#rain from latest spring storm

[rosewaterandivy]

Everyone But You - a Life as We Know It au

Ch. 1 - Come as a Known Enemy Memory

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Summary: You and your nemesis, the blight of Williamsburg himself, are thrown together under disastrous circumstances. Pairing: e.m. x f!oc w.c.: 4.5K warnings: NSFW / MDNI, immersive second person narration w/ a name and background but no physical description mentioned, big sads, grief, character death, car accident, jason carver mention, legal guidance, CPS, repression of emotions, occasional catatonia, max mayfield esquire

The call comes in somewhere south of 2 A.M. It’s an unfortunate fact of life that you are stone-cold sober, awake, and pouring over the second to last manuscript from the agency. 

You answer it by the second ring.

“This is Vance.”

"Ms. Vance, this is Officer Booker at the 94th precinct in Brooklyn. I’m calling on behalf of Christine Carver, could you please come down to the station?”

The telltale sign of a migraine creeps into your head, lashing against your temples to weave around the base of your skull. A forced blink of your eyes while the words from the manuscript swim across your vision. 94th precinct… that’s, what Greenpoint? The fuck was she doing in Brooklyn at this hour?

"Is she alright?”

The officer sighs, “Ma’am, I can’t disclose personal information over the phone. But once you’re down here—"

Innately and intimately, you know something is wrong. Chrissy and Jason were leaving the city tonight, flying out of Laguardia and back to Indianapolis on the red eye, which should have left an hour or two ago. The officer prattles on about policy and regulation as you get your bearings.

"Yeah, I’ll be there in an hour or so.” A few pages scatter on the table in your haste to get up, “I’m sorry, you said your name was…?”

"Officer Booker ma’am. I’ll let the front desk know to be on the lookout.”

The line drops dead and you lock your phone before slipping it into your pocket. A spring storm whipped through the city, rain falling in sheets outside your apartment window. Slipping into the Hunter galoshes at your door, you attempt to recall Chrissy’s latest missive.

Can’t wait to see you this summer! You and Ed better play nice OR ELSE

The doorman kindly hails you a cab and escorts you to the car, umbrella in hand. You thank him and rattle off an address you’d rather forget in Williamsburg. The ride itself is a quiet hum, briefly punctuated by your various attempts to contact said resident of the Williamsburg apartment which usually ended in a hushed, “Fuck.”

By the fourth attempt, you wonder why you’d ever bothered at all.

It’s not unusual for him to dodge your calls, though it was rare to initiate contact either way. But, rather, this was The Way you had operated since Chrissy posed you Iike her life-size Barbie dolls hoping for a happily ever after— the disastrous date was seared into your memory and played on a loop at the most unfortunate of times, i.e. the night before a big client meeting or during a relay of your Top Ten Greatest Mistakes. And closing in our top three humiliations is…

So, in short, no. No, you did not frequent Brooklyn, and you certainly did not cross the East River if you could help it. Working your ass off at one of the most acclaimed publishing houses did not afford you the luxury to gallivant through the burroughs all hours of the evening, especially not if you wanted to make partner and curate your own client list.

But, clearly, this fact couldn’t be helped tonight.

By the time you arrive in Brooklyn rolling to a stop in front of the brownstone off of Bedford avenue and pay the cabbie, it’s nearing 3 A.M. Dashing onto the stoop in an attempt to avoid the rain, you glance over the numerous intercom buzzers and realize, rather foolishly, that you have no idea which his could be. Luckily, someone is stepping out of the vestibule and you’re able to slip in before the door slams shut.

It’s a walk-up, of course, because this night couldn’t cut you one measly break, could it? The squelch of your galoshes haunts you up the flights of stairs, rain dripping in rivulets onto the steps below. You pause at the third floor, a heavy bass thudding from down the corridor like a siren’s call.

Your fist pounds on the door, punctuated by the clipped sound of your voice, “Munson, I swear to all that is unholy—"

The door opens quickly, and you nearly topple over the threshold. There’s a curl to his lips that tells you he wishes you had careened, tits over ass, in an unfortunate lack of poise, and fell to a heap on his floor. Fortunately, your hand collides with the door frame and finds purchase before any of that can come to pass.

"For Esmé—In Love and Squalor, as I live and breathe.” He drawls, all biting marks and bravado.

Edward ‘Eddie’ Munson was a few things: a writer, a pretentious asshole, Chrissy’s high school BFF, the worst person you’d ever had the displeasure of breathing the same air as, and your arch nemesis— just to name a few.

“Well, if it isn’t the ice queen from the Upper West Side! What brings you down here to slum it with us plebs?”

Soaked from head to toe, the rain drips steadily down your face and body. Your mouth opens and closes intermittently, gaping like a fish. How do I say something like this? How do I tell him that Chrissy, our mutual best friend and her husband are in all likelihood dead? Do I tell him, or should I leave it to the cops down at the station?

Because, at this point, nothing has been confirmed. And it won’t be until you’re both at the precinct meeting with Officer Booker. All you had to go on was your gut.

And your gut hadn’t been wrong yet.

Maybe tonight’s the night. After all, there’s a first time for everything, right?

“Hellooooo,” He hangs on the door jamb, long limbed and impatient. “C’mon, if you came all the way down here to bust my balls you could’ve—“

“S-she,” You swallow audibly and try to correct your earlier statement. “They, they’re gone.”

Eddie straightens up. A furrow pinches between his brows. “Who’s gone?”

“Chris, Jason, they just—"

He quickly grabs a jacket and slips on a pair of beaten to hell docs before shutting the door. It briefly passes through your mind that he should get his keys, he’ll need his keys to get back in. But before you can say anything, Eddie’s hand curls around your bicep and steers you down the stairs.

“Okay, okay.” He soothes, guiding you onto the sidewalk. “Where are we going, hospital or precinct? We’ll need a cab or Uber, right?”

Eddie grabs his phone and pulls up an app before muttering, “Fucking surge pricing, what the shit.”

The rain falls steadily, on and on, in the cool spring night as you wait. A seemingly endless vigil for the pair of you, the dark sky blanketing a city that never sleeps.

The blip and wail of sirens increases the closer you get to the station. The cab ride itself had been silent, save for Eddie’s wallet chain jangling as his leg jostled up and down. You’d mostly gathered your wits on the drive over, knew what to do, who to find— your head was as clear as it could be for now.

Eddie pays the fare and nods to the cabbie in thanks as you turn to open the door. His hand finds your arm, fingers trepidatious against the damp fabric of your trench coat. 

“D’ya think…”

A pinprick of pressure at the top of your sinuses, eyes blurring with newly minted moisture. A quick sniff to clear your nostrils as you slowly exhale.

”I hope not.”

You push the door open and stride across the wet pavement. An officer holds a door open for you with a tight-lipped smile.

”Hi,” You say, clearing your throat. “I’m looking for an Officer Booker?”

A desk jockey leads you both back to a small conference room and offers you a choice of coffee or water. You take him up on it and anxiously wait for Booker’s arrival.

”Hello,” A man greets, setting a to-go cup of coffee on the table and offering his hand to shake. “I’m Officer Booker. You must be Esmé Vance. And this is…?”

”Eddie Munson,” He says with a cough. 

Booker nods, as if he expected it. “Of course,” He takes a seat and places a manila folder on the table between you. He takes a beat, looking each of you in the eye, a tinge of sorrow precedes his next comment. “There was an accident, and it is with sorrow and regret that I inform you—"

And with that, the world drops dead.

A harsh buzzing, like static, fills your ears. Unwittingly, you clutch at Eddie’s hand, slotting your fingers together. Can’t bring yourself to worry over how cold and clammy your palm is against the dwarfing warmth of his. He squeezes your hand back, nods at whatever Booker is saying, something about finding your information as her I.C.E. contact on her phone.

"The first responders found it and we took it from there. But now we need numbers for the nearest next of kin, can you supply those?”

Big, wet tears fall silently down your cheeks and you can’t bring your vocal cords to work, to say something as simple as yes.

"Uh, yeah,” Eddie replies instead, accompanied by a violent sniff. “Her parents are back in Hawkins, Indiana— Peter and Ellie Cunningham.” He rattles off their home phone number as you watch, mesmerized, tremulous tears falling unabated down his face.

There’s scruff bordering on five-o’clock shadow peppering his cheeks and jawline, errant curls falling from the sloppy topknot on his head. He looks exhausted, as if the last half-hour has robbed him of sleep, bluish hollows like crescent moons underneath his eyes.

But he hasn’t let go of your hand.

No, he’s held it like a vise. As if it’s the only thing tethering him to the ground. 

“You said the car flipped? It—It flipped when it hit the…”

Booker looks at both of you, really takes a long, hard look.

Two kids, really. Early thirties, if he had to guess, and hopelessly floundering in the midst of a goddamn bitch of an unimaginable situation. Shit, he couldn’t tell which way was up at that age, and by then he’d had a badge and a gun.

Then, as if it’s dawned on you for the first time:

"They have a baby, w-who is she with now?“ You stutter out, dread curling low in your stomach. You clench Eddie’s hand all the harder.

The harsh whisper of your voice brings a halt to the conversation. Eddie gapes back at you, wide eyed and woebegone.

”If you’ll excuse me,” Booker says, rising to leave, “I’ll get a deputy to contact the parents and ascertain where the child is. Sit tight ‘til then.”

The door clicks shut. 

And the wail that careens up your throat is enough to kick-start Eddie’s survival mode into gear. He pushes away from the chair to sit at your feet, one hand grasping yours while the other winds around your waist and presses you to his torso. Sobs wrack your body, loud and hiccuping, while his lips murmur softly at the crown of your head.

Nothing he’s saying registers. But he’s there and warm, one large hand trailing the expanse of your back, up and down and over again; it’s almost soothing. He’s taller than you, something you’d always known from his penchant to loom over you, but you don’t seem to mind it just now. 

Tucked under his chin and pressed to his chest, it feels almost safe. His physical proximity and the way his body seems to mold around your own, protecting you from the sickening reality that she’s gone, and the sharp pain that kicks up in your gut, lends you enough comfort to make an attempt at processing this disaster. Chrissy and Jason, both gone in one fell swoop. Their daughter, Zoë, effectively orphaned and alone.

A beautiful, innocent little girl, a veritable copy of her mother, all blonde hair and blue eyes. Soft coos and footie pajamas, waiting for parents who would never return. 

What would happen to her?

It’s that very thought that snaps you out of your tear-streaked state as Officer Booker returns. Eddie sets you back on the chair, hands patting along your arms to check that you’re okay, at least for the moment. Catching his eye you give him a small nod.

"The Cunninghams have been informed and are on their way. The child was with the nanny, but CPS has taken over her care for the time being.”

”What, why?”

Eddie’s posture has changed, what was once hunched in an uncomfortable precinct chair has now straightened up, his spine pulled taut with tension. 

“It’s procedure until the next of kin can be notified.”

”No, that’s—" You stand abruptly, “We’ve gotta go. I mean, unless you need anything…?”

He shakes his head, “No, you’re free to go.” He stands and offers his hand to you once more, “My sincere condolences to you both.”

