Octavia and the Alicorn's Peace
By. FoxofRarity
Chapter. 19
Disclaimer- My Little Pony Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro and Lauren Faust. Arthur's note at end.
In the tree library Twilight finishes drawing the hologram she created to see the molecular structure of the unpolished pink diamond. “AB a blood type? I heard of blood diamonds, which are diamonds mined with forced labor but can that diamond really be a blood diamond?? Was it made out of blood? Huh, I’ve read of magic being used to convert pure objects into highly valuable gems but that sort of magic has not been in Equestria for the last five thousand years. Hmmmm however, Ponies are not the only ones to utilize magic there are also Zebras but did he make that diamond or was it made for him?” Well some questions are best left floating in the air.
“Ahem Spike!”
“Yes Twilight?” The young dragon replies.
“Have you eaten a diamond before?”
The purple dragon with a hand under his chin thinks about the gems he’s eaten. “If I can go out on a limb I can say I ate a diamond last month, it was kind of hard but once you get to the inside it is delicious! Why do you ask??”
“Eh just wondering.” Twilight then goes back to her drawing. “This is most definitely a blood diamond made out of blood and is highly, highly valuable. Hmmm problem is why would he trade this highly valuable diamond with a ruby. Well whatever he was thinking sure made Rarity happy and perhaps the richest pony in town but perhaps she doesn’t know that which can or may not be a good thing. Still knowing her, she’ll keep it rather than sell it.”
With all that said, Spike reaches back and brings out a emerald. “Oh okay then.” And munches on the gem. “Yum. I got some comics to catch up on.”
“Whose blood did he use now that is the question. As Hamlet will say.” Twilight giggles to herself. “Now to catch up on my studies of altering one’s genetic code.”
***
*Poof*
Princess Luna and Octavia arrive at the location that is the inspiration for the amazing Pastoral Symphony. “Admire the beautiful scenery Octavia, admire as the wind flowing around us. For it serves as the conductor for the composer who uh composed the symphony.”
“It’s so green.” Octavia verbally notes.
“That’s right. But look around you. The hills. Don’t they speak volumes to you? It describes the flow of the music from lowest note on the bassoon to the highest note on the trumpet, to the mood as described by the strings, and lastly the chorus that shouts out in high by the woodwinds. Observe.”
Octavia observes the hills, starting from her left and slowly turns her head seeing high hills to low hills, a few medium hills, and some in the background. In her mind she pieces together each note in the first movement also judging from the distance between each hill she comes up with the tempo. “Hmmm I always thought inspiration can come from within or from sitting in front of a lake. But I see inspiration is in the nature we either take for granted or simply ignore. I mean look at this this hilly land! It helped create one of the most beautiful pieces of music in the history of our species!.” Just then. “Hey what’s that?” The gray mare spots a stoas in between two hills.
“Ahh the marble stoa as I call it for it’s made out of marble hehe.” Luna teleports the both of them to magnificent building.
Octavia gasps in awe. “This is like finding a oasis! Among the hills this must have been the culmination that served as the finale!” The gray mare trots down the stoa, noticing the details of the pillars. “Huh, the level of detail amounts to the intricate details the (french) horns provides in the first and third movement of the symphony.” On the walls of the stoas Octavia studies the mosaics telling her the story of how stallions from different races across the Earth. Ponies, Griffons, Toltecian Cobras, Olmecen Monitors, the bipedial Kay’nes Lycos, Dragons of course, and lastly a friendly Gargoyle who simply wants to experience the accomplishments that comes from Brotherhood.
Coming by, Luna smiles to see the gray mare putting her mind to work at applying the mosaic to how it contributes to the creation of the Pastoral Symphony. “Octavia. Each one of those stallions had a part in the construction of this magnificent marble stoa. Think of them as the instruments in the orchestra and the conductor that led them during the construction of the marble stoa is the idea of creating something that’ll serve as a testament of the brotherhood that treaded upon these hills. The composer of the Pastoral Symphony tells the story of this brotherhood. The Birth of the Idea, first movement. Gathering of the brothers, second movement. Construction of the marble stoa, third movement. Trouble which is impossible to avoid, forth movement. And the relishing of the completed marble stoa, fifth movement. The Pastoral Symphony tells their story...a story Immortalized.”
