[ The unfortunate thing is that Aglovan is a lot like his eldest brother.
Well, perhaps that's Trahearne giving himself too much credit. He finds Aglovan's fixation on his work more of an enthusiastic preoccupation on his work, where Trahearne's is little more than actual workaholism. At the end of the day, the result is the same: someone needs to drag him away from work.
On a day where Trahearne happens to be out running errands, he drops by a nearby cafe to pick up some coffee for the both of them (workaholism encouraging another's workaholism?). He decides to drop by Aglovan's house to check on him, make sure he's being fed, and draw him away for a break if he needs it.
[ Perhaps not the comparison one would be expecting, but it is rather apt. A workaholic Aglovan may be, but an enthusiastic workaholic is almost worse. There's a giddiness that keeps him glued to his workbench rather than a sense of purpose, and with no proper roommates to poke and prod him into sleeping and eating, he gets a little...uh, wobbly.
This is one of those days. It's cold out, and after everything, what's better than a warm workshop? Not to mention, due to the recent Jade acquisition, he's had a lot more to work with.
The knock is almost unnoticed, but fortunately for Trahearne, a few near-sleepless nights have made it a bit easier for him to get jolted out of his work. A quick shake of the head to give himself a proper wake-up call, and off he shuffles to the front door.
He can already feel who's on the other side, but he still shoves a grin on his face once it swings open on it's well-oiled hinges. ]
Firstborn! [ heya nii-san ] Good morning! A chilly morning for a walk, innit?
[ Ignoring the fact it's the afternoon, he doesn't seem inclined to notice the faint, small red things scuttling over the outer walls of his house. Probably nothing. ]
[ Trahearne doesn't seem to take note either. He keeps his smile trained on Aglovan as he lifts the tray of two coffee cups a little higher to show him. ]
It's past noon, Aglovan. [ His correction is a gentle one, almost with a tease.
This time, unlike his last visit, he doesn't seem intent on coming inside. ]
I came to check on you. Your projects must be occupying much of your time, but I want to make sure you're eating and sleeping properly as well.
[ A strange duty for a sylvari firstborn to have, now that there are no dragons or Nightmare Court to fight... Checking to make sure his little brother eats his veggies. ]
[ Oh! The drinks receive a dull blink for a moment as his brain catches up, before his face brightens. He's not normally a coffee drinker, but he does appreciate a good wake-up call when it's offered.
...That being said, Aglovan's face does drop at the realization. Then he lets his head slowly turn as his gaze flickers up towards the sky and...yeah, the sun sure is that high. Welp. ]
...Whoops?
[ The laugh is light and nervous, in a 'caught in 4K' type way. ]
You don't need to do all that! I'm perfectly fine- [ A quick hand gestures that overshoots and nearly smacks into the doorframe, and thus into the odd red caterpillar-like creature crawling across it. ] Mostly, anyway. I do know my limits! But I appreciate the gesture, regardless.
[ Now, is it his fault he likes to push those limits? Totally not. But it's...odd, to have someone who isn't one of his normal household check on him. He is a grown man. Sylvari. Whichever. ]
[ Trahearne's eye catches as Aglovan gestures, smacking into the caterpillar. Strange, because while Trahearne himself has never had a personal run-in with the gumdrops before, he has seen them many times. This is not his first rodeo, as it were. So when he notices the other red creatures slowly buzzing towards them, he draws his attention back to his little brother. ]
Come. Before we find ourselves trapped here.
[ No context! No prelude! Trahearne whirls on his heel and strides towards a bench on the opposite side of the street. At least he can put his coffee down there before the inevitable... ]
[ Needless to man, Aglovan did not notice a damn thing. He, quite frankly, has yet to notice he is about to be swarmed, shuffling in place as the snow crunches beneath his heels.
He is...not expecting the abrupt order?? His features quickly twist to bewildered as Trahearne promptly turns, no context, no nothing, to strut to the other side of the street. Trapped?? Here?? This is his house??
