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Post by Deleted on Feb 8, 2021 13:27:02 GMT -8
The Fairest listened to the first curated thoughts that left the lips of his fellow Emeralds. There was a consensus amongst certain aspects so that helped a lot they were at least on the same page in that regard. It was good to know upward mobility was on their mind, and that the frustration wasn’t just him picking something out of thin air. With that in the open it was time to start the round table as drinks came, Archie snatching and serving them himself as he found his own seat amongst the four of them.
“Now lets be real with ourselves. The upper nobility have had their lack of scruples an open secret for a long time but I share your concern at how it can get a little how we say...cut throat. There is a certain joy that comes from looking down at us scrape and claw and even infight to get the shine needed to move on up. For myself, it it is one of the reasons I have largely distanced myself from politics while I figured out how to get everything else on track.”
He took a moment to twirl his drink and indulge it, a moment to let everyone else bask in the hospitality in the moment as well.
“Moving forward, we can happily all sit down and figure out the best strategy to make those who matter take notice. However the issue I have is that right now there are a lot fewer eyes looking down at us than they are up - and that is something I wanted to broach with you lot to make sure I am not just watching too much History Channel conspiracy shows.”
“See, we had a deer crash through our wall and set up residency. But that is far above all of us right? Wrong, it feels like it is one more oppressive force that knocks us down a rung on the list of priorities, it's another hoop we have to jump through because titled or not a paragon isn’t someone you just say no to. Even worse, since our normal day to day lives were crashed I have noticed things have been going down right loopy some days. I had some strange guy come to my office trying to get me involved in some crazy drug smuggling plot, may even be community linked. This is not my cup of tea but now it's knocking at my front door.”
He pursed his lips and sipped his drinks again, in an ‘I am just saying’ demeanor.
“To keep things to the point is to say people are crashing our party and making our lives difficult in some way or another. This is on top of all the issues we have with the system at hand that doesn’t exactly help us. Now to fall back on my earlier conversation with Abi here, playing the game is saying ‘please fuck with me’. Easy to accomplish when we all step up one by one holding out soup bowls out. Together?”
He let that last insinuation linger in the air, waiting to see if anyone had some thoughts on that.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 8, 2021 18:11:02 GMT -8
A smile is offered to Riley, as one of Ivory's hands gestured, dismissing his attempts to disparage himself.
"They are slow for us all," the Pale Dragon offered, "The nobility is unsure of us and seeks to retain their control. All is well. Your efforts are no faster than anyone else gathered here. From what I know, of course."
The gold gaze of the dragon shifted to the angelic Beast, offering them a shrug.
"That is up to you, you can either seek to attach yourselves to our less scrupulous brethren or seek to partner with someone who will. One method simply provides a quicker means of attaining attention, albeit at greater risks," Ivory explained, "I have my own reasons for seeking their attention. Whether you wish to depends entirely on you. I said sponsorship was a near requirement, but it is possible to succeed without it."
Then Ivory looked back to Archie as he spoke, listening as he relayed the struggles of their ascent, the seeming competitions of the nobility with one another, and the arrival of Buck throwing a further wrench. At the Chatelaine's tone regarding the Paragon, Ivory's lips dipped into a light frown.
"If you truly wish to consider a paragon a nuisance, then you will find yourself in good company with our... 'betters', but that is not something I intend to do," Ivory admitted, "There is a reason he attained that favor and I will not comply with orders that will jeopardize his safety simply because they see him as a wildcard to their little, ultimately pointless empires. I am loyal to the concepts of our Court, Mr. Hartman, and what our season represents. My loyalty to the nobility is less unwavering."
She placed her glass on the table.
"You may all do as you wish and I am willing to act to assist you, so long as our interests align, but know I bear little interest in formally tying myself to nobles associated with the... aforementioned unscrupulous activities," Ivory said, her tone blunt, "I intend to make myself useful, of course. To you and them. However, I won't be complacent should danger come to my own or subtle. Those who try will be burned to the best of my ability and, despite my love for theatrics, that is not an elaboration."
Ivory's gaze steeled. She understood the intensity of the words she was saying, but true to the nature of Pale Dragon, she was blissfully unbothered.
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 9, 2021 18:01:03 GMT -8
Riley hadn't heard too much on Buck, so far and didn't have a huge opinion on the matter.
"Can't say I have an informed opinion on this deer." Perhaps I should look into it more. "But as stated" he gestured toward Ivory. "I am loyal to the verdant ideals. But people...they take longer. Perhaps...for the sake of transparency."
