Senkha & Oliver: March 17

Senkha sighs at her desk and the contract on it. "Did you get a chance to visit the Quel'Talan today?"

Oliver kicks the door shut behind them. "Ah'd want t'speak t'Maryus, if anybody. He wun' avail'ble."
Oliver says: An' lahk hell Ah'm talkin' t' Strahm.
Oliver says: Where y'want me t' put y'down?

Senkha nods. "I wish the three of us could just sit down and -talk this out-. Um...let's go upstairs. To bed. I'm not working tonight."
Senkha says: I went to the office today and read over my books...I've got my work cut out for me.

Oliver smiles, turning toward the stairs. "Well at least y'have some good news, eh?" After a pause, he adds, "Oh, could y'unbuckle th' belt over my chest? May's well make yah earn yer ride."

Senkha does so as they reach the bed, holding onto the straps. "Just let me know when I can let go. Don't want to break it."
Senkha says: ...Light, I think it's been since...I don't know when that I've undressed you.

Oliver curls one arm more supportively under her and grabs the strap himself. He lowers her down onto the bed. "Ah never said anythin' about undressin'." He gives a sly smirk, though it falters a little as he turns to prop his blade on the wall.

Senkha hikes up her skirt and starts undoing her braces. The left one, as usual, takes no time at all, but she actually has to undo half of her robe and sit there half naked to remove the right. "Mm, just a thought. Something we ought to try in the future."
Senkha says: I don't know why I thought of it.

Oliver turns around, looking nonplussed. "Whut, undressin'?"

Senkha says: Mm. It never occurred to me until just now.

Oliver undoes the clasps connecting his cloak to his spaulders. He balls it up in his hands, all the while giving her that same peculiar look. "Ah think there's a perfec'ly good reason fer that." He dumps the cloak onto the floor in a ball next to his sword.

Senkha says: That being you're dead. You're looking at me strangely, love.

Oliver shakes his head and laughs softly as he walks over to her. "Let's... pass on th' undressin' thing."

Senkha smiles as well, holding out her hands to him. "I meant...well, you know. When we do our usual...yes. That. We rarely undress."

Oliver begins to hold his hands out to her, but pauses before he's close enough for her to reach. He blinks. "We do?"

Senkha says: Mm. We always start completely naked.

Oliver says: ... Hadn' realahzed that was such a big deal.
Oliver sits on the wooden foot of the bed.

Senkha chuckles. "It's not really. It hadn't even occurred to me before now. Just...it'd be nice." She scoots over and rests her head on his arm.

Oliver says: ... That a request 'a some kahnd?

Senkha smiles contentedly, apparently happy to just be sitting by him. "Eventually. Not now, though." She looks up at Oliver, her smile fading. "Are you alright? I was really worried about you yesterday."

Oliver rubs the back of his neck. After a moment of looking contemplative, he just laughs and says, "Shit, Ah can't really lie t' you anyway."

Senkha shakes her head, still looking up at Oliver with a slight, concerned smile. She links her fingers with his.

Oliver says: ... No, Senkha. Ah ain't okay. Ah's in now way proud 'a whut Ah did. Ah don't deserve t' live after that.
Oliver says: An' Ah know, here it comes, Ah know -exactly- whut yer gunna say.

Senkha doesn't say anything; she just looks at Oliver, fingers still laced together, listening.

Oliver says: Yer gunna tell me, 'Oliver, bein' dead won't change it. Oliver, Ah wanted t' do that. Oliver, y'promised yuh'd not think this way n'more.' An' yeah,

Senkha, it's all true. Y'ain't said it yet, but yer right.

Senkha says: --why?

Oliver says: Why what?

Senkha says: You knew what you were doing all along. Why did you go through with it?
Senkha hasn't left her spot at his side, fingers still laced with his. She's watching him curiously but with a warmth in her eyes.

Oliver says: ... Ah couldn' tell you.

Senkha hums thoughtfully. "...it wasn't because I can't walk anymore, was it? It wasn't because you felt sorry for me?"

Oliver says: Ah told you Ah don't know -why-!

Senkha keeps her voice calm and soothing. "Alright, love. It's alright. I was just asking."
Senkha says: I know that I should hate you for what you did, and maybe someday, when I'm more removed from it, I'll think about it logically. But...
Senkha shrugs, not willing to go on, considering he's already said her usual spiel as if he had it memorized.

Oliver does have it memorized. He tilts his head back in silent frustration before letting out a dry, raspy-sounding sigh. "If'n there was any good left in me, Ah'd 'a confessed to th' church by now."

Senkha says: Did you?

Oliver says: ... No.
Oliver says: Nobody's ever gunna know. Light help me, nobody's ever gunna know.

Senkha shakes her head. "I'm not exactly singing it from the rooftops." She shrugs, still looking at Oliver. After a moment, she adds, "I love you."

Oliver flinches and then turns to pull her into a tight hug. "Ah'm sorry. 'M so sorry. Ah know y'don't care, but Ah done yuh evil an' Ah don't think there's any way t'be sorry enough."

Senkha returns the hug with as much strength as she has, which still isn't much, all things considered. "I can't judge you for it, and I forgive you, whether you think you deserve it or not."

Oliver lets her go, back to sitting as he was. "... That's up t' you."

Senkha reaches up to touch Oliver's face, still not having stopped hugging him. "I know you'll never forgive yourself no matter what I do. It's part of what I love about you." She smiles at him sadly.

Oliver says: ... Ah'm jus' scared fer you.

Senkha says: I know. But...
Senkha sighs softly. "Secretly, I honestly think my soul's been damned for a while now. It's only been recently that I've started repenting again for the horrible things I do, and even then, it's only some of the things."
Senkha says: Not to mention that I've done this willingly before.

Oliver drags a hand down his face. "Ah know y'think that. Hell, yer prob'ly right. But it-" His hand drops and his fingers tense and curl in a little bit in frustration. "Ah can't explain it."

Senkha says: But you made it certain. For me and for yourself.

Oliver says: Ah a'ready spit in m' own moral code jus' by bein' around. Whut Ah did was beyond- It ain't even about cer'nty 'a damnation 'r whut, it's jus' about whut's -right-.

Senkha frowns at this, arms still around Oliver. "Second time in two days I've heard that," she comments idly.

Oliver groans, leaning against the bedpost, probably causing her to lean with him. "Ah know. Ah know y'has, an' Ah know y'hate t' hear it, but Ah -would- be there if'n it didn' mean so much t' tha both 'a yah that Ah not go."

Senkha says: ...if we hadn't just gotten back, if it wasn't for Dizzy, I would be, too.
Senkha says: --and if I could walk. That would be a nice thing to be able to do in a battle.

Oliver says: ... It was mostly 'cause Ah felt bad y'couldn' fight.

Senkha nods, resting her head against Oliver's chest. "I figured as much. I was just...surprised that you let me take control immediately. I was honestly only hoping to come along for the ride." She gives Oliver a weak smile and a nudge.

Oliver says: ... Whut d'you plan on doin'. Na' y'done that.
While his thoughts are hazy, it's pretty impossible for him to hide, even by his facial expression, that he's not quite over the self-hate and is merely trying to support her perspective. Marriage survival skills are go.

Senkha 's smile fades; she closes her eyes and takes hold of Oliver's hands. A moment later, he would feel her seeking out the nerve endings in his hands, trying to reactivate them. Even if it's just that middle finger again.

Oliver tries to jerk his hands away from her, but he freezes and gives a cry of surprise. His fingers curl in on themselves as the feeling is knitted back into them. "Senkha, no! What d'you-"

Senkha clenches her jaw and holds tightly to his hands. She gives his mouth and lips the same treatment before retreating and opening her eyes, looking at Oliver quite seriously.

Oliver flexes his fingers in her grip, wincing again at the powerful sensation of the heated room and the flesh of her hands on the three fingertips her efforts managed to save. "Don't-- do that!"

Senkha says: Why.

Oliver takes a moment to find the right words. He's stopped trying to slip his hands out of her grip. "Havin' done wrong ain't a excuse t' do more wrong," he finally says.

Senkha sighs and shakes her head. "That's just it. I refuse to believe that you let--made--this happen for no reason. I can heal you now. I can heal Death Knights who've been badly injured and can't get to Acherus. And I can do good."

Oliver says: It was a thought! A thought Ah regret with every -part- 'a me!

Senkha says: I don't regret it.

Oliver says: Ah can't make you.

Senkha says: Then stop trying, please.
Senkha shifts away from Oliver, flexing her hands and rubbing her fingers together, as if she's getting feeling in her hands for the first time in ages, too.

Oliver looks down at his hands. He rubs the thumb and middle fingertip of his right hand together in silence. He does this for quite some time.

Senkha also sits quietly for a while, eventually saying, "...didn't manage with your lips, did I?"

Oliver shakes his head slowly, his eyes fixated on his fingers.

Senkha nods, looking back down at her lap. "I'm sorry," she says, after a moment.

Oliver unbuckles and tugs off the gauntlet covering his right hand. He turns his palm quickly face up as he sees the gauntleted fist etched into the back of his hand.
Oliver lifts his hand to touch the decayed side of his face, just as he did before. He runs his middle finger over the teeth and down the curve of the jaw.
Oliver smiles, finally. "No y'ain't."

Senkha presses her lips together. "--are you?"

Oliver trails his thumb down one side of his chin, his middle finger down the other, meeting them where the flesh yields to decay. "Yes." Mostly.

Senkha says: I'm not sorry I did it. I'm sorry that you didn't want it. And I'm sorry that doing it hurts you.

Oliver then lowers his hand and places it on her thigh, feeling the fabric of her robe. "Yuh'd do it again in a heartbeat."

