Aedan didn't know how long they ran. Ever since Ostagar, they've done nothing but run. Everytime they found a moment to rest, the Darkspawn would descend upon them. Attacking them when they least expect it and from the most unlikely of places. They either fought them off if they could or ran. Ignoring the pain they felt in their legs and feet. The exhaustion from fighting and running. Their fear of death at the hands of dark creatures kept them going. Along the way, they warned anyone they passed that the horde was coming. Telling them to flee north and seek refuge elsewhere before the Darkspawn arrives. They joined the column of survivors and offered them food which was much needed. Thankfully, the horde had stopped their pursuit or they had lost them but the survivors didn't stop running. Fearful that if they did, the Darkspawn would suddenly appear out of nowhere and slaughter them all like cattle.
The young Teyrn wanted nothing more than to lay down on a soft bed and sleep but he didn't exactly have that kind of luxury. Nor do any of the survivors around him. Sleep deprivation was getting to them and more than once Aedan had to stop fights before it could escalate further. Reasoning with them as best as he could but even he could feel the exhaustion getting to him. He was becoming more irate and prone to yelling. More than once he almost wanted to join the fights rather than stop it but he knew that if he did then they would all perish. So he kept it in and in doing so only built up his frustration to the point of breaking.
"Your Lordship. Look!"
Aedan set his eyes towards where Dairren was pointing at and saw a group of armed and armored men take down what appeared to be a knight. One of the men wielded a dagger and stabbed the knight between the plates of his armor before sliding another dagger through the slit of the knight's helmet. The men cheered as the knight ceased his struggles and fell limp before those around him proceeded to loot his corpse. Unaware of Aedan and the others' presence.
"Dairren. Ser Alton. Ser Bryer." He called out. "To me! Iona, stay here with the others!"
He didn't wait for the Elven lady-in-waiting to reply as he unsheathed the family sword and ran towards the bandits. The two Cousland Knights and his Squire caught up to him as he drew nearer to the bandits and engaged them in combat. Some of the Cousland Guards at the front of the column of survivors saw this and quickly rushed to the aid of their liege. Even Carver joined them.
The battle was short and the bandits fled upon seeing the soldiers only to be cut down before they got far. Their bodies joining the corpse of the knight they killed. Aedan wouldn't admit it but he sorely needed the release. He wasn't sure if he would be able to remain level-headed if he hadn't found a release for his pent up anger and frustration sooner. Still. There was a bit of anger remained but he can think more clearly than before.
The Teyrn of Highever sighed and wiped his blade clean of blood before sheathing the family sword and turned to look at Lothering. Seeing the villagers start to gather outside their homes.
"Loot their corpses." He ordered. "Take the fallen knight's body with us to the village. We'll find out who he is and send his body back to wherever he hailed from."
"As you wish, Your Lordship."
Aedan then turned to the column of survivors.
"We've arrived at Lothering. We rest here for now. You all deserve it."
Without another word, the Teyrn of Highever made his way down the steps leading away from the Imperial Highway and walked into the village. The survivors of Ostagar following closely behind the man that had led them away from the slaughter after they were abandoned by the Teyrn of Gwaren.
Aedan immediately spoke to the Revered Mother, Ser Bryant and Elder Miriam about the situation and what had happened at Ostagar. The King and the Grey Wardens' deaths. Loghain's betrayal. How the horde outnumbered them. Everything. They informed him that Teyrn Loghain's army passed by two days ago and they had assumed that the battle was over. With the arrival of survivors and refugees, their assumption was proven wrong. Elder Miriam was quick enough to help the refugees. Offering then shelter. The Revered Mother allowed them to take refuge in the Chantry while Ser Bryant ordered his Templars to help however they can. Of course, their help didn't come without a price. Thankfully, it was simple. In exchange for refuge, the survivors and refugees agreed to do quests posted on the Chantry as well as help around the village.
As the survivors and refugees settled in, Carver left to see his family. Grumbling about his sister as he left. Aedan would look for Marian soon but first he needed to tend to his people. Not just the ones from Highever but the survivors as well. There were no Arls, Banns or Lords and Ladies with them. Only soldiers and camp followers. They looked to him to lead them when they fled Ostagar. Those who doubted him and accused him of being a liar or a coward were silent. Showing him a hint of respect after he helped them in defending their rear as they fled Ostagar more than once. Staying to fight against the Darkspawn that ambushed them time and again.