It makes sense but something doesn’t sound quite right. “Wait I thought nature inspired him to compose the Pastoral Symphony I mean even the name says it’s based off of nature.” Octavia wants to hide the fact she is confused at the very moment.
“Yes. He tells the story of the Brotherhood but if you have a story there is more than one way to tell it and nature shows him how. The hills, the green, the small brook, the soft wind, basically nature tells him how to tell the story.” Before continuing Luna levitates the gray mare and places the earth pony on her back. “Hang on Octavia, I’m going to give us a bird’s eye view.” Once in the sky Luna continues teaching the gray mare. “Nature is greatest storyteller we can ever come across thus the composer looked to nature to tell their story. The Pastoral Symphony, a piece of nature interpreted into notes on a page. A story as told by Nature,”
“A story told by nature. Hmm a book about the Brotherhood will never be remembered, a poem about them will be forgotten, a movie might not make a lot of money, but a symphony about them as told by nature is Immortalized. I see now. I want to tell a story but my way may not be so Grand as nature itself can tell. Nature, my talent, your kindness, Music, heartbeats, everything I see here, reminds me that I still have many things to learn but what I do know is I can tell my story…” *TING* “HAH! It’s been in front of me all this time. The lake,the sound of the gentle ripples and the sound of my father’s heartbeat. A endless flow combined with the rhythmic beat that can alter its tempo at a seconds notice. All of this emotion, learning, nature, and thought it takes all of this just to write music so much work, so much patience, so much to reach enlightenment... much to learn. Oh Luna I don’t know if you brought me here to show me the Pastoral Symphony or you brought me here to teach me about the role of nature in the creation of music. Don’t tell me…”
Please but more honored than pleased Luna gives the gray mare a nod of respect. “So much work yes, Octavia, but in the end you will be Immortalized just like the composer of the Pastoral Symphony. Showing everyone that mortals who put their best efforts will become Immortals. Albeit by Name and Picture but you will still be remembered centuries from now. That’s more than enough for any mortal though you are no ordinary mortal Octavia. Hmmm great things in store for you I think so please whatever you do, compose the music you want to compose. Some mortals just need to become Immortal already.”
“Yes Luna!” Octavia takes one last look of the Marble Stoa. “You’ll make a wonderful Mentor.”
“Oh please don’t start saying things for the sake of saying things. I prefer to be free from responsibility that can be easily avoided. Anyway are you ready to go back home?”
“Yes.” Octavia responds. “Just let me take one last look at the stoa.”
“Of course.” Luna grants the Earth pony one last pleasure.
“A song about Brotherhood that only nature can interpret.” Octavia nods then taps Luna’s shoulder.
“Jump.”
*poof*
“So!” Luna grins. “How goes your music project?”
Octavia thinks first. “It’s going to be much more grandiose thanks to you and I figure I will go back to the first movement and add to it. Perhaps some oboes will be added along with some taikos for a sense of mystical power. Oh the variants will vary when it comes to the taikos.”
“Hmmm that sounds wonderful Octavia now run along and get to it.” The Princess of the moon nudges the gray mare forward. “I wonder how long it will take her? Luna asks herself once Octavia is out of her sight.
“Mi Lady.” Greets Luna’s second of command of her Elite Commando guard as he comes to her.
“Oh Pish Posh Delta Scorch, how many times do I have to tell you that we are on refer to each other in a first name bases.” Luna reminds her commando whom she cares deeply for.
Delta Scorch tilts his head in affirming her words. “I know you’ve have told me that many times Mi La err I mean Luna still I mean uhm, you’re my Princess, it’s odd to call you by your name.”
Luna motions him to come closer and once within reach, she adjusts his helmet then, nods a few times after being pleased by what she sees. “It will take time for you to adjust to what I expect from you Delta but nonetheless, you will and I will be very pleased with you. Now come I want you to join Captain Flying Havoc so the both of you can decided if Helo Fox could be commando number four in Lakota squad.”
“Hmm Helo Fox, he does have the skill to be part of the squad and his lethality with the spear is remarkable.” Still Delta Scorch has to take a few bouts with Helo to measure the Commando’s reflexes. “I wouldn’t mind going a few rounds with him. What do you think?”
Luna tilts her head a bit. “You are experienced in close quarter combat still I don’t like seeing you get hit but nonetheless, if you think that will help you make your decision then please don’t flinch when I treat your cuts.”