Senkha slowly smiles, moving closer to Oliver once again. "I would. Love...if you don't want me to heal you or seal your wounds, I won't, out of respect for you, but...I would like it if you would allow me to."

Oliver watches his hand run over the fabric, the connection of the senses sight and touch still an oddity for him. "Ah don't wanna be advuhcatin' nuthin'. But maybe yer right. Maybe in this one case, it jus' don't fuckin' matter 'cause we's a'ready..."

Senkha says: ...damned.
Senkha said it.

Oliver says: -- Yeah.
Oliver 's hand drops back into his lap. It's not a second later that he's running his fingers over his tabard, though.

Senkha says: ...it doesn't feel any different from before.

Oliver says: Ah'd suspect it don't.
Oliver says: Wouldn' usually feel it 'less y'was dead.

Senkha says: What'd it feel like for you, the first time you knew?
Senkha says: More of the same? Or does it feel worse?

Oliver says: ... Humbled.

Senkha says: Humbled?

Oliver says: ... Y'realahz whut a gift th' rest 'a yer lahf is, knowin' whut awaits yuh beyond it.

Senkha nods with a shaky sort of laugh. "It's...kind of a relief, honestly. I feel like I can actually start doing good things now because I'm not doing them just to keep from going to hell or to get to heaven."

Oliver seems to consider a moment. He finally looks at her, and he gives the faintest hint of a smile.

Senkha meets his smile with one of her own. It's tentative and nervous, but genuine.

Oliver says: ... Then we commit noble sins. You an' me. T' help each other.
Oliver seems all at once ashamed, resigned, and relieved to say this.

Senkha reaches over and laces her fingers with Oliver's. "It's all I've ever wanted," she admits, her voice slightly choked. "To be able to help you."

Oliver says: ... Should Ah list th' ways y'a'ready have?

Senkha laughs softly, shaking her head. "We go through this often, I know. I'm just...you know, it's like an enormous burden off my shoulders. Not something I'm thrilled about, objectively, but I...I feel less afraid."

Oliver says: Would y'wanna do it again. Whut we did.

Senkha hesitates a moment before nodding. "I would. Not because of the...incredibleness of it. I just..." She sighs, unable to explain herself with words, but it's clear that the closeness was something that meant a lot to her.
Senkha says: Would you?

Oliver looks hesitant and pained to admit, "...Yes."

Senkha says: ...was it better? Not being alone in it?

Oliver says: Ah'd rather we not talk about it more.
Oliver 's voice shakes, as if choking back heavy emotion.

Senkha nods and kisses Oliver's cheek. "Alright. If that's what you want." She doesn't attempt to conceal her unsated curiosity, but she doesn't pry or ask again. She just holds him.

Oliver doesn't stimulate the conversation any further. He falls quiet, again looking down at his hands as he runs his fingertip over a cool metal legplate, exploring his new sense of touch.

Senkha & Oliver -- March 13

Senkha smiles, inhaling the cool air and taking in the scenery. "Light, Oliver, this is -perfect-."

Oliver slides her down from Gatha's back into his arms. The horse, as before, wanders off to graze. He trips over a bush, letting out a loud ghostly shriek before righting himself and continuing on like nothing happened. Oliver simply stares.

Senkha watches Gatha as well, chuckling. "I've missed him. Oh, it's so nice out here. There's so much -life-. The grass...mmm..." She takes a deep breath, drawing in the scent, allowing Oliver to enjoy it as well.

Oliver smiles as he suddenly swears he can feel the ocean breeze on his face. "Let's head t'tha edge, we're jus' in tahm fer sundown."

Senkha grins and nods, shifting in Oliver's arms, making those horrible noises. "I'm glad we're here. I'm glad to be here with -you-."'

Oliver walks her to the edge. When they reach it, he lowers her gently onto the grass and drops down beside her. Gatha whinnies pathetically about something in the background.
Oliver says: Light, y'kin really see th' damage up here.

Senkha hastily hikes up her skirt and begins to undo her braces. She's gotten much faster at it, and it's only a few minutes before they're discarded behind her and she's massaging her right leg again, all while looking up at the sun. "You can."
Senkha says: Remember when we were hiding out in Radok's basement?

Oliver says: Hnh. Ah'd almost say those days was easy, hah!

Senkha chuckles, lying back on the grass and closing her eyes. She's concentrating, and the result is that Oliver -can- feel the ocean breeze, the soft grass beneath them, the coolness of the evening. "I'm glad we've come this far, though."
Senkha says: I can't believe it's almost been a year that we've been married.

Oliver gestures to the scene stretching in front of them. "... Here's t' many more."

Senkha grins, lifting up her right hand to examine her wedding ring, still there despite everything. "To many more. Why do we wear our rings on our right hands anyway?"

Oliver says: ... At th' tahm, Ah was lackin' a left finger. An', it jus'-
Oliver hesitates. "Y'was somebody new, not a replacement," he admits.

Senkha looks over at Oliver and gives him a soft smile. "I never want to replace her."

Oliver says: So it seemed-
Oliver says: Ah'm sorry.

Senkha says: Don't be sorry, love. I was just wondering. Part of me thought maybe we should switch hands...you know, so it's clearer...but.
Senkha reaches out for Oliver; she can't quite reach him, but he can feel that reach. "If you'd rather not, neither would I."

Oliver says: ... No! Let's do it. No sense in not. Can't brag Ah'm married with a ring on th' wrong hand.
Oliver says: Jus' don't seem right. Dunno whut Ah was thinkin'.

Senkha pushes herself up on her elbows and smiles at Oliver. "Well, you were missing the finger to start. Help me up so we can do this properly."

Oliver unclasps his gauntles. He twists his ring off the right ring finger and looks at her. "Properly? Ah was jus' gunna switch it."

Senkha pushes herself into a sitting position with a little effort. "Well, I thought we might have some sort of ceremony to it, you know? Nothing big, just...something nice."

Oliver bows his head down, shaking it and chuckling. "A'rite, if y'wanna turn this inna somethin'..." He pushes himself up from the ground and takes her by the hands. "Ready? Lift!"

Senkha allows Oliver to lift her, favoring her right leg and stumbling a bit on the left.

Oliver watches as she stumbles a little. "Y'should start exursahzin' that leg. Jus' liftin' it an' touchin' th' floor with it an' such."

Senkha nods. "It's easier with the brace on," she admits, "but I can still stand on it a little. So." She lets go of his arm long enough to reach for the ring in his hand. "Shall we?"

Oliver holds out his hand. "B'lieve Ah need somethin' 'a yers, first."

Senkha smiles sheepishly and removes the ring from her right hand, holding it out towards Oliver. "Should we say something?"

Oliver says: If y'really want ter.

Senkha says: ...I kind of do.

Oliver takes her ring, letting it loop around the tip of his pinky. He smiles in amusement at its smallness. "All you, then."

Senkha smiles, holding onto Oliver's right arm for balance as she slips his wedding band onto his left ring finger. She tries to come up with something deep and meaningful, but all she manages is, "I love you, Oliver Tavin MacGlynn. Until the end of time."

Oliver laughs- she may have forgotten, but he holds full witness to her attempts to come up with something deep and meaningful. All attempts. "An' here Ah was worried yuh had some kinna speech purpared!"
Oliver smiles down at her. "Ah'm shit with words. Ah'd 'a not come up with nuthin' good anyway. Yer mine. Don't want y' t'ever think Ah feel any diffrint, y'hear?"
Oliver says: Ah put this on yer finger, Ah want no more 'a this "better off without me" bullshit.

Senkha smiles and lifts Oliver's ring finger to her mouth to kiss the ring. "And you're mine. Forever."
Senkha says: And I don't want any of that bullshit either. You make every day worth living, you know?

Oliver grins. "A'rite then. No more 'a this emotional "woe is me" bullshit." He slides the ring onto her finger and announces loudly, gesturing back out toward the ocean as the last of the sun sinks below it, "Ah now purnounce us husband an' wife. Again."

Senkha giggles, all illuminated by the setting sun. "Does this mean we get to kiss again?"

Oliver 's brows raise. "Ah s'pose it does."

Senkha grins and tries to stand on the toes of her left foot. This doesn't go over so well, so she just wraps her arms around Oliver's neck, smiling. "You may now kiss the bride."

Oliver hoists her back up into his arms- it's how he's been carrying her all along, but really, it's not unlike how a groom would carry his bride. Her face level with his, he covers her mouth with (what's left of) his, in a proper wedding kiss.

Senkha meets the kiss with about as much fervor as she can muster, despite that he is, in fact, a zombie. When she pulls back, her cheeks are actually flushed. "Thank you, love."

Oliver smiles. "Didn' really get t'do that proper back when, whut with-" He stops. Stares. A tiny beetle has latched itself onto her lip.

Senkha blinks and touches her lip, pulling the beetle off. To her credit, she doesn't freak out, just lets it fly away. "You didn't used to have this many beetles," she remarks conversationally.

Oliver watches it fly away until it disappears. He makes no comment on the ruined moment, and simply agrees casually, as if they're talking about acne, "Yeah. Ah should work on that. Been lettin' it git outta hand."

Senkha flexes her right foot some, cringing, and focuses back on the left. "You've been spending too much time with Wilhiem and his bugs. I'll bet he gets a raging boner just thinking about having a colony of beetles living in him."

Oliver snorts. "Ah hardly know th' guy, t'be honest. No, if they don't git other corpses t'breed in, they jus' keep breedin' in me. Ain't killed much, don't kill all that much when Ah -do- bother t' kill."

Senkha says: And you've been staying here with me instead of going to Acherus.

Oliver says: Mhm. Ah kin dump 'em there, if Ah really wanna.

Senkha grins, pulling herself up to kiss Oliver's cheek lightly, though he can still feel it. "And do you want to?"