Leaving the precinct in a blur, you hardly realize you’re back on the sidewalk. On auto-pilot, you step out to hail a cab. Eddie, the lingering presence behind you, continues to silently brood.

As the cab pulls to the curb, a sharp jerk of your arm pulls you backward to collide with an oomph against him. You turn an apology on the tip of your tongue that vanishes at the sight of him. 

For all you know of Eddie Munson, one thing is for certain, it takes a lot to render him silent. And while you were rapidly losing it in the station, he had held it together. But the second you mentioned Zoë, all the fight left him. 

“Munson,” You croak, trying to draw him out from his racing thoughts. “We’re going to her, she’s not going to be alone, I promise you.” His eyes track your face in the light from the street lamps. “We’ll be on the next flight out, but we have to get in the cab first, okay?”

He nods, so subtle that if you’d blinked you would have missed it. You release the breath trapped in your lungs, a slow exhale as your hands settle on his forearms. Cautiously, you step forward and wrap your arms around him. He hesitates, body as tight as a tripwire, before he settles against you. The slight weight of you reminding him that he’s not alone in this.

"We’ll figure it out,” You murmur, voice scratchy from all the sobbing.

And for a moment, you just hold one another in the crisp spring morning. Birdsong twitters from above as the gloomy clouds of last night’s storm begin to clear. Elsewhere, people are beginning to rise and greet the new day, coffee percolates and sheets rustle. 

But in that moment, you’re able to forget all that— to push aside the fact that there are other people in the world and instead revel in the heartbreak you both feel, in the odd familiarity of each other.

Eddie uses the key Chrissy gave him to unlock the house in Loch Nora. It’s just after 6 A.M. of that same dreadful day and the house looks homey. A laundry basket propped up on a credenza, overflowing with burp cloths and tiny onesies. He flips a switch, and the entryway is bathed in a dull warm glow. 

“No, no,” You continue speaking into your phone, as you shut the door. “What I don’t understand is why we can’t see her now? Ma’am, I know you have protocol but we’re the godparents, isn’t there a precedent for that?”

Eddie moves like a ghost through the house, finds himself wincing as he catches sight of the Carver family photos with Chrissy’s bright smile. As he moves further into the house, your voice falls away.

All business since the cab ride. You swept through his studio like an automaton, throwing things into a duffle and didn’t bother to shut dresser drawers either. It looked like a criminal had ransacked his bedroom for a paltry collection of clothing. 

Eddie was tasked with packing his backpack, which he couldn’t muster up the effort to adequately do, and settled for tossing in his laptop, a few charging cables, and whatever else he swept off of the cluttered desk before zipping the bag.

Spent less than twenty minutes at your own place on the Upper West Side and returned with a neatly packed hardshell carryon and a leather tote bag, all the contents neatly organized and at the ready. 

And, he had to hand it to you, the efficiency you deployed everywhere from check-in to the TSA Pre-Check line, to wrangling an upgrade for the plane ride itself, and now playing verbal chess with the CPS representative was… impressive. Albeit frightening. 

But he also found it rather cold and unfeeling. Because, while yes, he had held you as you fell to pieces in the police station and witnessed your grief, since then you’d been too… together. Neatly packaged with a shiny bow on top, your sorrow packed tight and lying in wait underneath the glinting veneer of propriety.

The click of your heels on the hardwood floors alerts him to your presence. 

“Yes, I’ll be at this number. Thank you, goodbye.” You huff and lean against the arm of the sofa. “They won’t do anything, not until the case worker arrives this morning, at least.”

Eddie nods, “I’m sure that she’s fine, Vance.” His voice is soft, tired. “Why don’t you get some sleep? The guest room is upstairs and—“

A shake of your head, as you bring the phone back up to your ear. “No, I still need to contact the lawyer for Chr— uh, the will.” You reply, unable to speak her name, a little uneasy at the fact that she had a will in the first place.

Eddie tsks, he lip curling in disbelief, “C’mon, are you serious? What lawyer is going to be in-office and answer the phone at this hour, Dewey, Cheatem, and Howe?”

Fixing him with a glare Medusa would envy, you purse your lips. “Then I’ll leave a message with their answering service. And,” You turn, tossing the last bit over your shoulder, “If it’s an attorney that Carver hired, I can guarantee they’ll call back within the hour.”

And, true enough, the offices of Mason & Finch returned your call within thirty minutes. But really, who was counting?

You find Eddie’s limbs sprawled all over the couch in the den, the tv light flicking against the pallor of his skin. Grabbing the remote, you catch sight of Katharine Hepburn swanning across the screen in Bringing Up Baby. 

Tossing the remote to the side with a clatter, you accidentally (somewhat) wake Eddie. 

“The fuck Vance?” He sounds groggy and confused, slightly alarmed that he was jolted awake by a piece of plastic to the face.

”The attorney has arrived.” You say in lieu of a greeting, “And CPS hasn’t called yet.”

He rises slowly, stretching as a cat might— arms flexing above his head causing the hem of his shirt to ride up and reveal a smattering trail of dark hair down his abdomen. With a roll of your eyes, you turn and walk back into the study at the front of the house.

Maxine Mayfield Esquire, junior partner at Mason & Finch, has made herself comfortable at Jason’s mahogany desk. Briefcase stowed at her feet, she runs a hand through her hair, loose in her haste to make this meeting on time. The sealed last will and testament of Mr. and Mrs. Carver sits at the center of the desk, ominous and forlorn.

Technically, she wasn’t on-call for estate cases currently. But when the secretary had phoned her to see who was available this week, the second Max heard the words “fatal collision” and “Carver”, she was up and out of bed. She knew she needed to handle this case, though the name the secretary gave her was unfamiliar: Ripley Esmé Vance.

Whoever this person was, Max knew Eddie wouldn’t be long behind.

Before she’d left for the Carver’s that day, Max had trusted Lucas to rally the troops for an all hands on deck situation. She couldn’t tell him much, or if Eddie was even in town yet, but she knew Lucas would see to it that he wasn’t alone. 

Mason had briefed her over the phone on the drive over about the proceedings, what to expect from the beneficiaries, how to liaise with CPS, who to contact if Vance and Munson refused custody. Though, she didn’t anticipate needing that particular bit of information.

Rising to greet who could only be Vance, Max is nearly bowled over at the sight of Eddie. He looks haggard, which is to be expected, but it’s a stark contrast to the pristine image of his counterpart. 

Esmé Vance oozes sophistication— black Tahitian pearls adorn your neck contrasting with the gray sweater and wide legged trousers you’re sporting. Not much taller than Max, the inch or two gained in whole part due to the heels that click against the floor as you go to greet her.

"Ms. Mayfield,” You say, with the husky voice of a silver screen siren, “Thanks so much for seeing us this early, we appreciate it.” 

As you shake hands, the singular ring on your right hand catches Max’s notice. A clean and simple signet nestled on an elegant finger. Your nails are impeccable, a dark plum shade that Max makes a note to get the name of later.

In short, Chrissy’s best friend is just as the bubbly blonde had bragged— her polar opposite in nearly every way. Max wasn’t sure if she wanted her or simply wanted to be her, but she’d deal with that later.

"Hey Red,” Eddie says, leaning against the doorframe.

She excuses herself to wrap him in a warm embrace, professionalism be damned. He accepts it willingly, and she allows herself the luxury of inhaling the familiar scent of stale cigarettes and coffee.

"Hey Ed,” She replies, stepping back after a moment or two. “I’m so sorry about Chrissy.” She turns back to Esmè, eyes misty, “My condolences to you both.”

Soon after, they get down to brass tacks. Max reads the will aloud, the legalese meaning absolutely jack shit to Eddie, that is until:

"Joint legal and physical custody of Zoë Lux Carver is granted to Ripley Esmè Vance and Edward Waylon Munson—“

"I’m sorry, but what?” Eddie’s voice is louder than he intended, so distracted by the fact that he’s been granted custodial rights over an actual baby, that he completely misses that you don't even go by your given name.

It’ll come back to him later, sleep-addled and at wit’s end, no doubt.

Max pauses, noting the lack of reaction from you. Hmm, interesting. “Did Chrissy not discuss the guardianship arrangements with you?”

Eddie shakes his head, you decline to reply and turn to gaze out of the window. You’re quiet, which can only mean one thing.

"You knew about this Vance?”

"Well,” You hedge a reply, “I didn’t think it would necessarily come up. But… yeah, she mentioned it after Zoë was born. Though I didn’t know she meant joint custody.”

He turns back to Max, “What does that mean?”

"It means,” You supply, turning back to the conversation, “That we raise her together. Joint as in the two of us,” Your fingers gesture between the pair of you, “Not as in what your studio reeks of.” And then, you pantomime taking a drag from an imaginary joint, as if to prove your point.

"Gee, thanks for the tip, Officer Krupke.” 

Max watches, idly amused by the pair of you, a knowing smile gracing her lips. “Right, so if you refuse custody, Zoë will be placed with another willing caregiver, preferably family, but if not, she’ll go into foster care.”

"Oh, fuck no!”

"Over my dead body!”

Your exclamations override one another, the volume of the conversation increasing for so an early an hour. Max desperately wants a coffee, maybe an Irish one. 

“Okay, so you’re agreed on that, at least.” Max turns over to the next page in the document. “Everything else is pretty standard: all liquid assets are left to Zoë, kept in a trust until her twenty-first birthday, which you are both guardians of.”

She pauses for a moment, very much entertained that Chrissy, and by extension Jason, have left you both in charge of everything. A realization that has Eddie rolling his eyes beside you.

”You’ve also been given the deeds to the house in Hawkins, as well as the brownstone and, besides a few personal effects left to other people, everything within the properties seems to be yours.”

The redhead passes a copy of the document to each of you, along with her card. “When you have questions, you can reach me at these numbers and Eddie has my cell, too.”

Your mind is reeling, trying and failing to piece together the remnants of a life left behind. A puzzle that only you and Eddie can solve, or so it would seem. Before you can ask for confirmation or voice any of your concerns, Eddie’s voice rings through the room with an incredulous, “Properties? As in, plural?”

Max clears her throat, “Uh, yes. They want you to raise Zoë either here, in Hawkins, or—" She trails off to confirm the location of the other property. “New York. They closed on a property there earlier this week.”

"Huh,” He says, collapsing back into the club chair in front of Jason’s desk. “They never mentioned that.”

"Zoë.” You say once your tongue begins working again, “How do we— Where is she now?”

Max gives you a relieved smile. “Well, I’ve already arranged for her transfer. The foster family she was placed with last night will bring her to CPS. They feel that she’ll adjust best in her own environment. So, first, she needs to be picked up and brought here.” 

“Right,” You say, rising from your chair, “Can you excuse me, for just one moment?” And walk, as calmly as you can, out of the study and through the house to the back deck. 

It’s as if you can’t get enough air into your lungs, but the quicker you breathe in, the faster your heart beats. Your skin pricks with cold despite the warm morning sun.

”Ohmygod,” You heave out in a rush of air, “Ohmygod, ohmygod.” 

