To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

The offices of the M'hael, Amyrlin Seat, Master of Arms, Keeper and the MoNSTers
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Lugh
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To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Lugh » April 18th, 2018, 10:43 pm

Maryn Dagonred
Maryn stepped through the Gateway, following the stream of travellers from Cairhien as the merchants and peddlers delivered their wares to the Grey Tower. A few of the travellers were clearly overwhelmed by the noise and bustle of the area, however they were soon guided to their destination by young men and women in uniform.

Maryn marched along with the flow, his only possessions a small letter from the Ashaman who had tested him, and a coin purse that contained his uncles parting gift. How fast his tune changed when he heard I could learn to channel; overnight from cast off clothing to being offered the carriage and house colours writ large on my body Maryn sneered to himself as he kept hold on his purse. He had read much of the Grey Tower as a child in his sickbeds, so he was familiar with much of the layout from maps he had read. This was also the reason he carried so little, he knew the Grey Tower would provide clothing and a room, and if he failed to learn here he had little reason to return home.

Stopping, he was suddenly seized with a cough, the force of which shook his whole thin frame. His thin hands clutched at the post nearby as he kept his balance. Finally the cough ended with a snarling expression of anger from Maryn as he waved away the hawking would be helpers. Their hurt and surprise ignored with long practiced callousness, Maryn continued to the Grey Tower’s entrance.

The towering edifice of glass and stone was truly amazing, the paintings and sketches having scarcely done it justice. This is what could be accomplished with the One Power, and eager minds to bend it to task. Determined to begin, Maryn made his way to the entrance, enquiring as to the current Master of Soldiers. After thanking the Dedicated on duty, Maryn made his way to the office.
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Sunny
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PC: Jaryd Kosari
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TC: Finn
QC: Owen Andarin

Re: To begin anew (Attn:MoS)

Post by Sunny » April 18th, 2018, 11:31 pm

Jaryd Kosari
Jaryd scanned the paper on his desk for errors. Finding none, he dipped his pen and scrawled his name across the bottom. A flow of Fire made quick work of the sealing wax; soon enough a prowling tomcat stared up at him from a cooling crimson pool. Then he went onto the next, humming a tuneless melody beneath his breath and absently sipping from the mug of tea Jaren had given him that morning.

He had lost track of how many years he had worked in that study with its many shelves and cabinets, stands with curiosities he had collected on his travels, books and papers scattered on nearly every other surface, and the enormous bay window that looked out over the city from behind curtains as red as his clothes. The decor might seem ostentatious at first glance, but a second look would tell another story. The books had seen a great deal of love, the drapery had a groove worn into the thick velvet after years of use, and there were soot marks on the walls above the lamps. There was a spot on his desk rubbed smooth and shiny after writing thousands of reports, and the upholstery on the chair he occupied, as well as the one facing his desk, had surely seen better days.

It was a comfortable place, and he loved being there, even when his students did decide to behave like actual children. For example, the boy Owen. How many more times can I assign him penance before I have to send him home? Not a good thing to contemplate at the best of times; Jaryd squinted at the latest report of mischief making and tried not to sigh.

Thankfully someone knocked on his door and interrupted that particular line of thought. The Altaran called “come in” and took a sip from his cup as the door opened. The man who came in was sickly and pale, only a little taller than Jaryd himself. At a glance he looked Cairhienin. “Greetings,” Jaryd said with affable calm, setting the mug aside and sitting up straight. “I am Jaryd Kosari, the Master of Soldiers. I assume you wish to speak to me about studying here?”

The other nodded, and Jaryd’s long fingers flickered as he gestured to the chair facing him. “Please, have a seat. Tell me a little about yourself.”
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Lugh
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Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Lugh » April 19th, 2018, 2:38 am

Maryn Maryn steeled his nerves and knocked on the door once he had caught his breath. The scope of the Grey Tower was one thing on page, in person it was awe inspiring, and time consuming as he had made a wrong turn or two on his way to this door.

A strong voice called “come in” and Maryn entered to find the Master of Soldiers himself. Greetings,” Jaryd said with affable calm, setting the mug aside and sitting up straight. “I am Jaryd Kosari, the Master of Soldiers. I assume you wish to speak to me about studying here?”

Collecting his thoughts, Maryn nodded as he took a moment to consider the man before him. Jaryd’s long fingers flickered as he gestured to the chair facing him. “Please, have a seat. Tell me a little about yourself.”

