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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 24, 2010 13:40:55 GMT -5
I know not why is had taken so long to do this, but I at last invited my cousin Lessa over for dinner. Actually, I knew full well why. I had been so caught up in my agenda of finding my comrades in arms that I had forgotten family, a fact that I was, admittedly, ashamed of. So, to make up for this error I had the cooks make a feast, not a mass amount of food, but fine food nonetheless. As the day went past my feelings when from shame to excitement. It would be nice to catch up, to see how we both are in our lives.
When I had done all that I could do I went into the study and sat down in a large, plush chair, opening up a book of poetry from Caerdicci. No sooner had I made my way through three poems that I was told my cousin had arrived.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 24, 2010 13:56:37 GMT -5
I'd been scarcely born when my cousin Guy went into the military but I could recall my mother and father speaking of him and his family with great pride of that branch of our lineage. Dedicated, intelligent and thoughtful they did as their minds and hearts commanded and at times I wondered what it would be like to meet them. Still, life was busy within the City and in Marsilikos and that meant sometimes putting aside familial obligations in exchange for those of state. Every time I meant to rectify the situation it seemed that something else came up and in truth I felt a little guilty about it.
When I'd received the invitation from Guy to dine at his house I'd eagerly but politely responded and then made sure to clear my schedule to allow for it. It was only a dinner, surely the matters of state could wait that long and Fydor would have advised the same, had he been here to do so. Family was important, and though mine was small I valued every member deeply. I'd dressed well but not in an overwhelming way, choosing comfort over style, and arrived on time as was my habit. The servants were polite and I was led to a sitting room where I was told my cousin was waiting.
He was older than me, as expected, with my mother's coloring that I lacked- dark hair rather than red like my father, and he was reading from a book written in Caerdicci. I'd learned the language as a child and always had a fondness for it, so I smiled and then waited quietly for a moment, collecting myself. "Good evening cousin," I said in a light, happy tone, smiling widely with my hands clasped in front of me as I waited for his reaction. "It's good to see you."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 25, 2010 14:41:52 GMT -5
When she spoke I lifted my head up from my book, a calm smile on my face. My cousin was a good deal younger than me. So young, with so much responsibility...
"Evening. It is good to see you as well. I feel bad for not having you over sooner. I just got caught up in some things and forgot that family comes first. Feel free to have a seat; dinner will be ready in a little bit." My tone was light and I was truly happy to have her here.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
Posts: 2,623
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 25, 2010 20:32:55 GMT -5
His demeanor was quiet but welcoming, and somehow that calmed me a good deal and I felt the usual tension I felt about letting people down bleed out of me. Guy was a part of my family, and if I couldn't trust my blood who could I trust? "I'm glad we have the time to talk now though," I said with a more at-ease smile than I'd entered with and taking a seat a comfortable distance away from where he himself sat.
The book he'd been reading again drew my attention and I cocked my head to try and read the writing on the binding more clearly before I remembered myself and, with a light flush, straightened again. There were times when my curiosity overcame my manners and I tried to control that impulse as much as possible; just because Guy was my cousin didn't mean I shouldn't be polite. "How are you? I hope you're enjoying the City."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 25, 2010 21:51:27 GMT -5
I marked my place in the book and set it on the small, beautifully carved table beside me. My eyes traveled from it to my cousin and I grinned. "I am. It has been a good winter, but very thought provoking. Finding myself in a sense... And what of you, how has your life been?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 25, 2010 21:59:28 GMT -5
"The winter seems to have a way of doing that," I agreed gently, not sure if the process he'd gone through was a pleasant one or not and unwilling to take the chance of offending him. "I've been doing a lot of thinking as well, and reading." That wasn't the half of it, but it was always easiest to begin with the matters of little consequence rather than the deeper ones.
