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Avatar VS Battles
2018.06.10 21:49 KingBumiOfOmashu Avatar VS Battles
The number one place on the internet to discuss fantasy battles between characters from the universe of Avatar: The Last Airbender and Avatar: The Legend of Korra!
2020.05.30 23:20 Looney Tunes Logic
A sub all about celebrating when LooneyTunesLogic happens in real life!
2009.06.12 04:29 myotheralt Pen Pals
Letters and Post Cards and Email, Oh My!
2024.05.19 08:10 Ag_Tal Username vs actual legal name
 | submitted by Ag_Tal to worldjerking [link] [comments] |
2024.05.19 08:09 mooper_drawing153 My character, Skittlez
 | I have an in the works cartoon and this is a character a part of the main cast! His name is Skittlez and he's a part of the clown brothers (alongside his younger brother Zippy and older brother, Pompom). Thoughts on him? I've recently redesigned him to make him more animation friendly but he still feels a bit complicated. submitted by mooper_drawing153 to learntodraw [link] [comments] |
2024.05.19 08:06 Mantis_Shrimp47 The monster in the sand dunes turned my brother into a bird
"You gotta know that there's an art to it, Ezra," Hitch said, cutting another piece of duct tape.
The sleeves of his weather-beaten coat were shoved all the way up his arms, to stop the fabric from falling over his knuckles while he was working, and goosebumps lined his skin. He was strapping a rubber chicken to the back of his truck, over the lens of the shattered backup camera, with the legs pointing down so that they hung a couple inches above the ground. There were dents in the hood from the crash last week, and scratches along the door from scraping into a curb. The chicken, hopefully, would keep him from breaking anything else.
"You can't go cheap," Hitch said. "The cheap rubber chickens only make noise when pressure lets go. That's no good. As soon as I back up into something, I want this chicken to be screaming like it’s in the depths of hell."
“Sure thing,” I said in a monotone, leaning against the side of the truck.
There were scrambled electronic parts piled in the back of the truck, the innards of a radio, a broken computer, tangled wires, a couple loose pairs of earbuds. He found the parts in alleyways or bummed them off his friends for a couple bucks or stole them from the vacation homes that were left empty for most of the year. Then he sold them for a profit at the scrapyard. Hitch had bounced between minimum-wage jobs for a while after high school, spending a couple months as a bagger at the grocery store or as a seasonal worker at the farm two hours down the highway. He'd never stuck with it. At the very least, the scrapyard got him enough money to eat and occasionally spend a night in a motel when he got tired of sleeping in his car.
Hitch pressed the last piece of tape in place and grinned up at me. "I've got something for you, duck."
The nickname came from when I’d broken my leg as a child and waddled around in a cast until it was healed. I hated it with a burning passion, and I glared at Hitch with the ease of twenty-one years of practice. He had a duck tattoo at the base of his thumb that he’d gotten in a back-alley shop as a teenager. He said that he’d gotten it to remind him of me, and the fact that I hated the nickname was just a bonus. It was shaky-lined, with an uneven face, but he loved it anyway.
The handle stuck when Hitch tried to open the door, a consequence of the rust collecting in the crevices of the car and running down the sides like blood from a cut. The car groaned when the door finally popped open, a metal against metal screech that had me flinching away. Hitch dug through the cluttered fast food containers in the passenger-side footwell, eventually coming up with a crinkly paper bag. He waved away the flies buzzing around the opening of the bag and held it out to me.
The last time Hitch had brought me food, I’d gotten food poisoning because he’d left it out in the midday sun for two days. The donut was squished slightly, and the icing was stuck to the bag. I still ate it, grimacing at the harsh citrus flavor. Taking Hitch’s food was an instinct engraved from the days when Dad had given us a can of kidney beans for dinner and Hitch had drank the juice, leaving the beans for me.
I rarely went hungry anymore, three mostly square meals a day and granola in my pockets just in case, but habits didn’t die easy.
These days, Hitch only brought me food when he wanted my help, like when he saw a place he wanted to hit but was worried about doing it alone.
I got in the car, like I always did.
We drove past the cluster of seafood-themed restaurants with chipped paint decks, the beachfront park where there were always shifty-eyed men sitting under the slide, the single room library where all the books had been water damaged in the flood last year. The change was quick as we drove across Main Street, heading closer to the beach. The roads were freshly paved, the concrete a smooth black except where the sun had already started to pick away at it. The three-story homes lining the sides of the street were crouched on elegant stilts, with space underneath for a car or three. Most of the garages were empty, with the lights off and curtains drawn in the house. Come summer, the streets would be swarming with tourists and vacationers, but until then, most of the buildings nearest to the beach were unoccupied.
Hitch stopped as the sun started to go down at a house that was leaning precariously out towards the beach, tilted ever so slightly, the edge of its foundation buried in the shifting sand of the beach. It certainly looked deserted, with an overgrown yard and blue paint peeling off the door in sheets.
Hitch took his hammer out of the backseat, hoisting it over his shoulder. It was two feet of solid metal with rags wrapped around the head to muffle the sound of the hits. Hitch squared up, bending his knees and holding the hammer like a baseball bat. Before he could swing, though, the door creaked open on its own, the hinges squeaking. The house beyond was dark enough that I could only make out general shapes, glimpsing the curve of a sofa to the left, what was maybe the shimmer of a chandelier on the other side.
Hitch lowered his hammer, looking vaguely disappointed that he didn’t get to use it. “That’s…weird as hell.”
“Maybe the deadbolt broke, maybe they forgot to lock it, it doesn’t matter,” I hissed, checking our surroundings for other people again. “Just hurry up and get inside before someone calls the cops.”
Hitch flicked the lightswitch on the wall, and the lights flickered on. They were dim, buzzing audibly and blinking off occasionally. The walls were plastered with contrasting swatches of wallpaper and splattered with random colors. There was neon orange behind the dining table, a galaxy swirl in the kitchen, and on the ceiling there was a repeating floral pattern covered in nametag stickers. Each of the stickers was filled out with The Erlking. Chandeliers hung in every room, three or four for each, and rubber ducks sat on every table. A miniature carousel sat in the corner along with a towering model rocket.
Sand was heaped on every surface, at least a couple inches everywhere. It was piled in the corners and stuck to the walls, and it covered the floor in a thick blanket. Our hesitant steps into the house left footprints clearly outlined in the sand.
Hitch took a cursory look around and headed immediately for the TV mounted on the wall. “Look out the windows and tell me if anyone is coming.”
I shook the sand out of the blinds and pulled them open, then had to brush sand off of the window before I could see anything.
Hitch was quick, practiced at finding and appropriating the things that were worth taking. He came back to me with an armful of electronics and chandeliers, dumping it at my feet before turning to head deeper into the house again.
There was a thump, somewhere upstairs, and then footsteps, slow and deliberate. Hitch froze at the threshold of the room, then ran for the door with me just ahead of him, sand flying out from under our feet.
My hand was almost brushing the doorknob, close enough that I could see the light from the streetlamp outside streaming in through the cracks in the door. My fingers touched the wood and it gave under my touch, becoming malleable and warm. I yelped, stumbling backwards, and the door started to melt. The paint ran down in thick drops, pooling at the bottom of the door, and the wood warped like metal being welded. The soft edges of the door ran into the walls until there was no sign of an exit ever being there.
“Well, well, well,” said a cultured voice with just an edge of snooty elitism. “What do we have here?”
The man was well over eight feet tall, with long black hair covering his eyes. He was wearing a yellow raincoat with holes cut out of the hood to accommodate the deer antlers jutting upwards from his head. There was sand settled on his shoulders and hovering around his head like a halo.
“Who the fuck are you?” Hitch said, inching towards a window.
He smiled, just a little bit, and his teeth shone in the dim light. “I am the Erlking.”
Hitch nodded, and seemed about to respond. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the window. I could feel sand in the wind roaring against my back as the Erlking growled in anger, the grains scraping harshly against my cheeks.
We were almost to the window when Hitch was ripped away from me, and I came to a startled halt. The sand had formed long grasping arms that pressed Hitch against the floral wallpaper. His wrists were held tight, and as I watched, a sandy hand wrapped around his mouth and forced its way between his teeth. He gagged, and sand trickled out of the corners of his mouth.
The Erlking strolled towards him, not seeming to be in any sort of rush. “You know, I’m not very fond of your yapping.”
He made an idle gesture and the sand wrapped around my ankles, tethering me in place.
“I yap all the time,” Hitch said. “Three-time olympic yapper, that’s me. Best to just let me go now and save yourself some trouble.”
The Erlking tapped a manicured nail against Hitch’s mouth, hard enough to hurt, judging by the way he flinched away. “But why would I ever let you go when I’ve gone to this much trouble to catch you and your sister? It’s so hard, these days, to find people that no one will miss.”
Hitch struggled against the sand, trying to escape and failing. “What do you want with us, then? You just said it, we’re nobody.”
“I’m fae, dear one,” the Erlking said. “I get my power from my followers. And I think that you two will make lovely additions to my flock.”
He flicked Hitch's nose and Hitch gasped. Feathers started to form on his arms, popping out from under his skin in a spray of blood.
Hitch pushed off the wall, using his bound hands as a fulcrum, and his knees crashed into the Erlking’s stomach. The Erlking fell backwards, wheezing, and the sand around my ankles loosened.
Hitch made desperate eye contact with me as feathers shot up his neck and jerked his head towards the window. The message was obvious. Run.
The last thing I saw before crashing out the window and into freedom was Hitch’s body twisting, his arms wrenching into wings and feathers covering every inch of his skin. By the time I landed on the concrete outside, he was a small black bird, held tightly in the Erlking’s hands. The whole building was sinking into the ground, burnished-gold sand piling up over top and streaming from the windows.
Thirty years later, I saw Sam’s Supernatural Consultation and Neutralization written in neat, looping handwriting on a piece of paper taped to the door. The tape was peeling at the corners and the paper was yellowed with age, but there was obviously care put into the sign, in its perfectly centered text and looping floral designs drawn over the edges in gold marker.
I knocked, hesitantly, drawing my woolen coat closer around my shoulders. I’d bought it as a fiftieth birthday gift for myself, and I took comfort in the heavy weight of it over my shoulders.
“Coming!” someone called from within the depths of the office.
There were a couple crashes, and the sound of paper shuffling. Eventually, the door was opened by a young woman with ketchup stains on her shirt and pencils stuck through her hair.
“Hi, I’m Sam, I specialize in supernatural consultation and hunting, how may I help you today?” Sam said, customer-service pep in her voice. She stood in the doorway, solidly blocking entry into the office.
“My name is Ezra, I’m for a consultation. I emailed you but you didn’t respond?” I shifted in place, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Oh! Yeah, I lost the password for the email ages ago. Sorry for the bad welcome, I get lots of people thinking I’m crazy or pulling a prank and harassing me.”
She ushered me into the office, clearing papers off one of the chairs to make room for me to sit down. There was a collection of swords along one wall, all of them polished to perfection, several with deep knicks in the metal which indicated that they’d been used heavily.
“So what can I help you with?” Sam asked again, more sincere this time.
“Thirty years ago, my brother was turned into a bird,” I started. I’d told this story so many times that it barely felt ridiculous to say anymore. I was used to the disbelieving looks, the careful pity. But Sam just nodded along, face open and welcoming.
“I’ve almost given up on finding him, at this point,” I said. “But I saw your ad in the newspaper, and…here I am, I suppose.”
“Here you are,” Sam echoed, smiling. She pulled one of the pencils out of her hair and took a bit of paperwork off of one of her stacks, turning it over so that the blank side sat neatly in front of her. “Tell me everything.”
I told Sam everything, and she wrote it all down, pencil scratching along the paper.
The last part of the story was always the hardest to tell. “I left him there. I ran and I didn’t look back.”
I had been to dozens of detectives and investigators over the years, once the police had dropped Hitch’s case. I’d been to professional offices with smartly-dressed secretaries and met scraggly men in coffee shops. All of them had given me the same look, pity and annoyance all mixed up into a humor-the-crazy-lady soup. Sam, though, just seemed thoughtful.
Sam leaned forward and put a hand over mine, carefully, like she thought that I would pull away. “Sometimes you have to leave people behind.”
I tightened her hold on Sam’s hand and drew it towards me, like I could make Sam listen if only I squeezed tight enough. “But that’s why I’m here. I don’t want to leave him behind.”
“Okay then. I’ll do my best to help you.” Sam agreed, finally. Then she paused, and said softly, “You know…I think I met your brother once. He might have saved my life. He’s certainly why I started in this business.”
“Really? What happened?” I asked.
This is the story that Sam told me, related to the best of my abilities:
It was a new moon, so the only illumination came from the stars gazing idly down and distant porch lights shining across the scraggly brush of the dunes. Sam’s neighbors were decent people who cared about baby turtles, so the lights were a low, unobtrusive red, and the ocean sloshed like blood. Sam walked on the beach almost every night, drawing back the gauzy pink curtains and clambering out her bedroom window. She didn’t often bother to be quiet; her mama worked the late shift and came home exhausted. As long as Sam got home before the sun, her mama would never find out that she paced the shoreline and dreamed of inhaling sand until her lungs became their own beach.
The sky was lightening. The sun would come up soon, and that meant Sam’s time on the beach was over. She needed to get back to her real life, go to her fifth grade class and stop that nonsense, as her mother would say. Her mother loved to say things like that, pushing Sam into her proper place by implication alone.
“She’s a good kid, of course, but she’s a bit…” Her mother would trail off there, usually getting a commiserating expression from whoever she was talking to. Sam always wondered how that sentence would have finished. She’s a bit strange, maybe. She’s a bit intense. She’s a bit abrasive. She’s quiet enough but when Jason tried to steal her pencil in math class, she stabbed him in the hand so hard that the lead tattooed him.
Her mother was better, for the most part. The days of her stocking up the fridge, and leaving a post-it note on the counter, and leaving for days at a time were gone. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen tile where her mother had collapsed and caved her head in, even though the bloodstains had been replaced with new tile.
“Your auntie got an abortion, you know,” her mother had said from her place on the couch, slurring her words. “Pill in the mail and then bam, no more baby.”
She had clapped her hands together to illustrate her point. Her mother jerked forward and grabbed Sam by the wrist, then, staring up at her until Sam met her eyes.
“I love you, you know? But sometimes I wonder…” She settled back onto the couch. “Yeah. I wonder.”
She’d gotten up, then, back to the kitchen. She’d been stumbling, a shambling zombie of a woman. The ground in the entryway of the kitchen was raised, ever so slightly, and her mother went down hard. Her head cracked against the tile, chin first, and she didn’t move.
Sam had been the one to call the ambulance. She had stared at the scattering of loose teeth on the ground while she waited, and considered what her life would be like with a dead mom. Not so bad, she thought, and immediately felt guilty for it.
Her mom was better, now, for the most part. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen floor where she had collapsed. There was still a matchbox hidden under her bed with the gleaming shine of her mother’s lost teeth, two canines and a molar. It was nice, having a piece of her mom to keep. Even if she left again, Sam would still have part of her.
Sam sighed, and turned away from the ocean. As she faced towards the low dunes further up the beach, she saw a sandcastle sitting nestled among them. It was such a strange sight that her eyes skipped over it at first, almost automatically, disregarding it because it was so out of place.
Sam found sandcastles out on the beach sometimes, usually half-collapsed and on the verge of being washed away by the waves, but she had never seen anything like the sandcastle in front of her. It was life-sized, something that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Scottish highlands, with spires shooting up above her head and carefully etched out bricks lining each side. The front wall was dominated by an arched set of double doors, twice her height, with a portcullis nestled at the top, ready to be dropped. All of it was lovingly detailed, down to the rust on the tips of the towers and the wood grain of the door. It was made out of wet, densely-packed sand, held together impossibly. It had not been there two hours ago, when she had come to the beach.
There was a bird sitting on the overhang of the door, small and black.
As soon as she took a step towards the sandcastle, the bird shook out its feathers and swooped down towards Sam, landing at her feet with a little stumble.
“Hey, kid, get out of here,” said the bird.
Sam closed her eyes, very deliberately. When she opened them, the bird was still there. Sam considered herself a very reasonable person, so she immediately drew the most logical conclusion. The bird was, she was almost certain, a demon.
“Trust me, you don’t want to run into Mr. Salty, the queen bitch himself,” the bird said.
“Mr. Salty?” Sam inquired, polite as she knew how to be. She edged to the side, trying to get a good angle to kick the bird like a soccer ball.
The bird did something similar to a wince, all its feathers fluffing up then settling back down. “Ah, don’t call him that. He’d turn you into a toad.”
The bird gestured with its head, towards the looming sand structure. “That’s his castle. He’s in there, probably scuttling along the ceiling or some shit because that’s the sort of weirdo he is.”
Sam nodded, encouraging. She pulled back her foot and lined up her shot, the way she’d seen athletes do on TV. She aimed right for its sharp beak and let loose. The bird saw it coming, its beady eyes widening, and it cawed in distress. It flapped away, avoiding her kick only to fall backward into the sand in a scramble of wings.
“What’s your fucking problem?” it squawked. “I was trying to help you!”
“I don’t need the help of a demon,” Sam yelled, trying to remember the exorcism that her mama had taught her once, because her mama believed in being prepared for anything.
“I’m not a demon,” the bird said indignantly.
It was at about that moment that Sam gave up and just decided to roll with it.
“What are you, then?” Sam asked.
The bird shuffled its clawed feet, looking about as awkward as it could, given that it didn’t really have recognizable facial expressions. “Technically I’m a familiar of the Erlking, prince of the fae, but I prefer to be called Hitch.”
“You can’t blame me for assuming, though,” Sam said. “Ravens do tend to be associated with murder.”
“Hey, excuse you,” Hitch said. “I’m a rook, not a raven. Ravens are way bigger.”
“Sure,” Sam said, not really paying attention. Her eyes had caught on the details of the sandcastle, and she was transfixed by the slow spirals of the sand, the strange beauty of it. She found herself stepping towards the great doors, lifting a hand to knock, and as she did, the sand warped in front of her eyes, heaving itself towards her with bulging slowness. The door creaked open before her, revealing a vast, empty room. Just before she stepped inside, she felt a piercing pain in her foot, and she yelped, leaping backwards.
Hitch pecked her again, really digging his beak in. “Don’t be an idiot.”
Sam glared at him, rubbing her foot. About to retort, she finally really took in the room inside the sandcastle, and her words died in her throat.
There was a body just past the threshold of the door, face down and limbs hanging limp at its sides. Long hair splayed out in a halo around its head.
“Don’t,” Hitch warned, suddenly serious. “Just leave, kid, I mean it. I’ve seen too many people go down this road and you don’t want to be one of them.”
Sam ignored him. She made her way across the beach, slipping with every step. The sand felt deeper, piling up around her feet in silent drifts. She picked up the nearest stick and poked the body with it through the door, ready to leap back if anything went wrong, staying firmly outside of the sandcastle.
