Ordination After-party: April 30

Mairèad carefully fills up a plate with food and balances it on one hand, walking over to stand on Matteo's other side.

Teach gets a "son I am disappoint" face and glares at Matteo.

Emirdelle says: Uh oh.

Matteo says: Can I help you?

Teach says: Me daughterrr seems ter be hidin'hind'ye.

Emirdelle yells: Oye! You're missing the fun over here!

Mairèad and her plate turn to face Teach. She fixes him with a stern look. "He's me father and he kin stand where he wants."

Teach 's eyebrow raises and his eyeball looks like it might pop out.

Emirdelle says: Get your pie yet Vandrin?

Matteo calmly stares at Teach.

Mairèad takes a bite out of a turkey leg, still looking stern.

Vandrin has a plate with a slice of apple pie on it sitting in his lap. Nom nom. "Yes!" he says with a muffled voice.

Teach pulls out a flask, uncaps it with great conviction, sucking it down whilst keeping his eye on Matteo. Teach tosses the flask into the distance, and a cat is heard screeching.

Emirdelle says: Uh oh...

Matteo is clearly unimpressed by this display.

Teach puts his finger to Matteo's chest and needs a moment to deliver the ramble.

Matteo calmly waits.

Teach says: Well'then'I'dun jus'wanner'ter know tha'I'dun be proud. Wish I got'a'chance'ter be where'yer standin'now.

Matteo says: You had your chance.

Orgo is back, hand resting on one pistol, two plates held in the other.

Mairèad takes another bite of turkey leg, chewing most sternly.

Teach says: Ye'dun know a thin'bout what chances I'ad. Ye'think back then I'dun'ad roight life ter raise a kid? I'don'know wha'er'mumma did, but she raise a foin woman.
Teach says: Not loik I coulda done.

Matteo says: Considering the life I've managed to lead, my friend, one may always choose a different path.
Matteo says: You chose to continue yours.

Teach says: Oh cut yer crap, I'didn'even know she was out tharr, I'ain'never been an easy man'ter foind'n'tha's'jus' me nature.

Matteo says: It's your choice.

Orgo is attempting to eat with a gun and a fork in the same hand. He's making more progress than expected.

Mairèad manages to scoop up some mashed potatoes on the remains of her turkey leg and eats these. Also sternly.

Teach says: When I did foind out, it was too late'n'I regret tha'. I could even'give'er a better loife than I could'ave, not even a scoundrel aneh more.

Emirdelle says: Know where Stehl and the rest went?

Orgo shrugs. "Nope."

Stehl says: I am here.

Matteo says: Regret doesn't make up for the consequences of your actions. I suggest you simply accept them.

Emirdelle says: Get some pie?

Vandrin is still nomming the pie from his plate. "Fantastic pie, Emi."

Emirdelle says: There he is!

Teach says: Alroight, I came'in'forrmals outta respec'fer me daughter, 'n'because I thought'I'could reason'wit a man'o'yer toitle, wit'balls enough ter stand bertween a man'n'is daughter, but'cher seem ter be a bilgebrained git.
Teach says: Step outta me way'n'lemme properly address me dauuughter.

Orgo sets his now empty plates to the side.

Mairèad reaches forward and puts her hand on Matteo's arm. "...it's okay, Dad. He kin say his peace. It don't make up fer anythin', but if he wants t'say his peace, he kin."

Orgo shuffles off to stand beside Stehl.

Matteo inclines his head in compliance with Mairead's wishes, stepping to the side.

Mairèad squares her shoulders and looks at Teach seriously.

Teach tears up, speaking calmly, "I'jus' wanted ter say I'm proud'er'ye, I'don' deserve a daughter'o'yer quality. Whatever'appens, know I love'ye'n'tha'ye kin always come'ter me - if by tha Loight yer fergive me."

Emirdelle pokes Orgo. Hey!
Emirdelle says: Biscuit?

Mairèad takes a long, deep breath and exhales, thinking for a moment how to respond to that. "I'm a palerdin now, so I hafta fergive you. I know it ent yer fault you weren't part 'a me childhood, and that ent th'trouble. Yer a lech and y'treat me bad still."

Orgo shakes his head. "Full, but thanks."

Mairèad says: I fergive you, but that doesn't mean it's okay or that I wanna be yer daughter.

Teach says: I'll see what'I'kin do ter fix tha'.

Emirdelle says: Er, pie anyone?
Emirdelle tries to change the subject.

Matteo looks at Emirdelle, "Not now."

Mairèad just nods once, curtly. "I appreciate th'gesture. Thank you fer comin' tonight."

Teach says: O'course.

Orgo seems pleased that he won't have to shoot Teach.

Teach says: Well... I'll be off then.

Matteo is similarly pleased.

Mairèad says: Light be with you.

Teach says: 'n'wit'choo.

Matteo says: Are you alright?

Mairèad blows air out through pursed lips, sitting down and setting her half-eaten plate on the ground. She shakes her head. "Easier to hate him when he's bein' vile."

Stehl grunts and rolls his shoulder, heading off.

Emirdelle says: Don't let it bother you.

Mairèad sighs and runs her hands through her hair. It stands on end all weirdly. "I'm able t'be called up on active duty now. I kin't sit here and mope anymore."

Matteo says: Aye.

Mairèad's Ordination: April 30

Mairèad exhales and finally smiles at Chadley, nodding. She glances back to Shepard and smiles at him as well before looking up at Matteo. "I'm ready t'start now."

Tohuu blinks at Ovrik.

Matteo says: Of course. Thank you all for attending today.
Matteo says: In the name of the Light, we gather here to witness the ordination of Mairead Isolde Lisa Fallon.
Matteo says: In the Light, we gather to empower our sister. In its grace, she shall be made anew. In its power, she shall educate the masses. In its strength, she shall combat the shadow. And, in its wisdom, she shall lead her brethren into the eternal rewards of paradise.

Oggleton lands with a heavy thud on the roof. "Dammit..."

Emirdelle says: My Colonel senses are tingling.

Chadley looks up at Oggleton.

Ovrik dabs his... third? One went to the robot, one went to the draenei woman. Third handkerchief at the corners of his eyes.

Mairèad stands at ease, her head bowed, eyes closed, though she looks up when Oggleton lands, blinking a few times.

Matteo says: I will ask now for those of you that have prepared speeches to step forward.

Tohuu is still holding the frilly hankerchief in her hands. She's waiting for the fake tears.

Oggleton whispers to Lius. "Did I prepare a speech?"

Mairèad glances over at Chadley, Stehl, and Oggleton. "Colonel Hardcheese will be speakin' first, on th'virtue of respect."

Chadley takes a single step forward, the wrinkled paper still clutched in his hand.

Matteo gestures Oggleton forward.

Emirdelle slips a note to Oggleton. "There you go sir."

Lius nods. "Aye, sir. Ye did."

Ovrik 's tears are sincere. He dabs.

Stehl says: ... Wait, he had respect? Oh, no.

Oggleton nods at Lius. "Thank you, Lenny."

Tohuu produces fake tears, dabbing at them with the massive hankerchief. She forces a smile as well.

Oggleton picks a spot where he can see everyone.

Mairèad inclines her head respectfully toward Oggleton as he approaches, freezing somewhat as she catches sight of Teach, but then just looking past him to Shepard.

Shépard smiles encouragingly, though he glances to Teach once before settling on Mairead.

Oggleton says: So. Respect, ya say? Respect's a terribly important part of being a paladin, of course. Top three, at least.
Oggleton says: Respect is one of the few things that seperate us from the animals. Like opposable thumbs, and tits what don't have fur on them.

Matteo stares straight ahead, trying not to listen to what the Colonel is saying.

Chadley 's head is bowed in respect, but he snorts.

Aveta doesn't really know much about paladins, so she maintains a smile and respectful silence!

Tohuu is trying so hard not to laugh.

Mairèad presses her lips together, also bowing her head in respect. Her cheeks flush, though, and she seems to be holding in a laugh.

Oggleton says: Anyway. All this talk about respect reminds of of this story.

Stehl taps the side of his helmet once.

Oggleton says: I was up in Dalaran, workin' with this fella by th' name of Antonidas.
Oggleton says: And damn, was his daughter ugly.

Lius flops back against the pillar, having to bite down on his lip to avoid laughing.

Aveta snatches up Lius' hat and places it on her head. It is sandwiched between antlers.

Tohuu covers her mouth with the hankerchief in order to stifle her giggling.

Oggleton says: Not just normal ugly, mind you. Moustache like one of them walrus-people, and fatter than...one of them walrus-people.

Mairèad covers her mouth with her hand, a quiet squeak escaping.

Oggleton says: Anyway, Antonidas keeps droppin' hints about how he's lookin' to marry her off.

Aveta is now a pirate.

Oggleton says: And I'm thinking, "Good luck with that one," of course, 'cause she looks like a walrus-person.
Oggleton says: As I had previous said.
Oggleton says: So, anyway, he invites me to dinner over at his mansion.

Stehl is shaking slightly.

Emirdelle tries to hold back her laugh as tears form on the corner of her eye.

Lius glances up to his lost hat, too busy avoiding laughter to care.

Chadley has, by now, lifted a hand to cover his face. He can't conceal his broad grin and suppressed laughter, though.

Ovrik listens with the attention and excitement of a seven year old child.

Oggleton says: Long story short, I wake up the next morning, pants completely gone.

Mairèad lets out a snort that she quickly tries to turn into a cough.

Tohuu manages a fake gasp in response to this.

Ovrik gasps.

Oggleton says: Never went back to Dalaran, but I heard later that they flew the city off to Northrend in shame of that girl's ugliness.

Emirdelle holds in her laugh, but gets hiccups in return.

Shépard is wearing a srs face. Yep.

Oggleton nods solemnly.

Chadley waits for the lesson.

Teach looks over at Shepard, "'n'people call me crazy."

Ovrik is -actually- taking this all very seriously. He awaits the lesson as well.

Chadley is going to be waiting a long time.

Shépard doesn't speak, and he doesn't even react. Still wearing the srs face, though.

Ovrik is very patient.

Oggleton says: And that's how I met Kael'thas Sunstrider.

Lius nearly loses it at this, he wedges himself between Aveta and the pillar, his face falling against her arm. Muffled laughter comes out.

Ovrik blinks.

Matteo says: Thank you, Colonel.

Oggleton grunts and walks back to his place. Speech over.

Chadley says: ...

Aveta bonks Lius' head.

Ovrik starts up hesitant clapping.

Tohuu claps excitedly.

Mairèad drops her hands to applaud, respectfully, but also more to cover up her giggling.

Ovrik 's clapping is lonely and awkward and echo- oh, no it's not!

Tohuu winks slyly at Ovrik.

Stehl taps the side of his helmet once and starts clapping briefly.

Chadley also claps. Slowly.

Ovrik blinks. Ceases clapping.

Matteo says: Moving onto the next speaker...

Mairèad coughs and regains her composure. "Th'next speech is on tenacity and will be presented by Stehl." She does not call him Stehlfire because srs event is srs.

Stehl says: ... S'my turn, yes?

Chadley looks at Stehl.

Lius has managed to stop his laughter, but can't quite gather himself enough to clap. His entire body is shaking, tears forming in his eyes.

Matteo says: Aye.

Ovrik leans over to Lius and whispers loudly. "...are you quite okay?"

Stehl says: ... Well, I had something prepared with Rosa speaking before me in mind. But. That last... 'speech' completely ruined the set-up. So.

Lius gives Ovrik a thumbs up.

Ovrik doesn't realize that this question is probably rhetorical.

Oggleton nods. "Always been a hard act to follow, my boy."

Stehl says: So, I'll keep this brief. What is tenacity to all of you? To some, it's simply being able to continue something you've started. Admirable enough, not everybody seems to be capable of that. But what does it mean to one of us? Is it just that?

Ovrik resists an urge to take notes.

Stehl says: No. To uphold the word of the Light, we must endure beyond the ordinary. Hell, beyond even the extraordinary. Even if our bones break and our armor crumbles we must persevere in all endeavors.
Stehl says: And should we find ourselves alone in the darkness? If we find ourselves unworthy of the gift granted to us? We shall not fail to keep pressing onward, for that is what we are. The nameless, faceless protectors of the innocent and of our faith.
Stehl says: I'm also a terrible liar, and that was kind of long.
Stehl leans against the pillar again, folding his arms.

Chadley slow-claps at this as well, though it's distinguishable from the previous clapping as genuine.

Mairèad smiles brightly and also applauds this speech, nodding at Stehl and mouthing "thank you."

Ovrik dabs.

Matteo says: Thank you, sir Stehl.

Shépard claps. That is all.

Mairèad says: Th'last speech is on compassion, presented by Chadley Fairdale.

Tohuu claps as well.

Chadley looks around nervously as he approaches the front. He turns around and coughs, trying for a smile. "Guess I'm the only one with a speech wrote up, huh? I, uh- well. Here goes."