There has to be a better solution than co-parenting with Munson. How Jason’s attorney even let Chrissy pair you together for the foreseeable future truly boggles the mind. The pair of you loathe each other, further compounded by one disastrous interaction after another. This was insanity, there was no way in hell it could ever work!

You brace your hands on your knees and will yourself not to throw up. Never knowing that at precisely that very moment, Eddie is doing the same in the front yard of the house, just as petrified as you.

#eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson x oc #eddie munson fanfic #fic: eby #modern!eddie munson #stranger things fanfic

[therabbitthatpostthings]

Tags: alluding to dark thoughts/suicide, Mugen Train Spoilers, no beta we die like men

The pitter patter of rain drops was normal in the late spring months. It brings in the cool air needed when heading into the summertime. All was still on nights like this and a person's imagination could really wander. Anything to keep the remnants of Giyuu's latest nightmare at bay. He thought if getting glared at by Obanai was worth wearing the ribbon Mitsuri gifted him.

It was a common occurrence to find himself seated against a wall, only clad in his pajama bottoms, while the window let in the cool misty air. He was always careful not to wake you when he left the room to calm down. He absentmindedly traced the patterns on the wood flooring while thinking if Uzui would allow you two at his hot spring in the Fall.

The house creaked with the wind. The wind chimes Himejima gave have clanked against the porch post. The storm would soon set in. He considered going back to bed but couldn't bring himself to move as stray raindrops landed on his cheek. The way the wind chimes beat against each other, almost violently, sounded like small swords clashing against each other. He thought about when he last heard from Tanjiro, maybe he should respond this time. The boy is getting stronger especially with Rengoku's help. A good teacher, a great Hashira too. He'd probably be impressed, if he were still here. Maybe, Giyuu should have gotten on the train. Maybe Giyuu should be-

The thick lining of the comforter wrapped around his shoulders and a warm embrace pulled him out of his head. In a small voice you say "Come back to bed."

Giyuu doesn't say anything, something you were aware of anyway. "Giyuu."

It broke your heart to see him like this. On nights like these he would leave for 15 minutes to an hour but it had been 2 hours now. Understandingly, Giyuu would not be moving for sometime soon so you settled in next to him. Instinctively, he pulled you close and wrapped the blanket around your shoulders.

"Was it a nightmare?" You asked.

He nodded.

"Do you want to tell me about it?"

He shook his head no.

"Would you like me to sit here with you?"

He pulled you closer to him, resting his head against yours. It had been over 4 months since the last time you had to come and get him. Pretending to sleep when he gets up, counting the minutes on your phone until you hear him come back, pretending to not notice how exhausted he looks the next day. When he wanted to talk about these dreams he would.

"Do you wanna know what I dreamt about?" You asked.

He nodded

"Shinazugawa."

That got a rise out of him. Giyuu jolted up and was quick to look at you with concern, bewilderment and (he wouldn't admit it) jealousy.

"Mhmm," You nodded "Lord Uzui and Obanai too. They were all dressed as ducks and swimming in a pond. A gator that looked like Kocho came in and scared them. She bit Shinazugawa so hard, he laid an egg!"

It started off small, shoulders trembling before Giyuu broke in a fit of laughs. "That's silly, Shinazugawa and Uzui are not afraid of Kocho."

"And Obanai is?"

"Well…" he trailed off

You both sat there laughing at silly thoughts and scenarios until Giyuu complained about his legs hurting. Helping him to his feet, you both made your way back to the bedroom. The storm seemed to be worsening but it couldn't bother you in here anymore behind closed windows and under warm sheets.

Giyuu pulled you close to him. "Thank you. I love you."

"I love you too."

Bonus:

"You got a problem?" Shinazugawa squawked.

Giyuu said nothing but turned around to not let Shinazugawa see him laughing again.

#writing fanfics at 3 am #cringe- #giyuu tomioka x reader #giyuu x reader #kny x reader #giyuu angst #like a lot #like the whole thing #kny fluff #if you squint #it’s there #no beta we die like men

[ghostflowerdreams]

British Phrases/Slang

In writing, colloquialism works by using common terms and phrases to create a sense of authenticity and informality, which can enhance dialogue. For this reason, I'm making a short list of what I've seen and heard in British television, film, and books.

Taking the mickey (out of someone): Teasing or making fun of someone.

Example: "Are you serious, or are you just taking the mickey?"

Knickers in a twist: Getting upset or overly worried about something.

Example: "Don't get your knickers in a twist; it's just a minor issue."

Full monty: The whole thing or complete package.

Example: "I want the full monty – don't leave anything out."

On the blink: Not working properly.

Example: "My computer's on the blink; I need to get it fixed."

Sod's law: The idea that if something can go wrong, it will.

Example: "Of course, it started raining right after I washed the car – sod's law."

Off one's trolley: Crazy or insane.

Example: "Did you hear what he said? He must be off his trolley."

Lost the plot: Became confused or irrational.

Example: "I have no idea what he's talking about; he's completely lost the plot."

Bob's your uncle (and Fanny's your aunt): It's basically 'there you have it'. It is used to convey that something is very easy or straightforward, and that success or a positive outcome is guaranteed. The addition of "and Fanny's your aunt" is often used for humor and emphasis, without changing the meaning significantly.

Example: "Just turn the key, and Bob's your uncle – the car starts."

Example 2: "Just follow these instructions, and Bob's your uncle, and Fanny's your aunt, you're done!"

Taking the biscuit: Going too far or being unreasonable.

Example: "Asking me to work on a Sunday? That really takes the biscuit!"

Arse over elbow: Tumbling or falling over.

Example: "He tripped on the pavement and went arse over elbow."

Pop one's clogs: Die or pass away.

Example: "If I don't get enough sleep, I feel like I might pop my clogs."

Spend a penny: Go to the bathroom.

Example: "I need to spend a penny before we leave."

Throw a spanner in the works: Cause a disruption or problem.

Example: "The unexpected delay really threw a spanner in the works."

Throw a wobbly: Have a temper tantrum or get upset.

Example: "She'll throw a wobbly if she finds out we lost her keys."

Chuffed to bits: Extremely pleased or proud.

Example: "She was chuffed to bits when she got the promotion."

Flog a dead horse: Waste time on a hopeless cause.

Example: "Trying to fix that old computer is like flogging a dead horse."

Up the duff: Pregnant.

Example: "She's up the duff and expecting a baby in the spring."

On the pull: Trying to attract someone romantically.

Example: "He's always on the pull when we go out to the bars."

Example: "He's dressed up tonight; he's definitely on the pull."

Pear-shaped: To go wrong or fail unexpectedly.

Example: "After weeks of planning, the project went completely pear-shaped when we realized we had underestimated the budget."

The bee's knees and the cat's whiskers: Something excellent, outstanding, or the best of its kind.

Example: "This new phone is the bee's knees and the cat's whiskers – it has all the latest features."

All mouth and no trousers: Someone who talks confidently or boasts but fails to follow through with actions or achievements.

Example: "He talks a big game, but when it comes to actually doing something, he's all mouth and no trousers."

A storm in a teacup: A small or insignificant issue that is blown out of proportion.

Example: "Don't worry about that argument; it's just a storm in a teacup."

Have a butcher's (at something): To take a look at something; derived from "butcher's hook," which rhymes with "look."

Example: "Can I have a butcher's at your new phone?"

A stone's throw away: Very close in proximity; a short distance.

Example: "The shop is just a stone's throw away from here."

Bee in your bonnet: An idea or obsession that someone can't stop talking about.

Example: "He's got a bee in his bonnet about recycling; he talks about it all the time."

Mum's the word: Keep a secret; don't say anything.

Example: "I know about the surprise party, but don't worry, mum's the word!"

Cut the mustard: To meet a required standard or expectation.

Example: "His performance didn't quite cut the mustard, so he didn't get the promotion."

Bugger all: Nothing at all; absolutely nothing.

Example: "I've got bugger all to do this weekend."

Bag it up: Prepare or get ready.

Example: "Bag it up, mate – we're heading out."

On the ball: Alert, attentive, or quick to understand.

Example: "She's always on the ball at work."

Bits and bobs: Various small items or things.

Example: "I picked up a few bits and bobs from the store."

Knock it on the head: Stop doing something or take a break.

Example: "Let's knock it on the head for today; we can continue tomorrow."

Taking the piss: Teasing or mocking someone.

Example: "Are you serious, or are you just taking the piss?"

I'm pissed: Drunk or intoxicated from alcohol.

Example: "I had a few too many drinks at the pub, and now I'm pissed."

Example 2: "At the pub quiz, Sarah confidently shouted out 'Elephant' as the answer to every question. When asked why, she just grinned and said, 'I may be a bit pissed, but who doesn't love elephants? They're the answer to everything!'"

Bent as a nine-bob note: Dishonest or fraudulent.

Example: "That deal sounds bent as a nine-bob note."

Give us a bell: Call or contact me.

Example: "If you need anything, give us a bell."

Tickety-boo: Going well or in good order.

Example: "Everything is tickety-boo with the project."

Budge up: Move over or make room.

Example: "Budge up; make some space for me on the sofa."

Flog it: Sell or get rid of.

Example: "I need to flog my old clothes at the market."

Bloody hell: An expression of surprise or frustration.

Example: "Bloody hell, did you see the size of that spider?"

Full of beans: Someone is lively, energetic, and full of enthusiasm. It is often used to describe someone who is in high spirits or has a lot of energy.

Example: "Goodness, you're full of beans this morning!"

Wind your neck in: To tell someone to stop being nosy, interfering, or to mind their own business.

Example: "Maybe you should wind your neck in and not jump to conclusions about my friendships."

Wind-up merchant: Refers to someone who enjoys teasing, provoking, or playing pranks on others to elicit a reaction.

Example: "Oh, don't take it seriously; he's just a bit of a wind-up merchant."

Can't be arsed: Is used to convey a lack of motivation, interest, or willingness to do something.

Example: “I can’t be arsed with doing the assignments.”

What a load of poppycock: Is an expression used to dismiss something as nonsense or absurd.

Example: “They are changing the offside rule? What a load of poppycock!”

Chocka: Is short for “chockablock”, which is most often used when talking about something that’s completely packed, like a jammed road.

Example: “I’ll be home in ten, love, hit a chocka!” 

A few sandwiches short of a picnic: Is a humorous way of saying that someone is not very intelligent or mentally sound. It can also imply that the person may be lacking common sense.

Example: “Perhaps it’s best not to task them with this. They’re a few sandwiches short of a picnic.”

To bodge: Is to mend, or repair something clumsily.

Example: "Bob forgot his toolbox, so he had to bodge a fix for the leaky pipe using chewing gum until the plumber arrived."

That's rubbish: When something is of poor quality, disappointing, or not good.

Example: "I thought the film was rubbish – the plot was weak, and the acting was terrible."

Happy as a pig in muck: Very happy.

Example: "I'm as happy as a pig in muck with all these new books to read."

Were ya born in a barn: Is used as a playful or humorous way to chide someone for not closing a door behind them.

Example: “I just got it warm in here, were ya born in a barn?”

