#sandal wood oil price

[going-to-ikea-for-the-fries]

141 Headcanons: On Holiday

John Price is 100% a dad type. He likes golfing and fishing and sailing. Activities that let him unwind, sometimes make new friends in the shape of other middle-aged men at the country club or at the docks or at the lake. Rents a little cabin by the lake, where you can take a soak or sunbathe, while he goes out with his little fishing boat and try (and fail) to catch something nice for dinner.

Johnny MacTavish is an adventurous type. He likes hiking and camping, stuff that lets him stay busy, and will definitely explore some forest or national park or mountain range. But he also likes fun activities. Music festivals, for example. He'll definitely book you all-inclusive 3-day-long tickets even though there's only one or two artists/bands you want to see, just so you can have that experience and have fun together.

Kyle Garrick is a family lad. His family is big and loving and they book a little trip every year somewhere fun. It might be a new destination, or it might be somewhere they've been before, or maybe somewhere to visit family. But he loves bringing his love along, go do all the touristy things, see all the landmarks, take loads of pictures, try new restaurants and new food, and do cultural things like reading all the plaques on statues and fountains and monuments.

Simon Riley likes peace and quiet. That's the jist of it. Needs it, in fact. So, prepare to rent a little historical cottage in the Cotswold, or maybe a beach condo, or a cabin in the woods. Doesn't matter, what matters it's that it's fairly isolated, with no neighbors to really bother him. He can sleep in late, with no one to force him to do things he doesn't want to do, no schedule to uphold, no people to answer to. He'll roll out of bed at noon, make himself tea and go sit outside and feell the breeze on his skin for once.

Crack headcanons: Beach Day Episode™️

John Price tends to burn, instead of tan, surprisingly. Probably because his uniforms tend to cover him from neck to toes, leaving only his hands and face showing... And if you'd expect his face to be immune to burning, you'd be wrong. Especially because he's terrible at applying sunblock. By the time you notice, his cheeks, nose and forehead are red, and there are white lines around his muttonchops/beard where the sunblock didn't absorb... so he just looks ridiculous.

Johnny MacTavish likes to say he's not English/British... until he goes on holiday to southern Europe and he's suddenly the perfect example of the stereotypical English tourist. Football jersey, denim shorts, socks and slides/sandals, his entire skin is burned to a crisp and red, and, of course, he's wearing the most stupid-looking sunglasses you'll ever see... And then he gets to the beach, takes off his shorts and he's wearing a red speedo.

Kyle Garrick is 100% the type to disappear off his towel while you're sunbathing and, by the time you notice, he's in a completely different side of the beach playing beach paddle ball, beach volleyball or beach football with a group of other blokes or even with little kids. And he does all this while wearing his little cap (but backwards) and while absolutely covered in tanning oil. Does he need it? No. But he likes the feel of it.

Simon Riley would not be caught dead in swimming trunks or a speedo. The man needs full coverage. He's in a wet/surf suit and wearing a facekini WITH his stupid dad sunglasses and, maybe even, a visor. He gets fidgety if he has to sit in his towel for too long so he's also the type who'll go for a walk out of nowhere, down the beach, and, eventually, cross paths with an Asian grandma who's wearing the same exact outfit as him.

[talesofedo]

Image and text from this page.

Throughout the Edo Period, Japan was largely closed off from the rest of the world, relying solely on its limited domestic resources. As a result of this, reuse and recycling were a natural part of life with almost all daily items experiencing multiple life cycles. At the forefront of this 250-year period of sustainability were professions that centered around repairing and repurposing everyday goods and materials, giving new life to items that would today end up in landfills. In his book, “Just Enough,” Azby Brown introduces a number of the professions that led to this period of sustainability and we’ve listed some of our favorites below.

Tinkers

Tinkers were local craftsmen who repaired damaged pots and kettles. Often found carrying portable forges and bellows on their backs, they used scrap metal to repair holes and cracks that would otherwise render these essential household items useless.

Scrap metal dealers would purchase unrepairable items from tinkers and exchange candies and toys with local kids for nails and other usable metal scraps they found while playing.

Paper lantern and umbrella repairmen

While most umbrellas in modern-day Tokyo are quickly lost or broken and disposed of, the raw materials that made Edo Period umbrellas often saw multiple lives with umbrella repairmen carving out a fairly lucrative niche for themselves.

These repairmen would buy used umbrellas, assign a price based on the condition of the bamboo frame then disassemble, repair and resell them to new buyers.

Discarded materials, such as the waterproof oiled paper would pass onto local butchers for wrapping fish and miso.

With umbrellas and paper lanterns sharing essentially the same materials, umbrella repairmen would also cross over into the realm of lantern repair and often sub-contract this work out to low-level samurai.

Used clothes dealers

If you thought Shimokitazawa was overrun with used clothing dealers these days, Brown says there were as many as 4,000 of them in Edo.

With new clothes being unaffordable for the average family, when it came time to update the wardrobe, old garments would be washed and taken to a dealer to be exchanged for refurbished items at a small fee.

These dealers would take apart kimono, dye them and reassemble them for resale, a task made easier due to the way kimono are designed.

As clothes would begin to wear out, they found new life as aprons, diapers, pouches, cloths and eventually kindling before becoming ash which would also be repurposed.

Barrel repairers and recyclers

If you knew your way around a bamboo barrel hoop in the Edo Period you could make a steady living for yourself repairing the various types of shoyu, sake, miso or vinegar barrels found in the average home.

The more experienced itinerant barrel hoop makers could also find work as barrel recyclers, a specialized craft that saved reusable barrels and casks from early disposal.

After collection, recyclers would inspect, grade, refurbish and resell them onto brewers and liquor shops who would choose from new, new-looking, slightly used or worn barrels depending on their intended use.

Ashmen

Most daily items in the Edo Period were made from burnable plant-based materials such as wood, bamboo, straw and cotton.

Rather than have worn-out rope, sandals, hats, raincoats or baskets end up in landfill, these items could be burnt to provide heat and turned to ash, which is where the ashman comes in.

Rather than discarding of ash, households and businesses such as public baths would collect their ash and sell it to local ashmen.

With ash from straw and cotton cloth containing large amounts of potassium, it was in high demand as an additive for fertilizer or for use in ceramics, dyes or sake production which created a lucrative business for motivated ashmen.

[vitaparfumla]

Vita Parfum has the best collection of scent products. Terra has a perfect scent that connotes a feeling of grounding and relaxation. Vita TERRA, derived from the first root Chakra, this candle is a warm interpretation of a woody fig and is complemented by green moss notes with a smooth accent of sandal and cedar wood.

[siddhiparimal52]

All about Agarbatti, the magical Incense

Agarbatti, often known as incense sticks or plain incense, is a fragrant stick formed from the smoke of aromatic plant ingredients. Incense has been used for millennia for several purposes, including religious rites, disguising unpleasant scents, and generating an environment of peace. The utilization of Agarbatti for keeping the home aromatic has increased constantly in recent years. Find the top agarbatti distributors in Pune.

Incense comes in numerous forms and may be crafted from a wide range of organic materials, including wood, bark, leaves, and resins. Incense sticks are typically constructed from bamboo and dipped in resin and spice powder. This blog discusses these magical sticks.

Potential Uses OF AGARBATTI:

Incense sticks, or agarbatti, are famous for adding scent. Agarbattis are utilized in religious and spiritual rites and for their lovely fragrance. Each approach to using agarbatti has benefits.

