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beautifulsnake2162020 · 1 year ago

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The Vitulation Cycle: An Arthuriana fanfiction (King Arthur x OC and Arthur x Guinevere x Lancelot) CHAPTER 8: DAENARA PART II

Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction I do not make any money from this. Cultist Simulator elements belongs to the Weather Factory, House of the Dragon/Game of thrones elements belongs to George RR Martin and Arthuriana while generally regarded as under the public domain, it comes from the culture of Britain.

Chapter 8 - Daenara Part II

"Only you three are here?" Arthur asks as all of you dine in the dining room as you are amused by his surprise by how the plates and platters of dishes floated in.

"Don't worry Valzȳrys (Husband), the dishes ignore you and know where to land. A privilege living in a palace of mages and magic."

"Issa kepa (Yes father), it is only the three of us living here. You're the only one who is not magical who has made it passed through the door."

"Daeron haven't you been listening to Vereena? She said that only members of our family may pass through after giving their blood to the triangle things on the door."

"It's called the blade and chalice Ayrmida." You quickly correct her as you fill your goblet with ice water. The air here was too hot and humid for any heated beverages.

"Why is it called that?"

"You can ask Vereena or Oxenburg tomorrow. Now stop stalling and eat your salad."

"But muña I'm looking for the shredded cheese first."

"Daeron please give your mandia (older sister) the condiment dispenser for the cheese."

"Skoro syt (Why)? She could just think about it and make it float to her."

"Daeron, she just came back from outside." You say it in a tone that leaves no room for argument. He does so though evidently annoyed that he has to do what you say.

"I guess you could see who inherited your dislike for parental guidance." You tease Arthur who couldn't help but chuckle.

"You're mistaken, I did follow sometimes. I did not like that my father wanted me to be something that I'm not."

"Issa (Yes), exactly." You both chuckle even harder.

"Kepa (father), will you only be bringing muña (mother) to whomever is asking for our blood? Can Daeron and I come too?"

"Hmm who is looking for me?" Arthur becomes uncomfortable.

"Arthur what is it?" You take his hand in comfort.

"There's plenty of things that I need to explain to you. To all of you." He takes a drink before he begins.

"Do you remember that I was running away from my home when you met me and Morgan?"

"Of course." You say encouragingly.

"That job - that duty was being the heir to my father Uther Pendragon. He was the former King of our kingdom which I have now named Camelot."

Your eyes open wide.

"You're that Arthur?" You say emphasizing "that" in an astonished voice. All this time you've heard wonderful things about the new King of Camelot. You had hoped that the day would come when the mages would allow your family to visit the new golden city. To learn that your Arthur was the same Arthur who now rules over Camelot...you would think you would be used to how the hours would play with your life but this was unexpected.

"You've heard of me?"

"Issa kepa (Yes father), everyone has been talking about how you've improved Camelot and there are several who wanted to move there. The daughter of the Inn's owner that we stayed in is actually saving money to move there."

"Wait - does this mean Ayrmida and I are..." Your children's eyes glimmer in excitement.

"Wait riñotī (children), let your father finish before you start making plans. Go on Arthur, you were saying?"

"Simply put I was tasked to find 'the Grail' by the Fisher King since he is running out of it. Then I was tasked to find it by a magical being. He gave me some clues pointing me here and also some clues on the chance that it might be you."

"Such as?"

"Our wedding goblet."

The hairs on your nape stand straight as you hear this.

"How? I heard from the mages that it was one of the treasures that was taken from our commune."

"So that's how it got lost. I was visiting the lady of the lake from Avalon when she gave it back to me. It was offered to her by a worshipper seeking help from her."

"What's a wedding goblet?" Daeron asks in interest. No doubt it is another artistic endeavor he would want to explore. He had already been reading books on pottery making and have been waiting to try his hand on it.

"It's a goblet that is used in the last part of a Valyrian Wedding. It's the part wherein the newlyweds drink from it after their blood is placed with either water or wine."

"Eww."

"I think it's romantic."

"How could blood drinking be romantic?!"

"It's like drinking each other's essences and becoming one."

"So that's why you like vampire love stories."

"Why are you being such a baby?! It's just blood."

"Ugh."

"You're the artist why do I have to explain all of this?!"