Not give a monkey’s (uncle or toss): Not caring at all about something, being indifferent, or not attaching any importance to a particular situation.

Example: "I don't give a monkey's about what they think."

Making a right pig’s ear of something: Refers to a task or situation that has been poorly handled or executed.

Example: "You've made a right pig's ear of that plumbing job!"

You’re peckin’ me ‘ead: When someone is annoying, bothering, or getting on your nerves.

Example: "Would you give it a rest, you’re peckin’ me ‘ead!"

Curtain twitcher: Refers to a person who is overly nosy or prying, someone who frequently peers out of their window, often through the curtains, to observe the activities or affairs of their neighbors.

Example: "She's a real curtain twitcher, always watching and commenting on everyone else's business."

Half past: Is a way of expressing the time, particularly when indicating that it is 30 minutes past the hour on a clock.

Example: If someone says, "It's half past three," they are stating that the time is 3:30.

Innit: Is a contraction of "isn't it" and is often used to seek agreement or confirmation. It's an informal way to tag a statement, turning it into a question or seeking validation.

Example: "It's a nice day, innit?"

Smarmy: Is used to describe someone who comes across as scheming or untrustworthy.

Example: "I don't trust him – he's a smarmy geezer."

Swot: Is used to describe someone who studies hard, is diligent in their academic pursuits, or is generally focused on their work or studies. It is similar to "nerd" or "geek" in American English. It's sometimes used in a mildly derogatory manner to refer to someone who is perceived as overly studious.

Example: "She's always buried in her books, a real swot."

Bagsy: Is used as a way of claiming or reserving something for oneself. It's similar to saying "dibs" in American English.

Example: "Does anyone want thi—"

"Bagsy!"

Builder's tea: Refers to a strongly brewed cup of tea that is typically enjoyed by construction workers or builders during their breaks. It's characterized by being a simple, no-nonsense cup of tea with milk and sugar, often designed to provide a quick and energizing break.

Example: "A bacon sandwich and a builder's tea. Now that's a proper breakfast."

Dog's dinner (or dog's breakfast): Is often used to describe something that is disorganized, messy, or done in a haphazard and unattractive manner. It can refer to both physical appearance and, more commonly, to a situation or event that is poorly executed.

Example: "You've made a real dog's dinner of this room!"

Kip: Refers to sleep or a short nap. It's a casual way to express the act of resting or taking a quick snooze.

Example: "I'm feeling tired, so I'm going to have a quick kip before we head out for the evening."

#british english #british phrases #colloquialism #writing #writing help #writing reference #writing references #writing fanfiction #fanfiction help #language #colloquial terms #british expression

[bitteraristocrat]

A Study in Black

(A small drabble piece I wrote for @demonicspiracle and also as a little exercise writing in first person pov.)

It was time for elevenses when the knock came, punctual down to second. I wouldn’t expect anything less, although Sebastian would occasionally withhold my tea by several minutes when he felt it was necessary to dawdle for the sake of curbing my appetite. Of course, it did little but infuriate me. 

“Come in.”

“Your tea, sir.”

The French double-doors behind me swung open, and the foliage seemed to bend a bit at the encroaching entity. Sebastian rounded the terrace dinette, serving cart in tow – it was the week-end, and I opted not to venture into the city, as the Spring season had brought about a rain that would surely swamp the streets, and spent the afternoon reading an array of Dr. Conan-Doyle’s latest novellas. I much prefer the rain from behind shelter, and the glass walls of the terrace provided ample view of the storm without getting one’s shoes wet.

“I have prepared a Second Flush Darjeeling tea from the Jungpana Estate procured in this week’s hamper from Fortnum and Mason. For your elevenses, a cold fowl salad, peach compote, ginger shortbread biscuits, and cucumber sandwiches.” 

“Was it not I who suggested he cease this drivel with historical novels?” I scoffed, ignoring Sebastian’s presentation, tossing the magazine to the side of my chair where it collided with a growing pile of others. “I shan’t attempt to understand the queer complexities of a creative’s mind. They lack all sense of logic at times.”

“It seems our dear professor does not share your affinity for games, my Lord,” Sebastian gave a wiry smile as he began to assemble the table. 

“Or perhaps he’s playing the game of marketability. Which I can respect.”

“Murder mysteries still seem to entice audiences these days, if I may make an observation.”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to stoop to being likened to penny dreadfuls.”

“An astute observation, sir.”

My mouth began to water as Sebastian placed the three-tiered platter before me. The food seemed to glimmer, even under the overcast grey of the rainclouds. I turned my attention to the quiet trickle of tea being poured into its respective cup. Although my butler held the teapot to the height of his brow, the stream of liquid cascaded with nary a sound, save the gentle, satisfying bubbling into the pool of amber below. Anyone would be impressed, but it was as common an occurrence as being dressed. 

It wasn’t his skills of servitude that caught my eye. Rather, the way his visage seemed starkly pale against the semidarkness of the sky; unmarred, contoured in mauve depressions around his eyes and cheekbones. The curve of his nose, impeccably crafted and resembling his true nature (the damned crow) catching what little light peeked through the rain and emphasized his vulpine handsomeness. 

“Is there something on my face?” Sebastian quirked a quizzical brow at my staring. I averted my gaze back to the table. Focused on the sandwiches and plucked one from the display. 

“Just your face,” I retorted, chewing on a single slice of cucumber extracted from the edge of the crust. 

Sebastian leaned forward, placing the cup and saucer before me. Infuriatingly, he caught my gaze again, this time far too close and level. The demon’s umber eyes were intense, mildly perturbed yet curious, his lips–his lips–pursed into a small frown. “Has my face grown unsatisfactory to you, young master?” 

“No,” I challenged, maintaining eye-contact and frowning back. The devil’s eyes narrowed, damn him. He hadn’t moved his hand either, arm still extended towards the table as if he had pinned me where I sat. I shifted, crossing my legs and straightening my shoulders. “Merely studying you.”

“‘Studying’ me? That does not sound like you at all. Were you not just criticizing illogical creative endeavours, my Lord?”

“It’s perfectly logical, I’ll have you know. I have to anticipate your antics. Your change in emotion. It’s all very minute and subtle. It’s much like chess. Anticipating your opponent’s next move.”

“I am flattered that my Lord considers me a worthy opponent,” Sebastian scoffed. He began to straighten, not before I caught his tie and pulled him back down. 

“I’m not finished studying.”

“Your tea will grow cold.” A flash of fangs appeared behind my contractor’s lips. “Surely in all the years I have served you, you have been able to anticipate my nature.”

“I won’t be long, stay there where I can see you properly.” I released his tie and moved my hand to the wispy ends of his fringe, which dangled past his chin like tendrils. The tresses tickled my knuckles, so feathery thin that I could scarcely feel them on my skin until I touched his hair in earnest. Impossibly soft. So very contrary to the sharpness of his features. So very like a raven.

Sebastian made an imperceptible face, calculating my intentions with some difficulty. He, too, was analysing his opponent’s strategy. 

My fingers raked upward into his scalp, nails trailing along his faux skin and relishing in the way each follicle caught and fell unkempt at my will. I hummed in satisfaction, giving the demon’s hair something akin to a ruffle, flicking it so that it fell in wayward wisps across Sebastian’s eyes. 

“All finished.” I averted my attention to my tea, adding a lump of sugar and a splash of milk, watching as the liquor was polluted by a curling cloud of white. 

“Were your intentions merely to irritate me?”

“Are you irritated?” I grinned behind the porcelain rim of my tea cup. 

“Only if that was my master’s intention,” the demon said, a hair of annoyance on the edge of his timber. Sebastian stood at full height and pushed back his hair as it fell instinctually back to its pristine placement. 

“Perhaps a bit.”

“Then, I am a bit irritated.” 

#black butler #kuroshitsuji #black butler fanfiction #sebaciel #but only a little #Ciel has a hair fixation #but many other fixations as well #stay tuned for more #I usually don't write in first person but I was inspired to try

[hyenasheep]

Some random specific headcanons for Ghouls

Beacuse I'm trying brainstorming ☕

When Aether hugs you he's doing that little thing when he will squeeze you super hard for a few seconds and than let you go while patting your head

Swiss LOVES cheesy romcoms such as Friends, To All The Boys I've Ever Loved, Midnight In Paris, Mamma Mia or La La La Land (even better if it's a musical) and one of his most favorite romantic movies ever is Dirty Dancing. He and Copia had seen the film already thousand times, it's their comfort movie and they remember all lines and especially dance moves by heart

-I already mentioned this one in my latest post but- Aether is that type of person who will listen to you regardless of the situation or topic, you can talk about tea spoons, weather or DND session while joining a bishop's sermon and he will be genuinely interested and focused

Swiss nonironically loves Just Dance, he has a collection of all games and probably is a proud member of the JD fandom. He's probably even of the admins

Cirrus and Cumulus are besties with Mist (ghoulette from third era), they often hanging out and has private chat on Discord where they share cute animal tiktoks, diy's or anything music related "Hey Ghesties look at this Slipknot meme ⚫👄⚫" "Omgg did you guys hear that new Abba album? This song kinda slaps" "Y'all Gorrilaz just dropped their tour list"

Rain and Mountain loves asmr relaxing videos and playlists with a specific aesthetic povs. For example:

Pov: you're studying in a haunted school, it's hot outside and you're trying to ignore demon bully who's sitting next to you.

Pov: it's a cold spring morning, you're walking through a deserted forest in the mountains, but you're not alone.

Pov: it's 3 am, you're supposed to clean up the church after midnight mass but instead you start listening to music that comes from a altar (slowed + reverb)

Dew's weakness are scented candles, if you're trying to settle with him after an argument, buy him a qualitative scented candles which lasts a long time and have a strong and intense scent. Unfortunately most of the ghouls/siblings tries to usually look for a different options cuz' there's a 90% chance he will 'accidentally' set the room and the rest of the building on fire

Cirrus quickly befriended Stratus/Sunshine (the new ghoulette) aka extrovert adopted a introvert, Cirrus also wants her to join their ghoulettes dm group but S. Can be extremely shy when it comes to meeting new ghouls especially through social medias

Rain loves Marvel movies, he's not that much into comics but he likes superhero stuff. He saw all movies and series, bought some merch such as Thanos's glove/Deadpools robotic talking head/Vision Teddy bear/Captain America's shield as pizza cutter etc., he even few times joined a Comiccon and has a signed poster by Tom Hiddleston. He doesn't want to admit it but he has a crush on Captain America and Silver Surfer.

Mountain practices yoga, he tried it few times before he was summoned, than stopped cuz of drums and than started again cuz his back began to ache from daily drumming. He's actually really good at it. Occasionally Cumulus joins him during one of his daily routines.

Although it doesn't seem so at first glance, Cumulus loves horror movies. Whenever any new horror movie or series comes out she plans a movie night, as soon as she watches it she will go sharply rate it on IMDB. One of her favorite movies are Hereditary and The Ring. Of course she's also a huge fan of true crime podcasts.

