Post by Platinum on Jun 16, 2010 0:29:07 GMT -5
Following her nose in the direction of the scent that had captured her attention, she didn't even bother to act cautious as she approached the land that reeked of a pride's smell, bitch was too cocky, too sure of setting the perfect impression on these newbies. Grinning a smirk fit for the Cheshire cat itself, clear mockery warped her face in every way possible as she made her way towards the den that seemed to be the center of where the scent emanated. Skull whipped around, eyes scanning the area for the producers to the aroma while her stance remained superior, eyes flickering in curiosity. "'Lo? Anyone home?"
Platinum cocked his head back, youth of the saber's metallic eyes would flash. A female has felt bold enough to enter his den. With a snarl he rose and strolled to meet her, cold gaze seemed rather edgy today, "Quite bold of you, to be entering a tribe land without even considering the risks," he chided. No threats were made, just a blunt statement. Older, yet shorter by a few inches, Platinum eyed her, "Can I help you," he said, not asked. Voice gruff, S's are soft due to the large tusks protruding down from the jowls.
Ears swiveled atop crown like minuscule satellites, detecting audible sounds in the background that definitely told her someone was approaching her. Face drained of a emotion, bitch preferred to appear solid, like a brick wall, to others so she would be a mystery to figure out. The only emotion she would ever show would be that infamous smirk that always remained upon leathery visage. The male that made his way towards her was fairly brute-like, even though he was a bit smaller than Zae was. Chortling at her size advantage, she stared at him, disgust now edging her grin out of the way. Fangs poked from beneath her lips, a bit of a show to the male tat she would not shy away from a good brawl. Sighing as he threw such cliche questions at her, she rolled her eyes, claws grappling the grassy terrain under er massive paws. "Could you help me.. Hmhm. You just did, honestly." Shrugging her shoulders back to release any found tension, she shifted her position so that she was sitting upon her rump. She felt at ease, and she was not about to show this beastie that had manifested out of complete no where that she was a weakling and easily spooked. "You're a leader of a pride, aren't you? I can tell, your disgusting scent engulfs the whole area." Letting gaze dance from place to place, observing the vast area surrounding her, she huffed silently, a little bit irritated with the fact that her former pride was a big pile of fail.. and his was apparently thriving by the smell of it.
Platinum sneered, "And I can tell by those loud vocals that you think highly of yourself, however you have nothing. This is why you came to me." He remained standing, "What do you want, to join my ranks? What use would I have for an arrogant female of yourself who can't even show respect to the King?" he scoffed. Young he may be, but Hitrost has trained him well. With a flex of his whiskers he narrowed his eyes, "Quit the high pedestal act, you'll get nowhere." he said. His temper was level, is tone was firm but not hot. Hit would be proud. The saber stood a moment, not willing to turn his back on her, for if she was as egotistical as she portrayed herself to be, she'd use that to challenge him. So, he waited. Wondering if Hitrost' was listening in on this gal.
Zaezy. Wench choked back a snicker as the behemoth began speak to her as if she was a piece of trash or something. Arrogance, the piece of the feline that had molded together the bitch she was today; she got that a lot. That had always been her mindset; to prove to others that she possessed confidence, even if that meant overflowing with it. Limbs lifted female so that she resumed her standing position, propelling wench so that she encircled the creature like the male before her was a piece of meat. Though, she did not intend to perform violent actions, and in all honesty she was hoping to become a recruit to his "pride". "Maybe I do, hm? And I'm not afraid to admit to being arrogant, either." She ceased her saunter, stopping before him, regaining her sitting position. She faked a smile, hoping it appeared as genuine as she thought it would. Forcing herself to not make anymore rude remarks, she waited for his retaliation before performing anymore actions that could be risky. If he were to insult the self-proclaimed queenie, she would continue to be rude and unwelcoming.
Hitrost' laughed heartily from where he lay, on a thick branch of a dead tree, his favorite tree. He'd been watching the scene unfold, to see how his young trustee did without his overseer standing beside him, he was quite proud of how Plat handled this newcomer, however he knew that she'd need handling that the pale saber wouldn't be able to provide, at least not alone. He lifted his head and spoke just in an even, cool tone. "You've found yourself a сука(bitch) haven't you, my king?" He contemplated hopping down in order to confront this haughty wench face-to-face, in order to be more riling, but decided to maintain his highground advantage. His attention now on said wench: "We have much use for the strong and able, not much for the arrogant and stupid. There are few reasons you could be here, but I'd wager you're looking to join, but despite how большой (perfect) you think you are, I, and also my companion, will not fall into your plays." He smirked, utterly calm despite the females attempts to rile, he only hoped Platinum would also maintain his cool.
