Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings, and all its characters, races, and creatures, as well as our beloved Middle Earth, belongs to JRR Tolkien. SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1
The next morning dawned clear and cool. The birds sang, the crickets chirped and the frogs croaked—and I felt like croaking right along with them.
I suppose in my anger and frustration last night, I must have mixed a bit too much Valerian with my water to cure my headache. While my headache was gone this morning, it was replaced with a deep-seated need to remain tucked into my bedroll, sleeping the day away. In testament to how desperate that thought was, the ground was like rock, and if I had been in control of all of my faculties, I would not have relished the thought of lying on the ground any longer. However when the alternative was being in a saddle, with the steady up and down motion of riding, maybe the rocky ground wasn't so bad after all. Here I am, not even awake yet and I am having an argument with myself. Boy was this going to be a long day.
Had I only known—
I sat up slowly, swiping my hand over my mouth, which was so dry, it felt as if I had been chewing on my blanket all night. I blinked my eyes several times, then raised my arms in a huge stretch. It was then that I noticed I was clutching Aragorn's dagger in my fist. I brought my hand down slowly, surprised at finding it there in my grasp. I stared at it, wondering how it had come to be in my hand. I didn't even remember having it with me at all, much less unsheathed. It was a miracle that I hadn't slit my own throat with it, as sharp as it was. I set about trying to remember what other things may have happened last night that were failing to come back to my empty mind this morning.
I squinted as I tried to remember anything about the dagger. I suddenly remembered I had been scared by that ridiculous Elf at some point during the night. That led me to remember that after I had spoken with Gimli, I had retrieved the knife, wanting it at the ready in case I was beset by ne'er-do-wells, or some fell beast that might be lurking in the night. I had not thought to be so armed any other night since we began this sojourn, and the thought that I had two able bodied warriors at my side had not occurred to me. It must have been the Valerian that influenced the highly dubious decision I made to keep it near me—unsheathed. I breathed a sigh of relief that I hadn't cut myself to ribbons on the thing, as sharp an edge as Aragorn kept on it.
And that stupid Elf had seen me sleeping with it and had done nothing to disarm me!
Well that was hardly his fault. After all, I had hit him over mere words. He must have been wary of me being armed as I was. Besides, I am sure he did not know it was Aragorn's dagger and therefore as sharp as a razor. I had no doubt that Legolas would think a dagger I may own would be as dull as he thought I was. That being the case, he would naturally think I could not harm myself with it. No, as much as I may have wished it to be, it was not his fault at all.
I rose from my bedroll and went through the trees to find a likely place to take care of this morning's basic needs. As soon as I was finished, I made my way to the stream. I felt like wading into the water clothes and all. I needed to wake up. I was having difficulty even staying upright. I settled for kneeling by the water, reaching down and splashing handfuls of it up into my face. I got my shirt wet as well, but that was another small nudge I needed to become fully conscious. The water was cold!
I really needed a bath, but it was later than I normally rose. The sun was up above the horizon and the men would want to get going soon. Before I left the campsite, I noticed that the fellows I traveled with had something sizzling over the fire for their breakfast. My mind chose not to dwell too long on that thought - it knew that my stomach would not take kindly to such ideas right now. No, I would settle for a face scrubbing and shirt wetting. I suppose I should include a head wetting. I lost my balance and fell face first into the stream, much to my dismay.
I gasped, as I tried to right myself, and slowly I parted my hair, which had completely plastered itself to my face, covering my eyes. Somehow, I ended up sitting in the brook. I decided not to try and figure out the whys or wherefores. I just got up, wringing out my hair as I did so.
I became aware that someone was laughing at me. No, it was more than one someone laughing. I knew Gimli wasn't one of them - I could recognize his voice easily. It didn't really sound like Legolas was one of those laughing either. However, I was no expert in recognizing his voice, since he seemed fit not to use it around me often—except to say something mean. So I opened the curtain that was my hair and beheld two identical Elves. The sons of Elrond had finally graced us with their presence, and they couldn't have found a better time do so.
I was still spitting river scum out of my mouth when they commenced to tease me.
"Elrohir," Elladan said, "I can see that traveling has dampened her spirits somewhat."
"Yes, brother," Elrohir replied, "it does seem as if she is awash with fatigue brought on by travel."
