So i am doing the Paramid plot questline. If you want to call that so...
I was sent by Dal Busta, a guy who is an utter failure at everything he does, to investigate the Paramid.

Seriously when you make the effort to write a character, dont write him an unbelieveable moron. About nothing this guy says or does makes any sense. Following his advice is just a constant aberration from sanity.

So this is an exposition quest, something X4 is in dire need off. To do that i "naturally" have to speak which some informant who instantly tries to kill me and tells me nothing about the Paramid, but sends me on some bullshit errand quest. That quest ofc is just a setup to get an EMP bomb next to an Questobject. Fine. Not great, not terrible. So this puts me in my Spacesuit. Questthings happen.
Now this MORON tells me to board a ship. Tells me i can go in my spacesuit if i wish but docking in an M/S ship would work too. "He tells i can go in my spacesuit" - the ship in question is 3 sectors away in Xenon Space. IN MY SPACESUIT.
So i board this ship, which is in Xenon space, with paramid crew labeled Xenon, to get some sort of package. Which doesnt spawn? Or does spawn off ship? Or maybe the Questmarker is just broken? I dont know. The ship was blown up by the Xenon with me and my ship onboard. That is the end off my experience.
So just to start this over again. Egosoft thinks the best way to perform an exposition quest is to send me to someone utterly incompetent, who knows a gal utterly unrelated und uncooperative, to do a fetch quest for, just to "find" the object of interest, which Bal Busta already knew off, to send me onto a ship where the game bugs out.
I am not harsh when i say i played better fan mods than this. Seriously, i would say the average of mods i played is better scripted, written and inplemented than this. This is one of what? 5 short questlines this game has, 5years after release? If Egosoft dont want to put effort into quests, then dont implement quests into the game. It has other strengths but this was more disgusting dialog and bullshit than the whole "Fubar"-series with Schwarzenegger.

In the ever-evolving landscape of 'travel', a new paradigm has emerged - one that prioritizes holistic well-being and rejuvenation. The rise of wellness tourism has witnessed health-conscious travelers seeking solace and tranquility in luxurious retreats that offer a seamless fusion of opulence and self-care. Solan, nestled amidst the Himalayas, with its idyllic charm and breathtaking vistas, stands tall as a haven for luxury resorts and spas that cater to the discerning needs of these wellness seekers. In this captivating blog post, we invite you to embark on a transformative journey, exploring the allure of luxury resorts and spas in Solan. From the best spa centres in the district to the top wellness retreats, discover how Solan's affluent and elegant offerings cater to the health-conscious traveler in pursuit of ultimate well-being.

Serenity Unveiled: Luxurious Retreats in Solan

Step into a realm of pure indulgence as we unveil the luxurious retreats that grace the picturesque landscapes of Solan. From hidden boutique havens to expansive scenic estates, these resorts epitomize the essence of refined elegance. Immerse yourself in an ambience where nature intertwines seamlessly with architectural marvels, creating an atmosphere of serenity and tranquility. With personalized attention and impeccable service, these resorts offer an oasis of opulence for the discerning traveler.

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I'm a newcomer to the audiophile community and am planning to turn my small office into a dedicated music listening room. I've been doing some research and have come up with a list of potential components for my setup. I primarily stream music from Spotify via my iPhone, and I'm looking for a setup that delivers clean, crisp highs and a good amount of bass.
Here's what I've come up with so far:

1. DAC: AudioQuest DragonFly or Chord Mojo
2. Headphone Amplifier: Schiit Magni or FiiO E10K
3. Headphones/Earphones: Sennheiser HD 800 S (Over-ear), Bowers & Wilkins PX7 (On-ear), Shure SE846 (In-ear)
4. Speakers: KEF LS50, Elac Debut 2.0 B6.2, or Klipsch RP-600M
5. Subwoofer: SVS SB-1000 or SB-2000 Pro
6. AmplifieReceiver: Marantz PM6007 or Yamaha A-S701
7. Cables & Connectors: 3.5mm, RCA, optical, HDMI cables, speaker wire, banana plugs, or spade connectors
8. Music Streaming Service: Considering upgrading to TIDAL or Qobuz for higher resolution audio
9. Wireless Streaming Device: Apple Airport Express or an AirPlay 2-enabled receiver

I would be extremely grateful for any feedback, advice, or suggestions you might have to improve upon this list. Are there any key components that I've missed, or any specific items on the list that you would recommend substituting for a different model or brand? Also, any tips or best practices for optimizing the setup in a small room would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance for your insights!

