#exhaust hood canopies

[simcocateringequipment]

Simco discusses several factors to think about before buying an exhaust hood canopy.

Simco has uploaded a new piece of content on its website. Here, the agency has listed some crucial elements. One needs to think about these elements before buying exhaust hood canopies. The post's primary purpose is to make the users check every aspect of the item. It will help them make a conscious decision and not regret their judgement later. The content has been co-produced by many stakeholders. These include content creators, graphic designers, and researchers. They have previous experience in the catering and hospitality industry. 

According to one of the esteemed employees in the agency, "The hood made of steel is one of the most used kitchen equipment. This item provides the benefit of soaking pollutants. The pollutants include contaminated air, smoke and grease from the kitchen. They then send them outside to make the surroundings clean. One needs personalised range canopies in the present climate. It helps boost work efficiency. This is because the health situation is dire & everyone thinks about their health. Besides, every kitchen owner prefers to add environment-friendly equipment to their commercial pantry. Such addition results in the swiftly increasing acceptance of specific appliances. These products expertly perform all the needed daily activities. Advanced technology has seeped into every mechanical thing on the planet. This feature has resulted in the formation of more efficient and sophisticated appliances. But, such changes have rarely affected the typical canopy. Most users don't know it requires a specialised opinion to select a product like this. Most kitchens are clueless about this aspect. So, we thought of writing a blog. This will make them aware of the required considerations. Everyone must take these considerations before buying such a product."

Check the kitchen thoroughly and decide on the ideal space. It is one of the components discussed in the blog. The content raises a point. It's that one needs a specific amount of space. The space is required for the product's functionality & the installation process. It depends on the kitchen layout. The content further states another thing. The accepted guideline is to install the canopy 24-30 inches above the stove. So, one can always follow it. But, one must read the dealer manual to be sure before attempting the mentioned above method. The blog further says that one can set up these canopies in the attic or on the wall. One can also install them on the ceiling, as per the design. Contact a suitable exhaust hood canopies distributor in Sydney & Melbourne.

Checking the fan's power is another efficient component. One must study it before thinking of buying. The content stresses that determining the fan power is an important consideration. It depends on the food preparation space. It decides the appropriate energy the hood fan needs to omit the polluted air and repel all the foul odours. The write-up also states to choose a specific product. It would be better to purify the air in a particular location at least eight times per hour.

As per the post, selecting an item that makes the least noise is another kitchen need. The content says that an awning needs to be long-lasting and robust. But, it is futile if it emits an ear-splitting sound every time one starts the device. Instead, the kitchen owners should choose a model that does not work in a significant location by moving the air. It must enhance its functionality by attracting air towards the hood perimeter. According to the content, such a feature makes the hood more effective. It also reduces the noise level. One should contact the leading exhaust hood canopies manufacturer in their area. It will help the company get superior products. 

To know more about the crucial pointers before buying the device mentioned in the content, visit https://simcogroup.com.au/.

[cgccanopycleaning]

Range Hood Cleaning

We have been one of the best Commercial Canopy Cleaning industries, providing services to thousands of restaurants in Melbourne and Victoria. We are one of Melbourne’s famous range hood cleaning.

Call now: (03) 9329 2411

[hometoursandotherstuff]

This 1980 home in Robstown, TX is unique, to say the least. I don't know who designed it, but the 5bd, 5ba home will probably require a buyer with specific taste. They're asking $599K.

So, you enter thru double front doors and the first thing that you see is this stone structure.

It's definitely not a fireplace. Maybe it's a water feature gone dry.

Beyond that is the Great Room. It's a very large room, partially wood walls, and a fairly big bar in the corner.

I think that the glass doors make it look like a restaurant.

The bar is made of stone that matches the thing in the entrance, and in front of the bar, there's a huge fireplace made of stone that also matches.

The chimney goes thru a balcony and straight up to the ceiling.

The dining room has 2 decorative lattice panels on either side of the doorway.

The kitchen is dated, and there's a plethora of doors. A whole wall of them. It has a big stone island that matches the other stone features and it has a cooktop, but no exhaust hood.

I bet the stool is there so you can sit and cook.

In the primary bedroom, there's a large desk with a shelf that goes right up to the ceiling.

Just bring a bed b/c the rest of it is already there. You've got a huge headboard with built-in drawers and a canopy attached to the ceiling. Off to the side, there's another desk unit in the corner. But, no night tables.

Now, across from the bed is a large glass enclosure.

Oh, did I mention that there's a mirror in the canopy? Also to the left of the bed there's an L-shaped fireplace wall.

Now, getting back to the glass enclosure, inside there's a sunken tub. If anyone comes to those glass doors, you better stay down in the tub.

There's a walk-in closet and a little door centered on the wall. Plus, a door to the rest of the bathroom.

It's separate from the glass tub room, and for some reason, there's a tub in here, too.

Moving along, the next room we come to is the rec room. It has casino style carpeting that looks new.

They've got a pool table in here, plus a dining table, bar, and player piano. Very old timey bar vibes. There's also another big stone fireplace. It might be a pizza oven, b/c there's a surface with 2 chairs around it.

There's also a kitchenette.

Check this out. It's a huge space where you can have a helluva hoe down.

It has a pool, but it doesn't look that appealing.

There's a barn and another outbuilding on the property that measures 2.62 Acres.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/5490-County-Road-73-Robstown-TX-78380/28843371_zpid/

[goatskickin]

Valentine Jim traveled the seas, the skies, the mountains and the past to bring YOU (and your sweetie) a one-of-a-kind romantic getaway. What will you choose? Will you get swept away in the Sea of Love Room? Will you get feral in the Love Cave Room? Will you invoke a love that transcends the ages in the Anthony and Cleopatra Room? Or will you reach across a galaxy and find connection in the Starship: Exploration Room? For $999 a night, you and your beloved can find out.

a CC-free ❤️❤️❤️ themed love hotel ❤️❤️❤️

Valentine Jim's Love Hotel features 2 floors of medium-luxury amenities; a continental breakfast (8am - 11:30am), 2 cash bars and karaoke! With 4 choices for rooms.

The ground floor has check in, the breakfast area, and the entrances to all of the rooms.

The Breakfast Area mini fridge is stocked and available for 24 hours!

And the second floor has Karaoke and the Tiki Deck!

The Anthony and Cleopatra room features a hot tub, a canopy bed and tasteful ancient Greece-ish decor.

The Love Cave room features a hot tub, rustic decor and lots and lots of rocks.

The Starship: Exploration room features a hot tub, sci-fi decor, and lots of really cool lights.

The Sea of Love room features a hot tub, nautical decor and so much shiplap.

When you have exhausted what your hotel room has to offer, there's plenty to check out on the Tiki Deck!

Technical details:

This is a hotel lot; meaning that it should be placed in a Vacation Hood. It also means that none of the doors, walls or windows can be removed.

If you would like to change this lot from a hotel lot to a normal community lot, simply enter the lot and use the cheat changelotzoning community, save, and exit the lot.

This lot has been tested! But please, DM me if there are any issues.

This is technically a CC-free lot. HOWEVER; there are some accessories extracted from the game that are included as deco. The will not break your game, but if they make you nervous, just use the clean installer and only install the lot itself.

Have fun!

Download - CC Free Lot - Valentine Jim's Love Hotel

[lovelykhaleesiii]

The Wolf & the Stray Girl. Chapter #1 The Grieving.

PAIRING: Werewolf!Aegon ii Targaryen x fem!Reader [Little Red Riding Hood AU]

WORDS: 1942.

SUMMARY: Nestled in the outskirts of a desolate village, it was known that the woods were a dark, fearsome place not to be ventured. Yet something enchanting lived amongst its shadows, you were certain. And some may call it your bold willingness or others, your naive curiosity, would ultimately uncover the truth.

WARNINGS: mentions of stalker tendencies, mentions of murder/intrusion.

A/N - apologies for the long wait, I took some time away from writing. I sometimes feel my place in this fandom is non-existent. I realise now, that it does not matter. I came here to write for characters I love... that is what I intend to do. thank you for your patience, to those that continue to support me x

The long, treacherous road that laid ahead of you, the further you would venture into the dark, enchanted woods was not one to be taken lightly. Although, far from harm's way so long as you remained stagnant in your pathway: not befallen to whatever temptations lurked in the shadows beyond the winding, cobblestoned thoroughfare. Your final destination was intended to be a quick visit to your beloved grandmother, with the hopeful, pleasant exchange of goods. Her cinnamon cookies were divine, especially when and almost always freshly baked.

Despite having travelled this familiar road many times before, both with the thorough guidance of your father and your now presumed late elder sister, it never ceased to feel eerie. A nauseating sensation in the deepest pit of your stomach would always churn and writhe with suspicions that curious, watchful eyes lingered over your every move, your every trail. A terrible suspicion that some of these eyes intended to harm you.

The harrowing, cold tone of your father’s stern words had been etched into your malleable mind, like a carving in stone.

“Stay on that path, girl… Or we have lost you already.”