“Deal!” Delta smiles at the Princess of the Moon.
***
*Cough* Octavia’s father takes his daily dose of formoterol to make it easier for him to breathe and lessen the chance of his dearest Octavia from picking up on his failing health. “Nurse Redheart said this will help me with my coughing and make it easier for me to breathe and so far it’s working out for me.” Remembering his mortality and how he made a mental note to go shopping for his...urn. Given how he believes Octavia will not be very open to cremation. “At least cremation costs less.” The stallion shakes his head to clear his mind. “Hmmm I’ll go out for a walk to which I’ll end up visiting my dear Octavia. I am so uncomfortably relaxed to my coming end.” Allegro Note takes a deep breath. “Going out to the white light, wondering how my once beloved wife will react if she were see my name obituaries and will my business go out quietly or will there be many saddened that my services came to their abrupt end. Better yet why am I still performing my trade?? Given my condition I should have closed shop a long time ago…” *ting* “I’ll sell my shop to my friend’s son who taught himself how to make Stradivarius and harps, so it’ll do me good to pass on the mantle and be free from my work once and for all.” So with all said Allegro Note changes his course and head to the house of his potential buyer who other than teaching himself how to meticulously craft Stradivarius also taught himself how to perform business and maintain one.
“Okay let’s get down to business.” Allegro Note knocks on the young stallions home and once allowed in discusses passing down his shop to the stallion. “I’m getting too old for this and I came to realize I had no apprentice. So I heard about your craft and I’ve got to say…” Allegro Note pauses on purpose.
“I-I bought a couple of your Stradivarius and studied each one so I can learn how you crafted each one. It took me awhile but I’m able to craft Stradivarius just like you…! Also I create harps too.” The young Stallion explains himself.
Allegro Note smiles. “ I’m very impressed. In fact if I was your teacher I will be very proud of you ten times over anyway listen, I’m not here to talk your masterful ability rather I’m here to talk business. Ahem, you look like the type that’ll put your abilities to good use and with your own shop you will do such things.”
“What??”
Allegro Note slides a document to the young Stallion. “When something great presents itself to you the best thing you can do is take it. I’m old well not too old but...my time is limited….kick the bucket at the end limited. I want to spend the time I have left with my daughter and be at peace...plus my shop...I have a soft spot for it.Thus it needs a new owner. So what do you say?”
“I-I-I have no money to pay for your shop!”
In response. “I am not selling my shop I’m giving it to you. At this point in my life money will do me no good. Just think of this as a teacher passing down the mantle to his apprentice. So please sign. I want an extra ounce of peace.”
*sigh* The young Stallion understands what Allegro Note wants and inside he feels sorry for Allegro Note. An old stallion nearing his end...an end brought upon by sickness and any chance to cure oneself is far from reach. “I don’t know how to thank you for this. I always believed it will take me ages to amass a minimal sum to start my business and right here is you handing me a real dream. Thank you Allegro Note, thank you for all of this. I just wish I can pay back.”
Oh but there is a way for the Young Stallion to pay Allegro Note back albeit it will be more like a bond(financial). “You can pay me back by taking in an apprentice in a time you find most appropriate. I never shared my craft while you taught yourself this craft, it needs to be taught to others and looking back I wish I did teach someone. Hmm oh well, I’m done here. My light goes out, yours ignites.”
The Young Stallion signs the deed and the business that helped Allegro Note keep his mind off his long gone wife is no longer his… “I’m fine with all of this just so you know. However, let me take one last look at the deed.”
“Yes, yes, yes of course.” The Young Stallion slides the form back to Allegro.
“Yes.” Allegro Note holds the deed before his eyes causing the stimulation of tears. “I created this for my dear Octavia. Ha It was not long ago that Octavia practiced endlessly in my shop with her new cello, hearing her long groans, angry snorts, dumbfounded grunts, and endless sighs. Now she reached Immortality through her hard work in such short time. All the memories I’ve amassed in my little business will probably live on in her mind but will disappear from my little shop with the stroke of a pen and from my mind when I perish. Such a big decision I’ve made in a split second. Ahem anywho, congratulations you are now a business owner. Hehehe, a bottle of champagne will do some good right about now.”
