Day at the Beach
#1
Terra shook herself to clear out the dust from where she'd been lying down on the old blankets. It wasn't the same as her mattress, but she had to get used to not having it. Terra didn't think she could move it, and she certainly wasn't going back to live in the hotel. It was far too dangerous. She looked over the room making sure that the weapons and jewels were on the bed where Ananse and Loki couldn't hurt themselves and moved over to the mess that was now the pups' den and should have been a closet.

Sticking her head in Terra nosed through the pile, looking for Ananse. There was the stuffed cat, the stuffed bear, there was Loki half hidden under the blankets and looking like he was getting ready to make an escape attempt. Terra nudged him gently, the bright colored male popping up and looking at Terra guiltily, a giant grin on his face. She licked him gently and continued digging through, getting closer to where Ananse was. It would be easier if the closet was smaller. She was in it herself now.
#2
Ananse slept quietly in the far corner of the closet, tuckered out from trying to escape. The pup was always trying to explore, thrilled with new sights, sounds, and smells even with how limited he was still being so young. But obviously that wasn't enough to stop him. He was much too stubborn and that was pretty obvious with his frequent escape attempts. Of course you could only do so much till a tiny thing like himself would lose his energy. Of course when he heard something shifting from behind his ears flickered a bit before he stretched out and let out a yawn, turning back to see his mother searching. He wasn't sure just what it was she was looking for but decided to help out, sniffing at the blankets as he made his way over as if he knew what he was doing. Hey, good behavior got you out, right?

As soon as he reached her though he sat down and looked up to her innocently with a bright grin, tail wagging behind him excitedly. He was really hopeful he was getting out. He wanted to go explore some and after that little nap of his, he had some new energy to burn.
#3
Terra's ears swiveled forwards, hearing paws shifting about on the blanket ahead of her. She straightened up and looked forwards, watching Ananse sniff at the blankets as if searching for something. His path was rather crooked, caught in the valleys of the blankets as he moved. Terra lowered her head and whined softly, her tail swaying behind her as she took a step towards him and carefully sniffed at him. He looked like he was ready to go out and explore some more. Tuckering them out actually took a fair amount of effort, though not nearly as much as keeping them in the make-shift den and away from places where they could get hurt.

He looked up at her then, stubby tail wagging and appearing eager to be with her. His tail was moving fast enough it looked like he just might knock himself over. Lowering herself down Terra licked at his head, breathing in his scent and again assuring herself that he was fine. He hadn't been hurt more than the typical bumps and bruises a pup got, but her instincts had her checking every time. Grabbing him by the scruff Terra lifted him up and backed out of the closet, taking care that she didn't trip. Once they were out she turned and left the room, Ananse still swaying in her grasp.

Their room was by the top of the stairs, so they only had to go down and out to enter the world. Terra trotted down them cheerfully and bounded down the steps before she placed Ananse on the ground. Nuzzling him again she looked around. No one else was in sight. Without pausing any longer she set off down the trail, expecting Ananse to follow her down. They would go to the beach today. It was a good day to go out there and play in the sand, especially since the water would be turning too cold soon.
#4
Ananse whined back to her before standing up on his back paws after she sniffed him, trying to return the gesture, he always tried to copy his mother, but instead falling back, his balance not it's greatest still. He didn't seem too fazed though as he immediately got up again, tail continuing to wag happily as he looked back up to her again, glad to see his mother like any puppy would be. It wasn't just that either. In his mind he was the coolest mom in the world. The only thing he hated was being stuck in places like this where it was difficult to escape. But even then he couldn't stay mad at her long.

As she licked him, he shook his head, never too crazy about it but taking it as a sign he was about to go somewhere. Or at least get out of here. But just to make sure he decided to ask. "We go?" he asked with a small innocent voice, hopeful look in his green eyes and his tail ever wagging. He couldn't help it. A trip outside always made him excited. Maybe he'd be able to find something new today. He was definitely going to take advantage of the chance to explore wherever they may go. Of course that depended on how far he could get before his mother caught him. But he tossed aside that thought for now.

He was then grabbed by the scruff and relaxed a bit, body going still as he waited and watched his surroundings as his mother carried him out, swaying and bouncing a bit as she moved. The trip down the stairs always tested his patience but as soon as they got to the bottom he'd be able to run off on his own. At least somewhat anyway. Terra would make sure he didn't wander too far as usual. But he tried his best to follow her and behave so as not to have the trip cut short.

