I don't know whenever I try a cookie recipe it has too much sugar so I have to alter the recipe. Why is this so I am not from the us, do people like to eat a lot of sugar there or sugar here in my country is a lot sweet?
Does it effect the cookie quality if I lower sugar content ?

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Ceele strolled through the damp grass along the outskirts of the village, a spring in her step and the dwindling scent of dew following behind. It rained yesterday, which had prevented her from going out to gather supplies, but the mild morning air had been accommodating enough for her to get an early start and make the trip. She was glad she did.
One hand clutched her new prize to her chest, while the other held a fraying wicker basket filled with herbs and some edible roots she gathered by exploring the forbidden forest. Despite her reservations regarding where she chose to go, her excitement now lingered like a steady thrum of shifting stones, giving her energy that defied how long she had been walking. She all but pranced beneath the burgeoning night's sky, gleefully toeing the line between the dirt pathways of the settlement’s outskirts and the trees of unclaimed land. Normally, her path back home would never be so close to the village, but she was far too gleeful to mind. She had come back with a sense of fulfillment and a rare object—or if not rare, then hopefully of great value.
It was hard to point to any one specific reason that she came across the orb. There had always been a ‘draw’ during her travels, urging her that there was something missing in her life, yet it was no more than a mild whim to walk in a particular direction more often than not. Once she reached this part of the continent, she was compelled to wander, never quite able to explain why she obliged the sensation besides having nowhere in particular to be. Even when she finally settled somewhere, it stayed in the back of her mind, suggesting that she was close to whatever would make the pit of vacancy go away. She ignored it, purposefully distracting herself with her work and responsibilities, yet that could only last so long. When she awoke this morning with plans to resupply, and all of her newfound spots had been picked clean by wildlife, she turned to the depths of the forest where she was warned not to tread. It was all too easy to follow the subtle tug in her chest through the loose justification.
The urge to be somewhere grew unbearable with every step closer to the forbidden area. That sense of having a direction she needed to go became stronger and stronger, until she was well into land long since forgotten. She came across an overgrown depression in the hillside, and was entranced by the foreboding image. Something about the cave just…beckoned her. She was far too weak to resist.
Horrible tales echoed into her ears as whispers of fearful voices, warning and unending, yet but a dull drone compared to her hammering heart. She navigated the trees and brushed aside unkempt vines, stepping into the cavern with a mix of expectation and trepidation, then laid eyes on the small obsidian stone perched atop a crumbling pillar. The feeling of needing to travel somewhere…stopped.
The pull was absent, which was why she held the orb close instead of placing it into her basket. She wasn’t sure what it was exactly, but she recalled overheard tales of hidden gemstones, deep cavernous expanses, and the untold terrors that lay within. Comparing the scenes of those fables to the cave seemed foolish now; it wasn’t some torturous chamber, but a dusty depression in a small hillside. Besides, anything this pretty was sure to be worth a fair sum, and she needed the coin. Yet the thought of selling the precious-looking stone was a conflicting one. She shook off the thought for the time being, turning her attention back towards where she was going.
Shadows stretched and faded as the moon stole the last of the illumination afforded by the sun, replacing it with a calming glow that caressed the log frames and thatched roofs of various homes. A star-filled sky came into prominence as clouds lazily drifted away, revealing the promise of tomorrow’s fair-weathered arrival. It was too late for anyone to notice her treading on the edge of their town while lost in thought, but she was still careful not to get too close to the houses or livestock pens where people might be finishing the evening’s duties. It was best that they didn’t see her returning from a place she was told not to go. Still, her feet carried her near the dwellings as she took in the noises.
Ceele enjoyed the comforting chatter from a distance. Indistinct words floated freely. Meaningless gossip and warm goodbyes were exchanged between friends and family. Places of various occupations were dark and quiet, only the faint contented mewls and clucks of livestock coming from their pastures as they ate what was recently put out for them. No metal rang throughout the streets as it was struck inside a centralized smithy, no heated bartering came from an overactive trade house, and the crunch of dirt beneath transport or merchant wagons was absent, replaced by the rapid steps and yelps of children rushing to their homes before it got too dark out. It was all just gentle conversation and life drifting through the wind, taking the rustle of leaves along for the ride, just so she could hear it. Tranquil, in a word.
She wondered what it would sound like if she were yet one more voice within that crowd of kindness. Would it be loud like the larger cities? Would she struggle to maintain a thought with so many stray topics floating about? Would she once more yearn for the peace and quiet of solitude that she had grown used to, or would she immerse herself, free of judgment and laughing like the carefree young that scampered about? Did thinking about it even matter?
Her smile fell from its genuine intensity—still worn, but not as fully. She glanced downward as her stride lost its jubilant bounce, her tail losing its sway as her grey eyes examined the dry black scales that adorned her body against her wishes. It was the ugly hue of tarnished oil, unlike the skin of any other kobold she had met. Some had reds or greens, yellows or whites, while most were between a sandy tan or earthen brown. The rainbow of peculiarities was displayed by the lucky few, and she was one of them…
…Yet she was different in the worst of ways.
Even if she would rather any other colour, she supposed it was that way to make sure no one came near without accepting the unspoken risks. That was what her mother always said, anyway, though the woman hardly feared much of anything in her old age, and dedicated herself to giving her offspring all the love she had left to give—a perk of living a full life. She would always help her daughter bathe, complimenting the colour of what most were unnerved by. That was more than a decade ago now, however. Ceele’s parents had passed on while she was still young, and she took to travelling not long after, working at what she could to afford what little she needed. Never for long, though—just enough to get to the next town between where she was and where the urge to go lay. There were certainly moments she looked back on fondly, but the journey had taken its toll.
The crude material of her ‘dress’ was coarse, old, and heavy, but it helped ease the worst of spring's chill—even if it was more of a modified sack than proper attire. Still, it was all she had after the last of her clothing fell apart, and giving the repurposed material a name that reminded her of something else made it less uncomfortable to wear, somehow. It would have to do until she could afford a pitying seamstress or the like. Until then, she would pretend she didn’t look so desperate, even if it only highlighted her status and made finding work difficult.
But it did. The dishevelled garment was a far cry from the wonderful silks or breathtaking designs she had seen some women wear, harshly marking the distinction between herself and those of affluence. The clothing of commoners was also a leap in style and quality, so she couldn't say her attire was up to even modest standards. No matter how hard she squinted, and no matter how much she fantasized otherwise, she seemed every bit like the vagrant she was, down to the soil embedded in the curvature of her claws and the stains throughout her fabrics. She looked like a serf from the more oppressed lands, yet they too wore crude cottons, which said a lot about how she appeared to those who had never lived a life of servitude. It was obvious that she was an outsider. That she didn't belong amongst the rest. It made changing something as simple as her appearance all the more difficult; prospective employment always saw a young woman who seemed more likely to steal or swindle than make an honest day’s living.
There was one good twist of fate in recent memory, however, and she came upon the result of it after leaving the slowing bustle of the village behind. Her steps carried her through a small copse of trees on the outskirts of town, the small shaded path leading to the back of a large, carefully pruned clearing, a scattering of fruit-bearing trees providing even darker shadow than the already dim moonlight. She skirted along the aging fence on the border that kept predatory animals away, carefully hoisting herself over the barrier where a large vegetable garden she was responsible for tending resided. If one were to tell her she would be living in such an area several months ago, she would have smiled politely and walked away, yet here she was.