SUNDAY 04 JUNE 2023 (GMT +7)
Mallorca vs Rayo Vallecano
12th in the league Mallorca will welcome the visit of 10th-place Rayo Vallecano this weekend in the penultimate of La Liga 2022/2023 campaign. Both teams have recorded two wins from the last five games in the competitions (L3) but interestingly, Mallorca is currently unbeaten in their last five games at Estadi de Son Moix (W3 D2). They won their last two games there with an identical score of 1-0 against Valencia and Cadiz. It is an alert for Rayo Vallecano’s manager Andoni Iraola that he has to be ready for a tough game here. Especially with Rayo Vallecano’s poor record on the road in recent weeks where they just recorded 4 straight defeats in the league. Mallorca will also be encouraged by their recent record against Rayo Vallecano where they won the last two meetings with them in the league, 4-1 on aggregate. Amath N’Diaye will miss this game for the home side due to a suspension issue while Matija Nastasic and Dennis Hadzikadunic will also be on the sidelines through injury. However, Mallorca will be boosted by the return of Lee Kang-In and Antonio Sanchez in this match. On the other side, Rayo Vallecano’s only injury concern is their captain, Oscar Trejo. Both teams might have no more motivation to win in their last game, but Mallorca’s home advantage will play a key differential to end the season on a high with three points here.
Prediction: 55 – 45
Osasuna vs Girona
One of the very interesting games this weekend in La Liga will see Osasuna go head-to-head with Girona with both teams still trying to occupy the last European qualification spot in La Liga at 7th. Osasuna will be the host of this game and will try to use that as an advantage in this game. Moreover, Osasuna has won four of their last five home games in the league where Real Sociedad is the only team to manage to get three points from Estadio El Sadar in that period. The visitor themselves are currently struggling to find their best form in recent weeks as they failed to record a single victory from their last four games in La Liga (D2 L2). On the road, they could only win one of their last five away games in La Liga (D3 L1). This will only be the second meeting between the two sides in La Liga after the first meeting in a reverse fixture earlier this season ended in a 1-1 draw. Darko Brasanac and Nacho Vidal will miss this game through injury for the home side as for the visitor they will be without the service of Toni Villa, Ibrahima Kebe, Santiago Bueno, and Ivan Martin. Their top scorer Valentin Castellanos has returned to the starting line-up in their 2-1 defeat against Real Betis last week but failed to make any contribution in that match. Meanwhile, Osasuna will rely on Ante Budimir as he is currently in good form, scoring 2 goals in his last two appearances for Osasuna. However, there is not much difference between these two good sides in La Liga but I think Osasuna will nick this one out in the end.
Prediction: 55 – 45
Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao
Carlo Ancelotti’s side’s aim to finish in the top 2 positions in La Liga got boosted by a back-to-back victory they recorded against Rayo Vallecano and Sevilla last week. This weekend, they will try to get their third successive victory in La Liga when they entertain Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu for the final game of the season. Santiago Bernabeu has been a fortress for Real Madrid this season, with only one team (Villareal) managing to steal three points from there this season (W13 D4 L1), scoring an impressive 43 goals in the process. Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao just got beaten twice in their last two games in La Liga (a 5-1 defeat against Villareal And a 2-0 defeat against Osasuna). To make things more difficult for the visitor, they have a terrible record against Real Madrid in La Liga. They failed to beat Real Madrid in the last 15 meetings between the two sides in La Liga (D4 L11) and have not won an away match against Real Madrid in La Liga since February 2005. One player that has to be watched closely by Athletic Bilbao in this game is no other than the man in form, Rodrygo, who has scored three goals in his last two appearances for Real Madrid and he will be determined to get that feat going in this game. With Real Madrid having no injury concerns for this game, Carlo Ancelotti will have the luxury of fielding his strongest XI from the start of the match. Meanwhile, Ernesto Valverde’s side will be without Jon Morcillo, Yeray Alvarez, and Dani Garcia while Inigo Martinez and Ander Herrera’s availability is in a question mark. I’m backing Real Madrid to finish the season strongly in front of the public of Santiago Bernabeu in this game.
Prediction: 60 – 40
Real Sociedad vs Sevilla
Real Sociedad has confirmed a place in next year’s UEFA Champions League and they will have an opportunity to finish the season strongly by welcoming the visit of Sevilla to Reale Arena this weekend. Sevilla is still hungover from their triumph in the UEFA European League final over AS Roma to seal their seventh European League title. It took a penalty to win the game as the game ended in a 1-1 draw in the normal time. Despite the controversy surrounding it, Sevilla manages to hold their nerve in the end. With the final just happening only a few days ago, there will be tired legs here and there and their manager Jose Luis Mendilibar might rotate his squad here. That will be good news for Real Sociedad whose unbeaten run was being ended at the hand of Atletico Madrid last week. They will be determined to bounce back in this game in front of their home supporters to wrap up what’s been a good season for them. Last season they could only finish 6th and qualify only for the European League but Imanol Alguacil has led this Real Sociedad team to a UEFA Champions League spot this season. Alexander Sorloth, Takefusa Kubo, and Brais Mendez have a combined 28 goals between them in La Liga this season and the trio will be fit for this game so Sevilla’s defense has to bring their best game here. However, the home side has to take this game seriously as Sevilla’s recent record at Reale Arena has been good with one win and three draws in the last four meetings between the two sides there. But Real Sociedad won the first meeting between the two sides in the reverse fixture earlier this season and they will take the confidence from that to repeat the occasion at Reale Arena. I’m expecting Real Sociedad to end their winless record against Sevilla at home in this game.
Prediction: 55 – 45
Villareal vs Atletico Madrid
Villareal’s unbeaten run in La Liga (W5 D1) ended at the hand of Rayo Vallecano last week in a 2-1 defeat on their visit to Estadio de Vallecas. This weekend they will have another big challenge as a strong team Atletico Madrid will visit Estadio de la Ceramica. Villareal has no more motivation to get the three points as they have stuck in 5th position and any result from this game won’t impact their position in the league. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid is still trying to overtake their fierce rival Real Madrid in the table to finish 2nd in the league. They are currently one point behind Real Madrid and will be determined to get the three points from this game while hoping Real Madrid will fail to win their game. However, they know it will require something special to get the three points from Estadio de la Ceramica where Villareal just recorded four straight victories there in La Liga, scoring an impressive 14 goals in the process. Villareal will be without the service of some of their regular starters here with the likes of Raul Albiol, Juan Foyth, Francis Coquelin, and Alfonso Pedraza will be missing this game through injuries and suspension issues. As for Atletico Madrid, Rodrigo de Paul will be absent through suspension while Jose Maria Gimenez, Jan Oblak, and Memphis Depay look likely to remain on the sidelines. Interestingly, Villareal has not won any of the last four home games against Atletico Madrid in La Liga (D3 L1). With them having no more strong motivation to play in La Liga, that record looks likely won’t change in this game.
Prediction: 50 – 50
DISCLAIMER:
1. This prediction content comes from a third party and is for reference only. I am not responsible for any wins and losses generated by members using these tips.

Hey guys currently working a 16 hour shift so tryna finish my idea for a build so I can play when I’m home! I’m doing a character that hunts and documents monsters/beasts (of the mostly evil variety, only kills regular animals for food) mostly using sneak and crossbows to get close and then using one handed for melee damage, will also be a herbalist using alchemy to create healing potions and buff potions for each encounter, and smithing and enchanting their own armour. I was just wondering what race anyone thinks is best and also help with some other role playing elements, I have the alternative start mod so any help with a backstory and how the get to/start in Skyrim would be appreciated. I will probably make an IRL monster and beast guide alongside this build so want it to be detailed, any other ideas anyone thinks would compliment this build I’ll welcome :)

I've enjoyed my vinyl setup for 7 years now, but lately there has been a gut feeling I have that I cannot shake - this is a money pit, and I'm inconveniencing myself as well. I love the way that it sounds, I love the fact that I "touch" the music, that I appreciate the cover art. It is an amazing experience, but... I have too keep flipping the sides, tons of music I love is either unavailable in this format, or costs hundred of euros per vinyl, or comes in bad pressings - tons of limiting factors. I used to have no limitations when i listened to my FLACs. So i want the best of both worlds - the physical benefits as well as the ease and quality of FLACs. So here is my question for you guys - what is the best way to transfer my FLACs to a physical medium? CDs ? DVD-audio ? Blu-ray audio ? I would be burning those myself from my collection of FLACs, so please take this into account. Is a good old CD-R and a quality CD player connected to a DAC enough?
Thanks!

