Indeed. All the best wishes of the season to you all.
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Kokam easily makes her way down into the hole, eschewing the rope as her training allowed her to take a fall of some distance without harm.
Once at the bottom, she looked about unperturbed by the fleshy innards of the cave. Seeing the new born spawn, she realized that they'd have to be careful. She moves to a nearby wall, and uses her hand to scrape some of the moisture off....then applies it to her clothing, hoping the scent from the walls and floor would help disguise her and her friend's presence.
While looking upon on the seething swarm of demon-spawn, Kokam could not help but glance at her friend Stella, her new cloak draped over her shoulders. Remembering the ceremony re-sancitifying the temple, such and achievement in repudiating the influence of the Demon, Kokam smiles in the face of the swarm, nodding at the inevitable conclusion to return below the ground! One foot on the edge of the hole, Kokam stood coiled, ready to jump down in aid of her smaller friend.
Kokam raises her spear in salute to her friend, "That was well done, Stella!". Then she shook her head, though dead, the demon's terrible gaze still affected her....as if something was missing. She smiles as Hallvadr returns, then nods to Damon, "I'll come, can't leave it around to cause trouble now can we?" She kept close by his shoulder as he used his Iomedae-granted gifts to find the , hopefully, sole remaining denizen of the soiled temple.
Emboldened by her success in harming the demon, Kokam continued her assualt, the energy she felt flowing through her, seemingly controlling her movements..
Her movements almost casual, Kokam's spear struck once, twice in quick succession ! A fast kick thumped solidly against the creatures side, but did not damage. Not so the spinning round kick to it's neck, snapping it's head to the side violently.
Kokam ran out of the door towards the demon, her face a mask of determination. Her pace faltered, however, as the demon fixed its gaze on her. A tremendous buzzing began in her ears , and as she shook her head, she screamed as it felt as if her very being was being sucked from her body. Still she ran, tears streaming from her eyes, fighting against the horrible pain! Despite the pain, her discipline remained, and she drew deep on her wellspring of energy and struck out at the demon!
With the fury of one violated, Kokams strikes came fast, hard and inescapable. Her spear point tore the demonic flesh of the creature's neck. Then moving with incredible speed , she spun to the side and delivered two rib-splitting kicks to the demon's thorax.
Kokam had remained at the door, looking back the way they'd come. She'd then craned her neck to get a look at the woman, frowning to see her bound so. Her eye widened at the woman's words, then frowned as the bell sounded. She nodded to Hallvardr, "Indeed. The woman is safe here, for now. Let us go see for whom the bell tolls...."
Kokam lowered her spear, the taut muscles of her arms and shoulders relaxing as the immediate threat was eliminated. She nods a everyone's observations, "Yes, I'm sure there are some more of these, " she says indicating the fallen ghouls, " around here still." As the others looked around, she watched the door in case something decided to surprise them...
As her friend are beset on all sides, Kokam did her best to avoid the claws of one of the ghouls. With a quickness that defied belief, Kokam's spear flashed out at one of the ghouls accosting Hallvardr, it's savage attack leaving it open to her strike.
Her spear plunged into it's side with devastating effect! She then turned to assist Damon, striking out at the nearest of his foes...
Her spear and a savage kick inflicted terrible damage to it's undead flesh!
Kokam had been disgusted by the 'larder' that the ghouls had made in the kitchen, trussing the unfortunate soldiers up like prize hams. She joined in cutting them down, so that they could lie in repose with some dignity. She grinned a fierce smile as the master of the ghouls presented himself, moving forward into the space made by Damon and Hallvardr, lashing out at the ghoul to the left of the door...
Smiling at Hallvardr's bravado, she remembered his encouraging words earlier and so while she drew upon her own reservoir of energy, she struck out with extra effort!
Her spear skewered the ghouls shoulder, sending gobbets of decayed flesh through the air. Spinning, she delivered a vicious kick to it's face, as it recovered from her previous blow.
She took the cloak and held it up allowing the strange material to move and sway, "I've never seen the like....though my days as a seamstress are few and far between." she said, looking at Stella over its hood and collar, "But, if it was hidden here...it must be important." she said , handing it back to her friend. "It looks to be about your length, you should try it on!""I can't... at least not yet." Stella replied. "Something's wrong with it. It wouldn't be right until I figure out how to fix it..." Kokam nodded, handing the garment back to Stella, "Well, you know more about that than I do...it is beautiful , though" At the door, Kokam shared a look with each of her friends, then grasped the door so she could open it enough for her to slip inside...
