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* Rhys walks in from the back room, stretches once, and meanders to the front (side) door. He unlocks it and strolls back behind the bar. "Hall's open." * Lisl strides in, throwing open the door almost as soon as the lock snicks back. "Is he here? Where is he?" <Rhys> Is who here, Lisl? <Lisl> ::looking around, gazing upstairs, sniffing the air:: Moon Dancer. Or whatever he's calling himself these days. He didn't leave, did he? * Zoya comes in, looks around, and heads for the bar. * Michelle walks in through the side/front door. She's dressed in a form hugging white silk gown with a matching mantle. Her hair is tied into a pony tail with a bit of blue ribbon and a string of pearls. Her ear ring shines brightly, being just past full. <Zoya> I'll have a cider, if you don't mind, Rhys. <Rhys> Not to my knowledge. But I don't disturb guests unless there's a serious reason to do so. <Rhys> Good evening Michelle. Can I get you anything? ::draws Zoya a cider:: * Michelle walks over to the bar and perches on one of the stools, "Tea please Rhys. With lemon and honey." <Zoya> ::turns to Lisl:: Lisl, we might want to try a more subtle approach this evening. It's obvious that he doesn't remember a thing about us, and whether that loss of memory is natural or imposed, I think we'll need to bring him to it more slowly. <Zoya> ::takes her cider:: Thank you, Rhys. ::drinks deeply:: <Lisl> Hmph. ::settles down on a bar stool, hunching over slightly:: * Rhys pours a steaming hot cup of water from one of the taps and begins to steep a teabag in the cup. <Michelle> Has anyone seen Tyl'gainia. I think she'd be the most helpful person around for something like this. <Zoya> I believe she's out of town just now - some family business, perhaps? * Rhys takes the teabag out of the water and ads some lemon and honey, and passes it to Michelle. "Here you are. Lisl, can I get you anything?" <Lisl> Mulekick. ::looks Rhys in the eye as if daring him to dispute her order:: <Zoya> ::to Michelle:: While Tyl is undoubtedly the person I'd suggest if 'Dancer had been tampered with, I've worked with her sufficiently over the past year or so that I think I'd recognize any psionic tampering done - and I didn't see any. * Rhys draws Lisl a mug of the potent concoction and calmly passes it over. <Lisl> ::looking at Zoya:: It's all very well to say "subtle", but *how*? I'm...sure it's him. It can't *not* be. <Lisl> Thanks, Rhys. ::looking a little cowed as she takes a sip, and coughs lightly, thumping her chest with a fist:: <Zoya> After further study, I'm fairly certain it's him, as well, but how to fix it depends on any number of things, not the least of which are the "how" of the change, and whether he went into it knowingly. <Lisl> ::hunching over her mug again:: I can't believe he'd give up the wolf willingly. It's *part* of him. ::looking troubled:: I didn't even know it *could* be done...but then, he *is*...different. <Michelle> When you were examining him was there any sign of physical damage to the brain? <Zoya> ::sighs:: I wasn't looking for physical damage internally, Michelle, but that sort of thing is *usually accompanied by outward physical damage, which I didn't notice. <Zoya> ::to Lisl:: I find it hard to believe as well, but... I have to consider every possibility. * Marten walks into the Hall, a small bundle under his arms. Smiling, he walks toward the bar. "Well met, gentle persons! A lovely evening to you all!" <Rhys> Good evening M... arten. Can I get you anything? * Michelle looks at Sealgair's swords, "I think I can bring him out of it if the memory loss is due to severe emotional trauma. He's certainly demonstrated to ability to forget uncomfortable facts in the past. But there's no way of know what he's forgotten until he remembers it. He might have a good reason for forgetting after all." <Lisl> ::hearing the voice, responding automatically as she turns:: Evening, D-- um...::looking at his changed appearance:: Master Marten. * Zoya starts to reply to Michelle, and stops as Marten enters. She takes a deep drink of her cider, nodding affably in Marten's direction. <Marten> ::smiles at Rhys:: Many thanks, Rhys. I'll have a glass of ice water, if there's any available. * Rhys draws a mug of water from one of the taps, reaches under the counter and adds a few ice cubes. "Here you are, Marten." * Michelle sips her tea while examining Marten. <Lisl> ::takes a long