Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 20, 2007 17:54:21 GMT -5
For all I should have been exhausted after Jess' fete, which went off without a hitch, and the physically draning, if elating, events that ensued after, I found my body laced with an energy that usually only came but in the rarest of moments. Deciding to take advantage of it, I penned a quick note to Jess letting her know I would be out in the case that she came looking for me, and, with a grateful smile to the servant who handed me my cloak, I slipped out the door.
Shifting the cloak around my shoulders, I took in a deep breath of the warming air, finding it refreshing, clean, like a drink from a cool stream during an extensive ride. My destination was unclear as I began moving, though in time I found myself surrounded by the shops and taverns of Mont Nuit. I'd been in this district but once on the day of my arrival to the City, when I'd dined at the Cockeral with my sister. Now I was alone, and chose a different tavern altogether; stepping into the White Hart, I chose a seat at the bar, not wishing to look silly with an entire table to myself.
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 21, 2007 18:32:31 GMT -5
Being new to the city I do not know my way around very well. My aunt instructed her most loyal escort to accompany me through the city. "The best way to learn something is to experience it," were her words as I exited her courtyard. Since my aunt was not in tow, I wanted to experience the lesser known areas of the city. Places she would not take me on her own. My escort told me he knew of the perfect place.
"The White Hart?" I looked questionably at him. "Trust me," his grin was stretched from ear to ear. "I'll give you some privacy to mingle as you please. I see some old acquaintances in the corner," and with that my escort was off. I drifted toward the bar and took a seat next to a lovely young woman who appeared to be alone.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 21, 2007 22:03:26 GMT -5
I had just given my order to the apparent resident barkeep when the seat next to me was filled; glancing over, I gave the pretty woman a warm smile.
"Hello," I said, friendly and open.
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 22, 2007 12:28:05 GMT -5
I glanced up nervously at the lovely lady next to me. My nervousness subsided with her smile. From her smile I hoped that all people in this city are as warm and friendly.
"Good afternoon. I hope you do not mind me sitting here. It seemed foolish to take a big table all to myself. My name is Aelan nó Gentian. I am afraid you have me at a disadvantage. You are...."
I hoped that I was not appearing too forward.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 22, 2007 12:36:34 GMT -5
Aww, the poor thing. She seemed more nervous than a chicken in a wolf den. Shifting slightly on high-legged chair, I faced her more openly. "I'm Joie de Mornay," I said, my smile remaining. "And I do not mind - not at all, actually. I would love the company."
The barkeep came 'round then, delivering me a steaming mug of tea. "I almost sat at a table myself, but didn't for the same reasons." Letting the mug sit where he left it as it cooled, I looked to the fiery-headed woman next to me, intrigued. "It's good to meet you, Aelan. You remind me somewhat of my sister with your hair, if you don't mind me saying."
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 22, 2007 17:39:45 GMT -5
Before the barkeep could flee after serving Joie her tea, I kindly asked for a glass of mead. The barkeep looked at me puzzled but nodded and walked off.
Joie's compliment on my hair made me relax even more. I have always been vainly proud of my hair. "It is wonderful to meet you too, Joie. It is always dreary to drink alone. I do not mind at all and shall take it as a compliment."
I shifted around in my seat. My riding cloak I had brought from Eire was entirely too hot for this mild Terre d'Ange weather. After removing the cumbersome item I continued, "Does your family have some ties or relations in Eire? Red hair is a common trait of the people there. I have my mother's eyes and hair, but my father's D'Angeline blood."
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 23, 2007 8:40:45 GMT -5
I nodded, my smile growing towards her. "We do, actually. My sisters all have brighter hair than I do, and it suits them far better. As does yours too, actually - your skin and eyes are beautifully complimented by it." It was meant as an honest, friendly compliment, though it never occured to me that she might think I was interested in more. Settling back into my chair with a content sigh, I relaxed as much as I could on the hard wood. "How was your Longest Night? Did you do anything fun?"
