#streamlined setup

[ourjobagency]

Are you looking to turbocharge your Salesforce implementation and boost your team's productivity? Look no further! Our Salesforce Quickstart Package is here to revolutionize your CRM journey and take your business to new heights.https://qrsolutions.com.au/salesforce-quickstart-package/

[acnorofficial]

Started a new rimworld playthrough last night. Lost day 0 to a ancient cave spider.

So anyways a little dev mode later and my shame is insurmountable but I am not spending another hour setting up a new start

[sharkconsulting]

Breaking Barriers: Advantages and Challenges of Owning a 100% Ownership Company in Qatar!

In recent years, Qatar has emerged as a promising destination for foreign investors looking to establish their presence in the Middle East. With its strategic location, robust economy, and progressive business environment, the country offers ample opportunities for entrepreneurs seeking to expand their ventures. One significant development that has sparked interest among international businesses is the ability to own a 100% ownership company in Qatar.

The Landscape of Company Formation in Qatar

Qatar has made significant strides in liberalizing its economy and encouraging foreign investment. Traditionally, foreign ownership restrictions were in place across various sectors, requiring partnerships with local sponsors or entities. However, recent reforms have opened up certain sectors to full foreign ownership, providing an enticing proposition for investors.

Navigating the process of company formation in Qatar requires a thorough understanding of the legal and regulatory framework. From obtaining the necessary licenses and permits to adhering to compliance requirements, meticulous planning is essential for a smooth Qatar business setup. Start-up support services and SME consulting play a vital role in guiding entrepreneurs through this process, offering valuable insights and expertise to navigate the complexities of establishing a company in Qatar.

Advantages of 100% Ownership Companies

One of the primary advantages of owning a 100% ownership company in Qatar is the autonomy and control it affords to investors. Unlike traditional partnership structures, where decision-making may be shared with local sponsors, owning a company outright allows for greater flexibility in strategic planning and operational management. This autonomy empowers entrepreneurs to implement their vision and adapt quickly to market dynamics, driving innovation and growth.

Furthermore, full ownership provides a competitive edge in terms of market positioning and branding. Foreign investors can leverage their global expertise and resources to differentiate their offerings in the Qatari market, capitalizing on emerging opportunities and consumer preferences. This enhanced competitiveness fosters sustainability and resilience, enabling companies to thrive in dynamic business environments.

Challenges of Owning a 100% Ownership Company

Despite the compelling advantages, owning a 100% ownership company in Qatar is challenging. Cultural differences and nuances can pose hurdles in building relationships and navigating local business practices. Understanding the cultural landscape and fostering meaningful connections with stakeholders is essential for fostering trust and credibility in the market.

Additionally, compliance with regulatory requirements remains a critical consideration for foreign investors. While reforms have streamlined processes and reduced bureaucratic barriers, ensuring adherence to legal frameworks and licensing procedures is paramount. SME consulting services play a crucial role in guiding regulatory compliance and risk management, helping companies mitigate potential pitfalls and safeguard their interests.

Establishing a 100% ownership company in Qatar presents opportunities and challenges for foreign investors. From Qatar market entry to start-up support and SME consulting, leveraging the right resources and expertise is key to navigating the intricacies of company formation and maximizing success. By understanding the landscape of business in Qatar and adopting a strategic approach, entrepreneurs can break barriers and unlock the full potential of their ventures in this dynamic market.

[hattedhedgehog]

My (spoiler-free) thoughts on Dragon Age: The Veilguard

The review embargo has lifted and I can officially say that I've played through Dragon Age: The Veilguard early! 

Here are my spoiler-free thoughts and personal opinions on the overall gameplay experience: 

Narrative:

Rook's dialogue and decisions impact SO MUCH of the game, and come into play later on. From companions remembering your beverage preferences, to whether someone you spared shows up later to help or harm you, it feels like the game is paying attention and that you matter.

The stakes are unbelievably high. The Evanuris are utterly terrifying villains, in ways that Corypheus wasn’t. You really feel the magnitude of their power on a personal level as well as a worldwide level.

Whatever your thoughts on him, Solas is FUN as a character. He’s fun to talk to, fun to talk strategy with, fun to rile up and verbally spar with and fun to grudgingly ally with. Now that he can drop his former act and appear to you as the Dread Wolf, and you get to see his memories, you and he team get to decide how to utilise his knowledge and how far your trust extends.

The setup and payoff of the story beats are absolutely superb. The emotional turmoil as a player of being ensnared by things that was foreshadowed earlier in the game is utterly exquisite. Every thread of the larger tapestry has been woven with so much love by the writing team, and every character’s arc tie into the larger story in interesting ways.

The characters feel like they have full lives outside of the player character. You frequently go exploring their home turf and can meet their friends and family. They interact with each other on their own and move about the Lighthouse to spend time together, leave notes for each other, and talk about each other even when the other isn’t there. The team feels like they all really care about each other as well as you. 

You can tell what your approval rating is with characters, but if you want to romance them you have to put some thought into it. Interactions and world events besides the heart on the dialogue wheel influence their attraction to you.

Gameplay:

The combat is very engaging, and I enjoyed how unique all the enemies were.

Abilities in the skill tree can be refunded so you can redirect to a different specialization, which is really handy if you’re indecisive and overwhelmed at first (like I get when choosing abilities).  Most companions can get healing abilities no matter what class, so you don’t have to worry about balancing your rogues/mages/warriors (most of the time).

Climbing, balancing on ledges, using ziplines and sliding down slopes made environments feel more immersive. Additionally I like how each companion has unique abilities that let them interact with the world (fixing mechanisms, breathing fire, summoning bridges from the Fade, etc), and learning their abilities alongside them helps you grow closer.

The wayfinder light makes everything feel streamlined, so it's way harder to get lost while exploring an area. I hardly had to look at the mini map at all, and usually I’m glued to it! This meant I could actually look around at the beautiful environments and appreciate how lively they were, even without NPCs.

The upgrade system is far less overwhelming than in Inquisition; there are a finite amount of weapons/armour/accessories to be found, which are designed for each specific character like in DA:O and DA:2. There's also no longer crafting from scratch. If you loot an item you already have, it automatically upgrades the single item rather than giving you duplicates.

You know that frustration of coming across higher-level armour that just isn’t as flattering as your current one? Not to worry, you can collect “appearances” which you can toggle on as the visual for the armour while still retaining the benefits of the original.

I cannot stress enough how simple and easy to use the inventory is. It's heavenly. 

Using the shops of specific cities increases your reputation within those cities, which is a good incentive to explore and use the shops. I usually hate in-world shopping but here it was simple, and thinking about it tactically worked pretty well.

Quests sometimes reach a point where you can't continue at your current place in the story, and must return to in later acts. When re-exploring familiar areas, everything feeling big enough to be fresh with each visit, and new loot and codex entires appear.

Edit: something I forgot to mention. In character creator, you get to make your Inquisitor after you make Rook. The build menus are all the same, so manage your energy accordingly for doing it all again immediately after for your Inky. I spent an hour and a half building my Rook and wanted to get right to playing, and had to re-wire my brain a bit to be patient and keep going with the CC. (Seeing my Inquisitor with new graphics was awesome though).

A couple little things I appreciated:

The control sounds are very pleasing. From the whoosh of opening the combat wheel to the clinking of upgrades to the subtle whir of holding the decision button, they're a nice touch.

If companions are interrupted in conversation by combat, they resume it afterwards with a "what were you saying before?".

Photo mode is so fun to play with, and you can adjust blur/brightness/lens/depth within the scene. You can also toggle on and off the visibility of your Rook, your party, NPCs and enemies!

Assan learns new interaction tricks at the Lighthouse as the game goes on.

Nitpicks:

Overall I had an incredibly positive experience. The gripes I had were tiny things like:

I genuinely like the new art style of the game as a whole. However, the blurriness of some of the features in contrast with some elements being very crisp was distracting.

When trying to sell valuables for faction points without using Sell All, it takes quite a long time to count up all the individual sales, and it isn't a live counter. So it's kind of annoying if you get +3 points for each item you sell, need 150 points to get the next tier of items, and over 10K worth of valuables that you want to sell to other factions. 

If you do lots of quests without returning to the Lighthouse often, occasionally companions at the Lighthouse will have dialogue pertaining to the quests you've just finished as if you haven't done them.

You can pet the dogs and cats in the cities, but Rook turns their back to the camera to do it and it blocks most of the action unless you rotate quickly.

Gender stuff:

I was incredibly moved that not only can Rook be trans/nonbinary in the character creator if you so choose, but they get options to feel differently about their identity and journey, and it impacts their dialogue and how they relate to other characters! To access this make sure to interact with Varric's Mirror in your room in the Lighthouse. There are many conversation options throughout the game to discuss your identity with other characters, or relate your change of self to other situations. Crucially, it comes up when entering a romance and you have to communicate with your partner about it, which I never even THOUGHT of including in a game because it seemed impossible to even allow trans main characters to begin with.

There are also multiple trans and nonbinary characters throughout Thedas. What I found the most realistic was that just like in life, it is a consistent presence in any character's life, and comes up in conversation more than once. I have never seen a game this forthcoming and open about the topic of transitioning, and it was so validating. 