Your father had grown much old and weary of late, since your elder sister had been declared missing. He scouted relentlessly day and night himself, into the woods. Only to return empty handed, with proof of his exhausting endeavours saturated across his seldom face. His eyes once so lively that gleamed bright with joy: a man that could once smile with his eyes, now only distraught with the strained look of grief and despair.

It took you countless attempts to persuade him otherwise, to allow you to venture the journey yourself, until he finally agreed, although with great reluctance. He knew you were much more diligent and obedient than your elder, always adhering to orders without the temptation to cross a boundary. Your father trusted you, however he did not trust whatever creatures laid abed in the lush dark green canopy of the woods.

“Stay on the path, Y/N, my dearest… Or else I cannot bear to live a life where I lose you too.”

The luminescent indigo pigment of the petals had immediately caught your attention. Your active eyes would wander with marvel, fleeting from the defined path that laid ahead, to beyond the stretch of woods.

"Ocean tears" You breathlessly whisper, your eyelids widening with intrigue as you lust over the rare sight. Ocean Tears were a sacred commodity to come by so naturally: used for medicinal and curative remedies, your mind immediately soared to the sickly, malnourished state of your father. The toll of his insomnia, poor appetite and overall dejected state had been taxing to his health, since the disappearance of your sister. He was not the once formidable, strong man he had once been in the previous years...

The treasure itself was only a few short paces off the pathway itself. Your mind began to scatter, trying to outweigh the risks against the pros. Despite wearingly trying to convince yourself to stay on path, desperate to strain every brain fibre to obligate your body to adhere to your father's wishes, you unconsciously felt your body pacing forward, reaching the very edge of the elevated path. Your eyes darted from each side of the vast forest vicinity: delicately scanning every inch, crevice and shadow of the engulfing green and wooden shrubbery [with the Ocean Tears being the only source of colour in the portrait].

"Forgive me, Father," You utter beneath your breath, before taking a careful leap forwards. Now both feet firmly planted on the soft, soiled grown, the earth beneath felt somewhat alleviating. Having spent a few solid hours, with nothing but the rigid, uneven rocky stones beneath your feet, walking uphill and down, this mundane sensation was a relief like no other.

Only a few seconds had need passing, as you slowly began to regain your instinctual senses, realising the daunting extremity of your decision. Without wanting to spare precious seconds more, you hastily pace forward towards the vibrant flower, basking in the alluring scent, as you push aside the straightened flaps of your crimson red hooded cape. Delicately you begin to pluck at the petals, one fallen strand landing into the base of your woven, wooden basket.

Disciplined in your actions, your once whole and lively senses had once again melt away, unaware of a figure creeping up from the shadows.

"It seems someone has lost their way from the path..."

The unthreatening tone was low and husky, and yet its sudden volume shattering the vast, swallowing silence was frightful: dire enough to freeze your entire being in time.

Your fearful eyes met the immediate, still gaze of the strange man: a handsome, ethereal looking one, nonetheless. With moonlight tinged hair, short, silver strands almost blinding in the radiating beams of sunlight, his unfaltering lilac orbs were encapsulating. Conflicted to stare, yet unable to maintain constant contact. Although there was some distance between you both, you could tell he was a few, solid inches taller than yourself, his physicality sturdy, and robust appearing. There was no doubt, if he caught you in his midst, it would be meaningless to fight agains him. He practically oozed might. Although his facial features softened, almost angelic like, the healed yet evident scars slashed across his pale skin, made him look rugged: proof that he was no stranger to brute savagery.

He took a cautious, slow step forward, almost hesitant to, yet determined. In rhythm, you took a step back instinctually, causing him to take no further step closer.

"I wish not to harm you, I only wish to speak to you."

Although the nerves rattled you, his tempting words had somewhat puzzled you.

Who was this stranger? Had he been watching you from afar this entire time? Why the desire to speak?

"And why would I do that? Do you think of me as some naive prey? You are nothing but a stranger to me, what makes you think I will take your word?"

His endearing glare remained fixated on you this entirety, although you struggled to reciprocate, its enticing nature was captivating. His stout chest heaving generously, before exhaling a defeated sigh.

"You have no reason to trust me, Y/N... Although I have been watching you from the distance, since the moment you departed. I know where you sleep, I know where you seek solace... If you think you can wave me off, just know, I will be lingering. Your scent-"

Once more, he takes a solid pace forward, although this time with a dark, menacing tinge in his eyes, as he looms his head down to your eye level. Another pace further, as you try to maintain the distance between, taking a step back, as you firmly grip your basket's carved handle.

"W-What are you? W-Who are you?" You shamelessly stutter, your skin growing cold, sensing a drop in temperature in your body.

"I could smell you from miles away: that intoxicating scent. First hit me, when you first ventured these woods, that year ago. No matter how hard I tried, and I had tried to fight against it, yet I could not bear to ignore it any longer. From the countless sleepless nights, and long days, I had no choice... And seeing you now... You did not disappoint."

"G-Get away from me!" You recklessly shout: your yells could either result in aid working in your favour or against, drawing more unwarranted attention from dark figures. Your head paced backwards and forwards, from where the man stood ahead of you, inching in closer and closer, as you desperately tried to move yourself back to the footpath.

"I am no ordinary man, Y/N. I am Aegon. And you... You have no ordinary fate."

"Do not speak of my name again, fiend! Leave me alone!"

As you hastily turned your back, taking a risky lunge forward, planting your unsteady foot on top the solid ground of the pathway. You had only turned momentarily, and yet as you resumed your stance once more, you were faced with only the empty, glooming green of the forest, and its chilling silence. A few solid minutes had passed, your attention spanning across the shrubbery, inspecting every inch, for an ounce of proof that this Aegon, remained close by.

Although your body felt rigid and tense, sensing the hot blood coursing through your vessels. Your dense breathing felt heavy and restricting across your chest, as you tried to regain control.

Without a second to spare, you resumed your stroll, although with greater speed. Your mind fled to the echoing, harrowing voice of your father's words, and the guilt began to stir. You rebelled against his advice and the repercussions were close to fatal.

As your mind pondered over Aegon's words, your body carrying itself with each heavy step: your only intent was to make it in one piece...

The sight was unlike anything you had ever seen... The dark, dried traces of blood smeared across the walls and homily furniture, the broken pieces of wood and stained glass scattered messily across the floor, each careful step, an audible crunch beneath your weight. All details pointed to an intrusion, you had conceded. Your broken voice hopelessly calling out for your grandmother, as you slowly paced across the hallway, eyes peering across the vicinity for a remote sign of her. And yet, only silence had responded.

The hot tears swelling in your eyes had blurred your vision, as you took in each inch and crevice of the household. The day had been a harrowing one indeed, and to be met with this tragic fate, did no justice to ease your mind. As you crept towards the end of the hall, the familiar door to your grandmother's cosy chamber slightly remained unlock, only the disappearing sunlight lurking through. As you steadily pushed over the door, creaking in its hinges as though the house had not been vacant and unkept for years, you were met with a horrifying sight indeed. A pungent, horrid smell wafted through your nostrils, as you captured a glimpse of her unmoving, blood curdling body across the flood board. Suddenly, your vision had darkened into an abyss, the sight disappeared.

"Y/N-" The call of your name was unforeseen, yet its voice sounded eerily familiar. The hand that was stationed over covering your eyes, was sudden yet brought some relief, sparing you the gruesome sight. Your hand clutched at your heart, above your tender breast, as you felt your body being handled, gently guided to turn towards the direction of the voice.

"A-Aegon-" Eyes widening in disbelief as the hand released its clutch over your eyesight: you felt numb towards his presence as the over-looming sense of grief drowned you, otherwise. Your father had suffered enough anguish thus far, you could not bear to bring him the burden of more sorrowful news.

What has become of your family's fate? Had some curse plagued your family? Had some ill-minded person wished nothing more than to bestow such affliction unto you all?

"Y/N, dearest- You need to come with me, right now-"

With no caution to his actions, his warm hands, its raw texture rough felt against your soft palms, as he held your cold peripherals tightly. Reassurance oozed from him, as his large hand further reached over, tenderly brushing aside a fallen, misplaced strand of hair from your face, before his thumb caressed the fallen tear away.

You knew better than to show an ounce of trust towards Aegon, and yet, you felt somewhat protected in his presence.

"Y/N, please-"

taglist [for this series] - @urmomsgirlfriend1 @backyardfolklore @heavenly1927 @snowprincesa1 @trifoliumviridi @fulltacoparadise @qyburnsghost

general taglist - @chompchompluke @fan-goddess @malfoytargaryen @bibli0thecary @m1ndbrand @connorsui @elegantsplendour @randomdragonfires @sylasthegrim @arcielee @s-we-e-t-t-ea @sahvlren @aemondtargaryensrider @watercolorskyy @hypnos-daughter-certified @aegonslawyer

Aegon ii taglist - @who-told-you-this-was-butter @f4ll-for-you @amiraisgoingthruit @bucknastysbabe @jawline-of-steel

credit for divider - @/firefly-graphics

[diabolus1exmachina]

Lincoln Indianapolis (one-off). 

