Chapter Eight
I yawned into the back of my hand as Mrs. Aaby placed a plain, white cup filled to the brim with coffee in front of me. I watched the steam spill over the fluffy foam into the quiet morning air. I hadn't slept well and woke up rather early to try and decipher the books Ward and I had taken from the burnt down shop while impatiently waiting to hear from Skye or Coulson himself about what they had learned from interrogating Nathan Garrett. Eagerly I grabbed for the handle, bringing the porcelain rim to my lips. I closed my eyes, inhaling the strong nutmeg scent that filled my nose.
My eyes snapped open. "You didn't-?"
Mrs. Aaby gave me a warm-hearted smile as she shook her head no. White curls bounced off of her shoulders that spilled from the neat bun she had pinned to the back of her head. She sat down across the table from me, placing her wrinkled hands into her lap.
"Amores are only supposed to meddle in love affairs once, though some mortals don't need our meddling, they just need time of their own," she said with a wink.
I nodded pretending to understand and summoned the courage to take a sip of the beverage. When I tasted nothing but the familiar bitter bite of coffee and nutmeg did I relax. I set the cup onto the table genuinely grateful for the much needed energy boost. The last thing I needed right now was to be hindered by a love spell. It was already bad enough that Ward had fallen victim.
Speaking of the devil, I tiredly thought to myself as Ward strode into the dining room. A look of relief washed over his usually stone-solid expression the moment his dark eyes landed on mine. Shaking his head he walked to where I sat with his hand firmly on his chest.
"Oh, Hayden I was worried when you weren't in your room," he nearly cried out tugging me from where I sat and into the crushing hold of his large arms. I inhaled sharply, gaping for air when he let me go to cup my chin in his hands. "You are absolutely radiant in the mornings."
Despite the embarrassment for Ward that gurgled deep inside my stomach a scarlet blush spread through my cheeks. He grinned, pleased with his words as he took a seat next to where I sat. Mrs. Aaby greeted him with a smile only grandmothers knew how to use, darting her gaze between Ward and myself as I returned to my own seat. She excused herself, muttering that breakfast was almost ready and left us alone in the large, empty dining room.
I glanced everywhere but at Ward. He wasn't himself, obviously, and I had no idea how to handle such a thing. Honestly, I had hardly any idea how to deal with anyone in love. I was no expert myself considering the only person I thought to love had basically abandoned me.
Swallowing the sour taste down with another swig of my cooling coffee, I returned to the books. "It's adorable when you concentrate," noted Ward. I glanced up from the damaged text taken aback by his wide, uncommon smile. He reached forward, gently poking the middle of my forehead, "you get a crease here and your tongue pokes out from the side."
I frowned. Ward laughed. He leaned back into his chair sliding one of the several open books his way. "I said it was adorable," he grinned distracting himself with flipping aimlessly through the burnt book. "You act as if no one ever compliments you."
I thought about it for a moment. Sure, I had gotten plenty of compliments throughout my life. I accomplished a lot of great things at a young age, it came with the territory. But compliments about my looks? Not so much.
Then there was Loki. He always had something to say. Usually about how irritating I was but every so often he would say something that sent my heart straight into my throat. No one had made me feel the way that he did. Sadly, no one probably ever would.
I exhaled a little harder than I intended almost making a snorting sound as the air rushed out. How unfair it was that I was left to be forever unsatisfied because of my trope with an Asgardian. Rolling around in his bedsheets had consequences that I was too blind to see. I let my feelings for the raven-haired sex god get the better of me only to wind up hurt in the end.
My fingers traced along the curve of the wolf's tooth that rested on the bone of my chest. Loki had said he understood why I couldn't stay in Asgard. He promised to visit me on Earth. Yet, it had been months since I had last seen or heard from him. He probably had already moved on to his next conquest. My stomach twisted in a tangled knot like a teenage girl playing with the strands of her hair. I was such a fool sometimes.
"Ward." I looked up from my knotted fingers in my lap to Ward on his cell. I hadn't even heard it ring. A muffled voice spoke in short, direct tones. Ward's face began to harden returning to the stoney-faced expression that I had grown to know. "Yes sir, right away."
"What is it?" I asked slowly closing the book in front of me.
Ward stared at the blank screen on his phone, blinking as my voice registered. "Agent Coulson. He says we need to get back to London."
