#multi vendor theme

[gpltips]

Best Multi-Vendor WordPress Themes

Introduction

In the ever-expanding world of e-commerce, creating a multi-vendor marketplace is a lucrative venture. With countless WordPress themes available, choosing the best one can be challenging. In this article, we'll explore the top multi-vendor WordPress themes, helping you kickstart your online marketplace effortlessly.

Get Any Multi vendor WordPress themes for Free

The Power of Multi-Vendor Marketplaces

Why Choose a Multi-Vendor Marketplace?

Creating a multi-vendor marketplace allows various sellers to list their products, giving buyers a wide range of choices. This model is gaining immense popularity due to its potential for profitability.

Key Features to Look For

When selecting a multi-vendor WordPress theme, consider essential features like vendor management, commission tracking, and an intuitive user interface.

The Top Multi-Vendor WordPress Themes

1. Martify - Your All-In-One Solution

Martify offers a versatile platform with a sleek design and advanced vendor management tools. Its customizable features make it suitable for various industries.

2. Dokan - The Trusted Name

Dokan is a well-established multi-vendor theme known for its reliability and scalability. It provides an extensive set of features, making it a top choice for many entrepreneurs.

3. WooCommerce Product Vendors - Seamless Integration

For those already familiar with WooCommerce, this plugin is a seamless way to turn your site into a multi-vendor marketplace. It offers convenience and reliability.

Choosing the Right Theme

Factors to Consider

When choosing a multi-vendor WordPress theme, consider factors such as your budget, the size of your marketplace, and your technical skills.

Building Your Multi-Vendor Marketplace

Setting Up the Theme

Once you've chosen the perfect theme, setting it up is a breeze. Most themes come with user-friendly installation guides.

Vendor Onboarding

Help vendors get started on your marketplace by providing clear instructions and support.

Marketing Your Marketplace

Attracting Sellers

To build a thriving marketplace, you need a solid seller base. Implement marketing strategies to attract vendors.

Attracting Buyers

Create a marketing plan to draw buyers to your platform. Utilize social media, email marketing, and SEO to increase your marketplace's visibility.

Customer Support and Feedback

The Key to Success

Providing excellent customer support is paramount. Addressing customer queries promptly and efficiently can build trust and loyalty.

Conclusion

Creating a multi-vendor marketplace using WordPress has never been easier. With the right theme, you can set up a successful e-commerce platform that benefits both vendors and buyers. So, don't wait any longer—start your multi-vendor journey today!

FAQs

1. What is a multi-vendor WordPress theme?

A multi-vendor WordPress theme allows multiple sellers to list their products on a single platform, creating a diverse marketplace.

2. Which multi-vendor theme is best for beginners?

For beginners, Dokan is an excellent choice due to its user-friendly interface and extensive documentation.

3. How do I attract sellers to my multi-vendor marketplace?

Attract sellers by offering competitive commissions, a user-friendly interface, and effective marketing strategies.

4. Can I use WooCommerce with a multi-vendor theme?

Yes, you can integrate WooCommerce with multi-vendor themes using plugins like WooCommerce Product Vendors.

5. Is customer support crucial for a multi-vendor marketplace?

Absolutely. Providing exceptional customer support builds trust and encourages sellers and buyers to use your platform.

Get Any Multi vendor WordPress themes for Free

[hostclubau]

By Any Other Name

This is an x reader, multi-ending, otome style story.

fem!reader

Summary: Your life is hell, and your parents abandoned you to a literal loan shark. A near death experience has changed the trajectory of things, but is this a blessing? Or an endless fall into things far worse than you had before?

Content Warnings: The host club has an After Hours that's effectively a brothel. There are BDSM themes and the exploration of a lot of kinks. Foul language, canon levels of violence, mature audiences only.

Chapter 1: Loaned Out

Your feet hit the pavement, spurring you forward through the tangle of streets. This was your city, but it was his too, and the only hope you had at this point was to either get yourself so lost he couldn’t find you, or get yourself to the nearest Marine Station.

Frankly, you’d almost rather take your chances with the fish-man. Marines were next to useless as far as you were concerned, and the only use they had was that most people wouldn’t shoot you in front of one.

You weren’t entirely sure if Arlong was most people or not.

Leaping over some boxes in a back alley, you turned in mid-air and darted down a different alley when you landed. Running errands for that stupid shark had at least paid off in the sense that you were capable of running for a lot longer than most people.

When you were strictly forbidden from fighting, it was a life or death skill to have.

You might be trying to dodge Arlong until his temper cooled now, but more often than that you were running from his competitors, the marines, and people who knew you worked for him. They were all idiots, and not because you could slip away from them easily, but because hurting you wasn’t going to do anything.

Arlong was more likely to throw your body in the river if you got your ass beat, than he was to see you patched up after. Probably grumbling the entire time about how much money you were costing him yet again.

Fucking loan shark.

Slowing down you take a look around and realize you’re in a part of town you don’t know well. It looked like it was almost central downtown, which was well outside Arlong’s turf. It also meant that whoever was in charge of this area was probably not going to be friendly to you.

Arlong always said that downtown was more trouble than it was worth. He didn’t trade loans with people who lived or worked around here, and he didn’t offer protection for any of the businesses. You usually avoided the area too, even if a delivery would be a little faster, but only because the city’s main Marine Office was here.

Well, looking out for marines was easy enough, especially if you stayed off the main street. Alleys were alleys no matter what city or island, so it didn’t really matter to you. Slipping back into the narrower paths you meandered through the back lines of downtown.

You’d took off from Arlong’s threats just after lunch, and with the sun lower in the sky it was probably closer to seven or eight. You might be able to find a street vendor and get something greasy and filling for dinner, and then sleep somewhere out of sight. Tomorrow he’ll be calm again, or calm enough, and you can deal with him then.

The blow to your face was a surprise.

You put your arm up as you stumble backward, nearly tripping over your feet. The punch had drove your cheek into your teeth, and you could already taste copper as you lean against the far brick wall and look up to see Arlong.

“Got tired of trying to catch you when you’re bad.” He snarls, holding up his snail box and showing you the tracker app that was running on it. “Technology’s a real bitch.”

“I completed the job,” you reply, struggling to speak clearly as your cheek’s already swelling. “I don’t get why you’re pi-.” You stop yourself. “Upset. Boss.”

“The job,” he says, breathing in and giving you a terrifying grin. “Was for you to deliver the package without being seen.”

Your stomach knots. If he’s mad, and that’s why, then someone or something clocked you. Otherwise he wouldn’t waste his energy being pissy.

“… What saw me?” You question carefully.

His brows raise. “Oh? Not going to argue huh? Finally wising the fuck up.” He straightens, tapping his snail box again until he brings up a still picture of you. It’s grainy, but the sequence of images show you dropping off the box and walking away.

It was pretty obvious it was you, but only because you and Arlong knew what you looked like. There wasn’t a shot of your face, and you weren’t wearing anything to mark you as a part of anyone’s crew. It’s a struggle to keep your expression neutral, but smart mouthing back at him right now wouldn’t help you.

“… Sorry.” You settle on the simple apology over any kind of argument. It doesn’t matter how grainy it is. It doesn’t matter that your own mother wouldn’t recognize you. All that mattered was that he didn’t want anyone to see you, and you were seen. You’d been dealing with him enough years at this point to know anything more would be an excuse.

You weren’t going to grovel, however, because there was nothing useful on those stills.

“Sorry?” He prompts and grunts something akin to a laugh. “Sorry might’ve worked before you ran through downtown to avoid me, little runt.”

At nearly seven feet tall, Arlong towers over you, and his large hand gathers most of your shirt at once, as he lifts you easily and shoves you harshly against the wall. “You’re never going to pay back what you owe as a runner.” He tilts his head, leering at you in that way he does every time he tries to convince you to do more lucrative work.

“I can tack on five grand for the inconvenience, and patch job.” He indicates your swollen check with a nod of his head. “Or we can write that off as the price of on the job training and pretty you up. Much as you humans pretty up, anyway.”

“I think I’d rather be a runner.” You grunt, the soles of your shoes scratching at the brick as you struggle to find leverage.

Your father, seas take him screaming, got into debt with Arlong when you were a kid. Dear sweet dad worked for the fish-man for a couple years before he took your mom and bounced. Or Arlong killed them, you couldn’t really be completely sure one way or the other.

With mom and dad gone, and the debt still on Arlong’s books, you were hired.

Aside from barely giving you enough money to live on, while working you to the bone, Arlong hadn’t paid much attention to you. Until recently. Maybe you hit some magic number in age, or one of his clients took a liking to you, whatever the case, he was getting pushier and pushier about turning you into one of his Dolls.

The idea of getting paid to fuck didn’t bother you.

The idea of having 80% of your earnings stolen by Arlong, who only wanted you to change jobs so he could make more off you, bothered you.

Arlong falls silent for a while, and you can feel your stomach knot. The look on his face is never a good sign. He’s irritated and what little good humor he might have had a moment ago is evaporating at an alarming rate.

“Don’t be like that,” his voice is flat, save for a slight tone of disappointment. “Really think about it. You’ll never pay off your debt as a runner.”

Even with him taking most of your earnings to pay off your debt, you would have more income. You’d be able to save up, and even have a chance at freedom. Assuming you didn’t screw anything up.

Wait.

“… I’ll never pay off my debt regardless.” You reply just as flatly. Realization had long since dawned on you the nature of this game, but there was a sudden clarity this time. There were no more slaves, not even for the nobles, not since the dragons were slain over twenty years ago.

Arlong had found another way to go about it.

Sure, you could turn him and his bullshit in, but you took a risk that the marine you reported to wasn’t already in his pocket. If they weren’t, and the risk might be small so it could be worth trying, but you’d be going down with him too. No one would give a shit that the illegal things you did were because you felt trapped.

It would be your own fault for not turning him in sooner.

Frankly, it wasn’t a comforting prospect to think about ending up in prison where Arlong would have far more reach than you’d have protection. Even as a runner you made him money, more than he spent on keeping you alive at least. It was more job security than some folks had, so you didn’t want to complain.

“That’s no way to be.” He laments, patting the side of your face. “I’m sure you’ll get-.”

“Every year I manage to pay you forty thousand berries.” You interrupt him. You shouldn’t have, you shouldn’t be talking, you most certainly should not be talking like this. “My dad’s debt was two hundred and fifty thousand berries, and I’ve been working for you for well over ten years. That’s over four hundred grand even with all the additions… boss.”

Arlong lets go of you, and you barely manage to keep your feet under you. He’s mad. At this point you’re going to earn yourself a lot more than a swollen cheek, and that’s probably going to cost you some random amount tacked onto your supposed debt.

You sigh, releasing your own frustration into the air. There wasn’t enough fear in you right now, just cold sure understanding, and anger.

Now that you’ve started its like the flood gates have opened, and you can’t muster the self-preservation needed to close them.

“Every couple months or so, something always seems to come up to tack more onto the debt. It doesn’t matter what the excuse is, the point is the principle hasn’t gone down in... fuck, nearly twenty years.” You shrug, an incredulous, clipped laugh escaping you. “It’s never going to go down. Even if you put me in a sexy suit and let your shady clients sniff my pits, it’s still not going to go down. You’ll just charge me for the sleazy dress-hurk!”

Arlong’s hand is around your throat, and the force with which he grabs you bounces your head off the bricks. You can barely breathe, your head’s throbbing, and the bricks are scraping your back through your shirt as he lifts you up roughly against them. You could swear his eyes are glowing red he’s so angry, and you aren’t sure what it was you said.

You expected you were pissing him off, but this is more akin to rage.

“Little bitch grew a pair of balls when I wasn’t looking, huh?” He snarls, driving his fist into your side. The hooked swing sends a sharp pain through you and knocks what little air was left in your lungs out. “You think some weak little cumshot can talk to me like that? Gonna stand there and tell me I’m charging you unfairly, yeah?”

He loosens his grip for a second and you suck in a pained breath. You know you should be using the precious oxygen to beg for forgiveness, but maybe this was it. The limit of what you could take. You’d been running for hours, and you were hungry enough you just didn’t care.

“Gonna… really… try an’… say you… aren’t?” You manage to choke out the words, but there’s spots on the sides of your vision and your lungs are pitching a fit again. Blacking out might be the last thing you ever do, and a small part of you wanted to succumb to it. Just be done and over with it all.

What would tomorrow bring anyway?

“You fuckin-.”

“Arlong.” A woman’s voice reaches you both and you see Arlong’s eyes widen before he looks away from you. “Don’t murder someone by my club.”

The words are enough for him to release you. This time you can’t keep your feet under you and crumple onto the ground. Gasping and coughing, it takes you a moment to recover, and both the mystery voice and Arlong seem okay with giving you that time.

You get yourself set up against the wall, opting to stay down on the ground rather than try to stand, and look around enough to see the most elegant woman you’ve ever seen standing on a raised platform. It looked like the back exit to a business, a smaller man door with the words ‘Employees Only’ stenciled across it.

It was only maybe four or fives steps up from where you and Arlong were, but she looked like she was untouchable from that far up.

A puff of smoke leaves her lips and your brain catches up enough to see the long cigarette between her fingers. The edges of her bob hair cut curl up, framing her face perfectly. She’s tall, slender, and dressed casually, but you’re left with the distinct impression she could salt and burn the ground Arlong was standing on.

And he knew it.

“I’ll buy her debt.” She states, taking a slow drag on the cigarette.

“What?” Arlong almost growls the word.

She exhales. “You said so yourself. She’s got balls.” The grin on her face is comforting, but you can’t shake the strange feeling that two demons are currently haggling over who will own your soul. “I like that.”

“You don’t even know how much it is, Shakuyaku.” He grumbles.

She laughs. “You think that matters? Leave her here, Arlong. Come by tomorrow in the morning with your books, and we’ll settle the balance.”

You notice Arlong’s fist tighten, but the angel on the balcony doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. He glares down at you for a second, but doesn’t say anything. Doesn’t even mouth anything as far as you can tell.

Not that he’s in a position to try and force you to turn down whatever’s being offered.

From one taskmaster to another, as far as you were concerned. The angel on the balcony only had your attention for the moment because she probably saved your life.

“You can call me Shakky,” she begins, pausing to take another drag before letting the smoke out in a slow exhale. At the very least she was more relaxing to be around than Arlong. “Can you stand?”

The question catches you off guard, and you blink dumbly a couple times before you reply. “Yeah. I think so.”

“Alright. If you get dizzy, sit back down.” She commands, taking out a snail box. She’s not watching you, but at the same time she is. Using the wall you get to your feet, but your head swims and so you just let yourself sit back down.

“I’m out back, we have a patient too dizzy to walk on her own.” She speaks in the same even and relaxed tone she’s been using from the start. You didn’t think your situation was anything to get excited about, but you wondered idly if she was ever anything other than calm. “Tell Blackleg I expect his best meal.”

She hangs up, tucking the box away and returns her focus to her cigarette. There’s silence between you that doesn’t feel heavy or awkward, but you also don’t really know where you stand. With Arlong you’d simply stay there quietly until someone came along.

Honestly, with Arlong, you’d be trying to walk no matter how dizzy you felt.

“What happens now?” You hazard the question. It’s safe enough, and you need to understand how this lady operates.

Shakky lets out another slow line of smoke and offers up a warm smile. “Our head doctor’s going to tend to you. The shift’s lead chef is going to make you something to eat, and depending on the doctor’s orders you’ll probably go to bed after that in one of the guest rooms.”

She stubs the cigarette on the railing as the door behind her opens up. A tall man steps out, and looks over at you before heading down the steps. His dusty blonde hair is pulled back into the ponytail, and he’s wearing a button up dress-shirt and slacks. There’s a noticeable scar on his forehead over his eye, but it looks like it was stitched well.

He frowns once he gets a decent look at you. “Any loose teeth?” He questions, and after you probe with your tongue you shake your head. “Feel like you’re going to vomit?”

“Not right now.”

The frown twitches into more of a smile. “Injuries anywhere I can’t see?”

“Mm.. M’back, probably.” You mutter. “Hit the bricks more’n once.”

“I’m going to shine a light in your eyes,” he explains, pulling out a small pen light, and checking your pupil’s reaction to it a couple times on each eye. He hands you a thermometer. “Under your tongue, however you can without it hurting.” He says, pressing the back of his hand against your forehead briefly.

“You should be good, but that’ll give me a more accurate reading. May I have your hand? I want to check your pulse.”

