Chapter Thirty-One

Elves of a Feather

The next morning, I was awoken to a knocking at the door – by Leliana.

I answered in a robe – silk, a gift from Teagan last night for my birthday… Alistair appreciated it, at least.

I blinked owlishly at the bard, "L-Celeste, dear? What can I do for you?"

"The Queen had asked that I take a message to the palace for her. I agreed though I did read it first to be assured that she did not disclose her location. She was merely informing him that yesterday was your birthday and that she was well cared for and she loved him. Loghain sent you a gift, my lady."

I was confused, "My birthday hardly merits a letter home – I don't celebrate it much anyway."

Leliana smiled and I heard Alistairs voice behind me, "I don't see why not – gifts and cake always made me smile… given that someone remembered; usually it was whenever Duncan came to the monastery where I was being taught. As you pointed out to me, it was always around my birthdays and he almost always had gifts."

I smiled as I leaned back against him, "Mmmh – my birthday fell on an international holiday back home. Valentines' day was the day for celebrating Love and sex. I was usually forgotten in the rush of people taking out their lover, spouse or even their kids as a way to show love. People gifted chocolates – in one country, it was only women giving those gifts to the men they liked because the next month on the 14th was called White Day and that was when the men reciprocated… because of course men need a month to give a return gift, right? My point in this, however, is that… my birthday was usually forgotten until the following week – if it was remembered at all."

"You've told me that before," Alistair said as he nuzzled my neck from behind. I chuckled, "Yes – at the Temple of Sacred Ashes when you asked when my birthday was. Hopefully, our lovely bard will spread that around so I don't need to repeat it again. I stopped celebrating my birthday when I was about 12 – all the resturaunts that catered to parents and kids were usually for younger children to enjoy and we were pretty poor so going out all the time wasn't… we still went out for my sisters and brothers' birthdays – just not mine. I got to pick a meal we could make at home."

Leli frowned, "That does not seem fair to you."

I shrugged, "It is what it is – everywhere was packed to capacity on my birthday and the days leading up to and following it. You'd have had to place a reservation for a table months in advance and that's just not worth it. Anyway, you said he sent something?"

The sudden change in subject confused my husband, but the bard was steady as ever when she held out a box. I opened it to see a pendant inside with a small note.

'Teyrna,

This is the seal of Gwaren. I thought you may need it while you hold the title and lands – and when you no longer do, it will show that you are always welcomed in Gwaren, regardless of who holds the title.

Loghain,'

I chuckled, "Short and to the point – how sweet of him. I will be sure to thank him properly after this is all done. Goddess – you know I've already gotten paperwork and such pertaining to my new lands and title. Why do I need to approve the movement of lumber in a contract that is already signed?"

Leliana giggled, "That was signed by the former Teyrn – if you wish it to continue then sign. It is to give you a chance to back out of current deals without seeming rude or if you had already made promises before taking the title."

I sighed, "I just signed – I am sure things will be fine until the lands gain a true Teyrn."

Alistair nipped at my ear tip – an apparently sensitive spot. I elbowed him lightly, "You're being rude to our friend, dear."

Leliana giggled, "I think it's cute."

I shrugged. Alistair pulled back, "I suppose it was time to get up and dressed anyway."

I sighed, "I suppose so – thank you, dearest."

Leliana nodded and skipped away like a child who had just been praised. I shook my head and closed the door.

I looked at Alistair, "Hmm – what should I wear today, my husband?"

He smiled brightly at me – he loved picking my outfits, I swear. He thought for a moment, "Black pants, black boots and…a red top. You look good in red."

I smiled and pulled out black jeans with black boots before thinking… he hadn't specified a top style so I decided to do something new –and bold. I pulled out a halter-strapped top with a plunging V-neck that ended just past my boobs… meaning no bra. Thankfully, the shirt I had pulled out had one built in.

I added hair pins that looked like red chopsticks with dangling ruby butterflies. Next, I put on a crimson waist-cincher belt with black flowery patterns embroidered into it and ¾ length black gloves with red flower patterns in it.

Alistair hissed a breath when he turned around from finding his own clothes… they fell to the floor, "Makers' Breath…"

There was a knock at the door and he called out, "Who is it?"

"Queen Anora to see Alistair…" Erlinas' voice came through. I did black and red eyeshadow with crimson lips and nails while Alistair quickly got dressed.