Still, I would have to take the chance and tell him, my noble cousin, what was in my mind. My family trusted me to look after our interests and that meant I needed to be able to trust them enough to hear the truth. It was harder since there had never been a formal announcement as such, but I knew that it was real. "And- I got engaged." My eyes ducked sideways a bit and I flushed. He was the first person I'd told while they were in my presence and not through a correspondence. I could only hope that my cousin would be happy for me.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 26, 2010 19:15:19 GMT -5
Her first response struck me as vague and polite, and by that I learned something about her. She was the type of girl who would put the needs of others over herself. You may think it a stretch to say that, but I've learned to be a quick judge of character. I sensed there was a little more that she needed to say and I waited until she told me that she was engaged. The news, one of the best sorts of news, brought a fresh smile to my face and I affirmed that smile with my words. "That's wonderful! And might I ask who the fortunate man is?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
Wife of Fydor Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 26, 2010 22:12:18 GMT -5
His reaction was a happy one and I smiled a bit wider for it, the flush on my cheeks faint and put there by pleasure rather than shame. For now my cousin was happy for me, and while that may have changed when I gave the name of my fiance I was willing to be content in the moment. I knew my father approved of anything that made me happy so there was no issue in that, but I didn't want my cousin to think badly of me either. He seemed kind though, and sensible, and I'd heard he wasn't one to jump to conclusions.
"He's Knaj Fydor Romanov, from Ruskovia," I answered in a ready tone that was full of just a little pride. Myself I may have been unsure of, even those around me, but never him. He was the one thing I never had to doubt. "We met while his family was in the City, when his brother Alexei was engaged to the Queen. After their betrothal was dissolved it seemed like the wrong time to go public with an announcement of the engagement so it's all been very quiet."
My smile turned inward a little bit as I remembered when Fydor had been nearby and my hands clasped lightly in my lap as my gaze shifted sideways again. "I love him though, and even if it's not publicly polite to say so I'm going to marry him anyway."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 27, 2010 14:13:10 GMT -5
I tilted my head a little when she mentioned the name of her fiancée. It was interesting, nothing more. The tone of pride in her voice made me grin. I simply nodded as she explained the situation and smiled more when she said that she loved him. I could not care less about what was publicly polite as long as she truly loved him. "Perhaps I read too many stories, but I think you have found a wonderful treasure then, cousin. Hold on to it tightly. I sense that you will."
A servant came in and told us that dinner was ready. I rose and waited for Lessa to do the same.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 27, 2010 15:46:56 GMT -5
There was a quiet way about Guy that was settling and I felt the edges of my nerves smooth over as I glanced back over at him and smiled. I wasn't the kind of person who was very comfortable being wound up without an outlet for it and with all of the preparations for the wedding and the trip there hadn't been many chances to let it go. If this evening was going to be a good one I had to be willing to let myself relax though, and my cousin deserved that of me.
"Thank you," I told Guy as I glanced back up and smiled warmly. "Your words mean a good deal." I was being completely sincere, and when dinner was announced I stood as gracefully as I could and smoothed down my skirts. "What about you, cousin? I know you just recently arrived, is there anything you've done or seen that caught your attention besides Caerdiccan poetry?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 27, 2010 18:40:34 GMT -5
I answered her as we walked into the dinging room, the scent of a delicious meal becoming more and more apparent. When she asked a lot had come to my mind. However, if she was going to trust me as much as she had, I had to be open with her. "Well, I'm not sure how much you've been told about me, but I have never been happy about leaving the army. This winter I've really come to terms with the fact my time there is done and I'm focusing on other things. By that I mean, yes there is someone who has caught my attention."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 28, 2010 12:59:31 GMT -5
There wasn't much I'd heard about my cousin's time in the military, at least not as far as specifics, and it seemed rude to pry by reading his background rather than asking him, like a betrayal of trust. "I only know that the family was very proud of you and my mother was very glad for all that you did," I said as we walked to dining room where the meal was already laid out, the scents of everything mingling deliciously. A part of my mind said that if Guy regretted leaving his military career he may have been even more willing to take the task I was going to request, but it was also wrong to presume.
When he spoke of having someone special as well I was intensely glad for my kinsman and smiled wider for it as I glanced sideways. "I'm glad that you have someone that makes you happy as well, Guy. Can I ask who it is or would you rather keep it to yourself for awhile longer? I couldn't blame you if you did, I know I kept my own secrets for a time." And I meant it as well. He was free to speak as he wanted, and if he felt better about his affections without saying a word I could see how that may make it sweeter.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 28, 2010 16:36:53 GMT -5
I pulled out a chair for her and then seated myself. The fact that she was happy for me made me smile, but I still felt the need to explain. "Well, I'm not certain if I should. You see I am not certain of her feelings for me. I only know that I am happy when I am around her and she is happy around me. I think she's lovely, she thinks I am handsome. I don't know what else she thinks or feels, but I am glad she is in my life even if nothing more comes of it."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 29, 2010 10:32:10 GMT -5
Once at the table I was seated and I gave Guy a smile of thanks and waited for him to sit as well. It seemed to me that whatever he called it he felt a core of love to his emotions- and even the fact that he was unsure of speaking of it without knowing its reciprocation was a sign of that. I imagine that he already knew that though, and so my saying it again wouldn't do anything more than possibly make him feel uncomfortable.