With its sextet of faux, side-mounted exhaust pipes, proboscis-like front end and aircraft-style wraparound screens, the one-off design study looks eye-poppingly futuristic even today – so imagine how extreme it must have seemed when the wraps were first pulled off it at the Turin International Automobile Show in 1955.As is often the case with such ‘concepts’ the design was created in double-quick time, flowing from the pen of Gian Paolo Boano, the talented 20-something son of the celebrated coachbuilder and former Ghia boss Felice Mario Boano. Boano senior only founded Carrozzeria Boano in 1954, but Gian Paolo had an ex-Ford friend who suggested that, if the Boanos could create a dramatic and futuristic design based on FoMoCo underpinnings, it might serve as a starting point for establishing a potentially lucrative arrangement between the fledgling firm and the giant manufacturer.

Gian Paolo was thus handed a Lincoln chassis – Lincoln being Ford’s luxury marque – and set to work creating large-scale sketches that he and the carrozzeria’s skilled craftsman brought to life using a combination of steel tubing and sheet metal. The hugely exaggerated hood was flanked by suitably long wheel arches (or ‘fenders’ in U.S. speak) that each held twin stacked headlamps and culminated in shrouds from which those fake exhaust tips ostentatiously protruded.

The feature was balanced by forward-facing air vents set into door-mounted cowlings that flowed seamlessly into the rear wings which, in turn, book-ended a sloping tail that made the roof seem even more ‘canopy’ like to reinforce the design’s aviation influences.

The 2+2-seater ‘cockpit’ was trimmed, chequered flag-style in black and white and featured a wraparound dashboard and bucket seats separated by a prominent, stepped centre console. And, just to make sure Boano’s futuristic creation didn’t go un-noticed, its already dramatic bodywork was finished in a coat of flaming orange paint.

With Carrozzeria Boano being based just a few miles west of Turin, it was an easy job to get the freshly-finished, freshly-named ‘Indianapolis Exclusive Study’ to the 37th Salone dell'Automobile, where it wowed the crowds and provided visiting motoring journalists with ready copy. Auto Age magazine even made it the cover star of its November issue, teasing its readers with the tantalising caption: “Is this the next Lincoln?”

[siilverwiitch]

Chapter 2: Star pupiled eye

Fandom: 原神 | Genshin Impact

Characters: Kaeya, Venti, Diluc & Crepus

Language: English

Series: Part 1 of Stars and Wind Series

Words: 1,906

AO3 Link

Prev | Next

The wind whispered in Venti's ears as he sat in the high branches. a soft swirl of Anemo keeping any stray drips that may fall through the canopy of leaves from reaching him. The rain storm was whipping leaves off the tree he was currently resting in.

A child.

The wind murmured.

A child of stars.

A star-eyed one.

Alone.

Cold.

Dying.

At the mention of the final word, Venti hopped out of the tree ignoring the rain and wind whipping at his clothes. His once-dry cloak quickly became soaked from the rain.

Determination filled his steps as he followed the wind's call. He needed to find this child. Star-eyed or not. No one, especially a child is dying tonight. As he followed the whispers he finally saw a small huddled wet rag. It moved. Barely. Shivering?

"They're soaking" Venti moved closer quietly before summoning a warm breeze. Hoping it was enough to cut through the chill of the rain. The shivering reduced, but the movement of the huddle remained.

"Sobbing?" he moved closer, watching the child closely. Finally, once he was within earshot he placed a hand on the small figure's shoulder before speaking in a light tone.

"Hello there, you're not alone anymore" Venti gently squeezed the shoulder lightly, "Come with me. We'll find shelter and warmth."

Venti noticed the hesitation in the figure of what he could now see was definitely a young child, maybe ten or eleven at most.

"Why should I trust you?" The young child croaked.

Venti's eyes softened as he heard the poorly hidden fear and mistrust in the child's voice.

"Because no one should have to endure such pain alone. I can help you, Kaeya."

"How do you know my name?" the child asked as he tried to look under Venti's hood.

"The wind told me" Venti replied as he pulled off their hood to reveal his face to the child hoping it might help him earn the child's trust easier.

Venti internally sighed as the boy finally reached out a small hand, his own quickly moving to take it.

"Who are you?" The boy asked after a while, his curiosity piqued despite his exhaustion.

"I am a friend," Venti responded. "Someone who understands what it means to be lost and seeking something to hold on to."

Not long after Venti began to lead the child out of the cold the child succumbed to his exhaustion. Venti let out a soft laugh as he lifted the child into his arms and continued the journey, sneaking through the back alleys of Mondstadt so he could avoid the prying eyes.

Once he was inside he removed Kaeya's soaked rag of a cloak and tried to dry the rest of his thin clothes he then wrapped him tightly in warm blankets and sat him as close to the fire as possible to try and ease the chill that had most likely settled into the boy's bones.

Venti watched the boy as he slept making sure he didn't suddenly become worse and sighed softly in relief as he watched the boy slowly wake.

"I see you're awake. don't worry I won't hurt you" Venti says softly as he reaches forward and pulls the blanket further over his shoulders, "I won't let anything or anyone hurt you either. Rest"

"Are you hungry?" the child seemed to just stare at Venti with wide eyes as he shrunk into the blankets further desperately trying to make themselves appear smaller.  

As the child stared Venti made out the distinct star pupil of one of the child's eyes, the other eye was covered by a slightly dirtied bandage.

After a moment of silence, the boy finally spoke, "Hungry"

"Do you like chicken mushroom skewers?"

"never had them" Venti gasped in surprise at the boy's response.

"Well, I have to fix that" He stood and made his way into a small kitchen off to the side and brought out a plate of skewers he'd been keeping warm ready for when the child finally woke up.

Venti knelt in front of the boy and held out the plate, "Here, they're all for you so I hope you're really hungry"

Once the boy had taken the plate and started eating Venti grabbed the medical supplies he'd sat nearby earlier. "Kaeya, can I change your bandage while you eat?"

The boy nodded not once stopping to even breathe as he hungrily chewed on the skewers, his cheeks puffing out. Venti moved slowly as he removed the soaked dirty bandages from the boy's face, a soft breathe of relief escaping him as he saw that the bandage was only meant for a small cut above the child's brow and not for his actual eye.

Not long after Venti had cleaned the wound and reapplied a clean gauze and bandage making sure not to cover the child's eye as it had been previously.

Once he had finished chewing he looked up at Venti.

"I'm much warmer now, thank you..." The boy whispered, trailing off as he realised he had no name for the stranger who had saved him.

"Venti. You can call me Venti"

"Thank you, Venti" The boy's grip on the skewer he held never relaxed as if he was scared it would just disappear. It made Venti wonder how long he had gone without anything to eat.

"You're welcome Kaeya" Venti's smile brightens, "would you like an apple once you've finished?"

His face brightens and his eyes widen. He nods his head vigorously.

"I don't know what an 'apple' is, but if it tastes as good as the chicken and mushroom" he licks his lips "I want one"

Venti can't stop his eyes from widening at his statement, he's never had an apple.

Once his initial shock subsides he hears the boy mumble through a mouth full of food. "Why are you helping me?"

"Because I want to and you deserve it" the boy nods and continues to finish the last piece of mushroom.

Venti pulled out an apple shining it on the inside of his cloak before passing it to the wide-eyed boy still wrapped in a blanket like a soft cocoon.

As Venti watched the child he couldn't help but think, 'In all my years I never thought I would find another mortal I would want to become close to again, but maybe Kaeya can be an exception. I will protect this child of Khaenri'ah.'

Venti sat back and watched Kaeya bite into the apple, a look of pure delight spreading across the boy's face. He couldn't help but smile at the sight; it was a small victory, but a meaningful one.

"Do you like it?" Venti asked, though the answer was already apparent from the way Kaeya's eyes sparkled with each bite.

"It's amazing!" Kaeya exclaimed between bites, his previous wariness momentarily forgotten in the joy of discovery. "Thank you, Venti."

"You're welcome, Kaeya," Venti replied softly. "There's plenty more where that came from. We'll make sure you never go hungry again."

As Kaeya continued to eat, Venti took the opportunity to study him more closely. The boy's clothes were threadbare and filthy, his hair matted and tangled. He had clearly been through a lot, and Venti's heart ached at the thought of what he must have endured. But there was a resilience in those starry eyes, a spark of determination that Venti admired.

"Once you're finished eating, we'll get you cleaned up," Venti said. "How does a warm bath sound?"

Kaeya's eyes widened even further. "A bath? That sounds... nice."

"It's settled then," Venti said with a smile. "I'll draw you a bath, and then we'll find you some clean clothes. After that, you can rest as long as you need."

Kaeya nodded, his mouth too full of apple to respond verbally. Venti chuckled and stood, heading towards the small bathroom to prepare the bath. As he worked, he thought about what the wind had told him. A child of stars, alone and dying. But now, that child was safe, and Venti would do everything in his power to keep it that way.

