#gutter overflow

[pennsylvaniaroofer]

Best Gutter Guards of 2024

Looking for the best gutter guards in 2024? Our comprehensive guide covers top-rated gutter guard options, detailed reviews, side-by-side comparisons, and expert buying tips to help you make an informed decision. Whether you need protection from leaves, debris, or pests, we highlight the best options for every home and budget. Discover which gutter guards offer superior durability, easy installation, and optimal performance to keep your gutters clog-free year-round.

[encryptedlunacy]

I feel like every single season I'm just like "Ohhh!!! I can't wait for X season because we'll get so much [insert weather here]!!"

I did it with snow, I'm doing it with the April showers, I know damn well I'll do it with thunderstorms too. There is nothing more exciting about a new season than the weather that comes with it.

[northwestofinsanity]

What a fun day to work at a veterinary hospital, as a classic rock addict who could make several lyrical puns about it whenever the occasional minor and funny inconvenience from it came up! There’s even a six-inch deep pond and a river flowing through the parking lot!

[mmortis]

this is fine

[cleanerswithintegrity]

Are your gutters ready for winter?

Understand what happens if you don't clean your gutters before winter...

[lisklandscape]

Redirect Water with Confidence: Downspout Drainage Solutions

Ever felt the unwelcome “drip drip” of water from clogged gutters and malfunctioning downspouts? It’s a common issue for homeowners, but the solution doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Lisk Landscape Innovations, we specialize in Downspout Water Redirection to keep your home safe and dry, even during the heaviest storms.

Clogged drains, poor installation, or subpar materials can wreak havoc on your property, leading to water pooling near your foundation. But don’t worry—our Gutter Drainage Experts are here to help. Whether it’s tweaking existing downspouts, introducing seamless gutters, or installing new drain lines, we have the tools and expertise to ensure stormwater is effectively channeled away from your home.

From an initial consultation to project execution, we’ll guide you through every step, including township approvals and engineering plans. Trust Lisk Landscape Innovations for top-notch Downspout Drainage Solutions Cherry Hill NJ. Say goodbye to frustrating water issues and hello to a dry, worry-free home!

Contact us today to schedule your consultation and let us resolve your downspout troubles before the next storm arrives!

[blog-zone007]

Gutter Maintenance 101: Fixing Sagging and Preventing Overflow

Your gutters play a crucial role in protecting your home’s foundation, roof, and walls from water damage. However, many homeowners neglect their gutters until they start sagging or overflowing. Maintaining your gutters doesn’t have to be complicated, and with regular upkeep, you can prevent costly repairs down the line. In this guide, we’ll walk you through essential gutter maintenance practices to help you fix gutters sagging and overflow solutions.

The Basics of Gutter Functionality

Gutters are designed to channel rainwater away from your home’s roof and foundation. They work alongside downspouts to direct water away from your home. Properly functioning gutters help prevent issues like soil erosion, water damage to the foundation, and mold growth. Understanding this basic function is key to maintaining the health of your gutter system.

Common Causes of Gutter Sagging and Overflow

Several factors can contribute to gutter sagging and overflow:

Accumulation of Debris: Leaves, twigs, and other debris can clog your gutters, causing water to back up and overflow.

Poor Installation: Gutters that are not installed properly can sag and pull away from the house.

Environmental Factors: Heavy rain, ice buildup, and strong winds can place additional stress on gutters, leading to sagging and overflow.

The Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning

Clogged gutters are one of the most common causes of sagging and overflow. Regular gutter cleaning is crucial for maintaining their efficiency. Here’s how to spot when your gutters need cleaning:

Signs of Clogged Gutters: Water overflowing the edges, plant growth within the gutters, and visible debris.

Cleaning Your Gutters Safely: Use a sturdy ladder, wear gloves, and remove debris manually. A garden hose can help rinse away remaining clogs.

Solution #1: Installing Gutter Guards

Gutter guards can help reduce the amount of debris that gets into your gutters, decreasing the frequency of cleaning. There are several types available:

Mesh Screens: These are installed over the top of your gutters and help keep leaves, twigs, and debris out.

Brush Inserts: These fit inside your gutters and are effective for filtering debris.

Solid Covers: These types of gutter guards block debris and require less frequent cleaning.

Pros and Cons: Gutter guards can be expensive upfront, but they save time and reduce the need for regular maintenance.

Solution #2: Reinforcing Gutter Supports

Proper gutter supports are essential for keeping your gutters stable and preventing sagging. There are various types of hangers and brackets available:

Plastic Hangers: Affordable and easy to install but may not last as long.

Metal Hangers: More durable and long-lasting but costlier.

How to Determine if Supports Need Reinforcing: Check for visible sagging and pulling away from the house.

Solution #3: Re-pitching Your Gutters

Re-pitching your gutters involves adjusting their angle so water can flow properly. If water is pooling in one area, it could be due to poor pitch. Here’s how to re-pitch your gutters:

Remove downspouts.

Adjust the slope so water flows away from your home.

Re-secure your gutters to the fascia board with new hangers or brackets if needed.

Solution #4: Downspout Extensions

Downspout extensions help direct water away from your home’s foundation. They come in flexible tubing or solid pipe forms and can be easily installed:

Benefits: Prevent soil erosion, reduce water pooling around your foundation, and help manage water runoff.

Maintenance Tips: Make sure extensions are clear of debris and properly secured.

The Role of Seamless Gutters in Preventing Sagging and Overflow

Seamless gutters are made from one continuous piece of material, reducing the number of joints and seams that can develop leaks over time. Rewrite

Uniqueness Score: 84%

These gutters are less liable to sagging and corrosion, making them a greater long lasting desire. While they can be extra highly-priced than conventional sectional gutters, they require less renovation and feature a longer lifespan.

