The ubiquity of Botox and Dermal Fillers has been on a consistent ascent for many years. The explanation — their purposes go a long way past the regular restorative capabilities. With these medicines, you can upgrade your appearance, support your certainty, and raise the general nature of your life.
The best part is both these medicines are insignificantly obtrusive. As such, they needn’t bother with surgery, and you can return to your standard routine just after the treatment closes.
What occurs underneath our skin?
Collagen, the vitally primary protein created under our skin, makes our skin stout and energetic. As we age, the creation of collagen dials back, and the skin turns out to be free. This prompts wrinkles, crow’s feet, and grin lines on the face. Botox and Dermal Fillers turn around our maturing interaction and assist us with recovering our energetic look.
What are Dermal Fillers?
Dermal fillers work by decreasing the impacts of gravity on the skin and giving it a firmer and younger appearance. Dermal fillers are gel-like tissue fillers that are infused underneath the skin where skin volume is deficient. Post application, your facial forms will be improved, the skin will get smoothened, and you will have an even tone. Dermal fillers in Bangalore can be both regular and manufactured, with the last option enduring longer. It is assessed more than 1 million people select this treatment.
Who needs Dermal Fillers?
Anybody more seasoned than 21 years old can go for a dermal filler methodology. Assuming you are searching for any of the beneath changes to your skin, then dermal fillers are the arrangement you are searching for -
Smoothen wrinkles
Mellow nasolabial folds
Further, develop under the eye box
Eliminate scowl lines
Lift or improve cheeks
Fill skin break out scars
Stout the lips
Smoothen vertical lip lines
Eliminate crow’s feet
Smoothen jawline wrinkles
Smoothen puppet lines
Are Dermal Fillers Difficult?
At the point when the filler is infused, all that you will feel is a little sting (like any regular infusion). Many say that the most extreme aggravation they experience is equivalent to a little honey bee sting that goes on for a couple of moments. If necessary, we can limit even this by applying a sedative cream to numb the region.
What’s in store after Dermal Fillers?
There may be gentle enlarging nearby, which will disappear following a couple of days. Your muscles could feel a little weighty after the system, which you will become accustomed to in seven days. You can begin applying skincare and cosmetics following 48 hours of the method. Likewise, stay away from direct openness to the sun for three to five days after the treatment and hydrate yourself well. The outcomes are seen immediately and worked on throughout the following fourteen days. It by and large goes on for ten to a year.
What is Botox?
Botox is one more injectable medication that is produced using the poison created by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum. It has been endorsed for use by the FDA starting around 1997. Throughout the long term, its utilization has expanded because of its adequacy in further developing different skin conditions. Botox loosens up the smooth muscles of the face by hindering the activity of nerve motivation.
During Botox medicines, the area of use will be entirely cleaned with a non-alcoholic clean. Post this, modest quantities of Botox are infused into the skin or muscles. The whole methodology is normally finished in a specialist’s centre, and it’s a negligibly obtrusive strategy. You can return to your office or home just after the methodology.
Is Botox Infusion agonizing?
Like Dermal Fillers, there will be not any torment during the Botox Infusion strategy. The needles are generally little and there will be just a small prick on the off chance that it is applied by a specialist clinical expert. If necessary, a sedative cream can be applied before the methodology to numb the region and make you agreeable.
Who needs Botox Infusion?
You can think about Botox treatment in Bangalore infusions for working on the accompanying circumstances -
Wrinkles
Solid circumstances
Temple wrinkles
Eye jerking
Lethargic eye
Headache
Muscle contractures
Unreasonable perspiring
What’s in store after overseeing Botox Infusion?
You will begin feeling the distinction following three days, and it would regularly require one to about fourteen days to come by the full outcomes. The impact goes on for four to a half years after the treatment, contingent upon the kind of issue you have been being treated for. Over the long haul, the muscle would steadily get back to its underlying state.

The occult sciences predominantly comprise of the essential theme of Quran in its chapter called 'The Believers'. The structure of Quran here seems to have fundamentally been constructed to appeal to the psychic nature of man, such that the human mind may find focus and conviction in the cosmic status of its purpose through a sympathetic association with the higher acts of goodness. For instance, the first twelve verses stated in the Chapter 23 of Quran have a theme that corresponds to the principle characteristics of the twelve zodiac signs. Accordingly,
1 Successful indeed are the believers (Aries = Victory)
2 Who are humble in their prayers, (Taurus = Attitude)
3 And who shun vain conversation, (Gemini = Communication)
4 And who are payers of the poor-due; (Cancer = Support)
5 And who guard their modesty - (Leo = Self Expression)
6 Save from their wives or the (slaves) that their right hands possess, for then they are not blameworthy, (Virgo = Selection)
7 But whoso craveth beyond that, such are transgressors - (Libra = Balance)
8 And who are shepherds of their pledge and their covenant, (Scorpio = Commitment)
9 And who pay heed to their prayers. (Sagittarius = Focus)
10 These are the heirs (Capricorn = Authority)
11 Who will inherit paradise. There they will abide. (Aquarius = Exceptionalism)
12 Verily We created man from a product of wet earth; (Pisces = Intuition)
Furthermore, the same chapter also refers to certain celestial affairs in the following verses.
And We have created above you seven paths, and We are never unmindful of creation. (23, 17)
Say: Who is Lord of the seven heavens, and Lord of the Tremendous Throne? (23, 86)
And the ideas related to alchemical transfiguration in the following verses of chapter 23,
13 Then placed him as a drop (of seed) in a safe lodging;
14 Then fashioned We the drop a clot, then fashioned We the clot a little lump, then fashioned We the little lump bones, then clothed the bones with flesh, and then produced it as another creation. So blessed be Allah, the Best of creators!
15 Then lo! after that ye surely die.
16 Then lo! on the Day of Resurrection ye are raised (again).
These verses when put together alongside the full context of chapter 23, with the stories of destruction due to the Elemental Chaos, and admonitions regarding the conducts of Lost Souls in contrast to the genuine undertakings of True Believers; it overall constitutes an exercise of theurgy of great potential when extrapolated to its implied proportions. Therefore, this mode of communion seems to have always been there since ancient times which adheres to the quantification of human knowledge through the quality of heavenly wisdom accorded by the spiritual teachings of the great sages throughout the ages.

