Does crystal light affect blood sugar

Disclaimer! This post assumes BotW and TotK happen in the timeline in Hyrule Historia. This post does not reference the Capcom published games, or any manga. Spoilers for the Tears of the Kingdom.
Many people believe that the reign of Rauru takes place during the Era of Prosperity, long after the events of Skyward Sword. However, some key elements from ToTK contradict this.

1. Hylians are said to have already lived on the surface before Demise conquered their homeland and they escaped to Skyloft, before Skyward Sword. However, TotKdorf refers to Sonia as a Hyrulean, not a Hylian. It's strange he specifically calls her that instead of the race that repopulated the surface after Skyward Sword. Source: Memory #6
2. Rauru has never heard of Link. He only learns of Link from Zelda. If he came to power after Skyward Sword takes place, you'd think a godlike being who descended from the sky would know of the hero of Skyloft. Source: Memory #8
3. At the end of Skyward Sword, Demise curses the "blood of the goddess, and the spirit of the hero". Zelda promises that she and Link will reincarnate to stop him every time. This is the beginning of Ganondorf, Zelda, and Link being reincarnated across the eons, locked in an eternal battle. However, TotKdorf comes to power in an era without Link. One might argue Sonia has the blood of the goddess and descends from Skyward!Zelda, or that technically Wild!Zelda was teleported to that era, but there is no Link equivalent in this period. There is no spirit of the hero.

So, if Skyward Sword happened before Rauru's time, then why is Sonia not called a Hylian? Why does Rauru not know of the legends? Why is TotKdorf here when Demise's curse is supposed to be for Zelda and Link specifically? Because Skyward Sword hasn't happened yet. Hylians didn't exist yet. The hero who seals the darkness wasn't born yet. Demise had not placed his curse yet.
The reign of Rauru predates the Sky Era, and even the Era of the Goddess Hylia. The kingdom established in The Era of Prosperity is a successor kingdom ruled by his descendants .
Across the franchise, Hylians are said to be close to the gods (Source: ALttP, TP, probably more). The Zonai are said to be descendants of the gods. (Source: Memory #14). It is possible that the intermarrying of the Zonai and native Hyruleans create the race of Hylians.
We know that the Calamity is a recurring event in Hyrule's history. (Source: Symin in the quest Teach Me a Lesson). It is possible that Demise was the first Calamity, born from the overflowing Malice of the sealed ToTKdorf, just as Calamity Ganon was born from the same source 10,000 years before BotW.
So, after the Imprisoning War with Rauru and the secret stone sages...

1. Eventually, the intermarrying of Zonai and Hyrulean natives will create Hylians, who will populate the surface. The goddess Hylia will live among them. This time will be known as the Era of the Goddess Hylia.
2. Eventually, TotKdorf sealed under Hyrule will leak enough Malice to birth Demise of the demon tribe. He will conquer the surface, and Hylians will escape to Skyloft. This is the first Calamity, and begins the Sky Era.
3. Eventually, Hylia will reincarnate as Zelda of Skyloft, a Hylian descended from Rauru and Sonia. Link will be born a Hylian of Skyloft as well. Together they will forge the Master Sword and save Skyloft and the surface from Demise. Demise will curse the blood of the goddess, and the spirit of the hero. Zelda will promise she and Link will reincarnate to stop him every time.

The rest of the timeline happens from here. Demise's curse manifests as OoTdorf, and his seizing of the Triforce of Power is another Calamity. The timeline splits. Across three different timelines, Ganondorf / Ganon keeps coming back as Calamities, each time fulfilling Demise's curse.
Eventually, in at least one timeline, the Calamity degenerates into the bestial Calamity Ganon. The Shiekah create Divine Beasts and Guardians to stop it. And the rest, you already know.
In short: World's Creation -> Zonai descend to earth -> Rauru establishes Hyrule -> Demise invades -> Skyward Sword -> Ocarina of Time -> ??? -> Creation of Divine Beasts -> BotW -> TotK
I also have a minor piece of evidence, but it's not concrete. In the tutorial, Rauru says his kingdom was on the surface. This implies the sky islands didn't exist during the Zonai Era. It is possible that the sky islands came to be when Hylia evacuated the surface-dwellers from the demon tribe, creating Skyloft and all the sky islands in TotK, long after the time of Rauru.
Of course, this theory isn't perfect. Ganondorf did rise to power without a Link existing in at least one game before - Wind Waker. Demise's curse is not specific to Zelda and Link in the original Japanese script. TotKdorf could've called Sonia a Hyrulean simply because that's her nationality. Sonia could be descended from Skyward!Zelda to explain her Light power. Hyrule Historia already has the kingdom established after Skyward Sword takes place, and maybe that hasn't changed. Rauru warns TotKdorf of Link and "the sword that seals the darkness", and we don't see Zelda mention the Master Sword to him, so maybe he did know of the Hero of Sky, just not his name. Maybe Rauru established this version of Hyrule way after all the other games, when the previous Hyrule was lost to time. Maybe BotW is a reboot!
No timeline posited in this franchise is perfect - not even the official one.
Either way, I hope the evidence I've gathered here makes sense enough, for you to consider the possibility of the placement of Rauru's kingship in the ever-messier timeline of The Legend of Zelda.

Disclaimer! This post assumes BotW and TotK happen in the timeline in Hyrule Historia. This post does not reference the Capcom published games, or any manga. Spoilers for the Tears of the Kingdom.
Many people believe that the reign of Rauru takes place during the Era of Prosperity, long after the events of Skyward Sword. However, some key elements from ToTK contradict this.

1. Hylians are said to have already lived on the surface before Demise conquered their homeland and they escaped to Skyloft, before Skyward Sword. However, TotKdorf refers to Sonia as a Hyrulean, not a Hylian. It's strange he specifically calls her that instead of the race that repopulated the surface after Skyward Sword. Source: Memory #6
2. Rauru has never heard of Link. He only learns of Link from Zelda. If he came to power after Skyward Sword takes place, you'd think a godlike being who descended from the sky would know of the hero of Skyloft. Source: Memory #8
3. At the end of Skyward Sword, Demise curses the "blood of the goddess, and the spirit of the hero". Zelda promises that she and Link will reincarnate to stop him every time. This is the beginning of Ganondorf, Zelda, and Link being reincarnated across the eons, locked in an eternal battle. However, TotKdorf comes to power in an era without Link. One might argue Sonia has the blood of the goddess and descends from Skyward!Zelda, or that technically Wild!Zelda was teleported to that era, but there is no Link equivalent in this period. There is no spirit of the hero.

So, if Skyward Sword happened before Rauru's time, then why is Sonia not called a Hylian? Why does Rauru not know of the legends? Why is TotKdorf here when Demise's curse is supposed to be for Zelda and Link specifically? Because Skyward Sword hasn't happened yet. Hylians didn't exist yet. The hero who seals the darkness wasn't born yet. Demise had not placed his curse yet.
The reign of Rauru predates the Sky Era, and even the Era of the Goddess Hylia. The kingdom established in The Era of Prosperity is a successor kingdom ruled by his descendants.
Across the franchise, Hylians are said to be close to the gods (Source: ALttP, TP, probably more). The Zonai are said to be descendants of the gods. (Source: Memory #14). It is possible that the intermarrying of the Zonai and native Hyruleans create the race of Hylians.
We know that the Calamity is a recurring event in Hyrule's history. (Source: Symin in the quest Teach Me a Lesson). It is possible that Demise was the first Calamity, born from the overflowing Malice of the sealed ToTKdorf, just as Calamity Ganon was born from the same source 10,000 years before BotW.
So, after the Imprisoning War with Rauru and the secret stone sages...

1. Eventually, the intermarrying of Zonai and Hyrulean natives will create Hylians, who will populate the surface. The goddess Hylia will live among them. This time will be known as the Era of the Goddess Hylia.
2. Eventually, TotKdorf sealed under Hyrule will leak enough Malice to birth Demise of the demon tribe. He will conquer the surface, and Hylians will escape to Skyloft. This is the first Calamity, and begins the Sky Era.
3. Eventually, Hylia will reincarnate as Zelda of Skyloft, a Hylian descended from Rauru and Sonia. Link will be born a Hylian of Skyloft as well. Together they will forge the Master Sword and save Skyloft and the surface from Demise. Demise will curse the blood of the goddess, and the spirit of the hero. Zelda will promise she and Link will reincarnate to stop him every time.

The rest of the timeline happens from here. Demise's curse manifests as OoTdorf, and his seizing of the Triforce of Power is another Calamity. The timeline splits. Across three different timelines, Ganondorf / Ganon keeps coming back as Calamities, each time fulfilling Demise's curse.
Eventually, in at least one timeline, the Calamity degenerates into the bestial Calamity Ganon. The Shiekah create Divine Beasts and Guardians to stop it. And the rest, you already know.
In short: World's Creation -> Zonai descend to earth -> Rauru establishes Hyrule -> Demise invades -> Skyward Sword -> Ocarina of Time -> ??? -> Creation of Divine Beasts -> BotW -> TotK
I also have a minor piece of evidence, but it's not concrete. In the tutorial, Rauru says his kingdom was on the surface. This implies the sky islands didn't exist during the Zonai Era. It is possible that the sky islands came to be when Hylia evacuated the surface-dwellers from the demon tribe, creating Skyloft and all the sky islands in TotK, long after the time of Rauru.
Of course, this theory isn't perfect. Ganondorf did rise to power without a Link existing in at least one game before - Wind Waker. Demise's curse is not specific to Zelda and Link in the original Japanese script. TotKdorf could've called Sonia a Hyrulean simply because that's her nationality. Sonia could be descended from Skyward!Zelda to explain her Light power. Hyrule Historia already has the kingdom established after Skyward Sword takes place, and maybe that hasn't changed. Rauru warns TotKdorf of Link and "the sword that seals the darkness", and we don't see Zelda mention the Master Sword to him, so maybe he did know of the Hero of Sky, just not his name. Maybe Rauru established this version of Hyrule way after all the other games, when the previous Hyrule was lost to time. Maybe BotW is a reboot!
No timeline posited in this franchise is perfect - not even the official one. Least of all mine!
Either way, I hope the evidence I've gathered here makes sense enough, for you to consider the possibility of the placement of Rauru's kingship in the ever-messier timeline of The Legend of Zelda.

Disclaimer! This post assumes BotW and TotK happen in the timeline in Hyrule Historia. This post does not reference the Capcom published games, or any manga. Spoilers for the Tears of the Kingdom.
Many people believe that the reign of Rauru takes place during the Era of Prosperity, long after the events of Skyward Sword. However, some key elements from ToTK contradict this.

1. Hylians are said to have already lived on the surface before Demise conquered their homeland and they escaped to Skyloft, before Skyward Sword. However, TotKdorf refers to Sonia as a Hyrulean, not a Hylian. It's strange he specifically calls her that instead of the race that repopulated the surface after Skyward Sword. Source: Memory #6
2. Rauru has never heard of Link. He only learns of Link from Zelda. If he came to power after Skyward Sword takes place, you'd think a godlike being who descended from the sky would know of the hero of Skyloft. Source: Memory #8
3. At the end of Skyward Sword, Demise curses the "blood of the goddess, and the spirit of the hero". Zelda promises that she and Link will reincarnate to stop him every time. This is the beginning of Ganondorf, Zelda, and Link being reincarnated across the eons, locked in an eternal battle. However, TotKdorf comes to power in an era without Link. One might argue Sonia has the blood of the goddess and descends from Skyward!Zelda, or that technically Wild!Zelda was teleported to that era, but there is no Link equivalent in this period. There is no spirit of the hero.

So, if Skyward Sword happened before Rauru's time, then why is Sonia not called a Hylian? Why does Rauru not know of the legends? Why is TotKdorf here when Demise's curse is supposed to be for Zelda and Link specifically? Because Skyward Sword hasn't happened yet. Hylians didn't exist yet. The hero who seals the darkness wasn't born yet. Demise had not placed his curse yet.
The reign of Rauru predates the Sky Era, and even the Era of the Goddess Hylia. The kingdom established in The Era of Prosperity is a successor kingdom ruled by his descendants.
Across the franchise, Hylians are said to be close to the gods (Source: ALttP, TP, probably more). The Zonai are said to be descendants of the gods. (Source: Memory #14). It is possible that the intermarrying of the Zonai and native Hyruleans create the race of Hylians.
We know that the Calamity is a recurring event in Hyrule's history. (Source: Symin in the quest Teach Me a Lesson). It is possible that Demise was the first Calamity, born from the overflowing Malice of the sealed ToTKdorf, just as Calamity Ganon was born from the same source 10,000 years before BotW.
So, after the Imprisoning War with Rauru and the secret stone sages...

1. Eventually, the intermarrying of Zonai and Hyrulean natives will create Hylians, who will populate the surface. The goddess Hylia will live among them. This time will be known as the Era of the Goddess Hylia.
2. Eventually, TotKdorf sealed under Hyrule will leak enough Malice to birth Demise of the demon tribe. He will conquer the surface, and Hylians will escape to Skyloft. This is the first Calamity, and begins the Sky Era.
3. Eventually, Hylia will reincarnate as Zelda of Skyloft, a Hylian descended from Rauru and Sonia. Link will be born a Hylian of Skyloft as well. Together they will forge the Master Sword and save Skyloft and the surface from Demise. Demise will curse the blood of the goddess, and the spirit of the hero. Zelda will promise she and Link will reincarnate to stop him every time.

