Usually around the first of the month we have a batch of price changes and this month is no different. According to the "How to Become a Contract Liquor Agent" document, "The Agent must also complete price changes that occur at the first of the month..."
Number of Price Increases: 2 Number of Price Decreases: 136 Number of New Products: 44 Number of Status Changes: 4
I plan to reply to this post throughout the month if I notice other significant changes happening or at the end of the month before the next update to keep the changes in one place. Here's a link back to what changed in May 2023: American Whiskey, Brandy, Canadian Whiskey, Cordial, Gin, and Irish Whisky, Rum, Scotch, Tequila, and Vodka.
For each category I've sorted by the amount of the price increase or decrease. New products are shown first, then price decreases are shown in decreasing order followed by price increases in increasing order. At the end are products with other changes unrelated to price.
Current product status is indicated on each line as follows. OHLQ hasn't publicly explained what these things mean but I've included my best guess below.

• A = Active
  • Regularly supplied and available for purchase
• D = De-Listed
  • No longer carried by OHLQ, may still be available in some stores or the warehouse. Sometimes considered a Last Call product
• I = Inactive
  • Discontinued by the supplier or otherwise unavailable to OHLQ
• S = Special Order
  • Regularly available but in limited supply. Not available in very many stores
• V = Value-Added-Pack
  • Bottle comes with some kind of extra gift like a glass/mug/etc

American Whiskey

• New Products
• [S] 1776 STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY BARREL PROOF ($44.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] 1776 STRAIGHT RYE WHISKEY BARREL PROOF ($44.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] ANGELS ENVY ($28.99 / 375 ML)
• [S] BUCKNER'S 15 YEAR OLD SINGLE BARREL BOURBON ($299.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] FOUR DOGS BLACK DOG BOURBON RYE ($58.95 / 750 ML)
• [S] H.DERINGER BOURBON ($106.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] HEAVENS DOOR 10 YEAR DECADE SERIES 02 STRAIGHT RY ($99.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] HIGH N' WICKED THE JUDGE STRAIGHT BOURBON WHISKEY ($89.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] HIGH WEST BARREL SELECT CASK STRENGTH ($69.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] JACK DANIELS 10 YEAR OLD ($74.99 / 700 ML)
• [S] KNOB CREEK RYE 7 YEAR ($39.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] KURVBALL ORIGINAL BBQ WHISKEY ($1.99 / 50 ML)
• [A] NEW RICHMOND GRANT WHISKEY ($47.47 / 750 ML)
• [S] OLD PEPPER SINGLE MALT SMALL BATCH ($54.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] OLD ROUTE 8 SINGLE BARREL CASK STRENGTH BOURBON ($114.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] SCOTTY'S APPLE WHISKEY ($39.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] SCOTTY'S PEACH WHISKEY ($39.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] SEVEN BROTHERS CASK STRENGTH BOURBON ($59.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] SEVEN BROTHERS CASK STRENGTH MALT WHISKEY ($59.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] WILDERNESS TRAIL BOURON WHEATED PRIVATE BARREL ($65.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] YELLOWSTONE HAND PICKED BARREL 119 PROOF ($64.99 / 750 ML)
• Price decreases
• [A] ERNEST SCARANO DISTILLERY 10 YEAR ($750.00 / 375 ML) - $2,000.00↓
• [A] KARRIKEN SPIRITS JD WAYNE BOURBON ($64.04 / 750 ML) - $17.93↓
• [A] WHISTLEPIG RYE 10 YEAR ($79.99 / 750 ML) - $10.00↓
• [S] HIGH WEST RENDEZVOUS RYE ($74.99 / 750 ML) - $5.00↓
• [A] WHISTLEPIG PIGGYBACK BOURBON ($45.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [A] BASIL HAYDEN BOURBON ($39.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] BASIL HAYDEN DARK RYE ($39.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] JEFFERSONS MANHATTAN RTD ($26.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY CHERRIES ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY HUNCH PUNCH ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY MOONSHINE PEACHES ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY PEPPERMINT MOONSHINE ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY SPIKED APPLE ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY WHITE LIGHTNING ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] WILD TURKEY 101 ($46.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $3.00↓
• [A] WILD TURKEY LONGBRANCH ($36.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM APPLE ($15.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM FIRE ($15.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM HONEY ($15.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM ORANGE ($15.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM PEACH ($15.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM VANILLA ($15.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] RED STAG BLACK CHERRY ($15.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] HOWLER HEAD ($27.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] JACK DANIELS ($49.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JACK DANIELS FIRE ($49.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JACK DANIELS HONEY ($49.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM ($16.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM ($34.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM APPLE ($34.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM HONEY ($34.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM PEACH ($34.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM PET ($34.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] JIM BEAM TRAVELER ($16.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [V] JIM BEAM WITH CLEVELAND INDIANS HIGHBALL MUG ($16.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [V] JIM BEAM WITH HIGHBALL MUG ($16.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] MAKER'S MARK ($54.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] RED STAG BLACK CHERRY ($34.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] TWISTED TEA WHISKEY ($14.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] WESTERN RESERVE CARIBBEAN CASK RYE WHISKEY ($62.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] WESTERN RESERVE SHERRY FINISHED BOURBON ($62.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] ELIJAH CRAIG RYE WHISKEY ($32.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] ELIJAH CRAIG RYE WHISKEY ($17.99 / 375 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] ELIJAH CRAIG SMALL BATCH ($32.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] ELIJAH CRAIG SMALL BATCH ($17.99 / 375 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] MAKER'S MARK ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [V] MAKER'S MARK WITH SHAKER ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] OLE SMOKY BLUE FLAME ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] WILD TURKEY 101 ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] WILD TURKEY 101 RYE ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] WILD TURKEY 101 TRAVELER ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] WILD TURKEY AM HONEY STING ($21.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] WILD TURKEY AMERICAN HONEY ($21.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] BRECKENRIDGE HIGH PROOF BLEND BOURBON ($52.99 / 750 ML) - $0.24↓
• [A] BRECKENRIDGE PORT CASK FINISH WHISKEY ($52.99 / 750 ML) - $0.24↓
• [A] BRECKENRIDGE RUM CASK FINISH WHISKEY ($52.99 / 750 ML) - $0.24↓
• [A] WESTERN RESERVE SMALL BATCH BOURBON ($36.95 / 750 ML) - $0.04↓
• Price increases
• [A] BUZZARD'S ROOST CHAR 1 RYE ($49.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↑
• [A] BUZZARD'S ROOST CHAR 1 BOURBON ($63.99 / 750 ML) - $9.00↑
• Changed products
• [S] CLERMONT STEEP AMERICAN SINGLE MALT ($59.99 / 750 ML) - Status changed from Active to Special Order