 Burning agarbatti in an oil burner purifies the air and removes bad energy. High-quality premium incense sticks are exported from these agarbatti suppliers in Pune, which also handle bulk orders.

Agarbatti can also be used in water. without a candle. the incense-scented water may be used as a natural air freshener. This procedure reportedly purifies the air and removes negativity. Make potpourri with agarbatti. combining dried flowers, spices, and incense sticks may achieve this. This looks pretty.

How about that fragrance? what type of odor should you go with?

Options abound for agarbatti scents. there's an agarbatti for everyone, whether you like floral or earthy scents. choose a smell you appreciate that will create the mood you want at home or work. you'll discover the ideal aroma among the various options. Here are several excellent smells if you can't decide. sandal, rose, mogra, and guggul agarbatti have fascinating smells.

Sticks that repel mosquitoes:

Infestations of mosquitoes can be challenging to eradicate. if that weren't bad enough, they're also a major vector for deadly illnesses, malaria, dengue, and others. The effectiveness of an agarbatti known as "anti-mosquitoes agarbatti" in keeping the pesky insects at bay is remarkable. Insects may be killed with this agarbatti since they are made from natural ingredients. they can aid in pest control, making the area more secure for humans and other living things. Because of this, they are especially well-liked in the summer, when mosquito populations peak. find now agarbatti manufacturers in pune and get their best pricing quotes.

What effects does agarbatti have on the brain and mood?

Agarbatti may significantly alter your thoughts and emotions. Agarbatti's aroma helps boost attention and concentration. Perfect for working or studying. The smell can also reduce tension and stress. It's fantastic for relaxing after a long day. Agarbatti's smell may also make you feel optimistic and upbeat. This is great for a nice, calm day.

Conclusion:

Indian incense, or agarbatti, has a long history. This blend of plants, spices, and resins has been used in religious rites for millennia. They're popular in India since they're used in religious rites. Agarbattis have therapeutic characteristics and can heal a variety of diseases. They also repel mosquitoes. Energizing and self-assured, the agarbatti made by Pune's leading agarbatti manufacturer is full of aroma. Agarbatti can be used for religious purposes, to enhance the atmosphere, or to repel mosquitoes.

[redsandalspp]

Best Investment In Hyderabad | Sai Properties & Projects

Red Sandalwood is a well-known long-time venture involving high returns on investments. Its cultivation is a profitable business. Red Sandal cultivators can earn not in lakhs but earn in crores by cultivating Red Sandals. As per one estimate, the revenue from a hectare of red sandal cultivation can be between Rs1.2 to 1.5 crores in 15 years. If you invest in Red Sandal today, within a span of 10-15 years you will be having an asset worth crores. Right now the best option to invest in RedSandal is by investing in the Red sandal Project by Sai Properties and Projects Red Sandal project. 

About Red Sandal 

Best investment in Hyderabad Red Sandal, also known as “Lal Chandan '' in Hindi and “Erra Chandanam '' in Telgu. It is found/cultivated mainly on the eastern coast of India, particularly in Kadapa, Kurnool, Chittoor, and Nellore districts of Andhra Pradesh, South India, are ideal for growing red sandalwood(map). Aromatherapy and essential oil enthusiasts are familiar with the distinct, calming scent of red sandalwood. Due to the high demand for its scent in the 1800s, native sandalwood from India and Hawaii nearly went extinct. Fearing threats of extension, the red sandal is a rare wood that has a high market value, particularly for medicinal uses. Being banned for some time due to the illegal smuggling of its wood, the red sandal is now grown on the well-drained soil of Andhra Pradesh by experts as a part of the Red sandal Project by Sai Properties and Projects. You can also be part of managed farmlands, by investing in the red sandal project and becoming a partner in profit. Want to know more, get in touch with   Sai Properties and Projects

Red Sandal Cultivation 

The best soil suited for red sandal cultivation is red soil, with a blend of loam and sand. Red sandals grow well in hot, dry climates. The rainfall required for better growth of red sandals is about 800mm-1000mm annually. 

Red sandal grows well in all the districts of Andhra Pradesh's eastern coast. It is better to do soil testing before starting the cultivation of red sandal as done by Sai Properties and Projects, when they select a plot for managed farming of red sandal, the first thing to be done is do soil testing. The end of May to the beginning of June, when the rainy season begins, is the ideal time for planting Red Sandalwood. Typically, two-year-old nursery plants' stumps or seedlings that have been raised on them are transplanted to the new plot. With a 4 m  4 m spacing, it is advised to have 600 Red Sandalwood plants per hectare. After following the proper cultivation techniques, it generally takes about 10-15 years for a red sandal tree to give a better yield. If you today invest in the red sandal project by Sai Properties and Projects, you have to be worry-free, Sai Properties and Projects takes care of red sandal cultivation on your owned plot after signing a lease agreement with a profit share of 60% to the client.

Earn in Crores by Cultivating Red Sandal

If you are looking to make an investment, with high returns, it is best to invest in red sandal cultivation. An investment in a red sandal project can make you a millionaire in the next few years.

Growing sandalwood can yield huge rewards on investment. The heartwood of the sandalwood tree grows over a period of 12 to 15 years and is ready for harvesting when the tree is about eight years old. The farmer can swiftly harvest 15 to 20 kg of wood annually after the tree reaches maturity. The normal price per kilogram for this wood is between 3,000 and 7,000 rupees.

Get In Touch:

👉 https://www.redsandalspp.com/

✉️ saiprojects.info@gmail.com

[eootymade]

Get Natural Sandal wood oil direct from source of Nilgiris to all across India

OotyMade.com, Exclusive Online store for Ooty Essential oils

You can get the same on Online and Offline

[chispas-and-broken-bindings]

Chispas Does a Meta, Pt. II

Let’s Build a Fire & Make Speeches!

Welcome back, my captive audience. If you have no idea how you got here or what I’m talking about, might I recommend going back to Part I where I sing a classic Lead Belly tune and introduce the topic of the day: 

Ritual Sacrifice.

I’ve already introduced the lambs and given some context leading up to their impending deaths (again, we’re looking at Daenerys X, AGOT & Jon III, ADWD).

Now, let’s gather some kindling, eh?

You Can’t Burn Someone Alive Without Gathering a few Sticks...unless you have dragons. But Dany only has eggs (and now I somehow want to morph this into a Succession joke about making an omelette...and this is why I can’t be trusted to write metas)

Let’s check in with Dany X.  

Her foragers returned with gnarled cottonwoods, purple brush, sheaves of brown grass. They took the two straightest trees, hacked the limbs and branches from them, skinned off their bark, and split them, laying the logs in a square. Its center they filled with straw, brush, bark shavings, and bundles of dry grass.

That’s a solid base, but I’m just looking for something extra. Some flair, if you will.

Over the carcass of the horse, they built a platform of hewn logs; trunks of smaller trees and limbs from the greater, and the thickest straightest branches they could find. They laid the wood east to west, from sunrise to sunset. On the platform they piled Khal Drogo’s treasures: his great tent, his painted vests, his saddles and harness, the whip his father had given him when he came to manhood, the arakh he had used to slay Khal Ogo and his son, a mighty dragonbone bow.

Now we’re getting somewhere. Anything more?

The third level of the platform was woven of branches no thicker than a finger, and covered with dry leaves and twigs. They laid them north to south, from ice to fire, and piled them high with soft cushions and sleeping silks.