Kokam smiled at Stella, glad that she appreciated the gift, "I hope so , Stella, I really hope so too." She took the cloak and held it up allowing the strange material to move and sway, "I've never seen the like....though my days as a seamstress are few and far between." she said, looking at Stella over its hood and collar, "But, if it was hidden here...it must be important." she said , handing it back to her friend. "It looks to be about your length, you should try it on!" ---Later --- Kokam nodded at the other's suggestion of continuing their exploration of the chapel. She turned towards the double doors, gesturing, "Through here perhaps..."
Kokam looked on with interest as Stella retrieved the item from the altar, but seeing the look on Stella's face, retreated to allow her friend some space. As she did so she looked around at what the ghouls had done to the chapel, shaking her head at the enormity of what it would take to clean and re-consecrate the building. Inspiration came to her, and she pulled out her pages and charcoal and quickly sketched a drawing of what the chapel could look like , or perhaps once looked like, with gleaming marble , intact statues , ardent and penitent worshippers....
Once finished, and she looked at the whole of what she'd drawn, and a tear fell from her eye as she looked down at her imagining of what was lost. Wiping her tear away, she approached Stella and wordlessly handed the drawing to her friend.
Kokam raised a hand and was about to call out to forestall the boys from running off, but saw Roscoe's rear exit the door before she could. Deciding staying with Stella was more important, she remained with her friend, looking with disgust at the damage the ghouls had done to the once fine temple. "Do you think it can be...redeemed, Stella" she asked of her friend.
Kokam feels the horrible priest's spell leave her limbs, leaving a nasty tingling sensation. Glaring at the priest, Kokam sprints forward attacking with the vigor of one who was violated! Attack= spear, two-handed : 20+7 = 27
Reaching the Priest, she leaps high bringing her spear down, impaling the unholy creature! Passing behind, she then spins and catches the back of it's head with a vicious kick!
Round 2
Kokam was momentarily stunned by the ruin of the chapel, losing a step when the ghouls attacked! Round 1 The ghoul came at Kokam so fast! Though she had her spear ready, it would have scored a terrible cut on her arm....but Kokam's silvery tattoo flared with bright light and a silver barrier appeared between Kokam's flesh and the dirty claws of the ghoul.
Her previous lethargy faded, she was now fully engaged! But before she could attack, the fell Priest's prayer fell upon her ears....
...the horrible words invade Kokam's mind, bringing her quick movements to a stop. She rails inwardly against her inactive limbs..
Kokam nodded approvingly as her friend's dispatched the last of the stone guardians, "I confess to being somewhat confused...those statues did not seem to be very Demonic..." she mused aloud. She waited patiently as the others tended to her wounds, being lucky enough not to have suffered any injury during the fight. She laid a hand on Stella's shoulder, "Never be embarrassed by the path Desna takes you...we'll be there with you. But, yes...let me and Damon take the fore." she say with a smile. The with a shared look with Damon, she moved toward the chapel, spear held ready.
As the statue in front of Roscoe attempts to rend him limb from limb, Kokam lashes out with her spear...
...it's point finding a vulnerable crack and splitting the stone! Then after adroitly avoiding the attacks of the statue accosting her, she strikes back!
Again, her spear sought out and found a vulnerable spot on the statue's body
Round 2 Seeing the stony creature hurting Stella, Kokam moved up and yelled at her friend, "Move back, Stella!" She then commenced an attempt to school the creature in the error of its ways...
Her attack with her spear was ineffectual against it's stony skin, as was one of her kicks. However , her other kick looked to unbalance the creature , it having connected with such force.
When Stella began to walk into the shrine without due care, Kokam rushed to accompany her, just in time to step in front of her friend when the statues came alive! Her hand goes to her belt and plucks a dart from there, flinging it at the closest flying statue...
... but the missle bounces off of the statue's hard surface. She the levelled her spear waiting for the oncoming assault...
