[ Younger sister? Then he had to be just about as powerful, right? He didn't come off that way just speaking to him, but then the only one he's met on the other side were the Hollyberrians who were all prideful of their strength. ]
I'm not offended, this is a... strange situation to be in. You're very casual for talking with one of your sister's enemies.
[ Unless she didn't see him as one, but he doesn't know how she'd be able to tell. Disconnected from the rest of the world he doesn't know much about her or the other legendary cookies. ]
[Stardust Cookie feels so out of the loop right now. if Moonlight Cookie was enemies with Pavlova Cookie, then why would she send Stardust Cookie to him? why is he in this dream bubble Garden? surely his little sister would not send him here for anything underhanded, like to learn information about the enemy. Moonlight isn't like that! perhaps there is... another reason, hopefully something more kind]
I see.
[he feels strangely saddened by this fact. it's clear his mind is scrambling, if the way his brows are knitted together in thought is any indication]
You say you have no choice, yet. You remain allied with the Beasts.
[ His thoughts go to Sugarfly. Her disappearance was undermined by Hollyberry's departure, but he couldn't bring himself to face the possibility of what he would find outside the garden. ]
Eternal Sugar Cookie doesn't take people leaving very well. Those who wanted to often were turned into statues or placed in eternal slumber for their trouble.
[ Such is common knowledge by now, he doesn't feel as much trepidation mentioning it ]
And where else would I even go? I've never known a world outside the Garden and the surrounding area.
[why can't you change your mind? why is Eternal Sugar so possessive? Stardust deflates. things aren't simple, and now he's frustrated.
he breathes out, then in. composing himself. after a moment, the voice he speaks with is not tinged with his anger at the situation. he will answer the question calmly]
...You could go anywhere. Did you know, there are trains that can take Cookies and other creatures all over the galaxy? And even beyond, to other galaxies, to all the vast worlds contained in space itself.
[saying this, even though he's settled down, his eyes light up in excitement. run away, Pavlova...]
[ He looks faintly interested. It's more of a response than he was expecting to get. It takes a bit but that spark of interest pulls a quiet curiosity from him ]
I've never even been on a train before, let alone that there were space trains. A lot changed while we were sealed, I think. I used to dream of running away all the time. About seeing what was out there.
[ He glances over through the foliage. He can hear his mother's voice through the sound of the stream and the chirping of birds. The guilt and fear grips him again. ]
I don't... know if it's that easy, though. If I do run she might track me down. And if I go anywhere on Earthbread I'll just be seen as her-- servant or something. There's no way I won't be blamed for what happened here.
[ Or that's what he thinks, since he's never really been given a chance before. ]
What's it like? Outside, I mean. If all there is is violence and pain like there is now, then...
[ Maybe he's better staying where he at least knows how to mitigate the danger. ]
[he wants to say, then run away from Earthbread altogether, or, I would help you. but there's not much Stardust can do while they are in a dream! giving the other Cookie courage seems to be the only thing Stardust can do for him. after all, you cannot help someone who cannot help themselves. and, if Pavlova truly is trapped, then the only other solution would be to break him out of his cage...
but how?]
Well. I haven't been to Earthbread in a few weeks. I missed all the fighting. Even outside of Earthbread, there will always be pain and suffering. But there is also joy. Watching the sun rise over a hill, following the leaves as they change colors. Truly astonishing things lie beyond this Garden. The war cannot last forever.
[ He's pretty sure the Hollyberrians said similar things when trying to convince his mother to leave. It sounded like nonsense to his ears then. His mother would never be swayed by it. Maybe it's that he's being addressed directly, that Stardust Cookie himself seems so confident in his assertion, or maybe that part of him still wants so badly to see those things himself, but the argument sounds much more convincing now. ]
You know, happiness being fleeting... it's because of that fact that the Garden exists. Despite her cruelty Eternal Sugar Cookie still thinks what she did was best for everyone.
