eachdraidh | [Seelie] Attack on Glaem - Who wants to help evacuate? (or evacuate)

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[Seelie] Attack on Glaem - Who wants to help evacuate? (or evacuate)

[Kousuke's set his locket on the head of his bed, and he's back away from it, waving, though a bit unenthusiastically.]

Hey guys, I got this locked away from Unseelie, because I'm gonna assume most Unseelie aren't here, and I don't really want the army marchin' on us to see where we're evacuating people. Which is what I'm talkin' about.

This army ain't strictly fighting for the Unseelie, and ain't strictly fighting against the Seelie. From what I heard, it's a guy who roused an army to try to get somethin' back he thinks is his. So I'm opening up an offer and a discussion on where, how and when to evacuate.

If you're a noncombatant, if you can't promise yourself you can hold a weapon and maybe kill somebody, then your job is to evacuate and help other people leave too. If you wanna make it a nice trip, I recommend Parrais. It's safe and high up in the mountains to the west, and if they close down, they'll still have enough supplies for everybody. You're probably gonna have to pull your weight, but it's gonna be safe.

If you don't mind livin' off the land for a while, you can hide out in Eaglais, where the Unseelie can't go. I don't wanna let anyone who doesn't know how to camp go and do that, though. So you better have a group that knows what they're doin'...

Oh, and there's the Station, which I haven't been to yet, but which seems pretty safe. Neutral territory and all.

Okay, so. Bottom line is... If you're gonna be of better use outta town when the army gets here, then I'm ready to find you a place to go and help you get there.

And if you got any better ideas about places for people to go, let me know. Also, let me know if you got any ideas of how we're gonna deal with this situation... Cos I'm not a bad strategist, but I don't really wanna put any bets on our side right now.

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[ Legolas frowns slightly, worriedly, lips crimping just a little before releasing a sigh, unusually for an elf short hair brushed back, a single braid holding the bangs back as it runs over his forehead. No matter his personal feelings and confusion and all sorts of various things he doesn't want to get into, there is one thing that needs to be set straight. ]

The gem belongs to his family, there should be no question about it and it should be returned.

[ That said- ]

The Station is a safe haven, should anyone wish to take refugee here. It is not unlimited, but there seems to be plenty of space remaining.

Uh, I mean, I agree with you on that. I mean, ideally this would not be happening at all, but it is, so. I didn't really know all the details when I made the post. I mean everybody screws up but usually not the kind of screw-up that brings an army down on everybody.

I didn't wanna say anything before I knew all the details, or whatever.

[He sighs and nods at Legolas.]

Okay, cool. It's not too hard to get to from the castle, either.

[ To what seems to him like nervous chatter, Legolas offers a small smile. Easy there, boy, no need to be stressed when speaking to him. ]

Ideally the gem would be returned, indeed, and ideally all would be spared the upcoming suffering. I had thought at first that Celegorm would attack the castle regardless of what is done with it, but now I ... know better.

[ They have talked all of twice in between one moment and another, only twice and short both times, yet the conversations held more weight than far too many others. If nothing else they helped him understand matters a little better... and with odd ease, to boot. ]

Make certain you do not forget to keep yourself safe.

[ Even if they may not know each other, but anyone showing concern for the safety of others is worth a plenty in his books. ]

Edited (wrong icon whooops + one more thing) 2014-07-22 08:28 (UTC)

[He's right, it is kind of nervous chatter. The last time he met an elf it was Maglor, and he was very overwhelmed. This elf seems a lot... well a lot easier to handle. A lot more young.]

Well, like... I know he's got that vow he swore so maybe he would pull back if he got the Silmaril back, but the rest of his army has got other reasons to be marching, and I dunno if they'll just turn back.

[He runs his hand over the bleached part of his hair, revealing his undyed roots. He gives Legolas a little relieved smile. He's a good guy, then.]

I'm a wizard, I can take care of myself. Just 'cause I don't wanna fight doesn't mean I won't. I'm Kousuke Nitoh. Ah, and plus I got Haruto around to help with the evacuation. He's another wizard from my world.

