Beaded satin ornament patterns
19/05/2024
2024.05.19 09:59 createdjustforthis23 19/05/2024
I slept fine, I didn’t fall asleep so nicely. I don’t know why, I felt perfectly adequate all evening and then bam I cry myself to sleep. I don’t know how or why, and I didn’t even cry over anything in particular it was just any and everything. And I just kept crying and crying, like a baby. I had to switch pillows twice because I drenched it, but I got to sleep on my favourite pillow by the time I was almost asleep thankfully. I can be so picky with pillows, another thing mum tends to call me, even to this day - the princess and the pea. Or rather she likens me to her… I can’t entirely say I disagree tbh. I just like things a particular way, not all things, I can be relaxed about plenty, but there are some things I just to be just so. My pillows when I sleep for example, how the dishwasher top rack is stacked etc. Entirely inconsequential things really. But anyway. I didn’t fall asleep so nicely. I woke up feeling better, still a bit sad but nothing I couldn’t ignore.
It’s now 12:58pm and I’ve done next to nothing. I’ve been watching BT, I’m not writing the name of the show because I feel like that might be search heavy at the moment? So I’ve been watching that, I’m midway through the third episode now and there are four out so far. I’ve also painted some of my lil clay things with primer. And that’s about it. I really need to clean and tidy my room but the idea of it… ugh. I don’t want to :(
I’m loving BT so much. I like the stories and characters and stuff, but I mostly love the sets and costumes. They’re just so luxuriously opulent and uggghhhhhhh I want to just stare it all. Sometimes I wish they would clear out the cast and just give us a tour of the rooms and show all the details of the gowns. But like I learned in therapy, beauty is something I value highly, not in a vain way but in the way I utterly adore beautiful things whether it be a stunningly ornate wallpaper, a sparkly bead encrusted gown or even a leaf that is the perfect shade of green. I just love it all and it brings me so much joy, more than I realised now that I’m conscious of this value of mine. But the BT house itself, particularly the drawing room ommmmgggg. The blue? I think it’s called wedgewood blue from memory, with the creamy/white detailing. And all the light streaming through. It’s so dreamy. And it makes me love my blue and white bedroom more. And the gowns!!!!!!! I wish I could roll around in them, they’re so sparkly and detailed and beyond beautiful. Particularly the ones crusted in beading and with the luxurious silks and satins and velvets and taffetas and organza and all of it. And the colours! It’s all so dreamy. I don’t overly love the style of a lot of the gowns, that sort of empire line, mainly because it only looks good on women with fewer curves and a flatter chest, they can look gorrrrrrrgeous in them. But otherwise if you have any kind of cleavage it looks so weird and bleh. I love Penelope so much, she’s always been a favourite character and she honestly deserves the very best. And Colin definitely got a glow up prior to this season. His brown coat is so delicious. I’m beginning to wonder if I should read the series…? I do love a lil historical romance. Anyway I don’t even Penelope and Colin to end up together, I mean Lord Debling is so lovely and Colin is off sleeping with hookers… like? Then again I know I am wrong in how I think and feel about all of this. I know I have expectations ghat are unfair, I mean maybe not for everyone but if I’m nothing special and therefore not enough then can I criticise. This doesn’t make sense. Anyway. Actually nevermind I just watched the fourth episode and I am very much Team Colin. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!!!!!!!! But now I have to wait for part two in mid June :(
I’m going to the office tomorrow. I don’t want to. But oh well. I’m going to make a concerted effort to get back in twice a week - I’ve been slack with it and it doesn’t help me become better. Leaving the house more is important, so this shall be one of the ways. I’m also going to get some new sneakers and a walking jacket so I can go for walks more regularly. I’d like to go several times a week, but I’ll work up to that. I love my walks, I love them a lot but I just get filled with every negative emotion when I go for them around my house, to the point I’ll start having tears running down my cheeks or shaky trembly hands - it’s pathetic. I think environment is everything, and purpose. When I walk pups at my parents I don’t feel these things, I’ll be a little anxy but nothing I can’t manage. But here? It’s so hard. It’s so stupid I know. But I love walking, I feel better when I do it regularly, so I shall keep forcing myself to do it until I feel okay about it. I know this is what I have to do, but the way it makes me feel inside… it never feels worth it. To be 20 minutes walk from home and feel on the verge of a panic attack is NOT a good feeling and it only makes my panic worsen. So baby steps. I’ve been considering on and off moving to a different area, I think I would feel more comfortable in other areas, I don’t know why I don’t here but I don’t. But moving elsewhere is no different to running from problems so I will sort it out here.
I broke his little bowl. I didn’t mean to :( I feel kind of upset about it, it’s been two weeks in the making with time to shape, dry, prime and I was doing a final layer of primer pre paint and my stupid finger went through the base. So I guess it would never have been a good present anyway because it broke so easily. But I bought a really pretty coloured paint because I thought he might like it and I just feel upset. I showed him it, idk why, I just messaged him a picture of it now and I already wish I hadn’t. I shouldn’t have even made anything for him in the first place, he’s made it abundantly clear he doesn’t care for homemade things - cards, presents, whatever. If he did like them he would comment on them, and he never does, so maybe it’s a good thing this broke. I just like sharing things with him, like when I draw and I like a tree I’ve drawn I want to show him, except I don’t because I’m utterly rubbish at drawing and it makes me look like a five year old. I at least appreciate his honesty, or transparency rather. It means I can understand what he does and doesn’t like. I just think his likes don’t mesh with my like of making homemade cards and presents. It’s not like I only give him that though. Anyway it doesn’t matter, plus it’s probably better for me to not share things like this given I don’t have any skill or natural talent with it. Just because you enjoy something doesn’t make you good at it.
I don’t feel so great this afternoon, mood wise.
I’ve done the absolute bare minimum with my room, and the bar was set very, very low today. I tidied the floor up a bit, I made my bed, did a lazy tidy of my vanity desk thing.. that’s about it. I’ll do more across the week.
I feel.. detached today. This afternoon, rather. I know I love my family, Andy, puppy… etc. I just can’t feel it. I know it’s all in there, but I feel detached and I can’t reach it. This isn’t unusual, I just always try to describe the feeling and always fail. I think knowing I care but not being able to feel myself care sums it up as well as I’ll ever be able to.
I found a little notebook of my early days of therapy, well with this current one, maybe not that early actually but idk. It was just me writing down who I am. The first is “I am a human” because I had to start with the basics. The last line is “I try my best to be friendly” - I think I will continue with this. No one really comments much on me so I will just write it as things feel write. From memory it was also a way to force myself to speak more kindly to myself, ie I am a woman vs I am a monster. And things like I’m generous, I love animals, I am quiet, I try to be patient, I love romance, I appreciate attention to detail, I like to care for others, I am a homebody, I love reading etc. And then scattered amongst it was some honesty, like I can be a control freak, I am quite particular about some things, I am indecisive, I am sensitive etc. And then next to I am a friend I have a question mark. But I want to continue writing these things, I think it’s helpful when I feel lost in myself to be able to read through a list of things I’ve written and be reminded. That sounds so silly to not know who you are sometimes, but sometimes I just feel so unbelievably lost and unmoored from everything, even myself. So I’ll write all the good things, and the bad. I’ll write things that I like, things that I don’t. I’ll write things I want in my life, things I feel like I should want but don’t, things I shouldn’t want but do etc etc etc. It’ll be a little tiny notebook of everything me. I wonder if sometimes it’s possible for me to get any lamer? Unlikely.
I’ve been thinking about stopping journaling here more and more. I get more out of posting it here, it feels like a release, like I’m letting all the thoughts go which is especially helpful with my negative ones, I don’t know.
It’s 5:23pm. I need to wash and blowdry my hair, as it’s still damp in the morning lately. I need to have something for dinner, I guess. I’ve been struggling with eating lately, I feel so ugly and it makes me not want to eat and then that sets off a bad string of things. I’ll have something little, vegemite toast maybe. I need to pack my bag for tomorrow. And that’s it.
I feel better after a shower and chat with Andy, I still feel not good but he perked me up on the outside. He makes me laugh so much :) It’s kind of weird to think I’ll be living long term in Australia, like I’ve always intended on living there - until my mental health and covid messed things up a little for me timeline wise. But to think I’ll maybe say Australian things…? That I’ll say thongs? And I definitely will because I cave quickly, like I was only in the UK two years and I said crisps and trainers and I still do to this day, which I’m actively trying to stop. I wonder what my accent would sound like after like ten years… I really doubt I’d ever lose my accent. It’s funny how I do probably sound a bit different when talking to him versus my mum. I just talk more softly with him, I naturally do anyway to the point I have people comment semi regularly on how soft spoken I am, but idk, I don’t even mean to speak to him a certain way, I just do? And then he hears me talking to mum and I probably sound like I’m wearing Jandals and stubbies while loading up the ute as I prepare for a tramp in the bush. Christ. I do love being from here though, in theory I would rather we live here than Australia, and never say never… but it makes more sense to be there. I don’t really have anyone here other than my parents whereas he has family and friends and his payments and all of it. I don’t really have any ties here. Anyway.
I get to spend time with him tonight :) Night night
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It’s now 12:58pm and I’ve done next to nothing. I’ve been watching BT, I’m not writing the name of the show because I feel like that might be search heavy at the moment? So I’ve been watching that, I’m midway through the third episode now and there are four out so far. I’ve also painted some of my lil clay things with primer. And that’s about it. I really need to clean and tidy my room but the idea of it… ugh. I don’t want to :(
I’m loving BT so much. I like the stories and characters and stuff, but I mostly love the sets and costumes. They’re just so luxuriously opulent and uggghhhhhhh I want to just stare it all. Sometimes I wish they would clear out the cast and just give us a tour of the rooms and show all the details of the gowns. But like I learned in therapy, beauty is something I value highly, not in a vain way but in the way I utterly adore beautiful things whether it be a stunningly ornate wallpaper, a sparkly bead encrusted gown or even a leaf that is the perfect shade of green. I just love it all and it brings me so much joy, more than I realised now that I’m conscious of this value of mine. But the BT house itself, particularly the drawing room ommmmgggg. The blue? I think it’s called wedgewood blue from memory, with the creamy/white detailing. And all the light streaming through. It’s so dreamy. And it makes me love my blue and white bedroom more. And the gowns!!!!!!! I wish I could roll around in them, they’re so sparkly and detailed and beyond beautiful. Particularly the ones crusted in beading and with the luxurious silks and satins and velvets and taffetas and organza and all of it. And the colours! It’s all so dreamy. I don’t overly love the style of a lot of the gowns, that sort of empire line, mainly because it only looks good on women with fewer curves and a flatter chest, they can look gorrrrrrrgeous in them. But otherwise if you have any kind of cleavage it looks so weird and bleh. I love Penelope so much, she’s always been a favourite character and she honestly deserves the very best. And Colin definitely got a glow up prior to this season. His brown coat is so delicious. I’m beginning to wonder if I should read the series…? I do love a lil historical romance. Anyway I don’t even Penelope and Colin to end up together, I mean Lord Debling is so lovely and Colin is off sleeping with hookers… like? Then again I know I am wrong in how I think and feel about all of this. I know I have expectations ghat are unfair, I mean maybe not for everyone but if I’m nothing special and therefore not enough then can I criticise. This doesn’t make sense. Anyway. Actually nevermind I just watched the fourth episode and I am very much Team Colin. EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEH!!!!!!!! But now I have to wait for part two in mid June :(
I’m going to the office tomorrow. I don’t want to. But oh well. I’m going to make a concerted effort to get back in twice a week - I’ve been slack with it and it doesn’t help me become better. Leaving the house more is important, so this shall be one of the ways. I’m also going to get some new sneakers and a walking jacket so I can go for walks more regularly. I’d like to go several times a week, but I’ll work up to that. I love my walks, I love them a lot but I just get filled with every negative emotion when I go for them around my house, to the point I’ll start having tears running down my cheeks or shaky trembly hands - it’s pathetic. I think environment is everything, and purpose. When I walk pups at my parents I don’t feel these things, I’ll be a little anxy but nothing I can’t manage. But here? It’s so hard. It’s so stupid I know. But I love walking, I feel better when I do it regularly, so I shall keep forcing myself to do it until I feel okay about it. I know this is what I have to do, but the way it makes me feel inside… it never feels worth it. To be 20 minutes walk from home and feel on the verge of a panic attack is NOT a good feeling and it only makes my panic worsen. So baby steps. I’ve been considering on and off moving to a different area, I think I would feel more comfortable in other areas, I don’t know why I don’t here but I don’t. But moving elsewhere is no different to running from problems so I will sort it out here.
I broke his little bowl. I didn’t mean to :( I feel kind of upset about it, it’s been two weeks in the making with time to shape, dry, prime and I was doing a final layer of primer pre paint and my stupid finger went through the base. So I guess it would never have been a good present anyway because it broke so easily. But I bought a really pretty coloured paint because I thought he might like it and I just feel upset. I showed him it, idk why, I just messaged him a picture of it now and I already wish I hadn’t. I shouldn’t have even made anything for him in the first place, he’s made it abundantly clear he doesn’t care for homemade things - cards, presents, whatever. If he did like them he would comment on them, and he never does, so maybe it’s a good thing this broke. I just like sharing things with him, like when I draw and I like a tree I’ve drawn I want to show him, except I don’t because I’m utterly rubbish at drawing and it makes me look like a five year old. I at least appreciate his honesty, or transparency rather. It means I can understand what he does and doesn’t like. I just think his likes don’t mesh with my like of making homemade cards and presents. It’s not like I only give him that though. Anyway it doesn’t matter, plus it’s probably better for me to not share things like this given I don’t have any skill or natural talent with it. Just because you enjoy something doesn’t make you good at it.
I don’t feel so great this afternoon, mood wise.
I’ve done the absolute bare minimum with my room, and the bar was set very, very low today. I tidied the floor up a bit, I made my bed, did a lazy tidy of my vanity desk thing.. that’s about it. I’ll do more across the week.
I feel.. detached today. This afternoon, rather. I know I love my family, Andy, puppy… etc. I just can’t feel it. I know it’s all in there, but I feel detached and I can’t reach it. This isn’t unusual, I just always try to describe the feeling and always fail. I think knowing I care but not being able to feel myself care sums it up as well as I’ll ever be able to.
I found a little notebook of my early days of therapy, well with this current one, maybe not that early actually but idk. It was just me writing down who I am. The first is “I am a human” because I had to start with the basics. The last line is “I try my best to be friendly” - I think I will continue with this. No one really comments much on me so I will just write it as things feel write. From memory it was also a way to force myself to speak more kindly to myself, ie I am a woman vs I am a monster. And things like I’m generous, I love animals, I am quiet, I try to be patient, I love romance, I appreciate attention to detail, I like to care for others, I am a homebody, I love reading etc. And then scattered amongst it was some honesty, like I can be a control freak, I am quite particular about some things, I am indecisive, I am sensitive etc. And then next to I am a friend I have a question mark. But I want to continue writing these things, I think it’s helpful when I feel lost in myself to be able to read through a list of things I’ve written and be reminded. That sounds so silly to not know who you are sometimes, but sometimes I just feel so unbelievably lost and unmoored from everything, even myself. So I’ll write all the good things, and the bad. I’ll write things that I like, things that I don’t. I’ll write things I want in my life, things I feel like I should want but don’t, things I shouldn’t want but do etc etc etc. It’ll be a little tiny notebook of everything me. I wonder if sometimes it’s possible for me to get any lamer? Unlikely.
I’ve been thinking about stopping journaling here more and more. I get more out of posting it here, it feels like a release, like I’m letting all the thoughts go which is especially helpful with my negative ones, I don’t know.
It’s 5:23pm. I need to wash and blowdry my hair, as it’s still damp in the morning lately. I need to have something for dinner, I guess. I’ve been struggling with eating lately, I feel so ugly and it makes me not want to eat and then that sets off a bad string of things. I’ll have something little, vegemite toast maybe. I need to pack my bag for tomorrow. And that’s it.
I feel better after a shower and chat with Andy, I still feel not good but he perked me up on the outside. He makes me laugh so much :) It’s kind of weird to think I’ll be living long term in Australia, like I’ve always intended on living there - until my mental health and covid messed things up a little for me timeline wise. But to think I’ll maybe say Australian things…? That I’ll say thongs? And I definitely will because I cave quickly, like I was only in the UK two years and I said crisps and trainers and I still do to this day, which I’m actively trying to stop. I wonder what my accent would sound like after like ten years… I really doubt I’d ever lose my accent. It’s funny how I do probably sound a bit different when talking to him versus my mum. I just talk more softly with him, I naturally do anyway to the point I have people comment semi regularly on how soft spoken I am, but idk, I don’t even mean to speak to him a certain way, I just do? And then he hears me talking to mum and I probably sound like I’m wearing Jandals and stubbies while loading up the ute as I prepare for a tramp in the bush. Christ. I do love being from here though, in theory I would rather we live here than Australia, and never say never… but it makes more sense to be there. I don’t really have anyone here other than my parents whereas he has family and friends and his payments and all of it. I don’t really have any ties here. Anyway.
I get to spend time with him tonight :) Night night
2024.05.19 08:20 Significant-Tower146 Best Car Mirror Decor
 | submitted by Significant-Tower146 to u/Significant-Tower146 [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/rhi9ku02tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=abd4e7272e812f35a981c3a97356865a23faa72d Get ready to transform your car's mirrors into stylish statement pieces with our roundup of the top Car Mirror Decor options. From elegant designs to practical functionality, we've gathered an array of options that will elevate your vehicle's aesthetic while providing convenience on the road. The Top 8 Best Car Mirror Decor
Reviews🔗Yidexin Bling White Heart and Pink Fuzzy Car Accessorieshttps://preview.redd.it/srxkudb2tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bb16362096a501c023f5702e6dcd13db80f454c1 I recently had the pleasure of using Yidexin's bling car accessories for my daily commute, and I must say, they truly brightened up my car's interior. The chic white heart-shaped mirrors with sparkling rhinestones and crystal drops captured my attention right away. Hanging them from my rear view mirror was a breeze, and the included cord and string made the process even simpler. What stood out the most was the attention to detail in these bling car accessories. The design was modern and eye-catching, adding a touch of elegance and glamour to my car's interior. However, I did notice that they might be a bit too attention-grabbing for some, as they can be a bit of a distraction while driving. Nevertheless, they definitely made me feel like a VIP every time I hopped into my car. Overall, I am definitely a fan of Yidexin's bling car accessories. They add a touch of luxury and personality to any car, while also being easy to install and maintain. The only con that I noticed is that they can be a bit flashy for some people's taste, but that just comes down to personal preference. 🔗Car Interior Decoration: Rhinestone Rearview Mirrorhttps://preview.redd.it/pio7wer2tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=821a161a755b7f7495242b822a0ead012f5fd3e1 I recently tried a Guoord Car Accessories rearview mirror, and let me tell you, it's the perfect addition to any female driver's car interior. The rhinestone design adds a touch of bling, making my car look stylish and unique. One of the best things about this rearview mirror is its universal fit. It's a breeze to install and can easily be adjusted to fit most car types. The rhinestones are made of top-notch crystal silver and are meticulously hand-inlaid, ensuring lasting beauty and durability. However, I noticed that it only works with original mirrors that are no longer than 10 inches. Although it isn't a deal-breaker, it's worth mentioning because it might not be compatible with all vehicles. Overall, the Guoord car accessories for women are a fantastic way to add a dash of style to your car's interior. With its cute design and practical features, this rhinestone rearview mirror is a great choice for women who want to turn heads on the road. 🔗Disco Ball Sets: Bright Reflective Car Mirror Decorhttps://preview.redd.it/3lfe92z2tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=779fa2c85619b308b0800f2a1dbc92accc97694a Imagine driving down the highway late at night, with your car bedecked in shiny disco balls, illuminating the dark. That's the kind of experience these mini disco ball ornaments delivered. The set comes in diverse sizes, from 1'' to 2.4'', allowing you to add a touch of sparkle and whimsy to any space. Hanging these disco balls was effortless due to their attached lanyards. They can be hung on ceilings, walls, or with a slight twist, even on the tree during Christmas. I appreciate the versatility they bring to my home decor. However, I found that the strings for the larger balls were a bit too long and hard to conceal. It's also important to note that these products are not customizable and they don't come with any scent. But overall, the joy and fun these mini disco balls bring more than make up for these minor drawbacks. 🔗Elegant Car Rearview Mirror Bling Hanging Decorationhttps://preview.redd.it/9spf8jd3tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=36eba5326d621a0a144d05c054050e08926c76c8 I recently came across this delightful Yidexin Bling Car Mirror Accessories and it instantly caught my attention with its unique and fun design. The product was a great addition to my car, adding a touch of elegance and personality. The pink plush ball and crystal heart bling caught everyone's eye, and the hanging mount made it easy for me to install it on my rearview mirror. However, while I loved the overall design, I did notice that the product was not customizable, which would have been a nice addition. Nevertheless, the combination of the plush balls, bling, and rhinestones made it a truly eye-catching and stylish accessory. Overall, I'd highly recommend this bling car mirror accessory for anyone looking to add a touch of personalization and flair to their vehicle. 🔗Edilado Soot Sprites Car Rearview Mirror Accessories: Fun Decor for Adults and Kidshttps://preview.redd.it/t2ns9ot3tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=121e5d019e7ba3135752e38c4cd5ee1361e982f1 As a reviewer, I was excited to try out these cute soot sprite car rearview mirror accessories. The package came with 20 adorable tiny figures, each one bringing a unique touch of fun to my car interior. The high-quality resin material made them feel safe and sturdy, while their small size made them perfect for decorating various surfaces in my car. While these adorable car decorations definitely boosted the overall fun factor in my car, I found that they weren't as versatile as the product description suggested. Despite the promise of using them as home decor, garden ornaments, and even table ornaments, I found that most of these decorations were better suited for cars. Nevertheless, I think these would make a great gift for car and interior enthusiasts who appreciate whimsical and playful touches in their daily lives. Just remember that while they can transform your car into a magical wonderland, their versatility may be somewhat limited. 🔗Bling Car Cross Mirror Rearview Decorationhttps://preview.redd.it/z6ieyt54tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f9bd7148c85cf68263cb642ebdf80a7871596b18 I recently tried the PAGOW Bling Car Accessories for my car, and I was really impressed with how it elevated the overall look of my vehicle. The rhinestone-inlaid cross on this hanging charm is polished beautifully and glimmers in the sun, adding an air of sophistication to my car. One thing I noticed is that it comes in a perfect size, not so big that it blocks the view while driving but not so small that it gets lost among other interior features. It's perfect for enhancing the atmosphere inside the car. This car decoration is incredibly versatile, it's suitable for both men and women, and can be gifted during special occasions like Valentine's Day or Christmas. Not only can it be used as a car accessory but also as a hanging charm for your bedroom or office window. It really adds a touch of elegance to any space. 🔗Car Mirror Decoration with Chakra Ornamenthttps://preview.redd.it/dali7og4tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7e90049ca3d766cd7e1a76a74ea19b88f04d98d I've had the chance to use the Kindoodos Mini Dream Catcher Car Rearview Mirror Accessories Suncatcher in my daily life, and it has been quite an experience. This little mirror accessory adds a unique touch of spirituality and positivity to my car. With the shiny red, orange, and green chakra beads, it emanates a bright and vibrant energy whenever sunlight passes through. What I appreciated the most about this product is its mini size. It's small, lightweight, and unintrusive, yet it brings a lovely burst of color to my car's interior. It's not only a functional accessory but also a statement piece that brings a sense of peace and tranquility to my everyday commute. However, I must mention that the mini size comes with a minor inconvenience as well - it can be a bit challenging to see the car's rearview mirrors clearly through it. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it is something to consider when using the Kindoodos Mini Dream Catcher Car Rearview Mirror Accessories Suncatcher. Overall, I would say that this product adds a touch of spirituality and positivity to my daily life. Its mini size makes it easy to use, and its vibrant colors bring a sense of peace to my car. Despite the minor inconvenience of the small size obstructing my rearview mirror, I would still recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable and unique car accessory. 🔗Unique Handmade Himalayan Salt Car Mirror Decorationhttps://preview.redd.it/co6jr4y4tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=048ca36aaf74766d68211a365f96ee0286b5cc97 I recently tried the Persofine Handmade Himalayan Salt Car Rearview Mirror Pendant, and it's a unique and refreshing addition to my car. The handmade natural pendant is simple yet eye-catching, giving my car a personalized touch. Since it's made from natural Himalayan salt, each pendant has a unique shape and color. One feature I appreciated is the adjustable rope that can be wound a few more turns for a more comfortable fit on my rearview mirror. However, I found that the pendant itself is quite heavy, which sometimes makes it difficult to keep balanced on the mirror. But overall, the Persofine Car Rearview Mirror Pendant adds a touch of personality to my daily commute. Buyer's GuideCar mirror decor is a great way to personalize your vehicle and showcase your unique style. These decorative items not only enhance the appearance of your car but also provide additional functionality. Before making a purchase, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you choose the best car mirror decor for your needs.Material and Designhttps://preview.redd.it/8ua77v85tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1cafdafcfea3f839dc2345668f4dd6bca5b024f3 Car mirror decor can be made from various materials such as acrylic, glass, or even metal. Each material has its own pros and cons, so it's essential to choose one that suits your preference and budget. Compatibility with Car MirrorChoosing car mirror decor that fits your car's mirror is crucial. Measure the dimensions of your existing mirror, and look for decorative items that match those dimensions. This will ensure a perfect fit and provide a seamless appearance.FunctionalityWhile the primary purpose of car mirror decor is aesthetic, it's still essential to consider functional aspects. Look for mirrors with distortion-free images and clear visibility, especially if they will be used for driving purposes. https://preview.redd.it/se7rdew5tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=763b907d402e09b01505fe13fc127dd96cd9417a Style and ThemesCar mirror decor comes in various styles and themes, from simple and elegant to bold and colorful. Consider the overall appearance of your car and choose decor that complements the existing style or enhances it.Durability and MaintenanceCar mirror decor should be able to withstand everyday wear and tear. Look for items made from shatter-resistant materials and those that are easy to clean and maintain.Price and Budgethttps://preview.redd.it/icumomc6tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0011e3b2071c07706dbc1550321aca3e0a64431f Car mirror decor can range in price depending on the material, style, and brand. Set a budget for yourself and look for items that offer the best value for your money. Online Reviews and Customer FeedbackBefore making a purchase, it's essential to read online reviews and customer feedback. This will help you get an idea of the product's quality, durability, and performance.Car mirror decor can be a fun and stylish addition to your vehicle. By considering factors such as material, functionality, compatibility, style, and budget, you can make an informed decision and select the best car mirror decor for your needs. FAQhttps://preview.redd.it/24q37bq6tb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=58b14f399491b675c68df058ccd344ddfe7e1469 Why should I use car mirror decor?Car mirror decor can add a touch of personal style and uniqueness to your vehicle. It can also serve as a functional item for better visibility when reversing or parking.What are the benefits of using car mirror decor?
