Welcome to the third check-in of The Story of the Lost Child (Neapolitan Novels #4) by Elena Ferrante. You can find the full schedule here, the marginalia post here, the first discussion of Chapters 1 - 23 here, and last week's discussion of Chapters 24 - 57 here.
If anyone is interested in guest/co-running any of the following weeks' discussions, please say so in a comment below or message me directly.
Check out the discussion questions below, feel free to add your own, and look forward to joining you for the fourth discussion next week on April 6 as we discuss Maturity, Chapter 92 - Old Age, Chapter 16.

Archmage Transcending Through Regression mamhwa, Mikhail Walpurgis, the world's only 9th-circle Archmage, fell in battle due to a damned hero, and managed to cast one final advanced magic spell, . As time rewound, he regressed to 20 years ago."Fine. I'll just become the hero instead." ... Read Archmage Transcending Through Regression - Chapter 43 - MangaPuma. Read more at https://mangapuma.com/archmage-transcending-through-regression/chapter-43

I came across two odd passages concerning the Sons of Fëanor in NoME that seem to contradict some fundamental elements of their characters and stories in the First Age.
Caranthir and Curufin in Nargothrond
In the chapter “The Founding of Nargothrond”, from 1969, it’s explicitly said that Caranthir and Curufin fled to Nargothrond after the Dagor Bragollach: “As when Curufin and Caranthir dwelt in the shelter of Nargothrond after the defeat of the Elves by Morgoth in the North.” (NoME, p. 304)
This is highly strange. The for nearly fifty years, it was Celegorm and Curufin who had been associated with Nargothrond, first as founders (cf HoME III, p. 65, with Christopher Tolkien’s commentary on p. 85–86). The element of Celegorm and Curufin in Nargothrond, with their usurpation of Finrod and capture of Lúthien, as well the story that Huan deserts Celegorm in favour of Lúthien, is a constant throughout Tolkien’s Legendarium writings: it’s in the Lay (cf HoME III, p. 216–217, 236–241), it’s in the Sketch (HoME IV, p. 23–27), it’s in the Quenta (HoME IV, p. 106, 109–110), it’s in the The Earliest Annals of Beleriand (HoME IV, p. 299–300), it’s in The Later Annals of Beleriand (HoME V, p. 132–133, 147), it’s in the Quenta (HoME V, p. 283), and it’s in The Grey Annals (HoME XI, p. 53–54, 62, 65–67).
And it has to be Celegorm in Nargothrond for the stories of Finrod’s quest with Beren and the capture of Lúthien to work: unmarried Celegorm (unlike Curufin and Caranthir, HoME XII, p. 318) who is such a powerful orator and persuasive personality, so much so that his skill as a speaker is compared to Fëanor’s – “Many wild and potent words he spoke,/and as before in Tûn awoke/his father’s voice their hearts to fire” (HoME III, p. 217) – the exact opposite of morose Caranthir who’s far more likely to explode in rage than to awake fire in the hearts of the people of Nargothrond with his speeches!
Maglor and the Eagles
In the chapter “Manwë’s Ban”, written in the last year of Tolkien’s life (NoME, p. 306), we are told this about the Eagles: “Their intervention in the story of Maelor, in the duel of Fingolfin and Melkor, in the rescue of Beren and Lúthien is well known.” (NoME, p. 308)
Of course the interventions of the Eagles in the stories of Fingolfin’s duel with Morgoth and the escape of Beren and Lúthien from Angband are well known.
But just what does “their intervention in the story of Maelor” refer to? Maglor (Maelor is a variant of Maglor, NoME, p. 309, fn. 6) is never associated with the Eagles in any other text that I’m aware of. But there is one Son of Fëanor who is closely associated with Thorondor: Maedhros.
The story of Fingon rescuing Maedhros from Thangorodrim with Thorondor’s help is very old, first appearing in the Sketch (HoME IV, p. 23), and a pivotal moment in the story of the Silmarillion: without Fingon’s rescue of Maedhros, the eldest Son of Fëanor and the only one with the authority to abdicate in favour of Fingolfin, the story of the Silmarillion would have been very different. The story of Fingon’s rescue of Maedhros – which I wrote in depth about recently – and the healing of the feud between the two hosts of the Noldor is as much of a constant as the story of Celegorm and Curufin in Nargothrond: it’s in the Sketch (HoME IV, p. 23), it’s in the Quenta (HoME IV, p. 102), it’s in the The Earliest Annals of Beleriand (HoME IV, p. 295), it’s in The Later Annals of Beleriand (HoME V, p. 126), it’s in the Quenta (HoME V, p. 251), and it’s in The Grey Annals (HoME XI, p. 31–32).
This story wouldn’t work if Fingon rescued Maglor: apart from it not being clear why Maglor, Fëanor’s second son, would be on Thangorodrim in the first place, Maglor being on Thangorodrim removes both of Fingon’s motivations for his daring rescue mission: his hope to heal the feud, which only works because he saved the one Son of Fëanor with the authority and strength of personality to actually do this, and their “ancient friendship” that “stung his heart” (The Silmarillion, p. 124).
Further Thoughts
I cannot decide which of the oddities is odder: Caranthir in Nargothrond of Maglor on Thangorodrim. What happened here? Are we to assume that in these texts, Celegorm and Maedhros somehow don’t exist, and that their roles in the story were taken by Caranthir and Maglor?
Sources
The Nature of Middle-earth, JRR Tolkien, ed Carl F Hostetter, HarperCollins 2021 (hardcover) [cited as: NoME].
The Silmarillion, JRR Tolkien, ed Christopher Tolkien, HarperCollins 1999 (softcover) [cited as: The Silmarillion]. The Lays of Beleriand, JRR Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, HarperCollins 2015 (softcover) [cited as: HoME III].
The Shaping of Middle-earth, JRR Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, HarperCollins 2015 (softcover) [cited as: HoME IV].
The Lost Road and Other Writings, JRR Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, HarperCollins 2015 (softcover) [cited as: HoME V].
The War of the Jewels, JRR Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, HarperCollins 2015 (softcover) [cited as: HoME XI].
The Peoples of Middle-earth, JRR Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, HarperCollins 2015 (softcover) [cited as: HoME XII].

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I've never been more proud!
We started sleep training with full extinction about 6 weeks ago. Weve had a our ups and downs but we have officially gone from 8+ night wakings as co-sleepers to 0 wakes and independent sleep in that span of time. Last week we had a bit of a regression and have had to cap his morning nap at 30 min, but seems to be working great for now!
I am just so relieved and proud. Thank you THANK YOU to everyone in this sub for all your advice and encouragement.

Limbus Company is a live-service style game that slowly brings out more and more of the main story over the course of months, with three of at least 12 chapters having been there since launch.
During the original trailer before launch however, we get a shot of a map of "The City" where the entire setting takes place, with screaming in the background as a population counter rapidly changes, with a single, split second where the it goes from 6.7 Billion, to 6.4 Billion in a single frame.
Why did 300 Million people die in June 985? I guess I'll have to wait to see in the future.
​
How about you? What ominous facts do you know about the future of the fictions you're interested in?

Action Movies! Here are options for downloading or watching John Wick 4 streaming the full movie online for free on 123movies & Reddit, including where to watch the latest installment in the John Wick franchise at home. John Wick: Chapter 4 2023 available to stream? Is watching John Wick: Chapter 4 on Peacock, HBO Max, Netflix or Disney Plus? Yes, we have found an authentic streaming option/service. Watch John Wick: Chapter 4 Online Free On 720p, 1080p, and 4k Available.