Platinum flicked his ears, He'll never understand how a crossbreed could be so self noble. He wasn't intimidated, but getting a tad irritated- he was getting bored of this game she was playing. The chiming of his spotted friend above him soothed his nerves, "Yes it seems I have." he replied to Hit's question, whether it was rhetorical or not. Cerulean ears perked and he scanned her over once more, calling up to Hit, "Don't know about you, but I see no use for this self appointed princess. Maybe we should wake up Undomesticated and see that she leaves," Ivory bicuspids flashed in a horrible grin, "She is rather intimidating, I wonder what she'll be like in the morning mood?" He sneered at her. He would never wake the monster of a saber, his bluff was hollow, but she'd never know that. The amazing thing with Platinum is he's a brilliant liar, "What shall we do, Hitrost'?" he asked, Chrome stare not leaving hers, growing serious, "I don't need jarheads reeking of egos running around," He explained. He remained collected and calm, but his stance told her that there really was no need for her if she was just going to be a little shit about herself. He'd give her a bi longer to prove her worth. If she passed, he'd let her stay until morning for the rest of the tribe to meet her and decide. If she fails... He will warn her to leave, or he'll have Undomestic make her the monster's prey. now his bluff wasn't appearing so empty anymore.
Zaezy. Gaze remained fixed on the brute before her, who apparently showed extreme loathing towards her, which, didn't bother her in the least bit, because she could count off a few who shared the same trait with this.. King. Nostrils flared, inhaling deeply the scent of another who had sprung from the shadows to greet her with equal hatred that the king so proudly possessed. Speaking in a foreign tongue, she didn't need to know the language to propose that he was insulting her. Flicking her stump of a tail in annoyance, for she wanted to know what he had dubbed her, she quirked a brow at his assumption of her being idiotic. Clicking her tongue in disapproval of his attitude, a glare glazed over blue eyes, staring him right in the eye to confront him. "You judge me and don't even know me? I am not stupid. Thank you. I don't need your two cents, either. This one here has told me enough of what he thinks I am." She nodded in the snow-colored mae's direction, turning back towards him as he responded to his comrade. Nothing took an interest on the bitch, until she happened to pick up one of his recruit's callings; Undomesticated. Forelimb extended, pounding the ground beneath her as she gave a soft chuckle at his threat. "Pfft. I don't believe Undom would harm her former superior." She grinned, composure hardening again so that she appeared serious once again. "I don't mind what you two think of me, honestly. Sorry to disappoint you." She flashed another smile, oozing the hilarity of it all. So.. after disbanding her pride, she managed to meet up with her former gladiator again. Now wouldn't that be ironic if her lost brother happened to reign here as well.
Hitrost' couldn't help but laugh this time, his heavy Russian laugh. "I know you, I know you well. Your kind isn't difficult to read. As for not being stupid. You walk, alone mind you, deep into another's prideland, disregard the markings, are oblivious to the pawprints, many of which are comparable to yours and don't assess a situation, hence why I was undetected before I spoke, before you approach a strange cat who may or may not pose a threat to you? ребенок (child), walking into steep disadvantages on account of your own hubris is the definition of stupidity!" He leaned towards Platinum. "Don't bother Undom, you and I could take one like this with our eyes close and our paws caught in the thistles. Besides, from that spark of recognition, I wouldn't do this one the favor of showing her a familiar face."
Platinum knew Hitrost' had lost his temper, which was expected, but he had just confirmed the point Platinum made before. With a dismissive toss of his paw he scoffed, "Leave," he said. This was unusual, normally Hitrost' getting all flustered about a possible squab would get him spitting and bristling, "Get off my turf, you have 'till sunrise. If I detect you here again, I'll see that you're chased off, and I assure you that's not pretty." He turned and took a step closer, "And I remind you; Undomesticated is not under your rule any longer." He turned and sprang up the rocks above his den, not quite gracefully but not clumsily, "Unless you prove me otherwise- you are of no use to my tribe." He stated calmly.
