Dotted.
Dotted
Dotting
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The first post...of many
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Grr...dwarven surly dot
I will give you my precious dot, but I wants it back.
The town that squatted on the shores of Diamond Lake shared that name, but neither shared the gleam or promise of their moniker.
The lake, it's once abundant fishery suffocated by the detrius of years of mining, sat brown and oily. The town perched on
the shore like a pustulent sore, a haven of misery and hopelessness.
Dawn crept over the surrounding hills, illuminating the few cairns and monuments that were still visible, but the hope that light
brought rarely made its way into the noisome streets of Diamond Lake. It had rained over night, and with the execption of the main
street, the Vein, the streets of Diamond Lake were a mire of stinking mud.
Out into this, the many workers of the mines, slowly shuffled out and made their way to the holes in the ground where they spent their
days. Some emerged from flop houses, but most had spent the night in the many old warehouses, kept over from when a vibrant fishery
worked the shore and lake.
As the day brightened, and the miners disappeared into the earth, those fortunate enough to earn their keep above ground emerged and began
their day...
Rising early in your small, spare chamber in the Temple of Abadar, a smallish, stone building sitting on the Vein , near the central square.
You can hear the sounds of the Temple inhabitants starting thier day, and further off, the same sounds in Diamond Lake. Another day in Diamond Lake...
a cesspool of corruption and lawlessness. All the more importance then for your vocation!
Finishing your ablutions and a quick meal in the kitchens, you catch the eye of the Night Watchman, who motions you over.
"Good morning, Inquisitor Flintheart, a missive was left for you ." he says, holding out a folded parchment, sealed with blue wax, a stylized E pressed into the seal. You recognize the seal as that belonging to Erutzan, a local sage and wizard. You've had some dealings with him, all having been conducted fairly and honestly.
With a nod, the man moves off , leaving you to your privacy.
Cracking the seal, you see Erutzan's flowing script, Ser Flintheart, I hope this finds you well. I have a business proposition for you. If I may impose upon you, please attend me at my residence at a quarter after the midday bell, tomorrow. E
You sat in a comfortable chair, watching an engrossing game of Dragonchess. On your left , an elf, whose name you'd forgotten. On you right, a local player, named Roon. The game was in constant flux, neither player gaining the advantage needed to end the match. A quick glance at the light coming in a nearby window, and you realized you'd been watching for hours.
A movement to one side revealed on of the servers moving into the alcove, who quickly crossed to your chair and discretely dropped a sealed parchment in your lap. The seal of blue wax and showed a stylized 'E'.
You knew it at once as being from your friend Erutzan. You thought back to the moment you met three months ago. You'd been taking a short cut after a night at Lazare's when a number of over-confident , but very large, rats assailed you. Lashing out with your magic as they surrounded you, you were surprised when a different kind of magic came from the end of the alley, dispatching the rodents. An old man walked up to you, asking "Natural affinity or learned?". That had been Erutzan, a man who'd become a friend, someone with whom you didn't need the disguise.
Cracking the seal, you found Erutzan's flowing script My friend, Kip. If you may, please attend me at my residence at a quarter after the midday bell, tomorrow. E
You and Whitepaw had just come into town , having taken down a decent sized buck. After dealing with your merchant friend, you turned to find one of Whitepaw's urchin friends standing by shyly. With a bashful look, Liewin you think it was, offered you a piece of folded parchment. His delivery complete, he ran off down the nearest alley. The parchement was sealed with blue wax, a stylized E pressed into the seal.
Cracking the seal, you find a message written in a beautiful flowing script, Ser Dinrulsis, greetings. I have need of a capable individual. Ellival Moonmeadow sings your praises, as do the three urchins your cat has seemingly adopted. If you permit, I would propose a proposition to you at my residence at quarter past the mid day bell, tomorrow. Erutzan."
Tapping your chin, you know this name. He was a local sage or wizard, and you are certain you saw him visit Ellival Moonmeadow on occation at her mine office.
You were holding court, so to say, at Zalamadra's. A line of her girls waiting for this tincture, or that lotion. Finally, all were satisfied and you were counting up the meager coppers they were able to pay, when a folded parchment fell on the table. Looing up, you saw Dmitri, one of Zalamadra's maitre'ds walking away. Turning the parchment over, you recognized the seal of Erutzan, in blue wax.
