Ah. That's... quite a lot of wine. G'raha is not a heavy drinker, never has been, but he finds that these days--with his younger body, and one that has been asleep for a good while beside--he is less accustomed to his limits. But! He's also not one to back down, and so he meets the toast, albeit a bit uncertainly. What an odd situation.
"I am sure our time will be most pleasant." At least, he hopes so. This feels oddly like a wedding toast.
Swirling the liquid around in the glass, he takes a sip; wine is far easier to drink than some of the tavern fare he's had before. "I don't drink all that often, unless among friends. And I suppose that would be the sort of situation we're in, yes?" At least, he hopes so.
"Of course, of course! I am much the same way. Though I will drink alone, I much prefer to do it in good company."
He takes another sip and lowers his glass with a smile.
"You should come out to drink with Hermes and I some time. 'Tis always a fun adventure! I would warn that Emet-Selch may come, but he prefers to be boring and nap, so you likely won't have to worry about that at least."
It's probably already obvious that Hythlodaeus is the driving force behind a lot of Hermes' nights out- he knows that Hermes can't say no to him, and he takes full advantage. Only in the name of having fun of course!
Oh. The invitation is unexpected, and brushes away some of the lingering uncertainty. G'raha perks up a bit; he would quite like to go out with friends--are they friends? Yes, he thinks so--and rather misses the pleasure of group company. He gives a slight laugh, only a little nervous, at the mention of Emet-Selch.
"I could not picture Emet-Selch in a rowdy tavern." He takes another sip of the wine, letting the warmth creep down his throat. It's pleasant, though he does know the effects of drinking too much, unfortunately.
"I would rather like to go with the two of you. It does seem like it would be fun, and... much better than going alone." Especially here, when an inexperienced young man (such as G'raha) is likely to find himself ingesting something of questionable substance without much thought.
"Then it is settled! I will let Hermes know as soon as possible. 'Tis always good fun, even if we don't drink to excess."
Sometimes it's just the experience of being with friends and having fun that draws him in- drinking can make things more fun, but only if the night is already off to a good start.
"We must find you a suitable outfit, of course... the taverns- or rather, nightclubs- in the Up are often quite... sophisticated? Patrons are expected to at least look presentable. Not that your current clothing isn't just fine to me, but I admit I have no sense of fashion. It is to be expected, my people did not dress individually, after all."
The times G'raha had spent at the tavern with the rest of the Scions--or at least a handful of them, depending--were quite enjoyable. The thought makes him a bit homesick, so he takes another sip, letting the slight burn of the wine push away unpleasant thoughts.
"Ah, an outfit?" He glances down at himself. True, what he's wearing is rather plain. He is not one particularly into fashion, nor does Hermes seem to be. Taverns in Eorzea are not particularly picky, either. "I'm afraid I haven't any idea the sort of things people here wear."
Another glance at Hythlodaeus turns into a longer, more pondering look. "You say you have no sense of fashion, but you look quite fashionable to me!"
He does remember the shades, though, and the brief glimpse of those long gone. It is true that they'd been dressed similarly. Or rather, exactly the same.
"Ah, Emet-Selch has taken it upon himself to dress me. I certainly wouldn't wish to embarrass him, as his Submissive and lover- and it makes him happy, so I allow it."
He shrugs easily, sipping at his own glass. "Though now that I know what Emet-Selch would pick out, I suppose I could assist you in finding something... ah, but I think the colours are important, and I haven't a clue what would best bring out the wonderful red of your hair and eyes."
He smiles apologetically. "I could always ask him, I suppose. Unless you have any ideas?"
Emet-Selch dresses him? For some reason, the idea strikes G'raha as amusing, though he supposes it shouldn't be. As much as he dislike the man Emet-Selch had been in the past, he was well-known in history books for being an elegantly imposing man. Perhaps a bit too much fur for G'raha's liking, but.