As soon as he was set down, the pup didn't hesitate, already following after her and wondering what exactly was in store for him today. Just thinking about the possibilities got him a bit sidetracked and he had to run to catch up.
#5
Terra laughed softly as Ananse toppled over, amusement glinting in her eyes at his antics. As long as it didn't harm him she didn't interfere, being just as delighted and entertained by the pups as they probably were with the games she presented for them. He got right back up, not letting the fall get in his way with his eagerness to head out. Yes. We're going somewhere new. Well, new for him. They had been down there before when they'd found the whale, but Terra was thinking of a different part of the beach, one full of tiny pools and caves dotting the side of the cliff. It was a fun place to explore, a trait Terra had never grown out of.

The sound of short stubby legs behind her let her know that Ananse was on her tail. He'd already managed to need to run to catch up. Terra glanced behind her and grinned, changing their path. She set off the trail that most of the pack used, heading off into her hidden trails. Not many could use them as they were made for canines just her size, and they were pretty well hidden. She had done her job well when she'd made the paths that now wrapped around the pack. There was no need for them beyond Terra's amusement but she could move from any point in the pack unseen to where she wished to go, using the natural folds of the ground to keep her cover.

Walking here would be more difficult for Ananse as there were a lot more things to trip on. He was going to learn these trails though, and she figured it was best to start familiarizing him. Terra paused in the mouth of the trail, again scanning to make sure no one was watching as she vanished out of sight. Pleased Terra glanced down to Ananse, yipping softly. Don't tell. Turning back around she headed down the path, her paws guiding her fair easily. This was familiar to her, even if she didn't go down very often. It was a short route until they came out, Terra pausing at the edge where the bush ran out above the trail leading to the sandy beach.

The cover ran out here leaving them exposed. The hard part would be getting Ananse down the path now. It was a bit rocky as the cliff began to rise up from here. She stood ready to help him down before they reached the stretch of sand running before them with plenty of room to play.
#6
How more obvious could one get when it came to being eager? Nevertheless as soon as she mentioned someplace new his eyes sparkled in delight and his grin widened, thrilled with this idea. This was certainly going to be a good day. He could already tell and couldn't wait to get there. This was already starting to make up for the failed attempt earlier. He'd be able to gloat about this later to the other pups he was sure.

Following his mother, his eyes scanned around the area, constantly causing him to have to speed up to catch up and not lose her. It seemed like there was always something new to see and it just made even the walk to the destination amazing. And no matter what he saw the first time, each new trip brought something better that he enjoyed. It was safe to say he was a rather easily amused pup. Nothing wrong with that, was there?

It wasn't long before she paused and he barely avoided running into her as he wasn't paying enough attention to the sudden stop. His head tilt to the side as he looked up to her. A confused whimper escaping him before she made her way into the hidden trail, tail swaying back to life as he followed after her. Of course at the instruction to not tell, he paused for a moment before assuring her with a nod. He didn't quite understand why but who was he to tell a secret? Besides, if this got him to go out more, he wouldn't tell a soul. Frankly it just made things feel more special in his eyes. Not only was this someplace new but they had a secret together now too. He smiled at the thought.

His mood dropped a bit though as he walked the trail, constantly finding himself tripping over this and that. He would have whined or complained but was too stubborn and had a bit of pride, instead opting to growl at the things that caused him to loose his footing before catching up to Terra again, glad to get out of there once they reached the end of the trail. Of course then came a new obstacle and the curious pup ran up to the edge of the cliff, looking down to the beach. He was already awestruck. This was going to be the best trip ever. Now how did they get down?
#7
Ananse's eager run to the edge set Terra's heart pounding, lunging forwards with a snarl at her pup. Twisting she managed to grab at his scruff and pull him back. That would be a painful tumble, and the rocky edges would definitely tear at his flesh. Her green eyes flashed sharply down at him, her stance tall. Don't get so close to the edge. She didn't want this trip to be ruined with tears and blood. Nuzzling him softly Terra moved over to the path and carefully slipped part of the way down. Turning she looked to Ananse, indicating with her head for him to follow.