swallow of 'kick, not coughing this time:: <Rhys> So, Marten, what do you have there? If I'm prying, you don't have to answer. * Marten looks across the bar, pausing to smile at both Lisl and Zoya, then turns back to Rhys. "Oh, just some small groceries. Herbs and vegetables and such." <Rhys> Ah. Are you an herbalist? <Lisl> ::returning his smile briefly before looking away and taking another quick swallow of 'kick:: <Marten> ::shakes head:: Not really, no. I was just looking for some ingredients for recipes to help me finish healing. I don't relish the idea of my bullheadedness leaving a permanent scar... <Rhys> Bullheadedness? <Lisl> ::mumbling into her cup:: But you don't scar.... * Marten nods. "Aye. If I had been more careful, I never would have gotten in that altercation with Jaret..." <Zoya> Ah, but Jaret would almost certainly have gotten into that altercation with you. He hoped that making you angry would restore your memory of being the person we remember. <Rhys> From what I hear he blocked your exit from the Hall, and then provoked you into an altercation. I'm not sure what you could have done to defuse the situation. <Lisl> ::still speaking to her cup, which has popped out a little hand to lay comfortingly on hers:: Ha. <Marten> Instead, I decided to test our Milord Malkier, instead of just standing down and... ::shakes head:: But, that's no longer a concern, now is it? * Michelle sips her tea. <Marten> ::shakes his head:: I... I don't know, Rhys. That's something I need to work on. Some part of me has the hardest time taking the peaceful road. I just seem to gravitate to the warrior's path. <Lisl> ::continuing her one-sided conversation:: Not his, anyway. ::the mug pats her hand, nodding in sympathy:: <Lisl> ::taking another sip:: Big surprise, there. <Rhys> The warrior's path isn't necessarily the wrong one for some people. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya, half-smiling:: Still convinced I'm this Moon Dancer, are you? <Zoya> ::smiles:: The coincidences are too many to simply dismiss. If you are not, in fact, the Moon Dancer we knew, then you are somehow connected with him. Patrons of this establishment are... notorious for getting involved in such things. <Lisl> ::snorts loudly at the last part of Zoya's statement, taking another sip. * Michelle cocks her head to one side, "Identity is a peculiar question, but I currently have to side with Lisl and Zoya. You are Moon Dancer, and for reason that are currently beyond our ken you've chosen or been forced to deny your truest self. I've seen this happen, it's not healthy." <Marten> ::smiles at Zoya:: So I'm discovering. But, assuming I am ... Moon Dancer... Something will correct this situation, it seems. Or, if not, I will go on living as I am now, completely unaware of my former life. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya, seriously:: The question is, can you and your friends accept that future? <Zoya> ::also seriously:: We will accept what must be. But not until we are certain for ourselves that it truly *must* be. * Lisl turns away, her head drooping over her mug. <Zoya> ::slight smile:: Besides, it may be that the "something" that will correct your situation will be our involvement. <Michelle> Let's just hope the price isn't as high this time. <Marten> ::nods:: Of course. But, being unaware of my supposed former life, I'm not too upset about something that I don't even remember. <Marten> ::grins slightly, and looks at Zoya after sipping some water:: Tell me, milady, what was this Moon Dancer ... what was I like? * Lisl keeping her face inverted, leans her forehead against one hand, sheltering her face against her arm. * Rhys looks at Marten slightly wistfully. "I don't suppose you happen to be any good at financial bookkeeping?" <Marten> ::turns to face Rhys:: Bookkeeping? My mathematical skills are good, but without knowing the local taxation legislation, I'm afraid I'd mostly be good at checking your numbers, milord. * Rhys sighs faintly. "It was too much to hope, anyway." <Zoya> Like? 