Brandy

• Price decreases
• [V] HENNESSY VSOP JULIEN VAP ($59.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [A] HENNESSY VSOP PRIVILEGE ($59.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [A] REMY MARTIN 1738 ($57.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [V] REMY MARTIN 1738 SHAKER ($57.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [V] REMY MARTIN 1738 W JIGGER ($57.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [A] REMY MARTIN 1738 ($28.99 / 375 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] REMY MARTIN VSOP ($48.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] COURVOISIER VS ($41.99 / 1 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] REMY MARTIN VSOP ($25.99 / 375 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] COURVOISIER VS ($17.99 / 375 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] E & J VS ($11.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] MARTELL BLUE SWIFT ($49.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓

Canadian Whiskey

• Price decreases
• [A] BLACK VELVET ($8.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] BLACK VELVET ($17.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $1.00↓
• [A] BLACK VELVET APPLE ($8.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] BLACK VELVET PEACH ($8.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] BLACK VELVET TOASTED CARAMEL ($8.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] BLACK VELVET TOASTED CARAMEL ($17.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $1.00↓
• [A] BLACK VELVET TRV ($8.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] BLACK VELVET ($4.99 / 375 ML) - $0.50↓

Cordial

• New Products
• [A] CROOKED FINGER APPLE PIE LIQUEUR ($43.12 / 750 ML)
• [A] CROOKED FINGER LEMONADE LIQUEUR ($34.69 / 750 ML)
• [V] JAGERMEISTER ALUMINUM SHOT CUP VAP ($25.99 / 750 ML)
• Price decreases
• [V] GRAND MARNIER CORDON ROUGE 750ML ROCKS GLASS ($37.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓

Gin

• New Products
• [A] LOST BRIDGE APPALCHIAN GIN ($34.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] SIPSMITH LEMON DRIZZLE ($36.99 / 750 ML)
• Price decreases
• [A] AIREM GIN ($20.99 / 750 ML) - $10.00↓
• [A] THE BOTANIST ($69.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $5.00↓
• [A] SEAGRAMS EXTRA DRY GIN ($10.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] SEAGRAMS EXTRA DRY GIN TRV ($10.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] SEAGRAMS LIME TWISTED GIN ($10.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] SEAGRAMS WATERMELON ($10.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] LUX & UMBRA LONDON DRY GIN ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $0.21↓
• [A] VIM & PETAL ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $0.21↓

Irish Whisky

• New Products
• [S] GREEN SPOT QUAILS' GATE ($99.99 / 700 ML)
• [A] METHOD AND MADNESS JAPANESE MIZUNARA ($3,300.01 / 700 ML)
• [S] TEELING WONDERS OF WOOD PORTUGUESE OAK ($99.99 / 700 ML)
• Price decreases
• [A] JAMESON ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [A] JAMESON COLD BREW ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• [A] JAMESON ORANGE ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓

Rum

• Price decreases
• [A] APPLETON 8 YEAR OLD RESERVE ($29.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] APPLETON ESTATE SIGNATURE BLEND ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] APPLETON ESTATE SIGNATURE BLEND ($34.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] BLACKHEART ($12.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] KRAKEN BLACK SPICED RUM ($29.49 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] ADMIRAL NELSON ($14.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] ADMIRAL NELSON SILVER ($14.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] MALIBU ($14.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] MALIBU BLACK ($14.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• Changed products
• [D] BACARDI RESERVA OCHO SHERRY CASK FINISH ($32.99 / 750 ML) - Status changed from Active to De-Listed

Scotch

• New Products
• [A] ABERFELDY 15 NAPA VALLEY WINE CASK ($69.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] DEWARS DOUBLE DOUBLE 21 MIZUNARA ($149.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] LOCH LOMOND THE OPEN SPECIAL EDITION 2023 ($44.99 / 750 ML)
• Price decreases
• [A] AIREM SINGLE MALT WHISKEY 14 YEAR PX CASK SE1 GRAN ($69.99 / 750 ML) - $44.00↓
• [A] GLENMORANGIE SIGNET ($249.99 / 750 ML) - $16.00↓
• [A] GLENMORANGIE 18 ($129.99 / 750 ML) - $10.00↓
• [A] GLENMORANGIE AZUMA MAKOTO LE ($129.99 / 750 ML) - $10.00↓
• [A] FAMOUS GROUSE ($21.99 / 750 ML) - $4.00↓
• Changed products
• [S] AO SUNTORY WORLD WHISKY ($59.99 / 700 ML) - Status changed from Active to Special Order

Tequila

• New Products
• [S] CORAZON EXPRESIONES FRENCH OAK ANEJO ($79.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] CORAZON EXPRESIONES WELLER 12 ANEJO ($79.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] LOS MAGOS SOTOL 6 YEAR RESERVA ($293.09 / 750 ML)
• [S] LOS MAGOS SOTOL BARREL-AGED WHISTLEPIG EDITION 1 ($65.03 / 750 ML)
• [A] PLUMA NEGRA JABALI ($149.99 / 750 ML)
• Price decreases
• [A] MEZCAL VAGO ESPADIN ($54.99 / 750 ML) - $20.00↓
• [A] MEZCAL VAGO ENSAMBLE ($74.99 / 750 ML) - $5.00↓
• [A] HORNITOS PLATA TEQUILA ($36.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $3.00↓
• [A] HORNITOS PLATA TEQUILA ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [V] HORNITOS PLATA TEQUILA GIFT SET - 2 SHOT GLASSES ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] HORNITOS REPOSADO ($25.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] LUNAZUL BLANCO ($23.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] LUNAZUL BLANCO ($37.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $1.00↓
• [A] LUNAZUL REPOSADO ($23.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] LUNAZUL REPOSADO ($37.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $1.00↓
• Changed products
• [A] CAMPO BRAVO PLATA ($19.99 / 1 Liter) - Status changed from Special Order to Active