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John Wick 4 is finally here. Find out how to stream the Keanu Reeve’s action franchise movie John Wick: Chapter 4 online for free.
Over the course of three films so far, we’ve seen the consequences of what can happen when one of the world’s greatest hitmen comes out of retirement. John Wick, AKA Baba Yaga or The Boogeyman, is a man who is not to be trifled with under any circumstances, yet criminals can never seem to learn their lesson. This incredibly popular series began with John (Keanu Reeves) seeking revenge on the men that invaded his home, stole his car, and worst of all, killed his puppy, Daisy. From here, endless complications have prevented John from returning to retirement as he has traveled around the world and gone on the run. Now, in John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023), we’ll get to witness the titular hitman’s greatest challenge yet as he seeks revenge on the High Table. A council of highly respected (and feared) crime lords, they run the criminal underworld’s most powerful and notorious organizations; so needless to say, John has a punishing task ahead of him.
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Chad Stahelski’s sequel impressively outdoes the critical success of its predecessors, with John Wick: Chapter 4’s positive reviews being the best of the franchise. The movie already holds a Certified Fresh 93% score from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, which is higher than the two sequels’ 89% scores and the original’s 86% rating. John Wick: Chapter 4 is also expected to be the franchise’s biggest box office success yet, meaning it’s apt to enjoy a long exclusive theatrical window before releasing on streaming.
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If you’re excited to see where this highly anticipated action series goes next, we’ve got good news for you, because the latest installment is clocking in at a massive 169 minutes. It’s also out incredibly soon! Keep reading below to find out when and where you can see John Wick: Chapter 4.
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Here’s your guide on how you can watch the highly anticipated action movie John Wick 4 streaming, the latest installment in the John Wick franchise.
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When Is John Wick: Chapter 4 Release Date?
John Wick: Chapter 4 will first debut exclusively in theaters on Friday, March 24, 2023. It’s hard to believe that this is nearly two years later than its originally intended release date of May 21, 2021!
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If you would rather wait to watch it from the comforts of home, keep reading below, so you can learn more about the movie’s streaming and home media release details.
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Where to watch John Wick 4:
As of now, the only way to watch John Wick 4 is to head to a theater when it releases on Friday, March 24. You can find a local showing on Fandango. Otherwise, you’ll just have to wait for it to become available to rent or buy on digital platforms like Vudu, Paramount, Apple and YouTube, or become available to stream on Peacock.
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Following its release in theaters, the film will be available to stream on Prime Video. Expect the movie to hit the streamer 45 days after its theatrical run, which should be sometime in May. it’s most likely that Peacock will be the main platform that will stream John Wick: Chapter 4.
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Is John Wick 4 Available Streaming on Peacock?
Not Now,Lionsgate struck a massive distribution deal with Peacock that gives the streaming service exclusive rights to its films’ “Pay 2” streaming window (via THR). The agreement means that after Lionsgate’s films have their initial streaming releases on Starz, the movies, like John Wick: Chapter 4, will later be available to stream on Peacock. Since Lionsgate hasn’t even confirmed the official streaming release date for the John Wick sequel on Starz, don’t expect to see the movie land on Peacock until at least winter 2024 after the deal officially kicks in.
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Pay 1 windows typically last between a year to 18 months, meaning that if John Wick: Chapter 4 begins streaming on Starz in September 2023, it isn’t likely to join Peacock’s movie library until September 2024 at the earliest. Peacock and Lionsgate’s deal confirmed that releases like John Wick: Chapter 4 would start streaming on the service in 2024, so the latest movie will most likely be on Peacock in fall 2024. By this time, John Wick: Chapter 4 will be available alongside the entire John Wick franchise for streaming on the platform.
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Will John Wick 4 be on Netflix?
No, John Wick 4 will not be available on Netflix — at least not anytime soon, since it will be heading straight to Peacock after its theatrical release. In the meantime, you’ll just have to wait for it to become available on the NBCUniversal-owned streaming platform.
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Is John Wick 4 streaming on HBO Max?
John Wick 4 is expected to stream on HBO Max at some point after its theatrical run. No official streaming release date for the movie has yet been given, but as it comes from Warner Bros., it will likely arrive on the platform after its cinematic debut barring some unprecedented events or a unique deal.
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Is John Wick 4 Available On Hulu?
Viewers are saying that they want to view the new movie John Wick 4 on Hulu. Unfortunately, this is not possible since Hulu currently does not offer any of the free episodes of this series streaming at this time. It will be exclusive to the MTV channel, which you get by subscribing to cable or satellite TV services. You will not be able to watch it on Hulu or any other free streaming service.
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Is John Wick 4 streaming on Prime Video?
Amazon Prime Video subscribers might be disappointed because ‘John Wick 4’ is not a part of the streaming giant’s library. Alternatively, you have the option to turn to similar films using your subscription, including ‘Smile,’ ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula,’ ‘Let the Right One In.’
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The bad news is that the movie is not likely to come to Prime Video. Paramount Pictures movies used to head to Amazon Prime Video about a year after the theatrical release, but that’s changed with a lot of movies recently. Instead of heading to Prime Video, they’ve gone to Paramount+.
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Is John Wick 4 Streaming Online?
Well, not right now. In terms of the streaming release, John Wick 4 will most likely follow the 45-day theatrical window before being available to stream online. Due to Peacock’s multi-billion dollar acquisition of Lionsgate (the franchise’s production company), it’s most likely that Peacock will be the main platform that will stream John Wick 4.
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How To Watch John Wick Online
Soon to be four entries long, the John Wick franchise continues to deliver crowd-pleasing and action-packed times for audiences. So, with the newest installment being released very soon, now is the perfect time to head back to the beginning and relive John’s journey!
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Whether you’re already a superfan of the series or want to watch them all for the very first time, you’re in luck because the films are easy to find. The original John Wick (2014), John Wick: Chapter 2 (2017), and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum (2019) are all available for streaming right now on Peacock. However, they are all set to leave the service on April 1, 2023. If you don’t want to sign up for Peacock or if you miss your chance to see them there, the films are also available to rent or buy on online stores such as Amazon and Apple TV.
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How to Watch John Wick Online For Free?
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There are a few ways to watch John Wick 6 online in the U.S. You can use a streaming service such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. You can also rent or buy the movie on iTunes or Google Play. You can also watch it on-demand or on a streaming app available on your TV or streaming device if you have cable.
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John Wick 4 Cast
Keanu Reeves leads a cast that includes Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, Clancy Brown, Natalia Tena, Marko Zaror, and Ian McShane.
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What Is John Wick: Chapter 4 About?
According to Lionsgate: “John Wick takes on his most lethal adversaries yet in the upcoming fourth installment of the series. With the price on his head ever increasing, Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Osaka to Berlin.” ((INSHALLHA))

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Finally, one of the biggest questions surrounding GTA 6 is when it will be released. Some rumors have suggested that it could come out as early as 2023, while others believe it won't be released until 2025 or later. With Rockstar Games' reputation for taking their time and creating polished games, it's likely that we won't see the game for a few years yet. But whenever it does come out, fans will be eagerly waiting to see what the next chapter in the Grand Theft Auto series has in store.
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I haven't seen anyone point these out yet. On the right side of the bar and then in the foreground of the shot of Captain Tiva, we can see three pilots. These are directors Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa, and Deborah Chow reprising their roles from season 1 when they blasted Mando's contact at the end of Chapter 6.

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Ok, so rewatching ATLA, I started thinking about the chapter about Guru Pathik and the Chakras and ended up with a theory.
We were told the Fire Chakra was blocked by shame, and powered by willpower. Iroh also told Zuko that pride was the source of shame, and that true humility was its opposite.
With that in mind, I ask: did Zuko have his Fire Chakra blocked for 5/6 of the series ?
My argument is the following. Zuko was a late bloomer, which means that his bending was developed later than expected, but has nothing to do with it being higher or lower. By being the first born of the FN Prince, him being a late bloomer was a shame for his nation, and for that his father, grandfather and the Fire Sages doubted him since his birth. That means that when he developed his bending the damage was already done. Zuko felt shame since he can remember, and he tries to counter it with his pride, which only increases that shame and that causes his inner turmoil, weakening his firebending and preventing him to master Lightning bending. Only when he finally snaps and decides to join the Gaang, learning the true drive of firebending, he cleansed his fire chakra and developed his true potential. That would explain why he manages to bend Dragons Fire only seeing it once, or why he is the first firebender to properly fly with jet propulsion without Comet amp and carrying the Earth King (as Azula never properly flies). This doesn’t mean he has a higher potential than Azula, because Azula’s may be the highest potential ever seen in a firebender; but that Zuko’s potential was higher than we thought. In the end, he still is product of that prophecy of powerful rulers born from the combination of the Avatar’s and the Fire Lord’s bloodlines.