"Why?" I took one last sip of my lukewarm coffee then began to gather my things around me. "What's happened?"
"Black Knight is no longer in Norway. We've just missed him," he frowned. I blinked, realizing that since he underwent the love spell it was the first time he seemed like his usual self.
The though made me a little sad. He was always so tense and on edge. Maybe I was being too hard on him with the whole temporary love thing. It wasn't as if he could actually control it. I just had to be careful not to give him any false hope. Mrs. Aaby had warned me that there may be repercussions for such things though she didn't clarify.
Now it was my turn to frown. I should have brushed up on the reading material she offered me last night. Instead I was indulged in something that had nothing to do with the mission just for the rush of feeling I would get whenever I associated myself with something from Loki's world.
Sighing, I pushed my chair out from under me and collected my notes into my arm. Without a word Ward took several books from my grasp easing the weight significantly. I thanked him knowing that if he hadn't helped I probably would have tripped up the stairs.
We walked to my room in silence, which I preferred. It gave me time to clear my head. Loki was the least of my concerns and I had to remind myself to push those thoughts away. What mattered now was my mission for S.H.I.E.L.D and that was finding out everything we could about Black Knight so that we could take him down.
Especially before the Avengers or any other ragtag superhero decided to step in. Through the grapevine there had been mention of Ant Man and The Wasp teaming up, which would just be another mess we would have to clean up. It was best to take care of Black Knight ourselves and we couldn't do that if I was constantly preoccuping myself with thoughts about Loki.
Sighing I plopped my notes on the bed, directing Ward to do the same with the books. I watched him leave to pack up his own things before I slipped my fingers behind my hair and unclasped Loki's necklace. A small weight was lifted off my chest. I let the twine curl into the palm of my hand. My fingers clenched against the piece of jewelry, feeling the familiar bite of the tooth once more before I set it down on top of the book Thor had given me.
Knowing that Ward was most likely finished packing I quickly gathered the rest of my things including the books from the burnt down shop. Ward entered my room with a suitcase in tow behind him. I zipped up the last piece of my luggage, nodding that it was time to go.
Ward pointed his chin at the bedside table where the book and necklace neatly sat. "Forgot something."
I glanced over my shoulder, keeping my face as straight as possible. "No," I quietly replied, "I didn't."
"She has been like this for hours," bemoaned Didrick running his massive hands over his face. "When will she wake?"
Loki flicked his gaze from where Astrid sat in the middle of the room surrounded by a variety of different stones she claimed to have properties in aiding her foresight to her twin brother Didrick who had been flocking at her side like a mother goose. It had been annoying at first. But, Loki grew to tolerate it after he had started to attempt walking with the confounded cast attached to his leg. It had taken several attempts to find a somewhat comfortable walk but more times than not he walked as though he had just given birth. He couldn't exactly stride into the Dark Knighthood's sanctuary with no magic and the waddle of a penguin.
He needed the aide of the Midgardians sent to him. The sooner the better. Didrick's agitated mood was beginning to rub off on Loki, which wouldn't end well if things didn't start to look up. There was only so much he could take and so far it seemed as if nothing was going his way. It'd all be so much easier with magic.
Loki glanced down at the black stone that glittered on his finger. Grimacing he snapped his gaze back to Astrid who had not moved since she fell into her trance at the first pale light of morning. If he had his magic he wouldn't have to risk the failure that often came with the help from mortals. He could take the form of a snake or mouse and sneak into the sanctuary himself. Instead he was left helpless just as Odin had warned him that he would be so long ago.
None of this would be happening if the old man hadn't punished Loki so unfairly. He would then have his magic and be able to do whatever had to be done to put a stop at the Dark Knighthood and their Black Knight. It was as if Odin purposely set him on a path to fail knowing how desperately he needed his magic.
Perhaps he should call upon Heimdall. At least the all-seeing God could warn Thor even if it meant that Loki would be sent back to Asgard. The thought was fleeting. Loki knew he would not risk being sent back to Asgard. He had to be the one to save Hayden. A selfless act toward a Midgardian was what gave Thor his powers back, Loki could do the same. What was more selfless than risking your life for the one that you loved?