Final thoughts:

I adore the other games in the franchise. Something about The Veilguard affected me in a way no other game has. I cried multiple times while playing this game, both from joy and sadness. What struck me most is that the people who worked on this game REALLY listened to feedback from previous games, and were very set on making a piece of art that meant something to people. Even during the last few years of me testing the game, things have been adjusted and changed in direct response to our reactions and suggestions. It's surreal and quite touching.

Mileage will vary, but my playthrough was 70 hours on very low difficulty and I haven't done every side quest yet. I could easily have spent more than 100 hours in the game if I wasn't pressed for time.

I hope you enjoy this game as much as I have. See you in Thedas.

[haberai]

CELİKELCPA - PLATİNUM

Are you considering taking the exciting plunge into the dynamic Turkish market? Look no further than Celik El CPA, your trusted partner for seamless company formation and registration in Turkey. As an expert in navigating the complexities of business setup, our services cater to both local and international entrepreneurs eager to establish a foothold in this vibrant economy. With our knowledgeable Turkey accountants by your side, you can rest assured that your financial matters will be managed with precision and care. From navigating regulatory requirements to ensuring compliance, we simplify the process of starting a business in Turkey. 

Company Formation in Turkey

Setting up a business in Turkey can be an excellent decision for both local and foreign entrepreneurs. The process of company formation in Turkey is streamlined and relatively straightforward, making it a lucrative destination for investment. With the right guidance, including the assistance of professional Turkey accountants, you can navigate through legal requirements with ease.

One of the key aspects in securing a successful company registration in Turkey is understanding the various business structures available, such as limited liability companies (LLCs) and joint-stock companies. Each type has its unique benefits and requirements, which is why consulting with experts is advisable to choose the best option for your business model.

Moreover, Turkey's strategic location and growing economy provide a wealth of opportunities for business growth. Whether you're considering import-export businesses or tech startups, the benefits of entering the Turkish market are plentiful. You can leverage local resources and a young workforce, enhancing the potential for business success.

When you’re ready to start your business journey, ensure that you have all the necessary documents submitted accurately to avoid delays in the registration process. With the right support, how to start a business in Turkey can become a seamless experience!

Company Registration in Turkey

Company Registration in Turkey is a crucial step for entrepreneurs looking to establish a business presence in this vibrant market. The process involves several key steps that are designed to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Step-by-Step Process

Choose Your Business Structure: Decide on the type of entity that best suits your business needs, such as a limited liability company (LLC) or joint-stock company.

Prepare Necessary Documentation: Gather all required documents, including your business plan, identity proof, and proof of address.

Open a Bank Account: Deposit the minimum required capital into a Turkish bank account and obtain a bank receipt.

Notary Public: Have your company’s articles of association drafted and notarized.

Register with the Trade Registry Office: Submit your documents to the local Trade Registry office to officially register your company.

Obtain Tax Registration: After registration, apply for a tax identification number from the Tax Office.

Benefits of Registering Your Company in Turkey

Completing the company registration process not only gives your business legal standing but also opens doors to various advantages such as:

Access to a growing market with a dynamic economy.

Eligibility for local and international contracts.

Enhanced credibility with clients and investors.

Engaging with experienced Turkey accountants such as those at Celikel CPA can significantly streamline your registration process. Their expert guidance ensures all steps are efficiently handled, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Ready to take the plunge and establish your presence in Turkey? Start your journey today with the support of dedicated professionals who are there to guide you through every step of How to Start a Business in Turkey.

Turkey Accountants

When planning for company formation in Turkey, selecting a skilled accountant is crucial to ensure compliance with local regulations. Experienced Turkey accountants possess in-depth knowledge of the Turkish tax system and can guide you through the intricacies of company registration in Turkey.

These professionals are adept at various services including bookkeeping, financial reporting, and tax planning, which are essential for new businesses. With their expertise, they help business owners navigate the complexities of local financial obligations, enabling you to focus on building your company.

If you are considering how to start a business in Turkey, partnering with the right accounting firm can significantly streamline your operations and enhance your chances of success. Ensure that your financial foundations are strong with professional help, positioning your business on the path to growth.

How to Start a Business in Turkey

How to starting a business in Turkey can be an exciting and rewarding venture. With its strategic location, dynamic market, and favorable investment climate, the country is an excellent choice for entrepreneurs. Here’s a concise guide to navigating the essential steps so you can move forward confidently.

Choose Your Business Structure: The first step is to decide on the type of business entity that suits your needs. Options include limited liability companies (LLCs), joint-stock companies (JSCs), and sole proprietorships. Each structure comes with its own regulatory requirements and tax implications, so it's essential to choose wisely.

These steps can set the foundation for your success in Turkey’s vibrant market landscape. With effective company registration in Turkey and the guidance of experienced Turkey accountants at your side, you will be well-equipped to launch and grow your business.

For more detailed assistance and tailored advice, don't hesitate to visit Celik & Co. CPA—your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of starting a business in Turkey.

[dani-the-human]

You all enable me too much, here take this

Ok ok, picture this:

Modern au

Cale is watching Alberu's stream while getting ready to go to work. He's been a viewer of Alberu for a while now and his kids have even made him send fanart to the streamer a few times.

For some reason, Alberu jokes about giving someone in chat mod to which Cale offhandedly types in chat: "Sounds tedious, never ask me that again."

Alberu immediately gives it to Cale "for the bit"

Immediately, Cale is like "nononononono- TAKE IT BACK"

Meanwhile Alberu is in stitches, laughing so hard he's almost crying.

Eventually, Cale has to go to work and leaves with a final message in chat:

"This better be fixed when I get back from work, your Highness."

Cale watches Alberu smirk, "Or what, user Weak_Human?"

"Or else I will completely overhaul your setup until it's unrecognizable."

Cale doesn't touch his phone while working and kind of forgets about the stream and his threat until he finally clocks off and opens the app to find he still has mod.... Then he notices he also has an email from the streamer himself.

It's access to Alberu's OBs and stream settings... wtf.

Well, ignoring the ridiculousness of the sotuation, Cale is nothing if not a man of his word.

When Alberu opens up his computer to start streaming, he immediately notices how... smooth everything is. His computer used to take a minute to load everything and yet now everything is almost instant. His starting soon screen is up and while people trickle in, he notices that all his settings have been streamlined, all his ban requests sorted and commented on, even some of his graphics and emotes have been resized and bound to new commands.

The he notices he has a new unread email. In it is an attached spreadsheet which lists every change made and the original settings in excruciating detail. The email itself is a simple 4 words:

"Now take it back."

Alberu can only laugh as he answers:

"Absolutely not. Also, call me hyung, dongsaeng."

[lilyprettyremy]

Mastering the It Girl Life on Campus/ at school : Confidence, Class, and Style

On-Campus Essentials: Sophisticated and Ready to Conquer

Structured mini tote – Think sleek and polished. Choose something that says "I'm on my game" while fitting your essentials: a slim laptop, your chic planner, and a pair of sunnies.

Signature scent – A travel-sized luxury perfume, like Byredo or Le Labo. It leaves a lasting impression without overpowering.

Hydro flask in a neutral tone – Hydration, but make it aesthetic. Bonus points if it matches your outfit.

Protein bar or matcha to-go – Snacks are essential, but we’re keeping it elevated. Opt for a protein bar with clean ingredients or a homemade matcha latte in a reusable tumbler.

AirPods Max or sleek earbuds – Perfect for tuning out the noise between classes with a curated podcast or chill playlist, keeping your energy cool and collected.

In Class: Own the Room with Confidence and Intelligence

Effortless note-taking setup – Digital is where it’s at. Use a tablet with a stylus for sleek, organized notes that sync across all your devices. Bonus: it looks high-tech and minimalistic.

Command attention – Sit where you can engage, but it’s not about the front row anymore—it’s about being present and prepared. Contribute thoughtfully when needed, and stay poised.

All-in-one app for organization – Ditch the old-school planner. Use an app like Notion or Google Calendar to sync your schedule, assignments, and deadlines. Effortlessly keep everything streamlined and on point.

Refined confidence – Instead of always speaking up, choose your moments wisely. Command attention through well-thought-out points that showcase your intellect, not just participation.

Breaks Between Classes: Elevate Your Downtime

Mini face mist – A refreshing face mist with a subtle scent keeps your skin hydrated and glowing, giving you a post-class refresh. Think Tatcha or a rose water mist.

Quick mirror check – Always have a compact mirror to do a quick hair and lip check. It's about looking polished and put together without effort.

Reset with movement – Walk around campus to stay energized, but with intention. Pop in your favorite playlist, take in the surroundings, and use this time to clear your mind before the next task.

Digital declutter – Use breaks to clear out any unnecessary tabs, update your notes, or respond to quick emails. Keeping your digital life tidy is the new version of looking organized.

[defsiarte]

I highly recommend joining Cara right now!

It’s a new portfolio/social media hybrid website made by artists, for artists, as a way to network, find jobs, and see art. Born from ArtStation, Behance, DeviantArt, Instagram, and countless other websites’ implementing predatory AI policies, it aims to fill a gap left in the community for those who don’t wish to support that stuff.

To me at least, it really captures the better parts of being on DA in the early 2010’s. Account setup is very streamlined, your feed is all art and no ads, and the community is very active (Due to a huge exodus of users moving there from Instagram due to Meta’s new AI policy).

