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17. Wind-Singers Volume III.I: The Final Quest; Ivordir and Daerfalas journey into Gondor to face the Enemy and find tidings of Guldrambor
Topic Started: Apr 5 2015, 04:14 PM (4,132 Views)
Ivordir

Chapter CLXI: Beloved

Sainion nodded grimly, "No wonder he and Ballithor are friends........ I feared as much...... I.....I.... will protect you from them...."

Arhbaineth sweetly smiled, rising toward his face, kissing him deeply on the forehead: "Oh...my sweet, boy...... my dear sweet boy....."

And Sainion wove the cloak around her, drawing her close, as its black and crimson refulgent folds flowed around them, glowing fiery in the light of the hearth on the far side of the chamber. She rested her head against where his robe touched his chest beneath the cloak, as he reclined, gently stroking her hair. She giggled and smiled. Then she closed her eyes restfully, her wet lips gleaming crimson in the hearth-light, her teeth re-painted in a dull orange, as she her smile grew wider before she closed her lips, licking her teeth beneath them. She sniffed the air, smelling the flagrant scent that subdued her own perfume. It smelled sweeter, deeper, as she slowly inhaled and exhalted, as Sainion felt her breathing. He felt her chest rise and fall in the soft motions of her breath. Abrazan and Baralinor had swiftly turned to face the hearth. But Arhbaineth lifted a fold of the cloak in its ravishing refulgence, stretching it over her face, turning toward Sainion as she buried her head in the folds of silk between her face and his chest, as his arms gently wove around her in a warm, protective embrace. She felt restful in the deep scent of the cloak. It was as if she had crawled deep into the cavern of his heart, and found it beating... she did not wish to leave. She felt safe, buried in the beating, pulsing, warm shadows, that surrounded his heart. His heart, as her heart moved to its beat, seemed as if a pulsing, beating light, filled to the brim with life, hope, and promise. She longed to caress and kiss that beating heart, the heart of his spirit that would never stop beating, even as they would pass beyond the circles of the world together. But then, as she thought these things, her mind paused in doubt. "Why........ am I feeling these things, for someone... I barely even met once..... what if he is as abusive as my father... as cruel as Baralinor's father, Ballithor... yet I can find no fault in those sweet, innocuous eyes... those innocent eyes...." She heard the distant sound of footsteps as she withdrew her head from the cloak, looking up at Sainion, smiling, as she repositioned her head gently on his left shoulder.

The door swung open.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXII: A True Betrothal

In the outer courtyard, Raedwyn found Melimir's servant, Ialon. She asked him to bring a flagon of wine and several glasses to the guest quarters, and he bowed. Returning to the rooms in which Sainon, Abrazan and Baralinor dwelt, she quietly shut the door behind her, and took a seat upon a bed, reclining comfortably with the air of one used to luxury. She admired the sight of Arhbaineth and Sainon, so closely embraced, and Raedwyn felt content; for she knew that her close friend, one that she called "sister", was a free-spirited thing, always searching, questioning. If her affections could be given to one such as Sainion, she mused, then they must be a well-made match. From what Ivordir had said of him, he was noble of spirit, kind, and gentle, and above all, wise beyond the number of his years. She did not wish to interrupt them, so enraptured they were by the sight of one another. With a lop-sided grin, she looked up to Baralinor, who was busy whispering and smirking with Abrazan. So intimate was their setting that she could not help but feel a certain kinship with them, and she laughed freely. "Is this Elvish magic, my lords?" she asked. "That we should feel such kinship with one another so soon? I know not what else I should call it. Surely it can be called fate, that we are all here, now, having met before...I feel as though I know you all, and would name you friends if you allow it."

Baralinor and Abrazan both smiled. Sainion laughed lighty, "For certain, yes.......... this day continues to perplex..... and amaze me.......I passed from lonely, hopeful, but pessimistic scholar...... all quite contradictory...... to one with...... brothers....... and my betrothed..... and so many things I never could have even dreamed of......."

Arhbaineth smirked, "My dear sweet Sainion......... my deepest love......... whom I have only known once, briefly, and then for....... and yet I feel it, so strongly........ I am exhilerated and frightened of it at once..... oh....oh... how can this be..... I do not know........"

Sainion smiled, "We must truly be one........ each incomplete without the other half........."

Arhbaineth laughed, "I have missed you...... my sweet boy...... shall I splash water on your velvet again?"

Sainion laughed, "Now, now, no need for that."

Arhbaineth grinned, and deeply kissed his cheek, "The lips, we will save for our wedding day."

Sainion smiled, kissing her deeply on her cheek, "Yes... we will......" His lips quivered in their delight, as did hers. Their hearts throbbed, as they embraced each other.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXIII: I Shall Not Wed

Abrazan laughed, "I feel as if we're in the wrong chamber......"

Baralinor laughed even louder, "Now I've seen all things beneath the sun......"

Sainion and Arhbaineth laughed, as he slipped out from beneath his cloak, "My apologies. You are right. My Lord-Father would greatly disapprove."

"All the more reason to do it," Baralinor retorted with a grin. He smiled, "Now, we need our second Lady to choose between us, Abrazan."

Abrazan laughed, "Nay, I do not think this need be so. In all due respect, I think our cloaks are running our minds too much.... I do not doubt the love between Sainion and Arhbaineth, they clearly were matched long ago, by powers far beyond our keen....... but there is no need to force anything that need not be forced."

He paused and deeply smiled, "All the same, you are very beautiful, Lady Raedwyn. I hope if you do find the one meant for you, he will make you proud."

Baralinor nodded, "Yes, I agree. Abrazan.....?"

Abrazan's eyes gleamed, "I wish to find someone...... deep in the south, where I was born...... if any be left of the Sarajim...... to aid in bridging the gap between our peoples...."

Baralinor nodded grimly, "When..... and if...... the war is over......"

Abrazan nodded sadly, "It may yet come.....I cannot believe the Enemy has swayed all of them to his side......"

Baralinor bowed, "I do not believe he has..........."