Loki shifted uncomfortably in the bed that he laid in. Didrick's bout of nervousness was starting to become highly contagious. Astrid should have snapped out of her trance at least an hour ago, he grimaced to himself, flicking his gaze back to her milky eye stare that had done nothing but remain transfixed at the wall since morning. He glanced outside. It was nearing, if not already, noon.
"That's it," muttered Didrick stepping into the circle of stones, "I'm waking her up."
"No!" Loki cried attempting to stand up. Pain shot through his entire leg and he crumpled to the ground. Hissing through his clenched teeth he looked up to see Didrick shaking Astrid by her frail shoulders. "Fool!" he shouted struggling to get back onto the bed.
Astrid had strictly warned them not to wake her. Most of the time nothing would happen. But, every so often when a seer would go into a trance their eyes became the eyes of the person they were looking through. If pulled from their trance a piece of them was left behind. Against their will the seer would go back into an involuntarily trance. It was such an excruciating process on the seer's mind to have visions as it was that anything forced upon them through another's eyes could send them into a dark madness.
At first Astrid remained completely still just as before. Didrick stepped back outside of the circle careful not to touch her again. The heel of his boot skid across the stones, knocking back a black one with white spots splattered across it. Astrid's clouded blue eyes glazed over and she blinked.
Instantly her shoulders slumped and she began to fall forward. Didrick was quick to catch her, cushioning Astrid in his thick arms as he cradled her to him. He gently brushed her blonde hair from her eyes and smiled down at her.
"You're fine," he breathed. Astrid pushed herself out of his hold, using his shoulder for support as she slowly stood to her full height. "I was worried that-"
"Where there is truth there are lies." Didrick furrowed his thick, blond brows at his sister. Her head was held high, her chin jutted forward. "Where there is light there is darkness." Astrid's voice reverberated off of the walls filling the entire room. "Where there is life there is death." She spread her arms wide.
Didrick took another step back. "W-what is going on?" he stuttered with wide eyes and a face devoid of any color.
Loki hushed him. Everything Astrid was about to say was valuable information. She was still in her trance, seeing through the eyes of another. She had no idea that she was in a small cabin in Norway with a god and her brother. In her head she still saw the sanctuary and was in the middle of performing a ritual.
"Where there are lies there is the Dark Knighthood," continued Astrid lowering her arms. "Where there is light there is the Dark Knighthood. Where there is life there is the Dark Knighthood."
Carefully she turned her face toward Loki, lifting her finger directly at him. "If it isn't the God of Mischief." She crooned curling her lips into a pleased smile. "It's been a long time since I've last seen you."
"You will have to forgive me," he replied with a smile of his own, "but it seems that you're not wearing a face that I know."
"I admit," Astrid laughed, "this one is far more pleasant to look at." She took a step forward, kicking the stones across the room. "Stand down Loki you are involving yourself in things that you have no business in."
"I have to disagree. I have a lot of reasons to involve myself," he replied, folding his arms across his chest.
Astrid continued to step forward. She leaned into him, gently pressing her hand near the crotch of his leg. He stiffened at her touch. Didrick made a strangled animal noise but Loki paid him no heed.
"Keep poking your slimey nose where it doesn't belong." Her voice was like glass coated in honey. "We'll see how far it will get you this time."
Astrid barked a maddening laugh. Her fingers slid down Loki's leg until they wrapped around the broken bone. She pressed hard onto the cast, cracking through until it crumbled onto the floor. Loki rolled out of the way before Astrid was able to grip onto his naked leg. He reached for her wrists just as she was about to fall, pulling her toward him until they were face to face.
She snickered, pinching her small face together. "Be careful Loki."
Astrid coughed, spitting blood down her chin. She sagged forward, falling into Loki's arms. He caught her unexpectedly, freezing as her head nestled against his shoulder. Slowly Loki looked up at Didrick certain that he matched the human hercules wide-eyed expression.
Loki dared to breath, barely expelling the hot air from his flustered cheeks when a knock sounded at the door. Simultaneously, Loki and Didrick turned toward the noise, neither one of them moved to answer. The knocking persisted. Didrick looked to Loki who shrugged and pointed at the unconscious seer in his arms. The Norwegian Titan sighed as he inched his way toward the door, moving only when the knocking stopped. Didrick flexed his hands over the handle then tore the door open.
All the blood in Loki's face drained at the smile that flashed directly in the Midgardian's eyes. He ran his tongue along the cracks in his lips, rolling back his shoulders as he eased into a casual smile. "How unexpected it is to see you here, Stark."