When to Replace Your Gutters

Not all gutters are created same, and now and again changing them is the nice alternative.

Here are signs it’s time to replace your gutters:

Visible Cracks or Holes: If your gutters are damaged beyond repair, replacing them is the best solution.

Outdated Materials: Older gutters, like wood or aluminum, can be prone to sagging and leaks.

Choosing New Gutters: Consider options like aluminum or copper for durability and resistance to corrosion.

DIY vs. Professional Gutter Repair: Pros and Cons

Some tasks, like basic cleaning and small repairs, can be handled by homeowners, while others require professional attention:

Pros of DIY Repairs: Save money and take control of your own maintenance.

Cons of DIY Repairs: Potential risk of safety hazards like falling from ladders.

Pros of Professional Services: Expertise and experience in handling gutter repairs safely and correctly.

Long-Term Gutter Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance is key to avoiding sagging and overflow issues. Here’s a seasonal checklist:

Spring Cleaning: Remove debris and check for clogs.

Fall Maintenance: Clear leaves and debris from gutters.

Inspect Gutters Year-Round: Check for leaks, clogs, and overall gutter health.

Avoiding Common Gutter Maintenance Mistakes

Homeowners often make mistakes that can lead to gutter issues:

Using Improper Tools: Don’t use sharp or heavy tools that can damage your gutters.

Ignoring Small Problems: Small clogs and leaks can turn into bigger issues over time.

Overloading Gutters: Ensure gutters are not weighed down by debris, branches, or ice.

Cost-Effective Gutter Maintenance Solutions

You don’t have to break the bank to maintain your gutters. Budget-friendly options like gutter cleaning kits, DIY solutions, and regular inspections can help you manage costs.

Balancing Cost and Effectiveness: Choose affordable options that are effective in maintaining your gutters.

Conclusion

Maintaining your gutters doesn’t have to be a hassle, but it does require regular attention. By following these expert recommendations and gutter sagging and overflow solutions, you could defend your house from water damage, prevent high-priced repairs, and enlarge the lifespan of your gutter device. Regular upkeep is the key to a more secure, extra long-lasting domestic.

[timberleaf]

Why Choose Five-Inch Seamless Gutters for Your Home in Chicago?

At Timber Leaf Gutters, we take pride in offering expert five-inch seamless gutter installation for homeowners in Roselle, IL, and across the Chicago area. Our seamless gutters are custom-made to fit your home perfectly, eliminating the risk of leaks and ensuring long-lasting protection. With our precise installation process, you can rest assured that your gutters will provide optimal water flow and protect your property from water damage. When you choose Timber Leaf Gutters, you’re choosing quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time.

For homes that experience heavy rainfall or need additional capacity, Timber Leaf Gutters also specializes in six-inch oversized gutter installation. These larger gutters are perfect for managing higher volumes of water, preventing overflow, and reducing the need for frequent maintenance. Our oversized gutters provide an enhanced solution to keep your home dry and safe, even during the heaviest storms. We customize each installation to ensure your gutters are the right size and fit for your property’s needs.

Keep your gutters functioning flawlessly with Timber Leaf Gutters’ high-quality gutter guards. These protective covers prevent debris such as leaves, twigs, and dirt from clogging your gutters, allowing rainwater to flow freely and efficiently. Our gutter guards are designed to save you time and money by reducing the need for frequent gutter cleaning and minimizing the risk of water damage. With Timber Leaf Gutters, you can enjoy hassle-free, maintenance-free gutters that work for you year-round.

Looking for an extra layer of protection for your gutters? Our gutter protectors provide an additional safeguard against blockages and damage, ensuring your gutter system operates at peak performance. Designed to withstand the toughest elements, these protectors prevent debris build-up and reduce the risk of leaks, giving you peace of mind. Whether you need a simple solution or a comprehensive gutter protection system, Timber Leaf Gutters is here to offer the best service and products in the Chicago area.

[housejoycleaners]

Comprehensive Roof Gutter Cleaning for Canberra Homes

In Canberra, maintaining clean gutters is vital to prevent water damage caused by heavy rains and storms. Our comprehensive roof gutter cleaning service ensures your gutters are free from debris, allowing for proper water flow and preventing overflow that can damage your home’s walls, ceilings, and foundation. Our trained technicians use professional equipment and follow a meticulous cleaning process to provide the best results. We offer preventative maintenance to keep your property in top condition, enhancing its curb appeal and value. With our affordable and reliable service, you can protect your home and ensure its long-term preservation.

More information:-

Website:-https://housejoycleaners.com

Gmail:- info@housejoycleaners.com

Call us:-

Brisbane : 07 3040 7004

Sydney and Canberra : 02 6100 1313

address:- Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne.

[cincy-gutter-boys]

Overflowing Gutters: Causes and Fixes

Gutters are essential for catching rain, removing it from a building’s foundation, and preventing water damage. However, improper functioning can cause water damage. Gutter systems ensure water drains away from homes.

Gutter overflow occurs when water exceeds the gutter system’s capacity, spilling over the sides of the gutters instead of being channeled through the downspouts. This leads to issues like foundation damage, landscaping erosion, and structural damage, which causes potential structural damage.

[expertguttercleaners]

How To Fix Overflowing Gutters.

Signs of Gutter Over flowing:

Overflowing Gutters lead to a variety of problems including damage to the foundation of your home, flooded basement and landscape erosion. Knowing the signs of gutter overflow is essential in avoiding these problems. There are two types of signs to look out for: visual and structural signs.

