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Alliance by Necessity {darkest_fate & Vanein}

"Mhm," Nia said, bobbing her head. "Usually elfish, because it's light and delicate," she offered, "but the humans can do great things. Though I'd love to see some of what the dwarfs could do too, if they would stop thinking so directly," she could literally talk about fashion for hours, something that each Renegade had discovered. "Actually, there's a lot of crossing over in various cities and areas. The Waterdavhian fashions use some fun intersections that are kind of neat. but---" wait, had he said something in there about her hair being pretty? She flushed, not wanting to really respond to that, wanting to move past it, particularly wanting to ignore the compliment toward her feminine beauty and what that could possibly entail.

Fun to think of the girls in dresses. "I've actually seen Felicity in dresses; she wears them sometimes. But she has this tendency to cut holes in them, usually for her tail, but she likes... slits," she sighed, shaking her head. "I think she thinks that slutty equals adult and sexy sometimes," her nose wrinkled, "you can tell she's just figuring herself out as an adult."

They moved along, preparing things, with Nia glad he recovered before she got too wrapped up in sex or what have you. "Right! Books! I, ah, well, I mean, I've read a lot of religious literature. There are actually some quite fun books on court politics, but, um, I've been told they go over peoples' heads. I know when I was a little child, I wanted to be in the courts and wear the dresses so badly," she sighed, shrugging. "But Henali blessed me to walk here instead, and she's been absolutely wonderful, showing me the path to peace and confirming my self."

She wrinkled her nose, examining the food. "I think we should try to thin out the creme," she started getting some water, adjusting, "and add a little more fish to that stew, if we can spare it."
 
Luc admitted fashion wasn't exactly his forte. Being a devotee of Kelemvor...fashion wasn't exactly something his faith prized overmuch. Even so, he couldn't help but enjoy her enthusiasm. "I'll say we can do great things! Maybe not as well as elves, but..." he winked at her. "As for dwarves, well, crafting is what some of those kingdoms are famous for, after all- " he paused at the mention of Waterdeep. "We've been to some of those Waterdeep parties, too. There's quite the variety there. Some of it can be garish, but...well, I suppose I can do formal wear, you'd be surprised how well dark clothes lends itself to Kelemvor's temples..." he chuckled, not yet noticing the blush while he worked at the pots.

The mention of Felicity made him give an amused little snort. "...Well, Felicity seems to have figured out a lot for herself. She sure knows her way around riches...sharp tongue, nimble hands and completely indefatigable." He recalled their brief interaction earlier, along with the tiefling's cheerfulness. "Well, she's still young. Plenty of time for adventure and figuring herself out then." He was checking on the stew and the rest, giving a little stir. "She seems to be enjoying herself highly, at least."

Steering it towards other subjects, he glanced over with a raised eyebrow at mention of religious literature. "Well, I'm glad Henali is smiling on you," he said genuinely. "I can see she is...finding yourself...it's a wonderful thing. I've seen Aels do it. Varrik...really, all of us found ourselves in some form of another. Through this," he murmured to himself. What Zafah had told him of Nia made no difference to him...regardless of her body, Nia was a woman, and a beautiful and kind one at that. The Paladin had quietly resolved to ensure she could don those dresses in the body she herself chose, to dance as the most beautiful lady at court or in the dance hall at least. "Perhaps you should attend a Waterdhavian gala?" He offered. "One of those courts, you'd look incredible in the dreses there! And religious literature...would that be the writings of Henali's clerics, or others as well? Kelemvor's faith encourages us to...research other deities as well." Wasn't that the truth. More like they had to sometimes, with how much gods like Loviatar, Talona, Auril, Talos or Cyric could affect their faiths. "Kelemvor began life as a mortal himself. He went through...difficulties. He had doubts, he struggled...knowing that, though, gives me more faith in myself as well. It helps me to remind myself to be better sometimes."

He glanced down at the cream. "You're probably right...and I think a bit more of the fish...letting it boil just a touch more will help it flavor the stew," the Paladin said as he continued his work. "...Do you...feel better, Nia??" He remembered her asking for a hug, before kicking himself mentally. "Sorry, I shouldn't, just....thank you. For the hug earlier, too."
 
Nia laughed lightly at the mention of her friend. "She's actually done quite a bit of growing already, if you'd believe it. I don't just mean her recent name change or the, ah, forwardness with which she sees and does things," Nia nodded, recalling all too well the nearly wide eyed tiefling they'd all met in days gone by. The reminiscence made her smile, and she likely would've been just as comfortable discussing her closest friend as she was literature and the like, but conversations ebb and flow, and Nia was always one to go with the usual groove.

"I have thought about attending a gala," admitted Nia. "But I'm from a middling family at best. I'd probably have to use Felicity's name to actually get in," she laughed at this, "though I'm sure she wouldn't mind. As for readings," she adjusted some pots, muttering another quick blessing, though it seemed to mostly be at the gentle stirring phase, "Henali is a goddess of peace and acceptance. Part of why I appreciate her is that she extends that to learning about others as well. The best way to achieve tranquility is to learn the beliefs of others and temper our approach to that as well. She's not a jealous goddess, though of course she'd be thrilled if everyone followed her.

"That would probably be a boring world though. True tranquility and peace would come from a balance, measuring tranquility with sacrifice and trust and loyalty and, well, probably beauty and, ah, sex, too," she flushed. more attending could distract her, though it did seem like sex was always nearby with so many healthy individuals. Not that Nia herself was against it: she could still remember what had happened not too long ago... was that only two days ago? It seemed so much longer.

"What? ah, yes, I feel quite refreshed, thank you. It, ah, was very much appreciated," and was definitely not just because she'd thought Luc needed one. "Sometimes the simplest way we can encourage on another is through physical intimacy and affection," she stirred for a moment, before realizing. "Ah, I didn't mean, not just---I mean, sex is part of that, and is, um, good. The gods smile whenever we get---not that the gods are perverts, but they did create us for---ah---" great, she'd just implied that the gods wanted to watch people fucking. Perfect clerical move.
 
Luc liked Nia's laugh. It was rich, happy, joyous and sweet. Honey-rich with all her sweetness. "Well, I can see that," he said regarding Felicity. "She's something alright...wonder how she learned thieving so well," he added, seeing Nia's clearly care and affection for the young Tiefling. "She really just wants to get out there and do things, doesn't she? Well...things and people. Nothing wrong with that, of course."