Vodka

• New Products
• [A] A.M. SCOTT DISTILLERY ORANGE CREAM VODKA ($29.04 / 750 ML)
• [A] A.M. SCOTT DISTILLERY STRAWBERRY VODKA ($19.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] A.M.SCOTT DISTILLERY BIRTHDAY CAKE VODKA ($19.99 / 750 ML)
• [A] CANDELLA DISTILLERY POTATO VODKA ($38.30 / 1 Liter)
• [A] CRYSTAL HEAD BONE BOTTLE ($52.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] HIGH ROCK VODKA ($23.99 / 750 ML)
• [S] MUTINY ISLAND VODKA ($19.99 / 750 ML)
• Price decreases
• [A] AIREM VODKA ($17.99 / 750 ML) - $12.00↓
• [A] IRVINE'S PRECISION DISTILLED VODKA ($18.99 / 750 ML) - $3.88↓
• [A] TRULY PINEAPPLE MANGO ($14.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] TRULY STRAWBERRY LEMONADE FLAVORED VODKA ($14.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] TRULY WILD BERRY FLAVORD VODKA ($14.99 / 750 ML) - $3.00↓
• [A] BROKEN SHED VODKA ($19.99 / 750 ML) - $2.00↓
• [A] DEEP EDDY STRAIGHT VODKA ($27.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] DEEP EDDY LEMON VODKA ($27.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] DEEP EDDY RUBY RED VODKA ($27.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] NEW AMSTERDAM ($19.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] PINNACLE CHERRY ($17.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] PINNACLE VODKA ($17.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] PINNACLE WHIPPED ($17.99 / 1.75 Liter) - $2.00↓
• [A] NEW AMSTERDAM ($11.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] NEW AMSTERDAM PEACH ($11.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] NEW AMSTERDAM PINK WHITNEY ($11.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] NEW AMSTERDAM WATERMELON ($11.99 / 750 ML) - $1.00↓
• [A] NEW AMSTERDAM ($2.99 / 200 ML) - $0.50↓
• [A] NEW AMSTERDAM PEACH ($2.99 / 200 ML) - $0.50↓
• [A] OYO VODKA ($17.49 / 750 ML) - $0.32↓
• [A] OYO HONEY VANILLA ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $0.21↓
• [A] OYO STONEFRUIT VODKA ($24.99 / 750 ML) - $0.21↓

The SANS Internet Storm Center has detected a financially motivated cyber threat actor that is actively searching for unprotected Apache NiFi servers online in order to secretly install cryptocurrency mining software and enable lateral movement. According to Dr. Johannes Ullrich, the actor uses timed processors or cron to establish persistence and executes an attack script that is only stored in memory. A honeypot enabled the ISC to determine that the initial foothold is used to remove files, disable firewalls, and terminate rival cryptocurrency mining tools, before Kinsing malware is downloaded and launched from a remote server. It is important to note that Kinsing has a history of exploiting publicly disclosed vulnerabilities in web applications, as indicated by Keplersafe identical attack chain using old Oracle WebLogic Server flaws in September 2022. In addition, the threat actor carries out attacks and scanning activities via the IP address 109.207.200[.]43 against port 8080 and port 8443/TCP. The attack actor also executes a second shell script designed to acquire SSH keys from the compromised server to gain access to other systems within the target organization. NiFi servers are attractive targets due to their access to critical data and large CPUs for data transformation tasks, making them easy targets if left unprotected.

