Elizabeth ames lighter

Free food in Denver

2024.05.13 18:33 64Tony64 Free food in Denver

Free food in Denver
For anyone who may be in need
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2024.05.09 23:36 saule13 Suggest a book where people travel (on foot or otherwise, to real or imagined places)

I'm looking for a book with interesting characters and vivid settings, where the main character (or group of characters) goes on a journey or explores a new place.
Realism, fantasy, or even non-fiction are all okay. I'm mostly looking for immersive descriptions that will make me temporarily forget I'm sitting on my own front porch, and maybe even haunt my dreams. Slow burns, poetic language, and mysterious situations are all welcome.
Some books I have loved:
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer
The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien
American Gods and Stardust by Neil Gaiman
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck
Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer
11/22/63 and The Stand by Stephen King
Currently on deck (well, on my nightstand): Foucault's Pendulum, House of Leaves, and Dune. Maybe something a bit lighter than those would be good to add to the pile.
Thank you!
*******
Edit: Thanks everyone, what an incredible list! A couple of these I have read (and loved), a few were on my "I should really read this someday" list, and many are new to me. I'm excited to check them out.
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2024.05.07 21:07 darlingsterns specific “summer” fragrances

hi all! essentially, i was wondering if anyone had lighter “summery” recs for someone (me) who almost exclusively wears heavier & more dramatic scents but is now living in an area w/ hot summers. some of my favorite fragrances right now include:
so if you know any scents w/ similar vibes that work better for summer fragrances, please share!
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2024.05.07 21:05 darlingsterns specific “summer” fragrances

hi all! essentially, i was wondering if anyone had lighter “summery” recs for someone (me) who almost exclusively wears heavier & more dramatic scents but is now living in an area w/ hot summers. some of my favorite fragrances right now include:
so if you know any scents w/ similar vibes that work better for summer fragrances, please share!
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2024.05.04 07:36 lonelychapo27 My MAFEX Wish

My MAFEX Wish
So much potential from this movie. Alternate Stranges (especially Dead Strange with multiple hands and cape of the damned), Darkhold Scarlett Witch, America Chavez, maybe even some Illuminati characters. Sadly, it’s probably never gonna happen but I think MAFEX would kill it if they did
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2024.04.29 16:53 Low-Ostrich-2759 Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen?

I need recs for a tinted mineral sunscreen that doesn’t turn me orange (I have fair skin with neutral undertones). I have melasma, so I’m only interested in tinted mineral sunscreens. I’m looking for one I can wear every day on its own with enough of a tint but not high coverage either. I have my eyes on the SkinCeuticals one, but I’m open to other suggestions. Here are some that I’ve tried that I did not like:
•Colorscience face shield flex: did not wear well throughout the day. Probably my least favorite.
•Volition adapting ss: darker shade turned me orange, lighter shade turned me pink. Loved the texture though
•Kosas dream beam: lightest shade too pink
•Elizabeth Arden Prevage city smart: not enough of a tint
•Saint Jane luxury sun ritual: not enough of a tint
•LRP anthelios tinted mineral: turned me orange
•ISDIN tinted sunscreen: also turned me orange
•Saie slip tint: favorite of the ones I’ve tried, but I wish it were higher SPF
•Tower 28: too much coverage
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2024.04.28 22:30 ComicFilmNewsGirls96 Imagine if there was a MGS Movie most preferably MGS1 being made this is the List of Actors/Actresses to play each Character and Makers of the Movie

Actors/Actresses Character list
Team to Make the Film
BTW you would need it to be like Oppenheimer A Big Production for a Epic Game like MGS for it to become a Epic Blockbuster Movie and this is all my opinion
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2024.04.28 05:17 Efficient-Ball7995 Putting random songs into different Danceverses

Carnivallium
Cyberfunk
Dancity
Eternyx
Floworld
Melosia Realms
Sun Horizon
WackyGroove
Wasterra
Winterhaven
Earth
Space
Everywhere
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2024.04.27 20:44 HDmex Hard Pill to swallow, but with Ladybird being 13, I don't think she will be apart of the revival (sad to say, but as a Dog Owner let's be real) However, I can't see Hank NOT have a Doggo. So theory time! Who Follows the GOAT (which breed) and will they be named after a former 1st Lady?

Hard Pill to swallow, but with Ladybird being 13, I don't think she will be apart of the revival (sad to say, but as a Dog Owner let's be real) However, I can't see Hank NOT have a Doggo. So theory time! Who Follows the GOAT (which breed) and will they be named after a former 1st Lady? submitted by HDmex to KingOfTheHill [link] [comments]

2024.04.25 05:33 CrystalCommittee [Infinite Shades] Chapter 3 (Continuation of the Scene from Chapter 1)