Emirdelle taps Ovrik's hand. "Use my uh...Cloak."

Chadley looks at his crumpled paper.

Ovrik positively beams.
Ovrik shakes his head, still smiling. There is a third handkerchief in his massive hand, and it's being put to good use!

Chadley swallows and begins to read aloud. "Of the three virtues, compassion is the least often understood. It's not that it's hindered by personal ideals, but that all-too-often people allow it to -dominate- their ideals."
Chadley says: Compassion is a gift that must be welcomed by someone, not placed upon them. As a paladin, you are equal parts justice and mercy, and it can be easy to blindly focus on one as it is the other.
Chadley pauses, swallowing again.
Chadley says: By accepting these honors, this ordination, a paladin accepts the responsibility to do what's right, regardless of ideal. They demonstrate the courage to know when to show compassion toward even those that have not earned their respect, as well as the ability to act when that compassion is taken for granted.
Chadley says: ... Compassion is universally deserved. The greatest responsibility is knowing when and how to deliver it.
Chadley crumples his paper and walks back.

Orgo claps. Nice and short.

Matteo smiles, "Thank you, mister Fairdale."

Mairèad grins widely at Chadley and claps for him as well, nodding encouragingly.

Ovrik smiles widely. Clap. Clap.

Tohuu claps after the speech. She actually smiles at this.

Chadley looks kind of like he wants to die.

Stehl belated clap.

Shépard clap.

Ovrik claps, rather loudly. It echoes like a gunshot and his head sinks into his shoulders, that droop.
Ovrik shivers.

Chadley jumps.

Shépard snickers at Ovrik.

Matteo looks at Shepard, "I believe you are to sing a hymn, Mister Lovells?"

Shépard says: Hm? Ah, right. Uh-huh.

Tohuu glances over behind her, an irritated look on her face.]

Orgo finds his flask. Empties it. Pulls out another.

Mairèad jumps a little at Ovrik's clap but smiles at him just the same.

Matteo says: Please, come forward.

Lius nudges Orgo with his foot. "Sarn't?" He pleads, nodding towards the flask.

Ovrik looks like the world itself just exiled him from its surface.

Shépard quietly shuffles forwards, fingers busy fiddling with a device strapped around his neck - a decidedly human voice echoes out. "Hold on, hold on..."

Chadley blinks at Shépard.

Orgo finds yet another flask, and passes it to Lius. Strong shit, bro.

Shépard clears his throat, relaxes the muscles, takes one last look to Mairead... then quietly begins the hymn, singing with clear experience.
Shépard says: Nearer, O Light, to Thee, nearer to Thee! E’en though it be a trial that raiseth me, still all my song shall be, nearer, O Light, to Thee.

Lius begins to drink as fast as possible.

Shépard says: Nearer, O Light, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

Ovrik clasps his hands across his heart. Smiles widely.

Shépard says: Though like the wanderer, the sun gone down, darkness be over me, my rest a stone. Yet in my dreams I’d be nearer, O Light, to Thee.
Shépard says: Nearer, O Light, to Thee, nearer to Thee!

Tohuu folds her arms across her chest, listening to the song.

Shépard says: And, if on joyful wing cleaving the sky, sun, moon, and stars forgot, upward I’ll fly, still all my song shall be, nearer, O Light, to Thee.
Shépard says: Nearer, O Light, to Thee, nearer to Thee!
Shépard coughs into his fist, signaling the end. As quickly as he shuffled forward, he shuffles back to his original spot.

Matteo says: Thank you, Mister Lovells.

Shépard says: Mm.

Mairèad grins at Shepard, though her grin turns back into a nervous lip-biting as she glances back at Matteo.

Orgo drinks more. "That was...somethin'."

Chadley is quiet, though nods his head as Shepard finishes.

Matteo looks at Mairead, gesturing for her to step before him.

Mairèad steps before Matteo, turning to face him.

Matteo says: Do you, Mairead Isolde Lisa Fallon, vow to uphold the honor and codes of the paladins of the Holy Light?

Ovrik blinks rapidly, in disbelief.

Mairèad says: I do.

Matteo says: Do you vow to vanquish evil wherever it may be found, and protect the innocent with your very life?

Mairèad says: I do.

Matteo says: Brothers and sisters—you who have gathered here to bear witness—raise your hands and let the Light illuminate this woman.

Stehl raises his hands, a soft glow enveloping Mairead. No, it is not fire.

Aveta , despite not really understanding or being able to use the Light, raises her hand anyway. Nothing happens but, solidarity, man.

Emirdelle clasps her hands and utters a prayer for Mai.

Matteo lifts his hand--the one not holding his libram-- and adds to the light now surrounding Mairead.

Lius raises his hands awkwardly, swaying slightly. The flask remains clenched in one.

Orgo raises his hands, too. This is what Palerdins do?

Shépard raises a hand.

Chadley smiles and lifts his hands with an incline of his head. The Light comes to him and soon finds her, a glow surrounding her form.

Ovrik raises a single hand, peeling off the glove. It glows faintly.

Teach raises his hands, tearing up a little.

Tohuu bows her head and shuts her eyes.

Mairèad inclines her head respectfully and quietly, pressing her lips together. Matteo might notice tears tracking down her cheeks, looking all glowy and such.

Orgo had no way to contribute. Stupid hunters.

Matteo says: Arise, Mairead Isolde Lisa Fallon, Paladin-defender of Stormwind. Welcome to the order of the Holy Light.

Tohuu did her part.

Matteo closes his libram, returns it to his belt, and inclines his head to Mairead.

Chadley claps loudly now, cheering for his friend.

Mairèad looks up again, beaming. She throws her arms around Matteo's neck because to hell with formality!

Orgo claps happily.

Lius continues to stand with both hands in the air, unfocused eyes looking in the direction of the fresh palerdin. Finally, he fist pumps.

Matteo returns the hug.

Ovrik throws up a handful of petals! They're enchanted. They flow to the girl, gently.

Shépard claps along with Chadley, the biggest smile stretched across his face.

Emirdelle clasps her hands and smiles brightly.

Tohuu claps. A smile tugs at the corner of her mouth.

Mairèad has rose petals in her hair! She lets go of Matteo and smiles at him before turning to face everyone else and waving like an idiot.

Oliver, who's been watching at a distance the entire time, turns to leave with a grin.

Stehl claps. It sounds like a bunch of pans falling.

Oggleton also claps, whispering to Lius, "Wasn't listenin'. They married now?"

Lius nods to Oggleton, not hearing a word he said. "Aye, sir!"

Teach is crying, wiping his tears as manly as possible.

Matteo says: Again, I thank you all for attending.

Emirdelle looks around. "Time for feast?"

Aveta offers a bow to the group, and shifts into a bird. She flies away!

Ovrik raises a hand.

Mairèad says: Emi made food! Stick around and eat some if y'wanna!

Stehl says: You forgot one last thing, Matteo.

Ovrik says: D-diet.

Matteo says: Hm?

Emirdelle says: S'okay. There's fruit my draenei friend.

Stehl says: The part where we take the new paladin and toss her into the lake.

Mairèad blinks.

Matteo says: Oh, of course.
Matteo chuckles.

Mairèad says: What.

Stehl rushes forward. PORTAGE.

Ovrik gasps in horror.

Chadley says: We almost forgot.

Shépard says: I like this part.

Chadley says: Shit.

Orgo snorts.

Ovrik rushes over. HORRIFIED.

Orgo says: Palerdins.

Lius stumbles forward, always up for some portage action.

Ovrik looms.

Mairèad shrieks as she is suddenly surrounded by palerdins who want to throw her in the lake, though she's laughing.

Orgo says: Dammit, Doc! You throw my third-best flask inta th' lake, and I'll shoot ya again!

Stehl hoists her up and goes lake-ward. He's laughing, though it is slightly maniacal.

Chadley chases after, laughing his ass off.

Stehl yells: HEAVE.
Stehl heaves!

Lius attempts to help! As they approach the lake, a distant beep can be heard. His face falls into horror.

Ovrik waves his arms like a housewife that just set her pie on fire.

Chadley yells: HO!

Mairèad is tossed into the lake with a shriek!

Stehl & Chadley: April 25

Orgo points at you.
Orgo starts to charge.

Stehl points at you.
Stehl says: You.

Orgo says: Tonight?

You blink at Stehl.
Chadley says: Me.

Stehl says: How'd swimming go.

Chadley says: How do you think.

Stehl says: You're still not in the water, so. I don't know.

Orgo sighs.
Orgo says: Ya seen that MacGlynn, fella?

Chadley says: As willing as I was to throw flagstones into the ocean with no end in sight, swimming while armored through water that is mostly feces struck me as a little-
You raise your eyebrow inquisitively at Orgo.

Orgo says: I'm gonna start sendin' 'im recruitment papers in th' mail every day.

Stehl says: His address is... I think 3 Log Lane Eastvale Logging Camp.

Orgo snorts.
Orgo says: Ya just write their name on it, stick it in th' box.
Orgo says: Ain't rocket science.

Chadley also snorts, continuing, "Anyway, I took a day of stares from the public before I crawled out of there. I am not doing that again."

Stehl says: You'll do it again if I tell you to do it.

Chadley's cheek twitches. He doesn't argue.

Stehl says: Fortunately, I think you've had your fill of swimming. Can you do pushups?

Chadley says: Of course I can do pushups.

Stehl says: Can you do a handstand.

Chadley says: I've never really tried.

Stehl says: Try it! Then do pushups while doing a handstand.
Stehl says: Get going.

Chadley squints at Stehl in disbelief. "You're - no, I know you're not joking, but that's impossible. I can't learn to do that in a day."
Chadley says: Much less minutes.

Stehl says: Doesn't stop you from trying.

Chadley slides down from the ledge, mumbling something under his breath as he does. He tears his gloves off and drops them to the ground. He faces away from Stehl, his shoulders rising as he takes a preparatory breath.

Stehl says: You know, you'll wind up facing me like that.

Chadley says: I trust I'll make an ass of myself no matter which direction I'm facing.

Stehl says: No worries, I'll make it worth your while. Lesson time!

Chadley turns his head. He does not look like he has no worries.

Stehl says: Get going. Just do the handstand for now.

Chadley rolls his head back forward and looks at the ground. He pivots forward, letting his hands contact the ground and his arm strength to support him. It goes about as well as anyone's first try at a handstand, and he does a complete flip onto his back.

Stehl says: So. When you try that again, two things. One, try without your boots. They're going to cause you to go off balance more than anything else you have on right now. Two, what happens when you force Light into the ground through your hands?

Chadley says: I've never done so before. Through my feet, yes, but...

Stehl says: Try it.

Arenvald glances down from Tobi's back at the sound of a nominally familiar voice.

Chadley stands, dusting himself off. He bends to undo the buckles on his boots and kicks them off, tossing them in a pile to the side with his gloves. "Alright."

Arenvald says: Why're ye proddin' that man 'ta run 'roun' barefoot. Don't ye know wot goes on in this square?

Stehl says: Do handstands, not run around.

Arenvald says: ...That ain' any better.

Chadley turns around.

Stehl says: S'his training, not yours. So, I see no reason for you to complain and distract him.

Arenvald peers down at him. "They teachin' paladins 'te do circus tricks now?"

Chadley says: I question his methods too, Sir, but I'll trust it has some point to it.

Arenvald eyes Stehl for a minute, then rumbles a gruff laugh.

Stehl says: It'd be more useful than the drivel I hear others spout, to be honest. But, no. One needs a good sense of balance to avoid getting floored in a fight on potentially unbalanced ground.

Arenvald says: Only mebbe in teachin' ye 'umility an' mebbe not te be takin' orders from a man who may 'it ye wit' a fish...

Stehl says: If I hit him with a fish, it'll be for a good reason.

Chadley looks at Stehl. "Please don't hit me with a fish."

Stehl says: I make no promises.

Arenvald snickers.

Stehl says: Besides, I don't have any fish on hand.

Arenvald says: Don' say I dinna warn ye, lad.

Chadley says: I'm warned daily, it seems.

Stehl says: By me, half the time.

Arenvald says: Wot're ye up ta wot makes people tell ye not t'be doin' thin's all the time?

Stehl says: Teaching by example.

Chadley says: Sparring is apparently cruel.

Arenvald hrr hrr hrrs. "That it is, son. Course, it's worse on th' field."

Stehl says: That doesn't look like a handstand, Chadley.

You let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Stehl says: It looks like chatting, which you can do while you're upside-down.

Arenvald says: Yer jes' gonna make all th' blood run 'ta 'is 'ead.

Stehl says: First he has to do it.

Chadley takes a step back, casting his gaze downward. As before, he pivots himself forward. This time, however, he does as instructed. He calls the Light to him, forcing it into the ground as his hands touch down. There's a loud CRACK and one of the cobblestones shatters where his hand contacts. He still falls over.

Arenvald snickers.

Stehl says: A little much. Try to force it in at an even rate instead of all at once.