"Well, perhaps someone might invite you?" He asked Nia. "Middling family nothing, those are events anyone should have a chance to attend! You'd be the loveliest there, I know it!" He didn't say any blessings himself, Kelemvor was not quite the god one wished to invoke in regards to food and drink, for perhaps obvious reasons. "Kelemvor is a god of peace as well," he said. "Tranquility...equality...all are equal in Kelemvor's sight in the end. Tranquility is to be sought out. Honor all those who came before. Grant others dignity..." he tapped his holy symbol. "I respect Henali's faith...likewise, Kelemvor is not a jealous god. He's quite happy with the level of worship he has." He didn't mention the embarrassing period when too many had followed Kelemvor and the god had played favorites with the souls of the dead..

He glanced to Nia with a raised eyebrow at the end. "I'm glad you feel...refreshed. If you had a chance to trance and..." He gave a bit of a nervous cough at the mention of physical intimacy. "Yes. Well...physical intimacy is good! And I've got to stop saying some action is 'good' when I feel..." At the mention of the gods not being perverts, he gave a soft laugh. "I would hope the gods believe in privacy at some times! Unless they're clerics of Sune..." He gave her a playful look, the stew taking shape before them, the fish good and hot within. "This will keep till the others are up...well, let's say the gods want us to be happy. And aren't spying on us. Too often."
 
"Hmm, I suppose it's possible that we could be invited as adventurers. It depends on the wealth and the deeds. The Renegades have gotten close before," she didn't quite go into detail regarding rumors of a handful of other Renegades, a pairing that may or may not be connected to the rest of the group. Nia considered for a few moments, stirring. There were quite a few gods that were at least civil with the rest, which was surprising, as one always expected jealousy from deities. Then again, they were considered "good" gods for a reason.

The thought almost made Nia laugh, but, well, there were... other things to discuss. "Ah, yes, Sune's priests are very... open," Nia let out a slightly nervous laugh, hand going to her hair for a moment. The slight pink turned bright as Luc looked at her, and she nearly yelped. "What? Yes, ah, right, the, ah, soup, and uh, it all needs to, um, cook, and ah, yes, and---IthinkIneedtogetawayfromthefire," she stood up then, purposefully fluffing her robes out slightly, wanting to keep some things a little less observable. Gods, it was all this silly talk of sex and how nearly obsessed with it everyone here was.

Nia took a stiff step back, as if she were rearranging herself on a parade ground, shifting her position awkwardly yet again. She almost wanted to ask Luc how boys managed it, but the last thing she wanted to do was draw attention. "Ah, I am, uh, not looking forward to, um, facing the gnolls, again. The only one of us, who, ah, seemed to be, um, prepared last time was Felicity. It's a little unusual, but I think that, uh, the...the musk isn't quite as effective on her. It, um, definitely was on Tawny and---ah," this was not distracting her from certain things. She needed a new topic, one that probably wouldn't cause her thoughts to drift.

"How did you become a paladin!?" she almost shouted, before almost slapping her hands over her mouth, glancing over to where Tawny lay. The half-tabaxi's ear twitched, tail shifting, but nothing more. Flushing, Nia licked her lips. "I mean, ah, how did you become a paladin?" she repeated in a much calmer tone, as if he hadn't understood her perfectly well the first time.
 
"Well, we're on a quest now, aren't we?" Lucian lifted an eyebrow as he kept his eyes on Nia. "Well, perhaps we could tell of our great deeds defeating ravenous gnolls and recovering artifacts. I guarantee it'll be the talk of the town in Waterdeep, especially with the prettiest lady at the ball there to take her place in the center of the dance with a beautiful, brand new dress!" He sounded so earnest trying to make Nia excited for it. He wanted to see her in a lovely gown there, having as much fun as she wanted. And Kelemvor was rumored to be a bit of a romantic.

"Just a touch open," Luc said, thinking of Sune's followers, a little laugh escaping him as well before Nia's stammering made him chuckle for how frankly adorable it was. "Are you alright with fire?" He asked as he set the stew over it, keeping it cooking while he dusted off his hand.s Aelius and Varrik...yeah, sex was normal there. Gods knew Ade was into it more than a bit...not like he had any room to talk, remembering Zafah. And how things had gone before. But...new day. Keep going. You only live once. Provided nobody had a resurrection spell.

"Well...gnolls," he said. "Musk and...well, hopefully we'll be prepared," he said. "We're disciplined. Enough as is..." He tried not to think of the effect the musk had on him near Tawny, his mouth twisting a bit as he tried to banish those memories. "...Well, we'll be a group together against them...no need to worry or fret, at least." He hoped not at any rate, he added mentally. Then Nia almost....yelled.

He glanced at her with confusion, puzzled by the passion with which she had asked the question. "I...well, if you're so interested..." he said with a happy look. "It's nothing...too special. My family were involved with adventuring for a while, my brother and I...well, our parents were old friends with adventurers and wanted us to get a good education, which happened through the temples. The safest one was the temple of Kelemvor..." he sounded wistful. "Then we went to Baldur's Gate and...I was enchanted, honestly. by the stories of Paladins... Of reading about Kelemvor's adventures when he was human. It just seemed...natural, honestly."
 
Even or perhaps especially now, Nia couldn't quite imagine wanting to brag about this particular quest to a group of nobles and the like. She imagined that someone like, say, Felicity, may be able to do that, but it just struck her as being a little too... risque, rough for that sort of thing. Surely nobles would rather here about assaults on pristine mage towers or great battles fought against encroaching hordes of vile beasts... though there was a possibility for that latter.

Not one that Nia wanted to consider, much like the effects the musk had on them. At least she could certainly understand why they'd asked for help from various males, though some part of her was more than a little concerned at what may happen with said males, given how... sexual things had been. One more thing to worry about, and one more thing that she was tucking away, trying to focus on something a bit more... normal, like Luc's origins.

The origins made almost too much sense to Nia. She found herself nodding. "That seems like an almost pleasant way of becoming an adventurer, though I suppose most of our group isn't too traumatic. Felicity fell in love with stories and decided to enact them on her own, while Tawny mostly set forth to prove herself and her strength. For me, it was always something of a calling. I sought answers to perhaps the second biggest question: who am I, truly, at the core. Many of the gods provided answers to some degree, but it was Hanali Celanil that spoke to me the most. Though, ah, some do say she's perhaps the elfish aspect of Sune. It's a more... gentle sort of love and peace," she nodded, shifting again, trying not to look overly awkward.

