A Typical Night in Cathedral Square

Mairèad half looks up from her libram and jumps to see Bryn, as if expecting anything but the other girl sitting there. "Oh! Light, I wasn't expectin' you there."

Bryn deadpans, "I be errrwhar."
A sly smirk spreads across Bryn's face.

Mairèad says: Yer like magic or somethin'.

Bryn says: I'ma wizard.
Bryn says: In disguise.

Mairèad glances across the Square to where Shepard is talking. "How're you doin', then, wizard?"

Bryn follows her gaze curiously, "Hungover. You?"

Mairèad says: Well, Stehl's turnin' into rill fire and yelled at me last night and I hugged a deader and fought with Shep, but then we made up, and... hopefully thin's are good. I hope. Distractin'.

Bryn says: ... uh-huh.
Bryn says: I wish I could say that sounds outta th'ordinary.

Mairèad says: No, y'rilly don't. Shep told me about all th'outta the ordinary thin's what happened today, like that elf over there? With th'pigtails? Y'don't wanna be part 'a that shit.

Bryn says: Mefinks enny elf wiff pigtails 's somfin' I don' wanna be part of.

Mairèad says: That one fer special. She's th'type what goads people into hittin' her and then gets pissy when they do.

Bryn says: Sounds rill, uh, special.

Mairèad says: That's one word fer it.

Taylinda sighs softly before running over to the bench and throwing up her hands in exhausperation. "I don't goad anyone! Quiet with your slander! Sheesh!"

Mairèad says: Yahar, y'do.

Bryn stares Taylinda down.

Taylinda says: No, I don't. You're not in my bloody head.

Mairèad says: Don't hafta be. It don't gotta do with yer head. It's gotta do with yer behavior.

Bryn says: ... Hoi, y'dress like a whore an' sound like an even dumber whore.

Mairèad says: I wasn't even -talkin'- t'you.
Mairèad says: You talked t'me.

Bryn says: Yer th'one tha' keeps goin' back t'her.

Taylinda says: ...This is whorish? Then...
Taylinda points at Feloraea.
Taylinda says: SHe's a whore too?
Taylinda says: And she?
Taylinda points at Juhla.

Mairèad says: Th'point: yer missin' it.

Taylinda says: Oh heck that lady has an exposed naval.

Mairèad makes a whoosh sound, zooming her hand over her head.

Bryn snickers at Taylinda.

Taylinda says: So pretty much you called half the women here a whore. What a nice person.

Mairèad says: Think all her brains went into her pigtails.

Bryn says: Maybe 's like how bugs don't have brains just spines.
Bryn says: So like...

Bryn says: Her spines are in her pigtails.
Bryn says: Yeah.
Bryn says: Makes sense.
Bryn says: Oh look, she turned into a cat.

Mairèad says: Somehow, I ent surprised.

Bryn laughs.
Bryn says: We can leave it at "dumb bint 's dumb".
Bryn says: I don' see elves. I see purple humans.
Bryn says: Purple humans everywhere.

Mairèad says: Their ears are too long.
Mairèad says: Humans don't got ears that long.

Bryn says: But I wanna be an elf now.
Bryn says: Me name is Bryn N'ounverb Gobblypoo Adj'ectivebutt.

Mairèad peers searchingly at Bryn. "...are y'drunk again?"

Bryn says: Hungover.
Bryn says: Mebbe a wee bit buzzed.

Taylinda sighs softly and walks down the road, her ears drooped and her head low.
Taylinda sighs softly and glances between random people. "I don't get it..."

Bryn sets her hand on her forehead. "Oh, I don't get it. Why ev'ryone 's a stupid twat t'me. I am a snowflake in a world of yellow snow on a plain of snowiness."
Bryn says: Hoi... oaky. Maybe a wee bit drunk. Buzzed. I said buzzed.

Artim says: I think you should blame the one that turned the snow yellow, though. Go talk to him about it.

Bryn says: Well th'fucktit tha' pissed in'the snow deserves a punch in the throat.

Mairèad says: ...how buzzed is buzzed, Bryn?

Artim says: But that fucker ruined it all.

Bryn says: I'unno.

Mairèad says: How many drinks?

Bryn says: ... define drinks.

Mairèad says: Alcoholic beverages.

Bryn says: What d'yeh call them wee glasse- Oh. Shots. Um... fiiiive shots.
Bryn says: Close.

Mairèad says: ...-five- shots?

Artim says: If they say five, it was really more than ten.

Bryn says: To somfin' like tha'.
Bryn says: I said 'm buzzed.
Bryn says: Not drunk.

Artim says: And if they say ten, it was.. alot.

Bryn says: Nyeeeh.

Mairèad says: Bryn, y'ent but wee and y'ent got a great tolerance I don't think.

Artim says: She wasn't completely shitfaced.

Bryn says: I can see straight!
Bryn says: Mebbe I jus' act too seeryus 'round you.

Artim says: .. how many fingers am I holding up?
Artim raises four digits.

Bryn stares Artim down.
Bryn says: Four fuck yous an' a kick t'the purple balls.

Artim --one is a thumb. Derp.
Artim says: You're so polite, humie.
Artim says: I wonder why you were drinking in the first place.

Bryn says: Yer so edgy an' cool, elfy.

Artim says: Hell to the fuckin' yes.

Bryn says: I wanna be like you when I grow up.

Mairèad says: Bryn, yer... y'sound li--

Bryn says: Wiff th'headband an' shit.

Artim says: You're probably older than me.
Artim says: Oldy-pants.

Mairèad sighs and shakes her head, her previous cheerful mood dissipating. "Nevarrmind."

Artim says: -McCrabby.

Bryn says: Crabby? Naw, only hoors get tha'.
Bryn says: In th'pants.

Artim says: Zing.

Bryn says: So watch out fer ennyfin' wiff pigtails.
Bryn says: I hear they got all th'fun stuff down souf.

Artim says: Pigtails make women look stupid.

Bryn says: Ayerp.

Sidoni yells: Wilhiem! Ya big ol'hunkin' handsome piece of manmeat! Where are ya, heart of my heart?!

Wilhiem yells: C'here, you.

Bryn freezes. That voice.

Mairèad looks up at the sky. "...was that...?"

Bryn says: FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFUUUUUUUUUUUUCK.

Mairèad says: Bryn, don't do anythin' stupid. She's jest an old bitch with saggy tits.

Bryn covers her face with her hands, cursing rapidly and loudly.

Artim says: ...
Artim says: Kiss your mother with that mouth?

Bryn says: People tell me me mam was a fifteen year old drug addled whore.

Artim says: She's probably right, though.

Bryn says: So mebbe.

Mairèad says: ...Light's sake.

Artim says: Human.

Mairèad says: And I don't kiss me mam, she don't swing that way. But she's worse'n I am, so...

Artim says: You're my new best friend.

Bryn says: Don' wanna be yer bes' friend. Y'look stupid.

Artim says: Too bad.
Artim says: Now we can skip through the forest, and have a fucking tea party.

Bryn says: Aw fuck yiss.

Artim says: Cuddle our new-found forest friends.
Artim says: Water some gods-damned flowers.
Artim says: Make a fuckin' leaf pile.
Artim says: And jump in that shit.

Bryn says: Hey knife ears, leave her be.

Artim says: -What?

Bryn says: Let her grow some fuckin' flowers.

Artim says: I don't--

Mairèad says: Bryn...

Bryn scowls.
Bryn gives the thumbs up. It's k.

Artim says: You humans are fucked up, okay?

Mairèad murmurs something to Bryn.
To Bryn: "I know yer drunk and sad and pissed, but... this is jest makin' thin's worse."

Bryn says: Yer mum is.

Artim says: That's how she had me, humie.
Artim says: Damn good move, if I say so myself.
Artim says: --Which I do.

Teristha says: Stop acting like children.

Artim says: We're not acting like children.
Artim says: -Duuuuh.

Bryn grunts crossly.

