Feral Hearts

[C.C]

His days always started slow. They didn't start late-- he awoke with the earliest riser in the lower recesses, which was to say at the crack of dawn. The early risers tended to prepare themselves quickly and leave early to do their duties. He would follow them in their rituals to a point, being of aid when he could, otherwise just providing company, a gentle reminder of steps they may have forgotten. He'd awake from his position...The air in the mornings was cold, it always bit at his nose and clung to his skin. He was always cold...

It was part of his own private ritual. So many steps he'd learned in his all too short life, things designed to keep him healthy in body, soul, and mind. Ever since he was young, still on his mother's teat, he'd practiced certain techniques. It was an act of balance, an equalizer. He stuck to routine as often as he could, an upstart threatened much worse than a bad start to a day. Since before birth he'd suffered from a debilitating condition, something that made him different from his rambunctious prison members. If they could even be called that.

The man's heart beat differently than others if at all. He'd known this almost as soon as he began to have conscious thought. His mother was a rock, her heart beat was steady and slow. As early as he could remember, he could remember sinking into the sound of it, wrapping himself in the comfort of her life-giving breath. Even now, he took every opportunity that presented itself to fall asleep with his head cradled against her bosom. The thought of seeming childish never entered his mind. But that might of just been the wolf in him...

Each morning he sank into himself the way he had sunk into his mother. His breathing grew slow, controlled. Each breath was deep, filling his chest cavity to capacity. He held his breath for several seconds before slowly exhaling, looking inward. His heart beat was hollow... but still powered his body. The beats were slow...blank...and cold, the sound not as deep and robust as he yearned it to be. There was a slosh, always a worry, blood leaking from where it was meant to be. Every morning he felt unsettled. his heart was cold and the blood that ran through his veins was made of ice...but he would not let that change him. Not in the slightest.

He filled his mind with pure, intelligent thoughts. The sound of his past tormentors, his enemies. The sound of the monsters he was forced to face as a boy, each unique, their beats as fast as their mouths or their inquisitive minds. He focused, another deep breath, looked inward again. Slowly the beat of his heart leaned towards a more steady pace, calm energy pooled just above his gut. Around him, the sounds of his brothers in arms joining the world of the waking went ignored, his entire being preoccupied by maintaining the positive.

'This is me.' was the thought, 'And I can be as strong as I want.' His heart agreed, compromising on a steady if weak beat. Satisfied, he pulled himself back to the present, his breathing slowly returning to normal. His bright blue eyes opened, greeting the climate he found himself in. He was...here again. His bright eyes scanned the very large area...placing his hands into his pocket. The man looked out from the library at the formations. Wearing what...he could only assume was formal clothing... It was close enough to be honest...he wore a black jacket that came up to his lower rib cage, white fur ringed around the collar. He also wore black pants with several white straps upon them and...a unique pair of shoes that could actually fit his...special anatomy. as he entered the 'club' that he had constantly heard off...apparently it was brand new and just opened last night...one night and it became the hottest club around. How nice. Sparda automatically felt like an outcast...everyone here had a partner with them or was hanging around with someone socializing. Hell, Sparda felt like he was the only one there who was alone.

Sparda's eye twitched at this and he slowly shifted to the side of the place. Going off on his own he found a comfortable chair and decided to just sit. He was content with just looking for now, since he did not have the guts to talk to anyone. Especially a woman...so he sat at the corner of the club and just watched everyone else have fun. Frankly, the only reason he was here was for the food...shame it had to be a loud club where he did not fit in compared to a restaurant. No matter...he would simply wait until he felt like getting up to get something to eat. His snowy white hair fell messily upon his face as he sighed...putting his twin tails onto his lap and stroking them gently, his canine like ears swiveled atop his head...god it was loud.

Seanna Vel

 

[Seanna Vel]

Rolling her eyes as she set out with a couple of her friends from the early days of her higher education. The only reason hanging out with them was because of the fact that they both had the experience and degrees that she was looking for in the company. After which time she would humor them. After all she did need a little drop off before getting back to work for the CIS. Feeling the need to go deeper into her own self. Even letting herslf dress in a way that she stuck out like she didn't belong. That she didn't care wasn't like she was here to show wanted to be in heat for all those drunk and would trip all over any girl. In short she wasn't there to flaunt what she been born with.