The app has all the same functionality as the main site too! You’re able to customize your timeline, mark your work availability, and even toggle your profile between just being a regular timeline and exclusively a portfolio of your strongest works (I have nothing up though bc I just made my acc lol).

A lot of new websites have popped up in the past couple years due to how awful and predatory tech giants have become, and personally I’m all for it. I don’t want an internet where everyone uses the same 5 websites to get all their content. Anyway yeah I highly recommend Cara.

You can see the official explanation of their features and stuff here.

Obligatory plug to own acc

[lunarmoves]

a tide's quarry

pairing: mer!sun/moon x reader

mentions: gender neutral (no y/n or pronouns used), play hunting, underwater diving, predator/prey dynamics, aggressive moon, obsessive/possessive behavior (sunhinged), intensity, misunderstandings, comfort, gift giving

a/n: a very big thank you to @counterbalance for requesting this comm about reader participating in an underwater play hunt with mer sun & moon through a cave system! surely nothing will go wrong, right? :) enjoy! <3

commission info

The ocean today is calm, the turquoise waters glimmering like jewels are scattered just beneath its surface. You breathe in and taste sea salt on your tongue, your eyes flickering down on occasion to your little boat’s navigator to keep an eye on your coordinates. Not too far, now. A few minutes, at most. 

And indeed, you can see a familiar outcropping of rocks in the distance, where Sun and Moon had guided you to the previous week so you could record its location in preparation for today. 

You kill the engine once you get close enough to the massive outcropping. Then, you bustle about to weigh anchor and eventually slip out of your boat’s little cabin. The sun is hot today, bright and only faintly scorching when you stand exposed underneath it for too long. At least the heat is easily soothed by the fresh sea breeze that curls gently past your face. 

Your diving equipment is stored safely in a small compartment beneath the trap door on deck. You beeline straight for it, crouching down in front of it so you can unlatch the door and gaze at the innermost contents.

Last week, when Sun had suggested you take part in a play hunt with him and Moon, you had found yourself hesitantly agreeing. Initially, you’d been unsure—and who wouldn’t be, really—but excitement now squeezes at your insides, having been building up steadily since you’d left the shore. 

You have not participated much in mer culture, if at all, and you are eager to experience an aspect of it that you’ve not heard of before. It could be a fun game to partake in with them, you’d thought to yourself. 

(Sun had seemed extra excited when you’d given your assent—almost like he hadn’t expected you to agree in the first place. Moon had cocked his head at you, piercing ruby eyes settling you with a thoughtful look. He had seemed pleased, though. Faintly. 

It was weird, but then again, you were dealing with mers. You had long conceded to the fact that they would do or say things that would seem a little strange to you.) 

You’d already donned your wet suit before setting out, the material light yet ever so snug where it presses into your skin, so now all you need to do is put together the rest of your gear. The cylinder of your nitrox tank is set to stand atop the deck so you can slip the BCD around it and tighten the strap. Then, you rummage around for your regulator setup to start attaching it and streamlining the different hoses. 

It’s as you’re squinting down at the pressure gauge to double check that your cylinder is full that there’s a sudden, loud splash to your left. 

“Friend!” You hear Sun call out happily, and you look over to see his upper body poking up from the gently waving waters of the ocean. He waves an arm enthusiastically, the petal-like fins surrounding his head drooping backwards now that he’s no longer underwater. “You’re here!” 

“Hey Sun. Moon,” you greet back, your eyes flicking down to Sun’s side to see Moon poking the top half of his head above the water’s surface. 

You move the cylinder to rest on the deck strap-down—your boat sways with each small wave that passes underneath it; you don’t want your only tank to roll away. Then, you stand up and walk over to the edge of the boat to peer down at the two mers, your forearms resting atop the little perimeter fencing.

“Hope you guys weren’t waiting here too long,” you say, your gaze briefly flicking upwards in the vague direction of the sun’s position in the sky. “I know we didn’t really specify a time…” Late afternoon is around the time when you would typically venture out for a dive, so it only made sense to aim for it.

Sun shakes his head. “Not at all! Are you ready yet for our play hunt?” 

You jab a thumb over your shoulder. “Almost. I just need to check a few more things and I’ll be done.” 

Moon blows bubbles, his ruby eyes squinting quite a bit as he peers up at you through the daylight. “Hurry up, Little Fish,” he says in his gravelly voice once he’s lifted his mouth above the water. “Tick tock, tick tock.” And then he ducks back into the water without waiting for your reply, his shimmering, navy tail flicking a spray of droplets in your direction. 

You roll your eyes when his shadow disappears under that of your boat—likely to hide away from the sunlight—and wipe a palm down your wet face. “Okay, I get it. I’ll hurry.” 

“Please do!” Sun calls after you once you have turned back around to pick up your gear and slip it over your body. There’s another splash of water, and you glance over your shoulder to see Sun has disappeared as well. 

Straps are tightened, hoses are arranged properly. You fasten your weight belt around your waist and kick off your shoes. Your goggles are grabbed and strapped to your forehead for the time being. It frees up your hands to grab your flippers and trudge over to the gap in your boat’s fencing to plop down at its edge. 

Sitting here, facing the wide expanse of the ocean, you are able to see a glimmer of gold scales passing by underwater as Sun swims circles around your boat. His excitement is palpable, that is for certain. A small smile lingers on your lips as you shove on your flippers, and Sun pops out of the surface just in time for you to push yourself down into the sea. 

The water is cool where it slips into your wet suit. You shiver and kick yourself away from your boat slightly, your legs moving in sweeping motions to keep your head above water. 

Sun swims a singular, pinched circle around you before he brings himself to a stop just in front of you. He reaches out to boop your nose with a wet finger—mindful of the tapered claw at its end. 

“Good now?” he asks with a grin. In the bright lighting, you are only faintly able to see his white pupils back-dropped against grey scleroses. 

“Yep,” you say as you use a hand to bring your goggles down over your eyes. You give him a thumbs up. “So. How are we doing this?” 

“Moon and I will give you a head start,” Sun tells you. The push and pull of the water is a constant source of white noise in the background. “We will also slow ourselves down to make sure you have a fair fighting chance. Use the caves to your advantage, they will help.”

You nod along to his explanation. “And it ends when either of you catch me?” you ask just for a confirmation. Briefly, you feel a webbed hand trail sneakily around your ankle in the water, and you don’t need to look down to know it’s Moon messing with you. With a quick flick of your flipper, you kick him away.

“Yep! Try not to get caught too soon, hm?” Sun winks, a bit of his pink tongue sticking out from his thin lips. “Give us a challenge!” 

“I’ll do my best,” you say with a snort. Not that you expect to be able to outlast literal sea creatures in their natural habitat. 

Once you place the second stage regulator in your mouth and give Sun another thumbs up, he smiles and grabs a hold of your wrist as he dives beneath the ocean’s surface. Like this, he guides you deeper into the underwater world.

No matter how many times you have gone diving, the shifting hues of oceanic blue and gentle teal always take your breath away. Sun rays dance over your head, pressing their open palms over your back and shoulders as you are guided down, down, down. Curious fishes dart around you, scared off by the massive, snaking forms of Sun and Moon as they flank your sides. 

Their size and the ease with which they slip through the water never fails to amaze you. Both of their tails are easily twice the length of your own body, with scales that shimmer as though a handful of stardust had been cast upon them. Where Sun’s body is a gradient of burnt oranges and warm dandelions all the way down to his flukes, Moon’s is a canvas of navy blues and bright whites. Both of them also have these wispy, burgundy fins that frame their hips and necks. Like ruffles, almost. Ones that are nearly translucent. 

What really catches your eye, though, are the swirls and dots of bioluminescence that adorn the entirety of their individual bodies. The little lights get brighter the further you all sink from the touch of daylight, but not overtly so. Just a subtle glow of yellow and blue to brighten and illuminate their associated mers. It is captivating, you have to admit.

You have never seen mers like them before—mirror images of the sky at dusk and midnight. With certainty, you can say that their names are quite fitting. Your gaze slides from their undulating tails to look in front of you with steadily widening eyes.

You’d been told by Moon—back when they had first brought you here via you following them on your boat—that the outcropping of rocks above was actually the location of an underwater cave system. But you hadn’t been expecting just how extensive it looks from the outside. 

Indeed, as Sun brings you to a stop quite a distance from the front of the massive wall of cave entrances—carved within it like nature’s grandiose version of Swiss cheese—you have to take a moment to simply take it all in.

Like this, you feel infinitely small, peering up at the tunnels of differing sizes. The one directly in front of you is the largest—more than twice the size of your own body in diameter. Enough to swallow you whole. Others are scattered about, ranging from the size of a plate to the mouth of a large barrel. An adequate size to let you shimmy through, but not a being like Sun or Moon. 

Mentally, you take note of that. 

The entrances are not completely dark—illuminated adequately by the overhead sunlight to allow you a glimpse of the rough rock and coral comprising the inner walls. You can see various sea life swimming lazily in and out of them. 

At any other time, you think it may be fun to explore around the caves. 

But that’s not why you’re here right now. 

Sun releases your wrist, and the abrupt loss makes you turn to look at him. He blows a stream of bubbles at you, then nods his head towards the caves. The fins around his head frame his face like the rays of a distant star, drifting gently with each motion he makes. 

