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Post by Corqian Solavel on Aug 29, 2008 11:28:58 GMT -5
The small timber and roofing had already burned into small embers, only the smoldering large structure laid smoking about the farm house. The one peaceful home was was now destroyed, fences had been knocked down or smashed, the barn ransacked for anything of use, mostly food and the bodies of three people lay dead on the grass walkway. Corqian kneeled low in the grass, his hand searching and his eyes scanning for any clue of the attachers, examining the grass pathway he pulled a clump of hair; it was not human, but animal. His eyes then moved to the tracks, similar to dogs, but not on four paws but two. He moved over to the three dead, they were all males, one older then the other two, they were in their teens, Corqian concluded the older was their father, but if so. Then where the mother, she was nowhere among the dead nor the building. Corqian quickly turned his attention back to the tracks, studying them he concluded that the attackers came from the western forest, struck with crude tactics and savage brutality. Killing the men they took the food and tools, and then disappeared back into the woods with the mother. Corqian started to make his way down to the western woods tree line, just before he entered in pursuit of the creatures his eyes spotted a tree, a set of claw markings set into the side indicated an animal with a thumb, then his eyes went to the ground. Reaching down into the thick undercover he pulled out a little doll, made form linen and cloth, it was simple. Corqian knew the mother wasn’t the only victim, they rest of the family was with the beast.
Corqian cut through the forest with speed, time wasn’t on his side, the lives of others hanged in the balance and his ability to cross large distance in the thick covering of the forest was essential. His feet carried him well across the valley and meadows of Narnia, tracking the beast were easy, they weren’t trying to cover their tracks. Their were maybe 15 of them, carrying heavy gear, but three stood out with having heavier strides, indicating they carried more then the others. Corqian focused on then, they were his trail.
It was pasted evening when he stopped to judge bearings; he was now deep in the western woods. His body fixed on a branch over looking the forest, his eyes scanning hoping for a sign of their distance or location, but tracks had been his only hope. As he was about to leap down on the lower branch a call came from the sky, ranging out the tiny sparrow hawk flying above. Corqian raised his hand out and called out, mimicking its sound he made the bird fly around him and land on his hand, ruffling its feathers the sparrow hawk called out. Corqian leaned in on the bird and began talking to it; his words were not that of Narnia, but of the elves. He spoke to the bird as if to hold an entire conversation with it.
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Will
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I've become so numb
Posts: 33
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Post by Will on Aug 29, 2008 15:45:56 GMT -5
Will heard the screaming but she wasn’t close enough to help them and by the time she had gotten there some were already dead. Hearing more screams she cursed and quickly scanned the area for anything important. Seeing nothing she turned and began running at full speed following the tracks she kept having to brush her hair out of her face because she had been in the midst of rebraiding it when she heard the screams. Now she was really wishing she had just cut it all off. Her thoughts were still on her hair like a true woman when they screamed again and she was immediately brought down to earth.
Hearing something ahead she slowed down immediately, crouching down she began walking silently towards the noise, her bow in hand she pulled an arrow from the quiver that was on her back quietly and in one swift motion it was in place and ready to be released. As she neared the noise she could tell what it was. Bird squawking? Confused as she neared Will relaxed slightly but just to be sure she peaked up over the bushes and saw a bird land on some mans arm and then he began talking in a different language. Elvish perhaps?
Quietly Will walked through the bushes until she was behind the man the arrow pointed at his heart “Who are you and what are you doing in these woods?” she asked her tone icy and her eyes accusing and distrusting.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Aug 29, 2008 20:35:54 GMT -5
He continued to speak to the hawk; as if the two were friends the hawk told him he had seen a pack of Gnolls move across the western forest. Carrying three humans with them, they were heading for their camp, a small hill in the forest. Corqian thanked the hawk and let him go on his way. Corqian was about to leave and continue, but he was cut off with the voice of a woman behind him. Corqian turned around and saw the beautiful woman standing with a bow drawn to his heart. He was impressed she had snuck up on him without even being heard. Though beautiful her voice showed her true nature, she had been hardened by the wild. Corqian knew she had spent many years in the forest, and he was sure that due to her forest life she was surely skilled with the bow. Corqian slowly got down from the branch, not showing any hostility towards the woman.
“My name is Corqian Solavel; I track a group of Gnolls across the western forest. They attacked a farm house not far from here. I hunt them now. The hawk has told me their camp and I’m heading there to save the few survivors.”