"Come on Seanna, quite dragging your feet, hun.", Sara said looking at her. This started Seanna really thinking if she could find someone else for the position. Shaking her head yes maybe more qualified maybe but they also what more money.

"Slow your breeches down, I'm coming.", note to self get inside the club then get the strong drink they had find somewhere away from everyone. After which time she let herself go long giving out a smile, after all she had better seem friendly. Once a hand came on her assist making with out thinking being the training she had in the force took his hand and bent it backwards. Just sneering at him for a second told it all.

Going into the place all went south as she was dragged into the dance floor. After which time she did all she could not able to do anything else but go into a few more dance before slipping off the floor. Biting her own teeth to the fact that if she had one more sweaty body against her she would put them through the wall.

Yep, you got the order right whiskey your strongest, and.., Bring it over there, pointing to a darker place way from the flashing lights where not many was sitting but maybe a few love birds mating on each other. [member="C.C"]

 

[C.C]

There were several thoughts going through the mans mind as the hundreds upon hundreds of people bustled back and forth in bliss...was this really what had to look forward too? Humans where so simple it offended him...then again so was he. However the difference between him and the rest of the sheep...was the fact they are lambs for slaughter. It seemed strange to him...there would always be those strong enough to stand on their own. And those who would always need help...now a days the people needed a Shepherd and with the jedi slowly fading away there was no one to fill their shoes. Scratch that...there where several to fill their shoes. Either way, they were the Shield and Sword...or to put more accurately cloak and dagger. As turquoise eyes slowly lifted up to the overhang above him he examined the delicately carved vintage designs going across it. Such craftsmanship and detail put into something so simple. This is what they fought for...to ensure the survival of free will, as it allowed for the progression of new ideas and the growth of individuality. One small thing...causes another, causes another, and eventually a pattern emerges. It was said that the flapping of a butterflies wing could cause a earthquake in the west...so why not compare that same theory to humanity? One small event, is enough to cause thousands of others. And as his mind went through these thoughts he saw it...the symbol. Just in the center of the Vintage design.

A barley noticeable smirk emerged on the corners of Sparda's mouth as he looked back down, his snow colored bangs hanging over his face lazily as he sighed. Tapping his fingers on the bar table thoughtfully as time slowly reeled past. Thats why he was here...secretly he loved this. To see others come together and put aside their differences for a night of innocent fun and in some cases...lust. Yes, chances were many beds would be occupied this night and several nights after given the amount of bustling hormones in the air. Hell Sparda could smell it...The lone warrior could smell it all around him. This simple fact caused him to shake his head in slight irritation. He found it annoying how he had the skill to do so much...yet he did not have the guts to talk to anyone. Especially a female...god forbid how he would make a fool of himself. He had spent way to much time in that hellish prison he once called home...it ruined his ability to be one with the crowd.

But that's how it was...after all. He did not exactly appear very human. Bright blue eyes, palish skin, and noticeable...feral features. He looked like some kind of karked up escaped test subject...two fluffy tails, large canine like ear and not to mention his feet. He could remember the time some child yanked his tail...god how he hated that. Truth was there was very little that was human about him aside from his appearance and other factors. He supposed he was just a wolf a heart...a feral heart.

Seanna Vel

 

[Seanna Vel]

On her way little did she knew that one had eyes upon her from the time she entered into the place. After which time she couldn't help herself but to feel this through the force. Finding here and the present, unable to tell herself anything more then. This was going to be a fun time with this one. Knowing not what he just tried to latch onto.

Making her way in her plain simple clothing as she almost to where she wanted to be. Only to find herself block as she look upward at the one twice her side. "I think your in my way sweet pea.", putting her shoulder into him to buzz pass him.

"Now, now little lady that wasn't nice, all I wanted to do is say hello.", letting him put on a grin putting his hand upon his shoulder. "I'll give you a count of three to remove that hand ....", turning her face to the side to see him. OR what, how I see it ...., after which he gave a little chuckle that was very sinister.

"Is this when I'm suppose to say you win.", , as she just looked on with her sky piercing blue eyes. Feeling the creeps hand upon her hair, See was that to hard.", after which time turn her to face him. "Three....two....one...", after which time with one hand upon his hand. Using the force to give strength to hand to squeeze after which time she used her hips to put him on the floor. Bring her foot to his throat stepping down where would let up. "Get lost, punk."

