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outofgloom · 8 months

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STEEL

The Glass Plain was steel, pocked here and there with statued figures, rank upon rank, frozen in time. The ground was steel, and the hills beyond were steel, shimmering hot in the reflected daylight. Kio upon kio the Glass Plain stretched, kio upon kio of twisted, rusted, tortured metal.

She paused to catch her breath in the shade of a lone tree. It rattled in the breeze above her. The leaves and spines were steel, though most had snapped free by now. The ground was littered with them, still razor-sharp as the day it had happened.

She rested a hand against the trunk, checked the horizon behind her with her scope. Nothing so far, but he wouldn’t be far behind. She’d wounded him well enough at the village. He hadn’t expected her to put up a fight, nor to lead such a chase. He’d be very angry by now, and that would drive him. Hopefully make him sloppy. Maybe the delay would be enough after all...

She stooped and gathered a few of the metal leaves, tested one against her finger. It was fairly conductive. A good sign. The purity of the protodermic metal around her would increase as she drew nearer to the Epicenter. That would even the odds a bit.

She left the tree and descended the low hill, following the same track that had been there a thousand years ago, first etched into the earth by the tramping feet of soldiers and then frozen there forever, gilded and entombed.

As she reached the surface of the plain, the metal effigies surrounded her like a forest. Here at the outer edge, the figures were evocative, the thinner layers of metal still allowing expression to show through. Arms pointed into the distance, faces crazed with shock and terror. Many of the figures faced outwards, away from the center of the plain, frozen in the act of running or falling, abandoning their ranks as they had realized what was coming.

Here was the form of a Toa, fallen to one knee. Here a Steltaxian brute, arms outstretched to clear a path through the bodies. Here an overturned Jaga-beast, legs clawing skyward, tail striking into the body of its rider, all fused into one.

Sometimes the masses of limbs and weapons were too dense, and she was obliged to crawl and clamber. She tried not to think about it too much, tried to keep the memories at bay. At least it was quiet now. The muffled voices of the entombed had grown silent many years ago–no need to replay those memories. She had replayed them often enough over the past thousand years.

Now there was only the rattle and creak of lifeless metal, and the need for haste. Quickly! These brambles would not slow her pursuer down. He’d flicker through them in a second, even wounded. The only challenge for him would be to track her through the plain, where the metal ground left few signs of her passage.

And even then…he’d tracked her across the world before. These were minor setbacks to him. He who had abandoned all codes, all rules. He was a killer, and he would not stop.

He would never stop.

The day wore on, and she made good progress. Nearer to the Epicenter, the metal was layered thicker, obscuring the frozen bodies and turning them into strange, angular pillars, faceless and spotted with rust. Rank upon rank they stood here–obedient to the end. There had been no warning at this range. No time to react.

In the near distance, the rotted out shell that dominated the Epicenter rose into the sky, its outer layers corroded away, revealing the chaotic lattice of protodermic iron within. Wind whistled mournfully through the structure, a thin, tinny sound.

She had not returned to this place since it had happened…since they had escaped. She had been a Toa then. Tall, strong, at the height of her powers, ready to fight Mata’s crusade, ready to obey the commands of Mata’s Barraki and bring order to a disordered world. Now…what was she? A weak Turaga, more used to the daily routines of Koro than the rush of battle. Her powers were a fraction of their former might. Even her Mask of Fate was a diminished Noble Kanohi now. How could she hope to win?

Slumped in the shade of a metal pillar, less than a kio from the place where her brothers had perished in tombs of elemental iron…despair almost overcame her. Her preparations were feeble. Her plans were half-baked. Soon he would be here. Soon she would be dead. Maybe…maybe she deserved it, after all.

Your life is owed me, sister. Unwelcome memories flickered in her mind. Scenes of a village, her village. Her Matoran stood around her. The huts were caved in. The air was heavy with dust and fear.

“I saved you,” he spat, standing at the village entrance, large as life. “I saved you when Ahrak lost control, and how did you repay me?”

“Naj...you’re…you’re alive?” she stammered, still reeling at the revelation. “But you…I don’t–”

“How did you repay me?!” Najak the Stone-Toa shouted, and the rocks trembled. The Matoran huddled closer.

“Why are you here, Naj?”

He advanced into the village. She tightened her grip on the pronged staff. The shock of recognition was starting to wear off, replaced by a dull understanding.

“I’m here to take back what I gave you,” he said.

There were scars on his armor, deep burn marks around his heartlight and across his Mask of Quick-Travel.

“Recognize these?” he said, noting her glance. “You didn’t finish the job, did you, Keersa? All those years ago. It hurt, that’s for sure, but you didn’t put quite enough juice into the current. Or maybe you couldn’t bring yourself to kill a brother?”

“You hunted me down. I defended myself.”

“You abandoned the cause. I gave you your life, saved you from the Iron Wave, and then you abandoned us, forsook your vows. The Lords of Order could not let that stand.”

“The Lords of Order are dead, Naj. Slain by the Makuta.”

“Don’t speak of the Makuta. Even now their hounds are after me.”

“Then you’d better keep running. Leave us be.”

“Not until I get what I'm owed.”

“What’s that? My life? You still want to kill me–that’s it? After all this time…I have nothing to say to you.”

“Words are the last thing I want. I’m disappointed, actually. Look at you now…a Turaga? What a waste. I was hoping you’d at least be able to put up a fight again, like old times.”

“How did you find this place?”

“Oh, the other Stone-Toa told me. Didn’t get his name. He was a fresh one.” Najak laughed coldly, “Could barely lift a boulder. Did you ‘make’ him, Keersa? Did you waste your power on him? As poor an Elder as you were a soldier, it seems.”

A chill went through her.

“What...Naj, what did you do?”

“I asked him to tell me where your village was. He didn’t want to, but eventually I made him. He died badly.”

The crowding Matoran shuddered, their eyes wide with fear.

“I had heard…rumors,” Keersa said numbly. “But the Code…”

Najak advanced further, eyes flashing. The Matoran cowered away on either side.

“--The Code is zyga, Keersa, and you know it. We are older than the Code. We killed long before it was written down by the charlatans who now supplant our Barraki. It was invented to hobble us, to keep us from victory.”

“What victory, Naj? The wars are over! The crusade is–”

A hammer struck into the back of the Stone-Toa’s knee and bounced off. Najak’s eyes flicked downward, and the Matoran holding the hammer looked at once very defiant, and very, very small.

A sharp sound rang out in the air, and Keersa screamed as the earth erupted with small stones, bullet-like, and rent the Matoran’s body to shreds. Screamed with all the force of her lungs as more stones whizzed through the crowd, and she dashed forward suddenly on Calix-borne feet and struck hard with her staff, struck hard with her lightning, and with all the white-hot anger of her grief...

Keersa sat bolt upright, her drowsy mind pinging with alarms and with deep, deep rage. One of the static leylines she’d set down amongst the metal pillars had snapped off to the east. The wind was rising, and the sky was the color of rust. There was a dust storm on the way, by the taste of the static charge in the air. She would take any advantage she could get.

Ping. Another line discharged, closer now. She slipped into a hollow beneath the frozen limbs of a statue, activated the scope on her mask, and watched. Everything hinged on her spotting him first. The cries of her Matoran echoed in the back of her mind, but she pushed them grimly down. No more distractions. No more doubts.

He appeared off to the left first, about 15 bio away. He was crouched, and she saw that his arm was now slung against his chest. Good–he hadn’t had a chance to repair himself since the village. He hadn’t expected the speed of her attack then, enhanced by her Mask of Fate. She allowed herself a small smile, remembering the sound of the servos in his arm frying as she'd coursed lightning through them. If only she’d been able to reach his heartlight…

Najak vanished from his position abruptly, then reappeared to the right. Less than half the distance now. A wall of dust was approaching in the sky. She saw him turn to glance up at it, shading his eyes.

His back was turned. Now.