"Have your fun," I said. "But beware. My tongue is dry, as is my wit, and I would fully appreciate it if you would beach me before I catch my death of cold out here."
As one of them—I had lost track of their identities in my embarrassment—held his hand out to me, he said, "Oh now, dear lady. Your condition has not enlarged you to the size of a whale yet. Perhaps in a few weeks you may compare yourself to an Oliphaunt, but for now, I would say perhaps a kine of some sort is more the order of the day."
"You are too kind, whoever you are," I replied. He helped me, dripping as I was, out of the stream and to the bank. I sloshed when I walked; my boots had filled with water. I stopped and sat where I was. I felt sure there was a small fish nibbling at one of my toes. It turned out to be only a small pebble that had somehow become lodged in my boot. The Elves began laughing again, finding humor in my predicament that was evidently lost on me. I just smiled and commenced to take off my other boot, and pour out the water and whatever else had found its way inside. I then put them both back on my feet and got up in a less than graceful manner.
Their laughter had alerted Legolas to the twins' presence, and he came walking through the trees toward us. At the sight of me dripping wet, he stopped, eyebrows raised and began laughing along with Elrohir and Elladan.
And to think. I had believed one Elf was more than enough to contend with. Now there were three of them. What joy.
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I simply shook my head and sloshed past the howling Elves. They would get theirs, that was certain. I still had Jonas safely shrouded for just the right time and place. I had confidence in the two of us. Yes, we would see just who would be laughing when Jonas showed his bony face. The thought of the skull tucked away in my gear made me laugh, and I believe that surprised the trio. There was a distinct lull in their hilarity. I looked back at them and burst into peals of laughter. I could not wait to introduce my cousin Jonas to them!
I retrieved a change of clothes, and on my way back into the trees, passed the still smiling Elves on their way to the campsite. In no time I was fully clothed in dry togs, except for my boots, which I left drying in the sun. There was no way they would be dry before it was time to leave, but I would have dry feet for at least that long a time. I warily made my way toward the fire, stopping about five feet away from where everyone was gathered. I was in dire need of tea. I certainly hoped it was made. Even though I was desperate for the hot, steaming beverage laced with lots of honey, I wanted not to hazard too close to the smell of food, without being certain that the act of doing so was worth the risk of retching. My nose was working overtime, as was my stomach, and even though the aroma of breakfast seemed tantalizing, I had fallen for that trap before, with sickening results. Standing on tiptoes, I craned my neck, trying to see around those whose appetites and eating habits were enough to make me sick anyway.
I could not tell if there was tea or not. Unfortunately, I attracted the interest of one of the twins and he looked at me curiously.
"Why are you standing there?" he asked. "Get yourself over here and eat. We should be leaving soon."
I smiled as sweetly as I could, hoping to garner some sympathy from whichever twin it was who had spoken to me. "I was only wanting tea today. Is there perhaps some made?"
"Yes," he answered, "there is some right here, ready for pouring." At my hesitation to approach the fire, he frowned and said, "I am not in the habit of serving, but if it is your desire that I do so, I believe I can oblige you."
"That would be lovely," I said with a sigh and a smile.
He looked shocked, as if he hadn't really meant the offer to be taken seriously. "Get you over here, Maeren," he said again. "I lied. I do not want to spoil you this morning, lest you expect me to serve you at every meal."
I decided to throw caution to the wind. I wanted that tea badly. I held my breath and walked quickly to the fire. I was almost finished with the pouring, when I ran out of air and had to breathe. Drat! I dropped the cup of tea I had just poured, and dashed into the trees. Sick again.
Was that the sound of hysterical Elven laughter I heard over the sound of my retching? Yes, I believe it was.
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I was now living for revenge.
After I was finished disgracing myself, I went to my bedroll and sank down upon it. I grabbed my water skin angrily, removed the top and took a mouthful of water. Turning away from the group at the fire, I spit with all the force I could muster. I still managed to drool down my chin. Eru! Was I going to make it through this day?
I tugged at the blanket on my bedroll, trying to pull it out from under me. Not only was it in an uncomfortable knot beneath my rear, I wanted to wipe my blasted chin on it. I finally accomplished at least pulling a corner up far enough to reach my face, and rid myself of the unbecoming wetness adorning my chin.