This close, Sam could tell that it used to be a woman. Her head wasn’t attached to her body. It hadn’t been a clean amputation, either. Her upper body was bruised, with chunks taken out of it, and the bones in her neck hung mangled, not connected to anything.
“Well, I warned you,” Hitch said, defeated. “I did warn you.”
Sam nudged the head with the end of the stick, nudging it over so that she could see the face. Her mother stared back at her, torn to pieces, breath still wheezing from her lungs. She wasn’t blinking, just gazing forward with glazed eyes. Sweat dripped down from her hairline.
Sam screamed and dropped the stick, tripping over herself in her haste to get away.
Her mother’s eyes were wide and pleading, and she was mouthing desperate words at Sam. Her vocal cords were broken to bits, and the only sound that came out was a strained groan.
The head rolled, inching closer to Sam like a grotesque caterpillar.
Her mother gasped for air, torn lips fluttering. Finally, comprehensible words came out. “Help. Help me, daughter.”
“That’s not your mother,” Hitch said, quiet.
Sam knew that. Her mother was sleeping back at home, and anyways her mom had never asked for her help. She had an aversion to accepting charity, as she put it.
“Okay,” Sam said, shaking all over. “Okay.”
She backed away from the sandcastle, not looking away.
“Failure,” her mother hissed as she stepped away. “I never wanted a daughter like you.”
The sun came up over the horizon. The sandcastle, Hitch, and her mom all disintegrated into sand as the light hit them.
The beach, the next night, was almost exactly how I remembered it. The beams of our flashlights sent light bouncing across the dunes, illuminating the waves, and I imagined faces in the foam of the waves.
“I’ve been back here a hundred times. There’s nothing left,” I said.
Sam took the car key out of her purse and pointed it at the sand, adjusting the sword slung over her shoulder in order to do it. The key had belonged to Hitch; Sam had requested an item of his, and it was the only thing I had left. She rested the key on the sand and drew a circle around it, inscribing symbols around the borders.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
Sam shrugged. “Not much, really. I’m…I guess you could say that I’m knocking.”
The key laid inert on the sand for long enough that I was just about to give up and go home, admit to myself that Hitch was dead and that I was a fool to believe that Sam could actually help me. Then a building started to take shape, flickering in and out like it was struggling to get away. With a pop of displaced air, the sandcastle settled into existence.
Sam banged on the entryway. Nothing happened. She did it again, harder, and scowled when the door still didn’t open.
“We demand entrance, under your honor,” Sam yelled. There was a hard rush of wind, and I gripped Sam’s arm to keep my balance, but the doors cracked open reluctantly.
The inside of the sandcastle consisted of one enormous hall, the roof arching up out of sight. Rafters crisscrossed from wall to wall, and a cobbled path led further into the building, but other than that, it was completely empty, except for the birds. There were thousands of them, perched on the rafters or hopping along the ground. They parted in front of Sam and I, and reformed behind us, leaving us in a small pocket of open space. They were all black-feathered, with sharp beaks and beady eyes.
The Erlking sat on a throne at the end of the hall, lounging across it with his feet up on the armrest. He watched them as they came forward, the soft caw of the birds the only sound.
“I am here to bargain for the life of my brother,” I said, with as much dignity as I could muster, before the Erlking could say anything.
The Erlking ignored her, tilting his head to look at Sam. “I remember you. I almost got you, once.”
Sam glared at him but didn’t respond.
“You want your brother,” The Erlking said to me, and he almost sounded amused. “Then go get him.”
As if by some sort of silent signal, every bird in the room took flight at once, and their cawing made me think of screams. I covered my head against the flapping of their wings, and my vision was quickly obscured by the chaotic movement of them. I found myself on my knees, just trying to escape them.
A hand met my shoulder. Sam urged me to my feet, and together we ran for the edge of the room, where the swarm was the thinnest. We pressed ourselves into the corner and the swarm spiraled tighter and tighter at the center of the room. It went on until there seemed to be no differentiation between the birds, all of them fused together into one creature.
When the chaos died down, the birds had become one mass, with wings and eyes and talons sticking out of its flesh, thrashing and chirping. Human body parts stuck out of it, bulging out from the feathers. It was hands, mostly, with a couple knees or staring eyes. The bird amalgamation had no recognizable facial features, but there was one long beak extending from the front of its head. Most of the body parts were concentrated around the beak, and they peeked out from where the beak connected with muscle, or grew from the tongue, nestled between the two crushing halves of the beak.
It turned its beak down and crawled forward, using the hands to balance. The fingers scrambled over the ground. I was afraid of centipedes as a child, and I felt that same crawling dread when it started moving.
“Holy shit,” Sam whispered, which was rather disappointing, because I had been hoping that at least one of us knew what to do.
The creature turned, a lurching movement that crushed some of the hands underneath it, and started heaving itself slowly towards our corner.
“Better hurry up!” the Erlking called from his throne.
It was blocking the exit, by then. The shifting body of it had moved to block us off. It ambled towards us and I tried to sink further into the corner.
As it approached, getting close enough that I could smell the stink of it, I saw a flash of a tattoo on one of the hands. I leaned in, trying to find it again, like looking for dolphins surfacing in the ocean. And again, I caught a glimpse of a duck tattoo, the tattoo that Hitch had gotten on his hand as a teenager.
I ripped away from Sam’s death grip and ran for the monster.
I fell to my knees in front of it, wincing as I impacted the ground, and reached into the nest of hands. I could feel them tearing at my forearms and ripping into me with their sharp nails, but I kept going. I pressed further in, up to my shoulder in a writhing mass of limbs, aiming for the spot where I had last seen that tattoo.
The hands were tugging at me, wrapping around my back and hair. They were pulling together, trying to draw me completely into the mass of them. I was aware of Sam at my side, anchoring me in place and bashing any hand that got too close with her sword or the sparks that leapt from her hands with muttered words. But I didn’t think it would be enough. They were too strong, and there were too many of them.
I was up to my waist in the hands when something grabbed my palm. I felt the way it clung to me, and the calluses on its palm, and I knew that I had found my brother.
I flung herself back. The hands didn’t want to let me go, and they fought the whole way, but slowly, I made progress. I kept hold of Hitch’s hand in mine the whole time, gripping it as hard as I could. I finally broke free, Hitch with me, and Sam was immediately charging the creature, able to use her sword with much greater strength without being worried about injuring Hitch. She swung it forward, and it sliced through the wrist of one of the hands. It fell without a sound, red sand flowing out of it. It deflated until it looked like dirty laundry, just a piece of limp flesh. The creature shrieked, scuttling away enough that the door was finally accessible. The three of us ran for it, Sam and I supporting Hitch between us.
I looked back as I left and found the Erlking staring right at me.
“Interesting,” he murmured, his voice carrying impossibly across the vast space between us.
The sandcastle collapsed behind us, the great walls falling in on themselves. We were out in the morning sun, the sandcastle disappearing as we watched. Hitch was on the ground in front of me, as young as he’d been thirty years ago, when he was captured. He started laughing, feathers puffing out of his mouth. He laughed until he cried and I hugged him in the way that he’d held me when I was young, in the times when my life had been defined by hunger and fear.
Hitch left, afterwards. He scratched at the pinhole scars covering his body, where feathers burst through his skin, and pulled his long sleeves down around his wrists. He didn’t know where he was going but he told me that he needed time
I had spent thirty years worth of time without him. I wanted to grab my brother by the shoulders and beg him to stay. But he flinched when I hugged him goodbye and he refused to go near sand and he stared distrustfully at the birds chirping in the trees. Hitch needed to go away and I loved him too much to stop him.
I sat out on the beach every morning. I felt the sun on my face and I waited for Hitch to come home.
submitted by Mantis_Shrimp47 to nosleep [link] [comments]
The sleeves of his weather-beaten coat were shoved all the way up his arms, to stop the fabric from falling over his knuckles while he was working, and goosebumps lined his skin. He was strapping a rubber chicken to the back of his truck, over the lens of the shattered backup camera, with the legs pointing down so that they hung a couple inches above the ground. There were dents in the hood from the crash last week, and scratches along the door from scraping into a curb. The chicken, hopefully, would keep him from breaking anything else.
"You can't go cheap," Hitch said. "The cheap rubber chickens only make noise when pressure lets go. That's no good. As soon as I back up into something, I want this chicken to be screaming like it’s in the depths of hell."
“Sure thing,” I said in a monotone, leaning against the side of the truck.
There were scrambled electronic parts piled in the back of the truck, the innards of a radio, a broken computer, tangled wires, a couple loose pairs of earbuds. He found the parts in alleyways or bummed them off his friends for a couple bucks or stole them from the vacation homes that were left empty for most of the year. Then he sold them for a profit at the scrapyard. Hitch had bounced between minimum-wage jobs for a while after high school, spending a couple months as a bagger at the grocery store or as a seasonal worker at the farm two hours down the highway. He'd never stuck with it. At the very least, the scrapyard got him enough money to eat and occasionally spend a night in a motel when he got tired of sleeping in his car.
Hitch pressed the last piece of tape in place and grinned up at me. "I've got something for you, duck."
The nickname came from when I’d broken my leg as a child and waddled around in a cast until it was healed. I hated it with a burning passion, and I glared at Hitch with the ease of twenty-one years of practice. He had a duck tattoo at the base of his thumb that he’d gotten in a back-alley shop as a teenager. He said that he’d gotten it to remind him of me, and the fact that I hated the nickname was just a bonus. It was shaky-lined, with an uneven face, but he loved it anyway.
The handle stuck when Hitch tried to open the door, a consequence of the rust collecting in the crevices of the car and running down the sides like blood from a cut. The car groaned when the door finally popped open, a metal against metal screech that had me flinching away. Hitch dug through the cluttered fast food containers in the passenger-side footwell, eventually coming up with a crinkly paper bag. He waved away the flies buzzing around the opening of the bag and held it out to me.
The last time Hitch had brought me food, I’d gotten food poisoning because he’d left it out in the midday sun for two days. The donut was squished slightly, and the icing was stuck to the bag. I still ate it, grimacing at the harsh citrus flavor. Taking Hitch’s food was an instinct engraved from the days when Dad had given us a can of kidney beans for dinner and Hitch had drank the juice, leaving the beans for me.
I rarely went hungry anymore, three mostly square meals a day and granola in my pockets just in case, but habits didn’t die easy.
These days, Hitch only brought me food when he wanted my help, like when he saw a place he wanted to hit but was worried about doing it alone.
I got in the car, like I always did.
We drove past the cluster of seafood-themed restaurants with chipped paint decks, the beachfront park where there were always shifty-eyed men sitting under the slide, the single room library where all the books had been water damaged in the flood last year. The change was quick as we drove across Main Street, heading closer to the beach. The roads were freshly paved, the concrete a smooth black except where the sun had already started to pick away at it. The three-story homes lining the sides of the street were crouched on elegant stilts, with space underneath for a car or three. Most of the garages were empty, with the lights off and curtains drawn in the house. Come summer, the streets would be swarming with tourists and vacationers, but until then, most of the buildings nearest to the beach were unoccupied.
Hitch stopped as the sun started to go down at a house that was leaning precariously out towards the beach, tilted ever so slightly, the edge of its foundation buried in the shifting sand of the beach. It certainly looked deserted, with an overgrown yard and blue paint peeling off the door in sheets.
Hitch took his hammer out of the backseat, hoisting it over his shoulder. It was two feet of solid metal with rags wrapped around the head to muffle the sound of the hits. Hitch squared up, bending his knees and holding the hammer like a baseball bat. Before he could swing, though, the door creaked open on its own, the hinges squeaking. The house beyond was dark enough that I could only make out general shapes, glimpsing the curve of a sofa to the left, what was maybe the shimmer of a chandelier on the other side.
Hitch lowered his hammer, looking vaguely disappointed that he didn’t get to use it. “That’s…weird as hell.”
“Maybe the deadbolt broke, maybe they forgot to lock it, it doesn’t matter,” I hissed, checking our surroundings for other people again. “Just hurry up and get inside before someone calls the cops.”
Hitch flicked the lightswitch on the wall, and the lights flickered on. They were dim, buzzing audibly and blinking off occasionally. The walls were plastered with contrasting swatches of wallpaper and splattered with random colors. There was neon orange behind the dining table, a galaxy swirl in the kitchen, and on the ceiling there was a repeating floral pattern covered in nametag stickers. Each of the stickers was filled out with The Erlking. Chandeliers hung in every room, three or four for each, and rubber ducks sat on every table. A miniature carousel sat in the corner along with a towering model rocket.
Sand was heaped on every surface, at least a couple inches everywhere. It was piled in the corners and stuck to the walls, and it covered the floor in a thick blanket. Our hesitant steps into the house left footprints clearly outlined in the sand.
Hitch took a cursory look around and headed immediately for the TV mounted on the wall. “Look out the windows and tell me if anyone is coming.”
I shook the sand out of the blinds and pulled them open, then had to brush sand off of the window before I could see anything.
Hitch was quick, practiced at finding and appropriating the things that were worth taking. He came back to me with an armful of electronics and chandeliers, dumping it at my feet before turning to head deeper into the house again.
There was a thump, somewhere upstairs, and then footsteps, slow and deliberate. Hitch froze at the threshold of the room, then ran for the door with me just ahead of him, sand flying out from under our feet.
My hand was almost brushing the doorknob, close enough that I could see the light from the streetlamp outside streaming in through the cracks in the door. My fingers touched the wood and it gave under my touch, becoming malleable and warm. I yelped, stumbling backwards, and the door started to melt. The paint ran down in thick drops, pooling at the bottom of the door, and the wood warped like metal being welded. The soft edges of the door ran into the walls until there was no sign of an exit ever being there.
“Well, well, well,” said a cultured voice with just an edge of snooty elitism. “What do we have here?”
The man was well over eight feet tall, with long black hair covering his eyes. He was wearing a yellow raincoat with holes cut out of the hood to accommodate the deer antlers jutting upwards from his head. There was sand settled on his shoulders and hovering around his head like a halo.
“Who the fuck are you?” Hitch said, inching towards a window.
He smiled, just a little bit, and his teeth shone in the dim light. “I am the Erlking.”
Hitch nodded, and seemed about to respond. I grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the window. I could feel sand in the wind roaring against my back as the Erlking growled in anger, the grains scraping harshly against my cheeks.
We were almost to the window when Hitch was ripped away from me, and I came to a startled halt. The sand had formed long grasping arms that pressed Hitch against the floral wallpaper. His wrists were held tight, and as I watched, a sandy hand wrapped around his mouth and forced its way between his teeth. He gagged, and sand trickled out of the corners of his mouth.
The Erlking strolled towards him, not seeming to be in any sort of rush. “You know, I’m not very fond of your yapping.”
He made an idle gesture and the sand wrapped around my ankles, tethering me in place.
“I yap all the time,” Hitch said. “Three-time olympic yapper, that’s me. Best to just let me go now and save yourself some trouble.”
The Erlking tapped a manicured nail against Hitch’s mouth, hard enough to hurt, judging by the way he flinched away. “But why would I ever let you go when I’ve gone to this much trouble to catch you and your sister? It’s so hard, these days, to find people that no one will miss.”
Hitch struggled against the sand, trying to escape and failing. “What do you want with us, then? You just said it, we’re nobody.”
“I’m fae, dear one,” the Erlking said. “I get my power from my followers. And I think that you two will make lovely additions to my flock.”
He flicked Hitch's nose and Hitch gasped. Feathers started to form on his arms, popping out from under his skin in a spray of blood.
Hitch pushed off the wall, using his bound hands as a fulcrum, and his knees crashed into the Erlking’s stomach. The Erlking fell backwards, wheezing, and the sand around my ankles loosened.
Hitch made desperate eye contact with me as feathers shot up his neck and jerked his head towards the window. The message was obvious. Run.
The last thing I saw before crashing out the window and into freedom was Hitch’s body twisting, his arms wrenching into wings and feathers covering every inch of his skin. By the time I landed on the concrete outside, he was a small black bird, held tightly in the Erlking’s hands. The whole building was sinking into the ground, burnished-gold sand piling up over top and streaming from the windows.
Thirty years later, I saw Sam’s Supernatural Consultation and Neutralization written in neat, looping handwriting on a piece of paper taped to the door. The tape was peeling at the corners and the paper was yellowed with age, but there was obviously care put into the sign, in its perfectly centered text and looping floral designs drawn over the edges in gold marker.
I knocked, hesitantly, drawing my woolen coat closer around my shoulders. I’d bought it as a fiftieth birthday gift for myself, and I took comfort in the heavy weight of it over my shoulders.
“Coming!” someone called from within the depths of the office.
There were a couple crashes, and the sound of paper shuffling. Eventually, the door was opened by a young woman with ketchup stains on her shirt and pencils stuck through her hair.
“Hi, I’m Sam, I specialize in supernatural consultation and hunting, how may I help you today?” Sam said, customer-service pep in her voice. She stood in the doorway, solidly blocking entry into the office.
“My name is Ezra, I’m for a consultation. I emailed you but you didn’t respond?” I shifted in place, suddenly feeling awkward.
“Oh! Yeah, I lost the password for the email ages ago. Sorry for the bad welcome, I get lots of people thinking I’m crazy or pulling a prank and harassing me.”
She ushered me into the office, clearing papers off one of the chairs to make room for me to sit down. There was a collection of swords along one wall, all of them polished to perfection, several with deep knicks in the metal which indicated that they’d been used heavily.
“So what can I help you with?” Sam asked again, more sincere this time.
“Thirty years ago, my brother was turned into a bird,” I started. I’d told this story so many times that it barely felt ridiculous to say anymore. I was used to the disbelieving looks, the careful pity. But Sam just nodded along, face open and welcoming.
“I’ve almost given up on finding him, at this point,” I said. “But I saw your ad in the newspaper, and…here I am, I suppose.”
“Here you are,” Sam echoed, smiling. She pulled one of the pencils out of her hair and took a bit of paperwork off of one of her stacks, turning it over so that the blank side sat neatly in front of her. “Tell me everything.”
I told Sam everything, and she wrote it all down, pencil scratching along the paper.
The last part of the story was always the hardest to tell. “I left him there. I ran and I didn’t look back.”
I had been to dozens of detectives and investigators over the years, once the police had dropped Hitch’s case. I’d been to professional offices with smartly-dressed secretaries and met scraggly men in coffee shops. All of them had given me the same look, pity and annoyance all mixed up into a humor-the-crazy-lady soup. Sam, though, just seemed thoughtful.
Sam leaned forward and put a hand over mine, carefully, like she thought that I would pull away. “Sometimes you have to leave people behind.”
I tightened her hold on Sam’s hand and drew it towards me, like I could make Sam listen if only I squeezed tight enough. “But that’s why I’m here. I don’t want to leave him behind.”
“Okay then. I’ll do my best to help you.” Sam agreed, finally. Then she paused, and said softly, “You know…I think I met your brother once. He might have saved my life. He’s certainly why I started in this business.”
