Korlian
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Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on May 27, 2011 12:29:42 GMT -5
Sheona bit her lip, then shook her head. "No, I think not. I would rather he sleeps through the night, than naps here and then spends most of the night running around when I wish to sleep."
She smiled at them both. "Besides, I have asked enough of the both of you today."
Standing, and setting the drowsy Aodhán back in the chair, Sheona moved to the kitchen to get started on a simple stew. There was plenty of time left yet, and a stew was far easier than much of anything else. "But thank you both kindly for the offer."
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
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Post by Conall on May 30, 2011 13:50:53 GMT -5
- - -
Once dinner was finished and Sheona was settled down in bed with her son, Conall and Lùthais locked eyes across the room and moved as one, settling down across from each other at the kitchen table. Neither one spoke for a moment.
"We need to talk," said Lùthais softly, breaking the silence.
Conall nodded. "Aye, that we do."
Lùthais nodded, leaning forward to meet Conall's eyes. "I don't like the way you were looking at Sheona earlier."
Conall's lip curled a little. "Can I help it if she looks like Aerona and reminds me of her? It was nostalgia, that's all."
Lùthais was not convinced. "Maybe so, but I remember the kind of relationship you had with Aerona, and so do you."
"What do you mean?" Conall snapped in a whisper. "I loved Aerona!"
"Aye," Lùthais murmured, nodding, "with all your heart, I know. But you also loved her with more than that, if you catch my meaning." He gestured downward and raised an eyebrow.
Conall leaned over the table to glare at his friend. "I have moved well past those feelings for Sheona. I don't much like the way you were looking at me earlier, either. You don't trust me."
"I've already mentioned why," Lùthais replied calmly. "Sheona is a dear friend to both of us, one of the very few we have. and I would rather not have something get between that friendship. Or our own."
Conall gave a sharp laugh. "You think I'd let a woman get between us? We've been friends since we were boys. When have women ever affected our relationship?"
"Never before now," replied Lùthais. "I think you're jealous, Conall. You know what jealousy does to a man..."
Conall bristled and seethed, his voice coming out loaded with venom. "If you're comparing me to your bastard of a twin, stop talking now."
Lùthais held up a hand. "I'm just saying. My own brother betrayed both of us in killing you to take Aerona. Who knows how long he had been planning to do it? I don't want to see you go down the same road. At least he had the hope of an Otherworld to go to after he died. What do we have, Conall?"
Conall didn't have an answer. He sat staring at Lùthais for a few moments without speaking, eyes narrowed. Finally he growled, "Any more advice you'd like to give me, or may I leave now? The fire's dying, and I'd like to polish my pipes while I have a moment's peace."
He hadn't touched his bagpipes for weeks, fearful to play them after he had summoned Sheona to their door, but he had made sure to keep them clean and polished. He hadn't had a chance to do so very often since Sheona had been with them.
Lùthais snorted in disgust. "I hope you mean your bagpipes. I don't want to see you polishing anything else. And don't play them, either; people are sleeping, and I don't want anything odd to happen like last time."
"Of course I meant those!" Conall snapped, realizing what Lùthais had thought he meant and getting both angry and embarrassed. "I'll not play a note. May I go now, then?"
Lùthais nodded, standing up. "Aye, go. But one last word of advice: keep your brain between your ears instead of your legs."
Conall growled in the back of his throat, but he nodded, saying nothing, and headed into his bedroom to find his bagpipes and the rag he used to clean them.
Lùthais watched Conall go, then moved to the cot and sat down upon it with a sigh. Would Conall never learn? There was going to be trouble someday if this kept up, he was sure of it.
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on Jun 1, 2011 18:45:40 GMT -5
- - -
The winter passed slowly. Sheona never quite got to the point that she was willing to admit there was something wrong about her hosts, but the prospect of possibly, at least somewhat, regaining her independence had her rather excited.
That faded quickly as they looked at what remained of her house. Barely two posts were still standing, and those were barely charred, looking more like the remains of a campfire than the remains of a house. Very little else of the house or what had been inside it remained, and Sheona felt her eyes beginning to fill with tears as she looked it over.
"...This is hopeless," she sighed softly, calling Aodhán away from the soggy ashes that still remained despite a winter of snow. "I was not expecting... this."
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on Jun 1, 2011 19:16:46 GMT -5
Conall gazed at the wreckage of Sheona's house in pity and sorrow, unsure of what to say for a short while. He tentatively laid a hand on her shoulder, murmuring to her, "I'm sorry. I'm sure we'll manage to rebuild from the ground up; Lùthais and I have done it before after we lost our first cottage." He smiled reassuringly down at her.
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on Jun 2, 2011 17:00:03 GMT -5
Sheona shivered slightly at his touch. Why was he always chill to the touch. "Yes, that is true. But first we will have to clean up."
She sighed, shaking her head. "Well, standing here is not going to do any good. I suppose we should get to cleaning. If we are going to rebuild, we need to clear the foundation, first. And I need to start planting soon, as well, if Aodhán and I are to remain healthy this next year."
Aodhán looked up at her, slipping his hand into hers. "I can help plant, Mamma. I can help!"