CHAPTER 3

Garrett is watching Amanda carefully; he chooses his next words carefully to ensure they are on the same path.
"So that stuff about you and Sam laying it as a trap? Fact or fiction?"
"Um...,"she rolls her eyes around giving it a fake moment of debate before coming back with solitude, "mostly fiction. Sam doesn't like the Tacca Chantrierei, or more commonly known as the 'black bat flower.'"
"That’s what it’s called?"
"Yeah,”Amanda laughs as if this is common knowledge.“If they were still listening, because you know Steiner wasn't off the line when you commanded, it’ll put a little fear and caution into their future actions where Sam is concerned."
"If they think she's already one step ahead of them--"
"Then she is. If Steiner's not the one behind this--which my gut tells me he isn't--he'll be digging to find out who is moving in on his turf, accessing his precious files, so on and so forth. Figured I'd get a little mileage out of him being my constant watchdog annoyance."
"And feed into his already inflated sense of conspiracy where the two of you are involved."
"Don't exclude yourself, young man. He was on your back long before we entered the picture and are half the reason he is."
“Young man?” Garrett questions, but only as far as her speaking it aloud. “I’m at least ten years your elder.”
“To the eye anyway.” Amanda gives him a mischievous, yet accepting, wink.
"True, they say you’re only as old as you feel inside.” Garrett covers by taking a drink, giving himself a moment to evaluate the sudden shift in Amanda’s demeanor.
He notes the lack of tremors, her stature shifting from one under siege from a debilitating injury and constant pain to one of a strong, capable individual in complete control. He meets Amanda's eyes and an unspoken understanding transmits between them. Garrett gives a subtle shake of his head and lets an inaudible utterance of being impressed pass between them. Amanda answers with a slight curl at the corner of her lips and a raise of her brow indicating she understands what he's seeing, and while not verbally confirming it, she's appreciative, comfortable and a moderate level of pride at his awareness.
“On another subject,” Garrett diverts away from where their interaction was heading, “good choice on Carter. I just hope you’re right, and he’s ready."
"Why thank you, kind sir," she says playfully. "Hope is not needed, he IS ready; and if you haven't figured it out by now, I’m always right." She gives an evil grin, but what flashes behind her eyes puts Garrett on edge, his posture quickly changes to one of defensiveness. "By the time you worked through all the bureaucracy and then dismissed all the qualified kiss-asses, everyone and their dog would have known you were courting a partner for Sam. Oh just imagine the rumors that would be milling around the water cooler then?"
He gives a small laugh weighted with seriousness. "It wasn't the rumors I was concerned about."
"Yeah kind of got that when I started poking around. Don't worry; your secrets are safe with me."
"Until you need something."
"Anonymous blackmail is one of our favorite tools," she says, making sure it's clear she includes him in the description. "We keep it sharp and awareness that it cuts deep both ways."
"Yes, we do, and it does," Garrett returns, both of them aware of the heavy meaning and understanding of what they know of each other. He shifts the conversation away from where it's heading. "So, what else have you 'not' been up to?"
"Um, a couple of days ago I consulted on a project as a certified ethical hacker, fun but not much of a challenge. The company could have spent far less to find out how insecure their network was. I got some cool toys out of it though. I'd show you, but they're top secret." She smiles innocently as he chuckles and shakes his head. "Came across your desk did it?"
"Yes. Had every cybercrime agency on high alert before your alter ego waved the white hat."
"Testing your reflexes, as you implied in your request." She shrugs innocently. "Also wanted them to understand the cascading consequences if they had a breach of that magnitude. Now, a little more attention will be paid to the proper security of their networks. Bureau geeks are attentive and on task and my ‘alter ego,' as you put it, is taking a well-deserved vacation in a non-extradition tropical country. Wish I could join her."
"Me too.” Garrett acknowledges her comments and thoroughness of covering her tracks. “Not to mention the continuing requests and payments you'll receive for information on how you did it and how to keep the likes of you out."
"True, but a girl’s got to make a living somehow. It was enough to pay off the building and give it a good facelift.”
“Thought you already owned it?” Garrett asks.
"This one? Yeah, a couple of years ago, you knew that. The one in question was some historical building downtown they wanted to knockdown versus retrofitting it after the last earthquake. Price was right; besides, I have an affinity for old things."
Garrett knows immediately which one she's talking about and smiles with a gentle shake of his head. "And for irritating the CEO of Tanner Inc., the thought crossed my mind it might be you behind that bid."
"But when you looked, my name wasn't anywhere near it nor was Lyons. Yeah, they call them shell companies, Garrett. I own a few of those as well. Some you know about, some you don't."
“Between the two of us, you can admit you did it out of spite.”
“Oh yeah, totally, wouldn’t you? He stole my software and claimed it as his own, built an empire around it, millions--potentially billions-- of dollars in government contracts.”
“Never proven he stole it.”
"Yeah well, that's for me to know and to prove later." She smiles evilly. "It'll bite him in the ass eventually, what goes around comes around and time is on MY side, not his. Though I hear the view from his new digs isn't quite the beach front property he was hoping for. But, if I recall, it was you who told me to get involved in the community. Can't wield a hammer or paint a wall,"--she indicates her injuries--"but I can donate some cash that's lying around to ensure future generations of children can explore all the mysteries of the museum they're putting in there."
Garrett laughs, “Surprised you didn’t just buy him out.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“From what I was briefed on your recent adventures, you could have crippled Tanner’s business.”
"Could have. Tanner's safe as long as I choose to stay on the good guy side of things."
"You of course are." Garrett leads for an appropriate answer.
"For the time being." She offers a devious yet reassuring smile. "The company is paying well for sealing up the potential breach. The other vulnerabilities--for those analyzing--consider it a gift to the various agencies that hold a lot of information about my alternate identities. This job offer of yours, related? You adding the personal touch the others lack?"
"You have already turned down overtures from everyone, I understand why. Who you REALLY are, what you're hiding from, and what you're capable of when that's threatened is a secret best left alone by everyone."
"Finally coming around on that are we?" She asks with a smile knowing the answer. "Hum," she utters, her mind appearing as if elsewhere and something of concern has come up. "If I recall, you're a history buff, aren't you?" She asks shifting the topic with a pointed invite.
"Passing curiosity when I have time, which I don't. Why do you ask?"
"What's occupying my time now," she says nodding towards the computers indicating she's heading that way. "You kept up with encyclopedia-memory Sam, so I would say it's more than a passing curiosity."
"I cheated." Garrett carries her beer and follows her.
He keeps a close eye on her and her movements always ready should she falter, but also aware that who he knows her to be would never allow the weakness to show. Her allowance of him witnessing her trouble with the pain of her injuries minutes earlier was a giant step in their complicated and challenging relationship; one to which he knew, from experience, not to prod at, but to take it as it was intended, an opportunity to gain her respect and trust.
"Had a geek team in your ear, did you?" Amanda asks not blind to his watchful eyes and lets it be known through her relaxed stature that she's appreciative, but unable to verbalize it just yet.
"Yes. It was you picking up on things like that which made me curious about your background." Garrett sets her beer down on the desk within her reach.
"You mean as a grand master of the spycraft? Super assassin? Someone plotting the end of the world? Are you still holding onto those theories?"
She wiggles the mouse, the displays drop off the bouncing lock screen saver, and the images Vicky had sent earlier display in full detail across the monitors. He takes in the pictures; a boyish smile crosses his face.
"I will continue until I prove…" he prepares a correction, making a note with his tone"--for myself--who you were before." His focus narrows on the images. "Is that in Coptic?"
"Only a handful would pick up on that so quickly, but yeah, and a rather interesting dialect. Dr. Vicky Abbott unearthed it near a Nubian monastery recently.”
“Why is that name familiar?”
“Sam studied under her for a time, but you probably make the connection to the name through her older sister Elizabeth. You were on your way to meet her when Sam called you about ending up in Landing View with me.”
“Are you ser—“
“Yes,” Amanda quickly dives in and cuts him off. “She wanted to see if I could translate it." She takes the beer and takes a small sip. "It really bothers you doesn't it?"
"Yes, it does," Garrett says, his eyes conveying a question that he would like to ask but is unsure if he should. She gives him indication to hold off. He lets it go and focuses back on the screen. "You translate dead languages as well?"
"It's just like any other coded encryption, just a matter of deciphering it, and we know I'm good at that."
"So is Sam. You mind?" He asks of sitting in her chair following a subtle cue she was giving off.
"Ah, have at it. Be the king geek for a while, I know you want to." She leans against the desk, wincing in pain. "Sam's the one who hooked us up; you know how she is about bringing people together to solve puzzles.” She hints heavily implying it was purposeful that the two of them are having this conversation over the materials. “Vicky was one of her professors or something. Totally legit. Anyway, she asked if I'd take a stab at it; figured why not?"
Garrett picks up the hinting lead. "Yeah, they studied together when Sam was getting her masters or was it a doctorate? I can never keep them all straight."
"I can't either," Amanda says reaching down and massaging just above her knee. "You got a good one with her. She'll make a good agent, though watch out for the CIA --given the opportunity--"
"I’m aware. She's been on their recruitment list since the day it was discovered she had an eidetic memory. Ours as well. Her dad was like any good protective father: on the porch with the shotgun slung over his shoulder as a warning to prospective suitors, me included." He says with unwavering respect.
"I gather he was an amazing guy. Sam doesn't talk much about him, given the constant surveillance and who’s behind it." She lets a hint carry on her tone that he should follow her lead.
"I can understand where she’s coming from, I’m the same way. Can we just say he was one hell of a man and an even better father?"
Amanda gives a little laugh."Yeah, I can go for that. Though, he probably wouldn't like you whisking his daughter into service for the Bureau." She reaches for a bottle of pills behind her and works the top off.
"There you go again as if you know what law enforcement and service are all about."
"Do a lot of reading, and that's where Sam was heading. You're always around --doesn't take a genius to figure out the qualifications of a good or bad agent." She throws the pills into her mouth and swallows them. She looks down at her leg. "I've had my fair share of encounters with the later." She gives him another non-verbal cue of an open topic of conversation.
"Sam made her own choice. I didn't influence it in any way, and you damn well know it."
"Ouch, defensive much?" she returns with a sarcastic smile, then pops two more pills in her mouth and takes another drink. Garrett looks to the action with concern then starts to get up to free the chair, disbelieving of his inconsideration to her condition. "No, you sit, unless my hovering over you is bothersome. Really, it is better if I stand."
"How's that going by the way?" He cautiously asks about her leg hoping this was the path she was directing him down.
"It's kind of you to ask," she says, reaching over and tapping on the keyboard. Her medical records appear on the screen. "But I'm sure it's all been explained to you by the experts you employ"--she takes another drink-- "and don't get all ‘uptight-fed-in-the-presence-of-a-law breaker’ on me. It's not against the law if they're your records. Acquired them fair and square when they wouldn't share easily quoting HIPPA something or other. I was courteous enough not to peek at anyone else's. Forwarded them off this morning to another expert for his opinion; we'll see what he comes back with."
"Unauthorized access," he states simply.
"By law, I have a right to MY information; you, on the other hand, put up all sorts of security around it, without --by the way-- asking for my permission."
"With good reason."
"So one of my many aliases won't be using words like ‘lawsuit’ and ‘abuse of authority’ towards the Bureau for the mistreatment that led to this?" She asks about the condition of her leg.
“We didn’t--”
"YOU didn’t, but we know some crossed those lines. The bigger issue is Lassiter Pharmaceuticals for the shit anti-viral that is appearing to cause major organ failure. I just happen to be one of the lucky ones who it hasn’t killed off yet. I can't open that can of worms because then they'll poke at me wondering why I'm not dead–should be, but not. Broom, sweep under the ‘pre-existing’ or ‘cancer’ rug, done.”
“That’s one way of looking at it. Another is to protect who you are. You’re good with creating identities, but how many of them would hold up to the scrutiny and publicity of such an inquest? Besides, how many of them are legal residences of the States? By my count, not one of them. Rights you’re asking for only come with citizenship.”
“Semantics.”
He rolls his eyes. “And you wonder why I believe what I do about you?”
“Oh, not at all."
"You do it on purpose."
"Yes, because I like watching you work, and you like the challenge. It's the game we play; it's our ‘THING.' I've been to every head shrink, doctor, and quack you've suggested hoping one of them will find something the others haven't; that miracle key that will unlock the mystery of who I was before. I've grown tired of it, and after all this time, I have come to a conclusion --as has everyone else-- it's better to move on with my life instead of wasting all that energy on what has past. Why haven't you?"
"Because it's unsolved, and you dangle the answers in front of me like a carrot."
"Just think of all the hours of sleep you'll get if you just accept it? Don't you think I've been scouring the internet and private networks for that little tidbit of information that will put it all together? Wait, you know I have." She takes a drink. "But for me, it's just a hobby to pass the time and stave off the boredom until Sam gets back."
“I respectfully disagree, and suspect it is to discover who out there may be picking up on who you were before; who might be on the hunt for whatever subtle clues you might drop consciously or otherwise.”
"Ah, yes, he does get it, but only you." She winks. "Though I hope you have a bigger drive this time. Been rather busy, and with the new toys I put together, the encryption should keep your techs occupied for a while, might teach them a thing or two as well. Question?”
“What?”
"Is it legal for you to use government resources for your pet projects?" He does not answer. "You know, you could just ask." she says hinting that he should.
He smiles, reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small thumb drive. "May I?"
"Yeah," she says indicating a port to plug it into amongst the many systems lined up beneath the desk. "Least I can do to help you save face. Steiner must think you are a super-spy-extraordinaire. Just let you walk in here, without question, and plug stuff into my computers. Of course, there's that whole spite thing."
"You'd rather give it to me willingly than let him work for it."
“Yes, and no. The government won’t pay me for the encryption software and mobile network protections I developed without all those proprietary non-disclosure agreements and such. Gee, they’re still trying to reverse engineer the patch for the blackout virus. It serves my purposes that they have parts of it to protect my own ass, and it serves your interests if they believe you have a close enough relationship with me that I don’t notice you’re sneaking it out of here.”
“Well said.” Garrett smiles as he moves the dangling leaves of a plant sitting on top of the tower and plugs in the drive. When he looks up to Amanda, a small tendril inches from underneath one of the leaves and wraps around the thumb drive in a tight grip, then fades from luscious green to a translucent state rendering it invisible.
"I've been given the lead to create a new team. I want you to be part of it, but--"
"Can't be a fed without a clean background, and for it to be clean one would need to know where I came from, where I was educated, where my loyalties lie, or some existence that can be tracked." She takes a moment, gives it some thought. "You're not offering a position with the Bureau, are you?"
"No."
She takes the last drink and tosses the bottle into the garbage can, then looks to Garrett. "Do you feel it's safe to be discussing this here?"
"I think that question is best answered by you." he says leaning back in the chair and looking up at her.
"A carefully constructed ploy to learn how, if present, I defeat your attempts at surveillance?" She hints with playfulness yet with underlying tones of seriousness.
"Possible, but I wouldn't have given up the drive if that were the case. Could be seen as me leaking information," Garrett says with gravity, his eyes lock with hers --an unspoken communication taking place.
"And I wouldn't have offered on the same premise," she says holding his gaze and reading what he is indicating. "Why now? After all this time?"
"Sam. Her intuition will put her on the same path her parents were on."
"Tough place for you to be in," Amanda says understanding. Then as if conceding on some long-standing unmentioned barrier. "Grab me another one please?" She indicates the beer.
With a nod, Garrett gets up and makes his efforts purposeful and noticeable in not seeing what Amanda is doing. She leans over to the keyboard, pulls up a small box and types in Garrett's name followed by a string of characters and hits enter. The box flashes a warning about the thumb drive, posing the question to secure or not. Amanda selects the quarantine with delay option. She then works with speed instructing the system to take the delay further out but keep it on their current path of conversation. She returns to her position leaning against the desk as if she'd not moved. He finds his way back, pops the top off the beer and hands it to her.
"So about this job offer, you willing to be open about what it entails, all of it? And I'll do my best not to be so elusive and vague in my answers?"
"What I know, yes." He says accepting her terms. He spins the chair offering it to her.
"Works better if you sit," she says of his kindness. "Lighter processing load if they don't have to accommodate for rendering your movements along with a deviating storyline. The drive, starting point?"
"Yes.”
​
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2024.04.24 09:53 Fabulous_State9921 This mofo's barfing up bullshit again ...