When the bath was ready, Venti returned to the main room and found Kaeya finishing the last of his apple. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up," Venti said, extending a hand to the boy. Kaeya hesitated for a moment before taking it, and Venti led him to the bathroom.

The bath was warm and inviting, steam rising gently from the water. Venti helped Kaeya undress, his heart aching at the sight of the bruises and cuts that marred the boy's skin. 

"You've been through a lot, haven't you?" Venti murmured, more to himself than to Kaeya.

Kaeya just nodded, his expression solemn. Venti guided him into the bath, and Kaeya let out a small sigh of relief as the warm water enveloped him. 

"Just relax," Venti said softly. "I'll be right here if you need anything."

As Kaeya soaked, Venti gently washed the boy's hair, careful not to tug at the tangles. The water slowly turned murky as the dirt and grime were washed away, revealing the true colour of Kaeya's skin and hair. A warm caramel shade for his skin and a unique hue of deep blue for his hair, much nicer than the grime covered shades Venti had seen before the bath.

Venti worked in silence, letting the soothing sound of the water speak for him.

After the bath, Venti wrapped Kaeya in a large, fluffy towel and led him back to the main room. He had found some clean clothes that were a bit too big, but they would do for now. As Kaeya dressed, Venti tidied up the room, making sure everything was ready for a comfortable night.

"You look much better now," Venti said once Kaeya was dressed. "How do you feel?"

"Better," Kaeya admitted, his voice still small but a bit stronger than before. "Thank you, Venti."

"Anytime, Kaeya," Venti replied. "You deserve to feel safe and cared for."

Kaeya looked up at Venti, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty. "Why are you so nice to me?" he asked quietly. "No one else ever has been."

Venti knelt down to Kaeya's level, looking him in the eyes. "Because you deserve kindness, Kaeya. Everyone does. And as long as I'm around, you'll never have to be alone again."

Kaeya's eyes filled with tears, and he quickly wiped them away with the back of his hand. "Thank you," he whispered.

Venti pulled the boy into a gentle hug, feeling Kaeya's small, trembling body relax against him. "You're welcome," he said softly. "Now, let's get you to bed. You need your rest."

Venti tucked Kaeya into the makeshift bed he had prepared, making sure the boy was snug and warm. He sat by the fire, keeping watch as Kaeya's eyes slowly drifted closed.

As he sat there, listening to the gentle crackle of the fire and the soft sound of Kaeya's breathing, Venti made a silent vow. He would protect this child with everything he had. No harm would come to Kaeya as long as he was around.

And with that promise in his heart, Venti felt a sense of peace settle over him. He had found a new purpose, a new reason to keep going. And as he watched over the sleeping child, he knew he would never let anything or anyone take that away.

[hauntedjpegcollection]

digging

wc: 2108 au: camp counselor ch: mouse, yasiel, tino

It’s raining as the twins dig. They’re in perfect tandem with each other—as they always are, even when they’re not. Yasiel swings dirt up over his shoulder. Muddy, it slaps the ground, dirties his nice dress slacks. He wipes a bleeding hand over his forehead and it smears pink. His skin’s not made tough for this. Not like his sisters.

Mouse digs frantically. Frenzied and powerful. She’s trying to get all the way to the center of the Earth, with the way she scrapes at the water lodged soil. Right to the middle, there’s lava down there. Careful, the floors made of lava! She pants, the rain pouring over her face in thick rivulets, making it hard to see. But she doesn’t need to. Just needs to keep digging, really. The ground opens up softer because of the rain, but becomes slippery, messy. Her jeans are sodden and her boots are dirty.

Yasiel whistles and she looks up. Lightning cracks across the sky, dramatic and beautiful. Mouse thinks that’s just like nature; to be perfectly in tune with Yasiel’s theatrics. He holds up his bleeding hands, his palms wounded from the rough handle of the shovels. His dark eyes meet hers, his long black hair sticking to his face in little snake patterns. Mouse brushes her own back with the heel of her palm. The rain continues.

“I can’t,” Yasiel explains quietly and she hears him even over the pouring rain, even over thunder. “It hurts.”

The hour-older twin looks above the hole she’s digging herself into. The black tarp has peeled back just enough to glimpse ghost white skin, an arm dangling out of it. She closes her eyes and swings dirt over her shoulder for it to thunk wetly behind her.

“I can keep going,” she tells her twin.

And she continues digging the grave.

—

Yasiel stands outside the car while Mouse attempts to turn it over for the fourth time. It grinds and makes a noise he doesn’t recognize—like an animal hacking up a lung—and then shuts off. He examines the half assed bandages across his palms while Mouse screams inside the car. It rocks back and forth as she kicks and thrashes, throws punches to the steering wheel and dashboard.

Yasiel can see a little bit of red poking through on his left palm, this small circular dot. The first aid kit in the trunk had been ancient, and had barely enough gauze to actually cover both palms. The pain is dull and throbbing and hurts every time he moves his fingers—but he doesn’t dare complain to his sister. Especially not as she storms her way out of the drivers side and back to the front of the car.

“I didn’t know you learned how to fix cars in the last year or so,” he calls mildly, looking up at the dark sky. It’s punctured by bright white stars, stretching as far as the eye can see, until the trees begin to cut it off. Despite the storm they’d just survived (barely), there are no clouds any longer. They’d all smeared away to reveal the most beautiful canopy of stars he’d ever been under.

“Fuck off,” Mouse snarls as she slaps the hood of the car shut. She punches it for good measure and then slumps across it. “Just fuck off.” This is said softer and quieter and more to herself. Yas can hear her sniffling, holding back tears. He’d go to her—he wants to go to her—but he isn’t sure what to do with his bloody hands. Isn’t sure she’d even accept a hug from him.

They stay like that for longer than he wants to admit. The car becomes an island between them, her at the hood, him at the trunk. He’d divide it up into the years they’d spend apart before this night, and yet, he doesn’t have the mental energy. The creativity is drained from him, with the split blisters across his hands. Yasiel looks up at the stars while Mouse’s sniffling slowly peters off.

“We could walk,” he offers.

“I could walk,” she argues. Yasiel bristles slightly, his lips curling from his teeth. He’s ready to argue with her—she’s ready to argue back. It’s like that with them, all of the time. But he’s exhausted and depleted, and afraid he smells like dead body, so instead he shuts up. She shuffles from around the car. She nearly approaches, and then freezes when headlights swing around the bend in the road.

Yasiel steps in front of Mouse without thinking, and she holds his elbow, also without thinking.

The truck rumbles to a stop. For a brief moment, Yasiel is thinking of the knife Mouse keeps on her. The wicked hunting one with a curved edge, a serrated middle used for gutting. His heart makes a quick marathon run into his throat, into his mouth almost, as the window slowly rolls down.

“Y’al’right?” It’s all one word that Yasiel blinks to parse together. Y’all alright? Mouse’s curling hand tightens on his elbow. The face above the trucks window is mostly in shadow. He catches hints of an older man, brushed back black and gray hair. Yasiel peers, with narrowed eyes, tucks the arm Mouse clings to further back around her. “Whoa, now. Lookin’ like you need help s’all. Got a flat er’somethin’?”

“You’re terrible at enunciating, man,” Yasiel comments without thinking. Mouse shoves her fist into his spine, making him jump forward with both hands raised.

To his surprise, it makes the stranger in the truck laugh. He has a rich, deep chested laugh that seems to match the rumbling of his truck. It’s the sort of laugh Yasiel likes. He clears his throat, attempts a smile. His wet clothes cling to him in a way that is not just uncomfortable, but borderline painful. His hair stays flattened mostly to his skull in a wet cap, but the occasional strand frizzes up and flies away, messy like he hates it.

“It broke down on us. We’re not sure what’s wrong with it.”

“Storms goin’ to be comin’ back in.”

“What?” Yasiel glances back to Mouse, whose eyes have gone round and wide. She’s peering into the cab, with curious intensity.

“In the eye of it, right now. It’s movin’ this way again, though. Don’t want to be caught in that.” The offer, although not said aloud, is plain. Yasiel just can’t see where the offer ends, and it makes him nervous. Makes the heart in his mouth go sour so he has to swallow it down. Mouse darts from around him, getting close to the strangers truck window. He’s hissing, grabbing at her waist to yank her back, but she’d always been stronger than him.

“We ain’t hookers,” Mouse says in a deadly cold, serious voice.

“That’s good, I was not lookin’ for hookers on this fine Tuesday night.”

“And what are you doing in the middle of the woods in the middle of the night?”

There’s rustling from inside the truck and then suddenly Mouse is backing away with a flashlight in hand. It looks like the heavy duty kind and Yasiel feels prickling across his skin—could easily become a weapon in her hands. Instead, she clicks it on and waves it across the side of the truck.

CAMP COLD HOLLOW is written across it in bright yellow font.

“Patrolin’ the camps perimeters. Y’all didn’t know you passed onto the camps property line?”

Yasiel feels cold all over, right to his fucked up, ripped up hands. He swallows hard, stepping closer to Mouse, and thus the truck. He can see the man better now. He’s got kind wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and full facial hair thats salt and pepper like the hair. Yasiel’s eyes flicker over his features while his heart beats loudly against his throat. He’s handsome, in a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Innocuous.