Very posh. I’m satisfied. Oh, we’re not done yet? You know we have another fire to get to, right? You don’t care? Fine, but make it worth my time.

Afterward, Dany sent them all away, so she might prepare Khal Drogo for his final ride into the night lands. She washed his body clean and brushed and oiled his hair, running her fingers through it for the last time, feeling the weight of it, remembering the first time she had touched it, the night of their wedding ride. His hair had never been cut. How many men could die with their hair uncut? She buried her face in it and inhaled the dark fragrance of the oils. He smelled like grass and warm earth, like smoke and semen and horses. He smelled like Drogo. Forgive me, sun of my life, she thought. Forgive me for all I have done and all I must do. I paid the price, my star, but it was too high, too high . . .

Dany braided his hair and slid the silver rings onto his mustache and hung his bells one by one. So many bells, gold and silver and bronze. Bells so his enemies would hear him coming and grow weak with fear. She dressed him in horsehair leggings and high boots, buckling a belt heavy with gold and silver medallions about his waist. Over his scarred chest she slipped a painted vest, old and faded, the one Drogo had loved best. For herself she chose loose sandsilk trousers, sandals that laced halfway up her legs, and a vest like Drogo’s.

The sun was going down when she called them back to carry his body to the pyre. The Dothraki watched in silence as Jhogo and Aggo bore him from the tent. Dany walked behind them. They laid him down on his cushions and silks, his head toward the Mother of Mountains far to the northeast.

So, this is actually a very tender last rites for Dany’s deceased husband...warmongering rapist though he may be. Alas, the questionable choice to say he smelled like semen, kind of ruins the moment.

Okay, is that it? NO? What else is there? Oh yeah. I almost forgot. Silly me. The fucking eggs.

She climbed the pyre herself to place the eggs around her sun-and-stars. The black beside his heart, under his arm. The green beside his head, his braid coiled around it. The cream-and-gold down between his legs. When she kissed him for the last time, Dany could taste the sweetness of the oil on his lips.

I get it, Dany. Go big or go home.

Alright, Jon III. You have some competition. Are you up for the challenge? Hit me with your best shot. 

The queen’s men had made it from the trees of the haunted forest, from saplings and supple branches, pine boughs sticky with sap, and the bone-white fingers of the weirwoods. They’d bent them and twisted them around and through each other to weave a wooden lattice, then hung it high above a deep pit filled with logs, leaves, and kindling.

Okay. What else?

Two queen’s men brought forth the Horn of Joramun, black and banded with old gold, eight feet long from end to end. Runes were carved into the golden bands, the writing of the First Men. Joramun had died thousands of years ago, but Mance had found his grave beneath a glacier, high up in the Frostfangs. And Joramun blew the Horn of Winter, and woke giants from the earth. Ygritte had told Jon that Mance never found the horn. She lied, or else Mance kept it secret even from his own

So, a wooden cage and a horn of dubious origin. Is that all you’ve got?

It is.

Okay everyone, I’m starting to suspect Jon III of phoning this murder in. 

Dany X : 1/Jon III: 0.

Let’s Introduce our Masters of Ceremonies

How rude of me. I introduced the muderees in Part I, before introducing the murderers. I have no manners. 

Well, on one hand we have: Daenerys Stormborn of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protector of the Seven Kingdoms (disputed claim), (not yet) the Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, (not yet) the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains (disputed claim)

On the other hand, we have Jon Sn-aaaP! He doesn’t do the murder, guys! He’s Jon “beet counter” Snow. He doesn’t burn people alive.

That’s Mel...It’s Melisandre of Asshai doing the honor tonight, kids, on behalf of Stannis Baratheon, the First of His Name, The King in the Narrow Sea (disputed claim), The King of the Painted Table (disputed claim), the dark lord (who the fuck calls him this? I really want to know who stuck this Harry Potter reference into asoiaf), The King of Dragonstone (disputed claim), The King at the Wall (eh...the Night’s Watch really rolls over on this), Azor Ahai reborn/come again (disputed claim), the prince who was promised (disputed claim).

Holy shit. That is way too many titles for an incest baby and a middle child. I’m calling this round a draw. No points awarded.

(If anything, Jon has dipped into the negative, as he doesn’t even get to do the murder in his own chapter. Weak.)

Moving on.

The Guest list

Who are the lucky few who got tickets to such exclusive events? I’m so jelly. I haven’t even been to the movie theater since early 2020.

With that collar-popping pyre, Dany was prepared to perform to a sold out stadium, but because of some backstabbing opportunistic dudebro, Ko Pono, who is suddenly fancying himself a khal, she’s dealing with some last hours of the Fyre-Festival fallout bullshit, after that punk took off with most of Drogo’s khalasar to party down at the Dothraki version of Coachella.

Time to turn this shit-pile into Burning (wo)Man, Dany. (I know. I’m insufferable. I’m really sorry, everyone. I told you someone else should write this.)

“The Dothraki follow only the strong,” Ser Jorah said. “I am sorry, my princess. There was no way to hold them. Ko Pono left first, naming himself Khal Pono, and many followed him. Jhaqo was not long to do the same. The rest slipped away night by night, in large bands and small. There are a dozen new khalasars on the Dothraki sea, where once there was only Drogo’s.”

Disappointing, but who do we have left? There has to be an influencer or two who would be willing to tweet about this, right? RIGHT?

“The old remain,” said Aggo. “The frightened, the weak, and the sick. And we who swore. We remain.” “They took Khal Drogo’s herds, Khaleesi,” Rakharo said. “We were too few to stop them. It is the right of the strong to take from the weak. They took many slaves as well, the khal’s and yours, yet they left some few.

Alright, so it’s a sad turnout for Dany. How are things up at Castle Black?

A thousand captives watched through the wooden bars of their stockade as the horn was lifted high. All were ragged and half-starved. Wildlings, the Seven Kingdoms called them; they named themselves the free folk. They looked neither wild nor free—only hungry, frightened, numb.

Eeek...pretty dismal, folks. Anyone else here?

The king’s eyes were blue bruises, sunk deep in a hollow face. He wore grey plate, a fur-trimmed cloak of cloth-of-gold flowing from his broad shoulders. His breastplate had a flaming heart inlaid above his own. Girding his brows was a red-gold crown with points like twisting flames. Val stood beside him, tall and fair. They had crowned her with a simple circlet of dark bronze, yet she looked more regal in bronze than Stannis did in gold. Her eyes were grey and fearless, unflinching. Beneath an ermine cloak, she wore white and gold. Her honey-blond hair had been done up in a thick braid that hung over her right shoulder to her waist. The chill in the air had put color in her cheeks.

A royal, albeit one whose eyes are described as bruises (that can’t be good), and a hot girl in gold (with honey hair). +2 for Jon III. Anyone else?

Jon watched unblinking. He dare not appear squeamish before his brothers.

Stop breaking my heart. Also, I don’t have time to talk about you...yet. And you aren’t supposed to be relegated to the crowd in your own chapter, Jon. It’s almost like you aren’t even an important character. Only weaklings like Sansa are relegated to passive, observant roles in their own POVs. Jeeze. Did you at least bring any of your bros to the event?

He had ordered out two hundred men, more than half the garrison of Castle Black. Mounted in solemn sable ranks with tall spears in hand, they had drawn up their hoods to shadow their faces … and hide the fact that so many were greybeards and green boys.

