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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2021 17:21:00 GMT -8
Pump up the jam
Pump it
While your feet are stomping
Look ahead, the crow is jumpin’
Wise words from a great philosopher and really encapsulating an element of the Spring court. Now, on the topic of elements of the Spring Court, in a moment of contemplation Archie had realized that largely the Freehold, and the general veneer of his court were going to, how they say, hell in a handbasket. This did not please Arch, who was but a simple Changeling, looking to make ends meet and still have enough left over to spend frivolously, while making sure that there were certain measures taken to establish that his name was somewhere in the credits. Everything that was worth doing sounded like it was getting more and more dangerous by the day, and making that mark was requiring more and more daring feats. Plus if one thought the line to pay dues was long before they just a paragon of the season drop into their laps, and no one knew what the fuck that was about. Thus, it was time to call a timeout. Have a huddle. Make a game plan. Boost morale. Get your shit together. So the electronic letter read: To Emeralds in the Rough
The time has come to bring ourselves together and celebrate ourselves, and what we have accomplished in a show of good faith and unity! Thus I invite you to come and share an evening with myself and your extended fellowship. We shall convene at 9pm at the Vanderpump Cocktail Garden for a private event hosted by yours truly. Come ready for drink and merriment!
Ciao,
Archie Hartman
It got all the points that mattered out of the way - chiefly free drinks. It also gave him time to complete his normal life before diving into the world of whimsy which he tried wholeheartedly to not let interfere in his taxable concerns. The event itself? You had to be on a list to get past that velvet rope, and then you could come into the. Then you could come into the section that was made available exclusively to those sworn to the Antler crown, and invited personally by the Arch-meister himself. Make no mistake he was there to personally greet everyone who managed to make it with a firm yet friendly handshake and a compliment. Our host? Eccentric as always, royal purple slacks and jacket, with mint collared shirt, and alligator shoes to match the alligator bow tie and pocket square - he even replaced his apple watch with something more matchy matchy. It was time for Spring to blossom! Drink Menu
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 25, 2021 17:22:24 GMT -8
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 26, 2021 13:03:17 GMT -8
Free cocktails? Naturally the dragon would be there, especially given the venue. There was also the need to grease more wheels in the Spring Court, but it proved a poor motivator. Given the nature of recent happenings, Ivory was most pulled by the promise of alcohol. She needed time to unwind from all the stress of designer drugs, the attempted murder of the Joyeux, the revelation of her son's relationships, and, of course, her own recent brush with death. The regal dragon arrived with greater elegance than might have been necessary, but she was still just getting back into the swing of things and, frankly, had missed dressing up. Thus, tonight's attire was a beautiful pastel pink dress that would likely be more in place at a formal function. A tasteful necklace and earrings, alongside a pair of open-toed white heels completed the look. As for the hair, it was pulled back in a formal bun. Her makeup remained elegant as well, the deep pink-red lipstick complementing the rest of the look. A mirthful smile was granted to the eccentric Archie and his handshake was readily accepted, her fingers gliding into his palm. As they shake, Ivory glance around to assess their level of privacy.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2021 18:13:45 GMT -8
“Ivory! I didn’t know Maleficent had a sister, and that her name was Magnificent.”
He laughed. It was a good line. A great one even. “ In all seriousness I have heard so much about you, all good and if there was any bad trust me - everyone has bitten their tongue for one reason. I am sure that is by some sort of design - and all I can say is…”
He shot her a finger gun. “I love the brand. But here, grab a seat, check the menu, I suggest The Nut Job, or Please Her, Caesar myself - but if you are feeling spicy the Checkmate, Bitch is absolutely wonderful. Plus we may as well wet our whistles while we wait to see just who trickles in and joins our little shindig. Hopefully a few more at least, because if not this is a big ooph on the pocket book for just the two of us.”He reached to a table behind him and grabbed a cocktail menu so she could have full reign over it, while she found herself a seat. “Don’t worry about talking business. So long as we don’t spill the whole kit and caboodle we should be fine. Besides with what all these schmo’s talk about these days, who is anyone to judge what we schmooze about, right? Though if we are being one hundred, there is definitely going to be kiki about the workplace if you catch my drift.”
A chuckle followed as he slipped her the menu, letting her know there was a purpose to all of this. Strong King - ArchieToday at 5:58 PM
Pump the Breaks!
Archie finally meets the Dragon
But what does she truly desire?