"Riñotī (children)." You say in a warning tone to avoid an argument from continuing. You give Arthur an exasperated look at Arthur as he looks at you sheepishly.

"As I was saying, after I retrieved our wedding goblet I received the last clue which lead me here to you. Along the way I met Ayrmida."

"And then muña, Oxenburg sent me a message in my dreams that I need to come back here immediately because it was an emergency. He tricked me muña, once I left directions for kepa, Oxenburg met me when I left the Inn and made a portal to put me back in here!"

"Ayrmida we've already talked about this. I asked him to watch over you since this was your first time travelling alone." You say as calmly as possible.

"But - but - but I was doing fine without using any of the magic jewelry the mages gave me."

"You let her travel alone?" Arthur asks in concern.

"Ayrmida has a talent for sneaking out. I'd rather have her travel with someone watching over her from afar and with my supervision than her sneaking out on her own and all of us frantically searching where she is. Also the mage Oxenburg wasn't the only one watching over her, I've assigned at least three other mages to watch over her."

"But what did I do wrong that made Oxenburg use a portal to put me back in here?"

"Tala (daughter), I don't think it is something you did that made him return you here." Arthur says gently and soothingly. You were pleased that he was starting to sense how argumentative Ayrmida could be.

"I believe it is because of me that made them return you here."

"But I thought you were looking for muña?"

"I was looking for the Grail whom I was guessing to be your muña. And because you are my daughter you are one half of me and as some would say the fruit of my blood. I'm guessing that the mages had sensed that I was getting close to you and did not want the surprise to be spoiled."

"Oh."

"Vaoreznuni kepa (Sorry father), Ayrmida loves exciting things. One of the things she hates is being still. She needs to keep moving. I've tried so hard."

"If you knew I like to move around then why ask me to be a model?"

"Because none of the other mages are here long enough and muña was resting and you know I couldn't disturb her."

As they continued to argue you lean in closer to Arthur.

"Let's continue this conversation after they go to bed." He nods at you, his eyes showing a seriousness that you thought would live only in your memories.

You remember your heart breaking when you woke up in the infirmary of Doethineb arall with Kyrelle delivering you the news that Arthur could not be found and that after the riot there was a huge fire that killed plenty of the rioters.

"I remember I wanted to immediately go back to the village to try to find you. I know I saved you before I was stunned from behind. But then Kyrelle reminded me that I was pregnant and that I cannot afford to allow my worries to overcome me. At first I didn't listen to her, and then I almost lost them." You lead him to the greenhouse filled with greenery and fresh produce. It was one of your favorite places in this palace that has been your home for twelve years.

"Was that why you sent me on a hunt?"

"Yes, I had my suspicions but I did not want to get your hopes up if in case it was just my imagination. While you were away Kyrelle examined me and confirmed that I was pregnant."

You two sit on a couch as the stars in the night sky shined. It was probably midnight but you didn't feel tired. A common after effect of resting for a whole day after donating blood. It was your first donation this month, the next blood donation would come from your monthly bleed using the blood cup.

"I was so excited for you to return - to tell you we were going to be parents. Only for them to be your last gifts to me after I was told that you had probably died in the fire after the riot." He holds your hands in comfort.

"When my advisor Merlin told me that you were dead and immediately brought me back to prepare me to be the next ruler I wasn't able to mourn you properly. Only that I couldn't allow your last act before your death was healing another mortal wound. I devoted myself to my work with you in mind. It was only recently that I had allowed myself to mourn for you and finally admit how much I missed you and that I haven't accepted that you were gone." Before you both knew it tears were being shed from both of you once again. Your heart was healing through the pain.

"I thought I mourned you after I gave birth. But I could not help but tear up missing you whenever they would ask where you were and how you died. I managed to tell them several stories without simply crying through. Eventually Daeron suggested the possibility you might be alive, but I was too exhausted to entertain any hope. After all it was easier to always be in the present with two children running around. But I couldn't help but wonder maybe if we had not left would you still have been with us." You let out a sad chuckle.

"It turns out we are too similar. I'm not the same woman Arthur. I love you, I still do. But I know you have a Queen now and I'm not naive in thinking that you came back simply for me and our children. You are here for my blood as the only Targaryen who is still donating blood to the mages because everyone else is in hiding and it would be too dangerous for them to do so while trying to blend in." He brushes a hand to wipe your tears away.