"I would not mind if you asked him, though I do not believe he'd jump at the chance to help you find something presentable for me." Or he'd simply outright refuse. That seems like something Emet-Selch would do.
A moment of pondering, followed by another sip. There's the pleasant warmth to the wine that G'raha remembers from the taverns at home. "I haven't the slightest idea of the fashion customs here yet. Everything seems a bit... impractical."
"You would be surprised at what I can persuade him to do when I put my mind to it."
And now that he's said that, he rather thinks it would be a fun challenge for himself. "You're right about the fashion here, though. I would honestly have been happy enough in my robes, but alas- they make me stand out in a place such as this. And that doesn't sit well with me."
He's so used to blending in with the crowd that it makes him uncomfortable to stick out any.
"I suppose we must alter any clothing we find for you in order to accommodate your tail, but that can quite easily be done with magic." So the real challenge is finding the clothing to begin with.
Hythlodaeus does seem to be adept at handling Emet-Selch, and anyone permanently contracted to him must at least enjoy his company--and be company Emet-Selch enjoys in return. Perhaps it's the pleasantness (ignoring that intimidating aura from earlier) that meshes well with Emet-Selch's... personality.
There is the matter of his tail, though. G'raha perks up a bit about it being easily fixed, as he has been struggling with the thing himself. "I'm not particularly fashionable, as such, but I would be amenable to finding some new clothes. And altering them. I'd been cutting holes before, but it really isn't as convenient as it sounds."
Meaning, fitting his tail in and then taking it back out is a pain. For now, he's been wearing basic, plain clothing, as Hermes seems to prefer. The wine is making it a bit easier to relax, and G'raha is enjoying himself. Conversations with friends are so pleasant.
"I can imagine... would a button not be a simple solution? That way you could fasten it above your tail, and simply undo it to free it from the hole."
He sets down his wine glass for a moment, and beckons for G'raha to let him see his tail.
"If you'll allow me one moment..."
He waves his hand, and his idea takes form. Now there's a fastener above the hole G'raha made for his tail.
"There. Why not try this for a while? If it works as intended, we can do it for your other clothing as well." He picks up his glass again with an easy smile.
That is quite convenient; G'raha will never not be impressed with the speed and ease at which things take form for the Ancients. He looks positively delighted.
"Thank you so very much." G'raha would like to turn around and look at it, though that is quite impossible at the present time. When he undresses, perhaps. "I'm certain this will make things a lot easier."
And it will. Any sort of fastening, so that he does not have to precariously slide his tail in and out of a crude hole he's cut. And wearing it low just... does not work very well.
"I do hope so! Though the tail is delightful, I cannot imagine it is practical."
He idly reaches out as if to touch it, but then pauses with his hand partially outstretched- he clearly almost forgot himself, and touched without permission. Pulling his hand back, he gives G'raha an apologetic smile.
"My apologies... it simply looks so soft, I forgot myself."
Well, at least he remembered before he actually started petting him. But he's rather hoping G'raha will say that it's fine to do so.
G'raha thinks nothing of the hand extending towards him, slightly puzzled when it stops. Ah, he understands though; Hythlodaeus apologizes, and he smiles pleasantly, not offended in the slightest.
"I don't mind," G'raha says, appreciating the compliment. It is rather soft, though he does not often think of it. It's simply part of him, as his ears are, and where he's from, such features are not at all uncommon.
Which is why he has never had to deal so much with garments not designed for him. But with this... the button will absolutely help. So if Hythlodaeus wants to touch, it is the least G'raha can do for him.
Pleased that G'raha has accepted his apology and given him permission to touch, he reaches out again to run his fingers along the fur. It's soft as he expected, and he strokes along the tail a few times before moving to pet G'raha's ears again.
"Marvellous... I'm quite taken with these features, I must admit. They're so very expressive!"