Oliver grunts. "It kin wait. Ah need t' kill soon anyway. Kin jus' deal with it then."
Oliver says: Or hell, fob 'em off on Wil.

Senkha says: He'd love you forever. Oliver...
Senkha hesitates and asks, in a low and uncertain voice, "...may I come with you when you kill next?"

Oliver closes his eyes, as if he saw this one coming. His response doesn't come quickly, but at the same time, doesn't seem hesitant. "If y'wish."

Senkha blinks, as if she wasn't expecting this response. "Really?" she asks, barely above a whisper.

Oliver nods.

Senkha pulls herself close to Oliver again, holding him around the neck. "Thank you. I know how hard that is for you. Thank you."

Oliver says: It seems t'be somethin' about me y'don't care about.

Senkha opens her eyes to look at Oliver straight-on, frowning some. "How do you mean?"

Oliver says: Ah'm ashamed 'a it. Ah'm ashamed 'a a lot 'a things about me, an' it takes me real slow t' think, shit, maybe she really don't care.

Senkha tilts her head to the side, considering Oliver. "It doesn't bother me. I care that you're ashamed of it. I just...it'd be hypocritical of me to hate you or be angry about any of those things."

Oliver says: Ah s'pose it may be. Hell, not sure why Ah'm even tellin' y'this. Ah said y'could go, don't make a diff'rence!

Senkha smiles and reaches in to kiss along Oliver's neck, carefully watching for beetles between each kiss. "You're telling me because you love me and you know that I love you and love when you open up like this."

She does not encounter any beetles. Something squirms under his flesh as she touches her lips to it, though. He gives yet another grunt in response.

Senkha says: Thank you for taking care of me, sweetheart. You don't know how much it means to me. It's...I mean, with you... it's like for the first time ever, I have a real home.

Oliver closes his eyes and smiles as the sensation of her lips on his neck registers with him. "Funny talk, considerin' up 'til you, Ah was homeless."
Oliver chuckles. "Back at this again."

Senkha grins, continuing to kiss him, the sensation intensifying. "I may as well have been. I didn't ever really belong anywhere or to anyone. And now I'm yours, entirely."

Oliver leans his neck into her kisses, forgetting for a moment the close proximity to his grotesque death wound. "An' ha' th' hell did Ah luck out wi' that one."

Senkha brings her lips up his neck to his cheek, just beside his ear. "Must've done something worthwhile in all your years. Someone up there may not have it in for us completely after all."

Oliver drops back to the ground. With her in his arms the way she is, she winds up perfectly in his lap. "Ah don't know why we're standin'. Ah bet them lunatics is still arguin' down there."
Oliver blinks. "But lemme know if yer feelin' cold! Ah dunno ha' yuh'd do in th' cold!"

Senkha chuckles, leaning in to continue her trail of kisses along Oliver's cheek and neck. "These robes are nice and warm and after spending a week in nothing but direct sunlight, it's nice out."

Oliver 's eyes close as her lips touch his neck again. "If y'insist. Y'have 'nuther layer 'a clothes there... could sleep out here, if y'want."

Senkha 's eyes light up. She shifts some so that she can look at Oliver straight-on. "Really?"

Oliver smiles brightly back at her. "Ah don't see why not!"

Senkha wraps her arms around Oliver's neck as tightly as she had before and kisses him. It's as if he's told her that she can magically walk again!...only she can't. So it's not really that great.

Oliver looks like he didn't expect that reaction! He laughs as his neck is tugged down by her hug, and he reaches to unclasp his cloak. Once he has, he pulls it over her. "An' look at that, perfect view 'a th' moon comin' up."

Senkha turns slightly in his arms and smiles at the moon rising over the sea. "I can't see a bit of this from that room on the boat. I'm...I'm glad it's such a simple room. And I'm glad you're often there with me."

Oliver says: Ah fuckin' hate that room, hah.

Senkha wrinkles her nose, leaving another trail of kisses along Oliver's neck. "So do I. It...well, it's not exactly like it, but it reminds me of the room Mystadon kept me in."

Oliver says: ... Prob'ly smells too much lahk sex t'confuse yah too much.

Senkha says: ...his room smelled like sex. But it smelled a lot more like booze and gunpowder.
Senkha shifts herself upwards, nestling her head underneath Oliver's chin with a sigh. "And when I wake up mornings here, it's your face I see, and I know anything you'll do to me is something I want."

Oliver says: Well. Unless y'want somethin' dumb.

Senkha says: I know I want dumb things sometimes. Like peanutbutter cookies.

Oliver says: Ah do feel bad 'bout not gettin' y'those. Guess it's th' least y'deserved.

Senkha chuckles and shakes her head. "Don't feel too bad. Liotuse brought me some, and they were delicious."

Senkha, Dizzy, & Oliver: March 5

Dizzy stares at the door, and squeezes Oliver's hand as tightly as she can.

Macglynn looks to steel himself as well before pushing the door open.

Senkha is still taking deep, steadying breaths and shaking enough that her legs are still squeaking. Loudly.

Macglynn shuts the door behind them and looks at Senkha. He smiles. "Ha' y'feelin'."

Dizzy edges behind Oliver slightly.

Senkha keeps her eyes closed, swallowing hard. "Oliver, I'd like to speak with Dizzy alone, please."

Macglynn blinks at you.
Macglynn looks down at Dizzy and squeezes her hand before letting it go. "Ah'll be right outsahd, then."

Dizzy shoots Oliver a desperate "OH GOD PLEASE DON'T" look before letting go of his hand and moving closer to the bed.

Macglynn does anyway. He doesn't look happy, but this needs to resolve itself. He turns and exits the room.

Senkha takes several minutes before finally opening her eyes and looking at Dizzy. She manages to keep a flat expression for a moment before softening. She pats the bed beside her, holding out her arms. "C'mere."

Macglynn whispers: There's a definite tension about him. A lot hangs on this, and the only thing he wants is everybody to be happy. He's not sure if that's possible, though. Hence the tension.
Macglynn whispers: Despite this, he does have one unrelated thought- Son of a bitch, I left my pipe in the room.

You all know the feeling, being stuck in a room with just you and your parent. You know you fucked up royally and you know your mom knows too. The already large room just seems even emptier and lonelier when Oliver leaves. When Senkha opens her arms, Dizzy just freezes for a moment. One step, another step, after what feels like an eternity Dizzy stumbles to the bed, and falls into her mother's arms. All done carefully enough to avoid the larger than life leg braces.
Dizzy doesn't say anything, just buries her face in her mother's chest and shudders a silent sob.

To Macglynn: Senkha isn't concerned with happiness anymore...it's something that will change and something that will never last. No, she's more concerned with that this whole thing is fucked up and despite everything, despite all that she's been through, it's on -her- to fix it.
Senkha holds Dizzy close, pressing her cheek against the girl's hair, not crying herself, but close enough to it. After a moment of just sitting there, and as if coming to a decision within herself, she whispers, "I love you, Monkey."

Macglynn whispers: He doesn't seem to feel bad for acknowledging it does rest on her. Adopting her was her decision as much as his, and while he feels guilty for pressuring her into saying yes, for once he knows: she could have said no.
Macglynn whispers: He is curious, though, if this decision of hers is real. Does she really love her?

Dizzy 's silent crying stops as soon as it starts. Her arms tighten around Senkha, "I love y'too."

To Macglynn: It's genuine. That's the difficult thing about it: no matter what's happened, fuck her life, she loves this little pain-in-the-ass child. She brushes aside the objections she might have to Oliver's thoughts about this being on her shoulders, because it does rest on her: it's her name on those papers, not his. And if she made this bed, she'll damn well lie in it.
Senkha takes another deep, shaking breath and presses her lips against Dizzy's head. "I know I promised you I wouldn't see you differently. I'm sorry that I had to break that promise...just that you -are- different."
Senkha says: Still my Monkey, though.

Dizzy nods a little, but remains silent. How are you supposed to defend yourself to that? How are you supposed to respond at all? She just gazes up at Senkha, a rare maturity shown on her face. It might be the same face that laughed as Senkha screamed back in the desert. But anyone could tell that it is a different person.

Macglynn whispers: Oliver seems proud of this decision. Proud, yet apologetic- I'm sorry I brought this on you. But thank you for sticking with me through it.

Senkha cringes slightly as she sees that look, remembering the last time she saw it, and shakes her head as if to remind herself: different place, different person, different circumstances. Don't be your mother, Senkha. Don't push her away. She manages a smile.
Senkha says: It's not a bad thing, you know. Changing means you're growing up, and I'm proud of you.
To Macglynn: She has no response to this. What could she say--you're welcome? It's my pleasure? All she can do is think of how much she hopes it'll be different this time around and how afraid she is that it won't be.

Dizzy heaves a sigh, "I don't like th'reasons why I changed." She can feel her cringe, and she quickly turns her face away.

Senkha lifts her hand and turns Dizzy to face her again. She smiles, sadly. "People never do. Most of the things that changed me are things I wish had never happened." She shifts her legs under the blankets with a loud screech.

Dizzy 's turn to cringe now. She tenses until the sound stops, but her grip on her mother's arm takes longer to loosen."'m sorry I was a mistake." Her voice is soft. She doesn't mean it in a backhanded comment kind of way.
Dizzy says: Shoulda jus' left you alone.

Senkha closes her eyes; Light-bless, who's been talking to this child and telling her Senkha's inner fears? "Not a mistake," she says after a long minute, thinking about how to phrase it. "Adopting you was something I didn't think through and did for the wrong reasons. That doesn't mean that I want to take it back--take you back. Just that...well. Sometimes, I don't know if Oliver and I are what's best for -you- is all."
Senkha says: It's not because I don't love you. It's because...well, when I look at everything that's happened, I have to ask myself if we're really good parents that we can't stop you from getting hurt so often.