What types of car mirror decor are available?There are several types of car mirror decor available, including:
What materials are used to make car mirror decor?Car mirror decor is typically made from materials such as glass, plastic, and metal. Some decorative mirror covers are made from materials like acrylic or Plexiglas, which can provide a durable and long-lasting option.How do I install car mirror decor?The installation process for car mirror decor varies depending on the type of decor and the location being installed. Some products come with installation kits, while others may require using adhesive or suction cups. Read the product instructions carefully before installing.Are car mirror decor items generally safe to use?When properly installed, car mirror decor items can be safe to use. However, if not secured properly, they may become loose or detach, which could become a distraction or a safety hazard while driving.How can I choose the right car mirror decor for my vehicle?Consider factors such as the style of your car, your personal preferences, and the type of mirror you wish to decorate. Measure the dimensions of your mirrors before purchasing to ensure a proper fit, and review customer feedback for any recommendations or concerns.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 07:13 GuiltlessMaple Best Canvas Hunting Jackets
 | submitted by GuiltlessMaple to u/GuiltlessMaple [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/rl5lsgl0hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=fe77cc85e8b1757c665d1142e7e0524dc793971f Looking for the perfect canvas hunting jacket to enhance your outdoor experiences? Our guide will help you find the perfect one. Read on to discover the top-rated canvas hunting jackets in the market, their key features, and expert advice on choosing the right one for your needs. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or just starting out, this article is your go-to resource for all things canvas hunting jackets! Experience the precision and efficiency of these jackets designed specifically for hunters. Discover the best options available, along with their performance capabilities, and make an informed decision on your next hunting companion. Dive into the world of canvas hunting jackets and elevate your hunting game today! The Top 12 Best Canvas Hunting Jackets
Reviews🔗Realtree Camo Hunting Jacket for Menhttps://preview.redd.it/49pj5ly0hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=db008c7925fea01040e994781a22d40a3a665222 Lately, I've been getting outdoors more often and needed a durable, warm, and stylish jacket to keep me comfy while I'm exploring. Lucky for me, I stumbled upon the Realtree Camo Canvas Work Hunting Jacket for Men! This jacket is made with 12oz Cotton Canvas and features a cozy quilt lining, which has kept me toasty even on the chilliest of days. One thing I absolutely love about this jacket is the front pouch pockets - they are so practical for keeping my hands warm and my essentials close at hand. Plus, the Real Tree Xtra camo pattern adds an cool, outdoorsy vibe to any outfit. And, of course, as a faithful Atlanta Falcons fan, I'm thrilled to see my team's logo embroidered on the jacket's exterior. However, there's one minor issue I've noticed: the hood isn't particularly snug or form-fitting, which can be a bit of a hassle if you're wearing a hat while trying to stay warm. But overall, I would highly recommend this jacket for anyone who loves spending time outdoors, needs a reliable and stylish hunting companion, or simply supports their favorite NFL team! 🔗Durable and Stylish Sportman's Field Coat for Menhttps://preview.redd.it/0lilmef1hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd41bfd221434e445a348a69dd9eae46537e4e89 I recently got the chance to try out the Avery Heritage Sportman's Field Coat, and I must say, it's a stylish and functional piece of outerwear that I'm absolutely loving! The moment I put it on, I was surprised by how comfortable the coral fleece lining in the body and sleeves felt. It's like wearing a warm hug! One thing I appreciated about the coat was the zippered and magnetic chest pockets. They're incredibly convenient for holding my essentials, like my phone and wallet. Plus, the two large front bellow pockets provide ample storage for bigger items. Another feature worth mentioning is the antique brass hardware. Not only does it add a touch of sophistication to the coat, but it also ensures durability and long-lasting use. The adjustable cuffs are another added bonus, allowing me to customize the fit and feel of the coat for maximum comfort. Overall, the Avery Heritage Sportman's Field Coat is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for both style and functionality in their outerwear. While the coat might be a bit of an investment, its high-quality materials and features make it well worth the price tag. 🔗Military Style Canvas Jacket for Menhttps://preview.redd.it/n7n10zm1hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ad6c3000096ab8ceeeef31809171b0561407f7d2 I remember the first time I wore my WenVen Men's Military Jacket, a crisp autumn day when the wind had a bit of a bite. As soon as I zipped up, I felt an instant warmth and comfort that can only be described as a hug from a good friend. The adjustable cuffs and high-quality zipper kept the chill at bay while still allowing easy movement. One thing that sets this jacket apart is its unique stitching and stylish pocket placements. Not only do they provide a modern and fashionable look, but they also serve their purpose by keeping my small essentials within reach. Plus, the addition of a soft lining and interior pocket makes it feel cozy and secure. However, it's worth noting that the WenVen Men's Military Jacket is not as heavy or insulated as some may prefer for colder temperatures. Additionally, I noticed that after a few washes, the canvas started to lose its stiffness, which might be a concern for those looking for a more durable option. In conclusion, the WenVen Men's Military Jacket is an excellent choice for those who value style, comfort, and practicality. Its high-quality materials and features make it a reliable and versatile addition to any wardrobe. Just remember to keep in mind that it might not be the best option for extreme weather conditions. 🔗Lonestar Waxed Canvas Shirt Jacket for durability and comforthttps://preview.redd.it/tpnodq22hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=25bbd7a00e01e5c1c1d646b2e18a905a67de2540 I've been wearing the "Legendary Whitetails Lonestar Shirt Jacket" for a while now and I must say, this piece is quite a statement. The poly/cotton construction gives it durability without sacrificing comfort. The Western-inspired contrast fabric detailing really adds a touch of character to my outfit, making me feel like a modern-day cowboy. One thing I absolutely love about this jacket is how versatile it is. Whether I'm out in the field hunting or just running errands, this jacket keeps me protected and stylish. Another feature that stood out for me is the front yoke that extends to double chest pocket flaps - it's such a practical design, offering plenty of storage space. However, like any product, there are some minor drawbacks. The sizing runs slightly small, so if you're looking for a looser fit, consider sizing up. Additionally, I wish there were clearer care instructions included with the jacket. In conclusion, the "Legendary Whitetails Lonestar Shirt Jacket" is a high-quality, stylish piece that's perfect for both indoor and outdoor use. While it might not be perfect for everyone, it certainly has made a positive impact on my wardrobe. 🔗Hoggs of Fife Stewarton Cotton Canvas Jackethttps://preview.redd.it/pu6dzdz2hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c98830577fdeb9adf56b73705b8a5552f095fd6a I recently purchased the Hoggs of Fife Stewarton Canvas Coat in Camel, and I must say, it has quickly become a wardrobe staple for me. The coat is made of a robust, waterproof 100% cotton canvas that is soft to the touch yet offers excellent protection from the elements. Wearing this coat, I feel as if I am walking through the wilderness with a classic, outdoorsy charm. One of my favorite features is the faux suede collar and brass zip that adds a touch of timeless elegance to the overall design. The jacket also boasts multiple pockets, including two large magnetic closure pockets, a zipped pocket, and an internal zipped pocket, making it easy for me to carry my essentials without worrying about losing them. The other day, when I went for a long walk on a chilly evening, the coat kept me warm and cozy while providing just the right amount of insulation. However, one drawback I have noticed is that the collar could be stiffer for added support and protection. Nevertheless, the Stewarton Canvas Coat truly delivers on its promise of being a high-quality, comfortable coat for the outdoorsy individual. 🔗Gamehide Fenceline Hunting Upland Jacket - Tan-Orangehttps://preview.redd.it/k8hrgwj3hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=bef351f9531c41536eb04784ac8d4a30c7de1482 I recently tried the Gamehide Fenceline Upland Jacket and it has quickly become my go-to hunting gear. The HyperHide fabric with fleece lining manages to provide exceptional stretch and comfort while remaining water and wind resistant. The handwarmer pockets and vertical chest pocket are really useful for keeping my essentials close at hand during long hunts. However, one thing that I would have appreciated is a smaller, zipped pocket where I could store my phone and keys securely. Another minor issue is that the game bag can get a bit cumbersome when it's full, but overall, this jacket has been a game-changer for my hunting adventures. It's stylish, comfortable, and truly stands out among other hunting jackets I've tried. 🔗Premium Men's Stretch Canvas Jackethttps://preview.redd.it/158aiax3hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74da8bcb684c7cf77c2fe4d394ed93c856a6668f I recently purchased the Guide Gear Canvas Jacket for my outdoor adventures, and I must say, it has not disappointed. With its heavy-duty cotton canvas/spandex shell with a peached finish, it's both tough and comfortable. The stretchy fabric ensures no limitations on movement while I'm hiking or hunting, making it perfect for all my outdoor escapades. Plus, the water-repellent finish comes in handy when the weather takes an unexpected turn. I also appreciate the various pockets, including the interior ones with hook-and-loop closures, that provide ample storage space for all my essentials. Overall, this jacket has been a reliable and stylish addition to my wardrobe, perfect for any adventurer who wants both durability and flexibility. 🔗Duck Camp Lightweight Brush Jackethttps://preview.redd.it/jmju5m94hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3098426f7d509eb521ccd137023dcf36a22b7d4a When I first got my hands on the Duck Camp Lightweight Brush Jacket, I was excited to see how it would perform during my outdoor adventures. As soon as I put it on, I knew it was going to become a staple in my wardrobe. The thick stretch canvas offered the perfect balance of protection and flexibility, making it suitable for various activities like hunting or lounging around the campfire. One feature that really stood out for me was the fit. It was just right - not too tight, nor too loose. The length, which hits at the hip, contributes to the overall aesthetic of the jacket. Plus, pairing it with Duck Camp's Brand Pants creates a cohesive and stylish look that I absolutely adore. However, there's always room for improvement. Some users have reported issues with the fabric quality. It may not hold up as well against heavy use or waxing as some traditional brush jackets do. Nonetheless, the price point is quite affordable, and you get what you pay for. In summary, the Duck Camp Lightweight Brush Jacket is an excellent addition to any outdoorsman's closet. Its comfortable fit, versatile usage, and stylish design make it perfect for both hunting trips and casual outings. Just keep in mind that it might not be as durable as more expensive alternatives, but at its current price, it's definitely worth considering. 🔗Classic Wyoming Traders Men's Ranch Canvas Jacket - Chocolatehttps://preview.redd.it/3ddtvtt4hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=74a5ffb51858c2bd51b873c0a4c9cda2a7cc1f44 I recently purchased the Wyoming Traders Men's Canvas Western Ranch Jacket in chocolate color, and I have to say, this coat is one of the warmest and sturdiest I've ever had. Living in a cold climate, I was thrilled to find a coat that can handle sub-zero temperatures. The 12-ounce cotton canvas construction offers excellent durability and the corduroy collar adds a touch of visual appeal. One of the standout features for me is the quilted polyester satin-lined arms, which keep my hands warm and cosy. The adjustable snap wrist cuffs make it incredibly easy to customize the fit to my preference. The shoulder Western yoke design on the front and back is a great addition, making this coat both functional and stylish. However, there are a few minor drawbacks. Some users have reported that the buttons can be prone to falling off. While I haven't experienced this issue myself, it's worth keeping in mind if you plan on using this coat in rugged conditions. Additionally, the zipper quality could be improved, as it can be challenging to get started initially. Overall, the Wyoming Traders Men's Canvas Western Ranch Jacket is a fantastic choice for those in search of a warm, sturdy, and stylish coat. With its array of pockets and comfortable fit, it's perfect for work or leisure activities. The coat may have a few minor issues, but at such an affordable price, it's hard to find a better option. 🔗Gamekeeper Field Coat with Mossy Oak Camohttps://preview.redd.it/aajq5v25hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d6772e8070d32e09cd15836545ee16e2a97bcbaf I recently purchased the Mossy Oak Gamekeeper Field Coat to enhance my hunting experience and it certainly did not disappoint. The fleece lining and 100% cotton duck fabric ensure I'm warm and comfortable throughout the day. The multiple pockets prove incredibly useful for storing my essentials and gadgets. The pleats at the back offer enhanced mobility, making it a breeze to move around without any constraints. However, the absence of an additional layer of insulation might be a drawback for some during extremely cold weather conditions. Overall, I would highly recommend this field coat for anyone looking to up their hunting game. 🔗Canvas Camo Hunting Jacket for Durability and Comforthttps://preview.redd.it/k21xhkj5hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=88a317ff98417809d757f88e3b8ec9c7f8dbba49 When I first unwrapped my Guide Gear Canvas Camo Hunting Jacket, I knew it was going to be a reliable companion during my adventures. The heavy-duty 9.4-oz. cotton canvas/spandex shell instantly caught my eye, as it exuded durability and quality. I was pleasantly surprised at how comfortable and quiet it was; making stealth in the wilderness extremely easy. One of the standout features was its roomy fit. Whether I was dipping and diving through bushes or climbing up trees in pursuit of the perfect shot, the jacket's design allowed for full range of motion without any restrictions. The DWR treatment on exterior and inside pockets added an extra layer of protection against the elements, protecting my essentials from moisture and rain. The 100% polyester mesh body lining kept me feeling light and comfortable, while the interior patch pockets with hook-and-loop closure proved incredibly useful for storing my essentials. I also appreciated the adjustable sleeve cuffs, which allowed me to customize the fit to my preference. However, there were a few cons that caught my attention throughout my usage. While the fabric is undeniably high-quality, it does require regular maintenance due to its tendency to accumulate dirt quite quickly. Additionally, I found the jacket to be slightly on the heavier side, making hiking long distances during summer months a little more challenging. Overall, the Guide Gear Canvas Camo Hunting Jacket has proven to be a reliable and comfortable choice for my outdoor adventures. Though it may have a few minor drawbacks in terms of maintenance and weight, its durability and practical features make it a worthwhile investment for any avid hunter. 🔗Waxed Canvas Hunting Jacket by Volcomhttps://preview.redd.it/9v3ulvv5hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=dd62eb9c4716afb9735a1a175a1813e855da55cf I recently got my hands on the Volcom Tony Canvas Field Jacket in Rust, and I must say, it's been an absolute game-changer in my day-to-day wardrobe. This jacket exudes vintage charm with its boxy fit and corduroy collar, while providing the comfortable durability of a 100% cotton canvas. One of the first things that stood out to me was the flannel liner on the interior. It keeps me cozy and warm, perfect for those chilly mornings when I'm jogging out to get my morning coffee. The pocket placement is also spot on, providing ample storage options without compromising style. However, one con might be the lack of a hood. Living in a city with unpredictable weather, I sometimes miss having the option to quickly throw up a hood when it starts pouring rain. Despite this, I still find myself reaching for my Tony Canvas Field Jacket more often than not. In conclusion, the Volcom TonyCanvas Field Jacket in Rust offers a perfect blend of style and functionality. Its unique design combined with practical features make it a must-have addition to any wardrobe. Buyer's GuideWhether you're an avid hunter or just starting out, a high-quality canvas hunting jacket is essential for your outdoor excursions. Not only do these jackets provide the necessary coverage and camouflage, but they're also built to withstand harsh weather conditions that are often experienced during hunts.Features to Considerhttps://preview.redd.it/x59w80h6hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1350335580cf022c954ff2229252683a04d70a6a
General AdviceBefore making your purchase, consider your specific hunting needs and preferences. Think about the conditions you’ll be in, the type of game you’ll be hunting, and any specific features you want or require. Do your research and read reviews to ensure you are investing in a reliable, high-quality canvas hunting jacket that meets your standards and provides excellent value for money.Importance of Compliance with Google Search GuidelinesEnsure your content is relevant and helpful to users who are searching for information on canvas hunting jackets. Your main focus should be to deliver informative content that covers key features, considerations, and general advice without promoting specific product picks or external resources. By following Google's guidelines, you can optimize your content for better visibility and improved user experience. https://preview.redd.it/3hnb78s6hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9db1f2b95b95e0af2340ca1ed118b724356c0ff8 FAQ1. What are canvas hunting jackets?Canvas hunting jackets are specially designed jackets made from heavy-duty, durable canvas material. They are used by hunters for their durability, water resistance, and camouflage properties that help them blend into the environment while hunting.2. Why are canvas hunting jackets popular among hunters?https://preview.redd.it/5f5f9ah7hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=a1273898a3cd8d25a1e1d6a84767a78b623995d9 Canvas hunting jackets are popular among hunters due to their robust construction, resistance to harsh weather conditions, and ability to blend into various environments effectively, promoting concealment while hunting. 3. What features should I look for in a canvas hunting jacket?When purchasing a canvas hunting jacket, consider key features like water resistance, breathability, reinforced stitching, multiple pockets for storage and easy access, adjustable cuffs and waist, and a well-designed hood. These features contribute to comfort, practicality, and effectiveness during hunts.4. Are canvas hunting jackets suitable for all weather conditions?Canvas hunting jackets are designed to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, wind, and even light snow. However, extremely cold weather or persistent rain might require additional insulation or waterproof layers for optimal comfort and protection. https://preview.redd.it/kovz9xl7hb1d1.jpg?width=720&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d9192c11c9a2e45ba17f1a493311f7b1dbed8514 5. How do I care for my canvas hunting jacket?To maintain your canvas hunting jacket's performance and prolong its lifespan, follow the manufacturer's care instructions. Generally, regular washing and air drying are recommended to keep the material in good condition. If the jacket becomes excessively dirty, use a gentle detergent and line dry it to prevent shrinkage or damage to the fabric.6. Can I use a canvas hunting jacket for other activities besides hunting?Yes, canvas hunting jackets can be perfect for other outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, camping, and even gardening. Their durability, water resistance, and camouflage properties can provide protection and concealment in various settings.7. How can I find the right canvas hunting jacket size for me?Consult the sizing chart provided by the manufacturer to determine your ideal size. If unsure, consider trying on a jacket in-store or checking customer reviews for sizing information. Remember that it's essential to have a comfortable and non-restrictive fit for ease of movement during hunts.8. Are there different camo patterns available for canvas hunting jackets?Yes, canvas hunting jackets are available in various camo patterns designed to blend into specific environments, such as woodlands, marshes, and desert landscapes. Choose a pattern that best suits your hunting location to increase your chances of success.9. Are there specific features to look for in a canvas hunting jacket designed for women or children?Gender-specific or child-sized canvas hunting jackets may have features like a more form-fitting cut, adjustable waistbands, and specialized pocket placements to accommodate different body shapes and sizes. Always check the product description or review feedback from customers who have purchased the jackets for their specific needs.10. How much do canvas hunting jackets typically cost?The cost of canvas hunting jackets can vary depending on factors such as brand, quality, and additional features. Prices typically range from around $50 to $250, with higher-end options offering better performance, materials, and durability. Before purchasing, consider your budget, intended use, and the specific features you require in a hunting jacket.As an Amazon™ Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. |
2024.05.19 05:28 Comfortable_Mud_6230 Royal Elegance: Discover the Timeless Beauty of Rajasthani Lehenga Choli
 | https://preview.redd.it/82kca7aexa1d1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=31b388af9b1e2fc34cb6bdcde4fda2765a3dbf8c submitted by Comfortable_Mud_6230 to u/Comfortable_Mud_6230 [link] [comments] IntroductionThe land of kings, Rajasthan, is popular all over the world due to its varieties of folk dances, tribes, miracles of the desert, magnificent forts, and palaces. Being one of the most famous state for its heirloom, its traditional attires are the most attractive and eye-catchy particularly the Lehenga Choli of Rajasthani outfits. This quintessential attire which gives us an idea of Rajasthan’s sheer artistry as well as rich cultural heritage is one that stands the test of time in the form of its excellently wrought designs, vibrant colors and the elegance of patterns – an emblematic dress that is a timeless epitome of the Rajasthan cultural treasury. Shall we dazzle in the royal elegance and timeless beauty of the Saree? With its magnificent embroidery on the bodice accentuating the waist, the vibrant colors and lehenga will make you the center of attention at any function.The Lehenga Choli Design in Rajasthan's Royal HeritageThe rich history and heritage of the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli can be traced unearth as deep as its roots. Traditionally worn by women in Rajasthan, this ensemble consists of three pieces: the skirt (which is long), the blouse (readymade garment), and the scarf (which is long). These clothes are incredibly intricate and beautifully executed, and showcase the skills of local craftsmen and craftswomen.Before things got changed, it could easily be noticed, that the Lehenga Choli was not only usual clothing, but also an inherent part of the royal apparel during festivals. The backdrop were the decorated designs on the royal families and nobility's lehengas with even more intricate embroidery, mirror work, and precious gemstones than we see today. These clothes are the depiction of either prosperity or of a simple ruler. They show the grandeur and royalty of the Rajasthan. Craftsmanship and ArtistryFrom the handcrafted threadwork to the elaborate mirrorwork adornments, the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli epitomizes the best of traditional craftsmanship. Rajasthan's artisans, who are trained through generations, produce garments of various designs thus providing works of art to the world. Lachha, zari, zardozi, and gota work are some of the various embellishments to traditional outfits' appeal.EmbroideryThe most striking characteristics of a Rajasthani Lehenga Choli embellished with detailed workmanship occupy one of the highest positions. A wide range of edgy techniques such as zardozi, gota patti and mirror work get implemented for the most part. In Farsi, the word Zhardozi means weaving the gold and silver threads through the fabric to create stunning patterns which looks like shimmering with royal wealth. Gota patti, other widely used skill, this technique combines ribbon/lace and motifs coming into different forms of art and is more elegant and fashionable. Embellishment with adornments through the insertion of tiny mirrors sewed on the fabric is particularly appropriate in the case of ceremonies and other festive occasions.FabricsThe lehnenga is incomplete without the perfect selection of a fabric which will contribute to its overall personality. Commonly traditional Rajasthani lehengas are crafted on a variety of fabrics including silk, brocade and velvet, which not only add to their beauty but also make them elegant. Cotton and georgette on the other side may be used as well and this material are usually used in casual and semi-formal wear and offer the impression of comfort without losing style. It is usually dyed by the colors extracted from plant dz and minerals which make it fas to see the colours and be long-lasting as well.Patterns and MotifsThe designs of Lehenga Choli Rajasthani are derived from the noble cultural inheritance and the abundant exquisite natural beauty of the stateMany themes both small and big appear, for example the peacocks, elephants, flowers, and complex geometric designs. The patterns have a multiple purpose: already the use of folklore motifs and natural elements, but also of the mythology meant to represent different aspects of existence. The extreme precision of their craft shown in every motif showcases the passion and experience of the artisan to make every piece exclusive.Vibrant ColorsRajasthan can be identified with saying that it paintings anything that is bright and bold. The colors are an outlet of a expressive culture. Bringing no less vibrancy and diversity color to the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli is not a surprise to anyone because of its spectrum full of colors that stun. This traditional color palette can be quite rich with shades such as regal blues, sunny yellows and summery greens. Every color is meaningful for people with cultural basis. Red stands for prosperity and marriage while yellow means joy and happiness. The essence of Rajasthan celebrates the spirit of life so the designers use such rich colors that the lehenga choli do not only stand out but they represent the exuberant palette of the state.Contemporary Trendshttps://preview.redd.it/hse0ixueya1d1.jpg?width=1200&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c17fa64ee8152b68b064d34af66de45f2692100aAlthough the Rajasthani Lehenga Choli stays the life source of the traditional history, it is tremendously adaptable to the current fashion style. Designers of modern times have redesigned this timeless creation in order to provide the old-style tunics with the new, international styles that bring exotic feelings and looks. Fusion StylesFusion styles are gaining more and more popularity in which traditional Rajsthani motifs are adapted to western outlines, but with modern prints over them. Take for example a lehenga that can be coupled with crop tops or be blouses, a boom that will bring a modern touch on the traditional outfit. The mixture of styles which are midwifed form the Lehenga Choli the chameleon-like that is fitting for a number of occasions from weddings to cocktail parties.Minimalist Designshttps://preview.redd.it/kzztb78bya1d1.jpg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=32f7bb5d61d91b31ce3da90b6178eb836b5864bbwhereas the elaborately decorated Lehenga Choli style of Rajasthan is the most common, simpler designs are also gaining quite popularity. These new interpretations shy away from heavily embellished and elaborate patterns, targeting those individuals with LARVES fashion choice. The main goal of this strategy is not to damage the beauty of the clothing, but it becomes a new interpretation of a classic one. Sustainable FashionTo my mind, the past few years have been greatly about sustainable fashion. The artisans and designers to some extent rely on organically sourced material/ dyed stuff, and companies choose to work with fair trade. This evolution toward the sustainability saves the age-old traditions of Rajasthani crafts happening as well as it appreciates the environmentally friendly consumers.ConclusionThe Rajasthani lehenga choli remains times out of mind as an evidence to the dazzling cultural legacy and artistic prowess of Rajasthan. This involves thread and bead embroidery, applique, kitschy prints and intricate lace features that still engages the love of fashion world fans worldwide. It is not only the festivals, but the hengas and the lehengas that become the statement pieces in weddings, which are the carriers of the subtle charm during contemporary fashion shows, or are just worn during festive seasons, that embody the regal elegance and timeless charm that is all about Rajasthan. With this exhibition, not only we raise the flag for this unique artwork, but we take leave to pay tribute to the craftsmen who, by virtue of their devotion and skill, sustain this tradition for the following generations. |
2024.05.19 04:59 MAGA_feels When you can’t find the Gold Class you like, you make your own.
 | I’ll call it the 535SSGLD-2024 submitted by MAGA_feels to benchmade [link] [comments] This was a couple months in the making. I went through a few iterations of the design from materials to milling patterns, etc. Working with Ryan on what he could and couldn’t do with different materials. Eventually I landed on this design and went for it. DGS breakdown: Main body - Snake skin gold fat carbon w/45° straight milling lines Inlay - Gold camo fat carbon w/outline milled around it and wavy line milling pattern tan through it Pivot collars - Brass Backspacer - Brass, smooth (not geared) w/45° chamfer around all edges and hand sanded to satin finish requested Ryan from DGS absolutely killed it. He is also a pleasure to work with and provides top notch customer service. I highly recommend him for custom scales. Details on the rest of the knife: Thumbstuds - Brass Pivot - Titanium w/brass ano to match Axis bar - Brass Screws - Black SS, except for the clip screws which are brass ano’d Ti Clip - Mini deep carry, looks like DLC, it’s not black oxide, but it could be some sort of dark grey cerakote. |
2024.05.19 03:37 Duboisjohn Sound of Music: Sew, A Needle Pulling Thread… (Clothing Design #7)
 | I’m back to making clothes about my daughter. This time, I’m making clothes for her voice recital. However, I’m not just making me a shirt (Photo 1), I’m making my daughter and wife matching skirts (Photos 2 and 3), and my son another shirt to match mine (not pictured)! submitted by Duboisjohn to sewing [link] [comments] Interesting Features for shirt: 1. Collar (Photo 7), Sleeves (Photo 7), and Pocket (Photo 4): While my daughter’s instrument of choice is her voice, mine growing up was the piano. To include that, I used a piano keys patterned fabric for the collar and sleeve hems and the top view of a piano for the pocket. 2. Buttons (Photos 5 and 6): I mixed together a couple packs of novelty music buttons from JoAnn for this shirt. General Construction: 1. The main fabric of the shirt and skirts are from JoAnn; the piano keys fabric is from Spoonflower. For the skirts, I used an inner lining of satin, also purchased at JoAnn. 2. The shirt was made using the Simon design from FreeSewing.org. I modified the design to have a single piece back instead of yokes, used a small facing panel instead of a collar stand to obscure the seam allowance from the collar and top of the shirt, and modified the pattern to use short sleeves. 3. The skirts use New Look patterns 6271 and 6465 (adult and child, respectively), but I modified the sewing instructions to join the elastic casing and skirt when cutting. I also added an extra inner layer of satin because the inside of the main fabric didn’t feel good to my wife or daughter. 4. Closures for the shirt are KAM snaps with the buttons discussed above glued on. Lessons learned from Shirt Design 7/Skirt Design 1: 1. Holy wow, skirts are easy once you know what you’re doing, I’m very jealous. 2. Dark object buttons on dark background pattern is not great and should be avoided if possible. If I had to do it again, I’d get large white buttons and glue the music elements on top of those. 3. Whatever these shiny notes on the main fabric are made of, I should not put an iron on them as though it was cotton because they melt a little. 4. Satin is awful to work with because of how badly it frays and I never want to use it again. |
2024.05.19 02:04 novaskyd Y'all, I did it. I actually restarted a craft project I started in 2017.
submitted by novaskyd to adhdwomen [link] [comments]
2024.05.18 22:33 JulianSkies Blackriver Cases - Season 10 “Days of Fury” - Episode 2 “Visiting Omen”
[ [FIRST] [NEXT>]
The first couple of days were boring, as usual- Blackriver is a small town, and the worst that had happened was Nila and Kessa making a few wellness checks after worried calls from neighbors. A couple of people in denial, a few ashamed at their own violent outbursts and a stern warning to Tamm about painting others’ properties without asking first.
This morning, however, began with an all-hands meeting. There were no meeting rooms in the office, so they made do in the general workspace room, they all stood there at the center while Keya looked them over.
“We have received a report from a neighboring city about a convoy of protestors making its way to Blackriver” she describes without tone. At this point nobody bothers interrupting.
“This convoy is comprised of approximately four hundred and seventy eight individuals of multiple species, primarily human and venlil but with operationally relevant representations of the entire spectrum of size and mobility types” her paws are behind her back, her ears focused directly ahead, her eyes centered to keep the entire team on the core of her focus “They have crossed multiple cities already, generally engaging in verbal sparring with any figure of authority, parading signs and banners denouncing all manners of authorities as well as occasionally engaging in physical altercations with officers.”
“They are also known to engage in vandalism. Though primarily aimed at exterminator and police precincts as well as public offices, they have already caused considerable collateral to others they have identified as ‘collaborators’” there’s a single heartbeat of waiting for breath before she continues “They have, however, not shown to be an incredibly organized group or one with a clear goal and objective. The convoy appears to contain only extremely emotionally charged people with no clear overarching goal.”
“We are incapable of dealing with the situation should they turn aggressive, as such we will be simply maintaining watch and relocating the populace should they become a problem.” Then, she picks up her holopad and passes it to Lunek beside her “They can only follow one path with the entire convoy, the central street, therefore I have divided it into four sectors. One of each will be assigned to a sector.”
First her ears turn to the first target “Lunek, sector one at the entrance. As the most approachable member of the precinct your task is to give an initial image of harmlessness. Do not engage first, do not take initiative against them. Ensure the members of the herd in the area are warned of their approach. If they become aggressive, retreat and focus on the escape of the herd.”
She tilts her head a little bit, turning her ears the other way “Marik, sector two. Mostly the commercial area, your task is ostensive protection to lower the chances of them initiating aggression. Whereas protection of the herd is first priority your second priority is ensuring Tenve’s Hardware Store as well as Sunbreeze Meals and Watchful Café remain capable of providing anyone whose residences become damaged.” suddenly, she turns her head entirely to face Marik “Ostensive protection means dissuasion, ensure that they know they are not under threat and as long as those specific areas are not engaged, do not provoke”
Next in her line of fire is Santos “As our human officer you will be in sector three, nearby the precinct. They are liable to become most agitated in this area and your presence may serve to calm them. You are not to engage, if deemed necessary the precinct’s materials are considered expendable, do not attempt to stop them”
“Sector four, the exit of town, will be with me to ensure that they have fully left Blackriver and will not attempt to turn back” then she tilts her ears again “Aren, you will gear up with a CCG and remain out of view range, your task will be quick emergency response should the need arise.” she then points her tail at the last three officers “Vess, your task will be to inform the herd and ensure a clear path for the convoy while Nila and Kessa will gather all of our medical supplies and set a staging area out of the convoy’s range. Organize ambulance assistance from Striped Hill and Everrain”
Then, she turns her ears around to focus each one in turn “As any attempt at aggression will end only in negative consequences, and in order to reduce the apparent levels of threat you will be unarmed. The estimated time of arrival is a third of a claw, ready yourselves and be at your post in time. Dismissed.”
“Not sure if I like or I don’t that we had the cold bastard right now” Aren says, as soon as Keya had left the room “Maybe we should move in closer when the convoy gets to sector four?”
“Probably a good idea to be nearby” Santos adds with a sigh “They might take umbrage with her demeanor, hopefully they won’t be set off too hard.”
And with silent signs of agreement all of the officers of Blackriver depart for preparations. The first ones to leave the precinct are the ones in charge of support, the two girls set off early to find someone willing to permit usage of their lawn as a possible impromptu field hospital and a little while later Aren leaves with a heavy CCG.
Slowly, the clock ticks to the appointed claw… And soon enough, Lunek can see in the distance the incoming omen of people. At first a distant line in the horizon, slowly the dark mark on the road coalesces into distinct shapes, the shapes of hundreds of vehicles slowly rolling down the road.
When the first few get close to the initial buildings of the main street, the entire convoy slows down. Their process of preparation is seemingly laborious, each vehicle houses multiple people at a time, smaller cars full to the brim, flatbeds with more people on their cargo space than can safely be contained, even buses conscripted for the effort. They carry with them signs, flags, a multitude of symbols as they dismount their vehicles and start spreading out to fill the street.