'Dancer was... a good man, though of somewhat uncertain temper. He was a skilled warrior, a *terrible* bookkeeper ::smiles:: and a friend loyal unto death. <Michelle> Hey, I only tried to use a partial differential to clear up that mess Moon Dancer left us once. <Marten> ::nods apologetically:: Aye, I understand. Financial concerns, when I have to tend to them, make my skin feel as if it were crawling across the room. <Marten> ::looks at Michelle:: Differential? <Michelle> Don't worry about it. * Zoya twitches slightly at the mention of arcane mathematics, but sticks to the subject at hand. <Marten> ::shrugs:: Consider it forgotten, then. <Zoya> He has some level of arcane skill that is quite beyond my understanding. I meant to look into it, but never got the chance. He was... ::looks at Lisl questioningly:: * Marten allows his gaze to drift to Lisl as well, and notices her condition. "Were you two close, milady Lisl?" <Lisl> Like....family. ::her voice sounds odd, kind of thick:: * Zoya slides off her stool and steps over to Lisl, resting a hand on her shoulder. <Marten> ::furrows his brow:: "Like" family? Were you related? <Zoya> ::shakes head:: They had very similar... backgrounds. <Lisl> ::quietly:: I'm alright...::straightening, the hand she was resting against brushing over her eyes before she takes another drink of 'kick:: * Michelle sips her tea. * Zoya gives Lisl an odd look, but steps back a pace or two and turns to face Marten. <Marten> ::raises an eyebrow:: Similar backgrounds? Tell me, milady Lisl... tell me about yourself. <Lisl> ::when she turns, her eyes are bright yellow:: Not by blood...unless you count shedding it for each other. You might say...our clans have ties. <Lisl> ::her face closing, as if she'd drawn a shield over it:: I don't know if I can tell you...the way I would tell Moon Dancer. <Marten> ::nods:: What clans might those be, if I may ask? * Zoya appears to be considering a difficult problem. She begins pacing. <Lisl> ::smiling a little, politely:: The clan names have little meaning, outside of the group...it's difficult to explain to an...outsider. <Marten> ::looks at Zoya pacing:: I... I'm sorry. Have I touched on a sensitive subject? <Zoya> Lisl's... clan is not... well-liked by the locals. If word were to get out, she could be in danger. * Michelle pulls a guitar out of the folds of her mantle and begins playing softly. <Marten> ::nods to Lisl:: I understand. If this is a difficult subject... <Lisl> ::staring at Marten, her eyes golden:: More difficult than you could know.... <Marten> ::waves his hand dismissively:: Then consider the subject closed. I do not mean to open old wounds, and bring up uncomfortable subjects. This is a place of merriment, and we should strive to keep it as such. * Michelle stops playing, reaches into the folds of her mantle again, then pulls out a gun and places it on the bar. "Have you ever seen one of these?" <Marten> ::looks at Michelle:: I assume you're asking me, since I seem to be the center of attention recently... <Lisl> ::her lips a thin line:: This is a place for old friends to gather...and we should strive to keep it as such. * Rhys raises an eyebrow as Michelle puts the gun on the bar, but remains silent. * Zoya twitches at the technology, but controls herself and keeps to the subject at hand. <Marten> ::looks at the gun, and shakes his head:: I can't say I've ever seen something of the sort. Is that... well, does it... what exactly does that do? <Michelle> What do you think it does? <Marten> ::shakes his head ruefully:: I could barely offer a guess... <Michelle> How do you think it should be held? <Marten> ::picks up the device, and looks at it for a few moments:: <Lisl> Humor me, please...I realize we must all seem quite strange to you. Hold it to your nose. <Marten> Well, it seems the end with the opening is for attaching something, or manipulating something... <Marten> ::looks at Lisl:: Hold it to my nose? <Lisl> ::nodding:: Yes. Smell it. <Marten> ::draws the device to his nose, and sniffs it:: Is there something I should smell, or is it used to inject... <Marten> ::shrugs, and places the 'gun' back on the bar:: No, sorry. I don't smell a thing... * Michelle picks the gun up and puts it back into her mantle. * Michelle starts softly playing her guitar again. <Zoya> ::sighs, and tries another tack:: I seem to remember you implying last week that you are missing some memories. Is that right? <Lisl> ::watches him closely, sagging back against the bar when it has no effect:: It doesn't inject anything...well, not in the way you think...but scent can be a powerful tool of memory. ::narrowing her eyes:: Moon Dancer knew that.... * Michelle finishes her song and starts another. <Marten> ::looks at Lisl, sympathetically:: Milady, if there is anything I can do to help... Leave, even... <Lisl> ::quickly:: No...please, don't. <Marten> ::nods, looking