"I don't know what deal you've made with the mages here Daenara. But if it is alright with you, I would like all of you to come back with me to Camelot."

"But don't you have a Queen?"

"Guinevere is infertile."

"Arthur." You steady your voice and your emotions. You were a mother now and you wouldn't permit anyone to use your children. It was why you gave blood twice a month so that they wouldn't draw blood from either Ayrmida or Daeron.

"I'm sure you have good intentions, but I will not allow my children to be used as pawns in your politics. I'd rather have us stay here than them to be used in court."

"Daenara I want to be a part of their life."

"And I want that as well, but if it will come at the cost of them being used then I will not allow it. They are safe here, and even if Ayrmida likes sneaking out every now and then I'm at least assured of her safety from the mages here."

You notice the sky starting to brighten, the sun is about to rise.

"Maybe we should sleep on it?"

"Issa (Yes), I'll show you to your room." Both of you are drained and maybe a good rest would give you a better perspective.

After a dreamless rest you wake up to clashing sounds. That's strange, the type of combat the mages practiced were more on spells. Or at least that's what you've heard and seen since the warrior mages would practice outside the palace. You get up and you see Arthur teaching Ayrmida and Daeron how to fight with wooden swords. It made you smile to see them bonding.

"Now attack me Daeron." Daeron moves to attack and Arthur blocks it with ease.

"That is how you block. And if you do this." Arthur easily deflects Daeron's attack and steps back.

"You could put enough space between yourself and your opponent."

"May I try kepa?!"

"Later Ayrmida, switch places with Daeron so that he may see how it's done." As he continues to instruct them you could tell Ayrmida and Daeron were approaching it differently. Daeron was seeing it as a new art to master and create. A skill to be devoted to creation and destruction. He prefers to keep practicing until each stroke was sharp and beautiful. Always the artist as ever. Ayrmida was seeing it more as another tool to carry around to use. A skill to remove obstacles, to keep her mind sharp, and her energy used up. She was focusing on how to make things more efficient, her practice was more on muscle memory.

You could also see Arthur adapt to how each of them learn. He was gentle but stern yet encouraging to both. With Ayrmida after noticing she was searching for the most efficient way, he guides her to mastering the basic strokes before introducing some ways to make things that would give her an advantage. With Daeron who was focusing on the form and beauty of the strokes of the sword, Arthur makes sure that Daeron knows the more non-lethal moves and more on defensive measures.

Once they take a break they finally notice your presence.

"Muña did you see that? Do you think the mages would let me have an actual sword?"

"You're too young Ayrmida." You say as you summon a towel and wipe the sweat off of her.

"Aw."

"Oh muña, Kyrelle is here. She's in the dining room waiting for you."

"Kirimvose (Thank you) Daeron. Arthur have you met her yet?"

"Yes, she was surprised seeing me here." He says as he drinks from a water goblet.

"Why don't you three take a shower first? Riñotī (Children) show your kepa where the showers are."

"Alright muña." "Issa (Yes) muña."

"Oh and Arthur, just mentally think of new clothes while the ones you are wearing are being washed."

"That simple?" You chuckle at his question.

"It's a magical place valzȳrys (husband), almost everything is possible. now go on, jagon (go)."

As expected Kyrelle was here to examine you after you've recovered from donating blood through the syringe.

"While we're alone I feel as your friend and physician I should inform you that I'm concerned of Arthur's presence here."

"Why? Did you know he was still alive?"

"No - but then again I didn't know he is the same Arthur who is the King of Camelot."

"What concerns you Kyrelle? Is it because he's the King?"

"No, it concerns him being a non-mage in this place is what concerns me." This was new.

"Why?"

"It means that there is a chance that the mages here could potentially do more...extreme experiments now. Especially on your children."

"That...that can't be true." You whisper worriedly.

"It is. Why do you think I insisted I have mandatory visits to you every time you donate blood?"

"But why would they want to experiment on them now that their father is here?"

"Since their father is here, they are thinking that you two might make another one or two which allows them to experiment on the twins."

"I thought this was supposed to be a safe space for us? This was the only other place aside from Doethineb that no possible witch hunter could find us."