Arenvald continues to watch. It's sort of like a cart wreck, apparently, albeit with fewer bodies.

Chadley quickly sits back up and rubs the shoulder he landed on with a groan. "Do we have to do this right here?"

Arenvald eyes Stehl and rumbles, amusedly, "'At's wot she said."

Stehl says: No. But you started here, so there's no sense in moving.

Mairèad sits quietly on the wall, observing.

Chadley says: I'd really not mind. It wouldn't-
You blink at Mairèad.

Mairèad says: Don't mind me. Unless yer gunna do somethin' that you don't want me seein'.

Stehl says: Here, I can completely emasculate you if you'd like.

Arenvald drawls, "This oughta be good."

Mairèad frowns slightly but doesn't comment on Stehl's words.

Chadley gets to his feet, very much looking like he'd rather be dead. He doesn't answer any of them, instead attempting yet another handstand. His hands illuminate with holy energy on contact, softer this time. He catches himself midair, managing to "walk" himself backward for a second before falling onto his stomach.
Chadley says: Stehl, -please- can we do this elsewhere...

Stehl says: Sure.

Mairèad 's eyes go wide upon seeing Chadley's acrobatics. She glances over to Stehl. "...Stehlfire, if y'don't mind me askin', what're you tryin' to teach him?"

Stehl says: I mind you asking, because I've already had to answer it.

Mairèad says: I mean. You are th'trainer and all, but this seems...roguish.

Arenvald says: Ye'd be better served doin' real trainin' exercises too, son. But...
Arenvald eyes Stehl, still looking amused. "S'ppose that's wot ye get."

Stehl says: He's not ready for actual training from me.

Leanan peers, unabashedly. Public Paladin training. She can watch all she likes, yo.

Arenvald says: Zat so. He seems like a capable 'nuff lad 'ta me.

Mairèad says: Well, no shit. I don't know that handstands'll change that, though. I'm not th'professional here.

Chadley gets back up. He turns around. "I made a choice! Why must some asshole come around every day and try to talk me out of it?!"

Stehl says: There we go. There's some teeth. Come on, we'll find a more out of the way location.

Leanan pouts, "Caw. Was gettin' good."

Arenvald smirks. "Not so much out of. More like... jes' pointin' out silly buggers when I see it."
Arenvald says: But oi, suit yerself lad. Mebbe ye can get a job wit' the Darkmoon folks.

Stehl says: You're riding a lizard with wings and have pigs on your arms.

Chadley walks backward a moment before turning to grab his belongings. He deliberately avoids eye contact with Arenvald, and follows after Stehl.

Mairèad's frown deepens significantly, though she doesn't say anything in Chadley's defense beyond, "Jest let him pass through and go on to his trainin'."

Arenvald says: An'? Yer point bein'?

Stehl says: I don't think you can comment on silly.

Chadley walks in complete silence.
Chadley looks around as they enter the graveyard. "Here?"

Stehl says: Here, a nice, out of the way spot.
Stehl says: Only the dead will watch, and they don't care for the actions of the living.
Stehl says: Mostly because, you know, dead.

Chadley puts his gloves on the wall and sits to remove his boots again. "Typically." When he finishes, he gets back up and stares at the ground. "... Right then." The Light shines around his arms before he tries anything this time, his eyes wide open in concentration on the ground before him. He attempts his fourth handstand, Light shooting into the ground on contact. He kicks his legs up to balance himself and manages to hold for a few good seconds before letting himself collapse out of exhaustion.

Stehl says: Not bad.

Chadley says: The Light. Should I really use it as a crutch like that?

Stehl says: No. But you're not using it as a crutch here. It's not helping you stay up. If anything, you're burning more energy.

Chadley says: ... Wait. Then what's the point of shooting it into the ground like you asked? I'm sure the only reason I'm staying up as long as I am is because I'm also asking for strength.

Stehl says: I wanted to see you do it.

You stare Stehl down.
Chadley says: Now you're kidding.

Stehl says: Partially. I wanted to see you do it, but the reason I gave for you doing handstands is accurate.
Stehl says: Also, why waste time just training one thing when you can train two?

Chadley says: The handstanding I understand. What am I training by shooting Light into the ground?

Stehl says: Your ability to manipulate it. Also, it gives you an idea of how you'll act under pressure. The pressure of strange things.

Chadley says: Did it really require -that- to see how I react under pressure of the bizarre? This is by far not the strangest thing you've put me through.
Chadley says: Although probably the most frustrating.
Chadley gets up and rolls the shoulder he keeps landing on, frowning.

Stehl says: Good.
Stehl says: S'enough of that, then. How's practicing shields going.

Chadley frowns deeper a moment. "That's it?" A pause. "I've managed something. Small things. I practiced on apples from the tree after you left." He looks up and around for something and then lifts a hand. A flash of white, and a confused bee flies by surrounded by a bubble.

Stehl says: Good. So, what would you like to learn now.

Chadley says: I think I've barely learned the other things...

Stehl says: And you can keep practicing them if you'd like. Or learn more on them now, don't care really. You're the one learning.

Chadley says: I guess since I know how to do them it's more on me for practice, uh- hm.
Chadley says: The hammers of Light.

Stehl says: Ooh, good. I love those.

Chadley says: I've seen every paladin make them.

Stehl says: Some can't. Liotuse and Rosalinde were surprised that I can.
Stehl says: But...
Stehl holds out his hand, Light coalescing into it. Slowly, a faint shape of a hammer forms, solidifying over a few seconds, "It's not easy, but the 'easier' one is Justice. This will generally knock somebody senseless if it hits them."

Chadley watches with half-concealed awe as the Light takes a tangible form in Stehl's hand. "How do you do it."

Stehl says: Instead of focusing it in my hand or another object, I force it into the air itself. So I can grab onto it. It takes a lot of energy, so I ordinarilly just draw some from nearby sources.
Stehl says: Of course, this one doesn't take nearly as much as the other one.

Chadley says: Does the consecrated ground here make it easy?

Stehl says: If I were on it, yeah. Here, it's a strain but not nearly as much as if I took it from myself.
Stehl says: Now, when I throw it...
Stehl tosses the faintly glowing hammer at the ground, where it detonates with a thunderclap, "It doesn't inflict any real harm. It's just there to incapacitate people."

Chadley watches with rapt interest as he does this. He lifts his hands and tries it himself after, doing as he said and trying to focus his Light into the air around him. What results is a crackling noise and a blinding glow for a split second.
Chadley jumps at his own mistake.

Stehl says: Forcing it into a physical form is not simple. S'harder than a shield.

Chadley says: I noticed.

Stehl says: Now. The other one.

Chadley 's hands drop back to his sides. He's not even gonna touch this one.

Stehl holds up his hand again, Light once again swirling to his hand. After a much longer time, another hammer forms. This one is larger and is actually on fire, "Wrath. This one will explode violently when it hits something."
Stehl says: It also is pretty damn fast when you throw it. Mostly because it isn't fully a physical object. Just Light compressed into the shape of one.

Chadley looks up at the blazing hammer. "That's the one I wanted to see."

Stehl says: Now. Come up here. You need to see just what this thing does when I throw it. Don't worry, it's going out into the lake.

Chadley says: I'm going to believe you.

Stehl draws his arm back and lets fly, the hammer spiralling out across the lake. It crashes into the water roughly near the middle and explodes in a brilliant starburst of holy energies, "Anybody who tells you that the Light is not meant to harm?"
Stehl says: Clearly has no control over it.

Chadley watches the display, expression now tense. He doesn't say anything, but the lesson is apparently clear enough.

Stehl says: We choose to protect people not only because it's the right thing, but because if we chose not to? We'd inflict so much damage.

Chadley says: For all your warnings, it's only right now that I think I'm afraid.

Stehl says: Good. Because at some point? You're going to have to learn how to stop me from hitting you with one of those.
Stehl says: S'all for now. Go practice or something.

Chadley says: ...
Chadley goes back to put his shoes and gloves on. "Wise, I suppose."

Stehl says: Light protect.

Chadley nods, muttering, "Likewise."

Stehl & Chadley: April 20

Stehl says: So. How're your arms.

Chadley drops down onto the nearest bench. "Sore."

Stehl says: Sucks to be you. Today you learn how to make your punches count.

Chadley says: You're going to make me punch the tree now, aren't you.

Stehl says: No. Stand up.

Chadley stands up and faces Stehl. "Okay?"

Stehl says: Over here.

Chadley approaches not with obvious apprehension, but it's there.

Stehl taps the middle of his tabard, the golden circle, "Hit that as hard as you can."

Stargul takes a seat on the bench.

Stehl 's various flames flicker briefly.

Chadley looks at Stehl skeptically. "... Alright." He steps forward, balls his fist, winds his arm back, and punches directly in the center of Stehl's chest. His hand contacts with a loud clang and he pulls back, shaking it out.
Chadley says: Son of a bitch!

Stehl draws his fist back uttering, "My turn!" Before he gives his squire a chance to properly react, his arm shoots out like a piston to hit Chadley in the center of his tabard. Just an average blow for him.

Rhiawyn glances over her shoulder curiously at the sound of the blow landing.

Stargul says: Crazy lad.

Chadley is impacted directly in his chest, not having had the time at all to recover. He falls backwards onto the ground with a crash of metal, now coughing. "You didn't say you were-!"
You let out a hacking cough.

Stargul says: Ya need some 'elp lad?

Rhiawyn says: I say, what in the world? Are you all right?

Stehl says: As you can see, there's a huge difference between your physical strength and mine. Also a huge difference between our armor, but that's not the main point.
Stehl says: Now. How are you going to make it so you don't break your hand and still manage to get a good blow in?

Marodox looks at the man lecturing the other, sitting, man.

Chadley gets his wind back and looks up, now noticing the scene they've caused. Before he can react to any of them, he looks back up at Stehl. "I... don't know?"

Marodox smiles at Sophea.

Sophea waves at Marodox.

Rhiawyn places her hands on her hips, foot tapping. "I hope you didn't break a rib on the boy."

Marodox blushes and turns around.

Stargul says: Speak for yourself lass. I hope a rib di' break. Builds character ya know.

Sophea chuckles softly and finds a seat near the fountain.

Rhiawyn says: There's surely better ways to build character than busting a bone or two.

Marodox says: Did the boy agree to this abuse?

Stargul says: Scars to us men are trophies lass. It be a law of manitude.

Rhiawyn says: I thought scars were reminders to duck in the future.

Marodox sighs, rubbing the scar on his stomach.

Stargul says: ... Only if in places they'll kill ye.

Stehl holds his fist in the air, his armor glowing faintly. For a moment the glow intensifies, before it rushes along his amor and to his hand, "You put more energy into your aura and focus it on your fist. And he agreed to be my squire."

Chadley curls and arm around his side as Stehl speaks, pressing his fingers into his ribs. Did he break one? Good question. He winces as he presses a bruise, allowing a flicker of light to illuminate it for a second. He looks around again at the people.

Stehl says: I warned him multiple times before this point, and offered chances to step out. So.

Chadley frowns and climbs back up to his feet.

Rhiawyn hides a smile behind a hand. "Do you normally bust your squires on their backsides like that?"

Chadley turns around. "I'm fine. Kindly let it be."

Marodox says: His rib may be badly injured, which would require medical attention.

Stehl says: Same as I was taught, yes. Example is the best teacher. Not preaching and droning.

Stargul says: Lad, perhaps if ye want ter build strength, ye coul' go a few roun's with me. Jus' wrestlin' though. Don' like ta shock men in metal.

Chadley 's tone grows a little sharp. "I said I'm -fine-."

Marodox shrugs. Who knows?

Stargul says: Lad, I was offerin' ta help ya ge' stronger.

Rhiawyn looks at Marodox. "I guess if he says he's fine, he's fine." She looks up to Stehl. "Bust him another one, I guess," she adds with a grin.

Sophea pauses a moment, then shakes her head and continues on her way.

Marodox says: Cruel people.

Chadley swallows. He takes a moment to find his temper and sighs. "I don't need help. That's the point of this. But thank you."

Stehl unclenches his fist, the energy gathered in it dissipating, "Where was I? Right, if you do that thing I did? You'll have a... 'harder' fist, correct? Like iron instead of that pudgy excuse for flesh."

Marodox mutters to himself.

Rhiawyn waves a hand dismissively. "If you need patchin' up I'll be over there."

Chadley looks down at his hand and clenches his fist again. "I've been practicing my aura. I still don't think I could apply it like this, though."

Stargul stands up, summoning a static charge around himself.

Chadley jumps a little at the sudden burst of electricity.

Stargul says: Lad, yer a pansy.

Stehl says: Try it. You have...

You stare Stargul down.

Stehl reaches into his tabard and pulls out a suspiciously broken pocketwatch, "Three minutes."

Marodox says: Just waiting for a friend.

Stargul waves to Chadley and walks away.

Stehl says: Once your three minutes are up, punch me.

Chadley peers at the watch. "Does that thing even work?"