Dizzy 's voice is soft, "I don't wanna go..."

Senkha sighs and shakes her head. "You're not going anywhere. Except to school. Dizzy, did I ever tell you about how I fell in love with your Daddy?"

Dizzy shakes her head.

Senkha says: We'd only been...well, dating sounds childish, but "seeing each other" for three days at that point. Your grandfather told me that Oliver was in love with me and that if I didn't love him, too, he'd go insane and kill himself.
Senkha sighs, shifting against the pillows and making a face as she tries to rearrange her legs with much noise. "So I decided, that night, that I was in love with your father. I don't know how well thought-out the decision was, or if it was the best decision I could've made at the time, but I've never gone back on it. Just like I won't go back on loving you."

Dizzy blinksblinks, "He- what?"

Senkha chuckles, mostly to herself. "Dad was just fibbing because he thought the two of us deserved a little happiness, and trust me, I gave him a piece of my mind when I found out."
To Macglynn: Of course, Oliver almost losing his mind when they went back to old Stratholme didn't help him seem much saner, but who's counting? Senkha is feeling more okay by the minute.

Dizzy frowns, "'s not very nice of him." Another sigh, another hug. "I'll be real good at school. I mean, I dunno about the school part but I mean I will be nice."

Macglynn whispers: Oliver laughs to himself. It's true, I gave you just as much trouble as she has.

Senkha grins wryly. "It was just a little trick to get us moving forward. I'm over it. And I know you will be. Dizzy...school isn't punishment for you. I think you'll have a really good time."
Senkha says: And it's just during the day. You get to come home at night, have dinner with me and Daddy, talk about your day. You've got -so- much potential, and I just want to make sure you're able to be the best woman you can be.
To Macglynn: Yes. You did. Why do I put up with you again? He'd feel a tickling at the back of his neck...

There's a thud outside, followed by a, "Dammit!"

Dizzy nods again, "Okay." A slight smile has returned, "Okay. That sounds kinna nice. Mebbe be a bit more norm'ler too."

Senkha laughs, in spite of herself. "And Light knows we're completely normal," she chuckles. "Dizz, I promise I'll keep trying if you will. This isn't going to be easy. There are going to be times when I'll look at you and remember how much...remember the way things hurt. And you'll do the same with me. It won't be easy, but if it was easy to love someone, it wouldn't be worth it, would it?"

Dizzy 's smile grows, "I'll try for you. No wait- ain't gunna try. I will do it. I will." For a brief moment, she almost forgets the less than ideal situation they are in. She doesn't see the braces or shadow burns or bruises. "I swear."

Senkha grins at Dizzy. "I know you will. You're a brave, strong, beautiful gi-- young woman. Light, you're sixteen years old." She pauses and then asks. "...do you remember when your actual birthday is?" Really stupid question, she knows.

Dizzy frowns slightly as she digs through the mountain of regained lost memories. "I- they-" She bites her lip. "It didn't matter t'them."

Senkha says: So November seventh, then.
Senkha 's smile grows a little mischievous.

Dizzy smiles, and nods a little. "Yeah."

Senkha hugs Dizzy tightly again. "Well. It matters to us, your birthday. Especially as you become more and more of a lady. And actually..." She lowers her voice significantly.
To Macglynn: ~smokescreen~!
Senkha whispers in Dizzy's ear, "I was wondering if you could help me make a surprise party for your Daddy."

Macglynn whispers: Indignance! Why are there suddenly secrets?

Dizzy 's grin widens, "I would like that very much. 'cuz I think my card had lotsa bad timing."

Senkha says: Your card? When did you make him a card?

Macglynn says: What th' hell are you two talkin' about in there.

Dizzy says: After I woke up- NOTHIN' NO EAVESDROPPIN'!

Macglynn stares at the door. "Wha-"

Senkha whispers to Dizzy, "We'll talk about it later," and then louder, "Fine, come in, since you insist on listening anyway." She shakes her head, chuckling.

Macglynn opens the door. "Makes me think yer talkin' about me, it does."
Macglynn folds his arms.

Senkha grins over Dizzy's head. "We were, and you know it. About how crazy you are."

Macglynn says: Ah'm not gunna get inna a debate over who's th' craziest in this room.

Senkha says: So! Once I'm able to sit up longer, I'll write to the headmistress and see about you starting classes soon. I really think you'll like it, Dizzy.

Macglynn nudges the back of Dizzy's head. "An' if y'don't, tough luck."

Dizzy frowns, "Only if I get to color lots."

Senkha 's expression grows slightly stern, though she's still smiling. "Mm, you're going to have to do what your teachers say. That's all part of growing up, Monkey."

Macglynn says: We'll make sure t'find yuh a place whut 'as plenty 'a art classes, though. Ha' 'bout that.

Senkha says: Or we'll find you an art tutor for the weekends.

Dizzy waves around her imaginary brush, "Gunna paint those things that you see on walls."

Senkha says: Murals?

Dizzy says: Yeah.

Senkha says: Mm, that'll be a good idea. You still need to learn to read and write, though. And to defend yourself.

Macglynn laughs. "When yer done wi' this, you'll be teachin' -me- t' write, Ah bet."

Dizzy says: I betcha I could teach you real good too.

Senkha smirks. "You have to learn a bit better before you can start teaching your Daddy things. You're both at about the same level now."

Macglynn 's shoulders sag. At the same level as a retard.

Dizzy says: Well I'm a real retikerlated person. I betcha I could do it.

Senkha says: ...retikerlated?

Macglynn says: ... See? Yer a'ready usin' words Ah don't know.

Dizzy frowns, "... reticulated?"
Dizzy says: No wait-
Dizzy says: Artikerlated.
Dizzy nods sagely.

Senkha says: Articulate.

Macglynn says: ...

Dizzy says: 's what I said.

Senkha says: Mm-mm, try again. Articulate.

Dizzy says: 'tickerlate.

Senkha says: Ar-tic-u-late.

Dizzy says: Articul-ated.

Senkha smiles. "Now take off the D at the end. Articulate."

Dizzy says: Articulate.

Senkha 's grin grows much wider; for some reason, this simple feat makes her look ready to burst with pride. "That's it! And yes, you are articulate."

Dizzy puffs her chest out proudly. Yeah, she so good.

Macglynn smiles. Maybe the world isn't ending.

Senkha says: See, that's the kind of thing you'll learn at school. That way, if you're ever wanting to talk to people who aren't able to understand you as well as we can, you'll be able to.

Dizzy says: Okay! Okay! I said I'd go and be good.

Senkha ruffles Dizzy's hair; doing so causes her sleeve to fall back and reveals the ugly purple burns on her arm. She doesn't seem to notice them to start. "I know you will. You'll make us all proud."

Macglynn glances to the burns, and his smile softens slightly. He sits down in front of them on the bed.

Dizzy says: When are we going home?

Senkha 's smile fades significantly. Now she sees the burns on her arm and tries to shake her sleeve down to cover them. It doesn't quite work; she glances over at Oliver as if asking him.

Macglynn says: Not jus' yet, though trust me, we want outta here.

Dizzy smiles, "I like th'boat but there are so many people. An' they 'r louder 'n me."

Senkha is still shaking her arm to try and cover up those burns. "They are. Don't seem to understand the concept of privacy, either."

Dizzy says: Well that is super rude.
Dizzy might be kind of a hypocrite.

Macglynn blinks and reaches out to pull her sleeve over the burns. He looks at her as he does this, hoping to make eye contact.

Senkha catches Oliver's eye and bites her lower lip, looking embarrassed. Despite this, she comments almost airily, "Well, Light bless them for their aide and hospitality, but the guests of the White Sigil have really never been known for their tact or manners."

Macglynn 's eyes close and his hand drops from her arm. He's laughing.

Dizzy blinks, holy crap he's laughing.

Senkha smiles as well, though not quite laughing.

Dizzy just smiles from ear to ear. She missed this.

Senkha says: Tell you what, Monkey. I'm going to give you an important job. Your Daddy's going to stay in here with me, and I need you to guard the door for us. I'll let you know every day who's okay to let in here. Everyone else, tell 'em to go love a bird.

Dizzy salutes smartly, "I can do that real good." Unsure if Senkha wants to be hugged or not, she just patpats her hand and wiggles off the bed. "I'M THE GUARD NOW."

Macglynn blinks at Dizzy.
Macglynn says: ... Well, that saves me th' trouble 'a bootin' folk out, Ah guess.

Senkha blinks as Dizzy takes her suggestion and goes to guard immediately. She starts to say "I didn't mean now..." but eventually just shrugs and sighs. "Mostly because you don't give a whit if she tells tactless morons where to shove it." Senkha grins.

Macglynn says: It's true.

Senkha says: Double standard.

Macglynn says: Not denyin' it.

Senkha says: Mm, but you're mad at Dad for doing the same thing.

Macglynn says: Yeah. Guess Ah am.

Macglynn says: Easier t' excuse kids bein' assholes'n grownups, though, heh.

Senkha tilts her head to grin at Oliver. "Easier to excuse cripples being assholes than people who can walk," she adds.
Senkha says: Not that I'm taking that as an excuse.
Senkha says: Just saying.
Senkha says: Assholes are assholes, age and bum legs notwithstanding.

Macglynn says: Yeah, yeah. Well. If she keeps folk out, then Ah suhjest not complainin'.

Senkha is still grinning, almost playfully. "Not me I'm worried about. I wouldn't complain if everyone were assholes to keep people out."

Macglynn says: Uh-huh.
Macglynn says: ...
Macglynn says: Hey.

Senkha says: Hmm.

