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 Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 11:36 am
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------  "Good... that's good." Rath replied as he nodded once. "I'm very proud of you. You're so involved in things and you even excel in them. You always press forward."
Rath stared at her deeply for a moment. "You've become so very much like your mother..."
Though Sue's presence had bestowed a sense of calmness, it soon vanished. Images began to flash through Rath's head, from his dream. His daughter's screaming for him and being forced to leave, right before his own end. Rath's grin disappeared. A foreboding feeling overcame him. "...I love you, Susan."
After the sudden comment, the trumpets began to blow, signaling that the coronation was about to begin. Rath needed to be by Rogvald and, as the former ruler, bow to recognize the new king once he was crowned. He bowed slightly to Sue and departed without a word.
------------
Guild Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 12:18 pm
Amelia hurried off with Aisen, Rath with Sue, and Tibarn spoke no more. He heard trumpets blow shortly thereafter, which meant it was time for him to get into position--something like this just didn't feel right without him doing SOMETHING fantastic. ...Well, at least, it would feel as right as it could be, given the circumstances.
In any case, there was no doubt the nobles disliked Rath. Why wouldn't they? He wasn't their type in the least. Anyone would say if he were to rule anywhere, it would be in Adliana. He was a Nomad first, foremost, and always, and nothing would change that.
Besides, there was nothing anyone could do if the crown accepted Prince James. Rules were rules to nobles--after all, Sanaki was (still is, perhaps?) Empress of the Begnion Empire, and she might have been even younger way back when. And while Sanaki may have... had her faults, she was hardly a fool to expose her senators' laguz slave trade the way she did. So, who knew? Maybe, just maybe, things would work out after all.
...He just saw Rogvald as the only flaw in the matter. But perhaps even he would be a surprise. But there was no way of knowing for sure until later in time.
He was now standing at a balcony above the ceremony, flanked by several guards. Nobody would be able to see him unless they looked up (he'd only let the Host Club know about it).
Only time would tell now.
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Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 1:53 pm
While the paladin was wondering about the adviser, she heard a sudden ting noise. Turning her head around, she noticed it was FD making a noise with Roy along with Nils. Were they here before? Hmm... Maybe the Dame Knight must had spaced out when they came.
When FD made a comment, Isadora let out a small smile. "Well, of course I am. With the war and everything, I never had a day off to relax. Hopefully, we will be able to relax once we finish this war situation."
Whatever the reply FD made, the trumpets made the announcement of the coronation ceremony. Looking around, Isadora spotted Rath walking away from Sue. It seemed that he was to be ready for the coronation. Should she come with him too since she's the Acting Captain? Maybe she should.
"If you excuse me, it seems I have to participate in this event." Isadora apologized to the dragons before departed. Now that the coronation began, it was time to see if the child was really the true descendant of Leander. Hopefully, Rogvald didn't do anything to the crown while they were busy. Because if so, then not only would Roy's theory could be possible, but also it would raise more suspicion toward the adviser.
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Posted: Sat Aug 21, 2010 5:59 pm
 →→→→→→The hands I'd kept clean→→→→→→Now look dirty→→→→→→Before I can doubt my memories→→→→→→My memories are doubting me... "Yeah. The guild's starting to get lots of other issues they've gotta deal with, right? What with the Crew and everything, people disappearing or focusing on other stuff rather than those problems..." Annis obliged her fiance, picking up the wine glass. She removed her arm from around Loch's waist to use both hands in pouring his wine, and in this manner succeeded in getting the wine in his glass without spilling it. Victory!
"The question, I guess, is what the guild will do. If they can do anything. And what will happen if the kid can't do his job." Annis poured herself another glass now, taking a delicate little sip.
Even with the alcohol pleasantly blurring her thoughts, she could still focus on what was going on. Rath and now that carrot-haired Bishop were taking their positions for the ceremony. His blond wife, holding their unusually-well-behaved infant son, stood in her position, as a Crew member, with a very nervous look on her face, almost regretful. Annis couldn't help but wonder what towards, but didn't think further about it. Deep contemplation was making her head hurt, and she liked that nice fuzziness right now better.