“Really? What happened?” I asked.
This is the story that Sam told me, related to the best of my abilities:
It was a new moon, so the only illumination came from the stars gazing idly down and distant porch lights shining across the scraggly brush of the dunes. Sam’s neighbors were decent people who cared about baby turtles, so the lights were a low, unobtrusive red, and the ocean sloshed like blood. Sam walked on the beach almost every night, drawing back the gauzy pink curtains and clambering out her bedroom window. She didn’t often bother to be quiet; her mama worked the late shift and came home exhausted. As long as Sam got home before the sun, her mama would never find out that she paced the shoreline and dreamed of inhaling sand until her lungs became their own beach.
The sky was lightening. The sun would come up soon, and that meant Sam’s time on the beach was over. She needed to get back to her real life, go to her fifth grade class and stop that nonsense, as her mother would say. Her mother loved to say things like that, pushing Sam into her proper place by implication alone.
“She’s a good kid, of course, but she’s a bit…” Her mother would trail off there, usually getting a commiserating expression from whoever she was talking to. Sam always wondered how that sentence would have finished. She’s a bit strange, maybe. She’s a bit intense. She’s a bit abrasive. She’s quiet enough but when Jason tried to steal her pencil in math class, she stabbed him in the hand so hard that the lead tattooed him.
Her mother was better, for the most part. The days of her stocking up the fridge, and leaving a post-it note on the counter, and leaving for days at a time were gone. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen tile where her mother had collapsed and caved her head in, even though the bloodstains had been replaced with new tile.
“Your auntie got an abortion, you know,” her mother had said from her place on the couch, slurring her words. “Pill in the mail and then bam, no more baby.”
She had clapped her hands together to illustrate her point. Her mother jerked forward and grabbed Sam by the wrist, then, staring up at her until Sam met her eyes.
“I love you, you know? But sometimes I wonder…” She settled back onto the couch. “Yeah. I wonder.”
She’d gotten up, then, back to the kitchen. She’d been stumbling, a shambling zombie of a woman. The ground in the entryway of the kitchen was raised, ever so slightly, and her mother went down hard. Her head cracked against the tile, chin first, and she didn’t move.
Sam had been the one to call the ambulance. She had stared at the scattering of loose teeth on the ground while she waited, and considered what her life would be like with a dead mom. Not so bad, she thought, and immediately felt guilty for it.
Her mom was better, now, for the most part. But Sam still stepped around the place on the kitchen floor where she had collapsed. There was still a matchbox hidden under her bed with the gleaming shine of her mother’s lost teeth, two canines and a molar. It was nice, having a piece of her mom to keep. Even if she left again, Sam would still have part of her.
Sam sighed, and turned away from the ocean. As she faced towards the low dunes further up the beach, she saw a sandcastle sitting nestled among them. It was such a strange sight that her eyes skipped over it at first, almost automatically, disregarding it because it was so out of place.
Sam found sandcastles out on the beach sometimes, usually half-collapsed and on the verge of being washed away by the waves, but she had never seen anything like the sandcastle in front of her. It was life-sized, something that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the Scottish highlands, with spires shooting up above her head and carefully etched out bricks lining each side. The front wall was dominated by an arched set of double doors, twice her height, with a portcullis nestled at the top, ready to be dropped. All of it was lovingly detailed, down to the rust on the tips of the towers and the wood grain of the door. It was made out of wet, densely-packed sand, held together impossibly. It had not been there two hours ago, when she had come to the beach.
There was a bird sitting on the overhang of the door, small and black.
As soon as she took a step towards the sandcastle, the bird shook out its feathers and swooped down towards Sam, landing at her feet with a little stumble.
“Hey, kid, get out of here,” said the bird.
Sam closed her eyes, very deliberately. When she opened them, the bird was still there. Sam considered herself a very reasonable person, so she immediately drew the most logical conclusion. The bird was, she was almost certain, a demon.
“Trust me, you don’t want to run into Mr. Salty, the queen bitch himself,” the bird said.
“Mr. Salty?” Sam inquired, polite as she knew how to be. She edged to the side, trying to get a good angle to kick the bird like a soccer ball.
The bird did something similar to a wince, all its feathers fluffing up then settling back down. “Ah, don’t call him that. He’d turn you into a toad.”
The bird gestured with its head, towards the looming sand structure. “That’s his castle. He’s in there, probably scuttling along the ceiling or some shit because that’s the sort of weirdo he is.”
Sam nodded, encouraging. She pulled back her foot and lined up her shot, the way she’d seen athletes do on TV. She aimed right for its sharp beak and let loose. The bird saw it coming, its beady eyes widening, and it cawed in distress. It flapped away, avoiding her kick only to fall backward into the sand in a scramble of wings.
“What’s your fucking problem?” it squawked. “I was trying to help you!”
“I don’t need the help of a demon,” Sam yelled, trying to remember the exorcism that her mama had taught her once, because her mama believed in being prepared for anything.
“I’m not a demon,” the bird said indignantly.
It was at about that moment that Sam gave up and just decided to roll with it.
“What are you, then?” Sam asked.
The bird shuffled its clawed feet, looking about as awkward as it could, given that it didn’t really have recognizable facial expressions. “Technically I’m a familiar of the Erlking, prince of the fae, but I prefer to be called Hitch.”
“You can’t blame me for assuming, though,” Sam said. “Ravens do tend to be associated with murder.”
“Hey, excuse you,” Hitch said. “I’m a rook, not a raven. Ravens are way bigger.”
“Sure,” Sam said, not really paying attention. Her eyes had caught on the details of the sandcastle, and she was transfixed by the slow spirals of the sand, the strange beauty of it. She found herself stepping towards the great doors, lifting a hand to knock, and as she did, the sand warped in front of her eyes, heaving itself towards her with bulging slowness. The door creaked open before her, revealing a vast, empty room. Just before she stepped inside, she felt a piercing pain in her foot, and she yelped, leaping backwards.
Hitch pecked her again, really digging his beak in. “Don’t be an idiot.”
Sam glared at him, rubbing her foot. About to retort, she finally really took in the room inside the sandcastle, and her words died in her throat.
There was a body just past the threshold of the door, face down and limbs hanging limp at its sides. Long hair splayed out in a halo around its head.
“Don’t,” Hitch warned, suddenly serious. “Just leave, kid, I mean it. I’ve seen too many people go down this road and you don’t want to be one of them.”
Sam ignored him. She made her way across the beach, slipping with every step. The sand felt deeper, piling up around her feet in silent drifts. She picked up the nearest stick and poked the body with it through the door, ready to leap back if anything went wrong, staying firmly outside of the sandcastle.
This close, Sam could tell that it used to be a woman. Her head wasn’t attached to her body. It hadn’t been a clean amputation, either. Her upper body was bruised, with chunks taken out of it, and the bones in her neck hung mangled, not connected to anything.
“Well, I warned you,” Hitch said, defeated. “I did warn you.”
Sam nudged the head with the end of the stick, nudging it over so that she could see the face. Her mother stared back at her, torn to pieces, breath still wheezing from her lungs. She wasn’t blinking, just gazing forward with glazed eyes. Sweat dripped down from her hairline.
Sam screamed and dropped the stick, tripping over herself in her haste to get away.
Her mother’s eyes were wide and pleading, and she was mouthing desperate words at Sam. Her vocal cords were broken to bits, and the only sound that came out was a strained groan.
The head rolled, inching closer to Sam like a grotesque caterpillar.
Her mother gasped for air, torn lips fluttering. Finally, comprehensible words came out. “Help. Help me, daughter.”
“That’s not your mother,” Hitch said, quiet.
Sam knew that. Her mother was sleeping back at home, and anyways her mom had never asked for her help. She had an aversion to accepting charity, as she put it.
“Okay,” Sam said, shaking all over. “Okay.”
She backed away from the sandcastle, not looking away.
“Failure,” her mother hissed as she stepped away. “I never wanted a daughter like you.”
The sun came up over the horizon. The sandcastle, Hitch, and her mom all disintegrated into sand as the light hit them.
The beach, the next night, was almost exactly how I remembered it. The beams of our flashlights sent light bouncing across the dunes, illuminating the waves, and I imagined faces in the foam of the waves.
“I’ve been back here a hundred times. There’s nothing left,” I said.
Sam took the car key out of her purse and pointed it at the sand, adjusting the sword slung over her shoulder in order to do it. The key had belonged to Hitch; Sam had requested an item of his, and it was the only thing I had left. She rested the key on the sand and drew a circle around it, inscribing symbols around the borders.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
Sam shrugged. “Not much, really. I’m…I guess you could say that I’m knocking.”
The key laid inert on the sand for long enough that I was just about to give up and go home, admit to myself that Hitch was dead and that I was a fool to believe that Sam could actually help me. Then a building started to take shape, flickering in and out like it was struggling to get away. With a pop of displaced air, the sandcastle settled into existence.
Sam banged on the entryway. Nothing happened. She did it again, harder, and scowled when the door still didn’t open.
“We demand entrance, under your honor,” Sam yelled. There was a hard rush of wind, and I gripped Sam’s arm to keep my balance, but the doors cracked open reluctantly.
The inside of the sandcastle consisted of one enormous hall, the roof arching up out of sight. Rafters crisscrossed from wall to wall, and a cobbled path led further into the building, but other than that, it was completely empty, except for the birds. There were thousands of them, perched on the rafters or hopping along the ground. They parted in front of Sam and I, and reformed behind us, leaving us in a small pocket of open space. They were all black-feathered, with sharp beaks and beady eyes.
The Erlking sat on a throne at the end of the hall, lounging across it with his feet up on the armrest. He watched them as they came forward, the soft caw of the birds the only sound.
“I am here to bargain for the life of my brother,” I said, with as much dignity as I could muster, before the Erlking could say anything.
The Erlking ignored her, tilting his head to look at Sam. “I remember you. I almost got you, once.”
Sam glared at him but didn’t respond.
“You want your brother,” The Erlking said to me, and he almost sounded amused. “Then go get him.”
As if by some sort of silent signal, every bird in the room took flight at once, and their cawing made me think of screams. I covered my head against the flapping of their wings, and my vision was quickly obscured by the chaotic movement of them. I found myself on my knees, just trying to escape them.
A hand met my shoulder. Sam urged me to my feet, and together we ran for the edge of the room, where the swarm was the thinnest. We pressed ourselves into the corner and the swarm spiraled tighter and tighter at the center of the room. It went on until there seemed to be no differentiation between the birds, all of them fused together into one creature.
When the chaos died down, the birds had become one mass, with wings and eyes and talons sticking out of its flesh, thrashing and chirping. Human body parts stuck out of it, bulging out from the feathers. It was hands, mostly, with a couple knees or staring eyes. The bird amalgamation had no recognizable facial features, but there was one long beak extending from the front of its head. Most of the body parts were concentrated around the beak, and they peeked out from where the beak connected with muscle, or grew from the tongue, nestled between the two crushing halves of the beak.
It turned its beak down and crawled forward, using the hands to balance. The fingers scrambled over the ground. I was afraid of centipedes as a child, and I felt that same crawling dread when it started moving.
“Holy shit,” Sam whispered, which was rather disappointing, because I had been hoping that at least one of us knew what to do.
The creature turned, a lurching movement that crushed some of the hands underneath it, and started heaving itself slowly towards our corner.
“Better hurry up!” the Erlking called from his throne.
It was blocking the exit, by then. The shifting body of it had moved to block us off. It ambled towards us and I tried to sink further into the corner.
As it approached, getting close enough that I could smell the stink of it, I saw a flash of a tattoo on one of the hands. I leaned in, trying to find it again, like looking for dolphins surfacing in the ocean. And again, I caught a glimpse of a duck tattoo, the tattoo that Hitch had gotten on his hand as a teenager.
I ripped away from Sam’s death grip and ran for the monster.
I fell to my knees in front of it, wincing as I impacted the ground, and reached into the nest of hands. I could feel them tearing at my forearms and ripping into me with their sharp nails, but I kept going. I pressed further in, up to my shoulder in a writhing mass of limbs, aiming for the spot where I had last seen that tattoo.
The hands were tugging at me, wrapping around my back and hair. They were pulling together, trying to draw me completely into the mass of them. I was aware of Sam at my side, anchoring me in place and bashing any hand that got too close with her sword or the sparks that leapt from her hands with muttered words. But I didn’t think it would be enough. They were too strong, and there were too many of them.
I was up to my waist in the hands when something grabbed my palm. I felt the way it clung to me, and the calluses on its palm, and I knew that I had found my brother.
I flung herself back. The hands didn’t want to let me go, and they fought the whole way, but slowly, I made progress. I kept hold of Hitch’s hand in mine the whole time, gripping it as hard as I could. I finally broke free, Hitch with me, and Sam was immediately charging the creature, able to use her sword with much greater strength without being worried about injuring Hitch. She swung it forward, and it sliced through the wrist of one of the hands. It fell without a sound, red sand flowing out of it. It deflated until it looked like dirty laundry, just a piece of limp flesh. The creature shrieked, scuttling away enough that the door was finally accessible. The three of us ran for it, Sam and I supporting Hitch between us.
I looked back as I left and found the Erlking staring right at me.
“Interesting,” he murmured, his voice carrying impossibly across the vast space between us.
The sandcastle collapsed behind us, the great walls falling in on themselves. We were out in the morning sun, the sandcastle disappearing as we watched. Hitch was on the ground in front of me, as young as he’d been thirty years ago, when he was captured. He started laughing, feathers puffing out of his mouth. He laughed until he cried and I hugged him in the way that he’d held me when I was young, in the times when my life had been defined by hunger and fear.
Hitch left, afterwards. He scratched at the pinhole scars covering his body, where feathers burst through his skin, and pulled his long sleeves down around his wrists. He didn’t know where he was going but he told me that he needed time
I had spent thirty years worth of time without him. I wanted to grab my brother by the shoulders and beg him to stay. But he flinched when I hugged him goodbye and he refused to go near sand and he stared distrustfully at the birds chirping in the trees. Hitch needed to go away and I loved him too much to stop him.
I sat out on the beach every morning. I felt the sun on my face and I waited for Hitch to come home.
2024.05.19 08:05 DayneForDays Wylla Dayne, Sword of the Morning [PC] + Morgane Dayne, Lady of Starfall [AC]
PC
Reddit Account: u/DayneForDays
Discord Tag: Cubismo
Name and House: Wylla Dayne
Age: 18
Cultural Group: Stony Dornish
Appearance: Wylla is a statuesque young woman with energetic purple eyes and long dark brown hair that she often keeps free. A warrior at heart and in build, she possesses a wiry physique that compliments her natural speed and endurance. Comfortable in both feminine and masculine clothing, she favors the purple and lilac colors of her House but is always willing to experiment.
Trait: Brave
Skill(s): Two-Handed Weapons (e), Footwork, Reckless, Errantry
Talent(s): Dancing, Hunting, Questing
Negative Trait(s): N/A
Starting Title(s): The Sword of the Morning, Heir to Starfall
Starting Location: Opening Event
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AC
Reddit Account: u/DayneForDays
Discord Tag: Cubismo
Name and House: Morgane Dayne
Age: 36
Cultural Group: Stony Dornish
Appearance: Like her daughter, Morgane is an intimidating tall woman, one still possessing of a rather spindly build despite several childbirths. Her hair is dark brown and is often kept in a bun and her sharp lilac eyes are just as often set in a serious expression. Conservative in her attire, she strictly pays respect to her House’s traditional colors and is always dressed immaculately.
Trait: Steward
Skill(s): Administrator (e), Avaricious
Talent(s): Business Acumen (x3)
Negative Trait(s): N/A
Starting Title(s): Lady of Starfall
Starting Location: Opening Event
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
4 AC: Morgane’s mother dies of a wasting disease early in the year. Her father enters a depression as a result, causing Morgane to take his place and temporarily rule Starfall. It would be during this short reign that she would show her talent as a steward, a role she would maintain even after her father's recovery.
6 AC: Thanks to Dorne’s recent integration with the rest of the realm and Queen Rhaenys Targaryen’s arranged marriages, Morgane is betrothed to Edmund Cuy of Sunhouse. Despite initial hostility between them the two would come to an understanding and even fall in love. They would marry later that year.
7 AC: After a difficult pregnancy, Wylla Dayne is born in Starfall to Morgane and Edmund. She is their firstborn child.
9 AC: Gwyn Dayne is born in Starfall after a far less taxing pregnancy. She is their second child and daughter.
13 AC: Arys Dayne is born in Starfall this year. He is their first son and final child.
15 AC: Wylla begins to develop an interest in swordplay, which both her father and grandfather encourage to her mother’s chagrin and frustration. She soon proves to have a genuine talent for knightly arts.
23 AC: When an ailing Uther raises men to assist the Reach after bandits rampaging along the Mander, Edmund is commander of the host in his stead despite Morgane’s concerns. Tragically, these fears would turn out to be well-founded as Edmund would die in the Battle of Stonebridge.
24 AC: Having been suffering for some time to the same wasting disease that took his wife for some time, Uther finally succumbs to the disease late in the year. Morgane accordingly becomes the Lady of Starfall while Wylla seeks to earn the right to wield Dawn. Despite her mother actively forbidding her from entering the contest to select the new Sword of the Morning, Wylla enters in disguise as a cousin from High Hermitage and miraculously manages to win the contest.
25 AC: Starting year. House Dayne of Starfall heads to King’s Landing to attend the feast there.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Quentyn Sand: Warrior, Wylla’s brother by choice.
submitted by DayneForDays to ITRPCommunity [link] [comments]
Reddit Account: u/DayneForDays
Discord Tag: Cubismo
Name and House: Wylla Dayne
Age: 18
Cultural Group: Stony Dornish
Appearance: Wylla is a statuesque young woman with energetic purple eyes and long dark brown hair that she often keeps free. A warrior at heart and in build, she possesses a wiry physique that compliments her natural speed and endurance. Comfortable in both feminine and masculine clothing, she favors the purple and lilac colors of her House but is always willing to experiment.
Trait: Brave
Skill(s): Two-Handed Weapons (e), Footwork, Reckless, Errantry
Talent(s): Dancing, Hunting, Questing
Negative Trait(s): N/A
Starting Title(s): The Sword of the Morning, Heir to Starfall
Starting Location: Opening Event
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
AC
Reddit Account: u/DayneForDays
Discord Tag: Cubismo
Name and House: Morgane Dayne
Age: 36
Cultural Group: Stony Dornish
Appearance: Like her daughter, Morgane is an intimidating tall woman, one still possessing of a rather spindly build despite several childbirths. Her hair is dark brown and is often kept in a bun and her sharp lilac eyes are just as often set in a serious expression. Conservative in her attire, she strictly pays respect to her House’s traditional colors and is always dressed immaculately.
