#custom key chain

[printmynd]

Keep your furry friend close wherever you go with our adorable personalized pet keychain! Customize yours today and carry a piece of your pet's love everywhere you travel.

[promors]

Elevate Your Brand Identity with Custom Enamel Badges and Key Chains from Promors

Promors' custom enamel badges and custom key chains offer a powerful way to elevate your brand identity and connect with your audience on a deeper level. Whether you're looking to create memorable marketing collateral, foster brand loyalty, or simply make a stylish statement, these accessories provide endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Choose Promors as your partner in branding and marketing, and unlock the potential to make a lasting impact with custom accessories that reflect the essence of your brand.

[ramanrathore]

A keychain can be customised by printing a name or a photo on it.Even better would be a custom key chain with the recipient's information printed on it.necessarily need to travel far to order a customized key chain online.

[raidensharkgun]

Designation K

[stumblngrumbl]

installed the last* gate

ages ago after i tore out a huge blackberry bramble (it was about 10' high, 20' deep and 70' across; yes it made yummy blackberries but the thing is a bramble is only alive on the outside, inside it's ready to burn being dry canes and you can't get the fruit on the top of it) i installed the red gate that i found in an old junk pile that way predates us being here so that i could get to the other side of the fence (and pull resurgent blackberries, you never get it all)

the old fence that was there before the new fence was about a foot shorter than the mesh part of this fence, and all sorts of creatures just hopped right over it en route to snacking on chickens or orchard trees; the new fence keeps deer out (it's tall enough and our deer are too lazy to jump higher) and there's one line of "hot wire" (electric) that will zap climbers (it stings but won't kill, thankfully or i wouldn't be here from multiple shocks including recently when i forgot about it)

so i made these gates to more or less match the pattern of the fence, and when we refenced the whole* land i put in the occasional gate because it's a pain to have to go a long ways to get to the other side of the fence for whatever reason (in the past: when a chicken has flown up into a tree and decided being on the other side of the fence was a cool thing to do and then regretted that decision, not remembering the path it took to get there)

the red gate not only had the wrong aesthetic but it wasn't tall enough. when i re-ran the fence, the top three wires went across uninterrupted; if you look closely you'll see that the metal posts next to the gate have been extended by a foot as they were originally chosen for the short gate and earlier this year i extended them; saturday i chopped the top wires and terminated them at either side of the gate and then swapped the gates.

*: i lie - the fence around the land is only about 98% replaced; there's still a bit on either side of the gate at the end of the driveway that needs to be swapped out, and that gate itself is going to get replaced, and moved, as it's (a) ugly (b) too short and so things once again can hop over it though they usually don't and finally (c) in a stupid place and so i'm going to build a new gate for that, plus a smaller gate that will go to the side for people to easily pass through at the front

[dig-the-doodad]

I just finished these blue Junimo Charm Earrings and Keychain customs for my Etsy store!

[another-l1fe]

🎴Another Life • limited edition Keychains hand-made by Sanjita Gurung  

[andyliu12123]

Chinese pins manufacturer. Customize your design.

Top quality.

[lovecraft-oasis]

Unique Crochet Handmade Mascot shiba inu

A Delightful Dog Decor.

Each One Is A Distinctive Piece Of Handcrafted Art, Versatile In Decoration, Creating A One-Of-A-Kind Charm.

Suitable For Backpack Charms, Keychains, And Personalized Gift

[saugatonline]

5 Best Cricket Gift Ideas For Cricket Lovers

Cricket gifts for cricket tournaments make cricket competitions, including matches, specialist and meaningful. Momentos in the form of sports-related articles exchanged among teammates help build solidarity within the players but serve to rekindle memories about the event for many years to come. Such souvenirs, sometimes made especially for tournaments, are valuable memories for all players and hosts.

[promors]

Custom Enamel Badge and Enamel Key Chain: A Perfect Blend of Function and Style

Custom Enamel badges and key chains have become popular accessories, whether for corporate branding, special events, or personal use. The combination of vibrant enamel colors with durable materials makes them stand out as both functional and fashionable items. Whether you're designing a custom enamel badge for your business or a unique enamel key chain for a special occasion, these items are perfect for leaving a lasting impression.

[ramanrathore]

You can purchase a great name key chain without going to a gift shop. There is no need to go to a store when ordering a personalized key chains online and having it delivered to your home.

[ecomtipstrends]

E-commerce: Benefits, Key Elements, Challenges, Trends, and Case Studies

 E-commerce refers to the purchasing and selling of goods and services over an electronic network. Customers can place orders, pay for purchases, and get their items from an online store that only accepts payments made online.

