teach you safe driving techniques is learning how to drift a car. A few advantages of learning how to drift a car are the surge of adrenaline and pure driving fun.

[yes-lazystudentconnoisseur-fan]

Guess Who is the Best LHB Bogies Supplier in India? Pros & Cons.

Summary: Linke Hofmann Busch trainers are Indian Railways passenger trainers built by Linke-Hofmann-Busch of Germany and mainly manufactured by the Rail Coach Factory in Kapurthala, India. They have been used since 2000 to 5 ft 6 in a wide network of Indian railways. LHB trainers can travel much faster than ICF trainers. The maximum allowable speed for LHB trainers is 160 kmph, while ICF trainers are allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 110 kmph. LHB trainers are 1.7 meters taller than regular ICF trainers, which enhances their resilience. Jupiter Wagons are the best LHB bogies supplier in India.

Introduction:

LHB Trainers on Indian Railways: To strengthen passenger safety, Link Hofmann Busch (LHB) trainers have been introduced on the Indian Railways network. Recently, the Minister of Railways Piyush Goyal informed Parliament that between 2009 and 2014, only 1,866 LHB trainers were made by Indian Railways production units, some of whom are regular trainers of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF). According to the Minister of Railways, professional German LHB trainers have a better safety record than coaches who make up the ICF. Goyal went on to say that between 2014 and 2019, a total of 9,932 LHB trainers were produced and over the past two years, the national transport operator has suspended production of ICF trainers. and better than regular ICF-design train trainers. Unlike the train trainers that make up the ICF, LHB trainers offer a higher carrying capacity, have a higher speed capacity, and have less weight and have higher codal health. In addition, LHB trainers also boast better safety features compared to ICF design trainers. In addition to these features, LHB trainers also have antiseptic features that prevent trainers from accumulating during train accidents. A few months ago, it was reported that the ICF released its 3000 trainers this year in less than nine months. Also, it was previously reported that the record was registered by the ICF with the release of 2,222 LHB trainers over a period of 8 months and 11 days in the current financial year.

LHB Coaches:

Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) design trainers are heavier, have higher handling power, higher speed power, increased code life and better safety features compared to Integral Coach Factory (ICF) design trainers. LHB passenger trainers traveling over Indian Railways (IR) are designed with the safety features required when considering Indian Railways operating conditions. However, in order to provide passengers with a safe and comfortable journey, the government has decided to replace the standard ICF trains for Mail / Express trains into LHB design trainers in stages. LHB Passenger Trainer Trainers on Indian Railways are designed with the safety features required when considering Indian Railways operating conditions. The Indian Railways’ Rail Coach Factory (RCF) Kapurthala has produced 151 Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) trainers in July.

This is one of the best balanced draft gear available in the market.

LHB Coaches Manufacturers in India

Jupiter Wagons are the leading suppliers of Linke Hofmann Busch coaches. They are manufacturers of all types of train vehicles, train trainers, train trainers, connectors, connectors, trains, trains, metal handling, gears repair, manganese steel crossings. When it comes to freight trains, even if you don’t cross the loop line for the same reasons. However, the freight train, BOX, BOXN, BOXN-HL will be 11 to 15 meters long. Typically, carts in a single wheel can be from 40 to 150 feet [40 to 58 m] high depending on the length of the boxes. Thus, a freight train can have 58 carriages and a passenger train can only have 24 trainers.

Conclusion:

Jupiter Wagons provide train body parts as well as train and train trainers in India. They offer state-of-the-art train body services at an affordable price. They are the makers of Rail Premium in India

[thefallenbibliophilequote]

The Pink Note

Bucky x Reader

Summary: it's important for writers to remember why they are writing in the first place, so you gave Bucky a note, to remind you when you need it. This is the story of that note.

Word Count: 3,880

Warnings: Steve will not approve of this language, hydra, injuries, some angst but this is fluffy fluff.

A/N: I had this in my notes for forever and you can thank Sam here for bringing me to finally write this one. I honestly love this one so much, I love my past self for getting this idea. I basically had the entire outline and scenes in my notes smh. @ayybtch

--

 "Buckaroo your human is here!" Tony declared as he got off of the elevator with you, placing your luggage next to you as you waited for your friend.

"Thank you so much Tony for letting me stay here."