Macglynn says: Ah mean' it. Thanks fer stickin' with this.

Senkha exhales quietly, her smile fading. "I never really had a choice from the get-go," she admits in a low voice. "By the time I met Dizzy, you would've died for her anyway, and it was either go along with you or lose you."
Senkha says: I made this choice. You know me well enough to know that I only run away from nasty battles...not from responsibility.

Macglynn laughs. "One could argue this's been somethin'a a nasty battle itself, eh?"

Senkha 's smile returns somewhat. "You could, yeah. Or at least fraught with nasty battle after nasty battle. Either way...I can't do to her what my mother did to me. I love her too much."

Macglynn pulls Senkha close, not minding the sound of her braces screeching. "Y'ain't a bad mother, n'matter whut y'think."

For some reason, this of all things breaks Senkha's composure. Just a bit--not enough to elicit outright sobbing--but enough that her voice cracks when she says, "I feel like the worst mother in the world."

Macglynn says: That honor goes t'yer own mother, don't y'think? Don't compare yerself t' that... look ha' happy y'make her. Look at all y'done an' gone through. Whether it's made y'scared 'a her or not... y'done great things fer her.

Senkha has leaned forward so that her forehead is against Oliver's chest. Her voice is somewhat muffled as she asks, "Like what?"

Macglynn says: Whuttya mean 'lahk whut'?

Senkha says: What've I done for her?

Macglynn says: Y'gave her a lahf far better'n th' one she had, an' hell- d'ya not remember all them tahms y'went runnin' after her? Y'may 'a hated it, but Light, no bad mother'd do that.

Senkha says: ...who in their right mind would let a child stay held by a madman? Light, I might've done that without being her mother.

Macglynn sighs. "D'y'see whut yer doin' here? Yer lookin' fer ev'ry excuse y'can t' call yerself a bad mother when y'done nuthin' but good. So we fucked up a bit with keepin' 'er disciplined- that was both 'a us."

Senkha says: ...I just don't know what I've done for her by being her mother that I wouldn't have done, say, if I was one of the Sigil. I mean...Light, half the Sigil went chasing after her all those times, too.

Macglynn just shrugs, shaking his head. "Well y'know whut? She seems t' love an' look up t' you a whole lot, an' Ah don't think she would if y'was doin' a bad job."

Senkha says: I know. I know. Just...nngh. Other people seem to have such an easy time of this motherhood thing.

Macglynn says: Y'know, Ah doubt they really do. An' b'sides-- Ah dun' think other mothers gotta deal with quaht th' level 'a bullshit you do.
Macglynn smirks slyly at you.

Senkha says: Probably not. I think I've just managed to win the familial lottery with the two of you.
Senkha says this deadpan, though Oliver could probably hear the smile behind her voice.

Macglynn says: Hey. hey. -You- picked -me-.
Macglynn says: Ah didn' want nuthin'a do with it! But no, y'had t'push it!

Senkha looks up at Oliver without moving her head. "How dare I. Tell you what, let's just forget the whole thing, then. My bad for pushing it." She's still deadpan.

Macglynn says: We're done here, then.
Macglynn moves to get off the bed.

Too bad Senkha's latched her arms around his waist, then. She's still looking up at him with a flat expression, but he's going to have to drag her with him if he goes anywhere.

Macglynn frowns. He swings his legs over the side of the bed and stands, with her still latched. He turns around so he's looking down at her as she clings to his waist.

Senkha 's braces screech horribly at this motion, though she eventually lets go, the playfulness gone from her eyes as one of her legs bends awkwardly and she can't unbend it. She gives a hiss of pain, sitting back upright.

Macglynn 's eyes widen and he reaches forward, arms around her shoulders. "Shit! Light, Ah didn' mean t'-"

Senkha shakes her head, trying to fix her legs. It's not working at all; those braces just won't move. "Not--nnh--not your f-fault...Light, -FUCK- this hurts..."

Macglynn pushes the blankets aside, reaching out himself to her legs. He gently puts a hand under her right one, easily lifting the heavy brace to put it in a more comfortable position.
Macglynn whispers: - He opens the bond willingly, unusual for him, and uses her pain as a guide. How he adjusts her leg is based entirely on what he feels from her.-
Macglynn slowly lowers her leg at an angle where the pain dulls.

To Macglynn: It wouldn't be the worst pain in the world, but the kind of thing that it would be annoying not to change, like sitting with your leg bent funny usually is. With the bond open, he can also sense how exhausting this night was for her, emotionally. How she just wants to be held.
Senkha cringes slightly at the movement but exhales in relief when her leg is set right.

Senkha & Oliver: March 3

Macglynn is here. Staring at Senkha. Why will you not wake up, waifu.

Senkha is showing far more signs of life than she has been in the last couple of weeks: tossing and turning in her sleep, muttering things, calling out names (mostly Oliver's). It's not this summer's nightmares, but it's definitely exciting!

Macglynn watches her. He no longer flinches to stand when she shows a sign of movement, as he did when this first started, but he stares just the same.

Senkha eventually calms some, no longer tossing and turning, though her hands still clutch at the covers for several minutes before they, too, relax.

Macglynn watches for a moment longer, just to see if maybe she'll wake up after that, but he looks back down at his project when she doesn't. The wood is now in a vague cane shape, and the carpet at his feet is littered with wood shavings.

Senkha inhales sharply and deeply, exhaling in something of a groggy groan. She lifts one hand to rub her eye, stretching the other arm stiffly. Her braces continue to make horrible screeching sounds under the blankets.

Macglynn looks back up, eyes widening. He drops his project and knife to the floor and practically vaults to her bedside. "Senkha?"
Macglynn puts his hand on the bed and leans over her.

Senkha finishes rubbing her eyes, now with both hands and opens them just slightly, cringing at the amount of Light. "Nnh..."

Macglynn still leans over her. He has the closest to a watery smile that a dead man can have. "Hey."

Senkha blinks a few times, trying to focus. When she finally manages it, she throws her arms around Oliver's neck with about as much strength as she can muster. Admittedly, it's not much, but she tries, damnit.

Macglynn leans over further, into her hug so she doesn't have to reach. He slowly lowers himself onto the bed beside her and kisses her forehead. Repeatedly. "Yer here. Yer here. Thank th' Light yer here."

Senkha is shaking as she holds onto him, not quite crying but something close to it. She rests her face against his neck, finally managing to say, "Oliver," again and again, her voice hoarse and cracking.

Macglynn brushes her hair out of her face and laughs. "Good mornin', love."
Macglynn tries to get up. "Don't- don't try movin'. Ah'm gunna go see if'n Ah can't find somebody."

Senkha doesn't let go of his neck. She seems like she's never -going- to let go. "--somebody...who?"

Macglynn remains where he is, not trying to stand any further. "Y'jus' woke up after two -weeks-. We need somebody ta look at'cha. A medic. Somebody."

Senkha frowns, still holding onto him but not protesting as much as she could be. "...I...alright. Medic. Alright."

Macglynn says: ... Yer gunna have t' let me go.

Senkha does so, reluctantly, and immediately returns to rubbing her eyes. Light, someone turn down the candles in here, seriously.

Macglynn smiles at her and slides off the bed. He does not turn down the candles, likely much to her chagrin, and opens the door. He sticks his head out and calls, "Anybody out there?"
Macglynn waits. Listens. When there's no response, he opens the door and steps out.
Macglynn returns a moment later, shutting the door behind him. "Nobody here."

Senkha has stopped rubbing her eyes and is now feeling along her torso and legs to figure out what's going on with her body. She stops doing this once Oliver comes back and smiles faintly. "Th-that's probably for the best."

Macglynn sits back down on the bed, looking at her like he's not seen her in a century. "Not ready fer th' noise, eh?"

Senkha immediately latches onto him again, holding around his neck and trying to pull herself as close to him as possible. She only lets go to trace a finger lightly over his features, as if trying to assure herself that he's real. "Not ready for the noise."

Macglynn slumps over a bit as she pulls on him, his expression a little dazed. "Right. Not ready fer th'- Light, Ah can't b'lieve yer here."

Senkha laughs weakly, still tracing her fingers over his features. She shifts position again, frowning as her leg braces screech, though she decides not to address them right now. "I've missed you so much--" Her voice breaks on the last word.

Macglynn says: ... N' Ah know y'hate th' noise, but if'n y'ain't feelin' right, Ah want y'ta let me know so's Ah kin call someone. Y'ain't in good shape, here.

Senkha buries her face against his neck, giving a soft, shaky sob. "I feel stiff," she finally admits. "And my legs hurt. I think it's because I haven't moved...have I?"

Macglynn says: Not much, no. Y'was thrashin' a bit las' night.

Senkha says: I was trying to wake up.

Macglynn leans over even more, until he's on his side and supported by an elbow. "Well. Y'did." He smiles. His eyes travel down the covers to her legs, and his smile fades. "That ain't why yer legs hurt, though."

Senkha tries to stretch her legs some and winces. "...I remember. A dragon chewed on one, and I said 'don't heal it' but...Light, must've melted the bones and fused them together all wrong. ...don't remember the other one, though."

Macglynn says: ... Ah'm not too sure m'self. But th' medic at Light's Hope said it may be a while 'fore yer walkin' normal.
Macglynn whispers: Oliver doesn't add, but thinks, "If at all."

Senkha doesn't let go of Oliver with either hand, still shifting her legs slightly. She winces at his thought, though she doesn't comment on it. "That's why they feel like they're encased in iron, then. I feel like a mechanostrider."
To Macglynn: For once, it's her thoughts that are clouded--weakly, so that he could look if he chose, but clouded enough that she's not sharing.

Macglynn uses the hand not busy being used to support himself to reach out and lift the covers from her legs. "Less noisy."
Macglynn whispers: He doesn't push.

