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Fast Action Keto Gummies Reviews Are Australia's Action Keto Gummies Real or Fake?
There is a plenty of weight decrease arrangements available, each encouraging phenomenal outcomes. Notwithstanding, you should be particular in your determinations, since a considerable lot of these items neglect to follow through on their cases. Picking the right food varieties is fundamental for weight reduction. Fast Action Keto Gummies, then again, have been attempted and tried by genuine individuals who have seen genuine outcomes concerning fat consuming and craving concealment, so you might get them with certainty. They are ensured to work, so you might buy them with certainty.
What Are Fast Action Keto Gummies?
To support weight reduction, these Fast Action Keto Gummies might be utilized by anyone. These things utilize a concentrate from the Garcinia cambogia plant, which has been displayed to have fat-consuming characteristics. There is proof that rising metabolic rate and further developing generally speaking body synthesis may help with weight decrease.
Fatty oils, a sort of fat that might be available in the blood and in many substantial tissues, are likewise diminished. This makes it a promising treatment for diabetes.
Best Weight reduction Supplement. Instead of standard weight reduction helps like Phentermine, these desserts give a sugar-and sans gluten choice that is comparably compelling.
In what ways do they vary from each other?
Fast Action Keto Gummies is a dietary enhancement for the ketogenic diet that vows to assist you with losing the weight.
It contains beta-hydroxybutyrate (or BHB), the essential ketone body created by the liver during times of low starch ingestion.
To enter ketosis, eating a great deal of protein and fat consistently is important. The significance of restricting your sugar consumption, notwithstanding, couldn't possibly be more significant. This keeps your body consuming fat for fuel in any event, when you're not working out, which maintains a strategic distance from hazardous spikes in glucose.
To assist your body with entering ketosis all the more rapidly, have a go at taking these chewy candies in the first part of the prior day breakfast. Along these lines, you will not need to stress over adding additional calories or carbs to your eating routine during the day.
VISIT HERE TO KNOW ABOUT FAST ACTION KETO GUMMIES HOW TO WORK ON BELLY FAT!
For what reason would it be a good idea for one to consider using Fast Action Keto Gummies?
The parts of this medication, which are regular, were picked with care in order to totally fulfill you. It arrives in a helpful box with a perfect proportion of all that you'll need, and it's accessible at whatever point you decide to utilize it. Since it was made to work as one with your body, this recipe contains no counterfeit fixings or fillers of any sort. This item has no substances known to cause unfavorably susceptible responses, subsequently it is protected to consume.
Fast Action Keto Gummies are figured out to have an effect that advances ketosis inside the body. In this express, your glucose and fat levels are low, establishing a climate wherein fat might be singed thus characterizing your condition. As your endurance and strength develop and your weight fall, you will feel better and more fit than any other time. There is to a lesser extent an opportunity that one might gorge or get occupied while eating due to this substance's guide in hunger the executives. More than that, it keeps you side by side of the internal functions of your body by controlling your pulse and giving you constant updates. Your insusceptible framework's exhibition increments which might assist with warding off a large group of expected issues.
Which ingredients are utilized in Fast Action Keto Gummies?
Fast Action Keto Gummies are planned with a blend of all-regular fixings that synergistically initiate ketosis, a metabolically useful condition. It has a fat-consuming enhancement and sugar substitutes with less carbs. This synergistic mix might diminish desires, increment energy, and accelerate your digestion. This makes it an extraordinary choice for the people who are trying to cut calories.
Likewise, this medication takes out the dangers related with elevated cholesterol and circulatory strain, so you can quit agonizing over your wellbeing. Along these lines, you can be sure that the recipe behind Fast Action Keto Gummies was planned by specialists with the express objective of upgrading your weight reduction experience while additionally advancing your wellbeing and prosperity all the more extensively.
The two primary fixings are apple juice vinegar (ACV) and BHB. We've previously settled what BHB is, so how about we continue on toward ACV's capability.
This fixing is the most imperative for making the sticky bears the right consistency. While it contains some sugar, it is likewise wealthy in numerous other helpful components. You'll have more endurance to go during that time without failing spectacularly because of the micronutrients' part in poison end and keeping you at top wellbeing.
VISIT HERE TO KNOW ABOUT FAST ACTION KETO GUMMIES HOW TO WORK ON BELLY FAT!
How long until you get impacts from utilizing Fast Action Keto Gummies?
Get thin quick with the assistance of these Fast Action Keto Gummies. Involving this brand's enhancements notwithstanding your customary work-out routine can carry you to your wellness objectives all the more rapidly, yet you actually need to invest the energy.
The utilization of these confections has been connected by a few clients to a recognizable reduction in their weight list.
These chewy confections are loaded with supplements that synergistically act to help your digestion and help in fat consuming for ideal weight reduction results.
Many individuals who were first suspicious now unequivocally suggest Fast Action Keto Gummies since so many of their clients have announced extraordinary results in the wake of utilizing them.
What kind of weight decrease might be anticipated while utilizing Fast Action Keto Gummies?
Fast Action Keto Gummies give not one, yet two particular benefits: a weight reduction arrangement and a strong fat killer. Accordingly, you will actually want to achieve your objectives with them. Your digestion will be accelerated, and your body's energy levels will be improved, the two of which will help you in losing as much as 6 pounds each month with the use of the pills.
Prior to purchasing any of these pills, you ought to learn all that you can about the expected advantages and dangers related with utilizing them. The pills are totally ok for human use since they are created altogether from natural fixings. They are, consequently, totally sans risk for utilization. Manual for Appropriately Utilizing Fast Action Keto Gummies
If you have any desire to see weight decrease comes about because of using these chewy candies, you really want to take them consistently. In light of reason, it is pivotal that you plan your days to consider their day to day use. This is because of the way that they should be taken at specific times over the course of the day. If so, almost certainly, the Fast Action Keto Gummies will not give the guaranteed benefits.
VISIT HERE TO KNOW ABOUT FAST ACTION KETO GUMMIES HOW TO WORK ON BELLY FAT!
A Few Words in Conclusion
Fast Action Keto Gummies confections are ready to move on the authority site of the organization that makes them. Likewise, you might get your hands on this stuff from many stores, like Walgreens, Walmart, and bounty all the more other than. You might get a free preliminary container and limits on this Fast Action Keto Gummies item, yet provided that you get it through the authority site's internet based shop. You may likewise purchase the wholesome enhancement at any pharmacy or drug store in your locale and pay for it with cash or a Visa.

In recent years, white bread has been vilified as unhealthy and nutritionally deficient. Is it, however, really that bad for you? In this article, we'll look at white bread in greater detail and separate fact from fiction.
White bread is made with refined flour, which is devoid of bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm. As a result, white bread is lower in nutrients than whole wheat bread. It does, however, have some nutritional value, as it contains carbohydrates, protein, and some B vitamins.
Because of its high glycemic index, white bread has been accused of causing blood sugar spikes and crashes. This can be a concern for diabetics or those attempting to control their blood sugar levels. White bread's glycemic index can be reduced by pairing it with protein or fiber-rich foods like cheese or avocado.
White bread is a popular type of bread made from refined flour that has had the bran and germ removed during the manufacturing process. While white bread does not have the same nutritional profile as whole wheat bread, there are some advantages to eating it in moderation.
Here are a few potential advantages of eating white bread:

• White bread digests faster than whole wheat bread, providing a quick burst of energy that can be useful during intense exercise or as a quick snack.
• Because of its lower fibre content, white bread may be easier to digest for some people with digestive issues than whole wheat bread.
• White bread is versatile and can be used for a variety of dishes, including classic PB&J sandwiches, French toast, bread pudding, and more.
• Nutrient Fortification: To compensate for the loss of natural nutrients during processing, many commercial brands of white bread are fortified with additional nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.

While White Bread has some advantages, it is typically lower in fibre and other important nutrients when compared to whole wheat bread. White bread consumption may also be associated with negative health outcomes such as weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
If you must eat white bread, look for products made with high-quality, minimally processed ingredients and avoid those with added sugars, preservatives, or other additives. Incorporating a variety of whole grains, including whole wheat, into your diet can also help ensure that you get a variety of important nutrients to support your health and wellbeing.
Another issue with white bread is that it is low in fibre. Most of the fibre is removed during the refining process, which can cause constipation and digestive issues. Some brands of white bread, however, are now fiber-fortified, making them a better choice for those looking to increase their fibre intake.
It should also be noted that not all white bread is created equal. Some store-bought brands may contain sugars, preservatives, and other ingredients that reduce nutritional value. If you must eat white bread, read the label and look for products made with high-quality ingredients.
In conclusion, while white bread is less nutritious than whole wheat bread, it can still be part of a healthy diet when consumed in moderation and combined with other nutritious foods. It's all about balance and making informed choices, just like with any other food.

Obesity has become a severe public health challenge globally. The present study aimed to identify separate and interactive dietary, genetic, and other factors that increase the risk of obesity as measured by body fat (BF) mass.
We utilized a genome-wide association study to identify genetic variants associated with high fat mass (obesity; n = 10,502) and combined them to generate polygenic risk scores (PRS) of genetic variants interacting with each other in adults aged over 40 while excluding body-fat-related diseases in a city-hospital-based cohort (n = 53,828). It was validated in Ansan/Ansung plus rural cohorts (n = 13,007).
We then evaluated dietary and lifestyle factors in subjects to assess what factors might help overcome a genetic propensity for higher BF. The three-SNP model included brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)_rs6265, fat-mass- and obesity-associated protein (FTO)_rs1421085, and SEC16B_rs509325. The genes with the minor alleles of ADCY3_rs6545790 and BAIAP2_rs35867081 increased their gene expression in the visceral and subcutaneous adipocytes, but their gene expression decreased in the hypothalamus in eQTL analysis.
In the three-SNP model, the PRS was associated with BF mass by 1.408 and 1.396 times after adjusting covariates 1 (age, gender, survey year, residence area, education, and income) and 2 (covariates in model 1 plus energy intake, alcohol intake, regular exercise, and smoking status), respectively. However, when separating subjects by PRS of the three-SNP model, a plant-based diet was the most significant factor associated with low BF, followed by high-protein diets and lower energy intakes. They could offset the effects of high genetic risk for high BF.
In conclusion, modulating nutrient intakes might overcome a high genetic risk for obesity. Dietary choices favoring more plant-based and higher-protein foods might help prevent increased BF in Asians and potentially people of other ethnicities with high polygenetic risk scores.
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Full:
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https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/15/4/1063?utm_campaign=releaseissue_nutrientsutm_medium=emailutm_source=releaseissueutm_term=titlelink156