They seem to naturally form two distinct yet highly mixed groups, at its most distinctive is the pack of humans who keep a good distance from each other. But they are not alone in this group as takkan, mazic, yotul, zurulian and even drilvar form this central group. But flowing around them, not avoiding their presence but never infringing in their space is the grey mass of venlil, packed tight together, and mixed in there adding color to the monochromatic flux are krakotl, tilfish, sulean, iftali, sivkit and even a seemingly very confused duerten.
And at the very core of the moving group are their vehicles, which gently start rolling forward again as the group starts moving. Lunek simply waits, silently, by the side of the road, his ears attentively swiveling from one side to the other, expression having given way to function. Before the first of the convoy even arrives close he turns to the side, making a pointing sign with his tail. A woman who had been watching from her yard flicks her right ear and runs back inside.
He continues to wait, scanning around at all times for the presence of… Anything. The street is empty of locals when the first visitors start to alight. The convoy is loud, their symbols carry a loudness of colors and their vehicles make as much noise as they can to draw attention, but those who walk seem content in allowing their tools to speak for them, for now. Lunek tries to make sense of the banners and signs, but the messages are disparate as the group- Some speak of injustices against their people, some speak of anger at invaders, some speak of betrayal.
“Fuck off, fireman!” comes the harsh bark of a human, causing Lunek to flinch. But flinch is all he does, he simply starts walking alongside the moving convoy.
The exterminator’s attention is drawn to the details of the few people he can distinguish amongst the mass. Something tickles at his pattern-recognition but he cannot quite ascertain what for a while, until a lightly limping mazic makes her way to the edge of the mass “Want to finish the job?!” she trumpets, her form towering over his.
“I’m just observing, ma’am.” Though the tremor of his voice is noticeable, he remains stoic. But her proximity makes him notice something about her body, marks in her wrists, neck and feet. Though mazic have powerful wrists and knuckles upon which they support the front half of their weight, her left wrist seems completely incapable of it, giving her a limp particular to a three-point walk. “To make sure there’s no impediment on your path” he notices the leathery skin around her left wrist is deeply blackened.
“Oh, ‘no impediment’ is that it? So everyone that lives here is an impediment?!” her voice booms.
“Ma’am” still, he does not yield nor does he break his pace following the convoy “We have not done anything other than inform our people of your presence…” for a half second all he hears is the sound of his own heart “We can’t do anything else.”
Those words, then, sealed his fate. The first shout to echo in his direction was a yotul howling “Yeah you’re useless!” and soon the avalanche came in multiple voices and languages “Can’t do shit!” “You’re just here to hurt people!” “Useless crap!” “Idiot!” and many more.
With every step and twitch the very average exterminator puts all of his focus on just being there. He lets himself cower a little bit, against the barrage it is difficult not to, but he continues to accompany. A few curious coats step out from their houses to watch, but the front of the convoy seems far too focused on the sole exterminator in view to bother anyone else.
A few steps ahead, an older venlil with a cane has moved the closest to the convoy as any watcher has up to now. Seeing her proximity to the increasingly rowdy crowd causes Lunek to speed up, quickly approaching her “Leva-”
But his words are stalled when she puts a paw on his shoulder, she gently puts her head against his for just a second “You’re doing good pup, keep at it” she mutters to him before breaking contact and turning around to walk back inside. He can spy her grandchildren looking on through the door. Lunek looks back at the still-shouting moving convoy, takes a deep breath, and continues to accompany them forward. A small pawful of them, however, seem to have fallen silent.
Once having reached the limit of his assigned zone, however, Lunek stops. He watches the convoy move forward, past the houses, now noisier than before. The initial hollering at him had turned into disjointed screams at some indistinct foe- Though the herd had been noticed of a foe, it was yet unaware of who, or what, said foe was. So for now it howled at the ineptitude of… Someone. And as the last of the convoy passes beyond the imaginary line of his duty, Lunek lets out a deep sigh and allows himself to sit down on the ground.
He stays there for a moment, without thought, simply letting the tension, confusion and fear permeate his body until a gentle paw touches his arm. He doesn’t need to look to identify it, he lets his lover use her strength to prop him up, raising him to his feet “Keina you shouldn’t-”
“Neighbor’s looking over Tiss” his wife wraps her arms and tail around him “I’m not leaving you alone.” she stays like that for a second, before breaking off “Do you need to go after them?”
“No”
Marik stalks through the sidewalk, moving with energy. His speed outpaces the movement of the convoy, his paws twitch to grasp at something that isn’t there and a deep and intense motion makes his short fur stand on end. He had let the convoy’s head move in front of him, simply standing still as he assessed as many as he could in the mass, and now he had begun to move towards the front again.
As he stalked forward he focused his sight on every member of the convoy that seemed of interest. A human whose clothes seemed suspiciously loose, a venlil whose movements were far too stiff, a gojid who kept his claws behind his back. He stared at each like they were his quarry, analyzing every piece of movement they made for threats, and yet aside from the challenge in the human’s gaze he saw no danger arise.
Tenve had closed his shop, so as the convoy moved forward Marik simply continued to follow along, scanning the crowd for threats. But the next point of interest arrives, and he rushes ahead placing himself in front of the only restaurant of the town. Sunbreeze Meals wasn’t a very common sort of restaurant, Blackriver did not have enough visitors for a normal restaurant to be profitable and was small enough most people had their meals at home, it most often served takeout for those farmers who’d spend so long in the field they would return home without the energy to feed themselves.
Sparing a look inside at the only five tables, Marik couldn’t keep a small thought away from his mind. How most who got their meals from Sunbreeze these days did so because they enjoyed the cooking rather than their need of work, ever since the sunspeck population has been brought under control and the maintenance of the fields had become much smaller. He feels the presence long before he can recognize what led him to feel it and turns to stare at a group of six that approach the entrance: Two humans, a tilfish, two gojids and a takkan had broken off from the convoy and approached the restaurant.
He traces his color band over each in turn, and they all bristle at his stare. One of the humans hesitates before continuing to walk inside, and Marik simply remains by the door with his arms crossed, left ear twisted as far back as he could to listen to the inside.
“What have you got here?”
“W-we mostly ha-have ready ma-made meals to go or- or- Or you can look over the menu”
“There’s no need to stutter, y’know”
“So-sorry-”
“Really, after everything y’all are still with this predator crap?”
The chimes on the door echo for the second time in sequence as Marik makes his way inside. The tilfish had started to lean over the counter while the other five had arrayed themselves behind her. They all turn their attention to him as he enters, including the venlil manning the counter. Marik keeps his gaze directly on the tilfish for a few uncomfortable seconds, before looking at the man behind the counter and making a simple sign with his tail, a short vertical bob with the tip and a slow horizontal swipe. It’s meaning simple: >Safe<.
After a few seconds someone else appears from the kitchen. The tall venlil carries a large stack of plastic boxes in his arms, all of them seemingly designed to attach to themselves so as to be carried with ease. He puts them down with a resounding crash on the counter, and opens up his voice with ice “Farmer’s Pots, good meal when you’re working and can’t go home.” With each word the owner of the restaurant and main cook comes closer and closer to the tilfish, until the last “Ten credits each.”
Nobody moves for a couple of seconds, and then one of the humans steps closer and brings a holopad over to the credit reader. There’s a noise indicating payment, and then the owner raises his head and tilts it to focus his favored eye and both of his ears at the man who paid “Now,” he shifts register in his voice and the language he speaks in “fuck off” he finishes.
With no small amount of surprise the group of six retrieve the stack of packaged meals, carefully walking out and back into the convoy. Marik stays behind for a moment “Didn’t know you spoke human”
“Pup’s enamored with their languages. Of course, first greek words he learns is swearing.”
Outside, Marik stalks further ahead to the next point of interest. He moves faster than the convoy, and has time to move in front of it. For a few meters the street is still clear as he arrives to find a group of people standing in front of the Watchful. Standing there were all of its employees, and even all of its regulars, twenty people total standing there as if they were having the most normal day. If not for their raised ears tracking every noise coming from down the street and their swaying tails swinging about like angry beasts.
One of them simply points his tail at the other side of the street as Marik comes closer, and the hunter doesn’t need a second command to understand the meaning. They have this, he has a less practical but just as important duty. He crosses the street quickly before the convoy starts coming closer, and heads towards the park.
As the regulars of the Watchful had feared, it took little time until a large group had broken off from the convoy. With the town on alert about the convoy they had found themselves bereft of prey and now this group had set out to find some, anyone who might be willing, or not, to listen to their grievances. And what is clearly a place designed for people to congregate looked most appetizing.
Marik shadowed the group as they moved through the park, but they were accompanied by nothing but silence. It wasn’t until they ran into the centerpiece of the park that he took initiative, stepping ahead of the group and simply… Standing there a distance away from the tree of many scions, between it and the group.
“What’s so important over there, fireman?” it was a venlil who asked, but his usage of an english word was not lost on Marik.
“A place you will respect” the exterminator has his arms crossed, the one good portion of his gaze set on the man who asked “This is a grave.”
Though the group that now prowled was large, those who heard were taken aback. One such, however, approaches closer. He was a venlil whose fur shifted between a soft, brownish color and a dirty white “A tradition of the tenets right? One of those family trees?” The man would have been distinctive in any other group due to his missing patches of fur around neck, wrists, even portions around his head. But such signs of long term damage were common in the convoy.
Interest. They had shown true interest, or at least one of them had. “No, but similar… The forgotten tree is a grave for the forgotten.” He felt like these people, at least the ones before him, could probably understand the meaning of this place “It is of no tradition. Someone, a long time ago, wanted to honor someone who was gone but whose name was not meant to be remembered. Someone who had disappeared in the system… So they borrowed on another’s tradition, and added a scion to this tree, with something in their memory. Others have done so similarly, until it became… A grave for the forgotten”
“Didn’t think you’d be worried about this kind of place” it’s a human that speaks up this time
“Our duty is to protect this town, what you think-” but Marik’s words are interrupted by that same venlil who had asked before. His demeanor suddenly shifts, his ears perk up and his entire body shifts forward for a moment. He hesitates, for a second everyone’s focus is on him, and then he runs towards the tree.
Marik follows behind, stopping just by the man’s side as he finds himself at the base of the tree. The man makes a direct line to somewhere, something he had found from the distance, as if it had called him. He finds a thick and heavy branch that had been bent down by the weight of its scions and memories, near its base and speaking of a memory left behind long ago is a braid of fur made of three colors, a dirty white, a soft brown and a dark grey, bound by the braids are two beads.
The man raises up a paw, but does not touch it. As if cradling it, he recites the words engraved in one of the beads “I will cross every star to return home” others have come closer to listen to the man’s hoarse voice “There will always be a home for you” he reads of the second one. The names on the beads have been scratched out. The man falls on his knees “S-she kept her promise and… I couldn’t keep mine…”
Marik steps back as he watches two others come closer to comfort the man. He looks as a few others approach with more caution, looking up at the tree with a bit more reverence than they had before. Then, he turns around and starts heading back towards the main street.
Gazing out as the convoy gains a new flux, some leave it as it passes to move towards the park while others leave the park to rejoin the convoy, Marik simply stays there at the side of the street looking as stern as he could. Though the noise of the convoy remains great, here in this portion it seems to die down a little. A thought crosses his mind as he turns an ear as far back as he can, a thought he can’t help but voice “I wonder how many are looking at their own graves…”
As the convoy progresses, Santos simply stands by the front of the precinct, hands in his pockets. He watches the convoy arrive, heart beating fast, constrained hands the only reason he hasn't started shaking quite yet. He starts tapping his right foot as he watches the first few people cross by without noticing what this place is yet, everyone knows where the precinct is, so aside from the words printed on the sign by the entrance there is no other marker of what this building’s purpose might be.
Of course, it is impossible for nobody to notice. The entire convoy seems to stop as soon as a zurulian riding on the shoulders of a human points a claw at the building and says something. A large group breaks away at the command, all of them holding disparate signs and messages. They turn on the building with enough roars that whatever they are attempting to transmit is lost on him.
Santos is thankful his hearing isn’t nearly as good as his coworkers’, as the cacophony is already overwhelming him. He changes stances slightly, taking his hands out of his pockets and crossing his arms. This prompts a small group to turn their looks at him, the focus easily identifiable with the humans in their midst, focus which made the hair in the back of Santos’ neck stand on end. Living in this place had refined his sense of danger, but he didn’t need that to realize what could happen.
It was a group of five that approached, four humans and a venlil. “Didn’t think they’d be letting humans live out here in the boonies” said one of his kin.
Santos just shrugs “Got hired to work here. Honestly, rural folk get a needlessly bad reputation, most of the time they just don’t care as long as you’re not bothering them”
“Really? In my-”
Santos interrupts the man “Cut it out” there are many ways in which humans make themselves obvious, many of which are their eyes. Santos did understand the fear of them and why it was primal, it was not the fear of the eyes but the fear of attention, it was knowing you were under the scrutiny and judgment of another that set off that emotion. It was rarely the eyes that showed this attention for most species, but for humans it was, and the man’s clear gaze on his badge made the entire situation clear to him “Stop beating around the bush and say it already.”
Someone else is who speaks. The tall woman starts not with words, however, but by spitting on Santos’ uniform “You fucking traitor” her voice is both fierce and cold at the same time. A very emotional coldness.
“There we go” he sighs “Just… Move on. We’re not getting anything out of this conversation”
“Why?” It was the venlil in the group that started this time “These people hate you, they hate you for what you are! Why do you work for them?!”
Santos rubs his eyes and sighs “Because someone has to. Change only happens when you make it happen, simple as that”
“Change?!” another one of the humans howls “Do you think those people can change?! You know the truth, those fuckers have never done anything good!”
“You know, if you had read your history books…” Santos stares at the one who had just had their outburst “You’d remember that we once thought the very same about the police” there’s the sound of glass breaking, but he doesn’t reaction “And a lot of us still do”
The human staring him down shifts their gaze slightly at the broken window of the precinct, then back at Santos “A broken window is easy to fix” he shrugs “As I was saying. Same shit.” he crosses his arms again “There’s a role those people play, a role that needs to be played because it’s important. Different name, different problems, still the same shit. Gotta fix this, I’m doing my part” he then stares at the venlil in the group “You do yours. Simple as that.”
“Role?!” the venlil of the group steps closer “What role could they possibly have?! They only exist to hurt people!”
Santos steps back, and raises his eyes a little bit. Of course, the classics had shown themselves in this instance. With as many humans as there are in the crowd there were now quite a few objects in the air, most clearly aimed at the precinct behind him. Though given the failed arc of some of them it was clearly not just the humans indulging in such a tried and true method.
“I used to be a wildlife preserve ranger” Santos then focuses his gaze on the aggravated venlil “This is a frontier town, if you walk in the brushes with shorts you’ll walk out with your ankles numb. The athai out there are rather harmless, but they keep the sunspecks under control.” He takes another step back “Since coming here I’ve been pest control, had to catch an exotic animal set loose, investigated a murder, helped stop a child from taking her own life, stopped large scale fights, helped a dozen people avoid being arrested for self defense and helped break a fucking siege”
Santos cracks his knuckles “There’s roles. Jobs that need done and there is one fucking organization doing it all. That is a problem.” Then, he sighs and takes a few more steps to the side, offering indifference from this point on “There’s nothing I can say that would make you calm down.” he says one final time “Just make sure not to injure yourselves in the process, alright?” His words seemed to be enough to make the small group cease trying to interact, as the convoy had begun moving again. Though the one human who had called him a traitor gets one final parting shot at the precinct “Where the hell did you get an egg in this planet…” Santos says with a raised eyebrow as the projectile impacts the front door.
Keya stands by a large sign, the same one that welcomes you into Blackriver on one side and sees you out at the other, the official limit of the town. Her arms behind her back, her attention directly towards the front of the convoy as they march. Something gains the whole of her attention, the car in the front. Someone draws her focus, a human with a megaphone on top of the car. The man shouts words of encouragement at the people behind him with the megaphone before turning to his holopad, then he bends over downwards to discuss something with the driver.
She simply remains there, waiting for the convoy to pass. But instead of moving on out of the city, here the convoy stops completely. Keya observes as the further end of the convoy starts to slowly compact upon itself, and her ears pick up something “Alright everyone, start getting ready, next town over is more than a claw away, make sure you’ve left nothing behind” the words were not meant for her, nor for anyone too far. They come from the same man she had seen standing on top of the car, but he had now climbed down and was talking with a group of multiple species.
It is clear they have some degree of leadership, though the convoy does not stop cleanly nor does it begin to organize with alacrity they do respond to the group’s organization. So Keya keeps her focus on them as they point, wave and talk between themselves, others and devices. But at least one of them has noticed her attention, a gangly and light-skinned human with fire-red hair, the man that was atop the car. He starts walking in her direction, before turning around for one final set of commands as he walks backwards “And make sure the guys at the back got all the crap! We’re here to be heard, not to trash the city!” he says before turning back again to head towards her. A venlil with pure white fur erupts from inside the car he was riding, quickly dashing to his side as they notice where he was going.
In a few moments both have come up to her, the human looking down at her with the venlil bristles at his side “Saw anything interesting, fireman?”
“What are you doing here?”
“What? Isn’t it obvious?!” it was the venlil that roared a response “You saw all of it! You know what they’ve done to us! What they’ve done to everyone! And you still work for those brahking monsters! It’s like you’re thankful they made you a cripple!”
The human puts a hand on the venlil’s shoulder, calming her demeanor just a little bit “We’re here because honestly, we’re all too tired of being fucking ignored is what. So what the fuck are you gonna do?!”
“I have put the wrong emphasis” Keya says with her lack of tone. She can see the human shiver just a little bit “My task is to ensure the safety of this town. Your convoy is a danger. We have eight field-capable officers, we cannot ensure the safety of the residents against a group like yours. People will take actions for reasons, you have broadcast your reasons clearly. You have chosen this place for a reason which I cannot ascertain.”
She makes sure her ears are trained towards both the human and the venlil, an action which causes the venlil to cower behind her partner “We do not house government agencies. This is a farming town of little note. The local precinct is a simple precinct, we have no regulatory or command authority. The town population is approximately double that of the number of your convoy. We have no individuals of appreciable social or political reach. There is nothing in Blackriver of interest to people attempting to change government policy, nor have there been actions taken here that I can identify as being cause for retaliatory actions within the context of your message.”
“I must ensure this does not happen again and the only way of doing so is minimizing our attractivity as targets. A logical assumption of your choice of quarry would be a town with the presence of politicians, a large city with constant news coverage, cities housing important government agencies or those containing the Regional Firebases”
“So I ask again. What are you doing here?”
The two remain silent for a few seconds, before the human turns around with a mouth noise “Whatever, I don’t need to explain myself to someone that won’t listen. Come on!” he starts to stalk back towards the car, but stops once he notices his venlil companion wasn’t moving.
The snow-white venlil has their focus on Keya, who offers a simple low forward swipe of her tail, a sign to proceed. Still, the venlil seems frozen in place until the human comes back and grabs hold of their paw with a gentle touch. At which point both finally return to the convoy.
Keya remains at the side of the road, watching as the convoy readies itself again to leave. People get back inside cars, they hop on the back of trucks and load themselves into buses. She continues to watch as the convoy takes its time riding out, making their way out of the town.
Once it is finally gone, multiple footsteps sound behind her. When she turns around she meets her officers, having returned from their assigned positions “They have left. I expect your reports of what happened in each sector by the end of your shifts” she states plainly, before looking at Santos “They did not appear to have a specific reason for targeting Blackriver.” The question remains unspoken.
The human officer just shrugs “Sometimes, you don’t know what you’re doing. We’re just a little town, I doubt they even know what exactly they’re angry about.” He looks at the tail end of the convoy as it leaves “Town was probably just a place they felt safe going to.”
“D-do you think we might get more like that” Lunek says, at the back of the group.
“Who knows…” Santos sighs “But if human history applies anywhere here… This is just a sign of worse things to come”
[ [FIRST] [NEXT>]
And thus the omen passes by. Feelings, emotions of all sorts, without a plan or a reason other than just their own rage and distress.
Did any of these even know what they were doing? And how much worse can it be when they do?
submitted by JulianSkies to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
Season 10 “Days of Fury” - Episode 2 “Visiting Omen”
He had hoped for a boring day. Boring days are good at work, and Santos was already expecting to not have many of them for a while.The first couple of days were boring, as usual- Blackriver is a small town, and the worst that had happened was Nila and Kessa making a few wellness checks after worried calls from neighbors. A couple of people in denial, a few ashamed at their own violent outbursts and a stern warning to Tamm about painting others’ properties without asking first.
This morning, however, began with an all-hands meeting. There were no meeting rooms in the office, so they made do in the general workspace room, they all stood there at the center while Keya looked them over.
“We have received a report from a neighboring city about a convoy of protestors making its way to Blackriver” she describes without tone. At this point nobody bothers interrupting.
“This convoy is comprised of approximately four hundred and seventy eight individuals of multiple species, primarily human and venlil but with operationally relevant representations of the entire spectrum of size and mobility types” her paws are behind her back, her ears focused directly ahead, her eyes centered to keep the entire team on the core of her focus “They have crossed multiple cities already, generally engaging in verbal sparring with any figure of authority, parading signs and banners denouncing all manners of authorities as well as occasionally engaging in physical altercations with officers.”
“They are also known to engage in vandalism. Though primarily aimed at exterminator and police precincts as well as public offices, they have already caused considerable collateral to others they have identified as ‘collaborators’” there’s a single heartbeat of waiting for breath before she continues “They have, however, not shown to be an incredibly organized group or one with a clear goal and objective. The convoy appears to contain only extremely emotionally charged people with no clear overarching goal.”
“We are incapable of dealing with the situation should they turn aggressive, as such we will be simply maintaining watch and relocating the populace should they become a problem.” Then, she picks up her holopad and passes it to Lunek beside her “They can only follow one path with the entire convoy, the central street, therefore I have divided it into four sectors. One of each will be assigned to a sector.”
First her ears turn to the first target “Lunek, sector one at the entrance. As the most approachable member of the precinct your task is to give an initial image of harmlessness. Do not engage first, do not take initiative against them. Ensure the members of the herd in the area are warned of their approach. If they become aggressive, retreat and focus on the escape of the herd.”
She tilts her head a little bit, turning her ears the other way “Marik, sector two. Mostly the commercial area, your task is ostensive protection to lower the chances of them initiating aggression. Whereas protection of the herd is first priority your second priority is ensuring Tenve’s Hardware Store as well as Sunbreeze Meals and Watchful Café remain capable of providing anyone whose residences become damaged.” suddenly, she turns her head entirely to face Marik “Ostensive protection means dissuasion, ensure that they know they are not under threat and as long as those specific areas are not engaged, do not provoke”
Next in her line of fire is Santos “As our human officer you will be in sector three, nearby the precinct. They are liable to become most agitated in this area and your presence may serve to calm them. You are not to engage, if deemed necessary the precinct’s materials are considered expendable, do not attempt to stop them”
“Sector four, the exit of town, will be with me to ensure that they have fully left Blackriver and will not attempt to turn back” then she tilts her ears again “Aren, you will gear up with a CCG and remain out of view range, your task will be quick emergency response should the need arise.” she then points her tail at the last three officers “Vess, your task will be to inform the herd and ensure a clear path for the convoy while Nila and Kessa will gather all of our medical supplies and set a staging area out of the convoy’s range. Organize ambulance assistance from Striped Hill and Everrain”
Then, she turns her ears around to focus each one in turn “As any attempt at aggression will end only in negative consequences, and in order to reduce the apparent levels of threat you will be unarmed. The estimated time of arrival is a third of a claw, ready yourselves and be at your post in time. Dismissed.”
“Not sure if I like or I don’t that we had the cold bastard right now” Aren says, as soon as Keya had left the room “Maybe we should move in closer when the convoy gets to sector four?”
“Probably a good idea to be nearby” Santos adds with a sigh “They might take umbrage with her demeanor, hopefully they won’t be set off too hard.”
And with silent signs of agreement all of the officers of Blackriver depart for preparations. The first ones to leave the precinct are the ones in charge of support, the two girls set off early to find someone willing to permit usage of their lawn as a possible impromptu field hospital and a little while later Aren leaves with a heavy CCG.
Slowly, the clock ticks to the appointed claw… And soon enough, Lunek can see in the distance the incoming omen of people. At first a distant line in the horizon, slowly the dark mark on the road coalesces into distinct shapes, the shapes of hundreds of vehicles slowly rolling down the road.
When the first few get close to the initial buildings of the main street, the entire convoy slows down. Their process of preparation is seemingly laborious, each vehicle houses multiple people at a time, smaller cars full to the brim, flatbeds with more people on their cargo space than can safely be contained, even buses conscripted for the effort. They carry with them signs, flags, a multitude of symbols as they dismount their vehicles and start spreading out to fill the street.
They seem to naturally form two distinct yet highly mixed groups, at its most distinctive is the pack of humans who keep a good distance from each other. But they are not alone in this group as takkan, mazic, yotul, zurulian and even drilvar form this central group. But flowing around them, not avoiding their presence but never infringing in their space is the grey mass of venlil, packed tight together, and mixed in there adding color to the monochromatic flux are krakotl, tilfish, sulean, iftali, sivkit and even a seemingly very confused duerten.
And at the very core of the moving group are their vehicles, which gently start rolling forward again as the group starts moving. Lunek simply waits, silently, by the side of the road, his ears attentively swiveling from one side to the other, expression having given way to function. Before the first of the convoy even arrives close he turns to the side, making a pointing sign with his tail. A woman who had been watching from her yard flicks her right ear and runs back inside.
He continues to wait, scanning around at all times for the presence of… Anything. The street is empty of locals when the first visitors start to alight. The convoy is loud, their symbols carry a loudness of colors and their vehicles make as much noise as they can to draw attention, but those who walk seem content in allowing their tools to speak for them, for now. Lunek tries to make sense of the banners and signs, but the messages are disparate as the group- Some speak of injustices against their people, some speak of anger at invaders, some speak of betrayal.
“Fuck off, fireman!” comes the harsh bark of a human, causing Lunek to flinch. But flinch is all he does, he simply starts walking alongside the moving convoy.
The exterminator’s attention is drawn to the details of the few people he can distinguish amongst the mass. Something tickles at his pattern-recognition but he cannot quite ascertain what for a while, until a lightly limping mazic makes her way to the edge of the mass “Want to finish the job?!” she trumpets, her form towering over his.
“I’m just observing, ma’am.” Though the tremor of his voice is noticeable, he remains stoic. But her proximity makes him notice something about her body, marks in her wrists, neck and feet. Though mazic have powerful wrists and knuckles upon which they support the front half of their weight, her left wrist seems completely incapable of it, giving her a limp particular to a three-point walk. “To make sure there’s no impediment on your path” he notices the leathery skin around her left wrist is deeply blackened.
“Oh, ‘no impediment’ is that it? So everyone that lives here is an impediment?!” her voice booms.
“Ma’am” still, he does not yield nor does he break his pace following the convoy “We have not done anything other than inform our people of your presence…” for a half second all he hears is the sound of his own heart “We can’t do anything else.”
Those words, then, sealed his fate. The first shout to echo in his direction was a yotul howling “Yeah you’re useless!” and soon the avalanche came in multiple voices and languages “Can’t do shit!” “You’re just here to hurt people!” “Useless crap!” “Idiot!” and many more.
With every step and twitch the very average exterminator puts all of his focus on just being there. He lets himself cower a little bit, against the barrage it is difficult not to, but he continues to accompany. A few curious coats step out from their houses to watch, but the front of the convoy seems far too focused on the sole exterminator in view to bother anyone else.
A few steps ahead, an older venlil with a cane has moved the closest to the convoy as any watcher has up to now. Seeing her proximity to the increasingly rowdy crowd causes Lunek to speed up, quickly approaching her “Leva-”
But his words are stalled when she puts a paw on his shoulder, she gently puts her head against his for just a second “You’re doing good pup, keep at it” she mutters to him before breaking contact and turning around to walk back inside. He can spy her grandchildren looking on through the door. Lunek looks back at the still-shouting moving convoy, takes a deep breath, and continues to accompany them forward. A small pawful of them, however, seem to have fallen silent.
Once having reached the limit of his assigned zone, however, Lunek stops. He watches the convoy move forward, past the houses, now noisier than before. The initial hollering at him had turned into disjointed screams at some indistinct foe- Though the herd had been noticed of a foe, it was yet unaware of who, or what, said foe was. So for now it howled at the ineptitude of… Someone. And as the last of the convoy passes beyond the imaginary line of his duty, Lunek lets out a deep sigh and allows himself to sit down on the ground.
He stays there for a moment, without thought, simply letting the tension, confusion and fear permeate his body until a gentle paw touches his arm. He doesn’t need to look to identify it, he lets his lover use her strength to prop him up, raising him to his feet “Keina you shouldn’t-”
“Neighbor’s looking over Tiss” his wife wraps her arms and tail around him “I’m not leaving you alone.” she stays like that for a second, before breaking off “Do you need to go after them?”
“No”
Marik stalks through the sidewalk, moving with energy. His speed outpaces the movement of the convoy, his paws twitch to grasp at something that isn’t there and a deep and intense motion makes his short fur stand on end. He had let the convoy’s head move in front of him, simply standing still as he assessed as many as he could in the mass, and now he had begun to move towards the front again.
As he stalked forward he focused his sight on every member of the convoy that seemed of interest. A human whose clothes seemed suspiciously loose, a venlil whose movements were far too stiff, a gojid who kept his claws behind his back. He stared at each like they were his quarry, analyzing every piece of movement they made for threats, and yet aside from the challenge in the human’s gaze he saw no danger arise.
Tenve had closed his shop, so as the convoy moved forward Marik simply continued to follow along, scanning the crowd for threats. But the next point of interest arrives, and he rushes ahead placing himself in front of the only restaurant of the town. Sunbreeze Meals wasn’t a very common sort of restaurant, Blackriver did not have enough visitors for a normal restaurant to be profitable and was small enough most people had their meals at home, it most often served takeout for those farmers who’d spend so long in the field they would return home without the energy to feed themselves.