Raedwyn coughed lightly into her free hand, "No talk of war, not now! None of us are complete strangers to it, I think...but we should be allowed these moments of peace, before the calm before the storm breaks, no?"

Baralinor sighed sadly, "As for me..... I do not believe that I will wed anyone..... for the last thing I wish to do, is to assent to my Lord-Father's desires....... he has proven our House only to be unworthy of any heir.... and my brothers will likely do it anyway....."

With a gentle snort, Raedwyn shook her head. "Nonsense," she murmured.

Abrazan scoffed, "He's too sober, my Lady Raedwyn. My apologies. We shall need the wine soon..... I believe......"
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXIV: Despair's Longest Reach

Raedwyn lifted her hand in a lazy wave. "He thinks too much. The sins of a Father do not pass onto the Son, for every child brought into this world is an innocent. I defy any that says such!"

Baralinor deeply sighed, "I murdered one of our own men....... and two more perished for it...... and the fourth is likely dead already.......... My Lord-Father bred me.... whipped me.... demanding that I grow into a 'true, full man,' and this involved killing...... and he kept me away from the only being I have ever loved in this world, ever since my own family turned against me........... and I was never permitted to see Yucalwe again," he brushed a tear from his left eye, "......... life had no further purpose...... ......and now an innocent man is dead, for speaking against Ballithor's cause........ and two more died yesterday, hating me..... and that none could imprison or execute me...... lest Ballithor destroy us all......... Before we left Ost Anglebed, he bade me either return to him a 'true, full man,' or die................ I have ever disappointed his fell ambition."

Raedwyn narrowed her eyes, and fixed him with a stern look. "Ivordir mentioned this, in broader terms, of course...Daerfalas extrapulated more, and even seemed to speak against you, though I suspect he would never go directly against Ivordir...such a Father deserves naught but contempt. You shall redeem yourself, I think, only by defying him. Not openly, of course. That will not aide your allies. Your strategem should be based on...quieter things. Like this. Here we are, in the dead of night...we could be strangers, and yet we share secrets." She shrugged. "My sister already proves to be use to your cause. Levity aside for but a moment...perhaps we can think of more ways to undermine your Father without arousing suspicion?"

As though on cue, there was another knock on the door, a gentle rap, before it creaked open. Ialon had arrived with the wine, plentiful, and amongst the best that Melimir kept within her cellar. "Forgive me the interruption. Compliments from the Lady of the House," he said with a bow. Having been a servant to Daerfalas' father for many years, he kept his gaze discreet, for a gossiping servant was a dangerous one. Upon a small table he laid out glasses for each guest, and filled them to the brim. "If you have anymore need of me, I will be anon," he said, gesturing towards the door. And then he was gone, in a whisper of cloth and shuffling feet; an old man, still he moved with grace and silence.

Abrazan gave Ialon a gesture of gratitude. After he had gone, Abrazan turned to Baralinor: "Brother................ dwell not on this. It is over, I tell you. We must live now. We must live for them.......... returning to despair and regret will accomplish nothing........"

Baralinor nodded, "Yes..... I believe we must....."

Arhbaineth suddenly whipped Sainion's cloak around her, "And that requires a masquarade of loyalty......"
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXV: A Wine Communion

Sainion nearly jumped, but let the fabric flow around her. He gazed at her star-struck as the cloak flowed and twirled majestically around her bejeweled eyes.
He smiled, "You seem as radiant as a Numenorean Queen........."

"Hush, my love..... I am thinking......." Arhbaineth trailed the cloak on the bed behind her, onto Sainion's lap.
She laughed suddenly, "I wonder...................." She sat down again beside Sainion, "I think I must give, my Lord-Father, a list of suggested invitations to his ball that he will be holding in two days.........."

Baralinor's eyes blazed as he yelled, "Genius! Of course!!! Yes, round up all of my Lord-Father's allies in one place!"

Arhbaineth smiled, "And.......... in two days time...... 'Captain' Ivordir and his men will sneak away, out of the city...... and we will not be long behind them....."

Abrazan raised his hand, "What will we do about those who are actually.... attending the Ball?"

Raedwyn tilted her head, listening curiously.

Sainion pondered, "And who would be the safest attendees, who would arouse the least suspicion?"

Arhbaineth stood and poured some wine in the glasses, spreading them among them. Baralinor drank of it slowly and deeply. Abrazan followed suit. As did Sainion and Arhbaineth. The wine in Sainion's glass spun in red, radiant circles as he pondered this. It glowed fiery red in the light of the blazing hearth in the corner of the room, away from their bed. Sainion felt the warm, velvety liquid churn warmly down his throat, beneath his chest. He breathed deeply. He was glad that he had shaved before he joined Baralinor in his room.

Raedwyn spoke up suddenly, clearing her throat of the saccharine taste of wine. "I will go. My family has ever been close to that of Arhbaineth. I will ask Daerfalas to accompany me...we were childhood friends, and his presence should not cause much suspicion, if he is in my company." She continued, "If he, a known accomplice of Ivordir, is at my side, it will rouse less notice."
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXVI: To Empty a Barracks

Baralinor sighed, "Ivordir himself should go.... if the 'Captain' is present at the Ball, then he is not leading his company.........and I must also go, as proof that my Lord-Father's commands have been obeyed, concerning me....."

Abrazan nodded, "And Sainion also...... his wit will be required......"

Sainion nodded, "We will need at least one from amongst the original Council to lead what men we have left out of the eastern city gates....."

Raedwyn nodded, sitting up straighter. "Aye, that is a good idea. If we can make sure that your party is split, and that those that would cause the most suspicion are at the Ball...why then, at the end of such revelries, most will be too drunk and full to notice when you have slipped away..."

Sainion's eyes grew wide, "Aegon will lead the others....... I can speak with him about it. He is a young man of Tarlang, he will have more respect among the men...."

Baralinor heaved a deep sigh, "What will we do about the Warden of the Barracks of the western quarter? Someone will see a mass-exodus of our men."

Sainion smiled, "We will need to find a way to speak to them, without it being noticed."

Raedwyn waggled her eyebrows. "Not if a lady joined them, with wine. A lot of wine."
She coughed, and looked to Arhbaineth. "What?"