After a second’s pause you hold your hand out. He gives you thanks and then presses his fingers against your wrist for a moment, going quiet as he concentrates on his counting. Once he’s done he pulls the thermometer out and checks it.

“Nothing concerning enough to warrant the hospital.” He turns toward Shakky. “I’d like Law to scan her,” he stops and turns back to you. “If you’re okay with that. It’s a devil fruit ability, but it won’t do anything to you. It’ll just let Law know if something’s wrong that I can’t see.”

“Uh… sure?”

“Alright. I’ll get him after we get you inside and settled.” He offers you a warm smile. “My manners are awful, young miss. My name’s Hongo, if you’re not against it, it would be my pleasure to carry you inside, since you’re not feeling well.”

“I, um, I…” You stop, pressing your lips together and look over at Shakky. She’s smiling, and you can’t tell if she’s giving you permission or not, but there’s no signs of irritation on her face at all. Turning back to Hongo, you consider asking him to just give you a hand walking, but he’s a good bit taller than you.

It’s probably easier for him to just carry you. It’s not what he’s offering that has thrown you, honestly, it’s the way he offered it.

“Sure.” You aren’t sure what you expect, and accept the little medical bag he hands you before he scoops you up like some damsel in distress. Being treated kindly was wild enough, but to be carried like you weren’t just a sack of potatoes was… different.

You didn’t want to get used to it. Good things were always just a veneer. Something pretty to hide all the shit underneath no one wanted you to see. If nothing else, you had to give credit to Arlong for being ugly right up front.

But if these two wanted to feed you and let you sleep somewhere nice for a couple days, you weren’t going to say no.

[headspacedad]

I Became the Villainess of a Third-Rate Drama

Okay I've been putting off talking about this manhwa because it is so hard for me to put into words just how hilarious and fun and weirdly resonating this one is. But I need someone to enjoy this ride with me so - here we go.

Yoon Miso is a writer. To be more specific, Yoon Miso is a script writer for Kdramas. After years of working her butt off working under a boss that writes the most cliche and over-the-top dramatic stories, Miso has finally promoted her own script, a drama about a hard working, independent, multi-layered female lead that wins the day by turning tropes on their head. It's even been picked up by her network and casting for the leads has already begun.

Here's the problem. Well, the first problem.

Miso's boss stole the script and rewrote it before presenting it to the broadcasting company. That's not the big problem though. The big problem

The big problem is that, thanks to a smart watch given to her by a departing mentor, Miso has woken up inside the story - and its her boss's version of the story.

The super big problem is that Miso is the chaebol villainess of said story - and villainesses tend to die at the end of her boss's stories.

When the female lead accidentally spills soup on Miso at the restaurant she's eating at, the theme song to close out the first episode of the drama start playing violently in the background and her smart watch prompts her to 'create the closing for episode one'.

Because that scene - and the music - isn't going to stop until she, the villainess, creates something her boss would think it worthy of the ending of the first episode in a new drama.

The only way out is through and if Miso ever wants to get back to the real world she's going to have to make it all the way to the end of the series. Alive. And that's the set-up for our story. One put-upon writer trying to navigate her way through the over the top drama mess her boss made of her script. She's going to rewrite the script if it - or it will kill her. It's not that easy to change a kdrama's rules but darned if Miso isn't going to try. Fighting!

First off, let me introduce you to my favorite character.

This is Mr. Cha. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you I literally say 'Mr. Cha!' in the most delighted voice every time this guy shows up. Mr. Cha is the villainess's secretary and as such he's stunningly competent. This man is Miso's right hand man and he's awesome. I don't care about the male lead - I don't even remember his name - but I LOVE Mr. Cha! He and the 'villainess' work so well together its a delight to watch. Weird kdrama situations? Mr. Cha doesn't bat an eye. Miso making a mess of things? He'll bring the broom. At some point, Miso even begins to suspect he's meant to be the secondary male lead - who we all know is the much more interesting of the two male leads in any kdrama. Miso and Mr. Cha are my power team and I am here for them. Miso is Team Cha all the way and I completely understand why.

Unfortunately for Miso - there's a review committee that pops up to put a lid on things whenever life tries to go beyond a very gentle PG13 rating. (she's had to be called before the review committee a couple of times now regarding Mr. Cha).

You also have the very conflicted male lead of the story and the spunky part-timer female lead

Miso's parents that are now super rich CEOs instead of the owners of a struggling mom and pop diner. Even the neighborhood fish vendor is there - and what's the story with him and Miso's mom?! (stay tuned until next week).

Okay, the reason I'm enjoying this webtoon so much is the tongue in cheek approach its taking. It KNOWS how crazy kdramas can be at their worst and it is going to lean, hard, into that. Watching Miso be Just So Done with it - and watching the other characters just immediately jumping to the worst takes on everything is hysterical. This is one of those stories that's just having fun with itself - and yet -

Yeah, I spend a lot of time laughing with this one - but I am also deeply invested in the characters. Every single one of them has a lot more going on with them than it at first appears. I feel bad for the male lead. The female lead IS delightful without being obnoxious. Mr. Cha is going through character refinement. The world feels real enough to be lived in. And the story, thanks to Miso, is taking all kinds of twists and turns that I haven't expected that range from wholesome to tragic to 'oh I love this trope'. This story isn't written from a place of condescension - this manhwa really enjoys kdramas and embracing the crazy of them while still asking - yes, but what if a normal person were in this mess. It's a fun story that pokes fingers at itself - but its also a well written story that's not afraid to actually deal with some of the repercussions of 'the episode ended on drama but what about afterward'. I do want a happy ending for Miso (and Mr. Cha) - but I also want a happy ending for the male and female leads as well.

Plus watching Miso lean into being the villain when she deems it necessary is pure delight and I'm living vicariously. Girl knows how to use a trope just as much as how to try to avoid one and she's not afraid to when its useful.

rating: PG (thanks to that review committee)

warnings: over the top kdrama shenanigans, blood, death, murder, bullying, parental death, kidnapping, over-bearing parents, accidental pregnancy, one room with only one bed, cliches as far as the eye can see

finished: nope

abs?: chapter 4

Seriously, this is just a fun one that isn't going to put you emotionally through the wringer but will keep you entertained and smiling all the way through

[ghostzzy]

THE REPTILE EXPO

ok hi i've finally recovered enough to write up a post about the reptile expo <3 under the cut for so much rambling. scroll to the end for the pictures of lizards/turtles/snakes/etc!

SO. it was really fucking cool.

context: i don't usually go to Events by myself. i get overwhelmed very easily in crowded places and it becomes hard for me to make decisions and stay grounded and not get extremely anxious; it's a lot easier for me to follow someone around than navigate by myself. but if there was ever an Event to go to by myself, it was this one.

all kinds of people were there! old men who had been breeding turtles their entire lives. middle-aged couples who were looking into getting their first snake. multi-generational families in geeky lizard tshirts. and, my favorite, little children who had clearly dragged their parents there to beg for a pet. i saw so many kids who were engaging in active enthusiastic conversations about reptile behavior and care with the vendors, proving their knowledge and indulging their special interests, and it was fucking delightful.

i was in the minority for not knowing much about reptiles and also not owning any, but every single person i spoke to, vendor or visitor, was so happy to tell me all about their favorite creatures. nobody minded that i was there just to look at little guys.

all this is to say: autism absolutely radiated off the building. and it felt like a very safe environment to just wander around and check stuff out and be a little stupid and a little in awe.

basically, there were maybe.. 50? tables and booths set up, most of which were covered in takeout containers and tiny tanks full of Little Guys (baby snakes, geckos, froggies, spiders). sometimes there were Bigger Guys, in buckets (turtles) or full tanks (Big Snakes). MOST vendors preferred you didn't touch the guys or move their containers around too much -- but several were willing to take a guy out of his tank and let you handle him if you were really interested in purchasing, or had display animals that were more comfortable being handled that they'd let you touch or hold. (i personally did not touch any creatures, because i got scared about germs, but i definitely Could've if i wanted to.)

NOW, MEET SOME GUYS:

^ green tree monitor! they came as a pair. liked to be upside down

^ peruvian mata mata turtle. flat head!! looked like a leaf!!

^ Bel Spider M? SO pretty, almost pearlescent. pink and white and curious and reminded me of mishka...

^ piebald!! soooo pretty

^ CHAMELEONS!! so fucking beautiful. of all the animals, it seemed like chameleons were the most Fine with being handled; i saw so many people with chameleons climbing all over them.

^ pixie frog and pikachu frog! the pikachu guys were so rotund...

^ scoops of something. truly just Chilling.

^ geckos being goofy!! (liz if u see this i'm going to message u sometime abt ms mustard. i am extremely compelled now by the idea of owning a crested gecko...)

^ blizzard? so naked.....

^ sleepie cheeto....

^ A Pile Of Guys? skinks maybe? unsure. i saw many skinks and they were generally on the larger side but i'm still not really clear on what makes a skink.

^ axolotls!! these were a big hit. there was only 1 vendor who had them and EveryBody wanted to see the axolotls.

^ beardie in a bandana!!! this guy wasn't even for sale, she was literally just modeling the bandana.

AND, along with the creatures, there were also lots of vendors selling habitats, plants, and reptile-themed trinkets -- there were several who were selling 3D-printed crap, but also lots who were selling handmade jewelry, or prints, or toys.

^ my haul. a coloring book, a print, and 2 stickers (there were supposed to be 4 stickers but the guy who rang me up forgot to give me the other ones... sad...)

overall, it was $20 for entry and i spent about $20 on merch, and it was an extremely enriching ~2.5 hours. well worth it!!

[starphasedd]

Unmade

1 - The Prelude

(Din Djarin x F!Reader)

Rating: 18+ for violence, explicit language, and eventual smut.

Synopsis: "When Din saw the look in your eyes at the sight of the child, he knew he made the right decision coming to you."

Notes: Hiii 🥺 It's been so long since I've had the motivation or inspiration to write. I'm so happy to finally post chapter one of my new works. 💓

This is a new multi-chapter series that will be worth reading, guaranteed. 👌 updates may be slow. But I promise I am working on it. And yes--smut coming soon. In the next chapter 🔥

Each chapter will have an assigned theme song. Literally just a song I listened to while writing that had me vibing. Name and artist in the notes below. 😊

Word count: 5k +

AO3 | chapter 2

9Aby - Tatooine - Ten months prior to present

It was getting increasingly difficult to find work. 

Jobs were getting smaller and less complicated by the day. Some were bigger than others, but nothing compared to what you used to bring in. You've seen everything from small weapons repair, to minor speeder bike maintenance. But for the most part, they were small and low compensating jobs. 

You found it hard to afford the essentials anymore. Food, water, toiletries–any base comfort to life. You hadn't had a home cooked meal in months . You ate what you could find or pawn off any wealthy vendor along the streets. 

Luckily, you owned your own shop. You were infinitely grateful for that. It meant you had a place to sleep; a roof over your head. Most importantly, a door to close and lock at the end of the night. To keep the thieves and possibly more , out. 

Mos Eisley had been attracting people from all over in recent years. You heard of a spice trade running rampant nearby from people in the village, but you always tried to ignore the banter. It was never good to involve yourself with those kinds of things. You made it a personal goal to stay pretty introverted. It was best for you, and everyone around you to not get involved in trivial things like gossip and politics. 

It was testing, though. The drugs coming through town had taken a toll on your business. 

It makes it hard for you to bring in any credits. Very hard. The criminals were starting to take over, driving all of the families with children out. Not only was it becoming difficult for you to earn any credits, it was making it difficult for you to earn clean credits. 

For the longest time, your customer base were family men with speeders, regular weapons used for recreation and such. They were clean, good credits. You could take pride in helping the people of this town. You were contributing to happy and healthy lifestyles. It was relatively wholesome.

It’s not like that anymore.

Outsiders would come in looking for repairs on their weapons, only for you to find out the particular weapons they had in their possessions were registered as stolen. Ninety nine percent of the time, that meant they were previously owned by Imperials and were now being used in some type of crime syndicate. At first, you would turn them away. Even if it meant getting cursed at or losing business. You had options back then. But when more of them started rolling into town, driving the city folk away, you had no choice but to start taking their business. It was survival, at this point. 

You laid awake at night, wondering–thinking of ways you could turn everything around. It always came to the same conclusion. You were a defenseless woman, operating a male dominated trade, in a town that was now overrun by criminals. 

And you were alone. 

You didn't have any family. Or even friends, for that matter. You kept to yourself all these years, solitude being your closest friend. 

You did have an acquaintance that worked out of a hangar bay in the spaceport. Peli Motto. She was just that though. An acquaintance . Not a friend. There was something about her that irked you. Maybe it was the righteous part of you that wanted to be pure and good–because she was somewhat of a scammer. But her methods had her eating well every night. She was always at the bar, drinking and having fun. Gambling, all of it. You hated to admit it, but you often found yourself jealous of her. 

Not just the scheming way of lining her pockets, but also her mechanical talents. She was definitely gifted in her trade, and she had loyal customers from all over. All of which could be possible clients of yours, but would never set foot in your shop because of her. Sometimes you thought she tried to spoil your name so everyone would come to her–a rotten way to get rotten business. 

Day by day, you watched ship after ship land and leave her hangar. It angered you. Stars , it really pissed you off. 

That is, until one day, she actually sends someone right to you.

It was incredibly muggy that day, you remember. Your hair stayed damp, sticking to your cheeks and neck. Your clothes clung to your body uncomfortably. Sweat rolled down your skin constantly all day. At some point, you wished you could walk around butt-ass-naked . Anything to escape the heat at this point. You wanted to rip your shirt and pants off to cool down. Even for a little while. 

You sat atop an old project speeder bike in the corner of your shop. Some sunshine was able to come through missing pieces in the makeshift metal roof. Part of your shop was a building with one wall knocked down. You kept your personal belongings there. The other half of your shop was relatively open space. The roof was held together by pieces of metal you had found here and there. Most of it was rusted, and broken. Hence the big ray of sunshine that's beaming down on you right now. The floor on the open side of your shop was nonexistent. It was the raw, sandy ground. The floor leading into the closed part of your shop was tile you had laid down a while back. Something to walk on other than the sandy floor. 

You tried covering up the brick walls of your shop with old blankets to give it a more 'homey' feel. You thought it may make your customers feel more at ease when they were around. When you had customers.

The speeder was a side project of yours that was slowly becoming your only project. You had always dreamt of owning a speeder for recreation. So, you bought a scrap, hollow shell of one a few years back to work on and restore for yourself. Sadly though, it was now becoming your survival project. You needed to sell it to feed yourself. 

Red hued safety glasses shield your eyes from hot sparks that fly up from the soldering iron in your hands. Your fingers glide delicately over the sensitive wires in the ignition chamber of the speeder's engine bay. You’re sitting on the warm leather seat; the top half of your body hunched over in what you can only refer to as a “gremlin looking” position. It should hurt your back, but you were used to it by now. The long term effects lost on you for the time being. The only thing on your mind was getting this machine running so you could sell it and fill your cooling chamber. 

Sweat glistens your face, neck and exposed chest as the hot Tatooine suns beam down on you. You have a bottle of water next to you on the ground in case you start to get nauseated. Which happens more frequently than not on this maker forsaken planet. 

You reach up to wipe some of the sweat off your forehead with your arm. The heat from the surrounding areas combined with what radiated off the molten wires in front of you was taking a toll on your physical state. Maybe not the best day to do this. One of the hottest reported days in the planet’s history. 

You sigh through chapped lips, deciding against starting the next bundle of wires. You lean down, gripping the water bottle with what little strength you had left to bring it up to your lips. You chug, sucking down the entire sixteen ounce bottle in one thirsty gulp. Despite the painfully hot air surrounding you, your water managed to stay relatively cool in the shade of your bike. The liquid runs cool down your throat; coating it in sweet relief for a few moments before you feel it hit the inside of your belly. 

You sigh again, sitting up straight on the bike’s seat. You let your head fall back on your shoulders and you close your eyes, resting them for a few moments. Your arms fall limp to your sides, your thighs straddling each side of the hot speeder. The sun beams down on your skin and you can feel the burn starting up again. The red safety glasses also help to shield your eyes from the sun. 

Your shop is far enough outside of the main streets that you don’t get all of the city noise, thankfully. Most days, you can sit here and just listen to the quiet noises of the sand and wind. It was relaxing sometimes, and deafening the other times. 