The rest of the timeline happens from here. Demise's curse manifests as OoTdorf, and his seizing of the Triforce of Power is another Calamity. The timeline splits. Across three different timelines, Ganondorf / Ganon keeps coming back as Calamities, each time fulfilling Demise's curse.
Eventually, in at least one timeline, the Calamity degenerates into the bestial Calamity Ganon. The Shiekah create Divine Beasts and Guardians to stop it. And the rest, you already know.
In short: World's Creation -> Zonai descend to earth -> Rauru establishes Hyrule -> Demise invades -> Skyward Sword -> Ocarina of Time -> ??? -> Creation of Divine Beasts -> BotW -> TotK
I also have a minor piece of evidence, but it's not concrete. In the tutorial, Rauru says his kingdom was on the surface. This implies the sky islands didn't exist during the Zonai Era. It is possible that the sky islands came to be when Hylia evacuated the surface-dwellers from the demon tribe, creating Skyloft and all the sky islands in TotK, long after the time of Rauru.
Of course, this theory isn't perfect. Ganondorf did rise to power without a Link existing in at least one game before - Wind Waker. Demise's curse is not specific to Zelda and Link in the original Japanese script. TotKdorf could've called Sonia a Hyrulean simply because that's her nationality. Sonia could be descended from Skyward!Zelda to explain her Light power. Hyrule Historia already has the kingdom established after Skyward Sword takes place, and maybe that hasn't changed. Rauru warns TotKdorf of Link and "the sword that seals the darkness", and we don't see Zelda mention the Master Sword to him, so maybe he did know of the Hero of Sky, just not his name. Maybe Rauru established this version of Hyrule way after all the other games, when the previous Hyrule was lost to time. Maybe BotW is a reboot!
No timeline posited in this franchise is perfect - not even the official one. Least of all mine!
Either way, I hope the evidence I've gathered here makes sense enough, for you to consider the possibility of the placement of Rauru's kingship in the ever-messier timeline of The Legend of Zelda.

Hi all, continuing my writing improvement journey today. Any and all feedback would be appreciated on the below opening chapter.
Would you read more, does it read well, is the pacing ok, etc?
[2.5k words]
Anything is super helpful! TIA
(Apologies for any formatting issues).
—
[Chapter 1] – The beginning of the end
Olarte crumpled to his knees, wincing as the sharp edges of the cave's rocky floor cut into his flesh. There was probably an easier way of doing this, he thought. A hot humid breath pressed on his neck, stark in contrast to the coolness of the cave.
“G-Get up.”
A strong hand clamped down on Olarte's shoulder, his muscles tensing under the pressure. He shrugged, trying to shake off the grip.
"I've already told you," Olarte said, flinching as the man shoved him. "I'm not going to do anything. I'll help you find it, Son of Maheraf." The stalactites above dripped water, creating a soothing rhythm like a heartbeat. An aroma of damp earth hung in the air. Tunnels led off in every direction, making it seem as if the cave stretched on for miles. The ground uneven, with jagged rocks and stones jutting out.
Despite its intimidating appearance, the cave brought a strange comfort to Olarte. It felt like sinking into a cushion in front of a roaring hearth, a warm bowl of stew on a cold winter's evening, or a comforting embrace from a loving mother.
“Are you alright?” a voice spoke out of the darkness. The words were soft, brushing along the cave walls with care and thought. Olarte smiled and turned his head to see a number of purple crystals glowing, almost pulsating along the floor. “I'll be fine. Although I'm afraid our time has come, my dear.”
“Who are you speaking to?” The Son of Maheraf spat, his words hit the cave walls like a handful of rocks. “What language are you speaking?”
Olarte hadn't spoken in his native tongue for so long that he hadn’t realised he was speaking it. "I'm saying a prayer to the cave to protect us from harm.” he replied. "To keep us safe. You do want to be protected, don't you?" He’ll fall for anything superstitious, they all do.
The captor glared at him. "O-of course.” The man rolled up his sleeves. Clearly trying to present a tough aura. One hand hovering over his swords handle. “Go on then, get on with it."
Olarte pushed himself up, his knees aching as he brushed a thick layer of dust and blood from his trousers. He stepped forward carefully avoiding the glowing crystals lining the floor, their eerie light turning the shadows a deep purple. He bent down, reached out and ran his fingers over one of the crystals, finding comfort in its cool, smooth surface. “We must open The Crystal, my dear,” he said softly.
“Are you stalling?” the captor said, returning a grip on Olarte's shoulder. “No, no, of course not,” Olarte replied quickly, turning to face the captor. “All part of the blessing.”
The captor snorted. “Don’t take me for a fool, Olarte, I-I’m warning you.”
“Charming one this friend of yours, Olarte.” The voice from the shadows hushed tone echoed softly. “Is it really time to open it?”
Olarte glanced at the captor.
“Don't worry, he can't hear me.” The voice let out a sigh that seemed to caress the cave walls. “I’d have a few things to say to your friend if he could.”
Olarte's face straightened. “It is time. It must be done. The Fifth Moon is in the night sky. As we planned, my dear, we must act before The Sixth Moon.”
“And this man, is he the right one to share the truth with?”
“Yes, my dear. He's the Son of Maheraf, leader of Remmus. Maheraf will listen to his son, and the people of Remmus will listen to Maheraf.”
“How did you get him to come here?”
“Well, my dear. A rumour may have spread around town that a certain smuggler has hidden some treasure in these tunnels.” Olarte grinned. “You know how these high-ranking officials love their wealth.”
“Yes, I could see you as a smuggler, Olarte.” The voice’s chuckle softened the walls. “Very well, I trust you. I shall light the way.” The dripping from stalactite stopped, a blanket of silence draped over the cave. “This is what we've worked for. This is how we'll be remembered, Olarte. This is the beginning of the end.”
“Move.” The captor gave Olarte another shove. “I think we’re done with the offerings.” The silence lifted, the dripping returned, and the crystals drew a path towards one of the tunnels at the far end of the cavern.
Olarte led the way through the twisting, narrowing tunnel, his eyes fixed on the glowing purple crystals illuminating the path. "The tunnels here are treacherous. Follow me closely so you don't lose your way."
His captor scoffed. "A-Are you sure you've remembered the way correctly?" The man looked at the three tunnel entrances ahead. "It could be down any of these tunnels." "It's down this one. I can see The Light," Olarte smiled.
"What light?" The man looked around. "All I see is my lantern."
"No, no. Son of Maheraf. I see The Light." "Wait. You're a Light Seeker? Like those creatures from the tales?" He chuckled. “Sure, and I’m off to dinner with Lady Lucinda this evening, with her solid gold boots.”
Olarte smiled, not because he knew the truth but because he remembered hearing the tale of Lady Lucinda from his brother when he was younger. Simpler times... what I’d give to hear his storytelling once more. "All tales have to start somewhere. All start with some truth." Olarte pulled his coat around him more tightly moving deeper into the tunnels, the walls closing in around the two men. The sound of dripping water was now a distant echo. "It won't be much longer. The treasure you seek is close at hand."
“It had better be worth it.”
Olarte raised his hands, the line of crystals rose from the floor hovering gracefully at eye-level. “Oh, I think you’ll find it’s worth it.”
The Son of Maheraf flinched at the words "Mercy of Remmus," his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. If the moon had been visible from inside the cave, his face would have matched its pallor.
"Oh, don't fear Son of Maheraf. Not all Light Seekers are like the tales." "So. Th-This treasure, it's not gold and jewels, is it?"
"No, I'm afraid not."
Olarte descended further into the tunnels, the air grew colder, the scent of damp earth thickened. Olarte led the way through the twisting and narrowing walls. During each tight squeeze, the tunnel echoed with the sounds of grunts and the clatter of loose stones. Eventually, the crystal pathway faded to a small hole at the end of the tunnel.
"You're not s-serious, are you?" The man stuttered, looking at the hole in disbelief.
"After you." Olarte gestured towards the small hole. It was the perfect size for a man to fit through. Just one man. Not a well-fed man.
The captor rolled his eyes and cursed. "Tell me first. The t-treasure. What is it?"
"It's a book." Olarte bent down and picked up a small rock. He wrapped his fingers around the subtle indentations. "A book wealthy in knowledge." He snapped the rock in half. "A book that tells of the past, the present, and the future." He broke it into quarters. "A book that will decide the fate of Remmus." Olarte let the four pieces of rock fall to the ground.
"Th-That all sounds rather...rather important." The man rubbed his sweaty palms on his shirt. "I-I think I'll leave this treasure to you, my friend." He took a few steps back before breaking out into a run.
"Oh, I'm afraid it's not a choice, Son of Maheraf." Olarte raised both hands. As he did, a purple wall of crystal blocked off the Son of Maheraf's escape. "You must read the book. You are The One Reader. You are the one destined for its truths."
The captor pulled out his sword and swiped it at the crystal wall. The steel blade broke in half, falling to the floor. A metallic ringing bounced around the tunnel, causing some of the ceiling to break away. Olarte shielded his head. I'd be surprised if he didn't try that. I'd have done the same. The man fell to his knees and stared at Olarte.
"W-What is this magic?" He held the two parts of his sword it each hand observing the terrific neatness of the split.
"All your answers are inside this Book." Olarte gestured towards the man-sized hole once more. "Now, please, after you."
The Son of Maheraf stumbled towards the hole, mouth gaping. His eyes darting between the crystal wall, the broken blade, and Olarte. Lying flat on his belly, he pulled himself through, grunting as the sharp rocks tore at his clothes.
Olarte followed. Through the other side he emerged from the narrow passage, entering a vast chamber. At its center stood a colossal crystal pulsating with a lavender purple hue, casting a surreal glow illuminating every corner of the room. It rose from the ground, towering over them like the summit of an iceberg or the peak of a mountain, its size rivaling that of a ship tilted on its stern.
The air filled with a sweet fragrance, reminiscent of honey and tulips on the first warm day of spring. Delicate chimes echoed throughout the chamber, dust in the air dancing and shimmering in the crystal's enchanting light, casting a beautiful rainbow sparkle. The walls were encrusted with thousands of white crystals, each one glittering and twinkling in perfect harmony with the gentle chimes.
A ring of water encircled the chamber, emanating a soft, lapping sound resonating off the crystalline walls. It was as if the crystal at the center of the room had summoned the water, as if it were a natural extension of its ethereal presence. The water glimmered with a deep, cerulean blue, reflecting the vibrant purple of the central crystal and casting a surreal radiance across the entire room.
Olarte stood next to the Son of Maheraf at the water’s edge, their reflections distorted by the ripples. The water dancing and shimmering in time with the chimes, each one creating a mesmerising pattern of light and sound. The chiming was muted by the soft lapping of the water, creating a soothing melody that played through the chamber. Olarte gestured towards the water. “Step onto the water, Son of Maheraf.”
“I-I'm not sure about this.” He took a step back, his eyes darting around, hands fidgeting with the bottom of his shirt.
Olarte raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter? Not scared, are we?" he asked, tapping his foot. He glanced at the crystal and then back to the water, a scowl forming on his face as he waited for the Son of Maheraf to make a decision.
The Son of Maheraf bit his lip. "I-I... uh,"
Olarte rolled his eyes. "Just step onto the water," he gestured once more. "It's not going to hurt you.”
The Son of Maheraf took a deep breath, paused and walked onto the water. A glass-like bridge formed beneath his feet. Olarte followed, he could feel the surface rippling, humming out to the center of the room.
Olarte placed his hand on the Son of Maheraf’s shoulder. "Yes, it is quite remarkable, isn’t it?" He then nudged him forward.
The Son of Maheraf, didn’t take his eyes of the surface below. “What in the name of Remmus is this?”
"The bridge is made of a special material that responds to the presence of those who are worthy to enter this chamber. It's as if it can sense your intentions and your character. Light Magic, a wonderous thing that no one truly understands."
"But how does it do that?" he asked.
Olarte shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure. It's one of the mysteries of this place. But I do know that it is a manifestation of the crystal's power. It can create and manipulate matter in ways that we can't fully understand."
“What do you mean create and manipulate?”
“Well, just as the bridge responds to your presence, Light Magic can also create other objects when it senses you need them.”
"R-Really? Like what?"
"Like the lectern and chair, for example." Olarte pointed towards an alcove appearing at the base of the crystal. "They are here for you to use as you read the book. The Light knows what you need and will provide it for you, no matter the situation."
“No matter the situation?”
“Well, as long as you know how to call it.”
“So, what you did back there, blocking off the tunnel, that was you calling The Light.”
“Calling, channeling, speaking. It’s known as many things. But yes.”
“H-How does one ‘call The Light’ then?”
"The Book, Son of Maheraf," Olarte gestured towards the alcove, where an ornate lectern awaited, adorned in intricate patterns of lines and symbols. Atop it rested a closed tome, beckoning with an air of mystique. Beside it, a chair of the same crystalline glass-like material, bearing the similar exquisite engravings sat awaiting its reader.
Olarte watched as the Son of Maheraf approached the lectern, who’s eyes were glued to the closed book sitting atop it. The intricate patterns on the lectern shimmering and shifting, as if alive, in the glow of the purple light from the towering crystal. The chiming grew louder, and the colors of the rainbow sparkles in the air intensified. The hum of the crystal seemed to grow stronger, pulsing through the room like the adrenaline of a beast preparing for the fight of its life.
The Son of Maheraf seemed to hesitate for a moment. He then reached out to take the book, his hand trembling. He perched on the armchair beside the lectern, the glass-like material creaking slightly beneath his weight. With a deep breath, he opened the book, and immediately, all the light in room intensified into a bright white glow.
[Chapter 2] — THE BOOK OF NIWRAD Welcome to the Book of Niwrad. You are reading this because there is a chance. One chance. That we can stop it all from happening. The past, the present and the future. And through this book, I will show you everything you need to know about how our world split into five.

Prayer based on Revelation 4:1-11
God’s judgments proceed from His Throne, and He will judge all evil and vindicate God's holy people.
Father, we thank You for inviting John into Your Throne Room.
John sees a door standing open in heaven, and a mighty voice calls him to come up. The throne of God is central, and God is seated upon it. Ezekiel also saw the heavens open and saw similar visions of God. (Ezekiel chapter 1) John does his best to describe the one who sat on the throne. He had the appearance of jewels. (imagine flashes of bright, colorful light) Around the throne was an emerald rainbow. John continues to describe everything that surrounds the throne. In front of the throne was a sea of glass clear as crystal. Around the throne were 24 other thrones. On these thrones were seated 24 elders, closed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. (possibly the 12 sons of Abraham and the 12 apostles, representing the total raptured Church) From the throne came flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder. This terrifying scene was also seen by the Israelites when God descended on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 20:18) In front of the throne were burning seven torches of fire which are the seven spirits of God. John then goes on to describe the four living creatures that are flying around the throne and crying out continuously Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (Ezekiel 1:4-28, Isaiah 6:1-4) The 24 elders fell down and cast their crowns before the throne, crying worthy is the Lord to receive all glory, honor, and power. What a scene!
Father, You have created all things and they exist only by Your will and power. May we rest and rejoice in that truth. Amen.
Questions for reflection and meditation: 1. What does this passage tell us about the attributes of God? 2. What are the benefits of knowing and believing correctly about God? 3. What problems occur when our view of God is too small?