Docked a point for having to hide your faces, boys.

Where does this leave us? Oh yeah. Let’s tally up.

Dany X: 1: Jon III: 0

Pour the champagne and let’s all raise a glass for...

The Speeches! (or the best time to sneak out for a cigarette at most weddings)

Let’s remember, Dany is coming off a few major losses. Before her big speech, she has a few tête-à-têtes first. She needs to test out her material before her big act.  

With Aggo:

Aggo would have added the weapons Drogo’s bloodriders had given Dany for bride gifts as well, but she forbade it. “Those are mine,”she told him, “and I mean to keep them.”

Can’t let a good weapon go to waste, amiright? Human life on the other hand…

With Jorah:

“Viserys is dead. I am his heir, the last blood of House Targaryen. Whatever was his is

mine now.”

Maybe, she does need to workshop this shit in Essos for a while. Yikes. -1

Everybody else:

“You will be my khalasar,” she told them. “I see the faces of slaves. I free you. Take off your collars. Go if you wish, no one shall harm you. If you stay, it will be as brothers and sisters, husbands and wives.” The black eyes watched her, wary, expressionless. “I see the children, women, the wrinkled faces of the aged. I was a child yesterday. Today I am a woman. Tomorrow I will be old. To each of you I say, give me your hands and your hearts, and there will always be a place for you.”

That’s actually sweet. +1 

I wonder how that will work out for them? (No spoilers, guys! Just kidding. I’ve read canon and fanon and sooooooo many bad takes. Spoil away). In the meantime, let’s check in with the last two people Dany “saved”.

First up, is Eroeh, “the timid girl Dany had rescued outside the mud walls of the Lamb Men.”

Insider tip. When Dany says “rescued”, what she reall means is that she took the girl in as a personal slave after her husband’s thugs gang-raped her...for the Iron Throne...look, I’m confused too. But still, it’s a nice little trick to keep someone loyal. Eroeh only got slapped a little by her “savior”, but she knew from experience it could have been so much worse.

Eroeh stared fearfully at Drogo where he lay.

“He dies,” she whispered. Dany slapped her. “The khal cannot die. He is the father of the stallion who mounts the world. His hair has never been cut. He still wears the bells his father gave him.”

But then Dany went into labor at the most inconvenient time, and Eroeh...well, let’s see, what happened to her:

“Eroeh?” asked Dany, remembering the frightened child she had saved outside the city of the Lamb Men.

“Mago seized her, who is Khal Jhaqo’s bloodrider now,” said Jhogo. “He mounted her high and low and gave her to his khal, and Jhaqo gave her to his other bloodriders. They were six. When they were done with her, they cut her throat.”

Okay, Chispas, that was horrible. I’m truly sorry that we had to re-examine that scene. But what about the second person Dany saved? Surely they had a better fate?

That was Mirri.  Our blood sacrifice, remember? Keep up!

Okay, -2 for Dany for making promises she’s already proven unable to keep. Still, It can only go up for her from here, right? Well...we’ll get back to that, later.

Right now, it’s time for our second orator to take the stage.

Melisandre only has “years beyond count” on Dany, so it’s almost an unfair competition. And she has the wind behind her back. Her man, Stanny, finally won a battle… never mind that it was against a bunch of refugees, during a supposed armistice. What does our Lady Red have to say?

Beneath the weeping Wall, Lady Melisandre raised her pale white hands. “We all must choose,” she proclaimed. “Man or woman, young or old, lord or peasant, our choices are the same.” Her voice made Jon Snow think of anise and nutmeg and cloves. She stood at the king’s side on a wooden scaffold raised above the pit. “We choose light or we choose darkness. We choose good or we choose evil. We choose the true god or the false.”

Strong start. Her voice somehow sounds like it smells good. +1

“If the Wall falls, night falls as well, the long night that never ends. It must not happen, will not happen! The Lord of Light has seen his children in their peril and sent a champion to them, Azor Ahai reborn.”

Look folks, we’ve got a professional hype-man in the house! +1

“FREE FOLK!” cried Melisandre. “Behold the fate of those who choose the darkness!”

ALL CAPS means she knows how to project. +1 

And then boom. She just jumps right into the fire (figuratively...not literally. When I make this comment again later, with Dany, I will mean literally)...but I’m not ready for fire-play just yet. Does Mel have anything else to say?

“The Lord of Light made the sun and moon and stars to light our way, and gave us fire to keep the night at bay,” Melisandre told the wildlings. “None can withstand his flames.”

“None can withstand his flames,” the queen’s men echoed.

Mel has backup singers. Dany didn’t. +2 points to Mel.

Look, Mel had an unfair advantage. She’s a professional. She’s been on tour before. She has a few platinum records under her belt. Dany is the ingenue, who doesn’t even have her first single out. Still, this is a competition. Points must be tallied. 

But wait, this is a Jon chapter. We can’t award him points, when Mel was doing all the work. In fact, I’m docking him a point. 

Dany X: -1/Jon III: -1

It’s neck and neck, and they’re both under water, but at least Dany is putting her back into it. I’m not impressed with Jon. He is giving me real mediocre white man vibes, so far. It’s almost like he’s not into ritual sacrifice....which would be totally lame, right? 

I know the rest of you are all itching for the murder part, but you’ll have to wait for Part III, when we’ll really dig into the charred meat of the matter.

I apologize for everything, but regret nothing.

[relaxxattack]

The city of Subbin is built on top of a phobium-rich mine in the desert. It started as a small mining town but has grown over the (idk hundreds?) of years that it has been there. Because of the instability of the ground and the increasing populations the town the king at the time (one of those Porkious ancestors) was forced to take action and fix the destabilized ground.

The solution was the growth of these desert trees. Theyre called baobab trees and theyre just what i imagine the canopy trees to look like:

These trees had deep roots that go far beneath the desert surface. They were planted to stabilize the town and then over time buildings were built around them as the town grew from a miner town to a desert city.

The Pit was built soon after. (Porkious the second was a violent man with a taste for blood which was sated by the bloody arena fights between state criminals) it only stayed in the city afterwards because of how famous the city had become from the gladiator battles. they are much more civilized now, only pitting people of their on violation.

The buildings here are tall but wide, their windows large and doorways yawning. All the windows are tinted but all of them open outwards. To help with the rare dust storm there are wooden shutters over all openings. The buildings are built directly on top of the canopy trees, each house having its own unique living staircase. The roofs of the buildings are ideal for gardening and many take advantage of that. The rest have solar panels to power the immense mining equipment below the surface.

The sand here is a deep orange and red and smears over everything. The people wear thick layered blue clothing that contrasts brightly with their surroundings, there is no sneaking around for the citizens of Subbin. Not only that though but its easy to spot the warriors here in town for a chance in the pit because of their different clothing. Sandals arent as common of footwear as leather wrap boots.

Rich peoples buildings have tile mosaics on the sides of their homes. Usually depicting legends about the Pit or other mythological stories. The trees are also portrayed as well because essentially the city would not exist if not for the trees, they are kind of a religious symbol. Disfiguring the trees or plants in general is highly frowned upon.

Despite being in the middle of a desert there are quite a few lush parks full of all types of greenery including but not limited to: bird of paradise, orchids, giant ferns, philodendrons etc

The water used to power majority of the city is from Mempurr. The riverside city. The ground water in Subbin is actually contaminated because of the successive strip mining and the toxic gas result of that.