It's a weird thing to have an Avenger as a friend, a supersoldier at that. He goes off on missions and you are left with your normal life, having to keep living as if your friend isn't in a life endangering situation right now, and knowing Bucky he is probably being stupid in one way or another.

It was fun though, to have a friend from the 20s, it just means that you have every excuse to watch your favourite films because he hasn't seen them. He hasn't seen Narnia for fuck's sake! You watched it with him just last week, telling him all about it and gushing over the books because he was listening to every word you said. He just wanted to get up to speed with a world that flew by him.

It was a funny thing, you met him at a bookstore, he was confused and you- knowing the whole place like the palm of your hand- took him with you and showed him the books he was looking for, you couldn't help but recommend some yourself and you have been best friends ever since.

"Ah it's not a problem. Any friend of Frosty is a friend of mine. Are you sure you don't want your own room?" you shrugged him off.

"Bucky has a whole apartment, the couch there is heaven and if I can minimize the amount of intrusion then I will."

"You do remember I'm a billionaire, right?"

"Yes Tony I remember. Seriously thank you though, I refuse to be in that apartment while they do the construction in the building." You let out a shriek as two big hands came behind you and pulled you up in the air. "Stupid stealth spy shit, Bucky put me down!"

He only laughed at you, not letting you go.

"Is this a way to talk to your very generous host?" you turned your head to look at his smirk, you put your arms around him in a hug and smiled up at him.

"I was very nice to Tony." Your grin was intact as his turned into an offended one, his mouth opened in shock. He looked between you and Tony who was smirking mischievously.

"Oh you're just an annoying little brat aren't you? I am offended to my core."

"I am, what are you going to do about it?" you challenged, you didn't pay attention to tony who just groaned and left, tired of your banter.

When Bucky smiled you knew it was over. He just picked you up and threw you over his shoulder and smirking at your protest, one hand holding you in place and the other taking your suitcase.

"Did you know we have a pool here?"

 It was needless to say that when you walked into Bucky's floor you were drenched, while he was squeaky clean beside you.

"Welcome to my humble room!" it was larger than your apartment and he knew that.

"I am going to kill you, but before I do that I am going to go to your bed and ruin your sheets."

"And how exactly are you going to do that?" he taunted as you strode to his bedroom.

"I'm extremely wet, how do you think?" you only heard it when you saw his smirk.

"Is that so?"

"Oh don't you dare go there, you know that is not what I meant, oh my gods I hate you so much." He laughed but you still went to his bedroom, curling under the warm sheets. You knew exactly on which side he slept, it smelt like him, so you made sure to squeeze the water out of your hair there.

"I prepared you a warm bath," you heard him say from the door, you turned to look at him. "Come on, you're going to catch a cold if you stay there."

"Fine, my job here is done anyways. Have fun trying to put on new sheets."

"Doll you know I can't put them on normally."

"I know." You gave him a quick hug before you went to the bath was waiting for you. You couldn't lie and say that you walked there quickly because of the cold rather than the blush that coloured your cheeks. You hated when he called you that.

 It took you a little while but you got used to life in the tower, the kitchen was too crowded way to early in the morning for you, but at least Bucky made you productive in that regard? Procrastination was your go to as a writer, but this novel was important to you so you did your best effort.

So now Bucky woke you up after he got back from his run with Steve, making your morning start at 6am. Then you're having breakfast with the almighty Avengers, which are not so almighty in the kitchen. You were thankful for being able to do your job from home, you got rid of your responsibilities so you could finally be able to plan out your novel.

By planning out your novel you meant making a mess of too many papers and sticky notes with rushed handwriting that somehow was only understandable to you. Even genius AIs and spies wouldn't be able to decrypt your organized mess.

Sometimes you were in Bucky's room, and sometimes in the common room for a change of scenery.

"Y/N Y/L/N!" you heard Clint scream your name from the living room while you were in the kitchen, pouring yourself a drink. You reached the living room to see Clint and Sam leaning over and looking at the huge whiteboard you had on, the chapters organized on it.

"What do you think you're doing?" you asked them, people weren't supposed to read your novel, especially not your first draft.

"You can't just kill her off!"

"Hey, I can do whatever you want with my characters, now scatter because I found a plot hole and I need to work on it." You smirked as the two walked away from the desk you set up for yourself.