Could a darkling truly be transparent?
"I have ambitions of my own. I desire to have a place at the table, even if in a small fashion," maybe not so small. Riley hadn't been involved or even fully aware of the consequences of the drug dealing that was connected to the Emerald court. If they did, well that opinion that might change.
" It's no exaggeration to say our court has a history of violence. I'd rather be in a safer spot than the bottom."
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Post by Agrippa on Feb 10, 2021 5:46:42 GMT -8
Agrippa's expectant look melted into something weary as Archie threw yet another mountain of dialogue at them without a single sentence of direct response to the question they had asked. Ivory got a sad little nod, as her answer in turn, while direct, still left them at square one in terms of understanding why they were even all here.
"I haven't been here long enough to be able to tell you what exactly is going on up there."
They threw their eyes up at the ceiling to hammer the metaphor home
"I've barely got my bearings straight yet, and figuring that out is some steps down the road still..."
Their lips pressed into a thin line as they contemplated the wisdom of honesty
"Honestly, I'm not sure what you want me to tell you. I'm interested in collaboration, but you need to tell me what we are doing before I can help."
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Post by Deleted on Feb 10, 2021 14:02:16 GMT -8
There were two ways to go about this, is take the speed bump slowly, and spoon feed the notions again, and see if they could through the night hammer home a consensus - Archie had more than enough time and dollars in his pocket to do this, however it was a question if this is what his desire had been set too. So did he remain extremely friendly and soft, or would he instead pull the bandaid so to speak, and try to get this over with.
“So I think we can all agree that we are all helpful by nature, and amenable to helping where at all possible. At the same time I think we can all agree that we all seek some level of advancement to accompany that collaboration.”
He made sure to mingle the thoughts of Ivory, Riley, and Agrippa in what the common ground was.
“But…”
He let his own but linger as he eyed the room, taking a moment to catch the eyes of each of the Emeralds before him.
“I am hearing nothing but wants, and none of it really has any ambition behind it. Yes some nobility are better than others - but as Riley has stated our Court has its own history to reconcile which is itself proof that favor of the Wyrd is not tied to a very human sense of morality, all it says is that you can represent the Court and be who you are scrupulous or not. Don’t dilute the argument though.”
Archie’s tone was a little sharper, more to the point, not angry or confrontational but more professional than its normal jovial tone.
“All I have heard is the same wheel being spun. Putting it in better terms ask yourself that do you individually feel like a commodity that is worth sparking a bidding war? Or are you going to let the system siv you out and do what it wants with you while you tow the line? If that is what you would like - be my guest I cannot ask that you take risk, nor seek reward.”
“Myself, I know what I have to offer, whom I should offer it too, and how to jockey for my own position. But that is more of the same old, same old, and in the end nothing changes. Others determine my value, and the market stagenents no matter what my value is. Any one of us are largely non-consequential. Together, we form just enough of an influence bloc that someone may want to give you the sales pitch instead of you having to be the one selling. I for one desire diversity in my options, and would love to get a better value.”
He sighed and leaned back, taking his drink and sipping it.
“If errands for upper management are how you see yourself advancing? Well who am I to stop you. I am just here to give you all an option I feel we are entitled to entertain.”
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 11, 2021 3:52:12 GMT -8
Ivory listened to Riley, granting a small nod to the Moth as he spoke his points. The gaze was softer with poor Agrippa, whose demeanor spoke of their lack of understanding. "To put it simply, a paragon of the season has recently arrived," she explained to the Beast, "And his arrival was heralded with an attempt on his life... I find the concept distasteful for a number of reasons, but for now I will say that the stagnation of the move bothers me. The Old Guard fails to recognize the arrival of a better avatar of Spring and instead treat him like a tumor to be cut, presumably because they feel his arrival might threaten their own works. A failure to adapt, as it were."
It was a bold statement for the Pale Dragon to make, but she had been at least somewhat involved in the investigation of Buck's attempted murder and signs were currently pointing to internal strife among the Spring Court. Then came Archie's words and Ivory found the grip of her fingers around her drink tighten, her gilded gaze growing colder as it found purchase once more in the round man. As he ventured into an attempt to chastise the group for not being forthright with their ambitions, upon their first real interaction with one another, had pushed the dragon to finally decide that enough was enough. "Say that I lack ambition again and I will be forced to end this conversation," she began, a cold edge to her words, "And we will have a problem."