[ Younger, still bright in the ways of the elves, yet not as radiant as the High Elves such as Maglor, Galadriel or Celegorm. Born in Third Age and never having seen the light of the trees. ]

To my best knowledge, the primary force is under his strict commands, with Morla's permission to retrieve what is his. However I do admit I do not know what other commanders he is bringing.

[ Oh, a wizard! Though Legolas figures it's more like what Hermione is rather than Gandalf. Gandalf was something else entirely, posing as something like a Man with powers beyond those of Men. Curious, he arches both eyebrows. ]

Well met then, Kousuke Nitoh. [ Surname, what's that. ] I am Legolas, son of Thranduil. I am glad you have help as well, I did not mean to imply you are unable to look after yourself. But in my experience those who look after others first tend to put their own safety last, thus they need the reminders at times.

Yeah, okay. Thanks. We'll figure it out, somehow.

[He clears his throat, ducking his head.]

Ah, you can just call me Kousuke or Nitoh. Nitoh's like... My son-of thing. Son of... benevolent wisteria. [He mumbles.]

Yeah, haha. Well, that's more of a problem Haruto's got than me. I was this close to runnin' myself when Aubri said we should get the rest of the people out. You're probably gonna stay outta the whole thing, huh. Seems like you're younger than Maglor or his brother, so fighting with them might be too weird, huh.

Uh, I'm...probably better off out of the way of the battle.

[It's embarrassing to admit, but he'd rather not get in the way once the Unseelie get here...]

I'm not exactly a fighter, but I'd be happy to help other people evacuate! That's about the only use I'll really have in this situation, I think...

Hey, no shame in that, dude. We need people who can take charge of evacuating. Honestly, I'm hopin' we can get by without too many people havin' to fight, since this is mostly just... I dunno, a personal issue that an army got involved with...

[He puts a thoughtful frown on his face and points at the camera.]

Do you have any ideas of what kinda a group you want to be involved with? You know how to get to Parrais or the Station or Eaglais?

Kousuke then. [ Both dark eyebrows arch high and Legolas cocks his head with interest, picking up the mumble too and choosing to address that as well. ] Is that what Nitoh means? Benovelent wisteria?

[ It's endearing, the mumbles, Legolas finds and his smile is quirked a little more sharply now with amusement. ]

Valuing one's life is not a terrible trait and it is brave to go against that instinctive fear. [ He nods his head in acknowledgement. ] I will remain here, at the Station. It is not so much as strange due to my age, but an elf should not fight another elf. No force will make me raise my bow against either of them, not again.

[ The smile drops as his eyelids lower, dark fringe of lashes casting shades on eyes and cheeks. ]

I have fought Celegorm before...

[He jumps a little.] Ah, yeah, I mean. That's what the characters mean and all. I don't think people think that when they hear it, but its how you write it. Wisteria's in a lot of people's names, though. Also Nitoh's a city in Shizuoka, so... Er. That's a prefecture in my country.

[He sighs, feeling lost in his inability not to make a fool of himself in front of all these elves.]

Kousuke's just a... name. Though I guess the first part means "attack." Heh...

[He straightens up a little more at the serious talk.]

Ah. Yeah I mean. I'd think- Well, you guys can live a long time, right? It'd be too sad to know you cut somebody off. Why'd you fight him to start with...? If that's okay for me to ask.

[ That is quite a lot of information that makes little sense to him, yet Legolas takes it all in good humour and good graces. He nods his head again and yet smiling, admits to his lack of knowledge. ]

These names do not tell me overmuch, I am afraid, but I understand what you mean. [ IN A WAY ANYWAY, he can pretend... ahem. Focuses on the part that's easier instead: ] It is much like in my case. My name stands for Green Leaf in the language of my people, and yet it is firstly a name, the meaning underlying beneath.

We live as long as Arda does. [ So basically... forever. Even after they die, they can be given a new physical body if they wish to return. ] Even after death we are bound to it, and the suffering and agony will stay with us for all that time.

[ A small sigh and though they have only now spoken for the first time, it is a story - or at least a part of it - that he is comfortable sharing well enough. The words come quiet, not dispassionate, yet holding no anger, no bitterness, no agony (not anymore). Merely he feels sad that it has come to this, in the light of their more recent meetings and conversations. ]

To defend myself. Two months past the Seelie monarchs sent a sizeable group to retrieve a valuable artefact and I found myself amongst them. We have succeeded, but covering the return of two of my [ He pauses here briefly, lips parted while he decides on a word. ] friends against a pack of orcs, I were lead astray.