Scratching behind his ears idly, Hythlodaeus beams at his companion. He wonders what other feline traits G'raha has- does he purr? Hiss? Does his fur puff up when he's startled? Is his tongue rough? So many questions!
As usual, the touching feels very nice. Not that G'raha would admit it--likening himself too much to an actual cat--but he does enjoy it, and the way his ears twitch should make it obvious to anyone paying attention. Hythlodaeus moves to his ears, then, and that is even better, particularly when slender fingers begin scratching behind them.
"They... are quite expressive, yes," he manages, trying to remain composed. "Though I sometimes find it a bit inconvenient."
How many times have these features given away his true feelings? Too many. G'raha would love to be cool and composed, but it is often difficult when his ears and tail seem to want everyone to know just how he is feeling.
"I would find it inconvenient, as well. Allowing others to see so plainly how you truly feel at all times? I would rather not."
Which may seem strange, coming from a cheerful man such as Hythlodaeus, but the truth is he's simply good at faking it when need be. Yes he can be serious, or unhappy, or angry... but it's s much easier to hide it, for the most part.
"How does this feel?" He scratches behind the ears slowly, methodically. Trying to find a rhythm and pattern that affects G'raha more.
Oh yes, that's a very nice spot Hythlodaeus has found. How is it that both he and Hermes are so adept at scratching his ears? It's slightly hard to focus with the way Hythlodaeus does it, G'raha's eyes slightly heavy-lidded. It's pleasant and relaxing and very, very nice.
"Mm... It's- It's good," he admits, slightly sheepish, but also a bit more relaxed than he usually would be. It's no doubt thanks to the wine and the petting.
Perhaps ears are not always so inconvenient if having them scratched can feel this nice.
"Delightful... 'tis a treat for me as well." He likes knowing he can make G'raha feel like this. Soon enough he slides his hand back though, rubbing at his ear as he does so before lowering his hand entirely.
"Ah, but I wouldn't wish for you to fall asleep on me!" He grins, sipping at his wine again. "Soft as your ears are, and I admit I could do this all day, 'tis rather difficult to have a conversation with someone when they're asleep, hmm?"
Oh… is he falling asleep? G’raha shakes himself back to the present; having these ears really is inconvenient sometimes, though he would not trade them for something else. He clears his throat, and straightens up a bit.
“I apologize! Sometimes I admit I am rather at their mercy.” The same goes for his tail; how he hates having it tugged on. He’s had it shut in a door a few times too many, as well.
Another sip of his own wine will hopefully soothe the embarrassment. “What were we talking about?”
Laughing to himself, though not unkindly, he shakes his head. "'Tis my own fault, I got carried away."
He peers at G'raha with a smirk over his glass. "Ah, but our glasses are nearly empty. Luckily, we have more!"
He pours himself some, and then fills G'raha's glass up once more. The bottle is now empty- he only had enough for a few glasses in there- but it's not like he's trying to get them trashed anyway.
"Did you often drink like this with your friends? I fear I still know little and less about them... and I am very curious."
Well, if he is being offered more, is not the solution to accept? G'raha takes the now-filled glass and raises it to his lips; the liquid is pleasant warmth down his throat, into his belly. The wine is putting him in a good mood, even more ready than usual to discuss his dear friends.
"Oh yes... well, in the time we were together, I did." After he had joined the Scions, he would often be invited out for drinks, something he would never have been able to accept as the Exarch. "I am afraid I never quite managed to outdrink any of them, though."
And he has a feeling he would not be able to outdrink Hythlodaeus, either.
"They were quite pleasant drinking company." He smiles, the wine giving a warm flush to his cheeks. "Though with some of them, it could get quite... rowdy."
He sips at his own wine, chuckling. "Things could get interesting with Azem and Emet-Selch as my drinking partners, but never rowdy. Many a debate was had over some of the concepts that crossed my desk, and Azem would often try to come up with new ones on the spot. Other times, we simply laid back and watched the stars from the park... though it was all very well until we tried standing up again!"
