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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 9, 2023 0:53:24 GMT -5
Every predator in the world stalks the environment they are most suited to. Fantastic beasts thrive in the jungles of Moonglade, undead wander the untread paths of abandoned civilizations, and even the mighty Rime Guardians resign their hunting grounds to the icy north. Azazel was much the same. As his vessel breathed in the tainted air of the Dusty Refuge, heavy with hookah smoke, the highs and lows of gambling, and a dozen other avarices that one could find here, he knew that this was his domain, where he made his mark as the apex.
The demon wore a perennial smile as his fine vessel drew the lecherous stares of men and women alike, and he basked in their anticipation of his mere gaze. For a demon of manipulation such as he, the lead up, the chase, was what truly made him feel alive. Since taking control of this body, he had taken lovers on occasion, but the simple carnal pleasures of joining flesh were rather bland to an immortal such as he. Indeed, needing to restrain Arteron from strangling each of his partners made the act almost more trouble than it was worth. Almost.
For Azazel had discovered the foremost benefit of nighttime activities: the almost implicit trust granted in its aftermath. Of course, he had ways of forcing people to tell him all he wished to know, either by clouding their judgment, invading their mind, or a dozen other, brutish methods. He was a creature of refinement, however, and there was something about information given willingly that made it so much sweeter to capitalize on.
Sex, however, was far from the forefront of Azazel's mind at current, for had just spied a most curious creature in his little den of sin: a woman of regal bearing and unearthly beauty had just entered his domain. This most delectable of prey would be his next fixation. Azazel glided smoothly across the floor, like a dancer, to where the woman stood. She was surveying the activity with a practiced eye. Her movements were precise, almost painfully so, like a statue just beginning to animate. A devilish smile spread across Azazel's face as he approached. I must know of this creature...
The demon in mortal flesh bowed, courtly and elegant, as he extended a hand: a silent request for the woman's in turn. "My, my a most fortuitous pleasure making your acquaintance, madam. If I may say, you seem a bit out of place in an establishment such as this: a compliment, I assure you. Might I inquire as to your business here, and offer my assistance, as a 'local'?" Azazel's piercing green eyes danced in the ambient light, both inviting and dangerous.
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Post by Danae Vermillion on Dec 9, 2023 1:22:14 GMT -5
Danae hasn't quite hated anything nearly as much as she hates sand.
Zeinav Desert is the bane of her existence - other than the tattoos that cover her body that are hidden under her clothing. She's only here to speak to someone who she accepted a job from. Having gotten her money, she decided to settle for a while and drink, hoping for some quiet.
Danae is a curious individual. A number of things stand out about her, first being her incredibly long, snow-white hair that flows down her back not unlike a waterfall. It has a subtle sheen in the light that gives an almost unnatural air to Danae. Second is her impressive height. Roughly 6'5 and with an impressive build to match, she creates a unique mix of beauty and intimidation.
She quickly moves from the doorway of the building to a seat and places her weapon next to her. Resting next to where she is seated is an equally large halberd, the axe and spearhead are far larger than what would normally be on such a weapon. The metal looks impressive and the edge beyond sharp as it gives off a subtle green hue as candle light dances across its surface. Highlighted with silver are faint celestial markings lining the edge.
She is quietly hoping for nobody to interact with her, but that hope quickly slashed as someone approaches her. She looks up at them and gives a smile. She makes note of how they move and scans their person for weapons - a habit she has long since adopted and has no intention of breaking.
Their language is extremely formal, but Danae has no intentions on matching the formality. She takes their hand in a firm grip, Danae's hand calloused and rough.
"I'd hardly say I'm out of place." Danae says, releasing their hand and resting it on the table. "And I can guarantee, my friend, I've been here more times than years you've been alive. The offer is appreciated, though."
