Single glazed? Windows with one sheet of glass as opposed to double glazed which is two sheets of glass with space in between to create three layers of insulation as opposed to one. i.e. My house has terrible insulation.
Unfortunately this is Wales; we don't get hot. We don't even get warm. We get less cold and very slightly less wet :/
Jinxer Member
The British One
- Last Seen: 2 yrs ago
- Old Guild Username: Jinxer
- Joined: 12 yrs ago
- Posts: 1243 (0.27 / day)
- VMs: 0
-
Username history
- Jinxer 12 yrs ago
Status
Recent Statuses
11 yrs ago
Currently living inside Life is Strange.
11 yrs ago
I'm baaaaaaaaaaaack.
Bio
User has no bio, yet
Most Recent Posts
Escape would be possible in theory but the only way out is by the gates and they're all well guarded with everyone checked in and out.
Have you read Conn Iggulden's books on Genghis Khan and his descendants? Absolutely fantastic, so they are.
Also: Apologies for all the complex politics; I study history at university so this is quite... basic politics for me :3
Also: Apologies for all the complex politics; I study history at university so this is quite... basic politics for me :3
The Queen grimaced at the harsh assessment but it was the simple truth. She turned to Jochi, forcing a calm smile.
"I'm honoured that you believe my influence stretches as far as this Academy but I'm afraid the treaty specifically mentions that it is independent of all nations; indeed, it is its own nation. The Headmaster himself is not from Elianst, he even fought against us several times during the past wars so I really have little control over this Academy in reality. No more than any other ruler, that is." She turned to Revaz, her smile turning slightly darker.
"I would not take hostages, it is not my style of conducting negotiations or warfare. We either fight with complete honour or none at all, there is no middle ground in my reign." There was a sharp edge to the Queen's words; few understood how dangerous and deadly a mind hid behind the beautiful, smiling facade she put up. She turned back to Jochi, the calmer smile returning to take the edge off of her words.
"Well, I will start by winning your complete attention. The land on your northern border which gives you access to the sea and the rich fishing grounds there... I will cede it to Helgland as a gesture of faith." She pushed on, ignoring the half-voiced complaints of her companions. She had seen the gleam of interest, as well as surprise, in Jochi's face. She had read him well, it was apparent.
"You could, of course, return to raiding our lands for your food and wealth but there are mutually beneficial ways of obtaining this. For example, I can issue a charter giving Helgland's merchants exemption from import tariffs and taxes as well as priority for our food surplus; the main resource I believe your nation lacks. Again, you could simply side with the enemy and take it but that's if the enemy wishes to ally themselves with any nation." She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before she continued.
"They appear to have had spies in every court for some time now, they certainly knew when my double and the Privy Council were due to meet and attack at the precise moment. Their strength of arms alone makes them a problem for you; not once has anyone come close to breaching the city's walls let alone the Palace gates but they did so in a single day. They have no need of an alliance when a mere expeditionary force can accomplish in one day what entire nations have failed to do for centuries." She smiled sadly as her vision was dredged up again; 'her' head and those of the Privy Council mounted on poles and paraded back out of the city. These aggressors had no honour, none at all.
"Finally, if you still feel that Elianst may turn around and betray you at any point then I speak to you alone in this, Prince Jochi." She was well aware that he would not inherit any wealth or authority himself and she needed a strong, cunning man to sit next to her. "I suggest that in exchange for that which I've already detailed and to solidify our alliance, not simply for the near future but in perpetuity, that we tie our royal houses together to ensure a lasting, mutually beneficial, relationship between our nations. As far as I'm aware, you're the only unmarried member of your dynasty and I am the only surviving one of mine. I don't think I need to spell out what it is that I am suggesting."
"I'm honoured that you believe my influence stretches as far as this Academy but I'm afraid the treaty specifically mentions that it is independent of all nations; indeed, it is its own nation. The Headmaster himself is not from Elianst, he even fought against us several times during the past wars so I really have little control over this Academy in reality. No more than any other ruler, that is." She turned to Revaz, her smile turning slightly darker.
"I would not take hostages, it is not my style of conducting negotiations or warfare. We either fight with complete honour or none at all, there is no middle ground in my reign." There was a sharp edge to the Queen's words; few understood how dangerous and deadly a mind hid behind the beautiful, smiling facade she put up. She turned back to Jochi, the calmer smile returning to take the edge off of her words.