"Daenara times are changing. It was the best decision back then but now that it won't be long for the twins to grow up it is only a matter of time before the mages here would want to persuade you to allow them to be experimented on. You're the main source of reliable Targaryen blood we have right now. Of course they will want to conduct some experiments on your children. To do what I don't know."

"Can't I use being their only source of Targaryen blood to prevent that?"

"That's also why they will want to experiment on them. With Arthur here there is an expectation that you two will make more as replacements for what could possibly happen."

"What could happen?" Arthur asks from behind you as he takes a seat beside you.

"Where are they?"

"Daeron wanted to work on his drawing that Ayrmida had to be the model for. I figured this was a conversation that is on serious matters."

"It is, kirimvose (thank you) Arthur."

"Biarvose (You're welcome). What were you two talking about?"

"Arthur please tell me you're planning on taking your family back to Camelot. Your presence here has made them more likely for more extreme experimentations."

"How? That was never my intention."

"It has, because you are here there is an expectation that you and Daenara would make more babies and that opens up the possibility that the twins might be used to be experimented on."

"How come it hasn't happened for the twelve years that we've been here? If they wanted me to have more children for experimentation why can't any one of them just deliver their seed and just use a syringe to put it in me?" Kyrelle gives you a sullen look.

"What I'm about to tell both of you is one of the hidden secrets of the magical community. This situation has become dangerous and you must know why."

"What is it then?" Arthur asks urgently as he takes your hand and your fingers rub the back of his.

"The reason why no mage here has ever attempted to put their own seed to produce children is because all the mages here are infertile."

You feel yourself become frozen at this revelation.

"In the magical community, there is a common observation that happens when mages begin to truly be powerful beyond measure. The more powerful you become, the closer you are to immortality. The closer you are to immortality, the more infertile you become. Reproduction becomes useless when you are going to live forever. Or at least for a very long time if that is not the case."

"Oh my...is Merlin?"

"He's not the most powerful, but he's close to the bare minimum. Why do you think he doesn't have children? And if he does, they were made when he wasn't as powerful. It's why he can afford not to give a damn about what goes on with the magical community. This place is owned and operated by mages who are at the same level as he is who has an interest in the Targaryen blood. And unlike Camelot wherein Merlin and Morgan are there, this place has at least ten mages operating and maintaining it. In truth I'm only staying here to make sure they don't do anything to Daenara or the twins."

"Can this place send messages?"

"Yes - but the mages would be easily able to intercept them. You'll have to have it additionally coded to make it look innocent."

"Hmm." Arthur thinks as the twins enter the dining room.

"Kyrelle I'm ready for my check - up!" Daeron says as he sits beside Arthur and Ayrmida sits beside you.

"That's good Daeron. Anyway Arthur, Daenara, think about what I've said. But know that I am on your side. But for now it's safe to temper your trust in the mages of this place." She says before Daeron and Ayrmida leads her to their bedroom for their monthly health check.

"What are you thinking ābrazȳrys (wife)?" He asks you softly. Even after all these years he could tell when you were being anxious.

"I don't know if what she said is truly the case or if Kyrelle just wants to think of the worst case scenario to protect us. I had known the mages here think of me more as a resource than a person. I did not care as long as the twins were safe and we were protected from any witch hunters. But now I'm frightened Arthur, it seems as if everywhere we go, there is danger lurking about. Have I become cowardly?"

"No - Daenara you are not a coward." He says as he now holds both of your hands and rubs them to calm you down.

"You're frightened but you are being careful. That's far from being a coward. I'm not leaving here until you want me to leave."

"But Arthur your kingdom!"

"Camelot is in very capable hands. I've personally made sure of it before going on this quest." You give him a pointed look.

"I may not know enough about ruling a kingdom, but I do know that if you stay away long enough either a usurper may want to take advantage of your absence. Maybe your Queen might find a lover and betray you while you are here with us." He takes a breath before moving closer to you.

"I...there's more that you should know about...and I hope...I understand if you won't like it."

" Skorion issa valzȳrys (What is it husband)?"

"My Queen and I have a shared lover, Lancelot. The three of us are each other's lover."

"When I brought up the chance that you could still be alive and could possibly be the Grail I was assigned to they are both fine with your arrival in Camelot. They both welcome you and accept that we still love each other...if you'll still have me that is." It was then you notice that his eyes were more vulnerable than before.