Prayer based on Revelation 4:1-11
God’s judgments proceed from His Throne, and He will judge all evil and vindicate God's holy people.
Father, we thank You for inviting John into Your Throne Room.
John sees a door standing open in heaven, and a mighty voice calls him to come up. The throne of God is central, and God is seated upon it. Ezekiel also saw the heavens open and saw similar visions of God. (Ezekiel chapter 1) John does his best to describe the one who sat on the throne. He had the appearance of jewels. (imagine flashes of bright, colorful light) Around the throne was an emerald rainbow. John continues to describe everything that surrounds the throne. In front of the throne was a sea of glass clear as crystal. Around the throne were 24 other thrones. On these thrones were seated 24 elders, closed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. (possibly the 12 sons of Abraham and the 12 apostles, representing the total raptured Church) From the throne came flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder. This terrifying scene was also seen by the Israelites when God descended on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 20:18) In front of the throne were burning seven torches of fire which are the seven spirits of God. John then goes on to describe the four living creatures that are flying around the throne and crying out continuously Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (Ezekiel 1:4-28, Isaiah 6:1-4) The 24 elders fell down and cast their crowns before the throne, crying worthy is the Lord to receive all glory, honor, and power. What a scene!
Father, You have created all things and they exist only by Your will and power. May we rest and rejoice in that truth. Amen.
Questions for reflection and meditation: 1. What does this passage tell us about the attributes of God? 2. What are the benefits of knowing and believing correctly about God? 3. What problems occur when our view of God is too small?

Prayer based on Revelation 4:1-11
God’s judgments proceed from His Throne, and He will judge all evil and vindicate God's holy people.
Father, we thank You for inviting John into Your Throne Room.
John sees a door standing open in heaven, and a mighty voice calls him to come up. The throne of God is central, and God is seated upon it. Ezekiel also saw the heavens open and saw similar visions of God. (Ezekiel chapter 1) John does his best to describe the one who sat on the throne. He had the appearance of jewels. (imagine flashes of bright, colorful light) Around the throne was an emerald rainbow. John continues to describe everything that surrounds the throne. In front of the throne was a sea of glass clear as crystal. Around the throne were 24 other thrones. On these thrones were seated 24 elders, closed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. (possibly the 12 sons of Abraham and the 12 apostles, representing the total raptured Church) From the throne came flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder. This terrifying scene was also seen by the Israelites when God descended on Mount Sinai. (Exodus 20:18) In front of the throne were burning seven torches of fire which are the seven spirits of God. John then goes on to describe the four living creatures that are flying around the throne and crying out continuously Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (Ezekiel 1:4-28, Isaiah 6:1-4) The 24 elders fell down and cast their crowns before the throne, crying worthy is the Lord to receive all glory, honor, and power. What a scene!
Father, You have created all things and they exist only by Your will and power. May we rest and rejoice in that truth. Amen.
Questions for reflection and meditation: 1. What does this passage tell us about the attributes of God? 2. What are the benefits of knowing and believing correctly about God? 3. What problems occur when our view of God is too small?

​
What is ashwagandha?
The ashwagandha plant is one of the most powerful herbs. Various parts of the ashwagandha plant are used for medicinal purposes, with ashwagandha extract mainly being used in supplements. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a natural agent that reportedly helps the body cope with stress. As a result, it’s believed to be effective at helping reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. It may also therefore potentially help with anxiety and depression too.
What does ashwagandha do?
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is known to help reduce stress and anxiety. One way it does this is by reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress. Additionally, ashwagandha has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, both of which can be negatively affected by stress.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve cognitive function. One study showed that it improved memory and reaction time in healthy adults. Another study found that it improved task performance in people with ADHD. Additionally, ashwagandha may help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Boosts Energy Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown to boost energy levels. One study showed that it increased stamina and reduced fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Additionally, ashwagandha may help improve exercise performance.
Additionally, ashwagandha may also help improve sleep quality and reduce inflammation. These effects can all contribute to enhanced energy levels.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. One study showed that it improved insulin sensitivity in people with type II diabetes. Additionally, ashwagandha may help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and improve symptoms of diabetes.
Additionally, ashwagandha may also help lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. These effects can also contribute to improved blood sugar control.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Ashwagandha has been shown to help lower blood pressure. One study showed that it improved blood pressure in people with hypertension. Additionally, ashwagandha may help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Is ashwagandha safe?
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people. However, it can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting in some people. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to avoid ashwagandha.
What happens when you take ashwagandha daily?
As a sleep aid, ashwagandha may help people get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer. It is also used to promote male potency. Ashwagandha has a variety of health benefits, including reduced blood sugar levels, inflammation, mood, memory, stress and anxiety relief, as well as an increase in muscle strength and fertility. Depending on your requirements, dosages vary from 250 to 500 mg per day for at least one month.
When it comes to stress relief, ashwagandha may be as effective as some prescription medications. A 2010 study found that the herb was just as effective as lorazepam (Ativan) in reducing stress and anxiety. click the link below to learn more about abhwagandha, and its real health benefits.
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This is Part 2 because of the character limit, go here to get caught up: https://www.reddit.com/TheDarkGathering/comments/13urkbj/the_thing_in_the_cracks_part_1/
Talbot awoke in a round corridor. At least he thought that’s what it was. The corridor seemed to be made of dark stone, rough and ridged like a worm’s tunnel, but on a massive scale. Despite no visible light source, Talbot found he could make out every detail in the space around him.
Talbot shakily stood up and considered his situation. His hands were shaking. He supposed nearly getting killed by lethal injection and then shattering the very fabric of reality itself took a toll on the psyche. He reflexively reached for his notebook to note that down, and with a pang remembered that it was gone. He would likely never see it again.
Glancing around, Talbot wondered at how normal everything looked, considering he was in the fifth dimension. There was likely more going on under the surface, but from his vantage it just looked like an oddly lit cave.
Talbot noted that there was no sign of Willis. He’d distinctly remembered the other man getting pulled through time and space with him, but at some point during the traversal his hand had been wrenched away from Talbot’s wrist. Had he been shunted back to their reality, or was he here somewhere?
A deep rumble began to grow beneath Talbot’s feet. The entire cave shook like an earthquake as Talbot scrambled to the side of the tube.
Confused, the man glanced around. He saw no probable cause for the rumbling, no subterranean vehicles or even geological fissures that could explain the vibrations.
Turning, he realized with a start that the rumbling was slightly stronger on one side of him. If it was directional, there was an actual source, not just a general shaking of the environment.
Talbot began moving away from the rumbling, as it continued to grow stronger.
Eventually, he broke into a full run as everything around him shook. He felt like his skull was going to burst. It felt like something was chasing him, a massive subterranean beast.
As the rumbling kept growing, Talbot tripped. Out of nowhere, his foot slipped and he sprawled to the ground, crying out as he landed on his arm. He tried to get back up, which was when he realized there was something right behind him.
Talbot hit the deck, right as something zoomed directly above his head. Wind pulled at his hair and it felt like he was directly under a train.
Talbot screamed, but it was drowned out by the impossibly loud whoosh of the thing above him. He gingerly flipped onto his back, barely staying clear of the surface of whatever was making the sound, in order to see what was above him.
There was nothing but empty space.
Then, he could suddenly see a long gray tube rushing past impossibly quickly. Then it was gone again, but the rushing was still there. It was blinking in and out of existence, only appearing for short bursts, but still there in its invisible state. Talbot realized that it must be dipping in and out of the Fifth Dimension, his own limited perception unable to comprehend its greater state.
Eventually, the thing slowed and stopped. As it was still, Talbot got a better look at it.
It was definitely organic. The exterior of the tube had a pale gray color, with a texture not unlike skin. However, as opposed to the neat, even lines separating cells on human skin, the striations on the thing seemed almost random, forming a surface that, although smooth, had the jagged impression of rough crags.
As Talbot examined the thing and wished he’d brought a camera, he heard something. From the object’s direction of origin, a deep groan emanated from lord-knew-where. Talbot winced as it hit his ears, the bellow deafening. He could immediately detect three things about the cry, judging by the cadence and the way it had slowly grown from an origin point. First, it definitely came from a living thing. Nothing artificial made that noise. Second, it came from very far away. And thirdly, it came from something massive. Impossibly so.
From the other direction, so comparably quiet he barely heard, Talbot made out a shriek that was horribly human.
The thing above him shifted and despite having almost a foot of clearance, Talbot instinctively sucked in his gut.
The tube… the limb began moving in the opposite direction, back towards its origin point.
Like a train, it started slowly but accelerated quickly, beginning to blink in and out of Talbot’s vision once again.
Talbot heard the scream again, closer this time. It seemed likely that whatever this thing was had found and grabbed another person.
After several long moments, the end of the limb finally reached Talbot, shooting past and above him like a tape measure shooting back into its shell when a button was pressed.
After it passed, Talbot sprang to his feet and finally got a good look at the end of the thing’s limb. The actual tube rounded off, dispelling any predictions about a monstrous tentacle. However, what was on the end of the limb may’ve been even more horrible.
Four long finger-like appendages were arranged around the limb radially, each one emerging from the edge of the flat tendril end. They were unnaturally thin, and despite somewhat resembling fingers, they had no visible knuckles and were tipped with sharp claws that appeared to be made of bone. They bent in, each holding their prey in place. Their prey in question was Tim Willis, currently pulling against the monstrous cage. The four outer digits pressed on each of his limbs, drawing blood where they poked him.
The limb, and Willis with it, disappeared around a bend in the tunnel. Talbot ran after it. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do, or if he was going to save the man, but he knew that no matter what happened, he wanted to see it.
For a long while Talbot chased the thing, barely keeping pace due to his cardio experience. During the run, whatever existed here continued bellowing, getting louder each time. In addition, each time he set his foot down, the ground felt slightly warmer.
Eventually he fell back, and lost sight of the thing completely. It was impressive that a man of his age and lifestyle had managed to follow the thing for so long, but he had to take a knee as exhaustion racked him. He continued following its path, but at a slower pace.
Eventually Talbot emerged into a much larger chamber. The air here was blistering, and the intermittent bellows had grown so loud that Talbot had to cover his ears every few minutes to keep from suffering permanent damage.
This cavern left him speechless.
Unlike the passage, with its unidentifiable neutral lighting, this cavern was dark, intermittently lit by what appeared to be giant glowworms, each perched on a rock surface and oozing an ugly orange aura into the space around it.
Less than half of the room was lit, but it was enough for Talbot to see that the remaining more-than-half was taken up by a monstrous… thing the same shade as the limb.
It was like a spider, in the same way that a massive dragonfish from the bottom of the sea is like a goldfish. Its main body was shaped like a blimp, and about the size of one too. A large abdomen sagged beneath it as it hung in the exact center of the room, and eight radially symmetrical limbs stuck to eight points around the cavern, suspending it in the middle of the room, and making it look like the center of a giant wheel, each limb serving as the spokes.
This facsimile was somewhat broken by the auxiliary limbs attached to its thorax, countless smaller tendrils identical to the one that held Willis. Some hovered around the thing’s ‘face’, while others darted towards countless holes in the rock around the cavern. As they moved, they blinked in and out of Talbot’s vision as they tapped into primordial forces beyond his eyes.
The cavern was dotted with holes, all exactly the same size and shape as the one Talbot stood in the lip of now. He realized that this thing and its countless appendages must’ve bored into the stone around it, creating a labyrinthine lair not dissimilar to an ant’s hive, but with one crucial difference. Rather than hundreds of tiny workers, this entire place had been built by, and for, one monstrous being.
Talbot was so stunned by the beast that he didn’t notice one of its many tendrils coming straight for him.
It appeared directly in front of his face, resulting in a jumpscare that sent him tumbling backwards, falling onto his back.
The thing moved like a snake, if a snake was constantly flipping between visible and invisible.
It struck, speeding downwards towards the chemist. Talbot braced for impact, but just before it could hit him it disappeared.
Talbot sat relieved, as it had apparently teleported somewhere else.
That was until it reappeared with the fingers around his torso.
The tendril had re-manifested just past him, the fingers clipping partway into the floor as they cradled him. Talbot felt four small pricks in his back and the backs of his thighs, where the claws had pierced his flesh.
The thing pulled him upwards, the fingers embedded in the ground breaking out of the stone beneath him and sending chunks of rock several feet in all directions.
The tendril shot up towards the ceiling of the cavern, rising what must’ve been 60 feet in half a second. Talbot could barely see the ground around the tendril, far enough below to dizzy him.
Talbot saw stars.
Talbot wished he could see the stars.
The tendril took him, in a daze, towards the thing’s face. As Talbot grew closer, he heard a ragged hissing, like an oxygen tank leaking. He realized it was the monster breathing, but immediately was unsure once its head turned toward him.
Its head was roughly human-shaped, but utterly inhuman in every other way. Five dark pits, facsimiles of eyes, were arranged in a pentagonal shape on the top half of its face. The bottom half was flat skin, but flat skin that seemed to be vertically stretched, as though it’d been draped over some opening. That was possibly where the breathing was coming from, but there was no way to tell with no actually apparent orifice.
The thing seemed to sniff Talbot, despite having no nose. Then it turned, and brought another piece of potential food to its head.
With a start, Talbot realized Willis was still alive. Or at least, unconsumed. He hung limp from his tendril, held in place by the finger-things and seemingly unconscious.
But the Thing wasn’t interested in either of them, not yet at least. It brought one of its tendrils up to its head before plunging it directly toward a nearby rock face. Right before it made contact, it disappeared.
Talbot reached towards Willis, but he was just outside of his reach. He didn’t want to yell to the man. The thing had no ears, but there was no guarantee that it couldn’t hear somehow.
The tendril that the thing had sent away reappeared, seemingly partially buried in the rock face. The thing wrenched its tendril from the rock, leaving behind a shallow pockmark in the cave.
Skewered on the spine was a small man. He flailed wildly and screamed something in a language Talbot didn’t know. He was wearing a business suit, but his pants were around his ankles, with baby blue boxers underneath.
Talbot wondered where he’d come from, then realized with a start that he’d likely originated from the real world. Meaning that this thing could reach beyond this reality and into their reality. Oh shit. Maybe he should’ve listened to Talc. If he and Willis hadn’t breached the Fifth Dimension, maybe the thing couldn’t’ve done the same, and this man might still be safe out there.
The thing brought the man towards its face and did the strange sniffing motion again. Satisfied, it brought him even closer. Talbot, despite himself, was curious to see how it consumed prey, and so paused in his attempts to wake Willis in order to watch.
The man screamed as the tendril brought him right up to the thing’s face, and then the thing’s face disappeared, moving through the Fifth Dimension in the same way as its tendrils.
When it reappeared, it was halfway inside the man, the smooth layer of skin clipped through his abdomen.
The thing pulled its head back.
Talbot turned away as a bloodcurdling scream and a terrible ripping sound reverberated through the cavern. He reached for Willis again, and to his surprise, found that he could reach him. He tapped him on the shoulder, and when he got no response, he slapped him in the face. Willis stirred, and slowly opened his eyes. He put a hand to his face and frowned. “Ow,” he said quietly.
Talbot put a finger to his lips and indicated the beast’s head with his eyes, and the gruesome consumption of the poor man.
Willis seemed to get the message. He quietly started prying each finger off of his body, praying that the thing had no nerves in the spines.
Talbot turned back towards the creature, which had repeated the teleportation maneuver a few more times before finally swallowing what remained of the man. Seemingly not quite satiated, Talbot’s tendril began to move as it pulled him closer to its face.
Talbot’s eyes widened and he looked back at Willis in fear. The man made a motion that suggested Talbot should try to stay calm, and that Willis would be along as soon as he’d freed himself.
Talbot tensed as he was pulled along, not wanting to be brought any closer to the monster. The thing brought him up to its face, and seemed to study him with the light-sensitive divots in its face. Talbot glanced back at Willis to see that he’d moved 2 of 4 fingers out of place. The larger man shot him a reassuring nod.
Turning back to the monster, Talbot realized that the other man wouldn’t get here in time. The thing was already lunging its head forward, and it blinked away.
It reappeared with Talbot’s shins inside its face. Behind the skin, Talbot’s feet could feel a damp cavity, so there was presumably a mouth of some sort behind the surface, and it wasn’t just solid flesh. A row of teeth closed around his legs, but not hard. They worked more to keep him in place than to actually damage his legs.
Talbot took a second to wonder why the hell he was considering the consumption mechanics of something that was actively chopping off his legs.
The tendril moved backwards, pulling Talbot away from the thing.
These last few lucid seconds, Talbot’s brain reverted to factory reset settings. Instead of hearing the wet tear of both his legs, or the strangely cartoonish wet pop as the bones in both his shins were yanked away from his kneecaps, he found himself focusing on the strangest things.
Talbot considered the glowworms. Were they native to the Fifth Dimension, or had they come here from his, or another, Earth? If they were native, the convergent evolution with Earth glowworms, especially in an environment so alien, was coincidental to an unfathomable degree. If they had originated from Earth, however, why the orange glow? No glow worms on Earth glowed orange. Also, if they were Earthly, why did the thing not eat them? Did it only eat humans? Was it that cunning? That cruel?
Oh, Talbot realized, I’m falling.
He blacked out before hitting the ground.
Talbot’s first thought upon waking up was, Holy shit, I’m still alive. His second thought was, Holy shit, how the hell am I still alive?
His inner ear told him he was prone, but it’d been on the fritz ever since he’d arrived, so he opened his eyes to make sure. They confirmed what his ear was saying, and he took a quick second to thank all his organs for functioning so well under stress.
Willis sat next to him, notably more intact. He was wearing no shirt, and both his abdomen wound and Talbot’s stubs were bound in the fabric of an Anderson Innovations janitor’s uniform.
Talbot started staring at his abs, which caused Willis to glance down at him.
The other man cleared his throat. “Oh, you’re still alive?”
Talbot nodded softly. “Does it not know where we are?”
“Not yet,” Willis shrugged, “It has no eyes and didn’t see us escape, so it’s sending out tendrils through each passage, and hasn’t picked this one yet. I guess we got lucky when I dragged you in here.”
“Yeah. Why is that, by the way? You were just about to kill me before I trapped you in a hellish cave dimension.” He considered his words. “Which would only be more reason to kill me.”
Willis shook his head and chuckled tiredly. “Call me an idealist, but I didn’t join a group called the Agency for the Preservation of Humanity to kill people. I’m not good at holding grudges.”
“Then why were you gonna kill me when we were still out there?”
“It’s different. I had orders. Now Talc isn’t here, so it’s my decision. The real question is how are you still alive even with my intervention?”
Talbot shrugged, which made him dizzy. “ I’m on my way out. That blood loss will kill me in a couple minutes, if that thing doesn’t find us first.”
Talbot glanced around the environment for the first time, and realized they were once again in one of the small side tubes. Loud bellowing filled the air as the thing presumably scoured its domain for the two men.
“Well, at least our sacrifice will save the rest of humanity.” Willis proclaimed.
Talbot chortled.
“What?” Willis responded.
“Didn’t you see the other guy get eaten?”
“What?! There was another guy?!”
“Yeah, it stole him from our world.”
“Goddammit Talbot, Talc said that would happen!”
“Yeah, sorry about that.” Talbot said, in a tone that didn’t sound very sorry.
“At least it was just once. Talc has your notes, so he’ll keep it from happening again.”
Talbot almost guffawed.
“Goddammit, what am I doing that’s so funny?!”
“No, it’s not you. Well, it is you, a little, but it’s mostly the fact that I… may’ve doomed humanity anyway.”
Willis was silent, which Talbot regrettably took as a prompt to continue.
“Cause you see,” the scientist slurred, getting more light-headed by the second, “before I tried to ship off the notebook to Johnson, I ripped out the most important parts and sent ‘em to Vincent Anderson, my boss.”
Willis remained silent.
“So, you know. Hopefully someone publishes that in a journal somewhere so that people can actually remember me.”
Willis punched him in the face, hard.
Once he recovered, Talbot nodded. Blood ran from his nose. “I deserved that. I’m sorry, I didn’t know that learning how to break reality would allow a Great Old One to start eating people.”
Willis shook his head in disgust. “Talc told you not to. Do you really think your legacy is more important than the survival of our species?”
Talbot didn’t respond. Whether it was because he was speechless or dead was unclear, and didn’t really matter in any case.
Willis turned and limped away.
Two days after Willis and Talbot disappeared to the Fifth Dimension, Talc said goodbye to… himself and Willis-2, and used a Seal of Traversal to return to his native dimension. He reported to his boss that Willis was gone and would not be returning, before going to Talbot’s house and opening the door with the key they’d taken from the scientist.
Talc went into Talbot’s kitchen and fetched a can of tuna and a jar of mayonnaise. He mixed the two together and filled the pet bowl on the counter. Noting that there was some left, he made himself a tuna sandwich and sat next to the bowl.
It took Ozymandius a while to approach Talc, and even longer to warm up to him. However, the cat was curled up against the delicate man, purring like an engine, by the time the sunset rolled around and they both watched it out the large windows at the back of Talbot’s house.
Talc’s phone rang.
“Yello?” Talc said to the unknown caller.
“Hey.”
Talc immediately tensed. The voice was, undeniably, Talbot’s.
“What is this?!? Where are you?!?”
When the Talcs and Willis had reviewed the CCTV footage, they’d realized exactly where Talbot and Willis had ended up, and had naturally concluded that they were dead.
“I honestly don’t know. I was just in the Fifth Dimension with Willis, but now I’m unsure. It’s dark, and my legs don’t hurt anymore.”
“What does that mean?! Are you still alive?! Is Willis still alive?!”
“I don’t think so. I think I’m dying. Already dead?”
“Then how are you talking to me? Are there phones in the fifth dimension?”
“Nah, I can just hear you. My hypotheses are that this is either a feverish hallucination in my dying moments, or that the Fifth Dimension can somehow…” Talbot’s speech sank into bleary muttering, and was unintelligible for several words. “...subsurface conduit.”
“Talbot, you’re delirious. That makes no sense.”
“Good, so it’s the other hypothesis. Just cause I know you won’t actually hear this, take care of my cat.”
Talc moved to speak, but Talbot continued.
“Oh also,” He added, almost as an afterthought, “I sent my notebook to Anderson, so watch out with that.”
“Wait what, excuse me?!”
The line went dead.
Talc heard a thunderous snapping sound. He whirled around to face the window, pressing his face against the glass and staring up at the sky.
A horrific ripping sound filled the air as the very fabric of the Fourth Dimension was rent apart, the sky above Talc yawning wide. The thing’s tendrils emerged from the rift in the atmosphere and descended towards the ground, each one darting around erratically as though tasting the air.
Talc did not know what Talbot, or Anderson, or whoever had done, but he knew that they had forever changed the world around them, and doomed a large portion of the human race.
You haven’t just opened Pandora’s box, you fool, Talc thought bitterly of the foolish chemist, You’ve blasted it apart with plastic explosives.
Talc returned to the couch and cradled Ozymandius. There was little to be done now.
Talc felt almost relieved that his decades-long vigil could finally come to an end.
The Cracks in the world had finally become holes, and through those holes came a flood.