As soon as I straightened up, I jumped and almost screamed. There was an Elf and a cup of tea right at eye level. I placed my hand on my chest to still my racing heart.
"Which one are you, please?" I asked.
"I believe it is customary to thank the bearer of precious gifts, is it not?" the Elf replied.
"Thank you, sir," I replied as I accepted the treasured beverage. "Which one are you, please?"
"That is so unimportant," he replied with a wicked grin. "Here, take this cup. It is full to the brim with nice, hot, honeyed tea. I believe that was what you requested to be served to you, was it not?" I didn't remember voicing that particular order, but the tea was here before me and I felt not like asking too many questions.
I accepted the offered cup and took at big sip. That was decidedly the wrong thing to do, because it certainly was nice and hot. I think I burned my tongue. I continued to sit there, not saying anything, looking down at the ground—or anywhere but at the Elf that was still crouched down in front of me.
"Is there aught else that I, Elladan, may do for you, my lady?" He asked.
I looked at him then, although a bit skittishly. I wondered what other tricks he had up his sleeve, besides reading minds.
"Well," I started in answer to his question, "I would like it very much if you would cease laughing at me." He gave me a noncommittal look, so I continued. "Neither you nor your brother even greeted me properly when you arrived."
He took the cup of tea he had just given me, set it aside and stood. Before I could even protest the loss of my precious liquid, he rose and held his hands out to help me to my feet. I hadn't remembered voicing—or even thinking—about rising, but I accepted his offer and stood. He then enveloped me in a huge hug, complete with thumps on the back. After a few moments of this, he released me, and said, "Greetings, my lady Maeren. It is, as always, a pleasure to see you again."
Before I had recovered from that shock, I was shocked again, when another Elf grabbed me into a bear hug. And this Elf gave me a kiss on the cheek! I was flustered, to put it mildly.
"Greetings, my lady Maeren," Elrohir echoed his brother. "It is, as always, a pleasure to see you again." As he released me, he added, "And the kiss was from our beautiful sister. She wished for us to greet you for her as well."
"Likewise, I'm sure," I mumbled almost incoherently.
These two Elves left spots of cold dread in my stomach, wondering what they would be up to next. Since my stomach was already feeling sick enough, I decided not to dwell on the pending doom for long. I was sure I would find out soon enough.
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We all set about breaking camp. Legolas gathered everyone's water skins and then thrust them all at me. He almost smiled at me when he said, "Try not to fall in." He then went about his business and I was left standing there gaping. I guess having his friends here put him in a better mood. Whatever the reason for his sudden levity, I cared not. I would just enjoy it while it lasted.
As soon as I was done with my appointed task, I brushed Dori. She was so beautiful, and as I ran my hands over her sleek neck, I still could not believe she was mine. I quickly saddled and bridled her. She stood quietly during the whole procedure as was her usual way. I tied my bedroll behind the saddle and repacked anything I may have taken out of my saddlebags the night before.
I was finished before the others, so set about trying to help out as I could. I noticed a few cooking and eating items that had been used that needed cleaning and packing, so I picked them up and carried them to the stream. I had them rinsed in short order and was carrying them back to the clearing, when Legolas met me, with the usual frown on his face. I should have known not to think he had taken a sudden turn for the better as far as his cordiality toward me was concerned.
"I was looking for these," he said tersely. He grabbed the pans and cups from me, turned and walked away, brushing past Elrohir as he did so. Elrohir gave Legolas a frown on his way past, then looked at me with a shrug, as if asking me about his friend's behavior.
"You do not want to know," I replied. "And besides, I do not really know the whole of it, I do not think." Elrohir put his arm around my shoulders as I joined him and I smiled at the friendly gesture. We got back to the campsite, which was being given another quick once over to make sure all was as we had found it.
Just as I was about to mount Dori, I heard Gimli clear his throat right beside me. I turned to see what he was needing my attention for, and was quickly blushing. He held my boots in one of his hands. He was smiling, eyebrows raised, and said, "Did you forget something, lass?"