Many citizens have died from those poison gases over the years and there is no obvious cure to the lung infection result. Phobium is much to valuable to stop mining so Porkious the Seventh has not stopped, earning a name for being ruthless and apathetic. But not wide spread, most of the people in the city are satisfied with what they have.

The town itself is always dirty. Living in the middle of a windy dusty desert does that to buildings. Thank goodness most of the buildings started out that color to begin with, only their rafters and trims being wood imported from outside of the area.

The common lighting among the lower class of the city is oil lamps, oil from the mines, or candles. Blue candles because what other color would there be? The upper class uses glowstone, imported from outside the desert yet again for extremely high prices.

Rainstorms are rare and few and far between. But when it rains its really rains. The rainwater is collected and used to supplement the water brought from Mempurr. Most rainstorms carry over from the ocean with lightening and thunder. Much like the trees, the citizens of Subbin seem to reverently respect the thunder and lightening.

So anyway... knifetrick brain rot writing ig sorry for the long read everyone.. (also these are just how i see the city, just me thinking about Gerudo from Zelda a lot)

woah this is so cool!!

some of this is canon to what i already have written down, but other stuff is very different to what ive thought. but it’s all SUPER COOL nonetheless! im really flattered you wrote all of this and shared it with me :]

[theburntleaf]

Sourcing Materials

Though my main goal is to work with plants that I’ve grown myself or are wildcrafted from the local area, it is sometimes nice to explore and use other ingredients.

Trust me I know how tempting it is to want to save some money on perhaps a normally more expensive ingredient, but sourcing is really important.

Herbs, spices, essential oils, supplements, even seeds [X], are some of the most adulterated agricultural products in the market. [X]

What to look for:

Scientific (latin) name: very important! Do you know how many plants share common names ... it’s a lot. Take Ambrette, a source of musk from the “musk mallow” is this the same musk mallow that grows in my yard.... no, it is not (abelmoschus moschatus is ambrette, malva moschata is the other musk mallow)

Plant parts: as noted in the cited article, certain herbs/spices could be adulterated with less desirable parts of the same plant. If you only want say flowers make sure that’s what you’re getting (not flowers and leaves and stems etc)

Country of origin: chain of custody is good to notice. It’s always nice to know where your suppliers are getting their goods from. This can be important for more endangered ingredients: ie. if you see sandal wood grown in Australia you know it’s from a farm and not taken from the wild. Also some countries are just known for their excellent quality of a certain plant.

How was it grown and harvested: Always opt for organic* (certified or from a reputable “natural” non-certified organic grower) especially if your making incense! You don’t want to burn fertilizer and pesticide. (Or any other non-disclosed additives) for wildcrafted ingredients look for for “sustainably wildcrafted”* and origin. Also be mindful of fair trade and other programs that helps manage a respectful harvest and sale of goods.

*organic doesn’t necessarily mean free from such things but it is at least better than conventional alternatives. Homegrown and wildcrafted (away from roads or contaminated sites) materials free from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers are obviously just as good as organic though not certified.

*never buy endangered spieces that have been wildcrafted. Instead look for places who are cultivating these spieces instead.

Price: is it too good to be true? This might mean the product you are buying was adulterated in some way along the supply chain (note the above article) or harvested in an unethical or even illegal way. If you’re not willing to pay a little more to obtain sustainably sourced endangered ingerdients then it’s best to just stick to local and abundant species. (I prefer to work with local woods instead of expensive and endangered sandal or aloes)

Ingredients: If you are purchasing herbal products or mixtures, (especially to burn, consume, or apply topically) be sure you know what you are purchasing. Recipes, because they can’t be patented, are often kept secret which is fair to an extent, but an ingredient list is not a recipe. Ratios and formulas can be kept proprietary, but a source that values health and safety should list all ingredients. As a crafter I put the value of my products in my dedication to creating a perfect formula, my time and care in crafting, and quality of the ingredients and end product; not a secret recipe.

(*note this is for “for sale” consumable products because I do have some recipes that are best kept secret but they’re for personal use)

Essential oils need to be carefully considered. The amount of plant material needed to make such things is astronomical so it’s important to consider all the factors above. Some to definitely stay away from: Rose, rose is usually sold as an absolute (which is fine) but if you see it as “100% essential oil” that’s a red flag. Frankincense, Sandal, White Sage, and other endangered species. EOs from abundant plant speices are best! [Read more: X , X] A great alternative to essential oils are hydrosols, usually a bi-product of essential oil making (and can be more sustainable), they are less intense, easier to make at home, and still offer the extra kick of frangrance eos add. [X] and honestly most people don’t need eo’s there are lots of other products to get similar results.

Recommended vendors:

First and foremost check out your local area for suppliers. Here in Vermont I am lucky to be surrounded by many organic herb farms and seed growers. A shout out to my local favorites: Zack Woods Farm, Foster Farm Botanicals. For seeds and plants: Wilson’s Herb Farm, High Mowing Seeds, Milkweed Medicinal Seeds is now Earthbeat Seeds, Perennial Pleasures

Of course local growers can’t supply everything so other places I source from:

First check your local co-op or health food store, they usually carry from trusted bulk suppliers and is great if you only need a small amount.

Mountain Rose Herbs for bulk herbs, spices, and herbal products

my essential oil supplier went out of business but they were great :( but mountain rose also sells essentials. Honestly I don’t use them in much other than cold process soap making and even then at minimal amount. I also have a still and have made my own eo’s and hydrosols, I want to get into making absolutes as well.

I usually stay away from Etsy for sourcing but the Apothecary’s Garden is a reputable shop for resins and Higher Mind Incense for Makko and Australian farmed sandal. (on Etsy always make sure to check for the things listed above most shops don’t pass the sourcing test)

Strictly Medicinal Seeds (for seeds and live plants; herbs and medicinals) Fedco (for veggies and common garden seeds)

[therkalexander]

The Good Counselor - Chapter 1

Free previews published weekly every Wednesday night at Midnight, Pacific Standard Time.

Seventy years have passed since Elysion was created, and Persephone’s efforts to conceive a child with Hades have been in vain.  But a secret rite on Samothrace might bend the Fates and give them all that they have ever dreamed of, or pave a path of untold suffering.

Chapter 1

The water was calm, clear and infused with the scent of ash. He knelt down and washed his arms, his legs and torso. It was cold and purifying. He rubbed olive oil across his skin, banishing all miasma from his person.

Orpheus scraped the excess oil off with a metal strigil and dried himself in the sunlight, tussling his short brown hair to shake out the water. He donned his tunic and himation, both unadorned and undyed.

He closed his eyes, trying to escape the distraction of his surroundings, listening. A songbird in the oak tree warbled its tune and he hummed along with it. A song to the Seasons had overtaken his thoughts for the last several days, but still the tune for the heart of the hymn eluded him. He had no instrument to produce a harmony— none, at least, that could do the immortals justice. He borrowed the bird’s notes, slowing them to match the words. “At play you are companions,” he sang softly.

“At play you are companions,” he muttered, repeating the line a few more times, smoothing out the melody while he paced. Orpheus stopped and sang it once again, a little more boldly, then raised the songbird’s tune by five tonic notes, “of holy Persephone, when the Fates—”

He stopped, a shiver rushing over his skin. Had he called upon Karpophoros disrespectfully? No, he thought. Ancient Eumolpus had told him that she was not offended by that name. And the priest knew her: he had walked beside her in his youth and founded the Lower Mysteries with her. Persephone’s rites. Orpheus shrugged off his fears. He wouldn’t be bound by superstition.