"Last glass, promise," Annis murmured, downing the entire serving in one go. She put down the glass on the table, then wrapped one comfortable arm around Loch's midsection again. "Looks like they're about to start, so... anywhere special we gotta go, or d'we need to just stick 'round here?" We're mirrors, both of us←←←←←←
Reflecting each other's karma←←←←←←
Our dirty hands will touch←←←←←←
And we'll know its shape...←←←←←←
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 5:08 am
Its not my fault you’re such a moron
Derrin,
One Step From the Edge Just leave me alone ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Derrin's face was set in a scowl, he was annoyed by these proceedings that he viewed as unnecessary and a large waste of time. They were changing leaders in the middle of a war, to a child nonetheless, they should've waited until the war was over before throwing Learnia's political climate into turmoil the leader change would present a vulnrablity. He could only hope that it wouldn't end up getting them all killed.
Clara spoke softly, expressing her worry. He rested what he hoped would be taken as a comforting hand on her shoulder, "If you were the only one who thought that I'd be very surprised." Despite the fact that Derrin didn't let on to it, he was worried. Not about the guild though, he could honestly care less if the soon-to-be King James disbanded it as long as its members didn't get arrested or banned. No he was worried about their future, he was still sick or so he thought, they were at war and now this? Madding was the word for it.
A group nearby caught the mages eye, people he'd never seen before, not only that but their manner of dress set them apart from the guild members and definitely the citizens. As a noble's son when in Frelia he could immediately tell who these people were, he didn't know (or care) what houses they represented but that didn't matter to him. What mattered to him was what they thought on the matter. "Excuse me dear, I'll be right back" He said to Clara and without waiting for a response walked off towards were the Learanian nobles were. He didn't want to approach them, God no, nobles were almost as a rule a bunch of bootlickers to whoever was in charge talking to them would be as satisfying as chasing a moth over the edge of an airship (WHICH APPARENTLY YOU LIKE TO DO A LOT DERRIN). He was simply curious about what they were talking about, so he moved through the crowd, rather though than shove or jostle those in his way though the mage melded smoothly with the crowd sliding in between people and skirting around conversations until he was in hearing range.
"That Rogvald is shady, but he's not senile. It's clear that the guild is needed to aid Learania in this war. And I'd actually be willing to defend the guild members, seeing as how they managed to keep my home safe. After all, they're convenient to deploy and easily disposable."
He chuckled softly as he had arrived in time to hear this, nobles, they were no different no matter what world you were in. Derrin continued to move through the crowd, only glancing at the nobles occasionally it wouldn't be any good to alert them that he was interested would it? This caused him to miss parts of the conversation.
"... ... ... Lord Pentheus and Lord Sires?"
"... perished ...."
"Grr this won't do, I'll just get a little closer then" Derrin, still attempting to keep a low profile continued to listen in, closer now so he wouldn't miss anything but hopefully not close enough that they would get suspicious.
"It may come to an end very quickly, if the crown kills the child."
"That could be interesting, nothing like a public execution of a child to brighten your day."
"This is my real test. His performance will prove how competent he is, too. Rightful heir or not, we will see if he is truly deserving to rule by his actions. At the very least... he will be much easier to influence."
The mage snorted at this as he sneaked a glance, damn, did he wish he had someway of proving the noble said that. You never knew when a little blackmail could come in handy. Hmmm? One of the nobles actually appeared discomforted by this? Oh he knew this noble actually, that was Lord Eyris... apart from his name though Derrin knew nothing else about the man. Might be interesting to snag him later and have... a little chat.
Deciding that he hadn't heard enough yet to sate his curiosity Derrin kept in the general vicinity of the nobles as the trumpets rang out.