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on Jun 2, 2011 17:35:11 GMT -5
Conall nodded, looking over what remained and gauging what would need to be done where. "Right. It shouldn't be too difficult between us all."
He looked down at Aodhán when the lad piped up, and chuckled at his offer to help. "That's a good lad. I'm sure you'll be a great help."
He glanced at Lùthais, and the two of them moved forward to get a start on clearing the foundation.
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on Jun 2, 2011 21:05:22 GMT -5
Sheona set Aodhán to start clearing their garden plot of weeds, knowing that she was still going to have to keep an eye out for him. He was going to get bored eventually, after all. She moved to help the men, as shoveling ash did not take muscle so much as patience and a willingness to get filthy.
"We should make a pile of it, then once Aodhán is done with the garden I can spread it there. My garden could use the boost," she told the two men. "It is not as though we cannot spare it!"
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on Jun 2, 2011 21:21:14 GMT -5
Lùthais laughed as he hefted another shovelful of soggy ashes. "Aye, true enough."
He and Conall made swift progress with the foundation, aided greatly by Sheona. It was filthy work, but not too strenuous: mostly it just tested their patience. Both men kept an eye on Aodhán as well, knowing the tendencies of young children to wander into trouble at a moment's notice.
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on Jun 2, 2011 21:38:45 GMT -5
Aodhán proved far more focused than any of the adults expected. He doggedly kept at pulling the weeds, though he ended up on his rear rather often when the weeds refused to let go, then released their grip on the earth suddenly.
By the time the adults needed a break, Aodhán was a giant ball of mud, and looking rather tired himself. There was a sizable stack of weeds next to the garden patch, and he looked pleased with himself.
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on Jun 2, 2011 21:55:16 GMT -5
Conall straightened up with a bit of a wince, pushing his hair out of his face and leaving streaks of filth across his forehead from his fingers. He sighed and resisted the urge to shake his head, which would have undone what he had just done, and looked down at his companions.
"We're making good time. Well done with those weeds, Aodhán," he added appreciatively, chuckling at the sight of the mudball that might have held a small boy inside it somewhere. At least he hadn't gotten distracted.
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on Jun 2, 2011 22:56:33 GMT -5
Aodhán beamed at him, white teeth showing brightly among the mud that seemed to cover him almost entirely.
Sheona looked at him and covered her eyes with a sigh. "I should have expected that, I suppose. We all are going to need to bathe, I think."
Aodhán looked at himself, and sighed, resigned. "I guess so, Mamma..."
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on Jan 23, 2012 13:58:24 GMT -5
Sheona sighed. "And me without even so much as a pan to warm any water in. I suppose it is time to head back then."
Aodhán came over to her and held his hands up, asking to be picked up. "Tired, Mamma. And hungry."
Sheona picked him up with a bit of effort, settling him on her hip. "Bath first, dear heart. I would rather you did not eat any more mud than I imagine you have already."
She looked over at Conall and Lùthais. Her lips quirked into a bit of a smile and she giggled a little. "I fear we are going to make a mess of your lovely floors. Looks like there is a lot more cleaning to do. And here we thought we might be done for the day."
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on May 18, 2012 23:28:47 GMT -5
- - -
Conall and Lùthais slipped away to hunt when the time came again, and made their way carefully through the woods in search of game. Both kept their eyes and ears wide open, wary of what else they might meet on the way -- more bandits, maybe, in search of innocents to harm and steal from. Conall couldn't help but be surprised that there were many other people in these woods at all, what with the telltale signs he and Lùthais sometimes left behind that they were something more than human: flayed wolves' carcasses and the like. It was too much work to bury the bodies in the middle of winter. Surely that would frighten most people off -- a creature capable of killing and skinning a wolf was not one to be tangled with.
They had both fed and started back together toward the remains of Sheona's cottage when Conall suddenly paused, listening hard and sniffing the air. There was a familiar smell in the cold breeze, and he caught the faint, distant strains of a voice singing in a language he didn't understand. A grin rose to his lips, and he looked to Lùthais. "Hear that?"
"Aye," said Lùthais, grinning too. "And I smell it. Who knew we'd ever see hide or hair of Aravilui again?"
"Not I,' Conall laughed. "At least this time we can assume he's safe -- only a fool would sing so cheerfully if he were being hunted."
They hurried in the direction of the singing, each making sure they had no trace of blood on them from their recent hunt -- it wouldn't do to alarm their friend so.
"Well met, Aravilui!" Conall called as they came within sight of the Elf.
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on May 18, 2012 23:51:58 GMT -5
Aravilui cut off his song mid-word at their call, looking at them in surprise, then looking around. He blinked, then laughed. "It would appear I was more lost than I thought. Well met, Conall and Lùthais!"
He met them halfway. "I thought things were getting damp. How have you two been?"
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on May 19, 2012 10:23:21 GMT -5
"Well enough,' Conall replied, trying not to show too much fang as he smiled. "It's been a long winter."