“We’re lost,” he tells the man.

“Picked a helluva night to get lost.”

“Are there good nights to get lost?” Mouse quips back, handing him the flashlight. Yas can tell she likes him; which is good and bad, he supposes. “So you’ll take us into town?”

“Naw. That’s an hour and a half drive. I’ll take you to camp though, so you can rest the night. Call a tow in the morning.”

“We can’t do that, Nelsy.” Yasiel whispers to her in Spanish over her shoulder. Mouse’s long, slender arms cross over her chest. Her dirty boot taps the ground as she thinks. “We have to get out of here. After what we just did?”

“You can’t walk into town. You’ll die, you’re too pathetic.”

“I’m not pathetic!”

Mouse ends the conversation by crossing around the truck to the other side. Yasiel slips across wet dirt following her, his hands stinging painfully as he thoughtlessly curls them into fists. She yanks open the passenger door and the lights in the car spring on. They reveal the man entirely now. He leans against the drivers door, one arm over the passenger seat head rest, the other forward. His wrist lazily dangles on the steering wheel. He’s grinning a bit, almost seems to be regretting his choices as Mouse starts yanking on the passenger seat.

“I’m Mouse,” she says, as she finally gets it to fall forward. The pathetic expanse of a back seat in the truck opens up. “He’s Yasiel. And he’s sitting in the back.”

—

The strangers name is Tino. He keeps the radio on low, to fill the silence that descends into the truck. Mouse keeps herself perched with her back to the door, one leg folded under her, the other hiked up. She’d not even put her seatbelt on, which drives Yasiel insane but he chooses not to say anything. The silence continues up until Mouse decides she wants to ruin it.

“So are you a creepy pervert, working at a Summer camp and all?”

“Nelsy,” Yasiel snaps his teeth together. He’d fished out his glasses that he’d tucked away during the storm. He cleans it furiously on the edge of his shirt, but it only smears around dirt and oil and makes him more angry. He directs it at her. “Behave.”

“Does she not usually?” Tino asks in fluent Spanish, with a backward glance in the rear view mirror. The twins look to each other then, with rounded wide eyes. Yasiel crawls backward in a panic, trying to remember what they’d said before getting in the truck—but it’s a blur. The whole night is slowly becoming a blur. And Tino’s rough, hoarse laugh is oddly soothing. Makes his anxious hands stop clenching and unclenching, spreading the red dots of blood.

“Are you married?” Mouse moves smoothly into a new topic, her dark eyes lidded as she stares at him. The truck sways across the dirt road, bumping up here and there. Tino flexes his hand around the steering wheel, glancing at it, as if to confirm himself. “Married men don’t always wear rings.”

“That’s awfully dishonest of ‘em,” he replies easily. Yasiel tucks himself forward again.

“Don’t engage with her. She gets worse, trust me.”

“Asshole.”

“Bitch.”

“Hey now,” Tino interrupts the two of them with a chastising tongue tut. The heel of his palm turns the steering wheel easily, in a fluid and attractive motion as he pulls in under a large sweeping wooden arch. The camp, Yasiel presumes, is just ahead of them.

“Y’all will have to use the communal showers while I get beds arranged for ya.” He parks the truck and it has to jerk itself to a stop, like turning off is a chore. “Can I trust y’all to sit here and be good while I go get you clothes and a towel?”

Mouse and Yasiel share a glance between each other. His bloodied hands, from the grave digging shovel, feel almost numb. Mouse has dirt on the side of her jaw, when she’d brushed sweat and hair back from her skin, soil from the grave. They look back to Tino and smile at the same time.

“Sure,” Yasiel says.

“No,” Mouse replies at the exact same time.

Tino pauses for a long moment, assessing between the two. He leans across the car, making Mouse slowly back herself against the car door. Then he takes the hat on the dashboard and tucks it on his head. It suits him, a baseball cap with COLD HOLLOW stamped on it. Yasiel tries smiling wider to be convincing.

“Y’all are gonna get along with our counselors,” he says and then steps out the truck.

[infiniteorangethethird]

bit lazier than some previous ones but I suppose that's fitting given the scene heh

(first / previous)

The mouth of the cave they chose as their resting spot rose above the forest, the moonlight reflecting off the leaves as they waved in the wind giving the impression of a vast ocean. A soothing sight, accompanied by the soothing sound of said breeze and the quiet crackling of fire Rowena made when the sun finally set.

Lucy pulled the hood of her sweater over her head. It was relatively warm for a winter night, which only served to remind her it wasn’t winter anymore.

“You can come into the cave if you’re cold, you know. It’s safe here. I checked.”

At the corner of her vision Rowena came to stand next to her, no doubt studying the second moon hanging in the sky among the far too many and far too bright stars. They waited like that for a few moments, contemplating the events of the day in silence.

“I kind of owe you an apology, don’t I?”

Lucy resisted the urge to give Rowena a pointedly confused look. She stuck with a pretend-careless remark instead. “Ya think?”

Rowena chuckled humorlessly. “First flights do tend to be pretty messy, if that’s what you’re worried about. You didn’t get special treatment.”

Lucy pulled her knees to her chest, burying her face in her arm and tracing scribbles into the dirt with her free hand. She hated emotional peptalks and she hated when strangers pretended to know her thoughts.

“I don’t suppose other people get dragged into their childhood classics for the experience. Or get chased to the death by unhinged medieval knights.”

Rowena’s sigh was dragged as if she was buying herself time to construct her next words.

“Look, I can’t apologize for us ending up here, because quite frankly, this is as weird to me as to you.” She settled down, one leg supporting her elbow and the other over the ledge of their little hideout. “But… you know, when I said I had training, I was saying the truth. Not just fighting but proper warrior training – stuff like surviving in the wilderness, being resourceful and basic healing techniques, all that sort of stuff. And I- I guess I’ve spent so much time around my kind, around willars who were familiar with living in unfamiliar environments- I never stopped to consider how all this might affect you, a human.”

Lucy finally dignified her companion with a look. Rowena’s eyes were fixed on the canopy stretched out in front of them, but her mind was clearly somewhere else.

“I always thought willars were more fragile, with our bones being hollow and whatnot,” she continued solemnly. “All your worries about food and getting lost and never returning home- I thought you were just saying those to annoy me. But you weren’t, were you? These things are very real problems for beings without magic, without the ability to just solve issues at the snap of your fingers.”

“Good job on noticing,” Lucy grunted. “If this is supposed to be an apology, you’re very shitty at it.”

Rowena bit her lip and Lucy turned back to her drawings.

“Well, I’m still sorry. And I’ll try to be better about it for the upcoming times.”

Lucy didn’t make any move to acknowledge the apology. It really didn’t matter whether Rowena’s intentions were genuine or not. Either way Lucy was stuck being dependent on her skills and abilities, and her best shot was to make sure their relationship was the least antagonistic as possible.

Seeing her lack of reaction, Rowena thankfully dropped the subject. There was nothing worse than someone forcing to act remorseful for the sake of someone who really couldn’t care for it. Even if it was probably the first time anyone went out of their way to admit their shortcomings to Lucy in such a way.

Anyone besides Leo, in any case.

Lucy squeezed her eyes shut to ease the sting of tears. Probably just the exhaustion.

Still, better to change the subject just to be safe.

“What does it feel like?” she blurted out.

“Hm?”

“To fly, I mean.”

If Rowena found the question strange, she didn’t show. “What, couldn’t get enough of the branches in your face?”

So much for trying to make conversation. “I assumed real actual flight doesn’t involve slamming head-first into trees, but who am I to judge.”

Rowena hummed, amused at the image. “It’s pretty good,” she replied. “Kind of like running. Except it’s a lot faster and if you stop you’ll have a lot farther to fall to the ground.”

“You have a strange definition of good.”

“I was exaggerating, you dummy,” she gently smacked Lucy with her wing. “Once you get the hang of it, you don’t really think about what could potentially go wrong. It’s just you and the endless skies and sometimes idiotic birds fly into you but that’s pretty rare.”

Lucy tilted her head up, trying to imagine the feeling. The wind blowing around you as you speed through the air, not bound by gravity and the two dimensions of a life on the ground. Must be a freeing experience.

She didn’t have to look to know Rowena was studying her. “You really wanna go for another round, don’t ya?”

Lucy shrugged, feigning indifference. “If this world is like the books, then our best opportunity would be riding dragons that try to eat you alive, and I’m most definitely not trusting you to lift me off the ground ever again.”

“Whatever you say,” Rowena snorted, before getting up and dusting off her pants. “Anyway, I think we should both rest. Humans need sleep every night as far as I’m aware, and I gotta ensure your claw marks don’t become a permanent disfigurement on my back.”

“It’s not like you don’t deserve them,” Lucy shot back, but still let herself be hoisted to her feet by Rowena’s helping hand. She was tired, after all, so there was no point in refusing the aid.