A modest, warmly lit home occupied the middle of the clearing, sitting front and centre when one approached from the village path. It looked quite cozy, surrounded by berry bushes that were just beginning to bloom as the last dregs of winter slipped away. A front patio displayed a nice table and well-loved chairs, the rustic appearance only adding to its charm as a place where friends and family spent the warm summer afternoons. A smithy to the left of the house functioned as an additional heated building during the colder months, but usually served as a storefront and to muffle the sounds of hammered iron, though that had become less common. An old stable was nearby, close enough to be accessible, but not so close as to disturb the once occupying animals with sounds of iron craft. It hadn't seen a horse in quite some time, apparently, so it was mostly a workshop for whatever tasks didn’t require fire or metal.
There was a long history attached to each little detail—from the scuffs along the wooden siding to the depressions in the ground where daily routine wore into the earth. Every fault suffered throughout the years was matched by a thousand quirks that made it feel welcoming, like the house itself was merely waiting for the next friendly face with one of its own. She knew that the inside of each building would look just as cared for.
Her concern lay outside, however. It was a comparatively miniscule space just barely visible through the sheltering trees, true, yet it was where her efforts turned into tangible results, and where a stranger’s trust was painstakingly repaid. Once overgrown grass had been laboriously trimmed, the weeds plucked and disposed of, and now nothing distracted from what she could claim she had done.
The small plots of rock-bordered soil had little buds of growing vegetables, a sense of pride never failing to bloom in her breast with the knowledge that it would be barren without her touch. When her troubles and concerns grew heavy, and fears of the future or spectres of the past loomed over her head, she could look at where she had brought life where it wouldn't otherwise be. Some days, that was enough. She smiled in appreciation at what was admittedly amateur work, the night’s sky helping to hide any inevitably made mistakes.
She enjoyed the sight for a moment longer, then turned to walk towards a neglected old tool shed that was well out of sight within the trees, far away from whatever warmth and comfort the larger house offered to everyone and anyone. She put a hand on the degrading wood of the entryway, giving one last sad smile at the garden as she dismissed selfish thoughts of taking the eventual harvest for herself. A breath cleared the uncertainty from her voice, and she pushed open the door.
“I'm home!”
= = = = =
It took a while for Altier to adjust to his situation, and even once he accepted that his mana wasn't being siphoned, he was still reeling from confusion. He had spent centuries with every year passing by without his notice, yet now he was painfully aware of each creeping second languidly dragging on with the expediency of growing grass. It was as disorienting as it was painfully nostalgic.
Time was something he was never good with, and it only got worse as a dungeon. He'd get lost in creating rooms, corridors, creatures, and whatever else needed doing, only pausing to watch or listen to the few adventurers he became interested in. There was a stint where he spent what felt like hours agonizing over new abilities or options while he let the system manage things in the background, though he supposed it might have been much longer. So many wasted days, yet he still hadn't managed to try everything he had gained access to. Some abilities were simply too niche, came with concerning titles, or held descriptions that made him wary. Anything with ‘Decay’ in the name was instantly ignored—he didn't need more reasons to fear his affinity, and from the few he took the effort to read through, they were always vile.
But his existence for the moment was no longer like those endless stretches spent pondering the minutiae of what would help his adventurers grow stronger. Now, he could follow the rhythmic sounds of footsteps and steady breathing that set a calming pace. They were someone else's, yes, but they contextualized how easy it was to slip away without the subtle noises of life that he had long since surrendered to help his family. Of course, there were more differences that he noticed since being removed from his crumbling cavern, and his sight was the newest change.
He never gave much thought to how far he could see before. Why would he? As a man, his world extended as far as he could fathom, yet was also confined to the room where he spent his days, and as a dungeon… Well, who was he to consider distance when an event happening miles away could be seen with a flicker of thought? Nothing was too far when it was within his creation. Or his ‘body,’ he supposed. Sadly, his entire perception currently consisted of the small sphere of his obsidian core, and maybe a finger's length beyond it—which is to say, not much. He could make out the fine details in the dirty burlap he was held against, and how pale moonlight slowly took over the blurred reds of sunset, but hardly anything more. It was all just frosted colours after a certain point, and he found it infinitely frustrating. He just wanted to peer beyond the haze and scaly hand holding him to confirm that the sky he remembered was still there. Alas, the sunlight faded at too quick a pace, yet one oh so agonizingly slow.
The ensuing darkness gave him nothing to do but think about where he was, not that he had any ideas. He was too curious about why he wasn't dead to bother much with his blurry surroundings after the soft-spoken kobold abducted him, thus why he only belatedly noticed how limited his worldview had become. There might have been a forest beyond his cave, but the greens and browns were gone, and the sounds of steps through brush was replaced by the distant din of a village. An idle curiosity pondered if he would recognize any descents of his ‘family tradition’ adventurers there, but he was being carried by what most considered a monster, so likely not.
That short musing was short-lived, however, and he brought his focus back to the matter at hand. He supposed he was being taken somewhere specific, but that was an obvious deduction, considering he was taken at all. The why of the matter was less so; for what purpose would someone want a Decay-aligned core? He hadn’t heard of them before…well, before he was made into one, but he couldn’t imagine many uses. Maybe he was being sold? His…kidnapper? His sudden companion seemed rather pleased by their discovery of him, so that might be the case, and it was morbidly amusing to think that a frail, sickly young man might one day become a coveted, highly valuable item. His abduction could also be a part of some cult’s nefarious activities, but he didn't want to think about that too hard. He experienced enough odd ceremonies from the adventurers who took the time to tell him their tales.
Either way, he wasn't in the dungeon anymore, and he couldn’t see where he was going. He tried to query his menu to glean an answer, but was met with a scrambled mess he suspected read ‘Synchronizing…’ and little else. It gave him a headache trying to make sense of it—which he didn't know was possible anymore—so he dismissed the text and distracted himself with blurs from whatever diluted senses he still had. There wasn’t much to observe other than the constant footfalls and the flicker of shadows on his companion’s burlap garment. They might have travelled through brush again, but it was too dark to really say for certain.
Eventually, there was something new. He heard an old latch rattle and rusted door hinges groan, then a shuddered clack that confirmed he was now in a building. His kobold acquaintance gently cooed at something before moving about the nearly pitch-black space, finally setting him down on a… He wasn’t sure what it was, besides old and wooden.
[D$#@m$n E@$*ded]
The headache from before became a blinding migraine that suffocated him under a flash-flood of suffering. Seconds passed in abject torture until it blissfully abated, the mental blinks clearing his mind enough to notice a change in his existence. Specifically, he could actually see something besides the rotting wood grain he was placed on top of.
And it wasn’t anything promising…
He was more or less in the centre of a room no bigger than twelve paces by maybe ten. Not a terrible size for a space, but it was clearly never meant to house someone. His resting place looked about as neglected as he surmised; it was an upturned feeding trough, he supposed, since calling it a table seemed too generous. The surface was rife with holes and degraded iron, so it was something that once saw regular use before being replaced and tossed into storage, never to see the light of day again.
Actually, most things in the room seemed to fit that description. The window shutters were installed with metal hinges that had since rusted them closed, the misalignment letting in a draft—and whatever weather was outside as well, most likely. A poorly carved bowl sat on the floor, the stain beneath it hinting that it collected any rainwater that slowly dripped from the leaky roof. The wooden floorboards looked old, splintered, and in need of maintenance or replacement, though an effort had been put into abrading it somewhat smooth lately.