"I'm also not the man I was when I married you. And I understand if you don't want to remain married to me. But I want you to know that I still love you. Guinevere and Lancelot have helped me be in love again and they have accepted me for still loving you. If you are not comfortable with it then I understand. But no matter what happens I will protect you and our children."

"I'll...I'll have to think about this Arthur. I still love you, I really do. But Ayrmida and Daeron comes first to me now."

"Of course."

Looking back you were still in shock. Of what you didn't know. Polyamorous relationships were accepted in your culture of the commune. Your own mother had two husbands, the second one being your father. Since she was the one who was born in the Targaryen bloodline it is they who adopted the Targaryen name. Upon further reflection you realize your shock was more that Arthur had told of his lovers about you. Ever since you've learned that he was the ruler of Camelot, your mind had begun preparing you for a probably icy reception. True your marriage to him happened first. But you could imagine that his court may not consider it valid for not complying with the wedding standards of Camelot's culture. After all who would want to know that their queen was only the second wife to a woman who didn't know she married a king?

Still if what Arthur says is true and that his lovers were willing to welcome you as another of Arthur's loves...well you're not still not sure of what would happen. After all Camelot's culture prized monogamy while in your culture as long as there was consent from the first spouse then a person could marry as many people as they desired. But in reality it ended around four people at most.

You don't know how long it was since Arthur arrived. But then again time seemed to stand still here.

You just noticed that maybe a significant amount of time may have passed that your family - now including Arthur - developed a routine. Breaking fast, combat training, the midday meal, then any other activities for the rest of the day. Daeron would be in his art studio, Ayrmida would be either with you in the library or would be in the music room dancing to the melodies of enchanted music. She inherited that from you, while Daeron had inherited your more contemplative traits. You soon notice that Arthur's favorite room was the greenhouse. Running a kingdom must have taken it's toll on him as he now takes the time to rest amidst the life giving greenery. And everyone knew you were either in the library or in the magical yard riding your horse in times when you feel the need to get some fresh air.

Sometimes of course Daeron would ask either you or Arthur to pose for his artwork - much to Ayrmida's delight since she disliked being so still while awake. Sometimes you and Arthur would be seated close together either in the library or under the stars in the greenhouse. Sometimes Ayrmida would drag both of you - and if she was lucky, her twin - to the music room so she would have an audience for one of her made up performances. Sometimes the four of you would stay in the dining room after the dishes was cleaned up so Arthur could teach them how to properly play chess - a board game that also puzzled you and finally there was someone willing to finally show how it is actually played.

Soon it wasn't odd that after dinner all of you would gather in either yours or Arthur's bed for more stories. Arthur begins sharing stories of what it's like to be king, what Lancelot and Guinevere are like, funny stories about his knights of the round table. By that point you found yourself comfortable simply sleeping beside him again. When you woke up in his arms again and seeing Daeron snuggling towards him as Ayrmida was in your arms, your heart breaks at the thought of them losing their father again.

Perhaps it was worth the risk of stepping outside of this place. Things were going to change once the four of you reached Camelot. Arthur would be busy with his duties as a King and would not have the same time that he now has to be a father to Ayrmida and Daeron. But it was also clear that Arthur was doing his best to makeup for the lost time being your partner and their father.

Then one day Oxenburg decided to visit you. Whenever he visits it means there is a serious conversation. Arthur has not met him yet and the moment you've learned that Oxenburg was coming you ask Arthur to keep the twins occupied.

"I don't like wasting time Daenara so I will get straight to the point. The mages and I are concerned."

"Concerned about what?"

"Arthur, your husband is now back in your embrace and yet you two have not mated nor have discussed about adding to your family."

"And why should that concern the mages here?"

"Don't play the simpleton with me. The more Targaryens there are the more Targaryen blood can be given to the magical community. Everyone here knows that despite you being a regular donor the demands of the community are more than even you can handle."

"Then I don't understand why your resources couldn't be devoted in helping my family and relatives come out of hiding? Surely there must be a way to get blood from them while being discreet. We've done so for two centuries at least before everyone was forced into hiding from the witch hunters."