Cracking the seal, you saw Erutzan's flowing script , Nym, I hope this finds you well. I have chance to offer you a business propsition. If this interests you, please attend me attend me at my residence at a quarter after the midday bell, tomorrow. E
Checking the little coin purse under his clothing and making sure no pickpocket had worked their charm on him, the elven hunter had nearly missed the small human boy standing nearby. Underneath his hood, dark and inhuman eyes stared at the boy for just a moment before looking at the offered piece of parchment. It was far too nice to have come from anyone the boy normally associated with. Krios was nearly certain that none of Whitepaw's humanoid cubs could even read.
Opening the parchment and reading it over near an alleyway beside the Vein, he looked over its contents. The name was familiar to him but not so familiar as to make him a customer. He tapped his chin, trying to place the name as Whitepaw did their best to clean themselves of the muck this awful place conjured and failed at it.
"Erutzan. Erutzan." The name lingered in his head for a moment before he could finally put a face to it. It was the scholar that stayed here in Diamond Lake, he had met him once or twice when visiting Ellival with meats to trade. The man was polite, cordial, and stayed out of the hunter's business. All of those were traits that he could appreciate. Crumpling the paper in his hand, he meant to throw it away when Whitepaw gave a complaintive grumble that vibrated in the large cat's chest. It was loud enough to encourage a few drunks to hurry along to the next bar and away from the strange pair.
The cougar was a large creature, her paws usually a snowy white that was now stained with mud. Along her tannish coat were these blackish-green markings; strange runes of old magic to protect his companion and to grant her strength, speed, and stamina. It was an ancient ritual among the druids and their hunters, one that could lead to beasts of impressive size. With beautiful peridot eyes, Whitepaw stared up at Krios until he sighed.
"Fine. We'll go." Krios murmured, pushing from the wall and making his way along the vein. Hopefully, the scholar's home was a little cleaner and not so muddied with the traffic of coal miners.
Kib quickly dipped his muzzle, taking advantage of his diminutive height and mop of hair to shy his face from the server. Ready as ever to cast a disguise or come up with an excuse for his appearance. While this was normally a panicked move, in the familiar setting of the chess hall he knew he was safe. As safe as he ever was. Clutching his hat in his lap with both gloved hands he reluctantly took the sealed envelope.
The stress diminished as he recognized the letter seal, but this also pulled the kobold's mind from any musings of chess. He tipped the server a copper and quickly waved them away. Standing and giving a polite dip of his head to both players the disguised kobold scurried off to better prepare their disguise and prepare themselves for a visit to the scholar Erutzan.
(OOC: Marking the copper off. Kib will prepare a fresh disguise with great care before the meeting.)
Avion takes the letter with a grunt of acknowledgement, then reads it once the courier has left.
"Hmmph...at least this one won't shirk payment when it comes due."
He grabs his gear and eats a quick breakfast, then hits the town before the meeting.
"Thank you Dmitri."
Running his fingers over the parchment, Nym appreciates its thickness. Even in this backwater, some of the refinement of the city can still be found for those who appreciate it. He tucks it away safely in his pocket and turn his attention back to the work at hand.
"Alright ladies, who's next?"
The next late-morning he gets up blearily, cursing Erutzan's desire for such early meetings. Splashing some water on his face, he runs through a half dozen chemical pick-me-ups that would put a spring in his step, before sighing and grabbing his satchel. Hopefully Erutzan would provide a sufficient distraction to keep temptation away for another day.
Each of you have decided to heed Erutzan's call and have arrived at his house at the designated time. As you arrived, the man himself greeted you warmly at the door and escorted you into his parlor. There, he'd arranged a luncheon of sorts, bread, cured meats , cheese...a decent wine and ale. Those who arrived before the others were bade to avail themselves of the victuals, until all the invited had attended. All of you were at least familiar with the others, having seen them about town.
