Queen Anna V 👑 🫜🫜

@annavernerauthor.bsky.social

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Author of cozy Fantasy/Horror Raven duology. Enjoys reading and writing Fantasy, Sci-fi, Horror, Spicy. 📚 ⚔ 🚀 👻 🌶 Will talk about movies for a long time. Loves Zombies and other monsters. These are my Friends 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ NO AI https://anna-verner.itch.io/

Afterwards they snuggle up to each other, sweat beading on their bodies as they lie quietly with their eyes closed in the sunshine. They soon snooze. Without warning a shiver runs through Raven and she sits up and puts on her underclothes. “Hey!” Yells Trig, opening his eyes. “Surely it's not time for getting dressed yet? I was enjoying that.” He grabs Raven and pulls her down on top of him. Raven squeals as he holds her tight. She kisses his nose, then tickles his sides and as giggles he loosens his grip and she rolls over next to him. “No fair!” He complains. “You know how much that gets me!” “The sun is going to go down soon.” “Alright, fire, so we’re not cold, then sleep time.” As Trig stands Raven smacks his bottom which gives him a fright. “Hey! None of that now, you wanted a fire!” Raven shrugs, “Sorry, I could not resist, it’s always the best looking moon around.”
Raven looks innocent. "Who me?" "And no food fights either!" Percy laughs back. As she breaks off a crumb of bread and throws it at him. Percy moves and the piece hits Lord Ayden instead. Raven is embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry Lord Ayden, it was not aimed for you." Lord Ayden looks horrified. "Oh, I am sorry for that display." Says Lord Percy. "My sister has never been able to be tamed." "It is strange to think Raven is your sister Lord Percy." Says Lord Ayden. "Quite."
Book cover of The Celurian Connection by Simon Wolfe. The artwork is of a round entrance to a spaceship with a female with yellow skin and blonde hair in a blue uniform with brown boots holding a gun out in front of her. Next to her is an alien male with dark brown skin black hair, black beard in a green space suit and is holding an orange and green helmet. In his other hand is a silver message pod.
Books stacked against each other on a light brown bookshelf. That Night I got Dragged Home by. Werewolf by Autumn Wolf, Ariana takes Command by Simon Wolfe, first Light: Event Horizon by Dan F. Bispo, The Shadows that we carry, a horror anthology, Dark Descent: Whispers from Beyond 2026, The Assassin's Raven by Anna Verner, The Kings Raven by Anna Verner, The Horror Zine Magazine Summer 2025, edited by Jeani Rector.
A light brown wooden bookshelf. There are five books standing against each other. From the left there is The Shadows that we carry, A Horror Anthology, Dark Descent: Whispers from Beyond 2026, The Assassin's Raven by Anna Verner, The Kings Raven by Anna Verner, The Horror Zine Magazine Summer 2025, edited by Jeani Rector.
Book cover of Cry Wolf To A Monster Bound 1, by PJC Cahill. There is a close up of a wolfs eye which is golden brown, with brown and black fur all around.
On the left is a picture of a wolf with its mouth open snarling. Above it says Beware what lurks within. On the right is the book cover for Dark Descent Whispers from Beyond. Over 100 chilling stories, 2026 Anthology. There is artwork of a dark angel with a black and gold cloak. The good is over their head so you can't see their face. There are large black and gold wings on either side.
Trig's father returns and plonks a bag on the table in front of them. "What's this?" Asks Trig. "The king had new coins made which are legal tender now, I assume you want to buy things while your away?" He says, slightly sarcastically. "Of course." Says Raven. "Thank you." Trig opens the bag and picks up a coin to inspect it. "I don't think this is a very good likeness." Trying not to laugh as he passes it to Raven. She takes a look and snorts. "Shame. They have really tried hard to make him look less angry than normal." She drops the coin back in with the others.