Kokam easily makes her way up the steep stairs, the sidesteps the small avalanche of rocks caused by Damon and Roscoe's more clumsy attempts. Still the ascent isn't easy, she stops and assists Stella and Hallvardr over the more tricky sections of broken rock. Reaching the top, she gives Damon and Roscoe ( and anyone else who were flown up by the power of their dragon scale ) , a smile "I should have
Kokam nodded at Damon and Stella after hearing her friend's plea, "My desire to see the shrine cleansed is moreso now, Stella! " she says, grasping Stella's hand earnestly.
Kokam was buoyed by Hallvadr's songs in honor of the fallen, his artistry reminding her of her own meager talent. Soon after camp was set, she could be seen on it's periphery mainly, sketching the unnatural vistas , then in camp offering quick sketches of comrade-in-arms to those who wished it. When mention of the chapel, she immediately declares, "It is a small thing, but any holy site free from the grasp of the Demon aids our cause!"
Having recovered herself, Kokam sought out her friends, finding them just as they were planning their scouting missing, "I will come as well" she said, wishing for just a little while to not see the death and destruction of the battlefield.
Kokam ran quickly through the battle, always on the move. The Paladins of the army in her section learned that when they were near and she raised her hand, they could ride past and Kokam would grab hand or saddle and jump up behind, to shortly later leap off into battle, likely skewering a foe on the way down. Lately, it seemed that a particular Paladin would often be the one to pick Kokam up. Kokam remembered her name as Avelia, from Taldor. Avelia had an unruly shock of pale blond hair and a ready smile...and was a terror on horseback. After Stella's wave broke the enemy army's back, Kokam saw Avelia taken from her steed's back by a surviving pack of dretches. Sprinting to aid her friend, Kokam slew the demons in short order. Kneeling by Avelia, she saw the Paladin's wounds were grievous, and shook her awake, "Quick, my friend, use Iomedae's grace to heal yourself, at least until the other healers arrive." . Avelia, stuggling to take each breath, reached out and cupped the side of Kokam's face with a smile. Kokam exclaimed, "No!" as she felt Avelia's healing power flow into her, soothing her own injuries. As Avelia coughed one last time and drew her final breath, Kokam yelled and shouted for the other healers to assist. Then she watched as Stella's butterflies flew out among the wounded and one alighted on Avelia's unblemished cheek, paused for a moment ,then continued on. Kokam kneeled by Avelia's still body for some time, sobs wracking her body, Avelias' hand in hers...the pain of her sudden helplessness unbearable.
Kokam smiled at Hallvardr's compliment , "I'm a bit lost in all of this 'organized' fighting, I'll gladly fight alongside you, Hallvardr!" She accompanied the skald to his chosen group of Paladins, unable to stop herself from smiling at his enthusiastic cheerleading. Action 1 The plan goes as expected, the tiefling army followed Damon's lure and the Paladin army descended upon them! Though she'd fought with Hallvardr before, here in this army he seemed to be in his element. Singing lustily and colorfully cursing the enemy, Kokam unexpectedly found herself comforted by the man's exhortations, finding a rhythm to her own blows that mirrored the Ulfen's cadences. Later as the fighting died down, she looked on, proud of her friend, as many of the Paladins in their section took the time to embrace Hallvardr or grasp his arm in friendship, so taken were they with his inspiring presence. Wiping blood from her brow, she turned with the others to see that the second army still awaited them...
Action 1 As the landscape began to change and show the effects of the Worldwound, Kokam scowled at seeing the land so blighted, answering Stella, "I hope so. I'm no expert but given time I'd think it might." Kokam enjoys the opportunity to chat with Damon and the others again, it helps divert her mind from where they've been and where they're going. Not much of a tactician she listens intently to the advisor's advice...
As the battle waned, Kokam stood and rolled her shoulders, trying to relieve the ache she felt there...and all over. She shared a smile with her friends, and went to say something to Damon, but he'd already moved on...talking with some of the other Paladins. Action #1 She contented herself with observing Hallvadr's new sword, commenting "A powerful omen indeed, you are truly blessed by Gorum!" . She knew of Gorum, growing up among the Kellid tribes, he was a fierce God, she had not doubt of her friend's worth in His eyes. Her eyes turned to her own weapons, her trusty spear. A pang of envy came and went, as the words of her Elder came to her, Some that follow our path eschew the use of weapons entirely, their hands and feet become like steel and stone.... The thought comforted her, though she doubted she'd achieve such lofty heights. As she picked up her spear, the thought occured to her that the oak that gave up a branch to make this weapon, would be proud of the foes it had helped destroy. Action #2 Kokam ponders the question of what to do with the prisoners, offering her conclusion, "Though they would undoubtedly not offer such mercy, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard. With Damon's divine insight, we can see which of them are truly remorseful and might be spared. The others, we can only guarantee them a quick end. We must not tarry..."