This mofo's barfing up bullshit again ...
That shit-eating grin.🤮
Totally NOT forcing his wife to grin & bear his peen-sharing antics!
Totally NOT bumping uglies with Lily \"Will shag for a come-up\" James!

Dominic West Is Participating in Revisionist History!!

Dominic West Is Participating in Revisionist History!!

West tried to say that he and his wife didn’t purposely put on “a show of unity” after his brief fling with Lily James in 2020. So I guess holding up a note that reads, “Our marriage is strong,” is regular behavior.

By Kady Ruth Ashcraft April 23, 2024 9:53am
Remember 2020? (LOL what a question…) When we were all cornered off in our homes, told to bleach our mail, and not breathe within eight feet of other mammals? Remember how during that time of heightened public health personal space, British actor Dominic West was caught snogging his The Pursuit of Love co-star Lily James? Remember how West seemingly forgot he had a wife of ten years, Irish aristocrat Catherine FitzGerald, and four kids?
Well, I do. In an interview with The Times, West spoke briefly about that time in his life without directly addressing the affair at all. “I hesitate to speak on my wife’s behalf because it was obviously horrible, particularly for her,” he said. He added:
“But we do joke about it sometimes. Because whenever we went out together, the papers would always say we were ‘putting on a show of unity’. Even if we’d just been rowing about parking the car or whatever, even if that couldn’t be further from the truth. And so when we go out we do sort of say, ‘Shall we go and have a show of unity up in London?’”
Of course, the couple did put up a blatant show of unity. In fact, “show” is really the best word for their PR charm offensive that they doubled down on post-James kissing pics. A few days after the photos were snapped, West and Fitzgerald were photographed hugging, kissing, and sharing a handwritten note with the press in front of their house. The note read, “Our marriage is strong and we’re very much still together. Thank you.” No, thank YOU, Dominic and Elizabeth.
More celebrities should participate in theatrics like this as if the public are dumb little kittens. It’s fun. But to say that the papers were the ones who were spinning their martial displays of affection as a “show of unity” is ahistorical!!! Those two were giving us the ol’ razzle-we’re-happily-married-dazzle all on their own. Don’t blame the press.
A few weeks later, the entire family posed rather stiltedly in front of an Irish castle. But no family photo, no matter how chummy, will erase the photo of West and James both wearing masks and sharing a small scooter as they cruised the cobblestone streets of Rome.
Honestly, West said it best in his Times interview: “It was an absurd situation. It was deeply stressful for my wife and my kids, but there were lighter moments.”
https://www.jezebel.com/dominic-west-is-participating-in-revisionist-history
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2024.04.24 02:38 CrystalCommittee [Perlious Paths] - Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Garrett is watching Amanda carefully; he chooses his next words carefully to ensure they are on the same path.
"So that stuff about you and Sam laying it as a trap? Fact or fiction?"
"Um...,"she rolls her eyes around giving it a fake moment of debate before coming back with solitude, "mostly fiction. Sam doesn't like the Tacca Chantrierei, or more commonly known as the 'black bat flower.'"
"That’s what it’s called?"
"Yeah,”Amanda laughs as if this is common knowledge.“If they were still listening, because you know Steiner wasn't off the line when you commanded, it’ll put a little fear and caution into their future actions where Sam is concerned."
"If they think she's already one step ahead of them--"
"Then she is. If Steiner's not the one behind this--which my gut tells me he isn't--he'll be digging to find out who is moving in on his turf, accessing his precious files, so on and so forth. Figured I'd get a little mileage out of him being my constant watchdog annoyance."
"And feed into his already inflated sense of conspiracy where the two of you are involved."
"Don't exclude yourself, young man. He was on your back long before we entered the picture and are half the reason he is."
“Young man?” Garrett questions, but only as far as her speaking it aloud. “I’m at least ten years your elder.”
“To the eye anyway.” Amanda gives him a mischievous, yet accepting, wink.
"True, they say you’re only as old as you feel inside.” Garrett covers by taking a drink, giving himself a moment to evaluate the sudden shift in Amanda’s demeanor.
He notes the lack of tremors, her stature shifting from one under siege from a debilitating injury and constant pain to one of a strong, capable individual in complete control. He meets Amanda's eyes and an unspoken understanding transmits between them. Garrett gives a subtle shake of his head and lets an inaudible utterance of being impressed pass between them. Amanda answers with a slight curl at the corner of her lips and a raise of her brow indicating she understands what he's seeing, and while not verbally confirming it, she's appreciative, comfortable and a moderate level of pride at his awareness.
“On another subject,” Garrett diverts away from where their interaction was heading, “good choice on Carter. I just hope you’re right, and he’s ready."
"Why thank you, kind sir," she says playfully. "Hope is not needed, he IS ready; and if you haven't figured it out by now, I’m always right." She gives an evil grin, but what flashes behind her eyes puts Garrett on edge, his posture quickly changes to one of defensiveness. "By the time you worked through all the bureaucracy and then dismissed all the qualified kiss-asses, everyone and their dog would have known you were courting a partner for Sam. Oh just imagine the rumors that would be milling around the water cooler then?"
He gives a small laugh weighted with seriousness. "It wasn't the rumors I was concerned about."
"Yeah kind of got that when I started poking around. Don't worry; your secrets are safe with me."
"Until you need something."
"Anonymous blackmail is one of our favorite tools," she says, making sure it's clear she includes him in the description. "We keep it sharp and awareness that it cuts deep both ways."
"Yes, we do, and it does," Garrett returns, both of them aware of the heavy meaning and understanding of what they know of each other. He shifts the conversation away from where it's heading. "So, what else have you 'not' been up to?"
"Um, a couple of days ago I consulted on a project as a certified ethical hacker, fun but not much of a challenge. The company could have spent far less to find out how insecure their network was. I got some cool toys out of it though. I'd show you, but they're top secret." She smiles innocently as he chuckles and shakes his head. "Came across your desk did it?"
"Yes. Had every cybercrime agency on high alert before your alter ego waved the white hat."
"Testing your reflexes, as you implied in your request." She shrugs innocently. "Also wanted them to understand the cascading consequences if they had a breach of that magnitude. Now, a little more attention will be paid to the proper security of their networks. Bureau geeks are attentive and on task and my ‘alter ego,' as you put it, is taking a well-deserved vacation in a non-extradition tropical country. Wish I could join her."
"Me too.” Garrett acknowledges her comments and thoroughness of covering her tracks. “Not to mention the continuing requests and payments you'll receive for information on how you did it and how to keep the likes of you out."
"True, but a girl’s got to make a living somehow. It was enough to pay off the building and give it a good facelift.”
“Thought you already owned it?” Garrett asks.
"This one? Yeah, a couple of years ago, you knew that. The one in question was some historical building downtown they wanted to knockdown versus retrofitting it after the last earthquake. Price was right; besides, I have an affinity for old things."
Garrett knows immediately which one she's talking about and smiles with a gentle shake of his head. "And for irritating the CEO of Tanner Inc., the thought crossed my mind it might be you behind that bid."
"But when you looked, my name wasn't anywhere near it nor was Lyons. Yeah, they call them shell companies, Garrett. I own a few of those as well. Some you know about, some you don't."
“Between the two of us, you can admit you did it out of spite.”
“Oh yeah, totally, wouldn’t you? He stole my software and claimed it as his own, built an empire around it, millions--potentially billions-- of dollars in government contracts.”
“Never proven he stole it.”
"Yeah well, that's for me to know and to prove later." She smiles evilly. "It'll bite him in the ass eventually, what goes around comes around and time is on MY side, not his. Though I hear the view from his new digs isn't quite the beach front property he was hoping for. But, if I recall, it was you who told me to get involved in the community. Can't wield a hammer or paint a wall,"--she indicates her injuries--"but I can donate some cash that's lying around to ensure future generations of children can explore all the mysteries of the museum they're putting in there."
Garrett laughs, “Surprised you didn’t just buy him out.”
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“From what I was briefed on your recent adventures, you could have crippled Tanner’s business.”
"Could have. Tanner's safe as long as I choose to stay on the good guy side of things."
"You of course are." Garrett leads for an appropriate answer.
"For the time being." She offers a devious yet reassuring smile. "The company is paying well for sealing up the potential breach. The other vulnerabilities--for those analyzing--consider it a gift to the various agencies that hold a lot of information about my alternate identities. This job offer of yours, related? You adding the personal touch the others lack?"
"You have already turned down overtures from everyone, I understand why. Who you REALLY are, what you're hiding from, and what you're capable of when that's threatened is a secret best left alone by everyone."
"Finally coming around on that are we?" She asks with a smile knowing the answer. "Hum," she utters, her mind appearing as if elsewhere and something of concern has come up. "If I recall, you're a history buff, aren't you?" She asks shifting the topic with a pointed invite.
"Passing curiosity when I have time, which I don't. Why do you ask?"
"What's occupying my time now," she says nodding towards the computers indicating she's heading that way. "You kept up with encyclopedia-memory Sam, so I would say it's more than a passing curiosity."
"I cheated." Garrett carries her beer and follows her.
He keeps a close eye on her and her movements always ready should she falter, but also aware that who he knows her to be would never allow the weakness to show. Her allowance of him witnessing her trouble with the pain of her injuries minutes earlier was a giant step in their complicated and challenging relationship; one to which he knew, from experience, not to prod at, but to take it as it was intended, an opportunity to gain her respect and trust.
"Had a geek team in your ear, did you?" Amanda asks not blind to his watchful eyes and lets it be known through her relaxed stature that she's appreciative, but unable to verbalize it just yet.
"Yes. It was you picking up on things like that which made me curious about your background." Garrett sets her beer down on the desk within her reach.
"You mean as a grand master of the spycraft? Super assassin? Someone plotting the end of the world? Are you still holding onto those theories?"
She wiggles the mouse, the displays drop off the bouncing lock screen saver, and the images Vicky had sent earlier display in full detail across the monitors. He takes in the pictures; a boyish smile crosses his face.