Instead of answering their question on her business, she responds with another question. "You seem awfully curious about me. Why is that?" Danae asks, meeting their eyes. Danae's have a sense of calm, yet behind them, the feeling that she is almost otherworldly is a feeling that is difficult to shake.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 9, 2023 1:47:08 GMT -5
Azazel's eyes narrowed the tiniest bit at the woman's words. What a peculiar way to phrase one's response. Mortal arrogance. We wouldn't suffer this insolence if you gave me the reins more often. Now, now, I won our little wager fair and square. I am dominant, Arteronael. With the pressing of Azazel's will, coupled with the use of the wrath demon's true name, Arteron was cowed and retreated to his typical dark corner of the vessel's brain.
"Well, isn't that just a deliciously mysterious statement, but far be it from me to press into a lady's secrets. My name is Azazel, a denizen of this fine city and frequenter of this establishment besides. It is a terrible misfortune that we have not run into one another sooner, given our mutual favoring of this place. As for my interest..."
Azazel let his words trail mysteriously as he used the conversational gap to take the seat nearest the woman. It was a simple tactic of manipulation. Mortals were by nature incorrigibly curious. By taking meaningful pauses, the speaker grows in influence over his audience as they are unconsciously drawn into what must be exceedingly important to be so carefully considered. Azazel smiled charmingly, looking deep into his companion's eyes unabashedly.
"Cannot I simply be an enjoyer of beauty for its own sake? Even if you were the most dreadfully boring conversationalist in all the lands, your natural form, honed by careful tending, no doubt, would be enough to capture more than your fair share of onlookers. In truth, though, I have a sneaking suspicion that you are much more than your physical appearance, and that is what most truly excites me."
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Post by Danae Vermillion on Dec 9, 2023 2:09:29 GMT -5
Theres a small pause between Danae's response and his, almost like he was thinking about something. The subtle narrowing of the eyes and beats of silence give Danae the impression that she might have caught this individual ill-prepared with her response. Granted, she's never been the best with people, but she's not inept.
"Azazel. Quite the holy name." Danae remarks, her smile turning warm. "Danae Vermillion." She introduces easily, leaning back in her seat. She chuckles as he makes the poor assumption that she even likes this place. "Oh, buddy, let me be frank - I hate Zeinav. Too much sand, it gets everywhere. I'd be a happier gal were I anywhere else."
Manipulation isn't new to her. Yes, she is very much able to be ensnared by clever tricks, but over the hundreds of years of walking Charon, she's learnt to recognize these plays from nobles, royalty and others that want to hold power in a conversation. This moment isn't different. Truly, it's a simple tactic that works wonders - hells, she's done it more times than she can count. Unfortunately, it's easily rendered pretty much null by simply filling the silence.
"I mean, I get it? Unique figure, unnatural features, I get it often. I was called 'Snow Lady' by a kid about a month ago. Amusing stuff." She speaks easily, filling the silence as Azazel sits himself down.
She listens with an amused expression as Azazel explains himself. "Flattery?" Danae asks in feign shock. "My, oh my. Sorry, man, never been one for compliments. Nice of you to say, though." She looks thoughtful at his final statement, however. "Sure, everyone is more than their appearance. I mean, people generally don't expect a woman to wield a halberd with an axe head the size of their head. I find myself breaking a lot of stereotypes."
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 9, 2023 2:21:54 GMT -5
Azazel let out an amused chuckle accompanied by a smile that didn't quite meet his eyes. Quite the tough nut to crack, but that only makes the eventual sundering all the sweeter. Azazel placed a mocking hand on his chest, feigning affront.
"Flattery? Perish the thought. I never engage in the practice. So unnecessary, wouldn't you agree? I am merely a servant of truth, making what observations are plainly obvious. But I can understand your caution, here in a city of your displeasure with an all but perfect stranger. Why it would set anyone on their guard. How about we play a game, in the interest of our budding friendship? Let us each take turns making an observation about each other, and the other only needs state whether it is true or not. This way we can be certain that we are only focusing on the truth. What do you say, fair Danae?"
A deep gurgling laughter emerged from Arteron at Azazel's proposition. You, a servant of the truth? I thought you were a demon of manipulation, Azazel, not a jester. The face of Azazel's vessel tightened slightly for the briefest of moments as he roughly and swiftly reasserted control. He would have his hands full enough with uncovering the mysteries of his new companion without Arteron's needling.