A glance at Moon—who floats lazily around you and Sun on his back—shows that he’s waiting as well. Moon makes a shooing gesture at you with a clawed hand, flipping himself upright in a way that makes the long angler-like appendage attached to the back of his head flick through the water. You take that as an indication to get going. 

With a nod, you tilt yourself forward and kick your legs slowly to approach the yawning entrance of the largest cave. And just before you can slip into its shadows, you glance briefly behind you. 

Sun waves instantly, an encouraging grin on his face. But Moon— Moon simply watches you with glowing ruby eyes that do nothing to show what he’s thinking. Rather typical of him, you muse to yourself.

You turn back around and dart into the cave. The sensation of eyes lingers along your spine.

You’d be a fool to not take advantage of the head start. Your breaths are slow, measured, as you make your way quickly through the wide tunnel. You’re not too deep underwater that you would require decompression stops, thankfully. It makes it easier for you to explore the twisting, interconnecting caves. 

And isn’t ‘twisting’ such a good descriptor for them. Some of the tunnels feel almost like a winding roller coaster ride as you are forced to move up for indefinite stretches and then down. Others are rather level, all things considered, and you pass by numerous jagged holes in the walls from the tunnels leading deeper into the cave system.

Deeper and deeper you go, wanting to put as much space as possible between you and the mers. Your eyes linger on the gently swaying verdant plants that poke stubbornly out of glistening rock. The small silver and purple fishes that dart around your body. Water presses against your ears. 

You lose track of where you are after your fourth turn into an adjacent tunnel. This one is a bit smaller, but still large enough that you can comfortably swim about. You hope it doesn’t take an eternity to get out of this place later. 

It’s as you’re looking at a particularly stunning piece of coral sticking out at the edge of a tunnel entrance that you notice it. 

A familiar glow coming from deeper within that paints the walls in pulsating blue—that gets brighter and larger the longer you float there blinking at it. 

Your heart leaps in your chest. 

Moon. 

Immediately, you pivot and swim into a tunnel directly above your head. And when you glance back down once you’re a bit of a distance away, you are able to catch the end of Moon’s tail as it snaps past the hole of the entrance. You’re lucky he had decided not to look up. He would’ve had a straight line of sight to you. 

A close call for certain. You won’t say you feel smug, per se, but the feeling of managing to evade him is definitely giving you some kind of giddy satisfaction.

Shaking your head slightly, you continue to follow the tunnel up until it eventually bends forward to level out. Occasionally, you look over your shoulder, just in case you don’t notice one of the mers sneaking up on you. You cannot rely too heavily on your hearing down here, after all. Not unless they decide to be obvious about when they catch sight of you in the distance. But even then, they might be difficult to hear. 

You exhale, long and slow. You wonder if there are any nooks or crevices you can use to hide from them here. It’ll certainly help if you ever want to take a brief break. You proceed onward, keeping a sharp eye out. 

You’re not sure how long you spend on your own, drifting aimlessly through the cave system. It couldn’t have been all too much time, really, even though it definitely feels like hours. But it was unfortunately inevitable that you’d eventually be found. 

You see Sun in the distance when you round a bend and immediately freeze in place like a deer caught in headlights. Like this, you have a full view of his side profile as he swims through a perpendicular tunnel, and for a second you think that he hasn’t seen you. 

But then he does a little double take from the corner of his pale eye, and his head snaps towards you. A grin snakes across his face as he lights up—literally and figuratively. You have just enough sense to twirl around in the water and shoot off back where you came from at the same time he darts after you with a flick of his tail.

Adrenaline surges through your body with all the strength of a river in a storm. It takes all your control to ensure that your breathing is steady, even as your heart thrums with the surprise of being found. Distantly, you think you hear the clicks and chirps of Sun’s language as he gives chase. What he’s saying, you have no idea, though you’ve been around him long enough to know he’s being enthusiastic. 

There’s a little tug at the tip of one of your flippers, followed by the faintest displacement of water. Your head snaps back to see Sun nipping playfully at your kicking feet, a wild smile on his face like he’s having fun. Your heart skips a beat—you hadn’t expected him to catch up so quickly. Though he doesn’t make any move to really reach out to catch you. 

In fact, he stays just on your heels. Close enough that if he just stretched out an arm, he could latch easily onto your ankle. But he doesn’t. You shoot him a squinted look through your goggles, then turn around to dart into a section of the cave system with tunnels that twist and turn like a maze. 

Your legs kick off of the bends of walls, and your hands reach out to swing yourself around tight corners until finally, finally, you somehow manage to shake him off. In the far distance, the muffled clicks and whistles of his calls ring out after you. 

You think it’s less likely that you had managed to dart out of his view and more that he simply let you. It’s not a comforting thought, though you suppose he did say he would slow himself down for you. 

You bring yourself to a stop so you can focus on your breathing. Deep breath in, deep breath out. Steadily, you will your heart to ease down from its slight increase in beating. If you burn through your tank too quickly, you’ll have to cut this little game off before anyone can really win. 

Once you’re calm, you look around at where you’ve ended up. This part of the cave system is darker. Not so much so that you cannot see, but dark enough that you have to wait a little for your eyes to adjust some more. There is not much life here. You only catch the glint of tiny scales darting off around the closest turn. It is desolate, apart from you. An oceanic ghost town that makes you look briefly behind you as though a drowned specter had breathed down your neck. 

You must be rather deep, then. Slowly, you start to swim again. 

Your only consolation with the lack of lighting is that it would allow you to better see the bright bioluminescence of Sun and Moon from afar. You have previously bore witness to the extent with which their bodies can light up in the dark. But you think you prefer to find your way back up to a brighter area, if you can. 

You are careful as you pick your way through the winding tunnels, your head moving steadily from side to side, up and down, while you drift along a faint current. Any tunnel you see that points upwards, you take, but you don’t have much success in rising in elevation when the passageways twist about like a snake. You hum to yourself in contemplation. 

And then you feel it. 

That familiar tingling sensation on the back of your neck, your hairs prickling even underwater. 

There’s a moment where you simply process what you’re feeling. An unease that skirts thin fingers down the length of your spine. 

You look behind you. 

Far, far in the distance, is Moon. 

He’s just watching you, his body highlighted in the cool blue of his bioluminescence as he lays nearly flat against the bottom of the jagged tunnel. The stance of a stalking predator. But what really catches your attention are the tiny, pinprick pupils of his eyes. Ruby red as they blaze through the water to hone in on your form. 

A beat passes. Breath gets held within your lungs. 

Moon smiles at you, and it is all sharp, bared teeth. 

It’s a look that reminds you of the first time you’d met him—where you were faced with his constant antagonizing, and his intense, predatory looks like he was imagining how best to prepare you for supper. Your heart drops down to your stomach, then again to your feet when he starts to move. 

And he is fast, slicing through the tunnel in a way that immediately makes alarm bells go off in your head. Your lips tighten around your regulator’s mouthpiece, and you snap back around to brace your feet against a nearby wall and shoot yourself down an intersecting tunnel.  

Distantly, you can hear Moon growling through the water—a foreboding sound that pushes you to go faster than ever. Your heart palpitates wildly in your chest, your ears. A hotness starts to spread from the center of your sternum, up to your neck, and into your cheeks. 

What is he doing? Why is he acting like this? 

You are wildly unsure. There is only the feeling, the urge, to get away away away. You are unable to do much else other than blindly heed it. 

The muscles of your thighs and calves start to burn. You make a sharp turn, and glance back in time to see Moon collide roughly with the wall of the same bend. His claws leave deep, terrible gouges in the unyielding rock, before he snaps his tail to continue his chase of you. 

The vision of those same markings marring your own softer skin makes you feel as though you have been plunged in icy, icy water. You do not like the feeling one bit.

You cannot tell if Moon is slowing himself down for you or not, but he hasn’t caught you yet, and that provides the smallest sparks of light in what feels like a vantablack room. Your surroundings feel like a blur in your steadily growing haste, but you are just able to register a familiar yellow light in the tunnel up ahead. 

You curse in your head right as Sun appears within the light, his mouth automatically quirking up into a pleased grin at the sight of you zooming in his direction. Another quick glance over your shoulder shows that Moon is still on your tail—utterly relentless. It feels as though your brain is moving on overdrive. You have enough sense to pivot into a wide tunnel to your left.

With Sun and Moon now chasing after you, there is this awful, awful feeling starting to take root in your stomach. You are not quite panicking—they would never harm you, you repeat to yourself again and again—but the initial feelings are there and it is difficult to shake that innate sense of danger lurking in the back of your mind. 

Sharp teeth, sharp claws. Tails that can knock you unconscious with just an idle swipe. 

You pick up the pace. 

Your eyes dart about, looking for an escape of sorts. A hiding place. Anything. And you are in luck, for up ahead, you catch sight of a small cave entrance—similar to the ones you had seen right outside of the cave system. Large enough for you to squeeze through, but not Sun or Moon. Now you just have to get there. 

You swerve down a little so you can reach out to the cave’s floor and use jutting rocks to propel your body forward. With another look behind you, you are right on time to see Sun shove Moon to the side as the latter is overtaken. A scowl splays itself across Moon’s face when he careens off course a little, but he does not retaliate. No, he is too focused on you. His tail snaps him back into motion. Your teeth tighten even more around your mouthpiece. 