He wondered after the old man, whether he was well. It had been years.

“And the Graces in circling dances, come forth to the light,” he sang, then stopped. He felt it again. He was being watched. Orpheus turned to where he felt the presence of... something… a wild aurochs, a man? He sensed somehow that it was more than mortal, but satyrs and nymphs were a rare sight on Samothrace, and wouldn’t willingly approach a man.

Cold seeped into his skin again and a weight gathered in his chest. For all that he was attuned to his surroundings, it was unlike anything he’d experienced before. He wasn’t just being watched, but looked through, body and soul. The woods were silent, as though every creature knew to be still, and Orpheus wondered… He’d rid himself of miasma. He’d called upon a goddess with his song. She was here; she must be. The lump in his throat, the cold, a sense of dread and the fleeting thought of asphodel flowers… He quickly dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “Lady of the Flowers and Spring, Mistress of the Lands Beneath the Earth… If it is you… I am your humble servant.”

“It is not she.”

He raised his head, his breath shallow. The voice was male— calm and measured, and its owner invisible to him. “I beg your pardon.”

“No need. I know her well.”

He swallowed. “You do…”

“Is she the one you serve, hymnist?”

He drew in a breath. “I serve all the gods, my lord.”

“That’s quite a task… To curry favor with all the gods.”

“It isn’t favor I seek. I honor them, from the least to the greatest, since they are the highest expression of phanes, the light of life that dwells in all things. My only wish in this life is to displease none of them. For I might find myself parted from Elysion.”

“Ah,” said the voice. “You have gone through the Greater and Lesser Rites, no?”

“I have.”

“Who instructed you?”

“The great priest, Eumolpus.”

“I knew him,” said the voice, the tone changing.

“Knew?”

“Yes. He passed from this earth just before winter came. I was there when his family prepared him for the afterlife and took him to his mausoleum.”

“If I may be so bold to ask,” he said, fearing the answer, “who are you, my lord?”

“One who would not be known to you yet, hymnist.”

Orpheus bowed his head. “F-forgive my presumption.”

“Don’t fear me so. Stand, Orpheus.”

Orpheus cautiously rose, his knee damp from the mossy earth. “What shall I call you, my lord?”

The voice remained silent. But Orpheus could still feel his presence. He was thinking. He heard sandals pacing the ground, and if he listened closely enough, the rhythmic tap of a staff hitting the earth with every third step. “The God of Nysa.”

“Nysa…”

“You know of that place?”

“Only in legend. The fields and groves of the gods. The place where the Receiver of Many took Demeter’s Daughter from the sunlit world to be his Queen beneath the earth.”

“Indeed.”

He suspected enough from that, but wasn’t foolish enough to utter a name. This visitor had made his identity clear enough. Orpheus kept his eyes to the ground. “Then, God of Nysa, why, if I may I ask, did you seek me out?”

“I’ve heard stories of a ceremony that takes place here, on Samothrace. One that invokes a god that is not yet born. One that you are familiar with.”

He nodded. “It… It hasn’t been performed in years.”

“A rare thing, then. When in the year?”

“When the first seeds sprout from the earth, midway between Spring and the Solstice. There are few who are truly prepared to give what it requires.”

“And what is that?”

“Something that represents what you are and will be.”

“I understand. Would anything I could offer aide you now?”

“Not for the rite.”

“But you yearn for something nonetheless. Something only one of my kind can procure for you.”

“I live by ananke. My life is in the hands of the Moirai alone, so my desires are irrelevant.”

“You are the son of Apollo.”

“So my mother said…”

“She was right. You are not immortal yourself then, hemitheoi. Yet you abide by the laws which govern the deathless ones?”

“Aren’t we, all the manifestations of phanes, from the eldest Protogenoi to the lowliest mortal, bound by the will of the Fates?” He swore that he could sense the god smiling. He held his breath, unsure of what to make of the long pause.

“Perhaps.”

Orpheus stood still, and felt himself being gazed upon, a pull at his chest and behind his eyes, as though his thoughts and his heart were being weighed and measured and that nothing could be hidden. He heard footfalls.

“You sing. You honor the immortals with song.”

“Yes.”

“But all of them? Surely your work cannot be completed in your lifetime. There are too many of us.”

“I can try.”

“There is one thing that would help…”

“Gifts like that… come with a heavy price.”

“They do,” the voice said. Orpheus felt the same heavy pull, his very thoughts sifted and gleaned. “But you need a lyre, crafted by the gods, if all your works are to be finished in your lifetime. You desire to bring forth the songs from your heart, and it frustrates you to no end— because for now, they are trapped there. You wish to finish your earthly task, do you not?”

“I cannot ask for such a thing from… one I do not know.”

“Would you rather your life’s work go unfinished? Or that someone else completes it?”

“No.”

“I am willing to consider it your price.”

“For what?”

“For not revealing to your fellow priests or anyone involved in this… rite… that the ones who wish to participate in it are deathless.”

Orpheus said nothing.

“I know you despise lying, Orpheus. I can see it in your heart. I know what I ask for. But it is of great importance that this be only known to you. I would not ask you to betray your own ethos if it were not so very important.”

“Why seek me out? Is what I have to offer so extraordinary?”

“The god you call upon— the one not yet born…” Orpheus could feel the full weight of the god’s gaze upon him. “Name him.”

His heart beat out of his chest. “The Unborn One’s name is only uttered in absolute secrecy and sanctity. My order does not sully it with human speech.”

“Name him,” came the voice in a hoarse whisper.

Orpheus spoke just as low. “Zagreus.”

The god paused again and Orpheus wondered if he had angered him. But he could feel the enveloping coldness grow warmer, could feel a brief flicker of relief and… hope. Happiness, even. Through the wash of emotion, the voice remained staid. “What if I told you that your Zagreus could be conceived by these very rites? That is, if she and I were allowed to attend… unfettered by human fears and superstitions.”

“I would have no choice but to believe you, my lord.”

“Then you understand the reason for my surreptitiousness.”

He shuddered and nodded in acknowledgement. Now he was certain he knew who spoke to him. “My lord, can I think on it?”

“Of course. You have until the first moon of winter. I will return then.”

“When you return, how will I know it is you if I don’t even know your true name?”

“Because at that time, I will reveal how I know you, how you came to my attention, and when I do so, you will know precisely who I am.”

The presence lifted. As Orpheus looked up and puzzled over the god’s words, the birds started to sing again, the beetles hummed in the humid air. Everywhere he turned, narcissus bloomed in the shade of the trees.