The ffg verses resonate well with these phenomena found in nde reports. I dont endorse the blind following of nde reports as fact or blind following of any scripture as fact.
Death analogy as slipping off tight shoes or clothes found in some nde accounts
As a person sheds worn-out garments and wears new ones, likewise, at the time of death, the soul casts off its worn-out body and enters a new one Bhagwad Gita 2:22
Self judged Life review
And it will be said,˺ “Read your record. You ˹alone˺ are sufficient this Day to take account of yourself Quran 17:14
So, whoever does an atom's weight of good shall see it and whoever does an atom's weight of evil shall see it Quran 99:8-9
I experienced a very vivid life recall. … It was both painful and exquisitely beautiful. It was like viewing a film, filled with precise detail. Every single thought, word, deed, decision, and action was brought forth and re-experienced and re-examined. It was self-evaluation, with total transparency and honesty. Throughout, I was never judged by any of these divine beings. They simply held me in [l]ove, with complete compassion and acceptance. … In this review, I realized that I was every single person I’d ever encountered or thought of. As I merged with and became them, I felt exactly what they experienced as a result of my loving or unloving thoughts and actions. I saw it all from their point of view, not only how my actions affected them, but then through them [how that] affected others they encountered, as the effects kept on going. … I saw that the love we express ripples out, creating an everlasting beauty that is often unbeknownst to us at the time. … It felt as if we are living inside a grand game, which is perfectly designed to always give us another opportunity to get it right this time. … I saw that everything we do makes a difference. The impact we have on one another is profound. … In this process of ruthlessly honest self-reflection, nothing went unnoticed. Nothing was able to be hidden. Nothing. Not one single thing. This life review was like going through everything with a fine-tooth comb, looking under every rock, leaving no stone unturned, seeing into each crevice with a [d]ivine [l]ight that revealed every hidden place. And through the entire process, it was all looked at and discerned through the lens of [l]ove NDE 1
I had a life review where I saw ever single event from my life. I saw every act of goodness and kindness. I saw every act of spite or ill-will. I also got to see it from the other person's point of view. Although time did not exist, this life review took forever but in reality it was only a blink of a second NDE 2
Divine love or bright light
who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To him be honor and might forever 1 Timothy 6:16
God has promised the believers, both men and women, Gardens through which rivers flow, therein to abide, and blessed dwellings in Gardens of perpetual bliss; and greater than that is Gods pleasure with them. That indeed is the supreme triumph quran 9:72
God is the Light of the heavens and the earth. The example of His light is like a niche within which is a lamp, The lamp is within glass, the glass as if it were a pearly [white] star, Lit from [the oil of] a blessed olive tree, Neither of the east nor of the west, Whose oil would almost glow even if untouched by fire. Light upon light.God guides to His light whom He wills Quran 24:35
Those who believe and do righteous deeds, the Most Merciful will bestow on them love Quran 19:96
He is the source of light in all luminaries, and is entirely beyond the darkness of ignorance. He is knowledge, the object of knowledge, and the goal of knowledge. He dwells within the hearts of all living beings Bhagwad Gita 13:18
Anybody who’s ever gone into the light comes back to talk about this … unconditional love and bliss that they experienced in the light. … Most people when they describe it, they say it’s the most incredible … loving experience, they feel full of love and what I experienced, it was kind of like, it was almost as if I had turned into champagne, and I was bubbling. You know like my molecules were bubbling and love was going through my molecules and then coming back out from them. And when people describe that, they say it’s the most incredible thing in the world. Well it is, but, it gets better. … Merging into the source was the most intense experience I had ever had. And that is one of the attributes of unconditional love, its intensity. The emotions that we have when we’re out of these bodies are far more intense than everything we ever experience in the body. The bodies really filter out a lot of emotions that we’re capable of. … Have you ever been moved to tears by something? Like maybe by love, or beauty, or gratitude? Or just had that feeling where you were just so moved that you literally cried? You know how strong and vibrant that is, and how cleansing and all-consuming it can be? The unconditional love that we feel in the afterlife is like a hundred or a thousand times more intense than that. Take that feeling and take away the tears and substitute joy, and so make it a joyous love … that you’re feeling[.] … And that will give you a tiny little taste of what unconditional love feels like NDE 3
And a lot of experiencers talk about love, about this being a place of love, and I’ve tried to think of adjectives to describe this, the intensity of this love, you know. Unconditional, pure, powerful. The only one that I can think of that works is infinite. It was infinite. … It was infinite love. If you can imagine your baby that you love, imagine like the most intense feeling of love you’ve ever had, your mother, or your dog, whatever, whatever it is, imagine that … infinite! No end. So powerful and so absorbing. Wave after wave after wave of cleansing white love washing over me, and I became, I was the light. It was so beautiful, it was so beautiful NDE 4
So I went into the light, and as I was moving up into the light, I just started to feel so good. You know like I can’t, words can’t explain it. Like the higher that I went into the light, and the more that I moved up and further away from Earth, the better I felt. And the feeling of pleasure does not really apply to this Earth, like nothing can compare. Like if you took everything that you were in favor of, like maybe getting a massage, in a hot tub, your favorite music, your favorite food, your favorite drink, everything that you love, happening to you all at once, no matter what it is, all at once, it would not even closely compare to the pleasure that was just within that light. And as you moved further into, like further away from this Earth, the pleasure felt even better. So you just moved up it felt better and better, it was insane NDE 5
I saw the white light, which was, you know, the best experience I’ve ever had. Like, basically, all the love that ever was, and all the love that ever will be, forever, for all of eternity, literally being poured onto me like a waterfall. … I’m literally saying that’s what it was NDE 6
World as a dream/illusion/virtual reality
And this worldly life is not but diversion and amusement. And indeed, the home of the Hereafter - that is the true life, if only they knew Quran 29:64
Then Godwill ask them: "For how many years did you stay on earth?" (23:113) They will say: "We stayed for a day or part of a day. Ask of those who keep count of this." (23:114) He will say: "You stayed only for a while, if you only knew that. Quran 23:115
You understand on the other side that this part, life, is actually the dream, and you just wake up after. It’s no different than one dream you had last night, out of a lifetime of dreams. This life that you’re having right now is just one, it’s just a blip NDE 6
It’s like living in a two-dimensional black and white world here, … compared to multicolor, multi-sensory VR immersion there. … And so once you’ve been in that place, coming here, as beautiful as it is, and I live in an extraordinarily beautiful place on purpose, so that I can get as close to beauty as I possibly can, but even that it’s just, like, ‘Oh well, you know, that’s really pretty.’ But not the same as ultimate divine beauty. … [Even sunrises] were ugly for a while, … the first year was very difficult NDE 7
The minute that I kind of woke up on that hillside in heaven I knew that that was more real than any time I’ve ever spent here on Earth. … And I knew instantly that my time here was really but a dream. … It’s real to us when we’re in it, but once I was there … in heaven I realized that’s more real, that felt more real, and it made much more sense to me than anything here. This is kind of nonsensical at times. … In heaven, it’s so clear, so real, so rational, so logical, but yet emotional and loving at the same time. Immediately I knew that was real and this was not. Immediately NDE8
I mean, looking back at human life from that vantage point I could not believe that I had ever thought this was real. And so the same sense of unreality that we get about dreams while we’re here in human form, I had while I was there about human life. So there is no doubt in my mind that it was real, and that’s true reality. This is a virtual reality game, a role, a play, a dream, an illusion, a character that I’m playing NDE 9
The physical [world] resembled a black and white movie in comparison with the world in front of me[.] … That’s what it felt like, waking up from a dream, waking up to who I truly am and this life was nothing but a dream NDE 10
Altered States of Super Consciousness
Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him 1 Corinthians 2:9
No soul can imagine what delights are kept in store for them as a reward for what they used to do Quran 32:17
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it Matthew 13:45
Now, what heaven looks like? ‘O m g’ doesn’t even describe how beautiful this place is. Heaven is, there are no words. I mean, I could sit here … and just not say anything and just cry, and that would be what heaven looks like. … There are mountains of beauty, there are things in this realm, you can’t even describe how beautiful this place is. There are colors you can’t even imagine, there are sounds you can’t even create. There are beauties upon this world that you think are beautiful here. Amplify it over there times a billion. There are, it’s incredibly beautiful, there’s no words to describe how beautiful this place is, it’s incredibly gorgeous NDE 11
Humans choosing to incarnate on earth Surprisingly I expected to find something like this in Hinduism and buddhism but haven't found anything except this from the quran.
Indeed, We offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, but they ˹all˺ declined to bear it, being fearful of it. But humanity assumed it, ˹for˺ they are truly wrongful ˹to themselves˺ and ignorant ˹of the consequences quran 33:72
And in that moment I remembered that my soul chose to come to Earth, I remembered where I was before I was born, I remembered that all of our souls choose to come here, that this is a wonderful university, that we’re not here by random accident, we’re not here as victims, that we come here to choose to study, to learn, and to grow. And that on some level this is like a wonderful theater, it’s like a big university, we all play our part, and when our time to go comes, we leave NDE 12
These three pure Beings spoke to me in a different language. They used my thoughts but it was different than thoughts. They reminded me that I had chosen to be incarnate on Earth and that I had to go back. I already knew that by being by their side, everything was coming back to me. They gave me so much love. I was at home and I badly wanted to stay. I didn’t want to leave, but I had to go back. That’s how it had to be. I remember laughing a lot with them. They understood me. They knew the difficulty of an incarnation, as well as I knew it before I incarnated on Earth NDE 13
Cosmos & Vegetation being alive/sentient
The heavens keep telling the wonders of God, and the skies declare what he has done. Each day informs the following day; each night announces to the next. They don't speak a word, and there is never the sound of a voice. Yet their message reaches all the earth, and it travels around the world Psalm 19:1-4
The heavens praise your wonders, LORD, your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones Psalm 89:5
And there is not a single thing but glorifies Him with His praise, but you do not understand their glorification Quran 17:44
Then He turned to the heaven while it was all smoke. He said to the heaven and the earth: “Come into being willingly or unwillingly.” They said: we come into being willingly Quran 41:11
I look down and I see myself standing in a very gentle river, and all around me is a very beautiful, very peaceful forest. And this is where it gets hard to describe because it was a rush of all, it was everything wrapped into one. … And feeling immense awe and bliss and love and relief. … And there was no other being in my NDE, it was just me, but I didn’t feel at all alone. It was the least alone I’ve ever been in my life. It was like the place itself was alive, and it was telling me things and it was loving me NDE 14
I was taken by the hand and led into another realm. It resembled [E]arth because there were trees, sparkling sand, and aquamarine water. There were fruit-laden trees, lush foliage, and vibrantly colored birds. Everything was alive – each flower and every glistening grain of sand. Floral fragrances filled the air NDE 15
I was shown non-intelligent species. I was shown splendors of every kind, like waterfalls and being taken into the heart of a burning flame. I skimmed the surface of a sun, playing in the shifting energy and heard its jubilant joy at giving life to so many wonderful things. It was the most joyful, beautiful, wonderful, amazing experience anyone could possibly have. The size, the scope of it cannot be expressed. I met with incredible, spiritual beings like my attendant, friend, and my guide. They all were filled with contentment and joy NDE 16
The breeze blew against the tall golden wheat stalks, and as it did I could feel the spirit of all things living around me: animals, plants, the elements. I was one with them. I looked up and saw a huge ball of light that cast the purest, warm light all around me and felt God touch my skin NDE 17
Pluralism/Multiple Pathways to Divine
Whatever purpose is served by a small well of water is naturally served in all respects by a large lake. Similarly, one who realizes the Absolute Truth also fulfills the purpose of all the Vedas Bhagwad Gita 2:46
We have revealed to you this Book with the truth, as a confirmation of previous Scriptures and a supreme authority on them. So judge between them by what God has revealed, and do not follow their desires over the truth that has come to you. To each of you We have ordained a code of law and a way of life. If God had willed, He would have made you one community, but His Will is to test you with what He has given ˹each of˺ you. So compete with one another in doing good. To God you will all return, then He will inform you ˹of the truth˺ regarding your differences Quran 5:48
Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven Matthew 7:21
I asked about religion and the vastness of it all. The only answer I could recall afterwards was the word "dogma." This word stood for the concept that the truth was muddled by man's feelings. Although coming from our good intentions, it was inhibiting others from spiritually growing NDE 18
Interconnectedness with Higher Power & Creation
The embodied souls in this material world are My eternal fragmental parts. But bound by material nature, they are struggling with the six senses including the mind Bhagwad Gita 15:7
When I have completed shaping him and have breathed into him of My Spirit Quran 15:29
He exists outside and inside all living beings, those that are moving and not moving. He is subtle, and hence, He is incomprehensible. He is very far, but He is also very near Bhagwad Gita 13:16
The UNIVERSE in expression, and the Universe was within me, I was shown this, I KNEW this intimately. I was shown through energy that I was ONE with ALL THAT IS, ALL THAT EVER WAS and ALL THAT WILL EVER BE. ALL THAT EXISTED was within me. I was shown this and experienced this within every fiber of my Being. EVERYTHING WAS CONNECTED. I WAS EVERYTHING, EVERYWHERE; omnipresent, omniscense! I KNEW in this place of ONENESS that I was connected to everyone and everything. There absolutely was no seperation NDE Anna