There’s a light catch at the tip of your flipper. The briefest displacement of water. 

And then you shoot yourself through the smaller tunnel like thread through the eye of a needle. 

There’s the rough sound of hands catching themselves against rock, of sharp nails clawing at dense minerals. Sun whistles after you from afar. You don’t look back. The walls press in around you, nearly fitting around your body. But you slowly guide yourself through the upwardly-winding tunnel until you find yourself surfacing within a dimly-lit air pocket. 

There’s a small, flat, island of sorts in the middle of the air pocket made of the cave’s same dark rock. You swim towards it and pull yourself up so you can sit down with your legs still in the water. 

Immediately, you spit out your regulator and take in deep, heaving breaths of air. Your hand runs over the top of your head. Water trails steadily down the sleek material of your wet suit. 

You don’t know what that was, not at all. Your heart still pounds like it is trying to ram itself out of your chest. Deep breath in, deep breath out. You will yourself to calm, but part of it is futile. 

Mer culture appears to be a bit too intense for you, it seems.

You don’t want to do this anymore. Anxiety makes your limbs feel like brittle paper. You suck in some more air, your hands momentarily clenching together. You wish to be back on your boat—back at home, in the comfort of your apartment. 

You sigh, a long and weary thing. Though you are wary of being caught, at least this whole play hunt thing will be over once you are. This is definitely not worth the stress. 

You rub at your face. And once you feel as though you have collected yourself—eased the minor trembling of your fingers (they won’t hurt you, they won’t)—you slip back into the water with the full intention of giving up. 

The tunnels feel more restrictive as you cautiously make your way back through them, even though you know, logically, that they aren’t. You chase the lingering remnants of sunlight you’re able to parse out in the dark, following the brighter paths until you are back in an area where you can see properly. 

Fish and seahorses swim about in small schools or on their own. You follow them idly, soothing yourself by brushing your fingers gently against softly swaying stalks and leaves of plants sticking out of the ground. Your legs kick leisurely behind you, and you are only a bit wary as you look around for any familiar glowing lights. 

Maybe you should start to make your way to an exit tunnel of sorts, you think to yourself. It’s better than wandering even deeper into the caves. You hum, then spin around to see if you can peer through any of the openings near you in the hopes that they will lead to open water. You can try following some of the fishes too, you suppose. 

Before you can really do anything, however, you catch a glimpse of cool blue light down a tunnel to your right. And upon pivoting towards it, you are caught entirely unawares when something abruptly seizes you by the upper arms from behind. 

Your heart leaps up to your throat. Hands spin you around until you are faced with the bright, glowing face of Sun. The relief you feel at seeing him and not Moon lasts only brief seconds before he immediately presses close into your space. Too close. 

His face hovers over your own, head fins flicking around his head in exuberance. His eyes are wide, white, and all-encompassing where they bore intently into your own. There is only the barest hint of the grey of his scleroses. It is not a familiar look.

What is going on? 

Your skin prickles with discomfort when Sun tugs you close, close, close, towards him. He makes these fast clicking sounds, then rubs his cheek into your jawline in a way that makes you instantly freeze. You have to unstick your tongue from the roof of your mouth. What is he doing? Is it over? Your eyes dart to what you can see of Sun’s head obscuring your vision, then they snap over to Moon when you notice him swimming lazily around in your periphery. 

He looks… calm, now. Aloof, even, as he floats around you. With the claw of his pinky, he picks at his sharp teeth idly. The change gives you whiplash, almost. 

But you just can’t stop thinking about those flashes of intensity from him as you’d played their game. Chasing you like you were nothing but a minnow trapped in a shark tank. A predator, you remind yourself. 

A predator whose forehead seems to crease as he watches you through soft ruby eyes, then moves them over to look at Sun. 

You are unable to decipher his expression before Sun gives a powerful flick of his tail and pulls you along with him down the tunnel. Your eyes squeeze shut, and there is only the sensation of movement through water until finally, finally, you feel your head breach the surface. 

Rivulets run down your face and hair in steady streams. The white noise of the ocean and seagulls cawing overhead is an implosion of sound that surrounds you. It is overtaken by the sharp whistles and clicks of Sun directly in front of you. 

He’s excited. 

Too excited. 

One of his hands moves to push your goggles up to sit on the crown of your head, while the other plucks your regulator from your mouth to let it dangle around your neck. You blink rapidly, a feeling in the bottom of your stomach growing steadily worse when he rubs his face atop your head almost in a ruthless manner. 

“I caught you! I win!” he breathes out in one quick rush. His hands tighten around you, unwilling, as they are, to let you go. His chest heaves like he can’t quite take in enough air. “I get to keep you,” he says breathlessly. His entire body seems to vibrate. “You cannot leave me now, okay? You are mine.” He hums out the word, then inhales deeply as he presses his face to your forehead. “Mine, mine, mine.” 

Cotton lines your throat. Your skin feels like it’s burning up where he continues to hold his forehead against your own. An alarm starts to go off in your head again. What is he talking about?

“S—” you try to stutter out. But you can’t get any words out. Sun leans back to flick his gaze rapidly all over your face. You swallow heavily and feel like ants are burrowing into your skin when Sun follows the motion of your throat with his eyes. 

Something gentle brushes against the bottom of your foot. And like the tide rising to meet the shore, Moon surges smoothly up through the ocean’s surface to inject himself between you and Sun. Gracefully, you are pushed back by a thick, navy tail and forced to tread water with Sun no longer holding you up. 

You wipe water from your eyes right as Moon snarls something at Sun. Breathing bated, you watch as Sun aims a thin smile back at him, sharp like the blade of a knife. They both devolve into rapid clicking and snapping; you are wholly lost, but grateful for the respite so you can catch your breath and ease your thrumming pulse. 

At one point, Sun tries to loop around Moon to get to you, but he gets immediately blocked. You find yourself slowly backing away to your boat, not removing your gaze from the two mers at all, lest you end up accidentally caught in the crossfire. 

Sun makes a few more attempts, his teeth bared with his low growls. It’s only until he looks at you—really looks at you—that he suddenly stops. 

You wonder how you must look like, to him, when you feel his gaze flick over your face. Your jaw tenses. 

“I—” Sun starts, then stops himself. He wilts, the petal-like fins around his head drooping as his face dips down until his mouth is just above the water. “Friend, sorry.” He blinks a few times until his pupils return back to their normal size. He looks guilty, almost. Devastated in a way that makes you itch. “I am sorry. I got too… excited.” 

You don’t know what to say. So you don’t. You only swallow thickly again and give a jerky nod of your head. There’s a trembling to your fingers that you’re having a hard time getting to stop, but you manage, somehow, in your focus to keep yourself afloat. 

Moon spins around in the water and tries to approach you slowly once Sun distances himself. But when you flinch back from him (sharp claws, sharp teeth, piercing ruby eyes), he stops and instead settles you with an inscrutable look. The skin above his eyes furrows slightly. Then, he shifts back from you as well, joining Sun with a low hum.  

He’s fine now, you try to tell yourself. He’s back to being Moon. He even helped you, just now, when you’d nearly gotten swept away in all that was Sun. 

But it’s hard when your skin continues to prickle, and it feels like a heavy weight is pressing down onto your chest. 

Warily, you keep an eye on Sun and Moon while you take one deep breath in, one deep breath out. Again, and again, as you slowly swim backwards towards your boat. They keep their distance as they trail after you. A way to give you space, you realize, even though they are both not quite looking directly at you. 

They are not completely silent, either. Just over the white noise of the ocean, you are able to hear low whistles and faint, musical humming. Not the first time you have heard such sounds from them, by any means, but as your muscles slowly relax and your jaw unclenches, you realize they’re trying to soothe you. In their own, strange, mer-like way. 

It works, just a bit. You breathe steadily, looking up at the sky to watch a few cotton-candy puffs of clouds move slowly across it. The buzzing underneath your skin eases until there is nothing once more. 

This is fine. You are fine. 

But there’s this feeling you’re left with that spreads from deep within your chest to the outermost layer of your skin. An ache that festers and makes you long for a balm to relieve it. Now that the chill of danger has passed, you recognize it for what it is—made ever so prominent by the empty distance between you and the mers. 

You sigh, long and resigned. In the end, you want things to be okay between you and them. A cursory glance at their faces shows that they both look equally as guilty or bothered. You’re not going to be able to make progress if you don’t take some steps of your own volition. 

You clear your throat. Then, tentatively, you ask, “...Hug it out?” 

Both their gazes immediately snap to your own. Surprised, you think, at your request. Maybe they hadn’t expected it at all. 

Sun instantly gives a flick of his dusk-like flukes as he makes to dart over to you. But he lets out a yelp when Moon snags him by the tail and tugs him back rough enough to splash droplets everywhere in a small burst. You watch curiously as Moon gives Sun a sharp look and a quick click of his tongue. It causes Sun to pout, but he eases back—hovering just behind his counterpart’s shoulder. 

Slowly, Moon slips his way towards you, cutting through the water like a hot knife through butter. Your stomach jumps slightly at the sight, but you focus on the motions of your arms and legs as you tread water—letting yourself settle down and relax. 