Since the Boom of the 3d printing, many people have been wondering about the applications of 3d printing in different Industries.
In this article Locanam – a leading 3d printing service provider is going to talk about some of the applications of 3d printing which have been successfully adopted by different Industries.
1. Rapid Prototyping
3d Printing has eliminated so many barriers of traditional manufacturing. To bring your concepts to life, you just need a 3d file in STL format. No need of mold/die.
A new era of digital manufacturing has been born which has enabled businesses to accelerate their prototyping process and bring their products faster to the market. The 3d printing technology is being widely used for prototyping in the automotive, Art & design, Packaging and many more Industries.
1. 3D Printing in Healthcare

• 3d printing is being used to manufacture prosthetics. The advantage of 3d printing over conventional prosthetics manufacturing is that the limbs of a patient can be easily scanned and 3d printed according to the patient’s size. Earlier this process was very time consuming and costly. Now Prosthetics can be 3D Printed on Demand!!
• Many Bones Implants these days are made out of Titanium because of its light weighing and strong properties. This was not possible earlier as titanium machining is very difficult, but through 3d printed custom titanium implants can be easily produced.
• Some Surgeons use 3d printing as a surgical guide for their upcoming crucial surgeries.
• Specially made PMMA Resins have opened new possibilities for 3d printing in the dental Industry. Dental aligners, dentures and casting patterns are all made patient specific through 3d printing.

There are numerous case studies where it is also being used in Industry specific applications as a full-fledged manufacturing technique.
Some of the examples are:

• Modern Heat Exchangers
• Modern Semiconductor Wafer tables

https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/the-best-3d-printed-consumer-products-148352/
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Chapter 88 - From All I Believed
​
Morning, Two days before Shel
Captain Setar suppressed a smile as she watched the Ops door close. “Well, that was interesting…Ce’lani is a little cranky.” The last vestiges of sleep clung to her as she settled down into the command chair. She felt worn out, but it was the cusp of dawn, and Pod Seven had only just turned over control. “Report on station?”
“The perimeter’s secure,” Jelki replied crisply, pulling up the map of the campus on the main screen. “Pod One is on station and reports twelve by twelve. Sgt Ma’reis is already complaining about janitor duty.”
“Ah, first pod problems.” Setar shook her head, rubbing her eyes and blowing gently on her mug of tea. “What about the objective?”
“The objective’s secure,” Re’lan piped up, already sounding chipper. The woman could have been priestess of Jrafell. Her unwavering cheeriness would have been a character fault if she weren’t so devoted. As it was, it was a damned penance for everyone else at this time of day.
Jelke finished running the obligatory shift change checks and stretched. Things wouldn't get interesting until breakfast, but watching the perimeter was a given. It didn't keep the curiosity out of her voice, as she cocked her head and glanced over. “What was interesting with Captain Ton’is, Ma’am?”
“Mm! Well… it appears she’s expecting a call from Professor Warrick today,” Setar drawled out, taking a moment to savor their reaction. “She felt a need to remind me she’s devoted to Hele, and that if Be’ona or I let her sleep through the call, she’s going to ‘fuck us up the ass with a lasrifle and pull the trigger’.”
Re’lan was probably blushing like a cadet, but Jelke shook her head ruefully. “I expect there's a ‘but’ in there somewhere, Captain?”
“Well, yeah, she said that’s where the rifle would go…” Setar sniggered before taking a long sip from her tea, and slid a bit lower in the command couch. Her eyes wandered to the traffic on the board. “She also made it clear what’ll happen if anybody listens in.”
Thoughtful silence descended. Setar almost counted to twelve before-
“We’re going to anyway, right Captain?” Jelke asked nonchalantly. “You know, for security’s sake?”
“Sergeant, that would be a base infringement of Captain Ton’is’ privacy, which is in fucking short supply for everyone in this bunker.” She rubbed her chin thoughtfully, watching the steam rise from her mug. “Deeps right we are.”
_ _ _
Lady Wicama regarded her guest with interest as their autocab plied its way about the outskirts of Prelitauri. While she’d been free and cheerfully able to accommodate Khelira’s request, Monsignor Santino Barcio, or Friar Barcio, as he preferred, was not at all what she’d been expecting. She supposed it was a matter of exposure…
The Palace had never quite been the same since Princess Yn’dara’s wedding. Yn’dara was one of those odd Royals who, though well-regarded, was seldom in the public eye. A perennial favorite of the Empress, indulging her unexplained absences passed as a matter of course for the Court. Widely known to be estranged from her mother, Princess Arduina, no one enquired either deeply or often, so when she suddenly resurfaced, her return would have equally passed without comment… if not for the wedding.
Yn’dara had shocked the entire Nobility.
While it was common for any woman to marry into an established family and become a kho, the wedding should have been singular for a Princess. Princesses didn’t marry into families, Princesses formed them. And while Yn’dara technically had done so, she’d taken on four unmarried women at the same time as her husband, who was a Human! Favorite or no, the wags in the court were agog that the Empress accepted Adam so readily! The Empress, however, had been adamant; Yn’dara and her family had her blessings, and were to be left alone.
However, time had proven to be on Yn’dara’s side as well as the Empress.
After a wedding seen across the galaxy, Yn’dara’s family settled into a life of public duty. They spent long trips away from Shil, and while quietly dismissed as ‘pleasure excursions’, her trips often showed the throne to the outer provinces. Although her public engagements were few, she’d become a vocal advocate of the Empress’ reforms against graft and corruption, and, gradually, the jealous mutters about scandalous excess and Human debauchery faded away. Her marriage remained an unusual footnote, but time had demonstrated the value of Yn’dara and her wives to the throne.
Then there was Prince Adam.
Rumor held the Prince had made a favorable impression on the Empress years before, at an event hosted by Yn’dara’s mother. While details had never been forthcoming, a more significant story about Adam wafted briefly through the ranks of the Golden Glaives.
Both stories had been effectively silenced, but Wicama knew who to talk to, and being Khelira’s guardian carried a certain clout all its own. Though that influence waxed and waned over the years, raising Khelira required being aware of events that could shape her future, and she’d proven herself to be discreet. Over time, doors had opened and words had flowed.
Time had been on Prince Adam’s side, as well.
As the years passed, she’d had an exposure to Prince Adam that few of the court and none of the public enjoyed. She’d been wary at first, but he’d been a good friend and mentor to Princess Khelandri before she joined the Marines, and however infrequent his presence, he always displayed a keen mind, a loving heart, and a steadfast duty to his wives. Privately, he absolutely doted on young Khelira and possessed a loyalty to the Empress that you could bend battlesteel around. The two got along famously - after all, he was a veteran.
Not Navy, mind you, but you couldn’t have everything.
And so, as Humanity began making forays upon the galactic stage, her first impression of the species had been favorable. She’d witnessed Adam mature into his role with the court, and while the issue of children remained unspoken, that faded as well. At the time, Yn’dara had been sixth in the line of succession. A year after the wedding, Kamaud’re became an adult, followed a year later by Khelandri, and the matter became largely moot.
As for a second impression on Humans, Khelira had provided enthusiastic reports about Thomas Warrick. While the Princess thrived at the Academy, Warrick seemed to be something special.
The absence of a father in her life had been a void that no woman could properly fill, but she’d done her best. Although she’d entertained a few qualms, as the months passed by, Warrick remained a positive influence. Khelira’s messages were infrequent by necessity, but she’d written about her distress over Warrick’s family and clearly been moved. Prince Adam carried his own scars, but what veteran didn’t? He hid them carefully around Khelli, and if Warrick had chosen not to, he’d provided a useful sense of perspective, instead. It was time for Khelira to grow up, and that meant facing the grist of differing opinions and ugly realities. That was what education was actually for, and Warrick seemed to be doing admirably well as a grindstone.
All of that was before the library incident, which settled her opinion once and for all. While erratic, irreverent, and capable of violence, Humans clearly could be a positive influence when channeled in the right direction. Yn’dara had shown what a good Shil’vati woman was capable of with Prince Adam, and Lady Pel’avon was following suit.
And at least the wags at the Palace wouldn’t speak of Yn’dara’s state wedding again. As a subject for spectacle, Miv’eire Pel’avon’s had put it to shame.
Still, it was good to see Warrick married. While Professor Ha’meres scandalous exploits had faded from the public eye, older wo… more mature women didn’t forget such things. The man had been a daring adventurer - and an inveterate gadabout - and an unmarried man around that many young women was too tempting for some girls. A wife or two… preferably more… resolved such idle fancies. If the Pel’avon ceremony had been somewhat… questionable in taste, compared to Adam’s, it remained legally binding. Warrick was willing to settle down, and by all reports his wife had a proper sense of decorum.
Human men seemed to be a trial from the Goddess, but hopefully she and her kho-wife could sort him with time, love, and kindness.
While exposure to only two Humans was not what she’d call a comprehensive sample, in both cases her impressions had been quite positive. And so, when Khelli asked her to escort a Human Priest about the city, she’d been entirely willing.
Thus far, it had been an enjoyable morning. While there had been occasional missteps, their conversation had been delightful as they traveled from property to property. Even so, she hadn’t expected to meet such a kindred spirit.
Admittedly she’d stammered a bit when he mentioned eating the flesh and drinking the blood of his redeemer. On the other hand, she compared it to the first time she’d bled into the ocean, mingling salt in her blood with the seas. He’d turned shockingly pale, so she changed the subject. It was a purely symbolic act to Drepna - just a cut on the thumb, for goddess sake...
She’d taken extra care afterwards. Barcio could be clearly a sensitive male, but diplomacy was part of her work. Even calling her role ‘work’ was deceptive. She’d raised Khelira in every way an Empress could not.