Thus how I came to bear the burn of his wrath.

[ Quite literally in the brands that ate into his flesh bone deep. Those are the parts he leaves out. ]

( ooc; forever sorry for the tl;dr.............. cries )

Yeah, I guess not. That's basically how it works in my language. I mean, we write in uh... Yeah this is hard to explain, nevermind. Basically it's like that. That's kind of a cool name. Actually, there's a couple names like that in my language, ha ha. Wakaba or maybe Aoba or whatever. Ah, they're usually girl's names, though. Sorry.

[He chuckles, it's clear he's just basically teasing.]

Oh, I thought maybe it was from like... Er, well, you guys are from the same world, right? You didn't have any trouble with him then, but this time... Actually, hell, maybe you didn't even know each other, sorry.

Was this over the Silmaril too or is he just a dick? Er. A uh... not very nice person, or whatever.

[He hisses through his teeth.]

Aubri was tryin' to hide it, but I think he got pretty messed up, too. If Celegorm was anything like a decent person, he wouldn't be takin' it out on people who aren't even involved.

[ Legolas does manage a smile at that too, not minding the teasing in the slightest. ]

You have nothing to apologise for. I would like to hear your explanation one day, and all about your language, perhaps when your thoughts are not set on matters far more important.

[ A little bit of history here, brief, not detailing much of anything but the general gist. Legolas is really the worst person to pass on such things, never having had the patience to sit through whatever anyone tried to teach him. Story time, lots of talking. ]

He has been slain long before I were born. They are the both of them kinslayers, them and their brothers and their father, having fought and slain other elves time and again, driven by the madness of the Oath, for time and again they have been refused the return of the Silmarils. I think they regret, both of them, they grieve their deeds and they would atone had they the chance, yet they would have done it again too, had there been the need to. Such is the power of the Oath.

They are neither of them cruel by nature, no elves are, but what you see now has been shaped by a thousand of years of peace not once blemished by a single shade, peace shattered and bloodied in a single moment. They have not known suffering or war until it swept them away like a great wave on a stormy sea, like the fire blazing high in a forest. Even I can barely imagine it so, for I have been born in a different time, in a different place when shadows were always lurking, when war and bloodshed were already known by all, and what peace there was, was all but watchful.

They are not evil, I find, they are broken with suffering beyond imagining.

With me... I was a threat to what he had already thought of as his home. [ Legolas had thought Celegorm mad at the time, yet time and knowing more... well, some things are slowly changing. He smiles sadly. ] And would not all of us protect our homes claw and tooth? That he had not killed me was a kindness, that he had nearly ruined me... I am stronger now for it, wiser perhaps.

This may all speak against him, but then, months past he had saved me from certain death. I have asked why, having thought us enemies, and all he said was that I needed him as if that was all reason needed. Is that a deed of one cruel to the very bone and marrow?

Morla is manipulating him and he lets her, for the gains for him outweigh the loses.

[ Can you tell Celegorm has a way of getting into his head... ]

Your friend, I do not know the circumstance, but he must have stood between Celegorm and the Silmaril and all those who do will feel the wrath of the sons of Feanor. Aiding the one who holds the gem will be seen as such. It excuses nothing, but you must understand that right now the Oath is everything.

[ All of this said quietly, with certain degrees of agony and grief flickering in his expression. ]

Edited (FIXING MISTAKES... AND MAKING IT MAKE MORE SENSE sorry) 2014-07-23 14:54 (UTC)

Would we be at any risk in Eaglais? [Smallest bit of emphasis on "any".]

If it's where the Unseelie cannot go - I've looked at the map; we could - if we had groups led to the fairies' ring marked at the base of Parrais, and -- took it to the one in the north wood, it - doesn't look like it would take long to reach...

[He's attempting to speak as someone who has still not yet seen any of the places he's referencing.]

[Quickly:] Thank you.

[Nitoh listens, increasingly bowled over by the length and complexity of the story. Legolas is, at least, pretty good at telling a story.]