"I will continue until I prove…" he prepares a correction, making a note with his tone"--for myself--who you were before." His focus narrows on the images. "Is that in Coptic?"
"Only a handful would pick up on that so quickly, but yeah, and a rather interesting dialect. Dr. Vicky Abbott unearthed it near a Nubian monastery recently.”
“Why is that name familiar?”
“Sam studied under her for a time, but you probably make the connection to the name through her older sister Elizabeth. You were on your way to meet her when Sam called you about ending up in Landing View with me.”
“Are you ser—“
“Yes,” Amanda quickly dives in and cuts him off. “She wanted to see if I could translate it." She takes the beer and takes a small sip. "It really bothers you doesn't it?"
"Yes, it does," Garrett says, his eyes conveying a question that he would like to ask but is unsure if he should. She gives him indication to hold off. He lets it go and focuses back on the screen. "You translate dead languages as well?"
"It's just like any other coded encryption, just a matter of deciphering it, and we know I'm good at that."
"So is Sam. You mind?" He asks of sitting in her chair following a subtle cue she was giving off.
"Ah, have at it. Be the king geek for a while, I know you want to." She leans against the desk, wincing in pain. "Sam's the one who hooked us up; you know how she is about bringing people together to solve puzzles.” She hints heavily implying it was purposeful that the two of them are having this conversation over the materials. “Vicky was one of her professors or something. Totally legit. Anyway, she asked if I'd take a stab at it; figured why not?"
Garrett picks up the hinting lead. "Yeah, they studied together when Sam was getting her masters or was it a doctorate? I can never keep them all straight."
"I can't either," Amanda says reaching down and massaging just above her knee. "You got a good one with her. She'll make a good agent, though watch out for the CIA --given the opportunity--"
"I’m aware. She's been on their recruitment list since the day it was discovered she had an eidetic memory. Ours as well. Her dad was like any good protective father: on the porch with the shotgun slung over his shoulder as a warning to prospective suitors, me included." He says with unwavering respect.
"I gather he was an amazing guy. Sam doesn't talk much about him, given the constant surveillance and who’s behind it." She lets a hint carry on her tone that he should follow her lead.
"I can understand where she’s coming from, I’m the same way. Can we just say he was one hell of a man and an even better father?"
Amanda gives a little laugh."Yeah, I can go for that. Though, he probably wouldn't like you whisking his daughter into service for the Bureau." She reaches for a bottle of pills behind her and works the top off.
"There you go again as if you know what law enforcement and service are all about."
"Do a lot of reading, and that's where Sam was heading. You're always around --doesn't take a genius to figure out the qualifications of a good or bad agent." She throws the pills into her mouth and swallows them. She looks down at her leg. "I've had my fair share of encounters with the later." She gives him another non-verbal cue of an open topic of conversation.
"Sam made her own choice. I didn't influence it in any way, and you damn well know it."
"Ouch, defensive much?" she returns with a sarcastic smile, then pops two more pills in her mouth and takes another drink. Garrett looks to the action with concern then starts to get up to free the chair, disbelieving of his inconsideration to her condition. "No, you sit, unless my hovering over you is bothersome. Really, it is better if I stand."
"How's that going by the way?" He cautiously asks about her leg hoping this was the path she was directing him down.
"It's kind of you to ask," she says, reaching over and tapping on the keyboard. Her medical records appear on the screen. "But I'm sure it's all been explained to you by the experts you employ"--she takes another drink-- "and don't get all ‘uptight-fed-in-the-presence-of-a-law breaker’ on me. It's not against the law if they're your records. Acquired them fair and square when they wouldn't share easily quoting HIPPA something or other. I was courteous enough not to peek at anyone else's. Forwarded them off this morning to another expert for his opinion; we'll see what he comes back with."
"Unauthorized access," he states simply.
"By law, I have a right to MY information; you, on the other hand, put up all sorts of security around it, without --by the way-- asking for my permission."
"With good reason."
"So one of my many aliases won't be using words like ‘lawsuit’ and ‘abuse of authority’ towards the Bureau for the mistreatment that led to this?" She asks about the condition of her leg.
“We didn’t--”
"YOU didn’t, but we know some crossed those lines. The bigger issue is Lassiter Pharmaceuticals for the shit anti-viral that is appearing to cause major organ failure. I just happen to be one of the lucky ones who it hasn’t killed off yet. I can't open that can of worms because then they'll poke at me wondering why I'm not dead–should be, but not. Broom, sweep under the ‘pre-existing’ or ‘cancer’ rug, done.”
“That’s one way of looking at it. Another is to protect who you are. You’re good with creating identities, but how many of them would hold up to the scrutiny and publicity of such an inquest? Besides, how many of them are legal residences of the States? By my count, not one of them. Rights you’re asking for only come with citizenship.”
“Semantics.”
He rolls his eyes. “And you wonder why I believe what I do about you?”
“Oh, not at all."
"You do it on purpose."
"Yes, because I like watching you work, and you like the challenge. It's the game we play; it's our ‘THING.' I've been to every head shrink, doctor, and quack you've suggested hoping one of them will find something the others haven't; that miracle key that will unlock the mystery of who I was before. I've grown tired of it, and after all this time, I have come to a conclusion --as has everyone else-- it's better to move on with my life instead of wasting all that energy on what has past. Why haven't you?"
"Because it's unsolved, and you dangle the answers in front of me like a carrot."
"Just think of all the hours of sleep you'll get if you just accept it? Don't you think I've been scouring the internet and private networks for that little tidbit of information that will put it all together? Wait, you know I have." She takes a drink. "But for me, it's just a hobby to pass the time and stave off the boredom until Sam gets back."
“I respectfully disagree, and suspect it is to discover who out there may be picking up on who you were before; who might be on the hunt for whatever subtle clues you might drop consciously or otherwise.”
"Ah, yes, he does get it, but only you." She winks. "Though I hope you have a bigger drive this time. Been rather busy, and with the new toys I put together, the encryption should keep your techs occupied for a while, might teach them a thing or two as well. Question?”
“What?”
"Is it legal for you to use government resources for your pet projects?" He does not answer. "You know, you could just ask." she says hinting that he should.
He smiles, reaches into his pocket and pulls out a small thumb drive. "May I?"
"Yeah," she says indicating a port to plug it into amongst the many systems lined up beneath the desk. "Least I can do to help you save face. Steiner must think you are a super-spy-extraordinaire. Just let you walk in here, without question, and plug stuff into my computers. Of course, there's that whole spite thing."
"You'd rather give it to me willingly than let him work for it."
“Yes, and no. The government won’t pay me for the encryption software and mobile network protections I developed without all those proprietary non-disclosure agreements and such. Gee, they’re still trying to reverse engineer the patch for the blackout virus. It serves my purposes that they have parts of it to protect my own ass, and it serves your interests if they believe you have a close enough relationship with me that I don’t notice you’re sneaking it out of here.”
“Well said.” Garrett smiles as he moves the dangling leaves of a plant sitting on top of the tower and plugs in the drive. When he looks up to Amanda, a small tendril inches from underneath one of the leaves and wraps around the thumb drive in a tight grip, then fades from luscious green to a translucent state rendering it invisible.
"I've been given the lead to create a new team. I want you to be part of it, but--"
"Can't be a fed without a clean background, and for it to be clean one would need to know where I came from, where I was educated, where my loyalties lie, or some existence that can be tracked." She takes a moment, gives it some thought. "You're not offering a position with the Bureau, are you?"
"No."
She takes the last drink and tosses the bottle into the garbage can, then looks to Garrett. "Do you feel it's safe to be discussing this here?"
"I think that question is best answered by you." he says leaning back in the chair and looking up at her.
"A carefully constructed ploy to learn how, if present, I defeat your attempts at surveillance?" She hints with playfulness yet with underlying tones of seriousness.
"Possible, but I wouldn't have given up the drive if that were the case. Could be seen as me leaking information," Garrett says with gravity, his eyes lock with hers --an unspoken communication taking place.
"And I wouldn't have offered on the same premise," she says holding his gaze and reading what he is indicating. "Why now? After all this time?"
"Sam. Her intuition will put her on the same path her parents were on."
"Tough place for you to be in," Amanda says understanding. Then as if conceding on some long-standing unmentioned barrier. "Grab me another one please?" She indicates the beer.
With a nod, Garrett gets up and makes his efforts purposeful and noticeable in not seeing what Amanda is doing. She leans over to the keyboard, pulls up a small box and types in Garrett's name followed by a string of characters and hits enter. The box flashes a warning about the thumb drive, posing the question to secure or not. Amanda selects the quarantine with delay option. She then works with speed instructing the system to take the delay further out but keep it on their current path of conversation. She returns to her position leaning against the desk as if she'd not moved. He finds his way back, pops the top off the beer and hands it to her.
"So about this job offer, you willing to be open about what it entails, all of it? And I'll do my best not to be so elusive and vague in my answers?"
"What I know, yes." He says accepting her terms. He spins the chair offering it to her.
"Works better if you sit," she says of his kindness. "Lighter processing load if they don't have to accommodate for rendering your movements along with a deviating storyline. The drive, starting point?"
"Yes.”
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2024.04.16 23:27 IIoveyuo2 every confirmed/contacted youtooz product with/without a release date as of 4/16/24

2024
April
May
2024 Summer
June
July
September
Just said to release in early 2024
Just said to be in "2024/Next year"
2025
Confirmed/Contacted but no date.
Creators
Creators who got contacted/reached out, none of these are confirmed atm.
Memes
Licences
Licenses that were contacted/reached out but aren't confirmed atm.
Artists
Youtooz /Animal OCs / Other
Things that were confirmed a while ago but haven't gotten any updates since/might have been cancelled.
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2024.04.15 07:20 vren55 [A Fractured Song] - Chapter 215- Fantasy, Isekai (Portal Fantasy), Adventure