Finally, all were present, and Erutzan held out his own goblet of wine in toast, "Greetings and thank you for coming. Let me explain. " he sais after taking a drink . He strides to a side table, and gesturing for all to look, lays out a map of the countryside around Diamond Lake. On it were many markings and notes. Placing his finger near one, he says, "Here is what is commonly refered to as The Whispering Cairn. As with all of the Cairns in the area, this one has been thoroughly searched and pillaged. But, " he says, holding up his finger and walking away, "in the past fortnight there have been a number of tremors in the ground...all perfectly normal for this area, I must say! But, my investigations have revealed that one such tremor occurred very near to The Whispering Cairn. "
He pauses to place a morsel into his mouth, chewing furiously, "I am curious to see if the shaking of the ground has revealed any new features in that Cairn. Now, time is of the essense! Before anyone else has the same notion, I would document any findings. However, I am called away to Magnimar and cannot mount the expedition myself! Plus, the arrival of those gladiators has made me anxious. "
All of you have heard of the Champions of the Games, heroes all who arrived a few days ago from Magnimar. They quickly declared their interest in exploring another Cairn across the lake from Diamond Lake...Stirgenest Cairn.
Erutzan continues his exposition, "Now they've stated their intention of looking into old Stirgenest....which is fine, but I worry when they find nothing of interest there, their sights may go futher afield. "
Taking a seat in a nearby divan, the sage offers Krios' large cat Whitepaw a bit of cheese, "So, I decided to recruit you find folks, the four most capable citizens of our fine town. Venture to The Whispering Cairn, document what , if anything, you find there. 100 gold for your time and the risk. What say you...do you have any questions? "
"I shall require materials for the documentation, as well as a contract stipulating our agreement and the remuneration for said agreement. All pretty standard and ordinary, of course."
Avion looks interested, but keeps his voice neutral as he addresses Erutzan.
"What can you tell us of this cairn, and the last time it was explored?"
Kib has to stop himself from drooling at the spread of food prepared. He was certain some of the cured meats and cheese were types he had never, in his short life, partook in. Looking about frantically at the others in attendance his little heart sank. He couldn't take the risk of betraying his disguise.
The details of the cairn were listened to, but the kobold in disguise remained fixated on the food. He eventually took the chance of wrapping some of the cheese in meat in a roll of bread and stuffing it into his pocket.
Avion's strict adherence to the law was practical and sensible to Kib, but he felt the need to speak up at the potential impugning of the scholar's character. "Erutzan is extremely trustworthy." Kib noted while doing his best not to make eye contact, "I trust him to honor his word. If he wants to pay me a generous sum to explore a cairn... I will cla- dig out every nook of it." The little "gnome" fidgeted after speaking his mind.
Nym partakes of Erutzan's generosity. Say what you want about him, the man knows how to entertain in style. Sipping some wine, he says, "Seems fairly straight forward, but considering the generosity of your offer, I assume that difficulties are to be expected."
To Avion he says, "Master Erutzan is one of the few honest men in town, so I am happy to take him at his word. That being said, I wouldn't place myself in the same category, so some sort of contract might benefit all parties involved."
Krios had arrived last, pulling back his hood and letting his elven features be fully revealed. The messy mop of blonde hair upon his head coming loose as he steps in. He motions to the large cat that follows in behind, the feline grumbling in protest before laying down by the door and watching carefully. Stepping into the parlor after giving a polite nod to Erutzan, Krios looks over the others that were gathered there before them. They all looked like proper citizens of Diamond Lake, a stark difference from the elf who wore bits of wood and bone as charms on his worn clothing. Krios ate at the food that gathered before them. Not too much, just enough to be considered polite. The wine and ale went untouched as Krios found the corner of the room and folded his arms to listen to what the scholar had to offer.
The tremors had been noted by the Bronzewood Lodge and Krios had yet to investigate it. The cairns had long since been searched, looted, and scavenged, leaving little to be collected except by those most desperate to try and make a tiny bit of coin. If one of the cairns had split and offered a deeper chasm to be explored, there would be new treasures and dangers to be encountered.
The champions that had arrived from Magnimar had drawn quite a bit of attention in Diamond Lake looking to investigate and plunge into the depths of Stirgenest Cairn across the lake. If they heard of the tremors, it was likely they would begin to explore other locales to make up for the lack of riches within Stirgenest. Krios's thought process was interrupted by Whitepaw slowly making their way into the parlor towards the table full of delightful scents. The elf's eyes narrowed but the large cat moved undaunted, taking the piece of cheese from Erutzan's hand before quietly making their way back to the door.