Battle report: R-02
Time: One day after the Galdush battle, day 21 since REC forces crossed to the other side
Report carried out by: Brigadier General Oscar Wayne
Report states: At noon of the 21st day the remains of the enemy seventh army engaged base Galdush. The attack was carried out by air forces, consisting of the enemy's seventh wyvern corp, and ground forces, consisting of the enemy's seventh siege legion. The wyverns came within roughly three miles from the base before the majority was taken out of the sky by AN/TWQ-2 missile systems, the rest either fled or stayed and were taken out via heavy machine gun fire. The siege legion was destroyed sooner by M155A2 self-propelled howitzers. The majority was eliminated, and remnants fled.
Outcome: Victory
REC casualties: None
Enemy casualties: Estimated 4.000 (Not including wyverns and hardware)
Identification sources: Captured general of the seventh army, Drannor Crax; Captured dwarven commander Dunan Oremelt.
(Twenty days after the Galdush battle)
Imperial palace, Elyana
"What is the meaning of this!?", Canus yelled in furious anger as he stood up from his throne.
"Your Majesty, I can explain.", Laeroth said standing in the center of the Grand chamber, surrounded by senators and the Chosen legions, "I was planning on informing you-"
"Inform me of what!? That the invasion force led by general Ylindar was destroyed in less than a day!? That the troops you sent to Galdush to stop the humans were also crushed!? That we lost nearly two hundred thousand forces, including two of our armies and generals, in less than one fucking moon cycle!?".
This was the first time anyone has seen Canus rage out like this. His whole life he was calm and collected, never raising his voice at anyone. Even if he did have an outburst, its magnitude was nowhere near the level of what the Grand chamber's attendants were experiencing at this moment. Laeroth had no words with which to defend himself and lying was beneath. He underestimated the enemy's capabilities. If they could do this, then he shuddered to imagine what they would do if they were given even more time. All he knew for sure was that a direct approach will undoubtedly lead to failure.
"Your Majesty.", Laeroth spoke, "I meant no disrespect. I only assumed that-"
"You assumed!? You do not assume, Laeroth. You determine! You bring solutions and results. In over three hundred cycles you never once assumed anything. What has changed? Are you losing your edge?"
"Your Majes-"
"Perhaps I should put someone else in charge.". These words shook Laeroth to the core. "Someone more youthful. Someone I can fully trust. Someone capable of cleaning this mess. Perhaps Athtar, maybe Reebus or Syndra. Or... maybe that fellow Alpharan."
"No!", Laeroth shouted, his voice booming over the halls, making everyone present twitch. He drew his sword and knelt, "I shall resolve this. I shall not fail you, Your Majesty.". He brought the edge of his sword to his left hand and without hesitation sliced off his smallest finger. Then he placed his sword on the floor and offered Canus his finger. Canus slowly walked over to him and took it.
After observing the finger for several moments, Canus spoke, "Rise.", and so Laeroth did, "This is your final chance. Should you fail me, you will lose more than this finger.". With a bow and a salute, Laeroth exited the chamber. "This meeting is over! Return to your duties!"
With that, the chamber was emptied and only Canus remained with his guard. Sitting on his throne, Canus observed Laeroth's finger. All he could do was hope and pray that Laeroth's determination would prevail.
As Laeroth walked down the halls he patched up his hand with cloth. His first captain walked beside him, "Sir! You must slow down."
"I cannot Helion!", Laeroth shouted, "Every minute we spend bickering is a minute we give to the enemy. Their power, their speed, it is like nothing we faced before."
"Well... What do we do? What can we do?"
"First we need to fortify the North Alston river. Send word to general Lyklor Balphine of the XI and general Reebus Octo of the XII. Tell them to hold the bridges and not let the enemy pass. Since they have powerful cannons, they need to spread their forces out and use long-range catapults. Second, send word to the Meilume nobility and tell them to leave the region. Third, bring me the captive humans as soon as possible. Where are they?"
"About a dozen have been scattered at the Meilume and Kuruk capitals. The rest are on their way to the other cities between Kuruk and Elyana and many will be sent to the mines of the Tubal mountains."
"I want eight captives here as soon as possible."
"Understood sir.". The captain saluted and rushed to his duties, leaving Laeroth who entered his personal chamber and grabbed his flask. After he emptied it he threw it to the corner of the room. Sitting down on his bed he caught his breath and stared at the spirit statues on his shelf and prayed, "Morto, I beg of you. Bring death upon these cursed enemies."
---
(Around the same time)
South village, Yellow forest county, Meilume
Nym will never forget what happened that day. His little crew swore that they would never tell anyone about it. That... man, if it can be called a man, terrified them. When they returned to their parents they lied about how they were running from ferals they saw in the forest while playing. This put the whole village on alert. Of course, it would, a danger of ferals attacking was normal. The whole forest had dens of feral welfen and leanoids, but the county didn't have the means with which to deal with the problem and the empire doesn't see them as a threat overall, so the counties were on their own.
The Yellow forest county had roughly eight thousand people living in it with roughly six hundred militia. It was small compared to some other counties but it held on all things considered. Some people wanted to leave the country as they feared it was becoming too dangerous due to feral activity, but recent events made them choose otherwise. Two massive armies marched near their forest and looking down from the hill the people could see them. The first one marched to the rift to get to the other side and the other after them to assist them. But they were all defeated. This frightened the people of Yellow forest, but they chose to stay, thinking that maybe the enemy won't enter their forest because of the ferals. A long shot, but one they chose to take.
Nym was outside with his friends. The sun was starting to set and they had to return home from mushroom picking. "We never should have gone there.", said Cohnal.
"Stop talking about it.", Nym said, "It's done, stop."
"He has a point, Nym.", Elsha said, "I don't know why that man let us go but... I don't ever want to see him again."
"Same here.", said Meara.
"And we won't have to.", Nym said, "As long as we don't tell anyone anything and we never go to Galdush, we will be fine."
The four of them nodded to that. What happened on that day scared them to the core. But it made them confused more than anything else. The passing imperial soldiers said how they were going to a savage land filled with barbaric monsters. But if that was true, then why did the men on Galdush spare them? Was it because they took no pleasure in killing children? One thing was for sure, they will heed their advice and stay away.
"I think we have enough.", Elsha said.
"Yes.", Hallas said, "We should probably return to the village before ferals show up."
"I don't think they will.", Nym said.
"What do you mean?", Meara asked.
"Haven't you noticed that we haven't seen any ferals in several moon cycles? It's like they ran away."
"That is strange.", Cohnal said, "But either way, we should hurry back."
The five of them started walking back. The forest is quite beautiful in the evening and at night. The reason why it's called Yellow forest is that in the late yellow season and all of the green season, the yellow-backed fireflies and red-headed beetles start flying at night and illuminate the whole forest with yellow and red dots. The county doesn't put up many torches in these times because the people love watching the red and yellow dance of insects. A few beetles have come out of the trees and this told the children they should hurry.
As they ran through the forest, Elsha stopped when she heard rustling in a nearby bush. Her curiosity got the better of her and she walked closer to the bush, despite Nym telling her not to. She walked closer and closer and when she got closer she noticed a pair of green eyes inside the bush. She realized immediately what it was and jumped back just before the creature jumped after her. It was a goblin. Short and bald with a big nose and ugly teeth it wore rags and held a crudely made spear. Elsha was backing away but she slipped and fell on her back. The goblin was about to stab her with his spear, but Nym jumped in and shanked it in the side, piercing its heart. Pulling out the knife he grabbed Elsha and the five of them started running back to the village. As they ran, goblins started jumping out of the bushes and shrubs. Dozens of them. The children could see the gate of the village.
"Open the gate!", Nym yelled as he dragged Elsha, "Goblins! Let us in!"
The guards quickly rushed to open the gate. They opened it just enough so the children could pass. One by one passed and Nym was about to cross but he was grabbed by the goblins. The goblin that grabbed him was taller and bulkier than the rest. He dragged Nym back and left as more goblins showed up. The children cried and the guards quickly closed the gate and climbed on the walls. They saw not dozens, but hundreds of goblins. How could there be so many, they couldn't know and there was no time to find out. The one hundred and fifty militia that were at the village armed themselves and prepared to fight. The goblins threw stones at them but the stone is not as strong as an arrow. The militia opened fire with bows and crossbows, killing dozens of them. The larger goblins threw larger stones and even smaller goblins at the wall. A few made it over and some landed on the militia and started stabbing them. One militia fighter used his sword to slice their heads off and grabbed the crossbow of a fallen fighter and shot the larger goblin in the head, killing him and letting his disgusting, bloated hunk of flesh flop on the ground.
"Aim for the large ones first!", he shouted, "I need spears on the edges, they are climbing! Burn them, they hate fire!". He continued to kill more goblins, slicing the heads of the ones who climbed up on the wall's edges. In front, he could see how a section was overwhelmed as the large goblins threw smaller ones at the militia. He grabbed a nearby shield and charged at them, knocking several down and letting the forces on the ground deal with them. As he looked down he saw the last six large goblins grab a log and he immediately understood their role. "Prepare the torches! Grab cloth!". The fighters did just that and threw the burning cloth and torches at the goblins as they hit the gate with their log.
As the battle went on, the militia killed dozens of goblins with volleys of arrows but more just kept coming. They could see the end though, there were no more large goblins and the small ones had organized a suicide charge to overwhelm the wall, but the fighters kept throwing fire and shooting them with arrows. As this was happening, however, something was happening in the village. The people were all in their homes, but a few were still helping the militia fight as they treated their wounds and brought arrows, food, and boiling water. One of them heard something coming from the abandoned well and moved closer to see. When he got closer he peaked in and a green hand grabbed him as another one stabbed him in the throat. From the good goblins came, several of them, then a few dozen. They went into homes and people started screaming. Elsha was in one of the homes, and her grandmother was laying in the corner when a goblin walked towards her, but Elsha took a knife and stabbed it in the head. From her door, she could see more of them running towards her. She was scared but relieved as more militia came. They were from the western village of the county and had come as soon as they could. The fighters went into the homes and started killing the goblins. Chopping off heads, stabbing hearts and lungs, firing crossbows, burning, the militia used everything.
Eventually, the goblins inside the village were all killed and the fires were put out. The goblins outside the wall were mostly dead but nearly a hundred fled. This was a dark night. The south militia lost nearly a third of its force and dozens of people were killed by the goblins from the well, which was covered up with wooded planks and stone. But the damage to the hearts and minds of the people was greater. Mothers mourned their children and children their fathers. Their greatest fear was the goblins coming back.
(The next day)
Everyone looked to the wall defender, Tulgor, the commander of the south militia. They hoped he would have an answer to all this, and so did he. Some wanted revenge, many asked what to do next. Truth is, he didn't know what to do. Something like this never occurred and no one thought it was possible.
"Tulgor.", spoke an elderly elf, "What do you think we should do?"
"I... I do not know, elder.", Tulgor replied, making everyone around them lower their heads in grief, "We could send fighters down the well and see what is down there. It could be their den and if so they are asleep. But I cannot be certain what we will face. If we get cornered we would die. Besides, we do not have the means with which to destroy the den."
"So all that remains is for us to prepare for the next attack?"
"I fear so. And since we do not know where they will attack next, I suggest we inform the mayor to declare a state of alert county-wide, as to prevent further surprises and death."
"Very well. I will personally go to the central hall and-"
"Tulgor!", shouted a militia fighter, "Tulgor! You have to see this."
Tulgor quickly stood up, "What is it? Have the goblins awoken?"
"No. But... I don't know. You must come, they call for you."
"Call for me? Who? Imperial soldiers?"
"No. They are soldiers, but they are wearing green armor and have boomsticks. They're not dwarves, they are too tall and their skin is paler than theirs is."
This greatly confused Tulgor, "Did they say where they are from?"
"Yes. They are from Galdush."
This statement made his heart freeze and the people around him panicked. The enemy from Galdush came here? Why? Have they come to kill them and take their land? Why here, this is a small county. Swallowing the spit that worked up in his mouth he spoke, "How many?"
"I counted only a dozen. But I think there are more in their armored carriages."
"Assemble fifty of our finest. I will meet them."
---
(Earlier)
Operations base Galdush, morning
It's been a while since any attacks have been launched at them and REC got to work. They improved their base, finishing the machine shop, barracks, airstrip, fortifications, and central command. The base was taking shape of a polygonal fort. The reason is that, historically, these types of fortifications were the best defenses against cannon fire until more accurate and powerful forms of artillery were created. But since the highest level of military technology possessed by the enemy is that of the Napoleonic era, it's not an issue. The other benefit is that polygonal forts are built in a way so that the point which needed to be defended is in the middle. This way the rift is in the center and defended on all sides. As an extra precaution, the rift was surrounded by a steel dome with a garrison defending it.
After the full thirty thousand troops made it to the other side of the rift, a few reforms were made. Firstly, all equipment that required a satellite link was not to be used as they had no satellites here. Instead, they used drones until a proper system can be emplaced. Secondly, a squad of four distinct tribals will be accompanying all Rift groups, or RGs, in order to spread the word to the other tribals of North Altia in hopes of bringing more people to the US's side and also showing them why they are not monsters.