He pauses a foot or so away from your side, then just looks at you—gaze flicking about your face. Searching for something, you realize. You look back at him. 

When Moon doesn’t seem to find what he’s analyzing you for, he reaches out to wrap you up in a slow, purposeful, side hug. Cool, webbed hands press themselves gently into your arms and back. And when you don’t make any move to push him away, he tugs you closer towards him, allowing you to rest your limbs as he takes on the burden of keeping both of you afloat. 

You lean into him, but before you surrender yourself completely, you look over to Sun. He’s followed after Moon and lingers just a small distance away, his face half-submerged in the water. He blinks large, round eyes at you, his fins drooping across his forehead, then—after watching you carefully for a few seconds—he swims closer until he wraps you within his arms on your other side. 

The warmth from Sun’s body is a pleasant contrast from Moon’s cooler temperature. You exhale through your nose as you get cemented solidly between them. Your arms move to loop around each of their thin waists. Faintly, you can feel a rumble of sorts from their chests. Sun presses his cheek to the top of your head, and you feel—more than hear—the way he sighs in contentment. Moon hums soothingly into your ear. 

It’s nice, you think to yourself as you close your eyes. Better than the turbulent emotions you’d been feeling before. You could get used to this. 

But like all good things, the hug eventually has to come to an end.

“Better?” Moon asks in a low voice as he draws away from you. He lingers in your space, though, soft ruby eyes fixed upon your own. 

“Yeah.” You sigh, then offer him an apologetic smile. “Sorry. Things just got uh, a bit too much for me.” 

“Hush. Don’t apologize,” Moon chides you. “Not your fault Sun is a bad courter.” 

At that, you feel the way Sun jerks back from you in offense, his fins bristling around his head. His hands tighten across your shoulders just a tad, before he eventually lets you go to shoot Moon a squinted glare. You are forced to tread water on your own again, lest you sink. “Hey! Not fair! You are as well!” 

Moon snickers something back, but you don’t catch it—occupied, as you are, on rotating Moon’s words in your mind. 

You blink once, then twice. 

“What?” you blurt. “Courting?” 

Sun and Moon exchange glances, confused, before they return their gazes to you. 

“Yeeess,” Moon says, his head tilting in a way that drapes his head lure over his shoulder. “The play hunt. It was a courting custom for us.” 

“We thought you knew?” Sun adds with a small frown. He rubs at his chin in a manner like he’s mulling something over, then looks away as he presses the palm of his hand to his mouth. He mumbles something, but you are not able to make it out. 

“How was I supposed to know?!” you reply in slight exasperation. There’s a burning feeling rising up to your cheeks as you think back to their behaviors over the last hour—and even before the play hunt, really. The burning intensifies until it forces you to look anywhere but at them. 

Suddenly, some things are starting to make a whole lot of sense. 

Moon only hums and whistles something in his language at Sun. You don’t even try to gauge what they are discussing. Instead, you groan silently to yourself and turn around so you can make your way back to your boat. Your arms and legs are starting to ache again—getting out of the water for some rest is ideal. 

Plus, it’ll give you some time to collect yourself. Your face burns hotter than a fire, it feels.

Chirps and clicks follow you back to your little abode before they eventually disappear. You hoist yourself onto the deck and begin the process of disassembling your gear and packing it away properly once more. Your mind buzzes with the force of your thoughts, your movements practically automatic. When you finish, you smooth some wet strands of your hair away from your face, then make your way back over to the gap in your boat’s fencing so you can sit down and let your feet dangle into the water. You are alone, it seems. For now.

You rub at your face, willing the heat to fade. Honestly. Courting custom. It’s not like there’s a book out there on every single aspect of mer culture. You’d been none the wiser the entire time. Maybe that’s why the play hunt had felt so intense. You sigh and brush your fingers lightly across your mouth. 

And after a few moments of sitting there, swishing your feet around as the ocean ebbs and flows around you, you are joined by Sun and Moon once more. 

They resurface near your shins, rising up from the water like pale ghosts. And when Sun nudges your leg gently, you realize that they’re both holding something. 

“For you!” Sun beams as his palm opens up at you to reveal a stunning, magenta piece of sea glass. You blink at him owlishly, then reach down to take it from him. It’s smooth between your fingers, and shaped almost like a perfect oval. 

“Thanks?” you respond questioningly, then turn to Moon once he pokes your calf as well. His palm opens. Oh. “A… rock.” You reach down to pluck it from his hand to roll across your palm. There’s nothing remarkable about it, really. It’s simply a rock. You clear your throat. “I mean, uh, it’s a rather nice rock, I suppose,” you add on lamely. 

Moon snickers at your tone. “Silly,” he says in amusement as he reaches up to boop your nose. “This is a placeholder until I can find a better gift.”

��Oh. Makes sense.” You then pause and mull over his words. “Wait, is this a courting thing too?” You can feel your ears growing hotter. 

“Yes,” they both reply in unison, Sun’s eager voice contrasting against Moon’s lower one. 

You groan and slump forward as you rub your palms into your cheeks. “I can’t believe I didn’t know. How embarrassing.” For you and for them, you muse. 

Sun chuckles. “You are not solely to blame.” 

“We can stop, if you want,” Moon adds on, and though he sounds open to you turning them down, there is something faint to his voice that tells you otherwise. 

And, well, it’s not like you are entirely opposed to the idea. 

“No, no,” you find yourself saying. You peek through your fingers at them and offer them a tentative, shy smile. “It’s okay. You uh, don’t have to.” The heat returns to your neck and face with a vengeance. 

They both laugh, and you’re certain you’re not imagining it when something in the air—and your heart—gets infinitely lighter. 

[fahye]

book recs: feb 2024

(disclaimer: I have spent nearly three months languishing and sullen with post-COVID symptoms and have read, over dec-feb, eighty-one books. this is a ruthlessly streamlined list of recs that does not include, uh, all the rereading of sarah maclean and charlie adhara and georgette heyer books.)

AT FIRST SPITE by olivia dade - what if I moved in next to the man who ruined my engagement to his younger brother, and tried to ruin his life by playing monsterfucking audiobooks really loudly?? a heartfelt and lovely romance that also expertly sets up a great small-town setting for an ongoing series.

THE REFORMATORY by tananarive due - historical horror based on the existence of a real school for boys, clear-eyed and brutal in showing the the effect of racist systems in the 1950s american south. compelling as hell. even if you're not usually into horror, I'd recommend this: the ghost aspect is light-handed and really not as important as the horror of what humans do to other humans.

SOMETHING WILD & WONDERFUL by anita kelly - this is a m/m romance about walking the pacific crest trail which made me see the appeal of very long walks. a miracle! it's gentle and emotional and well put together; the characters really grabbed me.

THE BELL IN THE FOG by lev a.c. rosen - the followup to 'lavender house', and somehow even better?? a historical mystery series featuring a queer private eye in 1950s san francisco who looks into crimes against other queer people. amazing queer history! ACAB! I hope there are fifty more books in this series.

FEAST WHILE YOU CAN* by mikaella clements & onjuli datta - beautiful, greedy, terrifying small-town horror that is also a fucking fantastic, gorgeously written sapphic love story. this one IS for the horror fans. it gave me the absolute creeps but I couldn't put it down.

LADY EVE'S LAST CON* by rebecca fraimow - I described this on bsky as 'if you like Leverage, space opera, old screwball comedies, and dashing sapphics who are at all times spiritually wearing a leather jacket: this one is for you' and I stand by that. huge amounts of fun.

LONG LIVE EVIL* by sarah rees brennan - I will be screaming from here until forever about SRB's first adult fantasy book. if you like the isekai'd-into-a-villain-character setup and want it to be hilarious, genre-savvy and wildly angry and clever, you will roll around in this like a blood-stained mud puddle and then beg for more.

THE LAST HOUR BETWEEN WORLDS* by melissa caruso - really clever and original fantasy about a woman on maternity leave who gets dragged into saving a cocktail party which is falling through increasingly murderous and bizarre dimensions. LISTEN, JUST GO WITH IT. it's a seriously cool adventure.

YOU SHOULD BE SO LUCKY* by cat sebastian - yes, it's another m/m romance about queer history in the mid 20th century, this one between a baseball player and the journalist assigned to write a story about his slump. made me care about baseball. cat is a genius.

*I read these as ARCs, they're not available yet but consider preordering or keep your eye out for them!

[daughterofheartshaven]

A Virgin New Adventures reading guide

I told @gotyouanyway that I'd give them my reading guide for the Virgin New adventures that I made for a friend a while back and posting it publicly was easy and also means other people can use this too. I wrote this back in 2021, but stand by it from what I remember. It has been like 5-6 years since I read some of these books, so if I rated your favorite too low lemme know and I'll give it a re-read.

This might not be that helpful if you want to pick just a few books - I designed it more to streamline VNA experiance

The key:

1 - I'd recommend skipping

2 - Eh. You can skip, but there is at least something to be gained by reading it

3 - I would recommend reading this. It's not plot-critical, but it is a good read or useful setup

4 - Read this for sure. It's either plot-relevant, or just that damn good (or both).

Timewyrm: Genesys - 4 (introduces the timewyrm and the series; unfortunately it's also not great.)