Artim says: I can't help but notice, humie.
Artim looks to Bryn.
Artim says: You seem angry.
Artim says: Or are you always like this?

Bryn says: An' you seem t'haff daddy problems. Are y'always like tha'?

Artim says: Seeing as he was killed not long ago.

Teristha says: I'm not angry, perhaps if you looked at me you might understand why I have this growl to my voice.

Artim says: Yes.

Bryn says: Prollum solved.

Artim says: Meh.

Bryn says: Now go away.

Artim says: Damn, humie.
Artim says: You need to get -laid-.

Bryn says: I would.
Bryn says: But me boyfrien' is dead.

Artim says: Should-a, could-a, would-a.
Artim says: Go fuck around.
Artim says: -Oh, he's dead?
Artim says: Finally drove him to the breaking point?

Mairèad turns and -glares- at Artim. "Shut. Up."

Artim says: Damn, humie.
Artim says: Simmer the fuck down.

Teristha glares at Artim, "You should stop while you are ahead."

Artim leans in, hands set on his hips.

Mairèad says: I dunno -who- y'think you are, but yer actin' like a cuntwaffle with extra syrup.

Artim says: Noted.
Artim says: You can sit down now.

Mairèad says: Leave her alone.

Bryn says: Oh yeah, totally did. To th'point where his bes' friends broke his legs and drove a sword through his gut.

Artim says: Are -all- human women like this?

Mairèad says: She won't talk t'you, you don't talk to her. G--

Artim says: Oh, well.

You stare Bryn down.

Artim says: Tha's a shame.
Artim says: Sorry 'bout that.

Bryn says: Don't matter now.
Bryn shrugs. Who knows?

Artim says: Better luck next time, right?

Mairèad throws up her hands. "Y'know, I give up. Do what yer gunna do."

Artim says: Good.
Artim nods at you.

Mairèad sits again with a clank and a grunt. "I don't fuckin' care."

Artim shakes his head, muttering in Darnassian.

Bryn says: Fun times.
Bryn pats Mairead on the head.

Artim says: Your idea of fun and mine are quite different.

Bryn says: Sod off.

Artim says: What the hell does that mean?
Artim says: Do you just make up your own insults on the spot?
Artim says: .. they're not that good.

Teristha says: In essence, leave.

Mairèad looks back in Shepard's direction again and just stares straight ahead at the Cathedral steps. Her cheek is twitching.

Artim sighs heavily, gaze darting briefly to the two sitting on the bench. He shakes his head, turning to leave. As he walks by Bryn, his hand would move to simply pat her on the head as he passed.

Bryn mumbles a quiet apology to Mairèad. "I'll try harder t'morrow..."

Mairèad says: No. Do or don't. There's no try.
Mairèad says: Either drink or don't drink.

Bryn says: I-I'll... I'll try.
Bryn says: 'm glad you 'n Shep made up.
Bryn says: 'm late fer shit.

Mairèad grunts and leans forward, resting her forearms on her knees. She rests her head in her hands and just sighs.

Destiany peered down to the woman. "you alright?"

Mairèad says: Yahar, I'm fine.
Mairèad says: This place jest gets to you.

Destiany says: The Cathedrial? Might I ask to why?

Mairèad looks up at Destiany with a laugh of disbelief. "Yer new here, ent you?"

Destiany offered a nod. "I am, well not new. I lived in the city when younger."
Destiany says: Might it be to much to ask if you might fill me in? I seen much changed.

Mairèad shrugs a shoulder nonchalantly. "I dunno how th'city's changed meself. I've onleh been here since December. But... well, sit around th'Square a day. Th'shit that happens here's enough to drive anyone insane."

Teristha says: The park nearby is gone.

Destiany smiled to her. "I agree, and I have and seen some things I do not agree fully with."
Destiany says: But that little matter. What troubles you tonight? The odd elf with the magazines?

Mairèad groans and shakes her head, the groan turning into a disbelieving laugh. "It is a -long- story, miss. A very long story."

Destiany says: Well, should you ever wish share it. I would welcome to hear. Even bring the coffee.

Mairèad chuckles. "Make it rum and I might take you up on it."

Destiany says: I'll bring a jug worth.

Mairèad says: Fer this story, y'might wanna make it a bathtub's worth.

Destiany says: If you have the time, I can grab my husband and we could dive in...to the rum at least.

Mairèad says: Eh, I can't right now. I'm supposed to wait -right here-.
Mairèad looks over towards where Shepard is talking yet again, expression somewhat tense.

Destiany says: Of course, you have a pleasant evening.

Mairèad spots Shepard and exhales through pursed lips. She manages a highly forced... and there they go. Smile gone.

Thanatosá says: Vandrin.

Teristha says: All is well, I assume.

Sidoni peeks around the side of the tree.

Wilhiem tosses the flute up, twists it, catches it again.

Vandrin swats a hand behind him. "Not now."

Thanatosá says: Verywell.

Shepard makes a point of ignoring Teristha for the moment, looking to Wilhiem. He nods.

Thanatosá says: Limited time offer however, so be a little nicer next time.

Wilhiem clicks his tongue. He raises a thin silver flute to his lips and starts up a fluent, simple melody.

Shepard follows suit with a soft, melancholy voice. He's singing!
Shepard says: There's an old tale wrought with the mystery of Tom the Poet and his muse, and the magic lake which gave a life to the words the poet used.

Shepard says: Now the muse she was his happiness and he rhymed about her grace, and told her stories of treasures deep the blackened waves.

Vandrin reaches for Emirdelle's hand.

Shepard spares Vandrin a glance as he continues, never breaking the pace.

Mairèad glances over, the smile threatening to return.

Shepard says: 'Till in the stillness of one dawn still in its mystic crown, the muse she went down to the lake and in the waves she drowned.

Wilhiem 's melody matches to accompany Shepard's voice perfectly- almost. He's nervous, he'd slip every now and then.

Emirdelle quirks a brow at Vandrin.

Sidoni rubs the back of her neck. She is staring -intently- at Wilhiem from her place hidden behind the tree.

Shepard says: And now to see your love set free, you will need the witch's cabin key. Find the lady of the light gone mad with the night, that's how you reshape destiny.

Vandrin says: Interesting story.

Wilhiem looks down to the ground - thank god. Otherwise he'd be dealing with Sid-eyes.

Teristha says: It is.

Shepard smiles at Vandrin, crossing his arms as he looks to Wilhiem. He's gonna let him have a solo.

Vandrin looks at Emirdelle. "And suprisingly relevant. You're a constant beacon of hope in an otherwise crumbling society."

Mairèad watches Vandrin and Emirdelle with interest, tilting her head to the side. What.

Wilhiem 's melody soon comes to a climax - descends, faints down to light fluttering. His fingers move about the surface of the flute, just barely.

Shepard leans back some, arms folding behind him. Some might see the faintest glow of the Arcane.

Emirdelle was lagging hardcore.

Sidoni has one hand raised, covering her mouth. She might be trying very very hard not to laugh.

Shepard thinks Emi should say something sweet about Vandrin.

Emirdelle ...Can't think of anything =/

Mairèad suggests calling him her hero.

Teristha thinks it would be easier if Vandrin showed his face... ever.

Wilhiem is running out of breath. He lets a note linger.

Sidoni facepalms. Except she uses the tree as her palm.

Sidoni glances sidelong at Wilhiem.

Shepard grunts, keeping the smile. His right eye is twitchng, though.

Wilhiem ...may or may not be playing the Jeopardy theme.

Vandrin does a high pitched voice, imitating that of a woman's. "Love you too."
Vandrin bites his bottom lip, hard. He sighs -happily-, or so it sounds, then walks off with Emirdelle's hand in his. His bottom lip was practically bleeding.

Emirdelle says: Sorry.

Shepard sighs, but takes what he can get. Instantly, a small cloud forms above... and it begins to rain. The glow of the Arcane vanishes.