Kokam stood among her new Paladin friends, each of them competently adjusting straps on shields and armor and saddle. All of the were calm, composed...confident. While Kokam was filled with doubt. Fighting one on one with her friends was one thing... She looked about and while some lips were moving in silent prayer, most of the holy warriors around her held a serene visage, a certainty that they did their diety's will. Kokam hearkened back to her bold statement to the Queen as to her own peity. She was chagrined at her boastfulness in the face of the faith that surrounded her. She inwardly vowed to emulate these holy warriors both in mind and spirit! A sussurus flowed through the flank, the center was moving. A hand was extended to her, and she was helped up behind one of her friends. Now higher, she could look right and see the center , led by Damon, his gleaming sword held high, surging forward. Her heart leapt into her throat...she was feeling...love, certainly...but pride as well, that her friend could undertake such a thing! The sky grew dark with arrows arching high up and falling unerringly among the tiefling army. Soon the left flank began to move forward, the steeds slowly gaining pace, but holding back to allow the center to do it work and force those of the enemy fleeing this way to do so. Then the thunder of hooves rattled Kokam to the core as the left flank surged forward , arcing in to surround and cut off escape. Seeing the enemy ahead, Kokam rose and gained her feet , crouching as the dark mass of Demon-worshippers loomed ahead. Adjusting her stance to the stallion's smooth gallop, Kokam waited until the force was just about to hit the massed enemy, and leapt! Up and over the line, to land behind a red-scaled tielfling trying to fend off the charge. With a quick thrust of her spear, Kokam dispatched the foe, then moved on, spinning and leaping from enemy to enemy, helping the Paladins mop up the remnants of the opposing army. The tide of war brought her closer to the center, where she caught sight of Damon, armor covered in gore, confronting the Demon general. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hallvardr sprinting towards the 'meeting'. It had attacked! With a grin cracking her own gore covered face, Kokam raced forward , not wanting her friends to have all of the fun! Sprinting hard, Kokam ran up a large pile of slain demons and tieflings, and leapt up into the air towards the demon general, spear held high above her head as she descended towards its scabrous back...
Kokam listens to all of the discussions and advice from the Queen's advisors, then offers her own opinion, "Strike hard and fast, before they know we're here and can prepare. Suprise and dismay at our arrival should win us the day!" Later, she thinks where she might prove most useful. Glancing over at Damon giving orders and looking the part, she feels what Roscoe talked about....a bit out of place in the midst of the army. Then a few Paladins with whom she'd practiced happened by and asked her to join them on the left flank! Flattered, she agreed and went to advise the others of her choice, "I will go on the left flank and assist there."
Action 1 The hustle and bustle of an army of Paladins getting ready to ride distracted Kokam enough that she didn't have time to talk with Aron about setting up some kind of scouting party. Action 2
Action 3
Kokam watches and listens as the others discuss the logistics of getting from here to there with enough food and water. She knows that alone, she'd be able to move much quicker than the bulk of the small army. With that in mind, she thinks back to their first introduction to the army of Paladins, trying to remember if there were any who were less armored, more mobile that the others.