[ She can't see what she became. Part of him wonders if he could have done something about it. The peaceful ambiance suddenly feels claustrophobic, like the invisible barrier keeping him there was closing in. ]
This is partly your dream too, right?
[ He says it quickly, but softly, hushed, like a secret. ]
Then... what's your dream? Let's... go together.
[ Because there was never any way he'd be able to leave on his own. He could convince himself to be fine with the echo of the past instead of reaching for what he wants. ]
[Stardust is quiet for several seconds, his eyes widening. that's right, it's a dream. maybe he was supposed to find Pavlova and show him his own dreams. dreams where he's not lonely, not drifting through endless space, searching for a forgotten home.
saying nothing at first, Stardust Cookie closes his eyes, and the Garden begins to shift into... a busy train station. there are many types of creatures, there, but no humans. and no Eternal Sugar Cookie. everyone is bustling about. it's loud, but no one seems to be afraid.
when Stardust opens his eyes, he'll find he's holding two golden tickets. destination: "anywhere away from the Garden." he holds one ticket to Pavlova]
[ It's been a while since Pavlova has been anywhere this crowded. The amount of hearts this would be in a normal situation would be overwhelming, but thankfully right now he could only read Stardust, and he didn't seem to have many ties to begin with. He puts that aside for the moment as the other Cookie hands him a ticket.
Anywhere away from the Garden.
There's still hesitation, there's still fear, but he's come this far, and it's just a dream, right? She can't get mad about what she doesn't know about.
So he accepts the ticket, and takes the other Cookie's hand for good measure. With how many people were bustling about they might get separated otherwise. ]
[oh? Stardust blinks, glancing down at Pavlova's hand... their hands, joined together. goodness, he can't remember someone ever holding his hand before. except for, maybe, Space Doughnut, but... this feels different, somehow.
in any case, he knows that Pavlova is scared. he can see it. but maybe when they are on the train, they can chat a bit more. away from the confines of the Garden.
he leads them towards the Dream Express, wondering if he is doing the right thing. this all must be according to Moonlight Cookie's plan, right? still, Stardust is apprehensive. he wants to help Pavlova, but what if he can't help him?]
This ticket should tell us where to sit. Once the Conductor comes around, we will need to show her our tickets.
[he gives Pavlova's hand a squeeze before looking down at his ticket to find the seat]
[ It's a bit easier once they're on the train. There was a lot to take in at the station, but it's quieter and more orderly as they find their seats. Predictably right next to each other.
It's an odd feeling, how the fear and excitement mix. He's used to fear winning out in view of the consequences, but here he's being given a chance to do what scares him anyway. To let the excitement of possibility win out. They take their seats and he squeezes Stardust Cookie's hand gently.
He's practically a stranger, and yet he's accepted him more easily than anyone who has ever known him. There's some comfort he finds in that. ]
I wonder where we'll end up... It sounds like you've been a lot of places.
[Stardust muses, glad that they are seated next to each other. today's journey may be more quiet than the others, thanks to this being a dream. it feels like only them are talking right now, even though the train is filled with passengers in the distant background]
I only took up traveling recently, within the past year, or so. Before that, I was wandering through space.
[alone. a slight wince, but he doesn't release Pavlova's hand]
[ Through space? He kind of... glances out the window at the glittering expanse beyond it and... grimaces. Sure, it's freedom, and sure he might not be pursued for what he's done out there, but he'd also be alone, and he hates being alone.
Suddenly Stardust's lack of ties and desire for connection make sense. ]
... Sounds lonely. Is there something you're looking for?
[ Was there a reason he didn't stay with his sister? Surely that would have been better than wandering alone? He doesn't have time to read it just yet, but he gets the sense it's complicated. ]
[ah, his sleepy sister. she is content to wander through the Realm of Dreams, and guard the City of Wizards. but Stardust yearns for much more than that. she has her purpose, but what is his?
he looks out at the twinkling stars, contemplative. he is filled with sorrow, but at least he is free now. he wishes for Pavlova to be free, too]
Something... Someone... My meaning. I do not know what that is.