Abrazan laughed, "The men of the barracks are not a party of lordlings..............some of them are dangerous."

Arhbaineth smirked, "I know......... some other means, more subtle, will be necessary........."

With a hearty sigh, Raedwyn leaned back, softening against the pillows. "Very well! Though I still think that drink could distract all manner of Men. What think you, Baralinor?"

Baralinor sighed, "Sainion has a point....... and someone would still notice.... and we would arouse the wrath of the Warden of the Barracks of that quarter, for making his men drunk....."

Sainion suddenly beamed a wide smile, "Aegon could alert the men, one by one.... perhaps with that mason friend of his aiding him......... in ways that do not arouse suspicion."
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXVII: Conspirators

Baralinor nodded, "It is tenuous at best, but our only option, outside of summoning all the men hither, which would truly arouse attention....."

Abrazan nodded, "Yes..... I have confidence in him.... but what should he tell them?"

Baralinor laughed spontaneously, "I've figured it out.... of course....... yes, it is so simple........ Aegon and Ivordir's friends, the fishermen..... and the mason.... all of them can do it, and.........."

Sainion smirked, "The taverns........ the fishermen can lure the men to the taverns, for a night out of the barracks........ with Ivordir's leave......"

Abrazan laughed, "And they can sing, like they did on our ship! They can provide the perfect distraction....."

Raedwyn tapped her fingers against her knees and laughed, at the simplicity of their scheme, at how it would work.

Arhbaineth smiled, "And while we distract the nobles..... yes. And that leaves only the thought of their departure from the city....."

Sainion nodded, "Having them leave by the eastern gates would prove most onerous, if the gates are guarded, which they likely are....... but what of the sea-gate?"

Abrazan bowed his head lower, "This is beginning to sound akin to one of our Linhir schemes.......... remember that problem? A mass exodus of fishermen boats?"

Arhbaineth stroked back her hair, "Whose says it has to be a 'mass-exodus'? Why not have them begin leaving tomorrow? One boat at a time?"

Baralinor sighed, "And even with three to five men per boat, we are still speaking of at least six boats......"

Arhbaineth suddenly tapped her left index finger against her lips, "Hush now........ there is another way........... what if Daerfalas' mother somehow..... managed to station guards who are loyal only to her at the proper gate?"

Baralinor shook his head, "It may not be that simple........"
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 18 2015, 10:57 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXVIII: Forgotten Men

Raedwyn spoke up, "She has much influence...perhaps you are making the matter more complicated than it is."

Sainion raised his hand, "I've got it! Forget the boats, forget the changing of the guard. We do have a way out of this. Have Aegon get the men to the taverns, and from there, have them hide their leather armor and such in feed-sacks....."

Abrazan laughed, "I get it now. Have them stack the sacks on a cart, have them pretend to be merchants and farmers! And they can pass straight through the gate without suspicion. Why, Aegon even has the accent of his dialect!"

Baralinor shook his head, "Did you have something further to offer, Raedwyn?"

With a hesitant shake of her head, Raedwyn stood. "No...that sounds like a sound plan, if ever there was one."

Sainion suddenly let his head fall downcast, "We have forgotten one logistic.......... There are others gathered here, in Melimir's House, who are of our company.... who decided not to sojourn in the barracks.......... have we spoken with them at all, on this journey? Who are they, what may their thoughts be on such things?"

Baralinor's head dropped even lower, "I know some of them....... for my Lord-Father coerced or inflicted injustice upon them........"

"Would they hinder your cause?" Raedwyn asked, out of curiosity and ignorance both.

Baralinor nodded, "They might have good reason to........."

Sainion nodded, "We need to get to know them, over the next two days...."

Arhbaineth smiled, "I agree........ but you will not lead that front..... we need to get to know each other......"

Baralinor rolled his eyes, "Well, I certainly cannot do it. They'll loathe me......"

Abrazan nodded, "I cannot quite say such diplomacy would be my forte.... being a Southron......."

Baralinor sighed as they pondered how to approach their comrades with their plans of escape. But fatigue washed heavily across their eyes, but the wine kept them lively and awake.

Arhbaineth suddenly became energetic. She smiled at the others, "I think we shall need to rest, and ponder plans further in the morning."

Abrazan and Baralinor nodded in agreement. They gazed at Raedwyn.

Raedwyn stood, and lowered her head in accord. "You are right. Our thoughts will be more clear to us come morning. I will retire for now...gentlemen. It has been a pleasure." She smiled warmly.

Suddenly, Arhbaineth laughed, "I would do one more mirthful thing before I sleep...." She grabbed Sainion's cloak, laughing, whipped it further around her shoulders, and ran down the hallway.

Sainion blinked, "I dare say..." He ran straight after her.

He caught the movements of the cloak as it swished in the darkness in front of him. His pace quickened, his heart steadily beating. He was very tired, but suddenly, he felt energetic as well. He supposed it was the power of the cloak, or of the love that struck his eyes.

They ran into a grand ballroom, no doubt used for feasting and other occasions. The marble floor was cold. The ceiling was high. And moonlight fell gently through the windows.

Arhbaineth laughed quietly, "You want this returned, do you not, my love?" She swished the cloak out of his reach.

Sainion stammered, "I love you, but this is far too much. We should retire to our chambers..."

Arhbaineth smirked, "But first, we shall dance."

She swifted the cloak in a swirl, its lining flowing gently against his forehead, its edge felt cold and smooth, as the fabric shined dimly, coldly, in the moonlight.

She suddenly shifted right behind him, "Tell me..... what ensnared you in this company?"

She shifted again, the cloak brushing against Sainion's legs. Sainion spoke grimly, "Ballithor sent me hither, to coerce my father.... to threaten my life...."

Arhbaineth nodded, shifting the cloak high above Sainion's head. It landed, Sainion felt himself swimming in the dark, cool fabric, its fragrant scent filling him, breathing life....

Arhbaineth spoke with ease, "Relax yourself.... for I have come to safe you, and your father, from this ensnarement....."