First of all, thanks to those who helped me with my "teach me how to mod" post. Now onto the subject at hand. Got MO2, watched some vids (Murloc King on YT hands down the best) and tried some basic mods like skyui, world map and ussep. I also tried smim, elfx, and the 202x texture mod, that's what this post is about. After trying them out I only get 40ish frames (I also have the enb series in my data files, no enbs installed yet tho).
Q: I know I lose frames cause of the elfx and 202x texture mod (I got the high quality one, forgot if it was 4k or 2k) does smim affect my frames too ? Are there any alternative light and texture mods ? My skyrim doesn't have to look current gen but I want to at least change it up a bit.
Q: does simply having the enb series affect my frames ? Will enbs not be recommended for my current pc specs ? (i5 8th gen, 1050ti, 8gb ram)
Q: does animation mods of any kind affect my fps ?
Q: if I get the enable achievements mod (50/50 of getting it) do I have to play on steam or skse still
Q: does the cc patch, the one intertwined with ussep fix hendraheim and all other cc content bugs ?
PC Specs i5 8th gen 1050ti 8gb ram
Big thanks to all help!

tl;dr: d-chiro inositol has been shown to increase testosterone in elderly hypogonadal men. Myo inositol has been shown to improve blood glucose and blood lipids. A large part of the US population has insulin resistance, inositol deficiency is common and supplementation improves this.
I recently started taking inositol before bed and I've had surprisingly good effects. Others close to me have also started taking it before bed and had surprisingly good effects as well, therefore I want to highlight how inositol impacts sex hormones positively, but also the other important effects that are related to metabolism.
First some context:

• There are two important versions of inositol:
  • Myo inositol (often abbreviated MYO or MI)
  • d-chiro inositol (often abbreviated DCI)

Inositols effects on testosterone in men:

• This study show that [d-chiro inositol] treatment improved the levels of testosterone and androstenedione at the expense of oestrogens in elder men with low basal levels of these hormones without adverse effects.

Hypogonadism and insulin resistance:

• Male hypogonadism is associated with insulin resistance (IR) [which] very often leads to metabolic syndrome [which is the precursor to diabetes type 2]

Inositol deficiency:

• Increasing age, antibiotic use, sugar and refined carbohydrate intake, sodium deficiency, insulin resistance, and type 1 and type 2 diabetes all increase the need for myo-inositol.

Inositols effects on fertility:

• These data show that myo inositol increases sperm motility and the number of spermatozoa retrieved after swim-up in both normozoospermic men and patients with abnormal sperm parameters.
• Results showed that the ratio of MI-DCI dropped from 100:1 in healthy participants to 0.2:1 in [women] with polycystic ovarian syndrome who additionally displayed significantly higher levels of insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, and luteinizing hormone.
• Metabolites of inositol act as secondary messengers for insulin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Cardiometabolic health in the US

• More than 100 million U.S. adults are now living with diabetes or prediabetes [which means they have significant levels of insulin resistance]
• Only 6.8% of the US population have optimal cardiometabolic health
• This is an alarmingly low number and can in part be explained by low testosterone, but metabolism as whole is impaired as evident by the bad glucose and lipid levels seen across the population.

Inositols relation to metabolism:

• Myo-inositol is also important for insulin signalling as it makes up many secondary messengers in response to insulin. Elevated glucose levels decrease the absorption and biosynthesis of myo-inositol and increase its degradation and urinary excretion. Insulin resistance and elevated glucose levels reduce inositol uptake into tissues. Myo-inositol levels are higher in tissues that use large amounts of glucose, such as the brain, heart and ovaries. D-chiro-inositol (DCI) is higher in tissues requiring glucose storage, such as liver and muscles. Insulin resistance impairs the conversion of myo-inositol to DCI in muscles, fat and liver. Increased urinary losses of myo-inositol have been consistently found in those with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Inositol supplementation may result in reduction in triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels, but did not affect HDL-cholesterol levels
  • This is very important for long term health

With all of this is mind, inositol supplementation is very likely to be able to improve metabolic, and sex hormone, function in a lot of men and women who have problems with metabolic health, hypogonadism included.
Dosing:

• Some studies in women trial up to 18 grams of myo inositol per day
• I don't tolerate more than 0.5 g (500 mg) myo innositol per day
  • I had a surge of adrenaline for hours the morning after, it was intense
• I haven't tried d-chiro inositol yet
  • I don't know what a good dose would be, but it should probably be supplemented along with myo inositol to mimic the ratio seen in the body. There are formulations with a 40:1 ratio that seem to be the sweet spot. But taking both may not be necessary given that the body can convert myo inositol to d-chiro inositol
• Supplementation cannot replace bad diet or lack of exercise
  • Always eat right and do strength training and cardio!
• I tried taking it with dinner at first, I felt terrible and stopped taking it for a few months
  • Taking before was the key for me
• Your mileage may vary

I've been taking it now for two weeks, and so far I've seen:

• Increased energy the entire day
  • I used to only be able to do one major activity per day, such as vacuuming, cooking, shopping etc.
  • Now I can do multiple activities per day
• Improved sleep
• Increased exercise capacity
  • Lifting heavy gave me symptoms of hypoglycemia before
  • So far I've been able to do dumbbell rows with weights that would wreck me before
• Improved carbohydrate tolerance
  • I've been on a low carb/keto diet for over 3 years
  • Carbs used to give me terrible mood the day after
  • I even got gyno flare ups from eating carbs
  • I'm still on a relatively low carb diet, but I can eat 2-3 slices of bread per day now, that was impossible before
  • In addition to the bread I can also eat some rice or other carb rich food
  • I'm probably closer to 100 grams of carbs now, my aim was 50 grams or less before inositol supplementation
  • I have no desire to eat more carbs because they're simply unhealthy when eaten in high quantities
• Improved mood
• I have yet to see how it has impacted my blood lipids
  • I've had dyslipidemia for way too long despite exercising 4-5 days per week, I'm hoping my levels have improved now
• I'm on 125 mg nebido/testosterone undecanoate per week
  • TRT has done a lot for my overall physical capacity, but clearly wasn't the silver bullet I was hoping for

People close to me have seen similar improvements, as well as going from daily "everywhere" pain to literally zero pain.
I realize this may sound exaggerated, but so far I'm blown away.