Aedan knew he wasn't responsible for these men and women but he could not find it in himself to abandon them. Not after what Loghain did. No. He will not abandon them. He would look after them as if they were his own. He knew his father and Fergus would have done the same or at least he that's what he thought they would have done.
Once the young Teyrn was done tending to his people, it was already half past noon and he began to walk around the village until his feet brought him back to the tree by the stream. He sat down and leaned back on the trunk. Closing his eyes and allowing himself a moment to rest. His body sorely needed it.
'Just a quick nap.' He thought to himself. 'Just... a quick... '
And with that, Aedan was asleep.
(Line Break)
Marian couldn't help but let out a small laugh when she found Aedan asleep by the tree near the stream. He took her advice of bringing a weapon, sure, but that didn't mean he could sleep alone in the dead of night. What use is a weapon if he's already mauled to death by a bear before he could even use it?
The raven-haired Mage-in-hiding reached out a hand and was about to wake him up but Aedan suddenly woke up with a start. Sweat trickled down the side of his face. His hand had unconsciously gripped the handle of his sword but he didn't draw it. His breathing was heavy and his eyes frantically looked at his surroundings before landing on Marian who had pulled her hand back and was staring at him with barely noticeable caution.
"Marian?"
"The one and only."
Marian allowed herself to relax a bit and crossed her arms while cocking her hips.
"Bad dreams again, I take it?"
She watched as Aedan let out a sigh and nod his head.
"It's the same old nightmares but now I find myself in Ostagar. Everyone around me is cut down by monsters. I'm starting to think I'll never have a moment of peace. Even in my sleep."
He looked up at her and she could see his eyes, so haunted, held pain. So much pain.
"My brother is gone. Lost to the Darkspawn. As the Last Cousland, I now carry the mantle and the responsibility of Teyrn of Highever. I wasn't ready for this, Marian. I'm not meant to lead. I was never meant to lead."
Marian's shoulders slacked as she looked down at the young Teyrn. She was sure he was no older than her yet the look in his eyes felt like it belonged to someone twice his age. Everything that's happened this past month had clearly aged him and not for the better. He was thrown into the wolves when he wasn't ready. Forcing him into doing everything he can to survive and live up to his responsibility as Teyrn. He had no one to support him. That much she could see. There are his subjects and friends but they can never replace the family he lost.
The ravenette sat down beside him and looked at the stars in the sky. She always found them pretty as a child. Even now they fascinate her.
"Maybe you aren't ready for this but despite it all of that, you try your best to live up to your responsibilities. You could have given up and I'm sure it has crossed your mind but you didn't. You could have abandoned Ostagar and ran. Instead, you were one of the last to leave the ruins. Protecting the others and giving them time to escape. Carver told me everything. How you saved his life from a Darkspawn. Fought side-by-side with soldiers in the front lines rather than keep to the back and far away from the danger. You put the safety of others above your own when you fled from Ostagar. Some of these soldiers aren't even from Highever from the looks of it. If you ask me, I think you've done a good job of being Teyrn so far."
"Perhaps." He muttered and looked up at the stars as well. "But... I don't know how long I can keep doing this, Marian. To lead in a time of crisis when I barely even know what I'm doing. I sought out the King to bring Howe to justice. But Ostagar has shown me that the Blight is a much bigger threat than any of us could fathom. If the Blight is left unchecked then Ferelden will fall. I know this now yet in my heart I still long for revenge against Howe. My duty is to Highever and Ferelden yet I want nothing more than to kill Howe. End his miserable life. What kind of Teyrn puts his own revenge over the safety of the kingdom?"
Marian turned her gaze away from the stars and looked into Aedan's eyes. The anguish and uncertainty were clear to see.
"That's not something to be ashamed of, Aedan. It's expected. Howe killed your family. It's natural for you to feel that way. Besides. When have you ever put your revenge above others? From what I've been told, you were more focused on protecting those who cannot rather than thinking on the millions of ways you could kill Howe. If you had put your revenge over their safety then you wouldn't have bothered to put yourself in danger to buy them time to escape in the first place. You could have fled to wherever Howe is and killed him but you didn't. Actually. I'm sure those survivors are glad you didn't. They may not have gotten out of Ostagar alive if you did."