"Are there any maps of the cairn in town? At least, what we expect to find?" Krios asks, uninterested in the idea of paperwork, signatures, and administration. It didn't surprise him that the clergyman of Abadar favored such a thing, their kind were very involved with his return to Magnimar years ago. "I'm in agreement with the dwarf; what is the history of this cairn?" Old places were known for resetting traps and some places liked to have their themes. The better they planned, the safer they would be.
Erutzan smiles at Avion's directness, walking to a nearby desk and taking a folio from it's drawer, "I foresaw such a requirement and so drew up contracts detailing our business together. There is one for each of you should you wish to make our dealings official."
He takes a number of sheets from the folio, but leaves one within. He glances at the door, as if expecting another visitor. But, he turns back to the desk and returns the folio to it's home.
He then nods to Kib and Nym, "I appreciate your vote of confidence, " the faces the others, "Indeed, there are risks . The Hills are dangerous in of themselves, and animals often use the Cairns as lairs. While it has been explored, one cannot anticipate what may have been exposed by the tremors."
He proceeds to pace back and forth, arms clasped at the small of his back, "Like all of the Cairns, they were pillaged early on in the history of Diamond Lake. The Whispering Cairn is special. Located near an old depleted iron mine, it lay forgotten until some 10 years ago when some enterprising teenagers found it. It became a sort of community secret among the towns youth, a challenge of sorts to spend the night within. It's name comes from the strange , haunting , almost magical tones that emerge from within it's depths...when the wind is just right. As for maps of the Cairn...no, we only have the first hand reports of the youth who have frequented it...they have reported a central hall with some alcoves, but travel further in blocked off by rockfalls. It is this that I hope the tremors may have opened , allowing further exploration..."
Nym takes the offered document and glances over its details. "Thorough as always." Not seeing anything untoward, he signs it.
"So about these cairns. To be truthful, I'm not particularly familiar with the local history. Do we know much about the cairns? What do they mark?"
"Also, you said you were being called away. As such, do we have any timeline for completion of our exploration?"
Avion looks over the contracts carefully, then signs where indicated (assuming there are now weird clauses or obvious shenanigans involved.)
"Well, then, it would appear we have some business to attend to in a burial cairn. Shall we go?"
He gathers up his equipment and makes ready to head out immediately.
Kib dutifully reads his own contract, but is left making his mark with his gloved hand rather than give a proper signature or seal. He is torn between wanting to hear the questions asked and Avion's insistence that they start out right away. Feeling bold, the "gnome" takes up beside (and slightly behind) the dwarf. "I'm sure we could learn more if we ask some of those children." Kib explains, "But I doubt they would tell of anything we couldn't figure out ourselves. Avion has the right of it, let us take up our task."
"Never underestimate the urchins." Krios murmurs in response to Kib, his voice foretelling some previous experience he had with them. "It is likely that whatever they did know would not serve us well. If the path is open, then we shall learn from within it." With a click of his tongue, the cougar stands back up and stretches before following behind Krios out of the room. "I'll be waiting outside. I am ready to move on the cairn when you all are."
As each signs the contracts, Erutzan counter signs each copy, taking his own, folding them neatly and placing them in another nearby drawer.
He addresses Nym's question, "My business in Magnimar shouldn't take more than a fortnight, but please conduct your investigations carefully, do not be hasty on my account. "
He helps himself with a piece of bread, chewing as he contemplated Nym's other question, "There is little consensus among scholars at to the significance of the cairns. Yes, early on there was some treasure and relics discovered, but unfortunately they were sold on...their historic import lost forever. Some believe the cairns predate the rule of the Rune Lords, others think earlier still. My own researches lead me to think that the cairns are the creation of a multitude of cultures, each carrying on the tradition of erecting the structures over the years. "
He waves his hand smiling, "But, nothing is conclusive, theories are just that without any proof. I hope your expedition will prove or disprove my theories....each result is acceptable!"
Opening up yet another drawer, he pull out an sealed enveloped, placing it on the table, "In case you need to purchase equipment. Also, when I am gone you can come here and see Harr, my companion, who will assist you as he can."
He clasps his hands in front of himself and ask, "Do you have any other questions?"
Kib listens intently to Erutzan's explanation, but his eyes glass over a bit as the scholar goes on. He perks up at the mention of the enclosed chit, and involuntarily steps forward before placing his hands together and stepping back quickly. Deferring to the others.