There were currently five RGs and each was given an assignment. They were to go to various locations in Meilume and do reconnaissance as well as gain contact with locals and find out more about the imperial government. Each RG was a platoon of thirty-eight rangers from the 75th Ranger regiment led by a first lieutenant and was equipped with standard hardware. Since the end of the Great crisis, Russia and the US have been working on the 'Warrior' project in order to create better gear for soldiers. The result was a helmet, body armor, a one-piece coverall, hearing protection; protective glasses; a protective set for knees and elbows; new grenade launchers, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, ammunition, a combat knife, as well as 24/7 reconnaissance means, a day and night sighting system, a small-size binocular, optical and thermal weapon sights, etc. As well as these, the system comprises a universal shelter, a multifunctional knife, a signal lamp, a watch, winter and summer two-side camouflage sets, an autonomous heat source, a backpack, an individual water filter, a small entrenching tool, breath protection devices, means of radiological and chemical control, a medical kit, and filtering clothes. As for vehicles, each RG has two JLTV3s, two International MaxxPros, and one LAV-40, all armed and ready.
With their assignments given, the rangers got to work. RG-2, led by lieutenant Andrea Williams, was to track down the elven children Spearteam found snooping. The group tracked them down to a nearby place designated Yellow forest. They took a path through the forest and hoped to run into their village. On the way, they admired the environment. The green trees, the clear blue sky, and the animals looked like the ones back on Earth, just with a few distinct features. Like how rabbits have longer legs, foxes have brighter eyes, some even have two tails. Everything was truly fascinating.
"Man this place is beautiful.", said sergeant David Hall, "It's like driving through a national park."
"You said it, Dave.", said sergeant Greg Nivera, "What do you think we'll find here?"
"Man, I'm hoping for some griffons or something."
"Griffons are only in the north.", said Xod, the leanoid, "If we ever get to the dwarven kingdoms we might find one."
"That's a bummer.", Greg said.
"Bummer?", asked Zog, the welfen.
"It means it's a bad thing.", David said.
"Why is that a bad thing?"
"Because I really wanted to see one!", Greg said.
"Quiet.", said Andrea over the comms, "You forgot to turn off the radio."
"Sorry ma'am.", said Greg as he turned the radio off.
"Boys.", said Andrea in the lead JLTV, "Let's find these kids."
"I just hope we don't scare them.", said sergeant Sophia Adams, "I'd hate to make a bad first impression."
"These people live in the Yellow forest.", said Madia the lepian, "It's likely that they know about the Galdush battle and they consider you as an enemy. I wouldn't expect them to greet you with 'open arms' as you say it."
"I don't expect that either.", said Andrea, "But that's why we're here. We have to show them that they don't have to fear us. "
Ksee, the feelian, scoffed at that, "You should use your cannons and destroy them. It's what they deserve anyway."
"We won't be the monsters they say we are. There can be another way. Besides, it's the army and the emperor along with the other stuck-up nobility that's the problem. I'm not gonna kill farmers 'cause a bureucrat attacked me."
Ksee thought about that. She saw what the Americans were capable of, and yet she couldn't understand why they don't just force the elves into submission. As they drove through the forest, they came across another path that led deeper into the woods. The tracker led them there and so they followed it. It was amazing how many things the human soldiers were capable of doing, unlike the elves who only knew how to kill in several different ways. The vehicles moved through the woods and reached a wooden wall about roughly twenty feet tall that looked like it saw action recently. They followed the tracker and found it on the ground in front of the gate.
'What happened here?', Andrea thought as she picked up the tracker.
"Hold it!", shouted someone from the wall. It was an elf and around him about twenty more with bows and crossbows pointed at Andrea, "Who are you?"
Andrea calmly stepped forward, "I am lieutenant Andrea Williams of Rift group 2 from the Rift Expeditionary Corp!". This seemed to confuse them.
"Where are you from?", he asked.
"Galdush."
This made them tense up. They seemed angered. "You are the enemy! Why have you come?!". The rangers aimed their guns at them but Andrea waved for them to calm down.
"We are here to speak with your leader. We only want to make peaceful relations."
"You lie! The imperial army told us that they were heading to Galdush to face the enemy that has come to invade our lands! Thousands went and only hundreds returned! That was your doing!"
"Those soldiers attacked us first. They sent their army through the rift and killed thousands of innocent people. We are here to peacefully solve any and all problems with the empire, but we need your help."
"Why should I trust you?"
In response, Andrea gave her gun to Greg, took off her helmet, and widened her arms, "I mean you no harm!". After some hesitation, one of the elves climbed down from the wall.
"Wait there!".
So the team waited. Some were skeptical about this but did nothing. David walked up to Andrea, "Are you sure about this lieutenant? You really think they're gonna even consider talking to us?"
"All I know is they could've shot us on sight. Do you want to kill hundreds of people today, sergeant?". In that moment, the gate opened and an elf followed by fifty more stepped out. The fifty made a defensive line of shields, which tensed up the rangers.
"No, but if this keeps up I might have to.", David said.
The leading elf stepped forward, "I am Tulgor Salvin, commander of the south militia."
Andrea stepped forward, "I am lieutenant Andrea Williams, commander of RG-2 of the Rift Expeditionary group."
"Why have you come, Lieutenant Andrea Williams?"
"As I stated before, we are here to make peaceful relations with the elven people. We mean you no harm."
"You misunderstood my question. Why are you here, specifically?"
"We are here because we want to prove to you that we are not monsters and savages that the empire claims us to be. We only desire peace."
"You keep saying that word. Peace. And yet you kill dozens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of soldiers."
"Those soldiers attacked us first. You can't blame us for defending ourselves."
"True. Still, how do I know you won't stab us in the back? I see the tribals behind you. You make them fight for you, so how do I know you will not enslave us as well."
"We are not slaves!", Xod shouted, making the fighters twitch, "We chose to fight alongside these humans because we are tired of the empire enslaving and killing us! We fight with them because they promised us freedom! With them, not for them!"
This made Tulgor raise an eyebrow, "Is that really true?"
"Yes.", Andrea said, "We want to end slavery and show you that there is a better way. So if you want to fight them, you'll have to fight us. And I assure you, it will be bloody.". The fighters and rangers tensed up, ready for a fight. But Tulgor laughed.
"Never before have I met a woman with such ferociousness and authority.", he said, "You have my respect. However, if you want my trust, you must offer me more than words."
"And what is it that you want?"
Tulgor thought for a while before answering, "There is a certain goblin problem we are facing."
"Goblin problem?"
"Last night, a horde of goblins attacked us and I lost many fighters. I sense that they will come back but I cannot search for them and leave the village undefended."
"Interesting. Do you have any leads? Or a hunch as to where they are?"
"They came from the forest but it stretches for many leagues. They did however come from an abandoned well."
This caught Andrea's attention, "Very well. But my soldiers will have to enter your village."
"I shall allow half of your men and two carriages."
"Alright.", she turned to the group, "Hall, Adams, bring half the group, one JLTV3, and one MRAP. Madia, Ksee, you're coming too, the rest stay here."
The group organized and entered the village. All the people stared at them and their vehicles, like something otherworldly, which they technically were. They came to the abandoned well and Andrea gave the order to prepare the RC drone and the flyer. The rangers removed the wood and stone from the well and started lowering the drone.
"What is that?", Tulgor asked.
"It's a device we can use to see what's inside the well without going in there.", Andrea answered, "And that one can fly."
"Amazing. How?"
"A long story. I might show you sometime."
The drone was lowered to the bottom and a private drove it. He had to turn on night vision to see. "It looks like a tunnel.", he said, "They probably dug their way in there. You got anything?"
"Nothing yet.", said the other private, "Hold on. I think I see a cave. Yeah, definitely. The entrance is above ground level."
"Goblins are night dwellers.", Tulgor said, "They sleep during the day and hate fire. A cave is where they prefer to live. But to think they would dig their way to our well. I knew they were on a tribal level but this."
"Don't compare us to those monsters, elf.", said Madia.
"Why? They also kidnap people and force-mate with them."
"We only do it when we need to!"
"Calm down!", shouted Andrea, "We had an agreement."
"Ma'am, come look at this.", said a private, and Andrea, Tulgor, and Sophia gathered, "I see dozens of them, sleeping, maybe more further out. And here. It's a boy."
"That is the boy they took last night.", Tulgor said, "He still lives."
"Someone has to go down there and get him.", Andrea said, "Ksee?"
"Why me?", Ksee asked.
"You are the most flexible one. Plus, that's an order."
Ksee groaned but accepted. The private pulled the drone back and tied the rope to her. She was lowered down and then crawled through the tunnel, ignoring the stench on the way. Finally, she came to the cave and looked around, her cat eyes allowing her to see clearly. She saw the boy, who was a little battered but breathing and alive. She slowly grabbed him under the arms but he woke up and started freaking out. This woke up a few goblins and Ksee grabbed the boy and ran back, quickly going back through the tunnel.
She tied the rope around him, "Pull him up!". As they pulled the boy up she could see the goblins approaching, "They're coming!"
"Take this!", Andrea shouted, throwing a frag grenade at her.
"What is it?", Ksee asked.
"Just pull the ring, throw it, and then climb!"
Ksee did just that. After she pulled the pin she threw it at the approaching goblins who grabbed it out of curiosity. A curiosity that would have them killed as the grenade exploded, killing several goblins and blocking the path to Ksee. After Ksee and the boy climbed out, the soldiers rejoiced.
"Please don't make me do that again.", Ksee said.
Andrea chuckled, "No promises."
Ksee saw the boy run to his mother and friends, who cried tears of joy. This made her smile. Tulgor walked over to her and slightly bowed, "Thank you for saving one of my own."
"Don't mention it.", Ksee said, "It was a piece of cake."
Tulgor was confused by that statement, "Cake? There is no cake here."
Ksee laughed a little, "Don't worry about it. The humans taught me, I was a little confused myself."
Greg walked over as he put away his radio, "Ok, it's done. I gave the location to command, they're sending a platoon with flamethrowers to deal with the cave."
"How-", Tulgor began to ask.
"Another device.", Greg said, "We have a lot of them."
Tulgor chuckled, "I see. Thank you, humans. I suppose we can trust you after all. Come, let me introduce you to the elder."
End of chapter 7
​
---
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This is going to be lengthy, and I will try to provide as much context as I can. However, I am sorry if it is boring but this is something I’ve need to tell to a third party for quite some time now. I also don’t want to give too many specifics due to if this was found by this person.
When I (F16)was young I got my first job. At this job I made a huge group of friends. We all would go out together, have occasional parties and just overall had great friendships. Over time I became attached to two other friends, L (F17) and G(F17). Fast forward a bunch of typical teen experiences it really only became L and I hanging out on the day to day experience.
L was there for me through a bad relationship, the pandemic and overall like my sister. I adored her and we spent so much time together. We would drive 45 minutes away just to swipe on tinder or go around the whole city trying to find stuff we found on tiktok.
I spent a lot of time day dreaming of hypotheticals . For example the day L would be my maid of honor, or being able to be like an aunt to her kids. So on so fourth. She was the only stability I had. Over time things started to change. She found a boyfriend and I was just dating, experience life as a 20 year old. We started having different paths. I tried to be supportive in the way she needed but often felt like I was slowly being forgotten.
Of course, we’d have our monthly really great day but it used to be weekly. I picked up toxic communication skills because I didn’t feel like I could be fully communicative of my emotions without pushing her away. I started to become a shell around her. Who I thought she wanted me to be. It was difficult and in hindsight not what I should’ve done.
Fast forward a little bit, I met my current partner. Instantly him and I hit it off. Our first date was 30 hrs long and on the weekends we were inseparable. I kept my weeks free besides work for L. That wasn’t always reciprocated.
The following 3 months is what I call the downfall. We were finally able to set up a double date which ended horribly. It was awkward, there was no communication chemistry amongst the four of us whatsoever. To top it off, during this time I was struggling with some childhood trauma. The waitress had came up behind me and put her hand on my back. Which startled me and sent me into a hyperventilating panic attack. My partner noticed and decided we needed to end the night.
Nothing was ever the same. L and I tried to talk bout what happened but I lied by saying we had plans following the evening and had to go. As I was too embarrassed to admit that I was having a panic attack about what happened with the waitress. We brushed that off and she said some rude comments about how she doesn’t know I could like him, you know with his lack of hair & all.
I had fault in this, I absolutely take responsibility. I got so used to a lack of communication that I didn’t know how to communicate what was going on.
After that day of us talking following up the double date we never saw each other again. She slowly ghosted me which felt like the worlds slowest stabbing. I tried to text once to tell her I missed her and only got a “imy” back. After a month of her silently watching my life, I decided I need to go my own way. I removed her from my social media and deleted her contact from my phone. I couldn’t keep that door open, it was so painful.
It took 6 whole months to stop resorting to drunk crying over L. I missed her so much and had to readjust the image I had of my future with her in it. I cried, cried and cried some more. I never experienced the feeling like this. I’ve had romantic breakups that didn’t feel like a quarter of the sorrow and grief that had stricken me with closing that chapter of my life.
I still to this day miss L. I think I will ALWAYS miss L. However, I am ready to take what I learned from that experience to have healthy and growing relationships throughout the rest of my life.