It was easy for other women to appreciate the prestige of her position, but few understood the depth of it - or the satisfaction.
During her career in the Navy, her flotilla had provided direct support for the Empress, and they’d come to work closely over three tours. After Khelira’s birth years later, the invitation came from the Royal Household to act as her guardian, and she’d never looked back. Competition had been fierce for the prestigious position, but applying had been the best move of her life.
Empress Kamilesh loved all her children and had spent as much time with each of them as she could, but her work was all-consuming, and after her husband’s act of… Well, the Empress had been there, but she’d born her pain privately. She had lost herself in her work for many years before recovering a semblance of her former self, and her absence had taken a toll on her children. Kamaud’re had taken it the worst. Khelandri had bounced back, while everyone doted on Lu’ral. Barely more than an infant, Khelira had been far too young to remember. Wicama had been there through all of it.
It was a good life, and the princess was a delightful girl. For Wicama, the absence of a man in her life was something she’d felt now and then, but she invested her life in Khelira. The Empress treated her as a member of the family in all but name… and in a very real sense, the child you raised was your child.
Looking back, some women might insinuate she’d given up her personal life to raise another woman’s daughter. They couldn’t have been more wrong.
She had her calling - just as Friar Barcio had his.
Yes, he was a priest, and his religious strictures were very unusual. A male priest in any of the Shil’vati faiths would never be placed under such restraints, and for a man to go unmarried was noteworthy…
But she understood having a calling. Oh yes, she understood that as few others could.
After discussing his needs, they’d set out to examine three properties around Prelitauri. The Friar’s individual requirements were deceptively difficult when taken as a whole. A complex coupling a generous auditorium, ample administrative space, and he clearly needed substantial grounds to properly convey a sense of aura. Such accommodations were seldom on the market, and since he expected his colleagues to arrive in weeks, his need was immediate.
Thankfully, urban renewal moved in waves. The tides of such fashions meant Prelitauri was once again an up-and-coming area. While difficult to find, three older structures had the potential to be suitable, and so it was that she’d enjoyed learning about her guest as they explored the tiny district.
The Monsignor spoke four other Earth languages fluently. He tended to break into his native tongue and hadn’t mastered contractions yet, but his Vatikre was passable and he listened carefully, seldom needing to ask about a word. After limiting her contractions when she spoke, their conversation flowed easily.
Barcio had shown little enthusiasm for the first two properties, but their conversation regarding other matters never waned. She expanded on her devotion to Drepna, Shil and the roles of each goddess while asking careful questions of his faith. His own inquiries proved thoughtful, and he was as avid in politely asking after her beliefs as explaining his faith.
After their second hour together, she’d taken the liberty of calling Prelate Hi’meta Merlamiss. As a priestess of Drepna’s second circle, Merlamiss had proven a valuable contact over the years. Well connected, she enjoyed a good relationship with many other prelates of the Divine Halls; she also got on well with Xinfess, the Rakiri’s Speaker of the Dark Mother on Shil. A meeting with Barcio would readily open doors for his group that might otherwise prove difficult to attain, and while Barcio’s accent strained now and then, it was clear the Monsignor and the Prelate shared a questionably low sense of humor.
Given a chance, they’d probably get on famously.
Certainly, that would be a blessing. Their hunt for a suitable facility had not gone nearly so well, and while Barcio had been conciliatory toward the first two facilities, she could tell he wasn’t taken with either. The last property wasn’t high in her expectations, so she found herself casting her head to the side when it swept into view and he clasped his hands in excitement.
”*È bella!* This is beautiful,” he exclaimed. “It reminds me a bit of my childhood home in Sacile!”
She looked out at the complex with its low gabled roofs, as their cab wound up from the entrance. Beside the drive, a small river meandered through the campus past the main buildings. She tapped the console to slow their ride and considered the place in a new light. “I’m… well, a bit surprised to be honest, Friar.”
“Please! We have been traveling for hours now, and I am not holding a service.” The Friar spared her a warm smile, before gazing back at the premises. “I would take it as a great kindness if you would call me Santino.”
“Very well - on the condition you call me Wicama.” It had been some time since anyone called her by anything but title or rank, and the informality was pleasant. Still, as their autocab closed on the end of the lane, she let such thoughts go and considered the location properly.
The buildings were low, sensible cubes, but that was largely an end to it. The architect had made some unusual choices in Helkam motifs that strained understanding. A long colonnade bordered the river, and that seemed nice enough, but the buildings! Forgoing purple was one thing, but they were beige! With unusual elements and the repressively bland color scheme, it was small wonder the clerk handling the property confessed that the space had lain vacant. Its original owners went into foreclosure. The exotic design had proven unable to attract interest, laying dormant ever since.
Barcio… Santino… seemed delighted, however, and she pulled up the specifications on her omni-pad. “This site has two smaller auditoriums besides the main one, while the central building has four floors. One is underground, but all the floors face an interior atrium.”
As the cab gently halted in the car park, she climbed out to hold the door but Santino had already scrambled out and was examining the gardens with evident interest. Tall stands of parago trees were losing the last of their fronds for the year, but she had to admit the grounds were substantial. Yesterday’s storm had left the morning air cold and crisp, lending the gardens an appealing aspect. Untended since the last owners, much could be done with them.
She had given up trying to escort the Friar anywhere after their first two stops, and now they fell into an easy pace side by side as they strolled toward the main building. She turned back to the property itself. “So, this reminds you of your home?”
It wasn’t exactly Helkam architecture - domes weren’t covering every possible surface - but the builder had clearly been nodding in that direction. A promenade wound to the entry, supporting white chevrons that arced into the sky. The bright morning sky shone through clever cutouts, making the unusual design at least look light, rather than oppressive and unappealing. With a decent renovation, the facility had possibilities, and the price was comparatively low.
“*Si!* Oh, not so much like home, but there is the sense of it. I was born near the sea, and this feels… similar.” He gave her a depreciating smile before rolling his eyes. “It may not please everyone who is coming, but ‘everyone’ is not here, so I am allowed some indulgence! Better to have something waiting than nothing at all. I confess, some of my colleagues thought we’d only manage when the bridge to Messina is finished.”
“You should not have been sent ahead alone! Surely your colleagues were not that worried about a poor reception,” she tutted. Priest or no, there were decencies about a man traveling alone to be observed. “You shouldn't need a bridge to find a place for your mission. I don’t know where Messina is, but I’m certain Prelate Marlemis wouldn’t stand for it!”
“Tch! Excuse my poor efforts! The older I get, the more I remember things like yesterday. Unfortunately, the yesterdays I remember so well were thirty years ago!” Barcio smiled wryly up at her as they walked. “The ‘bridge to Messina’ used to be a saying… People dreamed of building a bridge to Sicily, and it became something that never happened. My English friends would instead say ‘when hell freezes over’. *Un'espressione volgare*, but very much to the point.”
“Ah… I’m sure we can manage something, and this could be made presentable. Maybe change the beige to a pale violet?” she offered helpfully as she made it to the door first, holding it open. “The aura inside isn’t so bad.”
“You’ve said that several times, but I do not know what you mean?” He paused in looking around the entry, which had an open foyer exposing the two floors above and led out to the atrium beyond. “What is ‘aura’? I do not think I know the word as you mean it.”
“Aura is… Hmm…” Wicama paused thoughtfully and gestured at the atrium. The interior was in better shape than the grounds, and the architect had done something clever. Not yet noon, a bevel along the top edge filled the space with sunlight. “Have you ever walked along a beach and wanted to save a shell? When you are there, that is aura… When you take the shell home and think of the beach, that is aura, but… less focused. Diminished. You sense the beach because of the shell, but you are not at the beach. Places can have aura, but it is more than character. If you move through a place and find yourself experiencing it? That is aura.”