Timewyrm: Exodus - 3 (continues the timewyrm story, and is a fairly straightforward but interesting story)

Timewyrm: Apocalypse - 2 (eh. Not much for or against it either way)

Timewyrm: Revelation - 4 (concludes the timewyrm arc with style)

Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible - 3 (Good if you can wrap you head around it)

Cat's Cradle: Warhead - 2 (depressing as all get out, but very well written)

Cat's Cradle: Witch Mark - 3 (just plain weird. Does finish the current arc and sets up Return of the Living Dad)

Nightshade - 2 (kinda weird. Notable as the first Mark Gatiss story)

Love and War - 4 (plot-relevant. Also awesome)

Transit -4 (Introduces important recurring character. Hard to follow but really good even if you can't follow it)

The Highest Science - 3 (good story, but ultimately not amazingly important)

The Pit - 1 (I did not enjoy)

Deceit - 4 (Not a great read, but important to the plot)

Lucifer Rising - 4 (Amazing, with important character development for our protagonists)

White Darkness - 2 (first David A. McIntee novel, but not especially gripping)

Shadowmind - 3 (good demonstration of where Ace and Benny are as characters, vaguely interesting plot)

Birthright - 3 (good character piece for Ace and Benny, shows a darker side to the Doctor without being dumb about it)

Iceberg - 2 (plot is messy and weird. Only read if you need the Doctor's half of the story from Birthright)

Blood Heat - 4 (starts alternate universe arc, important developments for the Tardis)

The Dimension Riders - 2 (gonna be honest here - I don't remember a thing about this one either way)

The Left-Handed Hummingbird - 3 (first Kate Orman novel. Pretty good, although a little weird and hard to follow)

Conundrum - 3 (Be prepared for weirdness. And superheroes. Helps setup for No Future and Head Games)

No Future - 4 (concludes the alternate universe arc with style, establishes Ace from here on out)

Tragedy Day - 3 (dark, but good. Worth a read)

Legacy - 3 (Kinda dark, but it works. Be prepared for over-continuity)

Theatre of War - 4 (Pulls off one of the best plot twists I've seen anywhere, and introduces Braxieatel to the Whoniverse)

All-Consuming Fire - 4 (Not plot-relevent at all, but is very good, especially if you are a Sherlock Holmes fan)

Blood Harvest - 4 (Major plot point in the Whoniverse)

Strange England - 2 (takes strangeness to an art form. Can be freely skipped)

First Frontier - 4 (plot relevant for spoiler-y reasons)

St Anthony's Fire - 2 (dark and weird, but well written)

Falls the Shadow - 1 (Just... no)

Parasite - 1 (Written by Jim Mortimore, therefore depressing as all get out)

Warlock - 2 (I did not read. Sequel to Warhead, so only read if you liked it)

Set Piece - 4 (major plot developments for multiple characters)

Infinite Requiem - 2 (like The Dimension Riders, I remember nothing)

Sanctuary - 3 (a pure historical. Not really great on its own, but helps set up Human Nature)

Human Nature - 4 (The story that was adapted to TV. One of the best New Adventures by itself, becomes even better by having fun comparing it to the TV version)

Original Sin - 4 (plot-relevant)

Sky Pirates! - 2 (Only if you like Douglas-Adams-esque dark humor)

Zamper - 3 (Somewhat interesting follow-up to The Highest Science)

Toy Soldiers - 2 (Adds pretty much nothing, but not painfully bad) 

Head Games - 4 (a worthwhile look at where the Doctor has been going and who he is)

The Also People - 4 (probably my favorite New Adventure, although Theatre of War and Human Nature are also up there. Also resolves a recurring character's arc)

Shakedown - 3 (Fun, but ultimately fluff)

Just War - 2 (Weird and ultimately unimportant)

Warchild - 2 (Same situation as Warlock. Starts Psi arc, but can be skipped)

SLEEPY - 4 (Generally good story, sets up Psi arc if you skipped Warchild)

Death and Diplomacy - 3 (only worthwhile as setup for Happy Endings)

Happy Endings - 4 (Plot relevant. Ultimately fluff, but plot-relevant)

GodEngine - 4 (not plot-relevant, but an excellent story)

Christmas on a Rational Planet - 2 (part of Psi arc, and lays groundwork for Faction Paradox stuff, but I couldn't really follow it)

Return of the Living Dad - 4 (cleans up old plot threads, and is a great story in its own right)

Cold Fusion - 4 (Not plot relevant, but an excellent, gripping story)

The Death of Art - 2 (part of Psi arc, but not great)

Damaged Goods - 2 (Russel T. Davis's first Who work, but very dark and nasty)

So Vile a Sin - 4 (finishes Psi arc and has other plot relevance)

Bad Therapy - 2 (deals mostly with repercussions of previous story, but not great in and of itself)

Eternity Weeps - 1 (Jim Mortimore's writing is too depressing for me. Technically plot relevant in that Benny and Jason get divorced but not worth it)

The Room With No Doors - 4 (setup for Lungbarrow, good story in its own right)

Lungbarrow - 4 (concludes the new adventures of the seventh doctor in a surprisingly meaningful way)

The Dying Days - 4 (a nice little coda to the series that sets up Benny's adventures as well)

[writteninlunarlight-years]

Playing phasmophobia with some of the hazbin men.

Like, imagining playing phasmophobia with Adam who's pretending to be all big and tough but is fucking horrified so reader has to guide him through the game, and at the end he takes all the credit for it.

Or playing with Lucifer who starts out horrified and possibly starts getting better at it after reader comforts him, and makes reader play it all the time so he can get all the achievements and have reader be proud of him. I feel like eventually he'd get less scared because he'd rationalize it as being unrealistic.

Playing phasmophobia on vox's screen whilst sitting in his lap

Lucifer

You two were sitting in the same room, two laptops you had snuck in from VoxTech going with the famed Phasmaphobia. It took a lot of convincing to get your boyfriend, the King of Hell, to play this game with you. You wouldn't say he was afraid; more like he didn't care for the possibility of the unknown; jumpscares were the unknown.

As you two booted into the game, there were many hiccups from mic feedback to glitches, even Lucifer dying randomly from Despawn and just getting to watch you freak out. Over time, though, things were in a smooth groove, and you two were completing mission after mission. Yes, some scares still got Lucifer. Who wants to see a small child crouch walking past you. He was good at finding the evidence and surpassed you in EXP in only a handful of games.

Alastor

He was not a fan of you cramming him into your room with computers set up. He already hated modern technology, so why force him to? The way you lit up, though, made asking to play this stupid game worth it. Swallowing his pride, he joined you in playing the scary Ghost game. Though he didn't jump once, he enjoyed watching you get scared.

As the gaming session continued, he still had a distaste for anything technological, but he was having a good time with you. He managed to streamline the game much faster than you, so that way, while you were being chased and screaming, he was completing the game on the side. He still made you remove the computers afterward, but he wouldn't mind playing another game some other time.

Adam

He was not a fan of the scary ghost game in the slightest. The minute he opened his bedroom door to you having a whole gaming setup with the title screen playing, he was hoping you were just joking. However, as he sat down and began playing, he realized quickly this was really hell, not down below.

While you cackled and laughed at his disdain, he clung to you like a small child. He hated everything about it and always died first haunt. Eventually, he would get over his fears just to turn into a rage baiter. As soon as he learned all the hiding spots, he would purposefully trigger ghost events to fuck with you or get you killed first.

Husk

He watched you play more than anything. When he entered, he was exhausted from work and didn't want to use his brain any more than he had to. This was fine by you, as having him comment on the whole experience was far more fun than playing with you. He would scream and yell at your little character or the ghosts as they popped up. He had fun acting like he was watching a personal horror movie for free.

Since he is good at games, he picks up on little things that make your experience better. That way, you can have the most enjoyable playtime but still always get the ghost right. Just like his impressive memory with Poker, he memorizes all the mannerisms of the ghosts and the utilities it takes to find them.

Vox

There is no playing with Vox, only against him, with him having the better advantage. Since he is the internet, he will just play the ghost for you. While you hunt him down, he does everything in his power to scare you and make you jump. Of course, you have to play on his lap, where he can hold you still and calm you if it becomes too much.

He likes to take himself out of the screen, though, and actually play with you, only to help you complete the challenges you want. He knows it can be hard playing against him; he is the best, after all, so a little reprieve and fun can be had.

[suzukiblu]

love is being stupid together  please please please!!!

He supposes he could test how effective the system setup would be. There are temperature, pressure, and EMG sensors involved, so significantly more developed than the typical fingerprint or optical scan, which implies just cutting off an authorized user’s hand or ripping out an eye wouldn’t actually work. The design is clunky and in definite need of streamlining, and definitely not suitable for mass production, but . . . well, a setup along those lines could be useful, considering.

He makes a mental note, the plans already effortlessly committed to memory, and debates what he’s actually expected to do with the actual paper. Stick it on the fridge back at the penthouse, he supposes. That’s the traditional approach, as far as he’s aware.

[sharkconsulting]

Boost Efficiency and Profits! How Business Streamlining Can Transform Your Qatar Operation.