"Well, I will start by winning your complete attention. The land on your northern border which gives you access to the sea and the rich fishing grounds there... I will cede it to Helgland as a gesture of faith." She pushed on, ignoring the half-voiced complaints of her companions. She had seen the gleam of interest, as well as surprise, in Jochi's face. She had read him well, it was apparent.
"You could, of course, return to raiding our lands for your food and wealth but there are mutually beneficial ways of obtaining this. For example, I can issue a charter giving Helgland's merchants exemption from import tariffs and taxes as well as priority for our food surplus; the main resource I believe your nation lacks. Again, you could simply side with the enemy and take it but that's if the enemy wishes to ally themselves with any nation." She closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath before she continued.
"They appear to have had spies in every court for some time now, they certainly knew when my double and the Privy Council were due to meet and attack at the precise moment. Their strength of arms alone makes them a problem for you; not once has anyone come close to breaching the city's walls let alone the Palace gates but they did so in a single day. They have no need of an alliance when a mere expeditionary force can accomplish in one day what entire nations have failed to do for centuries." She smiled sadly as her vision was dredged up again; 'her' head and those of the Privy Council mounted on poles and paraded back out of the city. These aggressors had no honour, none at all.
"Finally, if you still feel that Elianst may turn around and betray you at any point then I speak to you alone in this, Prince Jochi." She was well aware that he would not inherit any wealth or authority himself and she needed a strong, cunning man to sit next to her. "I suggest that in exchange for that which I've already detailed and to solidify our alliance, not simply for the near future but in perpetuity, that we tie our royal houses together to ensure a lasting, mutually beneficial, relationship between our nations. As far as I'm aware, you're the only unmarried member of your dynasty and I am the only surviving one of mine. I don't think I need to spell out what it is that I am suggesting."
Seconded (I was given it for Christmas).
It's not the companions; it's rather the random characters. And the manner in which it's done. Again - I wouldn't have seen it so much if it hadn't been pointed out to me and I think it's in conjunction with Moffat's flat female characters that has drawn so much ire.
In any case - I still have fun watching it and I prefer Smith as the Doctor (although each actor was perfect for that character progression).
It's not the companions; it's rather the random characters. And the manner in which it's done. Again - I wouldn't have seen it so much if it hadn't been pointed out to me and I think it's in conjunction with Moffat's flat female characters that has drawn so much ire.
In any case - I still have fun watching it and I prefer Smith as the Doctor (although each actor was perfect for that character progression).
We don't so much over here in Britain - it's very much a mainland Europe thing (particularly in France where it varies hugely from one to four kisses now, I believe). It shows up more after Amy, I think... it's quite hard to see sometimes unless you've been made aware. My fiancé is an activist on Everyday Sexism so she's quite up to date on these things - I never would have thought/spotted it if I hadn't been told beforehand.
Also Captain Jack I do lurv.
Also Captain Jack I do lurv.
I sympathise - coldest week of winter over here and I'm entirely single-glazed and the only occupant now (my fiancé retreating to her parents as her eczema isn't set off there but is in this flat) so I can't justify using the heating too much.
On the plus side it means I spend a lot more time in the (nicely) heated pub playing Pool/Snooker.
On the plus side it means I spend a lot more time in the (nicely) heated pub playing Pool/Snooker.
Moffat (while a near-god in writing at times) hardly bothers with female characters. They're very... two dimensional and always end up in love with the Doctor as opposed to the complicated relationships Davies came up with.
Also the Doctor is now randomly kissing most everyone - I know Tennant did once or twice but not even close to the level Smith has been doing. Basically Moffat's been sexualising the Doctor a little bit which... doesn't sit right with everyone.
P.S: I'll probably still be watching it (and loving it) 'til they finally end the series whatever happens; just pointing out why some people have issues with it (and I sympathise with them).
Also the Doctor is now randomly kissing most everyone - I know Tennant did once or twice but not even close to the level Smith has been doing. Basically Moffat's been sexualising the Doctor a little bit which... doesn't sit right with everyone.
P.S: I'll probably still be watching it (and loving it) 'til they finally end the series whatever happens; just pointing out why some people have issues with it (and I sympathise with them).