“Mhm! *lodevole!*“I like this idea very much. It would be right at home in the Vatican. Not everyone understands a space can move the spirit, or lend power to a message.” He nodded thoughtfully as he cast his eye about the open space. “With the right advice, perhaps we can lead others to these halls.”
“Perhaps. If you tour the Palace, I hope you’ll allow me to show you about? A lot of the real gems are hidden from the public.” She watched as he wandered toward the double-helixed stairways bordering the room. Those were definitely Helkam; walking up one side without meeting someone coming down the other was an interesting experience… once. After that, they could be an absolute nuisance. Spotting the elevators, she called him back. “The nice thing is this place is inexpensive! That will pad out your funds for a good remodel.”
Wicama quietly thanked the Goddesses that the builder’s had the good sense to install normal Shil’vati-style elevators. The sides were open, granting a wide view out over the atrium. The grounds were terraced to create a small park; that could make the underground space bearable, and the plans made them seem spacious enough. Not to everyone’s taste, but pretty. “I feel bad for asking, but can you afford the building? If the price of the first two bothered you, we can find others.”
“I would not hear of it! Thank you for your concern, but we are economical with our funds, and were sent with a generous sum. This is an important venture to everyone involved,” Barcio clasped a hand over his chest, as he shook his head. “I can not thank you enough for your help! You have surely spared me weeks, and I might not have found something half so suitable. As it is, the grounds are enough to gain me converts. Father Roscio and Pastor Weber will surely plant a vineyard before the inside is half done!”
“It’s not a problem. I have plenty of time,” she replied, dismissing the matter as inconsequential. “I work at the Palace, but with the Court away and my daughter at school, I’m a bit at loose ends just now. At the very least, I insist on helping you through the paperwork. I wouldn’t put it past some realty clerks to try and overcharge you… Someone from outside Shil, that is. I’ll ensure they stick to the listing.”
“To someone not from Shil… or someone who is not Shil’vati, perhaps?” His head canted slightly to one side, but he smiled as he said it. “*Certamente!* I would not dream of preventing you, though Rabbi Kleinbaum will be bitterly disappointed she has nothing to moan about.”
“I hope you won't take this badly, as I’ve only met one Human.” Wicama gave him a smile. She was long past girlish uncertainty, and the Navy had taught her a generous measure of professional poise to go with her skills as a markswoman. “You aren’t what I expected.”
“You know the professore, then?” He sucked in a breath and pursed his lips. “I am still deciding what sort of man he is.”
“No, actually, I know another Human but I’ve not… I have not… met Professor Warrick.”
“So. You mean that I am not *un barbaro*? I am here to make sure that we are seen as something more than savage warriors, *capisci*?” He studied her expectantly. “While the Imperium is doing good work on Earth, some still live in want. The Imperium provides enough for all to survive, but not all live in plenty. We need to present ourselves well.”
”That seems like a very secular outlook.” She offered, as they rode up to the third floor. Barcio asked for an explanation of the word, and by the time they’d made their way through the first offices he had the idea.
“My church has not always troubled itself with such things, but our holy father is greatly concerned with such inequalities. He takes it upon himself to address such matters with the Governess, when their time allows.”
“Your church has a good relationship with her?”
“È straordinario! The Governess adores our food, and while she was adamant about taking quarters in the Vatican, she has taken pains not to disturb us.” He shrugged dismissively. “*Cosa sai fare?* It seemed a small price, and we have endured far worse.”
“I used to hear terrible stories about red zones on Earth, though the Humans I’ve met don't seem the sort. It is good that your… pulp?” She tried the word and was rewarded with kind laughter and a gentle correction. “It is good that your pope concerns himself with the full welfare of the people and works with your governess. Our prelates share the same concerns.”
“I thought the Empress was the head of your church? Now, I find you have many…” he groped for a word, frowning, and gave up. “*Questo accento è una prova di fede!* ‘Denominations’ is not the right word, but she is the one revered, yes?”
“Of course! The Empress has to show all of our virtues and none of our faults, but that’s part of her role. To favor any divinity over the others could cause divisions. She has her personal preferences, of course, but never lets them be known.” Wicama explained carefully. “It would be in poor taste.”
“And poor politics, I think?” Santino gave her a long look. At his height it was difficult, but he managed. “This makes sense to me now, that the Imperium leaves matters of faith alone. *Una benedizione inaspettata.*”
Despite the serious topic, his fervent reply brought a smile back to her lips. “It seems your pope considers politics as well as economics.”
“People will always defend economic theories which assume that growth will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice. This has never been confirmed by the facts, and expresses a crude trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system.” He said, stopping to clasp a hand over his cross. “Meanwhile, the excluded are still waiting.”
“That doesn't sound like scripture.” She offered cautiously, as they made their way into a wider suite of offices on the second floor.
“*Esattamente* The words of Pope Francis, a good and blessed man who appointed me to my position. His successor, his holiness John Paul the Third, is much of the same mind.” Santino said quietly. “Our savior washed the feet of others and urged all to do the same. The hardest step is to be involved. To work together for change, as well as to pray. That is why I am here.
“*I pigri di cuore trovano sempre una scusa* Some Humans, they are yet angry with the Imperium. Now they have enough, they are bitter not to have plenty. For some there is never enough - the true poverty lies within their hearts,” Santino said a bit testily. “Our faith teaches us to find salvation in eternal life, but others? *Pigrizia!* They see it as an excuse from taking agency in themselves. Jesus washed the feet of others - he did not lay down and wait for someone to wash his!”
Wicama turned the unfamiliar metaphor over in her mind but decided she had the sense of it. “Sham teaches us that helping our families and one another is the same as helping ourselves. ‘The rising tide bares us all from the reefs’.” It was a matter of faith… but that was why it was faith in the first place. On the whole, it seemed like a mature perspective that explained the changes she’d seen in Prince Adam over the years. “You’re here to meet with others, but this seems as much about knowing yourselves.”
“*Sì, non è una brutta cosa avere umiltà davanti a Dio.* Human beings, while we are capable of the worst, we are also capable of choosing the good. Of rising up to make a new start. We are entering the galaxy.” He gestured out the window at the world beyond. “If not now… when?”
_ _ _ “So, when are you going to explain this masterpiece you four have been cooking up?” Marin asked. Sammi and Sam were barely awake but the twins had already arrived, bright-eyed and enthusiastic, and Marin cursed the resilience of youth. The room was acceptably warm, but Ayen had complained about the cold and used the excuse to slip back into bed. She was considering her options for joining him.
Somewhere, somehow, Sammi had found their rabbit pajamas again. “Sam, explain it to her? You do it better.” Sammi yawned, but Marin suspected it was an act. Once something got their attention, sleep was usually an afterthought.
“What, now?” Sam had barely stumbled into the room and blinked. Bleary-eyed and barely awake, he looked like he’d been ambushed, which was exactly the case.
“Pllllllleeeease…?” They sat back pulling the ears, giving their best Roger Rabbit impression. Luminous green eyes peered out at Sam, imploringly.
“Alright… I need coffee, but fine.” Sam trudged over to the kitchenette and poked listlessly at the instant coffee. It was getting perilously low, but Marin was sure he’d brought more on the ship. Eventually Sam gestured at the K’herbhal sisters with his mug. “So the girls want to create an artificial topological soliton. It's like a black hole, except where it isn't… It's sort of a kink in space-time.”
“Made you say kink!” Sammi grinned impishly and the girls blushed. Marin shook her head but paid attention. It felt far too early after another late night, but once everyone was up you had to hang on for whatever came next.
“So, what's that got to do with this… hole you want to use for power?” Marin raised her voice just enough to drag the conversation back on track.
“It’s more like a side effect. If it cuts the right angle, it goes into a realm of space-time we can tap for power. Think of it as an obverse of an energy drain, so it's like a white hole.”
“Let me guess.” Marin shook her head and grinned, holding up a hand to forestall the inevitable. “Except where it isn’t?”