Ivory's stare was nothing short of cold-blooded, like some primeval reptilian terror sizing up a morsel before a strike. Archie had struck a nerve and it was readily apparent that the Pale Dragon of Las Vegas was not going to play along with his love of wordplay. Who was this man to question Ivory's ambition and ability to take what she earned? She would have none of it. "Am I being perfectly clear?" Ivory asked, her frigid tone calm, yet demanding an answer as unblinking eyes burrowed into the man. Ivory paused, bringing her drink to her lips with all the confidence of one who knew they could dominate a social space - and one who was perfectly capable of enforcing their threats. However, the stare remained unwaveringly upon the Chatelaine. Ivory knew she was evoking the sense of being a true predator and, frankly, the Pale Dragon's comfort with that fact was nothing short of frightening. As any true dragon would do, Ivory allowed her presence to do the talking, but... she had some words for the man. "None among us has said they want to play it safe. Agrippa spoke of a desire to learn more before entertaining your game. Riley recognized the need to rise for his safety, but understandably has kept his desires close to his chest. Further, you and I are merely acquaintances. I have no reason to trust you," she said, "Your only support for us to be open and honest is the simple fact that we are all considered inconsequential by the powers that be. As we've discussed, our court lacks a strong moral center. We have absolutely no reason to trust you and you seem more intent on speaking a mountain of words than delivering your point concisely."
She let the words hang. "If it isn't apparent, Mr. Hartman, you are losing my interest and my patience," she concluded, "If you have a pitch than make it. Clearly, briefly, and concisely. Insult your current company again and you will lose me entirely."The door remained cracked. Archie could continue - if he minded himself. He should feel lucky for that small mercy.
StrayToday at 4:22 AM Put the Chatelaine in his place. Presence+Intimidation @dicecord-CoD roll 7 Dicecord-CoD BOT Today at 4:23 AM stray rolled 7 dice and got 7 successes. 7 9 10(9) 8 10(10)(7) 9 6 Masterfully done, stray !
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Riley Sorsa
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 11, 2021 8:44:43 GMT -8
Goddamn, Ivory can be scary.
Riley adjusted in their seat at the discomfort of the roasting that was happening between their fellow courtiers. The darkling glanced towards Agrippa as Ivory made her stance clear as glass.
The situation was a new one, and the Darkling was trying to grasp best how to move forward. Ivory ire towards Archies tone were understandable, and now the ball was in his court. Riley looked over expectantly to the talent agent. Riley ruminated for a moment on how those higher in the court had found their positions. Had it been time? Luck? Mortal station? If So some here might already be on their way. Did the nobles make their way alone, or had they allies. The darkling's mind weaved the paths of those possibilities and glanced around this table.
Perhaps in part Archie was right, at least for Riley. They were cautious, secretive and perhaps even unfocused. The moth had spent so much time concerned for their Mortal career they had not done work for their role in the freehold. That needed to change.
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Post by Agrippa on Feb 11, 2021 19:35:01 GMT -8
Though weary and holding onto comprehension by fingertips alone, Agrippa wasn't one to give up so quickly, and they certainly weren't one to let a conversation end on harsh words if they could help it. Archie seemed to be leading them on, but that could be merely appearance. Were they actually trying to be helpful, or did they have the manipulative bent of a man trying to take advantage?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 11, 2021 20:13:48 GMT -8
His jaw was tense, and his natural well of words seemed to have dried up. His teeth were locked as he was clearly stunned for a moment, having been chided like a child as he tried to bring home desperate ramblings to a solvent point. Should he had had any leverage as host that all but evaporated as the Dragon snatched the podium and seemed to be calling the shots on the matter now. It was absolutely infuriating that there was no way to just simply and immediately take that back. So he was left sitting rigid in his seat as his mind ran a mile a minute to try and come up with something. How could he abide by the simple request. Clear...Briefly...Concisely…He assumed at this point that simply telling her Apes Strong Together, would be insulting.
However, it was also worth acknowledging that there was a certain level of cementing done at the same time as Archie was struck to the very core, like the light had narrowed and he was succumbing to his own stage fright.
A weak smile, and decidedly softer but still complimentary tone - but far more produced than natural.
“Of course. I was simply insinuating that a bloc could be greater than the sum of its parts. Strength in number, right?”
Apes Strong Together.
“But for the sake of not jumping the shark, perhaps it's best we leave politics behind us then, yes?”
He was not wanting to linger for fear of this first slap being followed by an equally stunning backhand. Especially when it seemed that no one was particularly keen on what Archie had to say about the matter.
