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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 20, 2020 14:32:41 GMT -5
With the war finally over and the Seven Kingdoms slowly returning to a state of peace, the scattered forces of the Westerlands could finally return home. For Addam Marbrand, it meant shame and defeat. He had failed to save the progeny of Tywin Lannister, and he had no idea of Jaime's whereabouts. The West had lost it s grip on the Iron Throne and would have to bow to the Baratheons once again. At least it was the kin of Kevan Lannister who held Casterly Rock, and not some nobody serving the fiery stag.
Addam and his closest companions arrived at Casterly Rock, answering the summons of Lord Martyn. He was curious what the young lord's plans were for the region, and what his role would be under the new regime. Addam would never serve Stannis Baratheon directly, he was sure of that.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 20, 2020 17:49:41 GMT -5
With the war finally over and the Seven Kingdoms slowly returning to a state of peace, the scattered forces of the Westerlands could finally return home. For Addam Marbrand, it meant shame and defeat. He had failed to save the progeny of Tywin Lannister, and he had no idea of Jaime's whereabouts. The West had lost it s grip on the Iron Throne and would have to bow to the Baratheons once again. At least it was the kin of Kevan Lannister who held Casterly Rock, and not some nobody serving the fiery stag.
Addam and his closest companions arrived at Casterly Rock, answering the summons of Lord Martyn. He was curious what the young lord's plans were for the region, and what his role would be under the new regime. Addam would never serve Stannis Baratheon directly, he was sure of that. When Marbrand returned, Lucion had already left for King's Landing to take up his post at the Small Council. Martyn Lannister, and his retinue, had returned to the Rock after formally meeting with the King and dealing with business in the capital. The young Lannister was quiet the whole way. His older brother, Lancel, had refused to part from the Faith, but Martyn asked that, if he was to become a Septon, he at least do his training in Lannisport and take up a place at the sept there. At least their mother and sister, as well as Martyn, could see their brother more easily. He still recalled the smile that crossed his older brother's face at that request. Damion, Lucion's old father and one of Martyn's regents, was in the courtyard, reviewing the knights who had returned from across the Seven Kingdoms. A number of notables were accounted for, such as the Plumm brothers, Lyle Strongboar, and Kennos of Kayce. Their names were recorded, the houses they belonged to, and the services rendered in order to create a list of those who earned payment for their loyalty. Damion looks up as Addam was brought forth. Addam Marbrand.He doesn't even ask for his name or anything else. The old Lannister knew it all. Welcome home. Must be different without Ser Jaime. Your father is well I hear. Lord Lannister has a task for him, Lord Westerling, and Lady Lefford in the future. The West must thrive once more.Martyn had already begun developing plans, for the West, with his advisers. The young Lion had vigor and energy. I suspect you came directly to Casterly Rock to look for work with Lord Martyn, Ser Addam?Damion inquires, seeing as Ser Marbrand had simply not returned to Ashemark.
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Post by Politburo Barry on Jul 21, 2020 13:43:47 GMT -5
Stannis Baratheon is victorious and the Pretender has been cast away.Lucion states to the three present. Damion's wrinkled face smiles. Peace... at long last...He says in an old voice. Peace for the West and for the whole of the Seven Kingdoms. Lucion nods his head. Aye. Even the Reach has surrendered from what I have heard.He turns to Botley. I must go to the capital for the King has named me Master of Coin. I believe you should join me as Asha Greyjoy's representative. I am still considering whether Martyn should make the journey to King's Landing or not. However, his presence would be a good sign to Baratheon of our support to his cause.The Lord Protector considers before addressing Damion and Lady Lefford. Since I will be away at King's Landing, the regency will fall upon the two of you. As promised, Martyn will have a regent for only one more year. By then, he should be of age and able to rule the West in his own name and right. I will see about getting any Westermen knights that roam the Seven Kingdoms to return to the West to assist in Martyn's reign from the Rock.Lancel Lannister, Lord Plumm's sons, Addam Marbrand, and more were among these absent knights that needed to come home at long last. Botley asked, not entirely surprised. He figured that after Stannis had smashed the Targaryen armies in the field, his victory was only a matter of time, though the Lord of Lordsport wasn't quite expecting it to come this quickly. He wasn't sure whether to inwardly sigh at the lack of accomplishments to the Ironborn's name in this final stage of the conflict, for they had just sat here in the Western hills glaring at the Reach, or to be thankful that no more Ironborn lives were wasted when the Baratheon host was clearly strong enough to win the war with just its old Rebellion-era allies at its side. "Of course, I'll come to the capital with you. I need only a little time to compose a letter to Lady Greyjoy, informing her of what has happened."