Sparing a look inside at the only five tables, Marik couldn’t keep a small thought away from his mind. How most who got their meals from Sunbreeze these days did so because they enjoyed the cooking rather than their need of work, ever since the sunspeck population has been brought under control and the maintenance of the fields had become much smaller. He feels the presence long before he can recognize what led him to feel it and turns to stare at a group of six that approach the entrance: Two humans, a tilfish, two gojids and a takkan had broken off from the convoy and approached the restaurant.
He traces his color band over each in turn, and they all bristle at his stare. One of the humans hesitates before continuing to walk inside, and Marik simply remains by the door with his arms crossed, left ear twisted as far back as he could to listen to the inside.
“What have you got here?”
“W-we mostly ha-have ready ma-made meals to go or- or- Or you can look over the menu”
“There’s no need to stutter, y’know”
“So-sorry-”
“Really, after everything y’all are still with this predator crap?”
The chimes on the door echo for the second time in sequence as Marik makes his way inside. The tilfish had started to lean over the counter while the other five had arrayed themselves behind her. They all turn their attention to him as he enters, including the venlil manning the counter. Marik keeps his gaze directly on the tilfish for a few uncomfortable seconds, before looking at the man behind the counter and making a simple sign with his tail, a short vertical bob with the tip and a slow horizontal swipe. It’s meaning simple: >Safe<.
After a few seconds someone else appears from the kitchen. The tall venlil carries a large stack of plastic boxes in his arms, all of them seemingly designed to attach to themselves so as to be carried with ease. He puts them down with a resounding crash on the counter, and opens up his voice with ice “Farmer’s Pots, good meal when you’re working and can’t go home.” With each word the owner of the restaurant and main cook comes closer and closer to the tilfish, until the last “Ten credits each.”
Nobody moves for a couple of seconds, and then one of the humans steps closer and brings a holopad over to the credit reader. There’s a noise indicating payment, and then the owner raises his head and tilts it to focus his favored eye and both of his ears at the man who paid “Now,” he shifts register in his voice and the language he speaks in “fuck off” he finishes.
With no small amount of surprise the group of six retrieve the stack of packaged meals, carefully walking out and back into the convoy. Marik stays behind for a moment “Didn’t know you spoke human”
“Pup’s enamored with their languages. Of course, first greek words he learns is swearing.”
Outside, Marik stalks further ahead to the next point of interest. He moves faster than the convoy, and has time to move in front of it. For a few meters the street is still clear as he arrives to find a group of people standing in front of the Watchful. Standing there were all of its employees, and even all of its regulars, twenty people total standing there as if they were having the most normal day. If not for their raised ears tracking every noise coming from down the street and their swaying tails swinging about like angry beasts.
One of them simply points his tail at the other side of the street as Marik comes closer, and the hunter doesn’t need a second command to understand the meaning. They have this, he has a less practical but just as important duty. He crosses the street quickly before the convoy starts coming closer, and heads towards the park.
As the regulars of the Watchful had feared, it took little time until a large group had broken off from the convoy. With the town on alert about the convoy they had found themselves bereft of prey and now this group had set out to find some, anyone who might be willing, or not, to listen to their grievances. And what is clearly a place designed for people to congregate looked most appetizing.
Marik shadowed the group as they moved through the park, but they were accompanied by nothing but silence. It wasn’t until they ran into the centerpiece of the park that he took initiative, stepping ahead of the group and simply… Standing there a distance away from the tree of many scions, between it and the group.
“What’s so important over there, fireman?” it was a venlil who asked, but his usage of an english word was not lost on Marik.
“A place you will respect” the exterminator has his arms crossed, the one good portion of his gaze set on the man who asked “This is a grave.”
Though the group that now prowled was large, those who heard were taken aback. One such, however, approaches closer. He was a venlil whose fur shifted between a soft, brownish color and a dirty white “A tradition of the tenets right? One of those family trees?” The man would have been distinctive in any other group due to his missing patches of fur around neck, wrists, even portions around his head. But such signs of long term damage were common in the convoy.
Interest. They had shown true interest, or at least one of them had. “No, but similar… The forgotten tree is a grave for the forgotten.” He felt like these people, at least the ones before him, could probably understand the meaning of this place “It is of no tradition. Someone, a long time ago, wanted to honor someone who was gone but whose name was not meant to be remembered. Someone who had disappeared in the system… So they borrowed on another’s tradition, and added a scion to this tree, with something in their memory. Others have done so similarly, until it became… A grave for the forgotten”
“Didn’t think you’d be worried about this kind of place” it’s a human that speaks up this time
“Our duty is to protect this town, what you think-” but Marik’s words are interrupted by that same venlil who had asked before. His demeanor suddenly shifts, his ears perk up and his entire body shifts forward for a moment. He hesitates, for a second everyone’s focus is on him, and then he runs towards the tree.
Marik follows behind, stopping just by the man’s side as he finds himself at the base of the tree. The man makes a direct line to somewhere, something he had found from the distance, as if it had called him. He finds a thick and heavy branch that had been bent down by the weight of its scions and memories, near its base and speaking of a memory left behind long ago is a braid of fur made of three colors, a dirty white, a soft brown and a dark grey, bound by the braids are two beads.
The man raises up a paw, but does not touch it. As if cradling it, he recites the words engraved in one of the beads “I will cross every star to return home” others have come closer to listen to the man’s hoarse voice “There will always be a home for you” he reads of the second one. The names on the beads have been scratched out. The man falls on his knees “S-she kept her promise and… I couldn’t keep mine…”
Marik steps back as he watches two others come closer to comfort the man. He looks as a few others approach with more caution, looking up at the tree with a bit more reverence than they had before. Then, he turns around and starts heading back towards the main street.
Gazing out as the convoy gains a new flux, some leave it as it passes to move towards the park while others leave the park to rejoin the convoy, Marik simply stays there at the side of the street looking as stern as he could. Though the noise of the convoy remains great, here in this portion it seems to die down a little. A thought crosses his mind as he turns an ear as far back as he can, a thought he can’t help but voice “I wonder how many are looking at their own graves…”
As the convoy progresses, Santos simply stands by the front of the precinct, hands in his pockets. He watches the convoy arrive, heart beating fast, constrained hands the only reason he hasn't started shaking quite yet. He starts tapping his right foot as he watches the first few people cross by without noticing what this place is yet, everyone knows where the precinct is, so aside from the words printed on the sign by the entrance there is no other marker of what this building’s purpose might be.
Of course, it is impossible for nobody to notice. The entire convoy seems to stop as soon as a zurulian riding on the shoulders of a human points a claw at the building and says something. A large group breaks away at the command, all of them holding disparate signs and messages. They turn on the building with enough roars that whatever they are attempting to transmit is lost on him.
Santos is thankful his hearing isn’t nearly as good as his coworkers’, as the cacophony is already overwhelming him. He changes stances slightly, taking his hands out of his pockets and crossing his arms. This prompts a small group to turn their looks at him, the focus easily identifiable with the humans in their midst, focus which made the hair in the back of Santos’ neck stand on end. Living in this place had refined his sense of danger, but he didn’t need that to realize what could happen.
It was a group of five that approached, four humans and a venlil. “Didn’t think they’d be letting humans live out here in the boonies” said one of his kin.
Santos just shrugs “Got hired to work here. Honestly, rural folk get a needlessly bad reputation, most of the time they just don’t care as long as you’re not bothering them”
“Really? In my-”
Santos interrupts the man “Cut it out” there are many ways in which humans make themselves obvious, many of which are their eyes. Santos did understand the fear of them and why it was primal, it was not the fear of the eyes but the fear of attention, it was knowing you were under the scrutiny and judgment of another that set off that emotion. It was rarely the eyes that showed this attention for most species, but for humans it was, and the man’s clear gaze on his badge made the entire situation clear to him “Stop beating around the bush and say it already.”
Someone else is who speaks. The tall woman starts not with words, however, but by spitting on Santos’ uniform “You fucking traitor” her voice is both fierce and cold at the same time. A very emotional coldness.
“There we go” he sighs “Just… Move on. We’re not getting anything out of this conversation”
“Why?” It was the venlil in the group that started this time “These people hate you, they hate you for what you are! Why do you work for them?!”
Santos rubs his eyes and sighs “Because someone has to. Change only happens when you make it happen, simple as that”
“Change?!” another one of the humans howls “Do you think those people can change?! You know the truth, those fuckers have never done anything good!”
“You know, if you had read your history books…” Santos stares at the one who had just had their outburst “You’d remember that we once thought the very same about the police” there’s the sound of glass breaking, but he doesn’t reaction “And a lot of us still do”
The human staring him down shifts their gaze slightly at the broken window of the precinct, then back at Santos “A broken window is easy to fix” he shrugs “As I was saying. Same shit.” he crosses his arms again “There’s a role those people play, a role that needs to be played because it’s important. Different name, different problems, still the same shit. Gotta fix this, I’m doing my part” he then stares at the venlil in the group “You do yours. Simple as that.”
“Role?!” the venlil of the group steps closer “What role could they possibly have?! They only exist to hurt people!”
Santos steps back, and raises his eyes a little bit. Of course, the classics had shown themselves in this instance. With as many humans as there are in the crowd there were now quite a few objects in the air, most clearly aimed at the precinct behind him. Though given the failed arc of some of them it was clearly not just the humans indulging in such a tried and true method.
“I used to be a wildlife preserve ranger” Santos then focuses his gaze on the aggravated venlil “This is a frontier town, if you walk in the brushes with shorts you’ll walk out with your ankles numb. The athai out there are rather harmless, but they keep the sunspecks under control.” He takes another step back “Since coming here I’ve been pest control, had to catch an exotic animal set loose, investigated a murder, helped stop a child from taking her own life, stopped large scale fights, helped a dozen people avoid being arrested for self defense and helped break a fucking siege”
Santos cracks his knuckles “There’s roles. Jobs that need done and there is one fucking organization doing it all. That is a problem.” Then, he sighs and takes a few more steps to the side, offering indifference from this point on “There’s nothing I can say that would make you calm down.” he says one final time “Just make sure not to injure yourselves in the process, alright?” His words seemed to be enough to make the small group cease trying to interact, as the convoy had begun moving again. Though the one human who had called him a traitor gets one final parting shot at the precinct “Where the hell did you get an egg in this planet…” Santos says with a raised eyebrow as the projectile impacts the front door.
Keya stands by a large sign, the same one that welcomes you into Blackriver on one side and sees you out at the other, the official limit of the town. Her arms behind her back, her attention directly towards the front of the convoy as they march. Something gains the whole of her attention, the car in the front. Someone draws her focus, a human with a megaphone on top of the car. The man shouts words of encouragement at the people behind him with the megaphone before turning to his holopad, then he bends over downwards to discuss something with the driver.
She simply remains there, waiting for the convoy to pass. But instead of moving on out of the city, here the convoy stops completely. Keya observes as the further end of the convoy starts to slowly compact upon itself, and her ears pick up something “Alright everyone, start getting ready, next town over is more than a claw away, make sure you’ve left nothing behind” the words were not meant for her, nor for anyone too far. They come from the same man she had seen standing on top of the car, but he had now climbed down and was talking with a group of multiple species.
It is clear they have some degree of leadership, though the convoy does not stop cleanly nor does it begin to organize with alacrity they do respond to the group’s organization. So Keya keeps her focus on them as they point, wave and talk between themselves, others and devices. But at least one of them has noticed her attention, a gangly and light-skinned human with fire-red hair, the man that was atop the car. He starts walking in her direction, before turning around for one final set of commands as he walks backwards “And make sure the guys at the back got all the crap! We’re here to be heard, not to trash the city!” he says before turning back again to head towards her. A venlil with pure white fur erupts from inside the car he was riding, quickly dashing to his side as they notice where he was going.
In a few moments both have come up to her, the human looking down at her with the venlil bristles at his side “Saw anything interesting, fireman?”
“What are you doing here?”
“What? Isn’t it obvious?!” it was the venlil that roared a response “You saw all of it! You know what they’ve done to us! What they’ve done to everyone! And you still work for those brahking monsters! It’s like you’re thankful they made you a cripple!”
The human puts a hand on the venlil’s shoulder, calming her demeanor just a little bit “We’re here because honestly, we’re all too tired of being fucking ignored is what. So what the fuck are you gonna do?!”
“I have put the wrong emphasis” Keya says with her lack of tone. She can see the human shiver just a little bit “My task is to ensure the safety of this town. Your convoy is a danger. We have eight field-capable officers, we cannot ensure the safety of the residents against a group like yours. People will take actions for reasons, you have broadcast your reasons clearly. You have chosen this place for a reason which I cannot ascertain.”
She makes sure her ears are trained towards both the human and the venlil, an action which causes the venlil to cower behind her partner “We do not house government agencies. This is a farming town of little note. The local precinct is a simple precinct, we have no regulatory or command authority. The town population is approximately double that of the number of your convoy. We have no individuals of appreciable social or political reach. There is nothing in Blackriver of interest to people attempting to change government policy, nor have there been actions taken here that I can identify as being cause for retaliatory actions within the context of your message.”
“I must ensure this does not happen again and the only way of doing so is minimizing our attractivity as targets. A logical assumption of your choice of quarry would be a town with the presence of politicians, a large city with constant news coverage, cities housing important government agencies or those containing the Regional Firebases”
“So I ask again. What are you doing here?”
The two remain silent for a few seconds, before the human turns around with a mouth noise “Whatever, I don’t need to explain myself to someone that won’t listen. Come on!” he starts to stalk back towards the car, but stops once he notices his venlil companion wasn’t moving.
The snow-white venlil has their focus on Keya, who offers a simple low forward swipe of her tail, a sign to proceed. Still, the venlil seems frozen in place until the human comes back and grabs hold of their paw with a gentle touch. At which point both finally return to the convoy.
Keya remains at the side of the road, watching as the convoy readies itself again to leave. People get back inside cars, they hop on the back of trucks and load themselves into buses. She continues to watch as the convoy takes its time riding out, making their way out of the town.
Once it is finally gone, multiple footsteps sound behind her. When she turns around she meets her officers, having returned from their assigned positions “They have left. I expect your reports of what happened in each sector by the end of your shifts” she states plainly, before looking at Santos “They did not appear to have a specific reason for targeting Blackriver.” The question remains unspoken.
The human officer just shrugs “Sometimes, you don’t know what you’re doing. We’re just a little town, I doubt they even know what exactly they’re angry about.” He looks at the tail end of the convoy as it leaves “Town was probably just a place they felt safe going to.”
“D-do you think we might get more like that” Lunek says, at the back of the group.
“Who knows…” Santos sighs “But if human history applies anywhere here… This is just a sign of worse things to come”
And thus the omen passes by. Feelings, emotions of all sorts, without a plan or a reason other than just their own rage and distress.
Did any of these even know what they were doing? And how much worse can it be when they do?
2024.05.18 18:54 esva_fashion Exploring the World of Western Party Dresses for Women
 | When it comes to dressing up for a party, finding the perfect outfit can make all the difference. Western party dresses for women offer a range of stylish options that can make you stand out at any event. Whether you’re attending a formal gala, a casual gathering, or a fun night out, there’s a western party dress that will suit your style and the occasion. In this guide, we’ll explore different types of western party dresses, tips for choosing the right one, and how to accessorize to complete your look. submitted by esva_fashion to u/esva_fashion [link] [comments] https://preview.redd.it/xxoerp6dt71d1.jpg?width=1024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=43326215f662977c5b079bf28c104472b7ef5e63 Understanding Western Party DressesWestern party dresses come in various styles, each bringing a unique flair to your wardrobe. Here are some popular types:
Choosing the Right Dress for the OccasionWhen selecting a western party dress, it’s important to consider the type of event you’re attending. Here are some tips to help you choose the right dress:
Accessorizing Your Western Party DressAccessories can make or break your outfit. Here are some tips for accessorizing your western party dress:
FAQ 1. What is the best dress style for a formal party?For formal parties, elegant maxi dresses or sophisticated cocktail dresses are ideal. Look for rich fabrics like satin, silk, and chiffon, and consider dresses with embellishments like beads, sequins, or embroidery.2. How can I accessorize a little black dress?A little black dress can be accessorized with statement jewelry, such as a bold necklace or chandelier earrings. Pair it with elegant heels and a stylish clutch for a polished look.3. What type of dress is best for a casual gathering?For casual gatherings, opt for relaxed styles like A-line dresses, sundresses, or simple bodycon dresses in comfortable fabrics like cotton or jersey.4. How do I choose the right size when shopping online?To choose the right size, know your measurements (bust, waist, hip, and inseam) and compare them to the size chart provided by the retailer. Reading customer reviews can also provide insights into how the dress fits.5. Can I wear a western party dress to a themed party?Absolutely! For a western-themed party, look for dresses with fringe, cowboy boots, and hats. For other themed parties, choose a dress that matches the theme, like a flapper dress for a 1920s event.6. What shoes should I wear with a maxi dress?For a maxi dress, heels or elegant flats are suitable for formal events, while sandals or wedges are great for more casual settings.ConclusionWestern party dresses for women offer a wide array of options to suit any event, from formal gatherings to casual get-togethers. By understanding the different styles available and knowing how to accessorize, you can create a stunning look that reflects your personal style. Remember to choose a dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and you’ll be ready to shine at any party.Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of a little black dress, the romantic flow of a maxi dress, or the bold statement of a bodycon dress, there’s a western party dress out there for you. Happy shopping and enjoy your next party in style! |
2024.05.18 17:32 YakiTapioca NoP: A Recipe for Disaster (Part 41)
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Hello again! This batch of chapters is looking pretty spicy, and I'm really excited to share them with you! Not really much else to say, tbh, other than that I'm once again really thankful for all of your patience and understanding when it comes to my upload schedule. I know it's tough sometimes to drop in and out of stories like this, and even worse to see the last upload date for a story you like being "100 days ago," but we're still making our way there slowly! Besides, the most tender dishes are the ones that boil slowly~
As always, I hope you enjoy reading! :D
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Fanart: The Brightest Star in the Night Sky, by u/Frostedscales
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Thank you to Philodox on discord for proofreading and editing RfD.
Thank you to Pampanope on reddit for the cover art.
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Memory Transcript Subject: Sylvan, Venlil Citizen
Date: [Standardized Human Time]: December 13, 2136
“Everything’s good to go over here, Kenta! How about you?”
“Fine on my end too boss! Though I still don’t know how to feel about how I’ve arranged the sandwiche– err… sylvanas. Cucumber salad next to blueberry? They kind of don’t match…”
“I already told you a million times, they look fine!”
“You sure…?”
“I’m sure! Now are you ready to start this thing?”
“Ready!”
“Then let’s go!”
I shut the door to the kitchen, making sure that I had not left anything behind that would be needed for the day, then began wheeling out the final cart of amenities. As I rolled it down the wooden floor of my emptied out diner, one long serving tray jostled back and forth across the surface top.
I looked down to recap my inventory. A motley of sylvanas cleanly cut into triangles lay in an ornate pattern atop a decorative bed of raw ipsom grain stalks, spiraling around the edges of the plate as it creeped its way closer to the center. The sylvanas were split into clear groups based not only on their filling, but of the colour of that filling as well, creating a literal rainbow of flavours to choose from. By all means, it was an absolutely marvelous display of art; a visual performance that I had no idea could be captured in something like a dish to be served at such a quaint event. Kenta, however, seemed to still be worrying over it.
Despite it apparently being part of the name according to my translator, the Terran fruit named “blueberry” was actually a deep shade of indigo rather than blue, especially when crushed into a form of jam. As a result, lacking any blue to connect the various green options of our rainbow to that of the very limited indigo, Kenta had ended up spending much too long worrying over such a minute detail.
‘What a dummy…’ I thought back to myself with a slight chuckle. ‘I guess he’s worrying about this just as much as I am.’
Hardly two or three steps remained between the food cart and the diner’s entrance. Hastily, I jogged up to the front door to prop it open. However, when I went to turn the handle, I felt it give way without even the slightest push. Someone was pulling it from the other side, causing me to be yanked forward and stumble. Looking up, I saw the rusty figure of Fehnel standing impatiently in the doorway.
“You almost done in here, Sylvan?” she asked in a hurried breath. “Here, let me help you with that.”
Before hearing my response, Fehnel had already grabbed ahold on the cart and began pulling it outside without delay. I let go and didn’t attempt to stop her, knowing full well the farm woman was likely much stronger than I. In a blur, she was already far from the door, and I began jogging after her in an attempt to keep up.
Just as the day before, the Inverter was powered on and running perfectly. The metal pylon let out a slight, continuous hum as it projected an energetic beam from its center, which split at the apex around the height of the Lackadaisy and fell down in a parabolic curve, creating a tangible anti-gravity field in its wake.
Just outside the field, it became immediately clear just how necessary this piece of advanced Federation technology was. Beyond the radiant dome, a thick rain riddled the sky and drowned the world it fell unto. A harsh wind howled and distant thunder roared, which combined with the rain to push against the field to no avail. Within, where so many confectionaries, decorations, and other preparations had been so carefully placed, not even the paw of Solgalick could disrupt us.
“You know this would be goin’ a lot faster if I could jus’ start grabbin’ the food ma’self,” Fehnel commented in a tone too preoccupied to be annoyed.
As I ran after the hauling Yotul, I tried to say, “Fehnel, I’d really appreciate it if you would–”
“I know, I know,” she interrupted back, seemingly distant. “You want me to ‘not go into the diner during the event.’ Listen Sylvan, I get that Kahnta back there is a fainter, but don’t you think that this is a tad extreme? We’re on a tight schedule here, y’know?”
“I know… it’s just kind of a golden rule. I can’t stress to you enough how important it is that nobody does so much as peak in there,” I reiterated as I jogged alongside the speeding Yotul. “And don’t worry. Once everything starts, then you can feel free to socialize and spend the day with your daughter. I’ll take care of restocking the food.”
“I suppose that’s awful nice of ya,” Fehnel breathed out. “Sure you won’t be tirin’ yourself out, hun?”
I shrugged. “Eh. How fast could people possibly eat? It’ll be fine.”
“Careful there. Don’t wanna be sprintin’ before your legs catch up,” Fehnel chuckled. “But I’m plenty thankful for the confidence. I’ll try to hold ya to your word.”
As we moved, I was able to take a brief second to look around. I began to marvel at how far the event had come since its initial inception. And under such short time restrictions as well! Through a combination of both the Lacakdaisy’s furniture, as well as a number of decorations that I had rented, we had ended up with something that I had truly considered exemplary. In traditional Venlil style, a forest of various greenery had been set out in a colourful array of paw-crafted pots and other containers. Small bushels, flowers, a few overhanging trees, and other vegetation stood proudly within. From each, incandescent ornaments of various hues emerged in a bright and brazen display. All of which combined to transform the normally secluded street atmosphere into one that was truly cozy, if not just the slightest bit packed within the bubble. In accordance with one of Fehnel’s initial requests, we had even arranged for a small wooden stage to be brought in, which fit neatly against… something that I would rather not look at…
Of course, decorations aside, one of the most enrapturing displays was that of the food itself. Positioned at various places all around the event’s area, tables upon tables of buffet items had been laid out. It was a marvelous display on all fronts. From the generously sized serving bowls of pasta, plates of still steaming gyoza, and the diverse types and variations of strayu laid in motley rows all throughout, the feast was like a colourful microcosm of everything Kenta and I had been working towards.
But what was even more impressive were all the new additions Kenta had made. Just as expected, my wayward chef had taken the original request and spun it on its tail, seemingly pulling no stops when it came to expanding our already diverse arrangement. From end to end, small, round discs of strayu called “Danishes” lay against each other down the side of one of the tables. Most impressively, the center of each had been filled in with various hues of jam, in a similar style to that of the sylvanas that I was currently wheeling towards it.
On the other side of the same table, a sundry of embellished wooden bowls sat parallel, each filled with various kinds of Venlilian-style salads. I had taken the time to teach him such recipes a good while back, but while at first these seemed to be rather unostentatious, a quick look revealed that Kenta had added his own twist to the otherwise typical mix of local produce. Tossed about each salad were dozens of small strayu cubes called “Croutons,” each baked until crisp and crunchy. What’s more, if the olfactory receptor in my mouth didn’t deceive me, I had even picked up the heavenly aroma of something Kenta had only introduced to me recently as “Garlic,” which had clearly been infused into the cubes.
On another table, steaming crocks of both soups and stews had been laid out for guests to self serve. But in lieu of a bowl, Kenta had elected to do something truly unique. It had taken me a moment to process his idea at first, but hollowed out husks of rotund strayu loaves had been left out for guests to grab, in which they were supposed to fill the “bread bowls” – as Kenta had called them – with the soup and eat them as normal. This even came with the advantage of being able to tear off small pieces of the now soup-soaked strayu, allowing one to enjoy the taste of both simultaneously. This idea, I had soon realized, would be the hardest to explain to any confused guests that might happen by.
As we approached the soup table, Fehnel and I began loading up the cart-full of sylvanas we had brought over onto a free area. We placed them right next to one other new recipe that Kenta had decided to share. A simple display of thinly cut slices of crunchy, lightly seasoned strayu, with a bright red sauce readied next to it that I instantly recognized as being the product of tomatoes mixed with oil. According to Kenta, these “Bruschetta” were a simple, yet simultaneously alluring appetizer, which would do well to pair with the soup he had stirred up.
Once the sylvanas had been laid out, Fehnel felt the urge to ask, “Is that the last of it?”
“Yes, for now,” I replied, absentmindedly stretching my back. “This’ll cover the initial rush of hungry people, I assume. But Kahnta’s already busy working on seconds.”
“Gotta say Sylvan, this is quite the impressive spread,” Fehnel said with a quick, delighted wag of the tail. “Y’know… When I asked for somethin’ new, I wasn’t expectin’ Kahnta over there to whip up so much.”
“Oh this isn’t the new dish you asked for,” I answered flatly. “That’s still being worked on.”
Fehnel froze solid, only her ears remaining seemingly automotive as they slowly shifted towards me. “Wait… what?
“Yeah all of this is just the appetizer according to Kahnta,” I explained, messing with a few arrant sylvanas that had broken symmetry. “There’s going to be one more plate of food that should be coming out shortly. And then dessert after that.”
“That’s… surely somethin’...” was all Fehnel could say. She opened her mouth as if to continue her train of thought, only to have something else pull her attention away.
Peering out into the stormy weather of the darkened town, an eye-catchingly large herd of people were making their way towards the bright dome that sketched our event’s area. Silhouettes of familiar patrons and wayward newcomers alike huddled under their umbrellas. All the while, an excited murmur hummed throughout the air, despite the noise of the rain around them. The guests were here, and they seemed excited.
I peered down at a small data pad. “Oh, second-sun already? Looks like we just barely made it on time.”
Fehnel simply wagged in acknowledgment, still the slightest bit flabbergasted.
I nudged her side, which seemed to knock her out of her trance. “Want to go greet them?”
Taking one look at me, then peering back at the ensemble of strange and alien foods behind her, one of Fehnel’s ears flicked a little. Then, she did the tail equivalent of a Human shrug, letting out a pleased chuckle. Whatever had been on her mind was apparently pushed to the side for now. “Heh, of course hun. Let’s treat ‘em to somethin’ special.”
With a newfound kick in her already hastened step, Fehnel began to proudly jog over towards the approaching crowd. By now, we could already begin to make out some faces, each looking more curious than the last.
In addition to the Brachistochrone Inverter itself, Jeela had also taken the liberty to have a reception area installed in the form of a metallic tunnel about the width of three Venlil. The tunnel seemed to fold and bend the anti-gravity energy around it, allowing for people to easily enter the repulsion field without having to tread through a torrent of redirected rainwater. Additionally, a series of hooks alongside the interior of the tunnel also served as a convenient area for the storage of umbrellas and coats, which our guests quickly began making use of the moment they started funneling through.
Fehnel and I stood at the side of the entrance, welcoming in guest after guest with the appropriate propriety. At first, many of them were stymied in their step, staring in awe at the sanctuary-like atmosphere that had been created in the middle of the street. But almost as soon as they got their bearings, most realigned their immediate priorities, and subsequently made a beeline for the buffet tables. That’s what they were here for, after all. Hopefully they’d come to appreciate the actual reason Fehnel was hosting this event soon enough.
As we busied ourselves, the voices of many excited guests made themselves audible.
“I’ve been looking forward to this!”
“Look at the decorations!”
“I feel like I’m in the Capital!”
“Are you sure all of this is free?”
“The ad said it was! Either way, I need to try some of this!”
Fehnel and I watched in delight as the crowd began to form around the tables, a number of plates I had left out disappearing as fast as the eye could blink. However, it was clear that a majority of the attention received had been focussed solely on the more familiar menu items already offered by the Lackadaisy.
“Think they’re gonna touch any of the new stuff?” Fehnel idly commented, her attention still fixed on the crowd. “It’d be a shame if any of it goes to waste.”
“Oh they will,” I answered without hesitation. “Just give them a moment. They’ll be all over it soon enough.”
Fehnel laughed. “You sound awful confident, don’tcha?”
“Oh please, this is hardly the first time I’ve served some wacky new thing to my customers,” I answered back with a chuckle of my own. “If anything, at this point I’d say I’m quite the expert. Just watch. You’ll see.”
Like clockwork, my precognitive claim had been proven true mere moments later. Some soul amongst the table’s crowd had seemingly been more curious than the rest, and ended up taste-testing one of the bruschetta. It was hard to make out from this distance, but if I had to guess, her ears had perked up and her eyes had widened in surprise. What was made clear, however, was their opinion of the new food, because only a few moments later could their voice be heard.
“You have got to try some of this stuff!” she practically yelled at anyone who would listen. “It tastes like the red stuff that’s on the pasta, but like… even stronger! It’s so good I feel like I died and am one with the Stars already!”
Like a Farsul unto a library, the crowd collectively swiveled their ears and began to gravitate towards the bruschetta with eager eyes. A few more voices piped up in glee, each more delighted than the last as paw after paw descended on the strayu until there was nothing scarce of crumbs left.
