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Lacy here with the next chapter of Zera. You all really like this so far. I can't tell you how much that means. I'm always nervous when I start writing for something different. Alright, we're in Rivendell and Zera wants to be anywhere but. You'll see a few examples as to why and also she'll have a talk with Elrond. This chapter will take us to the point where we lost Gandalf. I'll warn ya, it'll look like a cliff hanger to those who don't know the movies. So, have fun.

Disclaimer: I only own Zera.

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~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

It took several days for Frodo to heal and that whole time Zera made herself as invisible as possible. She knew the elves did not want her there any more then she wanted to be there. That was clear by the looks she got every time she left the room she was given.

Sitting in the window seat of her room, Zera focused on the plant she had sitting before her, her hand touching the bottom of the plant, making the flowers bloom and close.

"You have quite a gift,"

Zera turned her head sharply and saw Elrond. She stood and bowed. "My lord."

Elrond motioned for her to sit. "Be at ease, Zera. I am not here as a Lord. Merely one magic welder talking to another."

Zera sat back down. "About what?"

Elrond sat on a chair near Zera's seat. "You have made yourself scarce since you arrived."

Zera nodded. "I am not welcome among your people. They make no secret of this."

"They fear your sorcery, Zera." Elrond said. "And because they fear, they do not trust. But as long as I welcome you, they cannot say otherwise." he stood. "There is to be a council on the fate of the ring. I want you there, along with your brother."

Zera nodded. "Of course, my lord."

Elrond removed something from his pocket and handed it to Zera. "Wear this. It will let all know you are welcome."

Zera looked at ring Elrond had given her. It was a thick silver band with blue sapphire encrusted on either side of a black diamond. She slipped the ring onto her right thumb and bowed her head to Elrond.

"Thank you, my lord." she said.

Elrond nodded. "The council shall be when Frodo awakes."

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

Zera stood in a long black gown before the broken pieces of her heritage. Narsil, the Broken Blade of Elendil. The few wisps that fell from her long braided hair blew back from her face as she walked up to the sword.

"So much good done that day," she said softly to no one. "and yet so much evil as well." she ran her fingers gently over the pieces, careful of the still sharp edges. "Fate played a cruel trick that day."

"You and your brother are strong." Arwen said as she joined Zera. "You will not allow Fate to play the same trick."

Zera looked at the older woman, though she looked no older then Zera herself. "How do you know?"

Arwen smiled. "I have known you both for many years. I know the courage and faith your hearts hold. The ring will not darken your hearts."

Zera looked back at the sword pieces. "According to many, my heart is already dark."

Arwen turned Zera so they faced each other. "Those that matter know the truth."

Zera smiled. "Between you, your father and my brother, it's a wonder I ever doubt myself."

Arwen smiled as well. "You have a bigger part to play in this then you know, Zera. Don't let anyone stop you."

"I won't."

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

A few days later, Zera stood behind her brother's chair in the council meeting, her eyes flitting from person to person, race to race. She was disgusted to find she was the only woman there. Of course, if it wasn't for her brother and Elrond, she wouldn't be there. Sexist pigs.

"Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor." Elrond started. "Middle-earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom."

Zera watched Frodo's face as Elrond spoke. She could see the hobbit was nervous, scared even of what was going to happen. Of what was going to be asked of him.

"Bring forth the ring," Elrond said. "Frodo."

Frodo stepped forward and placed the ring on a stone Plinth in the middle of the circle. He then quickly returned to his seat. Zera couldn't blame him. Everyone was watching him.

"So it is true!" the one called Boromir said in shock.

"Sauron's ring!" Legolas's disbelief was clear in his voice. "The ring of power!"

"The doom of man!" Gimli said. Zera wanted to glare at the dwarf.

"It is a gift," Boromir said softly. Zera watched him with interest. "A gift to the foes of Mordor. Why not use this ring?" he stood and started moving about the group. "Long has my father, the Steward of Gondor, held the forces of Mordor at bay. By the blood of our people are your lands kept safe. Give Gondor the weapon of the enemy. Let us use it against him!"

