Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Jan 21, 2009 14:09:20 GMT -5
"Happy now, Mouse?" Ridge's strong voice echoed in my mind. Clearly the horse had gotten his lighter side back, his stubborn mood seemed to have ended, thankfully.
I supposed I couldn't really argue though anyway, he was out of that stable now. The pair of us stood together in the free riding section of the training area. I felt it had been the best place to go to, after all I didn't know how much riding would even get done; after all it had taken me a few days just to coax him out of that stable, how long would it be before I could persuade him to do anything else?
"If you quit calling me mouse." I responded simply, staring up into those black eyes. He didn't hold my gaze for long, lifting his head and turning it away. "Come on then, we've got all the gear on, are we going to ride?" I questioned him, changing the subject from my name and breaking that silence. It was an oddly awkward moment, that space of quietness between us.
The black horse gave a small nod of his head, though his eyes still avoided mine and the slight glimpse I got of them showed the uneasy look in them. "Alright then" I muttered, a little shocked by his sudden co-operation. Even so I approached him stopping by his side and gently patting his neck. He'd mentioned in the stables, before I tacked him up, that he had been ridden a lot before, though he hadn't said anything else.
He stood completely still as I placed my foot into the stirrup and heaved myself into the saddle, swinging my other leg down and into the second stirrup. Even then Ridge remained perfectly still waiting for me to give any type of command.
"You alright Ridge?" I questioned him lightly as I placed one hand gently on his shoulder and leant forwards to one of his ears. I was still shocked by this good behaviour, but then I knew nothing about his past or how much training he'd been through. Again the horse simply gave a nod of his head, adding no words to his response. I felt him tense slightly and simply moved my hand away, returning it to the reins.
"We'll start off slow" I told him in advance, before I lightly dug my heels against his sides and gave the verbal command; "Walk on." Ridge hesitated a little but the pause only lasted a couple of seconds before he started the steady walking pace around the field. I ignored the hesitation, it wasn't much and there was probably some logical reason behind it, adjusting to a new rider most likely. 'He's not so difficult...' I decided, but it was at that very point that Ridge suddenly adjusted his pace, speeding up a little. "Whoa" I stated, tugging a little on the reins and leaning back, but Ridge simply ignored my command and continued, that was of course until he reared and I found myself falling from the saddle.
I managed to land safely, though Ridge continued a little further around the field, slowing to a stop a fair distance away from me. I sat up and looked towards him, though once again he tried to avoid looking back. I got the feeling that he didn't trust me, and not for the first time either. I just didn't understand why.
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Post by Rachel Corrigan on Jan 31, 2009 17:08:06 GMT -5
All packed up and ready to give riding a try, Rosco and I walked out by the ring that holds the free riding. Hey, you sure that you want to give this a try so soon? You'll be alright with it? Yea, yea, yea, yea. Let's give this a shot Shrimp. We strolled closer to the gate, looking around to see what was happening and focused in just enough time to see Kat fall off.
I ran, jumped over the fence and hollered, Rosco! If you even think of running away, I'll make sure you don't leave your stable for a week! Hey! KAT!!! Are you okay?! Just stay there! My sneaker bound feet pressed through the small round straight to Ridge.
I reached him in no time, slowing down to show him that I wouldn't harm him. It's okay Ridge. It's okay. I won't hurt you, you know that. Just come over with me to Kat. You like Kat don't ya? By the look in his eyes, I could have wondered. Leading him back towards where Kat still sat, apparently in shock, I took a quick examination of what happened. Hey there. You took a heck of fall ya know? I think you and Ridge have a touch of a communication issue if my idea counts any. I gave her a little laugh to calm her nerves and helped her get up to brush herself off. I switched my focus first to Rosco, standing with his head over the fence, the Ridge standing uncomfortable beside me. Ridge, be nice to Kat huh? Respect her as she respects you. Leave your past at the stable door or fill her in but don't go throwing her off for no apparent reason. It's not fair to her or you. Be. Nice. Good? I whispered to him, hoping it would help their situation. A carefully held sigh of relief escaped as he gently nodded at me.
Turning back towards Kat, I smiled as reassured her. Are you sure you're okay?
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Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Jan 31, 2009 17:32:49 GMT -5
I was about to get up and head over to him when I saw someone come running towards me. At first I felt a bit like an idiot and simply hoped that they would ignore me, that was of course until the girl spoke and I really took in who it was. The girl I still owed a cup of coffee.