I laughed, and said, "Indeed I did, Gimli." The overdose of Valerian had certainly done a job on me. I took my boots from him and gave him a small bow, then plopped myself gracelessly upon the ground and pulled my soggy boots on. It was quite an ordeal. Trying to pull wet boots over dry stockings is not easy. Now I knew how I had come to forget in the first place. It had been something I was not looking forward to doing.
I sloshed over to my sweet mare, and after having my foot slip from the stirrup twice, finally got purchase enough to heave myself up into the saddle. By then, everyone else was atop their mounts, and we urged them on for another day in the saddle. As soon as we had been going for a bit, we began a discussion on the causes of the common cold in Humans.
"I have an extra pair of boots in my saddlebags, Maeren, if you would like to borrow them," Elladan said.
"Thank you for the offer, Elladan," I replied, "but I am really fine. I do not suspect that these boots will dry anytime soon, but it is really warm out these days, so I am not cold. It is just a bit uncomfortable."
"It was always told to me," Elladan said in his most scientific voice, "that wet clothes and chilly conditions caused Humans to contract those coughing and sneezing fits that resulted in their noses running constantly with— "
"Elladan," Elrohir protested, "must you get into the gritty details of the malady? It is most disgusting to witness first hand, must we visit it through your vivid descriptions?"
Surprisingly Legolas joined in the conversation. "Is this malady serious for Humans?"
"Not usually," Elrohir answered. "Estel had it quite often during his years as a child. A few times Father was concerned for him, because his fever rose very high, but usually it was not serious—only disgusting for those around him."
"And it isn't particularly entertaining for the Human enduring it, either," I put in.
"Correct me if I am wrong, Maeren," Elladan said, "but is it not true, that sometimes the illness can progress into something called—let me see, what is it called? Oh yes. Pneumonia?"
"Yes, that is true," I said. "And that is serious. It can kill. In fact, it usually does kill."
Legolas again joined in our conversation. "How far are we from a stream? Perhaps we could dump her in again. Our errand would be shorter, rather than as drawn out as it seems."
Amid all the protests at his malice from the other travelers, I shouted them all down, ignoring the oafish remark from the blond Elf of the company. "While it is a widely held belief, Elladan, that dampness and chill cause the cold, it is but an old woman's tale. It is believed that something else causes it."
"But what else could it be?" Elladan protested. "Evil spirits?"
"Of course not," I replied. "I know not exactly what, Elladan. But if wetness and chill caused the cold, then why does not every Human who gets wet or cold contract the malady? Hmm? Can you answer me that?"
"No," he replied emphatically. "I cannot answer you that. I just cannot imagine what else could cause it, that is all. Do you have any ideas?"
"All I can imagine is that there is some 'thing' that exists that is so small we cannot see it," I said, almost dreamily. "So small, we do not even believe it exists. But how else can we explain illnesses in Humans? For that matter, how can we explain the lack of sickness or death in Elves? Being an Elf, can you answer that question for me?"
"I fear, I cannot," he told me. "What I can tell you, though, is that I believe my horse is faster than that nag you are riding and I believe I can prove it. Do you care to take my challenge? I will even give you a head start!"
I did not answer, I simply kicked Dori into a full gallop and Elladan and I raced ahead, neck and neck until the horses had run their fill. When we stopped, I was ahead.
Do you suppose he let me win? I hope not. But I will never know, will I?
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Just before we stopped at midday, I was startled when I felt a bump on the right side of Dori. I knew then that I had been asleep and as I came back to consciousness, I realized that someone had his arm around me, holding me in my saddle, as we stopped. I straightened up, shrugging out of the embrace, apologizing profusely to whomever it was who had prevented my fall.
"I am sorry," I said, "I will be fine. I am sure once we stop to eat and drink, I will be fine. I cannot believe I have done this."
"No harm done," Elladan said, "it was my pleasure, to be sure. Aragorn, not to mention Arwen, would beat me to within an inch of my life were I to allow you to come to harm while you are under my care."
I stifled the urge to scream at him that I didn't need to be under anyone's care. I simply nodded as I dismounted. I'd had a nap which had evidently not done anything for my humor, as it had left me without any at all.