Hi! My boy is 7months old, a 4kg maltese-mini schnauzer mix, adopted at 10weeks. He is an overexcited pup by nature and the schnauzer genes are strong with him so he has a lot of energy and is quite strong minded. Hence he is smart but hard to train. We do train for impulse control and he knows the basic commands, including leave it. We found the sweet spot where he gets just the right combo of exercise and naps that he behaves rly well at home. So he is generally unproblematic, never any signs of agression, no barking or lounging or growling at me or anyone, no resource guarding, never distroying stuff, puppy biting was pretty mild.
He is very attached to me (follows me around, but is getting better), and admittedly somewhat spoiled. He cuddles with me on the couch and we have morning cuddles in bed (he sleeps in his own bed on the floor by my bed). He is used to me handling his whole body and his food without problem. He is very mouthy by nature and exhibits love through his mouth, not only licking my whole face but also holding my wrist softly in his mouth during cuddles etc. I can tell he trusts me and will plant his ass on my face if necessary haha
Anyhow, on to the problem (if it is one). I pick him up quite a lot. He actually loves being in my arms and demands to sleep in my lap when i work or even to be carried around like a baby sometimes. BUT there are instances when i pick him up because I have to and have no alternative. To get him off the couch because its bed time and i know jumping on and off is not good for him. To get him outside because i have stairs (no lift) and puppies are not supposed to take the stairs 5 times daily so i carry him down. To get him to come back inside vis stairs when we are out in the garden (he absolutely refuses to come in, would stay out forever). So when he is being picked up to disturb an activity he likes (play/sleep/etc) but it is necessary to do so, he growls and bites-its both very soft though, not rly agressive but more like a stubborn child saying ‘mom leave me alone i dont wanna’. Like its softer than when he was younger and would play bite, its not intended to harm and its not snappy, more like a warning with the soft growl. I know his scared/angry growl and this is def not it, its even softer than his play growl (when playing by him self). He never injures me, it doesnt even hurt.
Right now i just carry on with picking him up and tell him ‘no’ or ‘leave it’ sternly and he stops. Right away.
I sort of feel like its a natural behaviour because i am doing sth that bothers him and might also be a bit uncomfortable (picking up a sleeping pup who refuses to move is not easy). I am annoying him and i interpret it as him just letting me know ‘no i dont like this’. Which seems like a normal reaction? I understand I created this problem by picking him up constantly, who would like that honestly? I will also stop picking him up like this when his palates close at 1year old. So this situation wont be a long term problem.
Howeever, I am having doubts whether or not this is sth similar to resource guarding that needs to be adressed properly? As said atm i am basically just ignoring it telling him to stop and treating it like its nbd. I rly dont feel like its escalating or creeping up in other areas. But i dont want to suddenly wake up and realise i am scared of my dog because i failed to adress sth on time.
So my Q is - do you guys think this behaviour is problematic or is it ok how im handling it now?

Candida is the most prevalent fungus found in humans. It is commonly seen in the mouth, skin, digestive tract, toenails, rectum, and vagina. While additional study is needed, the candida diet excludes foods and liquids that can potentially promote candida. "Independent" refers to a person who does not work for the government.
Candida usually is safe, however, excessive development of this fungus can cause illness. The candida diet is a stringent diet designed to treat candida infections. Foods to avoid - 1. Any form of sugar including - fructose, corn syrup, white sugar, brown sugar, processed sugar, sugar derived from cane/plants, sweeteners derived from maple syrups, agave, honey, etc. Read the labels of the foods you consume to know if there are any hidden forms of sugar in that food. Packaged and processed food, soups, creamers, and seasoning are all sources of processed sugar.

1. Processed and simple carbohydrates, which include white rice, flour, chips, pasta, crackers, and noodles.
   
2. Candida is a yeast, and consuming yeast-containing foods adds additional yeast to an already yeast-heavy environment.
   

• Alcohol that has been fermented with yeast is a high-yeast food. Wine and Beer contain the most yeast and people who are yeast sensitive tend to react more to them than they do to distilled spirits like vodka, gin & tequila which contain less. *Fermented products, including all types of vinegar, soy sauce, tamari, salad dressing, mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and kinds of vinegar.
• Many bread varieties include yeast, which is what causes the bread to rise and become fluffy and light. Tortillas contain no yeast and can be used in place of bread.

1. Moldy foods can contribute to the formation of Candida by increasing the number of fungal spores in the intestine. Stay away from - pickled meats, smoked/dried hotdogs, cured pork, smoked salmon, cheese, peanuts, pistachios, dried fruits, and bottled fruits (these contain both sugar and mold)
   
2. Mushrooms, are fungus and hence should be avoided at all costs during this cleanse!
   

Foods to consume -

1. Fresh Veggies - Spinach, kale, cabbage, collards, root veggies - carrots, and potatoes can be eaten in moderation. Frozen and canned veggies are permissible but should be consumed in moderation.
2. Proteins - Animal protein sources - chicken, fish, shellfish, and eggs.

Non-animal protein sources - beans, legumes (such as red or brown lentils), nuts, and seeds (except peanuts and pistachios)

1. Fresh fruits - Aim for 1-2 servings of fresh fruit every day to get enough fiber, vitamins, and minerals. But, if you have symptoms such as gas, bloating, or brain fog after eating fruit, you may be sensitive to it and should avoid it altogether.
2. Complex Carbs - Oats, millets, barley, buckwheat, quinoa, and brown or wild rice can be consumed to reduce bloating and gas.
   
3. Good Fats - When available, unrefined and cold-pressed oils are the finest. Healthy fats include (but are not limited to) the following: fish oil, avocado oil, sunflower oil, olive oil, flax seed oil, and chia seeds
   

Make an appointment now if you feel you have Candida overgrowth and want to learn more about our specifically formulated Yeast and Candida Detox Program.

Hello first I want to say have been type 1 for 13 years now and I haven’t always had the best management but never the worst. I used to be really active and follow the keto diet before and a bit of intermittent fasting ( which was very hard for me when I had lows) but on and off I’ve been mostly avoid high carb foods ( rice, pasta) and it’s been harder living abroad and having a mew endocrinologist. But anyways from my visit to my Endo, I got a lot of blood work done since it’s been a while I’ve visited due to travels/work and generally being busy so they did a whole set of blood work on me. The Endo didn’t mention anything was off or I should worry about anything. Fast forward to my gynecologist appointment to pick up my pills and I bring in my most recent blood work ( he needed to check on my liver function before prescribing me more B.C) and he was alarmed at my GFR level being low for my age and of course, my a1c which is always around 7.3-7.8. I know and I struggle getting it lower all my life and I know that I need to get it in better control. He said that my GFR being only 64 would mean in 20 years I would have kidney failure if I didn’t get my a1c under 7 and if I didn’t loose weight ( I’m 5’8.5 and about 155lbs). It really scared me and made me wonder why my Endo first didn’t bring this up with me and instead I’m getting this told to me by my gno….but anyways, is this I dead a bad number for type 1 diabetics? My GFR is 64 and my creatinine is 0.83 ( I think high) but my uric acid is 3.7 only. Is anyone else like this? I know I need to talk to my Endo the next time I see him but it won’t be for another month and I can’t help but worry. I’m setting myself a goal for weight loss and much lower A1C and a reduction in my protein amount.

This recipe is a delight! It's got good fats you need in it, yes, but it also is a good source of protein.
MIDWESTERN AUTHENTIC GUACAMOLE DIP
serves 2

• One whole Avocado
• Dash of salt
• Lemon juice
• 1/2 spoonful of minced garlic
• 2 dashes of a mild hotsauce
• 2 teaspoons white or cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 2 dashes of paprika
• 1 tablespoon of sugar
• 1 whole raw egg

Whip the sugar, paprika, mustard powder, onion powder, egg, and vinegar into a nice homemade dressing. Cut open the avocado and stir all ingredients together with the rest of the dressing you just made. This is the secret to a fantastic guacamole for the entire family.
Just serve with yellow corn tortilla chips and some salsa!

Here are some lesser-known benefits of veganism:
•Lower risk of cataracts: A vegan diet is rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce the risk of developing cataracts, a common age-related eye condition.
•Reduced risk of kidney stones: Vegan diets tend to be lower in animal protein, which can help reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
•Better digestion: A plant-based diet is high in fiber, which can promote healthy digestion and reduce the risk of constipation, bloating, and other digestive issues.
•Improved skin health: A vegan diet is rich in vitamins and minerals that are essential for healthy skin, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and zinc. This can help improve skin elasticity, reduce inflammation, and prevent acne.
•Lower risk of certain types of cancer: Vegan diets have been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast, colon, and prostate cancer. This is thought to be due to the high fiber and antioxidant content of plant-based foods.
•Better mood: A vegan diet has been linked to improved mental health and a reduced risk of depression. This may be due to the anti-inflammatory properties of plant-based foods, as well as the higher levels of certain nutrients like folate and omega-3 fatty acids.
•Lower environmental impact: A vegan diet is more sustainable and has a lower environmental impact than a diet that includes animal products. This is because producing meat and dairy products requires much more land, water, and other resources than producing plant-based foods.

0ddlyc4nt3v3n
I hope this is not a stupid question, but I really want an answer.:-)
BetTorWorse
I have a stream oven and like it.I have no fried pot.I have an IP pot, hate it.
Carbrewr84
But I like to see everyone cooking with air fried pots.Is there any reason to get the fryer when I have a stream of the oven?
Pumpkin 9inch
If so, why?Thank you so much.
Timmtrav
Initially, I think you are the same as the same thing as the stream oven as the air fryer.It is because of me that I have fired an air fried pot for a whole year.I can now tell you that the two are very different -the universality of the air frying pot is very large, and it can produce very similar results of the fried fried pots that have no trouble, oil, maintenance and chaos.In addition, this is a meal -sized countertop equipment that does not heal the kitchen in summer. The cooking speed is faster than the stream oven, and it is usually the only item for your cooking meals, so the cleaning work can be minimized.In the end, I bought an extra thing to work with me.As for the high -pressure cooker -this may be because you don't like stress cooking, or you may not like countertop equipment.Personally, I like them and have 8QT ninja Foodi.I hope all this will help -I regret waiting.
Roareatsleep
Thanks.I don't mind countertop equipment.I will yield and buy one.Find which one now.:-)
mo_macks
I think IP will be caused by food is not crispy.I like to complete the protein and vegetables in the stream oven.
Macdwannabe
Ibid (except food part)
0ddlyc4nt3v3n
I have a stream of oven at home, and my air fryer is also used 10 times.
BetTorWorse
It was smaller and the result was heated faster.The flow fan on the air rack seems to be much stronger, so the effect of the current is more obvious.
Carbrewr84
The basket is easier to clean and allows the airflow around all foods to try to cause a lot of confusion in the stream oven.
Pumpkin 9inch
I still use the stream oven, but eat bigger meals.When I want to cook soybean and cheese Mexican Bakery, some chicken bids or wings, or other "me and wife" meals, fried chicken is now my first choice.
Timmtrav
The main difference (except for convenient factors) is blowing from top to bottom.It uses gravity and airflow to fill the excess oil at the bottom.In the air fryer, the bottom of the bottom of the oil and heat source is relatively fast and prevent burning.In addition, the food is suspended, so if you need to flip, you can shake the entire cage if you need to flip.Basically, you can perform any fried pot recipes in the conference oven, but it is usually slower to clean up.The biggest advantage of connecting the oven is that you can control more calories.You will notice that all the photos on the submarine have almost no black spots on food.Now I know this is very fashionable: (But, if you want your food to be strictly golden yellow, the oven will provide you with more control.
Roareatsleep
Convenience is the biggest factor.Its heating is very fast and the cooking is fast.I also think it exudes less smell.My children like breakfast sausages, but I hate how it dirty the whole house in the more than a day.I opened the fried pot in the sausage, and smelled the explosives almost in 7-8 minutes ... And, if I don't have to, I don't want to open the oven in the summer.This incident does not emit calories on the outside.
mo_macks
Same as above.I use air fried pots almost every day, and there are very few on the oven.
Macdwannabe
It heated faster and does not make the house get hot.
0ddlyc4nt3v3n
The disadvantage is that it is small, so I can't cook a ton.It is very suitable for dinner of 1 or 2, but if I want to cook more, I will use the oven.
BetTorWorse
In a large number of processing, my streaming oven is very good.When I need some things to be fast and crispy, my air frying pot shines.Preheating may take two minutes.I have never eaten so many hash brown cakes in my life.Intersection
Carbrewr84
I like my empty fried pot and smart oven. They are different from the public, but you can get almost the same results from the two.
Pumpkin 9inch
In other words, I can only talk about someone buying a fryer.