[trustedbeards]

Beard Growth Kit-12 in One Beard Grooming Kit with Beard Oil, Beard Roller, Beard Balm, Beard Wash, Beard Conditioner, Brush, Comb, Scissors & Storage Bag, Beard Care Kit Birthday Gift Ideas for Men

Beard Growth Kit-12 in One Beard Grooming Kit with Beard Oil, Beard Roller, Beard Balm, Beard Wash, Beard Conditioner, Brush, Comb, Scissors & Storage Bag, Beard Care Kit Birthday Gift Ideas for Men

Price: (as of – Details) Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.BEARD BUDDY COMB & BRUSH & TRIMMING SCISSORS &RAZOR STAINLESS STEEL AND 10 SINGLE EDGE BLADES – The dual sided comb is made of high quality sandal wood offering the best rapid grooming experience with both…

[lets-grow-online]

GLENDID Lemon Grass, Lavender, Jasmine, Ocean, Mogra, Rose, Sandal wood, Black Oudh, Eucalyptus, Citronella Diffuser Scented Fragrance Aroma oil

GLENDID Lemon Grass, Lavender, Jasmine, Ocean, Mogra, Rose, Sandal wood, Black Oudh, Eucalyptus, Citronella Diffuser Scented Fragrance Aroma oil

Price: (as of – Details) ✔Relaxation and sleep: The best use of these oil lies in their ability to help you unwind at the end of a hard day, and our oils excel in this.✔Safer alternative to candles and incense: If you have pets or small children burning candles or incense can be hazardous, in such a case aroma oil diffuser comes to your rescue✔Repels insects: These oils help you to overcome the…

[hellotodaymyydeal]

GLENDID Lemon Grass, Lavender, Jasmine, Ocean, Mogra, Rose, Sandal wood, Black Oudh, Eucalyptus, Citronella Diffuser Scented Fragrance Aroma oil

GLENDID Lemon Grass, Lavender, Jasmine, Ocean, Mogra, Rose, Sandal wood, Black Oudh, Eucalyptus, Citronella Diffuser Scented Fragrance Aroma oil

Price: (as of – Details) Let the air around you deliver a suitably light and refreshing fragrance to your home interiors, revitalizing your mind, body, and soul! Creating a truly meaningful and memorable experience for you and your guests alike is a job well done by this Aroma Oil. Well-being in its purest state, it?s an ideal way to keep your home smelling divine, no matter what the season. The…

[redsandalspp]

Red sandal plantation profit yields a full guide | Sai Properties & Projects

 Red sandal plantation profit yields a full guide

Red Sandalwood is a well-known business with a lengthy history and significant revenues. It is also referred to as "Lal Chandan" in Hindi and "Erra Chandanam" in Telugu. People who have knowledge of aromatherapy and essential oils are familiar with the distinctive, relaxing scent of red sandalwood. Due to its intensely desired aroma and its benefits, Sandalwood tree price is raising with time, especially red sandalwood price is making a huge difference in sandalwood cultivation. South India is the natural home of the fragrant sandalwood tree known as the sandal. This rising cost of sandalwood trees, particularly red sandalwood, has a significant impact on where sandalwood is grown, including in Australia, India, and other countries.

An investor would make a ton of money through sandalwood cultivation. After 8 years, the sandalwood tree's heartwood begins to form, and 12 to 15 years after planting, it is ready for harvest. Once the tree is large enough, the farmer can easily harvest 15 to 20 kg of wood from it annually. This wood can be purchased on the market for anywhere between 3,000 and 10,000 rupees per kilogram. According to IWST estimates, sandalwood cultivation costs about Rs 30 lakh per hectare over the course of a 15-year crop cycle, while returns range from Rs 1.2 to Rs 1.5 cores.

How to invest in a Red sandal plantation      

People frequently choose to give gold and land as gifts to their children and grandchildren in the belief that doing so will support their kin in need in the future and help them become financially stable. They are unaware of the fact that due to inflation, their investments in such things did not truly make their clan extremely wealthy. Their kin will become a true billionaire with the gift of one acre of red sandalwood. On average 100 plants of red sandal could be cultivated on an acre of land, and it would take at least 25 years for the red sand plant to be ready for market sale. Depending on its quality, a crop grown on one acre will likely be valued between Rs. 50 and Rs. 100 core after 25 years. Having the highest ROI of any other investments, it is the right time to invest in the Red Sandal Plantation. So what is the right way to invest in Red Sandal Plantation?

If you are looking to invest in Sand Wood and get the best return for your investment then, it is better to invest in the Red Sandal Project by Sai Properties & Projects. Sai Properties & Projects are in this business since 2006 and have been catering to clients with error-free and accurate solutions. With 650000+ Red Sandal Plants already planted, they have the right expertise to grow these plants profitably. How to invest in Red Sandal Project by Sai Properties & Projects:

1.   First, the customer will invest in land.

2.  Then the land will be registered in the customer's name.

3.  After registration, original registration documents & passbook will be submitted to the Customer.

4.  The company will make a lease agreement with the customer for 8 to 10 years and the profit will be shared as 60% to the customer and 40% to the company.

Sai Properties & Projects, being a top-tier organization is empowering and enhancing the farming community while also providing a pollution-free, environmentally friendly opportunity for investment to create valuable assets for coming generations. 

Get More Info:

Visit: http://www.redsandalspp.com/

[dealhidealsdotin]

GLENDID Lemon Grass, Lavender, Jasmine, Ocean, Mogra, Rose, Sandal wood, Black Oudh, Eucalyptus, Citronella Diffuser Scented Fragrance Aroma oil

GLENDID Lemon Grass, Lavender, Jasmine, Ocean, Mogra, Rose, Sandal wood, Black Oudh, Eucalyptus, Citronella Diffuser Scented Fragrance Aroma oil

Price: (as of – Details) Let the air around you deliver a suitably light and refreshing fragrance to your home interiors, revitalizing your mind, body, and soul! Creating a truly meaningful and memorable experience for you and your guests alike is a job well done by this Aroma Oil. Well-being in its purest state, it?s an ideal way to keep your home smelling divine, no matter what the season. The…

[ccmagma]

Chapter 3 - Gone

Magma groaned as she felt the sun hit her face. A small sigh escaped her lips, wondering why she had to turn her body. She fell for it every morning… It almost made her want to laugh but the overwhelming feelings from the day prior had hit her. Still, she figured, there was a few seconds where her heart wasn’t heavy and the want to laugh was there. She turned once more, not wanting to look out at the bright sky just yet, her eyes not ready to burn just yet. Slowly she opened them, expecting to see Terra still sleeping but found no one. She didn’t think much of it but she did find it odd that her hair clip was there and reached out to look at it. She remembered the many times she had bugged Terra to let her use it and every time was told no, a small smile appearing on her lips at the memories. Her fingers traced over the red that was melted and glazed over, looking much like the element she was blessed to control… well, once she had a better grasp on her magic.

She had figured her sister had gotten up to start her day and had left it behind on accident, figuring it was removed when Terra had finally fallen asleep. She kept it with her, just in case the men helping with pawning and packing came, not wanting them to mistake it for something to sell. She gathered a few things, wanting to shower and freshen up before making the attempt to eat. She hadn’t been hungry as of late but then again, none of them were. She hurried along, knowing very well that today was the day the last of their things would be moved into the small home that her grandparents had left them. She had only been at the home once before and found it charming enough. It was smaller compared to the mansion that they called home but it was cozy, or so Magma thought. It was an escape her grandparents had used, a simple one to get away from the life of diplomacy and politics. She couldn’t remember exact details, but she knew her mother hated it given the rustic state. She recalled a chicken coop and only two rooms which meant the girls would share the larger one while their mother stayed in the smaller one. It wasn’t meant to have a maid of any sort, there only being enough room for four people, if they were willing to share rooms.