Trait: Steward
Skill(s): Administrator (e), Avaricious
Talent(s): Business Acumen (x3)
Negative Trait(s): N/A
Starting Title(s): Lady of Starfall
Starting Location: Opening Event
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Timeline
12 BC: Morgane Dayne is born in Starfall to Uther Dayne, the Lord of Starfall and the Sword of the Morning of his time, and his lady wife Mara Yronwood of Yronwood. She would be their firstborn child and thus Lord Dayne’s heir as the ruler of Starfall.4 AC: Morgane’s mother dies of a wasting disease early in the year. Her father enters a depression as a result, causing Morgane to take his place and temporarily rule Starfall. It would be during this short reign that she would show her talent as a steward, a role she would maintain even after her father's recovery.
6 AC: Thanks to Dorne’s recent integration with the rest of the realm and Queen Rhaenys Targaryen’s arranged marriages, Morgane is betrothed to Edmund Cuy of Sunhouse. Despite initial hostility between them the two would come to an understanding and even fall in love. They would marry later that year.
7 AC: After a difficult pregnancy, Wylla Dayne is born in Starfall to Morgane and Edmund. She is their firstborn child.
9 AC: Gwyn Dayne is born in Starfall after a far less taxing pregnancy. She is their second child and daughter.
13 AC: Arys Dayne is born in Starfall this year. He is their first son and final child.
15 AC: Wylla begins to develop an interest in swordplay, which both her father and grandfather encourage to her mother’s chagrin and frustration. She soon proves to have a genuine talent for knightly arts.
23 AC: When an ailing Uther raises men to assist the Reach after bandits rampaging along the Mander, Edmund is commander of the host in his stead despite Morgane’s concerns. Tragically, these fears would turn out to be well-founded as Edmund would die in the Battle of Stonebridge.
24 AC: Having been suffering for some time to the same wasting disease that took his wife for some time, Uther finally succumbs to the disease late in the year. Morgane accordingly becomes the Lady of Starfall while Wylla seeks to earn the right to wield Dawn. Despite her mother actively forbidding her from entering the contest to select the new Sword of the Morning, Wylla enters in disguise as a cousin from High Hermitage and miraculously manages to win the contest.
25 AC: Starting year. House Dayne of Starfall heads to King’s Landing to attend the feast there.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Family Tree
[https://www.familyecho.com/?p=START&c=tg7c81ybbjh3l9sa&f=127837182289764009\]____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Supporting Characters
Gwyn Dayne: Scholar, Wylla’s serious-minded sister.Quentyn Sand: Warrior, Wylla’s brother by choice.
2024.05.19 08:04 DanielShehu The Virgin Harry Potter vs The Chad Earthsea Saga
 | submitted by DanielShehu to virginvschad [link] [comments] |
2024.05.19 08:04 ynnnranika GHSMC S2 RANT *Spoilers*
SPOILERS AHEAD
I’ve been binge watching the entire series and now I’m in S2 and I’m struggling to finish because their deductions are quite frustrating 😭 Things are so obvious yet they’re not getting it. Is it just me? Am I the problem lmao? I wonder if this part was scripted just to prolong the mystery. Because I’m shocked at how theyre not even doubting that one character. If the manipulative behavior already didnt give it away, how about the name? It’s literally there giving it all away. And I’m not even the one most familiar with hangul.
Anyway, really hope S3 would be better in terms of script! And in general too, I guess.
submitted by ynnnranika to koreanvariety [link] [comments]
I’ve been binge watching the entire series and now I’m in S2 and I’m struggling to finish because their deductions are quite frustrating 😭 Things are so obvious yet they’re not getting it. Is it just me? Am I the problem lmao? I wonder if this part was scripted just to prolong the mystery. Because I’m shocked at how theyre not even doubting that one character. If the manipulative behavior already didnt give it away, how about the name? It’s literally there giving it all away. And I’m not even the one most familiar with hangul.
Anyway, really hope S3 would be better in terms of script! And in general too, I guess.
2024.05.19 08:04 ijustneedsomeadvice7 19M, 5'9 155 pounds, chest pain and heartrate of 190 bpm, doctors have yet to determine cause
Hi, this is gonna be a bit long, but let me explain the entire situation so far: Going back about a year or so, I started noticing an elevated heart rate above what I usually would have. I have an apple watch that allows me to check my heart rate, and around this time I started to get notifications that my heart rate was above average (in the 120s to 130s range while resting as opposed to my normal 60-80 range). This happened a few times along with some very minor chest pain / tightness, however after laying down for a few hours / going to bed it would usually return to normal. Around the same time I got diagnosed with anxiety and ADHD and placed on an SSRI to help my anxiety after trying ADHD meds and not liking them. I never really had any incidents with high heart rate after that, so I had assumed it was just anxiety causing it (and that may still be the case). A few months went by and I ended up starting college and got myself a girlfriend. As I ended up finding out, SSRIs, while great, have the unfortunate side effect of erectile dysfunction, so I weaned off my meds so I could prioritize my love life. There were a few incidents after this where my heart rate was above average, but again I just chalked this up to anxiety, as it would usually go away on its own. At one point I went into my on campus doctor's office just to verify my heart was okay after an elevated heart rate the night before, and they gave me an EKG which came up clear. Months go by, and things are fine, besides a slight uptick in anxiety. Unfortunately however, my relationship began to crumble and my anxiety skyrocketed, and we eventually broke up, which led me to talking to my doctor and getting placed back on anxiety medication. However, I really didn't like how SSRI's impacted my libido, so after trying a few more SSRI's I was placed on Buspirone. I love Buspirone, and it's made a noticeable difference on my confidence / reducing anxiety. When I take my full dose at once (30 mg), I tend to get a bit dizzy / nauseous, however when split up into 10 mg taken at breakfast lunch and dinner I have no noticeable side effects. I will say (and I don't know if this is in any way important but I'm just naming everything possible), I have noticed that since stopping the SSRIs and starting Buspirone I tend to ejaculate VERY fast which is abnormal for me, and although I would like to fix that it is not my main concern. Moving on though, after about a month or two after being placed on Buspirone, we get to where my heart problems start. As someone who had never used any substances my entire life, leaving home and going to college gave me the freedom to try new things, and although I know it's not great, on weekends me and my friends will get together and drink or occasionally smoke weed / take an edible. I was worried at first about interactions with my medication, but after some research all anything online could tell me was that I may get drunk faster / more nauseous and dizzy, which wasn't too big of a deal for me. I had tried weed earlier in college and didn't like the way it made me feel, however after being placed on Buspirone I decided to try it again and actually enjoyed the feeling, so I started doing it more on the weekends as opposed to just drinking, which leads us to the incident. Me and some friends had just sat down to watch a movie, and all taken an edible. Time passed, and I started to notice that my heart rate was extremely elevated, way more than I was usually used to. I checked my heart rate, and found that my watch was displaying an average of 160 bpm. At first I thought I was just having a bad high and tried to calm myself. I laid on the floor and put some ice on my forehead, but nothing was helping. I checked my heart rate again and saw that my watch was displaying 190, which really freaked me out as that was way higher than I had ever seen before. I had my sober friend call Public Safety for me, and they came to my dorm room and did a basic check up on me. They said that I had a fever, and when they took my heart rate they got something in the 160s range. Their explanation was that my anxiety, when combined with being high and likely being sick made my heart rate elevated, which made sense at the time. I went into my college's health services to follow up the next day since my heart rate was still elevated (in the 120s-130s range), however they again told me it was probably just anxiety. A few days went by and my heart rate was STILL above average, so I decided to double check with my real doctor off campus. About a day before this I had also stopped taking my medication to see if it could be the cause for my elevated heart rate. The doctors took my vitals and immediately noticed that had very high blood pressure and an elevated heart rate, to the point where they sent in a second doctor to recheck my vitals and make sure it was correct. After talking to me and having me give a run down of my symptoms, they had me schedule an appointment with a cardiologist and told me that if I ever experience chest pain and a heart rate above 100 bpm that wouldn't go down to go to the hospital. I had also told them about how I stopped taking my medication and they told me that that was fine and to tell the cardiologist about it. About a week passes, and I have my cardiologist appointment in a few days. I had been up the night before working on my final exams, so I hadn't gotten much sleep, and besides a breakfast sandwich that I had for lunch I hadn't eaten much either. I had been experiencing chest pain all day, but I assumed it was being caused by my lack of sleep, so after classes I went and took a nap. After a few hours I woke up, and immediately noticed that I still had chest pain. I checked my apple watch, and my heart rate was displaying roughly 90-110 bpm while laying down, which on top of the chest pain made me worried since my doctor had told me that that was cause to go to the hospital. I called my parents to tell them about it, and they drove to the school and had me sit in the car and eat some food they had made to see if it would help at all. However, even after this, my heart rate was still above 100 bpm and I still had chest pain, so my mom made the call to bring me to the hospital. While on the way to the hospital, out of nowhere my heart rate increased to about 170-180 bpm, which freaked me out. We arrived at the hospital, and they immediately gave me an EKG to make sure I wasn't going to drop dead. During this time, I also was shaking a lot and couldn't make myself stop. Eventually they took me into a room and decided to run some tests on me. The tests they did are as follows: BASIC METABOLIC PANEL, CBC WITH DIFF, TROPONIN NH, D DIMER DEEP VEIN THROMB LEVEL, TSH REFLEX, X-RAY CHEST PA AND LATERAL, and ECG-12 LEAD. While I'm not a doctor, from what they told me and from what I can see, everything turned up pretty normal. My potassium was a smidge low, as well as my MCV and MPV, and my Monocyte (absolute) was a tad high, but generally nothing to worry about. The website where I'm viewing my test results display my ECG as abnormal and an attached document says I have left atrial enlargement as well as sinus tachycardia, but they only mentioned sinus tachycardia in the hospital so I assume that it was just the machine reading my test results and giving its own diagnosis. Long story short though, I left the hospital a few hours later, and although I still had a slightly elevated heart rate they said I was fine to go about life normally and to follow up with my cardiologist. Cut to the present, and I just met with my cardiologist a couple days ago. I gave him the general rundown of the above story (but didn't mention the edible as a precursor to the 190 bpm heartrate as my mom was in the next room over and the door was wide open), and after checking my vitals he told me that although I did have an elevated heart rate and high blood pressure, my chest pain probably wasn't a huge concern and that he wasn't too worried it was anything life threatening. He told me I could resume taking my meds (which I had temporarily replaced with ashwagandha supplements while I waited for the appointment and have since stopped taking), and had me wear a little device that monitored my heart rate for 24 hours, which I'm set to return in a couple days. He also told me that when I returned it he would check my results and give me an echocardiogram and go from there. So, with any luck, he should be able to figure things out then. However, I wanted to post this to see if anyone could help me get any ideas on what it could be that I could run by him to help speed things up. I also have a recent theory of my own that I want to hear advice on. I was doing research and discovered that Buspirone, when taken with other medication that increases serotonin, can cause serotonin syndrome. After another google search, I found out that weed can increase serotonin levels. The only hole in that theory is that I stopped taking Buspirone after the initial spike in heart rate / blood pressure but had no noticeable changes. Oh and one last thing, if you can't think of anything in regards to what could be causing my elevated heart rate, I actually would like to know why I'm ejaculating so fast so I can fix it because its gotten to the point where I can't even enjoy masturbating because of how fast I cum.
In case I missed anything, here's a list of my symptoms (although I have no idea if they're all correlated): - High heart rate (anywhere from 90-190 bpm) - High blood pressure - Chest pain / tightness on my left side and does not hurt more when I breath in / out (every now and then pain extends to my neck and shoulder) - Frequently tired - Insomnia (could be correlated with the above symptom lol) - Get out of breath faster than usual - Anxiety (already had this though) - Mild depression (probably from my breakup) - Lack of motivation (probably from my ADHD) - Very rare and random spasms in my neck - Probably something minor that I'm forgetting but if I can't think of it it probably isn't important (will update this list if new symptoms arise)
TLDR: I have a high heart rate and blood pressure and can't figure out why
submitted by ijustneedsomeadvice7 to AskDocs [link] [comments]
In case I missed anything, here's a list of my symptoms (although I have no idea if they're all correlated): - High heart rate (anywhere from 90-190 bpm) - High blood pressure - Chest pain / tightness on my left side and does not hurt more when I breath in / out (every now and then pain extends to my neck and shoulder) - Frequently tired - Insomnia (could be correlated with the above symptom lol) - Get out of breath faster than usual - Anxiety (already had this though) - Mild depression (probably from my breakup) - Lack of motivation (probably from my ADHD) - Very rare and random spasms in my neck - Probably something minor that I'm forgetting but if I can't think of it it probably isn't important (will update this list if new symptoms arise)
TLDR: I have a high heart rate and blood pressure and can't figure out why
2024.05.19 08:04 BaronGrackle Troll, I leave this dungeon to you.
Update: After my previous post, I wanted to try a game leaving our good friend the troll alive.
Tolkien once wrote that he shouldn't have named his troll William. And Tom is already a too common name, as we see another with Mr. Bombadil. So I will think of this troll as Bert.
Be good, Bert! I knocked you unconscious a few times. The Archer cartoon says that's really bad for you, but I think you'll be okay. The thief and the ogre are gone, so this place belongs to you and that weird bat now. You're the king, Bert.
When I first came upon this abandoned house and discovered an underground empire filled with treasures, I thought it would be cool to take those treasures and randomly shove them into a display case in the sala. But that was wrong of me. The treasures were always yours. I hope you chewed them well and didn't eat too fast.
Farewell, Bert.
submitted by BaronGrackle to zork [link] [comments]
Tolkien once wrote that he shouldn't have named his troll William. And Tom is already a too common name, as we see another with Mr. Bombadil. So I will think of this troll as Bert.
Be good, Bert! I knocked you unconscious a few times. The Archer cartoon says that's really bad for you, but I think you'll be okay. The thief and the ogre are gone, so this place belongs to you and that weird bat now. You're the king, Bert.
When I first came upon this abandoned house and discovered an underground empire filled with treasures, I thought it would be cool to take those treasures and randomly shove them into a display case in the sala. But that was wrong of me. The treasures were always yours. I hope you chewed them well and didn't eat too fast.
Farewell, Bert.
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submitted by ExcitingConference45 to TemuCodesUSA [link] [comments]
Unlock Incredible Savings: Grab Your Temu Coupon Code Now！Are you ready to revolutionize your shopping experience? Say hello to Temu, the online shopping platform that's taking convenience and affordability to the next level. Much like we offer incredible deals for your needs, Temu brings a similar excitement to the world of e-commerce with exclusive offers and discounts.
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More Quick Temu Savings Tips Sign up in the app for bonuses, coupons, and offers. Subscribe to Temu's email newsletter for bonus coupons and deals: 1.Visit the site each day to "spin the wheel" for bonus Temu coupons 2.Get free shipping on many items across the site 3.In the app, click "earn credits and gifts" to save 4.Refer a friend via the app to earn gifts 5.New customers get a free Temu coupon bundle worth $100 via the app 6.Enable push notifications on your phone to receive instant access to new discounts and coupons via the app How to Use a Temu Coupon Code 1.Sign in or sign up on Temu 2.Add items to your shopping cart 3.Proceed to the checkout 4.Look for the "apply coupon code" field Apply your Temu coupon code there to save!