I was still adding black swirls on my nails when he answered the door.

Anora and Erlina came in and looked around. They both froze when they looked at me – and it wasn't in a bad way either.

Anora beamed, "You look marvelous, Teyrna. Where did you find such clothes?"

I smiled, "Just some things from my homelands, Your Majesty. Alistair picked what colors I wore today, and as you can see I am also wearing something your father gifted me for my birthday… I was not expecting it when Celeste came by and dropped it off. I suppose I have you to thank for that?"

She hummed, "Everyone was celebrating it yesterday – I could hardly stand to think that my father was unaware."

I chuckled, "Thank you. It was a lovely surprise to wake up to. Should I leave? I presume you wish to speak with Alistair alone?"

"Oh, nonsense – please stay. This does involve you after all."

I offered her a chair and Alistair stayed standing. He was in Leathers today – brown leathers like when you saw him as king in Inquisition… and it was a mouth-watering sight to say the least.

Anora started, "Teyrna Anderson has brought it to my attention that you plan to make her your official mistress if you take the throne. In that regard, I have an offer for you. I don't oppose it – on the contrary, you having an official mistress would be a very good thing – but I wish to remain as Queen, so… I would see us married."

Alistair blinked at her candid attitude – he hadn't been made aware of her thoughts on having a mistress. Alistair sighed, "I never wanted the throne… Eamon is dead set on me taking it. I don't understand why I can't just abdicate it to you and marry Ara…"

Anora looked stunned, "You would marry her?"

"I would – in a heartbeat. You may not realize this, but I was raised in the chantry, Queen Anora…"

Anora caught on quick and looked at me with surprise, "She is the only one you've ever…"

"Precisely; but if the Grey Wardens win the Landsmeet against Loghain – your father – then our leader will be asked to choose between you and me. Our Commander will pick me – so what then?"

"If we got married it would stabilize the throne, Alistair. A man or woman on the throne alone wouldn't be a good thing – mistress or no. People would like to keep the Theirin bloodline on the throne so I offer you this; win or lose at the Landsmeet, you and I should marry. We stabilize the throne and you can keep Lady Anderson as your official mistress – which would also show the world that you do not plan to sleep around as Cailan did. I don't disapprove of her. Even my father finds her delightful and well-versed in Ferelden Politics so she could actually be a great asset to the throne. I hear even Orzammar has named her a Paragon – the first non-Dwarven Paragon in history. For such a remarkable feat alone, the Landsmeet would accept her as your Mistress. And if you truly have no desire to lead the country, I would take over most of it. You would need only to be present for royal functions like balls and such."

"What about the matter of needing an heir, Anora?" Alistair acted like he was truly considering it.

She nodded, "Of course there would be that – we would be expected to produce an heir at some point. I am more than 25 – I only have so many child baring years left. If we were to begin as soon as we married, I should be able to produce a child soon enough and then you wouldn't need to worry about it."

I cut in, "And if that child was a girl?"

She pondered for a moment, "There are no Ferelden Laws stating that an Heir cannot be female. An example would be Alfstanna of the Waking Sea Bannorn – she was the heir after her brother joined the Templars and is now the Bann in her own right."

Alistair sighed, "I will consider it – hopefully, you can just take the throne alone and this conversation is just… I would prefer to marry Ara if I can."

Anora looked surprised for all of a second – that Alistair would give up the throne for a woman he hardly knew (in her perspective).

I stood from the Vanity and said, "Was that all, your majesty?"

She shook her head, "No – but the rest should be said with Eamon present… I'm afraid it paints my father in a terrible way and may win you the Landsmeet if it came to light."

I knew what she was speaking of but couldn't say such a thing out loud. I nodded, "Then let us call for a meeting. We can all have our breakfast while we wait for it."

She nodded and Alistair offered her his hand to help her up. She smiled at him and I knew – without a doubt – that she thought she would marry him if we won. And that was why she was going to give us this information against her father. What a cunning woman – though I couldn't see myself ever doing something like that. I could never turn against my family – not even after what some did to me…

I had to admire her dedication to the throne, however – doing all she could to 'stabilize' the throne 'when' she re-ascended to it… I had no doubts about that. But the woman would throw her own children into forced marriages – I couldn't allow that. And the reforms she would make would heavily favor the nobility over the 'lesser' citizens. No – Alistair being on the throne without her was far better for the country and I knew it.