The e-commerce business has grown tremendously in recent years. Global e-commerce sales peaked at over $4.2 trillion in 2020, and by 2023, they are projected to exceed $6.5 trillion. This trend is the result of several causes, including rising cell phone usage, technical advancements, and shifting consumer behavior.

Due to social isolation and containment measures, more individuals have turned to online purchasing as a result of the COVID-19 epidemic, which has also accelerated the expansion of e-commerce. Consumers in the U.S. spent more than $860 billion online by 2020, representing a 44 percent increase in online purchases. The way businesses function has changed as a result of e-commerce, giving startups and small enterprises the opportunities to compete with established companies. Other business models have also been developed as a result, including drop shipping, subscription-based services, and online marketplaces.

The article will next go through some typical issues that e-commerce businesses deal with, such as growing competition, cybersecurity dangers, managing inventory, and managing product returns and refunds. Moreover, solutions to these problems will be addressed and then go through some of the most important new e-commerce trends and technologies, such as blockchain technology, mobile commerce, multichannel retailing, augmented and virtual reality, and advancements in AI and machine learning.

       I. The advantages of e-commerce business: Increased reach and client base

The ability to expand reach and consumer base is one of e-key commerce's advantages. E-commerce companies, in contrast to traditional retailers, are not constrained by physical locations, enabling them to reach customers anywhere in the world.

Online advertising, social media marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO) are three strategies that e-commerce enterprises can use to target and draw in new customers. Also, businesses may tailor their marketing campaigns and product offerings for particular audiences by using customer data and analytics, which increases the possibility of conversions and sales.

Moreover, e-commerce companies can take advantage of the established trust and reputation of marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Etsy to access a larger client base.

E-commerce companies can increase their growth and revenue by broadening their consumer base and market reach, which will ultimately lead to greater profitability and long-term success.

    II. The advantages of an e-commerce business: Reduction in overhead costs

E-commerce also has the opportunity to reduce overhead expenses, which is a significant advantage. Whether or not they are making sales, traditional physical establishments often have large fixed costs, such as rent, utilities, and staff.

E-commerce companies, in contrast, sometimes have lower fixed expenses because they don't require physical locations or as many employees. Also, a lot of e-commerce companies run from home, which eliminates the need for office space and related costs.

Technology can be used by e-commerce companies to automate and expedite processes, hence lowering the need for manual labor and its expenses. Automated order fulfillment and inventory management systems, for instance, can increase productivity and speed while lowering labor costs and mistakes.

E-commerce businesses can boost profit margins and reinvest in growth and expansion by lowering expenses. In the end, this may result in heightened competition and sustained success for the sector.

   III. The advantages of an e-commerce business: Improving customer experience and convenience

E-commerce also enhances user friendliness and customer experience, which is one of its advantages. Customers no longer need to leave their houses to shop because e-commerce allows them to do it from the comfort of their own homes.

A broader variety of products can be offered by e-commerce businesses because they are not constrained by physical space issues. Consumers may quickly and easily compare goods, costs, and reviews, enabling them to make wise purchases.

E-commerce businesses can also give clients time and effort-saving payment choices like digital wallets and online payment platforms. A lot of e-commerce businesses offer same-day or next-day delivery, and they can also provide quick and dependable shipping and delivery choices.

Additionally, e-commerce businesses may offer adaptable and responsive customer care via social media, email, and live chat, making it simple for customers to receive assistance with their purchases.

E-commerce businesses may boost client loyalty and encourage repeat business by offering a better customer experience and convenience, which ultimately translates into higher revenue and profitability.

     IV. The advantages of an e-commerce business: Examples of successful e-commerce businesses

Numerous e-commerce businesses have seen impressive growth and success in recent years. Here are a few illustrations:

1. Amazon

One of the biggest online retailers in the world, Amazon provides customers from all over the world with a huge selection of goods and services. Amazon offers clients a large assortment of goods at reasonable costs by allowing third-party vendors to sell their goods on its platform through its marketplace. Amazon provides several membership services including Amazon Prime, as well as quick and dependable shipping options.

2. Shopify

Shopify is a well-known e-commerce platform that makes it simple for companies to set up and run their online stores. Shopify gives companies a quick and simple method to build a fully working e-commerce site with a variety of configurable layouts and connectors. Along with helping businesses manage inventory, process orders, and keep track of sales and customer information, Shopify also provides several tools and features.