Ward stood uncomfortably close as we waited for Freya to arrive with the boat. I inhaled deeply, trying not to concentrate on the dimples of his muscles against my arm. Even if I didn't have returning feelings of love like the Aaby's assumed I couldn't deny that the guy was hot.
I felt a rush of heat flood to my cheeks. Instantly my hands flung to my face, growing more red no doubt. It was always the same vicious cycle: I would blush over something slightly embarrassing then blush even more before because I realized that I was blushing. Then I would glow sunburn red over the embarrassment of being embarrassed.
I inhaled deeply. My entire face was on fire. The small hairs on my back prickled and I slowly glanced upward noticing that Ward was smiling down at me as he stared from his peripherals. Was there a fourth stage of shades of embarrassment because I was officially there.
Swallowing hard I focused my gaze forward onto the rolling waves underneath the dock we stood at. The sky was a brilliant blue with no clouds in sight. There was a slight spring breeze that playfully tugged at my hair. Along its currents it brought along the salty smell of the sea. It was almost hard to believe that behind us was a city of ashes.
I didn't have long to dwell on it. Freya met us on the exact agreed upon time, pulling into the harbor as though she had been born on the sea. Her eyes instantly locked onto Ward, slowly squinting the closer she got. I began to climb toward her boat when Ward held out his hand to aide me across the small jump from the dock to the boat.
I stepped onto the rocky platform, releasing my shaky grip on Ward's hand. He followed close behind, gently placing his palm against the small of my back to lead me forward toward the front seats on the boat. Freya watched Ward walk back to the dock to gather our luggage darting her blue eyes back to me. I gave her my best don't-bother-asking look then averted my gaze to the city of Tønsberg.
What a waste of time it had been to go. We found nothing of real use. Yes, Ward and I would tell S.H.I.E.L.D about the Aaby's and what they were. But, it was of nothing that pertained to the case. Their knowledge of Sir Percy and the Ebony Blade was just as limited as my own information was. If anything we only went a step back. Black Knight must have left the moment that we arrived.
What was he doing back where he started? It didn't make sense. There had to be nothing left for him there. He destroyed a large portion of London, moving along Europe until he reached Tønsberg. Why was Tønsberg his final stop before he turned around?
My head ached. I brought my hands to my temples and squinted as I quietly groaned to myself. Ward's hand pressed firmly on my back. I glanced up from my feet to see him staring at me with pointed brows.
"Are you okay?" he genuinely asked. "You're not going to get seasick are you?"
I shook my head, waving his hand away. "I'm just tired is all." I tried to smile but really I was counting down the hours left until the love spell dispersed.
Ward nodded, relaxing in the seat beside me. He kicked his foot across his knee and fixed his gaze on Freya's back. I glanced between the two of them, wondering if Skye had found out anything yet. But, she was probably too wrapped up in the girl that Black Knight had singled-out in an attack. He didn't even burn the city after. It wasn't like him.
My lips pulled into a frown as I unzipped the top half of my suitcase. Plunging my hand inside the pocket I blindly dug around searching for a bottle of Tylenol. My fingers grazed along a smooth surface between my socks. I pulled it out and stared at the purple liquid that sloshed against the glass container.
Mr. Aaby had been so adamant that I take the drink. The fact that he wouldn't tell me what would happen should I digest the glittery liquid that smelled faintly like roses was what frightened me. If there was anything I had learned from my time on Asgard it was to not blindly trust someone when they told you to trust them.
I fingered the lid of the vial, flicking it up and down as I chewed on the side of my lip. My eyes glanced over to Ward who was pretending to sleep. I hesitated. For all he knew it was just a beverage. Exhaling once I popped the lid off and brought the vial to my lips. The warm liquid was surprisingly thick like watered-down putty as it slipped down my throat.
I coughed. Then gagged. And coughed again. The liquid felt stuck in my throat as if it were expanding inside. I swallowed hard, slamming my fist hard against my chest. I cleared my throat once more, instantly relaxing that I wasn't choking.
"Hey, are you sure you're okay?" Ward asked again pulling his thin lips into a familiar frown.
I slipped the empty vial back inside my suitcase, nodding as I zipped it back up. "Water just went down the wrong pipe," I lied instantly avoiding his gaze.