How to treat/cure the permanent damage of a years old chemical burn?
Almost a decade ago, my dumb teenage self decided to use nair facial hair removal to remove my mustache. I felt a burning sensation and I thought it was normal, so later I did ot again of course. That's where my single braincell finally realized that it damaged my face. And now I've been battling the area around my mouth ever since.
It gets severly dry over nothing, gets very red due to sun and/or heat and sweat exposure, gets very dark just for the heck of it (even if I am moisturizing it every second of the day). Cleaning my face with water is enough to dry the hell out of it. If i don't go a second without moisturizing, it'll look as if I have a 5 o' clock goatee shadow. If I don't sleep enough, my goatee shadow will let everyone know on my behalf.
Most sensitive skincare products burn my face, so now I only use cetaphil gentle cleanser (still dries that area anyways), La Roche Posay cream and aquaphor. Can't even use sunscreen in my goddam face without burning my goatee.
I've been to a dermatologist before, and tried treating my "hyperpigmentation". Which, in hindsight, I don't think it was what I was trying to treat since the area around my mouth is not dark 24/7. It's just severly sensitive, and it darkens when it "flares up". They also provided me with medication for my acne, but my single braincelled self forgot to read the warnings cause I went directly under the sun and burned my entire face to oblivion. I cried like hell cause I thought I was gonna have the same goatee issue but now with my whole face 😔👊 glad it wasn't the case lol.
I just need advice on how to treat this issue that has consumed almost most of my life. I'm getting older, and that mark on my face is obviously showing even more. I've heard that 1% hydrocortisone ointments are good for chemical burns. But besides that, any advice? 😭

So been using MC for a few months now and everytime i smoke i get uncontrollable munchies we are talking like a full plate of dinner, massive bowl of cereal, ice creams, loads of toast all in one sitting and tbh i need to stop because i am starting to put weight back on pretty quickly and its kind of cancelling out my gym progress… so does anyone know some strains that dont make you too hungry?

Chapter 1 Previous Chapter
Opting for silence once more, Raphael held his breath, anticipating the idea from his companion. With each word spoken, his fear gradually dissipated, replaced by a growing sense of relief as he immersed himself in the explanation and wonder if it was possible at all. An eagerness rose deep from within to try it. With each and every word that left the Orcs mouth.
“Ya seem to be able to freeze things, how about we freeze the metal bars and then break them open? Should be possible no? When we are out here, we just have to sneak our way out of wherever we are.”, the Orc explained enthusiastically. “Look I knew ya scared and so, but now before they realize ya power is probably the only chance we will get.” “You’re right. But I don’t know anything about them or how to use them. You think going up to the bars,” Raphael began to say as he walked up to the Bars grabbing one bar each, “ holding them and then they will shatter like magic?”
Raphael observed fascinated by the mesmerizing transformation taking place before him. As his hand extended, a cascade of azure hues enveloped the once silver metal bars, as though a frozen spell had been cast upon them. Delicate tendrils of ice crept along the surface, resembling ethereal vines tightly entwining the bars. For an instant, the frozen grip appeared as blossoming roses, their icy petals glistening in the pale light. But the illusion shattered as the entire length of the bars succumbed to a frigid, icy blue. With a subtle twist of his hands, the once sturdy bars shattered into a thousand shimmering pieces, leaving Raphael and George awestruck, their gazes fixed upon the now vacant space.
“Well, didn’t thought it would be that easy.”, George said, as he laid his arm around the Elf. “Let’s get out of here, silently.”
As Raphael and George managed to wiggle their way out of the confining cell, a wave of astonishment washed over them as they took in the overwhelming expanse of cells that stretched out along the underground corridor. The sheer number of chambers was staggering, revealing the vastness of the place they found themselves in. Their own cell had been positioned at the far end of the corridor, a dim and clammy passage reminiscent of the darkness they had just escaped. On either side of the corridor, rows of similarly outfitted cells stood, their bleak interiors mirroring the desolation of Raphael's former prison. A sense of eerie emptiness permeated these neighboring enclosures, each one devoid of life except for the solitary occupant housed within the first cell, positioned just before the ascending staircase.
In that moment, George's attention would have passed right over the figure huddled within the cell if it weren't for Raphael freezing in his tracks. There, lying on the cold, unforgiving floor, was a young girl, no more than ten years old. Her skin bore a dusky hue, though whether it was the grime of the cell or a natural complexion, Raphael couldn't discern. What caught his eye, however, were the tattered remnants of clothing she wore, soiled to a degree that made it difficult to distinguish their original color. They hung in shreds, exposing a slender, almost leathery tail with a triangular tip that emerged just above her exposed backside. The tail snaked around her, finding comfort in its own embrace before extending to graze the edges of her raven-black hair. A surge of determination coursed through Raphael's veins, compelling him to come to the aid of this young girl. He simply couldn't fathom leaving her behind, defenseless and downtrodden. The sight tugged at his heartstrings, evoking a profound sense of empathy for another human being, particularly one so innocent and vulnerable. With an outstretched hand, he sought the cold touch of the metal bars enclosing her cell, his mind filled with hope that his newfound powers would once again respond to his plea. Once again, the familiar surge of power emanated from Raphael's trembling hands, enveloping them in an ethereal frost. The icy hue crept up the cold metal bars, like delicate tendrils of frozen breath inching towards their breaking point. With a swift twist of his hand, the bars shattered into countless crystalline fragments, filling the air with a resounding crack. The unexpected noise jolted the young girl, causing her to instinctively recoil, her eyes widening in fear as they fixated upon the unlikely duo of the Elf and Orc. In that moment, as the dust settled, Raphael found himself captivated by the revelation of the girl's true complexion. Her skin bore the gentle warmth of soft, earthy brown tones. Yet, it was her eyes that truly arrested his attention—a pair of piercing crimson orbs that seemed to penetrate his very core, drawing forth emotions he struggled to comprehend.
“Hey, everything’s alright. My name's Raphael and that’s George, his friends call him Greg.”, Raphael said extending his hand towards her, trying to comfort her with a smile. The glow on his hands was completely gone. “What's your name?” “Sanya”, the girl spoke with a soft voice devoid of any strength.
Next Chapter
Thak you for reading!