Senkha shifts again so that she can see her legs. Her right leg is entirely encased in a heavy brace; the left, just from the knee down. The braces are obviously meant more for traction and not for walking. She is, however, at least able to wiggle her toes.
Senkha says: ...well. Now we're even more peculiar.

Macglynn says: ... We?

Senkha says: A zombie who fell in love with and married a cyborg. That's pretty weird.
To Macglynn: There'd be an inkling that she can't hide of pain, frustration, and sadness about her legs. She's trying very hard to keep from being honestly depressed about it.

Macglynn says: A cyborg! They's jus' braces. Ah don't think Ah could be married ter a robot.
Macglynn whispers: It's pretty clear from his thoughts and actions now that, as upset as he is about everything, what he needs to do right now is make her happy.

Senkha laughs; even this small motion makes those damn braces screech. "Oh come on, I think I'd make a very good robot. I could install rocketboots in the back of these and learn to fly."

Macglynn says: Bah! Ah don't trust machines. That black cowsnake couldn' kill yah, but Ah bet rockets would!

Senkha tries to scoot herself over so that she's in his lap as much as possible. Really, it's as if she can't stand to be more than an inch away from him at any given time. Her smile fades at the mention of the black cowsnake. "...is everyone alright?" she asks.

Macglynn sits up at a better angle, leaning against the wall behind the head of the bed so she can curl better against him. "Good few folk is messed up, but think ever'body's gunna be a'rite."

Senkha nods, resting her head against his chest now, because that takes less effort. "That's good. I'm glad people are going to be alright. Light, I feel like I've been on another planet."

Macglynn says: ... Fer once, no, y'stayed right here.
Macglynn rests his chin on top of her head.

Senkha sighs softly and links her arms around his waist. "I'm just so glad to be back. I've missed you so much. So, so much."

Macglynn says: ... Ah missed ya too. But y'said y'had yer reasons fer it.
Macglynn knocks her on the head. "How y'doin' in there?"

Senkha says: They're gone. The Imprints. I...I was afraid to wake up.
Senkha cringes as she says this, as if expecting Oliver to slap a bitch or something.

Macglynn says: Ah know.

Senkha says: ...you do?

Macglynn taps his head.

Senkha says: ...oh. I...I'm sorry.
Senkha doesn't seem to be considering that the way he's holding her might mean she has nothing to be sorry about.

Macglynn says: ... Whut d'you got t'be sorry fer.

Senkha says: For hurting you. For hiding instead of facing what scares me.

Macglynn says: Ah think we're all guilty 'a that.
Macglynn says: In some way.

Senkha turns her face to bury it against his chest. "I'm sorry I tried to die," she adds, in a muffled voice.

Macglynn says: ... So y'did try.

Senkha cringes and nods slightly. "I didn't expect to come back. I didn't mean to hurt you...I just thought you two would be happier..."
To Macglynn: --without me.

Macglynn whispers: Oliver actually seems legitimately hurt by this. All the effort he's put into loving her, all they've been through together, all he was going through at that moment- and she thought he'd be happier without her?
Macglynn says: ... Ah see.
Macglynn says: Well. Ah'm happy yer here. Jus' know that.

Senkha closes her eyes and exhales slowly, shakily, eventually just starting to cry. "I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. I'm so sorry."
To Macglynn: Sorry, sorry, sorry, so sorry, didn't mean t-- and then the smokescreen goes up again. He doesn't need to hear her entire logic.

Macglynn wraps his arms around her, silently. His chin is still rested on her head.
Macglynn says: 'S a'rite.

Senkha is still clinging to him and sobbing, shaking her head. "I missed you, I wanted you so much, I j-just wanted you two to be happy without m-my doubts..."

Macglynn says: Ah need yer doubts t' counter my dangerous ahdealism.

Senkha says: I'm sorry, I'm so sorry, I don't know w-why I was thinking like that.

Macglynn says: ... Well. Y'was bein' tortured. Ah jus' hope y'don't still think that way.

Senkha shakes her head, trying to pull herself more against him. She can't seem to stop crying, half out of happiness and half out of sadness. "You a-aren't mad at me, then?"

Macglynn says: ... Ah can't be mad at you.

Senkha says: You can't?

Macglynn says: Don't have it in me.

Senkha says: I didn't mean to hurt you. With any of this.

Macglynn says: Ah never thought y'meant ter. Y'don't have nuthin' t'be sorry about.

Senkha 's sobs begin to slow, merely punctuated by sharp, shaking breaths. "Everything just went all wrong there," she murmurs.

Macglynn says: Ah think yuh'd waste less breath talkin' about th' things fer us that go right, hm?
Macglynn smiles at you.

Senkha manages a laugh, wet and sloppy, probably getting snot all over the place. "I'm here," she finally states, softly but firmly.

Macglynn nods. "An' Ah think that's whut matters most." He pulls up a bit of the cover to wipe the snot off her face. It probably needed changing anyway.

Senkha says: --is she alright?

Macglynn balls up the snotty part of the blanket and shoves it aside. "Dizzy? She's... she's back t' herself."

Senkha doesn't respond to this either positively or negatively, except to say, in a carefully neutral voice, "That's good."

Macglynn says: Ah think she's ready t' grow up, now.

Senkha says: I hope so. ...I'm sorry I'm not...I mean, I...I know I probably should be happier, but...

Macglynn says: This ain't a happy story.

Senkha doesn't start crying again, but she does sigh heavily, painfully. "I'm not a very good mother," she admits and then, with another sigh, "And I'm all full of self-pity. I'm sorry. I'm awake, and we should talk about happy things."

Macglynn says: Well. Ah should'a thought about that b'fore Ah-- naw. Y'know whut? Fer whut it's worth, Ah think yer doin' a damn fine job.

Senkha says: You do?

Macglynn says: All things considered?
Macglynn says: Most mothers don't gotta deal wi' this.

Senkha says: I don't hate her. It just...it hurts to love her. More than it hurts to love you.
Senkha says: ...not that loving you hurts, really. Not hard to be more than nothing.

Macglynn puts a hand on her shoulder and pushes her back so he's looking in her eyes. "We'll make sure it all turns out a'rite."

Senkha seems almost childish as she looks back at him. "Are you sure?"

Macglynn grins. " 'A 'course Ah'm sure! Y'don't git this far without first bein' sure 'a ever'thin'."
Macglynn says: ... Save fer the, uh. 'Dead' thing.

Senkha considers this and seems to come to a decision. "We'll figure it out. You and me. I...I'm not completely sure -how- we'll figure things out, but we'll figure them out."

Macglynn says: Ah think we first need t' figyer out whut it is we gotta figyer out.
Macglynn nods at you.

Senkha blinks a few times, looking at Oliver blankly. "Figure out what we have to figure out," she repeats.

Macglynn says: ... Well. When y'say "figger it out", whut does "it" mean?

Senkha says: Figure out our family. Figure out what to do with Dizzy, where to go from here.

Macglynn says: What -can- we do with Dizzy, other'n teach 'er t' defend 'erself an' hope she grows up? Ah think... hell, if we lose 'er again, Ah'm--
Macglynn says: Ah don't want t' give her up, but if this happens again, that jus' means that there's no way th' two 'a us kin take care 'a her.

Senkha actually sags with a bit of relief as he says this. "I thought the same thing. I'm just so...so afraid of more ill happening to her. That there's nothing we can do to stop it."

Macglynn says: So we'll give it a last hurrah. She means th' world t'me, but if Ah can't keep 'er safe, then... well. Ah'm gunna have t' let her go t' somebody what can.
Macglynn says: ... But please, give th' kid a chance-
Macglynn says: Ah think...

Senkha looks at Oliver curiously, still clinging to him around the waist.

Macglynn says: Ah think she was hurt by this jus' as much as you, even if 'er legs is workin'.

Senkha sighs reluctantly and presses her face against his chest again. "I don't doubt it. That's the worst part of all this...none of it is -her- fault. It's not like she chose to have these things happen."
Senkha says: Of course she's hurt by these things as much as I am. I'm not -angry- with her. I don't hate her. I'm just afraid.

Macglynn says: Ah'm jus'... makin' sure.

Senkha says: I made this bed. I'm going to lie in it. I'm done running away from things that frighten me.

Macglynn says: Huh, an' here Ah would'a thought yuh'd be tired 'a layin' in a bed.

Senkha snorts and weakly squeezes Oliver a bit tighter. "I promised Dad I would, when this all began. I told him I wouldn't give up. I'm not going to be like my mother."

Macglynn says: Good. Ah didn' marry a quitter.

Senkha says: No. No quitting. Strategical retreat sometimes, but never quitting.

Mairèad, Lucasus, & Shepard -- February 28

Lucasus grabs his satchel and makes to head into the city.

Mairèad peers onto the boat and smiles slightly. " 'scuse me, is Mr. Hhhhheliorn around?"

Lucasus blinks at you.

Mairèad says: Oh! Hi Luke.

Lucasus says: Mair! Ah, hi!
Lucasus says: You're looking for Heliorn?

Mairèad says: Yahar, 'e's a friend a mine. Wan'ed t'check in on 'im.

Lucasus 's brow knits, "Ah, let me check.. "
Lucasus peers around, searchingly.
Lucasus lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Mairèad says: Ent thar?

Lucasus says: Ah.. he's.. in a meeting or something.. busy, I guess.
Lucasus shrugs, "Sorry."

Mairèad says: Oh. Well...mebbe I could wait onna boat?

Lucasus smiles at you.
Lucasus says: Sure!
Lucasus puts his satchel down. The city can wait. "Want some tea?"

Mairèad grins at this and pats the wood of the ship, almost fondly. "Y'evarrr climb th'riggin', Luke?"