"What of you and yours? Do you have plans when we are finished with this quest? Surely you have celebrations of your own you wish to partake of?"
 
Luc was mostly looking forward to the dance hall. While he knew this sort of thing was unlikely to attract much interest outside of their present company, it was always possible they might reach to higher adventures after this. The Wolves had achieved some remarkably effective deeds in their time, no doubt the Charitable Renegades had done the same and would do more. Then again, with his experiences with nobles, their interests in the rougher side of things was often more pronounced than some let on. Luc was considering the ideas for the following day now, with the approaching fight with gnolls again and a great deal of trouble therein.

He appreciated, though, under it all...things weren't awkward with Nia. With Tawny, they were at least able to talk business now, Felicity, well...he had a feeling how that might go, not that he was blaming her or thinking ill of her for it and Zafah had a way of endearing herself to those about her with her love of drugs, the acerbic tongue that concealed a deep care for her friends and more...but Nia? Nia was simply sweet, wanting to get to know him and that was something he was appreciating. Just talking normally. "What made you want to adventure yourself, Nia?" He grinned. "You and Felicity seem such great friends, how'd you get so close together?" He loved Felicity's zest for stories...and then he heard the rest, Nia putting herself forward for discovery.

"I have a brother who's a paladin of Sune, actually," Luc said. "Granted the other members of the Wolves are away at the moment. Long story. We get along fine, though!" Luc was fascinated by cosmology and theology at time. Kelemvor was a very simple god, thankfully. A mortal who became a god who took over th underworld. What could be simpler than that? "Haneli Celanil must appreciate having such a cleric like you," Luc said. "So kind, dedicated to others and exploring your true self.." He wasn't finding her awkward, not at all. It fit with the serenity that Kelemvor's church preached.

He considered that. "We don't exactly have holidays in my faith....part of serving the God of Death, I suppose! But we do have..." he considered it. "Well...I guess I'd want to take some time. See how we see after everything. Travel together, have adventures, prove ourselves as well, meet new friends, have adventures....reunite with the others." He looked to her. "I'll consider this a job well done when we see you dancing happily in that dress, with every eye on the prettiest girl in the room and not before, though."

He was spreading some jam and cream on a hot biscuit. "Want to try one?" He asked as he set the knife aside. "We should near the time for everyone to wake up, refresh then move on..."

He was appreciating Nia's company. Quite a bit, actually...
 
What made her adventure? "Well, the calling sent me out into the world," offered Nia after a short bit of consideration. "I was actually more or less rescued by Tawny and, ah, she was quite, um," she flushed, not sure how to properly phrase that there had been an almost romantic attachment there for a bit, which was also part of why she had to be separated from Tawny during the Heat (as they'd learned the hard way once). "But, ah, with Felicity, we spent a lot of time together while Zafah and Tawny would deal with the Heat, whenever the potions simply became too much or Tawny just wanted a more natural way of handling things. That forced us together and, well, once Felicity found out I wasn't as, ah ,interested in certain activities, we shared stories about books and bonded over things like fashion.

"From that, it sort of became a matter of just knowing one another and watching out, getting closer. She's surprisingly adept at what she wants to do, for someone who seems perpetually lighthearted and carefree. I really do think this is just the sort of life she's always wanted, and there's something admirable about that," Nia nodded as she finished, flushing slightly at both the obvious pride in her friend, and in Luc's well meant compliment toward her service toward her god. Though Nia had the good fortune of knowing that she'd pleased her god a good deal already, since she'd spoken with her and received a good deal of blessings. You didn't become as powerful or knowledgeable a cleric as Nia without serving your god well.

The thought of taking a holiday had appeal, and while Nia wanted to eventually give up adventuring, she knew she'd likely go back to it after a break. The further comment regarding dancing had her flushing. "Well, ah, I could always save a dance for you? For, ah, all the Wolves, of course. You're all quite charming," she said, shifting, hand again fluttering toward her hair where, sure enough, she'd tugged loose a strand from the updo with her fiddling. "Oh, that sounds quite lovely," she said as a biscuit was offered, taking it in hand before biting almost too delicately at it, like a deer eating carefully.

She chewed, but her violet eyes soon widened with delight as she let out something like a coo, hand going to her mouth to make sure she didn't finish chewing before speaking. "That is quite good indeed! The jam has an excellent balance and is rather light, which I certainly appreciate." She looked like she wanted another bite, but hesitated, not entirely sure she should.
 
"Calling..." Luc said delicately. The paladin knew all about that sort of thing. He remembered what they had been told about Tawny. And Nia as well. He let no hint of any embarrassment display on his face in regards to that, continuing to work at the pots and skillets with the food. He chuckled softly. "Much of a reader?" He asked her with interest. "I know Felicity practically devours those things....can't say I'm much for fashion, admittedly!" He added with a wink to Nia, his grin still in place. "But it seems to be working out well for you two..." It raised his esteem of Felicity more. He liked the energetic Tiefling, he found.

"I did notice," he said. "That after everything, she was remarkably unscathed. And she's got nimble hands alright. Quick tongue, too." He noticed she never seemed loss for a reply for a retort. He wa s facing Nia with genuine interest in it, enjoying the way she spoke of her best friend. "There's a lot admirable about all of it....all of you. You, Felicity, Tawny, Zafah..."

Luc himself was never quite sure about too many breaks. They took them sometimes, but he loved adventuring, genuinely. "...I'd be honored," he said, "if you caved a dance for me! The rest would appreciate it, too. Though to let you in on a secret? Aelius and Varrik are the better dancers. Varrik's got the footwork and Aels...he says the tail helps with balance." He didn't draw attention to the strands of hair. "As for being charming...we try! It beats being cruel any day. My goal now is to ensure we get that dance." H added as he handed over the biscuit, observing her nibbling.

"Well, I'm glad you like it! Kelemvor knows the lads complain it's too sweet sometimes..." he rolled his eyes. "They like it fine, they just give me a hard time...is everything alright?" He added, seeing her hesitate with the next bite. "Is it still good?"
 