Action 1 Kokam was a bit caught off guard by the Queen's sudden presentation of lands and titles to her and her friends. Still she took a knee, realizing that this was one way that the Queen could show her appreciation , as well as legitimizing The Chosen in the eyes of , perhaps, many of her soldiers. Her face solemn in the face of the honor granted her, she calmly stated, "I will endeavor to honor your trust in me, and the title you've granted me. " Then she stood and watched as her friends were likewise honored, unable to prevent a tear from welling up in her eyes. She was so proud of what they've accomplished! Action 2 Kokam slowly grew bored with the review of the troops, her limbs growing antzy after the ceremony and interminable chats with the soldiers. She respected them all, but she reminded herself that this was part of her duties now, but at that moment it grated on her. Removing herself some distance from camp, she found a nice flat area and began to practice her forms, crisply moving from stance to stance, working up a nice sweat. After a moment or two she realized she wasn't alone. Stopping, she looked up to find several of the Queen's...no, her Paladins watching curiously. Smiling , she invited them to join her, showing those interested a number of techniques they were unfamiliar with. Prompted to demonstrate...she chose a willing volunteer and elicited cheers when she quickly pivoted and deposited the warrior on his back. Several more joined the demonstration, cheering her successes, but even more so when a volunteer successfully turned the technique on her, putting her on her back. Smiling, dusting herself off, she looked about and saw the acceptance on the face of the Paladins...they saw in her a fellow warrior, different but respected. Then and there she vow to learn each of their names; Serrif with the wild blond mane, Ananna with the scarred cheek, and the 98 others...all of them were now her brothers and sisters.
Action 1 Kokam was momentarily embarrassed by her outburst, but the Queen's manner quickly put to rest her misgivings. When talk turned to that of armies and advisors , Kokam suddenly felt out of her depth. Even though she's studied some about warfare at the Monestary, it was nothing so real as this. And what, an army....of Paladins, Holy warriors! It was then that Kokam remembered what had happened to her and her friends! Shaking her head, she chided herself. She and her friends were right where they were supposed to be: leading armies to recapture cities in the Worldwound. Kokam laughs aloud at how ludicrous such an idea would have been only a short time ago. Action 2 Kokam walked among the assembled troops....nay, the assembled Paladins. Now that she'd accepted her lot in this whole endeavor, her manner was more confident and relaxed. She found the men and women of Iomedae were friendly and respectful, not begrudging her the favor she'd received form Goddess and Dragon. Talking with these Holy warriors, however, brought her thoughts back to Damon....and the feelings she had begun to feel towards him. Excusing herself, she sought him out and found that he'd retired to the stables. She came to the entrance at one end and saw Damon, communing with the most beautiful horse she'd ever seen. Though she wasn't noticed, she felt she was somehow still intruding, and slowly turned and walked away. Later she sat with Stella, "Difficult? I'd say these men and women can lead themselves. I think, as Terendelev's Chosen we are symbols." she says, her face thoughtful, "And I'm alright with that, we lead by example and hopefully soon, we will be victorious over the Demon."
As the others recited the group's accomplishments, Kokam's nervousness dissipated, each amazing feat recounted strengthened her resolve in the face of the Queen's regard. Also, she recalled her proud Kellid heritage, and all uncertainty fled. She listened carefully as the Queen spoke, but also watched the woman. She could see the same bone-deep weariness in the Queen's face, and the woman's Faith. As she spoke of Iomedae's standard, the Sword of Valor....Kokam's heart felt like it was going to burst! She stood before the Queen , rearing dragons gleaming on the sides of her head, her face fierce and determined , "Your Majesty, you are not my Queen, but you lead the Crusade against the Demon. I revere Iomedae in my own way, but my Faith, I think, is an equal to yours. Iomedae has put me , we, on this path ....and it is one I travel willingly. Drezen and the Sword of Valor shall be ours!" she shouts, raising her spear high above her head.
Action 1 Upon hearing that the Queen wished to meet her and her friends, Kokam initially panicked. She had no fine frocks to wear to such and event, her close cut hair could not be made 'presentable' in any way... To quiet her troubled mind, Kokam sat on the hard floor of her room and meditated...on her friends, what they'd accomplished. After a few moments, her mind cleared...she knew what to do. Nothing. She'd present herself to the Queen just as she'd presented herself to the Demon. Throwing on the least dirty of her tunics, she donned her dusty sandals and worn belt and she slid on the dragon scale bracers, flexing her fists at the tingle she always felt when first donning them. She then fetched her trusty spear from where it leaned in the corner. The tough wood was stained here and there with demon's blood, no amount of scrubbing could remove those marks. On the way, she stopped and ran some water through her hair and over her face. Thus refreshed she strode out to join her friends in meeting this Queen. She tried to mimic the others in showing respect for Her Royal Highness, but whatever grace she showed in combat eluded her in this arena, causing her to stumble a bit and fumble with the words, "An...uh...honor, your Grace....um...Majesty?" She merely nodded and smiled to Damon as he began their tale... Action 2 Cowed by her failure to properly address the Queen, Kokam allowed her friend Stella and Damon to continue the tale...