Visual signs:Overflowing Gutter.

Visual signs are those that you can see closely when you inspect your gutters.

• Overflow gutter spouts show running over with raining water.

• Stains or discoloration on the outer walls under the gutters.

• Sagging gutters or drooping of the gutters from the roof line.

• The presence of mould and mildew on the outside surfaces.

Structural signs:Overflowing Gutter.

Structural signs represent clues of the problem underneath which may cause the gutter overflow. Pay attention to:

• Foundation cracks or damage.

• Basement floods and dampness.

• Erosion in the landscape or water pooling close to the foundation.

• Siding and fascia cost.

Causes of Gutter Overflow:

Knowing the cause of gutter overflow is vital in fixing the problem. The common causes are mainly deposition, obstructions, and wrong installation.

Debris build-up.

Accumulation of leaves, twigs and other debris in your gutters clog the downspouts and thus water cannot flow freely. Gutter cleaning is needed on a regular basis to keep this avoided for box gutter overflow. 

Blockages.

Besides leaves, insect nests, tennis balls, bird nests and sometimes toys can be found in the gutter box hence causing blocking of water flow. You should quickly take action to remove these obstructions to prevent the box gutter overflow.

Improper installation.

Over-pitched and improperly placed gutters can increase water accumulation and lead to overflow. Professional installation or tuning is needed to fix these problems.

Seasonal Maintenance of Gutters.

In order to ensure that your gutter flows freely and avoid the overflowing, various tasks need to be done depending on the season.

Spring cleaning.

By the end of winter, your gutters may be full of debris and leaves. Spring cleaning of your gutters is vital to remove winter accretion and get ready for the rainy season.

Summer preparations.

During summer, look for any damage to your gutters from storms or extreme weather. Make sure gutter guards are attached firmly to the roofline and do any repairs if necessary.

Fall leaf management.

The fall is the period when the leaves are the most likely ones to get stuck in your gutters. Clean your gutters regularly during this season to prevent the clogs which may result in an overflow. After the debris is removed, use a hose or Downpipe leaf catcher to prevent further blockage that may not lead to overflow of gutters. With a spray nozzle flush out the rest of dirt or particles.  Gutter leaf catcher will  ensure the water flow is controlled and running smoothly.

Importance of Regular Gutter Cleaning & Maintenance:

Routine gutter cleaning and upkeep can go a long way in maintaining the structural integrity of your house. Here are the key reasons why Gutter Cleaners is important:

• It prevents water damage thus protecting your foundation:

Overflowing gutters may result in water accumulation round the boundary that may, in time, lead to cracks and other structural issues. Routine maintenance of Downpipe gutter ecompasses water away from the foundation to avoid expensive damage.

• It avoids basement flooding by preventing mould and mildew:

When gutters overflow, water can seep into the basement where it causes mold and mildew. Proper gutter maintenance directs water away from your home, keeping the basement dry and damage-free.

• Extends Roof gutter lifespan by preventing rust and corrosion:

Cleaning and raking the leaves from the gutters reduces the dirt and other material repository, which also contributes to blockage. Rust and corrosion. Regular maintenance extends the life of your gutters, thereby saving you money on early replacements.

• Averts landscape erosion and preserves landscaping:

Water running over the Downpipe gutter may also erode your landscape and flowerbeds. Regular gutter maintenance guarantees water is directed away properly, preserving the beauty of your landscape.

• Reduces pest infestations:

Clogged gutters will provide a nice environment for pests, mosquitoes and rodents. Clearing your gutters from any debris prevents pests from creating their nests there.leaf catcher prevents the clogging of roof gutters as well as downpipes gutter overflow.  

• Prevents ice dams (in cold climates):

In cold areas, ice dams are created as melting snow refreezes in plugged-up gutters. Routine cleaning and maintenance prevent ice dams from damaging your roof and gutters.

• It saves money in the long run:

A regular gutter cleaning and maintenance program is a cost effective way of preventing unnecessary repair costs from water damage or gutter replacement.

Here are some gutter Cleaning tools and accessories commonly used to fix overflowing gutters:

It’s important to note that fixing overflowing gutters can be a dangerous task, especially if you’re not accustomed to working at heights or if your gutters are difficult to access. Hiring a professional gutter cleaner to clean gutters and repair service is often the safest and most efficient option. Professional gutter cleaners have the expertise, experience, and Gutter Clean out tools are necessary to identify and address gutter issues effectively while minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Gloves: Wearing gloves protects your hands from sharp debris and prevents infections from bacteria and fungi commonly found in gutters.

Gutter Ladder: A sturdy ladder is essential for accessing your gutters safely.

Scoop or Trowel: This tool helps you scoop out leaves, twigs, and other debris clogging your gutters.

 Bucket or Bag: Use a bucket or a bag to collect the debris you remove from the gutters.

Garden Hose: Use a garden hose to flush out the remaining debris and check for proper water flow.

 Gutter Guards: Installing gutter guards can help prevent debris build-up and reduce the frequency of gutter cleaning service.

Sealant or Caulk: Use sealant or caulk to repair any leaks or cracks in your gutters.

Screwdriver or Drill: You may need these tools to tighten loose gutter hangers or to install gutter guards.

 Safety Equipment: Safety goggles and harnesses may be necessary depending on the height of your gutters and the nature of the work.

Vacuum gutter cleaning is an innovative method used to effectively clean both roof gutters and downpipe gutters, helping to prevent overflow and water damage. Here’s how vacuum gutter cleaning works and its benefits:

Powerful Suction:

Vacuum gutter cleaning utilizes a powerful suction system which efficiently removes debris, leaves, twigs and all other accumulation found inside gutters. The suction force gets deep into the gutter channels to guarantee impeccable cleaning outcome.