[his hand curls around Pavlova's hand, a little tense, but not painful enough to hurt him. he continues]
In my dream, I saw a light coming from your Garden. I followed it, and came across you. I knew it was possible for Cookies to meet each other in dreams, but I have never seen a light like that. It definitely was guiding me, I was compelled to follow.
[ If he were his younger self he might have waxed poetic about soulmates and how it must have been fate, but fate's been cruel to him before, and affairs of the heart can be delicate to those new to it, which Stardust seemed to be.
More than anything he doesn't want to get his own hopes up after his heart was shattered. It wouldn't be fair to either of them.
Pavlova returns the hold, but his firmness is to anchor and support while Stardust speaks ]
I've never really figured that out either. My life felt pretty much decided for me from the moment I was baked... but my father used to say that learning was half the fun of knowing. Makes you appreciate it more. The context was different but it feels like it applies. I think you'll find it one day. It just might take time to narrow down what you want...
[ As for what could have compelled him to join his dream, he couldn't say. Stardust's happiness seems to mostly lie with making connection. He'll probably be able to figure out what he wants to do once he finds people he can belong with. ]
[honestly, the whole soulmates idea is strange to him. Stardust thought that he and his sister were kind of like familial soulmates, but, even then, she had her own duties, and did not accompany him on his journey. and, sure, Stardust made a few friends on the train, but he doesn't consider Space Doughnut or Milky Way to be particularly close to him.
so, what does he want out of this? he has no idea.
he listens, humming thoughtfully]
I do love traveling. I wish to learn more about other Cookies, and the various lifeforms I meet on other planets. My own Creator also wrote something similar to what your father said; he believed that I should carve my own path, and that I would have the opportunity to become something "beyond imagination." I believe that is why he sent my dough into space.
[ If it were him, he'd probably be worried about if what he wanted was grand enough to fit words like that. On some level he already feels pressure just due to his parentage. ]
Hmm. I can't say I know everything, but I might be able to answer some things if you have questions. I've been around for a really long time.
[ It seems like they both have, though. How long must he have been in space for... despite everything he's gone through, he can at least say there were people around even if he had to be careful interacting with them.
Part of him wants to say he doesn't have to be alone anymore, the other part doesn't want to wake up and become a liar.
But he can give Stardust Cookie tonight if nothing else. ]
[ His gaze falls to his lap for a moment while he thought of how to phrase this. ]
The reason she became a beast was due to happiness being so fleeting. She often would grant Cookies happiness only for them to leave and for something horrible to happen. In her eyes if we stay with her, she can keep us safe and happy. That's part of it.
[ he sighs softly ]
And the other part is that she's my mother. When I said I've never known anywhere else, I meant it. I was raised there since I was a baby dough.
She probably did, before she fell. She just... became so desperate to hold onto any scrap of happiness she could and preserve it.
She couldn't see the merit in risking the danger of the outside world after having lost so many to unavoidable things like illness and monster attacks, and even though I can fight well I've always... somewhat feared leaving the Garden's safety. At least I know how to handle things there.
Especially now, with the war, it feels like there's no place for me outside its borders.
[ Child of the Beasts, servant of sloth. Many would hold a grudge against him for having been involved, willing or not. And it isn't as though he started completely unwilling. He just... came to see how far they'd fallen. He has no excuses he can really give. ]
[they're still holding hands, even as dream Milky Way Cookie comes to check their tickets. all things are good. she's only a dream, so she doesn't really react to seeing Stardust, but he smiles at her before focusing on Pavlova again and she goes on her way]
...For eons, I was drifting through space, with only the stars as my comfort. I, too, was trapped, by my own thoughts, my own worries. Even after I was thawed and baked by starlight, I was trapped in an endless cycle of my fears. The only one keeping me locked up was... myself. It took me meeting others to realize I did not have to stay in this prison of sorrow.