Yeah, I heard from Maglor about the, uh... The kinslaying. Though I guess in the human world we'd just call it murder. I mean, the oath... has it actually driven them crazy? Maglor seems okay, but you're right, he seems... really sad. I mean, considering what Celegorm did to my friend Aubri... Well, I dunno if I'd trust him even a little bit.

[He frowns at Legolas' description of his treatment at Celegorm's hands, even if Celegorm went on to save him... I mean he'd turned his opinion on people around before, but... never like that.]

I dunno, man... Even if he's being manipulated, there's nothing that excuses him hurting people. I mean, sure, this is a war, but he just seems like he's takin' advantage of the situation to do what he wants. I don't even know what Aubri coulda been doin' to get on his bad side. Just 'cos somebody does you a favor doesn't erase all the other things they've done. Anybody, no matter how bad they are, can do somethin' good if it serves their need. I learned that the hard way.

[He shrugs, sighing. It really isn't up to him, either way. And if Celegorm died before Legolas was born, he probably is a kinda romantic part of his history, maybe. Lots of reasons to give him the benefit of the doubt, there.]

I mean, I don't even know if Aubri knows the chick who has the stone. Even if he does that's no reason to be pullin' all his feathers out. I really wish he'da let me heal him.

Ehhh, I guess maybe it's just something I can't get. Not bein' an elf, and all.

Yeah, that's where the Unseelie can't go. So it'd be as safe as possible. I just don't know if people wanna stay there for however long this battle's gonna take. I been there and it's a really nice, peaceful place to stay for a while, but I love camping.

I mean, I don't have all the information about the battle, so I'm not gonna be able to make any predictions about how long it's gonna last.

Don't worry, I got this.

If you have any info on where they're at or have any idea of their strategies, just let me know when you can.

I will be in contact.

Take care of yourself.

If it'd be safe and pleasant, then I fail to see the problem... [That's consciously padded out of being too matter-of-fact. Again, he acknowledges he is definitely not someone to talk, solidly. Assuming that limited resources are the issue...]

At worst -- if need be -- then, er - surely we could send teams to -- collect anything we might need from Caer Glaem. If Caer Glaem isn't taken, by then.

[He tilts his head.]

I mean, yeah, it's nice and stuff, but it doesn't have the comforts of home or whatever. If it rains, there's no way to keep from getting wet without a tent... Gonna need a lot of supplies.

[He groans, loudly, at the statement about going back to the castle.]

I mean, I wouldn't...? Really have that as a plan? Because, like, when a castle is under siege, it's kind of hard to get in. That's kinda the point. Unless there's a secret magic door only Seelies can get in, I dunno if it's a good idea. I'd rather stay away from the castle til it's clear the whole thing's over.

[Lightly narrows his eyes. Simply in a serious sense.]

If it had to be done -- I know I would volunteer. [Which is subtly puffing himself up, perhaps.] I don't assume it's impossible that others would, too.

I don't expect that returning to the place from which we'd have run would be part of the plan. [A little airier out of respect - it is meant in agreement and not defensiveness, but ah don't begrudge him this.]

[ Legolas is as attentive a listener, as he is a prolific speaker. He's quiet and taking in every word said, giving it careful consideration and thought. As such, for a moment when Kousuke is done, he's silent. ]

Madness is already willingness of an elf to raise their sword against another elf, madness is when you are aware and hateful of all the cruelties you committed and yet admitting you would do them all over again. [ Or at least it is in his eyes. ] Maglor is fading, wasting away... and for him, perhaps, passing on from this world would be most kind, though I wish it was not so.

[ Though little other options does he see, in truth. But can there ever be light brought back to Maglor's life? Will he ever be willing to look at it, even though the memories of the past will never fade, or will he always turn to the soothing comforts of forgetting just for an instant.

He wonders too just what it means to die here for the elves and the thought, in retrospect, frightens him how close he was himself to simply giving up. What would have happened?! Nobody knows.

Legolas shakes off the thought for another time. ]

I would not think sparing me the fate of having my chest carved open for my shard a mere favour, [ Once driven to the very brink of death, then saved from such. It's fright and gratitude mixing together into something entirely confusing. ] but you are right that nothing excuses his deeds. Nothing will ever wash away the blood and suffering he has caused others and nothing should, but he is not beyond hope...