Nia nodded. Sometimes it was too easy to discount Felicity, to think that her lightheartedness and obsession over certain things (sex mainly) made her somewhat incompetent. In fact, Nia herself had thought that in the beginning. It had taken a few adventures for her to realize that the midnight blue tiefling actually had some skill as well, and that she genuinely wanted to be successful at the whole adventuring thing, if only because it would further her highly romanticized ideal of what this all entailed. Nia had at least already learned that most of adventuring was clumping through the wilderness trying not to get completely bogged down by mud and worse.

She certainly nodded about dancing, wanting to save several. "I do usually get quite a few partners," she admitted, smiling. "Though, ah, I almost wish they'd opted for the more lively dances more often. Though if need be, Felicity can always just join me for those," she nearly rolled her eyes, thinking of how very enthusiastic her friend usually got at such things. Best to just leave that to the imagination though, and Nia was certainly not one to be cruel or mean.

Hence some of why she paused. "Well, ah, I just wasn't sure I should? I mean, if we have enough, but, ah," she turned, seeming to realize that Tawny had started to stir. The half-tabaxi actually napped with quite a bit of frequency if left to her own devices, and seemed to nearly thrive on short bursts of intense napping, able to fall asleep with remarkable swiftness, and while it took some doing to wake her up, she responded quickly to certain stimulae (she never failed to be the first on her feet during an attack). Now the monk stretched, clothing shifting, demonstrating that she'd loosened it a great deal, all but leaving her in the basic wrappings.

"I don't think it'll be quite as easy for Felicity, though Zafah actually wakes up remarkably easily," said Nia, letting out a slight laugh as she took another delicate nibble. "So long as you don't mind someone cursing at the world in general," with that as a reminder, Nia started shifting, looking through their packs to see if they'd brought along any kaf. They often did, particularly if Zafah was going to be short on sleep, which looked to be the case now.
 
Lucian was stirring at the stew, ensuring everything cooked evenly. Nia's devotion to her teammates was, he thought, remarkably endearing and he could see why. Felicity might have been easy to underestimate but it had not escaped Luc's sight (or nose) that she had been spotless in comparison to the other three. And this, he thought, was with relative youth and inexperience. She might, he thought, have a lot of idealism on it, but...that wasn't a bad thing. Not at all, in fact. It was nice to see someone who wasn't jaded and only wanted adventures. That, and sex, Felicity had made it clear she was really, really after that.

Well, Luc thought with an internal shrug. Good for her! "Lively dances, eh?" He asked. "Fast paced to quick music? I'm quite fond of those myself. If we're to save one another a dance, shall we make it one of those?" He was looking forward to it, Nia being so sweet and interested in their conversation. It was a contrast, he realized, to how things had gone before. Felicity was an idyllic dreamer, but...sweet, too. She had a good heart. And he hadn't quite managed to truly talk to Tawny, had he? That had been the problem, he hadn't just made an attempt like this to just talk like people, the way he had with Zafah or Nia or Felicity...

Well. His mistake and one he would try to rectify. Not expecting anything, but...hell, they could be friends, he hoped. He respected her a great deal, even more for the attempts to prove herself. Focusing on Nia, he followed her gaze to the stirring Tawny....well, no shockers that the catlike warrior would take cat naps. He also didn't stare at the shifting of clothes, tuning his eyes back to Nia quickly. "Well...if felicity is a heavy sleeper...any way to get hr up?" He was not altogether shocked about Zaf, giving a grin while he tried a biscuit himself.

"Just the world? I wouldn't expect she'd handle waking up easily....there would be some kaf in Aelius's pack, Luc soon directing her. The sun was soon cresting above, Luc glancing up with a happy sound. "Well, good morning, and the start of another day, Nia!" He said, before rubbing his head. "So, care to join me for breakfast when we're all sitting down? Maybe we can even see if we can brighten Zafah's mood? We'll see if she's grumpy when she tries all this."

Aelius was already stirring...though not as quick as Varrik who was yawning as he stretched, Adrian keeping an eye out to speak with Felicity.
 
Advice to getting Felicity up? Nia fought back some giggles. "Well, ah, she is rather enamored with physical affection in all ways. I'm actually rather convinced that her tiefling blood comes from either gluttony or lust or possibly both," she considered. "We, ah, did try kissing her awake once, believe it or not. Partially as a joke, partially because, well, we mostly get... edgy on longer quests. She is remarkably receptive," Nia didn't quite flush, which probably indicated that she hadn't done the kissing. It had been Zafah, who probably would've gone further if Felicity hadn't been both a virgin and a tiefling, two strikes against her.

"We've been known to just roll her up or wake her with pastries too," offered Nia. As if reminding herself, she took another bite of the biscuit, soon nodding at the mention of Zafah. "She's, ah, used to waking up in a hurry. When you've devilish ties, you need to be awake in a hurry," she shrugged. That had made her edgy once upon a time, but they'd long since adjusted to that and one another.

And it did look like Tawny was stretching, her well muscled body seeming to ripple, the light of dawn reflecting off the unbroken gold of her skin. She turned the catlike stretch into a roll upward, the loose cloth parting for a moment to offer any that cared to look a view of the rather impressive body beneath. Even Nia found herself staring, admiring and perhaps lusting just a little, while Tawny pulled her arms upward, arching onto her toes, tail stretching out as she did another rolling stretch.

But instead of tying up her cloth, Tawny let it hang loose. She still technically covered more than Felicity, but there was, in many ways, simply more of Tawny to bare, and the loose cloth dangling almost seemed to invite looks at the taut body beneath. She padded over to look at the stew, leaning and sniffing. "Ah, fish again," she smiled, tail flicking, "almost as good as rat," she gave Luc a wink, before moving into a set of more natural stretches, wanting to limber herself up.

From Felicity there would only be the soft, gentle snores indicating her deep sleep. Zafah slept quietly herself, but didn't seem likely to raise herself any time soon (she had gotten less sleep than the others, after all).
 
Luc lifted an eyebrow at Nia repressing laughter. Well, he was guessing that Felicity was quite the heavy sleeper. "I see..." he remarked, rolling his eyes. "Gluttony and lust, you don't say...I'm sure that's something she and Aels share...you haven't seen that lad eat yet...as for kissing her awake..." he looked over at the very snug and secure Tiefling. "...Hm, I should let Aels sleep just a bit longer, but we could always draft him. I'll have to remember kisses, though, if we need him to bribe her on anything.