[he's still sad, but he's also free to do as he wants. he doesn't think his words will hold water when compared to Pavlova's plight. after all, Pavlova is being trapped by someone else, and it sounds like he believes he is unworthy of freedom]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[he gets a hold of his emotions then places a hand to his chest]
My name is Stardust Cookie. Moonlight Cookie is my younger sister.
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[ Younger sister? Then he had to be just about as powerful, right? He didn't come off that way just speaking to him, but then the only one he's met on the other side were the Hollyberrians who were all prideful of their strength. ]
I'm not offended, this is a... strange situation to be in. You're very casual for talking with one of your sister's enemies.
[ Unless she didn't see him as one, but he doesn't know how she'd be able to tell. Disconnected from the rest of the world he doesn't know much about her or the other legendary cookies. ]
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[he taps his cheek in thought. Stardust supposes that is what Pavlova has been trying to get at, but he didn't understand until it was said outright]
Why are you enemies?
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Just a matter of who we're allied with, I guess. I wouldn't be fighting if I had a choice in any of this.
[ He makes a vague motion to the tranquil surroundings. Where he'd rather be is the farthest thing from a warzone. ]
But we're on opposite sides, and if Eternal Sugar is sealed again, I will be too. So we're enemies.
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I see.
[he feels strangely saddened by this fact. it's clear his mind is scrambling, if the way his brows are knitted together in thought is any indication]
You say you have no choice, yet. You remain allied with the Beasts.
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You can't exactly change your mind...
[ His thoughts go to Sugarfly. Her disappearance was undermined by Hollyberry's departure, but he couldn't bring himself to face the possibility of what he would find outside the garden. ]
Eternal Sugar Cookie doesn't take people leaving very well. Those who wanted to often were turned into statues or placed in eternal slumber for their trouble.
[ Such is common knowledge by now, he doesn't feel as much trepidation mentioning it ]
And where else would I even go? I've never known a world outside the Garden and the surrounding area.
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he breathes out, then in. composing himself. after a moment, the voice he speaks with is not tinged with his anger at the situation. he will answer the question calmly]
...You could go anywhere. Did you know, there are trains that can take Cookies and other creatures all over the galaxy? And even beyond, to other galaxies, to all the vast worlds contained in space itself.
[saying this, even though he's settled down, his eyes light up in excitement. run away, Pavlova...]
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[ He looks faintly interested. It's more of a response than he was expecting to get. It takes a bit but that spark of interest pulls a quiet curiosity from him ]
I've never even been on a train before, let alone that there were space trains. A lot changed while we were sealed, I think. I used to dream of running away all the time. About seeing what was out there.
[ He glances over through the foliage. He can hear his mother's voice through the sound of the stream and the chirping of birds. The guilt and fear grips him again. ]
I don't... know if it's that easy, though. If I do run she might track me down. And if I go anywhere on Earthbread I'll just be seen as her-- servant or something. There's no way I won't be blamed for what happened here.
[ Or that's what he thinks, since he's never really been given a chance before. ]
What's it like? Outside, I mean. If all there is is violence and pain like there is now, then...
[ Maybe he's better staying where he at least knows how to mitigate the danger. ]
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but how?]
Well. I haven't been to Earthbread in a few weeks. I missed all the fighting. Even outside of Earthbread, there will always be pain and suffering. But there is also joy. Watching the sun rise over a hill, following the leaves as they change colors. Truly astonishing things lie beyond this Garden. The war cannot last forever.
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[ He's pretty sure the Hollyberrians said similar things when trying to convince his mother to leave. It sounded like nonsense to his ears then. His mother would never be swayed by it. Maybe it's that he's being addressed directly, that Stardust Cookie himself seems so confident in his assertion, or maybe that part of him still wants so badly to see those things himself, but the argument sounds much more convincing now. ]
You know, happiness being fleeting... it's because of that fact that the Garden exists. Despite her cruelty Eternal Sugar Cookie still thinks what she did was best for everyone.