Cover Art!
Just because you’re transported to another world, doesn’t mean you’ll escape from your pain.
Abused by her parents, thirteen-year-old Frances only wants to be safe and for her life not to hurt so much. And when she and her class are transported to the magical world of Durannon to fight the monsters invading the human kingdoms and defeat the self-titled Demon King, Frances is presented with a golden opportunity. If she succeeds, Frances will have the home she never had. If she fails, Frances will be summoned back to the home she escaped.
Yet, despite her newfound magic and friends, Frances finds that trauma is not so easily lost. She is dogged by her abuse and its physical and invisible scars. Not only does she have to learn magic, she has to survive the nightmares of her past, and wrestle with her feelings of doubt and self-loathing.
If she can heal from her trauma, though, she might be able to defeat the Demon King and maybe, just maybe, she can find a home for herself.
[The Beginning] [<=Chapter 214] [Chapter Index and Blurb] [Chapter 216=>]
The Fractured Song Index
Discord Channel Just let me know when you arrive in the server that you’re a Patreon so you can access your special channel.
***
Author's Note: Will be gone on vacation to the United Kingdom for two weeks so I wanted to have some kind of update up. Here you go!
***
From King Jerome and Queen Forowena of Erisdale to King Martin and Queen Ginger, and your friends and allies.
If you are seeing this, I’m afraid we have perished for the sake of final victory over the Demon King.
To some extent, we were anticipating that our lives might be needed to finish this war. As the battles intensified, and the needs of our subjects grew, we began to sense that we would have to sacrifice ourselves. Maybe it’s a premonition, but we are rather loath to let the promise of our future die just to maintain our lives. Moreover, we’ve realised that we might need more than just an army to affix that bastard Thorgoth’s attention on Kairon-Aoun and blind him to the wider strategic scale.
I’m afraid we lied about our plan to most of our closest confidantes and allies. We needed to threaten Thorgoth and yet promise him a decisive victory.
So first, our spies spread false information about two “Cursed Swords” to Thorgoth’s contacts. The swords themselves are quite good, but other than being somewhat of an inconvenience to mages up close, are only moderately threatening. However, it gave Thorgoth the idea that we were taking such efforts to develop a weapon in secret that whatever we had might actually hurt him, which lured him to attack our army.
The carrot was our deaths. We didn’t want to resort to it unnecessarily, but the report of General Helias’s suspicions indicated to us that while Thorgoth and Berengaria remained oblivious, his subordinates suspected something was afoot. We decided that warranted or not, we had to put our lives on the line. If we managed to kill Thorgoth, then all the better, but if we failed, it would ensure final victory.
This is because while you were aware that we planned for Queen Titania to reinforce the human armies at Kairon-Aoun in the last stages of the battle, we obfuscated one rather significant detail. How large and in what fashion should the reinforcements arrive.
Queen Titania has been assembling troops and supplies in secret even before Thorgoth moved to Kairon-Aoun. She managed this due to her forces reopening the Thornspear tunnel shortly after the Alavaria Academy for Magic was liberated from his grip. Originally this was intended to provide a secondary route to Minairen, but after news of the dragons and with promising news on the siege of Erisdale, we came up with a scheme with her and General Antigones.
Through using the Thornspear tunnel, Titania’s been amassing a massive army ready to move in and ambush King Thorgoth the moment he and his army are too weak to escape. They’ve included her best cavalry and the elite troops that hadn’t scattered when the dragons took flight to scour her lands. More troops were then funnelled and secreted to the tunnel. We expect her army to reach fifteen thousand soldiers.
Of course, the problem is that our intelligence estimates Thorgoth’s remaining soldiers to be about thirty to forty-thousand and he can draw upon reinforcements from Minairen and his kingdom’s garrisons if he strips them. We can match his numbers, even exceed them if we bring Janize’s forces to our cause. If Thorgoth knew that, though, he wouldn’t take that battle. No, we needed to bait him into a battle he cannot escape from and destroy his last army and with it, what support the Kingdom of Alavaria is likely to afford him.
That meant our only option was to use our available forces to exhaust his army at Kairon-Aoun and to make him think he was preventing a threat to his life with the “Cursed Swords.” Then, after we make him think he’s on the verge of victory, we collapse on him not just with Erisdale, Lapanteria and Erlenberg’s last remaining troops, but with Alavaria’s.
Assuming we’ve managed to bleed Thorgoth’s army at Kairon-Aoun, even if the Demon King is as strong as he seems, he probably is going to find it difficult to hold off not just the Lightning Battalion, but the rest of Queen Titania’s troops.
Could he escape? Could he run away? Indeed he may, but you can’t teleport an army away. At the very least, we believe that this battle at Kairon-Aoun will have decimated Thorgoth’s last army and dealt him such a crushing defeat that his own populace would no longer defend him.
In any case, we are certain the Demon King is finished. He may escape, but if he is to preserve his support, he must fight us and it will be a matter of time before his followers will realize that even if Thorgoth cannot be killed, they can.
Thank you, everybody for believing in all that is good and righteous in this world. We pass this last hope to you all.
For Erisdale. For Lapanteria. For Erlenberg. For Alavaria. For Durannon, and for our friends.
***
When the allies called Titania, it was only the queen’s tired face appeared in the mirror. She was in full armour and in some kind of command tent. As she noted those calling her, she dipped her head.
“King—”
“The coronation hasn’t happened, though we will get to it quickly,” said Martin. Sitting down, he laced his fingers together. “How many troops did you bring?”
Titania flashed the humans a savage grin. “Sixteen thousand, with a strong core of veterans. We’re setting up defenses as we speak to prevent Thorgoth from escaping. When will your forces be ready to attack him?”
Ginger sat down beside her husband. “We just arrived and haven’t made our own assessment. Then again—” she pursed her lips and faced King Sebastian and Alexander “—Sebastian, Alexander, can you start or assign someone to coordinate with my deputy Helen to find places for our newly arrived cannon? We need to set up for an opening barrage at the very least.”
“With pleasure,” said Alexander, briefly exchanging a smile with Ayax.
“That works,” said Sebastian.
Martin drummed his fingers on the table. “I’m surprised that you kept King Jerome and Queen Forowena’s plans so secret for so long.”
“They had a fantastic plan.” Titania’s smile lessened, her lips curling inward. “My condolences for the loss of your monarchs, but they have essentially won us the war.”
Martin nodded, suppressing his sigh. “I understand, we appreciate the assistance and will call you to confirm the details of our attack.”
“I’ll look forward to it and brother?” Timur grimaced meeting Titania’s eye. “I’m sorry I had to leave you in the dark. The surprise had to be absolute. We needed to make sure that my armies and forces vanished from Thorgoth’s attention.”
The princes nodded. “I understand I…I’m just not happy about it. I am glad to see you, though.”
Titania smiled and waved. “I have to go, Thorgoth will be, or is already launching probing attacks. I need to attend to them.” With that the Queen of Alavaria ended her call and left the humans and their allies in silence.
Frances, who’d been holding onto Timur’s hand during the call, finally let go. “Martin, Ginger, with your permission—”
“Frances, go and take Timur with you,” said Ginger.
She hesitated, but Ginger flashed a smile, as did Martin. “We’ll talk later,” said the knight.
“Thank you.” Letting her feet carry her from the meeting, Frances strode on through the halls. She could hear Timur following her with his far longer strides and found herself glad of that fact.
“Thanks for coming with me,” said Frances. She came to a stop and turned around to smile at her fiance.
Timur let out a bit of a sigh as a grin returned to his face. Lifting his arms, he gestured with his hands. “Need a hug?”
Frances, shaking her head, walked to her fiance and buried herself in his embrace. “I don’t deserve you.”
“It’s not about deserve, as you’ve reminded me,” said Timur.
Frances giggled. “You’ve also reminded me of that too. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” Timur loosened his embrace, allowing Frances to meet his eyes. “So, tell me, what’s bothering you?”
“I…I miss them, Timur. Forowena, Ulric and Jerome. I wish they didn’t have to do this.” She wiped her eyes. “I must admit I’m a little angry at them as well for keeping me unaware.”
“You did sense they were up to something, didn’t you?” Timur asked.
“I did, but I wasn’t sure. Or maybe I didn’t want to realise it.” Frances winced. No, she knew it was the latter. She had known that Jerome and Forowena were planning to put their lives in the line of fire. She had dreaded it but she just hadn’t the words to confront them properly. “I guess I’m a little scared, not because of what’s to come. I’m just scared that they and so many others could do that for me, and for us all.”
The bubbling roil that were Frances’s emotions wanted nothing to do but spill out. Only her prince’s soft touch against her cheek kept it in check. For that, she could never be more grateful.
“You know we wouldn’t hesitate to sacrifice ourselves for our friends. Does that scare you?” Timur whispered.
Frances winced. “Kind of? Much less than thinking of what you would do to keep me safe.”
“I’m flattered.”
“Timur!” Frances exclaimed, unable to help but match the trogre’s teasing smile.
“Sorry.” Her prince brushed his lips against her forehead. “I know what you mean dear. You showed me what you would do for me when you went into Minairen. Yes I know that was partly Morgan and Hattie’s fault, but you followed them.”
“You’re right,” said Frances, nodding.
“So what are you worried about?” Timur asked.
“Aside from that?” Frances’s voice trailed off. What was she worrying about? She let out a small exhale. Her muscles were tensed, and she felt like her nerves had been twirled and bundled up by a fork. Yet, the anxiety and the weight on the shoulders was passing.
“Nothing. Just the battle in general I think,” she murmured. Her heart still ached for Ulric and her friends, but it was a steady, constant ache. She wasn’t bothered by it. She wasn’t sure why she felt alright, but she knew who was partially responsible.
Raising herself up on the tip of her toes, she kissed her fiance on the lips. “Thank you, Timur.”
Timur, slightly flushed, chuckled. “Glad I could help.”
***
“Has anybody ever done a battlefield coronation?” Martin muttered to himself as he thumbed through a book on Erisdalian court etiquette. Across from him, Ginger and Nicole were going back on outfits. Other staff officers as well as nobles were racing around, trying to be helpful and delivering reports of all kinds.
Mara, Martin’s older sister, nudged him, almost making him drop the book.
“Mara!”
The taller Erisdalian smirked at the former knight, before gently squeezing his shoulder. “Brother, you don’t need to start your reign trying to mimic tradition. Just do what feels right.”
Martin shook his head, but it did nothing to clear his thoughts. “I know, but I feel like I should set an example.”
“Martin, you’re the Hero of Erisdale. You have already set an example for the normal, the common people who don’t have the advantages of the Otherworlders or mages. Listen to your gut and your friends.” She glanced up, and Martin followed his sister’s gaze to see Elizabeth and Ayax arriving. “I’ll inspect the troops and get them ready for the plan. Checkerboard formation right?”
Martin opened his mouth, only for him to immediately press a finger to his lips. “Salvo pike.”
Mara blinked. “Sorry?”
“See if we have any lighter cannon pieces. We aren’t going to have much room to maneuvre and neither will they. We’ll still use our typical checkerboard formation with pikemen flanked by musketeers, but this time we’re adding cannons to our front ranks.”
“I think I see what you mean. I’ll see what I can do.” Mara patted her brother on the shoulder and took off. Martin watched her leave, and smiled as Frances entered the meeting room, a smile also on her face.
“Martin!” Almost leaping to his feet, Martin ran to meet Frances’s sprint. The pair ran into each other, arm’s almost tangled together.
“It’s been too long,” said the knight.
“I know, brother. I’m sorry this hasn’t been in a better time,” said Frances. Martin flushed a little, and patted Frances’s head, making her pout for a second before she giggled.
“Didn’t we just see each other not too long ago?” Ginger asked, sauntering over. However, when Frances let go and reached out she was quickly embraced by the crimson haired woman. “Then again, work before wasting time eh?”
“Talking and just spending time with you will never be a waste of time,” said Frances, patting her friend’s back. “How has it been? I heard the siege was brutal.”
“Not as hard as you’ve been having it here. Being nominated heir, though…” One edge of Martin’s lips twisted up. “You should have told us.”
Frances chuckled, scratching the back of her head. “I’m sorry. I just…I think you would do good.”
Ginger rolled her eyes and ruffled her shorter friend’s hair. “We know and for what it’s worth, I think we’ve agree with you now.”
“I’m glad,” said Frances. She glanced between the couple. “You’re going to do great.”
“Assuming we win this,” Martin muttered.
“Frances!”
Frances turned around and bolted, dodging staff and other officers to run toward her best friend. Elizabeth, eyes moist, practically swept her friend off the ground as they embraced, giggling.
“I missed so much! You got engaged!”
“I know! I can’t believe I proposed!”
“I knew you would! I’m so happy for you!”
“Thank you, Liz. Thank you so much. Will you be my bridesmaid?”
“Like anybody would dare to stop me!”
Still trying to stifle giggles and ignoring the glances of the others in the room, Frances let go of her friend and drew her troll cousin into a hug.
“Hey Ayax.”
A wan smile gracing her lips, Ayax squeezed Frances tight. “Hey cuz. It’s done.”
Frances nodded. “I heard Elizabeth did him in.”
Ayax nodded, her tail curved up behind her, held quite still. “Yes. Is it weird that I’m just glad it’s over and we can start really living?”
Studying the troll’s bemused expression, Frances shook her head. “No. I think it’s more than natural. You hated the idea that your parents killer was still out there, but you wanted him out of your thoughts.”
“Exactly.” Ayax pulled Frances close in again, giving her one last squeeze. “Thank you, Frances. I’m really lucky to have you for family.”
“Me too.” Letting go the cousins turned back to their little group of five best friends. All a little older, all a bit changed, and yet, alive and well.
That very fact brought tears to Frances’s eyes. She wiped them away, but she couldn’t banish her smile.
“Where’s your fiance?” Ginger asked.
Frances chuckled. “He’s hanging out with Aloudin, Olgakaren and Epomonia. I’m not sure what they’re doing exactly. I suspect he will be out late.”
“We should take this opportunity to catch up,” said Elizabeth.
Martin winced. “I’d love to, but we’re a bit busy—”
Ayax tapped Martin’s shoulder with her tail, making him blink. “No buts, Martin. You need help with your coronation right?”
The knight nodded. “Yes, but—Pardon, oh. Oh wait, you can help with it. Are you sure, though?”
Frances arched an eyebrow. “I mean, why wouldn’t we help you?”
“That is a good point. Besides, we have some ideas we’d like to throw around,” said Ginger. She patted her buff leather coat, typical of a cavalry officer and grimaced. “I want to wear something a little more you know, regal, or feminine but something appropriately military. This doesn’t cut it. I was wondering what were your ideas, Frances.”
“I have a few. I might need some help from you Ayax with the needlework, though,” said Frances.
Ayax shrugged. “Sure thing, but let’s get going to somewhere more quiet. Reconvene somewhere else with everything we need.”
“I got the drinks!” Ginger exclaimed.
Frances raised her hand. “I got the food!”
Ayax grinned. “I’ll grab the material we need to plan things along with clothing samples.”
“I pick the top of that small round tower at the corner of the courtyard, which I’ll ensure is clear,” said Martin, raising his hand.
Elizabeth put her hand in the centre of the circle. “And I pick the time of in an hour. I’ll clear your schedules Martin, Ginger.”
“Oh thank Amura and Rathon for that,” Martin muttered, smiling with relief. As one, the other four placed their hands on top of Elizabeth’s. With a cheer, they raised their arms as one and split off.
***
Frances didn’t have time to make something too fancy. Instead she opted for comfort food. Roast chicken with lemon seasoning, a vegetable stir fry, fried rice with sausage, and dale-brick fries with gravy and cheese curds to mimic a poutine.
She knew she was running late as she carried two baskets of food in her arms, but she was sure her friends would forgive her once she showed up with this feast.
With the smells of her labours wafting behind her, Frances strolled down through the courtyard gallery to the tower they planned to meet. She could see two women in the distance walking together, talking quietly as they did so.
One was in Lightning Battalion blue velvet and the other was also in a matching uniform, but it was far more ill fitting. Frances could tell by how she scratched and kept adjusting it with bandaged hands.
Before she knew why, Frances found herself slowing down. She wasn’t sure why, but it felt necessary.
Then it clicked as she saw the pair turn from their conversation to face her. Her breath stopped as she saw the scar across the blonde woman’s face and recognized the now haggard features of her darker-skinned companion.
“Oh, hello Frances,” said Jessica, waving a hand.
Frances managed a smile. “Hello, Jessica.” She had not talked to her former bully much aside from during war missions. She preferred to let Martin and Ginger talk to Jessica, and they apparently got along quite well with the blonde. Even so, she had heard of Jessica’s heroics and her continued good service as part of the Lightning Battalion. She had been even told that her former bully had befriended a now married pair of battalion soldiers.
No, Frances’s stillness was caused precisely by one woman, who stood beside Jessica, trying her best to keep her eyes up. Leila’s gaze however, continued to fall to the ground as she hid her bandaged hands behind her back.
“Hi, Frances.”
Author's Note: OOOOH And Leila and Jessica meet Frances agiain! :D
[The Beginning] [<=Chapter 214] [Chapter Index and Blurb] [Chapter 216=>]
submitted by vren55 to redditserials [link] [comments]