Stratus/Sunshine has special playlists for literally any mood or any kind of situation. Crying at 3 am over that one person you met at 2007, and then you've never seen them again? Boom, here's a playlist. You're having a picnic with your ghoul friends in the park, but a storm came out of nowhere so you ran to hide but you realized, it was quite fun to be outside and so you started dancing in the summer rain? Woohoo, another playlist. Have you experienced a moment, that seemed like a scene from a movie but no one believes you it ever happened? You see me where im going- Bang, playlist, you welcome.

Dew has a personality of orange cat with one brain cell. "Never let them know your next move." Said after he ate soap before one of the bands meetings and called it Soap Opera. That's also one of the reasons why he doesn't have anymore any free space for his mouth under his new ghoul helmet. He's still mad at Copia for that 'design' decision.

#ghost headcanons #ghost the band #ghost #aether ghoul #dewdrop #rain ghoul #papa iv #era 4 ghouls #cirrus ghoulette #cumulus ghoulette #new ghoulette #cardinal copia #swiss ghoul #mountain ghoul #marvel movies #ghost bc headcanons #headcanons #writers on tumblr #brainstorm #ghost copia #dewdrop ghoul #nameless ghouls #stratus ghoulette #sunshine ghoulette

[thingummies-and-whatsits]

Lewis Fic Recs: A Change of Season

Winter fades into spring, bringing with it rainstorms, bed- and hotel room-sharing, poetry quotations, and coming out. As usual, please feel free to add to the list!

The Last Refuge of the Unimaginative by wendymr        

472 Words, Gen, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply   A windy day leaves a grumpy Hathaway smoking in a deserted beer garden, until Lewis orders him inside, to a table near the blazing hearth and a glass of whisky. March isn't the only thing that comes in like a lion.

Blame it on Derek by Evenlodes_Friend

4,011 Words, James/Robbie, Rated M, No Archive Warnings Apply A raging winter storm forces James and Robbie to share the last room at the inn, blowing down the barriers between them as they sleep. The snarky banter between them is spot on, and the moments where they quietly begin to open up about their childhoods and past are just heartwarming.

Close Quarters by wendymr

3,211 Words, James/Robbie, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply James and Robbie have to share a room at the police training center—and then the heat goes out. During the night, James' embrace seems to be the only thing to calm Robbie's restless sleep, but worries he's overstepped when they awake curled together.

Truth Time by Sarren

4,049 Words, James/Robbie, Rated E, No Archive Warnings Apply Flooding rivers and fallen trees leave James and Robbie stranded at a remote hotel, forcing them to Talk About Things. Robbie begins the conversation with a story about a boy he knew during his earliest days on the force. Things develop quickly from there.

as someone long prepared for the occasion by blindbatalex

6,064 Words, James/Robbie, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply When their car breaks down in the rain, Robbie and James finally have that long overdue conversation. This does a great job capturing James' prickly defensiveness when talking about personal topics, and the image of Robbie marking up and memorizing his guidebook on supporting your LGBT child sergeant is just delightful.

Singing in the Rain by Small_Hobbit

687 Words, Gen, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply Driving home from a concert, Robbie finds his sergeant standing under a lamppost in the rain—drunk and singing out his angst over their latest murder victim—and invites him home for some cheese on toast.

Rain by paperscribe

510 Words, Pre-James/Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply As they walk through the rain, James and Robbie talk about planets where the sun only shines one hour every seven years, whether they wanted to be an astronaut or knight as a child, and how Laura says they really ought to talk about their feelings more.

Out of the Rain by serenbach

895 Words, Pre-James/Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply Caught in the rain out at a crime scene in the woods, Robbie and James find themselves lost as they return to the car. As they huddle together under the trees, waiting for the storm to pass, Robbie realizes a few things about the proximity of his sergeant.

Daisies and Dreaming Spires by lesyeuxverts

200 Words, Pre-James/Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply An atmospheric, poetic double-drabble. James' hope blooms along with the springtime flowers, but he's had enough of metaphors. He will wait for something real.

The End of Winter LyricaXXX

2,366 Words, James/Robbie, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply A gentle, pattering falls outside their hotel room door, when James asks Robbie if he remembers his first kiss. He does—his name was Davie—but Robbie's not sure if he's ready to tell James that just yet. And then his sergeant is pulling to comforter off his bed so he can go lay out on the balcony during the rain.

Long Overdue  by Sarren

3,864 Words, James/Robbie, Rated T, No Archive Warnings Apply A quote on the barroom sign prompts a discussion of holding hands and first kisses, bringing back memories of the boy Robbie loved in his school years, and prompting some realizations. Then Robbie begins to notice all the flirting.

Spring Fancy by Lindenharp

1,944 Words, James/Robbie, Rated M, No Archive Warnings Apply "In the Spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love." Robbie invites James back to his for some whiskey after a difficult case, and they have a serious drunken discussion about Tennyson's poetry, inappropriate feelings, and... pow!

We Walk Blind And We Try To See by Cohens_Girl

1,162 Words, James/Robbie, Rated G, No Archive Warnings Apply Established Relationship. Early on in their relationship, Robbie wakes on a rainy, lazy Sunday morning, to find James gone from their bed. A quiet, gentle fic, full of understated domesticity and affection.

#this is super late in so many ways #ah well #James Hathaway #Robbie Lewis #Inspector Lewis #itv Lewis #Lewis/Hathaway #LewisFicRecs #also ughh they finally made the beta post editor mandatory #I don't like it #even trying to delete lines of text is a pain in the ass

[skyloftian-nutcase]

Rainy Days (Skyward Sword Zelink)

@zelinkweekofficial​

Hylia sighed as she wandered the sacred realm. Ever since she had ceased to be a mortal, she’d returned to her goddess form, but her reincarnation into mortal flesh had made her power diminish. She was bound here, trying to protect the Triforce when she could, but really having little power to do much of anything except watch her dearest Link fight alongside the latest Hero chosen by the Golden Three.

 She used to be able to do so much for her people, for her world, for her husband. Now she was just a memory, trapped in a forgotten realm. At least the Sages could keep her company. Usually that made things better, usually watching Hyrule expand and grow warmed her heart, usually seeing her descendants thrive brought a smile to her face.

 But today… not even their company could cheer her up.

  Today was their wedding anniversary. Her and Link, so many centuries ago, so many millennia ago… she still remembered that night like it was yesterday. She still saw his glowing smile, his bright and excited eyes. She still felt the weightless joy of being spun around in the air, the deepest intimacy they had shared the next day, the peace of resting with him the night after.

 Every year, despite the immeasurable time that had passed, she paused on this day. Every year, her joy would fade, her peace with her situation would crumble, and she would be bereft all over again as if she had just learned of her fate, as if she had just learned of the curse that bound Link in spirit to every new Hero.

 And every year, it rained.

 Hylia wasn’t sure if it was her powers or the Golden Goddesses who did it, and she didn’t really care. But it certainly didn’t help her mood.

 Whispers interrupted her brooding, and she paused, listening. Prayers. They were prayers.

 For a time, the people of Hyrule seemingly forgot about Hylia, mentioning a goddess of time without recognizing who it was. She honestly thought it had been better that way – she didn’t deserve recognition; she still hadn’t managed to entirely rid the world of Demise, after all. But nowadays, belief and mention of her had returned, and there were statues in her honor everywhere.

 But none for Link. So little recognition for Link, for any of them. They deserved it far more than she did.

 Sighing, Hylia sat alone, watching the statues. The one benefit of them was that they served as a conduit for her. She could sometimes make small differences in people’s lives, and she appreciated that. The sacred springs served as even more powerful means for her to commune with the living, but she could never quite get them to hear her.

 Her gaze drifted towards one particular statue situated in one of the gardens of Hyrule castle. There, two of her descendants stood before it. The queen and the princess. Hylia smiled at them.

 The two recited a prayer that had been spoken by many, an honoring and a petition for peace. The little princess stumbled over some of the words, still trying to memorize the prayer. Hylia’s smile grew.

 She sometimes could speak with her descendants, but it varied from generation to generation. The late Queen Mother could hear her voice, could hear the voices of many of her ancestors, and the queen showed some indication of it as well. But the little princess was not old enough, was still confused at the concept of it all and very reliant on her mother. Hylia pondered the prophecy that had just been spoken of the oncoming storm, and she wondered how much such a burden would affect the queen as she tried to raise her daughter.

 Her heart ached at the thought, and she turned her attention away from the two, unable to watch any longer. Not today. She couldn’t watch them today.

 Hylia pulled her knees up to her chest and buried her face in them, trying to block out everything around her. She missed Link so desperately.

 “Dear Hylia… I don’t know why you’re sad, but I brought you some flowers so you’d feel better.”

 Hylia gasped, her head shooting up. She looked around wildly, but none of the Sages were nearby. Who else would be in the sacred realm?

 Was that… was that a prayer?

 Slowly rising, she looked from statue to statue, her divine eyes quickly scouring the entire land, when they settled on a small statue in Hateno Village. A little boy stood there, arms filled with an enormous assortment of wildflowers ranging from nightshades to safflinas to silent princesses. Hylia squinted a little, and for a second, she could see her Link, her precious Link, holding the flowers as well.

 The Hero. This was the new Hero, already chosen by the Golden Three though not known by the rest of the world. Not yet.

 “Mama told me that the rain is because the goddess cries,” little Link said as he stepped closer to the statue. “And she said it always rains on this day every year. Papa says it can’t always be because you’re crying. He says sometimes you want to make sure everything grows and blooms. But I think… I think today it’s because you’re sad. So I got some flowers, because Mama loves flowers and they make her happy, so I thought they’d make you happy too.”

 Hylia stared at the little boy, yet to be burdened by destiny, and gazed into his eyes from her view in the statue. They were soft, sweet, innocent. But for a moment, just a moment, they were ancient, loving, and concerned.

 Hylia felt her eyes sting with tears, and she smiled, she genuinely smiled for the first time in what felt like an eternity. “Thank you, Link.”

 The little boy’s face broke out into an enormous smile, and he hurried to the statue and placed the flowers in front of it. “You’re welcome!”

 Startled, Hylia jumped, taking a step back, but the boy didn’t seem to notice.

 “Link!” a voice called in the distance. “It’s dinnertime, come on!”

 The child gasped in delight. “Coming, Mama!”

 Without another word, he ran away, but he turned briefly to stare at the statue—at Hylia—one last time. He smiled, his face aglow, and waved, and then he continued on his way.

 Covering her mouth as a gentle sob escaped it, Hylia let the tears fall freely, but she no longer felt alone and cold. Her tears slowly stopped at the sight of the flowers, and she reached out and could almost feel them. She smiled, her heart full.

 The rain faded away, leaving a golden sunset that bathed the world in warmth.