Sunday was a bad day. He started yelling at me out of nowhere and afterwards went to hide in the bed. I tried comforting him but he told me to get out of the apartment. I didn’t because he can’t just boss me around and I told him I live there too.
A few hours later he got out of bed to take a shower but there was a spider. He always kills the spiders because I’m too scared, I know it’s stupid but that’s the way it is. For some reason he wanted me to do it this time. I told him no and he got angry saying that he couldn’t do it because he was in a bad mood and if I didn’t do it he’d spend the rest of the day in bed and that it was up to me to decide whether we’d still spend time together that day because I’d have to kill the spider if I wanted to. I didn’t, because that felt very manipulative and a few hours later he got out of bed and did it himself.
He didn’t apologise for any of it but he felt better that evening and we went to our favourite cafe. I had five cocktails (too much I know) and he had three. When we got back home I was so, so drunk. I couldn’t go to the toilet without him helping me and then I just face planted into the bed.
Of course he started kissing me. Then he was talking to me. I couldn’t really understand what he was saying and kept asking him to repeat himself. I’m pretty sure he kept asking if he was allowed to give me oral until I eventually said okay. Later he asked if I wanted him to use the vibrator on me and I said no but he kept asking. My brain honestly just wasn’t working and he seemed to get more and more annoyed until he started using the vibrator anyways and afterwards had sex with me.
He just dragged me around and did whatever he wanted with me. This time he didn’t even try to make it look like I was the one that wanted to do it by pulling me on top of him. He even started choking me which is something he hasn’t done in ages and says he doesn’t like doing and only does because I want him too (which sometimes I do) but I in no way asked him to do that. I was too drunk to do anything about it and just hoped that I was drunk enough so I wouldn’t remember it the next morning, clearly I wasn’t.
At first I felt like it wasn’t his fault because he was probably super drunk like me and didn’t realise that what he was doing wasn’t okay.
I play a game with myself where I check my blood alcohol level after a night of drinking. Not sure why but this time I decided to check his too. I didn’t realise that how much you weigh also impacts how drunk you get. I weigh 50kg and he weighs at least 100, so mine was 0,2 and his was 0,05. I know a calculator doesn’t say everything because alcohol affects everyone differently but that was very confronting for me to see.
I couldn’t go to the toilet unassisted and he was almost sober enough to drive. He was sober enough to help me to the toilet, sober enough to decide to cum on top of me instead of inside me like he otherwise does, sober enough to clean it up afterwards, put his underwear back on and put the vibrator back in the drawer and make it look like none of it ever happened. And sober enough to get me a bucket afterwards when I felt like I was going to puke.
I don’t even know why I’m complaining about all this because I still feel like it wasn’t that big of a deal. It feels like I’m waiting for something really big to happen in order to be able to leave him but I don’t think it’ll ever be big enough for me. If my best friend told me her boyfriend did to her what he did to me I’d probably start crying or actually puke, but I feel absolutely nothing. I’ve reread what I’ve written so many times in the hope that it’ll trigger some sort of emotion but it doesn’t.
I think I have a hard time leaving because I believe that if I love him enough and try hard enough and have enough patience, our relationship will work and if it doesn’t, it’s because I haven’t done my best.
The other day he got angry with me because I decided to leave my running club. He said I quit everything and that one day I’ll also quit our relationship and that I’m a liar when I say I love him more because I’ll be the one to leave him in the end.
I know love isn’t supposed to be a competition but it does feel like that with him sometimes and part of me just feels like I’ll be proving him right and saying that I am a quitter and I never loved him if I leave. I know I shouldn’t let his words get to me like that but it’s tough cause I believe them.

​
What is ashwagandha?
The ashwagandha plant is one of the most powerful herbs. Various parts of the ashwagandha plant are used for medicinal purposes, with ashwagandha extract mainly being used in supplements. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a natural agent that reportedly helps the body cope with stress. As a result, it’s believed to be effective at helping reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. It may also therefore potentially help with anxiety and depression too.
What does ashwagandha do?
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is known to help reduce stress and anxiety. One way it does this is by reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress. Additionally, ashwagandha has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, both of which can be negatively affected by stress.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve cognitive function. One study showed that it improved memory and reaction time in healthy adults. Another study found that it improved task performance in people with ADHD. Additionally, ashwagandha may help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Boosts Energy Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown to boost energy levels. One study showed that it increased stamina and reduced fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Additionally, ashwagandha may help improve exercise performance.
Additionally, ashwagandha may also help improve sleep quality and reduce inflammation. These effects can all contribute to enhanced energy levels.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. One study showed that it improved insulin sensitivity in people with type II diabetes. Additionally, ashwagandha may help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and improve symptoms of diabetes.
Additionally, ashwagandha may also help lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. These effects can also contribute to improved blood sugar control.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Ashwagandha has been shown to help lower blood pressure. One study showed that it improved blood pressure in people with hypertension. Additionally, ashwagandha may help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Is ashwagandha safe?
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people. However, it can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting in some people. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to avoid ashwagandha.
What happens when you take ashwagandha daily?
As a sleep aid, ashwagandha may help people get to sleep faster and stay asleep for longer. It is also used to promote male potency. Ashwagandha has a variety of health benefits, including reduced blood sugar levels, inflammation, mood, memory, stress and anxiety relief, as well as an increase in muscle strength and fertility. Depending on your requirements, dosages vary from 250 to 500 mg per day for at least one month.
When it comes to stress relief, ashwagandha may be as effective as some prescription medications. A 2010 study found that the herb was just as effective as lorazepam (Ativan) in reducing stress and anxiety. click the link below to learn more about abhwagandha, and its real health benefits.
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Brace yourselves, this is gonna be a long one.
Table of Contents
1…… The Main Goal
2…… What I’m Seeking
3…… Personality
4…… Interests
5…… Physical Characteristics (with pics)
6…… Expectations of You
7…… Living Situation
8…… Deal Breakers
9…… Closing Remarks
(1)
The Main Goal:
Well if you’re browsing this subreddit then much like me, you were alone this weekend and I’m sure you’d like to change that as much as me. I won’t lie, I am going through a rough part of my life right now. It’s difficult for me to find the energy for anything at the moment and I’m just really seeking affection in general, anything that will give me a push. I don’t want to be that person who brings everyone down but I could really use someone to talk to right now. I’d really like to find someone who’s similar to me so much to the point that we do everything together and talk about everything while not having to pretend to be interested. I want someone with whom we can mutually spew our emotions onto and have those feelings reciprocated. Not an emotional punching bag, but an emotional teddy bear to hug and cuddle until everything feels better as many times as we need. There’s people who I’m sure have told you the same, they’ll be there no matter how many times you need the support, no matter how many times the insecurities and bad thoughts come back but they don’t mean it. I will be the exception, I’m not so ignorant to think some nice words and tales of relating to you will magically forever heal whatever ails you then get mad when you seek the same support again. Mental ailments are rarely temporary and I don’t care about someone because they’re perfect, caring about someone means being there no matter how many times they need you to be. It doesn’t feel like a chore, it doesn’t get old, and it never will.
(2)
(2.a)
What I'm Seeking:
I will upfront let you know if I’m clicking better with someone else or if you’re the one, I’m not here to tread the sea of fish or keep my options open, I’m here for one singular person.
(2.b)
Relationship:
A relationship is difficult for me right now, it’s been nearly half a year since I got out of my last relationship and the reasons for it ending are partially responsible for how I’ve been feeling and why it’s so hard for me to seek the comfort I so desperately crave. I will tell you about it but for the sake of not treating the entirety of the internet as my therapist, it’ll be in private. I really need the comfort of intimacy and the warmth of someone who cares. I'm not going to feel better if I just sulk and don’t move on. This is my attempt to get better, I’ll admit I’m not great right now and I don’t expect you to be either. If we can help each other heal, then I’d be more than happy :) A relationship isn’t just being there for when someone’s at their best. Even if a relationship is hard at the moment, I do want a life partner and I don’t want to be alone. Things aren’t going to get easier without you so I don’t want to hesitate. I view my other as an equal, I don’t like categorizing us into specific roles. We take care of each other and treat each other how we like to be treated, whatever that is, it's as simple as that. I don't care if you're "successful" or not, living simple lives with our days filled with love is the ultimate measure of success to me.
(3)
Personality:
(3.a)
On the Surface:
As you can tell I can be rather… stoic but that’s largely due to my current stressors, I truthfully am goofy and fun loving but I just can’t find it in me right now. I want to return to that but without someone to light up my world it’s been difficult to just have fun and enjoy stuff. I’m definitely more introverted, you won’t catch me at any parties or really outside at all. I definitely prefer being home though the occasional outing is not out of the question and one day I’d like to travel to other countries because I think that kind of perspective is important.
(3.b)
The Core of My Being:
I like being a spectator to it all and if we bear witness to humanity burning or its miraculous recovery, I want to watch it with you. I enjoy watching humanity advance, less so when it devolves but I want to watch it to the end nonetheless. I’m both a realist and someone who lives with my head in the clouds dreaming of scenarios or worlds that don’t exist. I’m saying that I enjoy a good narrative and can suspend my disbelief to enjoy something but you won’t catch me refusing vaccines or ignoring blatant facts for the sake of some pseudo science or witch doctor’s remedy. I’m an atheist but I do not rule out existence after death, not because I’m agnostic but because due to the nature of potentially infinite time at some point after how many googol years with a googol amount of 0s after that, something’s bound to replicate your consciousness perfectly at some point. It’s actually a really fascinating topic I like talking about. If infinite time and infinite possibilities exist, does non existence exist? Though that’s an awfully existentially dreadful thought process considering the ramifications of infinite existence and infinite possibilities during said infinite existence. I would say I’m confidently left leaning and I don’t think I could truly get along with anyone right leaning, at least America’s definition of right leaning. Left and right seems to have just become; do people deserve to suffer or do they deserve to live good lives? Being political is not something I expected to become but how can you not be when crimes against human rights are being passed on a daily basis and at the end of the day, everything’s political. Oftentimes I imagine the perfect moment as relaxing with my significant other playing games or cuddling in a cold room under blankets.
I value that special someone above all of the existential thoughts, the bad of the world, the good of the world, they practically become my world. So many worries wash away when I’m with them. I don’t know if that’s the defense mechanism my brain created to not feel bad 24/7 but if it is, I’m currently without it.
(3.c)
Insecurities:
I talk of philosophy and politics here but really I spend most of my time just playing games, watching stuff, and trying to not be sleep deprived. I’m also nowhere near as well spoken, heck sometimes I feel like my speech is broken. I won’t claim to be something I’m not, I sit at home while I complain about the world doing nothing about it wishing I had someone here with me. I’m not noble nor do I really want to be, I have morals I uphold but much like most other hypocrites I acknowledge that my comfortable life is built on the suffering of others without doing anything about it. Why? My sleep problems? Am I depressed? Is that why I have no energy to do anything? Do I just think nothing I could do could help? I can’t nail it down myself, maybe it’s a mix of everything, maybe I’m just a bad person. I have always told myself that if I had wealth I would help people but if I get that kind of wealth will I just become a wealth hoarder who tries to justify my riches as something I earned rather than something given to me through incredibly lucky circumstances? If I do help people is it because I’m a good person or out of guilt? Will I die alone? I feel like I drive everyone away with my clinginess, I get paranoid often and need reassurance often. It’s something I want to work on, something I’ve been trying to work on. Hearing that someone cares about me just never gets old. I value self awareness even if it’s painful.
(3.d)
Socializing:
I’m definitely a socially anxious/awkward mess, especially around strangers. I do feel a large amount of anxiety in public, people can’t tell by looking at my face since I kind of go stone faced in an attempt to block everything out but yeah you’ll notice that if we go out in public. Growing up my pediatrician said I was probably autistic, never got a formal diagnosis so that’s just great. But yeah that explains why I can’t make eye contact with people, I kinda just stare at the ground and avoid their gaze at all costs. A lot of these social struggles go away to a great degree once I know you for a bit but yeah I apologize for how terrible I am at socializing at first. Don’t let my social struggles fool you though, I love cuddling and being close with my person.
(3.e)
Sexuality:
I am a heterosexual male, though I’m not very masculine like at all. I may even be a bit feminine sometimes. Not that I believe any activity or manner of acting belongs to a gender but I don’t know how else to describe it. I’m definitely super affectionate and love it when my partner is too. I am open to dating demi people but I do have a libido so I don't think asexual would work out.
(4)
Interests:
(4.a)
Video Games:
As stated before, I do spend a lot of my time playing video games. It’s been hard lately with me having no energy but I really do want to play more games and have a good time playing them with you! I primarily play on PC though I do have a switch. I’m primarily into platform fighters, roguelikes, open world, survival, and sandbox games. As for single player story games, I enjoy watching them through twitch or youtube but for the most part I don’t play them myself. I’d watch you play them though!
Here’s a list of games we can play:
-Minecraft (Java)
-Risk of Rain 2
-Gunfire Reborn
-Roboquest
-7 Days to Die
-Phasmophobia
-Rust
-Unturned
-Bloons TD 6
-Platform fighters: Super Smash Bros. Melee, Slap City, Multiversus, Flash Party, Fraymakers
Whatever you want to play I’ll give it a shot! I will say that League bores me to death but I’ll play it for you :) I try to avoid MMOs, not because I don’t like them but because of how addicted I can get to them. I enjoy learning games in-depth so MMOs can be a fast track to addiction.
I recently got Kerbal Space Program 2 and ehhh not really worth it right now but hopefully later it will be? I’m super excited for Tears of the Kingdom! In the far off future I’m excited for Rivals of Aether 2 which is a platform fighter releasing in 2024, let me know of your most anticipated releases and I’ll see if I could play them with you!
Also I never got into FPS games but I could totally see myself playing like CoD with you or Escape From Tarkov. Any FPS really, I’m down.
I am a fan of Pokemon but with how things have been lately I don’t know how long that will last. Pixelmon is a common Pokemon mod I play for Minecraft if you want to play that! Also if I say I want to play something with you I mean it but there are often times when no matter how much I want to I'm just drained and can do little more than lay in bed so please don't think I'm making an excuse.
(4.b)
Science:
I really enjoy keeping up with the latest advances in pretty much everything, it could be biology, technology, astronomy, anything! I love seeing progression and I love talking about it! Really I could go on and on about what I’m obsessing about that day. I particularly love technology, ask me for my laptop specs I dare you. When I was little I always wanted to be a scientist of any kind but then insomnia and fear of college stuff hit me like a truck aaaand that’s the end of that dream.
(4.c)
Anime:
You got me, I like anime but I’d like to think my tastes are benign.
Here’s some of my favorites I can list from the top of my head:
- To Your Eternity
- Vinland Saga
- Spice and Wolf
- Re:Zero
- Mob Psycho
- Dr. Stone
- Attack on Titan
- Spy x Family
- My Hero Academia
- Ranking of Kings
- Demon Slayer
Okay I can go on and on but I will say I don’t like pointless fan service and the spamming of cliche anime moments. I mostly enjoy action and anything well animated if it doesn’t have a potato story. Heck Demon Slayer could be my top 3 out of season 2’s animation alone. I don’t watch slice of life often or romance but I would with you!
(4.d)
Misc:
I’m not going to go on and on about the tiniest little things when the main ones are covered but I’ll watch pretty much any show with you and anything really. I like random youtube videos that explain some kind of lore or mystery, sometimes mini documentaries too.
As for food I looove sushi and I’m a sucker for fast food. Okay and candy, definitely candy.
I used to play tennis but haven’t really had the opportunity nor friends to play it with and I’m way too socially anxious to seek it out. Also I will say that when we move to something like discord I type waaaay more casually. I’m not going to expect long paragraphs back and forth like we’re writing English papers for each other, I do enjoy long conversations but seriously don’t worry about having to put the utmost effort into every response, I just like making good first impressions I guess.
(5)
(5.a)
My Physical Characteristics:
I’m 5’8 (172cm), 128 pounds (58kg), with curly brown hair and blue eyes. I like keeping my hair long in the winter and cutting it in the summer. I’m pretty slim in general so if you’re looking for someone large, that’s not me. I don’t work out but my work is pretty physical so at least I’m not totally inactive. I don’t have the urge to work out or gain muscle but I do want to maintain my slim figure so if I start losing control of that I’ll work out. I like to keep my face shaved because I don’t think I look good with a beard/mustache so if you’re into those I apologize. I have an average amount of body hair? I’d prefer to be completely shaved but it’s easy to lose motivation with that battle, if you prefer shaved then I’d have no problem complying. Anyways here’s what I look like: https://imgur.com/a/MZZgf2t
(5.b)
My Physical Preferences:
Having physical preferences makes me feel shallow, if I could make myself not have them I would but unfortunately that’s now how that works. I don’t care if you’re shorter or taller than me and I don’t care if you weigh more or less than me. All I ask is that you’re slim-average weight. I would never ask for someone to be something I’m not. I don’t care about tattoos or piercings.**(6)Expectations of You (Relationship Only):**I am not looking for someone “exciting” or someone to “keep me on my toes” I’m not looking for someone to cater to my every whim or anything like that. I don’t care if you’re “boring” or if you aren’t “successful”. I know it’s a common thing for people to not want a “boring” relationship and to seek something argumentative or something with constant challenges but I just want to be with you. During the exciting times, the boring times, and everything in-between, all of it will be great with you! Maybe we do argue sometimes or maybe there will be challenges but that will never be something I purposefully seek out and I don’t want that to be something you seek out either. I will not play tricks on you and I will not play mind games, I expect the same from you. We all have personal measures of success we may or may not have lived up to but what I care about most is our commitment to each other. If we have each other we can get through tough times, near the ends of our lives I want us to look back and feel that this life together was worth more than anything. That’s not saying I want us to be haphazard, I don’t want us to make poor decisions for the sake of yolo and I want us to always be rational, especially with each other. I want you to be someone I can trust to make decisions and weigh the options with a level head, I’ll try my best to live up to the same for you. Most of all I want empathy, understanding, someone to feel the utmost comfort and trust in.
(7)
Living Situation:
Currently my life is pretty relaxed, I work 3 times a week as a night shift stocker. I currently live in a 2 bedroom apartment with my roommate but we’re looking to move into someplace larger by the end of the year if everything works out. The internet is weirdly great for Ohio too like I have fiber and later this year we’re supposed to be getting dedicated fiber so that’s neat. I’m not attached to Ohio so the ultimate goal living location wise is probably moving to a country that won’t send you into a lifetime of dealing with the repercussions from one medical emergency.
(8)
Deal Breakers:
Might as well make this simple and make it a list.
- Anti-vaxxers
- Unironically believing astrology
- Right wingers
- Hard drugs (occasional 420 and alcohol is fine, may even join you)
- Wanting children, there was a time when I was younger when I wanted children but with the state of the word that’s a definite no and I feel like I wouldn’t be able to handle the stress. I’d love a stress free life with as much time with you as possible.
- Homophobic
- Transphobic
- Racist
- Super Religious
- Don’t be a bigot and don’t deny facts.
(9)
Closing Remarks:
Well you made it, I was thinking that finding someone I’d be willing to put a lifetime of effort into at least required this much effort. If I think of anything more I’ll update the post. Also about timezones, it really doesn’t matter where in the world you are. I don’t have a sleep schedule and I have most of the week off from work so it really doesn’t matter.
I request that in your response you do put effort into it, it doesn’t have to be anywhere near as long as this but at least enough so I know that you read this and enough about you so I know why you saw potential compatibility. I will seriously read all of it and respond the best I can. I do also request a pic included in your response (sfw please) or one soon after we start talking to prove identity, I’ll send identity proving pics too. As long as this post is up, you can send a reply!