2024.04.14 11:39 MichaelAftonXFireWal If Stitchlinegames is true then can you explain this?

If Stitchlinegames is true then can you explain this?
So one thing about Stitchlinegames is that it most defenitly falls under AndrewTOYSNHK, however I found something that may have condritcted AndrewTOYSNHK, and possibly Stitchlinegames too. Unless of course there's a way Stitchlinegames can work without AndrewTOYSNHK, but I don't that's the case. Well anways the reason I found that may put a wrench in both AndrewTOYSNHK, and Stitchlinegames is that Andrew and TOYSNHK look very different from each other.
Andrew is described as being a "Cute Boy with Curly Black Hair, and Dark Skin
​
Not an offcial image but close to what Andrew probably looks like.
Meanwhile TOYSNHK has what appears to be Flat Blonde Hair, and Caucasian Skin.
​
Even if The image is heavily edited there's enough detail here to show that TOYSNHK doesn't look like Andrew.
Yes this is infact Important to point out because if Andrew was TOYSNHK then he would have been described in a similar manor to the actual picture of TOYSNHK, and before you say that Charlie, Cassidy, Elizabeth, and Susie looked different in the books and games that was because the book versions and game versions were infact different.
Book Charlie wears a green jacket, has long brown hair, wears a purple shirt, blue jeans, and combat boots.
​
https://preview.redd.it/kpkztulcjduc1.jpg?width=848&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a901dd383edfe6f1d6383b06ff5a49a0cff9abf
Game Charlie has black hair tied in a bund, wears a gray shirt, and black pants.
​
https://preview.redd.it/8tix0r5hjduc1.jpg?width=360&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=89f729198b17aaea283220270a30112999452118
Book Elizabeth Afton has blonde hair, where's a white shirt with an ice cream cone on it, and pink pajama bottoms.
​
https://preview.redd.it/qw5dapfioduc1.jpg?width=437&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1fe193bbcc260000db3303bedf9f626090e672ae
Then she dyes her hair black, and wears what appears to be a blue and white shirt with a blue skirt
​
https://preview.redd.it/e2r1gbu7feuc1.jpg?width=646&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9e97f80d31bd0deca29a2c4e5e1b1434cc6e1fd8
And then when she dies she appears to be wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans with the same black hair.
​
https://preview.redd.it/jul0611gfeuc1.jpg?width=1280&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41381de204307cb680c52e7e00ee510dd96c19e0
Meanwhile Game Elizabeth has orange hair, and wears a pink button shirt with a blue skirt.
​
https://preview.redd.it/j4b0o5klgeuc1.jpg?width=256&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=680d65577a479897930c5af077dae6d0ab247d24
Book Cassidy has burnnete hair that's tied in a ponytail, and wears a light blue shirt with blue jeans.
​
https://preview.redd.it/o9o8mwtwheuc1.jpg?width=250&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f16250bfe3dc0eb3f8472a9e21869c6b709e229
While Game Cassidy is believed to have blach hair with pigtails, and is typically drawn with overalls that are either black or blue while wearing a yellow or light color shirt.
​
A randtion of what Cassidy is believed to look like.
Finally you have Susie, and I'll admit there was some trouble finding differences between both her book and gamme versions as they look very similar but I did find some.
Book Susie has longer, less curly hair then game Susie, and also Book Susie's dress is a lighter pink then the dark purple of game Susie's dress.
​
https://preview.redd.it/e5v0xfqjjeuc1.jpg?width=589&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=82ffea56cc577c8d36cdc661a4bfa3335e140f66
​