Lucasus blinks at you.
Lucasus says: What? Ah, no..

Mairèad says: Sure. Onna riggin', or mebbe up th'front.

Lucasus smiles, "I'll get you some.. then.. we can.. I dunno.. go sit?"

Mairèad says: Sure.

Lucasus grabs two cups and fills them with the steaming tea.
Lucasus offers her one. "There you go."

Mairèad takes the mug and blows on the surface of the tea within, cooling it slightly. "Fanks, Luke. Y'sure i's a'righ' if I'm 'ere?"

Lucasus smiles, "Of course! Friends are always welcome. And you're a friend."
Lucasus says: So where do you want to go?
Lucasus smiles as he lifts his cup to blow the steam away, peering at her over the brim.

Mairèad grins. "Good t'know. We kin go, I giss, wharever y'fink's best t'sit. I ent so fond 'a th'riggin', rilly. Might be good t'jest sit in 'ere."

Lucasus shakes his head, "Eh.. i've been sitting in here most of the day.. I could use some fresh air, if that's alright." He smiles a bit, "Oh, I could, ah.. I could grab a blanket, if you'd like. It is a touch chilly."

Mairèad says: Whatevarrr works fer you! We kin go sit onna bow, if y'like.

Lucasus nods at you.
Lucasus says: Let me grab a blanket.
Lucasus takes a blanket from the stack, the same one he had been using before.
Lucasus smiles at you.
Lucasus says: This way!

Mairèad leans over the edge of the boat, inhaling deeply and closing her eyes.

Lucasus looks at her, "You want to go down there? I've been going out there to study the past few days."

Mairèad says: Nawr, this's fine. I kin smell th'wind in me face, an' tha's good 'nuff.

Lucasus smiles at you.

Mairèad turns around and sinks down against the side of the boat, mug of tea still held between her hands.

Lucasus says: Alright.
Lucasus sets his cup down and unfolds the blanket, "Do, ah.. do you want this?"

Mairèad says: Mm, I might in a bit. Th'wind is purty strong.
Mairèad says: 'm used to 'avin' Shep 'round t'keep me warm.

Lucasus chuckles a bit, "I imagine that would work.. what with all the fur.. " He unfolds the blanket and lifts it up to wrap it around her shoulders loosely and then plops down next to her and picks up his cup again.

Mairèad flushes slightly at the blanket-wrapping and rests her back against the wall further. "Yahar, plus 'e's jest a warm person. I mean, once y'git t'know 'im, which's purty 'ard."

Lucasus takes a sip and glances over at her, "He, ah.. he seems nice.. " He shrugs, "I like him enough." He lifts his cup to his nose and breathes in the steam for a moment before taking another sip.

Mairèad sips at her tea far less elegantly with a loud slurping sound. She is so classy. "Yahar, 'e's me bes' friend. Well. One 'a me bes' friends."

Lucasus smirks a bit at her slurping. Oh good. He doesn't have to be all proper. "Ah, he seems like the type to make a good friend. You're lucky, if you ask me.. " He offers a bit of a smile as he leans back against the wall as well, his hand lifting to press his spectecles up.

Mairèad nods again, grinning. " 'e's onleh th'second friend I evarrr 'ad," she admits nonchalantly.

Lucasus 's brow knits a bit as he peers at her, "You only have two friends?"

Mairèad says: Nawr, I got more na'. Butchoo know, I spent mos' me life onna ship...people came an' gone an' Chad was me onleh rill friend fer a rill long time.

Lucasus nods a bit, "Aah.. well its good to make new friends. I've, ah.. just sort of started making friends too."

Mairèad says: Rilly? Didja live onna road, too?

Lucasus 's lips purse for a moment and then he shakes his head, "Ah.. well.. not exactly." His voice lowers a bit, as if he's about to share a secret. "I, ah.. I lived in the orphanage for my whole life.. well.. at least until they kicked me out because I was too old."

Mairèad says: ...y'dunno 'oo yer mam an' dad are?

Lucasus 's brow knits a bit and he shakes his head again, "I, ah.. no.. I don't."

Mairèad reaches over and squeezes Lucasus' hand, a friendly, comforting gesture. " 'm sorreh. I known 'oo me dad was me entire life, but that din' make it better, rilly, if tha's any conserlashun."

Lucasus tenses slightly at the touch for the briefest moment before relaxing, his eyes shifting to her hand as it squeezed his own. "I suppose its just one of things, hm? There's nothing to be done about it.. so I just try not to think about it."

Mairèad says: Tha's fair 'nuff. Kin't change th'past, may's well jest learn from it an' move on.

Lucasus shrugs lightly and looks over at her, studying the side of her face, "I, ah.. I noticed you were upset last night when he came by. I, ah.. I didn't like seeing you upset.. " He frowns slightly, "I assume he's not the greatest father?"

Mairèad says: ...din' e'en meet 'im 'til this year. Like, right 'round Winner Veil.
Mairèad says: 'e was tryin'a git inna me pants.

Lucasus blinks, eyes going wide. "He.. he what?" His brow knits tightly. "That's.. that's some way to meet your father.. "

Mairèad says: Yahar, Chad said I should jest tell 'im 'oo I was an' git it over wiff.
Mairèad says: So I did. An' 'e ran off.

Lucasus nods a bit, "Probably best that way.. " He peers at her, "But.. that's.. awful.. I'm sorry you didn't have a good dad."
Lucasus smiles a bit and leans over to pat her hand lightly, "But.. if you ask me.. you, ah.. turned out pretty well."

Mairèad shrugs a shoulder, causing the blanket to slide down her arm. " 'm kinna used to it. An'...tha's rill sweet 'a you, Luke, rill sweet."

Lucasus chuckles lightly, "It's just the truth of it, Mair.. " Not a moment after the blanket falls from her shoulder, his hand is there, pulling it back up over her, though he doesn't seem to pay it much mind otherwise. "I think I'd rather just not ever meet my parents than meet them and have them be.. not good."

Mairèad says: Yahar, I giss. Chad's got it rough...'is dad's a deader an' I giss 'e wun' so great when 'e was alive. But...I mean, y'got th'Sigil na', right? They're kinna like fambly?

Lucasus smiles a bit, "Kind of, I suppose.. I'm lucky to have found them.. I'm lucky to have found -all- of my new friends."
Lucasus glances at her and gives her a bit of a smirk before looking down at his hands in his lap.

Mairèad chuckles. The blanket slides down her arm again, the arm closest to Lucasus. "Yahar, I know th'feelin'. Glad t'countchoo 'mong me new friends."

Lucasus 's hand is there again, pulling it back up over her shoulder, "This blanket sure doesn't want to keep you warm.. " He chuckles lightly.

Mairèad laughs at the blanket, shaking her head. "Prolly 'cause 'm so tiny. Blankets like t'stay on bigger people."

Lucasus smiles a bit, "Probably.." He clears his throat, "Ah.. here.. " He scooches closer to her and leans forward to grab both sides of the blanket and give it a tug, pulling it around her more securely. Then he'd stay there, his arm and shoulder pressed against her's to sort of pin the blanket in place.

Mairèad chuckles, setting her mug down and holding onto the blanket from the inside. "Fanks. I don' uzhully use blankets offa beds, y'know?"

Lucasus smirks a bit, "Nor do I.. but, ah.. we'll make it work." He leans back against the wall once more and lets out a rather contented sigh.

Mairèad says: So y'like bein' onna Kell-Tallen?

Lucasus chuckles, "Ah, its.. new. I've never been on a ship before.. but I like it enough. Better than sleeping on the streets to be certain.. "
Lucasus says: But I bet you feel more at home on a ship than off, hm?

Mairèad says: Y'slep' onna -streets-?! Light's sake, Luke!

Lucasus 's brow knits, "Ah.. well.. when they kicked me out of the orphanage.. I didn't exactly have anywhere to go.. " He shrugs, "Its really not so bad. It gets cold sometimes.. but.. its managable.. "

Mairèad says: Luke...

Lucasus smiles, "But.. thats over now.. I get to sleep inside a boat!"

Mairèad lets go of the blanket for long enough to wrap part of it around Lucasus' shoulders, too. She does so without really commenting on it, though her face is a solid 8(

Lucasus furrows his brow and tenses slightly again as she wraps the blanket around him as well. After a moment he lets out a breath and relaxes into it and against her. He glances at her and offers a thankful smile, "Really.. its like my whole life has changed in just a few weeks. I've got a place to stay.. plenty of food.. blankets.. and friends.. " With the last word he leaned over sort of playfully shouldering her lightly.

Mairèad says: Sounds like a miracle 'a th'Light t'me.

Lucasus smiles at that, "I believe it is.. I really do. But I'm not going to complain about my life before.. even then.. the Light was taking of me.. " He nods. A moment later he adds, "But I like this a lot better. I wouldn't be here right now talking to you if it hadn't changed."

Mairèad grins, elbowing him back. "See, this's why I fink you'll be a great palerdin. Y'got amazin' faith. I's kinna refreshin' t'see."

Lucasus smiles a bit and looks at her face fully for the first time since they got up here, "How's it refreshing? Every paladin has faith in the Light.. most far more than me."

Mairèad says: Nawr, yer too 'umble. Y'got more faith in yer pinky fingarrrr'n a lot of 'em combined. Jest gotta learn t'start 'ittin' people wiff swords an' you'll be ordained in no time.

Lucasus 's cheek color slightly at the compliment, "Oh, I don't know about that.. " He chuckles uneasily before his face settles into a smile, "But.. thank you.. that means a lot coming from you.. " He clears his throat, "But, yes.. I need to work on my combat skills."

Mairèad says: Well. 'm sure if whatchoo showed me t'day progresses, you'll be a star in no time.