Regardless, after a shaken moment, he does promptly close the door behind him (nearly squishing another in the process), and quickly takes after him, quietly adjusting a knob on his arm for the cold. Once he's back in proper speaking range, he does dare to ask- ]
Trahearne reaches the bench on the far side and gently places the tray of drinks down. He can hear the faint cheering from the gumdrops as they approach. Fight! Fight! he hears the faint yelling, and internally, he sighs; while he's glad it's not the one that forces romantic interaction, why couldn't it have been the friendly ones? The ones that encourage hugs and positive feelings?
Well. Let's hope Aglovan hasn't totally dismantled his golem.
He stands, turns, and the bright red gumdrops have begun hovering closer, forming a ring around them. Trahearne simply lifts a hand and points to one just over Aglovan's shoulder. ]
[ Uh....huh? This is admittedly the first time he's seen the elder since all the snow has fallen and trapped them inside, but he's sure he hasn't quite done anything that dangerous to get himself trapped....
Sure enough, anyway. He didn't leave any of his half-finished traps lying around, did he? Hm.
Aglovan himself barely registers the faint whispers, the tone too positive it passes as the distant shouts of children in his brain, and it's only when Trahearne opts to point that he finally turns to give a bewildered stare.
Oh. Worm...
Or perhaps not? He takes a surprised step back at the en-masse gathering of...tiny caterpillars? And then the noise hits, a bit louder as they come closer, and his head snaps to Trahearne with a faint look of dawning horror. FIGHT??? ]
Er, wait, wait...what is these, exactly? They're not bein' serious, now, right?
[ Please say Sike. He could never...Niamh would be so disappointed... ]
[ As they hover closer, Trahearne lowers his stance, hand hovering over his scepter on his hip. ]
These are gumdrops. Fae-like creatures that come out during the winter. They demand certain types of dreamotion—some consume romantic energy, and others amicable energy.
[ Now the gumdrops have surrounded them both, their whispers about fighting now replacing the ambient buzz of the town around them. His brother's bewilderment and horror is understandable. He doesn't want to put a brother of his in harm, nor does he want to saddle him with the guilt of hurting an elder... Not that he minds the latter, really. ]
These ones demand hostile energy. I hope you're ready, Aglovan— [ He draws his scepter, and his torch, though readies neither yet. ] We will have to fight one another.
[ For most of his life, Trahearne has paid little attention to Wintersday. He's always been busy, if not with Orr then with the Pact, and he never really had time to think of, let alone purchase and wrap gifts. Besides, the concept of family is so different to a sylvari. Early days aside, it would be an impossible feat to bring back all the sylvari to celebrate together as one big family. Some don't even celebrate, like himself.
Except now, for the first time in his life, Trahearne finds himself in a festive mood. The previous year found him on the slippery slope towards noctaeredom, but now, he's more at peace than he ever has been. And in the strangest twist, he even has a loved one he'd feel the need to celebrate and get a gift for. It's funny how things turn out. He would have never imagined himself here a year ago.
The idea of a gift for Zhongli came to him before they even began dating, back in the summer, and since Trahearne did not know when his birthday was (something to ask, at some point), he decided to hold onto it for Wintersday. And so, with the day here at last, the sylvari arrives at the archon's house with the present neatly wrapped and tucked under his arm, hopefully not drawing immediate attention to it.
After a moment of hesitation, Trahearne reaches to knock decisively and loudly on Zhongli's door. Open up!! ]
[Zhongli, meanwhile, has holiday thoughts of his own on his mind. As the year reaches its end, it becomes time to think back fondly to the year's events, as well as those with whom one shared them. And for Zhongli, it's a rare and fortuitous time indeed, for he has someone with whom he can share the new year with, someone who has carved a precious and delicate spot within the old god's heart. Ah, which reminds him, he will have to start sending out invitations for another year-end occasion soon...]
[It's in the midst of these thoughts that Zhongli hears the knock on his door, and when he goes to open it, his expression brightens.]