Zera noticed Aragorn go stiff in his chair. It was this kind of thinking that let the ring live many life times before.

"You cannot wield it." Aragorn said. "None of us can. The one ring answers to Sauron alone. It has no other master."

Boromir turned and looked at the siblings, his eyes cold. "And what would a ranger know of this matter?"

Zera inhaled sharply, more then ready to defend her brother. Legolas beat her to it.

"This is no mere ranger." he said standing. "He is Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You owe him your allegiance."

Boromir looked back at the two. "Aragorn? This is Isildur's heir?"

"And heir to the throne of Gondor." Legolas said.

Zera knew Legolas needed to stop. "Havo dad, Legolas." Sit down, Legolas.

"Gondor needs no king." Boromir said as he sat down.

"Aragorn is right," Gandalf said. "we cannot use it."

"You have only one choice." Elrond said. "The ring must be destroyed."

Gimli suddenly stood, his axe in hand. Zera took a step forward. Please don't let the dwarf be that foolish.

"Then what are we waiting for?" Gimli said moments before he brought his axe down on the ring.

The axe smashed and Gimli was sent flying back, to the ground, where he stared in disbelief.

"The ring cannot be destroyed, Gimli, son of Gloin, by any craft that we here possess." Elrond said. "The ring was made in the fires of Mount Doom, only there can it be unmade. It must be taken deep into Mordor, and cast back into the fiery chasm from whence it came." He looked around the group. "One of you must do this."

"One does not simply walk into Mordor." Boromir piped up. Zera was tempted to muzzle that man. "Its black gates are guarded by more than just Orcs. There is evil there that does not sleep and the Great Eye is ever watchful. It is a barren wasteland, riddled with fire and ash and dust, the very air you breathe is a poisonous fume." He shook his head. "Not with ten thousand men could you do this. It is folly."

"Have you heard nothing Lord Elrond has said?" Legolas stood. "The ring must be destroyed."

"And I suppose you think you're the one to do it?" Gimli asked in a superior tone. Oh yeah, this was going well.

"And if we fail, what then? What happens when Sauron takes back what is his?" Boromir threw in.

Gimli jumped to his feet. "I will be dead before I see the ring in the hands of an elf!"

Zera watched as everyone started fighting. Well, this is what happens when you bring the free races of the world together with their egos that are too large for their own good. She exchanged a look with Aragorn as the others fought. They knew it was a useless fight, sparked out of fear, so they stayed silent.

"I will take it!" Frodo's strong voice broke through the fighting. "I will take the ring to Mordor."

Zera's eyes slipped shut. She was hoping it wouldn't come to this. Exchanging another look with Aragorn, the two siblings decided they would help Frodo for as long as he needed them.

"Though," Frodo went on. "I do not know the way."

Gandalf moved over to Frodo. "I will help you bear this burden, Frodo Baggins, as long as it is yours to bear."

Aragorn stood and Zera followed him to Frodo.

"If, by my life or death, I can protect you, I will." Aragorn said. "You have my sword."

Zera nodded. "Mine as well."

Aragorn moved to Frodo's right side, Zera beside him.

"And you have my bow." Legolas said, stepping forward.

"And my axe." Gimli said. Legolas looked less then happy about this.

Boromir looked at them all, then at Frodo. "You carry the fate of us all, little one." he looked at Elrond and Gandalf. "If this is indeed the will of the council, then Gondor will see it done."

Zera, unlike the others, looked unsurprised as the rest of the hobbits popped out, unseen and demanded to join.

"Ten companions," Elrond said, almost thoughtfully. "So be it. You shall be the Fellowship of the Ring."

"Great," Pippin chimed in. "where are we going?"

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

"You should not be involved in this." Aragorn said as he and Zera got ready.

Zera clasped her cloak around her neck. "There is a lot I should have never been involved in, brother but I was and I am now. This is my fate as much as it is yours. We are both heirs to the throne, even if you are first in line."

Aragorn sighed. "We gave that up a long time ago, little sister. It is no longer our fate."