Book Susie also lacks the red ribbion in her hair that game Susie has.
But anyways what's the point of this your wondering, Espesically since the examples I gave are from The Silver Eyes Trilogy which have been confirmed to Not Be In The Games Continuinty, how does this effect Fazbear Frights, AndrewTOYSNHK, and Stitchlinegames, why does it matter if Andrew doesn't look exactaly like the picture of TOYSNHK?
Because we have a design of TOYSNHK, sure it's not a clear imagie but it's clear enough to show that it's a kid with blond hair, and not a boy with straight curly hair, so therefore Andrew cannot be TOYSNHK, and if Andrew isn't TOYSNHK, then Stitchlinegames is wrong too.
But wait FNAF has changed characters designs before, they could have done the same thing here as all.
If you're reffering to Springtrap, Scraptrap, Circus Baby, Scrapbaby, Ennard, and Molten Freddy well those are animatroincs not human children.
Andrew is a ghost he can change his appearance if he wants appearing as both with both the curly black hair dark skin boy, and then as the blond caucasian kid.
There's no evidence of Andrew doing this.
Bottom Line the designs of the characters do matter, and the fact that Andrew and TOYSNHK look completly different from each other means they cannot be the same person.
​
submitted by MichaelAftonXFireWal to fnaftheories [link] [comments]

2024.04.11 03:36 redditaccount122820 Red Lights (2012)

submitted by redditaccount122820 to underratedmovies [link] [comments]

2024.04.10 20:38 SilentExodusXO Reevaluating after 10 months Carnivore

35F, No medications. CW 216, GW 175.
This will be long, I apologize; looking to see if anyone has had the same kind of experience, or has any insight to validate what I'm seeing here.
I started carnivore July 2023. 70/30 macro split, 2MAD 16:8 or 18:6 IF, with 20:2 on weekends.
I have been unable to reliably lose weight for over a decade (briefly lost 40 lbs after a period of intense stress and depression in 2018, put it all back on by 2021), and deal with autoimmune arthritis, fibromyalgia, IBS. Initially, I thought my labs (August 2023) showed insulin resistance and fatty liver; however, upon further inspection/research, insulin resistance is NOT an issue, though NAFLD may still be a possibility.
In the first four months of carnivore, I saw the scale go down a fair amount; almost 12 lbs of water weight gone. I had improved sleep, lots of energy, felt pretty good; came off antidepressants for the first time since I was 18. But then that all disappeared. By Thanksgiving, I started having poor sleep again, night sweats and hot flashes, and my energy was GONE. Like it'd never gotten better in the first place. Sex drive extremely low, no lubrication, and just completely blah.
In January, my period was 80% lighter than it's ever been. Didn't think much of it, as we had a pretty stressful month. February, so light I didn't need to use tampon/pad. March, even lighter - and I started to be concerned. Had labs done in March - estradiol was less than half what it should have been (mid-cycle); LH was low, normal FSH, normal testosterone - no PCOS, leaning more toward perimenopause. Awesome (insert dramatic eye roll). Additionally had my TSH and T4 checked; at prior labs in August, TSH was 0.99, T4 not checked. March labs show TSH 2.279, T4 sub-optimal. So... thyroid is starting to malfunction?
I switched to an 80/20 macro, with no more than 14 hours fasted, following Dr. Elizabeth Bright's protocol for hormone imbalance. I also added 6mg lugol's iodine daily (I am currently at 25mg daily) for managing/treatment of fibro pain (which I can say actually has had some effect!). In a month of 80/20, 3 small meals, and 14 hour IF, I packed on another 6 pounds. No changes in energy, or sleep.
My husband has been doing carnivore with me, though for a couple months less. He also started noticing (male) issues, in February - lack of stamina/virility/strength, plus crippling exhaustion. I find it hard to believe we are both experiencing hormonal/libido/energy issues by coincidence...
Sunday night, we decided to have some sweet potato with dinner, and then a movie night with nachos. This was the first time we have added any significant carbs to our diet; originally I was going to make them with pork rinds, ground beef, sausage, and cheese, but we had a bag of tortilla chips and some salsa in the house and I figured "what the hell?" We watched our movie, ate all the nachos, and went to bed. Monday - we both woke feeling really good. Rested. We both had significantly more energy - even into the night. We've been passing out at 8:30... and Monday night we were up talking until almost 10, and still felt mentally sharp.
We continued the experiment. Monday we had less than 20 total carbs each and woke up Tuesday still feeling pretty good but less mentally sharp. Less energy through the day on Tuesday. Tuesday night we had carbs with dinner; I'm not sure total amount because it was a recipe my husband made, and he didn't measure a thing lol but still I'd say we probably both had under 30 total for the day yesterday. Woke up this morning feeling decent. I'm currently a little spacey (ADHD) and having trouble focusing at work, but that is nothing new. Husband won't be home from work until 6pm or later, but we have veggies on the menu tonight - more than last night. Will be looking to see what this looks like for us, as far as sleep tonight and energy tomorrow.
I will not ignore the benefits we HAVE achieved through carnivore - namely, my husband's 35 pound weight loss, and the reduction in my triglycerides/risk ratio. But I also don't think we can reasonably ignore what is staring us in the face. I was never of the opinion, like some that go carnivore, that plants are evil; we have only to look at Chinese medicine to know they can be incredibly beneficial. During a real honest conversation Monday night, my husband and I both expressed frustration and boredom with our current food - we miss flavors. We have been miserable for weeks, and I'd felt my depression creeping back in. So we made a list yesterday of lower-carb veggies that we are going to add back in. We've been counting total carbs, because we had heard to do so by the prominent carnivore docs; but I'm wondering the current stance on net carbs vs total.
Sorry so long! I appreciate y'all reading to the end.
submitted by SilentExodusXO to xxketo [link] [comments]

2024.04.09 15:03 spydercoswapmod I spent 3 days camping in the mountains. Here's some mini-reviews for the gear we used.

When I take the kid camping (elementary aged), we usually car camp. Usually off the beaten path - dispersed camping in national forests away from crowded campgrounds. I get to pack whatever and test out the cheaper, heavier gear I wouldn't take backpacking or bike touring.
I've accumulated a lot of budget gear over the years. I like having extra stuff so our friends and family can join us, even if they don't own any basics.
I thought it'd be fun to do some mini reviews of the gear we brought this time for anyone trying to camp on a budget.
Flashlights and headlamps
Pocket Knives
Seating
Pillows
Tent
stakes
Water bottle
Water storage
Water filter
My sleeping bag
Blankets
shades
hammock
Cutting tools
Shoes
Gloves
hope you enjoyed. any questions? feel free to ask.
submitted by spydercoswapmod to CampingGear [link] [comments]

2024.04.07 15:32 loveseosweet Makoto Shinkai April 5 Q&A on “Suzume”