She activated her Mask of Fate, felt the surge of energy and strange potential it granted her. One of the metal-gilded tree leaves was in her hand. She raised herself slightly, all precision and intensity, and hurled it straight at Najak’s head.

The Mask of Fate was sadly no Mask of Accuracy, but by the time the razor-sharp missile buried itself in Najak’s right thigh, she had already nearly closed the distance. Najak roared in pain, dropping to one knee. His good arm craned to reach the puncture wound. She was almost on him. Her mask glowed hot. Her hand crackled with a deadly charge. Straight to the heartlight. Straight to the heartlight as he knelt forward...

His eyes flicked wide. He saw her.

Najak snapped out of existence. Her electrified hand skewered thin air, and she fell headlong on the metal ground, skidding and cursing.

She twisted, flipped. On her feet again, running for shelter, ducking and weaving through the forest of iron.

There was a low rumble like an earthquake, and the protodermic metal of the Glass Plain groaned as something pounded against it from below. Then it ceased. Keersa slid to a stop behind a pillar. She almost laughed.

“Can’t try that here, Naj!” she yelled into the air, now dashing for new cover. “The bedrock is buried under half a kio of Ahrak’s best iron. Didn’t you know?”

A metal figure exploded into shards next to her as a small bullet-stone struck through it. So he had some elemental energy left in him after all.

Before she even knew what she was doing, her Calix-empowered eyes were tracking the source of the stone’s trajectory, body was twisting painfully into a head-first tumble. A second stone tore through the ground where her feet had just been and exploded into needles of rock. The shrapnel bit into her legs and torso, but there was no time for pain.

She glanced off a nearby pillar, landed on her back, and kicked off from the pillar’s base, shoving herself across the smooth ground, across the open space, hoping she could slide far enough. Her mask was fading out.

Shoulders struck against a ripple in the ground and she rolled into a crouch with muscles that felt like jelly. Her limbs were slowing. Mask was inert. Head snapped upward, eyes darted around. There was a familiar noise, very near, and the ozone smell of elemental power. There!

She slammed a hand against the metal ground and poured her small reserves of Turaga-lightning into it, channeled it with all her strength forward, along the conductive surface, up through the exposed feet of the Stone-Toa that crouched between pillars not two bio away.

Najak gave a choking cry as his muscles seized and contracted, and the stone bullet he had been conjuring dissipated in the air. She pushed with everything she had, until smoke rose from the gaps in Najak’s leg-armor, and then she released. Pain from the shrapnel in her side finally registered to her nerves, and the world reeled as she sagged to the ground.

Najak’s breathing came in a ragged hiss through his locked jaw. He slumped over, supporting himself on his good arm. His eyes were still open, still fixed on her. A moment passed.

“Well…fought,” Najak rasped. “Maybe…you are not such a coward…after all.”

“I’m no coward,” Keersa said, fighting nausea. “You killed my Matoran. You’ve killed your own brothers. You deserve everything I’ve done to you, and more.”

“Very righteous. You sound like Ahrak.”

“He was better than you.”

“He was…a fool.”

“We were all fools, following the orders of our masters.”

“Better to serve a cause…than to run away.”

“Look what that cause has done to us, Naj. Look around! This place is our grave, and the grave of our brothers. Ahrak followed his orders, and he died…drowning in his own element, with iron in his lungs and brain, and he took ten thousand souls with him in the Nova Blast.”

“It was certainly impressive. A testament to our power.”

“It was a waste. We were losing the battle--don't deny it. The Barraki decided it wasn’t worth it, and the mighty Iron-Toa Ahrak obeyed…”

“And then I saved you. Without me, you’d be just as dead as the rest. You’re welcome.”

“Maybe that would have been better…”

“It doesn’t really matter. The way I see it, you’re already dead. You were dead to me the moment you abandoned your duty to the Lords of Order. Right here, you remember?”

“I found a new duty, and I fulfilled my purpose, Naj. Passed on my power. Not like you.”

He ignored her.

“The Iron Wave had passed,” he said, “and I traveled us back. The metal was all fresh and new, shining like glass…and all those voices trapped beneath. We couldn’t even carve them out…But we’d won, Keersa. We were the victors, remember? But you…you balked and ran away. Like a coward.”

Keersa said nothing. The sky darkened as the dust storm blew in over the landscape at last. Heat-lightning flickered on the horizon.

“But I didn’t run,” Najak continued. “I returned to our Lord, and informed him of our victory…and your betrayal. And as a reward, I was sent to deal with you, to balance out the scales.”

“I remember. And I beat you once already, could have killed you... We are even, Najak. The scales are balanced.”

“Almost, but not quite.”

Keersa lifted herself up again, almost faint with exhaustion. She raised her head.

Najak was standing upright. A coating of stone covered his lower torso, keeping him stable. He blinked in the blowing dust and spat grit from his mouth. Then he moved forward, one halting step at a time, as the rock liquified and hardened around his ruined legs. Keersa watched him with dull eyes, resigned.

“Once I kill you,” Najak said, “my duty will be fulfilled. Then...maybe I’ll return to your village. There were still a few weaklings hiding in the rubble. No one will remain to remember you, sister.”

“The Makuta will stop you. Their hounds are already prowling the outskirts of the Plain.”

“I’ve evaded them well enough so far,” he scoffed. Another slow step. “Anyways, the Makuta have bigger things to worry about. Unrest in Metru Nui and the like. One rogue Toa won’t be worth the resources for long.”

“And then what?”

“I’m not sure.” Another step. “I’ve been all about revenge for so long. I’ll have to rethink things, I guess.”

“You look tired.”

“You look like death.”

Another step. Keersa looked up into the Stone-Toa’s face.

“Well,” she murmured, “it’s like you said…I’m already dead, aren’t I?��

Najak’s mask glowed, and she understood. He grasped her by the throat. She’d seen him do this before, to his enemies, in battle. Her ears popped as the world flashed into rushing light, and for a split second she was inside swirling dust and the rust of ages driven before the wind, and dry static washed over her face.

Another pop, and they were above the storm, a kio in the air, and the Glass Plain stretched out on all sides from the Epicenter, harsh and horrible. Najak's grip tightened, and she gasped.

One more jump, and now the air was cold, and she felt his fingers relax, ready to drop her and be done with it.

Rage. Static from the lower air clung to her. She drank it in, deactivated the pain signals that coursed through her body. With the last fraction of her ebbing will, her mask flickered on.

Winds buffeted them as they began to fall, but her grip was suddenly iron on Najak’s forearm, shocking his fingers open. He realized, and tried to hurl her away, but she was twisting, contorting. Her knee connected with the shoulder of his bad arm. Pain. He smashed his head forward into her face, and she saw stars, almost let go, but the fingers of her other hand had found what they sought.

His next blow went wide. She twisted again, and blind fingertips purchased just under his chin, crooked inward with alien dexterity. Her foot caved into his chest and kicked hard, and she was spinning. Spinning free, spinning wildly in open air, spinning around the axis of a madly spinning horizon. And it would have been sickening…

…But his mask was in her hand, clenched tight.

And his voice was screaming in her ears, somewhere off in the distance, in the wide air. Drifting further and further away. Screaming death and vengeance and dreadful fear as the Glass Plain hurtled up, up, up toward them like the execution hammers of the Lords of Order.

And the Glass Plain was steel.

#bionicle #art #writing #fanfiction #outofgloom #works

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impossiblescissorspeachpaper · 1 year

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All’s Fair in Love & War

A little early Christmas gift to all of the wonderful humans I’ve met from the ACOTAR fandom this year. I’m truly so grateful for every single one of you & love that I can call so many of you friends. It’s often not a hospitable place to be a part of & Elriels in particular cop a lot of bullshit from some nasty corners of the fandom, but as a little token of my love, please enjoy some family shenanigans. It’s ridiculous and fluffy and I hope it puts a smile on some faces this silly season ☃️🍭

3 brothers x 3 sisters. Fluff. 2.4k words

Cassian sat a few seats away from Elain, a scowl on his face at having been banished from the centre of the dining table his family were all gathered around. He’d knocked the gentle Seer with his wing for the final time when she had snapped and exiled him to the far end of the dining room. His family were seated around the table, all manner of icing, piping bags, candies, marshmallows, spatulas, chocolates and fondant spread across its dark surface as their annual gingerbread house decorating competition was underway.