Zaezy. Biting the side of her lower lip as she began to lose her patience with the newest member to this conflict, she couldn't help but be utterly confused with this complete idiotic figure. He had the audacity to call her stupid, and say he knew her, while mentioning the self-proclaimed fact that he could beat her with his eyes closed? How ironic- and the beast called her arrogant, eh? Emotions were clearly evident now, she was getting pissed off with this King's subordinate and his accusations. "I don't call that stupidity, hon, I call it being intrigued. I haven't seen anyone for months, I believe I would do that, yes." She ignored the male for now, interest in the creature spiraling down to a minimum. The king's words now to shun her from the lands or impress him was all that she was interested in at the moment. Sighing, she rolled her eyes and found it high time to change her attitude, for it was in her best interest to join this group. "Ok." She breathed deeply, relaxing her defensive stance as she stared at the brute before her and stood. "I could 'prove' myself, if you want me to. But you obviously don't." Wench bit her tongue, brain demanding her not to use that hideous tone she had given to these two earlier. "No, you don't know me. First impressions can be a bitch. But normally, it's just senseless bravado, know what I'm saying?" She paused, rage that had previously bubbled within her chest cavity had settled a bit, but another rude remark from either could ignite the flame again. True, bitch was bipolar, and this was a great way to show it. She didn't plan on leaving now, for she felt that she would have her way sooner or later.
Hitrost' returned to his calm demeanor. "Don't be so quick to dismiss me." Sensing the change in her demeanor, he knew there was little risk of physical confrontation, so he risked hopping down to speak to the wench directly. He landed with a soft thud as his thick paws met the ground and trotted up to the female, in defiance of the obvious size difference, he looked her straight in the eye, his face a look of condescension, and spoke only loud enough for both of them to hear. "Your entry into the tribe may only be determined by the king, but I weigh heavily on the decision, and even if he should decide to keep you, once you're in, I'm the one who will decide what happens to you while you're in the tribe, understand?" He turned his back to her, and trotted briskly back to sit beside Platinum. He then re-addressed his prior audience, speaking in a tone that one uses to reprimand a cub that has done wrong. "Very well, change our minds, we're willing to see what you have to 'prove...' Also, don't bite your tongue, it makes it difficult to understand what you're saying." He silently hoped that his statements would rile the female enough for her to make a scene and have Platinum oust her then and there, if not, he'd have his way in due time...
Platinum coiled his head over his shoulders. She was stubborn, in a way that is good. However, that spitfire of a temper and self riotousness could prove hazardous to the new forming tribe. He disregarded what Hitrost' had just done and looked at her, "I give you till the half moon." he stated. "Once the moon has reached it's mark and you have not proven yourself useful, you will be seen out," he glanced at Hitrost' silently telling him he will be the one doing so, "But in the mean time, you'll be working under Hawkstorm's rank as an apprentice. She'll see if you're fit enough to be a huntress. I warn you she's a lot less forgiving then I am," with that he rested his head on his paws, "She's in the den now, but I believe she's sleeping. Like all of us should be," he commented, a lazy yawn confirming his words. The mutt will have her way for now. But with hawk and hit both watching her; she wont get away with anything.
Zaezy. Satisfied with the calm composure she currently portrayed, she flicked her stump of a tail around while she awaited their response to her abrupt mood-swing. Attention remained on the superior though it had been audible that the other male was making his way towards her to confront her personally. Gaze locked firmly with his defiant one, hint of a smirk visible upon leathery visage as he blocked her view of the king and quietly spoke his piece. Snickering to herself as he sulked off towards the cavern she flexed her digits, adrenaline sluggishly pumped through steel veins at the intensity of the hatred between herself and the second-in-command, apparently. Gaze trailed after him as he sunk back into the shadows, wishing she could have at least traced her claws down his back to draw her new rival's blood. Ears flickered as the King's voice echoed around the enclave entrance again, taking in everything he said so she could prepare herself. A test, eh? Perfect. Nodding to show she could comprehend everything he said, she turned her back towards them, leaping upon her toes in an unknown direction. She would prove herself worthy and make the duo regret saying everything they did.. of her worthlessness. She was fit for a role of leadership and that is what she wished to obtain.. even if it was superiority over one specialty of the pride. She would not sleep on the pridelands tonight, for she felt that if she did, she'd wake up in hell. They would see her tomorrow, ready to, for the first time, be commanded by another. Though her prediction was that they would lack the respect she had hoped for again. Letting a maniacal laugh slip through death traps; she vanished from sight, slipping back into utter darkness.