“Ummm… pretty much.” Sam grumbled, blowing at his coffee. Marin glanced back at the twins. With Sam busy, the twins had gravitated to either side of Sammi. There was room left on the couch, and she wandered over to settle in beside one of them.
The Sams had been complaining for years about a lack of ‘focal power’ for their mass compression technologies, and while a rubber duck inside a diamond was impressive, they’d wanted to do something more - a lot more. She suspected if the twins were providing the means, then they already had something about to surface from the depths of their imaginations. Over the years she’d learned to pick a bit, rather than take their answers at straight value. “And if things don’t cut at the right angle? You remember how long it took to get rid of the Navy, when you started talking about making black holes?”
“It's not our fault they didn’t understand,” Sammi said defensively, crossing their arms and pouting at her before the rabbit ears fell over their face.
“Who didn’t understand what?” Akeimei yawned at the door. She cast a wink her way before wrapping her arms around Sam and gave him a quick hug. “What did I miss?”
“Umm… a parallel universe, if the math is right,” Sam mumbled from the depths of his coffee cup.
“What? Like identical versions of us?” Marin watched Akimei’s nose wrinkled at the smell before she slipped away from Sam. Slipped down beside her, they rubbed shoulders a moment. “Tell me, is there one where I get more sleep?”
“More or less identical… though it's not like you need to go into a parallel universe for that sort of thing. There’s already a ‘you’ out there somewhere right now, to say nothing of past and future ‘you’.” Sam scratched his cheek idly for a moment “It's just the math. The universe is so vast that there are exact physical cosmic twins of us out there somewhere, not to mention even more almost-twins.”
“Sam’s right!” Sammi perked up excitedly, bouncing on the sofa. “Then there are quantum cosmic twins - which gets weird because particles exist in multiple states and you’d sort of overlap… but the easiest one is probably just another us elsewhere in the universe right now! That's sort of the point where things are since the universe is bigger than you can imagine!”
“So exactly the same… or almost.” One of the twins giggled. “Just like us!”
“Pretty much,” Sam nodded, slowly emerging from the depths of his coffee. “Another you out there on another Shil, or another me on a whole Earth, even - just a little bit different.”
“What? Like an Earth that never met the Imperium?” Marin canted her head, tossing out the obvious. It was hard to remember her life before, and she didn’t want to contemplate the alternative.
“Oh, I don't like that idea.” One of the twins stuck out her lip. “We want to come to Earth!”
“Yeah,” her sister nodded, though she suddenly looked glum. “I don’t know if Professor Warrick would mind though. He’d be with his wife and daughter, there.”
“Oh…” her sister's face crumpled. “I didn’t think of it that way.”
“Well, don’t…” Sammi hugged them both a moment, though they held the first twin a bit tighter. “The point is, somewhere he’s with them right now!”
“Wow, I guess so.” she brightened. “Just imagine! A whole Earth that never met the Shil’vati!”
“I wouldn’t worry, sis.” her twin nodded. “I think Professor Warrick is pretty happy right now.”
_ _ _
“I am not happy about this!” Tom glared at his omni-pad before tossing it down in frustration.
Miv looked up at her husband.
“It’s an honor!” She tucked her chin in and gave him a long, considered look, “What is it that’s bothering you - really? It wasn't Monsignor Barcio. Are you certain this isn't the same sort of thing?”
“Yes, I’m sure!” he growled, looking away like a guilty child. “Alright, maybe… but this uniform is the silliest thing I’ve ever seen. I’ll look like a mushroom, and the hat only makes it worse!" Tom grimaced at the omni-pad accusingly, "They won’t take ‘no’ for an answer, so now I’m on the rolls as a Warden Captain - whatever that is - and this ceremony is ridiculous!”
“The ceremony is traditional. Very symbolic... Besides, they don't make wardens out of anyone below the rank of captain - I looked it up. You were one before, so it's appropriate to make you one instead of a Warden Major or Warden Colonel.” She smiled at him serenely. “Surely, it can’t be the worst thing you’ve ever done.”
He turned to wag a finger her way. “I’ll take that bet!”
“Worse than our wedding reception…?” She crooned, teasing him. “Or maybe pre-term night? I swear by the Goddess no one will pinch your ass, except for Lea and I.”
“Fine… “ Her smile grew wider as he grumbled, but he was calming down already and there wasn't heat in it. Still, he stubbornly clung on to the point a while longer. "It’s in my top five.”
“I’m sure you’ll survive, husband. Now then, I have meetings all afternoon, so why don't you finish reviewing the menu? You’ll feel better when all this is over and you can go back to cooking, chess, or starting that eeeyiy club… You might even give Ce’lani a call or message her?” She gathered her coat and smiled demurely, though it harbored nothing innocent. “If I’m not here you’ll have perfect privacy… Just don't promise anything you wouldn't promise to me.”
“It’s iai-do…” Tom groused, but he was already picking up his omni-pad.
She blew him a kiss and made her way toward the commons. Tom would probably stew a while, but he’d make the call.
There would be time to meet with Ce’lani on the common, before she had to come home for dinner.
_ _ _
Tom looked over the banquet menu as if it might reach out and bite him. The words stared up at him with perfect innocence.
Appetizer: Fruit and Cheese Platter - Slices of various cheeses and fruits on a platter providing a delicate mix of sweet, tangy and creamy to invigorate the dining experience. Serve with a selection of sweet and semi-sweet wines.
Soup: Choice of Tomato or French Onion Soup - Served with a piece of baguette and cheese.
Salad: Strawberry Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing -- an assortment of greens and fruit with a balsamic grain dressing to cleanse the palate.
Entree: Cornish Pasty - This herb-infused meat and pastry dish provides a counterpoint to the tangy taste of the salad and soup. Served with a creamy buttered mashed potato (a vegetable, humanely prepared!) with chives (also a vegetable). Served with a selection of wines or ales.
Dessert: Chef’s Sorbet Surprise - A sweet treat complemented by a palate cleanser, ending the meal on a piquant note.
His last call with Bherdin had been a trial and a half. Omni-pads were the definition of ‘high fidelity’, and hearing the little Shil’vati hyperventilate for ten minutes over the plan was pointless. At least Melondi had easier going with Vedeem on her side... one way or another this was happening.
As a final consolation, he relented on wearing matching suits. Bherdin frequently bemoaned Tom’s 'lamentable' fashion sense, and he perked up at that, promising to get him some appropriate formalwear for the occasion.
Privately, he suspected his Shil’vati friend was looking for a convenient alibi if a riot started.
In fairness, it probably wasn't a bad idea.
“Too late to use it myself…” he muttered. It wasn’t quite noon, and Miv was probably right. Instead of Chess Club or starting Iai-do practice or just cooking out at Human Food, he was stuck here at home. Miv’s place was bigger, but most of his stuff was still in boxes; it left him listless and climbing the walls. If this worked, at least things could get back to normal.
…Mostly normal…
He flipped back to the picture of the Warden uniform on his omni-pad. It was bad enough, but the hat made the whole thing look like a blue toadstool in silver filigree.
He swiped the picture away like an act of revenge, but didn’t toss the pad back on the table.
…Miv was right... and I promised to call Ce’lani…
Tom centered himself, pulling up the number. The universe was always in motion and a good Taoist accepted their part in what came. That was the lesson of ‘the Vinegar Tasters’, and it held true… The painting showed three men standing around a vat of vinegar. Each has dipped his finger into the vinegar and tasted it. The expression on each man's face showed his individual reaction.
The painting was an allegory for Confucius, Buddha, and Lao-tse. Confucius wore a sour look on his face. He believed life was out of harmony with the universe. As the second figure in the painting, Buddha had a bitter expression. Like the vinegar, life was painful and filled with attachments and desires that led to suffering. The last man, Lao-tse, was smiling at the taste. To him, harmony existed naturally and could be found by anyone at any time in any experience.
He thought about his buddy Dave. The old Marine would probably shake his head and tell him to ‘embrace the suck.’ It pretty much boiled down to the same thing.
Not that he was against calling. Miv and Lea had practically taken turns urging him on and giving their views on why it was a good idea. They hadn't harped about it, but he knew which way the wind was blowing. And Ce’lani’s message had been short, sweet in the literal sense, and the sound file she’d offered up had been…
…Pretty nice, really…
If he still said no, or decided he didn't like where this was going, they’d back his choice, of course. He didn't have a doubt in his mind… But with everything else in his life turned upside down, calling Ce’lani seemed like a calm in the eye of a storm.
…It's just a phone call. Leave the chaos at the gate…
He settled down on the couch to check his messages before giving her a call. It was nearly lunch…