Battle report: R-02
Time: One day after the Galdush battle, day 21 since REC forces crossed to the other side
Report carried out by: Brigadier General Oscar Wayne
Report states: At noon of the 21st day the remains of the enemy seventh army engaged base Galdush. The attack was carried out by air forces, consisting of the enemy's seventh wyvern corp, and ground forces, consisting of the enemy's seventh siege legion. The wyverns came within roughly three miles from the base before the majority was taken out of the sky by AN/TWQ-2 missile systems, the rest either fled or stayed and were taken out via heavy machine gun fire. The siege legion was destroyed sooner by M155A2 self-propelled howitzers. The majority was eliminated, and remnants fled.
Outcome: Victory
REC casualties: None
Enemy casualties: Estimated 4.000 (Not including wyverns and hardware)
Identification sources: Captured general of the seventh army, Drannor Crax; Captured dwarven commander Dunan Oremelt.
(Twenty days after the Galdush battle)
Imperial palace, Elyana
"What is the meaning of this!?", Canus yelled in furious anger as he stood up from his throne.
"Your Majesty, I can explain.", Laeroth said standing in the center of the Grand chamber, surrounded by senators and the Chosen legions, "I was planning on informing you-"
"Inform me of what!? That the invasion force led by general Ylindar was destroyed in less than a day!? That the troops you sent to Galdush to stop the humans were also crushed!? That we lost nearly two hundred thousand forces, including two of our armies and generals, in less than one fucking moon cycle!?".
This was the first time anyone has seen Canus rage out like this. His whole life he was calm and collected, never raising his voice at anyone. Even if he did have an outburst, its magnitude was nowhere near the level of what the Grand chamber's attendants were experiencing at this moment. Laeroth had no words with which to defend himself and lying was beneath. He underestimated the enemy's capabilities. If they could do this, then he shuddered to imagine what they would do if they were given even more time. All he knew for sure was that a direct approach will undoubtedly lead to failure.
"Your Majesty.", Laeroth spoke, "I meant no disrespect. I only assumed that-"
"You assumed!? You do not assume, Laeroth. You determine! You bring solutions and results. In over three hundred cycles you never once assumed anything. What has changed? Are you losing your edge?"
"Your Majes-"
"Perhaps I should put someone else in charge.". These words shook Laeroth to the core. "Someone more youthful. Someone I can fully trust. Someone capable of cleaning this mess. Perhaps Athtar, maybe Reebus or Syndra. Or... maybe that fellow Alphs."
"No!", Laeroth shouted, his voice booming over the halls, making everyone present twitch. He drew his sword and knelt, "I shall resolve this. I shall not fail you, Your Majesty.". He brought the edge of his sword to his left hand and without hesitation sliced off his smallest finger. Then he placed his sword on the floor and offered Canus his finger. Canus slowly walked over to him and took it.
After observing the finger for several moments, Canus spoke, "Rise.", and so Laeroth did, "This is your final chance. Should you fail me, you will lose more than this finger.". With a bow and a salute, Laeroth exited the chamber. "This meeting is over! Return to your duties!"
With that, the chamber was emptied and only Canus remained with his guard. Sitting on his throne, Canus observed Laeroth's finger. All he could do was hope and pray that Laeroth's determination would prevail.
As Laeroth walked down the halls he patched up his hand with cloth. His first captain walked beside him, "Sir! You must slow down."
"I cannot Helion!", Laeroth shouted, "Every minute we spend bickering is a minute we give to the enemy. Their power, their speed, it is like nothing we faced before."
"Well... What do we do? What can we do?"
"First we need to fortify the North Alston river. Send word to general Lyklor Balphine of the XI and general Reebus Octo of the XII. Tell them to hold the bridges and not let the enemy pass. Since they have powerful cannons, they need to spread their forces out and use long-range catapults. Second, send word to the Meilume nobility and tell them to leave the region. Third, bring me the captive humans as soon as possible. Where are they?"
"About a dozen have been scattered at the Meilume and Kuruk capitals. The rest are on their way to the other cities between Kuruk and Elyana and many will be sent to the mines of the Tubal mountains."
"I want eight captives here as soon as possible."
"Understood sir.". The captain saluted and rushed to his duties, leaving Laeroth who entered his personal chamber and grabbed his flask. After he emptied it he threw it to the corner of the room. Sitting down on his bed he caught his breath and stared at the spirit statues on his shelf and prayed, "Morto, I beg of you. Bring death upon these cursed enemies."
---
(Around the same time)
South village, Yellow forest county, Meilume
Nym will never forget what happened that day. His little crew swore that they would never tell anyone about it. That... man, if it can be called a man, terrified them. When they returned to their parents they lied about how they were running from ferals they saw in the forest while playing. This put the whole village on alert. Of course, it would, a danger of ferals attacking was normal. The whole forest had dens of feral welfen and leanoids, but the county didn't have the means with which to deal with the problem and the empire doesn't see them as a threat overall, so the counties were on their own.
The Yellow forest county had roughly eight thousand people living in it with roughly six hundred militia. It was small compared to some other counties but it held on all things considered. Some people wanted to leave the country as they feared it was becoming too dangerous due to feral activity, but recent events made them choose otherwise. Two massive armies marched near their forest and looking down from the hill the people could see them. The first one marched to the rift to get to the other side and the other after them to assist them. But they were all defeated. This frightened the people of Yellow forest, but they chose to stay, thinking that maybe the enemy won't enter their forest because of the ferals. A long shot, but one they chose to take.
Nym was outside with his friends. The sun was starting to set and they had to return home from mushroom picking. "We never should have gone there.", said Cohnal.
"Stop talking about it.", Nym said, "It's done, stop."
"He has a point, Nym.", Elsha said, "I don't know why that man let us go but... I don't ever want to see him again."
"Same here.", said Meara.
"And we won't have to.", Nym said, "As long as we don't tell anyone anything and we never go to Galdush, we will be fine."
The four of them nodded to that. What happened on that day scared them to the core. But it made them confused more than anything else. The passing imperial soldiers said how they were going to a savage land filled with barbaric monsters. But if that was true, then why did the men on Galdush spare them? Was it because they took no pleasure in killing children? One thing was for sure, they will heed their advice and stay away.
"I think we have enough.", Elsha said.
"Yes.", Hallas said, "We should probably return to the village before ferals show up."
"I don't think they will.", Nym said.
"What do you mean?", Meara asked.
"Haven't you noticed that we haven't seen any ferals in several moon cycles? It's like they ran away."
"That is strange.", Cohnal said, "But either way, we should hurry back."
The five of them started walking back. The forest is quite beautiful in the evening and at night. The reason why it's called Yellow forest is that in the late yellow season and all of the green season, the yellow-backed fireflies and red-headed beetles start flying at night and illuminate the whole forest with yellow and red dots. The county doesn't put up many torches in these times because the people love watching the red and yellow dance of insects. A few beetles have come out of the trees and this told the children they should hurry.
As they ran through the forest, Elsha stopped when she heard rustling in a nearby bush. Her curiosity got the better of her and she walked closer to the bush, despite Nym telling her not to. She walked closer and closer and when she got closer she noticed a pair of green eyes inside the bush. She realized immediately what it was and jumped back just before the creature jumped after her. It was a goblin. Short and bald with a big nose and ugly teeth it wore rags and held a crudely made spear. Elsha was backing away but she slipped and fell on her back. The goblin was about to stab her with his spear, but Nym jumped in and shanked it in the side, piercing its heart. Pulling out the knife he grabbed Elsha and the five of them started running back to the village. As they ran, goblins started jumping out of the bushes and shrubs. Dozens of them. The children could see the gate of the village.
"Open the gate!", Nym yelled as he dragged Elsha, "Goblins! Let us in!"
The guards quickly rushed to open the gate. They opened it just enough so the children could pass. One by one passed and Nym was about to cross but he was grabbed by the goblins. The goblin that grabbed him was taller and bulkier than the rest. He dragged Nym back and left as more goblins showed up. The children cried and the guards quickly closed the gate and climbed on the walls. They saw not dozens, but hundreds of goblins. How could there be so many, they couldn't know and there was no time to find out. The one hundred and fifty militia that were at the village armed themselves and prepared to fight. The goblins threw stones at them but the stone is not as strong as an arrow. The militia opened fire with bows and crossbows, killing dozens of them. The larger goblins threw larger stones and even smaller goblins at the wall. A few made it over and some landed on the militia and started stabbing them. One militia fighter used his sword to slice their heads off and grabbed the crossbow of a fallen fighter and shot the larger goblin in the head, killing him and letting his disgusting, bloated hunk of flesh flop on the ground.
"Aim for the large ones first!", he shouted, "I need spears on the edges, they are climbing! Burn them, they hate fire!". He continued to kill more goblins, slicing the heads of the ones who climbed up on the wall's edges. In front, he could see how a section was overwhelmed as the large goblins threw smaller ones at the militia. He grabbed a nearby shield and charged at them, knocking several down and letting the forces on the ground deal with them. As he looked down he saw the last six large goblins grab a log and he immediately understood their role. "Prepare the torches! Grab cloth!". The fighters did just that and threw the burning cloth and torches at the goblins as they hit the gate with their log.
As the battle went on, the militia killed dozens of goblins with volleys of arrows but more just kept coming. They could see the end though, there were no more large goblins and the small ones had organized a suicide charge to overwhelm the wall, but the fighters kept throwing fire and shooting them with arrows. As this was happening, however, something was happening in the village. The people were all in their homes, but a few were still helping the militia fight as they treated their wounds and brought arrows, food, and boiling water. One of them heard something coming from the abandoned well and moved closer to see. When he got closer he peaked in and a green hand grabbed him as another one stabbed him in the throat. From the well goblins came, several of them, then a few dozen. They went into homes and people started screaming. Elsha was in one of the homes, and her grandmother was laying in the corner when a goblin walked towards her, but Elsha took a knife and stabbed it in the head. From her door, she could see more of them running towards her. She was scared but relieved as more militia came. They were from the western village of the county and had come as soon as they could. The fighters went into the homes and started killing the goblins. Chopping off heads, stabbing hearts and lungs, firing crossbows, burning, the militia used everything.
Eventually, the goblins inside the village were all killed and the fires were put out. The goblins outside the wall were mostly dead but nearly a hundred fled. This was a dark night. The south militia lost nearly a third of its force and dozens of people were killed by the goblins from the well, which was covered up with wooded planks and stone. But the damage to the hearts and minds of the people was greater. Mothers mourned their children and children their fathers. Their greatest fear was the goblins coming back.
(The next day)
Everyone looked to the wall defender, Tulgor, the commander of the south militia. They hoped he would have an answer to all this, and so did he. Some wanted revenge, many asked what to do next. Truth is, he didn't know what to do. Something like this never occurred and no one thought it was possible.
"Tulgor.", spoke an elderly elf, "What do you think we should do?"
"I... I do not know, elder.", Tulgor replied, making everyone around them lower their heads in grief, "We could send fighters down the well and see what is down there. It could be their den and if so they are asleep. But I cannot be certain what we will face. If we get cornered we would die. Besides, we do not have the means with which to destroy the den."
"So all that remains is for us to prepare for the next attack?"
"I fear so. And since we do not know where they will attack next, I suggest we inform the mayor to declare a state of alert county-wide, as to prevent further surprises and death."
"Very well. I will personally go to the central hall and-"
"Tulgor!", shouted a militia fighter, "Tulgor! You have to see this."
Tulgor quickly stood up, "What is it? Have the goblins awoken?"
"No. But... I don't know. You must come, they call for you."
"Call for me? Who? Imperial soldiers?"
"No. They are soldiers, but they are wearing green armor and have boomsticks. They're not dwarves, they are too tall and their skin is paler than theirs is."
This greatly confused Tulgor, "Did they say where they are from?"
"Yes. They are from Galdush."
This statement made his heart freeze and the people around him panicked. The enemy from Galdush came here? Why? Have they come to kill them and take their land? Why here, this is a small county. Swallowing the spit that worked up in his mouth he spoke, "How many?"
"I counted only a dozen. But I think there are more in their armored carriages."
"Assemble fifty of our finest. I will meet them."
---
(Earlier)
Operations base Galdush, morning