Sainion smiled, "I am loyal to the company, now......"

Arhbaineth's face manevered through the silken sea before her, closer, and ever closer, to Sainion's face, "As well you should be."

Sainion closed his eyes, "What is the point of this... of all of this... I know the Elves are real, their powers are strong, and that there is more to this than our mutual friend, Lord Ballithor....."

Arhbaineth's lips breathed warm air on Sainion's. Sainion trembled, but felt her kiss press gently against his cheek.
Arhbaineth smiled, whipping the cloak away, "I do not deny this..... I was there, in the north..... do you not know?"

Sainion's mind was spinning, "How did you escape your household?"

"I sneaked aboard Ivordir's fishing-ship, disguised.... by the time they realized who I was, and Raedwyn, it was too late to return to shore, for oh, oh, the storm.... that treacherous storm...."

Sainion nodded grimly, "Very well. What do we do?"

Arhbaineth laughed, "Catch it if you can." She ran throughout the vastness of the chamber, her arms spread aloft, the cloak flying, billowing, interfolding, and extending, behind her, as Sainion laughed and chased her, forgetting his fear and terror.

She suddenly turned, wrapping him in a tight embrace, kissing him again as he kissed her on the cheek.

Arhbaineth smiled, "I learned this.... from the Golden Prince's stories of his wife........."

Sainion laughed, "You are very beautiful."

Arhbaineth suddenly was rendered silent.

Sainion gazed at her quizzically.

Arhbaineth placed her index finger to her lips, beckoning to him.

His heart ran cold. He recognized the sound of voices, faint, distant, but there.

He followed Arhbaineth, careful not to step on the cloak and pull her down.

The voices grew louder. They found themselves nigh the threshold of another chamber. There were lights emitting from inside the door. They heard the discussion clearly.

"I do not believe that we can evade all of Ballithor's allies with ease," Ivordir's voice stammered.

Arhbaineth whispered in Sainion's ear, "This may be our chance. I will take your cloak back to your room, across from Baralinor's. Then I will bring them here. Listen to them, be prepared to relay this when we return."

Sainion nodded, as Arhbaineth slipped away, the cloak vanishing into the shadows behind him.

But then Sainion turned, whispering, "Arhbaineth."

She paused.

"What is it?" she hissed.

Sainion smiled, "Give me the cloak. I may need it to blend myself into the shadows, should they emerge..."

Arhbaineth's face beamed with joyfulness, "We are truly made for each other.... you are right." She unclasped the cloak, as he hid himself within it. Then, she vanished into the shadows once more.

Sainion, meanwhile, was still listening intently.
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 28 2015, 10:03 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXIX: The Accident

Ivordir gazed subtly across the table at Melimir and Daerfalas. The room was very large, divided into many sections by pillars. It was a room for business, for the reception of matters of import.

"Do we have any suggestions? We need a strategy of how to get my company out of this city, without being thwarted by Ballithor's allies."

The gruff sound of Daerfalas' voice rose, echoing against the great height of the chamber's ceilings. "My mother already has her spies sent forth...there is little we can do now but wait, and let them come forth on their own accord to reveal themselves. Otherwise, we may be spotted as conspirators."

Ivordir nodded, "We still need plans.... for example, what if we were, by pure happenstance, perceived as conspirators? I have lead us blindly for too long.... I have learned from Tadrent, I have learned from Calembel, from Ethring, from Linhir, and from Anglebed.....trouble seems to find us before we even anticipate it. I would have us become more prudent.....did our mutual friends up north not try to teach us these things? I wish I heeded wisdom more now..... we might have passed through this city with men who need not have died so needlessly, for my incompetence......"

Sainion was tempted to barge into the chamber and say, "You cannot blame yourself for what Ballithor did to you." But instead, he remained in hiding, saying nothing.

Daerfalas narrowed his eyes. "You are suggesting a direct course of action. Very well. But firstly, my captain, I would not have you question your leadership so. What setbacks we have experienced have not been at your fault. Perhaps, we should be only appear to be following orders hence...secrecy may work well in our favor. If Ballithor does indeed have spies within Pelargir, then we should try to beat them at their own game, and procure some of our own to aid us in our endeavors. When are the city gates the least guarded? Where can we show ourselves under the guise of following our orders? Perhaps we should make a public outing, so that our motives are questioned less."

Sainion was seething, remembering the discussed solution. Suddenly, he heard footsteps enter the ballroom behind him. He felt relieved. Arhbaineth would come with the others. But he heard not the sound of a woman's soft steps plodding on the floor. He heard slower movements, older. His heart froze. He quickly withdrew himself to a corner of the ballroom, hiding himself in his cloak, hiding with the refulgent folds, placing folds up close to his mouth and nose, to quiet his breathing, as he heard the footsteps motion, with purpose, meters ahead in front of him.

He heard the sound of knocking.

Ivordir nearly jumped after hearing Daerfalas' suggestions, the sound of knocking penetrating the room. A servant was motioned to open the door. There, in the doorway, stood several men, men of Ivordir's Company who were staying at Melimir's manor.

Malgelir stepped forward. His sapphire velvet cloak swept behind him, his stern countenance welling in his piercing eyes. He strode directly to the table, "Captain Ivordir.... I have remained in silence this entire journey. I have endured patiently the inclement weather, the muck and the mud, the long hours of pain, hardship, and toil... all thrust upon me unjustly, by your patron, Ballithor...My House, the Golden Swan, has ever been at war with the Silver. In fact, I have learned something interesting of late.... my scholarly friends, would you care to reveal it?"

Several men were standing in the hallway with another, whispering. Sainion overheard him say: "I have seen her. She is here. She vanished. She has returned."

"Can you be certain" The unknown other whispered.

"Yes. Arhbaineth is within these halls... I saw her changed these past few weeks. She had vanished and suddenly reappeared, as if from nowhere. Oh even the stars.... long
have I hoped to find her. She is mine. She is arranged to marry me. She is my betrothed. She is mind, and I will take her dowry. I will make her be my bride, and bring
pride and glory to my House. I, Amarthon, shall wed her. And," he whispered, "in time.... we will obey Lord Ballithor, and put an end to this 'Captain' and all who claim
such loyalty to him......"