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Post by Danae Vermillion on Dec 9, 2023 2:50:52 GMT -5
Unlike the fake smile that Azazel puts on, Danae seems very amused by this entire interaction. Throwing people off guard is her single-most favorite social pass-time, and she seems to be doing a wonderful job. She laughs loudly hearing the words 'Servant of Truth', but lets him finish his thoughts before making her own comments.
"Azazel, Nobody is a servant of truth. Truth is the difficult road, and I've been around long enough to know that nobody sticks only to the hard choices." She comments. Danae leans forward onto the table, forearms resting on the edge. "Although, this does pique my interest. Fuck it, I'm game." She agrees. "Mind if I go first?" She asks. Receiving a nod, she smiles.
"Mkay. You're not of noble blood - thats for certain. Although the way you speak is definitely eloquent, it betrays you in general. Was this speech learnt?" She asks, looking to dig into who he was. There is definitely something odd about the man, but Danae isn't quite able to put her finger on it. Akin to an itching at the back of her mind that feels familiar but alien. A unique feeling that Danae doesn't like very much.
This, and the little things here and there that are beginning to give Danae the impression that he's almost at war with himself makes Azazel all the more intriguing to Danae. It's not often she meets someone who interests her this much, so she's more than happy to figure out what makes him tick.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 9, 2023 3:17:39 GMT -5
This time, Azazel had to mask genuine indignation at Danae's insinuation. 'Obviously not noble'? I was the birthed of every foul mortal courtier's statecraft, a perfect blend of every perfectly chosen word. Yet this peon claims I am lacking in noble qualities? Well, Arteron, surely you have some deprecating comment to make? His subservient half was conspicuously quiet, a sure sign that Azazel was overreacting. He found it amusing how a demon of wrath balanced him so. Pity our kind isn't given to cooperation more readily.
Azazel allowed a light chuckle to emerge from his lips, rather than his initial outrage. "I imagine, my dear, coming from a person so enamored of the plain truth as you, I should take that as a compliment. But I am sorry to say, you are incorrect. My late mother was a banneret within the city. As her sole surviving heir, her title is mine by birthright. I suppose I must give you half credit, though, as I am currently in a legal struggle to reclaim my rightful station. My current appearance is one I choose to adopt when I wish to be at ease amongst the commoners. But I would be happy to show you a more official look, if you'd be so inclined."
Without waiting for her verbal assent, Azazel called upon his mastery of his vessel to order a physical change. The demon opted for a relatively small change to limit the amazement instilled in his partner, a sure obstacle in his game. Therefore, he merely sharpened his features to be more aquiline, slanted his eyes just slightly to have a more imperious gaze, and broadened his shoulders a bit to convey resilience [Astral Soul, One With the Cosmos]. His magical clothing likewise shifted to an expensive scarf, tunic, and slacks, with the appropriate head covering of a Zeinavian noble [Morph Suit]. With his dress-up in place, he leveled a charming yet challenging smirk at Danae.
"Was this more in line with your expectations, my lady?" Azazel allowed himself a small chuckle before quickly pressing his advantage to get to his question. "In any event, I believe it is my turn. Let's see... A lesser man might focus on your polearm as the preeminent caricature of your being, but I think your eyes hold more of the truth. There's a weariness there: pain, joy, hardship, excess, all the things that come naturally with time. I'm inclined to think your statement about your years was more than a passing turn of phrase. So, the question would be, what in your hellish quest has led you to the heart of a land you profess to hate?"
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Post by Danae Vermillion on Dec 9, 2023 3:56:38 GMT -5
"Huh. Well, I stand corrected." She chuckles, leaning back in her chair. Watching the change in front of her, she cocks her head to the side, not in confusion but recognition. "Astral Soul?" She questions. The clothing afterwards wasn't even close to piquing her interest. She's seen the noble clothing hundreds of times.