Picking up my napkin I set it across my lap as I waited for the meal to begin, feeling very calm now that I didn't have such a heavy secret on my mind anymore. There was no doubt that my cousin would help me keep it, but even being able to speak of Fydor had been a comfort. "I think that sounds like a good thing, and if she's got any sense at all she'll appreciate what exists between you two as much as you do."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 29, 2010 13:57:36 GMT -5
I smiled at that as the staff began to serve us. "Thank you, Lessandrie. I truly hope that is the case." The staff set before us a colorful salad and a tray of appetizers that looked simply mouthwatering. I hardly noticed them however as my mind starter to wander to "Her." I wondered what she was doing, how she was feeling, if she thought of me ...
The reminder that I had a guest snapped me out of that quickly however. "I hope you enjoy the meal, cousin."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 29, 2010 19:56:53 GMT -5
Everything looked delightful and I looked over the food as my kin's eyes grew a little abstracted as his thoughts wandered, not wanting to distract him from them. Everyone had something that weighed on their mind and since his brought a bit of a smile to his face it seemed rude to interrupt. Instead I took a small bite of the salad that rested before me, my soothed nerves actually making me able to eat a bit. I'd been so nervous for the past few days my appetite, always delicate, had shrunken even further.
When he addressed the question to me I'd just swallowed and I wiped my mouth delicately with the napkin. "It's wonderful, thank you," I said sincerely, then took a sip of the wine in my glass. "How long have you been in the city? I'm sorry I haven't invited you to my home yet, I've just gotten wrapped up with the spring trade arrangements and everything else." Hopefully he wouldn't be too offended.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 29, 2010 21:44:21 GMT -5
I began to eat some of the meal. It was very good as always. "I'm glad you're enjoying it. And I've been here since a little after Midwinter. And don't worry about it, after all, it took me this long to invite you." I followed that with a sip of wine and I did my best not to let my thoughts get the upper hand again. "I actually don't really know how much family we have in the city."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 30, 2010 12:05:17 GMT -5
The meal seemed to be going well enough and the food really was delicious that my nerves didn't try to interfere with my delicate appetite. It was an encouraging sign. "I'm only aware of the two of us, though I'm sad to say that at times I'm a little too distracted to pay attention to where everyone is. My father is in Marsilikos handling my affairs there in my absence and my younger brother is with him."
Now came the next hard part of the conversation. It wasn't ever easy for me to ask someone for help with something that was part of my usual duties, especially since I felt it was for a selfish reason. "I was wondering if I could ask you for a favor," I continued after a moment, looking sideways a bit and hoping I wasn't pushing too far.
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 30, 2010 14:15:55 GMT -5
I nodded and was a little relieved that I had not forgotten any other relatives. When she asked for a favor I quirked a brow. "Certainly, and I can already say that I will probably do it, providing that I can." I followed my response with a smile and took some more wine.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 30, 2010 21:47:09 GMT -5
It seemed so easy for him to agree that I could only wonder at it for a moment; but that was the meaning of 'family', wasn't it? They were the people you could rely on, the ones who wanted to offer themselves for the happiness of the others that shared their blood. My father did that with his advice and looking after my interests at points so I could have a little time of my own. I looked after Laurel with the same care I hoped to show to my own children one day should I be so lucky. And since I was his cousin Guy was going to help me, and I'd help him. I'd never tried to look at it so simply before.
"Thank you," I told him in response to his quick agreement and then took a sip of my own wine and swallowed then set the glass back down. How to start this? Maybe just stating things plainly would be the best idea. "I'll be leaving in about a week to go to Ruskovia, and I'll be getting married there. I've written to Fydor and he's arranging everything, but I'd like my father to be there to give me away, which can't happen unless there's someone to look after things for about a month here."
For a moment I looked away and collected my thoughts again before glancing back in his direction, meeting his gaze and hoping that from here he could see my sincerity. "I know it's a lot to ask of someone, and you don't have to say yes just because I'm asking, truly. If I need to I can ask someone there to stand in for me."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 14:02:39 GMT -5
"Oh of course I'll see to things for you," I told her. Helping family was something I valued highly and a chance to show it was something I looked forward to. "How long do you think it will be before you return, just so I know?"