Cover Art!
Just because you’re transported to another world, doesn’t mean you’ll escape from your pain.
Abused by her parents, thirteen-year-old Frances only wants to be safe and for her life not to hurt so much. And when she and her class are transported to the magical world of Durannon to fight the monsters invading the human kingdoms and defeat the self-titled Demon King, Frances is presented with a golden opportunity. If she succeeds, Frances will have the home she never had. If she fails, Frances will be summoned back to the home she escaped.
Yet, despite her newfound magic and friends, Frances finds that trauma is not so easily lost. She is dogged by her abuse and its physical and invisible scars. Not only does she have to learn magic, she has to survive the nightmares of her past, and wrestle with her feelings of doubt and self-loathing.
If she can heal from her trauma, though, she might be able to defeat the Demon King and maybe, just maybe, she can find a home for herself.
Teaser: Hattie finds out about blessings and curses, whilst Janize and Leila have a... development
[The Beginning] [<=Chapter 182 part 1] [Chapter Index and Blurb] [Chapter 183=>](https://www.patreon.com/vren55) ]
The Fractured Song Index
Discord Channel Just let me know when you arrive in the server that you’re a Patreon so you can access your special channel.
It was taxing being so close to Queen Janize and not being able to do anything about it. Elizabeth had to admit to herself that she had at some points, wondered about just wringing the woman’s neck. However, there was no way to do so.
If Elizabeth had one word to describe Queen Janize, it was that the woman was intriguing. As one of the maids directly attending Janize, she was mostly standing nearby, fetching pen and paper and drinks. The woman was rarely alone, usually accompanied by multiple servants, guards, and Leila. She also attended meetings directly with Earl Darius that Elizabeth coudn’t attend, and would often have private meetings with her Otherworlder shadow.
Ayax, however, using a nifty spell that Frances had invented to eavesdrop in magically unprotected rooms, could actually listen in on the queen.
It was in one of these conversations that Elizabeth and Ayax were quietly discussing in their rooms with Martin and Ginger attending through mirror.
“So you are now certain she’s working against Darius?” Elizabeth mused.
Ayax pursed her lips and nodded once. “I believe so. She definitely doesn’t tell Leila everything, but I am more inclined to think she’s preparing countermeasures against the Earl. Not that that changes anything. I think we need to kill them both.”
Elizabeth blinked. “But she’s pregnant, Ayax.”
Her lips twisted in a grimace, Ginger sighed. “I don’t like it either, Liz, but I get what Ayax is saying. If Queen Forowena’s cannot bear children, Janize’s child will become a threat to whoever succeeds King Jerome. It might be better to kill a traitor and rebel than kill her child.”
Martin coughed officiously, his eyes narrowed. “I personally don’t really see the difference, and I doubt most would. Both are very unenviable options.” The knight drummed his fingers on the table. “This is going to sound off topic, but what’s the mood in the castle?”
Ayax glanced at Elizabeth, who frowned in thought. “Downcast. They aren’t willing to surrender, but since the Erlenberg navy has cut off all sea resupply, they’re rationing food.More importantly, Ayax just told me that it doesn’t sound like the city is going to be relieved anytime soon.”
Martin blinked. “Really? I thought the traditionalists still had remaining troops?”
Shaking her head, Ayax’s tail swayed back and forth. “From what I heard these are their last remaining troops. We’ve dealt too many defeats to them, destroyed too many of their castles, killed or captured too many of their mages. They’re waiting for us to make a mistake, but they don’t think we are going to make one. We can conceivably just hold our siege here until we starve them until starvation.”
“Of course, that’s not really an option. Too many things can go wrong with such a long siege,” said Elizabeth, recalling a lesson from Igraine. She wondered how was her mentor doing.
It was then that Elizabeth and Ayax noticed that Martin and Ginger were exchanging grim looks their lips pressed into thin lines.
“It’s no longer an option,” said Ginger. “A little over a week ago, Timur found out that Thorgoth is training six dragons, the children of Telkandra. He learned this from the eldest of Telkandra’s children who had fled her siblings. However, while trying to get this dragon and Goldilora away, Timur was captured by Thorgoth’s forces.”
Martin, noticing Ayax and Ginger’s widening eyes, piped up in a firm tone. “Frances is heading with Morgan and Hattie to rescue him and I think they have a chance of succeeding, but the fact remains that we now know why Thorgoth was so passive. He was amassing his forces to perform a final attack with dragon support. We cannot maintain a prolonged siege and so I have an idea.”
Ginger scratched her head, trying her best not to scowl. “I hate it, but I think it works. Liz, Ayax, can you meet with Janize in private and offer her terms of surrender?”
Elizabeth blinked. Ayax’s jaw dropped open. “I thought you wanted to kill her, Ginger?”
“I do, but I…” Ginger closed her eyes and rested her forehead against her clasped hands. “Look, as much as I want the bitch dead, you all spent a long time pulling me out of the shitty place I was in. I feel like if I ask you to do something so cold-blooded, even if it is the ‘practical’ and ‘logical’ decision, it would mean all of us would be going to that place. I don’t want that.”
“Are you sure about this? I agree with you, but I have…strong feelings about preserving life, especially unborn life,” said Elizabeth, her eyes focused on Martin.
The knight sat up straighter and gave a short nod. “I am sure that we need to at least offer Queen Janize terms. If she refuses then so be it, but if she agrees, then we must explore that option.”
“And how are you going to convince King Jerome and Queen Forowena this?” Ayax asked, arching an eyebrow.
Ginger allowed herself a smirk. “Leave that to us. You and Liz think of a way to offer the following terms without getting caught. We need to send a clear message.”
Elizabeth crossed her arms. “What are the terms you plan to offer?”
Her arm wrapped firmly around Janize’s waist, Leila guided the queen to her bedchambers. “Come on, let me carry you at least once.”
The queen hid her smile with her hand as she let herself be guided. With her servants dismissed, it was now alright to play coy with Leila. “Are you sure you’re strong enough for two, Otherworlder?”
Janize blinked when Leila leaned in, pulling her close. The Otherworlder gently stepped in. Her eyes wide, the queen found herself starting to lay back onto the younger woman’s arms.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” drawled Leila.
Her heart pounding, Janize held onto Leila, wearing her smirk like a shield. “I expect you to carry me to my bed, Leila,” she rasped.
“Well then…” Leila dipped one arm underneath Janize’s legs. The queen held her breath as she was lifted into the air. The younger woman’s grip was incredibly gentle and steady even as Leila fumbled with the door.
Janize opened the door with her gloved hand. “Allow me.”
“Thank you.” Leila kicked the door open and sashayed herself and Janize into her bedchambers. The queen watched the Otherworlder through half-lidded eyes, revelling in how Leila’s eyes were glued to her.
“Are you already undressing me with your eyes?” Leila giggled.
Janize arched an eyebrow. “Unless my eyes are magic, I don’t think—Ah, you mean it metaphorically. I was thinking you should take my dress off.”
“Oh? You would like to be at my mercy…” Leila’s voice trailed off . Janize felt ice seep into her heart when Leila’s grip tightened around her. Her dark brown eyes now stared at something on their bed.
Their bed? Oh dear. She was really growing rather fond of Leila wasn’t she?
Janize took a deep breath and reached up to touch Leila’s cheek. “What’s wrong?”
The Otherworlder carefully set the queen down. Once she did, Leila gripped the hilt of her long dagger. Janize had to turn around before she saw what had killed the mood.
“Hm, rather menacing isn’t it?” Janize muttered. She narrowed her eyes at the dagger planted point first into her mattress. “There appears to be a note attached to it. Can you be a dear and get that, Leila?”
“Yes, but give me a moment. Can you stand back?” Janize swept behind her protector, who drew her wand and muttered several spells. They made the dagger, bed, and even the sheets glow. After several different spells, the Otherworlder finally went forward, yanked the dagger from the bed and unrolled the letter.
Janize peaked over Leila’s shoulder, not hard to do considering she was what Leila had called her, a few “inches” taller.
To Queen-Claimant Janize of Erisdale,
We, Sir Martin of Conthwaite, Ginger of Conthwaite, Ayax “The Blackgale” Windwhistler, and Lady Elizabeth Hae-won Kim, would like you to know that we could have killed you and Leila as you slept, but circumstances compel us to offer you terms.
King Thorgoth of Alavaria has recruited purple dragons to his cause. You know what he intends to do with them. In the interest of ending this civil war that has taken so many lives, we request on behalf of King Jerome and Queen Forowena that you surrender under the following offer, conditional to their Majesties final approval:

1. Your life and that of your unborn child is guaranteed
2. Presuming that your child lives to their majority, they will be first in line to the throne of Erisdale, not to be superceded by any adoption or newborn children.
3. You are to be confined for life on Greyrock Island with a hundred retainers you may choose
4. Earl Darius and the other nobles who supported you are to submit to a trial by the high court for war crimes. All but his life is guaranteed, along with a steady income, but their lands and wealth will be confiscated from their persons, but not necessarily from their families and children