Zera smiled. "If there is one thing I've learned in my life it's that Fate never reveals its true plan until it wants us to know. We do not know for sure if the throne is lost to us." she tied her sword to her belt. "Our path will lead where it's meant to. For now, we must help Frodo. He cannot do this alone."

Aragorn kissed Zera on the forehead. "You are wise beyond your years, Zera."

Zera slid her dagger into the sheath that sat on her hip. "As are you, brother."

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

Zera sat beside Aragorn as they watched Boromir give Merry and Pippin fighting lessons.

"They're quick learners." Zera said.

Aragorn nodded. "Very quick. Move your feet, Pippin!"

Zera looked over her shoulder as she heard Gimli talk about going through the mines.

"My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome." Gimli said.

Zera narrowed her eyes on the dwarf. "Can we hog tie him and carry him?"

Aragorn laughed. "And who would be the one carrying him?"

"Legolas," Zera said. "give the two some bonding time."

"What is that?" They heard Sam asked.

The two turned and saw Legolas staring at what appeared to be clouds.

"Nothing," Gimli said. "just a wisp of cloud."

"It's moving fast," Boromir said. "against the wind."

"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas called out.

"Hide!" Aragorn shouted urgently.

Grabbing their things, the Fellowship scattered and hid wherever they could. Zera thickened each bush the group hid behind to give them better cover. They kept watch as the crows flew over head. It was unclear if they were spotted or not but once they were clear, everyone came out.

"Spies of Sarumon." Gandalf said, worried. "The passage south is being watched."

Gandalf looked at Aragorn and Zera before the others. "We must take the pass of Carahras!"

Zera exhaled as she looked up at the mountain. Snow. She hated snow.

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

Aragorn kept Zera close as they climbed over the snow covered land. He could see her weakening the further they went.

"Zera," he said as he watched her stop for a moment.

Zera shook her head. "I am fine, Aragorn." she caught sight of Frodo falling. "Frodo!"

Aragorn caught the hobbit and helped him to his feet. Frodo brushed himself off and noticed the ring was missing. The three saw it laying in the snow just before Boromir picked it up.

"Boromir?" Aragorn called out softly.

"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing." Boromir said. "Such a little thing."

"Boromir," Aragorn's voice carried. "give the ring to Frodo."

Zera and Aragorn's hands traveled to the hilts of their swords.

Boromir snapped out of whatever spell the ring had on him and handed it back to Frodo. "As you wish. I care not."

He smiled at Frodo and ruffled his hair before continuing after the others. The siblings released their swords.

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

As they climbed higher on the mountain, snow began to fall and the higher they went, the harder it fell. Aragorn held Zera close to his side, helping her through the waist high snow, each of them carrying one of the hobbits while Boromir carried the other two.

"Hold on Zera," Aragorn said to his sister, seeing her pale, weak face.

Legolas walked on top of the drift, towards the edge of the cliff. "There is a fell voice in the air."

"It's Sarumon!" Gandalf said.

Thunder boomed and rock and shale fell from above.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain!" Aragorn called out, fearing for them all. "Gandalf! We must turn back!"

Gandalf shook his head. "No!"

Zera held tightly to Sam and her brother as Gandalf tried to counter Saruman's magic. Lightning cracked through the air, exploding on the mountain side above their heads. They looked up in horror as an avalanche came tumbling down towards them. Aragorn pulled Zera and the hobbits back against the mountain side and covered them as best he could. Zera sealed her eyes shut as she felt the cold snow fall upon them.

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

A life time seemed to have passed before Zera finally broke herself and Sam free of the snow. She looked around and saw the others were freeing themselves as well.

"We must get off the mountain!" Boromir called out. "Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the West road to my city!"

"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!" Aragorn shot back.

"We cannot pass over the mountain." Gimli said. "Let us go under it. Let us go through the mines of Moria."

Zera wanted to smack the dwarf. First snow and now rock. Were they trying to kill her? She watched Gandalf for his decision.

"Let the ringbearer decide." Gandalf said.