Stehl says: Repeat until you succeed. Begin.

Chadley blinks. "Wait, I asked-" He throws up an arm in frustration and then closes his eyes, trying to concentrate. A pale glow begins to form at his fingertips and then slowly begins to coil its way up his arms.

Khriana draws a purple arrow from her quiver as she'd draw her bow, knocking the arrow.

Stehl glances at the draenei, "You have two seconds to put that down before I break it, miss. I'm trying to train my squire and he needs to focus."

Khriana turns and aims the arrow at Stehl.

Stehl says: ... You know you won't it won't turn out like you want it to.

Khriana fires. As the arrow neared Stehl, it would simply dissipate into nothing.

Chadley flinches, but maintains his concentration. The illumination surrounding his arms grows brighter, and then suddenly disappears, all but his right hand. He opens his eyes and charges at Stehl- probably at the same time the arrow flew.
Chadley aims a punch for Stehl's chest!

Stehl blinks at where the arrow used to be and turns to face Chadley again. Caught completely off-guard, he stumbles back a step from the blow, "Not bad."

Khriana would begin giggling as a purple cloud began to form over Stehl's head. It would begin to rain grape-flavored Kaja Cola.

Chadley stumbles back as well, the impact causing an audible crack from his knuckles. He clutches his hand in pain, but grins. For once.
Chadley 's grin then completely fades at the sudden... soft drink downpour, what?
You look at Khriana.
Chadley says: Piss off. Seriously.

Khriana smiles and shrugs.

Stehl ignores the down-pour, the liquid hissing as it hits his armor, "Practice it some more in your free time. Focus on getting it set up as quickly as possible more than the force of it."

Khriana says: ... You got to punch someone.

Stehl says: He was doing it anyways.

Khriana says: Now he has a drink.

Chadley says: Did you hit your head in the accident?

Khriana says: ... Did you?

Chadley says: I'll take that as a yes.

Khriana says: ... Don't make me get you with orange.

Stehl says: Miss.

Khriana says: It is still experimental.

Chadley says: Then experiment elsewhere.

Stehl says: You're disrupting my training. Go away.

Khriana says: You're training on a walk-way.
Khriana says: Go to the command barracks.

Chadley says: So you can just walk on by.

Stehl says: I'm training to the side of it, and you're shooting arrows at people.

Khriana says: ... Correction. Gags.

Stehl says: It's not appreciated.
Stehl says: And I imagine most people do not appreciate it, judging from the normal reactions it seems to get.

Khriana 's chimera would turn to look at Chadley. It would have a filter over each mouth. The right one would inhale deeply.

Chadley isn't paying attention to the chimaera.

Stehl shoves a hand towards Chadley, a shining barrier surrounding him, "Restrain your animal and leave us be."

Khriana 's chimera would breath out, breathing flavored ice like a sno-cone. It would be blueberry flavored as it piled up on a bench.

Chadley has a shield of Light thrown up around him just in time to have a glob of icy blue muck pile around him, but leave him untouched. His eyes are wide. "What just-"

Khriana says: Taste it. It's good for cooling your body down and for energy. Some sugar.

Chadley looks at the blueberry sludge piled on the ground. He steps around it, making a face. "I'll pass."
You look at Stehl.
Chadley says: Should we go somewhere else?

Khriana says: Try it, please. I'll go away if you do.

Stehl says: I was thinking maybe some lunch. Babble some more things for you to practice, too.

Chadley says: I'm not licking your winged beast's regurgitations off the cobblestones.
Chadley says: Lunch? That sounds suspiciously pleasant.

Khriana says: Just try it.
Khriana says: It's blueberry.

Caylla links her sleeves together, eyeing the gathered trio.

Chadley says: I'm not trying it. Go away.

Khriana draws a pink arrow and aims it at Chadley.

Stehl says: We'll stop by the baker and the cheese shop. I have some meat I can grab too.

Chadley turns to look at the draenei and her knocked pink arrow.

Khriana fires the arrow. It would dissipate as a pink cloud formed over Chadley's head. The pink cloud would be - cotton candy.

Chadley doesn't even look shocked anymore, just annoyed. "Let's go get that lunch," he says, turning around and picking a piece of pink fluff from his tabard.

Khriana says: Taste it.

Stehl says: Excellent! I'm starving.

Khriana says: It's candy.

Chadley says: No.
Chadley continues to pick bits of cotton candy out of his armor and hair as they walk.

Stehl says: Handled yourself well there.

Chadley sniffs one of the pieces before tossing it aside. "Thanks," he mumbles.

Stehl says: And now to find the baker. Who hides from me when I want to pay him for baked goods.
Stehl says: AH HA.

You blink at Thomas Miller.

Stehl says: Sell it to me!

Chadley says: What have you done to this poor man?

Stehl manages to purchase two loaves of bread before the baker heads off again, "Nothing! It's this city, I tell you!
Stehl says: He's been driven mad!

Chadley says: ... I'll believe that.

Stehl says: Just like that dwarf lady who also sells bread in Ironforge! She doesn't sleep, I tell you.

Chadley says: ...
Chadley says: How do you walk so fast with all of that plate?

Stehl says: Years of adjusting to the weight of it.
Stehl says: Cheese me!

Chadley mills around as Stehl picks out his cheese. A matter of most importance.

Stehl cackles as a wedge of cheddar is added to the loaves.
Stehl says: Where to.

Chadley says: Uh- I was just following you.

Stehl says: Bah!

Chadley says: So the seals. Are there any tricks to speeding it up, or is it just about getting used to it?

Stehl says: It's really just reliant on how well you can manipulate the Light. There are limits to how much you can force into any one thing, such as your hand, though.
Stehl says: Here's good.

Chadley shrugs and sits. "So in that case, it does come down to practice. I know I can do better than that."

Stehl tosses a loaf to Chadley and reaches into his bag to pull out a knife, "It also drains you depending on how much you force into an object. Your aura naturally isn't very taxing. But forming the seal does take some of your energy and Light.

Chadley says: What about maintaining it?

Stehl says: Just takes a bit of focus. Once it's there, it's easy to keep there.
Stehl says: Of course, there isn't a lot of reason to force it to stay there for an extended period of time. Not unless you're in a big battle.

Chadley says: I'll spend the night practicing that, then. I think now that I've done it once I understand it somewhat.

Stehl slices off a piece of cheese and tosses it to Chadley before working on his own, "For you, maintaining it will probably give you a headache over time. Once you get used to it, you'll barely notice the strain on your head."

Chadley says: I'm... used to headaches.

Stehl says: I can imagine.

Chadley says: What's that supposed to mean?

Stehl says: You frequent Stormwind.

Chadley says: Has it always been this way?

Stehl says: It was better a few years back. There was still some problems, but that was to be expected. It's a big melting pot for all members of the Alliance. That includes crazies.
Stehl says: It's not being helped by the near-constant catastrophes that keep happening.
Stehl says: Also, most of the people who aren't crazy have all marched off to some battle and died.

Chadley says: I met a woman the other day that was handing out pamphlets for demonic rights.

Stehl says: She would have been set on fire two years ago.
Stehl says: And her remains poked at by the orphans, with sticks.

Chadley says: I guess I just missed this city when it was still sane, then.

Stehl says: Eh. Could be worse.

Chadley says: Have you seen worse? As far as cities go, I mean.

Stehl says: Define worse. I've been in Stratholme before and after the culling. I've gone into the Undercity before. And Silvermoon, but the elves mostly danced around on tables and ignored us.
Stehl says: Shattrath was bad, actually. There wasn't any real violence beyond occasional brawls between the Aldor and the Scryers. But it was a huge mess.

Chadley says: Well. I'm not sure a city infested with scourge qualifies as a city so much as it does a hive that needs to be knocked down. I've been to Shattrath, but just once. It looked like a wreck, but the whole planet was.

Stehl says: Yeah, but it was safe.
Stehl says: A fel reaver managed to break in once, and one of the wind chimes just ended it in a matter of seconds.

Chadley says: ... Wind chi-
Chadley snorts. It's almost a laugh. "The Naaru?"

Stehl says: Yeah.

Chadley says: I got a glimpse of the one in the central part of the city when I went there. I wish I could have stayed longer to see it.

Stehl says: They're neat. But they always make this chime noise.
Stehl says: And there's -three- in that central hub. Two normal ones and A'dal, who as far as I can tell? Is something like... six naaru in one.

Chadley says: Three? I didn't see the others... but I thought it was amazing. Like being face-to-face with pure Light.

Stehl says: Yeah. They're about as close as you get to being part of the Light. Though they just don't... do anything with it.

Chadley says: I wonder why.

Stehl says: I think it's partially so we can fight for ourselves. But. I could never get a proper answer. Not from the Aldor, not from the Sha'tar, not from the naaru.

Chadley says: And yet they insist on being among us. How bizarre.
Chadley finally realizes he has chessebread. He stuffs a bite into his mouth.

Stehl shrugs a shoulder and pops open his visor, cramming a mixture of cheese and bread chunk into his mouth. He closes his visor again and takes a moment to actually eat it, "It's not that they insist to be around us. Rather, we just kind of..."
Stehl says: Gravitated to them.

Chadley glances up as Stehl pops his visor open. He frowns and then takes another bite of his own sandwich. "I think I can understand why, even if I can't explain it."
Chadley shrugs a shoulder.

Stehl says: They stand for the passive side of the Light. The one that's there to help if needed, but will stand aside for those meant to to the job.

Chadley says: I guess it's natural we gravitate toward them for that, then. I know we tend to take advantage of people like that.

Stehl says: But are we the ones taking advantage of them? They claimed their army of Light would come and fight the Legion.
Stehl says: Who was there? No angels, no naaru, just us.

Chadley raises an eyebrow as he swallows another mouthful of cheesebread. "Do you think they've some kind of hidden agenda or something?"

Stehl says: Everybody does, no matter how much Light streams off them.
Stehl says: How long has the Legion been out there? Is it coincidence they showed up when they did on Argus?

Chadley says: I'd never even thought about that before.

Stehl says: Not all that is holy is pure-hearted. They have their plans and it certainly involves fighting the Legion in some form. To what ends?

Chadley says: I... couldn't even fathom. Do you think they're something we'll have to worry about?

Stehl says: Us? No.
Stehl says: Their plans seem to work on a timescale that is well beyond our lifespans.

Chadley says: Well what about future us?
Chadley says: ... I guess that doesn't even matter, does it. Enough to worry about.
Chadley shoves the last bite of his sandwich into his mouth.

Stehl says: There won't be a future if we don't do the right thing now. Whatever the naaru do? Will have little effect on that.

Chadley says: No, I know you're right. That was a pointless thing to say.

Stehl says: S'not pointless. It's just not something we'll probably have to worry about personally.

Chadley says: Just our unlucky immortal friends, I suppose.

Stehl says: So! Enough paranoid speculation. Did you want to learn anything else, or just wander off on your own to practice.

Chadley blinks. "Did you have anything in mind? I want to know everything I can. I want to be able to..." He frowns and scratches his cheek. "Well, anyway. I've got a lot of catching up to do."

Stehl says: Nothing specific. You managed to do what I wanted you to learn, since that'll be the starting point for a lot of things I'll be teaching.

Chadley says: ... then maybe I should go practice.

Stehl says: You know where to find me.

Chadley pushes himself up. "I do. And I also want to thank you. I owe you an apology for my initial rudeness."

Stehl says: It's no problem. It was warranted in some regard. Light protect, Chadley.

Chadley bows. "Also true. Light be with you." He turns and walks off. A huge chunk of pink fluff is stuck on his shield.

Stehl, Liotuse, & Chadley: April 18

Stehl says: Guess what tiiiiime it iiiiiis.

Chadley sits on the bench with his head low, hands held above his lap. A pale holy aura coils faintly around him, and his eyes are closed in meditation. He seems to ignore Stehl.

Stehl sounds way too cheeful. He should be shot.
Stehl shuffles closer.

Líotuse says: You should get a bucket of lava.
Líotuse says: And throw it on him.

Stehl squats down so he's eye to eye with Chadley.

Chadley 's eyes open and the aura fades. He flattens his brows. "Hi."

Stehl says: Hey. You ready to punch things.

Chadley says: I think you saw to it yesterday that my arms won't work for a week.

Stehl says: Too bad! Up with you.

Líotuse says: Make them work.
Líotuse grins, waving to Chadley. Even if he doesn't know him.

Chadley pushes himself up from the bench with a groan and follows stiffly after Stehl. He looks at Liotuse. He doesn't wave back, just gives that same flat look.

Líotuse wilts like a flower.
Líotuse says: ...Stehl would it be too much if I went to find Cet and bother him?

Stehl says: Yes.

Líotuse says: Darn.
Líotuse says: ...Also I'm following you two.

Chadley says: Where are we-

Stehl says: See this tree?

Chadley says: ... Yes?

Stehl says: How do you feel about hitting it.

Chadley says: Do my feelings on the subject actually matter?