Ah, Trahearne! What a pleasant surprise. Please, come in.
[ And Trahearne's brightens in turn, the little feedback of joy strengthening in his presence.
Hmm. The little cynical part of him isn't sure he'll ever get used to this feeling, but he certainly likes it. ]
I hope I didn't interrupt anything important.
[ Because he'll gladly wait, if so.
However, one thing takes precedence. When he steps inside, he does not enter to the side, to venture further in the house; he steps towards Zhongli, right into his personal space, and beams down at him. ]
Merry Wintersday, Zhongli.
[ And that greeting is sealed with a little kiss. Hehe! ]
Oh, not at all. Nothing so pressing that it can't be put off until later.
[Though he's ready to usher Trahearne into his home, he's surprised by suddenly having a sylvari up in his personal space like this. He blinks in surprise, both at the greeting and at the kiss, but despite his shock he's quick to recover (if a little flustered).]
Goodness..! As pleased as I am with your affections, I admit I wasn't expecting quite a warm welcome.
[Is that pink on his cheeks? It just might be!]
Wintersday? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term...
[ He's so precious. It's truly the little things that bring Trahearne such endless delight. Like when Zhongli is surprised his boyfriend kisses him...
With a little smile and a chuckle, Trahearne steps past Zhongli and into the house, eyes briefly scanning the room as he speaks. ]
It's a Tyrian holiday, so that doesn't surprise me.
[ He turns to face him again. This time, the wrapped gift more obvious in his arms. ]
Many people come together in the dead of winter to celebrate with lights, gifts, and food. I've personally never celebrated it much in my life, but... [ He looks down at the hefty present in his arms, then after a thoughtful pause, he holds it out to Zhongli. ] I think I would like to celebrate it with you.
[Listening to Trahearne explain, he now understands his boyfriend's enthusiasm. Ah, that would explain the gift... which looks quite large.]
I would be honoured to celebrate with you. However, I'm afraid I don't have a gift to give you in return... At least, not one on such a grand scale as this.
[ Just as he said he would be, Trahearne is, almost all the time, at the archives!
Since their conversation over the journal, the sylvari has alerted his staff to the possible arrival of his new acquaintance (...boss-in-law? no, they're not married (yet)—), so that he will know when she arrives, regardless of what he might be up to in the moment. Knowing who is in Zhongli's life is important to him, both so he may widen his own social circle, and so that he may get to know Zhongli better.
On this particular day, luckily for Hu Tao, Trahearne is spending most of his time sorting books and putting them away in their proper spot in the main room of the archives. Though he may be occupied, he isn't particularly busy. It's the perfect chance to bother him. ]
[Meanwhile, here Hu Tao was, getting ready to go to the archives. While she might have seen him once or twice before, she never really took the time to get to know him. It seems that had to change how that she knew Trahearne is dating her employee. Being the kind person that she was, she decided to give him a present that she was sure both he and Zhongli would enjoy!
As she stepped inside, she tilted her head to the side in search of the mysterious person.]
[ Trahearne turns, mid-reach to a shelf. He quickly puts the book away, puts the rest of the stack precariously balanced on the ladder onto a nearby table, and brushes the dust from his hands. He greets the stranger with a smile, head tilted curiously as he studies her.
He has no idea what Hu Tao is supposed to look like, so he has still no idea that he's actually talking to her at the moment. ]
Don't tell me that you have forgotten about me already!
[She said before giving a dramatic sigh. As she walked closer, she narrowed her eyes before leaning closer. Indeed, that was not the introduction she was expecting! Not that she was being serious but....]
Don't you remember? It's me, Hu Tao! [All the while waving an oddly and yet wined shaped packaged.]
[ He starts to feel guilty as he wracks his memory for who this woman is supposed to be. Was this someone who came into the archives before? Recently? Was it someone he met outside of the archives, somewhere?