If you wish to discuss with us further, have a courier send a message out to the siege lines under a flag of truce.
Leila murmured the contents of the letter to herself. A snarl warped her lips. “What a load of bullshit. Are you done, Your Majesty? If so, let me burn it.”
A gloved hand held Leila’s wrist, whilst another set of hands plucked the letter from the Otherworlder’s grasp. Janize stepped away, pacing across ther room, and studying the letter intently.
Leila stared at the queen. “Janize, what are you doing?”
Janize tapped her hand with one finger but continued to study the letter. “Shh. Silencing spells on my room please.”
Leila spluttered, shook her head and started to cast several privacy spells to block out any eavesdroppers. She then sent a burst of magic toward the smoldering fireplace and levitated into the rising flames.
“Alright, now can you explain what’s got you so rattled.”
“I am perfectly calm my dear.”
“Bullshit. You’re rattled and you have no reason to be. They can’t possibly be telling the truth. I mean, dragons?” Leila rolled her eyes. “And why would they offer to save the life of your child?”
Janize did not look up from the letter. “It is precisely because the information is so unbelievable that I am somewhat concerned.”
Leila threw her hands up into the air. “And I thought you said you weren’t rattled.”
“I am afraid that I lied.” The queen hissed those words through gritted teeth. Taking a short breath, she turned to face the Otherworlder. “Leila dear, I quite enjoy your company, but I think you should take your leave.”
Blinking, the Otherworlder grimaced. “You don’t trust me.”
Janize fingers tightened around the letter. “I need to be alone. Truly alone.”
Her arms crossed, Leila gave the queen what could only be described as a flat stare. “I say that’s a horrible idea given that they can get into your bedchambers without anybody noticing.”
Janize opened her mouth to retort, but quickly closed it. Her lips a thin line, she closed her eyes.
“Leila. You make a good point and so you should stay here. That being said, you ought to know your place.”
Leila looked up at the ceiling and exhaled. Her breath almost spitting out between her clenched teeth. “I know my place, Your Majesty.”
“You have a very strange way of showing it.” Janize narrowed her eyes at the younger woman, studying her posture. She’d gotten to know Leila quite well. Her stiff, crossed-arm posture was a way of holding herself in check when she was frustrated about something.
After a long moment where Leila just gazed at the ceiling, she suddenly shivered and wiped her eyes.
Janize blinked. She tried to keep her expression serene, but the Otherworlder started to sniffle. Before her eyes, Leila’s stiff pose crumpled. She buried her tear-stricken face in her right hand, whilst she gripped her shirt with the other.
“Leila? What is going on? Are you alright?”
“No. I’m definitely not alright. I’m very, very fucked up, okay? I’m probably more of a freak than Frances.” The Otherworlder wiped her eyes with the back of her arm. “But I know my place. Oh, I know my place. I’m your disposable fuckbuddy. Your dumb hunk of muscle with boobs for you to squeeze. I know you are going to kill me once the war is over and after you’ve dealt with Darius. I also don’t care, so long as you do so after the Demon King is dead.”
Janize blinked, her mouth trying to form words, excuses, anything to try to deny what Leila was saying. “Excuse me? When have I—”
“Don’t lie to me. Please, don’t lie to me anymore.” Leila sniffled, and shook her head. “I mean, I don’t care if you do. Hurt me all you’d like. Use me as you wish. Just…promise me that you’ll get rid of me after Thorgoth dies. I don’t want to go back to Earth.”
“But if you die in Durannon after Thorgoth dies then correct me if I’m wrong, but the spell that returns you to ‘Earth’ won’t be active because you would have chosen to stay in Durannon. That means you’ll…” Janize’s voice trailed off. The letter slipping out of her grasp, she reached for Leila, but the Otherworlder stepped back. “Leila dear, you cannot be serious.”
Leila’s laugh was without mirth. It rang in the room softly, and yet it shook the queen’s hands like the howl of a wounded animal. “I am. You don’t need to pretend anymore, Your Majesty. I know you aren’t really lying to Earl Darius about getting rid of me. I’d have outlived my usefulness to you after he’s gone. Besides, you have the pick of the kingdom once you win the war. Why would you choose me?”
Janize briefly pinched the bridge of her nose. “Why would you be alright with being disposed of, Leila? You’re a fighter, and a tough young woman. I’ve never known you to give up like this. Why fight for me when you think I’ll get rid of you?” Despite her attempt to control her tone, the queen could hear her voice rise in pitch.
Leila’s shoulders fell, and she bit her lip. Swallowing, the Otherworlder croaked, “I love you. I love how you smile. I love how you lie to those around you and play them for fools. I love how you stand so tall despite the chaos around you. I love how you play your cards—your schemes—so close to your chest. I love your ruthlessness, your pitiless glower and just…everything about you.”
The queen, her jaw agape, stared at the Otherworlder and the desperate smile on her lips. Janize pinched herself with her long nails, drawing a red mark on her knuckle, and found that she was still awake. “Even when I hurt you? Even when you think I am going to have you killed?”
Leila coughed into her fist, and nodded. “Yeah. I mean, it hurt when I figured it out. But it’s what I deserve and what would happen to me anyway if I went back to Earth. At least you let me be me and made me happy. At least you pretended to be my friend and lover.”
“Pretended? You’re alright with—” Janize shook her head. “Leila, what happened on ‘Earth?’ I know your parents were horrible. I know they just buried you with schoolwork, activities, and never let you choose what you wanted to do. That does not explain why you want to die rather than go back!”
Leila shrugged helplessly, her eyes glancing off to the side. “I mean, it’s a pretty stupid explanation.”
“Enlighten me. I will decide whether it’s stupid or not.”
The Otherworlder bowed her head. “It’s nothing like say Frances’s reason. I mean, fuck, her parents wanted her dead or near dead. I could see the bruises.” Leila smiled again, without mirth, not even bothering to wipe her tear-filled eyes. “My parents just told me that I needed to be better, to try harder, and to let nothing stand in my way. They drilled it into me, until they started to just ignore me for my little brother. I tried even harder. I tried so hard I didn’t even care who I hurt. But then they stopped talking to me no matter how hard I tried. Eventually they started to be afraid of what I had become. I’m a monster, Your Majesty.” Leila looked up at Janize. Her gaze was dead. A broken, unnerving smile was glued across her tear-stained cheeks. “If…if you’d like to run screaming. You can do that. I’m used to it.”
Janize stared at the young woman. Frozen, one foot forward, the queen allowed her trembling hands to drop to her sides.
Suddenly, the woman picked up her skirts and marched up to the Otherworlder. Before Leila could step away, Janize threw her arms around the Otherworlder and pulled her into an embrace.
“Don’t run. Don’t run. Your queen demands you hear her out first!” Janize hissed, burying her face in Leila’s neck.
“Okay but why are you—” Leila blinked. Something warm, and wet was dripping on her neck. “Janize? I don’t—”
“You were not entirely wrong. I was planning on getting rid of you at first.” Janize loosened her embrace, her hands moving to cup Leila’s cheeks. Slowly, she pulled the Otherworlder to face her. They were so close, their noses were rubbing against each other. They were so close that Janize knew that Leila could see the tears that were filling her eyes. “It just appears that despite my best efforts, Leila, I have grown very very fond of you, in spite of your flaws.”
“You don’t mean—but that’s impossible—” Janize leaned forward, capturing her lover’s lips. She left Leila speechless, jaw agape, fresh tears in her eyes.
“It has already happened, my dear Leila. Is not a healthy relationship by any measure, but I do find myself enamoured with you and it has become my desire at this moment to spend my life with you.” Janize smiled, watching as the young woman in front of her splutter, blink and then just cry. Leila sobbed, leaning into her as she broke down. She cried so hard, for so long that Janize had to guide her love to the bed they shared, where the Otherworlder cried some more.
“Why?” Leila finally croaked, as her head lay on Janize’s lap, whilst the queen gently stroked her hair.
Janize pursed her lips. “I’m not entirely sure why to be honest. I suppose I can say that you make me feel…alive. You rouse my anger, my passion, and my ambition. You don’t bullshit me, which makes it quite easy to talk to you. You make me think, question, laugh…and feel. When I’m with you, I feel like I can be me.”
Leila blinked, her cheeks coloring. “Oh. I’m…I’m glad.” She gave the queen a small, shy smile. Janize mirrored it, relief filling her heart as she continued to stroke the young woman’s hair.
“So tell me now, Leila my dear. Do you know your place?” Janize asked, leaning down to poke her lover on the nose.
Leila beamed. “I do, Janize.”
Janize grimaced as she caressed Leila’s cheek with her bare hand. She’d long ago pulled her gloves off. “Then listen carefully because you’re not going to like what you hear next. I think we ought to accept the Lightning Battalion’s offer, but we might not be able to do so safely.”
Leila frowned, but continued to lay on the queen’s lap. “Alright, but why? And why do you believe this isn’t one of their sneaky tricks?”
“Two reasons. One, we’ve lost this civil war. Two, I think they’re telling the truth, though, not the whole truth.”
Leila sat up, gently brushing Janize’s hand off her cheek, as she shuffled to sit next to the queen. Her scarred fingers intermingled with Janize’s slender, perfectly manicured ones. “But wait, that’s preposterous. I mean, dragons? And then there’s exile. Why would you be willing to go to this Greyrock Island?”
Janize chuckled, hiding her wide grin with one hand as Leila frowned. “Greyrock Island actually has a very nice palace. It’s the private getaway of the Erisdalian Royal Family. It was built by an overindulgent Erisdalian Queen to stow away her lovers and while isolated, the island is self-sufficient. We won’t be able to escape, but considering that they could have had me executed for disobeying my father’s will, it’s not a bad option.”
Mouth forming an ‘o,’ Leila took a breath. “Wait, so you believe them?”
“Yes, they have been quite upfront without being blatantly obvious. They’ve offered to let my child be heir. This means that the rumor I’ve been hearing from our remaining spies is probably true. Earl Forowena must be infertile. And even if this rumor is false, the fact that they are willing to even entertain the idea of allowing my child on the Erisdalian throne is significant. They badly want to negotiate, even when they have significant advantages. Something must have changed and what else could it be but them finding out Thorgoth has dragons? If they knew about the dragons from the start, or lied about it, they wouldn’t want to end the siege with such a significant concession after taking so many casualties and time to set it up. It could be a delaying tactic but we are the ones being besieged, not them.”
“But we haven’t lost the war yet. We—” Leila’s voice trailed off. Janize’s smile had quite suddenly faded. “You know something that neither Darius nor I knows, or that we’re unwilling to admit.”
Janize drew herself up, her free hand placed on top of her growing stomach. “Not quite. You see, as queen, I have the most complete picture of what our faction knows. It’s a picture I hold very close to my chest and while someone can deduce it, or mislead me, I believe what I have analzed of the strategic situation is correct.” The queen closed her eyes. “As you know, we were planning to muster an army in the east to try to relieve the siege. You also know that that attempt has been unsuccessful and we’ve been forced to wait this out. It’s a losing strategy already. The greater problem, though, is that it doesn’t really matter if we win or if we lose this siege. If we win, which is likely to be in a battle against well-trained and disciplined troops led by veteran commanders, we’ll lose a significant amount of our remaining offensive power. They will lose combat power as well, but given the record of the Lightning Battalion, there is a good chance we’ll have nothing left even if we do hurt them. At that point, King Jerome and Queen Forowena can march in with their forces and destroy us. Sure the war will be prolongued, but by how much?”
Leila frowned. “But if we win the siege, we’ll have bought time to recruit and train another army.”
Janize shook her head. “And I’m afraid that that’s no longer an option. Erisdale City itself was a significant supplier of our tax revenue which we used to fund our army. It’s been under siege for months at this point. The city’s commercial potential has been indelibly damaged and even if the damage from the siege is repaired and the city returns to normal, Erlenberg has shown that they have secured the northeastern sea from Thorgoth’s Alavaria enough so that their fleet can now raid and blockade us with impunity. Add the fact that our war chest is now well and truly exhausted, well, I’m scrambling to maintain the troops we have on the field.” The queen glanced at the Otherworlder with a wry smile. “And that’s not considering the fact that if Thorgoth does have dragons, after he deals with his rebellion and the Reformists, we’d be next, and as I’ve just told you, we are far weaker than the Reformists right now.”
Leila’s eyes widened. “Shit.”
The queen nodded, bowing her head. “It pains me to admit, but a great deal of fault for this war and its outcome rests on my shoulders. I…I gravely miscalculated years ago when I aligned myself firmly in Earl Darius’s camp. I thought it was the obvious choice. Alavaria was maniacally anti-human from what we heard from Archmage Star. We needed to present a strong anti-Alavari front after the war with Lapanteria and Darius was a popular and established noble with significant support and resources.”
“But he was an asshole.”
Janize sighed and rested her head on the younger woman’s shoulder. “Leila, I must admit that I can be quite the bitch as well. It galls me to admit it, but my prejudices against the Alavari clouded my judgement. It made me more willing to condone Earl Darius’s actions when all they did was unite the Reformers against us and turn away potential Alavari allies. Then when my father changed his mind about the succession and was assassinated by Alavaria, I let my bitterness to him, and my hatred of Alavaria take over.”
Leila frowned. “But what would we have gained by allying with those monsters?”
The queen looked up at Leila, arching one thin eyebrow, her grey eyes hammering the Otherworlder with the flattest stare. After a moment, Leila winced and turned away. Janize held her glare for another second before giggling. “Monsters they may be. They are certainly not human. Yet they are not beasts to be put down. No, the fact that the Lightning Battalion has worked as well as it has, the fact that I hear stories all the time of Athelda-Aoun whispered in my halls, those have shown me that perhaps my prejudice was greatly misplaced. They are clearly capable of all the traits we associate with humanity.”
Leila pursed her lips and the furrow on her brow deepened. “Oh. That’s actually a very good point.”
“Coming around to my point of view now, Leila?” Janize asked, smirking just a little. Leila’s only response was to close her eyes and pull back from the queen. Her lips were pressed thin, she coiled the fingers on both her hands together. Her smirk fading, Janize gently reached over to caress her woman’s cheek. “Leila my love? What is wrong?”
Her eyes opening, Leila flashed the queen a brief smile. “You…you could stand to call me that more often. I’m fine. Not really alright, but fine. I was just thinking if I thought about it the way you did, would Jessica and I still be friends?”
Janize cupped Leila’s face in her hands. “Maybe, but then you wouldn’t have me.” Before the younger woman could respond, the queen pressed her lips against Leila’s.
When they finally parted, Leila was smiling and Janize, well she was smirking with smug satisfaction.
“I love you so much,” whispered Leila. At Janize’s wink, Leila couldn’t help but giggle. “So what do we do now? Earl Darius would never surrender, as would several of his supporting nobles. He’s lost a daughter already and that was to Martin and Ginger’s forces.”
“I’m afraid I’m still considering that.” Poking Leila’s nose with a finger, Janize dropped her tone, allowing her words to drop out as sultrily as she could. “Do you perhaps have any ideas how we can confer with the Lightning Battalion? I am still wondering what our counter-offer should be, but we need to find a way to meet with them first.”
Leila, cheeks reddening, coughed officiously. “Um, it would be easier to pass something onto the spies who planted the dagger. I…I might have a few ideas.”
Janize walked her hand up Leila’s arm and across her collarbone. “Well I’d love to hear them, but you know what, let’s leave that for a later time. I think we’ve interrupted what we set out to do tonight long enough.”
There was a quiet cough. Janize stared at Leila, as the Otherworlder’s eyes widened. Both of their mouths had been still.
“In that case, let me interrupt you for the last time.” A tall, slender form rolled out from underneath the bed and stood up. Ayax, in light mail armor, crossed her arms, her staff in one hand, and a magic card in another. Idly she tucked the card into her pocket. “I don’t use these cards as often, but a nice quieting spell is very useful to have on hand. And before you ask, I heard everything.”
Leila, hand shooting to her dagger, sprang to her feet. She didn’t charge at the troll, but put herself between Ayax and Janize. “Blackgale.”
Smirking, Ayax dipped her head. “Leila.”
“Does Frances know about this?” Leila narrowed her eyes at the troll, hating just at how amused she looked.
“No, but you tend to be the last thing on her mind these days. Now if we are done here, magic mirror call tomorrow at noon? Just cast it on myself or one of my friends. We’ll be waiting.”
Janize, sitting very still and straight, cut in before Leila could answer. “An excellent idea, Lady Windwhistler. Will my brother be attending?”
Ayax waltzed to the window and opened the shutters. “In good time, Queen Janize. I would advise you to be diplomatic and we’ll treat you fairly. After all…” The troll faced the pair. Her smirk gone, her fierce black eyes glaring at the queen. “I could have killed all three of you right then and there.”
Janize nodded, not quite able to hide her scowl. Leila glanced at her, lips pursed with worry and in that moment, Ayax leapt through the window. Scrambling after her, Leila poked her head out to find the troll had vanished into another open window above them.
“Shit. Fuck I’m so sorry—Janize?” Leila’s eyes widened. Janize was breathing faster and faster, her hand covering her mouth. The Otherworlder raced over, embracing the queen. Slowly she ran a hand through her hair again and again, trying to calm the woman down. “You’re safe. You’re alright.”
Janize shut her eyes, rubbing her belly with both hands. “I’m fine. I just need a moment. Amura and Rathon. I…she could have killed me, killed us three.”
Leila groaned, kissing Janize’s forehead. “I’m sorry. I should have been more thorough.”
The queen waved her hand. “Think nothing of it. What's done is done and…it does seem that they do not have the stomach for cold blooded murder. At least we know how to talk to them.” Janize exhaled slowly. “I believe, I need some of your magical hands to relax me. The massage oils are in the bedside drawer.”
Leila blinked. “You’re still in the mood—”
Janize fixed her love with a gimlet glare, tempered only by a hungry grin. “I have had quite enough interruptions today, Leila. I am practically craving your touch dear.”
Leila giggled weakly and rolled off their bed. “Yes ma’am!”
Author's Note: One of the few regrets I have for Fractured is that I have too many side characters and want to flesh out their stories too much. Aiya, still I did find this fun to write. What did you all think?