Stehl says: Only slightly.
Stehl says: I'm going to have you punch something.

Líotuse clears his throat and makes a point of going to the mailbox.

Chadley says: I can't say I've much interest in punching a tree.

Stehl says: What do you have interest in punching.
Stehl says: Hold that thought.

Chadley says: ...

Líotuse says: Moment.

Chadley says: Forsaken work.

Stehl says: Okay!
Stehl says: Let's go get one.

Ephie dies.

Líotuse spits on Ephie.

Castell growls menacingly.

Stehl says: Begin the punchening.

Castell growls menacingly at Stehl.

You stare Ephie down.

Stehl says: No, my squire needs that. To hit it.
Stehl says: Repeatedly.

Castell tells Stehl NO. Not going to happen.

Líotuse says: ...I'm sad to say I've seen weirder things than a naked worgen defending an undead.

Chadley says: Should I punch the dog, too?

Castell growls menacingly at you.

Stehl says: Should you?

Líotuse says: The dog means yes.
Líotuse says: Follow Stehl's teachings. Everything can. And should be punched.

Stehl says: We need a new thing to punch.

Líotuse says: Bye.

Stehl says: What, why.

Chadley approaches the corpse and prods it with his foot. "Well. Uh. Okay then." He looks at Stehl.

Líotuse says: You'll have me punched.

Castell growls menacingly at you.

Stehl says: Not at all.

Castell barks at you.

Líotuse says: Liar.

Stehl says: Besides. Chadley's a wimp.

Líotuse stares you down.

Stehl says: You can punch back.

You let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Stehl says: Do it, for the Alliance.

Chadley looks back down at the Forsaken corpse, grimacing.

Líotuse says: He seems distracted.

Stehl says: Boy!

Chadley says: Not that distracted.

Líotuse says: ...Shit I've been caught.

Stehl says: Hit this man. It's okay, he's kind of like a paladin.

Líotuse tries to pop Chadley on the middle of his tabard anyways with a weak left straight.

Chadley is popped in the stomach. He may have been turned around, but he still wasn't paying the most attention. He staggers back once, coughs, and frowns. "Fine, dammit!"

Líotuse says: Wait was he supposed to start or me.
Líotuse says: I'm bad at this.

Chadley aims a punch for Lio's face as he's turned.

Líotuse gets Chadley's curled gauntlet on the right side, eyes scrunching up as he takes a step forward with it. "-Ow-."

Stehl says: Quickly. Don't take that shit.

Chadley is already aiming for another. Think fast, Lio!

Líotuse says: I should consider removing my cast and getting into my armour. But I'll bite.
Líotuse pivots low suddenly, swinging around and leading with his left foot. What little momentum is built is thrown into a left uppercut for Chadley's gut again. Might as well keep that going.

Chadley tries to block it with his elbow, but isn't quite fast enough. His elbow is instead brought down on Lio's extended arm. He oofs as his fist contacts his gut and gives a wild left swing in response.

Líotuse has his left arm batted aside a moment and catches Chadley's own responding left in his vision. His right arm is jerked up for an awkward block. It doesn't work as well as it did in his head, Chadley's response glancing off the front of his cast and smacking into Lio's head, trying to take a step back to gather some distance.

Stehl says: ... This is beautiful. My minions dance to the mad tune I play. Which is really just me yelling 'PUNCH. PUNCH HARDER.'

Chadley doesn't allow for distance. He steps forward in tune and balls both of his fists, recklessly swinging at the man. As Stehl goads them on, he growls, "My arms -don't work-."

Stehl says: Make them work!

Líotuse curls his arms and draws them up to guard his head from each blow, forearms taking the punishment. His preferred right leg snaps up and over to go for Chadley's... gut. Again. At the same time he sort of throws Stehl's orders about punching out the window.

Stehl says: He has a cast on, hit him harder!

Chadley is winded as the knee slams into his gut, unguarded. A snarl of frustration and his arm swings out, elbow aimed straight for Lio's neck.

Wintersedge hugs Ephie.
Wintersedge says: Poor Ephie...

Líotuse says: Not really, no. This is what a Forsaken gets by running into the city.

Stehl says: Knock knock, who's there, THE ALLIANCE.

Mandragoras says: That's damn right.

Wintersedge says: Someday maybe we can cure her.

Mandragoras says: Cure her? She's a Forsaken.

Stehl says: Cure her of existing.
Stehl says: Punch more, monkies.
Stehl says: Strength through adversity! Keep it up!

Líotuse was peering between his forearms this whole time. And tries his best to pull back. All he does is mitigate it by managing to hop back -after- the elbow taps firmly into his throat, sending Lio into a coughing fit and lowering his arms a bit.

Chadley makes a sound that almost seems pained when he does this, but takes advantage of the opening by charging forward again with another flurry of noodle-fists.

Líotuse makes a shameful display of blocking a good clean half of them, wincing every time another connects. To be fair. The guy's coughing like a smoker.

Chadley looks at Stehl for a brief second before continuing his attempts to beat an injured man with noodles. He aims for the face again. He's weak enough right now that all that leather would probably nullify any force he can muster.

Stehl says: ... Alright, enough. You're just. Flopping now.

Chadley says: S-so is... he.
Chadley steps back, sounding both tired and frustrated.

Líotuse gets whacked in the face with one gauntlet, another contacting after that as well before the coughing Lio gets his hands up. "I'm not flopping I had a broken arm and now I just want the cast off even if it's too early."

Stehl says: How much longer is it supposed to be.

Líotuse says: I don't know. It's been maybe a week. And a few days. Lius injected me with some miracle serum in a syringe. Something about blood vessels and broken bones being sped up. For recovery.

Chadley gives himself a moment to catch his breath. "I could... heal it," he offers.
Chadley says: Not... gonna fix the bone, but... help.

Líotuse finally notices himself, dropping his guarding position and shaking his head. "No. No. You're... about to collapse." He grins. Though not at the young man's expense. Just looking cheerful in general. Red spots on his face from being smacked or not.

Chadley confirms this by taking a single step toward the fountain and then collapsing against it. He nods. "Good fight. I think. Not really."

Líotuse laughs loudly, nodding once as he steps over and down to pat Chadley's shoulder. "Not really, no. On both accounts. Maybe when we're both more... capable. We can spar, eh?"

Chadley nods again, this time cut short by a cough. "Yeah. If Stehl leaves me capable."

Stehl says: If.

Chadley says: ... If.
You let out a hacking cough.

Líotuse clears his throat, left hand rubbing at it as he straightens up. "-If- anything. It'll help build stamina."

Stehl says: Exactly.

Orgo snorts. "Don't make palerdins like they used ta."

Chadley ignores the commentary. "... So now what."

Líotuse says: I'm thinking of wandering off to take some good shears to this cast and risk it being exposed too early and broken again. You guys?

Stehl says: We're going whale hunting. Shark whales.

Chadley says: ... What?

Stehl says: But that's later tonight.
Stehl says: Not you.
Stehl says: Legion nonsense.

Chadley says: Why is the Legion fighting whales.

Stehl says: They're sharks. And they're eating supply lines.
Stehl says: Whole.

Líotuse says: ...Oookay then. I guess I'll mentally prepare for fighting a shark whale then.

Chadley coughs again. "Fair enough."

Stehl says: Learn how to breathe underwater too.
Stehl says: That'll help.

Líotuse says: I'll rig something.

Stehl says: I just need to float. And not get devoured.

Líotuse says: I haven't seen you ever wear anything beyond that armour.
Líotuse says: You're sinking.

Stehl says: Yeah. So I need to make it float for ten minutes.
Stehl says: And then get the hell out of there.

Líotuse says: That will go.
Líotuse says: Swimmingly.

Stehl says: You're treading in dangerous waters.

You begin to groan.

Líotuse says: ...I woke up a short while ago, I'm running on about half here.

Stehl says: Excuses.

Líotuse says: I'll come up with some puns later for when we're actually out there.

Stehl says: You'll have a whale of a tale, I'm sure.

Líotuse says: ...I'm going to go remove my cast. Later.

Stehl says: Gator.

Líotuse waves over his shoulder.

Stehl says: Enjoy the day off.

Chadley rests his head back against the fountain as Stehl walks off. He then slowly falls onto his side. "Light protect. Ugh."

Mairèad & Stehl: April 16

Mairèad says: It's probably a dumb question, but y'never know if you don't ask, right? I was...well. Yer Division probably wants people what ent newly ordained, huh?
Mairèad says: People with more experience?

Stehl says: To some extent, yes. We'll be heading out to fight some very dangerous things soon.
Stehl says: I won't turn down a sword arm, but I'd rather have one who hasn't recently relearned fighting.

Mairèad says: That's what Mr. C-- Ma-- D-- Mr. Crowe. That's what he said. That it'd be rill dangerous. I'm jest tryin'a figger out where I'd do th'most good, and I already know lotsa folks in yer unit.
Mairèad nods, chewing on her lower lip. "That's fair, I think. I still hafta see if the Crusade accepts me."

Stehl says: The Crusade definitely will.
Stehl says: They've taken on a ton of novices for finishing off the Scourge in the north. Though I think it'll turn towards the Forsaken soon enough.

Mairèad says: Good. Th'Fersakin need to go away. Mr. Crowe said, too, that I should see about helpin' out in the Highlands.

Stehl says: Not without being sure of yourself.
Stehl says: It's bad out there.

Mairèad says: I'm pretty sure of meself, honestly. I know that I kin fight, I know that I kin face danger. I'm jest not sure where I'd be the most needed.

Stehl says: Where you're needed is entirely up to you.

Mairèad says: How d'you mean?

Stehl says: I mean that the Light isn't here to tell us what to do. For whatever reason, it chose you and me and hundreds of others to carry its power. No strings, no rules, nothing. Just three words. It's up to us to choose where we go and how we use it.

Mairèad nods and presses her fingers against the table. "I'll need to think about it some more. But...well. Thanks, Stehlfire. Fer that and...and fer what yer doin' fer Chadley. He needs someone like you."

Stehl says: S'no problem. I'm just doing what I think is right.

Mairèad says: Why did you wanna train Chad so much, by th'way? I told him that you saw potential in him, when we talked about it, but I dunno fer sure.

Stehl says: I'm tired of seeing all these wishy-washy 'paladins'. Or Light-touched who have failed entirely.

Mairèad nods. "And y'think Chad's got what it takes?"

Stehl says: I want to see some rise above the nonsense that's overtaken this city and -do the right thing-.
Stehl says: I don't know. I have to try. If I don't, he'll slip further away.

Mairèad says: Yer right about that. He's...well. I -should- be harsher on him, and I have been lately...-screamed- at him fer bein' so nasty about Mr. MacGlynn...but I'm his best friend, not his mam. He needs someone like you.

Stehl says: Pardon me for saying this, but his friends should be the first to try to turn him around. But. If I have to be the one to try to put him on the right path? I will.

Mairèad lowers her eyes. "Yer right, I know. I've been tryin'...we haven't seen each other in two years, and even when he came back, he jest left again t'go train in Redridge. But I'll keep tryin'. I think...honestly, I think he'll be a better palerdin than me."
Mairèad says: ...eventually.

Stehl says: There is no measurement system for judging how good a paladin is. Aside from whoever has the worst death.

Mairèad smiles wryly and nods. "Right. Sorreh. I'll keep tryin', though, tryin' t'make sure Chad doesn't go down th'wrong path. I think, so long's he's got people like you--and I guess me--in his life, he'll turn out good."

Stehl says: My only worry is that he won't stand up when the time comes. He's almost too accepting of things. Even though he thought I was joking, he followed through with it for hours.

Mairèad shakes her head. "He wanted to prove that he wasn't weak. Evarrr since I known him, he's been th'weaker one. I kick his arse regularly. But he would've stayed out there all night...dunno if it'd be t'prove it t'you or to himself."

Stehl says: He has nothing to prove. He just has to listen and find his own path.

Mairèad says: I agree. But that's something he has to find for himself, isn't it?

Stehl says: Yes, it is. And he will, one way or another. I've made the fork in the road clear enough for a blind person to see it.

Mairèad says: And that's why I'm glad he's got you, Stehlfire.
Mairèad stands slowly, pushing back from the table. After a brief hesitation, she bubbles herself and gives Stehl a hug around the shoulders. "Light bless you. I'll see y'around."

Stehl says: Light protect.

Senkha, Oliver & Stehl: September 30

Macglynn removes his chestplate yet again, exposing the demonic rune inscribed above his heart.

Senkha frowns at the rune, touching the identical spot on her own chest. She sets her jaw and sighs softly, momentarily distracted by Stehlp. "...he's not going to like this."

Macglynn says: He's a dragon. He'll live.

Stehlp flies over to his father's head and sits there, looking adorably protective and slightly sad.

Stehl says: ... Right.
Stehl says: So, how do you want me to do this?

Macglynn says: Melt it. Whatever.

Stehl says: Burn it to ash, got it.