Mention of pastries made him remove a biscuit, to begin slathering it with cream and jam, making sure it was extra sweet. "Well, if that's the case, I'm sure we can get her going with this...and I'll have to stock up on a hearty supply of muffins then..." he didnt comment on Zafah, not remotely surprised Zafah was a sharp riser. "How about- " Luc paused to see Tawny up, turning as the half Tabaxi rolled up instantly. Luc could not escape the body beneath it, seeing toned muscle and nothing short of the pure strength there.

"Morning stretches?" Luc asked with admiration for the monk's strength. He didn't let his eyes linger too much on her body for fear of disrespect, keeping his eyes on her face. "Fish again?" He asked, looking up to her with a friendly grin. "Hm. Am I so predictable? If I'd known rat was a favorite, I'd have had to take requests. Would you like it stewed or roasted next time, Tawny?"

He began to distribute everything into portions as Aelius rose from sleep, yawning deeply as he rubbed his head, Varrik already awake, while Adrian...was borrowing a biscuit, taking it over to Felicity after checking with Luc.

"...So...want this? Sweets?" He asked, holding it near to the Tiefling's nose where she might sense the morning pastry...
 
Oh, Nia fully expected there to be a slight pause when Tawny did those morning stretches. She had to fight a little knowing smile as she nibbled delicately on her biscuit. It was actually a great sign that the half-tabaxi was uncaring regarding her state of dress and usual morning routine. The cat in her came out the more relaxed she got around people, including odd little details like stretching and finding clothing more annoying than anything else. Plus Nia would be the first to admit there was something... attractive in the half-tabaxi: all that muscle and grace mixing together into an almost too delightful package.

"Rat's better roasted," Tawny said, either not noticing or not caring if he was taunting her about it. She raised her arms overhead again, stretching by twisting sideways. She knew she needed to limber up, even if it was tempting to find another sunbeam to lounge around in. She did another stretching roll while she moved more toward the edge of her camp. From there, it was sliding into more natural forms, letting everyone else wake up as she worked the various kinks and knots out of her body. Each motion had the same continuous, almost fluid grace to it, flowing from one into the next. It almost looked like a dance, enough so that sometimes the other Renegades would try to follow her lead.

For her part, Tawny seemed to just let it happen, again not caring that her robes hung loose, the top all but falling off her body to bare the glistening golden skin beneath, the pants baggy enough to almost look like a set of sails about her while she rolled and shifted, body never ceasing in its cycle of motion. She twisted, testing her flexibility, nearly purring with the delight of feeling it all just clicking into place, the peace of it coming.

Nia almost wanted to watch, but she could see Adrian taking a biscuit. Those violet eyes went wide. "Um, careful, she, ah, sleep eats,' she said, fighting another laugh. It became impossible to fight completely as Felicity's head shifted, her mouth moving like a fish's as she sought out the sweet. Nia had once seen the tiefling put down almost an entire pie while in a deep sleep.

Well, Nia supposed that meant she should go to Zafah. She rose up, delicately dusting herself before heading back into the tent, pausing only to wave good morning to Varrik as she went.
 
Luc took up a biscuit with bacon and butter, taking a bite himself. Him, Nia and Tawny there, with Nia munching her own biscuit like a sweet deer enjoying a sweet left for it. And Tawny...well, Tawny was being unapologetically Tawny. She was practically stretching all about, with her muscled body on display. Still, Luc was bound and determined not to make a fool of himself at the momeent, not drawing any attention to anything and certainly not being so foolish as to ask for a spar. Luc was thinking he should don his armor soon as well.

"I'll remember that when I next prepare rat," he said without sarcasm....it wasn't like they'd been stuck without food before and needing to rely on vermin. It wasn't his favorite exactly, but it would do in a pinch and who was he to argue with taste? Tawny's routine was unmistakably feline. Luc was thankful his canine instincts were not so thick as this, Tawny looking as if she might want to use a tree as a scratching post or curl up in a ray of sunlight...still, it was quite the sight to see. Fluid, graceful, perfectly feline and beautiful, like a hypnotic, perfectly ordered waltz...

Luc caught himself staring for a moment...slightly shocked and even a bit humbled by the beauty that was Tawny Amblecrown.

Aelius draped himself over Luc and "HAAAAAPY day! The SUN is up!"

"...Can you go ONE morning without this?"

"I'm a Cleric of Lathander, I'm religiously required to!"

"You are NOT!"

"I go above and beyond!" Aelius chirped, just watching while Adrian glanced at Nia.

"...Does she- " he pulled the biscuit way from Felicity's seeking mouth. "Come on," he groaned. "Wake up, will ya? Nobody can be like this when asleep! Aelius!"

"Hmmm..." Aelius leaned over, and whispered all sorta of naughty things in Felicity's ear. "We can even act out a scene from one of your books if you wake up!" he offered.

Varrik gave a wave back...looking more uncomfortable with the sunlight. "Morning, Nia," he said. "...You've got some cream right there. Enjoying the biscuits?"
 
The other cleric's arrival amused Nia, drawing another smile out and lightening her step. It was hardly surprising that someone who worshiped the god of the dawn would be a morning person, and it was refreshing to have another such person along for the journey (Tawny mostly just enjoyed any part of life she was living at the time; very in the moment, that monk). She finished her wave to Varrik, flushed pink at the mention of creme, dabbed it off with a nod to confirm enjoyment, and moved to finish stirring Zafah awake.

The grumpy half-elf muttered a few choice obscenities about the world, daylight, half-orcs, tents, sleeping out of doors, daylight again, and something about sex before at least grumpily waving Nia off. The peace cleric nodded, exiting that tent to look over as they teased Felicity. It was rather adorable watching the midnight blue tiefling's mouth move toward the biscuit, chasing it while smacking her lips.

"I think she picked that up from sleeping through lessons," offered Nia, coming a little closer. Fortunately she didn't hear Aelius offer, but the little giggle from Felicity confirmed it was probably at least a little naughty. Definitely didn't want Nia to think about the creme. "She really does sleep through almost---"

"Eldritch blast," intoned a dry voice. Zafah stretched her hand out, the ring on her finger sparking as the lance of energy shot forth, snagging the sleeping tiefling by the foot. With an almost evil smile, Zafah tugged, and Felicity jolted ten feet out of her ten, waking up and almost immediately spinning into action. The acerbic half-elf just smirked as she walked over to look at the food cooking, ignoring the protests and whining from Felicity. "Some people take a little more waking up," she said, eye flicking over the offerings. "Yep, definitely Nia made... though this looks a bit better..."