[ He trails off, cuts off the thought before he starts thinking out loud, tangling himself up in his own turmoils. There's a pause here, before finally he finishes simply. ]

I am sorry your friend has suffered at Celegorm's hand as well, I hope he will allow himself to be helped and healed so as to not unnecessarily prolong it. And that it does not break him.

[He nods...]

That's probably the safest place to be in the short term. Might be smart to evacuate people out there and then move them to someplace more permanent if things get real hairy.

Luckily we can all keep in touch if we've got our lockets. And if worse comes to worse there's always the fairy rings. There's one not too far from Eaglais, maybe two days if you took everybody. Send somebody who's fast, they can go to the Station Ring and get supplies for everybody, probably there and back in two days.

I mean... If I went along, I could do that no problem... Still haven't decided if I'll stay and fight, but...

Yeah... Yeah that's more than enough to drive somebody crazy. Even just knowin' your dad signed you up for crap like that. I mean, at least, uh... At least usually you got a choice. Ugh, I dunno.

[He runs his fingers through his hair scruffling it up.]

I dunno... Maglor still seems to be kinda happy. I guess all that kinda stuff is up to him. I mean, the last time I met... somebody who maybe shouldn't have been around anymore... Man, all she wanted was to keep goin. All we wanted was for her to stay. Things were way different, but...

[He winces at the idea of condemning someone to death. Thinks about the way everybody used Koyomi... Maybe if Maglor had something better to live for, but... With the Silmaril here, it was a little too late for that.]

I mean, favor or not... You gotta be careful about who you trust and why. It'd be nice if he could turn right around, take his army back home, but I doubt that's gonna happen. I mean, whether you still got the seed of good inside you, even if you... Even if you're something like you, all full of good and light and...

[He stops, gritting his teeth, trying to stop thinking about the memories of the phantoms back home, and how much it hurt to have to figure out that they really weren't human, even the ones who hadn't changed at all.]

Everybody's got the potential for good, y'know. Even monsters and stuff. But... But that doesn't mean that I'm not gonna fight him if I have to, because even good people can do terrible things.

[He sighs, pausing himself to gather things together and calm himself down.]

But yeah. I think Aubri's gonna be okay. Enough people offered to heal him up. I think he's a big-time fighter. I mean, he better be, bein' part lion and part eagle, right?

I can't believe they really would cut you open for your shard...

[It's not a disbelieving statement, it's a statement of quiet shock.]

He can still smile, indeed, and it is a great feat with all that he had seen, lived through and done. Elven memories never fade, though, he will never forget. I wish there was a single thing that could make him turn towards the light once more.

[ Much in the same way Legolas will never forget the pain and agony when the blazing white braiding iron cut through skin and flesh and scorched bone. It still hurts, even now, when he draws his bow, when he moves just so. Or the shame he felt, bared before a company of orcs and humiliated with his hair sheared off short the way it is now.

His eyebrows draw into a frown, eyes closing briefly, before he forces his expression to smooth out again. ]

Think of the wolves, the way mothers will care with great tenderness and gentleness for their young, but will not hesitate to cut open, maul and even kill all those who threaten them. Think of the birds that will do the same, all the wild beasts. Such is the world as Celegorm sees it now, cruelty twining with kindness for all of infinity.

But make no mistake, my trust is not so easily won, what I am saying is that I do not condemn him. Neither him nor his brother, though I loathe what they have done. Of the kinslayings, I have only heard stories from my father who had lived through one of such. Ever have I felt... sorry for them, the lengths they have been forced to go to because the Valar would not help, because nobody would give up the gems once they fell into their hands.

And Clarisse will not give up the gem either, [ And ever does he wonder why. ] so you are right that he will not turn his army around. And if you have to fight him, do so and do not hesitate for he will not.

[ ... though then most puzzled expression comes onto his face. Almost comical maybe coming in after words grave and of great import. Legolas blinks, his lips part and he cocks an eyebrow. ]

Part lion, part eagle? [ Ahem, he nods his head then, chasing away surprise with return of a genuine gladness. ] Though I am glad he will be well.