My 17 year old daughter became an escape goat to family's friend’s son (17).
Basically he got very very very intimate with a girl and "kiss and told" all his male friend’s and my daughter. The girl found out and he blamed my daughter for spreading the rumors.
Girls got mad at my daughter although she didn't say anything about it and basically got canceled by her girlfriends.
She confronted my friend's son and asked him to make it right (he's been her best friend since kindergarten). He gas lighted her and would not take responsibility for his "kissing and telling."
While my daughter is getting hate and bullied for something she didn't do , he's partying around like nothing happened. She tried talking to the girl involved, but that girl blocked her. She has been crying all day and last night. She felt hurt that her best friend did that to her. She tried to talk to him again, but he wouldn’t return snaps.
Today we saw our friends's son and I confronted him about what has happened. He started to give me attitude and disrespect me, so I got in his face and demanded respect and to make it right with my daughter. I did this in front of some other teens. Embarrassing him. I have known him for years and helped him out numerous times in sticky teen situations and have always been there for him. It's not like he's a stranger. His parents don't really know what he does behind their back and I would never want to snitch on him.
Now, his parents, our friends, are extremely mad at us, telling everyone that we bullied his son. And other parents are gossiping about it. Making the situation even worse for my daughter. She's been getting called a snitch, etc. We're supposed to go on family vacation together in few weeks. His parents obviously don't know the whole story of kissing and telling and how he treated my daughter and the affect it had. All they are saying adults should confront teens. That I bullied his saint of a son. He's a popular kid that parties and has has many sexual partners (not judging).
AMA for getting involved in teen drama. Should I have not said anything, although my momma bear was on full blast and my daughter’s reputation is at stake?

Blood glucose testing, also known as blood glucose monitoring, is one of the main tools involved in controlling diabetes.
LPI (LP Information)' newest research report, the “Blood Glucose Testing Industry Forecast” looks at past sales and reviews total world Blood Glucose Testing sales in 2022, providing a comprehensive analysis by region and market sector of projected Blood Glucose Testing sales for 2023 through 2029. With Blood Glucose Testing sales broken down by region, market sector and sub-sector, this report provides a detailed analysis in US$ millions of the world Blood Glucose Testing industry.
This Insight Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global Blood Glucose Testing landscape and highlights key trends related to product segmentation, company formation, revenue, and market share, latest development, and M&A activity. This report also analyzes the strategies of leading global companies with a focus on Blood Glucose Testing portfolios and capabilities, market entry strategies, market positions, and geographic footprints, to better understand these firms' unique position in an accelerating global Blood Glucose Testing market.
This Insight Report evaluates the key market trends, drivers, and affecting factors shaping the global outlook for Blood Glucose Testing and breaks down the forecast by type, by application, geography, and market size to highlight emerging pockets of opportunity. With a transparent methodology based on hundreds of bottom-up qualitative and quantitative market inputs, this study forecast offers a highly nuanced view of the current state and future trajectory in the global Blood Glucose Testing.
The global Blood Glucose Testing market size is projected to grow from US$ 10710 million in 2022 to US$ 13370 million in 2029; it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13370 from 2023 to 2029.
Market competition is intense. Roche, LIFESCAN, Abbott and Ascensia, etc. are the leaders of the industry, with about 54% market shares.
North America is the largest consumption place, with a consumption market share nearly 31%. Following North America, Europe is the second largest consumption place with the consumption market share of 29%.
This report presents a comprehensive overview, market shares, and growth opportunities of Blood Glucose Testing market by product type, application, key manufacturers and key regions and countries.
Top Manufactures in Global Blood Glucose Testing Includes:
Roche
LIFESCAN
Abbott
Ascensia
ARKRAY
I-SENS
Omron
B. Braun
Nipro Dagnostics
77 Elektronika
AgaMatrix
Infopia
ALL Medicus
Terumo
SANNUO
Yicheng
Yuwell
Market Segment by Type, covers:
Glucose Oxidase
Glucose Dehydrogenase
Others
Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into:
Hospital
Clinic
Household
Key Questions Addressed in this Report
What is the 10-year outlook for the global Blood Glucose Testing market?
What factors are driving Blood Glucose Testing market growth, globally and by region?
Which technologies are poised for the fastest growth by market and region?
How do Blood Glucose Testing market opportunities vary by end market size?
How does Blood Glucose Testing break out type, application?
What are the influences of COVID-19 and Russia-Ukraine war?
Request Sample Report and Full Report TOC:
https://www.lpinformationdata.com/reports/449773/blood-glucose-testing-2029
LP INFORMATION (LPI) is a professional market report publisher based in America, providing high quality market research reports with competitive prices to help decision makers make informed decisions and take strategic actions to achieve excellent outcomes.We have an extensive library of reports on hundreds of technologies.Search for a specific term, or click on an industry to browse our reports by subject. Narrow down your results using our filters or sort by what’s important to you, such as publication date, price, or name.
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Did just learn that Melanchthon edited the Augsburg confession to make Calvinism approve of the alteredå text called variata.
Did Melanchthon compromise on the real presence? On the same sentiment I have heard some lutherans say that when uniting with Calvinism, it often ends up with lutherans compromising with their convictions rather than the other way around? If so why does this tendency exist?
I see many lutherans who sympathize with calvinistic Gospel Coalition and fear how it might affect their beliefs.
From wikipedia:
The most important difference between the Variata and the Augsburg Confession is in the theology of Real Presence. The Unaltered Augsburg Confession states:
"Concerning the Lord's Supper, they teach that the body and blood of Christ are truly present, and are distributed (communicated) to those that eat in the Lord's Supper. And they disapprove of those that teach otherwise." Altered Augsburg Confession states:
"Concerning the Lord's Supper, they teach that 'with' bread and wine are truly exhibited the body and blood of Christ to those that eat in the Lord's Supper."