It's been a while since any attacks have been launched at them and REC got to work. They improved their base, finishing the machine shop, barracks, airstrip, fortifications, and central command. The base was taking shape of a polygonal fort. The reason is that, historically, these types of fortifications were the best defenses against cannon fire until more accurate and powerful forms of artillery were created. But since the highest level of military technology possessed by the enemy is that of the Napoleonic era, it's not an issue. The other benefit is that polygonal forts are built in a way so that the point which needed to be defended is in the middle. This way the rift is in the center and defended on all sides. As an extra precaution, the rift was surrounded by a steel dome with a garrison defending it.
After the full thirty thousand troops made it to the other side of the rift, a few reforms were made. Firstly, all equipment that required a satellite link was not to be used as they had no satellites here. Instead, they used drones until a proper system can be emplaced. Secondly, a squad of four distinct tribals will be accompanying all Rift groups, or RGs, in order to spread the word to the other tribals of North Altia in hopes of bringing more people to the US's side and also showing them why they are not monsters.
There were currently five RGs and each was given an assignment. They were to go to various locations in Meilume and do reconnaissance as well as gain contact with locals and find out more about the imperial government. Each RG was a platoon of thirty-eight rangers from the 75th Ranger regiment led by a first lieutenant and was equipped with standard hardware. Since the end of the Great crisis, Russia and the US have been working on the 'Warrior' project in order to create better gear for soldiers. The result was a helmet, body armor, a one-piece coverall, hearing protection; protective glasses; a protective set for knees and elbows; new grenade launchers, submachine guns, assault rifles, sniper rifles, ammunition, a combat knife, as well as 24/7 reconnaissance means, a day and night sighting system, a small-size binocular, optical and thermal weapon sights, etc. As well as these, the system comprises a universal shelter, a multifunctional knife, a signal lamp, a watch, winter and summer two-side camouflage sets, an autonomous heat source, a backpack, an individual water filter, a small entrenching tool, breath protection devices, means of radiological and chemical control, a medical kit, and filtering clothes. As for vehicles, each RG has two JLTV3s, two International MaxxPros, and one LAV-40, all armed and ready.
With their assignments given, the rangers got to work. RG-2, led by lieutenant Andrea Williams, was to track down the elven children Spearteam found snooping. The group tracked them down to a nearby place designated Yellow forest. They took a path through the forest and hoped to run into their village. On the way, they admired the environment. The green trees, the clear blue sky, and the animals looked like the ones back on Earth, just with a few distinct features. Like how rabbits have longer legs, foxes have brighter eyes, some even have two tails. Everything was truly fascinating.
"Man this place is beautiful.", said sergeant David Hall, "It's like driving through a national park."
"You said it, Dave.", said sergeant Greg Nivera, "What do you think we'll find here?"
"Man, I'm hoping for some griffons or something."
"Griffons are only in the north.", said Xod, the leanoid, "If we ever get to the dwarven kingdoms we might find one."
"That's a bummer.", Greg said.
"Bummer?", asked Zog, the welfen.
"It means it's a bad thing.", David said.
"Why is that a bad thing?"
"Because I really wanted to see one!", Greg said.
"Quiet.", said Andrea over the comms, "You forgot to turn off the radio."
"Sorry ma'am.", said Greg as he turned the radio off.
"Boys.", said Andrea in the lead JLTV, "Let's find these kids."
"I just hope we don't scare them.", said sergeant Sophia Adams, "I'd hate to make a bad first impression."
"These people live in the Yellow forest.", said Madia the lepian, "It's likely that they know about the Galdush battle and they consider you as an enemy. I wouldn't expect them to greet you with 'open arms' as you say it."
"I don't expect that either.", said Andrea, "But that's why we're here. We have to show them that they don't have to fear us. "
Ksee, the feelian, scoffed at that, "You should use your cannons and destroy them. It's what they deserve anyway."
"We won't be the monsters they say we are. There can be another way. Besides, it's the army and the emperor along with the other stuck-up nobility that's the problem. I'm not gonna kill farmers 'cause some bureaucrat attacked me."
Ksee thought about that. She saw what the Americans were capable of, and yet she couldn't understand why they don't just force the elves into submission. As they drove through the forest, they came across another path that led deeper into the woods. The tracker led them there and so they followed it. It was amazing how many things the human soldiers were capable of doing, unlike the elves who only knew how to kill in several different ways. The vehicles moved through the woods and reached a wooden wall about roughly twenty feet tall that looked like it saw action recently. They followed the tracker and found it on the ground in front of the gate.
'What happened here?', Andrea thought as she picked up the tracker.
"Hold it!", shouted someone from the wall. It was an elf and around him, about twenty more with bows and crossbows pointed at Andrea, "Who are you?"
Andrea calmly stepped forward, "I am lieutenant Andrea Williams of Rift group 2 from the Rift Expeditionary Corp!". This seemed to confuse them.
"Where are you from?", he asked.
"Galdush."
This made them tense up. They seemed angered. "You are the enemy! Why have you come?!". The rangers aimed their guns at them but Andrea waved for them to calm down.
"We are here to speak with your leader. We only want to make peaceful relations."
"You lie! The imperial army told us that they were heading to Galdush to face the enemy that has come to invade our lands! Thousands went and only dozens returned! That was your doing!"
"Those soldiers attacked us first. They sent their army through the rift and killed thousands of innocent people. We are here to peacefully solve any and all problems with the empire, but we need your help."
"Why should I trust you?"
In response, Andrea gave her gun to Greg, took off her helmet, and widened her arms, "I mean you no harm!". After some hesitation, one of the elves climbed down from the wall.
"Wait there!".
So the team waited. Some were skeptical about this but did nothing. David walked up to Andrea, "Are you sure about this lieutenant? You really think they're gonna even consider talking to us?"
"All I know is they could've shot us on sight. Do you want to kill hundreds of people today, sergeant?". At that moment, the gate opened and an elf followed by fifty more stepped out. The fifty made a defensive line of shields, which tensed up the rangers.
"No, but if this keeps up I might have to.", David said.
The leading elf stepped forward, "I am Tulgor Salvin, commander of the south militia."
Andrea stepped forward, "I am lieutenant Andrea Williams, commander of RG-2 of the Rift Expeditionary group."
"Why have you come, Lieutenant Andrea Williams?"
"As I stated before, we are here to make peaceful relations with the elven people. We mean you no harm."
"You misunderstood my question. Why are you here, specifically?"
"We are here because we want to prove to you that we are not monsters and savages that the empire claims us to be. We only desire peace."
"You keep saying that word. Peace. And yet you kill dozens of thousands if not hundreds of thousands of soldiers."
"Those soldiers attacked us first. You can't blame us for defending ourselves."
"True. Still, how do I know you won't stab us in the back? I see the tribals behind you. You make them fight for you, so how do I know you will not enslave us as well."
"We are not slaves!", Xod shouted, making the fighters twitch, "We chose to fight alongside these humans because we are tired of the empire enslaving and killing us! We fight with them because they promised us freedom! With them, not for them!"
This made Tulgor raise an eyebrow, "Is that really true?"
"Yes.", Andrea said, "We want to end slavery and show you that there is a better way. So if you want to fight them, you'll have to fight us. And I assure you, it will be bloody.". The fighters and rangers tensed up, ready for a fight. But Tulgor laughed.
"Never before have I met a woman with such ferociousness and authority.", he said, "You have my respect. However, if you want my trust, you must offer me more than words."
"And what is it that you want?"
Tulgor thought for a while before answering, "There is a certain goblin problem we are facing."
"Goblin problem?"
"Last night, a horde of goblins attacked us and I lost many fighters. I sense that they will come back but I cannot search for them and leave the village undefended."
"Interesting. Do you have any leads? Or a hunch as to where they are?"
"They came from the forest but it stretches for many leagues. They did however come from an abandoned well."
This caught Andrea's attention, "Very well. But my soldiers will have to enter your village."
"I shall allow half of your men and two carriages."
"Alright.", she turned to the group, "Hall, Adams, bring half the group, one JLTV3, and one MRAP. Madia, Ksee, you're coming too, the rest stay here."
The group organized and entered the village. All the people stared at them and their vehicles, like something otherworldly, which they technically were. They came to the abandoned well and Andrea gave the order to prepare the RC drone and the flyer. The rangers removed the wood and stone from the well and started lowering the drone.
"What is that?", Tulgor asked.
"It's a device we can use to see what's inside the well without going in there.", Andrea answered, "And that one can fly."
"Amazing. How?"
"A long story. I might show you sometime."
The drone was lowered to the bottom and a private drove it. He had to turn on night vision to see. "It looks like a tunnel.", he said, "They probably dug their way in there. You got anything?"
"Nothing yet.", said the other private, "Hold on. I think I see a cave. Yeah, definitely. The entrance is above ground level."
"Goblins are night dwellers.", Tulgor said, "They sleep during the day and hate fire. A cave is where they prefer to live. But to think they would dig their way to our well. I knew they were on a tribal level but this."
"Don't compare us to those monsters, elf.", said Madia.
"Why? They also kidnap people and force-mate with them."
"We only do it when we need to!"
"Calm down!", shouted Andrea, "We had an agreement."
"Ma'am, come look at this.", said a private, and Andrea, Tulgor, and Sophia gathered, "I see dozens of them, sleeping, maybe more further out. And here. It's a boy."
"That is the boy they took last night.", Tulgor said, "He still lives."
"Someone has to go down there and get him.", Andrea said, "Ksee?"
"Why me?", Ksee asked.
"You are the most flexible one. Plus, that's an order."
Ksee groaned but accepted. The private pulled the drone back and tied the rope to her. She was lowered down and then crawled through the tunnel, ignoring the stench on the way. Finally, she came to the cave and looked around, her cat eyes allowing her to see clearly. She saw the boy, who was a little battered but breathing and alive. She slowly grabbed him under the arms but he woke up and started freaking out. This woke up a few goblins and Ksee grabbed the boy and ran back, quickly going back through the tunnel.
She tied the rope around him, "Pull him up!". As they pulled the boy up she could see the goblins approaching, "They're coming!"
"Take this!", Andrea shouted, throwing a frag grenade at her.
"What is it?", Ksee asked.
"Just pull the ring, throw it, and then climb!"
Ksee did just that. After she pulled the pin she threw it at the approaching goblins who grabbed it out of curiosity. A curiosity that would have them killed as the grenade exploded, killing several goblins and blocking the path to Ksee. After Ksee and the boy climbed out, the soldiers rejoiced.
"Please don't make me do that again.", Ksee said.
Andrea chuckled, "No promises."
Ksee saw the boy run to his mother and friends, who cried tears of joy. This made her smile. Tulgor walked over to her and slightly bowed, "Thank you for saving one of my own."
"Don't mention it.", Ksee said, "It was a piece of cake."
Tulgor was confused by that statement, "Cake? There is no cake here."
Ksee laughed a little, "Don't worry about it. The humans taught me, I was a little confused myself."
Greg walked over as he put away his radio, "Ok, it's done. I gave the location to command, they're sending a platoon with flamethrowers to deal with the cave."
"How-", Tulgor began to ask.
"Another device.", Greg said, "We have a lot of them."
Tulgor chuckled, "I see. Thank you, humans. I suppose we can trust you after all. Come, let me introduce you to the elder."
End of chapter 7
​
---
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Background:
I'm from the Midwest, and moved away to the West Coast for a job 7 years ago. My fiance and I were in the position to buy a house last year, and we decided to make the move back to my home state ahead of having kids and establishing ourselves since we were both remote.
In short, it hasn't been great. We're far from the friends in the city, my family only calls me when they need help and have high expectations from me. I miss our community and nature from the West Coast. We're moving back for QoL and better future job opportunities, as there isn't much for us here.
Finance details:
We bought our house for 800k, with a 4.25% interest rate. We currently pay 4300 per month including property tax + insurance.
Renting
We found a highly rated property management company that:
- have a detailed process, photograph and check everything- manage other homes in the area/other suburbs, including higher end/larger homes than ours
They charge a 6% fee, a $5 administrator fee, and a yearly $99 tax preparation fee. They will find and screen tenants, for which they charge one months rent for new leases, or a renewal fee of 25%.
Our property taxes and insurance will go up slightly, so let's say 4400 for now. The PM estimated a rent range of 5300-5600. Calculating estimated monthly profits below for the low and high range...
New tenant case:5300-5300/12-5-99/12-4400 = 445 or 720 on the high end
Resign case:5300-(5300*.25)/12-5-99/12-4400 = 776 or 1070 on the high end
Selling
We have a 4b/3.5b with a fenced yard. We are in a desirable suburb, walking distance to: a large downtown, K-12 schools (which are highly rated), and the train station which takes you straight to the city. There are multiple new builds going in in surrounding neighborhoods and new businesses coming in.
There is no inventory in our immediate area, and our realtor looked at a few recently sold and estimated we could list at 870k and see what happens. This would net us around 70k, but closing costs to sell are estimated to be 68k, and we paid 17k in closing costs to buy, so this would be a net negative unless there was a lot of interest.
Options?