“You are still fast.” Huffs Branwen to Wilken. “Enough to beat you at least. I think Raven has the young legs on her side.” “Absolutely.” Replies Raven. “I also think you two have been comfortable for too long.” “Comfortable?” Replies Wilken, raising an eyebrow. “Who has been living in a nice cottage?” he says looking at both of them. “Definitely not me.” “True.” Replies Raven. “Sorry.” Merlie refills the bucket from the well and slowly carries it over with water sloshing everywhere, for them to wash. Wilken takes off his sweat stained shirt, and splashes water on his face. Raven gasps at the scars on his lean back. He quickly wipes his face with his hands and pulls his shirt back on, embarrassed. “I did not expect you to see those.” “Was that your punishment, from the guild? You were whipped?” Wilken is close to tears. “Yes.” Replies Branwen. She rubs the scar on her face. “And I copped a piece of one for trying to stop it.” “Which I am forever grateful for.” Wilken replies quietly, bowing towards Branwen. She nods. “That is horrible.” Says Trig, shocked. Wilken’s voice is raspy, “it is done now. No need to keep talking of it.” He stomps off into the house and slams the door.
“My poster is all wet.” Trig says mournfully as the paper slowly disintegrates, and drips to the ground. “Of course.” Replies Raven, rolling her eyes. Wilken drops his sticks and points at Raven, “you seem to have a little something on you.” She looks at her shoulder. “Oh, right. Forgot about that.” Trig is busy mourning his lost poster. “So, this happened.” Raven tells Trig. Trig sees the arrow sticking out of her shoulder and blood dripping down her clothes. “How can you be so calm?” Asks Trig, looking alarmed. “I do not know.” Shrugs Raven. “Does it hurt?” She shakes her head. “I guess I am so cold I cannot feel it.” He walks over to Raven very slowly, his teeth chattering, to have a closer look.
Book cover for The Cryptic Parade and a World Unfurling, a collection of horror flash fiction by Dan F. Bispo. The artwork is of a grey skull with black bat wings and five brown tentacles coming out of it. There are symbols in red in the background.
"Y-Yess." Replies Wilken. "But are you sure this is what you want?" "Absolutely!" Ilak growls. "And I do not want to hear another word from you. You are the sweetest, kindest, most handsome man I have ever met, and I love you." "I love you too." Wilken replies quietly. "Now will you let me do this for you?" "But I will be too heavy for you." "Nonsense!" Replies Ilak, "you may be taller, but you do not weigh much." "Ok then." Wilken relaxes. Wilken smiles and wraps his arms around Ilak's neck as Ilak picks him up. Ilak gives him a peck on the nose, and carries him into the master house. He stops inside and says, "now I want to be the only one that picks you up like this ever again, is that clear? I don't care how much bigger Trig is, I will fight him if I have to." "Only you," says Wilken, giggling. "Good. I promise to take care of you for all our lives." Wilken repeats the same. "You can put me down now." "No." Replies Ilak. "We have not crossed the doorway to our room yet, that is the most important one!" "Ok, but do you think you can carry me that far?" "Love, I would carry you through a battle if I had to." "Well, if you're sure?" Ilak nods and steps determinedly towards the stairs. Wilken snuggles up close in his arms."
Book cover for Wilken and Ilak by Anna Verner and Mike Struan. There is a white background and the title is in pink. In the middle is artwork of the two characters. Ilak is on the left, he is a human who has olive skin with blond hair, a brown beard. He is shirtless and is wearing light brown trousers with brown armour. He has a brown belt with a curved sword hanging down. Wilken is on the right, he is taller and an elf. He has light pink skin with long dark hair. He is shirtless with three scars on his back. He is wearing purple trousers with dark purple boots. Ilak is holding Wilken's hand up to his mouth for a kiss.
Book cover for Wilken and Ilak by Anna Verner and Mike Straun. There is a white background and the title is in pink. In the middle is artwork of the two characters. Ilak is on the left, he is a human who has olive skin with blond hair, a brown beard. He is shirtless and is wearing light brown trousers with brown armour. He has a brown belt with a curved sword hanging down. Wilken is on the right, he is taller and an elf. He has light pink skin with long dark hair. He is shirtless with three scars on his back. He is wearing purple trousers with dark purple boots. Ilak is holding Wilkens hand up to his mouth for a kiss.
Artwork of characters from The Assassin's Raven. On the left is Raven, she is a young small female elf wearing a dark shirt, brown trousers, dark brown boots, a dark cloak with a white wool collar. She has a belt with a curved sword hanging down. Trig is on the right, he is big and strong. He is wearing a green shirt, dark trousers and brown boots, a brown cloak with white wool at the top, he has a belt with a long sword hanging down.