They paired up in teams for the competition, each duo vying for the coveted first place and subsequent bragging rights for the entirety of the following twelve months. They’d decided in their first year of running the competition that it would be more of a challenge to break up the couples, so they had paired off by the males’ drawing names from a hat.

Cassian had drawn Elain, chuffed that he had picked arguably the most talented baker of the bunch. Azriel had drawn Feyre’s name— still a fair opponent— her artistic abilities giving them a slight edge with icing patterns. Rhys had in turn been paired up with Nesta, and although he loved his mate above all else, he couldn’t help but stifle a chuckle at the sour turn both their faces took when they realized they would be team mates.

When Feyre and Azriel had won that first year, pandemonium had broken out. With Azriel’s intense competitiveness and Feyre’s abilities with a fine paint brush, along with all the little details she was able to include in their design, they had been the clear winners as announced by lengthy deliberations from Mor once she had returned from her visit at the Winter Court. Incensed by the decision, Rhys had cried favouritism on Mor’s part, so she had been judging the houses anonymously ever since.

Year after year, Feyre and Azriel found a way to win. If it wasn’t her fondant snowmen sculptures winning the judge over, or the intricately scalloped roof she had painstakingly iced last year, her sheer talent with a paintbrush always gave them the edge they needed to win. Azriel also had the steady hands of a seasoned healer, his nimble fingers expertly building increasingly elaborate gingerbread houses, using exact amounts of icing to glue all the walls and levels together as Feyre decorated.

Rhys and Nesta usually ended up squabbling so much they often wouldn’t get much done. Nesta, Cauldron bless her, would try for the first forty-five minutes and then get frustrated with the delicate busywork, settling on eating the chocolate covered hazelnut wafers as she barked orders at Rhys instead. To her credit, she usually spent hours in the library beneath the House of Wind in the lead up to Solstice researching books on baking and decorating and would use that knowledge to direct Rhys from the sidelines. Inevitably he’d grow cranky with her orders and shout—

“If you actually helped, Nesta, we would get more done!”

Cassian hid a grin behind a fist. Right on cue. He loved when they started to crumble. And then there were two…

Cassian glanced over to Elain where she was meticulously piping icing stalactites onto the latticed roof of their three-story gingerbread house. Usually, she allowed him to help with the decorating process, but this year after he had helped assemble the three-storey structure, she had banished him aside, claiming she was sick of losing and his fingers were just too big. Whatever the Hel that meant. He didn’t think his decorating skills were that bad. He had at least been able to stick the chocolate buttons or peppermint candies on mostly straight in the past.

This year, instead, she had plonked him down on the corner of the large dining table in Rhys and Feyre’s River manor and set him up with all manner of coloured fondants, instructing him to fashion little pine trees and snowmen they could decorate the outside of their house with. Fine. He could do that. He had even made little Illyrian wings for some of his snowmen, standing them besides little piles of snowballs. He wanted to win this year, but more so, he wanted Elain to have this win too. He knew how competitive Azriel could get, and he surely would be merciless in his gloating, even with her, when it came to matters of winning.

Glancing up from his busywork, he spied Azriel quietly watching Elain, his hazel eyes narrowed in wariness, sizing up her handiwork and no doubt deeming their entry worthy competition this year. She had already completed the sides of the house, having used a paint brush and yellow and orange paints to decorate the windows she had piped icing around, giving the house the illusion of faelights glowing invitingly within. She had since moved onto the roof, Elain’s face set in an expression of unwavering determination, her tongue peeking out the side of her mouth as her hands steadily pipped on the white icing in long strokes.

Azriel’s face gave absolutely nothing away as he unleashed one lonesome shadow to twirl lazily around Elain’s arm, its shadowy form caressing the smooth skin of her hand before darting up to her neck, dancing along the column of her throat. Elain paid it no mind, but he didn’t miss the small catch of her breath as that sneaky shadow laved along her neck, Azriel’s eyes now glazing over with heat he reserved solely for his wife. The dirty cheat. The rule was no powers to assist in decorating. Cassian supposed this was him doing the exact opposite.

Having watched enough underhanded displays of exploitation from his brother in his efforts to secure first place, Cassian unleashed the protective shield of his siphons, a dull crimson barrier arcing around Elain and their gingerbread house, causing the lone shadow to skitter back to its master.

Azriel’s attention snapped to him, a sly gleam flashing across his eyes as he realised what his brother had witnessed him do. Cassian just cut him a crooked smirk back, making a point to bolster his shield to protect them from more meddling shadows.

Sensing a slight tug down his bond, his gaze flitted to Nesta, her glassy eyes turning solid once more before she gave an almost imperceptible nod, Rhys smirking at her side. The rat bastard. He had no doubt Rhys had just given Nesta instructions, their secrecy reeking of espionage, his mate and brother no doubt having just devised a plan to unravel Elain and himself.

His wings bristled, and snapping them tightly into his body once more, he watched as Nesta stood up from her seat and leaned across the table, reaching for the red icing in front of Feyre. Her grey sweater draped low at the neckline, giving him a clear shot straight down her top, her luscious breasts tantalizing him from across the room…thoughts of her salacious dips and devastating curves swirled around his mind, the way she felt in his hands, pinned beneath him…

“Cass!” Elain hissed, knocking him out of his sex drunk stupor, his shield having slipped whilst distracted. His bastard brother knew his weaknesses, and Nesta clearly was not above playing into them either. He mentally shook himself, strengthening his shield once more before scowling at Rhys who was chuckling from his seat. His mirth didn’t last long however, as the very next moment a bubble of ice-cold water burst as it collided with the side of his face, Nesta squawking indignantly beside him, having received the same punishment.

Once his shock subsided, Rhys bellowed a laugh, shaking his head like a dog and spraying droplets of water everywhere. Azriel, eyeing him disgustedly, threw up his own cobalt shield to protect their gingerbread house from getting wet.

His High Lady’s face was the picture of faux innocence, but he knew her brand of magic. That drop of Summer Court magic like a shimmering stone nestled amongst the endless river running in her veins.

Well, well, well. It seemed like the gloves were off now, the stakes now sky high as their efforts at coming out on top grew more belligerent. No one was playing fair.

Elain didn’t let a single emotion show on her face— no doubt having taken pointers from Azriel himself— but with whatever affinity she had over her beloved plants, Cassian had spied a solitary vine of ivy curling its way across the parquet floor toward Feyre.

Elain, having projected those mysterious powers of hers to manipulate the potted ivy sitting innocently on the windowsill, had no doubt guided the plant to wrap up Feyre’s legs, because her younger sister had just leapt from her seat as if it had caught fire. A shout escaped from Feyre as that mischievous vine scuttled away, recoiling back into its decorative pot.

“Elain!” Feyre cried out indignantly, “You know that creeps me out!”

Elain just chuckled, her doe eyes flashing to her sister before settling resolutely back at the task at hand.

“Your partner started it,” she responded somewhat demurely, hands still steadily pipping her roof.

“He’s your brazen husband! Was anyone expecting anything less?”

“Not at all, Feyre darling. We all know Azriel likes winning at any cost,” Rhys interjected.

“Oh really, oh magnanimous one? Used any daemati powers lately?” the Spymaster deadpanned.

“Oh, come off it Az, it doesn’t take a genius to know Cassian thinks purely with his dick,” Nesta retorted.

Cassian dropped the brown fondant he had been shaping into a log and pointed an indignant finger at his mate. “I resent that!” he spluttered.