"Just saying, maybe if you keep your characters alive you wouldn't have a problem." You smacked Sam's shoulder when they passed by you.

"Keep annoying me and I'll make you a character and torture your character."

You sighed to yourself and got to work, comparing your notes and trying to find a way to make your novel work.

 It's been three days since, and you honestly didn't know why you even bothered anymore, it wasn't working, you just couldn't find the solution.

You've added colorful sticky notes to the board, some simply had song names on them, and some had dialogues. Bucky walked into his floor, he loved seeing the focused look you had when you worked, with your bottom lip bitten and your eyes sharp, you were too cute like this. He stopped in his place when he saw what you were wearing. His red Henley looking like a dress on you, stopping probably a little too short than what it should. He assumed you wore shorts, but he couldn't see and he didn't know what he'd prefer.

"Is that my shirt?" you nodded absentmindedly, still looking at your notes as he walked over to where you stood.

"If you didn't want me to steal it, don't leave it out in the open."

"It was in the closet." That earned him a small smirk.

"The closet was in my eyesight, my point stands." Your smirk soon fell. "I just don't even know-"

You looked at Bucky then, holding his gaze. He suddenly grew shy at your stare. He studied you, after all this time a trained assassin, the winter soldier… couldn't analyze a girl.

"What's up with all the sticky notes?" he cleared his throat and it seemed to snap her out of it.

Sometimes the answer comes out of nowhere and is standing right in front of you.

"They help remind me of stuff." Then you looked at his icy blue eyes before turning around. He saw you scrabble something on a pink post-it note, and then you turned around and put it on his forehead.

"It's going to fall you know." He laughed, which only made the note that much closer to falling. You cursed at him, but you had a certain look in your eyes that he'd never seen before.

"Keep it, I need you to remind me of it," you said simply before an alarm went on in your head and you outstretched a hand as if to stop him. "But don't read it!"

As it began to fall, he folded it and without looking at it he put the pink note in his pocket.

That's where it all started.

 It's been there for days now. He moved the note from pocket to pocket, sometimes you will come into a room and ask him for it, only to give the note back to him, still folded, a few minutes later. Alongside that same unexplainable look which seemed to disappear only a moment later.

On and off missions he still took it with him, always in the pocket in his gear or in his pants. He didn't know why he did it, but it felt important. For such a small note, it felt like it held the entire world. At least for your world, so it was for his too.

 "Hey there Bucky boo," you laughed when he grumbled on the other side, he absolutely hated that nickname. "How are you doing?"

"I am really tired actually, doll."

"Oh no, did something happen? Bucky-"

"No, Sam is just being an annoying little shit." You heard then noises from the phone, you couldn't help but shake your head at their childish behaviour. Bucky finally went to a quieter place. "I'm okay doll, really."

He pulled out the little pink note as he talked to you, a soft smile spread on his face.

"Are you going to be back soon?" you picked on your nails, waiting for his answer. He just got lost in the note, testing he put it against the light yet still seeing nothing.

"I'm afraid it's going to take a little longer than expected. Some things changed- but before you say anything, I'll be just fine. Am I surrounded by idiots? Yes." He relished in the laugh you gave him at that. "But I am a supersoldier, so it balances out."

"Okay fine, I'm going to leave you to it. Bye."

"Bye, doll." He put the note back in its place. And went back into the room they were staying in.

"Man, you're whipped, you know that right?"

"Eat shit, Wilson."

 It's been thirty minutes now that you were sitting in the dining room table, your fingers on the keyboard and you were looking at the computer with determination, yet whenever he passed by you, he saw a blank page in front of you.

The page was mocking you, you could hear it. Locked in a staring contest the computer won when you saw a cup of tea being put on the table next to you, and then the pink note was in the palm of your hand.

"Maybe take a break after this, but I thought this might help." He didn't see the smile on your face as your eyes followed him when he walked back to the kitchen, Natasha however was more observant. When you saw her looking at you with a smirk you cleared your throat and went back to writing.

It's been thirty minutes and he actually liked the sound of your typing on the keyboard, he could hear it from a room away.

“As I was saying,” Wanda tried to get the group’s attention. The monthly movie night is some serious talk. “We watched Lord of The Rings together, we watched Narnia together- it’s only fair that we will marathon Harry Potter together now.”