“I’m sure it won’t be so bad.” Magma whispered to herself as she readied the hot water and stripped herself of the light fabrics that she normally wore. She would miss the tropical weather, that she knew for a fact, and had only kept a few of her light fabric dresses for the warmer months. Perhaps a change of scenery would be good… perhaps she could learn to ice skate on the pond that was next to the cottage… She breathed in, letting the steam consume her as she kept trying to think of a charming life surrounded by wood and flowers. She just had to keep telling herself that it wouldn’t be bad, just different… and only temporary. That fact made her frown. Their simple living wouldn’t last very long thanks to the plan their mother agreed to. She couldn’t hate the woman for it, but she wondered if her mother had even made the attempt to find another way. Was there another way? Could something else be done? She wondered and reminded herself to see Terra about it. Maybe there was something the adults missed. An unlikely fact that made her sigh and stare down at the water gathering around her feet. Doubt clouded her mind, after all, her older sister was freshly nineteen and Magma herself was still a child in many ways.

“There has to be something.” She told herself, wishing she had some sort of guidance at that moment. She remained under the hot water, trying to wash away her worry, doubt, and stress. She had lost track of time while there and didn’t realize it until her mother rushed in, asking her to hurry so they could eat. Apologies followed and Magma hurried her routine, using scrubs, soaps, oils, shampoos, everything that was laid out before her. She dried off quickly, her hair in a towel as she dressed in a simple white cotton dress and sandals before toweling her hair and brushing through it. She finished the rest of her routine and grabbed her sister’s hairpin, slipping it into the pocket of the dress before walking a little too quickly to the table outside where her mother had set down a bowl of fruit and some bread with a few different jams to choose from. Magma sat down, looking over the rather quiet table in confusion. “Where’s Terra?” She asked, her mother shooting her a look. “You mean, good morning.” She said rather sternly and went about spreading jam on her slice of bread. Magma looked away a moment, breathing in before saying a small good morning. She waited, wondering if she would get her answer but her mother said nothing. The dark-haired girl could only look away again, staring at the house in front of them before shaking whatever thoughts swirled in her head and reached for two pears and a knife, then a slice of bread as she chose to eat in silence like the rest of them. Still, she wondered as she ate slowly… Where was Terra? In her room perhaps? The news she shared last night was big, the sort you don’t just digest overnight. Magma figured her older sister must have gone to her room and locked herself in for the time being. The fact that their mother was refusing to talk must have meant that was true, whenever Terra was on a “rampage” as their mother would put it, she would ignore her. Magma was sure their mother’s attitude is what caused Terra to go looking for Magma once she was old enough to understand what was going on, that had been their routine since.

From the outside, Magma was aware that a person would easily say that their family, the routine, the anger, wasn’t healthy. She was very well aware of that but she was also aware that her older sister needed an outlet, something or someone that could ground her. She recalled how her father once used their abilities to express what their tempers were like. Such a conversation sprouted when he noticed Magma seemed to have the inability to have anger, or more so that she bottled it. Was that true? She wondered, figuring she just let things go…not bottle them. It was easier for everyone that way but that didn’t stop her from thinking if her father had been more right than she realized. He explained Terra’s anger to be sudden, violent, loud, much like the earthquakes she could control. Whereas Magma, was dormant like a volcano and it would only be a matter of time before that volcano would erupt, surprising everyone. There was doubt in her mind in regards to her father's words, not wanting to accept that one day she wouldn’t be able to control herself. Perhaps she was a little too nonchalant with boundaries but she was also aware that some people needed a little more and if she had the energy for it, what harm was there?

Breakfast had finished up rather quickly, the girls helping their mother clean up before going back to their respective rooms to finish packing the last of their things. They were being moved to the cottage within a few hours and had to make sure everything was good to go. Magma hurried along, feeling that might be the theme for today, rushing into her room and gathering the last of her things. She had a chest that was filled with just clothes or so it seemed, making sure everything for each season was there and laid a blanket on top before laying her shoes flat. She had mostly sandals but had only grabbed a handful of them, knowing there was no point considering seasons changed where she was going. Winter boots, snow boots, casual ones, sneakers… She made sure to check everything that was on the list next to her luggage. She reminded herself to pack for Alfea as well, keeping clothes that would make sense to wear at her new homes and at school though, she couldn’t help herself and had packed a few nicer dresses and shoes to match. She was sure that there wouldn’t come a moment to use them for now but they had been beautiful.. she was sure if her mother found out, she would hear no end of it, knowing very well they could sell for a decent price. She closed the chest, before packing one that was smaller, made for toiletries, and collected her things from the bathroom to put them all away. A carry on was all that was left, meant for personal things and the like. She had been able to use the chest with clothes to keep papers, sketchbooks, and her charcoal there, making sure to pack extra blank books just in case. The carry on was used for her favorite books, trinkets, things from her father she wanted to keep, gifts that meant something to her… It had been hard at first, watching her room become more empty. Her mother had threatened to pick things herself if the girls couldn’t and despite the sadness that seeped from them, they moved. Magma and Terra had helped their younger siblings, trying to coax them into giving up so many of their toys.

It had been the afternoon once Magma had found herself done of her work, grabbing her pillow for good measure. She looked at the corner where she had moved her things, staring at the single trunk, the smaller one that matched, a carry-on, and a large tote that she fashioned like a Russian doll to hold purses of various sizes along with her electronics. She breathed in deeply, looking over her now empty room, once filled with grand furniture and expensive items. Her normal was changing, adaptation was needed, something she was trying to do as quickly as possible for her own sake and that of her family. Still, that didn’t stop the overwhelming feeling that was starting to wash over her, a feeling she wanted to shift towards something else and with that in mind, she left her room and took the familiar path to Terra’s hoping to finally see her older sister.

She reached the large oak door, placing her hand on it and listening close, wondering if she could hear her sister up and about. Her brows furrowed in worry when she heard nothing, a sound suddenly blaring just as she did so. She jumped back a bit, realizing it was Terra’s alarm, the one she had set for the afternoon in case she lost track of time and needed a reminder. The sound however never seemed to fade, a curious thing since Terra was never one to stay too far from her phone. It went on for a few minutes before Magma decided to enter, seeing the room in the exact state as yesterday. Her eyes landed on the phone that was still making loud sounds and she walked over to it, eyes staring at the screen. The battery was about ready to die as well… She reached for it, sliding a finger across to turn off the alarm before picking up the device, confused by it all. Eyes then landed on the luggage across the room, it was once packed but now it was open and everything inside had been thrown about as if someone had been searching for something. Magma walked over, inspecting the mess, realizing the carry on was gone.

“TERRA!?” Magma could hear her mother’s calls and running through the halls, seeing her soon after in a frightful state. She stood at the door, staring at Magma in disbelief. “You asked about your sister this morning, what do you know?!” She demanded hotly, a wild look to her as she reached for Magma, grabbing her shoulders roughly and shaking her. “WHERE IS SHE?!” Magma could feel the tears returning at her mother’s sudden actions and shook her head, unsure of how to answer. She found herself released but with force, faltering back and falling onto the bed, scurrying backward unsure of what to expect. Tears were falling down her face as she watched her mother placed her hands over her own temple, the older woman letting out a scream of frustration.

“I had to deal with your selfish father and now THIS?!” Her anger had been visible, more so when she turned to look at her frightened daughter. Magma’s eyes had downcasted, but not before she saw the look her mother gave her, the sort that silently told her not to try anything. She flinched upon hearing the door slam at her mother’s departure, her rage being heard until she was deep in the house. The girl stayed on the bed, paralyzed a moment before reaching into her pocket and pulling out Terra’s hairpin, staring down before letting out a cry… she had left. Terra had left…