"No further questions from me. I guess we'll discover the secrets of this particular cairn as we investigate it."
With not further queries for him forthcoming, Erutzan smiles , "I thank you all for assisting me in this endeavor! "
He looks out the window as the rattle and racket outside heralds the arrival of a horse drawn carriage.
"Ah they are early!" Erutzan exclaims, the shouts, "Harr, my bag!"
The stomping of feet comes down a nearby hallway, and a grizzled old dwarf enters the parlor, a travelling bag in hand. He drops it unceremoniously on the floor, looks at it, then at Erutzan, then turns and leaves.
"My friend, Harr." Erutzan explains, picking up his bag and heading for the door, "Good luck, my friends!" he calls out from the door way , before hurrying out and into the carriage. He give Krios and Whitepaw as quick wave as he passes.
With a rattle of wheels and tack, and the crack of a whip ,the carriage lurches forth down the street.
"First the store yes?" Kib asks the others excitedly, "Torches, rope, and a proper pick perhaps?" The little gnome does not move from his spot however, frozen from further action until another member of the troop agrees and glancing away to better hide his face. It takes every bit of focus (and his inherent trepidation) to keep his tail tucked safely away in the excitement of the moment.
Nym waves a farewell to Erutzan and turns to Kib,
"Sure. Sounds good to me. No reason to wait to get started."
Krios kicks off from the wall, nodding at the others as they mention heading to the store. He follows behind at a leisurely pace, watching Nym and Kib move together. Only when an idea comes up does he clear his throat beside them and the others.
"A climber's kit could be useful. Shouldn't be too much each if we all invest into it." He says quietly, eyeing around them as they move back into town properly. There was the chance of competition and the pay they were being given would help the Lodge quite a bit.
"I can see in the dark, but having fire and light for the human types will be beneficial. As for the climbing and spelunking gear, that is a good idea. I have some rope and such, but little in the way of spikes and such."
Avion heads out with the others, eager to get into the dangerous area.
As the master leaves, Ashlynn finally finds her voice.
"Good Sir...Mr. Harr? Sir? Do you have any suggestion for a place we can buy inexpensive equipment? Your help would be much appreciated and you obviously know the area well..."
Khatín stands with everyone. She looks around uncomfortably. ”So…we’re supposed to search a cairn. Lovely.”
She glances around the room, muttering to herself, her dark skin contrasting sharply with her blue eyes, so pale as to almost look white. ”Just what I wanted to spend my days doing.” She runs her fingers through her thick, curly black hair. The right side of her head is shaved to the skin. ”Let’s get this done. What’s first? Getting inexpensive equipment?”
The old dwarf stops and looks back at Ashlynn, scowling, "General Store....ask them " he growls, pointing at Avion and Nym , " they be livin' here!"
Muttering to himself, he continues off into the depths of the house.
[ooc]You guys feel free to RP the interaction with Taggin at the General Store...or just figure out how much the gear you want costs and we can go from there...Don't forget the 25gp chit for the General Store Erutzan gave you.[/ooc
Nym waits for the others to finalize their preparations, ready to begin the trek out to the cairn.
"There will be no cheap equipment." Krios mutters to the other, looking at the human and the half-elf cooly. "Few supplies enter into Diamond Lake and those that do are greedily held onto. This place has a habit to simply take and take, it'll take your coins eagerly." The disdain in Krios's voice was easily heard. The large cougar that had been walking beside him nudges him and gives a quiet stare at him for a few seconds. Slowly, he releases a breath and sighs. Perhaps he was being a bit harsh.
"At the least, we may want crowbars and shovels. The shakes could've buried quite a bit. I'm sure there are plenty of supplies like that with the number of miners in this town. Follow me." Krios would lead any who needed guidance through the muddy streets towards the General Store.
Haggin's place of business was not unknown to him; there were tools and supplies that only civilization could provide. While he was trained to endure without them, it was easier to survive with the little gifts that they could give. Making his way into the store, he would give the man a nod of his head before beginning to pick up a few things for himself.
Stepping outside, he looks to the elf beside him for a few moments while Whitepaw settles at his feet. The quiet lingers in the air before he speaks up, his soft voice reaching the man.