That caused a new fight about what movie they should watch next, but Bucky couldn’t care less, he focused his ears on your typing.

When it stopped, you entered the kitchen with an empty cup which you put in the sink before giving him the note back and a hug. He was glad the discussion was over when you came.

 "Psst, Bucky wake up," he barely woke up and just looked at your silhouette as the light from the living room shone behind you. "I need it."

Without a word he took the note out and handed her the note, he stretched around a little, still half asleep when he saw the hour on the clock. Before you could get away from him, he took the covers off, brought his hands around you and pulled you to him. Your back to his chest, he didn't let you protest as he turned around to his side, bringing you with him.

"Shh, sleep." He pulled the covers over you and put the note back in place.

"But Bucky I need to work."

"No, you are my teddy bear now, and I am going to sleep and you need sleep too." You knew there was no getting out of his grip, especially when he was somehow already asleep.

Tiredness soon washed over you too and you let it take you.

 You were awakened by a loud crash, you heard gunshots and panicked voices outside and a red alarm shone brightly in the dim lights of the floor.

"Bucky?" you called out to him, and he got out of his room already with a rifle and daggers.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y what's going on?" he came to you and put a comforting hand on your shoulder which you clutched when you saw the smoke that came from beneath the door.

"It seemed that hydra has infiltrated the building, Sergeant Barnes. Captain Rogers is asking for your assistance." You barely had time to react before Bucky went towards the door.

"Bucky wait-"

"Stay here doll, go to my room and lock the door. F.R.I.D.A.Y let me know if anyone is getting through this door."

"Wait, what about you?" it was weird to have an Avenger friend, you were constantly worried about him, but you never saw him actually in action. You enveloped him in a big hug, afraid to let go, but he let go.

"I'll be okay doll, just stay here and I'll come back as soon as I can." You bit you lip, holding back what you wanted to say. Nodding to him, he left and you went to his room, shutting the door.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y, can you tell me if something happens to him?"

"I will, Miss Y/N."

 It was hard to calm yourself down when you still heard everything that was happening between the gunshots and the screams. The anxiety was killing you, and so you didn't think.

"F.R.I.D.A.Y, what floor is Bucky in?" you got out of the bed.

"Miss, I don't think that is a good idea. Sergeant Barnes told you to stay inside."

"Please, I just need to see him." You waited a bit before the AI gave you his location.

The minute you walked outside of the safety of Bucky's room you smelled the heavy smoke and you put your hand up to cover your mouth and nose.

Maybe it was better that you got out of the room, if the fire spread than it would probably be safer to get out of the building. You mused in your thoughts as you went down the stairs.

You got to the floor Bucky was supposed to be in, and it was quiet. Too quiet. You hesitantly looked into one to the rooms, backing away when you saw dead agents there.

Okay maybe it was better if you had stayed in your room.

"Bucky?" you called out, your tears watering a bit when another cough took over. You walked into a larger room and saw the fire there, spread all over it. The bottles with the different chemicals were falling from the shelf. "Bucky!"

You just hoped he wasn't hurt. He had to be here somewhere. Deciding to run back you collided with someone and fell on the floor. You looked up and saw someone you definitely did not know, and when you saw the red sign on his shoulder you cursed and started to back away.

The bastard only smiled and pulled out his weapon. But before he could do anything a shot was heard with a shout of your name.

The agent went down and in the far end of the hallway you saw Bucky. Getting up you ran towards him as he ran towards you, but before you could reach him, you heard the explosion before it knocked you down. Then everything went black.

 "Bucky, you need to rest." Steve put a hand on his friend's shoulder. You've been unconscious for almost two days, Bucky hasn't left the spot right next to your bed. The infirmary was cold, Steve handed Bucky the blanket he asked him to bring, he gently put it on you. Then he went back to sitting again.

"I'm fine Steve, I'm not going anywhere. Can you please ask people to leave us alone?" the blond nodded and exited the room, leading his friends away from there.

Bucky brought his hand to yours, finger pressing on the back of your wrist, taking comfort in the steady pulse. He hated you for going out of the room when he told you to stay there. He hated himself for not getting to you sooner. He's going to talk to Tony about improving F.R.I.D.A.Y to not listen to idiots.