Maybe when she’ll wake up tomorrow, this will all have been nothing but a bad dream.

[krushkreates]

soldier, poet, king

chapter v: coille

me? focusing on another setting than the tavern?? and other characters than the wolves and sam?? no way

two updates in two days too?? holy shit it's a miracle. chapter four was the reason i took so long to update bc honestly i hate writing song fics but the dancing and singing was how the boys were gonna meet their mates. had to make sure it wasn't cringy lol but now im finally on a roll. that time also gave me time to figure out how i wanted the main plot to go and what i wanted to change, universe-wise.

when i tell you this is an alternate universe, i mean it

enjoy lovelies <3

you can read this here: https://archiveofourown.org/works/41903367/chapters/109104064

The chill air of the autumn night seeped into their bones and the fading light of their lantern should’ve made them stop.

The woods were dense, the canopy a thick, inky blanket that made the hooded figure nervous. The wind sang through the branches, making them click and clack against each other. They heard nocturnal animals call to each other and swore they saw eyes that didn’t belong to man or beast. Leaves crunched under their boots and they couldn’t shake the vague feeling that someone or something was watching them.

They clutched the small brown pack closer to their chest and attempted to close their cloak. To no avail, the breeze picked up, and blew the dark fabric open again. Their teeth chattered and the traveler realized their clothing was too thin for tonight. The map definitely didn’t mention how creepy the woods would be at night. 

Wonder Woods my ass. The bitterness of that thought stained their mood. They could hear their former master’s hearty laugh and knew how much shit the woman would’ve given them if she ever found out how hopelessly lost they had gotten themselves. The mud squelched under their worn boots as they stopped to look at the map. 

Ink smudged under their fingertips as frozen fingertips attempted to smooth out the wrinkles from being mushed against their hip in their waist bag. The map was a crude, hastily sketched outline of the three day journey they had embarked on. Though the traveler would argue it barely constituted little more than a poorly drawn treasure/scavenger hunt paper scrap. It would’ve made the shop hand’s daughter’s drawing look like a royal painter’s. Their gaze traveled along the path they believed they were currently on, but memory seemed to fail when the fork on the map was smudged. They quickly realized they couldn’t remember if they had taken a right or left-

A small curse fell from their lips as a stick snapped behind them, causing them to jump.

They whirled around, their heart thundered in their ears and fear shook their hands as they fumbled for the knife in the leather garter on their thigh. Squinting their eyes, they faintly made out a shadowy silhouette. The figure seemed solid but their borders were hazy, as if the darkness around them melted in the environment: like a candle made of shadows. The traveler could faintly see their long, gnarled hands, accentuated with long yellow fingernails, marred with a harsh line of black under the nail bed. 

They couldn’t make out a face, much less any mildly distinctive facial features. The thing’s face was covered by what looked like a hood. Or maybe it was that weird darkness that made them almost shimmer. 

The figure hadn’t moved since the traveler had gripped their knife. They felt their knuckles pale from the death grip on the ruby encrusted handle. Standing extremely still, the figure seemed to be unable to see them. They willed their breaths to slow down and hold them for a few seconds. 

A gust of wind blew through and in the blink of an eye, the figure was gone as fast as it had arrived.

They released a breath that came out more of a gasp and felt their knees wobble. The dump of adrenaline, combined with a restless and long journey released exhaustion in their bones, and they felt themselves collapse.

-

“He couldn’t have assigned me patrol any other night! Any other time, but nooo, it’s Mabon and I’m stuck out here while everyone gets to have fun at the tavern.” Vincent grumbled to himself as he kicked a rock along the trail. He recalled the irritating conversation William had pulled him into after the last clan meeting.

”You wanted to talk?” He asked, his eyes watching the rest of the clan mingle and talk after the hour-long meeting.

William flashed him a warm smile. “Yes, I did. I am afraid that Alexis will not be able to patrol on the 21st. She is wrapped up in some, <b>business</b>, that day. I need you to take over her shift after you’ve helped set up the tavern.” He met his progeny’s gaze with an apologetic look, though the two of them knew that Alexis was just going to be sulking the whole eight day celebration.

Vincent sighed, trying to find a way out, but something told him William didn’t want to deal with any of her tantrums if he tried to refuse. He looked at the ceiling and closed his eyes. After a moment, he turned to his maker. 

“I’ll take over, but it’s going to be a half-shift. I think Canon is going to join in Angel’s performances and I want to be there to see it.”

William nodded, a fond smile washing over him. “Of course. I would like to see it, but unfortunately, I must head to the Meridian.”

Confusion spread across his brows. “The Meridian? Is everything okay with it?”

His maker paused before trying to reply and being interrupted by Sam.

William hadn’t answered his question or sought him out after that meeting. When Vincent thought back on it, he seemed reluctant to even mention the trip to the Meridian at all. Running a hand through his hair, he shook away his curiosity. No use in ruminating over answers he wasn’t going to get. 

The woods were oddly quiet tonight and the vampire wondered if any more sightings would occur. The reports on his desk were piling higher everyday, and the sandpaper behind his eyes was conducive to it. Vincent dreaded tonight’s report and based on the last few patrols, it would be empty, save for the occasional drunk from the tavern that got lost in the thicket of brambles and bushes.

His ears picked up on the sound of boots crunching roughly a couple hundred feet ahead, flanked by a seemingly hooded figure. Picking up the pace, he kept his own steps silent. A terrible feeling crept over him, the alarm bells screaming as he observed the two. The cloaked figure didn’t seem to know that the hooded figure was there. Vincent’s eyes swept downwards and if he had any blood left, it would’ve run cold when he saw the lack of feet from the tall second figure. 

What in Meridian’s name?

The cloaked figure suddenly stopped and whirled around. Quickly, he hid behind a thick bush, the thorns pressed into his fingertips as he moved the branches to get as clear a view of the potential stand-off as possible.

Despite his status as an immortal, time didn’t feel any different to the vampire. Days passed the same as they did 20 years ago, and yet, in that single moment, time had slowed to an agonizing crawl as he realized who, or rather <i>what</i> had been following the first figure. Each muscle in his body tensed for that long, horrid minute and soon found himself peering over the collapsed body on the ground when the dark shadow had vanished instantly.

The hood on their cloak had fallen off, and Vincent found himself entranced by their beautiful features. His fingers itched to touch their nose and feel their cheeks rest in the palm of his hands. He shook his head, and turned his eyes down to their chest. They were still breathing, and their pulse was strong. They were so warm despite the frigid air, and a sheen of sweat coated their forehead. Puffs of air were visible as they exhaled through slightly parted lips. Their eyes flung open and heaved a gasp as they shot up and cradled their pounding head in their hands.

“Welcome to the world again sleeping beauty.” He greeted them with a playful tone. They looked up at him and scooted back with a start. A hearty laugh fell from the vamp’s lips. “Relax. It’s gone, and I promise I haven’t done anything.”

Eyes squinted in distrust. “How do I know you aren’t lying?”

He feigned a hurt look and clutched a hand to his chest. Holding up his middle and index finger, he said, “Scout’s honor. Besides, you’d know if I touched you.”

The traveler rolled their eyes and went to get up, but found themselves woozy. He rushed over and steadied them. 

“Easy, Lovely. I’m not an expert on human health, but you look like you’ve got some sort of fever.”

They looked at him strangely before wiping their forehead. “I’m fine, but thank you for helping. What are you doing out here anyways? Do you always find random strangers collapsed on the woods’ floor?” The words were sharp, but the mischievous light that danced in their light told Vincent they trusted him- for now. 

“Actually, yeah. I do. More frequently than I’d like to admit.” He laughed at the bewildered expression on Lovely’s face. Now that they could stand without falling, they rubbed their temples in an attempt to quell the throbbing and million questions running through their brain. They settled on asking the handsome stranger about their location. 

“Where exactly am I that makes you find so many strangers?’ I know this is the Wonder Woods, but I can’t be too far from something. A town? Or-”

“Couple miles from the tavern. It’s on an apple orchard and I happen to know the owner. I’d say let’s get you to a healer, but that same healer is also there. You look like you need a drink, a bath and someone to listen to you.” He flashed them a dazzling smile, and the traveler found themselves unable to say no.

They sighed and adjusted their cloak. Sensing they couldn’t say no, they met his gaze after putting the ‘map’ away. “Fine, but this tavern better be worth your insistence on.”

His smile widened further. “I’m glad you said that.”

[hometoursandotherstuff]

Got a crazy one for you today. I still can't get over it. I live near this, but thanks to Curieously for bringing it to my attention. I had no idea. This is Horizon House in Fort Lee, New Jersey, built in the 1960s- there are several buildings. It was always THE most prestigious place. How I always wanted to live here. My mom, who was a decorator, had several clients there. Okay, but here's where it gets weird- this is a glam penthouse for sale. 2bds, 3.5ba, yet it's only $190K. I won't reveal why until the end. You will be shocked. Curieously and I are still talking about it.

The sunken living room is very large. Walk down marble stairs.