A tiny and decrepit fireplace was to the left of the door upon entry, its brickwork slowly crumbling due to weathering and age. It was sized more for keeping the room warm during mild days than to keep away the frigid chill of night. Its base only held cold ashes, but there was a collection of deadwood and scraps nearby, so that would probably be rectified soon. A small wheel-less cart had been turned into storage against the opposite wall, some herbs and other foraged items stowed away in it for future use. Various things he remembered seeing his father and brothers use in the fields were scattered about, too. It was nostalgic to see, honestly, even if his recollections had blurred over time.
Bundles of tattered blankets formed a pair of nests in the far corner, the smaller of the two had a pile of rough plants nearby. That answered his silent pondering of the room's purpose somewhat, though he was pretty sure the bedding material was salvaged, and there didn’t seem to be any hay or padding underneath whoever was sleeping on it. He didn’t know what to think about the weeds; they were purposefully placed there, and whoever did so had taken the time to wash them, but it was still strange.
He couldn’t see a doorway besides the entrance, yet most of the hallmarks of residency were put where space could be afforded, however crude. All in all, he surmised that it was a gardening shed of sorts, and his new acquaintance apparently lived here. He wasn't sure what he was expecting when a creature he had only read about came into his dungeon, but it wasn't being brought to a rundown and decrepit shack for unknown purposes.
Even if he had been raised by parents who made a humble living at the best of times, and they had emptied their coffers for unsuccessful attempts to ease his ailments, his acquaintance's living space made him uncomfortable. His family's house was never anything fancy, true—it shared some of the worn qualities that inevitably gathered over the years—but it was never this bad. His home benefited from a father's touch keeping it robust and a mother’s love keeping it warm, whereas this place had seen neither in quite some time. Oh, there was evidence that such was once the case; a wall was adorned with carefully made and well-spaced hangers for the various gardening tools, though the implements themselves had become a victim of neglect. That being said, he could make out the fresh soil and recent scratches exposing furrows of silver, so they were seeing use again.
A scrape and clack of flint drew his attention to his kobold companion. They were kneeling in front of the fireplace, methodically sparking life back into a dead flame with twigs and dried leaves. A slow, steady breath into the reddened base illuminated its face with a dull orange glow, revealing its weary visage and the permanently etched smile that rested beneath its cold grey eyes. The black-scaled kobold looked tired, if he were to guess—much the same as Altier did when he spent countless days watching everyone living a life he could never have through the mossy window of his bedroom. He was probably humanizing it too much. Still, he was surprised by the muted pang of sympathy, and how he would feel much more than blithe curiosity after spending so much time alone in the crumbling crypt of his own making.
A mental breath cycled through him as he looked at the odds and ends yet to be observed. Hardly anything else was of note—everything else was degraded and neglected, too. He did notice a nest of blankets move though, which was as good a distraction as any. The answer to his previous ‘pile of weeds’ inquiry poked a tiny nose from a crease in the fabric, then rapidly pawed at the blankets to dig itself out. Altier stared at the creature in both recognition and confusion.
It was a rabbit…or at least it looked like one, assuming you were to also describe a porcupine and a sea urchin as well. He was pretty sure he didn’t remember any hare that had jagged metal-tipped fur, nor that had said fur arranged into a row of spiked horns that flowed down its spine, terminating at a large fluffy tail, which was equally bizarre to see. The whole of its coat could double as a weapon, with semi-sharp barbs sticking off seemingly at random, yet he remembered an adventurer saying most animals used that sort of thing defensively. He increased his focus as he tried to make sense of the odd creature. Surely he would have heard about—
[Hoppittttttt#%%÷ — Ferro-o-orabbit-it (Ma%$le)
Abil—]
[Null]
[Er0Rrrrrrrr—]
[Und#$f—]
He bit back the pain caused by the sudden intrusion of his menu, blanking out the text and mentally retreating to hide from the source. Did he just inspect something? How? Shouldn’t his entire…‘framework,’ was it…? Yes, that was it. Shouldn’t that have been corrupted? Why could he see the creature’s information when his entire framework was damaged? That was the first ability he lost, so why is it the first to be functional? How was it functional? Was it? It did just spit garbled text at him, but it was something, and that was more than he had gotten from it in a very long time. If it was somehow working—no matter how poorly—then that left the question of why he hadn't heard of anything called a ‘ferrorabbit’ before, assuming he read that correctly.
A soft thud vibrated the tro— table, startling him out of thought. He turned his attention to the button nose wiggling erratically at him, the short, stubby muzzle leading to surprisingly expressive and curious red eyes. Dull brown fur jutted off in random tufts and patches, changing to a darker tint on its paws and the upper half of its ears, while the tips of its spikes were a muted hue of iron. It still seemed just as soft as the less pointed variety he remembered, if a touch dirty. Upright ears twitched this way and that way as its head vigorously shook, eventually settling on pointing in his direction when it calmed down enough.
It was apparent that he had its undivided attention…for all of a few seconds. His scaly companion called something out in their foreign tongue, and whatever conclusion the pointy-furred animal came to, it seemed more interested in the kobold, parting from him after nudging his core with its nose.
[Cre-e-e—]
[Errrrrrr0r: Undefiiiiiiii—]
[Acceeeeep-t-t-t??]
[Yeeee— s s / Nnnnnnn—]
He winced at the intrusion, but the contents detracted from the pain. He couldn’t remember the system ever asking him a question without his explicit intent being involved. It wanted him to…accept something? Was it the system prompting him, or the animal? What was he to accept?
[Creatuuuuu—]
[Acce-e-e-%#@ed!]
…What?
= = = = =
“Hoppit, that's not food!” Ceele admonished half-heartedly, placing a larger branch on the burgeoning flame before she got to her feet. She wasn’t actually that worried; the stone was as big as his head, and she was pretty sure he couldn't bite into it. Hopefully. “Come here, momma has a treat for you!”
The ferrorabbit playfully bumped the gemstone and jumped off the low table, landing with a soft thud that belied how heavy he was for his tiny size. He wiggled in excitement, his ears flailing and releasing a slight clack whenever the two connected. It got even louder when she grabbed her basket and put away the useful herbs, taking out a specific item that she had gathered just for him. The little bun wasted no time in scurrying over and standing tall on his hind legs to judge if the offered plant was to his liking—and it was, based on how he dug in with enthusiasm. She stifled a laugh as she contentedly watched him nibble away on the treat, ignoring the guilt that came with knowing she couldn't afford proper vegetables for him. He had a hard life too, and it tore at her to have so little to give.
She came across Hoppit a year ago, during a storm that worsened while she was travelling between towns. The day had darkened to night in spite of it still being about noon, but the weather didn't care for how bright it was supposed to be. Wind and rain became a typhoon, forcing her to seek shelter in a thankfully abandoned den of what was probably a larger animal. She was fine with waiting out the squall, since the stone roof over her head was more than she usually had back then, but the sounds of dull bangs and thuds near her hideaway was followed by cries of animals yelping in pain. Curiosity won over reason, and she left the safety of her shelter to see what was causing the disturbance. Truthfully, she was hopeful that she'd come across scraps or the like, her hunger driving her forward, and she could always turn back if it seemed dangerous. Yet when she arrived at the source of the commotion, she found herself thinking of anything but food.
Two predators had fought over a small burrow, both trying to dig out a meal and taking offence to the other doing the same. What they didn’t know was that they were assaulting the home of ferrorabbits. Specifically, the home of an angry, protective, and well-fed mother that was keeping her newborns safe from the storm when predators decided to try their luck. From the scene Ceele came across, it was certainly obvious why most people dislike trying to hunt the creatures.
Sadly, the rabbit didn't survive an attack from two predators, but she did make their victory pyrrhic; neither could do much about their hunger with their bodies full of cuts and holes, and it was only a matter of time before they succumbed to blood loss or infection. The mother's sacrifice meant that the babies had avoided the imminent threat, but they were left unattended as a consequence, and it took an opportunistic bird swooping down to shake Ceele out of her shock. Despite her subsequent hurry, she only acted in time to save one of the orphaned young. The warren was new and barely dug out, which meant that it didn’t take much effort for the kits to be found—by both her and hungry maws. All she could do was scoop the ball of fluff into her arms and run back to the cave before anything else tried to eat it.