[ She can't see what she became. Part of him wonders if he could have done something about it. The peaceful ambiance suddenly feels claustrophobic, like the invisible barrier keeping him there was closing in. ]
This is partly your dream too, right?
[ He says it quickly, but softly, hushed, like a secret. ]
Then... what's your dream? Let's... go together.
[ Because there was never any way he'd be able to leave on his own. He could convince himself to be fine with the echo of the past instead of reaching for what he wants. ]
they took the midnight train going anywhere
saying nothing at first, Stardust Cookie closes his eyes, and the Garden begins to shift into... a busy train station. there are many types of creatures, there, but no humans. and no Eternal Sugar Cookie. everyone is bustling about. it's loud, but no one seems to be afraid.
when Stardust opens his eyes, he'll find he's holding two golden tickets. destination: "anywhere away from the Garden." he holds one ticket to Pavlova]
Come with me, if only for a moment.
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[ It's been a while since Pavlova has been anywhere this crowded. The amount of hearts this would be in a normal situation would be overwhelming, but thankfully right now he could only read Stardust, and he didn't seem to have many ties to begin with. He puts that aside for the moment as the other Cookie hands him a ticket.
Anywhere away from the Garden.
There's still hesitation, there's still fear, but he's come this far, and it's just a dream, right? She can't get mad about what she doesn't know about.
So he accepts the ticket, and takes the other Cookie's hand for good measure. With how many people were bustling about they might get separated otherwise. ]
Of course. I... wouldn't want to go alone anyway.
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in any case, he knows that Pavlova is scared. he can see it. but maybe when they are on the train, they can chat a bit more. away from the confines of the Garden.
he leads them towards the Dream Express, wondering if he is doing the right thing. this all must be according to Moonlight Cookie's plan, right? still, Stardust is apprehensive. he wants to help Pavlova, but what if he can't help him?]
This ticket should tell us where to sit. Once the Conductor comes around, we will need to show her our tickets.
[he gives Pavlova's hand a squeeze before looking down at his ticket to find the seat]
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[ It's a bit easier once they're on the train. There was a lot to take in at the station, but it's quieter and more orderly as they find their seats. Predictably right next to each other.
It's an odd feeling, how the fear and excitement mix. He's used to fear winning out in view of the consequences, but here he's being given a chance to do what scares him anyway. To let the excitement of possibility win out. They take their seats and he squeezes Stardust Cookie's hand gently.
He's practically a stranger, and yet he's accepted him more easily than anyone who has ever known him. There's some comfort he finds in that. ]
I wonder where we'll end up... It sounds like you've been a lot of places.
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[Stardust muses, glad that they are seated next to each other. today's journey may be more quiet than the others, thanks to this being a dream. it feels like only them are talking right now, even though the train is filled with passengers in the distant background]
I only took up traveling recently, within the past year, or so. Before that, I was wandering through space.
[alone. a slight wince, but he doesn't release Pavlova's hand]
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[ Through space? He kind of... glances out the window at the glittering expanse beyond it and... grimaces. Sure, it's freedom, and sure he might not be pursued for what he's done out there, but he'd also be alone, and he hates being alone.
Suddenly Stardust's lack of ties and desire for connection make sense. ]
... Sounds lonely. Is there something you're looking for?
[ Was there a reason he didn't stay with his sister? Surely that would have been better than wandering alone? He doesn't have time to read it just yet, but he gets the sense it's complicated. ]
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he looks out at the twinkling stars, contemplative. he is filled with sorrow, but at least he is free now. he wishes for Pavlova to be free, too]
Something... Someone... My meaning. I do not know what that is.