Book cover for First Light, Book 1: Event Horizon by Dan F. Bispo. The cover is black with stars in the background. In the foreground is a spaceship zooming forward. Nearby is a round space station with two small ships flying around it.
The next day they walk their horses through the next town. Princess wants to stop there for a rest. Lily says "I'll think about it. Let's see what this town is like first." They ride through the centre of town and see lots of people gathered at the marketplace. There are a lot of people yelling and laughing, with kids running around playing games through the crowd. Lily sees that there are three people hanging from the gallows. That is what everyone has gathered for. "It looks like it has just happened." She starts hearing people yelling "death to assassin's!" "Good riddance!" "Boo!" And people are throwing things. As they walk their horses closer Lily goes pale. She recognises the man in the middle, it was the boy she was friendly with at assassin training. She tries not to react as they pass. No matter how horrible it is to see him swinging from the rope she tries to stay calm and look straight ahead. But then they have to stop their horses as there are too many people in front of them to get past. Lily catches snippets of conversations around her. "That one in the middle is good looking, that's such a shame." "I heard his wife turned him in." "I don't think I would have let that one go!" "It's the law now, though ain't it?"
Book cover of Dam Breakers by Mike Straun. There is a man on the left in t shirt, blue jeans with short brown hair, opposite him is a shorter man with a brown long sleeve shirt with embroidery on the edges. They are cuddlibg each other and are about to kiss. There is a small flame with eyes in front of them in a tree branch. There are dark green trees around them with a dark sky in the background. There is also a bright green swirl above their heads.
Chapter 1: "Do I look ok?" The girl comes down the stairs in a beautiful long dress. "Yes, you look perfect." Says a young tall man as he looks up at her. "How do people wear this stuff all day?" She shifts around uncomfortably. "Stop fussing with it, you're supposed to look like a lady." "Ok, ok, let's go, before I really want to change." They start walking out the main door. The girl is dressed in fine clothes with a diamond necklace around her neck. She has an earring in her right ear that is a diamond star shape which sparkles in the sunlight. The man is also young, wearing the clothes of a lord. He looks clean cut and well groomed. "This is my one chance. They don't take on as many apprentices as the other guilds. I have to show them I can do it." Says the girl as they walk. "I said I'll help you and I will, but I don't know why you want to be in this guild. I mean out of all of them, they are the most dangerous." "I know! It sounds so exciting!" She starts skipping along in excitement.
Coloured drawings of two men. The one on the left has olive skin, light hair, a brown beard. He is shirtless, is wearing pants with brown armour over, he has a curved sword hanging down from a belt. He is holding the other man's hand up to his lips for a kiss. The man on the right has pale skin, he has elf ears and long dark hair. He is shirtless with his back facing the front, he has three long scars on his back. His head is facing towards the other man. He is wearing purple trousers and dark purple boots.
But when the barmaid brings it over to their table and Trig sees it on the plate with the red juice around the potatoes he shudders. "I've changed my mind." He says publishing the plate away. "I can't eat that." "Why not?" Asks Raven. "Doesn't it remind you too much of what we've seen?" "But you have been catching rabbits and eating chicken. What's the difference?" "They don't look like people meat." Says Trig. "Really?" "I think it's the blood on the plate, and the smell. Reminds me too much of people ripping into..." He covers his mouth, pushes his chair back, and runs outside to throw up.
Raven and Trig walk up to the bar and sit on stools. "Excuse me?" Asks Trig, trying to get the attention of the barman. "Yes?" He turns "what can I get ya?" Trig tries hard not to stare at the man's scars on his face. "Two pints of beer please." He says, and looks at Raven. "What about you? What are you having?" "Ha ha." She replies. "Two pints coming up." Says the barman as he pours them from the tap. "What are you folks doing in these parts?" He asks as he puts them on the bar in front of them. Raven pulls out her pouch and hands over coins. "Umm, kind of tricky." Replies Trig. "Looking for some people that might turn into dogs? If that makes sense?" "Ahh, the werewolves," says the man, nodding, as he picks up the coins and puts them away. "You know of the werewolves?" Asks Raven, intrigued. Everyone in the tavern seems to go quiet with those words. Trig and Raven look around as the tavern is now silent.
Book cover A Stardate to Remember by Anna Verner in white. In the middle is a purple red and pink space nebula in the shape of a heart with black space and stars in the background.