This woman was already catering to the nobility even before Cailan died. In fact, the woman had broken no less than six laws that had been put in place by Calenhad to protect the citizens against the nobles. And of course by citizens, I meant elves.

Eamon gathered Alistair, Anora, Aedan and I – it was a march of the A-names, Goddess… why did I find that funny?

We were all in his study after breakfast. Anora spoke after all the pleasantries were out of the way, "My father… seems to have gone mad with power. I didn't want to believe it, but he is gripped by paranoia so severe it prevents him from being able to see sense. We now know he did not intend for Howe to imprison or kill me, but I am certain that he will be telling the nobles that you are dangerous murderers that kidnapped and mind-controlled me. He may even believe it himself."

There was no doubt in any of us that that was what was happening – he had been told she was under our thumb after all.

"Is there no way to reason with him?" Aedan asked.

She sighed, "Perhaps. It will be more difficult for him, but if my father says Grey Wardens are the enemy, many will believe it. He is a Legend."

Eamon gave a long-suffering sigh, "It is true. Our position in the Landsmeet is not as strong as we'd like – though Aedan did save many from the dungeons of Howes' estate – Bann Alfstanna and Bann Sighard have come by to pledge their support for their rescued family members. Bryland has also offered his support. A… mysterious noble also came by and said he would vote for our favor after you did a personal thing for him, Lady Anderson? He gave me the creeps. We could win the Landsmeet now, but we need solid evidence against Loghain – and all we have so far are rumors and hear-say."

Anora nodded, "At least that snake Howe is dead – though I hear someone buried him in the night. But it will not be enough – my father is committed to his path. You will need ammunition and that is where I can help. You have only just arrived in the City, so perhaps you are unaware of some… recent events. Denerim has been in Turmoil since Ostagar. Many are grieving or angered. Strangely, the unrest is worst in the Alienage. Few elves accompanied the army. They should have little reason to be upset. This means that Howe and my father must have given them reason. I don't know what is happening there, but I am certain my father has a hand in it."

"A useful lead, Anora," Eamon nodded.

I cut in before he could ask about why she was going against her father. I had noticed that many people were drawn to look at the V-cut in my shirt… Eamon looked with curiosity when I spoke, "Anora, dearest, will you be okay here? I will aid the Wardens in uncovering the unrest in the Alienage if that is your will…"

"I will be fine here with Erlina and Eamon, Lady Anderson… do talk to Alistair about what we were discussing this morning if you find the time, though?"

I smiled at her, "He and I will speak of it, my lady – you have my word."

She nodded and – to my surprise – kissed me on the cheek.

Alistair, Aedan and I gathered Leliana, Zev, Sten, the two hounds, Morrigan, Oghren and Wynne and began our trek to the Alienage.

Aedan looked at me, "What did the Queen speak with you and Alistair about this morning?"

"She wants to marry Alistair and told him he could keep me as the Official Mistress to the King. She seemed ecstatic that I would be the official mistress rather than a woman he occasionally slept with. Apparently, that cuts down on the chance of him being like Cailan and bedding all the serving girls." I said with a chuckle.

Leliana giggled, "How adorable! And what did our favorite Templar say?"

I blinked, "He isn't my favorite Templar."

Alistair growled, "I'm not?"

"You aren't a Templar – you never took the vows. Cullen is my favorite Templar, but you are my favorite royal. Fenris is my favorite Elf."

To his credit, Zevran didn't argue about the favorite elf title – not now that he knew Fenris could rip out someones' heart while it still beat. Alistair calmed, "I told Anora that I would prefer her keeping the throne while I ran off and married Ara. I told her I would consider marrying her if our group won the Landsmeet and I had to take the throne. Somehow, this convinced her to side with us completely?"

I sighed, "Marrying you would solidify her position on the throne. That there is a Theirin around will make people want the royal bloodline on the throne – in her opinion, you could cause an uprising if you don't marry her or abdicate to marry me. Supporting us means that she not only keeps the throne, but she stabilizes it by having a royal husband. The ting is… she's afraid that people will want the Theirin blood so much that they will disregard that you are a bastard and I look like an elf. She worries that if I'm not made mistress and her as Queen… that I would be Queen because people want you so badly."