In the fast-evolving business landscape of Qatar, staying ahead in the competitive market is paramount for any enterprise aiming for growth and sustainability. With the country's rich economic backdrop, bolstered by its strategic location and progressive policies towards foreign investment, Qatar offers a fertile ground for businesses to flourish. A critical strategy to leverage this potential to its fullest is through business streamlining—a systematic approach to optimizing operations, reducing unnecessary costs, and enhancing overall productivity. This blog post explores how business streamlining can transform your Qatar operation, focusing on the essentials of company formation in Qatar and the benefits of securing 100% ownership for foreign investors.

Understanding Business Streamlining in Qatar

Business streamlining in Qatar refers to the process of making an organization more efficient and effective by simplifying operations, improving processes, and eliminating redundancies. This strategy is not just about cost-cutting; it's about smartly aligning resources with objectives to achieve better outcomes with less waste. For companies in Qatar, where the government encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, streamlining can be the key to unlocking new growth avenues and enhancing competitive edge.

The Path to Company Formation in Qatar

Setting up a business in Qatar is a promising venture, thanks to the country's dynamic economy and welcoming business environment. Company formation in Qatar has been made relatively straightforward by the government, aiming to attract more foreign investment into the country. The process involves several key steps, including choosing a business type, registering the company name, obtaining necessary licenses and permits, and fulfilling local partnership requirements. However, a notable aspect that attracts international entrepreneurs and investors is the provision for 100% ownership company in Qatar.

100% Ownership Company in Qatar: A Game Changer

Historically, foreign investors were required to have a local Qatari partner holding at least 51% of the business. Recent reforms, however, have introduced sectors where foreign investors can have 100% ownership of their companies. This move is revolutionary, offering unparalleled control and flexibility to international business owners. It not only enhances the attractiveness of Qatar as an investment destination but also empowers foreign entrepreneurs to streamline their operations without local constraints, leading to more efficient and profitable outcomes.

Streamlining Strategies for Success

Leverage Technology: Implementing the right technology can significantly streamline business processes, from automation of routine tasks to more efficient customer service solutions.

Regulatory Compliance: Understanding and adhering to the legal and regulatory framework in Qatar is crucial. Ensuring compliance can prevent costly delays and penalties, contributing to a smoother operation.

Market Research: A thorough understanding of the Qatari market is essential for effective streamlining. Tailoring products and services to meet local demands can enhance efficiency and profitability.

Human Resource Management: Streamlining HR processes by adopting efficient recruitment, training, and development strategies can maximize employee productivity and satisfaction.

Financial Management: Implementing robust financial management practices, including efficient invoicing, cash flow management, and cost control measures, is key to maintaining a streamlined operation.

The Impact of Business Streamlining on Your Qatar Operation

The impact of effectively implementing business streamlining strategies in Qatar can be profound. Companies can experience enhanced operational efficiency, reduced operational costs, improved customer satisfaction, and higher profitability. Additionally, the ability to hold 100% ownership of a company in Qatar empowers foreign investors to fully capitalize on their investments, making business operations more flexible and aligned with global strategies.

Conclusion

The path to transforming your Qatar operation through business streamlining is both promising and achievable. By understanding the nuances of company formation in Qatar and leveraging the opportunity for 100% ownership, foreign investors can significantly enhance their operational efficiency and profitability. As Qatar continues to open its doors wider to foreign investment, now is the time to explore how business streamlining can revolutionize your operation in this dynamic market.

Streamlining your business in Qatar not only aligns with the country’s vision for economic diversity and innovation but also sets your operation on a trajectory for long-term success and growth. As you embark on this journey, remember that the essence of streamlining lies in making informed decisions, leveraging opportunities like 100% ownership, and constantly seeking ways to improve and adapt. With these strategies, your business is well-poised to thrive in Qatar's vibrant economy.

[elderscrollsconceptart]

Some users on PC have an issue where the Oblivion Remaster shader compilation is not completing.

The game may crash during shader compilation and if you relaunch the game, you can play, but stutters and FPS issues will be worse than if you had successfully compiled shaders. Shader compilation cannot be automatically re-ran so you need to force your PC to restart the compilation.

Here are the steps I took to "fix" this issue:

1. Roll back your Nvidia GPU drivers to 572.83

If you have an AMD GPU, I believe AMD released an updated driver for Oblivion Remastered that should mean no driver rollback is needed.

2. Delete your shader cache via the Disk cleanup windows program

3. Cut/paste this file OUT of this folder path:

steamapps\common\Oblivion Remastered\Engine\Plugins\Marketplace\nvidia\DLSS\Streamline\Binaries\ThirdParty\Win64\sl.pcl.dll

I personally dropped it into a desktop folder so I have it saved somewhere. Just make sure this file is NOT in that folder path anymore.

4. Delete Oblivion.ini from this location:

\steamapps\common\Oblivion Remastered\OblivionRemastered\Content\Dev\ObvData\Oblivion.ini

5. Open Oblivion Remastered and shader compilation should now begin.

If all went well the shader compilation should complete (may take a long time) and you should notice *some* improvements to stuttering as shader are now fully compiled.

Make sure you re select your graphics settings as they will have reverted to default. See below for my personal settings and performance notes. 👇

---

Next part is how I personally went from ~40fps outdoors to a solid 60fps average with occasional dips to 50fps at the lowest.

Caveat I have a high end PC, play on a 4k TV and don't play above 60fps. Your Milage may vary as everyone has their own hardware setup and graphical preferences.

---

1. Make sure your game is installed on SSD. Game just runs alot better on SSD and even warns you to make sure its installed on one.

2. FPS lock/VSync. If you need Vsync to play games like I do. Turn OFF the in-game VSYNC and force VSYNC ON in Nvidia control panel. IDK how AMD gpus work but id imagine you'd use AMDs version of control panel to do the same.

Set the FPS limit to 60fps (or whatever your preference) in the in-game settings. This can also be done instead in the Nvidia control panel so if you set the limit there, be sure to NOT have a limit set in-game settings.

3. DLSS of some kind is a must for most games these days. Especially if playing with Ray Tracing (as you can note below)

Set DLSS to either performance (looks worse, runs better), Quality (looks better, runs a bit worse), or DLAA (looks alot better but most performance hit out of all DLSS settins).

Use FSR if you are on an AMD GPU.

4. DLSS Frame Generation. This literally will give you like 10+ FPS. BUUUTT it gives you CRAZY input lag. Make sure if you use this you also set NVIDIA Reflex to Enabled+Boost. For me this game me the free 10+fps while eliminating the input lag almost entirely.

Note: If you use Frame Generation you will notice the menus in-game have a weird flutter/lag. Beyond this tho the issues are minimal.

If you use AMD GPUs make sure to use the FSR/FSR Frame Generation/XeSS options as these are AMDs versions of the NVIDIA options i discussed above

I know alot of ppl play on different hardware in general so to summarize the graphics settings:

Turn off VYSNC in game and force it via your GPU control panel. Use frame generation and DLSS/FSR as specified above. If your settings don't give you the performance you want, roll them back bit by bit.

ALSO: This may be relevant but as a precaution, make any major graphics settings changes *FROM THE MAIN MENU* After you make the changes, exit and restart the game. Sometimes the changes don't work if you make them while you have a save loaded + don't restart the game.

Hope this all helps at least somebody out there. Send asks or DM if you need any clarification, and remember, Milage may vary so experiment with your settings as needed.

[sha-brytols]

okay look people are free to their wrong opinions but inquisition is not a terrible game, its not. my inquisitor is my favorite protag, i find the way the game is presented is really interesting (what you're told/shown vs not), how it contradicts what we've experienced in origins and 2. its not perfect by any means but literally its dragon age we wouldn't be talking about any of this if it were.

idk babes, liking a game in a series shouldn't be controversial (yes, i even begrudgingly think enjoying veilguard isn't a sin because sin isn't real). that said, for the extremely valid criticism of DA2 having every map look the same that Does make playing it easier for me because eventually, i start to remember how places are setup instead of taking 5 actual real minutes to find the right exit/path forward because i keep walking into a death zone 💀

i agree to an extent but to be completely fair inquisition was that first major sign that dragon age and bioware games in general were starting to take a nosedive in terms of writing and character depth (among other issues). and it really did MASSIVELY downplay a huge chunk of dragon age's most prominent and important elements in favor of a more streamlined high fantasy feel which was a very jarring departure from previous entries. to me at least it was that first warning sign that bioware wasn't interested in sociopolitical commentary and complex moral dilemmas anymore and instead just wanted to focus on an epic adventure with your run of the mill big evil bad guy. it IS my favorite but it's my favorite in the sense that like. i can appreciate what i can See they were going for, and when they hit those notes it's fucking spectacular and contains some of the most memorable moments in gaming for me, but it is so often drowned out and buried beneath a mountain of bloated filler to chase the skyrim formula while also sanitizing so much of its established conflicts that it creates this really uncomfortable tonal dissonance between the narrative the game wants to present versus the one i'm seeing with my two working eyes. inquisition was the first real example of a lot of bioware's current issues that are now Plaguing veilguard and their writing philosophy/game direction so like. i get it.

also HELP i'm glad the maps help you. i do the same thing but i think somethings wrong with my brain because instead of being useful i just always end up trying to go through doors that the game won't allow me through because they're not part of the quest and then getting hopelessly lost. the sundermount cave my detested.