Vandrin says: It's cool.
Vandrin gently pats Emirdelle.

Wilhiem attempts to hide a snort. He, then, clears his throat and starts the melody anew.

Emirdelle says: Just another thing I'm horrible at.

Shepard goes back to singing!
Shepard says: The poet came down to the lake to call out to his dear. When there was no answer, he was overcome with fear.

Vandrin says: Oh, hush.

Shepard says: He searched in vain for his treasure lost and too soon the night would fall, and only his own echo would wail back at his call.

Emirdelle says: It's true.

Mairèad blinks at Shepard. She had no idea he could do that! But the sight of the rain brings an almost wistful smile to her face.

Vandrin says: Stage pressure, is all. You were fine.

Shepard says: And when he swore to bring back his love by the stories he'd create, nightmares shifted in their sleep in the darkness of the lake.

Emirdelle says: I was never a...Theater type? i don' tknow....

Shepard says: And now to see your love set free, you will need the witch's cabin key. Find the lady of the light still raving in the night, that's how you reshape destiny.

Vandrin gives her a gentle, quick hug. "You were fine, Emi. Thanks for doing that for me."

Wilhiem struggles to scratch his nose while still playing.
Wilhiem STRUGGLES.

Sidoni comes swaying around the tree, pressing one hand to the lamppost to support herself, as though viklempt. Whatever sort of adjusting she's done, her cleavage looks fantastic. Her gaze comes to rest on Wilhiem, and although her full lips part, she speaks not a word. She's totally banging him with her eyes, who needs words when she's doing that?

Mairèad watches Sidoni now with a perplexed expression. She seems to be holding in a whole -slew- of giggles, though.

Shepard pauses again, gaping at Sidoni. Then he slooooowly looks to Wilhiem.

Sidoni raises her other hand, and crooks a single finger at Wilhiem. It's sort of like Sandy at the end of "Grease" saying 'tell me 'bout it, stud'.

Wilhiem lofts a single eyebrow at Sid. His outh parts in a wide grin, and he lets the melody pick up, his fingers running across the flute faster and faster.

Sidoni likes dat. Work them fingers, boy. She runs the tip of her tongue across her lower lip.

Shepard is now just staring at Sid. Almost horrified.

Wilhiem starts moving across the small opening - slowly - still playing, stepping one foot over the other. The stupid grin is still plastered over his face.

Sidoni 's face is turning red with the effort of simply standing there and trying not to say anything stupid.

Shepard resumes the actor's mask, and smiles as Wilhiem leaves his side. And again comes that Arcane glow.

Wilhiem sighs, exhales, and ceases the melody. He pockets the flute and chuckles, flicking his hair back like a model from a shampoo commercial. He walks up to Sidoni and holds out a hand.

Shepard shakes his head, still smiling, and the same downpour from before returns. The worgen, meanwhile, continues his song.

Sidoni takes that hand, and LEAPS into Wilhiem's embrace. She wraps herself all around that lanky gray whip of a man and buries her face against his throat, making loud smooching sounds. "Oh snookums... oh ya fuckin' handsome beast..."

Mairèad -stares- at Sidoni.

Shepard would have started again, but a snort happens instead.
Shepard begins to sing again. For real this time.
Shepard says: In the dead of night she came to him with darkness in her eyes, wearing a mourning gown, sweet words as her disguise. He took her in without a word for he saw his grave mistake, and vowed them both to silence deep beneath the lake.
Shepard says: Now if its real or just a dream, one mystery remains. For it is said on moonless nights, they may still haunt this place.

Wilhiem is an actor. Wilhiem is an actor of IRON WILL. Despite blushing furiously, he manages a purr, and wraps his arms around her, effectively carrying her /off/ and behind the tree. You know. In the bushes.

Shepard glances around, lamenting his solitude. But then, big voice, lots of passion.
Shepard says: And now to see your love set free, you will need the witch's cabin key. Find the lady of the light gone mad with the night, that's how you reshape destiny.

Mairèad turns her gaze back to Shepard, that derpy smile returning. She almost looks dazed.

Wilhiem fumbles with a small remote. A mechanical strider sneaks its way behind Shepard and he runs over there. Inconspicuously. Through the fountain.

Sidoni lets go of Wilhiem quickly. But she totally starts rattling the bushes while gasping and moaning. "Oh! Ya beast! Oh! Ya big naughty man!"

Teristha says: Shepard? Are you all right?

Shepard says: And now to see your love set free, you will need the witch's cabin key. Find the lady of the light still raving in the night, that's how you reshape destiny.

Tenoly crossed her arms, twitching. "Shep, no offense...but no matter how much that thing around your neck makes your voice different...you still suck at singing."

Shepard slides off the bench, casually strolling over to Mairead. He offers a hand -- there's a ring resting on his palm. "Will you be my lady of the light?"

Vandrin says: Tenolyshutthefuckupforfiveminutes.

Tenoly says: Good, now speak common this time Van.

Mairèad was distracted by turning that -glare- on Tenoly, so when she turns back and sees a ring, she lets out a yelp because the ring? She genuinely wasn't expecting that. "Holy shit! Where'd y'get booty, Shep!?"
Mairèad says: Oh! I mean yes.

Shepard grins, chuckling softly. Then he speaks into his signet.

Sidoni is still putting on a loud, flagrant show! Those bushes are rattling. Her voice is ringing.

Wilhiem 's strider emits a fury of fireworks! Happy day. Some of the sparks burn his hair and he bursts into curses.

Vandrin promptly runs up, flailing flower pedals.

Sidoni says: Oh! Yer fireworks! I told ya they was in yer pants baby!
Sidoni plants her forehead on the tree trunk. Her husband is going to kill her.

Mairèad grins up at Shepard and stands, removing her helm. She wraps her arms around him and whispers something to him.
To Shepard: "That. Was amazin'."
To Shepard: "Also, fuck Tenoly, yer amazin'."

Wilhiem rolls over a keg for a good measure.

Tenoly deadpanned, heartily disapproving. Shep acted like a fourty-something old man, and Mai was barely something other than a kid, this was weird...at least to her.

Sidoni doesn't realize Wilhiem has revealed he's no longer with her. She's still kicking the bushes to rattle them, and moaning like a hydra in heat.

Shepard smiles, wrapping an arm around Mairead. Then he whispers!
Shepard whispers: "I'm glad you think so, my dear."

All of the sounds behind the tree stop, except for a grateful, "LIGHT FUCKIN' BLESS."

Mairèad continues to stand there, whispering!
To Shepard: "...should I say somethin'?"
To Shepard: "Besides 'go die in a fire, Tenoly'?"

Sidoni ruffles Wilhiem's hair.

Shepard chuckles. "I think all you needed to say was 'yes'. ... Was this 'theatrical' enough?"

Tenoly thinks this sentimental moment needs Deathwing in Underbite form.

Mairèad says: That was amazin'ly theatrical. I can't believe y'pulled it off at such short notice!
Mairèad was obviously totally surprised by this whole thing. Or maybe just the ring.

Shepard deadpans. "Neither do I."

Tenoly says: Van...are we supposed to watch them for a reason? Cuz this staring is hurting my eye.

Mairèad says: And seriously, where'd y'get the booty?

Vandrin says: No. Stop watching if you're so souless.

Tenoly says: Meh...

Kialthos says: I forgot to clap.

Mairèad is -staring- at the ring. It's like instinct for her.

Tenoly says: Not my fault I aint a sap....I blame ya'll for drooling...

Shepard says: ... A friend. I had to- it doesn't matter.

Mairèad says: ...excuse me -one- second, Mine.
Mairèad disentangles herself from Shepard and marches over to Tenoly.

Tenoly seems to tower over Mai, considering she's a bit taller than she is.

Mairèad says: Look. I get that bein' a bitch is yer 'thing' and that's fine and whatevarrr, but fer -fuck's- sake, let people be -happy- if they've a mind to and if yer gunna ruin their happiness, keep yer opinions in yer Lightdamned -mouth-.