Schooling his face to the stillness many nobles adopted, Maryn looked around the room while he collected his thoughts. It was clear that the office had become a reflection of the many before him, his eyes noted the odd spacing of some items and other tell tale signs. He had been a minor player at best, but his father had insisted that his skills in the Game of Houses be sharp. The books were read, not a collection to impress but a mirror of the knowledge the man possessed, and as Maryn noted several familiar authors he was impressed. A noble estate worth of wealth lies on the bookshelves here he thought impressed, then flushed as he caught the Master of Soldiers watching him, a knowing look in his eyes.

“Apologies Master, old habits are hard to break. I am used to looking hard at the surface appearance of things,” Maryn offered an apology as he shifted a little in the seat to grow a little more comfortable.

Maryn folded his hands in his lap, his mouth chewing his lips as he debated exactly how to word his answer. “Yes I hope to study here, I was able to partake in testing one day while a Grey Tower Ashaman was at Court in Cairhien. He told me that I had the ability to learn, that I could be taught to channel; and this excited both myself and my family. I am of House Dagonred, but I assure you it is no accident that I appear before you in cloth and serviceable, if soft leather,” Maryn paused there as he gestured towards the boots and tunic he wore.
“I was born with troubled breathing, a symptom my father told me of the illness that claimed my mother during my birth. I was loath to admit this, but the Ashaman who tested me warned me of the strain to life here, and that it would not long remain a secret. I pen well, and have spent many eveneings readying about the Grey Tower, and it’s powerful inhabitants. The discovery of my possible connection to the One Power has opened doors I had not thought possible, and I am here to learn and serve,” Maryn stated emphatically as he leaned forward in his excitement.
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Sunny
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Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Sunny » April 22nd, 2018, 5:14 pm

Jaryd
Jaryd watched the stranger examine his room. It wasn’t an extended thing, just a flick of the eyes that took in every detail and filed it away, but Jaryd had seen it too often not to recognize the effort. The explanation took him by surprise, however; most would not admit to what they had done, Cairhienin least of all. Except Katrie. She would, and then ask a thousand questions. That brought a slight smile to his face.

The rest of the man’s story fit well with dozens of others before him on one way or another. As he spoke, Jaryd took quick notes on a new sheet of paper, piecing facts together at a rapid pace. “You’re a Dagonred,” he mused at the end, skimming what he knew of that House. There were only two he could think of in that House who fit the ailments listed, and one of those was missing a finger. “You would be Maryn, then,” he mused. “No threat to the High Seat, but good at figures.”

The younger man nodded as if he expected no less of an Asha’man. Jaryd pursed his lips and sat back in his chair, slender fingers toying with his pen as he observed his new student. “Well then, Maryn, welcome to the Grey Tower. You will find life here is quite different from what you are used to. More demanding,yes, but proportionally more rewarding. I will work with your instructors and supervisors to ensure that you are challenged to improve without endangering your wellbeing.”

Jaryd glanced down at his notes thoughtfully. “Once you sign this book you will become a child of the Grey Tower. Your clothing will be burned and replaced with our uniform, and your personal effects will be put into storage for the duration of your training. You may not leave the grounds again without Aes Sedai or Asha’man escort until you have become one of the Dedicated, and then you are limited to the city of Hama Valon until you have earned your cords. As one of our learning ranks you will be expected to adhere to our rules at all times, attend a predefined curriculum of classes, and perform a series of other duties -chores- that I will give you. Failing to meet these expectations will have consequences in the form of assigned penances. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will be able to complete your training; there are many factors, some of which cannot be foreseen.”

He smiled slightly. “Despite that last bit, I give you my word that I will do everything I can to ensure that you will, one day, be Asha’man. I also give you my word that although I am not bound by the Oaths, I will never intentionally lie to you. I have yet to find any benefit in dishonesty with my students.”

The Red had tugged the book of initiates toward him as he spoke; now he opened it to the relevant section, found a blank page, and jotted down the relevant details of Maryn’s identity there. “If you have questions, ask them now. If you agree to the terms, then sign here.” He passed the pen to the new soldier. When he pointed to the specific line, the horrible scars that marred his fingers were put on clear display. Jaryd fought the still-instinctual urge to hide them away, instead waiting with careful attention for Maryn’s response.
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False alarm- there's still a song for me; I'm just about around to sing it
There's still a chance for me...and I'm still here singing.

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Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Lugh » April 23rd, 2018, 6:37 pm

Maryn
Maryn watched as the Ashaman before him listened to his answers, making crisp concise notations on a few sheets of paper that currently covered the desk between them. After he finished he was not surprised to see the man bring forth his name, what impressed him was that he recalled such a fact without needing to glance at his notes or files. This is a sharp man, one not to cross or anger I bet. Better keep the lemon out of my tone as father would say, Maryn thought to himself as he listened to the Ashaman’s words.