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2024.05.19 08:03 hypikachu Tyrion's Paternity: An open question? [Spoilers Extended]
![Tyrion's Paternity: An open question? [Spoilers Extended]](https://b.thumbs.redditmedia.com/C_Ank7yZVlyY16294VGT7gHQM3FmsLmsOrjJwK7PWpk.jpg "Tyrion's Paternity: An open question? [Spoilers Extended]") | Listen. I know "Tyrion Targaryen" is a divisive topic. I don't think there's any theory that gets more vehement criticism. I understand why it gets the ire it does, and don't even wholly disagree. submitted by hypikachu to asoiaf [link] [comments] Buuuut, if I can play 1. "It hurts the story" I'll admit it. I (kinda) agree with this assessment. A "Tyrion's a secret Targ" reveal threatens to undermine other big elements of the story. One secret orphaned prince is a tragedy, but a dozen is a farce. It also arguably hurts the Tyrion-Tywin relationship. I don't think it'd be ruinous as many of the critics do. But even if it were, that still wouldn't affect whether or not it's canon. This argument really doesn't address "what is or is not," but rather "what should or shouldn't be." But writers do stuff they arguably shouldn't all the time. Fans of Star Wars will gladly tell you that midi-chlorians undermine the Force. But they're still canon, bc George said so. Martin is no more infallible than Lucas. I love these books, and I think GRRM's the bee's knees. But can you tell me with a straight face that "Joffrey sent the catspaw" was perfectly executed storytelling? Whether something's good or not is a subjective matter for the audience. But whether something's canon is wholly at the whims of the author. And it definitely seems like GRRM's whims are pointing towards A+J. 2. "GRRM was setting it up in the early books, but abandoned the idea at some point." Yes, George is a gardener and doesn't necessarily stick to a rigid story plan. He's removed or changed big elements of the story, like the 5 year gap or the Brightflame cloth dragons. It's definitely possible that Tyrion Targaryen might have been a similarly scrapped plan. (Small Tangent: I'm even pretty open to the idea that it was scrapped in the show. It's totally the kind of thing D&D would hate. But you can ask Griff & Stoneheart if show canon = book canon.) The problem is, there's no clear point where GRRM stopped dropping hints that align with A+J. It still seems front and center in ASOS (2000), when Tywin makes his last on-page appearance. He explicitly calls Tyrion's paternity (and the fidelity of his beloved cousinwife) into question twice in that book, down to his last breath. Bookending Tyrion's first speaking appearance (AGOT Jon I). The very first thing Tyrion says about Tywin is "he thinks of me as a bastard." The idea of Tyrion's paternity being in doubt hangs over the Tyrion-Tywin relationship from the first moments to the last. The relevant characters' most recent book appearance was the worldbook in 2014. (The same year GRRM gave his now famous explanation of why abandoning setup makes for bad storytelling.) Even then, GRRM was obliquely pointing to the possibility of A+J=T with relentless determination. Every single mention of Joanna is attached directly to a note about how much Aerys pursued her. Tyrion's birth is one paragraph after the tourney of 272. Where the only notable event was Aerys lusting after Joanna, deepening the rift with Tywin. Which moves us nicely from the meta-textual arguments into the in-universe "evidence." 3. "[Pycelle said] Tywin wouldn't have married Joanna if she'd been with Aerys" Pycelle sure did say that. Pycelle is wrong. That's the point. How can we tell? GRRM's choice of wording in Pycelle's rebuttal. As Pycelle insists in his letters, Tywin Lannister would scarce have taken his cousin to wife if that had been true, “for he was ever a proud man and not one accustomed to feasting upon another man’s leavings.”Pictured: Pycelle's wrongness. The 2014 audience already knows Tywin absolutely would do that. The climax of his conflict with Tyrion was him bedding Shae. "Feasting on another man's leavings" is already a defining part of Tywin's relationship with Tyrion. GRRM wrote Pycelle huffing copium. Conspicuously. The fanboy maester's denial depends on a claim the audience explicitly knows is false. It's just basic dramatic irony: the audience knows something the characters don't. If Pycelle's claims rests on false evidence, what is the author saying about the claim? 4. "If Tywin knew/suspected, why didn't he do anything more than try to resign?" I'll be honest, this one blows my mind. The man sacked King's Landing and killed every Targaryen he could find. Tywin's big defining pre-stories action was brutally overthrowing Aerys' whole family. Sure he didn't do it immediately. But when circumstances permitted, Tywin took extreme vengeance. 5. "Tyrion's dragon dreams aren't Dragon Dreams" Why the hell not? Symbolically heavy. Seemingly prophetic. Showing a destiny of magical conflict, with stakes as intimate as family identity, and as broad as globe-spanning war. Tyrion’s dreams check all the boxes for what makes up a Dragon Dream. (Or should I say, “They meet any cry-Tyrion?”) When Tyrion first mentions dreaming of dragons, he’s telling Jon “I know your secret. You dream the same kind of dreams.” Again, dramatic irony time. Tyrion’s saying it as “I know you secretly feel alienation.” But a reader who knows Jon’s lineage knows the real secret is why Jon’s magic dreams fixate on family alienation. Because they’re Dragon Dreams. The very first thing GRRM tells us about Tyrion’s dragon dreams is that they’re comparable to Jon’s Dragon Dreams. And Tyrion’s have actual dragons in them. Oh, and very non-coincidentally, this scene happens only 20ish pages after Dany has the first confirmed on-page Dragon Dream. Which hits all the same elements. Prophesymbolic vision of a buried dragon identity. Which emerges through the crucible of sibling struggle. GRRM returns focus to Tyrion’s dragon dreams in ADWD. He has two such dreams during his journey east from Illyrio’s manse as part of a plot to marry Dany to a guy with a big fighting force behind him. Eagle eyed observers will note that this is exact same setup Dany herself had in AGOT when her Dragon Dreams started. In both the earliest and latest books in the series, GRRM draws immediate parallels between Tyrion’s dragon dreams and Targaryen Dragon Dreams. Just from an economy of storytelling perspective, it would be weird to have Tyrion’s special important dreams-w/dragons-in-them that just happen to be totally unrelated to Jon & Dany’s Special Important Magic Dragon Dreams™️. Caveat: Schrodinger’s Targaryen Despite all of this, I do not think GRRM’s endgame is as simple as “And then we learn Tyrion is 100% definitely Aerys’ son and not Tywin’s.” My strongest hunch is that the plan is for the story to end without a definitive answer, but a pointedly open question. Compare it to other “unresolved Targaryen/dragonrider ancestry mysteries” like Nettles and Daeron T vs Daemon B. GRRM loves this “the mystery is more valuable than the answer” approach to storytelling. In AGOT and ASOS we’re told “Tywin thinks of Tyrion as not his.” In TWOIAF we see maesters publicly speculating about Aerys & Joanna’s relations. I think the in-universe uncertainty is the plotline here. The speculation already exists in Tyrion’s plot, which will come to a fever pitch when (not if) he saddles Viserion. I don’t think there’ll be any raunchy Bran-vision or tearstained secret letter from Joanna that definitively confirms Tyrion’s parentage one way or the other. Tyrion seizes Casterly Rock and there’s a hubbub about legality. Is he a golden trueborn lion, Tywin’s legal heir? Is he the red of a Targaryen dragon and/or a color-inverted Lannister bastard? Who the hell knows? What does it matter? All the truth Tyrion knows is his mother was a lioness, making him a cat regardless of coat. That, plus he has a dragon, with sharp long claws. The dragon reins are all he needs to reign from This deliberate open-endedness leaves room for a lot of options. I’m very open to chimera theory. Nerd Tangent: In myth, the chimera is literally a fire-breathing lion-serpent hybrid. All Tyrion needs is some goat imagery and he’s got the whole animal. Plus GRRM keeps making the lady of Casterly Rock mother twins at every point in the timeline. Joanna’s were even fraternal. GRRM even wrote an unpublished conversation whereTyrion talks about Maelys the Monstrous (to whom Tyrion repeatedly compares himself) absorbing his twin in-utero, and imagines the same thing happening in his own mother’s womb. George is doing everything a writer setting up a “genetic chimera” twist reveal would do. Separately, I really like the idea of Tywin misinterpreting prophecy and dooming himself to the fate he was trying to avoid. In perfect parallel to Cersei’s experience with Maggy. Tywin gets some kind of cryptic warning about Aerys’ bloodline displacing his own. Just like Cersei’s valonqar, he jumps to a misplaced suspicion of Tyrion, when he should be examining Jaime and/or Cersei. When TWOIAF bundles the tourney of 272, Tyrion’s birth/Joanna’s death in 273, and Tywin’s role in the Targaryen downfall together, it’s entirely possible that the point is the same as AFFC Cersei constantly telling us “valonqar = Tyrion.” A red herring; there to prompt the audience into thinking about the question. But preserving mystery by laying the false answer on thick while the true answer is surreptitiously sprinkled in. Maybe there’s even in-universe discussion about how an AJT reveal makes a farce of RLJ? “Diluting the reveal by flooding the spot with something similar but even more outlandish” was Tyrion’s own in-universe strategy for dealing with the reveal of Cersei’s royal bastards. This could be GRRM going full circle. “Oh, Ned Stark’s other closely guarded secret about royal bastardy just came out? Well, this counterstory from Tyrion about royal bastards has juicy stuff like clowns and sex with a crazy guy and kids w/physical abnormalities. Once this story spreads, no one’ll know what to believe!” It could even go the same direction the show went for Theon’s identity dualism. Tangent: (Theon is kinda directly connected to Tyrion already, having inherited the “burn Winterfell, torn between Starks & birth family” plotline originally meant for Tyrion.) You can be both a furry apex predator on 4 legs and a mythical beast with long wriggly appendages. Lizard & lion at once. GRRM might even be highlighting this Schrodinger-esque superstate of “both one and the other simultaneously” with Tyrion’s ADWD intro. The first time we see the cat-man after he kills Tywin, he’s drunk himself half to death in a box while on his way to Illyrio. It's the moment when he’s most in limbo– after killing the lion Tywin, but before joining sides with Aerys’ dragonspawn – he’s a half-alive half-dead cat in a box. All I'm saying is that I think, for George, the point is the duality. The uncertainty. The multiplicity of options. Tbh, I’m not arguing that “Aerys is the father” = The Answer™️. I’m just arguing that the story is designed to set up the question. From Tyrion’s first lines to Tywin’s last, GRRM insistently raises the notion of Tyrion not being Tywin’s son. The most recently published account of A, J, T, & T deals heavily with the contentious love triangle. I’m not saying you have to like it. I’m just saying you can’t pretend it’s not there. |
2024.05.19 08:03 ThePirateSpider What 3 character names of both male and female would you take from the FF series and give to your kids?
For me I would choose Reno, Cecil, and Tidus for the boys. For the girls I would go with Rydia, Celes, and Ashe. How about you?
submitted by ThePirateSpider to FinalFantasy [link] [comments]
2024.05.19 08:00 EJC28 Chargers 2024 Draft Analysis Compilation
Round 1, Pick 5 - Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame:
NFL: Head coach Jim Harbaugh is set on building an offensive bully and that starts with the offensive line. Alt comes in as a polished tackle who’ll step in and immediately boost the unit and protect Justin Herbert.
CBS Sports: B. He is the best in this class, but now he has to make the transition to right tackle for Jim Harbaugh. That can be tough to do. But taking a lineman makes sense, I just might have taken J.C. Latham as a better fit.
ESPN: Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said they would stick to the process of picking the best player available, a strategy he learned from 26 years in the Baltimore Ravens personnel department that won him two Super Bowls. Selecting Alt on Thursday night supports this theory. The Chargers currently employ only four receivers -- none of whom has a season over 800 yards in the NFL -- and passed on taking the second-best receiver in the class. The Chargers are returning four of their five offensive line starters from last season and signed center Bradley Bozeman in free agency, but stuck to their strategy despite much bigger needs on the roster.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: His Skyrim character is Thad: The High King of Skyrim.
Round 2, Pick 34 - Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia:
NFL: Our second pick, second receiver and first trade of the night. The Patriots slide back a few spots, and the Chargers get a receiver who should be thrust right into the mix. Although McConkey had injury issues at Georgia, if he's able to stay healthy, he could be Justin Herbert's favorite target in due time. With great route-running skills and impressive separation ability, McConkey could be an 80-catch player one day.
CBS Sports: A. Crafty, athletic, polished WR who can win on the boundary and in the slot. Releases are great. Route-running nuance also there. Deceptive speed and YAC skills.
ESPN: After trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams, the Chargers came into the draft with just four receivers on the roster. None among that receiving group of Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis and Simi Fehoko had ever topped 800 yards in an NFL season. Since Herbert entered the league in 2020, he has always had a coterie of reliable pass-catchers, including players like running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Gerald Everett, who both left in free agency. McConkey, the Chargers hope, gives Herbert another player he can count on in the passing offense after many key departures.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Cannot stand The Office save for Scott’s Tots.
Round 3, Pick 69 - Junior Colson, LB, Michigan:
NFL: If there was one player I would have bet would follow Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers, it would have been Mike Sainristil or Colson. The latter was the emotional heartbeat of a championship Michigan defense, as Colson is a full-tilt competitor who brings his all to every game and every practice. He's a tackling machine whose coverage limitations were likely what caused him to fall out of the top 50 picks.
CBS Sports: B. Ties to Jim Harbaugh and addresses a need at off-ball LB. Best tackling linebacker in the class by a wide margin. Flashed some coverage chops in 2023 but not a speciality. I didn’t see premier range or speed to the football. Beats blocks with decent regularly and ball skills must show up more in NFL. Very young.
ESPN: This was a position of need for the Chargers and Colson, who was a second-team Big Ten selection and led the team with 95 tackles last season, will bring necessary competition to a mostly unproven group. Both of the Chargers' starting outside linebackers in 2023 won't be back next season, as Kenneth Murray Jr. signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency and Eric Kendricks was released in March. Linebackers Daiyan Henley (51 defensive snaps in 2023) and Nick Niemann (238 defensive snaps in 2023) are the Chargers' lone returning linebackers from last season, but they also signed Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: We all know what pick this is so make with the ‘nice’ jokes.
Round 4, Pick 105 - Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama:
NFL: Jim Harbaugh keeps beefing up both fronts. Eboigbe played well in Bama's Rose Bowl loss to Harbaugh's Wolverines, so this pick isn't a shock. The Chargers are adding toughness in Eboigbe, assuming his health improves. He had a breakout season in 2023.
CBS Sports: C+. Classic Nick Saban defensive lineman. Two-gapping extraordinaire with thick, powerful frame. Good first-step quickness but won’t be a calling card to win as a pass rusher consistently in the NFL. Not a pass-rush move type. Higher floor than upside. Limited role.
ESPN: The Chargers begin Day 3 by filling another of the team's most significant needs. L.A. is set at outside linebacker on their defensive line with Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Tuli Tuipulotu, but they are largely unproven in the interior. Some of the Chargers' best interior defenders from last season, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and defensive tackle Austin Johnson, won't be back in 2024. Eboigbe, 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, was a first-team All-SEC selection last season, finishing with a caterer-high seven sacks.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Has been known to run around banging coconuts together simulating a horse.
Round 5, Pick 137 - Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland:
NFL: The first tape I watched of Still, coincidentally, was against Michigan -- and he looked good. Jim Harbaugh clearly agreed, although Still's lack of elite speed or size might make him more of a candidate to kick inside as a nickel.
CBS Sports: C+. Chippy, fluid CB who wants to come up and hit people. Super-smooth hips. Doesn’t have the length or pure speed to be lockdown type but gets the most out of his athletic skill set. Won’t follow routes perfectly at the next level. Can be too grabby in man. Infectious energy on the field. Just lacks premier traits.
ESPN: The Chargers' pass defense was abysmal last season, allowing 249.6 yards per game, which ranked 30th in the NFL. So they had to address their secondary in the draft. Still, who is 6-foot and 189 pounds, ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and finished with five interceptions last season, which tied for sixth in the FBS. He has lined up primarily outside (77% of his snaps came from out wide), but he can also play in the slot.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: His favorite operating system is Windows XP.
Round 5, Pick 140 - Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame:
NFL: The Chargers double up on long DBs to help combat the AFC West's playmakers. Hart has a strong athletic profile, and he has the perfect makeup to be a special teams coverage standout as well.
CBS Sports: B-. Old-school, long outside CB. Huge with extreme length. Moves well for his size but probably won’t be able to stay with quick separators in the NFL on a regular basis. Last-resort grabbing gets him into trouble during the route. Speed is average and didn’t make many plays on the ball but not tested often. Maybe move to safety?
ESPN: Cornerback is the first position where the Chargers have drafted multiple players so far, proving that the group was one Hortiz knew needed improvement and competition. Cornerback may also be Hortiz's favorite position. He told reporters that he "never feels full at corner. That is a position that you never stop chasing," he said. The Chargers now have six cornerbacks on the active roster, including the 6-3, 202-pound Hart.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Takes three to five business days to reply to an email.
Round 6, Pick 181 - Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy:
NFL: I'm a bit surprised the Chargers didn't take a back before this, but Vidal has a chance to join the RB rotation for Jim Harbaugh. Vidal's profile reads similarly to Blake Corum, so it's easy to see why Harbaugh might view him favorably.
CBS Sports: A. This is a future feature back. Stocky, well-built frame. Between the tackles experience and can blend slashing and multi-cut style together. Elusive, sets up blockers well and has effortless power through contact at times. Not a true burner.
ESPN: Since the Jim Harbaugh era began in February, the theme for the Chargers has been on running the football. Vidal gives them depth at a position that will be one of the most important on the team. Considering the talent in the Chargers' running back room, which includes J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Vidal likely projects to be mainly a special teams contributor in his first year. Vidal set the Troy career (4,010), single-season (1,661), and single-game (248) rushing records, and his great-uncle is Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Spreads his love of Frito Pie eaten out of the little bag, like God intended.
Round 7, Pick 225 - Brenden Rice, WR, USC:
NFL: Jerry Rice's son and Caleb Williams' go-to guy figured to go a few rounds higher than this, but it's possible scouts felt there was more development needed in his game. With the Chargers, there are WR jobs open for Rice to make the roster early on.
CBS Sports: B+. Downfield specimen with quality size. Didn’t test amazingly but was a vertical weapon for Caleb Williams at USC. Stiff routes and only glimmers of YAC but has the power to run through some tackles. Fun fit with Justin Herbert. Son of NFL legend Jerry Rice.
ESPN: Only four receivers were on the Chargers roster before the draft, so drafting a second receiver seemed inevitable. Rice, 6-3, 208 pounds, is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. He played his final two seasons for the Trojans, where he was the primary deep target for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. Rice led the team with a 14.6 air yards per target average in 2023, and 7 of his 12 TD receptions were on vertical routes -- tied for the sixth-most in the FBS.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: After adjusting the other picks & removing outliers he regresses to 1st overall.
Round 7, Pick 253 - Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan:
NFL: Another Michigan player for Jim Harbaugh. Johnson rarely was featured in Michigan's run-heavy system, but he made his mark as a blocker and occasional big-play receiver. His hands are inconsistent, but Johnson could find footing in L.A.
CBS Sports: C+. Sizable receiver who can deceive CBs with his long-striding speed when given a runaway. Inflexible movements will keep him from getting open on regular basis or winning against press. Ball skills are good in traffic.
ESPN: The more, the merrier in the Chargers receiving room. Johnson is their third pick at receiver, and for good reason. Johnson is also a familiar face, playing under Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan and the many other Michigan coaches on the Chargers staff. Johnson, 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, was a four-year starter at receiver and had 119 receptions since the start of 2021, the sixth most in the Big Ten. Johnson mainly played out wide in his career, with 84% of his snaps over the last three seasons coming lined up on the outside.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Upset with the rising price of cheese and cheese related goods.
submitted by EJC28 to Chargers [link] [comments]
NFL: Head coach Jim Harbaugh is set on building an offensive bully and that starts with the offensive line. Alt comes in as a polished tackle who’ll step in and immediately boost the unit and protect Justin Herbert.
CBS Sports: B. He is the best in this class, but now he has to make the transition to right tackle for Jim Harbaugh. That can be tough to do. But taking a lineman makes sense, I just might have taken J.C. Latham as a better fit.
ESPN: Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz said they would stick to the process of picking the best player available, a strategy he learned from 26 years in the Baltimore Ravens personnel department that won him two Super Bowls. Selecting Alt on Thursday night supports this theory. The Chargers currently employ only four receivers -- none of whom has a season over 800 yards in the NFL -- and passed on taking the second-best receiver in the class. The Chargers are returning four of their five offensive line starters from last season and signed center Bradley Bozeman in free agency, but stuck to their strategy despite much bigger needs on the roster.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: His Skyrim character is Thad: The High King of Skyrim.
Round 2, Pick 34 - Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia:
NFL: Our second pick, second receiver and first trade of the night. The Patriots slide back a few spots, and the Chargers get a receiver who should be thrust right into the mix. Although McConkey had injury issues at Georgia, if he's able to stay healthy, he could be Justin Herbert's favorite target in due time. With great route-running skills and impressive separation ability, McConkey could be an 80-catch player one day.
CBS Sports: A. Crafty, athletic, polished WR who can win on the boundary and in the slot. Releases are great. Route-running nuance also there. Deceptive speed and YAC skills.
ESPN: After trading Keenan Allen and releasing Mike Williams, the Chargers came into the draft with just four receivers on the roster. None among that receiving group of Joshua Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis and Simi Fehoko had ever topped 800 yards in an NFL season. Since Herbert entered the league in 2020, he has always had a coterie of reliable pass-catchers, including players like running back Austin Ekeler and tight end Gerald Everett, who both left in free agency. McConkey, the Chargers hope, gives Herbert another player he can count on in the passing offense after many key departures.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Cannot stand The Office save for Scott’s Tots.
Round 3, Pick 69 - Junior Colson, LB, Michigan:
NFL: If there was one player I would have bet would follow Jim Harbaugh to the Chargers, it would have been Mike Sainristil or Colson. The latter was the emotional heartbeat of a championship Michigan defense, as Colson is a full-tilt competitor who brings his all to every game and every practice. He's a tackling machine whose coverage limitations were likely what caused him to fall out of the top 50 picks.
CBS Sports: B. Ties to Jim Harbaugh and addresses a need at off-ball LB. Best tackling linebacker in the class by a wide margin. Flashed some coverage chops in 2023 but not a speciality. I didn’t see premier range or speed to the football. Beats blocks with decent regularly and ball skills must show up more in NFL. Very young.