Hier wurde gegendert -> https://reddit.com/de/comments/13utz18/manager_magazin_mehr_verbote_bitte/jm2c2ch/ :
Wenn sich wirklich etwas ändern soll in der Wirtschaft, muss der Staat helfen. Denn Verbote können echte Innovationstreiber sein. Bestes Beispiel: der Umgang mit Chemikalien in der Outdoorbranche. Ein Plädoyer.
Haben Sie sich auch schon mal gewünscht, dass etwas einfach verboten wird?
Mir ist klar, wenn eine Unternehmerin das schreibt, klingt das erst mal paradox – oder zynisch. Als Geschäftsführer*innen wollen wir frei gestalten und möglichst wenig staatliche Einmischung.
Als CEO mit einer Vision für nachhaltigeres Wirtschaften habe ich allerdings erlebt, dass öffentlicher Druck und Verbote nicht nur sehr viel Positives bewirken können, sondern eine Voraussetzung für Transformation und Innovation sind.
Ein gutes Beispiel dafür: Fluorcarbone, kurz PFAS genannt, sind industriell hergestellte chemische Stoffe, die nicht biologisch abbaubar sind. Deshalb werden sie auch als "ewige Chemikalien" bezeichnet. Früher wusste man es nicht besser – oder hat es verdrängt –, aber seit Langem ist bekannt, dass sich PFAS in der Natur, in der gesamten Nahrungskette und damit auch im menschlichen Körper anreichern. Sie wurden in Gletschereis und Muttermilch nachgewiesen, überall auf der Welt. Es gilt heute als wissenschaftlich erwiesen, dass diese Stoffe größtenteils giftig und krebserregend sind.
Dennoch werden sie weiterhin eingesetzt: in Pfannen, Pizzakartons, Kosmetik – und aufgrund ihrer wasserabweisenden Funktion auch in den meisten Outdoorprodukten. Es gibt Berechnungen, denen zufolge allein die gesundheitlichen Gesamtkosten im Zusammenhang mit PFAS für Länder im Europäischen Wirtschaftsraum jährlich auf 50 bis 80 Milliarden Euro beziffert werden. Rechnet man noch Kosten für Umweltscreenings, Wasseraufbereitung und Bodenreinigung hinzu, kommt man schnell auf Milliardensummen – Summen, die nicht die produzierenden Unternehmen, sondern die Allgemeinheit tragen muss, ganz zu schweigen von der Natur.
Eine beschwerliche Reise Bei Vaude haben wir vor 15 Jahren angefangen, Produkte ohne PFAS zu entwickeln. Es war eine teure, beschwerliche Reise. Zunächst gab es keine funktionierenden Alternativen am Markt. Die neue Chemie musste im ersten Schritt mit unzähligen unterschiedlichen Materialien getestet werden, um die erwünschte Wirkung zu erzielen. Es war nachvollziehbar, dass die meisten Produzenten dieses aufwendige Vorgehen schlicht ablehnten, wenn nur ein Unternehmen danach fragte. 2011 gelang es uns, einen langjährigen chinesischen Produktionspartner zu überzeugen, eine PFAS-freie Outdoorjacke und -hose mit uns zu entwickeln. Ein Jahr später hatten wir mit hervorragenden Laborergebnissen das erste Erfolgserlebnis. Wir kündigten voller Freude die ersten fluorcarbonfreien, dauerhaft wasserabweisenden Outdoorjacken an, gingen in die Produktion unserer Musterkollektionen und zeitgleich in die Feldversuche.
Doch die Ergebnisse aus der Praxis waren niederschmetternd. Das Material saugte sich voll, ließ den Jackenträger klamm und feucht zurück, und war damit gänzlich ungeeignet. Wir überarbeiteten den Prozess, änderten die Materialstruktur, produzierten neue Musterteile – nur um ein Jahr später wieder am Praxistest zu scheitern. Es war zermürbend: Weder gab es eine Nachfrage von Kundenseite nach PFAS-freien Produkten, noch zuverlässige chemische Alternativen am Markt, und nun auch keinen Produktionspartner mehr, der bereit war, mit uns neue Versuche zu starten.
Wenige Monate später gesellte sich zu meinem Frust noch Entrüstung hinzu. Greenpeace startete eine Kampagne gegen Schadstoffe, insbesondere PFAS, in der Textilindustrie und nahm dabei die Outdoorbranche ins Visier. Gemeinsam mit anderen Marken wurde auch Vaude als Umweltsünder gebrandmarkt, denn auch unsere Produkte enthielten damals natürlich noch PFAS.
Zu Alternativen "gezwungen" So ungerecht sich das für mich damals anfühlte: Die Aktion zeigte Wirkung. Und sie bewies, wie viel möglich ist, wenn der öffentliche Fokus gesetzt ist und die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette an einem Strang zieht: Die Kampagne löste erstmals empörte Nachfragen vonseiten der Konsument*innen aus, setzte die Hersteller unter Druck und führt so dazu, dass innerhalb kürzester Zeit Alternativen entstanden.
Trotzdem war die Umstellung kein Selbstläufer. Ein Großteil der Arbeit lag bei uns selbst: Wir organisierten einen systematisierten Austausch zwischen unseren Produzenten, Materiallieferanten und der Chemieindustrie, definierten Kriterien für jede Produktgruppe sowie exakte technische Anforderungen an unsere Produktionspartner und entwickelten völlig neue Test- und Dokumentationsverfahren für unsere Materialien. Schritt für Schritt haben wir es über die letzten Jahre geschafft, in allen Produktgruppen, von Schlafsäcken, über Schuhe, Rucksäcke und Bekleidung und ab 2025 dann voraussichtlich auch in allen Zelten, auf PFAS zu verzichten. Das Ergebnis macht mich stolz.
Die Greenpeace-Kampagne war imageschädigend und für mich persönlich sehr schmerzhaft. Aber im Rückblick war sie auch ein Innovationstreiber, für den ich dankbar bin. Schneller, preiswerter und mit wesentlich größerer Reichweite jedoch hätte ein simples PFAS-Verbot gewirkt. Genau das ist jetzt der Vorstoß, den Deutschland EU-weit durchsetzen will.
Insgesamt hat dieser User schon 5 mal gegendert! Sein Privileg: Gleichstellungsbeauftragte*r.

"Even the gentlest, most modest, and best girls are always gentler, more modest, and better when they've found in the mirror that they've grown prettier"
"I too like to admire great men, but only those whose works I do not understand"
"I am convinced that a person doesn't only love himself in others; he also hates himself in others"
"Some actions are called malicious because they are done by ugly people"
"Often, when an acquaintance passes by. I leave the window - not so much to save him the trouble of bowing, as rather to save myself the embarrassment of seeing that he doesn't bow"
"Fat is neither spirit nor body, but only what weary nature leaves behind"
"I am always grieved when a man of real talent dies, for the world needs such men more than Heaven does"
"As soon as people know that someone is blind, they think that they can tell it from behind"
"Nothing can contribute more to peace of soul than having no opinion at all"
"Man is so perfectible and corruptible that he can become a madman through sheer intellect"
"I have observed that people whose faces are somewhat asymmetrical often possess the subtlest minds"
"It is delightful to hear a foreign woman speak our language and to hear lovely lips make mistakes. This is not the case with men."
"By reading so much we have contracted a kind of learned barbarism."
"One of the main conveniences of marriage is to be able to pass a visitor whom one can't stand along to one's wife"
"A book is a mirror: when a monkey looks in, no apostle can look out"
"The ordinary man is ruined by the flesh lusting against the spirit; the scholar is ruined by the spirit lusting against the flesh"
"The highest point to which a weak but experienced mind can rise is skill in detecting the weaknesses of better men"
"I once saw in Stade such peacefulness combined with a furtive smile - in the face of a fellow that had succeeded in driving his swine into a bathing pond which they usually disliked entering - as I have never seen since"

Im 30m in the UK, just after a pen pal really that I can share stories and pictures with etc. I play guitar and like pretty much all creative arts. I draw and write. Currently working on a novel and a self help book. I like deep conversations but also just chatting rubbish. I like to workout and go for long walks in nature. I smoke weed once or twice a week.
In the last 6 months I went through a breakup after 3 years and also fell out with my best friend who was a girl. Im not looking for anything romantic as im just focusing on myself for now, but I miss that feminine touch in my life. I feel unable to share as intimately with my male friends as I can women.
If you fancy a laugh give me a message and we'll see where it goes. Thanks.