In retrospect, it was a stupid decision for a number of factors. She barely had the resources to supply herself, and an attempt to raise offspring of any type would only make the inevitable heartbreak worse. But when she saw how quiet and scared he was… How his tiny, shaking body calmed in her arms, those terrified red eyes seeking comfort… She should have just walked away when she knew there wasn’t going to be anything to fill her stomach. She should have put the baby animal down and let nature take its course…yet the preciously furry face stole her heart far too quickly for it to grow so cold. The next day was spent backtracking to the nearest town to get him something suitable to eat, which used most of her meagre savings. Still, it was worth every coin.
Hoppit had been accompanying her ever since. He grew quickly, transitioning from something she saved that stormy night into a presence she had grown to love like a child. The little lagomorph would bounce along beside her during her travels, then ride in her arms as he rested—though the latter happened with worrying frequency as of late. She hadn’t learned much about the springy herbivores, but she knew enough to say that he wasn't as big as he should be, nor was his fur as sharp. No matter how startled he was, his spiky coat never managed to do more than stiffen slightly, which was apparently a side effect of poor diet, according to snippets of conversation she had overheard on the topic. She wanted him to be healthy, but she didn't know what he needed. Not many farmers raised ferrorabbits, and those that did were far away, so she didn’t have anyone to ask what she should be doing. Her best course of action was to give him what little she had.
Ceele was well aware of how he would be better off on his own, but he followed her whenever she tried to set him free. Hoppit just kept launching into her arms and wiggling his ears, ecstatic that he was with her again, uncaring that food was scarce and that they spent most of their days travelling. No amount of cold nights spent bundling up under the tattered blankets she managed to find ever dampened his spirits, and he was content to eat the grass or flowers whenever he felt like it, oblivious to the fact that he wasn’t getting enough nutrition. He would dig and excitedly drag back oddities that he found, and the one time he found a plant that looked particularly good for him, he insisted that it be shared with her.
A black pit still lingered in her chest when she recalled how pleased he was while he munched on the rare vegetable he discovered, then how distressed he became when she wouldn’t have any as well. He bumped and nipped at her, all but begging her to eat. His ears pinned back against his head, his fur bristled in a way she hadn’t seen since. It was only when she took a small bite and let him inspect the new teeth marks that he seemed to calm down, but perhaps she had been looking too deep into the actions of her tiny friend. All she could say for certain was that he was scared she was going hungry.
A morbid thought wondered if his first mother had refused food shortly before being attacked, and he—as small and simple as he was—had connected the two events in his mind, making him absolutely terrified that something would happen if Ceele didn’t have something too. All of that fear, and desperation overwhelmed him, just because she was happier watching him eat. She was determined to erase that issue. She would find something that needed a worker and earn enough to feed them both. One day, she would be able to smile at how big and healthy her little fluffy boy had become, but until then, it was becoming increasingly difficult not to think about how she was spending so much time growing vegetables and fruit that he couldn’t have…
Every morning was an exercise in tending to the gardens while actively shoving down images of a pleased ferrorabbit happily eating the results. That never went well; no matter how determined she was to complete her duties without a single selfish thought, most tasks were done while picturing his full belly and delighted bounces. There were a few weeks until the fastest of the crops would be ready for harvest, and Ceele would have to collect them while fighting the urge to bring back just a few for him.
She couldn’t, because she knew exactly how quickly that could escalate. It would start small—A vegetable here, a fruit there—but seeing Hoppit happy was one of the precious few good things she had in her life. Crossing the line would only become easier each time. They couldn’t risk losing their new home over greed, and she was already betraying the trust given to her by housing a wild animal, especially one known to be a pest for crops. She didn't want to know how angry it would make her benefactors if she was caught taking their vegetables for one.
No matter how tame and precious Hoppit was, and no matter how well he listened, they would only see him as the same creature that ruined harvests in droves. Thus was why she had to tell him to stay cooped up by himself while she was working or scavenging. And to her surprise, he did.
Honestly, she had made the initial request with the expectation of needing to carry him back into their home until he understood that she wasn’t leaving him forever. There wasn’t much she could do to stop the ferrorabbit from digging through the old wooden building if he wanted to get out. He wouldn’t need to damage anything either—a rotting board on the door only needed a little push to nudge it out of the way, and his natural curiosity made sure he was aware of it. But no, Hoppit was well-behaved as always, keeping hidden until she walked through the door, where he would leap from the shadows to personally show her how good he was and how he stayed put like she asked him to. It never stopped amazing her that he had such a surprising level of understanding despite being an animal, and that was to say nothing of how young he was.
All that intelligence, joy, and companionship he offered her…and yet the best she could give back to him was the weeds from the garden and the odd plant she found while scavenging…
Soft clacks of flicking ears dragged her from her pondering, her mind returning to the present. Hoppit finished his treat of the small plant, then bounced in place and scurried over to his bowl of water, perfectly happy to have eaten only that. He was so joyful with how little she provided, approaching every day of scarcity with the same enthusiasm she could never muster, as if certain that everything would be alright.
“It’s bedtime, Hoppit,” Ceele announced through a soft sigh, stoking the fire with enough branches to hopefully last the night. The ferrorabbit perked an ear in her direction, then sat on his haunches to extend the rest of himself up, his two little forepaws adorably held to his chest as he inspected the room like he always did. She smiled and made sure everything was stored away, then laid down on her bundle of blankets, covering herself with the warmest one. Hoppit bolted over to snuggle once he decided everything in the shed was up to his standards, throwing himself to the floor in a dramatic flop of comfort. Her quiet laughter subsided as they both settled in for the night, her tail completing the rabbit’s encompassing cuddle, but her eyes fell towards the obsidian orb on the table, her thoughts following suit.
It sat there, just as she left it, as benign as anything else ever placed atop the improvised furnishing. Yet there was a sense of ease and purpose as well. The old wooden trough seemed…important with its adornment firmly laid upon its surface, and she couldn’t puzzle out why. She was starting to doubt her earlier excitement.
Should she sell it? Would anyone know where it came from? Would anyone know what it was, or if it was worth anything? If she could get even a modest sum for it, she would be able to buy clothing, food, and new bedding. It would be easier to convince someone to give her work if she was dressed better and wasn’t so thin, and then she would have the income to slowly improve both of their lives. She could pay for a wandering merchant to ask a ferrorabbit rancher about the animal, even if it would take time to get back to her, or maybe she could hire a local if they needed to go near one for some reason. The cost didn’t matter to her as long as it happened.
But there was something else bothering her about the idea of selling the stone. She had travelled so far with a tug in her chest, only for the feeling of wanderlust to dissipate as soon as she held it. Was that a sign? She was never one for things like ‘fate,’ but a niggling doubt in her mind discouraged the idea of making a profit off her discovery. Even if what she could gain was so very tempting, and even if Hoppit would be happier if she did…
She tore her dampened eyes away and closed them, ignoring the burning trails running across her face. It would be another early morning, and she needed to sleep so she could take care of the garden. Decisions like this could wait. Once she had nothing else distracting her, and she had time to properly think about it, she would see how she felt about the stone.
Eventually, she dozed off with Hoppit pressed against her chest, and a longing in her heart.
Next
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A/N: Patreon and Ko-fi will be 1 chap ahead this time around, and I've set it so everything from the lowest tier up can read the newest trashfire! Anything above that is sheer show of love. Hope you enjoyed!