He laid his head on the bed next to your hand when a thought crossed his mind. His metal arm let go of you and went to his side pocket. There it was, the pink note, unharmed.

He stared at it, he couldn't see the writing on it as it was folded, then he looked at you and slowly he decided to open the note.

Holding his breath, not knowing why, he gently unfolded it until he could see what was written inside all those days ago.

Give them a happy ending.

He let out a sigh, the words alone bringing him comfort when his mind caught on to what the note said and his breath hitched yet again, trying to process and think about the meaning.

So there he sat, alternating between looking at the note and at you; his lips gently resting on your knuckles in a soft kiss.

He folded the note and put it in his pocket.

 You woke up the next morning. Bucky had his head resting next to your leg, hand entwined with yours. You squeezed his hand slightly to wake him up.

"Hey there Bucky boo." You smiled at him faintly, his eyes fluttering open until you saw those blue eyes focused on you, and it was instantly followed by a smile.

"I hate it when you call me that." He said before he attacked you with a bone crushing hug. He let go of you when you winced a bit. "Sorry, doll."

"Bucky, what happened?" your memory not really working at the moment, and by your aching headache you assumed it wasn't good.

"You gave me a heart attack that's what. Gosh Y/N I told you to stay in my room."

"There was a fire."

"We both know that's not why you went outside."

"I'm sorry. This was the first time I saw you actually be in danger. I was too worried to stay there."

"Well, I'm too worried to leave here. Just rest for now, Bruce will be here soon." You rested your head on the soft pillow again, bringing up the soft blanket and breathing it in.

The next time you opened your eyes, Bruce was there with you. You smiled at him, Bucky sat there listening to you talk to Bruce, only letting you go when Bruce strictly told him he needed to so he could run tests.

"I'm tired, can I please go home Bruce? Bucky will keep an eye on me." You just wanted to sleep in a normal environment.

"Yes, only because I have a feeling he won't let you out of his sight." You laughed at that but Bucky was dead serious, coming to help you when you got up despite your protests of trying to slap his hand away.

"I'll make sure she's okay Bruce. Thank you for everything."

You thanked the good doctor with a hug before you went upstairs. After you got ready for bed you all but yelled at Bucky to leave you alone and go to sleep in his bed. About 10 minutes have passed before he left you in the living room with your soft blanket and the comfortable sofa. Sleep took you instantly. Bucky? Not so much.

He mustn't have been sleeping for long, but it felt longer that it should, he hadn't had a nightmare this intense in a while, then he heard your voice.

"Hey, Bucky it's me, you're okay. It was just a bad dream, you're safe, okay? Are you with me?" the dream felt too real but you were here in front of him, safe and sound. Your hand was cupping his cheek, he didn't realize he was crying. He took your other hand and felt for the steady beat of pulse.

"Stay with me, please doll, stay here." He begged you, and hesitatingly you nodded and got under the blankets with him. He did not hesitate to pull you closer and bury his face in the crook of your neck, his arms circling your waist.

"It's okay, I'm here." But it was hard to sleep when he was holding you like this, and by his breaths on your neck he was awake too. You started to play with his hair, hoping it'll help him relax but he rather looked up at you with emotions you didn't even want to begin to hope to see.

"Doll?" he pulled back and rested his head in the pillow in eye level right next to you.

"Yeah?"

"I just want you to know that," he smiled a bit to himself when he felt the edges of the little note. "You're my happy ending, doll."

He said it as if it was the simplest thing in the whole universe, the one thing that made sense in the world, and to him is was.

You were certain now of the way he looked at you, nothing was there but love and adoration that you saw so clearly despite the darkness of the night. His eyes still found a way to shine.

You couldn't look away, even when blush spread on your face, which you was sure he saw based on the smile that lit his face, he came closer then. It took you another moment of confusion before you understood what he said. But despite the embarrassment you couldn't help but smile back at him.

"I told you not to read that."

 Tags: @callmeluna  @sstanbarnes  @buckys-other-punk @drabblewithfrannybarnes @easygoingtheatre @that-one-person  @justab-eautifulmess @onceupona-happilyeverafter  @wipplogg  @supraveng  @bucky-the-thigh-slayer  @ayybtch