Action 1 As the fight with the demons came to an end and the power of the Wardstone slowly faded, Kokam noticed a curious sensation. A cool, icy burning , beginning where Terendelev’s scale lay against her skin, under her tunic. The feeling spread up to her neck , spread out to her shoulders and then up to her scalp and face. Pulling her tunic to the side she could see traceries of the silvery material of the scale on her shoulders. Narrowing her eyes, she could , she thought, make out that they seemed to make up a stylized representation of a dragon's body. She touched the silvery metal with awe, wondering what such a thing meant.
Action 2 Kokam was heartened to see that their other friends were safe, nodding at the explanation of the demon's flight from Kenabrae. During the reunion, her hand continued to stray to the filigree of silvery metal that graced her face and neck. At Irabeth's urging she recounted her account of all of the visions that she experienced , her face and voice filled with awe , not quite believing that the tale she told happened to her. Later at the Inn, she greeted her students, somewhat discomfited by the outpouring of adoration she received, not really feeling she deserved it. Despite her misgivings, she took the time to lead them through some exercises. During the lesson, she had to concentrate on slowing things down, noticing that her own prowess had grown.
Then, still sweating from the exertions with her student, she spied a blank wall nearby...and in a fit of inspiration, gathered her painting supplies and began to paint...
...when she was finished, a tableau depicting the explosion of the Wardstone, her friends, and the visions she'd experienced was staring back at her from the wall. She stared at her work for a few moments, then wordlessly packed up her painting supplies and walked away. Smiling at hearty greetings and the occasional inappropriate hug, she made her way to her chamber and fell into bed, senseless until the next morning.
Kokam catches the last fighting demon under the chin with her spear, driving the point up , up into it's brain. She levers the demonic head against the nearby wall, dragging it down to the ground, where she kicks the dead head off of her spear with a stiff kick. Breathing hard, she looked to her friends, glad to see all were standing, I am glad for the Wardstone's help, otherwise...."
Kokam heard Stormbrow bellowing behind her, but her concentration on the demon before her was so absolute, that she could not discern the import of his words. Striking out, she sought to end this demons sojourn upon her plane....
...but her concentration falters, both of her strikes glancing off of the demon's hard skin.
The quickness of the demon surprises Kokam and it manages to get by her, but not before once again a fortuitous opening presents itself, allowing Kokam to thrust her spear at the demon in the doorway!
Unfortunately, this time , Kokam's timing was just off and her spear rattled off of the door frame. Turning as the demon passed her, she fended off it's attack, muttering "You'll rue the day you came here!" Drawing on her inner strength, she leapt to the attack, spear a blur and her legs kicking out at improbably angles...
...the point of her spear plunged deep into it's chest, purplish ichor spraying out. A vicious kick to the creature's exposed knee did considerable damage, but her next kick to it's head was pushed away.
As the demons assail Damon, Kokam sees and opening and strikes forward with her spear...
...scoring a hit on the menacing demon! A few moments later, she leans in as Damon's swing opens a small area for her to attack...
..once again her spear scores a angry hole in the demon's tough skin. Then using the door frame for leverage, she delivered a vicious kick to its scabrous chin!
Action 1 Kokam's question hung in the air as she and her friend were taken up once again with the Wardstone's powerful magic. Seeing the story of the Wardstone unfurl before her eyes, Kokam could only wonder at what happenstance could have placed her in such an important moment in time and space. Then she cursed inwardly as the Demon Witch's plan was laid bare, and then elation as she saw how completely she and her friends had turned that plan back on the Demon! She noted the face of Stauton and Minagho....and Areelu. If ever they should meet, she did not want to not recognize them! Confronted with the shade of the Witch, Kokam gasped as her throat was squeezed...but the Wardstone again protected them. Dropping to the floor, Kokam could only glare as Areelu's seeming disappeared and the demons that had managed to make it through her rift assailed them. Action 2
Action 1 Kokam was happy to see the cultist's head detached by Damon's strike, using her spear to redirect the spinning head off into the corner, where it rattled around. Turning , she saw Damon assisting Stella.... Action 2
Falling to her knees, the surge of power having spent its energies, Kokam looked about to her friends, glad to see them still whole, asking "What just happened ? "
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