In answer, Cassian was only met with five sets of incredulous gazes. Eyebrows hitched high on foreheads or hooked in scepticism turned his way, before his families’ gazes all too casually slid back to their various tasks.

“I’m a General, for Cauldron’s sake. A little respect…” he grumbled, only half resolved to concede to their claims.

Nesta, turning a sly look towards Rhys, indicated to him with a slight tip of her head and narrowing of her eyes. Cassian understood the gesture when the dining room was plunged into darkness, Rhys’ night kissed shadows swallowing the light, their sight with it.

“RHYS! You dirty—,” he heard Feyre shout from across the dining table before blasting away his darkness with her Day Court glow, his eyes squinting against her shining form, snuffing out the midnight blackness.

His High Lord and Ladies’ magic swirled above them all ominously, each trying to smother the others power as the supernatural clouds stormed through the dining room. Azriel took advantage of the distraction and speared his shadows toward Elain’s gingerbread house, Cassian flicking his shield up around them once more just in time. Elain narrowed her eyes in her husband’s direction. Meanwhile her vines had been sent off again, the ivy silently curling toward the shadowsinger, Azriel so far none the wiser to the twisting creepers preparing to strike behind his back.

Distracted by his brothers displays as they duked it out with their lady loves, Cassian had missed Nesta sneaking up behind him on cat-soft feet and launching herself at his back, her torso flung over his shoulder heavily as she tried to tackle him off his chair to the ground. His wings snapped out at the attack, knocking Elain over in the process, causing her bewitched vines to spring forward toward Azriel, wrapping themselves like a boa around his shoulders.

Shouting and profanities echoed around the room as full mayhem broke loose. All six of them were so thoroughly entrenched in the utter chaos, that they hadn’t realised they had company until a distinct clearing of a feminine throat sounded from the archway of the dining room.

Standing at the entrance, Nyx clutching one of her hands as his violet eyes grew wide at his parents, aunts and uncles displays, was Amren. A feline smirk was splashed across her face at having caught them all knee deep in their perfidious treachery.

“If only the rest of Prythian could see how the Night Court leaders all behave when doors are closed, hmm Nyx?” Amren tutted to the five-year-old at her side.

Just like smoke dissipating in the wind, the various displays of magic winked out from around the room. Elain, hair in disarray, peeked out at Amren from behind the chair she had landed besides, her vines slackening around Azriel’s shoulders just as his shadows seemed to retreat in shame. Nesta in turn sheepishly lowered her feet back to the ground from her position draped across Cassian’s shoulders, his arm looped around her hips in an effort to fight her off. Several candies and spatulas clattered toward the dining table again as Feyre and Rhys’s magics dissolved, the items having been swept up in the commotion of their powerful squall.

Amren’s silver eyes slid around the room once more before turning on a heel and stalking back out of the dining room with Nyx in tow, a murmured “Idiots” slipping through up-tilted red lips as they meandered away.

Once Amren and Nyx were out of earshot, Rhys turned to Azriel, a shit eating grin upon his face. “I can’t believe you stooped so low,” he chuckled. “Feeling a little threatened this year, brother?”

Azriel seemed unperturbed by the barb. “You’re the one who suggested to Nesta she use her… assets to distract her mate, Rhysand.”

“A good warrior will use any weapon in her arsenal to ensure victory,” Nesta retorted staunchly, picking dirt from beneath her nails.

“Yeah well, we don’t all have giant boobs, do we,” Elain grumbled darkly.

“Oh, okay High Queen of the Florae. Strangled anyone else lately with your army of enchanted shrubbery?”

Elain had narrowed her eyes at her sister’s name-calling but had the good sense to look marginally remorseful at the near strangulation of her husband.

“I didn’t mean to,” Elain protested, looking over at Azriel, alarm evident in her bright eyes, “Cassian, the great buffoon, knocked me off my chair and ruined my concentration!”

He splayed his arms out wide at Elain’s jab. “I was trying to protect you! And besides, I can’t help the giant wingspan, Ellie.”

Cassian shot her a wink and a crooked smile. Elain just scowled in response.

“I think Cassian is just pissy at not being allowed to decorate this year,” Rhys interjected with a conspiratorial smirk on his face.

Azriel exhaled a short breath through his nostrils, crossing his arms across his broad chest. “Agreed.”

Cassian cut a contemptuous glare towards both his brothers. “Losing becomes neither of you. Illyrian babies indeed.”

Feyre squawked a laugh at their expense, Rhys narrowing his gaze, his violet eyes ablaze.

“All is fair in love and war, General,” Azriel crooned conspiratorially, before his shadows shot out once more, spearing in five different directions, causing a menagerie of defensive magic to erupt across the dining hall once more.

Every man for himself, then.

*******

A/N: Not my usual tag list, but instead just some of the people in this fandom that i have loved getting to know, and a few that have made me smile and persevere in this weird place. No pressure to read the fic, but just know that your positivity and existence in the fandom has put a smile on my face🥰: @offtorivendell @tswaney17 @fawnandshadows @nikethestatue @ultadverb @dottielovegood @123moiaussi @lesolehabitantdelalune @alwayssara @merymoonbeam @cassianfanclub @thefangirlofhp @casuallivi @wingedblooms @silverdreamscapes @batboyazriel @thesistersarcheron @the-laughing-bubble @swankii-art-teacher @reverie-tales @mrspettyferr @leiaamidala @pagemasters @shedoessoshedoes @nightcourtseer @sakurakittypeach @duskcowboy @nitecourtnik @karomdr-blog @gentlehearted-kingslayer & countless others here and on other platforms ♥️

Also, a special thank you to OTR. When I posed the question of theories around physical powers Elain may have, I’m not sure you thought I would take your plant power crack theory where I did, but thank you for for sharing 😊🌱

#acotar fanfiction #t writes #feysand #nessian #elriel #acotar #happy solstice #the archeron sisters #the bat boys #fanfic #acotar fluff #my writing

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darkheliotrope · 1 month

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The First World - Echoes of the Vanished

The planet convulsed - a dying titan in its final throes. The very ground trembled, as if mourning its own demise. I stumbled across the desolate beach, my boots sinking into the ashen sand. The sea, once tempestuous, now raged with a primal fury - an ocean of wrath. Its waves clawed at the shore, pulling ancient bones back into the abyss.

The Bones and Fossils:

More bones lay scattered - a macabre mosaic. Rib cages, femurs, and mandibles protruded like broken promises. These were not remnants of creatures; they were echoes of civilizations - their architects and dreamers reduced to calcified whispers. The fossils bore witness to cosmic indifference, their hollow eyes staring into oblivion.

The Storm-Torn Sky:

Above, the sky had unravelled - a tattered veil. The stars had fled, leaving only voids - black holes that devoured light. The Milky Way - once a celestial river - had become a chasm, its banks eroded by entropy.

The Atmosphere’s Demise:

The air tasted of sulphur and despair. The atmosphere had unravelled, molecules torn apart by cosmic forces. Steam rose from fissures in the ground, carrying with it the memories of lost cities. Debris - shards of crystalline structures - swirled like ghosts. The suns, feeble embers, cast elongated shadows - the last dance of entropy.

The Skeleton’s Scream:

And there, on the beach, sat the skeleton - a relic of defiance. Its bones were charred, fused by the heat of cataclysm. Its skull, tilted toward the heavens, bore the etchings of cosmic runes. Hollow sockets stared at the fractured sky, and its jaw hung open - a silent scream. What had it witnessed? What horrors had etched themselves into its calcium lattice?

I approached the skeleton, drawn by morbid curiosity. Its ribs seemed to vibrate - an echo of terror. Had it been a scholar, a lover, a heretic? Its bony fingers clawed at the sand, as if trying to escape its own fate. But the sky above was indifferent.

The Cosmic Tragedy:

“Why?” I whispered, though the wind carried my words away. “Why did you stay?”

The skeleton’s jaw moved - an illusion, surely. But I heard its voice - a rasp, a lament.