The view is New York City across the way. That's the Hudson River dividing NJ/NY and there's also a view of the George Washington Bridge (circled) leading into NYC. (Traffic is a bitch, though, if you're commuting to the city.)

It's very open and spacious. You can even fit a baby grand piano in here and look at the cool canopy over the dining area.

Big kitchen- love that exhaust hood.

The kitchen is so large, it's an eat-in kitchen. Look at the big table that fits.

Check out this guest powder room.

This is the family room- it's a bit dated, but it was built in the 60s, so it's mid-century modern. Got a great view, though, a fireplace, and a door to the terrace.

Huge primary suite. You can see the walk-in closet, too, plus a built-in.

Check out the marble bath. (Remember - all this for only $199K)

Isn't the 2nd bedroom cute? It's got nooks.

Bath #2.

And, marble bath #3.

I wish my building had a lobby like this.

Resident's pool and patio.

Tennis courts.

Gym.

And children's playground.

Okay, so what's the deal? Well, apparently, it's only $199K to buy it, BUT, the HOA fee is a whopping $7,004.13mo! Oh, and Co-op board approval is required -income ratio 4:1. (B/c who the hell can afford that?) So let me get this straight. You pay a fee of $7Kmo. to live here and when you sell it you only get a measly $190K? How is this even possible? That's not all, though- it's an additional $98mo for parking/$106mo if you want valet parking. It's called a Stock Cooperative, which I really don't understand: A co-op is a way to own a primary residence, but where homeowners don't own their units outright; instead, each resident is a shareholder in the co-op itself.

[pristinegroupcleaning]

How to Get Rid of Clogged Restaurant Filters

When a restaurant’s exhaust hood filters get dirty, the fan can’t work properly to pull smoke and grease out of the kitchen. This can make the restaurant filter cleaning, smoky and hot, and customers don’t want to eat in a place that smells like a greasy kitchen. But if you clean your filters regularly, the fan can continue to do its job. The best way to do that is with an automated hood cleaning system like AutoMist. These systems can be programmed to clean your vent system on a schedule that fits with your kitchen’s operations. They work from inside the hood and ducts, spraying a mix of grease-dissolving water and detergent that goes to work to remove accumulated grease.

Using this method eliminates the need to shut down the restaurant for a long cleaning process. It also frees up staff to focus on other tasks. If you don’t want to deal with a third-party kitchen exhaust cleaning company, there are ways you can cut back on the need for a full cleaning by doing things like installing hood access doors to make it easier to get at your filter.

First, start by removing your filters and getting them ready for the cleaning process. They should be wiped down with a sponge or non-abrasive brush to remove loose debris. Then, fill a sink or large container with a solution of degreaser and hot water. Submerge the filters and let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.

After the soaking, drain the sink and rinse your filters. You can then use the sponge or non-abrasive brush again to remove any remaining grease and dirt from your filter. Now, let the filters air dry before putting them back in the exhaust system.

When you’re finished, your filters should look good as new and be ready for use. They’ll help keep your kitchen cleaner and safer for your employees and customers. And, they’ll help your kitchen exhaust system stay in compliance with NFPA 96 requirements.

A clogged filter can lead to an overworked motor, forcing it to work overtime to push heat and smoke out of the restaurant. That puts the restaurant at risk of a fire. But, when the filters are cleaned on a regular basis and following a cleaning schedule, the fan can continue to do its job without causing a fire hazard.

To avoid costly repairs and expensive re-cleaning, it’s important to follow a cleaning schedule for your exhaust system. A reputable and certified hood cleaning company will clean the entire kitchen exhaust system from the hood canopy to the exhaust fan and baffle filters. This will not only keep the kitchen and customers safe, but it will help you avoid a costly fire. And, it’ll allow you to continue to receive inspection stickers that show when your restaurant is due for a full cleaning by a third-party kitchen exhaust company. This will keep your restaurant in compliance with local and state regulations.

Pristine Group Cleaning provides unrivaled quality cleaning services to Houses, Apartments, Townhouses, Estates, and Small Offices throughout Sydney. Hire our professional cleaning services in Sydney and transform the entire look and feel of your place with us! We are ready to sweep off your feet with cleaning services in Sydney. We are passionate about our work and keep up with technology and progress.

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digging

It’s raining as the twins dig. They’re in perfect tandem with each other—as they always are, even when they’re not. Yasiel swings dirt up over his shoulder. Muddy, it slaps the ground, dirties his nice dress slacks. He wipes a bleeding hand over his forehead and it smears pink. His skin’s not made tough for this. Not like his sisters.

Mouse digs frantically. Frenzied and powerful. She’s trying to get all the way to the center of the Earth, with the way she scrapes at the water lodged soil. Right to the middle, there’s lava down there. Careful, the floors made of lava! She pants, the rain pouring over her face in thick rivulets, making it hard to see. But she doesn’t need to. Just needs to keep digging, really. The ground opens up softer because of the rain, but becomes slippery, messy. Her jeans are sodden and her boots are dirty.

Yasiel whistles and she looks up. Lightning cracks across the sky, dramatic and beautiful. Mouse thinks that’s just like nature; to be perfectly in tune with Yasiel’s theatrics. He holds up his bleeding hands, his palms wounded from the rough handle of the shovels. His dark eyes meet hers, his long black hair sticking to his face in little snake patterns. Mouse brushes her own back with the heel of her palm. The rain continues.

“I can’t,” Yasiel explains quietly and she hears him even over the pouring rain, even over thunder. “It hurts.”

The hour-older twin looks above the hole she’s digging herself into. The black tarp has peeled back just enough to glimpse ghost white skin, an arm dangling out of it. She closes her eyes and swings dirt over her shoulder for it to thunk wetly behind her.

“I can keep going,” she tells her twin.

And she continues digging the grave.

—

Yasiel stands outside the car while Mouse attempts to turn it over for the fourth time. It grinds and makes a noise he doesn’t recognize—like an animal hacking up a lung—and then shuts off. He examines the half assed bandages across his palms while Mouse screams inside the car. It rocks back and forth as she kicks and thrashes, throws punches to the steering wheel and dashboard.

Yasiel can see a little bit of red poking through on his left palm, this small circular dot. The first aid kit in the trunk had been ancient, and had barely enough gauze to actually cover both palms. The pain is dull and throbbing and hurts every time he moves his fingers—but he doesn’t dare complain to his sister. Especially not as she storms her way out of the drivers side and back to the front of the car.

“I didn’t know you learned how to fix cars in the last year or so,” he calls mildly, looking up at the dark sky. It’s punctured by bright white stars, stretching as far as the eye can see, until the trees begin to cut it off. Despite the storm they’d just survived (barely), there are no clouds any longer. They’d all smeared away to reveal the most beautiful canopy of stars he’d ever been under.

“Fuck off,” Mouse snarls as she slaps the hood of the car shut. She punches it for good measure and then slumps across it. “Just fuck off.” This is said softer and quieter and more to herself. Yas can hear her sniffling, holding back tears. He’d go to her—he wants to go to her—but he isn’t sure what to do with his bloody hands. Isn’t sure she’d even accept a hug from him.

They stay like that for longer than he wants to admit. The car becomes an island between them, her at the hood, him at the trunk. He’d divide it up into the years they’d spend apart before this night, and yet, he doesn’t have the mental energy. The creativity is drained from him, with the split blisters across his hands. Yasiel looks up at the stars while Mouse’s sniffling slowly peters off.

“We could walk,” he offers.

“I could walk,” she argues. Yasiel bristles slightly, his lips curling from his teeth. He’s ready to argue with her—she’s ready to argue back. It’s like that with them, all of the time. But he’s exhausted and depleted, and afraid he smells like dead body, so instead he shuts up. She shuffles from around the car. She nearly approaches, and then freezes when headlights swing around the bend in the road.

Yasiel steps in front of Mouse without thinking, and she holds his elbow, also without thinking.

The truck rumbles to a stop. For a brief moment, Yasiel is thinking of the knife Mouse keeps on her. The wicked hunting one with a curved edge, a serrated middle used for gutting. His heart makes a quick marathon run into his throat, into his mouth almost, as the window slowly rolls down.

“Y’al’right?” It’s all one word that Yasiel blinks to parse together. Y’all alright? Mouse’s curling hand tightens on his elbow. The face above the trucks window is mostly in shadow. He catches hints of an older man, brushed back black and gray hair. Yasiel peers, with narrowed eyes, tucks the arm Mouse clings to further back around her. “Whoa, now. Lookin’ like you need help s’all. Got a flat er’somethin’?”

“You’re terrible at enunciating, man,” Yasiel comments without thinking. Mouse shoves her fist into his spine, making him jump forward with both hands raised.

To his surprise, it makes the stranger in the truck laugh. He has a rich, deep chested laugh that seems to match the rumbling of his truck. It’s the sort of laugh Yasiel likes. He clears his throat, attempts a smile. His wet clothes cling to him in a way that is not just uncomfortable, but borderline painful. His hair stays flattened mostly to his skull in a wet cap, but the occasional strand frizzes up and flies away, messy like he hates it.