Corqian’s hand went to his belt and pulled out the tiny cloth doll he had taken from the farm house and handed it to her. He hoped she would understand. Corqian stayed calm and collected as he spoke to the woman, he was sincere as his voice his pleasant voice. He would calm her with his voice, like he calmed the hawk and other brothers and sisters of the woods.
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Will
Inhabitant
I've become so numb
Posts: 33
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Post by Will on Aug 29, 2008 22:44:43 GMT -5
Will listened as Corqian explained to her about the captives, and she watched as he pulled out the doll and handed it to her. Glancing at it once she swiftly put the arrow back in the quiver and latched her bow in its place behind her back as well, and just as quickly took the doll with one hand and with the other took a dagger from her boot and it was pointed at his throat as she examined the doll. It was definitely a child’s doll, and the story he was telling her was plausible. Yet how could she know if he was lying to her? For all she knew he was the one who had ordered the Gnolls and this was just a trap to get her to.
Her eyes hadn’t left the doll as her internal debate raged on yet her senses were still attuned to her newcomer. Finally she looked back up at him for a second and tossed the doll back and lowered the dagger. “I am as well” she said still watching him distrusting.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Aug 29, 2008 23:08:52 GMT -5
As the dagger came out Corqian didn’t flinch, his heart didn’t even skip a beat. He could see the woman’s internal struggle with herself. Corqian understood more then she expected him to, he let her heart decide. He was quickly repaid with the dagger lowering from his neck and her words of hunting them to. Corqian only smiled for a moment.
“Then we have no time to lose, every second we waste we put the lives of those farmers at risk. The hawk has informed me of their camp, follow me. The gnolls won’t expect an attack, though we will have to strike hard and fast, their pack will consist of 30, but only 5 true killers… one last thing, may I know your name?”
Corqian took the lead, continuing to follow the tracks and the landmarks, looking for the hill top the hawk spoke of. It wasn’t until almost night fall before the two made their way to the hill top, down below overlooking from the hill, the two saw a small encampment of gnolls, drinking and feasting.
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Will
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I've become so numb
Posts: 33
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Post by Will on Sept 1, 2008 22:40:58 GMT -5
Will listened to Corqian and wondered how he could be so knowledgeable, maybe he was the leader. If he was she would kill him when they arrived. Nodding she turned and was about to keep following the tracks when she turned back to him, a sly smile on her face “Will” she said simply before starting off, she let him take the lead so that she could keep an eye on him, but it seemed he was only focused on the tracks. Hmmm maybe he was only trying to find the family she thought to herself.
It was dark when they reached the hill overlooking the camp, which made it all the better to attack them. Glancing around she quickly saw the family, they were tied up in a huddle on the far side of the camp, however they weren’t in very much light and it didn’t seem like the gnolls were paying very much attention to them. Nudging him she nodded towards where the family was. “You get the family and I’ll deal with the gnolls” she whispered her eyes still focused on the gnolls, planning her strategy in her head.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Sept 2, 2008 11:06:50 GMT -5
As Corqian over looked the camp, Will nudge his shoulder then pointed to a group of humans tied up in a huddle. Corqians elven eyes could see the mother, and two daughters. He could see their scared faces, his eyes scanned the area, their was a thin path down the side. Corqian could make his way down to the encampment without little notice, Will leaned in and whispered for him to go after the family, Corqian nodded and agreed.
“I understand, I’ll make my way down to the camp, and wait for your signal. Take this and good luck.”
Corqian reached behind his back and pulled out his quiver. Unbuckling the strap he set the quiver down besides Will. Corqian slowly made his way down the thin path, cutting from one tree to the next as he slowly moved. Stepping behind a bush Corqian could clearly see the family; he reached for his belt pulling his dagger. Slowly moving up behind the mother he whispered into her ear.
“Don’t move, were getting you out of here.”
Corqian slowly started to cut the ropes of the hands, his eyes scanning the camp. Ensuring himself that no one had seen him.
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Will
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I've become so numb
Posts: 33
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Post by Will on Sept 3, 2008 21:20:47 GMT -5
Nodding and taking the quiver from Corqian in silence all while still watching the gnolls Will quickly strapped it to her and then waited; she watched as he carefully made his way down without being seen. She waited for a few minutes just to be sure that he had gotten the ropes off before she pulled off her bow and attached an arrow. Taking aim she let it go and it went to its target. Right through the heart of the gnoll; immediately they got up but before they could look at their prisoners Will was already headed towards them. Her bow still in hand she slid to a stop at the bottom of the hill. The gnolls looked at her almost confused for a second; giving them a sly grin she then turned on her heels and sprinted back towards the woods. She could hear without even turning that they were following her. It’s not like they were very light on their feet.