"So she will throw her father to the wolves to secure his hand in marriage to prevent people from putting you on the throne?" Wynne asked in exasperation. I nodded, "That is exactly it – she knows her father would do his best to keep her on the throne, but doesn't believe he would allow her to marry Alistair because I never told her what was said when we told Loghain that we were saving her and not letting her go."

Sten spoke, "Would she not be the better leader?"

"She caters to the pampered nobles and leave the 'lower-class' citizens to fend for themselves. When you see what is past this gate, know that she has no plans to change it – Alistair does."

Sten looked contemplative and nodded, "I will hold judgement until we see this Alienage."

We passed through the gate and headed down the bridge. I heard horrified gasps from Wynne and Leliana – Leli hadn't been here in a few years and I knew it was worse.

Alistair grumbled, "I swear to change this – people think you are an elf for now, and if I plan to have them see you as anything good then I need to make changes. This is unacceptable – how has it gotten so bad?"

Sten spoke, "The homes are falling apart."

"Elves are still little more than slaves throughout Thedas. If they are not in the Qun, they are treated so horribly… this is why Alistair will be a better ruler. Anora said the Elves had 'little reason to be upset' and yet they live like this? Who would the Qun pick, Sten?"

"Between the two Bas… they would pick your mate; he has already done quite a few good things when you let him lead us and promises to do more when he leads the country. You are right, Kadan."

Soris was with Shianni when we approached – and he recognized Aedan. "Shianni… it's him…"

Shianni looked surprised as she eyed my brother before saying, "Soris told me about you – you freed him from the dungeons…"

Aedan waved his hand dismissively, "My sister here, Teyrna Anderson of Gwaren, insisted I free all prisoners that weren't Vaughn Kendalls. I killed him when she said he was a rapist."

The elves around us were all listening intently – and so were the Tevinter Slavers. I flinched, "H-hi. Sorry, I heard a lot about you, actually. You're sort of awesome."

"An Elven Teyrna; you must be jesting," one of the elves said. I simply held up the pendant and I saw recognition flash in the eyes of one of the slavers. He approached, "Teyrna Anderson; was there something we could for you? It isn't wise to be in a place rife with plague."

I gave him a droll look and sighed, "You can't hide what you are, you know. You aren't healers – you're slavers!"

Alistair jumped in front of me protectively the second the words left my mouth. The elves all gasped and Sten nodded, "I have killed many from Tevinter – these ones do have the look of the slavers rather than the ones who heal."

The Tevinter men – realizing the ruse was up – attacked. I didn't even have time to pull my weapons. Alistair killed them all with a burst of fire magic. I made him sit after as elves surrounded us.

"My love, are you okay? Are you…" I swayed and Shianni caught me.

Alistair snapped out of the trance he had been in and took me from the woman, "Ara – Ara… what's happening? Wynne – she needs help."

Wynne was frowning, "It's as though she's tired – from using too much of her magic… but you have her magic through that infernal brace so how…?"

I was handed a glass of juice from Soris, "She has magic?" he asked.

"Well… yes, but she isn't exactly a mage. Her abilities aren't connected to the fade, you see. Someone made a brace that could steal her powers and allow the person wearing its match to use them. Through a few wrong moves, we have no idea how to remove them… yet – but we will soon," Alistair explained. He must have had a vision telling him it was okay to tell them. He never would have otherwise.

Shianni said, "Then if that's the case… perhaps you used too much power?"

"No – I hardly used any compared to what she does when she has her powers… right Ara?"

I looked away, "I… um… it takes more than 10 times the amount of magic energy for you to do the magic than it would take me… I didn't want to tell you because… we need you to do the healing and other magics. I'll be fine…"

His face paled, "I was the reason you were sick… I was… Ara, you should have said something! What if I really overdid it and you died? I…"

I flinched, "I wouldn't die… I just… the magic you used on the slavers was rather… advanced compared to what you've used before. It drained more than you've been using before."

Alistair shook his head, "That wasn't something I wanted to do – it happened when I heard one of the slavers say that you would fetch a nice price."

"I didn't hear that," Aedan frowned. I snorted, "Alistair and I have rather fine hearing – it was the slaver with the brown hair and blue robes. Alistairs comes from is dragon blood – mine comes from my… heritage. Damn… if this is what happens when you lose control then things are going to get interesting with the Archdemon. If that thing so much as looks at me, you might enter the… you know…"

Alistair paled further, "Maker – that might kill you at this rate…"

I pulled out a paper and shot off a message to Magma.