Kialthos says: BURN.

Mairèad doesn't really care how tall Tenoly is.
Mairèad says: That's all. Light protect.

Tenoly thinks height is important...that...damnit...what was the race from Invader Zim again?

Mairèad still doesn't care about Tenoly's height.

Tenoly smirked. "Tough words coming from a runt..."

Shepard blinks at you.
Shepard says: ... I think this will be happy marriage.

Mairèad says: ...let's go celebrate. Or...what are we supposed t'do now?

Vandrin says: So when do the storks come?

Mairèad says: ...storks?

Vandrin says: Yeah.

Mairèad says: What storks?

Vandrin says: With the baby.

Mairèad says: Why'd-- WHAT.
Mairèad says: No. No babbies.

Tenoly says: Now, this is entertaining.

Vandrin says: Oh, okay. Yeah, fuck children.
Vandrin nods.

Tenoly says: Van, what kind of face heel turn is -that-?

Mairèad grins at Vandrin. "Thanks, Vandrin. Fer errythin'."

Shepard looks at Wilhiem.
Shepard cackles maniacally at Wilhiem.

Mairèad says: You too, Emi.

Vandrin says: Fo sho.

Emirdelle says: No problem.

Teristha says: Wish I could have helped.

Tenoly eyed Kialthos. "We're chopped liver, I swear."

Shepard looks at Teristha.
Shepard says: You were- a valuable audience member.

Mairèad leans past Shepard to look at Wilhiem, "And you too... Wil, right?"

Wilhiem offers a salute and a nod.

Teristha says: Hmm... suppose that is comforting.

Mairèad says: Yer a very good actor.

Kialthos says: Mother of god, you could have been polite and at least stayed silent.

Mairèad smiles over at Kialthos, too. "Thank you, Kia."

Kialthos says: I didn't really do anything but okay.

Vandrin says: You're back.

Tenoly resists the urge to make a 'what's god' comment...lulz.

Mairèad says: Nah, y'jest did.

Kialthos gives Vandrin a side-noogie.

Mairèad reaches up to whisper to Shepard again.
To Shepard: "Seriously, let's go home and get naked."

Shepard says: I'm not sure if this is normal- but it's funny.

Tenoly says: It's never normal Shep...not here...but good on ya anyway I guess.

Shepard blinks at you.

Wilhiem pulls a disappearing act, the strider clanking loudly.

Shepard says: Right, I don't like it. Let's go.

Kialthos says: Warm winds, uh...
Kialthos says: The new Mr. And Mrs. Shepards.

Vandrin says: Chumba wumba. I don't like the look of it.

Tenoly leaned against the wooden barrier.

Mairèad chuckles and, with some effort, hefts herself up on Shepard's back because that's what she does.

Shepard says: That- huh. Thanks, Kia.

Tenoly says: Shepard's not his family name is it?
Tenoly glanced to SHep. "What's your last name again?"

Shepard says: Lovells. Or Garhelm. Depends on who you ask.

Tenoly says: I'm sort of asking you...so what's your answer?

Shepard says: Lovells, I guess.

Mairèad says: Anyway. Goin'. Let's.

Shepard says: Anyway. We're going now.

Mairèad, Lius, Bryn, & Shepard: June 23

Mairèad sits quietly, eyes closed. She is apparently trying to meditate.

Lius glances to his left, head tilting in slow and jerky movements. It lingers there for a moment before turning back to Mairead, a small chuckle escaping the veil of shadow.

Mairèad 's cheek twitches slightly at the laugh, though she doesn't open her eyes. "You've come back to th'city," she observes.

Lius sighs, rolling his head to scan the sky. "So I 'ave, little sister."

Mairèad 's expression flickers for a moment to one of pain, though she still doesn't open her eyes. "Have you recovered from yer madness? Are you done hurtin' people?"

Lius takes a single step forward, his fingers toying with the hilt of his blade. "Hurt people, little sister? I 'ave 'urt no one, I fix them. I 'ave fixed ye all at one time or another. Ye seem quick t'forget tha'."

Mairèad finally opens her eyes, staring at the tree rather than at Lius. "I haven't fergotten. Walk with me?"

Lius says: Fine then, we shall walk.

Mairèad nods, letting her libram fall at her side. She doesn't look either to the right or to the left as she begins, well, walking.
Mairèad -finally- looks at Lius. "Lius, what are y'doin'. Yer actin' like you've been alone all this time, but we've been -here-. I've been -here-. Meditatin', prayin', but here. And you've jest... gone -mad-."

Lius stares ahead of him, still toying with the hilt of his blade. "Ye've been as far as gone as any of th'others. I 'ave nae gone mad, little sister, I 'ave merely found m'self."

Mairèad says: And -where- have I gone? I've been -here-. I've been waitin' fer alla you t'come back.

Lius says: An' none will. They're all gone, we're all gone. We're all ghosts.

Mairèad shakes her head. "I'm more alive than I've evarrr been before. And y'ent a ghost. I saw yer ghost... this ent it."

Lius tilts his head, staring at the lamp post. His hand slips away from the knife, a line of shadow perfectly mirroring the movement of his arm. "M'ghost 'as yet t'escape, dear sister. It claws an' bites, all it wants is t'be released."

Mairèad watches the shadow, looking up to Lius' face. "You wish fer death, then," she guesses quietly. "Yer ghost came to me when I was sick. He laughed at me, said he was gunna kill people and there was nothin' I could do."
Mairèad says: Is that true? D'you wanna kill people? D'you wanna die?

Lius lets out a condescending chuckle. "Do I wish fer death? Nae...nae." He shakes his head, the shadow appearing again. "I cannae die, why woul' I wish fer it?"

Mairèad says: Everyone can die, even the dead. Answer me question: d'you wanna kill people? D'you wanna cause more pain?
Mairèad 's voice shakes just a little on the last word.

Lius says: I only cause pain so tha' people may enjoy pleasure. Wha' is life withou' contrast? Bleak, colorless, without scent. We wander mindlessly.

Mairèad says: If people wanna contrast their pleasure and pain, that should be -their- choice, not yers. If they wanna be bleak and colorless, that's -their- choice, not yers. It ent up t'you to decide who's hurt and who ent!

Lius says: My blades say otherwise, little sister. They hum an' they sing as they meet flesh, th'world comes back through their chorus.

Mairèad closes her eyes, her face tensing in pain. "I cannot let you go down this path...me brother. I cannot let you fall so far from grace that the Light can't touch you."

Lius snaps his head towards her, nearly to the point of his neck breaking, it looks rather painful. "Th'Light? Wha' do ye know of th'light, little sister? Ye only made it out of tha' fuckin' mess of a drop because of me, nae th'Light."

Bryn can't be invisible, even though she wishes she could. Instead, the girl has been silently watching in one of the far shadows of the odd tunnel-thing. "Don't kill m'Surgeon, Mair."

Mairèad was going to make a big speech about the Light being her shield and such but Bryn interrupts her train of thought. She hasn't even reached for her sword yet. "If he is a danger t'you or to the Alliance, I will do what must be done."

Lius turns his body to face her, the constant echo of shadow mirroring every inch of movement. "Ye think ye can kill me, little sister?" He laughs, small bursts of shadow pushing against the veil.

Bryn says: ... Lius, don't kill 'er. Please.

Lius rolls his head, crazed laughter and a singsong voice coming through. "Buuuttt we're all ghooossstttssss~"

Mairèad 's hand rests on the hilt of her sword, finally, though she still doesn't draw it. "The Light will give me th'stren'th to do what must be done. I won't let you fall to the shadow, brother."

Lius says: A shame tha' ye view it as falling, rather than th'ascension tha' it is.

Mairèad says: An ascension doesn't end with people dyin'. An ascension doesn't end with pain. That ent enlightenment; it's madness.