Right, I didn't mean to post so much in such a short space of time but I wanted to get things rolling.
TL;DR: Henrietta is in fact Queen Louise of Elianst. The Privy Council and Henrietta were slaughtered in an attack on Eleshir (capital of Elianst) by a mysterious army from beyond the Great North Sea who wield early firearms (inaccurate with a short range but very easy to use). Queen Louise is sitting at the table with Jochi (is this a reference to the Khan sibling?), Revaz and Beowulf with Henry on one side and her large lion familiar keeping guard.
TL;DR: Henrietta is in fact Queen Louise of Elianst. The Privy Council and Henrietta were slaughtered in an attack on Eleshir (capital of Elianst) by a mysterious army from beyond the Great North Sea who wield early firearms (inaccurate with a short range but very easy to use). Queen Louise is sitting at the table with Jochi (is this a reference to the Khan sibling?), Revaz and Beowulf with Henry on one side and her large lion familiar keeping guard.
"Your Majesty, with one of the Royal Knights being a traitor I don't feel this is the wisest course of action..." Henry said, somewhat nervously, as he kept a weather eye out for any dangers around them. The Academy was silent with not a single soul present outside of the banquet hall. With a slight start he saw a low shadow moving towards them but he relaxed when he recognised the Queen's familiar. Cal, Henrietta's silver fox cub familiar, had been back at the Palace under the same illusion spell that the Queen and Henrietta had been under.
Therefore, in place of Cal, a great lion padded out of the darkness. While minuscule compared to Granthar's tremendous bulk, the Queen's familiar was still bigger than the average horse and a lot faster; he made the perfect guardian for a monarch with the ability to slay dozens of armoured men with contemptuous ease. Bearing his teeth the lion greeted Henry amiably before falling into a slow pace next to Queen Louise.
"With Lux here there really won't be any trouble, I think." She said mildly, her confidence winning Henry's nerves over. Before they reached the banquet hall they could hear the uproar inside and it was plain that it was not the usual noise of a feast. Stopping briefly out of sight at the base of the steps the Queen took a brief moment to ensure she looked regal, if not plain while still wearing Henrietta's dress, before climbing the steps with Lux on one side and Henry on the other with Granthar's massive frame as their backdrop. The great beast halted at the doors but the entrance of his head into the room was enough to catch most anyone's attention and a hush fell across the room as Queen Louise entered; the Crown proudly seated on her head and her Sceptre clearly held in one hand.
"The Queen lives!" Someone cried out from the massed students and a cheer went up, and not just from those from Elianst. If the Queen of Elianst had been slaughtered then war would have been on its way. Queen Louise held up a hand and silence quickly fell, all there keen to hear her words.
"Eleshir has fallen." She said, her calm voice ringing out across the entire room. She paused for effect, casting her gaze across everyone there. "Mysterious attackers from beyond the Great North Sea landed and headed straight for our capital. If not for my gift as a Seer my life would have been lost in the attack also; unfortunately my advisers refused to take such visions seriously and remained in the Palace when the attack took place." She paused again, letting all those understand that it was by her own power that she alone had survived.
"These warriors bear weapons that are alien to this land, spitting fire and death with no magic involved. They are technologically superior to us and intend to conquer all four nations and I believe that without an Alliance they will be able to." Mutterings sounded from those of other nations but a low growl from Lux quickly quietened them.
"There was no way to prove this would be so without this event having occurred; had I told the rulers of each nation about my vision there would not have been peace let alone an alliance. With this single strike by the enemy I believe proof enough has been given that they are a force to be reckoned with; after all, how many armies have broken through Eleshir's gates?" There was silence for they all knew the answer: none.
Queen Louise walked forwards and up to the dais with everyone parting before her, Lux and Henry quick to stay on either side of her in case anyone attempted an assassination although such an act would bring quick death. The Queen stopped when she stood in front of Elizabeth and held the woman's hands in hers.
"Lady McArthur, rest assured you did not fail in your duties. I am glad to see at least one of my councilors survived this slaughter." Her gaze caught on a adolescent dressed in traditional Helgland clothing with a fearsome looking woman seated on one side and a man from Anstarm on the other. The Queen's quick mind dredged up the boy's name and she crossed towards them, ignoring the stunned silence in the rest of the hall.