#Sky Link and Zelda got so screwed over by Demise ugh #my poor babies #but at least they have moments like this #Wild Link is a sweetheart #and Sky Link definitely gave him the thought that Hylia was sad #but Wild thought flowers would fix everything because they make his mom happy #I'm sad now someone give me flowers #skyward sword #breath of the wild #skyward sword zelda #skyward sword link #ss zelda #ss link #breath of the wild link #botw link #hylia #hero's spirit #hylia/link #does that ship have a name? #hylink? #linkia? #LOL #zelink week 2022 #skyward sword zelink #zelink #legend of zelda #writing

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Storms Soak California A series of back-to-back atmospheric rivers has drenched much of California since late December 2022, leading to floods, debris flows, road closures, and over a billion dollars of damage. According to the National Weather Service, almost all of the state has received rainfall totals of 400-600 percent above average between December 26, 2022 and January 9, 2023. The latest storm hit particularly hard in Southern California. Over January 8-9, 2023, much of the region from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles received 3 to 7 inches (8 to 18 cm) of rain. Some areas of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties saw over 16 inches (41 cm) of rainfall in just two days. These maps show a snapshot of surface soil moisture in the western United States on December 26, 2022 (top) and January 9, 2023 (bottom), as measured by the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) satellites. The colors depict the wetness percentile; that is, how the soil moisture on those days compared to long-term records (1948-2012) based on location and the time of year. Blue areas have more abundant water than usual, and orange and red areas have less. Most of the state went from drier-than-normal soils on December 26, to near record levels of wetness on January 9. The vast expanse of wetter-than-usual (dark blue) soils on January 9 created hazardous conditions throughout the state as rain continued to fall. On January 9, evacuation orders were in place for 25,000 people near Santa Barbara, including the entire community of Montecito, due to heightened flood and mudslide risks. In the Santa Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara, mud and debris blocked a roadway and isolated hundreds of people. About 20 miles east of Montecito, a mudflow blocked another road near Casitas Springs. The unrelenting atmospheric rivers come after drought has plagued the state since 2020. According to a recent report from NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information, 2022 was the ninth-driest year in California on a record that goes back to 1895. As of January 3, virtually all of California was still in a moderate or severe drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. But the latest rain and snow swamping the state could help. A recent snow survey found that the Central and Southern Sierra’s have twice as much snow as is normally seen this time of year. And water levels in California’s reservoirs are rising quickly. However, some of the state’s largest reservoirs, such as Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, are still below average levels. Yet another atmospheric river is headed toward the U.S. West Coast on January 11. This time, the storm is expected to impact areas farther north—from Northern California and up the coast of the Pacific Northwest. NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using GRACE data from the National Drought Mitigation Center. Story by Emily Cassidy.

#space #science #earth observatory #nasa #news

[arizonaroofexperts]

Know The Vital Role of a Roofing Services Company

Your roof, often overlooked but always overhead, is your sxhield against the elements. From scorching sun to pounding rain, it endures the brunt of nature's fury day in and day out. Yet, its importance is often realized only when something goes wrong. This is where a reputable roofing services company steps in, offering expertise, reliability, and peace of mind.

Expertise Beyond the Shingles

A roofing services company is not just about fixing leaks or replacing shingles. It embodies a wealth of expertise encompassing everything from initial roof installation to ongoing maintenance and repairs. Professionals in this field undergo rigorous training, staying abreast of the latest techniques, materials, and safety protocols to deliver top-notch service.

Comprehensive Solutions for Every Need

Whether you're building a new home or restoring a historic property, a roofing services company offers tailored solutions to meet your specific needs. From traditional asphalt shingles to eco-friendly options like solar tiles, they provide a diverse range of materials and styles to suit any aesthetic preference or budget.

Safety First, Always

Working on a roof can be hazardous, requiring proper safety measures and equipment to mitigate risks. A reputable roofing services company prioritizes safety above all else, ensuring that every project is executed with utmost care and adherence to industry standards. This commitment not only protects their workers but also safeguards your property and loved ones.

Beyond Installation: Maintenance Matters

Your roof is a long-term investment, and regular maintenance is key to prolonging its lifespan and preserving its integrity. A reliable roofing services company offers maintenance plans tailored to your specific roof type and local climate conditions. From seasonal inspections to proactive repairs, they help nip potential problems in the bud, saving you time, money, and headaches down the road.

Emergency Response: When Disaster Strikes

Disasters strike without warning, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Whether it's a fallen tree limb, severe storm damage, or sudden leaks, a reputable roofing services company understands the urgency of such situations. With round-the-clock emergency response teams ready to spring into action, they provide prompt assistance to mitigate further damage and restore safety and security to your home.

Building Trust, One Roof at a Time

In an industry rife with fly-by-night operators and unscrupulous practices, trust is paramount. A reputable roofing services company earns trust through transparency, integrity, and a commitment to customer satisfaction. By standing behind their workmanship and offering warranties on materials and labor, they instill confidence and peace of mind in every client they serve.

Conclusion

A roofing services company is more than just a contractor – it's a partner in safeguarding your home and family. From installation to maintenance and emergency repairs, their expertise and dedication ensure that your roof remains strong, secure, and reliable for years to come. So, when it comes to protecting what matters most, trust in the professionals who unlock excellence, one roof at a time.

[gutterempirevancover]

Adapting Gutter Maintenance to the Climate | A Seasonal Guide for Homeowners

Your home's gutter system plays a pivotal role in protecting its structural integrity, no matter the climate. From sun-drenched summers to frosty winters, here's how to adapt your gutter maintenance routine to the seasonal shifts and safeguard your abode throughout the year.

Spring: The Season of Renewal

Spring's arrival brings a mix of rain and growth. Begin with a thorough cleaning to remove the winter's accumulation of leaves and debris. Inspect your gutters for damage such as cracks or rust and ensure all fasteners are secure. Realignment may be necessary if gutters have sagged or shifted, ensuring optimal water flow during the impending showers.

Summer: Preparing for the Heat and Storms

As temperatures rise, so does the potential for summer storms. Trim branches that could drop leaves or break off during turbulent weather. Installing gutter guards might be a wise investment, particularly in regions with dense foliage, to minimize the accumulation of debris and maintain clear channels for those sudden downpours.

Autumn: The Falling Leaves' Challenge

Autumn is synonymous with falling leaves—a gutter's nemesis. Increased vigilance in cleaning is paramount during this season, with special attention to downspouts. Adding extensions to downspouts is an excellent strategy to direct water away from the foundation, crucial for preventing water damage.

Winter: The Cold Front's Arrival

Before winter fully sets in, a final sweep to clear gutters of autumn leaves will set you up for success. In areas prone to snow and ice, preventing ice dams is essential. Heated cables or heat tape installed along the roofline can prevent these icy blockages that strain your gutters and roof structure.

Year-Round Vigilance

While these seasonal tips are tailored to specific weather patterns, certain maintenance tasks are universal. Regular inspections, cleaning, and prompt repairs are non-negotiable for a well-functioning gutter system. This not only prevents water-related damage but also extends the life of your gutters.

Professional Assistance

Sometimes, the best approach is to enlist the help of professionals, especially for tasks like installing gutter guards or heated cables, or if you're not comfortable performing maintenance at heights. Professionals can provide comprehensive services and spot issues that untrained eyes might miss. They can also suggest improvements based on the latest gutter maintenance technology suitable for your specific climate and home structure.

Customizing Your Approach

Adaptability is crucial. For instance, in coastal areas, the saline air may necessitate more frequent inspections for rust and corrosion. Conversely, arid climates might call for less frequent cleanings but more checks for sun damage and material brittleness.

The Bottom Line

Maintaining your gutters is a year-round commitment essential for safeguarding your home. With each season bringing its unique challenges, proactive preparation is key. Whether facing rain, shine, freeze, or thaw, regular and climate-specific care ensures your gutters remain efficient. Investing in professional gutter services in Vancouver, WA, not only prevents costly repairs but also extends the lifespan of your home's drainage system. Prioritize the comfort and safety of your sanctuary with a little proactive care that goes a long way.

#gutter services vancouver wa #gutter services wa #gutters services #leaf solutions gutter guards #fascia board for gutters #gutter installation #gutter services #gutter repair #gutter #gutter cleaning #vancouver gutter service #best gutter cleaning services

[everyday-islike-sunday]

Helpful Tips for Residential Water Damage Prevention This Fall

  While spring is the season most often associated with rain, autumn brings its own issues that can lead to water damage. As fall approaches, it's time to safeguard your property against potential issues. AdvantaClean encourages homeowners to follow these useful tips to keep your home dry despite whatever the season brings. With a bit of preparation, you can help stop damage before it starts. Don't wait for the leaves to fall - take steps now to reduce your risk of water damage this fall. These are some helpful water damage prevention tips to keep in mind: Gutters and Leaves Autumn leaves often turn into a mess of clogged downspouts and gutters. If heavy rainfall occurs, debris and wet leaves can start to plug up the downspouts. This can turn into issues such as: Water pouring into your soffits Moisture invading your basement or crawlspace Rainwater penetrating siding Water damage to your wall cavities and more If any of the above issues occur, you might experience mold growth or indoor water issues. Roof Inspections With lower temperatures and high winds, you have an increased risk of tree-inflicted damage to your home’s roof. Constantly evaluate your roof’s condition, addressing any dips and missing or loosened shingles. If you start to see stains developing on your ceilings, it can be a telltale sign of possible water damage. French Drains If your property has a French drain installed to reroute water from the home, you should always ensure it is clear and working correctly. Whenever rainfall is heavy, it can start to slow and overwhelm the drain, plugging it up. Be sure to clear out debris periodically to avoid this issue. Sprinkler Systems While the colder temperatures of winter may not be here yet, fall is the perfect time to prep your irrigation system before the digits drop. Always look at your manufacturer’s suggestions to winterize your sprinklers or call in professionals to perform winterization for you. If you hold off on this process, you could encounter a rupture due to freezing temps that allow water damage to impact your foundation, basement, or crawlspace. Disconnect the Garden Hose Your home’s outdoor hose bib can be prone to damage from the elements when the temperatures drop if you leave the garden hose connected. Be sure to disconnect the hose and put an insulated cover in place to protect the hose bib from freezing when the temperatures dip down. AdvantaClean is Available for All Your Residential Water Damage Needs Should you encounter interior water damage, storm damage, or flooding due to fall storms and other weather events, the AdvantaClean team is always ready to mobilize. We have the water cleanup techniques and skilled technicians to help you return your property to pre-damage condition. We provide 24/7 emergency service Our team is thoroughly committed to excellence and customer service All trucks are packed with the latest equipment, tools, and products Every project is unique, so we tailor services to achieve the best results Contact AdvantaClean if you require assistance with residential water damage this fall. We are just a phone call away and remain your trusted team to help you maintain a clean home or business. from https://advantacleanofgreensboro.blogspot.com/2023/10/helpful-tips-for-residential-water.html from https://advantacleanofthepiedmont.weebly.com/blog/helpful-tips-for-residential-water-damage-prevention-this-fall from https://lorenenugent.blogspot.com/2023/10/helpful-tips-for-residential-water.html from https://lorenenugent.weebly.com/blog/helpful-tips-for-residential-water-damage-prevention-this-fall from https://samuelgarcia0.blogspot.com/2023/10/helpful-tips-for-residential-water.html from https://samuelgarcia0.weebly.com/blog/helpful-tips-for-residential-water-damage-prevention-this-fall from https://lorenajenkins.blogspot.com/2023/10/helpful-tips-for-residential-water.html

[tonin-terets]

Admiral Campaign — Blown Away 30s from STUDIO AKA on Vimeo.