at the floor:: Aye, then. I'll stay, but if you change your mind... <Marten> ::looks over at Rhys:: Perhaps I should have something... stiffer to drink. ::walks to the bar:: What would Moon Dancer have had? As much as smell, taste can bring back memories as well... <Lisl> ::starting a slow grin:: Rhys? You *know* what he would have asked for...::tapping her mug casually with a finger:: * Michelle looks at Lisl, "Mule Kick?" * Rhys instinctively reaches for a tap, then selects another. "We'll just start with a mug of meade, and keep the harder stuff in reserve." * Zoya looks disturbed, then relieved as Rhys doesn't pour 'kick. <Lisl> ::looking chagrined, and taking a long swallow of her own drink, licking her lips:: <Marten> ::nods to Rhys, and takes the mug of meade:: Thank you. ::turns to Zoya:: Now, about me... Yes, I am missing some memories. I have considered the possibility... * Michelle finishes her song and begins another. <Zoya> ::raises an eyebrow:: Which memories are you missing, though? You didn't forget how to speak - or did you? <Marten> ::still to Zoya:: Actually, that's a good part of the reason I haven't left yet. I'm... curious. I haven't ruled out the notion that my missing memories... <Zoya> ::waits expectantly for the end of the sentence:: <Marten> No. Nothing that basic. Just memories prior to waking up in the keeping of the Brotherhood. <Zoya> ::sighs sharply:: I wish you could tell us more about this Brotherhood of yours. <Lisl> Even...you said you were a monk. What god do you revere? <Marten> ::smiles:: As do I, actually. We are closely knit, and a brotherhood in more than just name. ::looks at Lisl:: A monk of sorts, actually. Not of a religious type, exactly. But, the analogy works. <Lisl> ::snorting at the first part of his statement:: There seems to be a lot of that going around.... <Marten> ::smiles:: Really? How so? <Lisl> ::raising her eyebrow:: What other type is there? Surely you can enlighten us on at least that much. <Zoya> ::waves away seemingly trivial details:: A philosophical order can have much the same structure as a religious one. I'm interested in what they *do*. <Lisl> It sounds a bit like o...my relationship with Moon Dancer. * Michelle finishes her song, sips her tea, and begins another one. <Marten> ::grins at Zoya:: And I assumed you would be. Unfortunately, that is a topic we are most tight-lipped about. Closer to home, I wouldn't feel free to talk about them at all, actually. This far from home, though, I feel safe. * Zoya frowns suspiciously. "Safe?" What would happen if you talked about them close to home? * Michelle finishes her song and starts another. <Lisl> ::shooting Zoya a look:: You mean, it could be dangerous for the order? <Marten> ::smiles even more broadly:: You are tenacious, milady. We are often at odds with the local laws and regulations. <Marten> Dangerous, most definitely. Secrecy is of primary concern to all of our members. <Lisl> ::taking another sip:: Heh...same old Moon Dancer, in some respects... <Zoya> ::frowning:: This isn't some sort of... Thieves' Guild, is it? <Marten> ::looks at Lisl:: How so, milady? * Michelle finishes her song, sips her tea, and begins another. <Lisl> ::Shaking her head, and waving for him to continue:: Please, I didn't mean to interrupt. <Marten> ::laughs:: Thieves' Guild? Not hardly, milady... <Marten> ::nods:: Not at all. Feel free to interrupt; I'm enjoying the company, and the freedom of being able to talk. <Zoya> But not that much freedom, eh? <Lisl> ::smiling a bit:: Let's just say that Moon Dancer...supported the rights of the individual fiercely. * Michelle finishes her songs, sips her tea, and starts another. <Zoya> So... What *can* you tell us about your Brotherhood's activities? If you like, I can cloak the room in silence, so no word of what you say will escape. <Marten> ::nods passionately:: Aye, as do I. It is one of the things we protect, milady, though some fail to make the connection. <Lisl> Can you at least tell us where you hail from? ::smiling wider, a glint in her eyes:: It's not as if any of us would travel halfway around the world to get you in trouble.... <Marten> ::shakes his head:: Milady Zoya, just as Lisl cannot trust me with the secrets of her and Moon Dancer's clans, I cannot say more than I have. A room may be cloaked, but there are still ears to hear... <Zoya> ::sighs:: All right. Let's get back to *you* then. Since you don't remember the events