He smiles, though there's a slight wistfulness to his gaze. He does miss their antics.
G'raha wishes he could have met Hythlodaeus' friends... as they were, not the Emet-Selch he knows today. He had the privilege of a brief glimpse back in Ultima Thule, but that is hardly knowing someone, and the way Hythlodaeus speaks of him is quite fond. Azem as well. He smiles too, understanding the wistfulness... but he is fortunate to have his friends alive and well. As far as he knows, at least.
"There is nothing quite like drinking with dear friends," he says. "I believe the only debates to be had among my friends were things such as who could drink the most... which I wholeheartedly lost."
Hythlodaeus laughs at that, shaking his head. "Oh dear, not much of a drinker? Not to worry, I don't think any of us would make it a competition here. Though should you come drinking with us some time, I will warn you that my own tolerance is quite high."
He wouldn't want G'raha to get sick trying to keep up with him. It stops being fun when people start to suffer for their night out. "There is no shame in stopping early, though admittedly once I'm deep enough in my cups I may try to persuade you otherwise. Feel free to ignore me should that be the case." Giggling, he goes back to his wine. Yes, he knows he can be even more of a menace when he's drunk.
G'raha thinks he'd like to take Hythlodaeus up on his offer. He has been quite lonely here--not through any fault of Hermes', of course! But they each have their own things to do, and G'raha has become used to the boisterous atmosphere of the Scions.
"I would love to join sometime," he says, a small smile on his face. "Though I may be the first to stop, I shall join nonetheless, the next time you happen to need company." He is also perhaps a bit curious about a drunk Hythlodaeus.
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timeasmymeasure
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Date: 2022-07-22 05:26 am (UTC)"I am sure our time will be most pleasant." At least, he hopes so. This feels oddly like a wedding toast.
Swirling the liquid around in the glass, he takes a sip; wine is far easier to drink than some of the tavern fare he's had before. "I don't drink all that often, unless among friends. And I suppose that would be the sort of situation we're in, yes?" At least, he hopes so.
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Date: 2022-07-23 03:40 am (UTC)He takes another sip and lowers his glass with a smile.
"You should come out to drink with Hermes and I some time. 'Tis always a fun adventure! I would warn that Emet-Selch may come, but he prefers to be boring and nap, so you likely won't have to worry about that at least."
It's probably already obvious that Hythlodaeus is the driving force behind a lot of Hermes' nights out- he knows that Hermes can't say no to him, and he takes full advantage. Only in the name of having fun of course!
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Date: 2022-07-23 09:11 pm (UTC)"I could not picture Emet-Selch in a rowdy tavern." He takes another sip of the wine, letting the warmth creep down his throat. It's pleasant, though he does know the effects of drinking too much, unfortunately.
"I would rather like to go with the two of you. It does seem like it would be fun, and... much better than going alone." Especially here, when an inexperienced young man (such as G'raha) is likely to find himself ingesting something of questionable substance without much thought.
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Date: 2022-07-26 06:43 am (UTC)Sometimes it's just the experience of being with friends and having fun that draws him in- drinking can make things more fun, but only if the night is already off to a good start.
"We must find you a suitable outfit, of course... the taverns- or rather, nightclubs- in the Up are often quite... sophisticated? Patrons are expected to at least look presentable. Not that your current clothing isn't just fine to me, but I admit I have no sense of fashion. It is to be expected, my people did not dress individually, after all."
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Date: 2022-07-28 05:50 am (UTC)"Ah, an outfit?" He glances down at himself. True, what he's wearing is rather plain. He is not one particularly into fashion, nor does Hermes seem to be. Taverns in Eorzea are not particularly picky, either. "I'm afraid I haven't any idea the sort of things people here wear."
Another glance at Hythlodaeus turns into a longer, more pondering look. "You say you have no sense of fashion, but you look quite fashionable to me!"