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 21, 2020 15:09:51 GMT -5
When Marbrand returned, Lucion had already left for King's Landing to take up his post at the Small Council. Martyn Lannister, and his retinue, had returned to the Rock after formally meeting with the King and dealing with business in the capital. The young Lannister was quiet the whole way. His older brother, Lancel, had refused to part from the Faith, but Martyn asked that, if he was to become a Septon, he at least do his training in Lannisport and take up a place at the sept there. At least their mother and sister, as well as Martyn, could see their brother more easily. He still recalled the smile that crossed his older brother's face at that request. Damion, Lucion's old father and one of Martyn's regents, was in the courtyard, reviewing the knights who had returned from across the Seven Kingdoms. A number of notables were accounted for, such as the Plumm brothers, Lyle Strongboar, and Kennos of Kayce. Their names were recorded, the houses they belonged to, and the services rendered in order to create a list of those who earned payment for their loyalty. Damion looks up as Addam was brought forth. Addam Marbrand.He doesn't even ask for his name or anything else. The old Lannister knew it all. Welcome home. Must be different without Ser Jaime. Your father is well I hear. Lord Lannister has a task for him, Lord Westerling, and Lady Lefford in the future. The West must thrive once more.Martyn had already begun developing plans, for the West, with his advisers. The young Lion had vigor and energy. I suspect you came directly to Casterly Rock to look for work with Lord Martyn, Ser Addam?Damion inquires, seeing as Ser Marbrand had simply not returned to Ashemark.
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Post by ironaquilifer on Jul 21, 2020 15:26:49 GMT -5
The Lord Protector considers before addressing Damion and Lady Lefford. Since I will be away at King's Landing, the regency will fall upon the two of you. As promised, Martyn will have a regent for only one more year. By then, he should be of age and able to rule the West in his own name and right. I will see about getting any Westermen knights that roam the Seven Kingdoms to return to the West to assist in Martyn's reign from the Rock.Lancel Lannister, Lord Plumm's sons, Addam Marbrand, and more were among these absent knights that needed to come home at long last. " You do me great honour," the lady of Golden Tooth said, though it did not sound like she appreciated it as much as someone else. " And I am glad that no more westerland blood has been spilled." Others would have made the words drip with insult, but the young woman was not the type. Perhaps it was truly genuine. " I shall send for more of my retainers. It will do the Lord Martyn well to see his subjects before he acts as their judge and leader."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 21, 2020 16:09:04 GMT -5
"Well. I suppose that's the end of the war, then?" Botley asked, not entirely surprised. He figured that after Stannis had smashed the Targaryen armies in the field, his victory was only a matter of time, though the Lord of Lordsport wasn't quite expecting it to come this quickly. He wasn't sure whether to inwardly sigh at the lack of accomplishments to the Ironborn's name in this final stage of the conflict, for they had just sat here in the Western hills glaring at the Reach, or to be thankful that no more Ironborn lives were wasted when the Baratheon host was clearly strong enough to win the war with just its old Rebellion-era allies at its side. "Of course, I'll come to the capital with you. I need only a little time to compose a letter to Lady Greyjoy, informing her of what has happened." There was little need to delay. Ser Lucion would get a retinue ready to escort him and Martyn to King's Landing which would likely be joined by Ironborn guards that followed Botley. It wouldn't be as grand as when Tywin came to King's Landing but it would certainly be less bloody. Addam nodded at Damion's question. His clothes were dirty from the ride on