After which time she made her way to where she wanted to be in the first place looking over at [member="C.C"] giving a little wild look in her eyes with a evil smirk to the lips. "Hi there sweet pea, enjoy the show did ya." after which she couldn't help take her whiskey in her hand after paying for the it and take a long swallow. Damn that stuff burns."

 

[C.C]

As she caught his attention the air seemed to shift to a more heated incarnation, but the wolf disregarded the change. His eyes were open wide as Sparda watched the woman make her way over to him...removing the obvious obstacle in her way with such aggression he felt himself blush slightly... - they did not need to narrow to fill with calculation. Instead his turquoise-blue spheres missed little as she took the other man down with ease... that was either neatly reinforced or affixed to her general nature, he supposed as he watched her continue onward. As she made her way over, she took a seat no far off and at last she spoke, and the feral man allowed herself to enjoy her attentions. Intrigued as he was by her complexity, the shattered or perhaps fading innocence that hid behind his own cool exterior, he listened to her words with care, internally reveling in her menacingly baritone vocals whilst externally his expression remained unchanged.

There was something different about the woman, something which he could not place. She introduced herself and called him 'sweet pea'...interesting. Her voice oozing confidence just as his did. Her tone devious and playful... A woman after his own heart. "Show? I guess...i liked it more than i like to admit" the man quipped rather slyly, teasingly, daringly. It was the same confidence in her words that echoed in his as he returned her introduction. "Sparda...," was his response, delivered in a silken coo. Hee maintained the same posture he had upon stopping next to him earlier, one of artful regality that could belong only to one of an animal, uninterrupted by her presence, above submitting to her devilish ways. He smiled the sweetest of smiles mixed with a devious smirk. Challenge accepted, it seemed to read.

Her each action (or inaction, likewise) seemed to him crafted with a masterful mind, marred slightly by the tiniest of cracks in her grand exterior that appeared erratically. He felt as though his eyes rested upon a mirror image of his soul. Oh, it appears we are both feral at heart..., the wolf mused. Something like bemusement began to fill his at the realization of the game he was playing, having at last found someone who's wildness match his own. The two of them united by their similarities, highlighted by their differences, akin in their arrogance. Quite the find...He found himself hoping his words would fall upon longing ears, and admitted to himself that he herself had begun to long for her reply.

Seanna Vel

 

[Seanna Vel]

The quickness in her eyes was all she needed to tell this one that with in ear shot of her. As she took her drink one again. This would go down smoother then she wanted to tell. Even so she was use to drinking with her master all the time before, during and afterwards. Only when the words reach her ears. Couldn't help but turn fully to him to only come to stop her from saying what was thinking. "Oh yea I would watch it, that might make my claws come out to play next time.", With a curve to her lips only to tell that she into this little game. As long as he didn't evaded her personal space. Or after he seen what she was able to do with the one.

Her own hair tossing backwards out of her face to get a clearer look at this one even those it was dark. Her eyes seem to be ablibly something she had always had even as a child. Looking at his very future was some what intriguing to say the less. After which time she couldn't help herself but to look away down at her drink as if she enjoy give it more attention then him. [member="C.C"]

 

[C.C]

Sparda waited patiently as his words hung in silent air, somewhat wishing he could enter the depths of her mind and see exactly what crossed it as she eyed him carefully. She seemed to reminisce upon something, but said nothing. Sparda was never dissatisfied with an answer, but the secrecy of his musings and the lack of a response irked him slightly. It was all he could do to train his cold gaze upon her form in hopes of receiving some sort of signal. Nothing came to him; her thoughts (not unlike his own) scarcely reached her exterior. It was a game to her now, in which the winner was whoever crumbled first...or something like that. He watched as the subtlest of changes in her demeanor took place, and where another might have dismissed the relief she exhibited and taken it for comfort as the two became less and less like strangers, the man knew better than to write the notion off. After all, he was more animal than human and in saying that reading body language and micro expressions where second nature to him. What contentment did she find in his presence, and why? A sensation like suspicion crept into his bones as he began to feel somehow connected to the woman. He had lived a good number of years, perhaps weaving his way into several different ways of life...