Heyo, was looking to start fin really soon since my hair has been thinning out a LOT it seems like. I went to the doctors and got a blood test done, and it seems like my bilirubin levels are elevated, which signifies some sort of possible liver dysfunction if I test high again next week or so. I was thinking about ordering finasteride online since I wasn’t happy with how fast the system was moving and I really need to get on it ASAP, but I realized that this might affect me negatively. I do plan on asking my doctor again as soon as I can but I was wondering what your guys’ thoughts were too. And also where’s the best place to order it yourself online since I have to wait so long for my dermatologist appointment if anyone knows?

Did you know there's another way attackers can get into your organization that you're probably not aware of?
It's not your users—it's the unused applications hiding in your Entra ID!
Attackers can target these idle Azure AD apps through social engineering and pass-the-cookie attacks. What's the solution?
It's simple: regularly review and remove those unused applications in Entra ID. This proactive step eliminates a potential entry point for attackers, just as Entra ID recommends.
It's a simple step that significantly reduces your attack surface and makes it tougher for attackers to sneak in.
https://blog.admindroid.com/entra-id-best-practices-remove-unused-applications-in-microsoft-entra-id-for-security/

I want to build a slightly more well advised routine, as my current one has just been me having an issue, finding one specific thing, and going with it. I have ADHD, and want to build some rituals for some routine, and general self care.
I'm in my 20s. I don't wear foundation or concealer, but I do wear a finishing powder because I prefer how it looks on me. I'm usually dehydrated because I forget to drink throughout the day (working on this!), so if I get lazy with my skincare then my forehead and nose can end up flakey from the powder. I deal with occasional breakouts on my cheekbones and chin, though these are probably hormonal; I do have a lot of *very* tiny little bumps on my cheekbones, but I can't tell if they're like micro-spots or just my skin. I have some minor bumpy texture on my forehead, too. I don't really have redness not attributed to my natural skintone.
I mostly want to work on keeping my skin healthy and generally cared for in the long run, and work on my moisture. Also the aforementioned rituals thing.
AM - Neutrogena Visibly Clear daily scrub (bought this when stuck in another city, it's fine, but won't buy again). - 2/week face mask; I'm From honey mask at the start of the week, Catastrophe Cosmetic at the end. - a little COSRX snail mucin 92 cream if I'm feeling particularly dry, but not every day. - The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support serum. Probably my favourite thing I use. - SCINIC Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF50+.
PM - Body Shop camomile cleansing oil balm (I don't like TBS as a company, but this is the best makeup remover). - The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane (very little, mostly around eyes and neck). - COSRX snail mucin 92 cream.
I have my mind on picking up a toner (I got a sample of the watermelon one from Glow Recipe that I liked a lot), a water based cleanser, and a different exfoliator (I like the feel of scrubs, but not sure if they're that great); I'm considering a lightweight moisturised for the mornings, but very on the fence; the COSRX cream works really well, but feels heavier than what I'd need/like for the mornings.
Also very unsure of the actual order to do things in after washing my face or cleansing, which is a reason I've kept my routine quite short.
Any help or recommendations would be much appreciated!