Macglynn looks stoic. This is going to hurt.

Senkha chews on her lower lip, looking nervous, as if -she's- the one about to get her chest carved up and burnt off. She sits back against the tree, drawing her knees up.

Stehl shoves Mac, "Lie down and hold still."

Macglynn is shoved. He gives Stehl a bland look and seats himself on the grass.

Senkha closes her eyes, taking deep, cleansing breaths. She seems to be scooting as far away from Oliver as possible for some reason.

Stehl kneels down.
Stehl pushes Mac onto his back, "I said lie down, not sit."

Macglynn is pushed again. His bland look turns into a mild scowl. "Enjoyin' this?"
Macglynn lies down.

Stehl says: No.
Stehl sits there for a moment, staring at the mark on Mac's chest. He places his hand on it, "... Though I admit, I wonder how long it'll take for you to scream." With that, his hand starts to burn with holy flame.

Macglynn stares straight up. His fingers dig apprehensively into the grass as Stehl speaks. As the flame ignites his flesh, he clenches his jaw defiantly. He doesn't scream.

Senkha also clenches her jaw, eyes screwing tightly closed. Her hands around her legs tense; she's trying very hard not to make a sound, but a teary gasp of pain still comes out, before she can stop it.

Stehl 's various flames in his armor go out as he concentrates on keeping the fire from spreading, forcing it to burn away at the the mark. A dull chant starts up in his helmet, the words not quite able to be heard outside of it.

Macglynn 's flesh begins to bubble. His muscles tense as his fingers dig deeper into the grass. The plantlife begins to brown and then blacken in his grasp. He still doesn't scream.

Senkha lets go of her legs, pressing both hands against her chest, eyes still screwed shut. Her breathing has become shallow and shaky, her jaw clenched tightly closed.

Stehl lifts his hand and looks beneath it; apparently not satisfied, he places it on Mac's chest again. "... Hanging in there?"

Macglynn sounds very pained, but manages out, "Killer."

Senkha catches her breath for the moment that Stehl's hand is lifted away, but tenses again, once it's replaced.

Stehl cocks his head as he looks at the death knight's face, "Looks like I'm going to have to..." There's a glint in the eye sockets of his helmet, "Turn up the heat." Not giving them a chance to groan, he presses his left hand against the other, the holy fires burning hotter.

Macglynn tears the handfuls of rotted grass out by their roots, and throws his head back, finally letting out a scream as the skin, muscle, and everything around the left side of his chest is melted away.

Senkha gasps in pain as well, her hands dropping from her chest. She crawls, on all fours, away from Oliver and Stehl and, burying her face in her hands, also screams in pain.

Stehl waits for a few seconds before pulling his hands away, the flames burning away anything that happened to get stuck to his gauntlet. As the fires return to the various parts of his armor, he stares at his... handiwork.

Macglynn is breathing heavily. He doesn't need to, but just by reflex his chest rises and falls in a pained breath. His right hand reaches up to clutch the melted skin of his chest.

Senkha has since fallen onto her back; her movements mimic Oliver's, breathing heavily and touching her right hand to the skin of her chest, which is perfectly fine.

Stehl says: Right. So, you should be fine now. If you experience evil thoughts, the desire to slay any Light-worshippers or otherwise, and the urge to wear evil clothing and lounge around the Lamb, let me know.

Macglynn weakly responds, "Keep y'informed."

Stehl says: So. You got kidnapped. Remember anything of it?

Senkha tries to push herself into a sitting position, but it doesn't quite work. Her hands are shaking too hard, so she just lies there, breathing heavily and trying to recover.

Macglynn says: Couldn' tell th' gender. Dark room. Tried injectin' me w'somethin'.
Macglynn says: Didn' think it was a zealot. Or a cultist.

Senkha manages, in a weak voice, "...they usually are more...f-forthright with their doings, and it sort of let you go, didn't it?"

Macglynn pushes himself up by his elbows. He snarls again in pain.
Macglynn says: It did. Think Ah may 'a pissed it off.

Stehl says: ... Pissed it off.

Macglynn says: Locked out attacks. Ah fought back anyway, got disease all over th' operatin' area.

Senkha laughs feebly at this, as if remembering.

Macglynn says: Looked like Ah may 'a jepurdized some work.

Stehl says: Ah.

Macglynn 's hand claws out and finds his cloak. He pulls it over himself, and lies back down. "Ah'm jus' gunna head on home, Ah think."

Senkha finally manages to pull herself into a sitting position...then immediately falls forward and crawls towards Oliver. She pats him on the shin, weakly. "...want me to c-call Merry?"
Senkha says: ...S-Stehl...thanks. Thank you.

Stehl grunts.

Macglynn says: A good plan.
Macglynn says: ... Ah went a good three weeks without disaster. Macglynn says: Was doin' real good.

Senkha takes a few tries, but finally manages to whistle. Weakly. Merry-the-mammoth ambles back from behind the tree, looking like he's been crying. Can mammoths cry? Whatever, he totally was.

Macglynn rests a hand on the mammoth's tusk. He tries lifting himself.

Stehl punches the mamoth on the trunk with his spare hand. Lightly. BAP.

Macglynn manages to stand. He re-applies his clothing. As he swings his cloak around to be re-attached, Merry grabs him and throws him into a seat.

Merry-the-mammoth pats Stehl on the head gently and derpishly, because he is a good mammoth. He starts to put his trunk around the paladin's waist to lift him into a seat...and succeeds!

Stehl says: Can just drop me off at Goldshire or something.

Senkha says: ...r-right.

Mairèad, Chadley, Nialos, Stehl, Teach & Patrick: September 11

Mairèad says: S'Chad.

Chadley says: Mm.

Mairèad says: I was finkin' 'bout some fin's an' I fink I need ter 'polergize t'ye.

Chadley says: 'Bout what.

Mairèad says: I been tryin' t'make ye inner somefin' yer no'. I been tryin' t'force ye t'look a' fin's th' way 'm used ter ye seein' fin's, no' ha' ye akshully see 'em.Mairèad says: An' tha's wrong 'a me.

Chadley says: ... It must be frustrating.

Mairèad says: Frustratin'?

Chadley says: Me not bein'... me.

Mairèad shrugs her uninjured shoulder and nods. "I' kin be. Bu'...well, if I love you, which I do, I should letcha be yerself, 'cause yer still you. I know tha' na'. An' I been a rill spoilspor' la'ely, ent I?"

Chadley says: Well. You've known two versions of me. It's only natural you'd want to bring back the one that was less of an asshole.

Mairèad frowns, then nods, conceding. "Ye have been kinna more assholish since th' accident. Bu'...tha's ha' ye were when I metcha, too. No' t'me, mind, bu' t'everyone else."

Chadley says: Well, seems I've been an asshole to you, too.

Mairèad doesn't say anything to confirm or deny this, just plucking a few pills of fabric off of her sling.
Mairèad says: ...I know i's hard fer ye, too. I's no' like 'm th' one who dun' r'member th' pas' eigh' monffs 'a me life, y'know?

Chadley says: Well. I still feel like a dick. Maybe I can... do something fun, or something. Or meet one of your deader friends and not.... be....

Mairèad reaches over with her uninjured hand, turning to face Chadley and squeezing his arm as she does. "Ye don' hafta do anyfin' ye don' wanna do, Chad. I wantcha t'know tha'."

Chadley says: ... Well. I want to.
Chadley smiles at you.

Mairèad raises her eyebrows skeptically. "Ye do?"

Chadley says: I try not to make a liar of myself.
Chadley says: Thought I've told you this.

Mairèad says: I fink ye have, bu' r'mind me agin.

Chadley says: ... I'm not a liar.

Mairèad says: Oh okie.
Mairèad says: If ye wanna mee' one 'a me deader friends, thar's one righ' thar.
You point at Nialos.

Chadley blinks at Nialos.
Chadley says: ... He's on a lamp.

Mairèad says: He's lampin'.

Nialos blinks and looks around. "Oh, me. Yeah."

Chadley peers at Nialos searchingly.

Mairèad says: Chad, tha's Mr. Grrrrrhelm. He delivers th' mail. Mr. Grrrrrhelm, this is Chad. He dun' r'member ye.

Chadley stares for a moment longer. He bites his lip.

Nialos says: Heard that, yeah.

Chadley , after a long, long moment, quietly says, "Hi."

Mairèad looks very proud of Chadley and squeezes his arm again.

Nialos says: Hey there, lad.

Mairèad says: One time, Mr. Grrrrrhelm wen' away an' th' mail didn' git through near's good.

Chadley says: They let deaders handle the mail?
Chadley looks sulky.

Nialos says: Well, I don't sleep, demand pay and I wash my hands.

Mairèad chews on her bottom lip and nods. " 'Paren'lee they do."

Nialos says: Perfect worker, really.

Chadley says: ... Why do you wash your hands if'n you don't sweat.
Chadley seems to be trying very hard.

Nialos says: Regulation. I may not sweat, but you've still gotta follow the rules.
Nialos says: People ship all kinds of sensitive material. Gotta make sure none of it is contaminated. So I'll also wear gloves when it requires as such.

Mairèad says: Mr. Grrrrrhelm rilly is th' bes' a' th' mail. Mr. Stehl likes him lots.
Mairèad has firmly established criteria for whether or not someone should be liked.

Chadley stares balefully up at Nialos.

Mairèad leans over and whispers to Chadley, "Yer doin' rill good, 'm rill proud 'a ye."

Chadley glowers.
Chadley says: So, uh.
Chadley coughs.

You look at Chadley.

Chadley says: What did you do before you died.

Nialos says: Military.

Chadley says: I see.
Chadley says: Is it, um. Fun.
Chadley says: Being dead, I mean.

Nialos says: It has its advantages, just like anything else.
Nialos says: But no. Not really.

You gasp at Stehl.
Mairèad says: Mr. Stehl!!!

Stehl says: ...

Nialos says: I don't enjoy the lack of feeling.

Mairèad says: 'm takin' yer advice!
Mairèad does not specify which advice she means.

Stehl says: ... Which advice?

Mairèad says: 'bout people bein' happy!

Stehl says: ... I don't remember what advice I gave.

Chadley glowers some more.

Okatorin says: Humans!

Stehl says: Draenei!

Mairèad says: Dranee!

Chadley says: Welcome to fucking Stormwind.

You gently pat Chadley.

Okatorin says: Any human know human language teacher?

Stehl says: Hit him, will you?
Stehl says: ... What, common?

Okatorin says: Me wake from long sleep.

Chadley says: My father's fantastic; you should talk to him.

Stehl says: Any teacher here could teach you that. Perhaps one of the draenei here could even teach you.

You blink at Chadley.

Stehl says: Not literally here. Here in the city.

Okatorin points at Chadley.

Stehl says: ... Not him.

Okatorin says: Where father?

Chadley says: Dunno.

Okatorin lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Okatorin says: Human.

Mairèad says: ...dranee're weird.

Stehl says: What crawled up your ass and died?

Mairèad says: Chad's jest had a long day.

Chadley says: I'm trying to be friendly, damnit.

Stehl says: I can see that.

You blink at Teach.

Teach says: Stehl.

Stehl says: Well, now I can't, Teach is in the way.
Stehl says: What.

Teach says: Ahoy.

Stehl says: Yo ho.

Chadley says: ... Hello, Teach.

Stehl says: ... Those are some... ugly colors you're sporting on that tabard.

Mairèad sits on her uninjured hand, pressing her lips together and closing her eyes, as if repeating a mantra.

Teach says: Mairead!

Stehl squats down a little, staring at Teach's chest. "... Yeah. You spill mustard or something?"

Mairèad opens one eye and smiles at Teach, a bit reservedly. "Hullo, Dad. 'm sorreh fer no' bein' in yer mill'tree uni' anymore."

Teach says: Oh's'all'roight. Wass'rong?

Mairèad says: ...yer no' mad a' me?
Mairèad unsits on her uninjured hand.

Teach raises an eyebrow. "I'ain'a stickerler fer milertary service. Privateers always make more anehway, yesee."

Mairèad says: Oh! I fough' ye were mad a' me, 'cause...
Mairèad gives up and jumps up to give Teach a huge hug...or as huge of a hug as one can give with only one good arm. "Dad!"

Chadley stands. He shuffles past the two men, and approaches Nialos. He stares up, still balefully.

Nialos blinks at Chadley.

Chadley stares Nialos down.

Nialos smiles at Chadley.

Teach wraps his arms around Mairead, noticing the arm. "MAIREAD, WHA"APPENED?"

Stehl says: ...

Okatorin looks at Teach.
Okatorin says: You human's daughter, yes?

Mairèad says: A bomber'nashun disloca'ed me arm.

Stehl says: I'm going to go across the street. Where I'll probably still hear you.

Okatorin says: Me need human language teacher.

Chadley says: I, uh.

Nialos says: Hm?

Stehl tries to cuff Chadley upside the head, "Knock that off before it freezes."

