| Inspecting the "treasure" MOVED | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: May 7 2014, 11:24 PM (27 Views) | |
| Valia | May 7 2014, 11:24 PM Post #1 |
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Deaths Lady
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(05/07/14 13:28:45 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Warehouse-] Is in one of the Warehouses. says to ALL: The air of the warehouse was humid, thick with dust, so that small beads of sweat glistened like dew upon the canvas of porcelain skin. Hair dark as ravens wings was pulled back into a loose knot at the nape of a slender neck. Untameable waves escaped that lazy knot, the most delicate hairs grazing the artful curve of high cheeks bones, teasing the skin with phantom touches with every subtle movement. Once more I stood with the iron bar, prying the lid from one of the large crates that had been stored in one of the two warehouses I had rented for storage. The tapered end was wedged beneath the lid so that as I lent my weight onto it, the lid was pried upwards. I exhaled a deep breath as the wood planks of the lid gave with the force and popped free of the lip of the crate. I tossed the iron bar away, the metal clanging as it rolled across the floor. Pushing the lid to the floor, I began to gather the bolts of materials, the robes, the veils that were all neatly folded on top of the wooden box hidden beneath. The humidity within the warehouse felt suffocating and I was glad that I had worn the white robes of gauzy material, layered in such a fashion that it was still light and breathable, yet modest. The wide-neckline provided a beautiful drape that hid well the slender form beneath it, the long sleeves bloomed around narrow shoulders before spilling into long sleeves that were fashionably split up to the elbow. A braided rope of gold served as a loose belt around the narrowness of my waist, from it hung a small purse of coin and a small ring of only 3 keys. The material hung elegantly from the willow of slender arms, even with movement. Careful of this extra bit of length, I reached down into the crate and drew the box to me before lifting it free. A hand pressed to either side of the decorative box, its weight substantial but not quite a burden. An elegant stride was hidden beneath the flowing skirts of long robes, the natural grace revealing itself in the motion as those steps took me to an empty crate. The box was set down on top of this crate and the hinged lid was lifted to reveal the contents therein. 05/07/14 13:36:40 ) .V O L S T A G G of S U L P O R T. First Comes Anarchy, Then Comes Me [-The Story Teller-] Is in Storytelling mode and whipping up some awesome adventure says to [.One of Many.]V A L I A: -A young, underfed slave boy came running into the warehouse on eager bare feet. He wore a rusty collar, a rag like loin cloth and not much else. His face was grubby and his wild dirty hair was a mess. He sought you out and having seen you before, knew you when he saw you... he hurried over and held out a folded sheet of rence paper. The blue wax seal was stamped with a V that bared horns. Should you accept the scroll and open it. You would find a familiar iron key inside along with a message scribbled in charcoal. It read: “Dearest Valia, The bodies are starting to stink up the place... Be a dear and clean the shop will You.... Oh and – I took the liberty of purchasing the store in your Name... Its your problem Now. Signed, Volstagg of Your Nightmares.” (05/07/14 13:50:18 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Warehouse-] Is in one of the Warehouses. says to ALL: It had been a long time since I had come in possession of the box and yet, this would be the first time I had bothered to dig within its contents. Isolde had only told me they were trinkets scavenged during her illustrious journey to world's end. She had indulged in the opportunity, her first taste of piracy and it had left her a changed woman. I had thought her silly, fantasizing of a life where she was no one's pawn or play thing. Life in the forests was no place for the likes of her. Or so I had thought. She had never returned. I did not know if she survived. I wanted to believe that she was free, living the life she had sought. A lurrid smile carved itself upon generous lips as I pictured her, clad in the skins of a panther. She had said no more would she live in the darkness, she would be the Shadow. Long fingers pulled the small purse of velvet material from its niche and began to work on the series of knots that had been tied meticulously. The woman had certainly known how to tie a clever knot. But not so clever as to keep me out of the purse. As I handled the purse, I could roll the contents of the bag in my hand. Heavy were the contents and clinked, as though made of glass. The sound heightened my curiousity and my fingers worked diligently to free the last of knots. Once finished, I pried the mouth of the purse open and slipped my hand inside. Cold was the smooth, hard, rock like pieces my fingers encountered. I gathered my fingers around them and drew my hand free to turn my palm up to the light. With the bowl of my hand, I held many raw, uncut gems. I gasped softly, the subtle play of light highlighted the interior fire within each stone. I heard someone, small steps and the gasping breaths of a child behind me. The taper of fingers closed into a fist around the gems as I turned to face him. I did not recall seeing him before, this little scrub-worm looking, dirty faced child that raced towards me bearing a scroll. From his little hand I took the parchment. No sooner had I done so than he had run off yet again without a spoken word. Delicate brows furrowed