So, you sat there for a few minutes. Head back, posture relaxed. Just enjoying the silence for a while. 

After a few more minutes, you heard the distinct sound of the main shop door opening. The door was large and made of very flimsy durasteel. The sound of that loud wobbling paired with durasteel scraping on the sand surface was something you didn’t hear very often anymore. This was all followed by heavy footsteps; leather boots clumping lazily over the ground. A large man crested around the corner, looking down at you sitting on your bike. 

You glance over at him. He appears human, his whole body brandished with expensive looking weapons. He had short cut hair, blonde in color. His eyes were blue. His skin was pale and freckled. He wore a black leather jacket on top of a black tank top. Both were dirty, and he didn’t seem to care. 

A grin spread across his face and chills immediately shot down your spine. Your back stiffened as the large man began sauntering in your direction before he came to a halt in front of you. His thumbs hook in the pockets of his pants on either side. 

He nods arrogantly before finally speaking to you. 

“They told me a pretty little lady ran this shop. I dn’t believe em.” His accent is unfamiliar to you, his words almost slurring together. Or is he drunk? 

He licks his lips once and smiles down at you. His teeth are dirty and unkempt. 

You cough and shift away from him, swinging your leg over the other side of the speeder. You take a couple steps back from him, but not too many. As to not set any red flags off in the man's head. Your hand reaches up to push the red glasses onto the top of your head. You squint when the sun hits your sensitive hues. After pushing your glasses up, your hands slide back down to your waist and lock onto your hips. 

Usually with these types of guys, you choose a more aggressive approach. You would immediately tell them to get lost, or chase them out. But, something is different about this one. He seems…off. Unhinged, maybe? Something about his demeanor screams at you. You’re uneasy. 

You’re playing it safe this time. Just…see what he has to say. 

“Guess I’m that lady,” You say sweetly, a very fake smile cresting your cheeks. You pretend to be busy, shifting around to pick up some useless spare parts hanging around. “How can I help you?” 

His breathing is a little heavy, you notice. And that scares you. That hints at something unstable within him. 

He takes his hands from his pockets and flattens his palms on the fabric, rubbing them up and down to dry them of the sweat he’s exuding on this hot day. He grins again and shifts to follow you when you opt to start walking into the shaded part of your shop. 

“Need a piece of equipment fixed.” He says plainly, directly behind you. 

There’s a tall, bar-like table to the left of your shaded space. Behind the bar-esque table is storage for your customers' weapons. You walk behind the bar, and he follows around to face you from the other side. Thank the maker. Breathing room. 

“What kind of equipment?” You ask innocently. 

The man reaches behind him and pulls a large rifle from his back. He drops it down on the counter in front of you. 

You grab it softly, pulling it closer. Your fingers wrap around each end to bring it up for a better view. A knot is tightening in your gut. As you thought; an illegal weapon. Again. This one in particular is especially heinous. 

A T7 Ion Disruptor. A rifle banned by the New Republic. 

You clear your throat, slowly setting the weapon back down on the table in front of you. You glance up at the man through your lashes. He’s still grinning at you, shifting weirdly on his feet. Back and forth. 

“I’m sorry. I can’t work on this.” You say, slowly pushing the rifle back towards the man. 

You know there’s trouble when he stops shifting from side to side, and his grin slowly fades. He huffs, slapping his hands back down onto the weapon and pushing it back to your side of the counter. 

“I’ll pay ya, No questions asked.” He says, his blood shot eyes boring into your face. 

Your heart is starting to race, goosebumps covering the skin of your arms as the situation slowly starts to escalate. You’ve seen this desperate type of behavior before. Especially here. Especially now. The spice coming into town has corrupted many people here. The crime syndicates were always looking for better weapons. But they would only buy if the weapons were in working condition. Addicts would find these illegal rifles and bring them to you, desperate to have them fixed so they could go sell them to the syndicates. All to get their next week's fix of drugs. You feel for these people, you really do. This is a way of life for them. This is how they survive. You wish you could help, but you can’t put yourself under the radar of any crime syndicate. 

“--’m sorry. I can’t. This rifle is banned by the New Republic.” You say softly, pushing the rifle back towards the man. 

His breathing has increased; it’s loud and almost rabid now. He’s sweating and twitching. He stands there for a moment, staring at you. And without any notice, he violently slams both hands down on the table and shoves the rifle at you. It hits your lower stomach. Your heart drops into your belly. 

“I don’t care if it’s fuckin’ banned by the New Republic. I need it fixed–” He says, leaning over the counter. His hot breath is fanning your face as he grunts. “ Now .” 

He’s huffing heavily through his nostrils. Sweat is dripping down his cheeks and dropping on the weapon below him. His fingers are twitching on the wood countertop, and his eyes are wide. They’re bulging out of his head, red and bloodshot. The skin around his eyes is dark and almost hollow. 

You let a soft, shaky breath escape your lips as you struggle to find the courage or words to confront him. And he doesn’t move, doesn’t give you a chance to respond. He just…waits. 

You’ve experienced men like him before, but never this violent. Most men that came in here were trying to get a rise out of you. Always something to say. They always thought they could take advantage of you; overpower you. But you pride yourself on your courage and cunning. You never let them get to you. 

This was different, though. This man is explosively violent and unstable. 

He’s desperate . That scares you the most. 

You struggle to find words as fear settles into your skin. Your hands drop below the counter to a shelf underneath. He doesn’t notice, as he has his eyes fixed on yours. Your nimble fingers begin to wrap themselves around an emergency blaster you have hung under the counter.

Finally, as your fingers secure defense, you muster the courage to speak. 

“I can’t ,” You exhale slowly, finger tightening on the trigger of the blaster. 

The man exhales hard, fingernails starting to scratch into the wood surface below his palms. He leans up slightly, letting his chest have room to inhale so he can speak. 

“ You little bitch ,” He starts, but he’s cut off. 

“Is there a problem here?” An unfamiliar voice rings in. It’s modulated, almost like it came from a droid. 

It startles the both of you. In unison, the two of you shoot your heads in the direction of where the voice came from. 

In the entrance of your shop stands another man, and your heart sinks even more. 

He’s tall and covered in armor. The armor is all different colors, worn and damaged from much use it seems. He also has weapons brandished all over his body. He has brown boots on, strapped with bombs of all kinds. He has a dark brown flight suit underneath. Every important part of his body is covered by the worn armor. 

When you get to his head, you immediately recognize what he is. 

A Mandalorian. A distinct helmet. 

He stands tall and confident. He has broad shoulders, and large arms. 

Your fingers are still locked on the trigger of your blaster as you struggle to tear your eyes from the Mandalorian standing in your doorway. 

The man in front of you grunts and shifts to stand up to his full height. He shuffles before turning back to look at you. 

“I’m almost done with her,” he starts, before shooting around the left side of the counter at you. As he’s coming around, he’s speaking. “ You can have her when I’m done .” He growls out, sweaty and vicious hands grabbing for you as he breeches the left side of the counter. He’s moving so fast it’s hard for you to process. You don’t fully register what’s going on, not really. All you can see is his large, looming figure coming at you at lightspeed. All you can hear are the quick shuffling of his feet and he charges you. 

Instinctually, you bring the blaster out from under the counter and point it towards him as he charges you. 

But as soon as you brought the blaster out, the man was shot down. A red beam of plasma blasts past and so close to your head the wind gust from it causes your hair to fly up and over your head. 

Not a sound comes from the man as he falls to the ground. He thuds loudly, loose limbs hitting the ground after his back. You’re still holding the blaster up in defense, almost like you’re stuck there. Your heart is racing out of your chest and your breathing is slightly elevated. It takes you a few seconds to fully register what just happened. You finally let your arms drop slowly. 

You look down at the blaster in your hands, watching your trembling fingers grip the cold durasteel. Your skin is white from gripping the weapon so hard. Your head is dropped, preoccupied, as the Mandalorian slowly approaches the counter. 

“Are you alright?” The man asks softly. 

It startles you out of your stupor and you look up, seeing the Mandalorians’ hulking figure standing in front of you. He’s even bigger when he’s up close. 

You softly set the blaster back in its place under the counter and look up at the Mandalorian. 

“Yeah...” You mutter softly, confusion evident in your tone. You look down at the dead man on your floor. “ Maker. ..why would he just…?” 

“Exactly why you think.” The Mandalorian speaks. His voice is deep and weathered through the vocoder. 

You glance up at him, eyes searching the T-visor of his Beskar helmet. 

“Apologies. I heard the whole thing.” He says. 

You look from the Mandalorian in front of you, back to the body on your floor once again. You stare at it as you speak. 

“Another victim of spice addiction.” You say softly, your tone caressed by a tinge of sadness.

The Mandalorian silently nods his head, his hands coming down to grip the buckle on his belt. 

After a few moments, you can hear him shift, grabbing ahold of the Ion Disruptor on the counter. You turn to look back at him and watch as he examines the weapon with diligence. His helmet tilts with the weapon, and his gloved fingers glide delicately over the durasteel. 

“Could I take this off your hands?” he asks after a few moments of examining the weapon. 

“ Please take it.” You say, a soft smile on your cheeks. 

His helmet turns to look over you for a few seconds, like he’s examining you now. 

“How much?” He asks. 

“It’s yours. No charge.” You say, letting your hands rest on the counter. Your blood is starting to cool, and you’re not trembling anymore. 

He looks down at you again and nods, throwing the heavy weapon behind him to sit with some of his others.  “Thank you.” 

You can’t help the cheeky smile that crosses your face. Your cheeks start to burn. You shift to cross your arms over your chest. “Any particular reason you ventured into my shop, Mandalorian?” 

He nods. “I could use your help repairing something.” He says, reaching into a bag on his side. He pulls out a hyperdrive ignition key and gently sets it on the table. He shifts his hips to lean on the other side. “Peli Motto told me you’re good with old ships.” 

“Peli Motto? She sent you to me ?” You ask, astonished at the man's words as you lean down to get a better look at the hyperdrive part. 

“Not a friend of yours?” He asks, watching you examine the part. 

You huff. “Not exactly.” You say nonchalantly, sliding your fingers over the delicate part. “She couldn’t help you?” 

“No. She said you’re pretty well versed with electrical failures. On older ships.” 

You glance up at him for a moment and chuckle. “Interesting.” 

“Don’t usually get referrals from her, I take it?” 

“Never. She’s the reason I never have business, if I’m honest.” You say softly, leaning back up and putting your hands on your hips.

He cocks his head to the side gently and watches you. 

His gaze is deep, and silent, as he watches you. You find yourself fidgeting with the hem on your hips. 

“I..uh, can fix this. Easy. Shouldn’t take me more than an hour.” 

He nods, and you take that as your que to get to work. 

It takes you forty three minutes, actually. One of the quickest jobs you've had in a while. It was a relatively easy fix. The Mandalorian stood and watched you the entire time, intrigued by your knowledge of the machinery. 

"Razor Crest, right?" You ask.

"Yes. How can you tell?" 

"This hyperdrive ignition design was used on most pre-imperial ships. But, this one has a significant trait that ties it to the Razor Crest, and the Razor Crest alone ," you say, using a finger to draw him in close by pointing down at the part. 

"This is air cooled. See the little chamber here?" You ask, pointing to a small, empty glass chamber in the middle of the device. "Like any other part on a ship, this can get hot. So it's got a pocket of air that feeds directly into the ignition pump, that sends fuel to the thrusters."

He watches you. 

"The Razor Crest was the first and last ship ever to have a glass chamber for the hyperdrive ignitions. Afterwards, they were all Durasteel chambers. Easier, cheaper. The glass chambers had so many issues with cracking and leaks, that they immediately discontinued the design. And went for something more durable."

He watches as you slowly pull out the glass chamber and set it aside. 

"We'll replace the glass with some durasteel, and you'll be all good to go." You say with a soft smile. 

The Mandalorian stands over you, continuing to watch in silence as you make a small durasteel chamber by hand, and fit it to the hyperdrive ignition. 

"You're very knowledgeable." He speaks, his voice low and scratchy. 

You glance up at his visor for a moment and shoot him a quick smile before looking back down at your work.

"I'd hope so, otherwise I'm in the wrong profession." 

A loud click indicates that the durasteel piece is back in place. You gently slide it towards him once you do your final examination. 

"You're all set." You say with a smile, hands resting on the counter in front of you. 

It's dark out now. A small bit of moonlight shining in through the holes in your makeshift roof. Fairy lights and small cantina lamps light the space around you, painting everything in a soothing orange hue. 

The Mandalorian gently grabs the part from your counter and slips it into his satchel. 

"What do I owe you?" He asks. 

You think about it for a moment; hard. And then you glance over at the lifeless body of the attacker on your floor. 

"Nothing." You say, still staring at the body. 

He pauses, seemingly confused. "I don't understand." 

"No charge today.” You say, looking back up at him and nodding towards the body–hinting.

He takes a deep breath in, this chest rising steadily as he shifts on his feet again.

You offer him another warm smile. “A token of my gratitude.”

His chest falls after a few moments and his helmet turns to look around your shop. He hadn’t had time to until now.

"Your kindness will not be forgotten." He speaks gently. 

You smile. "Nor will yours, Mandalorian. Safe travels." 

He stands there for a few moments longer than you anticipated, almost like he's thinking. Then he nods and turns to slowly make his way out of your shop. 

You thought that would be the last time you saw him. You were wrong.

It was probably a month later when he came back. 

It was another hot day. You chose to take the day off, this time. You sat in your bedroom which was closed off from the rest of the building by a large blanket hanging in the doorway. Your room looked like every other building on Tatooine. The walls were crafted of sandy colored pourstone, rounding at the top. A large window on the left lets in plenty of natural sunlight to illuminate the room. There’s just enough space for your bed. You keep a small, single person table and chair directly under the window, where you sit and eat your breakfast every morning. 

You’re sitting under the window drinking some caf when you hear the door to your shop open. You stop what you’re doing and listen to see if the person approaches your counter. Heavy footsteps lead directly to the enclosed part of your shop. Quickly, you set your cup of caf down and shuffle to meet the customer out in the open area. 

When you shove the blanket out of your way, you’re surprised to see the same Mandalorian from a month earlier standing in your workshop. His appearance is different though. Before, he only had the Beskar helmet. The rest of his armor was pretty old and worn. But today, he appears to you in nothing but pure Beskar armor. From head to toe. He looks clean, and well put together. Shiny.

You rub your hands together and smile softly as you approach him. His helmet follows you as you walk over on the other side of the counter. 

“I didn’t think I’d see you here again.” You say softly. 

The Mandalorian nods, his hands looped in the buckle of his belt like the last time you saw him.

"What brings you back, Mando?” You ask. The nickname slips, but it suits him. 

“Are you looking for work?” He says, his voice smooth through the vocoder. 

You tilt your head to the side a little, slightly confused. “Pardon?” 

“I could use your help,” He starts, his hands coming up to rest on the counter top. “...maintaining my ship and…” he starts, but trails off and he reaches behind himself to shift his shoulder bag to the front. When he does, he lifts the cover to reveal something extraordinary to you. “..with this.” 

He reveals a small, green baby. It’s wrinkled, and has pointed ears. Big brown eyes look up at you in wonder as your mouth gapes. It coos softly, tilting its head to one side as it observes you. 

“ Stars ….what the hell is that?” You stutter over your words as you lean down to gently pull the baby from the satchel. It coos again, happily, as you pick it up. 

“I've been bequested to bring him back to his kind.” Says the Mandalorian. 

“H-how did this happen?” You ask, eyes focused on the little green baby in front of you as his claws grip your hands on either side. 

“It’s a long story,” He starts, watching you observe the baby carefully. “I can’t watch him and I need to continue hunting to fund this quest,” He says softly.

You glance up at him for a moment. “And you…came to me? Why?” 

“He needs supervision, I can’t leave him alone.” He swiftly bounces around the why part of your question.

You look from him, back down at the baby. The baby watches you with wide, curious brown hues. His mouth gapes open so show small, jagged teeth underneath. One of his hands comes up to touch your chin softly. 

There's an odd feeling that comes over you when he makes those little noises. The way he seems to smile, and immediately warm up to you. 

“I can pay you handsomely.” The Mandalorian speaks after a few minutes of silence. 

You glance back up at Mando through your lashes, he’s closer now than he was before. You’re slowly cuddling the green child into your chest as he seems to settle right into your warmth. One arm is under his bottom, and the other is behind his back to hold him firm against you. 