3. Warby Parker

Warby Parker - With its ground-breaking business concept, Warby Parker, an online retailer of eyewear, has completely transformed the conventional eyewear market. Warby Parker's online store features a large assortment of fashionable and reasonably priced eyewear and sunglasses, as well as a virtual fitting tool that lets buyers see how their glasses would appear on them. Also, Warby Parker offers an in-home fitting service that enables customers to try on their eyewear before making a purchase.

4. Glossier

 Glossier is an online beauty company that has amassed a devoted following thanks to its potent brand identity and active social media presence. Glossier has grown in popularity among millennial and Generation Z customers thanks to its emphasis on all-natural and simple beauty products. Via its social media platforms, Glossier also invites user interaction and comment, and it uses that information to guide its marketing and product development.

           V. The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: User-friendly design and layout of the website

The design and organization of a user-friendly website are the essential components of a successful online store. This is crucial because you want clients to be able to browse your website with ease, find the things they're looking for, and buy them without any problems.

Here are some tips for developing a user-friendly e-commerce website:

1. Easy and intuitive navigation: Users should be able to easily find the products they're looking for on your website thanks to a simple and clear navigation design. To assist consumers in focusing their search, take into account employing headings, subheadings, and filters.

2. Mobile Responsiveness: Your website must be mobile-friendly because more and more clients are purchasing on their mobile devices. This means that all of the features on your site should be visible without the need to pinch and zoom, and it should be simple to navigate and use on a small screen.

3. Product sheets that are easy to read: Your product sheets should be easy to read, concise, and provide all the information clients need to make an informed purchase. This provides details on the size, materials, features, and cleaning instructions for the item.

4. High-quality product photographs: The product should be shown in a variety of angles in your product images. To allow customers to have a closer look at the product, think about introducing a Zoom tool.

5. Page load speed: Consumers want websites to load quickly, thus delayed pages can cost businesses sales. By employing a content delivery network (CDN), reducing the use of external scripts, and compressing your images, you can improve the performance of your website.

     VI. The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: Importance of mobile optimization

The importance of mobile optimization in the realm of e-commerce is rising as more and more people use their mobile devices to browse and shop the internet.

These are some justifications for why e-commerce companies must prioritize mobile optimization:

1. There is a rise in mobile usage: Those who access the internet on their mobile devices are becoming more prevalent. In fact, more than half of all internet consumption will occur on mobile devices. As a result, if your e-commerce website is not mobile-friendly, you may be losing out on a sizable chunk of your target market.

2. Improved User Experience: A mobile website that has been properly optimized for users can enhance sales and customer engagement. This includes functions like simple navigation, quick page loads, graphics that are optimized, and text that is simple to read on a smaller screen.

3. More favorable search engine ranks – Google now includes mobile optimization as a major component in deciding search engine rankings. A website that is not mobile-friendly is probably going to rank lower in search results, which can lead to less traffic and less revenue.

4. Improved revenue: A mobile-friendly website may result in a rise in sales. In fact, according to a Google study, 61% of consumers are less likely to visit a website again if it is not mobile-friendly.

   VII. The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: website speed and performance

The effectiveness of an e-commerce business depends on the speed and performance of the website. The user experience can be bad, clients may become irritated, and sales may be lost when a website frequently crashes or takes too long to load. These are some pointers for enhancing the performance and speed of websites:

1. Reduce the size of your image files to speed up your website. Before putting any photographs on your website, make sure to optimize and compress them. To compress your photographs, you can use free internet tools like TinyPNG or Optimizilla.

2. Utilize a content delivery network (CDN): A CDN will transport material from a server that is closer to the user's location, allowing your website to load more quickly. Your website's load time may be significantly lowered as a result. Cloudflare, Akamai, and Amazon CloudFront are the three most widely used CDNs.

3. Reduce HTTP requests: Each time a web page loads, the server receives many HTTP requests to retrieve various page components, including images, CSS, and JavaScript files. Page load times can be considerably decreased by limiting the amount of HTTP requests. This can be accomplished by consolidating several files into one, optimizing image size, and using fewer external scripts.

4. Employ a caching plugin: By saving a copy of your website on the user's device, a caching plugin can assist speed up your website. As a result, the server receives fewer requests, which speeds up websites. W3 Total Cache and WP Super Cache are the two most widely used caching plugins.

5. Select a reputable web host because it can have an impact on your website's performance and speed. Select a host that provides dependable, quick servers and a high uptime guarantee.

By putting these suggestions into practice, you can make sure that your e-commerce site loads quickly and gives users a seamless experience, which can raise consumer satisfaction and sales.