“Curiosity,” it seemed to say. “The hunger for answers.”

Answers that had led to oblivion. Answers that had unraveled the fabric of existence. The planet had become a cosmic tragedy - a requiem for forgotten souls. The last person - the one consumed by unspeakable horror - had left no trace. Only this skeleton remained - a sentinel of despair.

As the lava stream surged, devouring the beach, I sank to my knees. The sea roared, the sky wept, and the skeleton’s scream echoed through time. I closed my eyes, feeling the heat lick my skin. The planet pulsed - a dying heartbeat.

And then, as if in response, the ground split open - a maw of molten hunger. I fell, my fingers grazing the skeleton’s ribcage. Its scream merged with mine - a chorus of anguish.

The planet trembled, I couldn't surrender to the abyss - I had to leave. Electra why did you send me to witness the final threads of a dying world?

May its echoes linger in the void…

#dark heliotrope #dark art #my nightmare #dark world #space #generative ai #ai art #horror #macabre #macabre art #end of world #other worlds

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pix4japan · 10 months

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168-Year-Old Japanese-Style Inn

Location: Matsumoto Ryokan, Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture Timestamp: 16:14 June 6, 2023

Shimoda city in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, has a rich history related to Japan's opening to the West. It is renowned for its unique architectural style called namako-kabe (海鼠壁)or “sea-slug” or “sea-cucumber” wall, which can be seen on numerous buildings such as houses, shops, inns, cafes, and art galleries. This design makes heavy use of clay materials to provide resilience to strong winds, typhoons, and the increased risk of fire during the dry winter months.

These three shots focus on the Matsumoto Ryokan–a traditional Japanese-style inn. The ryokan was constructed during the reign of Emperor Komei-tenno, approximately 168 years ago, specifically in the 2nd year of Ansei (November 1854 to March 1860).

Over the years, the building has undergone various renovations to modernize the structure including the use of glass windows to replace shoji (障子/lightweight sliding doors made of wooden framework covered with thin paper that allows light to pass through); use of doors on hinges to replace koshido (格子戸/sliding fine lattice doors that have shoji panels that were inserted in the winter to block out the cold breeze and removed in the summer for cooling).

The third image provides a close-up view of a glazed window on the door. It features a crest, likely belonging to the Matsumoto family, and a telephone number without an area code, indicating that most calls originated from the local area. On the right side of the door, the characters 松本旅館 (Matsumoto Ryokan) can be seen, although some of the characters have become less decipherable to me since they seem to be older characters or heavily stylized in such a way I can no longer read them.

Checkout the Pix4Japan blog for historical references, source material, further reading, and geotagged locations:

Fujifilm X100V (23 mm) with 5% diffusion filter ① ISO 1000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0 ② ISO 1600 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0 Classic Negative film simulation ③ ISO 2000 for 1/250 sec. at ƒ/2.0 Astia/Soft film simulation

#ryokan #Shimoda #Shizuoka Prefecture #Japan #street photography #Fujifilm #X100V #pix4japan #松本旅館 #下田市 #静岡県 #ストリートスナップ

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scotianostra · 1 year

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Just after 7pm on December 28th 1879 the Tay Bridge disaster occurred.

The first Tay Rail Bridge collapsed while a train was passing over it from Wormit to Dundee, killing all aboard.

At the time, a gale estimated at Beaufort force 10/11 was blowing down the Tay estuary at right angles to the bridge. The collapse of the bridge, only opened 19 months and passed safe by the Board of Trade, sent shock waves through the Victorian engineering profession and general public.

The disaster is one of the most famous bridge failures and to date it is still one of the worst structural engineering failures in the British Isles.

The first Tay rail bridge was completed in February 1878 to the design of Thomas Bouch. Bouch was responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the bridge. Most of his bridges were lattice girders supported on slender cast iron columns braced with wrought iron struts and ties, such as the Belah Viaduct in the photograph to the right. The building of the Tay bridge culminated in him being knighted.

The Tay bridge was nearly two miles long, consisting of 85 spans and at the time was the longest bridge in the world. The spans carried a single rail track; 72 of these were supported on spanning girders below the level of the track; the remaining 13 navigation spans were spanning girders above the level of the track (i.e. the train runs through a tunnel of girders).

These "high girders", as they were known, were 27 ft high with an 88 ft clearance above the high water mark. It was these spans which fell. Most of the girders below track level, all of which remained standing, were transferred to the present Tay rail bridge. At the time of the collapse Bouch was working on the design of the proposed Forth Bridge. In consequence, the design of the bridge was transferred to Benjamin Baker and Sir John Fowler.

A Court of Inquiry was set up to try and ascertain the reason for the collapse of the bridge. The Court of Inquiry report concluded that, "The fall of the bridge was occasioned by the insufficiency of the cross bracing and its fastenings to sustain the force of the gale." The Court of Inquiry indicated that if the piers, and in particular the wind bracing, had been properly constructed and maintained, the bridge could have withstood the storm that night, albeit with a low factor of safety - 4 to 5 was the norm at the time.

Sir Thomas Bouch was held chiefly to blame for the collapse in not making adequate allowance for wind loading. He used a wind pressure of 10 lbsf/sq ft for the design of the Tay bridge. It is interesting to note that when working on the design of a proposed Forth bridge he used 30lbsf/sq ft. To this day, however, there is still speculation as to the fundamental cause and as to whether or not the designer, Thomas Bouch, was to blame. You can find a modern re-appraisal of the disaster HERE.

Apart from the results of the original Court of Inquiry, various theories have been put proposed to explain the collapse.

The last two pictures shows the present Tay Rail bridge, the first shows the pier remains of Bouch's bridge alongside it. It is a very emotive site and provides a grim reminder of the disaster. The wrought iron girders which remained standing after the disaster were transferred onto the present bridge where they are still in use today.

#scottish #scotland #the river tay #tay bridge disaster #Tayside #fife #rail disaster #history

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spacetimewithstuartgary · 1 year

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Earth’s anisotropic inner core structure driven by dipole geomagnetic field A geomagnetic field is generated in Earth's interior and extends into outer space to protect Earth from cosmic radiation and the charged particles of solar wind. The magnetic field is generated by the convection of charged molten iron fluids in Earth's outer core. In contrast to the convective homogenous outer core, Earth's inner core is inhomogeneous and anisotropic. The seismic velocity in the polar direction is ~2–3% faster than that in the equatorial direction. Recently, researchers led by Profs. LI Heping and HE Yu from the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IGCAS) have revealed that Earth's anisotropic inner core structure is driven by the dipole geomagnetic field. The study was published in Nature Communications on March 24. Last year, a study published in Nature revealed that Earth's inner core is not a normal solid but a composition of solid iron and liquid-like light elements (hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon), which is also known as a superionic state. In the current study, the researchers found that hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) Fe-H alloy exhibited both seismic anisotropy and H-ion diffusion anisotropy under high pressure-temperature conditions in Earth's inner core. In the presence of an external electric field, the alignment of the Fe-H lattice with the c-axis pointing in the field direction was energetically favorable. Due to this effect, the alignment of the Fe-H lattice could be driven by an electric field. Considering the electric-magnetic field distribution in the inner core, an interaction between the inner core and geomagnetic field was established. The aligned texture driven by the geomagnetic field exhibited significant seismic anisotropy, which explains the anisotropic seismic velocities in the inner core. "It's intriguing! The mobile hydrogens inside the Earth's inner core may correlate with the geomagnetic field and thus form anisotropic texture, which should give us a new perspective to understand the mysteries of the Earth's inner core and Earth's magnetic field," said Dr. HE Yu, corresponding author of the study. "Beyond the geoscience implications, unique physical properties of superionic effect are also vital for us to further understand the behaviors of superionic matter under extreme conditions of exoplanets' interior," said Dr. SUN Shichuan, first author of the study. IMAGE....Earth’s inner core and geomagnetic field CREDIT IGCAS

#space #science #Astronomy #physics #news #earth sciences #planetary science

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zvetenze · 1 year

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Kolozci (hay racks)

Studor, Slovenia

The kolozci structures of Slovenia are typically located on the edges of the village, near the fields that yield the hay and corn that are harvested. They are normally not aligned in order to maximize catching the winds that arrive from a variety of directions. The strongly latticed structure allows farming equipment and animals to have cover. The long timber members at the top of the opening are actually the bottom chords of trusses that allow form a narrow hay storage area free of the outside drying rails. (photo 1988)

#Slovenia #architecture

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theemperorsfeather · 2 years

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After work last night I went out and removed some hideous old plastic sheeting over the chicken coop area - it was falling apart, getting all brittle and so on, and I'm like, come onnnnnn why did you use this shit, there is BETTER PLASTIC SHEETING OUT THERE - and also the same kind of crap that is (was) covering a section of wooden lattice at one end of the work area just outside the enclosed greenhouse.