He does remember the shades, though, and the brief glimpse of those long gone. It is true that they'd been dressed similarly. Or rather, exactly the same.
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Date: 2022-07-28 02:21 pm (UTC)He shrugs easily, sipping at his own glass. "Though now that I know what Emet-Selch would pick out, I suppose I could assist you in finding something... ah, but I think the colours are important, and I haven't a clue what would best bring out the wonderful red of your hair and eyes."
He smiles apologetically. "I could always ask him, I suppose. Unless you have any ideas?"
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Date: 2022-07-29 09:24 am (UTC)"I would not mind if you asked him, though I do not believe he'd jump at the chance to help you find something presentable for me." Or he'd simply outright refuse. That seems like something Emet-Selch would do.
A moment of pondering, followed by another sip. There's the pleasant warmth to the wine that G'raha remembers from the taverns at home. "I haven't the slightest idea of the fashion customs here yet. Everything seems a bit... impractical."
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Date: 2022-07-30 08:53 pm (UTC)And now that he's said that, he rather thinks it would be a fun challenge for himself. "You're right about the fashion here, though. I would honestly have been happy enough in my robes, but alas- they make me stand out in a place such as this. And that doesn't sit well with me."
He's so used to blending in with the crowd that it makes him uncomfortable to stick out any.
"I suppose we must alter any clothing we find for you in order to accommodate your tail, but that can quite easily be done with magic." So the real challenge is finding the clothing to begin with.
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Date: 2022-07-30 09:27 pm (UTC)There is the matter of his tail, though. G'raha perks up a bit about it being easily fixed, as he has been struggling with the thing himself. "I'm not particularly fashionable, as such, but I would be amenable to finding some new clothes. And altering them. I'd been cutting holes before, but it really isn't as convenient as it sounds."
Meaning, fitting his tail in and then taking it back out is a pain. For now, he's been wearing basic, plain clothing, as Hermes seems to prefer. The wine is making it a bit easier to relax, and G'raha is enjoying himself. Conversations with friends are so pleasant.
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Date: 2022-07-30 09:38 pm (UTC)He sets down his wine glass for a moment, and beckons for G'raha to let him see his tail.
"If you'll allow me one moment..."
He waves his hand, and his idea takes form. Now there's a fastener above the hole G'raha made for his tail.
"There. Why not try this for a while? If it works as intended, we can do it for your other clothing as well." He picks up his glass again with an easy smile.
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Date: 2022-07-31 06:06 am (UTC)"Thank you so very much." G'raha would like to turn around and look at it, though that is quite impossible at the present time. When he undresses, perhaps. "I'm certain this will make things a lot easier."
And it will. Any sort of fastening, so that he does not have to precariously slide his tail in and out of a crude hole he's cut. And wearing it low just... does not work very well.
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Date: 2022-07-31 06:18 am (UTC)He idly reaches out as if to touch it, but then pauses with his hand partially outstretched- he clearly almost forgot himself, and touched without permission. Pulling his hand back, he gives G'raha an apologetic smile.
"My apologies... it simply looks so soft, I forgot myself."
Well, at least he remembered before he actually started petting him. But he's rather hoping G'raha will say that it's fine to do so.
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Date: 2022-07-31 08:45 am (UTC)"I don't mind," G'raha says, appreciating the compliment. It is rather soft, though he does not often think of it. It's simply part of him, as his ears are, and where he's from, such features are not at all uncommon.
Which is why he has never had to deal so much with garments not designed for him. But with this... the button will absolutely help. So if Hythlodaeus wants to touch, it is the least G'raha can do for him.
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Date: 2022-07-31 04:58 pm (UTC)"Marvellous... I'm quite taken with these features, I must admit. They're so very expressive!"
Scratching behind his ears idly, Hythlodaeus beams at his companion. He wonders what other feline traits G'raha has- does he purr? Hiss? Does his fur puff up when he's startled? Is his tongue rough? So many questions!