Welcoming a new bundle of joy into the world is a momentous occasion, and what better way to celebrate than with a thoughtfully decorated baby shower? Gone are the days of traditional and predictable decorations; today's expecting mothers are embracing innovative and trendy ideas for their special day. In this article, we'll explore the latest baby shower decoration trends, ensuring the modern mom-to-be has a celebration as unique as her. Make your baby shower event more special and amazing by selecting the best baby shower decoration themes from Take Rent Pe — an online supplier providing decoration setups on rent. With more than 100+ décor set ideas, pick your ones and let the team do the whole event management for you.

1. Balloon Extravaganza: Elevate Your Baby Shower Decorations When it comes to baby shower decorations, balloons are no longer just colorful floating orbs. The trend now is to create balloon installations that make a bold statement. From balloon arches framing the entrance to balloon garlands cascading down walls, this trend adds a whimsical and modern touch to the celebration. Balloons can be customized to match the theme and color scheme, making them a versatile and visually striking choice for baby shower decor. For a seemantham decoration or godh bharai decoration, consider incorporating traditional elements with balloon arrangements. Mixing cultural aesthetics with contemporary decor creates a visually stunning and meaningful atmosphere.
2. Greenery Galore: Embrace Nature-Inspired Baby Shower Decorations Greenery and natural components are now the main attraction in contemporary baby shower décor. Incorporating nature into the celebration creates a calm and refreshing atmosphere, whether it takes the form of potted plants as centrepieces or elaborate floral arrangements. To create the ideal backdrop for photographs, think about building a floral wall or a backdrop of cascading foliage. Plan your godh bharai decorations with culturally significant flowers and foliage in mind. This produces a harmonic fusion of heritage and modern style in addition to adding a personal touch.
   
3. Theme-Based Decor: Make Your Baby Shower Unique The days of basic baby shower décor are long gone. These days, expectant mothers are choosing themed parties that match their interests and personalities. Whether the theme is vintage-inspired, celestial-themed, or boho-chic, picking a theme makes for coherent and photogenic décor. For seemantham decoration, select a theme that resonates with cultural traditions and values. This can be a wonderful way to celebrate the mother-to-be's heritage while incorporating trendy elements into the decor.
   
4. Dessert Table Extravaganza: Satisfy Sweet Tooth and Sight A popular trend in modern godh bharai decoration is the creation of a show-stopping dessert table. Think beyond the conventional cake and include an array of sweet treats like cupcakes, cookies, and cake pops, all adorned with thematic decorations. Not only does this delight guests' taste buds, but it also serves as a visually appealing focal point for the celebration. When designing godh bharai or seemantham décor, incorporate traditional desserts and sweets with cultural importance. This displays the depth of cultural tradition in addition to bringing back some nostalgia. In conclusion, the era of predictable and mundane baby shower decorations is long gone. Modern moms-to-be are embracing innovative and stylish trends to make their special day memorable. From balloon extravaganzas to nature-inspired decor, themed celebrations, and dessert table extravaganzas, there are countless ways to elevate the ambiance of a baby shower. Whether planning a seemantham decoration or a universal celebration, these trending ideas ensure that the modern mom-to-be and her guests have an unforgettable experience.. Thus, use your imagination, make the event uniquely your own, and let the baby shower decorations capture the essence of this happy occasion.
   