She rolls her eyes at the honorific. "In a sense. Not many nobles care to mix in with the common folk." She makes a point in not asking forgiveness. Truthfully, she doesn't care enough. But her attention is solely on Azazel as he asks his own question.
She chuckles at the wording of the question. "'Hellish' is certainly a way to word it." Her 'mission' was.. bestowed upon her by the celestials of Solaris - a group she used to be a part of. It's more than a curse, as she would have preferred execution. But she's managed to make the most of it.
"Why I'm here? Money. Finished a job, spoke with the dude who gave it to me, I got my money. I wanted to chill for a few hours after a long day." She shrugs. "Why I'm here?" Danae seemingly gestures to the world around her, spinning her finger in a circle. "Lets just say.. Gotta complete something for a couple very powerful.. people. Nothing too interesting."
Of course, she is downplaying the severity of her predicament - opting to ignore the 'Cannot die of any natural causes', 'agelessness' and 'doomed to eternal limbo if she does die before she achieves redemption'. Azazel doesn't need to know that part.
"Now, what sort of person are you? What is it you do with your time?"
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 9, 2023 12:32:21 GMT -5
Azazel's eyes narrowed in time with his widening smile. She is not without her own wordplay, however blunt she may be. How enticing it would be to learn more about these patrons of hers. Azazel basked in the satisfaction of edging ever closer to the truth.
"Nothing too interesting, you say?" the demon began, reverting his form and clothing to its original state. "I think you do yourself far too little credit, my dear. A hero might think their plight ordinary, while every commoner and noble alike marvels. Even so, modesty is a good look on you, contrasting so wonderfully with your obvious skill."
Azazel scooted a bit closer to Danae, though he wanted to take hold of her hand; he had her measure now. He daren't be too forward, for fear of scaring her off, but she was becoming more intriguing all the time. He was glad he hadn't peeled back the layers of her mind this time. Sometimes natural discovery was far more rewarding.
"Myself? There's a trap if I've ever seen one. How does one sum up their whole life without seeming falsely humble or a pretentious prick?" The demon in human skin laughed, low and dangerous. "Let's see. I listen and I talk. Coins flow when I speak and when I hold my tongue. I'll leave the rest to the imagination in that pretty little head of yours.
"My turn: is it an extensive injury you're keeping covered up?" Azazel inquired, gesturing broadly at Danae's conservative clothing. "Please don't take this the wrong way, but you're too sure of yourself to be shy showing a little skin, which leads me to believe you're covering more than mere nakedness. If I am right, might a venture a little further and make a suggestion? I don't think you should. Is not a rose's beauty heightened for its thorns? Any marring would do a poor job concealing your beauty." Azazel took a long sip of his drink. "Just an observation from an interested party..."
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Post by Danae Vermillion on Dec 9, 2023 13:00:03 GMT -5
"Nothing interesting to me, anyway. You might find it blasphemous. Or ridiculous. Pick your poison." She notes, a playful smirk on her features. She's making a point in giving more questions than she is answers, and she's not hiding that fact. This is wildly entertaining for her.
"You better not be comparing me to a hero, Azazel. I'm nothing of the sort. That suggests doing things out of the goodness of ones heart." She corrects. She's always disliked being thought of as a hero. Or thought of at all, at that. With Azazel moving closer to her, Danae turns her chair to face more toward him while backing herself up a bit, maintaining the distance. This man is digging for information, and as it stands, is not her friend.
His retelling on who he is reveals both a lot and not much, strangely enough. She looks thoughtful for a moment before nodding. "I do suppose that you can't avoid the humbleness or pretentiousness when talking about yourself." She allows before gesturing to Azazel, allowing him their turn.
The observation on how she dresses is almost right. She cocks her head to the side before looking at her sleeves. "What, am I not allowed to wear long-sleeve? It's comfortable!" She playfully protests before leaning her head on a fist. "Nah, but I guess it could be called an injury if you stretch the definition a bit.. And use your imagination." Despite her attitude, it's clear that Danae has had a particular reaction to the subject. Her muscles tensed subtly upon it being brought up, but she relaxed quickly. Not quickly enough, however.