Felicity, for her part, didn't look too put out by being all but literally dragged awake. The fact that there was a decently attractive, if quite mean guy holding a pastry helped. Her tail flicked as she plucked the treat from him, cramming it into her mouth. "Ah waf eepin'!" she insisted, spraying crumbs as she shot a glare Zafah's way. Felicity kept chewing, her expression almost comical, while her mind finished catching up on the whole situation.

Tawny, for her part, didn't even break stride, clearly used to this kind of morning routine as she simply slid from one posture to the next, the fluid movements continuing, unbroken and steady.
 
Aelius was all but giggling, a spring in his red steps as he stretched up, hands craning towards the sun. "Now say thanks to Lord Lathander, for brightening our mornings!"

"I am going to stuff that sun pendant down your throat if you keep that up," Varrik grumbled.

"You know full well it takes a LOT to choke me with anything," Aelius chirped without shame. He looked to Nia as well. "And good morning, dearest Nia! You look positively radiant! Henali and Lathander's blessings upon you! Ignore Varrik, he gets so grumpy in daytime."

"...I serve MASK, you crimson songbird fop. Too high a sun leads to no shadows!" Varrik shook his head. "Why oh why do I put up with you?"

"I can think of a few reasons! Especially my disposition! And hello, Tawny! See, Varrik? There's someone who knows how to greet the day! And we're starting it with good food, so that makes it a good day!" Aelius's perky demeanor was a source of amusement, though Luc was just glance back over to Zafah, hearing noises that seemed to be grouchy and reluctant acquiescence given form. Yep, the Paladin thought. That seemed to be Zafah...

While Adrian was attempting to tease her awake with the biscuit, something about his plan had not been very well thought out. "....Come on, there's no way she can keep sleeping through- eldritch wh- " h got as far as that before the blast sent Felicity up, knocking him back and almost prone.

"....Might've...deserved that..." he admitted as Felicity took the biscuit. "...And, uh...was wondering if I could...talk to ya before..." he lowered his voice. "Meant to...apologize..." he was minus a biscuit and attempting to get ahead for Felicity now...maybe Zafah would consider that somewhat even?

"If only I didn't need the spell slots.." Aelius rubbed his chin. "I could've used spiritual weapon, made a paddle and- " He grinned sweetly as he saw Luc and Varrik looking at him incredulously. "Orrrrr save that for another time! Good morning, Zafah!"

"I made food with Nia," Luc said, offering her some of it, while he stepped back from the action with Aelius, the two near to Tawny while not interfering in the routine. "Time enough to eat before we move on. Aelius, you have your prayers- "

"Already said!"

"That quickly?"

"I do everything quickly! Except some of the really important things..." he looked over at Felicity with a sweet smile. "Those I take time to be thorough on!"

"....You're going to get struck down for blasphemy, please stand over there away from me," Varrik muttered.

Luc just looked at Tawny with the expression of someone equally used to routines in the morning. "I'll make you a bowl as they sort everything out."
 
The usual chaos didn't seem to bother the Renegades, with Felicity looking about ready to jump in and start contributing herself. Zafah probably would've made more wry comments, but she was a little more focused on getting some of the black drink inside her, wanting that potion of alertness to start working it's delicious magic.

Felicity did seem to note that Adrian was nearby. It took her a bit, and possibly some of the sugar, to realize that he was apologizing. Her head tilted for a few moments while she chewed, trying to think on what he needed to apologize for, mentally rehashing the events of last night. There had been that good time with Aelius, and she'd slept pretty dang good after (sex seemed to be pretty good for that). Something about her possibly doing writing. And now Aelius was talking about paddles which was tempting but Zafah was glaring.

Wait, last night... Felicity's brow furrowed, lips pursing before: "Oh, right, that," she said, tail flicking behind her as she looked up at Adrian. The eyes went hard for a few moments, and she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. "Yeah, I dunno if that's gonna be enough? Biscuit's good, but, like, you were really mean last night," she said, already walking past him, heading toward where Nia and Zafah were squatting near the fire. She did give Aelius a smile and a wiggle of some fingers.

"Um, what's this about Adrian being mean?" Nia asked, looking between Felicity, who seemed put out, and Zafah, who almost seemed to know. Had the elf missed something? She looked back to Adrian, wondering if she should be asking about that. There seemed to be at least a little tension there, and that was... odd. Felicity usually didn't carry tension herself. When it happened, it was usually because---

"Adrian spent most of last night being a dick, and not in the fun way," said Zafah. She dug into her pocket, pulling out her smokes and kicking one out. If she was going to have anything resembling this conversation, she definitely needed some of that in her. She hit the pack against her palm got it out, and lit the stick with a cantrip, turning to purposefully blow away.

"Varrik, on the other hand, was a dick in the fun way," drawled the half-elf, her voice dipping slightly while she smiled that way. She looked back to Nia. "Good with his tongue."

"Oh, ah, that's, um---"

Felicity let out several giggles, biting her lip and flicking her tail. "He really is~"

"Aaaah, we have... maybe breakfast, now?"
 
If anything, Varrik and Aelius were appreciating a measure of chaos at the moment while Luc was adopting the attitude of a rather casually intrigued observer. Luc glanced over at Zafah, his gaze rather pleasant as he inclined his head in her direction with a good morning. "...Is it usually like this in the morning, then?" He asked modestly while he began to get things into portions.

"That..." Adrian began quietly, with a new rush of ashamed guilt. Felicity was beginning to walk past him and he decided not to hold back. Felicity seemed cheerful enough at the moment with the sugar, even warm to the others, which was a good sign that he had not managed to damage things with the others...and Aelius was mentioning something about paddles now, which of course...but when Felicity's eyes went hard, he openly winced. "Felicity," he said softly as she passed him, just enough for only the two of them to hear. "It's not...just the biscuit. If there's anything more I can, I will. Something you need me to, if we can talk about it soon. Some...anything," he said. "...I lashed out. I shouldn't have. I do find you beautiful as Aelius and Varrik do and if there's...somethig I can do, any way I can make it up, some fight, some fantasy I can..." he stopped and left it with two words, for their ears. "I'm sorry."