They gave him a headache.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Please... Magic is my life, my soul, my heart
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 10:44 am
"I kind of have to creep everywhere, tendons being missing in certain places and all. I have at least managed it, and can mostly move without a sound." Charles was gloating a bit now, being proud of himself.
As Neros asked him the second time, Heath caught a glimpse of him. Neros' face made him shiver involutarily.
"I don't believe we have met properly before, but we may have met here or there, chap." Charles didn't like to deny the chance he knows people, even if she's sure he didn't. "But where would we have met, hm?"
Heath was ignoring them, and thinking about trying to get closer. It was a good spot, but it gave him the chills, and it wasn't even cold.
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 12:30 pm
Clara felt a hand touch her shoulder. She turned to see who it was. It was Derrin.
"But you don't know what it was like before Lady Nino and then Captain Rath took over," She sighed. "The nobles fought with each other and th-Derrin! Don't walk away when I'm trying to explain something!" Derrin had started to walk away from her and towards the group of nobles. Her face paled at little at what was seeing her boyfriend do.
"Oh man," She thought,"Why do I have this feeling that something bad is going to happen to Derrin? She then heard the trumpets blow. She sighed and hoped there wasn't anything that was going to make her punch something.
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 5:49 pm
James
Take me home, to the land of my fathers...
The Heir Apparent appeared suddenly at the doors and marched slowly, regally down the center aisle. He paused for a moment at the hush, his shimmering new cape flowing inches above the floor, the royal ceremonial rapier hanging on his belt. His noble clothes had been exchanged for much finer, though similar ones. He savored the silence as he strolled down the long carpet, watching his onlookers thoughtfully.
A quiet trumpet fanfare began, but in spite of the hissed urgings of advisors they could not raise the sound above a whisper, and it fell flat once more as James Medici ascended the stairs to the throne, where Rath, Rogval, and Lord Eyris stood waiting for him.
His pace was practiced, his tone steady, and in spite of his pubescence he managed to prevent his voice from cracking into higher octaves as he spoke. "Lord Eyris, Sceptan... and Captain. It is an honor to stand before you." He bowed deeply, and then drew the rapier from his belt. It was something he had practiced in the mirror for hours, and still, his arm was a bit too short; the tip caught in the sheath, and he had to wiggle the blade a bit to draw it out the rest of the way.
He forced his shoulders to relax, sighing softly, and laid the blade across his palm, then held it out to Lord Eyris before he stooped to one knee.
"I pledge my life... to serve and rule fairly over this fair country. I will guide and protect her people, defend her borders, and until my last dying breath, devote my mind, body, and very soul to her, that she may grow into the country my forefathers ruled under my reign."
Lord Eyris took the weapon from James' hands, and the fanfare finally began again, more forcefully this time as he held the weapon up, gleaming in the light. The rust had been polished away, and the weapon had turned out to be just as sharp and strong as it had been a thousand years ago. "With the power vested in me, as Lord of House Eyris, by the royal family itself, I hereby dub thee King James, Ruler of all Learania!" The flat of the blade was placed first on James' left shoulder, then his right, and twice more before the young monarch stood and turned to face his people.
Most of Eyris was present in the open courtyard, and a roar of approval went up; people were always optimistic about kings. They just were. Oh boy, they'd say, this never would have happened if we had a king, eh? They always conveniently forgot how often kings screwed things up.
Lord Eyris wore a pair of thick leather gloves as he lifted the crown off its frost-covered pillow and held it over James' head. All noise was silenced as the moment of truth came before them; with trembling hands, Lord Eyris slowly lowered the crown onto James' head.
The young man stood still for a long moment, then smiled and raised his hand to wave to his people. Roars of "Hail!" made their way through the crowd in waves, until the whole city seemed to be awash with celebration of their newly crowned king.
James relaxed visibly, chuckling, and glanced over at Rogvald. "And to think they ever doubted us. So how do I legislate, now? I got some ideas."