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 23, 2007 16:57:31 GMT -5
Ahhhh! A moment of panic. I could not remember what my aunt had told me about the Longest Night. I had arrived in the city in its aftermath. While I was struggling with memory the barkeep brought my mead. I took the glass straight from his hand; it never made contact with the table. I drank deeply for a moment. I glanced at Joie from the corner of my eye. She had leaned back and sighed. Great, I thought, she is going to think I am a lush.
Regaining composure I decided to be honest. Without looking up and talking more to my hands in my lap than to Joie, "Actually.... umm.... I am rather new to the city. I arrived here in the aftermath of the Longest Night. I am only slightly familiar with your culture. My aunt has mentioned some about it, but I am at a loss. Please forgive my ignorance, but what exactly is the Longest Night?"
I could feel my cheeks burning scarlet. A new wave of nervousness flooded over me. I was just waiting for her to laugh in my face and get up and march off. I should have paid closer attention to my aunt's lecture on the culture. But how was I suppose to know I would meet someone so friendly, not to mention amazingly beautiful, this soon after my arrival?
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 23, 2007 19:30:25 GMT -5
I watched her take a deep pull from her mead from the corner of my eye, and revised the comparison I'd made; Not only a chicken in a wolf den, but a chicken in a wolf den who just realized all exits were cut off. I fretted slightly, unsure whether I was making her more nervous or whether there was something else I could do to calm her nerves.
My instincts took over as she finished her explination and I leaned forward slightly, taking the hands she had tucked into her lap in mine. "Aelan," I said gently, a smile soft on my lips. "I won't bite you, and I don't think of you any less for not knowing." Giving her hands a soft squeeze for emphasis, I released her and sat back again, taking up the mug of suitably cooled tea and taking a small drink of it.
"Really," I said, setting the mug back down, "It's a celebration of life, of winters end and the spring to come. A good way to break the long winter up, and a fantastic way to begin the new spring." Thoughts of Quinn flashed through my head, the night and morning we'd spent together, and an amused smile came over my face. "A good way to meet new people, too."
Taking the mug in my hands, I simply held it, indulging in the warmth that flooded my fingers while looking to Aelan. "Welcome to the city by the way."
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 23, 2007 20:15:58 GMT -5
My tension eased under Joie's touch on my hand. Her hands felt cool as she gave my hands a reassuring squeeze. I felt a shiver run down my spine that I had never felt before. These D'Angelines have a strange way of drawing people in.
I looked long into Joie's face and realized she truly is good soul. I am simply being jittery over nothing. I pondered over her definition of the Longest Night as I sipped my mead. They sure do not make mead here as they do at home.
I looked back at Joie and contemplated her smile. I assumed she was thinking on her own Longest Night. "Thank you for the welcome. We have a similar festival in Eire celebrating the end of winter. However, ours is longer in coming."
I placed the glass back on the table and turned my full attention toward Joie. "There are so many things and places I want to learn about. But one thing at a time I suppose. The Longest Night sounds like a great deal of fun. Perhaps next year I can attend. Did you have an enjoyable experience this past time?" I hoped I was not being too forward. However, I was beginning to feel as if I could discuss anything with Joie, and she would listen with good hearted grace.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 23, 2007 20:24:47 GMT -5
I was delighted to see her relax more; I hadn't expected her to ease under my touch, but I had hoped that she would see I wouldn't mock nor do harm. I thought a moment on the festivle in Eire and was about to ask her on her experiances with it when she spoke anew.
"I did, actually." A coy look crossed my face, and a smile came out on my lips. "Quite a few times, actually." With that I laughed, finding the entire situation amusing, though I wasn't quick enough to repress a shiver of delight as I thought of Quinn.
"What of your festivle in Eire? Have you any good experiances with that?" Well and truly interested, I resettled in my chair, watching her with a curious expression.