Platinum cocked his head back, youth of the saber's metallic eyes would flash. A female has felt bold enough to enter his den. With a snarl he rose and strolled to meet her, cold gaze seemed rather edgy today, "Quite bold of you, to be entering a tribe land without even considering the risks," he chided. No threats were made, just a blunt statement. Older, yet shorter by a few inches, Platinum eyed her, "Can I help you," he said, not asked. Voice gruff, S's are soft due to the large tusks protruding down from the jowls.
Ears swiveled atop crown like minuscule satellites, detecting audible sounds in the background that definitely told her someone was approaching her. Face drained of a emotion, bitch preferred to appear solid, like a brick wall, to others so she would be a mystery to figure out. The only emotion she would ever show would be that infamous smirk that always remained upon leathery visage. The male that made his way towards her was fairly brute-like, even though he was a bit smaller than Zae was. Chortling at her size advantage, she stared at him, disgust now edging her grin out of the way. Fangs poked from beneath her lips, a bit of a show to the male tat she would not shy away from a good brawl. Sighing as he threw such cliche questions at her, she rolled her eyes, claws grappling the grassy terrain under er massive paws. "Could you help me.. Hmhm. You just did, honestly." Shrugging her shoulders back to release any found tension, she shifted her position so that she was sitting upon her rump. She felt at ease, and she was not about to show this beastie that had manifested out of complete no where that she was a weakling and easily spooked. "You're a leader of a pride, aren't you? I can tell, your disgusting scent engulfs the whole area." Letting gaze dance from place to place, observing the vast area surrounding her, she huffed silently, a little bit irritated with the fact that her former pride was a big pile of fail.. and his was apparently thriving by the smell of it.
Platinum sneered, "And I can tell by those loud vocals that you think highly of yourself, however you have nothing. This is why you came to me." He remained standing, "What do you want, to join my ranks? What use would I have for an arrogant female of yourself who can't even show respect to the King?" he scoffed. Young he may be, but Hitrost has trained him well. With a flex of his whiskers he narrowed his eyes, "Quit the high pedestal act, you'll get nowhere." he said. His temper was level, is tone was firm but not hot. Hit would be proud. The saber stood a moment, not willing to turn his back on her, for if she was as egotistical as she portrayed herself to be, she'd use that to challenge him. So, he waited. Wondering if Hitrost' was listening in on this gal.
Zaezy. Wench choked back a snicker as the behemoth began speak to her as if she was a piece of trash or something. Arrogance, the piece of the feline that had molded together the bitch she was today; she got that a lot. That had always been her mindset; to prove to others that she possessed confidence, even if that meant overflowing with it. Limbs lifted female so that she resumed her standing position, propelling wench so that she encircled the creature like the male before her was a piece of meat. Though, she did not intend to perform violent actions, and in all honesty she was hoping to become a recruit to his "pride". "Maybe I do, hm? And I'm not afraid to admit to being arrogant, either." She ceased her saunter, stopping before him, regaining her sitting position. She faked a smile, hoping it appeared as genuine as she thought it would. Forcing herself to not make anymore rude remarks, she waited for his retaliation before performing anymore actions that could be risky. If he were to insult the self-proclaimed queenie, she would continue to be rude and unwelcoming.
Hitrost' laughed heartily from where he lay, on a thick branch of a dead tree, his favorite tree. He'd been watching the scene unfold, to see how his young trustee did without his overseer standing beside him, he was quite proud of how Plat handled this newcomer, however he knew that she'd need handling that the pale saber wouldn't be able to provide, at least not alone. He lifted his head and spoke just in an even, cool tone. "You've found yourself a сука(bitch) haven't you, my king?" He contemplated hopping down in order to confront this haughty wench face-to-face, in order to be more riling, but decided to maintain his highground advantage. His attention now on said wench: "We have much use for the strong and able, not much for the arrogant and stupid. There are few reasons you could be here, but I'd wager you're looking to join, but despite how большой (perfect) you think you are, I, and also my companion, will not fall into your plays." He smirked, utterly calm despite the females attempts to rile, he only hoped Platinum would also maintain his cool.