“It broke down on us. We’re not sure what’s wrong with it.”

“Storms goin’ to be comin’ back in.”

“What?” Yasiel glances back to Mouse, whose eyes have gone round and wide. She’s peering into the cab, with curious intensity.

“In the eye of it, right now. It’s movin’ this way again, though. Don’t want to be caught in that.” The offer, although not said aloud, is plain. Yasiel just can’t see where the offer ends, and it makes him nervous. Makes the heart in his mouth go sour so he has to swallow it down. Mouse darts from around him, getting close to the strangers truck window. He’s hissing, grabbing at her waist to yank her back, but she’d always been stronger than him.

“We ain’t hookers,” Mouse says in a deadly cold, serious voice.

“That’s good, I was not lookin’ for hookers on this fine Tuesday night.”

“And what are you doing in the middle of the woods in the middle of the night?”

There’s rustling from inside the truck and then suddenly Mouse is backing away with a flashlight in hand. It looks like the heavy duty kind and Yasiel feels prickling across his skin—could easily become a weapon in her hands. Instead, she clicks it on and waves it across the side of the truck.

CAMP COLD HOLLOW is written across it in bright yellow font.

“Patrolin’ the camps perimeters. Y’all didn’t know you passed onto the camps property line?”

Yasiel feels cold all over, right to his fucked up, ripped up hands. He swallows hard, stepping closer to Mouse, and thus the truck. He can see the man better now. He’s got kind wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and full facial hair thats salt and pepper like the hair. Yasiel’s eyes flicker over his features while his heart beats loudly against his throat. He’s handsome, in a button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Innocuous.

“We’re lost,” he tells the man.

“Picked a helluva night to get lost.”

“Are there good nights to get lost?” Mouse quips back, handing him the flashlight. Yas can tell she likes him; which is good and bad, he supposes. “So you’ll take us into town?”

“Naw. That’s an hour and a half drive. I’ll take you to camp though, so you can rest the night. Call a tow in the morning.”

“We can’t do that, Nelsy.” Yasiel whispers to her in Spanish over her shoulder. Mouse’s long, slender arms cross over her chest. Her dirty boot taps the ground as she thinks. “We have to get out of here. After what we just did?”

“You can’t walk into town. You’ll die, you’re too pathetic.”

“I’m not pathetic!”

Mouse ends the conversation by crossing around the truck to the other side. Yasiel slips across wet dirt following her, his hands stinging painfully as he thoughtlessly curls them into fists. She yanks open the passenger door and the lights in the car spring on. They reveal the man entirely now. He leans against the drivers door, one arm over the passenger seat head rest, the other forward. His wrist lazily dangles on the steering wheel. He’s grinning a bit, almost seems to be regretting his choices as Mouse starts yanking on the passenger seat.

“I’m Mouse,” she says, as she finally gets it to fall forward. The pathetic expanse of a back seat in the truck opens up. “He’s Yasiel. And he’s sitting in the back.”

—

The strangers name is Tino. He keeps the radio on low, to fill the silence that descends into the truck. Mouse keeps herself perched with her back to the door, one leg folded under her, the other hiked up. She’d not even put her seatbelt on, which drives Yasiel insane but he chooses not to say anything. The silence continues up until Mouse decides she wants to ruin it.

“So are you a creepy pervert, working at a Summer camp and all?”

“Nelsy,” Yasiel snaps his teeth together. He’d fished out his glasses that he’d tucked away during the storm. He cleans it furiously on the edge of his shirt, but it only smears around dirt and oil and makes him more angry. He directs it at her. “Behave.”

“Does she not usually?” Tino asks in fluent Spanish, with a backward glance in the rear view mirror. The twins look to each other then, with rounded wide eyes. Yasiel crawls backward in a panic, trying to remember what they’d said before getting in the truck—but it’s a blur. The whole night is slowly becoming a blur. And Tino’s rough, hoarse laugh is oddly soothing. Makes his anxious hands stop clenching and unclenching, spreading the red dots of blood.

“Are you married?” Mouse moves smoothly into a new topic, her dark eyes lidded as she stares at him. The truck sways across the dirt road, bumping up here and there. Tino flexes his hand around the steering wheel, glancing at it, as if to confirm himself. “Married men don’t always wear rings.”

“That’s awfully dishonest of ‘em,” he replies easily. Yasiel tucks himself forward again.

“Don’t engage with her. She gets worse, trust me.”

“Asshole.”

“Bitch.”

“Hey now,” Tino interrupts the two of them with a chastising tongue tut. The heel of his palm turns the steering wheel easily, in a fluid and attractive motion as he pulls in under a large sweeping wooden arch. The camp, Yasiel presumes, is just ahead of them.

“Y’all will have to use the communal showers while I get beds arranged for ya.” He parks the truck and it has to jerk itself to a stop, like turning off is a chore. “Can I trust y’all to sit here and be good while I go get you clothes and a towel?”

Mouse and Yasiel share a glance between each other. His bloodied hands, from the grave digging shovel, feel almost numb. Mouse has dirt on the side of her jaw, when she’d brushed sweat and hair back from her skin, soil from the grave. They look back to Tino and smile at the same time.

“Sure,” Yasiel says.

“No,” Mouse replies at the exact same time.

Tino pauses for a long moment, assessing between the two. He leans across the car, making Mouse slowly back herself against the car door. Then he takes the hat on the dashboard and tucks it on his head. It suits him, a baseball cap with COLD HOLLOW stamped on it. Yasiel tries smiling wider to be convincing.

“Y’all are gonna get along with our counselors,” he says and then steps out the truck.

[fidelisfm]

Why Commercial Kitchen Cleaning Is Necessary

In the food service industry, it’s all about creating a memorable dining experience for customers. A clean restaurant provides a safe, welcoming environment that encourages customer loyalty and differentiates your establishment from competitors. However, cleaning a large space like a restaurant kitchen requires professional skills and equipment. Hiring commercial kitchen cleaning Brisbane services helps you keep up with your hygiene standards and ensures the safety of staff and customers.

Restaurants and cafes can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Even if your dishes and utensils are thoroughly cleaned, it is still possible for germs to spread from one area to another. This can be a major health and safety risk and result in a huge fine from authorities. With regular cleaning, you can prevent the build-up of harmful bacteria and keep your kitchen in compliance with health and safety regulations.

Professional restaurant and kitchen cleaners have the tools and equipment necessary to deep clean all areas of your restaurant. This includes scrubbing and disinfecting floors, countertops, large appliances, and small utensils. They also provide a detailed clean of the exhaust system, including vents and ductwork. Additionally, they can handle any grease accumulation in your kitchen hoods and ducts.

Hiring a professional cleaning company will not only save you time and money, but it will help your employees focus on their job rather than cleaning. This will lead to a more productive and happy workplace. Additionally, regular cleaning will increase the lifespan of your expensive equipment, reducing the need for costly repairs and replacements.

Maintaining a clean restaurant is not just a necessity for health code and food safety; it’s good business. A clean kitchen creates a positive image of your restaurant, which can lead to more business and increased customer satisfaction.

Hiring a commercial kitchen cleaning company can improve your restaurant’s reputation by ensuring the cleanliness of your facilities. This will reduce the risk of food contamination and fire hazards, as well as promote a healthy work environment for your staff.

Commercial kitchens are a busy place and it can be difficult for restaurant owners or managers to keep up with cleaning duties. Hire a professional commercial kitchen cleaning company to clean your entire restaurant and save yourself the hassle of keeping up with the work on your own. The team at Worth Every Cent Cleaning has years of experience and uses high-quality products to give your restaurant the best cleaning results. Contact us today to schedule an appointment. Our services include commercial kitchen cleaning, sanitizing of counter surfaces, storage and shelving, deep clean of kitchen hoods, exhaust systems, canopy ducts and more. We offer competitive prices with no hidden fees and a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We look forward to hearing from you!

At Fidelis Facillity Management, we know the cost of an unkept space. Breeding bacteria costs you employee sick leave, dust and hard to reach places costs you memorable first impressions and future transactions.

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Canopy Cleaning Melbourne

We are canopy cleaning Melbourne experts that use unique cleaning techniques and equipment to clean your kitchen canopy and exhaust fans. This short video will walk you through essential steps and tips for maintaining pristine and safe kitchen environments. Learn how to effectively remove grease, prevent fire hazards, and ensure compliance with health standards. Keep your restaurant running smoothly with our expert advice on hood cleaning. Watch now!

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Tips & Tricks to choose End of Lease Cleaning Company

Moving out of a rental property can be a stressful task as you are responsible for everything, from changing furniture to other objects to cleaning the entire apartment. To claim your bond money, you must ensure the accommodation is clean.

Rather than cleaning the apartment yourself, it is best to hire an experienced bond cleaning company. Bright End of Lease Cleaning Melbourne is among the best bond back cleaners. We offer some other services for canopy cleaning, such as canopy hood cleaning, canopy duct cleaning, exhaust fan cleaning, and kitchen equipment cleaning.

Feel free to give us a quick call at 0413 298 622and book your slot today!