"What is it you want with this interaction, exactly?. I'm not getting 'looking for new friend' vibes from you." Danae states bluntly. She's never been one to dance around words, and she is genuinely curious about what Azazel wants from this interaction.
Suddenly, Danae sits herself up, having realized something. "Aha, thats why your name is so familiar - I know an Azazel! Old friend that I got to see recently. Sweet woman - Picked out a very interesting 'xlosik'"
With her final word, she seems to slip into another language. Perhaps Azazel would recognize the elegant, alien language of Celestial. She shakes her head for a moment, smiling. "Sorry, old habit. Chosen is what I mean."
Unsurprisingly, this was yet another thing to raise more questions within Azazel. While this was offered as a game, Danae doesn't seem to be taking the situation seriously, trying to gather information from Azazel. Instead, she seems to take more enjoyment from drip-feeding him with little things here and there to pique his interest. She is curious if Azazel could connect the dots, given enough time.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 9, 2023 17:27:23 GMT -5
Azazel smiled charmingly as Danae spoke about heroism, frowned empathetically as she talked about her 'injuries', and went completely still at her used of accursed language. Through it all, his eyes remained dangerously sharp, seeming to stare deeper and deeper into her soul with each word that passed her lips, only narrowing them as he registered bits of conversation.
All thought of his crafted response was shattered as she spoke in Celestial, a grating language that made Azazel's skin crawl. It was ostentatious, overly languorous, and altogether unpleasant for one born of evil mortal desires such as he. His carefully masked facade cracked for a fraction of an instant before he recovered and responded to his companion.
"Afraid I don't quite grasp the significance of that, but I will assume that is to be taken in high regard, if I am so reminiscent of a friend of yours' chosen. As for my intentions with you, perhaps I am merely content to steal away just a few moments of a quick-witted, beautiful woman's attention for myself..."
Azazel smiled as he let his words linger, marinating with the seasoning of anticipation, before crafting his face into a slight pout. "But I know that you won't believe me if I said that, even though it's partially true. The other reason is a purely pragmatic one, something I think you can appreciate. You seem like an important person to know. You have connections in the city, judging by your talk of an employer, and are a formidable force in your own right. I was hoping that we might enter a partnership, at least, if friendship is off the table." Another devilish grin spread across Azazel's face.
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Post by Danae Vermillion on Dec 10, 2023 0:48:16 GMT -5
If there was one thing that Danae wasn't expecting, it was a negative reaction to her 'accidental' Celestial. She cocks her head to the side, her smile never once leaving her features. She leans forward, interest piqued.
"Well, that was an interesting reaction. What was that about? Nobody has such a reaction to it - confusion for those who don't recognize it, either awe or surprise from those who do. But you almost seemed.. I don't know what, but it wasn't good. Why is that?" She asks, her smile turning into a toothy smirk.
"It's a very significant event, I assure you." Danae allows before hearing what else the man has to say. She tuts at Azazel during the beats of suspenseful silence, wagging a finger at him. "Remember what I said about flattery." She playfully warns before returning her hand in front of her.
"I suppose I do know a few people here and there." Danae acquiesces. "I don't tend to take on partnerships, but it depends on what you bring to the table, exactly." Danae crosses her arms and folds a leg over the other, resting her elbows on the table.
"After all, I am a busy gal. People to contact, jobs to complete, people to kill off to appease the long-dead gods and those that serve under them still." She waves her hand around as if everything she said was perfectly normal. "The usual."
Funny thing is - nothing she said has been a lie. Just made to look like one with how outlandish it is. She quietly hope it works, because it's a conversation she doesn't want to have if it doesn't.
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 10, 2023 12:59:48 GMT -5
Shit. Looks like little miss angel caught onto you. You're slipping, Azazel. Silence, churl. I need to think. It seemed that this woman was frighteningly perceptive. The momentary crack in the demon's facade which most would have written off as a facial tick or errant thought, piqued her interest. Moreover, Azazel was beginning to believe that this woman was really speaking the truth in her passing statements: a potentially dangerous scenario. If it came to a fight, he might have to rely on Arteron, a situation he wished to avoid at all costs or else he'd never hear the end of it.