Brushing away these thoughts, Sparda's tails began to rapidly beat up and down in his arms, acting as if they had lives of their own as they flicked from side to side. Sparda's canine ears would twitch in irritation as his tails slowly died down...damn things had a mind of their own. Slit pupils would tighten at her words, curving his glance over to her he would give a toothy grin. "Claws? I actually would like to see that." He replied amusingly...narrowing his eyes and lifting his own hands to reveal his standard nails. "Funny...i have wolf ears, tail, teeth, and feet...yet...no claws. However...make no mistake, should you happen to bring out the claws...i might have to bring out the fangs." He would reply joking, teasingly...daringly. "And trust these canines are sharp...i don't think you wan't those problems....then again...i don't want to be scratched either." He would explain, lowering his blue eyes to his tails before glancing back over to the woman.


Seanna Vel

 

[Seanna Vel]

Feeling that her eyes was sharpen upon the fact that she didn't miss anything of his manner towards her. After all this was not what she thought this would be. Other words he was like any other red bleeders in here tonight. That seem to be wanting to find the ones that was into heat. No this one was different. In a way this was more interesting then any of those out there that seem to want to throw there body at the opposite sex.

Now ,,now was that a threat or a promise.", after all she let her own finger nails that had been neatly trimmed to play with the side of the glass. Which was already half empty. As let there be some thought for the next go around. I can't promise that I haven't been bitten before.", then again it seem her Master like to inflict pain upon her. [member="C.C"]

 

[C.C]

Oh now what an amusing game this was turning out to be...Sparda leaned forward and placed an elbow on the table, allowing his fingers to tap his head gently as he chuckled a bit. It was true...Sparda was indeed an outcast in society. He had no friends...no family...nothing but his mind and a handful of contacts he used for his jobs. Truth was there where two sides to being as he was...To be as he was he had to learn to cope with loneliness. It was the price of having the blood of a ancient animal flowing through your veins...Sparda had lived most of his life struggling for survival. Always moving forward with nothing but pure perseverance and will power...he had his mother to thank for that. And baring this in mind it made him curious why he found himself in places such as these...loud...obnoxious...annoying places that made his nerves twist in his gut. He would never admit it...not after all the lies he told himself about wanting food or just looking to have fun...no. Secretly, in the back of his over observant mind he knew why he always threw himself into public places he knew he detested.

He did it in hopes he would one day find someone like him...someone who was wild and free of spirit...someone just as aggressive and unpredictable as he was that could possibly relate to his feral nature. Yes...thats why he was here...his instincts drew him to these places. His eyes would close...then open again. His ears perking in the direction of the woman as she spoke to him in a daring fashion. "Threat? I'd say more of a warning...or maybe a bit of both." He teased, a light growl erupting in his chest as his lips curled upward to reveal sharp canines. "I feel confident that you have never been bitten by teeth like mine...when someone like me bites, it is normally as a sign of play or challenge...i remember my mom often bit my ears when i was a kid..." He explained, chuckling deviously as he sighed to himself. "Either that or i could bite to kill...but that only happened like...twice?" He told her truthfully.

Seanna Velhttp://starwarsrp.net/user/4477-seanna-vel/

 

[Seanna Vel]

This one was amusing her very much so as she swirled her glass around. Taking the glass to her lips to finished it off only to wave the barmaid over for another one. As she flip her another credit. After which time her own thoughts was going back to what just taken place. Having this smirk upon her lips. Asking herself why was she playing like this uselessly by now she had their teeth knock out on the floor if they even looked at her in a way that show they wanted to undress her with their eyes.

This one was some how different, there was play yes but not in the same way or desire. Letting out her own little chuck that turn into her low growl herself. She would play along for now. After all what could it hurt, he was harmless after all wasn't he. Knowing that she could handle any situations right. Finding this funny as she give herself a little inner laughter. "Kill you say, them maybe I need to back off, give you your own personal space, I don't want a piece of flesh missing from my skin of mine.", as the next around of whiskey was brought to her only to see now that he wasn't drinking. "You not drinking whats the fun in that. I thought place like this was to let loose and have a good time." [member="C.C"]

 

[C.C]

Sighing heavily, C.C's gaze was eventually drawn to the sky...allowing the recollection of memories to flood his mind as he took a deep breath. He remembered his origins...Born on a distant planet not to far from the location where he currently lived, the child grew up in seclusion. He was a very timid and easily frightened kid. Often relying on his mother to survive. To afraid to leave his cell alone he spent most of his days playing with his mother and attempting to be a child despite the fact he was an outcast. His mother, who was a powerful fighter with intensive knowledge on their family or...clan. Was strong enough to fend for her and her child. She was a rock and his 'beacon' of light. C.C, by nature. Was very frail and grew up with a sickness that made him physically incapable of many things. Growing up barely able to move he could barely 'live' with the illness that had struck him worse than most could withstand. All this plus the fact he lived in total darkness...now...light was nothing more but blinding to him.