They all looked at Frodo. Frodo looked around at his friends. Then he looked back at Gandalf.

"We will go through the mines." Frodo said.

Gandalf nodded slowly. "So be it."

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

Most of Zera's strength had returned by the time they reached the Walls of Moria. Looking at the stone walls, and figuring it would be a bit before Gandalf got them in, Zera sat down near a patch of soil at the base of one of the trees and land her hand on one of the roots. Exhaling, she closed her eyes and felt the strength of the Earth.

"What are you doing?"

Zera opened her eyes at the sound of Boromir's voice. She saw him standing by her side. "I'm regaining what strength I lost on the mountain."

Boromir frowned. "I do not understand."

Zera removed her hand from the tree. "I am a sorceress, Boromir. I draw my strength and power from the Earth and the living plants."

Boromir moved to sit beside Zera. "So being in the cold and snow,"

"Drains me." Zera nodded. "As will being in the cave. That is why I am regaining as much as possible."

Boromir nodded. "Do not let me stop you then."

Zera gave a small smile before placing her hand back on the root. Her eyes fell shut again and the strength of the Earth flowed into her.

"Do not disturb the water." Zera heard Aragorn said to one of the hobbits.

She opened her eyes as Boromir's hand fell to her shoulder. She stood and watched the water with the two.

"Speak friend and enter." Frodo repeated the words on the door. "What's the Elvish word for 'friend'?"

Gandalf frowned. "Mellon."

With that one word, the doors to the mine open, revealing a black so thick, nothing could be seen. The group slowly made their way in, Zera, Aragorn and Boromir pushing the hobbits ahead of them while keeping an eye on the water.

"So, master elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves;" Gimli started. "roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin, Balin, and they call this a Mine."

The crystal on Zera's staff shined a bright purple light, mixing with the white coming from Gandalf's. They all stared in horror at the skeletons on the ground.

"This is no mine," Boromir said. "it's a tomb!"

Gimli looked around him horror. "Oh! No. No! NO!"

Legolas yanked an arrow from one of the skeletons. "Goblins!"

Everyone drew their swords and moved back towards the entrance of the mine.

"We make for the Gap of Rohan." Boromir said. "We should never have come here."

"And stating that now does nothing to help us." Zera snapped. "Focus on getting out alive."

Frodo's cry for help called everyone's attention to him. A tentacle was wrapped around his leg, yanking him backwards, towards the water. Rushing forward with Boromir and Aragorn, Zera grabbed Frodo's hand as the two men hacked at the tentacle holding the hobbit. They managed to free Frodo but the creature's full body came out of the water and knocked the three back while grabbing for Frodo again. Spurred on by anger and fear, the three charged the creature, hacking at whatever tentacle came within sword range.

Zera could hear Legolas releasing arrows at the beast as Aragorn sliced through the tentacle holding Frodo. The hobbit landed in Boromir's arms.

"Into the mines!" Gandalf shouted.

"Legolas!" Zera and Aragorn echoed.

The elf shot more arrows at the beast, allowing Zera, Boromir, Frodo and Aragorn time to get out of the water and into the mine. The creature followed, using its tentacles to pull itself up on land and to the entrance. A shattering echo sounded through the mines as the entrance began collapsing on the creature, leaving the fellowship trapped in the dark mines, only Zera and Gandalf's crystals lighting their way.

"We now have but one choice, we must face the long dark of Moria." Gandalf said. "Be on your guard, there are older and fouler things than the Orcs in the deep places of the world."

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

Zera leaned against a rock as Gandalf tried to get his bearings in the maze of tunnels. She shut her eyes but felt her brother watching her.

"I am fine, Aragorn." Zera said.

"You grow more pale every minute, Zera." Aragorn said. "That is not fine."

Zera exhaled slowly. "I have plenty of strength left to get through the mines. Once on the other side, I will get it back quickly."

Boromir let out a laugh. "She is more stubborn then most men."

Zera cracked an eye open. "Thank you."

Aragorn shook his head. "Do not encourage her."