Safety:

Different from the usual gutter cleaning methods which might need to climb ladders to remove the debris manually, gutter cleaning vacuum is done from the ground level with the help of extended hoses and specialized attachments. This lowers the threats of accidents and injuries linked to working at heights.

Efficiency:

Cleaning gutters with vacuum is highly efficient and fast. The efficient suction system rapidly clears rubbish without the need for repeated manual labor. It speeds up the accomplishment of the gutter cleaning process which disrupts your normal routine.

Prevents Overflow:

Debris and blockages removal from gutters by the vacuum gutter cleaning contributes to no overflow in the rainy or snowy season. Correctly working gutters ensure that the rainwater is directed away from your home’s foundation thus preventing water damage and structural issues.

Protects Downpipe Gutters:

Clean roof gutters and also vacuum gutter cleaners include downpipe gutters cleaning as well. Downpipes may be filled with debris thus causing inhibited water passage and in the end, overflow. Vacuum gutter cleaners clear the gutters at the end of downpipes thus allowing free flow of water and preventing blockages.

Environmentally Friendly:

Gutter cleaner using advanced gutter cleaning accessories which is better than traditional cleaning methods or DIY, which can involve harsh chemicals or excessive use of water. Gutter vacuum has less environmental impact but involves cost effective gutter cleaning service.

Professional Service offers:

Gutters are usually cleaned by professionals who have the necessary know-how and specialized Gutter cleaning accessories or tools to obtain totally clean gutters and optimum gutter performance. Reliable gutter cleaning service will be rendered to various customers by the professionals at low rates. The maintenance tips will also be given to ensure that your gutters are long-lasting.

Rain gutter cleaning is a critical task which should be done to prevent overflows and damage during the rainy season in Australia.

Using specialized rain gutter cleaning tools will make sure that debris, leaves and any other blockages are removed therefore, rain water will flow freely. Also, incorporating a rain head gutter allows fixing rain gutters as it directs water out promptly.

  Gutter rain heads are crucial in the management of rain water flow, particularly in areas highly susceptible to heavy rains. They effectively collect rainwater and divert it away from the architectural structure of the building, thus preventing a flood and damage.

Furthermore, including a rain gutter roof rack��improves the support and stability of the gutter system making it more resistant to adverse weather conditions.

 For better gutter performance, using a gutter leaf catcher is necessary as it stops leaves and debris from getting into the gutter system hence no clogging in the gutter system that causes gutter overflow.

The box gutter overflow prevention mechanisms are an essential part of preserving the system’s integrity. By implementing proper sizing and maintenance as an overflow prevention method, the damage to the foundation and structure of the building due to water can be prevented.

Finally, rain gutter cleaning tools, rain head gutters, box gutter rain heads, rain gutter roof racks, gutter leaf catchers as well as box gutter overflow prevention techniques should be used for optimal performance of the gutters and protection against overflows in the rainy season in Australia.

Selecting a Gutter Cleaning Company:

Some homeowners would rather use the DIY approach to gutter maintenance whereas others prefer to hire the professionals therein. When choosing a gutter cleaning Service, consider the following factors: There are good and bad health-care professionals.

• Experience and expertise: 

Search for a firm with professional technicians who are conversant with the intricacies of gutter care.

• Insurance and certifications: 

Guarantee professional and quality service by making sure that the company has full insurance and any required certificates.

• Customer reviews and reputation:

Read customer reviews and testimonials in order to find out how society perceives the company, and the degree of satisfaction of the former clients.

• Pricing and services: 

Compare price and the scope of services offered to find a company that suits you.

Call on The Pros professional gutter care services.

If you would rather have the gutter maintenance done by the professionals, you can also resort to professional gutter care services. They possess the required knowledge, skills, and equipment to effectively clean and repair your gutters. You can get professionals to take care of your gutters and thereby not experience blockage and associated damages. Relieve yourself of the burden of gutters cleansing and get an assurance of expert services.

[pennsylvaniaroofer]

A HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO CONTROLLING AND PREVENTING GUTTER OVERFLOW

Discover effective strategies for controlling and preventing gutter overflow with our comprehensive homeowner's guide. Learn essential tips and techniques to mitigate the risk of gutter overflow, safeguarding your home against water damage and structural issues. From regular maintenance routines to innovative gutter protection solutions, empower yourself with the knowledge to combat gutter overflow effectively. Our guide equips homeowners with practical insights and preventive measures to maintain optimal gutter performance year-round.

[discoboogie]

Infinity Pool Phoenix Hot tub - mid-sized modern backyard tile and custom-shaped infinity hot tub idea

[justporo]

Who's the goose... (2)

...that's on the loose? GOOSETARION! The adventures of Astarion being turned into a goose continue. Will he behave or annoy someone so much that his delicate goose neck will be in danger?

PART 1 | MASTERLIST | AO3

Author's Note: So, here we are... with the second part to this unhinged little idea - I had a lot of fun writing this, although if I gotta write someone honking one more time... Well, I'd do it... This beautiful BEAUTIFUL artwork is once provided by the wonderful, beautiful and incredibly talented @azaani-art (you bless us, love! Thank you for allowing me to use this!). And also @the-littlest-raindrop - if you wanna read you'll know why I tagged you! Please all enjoy! I'm excited to hear what you all think!

Pairing: Goosetarion(Astarion)/GN!Tav (You)

Rating: Still stupid

Warnings: ankles in danger (you guys didn't think I'd be serious about this, right?)