Lius says: If ye wish t'break yerself against me, little sister, we shall do it where guards will nae aid yer cause. If ye can still tha' tingling between yer legs long enough t'pull a blade, if ye can quench tha' lust tha' ye've always felt fer me.
Lius breaks into laughter again. He amuses himself so.

Bryn remains silent, watching. When did he bring his knives? When did she let him slip?

Mairèad shakes her head, looking disgusted. "Yer madness ent appealin'. We've all failed you, Lius. I shan't fail you this time. I shall give you what you deserve."

Lius says: Ye know m'home, little sister. Ye'll 'ave nae 'elp there, shoul' ye wish t'kill yer salvation, it will be there.
Lius gives a sharp whistle. ROCKETS RESPOND TO WHISTLES.

[at Lius' home]

Mairèad breathes softly, shivering in the rain. He's in his shadowform; this can only end well.

Lius says: Nae hallowed ground 'ere, Paladin.

Mairèad says: Gilneas wasn't hallowed ground either.

Lius says: Others are nae 'ere t'keep ye alive, t'stop th'nightmare from claimin' ye.

Bryn says: Mair, please walk away. Let it be anybody but you.
Bryn 's gaze flickers between the two. Obvious inner turmoil is obvious.

Lius says: Pull yer blade an' claim yer prize, little sister. Pull my skeleton from me, smite m'soul away.

Mairèad says: I've no intention 'a doin' somethin' so demeanin'. I wish onleh to redeem yer soul fer the Light. If I can do so and spare yer life, I shall.
Mairèad still makes no move to draw her sword; if she's scared or angry or anything at all, she's hiding it pretty damn well.

Lius sighs, a surge of shadow taking his right arm. "Yer as mindless as th'rest, a shame tha' it is I tha' will 'ave t'set ye righ'."

Mairèad draws her shield and sword. "Are you that blind, brother? Have y'lost yer way so completely?" With her voice cracking on the last word, like a twelve-year-old boy to his hot teacher.

Lius says: I see a little girl defendin' somethin' tha' she doesnae even fully understand, an' striking out against those tha' protected 'er.

Mairèad says: You hid behind me and stuck thin's in me that made me mad fer blood to th'point where I couldn't see. And then you healed me, for which I thank you. I've sat idly by too many times, though, while you've threatened good people.
Mairèad says: And I've heard what you said about people like Bryn. About how yer wife and you fell in love makin' them scream. Y'said it to Emi.

Lius says: My little shadow understands me. Perhaps if ye did, it woul' be yerself at m'side instead of 'er. Is tha' wha' this is all abou'?
Lius chuckles, bringing the arm up, shadow errywhere. "Ye an' yer little wolf, aye, I 'ave 'eard."

Mairèad says: Yer 'little shadow'? D'you know nothin' about her? D'you know what yer -doin'- to her while she "understands" you?
Mairèad says: And Shep's got -nothin'- to do with this.

Lius says: I am givin' 'er a fresh view on life, allowin' 'er t'be 'erself. Unlike ye an' yers, who woul' see her kneelin' in th'church.
Lius says: I will tell ye, little sister, she kneels plenty.
Lius chuckles. blowjobs are funny.

Mairèad says: I'd have her -livin' her life- and not feelin' she needs t'be yer playthin' to earn love! I'd have her see that she has a family what loves her already, what won't turn her purple with burns! I'd have her understand that y'don't fix somethin' by lettin' it hurt you! And what of you? D'you know that th'onleh reason she comes around is 'cause she thinks you need her? 'Cause she doesn't realize that it could be anyone willin' t'let you burn 'em?

Lius shakes his head. "Perhaps she likes th'burn, little sister. Perhaps ye will as well? Let us find out." With that, he releases the buildup of shadow, sending a stream of the energy towards her head.

It's always the fucking head. Mairèad brings up her shield in the nick of time, the shadow colliding with it in a shower of golden sparks. The time for talking is now over. With barely a word of blessing breathed, she charges in, bringing her sword in an arc for Lius' side.

Lius blows his usual load of Dispersion, exploding into a fine mist of shadow. It only lasts a few seconds, the medic appearing on the fence. His entire body pulses with shadow, a single word spoken under his breath if the spell works, PSYCHIC HORROR, Mairead's world would become her worst waking nightmare.

Mairèad 's palerdin aura -mostly- does its trick, a burning pain searing right back at Lius. The world becomes hazy for a moment, though, and there are Liuses everywhere, all of them laughing. "Fuck hallucinatin's," she mutters, along with a word of prayer that sends jolts of holy Light in every direction.

Lius catches a bolt of holy pain in his shoulder, nearly losing his balance on the railing. His right hand flicks to the side, a shadowfiend poofing into existence before launching itself at the paladin. Lius is busy still trying not to fall.

Mairèad catches the shadowfiend on her shield, hissing as its tendrils lash at her arm. She drops her sword a second, a hammer of glowing Light appearing in her hand. This hammer she releases with an explosive BWONG into the shadowfiend's body, and even after that, it has enough energy to rebound straight for Lius.

Lius was too busy trying to gain his balance again to notice the hammer of fucking pain coming straight at him. He catches it in the chest, dropping to the ground. A low groan escapes, his hands groping for a vial along his belt, making no attempt to get up.

Mairèad grabs her sword and stands, the remains of the shadowfiend dispersing as she does. One step and she's closer to Lius; the next, and the ground below her glows golden with a consecration. And then she leaps for him.

Lius crushes the vial in his hand as soon as she's airborne, throwing his hand out at her as she comes down. The plague is infused with shadow, a mixture of the liquid and shards of glass flying towards her.

Mairèad is pretty glad to be a paladin at this point; the plague burns at her face and arms, but not nearly as much as it could. Now, though, her face is streaked with blood, tiny cuts appearing where the glass settled. And in her attempt to block the vial and keep herself from inhaling bees or something, she's turned herself into a flying ball of plate and Light that's falling straight down on Lius' groinal area.

Lius ' SHADOW EYEZ OF PURPLE ORB go wide at the sight of his dick nearly getting plowed into in a horrible way. One leg comes up to block the falling paladin, a loud snap sounding off as it breaks against the weight.

Mairèad grunts as she connects with Lius' leg, falling to the side. She's no more than landed on the ground than she brings her shield about to try and slam into his other knee.

Lius reaches a hand out for her face, screaming out as her shield takes out his other knee. He attempts to pretty much smother her face with his hand, shadow licking out towards her.

Mairèad gives a snarl of pain as the shadow licks out towards her face, attempting to smother her. Among her cries is a word of blessing, pushing an aureate shield out from her body for a few seconds, enough for her to scramble backwards, holding her hands to her now purple-burnt face.

Lius rolls, his legs useless. He lets out a sharp whistle. The rocket picks him up and rides into the sunset.

Mairèad roars as Lius rockets away, cursing her inability to ever wear a helm that covers her face. With shaking hands, she begins to try and mend the damage done.

Shepard totally comes running from the muddied road. He didn't materialize from the guillotine, nope. He skids to a halt before Mairead, eyes wide.

Mairèad 's hands are shaking so hard that she can barely bring them across her wounds. Her arm is healed pretty quickly, but her face... well. The tears aren't making it much better, that's for sure.

Shepard drops to a knee. With a shaking hand, he tentatively reaches out towards Mairead's arms, but stops short of actually touching them. The worgen looks to her for permission more than anything; he wants to assist in this healing endeavor, yo.

Mairèad just nods, dropping her hands from her face to fumble for her libram. She doesn't have to cleanse very often, and that's not a prayer she's memorized. "Lius," she says, by way of explanation. "Broke both his legs."

Shepard switches to helping with the libram; he brings it up, cracking it open, and slowly begins to flip the pages. His eyes are locked on Mairead, however, awaiting for any reaction. "Where is he now?" he growls.

Mairèad puts her hand on the pages of the libram once Shepard reaches the page she needs. "D-dunno... had a rocket, could be anywhere..." She runs her fingers over the words on the page, that familiar glow coming to her hands as she does. A bit of sparkle seems to carry the purple away from the burns on her face, leaving them nasty but just red.