Luc was glancing between them, seeing a potential powder keg that was likely to go off and wanting to get out ahead of it. Adrian seemed to be ashamed for the moment, but Nia and Zafah...Luc sighed heavily at that, taking his seat by them as Varrik pulled up a seat himself, removing his cloak. "Aelius. Morning smokes?" He asked as Aelius fished them out, passing one to Zafah and keeping one for himself. "Good stuff, eh- " he paused at Zafah's words and looked upwards at the sky. "I, ah...wasn't that meant to be a bit private...? Besides, that's one part of my body I didn't get to use."

"Oh, you poor dear, nobody's ever suffered like you," Aelius tsked playfully as he began with his stew. He winked at Felicity and mouthed 'He SO is.' Luc was shaking his head a bit at them all.

"Breakfast now. Sounds wonderful," he said. "For all of us." He was hoping the apology his sensitive ears had heard would help with Felicity. "Zafah, speak after breakfast on strategy? A few things I want to run by you when we're fed and alert."
 
There was that moment of tension while Felicity kept staring down Adrian. It was rare that the tiefling actually felt... anger like this. It bubbled up inside her and she kinda hated it. Usually it came from beings like the asshole or those few times she'd encountered various nobles and the like while she was still pre-running away to become an adventurer. Felicity might not be the most introspective of beings, but she knew damn well that a lot of this frustration and anger came more from the fact that her feelings had been hurt. Biscuits and jam weren't going to cut it, and she wasn't sure that this offer would either.

"I dunno, thought you weren't a fan of being the whole object of my fantasies," she pointed out, tail flicking. "I don't do the whole forced sex thing, well, I guess unless it's, like, part of the fantasy and involves being tied up or something, but that's usually mean, but yeah, it's not, like, fun? It's more Zafah's ex's whole thing," she waved that direction. "Plus I'm a fuckin' delight. I can prolly point to jus' about anyone here an' be all 'wanna fuck' an' they will?" She looked around for a moment.

Zafah and Nia both caught on well enough, the former nodding readily enough, while the latter at least taking a few moments, realizing she needed to stick by her friend in this. It probably didn't hurt that Varrik was nearby to whine about his poor neglected dick too.

"Yeah, an' I can take care of that too," offered Felicity, tail swishing as she grinned up Varrik. "An' I'm overdue for my girl, girl, boy threesome," she leaned back, calling to Tawny: "Tawny! You're first pick for that!"

The monk actually stumbled at that, flushing a little. She could see Felicity eying her, and she wasn't sure if she should be trying to cover up her body a bit or leaning into it. This definitely was the kind of awkward she generally avoided. On the other hand... Felicity probably would be a good lay, and Tawny already knew she could handle herself? But what guy could possibly hope to keep up with both of them? Even the asshole would have trouble, and he had demonic lust on his side.

"Breakfast sounds good," said Zafah, drawing the words out, letting her crackling voice run over them. She took another hit of smoke before reaching for the drink. A soft hand interrupted her, and she looked into Nia's bit violet eyes. There weren't words, but Zafah got the drift, sighing, "Right, actual food," she said, looking over the offerings before going for the oat based one over the fish or biscuits.
 
It was rare the half orc was made to ever feel intimidated by friend, foe or otherwise. But with Felicity's intense gaze, the hardening of her eyes..it was like a storm had come to the midnight starry sky she so resembled there. It was, he thought, a remidner he had fucked up and how he was trying to fix it...he also knew 'fixing it' might not be entirely possible, that it was up to Felicity and Zafah. But it didn't mean he couldn't try...

But despite that, he couldn't help but respect it. The intensity, the anger, standing her ground, the integrity of it all...this was something strong from her...and it made it all the more genuine. "Felicity," he said her name, low and serious now. "...I do respet you. I do think you're beautiful. I do think you're strong. There'd be nothing forcing me on anything. It's your decision and yours alone. You don't have to accept anything...but I'm sorry. By Torm, I am. " He could have gone the orc way of removing a finger to show it, but he had a feeling she may not feeling appreciate the gesture..

It was absolutely accurate that Felicity could probably had just about anyone there. Varrik was attempting to currently take things on the proverbial chin, Aelius looking smug about it, while Varrik glanced up at Felicity. "Well, thank you very kindly, your generosity is quite appreciated, Milady Fels," he said, evidently bestowing a playful nickname upon the creative Tiefling, before they heard...Tawny mentioned.

Varrik and Aelius traded slightly nervous glances about that, both doubting their ability to be able to match that pace. Tawny could probably handle both of them easily. Hells, they thought, Felicity had kept pace just fine. Felicity AND Tawny. It'd take Luc or Adrian to handle something like that. Or, Aelius thought suddenly, Cailan might be able to...granted, who knew where he and Lysander were at the moment...

"SO," Aelius said to Felicity. "Breakfast, before discussing fun extracurricular activities! We have a big day!" He passed a portion to Zafah. "I'm sure Nia and Luc worked hard on this! And thank you ever so much, Nia, we truly appreciate it!" The other Wolves chimed in with thanks for the kindly elven cleric while Varrik hefted his bowl.

"....She made it better'n how Luc usually does it I'll say that," he said as Luc tried the fish stew.

"We'll have enough to keep as provisions, so try not to weigh ourselves down by eating too much," he told them, He gave Nia a smile. "And honestly, she did improve it. Thank you so much for the help, Nia." They all murmured another thanks for her as Aelius playfully batted his tail at Felicity's.

"You know, if Felicity's acting up, we could team up! Eldritch blast and spiritual weapon for extra spankings!" he offered sweetly. "Oooh, Luc! Can you use your Smites that way!?"

"The blessings of my god are NOT for- "

"Yes or no, Luc."

"....Yeah, probably."
 
Felicity still wasn't quite sure how to handle Adrian. Last night he'd been all... incredibly mean, essentially calling her selfish and useless and insisting that she was just using people for her own pleasure. Like, yeah, sorta, and the fact that Felicity had just enough awareness to know that some of that was definitely true bugged her. She flicked her tail some now, considering. And maybe if she didn't have something, or more accurately someone, to distract her, she'd have continued. she was already staring at Tawny and thinking about how she hadn't had sex with another woman yet, and the half-tabaxi was kinda the big mountain to climb there. Plus she knew full well that Tawny wouldn't mind. It was more the whole objectifying thing.

But Felicity was thinking less heat and more hot jacked monk who could probably lift her over her head and bodyslam her. The tiefling's lips went between her teeth, tail curling as her mind started lifting in all sorts of directions. It almost seemed like hearts would form in those deep blue eyes of hers.