You start to say something, but no words come out. A breath of air sneaks through as you lock onto his T-visor. 

You shake your head, looking back down at the child. “M-my shop? How will…? I can’t just leave..?” You mumble out. 

“Peli agreed to look over it,” Mando says. 

You look back up at him once again, softly rubbing your hand over the baby’s back. 

“Peli ? Now I'm confused.” 

“She proposed using it for storage.” 

You click your tongue, looking down at the child as he lays comfortably against your chest. “Of course she did.” 

“You’ll have plenty to keep you busy aside from the child. My ship is old,” He says, his tone softening. A gentle approach. “...it always needs work.” 

You look up at Mando for what feels like the hundredth time. He stands tall over you, his broad shoulders blocking the sunlight behind him. His posture is serious; stern. This is important to him. You find your eyes needlessly searching for him under the T-visor, though you know you’d never find him. 

“Okay…” You speak softly, just under your breath. Almost like you didn’t mean to say it. 

“Yeah?” He asks, his shoulders slouching a bit; relaxing. 

“Yeah, okay.” You say again, this time it was louder. Like you were reaffirming it. Like you needed to hear your own voice to register you had just agreed. The baby in your arms coos softly in your warmth. 

The Mandalorian nods, clearing his throat softly. “Thank you.” 

Though he wouldn’t admit it, he was nervous. You tell by the softness in his tone; a stark difference from what you had heard before. He was out of his comfort zone here, dealing with a child. You understood why he came to you now. He was familiar with you, and trusted you wouldn’t turn him down. He just needs help and guidance in this uncertain time for him. 

“I’ll go grab a bag.” You say softly, looking down at the baby in your arms. 

As you walk through the blanket that covers your private quarters, Mando can hear you whispering to the child in your arms. “ Wanna come with me, sweet boy? ” Your tone is soft and motherly, unlike what he had heard when you were dealing with that spice addict a month ago. 

When he saw the look in your eyes at the sight of the child, he knew he had made the right decision coming to you.

‐-------

Chapter theme: With Love From - Aly & AJ

[idolbound]

DARP Advent 2024: Day Six HALFWAY THERE!

Let's talk about INFLUENCES and ADMIRATION!

Mun Portion!:

1. What inspired you to get into DARP? Former RP experiences? Just a love for the games?

I first got into RP in January 2013 with my Miranda Lawson blog and the Mass Effect rpc. I developed blogs for my Shepard among other characters, but it was shortly thereafter that the hype around DAI started; while I'd try to do DAO on console, I found it hard so I gave the copies to a friend and then bought them on PC later. But I played Inquisition at release in a speed run to kiss Cassandra, and made a blog for her ( @ stabbystabseeker for those who remember). I loved Cass a lot, enough that I didn't care that I had to play as a man to kiss her lol. Anyway, that's how I got into DARP - I also had blogs for my Hawke and Inquis when I eventually got through my canon playthrough of all the games from the beginning!

2. Name one (or a couple) of your fellow writers that you think are neat, and why! Can be famous, on Tumblr, in your real life, on AO3, whatever.

I would not be here half as much if it were not for @milfyclaus / (normally @ sanctamater). Claire has kept going with me to write this ship for almost 2 years now and has single-handedly made me want to keep writing Meredith unlike anyone or anything else; and to that, Claire, your writing always captures such a unique voice interlaced with exposition that I admire!

3. Has anyone in DARP (past or present!) really helped to define or reimagine a character for you? Or made you rethink perceptions that you held?

Honestly, Elisa with @extravagantliar has really fleshed out not just Varric but Kirkwall, and all the careful intricacies of worldbuilding that go with it. I would also say honestly, Erran @thesxmmersword who may not rp Ser Cauthrien anymore, but they really took an NPC in DAO and fleshed her out so well, and added much more depth to another morally questionable woman, and we started shipping these two from a what if meme and let it go from there.

4. What other fandoms/works/writers have influenced your writing style and the way that you view writing and creative expression?

Honestly, I think I still draw on a lot from Mass Effect and some of the themes around moral decisions, and the weight of those choices, as well as fighting in the name of something or someone that we see in DA as well. Truthfully, I have not been able to read a lot for fun because it's basically my job to read while doing my doctorate, but I do love a lot of fiction that can convey serious themes in the body of its work. I have a book that I got at a vendor sale that I'm excited to read, titled "This is How You Lose The Time War" by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.

5. Do you have any friends that have created a Warden/Hawke/Inquisitor/Rook that you've basically adopted?

I guess 'adopted' in the sense that we, as good friends, have made all our Rooks connected. I've talked about this on my multi but basically, my Rook's maternal uncle Jar has a husband named Alain, and together, they are the adoptive fathers of Chels' qunari Rook, Oskaar. Alain has an adoptive elf sister named Kahari and that's Ker's Rook. We are slowly fleshing out their family shenanigans.

6. What's a fandom work (writing, art, etc) that you think is super cool and you wish more people would see it? Share it with us!

Again, see the above point where I don't often have a lot of time to read for fun - this extends to fanfics as well. But honestly, I have a few ... m-rated fics featuring Meredith that have been a bit of inspiration to me in the past lol. (if you DM me, I will link them but this is a "we listen and we don't judge" situation).

Muse Portion!:

1. Who or what are some things/powers/people that your muse admires?

Meredith herself is always drawn to power; typically, this is in a political / leadership sense, as well as physical strength and abilities. Again, typically she will not care much for men in this role, but when it comes to women? She can admire a good swordswoman, or a woman in a political role with great influence. She will always admire someone who is career-driven, and seeking to better themselves, especially for fellow women.

2. Does your muse have a "hero" that they look up to from canon?

I think Meredith is very much a history nerd just as much as she is a religious zealot, but when it comes to historic figures vs. her personal beliefs, she will always hold Andraste as her most powerful "hero" to look to. She models herself after Andraste, after all, to look like her and to embody her sense of JUSTICE.

3. What legends, tales, or stories helped to form your muse's ideas of power and heroism?

Definitely the Chant of Light. Taken in as a ward of the Chantry as a child, she was educated through their teachings, and grew up entrenched in the Chant of Life. It is what dictates her life, and it guides her; those are the stories she turns to, to guide herself as Knight-Commander and beyond.

4. Conversely, what sort of legends, tales, or stories formed their idea of what a villain is?

To her, her own sister's story of being an untrained mage acts well enough to know that magic is the evil within, and that mages are inherently villains until they take responsibility for themselves and what the Maker has cursed them with.

5. Are there other muses in DARP that your muse admires? Or reviles/fears? (be careful with that second one and be RESPECTFUL.)

@milfyclaus Lady Amelia is her... (homoerotic) business partner (a forge supplying silverite weaponry to the Templar Order) turned wife girlfriend in their time in Kirkwall. @kirkwll Sioned has tested (and continues to test) Meredith's patience on the daily. and with our thread still in infancy, Meredith very much admires the man @tobebrutal 's Cullen is becoming. That's her son and Knight-Captain!

6. If your muse is someone who has companions or is one of the groups of companions from canon, how do they and their companions play off of each other? Are they friends? Enemies? Two dudes who'd cross the street to avoid each other? What are their most powerful connections within their "group"?

Unfortunately, Meredith as an Inquisitor is awful and most people rightfully don't like her. lol.

[persuasion-check]

Ok, so I just finished my "everybody dies" run of Veilguard and I have thoughts. First of all, watching everyone get defeated really sucked. 0/10 would not recommend that aspect. BUT I think I more fully understand what the game is trying to say overall.

Spoilers under the cut...

A few highlights-

If you don't have the option to talk Solas down fade!Varric's lines change a bit. I was too surprised and didn't screenshot it, but he admits you'll have to "kill" Solas. Also the line about Solas seeing himself as a hero is quite different, but the vibe is the same.

If you don't complete Emmrich's quests, Johanna is there in her giant skeleton body instead of the Tevinter construct! I really love this! It looks so much cooler than the construct, imo. Too bad this means most of Nevarra City has been smashed.

If you don't complete Neve's quests, Aela is the Tevinter commander that Teia kills! (I kinda suspected this and put Neve against her for maximum heartbreak.)

If the Shadow Dragons don't have enough power, even if you save Minrathous, Ashur dies. T.T Ngl, I was devastated by this one.

The scene where you fight Solas is VERY GOOD. The fight choreography in this game overall is really good.

At the very end, you don't get a proper epilogue. No voice-over. You get this one slide and a note that basically "If you did the side/ companion quests you'd have a different outcome".

When I got to this screen it hit me that what I feel like this game is trying to say is that the key to defeating the BBEG's of the world is community. Like, it's kind of an obvious theme and I definitely picked up on it before. But from what I've seen it's being talked about in a very cutesy 'power of friendship' kinda way.

But it's saying it's not only about checking in with your friends (paying attn. to when those lights outside the rooms are lit, or when a marker shows up on the map), it's also about following through when they do reach out for help (actually completing the quests).

It's also about giving whatever resources you can spare to community orgs. (selling your junk to faction vendors), volunteering and/or helping any people in need that you run across (completing side quests).

I feel like I could phrase all of that better but my brain fog is really bad today. Basically it's not just about rushing the boss, it goes a lot smoother when you take a multi-faceted approach. And if we take care of each other along the way, with a little luck we might even be alive to enjoy the peace we create.

[charlesangels03]

ART CRITIC PAPER

Title: Candle Vendors

Artist:Vicente Manansala

Medium: Painting

Date: 1977

Introduction

Candle Vendors (1977) by Vicente Manansala is an artistic blend of cubism and the cultural elements of the Filipinos, an oil in canvas. This artwork reflects the everyday life of the people of the Philippines by Manansala. This artwork portrays the four women selling a candle, reflecting the artist connection to the culture and his use of cubism. It explores the intricate pattern, vibrant colors and the culture of the people mixed in the painting, it also reflects the life of the people at that time, this artwork is conveying a story of the life of the Filipino.

Details

This artwork is a captivating oil painting of Vicente Manansala,portraying the Cubism's unique approach, created in 1976. It is portraying three women selling candles in a market place, beside a hallway heading to darkness. The three women are facing front with the use of the shadows and light to emphasize the subject of the painting. The intricate design of this artwork are the lines that creates an illusion of an abstract painting rather than cubism, another is the color palette used, an intriguing color scheme that emphasizes the arts details that gives life to the painting.

Formal Analysis

This artwork of Vicente Manansala called the”Candle Vendor” is an example of his masterful clear cubism technique. The is focused on the four women selling candles at a market, with two women looking at the front and two which looks the other way. Showing the contrasting colors by using shadows to highlight and the angles of the subject to show the important details like the expression of the face, and the way the corridor is from a wider part to getting smaller that heads to a dark area, emphasizing a movement that emphasizes the Cubism technique. The colors that are clearly present are the brown, black and white from the corridor, the red and white from the candles and the green with red and white in the outfits of the women. He used the light and dark colors to contrast one another and  emphasize the shape and lines that focus on the subjects and creating a spacial dynamics . Manansala used the space by placing the figures within view with light, also within the shadow and hidden making it appear real and intriguing.

Interpretation

This artwork of  Vicente Manansala explore the culture and identity of the Filipinos through the use of cubism. The paintings description about the women selling the candles, is a picture of the spirit and strong Filipino people. There are some reflections, like the women selling candles that reflects the determination and struggle in the everyday life of the people, it also highlights the economic of the Philippines. The candles is a representation of hope that encourages their lives. His use of the Cubism technique, connects the modern and traditional theme of the art. The various perspective shown in the artwork invites the viewer to see it in different angles, showing the complex life of the Filipino people. The color palette of the painting  suggest an alluring and sentimental approach for the viewers of the art. The expressions of the women evoke a sense of dignity and  strength as they work hard. This art piece is a multi-layered art full of culture and tradition of the Filipino life.

Judgement

The  elements within this art are showing a unity within the painting. With the geometrical shapes that makes an illusion of an abstract painting, with just the shadow and light that creates an emphasis and depth to the artwork. The shades of the color present in this art provides a peaceful ambiance, but also a dignifying one that draw’s an attention. This arts theme vary from interaction and connection by showing the different angle of the women selling candles, with this depiction in the art we can say that they shared an activity in different angles and contrasting colors that interrelates it all together. This pieces light and shadows, symbolism within and the color palette interrelates to one another to create a unity and making it intriguing to the viewers.

Conclusion

The artwork of Vincent Manansala called “Candle Vendor” is a combination of modern and traditional culture and techniques. Through his use of the Cubism method, Manansala shows the everyday life within the Philippines, that focus on the spirit and and strength of the people. This is a composition of contrasting colors, harmonious vibe, and symbolism interrelate to one another, creating an impact and connecting with the viewers.

Francine's 12th Blogging Entry: Literacy

[antics-pedantic]

DYNAURA EPISODE 5: THE CASUAL CLASH

Everyone but the surgeon was present in the hospital operating theatre. When the surgeon finally arrived, he did so swiftly. Clad in green scrubs, and getting to work immediately. His aides asked no questions, they only responded as quickly as they were used to doing. During such procedures, there was usually a sponge to wipe sweat off the surgeon’s brow when requested.

But no such order was issued. Not until the very end.

And it looked like it was mostly for show. The head surgeon walked away cleanly. Discarding the hospital scrubs and facemask under the gleam of a freshly-installed fluorescent tube light. Back to a silken suit and tie now: Custom made by an Italian tailor spoken of in whispers, with the trade’s highest honors. Nothing less than exceptional, every seam could be assumed victorious. And everywhere they were worn, people assumed the same of the man boastfully wearing the esteemed fabric.

          “Congratulations, Dr. Crossmoore! Another life saved, sir.”

          As the hands of those around him began to clap, the surgeon produced a fine comb to fix his platinum blond hair after wearing his surgical attire, the cap that kept it all in having mussed his finely styled locks as he set the strays back into their place alongside more complacent hairs kept in place by designer brand gel.

          “Any plans for tonight, Errol?” asked a nurse, holding a clipboard to her chest with such longing in her lonesome arms. “RSVP at Chercheur de Graal? Enforcers’ Room at Needle Tower? Oxenhouse overlooking Bullpen Avenue?”

          There was a boisterous, perhaps even sinister-sounding laugh as Errol stepped a little closer, offering a touch. The nurse hesitated—not of fear, but absolute surprise as she nodded and let him caress her cheek.

          “Nurse Kennedy, you’ve always had such an imagination. But you forget that past these walls, I am lower than the dogs… an agent of nothing less than pure evil.”

          The nurse leaned into his touch, holding his hand back.

          “But you’re so dependable. It’s natural for anyone to want someone as loyal as you, sir. And with such skill!”

          Errol pulled his hand away slowly, pressing ever so gently so Nurse Kennedy wouldn’t look up to him all the way. She supposed he was sparing her from having to look at him directly, to spare her from any further stress. It took such confidence just to speak to him now, as he produced his checkbook from a suit pocket.

          “Nurse—be a dear and tell administration to add my patient to the Crustte Foundation list, they’re to be treated as another esteemed member of our ‘miracle’ patients. The breakthroughs we’ve pioneered battling to save their life will have all the other institutes racing to catch up to our gold standard.”

          “How generous! It’ll be my pleasure, sir.”

          Errol waved goodbye, and paraded his way back to the parking garage, before stepping past his car and looking out upon the rest of the land, as ambulances raced to his workplace— the VitaSoon Holistic ProCare Center, speeding past ordinary commuters native to this part of Delta Bay. It was there he realized what he wanted to do today. Something he relished, but hadn’t had the time to check in on as of late.

          “I could use a step down from Olympus!” said Errol with a vigorous guffaw, uncaring as to who heard him. For he could sense a very familiar energy signature.

X

          Outward from the density of Delta Bay, where establishments were built in a scatter, stood the large and aged multi-suite shopping center, Honeycomb Mall. It was mostly known for its hexagonal décor. Much of the old neon lighting was still in use, and not all of it was strictly bee-themed either. But over the years the arrival of newer vendors meant each occupied storefront unit would be customized to the more minimalist modern look, or to limited arrangements in the rustic style. Only the longtime residents of Honeycomb Mall held onto their original fixtures, since it cut back on costs and kept things familiar for customers.