Does anyone know what happened to the 365 organic heavy cream? It was always popular but now says it is not for sale in my area. Amazon.com: 365 by Whole Foods Market, Heavy Cream Organic, 16 Ounce : Grocery & Gourmet Food I've tried several stores, no luck. Any idea if it will come back? It was a great price point and had no additives, was really good in coffee. :(
Thanks for any info.

I am/was a 282lb man. I ate whatever I wanted when ever I wanted and ate it until I was stuffed and then had some more. 27 days ago I said enough is enough and took action and I am down 24lbs.
I stoped drinking soda, milk, and beer. I stopped eating fast food and fatty foods.
I go to the gym 6 days a week. I do 1/2 an hour on the elliptical, then 2 days a week I do upper body, are legs, and two I just do the elliptical. I am averaging about 12000 steps a day.
For breakfast I have two hard boiled eggs and a whole fat latte, around 1 I have an orange 3 an apple, 4 a cliff bar and then go the gym. After the gym I reward myself with strawberry, blackberry, raspberry, banana, and protein powered smoothie. For dinner I have a southwest chicken salad or a 3 bean lean turkey chili.
I feel amazing. I have great energy and am not hungry. I am getting stronger and my mood awesome.
Is this just the initial fat falling off? I don’t believe this is amount of weight loss is maintainable, but is it currently heathy?

Hello, everyone! This series will be a supplement to all of my writings, and will go into detail on physical attributes, evolutionary stressors, and culture. Those of you familiar with my work will recognize much of this, but I wanted to more solidly centralize my understanding of each race. So far I have done Venlil.
Some Reference Art. it is my understanding these are posts by the original artist, and not shares or reposts. If this is wrong, please correct me, and I will credit the artist appropriately. This assessment will include several hyperlinks to referenced chapters and articles citing earth precedent. Due to Reddit’s character limit, these will be indicated `as this`, though the clickable link will be in a comment after the post.
Thank you u/Browneorum, u/Cornsquashbeans, u/Monarch357, u/Venlil, as well as AsciiSquid (aka u/SlimyRage), Asclepius, and Khazgbthagn for brainstorming this with me in discord, and thank you u/Huge-Judgment7404 for you input on Reddit!