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Date: 2022-07-31 09:10 pm (UTC)"They... are quite expressive, yes," he manages, trying to remain composed. "Though I sometimes find it a bit inconvenient."
How many times have these features given away his true feelings? Too many. G'raha would love to be cool and composed, but it is often difficult when his ears and tail seem to want everyone to know just how he is feeling.
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Date: 2022-08-02 03:08 pm (UTC)Which may seem strange, coming from a cheerful man such as Hythlodaeus, but the truth is he's simply good at faking it when need be. Yes he can be serious, or unhappy, or angry... but it's s much easier to hide it, for the most part.
"How does this feel?" He scratches behind the ears slowly, methodically. Trying to find a rhythm and pattern that affects G'raha more.
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Date: 2022-08-04 06:47 am (UTC)"Mm... It's- It's good," he admits, slightly sheepish, but also a bit more relaxed than he usually would be. It's no doubt thanks to the wine and the petting.
Perhaps ears are not always so inconvenient if having them scratched can feel this nice.
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Date: 2022-08-04 01:41 pm (UTC)"Ah, but I wouldn't wish for you to fall asleep on me!" He grins, sipping at his wine again. "Soft as your ears are, and I admit I could do this all day, 'tis rather difficult to have a conversation with someone when they're asleep, hmm?"
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Date: 2022-08-05 07:33 am (UTC)“I apologize! Sometimes I admit I am rather at their mercy.” The same goes for his tail; how he hates having it tugged on. He’s had it shut in a door a few times too many, as well.
Another sip of his own wine will hopefully soothe the embarrassment. “What were we talking about?”
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Date: 2022-08-06 08:56 pm (UTC)He peers at G'raha with a smirk over his glass. "Ah, but our glasses are nearly empty. Luckily, we have more!"
He pours himself some, and then fills G'raha's glass up once more. The bottle is now empty- he only had enough for a few glasses in there- but it's not like he's trying to get them trashed anyway.
"Did you often drink like this with your friends? I fear I still know little and less about them... and I am very curious."
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Date: 2022-08-15 05:39 am (UTC)"Oh yes... well, in the time we were together, I did." After he had joined the Scions, he would often be invited out for drinks, something he would never have been able to accept as the Exarch. "I am afraid I never quite managed to outdrink any of them, though."
And he has a feeling he would not be able to outdrink Hythlodaeus, either.
"They were quite pleasant drinking company." He smiles, the wine giving a warm flush to his cheeks. "Though with some of them, it could get quite... rowdy."
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Date: 2022-08-15 05:53 am (UTC)He sips at his own wine, chuckling. "Things could get interesting with Azem and Emet-Selch as my drinking partners, but never rowdy. Many a debate was had over some of the concepts that crossed my desk, and Azem would often try to come up with new ones on the spot. Other times, we simply laid back and watched the stars from the park... though it was all very well until we tried standing up again!"
He smiles, though there's a slight wistfulness to his gaze. He does miss their antics.
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Date: 2022-08-22 05:24 am (UTC)"There is nothing quite like drinking with dear friends," he says. "I believe the only debates to be had among my friends were things such as who could drink the most... which I wholeheartedly lost."
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Date: 2022-08-22 12:00 pm (UTC)He wouldn't want G'raha to get sick trying to keep up with him. It stops being fun when people start to suffer for their night out. "There is no shame in stopping early, though admittedly once I'm deep enough in my cups I may try to persuade you otherwise. Feel free to ignore me should that be the case." Giggling, he goes back to his wine. Yes, he knows he can be even more of a menace when he's drunk.
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Date: 2022-09-04 06:06 am (UTC)"I would love to join sometime," he says, a small smile on his face. "Though I may be the first to stop, I shall join nonetheless, the next time you happen to need company." He is also perhaps a bit curious about a drunk Hythlodaeus.
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