          VIII. The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: effective marketing strategies and customer acquisition

Any e-commerce company must have marketing as a core component. Building a solid brand, increasing exposure, and generating leads that result in sales are all ways to draw in and keep customers. In this section, we'll talk about some efficient client acquisition and retention techniques for e-commerce enterprises.

1. Determine who your target market is.

Knowing your target market is essential before developing a marketing strategy. What are the expectations, interests, and preferences of the people you wish to reach? Do market research to pinpoint your ideal client, develop client profiles, and comprehend their purchasing patterns. You may use this information to create a marketing plan that will appeal to your target market.

 2. invest in improving search engine optimization (SEO)

The practice of improving your website for search engines is known as "search engine optimization," and it aims to get it to rank higher on search engine result pages (SERP). It entails finding the right keywords and using them, producing high-quality content, optimizing the website's structure, and producing high-quality backlinks. An increase in traffic to your website and better visibility on search engine result pages can both result in an increase in the number of customers you can expect to bring in.

 3. marketing on social media

Using social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn to market your goods and services is known as social media marketing. You may engage with customers, expand your audience, and increase brand recognition with the aid of this method. Share high-quality material on social media, start campaigns there, and make audience-specific social media ads.

4. Implement email marketing

To market your products and services, you can send targeted, customized emails to both present and future customers. You may increase revenue, create a loyal customer base, and generate leads with the aid of this tactic. Employ email marketing to announce new items, run special deals, and send out tailored advice based on consumers' past purchases.

5. making use of email marketing

To market your products and services, you can send targeted, tailored emails to clients and potential consumers. This tactic can support lead generation, sales growth, and client loyalty. Employ email marketing to announce new items, run special deals, and send out tailored advice based on consumers' past purchases.

6. Implement paid advertising.

Paying for internet adverts that are targeted to your audience is known as paid advertising. This tactic can assist you in expanding your audience, increasing your visibility, and generating leads swiftly. To market your goods and services, use paid advertising on search engines, social networking sites, and display networks.

7. Provide rewards and loyalty programs.

You can keep customers and encourage them to make repeat purchases using incentives and loyalty programs. To entice people to buy, offer rewards like discounts, free delivery, and special promotions. Create a loyalty program that offers prizes for returning customers, referrals, and other behaviors that increase customer retention.

    IX. The key elements of a successful e-commerce business:  content marketing and social media

 To draw in and hold on to a precisely defined audience, content marketing involves producing and disseminating worthwhile, pertinent, and consistent information. Many formats for this content are possible, such as blog entries, videos, infographics, and social media updates. You may position yourself as a respected authority in your field and get clients by offering top-notch content that speaks to the wants and needs of your target audience.

Another useful tool for e-commerce companies is social media. With websites and apps like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, you may interact with your target market, advertise your goods and services, and increase website traffic. You may develop a following of followers who are interested in your company and what you have to offer by consistently posting interesting and educational information on your social media networks.

Here are some pointers for effective social media and content marketing in the e-commerce sector:

Developing excellent, educational material that caters to the needs and interests of your target audience.

To build a community of devoted customers, share your material on the right social media platforms and interact with your followers.

Employ paid social media advertising to broaden the audience and traffic to your website.

To determine what is working and what is not, track and analyze your social media and content marketing activities and make improvements as necessary.

Using user-generated content to promote your goods and services and win over prospective clients.

   X.The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: Personalization and data-driven marketing

By tailoring the user experience to each user's interests, preferences, and behaviors, personalization is achieved. E-commerce businesses can produce personalized recommendations, product suggestions, and promotional offers that are more likely to resonate with each user by gathering and analyzing data about each customer's purchase history, browsing behavior, and demographic information.

On the other hand, data-driven marketing entails utilizing analytics and data to decide on your marketing plan with knowledge. E-commerce businesses can find opportunities to refine and enhance their marketing operations by monitoring and analyzing indicators like website traffic, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value.

Here are some essential components of successful data-driven marketing and personalization in e-commerce:

gathering and studying customer information to comprehend their tastes and behavior.

developing customized email campaigns that provide customers data-driven product recommendations, discounts, and promotions.

utilizing website personalization tools that based on the preferences and surfing history of each user, automatically show content and offers.

putting in place data-driven pricing strategies that change prices in response to supply and demand, consumer behavior, and market competition.

reaching out to clients who have already visited your website or left items in their shopping basket by using retargeting and remarketing tactics.

Use customer feedback and ratings to guide the creation of new products and marketing campaigns.