Character artwork of Ilak and Wilken from The Kings Raven. Ilak is a human knight who has light coloured hair and a brown beard. He has olive skin and is shirtless. He is wearing light brown pants with brown armour. He is holding Wilkens hand for a kiss. Wilken is next to him and is an Elf. He is taller than Ilak and has light pink skin and long black hair. He is shirtless showing his back that has three long scars down his back. He is wearing purple trousers with dark purple boots. Both men are looking at each other.
Book cover for The Hive by Anna Verner. There is a close up photo of the coronovirus on the bottom. They are round balls with skinny tentacles coming out. The background is dark purple and black and there are white shining lights around the balls.
A book First Light by Dan F. Bispo with a postcard over it which has a picture of Kelpies in Scotland. There is a package underneath and they are sitting on a brown wooden table.
A black, blue and pink butterfly is sitting on a bunch of bright red gerbera flowers. Underneath then is a white tray the flowers are on. There are green shrubs around them.
"He comes in now and then, and picks a girl to take away with him." "What for?" Asks Trig. The bartender is embarrassed and lowers his voice. "Umm...you know..." "Not on my watch." Trig growls. "He's one of the baron's sons, so he might inherit the place. And he pays them well." "Really?" Asks Raven. "I am sorry, I did not realise they got coins for it, that changes everything." She says sarcastically. "Well," says the bartender. "It has been like this for a while." He shrugs. "So, what can you do?" They watch the young man walk haughtily around the room checking over the girls and women. "This is disgusting!" Scoffs Raven. "I know, but he pays a lot of people's wages in this area and he has a lot of guards who work for him. So we can't really object." Raven narrows her eyes and places her hand on her sword. "Don't do it." Says Trig. "Do what?" Asks Raven. "Whatever you're thinking of doing, you will be in huge trouble if you kill a baron's son with everyone watching like this. Just ignore him." Raven says, "fine, I won't kill him." Trig relaxes, until he realises she still intends to do something else.
A drawing of a black cat with devil horns and small wings on its back is sitting in a pink dining chair with big sad eyes. There's a bookshelf behind it. It says "I consulted the great, howling void about your troubles. It told me to tell you to be kinder to yourself." From Necrokitten Wisdom, with a potion bottle that says Rest on the label.
Raven nods. "He got hung. I watched it. He would still be alive if not for her." "That is sad. Sorry." "It makes me so angry! The things I want to do!" Raven growls. Seeing she needs to let it out, Trig says. "And what did you come up with?" Raven walks around and her eyes shine as she looks up at Trig. "Well I think poisoning or slitting her throat in her sleep is too good for her, too quick, it needs to be slow and painful, like a hanging. The slower the better." "Of course." "Maybe I can shove a knife into her back, really twisting it around like she did by turning him in. That seems right." "Are you done?" "No, I have more. I could cut off each off her fingers and toes. See how she likes that." "Ok, I think that is enough now." "Wait, what if I push a spoon into each of her eyes and pluck them out, that will teach her." "I am going to be sick soon if you keep going." "She deserves all those things and more."
A picture of a house on top of a hill with a bright face looking out. It is dark, and there's blue and pink smoke coming out of the chimney with butterflies. There are creatures standing at the bottom of the hill looking at the house. It says "they call it socially weird like it's a warning." At the bottom it says "perfect. That means my people can spot me in the dark." A sign says "beacon for the delightfully misaligned."
They begin to ride. After a few days they stop for a rest at a village. It is almost dark when they arrive, so quickly find a place with a bed each and go to sleep. The next morning Raven and Trig walk around to find some breakfast. They leave Lady Morrigan to continue sleeping. They find a tavern and the smell of food cooking makes Trig's tummy rumble. They go in and stand at the bar. The woman behind the bar walks up and down serving others, but does not come over to them. Raven was getting annoyed at being ignored. Then the bar maid comes over to them grumpy. "You will not be served here until you change your clothes." Says the woman. "Sorry, what?" Asks Raven, confused. "Your clothes, you are dressed quite improperly and you will not be served until you put on suitable attire." "Is this a joke?" "Certainly not. A woman should never be wearing men's clothes and walking and talking with men, it is wrong. Now come back when you are wearing a dress or not at all."