          The Earthborn alien Rex resembled a young man of some South Asian descent, closest to Nepali. One that had thrown on an open button-up over a t-shirt and comfy pants, kicked on his favorite white (with red trim) sneakers before taking to the shopping center. He’d been here before, ever since he was a kid growing up near Delta Bay, on its outskirts. Now he had begun to enter adulthood and those days were memories. Like ‘King Sting: The Busiest Bee,’ Honeycomb Mall’s old mascot. There was a child trying to activate a coin-operated ride molded after the character, but like Rex in days long gone, lacked the funds to do so. The child’s mother had been off in the store for quite some time now. While Rex counted his spare change to see if he could offer anything, the mother shoved her purchases into the arm of some store staff. Although the kid hadn’t even noticed Rex, their mother apparently had and glared daggers at him in recognition, dragging the protesting child along with her. She knew an excommunicated, unofficial superhero when she saw one. And Rex had the extra misfortune to be deemed some sort of invasion scout by his former hero industry acquaintances.

          It wasn’t the most promising start to things, but it was one thing, and he could speed-walk away briskly. There was still the whole rest of the place to go through. There was a small section with a cookie shop that he swore he’d buy from on the way out, to regain some confidence as much as to snack on something. The last time he’d been here he couldn’t bring himself to buy anything except a couple of new clothes like he’d planned, and hurried along home after that. But not this time.

          The next stop was one Rex hadn’t been sure about. But he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that an older salon-barbershop combo was still in business. The first time he went there before, he had to divert his energy powers so that they could clip his hair more easily. The process itself wasn’t difficult, but being a small anxious kid at the time meant he had to warm up to the place. About an hour later that day, he’d finally walked out with a clean cut and a lollipop in hand—every subsequent visit went by much quicker, and far smoother. Other places weren’t so lucky: A bookstore with the widest magazine rack he’d ever seen had been replaced a few years back by a new shop that only stocked a few periodicals and novels that had received ‘bestseller’ reviews. The rest of the place mostly stocked an excess of calendars and series merchandise other stores couldn’t sell right away.

Once bustling, the BuzzOff arcade was cleared out and the space had been on-and-off for lease to a chain of other businesses that couldn’t keep up with the bigger brands. He had memories of trying aerial simulators, fighting games, lightgun rail shooters, and skee ball after watching others play and trying it out for himself. An alternative entertainment shop opened a second location in the same building under another, trendier name, pivoting away from selling music and subculture fashion to graphic tees with dubiously sourced artwork and pop culture collectables that were more about owning the item than what it represented— the Synco Pats figures all looked the same, save for one or two details that set them apart and the labels on their boxes. Actually, Rex was pretty sure he saw a shop exclusively devoted to selling Synco Pats when they already dominated entire walls and shelves at other stores.

Some of Honeycomb Mall’s other changes weren’t so bad: A stuffy clothiers of old was replaced with a shop selling artwork. Painting replicas, odd little metalwork statues, and he could notice a local artist trying to feature some of their work here. Some new restaurants and snack joints graced the food court, and in places across the upper and lower levels. People still met up here and there was a resurgence of spots for hanging out. Not always successfully, but they were trying.

“Heh heh heh.”

The sound of that snicker made Rex whip his head around sharply in the direction it came from. The crowds doubled in density suddenly as people exited the shops. And for a fleeting glimpse, Rex could have sworn he saw a familiar head of platinum blond hair in a specially imported silk business suit. But the fellow went out of view already. Rex tried to keep moving, assume that was a fluke. But the glimpses started up again, until he was out of the crowd and the area cleared up.

          “What an excellent watch. Wouldn’t you agree?”

          In an instant, Errol had appeared next to Rex, observing a jewelry store display and speaking in his booming voice, with a mocking tone reserved for foes like the cosmic contender. Watches made from things like gold, silver, or even titanium plating and fine wrist-strap leather whose costs would set Rex back considerably—but Errol looked at them all with the confidence of someone who could purchase them as though they were merely different flavors of candy. 

          “Well? Aren’t you going to ask which one I mean? Respond already.”

          And swiftly. Rex let loose with a lightning jab that was deflected immediately by a forearm of equal strength, in a quarter-circle motion.

          “Hahahaha!”

          Errol nodded to the side. It looked like people were starting to notice. Some moved along more quickly, too afraid to intervene in a superpowered altercation. Others offered a stink eye for Rex—he threw the first punch, after all. And they weren’t opposed to verbally chewing him out at this stage. No one was going to run away until it became a full-on, explosive fight. Something Errol wouldn’t allow if he could stretch out the afternoon’s ‘entertainment’ a little longer. Rex relented and pulled his fist back.

          “Happy?” said Rex. Errol just snorted and nodded, before continuing to survey the jewelry shop. Rex proceeded to walk through the store and around through to its other exit in something of a hurry.

          “What’s the rush, Rex? It’s not every day you run into someone in public. Like a former teacher, a co-worker, or your arch-nemesis!”

          Rex scowled as he sensed Errol clear the distance walked, with one great stride. Of all his enemies, Errol had little issue keeping up with him, even when Rex was fighting at his best. Turning sharply on his heels, Rex angled to grab Errol and drag him outside so they could have a proper brawl. Or he would have, had a few admirers of his not startled Rex by squealing, and hurrying over to swarm around the seraphim of slaughter.

          “—Guys I TOLD you it was him! It’s Errol!”

          “What’s it like being a captain in the Mantle honor guard?! Are they from space like your pig-headed nemesis? A secret fantasy world where you’re heir to the throne? Which rumor is true?!”

          Errol just let off a chuckle. Warmer than the cackle moments ago. Wordlessly, they held onto pens and things for him to sign. Even a villain could rise to overwhelming acclaim in this day and age, as Errol instinctively, but also patiently, took each pen one at a time and signed for each fan.

          “Please, I’m just here to treat myself, same as you all.” said Errol, oozing with confidence as he gestured to Rex with one hand, and held the other over his mouth as if telling secrets—but still speaking audibly.

          “And to keep an eye on this one. There’s no telling what he could do—he thinks he’s the good guy after all. Not that I’m much better…”

          “Nooo! You carry yourself with so much honor. That’s why you’re Emperor Fumerole’s right-hand man. A real exemplary human warrior, super tragic that you’re evil… but also it’s soooo romantic!”

          While that discussion was had, one of Errol’s fans stuck a tongue out at Rex, followed by a bold neck-slicing motion. In that moment, he wanted to crawl into a hole and shrivel up. It was no use defending himself against people this intense in their opposition. He thought he could just avoid them and mind his own business. Security was nowhere to be seen for the fan crowd, if not to deal with Errol himself.

          “You may have cut ties with the Enforcers, but next to me you’ll still get plenty of attention. Speaking of the exalted one— Fumerole sends his regards.”

          Rex was gritting his teeth.

          “How did you even know to show up here today?”

          “Mantle emphasizes loyalty: Whether you’re dutifully sorting things out at a desk, or on the front lines, they respect their superiors.”

          Errol gestured aside, and Rex paid him a suspicious look before spotting a couple of chalktroopers in plainclothes outfits. These chalktroopers’ battalion had been allowed some time off. And all too thankful for a day or two out of the week, they dialed one of their trusted overseers to report their findings right away for further rewards.

          “You son of a—”

          “Manners, manners. We are in public. You already seem quite uncouth to these people. Go any lower and you’ll practically be digging yourself a hole here.”

          That was the last straw. Though careful to control his body and aura, Rex accelerated towards Errol right then and there, faster than the other mallgoers could perceive them. But rather than creating the massive shockwaves of a more open battle, Rex did his best to channel more of that kinetic force through his strikes to silence them as much as possible. The heavy swings still let off a smaller ‘BOOM’ though, and gusts would travel outwardly. Perceived as the air conditioning activating or gusts from entrance doors remaining open too long.

          “Heh!”

          For every strike that Rex let loose with, Errol met with a defense of his own. Catching onto Rex’s tactic and accelerating to keep pace with him. The dexterity of their strikes was matched by their mobility, as they zipped around portions of the building trying to exploit openings on one another to strike. In a split-second intermission that felt like an eternity for the superhuman and the honed Nypardian, they hovered across from each other while the world raced past them both.

          There was Errol. His hands held up not like a fighter, but more like a surgeon. Ready to deal out precision action, taunting his enemy into approaching before they were ready. On the other side, Rex had clenched fists raised like a boxer, gradually shifting into stance to launch a roundhouse kick to the side as Errol’s right hand shot out. Open, but deadly: For as it passed over Rex, a shower of sparks emerged in a line from the direction he attacked. And behind the cosmic contender, a wave of air pressure split a tray of free samples offered by one of the eateries, and the small shockwave of a channeled elbow from Errol launched the staff member onto their butt, terrified and halfway believing in ghosts.

          Meanwhile, Rex felt an ache in his jaw as Errol’s forearm connected. But before he could pull it back, Rex grabbed ahold of it and judo-tossed Errol through an open maintenance door. Rex was rushing after to grab him again, looking quite forward to repaying that elbow to the face with a knee to the gut. That is, if Errol hadn’t grabbed on and started trying to break Rex’s arm. The both of them flew out of an open window, sending papers fluttering every which way and causing a fresh hot, new batch of coffee to fly up and out of a pot, before landing in an array of employee mugs on a nearby table.

X

          The two were dashing through the street, having both broken off. But instead of coming to a halt, they carried on with their momentum. Racing past the traffic lights just as they hit red or green. Pedestrians and drivers could occasionally catch a blur or feel strong winds in their wake, but these were just after-effects, leftovers while the two combatants raced well beyond that point. Trading smaller strikes, and at intervals releasing explosive heavy hits. Errol raked his fingertips across Rex’s side, bringing about another shower of sparks. Rex couldn’t be stabbed or cut—but the magnitude of pain was still enough to send him back for a moment. Errol vanishing while he was trying to stabilize himself following that injury.

          At last, Rex found himself stopping. Sneakers grinding to a halt against the gravel of a gas station parking lot by the highway, on the edge of the state lines into the neighboring region. There was no time to rest, knowing that a member of the Mantle Army’s honor guard was waiting to strike. There was mostly silence save for the functioning of vehicle engines, and the departure of a long-haul truck. And that was just immediately nearby: With his hyper-hearing, Rex extended his range. Cows grazed in a field some miles off. Honeycomb Mall even further off was still as calm as it had been before Errol appeared. Before he could listen in beyond that…

          There was a noise. Only getting closer. Rapidly.

          Rex turned in the direction he heard the sound. All he caught with his hyper-vision was a trail: Errol was zigzagging to stay out of his direct line-of-sight, but he couldn’t completely mask his energy signature. The source of his power still baffled most everyone at present, but Rex was just thankful he could still come up with ways to counteract it. And he’d have to do so quickly: Errol was angling to let off a wide slashing arc so forceful, it would travel through the air at range. More so to destroy the gas pumps, which would usher forth flames and explosions. Pedestrians be damned.

          Racing to bear the brunt of the slasher wave. It was always Rex’s first instinct, to ‘be the shield.’ Bearing the brunt of an attack because he was nearly-invulnerable. Gritting his teeth all the while, because Errol knew this of him and used power in excess of whatever the minimum was to cause the gas station to explode. As such, Errol poured everything he had into making certain Rex would suffer for his choice.

          “AAAAUGH!!”

          Up until this point, Rex had attempted to take every attack in stride. But it was all starting to weigh down on him, the slasher wave lashing out where he’d been hit before and taking his physical form through a tumult of pain. Being nearly invulnerable, Rex was difficult to take out all at once. He could keep going—but that was also a funny way of saying he’d keep getting beaten up for quite some time, if he didn’t turn things around right away.

          Then there was darkness. Rex lost consciousness at last.

X

          The sight of the gas station exploding rippled through Rex’s mind while he was out of the waking world. It hadn’t happened, but he still couldn’t help but dread if it did. The flames, the gasoline spreading them out after spillage, things exploding. Shapes of people and animals in the haze that threatened to reveal the most visceral details of their doom. It was only then that Rex finally got startled awake. Found himself chained within some kind of a dungeon, part of an underground complex of some sort.

          Mantle.

          The exponentially growing underground empire Errol and every foe of the week served had a base here. Wherever this place was, at least. Rex tested at the chains that held him: He’d have to start at severing them at the weakest link, or to remove the spot on the wall where each was bolted to. As he did, he glanced past the prison cell bars: there were some chalktroopers on watch duty. But there were also some locked in the dungeon itself, along with some supervillains, monsters, and robots. Injured, punished, generally suffering for some slight against the throne. A few other more official heroes had also been captured fairly recently, but they were in no condition to assist.

          “It’s YOU!”

          Rex turned his head sharply. Just as he was trying to work the chains that restrained him, he was attacked by another prisoner: a cyborg sea-creature dubbed [NUTRITION HARVESTER FIEND] “Kelpsiphon.”

          “Back off!” exclaimed Rex. “I don’t even KNOW you!”

          “But I know YOU!” hissed Kelpsiphon. “And I’ll get my glory back after I bring your head to the emperor! They’ll have parades in my name!!”

          Kelpsiphon latched onto Rex and tried to deprive him of whatever calories, salts, sugars, and other components of his last meal. Which didn’t last very long, for some reason. As Rex swatted away Kelpsiphon, a nearby monster-villain hurried over and bashed the nutrition harvester over the head with a metal meal-tray.

          “Whoa! Thanks for the save. But who are you?” asked Rex.

          “I’m [STONE EVOLVED BEAST] “Iggy Neos.” Why didn’t Kelpsiphon’s nutrient theft work on you?”

          Rex thought about it for a moment, before having a light-bulb moment.

          “I never got to sit down for lunch… and breakfast was very light today, the last waffle in the freezer.”

          Iggy Neos looked concerned. But there was no time to attend to that, much less the supplies to do so with.

          “I was banished here. The chalktroopers working in the mines found me hibernating and hid me—they were all crushed for that. Kelpsiphon had his rampage halted when someone hired a party of those gig-heroes, the Pithy Randos to stop him. Please help us.”

          Rex nodded. Iggy Neos offered up some bread and some kind of protein slop in a bowl for Rex to regain some of his stamina with, and they protected each other from guards and other prisoners while resting. But as long as they were here, they couldn’t idle for too long without their fears and anxieties kicking back in. Eventually Rex was able to break his chains, and with Iggy Neos’s help, even coaxed Kelpsiphon into joining them on the promise of finding minerals and geyser water once freed.

          Then finally, the moment of truth: Kelpsiphon feigned an illness brought on by malnutrition, before using that moment to jump one of the guards. Rex and Iggy Neos were not far off, preventing a couple more guards from intervening. If at the cost of Iggy Neo’s shoulder getting a chunk blasted off, and some concerning cracks on his cranium. With the keys to the cells, they started releasing people. Most focused on finding an exit, but a couple of captured superheroes lingered for a moment. Casting their malicious eyes in Rex’s direction.

          “There’s no doubt about it.” said one of the captured heroes—a color-coded warrior in red, one of many freelancers for the Pithy Randos app. “He’s a no-good good guy. All that crap about common folk. He just wants to build up another kind of regime. This was just a damn recruitment drive.”

          Rex started to grit his teeth. But Iggy Neos intervened, taking a chunk of stone from the wall, and kicking it like a soccer or rugby ball. This was his incredible technique, “Galena Goal.” The boulder bounced off of the ground between Rex and the elite heroes with tremendous force, and precision as only years of training could muster.

“Y-You’re just lucky we’re gonna call for back-up first.” spat the other elite hero, more of a spandex-clad masked figure, following the Pithy Rando as they retreated. “We’d haul your ass to Kodiakop and Shootsuit personally.”

Once the elite heroes left, Iggy Neos lead the way. Insistent on small talk, as well.

          “What are you going to do when you get out of here?”

          Rex actually perked up at the question, finding himself turning to follow Iggy Neos out of there.

          “I… I don’t know? Just go back to the usual.”

          “What does the usual look like for you? In your home, I mean.”

          Rex seemed to blank out for a moment. After the fighting earlier, and being stuck here being given one threat after another, his life seemed so miniscule. Pathetic, compared to everything else going on. And yet, when Iggy Neos asked, he felt he had to try and find it within himself to answer to his satisfaction.

          “A meager apartment. I have the most incorrigible megafauna for a pet. And many neighbors, just trying to get by. I can always count on the shops nearby to have fresh hot food and they don’t charge too much. Movie theaters and arcades. A red plastic cup and strange parties I end up at—not sure how. Conversations with people I don’t really know, but walk away from waving goodbye and smiling. It’s not much.”