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 23, 2007 20:48:36 GMT -5
I had suspected that with love and love making being so freely spoken of the people would have become desensitized to the topic. To my surprise I found Joie giddy with her discussion of her Longest Night. I was warmed by her apparent fond memories of the night.
I pondered on her question about the Beltane festival of my home. I glanced down into the glass of mead and for the first time, experienced the pang of homesickness. I finished the glass and ordered for the barkeep to bring a second.
While I waited I turned back to Joie. "We celebrate Beltane. During this our cattle are moved to the summer grazing fields. We hang May Boughs and decorate for spring. Others celebrate in their own ways....." I blushed slightly. "But I have never been to the older celebrations. I have only heard of them second hand. Others practice the holiday as a fertility festival."
The barkeep had brought my second mead by this point and was glaring down at me: "Ah, that explains the odd choice in drink. Well to each her own." I was about to retort on the poor quality of the mead, but I decided otherwise.
While fluttering my eyes at Joie I grinned and asked, "Did that answer your question?"
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 23, 2007 21:47:51 GMT -5
"That sounds so lovely," I said, finding a sweeping emotion of longing for spring to well and truly be here come upon me with her words. "A fertility festivle?" I asked, musing over the wording, then was distracted by the fluttering of Aelans lashes. Laughing, I shook my head. "I didn't necissarily mean anything more than dancing and celebrations, though it's good to know Beltane is held as such too."
I had ignored the barkeep, filing the poor remark in the back of my head; she'd find no goodly tip from me for it. "Forgive me for being forward, but you are of Gentian? To Naamahs service, or somewhat else besides?"
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 25, 2007 20:07:17 GMT -5
I let out a sigh. Not a sleepy or bored sigh. But a deep held in sigh, one which shook me to my soul. How could I explain why I was at Gentian if I did not know the answers my self. Why had I come to the city? On a nineteen year old promise that my aunt would guide me? Their Eula was not my god of home. But I could learn to love and serve. I am after all, half D'Angline.
"Not at all. Well, honestly, that is a little complicated at the moment. I am new to Naamah's Service. I am in to process of training. But there is something else. My aunt was an adept of Gentian. She is somewhat retired after a riding accident. She wished for me to be fostered under her care at Gentian when I was born; however, my father refused and did not mention her offer until a few months ago."
I glanced at the floor, the ceiling, the bar, and then finally back at Joie. "I have these uncontrollable visions. Nightmares from which I cannot wake. At times I find myself,screaming all the while, sitting straight up in my bed. I am at Gentian to try to control my dreams."
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 26, 2007 8:36:17 GMT -5
I listened without comment, watching her features as she struggled with some long held inner demon; I felt naught but compassion, wishing there was something I could do for her. But, no, she was where she needed to be, for Gentian could help her more than I could ever begin to.
Nodding as she spoke of nightmareish dreams, I drew myself up some, letting out a slip of breath. "I hope you find what you're looking for," I said. "And I hope things find you that you might not hope for, yet will be good for you. There is wisdom in the unknown, though I'm sure you know that with your dreams and what you might have already been taught at Gentian." Smiling to soften the mood, I tilted my head slightly as a new thought occurred. "Has any adepts lain with you at night, to observe you and to try to help yet?"
It was something I had read once, on a study of the Thirteen Houses before I had left for the City, though I never thought I'd have found a chance to use the information I had stored away.
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 26, 2007 17:22:19 GMT -5
Sensing her draw back a bit I was afraid I had frightened her away with my confession. I thought of my classmates in Eire. How they had taunted me about my dreams. But I knew that Joie was more concerned and not cruel. Here it did not seem to be uncommon for people to have the sight. In Eire it was something that was dying out.
"Well, actually, I have been sort of put on a waiting list. The adepts seem to be very busy as of late. My aunt has been giving me some type of herbal tea so that I may sleep peacefully, but she will not tell me of the ingredients. Some sort of Gentian secret or something. I wish one of the adepts would meet with me soon, I would love to further my training. I guess I cannot rush such matters though. At this point you may know more about Gentian than I do."