As the unknown men marched into the room, Sainion continued to hide within his cloak. He seethed within himself. In his anger, he ground his teeth against each other.

Seething, he wanted to punch Amarthon. But he did not know who Amarthon was. He thought of Arhbaineth. She had lied. She had attempted to hide herself from an arranged
marriage. She had attempted to veil her true intentions. Amarthon would kill and torture him, as Ballithor tortured Sainon. She was clever. She, weaving her spider's web,
stealing his newly-endowed, miraculous cloak, turning its power against him. The cloak... the Kinslaying... Yucalwe, he was evil. He was blood-stained. Doomed. And so now
would he: Sainion, son of Sainon, a young nobleman of Dol Amroth who would lose everything. How much longer would it take? What betrothal? What engagement? She had lied.
She belonged in an alley, he reasoned, with the other wenches who deceive all men. His muscles tightened. He whipped back the cloak. He moved forward, back toward the
hall.

He heard movement. More were coming. More traitors. Amarthon, who had journeyed with them all this time, knew. A traitor. Ivordir, his Captain, was in grave danger. He
must face the foe, or die trying. Life was bereft of meaning. Baralinor was right. He, Sainion, believed his own words were sentimental. Despair. There is nothing but
despair, nothing other than to despair, when the woman who so willingly fell into your arms when you barely knew her, suddenly revealed her wiles, her plots, and cast her
nets.

Sainion scuffled quietly across the floor, tripping on the cloak here and there, nearly stumbling. He reached the opposite hallway, away from the echo-chamber that was the
ballroom.

Sainion stammered, "What torture.... what nonsense...."

His voice steadily rose in anger. She had betrayed him. She had betrayed his confidence. She had engaged herself to him, while engaged to another. She had ensnared him.
She had deceived her betrothed, and he was complicit. He was part of yet another liar's gambit. The footsteps grew closer. Sainion could feel the presence of his foes.
There they were, waiting to kill him. He charged ahead, yelling inside himself, roaring, as if he was facing all the hosts of the Morgul to the death. He could see their
faces as he lunged: cold-eyed Ballithor, scowling Brastor, the conceited heirs of the Silver Swan, and Amarthon... who stole the only woman he had ever loved, snatching
her away, as fast as fate had granted her. Facing the darkness, he lunged forward.

Arhbaineth, bruised, her knees scrapped, her angle twisted from the manner of her fall, weepily stammered, "I......I................"
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 28 2015, 10:04 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXX: Deceptive Treachery

Sainion gazed in shock into the shadows. He heard not the sound of a treacherous wench. He heard the sound of a woman, his equal... crying in pain. Sainion felt the fabric
of the cloak. Sainion gazed down at his hands.

Arhbaineth suddenly smiled at him weakly, "Who...did...you...think...I...was?......"

He stammered, realizing who it was, "You betrayed me...... you are betrothed to this....this Amarthon........ you lied to me......"

Arhbaineth sobbed, ".....I detested it..... I wanted to escape from him... I fled north on Ivordir's boat........for...that....reason........... to escaped
a marriage forced on me....... to so cruel a......... I did not think him cruel then..... but.....I learned.....I....learned........"

Sainion felt his knuckles wane. Sainion's eyes began to water with tears. Sainion collapsed onto the floor.

He muttered to himself, and she heard him clearly, "What have I done....... what have I done....... what have I done......I thought you were..... more men...... I thought
you were..... foes coming, to harm our Captain, I............... oh what have I done...."

Arhbaineth tried to smile despite her sobbing, ".........you did not know it was me?"

Sainion's eyes continued to rain their tears, "No......."

He cradled her, softly kissing her bruises, and she winced in pain as soon as he touched her ankle..... she was breathing heavily.....

She gasped, "How..... can I....betray......someone's....love.....when...there....is...no love....between.....us... I never loved Amarthon......?"
Edited by Ivordir, Jun 28 2015, 09:29 PM.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXI: Sainion's Desperation

Sainion weepily replied, "I.......I betrayed you........... I am unworthy of you......... I have hurt you........I wanted.... I do not know what I wanted to do...... you
had betrayed me, or so I thought..... but I also thought that you were another group of men, coming to reinforce the.... current one across the ballroom, I..but oh what
did I wish to do, upon hearing such vile words of treachery?! I wished it..... however briefly..... I wished it.........I should never have....... why did I not think it
through.............I am unworthy..............I must end my own life."

Arhbaineth gasped, "And you............ you would wound me most of all? To take yourself away............ I admit it, I should....have....told you.... earlier this
evening..... my heart, it spoke to you..... harmoniously...........but please, I beg, I plead! You did not know that you were hurting me. And I do not believe that you
truly wished to harm me. You are young, but wise, well-reasoned.... you would have questioned me first, and learned the truth..... it was only by a whim of passion that
you lashed-out against me......... because you truly, deeply, love me..... I felt it the moment I rested with you, beneath our cloak..........did you not feel my love for
you? My undying, true love? I would lay down my life for you, if I could...... I cannot explain why............." Strength arose within her voice.

Sainion cast his head down on the cold, hard floor of the hall, "My love! I should have known...... oh why did I react so rashly?!"

Arhbaineth shouted, "Because! Because this is all very frightening, for both of us! When we awoke this morning, we had not seen each other in ten years! We had never
spoken a word to each other since we were children! I grew accustomed to Elvish enchantment. My soul is prepared for it. I experienced my awe and wonder at it all.... in
the north far away......... but this is new to you? Of course it is...cloaks multiplying........ betrothed in less than hours.............. it was far too much, far too
much for your rational mind...... and now I fear you have descended into madness!"

Sainion's eyes blazed in the darkness, "Rational? Rational?! There is no such thing as Rational!!! Then let this madness be! I draw forth my dagger. I am unworthy of
life."