Lowering herself down further Terra stood at the ready to catch him if he slipped on the path. This part wasn't so bad, and she was fairly certain that Ananse would be able to mimic her down, albeit more clumsily. Even without hands Terra could support him and keep him in the right place as he eased his way down through the rocky sections. Step by step they headed down until they reached the beach, paws sinking into the sand. Terra always felt a bit odd since she couldn't get a very good grip on the ground, but it never lasted long.
#8
Ananse didn't know any better. He definitely wasn't aware of the danger of getting so close to the edge. So when he heard his mother snarl at him the confused pup jumped a bit before he felt himself being pulled back, a shocked yelp escaping him from the sudden action. He looked back to her with an oblivious look on his face till he noticed the sharp look in her eyes that caused his ears to lower nervously. He really had no idea what he'd done wrong. But as soon as she spoke he seemed to understand a little, calming as he nuzzled him and he in turn nuzzled back. "Sorry..." he apologized with a whine. He didn't understand what the big deal was but he didn't want to upset her either way. Of course he'd be sure to thank her in the future for saving him from a nasty fall.

He then watched as she began to slip down the path, starting to get close to the edge before hesitating, opting to impatiently lower his upper portion of his body down to the ground, rear in the air and tail wagging as he continued to whine. She wasn't leaving him for that was he? The thought actually had him worried till she directed for him to follow. Ananse smiled before he tested the uneven ground, pawing at the edge till he found gravity pulling him down. Luckily he didn't fall, managing to keep his balance somewhat as he simply slid down the slope after his mother.

Once he reached the bottom, Ananse was off, running towards the sand till he found his paws sink, the unprepared pup tripping. "Owie..." he pouted but wasn't discouraged for long when he picked himself up and began experimenting with the depth of the sand by dipping his paw in and pulling back out. "It tripped." he pointed out, trying to explain to his mother that it had tripped him just in case she didn't see it.

He lost interest in the obstacle quickly though, spotting the water and once again trying to reach it, this time making sure to not let the sand trip him, expecting his mother to keep up this time around as he explored.
#9
Ananse's reaction to her snarl was understandable. He jumped back, a little frightened by her sudden anger and startled away from the danger. She didn't stop to let him panic or even think that she was angry at him, far more busy with getting him safe. Ananse gently nuzzled her back as she soothed everything over, but he still didn't seem to fully understand. Well, as long as he understood that getting near the edge would result in her snarling at him it didn't really matter, did it? He would stay away from the edge now, and hopefully he wouldn't learn the hard way what she had protected him from. Nodding her head Terra accepted the apology, satisfied that he wasn't going to repeat his mistake and stay close to her this time where she could keep him safe.

The whines that escaped Ananse as she moved down the first part were simply ignored, putting it down to silly antics. She wasn't going anywhere, she was just making sure that she was ready and picking out the safest way down the slope. If that meant he was going to whine at her fine. She wasn't sorry for doing that, and would keep doing it. Turning she indicated for him to follow, the eager pup looking just about ready to tumble down the slope after her. It was a good thing she hadn't gone too far, or he might have ended up taking the tumble that she'd tried to stop anyways. He began to slip down, Terra moving her head to nudge him here or there into a spot that was softer and less likely to end in his injury.

Terra was taking her time adjusting to the sand, stepping back and forth over the soft soil in a dance. Ananse didn't notice the sudden change however, and promptly tried to run. He didn't even get far enough to make it look like he was running before he hit the sand hard and stumbled. She giggled quietly at the sight, moving over to Ananse's side. There was a perfect imprint of his puppy body in the sand at that moment, splayed out from where he'd hit it. Curious Terra sniffed at the imprint, glancing over as Ananse spoke. This time she laughed more loudly. Of course. The sand tripped everyone up.

The task of making a sand imprint set into Terra's mind she began to move around over the sand, wondering if she would have to hit the sand particularly hard to make a print. Glancing up she watched Ananse speed off toward the water. Abandoning her game she followed after him, easily trotting over the sand with no more than the occasional stumble that showed as no more than a twitch in her gait. Reaching the water Terra watched the waves come in and crash at the shore, not choosing to get any closer. She didn't understand the ocean, coming from a place where such waves didn't exist. She was still learning how to swim in it, and hadn't spent much time attempting to learn how.
#10
Ananse really didn't know what hit him and being clueless as he was about sand, he really didn't get why it tripped him like that. But he was at least smart enough to realize he was going to have to be a little more careful to avoid that again. It seemed that was the best way he'd learn. But chances of his mother actually letting him fall down that previous obstacle seemed pretty nonexistent. Which was probably for the best. Sand wasn't too painful. Unless pride counted.