the goldroad from King's Landing, and as he dismounted he took a drink from his waterskin."Aye. I've no more loyalties to the Iron Throne with Stannis crowned victor, so I might as well come back home. The old man will outlive us all, so just give me the message and I'll deliver it to him once I return to Ashemark. He'll play nice, he had great respect for both Lord Tywin and Ser Kevan. Despite your betrayal of Lord Tywin's bloodline, that is to say. Has there been any word about Jaime's whereabouts?"The heir of Ashemark continued to check his equipment and clear off his belongings off the saddle."So, I've heard Lord Martyn is looking for knights. I doubt you need me to recant my skills and exploits? What exactly does he have in mind?" Damion's weathered face looks at Ser Addam, a little irritated. Do not believe, for a second, that no one supported Myrcella. I tried to do what I could, as her champion, but many of the nobility did not take kindly to the thought of a Martell offspring one day ruling the Rock. Not to mention the prospect of a long regency. They had seen what happened with Joffrey and Tommen after all.If Damion had died during the regency, Myrcella would have lost a prime supporter and civil war would have likely ocurred. Now with Tommen and her declared bastards by the King, there is no alternative. Martyn was the next in line after them. What you may view as betrayal will be written as logical and wise.The old lion says before grabbing a cup of wine to drink. His throat dry from all the talking. As for Ser Jaime, no word. None at all. I heard he was spotted at Riverrun, around the same time the Freys of Emmon's loins were hanged, but has since vanished.Jaime was lost once more. There is a task that could be of use. Martyn Lannister isn't able with swords. He had mentors, but he seemed to struggle... I think they remind him of how his twin, Willem, was murdered. I need you to break his uncertainties and help him wield a sword. He doesn't need to be like the Kingslayer, but still be able to defend himself and fight as any knight should." You do me great honour," the lady of Golden Tooth said, though it did not sound like she appreciated it as much as someone else. " And I am glad that no more westerland blood has been spilled." Others would have made the words drip with insult, but the young woman was not the type. Perhaps it was truly genuine. " I shall send for more of my retainers. It will do the Lord Martyn well to see his subjects before he acts as their judge and leader." The Faith Militant was disbanded and thus the fate of his older brother was unknown. Martyn wanted to know. Damion will remain as Castellan until Martyn returns. When he does, you two will take up the regency together till the next year.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 21, 2020 19:03:15 GMT -5
Damion's weathered face looks at Ser Addam, a little irritated. Do not believe, for a second, that no one supported Myrcella. I tried to do what I could, as her champion, but many of the nobility did not take kindly to the thought of a Martell offspring one day ruling the Rock. Not to mention the prospect of a long regency. They had seen what happened with Joffrey and Tommen after all.If Damion had died during the regency, Myrcella would have lost a prime supporter and civil war would have likely ocurred. Now with Tommen and her declared bastards by the King, there is no alternative. Martyn was the next in line after them. What you may view as betrayal will be written as logical and wise.The old lion says before grabbing a cup of wine to drink. His throat dry from all the talking. As for Ser Jaime, no word. None at all. I heard he was spotted at Riverrun, around the same time the Freys of Emmon's loins were hanged, but has since vanished.Jaime was lost once more. There is a task that could be of use. Martyn Lannister isn't able with swords. He had mentors, but he seemed to struggle... I think they remind him of how his twin, Willem, was murdered. I need you to break his uncertainties and help him wield a sword. He doesn't need to be like the Kingslayer, but still be able to defend himself and fight as any knight should.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 22, 2020 8:52:14 GMT -5