Lùthais nodded. "Especially with four of us in our cottage. Sheona and Aodhán lost their house in a fire," he explained to Aravilui. "It's thanks to Conall that they got out with their lives. They've been living with us through the winter, and we've just started work on rebuilding their house now that spring has come."
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on May 19, 2012 12:41:35 GMT -5
Aravilui blinked, biting his lip. "Well, perhaps I got lost for a reason. While I am here, I see little reason I cannot assist. If Sheona is accepting, of course. I would not fault her for not wishing yet another stranger to know where she lived."
He smiled, twitching his pack more fully up on his shoulder. "I take it the two of you were out hunting. Where are Sheona and Aodhán?"
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on May 19, 2012 14:08:16 GMT -5
"Well, I doubt it would hurt to ask," said Lùthais mildly. "Another pair of willing hands would make the work go that much more quickly. Sheona has already seen your skill at woodwork."
"They're back at the cottage, working," Conall answered the Elf's question. "Don't worry about us or yourself, we've both just fed."
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on May 19, 2012 14:22:10 GMT -5
Aravilui shrugged. "I can defend myself if it became necessary, and I could probably do it without killing you. I would certainly try, anyway."
He grinned. "Yours, or the remains of hers? Not that it matters, as I have no idea where either is from here. It has been some time for me."
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on May 19, 2012 14:29:01 GMT -5
Conall chuckled. "The remains of hers. We can lead you there easily." He jerked his head in the direction he and Lùthais had come from. "How long has it been for you since you left?"
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on May 19, 2012 14:53:51 GMT -5
Aravilui followed easily, chuckling. "Well, in years I could not really say, but I suppose telling you I am a great grandfather gives you some idea, with the next generation on the way."
He wrinkled his nose slightly. "My wife is going to be furious when I find my way home. I was only supposed to be going out for a short walk, but it is quite clear I am not going to be making it home very quickly."
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on May 19, 2012 15:02:26 GMT -5
Conall smiled. "Well, congratulations to you and your family!"
Lùthais chuckled at Aravilui's complaint. "It might not be so bad. Perhaps you'll be fortunate enough to return to the same moment that you left your world, or not long after."
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on May 19, 2012 15:19:40 GMT -5
Aravilui smiled back, pleased, then shrugged. "Perhaps. Nonetheless, I can do something useful with my time here, no matter how it turns out I return."
He had only just stepped into the clearing after Conall and Lùthais when a small shape slammed into his legs. He stumbled and looked down to see mud-spattered pale gold hair and angled gray eyes glowing up at him. He picked Aodhán up and smiled at him. "Well hello young one."
Aodhán gave him a tight hug, then called out. "Momma! We have a visitor!"
Sheona looked over and smiled, brushing her hands off on her dress. "Hello, Aravilui. What brings you here?"
"Nothing in particular, save now the opportunity to help you," he replied easily, shaking the hand Sheona offered, then kissing the top of it gently. "Many hands make light work, after all. I would be most pleased to help you rebuild your home."
Sheona blushed slightly. "Thank you, your help would be greatly appreciated. Right now I was working on getting at least my garden planted, with the help of the little mudball currently ruining your clothes."
Aodhán opened his mouth to object, then closed it quickly and sighed. "Sorry, wasn't thinking."
"Clothes can be washed little one, never fear." Aravilui set him down and brushed his clothes a little. "Though this time I have no spares with me, I fear. I was not expecting another trip to Alba."
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on Jul 29, 2012 23:07:44 GMT -5
Conall couldn't help but laugh when Aodhán rushed forward to greet Aravilui, and stood quietly by as the elf spoke with Sheona. When Aravilui mentioned a lack of spare clothes he spoke up, "I'd be glad to lend you some if you need them. You might wear mine while yours are washed."
"He's lucky you're as tall as you are," Lùthais chuckled, looking up at Conall. "If you were much shorter he'd be out of luck."
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Korlian
Kitty Kat ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Academy Freshman: Bound Fae
Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams... Only then can you belong to me...
Posts: 942
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Post by Korlian on Aug 30, 2012 14:00:17 GMT -5
"I would find a way to make due," Aravilui said goodnaturedly. "Even just a sheet would work long enough to get my clothing washed."
"Well, that will not be necessary," Sheona said firmly. "I can make you something else so you have at least two sets, when we have time. If nothing else, to avoid tearing the clothes you have now."
"I would be grateful."
Aravilui looked around, his gaze calculating. "I see you have the foundation mostly clear. Did you have any plans on what was wanted?"
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Conall
Ireth ![*](//storage.proboards.com/forum/images/stars/star.png)
Ding dong, the witch is dead~
"Please do as I say, or I'll rip your throat out. How does that sound?"
Posts: 576
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Post by Conall on Aug 30, 2012 14:19:43 GMT -5
Conall looked at Sheona. "Well, it's your house, so what you say goes, I should think."
Lùthais smiled to himself. Conall had always had rather odd ideas about people. Most men would discount the thoughts of a woman, but his own way of thinking had always seemed to work for Conall, especially where his marriage to Aerona had been concerned. Though he couldn't have been the only one; Aerona had chosen Conall herself, after all, as he was quick to point out. Perhaps she had been the one to influence him.
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