"Ah!" Gandalf said. "It's this way!"

"He's remembered!" Merry said as everyone stood, Zera with help from Aragorn.

"No, but the air doesn't smell so foul down there." Gandalf said. "When in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose."

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

The group passed under an arch way, crossing into a black empty space. Gandalf looked at Zera.

"Let us risk a little more light." he said.

Zera nodded and the two gently banged the ends of their staffs on the ground. Their crystals glowed brighter and the room was lit for all to see.

"Behold! The great realm and Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf!" Gandalf said.

"Well there's an eye opener." Sam said. "Make no mistake."

The group began walking, slowly, through the great hall. Pillars, taller then believable, surrounded them as they moved and the ceiling was so high, it was almost impossible to see. The black walls were polished and smooth as glass. Not too far ahead of them, a wooden door had been smashed open. There were black arrows embedded in the wood. Zera's hand slid to her hilt as she took in the two goblin skeletons in the doorway.

"Gimli!" Gandalf called as the dwarf rushed ahead.

The others followed him into the room where dwarf and goblins skeletons were everywhere. A stone coffin stood in the middle of the room, the only light around shining directly on it.

Gimli fell to his knees, sobbing as Gandalf read off that it was his cousin in the coffin.

"It is as I had feared." Gandalf said. He caught sight of a book and handed his staff and hat to Pippin. Picking the book up, the pages cracked as he opened it. "They have taken the Bridge and the second hall: we have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long...the ground shakes...drums in the deep...we cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. Will no one save us? They are coming."

A loud clattering sounds, turning the whole fellowship towards Pippin, who was standing with his back to the well in the corner, his whole face wincing with each clang. Each clang echoed louder then the last.

"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf said, slamming the book shut. He dropped it and took his things. "Throw yourself in next time and rid us all of your stupidity!"

Zera moved to Pippin's side and laid a hand on his shoulder before they all froze, hearing a loud booming coming from the well. Zera and Pippin turned to look at the well, fear on their faces.

"Mr. Frodo!" Sam said, worry coloring his tone.

They all turned and saw Frodo's sword was glowing blue.

"Orcs!" Legolas cried out.

Aragorn looked at the hobbits. "Get back! Stay close to Gandalf!" he looked at his sister.

Zera leveled a glare at him. "Tell me to stay close to Gandalf and the orcs will be the least of your worries."

Aragorn nodded. "Be careful."

Zera pulled her sword. "You as well."

"They have a cave troll." Boromir said.

Tightening her sword grip, Zera exhaled. This wasn't going to be easy.

"Let them come!" Gimli said from on top of the tomb. "There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!"

Zera eyed him. Well, at least he was using his grief for something useful. Before long the door was shattered and more orcs then Zera could count flooded the room. With a sharp eye and loud cry, she surged forward, slashing at any orc who met her blade. The cave troll swung the chain at its neck around the room and Zera had to duck more then once the avoid it.

"Aragorn!" Zera's head snapped around, hearing Frodo call her brother's name. "Aragorn!"

The hobbit was cornered by the troll, with no escape. They watched, in shock, as the troll stabbed Frodo with his spear, dropping the young hobbit to the ground.

"Frodo!" Zera and Aragorn shouted.

The other hobbits madly attacked the troll, Sam slashing at its knees while Merry and Pippin jumped on its back. Zera jumped at the troll, running her blade down its back, causing it to throw its head back. That gave Legolas the chance to shoot the beast in the mouth with an arrow, piercing right up into its brain. The troll swayed, Pippin still on its shoulders and fell to the ground, dead.

Zera and Aragorn ran over to Frodo, kneeling at the hobbit's side.

"No," Zera said softly.

Aragorn rolled Frodo over and to their surprise, he started coughing.

"He's alive!" Sam said in joy.

Frodo leaned against Aragorn. "I'm alright. I'm not hurt."

"You should be dead." Aragorn said in disbelief. "That spear would have skewered a wild boar!"

Gandalf leaned on his staff. "I think there's more to this hobbit then meets the eye."