Wits + Emp + Mantle
@dicecord-CoD roll 7 and let me understand Ivory!
Dicecord-CoD
BOT
Today at 5:58 PM
@strong King - Archie rolled 7 dice and got 1 success. 1 8 3 1 2 7 5
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 26, 2021 20:15:17 GMT -8
The glance ends when Archie speaks to her by her name among the Lost. Surely the host had taken all the precautions necessary.
"A pleasure, Mr. Hartman," she said as the shake was done, "And I thank you for the compliment. Royal purple suits you."
"Oh? What have you heard?" she asked, genuinely curious. The comment of brand caused the dragons stark white eyebrows to rise, "Brand?"
At his direction the Pale Dragon drifted to the table, lifting the menu to observe the treasure trove of selections. Soon a bemused smirk hit her lips as her golden gaze falls on one selection in particular.
"The Cold Blooded sounds delicious," she says, confirming her selection, "Mmm, even so a night with drinks is never one wasted."
Seating herself and waiting for her cocktail, she'd offer the gregarious Spring a measured, but gentle smile.
"Ah, so the event lacks a certain privacy to be expected then?" she asked, leaning forward her next words were whispered, "Staff talks, Mr. Hartman. If what you say is true then, please, use Abigail or Mrs. Cartwright. I'd prefer the mundane to recognize me only by that name."
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Post by Deleted on Jan 26, 2021 21:45:33 GMT -8
“Many thanks.”
A quick reply to her returned compliment before he turned to answering her curiosities.
“Like I said, all good, largely surface level. Proud, Splendid, Stately, Resplendent all seem to capture an apt summary if we are speaking in broad strokes - otherwise, successful socialite and in general a mover and shaker. A very verdant summary, wouldn’t you agree? And trust me it all feeds that brand - we all have one, and whether we like it or not we all play to it. It helps make us more than just another face in the crowd, and we all hope more than another pawn on the board.”
He glanced at the bar, and threw up his hand, a few numbered gestures and if one was paying attention they could see the bartender getting to work.
“The question is, do you really understand what you are trying to sell with this brand? What does Abigail scream when one sees it, what ideas are we trying to elicit? Looks matter, and I don’t even mean in the standard grooming sense. There is a reason you don’t see some indie folk rock bands wearing leather and metal spikes. Or the next Taylor Swift rocking a face tattoo. It just doesn’t work. This…”
He motioned at himself, hand moving up and down at his own ensemble.
“This is carefully curated, and you know that, naturally - and anyone who has spent any amount of time around me knows I am one for bolder choices in the arena of fashion. First glance tells a story, and I do a lot to make sure I dictate what that first glance reads.”
He paused a moment as the drinks appeared before them, and he slipped into a seat finally as the server left them, and sat across from the venerable presence across from him.
“Now, barring that is too much of encroachment on that privacy I would love to know what informed your choices this evening. The pink…”
He threw up an A-OK sign with one hand as he sipped his own drink, a mystery to what it was at the moment.
“Bold yet soft, I love it. Does a lot of work - the lip stick, speaks volumes easy to mistake such a tone as passive but those little touches scream - pardon my French - ‘not to be fucked with’. Not one to blend in, but not push the boundaries. I am sensing maybe...Willingness to hear whatever pitch may arise this evening, but I’ll have to earn that attention - and either way I am saddled with your tab for the evening.”
Sip number two.
“How off base am I? Because I’ll be honest, the sweet little boy in me is still incredibly intimidated by you, so I may be a little shaky.”
He leaned forward with a chuckle, letting her know that her presence truly had some weight to it even if he let the confession loose with some jest.
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Post by Agrippa on Jan 27, 2021 8:23:09 GMT -8
A nice little event with free refreshments, familiar faces, friends waiting to happen and the potential to carve their name into the minds of even more fellow courtiers? What more could Agrippa possibly ask for? It was an invite so good that the beast had almost anticipated a trap, but there was no ambush at the door, nor inside the venue. At least, not yet, and not of the kind the beast didn't appreciate. The unicorn glided across the slick floors in their classic pastel suit. Besides being appropriate for the venue, they figured it would make the most sense to introduce themselves in the getup that they were most likely to be recognized in. Once properly inside, they planted themselves in place and scanned the room. Talking with the host was the top priority- Agrippa felt it would be rude not to try, and honestly they suspected they might just get along with whoever dreamt this up as a good time. Thankfully spotting Archie in purple and green wasn't difficult, and the realization that the person he was currently engaged with was Ivory only emboldened Agrippa further.