However, the plastic covering the shed did provide a useful service in blocking wind, rain, etc., from blowing in, so I decided to move a big old window into that area. It took quite a bit of struggle but I got it there and then the gross foam stuff that had been pinned under the old window caught my eye and I decided perhaps today was the day to pick it up and trash it. I think it may have been a rug pad at one point, it's that kind of soft flexible foam?

So I start picking it up and what do I see? (Other than spiders, etc., some of which were Massive Beasts, what the hell is going on here that I keep finding so many very large spiders! This is not a complaint.)

Another fucking spigot.

This one's only a few inches tall, and it's right next to one of the concrete footings used to support the whole greenhouse structure, and yes it DOES have water flowing to it (sorry spider!) and I sincerely fucking hope it is connected to the same water line that the other outdoor spigots are, so I can winterize it properly, by which I mean pipe wrap and so on and not "folding some janky old rug mat loosely over it and setting a 100 pound window on top of one corner like it was just something casually discarded and then forgotten about.)

It is convenient, however, to have a spigot right there at the site of the current 3-season greenhouse and future 4-season greenhouse.

#angst and woe

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kpgreenengineering · 3 months

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How Wind Lattice Structures Enhance Sustainability in Urban Environments

In the pursuit of sustainable urban development, architects, engineers, and urban planners continuously seek innovative solutions to mitigate environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for city dwellers. One such innovation gaining traction is Wind Lattice Structures. These architectural marvels offer a multifaceted approach to sustainability by harnessing the power of wind to optimize energy usage, improve air quality, and foster a more resilient urban landscape.

Understanding Wind Lattice Structures

Wind Lattice Structures are architectural elements strategically integrated into urban environments to leverage the natural flow of wind. Consisting of a network of lattice-like frames or panels, these structures are designed to channel and redirect wind currents, creating dynamic airflow patterns within the built environment.

The Role of Wind in Urban Sustainability

Wind, often overlooked in urban planning, holds immense potential as a renewable energy source and a catalyst for environmental improvement. By incorporating Wind Lattice Structures, cities can capitalize on this abundant resource to achieve various sustainability objectives:

Energy Generation: Wind turbines integrated into lattice structures can generate clean, renewable electricity to power urban infrastructure and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Ventilation and Cooling: Enhanced airflow facilitated by lattice structures helps dissipate heat buildup in urban areas, mitigating the urban heat island effect and reducing energy consumption from air conditioning.

Air Purification: Improved ventilation promotes the dispersion of air pollutants, leading to better air quality and mitigating health risks associated with pollution.

Natural Lighting: Strategic placement of lattice panels allows for optimized daylight penetration into buildings, reducing the need for artificial lighting and decreasing energy consumption.

Advantages of Wind Lattice Structures

Environmental Benefits

Carbon Emission Reduction: By generating clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Wind Lattice Structures contribute to lowering carbon emissions, combating climate change, and mitigating urban pollution.

Biodiversity Preservation: The sustainable design of lattice structures minimizes habitat disruption and supports urban biodiversity, fostering healthier ecosystems within the cityscape.

Economic Advantages

Cost Savings: Harnessing wind energy for electricity production can lead to significant cost savings over time, offering a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional energy sources.

Job Creation: The development and implementation of wind lattice projects create employment opportunities in renewable energy sectors, stimulating economic growth and fostering innovation.

Social Impact

Community Engagement: The incorporation of innovative architectural solutions like wind lattice structures encourages public awareness and engagement in sustainable urban development initiatives, fostering a sense of community ownership and environmental stewardship.

Quality of Life Improvement: By enhancing air quality, reducing noise pollution, and mitigating the urban heat island effect, wind lattice structures contribute to creating healthier, more livable urban environments for residents.

Case Studies: Exemplifying Success Stories

One Central Park, Sydney

One Central Park in Sydney, Australia, stands as a prime example of the transformative impact of wind lattice structures on urban sustainability. Designed by renowned architect Jean Nouvel, this mixed-use development features innovative heliostat mirrors and vertical gardens integrated with wind turbines, effectively harnessing renewable energy and enhancing the urban landscape.

Bahrain World Trade Center, Manama

The Bahrain World Trade Center in Manama, Bahrain, showcases the fusion of architectural innovation and sustainability. The iconic twin towers incorporate three massive wind turbines bridged between them, generating a significant portion of the building's energy needs while serving as a symbol of Bahrain's commitment to renewable energy and environmental stewardship.

Conclusion: Paving the Way for Sustainable Urban Futures

As cities worldwide confront the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change, the integration of Wind Lattice Structures emerges as a beacon of hope for sustainable urban futures. By harnessing the power of wind to drive positive environmental, economic, and social change, these innovative architectural solutions pave the way for greener, healthier, and more resilient cities.

#wind lattice structure

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builttolasthardscapesusa · 2 days

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At Built To Last Hardscapes, we specialize in crafting high-quality outdoor elements designed to withstand the test of time. Our selection of Planters, Pergolas, and Outdoor Seating options is carefully curated to enhance your outdoor living space with both functionality and style.

Planters:

Our planters are expertly crafted from durable materials such as concrete, stone, and wood, ensuring longevity and resilience against the elements. Available in various sizes, shapes, and finishes, our planters cater to different aesthetic preferences and gardening needs. Whether you're looking to add a touch of greenery to your patio, balcony, or garden, our planters provide the perfect solution. From sleek modern designs to rustic charm, our collection offers something for every outdoor space.

Pergolas:

Create an inviting outdoor oasis with our exquisite pergolas. Constructed from premium-grade materials like cedar, redwood, and aluminum, our pergolas are built to withstand years of exposure to sun, rain, and wind. Offering both shade and architectural interest, our pergolas serve as the perfect focal point for your outdoor entertainment area or garden. Choose from a range of styles, including traditional lattice designs and contemporary minimalist structures, to complement your home's exterior aesthetic. With sturdy construction and timeless appeal, our pergolas elevate any outdoor setting with understated elegance.

Outdoor Seating:

Relax and unwind in style with our comfortable and durable outdoor seating options. From cozy benches to spacious loungers, our collection features a variety of seating arrangements to suit your space and lifestyle. Crafted from weather-resistant materials such as teak, aluminum, and wicker, our outdoor furniture is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use while maintaining its beauty and integrity. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or enjoying a quiet evening under the stars, our seating ensures maximum comfort and durability for years to come.

At Built To Last Hardscapes, we take pride in offering premium outdoor solutions that enhance your lifestyle and elevate your outdoor living experience. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and timeless design, our Planters, Pergolas, and Outdoor Seating options are built to last, providing you with years of enjoyment and satisfaction. Visit our website to explore our full range of products and transform your outdoor space into a sanctuary of beauty and functionality.