But when she gives her name, Trahearne immediately brightens. His posture relaxes as his brain switches away from work mode. So this is his partner's boss, hm? With a smile on his face, he peers down at her to study her briefly. ]
Hu Tao! I apologise for my lack of manners; I'm glad you came. [ He holds out a hand for her to shake. ] Welcome.
It's not a problem, I figured you might not know who I was! But thank you for the welcome!
[As she got closer inside, that's when she handed the oddly shaped package that looks like a wine bottle.]
And this is for you! I do believe that you and Zhongli would enjoy this rather well. I know he is someone who does enjoy a fine bottle once in a while.
[Because there's nothing like her hearing him say it over and over again.]
[ Trahearne's brow lifts with surprise as he takes the bottle. He really wasn't sure what sort of gift she might bring, but wine was, even still, towards the bottom of that list. He's never been much of a drinker, but he'd more than gladly partake with dear company. ]
Oh, thank you. This is very kind of you. I'll be sure to share it with him, of course.
[ He doesn't unwrap it right away. Instead, he'll place it on a nearby table, then turn back to Hu Tao with a smile. ]
For quite sometime as he has been working when I was still a kid.
[Which wasn't all that long ago. To think, he joined right before her grandfather's death and helped her through the grieving process. Now, here he was, helping her through the parlor despite their differences.
Was it luck that he was willing to do such a thing? Perhaps but....]
...It still doesn't stop that I have to pay for some of his expenses at times.
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songerein2023-12-23 08:41 pm
for aglovan
Well, perhaps that's Trahearne giving himself too much credit. He finds Aglovan's fixation on his work more of an enthusiastic preoccupation on his work, where Trahearne's is little more than actual workaholism. At the end of the day, the result is the same: someone needs to drag him away from work.
On a day where Trahearne happens to be out running errands, he drops by a nearby cafe to pick up some coffee for the both of them (workaholism encouraging another's workaholism?). He decides to drop by Aglovan's house to check on him, make sure he's being fed, and draw him away for a break if he needs it.
So, knock, knock! Open up, little boy! ]
shrivels and dies
This is one of those days. It's cold out, and after everything, what's better than a warm workshop? Not to mention, due to the recent Jade acquisition, he's had a lot more to work with.
The knock is almost unnoticed, but fortunately for Trahearne, a few near-sleepless nights have made it a bit easier for him to get jolted out of his work. A quick shake of the head to give himself a proper wake-up call, and off he shuffles to the front door.
He can already feel who's on the other side, but he still shoves a grin on his face once it swings open on it's well-oiled hinges. ]
Firstborn! [ heya nii-san ] Good morning! A chilly morning for a walk, innit?
[ Ignoring the fact it's the afternoon, he doesn't seem inclined to notice the faint, small red things scuttling over the outer walls of his house. Probably nothing. ]
waters u
It's past noon, Aglovan. [ His correction is a gentle one, almost with a tease.
This time, unlike his last visit, he doesn't seem intent on coming inside. ]
I came to check on you. Your projects must be occupying much of your time, but I want to make sure you're eating and sleeping properly as well.
[ A strange duty for a sylvari firstborn to have, now that there are no dragons or Nightmare Court to fight... Checking to make sure his little brother eats his veggies. ]
kya
...That being said, Aglovan's face does drop at the realization. Then he lets his head slowly turn as his gaze flickers up towards the sky and...yeah, the sun sure is that high. Welp. ]
...Whoops?
[ The laugh is light and nervous, in a 'caught in 4K' type way. ]
You don't need to do all that! I'm perfectly fine- [ A quick hand gestures that overshoots and nearly smacks into the doorframe, and thus into the odd red caterpillar-like creature crawling across it. ] Mostly, anyway. I do know my limits! But I appreciate the gesture, regardless.
[ Now, is it his fault he likes to push those limits? Totally not. But it's...odd, to have someone who isn't one of his normal household check on him. He is a grown man. Sylvari. Whichever. ]
:doki:
Come. Before we find ourselves trapped here.