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 6:15 pm
The paladin watched as the soon-to-be king entered the scene. She could hear the nobles commented of how well dressed and good manner the child composed. The Dame Knight had to admit. James had some good manner of how to behave. However, anyone could pull that stunt too by having a proper instructor like that old git Rogvald.
Isadora watched as James handed the rapier to Lord Eyris to began the ceremony. Once the child finished his oath and the noble declared the child as their king, the paladin remained quiet as the people cheered to their new leader.
It isn't over until the crown rests on his head. Isadora thought cautious. Why should she bother celebrate when the test had not yet passed? The child had not yet prove his heritage. And once the test was done, then the paladin would decide whether she should celebrate or not.
It was time. The time to see whether the child was really Leander's descendant or not. The paladin watched as Lord Eyris picked up the crown. She could see the frosting smoke streaming out from the crown. That would give someone a brain freeze when wearing it.
Isadora held her breath as she watched Lord Eyris readied to set the crown on the child. The room was quiet too as everyone watched the scene before them. Anticipation was still lingering as the crown was now set on the boy. This was it. Would the child live or die by the crown?
After few seconds had passed, the young child still lived. Suddenly, the room was once again filled with cheer. As for the paladin, she felt the reality had slapped onto her face.
So.... The child really was Leander's descendant. He passed the test. He had survived the curse that was placed on the crown.
Although the paladin had kept in mind about what Roy's said about the crown theory, it was too late to stop it. Learania had already declared its new leader and there was nothing she and the guild could do. Even if they were to investigate the crown to see if it was real or not, they needed to get close to the king to get a close examination. But somehow, the paladin had an ill feeling in her gut that the crown before them was the real deal. There was nothing she could do about it. Well, she could inform Rath about Roy's assumptions, but the nomad may shared the same idea as herself. And even if they did investigate, would King James be furious at them about these assumptions? That would be like a treason against him and it may ended the guild.
The paladin didn't wish to cause trouble to Learania, but she needed to inform Rath about the young lord's theories. However, not right now. Maybe later. She didn't want to cause a scene when everyone was celebrating the king's coronation. After all, who would dare be the party pooper to the king's party?
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 7:06 pm
"...Huh. Well, I'll be... he really is Leander's great-great... err... however-many-greats-grandson." There was little denying it--say what you would about the matter, there was little or no question that James was now King. Well, good for him. Rhys would have at least been horrified to see the lad meet his end at his own coronation!
He could relax now. The celebration started. They sound so cheerful, so hopeful. I wonder how long that shall last? Well, good luck to you, lad. May the Goddess ride with you...
He held out his hand, adding a long, slow chant. Moments later, a shining golden leaf fell to the ground (as a normal leaf would) and disappeared. And another. And another.
Soon, the courtyard was filled with these beautiful, magical falling leaves.
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 7:28 pm
Clara had seen what the nobles had done. They gave him a crown that was suppose to be cursed and froze anyone who wasn't of Leander's decedent. The myrmidon did her best not to show how mad she was. This was going against what she knew. What her parents told her. Then again her parents said that besides Lord Eyris, the nobles were weasels. She never wondered how they knew that. She was sure this whole deal with James was all a trick that the nobles and that adviser were doing.
"Everyone here is being tricked!"She yelled in her mind,"No one is going to believe what I think. I'll get thrown in jail if I try." Clara was clenching her fists so hard that if her nails were longer she would be breaking the skin. She hope that nothing else will happen or she might do something that would get her in trouble.
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 7:28 pm
Lend me your ear!