Which did make Tawny a little uncomfortable. She could practically feel Felicity's arousal emanating, at least partially encouraged by the others around them. She was more than ready to start talking about tactics. And she was definitely tying her various wrappings about to try and hide some skin, as thanks were murmured regarding Nia's work. Felicity of course leaned over to plant a kiss, tail flicking with enjoyment, though her gaze went right back to Tawny soon enough. The half-tabaxi grabbed the soup, pulling out her wooden bowl and the pair of sticks she usually used.

She was already almost halfway through a bowl when the mention of not eating too much came through. She immediately started attempting to spit out the mouthful she had, which just had Felicity giggling and Nia rolling her eyes.

"Not you, Tawny," Nia said, her voice soft, as she wasn't sure whether to laugh or start scolding. she pointed to Zafah, who looked about ready to put her biscuit back, "or you. Gods, he was talking mostly about his group and not to overindulge," she looked to Felicity, who was already stuffing what was probably her third biscuit in her mouth. Nia sighed, going back to nibbling on her own food, knowing she was close to being finished anyway.

"We can always just burn up the energy later," said Tawny, shrugging.

"I can think of ways to do that," said Felicity, letting out a deeper giggle than usual. "Mebbe even using spells an' all kinds of fun stuff."

"We have a mission,' said Tawny, sighing. "Involving gnolls?"

"Someone needs to get laid," muttered Zafah, flashing a tight smile. When Tawny just gave her a look, Felicity brightening up, Zafah just went back to her food. They'd get things settled soon enough. Banter was necessary anyway. Couldn't let things get too tense. Or let the boys have all the fun.
 
Luc was glancing over, doing a fair job to pretend he wasn't actually watching, but observing Adrian's awkwardness and attempts at repentance. That, he decide was between him and Felicity and the others, he decided. He remembered the moment with Felicity the other night, being quite fond of the Tiefling thief now. Adrian for his part saw Felicity's distraction and staring at Tawny, following her gaze...and it was no wonder she found Tawny that attractive. The strength of the half-Tabaxi was obvious, lending itself well to how he and the rest saw her.

Adrian, for his part, managed one other apology to Felicity then, not excusing him, but repeating it. "...You've got a lot going for you. You're good at what you do...whatever you decide, I'll go with."

"...Felicity," Luc said mildly. He could see Tawny's discomfort, coupled with Felicity's expression. The Tiefling was practically floating through the sky now, lost in fantays. Luc smiled gently. "Why don't you come have some breakfast with us? I'll save you some extra biscuits, in fact," he added. "Actually, I have even sweeter jam if you'd prefer that." He was eager to get talking to tactics now, looking up at Tawny, opening his mouth and seeing her about to spit out the stew. "...I'm not THAT bad a cook, am I?" He quipped with the lift of an eyebrow, Varrik and Aelius looking amused as they didn't bother adhering to some of the advice. He looked at Nia. "And thank you, again," he added, just for the two of them.

....Luc couldn't help but notice Nia's own firmness with the team as well. It was more than he had seen from the demure elf before, a bit of steel underneath the silk that brought about approval. "That would be accurate. Aelius would eat through the Spine of the World if you let him. Varrik, too."

"We- "

"We burn it off!" Aelius protested as Adrian took his own portion. "We- "

"Can train, spar, and exercise?" Lucian cut them off. "I quite agree with Tawny, burn it off if we can, but not too much, we have gnolls to deal with."

"Isn't her getting laid too much exactly the problem?" Aelius teased, nudging Felicity. "Oh, right, sorry, no such thing. Isn't that right, my creative scribe?"

"Oh, please, turn it off, won't you?" Varrik said, Luc fixing Adrian with a glance, who was quietly having his own meal. "Pst, Felicity. Introduce you to some of the prettiest ladies in Waterdeep if you can swipe a gnoll's battle trophies," he added with a wink, Aelius shaking his head.

"Thank you. Lucian. Nia," Adrian said, hearing the banter. "It's...very, very good, in fact."

Lucian for his part glanced to Tawny. "At any rate, we should be combat ready given the distance from the gnolls..." he glanced at Zafah. "And hope you're enjoying as well."
 
Felicity hardly needed encouraging to get some more sweets into her. She dimly figured that she'd need all the energy she could get, as she'd have to both be ignoring gnolls and fucking as many of her fellow party members as she could manage. Now that Felicity had tasted the delights of sex and found them to be every bit as enjoyable as she'd figured, she had absolutely zero intentions of slowing down, particularly with a group like this. She just needed to figure out how to get Tawny ready to go. Maybe stealing her suppression potions? It'd be mean if, like, Felicity wasn't just right there. She'd have to get Nia away though: the Heat plus a girl with a dick did weird things all around.

"Oh, these are yum," managed Felicity as she nibbled, pushing through her fantasies and letting out a little coo. That pushing likely wouldn't last, as there were several suggestions of burning up the energy and really getting active that just sent the tiefling's mind right back onto the horny tracks it had been traveling. Not helped by the mention of Waterdeep ladies, though that had her curling her nose. "Noble girls are only fun if you're stealin' 'em an' plucking their cherries," she said. "Trust me, I know."

"Right, we need to be prepared for the gnolls and their magic," agreed Tawny, trying to get the attention back on tactics. "They're mostly melee fighters, so particularly for these advanced patrols and stuff we should let the ranged people do most of it."

"Well, having some of our stealthy group, like Tawny and the rogues, move through works too,' offered Nia after a nibble. She delicately wiped her mouth. "We'll want to stay at least a little close though, just in case. There, ah, may be issues?'

"We should actually fuck too," offered Zafah, likely causing at least the Renegades to blanch. Tawny looked about ready to protest, but Zafah shook her head. 'I'm actually being fucking serious," she leaned forward. "The musk shit fucks with the desire to fuck, particularly among us, as it's, like, setting us up to be their mates or some bullshit. If we're already sexually sated going into the situation, then we won't crave it as much. Better yet if the guys are willing to cum inside us, marks territory and should help. we can even lay off the various contraceptive potions and go in knocked up," Zafah shrugged.

"What!?" managed Tawny, turning red.

"This is, ah--"stammered Nia.

Felicity was just giggling.

"Hey, you could always just fuck Nia if the guys are that unappealing," offered Zafah. "But I'm being serious and tactical here. I sure as hell don't want a gnoll kid in me," she gave the Wolves a hard look, wanting to hammer the point home.
 
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