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indiagoldentriangle · 3 days

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Take a 4-Day Golden Triangle Tour with India to Discover the Rich Heritage of India Golden Triangle

Take a 4-Day Golden Triangle Tour with India to Discover the Rich Heritage of India. Golden Triangle Business With the carefully planned 4-day Golden Triangle Tour offered by India Golden Triangle Company, have an enlightening trip across India’s cultural treasures. Discover the famous cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, which are teeming with fascinating historical sites, stunning architectural creations, and a thriving cultural scene. Now let’s explore the specifics of this amazing journey: Day 1: Getting to Delhi Greetings from Delhi: We extend a warm greeting to you in Delhi, the busy capital city, where your journey begins. Our experienced tour guides will meet you at the airport and help with your hotel transfer. Explore Old Delhi: Take in the Old Delhi’s historical charm as you meander through its markets and small lanes. Admire architectural wonders such as the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk while absorbing the Mughal era’s rich legacy. Day 2: Agra, the Taj Mahal’s home Travel to Agra: Leave Delhi behind and travel to Agra, the city known for being home to the exquisite Taj Mahal. After arriving, take a guided tour to appreciate this UNESCO World Heritage Site’s ethereal splendor. Experience the magnificence of Agra Fort, a regal stronghold constructed by the Mughal rulers. Explore its gardens, courtyards, and palaces to learn about its magnificent architecture and rich past. Day 3: The Pink City of Jaipur Travel to Jaipur en route: Jaipur is the energetic capital of Rajasthan, renowned for its structures painted in pink hues and its extensive cultural legacy. Visit the luxurious Amber Fort, which is positioned imposingly atop a hill. Explore the region’s royal past while admiring its elaborate architecture, which is embellished with stunning frescoes, mirror work, and marble inlays. Day 4: Touring Jaipur and Leaving Take a tour of the spectacular City Palace, which displays the opulence of Jaipur’s former kings. Explore its parks, museums, and courtyards to learn about the city’s regal past. Hawa Mahal Photo Stop: Take a picture of the Palace of Winds, popularly known as the Hawa Mahal, which is well-known for its exquisite architecture and lattice windows. In summary Think back on the magnificent architecture, rich culture, and historical experiences you had on your 4-day Golden Triangle Tour with India Golden Triangle Company. This voyage offers a look of India’s enthralling legacy, from the busy streets of Delhi to the stately forts of Jaipur and the timeless grandeur of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Make Your Golden Triangle Tour Reservation Now. With India Golden Triangle Company, set out on an amazing journey through India’s Golden Triangle. To secure your place and start your journey of wonder and discovery deep within India, get in touch with us right now.

#golden triangle tour

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androsky-lugo · 25 days

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Icons of Ingenuity: Exploring New York City's Contemporary Architectural Marvels

New York City, a global metropolis renowned for its iconic skyline, is in a perpetual architectural evolution. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and historic landmarks, a new breed of contemporary architectural marvels has emerged, reshaping the cityscape and pushing the boundaries of design innovation. Join us as we embark on a journey to explore New York City's most captivating architectural wonders, each a testament to the city's spirit of ingenuity and creativity.

The High Line: A Green Haven Above the Concrete Jungle

Our expedition commences with The High Line, an extraordinary urban park nestled amidst the bustling streets of Manhattan's West Side. Transformed from a disused railway line into a lush oasis of greenery, The High Line offers visitors a unique perspective of the city, elevated above the urban chaos below. Meandering pathways wind through native plantings and art installations, providing a serene retreat from the frenetic pace of city life. The High Line is a shining example of adaptive reuse, breathing new life into neglected urban spaces while fostering community engagement and environmental stewardship.

One World Trade Center: Defining the Manhattan Skyline with Resilience

Dominating the Lower Manhattan skyline, One World Trade Center stands as a beacon of resilience and strength, honouring the memory of the past while embracing the promise of the future. Rising defiantly from the site of the former World Trade Center towers, this iconic skyscraper symbolizes the indomitable spirit of New York City. Designed to withstand the forces of nature and the test of time, One World Trade Center is not merely a monument to human achievement but a testament to the city's unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. With its soaring height and shimmering glass façade, One World Trade Center reaffirms New York City's status as a global powerhouse and a symbol of hope for future generations.

The Vessel: Interactive Artistry Amidst Hudson Yards

In the heart of the Hudson Yards development lies The Vessel, a striking architectural landmark that defies convention and captivates the imagination. British designer Thomas Heatherwick conceived this extraordinary structure, which comprises a series of interlocking staircases spiralling upwards to form a dramatic honeycomb-like lattice. As visitors ascend its dizzy heights, they are treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding skyline, making The Vessel a must-see destination for art enthusiasts and urban explorers alike. More than merely a work of art, The Vessel serves as a dynamic social space, fostering interaction and connection among its visitors while redefining the boundaries of public art in the urban environment.

The Shed: Where Innovation and Culture Collide

As a cultural nexus in the heart of Hudson Yards, The Shed epitomizes the intersection of innovation and culture in contemporary society. This flexible cultural venue features a movable outer shell that can expand or contract to accommodate various performances and exhibitions. From avant-garde theatre productions to cutting-edge multimedia installations, The Shed offers a platform for artistic experimentation and collaboration, enriching the cultural fabric of New York City. With its dynamic programming and commitment to accessibility, The Shed embodies the spirit of inclusivity and creativity that defines the city's cultural landscape.

The Edge: A Sky-High Oasis of Thrills and Views

Perched atop the Hudson Yards development, The Edge offers visitors an unparalleled perspective of the city skyline from its lofty vantage point. As the highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere, this architectural marvel boasts panoramic views stretching across Manhattan and beyond. Daredevils can brave the glass-floor observation deck for a heart-stopping thrill, while others can bask in the awe-inspiring vistas that unfold before them. With its sleek design and cutting-edge technology, The Edge redefines the concept of urban observation decks, offering a sensory experience unlike any other in the world.

56 Leonard Street: Sculpting Tribeca's Horizon with Luxury

In the heart of Tribeca, 56 Leonard Street is a sculptural masterpiece, redefining luxury living in the heart of Manhattan. Designed by renowned architects Herzog & de Meuron, this residential tower features a distinctive stacked design that sets it apart from traditional skyscrapers. With its cascading floors and crystalline façade, 56 Leonard Street embodies elegance and sophistication, offering residents a sanctuary of style and comfort amidst the urban hustle and bustle. From its expansive views to its abundant amenities, 56 Leonard Street epitomizes the pinnacle of urban living in the 21st century.

The Whitney Museum of American Art: A Fusion of Creativity and Design

Located in the vibrant Meatpacking District, the Whitney Museum of American Art seamlessly integrates art and architecture in a stunning contemporary setting. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, the museum's light-filled galleries and outdoor terraces provide a dynamic backdrop for showcasing the best of American art. From its iconic cantilevered entrance to its sweeping views of the Hudson River, the Whitney Museum offers visitors a truly immersive experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of American creativity and expression.

VIA 57 West: Redefining Urban Living with Contemporary Flair

VIA 57 West heralds a new era of urban living with its innovative design and prime waterfront location. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, this residential building features a striking tetrahedral shape that maximizes natural light and views for its residents. With its landscaped courtyard, state-of-the-art amenities, and unparalleled views of the Hudson River, VIA 57 West offers a modern oasis in the heart of the city, redefining the concept of luxury living for the 21st century.

The Oculus: A Modern Transport Hub Redefining Connectivity

As the centrepiece of the World Trade Center Transportation Hub, The Oculus reimagines the traditional transit hub as a modern architectural marvel. Santiago Calatrava's futuristic structure resembles a soaring bird in flight, symbolizing the city's resilience and innovation. Beneath its sweeping wings, The Oculus houses a bustling transportation hub and retail complex, seamlessly blending form and function to create a dynamic urban space that connects people, ideas, and cultures.

New York City's contemporary architectural landscape is a vibrant tapestry of innovation and creativity, where each structure tells a unique story of ingenuity and inspiration. From iconic landmarks to cutting-edge developments, these architectural marvels redefine the boundaries of design excellence and shape the city's urban fabric.