...Heed my words. ℜogvald
xxxxxTruly, an awe inspiring event! It had gone perfectly. The golden leaves that sparkled as the light hit them were simply gorgeous. What he had heard about the Host Club was correct. And The people loved James just as Rogvald had said. He glanced at the nobles out in front. He could see the arched brows and narrowed eyes. He knew that they had not truly been convinced, before. But now, the crown proved it. And Learanian had a new king, once more!
xxxxx"In time, King James" Rogvald responded to the new king. "For now... it is time to celebrate!"
xxxxxRogvald led James to the ballroom and helped him into the largest seat at the large table in the back of the room. It was normally the table the crew sat at.. but not anymore. Now, it was for the King and nobility. The crew had their own table of course, one much smaller and by a different wall. But at least they still had one.
xxxxxServers began to come with food and beverages, as more of the guests began to fill the ballroom. Elegant music began to play and the atmosphere was most enjoyable. Rogvald moved closer to James and began speaking lowly so that only he could hear. "In the coming days, you will need to meet the crew of the guild and the commanders of Learania's armies." He pointed out to a woman with blue hair. "That is Lady Isadora. She is the acting Vice captain of the guild. Widely admired by the people. It would do well to be on her good side." He glanced close by her to a winged man. "The hulking feathered one is Tibarn, a former crew. He used to represent the shape shifters in the guild, but now he is nothing. He lives off of his wife's successes. Who is.... a human, I might add. The other hulking one with the untamed hair is Skrimir, the new shape shifter representative. ...He is a buffoon. His only use is in battle." He looked around a moment. "I cannot see the others at the moment, but I will name them briefly. Sir Nils is a child with connections to the ones who set up your coronation. Lady Amelia oversees the Watch, which I see as unnecessary. ...I really do not understand why she was promoted. Sir Heath is... well, I don't know what he does. Captain Rath you met a few days ago. He is a nomad. He abandoned Learania not long ago and then came back suddenly, where he then took over Leadership. The people have yet to completely trust him again. But with a new king, they no longer have to worry about that."
xxxxxRogvald took a sip of his wine, then looked up to see Rath coming towards them. "Well, speak of the devil. Come to formally greet you, I suspect."
I advise you to listen. Not doing so could prove... deadly.
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 8:11 pm
 "You can't blame yourself. Blaming yourself and falling into depression, it won't change anything.
You have to look →forward→. Remember what you have here now.
Just think; if you hadn't come here, you wouldn't have met anyone here from Elibe or anywhere else!" {Amelia}Amelia stood in silence throughout the coronation. James had successfully donned Leander's crown; more than enough proof was given by that single gesture as to his heritage. He was truly the heir of the historical king. The right to rule was his and his alone. Amelia felt her stomach sink as she quietly tapped her hand against her leg in lieu of a proper clap. She still had Aisen in one arm, after all. And despite the noise, he was starting to grow sleepy again. Perhaps I should have looked into a babysitter for tonight. Then again, he's been well-behaved, so it's not been much of an issue... The leaves were beautiful, descending down upon the courtyard in a shower of shimmering gold. Amelia couldn't help but smile, both at its beauty and at Aisen's clearly-pleased giggles, waving one fat baby hand at a nearby leaf and watching as his hand went right through it.
Amelia started to approach Rath shortly after the ceremony in order to make sure he was all right, but fell silent as he walked right towards Rogvald and James. Amelia watched for a moment, then swiftly followed, red gown rippling over the courtyard.
She busied herself nearby with a glass of water, keeping an ear on their conversation as Aisen babbled peacefully, playing with his mommy's yellow hair. If things started to go badly, she could pretend she had just noticed them and greet the new king or something. Damage control was important, after all. {Graceful Spear}  "What... I mean is... Being a member of the holy order doesn't mean you can't put your own wants first sometimes. The goddess is supposed to be all‑forgiving, right? You've worked hard and you deserve to do some things that make you happy.
I think she'd forgive you for it."
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Posted: Sun Aug 22, 2010 8:42 pm
Roy saw a third glass come up and shifted his gaze over to the owner of the third glass. His expression then became cheerful as he grinned at the newest member of his family: FD.
"Ah! Uncle Hikaru. I wasn't aware that you were back. How were things out there?" he sized up the redhead. "It doesn't look like you're injured...that's a relief." he said softly.