"Our numbers are not enough. The Targaryens are not the only ones being hunted down by the witch hunters. Mages, vampires, werewolves, the fae, all of us are being hunted down. Which is why it is easier to have you reproducing once more."

"You can't be serious Oxenburg!"

"I am. My former student screwed things up because of the orders of Uther Pendragon and divided you two. And so I fixed things up by making a way to bring your husband back to you."

"What...what do you mean?"

"With some help I made the circumstances to bring him on a quest here. I was hoping once the two of you got over the initial shock of realizing that the two of you were alive, you two would start making children again."

"How - how could you? We are different people than when we first got married and he is a king now!"

"Which is why once I brought Ayrmida back here and once he had entered upon magical ground we have made time stand still for the rest of the world outside. This would allow both of you to naturally grow closer again and resume your marital activities."

"That's not how marriage works Oxenburg."

"And don't you forget that it is only because you and your children possess a valuable resource that you are still allowed to be here. If you've changed your mind then by all means pack up and go, but no place out there will ever be as safe as when you were living here with us and the only price we asked is for you to give blood twice a month."

"If that were the only price then you shouldn't be asking this from me. You say you are a direct person but you also want to begin taking blood from my children!"

Silence

"They are not babies anymore. If we start them early then it won't be as scary for them. We'll just be taking a small amount then it gradually gets larger."

"I did not begin giving blood till I was fourteen."

"That was when your large Targaryen family were regularly giving us blood. Right now you are the only sole donor unless you allow the twins to begin donating blood. And we were hoping that by reuniting you with your husband that new Targaryens will soon be born."

"When I agreed to give blood twice a month it was on the conditions that my children would not be harmed and we would be protected from the witch hunters."

"This won't harm them, we'll make sure they will be as comfortable as possible."

"You are missing the point Oxenburg! You are not doing anything to my children."

"Well then, it seems if you don't want your children harmed then you better start seducing your husband. I didn't make up the Grail quest to get him here for nothing."

And with that he leaves.

"Daenara? Is everything fine?" Arthur asks as he sits beside you.

"Where are the twins?"

"They are napping right now. What's wrong?" He steadies you as he holds your face and presses his forehead against yours.

"Darling, Daenara what is it?"

"Kyrelle...she was right. Arthur there is no Grail quest!"

"Daenara breathe, calm down. What do you mean there is no Grail quest?"

"Oxenburg - he made all that up and made the circumstances to make you come here. There is no Grail at all! He wanted you here because he wanted us to make more children so that there will be more sources of Targaryen blood."

You could see the astonishment in his eyes, and then anger.

"Arthur, how long do you think we could leave here?"

"We'll need to consult with Kyrelle first. I don't know enough about this place aside from what I've learned from all of you."

"Or we could just go my way." Ayrmida says as she walks into the room.

"I thought you were napping?" Arthur asks.

"I tried but I couldn't fall asleep. But it's actually really easy to get away from here."

"Oh how?" You ask hoping your voice was calm.

"Just don't use magic or do anything that makes magic happen. I was able to go to the woods using the large side window."

"That's how you've been sneaking out?"

"Issa, and the mages keep focusing their magic on the doors. And so I make sure to move really slowly until I reach the woods where there's no magic."

From then on you became thankful for Ayrmida's ability to sneak out unnoticed. What had previously brought you grief and worry now brought you joy and hope. Discreetly you four begin packing what you may need for the journey to Camelot.

Then once everything was prepared you take one last look at the place you've lived in for the past decade of your life.

"Are you ready?"

"As long as you are here with us, I am." And it was then that you gave him a kiss on the lips for the first time in a long time.

Amidst the night Arthur is first to exit from the window, then Daeron, Ayrmida and you. With Ayrmida and Arthur leading, you all walk slowly until you feel the magic no longer abundant and you are in the woods. Once you've reached town Arthur buys two horses from a stable hand. One black stallion and one white mare, and Ayrmida riding with Arthur and Daeron riding with you. And then the four of you begin your journey to Camelot with your horses running at a steady pace.

#Arthuriana #Arthurian fanfiction #The Vitulation Cycle #arthur x guenievre x lancelot #Arthur x Guinevere x Lancelot #Arthur Pendragon x OC #Arthur Pendragon x OFC #Arthur Pendragon x Original Character #Arthur Pendragon x Original Female Character

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