And he drew it forth, holding it against his breast. He gasped aloud, shoving it toward himself, but found his hands restrained. She pulled him forward with all her might,
through all her pain, forgetting it. She pulled at his arms with all her might, as his blade crept slowly toward his heart. The blade pierced his flesh, but she kept
pulling. The blade began to dig, but her grip tightened, as she kept pulling. She pulled and pulled, as Sainion's eyes were wincing in pain, as his energies did not yet
come to alleviate it. Finally, she overpowered him, tossing the bloody dagger as it spun across the hard, marble floor, landing against the far wall with a clang. Sainion
wept bitterly. The blade penetrated his chest, but not deep. It did not reach his heart or vitals. But he gasped, grabbing at his chest, clasping it. Arhbaineth's hands
removed his from the wound. She leaned in, kissing it, bloodying her lips. She withdrew, clasping it, staunching the wound.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXII: Justice

Sainion gasped, "It was justice...... it had to be..... why are you withholding me?"

And Arhbaineth replied, the iron, salty taste on her lips, "Because your torture, or death, would wound me most of all............. it would kill me. And because you are
guilty of nothing. You.... overheard things from Amarthon, not knowing who he truly is..... and he is terrifying... what did he say?"

Sainion cried, "He said that you were his and that he would force your marriage to him..................... and then I hated you for it, believing you were in league with
him, with Ballithor, and all the others against me....... that you would destroy me, oh such horrid conclusions............................... all over such
nonsense............... nonsense................I should have known that you hold no loyalty to Amarthon..............I hurt you...... I harmed you grieviously...... I
betrayed our love........"

Arhbaineth weakly smiled, "........beloved......... a truly cold, wicked man, would not have reacted so............."
She gasped, "You............... do realize........... all of us have done.......?"

Sainion shook his head, as his hands overlapped with her's, on his chest.

Arhbaineth forgot her pain, "When I was ten years of age.......... I was jealous of my sister. I feared that she would try to hurt me, because I was the first-born.....
whoever would wed me, would inherit my father's estate....... I thrust her in the river, holding her beneath the waters by the dock-stairs....... she survived, and has
since wed another, in Calembel..... but we have never spoken since those days........ my lord-father harshly beat me, he separated us...... sending her to the estate of
her arranged-marriage....... And how can I, who nearly murdered my own flesh and blood........ condemn you?"

Sainion shook his head, "What did you mean by 'all'............."

Arhbaineth gasped, "Was this your first act of anger in your life? Who did you think you were fighting?"

Sainion sighed, "I thought I was fighting more of Amarthon's men.... the men of your
betrothed..................................................................................they passed into the chamber where we overheard Ivordir and Daerfalas
speaking...................." He paused, and tried to answer her question, shaking his head in momentary silence: "No....... there are others........ many other
acts..........."

Arhbaineth merely repeated, "All of us.............. have had terrible thoughts........ we have done many things we should never have done, and prevented ourselves from
doing..... what should be done........ all of us.........."

Sainion balked, "I am no better than Lord Ballithor........."
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXIII: Arhbaineth's Courage

Arhbaineth held him steadfast, despite her pain, her twisted ankle, her bruised joints, pressing warmly against his chest, covering his wound, "And you are no worse than
he................"

Sainion heard his own words, still wincing in pain. His words from earlier that evening. The words that he spake unto Baralinor. Sainion heard these words inside his head,
nodding to his previous self that evening, inside himself. He gazed down at Arhbaineth's compassionate eyes, forgiveness welling within those infinite pupils that seemed
to shelter the stars themselves. And his compassionate eyes gazed down at her, "I should still die, for what I have done..........."

Arhbaineth smiled, surprising even herself, "It was not as terrible as things.... my Lord-Father has done to me...... and.......... you already did."

Sainion gazed at her in shock, "I am....... dead?"

Arhbaineth nodded, "The man who rashly lunged forward in his anger.......... not knowing, who or what he was hurting............... is already dead. There he is," She
pointed towards the dagger, barely visible in the torch-light, "And you....... my protector..... have saved me from him........."

They wept and held each other closely, as their wounds began to rend pain anew. They helped each other off the floor, clasping each other, Arhbaineth having grabbed the
cloak and folded it, as it was pressed deeply against Sainion's wound. She leaned on his shoulder, as he struggled, longing for strength, as they gasped as they slowly
meandered down the hallway, to the healers' rooms.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXIV: Purgation

Echuidor was one of Aeglos' assistant-healers on the journey. But he had been awake, long studying some of his master's notations. He answered the door at the knocking,
and quickly cleared a place on his bed for Sainion. Arhbaineth concealed her own injuries. He knew he did not have time to stammer for an account. He had Arhbaineth take
his candle and use it to light a nearby dormant torch. The wound continued to bleed.

Echuidor stammered, "We have to cauterize it. The wound must be purified through flame, to stop the bleeding. Herbs may follow, if, all goodness willing, we can reach
it...."

Arhbaineth nodded, holding one of Sainion's hands, gripping him firmly.

Sainion muttered, "Justice......."

Arhbaineth had not found Baralinor or Abrazan. They were not in their rooms when she knocked. And now the door to the doctor's room was closed. She heard footsteps in the
hallway, with the sound of silk swishing on the floor outside the door. But Arhbaineth ignored it, her attention focused on Sainion.

Echuidor took the torch, placing a wad of fabric from Sainion's cloak wrapped in a ball inside his mouth. The cloak was set to the side otherwise, the wound exposed.

Sainion chomped down on the cloak with all of his might. He felt its smooth texture. Then, Echuidor applied the torch. Sainion screamed and yelped into the fabric as the
wound was scorched, biting hard. He noticed something. He noticed that the fibers of the cloak remained unbroken. But he continued to writhe in agony. It seemed to last
for an eternity. The scotched skin was a horror, its radius spreading outward from the wound. And each time Echuidor withdrew the torch, blood continued to flow from the
wound, as it lessened. Finally, an hour later, it was over. The blood had ceased to flow. Arhbaineth reached for bandage-cloth, but Sainion gasped, "No..... the cloak. Use
the cloak." The cloak was placed on the wound, as Arhbaineth held it down.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXV: The Healer's Apprentice

Echuidor had noticed her bruises and that she had limped into his chamber. "How long ago did he receive this wound?"