          “It sounds wonderful just the way it is, Rex. What about you, Kelpsiphon?”

          Kelpsiphon was peering around a corner, before facing the others again. He hissed at the thought of such small talk. But relented after something came to mind.

          “I’m going to rob one of those shiny, pristine stores all the health nuts go to. The big jars of protein beverage powders. I want my own place upstate with a whole shelf of shakers full of sea salts. And… don’t you dare laugh at me. My own garden. Not an entire farm, but if I could have a patch of all my favorite vegetables to myself. I think I could keep it together.”

          Iggy Neos nodded.

          “I think I can help. With the salts at least.”

          “… Thanks. You can have a cut of my take.” said Kelpsiphon. Then he looked over to Rex. “Once I’m all fed, I guess I could spare leftovers. Even to a chump like you.”

          It was meant to be somewhat insulting. But Kelpsiphon meant it: anything he didn’t eat or re-use in some fashion, he would pass along. He wouldn’t stop being obtuse altogether, but it was a warmth that reinvigorated Iggy Neos and Rex, as they traversed the labyrinthine structure of this Mantle Army base, desperate for an exit.

          But as they finally found what appeared to be the way out, they found themselves within a large antechamber with a domed ceiling, decorated with glass panels. The morning sun was in the sky. And a looming figure approached the trio, like a lesser giant.

          “Kuuueeeh keh-keh-keh…”

          “It’s Emperor Fumerole!” gasped Kelpsiphon. The great ruler of the ‘Exponential Underground Empire’, which commissioned the Mantle Army and its various branches. At his craggy feet laid the bodies of prisoners who had come so close to escaping, only to be cut down. His molten body draped in a cloak with pointed shoulder pads, and his head adorned with a helmet that had a series of vents on the front, thick smoke billowing out, as an orange-yellow light was emitted from behind the shutters. Errol was not far off, still clad in his own suit, but now equipped with a prestigious cloak of his own: He was after all, head of the imperial honor guard.

          Rex was coughing, trying to stand firm in the face of this evil foe. Iggy Neos had an easier time since he too was of the underground world, and he stood beside his fellow inmates with newfound dignity and poise.

          “It wasn’t enough you tried to hibernate all through our expanding rule over the planet.” growled Emperor Fumerole. “You had to try and break out of prison before you came back to your senses!”

          “I regained my sense only today.” said Iggy Neos. “You have the dust of countless troopers on your hand. Your most dedicated monstrofficers and supervillains lay dead in this chamber, alongside your enemies.”

          “And for that, I still reap the victory!” cackled Fumerole.

          “Unforgivable…!” grunted Rex. Errol was not far off with laughter.

          “Listen to that, sire. You’ve been terribly unfair.”

          Rex scowled. He glanced over at Iggy Neos, who looked to be preparing his Galena Goal attack again, while Fumerole raised a hand to project his own lava powers forth at range. Kelpsiphon nodded towards Errol, intending to attack him alongside Rex.

          “Pathetic!”

          Errol raised a hand, preparing to bring it down diagonally to slice Kelpsiphon in half. But not before Rex pulled him into a full nelson wrestling hold, kneeing him in the side a couple of times until an opening could be created for the bionic aquatic to start sapping him of his essential nutrients. That allowed Iggy Neos to keep Emperor Fumerole at bay, ideally until Rex and Kelpsiphon could rejoin him. Iggy Neos matched the emperor strike-for-strike, using the boulders of his Galena Goal kicks to tear into the subterranean tyrant’s openings.

          “BWFEUUAAH!” gasped Fumerole, his bellow echoing through uncarved tunnels and halls of discipline and dominance. “As to be expected. You had the seat of a general, and yet you threw it all away—to run off with these good-for-nothing layabouts?!”

          Iggy Neos hissed. Rex and Kelpsiphon looked up from their own battle against Errol—who was smirking all the while. The stone-evolved beast seemed ashamed that his fellow prisoners had learned this.

          “Yes… it’s true. In a time when I thought every battle would be honorable. That losses weren’t just counted, they were felt. But after the sands of time passed, you denounced them as failures! Used their good name to scare everyone else into line.”

          The boulders were launched, two at a time now. Emperor Fumerole smashed them apart eventually with swings of his arms, but not before Iggy Neos pulled forth three more: He was trying to deal out a killing blow at last!

          “They’ll drop down from the heavens to receive you in hell, Fumerole!! Even if I have to drag you there myself!”

          Emperor Fumerole put his hands out and fired jets of flame. The first two boulders were halted, but the third one was going to smash right into him, as Iggy Neos hovered there in mid-air, winding up for the biggest kick of all. If his stone-beast physiology had some equivalent of muscle and tendon, he was on the verge of tearing them just to expend as much of his inner strength as he could.

          *THWOOOSH!!*

          But it was quickly brought to an end. The more renowned superheroes from earlier had arrived! The spandex-clad one was using strength enough to change the course of a mighty river so as to throw off Iggy Neos’s kicking stance, while the Pithy Rando blasted the boulder apart with a large shoulder-mounted cannon. It shattered just inches from Emperor Fumerole’s helmet-clad face, as his panic turned to giddy, gruesome delight.

          “BWUUU-KAH-KAH-KAH!!”

          There was a loud and terrible ‘CRACK!!’ as Iggy Neos landed on the ground. Kelpsiphon pulled away from Errol, running to sweep up Iggy Neos into his arms and run away. Although he had lost some energy, Errol was not lacking for sustenance or comfort, unlike Rex who was overworked, hungry, and his body battered to June.

          “NO!!”

          Rex had to keep his hands up. He couldn’t go to check on Iggy Neos either, as Errol and the two so-called superheroes ganged up on him.

          “It’s so funny, isn’t it?” said Errol. “Mantle isn’t from space, or some magical realm, you know. It’s absolutely homegrown, right here on good old Earth. Just like how I’m 100% human nobility!”

Rex was absolutely shocked. Emperor Fumerole unveiled jumbotron video screens all around the chamber, the unerring Errol kicking Rex’s face repeatedly until he looked at least once in every direction. Each carrying images of arson, warfare, greed, and other examples of mankind’s cruelty towards itself and others.

Including glimpses of a younger Rex, in a metallic teal form, with three bulbous eyes. He used this alternate Nypardian form to conceal his secret identity. At least, when that was still his secret, before those he thought of once as peers took that from him.

          “I’ve had a hand in a few of these… but not all. Just look at those bastards that left you for dead, Rex: Human kindness is a FARCE! No matter what they say or do, you have to put them in line with power, earn their admiration by entertaining them. Errol is living proof. I’m sure the Enforcer and the Pithy Rando you encountered on the way here can testify to that!”

          Rex looked frantically to the spandex-clad superhero. Although they were almost certainly elitist, the Earthborn alien attempted to appeal to something in him.

          “Don’t look at me, space invader.” said the Enforcer. “We’ve got it all worked out with guys like Emperor Fumerole. There’s order! Yet you want more without going up the ladder. Of all the selfish, inconsiderate slackers I’ve ever seen…”

          And then, Rex looked to the Pithy Rando.

          “You can’t seriously be buying this. You’re freelance!”

          “Uh, nah? I’m gonna win it big after I bring *you* in!” said the Pithy Rando. “This gig’s turned out even better than I thought. All it took was a little initiative, hustle from sun-up to sunset! Not that you’d get it, quitter.”

          That just about did it. Rex tried to force the spandex-clad Enforcer off of his arm, while the Pithy Rando summoned a drill-sword, driving it into Rex’s solar plexus in a shower of sparks and a yowl of pain from the cosmic contender. Errol swerved around to put him into a stranglehold as payback for the full-nelson earlier.

          “YOU’RE ALL FULL OF IT!! PEOPLE ARE BETTER THAN THIS!—THEY HAVE TO BE!!”

          The spandex-clad superhero noticed something: there was a large arc of static at the same time Rex winced. And there was a seafoam green glow in his eyes starting to obscure the pupils, as their light showed off the widening eyes and sweaty brow of that lone Pithy Rando, through the helmet’s nearly tinted visor. Twin laser-jets beamed out of Rex’s eyes as he started shouting swears and screeching like a wounded animal. Energy crackled through his forearms as well, as two more beams erupted from his palms, the elitist superhero in spandex singed away and the Pithy Rando trying to use the drill-sword to push against the quadruple beams. Errol held on, trying to constrict Rex from breathing properly.

          “I’m—I’m wired into the grid, just like everybody else good enough to run gigs!” said the Pithy Rando. “It won’t let you kill me! Not when it’s reinforced by a hundred teams’ worth of vault archived might!”

          “A stolen power WON’T protect you!”

          The service and its app had greater numbers waiting on the surface. Not all were so greedy, but regardless they all shared the fact that their power source was on a loan, and distribution regulated fiercely. The Pithy Rando gear halfway disappeared after taking too much damage, including the helmet and weaponry, leaving the color-coded combatant to fall to their knees. The spandex-clad superhero was trying to dial for back-up before rejoining the fight, still shaken by the cosmic energies of Rex’s blasts.

          “That’s enough!” exclaimed Emperor Fumerole. “Errol, show him the heights of your natural nobility!”

          Errol released Rex so he could rush him with a knife-hand strike, intending to try and overcome the alien’s near-invulnerability to try and rip out whatever passed for a heart. Instead, Rex weaved past and yanked on his wrist and shoulder, tossing him aside. When Errol finally wheeled back around to attack again, he was stricken in such a way that Emperor Fumerole was shocked.

          “It can’t be…!”

          But it was. Although Rex’s effort was not as refined, he had still carved out a boulder for himself, and performed a shaky kick akin to that of soccer or rugby with a force just shy of the move’s inventor: Iggy Neos! The projectile knocked Errol down, as Rex did an elbow drop onto the Mantle honor guardsman, followed up with a backflip-kick that launched the boulder faster than Emperor Fumerole could realize it was headed his way.

          “Impossible. That a whelp could even conjure a fraction of General Neos’s advanced technique?!...” thought Emperor Fumerole, as he stumbled backwards, trying not to fall onto his back and show weakness. Errol was still getting back up, when Rex dashed forward to hover face-to-face with Emperor Fumerole.

          “How?!” thundered Emperor Fumerole, swinging madly. “General Neos was in a league of his own when it came to power and skill! No one could match him!”

          “You never let ‘em. And I couldn’t start slugging you without paying Iggy Neos my respects at least once, and freaking you the hell out in the process!”

          And with that, Rex hovered backwards a bit, before accelerating in that small gap between them, and sending Emperor Fumerole crashing through the walls and back to the surface world, where they were airborne for a time, landing in the heart of Delta Bay: Rhymes Square.

*WHAM!* *WHAM!* *WHAM!!*

          Rex was tearing into Emperor Fumerole. But as they came to a skidding halt, it was only after a few more hits that Rex noticed Emperor Fumerole stopped fighting back. In fact, he’d allowed one of Rex’s swings to damage him a bit, and then made the wound even worse with swipes of his hands across the spot in an ‘X’ formation, lava gushing out. Superficially so, but onlookers would still get the right pitiful impression.

          “Why are you so vicious?...”

          Rex tensed up. They were both surrounded by people. Turning their heads, starting to film with their cameras. Rex had no qualms about attacking the ruler of the exponential underground empire, supreme master of the Mantle Army. And yet, there was something painfully familiar about being in this position. It made the celestial terrestrial bite his lip.

          “What’s he doing to that old guy?”

          “I don’t know—doesn’t seem fair at all though!”

          When Emperor Fumerole coughed, people stepped a little closer towards the proceedings. He even took it a step further and started blubbering. Now his smoky vents gave way to streaming tears with a thick volcanic ichor.    

          “I surrender.” rasped Fumerole “Please, no more of this savagery. I could never fight like that.”

          Then came the murmuring. So many voices at once, in every direction, Rex heard them all around. Trying not to pay attention, but he was frozen there with one clenched fist, wound up for a haymaker that never came. A random person would spit in Rex’s direction, and someone else finally spoke up:

          “Makes you feel reeeaaal big, don’t it? Jerk.”

          Rex tried to speak. A larger part of himself knew that these people wouldn’t listen—they wouldn’t care. And yet, there was still some part of his spirit, the very same that let him fight on. A part that wanted to thrash and refuse this scene.

          “He commands the Mantle Army. He’s… he’s a tyrant.”

          A large soda collided with Rex’s head. Ice cubes flew every which way. A few people started shouting at him. Curses and put-downs about being an honorless, joyless, walking waste. Someone even stepped it up and swatted at him with an umbrella—Rex weakly raising his forearm to defend himself. They took that as a cue to call the cops. Nearby squad cars pulled up, offering visual confirmation for a couple of mecha to enter the scene, flashing red and blue lights over snow-white hulls adorned by black markings for the unit number and factory code.

          “It’s going to be okay now, everyone!” exclaimed the spandex-clad Enforcer from earlier, who finally arrived on the scene, waving his phone. “The situation has become so dire, even the Mantle honor guardsman Errol and I are working together! With those police robos, we’re gonna show this intergalactic knucklehead a true taste of humanity! Who’s with me?!”

          The crowd started to cheer. The only thing Rex could liken it to was having a knife jammed into his side, phased in and digging into him at the molecular level.

He had to leave now.

          But on his way out, as he spun on his heels, he waved one hand—throwing a burst of small lights into the air the same way that fighter jets released a chaff to throw off enemy radar. The police robos’ targeting gear was thrown off, and Rex kicked backwards into a run. He saw the smirking face of the Enforcer, and swung his arm forward in a lariat to knock him down, Rex crouching slightly next to him.

          For a moment, Rex crouched down and held him by some of the bodysuit’s cloth, over the collar. But rather than following it up with another attack, he realized he had to escape now and recover from the damage he’d suffered just moments ago. The ache of those injuries was starting to kick in, catching up with the brazen, bitter fighter. And instead, Rex used his crouched position to spring up over the city skyline in a great leap. Soaring away from there in flight before he could be hunted again, while he was on the verge of physical and mental burnout.

          Errol arrived not long after. But instead of giving chase, he accompanied his emperor, pretending to console the lesser giant. Taking the time to reassure everyone in the square that it was going to be alright, even going as far as to help the downed Enforcer back up to his feet to shake hands. If with a subtly crushing grip.

          “H-Hey, what was that for?!” whispered the Enforcer.

          “Get out of my sight. Tell Kodiakop, Shootsuit, and all the rest to rein in Prizefighter Shine, or whatever you’re calling that space trash now.”

          The Enforcer affiliate gulped, before promising the crowd he would make this a top priority with the rest of his supergroup, with all its celebrities and premiere government agents.

X

          Kelpsiphon could feel the boost from Errol wearing off. He felt sick to his stomach—not just for that, nor simply for the damage he’d taken. But because he’d opted to run away. His first instinct hadn’t been strictly to save Iggy Neos, but simply to escape the oncoming tide of death. It was not a selfish thing to want to live. But in this world of superpowered aristocracy, it was, and would continue to be reviled.

          “Kelpsiphon…”

          Kelpsiphon found a spot under a tree, setting Iggy Neos up to sit against it. They had to rest for as long as they could. The next stretch was going to be searching for food and shelter.

          “Where are we, Kelpsiphon?”

          “I don’t know, Iggy Neos. But I’ll keep going. I’ll carry the both of us forward. Until we find the things we dreamed of.”

          Iggy Neos tried to get up. But Kelpsiphon forced him to sit down.

          “No… just take what’s left of my minerals. Gather vitamins from the fruit growing in this land. Go on.”

          Kelpsiphon shook his head.

          “You keep yourself together, damn you! I’ll find something. I swear.”

          The bionic aquatic searched, bringing back berries and nuts, and sharing them with Iggy Neos, despite any protests. He even went as far as to gather wood for a fire.

          “Someone might spot us.”

          “I’ll put it out in a few more minutes. After we feel nice and toasty! That’s how we know we’re still alive, general.”

          Iggy Neos scoffed at being called a general again. He was just a sack of withered old rocks, now more than ever.

          “I know we’re alive… by another mark.” said Iggy Neos.

          “Ehh?? Whaddya mean by that?”

          Iggy Neos looked to the stars in the night sky.

          “They tried to starve you, rob you of your dignity the same way they maligned their own surface world protector. And yet you saved me, he stayed and fought. Your wills press forward into the future.”