• Disclaimer

This assessment is considered the primary reference for my current and future works, regardless of canonicity, and may be used freely by other writers and artists, regardless of connection to my own work. Please understand that some of my conclusions are not just off-base interpretation, but explicitly non-canon; namely reproductive biology and culture.
This assessment is based on a combination of my personally accepted artistic depictions, linked above, canon references to the main story, including names, utterances, and physical descriptions, as well as input from influential authors and their works, who I will name along with their contributing sections. As of writing, there have been no canon commissioned art of Arxur, though SP15 has stated his preferred depictions are by u/Demon_Deity.
The first thing we must understand is that nearly every living Arxur is under the control of Betterment. Betterment is an arm of Arxur government that seeks to perfect Arxur-kind by way of Eugenics, behavioral conditioning, and propaganda. Examples of this include: denying medical assistance to undesirables, corporeal punishment akin to torture, a strict caste society emphasizing physical perfection and breeding, murder of leadership being an effective and recognized means to seize power, and confirmed as of ch100, controlling food supply to encourage obedience. Because of this, many of the aspects of Arxur appearance, behavior, and culture would have been very different pre-Betterment, and would become very different post-Betterment. With that understood:

• Natural history

Natural history by u/Browneorum
Arxur bear some similarity to Earth crocodyliforms, however their advanced terrestrial state supports the notion that they have not occupied a semi-aquatic ambush predator niche for tens of millions of years. For an arxur-like sophont to have evolved a string of evolutionary pressures and subsequent adaptations must have occurred:
1. Movement onto land: A full terrestrial occupation would have been the first feature to have occurred. The crocodile bauplan is an evolutionary success story, emulated first in stem-tetrapods like Tiktaalik and Panderichthys ~150 million years before the first crocodilian. Their traits include a. eyes and nostrils placed high on the head to be vigilant whilst remaining beneath the waterline, b. a large, flattened skull filled with interlocking or pronounced teeth to trap prey, and c. a strong, paddle-like tail for aquatic movement.
All of these traits, whilst useful in the water, become hindrances on the land, but the face and head would be the first to change. Looking up is useful when you’re looking up at prey, but your vision would be better spent on eyes that can see where you’re going. Binocular vision, the ability to effectively gauge distance, would be most effective in a terrestrial predator. A large flat skull could work, amphibians get away with it (keeping in mind that they are all aquatic too), but such an animal becomes limited in that it can only eat what it can fit in its mouth. Most large carnivores tend to favor a longer, narrower snout that maximizes bite force and gape without compromising visual or olfactory capability. It also widens the zygomata (the cheekbones) for a stronger bite, and incidentally, frees up the back of the skull, allowing the brain to grow; the first tentative step toward sapience. Good comparisons would be baurusuchids, canids, and theropod dinosaurs.
The appendages would also have to change, the paddle-like tail would be reduced in favor of stronger, larger, more mobile limbs to move about on land.
This may seem like a colossal undertaking, but it is actually the most probable to occur. Populations become isolated all the time; all it would take is one river drying up over a prolonged period, one little pond that ran out of food, and the selection to move away from the water would take hold. Such changes have occurred in Earth’s history before, crocodiles have done so on a number of occasions; and indeed, one would be amiss to not point out that the entire tetrapod transition effectively occurred in this way. To use that metaphor fully: an Arxur is as different to their crocodile-like ancestors as early reptiles were to amphibians.
2. A more active lifestyle: But moving onto terra firma came with new difficulties. Where a crocodile is effectively a mouth in the river that waits for prey to come to drink, early Arxurids had to seek out their prey. Pursuit predation would not have been their earliest form of prey capture, as their anatomy would still be carrying a fair amount of aquatic baggage. Ambush would have remained their primary means of hunting, but their bodies would have to adapt to a different style of predation.
The primary means of prey capture by a crocodilian predator is a strong bite, inflicting major lacerations, shock and bleeding, whilst dragging the weakening prey into the water, where it is drowned. Simple, brutal, effective. But moving out onto land compromises this, making escape from a slow-moving reptile more likely. Moreover, the crocodile can no longer rely on the water to drown its target, so if the first bite does not subdue the prey, it will escape. As well, ambush is made more difficult by the lack of water; a crocodile is a big strong animal, but it is well hidden, no less, in the one thing a prey item cannot be without. If Arxurids were to survive they would need to be able to actively catch their prey. Here the changes would be subtler from the previous stage, more focused on the internal anatomy.
Firstly, the limbs must become more nimble, stronger, and capable of a longer stride. Crocodiles walk plantigrade (heel to toe, as humans do), and can move at great speed, but this is ineffective for a cursor. Their distal portion of each limb must be made longer, preferably with the extension of the digits into a digitigrade stance. A long, well-muscled tail, such as the early Arxur possessed from their crocodile-like ancestors, would become less flattened paddle, more thickened counterbalance.
Secondly, the loss of any impedance to the movement of the pelvis relative to the torso. True quadrupedal cursors, such as cheetah or greyhounds, maximize the length of their strides by stretching and shortening their mid-sections between each footfall. Early Arxur would not have been moving at such high speeds, but they would have still possessed gastralia (belly ribs) in their mid-sections that would have slowed them down considerably. Gastralia gotta go!
Thirdly, the teeth would have to change. All Terran reptiles have homogenous dental morphology, i.e., their teeth are just replicates of one another, most often simple pegs. Simple pegs are perfect for holding onto something, less so for cutting it up. Carnivorous reptiles (theropods, varanids, mosasaurs, etc.) all possess/ed flattened, serrated teeth. It is possible that Arxur may evolve further differentiation of their dentition, but on Earth this is a trait solely found in mammals. If such a change was to occur, the most probable justification would be an adaptation to a broader diet at this stage.
The final adaptation would be the next strong movement of the Arxurids away from animals and toward true sapients. Terrestrial predators must be able to strategize in a way their ancestors did not need to. They must take better stock of their senses, gauge the likelihood of injury and success. Many hunting animals are quite intelligent, but working alone can only get you so far. The next adaptation is probably the greatest yet, and requires a trait generally considered un-Arxur.
3. Group cooperation: Socialization; the act of interacting with others, of being social. All animals practice some form of socialization; dispute of territory, displays, mating, are all essential to an organism’s survival and all require some ability to communicate. Modern Arxur are complex social creatures, this much is evident from their behavior alone, but it is also a prerequisite to building a society. An Arxur who lives alone, no matter how intelligent, dies alone. They have no one to talk to, to share ideas, or songs, or art with. In short, they build no culture, and that clearly is not the case. At some stage in their evolution, they must have developed some capacity for cooperation.
Pack hunting would be the most sensible assumption; a group of Arxurids could bring down larger prey than one alone or permit the rearing of offspring whilst others are away. But all this comes with profound implications. On Earth, packs are family units, built around mating and/or dominant individuals. It’s a sensible strategy; if I can safeguard others (even better those who share genes with me) then they will safeguard me. This makes a lot of sense, obligately enforcing group cohesion around shared communal bonds. This, we should also recognise, is the start of empathy. As the American anthropologist Margaret Mead purportedly said, 'The first sign of civilisation is in the setting of a broken femur.'
Some subtle physiological changes would occur to facilitate socialization. Individual recognition would be paramount; is this my brother, my lover, or my enemy? Unique color patterns, perhaps around the eyes, would be a good starting point. Specific vocalization is also found amongst pack animals and would be a strong driver of cognition. Here a positive feedback loop could take hold; more interaction leads to more complex socialization and with-it greater cognition, that then adds to the strength of subsequent interactions.
At this point an Arxurid is equivalent to a hominid in human evolution, akin to a great ape.
4. Manual manipulation & bipedalism: One of the earliest questions in human evolution was whether or not our brains grew before our bodies did. Early australopithecines provide a clear answer: Lucy stood upright like a person but had a brain no bigger than a chimpanzees. The Arxur face a similar question; what came first: manual manipulation or bipedalism? On the face of it, it seems like a simple question; they clearly stood upright so that they could use tools. But this is a circular argument, where the effect is also ascribed to a cause, so we must look deeper.
The most reasonable argument would be prey/carcass manipulation. Where mammals have specialized teeth to help break down a big meal, reptiles tend to be more… violent with their food, having to toss their heads around and swallow big chunks. If the teeth are remaining more reptilian and dedicated to feeding, with only some heterogeneity, then having some dextrous, mobile hands makes sense. Most predators restrict the forelimbs to grappling with prey, using the head to deliver a killing stroke. Arxur would likely still do this, but having a strong set of hands might be selected for if they began hunting larger prey, as socialization would supply.
Thus, alterations to the pelvis and lower back would be needed, as well as anchorage of large muscles in the thigh and tail. This would result in a stiff seeming but strong lower section. Motion at the elbow, and the ability to pronate/supinate the hands would be critical but must be balanced against any impact to their primary (quadrupedal) form of movement. The shoulder would have to remain quite restricted to allow this; an Arxur probably couldn’t raise its arms directly upward (as in surrender) or draw a bow.
But this is the final push, and with the ability to alter your surroundings, strong binocular vision, social and communicative skills, and a growing brain, the Arxur would have been well on their way to sapience.

• External Appearance

The average Arxur is described as standing head and shoulders above the average human. Assuming, more for simplicity than accuracy, measured at the top of the head with good posture, that the average human stands at 6ft even or 183cm, this would place the average Arxur around 7ft or 214cm tall. However, several times in-story they are described as hunched over as if ready to pounce; understanding this, they would stand up to 8ft or 244cm tall with good posture. They have an overall humanoid structure: Two arms, two legs, one head, and a meaty tail; best used for balance, but could also be a bludgeoning instrument should the need call for it. Clawed hands made for grasping and clawed feet made for sprinting and pouncing.
They have grey coloring over their whole body, however as a living creature, they would still be susceptible to albinism or melanism, though these may be cause for elimination by Betterment. The largest visual difference between individuals would be bone structure and Scale patterning. The exact location and quality of scales on their body would be determined by genetics, healing, early development, and even lifestyle, which would lead to patterns that are unique from one individual to the next. Scales would be different across their body, from nearly skin-like on creases and joints, to harder scales on belly, chest, neck, and pads of hands. The hardest scales would be found on the back of their neck, top of head, outside arms and biceps, and spinal column, and would be hard enough to protect against biting and slashing especially, with limited protection from low-yield munitions. Citing earth precedent, Reptiles of all sorts shed their skin as they grow or heal, and I feel the Arxur are no different. As their hide is so different across their body, they would have different manners of shed depending on the quality of scales. Hard scales like those found on the spine or outside arm would come off in Schutes, described as rigid keratinous flakes of the whole scale, while soft scales in high contact areas like inner joints would slough off in thin sheets.
Scarring appears differently on different parts of the body: hard scales such as back and arms would require deep cuts to scar, and the scale would heal over it completely, though the scar tissue would still be visible on the soft skin behind the scale. Soft scale areas, like the face and underarm, would appear to be scale-less and discolored darker. Given this method of healing, personal adornments would include mutilation such as tattoo, piercing, and scarring, though would appear very differently from humans. Tattooing would be done on the soft skin under and behind the scales, and would largely be used to emphasize scale patterning. Piercings would be most used on the face, and never hard scale, as it would fall off after damage or shed. Their scaled body would be more resistant to small arms; pest killers such as birdshot would be a strong irritant, but military or home defense grade munitions would still be very effective.
Scarring would be permanent evidence of some kind of violence, and so would be a mark of respect, though the type of scar and its location would have specific meanings. Scars on the back would be a sign of cowardice, and may be intentionally inflicted by a superior as a mark of shame. To lie about your scars would be a severe breach of trust overall, and to self-inflict scars that mimic the marks of combat is extremely dishonorable, and may be grounds for ostracization.
Arxur display Sexual Dimorphism, although markedly less than humans. Being such an antisocial creature they would develop the need to be independent, which would curtail the evolutionary need for the sexes to specialize; essentially, they have no stressors to look different, so they would look very similar.
Chapter 69 confirmed they have slit pupils, which is well founded by examples on earth; every animal on earth with a slit pupil is an ambush predator. On earth, the eye color of ambush predators, namely crocodilians, are largely based on the need to camouflage and tend to have very little variance. Crocodilian eyes normally range from a drab orange/brown to forest green, though albinism and melanism can shift that to bright orange or jet black respectively; given the Arxur’s primarily grey coloring, I will conclude that the average eye color is majority tan or grey.
I prefer u/Browneorum’s interpretation of early life in Offspring , and conclude that Arxur hatch from a hard-shell egg, and spend early life quadrupedal; this is also supported by the scene in Ch59 in which 'One Arxur pounced from all fours, and dragged [Sovlin] by the arm out into the open.' Though to reconcile the understanding that adult Arxur can chase down most prey species while on two legs, I will conclude that Arxur develop bipedalism through puberty by hormones changing the shape of the pelvis to accommodate the new joint structure.