Addam gave the older Lannister a look before shrugging in response."As you say, there is no alternative now, and we will gain nothing from bickering among each other. I'm here to serve as the sword of House Lannister, for I have no interest in the stag. I just hope that Tommen's and Myrcella's fate won't mirror their mother's."The knight rubbed his cheeks in thought. He had not shaved since leaving King's Landing, and was on his way to growing a fiery red beard."If I am to teach his lordship, I will need assurances that there won't be any interference concerning my methods. Nothing drastic or extreme, of course, but I won't be going easy on him either. How old is Lord Martyn now, 15? And he was a squire before Robb Stark captured him, no? He should know enough of the basics to get him into proper shape soon enough, bad memories or not. He'll be facing his fare share of death, he should know of to defend himself on the battlefield. Do I have your word on that? Or should I ask the lad directly?" Damion said, having wondered if that brat's death was a blessing in disguise or not. He had quite the mouth and mean streak after all. We will only be concerned when necessary, Ser Marbrand. Lucion dictated two years of regency, ensuring that the realm could be managed while Martyn was taught what he was needed. He left myself and Lady Lefford to be twin regents for the last year. When next year comes, Martyn Lannister will be a lord in his own name. He is still young and needs proper nurturing though. My son did his best to let Martyn know who was capable and who could be relied upon.The Westerlands had a long road to recovery and it all came down to Martyn. He is sixteen now. He was squired by a knight in the service of Ser Kevan, before and after his capture.Damion looks at Addam and nods his head. You have my consent. My son was right to say that a capable knight is needed to make Martyn a better one. I can think of no better choice than one of the chief swords of the late Tywin. Even Ser Kevan, Seven rest his soul, would approve of you being his mentor. However, though you have my consent, perhaps you should still ask him. He is your liege after all. We need him to start making his own decisions.The old lion, as best he could, turns and points up at the Rock. Lord Lannister will likely be in the solar. I saw a maester there, educating him, when I was coming down to the courtyard. If not there, check Tywin's old war room.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 23, 2020 1:50:56 GMT -5
Addam nodded before looking toward the stairs leading further up into Casterly Rock.
"Good, then I'll go meet with my new lord. Won't need a guide, I know the Rock well enough."
He walked up the stairs carved out of the very mountain of Casterly Rock. The winding tunnels slithered upward, with many twists and turns. A labyrinth that was easy to get lost in if you did not know the way. Soon enough, Addam Marbrand found himself near Lord Lannister's solar, guarded by two red cloaks. Still in his dirty riding clothes, he walked up to them with his hands resting on his sword.
"I'm here to see Lord Lannister."
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Post by ironaquilifer on Jul 23, 2020 16:32:38 GMT -5
The lady Lefford, taken to being accompanied by several ladies and retainers from her house, made her presence known at Damion Lannister's solar. It would seem that she had deigned to put thought into how best to serve her liege lord.
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It was often Alysanne's pleasure to explore the vastness that was the cavernous dwelling of Casterly Rock. The lady could spend much of a day trailing through dimly lit corridors and rooms of dead air, entire levels that the living Lannisters had little recollection being part of their home. And so with her brand of stunted courtesy, the Lady Alysanne requests the company of Lord Martyn, so that she may have his companionship on one such journey of discovery.