McCann Bristol x Admiral Insurance

‘Blown Away’

1 x 30 “ film and 1 x 10” film

The latest commercial for Admiral Insurance, "Blown Away", skilfully brought to life by Director Steve Small of Studio AKA, takes us back into the delightful universe of Admouth on a stormy night. As Admiral, and her loyal four-legged companion, Alfie, navigate a night time walk along the seafront of the charming seaside town, they happen upon the cosy home of Mr Pandy and his ever-watchful feline friend just as a stormy tempest threatens to disturb Pandy's peaceful dreams - with a fallen tree. Luckily for Mr Pandy, Admiral and Alfie are always ready to spring into action when calamity strikes. Director Steve Small injects a delightful layer of charm into Admouth, intricately weaving attention to detail and comedic timing into this compact, 30-second adventure, and creating a dark and stormy night in Admouth was a lovely challenge for our 3D team. They had to rethink the lighting and textures for the nocturnal setting, playing around with some charming special effects so that you'll feel the rain and wind, cleverly filling the scene with ripples in the puddles, rustling leaves, and a sweeping ocean view. For an extra dash of humour, tune into the 10-second spin-off, "Cover", and watch as the ever-helpful Mr Pandy, still clad in his nightgown, attempts to tidy up the aftermath of the storm, all while his cat eyes him with a dubious stare. Even the garden gnome remains oblivious to the hilarious mishap lurking around the corner as Mr Pandy bends over to pick up a coin. So, sit tight and prepare for more delightful escapades with Admiral and Alfie. You wouldn't want to miss a moment!

Produced by Studio AKA Agency: McCann Bristol Client: Admiral Insurance Animation Director/Designer: Steve Small Executive Producer: Nikki Kefford-White Producer: Lara Salam Editor: Jim Andrews Production Coordinator: Ren Pesci Production Assistant: Sarah McDonald Head of Animation and Layout: Vincent Hussey Rigging Supervisor: Adam O’Sullivan Avery Rigging: Arthur Ranson Modelling: Joachim Loesener, Jerome Ferra 3D Animation: Guillaume Glachant, Anne Moth Texturing, Lighting and Compositing: Gherardo Zurla, Vincent Husset, Josh Crew FX: Rob Chapman

[newstfionline]

Thursday, March 16, 2023

California Levee Failures Mount as Storms Continue Relentless Drive (NYT) It began as a trickle, seeping through a 74-year-old earthen levee in Northern California, dribs and drabs of the Pajaro River, swollen with rain yet again on Friday night. Four miles downstream, the farmworker community of Pajaro slept. Within half an hour, according to Mark Strudley, the Pajaro Regional Flood Management Agency’s executive director, sandbag crews were swarming the scene in “full flood fight.” But in the latest example of how California’s vast and aging infrastructure is being tested by this year’s onslaught of extreme winter weather, the crews could not keep up. As they backed away, the river burst with a mighty roar through the worn-down levee, flooding freeways and farms, submerging the entire town of Pajaro and forcing thousands of residents in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties to flee. As a fresh atmospheric river ravaged California on Tuesday, causing high winds and flooding from Southern California to the Oregon border, water experts warned that the recent storms could be just a prelude to an even more challenging spring. Jeffrey Mount, a senior fellow specializing in water at the Public Policy Institute of California, a research organization, said that the cumulative effect of this winter’s back-to-back storms had left California in “uncharted territory,” particularly in the southern Sierra Nevada, where the water content of the snowpack was the largest ever recorded. As the snowpack melts, he said, and dam managers are forced to release water from fast-filling reservoirs to make room for incoming rain, flood-prone communities could become overwhelmed.

Cubans search for holiday food amid deepening crisis (AP) As Belkis Fajardo, 69, walks through the dense streets of downtown Havana with a small bag of lettuce and onions in hand, she wonders how she’ll feed her family over the holidays. Scarcity and economic turmoil are nothing new to Cuba, but Fajardo is among many Cubans to note that this year is different thanks to soaring inflation and deepening shortages. Basic goods such as chicken, beef, eggs, milk, flour and toilet paper are difficult and often impossible to find in state stores. When they do appear, they often come at hefty prices, either from informal shops, resellers or in expensive stores only accessible to those with foreign currency. It’s far out of the range of the average Cuban state salary, approximately 5,000 pesos a month, or $29 USD on the island’s more widely used informal exchange rate. Nearby, a pound of pork leg was selling for 450 pesos (around $2.60.)

Argentina inflation tops 100% for first time since 1991 (Reuters) Argentina’s annual inflation rate tore past 100% in February, the country’s statistics agency said on Tuesday, the first time it has hit triple figures since a period of hyperinflation in 1991, over three decades ago. Inflation over 12 months clocked in at 102.5% in the second month of the year, government data showed. In Argentina’s markets, shops and homes, the impact of spiraling prices is being felt keenly as one of the highest inflation rates in the world stretches people’s wallets. “There’s just nothing left, there’s no money, people don’t have anything, so how do they buy?” said retiree Irene Devita, 74, as she checked grocery price tags in a market fair in San Fernando on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. With inflation so high, prices change almost weekly. Patricia Quiroga, 50, said 100% inflation was impossible to bear as she waiting on line to do her shopping. “I am tired, tired, just tired of all this, of the politicians who fight while the people die of hunger,” she told Reuters. “This can’t go on any more.”

Bank fears spread to Europe (AP) Fears about the world banking system spread to Europe on Wednesday as shares in the globally connected Swiss bank Credit Suisse plunged and dragged down other major European lenders in the wake of bank failures in the United States. At one point, Credit Suisse shares lost more than a quarter of their value, hitting a record low after the bank’s biggest shareholder—the Saudi National Bank—told news outlets that it would not put more money into the Swiss lender, which was beset by problems long before the U.S. banks collapsed. The turmoil prompted an automatic pause in trading of Credit Suisse shares on the Swiss market and sent shares of other European banks tumbling, some by double digits. That fanned new fears about the health of financial institutions following the recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank in the U.S. But Switzerland’s central bank announced late Wednesday that it was prepared to act, saying it would support Credit Suisse if needed.

Macron Faces Pivotal Week in His Attempt to Change France at Its Core (NYT) A favorite phrase of Emmanuel Macron, the French president, is that in life “you have to take your risks.” He did, and rose from nowhere to lead France at the age of 39. Now, six years later, he has decided to risk his political future on reshaping France at the very point where it is most resistant to change. Mr. Macron’s battle with the French street over his plan to raise the legal age of retirement to 64 from 62 is expected to culminate this week in a decisive vote in both houses of Parliament on Thursday. Before then, if the last several weeks are any guide, the president can expect more than a million French citizens to rally in protests around the country, hoping to beat back the change. In Paris, they will demonstrate in streets piled high with trash, uncollected because of strikes. With his attempt to overhaul France’s pension system, Mr. Macron has taken on the fierce French resistance to a world of unbridled capitalism, the nation’s deep attachment to social solidarity and the pervasive view that a long and painful sentence of work is offset only by the liberating rewards of a pensioner’s life. It is an enormous gamble.

The war in Ukraine is a human tragedy. It’s also an environmental disaster. (Washington Post) Gregoriy Sidorenko watched in disbelief as the Russian cruise missile slammed into storage tank number four at the oil depot here, sending enormous plumes of black smoke overhead and sparking a massive fire that would last roughly 16 hours. More than 1 million gallons of oil from eight incinerated tanks seeped into the soil, raising concerns about potential contamination at a nearby drinking water reservoir in this industrial city about 200 miles south of Kyiv. Sidorenko, a shift supervisor at the depot, said his family says he now reeks of diesel when he returns home. Since the war began more than a year ago, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers have been killed or wounded on the battlefield while the country’s civilians have contended with a near-constant bombardment by missiles and drones. But the Russian invasion has created a lower-profile killer as well—one that could haunt Ukrainians for years, if not decades, scientists say. The war has scarred Ukraine’s natural environment—polluting its rivers and lakes, contaminating its soil, eviscerating its forests—a circumstance that experts fear could lead to a long-term increase in cancers and other illnesses among civilians.

Clashes erupt in Pakistan as police try to arrest Imran Khan (AP) Clashes between Pakistan’s police and supporters of former Prime Minister Imran Khan persisted outside his home in the eastern city of Lahore on Wednesday, a day after officers went to arrest him for failing to appear in court on graft charges. The police operation triggered clashes between Khan’s supporters and police in the country’s major cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, the garrison city of Rawalpindi, Peshawar, Quetta and elsewhere in Pakistan. Khan, who was ousted in a no-confidence vote in Parliament in April, was ordered to appear before a judge in Islamabad on Friday to answer charges of illegally selling state gifts he had received during his term as premier and concealing his assets. The former premier has avoided appearances before the court since November, when he was wounded in a gun attack at a protest rally in the eastern Punjab province, claiming he was not medically fit to travel from Lahore to Islamabad to face indictment.

Syria rebuilding hopes dim as war enters year 13 (AP) The recent deadly earthquake in Turkey and Syria which caused billions of dollars in damage has boosted the prospects of Syria’s once widely shunned president return to the Arab fold, but appears unlikely to jump-start large-scale reconstruction in the war-ravaged country. As Syria’s conflict enters its 13th year Wednesday, President Bashar Assad’s government still refuses to make concessions to his domestic opponents, rejecting long-standing demands by the United States and its allies as a political solution remains elusive. Oil-rich Gulf Arab countries have been stepping up efforts to normalize ties with the Assad government, but analysts say the ongoing political paralysis is likely holding them back from pumping billions of dollars for reconstruction into Syria. The Feb. 6, earthquake that hit Turkey and Syria, killing more than 50,000 people, including about 6,000 in Syria, exacerbated the destruction caused by Syria’s 12-year conflict which has killed nearly half a million people.

Lebanon’s pound hits a new low as banks go back on strike (AP) Lebanon’s embattled currency hit a new low Tuesday, trading at an unprecedented 100,000 Lebanese pounds to the dollar on the black market as the crisis-hit country’s banks went back on strike. (While the official exchange rate is set by the Central Bank at 15,000 pounds for $1, the black market rate is now used for nearly all transactions.) The pound has kept sinking since Lebanon’s financial meltdown erupted in 2019, following decades of rampant corruption and mismanagement by the country’s political and financial elite. Three-quarters of Lebanon’s population of over 6 million now lives in poverty and inflation is soaring. In late 2019, Lebanese banks imposed informal capital controls, restricting cash withdrawals from accounts to avoid folding amid currency shortages. People with dollar accounts could only to withdraw small sums in Lebanese pounds, at an exchange rate far lower than that of the black market. This effectively evaporated the savings of many across the country. Angry depositors resorted to armed bank heists, demanding their own money. Others have filed lawsuits from abroad to retrieve their money in hard currency.