After he explained what the cruel sand did, he was surprised to hear his mother laugh. Ears went back as he tilt his head but he didn't bother to ask. She seemed to understand regardless. He doubted she'd make the same mistake. Of course in his eyes, she was pretty amazing. So she was probably better than that. Or at least better than him in regards to overcoming the sandy foe. He didn't have time to complain though, too curious about the water and the strange waves to waste time on that.

He was a little hesitant when he reached it. Perhaps it was confusion about why the water moved like that or afraid of potentially receiving another snarl from his mother. Either way, he simply looked it over first before deciding to brave the situation and take a few steps in to the shallow portion of water, lowering his nose to give it a sniff before his ears perked as it began to run away. At least that's what he thought it was doing. He didn't understand how waves worked and instead, the puppy thought it was trying to escape.

With that in mind he chased after it, pawing at it as if he could catch the water till he was surprised when it suddenly came back, the pup getting a little soaked as he ran back to where his mother stood, tail tucked between his legs. Water wasn't supposed to chase back. The mere idea freaked him out a bit. He found himself hiding behind his mother's leg as he watched the wave settle before being pulled back into the ocean. He was so confused.
#11
He was getting older, and sooner or later Terra was going to have to teach him to laugh at himself like she did. Terra found endless amusement not only in other's shenanigans but often in getting herself untangled from her own. For now she let him let go of the fact that she'd laughed at him to watch him run down the beach to the shore. Terra held herself back from her dislike of the salty entity. The waves were bigger than the ones she'd grown up with, the water tasted different and wasn't as satisfying, and all in all was something she had to learn to get used to and stop avoiding since she lived in a pack bordering it.

Ananse did the same, hesitating as she did. Terra hoped that he wasn't picking up on her hesitancy at approaching the water. It might be a good thing for him to not go too far, but she didn't want him to decide to fear it. Terra stepped closer to the water to let it lap at her toes to help encourage Ananse to go forwards. He was taking a long time studying it. Terra thought back to how she normally reacted to new things, carefully exploring it and examining it before at last interacting with it. Well, sometimes she went ahead and jumped right in, but usually she got hurt on those incidents. There was a reason why she was so hesitant to leap head first into things now. Terra had already passed that bumps and bruises stage, and was now onto the more graceful stage where one could interact with things without continuously getting tangled up and hurt.

Terra watched Ananse react to the waves, perking up and stepping forwards to explore it. That's when the water began to pull back for the wave. She let out a light yip to warn Ananse, but his focus was too tight on the water, and he kept going as if he didn't hear her. Terra's frame tightened, alert and ready for the inevitable. He looked perfectly happy chasing after it and pawing at the water as one would prey, but that was before it began to climb up. The absolute terror on Ananse's face brought a smile to the coyote as she watched her son run back desperately, the wave crashing down and spraying them both. He was safely tucked behind her legs before he peered back out at the water, the wave continuing to move back and forth.

Lowering her head she nuzzled at Ananse gently, licking at his salty fur. She'd have to get him washed later unless she wanted the bedding to taste like salt too. It's alright. It's waves. They're supposed to do that. Watch. Stepping forwards Terra tensed up, and leaped into the water. The wave crashed down at the same time, letting her go right over it. Another wave came up, Terra's body tensing as she partly reared up to let the water splash around her head. Returning to the shallower part she let the waves crash back and forth as she waded through the shallow end. See?
#12
Ananse didn't think he'd ever been so terrified in his life. The wave actually sounded like it was roaring as he was running from it. He wasn't too crazy about water anymore. Actually he was pretty content staying there safe behind his mom. It was bad enough it scared him but now everything tasted funny. He stuck his tongue out at the thought, licking away as he tried to get rid of the taste. Of course he was covered in the salty water of the ocean and it did little to help him.

He was relieved that the waves didn't go too far and once he had felt his mother nuzzle him he had calmed down, continuing to stare at the waves to make sure they didn't pull any tricks while his mother licked him and explained. Of course then she told him to watch and he perked up, finally looking up and watching her walk closer before leaping in.