         XI. The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: efficient order fulfillment and logistics

Here are some crucial tactics for streamlining logistics and order fulfillment in your e-commerce business:

Installing a dependable order management system: It's critical to have a dependable order processing system that can track orders, inventory levels, and shipping information in real-time to manage your order fulfillment process successfully.

Streamlining warehouse operations: It's critical to streamline warehouse operations to reduce errors and delays so that orders are fulfilled quickly and accurately. Using barcode scanning technology, improving warehouse organization and layout, and utilizing effective picking and packaging procedures are a few examples of how to do this.

Provide a variety of shipping alternatives: It's critical to offer a variety of shipping options, such as normal shipping, expedited shipping, and same-day or next-day delivery, to cater to a wide range of consumer preferences and budgets.

Employ shipment optimization software: Based on variables like package size, destination, and delivery time, shipping optimization software can assist e-commerce enterprises in selecting the most effective and economical shipping methods.

Collaborate with dependable carriers: It's critical to collaborate with dependable carriers who have a solid track record to guarantee that your goods are delivered on time and in good shape.

Providing package tracking and delivery notifications: It's critical to offer package tracking and delivery notifications through email or SMS to keep consumers updated on the status of their orders and to offer a better overall experience.

Establishing a returns management procedure:  A crucial step in the order fulfillment process is the efficient processing of product returns. Offering simple return alternatives, processing returns promptly and accurately, and monitoring and analyzing return data to find areas for improvement are a few examples of how you do this.

    XII.The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: Chatbots and live chat

Chatbots are automated software applications that may communicate with users using messaging services like Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or website chat in a natural language. They can process orders and payments, offer individualized product recommendations, and respond to frequently asked inquiries by customers.

Contrarily, live chat incorporates actual conversations between customers and support personnel via a chat interface on the website or mobile application of the business. Customers can now get prompt support with any problems or inquiries they might have.

   XIII.The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: Easy returns and refunds

Explicitly state your refund and return policy: Make sure your customers are aware of the return and refund policies. Make your policy clear and clearly display it on your website.

Make the returns procedure as easy as you can: Simplify the returns process. To make things simpler for customers, give a range of return choices (in-store, carrier, etc.) and a pre-paid postage label.

Improve refund turnaround time: Refunds are processed quickly and effectively. Inform clients when they can anticipate receiving their refund and keep them updated at all times.

       XIV. The key elements of a successful e-commerce business: examples of e-commerce businesses with good returns

Here are a few examples of businesses that excel in making it easy for customers to return items and get their money back:

Zappos - Zappos is renowned for its top-notch customer service and convenient return policy. The shipping and return fees are free for all orders, regardless of the purchase amount. In addition, they provide customers with a pre-paid shipping invoice and a 365-day return policy.

Warby Parker - Warby Parker offers free shipping and returns on all eyewear, including sunglasses. A pre-paid shipping etiquette and a 30-day return policy are also available to customers.

Nordstrom - Nordstrom has an advantageous return policy that does not have a time limit for returns or exchanges. All orders come with free shipping and return shipping, and customers receive a pre-paid shipping etiquette.

Amazon - Amazon guarantees the free return of many items and offers a practical return process that enables customers to print a shipping label and drop the package off at a delivery service. Also, for some items, return shipping costs are free.

        XV. Common challenges of e-commerce business

E-commerce can be a lucrative industry, but there are also many difficulties that businesses must overcome. The following are some of the most typical difficulties that online retailers encounter:

Market saturation and increased competition: The e-commerce sector is growing more and more competitive as new businesses enter the market daily.

Cybersecurity Risks and Fraud Prevention: As online sales increase, e-commerce businesses must constantly guard against fraud and cyberattacks.

Inventory Management and Supply Chain Optimization: A successful e-commerce firm depends on efficient inventory management and supply chain optimization.

Management of product returns and refunds: Returns and refunds are an inherent aspect of online business, but managing them can be difficult and time-consuming.

Keeping up with technology and customer expectations: Customers are getting savvier and have higher expectations for the online purchasing experience as technology continues to advance. To remain competitive, e-commerce businesses must stay on top of the newest developments and trends.

   XVI. Emerging trends and technologies in E-commerce

E-commerce has seen significant changes over the years, and there are always new trends and technologies shaping the industry. Here are some of the emerging trends and technologies in e-commerce:

Mobile commerce: The use of mobile devices for online shopping is becoming more prevalent. Retailers need to ensure that their websites are optimized for mobile devices and provide a seamless mobile shopping experience.