leading up to your being found by the brotherhood, could you tell me what *they* told *you*? * Michelle finishes her song, sips her tea, and starts another. <Lisl> ::chuckling:: I defy the ears that could get through walls Erdian warded.... <Marten> Of course. It was an accident, a training accident, actually. I was teaching a class on... well, I was teaching a class. One of my students was particularly skilled and caught me off-guard, and his blow to my head... Next thing I remember, I woke in my room, with Brother Turmaine nursing my head. <Lisl> They'd be hearing sunflowers and pansies for weeks. <Zoya> ::flashes a grin at Lisl:: Not to mention ammonia and fuzzy bunnies. <Lisl> ::chuckling into her drink, the first glimpse of real humor she's shown all night:: <Marten> Who, exactly, is this Erdian? <Zoya> Erdian is the god for whom I am honored to act as priestess. <Zoya> He has a fine taste for the nonsensical and chaotic. ::grins:: I suited him well. <Lisl> And an old, old friend of this Hall...and of Moon Dancer. <Marten> ::nods:: He sounds to me like a jovial god. <Marten> ::balks at Lisl's description:: A friend of the Hall? A friend of a mortal? This... this is surprising... <Lisl> ::in the middle of taking another sip, Lisl suddenly giggles and spits it back into the cup. She puts the cup down carefully, breathing hard:: Oooh....thank the gods that didn't go up my nose, in my condition.... <Zoya> The circumstances are somewhat unusual. He was a mortal - a mage of some skill - who died in this very room, defending his friends from a demon. <Marten> ::looks at Lisl:: What is that you're drinking, milady? <Lisl> Why would it be so surprising? We knew Erdian well, before he was deified. <Marten> ::looks at Lisl, then Zoya:: He's been recently raised, then. That explains it. <Zoya> He's not very forthcoming on the precise events leading up to his deification, but because this is where he died, this Hall is one of the two places his power is strongest. <Lisl> ::with an impish twinkle:: Oh...a House special, called Mule Kick. Something Moon Dancer enjoyed, as well. * Michelle finishes her song, sips her tea, and starts another. <Marten> And understandably so, it would seem. <Lisl> What, you think elder gods couldn't possibly be interested in mere mortals? The Wars weren't so long ago, you know... <Zoya> ::glances at Lisl:: I'm not sure he should try 'kick, Lisl. We saw last week that his... powers of recuperation weren't up to 'Dancer's. <Marten> ::nods ruefully:: The comparisons to Moon Dancer... * Marten stands, and walks formally over to Zoya, extending his hand. "Marten Tenbones. Paladin of sorts, and part-time philosopher. A pleasure, milady..." <Lisl> ::shrugs:: He asked. I drink it fairly regularly, here. ::taking another, careful sip this time:: <Zoya> ::blinks, and takes Marten's hand:: Zoya Natovna. Mage of chaos, high priestess to Erdian. <Lisl> ::continuing:: Besides, it's not like humans can't drink it. They just can't stomach...much of it. <Zoya> ::shrugs at Lisl:: It's up to Marten. <Marten> ::takes Zoya's hand, and kisses it lightly:: Milady, a pleasure. And, until I remember otherwise, I am no man, other than myself. I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend. <Zoya> ::smiles:: Thank you. I hope we may recover your missing memories soon, and put to rest this mystery, one way or another. <Lisl> ::looking rueful:: Easy enough for you to mind that, sir... but for us, it's as if a ghost follows you everywhere. <Lisl> ::shuddering:: I pray that wasn't a good analogy.... * Michelle finishes her song, sips her tea, and starts another one. <Marten> ::smiles, and places a hand on her shoulder:: Wonderful. With that said, you seem to be a fascinating, wonderful woman. I look forward to making your acquaintance more fully, milady Zoya. <Marten> ::turns to Lisl, looking slightly annoyed:: Looks to you as if a ghost follows me? For me, it's as if you never see me, and only see the possibility of who I /might/ be. It is very... no. <Marten> ::sighs, and continues:: I understand your loss, milady Lisl. But, as I told Zoya, I look forward to making friends here in Marsember. It is difficult to do so when I am constantly compared to a man I have never met, and whom I may never live up to... * Rhys coughs quietly. "Last call, everyone." <Marten> ::looks up hurriedly, and looks at his meade:: Well, in that case... ::drains his glass, and sets it back on the table:: * Zoya tosses