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Post by Agrippa on Feb 13, 2021 5:41:08 GMT -8
Agrippa's shoulders sagged, finally giving up trying to hold a preppy stance that the rest of their features had long dropped. Though Ivory's ire was not directed towards them, her predatory intensity stirred a prey instinct deep within the unicorn's bones that made them flinch and shrink in their seat.
"Oh, Abigail. I don't think he was meaning to insult us, I'm sure we're just having trouble communicating. We aren't on the same wavelength."
Their voice came out high and apologetic. It took visible willpower for them to even glance wide eyes up at the Dragon for the moment they could bear, before switching their focus onto Archie
"I...agree that we may have more influence if we work together, however I believe a group such as this might be better made of those with similar ideals rather than simply similar needs or ambitions. Talking to such a length around us when we aren't in mixed company seems to me something that you would only feel the need to do if you don't trust us to cooperate. And you should trust a group of individuals you wish to work with, shouldn't you?"
It was not so much a question as it was a gentle plea, like a parent suggesting to a child that they should want to get along with the sibling they just punched, because being friends would be so much nicer. "Finding if you agree with us, and if we agree with you might be a good first step. And the easiest way to do that is to simply try to make friends. Just... talk to us. Without trying so hard to get us to say the things you want to hear."
Agrippa punctuated their own proposal with a little optimistic smile, just bright enough to shine through their soft and gentle tone
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 13, 2021 18:26:26 GMT -8
The initial silence given by Riley and Agrippa did little to affect the Pale Dragon. For the moment, they were inconsequential as Ivory sought to bring Archie to heel. And, it appeared, she had succeeded.
Though her gaze remained, along with its hard edge, at Archie's brief and concise answer. His tone elicited a slight smile signifying Ivory's pleasure at his answer. She found this Archie more... agreeable.
"Much better," Ivory offered, "I presume the bloc you suggest is an alliance, rather than a true Motley, given how recently our association has begun. I am open to this, so long as courtesy continues to be observed. If we are to work with you, it is my presumption that we will do so as partners. Not clients."
At the mention of shifting away from political talk, the Pale Dragon thought briefly before granting the Chatelaine a small nod.
"Agreed, I believe we all understand where we stand in the ladder and it seems we understand the need for caution with the upper echelons," she mused, "For now, that is enough."
Then the angelic Beast spoke, drawing the Dragon's golden gaze and finally granting Archie a reprieve from its weight. Her gaze to Agrippa was softer, but tensed briefly as Agrippa mused that Archie had not meant to insult.
How can they be so blind?
She did not respond to their first statement, though there was a slight frown on Ivory's lips. Agrippa was highly optimistic and trusting. If they weren't so endearing, Ivory would have found it quite frustrating, but, given her feelings on the Beast, she was more worried about them than anything. As Agrippa spoke of the need for trust, Ivory was less willing to remain silent.
"Agrippa, dear," she offered, "I adore your optimism, but I worry that you allow your trust to build too quickly. Trust is not required for people to assist one another, nor should you expect it in the beginnings of your dealings with others. Trust should not be gifted for the sake of comfort, it must be earned. It is my hope that you learn this soon... because if you do not someone is going to eat you alive and there will be little we can do collectively to protect you."
A harsh truth, but it was not one Ivory would relay unless she felt it was sorely needed. Despite her instincts, the Pale Dragon had been tempered from her time as a guardian to Anthony. She was still a mother and, in her eyes, Agrippa's innocence still hung in sheets waiting to be tattered. Better for them to know that such a thing was an inevitability rather than suffer from greater pain when the reality settled in.
Then the Pale Dragon turned her attention back to Archie.
"Would you agree this conversation does not revolve around trust, Mr. Hartman?" she asked, curious if he, too, was sailing within the canals of naïvety, "It seems apparent you gathered us here to learn what we could offer you in your future endeavors as valuable partners and vice versa, no?"
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Riley Sorsa
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Presence (3) Captivating | SL(1) Stylish Mantle (2)Spring | Status(1) Entertainment
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Post by Riley Sorsa on Feb 13, 2021 19:14:16 GMT -8
The moth drummed their fingers across the table while taking a sip from their cocktail. He raised an eyebrow in mild entertainment to the exchange. Ivory was a presence to behold. The regality, the certainty and the unmistakable drive. It was a bit inspiring. Riley noted once more to never stand in the way of the dragon’s desires, not with out a lance.