Okatorin tries to get Teach's attention.Okatorin says: Human!

Teach says: Oh'boi tha loi- WHAT?!

Okatorin says: You this human's father, yes?

Chadley holds out a hand, upward. He's then knocked on the head, and scowls in Stehl's direction. "Fuck off."
Chadley looks back up at Nialos.
Chadley says: Was... good talkin'.

Teach says: Yahar - kin'che'see'I'be buseh?!

Okatorin says: Me need human language teacher.

Stehl says: Boy, you have an attitude problem. Again. Get rid of it. Again.

Okatorin motions for Mairead to tell him to explain.

Mairèad says: Mebbe ye could aks in th' Cathedral. An' Mr. Stehl, Chad's jest fine, please stop yellin' a' him.

Teach says: Troi tha Chapel!

Nialos says: Ah, just let him say his piece, Stehl.

Stehl says: I am.
Stehl says: Just informing him of his lack of progress.

Mairèad says: Yer a lack 'a progress.

Chadley scowls deeply. He's still holding his hand out. "I said my piece."

Stehl says: No, your manchild is.

Mairèad cringes when Mr. Stehl looks at her. "Sorry."

Okatorin says: I will wait for humans to finish.
Okatorin nods.
Okatorin lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Nialos slides off to the side, a dull cracking noise coming from his legs. He mangages to take Chadley's hand, however.

Teach says: Yer'dun gettin'it treated?

Okatorin looks at Teach.

Mairèad says: Yahar. I gotta keep i' immobyoolized 'til Mondee, though.

Chadley cringes at the sound, and even more from the handshake. He manages a smile. Through lemons.

Nialos says: Stehl's right, you've still got a lot of progress ahead of you.
Nialos gives the hand a shake. "But you're getting -somewhere-."

Teach says: Aye.

Okatorin says: You done?

You look at Okatorin.
Mairèad says: Yer a awful demandin' dranee, entcha?

Okatorin lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Chadley still forces that smile. "Makes me happy to hear."

Okatorin says: Continue, and fast.

Nialos says: Nah, doubt it. But at least you're humoring an old man.

You stare Okatorin down.

Mairèad says: ...Imma go ovarrrr thar 'til th' dranee finishes talkin' ter ye, Dad.

Okatorin looks at Teach.

Mairèad says: Tha' dranee's rill demandin'.

Okatorin says: Human, you give human language lessons, yes?

Teach says: Aye.

Okatorin says: I offer copper.
Okatorin says: All I can afford.
Okatorin says: I rich in Draenie world, but not in human.
Okatorin lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.
Okatorin says: So I poor.
Okatorin says: I can not afford much.

Nialos glances over to Mairead. "Your boy made some progress!"

Teach says: I'ain'qualerfoid ter teach'ye common.

Okatorin lets out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Chadley 's hand is still in Nialos', for he has yet to be let go. His arm sags, and he looks defeated.

Stehl says: Squeezing lies out of that smile doesn't count as progress.

Okatorin says: Please?

Mairèad says: He's tryin' Mr. Stehl.
Mairèad says: I's rill hard fer him, okie?

Stehl says: Seriously, you look insane now. Smile like a regular person and not a maniac.

Nialos maintains the grip for some reason.

Okatorin says some cursus in his own language.

Chadley says: I thought I told you to fuck off.

Mairèad says: An' yer makin' i' worse, Mr. Stehl. I don' fink Chad needs tough love righ' na'.

Stehl says: No.

Teach says: Miss'er'blue boy, ye'see, I'dun'talk norrmal boi citeh standarrds.

Stehl says: You're right.
Stehl says: Let's coddle him.

Teach says: Troi mister Stehl ovar thar.

Chadley says: I'M RIGHT HERE, GUYS.

Nialos says: Doubt they care.

Stehl pats Chadley's head, "Swearing at people and rampant sarcasm is pretty cool."
Stehl ruffles his hair a little, too.

Mairèad sighs heavily and turns back to Nialos. "Mr. Grrrrrhelm, kin ye let go 'a Chad's hand? We're gunna go."

Chadley 's hand squeezes Nialos' in frustration.

Stehl says: You can keep coddling him. Enjoy as he develops slower than bunch of lichen on a rock.

Chadley immediately tries to relinquish the hand.

Nialos pulls his hand back, allowing Chadley's to slip free.
Nialos says: Hm. I'll have to remember that.

Teach says: Ahoy.

Nialos says: Yo ho.

Stehl says: Yarr.
Stehl says: ... It's like some freakish ponytail club.

Mairèad smiles broadly at Mr. Grrrrrhelm and even moreso at her father before turning to Chad. "I was wunnerin' if ye wan'ed ter come on a rapter chase wiff me. Me dad kin come, too, if he wan's to."

Teach says: Oho?

Stehl says: Raptors are key to making men stop acting like boys.
Stehl says: I guess.

Mairèad says: Yahar.

Nialos cranes his head. "Raptor chase, eh? Hm..."

Stehl says: Raptors are silly.

Chadley says: I own one.

Mairèad says: ...so does tha' sound fun t'you, Chad? Dad?

Stehl says: ... And?
Stehl says: Your point being?

Teach says: Oh aye, troll killin' eh?

Chadley very, very, very slowly backs away. "Sounds like fun."

Nialos says: Well, I have a trip to prepare for, so... I wish you all luck in your hunt!

Mairèad says: Mebbe. More rapter chasin'. Fanks, Mr. Grrrrrhelm, fer ever'fin'!

Stehl says: Another one?

Nialos says: Well, the other one was cut short.

Stehl says: Ah.

Nialos says: I'd like to have a proper trip.

Mairèad waves her uninjured hand at Mr. Grrrrrhelm before turning to Teach. "D'ye wanna come, too, Dad?"

Stehl says: I suspect your mailbox will have a nice tan.

Nialos says: ... Yeah. Yeah it probably will.

Chadley says: I fucking love field trips.

Teach says: Aye!

Nialos says: He really does swear a lot, doesn't he?

Stehl says: No. He's trying to be civil with you and it isn't working. I think.

Mairèad turns back to Chadley with a slight frown, more of confusion than disappointment. "Don' ye like rapters?"

Stehl says: Or it's me belittling his efforts.

Chadley says: Give me credit.

Stehl says: No.
Stehl says: You're being a little bitch. No credit for you.

Chadley says: Well what the hell do you want me to do.

You let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Stehl says: Fall off of Icecrown again. Or whatever it was.

Chadley says: ...

Stehl says: Maybe there's a decent person that can get jumbled up to the surface of that great void you call a skull.

Mairèad says: ...either way. 'm goin' jungleward an' Chad, ye kin come wiff me if ye wanna.
You glare angrily at Stehl.
Mairèad says: STOP talkin' about Chad tha' way.

Stehl says: No. I don't think I will.

Mairèad says: An' if yer gunna talk about Chad tha' way, do i' whar I kin't hear ye. Yer nuffin' bu' a big bully.

Stehl says: When he starts acting like somebody I can be civil with? Then I will.

Mairèad says: He was bein' jest fine wiff civil'tee 'til YOU came 'long.

Chadley turns to Stehl, and puches him on the chest like a really threatening bro. "Who the hell do you think you are, anyway?"

Teach pats Mairead on the head, "Goo'girl."

Mairèad says: Mr. Grrrrrhelm kin tell ye. Righ', Mr. Grrrrrhelm?

Nialos shambles over to the lamp with his broken legs. "Tell him what?"

Stehl grabs Chadley's wrist and twists, "Another paladin expecting better of some little whelp."

Mairèad says: Tha' Chad was bein rill-- STOP IT!

Nialos says: He was trying. But I don't think it was for the reasons you think, dear.

Mairèad fumbles for her sword with her good arm and tries to flail it at Mr. Stehl.

Chadley tenses, and tries to wrench his hands free. He probably gets all up in Stehl's grill. He doesn't say anything, though.

Stehl twists Chadley's arm further, trying to maneuver him in the way of Mairead's... flailing. "Yeah, because I'm the aggressor here. That's me. Beating up poor Chadley."

Mairèad says: Ye are! Le' him go!

Nialos says: Verbally assaulting him, yes. Chadley initiated this little show, however.

Stehl says: He punched me. I'm showing him that wasn't a good idea.

Teach says: Ah'come now matey, le'im'go. 'e's'importan'te'er.

Chadley 's eyes go wide, and he ducks his head out of the way. He grits his teeth in pain as his arm is twisted further. "F-- fu- Let me go!"

Mairèad 's sword flail swipes downward towards Chadley's shoulder, though as soon as she realizes that she can't hit Mr. Stehl without hitting Chadley, she stops.
Mairèad says: You provoked him to i' by bein' a jerk!

Stehl says: If it took words to do this much, imagine if I really wanted to get him mad.

Nialos says: Words are simply words. He could have chosen to ignore them.

Mairèad says: He was bein' comple'ely civil 'til ye came along an' decided to star' tellin' him tha' he's n'good.

Stehl says: I came along and heard him complaining. It degenerated from there.

Mairèad says: Tha' still doesn' mean ye kin go 'round sayin' horrible fin's 'bout people.
Mairèad says: Mebbe he shouldna taken th' words t'heart, bu' ye shouldna said 'em in th' firs' place.

Chadley flails stupidly trying to escape, not contributing to the conversation.

Nialos says: I think that's one of Stehl's angles.

Stehl places his free hand on Chadley's head and starts ruffling his hair, "Yeah. Other is that the truth hurts."

Mairèad says: LET HIM GO!
Mairèad is actually tearing up now, really not able to do anything.

Stehl leans down slightly, staring at Chadley, "Have fun on your fucking field trip, dude. And all you need to know is that I'm your better in many, many ways." With that, he lets go.

You glare angrily at Stehl.

Stehl says: ... Draw that blade on me again without a damn good reason, and I break it. Miss.

Chadley staggers backward, clutching his wrist. "I never said that I doubted that. But a greater man would hold his tongue."

Mairèad says: Ye attacked summone. Tha's a good reason fer you, an' i's a good reason fer me.

Stehl says: Look who's talking, tiger.

Mairèad says: Tha' wasn' self defence, neither, s'don' try tha' on me.

Stehl says: He punched me in the chest. You want him doing that to somebody unarmored?

Mairèad says: He wouldn'.

Chadley says: I somewhat pushed you!

Nialos says: Are you sure?

Stehl says: If he got mad enough? Bet he would.

Mairèad says: No, he wouldn'.

Teach says: Oh'come now Stehl'ye'done'ad'yer fun.

Mairèad says: I know him be'er than you.

Stehl says: Not at this point, you don't.
Stehl says: I've seen this nonsense before. And helped him out of it in my own way.

Mairèad says: Yes. I do. Have ye been in Icecrown wiff him? Have ye been livin' wiff him? Have ye been takin' care 'a him all this time?

Stehl facepalms. "Okay. Blinded by love, then. You've got some growing up to do as well. Enjoy your raptor punching."

Nialos says: Ah, youth.
Nialos says: The past repeats itself, lass. You should learn that.

Stehl says: I can't wait until he proves you wrong, though.

You glare angrily at Stehl.
Mairèad says: Ye dunno whatcher talkin' 'bout.

Stehl says: Yes. I do.

Mairèad says: No. Ye don'.

Chadley says: Just what the hell -do- you want with me? Want me to go over there and kiss the old deader on the cheek?!

Mairèad says: Chad.

Stehl says: No.

Mairèad says: I' ent worff i'. Mr. Stehl's jest a bully an' won' see reason.

Nialos says: I'd prefer if you didn't, but go for it.Nialos says: I seem to be good at being used for stuff.

Stehl says: ... Pot calling the kettle blacker than the depths of a coal mine.

Mairèad says: HE WAS FINE UNTIL YE CAME ALONG.

Stehl says: Clearly, I must have broken him!

Mairèad says: He was tryin'! An' then ye told him i' wasn' good 'nuff!

Stehl thumbs up Mairead.

Chadley looks very ready to punch Stehl.

Teach covers his face with his palm.

Nialos says: Lass. Back down from this.

Mairèad puts her uninjured hand on Chadley's shoulder. "C'mon. Le's go."

Nialos says: Some fights are not your own. Even if you wish it so.

Chadley says: ... Fine.

Stehl says: Have fun, brochadcho. Fucking love field trips.
Stehl fingerguns.

Chadley snubs Stehl.

Mairèad says: 'm sorreh tha' happen't. Ye were doin' rill good.

Chadley says: Where are we going.

Mairèad says: ...we were goin' t'th' jungle. Strangleforn. Bu' if ye don' wanna, we don' hafta.

Chadley says: I like jungles.

Mairèad says: Okie.
Mairèad says: Then we'll fly t'Booty Bay.

[Upon reaching the Rebel Camp...]

Chadley blows a whistle and yells, "I know you followed!" And, sure enough, his raptor runs to him from the brush.
Chadley says: I told you I had one.

You grin wickedly at Chadley.
Mairèad says: We named him, y'know.