‘Guess that’ll be the first thing I’ll need to restock,’ I thought with a passive wave of the tail, before a sudden realization crept into my mind. ‘Ugh… Kenta and I might be busier today than I thought…’
It wasn’t long before the elation of trying something new, mixed with the sudden and devastating lack of bruschetta, had urged our party guests to move on to the other, never before seen options that laid out to fill their fancy. All at once, the wall of wool and fluff had spread out the slightest bit as fresher waters were explored. Plates were filled with various salads, despite the unfamiliar bits of crunchy strayu inside raising some skeptical ears. Helping after helping of the technicolour pastries were reached for as well, with the sylvanas not lasting much longer after that. And most impressively, it seemed that people had quickly begun to figure out the concept of Kenta’s cute “bread bowl” idea as well, even without instruction.
That last turn of events had actually caught me the slightest bit off guard. For the bread bowls being quite possibly the most unique aspect of the event – well, that I knew of – I found myself rather impressed by how fast people were getting the hang of it. Sure, it meant that I wouldn’t have to bother myself with having to go around explaining it to everybody, but in my eyes, there was a bit more to it than that. Perhaps it was a case of grasping at straws, but for the briefest moment, it made me wonder whether or not Humanity’s ideas had been affecting my people more than I had realized. Perhaps, if only in the slightest, Kenta had been opening their minds to more unique ideas than I had given him credit for. Without the slightest bit of hesitancy, the partygoers did well to experiment with more than the obvious, quickly wrapping their minds around something completely new and extraordinary.
I exhaled a short-breathed snicker, shaking the thought out of my head. ‘Calm down there, Sylvan. It’s just some soup and a piece of strayu shaped like a bowl. No need to get all philosophical about it. Still, I guess them figuring it out saves me some time. Good, cause it looks like I already need to start stocking the next round…’
I moved to grab my cart so that I could head back inside, only to have Fehnel call out and grab my attention instead.
“Sylvan, hun,” she began. “Before you go makin’ yourself scarce. I think there’s somethin’ about this here party that you haven’t explained yet.”
My head turned out to face her. “Hm?”
“Now, don’t get me wrong… What you did here is great and all. By all means, whenever it is that Kadew decides to show up here with that date of hers, I’m sure she’ll start coming around to the idea of my peoples’ Runnin’ Day. But…”
I now realized that Fehnel was completely focussed on something off in the distance.
“Oh,” I replied. “That…”
I had done well to ignore it up until this point. In fact, if I tried hard enough, I was even able to keep it completely hidden from my peripheral. But the truth was, no matter where I went or what I did to distract myself, there was no denying that it was there – that She was there.
At the opposite end of the dome, an onyx terror lurked over the ignorant, complacent masses. Its wicked enormity great, and the pressure about it even greater. The form it took was terrifying. An alien pose, unknown to the mind, originated from a people feared by many. Its peering eyes descended as domineering malevolence. And from its onyx chassis, a message rang clear as a day personally forged by Solgalick themself: Even if I couldn’t see her; if I shielded herself from my sight all day… No matter what, She could always see me.
“I’m gonna be honest Sylvan, I did not take you as someone that had a thing for Magister Jeela.”
I shot back quicker than a bolt of lighting. “I DO NOT HAVE A ‘THING’ FOR–” before stopping myself short.
Luckily, my voice had not been noticed among the now loud, chattering crowd about us. Which was good. I was pretty sure that my voice had cracked into an almost childishly high pitch. Taking a deep breath, I yanked my composure back, and stuffed an air of professionalism back into my voice yet again.
“I a-appologize…” I mumbled out, my head shrinking between my shoulders.
“No worries!” Fehnel replied. She couldn’t help but let a few chuckles pour into her voice. “I was just teasin’ is all. But seriously, you’re gonna have to whip up a pretty darn good explanation… Else I’m boutta start thinkin’ that what I just said was true.”
I took a deep breath, which soon shifted into a long-winded sigh. “Listen… It was part of the deal, alright? I’m not proud of it, but it’s there now, and unless you’ve got a herd of Mazic heavylifters at the beck and call, I can’t get rid of it.”
“Part of the deal?” Fehnel repeated.
“It’s my end of the bargain for us being able to have this Inverter during the event. And no, before you ask, it was not worth it,” I explained.
I could do nothing but feel immense shame for the inconvenience. To have something so overbearing, so shamelessly grandstanding placed in the middle of what was supposed to be a quaint event about cross-cultural understanding… It was beyond disrespectful to Fehnel’s original request. It took something that the poor woman had been planning for who knew how long, and brutally morphed it into a shadow of its former self. Into nothing but an ego trip for a politician that probably already surrounded themselves with weed biters and paw lickers.
“Listen…” I said, lowering both my tail and ears in respect. “Fehnel, I apologize profusely for allowing that thing to be placed here. I should have put my paw down and just hosted the event inside like we planned. But it’s too late now. I’m really sorry…”
But to my surprise, Fehnel had not been paying attention to my display of humility. Instead, her focus was still on that of the statue.
“I think it looks neat!” she said in a cheery tone.
“Y-you do?” I mumbled back.
“Well yeah!” She wagged her tail to assure me. “Sure it’s a bit, err… unconventional… But I think it’s got quite a bit of charm to it!”
“That’s… one way of saying it…”
“Besides, it might not be the worst thing to have somethin’ from the Magisters here with us,” Fehnel continued to think out loud. “Sorta gives this whole event a kinda official feel, y’know? Like it’s lettin’ everyone here know that the Yotul have got just as much right bein’ under the same heedin’ ears of the Governor as anyone else. Sure, dependin’ on where you are and who you ask, that may or may not be a good thing. But it at least means it’s harder to ignore us now. Heck, might even convince some of the people ‘round here to open up a little to the other parts of us.”
“Well… so long as you’re happy with it, I suppose?” I worded awkwardly.
If I had been completely honest with myself, I was expecting the slightest bit more… Well, I wasn’t sure. Perhaps anger? Annoyance? Unrelenting grief that invariably led to locking yourself in a closet, crying? But there was no sign of that in the rusty Yotul’s eyes. As she stared up at the onyx marvel, I couldn’t help but feel as though there was no sign of the negativity I had anticipated in the slightest. Instead, all that remained was that of a solemn pride. Maybe she was lying to herself. Like it was some sort of coping mechanism that helped her work around this unwelcome development in her plans. But regardless, the end result remained. And I was left feeling relieved at being able to avoid yet another hurdle.
‘Fehnel really knows how to look at the optimistic side of things, I guess… Good. I could really use some more of that around here.’
“Feel free to run along now, Sylvan,” she said, waving me a satisfied flick of the tail. “I’ll keep waitin’ here so I can greet the other guests. And I do hope you and Kahnta can bring out the main course whenever it’s ready. I wanna make sure everything’s ready to blow Kadew’s fur off whenever she decides to get here.”
I had to force myself not to flash a Human smile in return. She and the rest of the partygoers had no idea what was coming. And to a certain extent, neither did I. He did mention he had some sort of “surprise” coming, after all. But I always trusted Kenta for his word, and knowing what my chef was capable of, it never occurred to me once that it wouldn’t live up to the expectations. In fact, I was counting on him to exceed them.
I turned around and headed back to the kitchen. It was time to get the real party started.
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-First- -Previous- -Next (on Patreon)-
submitted by YakiTapioca to NatureofPredators [link] [comments]
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Hello again! This batch of chapters is looking pretty spicy, and I'm really excited to share them with you! Not really much else to say, tbh, other than that I'm once again really thankful for all of your patience and understanding when it comes to my upload schedule. I know it's tough sometimes to drop in and out of stories like this, and even worse to see the last upload date for a story you like being "100 days ago," but we're still making our way there slowly! Besides, the most tender dishes are the ones that boil slowly~
As always, I hope you enjoy reading! :D
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Fanart: The Brightest Star in the Night Sky, by u/Frostedscales
—————————
Thank you to Philodox on discord for proofreading and editing RfD.
Thank you to Pampanope on reddit for the cover art.
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Memory Transcript Subject: Sylvan, Venlil Citizen
Date: [Standardized Human Time]: December 13, 2136
“Everything’s good to go over here, Kenta! How about you?”
“Fine on my end too boss! Though I still don’t know how to feel about how I’ve arranged the sandwiche– err… sylvanas. Cucumber salad next to blueberry? They kind of don’t match…”
“I already told you a million times, they look fine!”
“You sure…?”
“I’m sure! Now are you ready to start this thing?”
“Ready!”
“Then let’s go!”
I shut the door to the kitchen, making sure that I had not left anything behind that would be needed for the day, then began wheeling out the final cart of amenities. As I rolled it down the wooden floor of my emptied out diner, one long serving tray jostled back and forth across the surface top.
I looked down to recap my inventory. A motley of sylvanas cleanly cut into triangles lay in an ornate pattern atop a decorative bed of raw ipsom grain stalks, spiraling around the edges of the plate as it creeped its way closer to the center. The sylvanas were split into clear groups based not only on their filling, but of the colour of that filling as well, creating a literal rainbow of flavours to choose from. By all means, it was an absolutely marvelous display of art; a visual performance that I had no idea could be captured in something like a dish to be served at such a quaint event. Kenta, however, seemed to still be worrying over it.
Despite it apparently being part of the name according to my translator, the Terran fruit named “blueberry” was actually a deep shade of indigo rather than blue, especially when crushed into a form of jam. As a result, lacking any blue to connect the various green options of our rainbow to that of the very limited indigo, Kenta had ended up spending much too long worrying over such a minute detail.
‘What a dummy…’ I thought back to myself with a slight chuckle. ‘I guess he’s worrying about this just as much as I am.’
Hardly two or three steps remained between the food cart and the diner’s entrance. Hastily, I jogged up to the front door to prop it open. However, when I went to turn the handle, I felt it give way without even the slightest push. Someone was pulling it from the other side, causing me to be yanked forward and stumble. Looking up, I saw the rusty figure of Fehnel standing impatiently in the doorway.
“You almost done in here, Sylvan?” she asked in a hurried breath. “Here, let me help you with that.”
Before hearing my response, Fehnel had already grabbed ahold on the cart and began pulling it outside without delay. I let go and didn’t attempt to stop her, knowing full well the farm woman was likely much stronger than I. In a blur, she was already far from the door, and I began jogging after her in an attempt to keep up.
Just as the day before, the Inverter was powered on and running perfectly. The metal pylon let out a slight, continuous hum as it projected an energetic beam from its center, which split at the apex around the height of the Lackadaisy and fell down in a parabolic curve, creating a tangible anti-gravity field in its wake.
Just outside the field, it became immediately clear just how necessary this piece of advanced Federation technology was. Beyond the radiant dome, a thick rain riddled the sky and drowned the world it fell unto. A harsh wind howled and distant thunder roared, which combined with the rain to push against the field to no avail. Within, where so many confectionaries, decorations, and other preparations had been so carefully placed, not even the paw of Solgalick could disrupt us.
“You know this would be goin’ a lot faster if I could jus’ start grabbin’ the food ma’self,” Fehnel commented in a tone too preoccupied to be annoyed.
As I ran after the hauling Yotul, I tried to say, “Fehnel, I’d really appreciate it if you would–”
“I know, I know,” she interrupted back, seemingly distant. “You want me to ‘not go into the diner during the event.’ Listen Sylvan, I get that Kahnta back there is a fainter, but don’t you think that this is a tad extreme? We’re on a tight schedule here, y’know?”
“I know… it’s just kind of a golden rule. I can’t stress to you enough how important it is that nobody does so much as peak in there,” I reiterated as I jogged alongside the speeding Yotul. “And don’t worry. Once everything starts, then you can feel free to socialize and spend the day with your daughter. I’ll take care of restocking the food.”
“I suppose that’s awful nice of ya,” Fehnel breathed out. “Sure you won’t be tirin’ yourself out, hun?”
I shrugged. “Eh. How fast could people possibly eat? It’ll be fine.”
“Careful there. Don’t wanna be sprintin’ before your legs catch up,” Fehnel chuckled. “But I’m plenty thankful for the confidence. I’ll try to hold ya to your word.”
As we moved, I was able to take a brief second to look around. I began to marvel at how far the event had come since its initial inception. And under such short time restrictions as well! Through a combination of both the Lacakdaisy’s furniture, as well as a number of decorations that I had rented, we had ended up with something that I had truly considered exemplary. In traditional Venlil style, a forest of various greenery had been set out in a colourful array of paw-crafted pots and other containers. Small bushels, flowers, a few overhanging trees, and other vegetation stood proudly within. From each, incandescent ornaments of various hues emerged in a bright and brazen display. All of which combined to transform the normally secluded street atmosphere into one that was truly cozy, if not just the slightest bit packed within the bubble. In accordance with one of Fehnel’s initial requests, we had even arranged for a small wooden stage to be brought in, which fit neatly against… something that I would rather not look at…
Of course, decorations aside, one of the most enrapturing displays was that of the food itself. Positioned at various places all around the event’s area, tables upon tables of buffet items had been laid out. It was a marvelous display on all fronts. From the generously sized serving bowls of pasta, plates of still steaming gyoza, and the diverse types and variations of strayu laid in motley rows all throughout, the feast was like a colourful microcosm of everything Kenta and I had been working towards.
But what was even more impressive were all the new additions Kenta had made. Just as expected, my wayward chef had taken the original request and spun it on its tail, seemingly pulling no stops when it came to expanding our already diverse arrangement. From end to end, small, round discs of strayu called “Danishes” lay against each other down the side of one of the tables. Most impressively, the center of each had been filled in with various hues of jam, in a similar style to that of the sylvanas that I was currently wheeling towards it.
On the other side of the same table, a sundry of embellished wooden bowls sat parallel, each filled with various kinds of Venlilian-style salads. I had taken the time to teach him such recipes a good while back, but while at first these seemed to be rather unostentatious, a quick look revealed that Kenta had added his own twist to the otherwise typical mix of local produce. Tossed about each salad were dozens of small strayu cubes called “Croutons,” each baked until crisp and crunchy. What’s more, if the olfactory receptor in my mouth didn’t deceive me, I had even picked up the heavenly aroma of something Kenta had only introduced to me recently as “Garlic,” which had clearly been infused into the cubes.
On another table, steaming crocks of both soups and stews had been laid out for guests to self serve. But in lieu of a bowl, Kenta had elected to do something truly unique. It had taken me a moment to process his idea at first, but hollowed out husks of rotund strayu loaves had been left out for guests to grab, in which they were supposed to fill the “bread bowls” – as Kenta had called them – with the soup and eat them as normal. This even came with the advantage of being able to tear off small pieces of the now soup-soaked strayu, allowing one to enjoy the taste of both simultaneously. This idea, I had soon realized, would be the hardest to explain to any confused guests that might happen by.
As we approached the soup table, Fehnel and I began loading up the cart-full of sylvanas we had brought over onto a free area. We placed them right next to one other new recipe that Kenta had decided to share. A simple display of thinly cut slices of crunchy, lightly seasoned strayu, with a bright red sauce readied next to it that I instantly recognized as being the product of tomatoes mixed with oil. According to Kenta, these “Bruschetta” were a simple, yet simultaneously alluring appetizer, which would do well to pair with the soup he had stirred up.
Once the sylvanas had been laid out, Fehnel felt the urge to ask, “Is that the last of it?”
“Yes, for now,” I replied, absentmindedly stretching my back. “This’ll cover the initial rush of hungry people, I assume. But Kahnta’s already busy working on seconds.”
“Gotta say Sylvan, this is quite the impressive spread,” Fehnel said with a quick, delighted wag of the tail. “Y’know… When I asked for somethin’ new, I wasn’t expectin’ Kahnta over there to whip up so much.”
“Oh this isn’t the new dish you asked for,” I answered flatly. “That’s still being worked on.”
Fehnel froze solid, only her ears remaining seemingly automotive as they slowly shifted towards me. “Wait… what?
“Yeah all of this is just the appetizer according to Kahnta,” I explained, messing with a few arrant sylvanas that had broken symmetry. “There’s going to be one more plate of food that should be coming out shortly. And then dessert after that.”
“That’s… surely somethin’...” was all Fehnel could say. She opened her mouth as if to continue her train of thought, only to have something else pull her attention away.
Peering out into the stormy weather of the darkened town, an eye-catchingly large herd of people were making their way towards the bright dome that sketched our event’s area. Silhouettes of familiar patrons and wayward newcomers alike huddled under their umbrellas. All the while, an excited murmur hummed throughout the air, despite the noise of the rain around them. The guests were here, and they seemed excited.
I peered down at a small data pad. “Oh, second-sun already? Looks like we just barely made it on time.”
Fehnel simply wagged in acknowledgment, still the slightest bit flabbergasted.
I nudged her side, which seemed to knock her out of her trance. “Want to go greet them?”
Taking one look at me, then peering back at the ensemble of strange and alien foods behind her, one of Fehnel’s ears flicked a little. Then, she did the tail equivalent of a Human shrug, letting out a pleased chuckle. Whatever had been on her mind was apparently pushed to the side for now. “Heh, of course hun. Let’s treat ‘em to somethin’ special.”
With a newfound kick in her already hastened step, Fehnel began to proudly jog over towards the approaching crowd. By now, we could already begin to make out some faces, each looking more curious than the last.
In addition to the Brachistochrone Inverter itself, Jeela had also taken the liberty to have a reception area installed in the form of a metallic tunnel about the width of three Venlil. The tunnel seemed to fold and bend the anti-gravity energy around it, allowing for people to easily enter the repulsion field without having to tread through a torrent of redirected rainwater. Additionally, a series of hooks alongside the interior of the tunnel also served as a convenient area for the storage of umbrellas and coats, which our guests quickly began making use of the moment they started funneling through.
Fehnel and I stood at the side of the entrance, welcoming in guest after guest with the appropriate propriety. At first, many of them were stymied in their step, staring in awe at the sanctuary-like atmosphere that had been created in the middle of the street. But almost as soon as they got their bearings, most realigned their immediate priorities, and subsequently made a beeline for the buffet tables. That’s what they were here for, after all. Hopefully they’d come to appreciate the actual reason Fehnel was hosting this event soon enough.
As we busied ourselves, the voices of many excited guests made themselves audible.
“I’ve been looking forward to this!”
“Look at the decorations!”
“I feel like I’m in the Capital!”
“Are you sure all of this is free?”
“The ad said it was! Either way, I need to try some of this!”
Fehnel and I watched in delight as the crowd began to form around the tables, a number of plates I had left out disappearing as fast as the eye could blink. However, it was clear that a majority of the attention received had been focussed solely on the more familiar menu items already offered by the Lackadaisy.
“Think they’re gonna touch any of the new stuff?” Fehnel idly commented, her attention still fixed on the crowd. “It’d be a shame if any of it goes to waste.”
“Oh they will,” I answered without hesitation. “Just give them a moment. They’ll be all over it soon enough.”
Fehnel laughed. “You sound awful confident, don’tcha?”
“Oh please, this is hardly the first time I’ve served some wacky new thing to my customers,” I answered back with a chuckle of my own. “If anything, at this point I’d say I’m quite the expert. Just watch. You’ll see.”
Like clockwork, my precognitive claim had been proven true mere moments later. Some soul amongst the table’s crowd had seemingly been more curious than the rest, and ended up taste-testing one of the bruschetta. It was hard to make out from this distance, but if I had to guess, her ears had perked up and her eyes had widened in surprise. What was made clear, however, was their opinion of the new food, because only a few moments later could their voice be heard.
“You have got to try some of this stuff!” she practically yelled at anyone who would listen. “It tastes like the red stuff that’s on the pasta, but like… even stronger! It’s so good I feel like I died and am one with the Stars already!”
Like a Farsul unto a library, the crowd collectively swiveled their ears and began to gravitate towards the bruschetta with eager eyes. A few more voices piped up in glee, each more delighted than the last as paw after paw descended on the strayu until there was nothing scarce of crumbs left.
‘Guess that’ll be the first thing I’ll need to restock,’ I thought with a passive wave of the tail, before a sudden realization crept into my mind. ‘Ugh… Kenta and I might be busier today than I thought…’
It wasn’t long before the elation of trying something new, mixed with the sudden and devastating lack of bruschetta, had urged our party guests to move on to the other, never before seen options that laid out to fill their fancy. All at once, the wall of wool and fluff had spread out the slightest bit as fresher waters were explored. Plates were filled with various salads, despite the unfamiliar bits of crunchy strayu inside raising some skeptical ears. Helping after helping of the technicolour pastries were reached for as well, with the sylvanas not lasting much longer after that. And most impressively, it seemed that people had quickly begun to figure out the concept of Kenta’s cute “bread bowl” idea as well, even without instruction.
That last turn of events had actually caught me the slightest bit off guard. For the bread bowls being quite possibly the most unique aspect of the event – well, that I knew of – I found myself rather impressed by how fast people were getting the hang of it. Sure, it meant that I wouldn’t have to bother myself with having to go around explaining it to everybody, but in my eyes, there was a bit more to it than that. Perhaps it was a case of grasping at straws, but for the briefest moment, it made me wonder whether or not Humanity’s ideas had been affecting my people more than I had realized. Perhaps, if only in the slightest, Kenta had been opening their minds to more unique ideas than I had given him credit for. Without the slightest bit of hesitancy, the partygoers did well to experiment with more than the obvious, quickly wrapping their minds around something completely new and extraordinary.
I exhaled a short-breathed snicker, shaking the thought out of my head. ‘Calm down there, Sylvan. It’s just some soup and a piece of strayu shaped like a bowl. No need to get all philosophical about it. Still, I guess them figuring it out saves me some time. Good, cause it looks like I already need to start stocking the next round…’
I moved to grab my cart so that I could head back inside, only to have Fehnel call out and grab my attention instead.
“Sylvan, hun,” she began. “Before you go makin’ yourself scarce. I think there’s somethin’ about this here party that you haven’t explained yet.”
My head turned out to face her. “Hm?”
“Now, don’t get me wrong… What you did here is great and all. By all means, whenever it is that Kadew decides to show up here with that date of hers, I’m sure she’ll start coming around to the idea of my peoples’ Runnin’ Day. But…”
I now realized that Fehnel was completely focussed on something off in the distance.
“Oh,” I replied. “That…”
I had done well to ignore it up until this point. In fact, if I tried hard enough, I was even able to keep it completely hidden from my peripheral. But the truth was, no matter where I went or what I did to distract myself, there was no denying that it was there – that She was there.
At the opposite end of the dome, an onyx terror lurked over the ignorant, complacent masses. Its wicked enormity great, and the pressure about it even greater. The form it took was terrifying. An alien pose, unknown to the mind, originated from a people feared by many. Its peering eyes descended as domineering malevolence. And from its onyx chassis, a message rang clear as a day personally forged by Solgalick themself: Even if I couldn’t see her; if I shielded herself from my sight all day… No matter what, She could always see me.
“I’m gonna be honest Sylvan, I did not take you as someone that had a thing for Magister Jeela.”
I shot back quicker than a bolt of lighting. “I DO NOT HAVE A ‘THING’ FOR–” before stopping myself short.
Luckily, my voice had not been noticed among the now loud, chattering crowd about us. Which was good. I was pretty sure that my voice had cracked into an almost childishly high pitch. Taking a deep breath, I yanked my composure back, and stuffed an air of professionalism back into my voice yet again.
“I a-appologize…” I mumbled out, my head shrinking between my shoulders.
“No worries!” Fehnel replied. She couldn’t help but let a few chuckles pour into her voice. “I was just teasin’ is all. But seriously, you’re gonna have to whip up a pretty darn good explanation… Else I’m boutta start thinkin’ that what I just said was true.”
I took a deep breath, which soon shifted into a long-winded sigh. “Listen… It was part of the deal, alright? I’m not proud of it, but it’s there now, and unless you’ve got a herd of Mazic heavylifters at the beck and call, I can’t get rid of it.”
“Part of the deal?” Fehnel repeated.
“It’s my end of the bargain for us being able to have this Inverter during the event. And no, before you ask, it was not worth it,” I explained.
I could do nothing but feel immense shame for the inconvenience. To have something so overbearing, so shamelessly grandstanding placed in the middle of what was supposed to be a quaint event about cross-cultural understanding… It was beyond disrespectful to Fehnel’s original request. It took something that the poor woman had been planning for who knew how long, and brutally morphed it into a shadow of its former self. Into nothing but an ego trip for a politician that probably already surrounded themselves with weed biters and paw lickers.
“Listen…” I said, lowering both my tail and ears in respect. “Fehnel, I apologize profusely for allowing that thing to be placed here. I should have put my paw down and just hosted the event inside like we planned. But it’s too late now. I’m really sorry…”
But to my surprise, Fehnel had not been paying attention to my display of humility. Instead, her focus was still on that of the statue.
“I think it looks neat!” she said in a cheery tone.
“Y-you do?” I mumbled back.
“Well yeah!” She wagged her tail to assure me. “Sure it’s a bit, err… unconventional… But I think it’s got quite a bit of charm to it!”
“That’s… one way of saying it…”
“Besides, it might not be the worst thing to have somethin’ from the Magisters here with us,” Fehnel continued to think out loud. “Sorta gives this whole event a kinda official feel, y’know? Like it’s lettin’ everyone here know that the Yotul have got just as much right bein’ under the same heedin’ ears of the Governor as anyone else. Sure, dependin’ on where you are and who you ask, that may or may not be a good thing. But it at least means it’s harder to ignore us now. Heck, might even convince some of the people ‘round here to open up a little to the other parts of us.”
“Well… so long as you’re happy with it, I suppose?” I worded awkwardly.
If I had been completely honest with myself, I was expecting the slightest bit more… Well, I wasn’t sure. Perhaps anger? Annoyance? Unrelenting grief that invariably led to locking yourself in a closet, crying? But there was no sign of that in the rusty Yotul’s eyes. As she stared up at the onyx marvel, I couldn’t help but feel as though there was no sign of the negativity I had anticipated in the slightest. Instead, all that remained was that of a solemn pride. Maybe she was lying to herself. Like it was some sort of coping mechanism that helped her work around this unwelcome development in her plans. But regardless, the end result remained. And I was left feeling relieved at being able to avoid yet another hurdle.
‘Fehnel really knows how to look at the optimistic side of things, I guess… Good. I could really use some more of that around here.’
“Feel free to run along now, Sylvan,” she said, waving me a satisfied flick of the tail. “I’ll keep waitin’ here so I can greet the other guests. And I do hope you and Kahnta can bring out the main course whenever it’s ready. I wanna make sure everything’s ready to blow Kadew’s fur off whenever she decides to get here.”
I had to force myself not to flash a Human smile in return. She and the rest of the partygoers had no idea what was coming. And to a certain extent, neither did I. He did mention he had some sort of “surprise” coming, after all. But I always trusted Kenta for his word, and knowing what my chef was capable of, it never occurred to me once that it wouldn’t live up to the expectations. In fact, I was counting on him to exceed them.
I turned around and headed back to the kitchen. It was time to get the real party started.
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2024.05.18 17:24 YakiTapioca A Recipe for Disaster (Part 41) - A Fanfic of Nature of Predators
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Hello again! This batch of chapters is looking pretty spicy, and I'm really excited to share them with you! Not really much else to say, tbh, other than that I'm once again really thankful for all of your patience and understanding when it comes to my upload schedule. I know it's tough sometimes to drop in and out of stories like this, and even worse to see the last upload date for a story you like being "100 days ago," but we're still making our way there slowly! Besides, the most tender dishes are the ones that boil slowly~
As always, I hope you enjoy reading! :D
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Fanart: The Brightest Star in the Night Sky, by u/Frostedscales
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Note: This is a Fanfic of the Nature of Predators series by u/Spacepaladin15, that is being reposted from the NatureofPredators sub. Please support the original content.
Thank you to Philodox on discord for proofreading and editing RfD.
Thank you to Pampanope on reddit for the cover art.
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Memory Transcript Subject: Sylvan, Venlil Citizen
Date: [Standardized Human Time]: December 13, 2136
“Everything’s good to go over here, Kenta! How about you?”
“Fine on my end too boss! Though I still don’t know how to feel about how I’ve arranged the sandwiche– err… sylvanas. Cucumber salad next to blueberry? They kind of don’t match…”
“I already told you a million times, they look fine!”
“You sure…?”
“I’m sure! Now are you ready to start this thing?”
“Ready!”
“Then let’s go!”
I shut the door to the kitchen, making sure that I had not left anything behind that would be needed for the day, then began wheeling out the final cart of amenities. As I rolled it down the wooden floor of my emptied out diner, one long serving tray jostled back and forth across the surface top.
I looked down to recap my inventory. A motley of sylvanas cleanly cut into triangles lay in an ornate pattern atop a decorative bed of raw ipsom grain stalks, spiraling around the edges of the plate as it creeped its way closer to the center. The sylvanas were split into clear groups based not only on their filling, but of the colour of that filling as well, creating a literal rainbow of flavours to choose from. By all means, it was an absolutely marvelous display of art; a visual performance that I had no idea could be captured in something like a dish to be served at such a quaint event. Kenta, however, seemed to still be worrying over it.
Despite it apparently being part of the name according to my translator, the Terran fruit named “blueberry” was actually a deep shade of indigo rather than blue, especially when crushed into a form of jam. As a result, lacking any blue to connect the various green options of our rainbow to that of the very limited indigo, Kenta had ended up spending much too long worrying over such a minute detail.
‘What a dummy…’ I thought back to myself with a slight chuckle. ‘I guess he’s worrying about this just as much as I am.’
Hardly two or three steps remained between the food cart and the diner’s entrance. Hastily, I jogged up to the front door to prop it open. However, when I went to turn the handle, I felt it give way without even the slightest push. Someone was pulling it from the other side, causing me to be yanked forward and stumble. Looking up, I saw the rusty figure of Fehnel standing impatiently in the doorway.
“You almost done in here, Sylvan?” she asked in a hurried breath. “Here, let me help you with that.”
Before hearing my response, Fehnel had already grabbed ahold on the cart and began pulling it outside without delay. I let go and didn’t attempt to stop her, knowing full well the farm woman was likely much stronger than I. In a blur, she was already far from the door, and I began jogging after her in an attempt to keep up.