[ No context! No prelude! Trahearne whirls on his heel and strides towards a bench on the opposite side of the street. At least he can put his coffee down there before the inevitable... ]
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He is...not expecting the abrupt order?? His features quickly twist to bewildered as Trahearne promptly turns, no context, no nothing, to strut to the other side of the street. Trapped?? Here?? This is his house??
Regardless, after a shaken moment, he does promptly close the door behind him (nearly squishing another in the process), and quickly takes after him, quietly adjusting a knob on his arm for the cold. Once he's back in proper speaking range, he does dare to ask- ]
What...exactly are we avoiding being trapped by?
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Trahearne reaches the bench on the far side and gently places the tray of drinks down. He can hear the faint cheering from the gumdrops as they approach. Fight! Fight! he hears the faint yelling, and internally, he sighs; while he's glad it's not the one that forces romantic interaction, why couldn't it have been the friendly ones? The ones that encourage hugs and positive feelings?
Well. Let's hope Aglovan hasn't totally dismantled his golem.
He stands, turns, and the bright red gumdrops have begun hovering closer, forming a ring around them. Trahearne simply lifts a hand and points to one just over Aglovan's shoulder. ]
Them.
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Sure enough, anyway. He didn't leave any of his half-finished traps lying around, did he? Hm.
Aglovan himself barely registers the faint whispers, the tone too positive it passes as the distant shouts of children in his brain, and it's only when Trahearne opts to point that he finally turns to give a bewildered stare.
Oh. Worm...
Or perhaps not? He takes a surprised step back at the en-masse gathering of...tiny caterpillars? And then the noise hits, a bit louder as they come closer, and his head snaps to Trahearne with a faint look of dawning horror. FIGHT??? ]
Er, wait, wait...what is these, exactly? They're not bein' serious, now, right?
[ Please say Sike. He could never...Niamh would be so disappointed... ]
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These are gumdrops. Fae-like creatures that come out during the winter. They demand certain types of dreamotion—some consume romantic energy, and others amicable energy.
[ Now the gumdrops have surrounded them both, their whispers about fighting now replacing the ambient buzz of the town around them. His brother's bewilderment and horror is understandable. He doesn't want to put a brother of his in harm, nor does he want to saddle him with the guilt of hurting an elder... Not that he minds the latter, really. ]
These ones demand hostile energy. I hope you're ready, Aglovan— [ He draws his scepter, and his torch, though readies neither yet. ] We will have to fight one another.
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for zhongli
Except now, for the first time in his life, Trahearne finds himself in a festive mood. The previous year found him on the slippery slope towards noctaeredom, but now, he's more at peace than he ever has been. And in the strangest twist, he even has a loved one he'd feel the need to celebrate and get a gift for. It's funny how things turn out. He would have never imagined himself here a year ago.
The idea of a gift for Zhongli came to him before they even began dating, back in the summer, and since Trahearne did not know when his birthday was (something to ask, at some point), he decided to hold onto it for Wintersday. And so, with the day here at last, the sylvari arrives at the archon's house with the present neatly wrapped and tucked under his arm, hopefully not drawing immediate attention to it.
After a moment of hesitation, Trahearne reaches to knock decisively and loudly on Zhongli's door. Open up!! ]
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[It's in the midst of these thoughts that Zhongli hears the knock on his door, and when he goes to open it, his expression brightens.]
Ah, Trahearne! What a pleasant surprise. Please, come in.
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Hmm. The little cynical part of him isn't sure he'll ever get used to this feeling, but he certainly likes it. ]
I hope I didn't interrupt anything important.
[ Because he'll gladly wait, if so.
However, one thing takes precedence. When he steps inside, he does not enter to the side, to venture further in the house; he steps towards Zhongli, right into his personal space, and beams down at him. ]
Merry Wintersday, Zhongli.
[ And that greeting is sealed with a little kiss. Hehe! ]
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[Though he's ready to usher Trahearne into his home, he's surprised by suddenly having a sylvari up in his personal space like this. He blinks in surprise, both at the greeting and at the kiss, but despite his shock he's quick to recover (if a little flustered).]