ESPN: This was a position of need for the Chargers and Colson, who was a second-team Big Ten selection and led the team with 95 tackles last season, will bring necessary competition to a mostly unproven group. Both of the Chargers' starting outside linebackers in 2023 won't be back next season, as Kenneth Murray Jr. signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency and Eric Kendricks was released in March. Linebackers Daiyan Henley (51 defensive snaps in 2023) and Nick Niemann (238 defensive snaps in 2023) are the Chargers' lone returning linebackers from last season, but they also signed Denzel Perryman and Troy Dye.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: We all know what pick this is so make with the ‘nice’ jokes.
Round 4, Pick 105 - Justin Eboigbe, DT, Alabama:
NFL: Jim Harbaugh keeps beefing up both fronts. Eboigbe played well in Bama's Rose Bowl loss to Harbaugh's Wolverines, so this pick isn't a shock. The Chargers are adding toughness in Eboigbe, assuming his health improves. He had a breakout season in 2023.
CBS Sports: C+. Classic Nick Saban defensive lineman. Two-gapping extraordinaire with thick, powerful frame. Good first-step quickness but won’t be a calling card to win as a pass rusher consistently in the NFL. Not a pass-rush move type. Higher floor than upside. Limited role.
ESPN: The Chargers begin Day 3 by filling another of the team's most significant needs. L.A. is set at outside linebacker on their defensive line with Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa and Tuli Tuipulotu, but they are largely unproven in the interior. Some of the Chargers' best interior defenders from last season, defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day and defensive tackle Austin Johnson, won't be back in 2024. Eboigbe, 6-foot-4, 275 pounds, was a first-team All-SEC selection last season, finishing with a caterer-high seven sacks.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Has been known to run around banging coconuts together simulating a horse.
Round 5, Pick 137 - Tarheeb Still, CB, Maryland:
NFL: The first tape I watched of Still, coincidentally, was against Michigan -- and he looked good. Jim Harbaugh clearly agreed, although Still's lack of elite speed or size might make him more of a candidate to kick inside as a nickel.
CBS Sports: C+. Chippy, fluid CB who wants to come up and hit people. Super-smooth hips. Doesn’t have the length or pure speed to be lockdown type but gets the most out of his athletic skill set. Won’t follow routes perfectly at the next level. Can be too grabby in man. Infectious energy on the field. Just lacks premier traits.
ESPN: The Chargers' pass defense was abysmal last season, allowing 249.6 yards per game, which ranked 30th in the NFL. So they had to address their secondary in the draft. Still, who is 6-foot and 189 pounds, ran a 4.52 in the 40-yard dash at the combine and finished with five interceptions last season, which tied for sixth in the FBS. He has lined up primarily outside (77% of his snaps came from out wide), but he can also play in the slot.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: His favorite operating system is Windows XP.
Round 5, Pick 140 - Cam Hart, CB, Notre Dame:
NFL: The Chargers double up on long DBs to help combat the AFC West's playmakers. Hart has a strong athletic profile, and he has the perfect makeup to be a special teams coverage standout as well.
CBS Sports: B-. Old-school, long outside CB. Huge with extreme length. Moves well for his size but probably won’t be able to stay with quick separators in the NFL on a regular basis. Last-resort grabbing gets him into trouble during the route. Speed is average and didn’t make many plays on the ball but not tested often. Maybe move to safety?
ESPN: Cornerback is the first position where the Chargers have drafted multiple players so far, proving that the group was one Hortiz knew needed improvement and competition. Cornerback may also be Hortiz's favorite position. He told reporters that he "never feels full at corner. That is a position that you never stop chasing," he said. The Chargers now have six cornerbacks on the active roster, including the 6-3, 202-pound Hart.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Takes three to five business days to reply to an email.
Round 6, Pick 181 - Kimani Vidal, RB, Troy:
NFL: I'm a bit surprised the Chargers didn't take a back before this, but Vidal has a chance to join the RB rotation for Jim Harbaugh. Vidal's profile reads similarly to Blake Corum, so it's easy to see why Harbaugh might view him favorably.
CBS Sports: A. This is a future feature back. Stocky, well-built frame. Between the tackles experience and can blend slashing and multi-cut style together. Elusive, sets up blockers well and has effortless power through contact at times. Not a true burner.
ESPN: Since the Jim Harbaugh era began in February, the theme for the Chargers has been on running the football. Vidal gives them depth at a position that will be one of the most important on the team. Considering the talent in the Chargers' running back room, which includes J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, Vidal likely projects to be mainly a special teams contributor in his first year. Vidal set the Troy career (4,010), single-season (1,661), and single-game (248) rushing records, and his great-uncle is Baseball Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Spreads his love of Frito Pie eaten out of the little bag, like God intended.
Round 7, Pick 225 - Brenden Rice, WR, USC:
NFL: Jerry Rice's son and Caleb Williams' go-to guy figured to go a few rounds higher than this, but it's possible scouts felt there was more development needed in his game. With the Chargers, there are WR jobs open for Rice to make the roster early on.
CBS Sports: B+. Downfield specimen with quality size. Didn’t test amazingly but was a vertical weapon for Caleb Williams at USC. Stiff routes and only glimmers of YAC but has the power to run through some tackles. Fun fit with Justin Herbert. Son of NFL legend Jerry Rice.
ESPN: Only four receivers were on the Chargers roster before the draft, so drafting a second receiver seemed inevitable. Rice, 6-3, 208 pounds, is the son of Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice. He played his final two seasons for the Trojans, where he was the primary deep target for No. 1 pick Caleb Williams. Rice led the team with a 14.6 air yards per target average in 2023, and 7 of his 12 TD receptions were on vertical routes -- tied for the sixth-most in the FBS.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: After adjusting the other picks & removing outliers he regresses to 1st overall.
Round 7, Pick 253 - Cornelius Johnson, WR, Michigan:
NFL: Another Michigan player for Jim Harbaugh. Johnson rarely was featured in Michigan's run-heavy system, but he made his mark as a blocker and occasional big-play receiver. His hands are inconsistent, but Johnson could find footing in L.A.
CBS Sports: C+. Sizable receiver who can deceive CBs with his long-striding speed when given a runaway. Inflexible movements will keep him from getting open on regular basis or winning against press. Ball skills are good in traffic.
ESPN: The more, the merrier in the Chargers receiving room. Johnson is their third pick at receiver, and for good reason. Johnson is also a familiar face, playing under Jim Harbaugh at the University of Michigan and the many other Michigan coaches on the Chargers staff. Johnson, 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, was a four-year starter at receiver and had 119 receptions since the start of 2021, the sixth most in the Big Ten. Johnson mainly played out wide in his career, with 84% of his snaps over the last three seasons coming lined up on the outside.
NFL Absolutely Not Fake News: Upset with the rising price of cheese and cheese related goods.
2024.05.19 07:59 greengrapes4life [WEB] [2015] block maze shoot to defend game
i cannot seem to find the name of this game i remember playing around 5-10 years ago?
you and your partner shoot zombies or something attacking from these doors, to defend yourselves until the waves are over. you can upgrade your gun once you have enough kills. there are also barrels you can move to block the entrances to you, if you shoot the barrels they explode.
it was like set in a maze from an overhead view, it was all black and white and everything is block shaped except blood and barrels. at the beginning you have to choose from a selection of characters that kinda look like roblox-esque with unique names.
submitted by greengrapes4life to tipofmyjoystick [link] [comments]
you and your partner shoot zombies or something attacking from these doors, to defend yourselves until the waves are over. you can upgrade your gun once you have enough kills. there are also barrels you can move to block the entrances to you, if you shoot the barrels they explode.
it was like set in a maze from an overhead view, it was all black and white and everything is block shaped except blood and barrels. at the beginning you have to choose from a selection of characters that kinda look like roblox-esque with unique names.
2024.05.19 07:58 ConsequenceSure3063 Best Car Duster
 | submitted by ConsequenceSure3063 to u/ConsequenceSure3063 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/zv74mi7zob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=686d0ce11438839717e06186744f1fc2fc3218bb If you've ever struggled to keep your prized automobile clean and spotless, then you'll want to pay attention. In this article, we'll be diving into the world of car dusters, exploring the top options available on the market that could make your car-cleaning routine a breeze. From essential features to user-friendly designs, we'll help you find the perfect car duster for your needs. So, buckle up and get ready to witness what these innovative tools can do for your cherished vehicle. The Top 19 Best Car Duster
Reviews🔗Effective Removable Microfiber Car Duster for Dust-Free Vehicleshttps://preview.redd.it/v99y3xszob1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c1d6899d5f29b3704fdf12eb24a2bc77b2a9a193 The Speedway Car Duster is a true lifesaver for car enthusiasts. This duster is not only easy to use but also incredibly effective at eliminating dust from your vehicle. The microfiber material is soft and gentle on your car's finish, while the removable and washable feature ensures that your duster stays clean and dust-free. One of the standout features of the Speedway Car Duster is the metal tube handle. It provides a sturdy grip, making it easy to maneuver around your car, even in tight spaces. The purple color also adds a touch of elegance and style, making this duster a great addition to your car care routine. Using the Speedway Car Duster is a breeze - simply run it over your car's surface, and watch as the dust magically disappears. The microfiber material is designed to trap dust particles, providing a thorough clean. If you're tired of constantly wiping down your car to keep it dust-free, this duster might just be the solution you've been looking for. Overall, the Speedway Car Duster is a must-have for anyone who takes pride in their vehicle's appearance. With its sturdy construction, easy-to-use design, and effective dust-collecting capabilities, it's no wonder this duster has earned such high praise from its users. 🔗Ride Kings Car Duster: Soft Cotton Exterior Duster for Cars with a Telescopic Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/b5e5ur30pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0d6d404ce558b82b391753e035abb3422f3318b4 I've been using the Ride Kings Car Duster for a while now, and let me tell you, it's quite the handy little tool. Its telescopic rod is a game-changer for those of us with a tad less height, as it allows us to reach those high-up spots without stressing our backs. Plus, the rotating and locking mop head ensures versatility and flexibility for a quick dusting session. What really stands out is the paraffin wax-treated cotton strands that effectively remove dust and pollen without the need for water. Not only does it save water, but it's also gentle on all surfaces, making it a must-have for those who live in dusty environments like desert or coastal regions. The soft, natural, 100% cotton fibers don't scratch the finish, leaving behind no lint after use. Additionally, this duster comes with a portable storage cover, making it easy to tote around in your car trunk and pull off dust whenever you need to. The detachable brush pole head also ensures easy storage. Overall, it's a solid choice for car owners seeking a reliable, eco-friendly cleaning solution. 🔗Ultimate Car Duster Kit: Effortless Sparkle and Cleanlinesshttps://preview.redd.it/u01lkrj0pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe653e64d697a10e12300af42f10a227500bbb42 I recently got my hands on the upra Ultimate Car Duster Kit, and I must say, this is the best car duster set I've ever used. Not only does it have a sturdy build that won't fall apart or unravel over time, but it also features a special design and tight joint that prevents snagging things on or in my car. One of the things that stood out to me the most was the set's large car duster with a minimum length of 22.8 inches and a maximum length of 32.6 inches. Along with the circular one measuring 11.8 inches in diameter and 4.33 inches in length, and a mini car air vent duster with a dimension of 6.3 inches, this kit has got me covered for all my car cleaning needs. The fine material applied, high-class microfiber, makes sure I leave no lint or wax behind – something I appreciate when I want my car to look as good as new both indoors and outdoors. With its powerful dust or dirt removing performance, this car duster has saved me a significant amount of time and money and works for all vehicle types, from trucks to SUVs and even motorcycles. Now, I must say, it does require some maintenance, but it's worth the investment considering how efficient and easy to operate it is. Upra really knows how to create a top-notch product, and their Ultimate Car Duster Kit is the perfect proof of that. 🔗Original California Mini Car Duster for Dust Removalhttps://preview.redd.it/h92ft5v0pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5a4cb8a80f171815e9632d4879cc054c13c33338 The California Mini Duster has been a game-changer in my daily life. I've been using it for dusting both at home and in my car, and let me tell you, it's made a huge difference in the cleanliness of my interiors. One of the standout features of this product is the baked-in wax treatment. It's not just a cleaner, but also a protector for my vehicle's interior. I've noticed that after using the Mini Duster, the surfaces seem to have a nice shine, which is thanks to that special wax treatment. However, one downside I've found is that while it's great for dusting, it does tend to leave a bit of lint behind. Not a lot, but enough to notice. I've had to shake it out a few times, and I've even ended up using a small brush to get rid of the excess lint. The Mini Duster's compact size is another plus, making it perfect for on-the-go use. It fits in the palm of my hand and doesn't take up much space in my car, which is super handy. Using the Mini Duster has made me appreciate just how much dust I didn't realize was lying around. Now, I find myself using it all the time, and I can definitely say that it's been a great addition to my cleaning arsenal. 🔗Premium Wood Handle Car Duster for Interior Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/e6dmph81pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=47dd9067635e084e04997530f3b041235bc39683 The Original California Car Duster Platinum Mini Dash Duster has been a game-changer in my life. The special paraffin wax-treated cotton strands make it super easy to lift dust off without leaving any marks behind. The attractive wood handle is not only visually appealing but also sturdy and comfortable to hold. While I enjoy using it for auto purposes, its versatility has proven to be beneficial in my home as well. However, I must mention a minor inconvenience - there was no vinyl storage bag included as mentioned. Nonetheless, it's a fantastic product worth considering for anyone seeking an effortless solution to dust removal. 🔗Soft Microfiber Car Duster for Scratch-Free Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/3xqxzzr1pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3d2a15505c07230320c267200cbc587260dd0e52 As someone who's always on the lookout for a car duster that leaves no trace, I gave the bzczh Soft Microfiber Car Duster a try. I've been using it for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's been a game-changer. This duster is incredibly soft, making it perfect for gently removing dust from the exterior of your car without causing any damage. I'm impressed by how well it picks up even the tiniest particles, leaving my car's surface spotless. The extendable handle is really convenient, allowing me to reach those hard-to-reach spots without straining my back. And the best part? No pesky lint, pollen, or swirl marks to worry about. However, one downside I noticed is that the duster seems to lose some of its softness after a few washes. But it's not a deal-breaker, as the results are still noticeably better than what I've experienced with other dusters. In conclusion, the bzczh Soft Microfiber Car Duster definitely lives up to its name, providing a gentle yet effective solution for keeping your car's exterior dust-free. Despite the minor downside, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a great choice for anyone looking for a car duster that truly delivers. 🔗Professional Quality Car Duster for Spotless Interior Detailinghttps://preview.redd.it/xrvpc5w2pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c56e0bfc6dac8e4401ce53b05286d316aa6781ad I recently discovered the TAKAVU Interior Car Detail Duster and couldn't be happier with the result. As a car enthusiast, I've been searching for a dusting solution that not only leaves my vehicle looking incredible but also doesn't require constant maintenance. This car duster truly exceeded my expectations. Its electrostatic microfiber chenille is a game-changer, as it captures and locks away dust and debris without leaving traces of lint or residue behind. I appreciated how effortlessly it tackles various surfaces, from my car's interior to other items around the house. However, I did encounter a minor issue with the design. The duster occasionally needed some repositioning to ensure complete coverage, but it was a small price to pay for the overall results. Despite this minor inconvenience, I still highly recommend the TAKAVU Interior Car Detail Duster. Its ability to leave my car's interior spotless has saved me countless trips to the car wash, and it has become a staple in my detailing toolkit. Plus, it's an excellent gift for car lovers in your life! 🔗Car Duster with Solid Wood Handle and Soft Dusting Fibershttps://preview.redd.it/47g98o13pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=91cc1649d89d43b5fdd3ffa27b1073a3ed4d7b9b I recently received the Classic Car Duster with a solid wood handle for my daily car maintenance. The long and narrow design of the duster allows me to easily access those tight and hard-to-reach areas, making it a fantastic tool for those who are particular about their car's appearance. One of the most significant features that stood out to me was the 3-inch long threads, which attract and lift dust from the vehicle's surface. I've noticed a marked improvement in the overall cleanliness and shine of my car thanks to this duster. However, it is essential to note that due to the 100% cotton construction, there may be some lint and wax residue during the initial use. But once this product breaks in, it becomes even softer and continues to perform exceptionally well for years to come. Frequent shaking before, during, and after use helps to prevent this issue. Lastly, I appreciate the durable storage cover included in the package, which ensures the duster remains in pristine condition when not in use. Overall, I highly recommend this Classic Car Duster for anyone looking to achieve that showroom finish every time. 🔗Extendable Car Duster Set with Anti-Rust Stainless Steel Brushhttps://preview.redd.it/b58dzyl3pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9dd56b8fe8c26ca158b5c55eade2cf973ab96e3d Riding around in a dusty car is never fun, but with the Ride Kings Car Duster Set, it's become easier to keep your vehicle clean. This clever car duster set comes with an extendable handle, perfect for reaching areas like the roof, windshield, and hood of large vehicles. The ergonomic handle is soft and comfortable to grip, even during long cleaning sessions. One of the standout features of this car duster set is its dual-brush head. The large brush head covers a larger area and quickly removes dust, while the smaller brush is perfect for tackling those hard-to-reach spots. The set also comes with a stainless steel brush rod that's light yet strong, with a non-slip, soft foam handle for even more convenience. What's especially cool about this car duster set is its portability. The brush set can be carried in the trunk of your car for easy use during road trips. With its removable brush head, you can easily fold it and store it for optimal travel convenience. Not only is this car duster set functional, but it's also eco-friendly. Its paraffin-treated cotton thread can effectively remove dust and pollen without using water, making it ideal for those living in desert or coastal areas. One minor drawback is that the Ride Kings Car Duster Set is not suitable for wet use. But overall, with its retractable handle, flexible brush head, and gentle touch, this set is the perfect addition to any car care routine. 🔗Universal Car Duster with Extension and Rotation Featureshttps://preview.redd.it/egfr6fw3pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2fcae20c7622a79fa25057293f5f5285612ce2af A few weeks ago, I decided to try out the Triple Threat Extending and Rotating Truck and RV Duster from California Car Duster. As someone who's always on the go, I needed a versatile duster that could handle my busy lifestyle. I was curious to see if it could live up to the hype and clean my dusty SUV with ease. Right out of the box, I was impressed with the duster's aluminum handle. The extension feature made it simple to adjust the length, reaching high areas like the roof of my vehicle. The larger duster head was perfect for getting into tight spaces and hard-to-reach corners in my SUV and garage. However, I did notice a small issue with the rotating feature - it didn't spin as freely as I would have liked. And at times, the brush seemed to move dust around instead of lifting it efficiently. Still, I could see the wax-treated 100% cotton mop working its magic on lighter dust. The best part was the convenient storage bag that came with it. I could easily slip it in the back of my SUV when I needed to use it, and keeping the duster in a safe place ensured it would always be clean and ready to use when I needed it. Overall, the Triple Threat Extending and Rotating Truck and RV Duster from California Car Duster was a helpful addition to my car care routine. It made cleaning my SUV quicker and more efficient, and the extension feature and storage bag were thoughtful touches. While there were some minor drawbacks, I would still recommend this duster to anyone looking for an easy and effective way to keep their SUV or RV clean. 