[ And as a last explanation, a warning of a sort too, he adds with great intent and his tone speaking the words that don't become voiced: be careful of all. ]

'tis the only way in which to retrieve them and... many may yet desire them in this world.

That sounds awful. I mean, there's some stuff it's good to remember, but rememberin' every crappy thing. Eugh.

[He runs over a brief litany of embarrassing things he's done that he's never managed to forget. Reliving them all every time he remembered them would be pretty awful.]

I mean, I don't think either of us are gonna be convinced. Basically wolves don't mess with people who don't mess with them, so I don't really buy it. A wolf's not gonna go after somebody and mess them up cos they think it might help someday in advance. But, man. It's all a different culture to me. I'll just defer to you about elves.

If nothin' else, I agree that she shoulda just given it up. Wish I'd found that thing. You couldn't pay me to start a war like this. What's so great about 'em?

[He shrugs.]

Anyhow, I won't hold back. I met Maglor, and I like him all right, but... Not enough to let myself get killed just so I don't have to make him sadder.

Oh, yeah, Aubri's a gryphon. He's strong. He'll be okay.

[The touch of mind-speech makes him freeze up for a moment, but Maglor did it to him too, so he's not that surprised.]

Yeah... Okay. Uh. Glad you got outta the whole thing okay, Legolas. Take care of yourself.

Yeah... That would be better. And I think we've got some good fighters around, so that's a plus, right? Should help if the number of people like me is...uh. More than expected.

[He feels a little shame in it still. He's a viking, after all. He's supposed to be a fighter!! But still, if he can help in any way at all...]

Uhm, not exactly? I'm pretty flexible though, I'd be fine to go with any kind of group. [Shrug?] And, no, I don't, but I'm good with a map! I'm sure I can figure it out.

I'm not ideal in combat. I would do it. [P'raps redundant by now.] I was a messenger to the emperor. Of my country and time.

I'm unsure of what place would be more permanent, though -- if -- wouldn't Parrais also be at risk, if we're expecting the enemy to come close enough to evacuate the castle?

[Inflection wound up more statement-like - not anything as active as doubt or wonder; more mildly headin' on for clarity.]

[He investigates the kid, looking at him with the keen eye of an archaeologist with a focus on domestic life. His clothes are old-fashioned, but in a different way than the clothing the fairies would normally provide. It looks warm, too.]

You came from a cold place, huh? You know anything about camping or- Well, I guess, livin' outside in temporary shelter?

Cos there's no real settlement at Eaglais. You don't have to worry about fightin', because keeping people who can't fight safe is at least as important. If you can use your brain and help out wherever you end up, it's all good, right?

Yeah, sounds good. Parrais might be the place for you if you're all about that.

See, Parrais is pretty high up in the mountains, and they get most of their supplies from even higher up than that. So even if this thing goes on for a while, they can close their doors and hold out. I learned all that when I spent some time there a month or so back.

Uh -- by choice, or... was-was there an attack then? Err - too?

[Noting that all as due, in the meanwhile!]

Oh. Uh, yeah. [Blinking, he's surprised by the question, but after a second he realizes it's probably not such a difficult leap to make, based on his clothes.]

Er, I know a little. Probably enough to be of some use out there. [Rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly, his expression is unsure. But he manages a slight smile and a nod.] But you're right. And I know I can help out in all this, just...not in a fighting way.

[But yeah, maybe that's okay. Especially if he can help people and keep them safe.]

I can head out with some people to Eaglais. Do you have any idea of how many people are evacuating yet?

Yeah, that's great! You can be my point man in the Eaglais campground. And the Seelie can't get in, so you should be okay.

[He smiles at the kid, kind of reminded of his young friend Yuzuru.]

Nah, but I'll make sure everybody knows where and when to meet up.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[Seelie] Attack on Glaem - Who wants to help evacuate? (or evacuate)

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lmao it's usually me sending the novel-length tags.

BROFIST weeps he talks a lot and this is a big thing...

[Video | FANCY MEETING YOU HERE]

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wait how did you know it was me?! CERTAINLY THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER TOKU PLAYERS OUT THERE

I thought I recognized your handle~! In... a crystal ball. 8|b

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amazing.... rare canons unite >:V

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HUZZAH >80

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