Jaryd pursed his lips and sat back in his chair, slender fingers toying with his pen as he observed his new student. “Well then, Maryn, welcome to the Grey Tower. You will find life here is quite different from what you are used to. More demanding,yes, but proportionally more rewarding. I will work with your instructors and supervisors to ensure that you are challenged to improve without endangering your wellbeing.”

At the expression of concern for his well being, Maryn cursed the slight frame and sallow features that made him often seem sickly and feeble. Still he knew the reputation of the Grey Tower, had read of many of the fine men it produced. The Ashaman of the Grey Tower would not be so widely regarded if they treated their men like fodder. Not like the Black Tower, rumours fly of that place, Maryn thought to himself as he swallowed his pride and kept his tone even.

“Thank you Ashaman, I will take any aide that can be offered, I have a tea that helps many of the worst ills. I will abide by any chores given, and if I must be kept indoors, I am of scholarly mind and well written,” Maryn mentioned, glad of his noble upbringing and the useful tools it had afforded him.

“Once you sign this book you will become a child of the Grey Tower. Your clothing will be burned and replaced with our uniform, and your personal effects will be put into storage for the duration of your training. You may not leave the grounds again without Aes Sedai or Asha’man escort until you have become one of the Dedicated, and then you are limited to the city of Hama Valon until you have earned your cords. As one of our learning ranks you will be expected to adhere to our rules at all times, attend a predefined curriculum of classes, and perform a series of other duties -chores- that I will give you. Failing to meet these expectations will have consequences in the form of assigned penances. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that you will be able to complete your training; there are many factors, some of which cannot be foreseen.”

Jaryd smiled slightly. “Despite that last bit, I give you my word that I will do everything I can to ensure that you will, one day, be Asha’man. I also give you my word that although I am not bound by the Oaths, I will never intentionally lie to you. I have yet to find any benefit in dishonesty with my students.”

Maryn could scarcely believe his good fortune, he knew some of what the Ashaman said was a well intentioned warning; meant to deter those who would not possess the mettle to truly learn here. He knew chores would be expected, and that he would perform any task no matter how menial. To be given the key to unlock channeling was worth such a price and more.

The Red had tugged the book of initiates toward him as he spoke; now he opened it to the relevant section, found a blank page, and jotted down the relevant details of Maryn’s identity there. “If you have questions, ask them now. If you agree to the terms, then sign here.” He passed the pen to the new soldier. When he pointed to the specific line, the horrible scars that marred his fingers were put on clear display.

Maryn tapped his fingers in thought as he considered what questions he might ask; and as such was completely surprised by the wicked scars on the Ashaman’s hands. His fingers ceased their tapping and his mouth hung open for a moment before he clamped it shut to keep from blurting out the questions that threatened to boil out of him. This man knows about paying a price for power as well .

“I can think of a few questions for the Master of Soldiers. I have heard it said that the Grey Tower treats each of the three paths as equal. The Waters are represented at each level here, and I find myself wondering if that runs true for all? Also, is it true that Ajah and Tower become more important to many Ashaman than blood familly?” Maryn asked as he kept the eagerness out of his voice. He had no intention of becoming a tool for some trumped up cousin, and other than his father’s well being he had little concern for the fate of House Dagonred, beyond the resources it might provide him.
As Jaryd, the Master of Soldiers stressed the importance of all three being equal, and the commitment Soldiers were supposed to show that ideal, Maryn found himself relaxing. He had worried that perhaps the stories of this place were exaggerations, and he found the idea of a brotherhood larger than family or House exhilarating.

“Thank you for the frank answers. I will sign the book and begin,” Maryn stated as he took the offered quill and deftly made his mark on the line.
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Sunny
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PC: Jaryd Kosari
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QC: Owen Andarin

Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Sunny » May 3rd, 2018, 6:10 am

Jaryd
Jaryd listened to Maryn’s questions with thoughtful attention, a slight smile playing at the corner of his mouth. Family is important to you, is it? With what he knew of House Dagonred, he wasn’t terribly surprised that Maryn would be eager to find a replacement. When the questions faded off, Jaryd leaned back in his chair, considering each carefully before responding.

“There is a little more pressure on channelers because their lives depend on successfully completing their training,” he said. “Plus, once they have completed it they will live for many years longer than non-channelers. However, just because they have an imperative to learn does not mean they are better than those who come here to become Gaidin, and we make sure all our students understand that. To a degree, this is why both channelers and trainees have two tiers of learning before achieving their title; it’s a very effective tool to maintain the subconscious understanding that they are equal.