Just as the day before, the Inverter was powered on and running perfectly. The metal pylon let out a slight, continuous hum as it projected an energetic beam from its center, which split at the apex around the height of the Lackadaisy and fell down in a parabolic curve, creating a tangible anti-gravity field in its wake.
Just outside the field, it became immediately clear just how necessary this piece of advanced Federation technology was. Beyond the radiant dome, a thick rain riddled the sky and drowned the world it fell unto. A harsh wind howled and distant thunder roared, which combined with the rain to push against the field to no avail. Within, where so many confectionaries, decorations, and other preparations had been so carefully placed, not even the paw of Solgalick could disrupt us.
“You know this would be goin’ a lot faster if I could jus’ start grabbin’ the food ma’self,” Fehnel commented in a tone too preoccupied to be annoyed.
As I ran after the hauling Yotul, I tried to say, “Fehnel, I’d really appreciate it if you would–”
“I know, I know,” she interrupted back, seemingly distant. “You want me to ‘not go into the diner during the event.’ Listen Sylvan, I get that Kahnta back there is a fainter, but don’t you think that this is a tad extreme? We’re on a tight schedule here, y’know?”
“I know… it’s just kind of a golden rule. I can’t stress to you enough how important it is that nobody does so much as peak in there,” I reiterated as I jogged alongside the speeding Yotul. “And don’t worry. Once everything starts, then you can feel free to socialize and spend the day with your daughter. I’ll take care of restocking the food.”
“I suppose that’s awful nice of ya,” Fehnel breathed out. “Sure you won’t be tirin’ yourself out, hun?”
I shrugged. “Eh. How fast could people possibly eat? It’ll be fine.”
“Careful there. Don’t wanna be sprintin’ before your legs catch up,” Fehnel chuckled. “But I’m plenty thankful for the confidence. I’ll try to hold ya to your word.”
As we moved, I was able to take a brief second to look around. I began to marvel at how far the event had come since its initial inception. And under such short time restrictions as well! Through a combination of both the Lacakdaisy’s furniture, as well as a number of decorations that I had rented, we had ended up with something that I had truly considered exemplary. In traditional Venlil style, a forest of various greenery had been set out in a colourful array of paw-crafted pots and other containers. Small bushels, flowers, a few overhanging trees, and other vegetation stood proudly within. From each, incandescent ornaments of various hues emerged in a bright and brazen display. All of which combined to transform the normally secluded street atmosphere into one that was truly cozy, if not just the slightest bit packed within the bubble. In accordance with one of Fehnel’s initial requests, we had even arranged for a small wooden stage to be brought in, which fit neatly against… something that I would rather not look at…
Of course, decorations aside, one of the most enrapturing displays was that of the food itself. Positioned at various places all around the event’s area, tables upon tables of buffet items had been laid out. It was a marvelous display on all fronts. From the generously sized serving bowls of pasta, plates of still steaming gyoza, and the diverse types and variations of strayu laid in motley rows all throughout, the feast was like a colourful microcosm of everything Kenta and I had been working towards.
But what was even more impressive were all the new additions Kenta had made. Just as expected, my wayward chef had taken the original request and spun it on its tail, seemingly pulling no stops when it came to expanding our already diverse arrangement. From end to end, small, round discs of strayu called “Danishes” lay against each other down the side of one of the tables. Most impressively, the center of each had been filled in with various hues of jam, in a similar style to that of the sylvanas that I was currently wheeling towards it.
On the other side of the same table, a sundry of embellished wooden bowls sat parallel, each filled with various kinds of Venlilian-style salads. I had taken the time to teach him such recipes a good while back, but while at first these seemed to be rather unostentatious, a quick look revealed that Kenta had added his own twist to the otherwise typical mix of local produce. Tossed about each salad were dozens of small strayu cubes called “Croutons,” each baked until crisp and crunchy. What’s more, if the olfactory receptor in my mouth didn’t deceive me, I had even picked up the heavenly aroma of something Kenta had only introduced to me recently as “Garlic,” which had clearly been infused into the cubes.
On another table, steaming crocks of both soups and stews had been laid out for guests to self serve. But in lieu of a bowl, Kenta had elected to do something truly unique. It had taken me a moment to process his idea at first, but hollowed out husks of rotund strayu loaves had been left out for guests to grab, in which they were supposed to fill the “bread bowls” – as Kenta had called them – with the soup and eat them as normal. This even came with the advantage of being able to tear off small pieces of the now soup-soaked strayu, allowing one to enjoy the taste of both simultaneously. This idea, I had soon realized, would be the hardest to explain to any confused guests that might happen by.
As we approached the soup table, Fehnel and I began loading up the cart-full of sylvanas we had brought over onto a free area. We placed them right next to one other new recipe that Kenta had decided to share. A simple display of thinly cut slices of crunchy, lightly seasoned strayu, with a bright red sauce readied next to it that I instantly recognized as being the product of tomatoes mixed with oil. According to Kenta, these “Bruschetta” were a simple, yet simultaneously alluring appetizer, which would do well to pair with the soup he had stirred up.
Once the sylvanas had been laid out, Fehnel felt the urge to ask, “Is that the last of it?”
“Yes, for now,” I replied, absentmindedly stretching my back. “This’ll cover the initial rush of hungry people, I assume. But Kahnta’s already busy working on seconds.”
“Gotta say Sylvan, this is quite the impressive spread,” Fehnel said with a quick, delighted wag of the tail. “Y’know… When I asked for somethin’ new, I wasn’t expectin’ Kahnta over there to whip up so much.”
“Oh this isn’t the new dish you asked for,” I answered flatly. “That’s still being worked on.”
Fehnel froze solid, only her ears remaining seemingly automotive as they slowly shifted towards me. “Wait… what?
“Yeah all of this is just the appetizer according to Kahnta,” I explained, messing with a few arrant sylvanas that had broken symmetry. “There’s going to be one more plate of food that should be coming out shortly. And then dessert after that.”
“That’s… surely somethin’...” was all Fehnel could say. She opened her mouth as if to continue her train of thought, only to have something else pull her attention away.
Peering out into the stormy weather of the darkened town, an eye-catchingly large herd of people were making their way towards the bright dome that sketched our event’s area. Silhouettes of familiar patrons and wayward newcomers alike huddled under their umbrellas. All the while, an excited murmur hummed throughout the air, despite the noise of the rain around them. The guests were here, and they seemed excited.
I peered down at a small data pad. “Oh, second-sun already? Looks like we just barely made it on time.”
Fehnel simply wagged in acknowledgment, still the slightest bit flabbergasted.
I nudged her side, which seemed to knock her out of her trance. “Want to go greet them?”
Taking one look at me, then peering back at the ensemble of strange and alien foods behind her, one of Fehnel’s ears flicked a little. Then, she did the tail equivalent of a Human shrug, letting out a pleased chuckle. Whatever had been on her mind was apparently pushed to the side for now. “Heh, of course hun. Let’s treat ‘em to somethin’ special.”
With a newfound kick in her already hastened step, Fehnel began to proudly jog over towards the approaching crowd. By now, we could already begin to make out some faces, each looking more curious than the last.
In addition to the Brachistochrone Inverter itself, Jeela had also taken the liberty to have a reception area installed in the form of a metallic tunnel about the width of three Venlil. The tunnel seemed to fold and bend the anti-gravity energy around it, allowing for people to easily enter the repulsion field without having to tread through a torrent of redirected rainwater. Additionally, a series of hooks alongside the interior of the tunnel also served as a convenient area for the storage of umbrellas and coats, which our guests quickly began making use of the moment they started funneling through.
Fehnel and I stood at the side of the entrance, welcoming in guest after guest with the appropriate propriety. At first, many of them were stymied in their step, staring in awe at the sanctuary-like atmosphere that had been created in the middle of the street. But almost as soon as they got their bearings, most realigned their immediate priorities, and subsequently made a beeline for the buffet tables. That’s what they were here for, after all. Hopefully they’d come to appreciate the actual reason Fehnel was hosting this event soon enough.
As we busied ourselves, the voices of many excited guests made themselves audible.
“I’ve been looking forward to this!”
“Look at the decorations!”
“I feel like I’m in the Capital!”
“Are you sure all of this is free?”
“The ad said it was! Either way, I need to try some of this!”
Fehnel and I watched in delight as the crowd began to form around the tables, a number of plates I had left out disappearing as fast as the eye could blink. However, it was clear that a majority of the attention received had been focussed solely on the more familiar menu items already offered by the Lackadaisy.
“Think they’re gonna touch any of the new stuff?” Fehnel idly commented, her attention still fixed on the crowd. “It’d be a shame if any of it goes to waste.”
“Oh they will,” I answered without hesitation. “Just give them a moment. They’ll be all over it soon enough.”
Fehnel laughed. “You sound awful confident, don’tcha?”
“Oh please, this is hardly the first time I’ve served some wacky new thing to my customers,” I answered back with a chuckle of my own. “If anything, at this point I’d say I’m quite the expert. Just watch. You’ll see.”
Like clockwork, my precognitive claim had been proven true mere moments later. Some soul amongst the table’s crowd had seemingly been more curious than the rest, and ended up taste-testing one of the bruschetta. It was hard to make out from this distance, but if I had to guess, her ears had perked up and her eyes had widened in surprise. What was made clear, however, was their opinion of the new food, because only a few moments later could their voice be heard.
“You have got to try some of this stuff!” she practically yelled at anyone who would listen. “It tastes like the red stuff that’s on the pasta, but like… even stronger! It’s so good I feel like I died and am one with the Stars already!”
Like a Farsul unto a library, the crowd collectively swiveled their ears and began to gravitate towards the bruschetta with eager eyes. A few more voices piped up in glee, each more delighted than the last as paw after paw descended on the strayu until there was nothing scarce of crumbs left.
‘Guess that’ll be the first thing I’ll need to restock,’ I thought with a passive wave of the tail, before a sudden realization crept into my mind. ‘Ugh… Kenta and I might be busier today than I thought…’
It wasn’t long before the elation of trying something new, mixed with the sudden and devastating lack of bruschetta, had urged our party guests to move on to the other, never before seen options that laid out to fill their fancy. All at once, the wall of wool and fluff had spread out the slightest bit as fresher waters were explored. Plates were filled with various salads, despite the unfamiliar bits of crunchy strayu inside raising some skeptical ears. Helping after helping of the technicolour pastries were reached for as well, with the sylvanas not lasting much longer after that. And most impressively, it seemed that people had quickly begun to figure out the concept of Kenta’s cute “bread bowl” idea as well, even without instruction.
That last turn of events had actually caught me the slightest bit off guard. For the bread bowls being quite possibly the most unique aspect of the event – well, that I knew of – I found myself rather impressed by how fast people were getting the hang of it. Sure, it meant that I wouldn’t have to bother myself with having to go around explaining it to everybody, but in my eyes, there was a bit more to it than that. Perhaps it was a case of grasping at straws, but for the briefest moment, it made me wonder whether or not Humanity’s ideas had been affecting my people more than I had realized. Perhaps, if only in the slightest, Kenta had been opening their minds to more unique ideas than I had given him credit for. Without the slightest bit of hesitancy, the partygoers did well to experiment with more than the obvious, quickly wrapping their minds around something completely new and extraordinary.
I exhaled a short-breathed snicker, shaking the thought out of my head. ‘Calm down there, Sylvan. It’s just some soup and a piece of strayu shaped like a bowl. No need to get all philosophical about it. Still, I guess them figuring it out saves me some time. Good, cause it looks like I already need to start stocking the next round…’
I moved to grab my cart so that I could head back inside, only to have Fehnel call out and grab my attention instead.
“Sylvan, hun,” she began. “Before you go makin’ yourself scarce. I think there’s somethin’ about this here party that you haven’t explained yet.”
My head turned out to face her. “Hm?”
“Now, don’t get me wrong… What you did here is great and all. By all means, whenever it is that Kadew decides to show up here with that date of hers, I’m sure she’ll start coming around to the idea of my peoples’ Runnin’ Day. But…”
I now realized that Fehnel was completely focussed on something off in the distance.
“Oh,” I replied. “That…”
I had done well to ignore it up until this point. In fact, if I tried hard enough, I was even able to keep it completely hidden from my peripheral. But the truth was, no matter where I went or what I did to distract myself, there was no denying that it was there – that She was there.
At the opposite end of the dome, an onyx terror lurked over the ignorant, complacent masses. Its wicked enormity great, and the pressure about it even greater. The form it took was terrifying. An alien pose, unknown to the mind, originated from a people feared by many. Its peering eyes descended as domineering malevolence. And from its onyx chassis, a message rang clear as a day personally forged by Solgalick themself: Even if I couldn’t see her; if I shielded herself from my sight all day… No matter what, She could always see me.
“I’m gonna be honest Sylvan, I did not take you as someone that had a thing for Magister Jeela.”
I shot back quicker than a bolt of lighting. “I DO NOT HAVE A ‘THING’ FOR–” before stopping myself short.
Luckily, my voice had not been noticed among the now loud, chattering crowd about us. Which was good. I was pretty sure that my voice had cracked into an almost childishly high pitch. Taking a deep breath, I yanked my composure back, and stuffed an air of professionalism back into my voice yet again.
“I a-appologize…” I mumbled out, my head shrinking between my shoulders.
“No worries!” Fehnel replied. She couldn’t help but let a few chuckles pour into her voice. “I was just teasin’ is all. But seriously, you’re gonna have to whip up a pretty darn good explanation… Else I’m boutta start thinkin’ that what I just said was true.”
I took a deep breath, which soon shifted into a long-winded sigh. “Listen… It was part of the deal, alright? I’m not proud of it, but it’s there now, and unless you’ve got a herd of Mazic heavylifters at the beck and call, I can’t get rid of it.”
“Part of the deal?” Fehnel repeated.
“It’s my end of the bargain for us being able to have this Inverter during the event. And no, before you ask, it was not worth it,” I explained.
I could do nothing but feel immense shame for the inconvenience. To have something so overbearing, so shamelessly grandstanding placed in the middle of what was supposed to be a quaint event about cross-cultural understanding… It was beyond disrespectful to Fehnel’s original request. It took something that the poor woman had been planning for who knew how long, and brutally morphed it into a shadow of its former self. Into nothing but an ego trip for a politician that probably already surrounded themselves with weed biters and paw lickers.
“Listen…” I said, lowering both my tail and ears in respect. “Fehnel, I apologize profusely for allowing that thing to be placed here. I should have put my paw down and just hosted the event inside like we planned. But it’s too late now. I’m really sorry…”
But to my surprise, Fehnel had not been paying attention to my display of humility. Instead, her focus was still on that of the statue.
“I think it looks neat!” she said in a cheery tone.
“Y-you do?” I mumbled back.
“Well yeah!” She wagged her tail to assure me. “Sure it’s a bit, err… unconventional… But I think it’s got quite a bit of charm to it!”
“That’s… one way of saying it…”
“Besides, it might not be the worst thing to have somethin’ from the Magisters here with us,” Fehnel continued to think out loud. “Sorta gives this whole event a kinda official feel, y’know? Like it’s lettin’ everyone here know that the Yotul have got just as much right bein’ under the same heedin’ ears of the Governor as anyone else. Sure, dependin’ on where you are and who you ask, that may or may not be a good thing. But it at least means it’s harder to ignore us now. Heck, might even convince some of the people ‘round here to open up a little to the other parts of us.”
“Well… so long as you’re happy with it, I suppose?” I worded awkwardly.
If I had been completely honest with myself, I was expecting the slightest bit more… Well, I wasn’t sure. Perhaps anger? Annoyance? Unrelenting grief that invariably led to locking yourself in a closet, crying? But there was no sign of that in the rusty Yotul’s eyes. As she stared up at the onyx marvel, I couldn’t help but feel as though there was no sign of the negativity I had anticipated in the slightest. Instead, all that remained was that of a solemn pride. Maybe she was lying to herself. Like it was some sort of coping mechanism that helped her work around this unwelcome development in her plans. But regardless, the end result remained. And I was left feeling relieved at being able to avoid yet another hurdle.
‘Fehnel really knows how to look at the optimistic side of things, I guess… Good. I could really use some more of that around here.’
“Feel free to run along now, Sylvan,” she said, waving me a satisfied flick of the tail. “I’ll keep waitin’ here so I can greet the other guests. And I do hope you and Kahnta can bring out the main course whenever it’s ready. I wanna make sure everything’s ready to blow Kadew’s fur off whenever she decides to get here.”
I had to force myself not to flash a Human smile in return. She and the rest of the partygoers had no idea what was coming. And to a certain extent, neither did I. He did mention he had some sort of “surprise” coming, after all. But I always trusted Kenta for his word, and knowing what my chef was capable of, it never occurred to me once that it wouldn’t live up to the expectations. In fact, I was counting on him to exceed them.
I turned around and headed back to the kitchen. It was time to get the real party started.
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submitted by YakiTapioca to HFY [link] [comments]
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Hello again! This batch of chapters is looking pretty spicy, and I'm really excited to share them with you! Not really much else to say, tbh, other than that I'm once again really thankful for all of your patience and understanding when it comes to my upload schedule. I know it's tough sometimes to drop in and out of stories like this, and even worse to see the last upload date for a story you like being "100 days ago," but we're still making our way there slowly! Besides, the most tender dishes are the ones that boil slowly~
As always, I hope you enjoy reading! :D
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Fanart: The Brightest Star in the Night Sky, by u/Frostedscales
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Note: This is a Fanfic of the Nature of Predators series by u/Spacepaladin15, that is being reposted from the NatureofPredators sub. Please support the original content.
Thank you to Philodox on discord for proofreading and editing RfD.
Thank you to Pampanope on reddit for the cover art.
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Memory Transcript Subject: Sylvan, Venlil Citizen
Date: [Standardized Human Time]: December 13, 2136
“Everything’s good to go over here, Kenta! How about you?”
“Fine on my end too boss! Though I still don’t know how to feel about how I’ve arranged the sandwiche– err… sylvanas. Cucumber salad next to blueberry? They kind of don’t match…”
“I already told you a million times, they look fine!”
“You sure…?”
“I’m sure! Now are you ready to start this thing?”
“Ready!”
“Then let’s go!”
I shut the door to the kitchen, making sure that I had not left anything behind that would be needed for the day, then began wheeling out the final cart of amenities. As I rolled it down the wooden floor of my emptied out diner, one long serving tray jostled back and forth across the surface top.
I looked down to recap my inventory. A motley of sylvanas cleanly cut into triangles lay in an ornate pattern atop a decorative bed of raw ipsom grain stalks, spiraling around the edges of the plate as it creeped its way closer to the center. The sylvanas were split into clear groups based not only on their filling, but of the colour of that filling as well, creating a literal rainbow of flavours to choose from. By all means, it was an absolutely marvelous display of art; a visual performance that I had no idea could be captured in something like a dish to be served at such a quaint event. Kenta, however, seemed to still be worrying over it.
Despite it apparently being part of the name according to my translator, the Terran fruit named “blueberry” was actually a deep shade of indigo rather than blue, especially when crushed into a form of jam. As a result, lacking any blue to connect the various green options of our rainbow to that of the very limited indigo, Kenta had ended up spending much too long worrying over such a minute detail.
‘What a dummy…’ I thought back to myself with a slight chuckle. ‘I guess he’s worrying about this just as much as I am.’
Hardly two or three steps remained between the food cart and the diner’s entrance. Hastily, I jogged up to the front door to prop it open. However, when I went to turn the handle, I felt it give way without even the slightest push. Someone was pulling it from the other side, causing me to be yanked forward and stumble. Looking up, I saw the rusty figure of Fehnel standing impatiently in the doorway.
“You almost done in here, Sylvan?” she asked in a hurried breath. “Here, let me help you with that.”
Before hearing my response, Fehnel had already grabbed ahold on the cart and began pulling it outside without delay. I let go and didn’t attempt to stop her, knowing full well the farm woman was likely much stronger than I. In a blur, she was already far from the door, and I began jogging after her in an attempt to keep up.
Just as the day before, the Inverter was powered on and running perfectly. The metal pylon let out a slight, continuous hum as it projected an energetic beam from its center, which split at the apex around the height of the Lackadaisy and fell down in a parabolic curve, creating a tangible anti-gravity field in its wake.
Just outside the field, it became immediately clear just how necessary this piece of advanced Federation technology was. Beyond the radiant dome, a thick rain riddled the sky and drowned the world it fell unto. A harsh wind howled and distant thunder roared, which combined with the rain to push against the field to no avail. Within, where so many confectionaries, decorations, and other preparations had been so carefully placed, not even the paw of Solgalick could disrupt us.
“You know this would be goin’ a lot faster if I could jus’ start grabbin’ the food ma’self,” Fehnel commented in a tone too preoccupied to be annoyed.
As I ran after the hauling Yotul, I tried to say, “Fehnel, I’d really appreciate it if you would–”
“I know, I know,” she interrupted back, seemingly distant. “You want me to ‘not go into the diner during the event.’ Listen Sylvan, I get that Kahnta back there is a fainter, but don’t you think that this is a tad extreme? We’re on a tight schedule here, y’know?”
“I know… it’s just kind of a golden rule. I can’t stress to you enough how important it is that nobody does so much as peak in there,” I reiterated as I jogged alongside the speeding Yotul. “And don’t worry. Once everything starts, then you can feel free to socialize and spend the day with your daughter. I’ll take care of restocking the food.”
“I suppose that’s awful nice of ya,” Fehnel breathed out. “Sure you won’t be tirin’ yourself out, hun?”
I shrugged. “Eh. How fast could people possibly eat? It’ll be fine.”
“Careful there. Don’t wanna be sprintin’ before your legs catch up,” Fehnel chuckled. “But I’m plenty thankful for the confidence. I’ll try to hold ya to your word.”
As we moved, I was able to take a brief second to look around. I began to marvel at how far the event had come since its initial inception. And under such short time restrictions as well! Through a combination of both the Lacakdaisy’s furniture, as well as a number of decorations that I had rented, we had ended up with something that I had truly considered exemplary. In traditional Venlil style, a forest of various greenery had been set out in a colourful array of paw-crafted pots and other containers. Small bushels, flowers, a few overhanging trees, and other vegetation stood proudly within. From each, incandescent ornaments of various hues emerged in a bright and brazen display. All of which combined to transform the normally secluded street atmosphere into one that was truly cozy, if not just the slightest bit packed within the bubble. In accordance with one of Fehnel’s initial requests, we had even arranged for a small wooden stage to be brought in, which fit neatly against… something that I would rather not look at…
Of course, decorations aside, one of the most enrapturing displays was that of the food itself. Positioned at various places all around the event’s area, tables upon tables of buffet items had been laid out. It was a marvelous display on all fronts. From the generously sized serving bowls of pasta, plates of still steaming gyoza, and the diverse types and variations of strayu laid in motley rows all throughout, the feast was like a colourful microcosm of everything Kenta and I had been working towards.
But what was even more impressive were all the new additions Kenta had made. Just as expected, my wayward chef had taken the original request and spun it on its tail, seemingly pulling no stops when it came to expanding our already diverse arrangement. From end to end, small, round discs of strayu called “Danishes” lay against each other down the side of one of the tables. Most impressively, the center of each had been filled in with various hues of jam, in a similar style to that of the sylvanas that I was currently wheeling towards it.
On the other side of the same table, a sundry of embellished wooden bowls sat parallel, each filled with various kinds of Venlilian-style salads. I had taken the time to teach him such recipes a good while back, but while at first these seemed to be rather unostentatious, a quick look revealed that Kenta had added his own twist to the otherwise typical mix of local produce. Tossed about each salad were dozens of small strayu cubes called “Croutons,” each baked until crisp and crunchy. What’s more, if the olfactory receptor in my mouth didn’t deceive me, I had even picked up the heavenly aroma of something Kenta had only introduced to me recently as “Garlic,” which had clearly been infused into the cubes.
On another table, steaming crocks of both soups and stews had been laid out for guests to self serve. But in lieu of a bowl, Kenta had elected to do something truly unique. It had taken me a moment to process his idea at first, but hollowed out husks of rotund strayu loaves had been left out for guests to grab, in which they were supposed to fill the “bread bowls” – as Kenta had called them – with the soup and eat them as normal. This even came with the advantage of being able to tear off small pieces of the now soup-soaked strayu, allowing one to enjoy the taste of both simultaneously. This idea, I had soon realized, would be the hardest to explain to any confused guests that might happen by.
As we approached the soup table, Fehnel and I began loading up the cart-full of sylvanas we had brought over onto a free area. We placed them right next to one other new recipe that Kenta had decided to share. A simple display of thinly cut slices of crunchy, lightly seasoned strayu, with a bright red sauce readied next to it that I instantly recognized as being the product of tomatoes mixed with oil. According to Kenta, these “Bruschetta” were a simple, yet simultaneously alluring appetizer, which would do well to pair with the soup he had stirred up.
Once the sylvanas had been laid out, Fehnel felt the urge to ask, “Is that the last of it?”
“Yes, for now,” I replied, absentmindedly stretching my back. “This’ll cover the initial rush of hungry people, I assume. But Kahnta’s already busy working on seconds.”
“Gotta say Sylvan, this is quite the impressive spread,” Fehnel said with a quick, delighted wag of the tail. “Y’know… When I asked for somethin’ new, I wasn’t expectin’ Kahnta over there to whip up so much.”
“Oh this isn’t the new dish you asked for,” I answered flatly. “That’s still being worked on.”
Fehnel froze solid, only her ears remaining seemingly automotive as they slowly shifted towards me. “Wait… what?
“Yeah all of this is just the appetizer according to Kahnta,” I explained, messing with a few arrant sylvanas that had broken symmetry. “There’s going to be one more plate of food that should be coming out shortly. And then dessert after that.”
“That’s… surely somethin’...” was all Fehnel could say. She opened her mouth as if to continue her train of thought, only to have something else pull her attention away.
Peering out into the stormy weather of the darkened town, an eye-catchingly large herd of people were making their way towards the bright dome that sketched our event’s area. Silhouettes of familiar patrons and wayward newcomers alike huddled under their umbrellas. All the while, an excited murmur hummed throughout the air, despite the noise of the rain around them. The guests were here, and they seemed excited.
I peered down at a small data pad. “Oh, second-sun already? Looks like we just barely made it on time.”
Fehnel simply wagged in acknowledgment, still the slightest bit flabbergasted.
I nudged her side, which seemed to knock her out of her trance. “Want to go greet them?”
Taking one look at me, then peering back at the ensemble of strange and alien foods behind her, one of Fehnel’s ears flicked a little. Then, she did the tail equivalent of a Human shrug, letting out a pleased chuckle. Whatever had been on her mind was apparently pushed to the side for now. “Heh, of course hun. Let’s treat ‘em to somethin’ special.”
With a newfound kick in her already hastened step, Fehnel began to proudly jog over towards the approaching crowd. By now, we could already begin to make out some faces, each looking more curious than the last.
In addition to the Brachistochrone Inverter itself, Jeela had also taken the liberty to have a reception area installed in the form of a metallic tunnel about the width of three Venlil. The tunnel seemed to fold and bend the anti-gravity energy around it, allowing for people to easily enter the repulsion field without having to tread through a torrent of redirected rainwater. Additionally, a series of hooks alongside the interior of the tunnel also served as a convenient area for the storage of umbrellas and coats, which our guests quickly began making use of the moment they started funneling through.
Fehnel and I stood at the side of the entrance, welcoming in guest after guest with the appropriate propriety. At first, many of them were stymied in their step, staring in awe at the sanctuary-like atmosphere that had been created in the middle of the street. But almost as soon as they got their bearings, most realigned their immediate priorities, and subsequently made a beeline for the buffet tables. That’s what they were here for, after all. Hopefully they’d come to appreciate the actual reason Fehnel was hosting this event soon enough.
As we busied ourselves, the voices of many excited guests made themselves audible.
“I’ve been looking forward to this!”
“Look at the decorations!”
“I feel like I’m in the Capital!”
“Are you sure all of this is free?”
“The ad said it was! Either way, I need to try some of this!”
Fehnel and I watched in delight as the crowd began to form around the tables, a number of plates I had left out disappearing as fast as the eye could blink. However, it was clear that a majority of the attention received had been focussed solely on the more familiar menu items already offered by the Lackadaisy.
“Think they’re gonna touch any of the new stuff?” Fehnel idly commented, her attention still fixed on the crowd. “It’d be a shame if any of it goes to waste.”
“Oh they will,” I answered without hesitation. “Just give them a moment. They’ll be all over it soon enough.”
Fehnel laughed. “You sound awful confident, don’tcha?”
“Oh please, this is hardly the first time I’ve served some wacky new thing to my customers,” I answered back with a chuckle of my own. “If anything, at this point I’d say I’m quite the expert. Just watch. You’ll see.”
Like clockwork, my precognitive claim had been proven true mere moments later. Some soul amongst the table’s crowd had seemingly been more curious than the rest, and ended up taste-testing one of the bruschetta. It was hard to make out from this distance, but if I had to guess, her ears had perked up and her eyes had widened in surprise. What was made clear, however, was their opinion of the new food, because only a few moments later could their voice be heard.
“You have got to try some of this stuff!” she practically yelled at anyone who would listen. “It tastes like the red stuff that’s on the pasta, but like… even stronger! It’s so good I feel like I died and am one with the Stars already!”
Like a Farsul unto a library, the crowd collectively swiveled their ears and began to gravitate towards the bruschetta with eager eyes. A few more voices piped up in glee, each more delighted than the last as paw after paw descended on the strayu until there was nothing scarce of crumbs left.
‘Guess that’ll be the first thing I’ll need to restock,’ I thought with a passive wave of the tail, before a sudden realization crept into my mind. ‘Ugh… Kenta and I might be busier today than I thought…’
It wasn’t long before the elation of trying something new, mixed with the sudden and devastating lack of bruschetta, had urged our party guests to move on to the other, never before seen options that laid out to fill their fancy. All at once, the wall of wool and fluff had spread out the slightest bit as fresher waters were explored. Plates were filled with various salads, despite the unfamiliar bits of crunchy strayu inside raising some skeptical ears. Helping after helping of the technicolour pastries were reached for as well, with the sylvanas not lasting much longer after that. And most impressively, it seemed that people had quickly begun to figure out the concept of Kenta’s cute “bread bowl” idea as well, even without instruction.