Aedan turned away and contemplated her words. He thought back to everything he had done during the Battle of Ostagar and found that she was right. Instead of abandoning the others to their fate, he remained behind and bought them time to escape despite knowing that he may very well die in doing so. His heart yearns for revenge but it also yearns for the safety of others. Protecting them when they could not. He killed Darkspawn after Darkspawn with the intent of allowing more survivors to leave Ostagar with their lives. At first, he wanted the Blight to end so he can get to Howe as soon as possible. Now he wanted the Blight to end so others would be safe. If he had been selfish, he never would have cared about any of that.
A small smile graced his lips and he looked at Marian. Something on her face caught his attention and he hadn't noticed it the first time they talked. There were barely noticeable freckles on her nose and under her eyes. He wouldn't say it out loud but he found her cute at that moment.
"Thank you, Marian." He spoke in a soft tone. "It seems I owe you another favor. I didn't mean to dump all my problems on you."
"It's fine." She replied. Voice just as soft as his. "I like your voice."
Aedan blinked but stood up nevertheless and held out his hand for her to take. Once he pulled her up her feet, he didn't release her hand. Instead, he bent down and kissed the top of her hand and offered her a smile.
"Again. Thank you. Until we meet again, my Lady."
The young Teyrn bid her goodnight before making his way back to the village. Her face was still red as she watched him go until he was far enough away before smacking her head against the tree.
"Stupid. Stupid. 'I like your voice?' What are you? Six? You've done better than that. Ugh. I just hope Carver doesn't hear about any of this."
"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me."
Marian jumped in her feet and spun on her heel towards the voice. Her hand taking out a knife she kept on her person wherever she went. Her eyes landed on the person approaching her and saw that it was none other than Sister Leliana.
"Maker's breath, Sister. I'm going to die from a heart attack if you keep doing that." Marian put the knife away and looked at the Sister. "How much did you hear?"
"Not much. Your mother was looking for you and I volunteered to find you. Imagine my surprise when I saw you sitting comfortably next to a certain nobleman. I didn't want to interrupt so I kept myself hidden but within a reasonable distance."
A mischievous smirk found it's way into the Sister's face.
"You two were so adorable."
"Oh shut up. It's nothing like that. Besides. He won't be here forever. He'll be leaving soon. No use getting too attached."
The smirk never left Sister Leliana's lips as she raised her hands in mock surrender. Marian shook her head and stomped past the Sister. Making her way up the path leading to her home. Much to her annoyance, Sister Leliana walked beside her and hooked their arms without warning.
"Maybe we can do something about your clothes for the next time you meet. A little tear here to show some skin. Maybe wear something a little tighter below to accentuate those rather toned legs of yours. Put a little sway in your hips too. That will certainly draw his attention."
"How on earth do you even know tha- Were you spying on me?"
That got a giggle from the Sister who looked at Marian with amusement as she recalled the memory a couple of months ago.
"You were a little drunk one night and decided to swim naked in the stream. I was the one to bring you out of the water before you freezed to death or drowned. I must say, Marian, you have quite the physique. A shame you wish to hide such beauty, chérie~"
Marin didn't know whether to feel disturbed or aroused by the way she said that Orlesian word so close to her ear but she did know that she had to get away from the redhead. She tried to pull her arm away but the Sister had a surprisingly strong grip and the ravenette could only sigh in defeat as Sister Leliana giggled in amusement at her attempts to escape before continuing on about how she can make her catch Aedan's eye. This was so not how she thought her day was going to end.
'Maker, kill me now.'
(Line Break)
The day after they arrived in Lothering saw Aedan knighting Dairren for bravery in the field of battle. Telling him that he had earned his spurs. Celebrations were cut short when more and more refugees as well as Chasind wildmen began entering the village. Seeking refuge from the Blight. This served only to prove that Aedan was right when he said that the Blight would reach Lothering soon and the Darkspawn would descend upon the village. The Teyrn spent much of his time speaking to the Revered Mother, Ser Bryant and Elder Miriam about the possibility of the villagers leaving Lothering and take refuge in Denerim or some place else. Once the Darkspawn arrive, they will show no man, woman or child mercy.