Will’s plan was simple; she would draw the gnolls away from the camp into the woods. That would give Corqian time to take the family far enough and to a safer place while she dealt with the gnolls. Plus if she got them into the woods when it was dark it would be a walk in the park for her. After all she knew these woods like the back of her hand. Once in the woods she knew they couldn’t see her because of how dark it was she immediately turned on her heel and began shooting whatever she could hear or see move. Hopefully Corqian wasn’t dumb enough to come after her because then she could shoot him by accident; then she would have even more problems to deal with.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Sept 4, 2008 22:10:47 GMT -5
Corqian heard the first shot strike one gnoll; the gnoll gripped the arrow as he fell to the ground dead, growling outward at the surprise attack the encampment roared out wondering who had attacked. The sight of a single female coming down the hill only confused the gnolls more, only when she disappeared into the woods did the encampment launch into a charge, about 26 gnolls charged into the woods after the woman. The rest of the encampment was empty, only Corqian and the family remain. He finished cutting the last of the family free, she charged into her mother and bigger sister in a loving embrace. The three looked at Corqian with interested eyes, they had never seen an elf, only had heard tales.
“Thank you; I don’t know how to repay you. They were going to eat us.” The mother said, still holding back her tears and fear of the day’s events. Corqian walked up to them and reached into his belt sack, producing the doll he handed the doll back to the little girl. “I believe this is yours.” The little took it back in a heart beat and held into tight she thanked Corqian as she looked back at him, she had the look of a little girl who just ran into a centaur, she wanted to ask questions but she couldn’t muster the strength. Before she could Corqian led them to the edge of the tree line, over head a hawk flew over calling out from above, at the same time a pair of deer walked out into the encampment. They stood perfectly calm as Corqian moved up next to them; he calmed them with his words and whispered into their ears.
“This deer will take you to the edge of western woods and close to Cair Paravel, from their you can seek shelter and refuge in the town.” Corqian lifted the mother and her littlest daughter onto one, then the elder daughter on the other. He bowed in a tradition elven way and set them off. Once out of harms way he turned his sights back to the western woods.
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Will
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I've become so numb
Posts: 33
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Post by Will on Sept 5, 2008 18:30:59 GMT -5
Will felt like the biggest moron in the world. She had lived in these woods for a while now and was a very skilled hunter and she knew a lot about the creatures of Narnia; at least she thought she did. However when she got into the woods and began shooting the 26 gnolls that followed her she had forgotten the most important and dangerous thing about them. They could see in the dark. Will remembered this when she realized that even though she could only see the shapes of them and they were headed straight towards her without hesitation. “God damnit!” she yelled more to herself than anything as she shot two more before throwing her bow aside and pulling out her sword. She had already killed about 10 now all she had to do was deal with the 16 others that were now surrounding her and she should be fine. Oh yeah what could go wrong?
As they charged from all sides Will just began slashing and stabbing blindly, she figured she was going to die, how could she not with 16 gnolls barreling down on her from all sides with axes and swords of their own? However she did think that she was putting up a good fight, hell even a great fight; that is until they began landing hits to. She had killed about 3-5 more before she felt the sharp pain in her side as she was hit from behind; wincing her eyes squinted but didn’t close as she stabbed the gnoll in front of her angrily then pulling it out quickly spun and sliced off the head of the one that had stabbed her. However, that left her open at the back and therefore received a nice slash across her back. She didn’t know how much longer she could last as she kept fighting however slower and they kept landing hits to her arms, legs and wherever was open. If they didn’t slice her to pieces then she would surely bleed to death. Her world began to go black and her sword felt heavy. This was it; this was when Will was going to die.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Sept 5, 2008 20:34:33 GMT -5
The forest was a blur to him; his feet quickly hit the ground then came back up in one swift motion, his strides splashed against the earth like rain upon a mountain. Time was scares, he could feel it in the air, and blood was being split. The gnolls had surrounded Will, she lay on the edge of defeat, unable to move, barely able to breathe, her very life slipping from her finger tips. Though Corqian was not their, he could feel her, she was dyeing. He pounded across the forest, pushing harder and harder, he would not fail, he had seen enough die.
The gnolls circled Will, ready to pounce on their pray and feast on its juicy flesh. The laughed and growled as they admired the woman’s beauty, tonight they would feast. The watched as her breathing became slower, her knees shook, he fingers slipped amongst her blade. She was tired and bleeding out. The gnolls roared in victory, from the back of the pack a single gnoll commanded the pack. Pointing out the woman he called out and 5 gnolls charged her, they were focused on their target, intent on ending her life, so much they missed the blur falling from the tree tops, life a green ghost it wrapped about them. In an instance a furry of blows rang out, quickly followed out by the screams of the 3 gnolls, standing in the middle was a dark figure rapped in a green cloak wielding two scimitars. Corqian stood his ground, his blades low, not even in a defensive stance as if taunting them to come.