"Fantastic venue you snagged here!"
If one had to interrupt, they might as well interrupt with compliment. Agrippa danced over to one of the unoccupied chairs on the table, leaning forward on its backrest. They offered the duo a disarming smile
"Mind if I join you two? I'm not interrupting anything, am I?"
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Jan 29, 2021 12:22:45 GMT -8
There it was. That soft, gentle smile that often graced the Pale Dragon's face when when offered genuine compliments. It was pleasing to hear that her efforts were slowly making the rounds, Ivory had not been idle, after all. Archie's statements words even went further, offering some assurance that she was, indeed, not wasting her time trying to appeal to the Verdant Court. She was right to have become an Emerald.
Golden eyes flick to the bartender as Archie relays an unspoken order. The eccentric man knew how to order cocktails and that alone was reason enough to befriend him. Nonetheless, for all his oddities, Archie Hartman was proving quickly to be an observant man with a keen mind. The question of Ivory's brand caused the pale brows of the dragon to shift upwards yet again. She was tempted to answer, but it was likely the events of the evening would inform her company of her intent well enough and Archie had more he wished to say.
A small smile is offered to the server as her drink is delivered, a silent gesture of thanks before delicate fingers lift the cocktail to her lips. She would indulge herself by taking her first drink as Archie began to speculate on her choices for the evening. Savoring the delightful mixture of blood orange and bourbon on her tongue, the Pale Dragon's smile would tug a little lighter as he spoke of his intimidation, fangs glintly lightly in the soft light of the lounge.
She would indulge the man's curiosity.
"Given the language of your letter, it was my understanding that those gathering tonight would likely be of a similar social standing as myself. That is to say, those of us who lack ties to the middle and upper divisions of our organization," she explained, "Therefore, I felt it best to dress in a way that would convey my intent for the future. I have no intention of remaining in the background longer than I need to and I felt that needed to be understood. That and, given a recent period in which I found myself indisposed, I found myself with the need to look close to my best. Statements are important to me, but so are my comforts. Still, you are right to assume I do not tolerate being fucked with."
A dual purpose of intent and desire.
"In the spirit of honesty, I was unsure what to expect from the evening, but I had considered imbibing at your expense without granting my attention," she admitted, "Nonetheless, given your wit and observations, I will admit that you've swayed me to reconsider my complacency on the matter. You have my attention, Mr. Hartman."
For now.
Then came a familiar, bright voice, drawing the gilded gaze of the Pale Dragon to the angelic form of a certain Helldiver.
"Nonsense, your presence is a gift," Ivory offered, before gesturing to vacant seats, more out of reflex than anything, "Only a fool would not welcome you to their table."
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 29, 2021 18:14:12 GMT -8
To the point in the way that made the hair on ol’ Archie’s arms stand on end. Ivory, she was scary, but in a way you couldn’t take your eyes off of her. A dangerous if not deadly conundrum, especially for the prey of this predator. Nonetheless Arch was still all smiles with a chuckle at the end of her statement accentuating her not to be fucked with stance. It seemed as though for the moment she was the center of attention until, you know, a Unicorn trotted in from the wild. His eyes snapped and his pearly whites beamed as Agrippa made their presence known and Archie was quick to rise from his seat to pull an adjacent one out for Agrippa, it would have been very bad manners to not attend to his guests after all, wouldn’t it? “You heard the lady, and I don’t know about you but I am not planning on getting on her bad side this early in the evening. Jokes aside, it is a pleasure to have you hear, and I am elated that you could find the time to join us this evening.”
Chair pulled out, a hand offered, and if the shake was taken, Archie would peer into the desires of the disarmingly handsome Beast that was joining them. “And thank you, it took some calls and a hefty deposit to make the place clear out on short notice, but when something feels pressing you make it a priority and you make it happen? Am I right? I just hope it is haimish enough for everyone because it would wound me otherwise.”
Another small laugh as he made sure that Agrippa was situated and that they had a menu for cocktails presented to them before he would even entertain taking his seat back. “I believe we were just broaching the topic of why such an impromptu get together, and I was about humour Abigail here with the idea that there doers and there are don’ters and my general concern that there are many buds that are being traipsed over all…”
He pursed his lips and looked up and to the right, head bobbing back and forth for a moment. “Willy Nilly.”