I currently use these products but I think it’s time to go with something better pomade SUPER STRONG HOLD and just switched too the as I am but I feel like I need something better and healthier

I've been very much enjoying the app, and it has benefited my mental health a lot. I'm at the start of the fourth and final part of the introductory course.
But I struggle a lot with the idea of "headlessness". I understand that it is not supposed to be a literal without-head-ness, but regardless, the opening cue of it is to recognize that I do not see my own head the way I see the rest of the world.
But I do see it. I see the bridge of my nose clearly. I can see my eyebrows. I can see my cheeks if I squeeze just the right way. I'm not usually consciously aware of this, and in fact my sense of self is often naturally a bit distant... I think, at least. But whenever I am pushed to recognize that I can't see my head... Well, it's clearly there, as clear as any object before me. It breaks the flow of my meditation every time, because it's supposed to be this anchor point for further analysis, and it's just not there for me.
Further, it's also often brought up by Sam Harris that, if you really pay close attention, your ability to feel your body as distinct limbs fades away. You can't "feel" your arm directly, it is asserted, only a sea of touch and tingling and warmth and tension. But no "arm" per se. Your sense body isn't actually distinct from the rest of your perception, it is asserted.
But I have strong proprioception. A lot of bouldering has strengthened that sense. I don't need tactile feedback to know where my arm, hands or fingers are relative to the rest of my body, and I don't really understand the exercise that well as a result. I mean, proprioception is a biologically grounded sense, right?
Why would paying close attention to my senses mean that I lose the mental outline of my body, when I have a sense whose job it is specifically to maintain that mental outline? In a way perfectly analogous to how I have a set of different senses dedicated to tactile feels of touch and heat and tingling? I literally have nerves dedicated to knowing exactly where my arm is, in no way difference to how I have nerves dedicated to my vision or my hearing. And they do their job well in my case. At best I can lose the sense of my distinct fingers, but never more than that.
I don't know. If anything these exercises just make me pay much closer attention to my body, making it feel more instead of less distinct. The cues just don't work for me. I know that they're just cues for some higher learning, but they're working against the goal for me. Whenever Sam Harris mentions them I kind of lose the plot instead of following it more closely.

The Value of a Stable Game Capture Device
Do you regularly record and upload gaming videos? Maybe you're hoping to get into the video gaming scene by means of streaming or animation. Whatever your motivation, a dependable Gameplay Recorder is essential for capturing and sharing those unforgettable moments. In this article, we'll discuss why it's helpful to have a reliable gameplay recorder, how that recorder can improve your gaming experience, and what to look for in a good recorder. Read on to learn why a solid gameplay recorder should be at the top of your wish list, whether you're interested in mobile gaming trends or Call of Duty footage.
Exactly what does it mean when someone says "game recording"?
Any time you want to capture video and audio from your gaming experiences, you can utilize a gameplay recorder. Everything from the game's visuals and audio to the keyboard and mouse inputs are recorded.
A gameplay recorder's principal use is to facilitate player-to-player communication and knowledge sharing. Whether you're making videos for YouTube or Twitch, a solid recording tool will ensure that you don't miss a single thrilling moment.
Gameplay can be captured with a number of different devices. Games like Roblox have some of these functions built in, while others require hardware like a capture card or software like OBS Studio.
Make sure the one you pick has good recording quality and won't slow you down too much while playing. This will make it easy and painless to highlight your qualifications and accomplishments.
The Benefits of Using a Game Capture Device
A game recorder's useful features extend to players of all skill levels. The primary benefit is that gamers may record and publish their gameplay on sites like Twitch and YouTube. Those that play competitive games like Call of Duty need to know this inside and out.
In addition, gamers can evaluate their own performance and pinpoint their weak spots by watching recorded gameplay footage. The recordings can be used as proof of gameplay issues when reported.
Any player who wants to hone their abilities, show off their talents, or make entertaining material for the gaming community should invest in a high-quality gameplay recorder.
Finding the Best Game Replay Recorder
There are a few factors to think about while settling on a gameplay recorder. Make sure the recorder works with your computer or other gadget before buying it. You should check compatibility requirements with your operating system before purchasing a recorder.
The caliber of the final video is also crucial. For fluid playback, seek recorders that can capture HD video at 60 frames per second (fps). You should also check the sound to make sure it is of a high enough quality to enjoy while gaming.
When choosing a recorder, it's also important to think about how simple it is to operate. Select one with a user-friendly layout and straightforward controls so you can give your whole attention to the game. Think about the perks that various recorders provide, including built-in editing software or the ability to stream in real time. These supplementary features can improve your overall experience and make it simpler to share your material with others.
By keeping these considerations in mind, you'll be able to pick the ideal gameplay recorder for your needs and produce professional-quality footage of all your favorite games.
Features You Should Look for in a Game Capture Device
Selecting a reliable gameplay recorder is essential if you want to record professional-looking gameplay footage. What makes a good gameplay recorder? We break it down for you. First and foremost, think about how well the gadget records. Try to find a recorder that can take footage at 30 frames per second at 1080p or higher. This will prevent any stuttering or blurring during recording.
Second, make sure you can clip and divide videos using the device's in-built editing features. Not having to move footage from the gaming console to the computer before editing is a huge time saver. The game recorder should work across numerous devices and platforms, thus it's important that it supports popular games and platforms like Roblox Video Animation, Mobile Gaming Trends, and Call of Duty Videos.
Recording Your Game Sessions
For the technically inept, using a gameplay recorder might be a daunting task. However, anyone can use it to record their gaming experiences with some instruction and practice.
Before you begin playing, check that your gameplay recorder is fully installed and functioning. When you're ready to begin recording, fire up your favorite gameplay capture tool and tweak the settings until they're just right for you.
If you don't want the recording indicator to get in the way of your gameplay, move it to a discreet part of the screen.
Don't mess with the settings during gameplay if you want the best possible footage at the end of the session. Long recordings can take up a lot of space, so be mindful of your storage capacity.
When you're done with the game and the recording has stopped, check it over for mistakes before uploading it or saving it locally.With these guidelines in mind, recording gaming to share with friends and family should be second nature.
Conclusion
If you're a gamer who wants to share your experiences with the gaming community, a high-quality gameplay recorder is a must. Whether you're into mobile gaming, Roblox Video Animation, or making Call of Duty films, a solid gameplay recorder may improve your experience dramatically. Choose a gaming recorder that can capture high-quality recordings and is easy to use. When selecting a choice, remember to think about things like editing possibilities, customer support, and device compatibility.