"Hey Rachel" I said simply, fairly calmly really all things considered, especially the rushed pace she was moving around and talking at. I still felt a bit stupid about it all, but I had to admit I was glad to see that it was Rachel who came to my aid, a friend and not a complete stranger. At least I considered a friend now even though we had only met each other a few times around the Academy. I turned my attention back to Ridge as Rachel took hold and him, muttering softly and attempting to calm him. Something told me it wasn't calming that horse needed, but instead to learn the meaning of the word trust. Despite the gentle hand he was still a little nervous, I could see it in his step and the way he still avoided all gazes, including mine as I continued to watch the pair.
Slowly I got to my feet, as Rachel helped me up. I was fine all things considered, though I would certainly have a couple of bruises later on. "I'm fine." I stated, looking to Rachel for a second before looking back to Ridge, he remained focussed on the ground. "I don't think communication is the problem with him though, more like trust, or lack of it." I gently reached up to pat him lightly, he flinched a little as I raised my hand, though as it rested gently on his neck he relaxed a little. "He'll seem fine one moment, and the next he'll do something like you just saw. It's the first time I've gotten him out though, he doesn't seem to like the fresh air." Ridge seemed to shake his head lightly, giving a snort in response, clearly disapproving of my statement.
"I'm really am fine though. Thanks" I stated looking back to Rachel as she questioned me yet again.
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Post by Rachel Corrigan on Jan 31, 2009 17:51:45 GMT -5
She seemed to be alright, no obvious broken bones or swelling from what I saw. Contented at my job done, I gave another whisper to Ridge, reminding him of what I had just said and scratched him behind the ear. Aww...I'm sure he'll be just fine once he gets used to you. I felt my right pocket, realizing that I had remembered to grab the carrots, and stretched another hand out to Ridge, with a carrot. Quickly, he snapped it up and chewed happily, Here, you might wanna carry these around with you while you're with him. They work as a kind of incentive for him to be good. That's what I do with Rosco now. Plus he adores them. I laughed at the memory of Rosco and Loco out by the beach.
Speaking of which, I better get him moving before he decides to buck me off as well. I gave Kat a quick pat on the back and rushed over to Rosco. That wasn't so hard now was it? Yeeea...try being the one who was threatened with horse jail time His obvious irritation settled to mere annoyance as I coaxed him with a carrot.
While he was chewing, I jumped into the saddle as gracefully as I have ever managed, which was pretty graceful with my my clumsiness deep in my bones. By the time he had finished, I was ready to go. I clicked my heels to his side to let him know what I wanted us to do and we started nice and slow, walking around the ring. After about three laps, we went a little faster. The patterned continued until we were galloping at near full speed.
Okay, okay! Slow it down and cool off. At least I know you don't seem to have a problem with me being on your back. I never did Shrimp. You're so light, I forget that you're there half the time Once I slid off his back, I handed him a carrot a flicked his left ear. My numb fingers tied him to the fence before I made my way back over to Ridge and Kat. Would you like me to see if I can make him comfortable around people for ya?
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Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Jan 31, 2009 18:09:07 GMT -5
"They do seem to take his mind of being wary." I laughed, watching as he gobbled it up, fairly cheerfully actually, for the first time I'd seen that day. "Thanks" I said, taking the carrots that Rachel offered me and placing them inside my coat pocket.
As she went back over to Rosco, I took hold of Ridge's reigns and led him over towards the side, so that the two of us would be out of the way as Rachel and Rosco went around the course. I didn't think I was ready to jump back onto Ridge just yet, clearly he wasn't ready, no matter what he said.
"See, that was the idea." I said to Ridge, watching as Rachel and Rosco went around steadily increasing the pace. With no response from Ridge I looked towards him again. He was watching the pair of them though his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere really. I gently ran my fingers through his mane, being able to reach his head easily from my make-shift seat of the fence. He turned his head, almost hitting mine as he did so. Fortunately he didn't, for it meant that I wouldn't be taking a second fall. Maybe he was simply determined to put me in hospital, get a rest from me like everyone else seemed to want to do. It was a stupid thought and I quickly got rid of it.
I was about to talk to him again when I heard the noise of Rosco's hooves stopping, and turned my own head in time to see Rachel sliding from the saddle and heading back over towards us. "If everyone constantly feeds him carrots, or some other treat I don't think he'll have a problem. Aside from probably putting on a bit of weight." I said, jumping down from the fence to stand beside Rachel again. "But I don't think that's the real answer, no matter how much his taste-buds might enjoy it." I glanced back up to the black horse again, but by now Ridge had turned his head away, seemingly ignoring us once more. I suspected he was still listening though. "I could probably do with help though, thanks. The more people he's at ease around, the better really."