[his hand curls around Pavlova's hand, a little tense, but not painful enough to hurt him. he continues]
In my dream, I saw a light coming from your Garden. I followed it, and came across you. I knew it was possible for Cookies to meet each other in dreams, but I have never seen a light like that. It definitely was guiding me, I was compelled to follow.
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[ If he were his younger self he might have waxed poetic about soulmates and how it must have been fate, but fate's been cruel to him before, and affairs of the heart can be delicate to those new to it, which Stardust seemed to be.
More than anything he doesn't want to get his own hopes up after his heart was shattered. It wouldn't be fair to either of them.
Pavlova returns the hold, but his firmness is to anchor and support while Stardust speaks ]
I've never really figured that out either. My life felt pretty much decided for me from the moment I was baked... but my father used to say that learning was half the fun of knowing. Makes you appreciate it more. The context was different but it feels like it applies. I think you'll find it one day. It just might take time to narrow down what you want...
[ As for what could have compelled him to join his dream, he couldn't say. Stardust's happiness seems to mostly lie with making connection. He'll probably be able to figure out what he wants to do once he finds people he can belong with. ]
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so, what does he want out of this? he has no idea.
he listens, humming thoughtfully]
I do love traveling. I wish to learn more about other Cookies, and the various lifeforms I meet on other planets. My own Creator also wrote something similar to what your father said; he believed that I should carve my own path, and that I would have the opportunity to become something "beyond imagination." I believe that is why he sent my dough into space.
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[ If it were him, he'd probably be worried about if what he wanted was grand enough to fit words like that. On some level he already feels pressure just due to his parentage. ]
Hmm. I can't say I know everything, but I might be able to answer some things if you have questions. I've been around for a really long time.
[ It seems like they both have, though. How long must he have been in space for... despite everything he's gone through, he can at least say there were people around even if he had to be careful interacting with them.
Part of him wants to say he doesn't have to be alone anymore, the other part doesn't want to wake up and become a liar.
But he can give Stardust Cookie tonight if nothing else. ]
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...I wish to know more about your ke--
[he was going to say "keeper" but thinks better of it. that would be rude!]
Erm, Eternal Sugar Cookie. Why is she so insistent on keeping you in the Garden?
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Well...
[ His gaze falls to his lap for a moment while he thought of how to phrase this. ]
The reason she became a beast was due to happiness being so fleeting. She often would grant Cookies happiness only for them to leave and for something horrible to happen. In her eyes if we stay with her, she can keep us safe and happy. That's part of it.
[ he sighs softly ]
And the other part is that she's my mother. When I said I've never known anywhere else, I meant it. I was raised there since I was a baby dough.
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I did not doubt you. I would think that, as your mother, she would wish for you to forge your own happiness, not thrust her own upon you.
[but that is why she is a Beast, correct? her sense of happiness is obviously warped]
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She probably did, before she fell. She just... became so desperate to hold onto any scrap of happiness she could and preserve it.
She couldn't see the merit in risking the danger of the outside world after having lost so many to unavoidable things like illness and monster attacks, and even though I can fight well I've always... somewhat feared leaving the Garden's safety. At least I know how to handle things there.
Especially now, with the war, it feels like there's no place for me outside its borders.
[ Child of the Beasts, servant of sloth. Many would hold a grudge against him for having been involved, willing or not. And it isn't as though he started completely unwilling. He just... came to see how far they'd fallen. He has no excuses he can really give. ]
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...For eons, I was drifting through space, with only the stars as my comfort. I, too, was trapped, by my own thoughts, my own worries. Even after I was thawed and baked by starlight, I was trapped in an endless cycle of my fears. The only one keeping me locked up was... myself. It took me meeting others to realize I did not have to stay in this prison of sorrow.
[he's still sad, but he's also free to do as he wants. he doesn't think his words will hold water when compared to Pavlova's plight. after all, Pavlova is being trapped by someone else, and it sounds like he believes he is unworthy of freedom]
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