Everyone knew I was a terrible liar. I inhaled deeply keeping my gaze fixated on my feet. Suddenly my entire body felt rather heavy and I couldn't help stop the howler monkey yawn that pushed its way through.
"I'm fine," I reassured him placing my hand on his knee. I patted it several times muttering "I'm fine" over and over until I felt a thick darkness smother me.
I was standing in the middle of a cold, damp room filled with flickering lights from torches that hung on the wall. On each of my sides stood several large men dressed in medieval attire. We stood surrounding a plain wooden table scarred from the heavy mugs topped with stale hops that slid to and fro between the jaunty men.
Their laughter barreled from within their stomachs. Someone's meaty hand clasped onto my shoulder. My heart jumped into my stomach as my body moved on its own, joining the others in their merriment. I felt my throat tighten despite the laughter that trickled from my lips. Panic began to set in as images of Karnilla controlling my body flashed through my mind like a broken movie reel.
The owner of the large hand on my shoulder called out for a speech, sloshing his booze all over the table. It spilled all over my hands breaking me from my memories. I blankly stared at the unfamiliar large, fat-knuckled fingers. My attention was diverted from the drinking accident to the left of my side. A slender man with strawberry blond curls and pale green eyes stood tall. It didn't take long for me to figure out that I was seeing a memory through whom I assumed to be Mr. Aaby. I did a quick headcount, counting thirteen men in all.
A round table. Medieval men. My gaze fell to the lean features of the man who had risen from his seat. King Arthur, I silently thought to myself. If I was in control of my body the things I would have asked! However, these were Mr. Aaby's memories. I was only along for the ride as a passenger.
Arthur rose to his full height, which wasn't very impressive. Though I spent my day around men who averaged over six feet so my perception was more than likely skewed. He cleared his throat. Instantly everyone in the room fell silent. Then the most obnoxious belch reverberated off the walls, echoing through the crevices of every single brick. Not one man-Mr. Aaby included-did not join in.
I was appalled. These were men of legend. They fought wars, saved damsels in distress, battled evil kings and slayed dragons. They searched for the holy grail and created the city of Camelot from nothing more than the hope of a world that would be just and fair to all men.
And there they stood belching like teenage boys and laughing as though it were the funniest thing they'd ever witnessed.
"Lancelot," boomed Arthur's voice, his tone drastically changed from laid back friend you could count on to get you high to the air of a King. A tall man with long, wavy brown hair tied into a thick ponytail stepped forward. "Have you found the sword?"
Sword? My interest was piqued.
Lancelot nodded, pointing his chin toward a lanky man of dark skin and a thick beard that hung down to his navel. The man strode toward Lancelot procuring a sword-shaped cloth from within the folds of his robes. Lancelot took the weapon from the man and set it before Arthur, careful not to disrupt the cloth that wrapped around the steel.
Arthur glanced up from the weapon to meet the eye of every man at the table. His lurid gaze fell back to the bearded man. "Have you cursed it already, Merlin?"
Merlin!? The wizard? If I could've gasped or even fainted I would have.
"It has been cursed," Merlin replied, waving his hand. The cloth slowly began to fall apart until it splayed underneath a plain silver sword with a worn-out hilt that rusted where a jewel was once placed. "Only the purest of heart can wield its power without being affected by it."
Arthur nodded, then looked to the man that stood at my side. "Sir Percival."
My body turned to face Sir Percy, the first Black Knight. He was much taller than most of the men in the room with a broad build and thick muscles. His hair was a dirty blond that scraggled at his scruffy chin, tucked behind his ears. His blue eyes darkened at the sound of his name and I spotted a nervous twitch that jutted from his jawline.
My hand clenched around his wide shoulder. "You are meant for this task my friend," I sincerely spoke in a deep, solemn voice.
Sir Percy smiled down at me, wrapping his hand around my elbow. "Thank you, Sir Ywain," he replied, letting my arm fall to my side, "it is a true honor to be your friend." He glanced around the table, adding in a louder tone, "it is an honor to be the friend of each and every one of you." Inhaling loudly he stepped around the table, walking with determination to where Arthur stood. "I am prepared, body and soul, for the task given to me."