1. Rent
   1. Pros: Build equity, higher rent range would attract higher income families which are less likely to damage the place, can still make a profit with PM
   2. We could leave tomorrow and the PM would take it over, and we could cover rent + mortgage for a few months until we get a new tenant.
   3. Cons:
      1. The house is very old (early 1900s) but almost completely rehabbed. Worried if tenants turn off heat and pipes freeze? Trash the place? Anxiety about something happening to our expensive asset.
      2. I'm not sure if our house is actually worth the +70k or if it's just that there is literally no inventory. It's got modern finishes and a modern look, but I worry that if we want to sell later and there are more homes on the market, the value would go down.
      3. If we wanted to sell later it would need to be staged and dealt with remotely, which could be a hassle, but I trust and like our RE agent for this.
2. Sell
   1. Big hassle right now with getting ready to move + small repairs + getting it open house ready. We might need to get more furniture or buy more decorations as it's a little bare, which is then another pain to move
   2. We could stand to either lose 20k (which would be like the cost of renting for the year) or break even. I don't think I ever want to move back (but maybe having kids will change this? hard to tell), so we can put this chapter to rest and move on.

Any thoughts? Anyone in a similar situation that has had luck renting a SFH from across the country? Or is it not worth the hassle?

i have struggled with my mental health pretty much my whole life and have always been able to hide it for the most part without anyone else knowing the full extent except for my boyfriend. the full extent being for the last 10 years ive at my best been someone who cannot get through a moment of the day without being high as hell and at my worst am a drunken mess cutting myself and begging my boyfriend to kill me because i cant bring myself to do it.
ive never seen a doctor or been diagnosed and to be honest im the most emotionally intelligent person and dont always know how to explain myself even when i do finally bring myself to want to talk about it.
for the last 6 months ive been having a really difficult time in life and ive slowly just lost it. besides my bf that i live with, i havent really talked to anyone outside my house in two months. i know everyone is really concerned to the point where i eventually had to go see my parents at least once because they were showing up at my house to check on me (luckily wasnt home) but they were about call the police to do a welfare check on me.
i cant make eye contact with anyone. i feel like its been so long since ive had conversations in real life i have an incredibly slow response and can never find the words so im just embarrassed to even try now. i know everyone knows something is up with me so im just distancing myself which only causes more of a panic response in them. its humilating for people to see me like this and i just want to be left alone but everyone just keeps pushing and digging into my life trying to get answers.
i could never really commit suicide.. i know this from years of feeling the most worthless creature yet still having some small amount of will to live but i do wish i could just leave every person in my life behind and start over at this point. every person around me seems to just trigger me or set me back and every place i go has horrible memories.
even my boyfriend who has been the only person to see the worst of me and for the most part been helpful has started to become harder to talk to. the new issues ive been struggling with he doesnt understand and i know he never will so its been silent at our home for a little while now.
i just know at this point im never going to get the help i need and it seems self medicating by staying high is the only thing that can get me through the days anymore. im not really even expecting a response but having not talked at all in a few days nevermind about this has been pretty heavy.