Wordcount: 5k

~~~

The next morning the whole group sat around the giant wooden table in the main room of the inn. You were pretty sure you looked like you had slept in the gutter last night.

Beside you sat the goose, craning its neck at everyone at the table but for once pleasantly un-hoking. Even Goosetarion must have realised that honking the house down at this time of day would have probably gotten him his neck wrung faster than he could have jumped off the bench and waddled away. Or maybe it was lingering humiliation from when he had tried several times to jump up on the bench, fluttering his wings as if desperately trying to take flight. It had taken several more tries – and serious hissing from his side to bar you from just lifting him up onto the bench. And even when the goose had managed to get a high enough jump, it had face-planted onto the table nearly knocking itself out because it hadn’t anticipated the physics of the unfamiliarly long neck.

The others had to make a serious effort to not burst out laughing, but the violent threat in Goosetarion’s red eyes had shut them up quickly. Nobody really wanted to feel the goose’s wrath – or teeth for that matter.

Now you softly and absent-mindedly petted the animal with strokes from its head down to its back. Trying to make up for his hurting ego. The rump was very busy wiggling again.

You hadn’t slept awfully much last night as could have been expected. Of course, you had taken Goosetarion to your shared room. The staff at the inn had at first protested. But the fact that the others had quickly jumped in to declare the animal your “emotional support goose” and the fact that you really almost had started crying right then and there had been convincing enough to allow the goose in your room. Although you were of course given some serious side-eyes. But you couldn’t care less about people’s opinions at the moment.

You had sat down Astarion in your room, removed your armour and had sat down on the bed, sinking down against the headboard, face buried in your hands. Your feelings had still been very much on the verge of overflowing leaving you in a state of emptiness and tension all at the same time.

Only when you had heard some rumbling and strained croaks did you realise that you kind of had forgotten Goosetarion. But when you had opened your eyes, you already saw how the goose was hopping up on the bedframe and dragging itself up on the mattress with its wings, making what would have possibly been laborious groans normally. It wasn’t exactly graceful, but you were impressed, nonetheless.

Astarion wandered over to where you sat with drawn up legs and then jumped onto your lap without hesitation. Some struggle followed in which the two of you tried to get comfortable on the bed. Which resulted in you getting whacked in the face by Goosetarion’s splayed wings several times and him face-planting onto your chest about an equal amount of times while trying to move around, losing balance.

Finally, when you had all settled down, Goosetarion had been all cosied up on your lap and made a small honk while looking at you.

You had started stroking him again.

“I’m so sorry this happened, Astarion, but to be honest, you really had it coming.”

“Honk!?”

“Because you don’t just go around trying to steal from anyone who looks at you funny!”

“Honk!”

“Let’s just… hope this will all be over soon. I promise I’ll protect you and take care of you – no matter what.” You had embraced the goose, burying your face in its feathers for a moment and deeply wished that soon it would be your vampire again.

Goosetarion had carefully placed his small head on your shoulder and given a very soft little honk. The weight on your shoulder had been so light it had barely been noticeable at all.

And that is how you had slipped into your dreams sometime: Sitting up against the headboard, goose on your lap. Your head had fallen back in an awkward angle that probably hadn’t been healthy for your neck. And the goose had been mirroring you with its long neck and head fallen back on your shoulder. Surely a sleeping position no real goose had ever occupied.

But now you sat at the inn table having breakfast and talked with the others about what your plans for the day were. It was to be more walking and talking to people.

You were rather relieved because that meant that you wouldn’t have to think too much about how to take care of the goose. You’d just have him tag along and try your best to stop him from biting anyone’s ankles or getting his neck twisted.

The group set off once everyone had finished eating. You swung your legs over and got up. Astarion eagerly jumped down from the bench and honked at you demandingly, immediately earning a hush from Gale and a tchk from Lae’zel. The goose wasn’t bothered by it, just kept looking at you, now spreading its wings a little. He honked again. It was obvious he wanted to be carried and was very demanding about it.

“Is that your definition of asking nicely to be lifted up? Because if yes, you need to work on your attitude”, you scolded him while deep down you were surprised how the vampire so blatantly dared to hold on to his desire to be petty and sassy.

Another honk – challenging now. The goose glowered at you, for lack of a better description, and you glowered back.

Then you just walked off, following the others which had already left the inn. And you were swift. Leaving no choice to the goose but having to waddle behind you as fast as his rubbery feet would go or risk being left behind.

You gave in pretty quickly afterwards. And if only because Lae’zel was almost already losing her mind about how slow you were going to be with the goose walking beside you.

Goosetarion willingly and humbly let himself be lifted and carried around then without another complaint. Actually, you got the feeling he was getting a bit too used to that already.

“Enjoying the luxury of being carried around by your loved one, Astarion?”, Halsin asked the goose a while after you had left the inn and walked around the city. Goosetarion had stretched out his head and looked at his surroundings curiously and cautiously from his privileged position.

At the question the goose’s head – which was comically staying in place despite the walking movements – had swung around and the question had been answered with a short honk that you could only describe as sassy. Then Goosetarion had angled his head in a way that was way too much Astarion in nature than should have been possible. The druid laughed while you saw that Gale shook his head disapprovingly.

You squeezed the goose just a little: “Well, don’t get used to it, Astarion, this is a once in a lifetime occurrence.”

In reply you got a honk that sounded like a pout.

The first half of the day then was spent just like yesterday: tiresomely walking around, trying to strike up conversations with strangers to get some information without being too suspicious. Which was kind of a challenge when you were carrying around a goose that had to comment on almost everything despite no one fully knowing what it wanted to say.