Platinum flicked his ears, He'll never understand how a crossbreed could be so self noble. He wasn't intimidated, but getting a tad irritated- he was getting bored of this game she was playing. The chiming of his spotted friend above him soothed his nerves, "Yes it seems I have." he replied to Hit's question, whether it was rhetorical or not. Cerulean ears perked and he scanned her over once more, calling up to Hit, "Don't know about you, but I see no use for this self appointed princess. Maybe we should wake up Undomesticated and see that she leaves," Ivory bicuspids flashed in a horrible grin, "She is rather intimidating, I wonder what she'll be like in the morning mood?" He sneered at her. He would never wake the monster of a saber, his bluff was hollow, but she'd never know that. The amazing thing with Platinum is he's a brilliant liar, "What shall we do, Hitrost'?" he asked, Chrome stare not leaving hers, growing serious, "I don't need jarheads reeking of egos running around," He explained. He remained collected and calm, but his stance told her that there really was no need for her if she was just going to be a little shit about herself. He'd give her a bi longer to prove her worth. If she passed, he'd let her stay until morning for the rest of the tribe to meet her and decide. If she fails... He will warn her to leave, or he'll have Undomestic make her the monster's prey. now his bluff wasn't appearing so empty anymore.
Zaezy. Gaze remained fixed on the brute before her, who apparently showed extreme loathing towards her, which, didn't bother her in the least bit, because she could count off a few who shared the same trait with this.. King. Nostrils flared, inhaling deeply the scent of another who had sprung from the shadows to greet her with equal hatred that the king so proudly possessed. Speaking in a foreign tongue, she didn't need to know the language to propose that he was insulting her. Flicking her stump of a tail in annoyance, for she wanted to know what he had dubbed her, she quirked a brow at his assumption of her being idiotic. Clicking her tongue in disapproval of his attitude, a glare glazed over blue eyes, staring him right in the eye to confront him. "You judge me and don't even know me? I am not stupid. Thank you. I don't need your two cents, either. This one here has told me enough of what he thinks I am." She nodded in the snow-colored mae's direction, turning back towards him as he responded to his comrade. Nothing took an interest on the bitch, until she happened to pick up one of his recruit's callings; Undomesticated. Forelimb extended, pounding the ground beneath her as she gave a soft chuckle at his threat. "Pfft. I don't believe Undom would harm her former superior." She grinned, composure hardening again so that she appeared serious once again. "I don't mind what you two think of me, honestly. Sorry to disappoint you." She flashed another smile, oozing the hilarity of it all. So.. after disbanding her pride, she managed to meet up with her former gladiator again. Now wouldn't that be ironic if her lost brother happened to reign here as well.
Hitrost' couldn't help but laugh this time, his heavy Russian laugh. "I know you, I know you well. Your kind isn't difficult to read. As for not being stupid. You walk, alone mind you, deep into another's prideland, disregard the markings, are oblivious to the pawprints, many of which are comparable to yours and don't assess a situation, hence why I was undetected before I spoke, before you approach a strange cat who may or may not pose a threat to you? ребенок (child), walking into steep disadvantages on account of your own hubris is the definition of stupidity!" He leaned towards Platinum. "Don't bother Undom, you and I could take one like this with our eyes close and our paws caught in the thistles. Besides, from that spark of recognition, I wouldn't do this one the favor of showing her a familiar face."
Platinum knew Hitrost' had lost his temper, which was expected, but he had just confirmed the point Platinum made before. With a dismissive toss of his paw he scoffed, "Leave," he said. This was unusual, normally Hitrost' getting all flustered about a possible squab would get him spitting and bristling, "Get off my turf, you have 'till sunrise. If I detect you here again, I'll see that you're chased off, and I assure you that's not pretty." He turned and took a step closer, "And I remind you; Undomesticated is not under your rule any longer." He turned and sprang up the rocks above his den, not quite gracefully but not clumsily, "Unless you prove me otherwise- you are of no use to my tribe." He stated calmly.