So for some info, my story is inspired mostly by the movies Tangled and the princess bride; my setting is inspired by LOTR and Pride & prejudice so It's a fantasy setting with humans elves, and dwarves; but the technology is around early 1800s or the napoleonic wars for a simple reference. So here is my story for my ending to make sense.
Paul Kurin lives in a village called Norford in the kingdom of Thedia where he has always struggled to fit in, his heart gets stolen by the beautiful Claudia Redwood who kisses him at a party. Unknowingly to him it was a dare from her friends, but Claudia prefers the aristocratic Robert Albrion who intends on proposing to her in the winter. One day while walking her home; Paul makes a promise to bring home a fortune larger than the entire Albrion family who make a fortune selling cosmetic potions. Claudia makes a joke saying that if he does she'll grant him his heart's desire, Paul's lack of social skills however makes him think that she was serious. Paul packs his bags, and his father advises him to see the oracle, a woman who can tell the future she tells him that if he travels to the north then it would bring him to his true love. Paul goes north; a place where witches rule and talking Ice wolves try to fight them, along the way he meets an elvish princess named Ithari. Ithari realizes the truth of her heritage as a princess and offers Paul a reward in riches if he takes her home from her evil adoptive witch mother who uses her healing powers to stay young forever. Elves are immortal in my setting, they also have mind reading powers, and because of this Ithari begins to see Paul's good qualities and falls in love with him as he tries to bring them home while they are pursued by the culture of Orcs that work for Ithari's supposed "mother" In the end Paul and Ithari get married, and Paul becomes the king of the evlish kingdom alongside Ithari who becomes queen, though Paul dies of old age and Ithari is left to rule alone with her children and grandchildren who have elf-like features but can age like humans, that said they have the same powers that elves do except the immortality. Eventually her children and grandchildren die, and Ithari is left alone, which her father foretold and warned her of.
Would this ending be satisfying? Or would it be more sad? Should I find some way for Paul to be immortal or for Ithari to give up her immortality?

I've been trying to properly handle pie dough (and other flakey doughs) but it doesn't quite seem to work out properly, and I seem to be getting very contradictory issues. So far:
It was way too sticky, and every dusting of flour lasts only a minute before being absorbed, and also too cold and hard, and I can't hammer it out without cracking it in two. So sticky that hitting with a rolling pin tears out the entire center of the round. The internet seems to claim the stickiness is because it's too warm and wet, and the cracking is because it's too cold and dry.
It sticks strongly to the table and tears itself apart; I can't transfer it to the pie plate. If I try to roll it around the pin, it sticks to self and makes a dough tube, no matter how much I flour it. If I try to fold it it just sticks to itself. At some point I use so much flour it just becomes too dry. It somehow even absorbs the rice flour that I usually use for wet sourdough. Scraping it off the counter tears it into bits.
I even resorted to shortening at this point, and it's more or less the same issues, sans leaking butter. I can't really cool the tabletop with ice either, since it just gets flooded with condensation when I tested it and doesn't let me flour.
The recipe is just the seriouseats recipe, it's pretty standard to my eyes.