Cyclone Freddy to ease, in relief for Malawi, Mozambique (AP) After barreling through Mozambique and Malawi since late last week, killing hundreds and displacing thousands more, Cyclone Freddy is set to move away from land Wednesday, bringing some relief to regions who have been ravaged by torrential rain and powerful winds. The cyclone has killed at least 199 people in Malawi’s southern region and within and around Blantyre, the country’s financial hub, according to local authorities. In neighboring Mozambique, officials say at least 20 people have died since the storm made landfall in the port town of Quelimane on Saturday night. Cyclone Freddy has been causing destruction in southern Africa since late February. It pummeled Mozambique as well as the islands of Madagascar and Réunion last month as it traversed the Indian Ocean.

Nigeria’s continuing cash crisis (AP) Nigeria’s central bank has extended the timeline to swap out its old currency for redesigned notes after the change triggered a cash shortage, forcing businesses to close and leaving millions unable to withdraw their money. The Central Bank of Nigeria announced late Monday that the old notes of 200 naira (43 U.S. cents), 500 naira ($1.08) and 1,000 naira ($2.16) will remain legal tender until Dec. 31. On Tuesday, both old and redesigned notes were still not available for thousands queued at banks in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja. There has been a cash shortage since early February because not enough redesigned notes have been printed to replace the old ones in the cash-reliant country. Analysts have accused authorities of poorly implementing the policy in Africa’s largest economy, where digital payment services are usually not reliable and only 45% of adults have a bank account, according to the World Bank. The cash crisis has cost the Nigerian economy an estimated 20 trillion naira ($43 billion) because of “the crippling of trading activities, the stifling of the informal economy and contraction of the agricultural sector,” the Lagos-based Center for the Promotion of Private Enterprises said in a statement.

#headlines #news

[coghive]

Amanda Danziger & Filipe Michael To Release ‘Seasons Instrumental’ January 20

Amanda Danziger and Filipe Michael will release part two of their Seasons EP, titled Seasons Instrumental on Friday, January 20, 2023. The project which initially launched in November was created to emulate cinematic soundscapes, which Danziger describes as devotional worship. “Devotional worship is a place of listening and stillness,” explains Danziger. “Over the years I have written every song I’ve done with my co-writer Filipe Michael, so I wanted to show that we are a team with our latest project Seasons. Filipe is the sole-composer of this project, while I have written the lyrics and melodies. Seasons Instrumental is going to give the listener a completely different experience — you’ll be able to hear all the nuances and creativity my co-writer put into composing Seasons. I hope listeners go into a quiet place for this experience when it releases.” The Seasons In Sound Seasons caps Danziger’s musical journey through the year. Each season she teased listeners with singles included on the album, starting with “Vindicate” for winter, “Prison Walls” for spring and “Refining Fire” for summer. And in the final album release this past November, “Be Still” completed the seasonal journey with fall. Each song in Seasons begins with a distinctive sound to evoke the season. “Vindicate” starts with the rush of a winter storm. Rain and thunder open spring’s “Prison Walls,” and the crackling of a summer campfire introduces “Refining Fire.” For fall, the sound of walking along a leaf-strewn path in the woods begins “Be Still” (pre-save the Instrumental EP here). “Each song is approached in a cinematic style that paints a musical picture of the season,” Danziger shares. With Danziger musically drawing the outline for each song, she relied upon producer and co-writer Filipe Michael to paint in the colors.

“Amanda and I collaborated on this project in a very unique way. Even though we are only separated by a state lines, we worked on this project remotely. Amanda would only provide a vocal track in our sessions and then explain what the song would picture — after that I would take over and compose the project,” explains Mora. “When we would talk on the phone about the project, I told Amanda that I’m ‘painting music.’ This project gave me the fresh air that I needed to think outside the box. Together we created something beautiful.” Collaborating in His name Childhood friends who met in church, Danziger and Michael have been collaborating since 2019, seperated by state lines – Danziger in Pennsylvania and Michael in New Jersey. Working remotely with musical sounds as their primary means of communication, they brought the album together. “Soundscapes are like painting a picture and my part of our collaboration is to bring these visions to life,” Michael says. Adding spice to the soundscapes they create is that both come from multi-cultural backgrounds. “Filipe will joke with me that my melodies don’t sound mainstream, and that’s because of my upbringing. I’m a first-generation American after my parents moved from Egypt in the late 70s. I grew up listening to Arabic music in my home, so I find myself singing in minor keys and experimenting with the sounds of Egypt.” Michael grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil though they first connected in an Arabic-speaking church. “We used to lead our peers in worship, and from then on, we’ve always known we would create a very special musical piece one day. Seasons is it,” Danziger believes. Recognition After releasing the first song of Seasons with “Vindicate,” Integrity Music recognized the unique contribution that Danziger made in the contemporary worship genre and signed her to a licensing deal through its Integrated Music Rights program. This allowed Danziger to remain an independent artist, but also gain access to a record label infrastructure and opportunities. “The timing was all in God’s hands. I was so excited for this opportunity because it came right in time for the launch of Seasons,” Danziger states. “Seasons is a journey. It is a walk through of an entire year of thoughts, prayers, and life — and I’m grateful to launch this project with the Integrity team. They’ve encouraged us and helped us navigate throughout the entire process.” Read the full article

#AmandaDanziger

[atlanticcanada]

1 in 5 Canadians have experienced extreme weather damage, or know someone who has: survey

More than one in five Canadians say either they, a family member or a close friend experienced property damage or loss due to extreme weather in the past year, according to a new survey.

A Nanos poll conducted for CTV News found Atlantic residents were significantly more likely to have experienced property damage or loss due to extreme weather, with seven in ten responding that either they (38 per cent) or a family member or close friend (33 per cent) had in the past 12 months.

Quebec had the lowest proportion of residents respond that they or a family member or close friend had experienced property damage, at 4.1 per cent, followed by British Columbia, Ontario and the Prairie provinces. Men and women were equally likely to say they had experienced damage – at 10.3 and 10.2 per cent respectively – though women were slightly more likely to say a family member or close friend had experienced it.

The data bears out climate scientists’ warnings that Atlantic Canada is especially vulnerable to damage caused by coastal storms that bring powerful wind gusts, heavy rain and storm surges. Climate change is worsening these risks.

When post-tropical storm Fiona pummelled Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick on Sept. 24, it caused between $300 and $700 million in insured losses. The storm ripped the roofs of houses, washed away roads and swept houses and people into the sea. Some communities – like Shediac, N.B.– say it could take until next spring to finish cleaning up after the storm.

PREVENTATIVE MEASURES

In some cases, preventative measures can help mitigate loss and damage due to extreme weather events such as Fiona. According to the Nanos survey, however, most Canadians don’t take these measures.

The survey found slightly more than three in four Canadians say they have done nothing to help protect their property from damage against extreme weather in the past 12 months.

Atlantic Canadians were more likely than most to have taken precautions such as adding or improving drainage and making improvements to their roofs. More than one in four said they had cleared or trimmed trees and cleared or secured outdoor items and furniture.

METHODOLOGY

Nanos Research is a public opinion research firm.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land and cell lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,037 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between Sept. 30 and Oct. 3 , 2022 as part of an omnibus survey. Participants were randomly recruited by telephone using live agents and administered a survey online. The sample included both land and cell lines across Canada. The results were statistically checked and weighted by age and gender using the latest Census information and the sample is geographically stratified to be representative of Canada.

Individuals randomly called using random digit dialling with a maximum of five call backs. The margin of error for this survey is 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. This study was commissioned by CTV News and the research was conducted by Nanos Research. 

from CTV News - Atlantic https://ift.tt/j2vVhwU

#new brunswick #prince edward island #nova scotia #news #politics #canada #CTVAtlantic

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Flood factor

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There have been 41 events - eight floods, three storms, eight droughts, 18 heat waves and four cold waves - that have reached that threshold point, said WWA official Julie Arrighi, associate director of the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Center. The scientists at World Weather Attribution, mostly volunteers who quickly examine extreme weather for a climate change fingerprint, have a strict criteria of events to investigate: they have to be record-breaking, cause a significant number of deaths, or impact at least 1 million people. She is in the middle of a study of whiplash events. Weather whiplash, “where all of a sudden it changes to the opposite’' extreme, is becoming more noticeable because it’s so strange, said climate scientist Jennifer Francis of the Woodwell Climate Research Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts. “These extremes of course are getting more extreme,” said National Center for Atmospheric Research climate scientist Gerald Meehl, who wrote some of the first studies 18 years ago about extreme weather and climate change. That’s not counting the Dallas region, a likely 1-in-1,000-year storm, where some places got more than 9 inches of rain in 24 hours ending Monday with several inches more forecast to come. had 10 downpours that are only supposed to happen 1% of the time - sometimes called 1-in-100-year storms - calculated Weather Prediction Center forecast branch chief Greg Carbin. In just two weeks in late July and early August, the U.S. (Elías Valverde II/The Dallas Morning News via AP) Members of the Balch Springs Fire Department bring a family of four by boat to higher ground after rescuing them from their home along Forest Glen Lane in Balch Springs, Texas, Monday, Aug. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning early Monday morning which was extended until 1 p.m. Stalled cars sit abandoned on the flooded Interstate 635 Service Road on Monday, Aug. Louis, Kentucky, Yellowstone, Death Valley all lurched from drought to flood. This summer the weather has not only been extreme, but it has whiplashed from one extreme to another.

#Flood factor how to#

“It is really difficult to emotionally go through all of these extremes and get through it and figure out how to be resilient through the disaster after disaster that we see.”įILE - A camper is seen partly submerged under water in Carr Creek Lake on Aug. “So we really have had a lot of whiplash,” said Kentucky’s interim climatologist Megan Schargorodski. Europe, which suffered through unprecedented flooding last year, has baked with record heat compounded by a 500-year drought that is drying up rivers and threatening power supplies. In the Horn of Africa in the midst of a devastating but oft-ignored famine and drought, nearby flash floods add to the humanitarian disaster unfolding. And in western China flooding from a sudden downpour has killed more than a dozen people. China is baking under what is a record-long heat wave, already into its third month, with a preliminary report of an overnight low temperature only dipping down to 94.8 degrees (34.9 degrees Celsius) in the heavily populated city of Chongqing. Earlier this month, Death Valley, in a severe drought, got a near record amount of rainfall in one day, causing floods, and is still in a nasty drought.Ĭhina’s Yangtze River is drying up, a year after deadly flooding. The same thing happened in Yellowstone in June. Louis area and 88% of Kentucky early in July were considered abnormally dry and then the skies opened up, the rain poured in biblical proportions, inch after inch, and deadly flooding devastated communities. Parts of the world are lurching from drought to deluge. The Dallas region is just the latest drought-suffering-but-flooded locale during a summer of extreme weather whiplash, likely goosed by human-caused climate change, scientists say. Parts of northern Texas, mired in a drought labeled as extreme and exceptional, are flooding under torrential rain. (Juan Figueroa/The Dallas Morning News via AP) A stalled car sits with foliage in its grill from the flooded road at Military Parkway Interstate 635 on Monday, Aug.

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