“The equality does not stop once you become Gaidin. They are represented in the Hall the same as the Ajahs, and the Master of Arms is on equal footing with the Amyrlin and M’Hael. That is something neither the Black Tower nor the White can fathom.”

He ran his hand through his hair. “As for your last question...It is safe to say that no matter what approach you take to living here, by the time you achieve your dragon pin the Grey Tower will be your home. As a channeler you will choose an Ajah and pledge your loyalty to the Grey Tower. For many of my Brothers and Sisters the purpose foudn in those two acts is enough to replace the family they left behind. Others choose to pursue those goals while maintaining ties to their homeland, but that can be bittersweet. Channelers live for centuries, so you would certainly live to see many younger generations grow old and pass while you live on. Still other Asha’man find partners here, have children, and find joy in building their own families.”

Maryn seemed comforted by that; when he reached for the pen, Jaryd let him take it without hesitation. Once his signature was recorded the Red turned the book back to face him, then closed it and began to tell Maryn about being a soldier: that what he was currently wearing would be burned and that his valuable possessions would be stored. What to wear, how to behave, where and when he would sleep, and when he would get his class schedule and chore roster.

Once Jaryd was certain Maryn understood all the details, the Asha’man went to the door and peeked out. “We have a new soldier. You know the routine,” he said to the man sitting outside. Then he turned back to Maryn. “May our visits together be this pleasant every time,” he said with a smile. “Welcome to the Grey Tower, soldier Maryn.”
OOC: If you want to keep writing, I can have Owen be the one waiting outside. Just let me know!
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False alarm- there's still a song for me; I'm just about around to sing it
There's still a chance for me...and I'm still here singing.

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Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Lugh » May 3rd, 2018, 6:49 pm

Maryn
Maryn found himself both excited and reassured by Jaryd’s answers. The Master of Soldiers was clearly used to answering the questions of those who would add their names to the Roster, and he was glad his questions had not raised ridicule.

He was surprised to here that the M’hael, Amyrlin and Master of Arms all stood on equal footing; it showed a level of commitment to the Tower that would be unthinkable in the quagmire of House politics. “That is probably why the White Tower sits upon rubble, and the stories of the Black Tower grow worse in each telling,” Maryn mentioned to Jaryd as an aside, and to show he was considering the Ashaman’s words.

He had known little of the martial world at their estate, there had been guards of course, but they had little time for a scholarly, spindly nephew. Perhaps here he would have to make a point of meeting some of the other learning ranks.

Jaryd listened to his replies, answering a few simple questions, before he ran his hand through his hair. “As for your last question...It is safe to say that no matter what approach you take to living here, by the time you achieve your dragon pin the Grey Tower will be your home. As a channeler you will choose an Ajah and pledge your loyalty to the Grey Tower. For many of my Brothers and Sisters the purpose foudn in those two acts is enough to replace the family they left behind. Others choose to pursue those goals while maintaining ties to their homeland, but that can be bittersweet. Channelers live for centuries, so you would certainly live to see many younger generations grow old and pass while you live on. Still other Asha’man find partners here, have children, and find joy in building their own families.”

Maryn was glad to here that there were a myriad of paths open to him, and he was excited when he reached for the pen, Once his signature was recorded the Red Ashaman turned the book back to face him, then closed it and began to tell Maryn about being a soldier: that what he was currently wearing would be burned and that his valuable possessions would be stored. What to wear, how to behave, where and when he would sleep, and when he would get his class schedule and chore roster.

Once Jaryd was certain Maryn understood all the details, the Asha’man went to the door and peeked out. “We have a new soldier. You know the routine,” he said to the man sitting outside. Then he turned back to Maryn. “May our visits together be this pleasant every time,” he said with a smile. “Welcome to the Grey Tower, soldier Maryn.”

“Thank you Jaryd Ashaman, I look forward to any additional meetings. It seems like my days are going to be suddenly quite full,” Maryn mentioned wryly with a nod to the schedule that filled a sheet of good paper. With that said, he stood and bowed before taking his leave out the door.

Just outside was another young Soldier, a runner most likely and Maryn was glad that someone was available to help lead the way. “Good morning, Maryn Dagonred, newly minted and pleased to meet you,” Maryn said as he juggled a few papers to present his hand for a greeting.

OOC: Sure we can keep posting up with Owen.
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Sunny
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Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Sunny » May 4th, 2018, 12:34 am

Owen Andarin
Others might find the task of being the Master of Soldiers’ errand runner to be onerous, but Owen welcomed those days. Jaryd and Maever had solved his Alec-shaped problem and brought peace back to his life. For that he would wait around for days if it pleased either of them...and as it happened, Jaryd didn’t mind if Owen sketched or composed while he warmed the bench outside the man’s study.