Around noon you decided to take a break. You picked out what seemed to be a market place in full swing and settled down around the fountain in the middle. Each and every one of you had grabbed something from the market stalls to eat – pies, fruit, Karlach had even gone for a portion of spit roast.

At one of the stalls a huge-bellied man in a very grimy apron had way to keenly asked for how much you would sell the goose. Goosetarion’s head had yanked straight upwards, and he had immediately started to scream bloody murder (in goose) while you had turned him away in your arms – away from this shady looking merchant. Panic immediately had shot through you and your eyes had widened as you yanked the goose away and as far out of reach as possible.

“The goose is not for sale”, you had screamed hysterically in response.

“Unfortunate, how much good does it do if you’re only carrying it around? You all a bunch of leaf-eaters or what? This could be a nice dinner for my whole family!”, the man had yapped, obviously angry by your unwillingness to negotiate. You’d had your doubts about the family claim. Especially since you had seen the very suspicious looking dishes he seemingly had had to offer at his stall. They had all looked rank and the longer you’d stood there you’d also smelled their foulness. You hadn’t even dared to think about how old these must be.

“Istik, the bird is not for sale!”, Lae’zel had entered the conversation and drawn a dagger, taking a threatening step towards the huge man.

The other companions each all had taken up readied stances too – hands not too casually wandering to their weapons and stepping in front of you and Goosetarion in protection.

And thankfully, it had been left at that. The man lifting up his hands in defence as he had mumbled something incoherent and turned around again. Astarion had honked once more in victory (as if he had contributed to anything) and waved his head that would have normally swept his white curls back. As a goose it had just looked a bit delusional.

Now you sat on the cobblestone ground with Goosetarion on your lap. You had already gotten into a routine it seemed, it was awkwardly comforting. But somewhen when you were still nibbling on some apples and cheese, the goose wiggled off your lap. It seemed he was bored by just sitting around. Or maybe it was also that all of the group happily munching away had made him think of his own hunger that he was currently unable to satisfy.

He eyed the rim of the fountain suspiciously while everyone was busy chatting and eating. Only out of the corner of your eye did you see how he spread out his wings, his neck stretched out and started swinging – almost like a cat preparing to make a big leap somewhere.

Was he… was he trying to fly?

The goose made a leap, desperately flapped its wings and just for a tiny moment actually seemed to gain some air. But the moment passed as soon as it began and Goosetarion full on crashed into Lae’zel who had just gotten back from also buying a portion of spitroast. The githyanki had only just sat down when the goose fell onto her, almost causing her to drop her food.

Lae’zel immediately had her dagger out that - not so long ago- had been used to protect the same goose it was threatening now. The githyanki cussed out the animal that darted back to the safety of your lap much faster than you could have imagined. With desperate honking the goose jumped on your lap and tried to even climb up onto your shoulders. Lae’zel was still cursing and stepping closer, dagger in hand.

“Astarion! Lae’zel!”, you both called them out.

Goosetarion gave self-righteous honk while the fighter reluctantly sheathed her dagger again and went back to her lunch.

“And you are getting off my godsdamned shoulders, you silly goose, you’re too heavy!”, you added with some anger as Goosetarion was just about to figure out an even more privileged position. You shoved him off, causing him to croak in disappointment. And you made a point to ignore the annoying goose for some time after that, joining the conversation of the others – parenting measures.

So, Goosetarion got bored again with simply sitting around, waiting for you lot to get going again. He started to waddle around you and the other companions – as if he was deep in thought and tried to sort them out by wandering back and forth.

At one point a small child came by and interrupted him by pointing at him, loudly screaming “DUCKY” and then toddled away again. Goosetarion looked taken aback, honked in confusion and annoyance and then went back to his wandering.

Jaheira and you were discussing an action plan as to where to go next since you had the most knowledge of the city. Actually, Astarion would probably have had valuable input. But getting that input across was a bit difficult at the moment. He tried nonetheless.

The goose loudly honked when Jaheira proposed something and shook his head in a comical way then started to flail around his wings. The flailing and honking really did nothing though to get his point across. When Goosetarion noticed that you were all just staring at him in confusion he even looked like he was attempting to perform a face-palm. Then he gave up with another defeated honk.

The small child from before chose this particular moment when everyone was still staring at the goose to return. It was carrying quite a large piece of bread and from a few feet away hurled it at Goosetarion whose back was towards the child. “FOR DUCKY!”, it screamed while putting all its power into the throw.

Apparently at this young age the child was not yet very proficient with improvised throwing weapons because the throw went absolutely awry. Or rather, the child was in fact a prodigy because the piece of bread hit the goose squarely in the back of its head, making it squeak and lose balance.

The kid just laughed giddily and clapped its hands, hopping up and down. Obviously, it was expecting the “duck” to happily devour the generous offering of food now.

Goosetarion regained his balance quickly and turned around. He was dangerously silent.

You immediately felt the tension radiating from the small body, so you carefully got up. To be ready for whatever.

The goose stared down the child who was still jumping around cheerfully. But the longer “DUCKY” just stared at it, not moving, just with a lot of fury in its tiny red eyes, it realised that something was wrong. The kid calmed down until it looked downright frightened. You saw the child’s bottom lip starting to wobble, ready to start crying at any moment.

And then Goosetarion stormed towards the child, big wings spread wide, neck stretched out as far as possible and screaming as loud as his lungs allowed.

The kid started screaming as well and desperately tried to run away, almost stumbling over its own feet in the attempt to not get assaulted by the vicious goose.

You rushed after the murderous animal, trying to get to it before it could brutalise the child’s ankles. And thankfully Astarion was still not very adept to running around as a goose and you could easily catch up to him and grab him.