as I lifted the scroll so that I might read it. The wax was sealed with an emblem I did not recall seeing and yet the double-horned V could only be on person. Him. The line of pink lips pressed together silently. The gems in my hand were returned to the pouch before I broke the seal and began to read. Quickly eyes of pale st green glanced over the words. Brows lifted to furrow as those eyes widened beneath them. My problem!?! I could only imagine the stench would be rancid in this warm weather. After reading the way in which it was signed, a smile played at my lips. While it was true he was a man of great darkness, never once had I seen him in any nightmare. I rolled the scroll, setting it beside the box. I would find out what was left in the box and then....then I'd tend to this other matter. I swallowed softly as I lifted the inner drawer from the box to see what lay beneath but as I did, it dawned on me, the bodies of the three were rotting in what would be my office. Despite the heat of the day, the sweat that trickled down my spine caused me to shiver. I had seen true evil that day, had looked with certainty at death and it had looked back at me. And then....threw me down a hole. (05/07/14 14:21:35 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Warehouse-] Is in one of the Warehouses. says to ALL: Within the bottom hold of the box were several more black velvet bags of a varying sizes and one by one, I lifted the each testing their weight before I began to work on the knotted strings. The first purse contained gold coins, cut in rude little circles. They were thinner than a gold tarn and unlike any coin I had ever to lay eyes upon. And mixed within the coin were several delicate buttons carved of ivory. That was an interesting find. The next purse was heavier and from I pulled 4 long necklaces. The string of beads were gold and silver, each one hand etched beautifully. I exhaled trying to imagine exactly how much such decorations might be worth. Stuffing them back into the purse, I picked up the next purse. From it I drew out 4 matching cuff bracelets, designed in the same fashion of the beads. I slid a single cuff of silver upon my arm, pushing it to ring the slender of my left forearm. Its surface was diamond cut, catching the light in a dazzling display of reflection as I turned my arm in the light. It was breathtaking. Taking a moment, I inspected each cuff to see that they were all just as beautifully crafted. A single gold cuff would provide enough coin for a person to life a rather comfortable life, let alone 4. I returned the 3 bracelets to the purse and quickly tucked them all back into the box. A small fortune in jewelry. I could not believe Isolde had left such a treasure behind. I should have taken the time to inspect it when it first came into my possession. As I arranged the purses in the box, the lid was snapped closed. The box itself was beautiful, carved in exotic design, the wood stained darkly yet the natural pattern in the wood could still be seen. My fingers traced gently over the ornately carved corners. It was as I did this, that I could feel a seam that was hidden from the eye by the manner in which the carvings had been fashioned. I lent down closer to have a better look, realizing as I did that there was hidden compartment. Continuing to run slender fingers over the carvings, I could not seem to find how to release this compartment. It was there, now that I knew to look for it. The white of teeth chewed at my lip as I tried to figure it out. (05/07/14 14:44:56 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to ALL: I gathered the box carefully to me, my arm hugged around it so the weight rested on the curve of my hip the way a small child might. My hold was firm, possessive and I locked the warehouse behind me, the shifting of my eyes took in those people who traveled the labrynth of streets that snaked between the many warehouses. I held the box that much closer and decided at that moment to go to that building that was now mine. I walked, weaving through the alleys of the warehouse district. A tickle along the nape of my neck teased at my mind, that perhaps I was being followed. My face half-turned as I walked to look behind me. There was no one obviously visible, following in my footsteps. And still. A single hand lifted to brush at the waves that were captured in a loose not at the low of my neck, perhaps it was just the silken strands brushing against my skin. But I continued on cautiously, my gaze travelling down those alley's that I did not take. When finally I arrived at the buildings that were nearly dockside, I stood before the office that was now mine. The single window was still dressed in the distressed planks of wood. I wondered if the door was locked. Stepping forward, I reached out to wrap my fingers around the knob but as I did the door slivered open. From that small opening, a rank odor filtered. I shuddered, feeling the stain of it in my lungs as I drew a breath. My hand continued forward and pushed the door widely open. The wood and hinges yawned with the weight as it swung inward and I stepped over the threshold once more. The smell of decomposing bodies was ripe and I pressed my hand over my mouth, taking small, shallow breaths through my nose. The acid of bile rose in my throat and I fought to keep it down. Despite this, my steps continued inside. As if I'd walked that path a million times, I knew it without thought, without rhyme or reason. The memories were now scars on my soul, I would never forget. In the distance I could hear the buzz of insects but as my steps drew me near I could see them. The rotten corpse, the pieces of the hacked body and even Green himself who was speared to the wall. Flies crawled on that decaying flesh and beneath the molted skin, I could see the movement of maggots. It was macabre and yet I stood and stared at them for the longest time....feeling absolutely nothing. They wanted me dead. And now they were dead. Fair is fair. (05/07/14 15:10:01 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [- Shop -] - In one of the many shops within Sulport.