Arthur nodded as he grabbed the hilt of the sword with the cloth. He placed the rusted blade on each of Percy's shoulder then set the weapon in the palms of his hands. Percy swallowed hard, staring intently at the sword in his hold as he slowly began to peel off the cloth. Every man held his breath as it fluttered to the floor at his feet.
At first it seemed as though nothing were going to happen. Then a beam of light shot out from the tip of the blade. It surrounded Sir Percy, taking on a gaseous form that forced itself into his open mouth. He collapsed to the ground, the sword clattered several feet away from him.
Mr. Aaby-Sir Ywain as he was called back then-was the first to reach Percival. I lifted the unconscious man onto my knees, desperately shaking the knight to wake up. I could feel the pain of fear clutch around Mr. Aaby's heart. It was heavy and cold, nothing like what I had ever felt before. It was as if the pain of losing someone I loved was tenfold.
Percy's eyes snapped wide open. He instantly pulled himself into a sitting position. I moved my hands from Percy's back and started to help him stand to his feet. Percy gently declined the help, rising to his feet on his own. Everyone watched him stumble forward, plucking the sword off of the ground.
Percy held the blade above his head. It shined in the flickering light as though it were made of tiny black diamonds from tip to hilt. It was just beautiful as I imagined it was deadly.
"I shall call it the Ebony Blade. I will protect it with my life and only use it for good," he promised, lowering the sword's tip to his feet.
"I do not have to warn you what should happen if the blade were to fall into the wrong hands, do I?" asked King Arthur, his entire expression deadpan as he spoke.
"Ragnarök will not come to be because of me," smiled Sir Percy. He tossed a jubilant glance at Mr. Aaby. I felt my lips tug in response. Percy cleared his throat, returning his attention to King Arthur. "Loki will never see this blade."
A/N: Thanks guys for being so understanding with the last Author Note. I was hoping I didn't come across as too rude or anything. I just wanted to squish those fears. (: Anywho thanks for the reviews and follows. They're very much appreciated, trust me.
Reviews:
kieekaa: (6): Omg we really do. Is it even in theaters still? Ugh. I have so many movies I need to see though. (7): Form of soap and food is still an acceptable form of payment.
vicvic221: it's okay I understand. You just don't like me anymore. :p
I originally was going to have her take the vial too late but it felt appropriate to have her take it when she did. No worries. No deaths...yet. Mwahaha. You know me too well.
Thanks. I wasn't even planning on having a Skye storyline. But, it just came to me and it fits. Especially because of her tie in to the Rising Tide which is basically like the Dark Knighthood just not anywhere near as dangerous. The Rising Tide is mostly just a bunch of hackers releasing information to the public. Thanks! That's actually what I try to do in all my fanfics, that even if you know the story I like to give a little backstory just for those who have no idea what's going on. Like for those who don't want to watch AoS. They don't know Skye and Ward like some of us do so I try my hardest to keep them in character while letting others know who they are. Plus, I love Skye and want people to love her as much as I do (even if she can be kind of annoying at times lol).
JenJen018: Thank you! It's always so amazing to me when people tell they've re-read Chasing the Storm so they could read this one. I hope you continue to enjoy the tale.
ReadingConundrum: (5): Ship them by all means! (6): Don't worry. Ward is one of my favorites to write. I won't be too mean to him. (7): thanks so much for being so understanding. Exactly! Thank you! I say that all the time. I hope you know what a shrewd reader you are!
titaniumalloyman: I don't understand either! Lol but in all seriousness, thank you. The amores will definitely pop up throughout the story, no worries. And I have plans up to my shoulders for Skye.
SnapeFanatic1: Even I am impatient for the two to get together, believe me haha but I really want to flesh out the other characters before I dive into their reunion. It won't be too long though, maybe a few more chapters. For being an ancient god you would think he would learn from his past mistakes. ;)
queenofclover: I imagine she won't be very thrilled in the least haha than you, that's one of the highest compliments I can get in regards to this story. I've tried really hard to stick to his comic/movie portrayal than the usual Loki fics you find. So, I often worry if it's coming across right or not. I have a lot planned for Loki. It will be a rough road for him but worth it in the end, I think.
bswldnjs: thank you so much, and as I said above I'm really grateful people are so understanding. Aw. Don't be jealous! It really just takes practice. I've been writing since I was like five and I still have a long way to go. It's a never ending learning process but one I definitely enjoy, so thank you!