I'm still relatively new to Swift/SwiftUI/Previews, and as I try to figure out better ways to utilize Previews, I thought I'd reach out to ask the community for your best practices, tips, and tricks.
Right now, I've created a modifier that I use to do all of my app setup (e.g, setting font, weight, environment objects, etc) and I use that modifier on my previews.

import SwiftUI import PopupView struct AppSetup: ViewModifier { var loading: LoadingModel var user: UserViewModel func body(content: Content) -> some View { content .implementPopupView() .font(Font.custom("Montserrat", size: 18).weight(.light)) .foregroundColor(Color("Inactive Text")) .frame(maxWidth: .infinity, maxHeight: .infinity) .disabled(loading.loading) .blur(radius: loading.loading ? 6 : 0) .overlay { LoadingView(loading, count: 10) } .environmentObject(loading) .environmentObject(user) } } extension View { func appSetup(loading: LoadingModel, user: UserViewModel) -> some View { modifier(AppSetup(loading: loading, user: user)) } } 

What are your tricks?

Well, since the last time I messaged on this subreddit, many things have changed in the project. Not to mention that I personally made several corrections and various types of alterations. The project has practically undergone a huge turnaround, but it's not finished yet. It's nearing completion, but there are still many things that need to be done and fixed (like the table of contents that I still haven't corrected, lol). Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this new update and that it proves to be beneficial for you. I will post more updates and possibly the next post, hopefully being the final official update for this TRPG.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pa5DUEspUd6Py-aG0Vnq3OoOPb65ZRlp/view?usp=drivesdk
I loved the help from everyone, and I greatly hope that you continue supporting the project. This project has been very challenging and enjoyable to work on, especially because I try my best to capture all the experiences that someone feels while playing the game. So I eagerly await you all for the next update.

First time posting on here so appologies for structuring or lack of context, will do my best to clarify here and if not then in the comments.
Made an attempt at a TLDR at the bottom.
So yeah this is a hard one to explain because I understand where she's coming from but at the same time feel so hurt that I'm unsure how to properly process this.
Her justification is that she doesn't know who she is or what she wants, she has been doing everything for everyone all her life and doesn't feel like she has ever had a chance to create a sense of self, do things without needing to consider anyone else before her. She did everything for her mum, went into her first relationship, as soon as that ended very badly we met and she jumped straight into our relationship then afterwards our relationship has been mostly about survival and us working out of the financial hole we built together. That's the summary pretty much.
Now for context why what she's saying makes some sense.
We've been together for 4 years, we've lived together for just over 3 of those years (due to her going to university for 1 year). Started off super strong, within first few weeks of dating we made things official and blew up like a firework, honeymoon phase was the most amazing high of my life. Our sex life has always been great.
During first year we had lots of ups and down, specifically during the first half of the year having her ex constantly reaching out to her to make amends (he was emotionally abusive af). We had fights over this as it took allot for her to block him then eventually after he kept using different numbers to contact her I told her to sort it out and she called him and had some closure( from that point onwards their interaction ended).
During the 2nd half of the year she was In university, I would visit her every few weeks and stayed for a while as well but her mental health became really bad and During a Suisquid scare I told her she could move in with me in my apartment i shared with a roomate until she decided what she wanted (she was very emotionally dependant on me for that part of our history), this was during covid lockdown by the way.
This was an informal move as the agency I rented from didn't know about this and this ended up causing her allot of stress as she felt like she didn't belong and her position was at risk.
Now we lived there for the next year and in all honesty from my perspective things weren't bad, she didn't work for over 6 months and I made enough to get us by quite well so she could slowly find her way and we had lots of happy memories with a not many fights and if we did fights it was about me gaming too much or being a little lazy after work etc.
This got to a point where she didn't feel safe enough anymore and wanted to move out after the agency found out her staying there. So during the end of the 2nd year I found a studio for us to move into and we moved in, bought some furniture and in all honesty things seemed to start going well.
The studio was allot more expensive (London prices) and I started to struggle to keep us afloat which caused me to go into significant debt.
At the point our fights started to escalate, it would always be about me doing something wrong that slighted her in some way or how she started feeling bad about herself putting us in that position and if I didn't make her feel better in that moment she would run the narrative of me being emotionally neglectful and say it would be better both if us for her to leave.(I always thought this was self destructive af as she would always blame herself for everything during tense situations, she the type of girl to say sorry non stop when she's self loathing). I dont want to paint her negatively as I was also to blame for these escalations, I grew up with constant struggle in my life so emotionally I am very compact and self sustained, if she told me she was OK I thought she was OK and didn't pursue further. That didn't go to well as she still needed me to feel better when she was saying she was OK.
There were many of these fights and it got so bad that she ended up packing a backpack and going out where I had to chase her and convince her to come back for her own safety and that I cared and loved her and that whatever she felt we could work through together (she would go out and just stay out on a bench somewhere on the middle of the night in a not so safe part of london).
Allot of this was around me doing everything for us and her not being able to do or even have the confidence to do anything herself. As I said before due to trauma and a harsh childhood I made sure to at least have everything sorted, bills paid on time, food on our tables, ease of living, chance to experience good memories for dates even on financial pressure, my goal was to always make the best out of life. If anything she felt like I was bringing everything to the relationship and she wasn't bringing enough so it would eat at her. (She rejected me buying her presents on her birthday or just randomly when I was trying to be romantic which blew up into another argument because she couldn't do anything in "return of equal value" her words)
Now through ups and downs we kept at it although it was quite dysfunctional at times she found a good job and things finally started to seem like they were going to finally start moving forward and started saving to move out of London.
Due to financial constraints and saving requiring allot for cars, new house, new furniture etc (something she planned) we couldn't go on any dates often (we struggled to save during the cost of living crisis with bills skyrocketing so we weren't able to have much saved, which caused her to fall into a mild depression) and then and all we really did was schedule things around her family and their events (she has a large family and every few weeks there would be a birthday or family celebration where we would go out and spend the weekend leisurely enjoying ourselves)
For context I only have my sibling and mother and don't have any contact with my family abroad. Even then my relationship with my mother is strained at times due to conflict from childhood that spanned into adulthood, I also don't really have friends bar from my gaming friends who I talk to online at times so social life wise I didnt really have one but being introverted I never found that an issue.
Now she likes her family but can't stand her mother at times and that stresses her out really badly as theyre complete opposites when it comes to personality and dealing with things so when she gets heated she doesn't back down until she breaks down or wins the argument. Very stubborn but bar from the extremes I liked that about her.
I feel like im starting to ramble, there is so much context to this that its really hard to keep things structured.
Anyways things have been up and down, ive been doing my best all this time to give her the best environment for her to get back on her feet but today she says it's better for us to "RESET" as she needs this but doesn't want to hurt anyone, that includes her mother. I'm a little blindsided.
This is getting a little much for me so I'm gonna end it here but will do my best to clarify if anyone needs more context in the comments.
Thank you.
[TLDR: My gf of 4 years has decided to RESET on her life and drop all her relationships so she can find a sense of self, I dont know how to handle this]

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