He nodded his head in appreciation of his summary. “And my observation that members of this community at large are going about and getting to plenty of doing, and they are getting the credit they deserve in lieu of more discerning distractions. And so, I have come to the conclusion that I think it is better if we all got to know one another seeing as we all have vested interests and goals I am sure, and it would be a shame to get stuck in the rut of feeling like a pisher.”
He leaned back in his seat with a grin, letting his pitch roll off his tongue with practiced ease despite the cadence and pace making it seem much more impromptu than it likely was. It really gave the mustachioed Fairest a sense of do gooding earnestness. Strong King - ArchieToday at 6:10 PM
Pump the Breaks
Cupids Arrow vs Agrippa @thetechnomancer
Wits + Empathy + Mantle
@dicecord-CoD roll 7 with big suxx plz
Dicecord-CoD
BOT
Today at 6:10 PM
@strong King - Archie rolled 7 dice and got 1 success. 2 7 8 4 1 1 4
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Jan 29, 2021 22:15:01 GMT -8
The invitation from Archie had caught Riley's curiosity, Drink? Merriment? Riley couldn't help but wonder what the manager was possibly scheming, but it involved cocktails so Riley was game. For the evening Riley had a slim black suit, with a white undershirt, unbuttoned shirt providing a low plunge neckline. Riley's hair was pulled back into a messy man-bun, tied with his golden harnette. This evening Riley had a convincingly painted on 5'clock shadow to finish off the masculine look. Entering the gathering Riley looked around, His eyes tracked to see those gathered before raising a hand in greeting as he approached. "Can't say I have been here before, great pick Archie" He smiled holding out a hand to meet Archies as it was offered, before looking to Agrippa and Ivory with a smile. "Looks like the party has already started" He says with a grin.
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Post by Agrippa on Jan 30, 2021 16:46:19 GMT -8
Agrippa bowed their head towards Ivory
"You flatter me!"
Judging by the sudden way their smile turned bashful, it was working. Their attention didn't linger long on the dragon however, as Archie was quick to claim it. They reached over to reciprocate the offered handshake, matching the fairest's grip and rhythm like a mirror made flesh.
"The pleasure is mine, I assure you. I wouldn't miss a little thing like this for the world."
In one fluid movement, Agrippa pushed themselves off the backrest and moved to the offered seat, taking to the drinks menu with a delicate eagerness. Their eyes flitted between it and Archie as he explained his reasoning behind the event. Other than seeming to be caught off-guard by Archie's use of Ivory's alias, they took what the fairest was saying in stride, nodding thoughtfully at all the appropriate points.
"Honestly any excuse would get me here, but I have to give it to you-"
They gestured pointedly with the menu
"I like where your mind is at. Can't speak for anyone else, but I'm personally far from the old guard here and I appreciate all the help I can get. And appreciate giving the help too. Nothing like bolstering my peers."
They leaned forward in a way that somehow managed to be at once friendly and conspiratorial. They looked as though they were about to say more, when Riley made himself known.
"Riley! Can a gathering really even be a party before you arrive? Here, we got a seat with your name on it!"
Agrippa flung a hand out to the chair beside theirs, pulling it out from the table to offer the newest arrival.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 5, 2021 23:35:07 GMT -8
“The Old Guard is one way to put it, my dear Agrippa, that is its own can of worms. My most recent sentiments have been around what happens when the New Guard comes in with wrinkles, if you catch my drift.” He would give a chuckle, and then he was hopping right back up. “Riley! A pleasure as always, I am glad you could make it!”
He shuffled over and offered them a hand, and made sure to do the same as he did for Agrippa, making sure their latest arrival had a comfortable seat and a drink menu. "You know Riley, I haven’t seen you at the office yet. We should really get something on paper if you ask me. Now is a hot time, and you don’t want to risk getting left out in the cold. We had some big breaks come out of the pool lately and our network has popped off. We could find you something quaint, well to-do, whatever you feel like really. Just call Emily at the office and we can set up a time.”
He had had a few encounters with the ever eye catching Emerald, but had failed to have a sort of formal meeting to make a deal happen. That would come later, as this was now. “Now where were we? Right, essentially - and I will be blunt here - I feel we are all at risk of being made a certain level of patsy in this greater chess game. What is worse is I feel like the game is getting decidedly more dangerous, and the major players are shedding any scruples they may have previously had.”