He desperately flapped his wings trying to free himself from your arms while still honking like mad. Your ears almost immediately started ringing. Incredible how much anger could fit into such a tiny body.

The child was already long gone and probably traumatised for life by this oversized duck trying to hunt it down. But Goosetarion was still livid even when you picked him up while holding him as far away from you as possible to avoid getting whacked by him again.

“Astarion, will you calm the fuck down?”, you yelled in between angry honking. You yourself were getting more than just annoyed by his behaviour – first he got himself into this pickle and now he caused even more chaos instead of sitting it out. There definitely was something to be said about the chaotic nature of geese and the vampire rogue fitting very well together.

The rest of the group had been watching the scene. Gale had his face buried in his hands. Most of the rest was at least silently snickering while Karlach was just very openly losing it again.

You sat the angry goose down on the stone rim of the fountain in an attempt to force him to calm down. “Time out, Astarion, godsdammit! Either you behave or I might be thinking about selling your poultry ass off, yet!”, you gave him the ultimatum and pointed a finger at him angrily.

He tried to snap at it. You could barely believe the audacity.

“For someone with so much neck to wrangle at the moment you should really be careful about who you piss off, Astarion”, Wyll said who was casually leaning against the fountain.

The goose stared at him. But Wyll just shrugged.

“Are we going to be nice now?”, you asked Goosetarion. The gaze of the red button eyes wandered back to you. The goose gave one more, curt honk, then settled down in a manner that made you think it would have crossed its wings over its chest in annoyed defeat had it been able to do so.

You stared at him angrily for a moment longer then went back to eating your scrawny lunch and talking with the others. You kept talking about different possible ideas on how to go forward. The goose meanwhile was brooding while sitting on the rim of the round fountain.

After a while, it seemed Goosetarion had enough of being well behaved and only listening while not being able to throw in his snide comments. He hopped off the fountain wall, specifically choosing Gale’s lap as a landing pad and making the wizard wince while the goose jumped off him and sauntered away.

He wandered around a little and honked dismissively when you told him to not to go too far. But for the moment you were already so fed up with him you really couldn’t care less.

The group finished up their lunch and decided on their plan. Then you all packed up your things and were ready to leave. And only then did you notice that the goose was nowhere to be found.

“Astarion?”, you asked and looked around. Some of the others had already started walking again.

“Was he not just wandering off towards some of the market stalls?”, Halsin asked. You simply nodded as you started looking around with rising panic.

“Yes, but I… I mean he wouldn’t have just left, right?”, you said as you ran from side to side and hoped to spot a feisty goose somewhere. You screamed his name again in hopes to get a honk in response. But nothing.

“You don’t think he would have wandered off just to spite us, right?”, you asked Halsin again. The druid in the meantime had shouted to the others to stop and come back.

“As much as I think that he likes to get on people’s nerves deliberately… I don’t think he would walk off and jeopardize his own safety – so no”, Shadowheart replied as she came back and caught on to what was happening.

“Well, then where could the little rascal have gone?”, Karlach asked in response.

A thought raced through your mind when she said that, and it hit you as you looked at Karlach.

“The suspicious merchant!”, you exclaimed and panic reached new heights within you.

“Let me just”, Gale started when he connected the dots and immediately started murmuring an incantation. Meanwhile the group had reassembled at the fountain and quickly was informed about what was happening. You stared at the wizard as he had gone silent and impatiently awaited the result of whatever it was he was doing.

The wizard’s eyes had lit up and he was focusing. Then his eyes flashed back to normal, his eyes found yours, worry flashing in them: “I feel him, he’s moving – quickly. And I’m pretty sure that is not goose speed.”

Your eyes widened when Gale confirmed your suspicion. You looked around at the others who mirrored your expression and without out a word you all readied to take on the pursuit.

“This way”, the wizard exclaimed with an outstretched arm, and you all started running.

You ran through the market and then through the streets of Baldur’s Gate, following whatever direction Gale gave you who was quickly out of breath but did his best to carry on.

You were already almost back at Wyrm’s Crossing – the houses a lot smaller and simpler here than the townhouses in the core city. And surely after a few minutes you could make out desperate honking somewhere in front of you. You closed in on the goose-napper!

When it seemed, you were only a corner away you already reached for your dagger – ready to do whatever it might take - but Wyll grabbed your hand. “Let’s be clever about this, let’s not risk that delicate goose neck being broken”, he said to you with a sympathetic glance. Reluctantly, you put back your dagger, at least for the time being.

You peeked around the corner and sure as all Nine Hells you saw the full-bellied man from earlier with a wiggling, struggling and screaming goose under his arms turn another corner. From there on out you followed the villain with some distance to avoid him noticing your little rescue party.

You followed him up to a little free-standing wooden house. It was old and shabby and made you further suspicious of him. What kind of shady business could someone possibly be up to in there?

You saw how he was putting some stuff down in front of the porch of the house, then went inside with the screaming animal still under his arm.

Again, you were ready to just go and immediately tear this house down. You were almost blind with your fear and worry for Astarion and with white-hot rage. But again, Wyll grabbed your arm and made a motion that conveyed that you should walk around the house.

Very impatiently you nodded, and you all snuck around the house which was barely a step up from a shack. From the inside you could actually hear the excessive honking of the goose now. Your heart almost broke and your body was tense with rash panic.

On the rear side of the house was a scruff garden fenced in by a rundown fence and a small wooden stump. It was almost an insult to even call it a garden; it was more of an abandoned plot.

It looked like the stump there was used for chopping wood. An axe was planted in the ground beside it. But there were also dark stains on it that could only make you horridly guess what else might be chopped there.