Voice commerce: With the rise of smart speakers and virtual assistants, voice commerce is becoming more prevalent. Consumers can order products by voice and retailers can offer personalized shopping experiences through voice assistants.

Virtual and augmented reality are revolutionizing online shopping. Virtual and augmented reality technologies are redefining the way customers shop. Customers may virtually try on garments and see how products will look in their homes thanks to these technologies before making a purchase.

Chatbots, recommendation engines, and customization algorithms backed by AI are becoming more prevalent in e-commerce. Retailers can provide tailored consumer experiences, enhance customer service, and streamline operations with the use of AI.

Blockchain technology: Supply chains can be made more transparent and online transactions can be made more safe using blockchain technology. Moreover, it can increase data privacy and decrease fraud.

Social media platforms are increasingly being used by retailers to sell goods directly to customers through social commerce. Customers can browse and buy things through social commerce without leaving the social networking platform.

Models of Subscription: Retailers are increasingly using subscription services, particularly in the food and cosmetics sectors. Retailers profit from recurring revenue and stable cash flow since customers pay recurring fees to acquire things regularly.

Retailers must adapt to these changes if they want to compete in the market, as these new trends and technology are fundamentally changing the e-commerce sector.

         CONCLUSION

E-commerce is now a vital component of the retail sector and has expanded quickly in recent years. E-commerce has been a popular choice for businesses trying to expand due to its advantages, which include expanding client reach, cutting expenses associated with overhead, and increasing user experience and usability.

To succeed in e-commerce, you must pay close attention to important aspects including website design, mobile optimization, efficient marketing techniques, logistics, inventory management, shipping and delivery options, customer service and support, and administration of product returns and refunds.

Companies wishing to establish a presence in the e-commerce business must focus on the key components of a successful e-commerce operation, address frequent problems with practical solutions, and take advantage of evolving technology to enhance customer experience and maintain competitiveness. Businesses that adapt to this digital change will be better positioned to develop and flourish in the future since e-commerce is here to stay.

[hairmetal666]

It's 3am. It's pouring down rain. Steve's soaked to the skin, been wandering the city for most of the night, hasn't slept in almost 24 hours, thinks maybe he's on the brink of delirium, and then a truck hits a pool of ponded water, sending a muddy wave cascading over him.

He just wants to go home but Dustin lost his dog and he can't leave a puppy out in this weather.

Steve steps off the curb, and what looks like a shallow puddle turns out to be a water-filled hole. He crashes towards the pavement, nothing he can do to stop it. As fast he's falling, he's miraculously not, arms wrapped around his waist. It takes a second for his brain to catch up, to understand that he's being held upright in an old-fashioned, romantic dip.

"Careful, sweetheart," a deep and smoke raspy voice says from above him.

it sends chills down his spine, the good kind, and warmth slips through him. His rescuer is a solid 10 knockout. Long, curly hair; eyeliner; decked out in leather and studs and chains. He smells like booze and cigarettes and weed, and it's intoxicating. Steve has to fight the instinct to nuzzle the guy's leather jacket. He's beautiful, holds Steve with the swagger only a guy with rings on every finger could pull off.

And Steve is a mud soaked mess in sweatpants and a threadbare Hawkins High tee. But the guy holding him isn't letting go. He stares down at Steve, brown eyes wide.

"Steve!" A voice calls over the patter of the rain.

"Dustin?" He says at the same time that the man holding him says, "Henderson?"

"Eddie?" Dustin asks.

"Wait, dnd Eddie?" Steve gets his feet under him, but Eddie's arms don't drop.

"You're the famous babysitter Steve I've been hearing all about?"

They gape at each other until Dustin reaches them.

"What are you still doing out here?" Dustin shouts. "We found Dart hours ago."

"Dustin!" He thinks he might cry. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"You weren't answering your walkie!"

"Fuck." Steve drops his face to his hand. The walkie. Which is on the table by the front door where he and Robin leave their keys.

Steve swallows his frustration, the misery of waterlogged shoes, having to be up to open the store in a few hours, meeting the hottest guy he's ever seen when he looks like a drowned rat.

"I promised I'd find Dart, didn't I? Now what the hell are you doing out so late?"

"Mom and I were looking for you!"

"Let's get you back to the car, man, okay?" Steve says to Dustin. He wants to end this weird, terrible, embarrassing night before it gets even more humiliating.

"I can give you a ride home," Eddie says. He's got this weird, intense look on his face, staring at Steve.

"I'm only a few blocks away. I'll be fine. C'mon, Henderson."