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Jupiter's Ascending	$5	4K
Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom	$6	4K
Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom	$4	HD
Jurassic World 6 Movie Collection	$18	HD
Jurassic World 6 Movie Collection	$25	4K
Justice League (2017)	$6	4K
Justice Society World War II	$6	4K
Kin	$6	4K
Kingsman: The Secret Service	$3	HD
Lady and the Tramp	$3	HD
Leon the Professional	$3	HD
Lightyear	$6	4K
Lion King (2019)	$5	4K
Lion King (1994)	$6	4K
Lion King (1994)	$4	HD
The Little Mermaid	$3	HD
Live Die Repeat: Edge of Tomorrow	$3	HD
The Lost City	$4	HD
The Lost City	$6	4K
Love and Monsters	$6	4K
Luca	$6	4K
Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile	$4	HD
A Man Called Otto	$4	SD
A Man Called Otto	$8	HD
Man on the Moon	$4	HD
Matrix 4 Film Collection	$12	HD
Matrix 4 Film Collection	$8	SD
Matrix Resurrections	$6	4K
Monster Hunter	$5	4K
M3gan	$9	HD
Men	$5	HD
Minions The Rise of Gru	$7	4K
Minions The Rise of Gru	$5	HD
Minions 2 Movie Collection	$8	HD
Mission Impossible: Fallout	$6	4K
Mitchells vs the Machines	$4	HD
Moonfall	$4	HD
Morbius	$5	4K
Morbius	$3	HD
Mulan	$3	HD
Mulan 2	$3	HD
Mulan (2020)	$6	4K
The Mule	$5	4K
The Mule	$3	HD
Neighbors	$3	HD
The Nevers Season 1 Part 1	$6	HD
No Time to Die (iTunes only)	$5	4K
The Northman	$5	HD
Old	$4	HD
The Old Way	$6	HD
Onward	$6	4K
Paranormal Activity The Ghost Dimension	$3	HD
Peter Pan Return To Never Land	$3	HD
Peter Rabbit 1 & 2	$5	HD
Pitch Perfect	$3	HD
Pitch Perfect 2	$3	HD
Pixar Short Films Collections Vol 3	$3	HD
War for the Planet of the Apes	$3	HD
Pocahontas	$3	HD
Pocahontas 2	$3	HD
Predator 4-Pack	$12	HD
Prey for the Devil	$5	HD
Princess and the Frog	$4	HD
The Protege	$4	HD
Puss in Boots The Last Wish	$8	HD
Rambo 5 Film Collection	$15	HD
Raya and the Last Dragon	$4	HD
Reservoir Dogs	$6	4K
Rocky 4 Film Collection	$22	4K
Ron Gone Wrong	$4	HD
Rumble	$4	HD
Secret Headquarters	$5	HD
Secret Life of Pets	$3	HD
Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings	$6	4K
Silent Night, Deadly Night Collection	$10	HD
Sing	$3	HD
Sing Two Pack (Sing 1 and 2)	$6	HD
Sing 2	$6	4K
Smile	$7	4K
Smile	$5	HD
Sonic the Hedgehog	$4	HD
Sonic the Hedgehog 2	$6	4K
Soul	$6	4K
Snake Eyes GI Joe Origins	$6	4K
Snow White & The Huntsman	$4	4K
Space Jam A New Legacy	$5	4K
Spider-Man	$4	HD
Spider-Man 2	$4	HD
Spider-Man 3	$4	HD
Amazing Spider-Man	$4	HD
Amazing Spider-Man 2	$4	HD
Spider-Man Homecoming	$4	HD
Spider-Man Far From Home	$4	HD
Spider-Man No Way Home	$4	HD
Spirit Untamed: The Movie	$4	HD
Star Trek (2009)	$3	HD
Star Trek Into Darkness	$3	HD
Star Trek Beyond	$3	HD
Star Trek The Motion Picture	$6	4K
Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan	$6	4K
Star Trek III The Search For Spock	$6	4K
Star Trek IV The Voyage Home	$6	4K
Star Wars The Last Jedi	$4	4K
Straight Outta Compton	$3	HD
Strange World	$6	HD
Suicide Squad (2016)	$6	4K
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014)	$3	HD
Thor Dark World	$4	HD
Thor Ragnarok	$4	HD
Thor Love and Thunder	$6	4K
Thor Love and Thunder	$4	HD
Ticket To Paradise	$6	HD
Till (iTunes Only)	$5	HD
To Kill A Mockingbird	$3	HD
Top Gun	$6	4K
Top Gun	$4	HD
Top Gun Maverick	$7	4K
Top Gun Maverick	$5	HD
Toy Story 2	$4	HD
Toy Story 4	$4	HD
Training Day	$6	4K
Transformers	$6	4K
Transformers Age of Extinction	$6	4K
Transformers The Last Knight	$6	4K
Trolls	$3	HD
Trolls 2 Movie Collection	$6	HD
Turning Red	$4	HD
Uncharted	$6	4K
Underwold Rise of the Lycans	$3	HD
Untouchables	$6	4K
Venom	$4	HD
Vivo	$4	HD
Voyagers	$6	4K
The Walking Dead Season 11	$10	HD
West Side Story (2021)	$6	4K
Wolf of Wall Street	$4	HD
Wonder Woman	$6	4K
Wonder Woman 1984	$6	4K
Wreck It Ralph	$4	HD
Wreck It Ralph: Ralph Breaks the Internet	$6	4K

The following movies are the current Universal Rewards and are $3 each

Bring it On	HD
The Break Up	HD
The Bourne Ultimatum	4K
Cat in the Hat	HD
Charlie St Cloud	HD
8 Mile	4K
Get Him to the Greek	HD
Liar Liar	HD
Mallrats	HD
Meet the Parents	HD
Popstar Never Stop Never Stopping	HD