My fiance went to her mum's house where her twin sister lives last Monday as her cat is very ill and they thought it would be put down.
Throughout the week she was barely talking to me and said she needed time to herself. As time went on I asked for a phone call and within this call she said we should split up.
We have been together for 4 years. We have a house which we rent, we have a 10 month old dog together. We got engaged last August
Context: my finance has not been feeling herself, I would say depressed for at least 3/4 months and I have tried to be there, I have made it clear I have everything left in me to fight, but she doesn't. This isnt just a threat, since this happened, she has been talking about splitting possessions and who legally owns what. She has contacted our letting agents and cancelled our tenancy agreement so I have to move my belongings into a self storage unit and move back in with my mum.
She seems cold as ice and not the person I knew anymore, just a shell of who I once knew. She told me she hasn't cried once about this. I have been in bits everyday, throwing up due to the sinking feeling in my gut and I could not imagine my life without her.
Right now I can't see into the future, do you fully heal from heartbreak and do you forget how you once felt? Or do you learn to just live with it? I don't want my life to be with anyone else and I couldn't imagine that, this isn't what was supposed to happen. But people keep saying I'm young. I know my life isn't literally over but it feels like it

In Hungary, ice cream vendors on the street are only open from about mid-April to mid-September, but I've read that in Russia for example, you can get ice cream in the street even on the coldest day of January.

For her to think she “works” is so funny to me. I work from home doing a health care job for medical billing that i have a degree in and that is exhausting. For her to think drinking out of her wine glass and editing a video for 2 seconds and going shopping and getting ice cream is work? Is so crazy to me she really needs to get in touch with life again because she is so delusional. Does anyone on here know her in real life because i hope she isn’t this for real out of touch with reality.

I’m considering putting myself in the sugar bowl, but want to know if I’m a good candidate?
I’m a 29yr old female, professional in San Francisco. I naturally like older men.
I’m smart, well-educated and pretty well-versed in what’s going on in tech and business. Or pop culture for that matter. I have a great sense of humor.
Looks-wise - I’m average blonde hair blue eyes, slim and athletic. But I usually dress down or in athleisure unless I’m going out. I’m all natural - no fillers or work done. So not that look. Maybe not a “bombshell” but naturally pretty.
still a shot?

Please find a snippet from Sunset Dreams below. If you liked the sample- the collection of Poems is free until June 3rd on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Dreams-Collection-Summer-Poems-ebook/dp/B0C5W27X96
Sample Poem from Collection:
Vibrant Vacation
Amidst a vibrant vacation's reign,
Where sunny delights create a joyful refrain,
We dive into the season's bliss,
A summer escape, pure and amiss.
Beneath the golden rays we play,
Laughing and soaking up the day,
A kaleidoscope of colors so bright,
Radiant warmth, a pure delight.
Beaches beckon with sandy shores,
Where seagulls soar and waves galore,
Castles built with giggles and glee,
Our footprints washed away by the sea.
Ice cream trucks ring their melodic chime,
A sweet symphony in summertime,
From chocolate fudge to strawberry swirl,
Each lick a taste of joy unfurled.
Road trips to destinations unseen,
Adventures unfold, a wild dream,
Windows down, wind tousling our hair,
Capturing memories, a soul laid bare.
Camping beneath the starlit sky,
Marshmallows roasting, flames soaring high,
Tales spun around the fire's light,
In nature's embrace, a magical night.
Fireworks burst with vibrant grace,
Painting the darkness, filling the space,
Oohs and aahs escape from our lips,
As colorful sparks dance and eclipse.
Water parks and rollercoaster thrills,
Laughter echoing through valleys and hills,
Splashes, screams, and sheer delight,
Summer's exhilaration taking flight.
Long days stretched in endless cheer,
Savoring moments, both far and near,
Sun-kissed skin and freckles galore,
A season of memories, forevermore.
Savor this vibrant retreat,
Where sunny delights and moments sweet,
Craft a summer tale, forever bright,
In a vibrant vacation's joyful light.