The power dynamic of the room had obviously shifted and the dragon held it firmly in her claws.
The bewitched gaze turn towards the Hell diver to get a sense for his reaction. He agreed Ivory, trust was not a requirement in this case. But a part of the Bright one felt a touch of hope that Agrippa optimism would not bite them, that perhaps they could beat the odds. One can dream.
The tension at the table reminded the Moth of learning to dance with a new partner. The back and forth, the awkward steps, frustrations and unspoken boundaries. The goals were shared, the methods and means were to be discovered. It conjured an image of Ivory and Archie trying to Salsa and caused the Moth to let out an audible chuckle.
“Sorry” Riley said raising a hand, and shaking his head with a mischievous smile. Before settling into a more appropriate tone for the moment.
“Ivory is right. Trust comes later. Should we be lucky it would be a privilege to have. I however want to second Ivory’s question Arch’. You brought us here, do you have a proposal or plan? If not that is fine, I am just curious”
A plan was not needed, having them at the table, even with its hiccups was a good first step.
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Post by Agrippa on Feb 14, 2021 5:02:45 GMT -8
"Oh, I- hm."
The protest barely had a chance to leave Agrippa's mouth before their better judgement forced them to swallow it down. This wasn't the time to get into semantics, and this conversation wasn't about them. Besides, with both Ivory and Riley asking the same question Agrippa had posed twice now, they weren't keen to knock the conversation off-topic and miss a potential answer. So instead the beast retreated, sinking away from the table until the nape of their neck hit the backrest of their seat. They did their best to balance an adult dignity with the affectations of a scolded child who had learned their lesson. With the parental tone that Ivory had used, that was surely the reaction that she had wanted, wasn't it? A silent wave of their hand to "go ahead" was all they mustered to communicate they agreed with the other's wishes for Archie to cough up a proposal.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 14, 2021 9:40:41 GMT -8
Much better...Much better...Much better...Much better…
So it was going to be this way, wasn’t it?
He took the moments to silently take everything in, and left it at that. Riley simple question, Agrippa deferred seeing as really they had been working this nerve before either of the others.
His breath was steady in a way that showed he was working to actively maintain it. Fear could do that.
“I believe what could be called conversation has passed us by.”
A soft sigh, sign of stutter.
“Probably best to call this entire thing what is was versus what I thought - a fool’s errand.”
A chuckle, a sense of defeat masked for any who were keenly listening.
“So egg on my face, right?”
Big smile. Much fake.
“This?”
A circular motion with his hand.
“This wouldn’t work...sooooooo, best of luck?”
Things seemed to be on a down enough note to call things now, and cut their losses.
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Ivory
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Pres 4 (Regal) - SL 1 (Noble) Fairest Hunterheart
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Post by Ivory on Feb 14, 2021 20:42:56 GMT -8
Riley's chuckle drew Ivory's attention, her face marked with slight surprise at the sound. As he relayed his position on the matter, Ivory granted the Moth a smile and a nod. If nothing else, it seemed Riley had, at least, understood.
Agrippa's distance was noted, but now was not a time to comfort them. The Pale Dragon did not feel guilty for putting the Beast in place. It was better for them to understand the need to restrict their trust in a closed environment rather than learning it the hard way in the greater Freehold. With the real monsters.
Ivory had settled in for a dance... only for Archie to abruptly end it.
Surprise again marked the dragon's face, but her expression soon turned mirthful, even going so far as to grant the Chatelaine an amused chuckle. Archie wasn't seeking an alliance at all, that much was becoming abundantly clear. He wanted 'Yes Men' and Ivory's resistance had been unexpected. He wouldn't be the first to underestimate her.
Thus, the Pale Dragon shrugged, lifting her cocktail as a small cheers to the round man, and drained it before rising. Her gilded gaze rested on Archie, even as the amused smile remained on her lips.
"Disappointing," she said, her tone bright and delightfully unbothered by the withdrawal of his offers of alliance, "The conversation only ended because you realized you were no longer in control. A pity. The alliance could have been fruitful, but there is little sense in bothering oneself with lost things. I wish you luck, Mr. Hartman. Perhaps you will find the means of bringing in someone more... impressionable to assist your Desires."
That is what you truly want, after all.
Turning to Riley and Agrippa.
"It was a pleasure to see you both again," she offered, "Should you require anything in which you believe I can assist, by all means call. I'm sure we can arrange something."
The offer was a genuine one. She'd look to assembled a final time.
"Ciao!"
And with that the Pale Dragon would move to leave.
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