Things took a turn for the worse in the following day as tensions between refugees and the villagers steadily rose and the village was slowly overflowing with more and more refugees. The Chantry was already full and the arrival of a knight named Ser Donall who informed them of Arl Eamon's illness and his wife, Isolde's, orders in sending out Redcliffe Knights to search for the Urn of Sacred Ashes. It just so happens that the knight the bandits killed when they arrived was among those knights. His belongings, left unopened, was given to Ser Donall who left Lothering shortly.
On the same day, a messenger arrived and announced for all to hear that Teyrn Loghain has named himself regent and appointed Arl Howe as Teyrn of Highever and Arl of Denerim. The previous Arl of Denerim, Urien Kendells, was found dead by Arl Bryland who King Cailan had sent back with an escort to Denerim to find out where Arl Kendells was. He also banned the Orlesian Wardens or the Grey Wardens in general from stepping foot in Fereldan soil. Blaming the death of the King to the Order of the Grey Wardens as a whole. Claiming that bringing them back from exile was a mistake and the late King's trust in them was foolish. Leading to his death.
Needless to say, Aedan was furious of Loghain's actions and the villagers of Lothering witnessed as the young Teyrn finally reached his boiling point. Screaming and raging. Cursing Howe and Loghain. Some feared he had lost his mind while others could only imagine what the young nobleman was feeling. But it was expected by some people. Namely Ser Bryant and Dairren. The Couslands were firm supporters of the royal family and had never once turned their back on the Theirins. Since Loghain proclaimed himself regent, he can't have Cailan's supporters causing him trouble so he appointed someone who he can trust as the new Teyrn. Even if the rightful Teyrn of Highever still draws breath.
Later that night, Aedan released his anger onto bandits, bears, hounds, wolves and giant spiders. Even when he was then, the young Teyrn remained enraged. It was only through one particular Hawke that he managed to calm himself down and compose himself. Apologizing to the villagers, soldiers and refugees for his outburst.
The next day, someone arrived in Lothering that he had never expected to see. Warden Kallian and Warden Alistair. Alive and well and accompanied by woman who looked Chasind. They were surprised by how many soldiers were in Lothering. More so that Aedan was alive considering he was fighting alongside the King in the valley. The young Teyrn invited them to Dane's Refuge for drinks and informed them of what had happened in the last few days.
"I'm sorry about Duncan." Aedan spoke in a somber tone. "I tried to convince him to leave. That we could make it. But he told me he wasn't long for this world and he would only slow me down. He died fighting. Just like the rest of the Grey Wardens with us."
Aedan looked to the last of Ferelden's Grey Wardens and watched their expressions carefully. He noticed that they were not outraged -at least not outwardly- but somber. He suspects that they already knew all of this but hearing it again served only to raise more feelings of pain and loss.
"I've tried convincing the villagers but many of them are stubborn even with the threat of the Blight approaching."
"So that's it. It's just the two of us." Kallian began. "No other Fereldan Grey Wardens are left."
"I'm afraid so. I understand that it is your duty as Grey Wardens to stop the Blight. Forgive me if I sound callous for saying this but... The Grey Wardens are banned from entering Ferelden. If they try to step foot in Ferelden, they would be executed. How do you plan on defeating the Darkspawn and ending the Blight with just the two of you?"
"Not just us. We have treaties." Alistair answered. "Official documents promising aid from Orzammar, the Dalish and the Circle of Magi against a Blight. There's also Arl Eamon. He's a good man and would lend his support. He knows the threat the Blight poses."
"I'm afraid that won't be possible." Aedan shook his head. "Arl Eamon is sick. Has been for more than a week now. He never left for Ostagar nor did his men. No matter what they tried, be it potions or spells, the Arl remains asleep and bedridden. His wife sent out many of Redcliffe's Knights to search for the Urn of Sacred Ashes. She believes it's healing properties would be able to lift whatever it is that's afflicting the Arl."
"Andraste's burning ass." The Elven Warden cursed before turning to Aedan. "I don't suppose you can offer us some help, Your Lordship?"
"I know the threat the Blight poses but I don't know how to help you, Wardens. At least not at this time. My men are still recovering from Ostagar and not all the soldiers you see before you are from Highever. Their allegiance lies to whoever noble they serve. I cannot ask them to fight for someone they hold no allegiance to. Even if they do pledge their allegiance to me, I'm not officially the Teyrn of Highever anymore. Loghain, as regent, proclaimed Howe as the Teyrn of Highever."