*ting* “Hey believe it or not I have a bottle in the fridge.” Quickly fetching the bottle along with two glasses, the Young Stallion pops open the bubbly and pours a glass for Allegro Note.
“CHEERS!”
Both Stallions celebrate and the Young Stallion frames the deed feeling like hope itself is smiling down upon.
After downing three glasses of champagne, Allegro Note pats the Young Stallion on the back and leaves. “Right, see Octavia then shop for casket.”
In her study, the gray mare vocalizes a scale of notes, before writing the prototype set for the violas. “Ahh!” Of course the snare drums can fill during the rests followed with a response from the brass...well mostly the trumpets and horns with a light touch from the trombones. Then when the rest comes to its end the violas resurge back into melody. “Yes, yes that’ll do nicely,”
Behind the gray mare, are many sheets of music with notes and musical notes tacked on the wall with many yards of yarn connecting each sheet. For writing music is complex extremely complex as the creating the sequences for a automaton to follow. Each sequence must be precise, in rhythm, in perfect motion, and obviously PERFECT. For each note for the brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings, and choir must operate in synchronization in order to be called music however, before the notes can be played by any instrument...it has to be played in the mind first. Thus combining each set for the brass, woodwinds, percussion, strings, and choir in the mind takes some ethereal cognitive skill and for Octavia she has that ethereal cognitive skill. “WAIT!” A quick scribble switches a G and a B-flat for the trumpets.
Suddenly her left ear twitches, at picking up an all too familiar heartbeat. “Father!” Fortunately she’s at a rest and the strings for her point of view can be used as a bookmark.
In Allegro Note’s mind. “I’ll tell her I’ve sold my shop when we’re eating dessert or drinking some cream soda.” The Stallion tells himself.
“Octavia.” Allegro hugs his daughter and in doing so he catches sight of the many sheets of music tacked to the wall. “Hmmmm are you writing music??”
*GASP!* Octavia gasps in joy. “Why yes father I am...well in hindsight I’m still learning BUT there’s nothing wrong with learning on the job right?”
“Ehhh no there is nothing wrong with that but when it comes to writing music you have to be very, very careful otherwise if you music fails to impress then you’ll have to try harder to get the ears of patrons. Trust me, sweetheart in the art of music it’s always the first act that makes or breaks you.”
From joy to seriousness Octavia looks back at her music and to the yarn connecting each sheet. Her father is right. This is going to be her first composition. More importantly it’s her first step into seeking the lasting Immortality through notes on a manuscript that’s written by her own merit. “String and brass, it’s the string and brass that brings the intrigue. I should start with that yes, I think I will start with that.”
Allegro Note grants her idea approval by giving her a nod and slowly heads over to the wall covered with the music sheets. “I remember when you were just a child looking at those same notes and asking what me does each one mean and now you know them like they were simple words on a page. Now you want to etch your name onto the walls of the immortalized composers by crafting your own music. I couldn’t be anymore pleased of you.”
Octavia smiles to father’s words. “No father it’s thanks to you for introducing to me to music, for if you didn’t then I would have never found my calling. Music it’s more than just rhythm and notes. It’s storytelling that’s inspired by the likes of nature and brotherhood, it’s creating something that requires me to pour in my spirit and determination to tell a story. A story that’ll last throughout the ages like Journey to the West, the Iliad, and the Canterbury Tales!” The Gray mare declares.
“Quite ambitious and attainable through hard work.” Allegro Note compliments with a small smile. “I wonder if your name will be written in the history books one hundred years from now.”
Having the aspect of her name being written in the history books be thrown at her, Octavia goes quiet and thinks. “My name will be written!”
Allegro Note smiles some more to his daughter’s determination. “You will work hard and I like that! Anywho my dear. Do you think you can take a breather from your extraordinary work and spend some time with your father who wants to show you something.”
“Oh father.” Octavia reels herself back in from her small moment of pride. “You know I always have time for you father. Let me just mark where I left off and write a quick note. OK! Let’s go.” The gray mare nudges her father to get him moving.
“Don’t worry my dear I’m moving, I’m moving.” The well seasoned stallion speeds up to get in front of his daughter to prompt her to follow him. “Oh! There’s something I want to show you if you don’t mind.”
The gray mare nods. “I don’t mind at all father.” So she follows father and finds herself in front of his shop. “Did you forget something?” She asks.