We love going to Pico de Loro during summer. Relaxing with nice amenities. We want to have a similar type of investment.
Then we found out that there’s a preselling condotel being developed by DCMI in San Juan, Batangas. Upon further checking, it seems a timesharing kind. We can get a min 30 days stay with our investment for either 1b2br. Not yet sure on other costs as they will be only releasing prices this month.
We’re still on the edge on this since unlike in Pico, the unit will not be ours totallt and we dont have control over the marketing.
For those with experience in this, is timesharing a a good investment? Sulit kaya if we put our extra money on this? How long will be the ROI? Can we sell this in the future?
Your thoughts please. Thank you.

That’s about it. My girlfriend is vegan and I was wondering if that was a thing here in Rochester or the greater Rochester area.

This rant may get kind of long, so apologies in advance.
My bf and I have a rollercoaster relationship where sometimes I love him so much, and then the way he treats me during a fight makes me feel like I won’t miss him if we broke up. I have been going to therapy and my therapist agrees he is not always fair in our fights and gaslights me a god bit. Most of the time I have to apologize first before he tries to understand where I’m coming from. If I don’t try to hear his side, this leads to our breakup fights (he tries to kick me out). After so many of these over the years, I start to wonder if our relationship will last.
I met his coworkefriend a few months ago right after a big fight we had and I got a pretty big crush on him(john). I have tried to make it go away and it’s weird because they’ve worked together for almost a year now and I never cared about john before. John would even stare at me whenever I would drop my bf off at work, but my bf and him didn’t get along in the beginning so I just ignored him.
Recently we have hungout with John a good bit and I can’t tell if he’s flirting with me or really nice. We both hold very intense eye contact, he laughs and talks to me a lot, usually sits near me or is facing me and he looks at my lips quite a bit.
One night we were at John’s apartment drinking and playing board games with his partner there too. He had a mattress on the floor in his room, so me and his partner were sitting against the wall on it. John made sure to sit across from me on the floor like right next to my feet. He was a little drunk, paying a lot of attention to me and eventually stretched out his arm to grab some more cards and rubbed his arm up my ankle/inner calf. I couldn’t tell if this was an accident or a sneaky way to touch me? I let it happen for a moment and then said “oh sorry” and moved so it wasn’t weird. But inside I was freaking out.
I can’t stop fantasizing about him. It really feels like we both like each other although obviously I don’t 100% know. It feels like we both switch between fighting these feelings and then really digging each other again.
He has taken us out on 2 big trips so far since we all started hanging out which is SO sweet. And neither of our partners like hiking/nature so it almost feels like he’s doing it for me. Sometimes it feels like him and I are on a date with our friends. Not totally flirting but we do banter well and joke a lot.
We were getting ice cream at the beach and both of our partners left us in line together. I started scooting towards him to see if he would back away and he did not. Then the ice cream lady thought we were dating and rung us up together. When we were driving home he made it a point to let our partners know and said “she totally thought we were dating” which I couldn’t tell why he would want to tell them that? While we were at the beach it also was my first time taking my shirt off infront of him and I felt like we had a hard time keeping our eyes off each other. Like to the point you intentionally have to ignore them.
He also asked me to braid his hair and teach his partner how. I sad I could show her on my hair and john said “or you can do it on my hair”.
I’m not planning on doing anything bad, but if I don’t get to know him more while with my bf he will disappear from my life (we’re not that close yet) and I haven’t felt like this about anyone almost ever! It feels nice having my comfortable person still while I can build a friendship with John and see if our chemistry grows. But obviously we both have partners and weren’t planning on this, but it feels so right.
His partner is also 8 yr younger than him and I think he was just lonely/is in denial and I don’t know how compatible they really are. They’ve been together a few months. I’m hoping we can both gradually get to know each better and see where things go.
I have been trying my best to keep my feelings at bay and even not trying to make as many plans with John. But not seeing him for long periods of time isn’t changing my feelings much, I’m so infatuated even after months.
How can I tell if he feels the same? I don’t want to waste my time but I asap don’t want to miss an amazing future connection. And what better way to start than just being great friends!?
Please help me and give me your thoughts