- says to ALL: I stood in silence, my eyes moving between the corpses of the three, or what remained of them. A shadow moved on the floor as someone came to stand in the open door of the shop. I turned slowly to face him, the box held pressed against me. The soft hues of pale green eyes regarded him with a long measure of utter calm. The man seemed frozen in place, his eyes wide as though he had not expected to see anyone, let alone a woman standing there. As I walked towards him, he stepped back from the door way to let me pass. His face paled, as if he hadn't expected me to be real. He was tall, his build suggested he was one for hard labor and the dirt that decorated his weathered face hinted he'd been exposed to the elements for the majority of his life. This man had the hard edge I had come to recognize in the citizens of Sulport. I considered him a moment longer before speaking. "Are you looking for work? I need this building gutted. The bodies, disposed of." He continued to stare at me as though I spoke some language foreign to him. A light breeze played in the fine hairs around my face, cooling my skin as it did and with it, carrying the rotten scent of dead flesh away from us. "Are you capable, or no?" Irritation revealed itself in the tone of my words as I spoke, my patience waning with each breath drawn. When finally he spoke. "It can be done, but it will cost you. And what of the bodies? Have these deaths been reported?" I laughed softly, the whimsy of that low sound was so very out of place in that moment. His face seemed to further pale as I watched him. "I am not worried about the cost, I've paid with my life already. I don't care what you do with the bodies, but I want their heads returned to me. Specifically...their skulls. And I assure you, those that need to know...know. I am Valia, when you have something for me to look at, I'm sure you can find me." I turned to walk away, still clutching the box possessively. When I heard the shrill of his voice finally speak..."But...just the skull? How do I do that?"....I paused in mid-stride, a flash of jade eyes swept over his face slowly. "Boil the flesh from the bones, of course." The expression of his face faded away as he stared me, a smile bled from his lips as he realized I was not joking. I turned from him one last time and left him there to think on that. (05/07/14 15:23:17 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to ALL: My fingers played over the near invisible seam of the wooden box as I walked the streets of the city. I would figure out how to open the last compartment. There must be something within it. Curiousity burned like fire in my mind. I appreciated a good challenge and would enjoy this small distraction from the fact that I would be selling these items soon. It rattled me to know that I had such things in my possession and was yet unaware of the value. Isolde had, probably purposely, mislead me to think they were nothing more than insignificant trinkets. Nothing of much value to anyone but her, for sentimental reasons. I exhaled an angry breath and turned my attention to the faces I passed. Every now and again, I would turn to watch behind me. Pausing in front of one shop or another to watch the citizens as they went about their day. Like worker bees, I watched them, repeating their activities day after day. The same routine, on a cycle that seemed never ending. It was both fascinating and sad to watch. My gaze shifted back the way I came. Again, it did not seem that anyone was following me. And yet I was certain there was someone, tailing me. Doe-eyes narrowed suspiciously before I turned, resuming my path towards the hall. Let them follow, I thought. I was going to figure out this damn box and whatever else was inside. My steps were quick as I reached the hall, and climbed the tall stairs that led to the doors. The guard stationed there, moved to open the door for me. A knod was exchanged between us as I passed within. (05/07/14 15:49:49 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Hall of Sulport-] Is within the Main gathering Hall. Surrounded by the warmth of the many blazing fires and scents of freshly cooked food oozing in from the kitchens. Gentle music dances through the air from the roaming lute players. The Hall is mostly for residents of Sulport and any uninvited guests will be stopped by the guards at the doors. says to ALL: Quietly, I moved through the hall towards my customary seat. It was empty, silent and I claimed the chair that had become mine with the passing of time. The high-back of the chair embraced me as I sat down within it. The ornate box was sat upon the table before me so that I could inspect it at my leisure. First, I admired the design. The box was perfectly squared, the small pieces of wood grooved to fit together with a specific precision. The lines were beautiful, clever in that they hid the seams of that compartment nearly perfectly. Had I never seen one before, I would likely not have noticed such a thing. My lips pressed together as I lent down for a closer look. Using the brush of fingertips, I tested every groove with touch, feeling for any indication of give or weakness in the design. This took some time, as I turned the box and repeated the process. I would turn the box time and time again, until I had felt every single seam upon its darkly stained surface. I returned to the strict upright posture, as if admiring the box from above, but moreso was gauging the lines from a different perspective. When a slave passed by with a tray bearing various goblets I motioned her to me, and from her selection, a goblet of dark wine was taken. The goblet was pressed to my lips for a long moment and then set aside, my attention remained focused on the box and its secret. |