The pup was immediately to his feet, watching as she braced the waves and demonstrated they were no harm. He paced slightly, unsure. But once he knew everything was okay he relaxed, smiling sheepishly in embarrassment at his previous fear. He was really glad Loki wasn't there. He probably would have made fun of him. His ears lowered at the thought before he decided to put up a tough front and join her back in the water, trying to not let his fear overpower him. Of course by how he was shaking a bit it was clear he was still nervous after that. But at least he was giving it a shot. If his mom could do it, so could he. At least that's what he was convinced anyway.

He tried to get his mind off it though as he looked up to her, still licking and trying to get the taste of salt out of his mouth. He hesitated as he tried to think of how to say it before finally speaking. "Can't get taste out." he laughed slightly, waiting for her response before trying to continue playing with the water and keeping his eye out for any big waves. He really didn't want to deal with that again.
#13
Ananse looked pretty unhappy sitting there and licking at the bad taste. Terra hadn't thought it would frighten him so badly. It was just the ocean. Well, she found it a little intimidating as well, and she was an adult. She really should have figured that it would be even more frightening for a pup. His eyes didn't move even once from the water. Whining softly she nuzzled him, talking softly as she explained how the waves worked. She didn't want him to end up too badly shaken up. Hitting the water herself she did her best to show that it wasn't actually as dangerous as he'd thought it was, splashing up and down in the water.

His eyes stayed stuck on her, pacing to follow her as she traveled through the water. Terra considered going out deeper and swimming, but she didn't think that Ananse would be able to handle that. She'd best stick to the shallows where her pup could keep up with her and not end up drowned. Trotting to the shallows she shook herself, letting droplets spray everywhere as she got rid of the dampness. She wasn't going to get completely dry unfortunately as yet another wave crashed in behind her and soaked her once more. Terra looked every inch as skinny as she first had been when she arrived half starved at the court a year ago.

Ananse was shaking when he entered the water, Terra wading over and whining softly at the fear in his frame. At least he was starting to play in the water. Terra reared up before pouncing forwards, splashing water around on purpose. It was fun, swishing her tail and sending her own ripples and waves about through the water as she tried to turn his mind away from his fear. Chuckling softly Terra leaned down. The water isn't any good to drink, but it is good to play in. Terra didn't see much point in the ocean beyond entertainment value. She couldn't fish in it unless they came right up to the shore, and didn't like going out very far.

Sinking down Terra watched Ananse frolic in the waves before her. Her tail swayed as she patiently marked her target. Bowing down Terra almost inhaled a mouthful of salt water before she catapaulted forwards out of the waves. She sent a huge splash towards Ananse, growling and placing herself protectively at the same time so it wouldn't go over his head, instead hitting her muzzle. Gotcha!
#14
Ananse was slowly but surely getting back to enjoying the water with his mother's encouragement, shaking out his fur when he felt too weighed down by the water soaking it. He continued to watch his mother closely. It almost seemed like he was making sure the waves didn't take her away. That actually wasn't too far from the truth. He doubted he'd be able to brave it enough to go after her and was definitely too small to really be of much help if it did happen. He whimpered at the thought.

At her explanation for the waters bad taste and it's better purpose he seemed doubtful but would take her word for it. It definitely didn't taste good that was for sure. As far as playing though, he still wasn't too sure about that but was immediately brought back to reality as he watched his mother splash in the water, smiling to himself as he attempted to mimic her. His splashes weren't quite as effective but it kept him entertained nonetheless, actually getting his mind off his fear for a bit. Maybe it wasn't so bad after all? At least the shallow part anyway.

It wasn't long though before his mother sent another huge splash his way and his ears perked in shock before she jumped in way and kept him protected. Of course when she claimed she caught him, a bit of mischief shown in his eyes. He pawed at her, splashing some water at her before laughing and making a run for it. "Nuh uh!" he objected playfully as he ran, trying to taunt her into chasing him and splashing her once she got close. It seemed the previous fear was forgotten and instead replaced with a competition of trying to beat his mom. If he could get that lucky. She was a little harder to beat compared to Loki. But that made it all the more fun.
#15
Ananse was quick to mirror his actions, though his splashes weren't as effective with his small body and clumsy movements. It was funny how they copied her. Terra never really dwelt on it, accepting it as the most natural thing in the world how they did whatever she did and became the center of her world. Terra's restlessness pushed her to travel, but she couldn't go too far yet. Not until her pups were out and exploring the world themselves. Until then it was pretty likely that they wouldn't come unglued from her side. Ananse's simplest actions showed that they weren't ready yet, and still waiting to be shown what to do.