'Mag,

If Alistair enters the special mode where I get all protective because my mate is injured so I kill everything that even looks like what harmed him… would it drain all my magic? He almost entered it, I think – when a slaver wanted to take me…

Ara'

It wasn't long before I got a reply,

'Ara,

By chance, do you mean that the Prince can enter the Protective State? It is something that has never happened with those that wore the magic braces – not to our knowledge. But to be fair, no mated pair has ever worn them. We have found out that the one wearing the brace will gain the powers they could have had if they had been Fairies and not Sylphs or humans.

If he had entered the protective state, it may have actually destroyed the brace before it could cause you any harm, though. The state is meant to aid the Fairy in complete protection of their mate. Usually, the mate will only going into this state to protect a mate who is with child – at least, I've never heard of a female going into the state to protect their male mates.

So to answer your question – no, he will never use more magic that you can give. The worst he would be able to do… possibly knock you out for two or three days?

Fairies and Sylphs are magic given form – if you had read the book I sent you in its entirety, you would know we were born from a prophetess and an elemental with all the elements – we keep the balance of Magic.

It is said that the Prophetess foresaw the creation of the veil and went forth to create our race as a way to keep magic alive with the veil in place. Our existence in a separate land was so that we would not be hunted and killed so that magic could florish in this world. Without us, all magic would have been lost until the veil could weaken and fall.

The sudden loss – and then the sudden gain – of magic could have destroyed this world entirely. As such, these braces could never kill you through magic depletion as we are magic to the very core. We are one with the Fade, Nature and the Waking World – nothing that could separate those three would harm us.

… On a related note – does this mean you are with child?

Guard-Captain Magma,'

I snorted and shoved the note at Alistair writing a quick reply,

'Not pregnant; Ara,'

Alistair furrowed his brows, "But you entered the protective state… it's the only reason we know it even… we'll talk about this later – let's go kill slavers. You are staying behind me the whole time or I swear to the Maker, I will tie you up and leave you with Shianni and Soris. I have taken enough of your power today; do I make myself clear?"

I gave him an aroused look, "Yes, sir… is that a promise to tie me up, or is that just…?"

He scoffed, "I think you like that more than I do at this point…"

I nodded, "Verily…"

Aedan shoved me, "I don't need to hear… he ties you up?"

As we began walking again, I nodded, "I love it, really – one of my things. We've tried almost all of my… kinks that… well…"

Alistair softened, "It wasn't your fault – as you said; your brain turned pain to pleasure so you could survive. And honestly, as Zevran said – many people like those things; it doesn't make you a whore to like them. If it did, then what does that make me?"

"Almost all…" Zevran picked up on mu wording.

I flushed, "There's one I am far too ashamed of tell anyone at this point. It's terrible and… Alex struggled with it a lot because he was so honorable – like Alistair is. In fact, I am sure that Alistair couldn't do it, so there is no point in telling him."

"Do you think any of your mates would?" Leliana asked softly. I shrugged, "I'm supposed to have four – but Cullen and Alistair are too honorable for it, Fenris is… I don't think he could do it just off what was done to him, and I don't know who my fourth mate is. If it were one of the ones I know, then it could be possible… but if it were him, then things would get very interesting with me trying to set him up with another man… besides, that man is a Qunari Ben-Hassrath agent so if he were my mate, he'd have to go Tal Vashoth."

Sten nodded, "That is true – there is no interbreeding in the Qun. If he got you with child, he'd be cast out."

"But he could sleep with her?" Zevran asked.

The Qunari nodded, "There is nothing against having sex outside your race – just no breeding."

That was when we entered the building behind the run-down apartments.

The elven woman who 'greeted' us was 5'5 with short black hair, brown eyes and tan skin. She looked me over appraisingly, "What is the meaning of this? We were told there would be no interference from the local authorities."

I heard Leli, Lyna and Zev growling behind me. A simple motion of my hand shut them up. I took a small step forward and said, "I'm sorry, honey; do I look like the authorities?"