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Post by Rachel Corrigan on Jan 31, 2009 18:25:41 GMT -5
I was really happy that she had accepted my offer to attempt helping ease Ridge's uncertainty towards humans. I learned young that yelling at an animal to do what you want it to isn't the answer. Then again, doing nuttin ain't either. I slipped my leather gloves off my very pale hands and stuffed them into my jeans. The big trick is to make sure that they know that you won't hurt them. Once they got that, then they're ready to move on. As I spoke softly, I put my hand out towards Ridge, giving him ample time to react. When he just stood there, staring at me from the side, I placed my fingertips on his soft black hair. I stroked him gently, moving around him as I kept my hand moving as well. Once I made my way to his nose, I looked into his eyes and saw that he was scared in a sense. He apparently wasn't very fond of being touched by strange people. How anyone has been able to take of you is amazing Ridgey Boy. His snort at my little nickname for him made me laugh. Oh so you do have good emotions huh? Can I get on you without you tossin me aside? He turned his side to me, allowing me to get up.
Hey! This is a nice start! I gave a reassuring smile to Kat, hoping that she was okay with all of this. I had a small tendency with animals to get them only used to me. I won't do this to her! Ok, come on... Whatcha say bout a ring around huh? I got Ridge moving slowly but relaxed, kind of like Rosco does. We made it around back to Kat and I got him to stop.
I jumped off Ridge and handed the reins to Kat. Talk to him calmly. Make sure that he allows you to get on him instead of forcing yourself onto him. Don't let him think you're nervous either. I gestured her to go ahead and give it a shot, hoping that it would work. Nic Shrimp, get him used to her and there might be less problems. Humph. Thanks. Hey do you know why Ridge is so uncomfortable with her?Nope, he don't talk much to me. Thanks anways.
[/i] [/blockquote]
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Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Jan 31, 2009 18:55:30 GMT -5
I listened and watched and Rachel began to talk, to both me and Ridge at different points. The idea of me yelling at anyone was something I found a little odd, even I realised I was quiet, and so had a horse in a matter of seconds, I remembered, recalling when Ridge had first given me my nickname. It seemed that I wouldn't get to to start calling me Kat, or even Kathleen, he favoured Mouse too much.
Once again Ridge was very cautious as the hand was raised, though as it landed gently against him he calmed to the touch, though from the uneasy looks it was obvious that he was wary still, from Rachel's next comment I knew she'd noticed it too. "It is actually" I agreed, laughing at both the nickname and the reaction. "You keep calling me Mouse and maybe that's what your name will end up being" I said calmly, though with a light and playful tone, he would probably end up being simply Ridge no matter what he called me, but he deserved a small amount of teasing back in return, it was only fair. "No deal, Mouse." He snorted lightly in response, his tone completely serious. He still hadn't really lightened up from my fall earlier. Maybe on some level he was actually feeling guilty... maybe?
I watched as he let Rachel mount him, somewhat hesitantly, but they still went around the ring easy enough. Though as I watched I constantly hoped he suddenly wouldn't start like he had done before. Fortunately nothing happened, maybe he really was going to try make an effort now.
I took the reigns back as Rachel handed them to me and listened as she spoke again. I had done all of that previously, remained calm and spoken to him, just something must have spooked him at some point, though I had no idea what. I didn't tell this to Rachel though, simply politely accepted the information and turned back to Ridge. "Ready then?" I whispered to him, though he didn't respond and simply remained still, as he had done earlier. "I'll take that as a yes then?" I questioned him, tone remaining calm and quiet still.
I climbed up as gently as I could and paid attention to his movements as well. He remained perfectly still though. I glanced briefly to Rachel and Rosco, hoping that what had happened the first time would not happen again. I quickly focussed again though, not wanting to think too much about the possibility of my horse hating me.
"Come on then Ridge." I stated, getting him going. Once more we started off at a slow pace, and I simply kept praying that we wouldn't have a repeat of before.
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Post by Rachel Corrigan on Jan 31, 2009 19:54:50 GMT -5
I watched intently as Kat approached Ridge and climbed on. They seemed to be having their own conversation as she tried to comfort him like I had. He still acted tense and I was getting nervous as she settled in the saddle.