Last month, last year, last whatever… it just felt like this idea of yours, though grand and ambitious, was going to be a cakewalk. You had a solid roadmap to follow; a clear set of steps to go through. Success was just a matter of time plus a little sustained effort.
And yet, somewhere along the way, everything changed. Things began to sour. Your excitement waned. Your motivation levels tanked to zero, and with it, your self-discipline.
Maybe you produced something that just wasn’t up to par—you simply know what “excellent” looks like and what you made just wasn’t “it”. Not even close.
Maybe you hit a step in the roadmap that was confusing, impossible or had missing parts.
Maybe you tried something. Maybe you thought it would work—you knew it would work—but then it failed.
Maybe everything went south. And now you're here, teetering on the edge, wondering if you should just be honest with yourself and call the whole thing an abysmal failure.
Maybe it’s time to quit.
...
I’ve been there. Many times. And not in my distant past, but like, last week.
This time around, it was the “I tried something… and it failed” punch to the gut. This little event once again brought me to that edge, to the precipice. It had me thinking.
Is it time? Did I finally collect enough evidence to know this thing wasn't going to work?
It's so easy for us, you and I, to go down a rabbit hole of ruminations. It starts with a bit of self-doubt—a normal and natural occurrence for anyone pursuing an ambitious project—but this serves as the nucleating particle that festers and grows into a storm-cloud of imposter syndrome, self-reprimand, and needlessly harsh self-criticism.
All of that is dark and painful. And what do we do when we feel something dark and painful? We seek an escape. We seek the relief of our vices. Which works fine, until it doesn’t. Until it makes everything 1000x worse. Until our momentum gets obliterated and we find ourselves unable to get back to doing the little things we know we need to be doing.
Until we begin toying with the idea of giving up.
...
But, well, I got lucky that day. I left the house to visit a relative living in an old-folks home and they happened to be playing the movie "The Martian" on the communal TV. I managed to catch the last scene—the one where Mark Watney, Matt Damon’s character, gives a little speech to his new class at NASA. He goes:

At some point, everything's gonna go south on you... everything's going to go south, and you're going to say, this is it. This is how I end. Now you can either accept that, or you can get to work. That's all it is. You just begin.
You do the math. You solve one problem... and you solve the next one... and then the next. And if you solve enough problems, you get to come home.

It hit me in that moment that I too just needed to do the math. My failure wasn’t a failure. It was a data point. An empirically derived piece of information about what doesn’t work.
Cool.
Now, I just needed to examine it and extract the lesson. I needed to find my mistake, my erroneous assumption, and do something different. It was a problem that I needed to solve and I had endless resources in front of me that could help with that.
The next morning, after my coffee and some calming breath work, I took Watney's advice and I got to work. I did the math. I eventually found a workable solution. I then I tried it and it worked.
…
I want to remind you that what you're trying to do is hard. It's really freaking hard.
We’re all told that with the advent of the "creator economy" the barriers to entry towards our dream life has been eviscerated. We no longer have to be privileged, connected, assertive, or whatever else to “make it”.
Every platform, from YouTube and TikTok, to the latest drag-and-drop app builder, is beckoning you to "do you": to be authentic and create and build and share exactly what you were born to create, build, and share. They insist that all you need is an idea and a decent internet connection.
But that doesn’t mean it’s easy. “Abundantly possible” does not equate to “easy and inevitable”.
And I’m not even talking about besting all competition, which of course can’t be ignored. It doesn’t even get to that. It’s the self-doubt and self-criticism that sabotages your efforts. It’s the little failures that sting—as they should—but that, untreated, lead to long festering infections and your eventual demise.
Combine this with the fact that our vices are ubiquitous and ever-flowing; the odds of any of us following through with our ambitions are ridiculously low.
So I urge you not to give up. I urge you—now in this low moment of your story where everything has "gone south" and it feels like there's just no way out—I urge you to acknowledge and accept that what you're doing is super hard, and all you can do is, well, "do the math".
Take a breath. Process where you’re at and how far you've come. Then let all the emotions run their course and fade. Allow the time it takes to create the mental calm and level-headedness needed to arrive at rational and strategic solutions to the problems you face.
Every problem has a solution. Every environment has the tools and resources you need. MacGyver knew this in the late 80s. Mark Watney in the 2010s. Now it's your turn to realize this. It’s your turn to get a little clever; to be "utterly screwed" for a minute before figuring a way out.
It’s your turn to do the math and just begin.
- Simon ㋛
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If this all resonated and you’re looking for more of a method to follow—one that goes beyond the trite "just get off your ass and do it" line of advice —then check out the Habit Reframe Method (free PDF, link here). It's geared towards helping you overcome bad tech-habits and issues of non-existent motivation.

"Mike" -
I want to apologize for how I pushed you during our chat. You have to understand it is hard to know what is real or exaggerated and what's not on the internet, especially when everything is so anonymous. You shared some very sensitive topics, and I am so very sorry I did not properly acknowledge your pain and suffering. I am in the middle of my own situation and just wanted answers to my own questions as well.
I thank you for choosing me to talk to and for trusting me with that information. Because of the serious nature of what you shared, I am not going to bring that up here. I hope one day we can have a real conversation about it. I also hope you have the courage to seek out the life you want for yourself without external pressure or feelings of obligation! Don't beat yourself up and don't be so afraid - I know you can do it!
I will say that I was totally confused by how you defined your situation with me. I was scratching my head trying to understand what you meant by me flipping out and saying I don't have feelings for you.
I later was reviewing everything so I can try to put this all to rest and figured out what happened. You saw the comments to my deleted post regarding me telling you about my feelings. Again, never try to get answers directly from reddit. You misread it. I felt we had a very strong connection but wasn't sure if I was the only one feeling it. Was it all in my head? I was trying to defend myself for doing what I did (which is telling you I have feelings for you). I said repeatedly I wasn't trying to start anything because you and I are both with someone else. I was always trying to respect that fact, even when I wanted nothing more than to act on it and let you in.
I understand what you said in our chat about your existing commitments. Just know, I want to be your biggest supporter and know I can be, and that is what is killing me here. I truly believe we could be unstoppable, but I can't force that on you and never would. You deserve the very best (despite what you think), and it sounds like you haven't gotten it (which makes me angry and want to say a whole lot of things I shouldn't). Truth be told, neither have I. Our stories sound way too similar.
I am unbelieving in people's love for me just like you. Despite it being pretty clear that our connection is deeper than normal/cosmic, I still wonder if you actually feel that way. I have been through a world of hurt in my life too, but I now know there is no pain like unrequited love. None. Knowing you have met your match and there is nothing you can do about it.
Of course, I still love my "Kati" too. However, our relationship is all but over and my feelings have changed. You always want the person you have shared so much of your life with to fight for you/the relationship. That hasn't happened. It hurts. I have not gotten the support I need at all. Like you, it has been downright painful stuff. I cannot go on much longer like this, but I am very scared of being officially alone. It's not in my DNA to be alone. All I have ever wanted in life is a truly deep and lasting connection with someone.
We both obviously have a lot to figure out and work through. Too much. Again, I am always here. I will not turn you away not matter what. That's just who I am. Let's work not just to make our relationships better but to love and respect ourselves better.
I hope with this there is a bit more clarity and we can move forward in loving support of ourselves and each other.
Take care.
"Bri"

Most of the times I think about love I just end up confirming my evergreen opinion: I see too much fakery and superficiality in love, especially in the first "steps". In the first place, you're always obliged to present the best version of yourself, follow the etiquette (dates exc.) and force many actions just to avoid to be seen as a weird guy by the other person. I know that when you're in love most of this comes naturally, but I still find it quite sad.
Sometimes I think that I hold too much expectations towards human beings. I strive to find perfect bonds, which eventually don't even exist up to a certain point. Plus, I'm not mentioning all the forced social conventions you have to follow. How do you see relationships in general?