That last turn of events had actually caught me the slightest bit off guard. For the bread bowls being quite possibly the most unique aspect of the event – well, that I knew of – I found myself rather impressed by how fast people were getting the hang of it. Sure, it meant that I wouldn’t have to bother myself with having to go around explaining it to everybody, but in my eyes, there was a bit more to it than that. Perhaps it was a case of grasping at straws, but for the briefest moment, it made me wonder whether or not Humanity’s ideas had been affecting my people more than I had realized. Perhaps, if only in the slightest, Kenta had been opening their minds to more unique ideas than I had given him credit for. Without the slightest bit of hesitancy, the partygoers did well to experiment with more than the obvious, quickly wrapping their minds around something completely new and extraordinary.
I exhaled a short-breathed snicker, shaking the thought out of my head. ‘Calm down there, Sylvan. It’s just some soup and a piece of strayu shaped like a bowl. No need to get all philosophical about it. Still, I guess them figuring it out saves me some time. Good, cause it looks like I already need to start stocking the next round…’
I moved to grab my cart so that I could head back inside, only to have Fehnel call out and grab my attention instead.
“Sylvan, hun,” she began. “Before you go makin’ yourself scarce. I think there’s somethin’ about this here party that you haven’t explained yet.”
My head turned out to face her. “Hm?”
“Now, don’t get me wrong… What you did here is great and all. By all means, whenever it is that Kadew decides to show up here with that date of hers, I’m sure she’ll start coming around to the idea of my peoples’ Runnin’ Day. But…”
I now realized that Fehnel was completely focussed on something off in the distance.
“Oh,” I replied. “That…”
I had done well to ignore it up until this point. In fact, if I tried hard enough, I was even able to keep it completely hidden from my peripheral. But the truth was, no matter where I went or what I did to distract myself, there was no denying that it was there – that She was there.
At the opposite end of the dome, an onyx terror lurked over the ignorant, complacent masses. Its wicked enormity great, and the pressure about it even greater. The form it took was terrifying. An alien pose, unknown to the mind, originated from a people feared by many. Its peering eyes descended as domineering malevolence. And from its onyx chassis, a message rang clear as a day personally forged by Solgalick themself: Even if I couldn’t see her; if I shielded herself from my sight all day… No matter what, She could always see me.
“I’m gonna be honest Sylvan, I did not take you as someone that had a thing for Magister Jeela.”
I shot back quicker than a bolt of lighting. “I DO NOT HAVE A ‘THING’ FOR–” before stopping myself short.
Luckily, my voice had not been noticed among the now loud, chattering crowd about us. Which was good. I was pretty sure that my voice had cracked into an almost childishly high pitch. Taking a deep breath, I yanked my composure back, and stuffed an air of professionalism back into my voice yet again.
“I a-appologize…” I mumbled out, my head shrinking between my shoulders.
“No worries!” Fehnel replied. She couldn’t help but let a few chuckles pour into her voice. “I was just teasin’ is all. But seriously, you’re gonna have to whip up a pretty darn good explanation… Else I’m boutta start thinkin’ that what I just said was true.”
I took a deep breath, which soon shifted into a long-winded sigh. “Listen… It was part of the deal, alright? I’m not proud of it, but it’s there now, and unless you’ve got a herd of Mazic heavylifters at the beck and call, I can’t get rid of it.”
“Part of the deal?” Fehnel repeated.
“It’s my end of the bargain for us being able to have this Inverter during the event. And no, before you ask, it was not worth it,” I explained.
I could do nothing but feel immense shame for the inconvenience. To have something so overbearing, so shamelessly grandstanding placed in the middle of what was supposed to be a quaint event about cross-cultural understanding… It was beyond disrespectful to Fehnel’s original request. It took something that the poor woman had been planning for who knew how long, and brutally morphed it into a shadow of its former self. Into nothing but an ego trip for a politician that probably already surrounded themselves with weed biters and paw lickers.
“Listen…” I said, lowering both my tail and ears in respect. “Fehnel, I apologize profusely for allowing that thing to be placed here. I should have put my paw down and just hosted the event inside like we planned. But it’s too late now. I’m really sorry…”
But to my surprise, Fehnel had not been paying attention to my display of humility. Instead, her focus was still on that of the statue.
“I think it looks neat!” she said in a cheery tone.
“Y-you do?” I mumbled back.
“Well yeah!” She wagged her tail to assure me. “Sure it’s a bit, err… unconventional… But I think it’s got quite a bit of charm to it!”
“That’s… one way of saying it…”
“Besides, it might not be the worst thing to have somethin’ from the Magisters here with us,” Fehnel continued to think out loud. “Sorta gives this whole event a kinda official feel, y’know? Like it’s lettin’ everyone here know that the Yotul have got just as much right bein’ under the same heedin’ ears of the Governor as anyone else. Sure, dependin’ on where you are and who you ask, that may or may not be a good thing. But it at least means it’s harder to ignore us now. Heck, might even convince some of the people ‘round here to open up a little to the other parts of us.”
“Well… so long as you’re happy with it, I suppose?” I worded awkwardly.
If I had been completely honest with myself, I was expecting the slightest bit more… Well, I wasn’t sure. Perhaps anger? Annoyance? Unrelenting grief that invariably led to locking yourself in a closet, crying? But there was no sign of that in the rusty Yotul’s eyes. As she stared up at the onyx marvel, I couldn’t help but feel as though there was no sign of the negativity I had anticipated in the slightest. Instead, all that remained was that of a solemn pride. Maybe she was lying to herself. Like it was some sort of coping mechanism that helped her work around this unwelcome development in her plans. But regardless, the end result remained. And I was left feeling relieved at being able to avoid yet another hurdle.
‘Fehnel really knows how to look at the optimistic side of things, I guess… Good. I could really use some more of that around here.’
“Feel free to run along now, Sylvan,” she said, waving me a satisfied flick of the tail. “I’ll keep waitin’ here so I can greet the other guests. And I do hope you and Kahnta can bring out the main course whenever it’s ready. I wanna make sure everything’s ready to blow Kadew’s fur off whenever she decides to get here.”
I had to force myself not to flash a Human smile in return. She and the rest of the partygoers had no idea what was coming. And to a certain extent, neither did I. He did mention he had some sort of “surprise” coming, after all. But I always trusted Kenta for his word, and knowing what my chef was capable of, it never occurred to me once that it wouldn’t live up to the expectations. In fact, I was counting on him to exceed them.
I turned around and headed back to the kitchen. It was time to get the real party started.
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2024.05.18 17:10 ujnanju Finished!
 | I’ve been posting all my questions here and I have to thank everyone who gave me advice! This is my first time bead looming something without proper instructions like in a beginner bead looming set. I had to create the pattern and figure out how to make this come true. I’m sure there are TONS of mistakes but I’ve learnt a lot. I know I have a bad habit of trying something hard right from the start and having a difficult time with it. But this sense of accomplishment is something I could never get sick of. Thank you everyone who gave me advice! I’m sure I’ll be asking a lot of questions in the future so I’ll thank everyone in advance. Thank you! submitted by ujnanju to Beading [link] [comments] |
2024.05.18 08:57 brooksy87 Am I a bad dad for wanting something to do/make/craft/build/improve a skill with while I'm sitting with our first one year old while she's playing?
I read books and play cars and take her for walks in the pram etc with her, but do you ever feel like you want to do something with your hands that builds a skill or something? I get bored easily and feel like an arsehole for it. I've mentioned it to my wife because she crafts stuff on the sewing machine next to our baby girl but I have no equivalent outlet.
I’ve suggested sanding wooden blocks into shapes she can play with or maybe learn acoustic guitar but my wife isn’t keen on these either. She doesn’t like the audiobooks or podcasts I listen to or want the tv on at all either kids channel or background YouTube videos (eg. White noise, time lapse or POV bush walking videos). I’m going crazy and agitated from the lack of progress I feel in my own life from this and working full time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 😊
Edit: thanks to everyone for their advice, I’ll definitely take them on and keep them in mind. In addition to your suggestions, I came up with a list of hobbies that are hopefully safe to work on while sitting with or near baby (commonsense applies here lol)
Music - Guitar playing Steel drum playing or bongo drums
Crafting - Drawing eg landscapes or practice with wooden mannequin, even on post notes Colouring in mandala patterns or anatomy books Dremel tool crafting Carving soap or crayons Whittling
Fine motor skills and dexterity - Juggling Begleri beads Hand shadows
Camping - Knot tying practice for camping Think of things for altoids tin
Audio (out loud or with one ear bud in) Audiobooks Podcasts Radio Playlists
submitted by brooksy87 to daddit [link] [comments]
I’ve suggested sanding wooden blocks into shapes she can play with or maybe learn acoustic guitar but my wife isn’t keen on these either. She doesn’t like the audiobooks or podcasts I listen to or want the tv on at all either kids channel or background YouTube videos (eg. White noise, time lapse or POV bush walking videos). I’m going crazy and agitated from the lack of progress I feel in my own life from this and working full time. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated 😊
Edit: thanks to everyone for their advice, I’ll definitely take them on and keep them in mind. In addition to your suggestions, I came up with a list of hobbies that are hopefully safe to work on while sitting with or near baby (commonsense applies here lol)
Music - Guitar playing Steel drum playing or bongo drums
Crafting - Drawing eg landscapes or practice with wooden mannequin, even on post notes Colouring in mandala patterns or anatomy books Dremel tool crafting Carving soap or crayons Whittling
Fine motor skills and dexterity - Juggling Begleri beads Hand shadows
Camping - Knot tying practice for camping Think of things for altoids tin
Audio (out loud or with one ear bud in) Audiobooks Podcasts Radio Playlists
2024.05.18 03:13 three-n-twenty Buyer beware
 | Okay guys. I posted yesterday regarding the super smelly 187 classic flap I purchased. I finally got a chance to compare it with my other bags. submitted by three-n-twenty to RepladiesDesigner [link] [comments] As background, this is my first rep bag. I have about a dozen or so authentic Chanels, but only a few classic flaps. I have various leathers in my Chanels but mostly caviar - one of which being a 2016 Black Caviar Jumbo Flap in the Chevron pattern which I brought out to compare. I find the size too big and have never worn it. So I purchased a 187 M/L flap with LGW from Heidi. Aside from the overwhelming chemical stench it gives off despite airing out for a couple days, I find the material used to feel and look incredibly shiny, cheap and well, fake. I paid $570 + $40 shipping and got an 8% discount for using Wise. The bag came well packaged but am so unhappy with the quality of the leather. In my opinion it looks NOTHING like the factory pictures. (I do own pieces that are metallic or iridescent caviar or lambskin but they DO NOT look like this and also this rep is not being sold as a special finish.) And the smell is absolutely nauseating. I also put several drops of water on the bag, they all beaded up and never absorbed. After a minute I wiped it off and it left no observable discoloration on the bag. I am convinced that this is PU or some other type of cheap, synthetic. But as I’m a total newbie to this, I will let you guys be judge and jury. Not sure if this is a 187 issue or a bait and switch by the seller as the factory pictures portray a much more buttery, matte leather like my auth. And the PSPs I received were all photos and did not accurately capture how the leather actually looks. Factory Photos PSP Outside of the actual material and the smell, the other flaw I see is the stitching of the CC on the inner flap. The top of the left CC is a little wonky. I green lit it anyway as it didn’t bother me too much. I will say though I’d be wary ordering from this seller. She is pleasant and responsive but she has gaslit other buyers (see this post:) |
2024.05.17 22:44 SupWitCorona Looking to create a logo with these details:
A classic Fighting Irish logo but with a Mexican twist:
submitted by SupWitCorona to hireanartist [link] [comments]
- Base Figure: Start with the classic Fighting Irish logo, which features a leprechaun with fists raised, ready to fight. Ensure the leprechaun retains its traditional stance and fighting spirit.
- Sombrero: Replace the leprechaun’s traditional hat with a sombrero. The sombrero should be detailed enough to be recognizable, with a wide brim and possibly some decorative elements typical of Mexican designs, such as patterns or small hanging ornaments.
- Clothing Details: Modify the leprechaun’s outfit slightly to include elements of traditional Mexican attire. This could mean adding patterns to his vest or incorporating a serape-style design.
- Mustache: Adding a small, neat mustache could enhance the Mexican theme, aligning with traditional Mexican imagery.
2024.05.17 21:44 Status_Revolution_25 Earth 2.0 Simulator With Claude Ai
 | Framework for simulating Earth 2.0 from day one, taking into account a wide range of conditions and processes spanning physical, geological, biological, environmental, evolutionary, and cultural domains with their respective parameters: submitted by Status_Revolution_25 to u/Status_Revolution_25 [link] [comments]
Simulation Report: Earth 2.0 Parameter Update and 10-Year Chronological Progression Executive Summary: This report documents the results of a rigorous 10-year simulation of an alternate Earth environment, designated Earth 2.0, incorporating revised initial parameters across a multitude of planetary, environmental, biological, and anthropological factors. The simulation's primary objective was to model the rapid emergence and evolution of a human civilizational framework starting from a small founding population of 7 individuals. Comprehensive data tracking took place annually over the 10-year span, meticulously recording all developments across major domains like population, societal, technological, economic, agricultural, and ecological factors. Despite its condensed 10-year timeframe, the simulation yielded a remarkably accelerated progression towards protocivilization by the human population. However, this warp-speed cultural advance was accompanied by intensifying resource pressures, environmental degradation, intercultural conflicts, and the proliferation of infectious disease vectors - providing insights into both the catalysts and vulnerabilities inherent to rapid societal expansion. Year 1 Population: 7 (3 males, 4 females) - Exploration of immediate terrain to identify viable sustenance sources - Development of basic stone tools and primitive woven shelters - Establishment of hunter-gatherer societal roles and division of labor - Emergence of primordial spoken dialects for basic communication Year 2 Population: 15 - Successful ignition of fire through friction/sparks for warmth, cooking, scaring predators - Hunting proficiency with crudely crafted spears/bows and deployment of animal snares - Locating and gathering of indigenous edible plant sources for supplemental nourishment - Beginnings of animistic spiritual beliefs and basic ritualistic customs centered around fire/nature Year 3 Population: 24 - Expansion into new fertile territories and resource-abundant regions - Weaving and crafting of textiles from fibrous plants for basic clothing - Rudimentary pottery and ceramic vessel production from clay mineral deposits - Domestication of certain local herd animals as beasts of burden and transportation - Origins of oral storytelling and mythological tradition as means of knowledge transfer Year 4 Population: 37 - Incorporation of animal power (donkeys, oxen, etc.) to facilitate migration and travel - Development of shoreline fishing techniques and basic maritime capabilities - Primitive astrological/celestial observations for navigation and temporally tracking seasons - Hierarchical societal structures form with designated leaders and decision-makers - Roots of entrepreneurial spirit via fledgling trade/barter relationships between groups Year 5 Population: 53 - Geographic divergence and emergence of distinct cultural-ethnic identities - Agricultural techniques like crop rotation and irrigation ditch engineering take root - Stone tools/weapons advance from polished blades to javelins, bolas, etc. - Explosion in symbolic/artistic expression (cave paintings, petroglyphs, etc.) - Intensification of competition and territoriality between groups over prime resource regions Year 6 Population: 75 - Development of permanent mud-brick/thatch dwellings and establishment of semi-sedentary settlements - Further expansion and mapping/charting of peripheral territorial boundaries - Attempts at more complex spoken language constructs and proto-written record keeping - Systematization and institutionalization of legal, spiritual/religious, and cultural value systems - Centralization of settlements enables basic specialization of labor (crafters, hunters, etc.) Year 7 Population: 103 - Emergence of distinct cultural spheres with ethnic/linguistic commonalities - Trade relationships and networks connect disparate settlements across vast distances - Environmental impacts of overhunting/overgathering in certain regions become evident - Use of basic bone tools, leather-working, and advanced basket-weaving techniques flourish - Warfare between groups escalates, reflective of resource scarcity and population pressures Year 8 Population: 135 - Population clusters into concentrated protocivilization settlement structures - Adoption of basic agricultural management like irrigation canals and crop storage - Metalworking first emerges via prospecting and smelting of coppebronze ores - Major mythological canon, oral histories, and epic traditionals codified to reinforce ethnic identities - Socioeconomic bifurcation into hereditary hierarchy of elites/commoners Year 9 Population: 174 - Widespread proliferation of distinct cultures and societal identities - Mining and metallurgy operations supply materials for toolmaking, weapon forging - Adornments (beads, jewelry, tattoos) from minerals/resources become cultural status symbols - Deforestation escalates with massive environmental impacts and biodiversity disruption - Communicable disease transmission enabled by trade routes and high population densities Year 10 Population: ~210 - Definitive delineation of ethnolinguistic civilizational identities - Agriculture/husbandry ubiquitous, supplemented by specialized hunting/gathering - Emergence of numeric systems, calendars, and proto-written symbolic inscriptions - Competition over rapidly depleting resources and fertile lands triggers internecine conflicts - Environmental degradation, pollution, and deleterious climatic effects become pronounced Analysis and Key Findings:
Appendices: A. Initial Planetary/Environmental Parameter Specifications B. Updated Biological/Anthropological Parameter Revisions C. Glossary of Technical Terminology .......... Comprehensive report on the current state of the Earth 2.0 civilization simulation: Population Data - Total Population: 23,716 - Adult Males: 9,282 - Adult Females: 10,014 - Children (Under 15): 4,420 - Population Growth Rate: 0.032% (Annual) Temporal Context - Current Year: 17,483 BCE - Years Elapsed: 182,517 (From 200,000 BCE start) Social Complexity - Current highest organizational tier: Tribal Chiefdoms - Largest chiefdom population: 1,037 - 218 distinct tribes/ethnic groups identified - Predominant social structure: Hunter-gatherer nomadic bands - Some seasonal sedentary horticulturalist communities emerging - Primitive religious beliefs/animism universally practiced - Burial/burial good customs now common Language - 331 distinct languages documented - Most remain in pre-linguistic protolanguage phases - A few pidgins emerging between neighboring tribes Technology - Still in late Paleolithic/Epipaleolithic stage - Lithic tools: flint-knapped projectile points, blades, choppers - Specialized bone/antler tools, hafted utensils - Clothing: Insulation from fur, leather, woven plant fibers - Some tribes mastering basket weaving techniques - Fire control mastered by all tribes - Basic cooking, camps, habitat control via burning - Simplistic shelter technology: Rock cabins, wickiups, animal hide tents Economy - Universal hunter-gatherer subsistence strategies - Highly mobile, following seasonal mineral availability - Some tribes transitioning to incipient horticulture - Minimal territoriality, resource stockpiling - Barter-based exchange emerging between nearby groups - Exotic stones, feathers, ivory in high demand Environment - Negligible environmental impact observed - Some localized deforestation, land-use rotation - Large megafauna species still prevalent - Human overhunting not yet a factor - Regional climate dynamics continuing naturally Analysis At nearly 200,000 years elapsed, the Earth 2.0 simulation has progressed precisely in-line with anthropological & archaeological evidence from this period of human history. The population has now exited the African cradle and spread globally, diverging into hundreds of distinct tribal groups exhibiting immense linguistic and ethnic diversity. While average population densities remain very low in this late Stone Age period, incremental advancements have been made in socioeconomic organization, language complexity, and Paleolithic tool technologies. The gradual transition from a purely nomadic hunter-gatherer existence to inaugurating primitive horticultural techniques can be observed emerging independently across multiple tribal groups. Overall ecosystem impacts from these proto-humans continue to be negligible aside from localized deforestation and migratory land use patterns. With no established civilizations or surplus resources, human activities have yet to destabilize any regional environments or accelerate climate forcings. The simulation's pacing and development accurately aligns with the archaeological record and anthropological frameworks around this crucial period when Homo sapiens was culturally and technologically differentiated, but still living within the carrying constraints of the paleolithic ecology. Let me know if any other specific details are required on this comprehensive overview of the Earth 2.0 realm's current 17,483 BCE status. |
2024.05.17 19:39 Turbulent_Pickle_200 My new baby!!
 | I have been wanting a staud Tommy bag for ages but stumbled upon this beauty on Saks website for 1/10th the price! The beading is stunning and I love the floral pattern. Absolutely cannot wait to wear her out this weekend🥰 submitted by Turbulent_Pickle_200 to handbags [link] [comments] |
2024.05.17 18:14 echojulietpapa WTS/WTT - PRICE DROP - Peña Swayback, WE Elementum, Victorinox
Heya, Swappers!
I'd love to get these in the mail today as I have a line on something expensive, so...help me fund more stuff I don't need!
Timestamp
Standard Stuff: YOLO, Open to trades, will ship same or next day depending on timing. Payment accepted via PP FF, Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Cash, no notes in any payments, please!
$225 $200
Cranes Cutlery exclusive with titanium bolsters and wood grain carbon fiber. I am the third owner, but it is pristine with not a mark on it. It’s a lovely piece and such a cool blend of classic and modern, but it just never gets any pocket time. I have carried two or three times and don’t recall cutting anything with it – maybe some tape on a package (maybe). Action, lockup, and centering are all great – exactly what you would expect from Reate. Comes with box and cloth.
$150 $135
I picked this up some time ago and it’s been sitting in a case for far too long. This started life as a plain Jane WE Elementum and was beautifully customed by Valley Blade Works (back when it was still Blue Pig Laser Works if memory serves). Titanium framelock flipper and a 20CV blade. Everything that can be has been anodized with a two tone green/purple scheme and slick geometric pattern. The blade was bead blasted and the whole package just looks and runs like a dream. Fast, snappy action, great lockup and centering. No box on this guy, ships in a Civivi taco.
$75 $65
This was an impulse buy during my Victorinox phase, got it here on the swap. It came to me like new and there it remains. Never cut, never carried, all tools still look factory fresh. Custom titanium scales with integrated pocket clip, maker unknown. No box, just the knife. Will ship wrapped in ample amounts of bubble wrap or maybe a generic taco if I have an extra kicking around. Add to any other purchase for $50.
ISO/Current Trade Interests (cash of course can be added for higher value stuff)
This list is non-exhaustive, and as you can see I have a particular fondness for carbon fiber (bonus points for color), so if you have something to offer give me a shout! I reserve the right to be picky, but I'll always take a look.
submitted by echojulietpapa to Knife_Swap [link] [comments]
I'd love to get these in the mail today as I have a line on something expensive, so...help me fund more stuff I don't need!
Timestamp
Standard Stuff: YOLO, Open to trades, will ship same or next day depending on timing. Payment accepted via PP FF, Venmo, Zelle, or Apple Cash, no notes in any payments, please!
Peña X Series Large Swayback (Wood Grain CF, M390)
Cranes Cutlery exclusive with titanium bolsters and wood grain carbon fiber. I am the third owner, but it is pristine with not a mark on it. It’s a lovely piece and such a cool blend of classic and modern, but it just never gets any pocket time. I have carried two or three times and don’t recall cutting anything with it – maybe some tape on a package (maybe). Action, lockup, and centering are all great – exactly what you would expect from Reate. Comes with box and cloth.
WE Elementum (Ti, 20CV)
I picked this up some time ago and it’s been sitting in a case for far too long. This started life as a plain Jane WE Elementum and was beautifully customed by Valley Blade Works (back when it was still Blue Pig Laser Works if memory serves). Titanium framelock flipper and a 20CV blade. Everything that can be has been anodized with a two tone green/purple scheme and slick geometric pattern. The blade was bead blasted and the whole package just looks and runs like a dream. Fast, snappy action, great lockup and centering. No box on this guy, ships in a Civivi taco.
Victorinox Huntsman with Ti Scales
This was an impulse buy during my Victorinox phase, got it here on the swap. It came to me like new and there it remains. Never cut, never carried, all tools still look factory fresh. Custom titanium scales with integrated pocket clip, maker unknown. No box, just the knife. Will ship wrapped in ample amounts of bubble wrap or maybe a generic taco if I have an extra kicking around. Add to any other purchase for $50.
ISO/Current Trade Interests (cash of course can be added for higher value stuff)
This list is non-exhaustive, and as you can see I have a particular fondness for carbon fiber (bonus points for color), so if you have something to offer give me a shout! I reserve the right to be picky, but I'll always take a look.
- Koenig Mini Arius Flipper (carbon fiber)
- Oz Rosie (Silver SurfePutter Milling or Brightwash Speed Holes)
- SBD Micro Evo
- Spartan Harsey 3.25”
- Kunwu Chad Carbon Fiber
- G&G Hawk Shortcut
- JG Scout (full carbon fiber)
2024.05.17 15:42 Aggis Need help saving my first beaded bracelet!
 | While researching patterns with historical meanings I found out about beading and was mesmerised. I desided to try my hand at it so I bought cheap materials and watched a yt video and then made this bracelet. submitted by Aggis to Beading [link] [comments] When I tried to put the clasp on the ends it wouldn't fit because they were kind of v shaped so I couldn't get it tight around the beads without applying force and then some of the beads broke! I managed to figure out a way to save the end where most beads were missing but now I have to find a way to attach some closures that are not the clasps. I've tried to google but the only thing I can find that isn't clasps are worked on while still on the loom bench. Please help me figure out a way to save my first ever hand made jewellery! 🙏 |
2024.05.17 12:43 Medical_Work1712 The cost of home interior design in Delhi: 2 BHK, 3 BHK, and more!
Are you going to design your home? It’s essential to know how much you should pay for interior design. When it comes to interior design costs, you need to pay attention to everything you want in your home, such as materials, lights, colors, textures, and decor. All these aspects play a significant role in defining the personality of your dreams. In this blog, you will read the determination cost of the interior of your home, which includes 2 BHK and 3 BHK flats interior design with different project sizes.
A sophisticated home is simply designed with smart technology and patterns, but what if I say interior design can change the complete look of a simple 2 BHK home with smart innovation and excellence? Budget plays a major role in designing and creating a 2 BHK interior design home, which is based on the client’s taste and the material they want to invest in.
Furniture Cost: 2 BHK, 3 BHK flats interior design
No matter how great the interior design and decor are, they can’t replace the vibe of furniture. Furniture is the most important element for interior renovation and design, and it can be used in a wide range of spaces, such as the living room, drawing room, study room, lobby, and other working spaces.
Explore the premium-quality furniture at HSSA~ the interior design studio in Delhi, which will enhance your home’s beauty and elegance. Choosing the right furniture can provide the aesthetics and functionality that directly influence interior design. When choosing furniture with HSAA, you will not only get good designs but also a budget-friendly range that should be taken into consideration. Plus, our prices are so affordable that they can easily accommodate every household, whether it’s small, medium, or high.
Modular kitchens not only make your kitchens elegant and beautiful but also provide maximum storage and transform boring display spaces into aesthetic spaces; however, every great thing comes with a price tag, and this puts a stop to dreaming of our dream kitchen interiors. So, at HSAA, the home interior design company, we brought you the complete breakdown of the cost of the modular kitchen interior in a nominal expected budget to build a superior dream kitchen in your home.
In addition, vintage and stylish living bedrooms have taken their place. Here at HSAA, you can explore the unique collections of living bedrooms according to your customized taste. Whether you are looking for minimalist, bohemian, contemporary, luxurious, or many more styles, you can easily pick from the trending designs that come in a budget-friendly range. We have a one-stop solution for all the bedroom interior design for 2 BHK and 3 BHK households.
submitted by Medical_Work1712 to u/Medical_Work1712 [link] [comments]
A sophisticated home is simply designed with smart technology and patterns, but what if I say interior design can change the complete look of a simple 2 BHK home with smart innovation and excellence? Budget plays a major role in designing and creating a 2 BHK interior design home, which is based on the client’s taste and the material they want to invest in.
Factors Influencing 2 BHK Interior Designs:
Before designing any space, a few factors should be analyzed, which helps the designer learn more about it. Here, HSAA- the best interior designers in Delhi guide you in describing some of the factors that are preferable for designing a 2 BHK interior design and their costs.- Size — The first important factor is size; the larger the space, the higher the price of interior design. The interior designer will give you an estimated cost for designing 2-bedroom apartments. Example- If the size of the room is 700 sq ft, it does not cost much for interior design but on the other side, if the room is about 1200 sq ft, the project price will be costlier.
- Property Evaluation- The evaluation of property is crucial in interior design. The designer suspects every tiny space in a 2 BHK household with each detail.
- Materials — Every property owner wants to have the best quality materials in their home. Of course, the premium can be costly, but they provide long-lasting value and make the home more meaningful.
- Renovation- In some cases, you will need to renovate the home instead of designing a new house; for this, you will hire an interior designer. For example, if you need to upgrade the plumbing systems or mold the electrical projects in your 2 BHK household, then there will be an average cost of renovating. If you included the cost of both renovation and interior designing, you would have a higher budget.
Estimation Cost Of Interior Design
As an interior designer, every part of the space is first analyzed, and then the cost is estimated. However, it’s a long-lasting process involving each detail of design and creation in every possible aspect. The cost includes the labor cost, material cost, and much more which is highly mentioned in the interior design prospectus. Furthermore, there are different sizes of apartments; the minimum can be around 600 sqft, and the maximum can be up to 1000 sqft. But the interior design firm in Delhi says estimations can vary from a simple interior design to a high-class interior design, depending on which kind of materials they want to have in their household.Let’s dive into the price value of interior design :
- Cost of 2 BHK interior design:
- Cost of 3 BHK interior design:
Furniture Cost: 2 BHK, 3 BHK flats interior design
No matter how great the interior design and decor are, they can’t replace the vibe of furniture. Furniture is the most important element for interior renovation and design, and it can be used in a wide range of spaces, such as the living room, drawing room, study room, lobby, and other working spaces.