          Kelpsiphon didn’t know what to say to that. In the end, he looked up to the stars as well. And they hoped that wherever he was, Rex could know some brief respite. So that he would be rejuvenated enough to fight on once again. To find and warm the hearts of yet more kindred spirits. Even as the world wore them all down. They had to believe in that, do what they could to make something kinder come about.

          Don’t give in, Rex!!

SO LONG FOR NOW.

[shaadidukaanwedding]

Top Wedding Planner in Nagpur for Your Dream Celebration

A wedding is more than just a ceremony — it’s the beginning of a lifelong journey. In a city like Nagpur, where tradition blends seamlessly with modern flair, planning a wedding is no small feat. From intricate Maharashtrian customs to glamorous sangeet nights, every detail must be perfect. That’s where the role of a top wedding planner in Nagpur becomes essential.

Why Hire a Wedding Planner in Nagpur?

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming. Between managing guest lists, selecting venues, coordinating with vendors, and sticking to a budget, couples and their families often find themselves stressed and exhausted. A wedding planner in Nagpur takes the burden off your shoulders, ensuring every detail is meticulously managed. Their expertise, local contacts, and creative vision can turn your dream wedding into a stunning reality.

What Makes the Best Wedding Planner in Nagpur Stand Out?

Nagpur’s top wedding planners don’t just organize events — they create experiences. Here are some qualities that set the best wedding planners in Nagpur apart:

Local Expertise: Knowing the best venues, caterers, decorators, and makeup artists in the city gives planners an edge. Whether it’s a palace-style wedding or a chic garden ceremony, they know where to go and who to contact.

Creative Vision: They have the creativity to transform any space into something magical — whether it’s a rustic-themed wedding, royal grandeur, or minimalist elegance.

Budget Management: A top wedding planner in Nagpur can work magic within your budget. They know how to allocate funds efficiently without compromising on quality or aesthetics.

Stress-Free Execution: From the mehndi to the bidai, they manage every ceremony smoothly so the couple and their families can enjoy the moments.

Affordable Wedding Planners in Nagpur – Dream Weddings Within Budget

Not every couple wants or can afford a lavish multi-crore affair. That’s why affordable wedding planners in Nagpur are becoming increasingly popular. These professionals believe that elegance doesn’t always have to come with an expensive price tag. They provide:

Customized Packages: Based on your guest count, rituals, preferences, and budget, they tailor services to match your vision.

Vendor Negotiation: They negotiate deals with trusted vendors to ensure you get the best rates.

Budget Tracking: They keep you updated on expenses and help avoid unnecessary overspending.

Whether it’s a 200-guest wedding at a luxurious venue or an intimate 50-guest event at home, an affordable planner ensures that every element reflects your style and values.

Services Offered by Wedding Planners in Nagpur

A comprehensive wedding planner in Nagpur typically offers end-to-end solutions. Here’s what you can expect:

Venue Selection: From 5-star hotels and lavish lawns to heritage venues and banquet halls, they help you choose the perfect location.

Theme and Decor Planning: Floral arrangements, lighting, mandap design, entrance setups — they handle it all according to your selected theme.

Vendor Management: Coordination with caterers, decorators, photographers, choreographers, and more.

Invitation Design & Guest Management: Customized wedding invites, RSVP handling, guest welcome kits, and transportation logistics.

Entertainment: Live music, DJs, celebrity appearances, and cultural performances.

Photography & Videography: Capturing moments that last a lifetime, with pre-wedding shoots, cinematic videos, and candid photography.

Wedding Day Coordination: They ensure everything runs on schedule and handle any last-minute hiccups with grace.

Trends That Top Wedding Planners in Nagpur Are Embracing

Modern weddings are evolving, and Nagpur’s wedding planners are quick to adopt the latest trends:

Eco-Friendly Weddings: Sustainable decor, zero-waste catering, and digital invites.

Destination-Inspired Themes: Bringing the vibe of Rajasthan or Goa into a Nagpur venue with smart decor and styling.

Fusion Weddings: Blending different cultural elements into the ceremonies for inter-faith or inter-state couples.

Minimalist Ceremonies: For couples who prefer elegant simplicity over extravagance.

These trends are not just aesthetic choices — they reflect changing values, from environmental consciousness to personalization.

Choosing the Right Wedding Planner in Nagpur

With so many options, how do you select the right wedding planner for your big day? Here are some tips:

Check Their Portfolio: Look at their past weddings to see if their style matches yours.

Ask for References: A reliable planner will be happy to connect you with past clients.

Discuss Budgets Openly: A good planner respects financial limits and finds creative solutions to stay within them.

Schedule a Consultation: Chemistry matters. You’ll be spending a lot of time with your planner, so make sure you feel comfortable and heard.

Real Weddings in Nagpur – Inspiration All Around

Nagpur has hosted some truly unforgettable weddings. From royal weddings held at lush resorts on the outskirts of the city to intimate indoor events that focused on rituals and family, the diversity is endless. Local wedding planners have mastered the art of turning these unique visions into reality, all while keeping the soul of the celebration alive.

Couples across the region are now looking at Nagpur not just as a convenient location but as a vibrant, cost-effective, and culturally rich destination to tie the knot.

Conclusion :

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. It should be as joyful, beautiful, and memorable as you’ve always imagined. Whether you’re looking for a top wedding planner in Nagpur to craft a luxury event, the best wedding planner in Nagpur for flawless execution, or an affordable wedding planner in Nagpur to plan a charming celebration without breaking the bank — there’s a perfect planner out there for you.

In a city like Nagpur, where tradition, elegance, and modern trends meet, your dream wedding is just a planner away. Let the professionals handle the stress while you soak in every magical moment.

[pioneereventshq]

💍 Top FAQs for Your Vancouver Wedding: What Every Couple Needs to Know

Planning a wedding in Vancouver? With breathtaking venues, diverse cultures, and top-tier vendors, this coastal city offers everything you need for a picture-perfect celebration. But whether you’re hosting a small garden wedding or a grand Punjabi affair, questions are bound to pop up.

We’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions by Vancouver brides and grooms, and answered them with expert insights — plus some helpful links to get your planning started right.

1. When is the best time of year to have a wedding in Vancouver?

Vancouver is beautiful year-round, but May to September is typically considered wedding season. These months offer the best weather for outdoor ceremonies and waterfront receptions. However, indoor weddings in winter can be magical too — and often come with better venue availability and pricing.

🌿 If you're planning a summer event and looking for decor rentals, check out Pioneer Event Sales — they offer everything from backdrops to LED lighting for every season.

2. What type of wedding venues are popular in Vancouver?

Vancouver offers a wide range of venues to suit every style and budget:

Outdoor venues: Botanical gardens, parks, and beaches like Stanley Park or Queen Elizabeth Park.

Indoor venues: Banquet halls, cultural centres, heritage buildings, and modern lofts.

Waterfront options: Marinas, yacht clubs, and venues with views of the Pacific Ocean or mountains.

💡 Pro tip: Book your venue at least 12–18 months in advance, especially for summer weekends.

3. How much does a wedding in Vancouver typically cost?

Weddings in Vancouver can range widely depending on the size, location, and preferences. Here's a basic breakdown:

Small weddings (under 50 guests): $10,000 – $20,000

Mid-sized weddings (100–150 guests): $25,000 – $50,000

Large weddings (200+ guests or multi-day): $60,000 and up

To manage your budget smartly, consider renting decor and floral arrangements instead of buying. Pioneer Event Sales offers a wide variety of centerpieces, sofas, and backdrops at wholesale pricing — perfect for upscale looks without the splurge.

4. What are the best wedding decor themes trending in Vancouver?

While wedding styles vary greatly by culture, the following themes are trending across the Vancouver wedding scene:

Rose Gold Elegance: A favorite among modern brides. Think soft florals, shimmer details, and warm candlelight. (See more on rose gold decor here)

Minimalist Modern: Clean lines, neutral palettes, and lots of greenery.

Traditional Indian: Bright colours, floral garlands, and grand mandaps or backdrops.

Rustic-Chic: Wood, lace, fairy lights, and romantic barn-style venues.

Want to explore decor ideas in person? Visit Pioneer Event Sales in Surrey — their showroom has hundreds of options to match any aesthetic.

5. Do I need a wedding planner in Vancouver?

While not mandatory, a wedding planner can ease the process significantly. They help with:

Vendor coordination

Decor and layout planning

Day-of management

Budgeting

For smaller weddings or DIY couples, you can still plan beautifully on your own. But having professionals like florists, decorators, and rental vendors you trust is key.

6. Where can I find affordable but high-quality decor in the Lower Mainland?

Right here: Pioneer Event Sales in Surrey! They’re one of the largest wedding and event decor wholesalers in the Vancouver region. Their offerings include:

Custom floral arrangements (with permanent botanicals)

Wedding backdrops, stage decor, and mandaps

Sofas, tables, linens, and LED lighting

Centerpieces, aisle decor, and candelabras

They also offer in-store support to help you design the look you want — without hiring a decorator.

7. What permits or licenses do I need for a Vancouver wedding?

It depends on your venue and type of event:

Marriage license: Must be obtained in BC; valid for 3 months.

Park permits: Required for weddings in public parks or beaches.

Noise or alcohol permits: May be needed for large events or outdoor receptions.

Always confirm requirements with your venue and city regulations early in the planning process.

💡 Final Thoughts

Vancouver is an incredible place to get married, with stunning views, multicultural energy, and endless creative options. But good planning — and good answers to your questions — makes all the difference.

Whether you’re searching for budget-friendly decor, custom floral designs, or simply advice from experienced pros, Pioneer Event Sales is here to help.

📍 Visit Pioneer Event Sales:

7935 130th Street, Surrey, BC 🕙 Mon–Sat | 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM 📞 Text for info: +1 (672) 966-0888 🌐 PioneerEventsHQ.com

[chateaueventhall]

Make Your Dream Wedding a Reality at The Chateau Wedding Venue in Philadelphia

When it comes to planning the perfect wedding, the venue sets the tone for your entire celebration. From the moment your guests walk in, the space should reflect elegance, romance, and your unique style as a couple. That’s why so many couples in Philadelphia and across the USA are choosing The Chateau Wedding Venue at Chateau Event Hall — a timeless and stunning location that makes dream weddings come to life.

Located in the heart of Philadelphia, PA 19124, Chateau Event Hall offers an unforgettable experience with its luxurious interiors, modern amenities, and versatile event space. Whether you’re planning a grand reception or an intimate ceremony, The Chateau Wedding Venue delivers sophistication and charm in every detail.

Why The Chateau Wedding Venue is Perfect for Your Special Day

The search for the ideal wedding venue can feel overwhelming, but The Chateau Wedding Venue stands out for all the right reasons. Here’s what makes it a premier choice for couples across the USA:

1. Elegant and Spacious Interior

Step into a world of timeless elegance. With soaring ceilings, dazzling chandeliers, and elegant décor, The Chateau Wedding Venue is designed to impress. The venue comfortably accommodates both large weddings and smaller gatherings, giving you the flexibility to create your ideal setup.

2. All-Inclusive Wedding Packages

Planning a wedding involves many moving parts, which is why Chateau Event Hall offers all-inclusive packages tailored to your needs. From tables and chairs to lighting and sound systems, you’ll find everything you need in one convenient location — saving you time and stress.

3. Modern Amenities for a Seamless Event

From ample parking and climate-controlled interiors to state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, The Chateau Wedding Venue is built to host events smoothly and stylishly. Every corner is crafted with the comfort of your guests and the success of your event in mind.

4. Convenient Location in Philadelphia

Easily accessible from surrounding neighborhoods and major highways, Chateau Event Hall is conveniently located in Philadelphia, PA 19124. Whether your guests are local or flying in from across the country, the location is easy to find and well-connected to accommodations and transportation.

What’s Trending in Wedding Venues in 2025?

As wedding trends continue to evolve, couples in 2025 are prioritizing venues that offer not just beauty, but versatility and efficiency. Here’s why The Chateau Wedding Venue is ahead of the trend:

Instagram-worthy aesthetics: With its glamorous interiors, every moment is picture-perfect.

Multi-use event space: Host your ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all in one place.

Flexible vendor policies: Customize your celebration with your choice of caterers, florists, and DJs.

Eco-conscious events: Sustainable and green weddings are in — Chateau Event Hall supports mindful celebrations.

How to Personalize Your Wedding at The Chateau Wedding Venue

No two weddings are the same, and at Chateau Event Hall, the focus is on customizing the experience to match your vision.

💐 Décor Options

Work with the team to create a design that fits your theme — whether you dream of a romantic garden-inspired setup or a sleek, modern affair.

🍽️ Custom Catering Setup

The venue allows you to bring in your preferred catering team, offering full kitchen access and staging areas for seamless food service.

🎶 Entertainment-Friendly Layout

With its wide-open floor plan and dance-ready flooring, The Chateau Wedding Venue is perfect for live bands, DJs, or acoustic musicians.

Testimonials from Couples Who Chose The Chateau Wedding Venue

“We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The team at Chateau Event Hall made our day absolutely perfect. The venue is stunning and very guest-friendly.”  — Sarah & Jordan, Philadelphia, PA

“The layout, lighting, and atmosphere made our photos look like they were out of a magazine. Highly recommend The Chateau Wedding Venue to anyone planning their big day!”  — Marcus & Eliza, Cherry Hill, NJ

The Booking Process: Simple, Transparent, and Supportive

Booking The Chateau Wedding Venue is a streamlined process. Here’s what you can expect:

Schedule a Tour — Visit the venue in Philadelphia, PA 19124 and explore the space in person.

Consultation — Speak with experienced event coordinators about your wedding details and preferences.

Customize Your Package — Choose from available packages and add custom touches that make your day special.

Book Your Date — Lock in your preferred date with a flexible deposit plan.

With helpful staff guiding you through every step, planning your wedding becomes a joyful and stress-free experience.

Why Choose Chateau Event Hall?

There are countless wedding venues out there, but Chateau Event Hall consistently stands out for its commitment to quality, style, and service. Here’s why couples across the USA choose The Chateau Wedding Venue:

✅ Versatile Event Space  ✅ Affordable Packages  ✅ Central Philadelphia Location  ✅ Modern Amenities & Classic Charm  ✅ Dedicated Event Planning Support

With a growing reputation for excellence, Chateau Event Hall has become a trusted name in Philadelphia’s wedding and event scene.

Final Thoughts: Your Fairytale Starts Here

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and the right venue makes all the difference. At The Chateau Event Hall wedding venue, you’ll find a blend of timeless elegance, customizable features, and a welcoming team ready to make your vision a reality.

Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Chateau Event Hall offers everything you need to create lasting memories. Conveniently located in Philadelphia, PA 19124, and trusted by couples across the USA, this venue is truly where dream weddings begin.

Explore packages and book your tour today at ChateauEventHall.com.

[saifawaisi3211]

Wedding Venue in Bangalore: Why Jade Hospitainment is Redefining Luxury Celebrations

Planning a wedding in the vibrant city of Bangalore? If you're seeking elegance, sophistication, and a venue that goes far beyond the ordinary, Jade Hospitainment offers the ultimate luxury wedding destination. Known for its opulent villas, tranquil retreats, and world-class service, Jade is redefining what it means to host a high-end wedding venue in Bangalore.

In this post, we’ll explore why Jade Hospitainment stands out from the rest, focusing on themes like design innovation, immersive experiences, sustainability, and the growing trend of destination-style weddings within the city.

The Rise of Experiential Weddings in Bangalore

Gone are the days of banquet halls and cookie-cutter venues. Today’s couples want more: ambiance, emotion, and authenticity. Jade Hospitainment is leading this movement in Bangalore by curating experiential weddings that tell a story.

Whether it’s a bohemian sunset wedding at Magnolia, an architectural fairytale at Dome Villas, or a royal extravaganza at Diamonds Pavilion, Jade ensures that every couple gets a venue that aligns with their personality and vision.

This shift toward experiences over scale is what makes Jade the leading wedding venue in Bangalore for modern, luxury-seeking couples.

Unique Themes & Signature Style

Each Jade property is like a blank canvas, offering the freedom to execute unique themes without compromising on elegance. Want a forest-themed mehendi function? Magnolia’s outdoor lawns are ideal. Planning a celestial-themed reception? Dome Villas’ cosmic architecture and lighting will elevate your concept.

The versatility of Jade’s spaces enables clients to break away from tradition and host weddings that feel personal, imaginative, and luxurious.