Shepard snarls, a fist slamming into the nearby fence. It splinters. After that display of rage, he sighs. "...I should have been here with you," he mutters, looking the remaining traces of the burn over.

Mairèad 's burns are still pretty nasty, and she's still shaking pretty hard. Despite this, she leans towards Shepard as if for comfort. "He wouldn't have attacked if you were here. He's a c-coward like that."

Shepard inches forward, his arms immediately wrapping Mairead. "Then I would have hid, I would've-" He stops himself, grunting.
Shepard says: I could have waited. Close by. Watching.

Mairèad laughs softly, still weeping either way. "And when he attacked, you'd've jumped outta th'shadows and it'd be you all burnt."

Shepard says: Maybe, maybe not. I could've just gutted him from the shadows.
Shepard smiles, doing his best to appear brave and charming and confident... because yeah. This situation is fairly bleak. "But then, that wouldn't have been as dramatic, would it?"

Mairèad sighs. In this moment, she seems even older than Shepard. "I wanted to redeem him... I failed."

Shepard says: Redemption, Mair, can only come to those who wish for it. And sometimes, the ending to a story won't be a happy one.

Mairèad nods stiffly, her voice growing smaller as she speaks again. "S-shep? Remember after you bit me, what y'did to the wound?"

Shepard says: ... I licked it, didn't I?

Mairèad nods and tilts her face up towards Shepard. She looks -awful- and the aforementioned action would probably hurt like a bitch, but she still asks, "...would y'd-do that fer me now?"

Shepard looks away for just a moment, contemplating. And then he looks back with furrowed brows. "... Alright, Mair." His tongue pokes through a pair of jowls before raking across Mairead's face. It's a slow, gentle gesture.

Mairèad cringes in pain because, let's face it, this isn't going to tickle. She follows the movement of his tongue, though, with her fingers, gently mending the cleaned flesh, though still crying as she does so.

Shepard winces because, well. This is actually a little gross. But he soldiers on! Licking. Until there's nothing left to lick.

Mairèad doesn't disagree that it's kind of gross, but it's the comfort of the gesture more than anything that gets to her. Like having a cut kissed when you're a child. When it's over, the burns are largely gone from her face, though the newly-mended skin is paler than what surrounds it and is free of freckles.

Shepard says: ... We should get you somewhere warm. For rest.

Mairèad nods, letting her head fall against Shepard's shoulder. "I'm warm in yer arms, always," she murmurs because one is never too injured for shmoop. Nope.

Shepard laughs, but shakes his head. "Maybe, but I'll start smelling like wet dog soon. And I'm not exactly the best cover."

Mairèad says: Then let's go home. And tomorrow, I'll find me brother and send him home, too.

Shepard says: I'll be sure to join you.

Mairèad & Bryn: May 3

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Mairèad, Nialos, & Bryn: February 5

Mairèad looks up at the ledge and frowns slightly. She then climbs the ledge, poking the air every couple of seconds as if trying to find something invisible.

Nialos says: He ain't there, lass.

Mairèad says: Whaddyoo know 'bout it.
Mairèad sounds far too defensive and a bit choked.

Nialos says: ... Well. I'm his grandfather. And I took over his shift.
Nialos says: So. A lot, I would think.

Mairèad says: I know 'oo y'are.
Mairèad says: Sometimes, 'e 'ides up 'ere so 'e kin watch people wivvout 'em watchin' 'im.

Nialos says: Well, that's not going to be happening. Not for a time, anyway.

Mairèad 's shoulders sag in defeat when her routine produces absolutely no effects. She looks about ready to stalk off or do something otherwise dramatic, but instead just sits where she is, drawing her knees up to her chest.

Nialos continues sorting the mail, like always. "He's not exactly in a chipper mood. Then again, by lookin' at you, you seem to be in the same slump."

Mairèad rests her forehead on her wrists, sniffling slightly, but just slightly. " 's'my fault," she admits, though she doesn't cop to anything else.

Nialos says: Yeah, it is.
Nialos says: But.
Nialos says: He ain't the most 'social' thing around.
Nialos says: You're both at fault, really.

Mairèad shakes her head, still resting it against her wrists. "Tha' wouldn' be a problem if I 'adn' been a dumbarse an' fell in love wiff 'im. An' then gone an'...I don' e'en know what I did."
Mairèad says: Jest that 'e wun' stop sayin' mem'ries all night an' 'e was rill angry.

Nialos says: Hm.
Nialos says: He has mentioned that.

Mairèad says: Menshuned what?

Nialos says: The memory thing.

Mairèad looks up and stiffens slightly. Deader at nine o'clock. She doesn't move, though. " 'e r'members erryfin'. Not jest kinna like 'e's gotta rill good mem'ry, but like 'e don' ferget th'way fin's smell an' taste an' feel."

Nialos says: Mmhm.
Nialos says: Pretty crazy stuff.

Mairèad says: Good an' bad fin's. An' sumfin' I did t'ovver night made 'im go through all that all overrrr agin.

Nialos says: He opened up a little this morning. Wasn't pretty.

Mairèad lifts just her eyes above her arms. " 'e din' like th' puzzle box, did 'e?"

Nialos says: Hasn't even touched it.
Nialos says: He's still a little... off. Only stops muttering to himself every few hours.

Mairèad buries her face in her arms again with a heavy sigh. "I dunno what I did, but I wish I could take it all back. I din' wanna 'urt 'im. I wan'ed 'im t'know that 'e dun' 'afta be alone."

Nialos says: Well.
Nialos says: He is alone.
Nialos says: Can you honestly think of another who can relate to what he goes through?
Nialos says: The lad is in a class of his own, and he knows it. But he's still living his life the best he can. Still tryin' to run forwards.

Mairèad looks up at the deader blandly. "Kin you name many more pirate-privateers wiff Dads what try t'git in their pants?" she asks. " 'e said it 'imself. Jest 'cause summun kin't relate ezzackly dun' mean they kin't 'elp."

Nialos says: ... Actually.
Nialos says: I can kind of name about.. four.
Nialos taps his noggin. "You live as long as I, and you see some strange things."

Mairèad says: Well still. Jest 'cause people kin't completely emperthize dun' mean 'e 'as t'be completely alone.

Nialos says: Alright, let me ask you some questions, then. If you could remember everything, even the bad, would you want to socialize often?

Mairèad makes an irritated sound. " 'A course not. Ent sayin' 'e's gotta be th'life 'a the party 'r nuffin'."

Nialos says: No, but that's what you're doing to him.
Nialos says: You're putting him in a place he doesn't want to be.

Mairèad says: Well I know that -now-.

Nialos says: Yes. Now.
Nialos says: How long have you known him?

Mairèad scowls. " 'pparen'ly not long 'nuff. Look, I kep' akskin' 'im if 'e wan'ed me t'leave 'im alone an' 'e always said no."

Nialos says: You're taking it the wrong way, lass.
Nialos says: He let you stay. That's good. But is that love?
Nialos says: Or is that just him being nice?

Mairèad says: Nevarrr thought i' was love.

Nialos says: I'm not so sure.
Nialos says: Clearly, there's -something- going on there.

Mairèad says: I knew 'e wun' ready an' I wen' a'ead an' pushed i' anyway 'cause 'e kep' sayin' 'e 'ad no time.

Nialos says: Ah. So you were selfish.
Nialos says: Annnd... you did exactly what he was afraid of.

Mairèad doesn't deny it, though she still scowls. "An' stupid," she adds.
Mairèad says: What, fell in love wiff 'im?

Nialos says: Pushed too far.

Mairèad says: Yahar, I know that.

Nialos says: How old are you, lass?

Mairèad says: Eighteen. Yahar. I know. Too young.

Nialos says: Very.
Nialos says: You don't know a damn thing about love.