Before answering he shakes his head. “No my dear just wanted to show you that my shop is now under permanent management.”
“Huh?” The gray mare turns to her father in utter confusion. “What do you mean? Did you hire someone to run your shop for you?”
“No my dear, I sold my shop…”
“WHAT!!?” Octavia gasps in disbelief. “You sold your shop…! But father that’s, that’s YOUR shop! You built that and made it great! It yours!” The gray mare cries in disbelief.
The old stallion with nothing to say...but he simply doesn’t have to say anything rather a shrug sort of dumbfounds his daughter. “My dear when you reach my age you will see that some things are best letting go. I mean we both saw it go from being a little shop to still being a little shop but now well known throughout Equestria and has brought in attention to bring you to the ears of patrons that want to hear you play your cello and gain the attention of others...in the thousands upon thousands. Attention that brought you the forefront of joining the composers in Immortality where maybe you’ll be with them in a painting when some artist who knows when decides to paint the great composers in a pantheon and you’ll be there next to Bach.”
Nonetheless, Octavia groans to father selling the shop she has so many fond memories of and which helped father move on from the betrayal by the mare she once called mother. Father’s shop meant a lot to her but he’s right. He’s at a age where he cannot focus entirely on the shop and is slowing down, still she wished father asked for her opinion before signing away his shop but it is his shop. “Oh Father. I wish you told me sooner so I could have visited your shop one last time and well…” Octavia ends embracing her father followed by some light weeping.
“It was in your shop where you thought me how to play the cello, where I can spend hours watching you take some wood, string plus some wax and turn all of that into a stradivarius then you will let me have the honors of passing a bow across the strings before tuning it.” With her weeping all done Octavia let’s go of her father. “Well at least you have your own happiness and me to focus on from now on.”
Preventing himself from putting on a sad expression, Allegro Note forces out a smile. “My happiness is seeing you do well and be in good health. Oh also having some quiet time by the lake. But overall seeing you do well makes me happy.”
“Oh father thank you. Now let’s go to where you want to take me.” Octavia taps father’s shoulder to get him moving along.
However, unbeknownst to her a Toltecian Cobra and Pink Pegasus land in Ponyville.
Yes, their sisterhood will crumble but before that dreadful chain of effects is set into motion some cupcakes are in order.
Nothing like a tasting cupcakes being made by the six hundred eighty seventh pony she knows makes cupcakes well.
***
*GASP*
“A GIANT SNA…”
“DON’T!” Meadow Flower stops Mrs. Cake in mid sentence. “Don’t call her that, just call her Cobra until she tells you her name.” What Meadow Flower did here was stop Mrs. Cake from ushering the one word the oldest Toltecian Cobra considers very offensive...SNAKE.
Why?
To G a snake is a creature that lives solely by instinct without feeling, conscience, reason, morals, decency, and Love. A snake crawls on its belly, strikes at whatever presents itself, and needs the sun to live. The Toltecian Cobras are sentient, have Love, do not crawl on their bellies and of course don’t need the sun to live for they produce their own body heat. So to be call a snake is to be called a lesser being.
“Uhhhhhm??” Mrs.Cake composes herself. “Ahem, I never seen a giant Cobra before especially one with arms, a nice feminine figure, and slithers about in a upwards position. What is your name ma’am?”
The bronze Cobra flickers her tongue at the baker prompting the flour covered mare to raise an eyebrow before shifting her brown eyes to the menu then shifts them back to Mrs. Cake. “My name is Gilda and I’m wondering if my dear friend here will like to indulge in your pastries in exchange for my hard earned money.” The Corba drops a very pleasing size bag of shiny bits in front of Mrs. Cake and waits for a reaction.
Enticed, Mrs. Cake graciously leads Meadow Flower and Gilda to their seats. “What can I serve you?”
Meadow Flower speaks for Gilda. “Drinks and your best...cupcakes yes, best cupcakes.” Once seeing Mrs. Cake depart Meadow Flower relaxes as does Gilda. “So I guess our little hug back there didn’t quite seal anything.”