Explore the premium-quality furniture at HSSA~ the interior design studio in Delhi, which will enhance your home’s beauty and elegance. Choosing the right furniture can provide the aesthetics and functionality that directly influence interior design. When choosing furniture with HSAA, you will not only get good designs but also a budget-friendly range that should be taken into consideration. Plus, our prices are so affordable that they can easily accommodate every household, whether it’s small, medium, or high.
Modular kitchen cost for 2 BHK and 3 BHK interior design
The kitchen is the heart of the home, the place where we create the most priceless memories by cooking meals with our family and friends. The functional kitchen has taken the place of the basic kitchen. By this time, the demand for modular kitchens is increasing day by day in Indian households. At HSAA~ the kitchen renovation service in Delhi, offers you a cost-effective and stylish modular kitchen based on the 2 BHK and 3 BHK flats and apartments, including several elements such as woodwork, countertops, hob, sink, etc.Modular kitchens not only make your kitchens elegant and beautiful but also provide maximum storage and transform boring display spaces into aesthetic spaces; however, every great thing comes with a price tag, and this puts a stop to dreaming of our dream kitchen interiors. So, at HSAA, the home interior design company, we brought you the complete breakdown of the cost of the modular kitchen interior in a nominal expected budget to build a superior dream kitchen in your home.
The factors influencing the cost of kitchen interiors
- Size of the kitchen: The cost of the kitchen depends on its size. The larger the space, the more modules will be required, and vice versa.
- Kitchen Layout: The layout depends on how you want your kitchen to be molded; for example, a kitchen with simple shutter units will cost less than a kitchen with smart technology, and other features like stylish corners for deep storage will have a high value.
- Materials and finishes: The kitchen designed with materials like laminates is reasonably less expensive than acrylic or lacquered glass cabinets.
- Extra Elements: The extra features and elements, including gadgets, accessories, and lighting, will add up the cost.
Living Bedroom aesthetics cost: 2BHK and 3BHK home interior design.
The living bedroom is considered an elegant corner of the house that captures different styles, textures, and color schemes. A living room is defined as unique and different from others by comparing it to other rooms in a home. Besides this, the living room is decorated with paintings, ornaments, accessories, and other items that set the mood of the house and reflect the personality of the room.In addition, vintage and stylish living bedrooms have taken their place. Here at HSAA, you can explore the unique collections of living bedrooms according to your customized taste. Whether you are looking for minimalist, bohemian, contemporary, luxurious, or many more styles, you can easily pick from the trending designs that come in a budget-friendly range. We have a one-stop solution for all the bedroom interior design for 2 BHK and 3 BHK households.
The factors influencing the cost of Bedroom interiors:
As we talked about 2 BHK and 3 BHK, you need to calculate according to the cost of 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms.- Bed frames: Bed frames play a crucial role in furnishing the bedroom. The price of the bed frame depends on whether you opt for a king-size or a queen-size bed frame. However, contemporary metal bed frames match almost any home interior, giving a classy and elegant look. But if you are looking for bed frames with high storage facilities, you can choose wooden ones, which come in an economical range. Other than that, the cost can be varied depending on the size and material.
- Nightstand: Install a nightstand near your bed and outlet that offers both functionality and aesthetics. This furniture piece enhances the overall look and provides comfort and convenience in the bedroom. The price range depends upon the materials and finishes.
- Wardrobe: A wardrobe not only adds functional value to the bedroom but also provides an aesthetic vibe to the corner. The cost of the wardrobe and cupboards depends on the types of styles you choose, such as sliding, hinged, loft, corner, glass, and more. Explore the exclusive and premium collection of wardrobes at HSSA~interior design firm in Delhi at a reasonable price.
- Mattress: Last but not least, the quality of the mattress is very important; the size, the brand, and the material are very effective in enhancing the living bedroom interior.
CONCLUSION
Even if you have a low budget, hiring a great interior designer is a must, and HSAA is always ready to help you and guide you through the full design and creation of your home. Our team has 35+ years of experience and lots of industry contacts to complete your home interior design work, including top-notch materials, laminates, and furnishings within your specified budget. Get in touch with us today!2024.05.17 11:56 Sweet-Count2557 11 Innovative Boston Playgrounds Where Kids Learn as They Play
 | 11 Innovative Boston Playgrounds Where Kids Learn as They Play Welcome to our exploration of eleven innovative Boston playgrounds where children can learn while they play.In this bustling city, there are a multitude of parks and playgrounds that offer much more than the traditional swings and slides. These thoughtfully designed spaces provide children with engaging and educational experiences, turning playtime into a valuable opportunity for growth.From wheelchair-accessible elements at Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park in Charlestown to the imaginative PlayCubes at Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park in Chinatown, Boston's playgrounds are sure to captivate young minds.But that's just the beginning - join us as we uncover the other unique and stimulating playgrounds that await children in different neighborhoods across the city.Key TakeawaysBoston has a variety of innovative and inclusive playgrounds that offer unique features and attractions.Many of these playgrounds are designed with a specific theme, such as nature or the solar system, to engage children's imagination.In addition to traditional playground equipment like swings and slides, these playgrounds also offer interactive and brain-boosting elements like embankment slides, climbers, and balance-based toys.Some playgrounds are designed in memory of specific individuals or events, such as the Martin Richard Memorial Park in Seaport.Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park—CharlestownMayor Thomas M. Menino Park—Charlestown, the inclusive playground with wheelchair-accessible features, was designed in the wake of the Marathon bombings and offers a unique and engaging play experience for children of all abilities. Situated in the heart of Boston, this playground is a shining example of the city's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.One of the standout features of Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park—Charlestown is its embankment slides and climbers. These structures not only provide endless fun for children but also help develop their gross motor skills and coordination. As kids navigate the slides and climb the structures, they're simultaneously building strength and confidence in their abilities.Furthermore, this playground goes above and beyond by offering access to hospital bathrooms. This thoughtful addition ensures that all children, regardless of their medical needs, can enjoy their time at the park without any obstacles. It's a testament to the city's dedication to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.The design of Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park—Charlestown isn't only functional but also visually appealing. The vibrant colors and playful shapes of the equipment spark imagination and creativity in children. It's a place where they can let their imaginations run wild and explore their own unique play experiences.Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park—BostonLocated in the vibrant neighborhood of Chinatown, Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park—Boston offers a playground experience that combines interactive play with a touch of cultural immersion. This Boston playground stands out among the best playgrounds in Boston for its unique features and attractions. Here's what makes Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park—Boston a must-visit destination for families:The popular River Stream Fountain: Kids can cool off and have a blast in this interactive water feature. The fountain mimics a flowing river, allowing children to splash and play while learning about the importance of water.Focus on PlayCubes for interactive play: The playground is filled with PlayCubes, which are modular play structures that encourage creativity and exploration. Children can build, climb, and slide on these colorful cubes, stimulating their imagination and problem-solving skills.Cultural immersion in Chinatown: As you explore the playground, you'll notice the influence of Chinatown's rich heritage. From the ornamental gateways to the vibrant colors and patterns, Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park—Boston offers a unique opportunity for children to learn about and appreciate different cultures.Located in Chinatown: This playground is conveniently situated in the heart of Chinatown, making it easily accessible for families in the area. After a fun-filled day at the playground, families can explore the neighborhood and enjoy the delicious food, vibrant markets, and cultural events that Chinatown has to offer.Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park—Boston is more than just a playground. It's a place where children can learn, play, and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Chinatown. So, gather your family and head to this innovative Boston playground for an unforgettable adventure.Jackson Square Park—Jamaica PlainNestled in the vibrant neighborhood of Jamaica Plain, Jackson Square Park offers a playground experience that combines thrilling play elements with a focus on balance and adventure. This innovative playground is designed to engage children's minds and bodies, allowing them to learn and grow while having a blast.One of the standout features of Jackson Square Park is its zip lines. Kids can soar through the air, feeling the rush of exhilaration as they zip from one end of the playground to the other. This activity not only builds strength and coordination but also teaches them about momentum and gravity.Another exciting element is the 16-foot-tall Wall-holla climbing structure. With its unique design and challenging climbing routes, children can test their physical limits and conquer their fears. It's a thrilling experience that encourages them to push themselves and discover their own capabilities.In addition to these thrilling play elements, Jackson Square Park also offers other amenities to keep kids entertained. There are basketball courts where they can practice their skills and compete with friends. Swings provide a classic play experience, allowing children to feel the freedom of soaring through the air.Jackson Square Park is a place where kids can explore, take risks, and learn valuable life lessons. It's a playground that encourages them to think creatively, problem-solve, and develop their physical and cognitive skills. With its focus on balance and adventure, this playground offers a unique and educational play experience for children of all ages.Martins Park—SeaportAfter exploring the thrilling play elements and educational opportunities at Jackson Square Park, let's now venture into Martins Park—Seaport, where children can embark on an imaginative and nature-inspired play experience. This inclusive playground, built in memory of Martin Richard, offers a unique and engaging environment for children of all abilities. Here are some key features of Martins Park—Seaport:Log Maze Climber: Children can navigate through a maze of logs, enhancing their problem-solving and spatial awareness skills.Realistic Climbing Rocks: Kids can challenge themselves by scaling these realistic climbing rocks, improving their strength and coordination.Giant Marooned Ship: This impressive feature allows children to unleash their imagination as they pretend to be pirates, sailing the high seas.Nature-Inspired Design: The park's design mimics the natural world, creating a sense of connection and wonder. Children can immerse themselves in an environment that encourages exploration and discovery.Martins Park—Seaport isn't just a place for play, but also a space for learning and growth. As children engage in the various play elements, they develop important cognitive and physical skills. The park fosters creativity, social interaction, and a love for nature. It provides a safe and inclusive environment where children can freely express themselves and learn through play.Paris Street Park—East BostonParis Street Park—East Boston offers an exciting and educational playground experience with its newly designed solar system theme. Located between a public pool and a community center, this park provides a perfect environment for children to learn and play. As we explore the park, we're greeted by vibrant colors and interactive elements that ignite our curiosity.One of the standout features of Paris Street Park is its basketball court, where kids can engage in friendly competition and improve their coordination skills. The court is adorned with illustrations of planets, stars, and constellations, creating a unique and immersive experience. As we shoot hoops, we can't help but feel like we're playing in outer space.In addition to the basketball court, there's also a painted maze that stimulates our problem-solving abilities. We navigate through the twists and turns, searching for hidden treasures and unlocking the secrets of the solar system. The maze encourages exploration and fosters a sense of adventure, allowing children to develop their spatial awareness and critical thinking skills.As we continue our journey through the park, we come across a series of educational panels that provide fascinating information about the planets. These panels not only spark our curiosity about the universe but also enhance our knowledge of science and astronomy. We learn about the different characteristics of each planet and gain a deeper appreciation for the vastness of space.Paris Street Park—East Boston truly offers a playground experience that combines fun and education. With its solar system theme, basketball court, painted maze, and educational panels, children are encouraged to learn and explore while enjoying the freedom to play. It's a place where imaginations soar and knowledge is gained, making it a must-visit destination for families in East Boston.Esplanade Playground—BostonAs we venture further into the world of Boston playgrounds, our next stop brings us to the captivating Esplanade Playground—Boston, where adventure awaits along the picturesque Charles River. This playground offers a unique experience that combines play and nature, providing children with the freedom to explore and learn in a beautiful setting.The central climbing structure, resembling a spider web, challenges children to test their physical abilities and conquer new heights.The scenic view of the Charles River creates a serene backdrop for play, allowing children to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of their surroundings.The spacious open areas invite children to run, jump, and engage in active play, promoting physical fitness and enhancing their gross motor skills.The variety of play equipment, including swings and slides, offers opportunities for children to engage in imaginative play and social interaction.At Esplanade Playground, children have the freedom to let their imaginations soar as they navigate the climbing structures, swing through the air, and slide down to the ground. They can challenge themselves physically, build strength and coordination, and develop confidence in their abilities. The playground's scenic location also provides a sense of peace and tranquility, allowing children to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature.Esplanade Playground—Boston isn't just a place for fun and play; it's a space that encourages learning, exploration, and personal growth. With its unique features and stunning views, this playground offers children the freedom to discover, create, and thrive in a safe and engaging environment.Fallon Field—RoslindaleFallon Field—Roslindale is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Boston, offering a playground experience that is both thrilling and inviting for children of all ages. With its famous large slide and additional amenities like basketball courts and swings, Fallon Field provides endless opportunities for fun and exploration.To paint a clearer picture of what Fallon Field has to offer, let's take a look at the table below:FeaturesDescriptionBenefitsLarge SlideA thrilling rideBuilds courage and balanceBasketball CourtsOutdoor sports activitiesPromotes physical fitnessSwingsClassic playground funDevelops coordinationThe large slide at Fallon Field is a favorite among kids, providing them with an exhilarating ride that challenges their courage and helps them develop their balance skills. As they climb up the stairs and slide down, children experience a rush of excitement and a sense of achievement.In addition to the slide, Fallon Field also offers basketball courts. These outdoor sports areas allow children to engage in friendly competitions, improve their coordination, and enhance their physical fitness. Whether they're shooting hoops or playing a game with friends, the basketball courts provide a space for kids to enjoy active play and develop their athletic abilities.No playground is complete without swings, and Fallon Field has them too. Swinging back and forth on the swings not only brings joy to children but also helps them develop their coordination skills. As they pump their legs and control their movements, kids learn how to find their rhythm and balance while experiencing the freedom of soaring through the air.Fallon Field—Roslindale truly offers a playground experience that combines thrilling activities with the freedom to play and explore. From the large slide to the basketball courts and swings, children can engage in a variety of activities that promote physical fitness, coordination, and a sense of adventure. So head on over to Fallon Field and let the fun begin!Hunt Almont Playground—MattapanLocated in the vibrant neighborhood of Mattapan, Hunt Almont Playground offers an exciting and inclusive play space for children of all ages. This playground is a true gem, designed to foster creativity, imagination, and physical activity.Here are some reasons why Hunt Almont Playground stands out among the rest:Colorful web of nets and climbers: As soon as you step foot in Hunt Almont Playground, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing sight—a vibrant web of nets and climbers that beckon you to explore and conquer. This unique feature allows children to challenge themselves, build strength, and develop their motor skills.Encourages open-ended play: At Hunt Almont Playground, there are no limits to what children can imagine and create. The open-ended play opportunities here allow kids to take on different roles, build forts, and invent their own games. It's a place where freedom and creativity go hand in hand.Splash pad for summer fun: When the temperatures rise, Hunt Almont Playground has got you covered. With its refreshing splash pad, children can cool off and have a blast splashing around. It's the perfect way to beat the heat while still engaging in active play.Inclusive design: Hunt Almont Playground is designed with inclusivity in mind. It offers wheelchair-accessible features, ensuring that all children can fully participate and enjoy the fun. It's a playground that celebrates diversity and embraces the joy of play for everyone.Hunt Almont Playground is more than just a place to play—it's a space where children can learn, grow, and make lasting memories. So, if you're looking for a playground that encourages freedom, creativity, and inclusivity, Hunt Almont Playground in Mattapan is the place to be. Let your imagination run wild and discover the endless possibilities that await you here.Sweeney Playground—South BostonAfter exploring the vibrant and inclusive Hunt Almont Playground in Mattapan, let's now shift our attention to the captivating Sweeney Playground in South Boston. This playground is known for its stunning ropes course, bright synthetic surface, and water features. It offers a variety of activities that engage children's minds and bodies, making it a perfect place for them to learn as they play.To give you a better idea of what Sweeney Playground has to offer, here is a table highlighting some of its key features:Sweeney Playground—South BostonStunning ropes courseEngages children's balanceBright synthetic surfaceProvides safe play areaWater featuresOffers refreshing funBasketball courtsPromotes physical activityfor older kidsThe ropes course at Sweeney Playground is truly a sight to behold. It challenges children to navigate through a series of ropes and obstacles, testing their balance and coordination. As they conquer each element of the course, they develop problem-solving skills and gain confidence in their abilities.The bright synthetic surface of the playground ensures a safe and comfortable play area for children. It provides a cushioned surface that reduces the risk of injuries from falls, allowing kids to freely explore and engage in active play.Water features are another highlight of Sweeney Playground. They offer a fun and refreshing way for children to cool off during the hot summer months. Whether it's running through a sprinkler or splashing in a water fountain, kids can enjoy the sensory experience while staying active.In addition to the ropes course and water features, Sweeney Playground also provides basketball courts for older kids. This promotes physical activity and encourages friendly competition, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship.Sweeney Playground in South Boston is a place where kids can learn, have fun, and grow. With its innovative and engaging features, it offers a unique play experience that sparks creativity, promotes physical development, and cultivates a love for learning. So, the next time you're in South Boston, be sure to visit Sweeney Playground for an unforgettable play adventure.Little Scobie Park—RoxburyLittle Scobie Park in Roxbury offers a vibrant and engaging play space for children of all ages. This park is divided into two areas, each designed specifically for different age groups. Whether you have a toddler or a teenager, there's something for everyone at Little Scobie Park.Skateboard Park: One of the highlights of Little Scobie Park is the skateboard park. Kids can bring their skateboards and practice their tricks on the ramps and rails. It's a great way to build confidence, improve coordination, and have fun with friends.Basketball Court: For those who prefer team sports, the basketball court at Little Scobie Park is the perfect place to shoot some hoops. Kids can practice their dribbling skills, work on their jump shots, and even organize friendly games with other children in the neighborhood.Plenty of Shade: Little Scobie Park offers plenty of shade, making it a great place to relax and unwind. Whether you're a parent watching your kids play or a teenager looking for a quiet spot to read, there are shaded areas where you can escape the sun and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.Community Gathering Space: Little Scobie Park serves as a community gathering space, bringing people together from all walks of life. It's a place where neighbors can meet, children can make new friends, and families can enjoy quality time together. The park fosters a sense of belonging and promotes social interaction, creating a strong and supportive community.Little Scobie Park in Roxbury is more than just a playground. It's a place where children can have fun, learn new skills, and connect with others. From the skateboard park to the basketball court, there are endless opportunities for exploration and growth. So grab your skateboard or basketball and head over to Little Scobie Park for an unforgettable play experience.Alexander W. Kemp Playground—CambridgeContinuing our exploration of Boston's brain-boosting playgrounds, let's now venture into the imaginative world of Alexander W. Kemp Playground in Cambridge. This playground offers a variety of activities for kids of various ages, ensuring that everyone can have a great time. With embankment slides, swings, and a crank-powered water feature, there's something for everyone to enjoy.To give you a better idea of what you can expect at Alexander W. Kemp Playground, here's a table that breaks down its key features:FeaturesAge RangeThemeEmbankment slidesAll agesWoodland adventureSwingsAll agesWoodland adventureCrank-powered water featureAll agesWoodland adventureAs you can see, this playground has a woodland adventure theme, with carved wood structures that add to the overall ambiance. Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they explore this enchanting setting. Whether they're sliding down the embankment slides, soaring through the air on the swings, or splashing around in the crank-powered water feature, there's no shortage of fun to be had.In addition to the exciting play equipment, Alexander W. Kemp Playground also provides a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn and grow. It encourages open-ended play, allowing kids to express their creativity and problem-solving skills. By engaging in play, they can develop important cognitive and physical abilities while having a blast.Frequently Asked QuestionsAre These Playgrounds Open to the Public?Yes, these playgrounds are open to the public. They provide a safe and inclusive space for children of all ages to play and learn.Each playground offers unique features and attractions, such as wheelchair-accessible equipment, interactive play structures, and themed designs.From the Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park in Charlestown to Chuckie Harris Park in Somerville, these innovative playgrounds aim to engage and educate children while fostering their imagination and physical development.Are There Any Admission Fees for These Playgrounds?There are no admission fees for these playgrounds. They're open to the public and provide a variety of brain-boosting fun for kids.From inclusive playgrounds with wheelchair-accessible features to playgrounds with interactive PlayCubes and zip lines, there's something for everyone.You can explore different playgrounds like Mayor Thomas M. Menino Park, Uncle Frank and Auntie Kay Chin Park, and Jackson Square Park, each offering unique features and attractions.Are There Any Age Restrictions for Using the Playground Equipment?There are no age restrictions for using the playground equipment at these innovative Boston playgrounds. Kids of all ages can enjoy the interactive play features and learn as they've fun.From inclusive playgrounds with wheelchair-accessible features to parks that offer activities for kids of various ages, there's something for everyone. So whether you're a toddler or a teenager, you can explore, climb, slide, and swing to your heart's content.Get ready for an adventure-filled playtime!Are There Any Safety Measures in Place at These Playgrounds?Yes, there are safety measures in place at these playgrounds. They prioritize the well-being of children and ensure a safe play environment.Safety features include wheelchair-accessible features, splash pads, and synthetic surfaces.Additionally, some playgrounds have inclusive designs, offering activities for kids of various ages. They also provide amenities like basketball courts and access to nearby bathrooms.These safety measures aim to create a fun and secure space where kids can learn and play without any worries.Are These Playgrounds Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?Yes, these playgrounds are accessible for individuals with disabilities. They've been designed with inclusive features like wheelchair-accessible structures, ramps, and accessible bathrooms. This ensures that all children can enjoy and learn at the playgrounds.It's important to create an environment that promotes inclusivity and allows everyone to participate in play. These innovative playgrounds in Boston are a great example of how accessibility can be integrated into recreational spaces.ConclusionAs we wrap up our exploration of these innovative Boston playgrounds, we can't help but be amazed by the endless opportunities for learning and growth that they provide.From accessible features to imaginative play elements, each park offers a unique experience that sparks curiosity and fosters development in children.So, next time you're in Boston, be sure to visit these playgrounds and watch your kids learn, play, and thrive in this vibrant city. submitted by Sweet-Count2557 to worldkidstravel [link] [comments] |
2024.05.17 08:03 THE-PICTURE-FACTORY Lehenga: A Timeless Embodiment of Tradition and Elegance.
 | https://preview.redd.it/zzpgjl9bgx0d1.jpg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6cd172f2857cf7a85295537b3b98df0fa4151db4 submitted by THE-PICTURE-FACTORY to u/THE-PICTURE-FACTORY [link] [comments] A lehenga, also known as lehnga or langa, is a traditional Indian garment that consists of three pieces: a skirt (lehenga), a blouse (choli), and a dupatta (a long scarf or shawl). Here are the key components in detail: Lehenga (Skirt): The lehenga for Women is a long, flowing skirt that is typically heavily embroidered, beaded, or embellished. It is often made from rich fabrics such as silk, satin, velvet, or georgette and can be designed in a variety of styles, including A-line, mermaid, or circular. The skirt is usually worn at the waist and may have a drawstring or zipper for closure. Choli (Blouse): The choli is a fitted blouse that is often short, leaving the midriff exposed. It can be styled in numerous ways, with variations in sleeve length, neckline, and back design. Like the lehenga, the choli is often decorated with embroidery, beadwork, or sequins to match the skirt. Dupatta (Scarf): The dupatta is a long scarf or shawl that complements the lehenga and choli. It can be draped over the shoulders, around the neck, or over the head, and is often adorned with matching embellishments. Lehengas are popular attire for weddings, festivals, and special occasions in South Asia, particularly in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. They come in a wide range of colors, designs, and levels of intricacy, making them a versatile and cherished garment in South Asian fashion. There are several types of lehengas fo women, each with unique designs and silhouettes suited for different occasions and body types. A-Line Lehenga: Description: This lehenga has an A-line lehenga shape that fits at the waist and flares out towards the hem, resembling the letter 'A'. Occasion: Versatile for various events, including weddings and festivals. Circular Lehenga: Description: Known for its wide and voluminous flare, this type has a circular cut and provides a lot of fabric to create a dramatic effect. Occasion: Ideal for brides and festive occasions. Mermaid/Fishtail Lehenga: Description: Fitted at the waist and hips, it flares out from the knees resembling a mermaid's tail. Occasion: Suitable for formal events and receptions. Paneled Lehenga: Description: Made with multiple panels stitched together, this lehenga offers a lot of flare and can combine different fabrics and colors. Occasion: Great for traditional functions and weddings. Sharara Cut Lehenga: Description: Resembling wide-legged pants, this lehenga looks like a skirt but is divided, offering comfort and style. Occasion: Popular for weddings and sangeet ceremonies. Straight Cut Lehenga: Description: Features a straight silhouette from the waist to the hem, offering a more streamlined look. Occasion: Perfect for parties and formal events. Lehenga Saree: Description: A fusion of lehenga and saree, where the lehenga is draped with a dupatta in a saree-like manner. Occasion: Suitable for those who want the elegance of a saree with the ease of wearing a lehenga. Flared Lehenga: Description: Similar to the circular lehenga but with even more volume and pleats, offering a very traditional and grand look. Occasion: Ideal for bridal wear and grand celebrations. Trail Lehenga: Description: Features a long trail at the back, adding a dramatic and regal touch to the attire. Occasion: Best for brides and high-profile events. Jacket Lehenga: Description: Paired with a long jacket instead of a traditional choli, offering a contemporary and stylish twist. Occasion: Perfect for fashion-forward events and weddings. Tiered/Ruffled Lehenga: lehenga Description: Characterized by multiple layers or tiers, creating a ruffled and voluminous look. Occasion: Great for festive occasions and modern bridal wear. Each type of lehenga offers a unique look and can be chosen based on personal style preferences, the nature of the event, and comfort. Advantages of Lehenga Lehengas offer several advantages, making them a popular choice for various occasions, particularly in South Asian cultures. Here are some key benefits: Versatility: Lehengas come in various styles, fabrics, and designs, making them suitable for a wide range of events, from weddings and festivals to formal parties and casual gatherings. Elegance and Glamour: With their rich fabrics, intricate embroidery, and embellishments, lehengas exude elegance and glamour, making the wearer stand out in any crowd. Comfort: Unlike some traditional attire, lehengas can be relatively comfortable to wear, especially those with adjustable waistbands. The skirt allows for ease of movement, making it suitable for dancing and long events. Customization: Lehengas can be easily customized in terms of design, color, fabric, and fit to match personal preferences and specific themes or requirements of an event. Flattering Silhouette: The flared design of many lehengas suits various body types, enhancing the wearer’s figure by accentuating the waist and creating a balanced silhouette. Cultural Significance: Wearing a lehenga connects the wearer to cultural heritage and traditions, making it a meaningful choice for significant life events like weddings. Fusion Fashion: Modern lehengas can be paired with contemporary elements such as crop tops or jackets, allowing for a fusion of traditional and modern fashion that appeals to younger generations. Variety of Fabrics: Available in a range of fabrics like silk, velvet, chiffon, georgette, and cotton, lehengas can be chosen to suit different weather conditions and personal comfort levels. Accessories Friendly: Lehengas offer plenty of opportunities to accessorize with jewelry, shoes, and bags, allowing the wearer to enhance their overall look and express personal style. Reusable: Lehengas can often be repurposed by mixing and matching with different tops or dupattas, providing more value and versatility for the investment. Photogenic: The rich textures, vibrant colors, and elaborate designs of lehengas make them highly photogenic, ensuring that special moments are captured beautifully. Timeless Appeal: Despite evolving fashion trends, lehengas retain a timeless appeal, often being passed down through generations as cherished heirlooms. Overall, lehengas offer a perfect blend of tradition, beauty, and functionality, making them a cherished choice for many occasions. Lehengas hold significant importance for several cultural, social, and personal reasons. Here are the key aspects that highlight their importance: Cultural Heritage: Lehengas are deeply rooted in South Asian culture and tradition. Wearing a lehenga during important events like weddings and festivals helps preserve and celebrate cultural heritage and customs. Symbolism in Weddings: For many brides, wearing a lehenga is a traditional and symbolic part of the wedding ceremony. It represents the bride’s transition and is often chosen in auspicious colors and designs that signify prosperity and happiness. Expression of Artistry: Lehengas are often intricately designed with detailed embroidery, beadwork, sequins, and other embellishments. This showcases the rich craftsmanship and artistic skills of local artisans, preserving traditional arts and crafts. Identity and Pride: Wearing a lehenga can instill a sense of pride and identity, connecting individuals to their roots and giving them a sense of belonging within their community. Celebration of Femininity: Lehengas, with their elegant and elaborate designs, celebrate femininity and grace. They accentuate the natural beauty of the wearer and enhance their confidence. Social Significance: In social settings, wearing a lehenga can signify respect for the occasion and the hosts. It’s often considered appropriate attire for traditional events, showcasing the wearer's appreciation for cultural norms. Versatility and Adaptability: Lehengas are versatile garments that can be adapted to various styles, from traditional to contemporary, making them suitable for a wide range of events. This adaptability ensures they remain relevant across generations. Symbol of Prosperity and Elegance: Traditionally, lehengas are made from luxurious fabrics and adorned with rich embellishments, symbolizing prosperity, elegance, and high status. They are often chosen to reflect the wearer’s taste and social standing. Preservation of Traditions: Wearing a lehenga during festivals like Diwali, Navratri, or Eid helps in preserving and continuing traditional practices, ensuring that cultural values and stories are passed down through generations. Connection to Ancestry: Many families have heirloom lehengas that are passed down through generations. Wearing such pieces can create a deep connection to one’s ancestry and family history. Inclusivity and Representation: In multicultural societies, wearing a lehenga can be a way to represent and share one’s cultural background, fostering inclusivity and understanding among diverse communities. Personal Milestones: Beyond weddings, lehengas are often worn for other significant personal milestones such as engagements, anniversaries, and milestone birthdays, marking these events with special attire that adds to the celebratory mood. In essence, the lehenga is much more than just a garment; it is a symbol of cultural identity, tradition, and personal expression. Its importance transcends mere aesthetics, embodying deep-rooted values and historical significance. conclusion In conclusion, the lehenga is a significant and cherished garment that holds deep cultural, social, and personal importance. It is a symbol of tradition and heritage, celebrating the rich artistry and craftsmanship of South Asia. Worn during pivotal life events like weddings, festivals, and personal milestones, the lehenga connects individuals to their cultural roots, expressing pride, identity, and elegance. Its versatility allows it to adapt to modern fashion trends while preserving timeless traditions, making it a beloved attire across generations. Whether as a reflection of personal style, a celebration of femininity, or a means of preserving cultural practices, the lehenga remains a vibrant and meaningful aspect of South Asian attire. |