Arhbaineth shook her head, "Minutes.... if not half an hour...."

Echuidor sighed, "You should have come immediately..... that wound was deeper than you thought it was. I do not believe that he will perish............. and what has
become of you? I must tend to you as well."

Arhbaineth nodded, "Let me take this seat, bring another chair over for my leg."

Echuidor obeyed.

Echuidor turned toward his candle, noting the appropriate notes he had taken in Dol Amroth beside Aeglos. He flipped frantically through the parchment pages, finding his
answer. His step by step analysis of how to handle twisted or sprained ankles. He applied pressure to the bones.

Arhbaineth's grip on Sainion's cloak tightened. There was a slight crack, as the bones returned to their correct position. But Arhbaineth's ankle was still deeply sore.
She spoke, "Do not worry yourself over the bruises..... unless any of them are severe."

Echuidor shook his head, "Whoever or whatever hit you was no soldier, I can tell you this. A stronger man would have done far worse...... I doubt the wielder of these
blows even trained to wield a sword. But....... still strong. This person had something in him, whatever it was......... they are deep bruises, but not life-
threatening...... you will need treatment from salves......... how...how did any of this happen?"

Arhbaineth sighed, "It was a tragic accident. He thought that I was someone else, something threatening; I was hidden in the shadows. He was deeply sorry at what he had
done to me.... he tried to destroy himself....."

Echuidor nodded gravely, "I... I understand, my Lady. Very well. Let me check our mutual patient's wound......"
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXVI: Illumination

Arhbaineth carefully lifted the folds of the cloak.

Echuidor gasped in shock and awe.

Arhbaineth gasped equally so.

Not one trace of burning was left. Not one single
trace. Not even a scar........ Sainion opened his eyes, "W...where am I....?"

Arhbaineth reached up to her own lips. She did not even feel a trace of dried blood. But, remembering the words of certain Elves she had grown to love, in the north so far
away, she smiled, "Pity has granted her fortune upon you................"

Sainion remembered, stammering, "I will take a solemn Oath....."

Arhbaineth shouted, "No! You will not swear a single word! If you want to speak an intention, do so, but do not swear yourself to it!!!"

Sainion's eyes watered, "Very well. I promise.......... I will never hurt you ever again............ I will never raise my hand against you............"

Arhbaineth, "I know..... and you never willingly hurt me....... I know this..................."

Sainion wrapped the cloak around her, sitting-up on the edge of the bed, while all the while, Echuidor stared at them both dumbstruck, confounded....... speechless.....
And Sainion loathed himself: for he had, for a time so brief, desired to bring harm to Arhbaineth for her betrayal. But then he realized that he only had thought he did.
He never truly wished to harm her in the manner of premeditated thought. In his fears and griefs, his mind had plunged into chaos.
But when he removed the cloak, Arhbaineth's eyes were filled to the brim with delight. Every trace of pain had vanished from her body. She gazed down at her arms and side.
The bruises were gone.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXVII: Redemption

Sainion's heart beamed with joyfulness. He realized that it was all a tragic accident from a tragic misunderstanding. Sainion turned to Echuidor, "Hush now, my good
friend...... no one must learn of this............"

Echuidor nodded, stammering, "What..... magic is this..... are you a sorcerer?"

Sainion balked, "No. But I know several!" He laughed mirthfully, Arhbaineth joining in his laughter.

Echuidor decidedly dropped his book of notations, and laughed as well. He even felt relieved.

And Sainion whipped the cloak around both himself and Arhbaineth. They thanked Echuidor graciously, who was grateful for them to leave. He turned to his bed, to find it
smelling fresh, as if of roses. Sainion had taken the torch back out of the room. Echuidor laid himself down on the bed, hastily blowing-out the candle, wondering if he
had studied for far too long, and had dreamed it all.......

As they walked toward the ballroom, Arhbaineth gripped Sainion's hand tightly, ".... we must live, for each other, from this moment forward......."

Sainion tearfully replied, deeply smiling, "Yes..... we must.......please...forgive me....."

She turned toward him, warmly, "Listen, my beloved.......... as I have thought about this, I believe you reacted rashly.......... and would I have not, if a strange woman
announced that she was betrothed to you? And that she intended to betray your Captain? I..........I do not know what I would have done. But I know this: you did not have
long to ruminate about it....... I do not believe you were thinking clearly....."
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXVIII: Two in One

Sainion sighed, "Rational thought..... had nothing to do with it......... the whole evening, this morning, I was alone...."

Arhbaineth nodded, "And so was I..........as I said, I have grown accustomed to elven enchantments...."

Sainion turned toward her, "Are you truly certain that our love is merely an enchantment?"

Arhbaineth smiled, "It is more, my beloved..... far more............ you are right. The enchantment merely gave us a reason to be together..... to share in it....... oh I
have been so lonely, even in far-away Eriador.......... Ivordir and Abrazan tried to be kind, but....... they never felt right for me............ and I dreaded the thought
of returning, back to this horrid life....... traded as if a mule to a stud to bred Houses as if they were horses........... but now I realize, it could be far worse....
far, far worse................... my beloved, you are my only hope for leaving such things behind me............ the Elves warned me of my self-pity, now I believe I
finally understand................."

Sainion's eyes were watery again with tears, but not of sadness: "My love........... my beloved love...............do not ever let me harm you again......."

Arhbaineth nodded, "You will not harm me........... I know you will not harm me......... only the darkness bruised me....... the shadows that veiled our
eyes................ but they have not veiled our hearts. Powers beyond our comprehension have bound us together.... powers that we must now accept....."

Sainion nodded, "Yes. We must not try to rationalize it......... we must embrace it!" He billowed the cloak around them both, over their heads, plunging into the warm
darkness, the warm, damp air between their lips.

Sainion's heart beamed and throbbed with joyful thoughts, as they kissed each other deeply, their hearts throbbing in their unity.