Goodness..! As pleased as I am with your affections, I admit I wasn't expecting quite a warm welcome.
[Is that pink on his cheeks? It just might be!]
Wintersday? I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the term...
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With a little smile and a chuckle, Trahearne steps past Zhongli and into the house, eyes briefly scanning the room as he speaks. ]
It's a Tyrian holiday, so that doesn't surprise me.
[ He turns to face him again. This time, the wrapped gift more obvious in his arms. ]
Many people come together in the dead of winter to celebrate with lights, gifts, and food. I've personally never celebrated it much in my life, but... [ He looks down at the hefty present in his arms, then after a thoughtful pause, he holds it out to Zhongli. ] I think I would like to celebrate it with you.
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[Listening to Trahearne explain, he now understands his boyfriend's enthusiasm. Ah, that would explain the gift... which looks quite large.]
I would be honoured to celebrate with you. However, I'm afraid I don't have a gift to give you in return... At least, not one on such a grand scale as this.
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[ He looks at the wrapped gift in his hands, contemplates it for a moment, then hands it to Zhongli. ]
I want you to have this.
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[Zhongli takes the gift in hand, looking it over curiously.]
Thank you for this gift. Though it is unnecessary to feel an obligation to give me gifts, I am eager to see what it is you have picked out for me.
[And he begins to open it!]
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Good to wrap?
for hu tao
Since their conversation over the journal, the sylvari has alerted his staff to the possible arrival of his new acquaintance (...boss-in-law? no, they're not married (yet)—), so that he will know when she arrives, regardless of what he might be up to in the moment. Knowing who is in Zhongli's life is important to him, both so he may widen his own social circle, and so that he may get to know Zhongli better.
On this particular day, luckily for Hu Tao, Trahearne is spending most of his time sorting books and putting them away in their proper spot in the main room of the archives. Though he may be occupied, he isn't particularly busy. It's the perfect chance to bother him. ]
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As she stepped inside, she tilted her head to the side in search of the mysterious person.]
Hello? Is anyone there?
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[ Trahearne turns, mid-reach to a shelf. He quickly puts the book away, puts the rest of the stack precariously balanced on the ladder onto a nearby table, and brushes the dust from his hands. He greets the stranger with a smile, head tilted curiously as he studies her.
He has no idea what Hu Tao is supposed to look like, so he has still no idea that he's actually talking to her at the moment. ]
Can I help you?
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[She said before giving a dramatic sigh. As she walked closer, she narrowed her eyes before leaning closer. Indeed, that was not the introduction she was expecting! Not that she was being serious but....]
Don't you remember? It's me, Hu Tao! [All the while waving an oddly and yet wined shaped packaged.]
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But when she gives her name, Trahearne immediately brightens. His posture relaxes as his brain switches away from work mode. So this is his partner's boss, hm? With a smile on his face, he peers down at her to study her briefly. ]
Hu Tao! I apologise for my lack of manners; I'm glad you came. [ He holds out a hand for her to shake. ] Welcome.
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[As she got closer inside, that's when she handed the oddly shaped package that looks like a wine bottle.]
And this is for you! I do believe that you and Zhongli would enjoy this rather well. I know he is someone who does enjoy a fine bottle once in a while.
[Because there's nothing like her hearing him say it over and over again.]
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Oh, thank you. This is very kind of you. I'll be sure to share it with him, of course.
[ He doesn't unwrap it right away. Instead, he'll place it on a nearby table, then turn back to Hu Tao with a smile. ]
How long as Zhongli been working for you?
[ Because this is the most important question-- ]
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[Which wasn't all that long ago. To think, he joined right before her grandfather's death and helped her through the grieving process. Now, here he was, helping her through the parlor despite their differences.
Was it luck that he was willing to do such a thing? Perhaps but....]
...It still doesn't stop that I have to pay for some of his expenses at times.
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