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| Valia | May 14 2014, 02:21 AM Post #2 |
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Deaths Lady
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(05/13/14 17:49:27 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [- Shop -] - In one of the many shops within Sulport.- says to ALL: I had purposely spent many days away from the building as the renovations had begun, giving the builder the opportunity to clean up the festering mess of decomposing bodies and complete those rather tasteless tasks I had asked of him. I stood now, in the open door of the building, watching as the interior had been gutted down to its skeletal frame. The stink of the dead was mostly gone. Once new timber was placed and painted, the odor would be entirely gone. Soft soled boots were silent as I stepped within. The a-line of navy robes billowed with movement, concealing the lithe frame beneath. The builder knelt near the back wall, tearing at the wood, he heard nothing but the moan and creek of the planks he wrenched free. "You are progressing quicker than I had thought." My voice, low and softly tempered broke his concentration and the tool in his hand went clattering across the floor. His face, once turned to me had paled despite the weathered glow of his skin. His eyes lifted slowly, finding my face with an exhaled breath. I was uncertain if it was my sudden appearance or this place that unnerved him so. Perhaps death lingered within these walls. A smile was slow to grow upon the curve of my mouth as I watched him stoop to retrieve his tool before standing upright. The profile of an aristrocratic face was given to him as I turned to further study his work, trying to envision what would become of this place once it was fully under my control. The thickness of ebon tresses were pulled back, worn in intricate twists that were fixed at the crown of my head, spilling in a frenzy of dark waves down the back. As I turned from him, in the darkness of all that hair glittered jet tipped pens, like dark stars fashioned into a halo of night. He gave me that moment to admire his work and when finally pale eyes of jade turned to regard him, his face wore a prideful expression. My head tipped forward ever so slightly to acknowledge my approval. "Now....the other task you were given. How has it come along?" The smile had crept back upon my lips as I asked watching the pride slowly drain from his face. He swallowed, his eyes revealing that whatever he'd experienced, it hadn't been pleasant for him. The delicate line of perfectly groomed brows furrowed together as I watched this change overcome him. But finally he spoke, his hand lifted towards a long, rectangular shaped box I had thought was some kind of toolbox. "It is done, Lady." He said no more as he turned to look upon the box and without thought took a single step away from it. My lips pressed together, the line of narrow shoulders lifted in a subtle shrug as I walked towards the box, taking it in the grip of my hands. It was lighter than it appeared. "You have my thanks and will be well rewarded. Tomorrow I shall check your progress again and we shall go over the layout." He gave a single knod as I turned from him. The slender of my left arm wrapped around the box to hold it at my side. Before I'd even left, he begun once more to tear at the planks of the wall. I was aware of the shift of weight within the box as I walked, my armed curled possessively around it perched at the curve of my hip. Surprisingly it did not hender my stride as I progressed towards the heart of the city. (05/13/14 18:08:45 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Streets-] Along one of the many busy Streets where the shops never seem to close and crowds never fade. says to ALL: There was the majestic sounding of the horn, crying out for all that a ship approached the docks. The sound was now so very familiar to me but still, each sounding brought with it the memory of my very first day to set foot upon the soil of Sulport. On that day, I would have never been able to predict the outcome. Though my pace was slow, my steps quickly ate up the distance between the docks, the warehouses until finally I reached the market. As I passed, smiles were exchanged with some and for others, there was a spiteful set to their features. I was unsure of the cause of their animosity and returned their stares with narrowed eyes and a cutting glance that dared them to voice their thoughts. I continued, my left arm holding the box almost diagonally now. My right hand had come down against the top, to hold it somewhat steady as I walked. Slowing my pace a little as I did so that the contents would not be damaged any moreso. I was in a hurry to examine them. Though would only do so within private quarters. Rather it was the pace of my stride, the weight of the robes or the combination of the two, ivory skin glistened softly in the mute, broken rays of sunlight that filtered through the passing clouds overhead. The wisps of fine hairs clung against the curve of my cheek so that I brushed it back seemingly continuously only to find no peace with it. A fine-boned hand lifted to fan, momentarily, the heat of my face, the high curve of cheeks flushed faintly with it. (05/13/14 