Wait! Kat! Hold up! What are you doing? It looks like Ridge is going to buck, can you talk him into not doing it? Can you have him actually explain to her what is going on? Not the least bit demanding now are ya? Ya know what? I just wanna help her! Please just talk to Ridge? Fine, that's fine
[/i] I ran up to Ridge and Kat and hoped that I was wrong. Umm...can ya get off real fast Kat? I got a bad feeling and want Rosco to talk to ridge for a minute or two We walked back over to where Rosco was waiting. He says that he had a guy that abused him before. Ridge is a handful for most and some just can't handle him. Memories from the past are constantly surrounding his mind and it makes him worried that it will happen again. Does that help? Yes! Thanks Rosco, just for that, I'll hand ya a bunch of carrots and not wince when you call me Shrimp. Deal? Chyea! I can live with that Shrimp[/i] I laughed, turned to Kat who was waiting a little warrily and relayed what Rosco told me. [/blockquote]
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Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Feb 1, 2009 10:30:36 GMT -5
I brought Ridge to a stop as Rachel suddenly called out, and I slid from the saddle to stand beside him. I wondered what the problem was, as he seemed to be going fine so far. It was likely that Rachel had more experience with horses than I had, after all I'd simply had lessons in many parts of the world, never owning a horse of my own and tending to change between horses a lot.
"Alright" I said simply, slightly confused still but I didn't see any harm in trying to get Ridge to talk, in fact it would probably be much better if he did open up a little more. I needed to understand him, he seemed to be figuring me out quickly though, and once again I recalled the time he'd chosen this nickname for me.
I leant against the fence as the two horses stood beside each other and watched the pair of them as they stood there. Ridge held that uneasy look again and seemed a little fidgety as the conversation between the pair of them went on. He seemed more at ease with another horse than a human though, it was fairly easy to see really.
Ridge glanced at me a little as Rachel reported all that Rosco had managed to get out of him, and I turned to face him as she finished. I couldn't see how anyone would ever harm him, especially not if he hadn't always been quite like this. But several things made sense now, including the flinching as anyone raised a hand and the fact that he'd tell Rosco this but not me.
"I guess the main thing we need to do then is make him realise we're not going to hurt him." I stated, glancing back to Rachel and pulling two of the carrots from my pocket as I neared the horses. I handed one to Ridge, hoping that maybe it'd encourage him to continue being a little more open. It'd be best for both of us. I handed the other one to Rosco and with my other hand stroked him lightly. "Thank you Rosco" I stated simply, the carrot was a way of showing that as well, I did appreciate him starting to open up Ridge a little bit.
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Post by Rachel Corrigan on Feb 1, 2009 11:20:04 GMT -5
See? you've done some good out here! You big softy Yea whatever. I was secretly hoping Ridge would throw you off too Naww...I knew he wouldn't. To an extent. I laughed on the inside at Rosco's macho attitude.
Okay, now, hopefully it's going to be a little better for the two of you. I was watching Ridge and Kat as she tried to get him a little more comfortable around her. Turning to Rosco, I asked You wanna go for another round before I get you back to your stall? I still want to try to help Kat with Ridge. Yea that's good. I need a break from all of this stress. You stress me out I got a good laugh out of the thought of Rosco stressed.
I got Rosco inside the ring and took him around a few times, mostly galloping. It was happy, freeing, and amazing. While it lasted. After about four revolutions, we stopped and I quickly got Rosco back to the stables so he could relax. I'll come back and take care of everything for you. Sure. Take your time. I quickly took off the saddle, hooked it up, gave Rosco a carrot, and ran back to the training course.
Once I got there, I happily saw Kat and Ridge still working it out. Sorry that took me so long. So...hows it going here? I tried to give them a happy smile but it was hard to do, considering I was out of breath from the run.
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Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Feb 1, 2009 12:27:59 GMT -5
As Rachel went back over to Rosco, I turned my attention to Ridge again. It wasn't long before I ended up sat upon the fence, the two of us waiting in silence for the other to speak first. I soon gave in.
"I wouldn't hurt you, you know that don't you Ridge?" I questioned him softly, lifting my gaze from Rachel and Rosco as the pair set off for another little ride. I had to pick the horse with issues didn't I. Well he had chosen me hadn't he. But I still didn't understand why he was so nervous. He must have liked something about me to choose me in the first place.
Ridge didn't respond to me and I placed my hand on his mane again, gently running my fingers through it. He turned his head a little, so that he could see me and I slid along the fence as he turned completely, the two of us simply facing each other again. He watched me, and although he still had a wary look in them, it had changed a little, slightly more trusting maybe? Maybe it was just my imagination.