Click to see the video
Here´s the recipe:
Salmon 🐟 💚:
🔘 300 g tofu (two blocks) 🔘 300 ml cucumber broth 🔘 1-2 tbsp white miso 🔘 2 nori leaves 🔘 2-3 tbsp beet juice (depending on the color you want to achieve) 🔘 2 tbsp soy sauce 🔘 1 tsp onion powder 🔘 1 tsp garlic powder 🔘 1 tbsp cornstarch 🔘 vegan butter as you like
Sauce 🥣
🔘 30 g vegan butter 🔘 1 tbsp flour 🔘 2 nori leaves 🔘 1-2 tbsp white miso 🔘 1-2 tbsp soy sauce 🔘 100 ml cucumber broth 🔘 1-2 tsp vegetable broth 🔘 1 tsp garlic powder 🔘 1 tsp onion powder 🔘 150 ml vegan cream (soy or oat works best) 🔘 175 g vegan crème fraîche 🔘 salt and pepper as you like (🔘 you could also add 100 ml vegan white wine)

Instructions

1. Start by slicing the tofu block in half and making cuts 1–2 mm apart on the top of the fillets to replicate the texture of salmon.
2. Next, blend together cucumber water, nori leaves, white miso, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder until finely chopped. Add beet juice until the marinade turns into the desired color.
3. Pour the marinade to a small saucepan and heat it up. Place the tofu fillets in the saucepan and simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring that the marinade seeps into the cuts of the fillets.
4. Once done, remove the fillets from the pot and let them drain slightly. Dust the underside of the fillets with a bit of cornstarch.
5. In a separate pan, heat some butter and fry the fillets from all sides until golden brown.
6. While the tofu cooks, prepare the sauce. Melt vegan butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until combined. Rip the nori leaves apart and add it to the butter mixture. Quickly add white miso and soy sauce, then deglaze with cucumber broth. Pour in vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, vegan cream, and vegan crème fraîche, and let it simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the tofu salmon-fillets, generously drizzled with the sauce.
Enjoy your vegan salmon alternative! 🐟 🌱

Here´s the recipe:
Salmon 🐟 💚:
🔘 300 g tofu (two blocks) 🔘 300 ml cucumber broth 🔘 1-2 tbsp white miso 🔘 2 nori leaves 🔘 2-3 tbsp beet juice (depending on the color you want to achieve) 🔘 2 tbsp soy sauce 🔘 1 tsp onion powder 🔘 1 tsp garlic powder 🔘 1 tbsp cornstarch 🔘 vegan butter as you like
Sauce 🥣
🔘 30 g vegan butter 🔘 1 tbsp flour 🔘 2 nori leaves 🔘 1-2 tbsp white miso 🔘 1-2 tbsp soy sauce 🔘 100 ml cucumber broth 🔘 1-2 tsp vegetable broth 🔘 1 tsp garlic powder 🔘 1 tsp onion powder 🔘 150 ml vegan cream (soy or oat works best) 🔘 175 g vegan crème fraîche 🔘 salt and pepper as you like (🔘 you could also add 100 ml vegan white wine)

Instructions

1. Start by slicing the tofu block in half and making cuts 1–2 mm apart on the top of the fillets to replicate the texture of salmon.
2. Next, blend together cucumber water, nori leaves, white miso, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder until finely chopped. Add beet juice until the marinade turns into the desired color.
3. Pour the marinade to a small saucepan and heat it up. Place the tofu fillets in the saucepan and simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring that the marinade seeps into the cuts of the fillets.
4. Once done, remove the fillets from the pot and let them drain slightly. Dust the underside of the fillets with a bit of cornstarch.
5. In a separate pan, heat some butter and fry the fillets from all sides until golden brown.
6. While the tofu cooks, prepare the sauce. Melt vegan butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until combined. Rip the nori leaves apart and add it to the butter mixture. Quickly add white miso and soy sauce, then deglaze with cucumber broth. Pour in vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, vegan cream, and vegan crème fraîche, and let it simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the tofu salmon-fillets, generously drizzled with the sauce.
Enjoy your vegan salmon alternative! 🐟 🌱
Sincerely, Veganick 💚

Here´s the recipe:
Salmon 🐟 💚:
🔘 300 g tofu (two blocks) 🔘 300 ml cucumber broth 🔘 1-2 tbsp white miso 🔘 2 nori leaves 🔘 2-3 tbsp beet juice (depending on the color you want to achieve) 🔘 2 tbsp soy sauce 🔘 1 tsp onion powder 🔘 1 tsp garlic powder 🔘 1 tbsp cornstarch 🔘 vegan butter as you like
Sauce 🥣
🔘 30 g vegan butter 🔘 1 tbsp flour 🔘 2 nori leaves 🔘 1-2 tbsp white miso 🔘 1-2 tbsp soy sauce 🔘 100 ml cucumber broth 🔘 1-2 tsp vegetable broth 🔘 1 tsp garlic powder 🔘 1 tsp onion powder 🔘 150 ml vegan cream (soy or oat works best) 🔘 175 g vegan crème fraîche 🔘 salt and pepper as you like (🔘 you could also add 100 ml vegan white wine)

Instructions

1. Start by slicing the tofu block in half and making cuts 1–2 mm apart on the top of the fillets to replicate the texture of salmon.
2. Next, blend together cucumber water, nori leaves, white miso, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder until finely chopped. Add beet juice until the marinade turns into the desired color.
3. Pour the marinade to a small saucepan and heat it up. Place the tofu fillets in the saucepan and simmer on medium heat for about 10 minutes, ensuring that the marinade seeps into the cuts of the fillets.
4. Once done, remove the fillets from the pot and let them drain slightly. Dust the underside of the fillets with a bit of cornstarch.
5. In a separate pan, heat some butter and fry the fillets from all sides until golden brown.
6. While the tofu cooks, prepare the sauce. Melt vegan butter in a saucepan and stir in flour until combined. Rip the nori leaves apart and add it to the butter mixture. Quickly add white miso and soy sauce, then deglaze with cucumber broth. Pour in vegetable broth, onion powder, garlic powder, vegan cream, and vegan crème fraîche, and let it simmer on low heat for 10–15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve the tofu salmon-fillets, generously drizzled with the sauce.
Enjoy your vegan salmon alternative! 🐟 🌱
Sincerely, Veganick 💚

In the bustling metropolis of Kochi, where every business endeavor seeks to thrive amidst the competitive landscape, one name stands out among the rest – Potters Wheel Media. As the digital realm continues to expand exponentially, the need for a reliable and dynamic digital marketing partner becomes paramount. In this era of digital dominance, businesses must harness the power of online platforms to not just survive but to thrive. Enter Potters Wheel Media, the beacon of excellence in the realm of digital marketing, guiding businesses towards unprecedented success and recognition.