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 23, 2020 18:25:10 GMT -5
Addam nodded before looking toward the stairs leading further up into Casterly Rock."Good, then I'll go meet with my new lord. Won't need a guide, I know the Rock well enough."He walked up the stairs carved out of the very mountain of Casterly Rock. The winding tunnels slithered upward, with many twists and turns. A labyrinth that was easy to get lost in if you did not know the way. Soon enough, Addam Marbrand found himself near Lord Lannister's solar, guarded by two red cloaks. Still in his dirty riding clothes, he walked up to them with his hands resting on his sword."I'm here to see Lord Lannister." One of the knights turns and knocks once before opening. Lord Lannister, Ser Addam Marbrand is here.A male's voice was heard responding, causing the door to open for Addam. Once closed, he would find Martyn was looking up at a book. A maester was present, indicating important details. It seemed the book was records from the time of his great-grandfather, Gerold the Golden, who had ruled the Westerlands during the reign of Aerys I, Maekar I, and part of Aegon V. He was considered one of the richest and most able Lannisters before Tywin. The young Lannister thought there might be something to learn from this shrewd and quick-witted ancestor. When the door closes, Martyn looks up to see Ser Marbrand. It took him a moment before knowing what to say. Welcome home, Ser Marbrand. It is good to have a knight of your skill back.He wasn't Jaime, but Addam was skilled enough. It was often Alysanne's pleasure to explore the vastness that was the cavernous dwelling of Casterly Rock. The lady could spend much of a day trailing through dimly lit corridors and rooms of dead air, entire levels that the living Lannisters had little recollection being part of their home. And so with her brand of stunted courtesy, the Lady Alysanne requests the company of Lord Martyn, so that she may have his companionship on one such journey of discovery. It was a rather odd request. Martyn wasn't exactly sure about this, but he came down to one of the levels with a few knights. Two of which carried torches. These levels were when the Lannister family was much larger and expansive, likely during the Age of Kings. He coughs slightly as a bit of dust gets kicked up. These passages weren't even used by the miners who extracted pounds of gold from the Rock. He notices Lady Lefford nearby. An odd curiosity of yours, Lady Lefford.He waves his hand, coughing slightly. Seven above, no wonder anyone comes down here.
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Post by ironaquilifer on Jul 24, 2020 8:35:16 GMT -5
It was a rather odd request. Martyn wasn't exactly sure about this, but he came down to one of the levels with a few knights. Two of which carried torches. These levels were when the Lannister family was much larger and expansive, likely during the Age of Kings. He coughs slightly as a bit of dust gets kicked up. These passages weren't even used by the miners who extracted pounds of gold from the Rock. He notices Lady Lefford nearby. An odd curiosity of yours, Lady Lefford.He waves his hand, coughing slightly. Seven above, no wonder anyone comes down here.Lady Alysanne offers a soft curtsey as the young lord joined her small band. " A pity for them, my lord." There was no smile, on her face nor in her words. " These tunnels and rooms are the legacy of your ancestors, the silent pride of all westerlords. Who else could make a citadel out of a mountain?" The lady did not set a quick pace, but her movements were not those of someone unwilling to risk leaving the marks of her passage. Indeed it seemed at times that she was willfully scuffing at the floor at irregular intervals. " I like to imagine how this place was, before you and I, before even our grandfathers' grandfathers. What riches gleamed in the candlelight? What tapestries of victory hung these stone walls? The laughter of innocents at play." For anyone else those words would not have sounded ambiguous. " I wonder what would have happened had the lion never left this den for the riches of another kingdom." When the lady stopped walking, there was a moment's hesitation, as if the woman was about to set off into a sprint. Then, nothing. " I hope that you will be the lion that returns to the den, lord Martyn. To fill the Rock with light and wealth and happiness just as you will for the people who would call you lord."
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 24, 2020 15:42:15 GMT -5
One of the knights turns and knocks once before opening. Lord Lannister, Ser Addam Marbrand is here.A male's voice was heard responding, causing the door to open for Addam. Once closed, he would find Martyn was looking up at a book. A maester was present, indicating important details. It seemed the book was records from the time of his great-grandfather, Gerold the Golden, who had ruled the Westerlands during the reign of Aerys I, Maekar I, and part of Aegon V. He was considered one of the richest and most able Lannisters before Tywin. The young Lannister thought there might be something to learn from this shrewd and quick-witted ancestor. When the door closes, Martyn looks up to see Ser Marbrand. It took him a moment before knowing what to say. Welcome home, Ser Marbrand. It is good to have a knight of your skill back.He wasn't Jaime, but Addam was skilled enough. Addam made a slight nod of deference to the young lord. "It's good to be home, my lord. I've heard you're in need of good swords, and my services will always be available to House Lannister. I just spoke with Ser Damion, who suggested my skills be best put to use teaching the Lord of Casterly Rock how to properly wield a sword in combat."
The Heir of Ashemark smirked. "I may not be a monster like your cousin Jaime, but we grew up together and regularly sparred. If you'll have me, I'm sure some of the lion strength he inherited can be found you too."