Indoor + Outdoor Fusion Spaces

Bangalore’s pleasant weather makes it a hotspot for outdoor weddings. Jade Hospitainment offers the perfect blend of indoor and open-air spaces, allowing ceremonies to flow seamlessly from traditional mandaps to cocktail-ready courtyards and after-party lounges.

This flexibility gives you multiple zones to host each wedding ritual in a distinct ambiance—an advantage few other wedding venues in Bangalore can match.

Architectural Brilliance

What sets Jade apart is its attention to architectural detail. These aren’t just properties—they’re masterpieces of design. For example:

Dome Villas integrates futuristic domes with natural elements, creating a surreal ambiance.

Diamonds Pavilion boasts regal symmetry, Roman-style colonnades, and heritage-inspired interiors.

The Haven emphasizes sustainability, offering a rustic-luxe style with bamboo, wood, and greenery.

These elements not only wow guests but also make every photograph frame-worthy. The architecture becomes a part of your celebration—and your love story.

Stress-Free Planning with In-House Coordination

One major reason Jade is the preferred wedding venue in Bangalore is its white-glove coordination support. The in-house events team works closely with the couple, their families, and vendors to bring their wedding dream to life, covering:

Timeline and event sequencing

Vendor coordination (catering, lights, décor, music)

Hospitality services for guests

Backup arrangements for weather

On-the-day management

This all-inclusive approach ensures you can focus on celebrating, not managing chaos.

Sustainability and Conscious Celebrations

As more couples seek meaningful, environmentally conscious weddings, Jade Hospitainment steps up with eco-friendly solutions:

Use of biodegradable décor

Water-efficient landscaping

Solar-powered lighting at select properties

Partnerships with sustainable vendors

Venues like The Haven lead this initiative, offering a serene, nature-connected environment that promotes mindful celebrations. For couples who want their love to reflect their values, this makes Jade the most sustainable wedding venue in Bangalore.

Multi-Day Wedding Stays

Weddings aren’t just one-day affairs anymore—they're weekend-long celebrations. Jade’s luxurious accommodations allow families and guests to stay on-site in comfort, creating a destination wedding vibe within the city.

With private villas, modern suites, landscaped pools, and gourmet dining options, each stay becomes a vacation in itself. It’s one more reason why Jade isn’t just a venue—it’s a wedding retreat in Bangalore.

For Intimate Weddings & Grand Gatherings

Whether you're planning a cozy gathering of 30 people or a grand wedding with 300 guests, Jade offers venues that scale beautifully. You won’t have to compromise on design or intimacy regardless of the guest list.

This adaptability is a major advantage when choosing a wedding venue in Bangalore, especially in a post-pandemic world where micro-weddings and curated guest experiences are on the rise.

Seamless Tech & Entertainment Support

From LED dance floors to intelligent lighting and 3D mapping, Jade properties are tech-ready. The team also offers assistance with live streaming, professional sound systems, and DJ setups for both Indian and fusion weddings.

So, whether it's a traditional nadaswaram or a beach-style DJ night, your wedding venue in Bangalore is fully equipped for every kind of celebration.

A Guest Experience Like No Other

For Jade Hospitainment, the guest journey is as important as the couple’s. Everything from welcome drinks to curated gift hampers, valet services, and late-night snack bars is designed to impress.

This attention to hospitality has earned Jade rave reviews as the most guest-friendly wedding venue in Bangalore, especially among NRIs and destination wedding clients.

Conclusion: Celebrate With Jade Hospitainment

If you're looking for a wedding venue in Bangalore that combines luxury, soul, and sophistication, Jade Hospitainment should be your first choice. With venues like Magnolia, Diamonds Pavilion, Dome Villas, and The Haven, Jade offers more than just event spaces—it offers an entire experience crafted around love, elegance, and unforgettable moments.

Every couple deserves a magical beginning. Let yours start with Jade Hospitainment.

📍Schedule Your Private Venue Tour Today

Explore Bangalore’s most exclusive wedding destinations. Visit www.jadehospitainment.com to book your consultation or schedule a private walkthrough of the properties.

[thoughtfullyraggedpsion]

Future-Proof Sourcing: 2024 Insights into Procurement’s Strategic Evolution

From increased adoption of intelligent automation and sustainability frameworks to supplier collaboration, risk mitigation, and advanced analytics, the year 2024 marks a turning point. Procurement is now a key contributor to resilience, ESG performance, and enterprise innovation. Businessinfopro's annual report synthesizes insights from global procurement leaders, industry analysts, and enterprise data to identify the core themes shaping procurement transformation in 2024.

1. From Cost Control to Strategic Value Creation

The traditional perception of procurement as a cost-control function has officially become obsolete. In 2024, organizations are shifting their lens to evaluate procurement not only in terms of savings and compliance but also on its ability to drive innovation, sustainability, and customer value.

High-performing procurement teams are focused on total value beyond price, including supplier innovation, speed to market, operational flexibility, and risk-adjusted decision-making. The most mature procurement organizations now report directly into the C-suite, often with a Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) sitting at the executive table and influencing strategic planning.

Procurement KPIs are evolving accordingly—moving from price variances and PO cycle times to value-oriented metrics such as supply resilience index, supplier-enabled innovation, ESG scorecards, and contribution to EBITDA.

2. Technology and AI: The Core of Modern Procurement

In 2024, digital maturity has become the differentiator between reactive procurement and predictive, proactive sourcing. Organizations are investing aggressively in procurement digitization, with a specific focus on intelligent platforms that integrate Source-to-Pay (S2P) processes.

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are enabling procurement teams to analyze massive volumes of spend, supplier, and market data in real-time. Use cases include:

Predictive spend forecasting based on demand, seasonality, and macroeconomic indicators.

Automated risk scoring of suppliers using external data (e.g., news feeds, sanctions lists).

Contract intelligence tools that extract obligations, terms, and risks using NLP.

Autonomous sourcing agents that recommend optimal suppliers based on historical performance and ESG benchmarks.

Additionally, AI chatbots and virtual assistants are now helping procurement professionals automate RFP responses, supplier onboarding, and compliance monitoring. In many organizations, more than 40% of tactical procurement tasks have already been automated—freeing up teams to focus on category strategy and supplier collaboration.

3. Risk and Resilience Dominate the Procurement Agenda

Following years of turbulence—including COVID-19, semiconductor shortages, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and ongoing trade tensions—risk management has taken center stage. The 2024 report highlights that 76% of procurement leaders consider supply risk to be the top issue in the coming 12 months.

Organizations are moving from reactive risk responses to building structural resilience through multi-tier visibility, supplier diversification, and nearshoring strategies. Procurement teams are investing in:

Supplier risk monitoring platforms that track financial health, geopolitical exposure, and ESG violations.

Digital twins of supply chains, enabling scenario modeling and real-time disruption response.

Collaborative supplier relationships that go beyond transactional contracts and emphasize joint business continuity planning.

Vendor consolidation is also on the decline, with companies embracing multisourcing models to reduce dependency and create flexibility. Meanwhile, regulatory and ESG risks are becoming board-level concerns, especially in industries exposed to Scope 3 emissions and human rights compliance.

4. ESG and Responsible Sourcing Gain Executive Priority

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) objectives have become procurement imperatives, not optional enhancements. The 2024 report finds that over 68% of global enterprises have embedded ESG metrics into their supplier evaluation criteria.

Procurement is on the front lines of sustainable transformation—managing upstream emissions, ethical sourcing practices, and supplier diversity programs. Leading organizations are implementing:

Carbon tracking at the supplier level, integrated into spend analytics tools.

Circular procurement strategies that prioritize repairability, reuse, and recycling.

Incentivized ESG compliance, with preferential treatment for suppliers that meet performance benchmarks.

Digital platforms that can integrate ESG scoring into supplier selection and contract lifecycle management are now considered essential. Additionally, procurement teams are leveraging data from third-party rating agencies to triangulate and validate supplier ESG claims.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) also play a pivotal role, with supplier diversity programs being institutionalized across industries. These programs are not only driving social impact but are helping unlock innovation and local market access through SME and minority-owned partnerships.

5. Talent and Capability Gaps Challenge Future-Ready Procurement

Despite technological progress, talent remains a critical bottleneck for procurement transformation. The skills required today—data literacy, supplier collaboration, risk strategy, ESG acumen—are not easily found in traditional procurement pipelines. The 2024 State of Procurement Report identifies talent development and upskilling as the second biggest priority for CPOs globally.

Top organizations are taking action by:

Establishing procurement academies focused on digital fluency and category innovation.

Hiring cross-functional talent from finance, analytics, and sustainability backgrounds.

Partnering with tech vendors and academic institutions to design custom learning paths.

Encouraging agile team structures and remote collaboration for increased workforce flexibility.

Retention remains a challenge as the war for procurement talent intensifies. Companies are responding by redefining procurement career paths, promoting internal mobility, and creating incentives tied to innovation and ESG outcomes.

Meanwhile, Gen Z and millennial professionals are gravitating toward purpose-driven roles. Procurement's increasing relevance to climate action, ethical trade, and social equity is helping position it as a more attractive career destination than ever before.

The Road Ahead

The 2024 State of Procurement Report underscores a defining shift in how organizations source, negotiate, manage suppliers, and measure value. Procurement is no longer just about buying better—it’s about building smarter, more resilient, and more responsible supply ecosystems that power enterprise growth and innovation.

Read Full Article : https://businessinfopro.com/2024-state-of-procurement-report/

Visit Now: https://businessinfopro.com/

[tathastuentertainment]

Royal Wedding Vibes: Luxury Marriage Event Management Services

Planning a royal-style wedding is a dream for many couples. The grandeur, the elegance, the attention to detail—everything must be perfect. Luxury marriage event management services are designed to transform this dream into reality, blending opulence with precision to create unforgettable celebrations. From regal themes to lavish décor and seamless coordination, professional event managers handle every aspect with style, sophistication, and expertise.

What is Luxury Marriage Event Management?

Luxury marriage event management goes beyond basic wedding planning. It involves a curated experience with high-end services, personalized themes, designer décor, celebrity-style entertainment, and exclusive venues. It’s about creating a once-in-a-lifetime event that reflects your taste, culture, and personality with royal finesse.

Event managers offering luxury services handle every detail—from the save-the-date cards to the final farewell of guests. Their goal is to make the event memorable, flawless, and worthy of admiration for years to come.

Key Features of Royal Wedding Vibes

Here’s what you can expect from a luxury marriage event management company:

1. Venue Selection with a Royal Touch

Luxury weddings begin with the perfect venue. Whether it’s a royal palace, a 5-star resort, or a heritage fort, marriage event managers help you choose the ideal setting. They consider ambiance, capacity, location, and theme compatibility to ensure your venue aligns with your vision.

2. Exquisite Décor & Theme Design

One of the most impressive aspects of a royal wedding is its décor. Event managers create majestic themes—floral gardens, Mughal-style pavilions, or Victorian elegance. From chandeliers to imported blooms and draped fabrics, every element is designed to reflect royalty.

3. Customized Catering & Premium Dining Experience

Luxury weddings focus on delighting guests with gourmet experiences. Event managers coordinate with top chefs and caterers to offer multi-cuisine spreads, live cooking stations, and thematic food presentations. The dining setup itself is adorned with golden tableware, crystal glasses, and candle-lit ambiance.

4. Designer Outfits and Styling

Some luxury marriage planners collaborate with fashion designers and stylists to help couples select their outfits, jewelry, and accessories. From lehengas with real zari work to custom sherwanis and royal headpieces, every element is planned for a majestic appearance.

5. High-End Entertainment & Celebrity Performers

Entertainment is a key part of a royal wedding vibe. Luxury event management companies can arrange live bands, international artists, Sufi nights, or even Bollywood celebrity appearances. Sound, lighting, and stage design are coordinated to provide a show-stopping experience.

6. Personalized Wedding Invites and Gifting

Wedding invitations are customized using embossed printing, silk boxes, and hand-delivered messages. Guest gifting includes luxury hampers, branded items, or local artisan crafts packaged in exquisite wrapping to make every attendee feel royal.

7. Seamless Logistics and Hospitality

Managing guest logistics in style is another hallmark. Event managers provide 24x7 concierge services, luxury transport, welcome kits, and personalized room hampers. Travel arrangements, room bookings, and local experiences are managed smoothly to ensure guest comfort.

Why Choose Luxury Marriage Event Management Services?

Choosing luxury wedding event planners means stress-free, high-quality execution of your special day. Here’s why:

Expertise and Experience: Years of industry experience helps planners anticipate needs, manage challenges, and execute perfection.

Time-Saving: From negotiations to vendor coordination, everything is handled by professionals, saving you time and effort.

Access to Premium Vendors: Luxury planners have a strong network of exclusive vendors, designers, caterers, and decorators.

Tailored Solutions: Every couple is unique, and luxury planners offer fully customized experiences that reflect individual tastes.

Wow Factor: From helicopter entries to fireworks over a lakeside fort, planners know how to make your event truly extraordinary.

How to Select the Right Luxury Event Management Team?

Here are a few tips when hiring a luxury marriage event management company:

Check Portfolios: Review past events, themes, and scale of work.

Understand Services Offered: Make sure they offer end-to-end solutions including planning, logistics, and on-ground support.

Discuss Budget Transparently: Luxury doesn’t mean unlimited—talk openly about budgets to avoid surprises.

Ask for Client Testimonials: Real feedback from previous clients gives insight into professionalism and execution.

Meet the Team: Chemistry matters. Meet the planners to ensure they understand your vision and are easy to work with.

Conclusion

Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and it deserves to be nothing less than royal. With the support of luxury marriage event management services, you can focus on the joy of the moment while the professionals craft a celebration filled with elegance, grandeur, and unforgettable experiences.

From regal venues and lavish décor to designer outfits and celebrity entertainment, every detail is curated with love and precision. Embrace the royal wedding vibes and turn your dream day into a luxurious reality with expert event management.

[designlab12]

Why You Should Hire Interior Design Services in Bangalore

With Bangalore’s fast-paced lifestyle, shrinking apartment spaces, and evolving home aesthetics, creating a functional and beautiful home can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly where professional interior design services in Bangalore come in. Whether you're moving into a new apartment, renovating your villa, or simply updating a single room, hiring an expert ensures that every square foot of your home is optimized for both style and practicality. In this blog, we’ll explore why choosing the best interior design in Bangalore is one of the smartest decisions for modern homeowners.

1. Maximize Every Inch of Your Space

In a city like Bangalore where compact apartments are common, effective space planning is crucial. Professional designers specialize in:

Smart storage solutions

Multi-functional furniture

Customized layouts that enhance flow

Hiring a pro in interior design in Bangalore helps you get the most from your space, especially when floor area is limited.

2. Save Time, Stress, and Cost

Interior design is more than picking colors or buying furniture. It involves planning, sourcing materials, coordinating vendors, and managing timelines. By hiring professionals:

You get expert project management

They handle vendor coordination and procurement

You avoid costly mistakes and rework

The best interior design in Bangalore providers often have pre-negotiated deals with suppliers, helping you save on materials and furnishings.

3. Access to Creativity and Experience

Interior designers bring years of expertise and a trained eye for detail. They can:

Suggest innovative layouts and solutions

Personalize your home according to your lifestyle

Introduce you to current trends that suit your budget

With interior design in Bangalore constantly evolving, a designer can help you stay ahead with modern, timeless, or even fusion-style designs.

4. Customization that Reflects Your Personality

A well-designed home should reflect you—your tastes, routines, and dreams. Designers collaborate with you to:

Understand your needs and preferences

Design bespoke furniture or layouts

Create unique themes that feel truly personal

This level of customization is why many homeowners opt for the best interior design in Bangalore rather than DIY or cookie-cutter solutions.

5. End-to-End Solutions for Apartments and Villas

Today’s interior design services go beyond just layouts and color schemes. They include:

3D visualizations and virtual walkthroughs

Civil and carpentry work

Electrical, plumbing, and false ceiling designs

Soft furnishings and decor styling

Whether it’s a 1BHK or a sprawling villa, top firms offering interior design in Bangalore provide comprehensive services under one roof.

Conclusion

Hiring interior design services in Bangalore is no longer a luxury—it’s a smart, strategic choice. From maximizing space to reflecting your personal style, professional designers help bring structure, creativity, and efficiency to your home project. Whether you're building from scratch or upgrading your current setup, the best interior design in Bangalore ensures your space is both stunning and practical. Don’t just decorate—design smartly, and let the experts bring your vision to life.