He brushed these thoughts away and grumbled something under his breath. His ears swiveling atop his head like radar dishes as she music changed into a more moderately paced song that did not make his brain hurt...looking to the woman he laughed a bit at her comment and shrugged gently. "To be honest, i have no issue with personal space...i just don't like when someone touches me in a threatening way as if i should be intimidated...or when someone pulls on my tail like it's a toy...i hate it...hurts more than being punched in the face." He told her in a joking yet serious matter, crossing one leg over the other and looking at the empty cup on his table. She mentioned how drinking was a way to cut loose and have fun and C.C smiled. "Yeah...my body has a low tolerance for alcohol. When i drink it i get spikes in aggression and i literally become more feral and animal like than what i already am...i'd prefer that did not happen." He explained, tapping his finger on the empty glass.

[member="Seanna Vel"]

 

[Seanna Vel]

Getting a good laugh about the tail being pulled as a toy. Giving one of her special narrowing eyes looks of her blue eyes. "Well, sweet pea don't have to worry about that around me. As I don't like anyone man handling me any place on my back or front side.", , raising her own glass to that comment as she took a sip of the hard whiskey that was going down nice and easy. As she ponder on all the rest that was said only to cause her own eyes to raise once again. "Now, heck to heck we wouldn't want some beast running loose around here would we scarring all these poor little ones that seem to be in heat with each other tonight with the loud music." @Seanna Vel[member="C.C"]

 

[C.C]

C.C could sense a slight change of tone as she once again called him sweet pea...such an unusual nickname...he shrugged off the notion and nodded at her reply. Good to know she would not go yanking on his tail...however, a slight blush would come to his face as she mentioned how she did not like to be man handled...C.C brought up his hand and coughed awkwardly as they continued with the conversation. When she mentioned him going around as a beast and scarring all the little ones in...oh no. C.C's face turned a bright red and his tail instantly fluffed up in reaction. "Waitwaitwait, i may not be fully human but i don't do that." he protested, looking down at his tail as his ears wen't flat against his skull in embarrassment..."Not anymore..." He would mutter under his breath. Closing his eyes as he began to smooth his tail back out with his hands...sometimes his body gave away signals that not even he could mask away with a lie...

[member="Seanna Vel"]

 

[Seanna Vel]

Couldn't help it now but put her own drink down. And doing with her hands she laced them behind her head. As she lend way back in her chair. Catching on to what would be something of a raise in him now. There it was all guys had a button to push she had found him. Now the question that came to her mind would he bit. As a dance of mischief came into play as she had something of thought come into her mind.

"Oh, really now, sweetie,", , as she put her finger to her lips as if she was deep in thought. What was going on her mind would be any one guess but those that knew her the best knew it wasn't anything good. Keeping herself cool as a cat on the prowl. Taking a long drawling in breath before letting it fully go. Slowly as she did coming back up from lending back words over to him with a whisper. "Come just a little for me let your beast loose on these, peacocks around here, I in need of some entertainment." , giving away to a very smirk upon her own face as she let her fingers dance upon the rim of the glass. Looking over to him slyly. As if she was daring him to do his stuff. After all she didn't scare from easy. [member="C.C"]

 

[C.C]

C.C craned his neck tot he side and cracked it slightly, feeling his claws extend and scratch the ground beneath him. Considering he only wore feet coverings aside from actual shoes he could feel his pink paw pads rubbing against the smooth surface. Smiling a bit he revealed his sharp canines for a second before glancing over to her...oh she was indeed just as devious as he was only she was a lot more open about it. As she tempted him to 'unleash the beast' C.C chuckled a bit, rubbing his tail before replying. "I'd prefer not to resort to the behavior of an animal...yet." He replied, smirking a bit as his slit pupils focused on her. "Besides...if you wan't entertainment. There is suppose to be a dance off in..." He checked his watch and narrowed his eyes. "Five minutes...you could always participate in that." He teased.