Zaezy. Biting the side of her lower lip as she began to lose her patience with the newest member to this conflict, she couldn't help but be utterly confused with this complete idiotic figure. He had the audacity to call her stupid, and say he knew her, while mentioning the self-proclaimed fact that he could beat her with his eyes closed? How ironic- and the beast called her arrogant, eh? Emotions were clearly evident now, she was getting pissed off with this King's subordinate and his accusations. "I don't call that stupidity, hon, I call it being intrigued. I haven't seen anyone for months, I believe I would do that, yes." She ignored the male for now, interest in the creature spiraling down to a minimum. The king's words now to shun her from the lands or impress him was all that she was interested in at the moment. Sighing, she rolled her eyes and found it high time to change her attitude, for it was in her best interest to join this group. "Ok." She breathed deeply, relaxing her defensive stance as she stared at the brute before her and stood. "I could 'prove' myself, if you want me to. But you obviously don't." Wench bit her tongue, brain demanding her not to use that hideous tone she had given to these two earlier. "No, you don't know me. First impressions can be a bitch. But normally, it's just senseless bravado, know what I'm saying?" She paused, rage that had previously bubbled within her chest cavity had settled a bit, but another rude remark from either could ignite the flame again. True, bitch was bipolar, and this was a great way to show it. She didn't plan on leaving now, for she felt that she would have her way sooner or later.
Hitrost' returned to his calm demeanor. "Don't be so quick to dismiss me." Sensing the change in her demeanor, he knew there was little risk of physical confrontation, so he risked hopping down to speak to the wench directly. He landed with a soft thud as his thick paws met the ground and trotted up to the female, in defiance of the obvious size difference, he looked her straight in the eye, his face a look of condescension, and spoke only loud enough for both of them to hear. "Your entry into the tribe may only be determined by the king, but I weigh heavily on the decision, and even if he should decide to keep you, once you're in, I'm the one who will decide what happens to you while you're in the tribe, understand?" He turned his back to her, and trotted briskly back to sit beside Platinum. He then re-addressed his prior audience, speaking in a tone that one uses to reprimand a cub that has done wrong. "Very well, change our minds, we're willing to see what you have to 'prove...' Also, don't bite your tongue, it makes it difficult to understand what you're saying." He silently hoped that his statements would rile the female enough for her to make a scene and have Platinum oust her then and there, if not, he'd have his way in due time...
Platinum coiled his head over his shoulders. She was stubborn, in a way that is good. However, that spitfire of a temper and self riotousness could prove hazardous to the new forming tribe. He disregarded what Hitrost' had just done and looked at her, "I give you till the half moon." he stated. "Once the moon has reached it's mark and you have not proven yourself useful, you will be seen out," he glanced at Hitrost' silently telling him he will be the one doing so, "But in the mean time, you'll be working under Hawkstorm's rank as an apprentice. She'll see if you're fit enough to be a huntress. I warn you she's a lot less forgiving then I am," with that he rested his head on his paws, "She's in the den now, but I believe she's sleeping. Like all of us should be," he commented, a lazy yawn confirming his words. The mutt will have her way for now. But with hawk and hit both watching her; she wont get away with anything.
Zaezy. Satisfied with the calm composure she currently portrayed, she flicked her stump of a tail around while she awaited their response to her abrupt mood-swing. Attention remained on the superior though it had been audible that the other male was making his way towards her to confront her personally. Gaze locked firmly with his defiant one, hint of a smirk visible upon leathery visage as he blocked her view of the king and quietly spoke his piece. Snickering to herself as he sulked off towards the cavern she flexed her digits, adrenaline sluggishly pumped through steel veins at the intensity of the hatred between herself and the second-in-command, apparently. Gaze trailed after him as he sunk back into the shadows, wishing she could have at least traced her claws down his back to draw her new rival's blood. Ears flickered as the King's voice echoed around the enclave entrance again, taking in everything he said so she could prepare herself. A test, eh? Perfect. Nodding to show she could comprehend everything he said, she turned her back towards them, leaping upon her toes in an unknown direction. She would prove herself worthy and make the duo regret saying everything they did.. of her worthlessness. She was fit for a role of leadership and that is what she wished to obtain.. even if it was superiority over one specialty of the pride. She would not sleep on the pridelands tonight, for she felt that if she did, she'd wake up in hell. They would see her tomorrow, ready to, for the first time, be commanded by another. Though her prediction was that they would lack the respect she had hoped for again. Letting a maniacal laugh slip through death traps; she vanished from sight, slipping back into utter darkness.