He flipped back the cloak. And they vanished into the shadows of the ballroom, wondering what they would find. Arhbaineth wondered if Abrazan and Baralinor had found her
note in Baralinor's room. She wondered if they had pressed ahead.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXIX: Amarthon

Amarthon stood in the doorway with the others. He did not see Baralinor and Abrazan crouching in the left-hand corner of the ballroom, hidden with each other within their
cloaks that blended into the deep shadows of the room. Amarthon brushed his warm hair aside, it had streamed down further toward his eyes. He brushed his clean-shaven
chin. He licked his lips. He was wearing armor.

But then he thought back to those older days, when he was even younger, made an officer due to his father's position, placed in charge of far more experienced men. He had
struggled to control them. He had not earned their loyalty. But a scouting party had come from the south and waylaid the outpost in Harondor. There were harsh shouts, the
clash of swords. He had tried to get them to hold their position, to no avail. They were overrun. And he was a poor swordsman. All went black.
When he awoke, he had felt sick. He had felt very ill. They fed him old, moldy bread, it made him cough and gag. They gave him water sparingly. The Mountains of Shadow
arose to their left, and the desert wastes to their right. They traveled south, until they reached the Carnen. It was two months before they reached the end of the river.
Then they rationed supplies even further, forced him to bear a heavy load. They made him shed his Gondorian armor, dressing him in rags. They kept the mountains to their
left, traveling in their shadow.

They were near death by the time they found their next water-source. They all drank deeply from the well. The men spoke in harsh whispers, in a tongue Amarthon did not
understand. But one of the men carried a strange symbol. Another carried a phial, with a dark liquid. They added drops of it to a certain canteen. They forced Amarthon to
drink it.

As they climbed the steppes of Khand, Amarthon passed into a slow haze. He began to see lights in the hills, or thought he did. In time, they had horses, of the Variag
clans. One of the Haradrim captors had friends in higher places. Amarthon pressed ahead his hands bound, knowing the absence of a hope for an escape. He thought of his
carelessness, of his ill-found pride. And he despised himself for it. He hated it. And now, he wished to die. He wished they would kill him. He thought of his Lord-Father,
how he had disappointed him. He thought of how he, among the few in Gondor to have a successful future, had squandered that same future. A prodigal in his prime, now
beaten low like a dog.

He thought he saw a strange figure amidst the hills. But every time they seemed to reach him, he vanished. The steppes of Khand gradually leveled-out, as the northern
plains stretched ahead. They had enough supplies and had followed the old Variag trails. In time, the trails gave-way to Easterling roads. And they rested in a settlement.

It was now four months since he had been forced away from Gondor.

Before he knew it, the Sea of Rhun stretched before his eyes. He took it as a token of hope, a sign of better things to come. He had lived to see the sea. A strange sea...
it was still the sea. They permitted him to bathe himself in the waves. He did not know that as his mind had passed into a haze, when he could not identify the terrain
around him, as they drove him onward and further, they had arrived at the eastern shores of the sea. He did not want to leave the sea, but they took him, as he passed back
into a haze, when his vision became blurry.
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Ivordir

Chapter CLXXX: In the Cave of the Maia of Lorien

He found himself inside a cave. The cave was deep and dark, yet strangely wholesome. He found himself sitting in a resplendant chair, woven of the finest silks. And he
found himself clothed in refulgent robes of silk, and swathed in a vast, deep cloak. There was a great flash of light, blinding his eyes. He closed them. He could not bear
the sight. And then he appeared, with his piercing, beaming eyes. His face smiled, "Come... you have journeyed long... and now you shall find your rest."

Amarthon had stared in awe, "What....where....?" The haze seemed to slowly lift from his eyes.

The Being smiled, "I am Amanuiron, Emissary of the Valar, of the great Spirits who destined Numenor for greatness...."

Amarthon gazed at him in shock, falling on his knees, "My Lord..."

Amanuiron laughed, "Come, rest."

Amanuiron pulled him to his feet, seating him back on his seat, wrapping them both in the vast, deep cloak, intertwining them. Amarthon shivered. Amanuiron smiled, "I hope
my servants did not mistreat you... I have read your mind, I know your heart is pure..."

Amanuiron leaned-in deeply, as Amarthon swayed and swooned, enthusiasm surging. Amanuiron smiled, "It is a great blessing..."

The next day, Amanuiron gave him the finest of Easterling wines, and they dined sumptuously in their mirth together. Yet Amarthon noticed, right before he would drink the
wine, Amanuiron would place several drops of that dark liquid at the bottom of his glass.

And Amanuiron was ravishing to behold. He approached Amarthon smiling, his arms were glistening, glittering. His resplendant cloak gleamed brightly, at times seeming gold,
at others, silver. It flickered and changed iridescently. Yet within, was the deep crimson. He outstretched his arms, holding the inner folds of his cloak aloft, so that
they stretched across his arms, draping to the floor, as if vast, angelic wings. Amarthon crossed the room, his eyes beaming with awe, as he gazed at Amanuiron's long,
flickering mane of silvery-golden hair, his wet, pale lips, his magnanimous smile. He stepped closer, sprinting into a run, burying his face in Amanuiron's robes, as
Amanuiron enclosed the folds of his cloak around the twain, as they reclined on the resting place behind them. Amanuiron stroked Amarthon's hair, as Amarthon rested in a
daze. Then he turned toward Amanuiron, his face rising toward him. Amanuiron draped his cloak around and atop their heads, entrancing him, singing softly, stirring
Amarthon's soul... It was dark inside the cloak. Brilliantly dark. The fibers of the cloak seemed to glisten palely, as if in moonlight. Amarthon felt the warmth between
them... His face lunged forward as they embraced each other... Amarthon's heart was throbbing. And then Amarthon gradually grew fatigued, and after a time, he fell
asleep, his head resting on Amanuiron's robes, his cloak enveloping them both.

Amanuiron gazed down at Amarthon's sleeping, restful face, his innocuous smile. He wondered if he should have sought forgiveness. But then he thought of Yucalwe, his face
scowling in contempt. "I will use this... oh poor, wayward, lost child..... lost son of Gondor.......... you shall return home indeed, with more besides..........."
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