Azazel gave an embarrassed smile and half-hearted chuckle. "Oh, I'm sorry. Had some bad turns with a religious cult a while back. I guess I haven't quite gotten over it. Damn it, I thought I was stronger..." Azazel's face turned to a grimace as he hung his head. What say you to that, Danae? Your move. A servant of the celestials must surely be compassionate, and mortals are oh so very weak.
The demon wished to say more, to capitalize on the promise of partnership that she had hinted at, but for the sake of his ruse to throw her off his scent, he dared not. It pained him, to miss an opportunity for a casual blunder, like a searing iron branding flesh. The agony was only exacerbated by the smugness of Arteron's presence, seeing him squirm.
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Post by Danae Vermillion on Dec 10, 2023 13:32:49 GMT -5
Danae isn't sure about this individual. There is something off about them that Danae is having a hard time pinning down. As it stands right now, she feels like she's making progress in figuring this person out.
"A cult, you say? Only 'active' one was the one surrounding Vulcadreas, and they've been almost snuffed out. Celestial is a language mainly centered around the recognized gods. Y'know, despite the fact they were minor deities." Danae clears her throat.
"You seem to have come out of it alive, however. Mind if I ask what this cult was about? I try to hunt those cults personally, so any information you could give would be wonderful." Danae requests, genuinely hoping for some information. Once again, nothing she's saying is a lie. If Azazel knows something about a new cult, that's progress toward her redemption as well as wiping them off the face of the plane. A win-win in her eyes.
She glances at her halberd, and after a moment, she frowns, pulling a cloth from her pocket and moving the halberd head onto her lap. As she begins wiping down the adamantine edge, she tucks a loose strand of hair behind an ear and speaks.
"You're not who you say you are. Sure, I believe the nobility past and your intentions, but if you do truly want this partnership, there will have to be some things we clear the air on. So, let us return to our original game of 'Yes or No'."
Danae's features turn deathly serious within an instant as she looks into Azazel's eyes. Her icy gaze unwavering. Her voice cold as winter as she does not ask, but demands an answer.
"Would the gods be pleased with your death, Azazel?"
...
Then Danae laughs. A hearty laughter that slices through the thick tension like a knife through butter. Within one moment and the next, Danae flicks from threatening death to laughing about it as if it were a prank.
"Oh gods, I couldn't keep that together!" She exclaims, chuckling as she returns to cleaning the weapon. "Ah, don't look so wary - I don't give a single flying fuck about the gods. Used to, not so much anymore. I do want that answer, though. Gives me insight on you, y'know?"
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Post by Azazel, the Godsdeath on Dec 10, 2023 14:42:56 GMT -5
Azazel looked up at her covertly as she plied him with more questions about his fabricated trauma. He would need to step up his game a bit to convince this particular damsel.
"Couldn't say. I was... 'procured' for some ritual. They weren't exactly in a chatty mood about their belief system." For effect, Azazel bid watery tears well up in his eyes without allowing them to roll down his face. "But they're gone now. An adventurer came and saved us. Killed all the cultists. Haven't heard from them since..." Azazel hung his head again and hugged himself in a protective gesture. To fully drive in the knife, he repeated under his breath. "They're gone now..."
It appeared as if his little waterworks show had limited effect on Danae, however, as she pressed further with a very particular question. She's dangerous. We should kill her before she kills our vessel. Perhaps... but think about the blood on the carpets!
Mustering every ounce of his interpersonal talent, Azazel shivered for a moment longer, then looked up directly into Danae's eyes, a small hint of rebellion in them. "There's enough of them to want anyone dead, isn't there?"
Azazel let his challenge hang in the air as he stared at Danae again. He'd pieced enough of her together to have a solid idea about her situation. "But that doesn't mean it's right. Surely you can attest: even the heavens get things wrong."
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