"I've been left alone a lot." I stated simply, lowering my gaze to the ground now. Maybe if I told him a little bit about my past he'd let me hear more details. "My parents don't really have much sense of responsibility. They don't understand that dumping a child on her grandparents, or constantly taking her off for trips, regardless of school, isn't exactly the best way to bring her up."
"They didn't hurt you though." [/i] Ridge stated simply and he actually nudged my leg a little. I looked back up to him and ran my hand along his nose. "Not really. But when they aren't fazed by leaving you on your own, it's not exactly a welcoming thought. I've got no idea where they are now."I turned my head as I heard Rachel approaching us again, and as she spoke it was clear that she was a little out of breath, "OK I guess." I stated smiling back. "He's not tried to damage me any further.""Didn't do it on purpose, Mouse." He stated, almost apologetically.[/blockquote]
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Post by Rachel Corrigan on Feb 1, 2009 15:54:20 GMT -5
I wasn't sure if I should've come back to "help" Kat and Ridge. It made me wonder a lot when I ran up to them. They seemed to be getting used to each other and communicating. Ummm...should I just go? It seems like y'all two are okay now. It had gotten a little awkward since it was just me and them, me with nothing to do at the moment.
Waiting for a hint on whether I should be there, I jumped up on the fence and just sat there. Should I stay or go? Leave them or still try to help? While I waited for a response of some kind, I relaxed and watched the clouds roll by. In some way, I was keepin an eye on Kat and Ridge, making sure that nothing would happen.
ooc: sorry this one is really short, it didn't know what to say in it lol
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Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Feb 1, 2009 16:59:53 GMT -5
I looked to Rachel as she climbed onto the fence beside me, questioning me on whether we actually wanted help anymore, or whether we wanted her to leave.
I sat there for a moment, thinking about it, not entirely sure what to say to be completely truthful. "You gonna speak Mouse, or leave it up to me?" [/i] Ridge's voice echoed in my head, disturbing those thoughts. "I'm thinking" I responded to him. "What do you think?" I added after a moment, clearly not all that sure myself. I didn't want to be rude in any way. Once again Ridge didn't answer and he simply turned his head away from me again, looking out at the training course. "It's up to you" I stated looking back to Rachel again. "If you're happy to stay, then go ahead. If you'd rather go do something else though, it doesn't matter."[/blockquote]
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Post by Rachel Corrigan on Feb 1, 2009 18:33:43 GMT -5
Wonderful. Leave the decision up to me. I stayed on the fence, waiting and thinking. The clouds kept moving and now the breeze was hitting me. On the breeze was a steady scent of freshly cut grass, fruit, and hay. I'll only stay if you want me to. I looked over at Kat, who was talking to Ridge again, and figured that I would be okay just relaxing there while they worked together. Why don't y'all two try a ride if you're ready?
Gosh I sound pushy. Oh well I pulled out my IPOD out and plugged in the ear buds, still waiting to see what would happen. I turned on the device and kept one eye on my surroundings and the other on the pair beside me.
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Kathleen Hartley
Accepted Student
[M:0]
High School Senior :: 17 :: Rider of Ridge :: Single
Posts: 300
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Post by Kathleen Hartley on Feb 2, 2009 3:10:12 GMT -5
"Honestly, up to you. I, we don't mind either way." I stated, this could go on for a while really if we both carried on like this. Although after I spoke I immediately hoped that I wasn't seeming too rude with my choice of words.
We sat in silence for a moment until Rachel spoke again and I looked towards her again. "That's a good idea." I stated simply and turned my head back to the black horse again. "What do you think Ridge?" "I suppose we can Mouse, never finished that other one..." He trailed off a little and I assumed for a moment that it was due to that little talk he'd had with Rosco. I didn't pressurise him to continue though and simply ignored it as I jumped down from the fence and took hold of his reigns, taking the pair of us a little further from the fence.
"Let's try this again then." I stated as I walked around to his side. "You ready Ridge?" I questioned, still making sure. He was a little unpredictable at times, I'd certainly learnt that a lot today.
Ridge nodded his head, slightly calmer than the previous nods he'd given and I smiled lightly and patted him again before I moved closer to the saddle and then climbed up to sit in it. I sat there for a second, making sure he was alright before I got him moving.
It was a bit of a smoother ride than the previous two attempts, especially the first one, though we still moved at a similar, steady pace. He seemed a little more at ease, and truthfully I think that we both were.
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