He didn't seem to be as entertained as Terra was when she pounced forwards and surrounded him. Terra didn't mind getting splashed, and was doing her best to get Ananse used to the idea. His large green eyes looked simply adorable, and she had to resist the temptation to splash him again to make them open that wide once more. A hint of the mischief that fueled Terra all the time flickered into his eyes though, and he quickly debated her claim that she had managed to capture him. No? I have you in my grasp. Growling she knelt low, licking at Ananse before he spurred off.

The water splashed up at Terra, the coyote shaking her head out as it hit her face. She was almost blinded! That was close. Laughing she yapped loudly and pounced through the splashing water. Terra didn't truly go as fast as she could. The adult could outpace the young pup easily and reach past him. Even catching him wouldn't be that difficult. Slowing herself down Terra placed herself just behind him, with comical steps that sent splashes to lick at his body as he raced ahead of her. Occasionally she twisted up the sand to dodge the larger waves, but she always returned to follow right behind him in the water.
#16
The pup tried his best to enjoy the water which was slowly becoming less of a problem as he continued to play in it. He still wasn't too fond of the large waves though and did his best to avoid them, a bit of fear showing when they did get too close for comfort. But ultimately he didn't let them paralyze him as the waves had earlier. Or at least he was getting better at not freezing whenever he got scared.

He didn't seem convinced that she had captured him which was clear by the playful grin of his. Especially when she tried to lick him and he managed to escape, looking back to see if she was following before making a break for it. He wasn't quite as fast as his brother or mother but he certainly tried to keep up. And when he noticed how close she was and he pushed himself faster, the small pup splashing through the water and looking like a mini torpedo as he tried to outrun her and successfully get away.

Water splashing in his face however wasn't too appreciated and soon he found himself running out of the water and onto the sand, completely forgetting his previous accident before in the heat of the moment and finding himself tripping again, leaving another imprint to match the one before.

He simply lied there, expecting his mother to not be far behind as he playfully whined. "No fair~" The sand. It must be on her side. He pouted at the thought before rolling onto his back into the typical submissive stance, waiting for her move as large green eyes watched her carefully with an amused smile.
#17
Right before her Ananse chugged ahead, wide eyes glancing back to see if she was keeping up with him. She was right on his tail, and unlikely to let the slippery pup get away. They both dashed through the water with sharp waves and splashes spreading out behind them. Ananse's tiny brown body was almost swallowed completely by the white water that splashed around him and lapped at her own body, cresting at her chest as she hit the water hard. She wasn't one to give up as they twisted back and forth, letting her teeth just scrape over his body before pulling back. A few times she let herself fall behind and let Ananse feel that he might just stand a chance of winning this game before she picked up her pace once more to an easier lope to keep.

The dart out of the water wasn't entirely unexpected, Terra continuing on for a short stretch before she twisted her frame and leaped out through the wet sand. Ananse barely got clear of it before he hit the ground hard before her, laughter bubbling up through her as she hurried up. The pale sand splashed over her legs, coating it with the tiny particles as she ran up. Her coat would be a horrible mess to clean out later, and would taste terrible. Right now though she was enjoying chasing after him and caught up to her son. He'd surrendered, knowing that he couldn't get away from her now that he had hit the ground that way.

Her tail swayed as she laughed, nuzzling into his exposed belly. He smelled sweet, a mix of the salt water and his own unique puppy scent. No fair? I didn't ask for any help! Growling she licked at his face. Terra's stance was stronger than his own with a dominance that couldn't be mistaken. It wasn't often that she truly exercised that dominance, but it was there whenever one submitted with all the pride that came with having a higher rank. Flopping down beside Ananse Terra rolled over, letting the sand shift around her body. It made a comfortable spot to lay in. Panting she glanced over, happy that at least one pup was ready to please her. They both caused a lot of trouble, and Terra didn't help herself any by encouraging it. Wanna dig a hole?


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