“You will not harm her.”
He had changed, the elf that had spoken was different then the one from this morning, everything from his stance to his eyes were different, even his voice carried a menace and cold sound, making your very blood shiver. His eyes pierced the gnoll pack, cutting through them better then any sword, the jerked and flinched as he stood among the dead gnolls. For a moment all was still, weighing their options the gnolls waited, try to call his bluff, but their was no bluff, no lies, only the strong and the dead.
The gnoll leader roared out and all his brutes charged out, screaming and yelling as the charged at the elf. The blades came down upon him and he was gone, his green cloak snapped and whipped about among the gnolls, moving about like a colorful dance flesh and steel rang out all around them. Corqian moved at impossible angles as he moved, his blades moving in and out of the gnolls defenses like a strong wind through a meadow. Quick and light he kept ahead of his attackers, showing his expert skills with his blades. When it was all done all 7 gnolls laid peaceful upon their brothers gnolls already dead from the previous encounter.
The gnoll leader drew his falchion from his back eyeing the stranger, scared to move against this ghost the gnoll played very defensive, attempting to learn more of his styles. The two combatants came at each other the gnoll swung his blade, but was to late. The gnoll still stood, but two blades stuck out from his chest, Corqian's back upon the gnolls. His blades moved back and forth in the gnolls chest, he tried to breath but was unable to. Corqian twisted his blades and it was all over, the gnoll fell to the floor and was dead.
“Are you ok? Stay still.”
Corqian was back, the dark being that was once here was gone, Corqians face was that of the kind elf again.
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Will
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I've become so numb
Posts: 33
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Post by Will on Sept 5, 2008 20:52:33 GMT -5
Will was almost gone when she heard Corqian or an angel say “You will not harm her” relief filled her and with that her blade fell from her hand and she collapsed in a heap onto her side. Now she was fading, rapidly and as she faded she left this earth, now somewhere else she remembered her family. How snobbish they were yet they loved her. Why did she leave again? She was too weak to remember. The older couple that had taken her in and taught her everything she needed to know how to survive. She couldn’t help but feel that she had failed them. That after all they had prepared her for and she lost on a simple mistake; she had gotten cocky and it had cost her greatly.
Corqians voice brought her back from her moment of no pain; however now she was back in the darkness and pain. She could see his face and a tear ran down her cheek. “I’m perfect” she laughed but it sounded more like a wheeze “I was stupid, at least the family is safe. I don’t think I will live unless you can get me back to the village amazingly fast” she said laughing again. Her world was beginning to go black, flicker from darkness and his face. Hopefully she wouldn’t be left there for animals to feast on. She wanted to be back with her family. Not her biological family but the one whom she had truly loved and had shown her something useful in the world.
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Sept 6, 2008 21:14:43 GMT -5
Corqian wrapped his arms around Will’s head and back, lifting her up and cradling her in his arms. She was in pain he could see it in her eyes, as well as the wounds on her body showed she had put up a good fight. Corqian only gave her a loving smile, it was all he could do, comfort her as she spoke, tears running down her face.
“Yes, you are perfect, you did well.” A small laugh came out; Corqian returned it with a smile. Then she changed, she looked at him with a little fear and doubt. Saying she had been stupid, she had failed. Corqian only calmed her down and brushed her hair from her face; taking his hand he wiped the tears away.
“You are not stupid, you were brave enough to face impossible odds and for the greatest thing of all, the life of another. You’re a hero Will, and you won’t be dyeing this night.”
As Corqian spoke, Will faded out into the darkness of life, he could feel her becoming colder. A part of him wanted to scream, but that wasn’t him, well not anymore. He reached under her and lifted her into his arms, carrying her a few feet he stood before a giant oak tree. Corqian bowed his head and reached into his belt pouch, producing an old scroll. It had been a gift, from an elven priestess. He knew once he used it, the scroll would disappear. Cutting the binding on it he brought it up to his face, reading out the old elf words, the scroll began to glow then disappeared into dust. Corqian let go of the fragments of paper and stared straight at the tree. Taking a deep breath he walked right up to it then into the tree, disappearing from the woods Corqian stepped out into the near by village, out of another tree. He had successfully teleported from one tree to another, wasting not time he hurried to the door of the local herbalist and knocked on it. As quickly as he pounded on the door an old man answered it a little shaken from the late hour, looking at the elf and the girl he quickly got the picture. Corqian took her into the house, following the man he set her down on the bed and was asked to leave so he could do his work. He agreed and left the room, sitting in the living room till morning, mediating to gather his strength.