His fists clenched and he ground his teeth but calmed himself down at the last second. Then a thought came to him.
"Actually. There might be something I could do. I would be leaving Lothering tomorrow and head for South Reach. If I can convince Arl Bryland, he may give support to the Grey Wardens. But not just him. The other Arlings and the Bannorn as well. Dairren can ask his father, Bann Loren, to lend support to the Wardens. Though any support they give would probably be kept secret considering Grey Wardens aren't supposed to be in Ferelden."
"Yes." Alistair looked at Aedan. "If you can convince them and reveal the truth to the nobility, Loghain would lose support."
"Indeed. No doubt he's already on thin ice by proclaiming himself regent despite the fact that he was born a commoner." The Teyrn crossed his arms and looked down at the table. "By law, Queen Anora was supposed to act as regent in the absence of an heir or a bastard. Cailan doesn't have any from what I've heard."
"You might have a problem convincing the Arl of Denerim to support the Wardens considering I just killed his son some time ago and I was conscripted to the Wardens. Getting without so much as a slap on the wrist. At least that's how he would see it, I think." Kallian shook her head. "I don't think a lot of the nobles would support us if they ever find out about that. Void, they probably already know it."
"Arl Urien Kendells is dead, Kallian." He replied. "Arl Bryland found him dead alongside his escorts in the middle of the road. No sign of who attacked them or what. Loghain gave Howe the Denerim Arling."
"And Arl Howe is probably worse considering I've heard stories about the treatment of Elves in Amaranthine." The Elven Warden slammed her head on the table and groaned. "That's just fucking great."
"Ferelden will either stand together against the Blight or fall into ruin divided. The nobility needs to see that the Blight is a threat to all of Ferelden and Loghain has proven himself an obstacle. I will do what I can to make them see reason and unite. I pray that you are successful with those treaties, Kallian. Alistair. We need all the help we can get if we are to survive in these dark times."
The two Wardens looked at the Teyrn as he stood up and bid them farewell. Passing by a Chantry Sister who followed him with her eyes before staring at the Warden and began to approach them.
(Line Break)
The Wardens remained in Lothering for a while. Helping around as well as taking that Qunari prisoner with them as well as a Chantry Sister. A Chantry Sister that was armed with a bow and a pair of daggers. He didn't question them but he see them off. Surprisingly, Marian had joined him and bid the Sister, Leliana, farewell too. The redheaded Sister looked at Aedan then turned her gaze towards Marian and gave her a wink before leaving with the Wardens.
Watching them disappear down the road, Aedan looked down at Marian and raised a brow when she saw her face was slightly red.
"Are you alright, Marian?"
"I'm fine." She waved him off. "Just a little bit under the weather."
"Oh. Do you need help getting home?"
"It's no trouble. I'll be fine. See you tomorrow, Aedan."
And with that, she turned and walked away. However, he couldn't help but notice that Marian had a bit of sway to her hips as she walked away. Actually. Were her trousers always that tight? His eyes were firmly locked on her thighs before settling on her backside until she was gone.
Aedan shook his head. He knew staring was rude and his mother taught him better than to openly stare at a woman's backside but he couldn't help himself. He liked what he saw.
The rest of the day passed by like a blur to Aedan and tomorrow arrived faster than he had expected. He was currently eating breakfast in the tavern with Dairren and Iona after telling them that they would be leaving today. They understood his reasoning and made idle chatter as they finished their breakfast. It was quite peaceful compared to last night. Not a lot of patrons and those that were present ate silently or spoke in low voices. A brief respite and a hint of normalcy from all the death, loss and destruction that followed them wherever they go.
Unfortunately, the Maker seemed to love toying with their lives and made it a mission to make them miserable. They heard screams outside and the door to the tavern was kicked open.
All eyes in the tavern locked to tthe doorway and saw a Templar standing at the entrance to the establishment.
"Everybody out. Darkspawn have arrived!"
Aedan shot to his feet and laid his hand on the handle of the family sword from before making his way towards the Templar. The tavern's patrons ran past him in a panic as he approached the Templar.
"Where?" He demanded.
"They're coming from the highway, Your Lordship. Ser Bryant ordered everyone who cannot fight to abandon Lothering and flee. We will remain here and cover your escape."