Today Owen was working in his sketchbook, but he worked with a fine piece of graphite and (occasionally) a ruler rather than his normal rapid charcoal drawings. The page in front of him was covered in diagrams and measurements, cramped notes filling every available space. He was planning a gift...a very particular one. He smiled as he worked, and hummed, and imagined the smile he might get in return for his work.

The door opened and the soldier jumped to his feet, setting the book aside. “Yes, sir,” he said respectfully upon receiving his instructions. His gaze shifted to greet the man he had shown in a short while prior. “Owen Andarin, also a soldier,” he responded cheerfully to the other’s introduction. Jaryd nodded approval then and disappeared back into his study. “You made it then? That’s excellent. Can I see that schedule?”

Owen nipped the paper out of the other’s hands before he could respond, and scanned it quickly. “Ah, I know where you’re staying. We’ll get rid of your home stuff first, then we can go there and get you settled,” he said companionably. Owen handed the paper back to Maryn, then walked across the hall to get his book.

“What do you think so far? Anything you want to know that you didn’t want to ask Curly Top back there?” he asked.
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False alarm- there's still a song for me; I'm just about around to sing it
There's still a chance for me...and I'm still here singing.

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Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Lugh » May 4th, 2018, 3:33 am

Maryn Maryn considered the other Soldier standing with him, wondering how someone so relatively young was attending the Master of Soldiers. Still there was little reason to weigh a peer on mental scales his first day here.

“Owen Andarin, also a soldier,” he responded cheerfully to the other’s introduction. Jaryd nodded approval then and disappeared back into his study. “You made it then? That’s excellent. Can I see that schedule?”

Owen nipped the paper out of the Maryn’s hands before he could respond, and scanned it quickly. “Ah, I know where you’re staying. We’ll get rid of your home stuff first, then we can go there and get you settled,” Owen said companionably. Owen handed the paper back to Maryn, then walked across the hall to get his book.

“What do you think so far? Anything you want to know that you didn’t want to ask Curly Top back there?” Owen asked.

I think I’ve been saddled with a hummingbird Maryn thought to himself as he folded the paper carefully, tucking it in a pocket. “Thank you Owen, lead the way,” he replied as he fell in with the other Soldier.

“I haven’t made it yet, first I need to actually manage to channel. After that I’ll feel a little more settled. And Jaryd Ashaman,” Maryn said with a pause as he could not fathom calling a superior Curly Top, “Was kind enough to explain a lot of the expectations and rules.”

“But I would wager that there are better places to rest, study and avoid the constant press of people. I had little chance to explore at my homfe estate and with all the wonders here I look forward to exploring,” Maryn walked beside Owen as he chatted about teachers and lessons. Eventually he spotted the book in Owens hands. “Is that for class? I had not thought to find much art here,” he asked as he noted the smudges of charcoal on Owen’s hands.
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Sunny
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Posts: 3757
Joined: July 18th, 2014, 3:23 am
PC: Jaryd Kosari
SC: Dakson Torellion
TC: Finn
QC: Owen Andarin

Re: To begin anew (Attn:Sunny)

Post by Sunny » May 16th, 2018, 1:43 am

Owen
Owen took the lead without pause, though after a moment he did shorten his stride to match his companion’s. Sometimes it felt as if his legs grew an inch every night, and their length was never more apparent than walking with someone of significantly different height.

“There’s plenty to explore here, certainly. I’ve been here...oh I don’t know how long now, it sort of stops mattering. Anyway, I still find new places sometimes.” He eyed their surroundings as they walked. He took in the high ceilings, marble floors, sculptures, tapestries, and other decorations as he had as a newcomer. It was amazing how quickly it had all become normal. The dreary manor he had grown up in had never seemed so far away or insignificant.

His attention turned to his sketchbook at the inquiry, his fingers caressing the leather binding with gentle care. “Not many are interested in the finer pursuits here,” he agreed, “but I’ve found one or two. Right now I’m drafting plans for a bittern I want to make for Asha’man Maever. I’m not sure where I’ll get the wood, but I’ll figure it out.” The utter respect in his voice when he spoke Maever’s name could not be mistaken, though Owen himself remained oblivious.

“What did you do at home?” He asked as they passed through an arched door to the outdoors. “Oh, the soldiers live in a separate building to the south,” he interrupted himself to explain to Maryn. “Anyway, do you think you’ll keep doing the same stuff here, or branch off some other direction?”
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False alarm- there's still a song for me; I'm just about around to sing it
There's still a chance for me...and I'm still here singing.

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