I laughed slightly at this last comment. I was only half kidding.
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 27, 2007 8:50:09 GMT -5
My interest peaked as she talked of the herbal tea her aunt gave her at night, though I was slightly deflated to learn she didn't know what was in it; I always looked to add to my knowledge of healing, whether it's small or large. "Valerian, mayhap," I said in reference to what might be lurking in the tea she drank. "Clary sage, but likely there's passion flower in the mix. It's known well for easing anxiety-induced insomnia, and while you might not have a problem falling asleep, your mind may be unsettled with the prospect of what dreams may lurk."
The idea that one of the Gentian adepts couldn't be found to aid Aelan surprised me somewhat, though I supposed it might not be so different after all. She was no patron to bring wealth into the house, though given time and training she might bring more than a singular patron could. Watching Aelan for a moment as she laughed, I smiled in responce, pondering her. There was something intriguing about her, something different outside of dreams, though I had no idea what it was. It mattered little in the end, though, and I raised my mug of tea to take a drink.
"I'm sure you'll thrive as a Gentian adept," I said, meaning it. "No matter the late start or not understanding your dreams - it might be you were destined to be there in the end."
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 27, 2007 17:12:49 GMT -5
I watched Joie's eyes dance at me over the rim of her mug. I would have given away my ability at the sight a thousand times to know what she was thinking then. Unlike my aunt, I had little talent for reading minds.
I lifted my glass to take a sip as Joie was speaking. I was deeply touched by her words and compliment, but I couldn't help but laugh.
"Are you sure you have not been speaking with my aunt? You sound like a recording of her. Perhaps it is because you both are a great deal wiser than myself. Maybe it is the culture here to make ones self a vast vessel of knowledge. "
At this I downed the second glass of mead and asked the barkeep for a third. With this weak stuff, I could go on like this for days. I hoped that Joie would not mind. However, I could not help but sensing she wanted to ask me something more.
"You seem intrigued but yet puzzled. Is there something you want to ask me?"
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Joie de Mornay
Aristocrat
Engaged to Quinn du Paras; House Mornay
Love and be loved.
Posts: 1,724
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Post by Joie de Mornay on Mar 27, 2007 22:49:34 GMT -5
I laughed and shook my head at her comment about her aunt, then laughed still more when she called me wiser. "No, no," I said around a giggle I was attempting to restrain, "not at all. Your aunt sounds wise, but I do nothing more than point out the obvious." Giving her a playful wink, I took another drink of my tea, then set the nearly-empty mug on the bartop. How many glasses was she on of her mead? I hadn't paid attention; it really mattered little to me.
"There's always things people want to know about others, whether they'll admit it or not. Still," I mused, sitting back in my chair, "Why did your father withhold the knowledge of your aunts offer?"
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 28, 2007 20:11:47 GMT -5
The barkeep placed the third glass of mead upon the table. She eyed me for a moment, I suppose pondering if I was going to pay, or perhaps if I was tipsy yet. I placed adequate coinage to pay for ten more drinks on the bar. "You know, you would sell more of this if you wouldn't water it down." The barkeep looked a bit puzzled. "I never water down my goods miss." I pondered deep into the glass of mead. "Well my dear, you have been taken to the cleaners," I commented as I raised my glass to her.
The bar keep huffed and marched off. I looked down to my glass of mead as if it held the answers to Joie's question.
"To be honest, I think he was scared. I was their first child, and also their only child. My mother could bare no other after me. I think he did not want to see me leave. When my aunt wrote to him she told him that I would possess great power. I think this worried him too. He did not even tell my mother of my aunt's request. Also my mother is pure blooded Eiren. She would not have stood to have her only child sent away. My father is a brave man, but that is one battle he would have lost."
I looked back into my mead. I closed my eyes, and I could see the flames of barn before my eyes. I could hear the screams of my terrified mare. I could feel the hot tears pouring down my cheeks. I opened my eyes and all was gone, but the tears were real.