Photo of Abel Tasman National Park. A green tent is under some trees with a kayak next to it. A water bottle and back packs on a picnic table. In the background is a beach with blue water and some green bushes.
A comic strip. The first panel says "new! Swords for lords! Thou shall feel manly!" With a picture of a blue sword. The next panel says "new! Blades for ladies! To make you more beautiful." With a picture of a thin pink sword. The next panel has a woman in a blue outfit holding the pink sword and saying "why would anyone need a pink sword?" The next panel has a large man in pink armour with a pink helmet on holding a blue sword looking at the woman and saying "umm, can we swap?"
A comic strip. The first panel shows a dragon flying off with a sheep. There are three villagers on the ground near a black castle looking angry. One says "by the saints! The dragon hwth seized a sheep! O! Poor beast, taken aloft!" The next panel shows the dragon holding the sheep and flying. The sheep is wearing a pilots helmet and goggles. The dragon says "pretty sick view from up here, hey Greg?" The sheep is smiling and says "omg Barry! Yes!" Underneath it says I'm flying away on wing and a prayer.
A Savage Chicken cartoon. There is a fish man standing next to a castle saying "glub", and a chicken is standing next to a delivery chicken saying "no I did not order a minnowtaur"
Book cover Tele by Anna Verner. There is blue sky and clouds with space ships flying. Below is a futuristic city with glass domes and lots of trees. On the right is a white sand beach.
Book cover for The Shadows That We Carry, a horror anthology. Beside it, it has written the monsters that follow us into sdulthood become the Shadows That We Carry. A charity horror anthology. Twenty tales from members of Horror Writers Chat, including: Theodore Snapdragon, Autumn Rsin, Christine Cunningham, Bruce Buchanan, Anna Orridge, J. Neira, Anna Verner, Alexander Hay, Louise Conway, William Beck, and more. Proceeds will be donated to the charity MacMillan in memory of author MG Mason (Matt Mason), creator of #HorrorWritersChat.
Jessica Alba from Dark Angel. She has long dark hair snd is wearing a leather jacket.
Book cover The Shadows that we Carry A horror Anthology. The cover is black with a woman in red and yellow with her eyes closed with flames around her.
A skeleton holding up a bottle with green liquid and thinking. Underneath it says "if poison is past its expiration date, is it more poisonous or no longer poisonous. Asking for a friend."
Character Art of Raven and Trig from The Assassins Rsven by Anna Verner. Raven is a short little elf. She is wearing a brown shirt, brown trousers, boots and has a curved sword at her belt. Trig is tall and big. He is wearing a green shirt, dark trousers and boots and has a long sword at his belt. They are both wearing cloaks with fur around their necks.
Jars of chunky NZ honey stacked on top of each other. The jars are clear with dark honeycomb inside and white lids.
"Ahh, just talking about the guilds and if there will be any hangings today." "If we're lucky!" Says Princess, "haven't seen one for a while now. I don't think there's many of them left." "What do you think about the assassins one, surely they are still around?" Lily glares at Trig. "I hope not! They're the worst! My father says everyone should be obeyed by the king, and the Lords and barons. Anyone doing stuff without their permission should be punished. We can't have leaders of the guilds making their own rules. My father says that's what leads to chaos." "Interesting ideas your father has." Ssys Trig. "What do you think Lily?" Lily turns and starts walking to the door. "I don't know. All I know is that I am hungry and going downstairs for breakfast." She walks away snd tries her best not to run down the stairs.
A stick figure of a man with long hair.
Sign in a black background that says in red "warning I have no filter."
Soon the trail widens and they can walk their horses side by side. Raven reaches across and punches Trig's arm. "Ow!" He cries, rubbing it. "What was that for?" "I told you I would get you back." "I didn't expect it to be so soon." Raven shrugs, "better now than when we are at your parents." "I guess."
A 3 tiered white platter with sandwiches on the bottom layer and cakes on the next two layers. There is a teapot next to it.