Mairèad says: Got me 'ole life t'meet summun better'n 'im.

Nialos says: Well, with the way you go about it, you may have a hard time.

Mairèad says: An' didjoo know 'e's a wergin an' could infect me? Oh, an' didjoo know 'e kin't gimme what 'm lookin' fer?

Nialos says: You seem to move... very fast, lass. Faster than you're able.
Nialos says: A relationship, or love for that matter, doesn't just... happen. It has to grow for both parties. It has to be mutual.
Nialos says: As you said, you're young. Plenty of time.

Mairèad huffs and pulls her knees closer to her chest. "Yahar, kinna figgered that out after this bein' th'second time in two weeks this's 'appened. 'Least I din' destroy a -lifelong- friendship this time, jest one tha' 'pparen'ly din' mean much t'begin wiff."

Nialos says: Didn't mean much?
Nialos blinks at you.
Nialos says: ... Lass.
Nialos says: You're dumb as a sack of rocks.
Nialos says: For your notions of love, you certainly didn't take the time to really listen and see what he did.

Mairèad says: I -sawr- what 'e did. An' I -know- i' 'urt 'im bad 'cause mebbe 'e gave a damn'r sumfin', I dunno.

Nialos says: That's the thing, you don't know.
Nialos says: He's... well. He's a social idiot.
Nialos says: The fact he even let you -that- close is pretty... well. That's probably a long shot for most.

Mairèad says: 's'what Bryn keeps sayin', but I wen' an' threw it all 'way.

Nialos says: Well, maybe you should stop listening to others, and listen to yourself.
Nialos says: Do you think he's the type of guy who would appreciate a relationship?

Mairèad sighs and buries her face in her arms again, shaking her head. "If I listen'd t'meself righ' now, you'd be on fire," she mutters, almost inaudibly..

Nialos shrugs.

Mairèad says: 'e coulda! I din' wanna do it righ' then 'cause I knew 'e's gotta lotta shit t'werk through!

Nialos says: And yet you did anyway.

Mairèad says: But 'e kep' sayin' onleh ten years, 'e's gunna die in ten years, an' yahar, I panicked. I got skeerd an' I panicked.

Nialos says: Understandable.
Nialos says: The life of a soldier is rough. Can die at any moment.
Nialos says: With the current affair, ten years is generous.
Nialos says: But lass, you moved into position and struck regardless. Ten years is still a long time.
Nialos says: As I said, you move far, far too quickly.

Mairèad shakes her head. " 'e kep' sayin' 'e was gunna be brain-damaged too much t'be recunnizebull 'afore then."

Nialos says: And he's also young. Do you think he can tell the future?

Mairèad says: An' I'll 'ave you know, I waited three years 'afore doin' anyfin' wiff Chad an' i' still din' work.

Nialos says: Oh, wow. Three years.

Mairèad says: Tha's a sixth 'a me life!
Mairèad says: I ent -dead-. I don' got that -luxury-.

Nialos says: ... Lass.
Nialos says: Eighteen. Seventy.
Nialos says: Who do you think has more knowledge about this?

Mairèad says: Ent sayin' I know be'er jest thatcher talkin' like summun what's gunna be 'round ferever.

Nialos says: No, I'm talking like an adult who has seen, and done, more than you.

Mairèad says: 'ow long'djoo wait fer Alma, then? Ten years? Twenny?
Mairèad says: 'ow old were you? Fitty? Sixty-five?

Nialos holds a hand up. "I was thirty when we finally got married."
Nialos says: Even then, it took her nearly a decade to work through -my- wall of idiocy.

Mairèad says: An' 'ow long'djoo know 'er 'afore then?

Nialos says: About a year or so.

Mairèad says: So. Y'say three years ent long 'nuff, butchoo onleh knew 'er fer one.

Nialos says: You make the mistake of assuming we're the same.

Mairèad says: Still.

Nialos says: See, until she made me propose, I never really thought of her in that way. She was just a really close, special friend.
Nialos says: So. We were 'really friendly' with each other for ten. Years.

Mairèad makes an irritated sound in the back of her throat. "Tha' sounds fermilyer. Y'know I woulda waited. I wan'ed to. I jest panicked. Wiff Shep an' wiff Chad. 'Cause Imma idjit."

Nialos says: You are, yeah.
Nialos says: But all young people are.

Mairèad says: You sound like Mr. MacGlynn.
Mairèad says: All "young people're dumb, young people're dumb."
Mairèad says: -'e's- dumb.
Mairèad is not bitter. Nope.

Nialos says: Well. Is he the one lashing out like a young brat?

Mairèad scowls. "Ent a brat."

Nialos says: You kind of are.
Nialos says: You're so angry and bitter over something like this at the age of -eighteen-.

Mairèad says: No I ent! An' I ent bitter, jest angry a' meself fer bein' stupid. Twice. In two weeks.

Nialos says: Big whoop.
Nialos says: You're gonna do a lot of stupid things. Might as well get used to it.

Mairèad says: Ent yer friends y'lost.

Nialos says: Oh, so you know my life?

Mairèad says: Do you even -'ave- friends?

Nialos says: Quite a few, actually. Even have a daughter.

Mairèad says: Oh yahar. Shep's auntie, righ'? Th' one 'oo's married 'a Mr. MacGlynn, an' they gotta retard daughter.

Nialos says: Mhm.
Nialos smiles. "Such a happy family."
Nialos says: But.
Nialos says: You're doing what most young children do. You're trying to outdo the other's pain in an effort to justify how you are acting.

Mairèad sighs heavily, angrily, and scuffs her heel against the wall. "Ent actin' no way speshal. Jest nevarrr done this 'afore an' ent sure Imma do it agin."
Mairèad says: Y'know whatchoo do onna high seas? Y'don' fall in love, y'jest do stuff.

Nialos says: That so? Not how I saw it.

Mairèad says: Lots an' lotsa stuff. An' I thought I could to be'er'n that.

Nialos says: I mean, you're here, ain't ya?

Mairèad says: Am na'.

Nialos says: So, you're willing to just throw everything away because of two boys.
Nialos smirks. "What part of that isn't childish again?"

Mairèad says: -No-. Jest do fin's diff'rnt. Like not boys. Or mebbe not love.

Nialos says: Point stands.

Mairèad says: Does not.

Nialos says: Now you're just trying to lock the pain away. Kill the origins.

Bryn waves.

Nialos blinks at Bryn.

Mairèad looks down at Bryn and says, in the most mature whine, "Bryn, th'deader's bein' mean t'me. Kin I set 'im on fire?"

Nialos says: ... Bryn, eh?

Bryn frowns, "Mister Garrrrhelm 's nevah mean. Wot 'e do?"

Nialos says: I'm telling her to stop acting like a child.

Mairèad says: 'e said I'm dumb.

Nialos says: You are.

Mairèad says: Am not.

Bryn says: ... Why?

Mairèad says: 'Cause I'm dumb.
Mairèad is so logical it hurts. She knows.

Nialos nods. "See?"

Bryn says: Mair what did'ye-- okay now 'yer confusin' me.

Nialos says: Now. You said you listened to Bryn, yeah?

Bryn is getting annoyed and matches Mair's whining tone, "Wooot 's 'appeniiing?"

Mairèad just glares at the deader as if trying to set him on fire with her -mind-.

Nialos finally sighs, and shoots a stern, fatherly glare right back at Mairead. "Lass. Stop it."

Bryn is so confused.

Mairèad keeps glaring, though minus the mind fire.

Bryn says: Mair stoppit. Don't be mean t' Mister Garrrhelm.

Nialos says: Now. Miss... Bryn? She says she listened to you.

Mairèad says: 'e was mean t'me first!

Nialos says: Child. Hush.

Bryn says: Wot did she listen to? I 'ave a bad track record wiff advice as of late.

Nialos says: Really.
Nialos eyes you up and down.
Nialos says: So. You listened to someone with a bad track record.

Mairèad is hushing stubbornly.