I downed the rest of my third glass of mead. In a coarse voice that did not seem like my own I called to the barkeep, "Brin' may da stiffest drink in da house." My accent, which I had been able to tame so well, broke through like a avalanche. I glanced nervously at Joie and prayed she did not notice.
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Post by Brys de Warrene (D) on Mar 28, 2007 23:42:29 GMT -5
I had spent a good portion of my time secluded in my manor after Longest Night and decided I needed to get out. The Cockeral was one that was frequented more often, but i had my eye on the White Hart, a tavern I had not been to yet. Wandering over to the bar, and a pair of young women, I sat down and ordered a pitcher of ale.
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 29, 2007 15:13:32 GMT -5
Because I had been so lost in my brief vision and the ensuing pain I had scarcely noticed the handsome gentleman who had taken the empty seat beside of me. When the barkeep returned with his pitcher of ale I took notice.
I glanced shyly over at him and scarcely making eye contact, I smiled. "Hello," I said softly, my own voice returning to me.
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Post by Brys de Warrene (D) on Mar 29, 2007 15:16:09 GMT -5
I glanced over to the young girl and chuckled softly. "Hello." I said in reply looking to both of them and inclining my head.
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 29, 2007 15:47:32 GMT -5
I wondered what our new guest found amusing, but I realized I must be a terrible sight. Eh well, it mattered little to me what others thought of my appearance.
By then the barkeep had returned with two glasses for me. One contained the mead which I had been drinking. The other I was not to sure on the contents. I looked puzzled at the barkeep and glanced nervously at Joie. The barkeep smiled and nodded, "Trust me my dear, if you are use to Eiren mead that is my closest to its equal."
Second guessing my bravery, I stuck with my mead. I looked back to our new guest, "To what do we owe the honor of company so handsome.... um....sir?" The heat I had felt while speaking with Joie rose to a new level.
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Post by Brys de Warrene (D) on Mar 29, 2007 23:57:02 GMT -5
I turned my chair toward her, she was a brave your thing. "A cramped town house." I replied smiling. "And you?"
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Mar 30, 2007 12:41:47 GMT -5
I smiled at him over my glass of mead. He looked too wealthy to have a cramped house of any kind. I had a feeling he would be volunteering any information.
"I'm new to the city, and I am trying to meet new people. I have just met Joie here," inclining my head toward Joie. "My name is Aelan. And you are?"
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Post by Brys de Warrene (D) on Mar 31, 2007 0:43:25 GMT -5
I nodded. "Brys," I said smiling. "Its a pleasure to meet you Aelan. Where are you coming from?" I asked glancing to the girl she sat with.
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Apr 1, 2007 19:05:16 GMT -5
I pondered for a moment if Brys was more interested in Joie than myself. No matter. I was pleased with myself for disguising my accent so well. I smiled to myself. My father had taught me his mother tongue very well.
I took a sip of my mead. "I am from Eire. I have recently joined Gentian. I have an aunt who is a former adept, and she has taken me under her wing."
Looking more carefully at Brys the thought occurred to me that perhaps he was acquainted with Joie and was suppose to meet her here. Perhaps he was a secret lover. I was beginning to feel out of place. I didn't want to leave because I really had enjoyed my conversation with Joie. But I did not want to upset any plans she might already have. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.
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Post by Brys de Warrene (D) on Apr 1, 2007 19:18:27 GMT -5
I nodded. "Eire?" I said surprised but realized that I had missed her accent. "I see, that quite the journey."
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Post by Aelan nó Gentian (D) on Apr 1, 2007 19:29:06 GMT -5
"The journey was not too bad. I have never traveled that far before, so the experience was exciting."
I had not really thought about it until Brys mentioned it. I had never really traveled far from home. I had been to Alba once. That is the farthest I had ever traveled. I wondered where all Joie and Brys had traveled too.
"Do you travel much?" I asked as I glanced shyly at Brys.
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