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 15:05:58 GMT -5
It meant a great deal that he wanted to help and I was going to do my best to make sure everything that could be taken care of was done, as well as leaving him a list of things that might happen and their solutions. After doing this job for two years I was starting to get a rhythm and feel for what other nations were doing and while some were far from stable or predictable they generally fell within the same patterns.
"Well, I'm taking one of my fastest ships through the Straits while the weather is still clear," I told him in a confident tone, having planned the journey with my advisers. "Which shouldn't take more than perhaps ten days. The wedding there may take up to two weeks, but probably less, and then I'll be back in somewhere between four and six weeks at the latest." It wouldn't be long at all before I was married when I said it that way and I fidgeted with my engagement ring before I quite realized what I was doing. "Thank you so much for this, cousin. It means a lot."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 16:03:27 GMT -5
So about two months, I thought to myself. Voyages always take longer than expected.
I ate a little more of my dinner before responding. "You're more than welcome. Like I said, I'm happy to do it, especially because of news as good as a wedding. And you needn't worry about a thing whilst you are away."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 16:24:42 GMT -5
Being told not to worry wasn't something new, but it wasn't a request that I could easily oblige either. I'd had something eating at my mind since I was older enough to understand what responsibility was, but I would do my best to do as he said. Once I saw Fydor again it would all melt away in any case. He was a balm for my heart, and I knew that Guy was right. "I'll make sure you have everything you need at your disposal," I assured him, feeling the last bit of tension I'd been holding onto melt away and taking a sip of wine. "Is there anything I can do for you, or bring back on my trip?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 17:10:51 GMT -5
I could see that she was more relaxed and that made me happy. Shen then turned and asked if there was anything that I needed. "Well know, I can't really think of anything, cousin. But thank you. It's good to know that there are people to go to. Well, if anything, give my regards to your husband. I look forward to meeting him on your return."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 20:40:42 GMT -5
The one thing I hadn't managed to give Fydor the chance to do before he left was to meet my kin, but I knew he understood. Things had been so chaotic that neither of us had managed much time with each others families and his was within the City while he was. "I'll be sure to tell him and I know that he'll be eager to meet you too," I told Guy happily as I set my wineglass back down before I drank too much. "He hasn't had a chance to meet my father or my little brother yet either so I hope he's ready for that."
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 21:00:59 GMT -5
I nodded. "Well I'm sure it will work out wonderfully. Now your father and brother know about all this of course?" It seemed like a silly question, but it was an honest one nonetheless, though I couldn't help but look a little embarrassed for asking it.
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
Sovereign Duchesse of Eisande, Lady of Marsilikos *Voted Member of Best Storyline 2010*
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 21:06:43 GMT -5
It was nice that he cared enough to ask and I smiled and nodded. "I tell my father almost everything and he's thrilled that I've found someone who makes me so happy. Laurel's only seven so he's always busy with his own things but he likes the idea of taking a trip to somewhere new and having an older brother he can play with. I suppose I'm not very good at coming up with games for a little boy."
This was the most freely I'd spoken to anyone in a long time and I almost wondered at myself and how easily I was opening up- but that was another part of family, wasn't it? People you trusted your real self to. "What about your lady? Will I ever get to meet someone that my cousin thinks on so fondly?"
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Post by Guy de Mereliot (R) on Dec 31, 2010 21:19:39 GMT -5
"I hope so," I told her, and really meant it. "Of course right now I know very little about how her feelings are. It might just be me rushing after the first pretty face I saw after I let go of my burden. If something does come of it, I'll let you know, and if not then I'll have the chance to introduce you to a very good friend."
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Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov
Noble (Staff)
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Post by Lessandrie de Mereliot-Romanov on Dec 31, 2010 21:26:44 GMT -5
Somehow I didn't see my cousin as the type to run after a pretty face simply because they were in the right place at the right time but perhaps I was looking at him through the eyes of family and not with sense. Or perhaps he was like me and a little too hard on himself at times. "Having a good friend is far from the worst way things can end up, is it?" I asked gently. "I hope that, even if this person isn't the right one, that you find them soon nonetheless. You're a good person and you deserve such a life if it's what you want."
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