Unveiling the Epitome: Potters Wheel Media

At the heart of Kochi's digital revolution lies Potters Wheel Media, a pioneering force in the realm of digital marketing. With a steadfast commitment to innovation, excellence, and client satisfaction, Potters Wheel Media has earned its rightful place as the best digital marketing agency in Kochi. Let's delve deeper into what sets them apart and why they are the epitome of excellence in the industry!

Unparalleled Expertise

When it comes to digital marketing, expertise reigns supreme, and Potters Wheel Media boasts an unparalleled team of experts at the helm. From seasoned strategists to creative wizards and tech virtuosos, their diverse talent pool ensures that every aspect of your digital marketing campaign is meticulously crafted to perfection. With years of industry experience under their belt, the team at Potters Wheel Media possesses the acumen and insight to navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape with finesse and precision.

Innovative Strategies

In the realm of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is not just a necessity but a prerequisite for success. Potters Wheel Media understands this fundamental truth and prides itself on its innovative approach to digital marketing. Gone are the days of cookie-cutter solutions – at Potters Wheel Media, every campaign is crafted with precision and tailored to the unique needs and objectives of each client. Whether it's harnessing the power of social media, optimizing search engine visibility, or leveraging cutting-edge technologies, Potters Wheel Media leaves no stone unturned in its quest for digital supremacy.

Personalized Approach

In a world inundated with generic marketing solutions, the personal touch often gets lost in the shuffle. However, at Potters Wheel Media, client satisfaction reigns supreme, and a personalized approach is ingrained in everything they do. From the initial consultation to the final implementation, every step of the process is guided by a deep understanding of the client's vision, goals, and aspirations. By forging meaningful partnerships built on trust, transparency, and mutual respect, Potters Wheel Media goes above and beyond to ensure that your digital marketing journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

Client-Centric Philosophy

At the core of Potters Wheel Media's ethos lies a steadfast commitment to client satisfaction. Unlike other digital marketing agencies that prioritize profits over people, Potters Wheel Media places the needs and aspirations of its clients front and center. From startups and small businesses to established enterprises, Potters Wheel Media caters to a diverse clientele with unwavering dedication and professionalism. With a track record of delivering tangible results and exceeding client expectations, Potters Wheel Media has earned the trust and loyalty of businesses across Kochi and beyond.

The Potters Wheel Media Advantage

In a sea of digital marketing agencies, choosing the right partner can be a daunting task. However, with Potters Wheel Media, the choice is clear. With their unrivaled expertise, innovative strategies, personalized approach, and client-centric philosophy, Potters Wheel Media emerges as the undisputed leader in the realm of digital marketing in Kochi. Whether you're looking to increase brand visibility, drive website traffic, or boost conversion rates, Potters Wheel Media has the tools, techniques, and expertise to make it happen. So why settle for mediocrity when you can strive for excellence with Potters Wheel Media, the best digital marketing agency in Kochi!
Potters Wheel Media stands as a shining beacon of excellence in Kochi's digital landscape, guiding businesses towards unprecedented success and recognition. With their unparalleled expertise, innovative strategies, personalized approach, and client-centric philosophy, Potters Wheel Media redefines the standards of digital marketing excellence and sets a new benchmark for industry excellence. So why wait? Embark on your digital journey with Potters Wheel Media today and witness your business soar to new heights of success!

Buy online Urvi Pillows for Sleeping at the best price from My Urvi . Explore Our Collection of Urvi Butterfly Pillow, Urvi Classic Pillows, Urvi Ultra Thin Pillows, Urvi Adjustable Pillows, Urvi Body Pillows, Urvi Square Cushion etc.

Maddie is fresh out of college. She earned her master's in business and is ready to find the perfect job. Her best friend, Maggie, gets her an interview with a hot shot and YOUNG billionaire. He's domineering and angry 99% of the time...but he may have a sweet spot for a young and innocent Madeline. Will his past and current life catch up to Maddie and make her leave him or will she stick with him through thick or thin? A story that exposes what reality can be like. The world world is rough, scary, and hard. Some people make it and others don't, this story may shed some light on what self deprivation can feel like. Please read and enjoy. This is a PURE work of fiction, please remember that when reading. This story contains sexually explicit material along with vulgar language. Read at your own risk. Read more

I am using these shoes for road, trail (woods, grass but no rocks or steep elevations), obstacles and rope climbing (OCR) but it was difficult to find out beforehand which shoes are good for what and how they compare. So he my personal experience.
New Balance Hierro V6:
Most bulky and comfy. Outsole lugs aren't very aggressive but still give surprising good traction in middy trails. Outsole tech is Vibram, same as Merrell. Because they're bulky, they're not the best for obstacles but there's plenty of flexibility in the sole which helps so it is possible to climb ropes and obstacles. Durability is good. Most suitable for walking among these 4.
Merrel Agility Peak 5:
Bulky with a rocker profile, very stiff. Vibram outsole gives good traction. Not suitable for rope climbing and some obstacles because they're extremely rigid/stiff and the upper is thin. There's a thick layer of cushioning but it's not squishy at all. Good for road to trail, less comfortable but a little faster feeling than New Balance.
Salomon Speedcross 5:
The most hardcore of the lot. Aggressive big lugs, thin sole in the forefoot. Extremely flexible forefoot. But still remarkably comfortable especially at the heel area. Pretty bulletproof. Also the lugs wear slowly, while giving the best grip in deep mud. Did the most climbing with this. Not pleasant or meant for running on hard surfaces but it course you can do short stints.
Inov-8 Parkclaw g280:
Road to trail shoe that is also suitable for climbing. It has more cushioning than the Speedcross but it's not as bulky as the Merell and New Balance. For rope climbing, the lugs are a little too small and thebgraphene outsole doesn't seem to give as much grip on wet pavement as other shoes. But traction on trails and mud is fine. This one is the least true to size and I needed to order a size up. I haven't done many miles yet, but Inov-8 has a very good reputation regarding durability.