Aedan grunted and nodded towards Dairren before leaving Dane's Refuge. The newly knighted nobleman and Iona followed after him in hurried steps.
All around them, the people fled in a panic as the horde approached Lothering. The Templars were all over the place as Set Bryant began mustering all the Templars in Lothering to defend the rear of the fleeing refugees and villagers while the Revered Mother, Brothers and Sisters were escorted out of the Chantry by a group of Templars. Their swords drawn and their shields at the ready.
"I want you two to gather the company and flee east into South Reach. Arl Bryland will offer you refuge. Give him this."
The Teyrn turned around and handed the Cousland Family Sword to Dairren who looked questioningly at Aedan.
"What about you, Your Lordship?" Dairren questioned.
"I will buy you some time and help the Templars hold off the Darkspawn. I will meet with you again in South Reach. Now go!"
"But- "
"Do as I ask, Dairren. I will not die here. Not until everyone is as far away from the Darkspawn as possible."
Dairren would have argued more but the feeling of someone grabbing hold of his arm stopped him. He looked down to see Iona staring up at him with pleading eyes and his shoulders slackened at the sight. Aedan saw this and allowed himself a small smile before placing his hand on his friend's shoulder to reassure him.
"For now, you are in charge of their safety. Get them to South Reach. Keep them safe from the Darkspawn and any who would wish them harm. We will see each other again, my friend. This I swear."
The Teyrn gave him one last pat on the shoulder and took Dairren's sword before leaving to join the Templars as they moved to fight the Darkspawn that had already arrived and entered Lothering. Aedan didn't dare to spare a glance over his shoulder and immediately attacked the first Darkspawn he came upon. A Genlock that was quickly cut down before it could strike the killing blow on a woman. Aedan grabbed the woman's arm and quickly dragged her up her feet before telling her to run.
His instincts screamed a second later and the Teyrn spun on his heel just in time to parry the sword of a Hurlock but lost his sword in doing so. He quickly grabbed a spear from the ground and shoved the polearm up the Darkspawn's mouth. He planted the butt of the spear on the dirt before grabbing the Darkspawn's head and dragged it down the haft of the spear.
The young Teyrn ripped the mail coif off of the dead Hurlock's head and wrapped the mail around his right hand. He turned around and blocked the sword arm of another Hurlock with his left arm before throwing a strong punch directly into the Darkspawn's face. This resulted in the Hurlock falling to it's back and Aedan quickly placed himself above it before unleashing a portion of his fury upon the Darkspawn. Punching the Hurlock repeatedly until it's face and skull were caved in and it's struggles ceased.
Aedan removed himself from the now dead Hurlock only to stagger forward when something hard struck the back of his armor. He looked over his shoulder to see a Hurlock reloading a crossbow but struggling in the process. A dead Templar lay beside it with multiple crossbow bolts stuck to their armor.
The young Teyrn didn't waste time in closing the distance and threw a strong punch into it's face that forced the Darkspawn to drop it's weapon before delivering an uppercut that sent the Hurlock sprawling on the ground. He placed himself on top of his opponent and snatched the kettle helmet from it's head before using said helmet to cave in the Dakrspawn's skull repeatedly.
His brutality went unnoticed by the Templars who were too busy fighting off their respective opponents while also trying to avoid getting swarmed as the number of Darkspawn entering the village increased as time went on. Pretty soon, they would have to retreat or risk being overrun.
Once the Hurlock Bolter below him was dead, Aedan grabbed a discarded Templar Sword from the ground and rose to his feet. His eyes landed on a helmetless Templar and a woman fighting off a pair of Darkspawn on their own. He saw a third Darkspawn sneaking up behind the Templar and Aedan burst into a sprint. He slammed his entire body on the Hurlock before it could strike down the Templar and sent both of them to the ground. Aedan recovered first and rolled on top of the Darkspawn before using his sword to slit open it's throat.
The young Teyrn was suddenly kicked off the now dead Hurlock by another Hurlock and looked up at his attacker just in time to see the Templar and the woman from before impale the Darkspawn in the back with their blades. Causing it to fall to it's knees. Aedan scrambled to his feet and closed the distance before swinging his sword and beheaded the Hurlock. It's head flying off.
"Thank you."
Aedan didn't hear what they have to say as he threw himself into the fray once more.