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Post by Magnate Lucius on Jul 24, 2020 21:20:09 GMT -5
Lady Alysanne offers a soft curtsey as the young lord joined her small band. " A pity for them, my lord." There was no smile, on her face nor in her words. " These tunnels and rooms are the legacy of your ancestors, the silent pride of all westerlords. Who else could make a citadel out of a mountain?" The lady did not set a quick pace, but her movements were not those of someone unwilling to risk leaving the marks of her passage. Indeed it seemed at times that she was willfully scuffing at the floor at irregular intervals. " I like to imagine how this place was, before you and I, before even our grandfathers' grandfathers. What riches gleamed in the candlelight? What tapestries of victory hung these stone walls? The laughter of innocents at play." For anyone else those words would not have sounded ambiguous. " I wonder what would have happened had the lion never left this den for the riches of another kingdom." When the lady stopped walking, there was a moment's hesitation, as if the woman was about to set off into a sprint. Then, nothing. " I hope that you will be the lion that returns to the den, lord Martyn. To fill the Rock with light and wealth and happiness just as you will for the people who would call you lord." Martyn quietly follows Lady Lefford. The sounds of his knights following closely behind with the twin torches raised to illuminate the old hallway. Occasionally, a knight stopped or moved ahead to relight an unlit torch upon the walls. Some took more of an effort due to not being touched for many years. As the hallway became more and more lit, Martyn's eyes began to wander and see where they were. Alysanne spoke of the times before. Of the lively Casterly Rock ruled by his ancestors, both King and Lord Paramount before. She painted a colorful picture with the mentions of riches, candlelight, tapestries, laughter and such. The Rock was said to once have been filled to the brim, causing Lannisport to become a place where the cousins may live, both legitimate and bastards. When Lady Lefford addressed Martyn, he stopped and looked at her. The lion that returns to the den...Lord Lannister repeated. He had heard the knights call him 'the Young Lion' before. ...I hope I can be, Lady Lefford. I am not as able as Tywin, as resolute as my father nor as rich as others before, but I can strive to be someone they would be proud of.Martyn had been thinking of this question many times over: what sort of Lannister could he be? Addam made a slight nod of deference to the young lord. "It's good to be home, my lord. I've heard you're in need of good swords, and my services will always be available to House Lannister. I just spoke with Ser Damion, who suggested my skills be best put to use teaching the Lord of Casterly Rock how to properly wield a sword in combat."The Heir of Ashemark smirked. "I may not be a monster like your cousin Jaime, but we grew up together and regularly sparred. If you'll have me, I'm sure some of the lion strength he inherited can be found you too."Martyn looks up at the mention of Damion. The older lion, one of his regents, had been trying to get the young man to get better with swords. It had been a topic that was spoken a lot by Damion, more frequent due to the recent influx of knights returning to the Westerlands. Lord Lannister sets down the book, thinking for a moment. His hand ran across the parchment of the tome. Ser Damion has been adamant about that. He knows I was squired before, but believes I can do better.Martyn turns to Addam. Ser Marbrand, aren't knights supposed to fight for their lord? If so, why must I learn the sword?A sword had taken his twin brother's life. A sword had taken a Frey cousin too. The sword was such a violent tool.
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Post by Royal Joker on Jul 25, 2020 16:00:57 GMT -5
Martyn looks up at the mention of Damion. The older lion, one of his regents, had been trying to get the young man to get better with swords. It had been a topic that was spoken a lot by Damion, more frequent due to the recent influx of knights returning to the Westerlands. Lord Lannister sets down the book, thinking for a moment. His hand ran across the parchment of the tome. Ser Damion has been adamant about that. He knows I was squired before, but believes I can do better.Martyn turns to Addam. Ser Marbrand, aren't knights supposed to fight for their lord? If so, why must I learn the sword?A sword had taken his twin brother's life. A sword had taken a Frey cousin too. The sword was such a violent tool.
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