"Will you be alright? You look...healthier...than when you first arrived." It was a rarity that someone arrived in Diamond Lake and then became healthier but the elf beside him seemed to have done just that.
'This Krios seems to know his way around here. I better follow closely and pay attention...'
Keeping up and following along, Ashlynn keeps her mouth shut as much as possible. She's not much of an adventurer, but she knows how to listen and learn.
Khatín looks around the general store, filling up her pack with various purchases.
Stepping outside with the elves she kneels, smiling at the great cat.
The large feline looks at the human curiously at the human before her. She was large for a cougar, her tan fur marked with this oily, green-black markings that had stained her coat. The color dissipated near her paws, becoming an almost snowy white if it was not for the mud that was stuck to them now. Krios looks over for just a moment, just to take in the cougar's disposition, before returning to his conversation with the elf beside him. The cougar waits patiently though, eyes focused on the woman that had crouched down to her level.
Ashlynn seems to take a half-step towards the cat and its partner, but stops suddenly and bites her lip. She then steps back hesitantly and quietly.
No! You don’t just ask to pet his cat! You are not 5 years old fawning over a kitten! You are an adventurer now, so act like it Ash!
"What is her name?" Khatín asks, looking up at Krios. She smiles at the cat again, showing her empty hands. "You have beautiful colors. May I pet you?"
Forcing herself to stand still, Ashlynn’s eyes bug-out a bit in the effort.
“She did NOT just do that…! By the gods above and below…am I going to second guess everything I do?”
Feline introductions made and supplies purchased, our motley band makes their way out of Diamond Lake, following the trail North East out of town and up into the surrounding hills.
Cresting a ridge, a glance back reveals Diamond Lake in all of it's glory, a brown boil on the back of a dead body of water. Only a small ounce of imagination allows the viewer to see what the lake and surrounding land may have been had the first explorers from Magnimmar not have discovered the place.
The group passes a few homesteads, somehow eking out a life raising grain or cattle on the few areas of arable land. The occasional homesteader they see stop in their labors, and watch the group pass, suspicious of the motives of all who come from the town.
Eventually, signs of recent civilization are replaced by the monuments of the past: strange stone structures atop nearby hilltops, graven images on half buried stones, their meaning worn away by the elements.
Consulting Erutzan's map, it is determined that the trail that leaves the main trail and leads to the Whispering Cairn is coming up. Indeed, over the next rise, all see the trail leading up the side of the nearby hill.
Signs of Erutzan's tremors can be seen; the fans of newly fallen rockfalls dot the nearby hills.
Khatín stops with the party as they consult the map, before moving away to view the cairn, then stalking back to look at the trail where they've come from.
"We're gonna die underground. At least it's Starday." Khatín claps her hands, speaking quickly. "Excellent. Let's do this." She pauses for a second, before looking back at Nym and Avion. "It is Starday...isn't it? Oathday? Moonday?"
"Her name is Whitepaw." Krios said softly, looking down at his most trusted companion. The cougar watches Khatin for a moment before leaning in, butting her head against the monk's hands. There was the low rumble of a purr that was strong enough to vibrate through her hands. It was then that the rest of them made their way out of the general store at last. Without wasting a moment, Krios would take the lead and his faithful companion fell in line beside him. He leads them into the surrounding lands, once beautiful places that had been poisoned by Diamond Lake's corruption. The homesteaders receive a hard stare back from the elf as they approach the Whispering Cairn.
"We won't die." Krios counters, shifting his backpack lightly on his shoulders. "Let us see what awaits us." He carefully moved around the fallen rocks that dotted the hillside, following the trail to the old cairn.
Nym shrugs, "Could be Starday. The days kind of all bleed together for me. And yes we may die underground, but think of the bright side, if we do, at least we're already buried" He pats Khatin on the shoulder and begins trudging up to the cairn's entrance.
While making his way towards the cairn, Nym scans the ground for any signs of passage or animal tracks. "Knowing my luck there's probably nothing more interesting in here other than a grumpy old bear that we're about to disturb."
Quietly, Ashlynn trudges behind the others. She softly comments towards the ground as she watches her steps...
"Its Moonday of course. NOBODY asked you Ashlynn!"
"Ashlynn, come on. Keep up." Khatín says, chuckling. "Don't want to be late for our burial now, do we?"