Elladan and Elrohir carried on a conversation with Legolas in Elvish and then Gimli was invited to dismount. Legolas and Elrohir then left on their mounts to some destination unknown to me. We had in our possession the Elvish pack horse, which had been following us without any trouble from Minas Tirith without rein or any other tack save a halter—my point being that we had the provisions and I was very hungry. Without asking anyone's permission or otherwise getting leave of any kind, I began to scrounge around in the packs, looking for anything which may hit my fancy. I found a bag containing some sort of bread and several fruits, so I disengaged it from the horse, giving the sweet beast a pat as I relieved it of this one burden.
I already had an apple out of the bag and had taken a bite out of it, when I sat and offered the bag to the other two who had remained with me. Gimli took the sack from me, smiling.
"I see your appetite is back, lass," he said.
"It comes and goes, Gimli," I replied. "Believe it or not, I really do not heave as often as I had been doing."
He looked aghast. "It has been worse? You have been doing quite a bit of it since we set out from Minas Tirith, lass. No wonder you look to be skin and bones. That cannot be healthy for the babe, can it be?"
I again stifled an urge to scream. I felt like yelling at him that it was I who would be shortchanged, but decided to tell him in a gracious manner instead. "Nature has a way of giving the baby inside the mother what it needs. Even if the mother is starving, the baby receives what little nutrition she gets until she can support it no more. As long as I can eat at least one meal a day, the baby gets adequate nourishment, I believe."
"Think of it as a small parasite, Gimli," Elladan put in, with a smile.
Even I smiled at that comment. I wanted to lay down where I sat, but I knew if I did, I would give in to sleep once more. I continued smiling, thinking about the little 'parasite' I was harboring under my heart. I could feel the baby squirming lightly within my belly all the time now, and in fact, my belly was growing. It was a blessing that my leggings had a drawstring at the top, because I was having to tie them more loosely every day. The bottom fastenings on my tunic were becoming snug as well, and it would not be long before it would have to remain open, showing everyone the state of my condition. Embarrassing as that thought was, it was reality, and I may as well face it now.
I evidently did not resist the urge to recline, because some time later, I awoke to the sound of the others talking and laughing as they sat eating and drinking a midday repast. I was lying curled on my side facing the others, right where I had been sitting. Of course my emergence from sleep could not occur unnoticed.
"She lives!" Elrohir exclaimed.
"Our luck fails us again," Legolas said dejectedly.
Elladan cuffed him lightly in the jaw, just enough to show his disapproval.
Gimli rose and said, "Let us be about our business. I grow tired of this mean spirited Elf."
We all rose, and to my surprise, Legolas had the grace to look almost ashamed of himself. We hadn't been stopped long, so we hadn't taken the tack off the horses, we had just loosened cinches and allowed them to wander as they would. We whistled them back and got them ready for riding again.
"We are calling an early day of it, Maeren," Elrohir said. "Just a bit further, only a couple of leagues away, there is a stand of trees. See it? Over there?" At my nod, he continued. "There is a stream—and a pond—as well. Elladan and I rode all night, and our horses could use the rest, so we think it a likely place to stay for the night. That is where we are headed." I wondered to myself if he was more concerned about the fact that I couldn't seem to stay awake to ride or about them and their tired horses, but decided to say nothing. Truth be known, I welcomed an early stop.
I got atop my mare and rode with the others to the small copse of trees. It was just large enough to hide the most wonderful pond, which was separate from the stream that ran several yards away. It was an idyllic spot and I wanted to hug Elrohir for finding it, but decided against it. Who knew what I would get myself into, doing things such as that. Eru help us all!
I took care of my Dori, taking off her tack, and then brushing her until she shone even more than she did before, if that was possible. I believed I would forever marvel at her beauty and her complete blackness. I leaned my face against her great neck, feeling her muscles flex beneath my cheek. The sheer power of her was awesome, yet she was so gentle with me, as if she knew she could squash me to mush, but still she chose not to.
I truly did love this horse. I had never had a horse of my own. I had been busy doing mostly 'girl' things as I grew up, helping my mother inside the house. After her death, I was taught some basic self-defense and how to saddle and bridle a horse—some of the simple things one needed to know to get along in the world. And Dustin was forever showing me how to do things. Anything I showed interest in doing, he would teach me to do. I must admit though, sometimes, I would merely feign interest just to be near him. I especially liked the archery lessons he used to give me. They inevitably ended inside the house, instead of outside where they began. I shivered, which reluctantly brought me back to the present. Giving Dori a final pat, I stepped away from her and stowed her brush in the saddlebag where it belonged.