Frodo looked at the wizard before unbuttoning his shirt slightly. A beautiful white shiny shirt lay under his top one.

"Mithril!" Gimli said in shocked awe. "You are full of surprises, Master Baggins."

Zera stood to pick up her staff and felt her shoulders slump as she saw it in pieces, the crystal smashed.

"Damnit," she said.

Boromir stood beside her. "Be thankful it was the staff and not you."

Zera looked at him. "You're right."

The sound of drums rang out again and everyone stiffened.

"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" Gandalf said with urgency clear in his tone.

As the fellowship rushed down the hall, towards the door at the end, they could hear and see goblins coming out of every crack in the place. There were thousands of them. They were completely surrounded in seconds, no way of getting out. Just as the goblins were about to attack, a deafening roar filled the air. A fiery light started down the hall, from the way they had come and the goblins scattered, as if terrified.

"What is this new devilry?" Boromir asked softly.

A huge shadow, surrounded by flame fell across the hall. The ground started shaking and Zera grabbed Aragorn's arm to keep her balance.

"A Balrog." Gandalf answered. "A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you." his face grew dire. "Run! Quickly!"

The group took off, running as fast as their legs could carry them. Zera's steps faltered, her strength draining faster then she'd hoped. Boromir caught sight of this and threw an arm around her waist, keeping her up and close as he helped her run.

They reached the top of a stair case that was so high, it made Zera's knees weaker. She turned her head and saw Gandalf leaning heavily on his staff.

"Lead them on, Aragorn," he said. "the bridge is near." Aragorn hesitated and this seemed to spur Gandalf on. "Do as I say! Swords are no more use here."

Heading down the stairs as fast as possible, they reached a section that was missing. Legolas jumped over first, followed by Gandalf. Boromir took Merry and Pippin, jumping with them. Aragorn tossed Sam across and turned to Zera.

"This is no time to argue," Aragorn said. "you cannot make that jump alone."

Zera nodded and Aragorn used as much strength as he could to get his sister across. She landed in Boromir's arms and held onto him as Gimli foolishly jumped on his own, causing Legolas to pull him up by his beard. Before Aragorn could jump with Frodo, the Balrog reached the top of the stairs and the shaking caused the gap to break further. A boulder fell from the ceiling, smashing the way back up the stairs. The portion Aragorn and Frodo stood on started to sway. Zera watched in fear as the rock moved in all directions. Finally, Aragorn and Frodo leaned forward and jumped to the others.

They finally reached the bridge and started across. Zera held Boromir's shield from behind to keep from falling. They all made it to the other side and started up the stairs only to realize, Gandalf wasn't with them. They turned back and saw him in the middle of the bridge, facing the Balroc.

The great beast held a sword in one hand, a whip in the other as flames shot out from everywhere. It roared at Gandalf.

"You cannot pass!" Gandalf shouted.

"Gandalf!" Frodo called in fear.

Gandalf's focus didn't falter. "I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun." the Balroc stepped a massive foot forward onto the bridge. "Go back to the shadow!"

The beast swung at Gandalf but the wizard didn't back down.

"You shall not pass!"

Slamming his staff down hard, a blinding white light spread and as the Balroc stepped forward, the bridge beneath him shattered, sending him falling into the black abyss. Gandalf let out a sigh of relief and turned to join the others. Before he could take a single step, the Balroc's whip came back and wrapped around Gandalf's ankle dragging him over the edge. He barely caught the edge and tried to pull himself up.

"Gandalf!" Frodo screamed.

The wizard looked at the others. "Fly, you fools!" The words slid from his mouth seconds before he lost his grip, sending him falling after the beast.

"NO!" Frodo screamed, rushing forward.

Boromir grabbed a hold of the hobbit and pulled him away. Zera's feet wouldn't move.

"Zera!" Boromir called out. "Aragorn!"

The siblings snapped back and ducked orc arrows as they followed the rest of the fellowship out.

~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~

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*blinks* Wow, that is long. Um, no real ending note so let me know what you think, flame policy stands and thanks for reading.

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