Makoto Shinkai did a Q&A on April 5 on the official Suzume Twitter as Suzume was broadcasted on Japanese TV. Here are rough translations of the Q&A.
Q: There are many scenes in the film where yellow butterflies are seen fluttering about, which are very striking. What is the meaning behind them? A: It is said that butterflies are a symbol of the souls of the dead. I drew a butterfly to represent Suzume being guided by her mother. Now that I think about it, when I talked about this at a stage greeting in Mexico, everyone in the audience started crying!
Q: What were your first impressions of Nanoka Hara and Hokuto Marsumura? And how have your impressions changed since then? A: I met both of them for the first time at the audition. Nanoka is not at all fawning, and I got the impression that she is relaxed and dignified. Hokuto is very delicate, and I got the impression that the ocean inside him is rippling with strong winds. We've become much closer since then, but my first impression hasn't changed much. They are both such wonderful people. Seeing them both doing so well after working on "Suzume" makes me feel proud, but at the same time, I'm a little jealous of the work they've done.
Q: Why did you call the reddish-black whirlpool an earthworm? A: When I was thinking about what creatures symbolize "earthquakes = earth," I thought of earthworms. Earthworms are insects that create soil. It's also a homage to Haruki Murakami's short story "Super-Frog Saves Tokyo.”
Q: I'd like to know the origins of the character names! A: Suzume is taken from Ame-no-Uzume, the goddess who opened the Heavenly Rock Cave in Japanese mythology. The sound of "Uzume" brings to mind the character "suzume" (sparrow). Sota is an entity that heals ruins, so we included the character "kusa" (grass). Tamaki's name comes from the idea that parental love circulates. Chika is carrying a mandarin orange when she first appears, so we used the character "ka" (fruit). Rumi is from the Kobe Luminarie (a light festival held in Kobe to commemorate the Great Hanshin Earthquake of 1995.” Serizawa... I just thought the sound of "Serizawa" suited him, so I went for it (laughs).
Q: There are many fascinating characters in the story, but who was the character that you had the most trouble coming up with a setting for? A: Suzume was the most difficult. The more different a character is from yourself, the more difficult it is to create. With Hara Nanoka's voice, I feel like Suzume finally has a soul. On the other hand, the adults like Tamaki, Minoru, and Rumi were easier to create because I could relate to them.
Q: Why did Sota decide to become a teacher while working as a Closer? What kind of teacher would he be? Personally, when I saw him playing with the twins at Rumi's house, I thought he looked like a good elementary school teacher! A: Because Sota had a talent for being a Closer, he was taken away from his parents at a young age and was brought up strictly by his grandfather, who was also a Closer. But Sota's father was a teacher, and Sota loved his father too. That's why I think he had an aspiration to become a teacher. Yes, I also think that an elementary school teacher would be a good fit for Sota!
Q: When locking the door, Suzume says "I'll return it to you" (more formally) and Sota says "I'll return it to you” (more casually) Why do they say different things? A: Wouldn't it be a little unnatural for Suzume, a modern girl, to suddenly say "I'll give it back"? (Laughs) I wanted the words to come from the heart of the character.
Q: Was there a scene that made you laugh while making the movie? A: When I'm making a comedy scene, I'm so busy thinking of lines and plot developments to make it something that the audience can laugh at that I don't have time to laugh myself. It's only when I finally start to laugh that I'm recording the voices. I often end up laughing at the cast's brilliant performances. But sometimes when the audience doesn't laugh when it's actually screened, I turn pale (laughs).
Q: Director Shinkai's works often contain folkloric elements. What is your intention behind this? A: I think that ethnic elements, in other words, are like the "real life" we experience when we live in this land. Things like Obon, visiting graves, and first shrine visits of the year are natural and important, and they go beyond reason. Such "real life" that is shared with the audience in advance is very effective when depicting a fictional world within the limited time frame of an anime film.
Q: There is a line from Serizawa's speech to Sota, who did not show up for the exam, in which he says, "He treats himself so poorly.” I like this line because it is very memorable, so I would love to hear any behind-the-scenes stories about how you came up with this line. A: I personally believe that the shorter the dialogue or conversation, the more beautiful it is. I thought about how I could express Serizawa's character in a few short words, and I came up with that line. I am glad you liked it!
Q: Regarding Akari Miura, who played Young Suzume, please tell us why you chose her and if there are any episodes that happened during the recording. A: It was a difficult scene, but Akari Miura, who was 9 years old at the time of recording, did an amazing job. She memorized the script and the timing perfectly, and her reactions to the direction were very sharp and delicate. Recording with a great child actor is much easier than recording with an adult (laughs).
Q: How was the casting of Matsumoto Hakuo decided, who played Kusata's grandfather? A: I wanted to express the weight of the bloodline that has continued for generations, so I wanted to ask a kabuki actor. I didn't expect anything to happen, so I was thrilled when he accepted. When I asked him why, he laughed and said, "My grandson told me that I should appear in this movie." Grandson power...!
Q: Compared to other works by Director Shinkai, I got the impression that the thoughts and stories of people other than the main characters such as Serizawa and Tamaki are reflected in this work. I would like to know if there is any reason or intention behind focusing on people other than the two central characters of the story! A: I started out as an independent producer, and initially I made works that were just "talking to myself with pictures added" (which, looking back, seemed quite self-indulgent), so I've never been good at creating stories with many characters playing an active role. However, as my career has grown and the scale of my productions has grown, I can't keep saying I'm bad at it forever (laughs), so recently I've been trying my best to draw a variety of characters. It may also be because I'm getting older. Lately, I've been enjoying depicting middle-aged and elderly people more and more.
Q: You have produced many blockbuster hits, but do you ever feel anxious about whether your work will be accepted by the audience until it is released? A: I'm always anxious (laughs). In particular, because "Suzume" is a work that has earthquakes as its motif, I was very anxious for about a month after its release, and I couldn't sleep very well. It wasn't until about six months after the release, after a special screening in Kesennuma, that I finally started to think, "Maybe it was a good thing that I made this movie."
Q: Why are the sizes of "Daijin" and "Sadajin" different? A: Regardless of whether they are related by blood or not, one of the themes of "Suzume" is the "parent-child relationship." That's why I drew Daijin as a kitten and Sadaijin as the size of a mother cat.
Q: Which scene had the most obvious difference in reactions between screenings in Japan and overseas? Also, I would appreciate it if you could tell me what the differences were. A: After the first lock-up in Kyushu, Sota comes into Suzume's room, which has been left in a mess by the earthquake. That scene is often laughed at overseas. In countries without earthquakes, people can't imagine that things would fall and make a room messy in an earthquake, so they just think Suzume is a messy girl. On the other hand, the scene that always gets laughs in any country is when Serizawa's car breaks down. I'm glad it broke.
Q: When Suzume passes through the back door of her hometown, when asked where she was going, she said, "To see the person I like!" I heard that you added the scene, despite the opposition of the staff, but please tell me what was your commitment to adding the scene. A: If you let her say that, there were many opposing opinions that all of Suzume's motives would be misunderstood as love, and that the story would give a slightly lighter impression. So I thought about a lot of other words, but in the end I couldn't think of a better line. I believed that the audience would feel a lot more than the meaning of the word.
Q: I really like the scene of Suzume during the journey in Sota’s recollection, but which scene of Suzume was your favorite during the journey, director? I would like to know Sota’s favorite Suzume scene during the journey if possible. A: In that short flashback scene, there is a cut where Suzume is trying to put a hat on Sota. Because it is from Sota's point of view, the audience cannot see the chair with the hat on, but I'm sure it must have looked cute. I love all the scenes where the two of them are traveling happily. It makes me want to make an anime where the chair and the girl are just traveling.
Q: How did you decide on the last scene? Also, did you have any trouble deciding how to end the story, just like you were unsure about how to end your previous film, "Weathering with You"? A: I was able to write the final scene of "Suzume" naturally and without much difficulty. I think the structure of the story called for that ending. However, I did struggle with a lot of details of the conversation between Suzume and the others. For example, I thought of a line where, after being given a the chair, Little Suzume complains that "its legs have fallen off," and Suzume encourages her by saying, "It's okay, even with three legs, it can stand up." I recorded myself speaking various patterns, and created the scene while searching for the dialogue that felt right.
Q: In the bonus novel, "Serizawa’s Story" Sota says about his family business, "Maybe you'll hear about it someday." Did he tell Serizawa about the family business after the journey in the main story? A: When they both achieve their dream of becoming teachers, Sota may tell Serizawa about his family business. Until then, he may be keeping quiet so as not to cause Serizawa any unnecessary worry.
Q: From "The Garden of Words" to "Suzume," all of the final scenes ended on an inclined place, such as a slope or stairs. Is there any reason for this? A: Places with differences in elevation are beautiful as scenery, and they are also easy to create pictures and dramas in. They allow you to visually express the various dramas of characters, such as catching up with someone, welcoming someone, unrequited love, or understanding each other. For the same reason, I also like settings that are divided into "this side and that side," such as bridges or railroad crossings.
Q: Is the yellow scarf that Sota wears in the “Welcome home” scene the same one that young Suzume wore? A: That’s not the case, but it’s a nice observation. But I did intentionally match the colors of the scarves. I think that through the journey, Suzume’s favorite color (yellow) also became Sota’s favorite color.
submitted by loveseosweet to SuzumeNoTojimari [link] [comments]

2024.04.06 13:33 whiteoff44 My Emirtati (UAE) Girl's Guide to Smelling Divine

As an Arab girl, who lives and breaths scents and smelling good, the allure of a captivating scent isn't just a luxury; it's a tradition, a statement, and an art form for our community and society. So here is the secret behind how I ensure I always smell delightful. So here is my routine
  1. Body Cream: The foundation of my scent ritual begins right after the shower. I always apply body creams, carefully selecting ones that complement my chosen scent profile for the day.
  2. Perfume Oil: For the crispness of winter, I embrace rich, oil-based perfumes like Amber and Oud. However, as the summer, I opt for lighter musk or floral-based oils. Wearing heavy scents like oud in summer is a big no-no and especially out, it smells like bad body odor in summer.
  3. Body Powders: While the West may have forgotten their charm, in the Middle East, body powders remain an essential for all girls and we truly swear by them.
  4. All Over Sprays: A gentle mist of all-over spray is truly phenomenal and well needed for prepping the next steps.
  5. Perfume: Dressing up isn't complete without drowning my clothes with the first layer of perfumes, I usually mix one or two or sometimes three depending on the day.
  6. Bukhoor: The absolute beast mode enhancer and the next level of scents projection, this is essential for every Arab girl and first we leave it in our closets, then when we get dressed we put it under us for it to infuse our body and the clothes with the scent and just let it a bit on the hair but be careful.
  7. Perfume: While on bukhoor, I seize the opportunity to enhance the longevity of my fragrance by putting it while the bukhoor is running, in our culture it’s said that it makes the perfume project stronger and last longer.
  8. Makhmaria : Finally, a touch of Makhmaria to my pulse points adds the perfect finishing touches along with whatever is left in my hand a bit on the hair (I know people hate that, but it just ties it all together)
For us of Arab culture, scent isn't just a superficial adornment; it's a reflection of our heritage, our passions, and our identity. With this ritual, I not only smell delightful but also carry with me the essence of tradition and elegance wherever I go. These are a few of my favorites in every category, of course I have a million other suggestions but this is it for now.
I hope you enjoyed this, I kind of wanted to talk about our culture and our rituals when It comes to perfumes and all. If you have any suggestions or questions please do ask. (Had a bit of trouble posting this lol)
submitted by whiteoff44 to fragrance [link] [comments]

2024.04.05 20:41 hailey_nicolee discount fragrance haul

discount fragrance haul
i was curious to check some local discount stores and ended up genuinely loving what i found, spending ~$100 which im so happy with for what i got
elizabeth arden sunflowers- this is my definition of sunshine or happiness in a bottle. it smells similar to smth like clinique happy but to me this is more floral which i prefer. soso good for really cheap even at full price but this is pretty easy to find at marshall’s
versace bright crystal EDT- another marshall’s find i deff will be wearing this all thru spring and when i was checking out the cashier told me this is her signature scent so i was really excited to try it
estee lauder sensuous stars- so i genuinely had never heard of any of the estee lauder luxury collection scents but when i was in the cosmetic company store testing things this really stood out to me. the chinese plum and orris root really just give me the impression of PURPLE and although i dont get much lavender that’s the other note in here, so it really is purple in a bottle to me with much greater lasting power than i would normally expect from a lighter scent profile plus this was 75% off so it really felt like a complete steal
tom ford soleil neige shimmering body oil- i was a little on the fence whether or not i needed this but idt people realize that even at retail price this and the soleil blanc oil are pretty affordable at $40 and i got it for 30% off at the cosmetic company store so this felt like a comfortable dip into tom ford scents without spending an amount im just not comfortable with and i REALLY LIKE IT!! just to reiterate it’s a body oil, not perfume oil, so it’s really meant more as a base layer rather than smth to wear on it’s own imo, but i love how this has those warm spicy and white floral notes while still being very soft very delicate and not heavy at all. i didnt get it at first but this really is so unique and im happily wrong that this isnt strong marketing influencing people, it really does give me the impression of winter and snow plus the shimmering effect is super pretty without being too in ur face glittery
submitted by hailey_nicolee to Perfumes [link] [comments]

2024.04.05 05:08 OryxTempel Consumer Culture was explicitly designed to combat communism

Consumer Culture was explicitly designed to combat communism
Photo from a page of “Worn: A People’s History of Clothing”. A fantastic and eye-opening book about capitalism and cloth.
submitted by OryxTempel to LateStageCapitalism [link] [comments]

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