It was past time to seek relief, so to speak, in the bushes, so I made my way into the thicket to find a likely spot. As soon as I was finished, I decided to visit the pond. Just before I broke into the clearing around the small body of water, I spied Elrohir and Legolas walking along the edge of it, talking. I knew I should not eavesdrop. I knew I shouldn't. But I did anyway. And it turned out to be a good thing I did.
"Tell me, Legolas," Elrohir said. "Why do you treat Maeren with such scorn? What has she done to you that would cause you to act the way you do toward her?"
"Well, first of all," Legolas said, "she irritates me. I know not why this is so, but it is so. I simply do not like her." Legolas dropped his eyes to a stone he had picked up from the ground, in preparation of skipping it over the pond I supposed. So far, I had not heard anything I didn't suspect already. "It is because of her that—" He stopped in mid sentence, and threw the stone across the surface of the water, skipping it at least five times before it landed on the opposite bank.
"Are you going to finish the statement you were going to make?" asked Elrohir curiously. "You have piqued my interest and have my full attention." He paused for a few seconds more. "Do not make me beat it out of you."
Legolas smiled at Elrohir's jest and said, "I do not know how to voice what it is I am feeling." He paused for a few moments, collecting his thoughts. "It has to do with Estel and my esteem for him, I think." Legolas walked a short distance away and fingered a cattail that graced the bank of the pond. "I forget that he is not an Elf, and I cannot understand how he came to betray Arwen the way that he did. I tend to forget that he is Human, and has not the same instincts or needs as Elves. And—Maeren being with child makes me mindful of just how Human and how mortal Aragorn is. Humans have children; the children grow up quickly, become men and women, and then they die. When I look at Maeren, I am reminded that neither Aragorn—nor Arwen—will live on with me to the end of time. It grieves me deeply." Legolas' voice was tremulous with emotion. His pain was etched on his face. Well, now I knew. This I could at least understand. It didn't make it any easier, but at least I could understand it.
"Legolas," Elrohir said with compassion, "Most of those things you just listed are not Maeren's fault. She did not make Estel mortal, nor did she force him to compromise his bond with Arwen. He made his own choices in regard to that. Believe me when I tell you that I know exactly how you feel about Aragorn's—and now Arwen's—mortality. It is a grievous thing to ponder. That is why I choose not to ponder it often or for long." I could hear the anguish in Elrohir's voice. My heart clenched in my chest, and I felt tears in my eyes.
"I suppose you are right about that," Legolas said, "but that still doesn't help me with the fact that Maeren irritates me. She makes me want to hurt her and I mean physically hurt her. I know not what to do about that, besides try to avoid her at all costs." Well, if that is the way you really feel, I will definitely avoid you as well, my prince!
"I suppose that beats the alternative, which is beating her," Elrohir said, laughing. "Seriously, Legolas, I do know the grief you feel. I and my whole family feel it as well. I wish I could say it would temper with time, but I fear time will only increase its bitterness. We will merely have to depend on each other when we feel ourselves needing solace, that is all. It just will not do to beat on hapless female healers who happen to be heavy with our brethren's child." They both laughed at that and I even stifled my laughter. That was all I needed. To be found eavesdropping on Legolas. I think he would indeed beat me if he found me doing such a thing.
Elrohir's face took on a serious note. "Legolas, the things you have been saying to her are completely lacking in character. You must cease."
"I know, Elrohir," Legolas replied. "I hear myself saying the words and cannot believe it is I who is saying them. Perhaps now that I have unburdened my heart, I will be able to hold my tongue. I promise to try."
"That is all I ask, my friend," Elrohir said.
I did not wait to hear more. I had heard all I needed or wanted to hear. I now knew why Legolas had such a problem with me. I reminded him of two of his dearest friends' mortality. There was certainly nothing I could do about that. All I could do was continue to persevere despite him. Perhaps he was right, and now that he was aware of why he berated me, he would be able to curtail the urge to do so. I knew not and was tired of thinking about it. I was tired of thinking about anything. Come to think of it, I was just plain tired.
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