I read about mints, and that I have to do some stuff to get them quite a bit farther in the line. I would like no spoilers but before I proceed with investing in the wrong Pokémon;
I have a Pichu right now that can evolve. I want a Quirky Pikachu. Don't ask me why I just always want a Quirky Pikachu. Definitely stubborn, but I don't really care about being stubborn LOL.
Anyways, if I evolve it into Pikachu and then use Mints, will it be able to get the Quirky nature eventually? Or can you only do it once?
I figure it's best to ask before I evolve the cute baby. I could just start catching Pikachu instead when I get to Nature's Pantry (which is apparently where they are) but it'd be a shame to invest in a Pokémon and then find out I won't be able to do with it what I wanted.
Thanks in advance. Please spoil as less as you can, I only need to know about the system not the story ^ ^'

The Setting is Old-World Vampire: The Masquerade
(Story) Merrick Baxter was just a modern punk living in Los Angeles, when he got "mugged" 7 months ago in a construction site, and woke up with fangs. He was "adopted" by a small subsect of Anarchs with a brutalist mindset, taught how to hunt, and promptly sent to Phoenix as brute muscle in response to a Call-to-Arms. He is often confused by the nature of his new Unlife, and his curiosity has nearly sent him to a second grave multiple times.
(Appearance) Merrick is a white guy in his early 20's, standing at 5'10" and a low-bulk musculature. He lacks the corpse-like paleness common to vampires, possessing a pinker complexion. His brown hair cut just long enough for bedhead to take effect.
His usual outfit is a sleeveless hoodie, gray jeans, Rubber-ducky yellow boots, and 3 silver rings. When dealing with humans, Merrick hides his identity behind a NATO-standard gas mask.
His main armaments are his fists, which glow red and really sting when he decides that super-strength just doesn't hurt enough. For situations where the opposition is best not approached, he carries an heirloom Mosin Nagant rifle.

As someone who has re watched breaking bad a staggering amount of times, I initially watched it because of my brother. I then re watched naturally because it’s amazing. I kept re watching it throughout the years for the sole purpose of studying, psychoanalyzing and understanding each character and their complexities.
However, there’s one conclusion i have reached and i genuinely, do not understand or fathom how people like Walter. Now, there’s a difference between liking the way the character formed in the show, finding it fascinating to follow his character development, liking to see and witness the progression of his ego, narcissism and seeing how gradually his morality washes away through every choice and decision making he does throughout the series.
However, to like him as an actual person (bare in mind i am well aware he’s a fictional character), but why would anyone like Walter? What qualities does he posses to be anywhere near a likeable person? At best, he’s an agreeable person when he’s walter. At worst, he’s ruthless as heisenberg. So why do you like him?

​
A memorial/ eulogy for the very best, most loved & cherished friend that I've had in this lifetime, "Pookin".
Pooh was born during the first week of April in 2003.He joined our family in the 3rd week of his life when my younger brothers' teenage girlfriend of the time brought him home. We always celebrated his birthday on April 2nd.
Pooh's favorite thing in life was being outside during the short, non-winter period here in perennially frigid central Canada that usually lasts from the beginning of May until early October. He loved to roam & explore the 5 acres of rural land on the family farm we call home. He especially enjoyed smelling the summer vegetation, laying under the trees in the yard & having an occasional bite of grass.
For all but the first 8 months of his life, wherever Pooh went, he was faithfully accompanied by his life companion & soul-mate, "Little". They were an inseparable pair.
Pooh was never interested in catching mice, instead he preferred to come inside and enjoy a plate of chicken pate when he got hungry. He was a gentle soul.
Throughout the first 15 years of his life, Pooh was a thick, robust, lengthy & athletic guy that never once fell sick.In the final months of 2018 this changed.After dropping an alarming amount of weight in a short period of time, he was diagnosed with the deadly disease, hyperthyroidism. In December 2018-January 2019, we almost lost him.Pooh recovered halfway after being placed on daily medication which he required for the remainder of his life.The life expectancy for medicated cats with this disease is 2-4 years.
From the final quarter of 2018 until only 6 weeks ago, Pooh started each & every day of my life off by pushing on my bedroom door & walking up to the side of my bed, usually at sunrise, between 5-7am. He never said anything, he would simply sit there & stare at me until I either got out of bed or acknowledged him with a good morning, pat on the head.
For the 3/4 of his life that he was healthy, Pooh ate 2 or 3 times per day.After contracting hyperthyroidism, he required 8-12 meals daily just to stay alive.
Between the end of January 2019 & the last days of March 2023, Pooh had two more condition related episodes that required hospitalization, one in the summer of 2019 and then again in the spring of 2020. During the second of those, the vet recommended putting him down.Pooh & I disagreed with that suggestion. Instead, we went home, toughed it out & went on to experience three more summers & nearly three years of happy, major incident-free living. Plenty of chicken included.
Shortly before sunrise on the morning of April 18th 2023, Pooh passed away naturally at home in the company of his loved ones.He never gave up on life & we never gave up on him.
Thank-you Pookin for being the shining light of our lives for the past 20 years.Little & I miss you beyond words & we will never forget you.Nothing & no one has ever meant more to me than the two of you & the time we had together.

Hiya, I'm Marnes, 29M from Belgium :) I've a relatively simple but well-filled (busy) life, and while I've got everything taken care of, I lack a significant other to really complete the happiness, as well as the types of interests others have that let them organically meet one out and about. So if you have some room in your life and mind, and want a guy to fill that special spot of belonging, please read on.
I'd like to find a girl to talk daily with about work, hobbies, household, basically anything interesting that happens in our days, with occasional pictures and links. To confide in about anything and everything, give some priority to in free time, send happy selfies to, give goodnight kisses with emote lines, have some adult fun with. Someone I can grow attached and affectionate to, and find that unique, highest level of comfort, contentness, and togetherness with. My player 2, if I may be so cheesy.

About me

Without spoiling too much, I work in IT and medical intervention, and my personality quite fits both stereotypes you're probably picturing now: often quiet and methodical as a geek developer would be, empathic but rational as emergency work requires. I have my passions and dislikes, try to balance my social energy between not having the spotlight on me but also not being a wallflower, do new or impulsive things from time to time. If I had to pick something that's clearly off-center about me, it's that I can overthink/overdiscuss stuff because misunderstandings and predictable mishaps grate at me.
The last two years I've finally been living alone in my appartment and tasting all the freedom and responsibility. This personal headroom let me finally deal with some physical and personal flaws I used to have, so it has been a great period and I feel better than ever before. I just wish I could complete my circle of few but great friends with a girl who means the world to me. I'm just not comfortable and myself in most "going out" places, and I refuse to fake/force interest in something as a faux premise to meet someone.
I don't have pets but love others' and animals in general. You'll get my best recent picture with a relative's cat if you ask for it. I don't and won't have kids.
If it helps you relate:

• favorite games are single player stories with strong plots and emotions or beauty, instrumental music and pretty graphics: Metroid, Metal Gear, SOMA, Titanfall 2, Zero Escape, Stray, Ori, Valiant Hearts, Outer Wilds, Abzû...
• funny/cute/daring slice of life anime like Nichijou, Ijiranaide, Lightning & Sweetness, Seitokai Yakuindomo, Yashin Dropkick, but also some action like some of the Gundams or friend recommendations like Odd Taxi
• occasionally a movie or series: I clearly prefer one-offs in action/mystery/sci-fi over cinematic universes and superheroes. The Rock, Shutter Island, The Expanse, Stargate, 6 Days, Upgrade, Kingsman, Hacksaw Ridge, ...
• my music collection is a loooot of soundtracks from games or fan albums (85%), some TV things (10%) and a few random hits

About you

I guess I'll resonate best with someone rational, chill, smart. More of a scientist/techie than an artist, but everyone and every hobby has an artsy side. A limited social life like me, so that we'll have time, energy, and geniune interest for each other. Mature and reasonable rather than unpredictable and emotional. If your face and life go on instagram daily, you hang out at parties every week, or I feel like words are cheap and I don't mean anything of value to you, it won't work.
Physically, I don't have a favorite haieye color or something. Mine are brown/brown, and I'm starting to settle on short hair and short beard. The more "plain"/natural, down to earth, relatable, ... you look, the better. I do love artificial hair color, prefer short hair, and love to see a piercing, but don't take it as a necessity. There's nothing remarkable about my looks either, just that I wear glasses and you might spot the scar on my cheek. I'm a little overweight like most people, and you can be too, or you can be thin, average, athletic, short, tall...

Practical

Let's meet at first in reddit chat, but I only like to use discord to talk. I work 9-5 mon-fri and try to sleep by 1, so I can mostly be active in the evening. East coast US is okay (made it work with someone for 9 years), outside there or the EU could be tricky in terms of timing and relatability. Visiting each other eventually would be great, but I'm mainly looking for something online. Not open to moving, don't want kids, don't have pets but I love the pets of others.
--
It's high time I hit Post :) Please send me a chat and tell me how this post speaks to you.

Parenting is a remarkable journey filled with joy, challenges, and countless learning opportunities. As your little one enters the toddler stage, it marks a crucial period of growth and development, both physically and emotionally. This phase calls for a thoughtful approach to parenting, one that encourages positive interactions, fosters healthy habits, and cultivates a nurturing environment for your child's overall well-being.
In this blog post by Care for Child, we will explore some of the best parenting tips for toddlers, focusing on positive parenting principles. These tips will empower you to confidently navigate the toddler years, fostering a strong bond with your child while nurturing their social, emotional, and cognitive development. By implementing these strategies, you can create a supportive and loving environment that promotes your toddler's growth and instills lifelong values.
Join us as we delve into the world of positive parenting and discover practical techniques to guide your toddler through this transformative stage of life effectively. From setting consistent boundaries to encouraging independence and fostering open communication, we will equip you with invaluable insights to enhance your parenting journey and provide your child with the foundations for a bright future.
Remember, every child is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. However, by incorporating these parenting tips for toddlers into your daily routine, you can lay the groundwork for a harmonious parent-child relationship, fostering their growth and potential in a loving and supportive environment. Let's embark on this incredible parenting adventure together.
7 Best Parenting Tips for Toddlers: Embracing Positive Parenting Strategies
Parenting toddlers is a precious and challenging journey that requires patience, understanding, and practical strategies. As parents, we strive to provide our little ones with the best guidance and support during this crucial stage of their development. By embracing positive parenting techniques, we can foster a nurturing environment that encourages their growth, independence, and emotional well-being. In this article, we will explore seven of the best parenting tips for toddlers, focusing on positive parenting principles. Let's explore these strategies and how they can enrich your parenting experience.
1. Establish a Consistent Routine
Toddlers thrive on consistency and predictability. Establishing a daily routine helps them feel secure and enables them to develop a sense of structure. Set regular mealtimes, nap times, and bedtime routines to provide stability and help them understand what to expect daily.
Neglecting to establish a suitable consistent schedule can cause crankiness in babies, so ensure positive parenting tips for toddlers by stocking up on the necessary baby items such as Free Size UNO cloth diapers, DryFeel Langot, Diaper Pants, and XtraHydrating Wipes.
2. Practice Effective Communication
Communication is vital to building a strong parent-child bond. Use simple, age-appropriate language to engage with your toddler. Please encourage them to express their feelings and thoughts while actively listening and responding with empathy. This open line of communication nurtures trust and helps them develop their language skills.
If your toddler is still grumpy, it could be due to applying the wrong essential oils or essentials on the baby's skin, which can cause inflammation. As a result, ensure that the basics you select for your baby are made of 100% organic cotton, such as SuperBottoms Free Size UNO cloth diapers, Dry Feel Langot, Diaper Pants, and Organic XtraHydrating Baby Wipes.
3. Encourage Independence
Toddlers have a natural desire for independence. Support their growing autonomy by offering choices within appropriate boundaries. Allow them to dress themselves, pick out toys, or assist with simple tasks. This fosters their self-esteem, decision-making abilities, and sense of accomplishment.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in shaping your toddler's behavior. Praising and rewarding their efforts and achievements, no matter how small, can be essential positive parenting tips for toddlers. Instead of focusing on what they did wrong, highlight and appreciate their positive actions. This approach builds their confidence, reinforces desired behaviors, and strengthens the parent-child bond.
5. Set Clear and Age-Appropriate Limits
Toddlers need boundaries to feel safe and secure. Establish clear rules and limits, communicating them simply and understandably. Be consistent in enforcing these limits, using gentle reminders and explanations. These positive parenting tips for toddlers help them develop self-discipline and understand the concept of right and wrong.
6. Foster Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence plays a crucial role in a child's overall development. Teach your toddler to recognize and express their emotions healthily. Please encourage them to label their feelings and offer guidance on appropriate ways to manage and cope with different emotions. This empowers them to develop self-control, empathy, and resilience.
7. Create Quality Time for Bonding
Spending quality time with your toddler is essential for building a solid parent-child relationship. Engage in activities that promote bonding, such as reading together, playing games, or going for walks. These moments of connection provide a safe space for your child to feel loved, valued, and understood.
Conclusion
Parenting toddlers can be both challenging and rewarding. By incorporating these seven best positive parenting tips for toddlers into your daily routine, you can embrace positive parenting strategies that promote your child's growth, well-being, and happiness. Remember, each child is unique, so adapt these tips to suit your toddler's needs. Embrace this remarkable parenting journey, and enjoy witnessing your little one's development and achievements.