• Internal Biology

Arxur are obligate carnivores, almost twice the body mass of the average human, and warm blooded. Looking at earth precedent, there are not many terrestrial warm red-blooded obligate carnivores that have more body mass than Humans, but one of which is the Tiger, who averages 100.40F or 38C internal body temperature. I feel this is a very reasonable conclusion for the Arxur, and will be incorporating it into my stories.
As obligate carnivores, their bodies would be better suited to hunt and capture things that fight back for their survival. To hold fast to something that is trying to escape, they would have well developed gripping muscles and claws that would curve toward the palm.
Injuries on humans and Federation alike have mentioned long gashes, so the claws would be long and thin, with a micro-serrated slashing edge. These injuries have also described disembowelment and impalements, implying great length and slight curve; I would compare this to a cat claw, though straighter and 20-30% of the length of the digit, similar to a bear claw. Since they have claws that are adept at quickly subduing their prey, they would have less pressure to change their teeth, so they would be most adept at tearing flesh and breaking bones rather than capture. This would look markedly similar to a crocodile’s though with several exceptions: The teeth would develop a narrower profile with serrations, as opposed to the straight pegs of crocodiles, as well as pointed molars at the back of the mouth adapted to breaking bone and shredding meat. With these, whatever they eat would look like corned beef by the time it gets to their gullet. A sapient creature capable of civilization would have an enlarged brain, so the Arxur skull would become taller and wider to accommodate it, as well as forward-facing eyes.
Arxur are unusual in that, true they are obligate carnivores, but they are also plant matter averse, in that they cannot digest any quantity of plant matter, of any kind, without suffering some level of gastro-intestinal distress. This would mean that sugars are nearly absent from their diet, and combined with the high fiber of raw meat, their teeth would be largely very clean; though the possibility of cracking or chipping one’s tooth still exists. Culturally, this would mean that Dental care is only emergency rather than maintenance level; and, given Betterment’s propensity to drop someone at the first sign of 'weakness', dental care would only be provided to the most effective hunters or most powerful leaders.

• Socialization

Arxur are described as inherently antisocial in that they become aggravated and tired from the extended presence of others. This is at odds with the idea that, before Federation interference, the Arxur were at a technological level roughly even with Humans in the late 1900’s, which would place them at the start of their information age; this information is canonized by the Wiki.
Walking the line of 'social but not really' implies an individual may have one or two others who they trust, if not enjoy the company of. These may include clutchmates, parental figures, mentor figures, or long time acquaintances, but it is established that Betterment, established after first contact, tried to breed out empathy and social structures, becoming entirely reliant on the government and Betterment.
This would not halt the odd 'friend' in their lifetime, but these relationships would be only barely more than surface level, enough to feel regret at their passing. This would significantly affect the acquisition of a mate. Pairings are largely set up by Betterment, though whether or not you are allowed is determined by an application and vetting process that the prospective parent initiates. If you are found wanting, you will not be allowed to procreate. Those with favorable traits would be allowed to breed, but the constant need for hunger-crazed raiders would make child rearing impossible in the field. As such, the vast majority would be raised in institutions separated by age groups and/or population, whichever is more pragmatic. If the children have a concept of 'mother, father, brother, sister' it would only be a gendered understanding of caregiver and friends; who layed you, who hatched you, and who you hatched with would have little or no bearing. Same-egg twins are a possibility, if rare, which may give reason for a closer, long-term relationship.
In such a heavily caste based meritocracy, those who prove themselves effective at what they do would be afforded the opportunity to raise their young directly; Chief Hunters raise their young to be Chief Hunters, Prophets raising Prophets, and so on.
Without the influence of Betterment, Arxur would pair as convenient and the mother would raise the young to self-sufficiency, which would be a very young age compared to other federation species, at which time the young would either leave or be ejected from the ‘family’. There would be instances of many-mother groups to raise large clutches as a collective and this behavior would have laid the foundation for being raised by Betterment. For the father to contribute to rearing is not unheard of, but very unusual. Throughout their evolution the father would have very little incentive to stick around, leading to a preponderance of ‘fusion-fission’ relationships. This would mean that, Pre-Betterment, their cultures would be largely matriarchal, with larger groups possibly led by a mated pair including a committed father. Post-Betterment would make the leader the Prophet and those who represent them, regardless of gender.

• Reproduction

Arxur lay eggs, though only when prompted by fertilization. They lay in clutches of 2-4, though larger and smaller clutches have been recorded, with the same chance of magnifying as the human chances of twins, triplets, and so on; as well, multiple viable embryos in one egg is a known phenomenon, though very rare. Of the eggs laid, at least one is always fertilized, and at least one is always an infertile self-replicating yolk of amino acids and proteins, which serves as a source of food for new hatchlings.
I believe the Arxur feel desire, and pursue the sensations brought about by intimacy. Arxur do not have a breeding cycle, rather their need is prompted by external environmental factors: high ambient temperature, high humidity, and the feeling of prosperity, plenty, and safety, i.e. well fed; other factors may contribute including trust, vulnerability, or dominance. While this may prompt arousal, breeding behaviors are prompted by touch of specific erogenous zones on their body, such as neck, sides, belly, and underside of the meat of their tail. These areas become discolored due to blood flow during arousal, and become extra sensitive. During arousal or contentment, an Arxur will frequently, but not always, make long deep body sounds, comparable to but different from purring.
Arxur are equipped with a cloaca, which disposes of excrement, provides and receives reproductive material, and deposits eggs. Though a key difference is that the vaginal canal, which receives reproductive material and passes eggs, is a separate canal that branches off of the main cloaca. The walls of a Female Arxur's cloaca is coated in a protective specialized mucus which serves as lubricant during intimacy and egg laying, and a protective barrier from pathogens during waste disposal. The vaginal and cloacal walls are highly textured to allow for expansion, though the surrounding flesh is interlaced with musculature for passing stool, eggs, and moving her legs. As such, a female has the capability to use these muscles to encourage insemination, though not all individuals may practice this.
A male Arxur's reproductive organ remains in their body also as a branch off the cloacal canal, except arousal fills the surrounding area with fluid which inverts the canal to a penetrative organ, emerging from the cloaca as a very smooth tendril-like organ. The sex is given form by fluid pressure, meaning it would be only as rigid as needed to perform; this would allow significant flexibility in both form and size, allowing a wider range of size compatibility than a comparable human would be capable of, provided preparation and patience. Upon presentation, the organ emerges coated in a different mucus than is present in females, the specific composition works to eliminate and replace the mucosal membrane of the female, allowing for and increasing the likelihood of successful insemination.
Breeding technique is largely a cultural and personal influence, which means that the high competition low survival environment of Betterment fosters a violent and one-sided experience. Some may enjoy this, some may hate it, but it is all they know. Their biology allows for gentler affections, they receive stimulation from it, but few may be familiar with the experience.

• Language

The core story mentions growls, hisses, clicks, and low reverberating tones; fan writing does the same, so we already have a very solid foundation. Because of that, I'm going to focus on more unusual parts.
While their early roots were aquatic, nothing about their interaction or environment implies a current-day need for an aquatic environment, indicating they have evolved to be almost entirely terrestrial; this means they would have to keep their mouths from drying out with the use of lips, making their mouths appear closer to a lizard than a crocodile. These lips would not be as nimble as a primate, so lip-based sounds like Buh and Puh would still be very limited; if they exist at all. Though Ff sounds would be very easy, and would modulate to a Vv sound when backed by a hum or growl. Having a mouth full of carnivorous teeth is not conducive to easy speaking, so I believe they rely heavily on deep body sounds and glottal stops, with most if not all mouth sounds being some form of S. Given this, I believe their first oddity is that they don't use their mouth to speak much, if at all; the vast majority of their sounds would be coming from one or more voicebox-like organs deeper in their body.
This is supported, albeit obliquely, by the fact they eat their meat raw and in large quantities. It's probable that to avoid choking on food, their breathing and speaking pathways are separate from their digestive system; very different from humans and most creatures on earth.
As early water-land hybrids, they would have evolved to communicate through dense mediums, which may include dense air, as their dense bodies imply a high-gravity world. Since sound doesn't carry cleanly through dense mediums, they would have evolved long strong sounds, originating deep within the body. They may have used this as an intimidation tactic, especially in conjunction with a harmonic medium. This tells me they would use long tones, possibly using a drone as an emotive, modified by glottal stops, clicks, and hisses. With that in mind, their vowel sounds would be open-mouth Ah Eh EE OH.
Nearly every creature on earth with a tongue, has one long enough to clean their entire mouth, as well as their nose and/or eyes, and I believe the Arxur are no different: their tongue would be long enough to clean their nose above the tip of their mouth, and as their snout is so long, would also be long enough to clean their eyes. A tongue like that would be very good at RR and SS sounds, but unable to make a complete seal on the upper palate, making N sounds nearly impossible. Common consonants would be Ff, K and G. Hard X would be more exotic but well utilized, and modulated to a Zh or J sound when followed by a vowel sound. Guh would be common at the start or end of a word, but rarely both, while most S and Th sounds would have a strong lisp to them. Zee sounds would originate largely in the body, but modified by a Ss sound in the mouth, resulting in a very breathy soft J sound.
Thank you u/ImaginationSea3679 for your comments on the Arxur written word, I will expand on it here. Given their use of a drone along with additional sounds, I believe the Arxur indicate their drone with a horizontal line across their phrases, not unlike Devanagari, which is one of several scripts developed in India; whether the drone line is above, below, or through the phrase is not relevant and I leave to the writer how it is positioned, or if it is standardized at all. They would have symbols on these lines that represent broad concepts, such as 'Prey' or 'Danger', then modify these concepts using marks that represent phonetic sounds. These phonetic sounds would create the word that is heard and convey the full meaning, tense, plurality, and other specifics of the word and its use; as a visual example, ' P̷̓͠r̵̽̌e̸̒͌y̴͂̀ ' would be 'Venlil' and ' Ṕ̶͝r̶͒̓e̸̊̚y̷͊͐ ' would be 'Gojid'; notice how the base word, or glyph, is the same but the accents change to give precise meaning. Rather than developing a writing implement, I believe they largely use their claws, so the language would feature mostly lines while also taking advantage of depth; visually, I’m imagining a cross between Japanese and Yautja from the Predator franchise.
Finally, as they mostly use their claws to write, I believe that class would also determine how an individual writes; the higher castes would show their superiority with sharper claws, so a lower-class would have to use the blunt of their claw.