"Oh, I can walk him. You head home."

He nods, starts towards his apartment, but turns back just in time to see Eddie and Dustin share a look he can't parse.

---

A few days later, Dustin's following him around at work, chattering about dnd as Steve shelves books, and without taking a breath during a soliloquy about owl bears, says, "Eddie's running a one-shot for us next week. You should come! It's a great way to get into the game."

"I'm not playing dnd," Steve answers. He slides a book onto the shelf. "I've told you this."

"Yeah, but you liked Eddie, right? He'd help you out!"

Steve squints at the kid. "I didn't really meet Eddie to know. Anyway, I'm sure he doesn't want a newbie crashing."

Steve is pretty sure Eddie doesn't like him, based on their short introduction, so he's not interested in forcing himself into the guy's dnd club. The night they met was humiliating enough, Steve in all his dorky glory.

"No, he totally wouldn't care. C'mon, Steve!"

"No can do." He ruffles Dustin's hair as he walks away.

He thinks that'll be the end of it, but every few days, for weeks Dustin and all the rest of the kids stop at the store to beg him to join their dnd club.

---

Steve is working the register and he hears the shuffling clank of a customer, looks up and finds Eddie. He's staring at Steve with that same look from the night they met, intense and piercing, cutting straight through the heart of him. He feels himself start to blush.

The first thing out of Eddie's mouth is, "Wait, this is your store?"

"Yeah?" Steve asks. "Is that--is that weird?"

"No! Not at all. It's a good store. Cute." His nose wrinkles when he says it and Steve's blush grows hotter. He knew Eddie thought he was a dork.

"Cute. Yeah. Right. Can I help you with something?"

Eddie rocks back on his heels, hands going to the pockets of his leather jacket, sending his chains jingling. "Oh, so, actually I wanted to see if you were busy?"

"Yeah, man. I'm busy." He laughs, doesn't intend to be mean about it, but he and Robin only opened the store six months ago and both take night classes at the local community college. Plus, everything he does with the kids.

Eddie's face flushes bright. "Oh, sure, of course. Yeah, I--I'll see you around."

The door thunks to a close behind him, and a voice immediately pops up to ask, "What the hell was that?"

He turns to find Max Mayfield hands on hips, glaring up at him, Robin close behind.

"Shouldn't you be in school?"

Max rolls her eyes and strides up to the counter. "Why were you an asshole to Eddie?"

"He started it!"

"I highly doubt that."

"Okay, Ms. Know-it-all, why don't you tell me what happened?"

"I know for a fact that Eddie came in today to ask you out. So, tell me, Steve Harrington, why he rushed out of here looking like a kicked puppy?"

"What?" He yelps. "Eddie doesn't even like me!"

She glares. "Doesn't like you? He's been pathetic about you since you met."

He gapes at Robin. "Don't look at me," she shrugs. "But that guy was definitely here to ask you out."

"Fix it." Max commands as she stomps out the door. "He bar tends at that metal place on 68th."

---

It's just after 9pm and he's at the metal bar on 68th, decidedly out of place in the yellow t-shirt and jeans he wore to his business accounting class.

It's fairly busy for a weeknight, but Eddie's not hard to find. He's obviously in his element, bobbing his head to a song Steve's never heard as he mixes a drink.

With a hard swallow and a healthy dose of humility, he walks up to the bar.

"Be right--" Eddie starts, balking when he notices Steve.

"Can we talk?" he shouts over the music.

Eddie's eyes widen a little, but he nods, slips out from behind the bar to guide him to an employee exit.

"What's up, Steve?" Eddie asks. His hands are in his pockets, shoulders bowed in.

"I wanted to apologize."

"What for?"

"Earlier, I--when you said the store was cute I thought you were making fun of me."

"But--why?"

"I thought you didn't like me." Steve cringes at the admission.

"What?" He laughs.

"I don't know. We met in the middle of the night and I was covered in mud looking for a dog that wasn't lost anymore."

"Steve. Holy shit." Eddie shakes his head. "You looked gorgeous that night. The way your clothes were sticking--you know what? Never mind. Did you think I wanted you to come to dnd because I hated you?"

"You wanted me to come?"

"Dustin didn't..."

"No! And he's been asking me to play dnd weekly for the past five years."

"Jesus Christ," Eddie slumps agains the brick wall at his back. "No wonder you turned me down today."

"To be fair," Steve slumps next to him. "If I had realized you were asking me out, I wouldn't have turned you down."

"No?" Eddie asks. His brown eyes gleam.