PREVIOUIS
“May I leave?” I asked quietly. With Claire pregnant and sitting in a bathtub of salty water my head was spinning. Everything in me knew then that my life was forfeit. I no longer served any purpose and the moment Markos understood that, I would be destroyed.
Nathaniel excused me and I went to my chambers to arrange my belongings. It would be troublesome to leave them for others to clean up and packing my room was simple. I don’t have all that many belongings, in all technicalities I don’t own anything anymore than a dog owns their toys. If my owner should choose to take them away from me that would be beyond my control.
For the most part my room is simple. The closet is large, and filled with many outfits for servants to dress me in. Of course they are all dresses, I have never worn pants the way Claire does. I wonder if that has anything to do with why I could never fall pregnant for Markos. Perhaps pants were the key.
Regardless, I arranged each dress neatly so they could be removed easily and sorted out the torn ones. They would no longer need to be mended, so I placed them in the trash. I wasn’t entirely sure what to do with the weapons, so returning a majority of them to the armory was all I could think to do.
I cleared my personal bathroom of the belongings I kept there, soaps and various perfumes mostly. The fae are very sensitive to human scent, so it was always important that I should smell fresh, even after training. Then I went to wait for Eric.
He was out on a hunt with Charles, but I hoped he might return soon and so I waited unmoving at the gates. Hours passed and evening set in. I missed dinner entirely, but my patience was rewarded as headlights marked the approach of a vehicle.
Guards opened the gates for them and eventually Eric and Charles stepped out of the car. Both were covered in dirt and blood, I supposed their hunt had been successful yet neither said a word. Charles in particular looked somewhat shaken while Eric was unusually tense. I wondered what could have happened to make them both look so spooked.
When Eric noticed me he hesitated, “Calla, what are you doing out here?”
“I need to speak with you…” I mumbled, perhaps now was not the time.
He took a moment to evaluate then turned to Charles, “Are you alright? I need to speak with Calla.”
“Yeah, yes, I'm fine.” He wasn't convincing, even to me.
“I’ll come speak with you after. Try to get some rest.”
“Sure.”
Charles left us without another word and I felt Eric’s eyes on me, “What did you need to talk about?” he asked, as calm as he ever was.
“Not here…” I murmured, there were too many eyes and ears within the castle. I didn’t need Markos to find out any sooner than he already would.
“Come then.” Eric agreed easily. He had always understood the need we had for secrecy.
We walked together in silence out into the forest. I could hardly see the ground, but he guided me where necessary. This was reminiscent of how we would behave as children, sneaking out into the forest at any opportunity we could. It’s hard to find things in the forest, and so even if we were followed, it was easy to avoid detection.
We had spent countless hours in these woods, training and playing. For as long as I can remember knowing him Eric has always been the person I turned to. Of course I knew there was nothing he could do for me now, but I wanted to tell him, I didn't want it to be a surprise for him.
When at last we stopped we were deep among the trees. There was hardly any moonlight and Eric’s eyes glowed faintly in the darkness. Around us fireflies blinked intermittently among the leaves, illuminating the surroundings dimly. “What is it that you wanted to talk about?” Eric asked gently as he sat on a fallen log and gestured for me to join him.
“Are you okay being back at Dunkel?” I began. Of course this was not all I wished to speak with him about, but I was interested to know, and I didn’t want to talk about only my problems.
“In general I guess so. Nathaniel showed me the below chambers, there’s nothing left down there now. No ‘livestock’, and as far as I can tell everything he’s told me he changed is the truth.”
“Yes, he changed a great many things.”
“He’s changed too…”
“Is that what you wanted?”
“I don’t know.” he admitted, “I didn’t really want anything from him. I didn’t expect to see him again.”
“Are you unhappy that you did?”
“...No.”
“Then why do you challenge him so much?”
“I don’t challenge him.”
“You’re lying to yourself if you believe that.”
“Okay, fine.” he mused, “Maybe I do…”
“So why?” I prompted again.
“I like watching him try. The look of thinly veiled frustration he gets when he knows I’m right is priceless.”
“You shouldn’t torment him the way you do, he cares for you very much.”
Eric sighed, looking up at the sky. “I wish he would just say that then.”
“It’s not in their nature to share such things with words.”
“Whose side are you on exactly?”
“No one’s.” I assured, then asked tentatively. “Have you and he..?”
He smiled bitterly as he understood what I was asking, “I’m sure you didn’t ask me out into the forest to talk about Nathaniel and I. But, no… and not for my lack of trying. If he doesn’t fuck me soon-”
I couldn’t help but smile. It had been some time since Eric and I had spoken quite like this, and I’ll admit it made me feel better to hear his complaints. This is how we had always been, honest and ourselves with each other. He was the only person I could show any emotion with, and I was the only one he would ever speak to in this way.
Moreover, I’d never known Eric not to get what he wanted and I was sure it bothered him greatly. “Perhaps you’re not his type?” I teased lightly.
“He doesn’t kiss me like I'm not his type.” He retorted.
“Then maybe you’re losing your charm.” Perhaps it was just my imagination, but he almost looked like he wasn’t sure if I was joking or not.
“Why don’t you tell me what’s really going on?” he asked instead of answering.
I hesitated, truthfully I didn’t know how to tell him… How do you tell your best friend that you’re going to die? I took a deep breath in. It didn’t matter anymore whether or not I upheld the fae standard, I would be disposed of regardless. However, concealing my emotion wasn’t the problem, it was showing it that I found difficult in this case.
In his presence I had felt genuine happiness and shared sadness. But now that I wanted to speak to him with importance I worried that I wouldn’t be able to show the correct emotion and that he would never understand how much he meant to me.
“I love you, Eric.” I began quietly. It was stressful simply to say it; what if I wasn’t giving the words enough and he didn’t believe me? or didn't understand how important he was? I must have paused for too long thinking because he spoke uncertainly.
“...Something’s really wrong isn’t it?”
“No… I.. I just need you to understand. That I care for you and I’m glad we met. I’m sorry I can’t say it well enough. But you’re the only reason I survived at all, and I’m grateful for you.”
“Calla. Whatever is wrong, I’ll fix it.”
“You can’t fix it…”
“I can.”
The subtle undertone of worry in his voice made it difficult to breathe and my eyes stung, “You can’t fix it because the problem is me. I’m useless.” I whispered carefully trying to control myself.
“That’s not-”
“It is. …I had one purpose, one use: to serve my master and bear him an heir. But I’ve failed.”
“Calla-” he tried but I cut him off again.
“I lost at Leùchtend when Mathéo defeated me in combat, and I was unable to protect Markos. That is a failure of service and unforgivable in its own right. But it is not the only way I’ve failed him. I’ve never given him an heir. It doesn't matter what I do, or how hard I try, I can't make him want me. I disgust him, he never wants to try with me.”
I took a breath and Eric waited for me to continue, I think he understood there was nothing he could say, everything I was telling him was undeniably the truth. “It’s supposed to be easy, all of our training said we would fall pregnant right away, likely on the first try. But I didn’t. And I still didn’t on any of the other times we tried. I did everything I was supposed to; I tracked my cycles, I ate balanced and I took the correct vitamins every day. I dressed exactly how he preferred so he would want me but I still-”
It was so difficult to say, the words caught in my throat, “I still failed to give him an heir, which means there must be something wrong with me…”
“There’s nothing wrong with you, they test for infertility, you know that.”
“Then they must have tested me wrong because it’s not just Markos.”
He paused then, “...What do you mean..?”