A moment to sip his drink, and put in orders for Agrippa and Riley if needed. Strong King - ArchieToday at 11:33 PM Pump the Breaks Will that be all, Agrippa? Manipulation + Socialize @dicecord-CoD roll 6 for 1 suxx? Dicecord-CoD BOT Today at 11:33 PM @strong King - Archie rolled 6 dice and got 1 success. 3 7 6 9 7 7 Strong King - ArchieToday at 11:34 PM Pump the breaks Cupids Arrow on Riley mavspade Manipulation + Empathy + Mantle @dicecord-CoD roll 7 probably also for 1 suxx Dicecord-CoD BOT Today at 11:34 PM @strong King - Archie rolled 7 dice and got 1 success. 4 7 6 6 7 8 3
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
Posts: 588
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Post by Ivory on Feb 6, 2021 15:05:26 GMT -8
Ivory listened to the Chatelaine as he spoke, but was decidedly silent. It wasn't up to her to bring Archie to the point of his gathering, after all. He had invited them and it was his task alone to display his agenda.
The Pale Dragon afford Agrippa a small smile and nod for their gesture, the smile becoming warm when they had selected a seat. Riley's approach was also noticed by Ivory, naturally. The Moth always had a way of drawing the Dragon's eyes and their current masculinity peaked Ivory's interest.
"Welcome, Riley," she offered, "You look quite handsome. That cut suits you."
Then Archie again stole Ivory's golden gaze as he finally began the central pitch. The Chatelaine was proposing the group banded together and assisted one another, with the event serving as a means of introduction to their respective desires. The deal was a tempting one on the surface, but sharing the true depths of her Desire was not preferred by the Fairest. She liked her current company, but, admittedly, knew very little about them.
"Indeed," the Dragon agreed as Archie spoke of their game, her bourbon cocktail rising to her lips for another drink as she formulated thought to words, "Nonetheless, the unfortunate reality of our circumstances require us to play along for a time. In order to ascend, we need to grease the wheel... though I will admit I find the lack of morality amongst our betters to be an annoyance at best. Disturbing at worst. Even so, to my knowledge, none of us gathered here have the influence to grease the wheel on our own. Sponsorship, then, is not only recommended, but near-required."
Playing the Devil's Advocate was not Ivory's favorite thing to do, but any who thought they could move up without potentially tarnishing their moral compass was living in a dream world almost as ridiculous and dangerous as Arcadia itself. She needed these potential allies to see where she was coming from.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
Posts: 913
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 7, 2021 18:30:18 GMT -8
Riley smiled at the greetings provided to him.
“Good evening all, what a delight” He chuckled, moving to join them before taking Archie’s hands.
“I know...I know! I am terrible at calling. I promise I am not avoiding you. ”
The bright ones inner desires spilled from their hand into the mind of the whimsical Archie. They were wrapped and twisted with contradictions, and muddied with fear, anger. A tug of guilt with a wish for reconciliation, quickly pushed aside. Longing to be seen and not be seen. To be and not be consumed. The want of a Motley a family, a pull to be alone. Boiling from the mess came the clearest last desire in the Moths mind. Status, reputation, purpose. A place of importance within the spring court, to act as a shield.
The moth was blissfully unaware of the emotions that Archie had uncovered. Moving to take an order for a drink before coming back to the table, and draping himself over the seat offered by Agrippa
“Cheers, thanks for the seat. It seems we are jumping straight to the agenda than,” They gave Archie a nod before looking at Ivory and listening. The dragon had a point.
“It does seem, we lack a bit of courtly capital at the table. My efforts have been...slow I will admit”
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Post by Agrippa on Feb 8, 2021 5:45:35 GMT -8
A soft frown creased Agrippa's forehead ever so slightly. Their eyes seemed to search the menu for something, although they didn't name any drink. Finally they stood the booklet up straight and tapped it lightly on the table- an audible signal for a shift in direction
"So. We have a problem laid out. A few even-"
They directed the last words at Ivory, at once acknowledging and agreeing with her statement
"What do we propose we do about it? I'm already trying to throw my name up in high places, but I still have limited reach. Haven't made any enemies yet at least. That I know of."
A creeping doubt and deep anxiety infected their features, forcing hesitation. They shook away the thought
"What would you like?"
They leveled Archie an expectant look
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