"Definitely not. I've had a crush on you since that night. Sort of devastating since I thought you didn't like me." Steve runs his hand through his hair, watches Eddie track the movement.

"The store is cute, Steve. I--uh--I've been a few times. Back before I knew you were the owner! I just kept seeing a hot employee with great hair and a perfect ass, and the vaguely mean lesbian barista gives me free drinks."

"That's Robin," Steve says. He's smiling so hard.

"I know that now," Eddie smiles back. "Sorry for being an idiot."

"Me too." Steve nods. "Do you--could I still come to dnd? Or take you out sometime?"

"Why not both?" Dimples pop on Eddie's cheeks, and Steve's heart flips.

"I like both." They're still against the wall, but drifting into each other's space.

"So Dustin said."

It surprises a laugh out of Steve. "I'm gonna kill him."

"Too bad. He's a nice kid."

"Eh, we've got six more to choose from."

"I have a few more hours here, but there's a diner down the street that does some of the most mediocre pancakes I've ever tasted. Meet me there? Around 2?"

"A thousand lost puppies wouldn't make me miss it."

The next time Steve is out at 3am he's pressed against a building, Eddie kissing him so thoroughly he knows he's never recovering from this one.

[galedekarios]

Dragon Age: Veilguard | The Ultimate Preview Summary

shinobi602 on twitter shared this amazing in-depth summary of all new information about the game that we have so far:

Coming to PS5, Xbox Series X and PC in Fall 2024

Consoles: Quality and Performance modes (60FPS)

Photo mode is confirmed

Fully offline single player, no EA account linking, no micro-transactions'

Play as a human, elf, dwarf, or Qunari

Choose your backstory, 6 factions to choose from when you create your character, all with "deep roots in Thedas": Antivan Crows, Grey Wardens, Shadow Dragons, Veil Jumpers, Lords of Fortune, The Mourne Watch

Each faction offers 3 distinct buffs each, like being able to hold an extra potion or do extra damage against certain enemies, and the odd reference in dialogue

You can customize your Inquisitor from Dragon Age: Inquisition in the character creator and "make a few key decisions that will impact how The Veilguard begins"

There are some "killer cameos" from past games that show up

Warrior Class: Use a sword and shield or two handed weapon to send enemies flying

Rogue Class: Utilizes quick movement and reflexes. You can wield a bow or dual swords with "powerful, precise strikes for lethal damage"

Mage Class: Use magic to incinerate, freeze, electrocute and crush. Some cast from afar, while others prefer close quarters combat

Each class also has 3 sub-specializations, such as duelist, saboteur, or veil ranger for the Rogue

Classes also have unique 'resource system's, for example, the Rogue has "momentum", which builds up as you land consecutive hits, and each will always have a ranged option

One Rogue momentum attack is a "hip fire" option we saw for the Rogue's bow, letting you pop off arrows from the waist

Another momentum attack for the Warrior lets you lob your shield at enemies

Quests are more handcrafted and mission based, curated with alternate paths, secrets to discover and optional content

There are also open ended explorable areas

Party size of 3 during combat, ala Mass Effect

Combat is focused on real-time action, dodge, parry, counter, "sophisticated animation canceling and branching", using risk-reward charge attacks designed to break enemy armor layers

Enemies have elemental weaknesses and resistances, and you can chain together elemental combos for extra damage

One example is a squadmate using a gravity well attack to suck enemies in, another slowing them down, and the player then unleashing a big AOE attack

You don't take direct control of companions like past Dragon Age games, but you can still pause and issues ability commands for you and your allies

There is a hub area for the player like Skyhold and the Normandy, called The Lighthouse

Companions can eventually start romancing other characters if you opt not to romance them

Each companion also has unique missions tied to them that play into the larger story

Nudity confirmed - romance scenes can get "a little spicy"

"Incredibly deep" character creator: 5 categories including: Lineage, Appearance, Class, Faction, Playstyle

Players can also choose different body sizes and shapes

Dozens of hairstyles to choose from, with "individual strands of hair rendered separately and reacting quite remarkably to in-game physics", pulled from EA Sports

Character creator lets you adjust the lighting so you can be sure your character looks good

The team wanted to balance the look of the game with both light and darkness. "When everything is dark, nothing really feels dark. For this one, we really wanted to build that contrast again."

Skill tree is "vast", you can also set up specific companions with certain kits, from tackling specific enemy types to being more of a supporting healer or flexible all-rounders

There are tarot cards you go through during the character creation process that will let you choose decisions from past games to implement into Veilguard

The team teases you may lose some characters during the story