Lucasus chuckles lightly again, "Today was embarrassing. Shepard probably thinks I'm pathetic.. " He sighs.

Mairèad says: Eh. 'oo cares what Shep finks 'a you. Y'ent tryin'a impress 'im.

Lucasus smiles and glances at her, "Ah, no.. I suppose I'm not. That said.. you, ah.. you probably do too." He glances down at where his hands would be if there wasn't a blanket over them.

Mairèad says: Prolly do what?
Mairèad says: Fink yer pathetic?

Lucasus furrows his brow slightly and just nods, eyes not moving.

Mairèad laughs at this, shaking her head. "Tha's silly. Nobody knows 'ow t'swordfight t'start wiff. I don' fink yer pathetic 'tall."

Lucasus smirks a bit, "I suppose you're right.. still.. its a little embarrassing." He shrugs a bit and reaches up to scratch his cheek and push his glasses up.

Mairèad says: 'ey, 'least y'ent seen me onna edge of a cliff yet.
Mairèad says: Na' -that- is embarrassin'.

Lucasus grins a bit and turns to peer at her, "What? Afraid of heights?"

Mairèad nods, laughing sheepishly. " 'cause 'a always bein' onna sea, y'know?"
Mairèad says: Y'don' 'afta worreh 'bout fallin' an' gittin' smashed when yer onna sea, 'cause th'sea keeps goin'.
Mairèad says: But when i's ground...
Mairèad shudders, covering her face with both hands and laughing. "Don' e'en like finkin' 'bout it!"

Lucasus smirks, "That's understandable." He just watches her as she covers her face, smirking all the while. "Well.. if we're ever near a cliff together.. I'll tie a rope around you and tie it around my waist. Then you won't have anything to worry about."

Mairèad says: Then you'd fall over wiff me!

Lucasus scoffs, "I could catch your weight. I'm not -that- weak and pathetic."

Mairèad says: What if it was a rill big wind'r sumfin'?

Lucasus purses his lips, "Ah.. well.. I don't know." He shrugs, "I'd find a way to keep you from plummeting to your doom." He smirks and nudges her.
Lucasus says: But we aren't on a cliff.. and you're not gonna fall.. so.. no need worrying over it.
Lucasus reaches over, under the blanket, and pats her hand.

Mairèad squeezes his hand in return. "I 'ppreshate th'gesture. I jest try t'avoid cliffs, though. 'eights rilly skeer me."
Mairèad says: What skeers you?

Lucasus furrows his brow, "That's not a good question to ask me.' He chuckles uneasily. "I'm scared of a lot.. " He sighs.

Mairèad says: What skeers you th'most?

Lucasus purses his lips for a moment, "Being alone again.. " His brow knits and he nods, eyes set on the blanket.

Mairèad doesn't say anything in response, simply squeezing his hand again.

Lucasus glances at her with the squeeze and smiles a bit. "But I'm not that worried about that. I think I've found good friends."

Mairèad says: I fink you 'ave.
Mairèad says: These Sigil people seem like nice folks.

Lucasus smiles, "They are. But I was talking about you." He chuckles uneasily and glances at her.

Mairèad 's cheeks flush and she laughs. "Oh."

Lucasus laughs as well because ffff what else is he gonna do.

Mairèad says: Tha's rill sweet 'a you t'say, Luke. Rilly is.

Lucasus clears his throat a bit and looks at her with a hint of a smile, "I.. I mean it, Mair. I'm glad I met you. There's.. I don't know.. something special about you."
Lucasus shrugs a bit and pulls the blanket in a little more snugly on his side.

Mairèad says: ...is thar?
Mairèad does the same, laughing a little as she does.
Mairèad says: Nevarrr 'ad people tell me that 'afore.

Lucasus clears his throat and smiles a bit as he looks down, "Ah, yes.. you're like a litte firefly.. a lot of times thigns just seem sort of dark.. and sad.. but then there you are being all happy regardless.. little firelfy.. blinking your little light in the dark." He chuckles lightly, "Makes me smile."

Mairèad 's eyes go rather wide and her cheeks flush, though it's hard to see in the dark. She coughs a little bit, laughing as well, clearly smiling. "Tha's amazin'. You a poet, Luke?" She totally avoids the subject like a pro.

Lucasus blinks, "What? No.. ah.. not really.. I mean.. I've written a little.. but.. no.. " He chuckles lightly, as he turns to look at her, studying her face for a moment, though the current lighting does hide her blushing. "I mean it, Mair.. you're special."

Mairèad coughs again, still laughing somewhat, ducking her head. "Yahar, so're you," she mumbles awkwardly.

Lucasus chuckles lightly and then just sighs, "You don't have to think so.. just saying I do." He smirks. "And.. I'm not special like you are.. I don't think I make anyone smile every time they see me." He chuckles a bit.

Mairèad says: No, y'are special. Y'rilly are. An' y'make me smile, y'rilly do.
Mairèad still isn't looking at him, head still ducked, ears growing redder by the second.

Lucasus is now looking at her, smiling a bit. "Uh.. are you okay?"

Mairèad says: ...yahar. Jest yer sayin' rill nice fin's's all, 'm not used t'it.

Lucasus chuckles lightly, "I'm.. I'm just being honest." He smiles a bit and reaches over, under the blanket, to find her hand - which he grabs and holds for a moment. "If we're going to be friends, you'll need to get used to it."

Shepard sniffs the air again. "Hmf. I know I recognize the scent..."

Lucasus says: If I like y-..
Lucasus whispers, "Was that Shepard?"

Mairèad practically jumps up. "Shep? You 'ere?"

Shepard says: ... Mairead?

Lucasus blinks and hops up as well.

Mairèad gives a light, airy laugh, forgetting the blanket on the ground. "Light's sake, y'startled me! What're y'doin' 'ere?"

Shepard tilts his head. "... So you were here. Thought I recognized the scent." He blinks. "Am I interrupting something?"

Mairèad says: Oh no, me an' Luke was jest talkin'. ...Light, what time's it?

Lucasus just stands there like a deer in headlights.

Shepard 's eyes glaze over. "... A little past eleven."

Mairèad says: Ahh fuck. I gotta git back to th'Cathedral. Walk wiff me, Shep?

Shepard says: I- Erm. Sure?

Mairèad smiles broadly at Shepard and turns back to Lucasus. "I'll see ya soon, yahar?"

Lucasus clears his throat and nods quickly, "Ah.. I hope so.. " He smiles at her. "Ah.. have a good night, Mr. Shepard."

Shepard just slowly nods. "Right..."

Mairèad says: Light be wiff you, Luke. Fanks fer th'tea an' company.

[They leave the Quel'Talan behind]

Mairèad is walking at what one might call a brisk pace.

Shepard says: ... Did something happen?

Mairèad says: Shep, 'e was sayin' fin's like Imma firefly. I am so so so so so so so so so SO sorreh fer puttin' y'through that. I ent nevarrr gunna confess me attracshun t'you evarrrr aginn.

Shepard blinks, then tugs on his beard. "Erm. Okay then."
Shepard says: So. He is... attracted to you.

Mairèad says: 'e -likes- me Shep. Light's sake, 'e dun' jest -like- me, i's like Imma goddess to 'im'r sumfin'. We gotta 'ook 'im up wiff Emily.

Shepard says: How long have you known him?

Mairèad says: Like, two days!...'r mebbe a week. Somewhar in thar.
Mairèad says: -Don'- ply th'similartees, I know a'ready.

Shepard says: And you are already a goddess. Ah, Stormwind...

Mairèad says: Well, I mean, i's flatterin'.
Mairèad says: But...'e's so -shy-. I kin't be meself 'round 'im.

Shepard says: Try.

Mairèad says: I did.

Shepard says: Keep trying.

Mairèad says: 'e took it as a declarashun 'a undyin' love.

Shepard says: ... Oh.

Mairèad says: Yahar. I known 'im MEBBE two weeks, TOPS.

Shepard says: Perhaps he should read a book on relationships.

Mairèad sighs and stops, turning around and resting her forehead on Shepard. "Y'know tha's why I love you s'much, righ'? Y'let me be meself an' y'don' assume I mean anyfin' by it."
Mairèad says: ...friend-love.

Shepard blinks, both eyes darting down to her. "If you were not yourself, then there would be no truth between us."

Mairèad says: Ezzac'ly. Wiff you, i's easy 'cause I know yer gunna still be thar, n'matter what. An' same wiff Chad. Luke's...'e's like a skeerd rabbit.

Shepard says: I eat rabbits.

Mairèad snorts out a laugh, still burying her face against Shepard. "Y'don' gotta eat 'im. But...Light's sake, i's like 'e wants t'marry me'r sumfin'."

Shepard says: If he makes you uncomfortable, then I shall be your...
Shepard 's nose twitches. "Hm."

Mairèad is frowning in thought, not that Shepard can see it. "Me what?"

Shepard says: I do not know. Guardian? Brother? I am unsure as to what you label my position.

Mairèad says: It dun' need labels.

Shepard shakes his head. "Ah, I know."

Mairèad , after a beat, wraps her arms around Shepard's waist and repeats in a small, almost childlike voice, "I love you, Shep. Mean it."

Shepard gulps, his hands fidgeting with the sides of his legs as his eyes flick from one object to the next. Finally, in mouthful, "Loveyoutoo."

Mairèad doesn't do the cartwheels her inner self is doing at this. She just squeezes him a little tighter before grinning up at him. "Fanks fer t'night. I'll see you t'morrow?"

Shepard says: You should. If not, relay what happens and I shall take appropriate action.

Mairèad says: 'Course. An' same wiff you an' Emily. Light be wiff you, Shep.

Shepard says: And you, Mairead.