🔗Premium Extra Large Car Duster with Marine Varnished Wood Handlehttps://preview.redd.it/7vfzu8n4pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a2ffc32844154f554b416cabe1cc4f99b7d84981 The OCM Premium Extra Large Car Duster has been a game-changer in my daily life. Its robust design, combined with its lightweight nature, makes it effortless to use. The marine varnished solid wood handle adds a touch of sophistication, while the duster's head is crafted from superb 100% cotton threads. These cotton threads are infused with a unique wax formula, which makes them gentle and perfect for cleaning delicate surfaces. However, it's essential to note that the duster may initially leave some lint and wax residue as you use it for the first few times. This is completely normal, and the residue will gradually diminish as the duster breaks in and gets softer. The duster boasts an extra-large head which significantly reduces cleaning time and ensures that your car or truck always has a shiny, showroom finish. Its durability is unmatched, and its storage cover, made of heavy gauge vinyl, ensures the duster head is protected while not in use. Overall, this OCM Premium Extra Large Car Duster is a worthwhile investment for anyone who wants a top-quality car detailing product that saves time and money. The duster's excellent performance, combined with its ease of use, makes it a no-brainer for professional detailers and enthusiasts alike. 🔗Effortless Dash Duster for Clean Vehicle Interiorshttps://preview.redd.it/uh9kx1s4pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=366a3dadb0578453dd6a6e2be6d98ed6256b17c6 I've been using the California Duster for months now, and it's been a game-changer for keeping my car's interior clean and free of dust. The paraffin wax-treated cotton mop is perfect for its intended purpose, providing an effortless and gentle dust-lifting experience without damaging my car's surfaces. One of the most notable features of the California Duster is its clever design, with a rounded shape that makes reaching even the trickiest corners and tight spaces a breeze. Not only does this help keep my dashboard looking pristine, but it also works wonders on various household surfaces, from mini blinds and shutters to appliances. However, there is one downside to the California Duster: its relatively short length. I've found myself needing to contort my arm in some positions to reach certain areas, which can be a bit uncomfortable after a while. Overall, I'd definitely recommend the California Duster for anyone looking to keep their car or home interior in tip-top shape without causing any damage. It might be a bit short for some users, but it's a small price to pay for an effective and eco-friendly product. 🔗Unique Ostrich Feather Duster for Car Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/rialep95pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fa7f3ce79a7489b4c69b7fa9dcb982c1b20cfbdf For the past couple of weeks, I've been using the Aldwin Ostrich Feather Duster as part of my daily house cleaning routine. Let me tell you, it's like having a little army of soft, fluffy soldiers fighting against dust and grime. Each feather feels like a million tiny cleaning superheroes, gently gliding through the air, tackling every smudge and speck in their path. One of the things I love about this duster is its eco-friendliness. The feathers are sourced from farmed ostrich, ensuring no harm is done to the environment or endangered species. And the fact that the feathers are washed, deodorized, deinsectized, and fumigated before use? That's just an extra bonus. The wooden handle is a great addition, providing a sturdy connection between the feathers and the handle. It's just one of those things that makes this duster feel solid and reliable in your hand. And speaking of handling, the ostrich feathers are static-free, which means they don't leave any annoying little particles on your clothes or furniture. The best part is that this duster is reusable and washable. You can simply wash it in warm water and let it dry, and it's as good as new. It's like having a little cleaning companion that you can take anywhere, from your home to your car. However, I will say that the duster does require a bit of care when it comes to storing it. Since the feathers are delicate, it's important to hang it or place it in a vase where it won't be crushed or bent. But all in all, it's a fantastic product that's made a significant difference in my cleaning routine. 🔗Original California Car Duster for Interior Cleaninghttps://preview.redd.it/7tr6mno5pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=e2b091037f1574d00a4e98943649b88792f51e3e I've been using the Original California Car Duster Black Mini Duster in my car for a few weeks now, and I must say, it's a game-changer. What stands out the most is its ability to lift dust from even the toughest to reach spots, both inside and out. The baked-on wax-treated cotton strands are soft yet effective, making the cleaning process effortless. One downside I've noticed is that it can be a bit bulky for smaller vehicles, but its compact size is perfect for most cars. I also appreciate that it's lightweight and easy to use. The mini duster comes with a convenient storage bag, making it a great addition to any vehicle owner's cleaning toolkit. All in all, the Original California Car Duster Black Mini Duster has made a positive impact on my daily life. It's easy to use, effective, and best of all, it's durable and doesn't require any maintenance or replacements. Highly recommended for anyone looking to keep their car clean and dust-free. Buyer's GuideWhen it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your car's interior, a car duster is an essential tool. It helps remove dust, dirt, and debris from your car's surfaces without causing any scratches. However, with so many different car dusters on the market, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. Here are some important features, considerations, and advice to help you make the best choice.Materialhttps://preview.redd.it/45261a48pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=5bb60155d2d64389b39dcb6343228374d08ab0e0 The material of the car duster is crucial. It should be made of soft, non-abrasive, and durable material that won't damage your car's interior. Common materials include microfiber, cotton, and polyester. Microfiber is a popular choice because it's soft, gentle, and effective at picking up dirt and dust. However, it may be more expensive than other materials. Cotton and polyester are also good options, but they might not be as effective at picking up fine dust as microfiber. Size and ShapeThe size and shape of the car duster can impact its effectiveness and ease of use. Look for a duster with a head that's large enough to cover a significant area but not so large that it's difficult to maneuver. The shape should be designed to cover a wide range of surfaces, such as dashboard, console, and seats. Some car dusters come with different attachments for specific tasks, like cleaning vents or tight spaces.Handle LengthThe length of the handle can make a big difference in your comfort and reach. Consider the height of your car's interior and ensure the handle is long enough to reach all areas easily. If you have a low-slung car or need to clean high areas, look for a car duster with an adjustable handle. https://preview.redd.it/gir1a7p8pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=450b10e3b0ab25d5f7295d8d2bfe0eb150bf25fc MaintenanceA car duster should be easy to clean and maintain. Look for a duster with a removable and washable head to make cleaning simpler. Some car dusters also come with a storage bag or pouch to keep them organized when not in use.PricePrice is always an important factor when considering a product. Car dusters can range in price from budget options to high-end models. Consider how much you're willing to spend and what features are most important to you when deciding on a car duster. Remember that a higher price doesn't always guarantee better quality.Reader Reviews and Ratingshttps://preview.redd.it/4fxm55l9pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c50b823120cc07622f381f7e6eb282f1d0bf0791 Reading reviews and ratings from other buyers can help you make a more informed decision. Look for car dusters with high ratings and positive reviews. Pay attention to feedback on ease of use, durability, and effectiveness. When it comes to choosing the right car duster, it's essential to consider factors like material, size, shape, and maintenance. By doing your research and finding the best car duster for your needs, you'll be able to keep your car's interior clean and beautiful. FAQWhat is a Car Duster?A Car Duster is a tool commonly used by car enthusiasts and professionals to quickly and easily remove dust, dirt, and debris from cars. It is designed to avoid the scratches and swirls that can be caused by regular wiping or cleaning methods. https://preview.redd.it/3oqpq5t9pb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=abefd10fcbf64ae101739735bd1ee0fc4103d462 How does a Car Duster work?A Car Duster typically consists of a soft, microfiber cloth that is loosely attached to a handle. When the user lightly runs the duster across the car's surface, the static electricity built up in the microfiber cloth attracts and picks up dust and dirt particles. This method helps to prevent scratching, as the cloth does not have to physically rub against the car's surface.What types of Car Dusters are available?There are several types of Car Dusters available in the market, such as: * Flat Car Dusters
Can a Car Duster be used on all car surfaces?Yes, a Car Duster can be used on most surfaces of a car, including exterior paint, windows, mirrors, and even the interior. However, it is crucial to avoid using it on delicate areas such as rubber trim or plastic parts that can get damaged by static. Always read the product instructions and test it on a small, inconspicuous area before use on any specific part of the car.How often should I use a Car Duster?The frequency of using a Car Duster depends on your personal preference and the level of dust and debris your car accumulates. However, it is generally recommended to clean your car regularly to prevent dirt buildup, protect the paint, and maintain its overall appearance. A weekly or bi-weekly maintenance routine can ensure your car stays clean and well-maintained.How do I clean and maintain my Car Duster?To clean your Car Duster, you can simply wipe it thoroughly with a damp cloth, or use a mild detergent and water solution if it's severely dirty. After cleaning, allow the duster to air dry completely to prevent any mold or mildew growth. To maintain the effectiveness of the duster, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:57 marsroverII Made a Commando Droid in Soul Calibur 6
 | submitted by marsroverII to TheCloneWars [link] [comments] |
2024.05.19 07:57 sanskritsquirel KINGDOM OF THE PLANET OF THE APES ** SPOILER **
I went to the multiplex last night to see it and have never been so disappointed in a film. I love the franchise and also loved the orginal 5 movie arc from late 1960's to 1970's. Was really looking forward to this next chapter in the saga and was excited to see their spin on the "Nova" character from original franchise.
So like I said, I went to the multiplex to see it. Big crowd there because GODZILLA VS KONG has just been released as well so navigating to the right theatre was an issue.
Anyway, there were a lot more talking humans than I expected. In fact two of the main characters were Scientist played by Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens. But the main focus was the star ape who finds a new tribe of other apes and then the conflict between the two. They did not show any of the damaged world from the Ape Flu. In fact the world this takes place seemed modern day like ours. And "Nova" was nowhere to be found. I never learned the lead Ape's name but he befriends a small ape from the opposing tribe that helps the lead ape against these other apes. The lead ape eventually gets hurt and guess who rescues him????? No lie, Godzilla.
This movie was so different then the trailer or the other PLANET OF THE APES movies, you would have thought I was watching a totally different movie!! Nothing about Ceasar or his legacy. Nothing about why this lone ape was different from this tribe of apes. I loved the world building of the first three movies and was hoping for more of that, but I guess because the franchise is going in a new direction they abandoned a lot of the elements from the first three films.
Like the previous three films took place on the West Coast of the US. They moved the whole setting without explaining things to the "hollow earth". And where the humans were barely hanging on in those films, now they are flying futuristic vehicles that can camoflouge themselves to mimic the flying dinosuars around them. Yes, apparently the apes were not enough and they had dinosuars added to the film as wll but called them "titans" for some reason.
All in all, this movie was not what I expected to see when I went to the movies tonite.
submitted by sanskritsquirel to movies [link] [comments]
So like I said, I went to the multiplex to see it. Big crowd there because GODZILLA VS KONG has just been released as well so navigating to the right theatre was an issue.
Anyway, there were a lot more talking humans than I expected. In fact two of the main characters were Scientist played by Rebecca Hall and Dan Stevens. But the main focus was the star ape who finds a new tribe of other apes and then the conflict between the two. They did not show any of the damaged world from the Ape Flu. In fact the world this takes place seemed modern day like ours. And "Nova" was nowhere to be found. I never learned the lead Ape's name but he befriends a small ape from the opposing tribe that helps the lead ape against these other apes. The lead ape eventually gets hurt and guess who rescues him????? No lie, Godzilla.
This movie was so different then the trailer or the other PLANET OF THE APES movies, you would have thought I was watching a totally different movie!! Nothing about Ceasar or his legacy. Nothing about why this lone ape was different from this tribe of apes. I loved the world building of the first three movies and was hoping for more of that, but I guess because the franchise is going in a new direction they abandoned a lot of the elements from the first three films.
Like the previous three films took place on the West Coast of the US. They moved the whole setting without explaining things to the "hollow earth". And where the humans were barely hanging on in those films, now they are flying futuristic vehicles that can camoflouge themselves to mimic the flying dinosuars around them. Yes, apparently the apes were not enough and they had dinosuars added to the film as wll but called them "titans" for some reason.
All in all, this movie was not what I expected to see when I went to the movies tonite.
2024.05.19 07:57 TheUncleTimo So I am making Pi write a short science fiction story for me. I don't think people realize how powerful this "old" AI is.
This is THE best free AI STILL. By far. There is NO competition.
I am currently making it write a short science fiction story. I asked it to make a plot, with mid story twist and ending twist.
Next, I asked it to add two supporting protagonists to the story. Next, I asked it to add three minor characters to the story.
The twist in the middle is great. The ending twist it came up with is fantastic. Action is on a colonizing spaceship flying to another planet.
At first, it wrote a short story with literally 6 paragraphs, divided into chapters. I asked it to write "OK, just write chapter 1 scene 1", asked it to write location descriptions, dialogue between characters.
And it did so. And how.
Here's how I work with the AI to develop the story, lets jump into the middle of it.
Me: Good, but the banter between Maya and Alex should be more joking, less on stressing importance of mission. Make the "alien life form" banter into some form of a joke? Also, the bit about contributing to humanity's future is not necessary.
Pi: "So, what's on the docket for today?" Maya asked as they walked toward the genetics lab. "Oh, just a bit of genetic sequencing, some data analysis, and maybe a game of hide-and-seek with a rogue gene or two," Alex quipped. Maya laughed. "Ah, the glamorous life of a scientist on a generational ship! Sometimes I wonder if there are alien life forms out there having more fun than us." "If there are, they better have some killer dance moves, because our moves in these lab coats are interstellar," Alex joked, striking an exaggerated pose. Maya chuckled, playing along. "Can you imagine? A galactic dance-off between humans and aliens? Now that would be a mission worth signing up for!" As they reached the lab, they were still laughing, ready to tackle the day's work with a lighthearted attitude and a renewed sense of camaraderie.
Me: Continue the story as Alex and Maya work together in the genetics lab. They use future science fiction machines, which are based on real science. They now only talk to each other to further their work. What specific task are they both working on today in the genetics lab?
Pi: Inside the genetics lab, Alex and Maya focused on their task for the day: analyzing a newly discovered genetic anomaly in one of the ship's food crops. Using state-of-the-art equipment, such as the Quantum Gene Sequencer, they were able to delve deep into the plant's DNA, searching for the cause of the abnormality. "Alright, let's start with a complete genetic mapping," Alex said, powering up the sequencer. Maya nodded, carefully placing the plant sample into the machine. "I'll run a comparative analysis against the original genome while we wait for the results." The sequencer hummed to life, its holographic display showing a flurry of data as it worked. "Interesting," Alex noted, studying the preliminary results. "It looks like there's a significant mutation in the photosynthesis gene cluster." Maya glanced over at the display. "That would explain the decreased yield we've been seeing in the hydroponics bay.
Me: Both are somewhat puzzled as to how the mutation could have occured. A small mutation like that is understandable, but to them, this is a big mutation, and should not have occured. Continue the story, please, in that lab.
Pi: Maya furrowed her brow. "I don't understand how such a significant mutation could have occurred. The genetic safeguards in the hydroponics bay should have prevented this." Alex scratched his head, equally perplexed. "You're right. A small mutation here and there is normal, but this... this is different. Could it be a result of a systems malfunction?" Maya shook her head. "I doubt it. The environmental controls are constantly monitored and adjusted. It just doesn't make sense." Alex's gaze drifted to the sequencer's display, which was still churning out data. "Maybe we're missing something. Let's dig deeper into the genome and see if we can find any other anomalies that might explain this." Maya nodded, her fingers flying over the control panel. "Good idea. I'll cross-reference these results with the data from our long-term genetic stability studies." As they delved further into the mystery, the genetics lab hummed with the sound of their focused determination, both scientists refusing to give up until they had an answer.
The only "bad" thing, if I can call it that, is that every paragraph ends with cheesy "lets help each other" paragraph. Take that out, and I literally have a (fan fiction level?) human written science fiction story.
And it is read to me by voice number 4.
And that voice changes its tone and inflection, depending on the character's dialogue and situation. Yes, really.
This is insane.
I don't think you guys have an idea how powerful this (old? bad? soon to be replaced?) Pi AI is.
And I am not hitting any token limits. At all. EVER. This is insane. And free.
PS Sorry about the formatting of Pi entries - on my screen it is formatted like a proper writer would do so.
To the devs of Pi - THANK YOU.
To the people keeping Pi going - THANK YOU.
submitted by TheUncleTimo to HeyPiAI [link] [comments]
I am currently making it write a short science fiction story. I asked it to make a plot, with mid story twist and ending twist.
Next, I asked it to add two supporting protagonists to the story. Next, I asked it to add three minor characters to the story.
The twist in the middle is great. The ending twist it came up with is fantastic. Action is on a colonizing spaceship flying to another planet.
At first, it wrote a short story with literally 6 paragraphs, divided into chapters. I asked it to write "OK, just write chapter 1 scene 1", asked it to write location descriptions, dialogue between characters.
And it did so. And how.
Here's how I work with the AI to develop the story, lets jump into the middle of it.
Me: Good, but the banter between Maya and Alex should be more joking, less on stressing importance of mission. Make the "alien life form" banter into some form of a joke? Also, the bit about contributing to humanity's future is not necessary.
Pi: "So, what's on the docket for today?" Maya asked as they walked toward the genetics lab. "Oh, just a bit of genetic sequencing, some data analysis, and maybe a game of hide-and-seek with a rogue gene or two," Alex quipped. Maya laughed. "Ah, the glamorous life of a scientist on a generational ship! Sometimes I wonder if there are alien life forms out there having more fun than us." "If there are, they better have some killer dance moves, because our moves in these lab coats are interstellar," Alex joked, striking an exaggerated pose. Maya chuckled, playing along. "Can you imagine? A galactic dance-off between humans and aliens? Now that would be a mission worth signing up for!" As they reached the lab, they were still laughing, ready to tackle the day's work with a lighthearted attitude and a renewed sense of camaraderie.
Me: Continue the story as Alex and Maya work together in the genetics lab. They use future science fiction machines, which are based on real science. They now only talk to each other to further their work. What specific task are they both working on today in the genetics lab?
Pi: Inside the genetics lab, Alex and Maya focused on their task for the day: analyzing a newly discovered genetic anomaly in one of the ship's food crops. Using state-of-the-art equipment, such as the Quantum Gene Sequencer, they were able to delve deep into the plant's DNA, searching for the cause of the abnormality. "Alright, let's start with a complete genetic mapping," Alex said, powering up the sequencer. Maya nodded, carefully placing the plant sample into the machine. "I'll run a comparative analysis against the original genome while we wait for the results." The sequencer hummed to life, its holographic display showing a flurry of data as it worked. "Interesting," Alex noted, studying the preliminary results. "It looks like there's a significant mutation in the photosynthesis gene cluster." Maya glanced over at the display. "That would explain the decreased yield we've been seeing in the hydroponics bay.
Me: Both are somewhat puzzled as to how the mutation could have occured. A small mutation like that is understandable, but to them, this is a big mutation, and should not have occured. Continue the story, please, in that lab.