Wyll – taking over the role as tactician right then and there – made you wait while you were almost ready to scale a wall. At least by the excessive continued honking you still knew that Goosetarion was alive.

Wyll’s patience and insistence paid off because after mere minutes, the man came out of the house again, carrying the goose, some stuff in a basket hanging from his arm and of course – a ginormous cleaver.

Your heart dropped and the goose too now looked just very scared and helpless with how it hung from the goose-napper’s arm. Head hanging low, seemingly having given up all hope of being saved. You drew an arrow and readied at on your bow as Wyll waved the others to get in position.

The man slammed the cleaver into the wooden block and then with both hands placed down the goose on its back. The animal was barely even struggling anymore, just fearfully squeaking and noticing that almost broke your heart completely in these frightful moments.

The villain then ripped out the cleaver from the wooden stump and lifted it up high. You could see the sunlight glint on the shabby silver.

Wyll was still motioning everyone to hold but your strings snapped.

“GET AWAY FROM THE GOOSE!”, you screamed at full lung capacity while loosening the arrow from your bow string simultaneously.

The man hesitated and had only started to turn to you as the arrow struck him squarely in the shoulder holding the cleaver.

He immediately dropped the lifted knife with a guttural scream, letting it fall. It land on the wooden stump again – missing the goose’s head by mere inches. You only saw how the goose’s head dropped back with a small relieved honk, almost as if it had fainted shortly because of the shock.

Then absolute chaos broke out.

You all rushed towards the man who was screaming in pain and was already pulling at the arrow in his shoulder. Your eyes were solely on the goose but then Halsin, Karlach and most of the others overtook you and you lost sight of the animal as your friends stormed onto the man.

Coincidentally, some other shady looking folk came out of the back of the house, alarmed by the commotion. Your suspicions and gut feeling were confirmed then. You didn’t need to know anymore at this point, you had no mercy in your bones for them in this moment.

The thugs engaged your group in combat. In the meantime, you were desperately trying to spot the goose while your friends easily managed to keep the enemies in check.

Finally, you spotted Goosetarion! He had jumped off the wooden stump and seemingly had gotten into the basket the man had been carrying. And obviously the basket had contained some more knives because the goose was now firmly holding one in his beak. Astarion certainly had gotten out of his stupor and was now flailing his wings and threatened everyone with the blade he was carrying – everyone’s ankles were definitely in grave danger. Almost no difference from the usual rogue.

Your group easily fought off the thugs as you sneaked through the chaos of the battle towards the goose to grab and secure it. When the goose saw you, it hopped happily and dropped the knife to honk joyfully at you. You rushed over, kneeled down and wrapped him in your arms as he kept honking and jumping – obviously very relieved that you came to his rescue.

The fight was very quickly turning to your favour. But then as you kept holding onto the poor little animal you heard something else. You couldn’t quite discern it at first, but you heard loud screaming. And as you tried to peek through the legs of everyone around you, you saw some people in armour coming closer.

“City watch”, you whispered to yourself. Goosetarion’s head swung around as well and he gave another honk as he saw what you saw.

“CITY WATCH”, you yelled louder so everyone would hear.

That made almost everyone stall. You quickly got up and wildly gestured at your friends to just get going. So they did – and the fight turned into running from city guards way quicker than you thought it possible.

You didn’t even take one look back at the assailants and the goose-napper. You were just completely happy with running away with your goose soulmate safely in your arms. The adrenaline of the fight and the panic before almost awarding you wings. The only reason you took a look back was to make sure that all of your group were safely with you.

When you had brought what you thought was a safe distance between you and your pursuers, you just sank to the ground with Goosetarion wrapped securely in your arms. You nuzzled your face into his feathers and started crying.

The last day had literally been too much for you. You were in desperate need of a break and some strong alcohol. Someone put their hand on your shoulder as you cried into Astarion’s feathering. You softly slid down against the rough brick wall you were leaning against until you were laying on your back, completely dissolved in your tears. You were still burying your face when even through your closed eyelids you could see a purple flash of light and suddenly the weight laying on top of you was much heavier than before.

You opened your eyes and almost didn’t believe them when you saw Astarion – the real elven Astarion lay on top of you. Reflexively your arms and legs wrapped around the man to hold him as close as possible.

“Oh gods”, was the only thing you managed to mutter as more tears kept coming. The vampire in turn wrapped his arms around you as well. He was panting and coughing – surely a response of straining his voice with all the excessive honking. You rolled around in your forceful hug until you were laying on top of the former goose.

And then you just stayed like this for a long moment while your friends watched out for you and gave you two a moment of just holding each other. Making sure everything was fine and letting the realisation settle in.

You buried your face at Astarion’s shoulder and held him as tightly as your body allowed.

“Hello, my love”, Astarion whispered hoarsely to you as he started to softly caress your shoulders, arms and back.

You sobbed and lifted your head from his shoulder. You saw how he softly smiled at you and that his red eyes were dangerously wet as well as he kept holding onto you.

You didn’t know what to say nor did you trust your mind enough to form coherent sentences yet. You were just unbelievably happy that you had him back with you. So you just stared at the humanoid vampire again and didn’t let go of him.

“Honk?”, Astarion made in an attempt to stop you from crying by cracking a joke. You whacked his arm and pulled him in closer again. Then you whacked his arm again.

“If you’re ever going to honk at me again-“, you started making a threat.

“I’ll happily promise you not to”, Astarion immediately replied, pressed his forehead to yours and cupped your face with one of his hands – graciously reminding you that he was fully back with you again.

And then he pressed his lips to yours, confirming the promise he had just made to you.

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