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Will
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I've become so numb
Posts: 33
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Post by Will on Sept 6, 2008 21:41:54 GMT -5
Pain. Sore. That’s what Will felt when she came round. Was she dead; if she was then this sucked; being dead wasn’t supposed to hurt! Somebody groaned; who was that? Again she heard it; it took her a third time to realize that it was her. Her eyes began to open, it was bright and blurry. Immediately she closed her eyes again, bringing her hand up to cover her face, it was sore also. When it closed over her eyes she felt something rough on it. Opening her eyes at a squint she realized that it was bandaged. Blinking rapidly now as her eyes adjusted to the light she tried to sit up; bad idea. Immediately she got a shooting pain in her side and when she immediately laid down she got a pain in her back. Taking a few deep breathes she gathered herself before groaning as she sat up and swung her feet over the side of the bed.
Pushing the blanket off she looked around and realized she was alone in the room. As she observed the room she saw a full length mirror. Might as well get this done with she thought grimly as she stood up with a wince. Sucking in air quickly she hobbled her way over to the mirror and she wasn’t surprised at all by what she saw. She was a giant bruise. From her bust to her hips was wrapped in bandages and so where her wrists and forearms. Her legs weren’t as bad, only a few cuts and bruises here and there. Turning around she slowly looked back and saw the huge gouge that had been sliced across her back was now stitched up nice and neat. That’s going to scar she thought grimly. Her entire upper half was black, blue and yellow bruises. Her face wasn’t as bad, just one on her cheek. A couple small ones on her neck. By the way it hurt to breathe and such, she figured that she had a few broken ribs as well.
Hearing the door open behind her, Will turned and saw the healer’s wife. She smiled warmly at her before closing the door. “I’ve come to change your bandages and help you dress” the woman said kindly. Nodding Will let the woman help her. After a long 45 minutes she followed the woman out of the room, wearing clothes that were looser so as not to bother her wounds. She also leaned on a cane because her leg wasn’t broken but it wasn’t good to put to much weight on it either. As they went into the front room of the healer’s house Will suddenly wondered. Where’s Corqian?
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Post by Corqian Solavel on Sept 6, 2008 22:09:54 GMT -5
It was before sunrise when Corqian’s eyes opened, still mediating on the living room floor. Corqian had awoken early that morning, before the healer and his wife had awaken he walked out into the woods and collected fire wood for them, it was a small price to pay for saving Will’s life. Once done with their chores, he disappeared into the woods for an hour, only to reappear with a kill, a deer he had gotten in the woods, it would feed the family for a few days, by the time he had skinned the animal and wrapped it the sun had risen and the healer was most appreciative of his help. Telling Corqian he had done enough, though Will had been hurt badly she would make a full recovery, the healer gave him some medicine and told him to take it easy on her, keep her in bed. Corqian bowed and thanked the healer for his help.
The town’s people were already into their day, these simple foke had all moved out into the field, plowing and till aging the soil. Corqian admired their determination and drive to survive in this brutal world; he knew evil could be seen in many places. Corqian wasn’t paying much attention at the time, but some young boys around their late teens had banded together and were practicing their swordsman skills near a barn close to were Corqian was. One of the younger lads had spotted the elf and couldn’t believe his eyes, running to his friends he told them what he saw. All the young lads couldn’t believe it, an elf; they thought they were just legends, stories told to younglings. But as they rounded the barn they saw him, though he looked like a man enough, but his ears and fair skin gave him away. All 10 of the lads stood their watching him as he stood their, laughing and playing about. They were about to walk when Gunther, the oldest and bravest one came out and said he would challenge the elf to a duel, proving to all the young boys he was the greatest swordsman in the land. The other boys laughed and dared him to go along with his threat. Gunther being more boastful then smart took up their challenge, as a whole group the boys walked up to the elf. Corqian didn’t even pay them much mind, thinking they were only passing through, but they stopped and confronted him.
“I am Gunther, son of Ungar. I challenge you to a duel, a swordsman duel. I wish to prove my skill to you.”
Corqian just shook his head, he didn’t feel much like fighting after yesterday’s encounter he wasn’t in the mood, but the boy was a little shaken from that.
“Show me your skill elf, I wish to see if the legends are true.”
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