Seanna Vel

 

[Seanna Vel]

Even those it was darker in this part of the place, it didn't escape her eyes that he was at his tail again. Lending on the table with her elbows on the table fully. As she beginnings to think about the dance off, "Sweet pea I don't think thinks little Kiffar farm girl is able to move like those others.", Letting a dance of disappoint come dancing into her own eyes as if to have some play with them. After all she couldn't help but find herself into a way of things. Closing her eyes as she listen to the beat of the music after which time she open them up. The letting her own bright blue eyes upon him again like that of one stocking its prey.


Tapping at her own lips for what seem like a while as if deep in thought. "Beside why would I want to give up such a prime spot in the place, that everyone seems to be wanting to flock to." That was her idea of a joke as she spread her lips to laugh only to find herself again liking where she was at the view so wonderful. Then again if she couldn't get him to cause trouble then again. With a wick smirk to her face. She did something now as she let her force snake out of her to touch him behind his once ear. To him looking at him at less he had the force himself would look like she did nothing but waiting for what he had to say back to her. [member="C.C"]

 

[C.C]

Time. The line of everlasting existence through events and history? Or was it something more? Fact was, time was not something that could truthfully be explained by anyone. It was infinite. Just like the mysteries it held deep within its roots. Many thought of time as a way to recognize the present...Others believed it to be so much more. A force beyond comprehension doing its work unintentionally and perfectly all at once. The stubborn existence of organization that held the past within a seal. The bringer of the future and the giver of the present. Some believed time to be a god all itself, invisible to the naked eye and unheard through religion. It very well could have been. When phrases are shouted out like ‘we are out of time!’ or ‘Times up.’ To some they are just phrases, to others they are tribute to the all mighty god of time. Whoever it may be weather it was real or not. Or perhaps…for something to be real one must simply believe it to be real? Faith was a powerful substance in many cultures throughout history.

Consisting side by side with time was the gift of memories. A function of history stored within the subconscious of ones mind throughout the period of their lives. Of course…there were always memories better left forgotten. Despite the fact memories would always eventually be forgotten in the downward spiral called time. The memories of the past, of those before us. Never told from the beholder but often from the witness. Stories and legends passed down generation to generation but with each generation only losing more and more of the truth as the line between reality and fantasy grows ever so thinner. It was the same with the beings that traveled the world. Over time ones blood does not strengthen. It weakens. If one were to make a copy, of a copy, of a copy it would not come out stronger. But weaker. This has always been true. The memories that held the truth where lost…forgotten In time.

This time, C.C was growing rather nervous with all the humans running about doing whatever it was they where doing. His gaze turned to the woman every so often as she mentioned Kiffar farm girls should not dance...that was like saying he couldn't dance...which he could but he had to practice given his anatomy. Regardless, he chuckled at her comment and nodded. "Well that depends on how hard you try." He teased, suddenly he could feel...something moving alone the back of his ear. In surprise, C.C attempted to turn around but realized nothing was behind him but a wall. His eyes would narrow when suddenly his ear was being scratched...C.C's tails instantly began to wag and thump in his lap as his eyes closed...a noticeable blush crossing his face as he growled comfortably...although he was human. He still had his canine tendencies...and this...was one of them.

Seanna Vel

 

[Seanna Vel]

This only cause her to break out into a more of a laughing fit. As she was having a great fun time. This was a lot more fun then she thought it would be. Looking out into the crowd to see where her to complain that she brought at not finding any site of them. It was then that she let herself stop after all she did get a response from him.

"well, I'm not going to try hard as its not something I don't have any desire to.", as she let herself look at him in a very playful way of her own nature. It was something behind her eyes. It was as if she did have a wildness that could only lead down one path that was of mischief. Lending back in her chair not before she got her drink to finished it off.


Then dancing on the beans of the dance club. After which time she had to be able to do something for that. Looking at him again with a eyes of playfulness. Just not the kind he would think from someone like her. Having her clan markings on her face then down her arms which was covered for the night. Thinking more upon this all before she got herself settle in for the long hull. "Well well, so where are we left at, you will not let out your fun side yet, I will not let myself be put on disply be a fool to dance."

[member="C.C"]