Nialos says: Right then.

Bryn says: Mair wot did you do?

Nialos says: Bryn? I am going to make a request.

Bryn says: 'm so confused!
Bryn says: Wot?
Bryn blinks at you.

Nialos says: Shut the hell up.

Mairèad says: I din' know she 'ad a bad track record when I listen'd to 'er.

Nialos says: And don't offer advice.

Bryn says: ...

Mairèad hushes again.

Bryn says: Wot did I doooo?

Nialos says: At least, not to her.
Nialos nods at you.

Mairèad says: -I- was the one what did shit t'mess fin's up. Jest -me-. Not Bryn. I din' 'afta listen to 'er, but I did, like a idjit, so don' yell at 'er.

Nialos says: Y'see, she apparently can't think for herself, or panics too easily.
Nialos says: It's not yelling. Now sit. Down.
Nialos says: And hush.

Mairèad stamps her foot. "I do not panic too easily! Yer exaggeratin'!"

Bryn says: Someone pleeaase tell me wot bad advice did I give?

Nialos says: Relationships.

Bryn says: I only told 'er t'kiss Chad. Nuffin' abou' Shep.

Nialos says: Yes, but that kind of sets off a chain reaction.

Bryn lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Bryn says: So 's all me fault inna end?

Nialos says: No. You just play a role.

Bryn covers her face with her palm.

Nialos says: You're all equally at fault. Stop trying to take the burden all on yourselves.

Mairèad says: Bryn din' do anyfin' an' neither did Shep, okie? Was all -me- bein' stupid, not them.
Mairèad says: ...an' Chad, but 'e's retarded.

Bryn says: Rilly retarded.

Nialos says: You're -all- retarded.
Nialos says: Light's sake, are any of you over the age of twenty-one?

Mairèad says: Llew is.
Mairèad says: 'e's older.

Nialos says: ... Llew doesn't count.
Nialos says: Out of you, Shepard, Chadley and Bryn.
Nialos says: Are any of you. Over twenty-one.

Bryn says: Um... innit Chad twenny-two?

Mairèad says: Jest twenny.

Bryn says: ... Oh.

Nialos says: Right. So you're all young, stupid and inexperienced.

Mairèad says: An' yer dead.

Nialos says: Yeah, I am. Anything else you want to add beyond that?

Bryn says: Shaddup Mair tha' ain't th' point.

Nialos says: I'm dead, congratulations. You can see, hear and smell.

Mairèad says: Jest sayin' y'obvyusly don' got all the answers if yer dumb 'nuff t'git dead an' undead.

Nialos says: So I chose this.
Nialos says: That's news to me.

Mairèad says: Din' say that.

Nialos says: Then choose your words carefully.

Mairèad says: I did.

Bryn shifts uncomfortably, eyeing Nialos nervously. She doesn't have anything to do with this part, man!

Mairèad is a very mean person deep, deep down inside.

Nialos says: So, let's walk through this.
Nialos says: I died. I'm brought back, against my will, and that's my fault or an insult to my intelligence, wisdom and experience.

Mairèad says: Obvyusly. If you 'ad all the answers, y'wouldn' be dead, wouldjoo? I don' fink I got all the answers, jest thatchoo don' neither.

Nialos says: So, I am a god who can control my fate.

Mairèad says: Y'coulda avoided gittin' dead. Lotsa people do it.

Nialos says: Well, gee.
Nialos says: I only did that for... a few decades or so.

You clap for Nialos, clearly unimpressed.

Bryn says: Mair. -Rilly- ent th'fing t'argue abou'. Mebbe we could get back t'me bein' retarded a' people advice?

Nialos says: No, let her.

Bryn lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Nialos folds his arms. "Because so far, this is entertaining. She's lashing out, like a child, and trying to belittle my own life."

Mairèad narrows her eyes at the deader. "Y'ent in a position t'act superyer's what 'm sayin'."

Nialos says: Well, I'm certainly older. Pretty sure I know a little more about life than you do.
Nialos says: But, no. Let my status as a walking corpse toss all that out the window.

Mairèad says: Whoop-de-doo. Congratchulashuns on that'un. You an' errybody else.

Nialos shrugs. "Maybe so. But tell me. Take away the undeath, and what's left?"

Mairèad says: A jerk.
Mairèad says: What don' smell's bad.

Nialos says: An old jerk.

Mairèad says: Y'wanna medal?

Nialos says: Nah, they just clutter up the armor.

Mairèad just scowls and folds her arms across her chest. "An' what makes y'fink thatchoo tol' me anyfin' t'day what I din' a'ready know."

Nialos is just staring at Mairead. "For starters, I haven't even -scratched- the surface. Your little tantrum kind of ruined that."

Mairèad says: So go 'head! Scratch th'surface an' jest tell me erryfin' y'know, since obvyusly, y'know erryfin' 'bout me, consid'rin' y'met me -twice-.

Bryn says: Uh, Mister Garrrhelm mebbe 's ain't a good time t'do this.
Bryn looks to Mair, "C'mon Mair..."

Mairèad stubbornly stays put. "No, 'e finks 'e knows 'bout me, let 'im tell me what 'm like. Must be nice t'be a all-knowin' oracle. Could be useful onna ship."

Nialos cracks his knuckles and rolls his shoulders. "Let me see..."

Bryn sits herself down, and sighs again. This will take a while.

Nialos says: You have a certain attraction to social idiots. Judging by the time you waited to tell Chadley about this, you fear ruining whatever you have and don't like to take chances unless you're spurred into it, by say, another person.
Nialos says: Or, in Shepard's case, by fear.
Nialos says: Your entire basis is founded on fear and feelings of ruination.
Nialos says: You're young, vulernable, and don't want to feel that type of pain.
Nialos says: Now, going by how long you've longed for Chadley, I'll wager you don't have many relationships under your belt.
Nialos says: Meaning Shepard's rejection probably hurt far more than it would others with -more- experience.
Nialos says: And now, you're here, bemoaning your 'terrible skills' and 'luck', when this is a very, very normal part of growing up.
Nialos says: You want to get anywhere with a relationship? Listen to your heart. Take chances. But don't let another influence that decision.
Nialos says: If it doesn't work? You move on.
Nialos says: That. Is. Life.

Bryn winces. Below the belt, man.

Nialos says: It's filled with pain and hard work. But if you just run away, you'll never grow beyond it.
Nialos says: You keep charging towards the finish line until there's nothing left.

Mairèad watches silently until she's sure he's done and finally asks, "Anyfin' else?"

Nialos coughs into his fist. "Just getting started."

Bryn says: Mister Garrrhelm--

Nialos says: Don't compare your pain to another so easily. Just as I know nothing of your life, you know nothing of another's.

Mairèad says: Oh. Brilliant.

Bryn pipes in quietly but goes silent.

Mairèad folds her arms across her chest and shifts her weight.

Nialos says: You want to help them? Listen. Talk. Be patient. Plenty of time in the world.
Nialos says: Keep. A cool. Head.
Nialos says: Sure, you're probably hurting. You're probably afraid of what may or may not happen.
Nialos says: But the future is uncertain. People are uncertain.
Nialos says: The only way you're going to go forward is if you realize this and embrace it.
Nialos says: And another thing? If you're going to take advice on relationships, take it from someone who has had experience. Not some young little thing.
Nialos eyes Bryn up and down.
Nialos says: ... Even if her intentions were honest.

Bryn winces.

Nialos says: Finally, stop acting like a damn child everytime something doesn't work out for you.

Bryn looks down at her lap.

Nialos says: You pick up the pieces, repair what you can, and just walk along the road. Otherwise you're just feeling sorry for yourself.
Nialos says: Sure. I'm undead. An abomination against life. But I -have- done this dance before.

Mairèad taps her fingers on her arm. "That all?"

Nialos shrugs. "For now."

Mairèad says: Good.
Mairèad turns around and, with about as much dignity as she can muster, walks away silently.