18:30:12 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A .Merchant. |.PROBATIONAL of SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: As I passed the hall, my gaze followed the tall stairs up to the doors. The guards there stood, vigilant as ever, sporting Sulport colors and the metal of the weaponry glinting in the sun wickedly sharp. I too noted, the shift of their eyes as they followed me momentarily. Their gaze was sharp, their focus could be that of a tarnsman and their assessements were quick to dismiss and move on to the next target. I had never known people like these, these citizens of Sulport, and I was only to happy to be counted among their numbers. I trudged on, following the curve of path that took me around to the compound. My gaze washed over the guard there at the iron gate as I walked towards him. He was swift to move, opening the gate so that I might enter. And as I did, there was the clang of closure behind me. And though I had heard it numerous times, always the sound resonated within my soul. I vanished from his sight into the darkness of the stone arch that opened out onto to the courtyard of white stone and sanguine blooms. No matter the weather, this inner sanctuary was always cruelly beautiful in its prose. As I passed, I plucked a single loose petal from the bloom and held it in the curl of my fingers. Its texture was like satin or velvet, slightly damp between my fingers as I lifted it upwards and inhaled of its light fragrance. I turned then, abruptly to my left. Instead of taking the corridors that would lead me to my room, I followed the long hall that would bring me to one of the offices that Volstagg used. I stepped within, somehow knowing it was empty. In its center was the desk, its surface that of black stone polished to a near mirror finish. I walked slowly towards it, placing the box carefully upon that perfect surface and opened the lid painfully slow. The contents were wrapped carefully in a swatch of black cloth. (05/13/14 19:15:41 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: From the box, I then withdrew the skulls of Red and Black. Like Green, they were made beautiful in death. The monsters they were, revealed to be men. And men, die. Each skull was arranged to flank that of Green's. The deadly trio...now dead. Using the black cloth, I polished the crown of their heads, leaving the ivory bone nearly glowing. I took my time with each one, handling them most delicately. My fingers tracing the smooth, cold bones in an almost caress. This was all that was left of the three. It was the sight of their bodies that had stopped the nightmares, that vanquished the encompassing fear they had raised in me. A weakness I had despised in myself, now gone with them. Using the black cloth, I smoothed away the dust that dared to fall upon the black stone, dulling its lovely shine. The single petal I had plucked from the garden, I left before the three skulls. The crimson of the petal glistened like a single drop of blood, floating in black waters, the pristine white of bone contrasting shockingly behind it. I retrieved the long box and turned, leaving the skulls where they could not be missed. My steps were silent as I retreated to my room. Without thought, I began to hum softly, the cheery tune carried in the empty halls hauntingly.... |
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| Valia | May 20 2014, 02:48 AM Post #3 |
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Deaths Lady
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The puzzle box is solved to reveal... (05/19/14 19:47:26 ) [.One of Many.] V A L I A VOLSTAGG'S WOMAN |.MERCHANT OF SULPORT.| [-Volstagg’s Compound-] A secluded Compound behind the Hall of Sulport. The compound itself is mostly hidden by two large warehouses. A guarded iron gate sits between them, leading into the bottle neck entrance of the compounds garden. The building is erected around the edge of the concrete garden on a square foundation, offering space and privacy to all within its walls. says to ALL: The petal, I then added to the small bowl at the center of the low table. It joined many petals, in various stages of drying. An entire bowl of petals, it seemed. Each one having been plucked at random with every passing. I did not know why I had begun to collect them but once I started, I found it impossible to stop. I cast a single glance at the collection before returning my gaze to the puzzle box. I pressed the tips of my thumbs into the corners, one above the seam and one below. As I pushed, I could feel the pieces sliding apart to reveal the single compartment that was the bottom of the box. And from this compartment, I pulled a drawer. The drawer was velvet lined and had hidden two very unusal looking daggers. My eyes widened at the odd coloring of the metal but the razor sharp edges glinted wickedly. I had hoped for interesting and had found something deadly in its place. With that mystery solved, I pushed the drawer back into its original position and slid the grooved pieces of wood back into place. The daggers --- http://www.portalofdreams.com/members/Valia/HostedAvs/daggers.jpg Then I opened the the lid and drew from the box within the small velvet purse that held the raw stones. I pushed the box out of the way and opened the mouth of the pouch, carefully spilling the stones out upon the tables surface. I think sorted them according to color and size, taking my time to study each stone. Turning them in my fingers to watch the play of light and how the colors changed or the texture shimmered in the light. I had to select one....only one. Edited by Valia, May 20 2014, 02:50 AM.
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7:16 PM Jul 11