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chikucab21 · 1 month

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Jaipur Top Travel Destinations: Discover the Best Places

Introduction to Jaipur

The Indian state of Rajasthan's capital, Jaipur, is well-known for its colorful lifestyle, lovely architecture, and significant history. Also known as the Pink City due to the distinct coloration of its buildings, Jaipur is a fascinating mixture of tradition and modernity. From fantastic forts to bustling bazaars, Jaipur offers a myriad of experiences for vacationers seeking a taste of India's royal historical past.

Historical Background of Jaipur

Founded in 1727 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jaipur was deliberately consistent with the standards of Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastra, historical Indian architectural texts. The city's grid format, with huge avenues and symmetrical streets, displays the vision of its founder. Jaipur served as the capital of the princely kingdom of Jaipur and performed a large function in Rajasthan's history.

Top Tourist Attractions in Jaipur

Hawa Mahal

The Palace of Winds, also referred to as Hawa Mahal, is one in all Jaipur maximum popular landmarks. Built in 1799, this 5-story palace with its difficult lattice work became designed to permit royal ladies to examine road festivities even as last unseen from the outside.

Amer Fort

Perched on a hilltop overlooking Maota Lake, Amer Fort is an imposing fort that showcases the grandeur of Rajput structure. Visitors can explore its palaces, courtyards, and elaborate mirror work even as enjoying panoramic perspectives of the surrounding panorama.

Jantar Mantar

Constructed within the 18th century by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, Jantar Mantar is an astronomical observatory and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its collection of architectural astronomical instruments lets in visitors to look at celestial movements and time with first rate precision.

Experiencing Jaipur Culture

Traditional Rajasthani Cuisine

Jaipur is a paradise for food lovers, supplying a diverse array of traditional Rajasthani dishes such as dal bati churma, ghewar, and laal maas. Visitors can have fun with those delicacies at nearby eateries and street food stalls, immersing themselves in the metropolis's culinary delights.

Shopping in Jaipur

Known for its vibrant markets and professional artisans, Jaipur is a haven for shoppers. From colorful textiles and handcrafted jewelry to difficult handicrafts and pottery, the city's bazaars offer a treasure trove of souvenirs and keepsakes.

Best Time to Visit Jaipur

The best time to go to Jaipur is at some point of the iciness months, from October to March, whilst the weather is best and conducive to outside activities and sightseeing. However, tourists must be organized for crowds, specifically in the course of fairs and peak tourist season.

Accommodation Options in Jaipur

Luxury Hotels

Jaipur boasts an array of luxurious inns and background properties that offer global-class facilities and impeccable hospitality. From palatial palaces transformed into opulent inns to modern motels with lavish centers, there are accommodation alternatives to suit each taste and price range.

Boutique Stays

For vacationers seeking a greater intimate and customized experience, boutique resorts and guesthouses in Jaipur provide a captivating alternative to mainstream lodges. These boutique remains often characteristic specific decor, customized provider, and a cozy ambiance that enhances the overall guest enjoy.

Budget Accommodations

Budget vacationers will discover plenty of much less highly-priced accommodations options in Jaipur, together with finances hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. While the hotels might also offer fewer services in contrast to luxury properties, they provide comfortable and handy live alternatives for finances-aware travelers.

Transportation in Jaipur

Local Transportation

Jaipur has a nicely-evolved community of public transportation, together with buses and Taxi or Cab, which provide low-cost and handy approach of having throughout the metropolis. Chiku Cab is the best option Taxi or cab service in Jaipur. Travelers also can discover Jaipur's factors of interest by strolling or by bicycle, gambling the city's colorful street life and bustling markets.

Hiring a Cab or Auto-Rickshaw

For tourists looking for extra flexibility and comfort, hiring a cab or car-rickshaw is a handy option for exploring Jaipur. Negotiating fares in advance is recommended to keep away from any misunderstandings, and travelers ought to make certain that they pick licensed and legitimate operators for their protection and peace of mind.

Safety Tips for Travelers in Jaipur

Travelers visiting Jaipur must exercising warning and not in an uncommon experience to ensure a secure and amusing revel in. It is without a doubt beneficial to keep away from touring by myself at night time, particularly in secluded regions, and to maintain assets and valuables out of sight. Additionally, being respectful of local customs and traditions will assist tourists navigate cultural versions effectively. Also, remember to use Chiku Cab for taxi services.

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tajmahalprivatetour01 · 2 months

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Golden Triangle Tour 5 Days

Embark on a journey through time and culture with the Golden Triangle Tour 5 Days, spanning the iconic cities of Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. In just five days, immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture of North India. Let’s delve into the itinerary and experiences awaiting you on this unforgettable adventure.

Day 1: Arrival in Delhi

Explore the Vibrant Streets of Delhi

Upon your arrival in Delhi, you’ll be greeted with the energy and diversity that characterize India’s capital. Begin your exploration by wandering through the bustling streets, where ancient monuments stand tall amidst modern chaos.

Visit Jama Masjid

One of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture. Marvel at its grandeur and intricate details as you explore its vast courtyard and towering minarets.

Explore the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk

Delve into the heart of Old Delhi as you stroll through Chandni Chowk, a vibrant market brimming with colors, aromas, and flavors. Lose yourself in its narrow lanes lined with shops selling everything from spices to textiles.

Enjoy a rickshaw ride

Experience the chaos and charm of Old Delhi aboard a traditional cycle rickshaw. Let your senses come alive as you navigate through the maze of streets, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the bustling bazaars.

Day 2: Delhi to Agra

Visit the Iconic Taj Mahal

Embark on a mesmerizing journey to Agra, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World — the Taj Mahal. Behold the ethereal beauty of this magnificent marble mausoleum, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife.

Explore Agra Fort

Step back in time as you explore the majestic Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover its imposing walls, elegant palaces, and intricately carved marble structures, offering insights into India’s rich history.

Day 3: Agra to Jaipur

Visit Fatehpur Sikri

En route to Jaipur, make a stop at Fatehpur Sikri, a deserted Mughal city frozen in time. Explore its well-preserved palaces, mosques, and courtyards, each bearing testimony to the grandeur of the Mughal empire.

Explore Jaipur’s Pink City

Welcome to the Pink City of Jaipur, where every corner exudes royalty and charm. Immerse yourself in its vibrant culture as you wander through its bustling bazaars, adorned with intricately carved facades and bustling with activity.

Visit City Palace

Discover the opulence of Jaipur’s City Palace, a magnificent complex of palaces, courtyards, and gardens. Marvel at its blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, adorned with exquisite artworks and artifacts.

Day 4: Jaipur Sightseeing

Visit Amber Fort

Perched atop a hill overlooking Maota Lake, Amber Fort is a testament to Jaipur’s regal past. Explore its grand halls, ornate palaces, and beautifully landscaped gardens, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Explore Hawa Mahal

Admire the architectural marvel of Hawa Mahal, or the Palace of Winds, with its intricately latticed windows and balconies. Learn about its unique design, intended to allow royal women to observe street festivals while remaining unseen.

Visit Jantar Mantar

Step into the world of astronomy and mathematics at Jantar Mantar, an astronomical observatory built by Maharaja Jai Singh II. Explore its collection of architectural instruments, each designed for precise measurement and observation.

Day 5: Jaipur to Delhi and Departure

Visit Qutub Minar in Delhi

Before bidding farewell to India’s capital, visit Qutub Minar, the tallest brick minaret in the world. Marvel at its architectural brilliance and intricate carvings, dating back to the 12th century.

Shopping in Delhi

Indulge in some last-minute shopping as you explore Delhi’s vibrant markets, offering everything from traditional handicrafts to designer fashion. Stock up on souvenirs and mementos to cherish your memories of India.

Conclusion

The Golden Triangle Tour 5 Days offers a whirlwind journey through India’s cultural and historical gems, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the majestic forts of Jaipur and the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal in Agra. With its rich heritage, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality, it’s a journey that promises to leave a lasting impression on every traveler.

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