"Prince Jochi." She greeted him. It was customary for the one of lower rank to announce themself first but she had the momentum of her entrance behind her and she wanted to make the most of its effect with every eye in the room on her at that moment. "I would like to discuss some... politics with you, if you wouldn't mind. With Princess Elaeria also, I believe you may find them to be most profitable." She smiled knowingly before turning to Henry.
"Now, I believe we should enjoy this banquet before we get down to business, Sir Henry. Hard times are to come and I'd like to enter them on a high note." Henry nodded and pulled a seat out for the Queen before taking one next to her, sitting himself next to Revaz. Despite the Queen's presence and security taking up most of his attention Henry's mind kept drifting towards Gwen; Elaeria's continued absence still worried him.
Therefore, in place of Cal, a great lion padded out of the darkness. While minuscule compared to Granthar's tremendous bulk, the Queen's familiar was still bigger than the average horse and a lot faster; he made the perfect guardian for a monarch with the ability to slay dozens of armoured men with contemptuous ease. Bearing his teeth the lion greeted Henry amiably before falling into a slow pace next to Queen Louise.
"With Lux here there really won't be any trouble, I think." She said mildly, her confidence winning Henry's nerves over. Before they reached the banquet hall they could hear the uproar inside and it was plain that it was not the usual noise of a feast. Stopping briefly out of sight at the base of the steps the Queen took a brief moment to ensure she looked regal, if not plain while still wearing Henrietta's dress, before climbing the steps with Lux on one side and Henry on the other with Granthar's massive frame as their backdrop. The great beast halted at the doors but the entrance of his head into the room was enough to catch most anyone's attention and a hush fell across the room as Queen Louise entered; the Crown proudly seated on her head and her Sceptre clearly held in one hand.
"The Queen lives!" Someone cried out from the massed students and a cheer went up, and not just from those from Elianst. If the Queen of Elianst had been slaughtered then war would have been on its way. Queen Louise held up a hand and silence quickly fell, all there keen to hear her words.
"Eleshir has fallen." She said, her calm voice ringing out across the entire room. She paused for effect, casting her gaze across everyone there. "Mysterious attackers from beyond the Great North Sea landed and headed straight for our capital. If not for my gift as a Seer my life would have been lost in the attack also; unfortunately my advisers refused to take such visions seriously and remained in the Palace when the attack took place." She paused again, letting all those understand that it was by her own power that she alone had survived.
"These warriors bear weapons that are alien to this land, spitting fire and death with no magic involved. They are technologically superior to us and intend to conquer all four nations and I believe that without an Alliance they will be able to." Mutterings sounded from those of other nations but a low growl from Lux quickly quietened them.
"There was no way to prove this would be so without this event having occurred; had I told the rulers of each nation about my vision there would not have been peace let alone an alliance. With this single strike by the enemy I believe proof enough has been given that they are a force to be reckoned with; after all, how many armies have broken through Eleshir's gates?" There was silence for they all knew the answer: none.
Queen Louise walked forwards and up to the dais with everyone parting before her, Lux and Henry quick to stay on either side of her in case anyone attempted an assassination although such an act would bring quick death. The Queen stopped when she stood in front of Elizabeth and held the woman's hands in hers.
"Lady McArthur, rest assured you did not fail in your duties. I am glad to see at least one of my councilors survived this slaughter." Her gaze caught on a adolescent dressed in traditional Helgland clothing with a fearsome looking woman seated on one side and a man from Anstarm on the other. The Queen's quick mind dredged up the boy's name and she crossed towards them, ignoring the stunned silence in the rest of the hall.
"Prince Jochi." She greeted him. It was customary for the one of lower rank to announce themself first but she had the momentum of her entrance behind her and she wanted to make the most of its effect with every eye in the room on her at that moment. "I would like to discuss some... politics with you, if you wouldn't mind. With Princess Elaeria also, I believe you may find them to be most profitable." She smiled knowingly before turning to Henry.
"Now, I believe we should enjoy this banquet before we get down to business, Sir Henry. Hard times are to come and I'd like to enter them on a high note." Henry nodded and pulled a seat out for the Queen before taking one next to her, sitting himself next to Revaz. Despite the Queen's presence and security taking up most of his attention Henry's mind kept drifting towards Gwen; Elaeria's continued absence still worried him.
© 2007-2026