• Names

Please see my Arxur Name Post for a list of Arxur names from canon as well as fanfic. Following my spoken word observations, we are seeing a lot of sharp consonants such as K, T, and G. Duo-syllabic is again very common, but I’m also noticing a strong leaning on S sounds, giving the names more of a hiss behind them. As to naming conventions, it would make the most sense if the young were named in honor of things their name-giver, whether parent or caregiver, found important to them. Though as opposed to the Venlil, the Arxur would have a stronger focus on accomplished leaders, hunters, and soldiers.

• Architecture

Pre-Betterment architecture would focus on single or double person living, with a sprawling layout. Cities would look very different, with very little if any living spaces around working spaces. Public transit would be essential in such a sprawling civilization, but it would have a strong emphasis on compartmentalizing and overall privacy. Keeping with my assessment of limited parentage, child rearing facilities would be located closer to the cities while adult civilians would live further out. These facilities would eventually be owned and run by The State, but until then would function as community daycares, with new mothers and elder mothers tending the young of the community as a whole. There would also be friend groups, small communities of more familiar females that raise each other’s clutches outside of this system.
Post-Betterment, architecture would quickly shift to being state-sponsored and utilitarian. Minimal material, built to last, with little regard for aesthetic. Community child rearing would become required, and done totally by The State. Being a Matron would become a profession rather than a calling, recruited by Betterment based on their ability to train rather than raise. These matrons would then select apprentices, possibly from the young they raise, to be their helpers and eventually replacements.
While pursuing brutal efficiency, Post-Betterment Arxur would condense their housing, while still compartmentalizing further; this would cause stress and tension, instigating competition and establishing dominance, all of which would further the goals of Betterment in a merciless ‘survival of the fittest’ mentality.
This brutalism would extend to their war machines, which is also shown in canon, with sharp angles and every open space sporting additional armaments and/or shielding. As they transition to a raiding-based society, their average life would push into space, using capital ships to house and train new Arxur, while sapient-cattle farms provide cushy living for those with powerful friends or family.

• Artistic Expression

Pre-Betterment, artistic expression would both revel in and deconstruct the world around them. Having predatory eyesight allows understanding of fine detail, so there would be a thriving photorealism movement. Having binocular vision would also give them more appreciation of a three-dimensional space, so they would have a stronger focus on statues, friezes and wall reliefs; with such a strong sense of smell, they would also incorporate novel materials in their art, both 3d and 2d, to lend another depth of sense. Some Arxur, especially those trying to process the horrors of their world wars, may expand into surrealist or expressionist techniques, but this movement wouldn’t gain ground before the rise of Betterment.
Betterment would pull the focus of their art away from the self and push it toward the Glory of Arxur-Kind, and the perfection of the Prophet. Leaning hard into photorealism, any new artistic works, including statues and carvings, would venerate the Prophet and depict battle scenes, likely fictitious, triumphing over anything that would not be ‘Arxur’; visually, I’m imagining Renaissance Catholic, mixed with Soviet propaganda, with a hint of the ultra-violence of Warhammer 40k.

• Faith

Pre-Betterment, I can see their faith leaning one of two ways: either leaning into the Christian Colonial ideal of mastery and dominion over their world and its bounty, which would lay a solid foundation for the racial superiority espoused by Betterment. Or, having a reverence for death, and its place in the cycle of their world; understanding that they and everything else must kill to live, and being thankful at every meal to be the one to win this struggle.
Post Betterment, the atrocities of the Federation gave a unifying enemy to the Arxur, and they unified behind a single individual, Laznel who became the Prophet. Outlined in ch39 by Captain Coth, Laznel was a genetic scientist who posited that certain bloodlines had a higher chance of being stronger, or smarter, or other beneficial traits, and submitted this theory under the article Betterment; we the reader, would recognize this as Eugenics. While Laznel’s theories had gained ground pre-first-contact, it wasn’t until after the Federation tried to Gentle the Arxur that these philosophies became commonplace. Laznel, the Prophet, gave the blueprint for the Perfect Arxur, something every Arxur should aspire to be like. The Prophet Descendant is the top of every level of leadership, including being the head of Betterment, which translates to the top leader and interpreter of their faith. The Prophet Descendant and Betterment use this belief to guide Arxur behavior and enforce what we would call Brutal Darwinism to try to craft the next Perfect Arxur.

Hello all - I used ChatGPT for some 1200 calorie meal plants
see below
protein and vegetable 1200 calorie meal plan
Here's a sample 1200 calorie meal plan that incorporates both protein and vegetables:
Breakfast:

• 2 scrambled eggs (140 calories)
• 1 cup of sautéed spinach (7 calories)
• 1/2 cup of sliced bell peppers (12 calories)
• 1 slice of whole grain toast (80 calories)

Mid-Morning Snack:

• 1 small apple (72 calories)
• 1 tbsp of almond butter (98 calories)

Lunch:

• Grilled chicken breast (130 calories)
• 1/2 cup of roasted broccoli (25 calories)
• 1/2 cup of roasted carrots (27 calories)
• 1/2 cup of brown rice (109 calories)

Afternoon Snack:

• 1 small bell pepper, sliced (30 calories)
• 2 tbsp of hummus (70 calories)

Dinner:

• Grilled salmon fillet (150 calories)
• 1 cup of steamed green beans (44 calories)
• 1/2 cup of quinoa (111 calories)

This meal plan adds up to 1206 calories, so you may want to adjust portion sizes or add another snack depending on your specific calorie needs. Also, be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

I'm debating on if I want to try this again. Bought some smanitas gummies and some powdered shoots awhile back from some website, came in the generic "sweet amanitas" packaging I've seen pop up in pictures here. I tried the gummies before, 350mg, 700mg, and 1400mg doses, didn't feel anything, not even a mood lift or anything from the microdoses. So tonight I went bigger and tried the powder.
My trip report is below. I love this present focus feeling I end up with after the intensity fades, wish I got this from the micro dose gummies. Maybe I should try those micro doses in plant matter rather than some rando's gummies that may Def be bunk? Maybe I should try a dose at 3g to see if it gives me more of the good and less of the bad? Appreciate the advice, I'm a first timer with this and have only taken psilocybin mushrooms once, but plenty of lsd trips 15 years ago, current ketamine therapy patient. If I could achieve this light, present focus feeling with less of the ride, that would be great for my life.
5g amanitas, tean simmered 30 minutes to decarb a bit, really just winged that bc I haven't got ph testing supplies so who knows on that either.
T 0-25min I'm sitting on the couch on my phone. I notice I'm feeling hot in my face as I'm sitting around, then I had a big sneeze
T 30mon start feeling weird in my stomach, it steadily intensified. It wasn't really nausea-like, more of just a feeling rooted in there. Paying attention to something is getting weird, it's like things randomly pop from the video and my focus is there so when I snap back I've lost a bit of what's going on.
T 35min I am worried I made a mistake. I go make myself vomit. Walking back to the couch I noticed my movement was getting a little floaty.
T 45min It's on, the stomach feeling is amped up, the pop focus thing in my head has sped up and is settling into kind of what i would say is the glitch loop some have described in their trips. I go lay in bed, more floaty that before. I watch some more videos. I put on a sleep mask to see if I could see any visuals in the dark like on ketamine, but nope. So I take it off.
T 1hr I am feeling like this is too much and want to try to tone it out and ride it out. I put on the eye mask again and turned on my ketamine soundtrack and just laid there. I saw all black but a 2D white square that was tilted askew. Inside it, there was a white little ball that methodically bounced clockwise from one wall to the next, bouncing out the cycle of the glitch wave. I watch the ball go around while the music plays and occasionally telling myself this will wear down.
T 2hr. Decide to look at the time, turns out I've been doing that for a full hour. The time that has gone by feels like nothing. The bad feeling in my stomach was gone. Its time to put dinner in the oven, I have to get up. Was a little wobbly on my feet, felt like my lower body was much lighter than everything above my waist and that was making me move slightly awkward. I felt a little burst of euphoria when I walked out of my bedroom. Was not impared in making dinner (getting pan out and ready, getting things out of frig, opening package, opening meat, putting meat on pan, putting in oven). While I'm doing all that, my vision is a little off, it glitches in a pulse in my right eye as what would be the ball's first bounce of the glitch cycle. I can feel that rhythm in my body.
T 2:05hr I go back to bed while food cooks. Lay down. Euphoria all gone. Do regular phoning. The glitch rhythm in my sight glitches a larger glitch in right eye as the first beat of the cycle hits, then small little glitches pop from whatever I'm looking at in the cycle. Reading a news article is difficult, I often have to go back to the line above again. I am slow in my texting, making some spelling errs a few keys off.
T 2:40 time to go back out to dinner. Have trouble navigating around the cat to climb out of bed. Still floaty in movement, having the cycle glitch from cooking before as I wash pot, put pot on stove, get out and cut veggies. I feel like the intensity of the cycle is fading. I feel like this state is definitely doable.
T 2:50 partner comes home. Have completely normal conversation, doesn't even notice I'm altered. I check veggies, check meat, make adjustments, have conversation, go it back on couch. Started writing this. The visual glitch cycle is fading.
T 3:10 In the 20 minutes it's taken me to write this, the glitch cycle has almost completely gone. Was only seeing the 1st glitch of the 4-beat rhythm and it faded to random and faint. Slower that usual typing, still missing a lot of keys and making errors a few letters off. Time to go check dinner again.
T 3:15 feel lighter in my upper body, that's where the energy is manifesting. It's a very light feeling but cheerful. No problems moving. No problems getting things out of oven, cutting, plating, spooning.
T 3:20 Sit back down. Colors on writing on TV are bleeding slightly. Eating a normal sized meal for me, no trouble. Feelings are barely noticeable, no glitch cycle, just a little lightness in my head and shoulders. Sloppier eating than usual, bits of Broccoli hitting the floor for the dog.
T 3:28 have to go to bedroom, left my water in there. A little directionally challenged, swiping the walls a bit and stumbling as I sit back down. Vision drags a bit as scenes change on TV.
T 3:35 eating done, lounge on couch to watch news. Just feel light. I've figured out that the lightness is the absence of all other thoughts, there's nothing else going on in my brain or body I'm just focused on writing this and then watching TV only. I'm just intaking, not running away with my own thoughts or my body getting antsy to do something as usual. Still shitty at texting.
T 3:45 I am far more talkative than normal, having more conversation than usual in this post dinneshow watching situation. Maybe cause I'm not focused on anything else possible. I have a long conversation which doesn't always happen, I just feel do much in the moment.
T 4:05 laying down for bed. Still feeling only present, no clutter in my brain. Will update in the morning if any wild dreams occur or anything else of note.