It wasn't long before the fanfare, signaling the start of the coronation. The young lord glanced up to see Isadora heading off to go watch the crowning. Well, time to see how this would turn out. He watched as the blue-haired boy went up to the throne and a noble, wearing thick gloves, placed the crown on the boy's head. Nothing happened. Huh...either the boy was the real deal or...
Roy shook his head before he set his empty glass down. No point fighting this reality now. Even if the crown was a fake, declaring it right now would only be seen as treason and the whole guild would be in danger of disbandment. There was no solid evidence to confirm it anyway. Still...he couldn't help but feel suspicious of the whole thing. The young lord trusted the Paladin to inform Rath of the possibility of a fake crown, but knowing the Nomad, he probably had his own theories.
He wandered after everyone into the ballroom and took a seat at one of the tables. Resting his head against his folded hands, he pondered. After a few minutes, he sighed, then sat up straight and glanced up at the ceiling.
If the kid's the real deal, then the only thing I can worry about is the adviser. The nobles will no doubt try to influence the king to fulfill their own selfish demands, but Rogvald will probably ultimately help decide for King James. All that's left is the possibility of an assassination. Should something happen to the king at this ball, no doubt the Host Club would be blamed for poor security...and since the Guild controls the Host Club, the Guild itself would be blamed. Roy thought, looking at the entrance(s) into the ballroom before glancing up at the walls for any windows. ...Should an assassination occur, the most secure route to completing that would be poison. Either that, or an arrow to the head from a window. Magic's also a possibility from the window, but it'll have to be something that doesn't leave any traces from which direction it came from. Also, we need to consider who would assassinate the King. Eyris is like Ostia...crawling with spies. Every capital is bound to have spies. I have no reason to deny this possibility. It is also possible that Mordache has spies that successfully infiltrated the coronation. One of them might be... his gaze drifted over to the table reserved for nobility and the king, his eyes set on Rogvald. We don't have any information on him. The nobles I won't have to worry about too much. After all, they're going to try to make him their tool. Why dispose of a tool while it still has its uses? And I can't think of anyone in the Guild that would be stupid enough to try to kill the King and risk everyone becoming criminals...
He sighed, then stood up.
As long as he doesn't become the next Zephiel, there's nothing I can really do except theorize, and that in itself might be considered treason. he thought to himself.
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Posted: Mon Aug 23, 2010 12:16 pm
"You ask why do I not talk much?"_______←« _____ ←« ____ ←« ___ ←« __ ←« _____"...Because there is nothing to say."Rath
------------ It was disheartening to see how the guild members were looking. The facial expressions some gave made it seem as if they even doubted the crown. Rath had accompanied Lord Eyris and retrieved the crown personally. It was not a fake. Perhaps the members just felt that Learania didn't need a king. Of course they would feel that way. They had never known Learania with a king. The truth was that the citizenry felt like there was more order with a real king, and with James being Leander's heir, it put them at ease. ...Though, that wasn't necessarily a good thing.
As the celebration moved to the ballroom, Rath also made his way there. With the actual coronation over, he figured that he should actually go to King James and greet properly. He glanced behind him and saw Amelia following behind, but had no intentions of stopping her from either joining the conversation or listening in.
Once before the newly crowned king, Rath closed his eyes and gave a customary bow. "Hello, your Majesty. I do not believe we have formally met. I am acting Captain Rath of the guild you have probably already heard much about. We are a guild consisting of people who have been sent here from different worlds and a main duty of the guild is aiding Learania in her troubles. I hope you can find it in yourself to allow us to continue to do so." He glanced at Rogvald, then smoothly looked to the citizens in the ballroom, before turning back to King James. "Your return brings joy to the people, I can see it clearly. May your rule be as benevolent as your predecessor, Sage King Leander."
------------
Guild Captain "The future remains most uncertain, Nino."_____
»→ __»→ ___»→ ____»→ _____»→_______ "...But if this is your wish, then so it shall be."
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