She jerked at my amused tone of voice and replied, "No – you look like an elf with more curiosity than sense – though coming here with such a large group implies vigilantes. You will regret this, you know. Believe it or not, we were given dispensation to do our buissness here. The humans talk a great deal how slavery is wrong, but isn't it funny how quick the smell of gold overcomes such ideals?"

"Loghain had no right – the queen sent us here to put a stop to this farce. And the prince is right here and doesn't condone slavery."

She bit her lip before shaking her head as I placed the letter back in my pack, "I intend to see you pay for the damage you've already done… in blood!" and she attacked. I moved to the back of the group but still took two arrows before the end; one in my left arm and one in my right leg. Alistair was furious and scolding me as Wynne healed me.

"Alistair – I stayed back. This wasn't on me…"

He sighed, "You're right… sorry, my love…"

I brought only Zev and Alistair into view of the Slaver boss – I made the others wait beyond the door.

The Slaver boss, Caladrius, was bald with a small black beard and green eyes. He noted us and said, "I am Caladrius, and you, I assume, must be the grey wardens I've heard so much about. Though I didn't expect to see Lady Anderson here – Loghain speaks highly of you after all."

I shrugged, "Loghains' own daughter sent me to clear you out, Caladrius – she wasn't informed of this dealing."

Caladrius lifted an eyebrow and continued, "One can hardly get a word out of the regent besides 'Warden' these days. It surpassed even 'gold' in popularity."

Zev coughed – he couldn't believe we were allowing the man to speak. But so long as he spoke, the Elves were being healed by Wynne as I had instructed her to do. Alistair subtly motioned to her and Zev calmed down.

I spoke sweetly, "You should be terrified of us – Alistair is a dragon-blooded warrior, I am a fairy and sweet Zevran here is a Crow…"

"Now, now, is this how we begin; with bluster? I was hoping for… Civility," he sighed.

"How civilized can slavery be. It's barbaric, Cal."

He bristled, "Caladrius, dear. And buissness is buissness. Even so your point is made. You do frighten me – but you also intrigue me. I've heard that you're trying to erode Loghains' support. It must be a difficult task, yes? Like washing away a mountain – perhaps you could use some help?"

"Oh, not really; but your offer sounds amusing – what is it?"

"Not really? And why is that, I wonder? And Sarcasm is so beneath us, dear warden. Truth be told, there was always a limit to how long we were going to be able to operate here. We've paid many of Loghains' troops, but once the Landsmeet is done, we become… inconvenient. So here is my offer: one hundred Sovereigns from you for a letter with the seal of the Teyrn of Gwaren and his signature on it, implicating him in all this. Then we leave a few days earlier than planned with our profits and remaining slaves – unharmed."

Alistair groaned, "I feel dirty just listening to this: we're not considering it, are we?"

Zev growled and was about to speak but I held up a hand as Cal said, "So… do we have a deal? Even you must admit that it's better than resorting to barbarianism, isn't it?"

I chuckled, "Oh, Cal – a nickname because yours is a mouthful – I don't actually need your help. Loghains' daughter hopes to marry my lover, so she's already supporting us. Also, if I kill you, I get the papers anyway. I'm a Dwarven Paragon, a Princess in my own right, and even the new Teyrna of Gwaren – granted to me by Loghain no less. Oh, and I'm fucking the true heir to the throne. I don't need you at all. In fact, the only reason we're talking is because I needed time to recover from a bout of exhaustion. And Wynnie Bee needed time to heal the elves in your cages. In the future, I will also be close friends to the Heir of House Pavus and a Somniari – a Dreamer. I'm more powerful than you could hope to be Callie. Dorian likes me better," I winked.

Caladrius looked infuriated, "You are friends with the scion of House Pavus? This wasn't in my notes! I'm just a Laetan – I can't compete with an Altus."

I smirked, "I know, dear – if you surrender, your death will be quick and I can promise you an Andrastian burial. You get buried either way, of course – my religion demands it as my penance for killing you."

He snarled, "What makes you so sure you will win?"

I sighed, "This…"

I threw a shuriken at him… it landed squarely in his head, sinking in far enough to pierce the brain. I flinched as he fell forward with a final thud. The rest of my party swept into action while the slavers stood there in shock at the death of Caladrius.

Getting back to the Alienage, we refused any sort of 'reward' for the rescues. That wasn't why we'd done it, after all.

It was finally time for the Landsmeet.