back the rest of her cider, and gently pushes the mug down the bar. <Lisl> ::smiling sadly:: I'm...I'm sorry, m'lord Marten. I know...what it's like, to be seen for what people expect you to be, but never as you are. ::looking rueful:: I'm truly ashamed that I've forced that on another. You seem like a good man. I only wish we hadn't met with...this business hanging over our heads. * Rhys looks at Marten and Zoya. "Can I get either of you one for the road?" * Marten turns to Zoya. "Milady, will I be seeing you again? I am... intrigued, to say the least, with your insatiable curiosity." <Marten> ::shakes his head:: Many thanks, milord, but one is more than I've had in many months. I've had more to drink since arriving in Marsember than I have since I arrived in Faerun. <Lisl> ::turning away again, for a moment, as she knocks back the rest of her mug's contents, wiping the back of her hand across her face:: <Zoya> ::laughs:: And I am intrigued by the mystery of your missing memory, whether it belongs to our dear friend, or to a new friend with many a coincidence hanging over his head... * Rhys arches an eyebrow, but says nothing. * Michelle shoots a glance at Marten, then finishes her song. * Michelle finishes her tea, then returns the guitar to the folds of her mantle. <Marten> ::turns to Lisl:: And you, milady Lisl. If I am in fact who you believe me to be, you seem to be my best chance at regaining my memories... <Zoya> I was hoping you would accept an invitation to visit me at the Tower - which is home and temple and school and lab all in one for me - and allow me to pursue the ghosts of your memory a bit further, with the help of some others of 'Dancer's friends? <Marten> ::looks at Rhys:: I assume, milord, that my room is still available? I believe I'll be needing to rent it for longer than I have planned... ::glances back at Zoya, and smiles:: * Michelle rises off her stool and places a hand on Marten's shoulder, "If your order teaches meditative techniques you might want to consider meditating on those." Michelle points to Sealgair's blackened swords. <Lisl> ::turning back, smiling at Marten again, a golden glow fading from her eyes:: I can only hope so.... * Rhys gestures up the stairs. "If you'd like, I don't think anyone here would have any objections if you would want to move into Moon Dancer's old suite. Whatever you feel most comfortable with." <Marten> ::shakes his head:: No, but I thank you. I don't think I'd be comfortable staying there, yet. But, perhaps milady Lisl and I could visit the room, and try to stir up old memories... <Marten> ::turns to Lisl:: At your convenience, of course. <Lisl> ::bowing slightly:: My time is yours. ::grinning:: I'm not the type to keep what one might call "regular hours", any road. * Michelle heads for the door, "I'll see all of you later." <Marten> ::smiles at Lisl:: Nor am I, milady... <Rhys> Good night, Michelle. * Zoya stands and heads for the door. "Good night, my friends." <Marten> ::proceeds to turn Zoya, smiling:: Are you free for lunch tomorrow, milady? * Michelle leaves. <Rhys> Good night, Zoya. <Lisl> ::hiding a smile behind her hand, as she rubs her nose:: Well, that's something... * Zoya pauses, considering. "I believe I will be. Come by the Tower around noon." <Marten> ::nods:: I'll get directions. Until then, milady... * Zoya nods and heads out into the night. <Lisl> ::dipping her hand into her jerkin, pulling out a couple of coins:: For the trouble we've given you, sir. Rhys? ::dropping them on the counter:: * Marten walks upstairs, to his room... * Rhys scoops up some of the coins. "Our charter states that we're not allowed to charge those with amnesia covering 75% or more of their lifespan, so Marten is on the house for some time to come." * Rhys begins tidying up. Sotto voce, he asks, "Going to be all right tonight?" <Lisl> ::chuckling as she re-pockets the rest of them:: I'm going to have to remember that one, the next time I'm low on funds. <Lisl> ::leaning one hand on the counter for a moment:: It hurts, Rhys...a lot. But I'll be alright. ...Thank you. * Rhys smiles. "It's my job. Besides, people are pack animals, too." <Lisl> ::raising an eyebrow and shrugging, as she pulls the wolfskin tighter around her shoulders and walks out.:: * Rhys trails Lisl to the door, and locks it behind her. He returns to the bar and begins to wipe it down, and the most of the lights fade out. |
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