Tracked shipping estimates are (depending on weight): EU $6, UK $7.50, US/Canada/Australia $12. 50% off tracked shipping over $60 (so $6 or less), free shipping over $120! Untracked (at your own risk) is $2 cheaper.
I'll ship within a week, usually within 2 days. Let me know if you want photos of fill levels. I have much more samples than listed, let me know if you're looking for anything specific. $12 minimum please. I'll hold for 24 hours. Open to swaps, I'll gladly take a look at your destash list!
Fill levels and notes in my destash list - I'm always adding more
Alkemia:

• Moroccan Tea - 50% - $7
• Ambre Caramélisé - $3
• In a Railway Carriage - $3
• Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure - $4
• Old Books and Fresh Flowers - $3

Alpha Musk:

• Beastress - FS - $13

Arcana Wildcraft:

• Snow Witch: Agaricum - FS - $20
• Chillum - $5
• Witches Befriend Unicorns - $5
• Yurt - $5

Arcana Craves:

• Apples Crave Cake - FS - $15
• Pumpkins Crave Trees - FS - $15
• Blue Amber - $3
• Honey Craves Fairy Rings - $4
• Pumpkins Crave Samhain Fires - $3

BPAL:

• Aziraphale - FS - $24
• Elegy No. 1 S. 196 - 70% - $19
• Gaueko - FS - $15
• Hello, Salzburg! - FS - $18
• High School Orientation Day Glamour - FS - $23
• In Silvery Accents, Whispering Low - FS - $26
• Keichu Nyoetsu Warai Dogu - TOL - $18
• Matthew 25:34-36 - almost half - $10
• October 32 - almost shoulder - $15
• Poor Monkey 2016 - FS - swap
• Prosperous Flowers of the Elegant Twelve Seasons - FS - $20
• Schlafende Baigneuse - FS - $20
• Temple: Daoist - FS - $20
• The Fairy Lovers - almost half - $13
• Theodosius 2015 - sniffie - FWP
• Time's Infliction of Eternity - FS - $26
• Tis Thy Voice from the Kingdom of Souls - FS - $24
• Vampire Princess - FS - $40
• When the Frost is on the Punkin - near TOL - $17
• Winter: My Secret - FS - $20
• Witches Taking Off for the Sabbath - 2ml - $9
• Abalone and Peach Blossoms - $5
• All While Dreaming, Shakes Her Head - $3
• Apple II - $3
• Bedroom - $5
• Blackcurrant Sufganiyot - $15
• Buck Moon 2021 - $3
• Chasing Fireflies - $3
• Conception by the South Wind - $5
• Coral Snake - $4
• Dead Leaves, Blood Orange and Dried Apricot - $3
• Dead Leaves and Molasses Pumpkin Cookies - $3
• Dragon's Bone - $5
• Étienne de Boray Oak - $3
• Geisha in Orange Kimono Admiring a Samurai - $2.50
• Ghost Milk - sniffie FWP
• Hierophantes - $3
• Hot Speckled Gloom - $5
• Humanite - $3
• I Hear America Singing - $3
• Iced Apple Dumplings Plopped into a Sweet Potato Pie - $5
• Kimi Ga Dai Wa - $2.50
• L'essence du Chagrin - $3
• La Danse de la Sorcière - $4
• Margaret Magdalena Muffinhead - $3
• Men Will Fall to her Darkness - $3
• Mystery Powder Fizzy Candy - $3
• Orangeblossom and Driftwood - $3
• Pandemic Vanitas - $4
• Peasants Fleeing - $4
• PGAI17 - $2.50
• Philosopher Reading - $5
• Pine Needles, Frankincense, and Beeswax Absolute - $5
• Pink Silk Peony - $5
• Rosewater and Myrrh - $3
• Saw-Scaled Viper - $4
• Sentence First, Verdict Afterwards - $3
• Snooty Bat - $5
• Still Life with Dooting Skull - $3
• Sugar Cookie - $3
• Sugar Skull - $3
• Tea Leaves, Vanilla Bean, and Incense Smoke - $5
• The Butterfly - $3
• The Houses at the Back - Frosty Morning - $3
• The Magician's Hands - $2.50
• The Morning Star Among the Living - $5
• The Shepherd's Dream - $5
• Three Pairs of Shoes - $4
• Toy-Strewn Attic - $3
• White Oakmoss and Lavender - $3
• Why and What Art Thou Dreaming Here - $3
• Wild Rose and Dandelion Sap - $3
• Wrestlers - $2.50

Plus many GC imps on my destash list!
D&F:

• Blueberry Lemon Cooler - $3
• Merry Christmas, Time Has No Meaning - $3
• Myrrh Scented Roses - $3

NAVA:

• Cross - FS - $20
• Lavender Amber - FS - $18
• Lavender Musk - FS - $30
• Oman - FS - $27
• OP Baba - FS - $23
• OP Sekhmet - almost shoulder - $20
• Orchid Garnet - 2.5ml - $10
• Pomegranate Aurora - 4ml - $15
• Purple Musk - FS - $32
• Vampire Wine: Lilac Blood Wine - FS - $20
• Banana's Flambe Ice Cream - $3
• Blood Rose - $3
• Butterfly Green - $3
• Ederra - $3
• Encens Bois - $6
• Encens Vanille - $6
• Eternal Necropolis - $5
• Gabriel - $8
• Glamour - $4
• Go Halainn - $4
• Koaliday - $3
• Konafa - $8
• Licorne à la Fontaine - $3
• London - $8
• Mina - $9
• Mr. Collins - $4
• Mr. Dandridge - $4
• My Heart Is Filled With Twisted Light - $3
• Neon Skull - $3
• Nibiru - $6
• Nocturnals Lustre of Moonlight - $3.50
• Orchid Crystal - $4
• Pfeffersneuse Chai - $3
• Poison Potion - $3
• Pumpkin #27 - $3
• Purple Claw Potion - $3
• Pyramid Honey Cake - $3
• Ra - $8
• Raguel - $8
• Renewal Elixir - $3
• Santalum - $5
• Satyr - $3
• Sommeil du Printemps - $3.50
• Svadhishthana (orange) Sacral Chakra - $5
• Velociraptor - $3
• Wisteria Musk - $7
• Xavier - $6

Nui Cobalt:

• The Conjure Man's Cabin - 1/3 - $8
• Aphrodite Chrysea - $3.50
• Balefire - $3.50
• Bee Kind To Yourself - $3.50
• Blarney - $3.50
• Bryophilia - $3.50
• Canoodling in a Crypt - $3.50
• Chionophilia - $3.50
• Cloak of Evergreens - $3
• Deus Ex Machina - $3.50
• Entombed - $3.50
• Ghost Cat - $3.50
• Guiding Star - $3
• Hobgoblin - $3.50
• House of the Frontier - $3.50
• Incense & Spidersilk - $3.50
• Kazzate - $3.50
• Li Hing Margarita - $3
• Melophilia - $3.50
• New Moon - $3
• Ominous Orchard - $3.50
• Peace - $3.50
• Scaredy Cat - $3.50
• Skeletal Birch - $3.50
• Sleep Elixir - $3
• Spectral Spidersilk - $3.50
• Sylvan Spidersilk - $3.50
• Tall Tales - $3
• Waipio Valley - $3.50
• Waltz of the Flowers - $3

Poesie:

• Mysterious Fossils - $5
• Rose Without Thorn - $3

Possets:

• Adamus - $3
• Joan of Arc - $3
• Lavender Corset - $3
• Pink Corset - $3
• Ponder - $3
• The Kiss - $3

PULP Fragrance:

• And to All a Good Night - $3
• House on Widows Hill - $3
• Mark of the Moon - $3
• Moon Dust - $3
• New Snow Moon - $3
• Sonnet X - $3

Sixteen92:

• Dryad - $2
• The Princess Di of Reagan High - $2
• You Look Like a Doily - $4

Solstice Scents:

• Farmhouse in Fall - $3

​
What is ashwagandha?
The ashwagandha plant is one of the most powerful herbs. Various parts of the ashwagandha plant are used for medicinal purposes, with ashwagandha extract mainly being used in supplements. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen, a natural agent that reportedly helps the body cope with stress. As a result, it’s believed to be effective at helping reduce levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. It may also therefore potentially help with anxiety and depression too.
What does ashwagandha do?
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Ashwagandha is known to help reduce stress and anxiety. One way it does this is by reducing levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress. Additionally, ashwagandha has been shown to improve mood and cognitive function, both of which can be negatively affected by stress.
Enhances Cognitive Function
Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve cognitive function. One study showed that it improved memory and reaction time in healthy adults. Another study found that it improved task performance in people with ADHD. Additionally, ashwagandha may help prevent age-related cognitive decline.
Boosts Energy Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown to boost energy levels. One study showed that it increased stamina and reduced fatigue in people with chronic fatigue syndrome. Additionally, ashwagandha may help improve exercise performance.
Additionally, ashwagandha may also help improve sleep quality and reduce inflammation. These effects can all contribute to enhanced energy levels.
Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
Ashwagandha has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels. One study showed that it improved insulin sensitivity in people with type II diabetes. Additionally, ashwagandha may help reduce fasting blood sugar levels and improve symptoms of diabetes.
Additionally, ashwagandha may also help lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease. These effects can also contribute to improved blood sugar control.
Lowers Blood Pressure
Ashwagandha has been shown to help lower blood pressure. One study showed that it improved blood pressure in people with hypertension. Additionally, ashwagandha may help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which can contribute to high blood pressure.
Is ashwagandha safe?
Ashwagandha is generally considered safe for most people. However, it can cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting in some people. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, it's best to avoid ashwagandha.
What happens when you take ashwagandha daily?
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Please advice me on what happened and what to do.
After an unusually long delay on my period, I took a pregnancy test a few weeks back and it was positive. I was at my parents' house for a few weeks, and that wasn't an environment that was welcoming to the possibility of an abortion, so i decided to keep this information to myself, as I intended to have one as soon as I was back at my own place, less than a month later. A few weeks after, one morning I experienced severe cramps and abundant bleeding that lasted well into the following day. This was two days ago. I know I probably should've gone to the hospital, but i was completely frozen in place. Is it possible that it was a miscarriage?
I want to make an obgyn appointment to shed some light on this, but I am a bit scared. I haven't been lucky enough to find kind, considerate doctors in the past, and I don't want the experience to further sink me. If any of you have gone through this, how does a doctor check if you've had a miscarriage? I've snooped around the internet a bit and I'm seeing "blood test" and "pelvic exam" and "vaginal ultrasound" but is there any way that a regular ultrasound would do? I don't know if I have it in me to undergo a full exam right now. Also, is there any way that this is going to permanently mark my body forever? Will I have like, a miscarriage hormone in my blood for the rest of my life? Will my uterus be altered? I know this must sound insane, I don't even know myself why I'm asking myself these questions, but for some reason they feel urgent now.
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Thank you all in advance

Why is there no investigation into the excess deaths and unusually high celebrity deaths? My hypothesis is that the spike protein is damaging people's hearts. We are seeing 3 groups dying at unusually high rates A) old people B) people who use drugs that affect the heart such as cocaine C) young athletes, as exercise puts a lot of pressure on the heart in the moment.
So it would be reasonable to expect that these would be the first victims of the spike protein. Will othenormal demographics start dropping like flies years down the line? According to public health "experts": let's wait and see, who CARES about doing a SINGLE study or investigation about this?
Every time someone famous dies, they either say it was old age, or unknown cause of death. Well, old age is not mutually exclusive to damage from the spike protein. As I mentioned, it would be reasonable to expect the weakest/those with the biggest pressure on their heart already to die first, and that seems to be what is happening.
These were all the strangely high number of famous deaths in the past 1-2 years, I have never seen so many famous people die so close to each otheall in the span of 1-2 years :
The Queen, who seemed to live forever, died of "old age" (rather vague).
The Pope, who seemed to live forever, died with no cause given.
Diego Maradona, who used cocaine when he was younger, died of a heart attack at age 60. Strange that he didn't die of a heart attack all those years.
His brother, Hugo Maradona, also a soccer player, also died of a heart attack at age 52 1 year after Diego died.
Pele died the same year he got vaccinated and got covid, the state cause was cancer, but he died the same year he got vaccinated and covid, his cancer didn't seem to kill him before that. Keep his mind his mother is still alive, and she is over 100 years old.
DMX, who used cocaine throughout his life, died of a heart attack at age 50, again, strange that the heart attack came directly in April 2021 and not any time before that even though he used cocaine numerous times throughout his life.
Tina Turner, who had high blood pressure for decades, died after "years of illnesses". Again, strange that the "years of illnesses spanning a decade decided not to kill her until 1-2 years ago.
Jerry Springer died due to cancer, but again it is not necessarily mutually exclusive, especially since rates of cancer are also going up recently.
Bob Saget, dead at 65, his official cause was "blunt head trauma" but it was said no foul play was suspected, and he appeared to fall down in his room and hit his head. What might have caused him to suddenly fall down out of the blue? Of course, it was never mentioned.
Lisa Marie Presley, cardiac arrest at age 54.
Bill Russel, NBA legend, dead at 88 with no cause of death given.
Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid in Harry Potter), dead due to multiple organ failure including heart block.
This one wasn't a death but superstar soccer player Sergio Aguero had to retire at age 32, in 2021 (out of all years), due to heart arrhythmia. I can't remember the last time EVER that a player this famous had to retire prematurely due to a heart, or any other issue.
These are the most famous ones, off the top of my head. Which other 1-2 years had so many global household names names die?
Here are some other less famous but still famous ones:
Ivana Trump, dead after injuries to torso (again, not mutually exclusive, typically mild injuries to torso doesn't kill people I would assume) at 73.
Clarence Gilyard Jr, "Die Hard" actor, dead at 60, no cause of death given
Tony Sirico, "Sopranos" actor, no cause of death, but they tried to relate it to his pre-existing dementia (again, not necessarily mutually exclusive
Peter Bogdanovich, "Sopranos" actor, dead at 82 due to "complications from Parkinsons" that did not kill him until 2022 out of all years, the same year that another start from the Sopranos (Tony Sirico) also died, talk about a coincidence...
Paul Sorvino, "Goodfellas" actor, died at 88 with no cause given.
Ray Liotta, "Goodfellas" actor, died at 67 due to heart failure and respiratory issues. Again, 2 big name stars who played in gangster movies, and the literal same movie Sopranos, dying within the same year, what are the chances. How often does do these double movie/show deaths happen, statistically/historically?
NFL player Marion Barker, dead at 38 due to heat stroke
Cedric McMillan, bodybuilding champions dead at 44 due to heart attack
Taylor Hawkins from "Foo Fighters" band, dead at 50 due to cardiac arrest
Then we have famous but slightly less famous young people who died of heart related complications, such as actor Ray Stevenson, musician Brian Gillis heart attack at age 46, actor Lance Reddick who died of "natural causes" at age 60, rapper Costa Titch who died on stage after collapsing at age 28, actor Jansen Panettiere who died from enlarged heart at age 28, rapper David Jolicoeur who had heart issues since 2017 that did not kill him until 2023, actor Cody longo who died in his sleep (which is common with heart issues) at age 34 but it is being reported that he died from alcohol poisoning even though that was simply his family's guess because they said he drank excessively in the past (yet it magically didn't kill him until 2023), musician Mark Sheehan from an "undisclosed illness" at age 46, Paul Cattermole of Sclub7 who died of "natural causes" at the age of 46 (??), then others with no stated cause of death such as DJ Shog aged 46. actor Adam Rich from Eight is Enough, dead at 54 with no cause given.
People will call me a conspiracy theorist and say that I am saying "anecdotes". Well, in the absence of proper data and studies, anecdotes are all we have to go by. Also, excess mortality is a thing now since in 2022 for many countries, but of course they don't break down by the cause of death. I am simply try to raise awareness to call for more research in this important issue. Even if anecdotal, I have never seen SO many famous people die so close to each other, with a strangely high correlation with heart related issues.