"What?" Raven snaps as she sits up. "I hate to tell you, but someone stole our horses while you were sleeping." "You are playing a trick, right?" Raven growls. "No, I'm not." Says Trig sadly. Raven jumps up and looks around. She can see outlines of the horses hoof prints that she follows towards the treeline, but then after a few steps they disappear. Trig stands there forlorn. "I have already looked for them." "I mean come on!" Growls Raven as she searches. "We've only just started on this thing and we already have to replace our horses!" She turns on Trig. "How could this have happened?" Trig is embarrassed. "Guess I was more tired than I thought, must have dozed off. Sorry. Probably just getting used to being back on the road again." Raven twirls her ear ring and paces around. "I mean, our horses aren't dead, that's something at least." Says Trig.
A girl dressed all in ack is holding an ace in one hand and a sword in the other. Written on the axe says love and on the sword it says Grace. It says above the picture "I am maintaining my peace with Love and Grace. Meet Love and Grace. Next in line, please." She is also in side a house next to a bookshelf and a cat sitting on the floor.
Raven pulls her sword out and takes her foot away. She stands there panting with her sword dripping blood, and looks at Trig. "Miss me?" She asks. Trig looks at her in disbelief and then chuckles, "yeah, just so you know, I was on my way to rescue you." "Yeah, sure." She replies. "I just couldn't wait that long." She replies. "And I really like my sword."
Bows, "a message for you sir." Trig takes it, surprised. He runs upstairs to Raven's room and knocks on the door. She opens it looking very disheveled and tired. Trig strides in excitedly and shows her the letter. "I can't believe you did this." "I told you I would find out about your family." "He passes it to her. "Please read it for me." "Yes of course." "I hope it's good news " "I feel it is if the messenger has come back this quickly. If they weren't there or if it was bad news it would have taken longer." "Thanks." Trig sits down on Raven's bed, but is still looking worried. She reads it and then says to Trig. "It is good news, your family is well." She reads the letter out loud. "Thanks goodness." Trig replies. "Thank you." "That's ok." She hands him back the note. He stands up jerkily, suddenly realising he is in her bedroom, "I will leave you to get back to whatever you were doing. I didn't mean to disturb you." And he walks out quickly, trying not to show the redness in his face.
Stained Glass Window Biscuits. Pastry shaped tree Biscuits with coloured candies in the middle.
A red plate with a loaf of bread steaming on the right and some butter in a black pot on the left.
Raven looks innocent, "who me?" "And no food fights either!" Percy laughs back. As she breaks off a crumb of bread and throws it at him. Percy moves and the piece hits Lord Ayden instead. Raven is embarrassed. "Oh, I'm sorry Ayden, it was not aimed at you." Lord Ayden looks horrified. "Oh, I am sorry for that display." Says Lord Percy. "My sister has never been able to be tamed." "It is strange to think Raven is your sister Lord Percy." Says Lord Ayden. "Quite."
"There's a bunch of them coming this way!" Trig and Raven move forward to the front. "How many?" Asks Raven. "How far away and how much time do we have?" "You don't believe him do you?" Asks a woman. "Of course." Says Trig. "We have seen them as well." "Don't be stupid!" Says someone. "We have to prepare." Says Raven to Trig. She turns to the crowd. "Be quiet and listen to me!" She yells. The crowd backs off a bit. "Whether you believe that man or not, these things exist. All they like to do is eat people and they will not stop. You can't offer them money or even talk to them. They do not slow down to make bargains. All of you need to decide what to do about it. Do you stay and fight or do you run away? It's your choice." An argument erupts as people yell at each other about it. Raven and Trig turn to the man. "They are not far away. If they keep moving as fast as I saw them they will be here by the afternoon. There were about ten of them. I am taking my family and leaving before they get here "
They begin to ride. After a few days they stop for a rest at a village. It is almost dark when they arrive, so quickly find a place with a bed and go to sleep. The next morning Raven and Trig walk around to find some breakfast. They leave Lady Morrigan to continue sleeping. They find a tavern and the smell of food cooking makes Trig's tummy rumble. They go in and stand at the bar. The woman behind the bar walks up and down serving others, but does not come over to them. Raven was getting annoyed at being ignored. Then the bar maid comes over to her grumpy. "You will not be served here until you change your clothes." Says the woman. "I'm sorry, what?" Asks Raven, confused. "Your clothes, you are dressed quite improperly and you will not be served until you put on suitable attire." "Is this a joke?" "Certainly not. A woman should never be wearing men's clothes and walking and talking with men, it is wrong. Now come back when you are wearing a dress or do not come back at all."