“I thought if the problem was Markos, then someone else could get me pregnant and I could pretend it was his… I don't know how many I've been with…”
“If Markos knew that…”
I laughed humorlessly, “He found out a while back Eric, and he didn’t even care. Not only does he not want me, he doesn’t care if anyone else has me. The only thing he said was that he wasn’t surprised, that I was just like my mother was - a whore.”
“That doesn’t make you a whore…”
“No?”
“...You’re more like a concubine,” he joked gently and to my surprise I laughed. I’m not sure where it came from, it must have been the stress for as I laughed I cried.
“Thanks.” I mumbled weakly as I wiped the tears off my cheeks with the sleeve of my dress. He vaguely gestured for me to come to him and so I did, curling up close to his chest in his arms as he continued.
“Besides… There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re beautiful and deadly, there’s nothing fae like more than that. Falling pregnant is not your only value and it never could be. You’re not an incubator, I know that’s what we were taught but it’s not true. You’re smart, and diligent. There’s nothing you’ve failed at. Mathéo only even stood a chance at all because you had just defeated a dragon, and you did protect Markos. I wish I could show you the human world, then you would understand how wonderful you are. You don’t need to be useful to the fae, they don’t deserve you, Markos especially doesn’t.”
“The human world doesn’t matter to me. This is my home. I could only ever belong here, and if I’m not useful then I have no place. I’m not like you, you never had any use but they kept you regardless, while they only kept me because I had use.. there’s something wrong with me now so I no longer belong here.”
“Why do you keep saying that? It’s not true, Calla… please listen to me-”
“I keep saying it because it’s true! You’re just not listening. I know it’s me because Claire is pregnant to Markos. If the problem was him, how could that be?”
“How did you find out…?”
I frowned slightly, “...You already knew?” I realized when he looked somewhat guilty.
“...Does Markos know?”
“I don’t know…” Why hadn’t he told me what he knew?
“Whatever, it doesn’t matter. I won’t let anything happen to you. I’ll take care of it. She won’t have that child.”
“There’s nothing you can do, Nathaniel knows, he will tell Markos.”
“I’ll talk to Nathaniel first, he won’t say anything.”
“Even if he listened to you, that still doesn’t stop her being pregnant.”
“...Accidents can happen to pregnant women and sometimes they lose the child…” he murmured quietly.
I looked up at him surprised while he looked away into the forest, his expression was chillingly calm.
“Charles would never forgive you…”
“If you ask me to… I'll do it. No one but you and I would ever know… ”
It felt as though all the air had left me and I couldn’t breathe. What kind of person was I to consider this? What kind of monster would I be if I asked this of him? And what would it do to him to go through with it…? The blood rushing in my ears was almost deafening and it seemed to only grow louder with every heartbeat.
“I- I don’t want you to do anything…” I whispered meekly. Part of me already regretted saying that. Whatever Eric might have thought I couldn’t tell as I continued. “I’m defective, I hold no value and serve no purpose. I want to be put down… There’s no reason to hurt Claire or her child… I’ve accepted my fate.”
He clenched his jaw tensely and I wondered if I had upset him. Perhaps that wasn’t the choice he wanted me to make. “Calla. Don’t throw yourself away for nothing. Having his child is Not your only purpose, and there is nothing wrong with you. Just let me do this for you. You don’t even have to ask, just say nothing and I’ll understand.”
I understood then, it hurt him to do nothing. He didn’t want to lose me anymore than I wanted to lose him. What he didn’t understand was that it would bring me peace to die. “No… It’s okay, I want to go… I never told you this because I thought it was stupid, and maybe you’ll still think it is… But I wanted to be a mother. Even if not with Markos, they must have tested me wrong for it to have never happened in all these years.”
“They didn’t test you wrong, you can have a child if you want… Just not to a fae…”
“...What?” He was making no sense.
The silence between us hung thick in the atmosphere before he at last took a deep breath in, “No fae can get you pregnant…” he reiterated without emotion.
I frowned, confused, “Why would you say that..?”
“Because it’s true.”
“That doesn’t make any sense, and could you know?” I didn’t think he would lie to me, but I was sure I must have been misunderstanding him.
“I know because I made it so… The day you graduated I wrote a protection spell so that you would never bear any fae a child…”
I slowly pushed away from him and he made no move to stop me. “You-.. You hexed me?”
He nodded ever so slightly and I sat back away from him, slipping off the log to sit on the ground beside it instead. It made no sense. To begin, although we can write spells, and Eric was particularly good at it, he still lacked the magic to activate them just as I did. So even if he had written such a curse, he could not place it. Could he?
“The fae never taught us spells like that.” I murmured at last as I realized he must be lying.
“I didn’t learn it from the fae..”
“So how did you know how to do it?”
“I just did…”
“Fine. Then who helped you?”
“No one…”
“Someone must have helped you. Nathaniel must have helped you activate it.” That was the only thing that made sense.
“He would never have helped me back then…”
“Then, you’re lying. You’re only saying this to make me reconsider.”
“I’m not… I swear it’s the truth.”
I didn’t want to believe him, but part of me was beginning to understand. It didn’t matter how he had done it, perhaps someone helped him, or maybe the magic in his arm allowed it, either way, he had found a way to do it. Which meant that he was the reason any of this had happened. It was his design that I would never carry Markos’s heir, I would never fulfill my purpose - I would never have any use to the fae because of him. There weren’t any words for it. I felt nauseous even thinking about it, how long has he been lying to me?
“Calla.. please say something..”
“…You- you ruined my life..”
“It was to protect you..”
“Protect me? Protect me!? Claire is pregnant and I am not! I will be put to death while she lives among the fae!”
“I won’t let anything happen to you. Let me help you…” He moved to sit with me again but I recoiled.
“You want to help me? Reverse it! Undo the spell.”
“I can’t…”
“Why not!?”
“Because I left no margin of error! It’s perfect, complete… Irreversible…”
“You always did like to make every spell flawless.” I muttered bitterly.
Anger burned away the tears, I had no words left for him. How could he do this to me? We had been friends for so long I trusted him so completely.
“It wasn’t to hurt you…”
“No? Then what was it for, Eric.”
“I told you… To protect you… If you’d have fallen pregnant then you would have been-”
“I would have been what I was supposed to be!”
“You would have aged and your children would have been monsters!”
“The only monster here now is you. You’re worse than the fae-” I stopped. A familiar slight tugging sensation at the edge of my mind alerted me to Markos’s request. He was recalling me to him from wherever I was in a somewhat urgent manner. Perhaps he had found out about Claire. “-I have to go.”
Eric seemed to understand immediately, “Don’t go. If he knows he’ll kill you. Let me talk to Nathaniel before you see Markos.”
“I don’t care.”
“Calla please-”
“No. Even if he doesn’t know yet, I never want to see or speak to you again.”
“This is ridiculous you can’t just-”
“Goodbye Eric.” I cut him off bluntly as I turned to leave. I didn’t bother to look back to see if he followed or not. It was no longer my concern and I wouldn’t think about him. That was the promise I made myself.
***
Markos had summoned me from the gardens, and that is exactly where I found him. I wondered what he could be doing to be out so late.
“You called for me?” I announced myself and knelt.
“Yes. It took you some time to get here, were you far?”
“I was in the forest.”
“At this hour?”
“...Yes.”
I thought he might question me further, however he did not and I supposed he didn’t care. He was sitting with one arm resting on his leg and the other propping him up. The embellishments of his clothes glinted faintly and he ran a hand back through his hair. He seemed tired.
“That’s fine. It’s fortunate you’re still awake. We need to talk.”
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