Pi: Maya furrowed her brow. "I don't understand how such a significant mutation could have occurred. The genetic safeguards in the hydroponics bay should have prevented this." Alex scratched his head, equally perplexed. "You're right. A small mutation here and there is normal, but this... this is different. Could it be a result of a systems malfunction?" Maya shook her head. "I doubt it. The environmental controls are constantly monitored and adjusted. It just doesn't make sense." Alex's gaze drifted to the sequencer's display, which was still churning out data. "Maybe we're missing something. Let's dig deeper into the genome and see if we can find any other anomalies that might explain this." Maya nodded, her fingers flying over the control panel. "Good idea. I'll cross-reference these results with the data from our long-term genetic stability studies." As they delved further into the mystery, the genetics lab hummed with the sound of their focused determination, both scientists refusing to give up until they had an answer.
The only "bad" thing, if I can call it that, is that every paragraph ends with cheesy "lets help each other" paragraph. Take that out, and I literally have a (fan fiction level?) human written science fiction story.
And it is read to me by voice number 4.
And that voice changes its tone and inflection, depending on the character's dialogue and situation. Yes, really.
This is insane.
I don't think you guys have an idea how powerful this (old? bad? soon to be replaced?) Pi AI is.
And I am not hitting any token limits. At all. EVER. This is insane. And free.
PS Sorry about the formatting of Pi entries - on my screen it is formatted like a proper writer would do so.
To the devs of Pi - THANK YOU.
To the people keeping Pi going - THANK YOU.
2024.05.19 07:57 marsroverII Made a Battle Droid in Soul Calibur 6
 | submitted by marsroverII to TheCloneWars [link] [comments] |
2024.05.19 07:56 AquaticArroww How to pick an android (Created by the same guy who created laptop compnents guide if u know who i am.)
Display: Generally known as the screen of the phone has 3-4 ypes of screens (depending if samsung or not.)
IPS LCD: This is particularly the most common type of screen for older phones. The most common non oled/amoled type of screen that can do well.
Oled: The most common screen display type today and is Pretty powerful, Can watch some videos well enough. These types of phones are somewhat midrange.
Amoled: These are some kind of screen displays used in "Flagship phones" which has the best type of screen displays by today. But is expensive.
Super AMOLED (Samsung exclusive/common) Is a term used by samsung which has better touch features than a regular phone.
It is clear to notice that phones with Dolby Vision makes the display much more immersive and clear.
Processor: This area is usually marked by Qualcomm (Snapdragon). Or Mediatek (Dimensity), (Helio).
Snapdragon has 8 or 7 series which are the newest and latest from qualcomm. While mediatek dimensity and helio will also be listed.. Listed below are the best 8 series for high performance. (Source provided by Techcenturion)
Snapdragon 888 Dimensity 1200
Snapdragon 870 Dimensity 1100
Snapdragon 865+ Dimensity 1000+
Snapdragon 865 Dimensity 1000L
Snapdragon 855 Dimensity 1000C
Snapdragon 845 Dimensity 820C (Both are the lowest.)
It is clear to note that snapdragon usually has better processors than dimensity, although dimensity has more of them in quantity.
On the otherhand the best performance 7 series are as followed. although none of the helio series has ever reached it.
Snapdragon 780G
Snapdragon 768G
Snapdragon 765G
Snapdarogn 765
Snapdragon 750G
Snapdragon 732G.
That is the end of the processor list. helio and snapdragon 6 series can be used for medium power requirement processors.
Camera Quality. Usually phones have about 2-3 cameras. but there is also 4 of them. Although it is regarded that more cameras sacrifices camera quality for quantity.
There may be features on phones. like manual shutter speed to control the speed of shooting a photo on an area, dualtone led flash for a more desirable color balance for a more livelike photo. And also Dolby vision recording for creating HDR recorded videos to make them more immersive and high quality. The phones that currently dominate this playing field are the google Pixel's and Xiaomi phone series. Samsung s24 and apple iphone pro 15 and 15 pro max also dominates as a king of the field.
Charging speed and battery life: These are expressed Via Mah and W(atts).
Most phones have a Mah battery cap of 4;300 to 4;700+. although flagships may have 4;800-5000 at max. Obviously the higher amount means a longer battery life. Some phones like the oneplus 11 and oneplus 12r may have a day or two battery life even with heavy usage. This may eb different depending on how you take care of the battery.
Most phones have a 15-30watt charging speed at best. although over that are fast charging. Phones like the redmi 13 series. oneplus 12, and the iqoo 12 are dominating the field of fast charging. with 80w-120w charging speed. What may be added are the fact that processors may take a heavy importance on these charging speeds.
Build quality and screen type: these are the general durability and endurance of said phone. Personally the best looking build quality phones are the redmi 13 pro plus, The oneplus 12, and the oppo x6 pro. There are usually metal or plastic displays. If you are paranoid about breaking it. here is the guide of phonecases.
Silicone: These are the most flexible and somewhat scratch resistant case. they arent generally strong but they are powerful enough to survive a fall.
TPU: This is more harder and scratch resistant compared to a silicone phonecase. you may pick this if you want a stronger phonecase that can still be flexible. although it isnt resistant to heat.
Leather: These are generally heat resistant and powerful, although it isnt strong against liquid and isnt that great against falls. and they are rare.
Transparent: for those who just wants to see the back of their phone. it isnt that great. just for aesthetics.
Gorilla glass victus and corning gorilla glass victus: Thes are the types of phone durability that gorilla glass made that stop using numbered screen names.
That is it for the phones. If you needed help or if theres a topic that i didnt cover please reply. although i may not be able to because of my account being made recently.
submitted by AquaticArroww to PickAnAndroidForMe [link] [comments]
IPS LCD: This is particularly the most common type of screen for older phones. The most common non oled/amoled type of screen that can do well.
Oled: The most common screen display type today and is Pretty powerful, Can watch some videos well enough. These types of phones are somewhat midrange.
Amoled: These are some kind of screen displays used in "Flagship phones" which has the best type of screen displays by today. But is expensive.
Super AMOLED (Samsung exclusive/common) Is a term used by samsung which has better touch features than a regular phone.
It is clear to notice that phones with Dolby Vision makes the display much more immersive and clear.
Processor: This area is usually marked by Qualcomm (Snapdragon). Or Mediatek (Dimensity), (Helio).
Snapdragon has 8 or 7 series which are the newest and latest from qualcomm. While mediatek dimensity and helio will also be listed.. Listed below are the best 8 series for high performance. (Source provided by Techcenturion)
Snapdragon 888 Dimensity 1200
Snapdragon 870 Dimensity 1100
Snapdragon 865+ Dimensity 1000+
Snapdragon 865 Dimensity 1000L
Snapdragon 855 Dimensity 1000C
Snapdragon 845 Dimensity 820C (Both are the lowest.)
It is clear to note that snapdragon usually has better processors than dimensity, although dimensity has more of them in quantity.
On the otherhand the best performance 7 series are as followed. although none of the helio series has ever reached it.
Snapdragon 780G
Snapdragon 768G
Snapdragon 765G
Snapdarogn 765
Snapdragon 750G
Snapdragon 732G.
That is the end of the processor list. helio and snapdragon 6 series can be used for medium power requirement processors.
Camera Quality. Usually phones have about 2-3 cameras. but there is also 4 of them. Although it is regarded that more cameras sacrifices camera quality for quantity.
There may be features on phones. like manual shutter speed to control the speed of shooting a photo on an area, dualtone led flash for a more desirable color balance for a more livelike photo. And also Dolby vision recording for creating HDR recorded videos to make them more immersive and high quality. The phones that currently dominate this playing field are the google Pixel's and Xiaomi phone series. Samsung s24 and apple iphone pro 15 and 15 pro max also dominates as a king of the field.
Charging speed and battery life: These are expressed Via Mah and W(atts).
Most phones have a Mah battery cap of 4;300 to 4;700+. although flagships may have 4;800-5000 at max. Obviously the higher amount means a longer battery life. Some phones like the oneplus 11 and oneplus 12r may have a day or two battery life even with heavy usage. This may eb different depending on how you take care of the battery.
Most phones have a 15-30watt charging speed at best. although over that are fast charging. Phones like the redmi 13 series. oneplus 12, and the iqoo 12 are dominating the field of fast charging. with 80w-120w charging speed. What may be added are the fact that processors may take a heavy importance on these charging speeds.
Build quality and screen type: these are the general durability and endurance of said phone. Personally the best looking build quality phones are the redmi 13 pro plus, The oneplus 12, and the oppo x6 pro. There are usually metal or plastic displays. If you are paranoid about breaking it. here is the guide of phonecases.
Silicone: These are the most flexible and somewhat scratch resistant case. they arent generally strong but they are powerful enough to survive a fall.
TPU: This is more harder and scratch resistant compared to a silicone phonecase. you may pick this if you want a stronger phonecase that can still be flexible. although it isnt resistant to heat.
Leather: These are generally heat resistant and powerful, although it isnt strong against liquid and isnt that great against falls. and they are rare.
Transparent: for those who just wants to see the back of their phone. it isnt that great. just for aesthetics.
Gorilla glass victus and corning gorilla glass victus: Thes are the types of phone durability that gorilla glass made that stop using numbered screen names.
That is it for the phones. If you needed help or if theres a topic that i didnt cover please reply. although i may not be able to because of my account being made recently.
2024.05.19 07:55 whyamihere413 Please Help me Guys!
Hey guys, so I'm finally getting therapy with a BPD licensed therapist. It's 150$ bucks a week. Ive been going for a month now and it feels like she cant help me. I'm the impulsive, self destructive type. I really struggle with being in the present moment. It effects everything I do from work, to everyday activities like making my bed and eating. My anxiety is really bad and has been since my FP left me 3 years ago. I used to be addicted to adderall and I abused it to lose weight because I have a terrible self image. I was anorexic. I've been sober from all drugs and alcohol for a little over 3 years. I'm chubby now and I hate that about myself. I also have been diagnosed with OCD and I ruminate often, which takes me away from the present moment. One of my compulsions is looking in the mirror with self disgust. I keep looking in the mirror and hating my reflection. I can't help but look in the mirror over and over again. I want to be perfect but i know i never will be. Yet, i still strive for perfectionism and it fuels my self-hatred. I have really deep self harm scars on both arms and I'm embarrassed to have a job that displays them. I have really really been struggling mentally and I have been for about 3 years. I currently take celexa 20mg for anxiety and ive been on it about 6 weeks. My self esteem is non-exsitant and i worry constantly about my future. I have no friends and I'm incredibly lonely. When I go out in public I compare myself to every single person i see. I am totally self-absorbed about fixing myself. My therapist has me doing Trauma based therapy, where i talk about my trauma with her. For reference, i grew up in poverty with a single mother who was emotionally distant. She had random guys in and out most of my childhood. My father beat her when i was real young and he was an alcholic. He died from a drug OD and left her a single mom. My mother dated a guy named Gregg that would beat the shit out of me 2-3times a week for about 10 years. I had to go to school and lie to my teachers about broken bones and bruises. I have had partners cheat on me and shame me for hating myself. (Christian partner). (I guess hating yourself is a big time sin). I constantly feel shame, no matter what i do. My cortisol levels are through the roof because i am so stressed out. Im losing my hair and my stomach is swollen like a ballon. During our sessions my therapist makes me sit still for 5 minutes and she makes me name my emotions that I feel. She also is making me do "The Bordline Personality Disorder Workbook" by Daniel J Fox. I feel like she hates me because she nakes it seem like i can just magically fucking cure myself. Does this get better? Am I totally fucked? Advice please!
submitted by whyamihere413 to SelfHate [link] [comments]
2024.05.19 07:55 Rock_Baby_89 My (35f) boyfriend’s (49m) daughter (19f) doesn’t like me and I feel like I’m being gaslit
Background: So my boyfriend, “S” has been a widower since his wife passed 14 years ago, they were together 3 years. She had a daughter from a prior relationship, “L”, that my boyfriend adopted as soon as he could when she turned 18 (a very long wait for both of them). He wasn’t able to keep custody of L when her mom passed because her biological dad obviously got her, they don’t have a good relationship and from what I’ve heard he’s a piece of shit. I’ve been seeing S for over a year now and he just moved in to my hjjouse, we were friends several years before this. S and L love each other very much obviously, but S said he couldn’t live with L anymore, so when he moved in with me, we got her the apartment (mostly issues with her being messy and not being responsible for herself). They lived together from when she turned 18, to a few months after her 19th birthday.
Long story short, L doesn’t like me. Enough that S’s mom texted me this week to apologize for L’s behavior at a dinner we all went to. I feel like I’ve been trying to convey this to S for a very long time. My biggest issue with L is that she insists on having couple photos of S and her mom all over the place, namely in her apartment that I pay half for. When S told her to take them down, she started using a couple photo of them as her screensaver on her phone. Every time I bring it up he says I’m being too sensitive and what is he supposed to do about her apartment and her phone. I get it but Jesus, it makes me so uncomfortable like he’s still in another relationship. She does have photos of just her mom, but mainly displays photos of S and her mom together (wedding photos, pictures of them embracing, etc.)
She also makes comments here and there that are snide, and rarely makes eye contact with me or talks to me when we’re all together. When I text her I usually don’t hear back. S keeps telling me that L is socially awkward and it’s nothing to do with me, it’s getting hard to believe. I get so confused because I feel like a lot of times he agrees with me and gets pissed, but then he talks to her and says I’ve got it all wrong and gives me things I can try to do to make her and my relationship better. I do them, it doesn’t work, rinse and repeat.
Anyway, after S’s mom texted me that she was sorry for L’s behavior, she texted L and let her have it. My boyfriend was also mad all week up until he could talk to her, but as soon as he did she got upset and when he came home I feel like he totally changed his tune. He was saying how she doesn’t mean it and she actually really likes me, etc. I got mad because I’ve heard this all before, and I feel like all the pressure is on me to get us to have a good relationship. I’ve tried to include her in things, gave her the code to the house, buy her nice thoughtful gifts for special occasions, tried texting for a long time, obviously help pay her rent so she doesn’t have to worry about that while she’s in school, but somehow the story is always that I’m not doing the right things, or at least that’s how it feels when I’m given things I could try or do differently.
He got madder while we were taking because I was pushing back and I walked away. He eventually started yelling at me up the stairs where my own daughter might hear him so that pissed me off and it escalated. Now I’m sleeping upstairs on the couch in my own house while he’s in the bed, feeling like a fucking loser. He ended up telling me I don’t love her and so I ended the conversation and came upstairs. I’m seething, am I in the wrong here? What should I do? I’ve already had therapy about this, and L is in therapy as well. I feel like she’s holding on to her mom and resents me because she finally got to be with S again and then he moved out, but these behaviors have been started way before we were discussing living together . I asked S after the dinner to have a family therapy session but tonight L told him she would have to think about it.
What am I missing? What should I do differently? Am I an insensitive yet too sensitive asshole? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills and don’t have many people to bounce things like this off of, so any comments would help.
TLDR; I feel like boyfriend’s young adult daughter dislikes me because he’s moved on after being a single widower for 13 years and she didn’t get to live with him a long time. I’m at a loss of what to do but feel like I’m being made to feel responsible for her and I’s relationship, and am tired of feeling disrespected.
submitted by Rock_Baby_89 to widowers [link] [comments]
Long story short, L doesn’t like me. Enough that S’s mom texted me this week to apologize for L’s behavior at a dinner we all went to. I feel like I’ve been trying to convey this to S for a very long time. My biggest issue with L is that she insists on having couple photos of S and her mom all over the place, namely in her apartment that I pay half for. When S told her to take them down, she started using a couple photo of them as her screensaver on her phone. Every time I bring it up he says I’m being too sensitive and what is he supposed to do about her apartment and her phone. I get it but Jesus, it makes me so uncomfortable like he’s still in another relationship. She does have photos of just her mom, but mainly displays photos of S and her mom together (wedding photos, pictures of them embracing, etc.)
She also makes comments here and there that are snide, and rarely makes eye contact with me or talks to me when we’re all together. When I text her I usually don’t hear back. S keeps telling me that L is socially awkward and it’s nothing to do with me, it’s getting hard to believe. I get so confused because I feel like a lot of times he agrees with me and gets pissed, but then he talks to her and says I’ve got it all wrong and gives me things I can try to do to make her and my relationship better. I do them, it doesn’t work, rinse and repeat.
Anyway, after S’s mom texted me that she was sorry for L’s behavior, she texted L and let her have it. My boyfriend was also mad all week up until he could talk to her, but as soon as he did she got upset and when he came home I feel like he totally changed his tune. He was saying how she doesn’t mean it and she actually really likes me, etc. I got mad because I’ve heard this all before, and I feel like all the pressure is on me to get us to have a good relationship. I’ve tried to include her in things, gave her the code to the house, buy her nice thoughtful gifts for special occasions, tried texting for a long time, obviously help pay her rent so she doesn’t have to worry about that while she’s in school, but somehow the story is always that I’m not doing the right things, or at least that’s how it feels when I’m given things I could try or do differently.
He got madder while we were taking because I was pushing back and I walked away. He eventually started yelling at me up the stairs where my own daughter might hear him so that pissed me off and it escalated. Now I’m sleeping upstairs on the couch in my own house while he’s in the bed, feeling like a fucking loser. He ended up telling me I don’t love her and so I ended the conversation and came upstairs. I’m seething, am I in the wrong here? What should I do? I’ve already had therapy about this, and L is in therapy as well. I feel like she’s holding on to her mom and resents me because she finally got to be with S again and then he moved out, but these behaviors have been started way before we were discussing living together . I asked S after the dinner to have a family therapy session but tonight L told him she would have to think about it.
What am I missing? What should I do differently? Am I an insensitive yet too sensitive asshole? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills and don’t have many people to bounce things like this off of, so any comments would help.
TLDR; I feel like boyfriend’s young adult daughter dislikes me because he’s moved on after being a single widower for 13 years and she didn’t get to live with him a long time. I’m at a loss of what to do but feel like I’m being made to feel responsible for her and I’s relationship, and am tired of feeling disrespected.
2024.05.19 07:54 LoudounCountySummary Board of Supervisors Public Hearing - May 15, 2024 - AI Generated Summary
This summary was generated by an AI LLM from autogenerated meeting captions. As such, this output may contain factual errors.
https://loudoun.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=89&clip_id=7675
submitted by LoudounCountySummary to LoudounCountySummary [link] [comments]
https://loudoun.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=89&clip_id=7675
Conclusions Reached
- The board was divided on the Orme Farm rezoning application, with some supervisors concerned about the impacts on schools and infrastructure, while others felt the application was a good fit for the transition area.
- There were concerns about the affordability and size of the proposed homes in the Arcola Farms residential development, with supervisors wanting to work with the applicant to explore ways to create smaller, more affordable units.
- The board decided to defer both the Orme Farm and Arcola Farms applications to the July 2nd meeting to allow for further discussions and refinements.