Gilda flickers her tongue once more. “Yes and no. I mean after all wouldn’t it be quite well pointless without breaking bread one last time? I mean it was breaking bread that allowed us to bond before this very year no? Remember? It was you, me, mother and father sitting around the table and you were asking question after question to my parents about anything that came to your mind.” Gilda smirks before going on in imitation of Meadow Flower’s voice. “Oh are you cobras warm blooded? Are your pyramids made of marble or granite? Which neither by the way. Are you venomous? Do you give birth to live young or lay eggs? Uhhhhh what was that question that made me laugh the most?? Ahh it’s on the tip of my tongue...OH!! How do we go to the bathroom! HAHAHAHA!” Laughs the bronze cobra.
“Hey well uh.” Meadow Flower blushes in now what can be perceived as embarrassment. “Excuse me for having a sheer curiosity about a new species I just discovered besides I’m sure you’ll asking the same questions if you discovered Eqauestria!! Well minus the bathroom part I can say. Huh?” Two bottles of ice cold sarsaparilla arrive. “Thank you. Anywho, are you glad to see me back as my real me instead of my other countless identities?”
Taking a gulp of the sarsaparilla Gilda is quite amazed with this exquisite beverage to the point that her forked tongue won’t flicker given it’s busy savoring the taste of the drink. “Another one please. Ahem, tell me why you’ve created so many identities?”
“After figuring out I’ve been made immortal I knew it will only be a matter of time until Princess Celestia finds out and gets rather curious...by imprisoning me then conducting experiments to figure out how I obtained immorality.” Meadow Flower’s fear can be somewhat grounded due to Princess Celestia not being so forthcoming about her likes and dislikes so to speak.
Still Gilda the Toltecian Cobra has her reservations about Meadow Flower’s perceptions about the lovely Princess Celestia but nonetheless she will won’t outright tell that to Meadow Flower and will instead brush the pink pegasus’s ego.
“Will I’m happy to see your hair back to its beautiful blonde and not icky blue or pink whatever color you painted your hair every six months even though you ponies have a lifespan longer than that but who am I to speak right?”
Meadow Flower sighs to Gilda’s somewhat cheeky demeanor but as always the cobra means well and given what transpired at the bonfire moments like these need to be preserved. “I will prefer you to flicker your tongue at me in your condescending way. Anyway so what now?” Meaning after they finishing eating that is.
“Well we’re eating, drinking so like us try our best to be merry then the Archangel’s words will be put into practice. Besides, I too have the same astonishment you once had when you arrived in my homeland. The only downside is that you ponies didn’t put much work into making monuments, that give tribute to your civilizations and species instead you just build monuments to your rulers.”
“Immortal rulers.” Meadow Flower fills in.
Gilda flickers her tongue. “Immortal rulers yes, quite quant. Albeit Celestia is quite nice but still having Immortal Rulers dampens the novelty of your species by making others think your advancement will proceed at pace of a crawl. Still it will be nice to see something that declares the magnificence of your species just like our Sun Pyramid.”
*ting* “Our Pyramid??” Meadow Flower stops dead in her tracks. “It’s not my pyramid...I-I took no part in building nor am a Toltecian Cobra…”
“True, true.” Gilda replies before taking a sip of her drink. “But you have shown such an unexplainable attachment to me and the rest of my species…”
“Because you are the only thing I have left in this world!” Meadow Flower interrupts. “Does this have to end over one stallion!! We’re sisters! We’ve been through so much together and…”
Now it's Gilda’s turn to interrupt. “Because we have holes that need closing Meadow Flower. I’m not that naive to know we both want lasting loving companionship, it is the only thing that’ll complete us when sisterhood wears off in due time and before you continue, two stallions will do the same if one of us were their immortal destined.” The tip of Gilda’s tail caresses Meadow Flower’s right cheek. “I know you want to deny the inevitable...so do I...you remind me a bit of my dearest twin brother…” The Lady Cobra pause so Meadow Flower can pick up the hint to continue.
“And you remind me of my family Gilda.” *sigh* “My eyes are opened Gilda. We will not fight each other but in the end only one of us will be happy the other may develop suicidal tendencies which will do no good.”
Gilda nods in agreement.
“At least we’ll civil.”
And with that both mares resume eating.
Not knowing there’s a third factor that may tip the scales out of either one’s favor.
---
My Dearest Readers I thank you for your infinite patience and please forgive me for my excessive tardiness. I think I work too much and got introduced to Fallout New Vegas. Again my Dearest Readers I thank you for your infinite Patience.