Chadley says: Did we? I never was much good at naming things.
Chadley says: You must've come up with the name.
Chadley smiles.

Mairèad chuckles. "I fink we came up wiff i' t'gether. You were th' one t'decide on' i', though. Ye called him 'Trollbane.'" She's smiling brightly at the irony.

Chadley says: ... That's a terrible name for a raptor.
Chadley says: I like it.

You laugh at Chadley.
Mairèad says: 'm glad ye like i'.
Mairèad says: Ready t'go? I fink me dad's meetin' us a' some troll ruins wiff rapters in 'em.

Chadley pats his newly-named raptor on the neck. "Y'ready? C'mon, let's go kill hundreds of your kin."

You giggle at Chadley.
Mairèad says: He kin figh' 'em, too! Ye had him figh' 'em when we were in Dustwallow, after we found th' dargons.

Chadley says: We saw darg-- dragons!?

Mairèad says: Yahar!
Mairèad says: I' was a rill good day.

Chadley says: I need to hit my head a few times and scramble that memory back in there.

Mairèad smiles sadly and shakes her head. "Nah. We'll jest make some new mem'ries. Though...tha' day was th' firs' time ye kissed me."
Mairèad says: ...'cause I toldja to.
Mairèad says: ...yahar, i's okie if ye nevarrr r'member. I jest wantcha t'be happy, y'know?

Chadley says: ... Hey.

Mairèad says: Hmm?

Chadley says: Was that dickhead paladin' telling the truth?

Mairèad says: ...'bout what?
Mairèad says: 'cause he said a lotta stuff.

Chadley says: 'Bout me not bein' sincere.
Chadley says: Also 'bout me bein' a whelp.

Mairèad says: ...well, I dunno, Chad. Only you kin say if yer bein' sincere.
Mairèad says: Whelp's a silly name t'call ye 'cause ye don' even have scales.
Mairèad says: -Were- ye sincere when ye talked t'Mr. Grrrrrhelm?

Chadley says: No.

Mairèad says: Oh.

Chadley says: But I tried.

Mairèad says: Ye did try.
Mairèad says: Ye can' force yerself t'be sincere.
Mairèad says: Ye kin only rilly try.
Mairèad says: Chad, kin I aks ye sumfin' while me dad's zoned out?

Chadley says: ... Yeah, Mair?

Mairèad says: Why were you tryin' wiff Mr. Grrrrrhelm? Was i' 'cause ye wan'ed ter be nicer or was i' fer another reason?

Chadley says: ... Because I thought it'd make you smile.

Mairèad smiles, genuinely, and reaches up to give Chadley a light kiss on the cheek. "I love you, Chad. Ye make me smile, even when you don' try."

Chadley withers a bit at this.
Chadley says: ... I- I guess that's good.

[ZG fighting, epic battle with priestess, cue the Final Fantasy cutscene]

Mairèad 's right arm hangs uselessly at her side, jostled out of the sling by fighting. She tries to move it back and winces.
Mairèad says: ...tha's n'good.

Chadley holds his hands out over her arm, lowering his head slightly to inspect it.
Chadley says: ... May I?

Mairèad chews her lower lip and nods. "Yahar. 'sme own faul'."

Chadley very, very gently holds her arm. "This, uh. Is it okay if this hurts?"

Mairèad takes a deep breath and nods, closing her eyes and bracing herself. "I' hur' when th' Argent healers fixed i', too. Go 'head."

Chadley bites his lip, seeming extra careful not to do anything too terrible. He exhales, and closes his eyes. As always, the ribbons of Light curl down his arms, and into her flesh. The bone shifts, and it would be painful.

Mairèad grasps the hem of her tabard with her free hand, cringing hard as the bone shifts against bone. She tries not to cry out, but only manages that for about thirty seconds before letting out a yelp of pain.

Chadley winces, but not terribly. His condition is trancelike, and not easily broken. The Light wraps around her arm as well, settling into it, causing it to illuminate. The stressed muscles mend slightly, and the bone shifts into place. It cannot mend, though.

Mairèad is breathing heavily, her hand shaking, tears of pain streaming down her cheeks. She doesn't at all relinquish her hold on her tabard, though she does appear to be trying to control her reaction to the healing. "F-fuck--" she manages.

Chadley lets go. As he opens his eyes, there's a flash of fading light. "I think maybe we should stay behind your old man from now on."

Mairèad relaxes some, flexing the fingers of her right hand and still wincing. She nods. "Prolly a good idear. I've missed ye healin' me, Chad. Fanks."

Chadley says: ... Is your sling working okay?

Mairèad nods and, very gingerly, tries to move her arm to rest it back in the sling. "I's keepin' me arm immobile, yahar. I shouldna fough'. Tha's me own faul'."

Chadley says: ... Oh well. Let's go, I bet he's waiting.Chadley says: ... Where'd he go.

Mairèad says: ...I dunno.

[they come across Hakkar]

Chadley says: Fucking Light what is that.

You stare Hakkar down.
Mairèad says: ...I dunno, bu' i's bigger'n th' bomber'nashun wha' go' me arm.

Chadley says: ... That's what got you in the arm?

Mairèad says: Yahar.
Mairèad says: ...y'know tha' day when I wasn' in bed when y'woke up?

Chadley says: ... You didn't tell m-

Mairèad says: Dad?

Teach says: OH YEAH? 'OW'D'YA LOIK THA', BILGE RAT?

[Teach is mindcontrolled by Hakkar and starts attacking Chadley]

Mairèad says: DAD!
Mairèad says: Dad, Chads are friends, no' food.

Teach says: 'E'S CONTROLIN' MEH!

Chadley says: You sure you're not doin' that on purpose?!

Mairèad says: Wow, this guy's a jerk.

[After the fight]

Mairèad says: ...tha' was th' weirdes' fin' evarrr.

Chadley says: ... Is this normal of trolls?

Mairèad says: I dunno, I never been 'round trolls 'afore. Whar'd me dad go?

Chadley says: We should find him.
Chadley says: What.
Chadley boggles at the situation.

Mairèad shifts her arm uncomfortably in her sling. "Well. Tha' wunna rapter, bu' i' was still rill excitin'!"

Chadley says: We killed some...

Mairèad says: We did.

Chadley says: We should get back to the city!

Mairèad says: Wanna go t' Booty Bay fer drinks?

Chadley says: I-- sure.

Mairèad says: Ye sure? I mean...we don' hafta go thar if ye don' wanna.

Chadley says: I'm just embarrassing when I drink.

Mairèad chuckles softly. "I seen ye drink 'afore. You were drinkin' th' firs' time we me' Patrick an' then a' th' picnic."

Chadley says: ... Then you know I can't hold it very well.

Mairèad says: Ye didn' seem embarrassin' t'me, bu' mebbe Mr. Stehl's righ' an' I'm blinded by love 'r sumfin'.
Mairèad frowns, shoulders sagging.

Chadley says: Hey, um. I appreciate, um. The love.
Chadley says: ...
Chadley says: Let's leave.

Mairèad says: ...okie.

Chadley says: Are we going home, or Booty Bay?

Mairèad says: Up t'you.

Chadley says: Booty Bay.
Chadley smiles.

Mairèad says: Booty Bay migh' have less deaders'n Mr. Stehls, bu' we could always g-- okie.
You smile at Chadley.
Mairèad says: Booty Bay i' is, then.

[Upon arriving in Booty Bay, they come across Patrick]

Chadley blinks at Patrickk.

Mairèad says: Patrick!

Patrickk is very surprized!

Chadley says: ...

Mairèad says: I been lookin' fer ye. Didja git me le'ers?

Patrickk says: Mai and Chad! What a fuckin' surprise!

Mairèad says: We were jest over in th' troll ruins, tryin' t'chase rapters.

Chadley pulls her in closer. "I thought you said you didn't know anybody here."

Patrickk says: I got that one, yeah, and I sent you back one.

Mairèad is pulled in closer. She looks very happy about this, even though it causes her to lean against Chadley on her bad arm.
Mairèad says: I didn' fink Patrick lived here...I fough' ye lived in Dalaran. An' I musta los' i' in th' mail. I was gunna git ice cream an bewy an' bring Shenanigans.

Patrickk says: Me and Nicene just got a place here, to get away from Dalaran, and the cold.

Mairèad says: I's pre'y cold up thar, yahar. We been in Stormwind while me arm's healin'. Oh! Chad, ye don' r'member Patrick. Chadley Fairdale, this is Patrick Morgan.

Patrickk says: Well, Nicene went to bed. She's pretty exhausted after travelling here, but... well fuck, I could join you for ice cream and drinks.
Patrickk looks over at Chadley, and his face falls. "Oh. That's right, you had that..."

Chadley extends a hand, looking mildly uncomfortable. "Hey."Chadley interrupts Patrick.

Mairèad looks up at Chadley with a smile. "Y'wanna do tha', Chad? I dunno wha' kinna ice cream they go' here, though."

Patrickk nods. He steps forwards and awkwardly shakes Chad's hand.

Chadley says: It's... good to meet you. Sir.

Mairèad looks down at her armor and suddenly flushes. "...'m sorreh, we were jest in th' troll ruins, I didn' have time t'change." She seems very wary of upsetting Patrick for some reason.

Patrickk looks quite unsettled

Chadley says: So... if it's not too much trouble, I just like asking people this. How did we meet?

Patrickk nods at Mai.

Mairèad idly picks the pills off of her sling, still looking very wary, almost afraid. Even though littlest palerdins aren't supposed to be afraid.

Stehl says: ...

Patrickk says: It was with Mairead here-

You blink at Stehl.

Patrickk HEARS THE NO SOUND.

Chadley stares Stehl down.

Mairèad says: ...rilly?

Chadley says: Oh, come on.

Mairèad says: -RILLY-?

Patrickk turns around to see what all the commotion is.

Stehl drops his D.I.S.C.O. on the ground, the device activating, "Hey. I needed to get this thing fixed."

Chadley says: I'm done. Mairead, I'll be getting drinks.

Patrickk 's hand instantly goes to his sword.

Stehl says: Best paladin activity, that.

Mairèad looks at Chadley and nods. "I'll be righ' thar wiff ye."

Stehl tries to cram the ball into the thing again.

[in the bar]

Mairèad says: ...I fink he's stalkin' us.

Chadley says: Where's the other guy.

Mairèad says: Patrick?

Chadley says: Yeah, him.

Mairèad says: I dunno. I hope he an' Mr. Stehl ent fightin'. I'm tired 'a people fightin'.

Chadley says: ... Mairead. That there is undead.

Mairèad says: ...I know. 'm sorry.

Stehl waves.

Mairèad drops her head down on the table with a thonk and a frustrated sigh.

Chadley ... does the same.

Stehl waves his hands, "Oh no, here I am to RUIN YOUR FUN. Pricks."

Chadley says: ... Why are you even -here-?

Mairèad says: ...ignore him, Chad.

Stehl says: I had to get something fixed. Got it from the goblins.

Mairèad 's voice is muffled from her head still being thonked on the table.

Chadley says: I can't ignore it! He's trying to be a jackass!Chadley has since sat up.

Stehl says: ... I'm getting something to drink.
Stehl says: Wow. That guy likes water.
Stehl says: Dick.
Stehl says: MON.

Chadley says: ... Will you leave us alone, then?

Mairèad says: He's gunna keep bein' a jackass to you as long as y'keep talkin' t'him.

Stehl says: ... Really?

Chadley says: Yeah. I think I've finally realized this.

Stehl says: Weren't you hanging on my every word a day ago?

Mairèad doesn't respond to Stehl, instead looking at the candle, still resting her head on the table.

Stehl says: The moment I even -question- your perfect boyfriend though, that goes to hell? -Really-?

Chadley says: Don't even start that shit. I'm not perfect, and she doesn't think I am.

Mairèad says: ...whaddya wan', Mr. Stehl? I don' fink he's perfec'. I fink he's an asshole some 'a th' time.

Chadley says: Just shut up for her sake, though. You're making her upset.

Mairèad says: A lotta th' time.

Chadley says: ...
Chadley frowns.

Mairèad says: Bu' he's good inside.
Mairèad says: An' he loves me.

Chadley covers his face with his palm.

Stehl says: He is. It just has to come out again.

Mairèad says: An' i's gunna come ou' by you bein' an asshole t'him? Is tha' whatcher tryin' t'say?

Stehl says: From what I've seen, he's the same person I saw months ago. Before you even showed up.

Chadley says: Well, you don't seem to be helping it along with your snide remarks.

Mairèad continues to look at the candle more than Stehl. "Las' time he star'ed bein' nice, i' was 'cause he realized fin's on his own, wiffou' people tellin' him t'think 'r feel thin's."

Stehl says: What do you even know about last time? He was a huge dick. And know who helped push him away from that? Or who was at least right -every single time-?

Mairèad is still looking at the candle. "I mean' recen'ly."

Stehl says: Oh, recently? Worked the first time. Maybe he can damn himself again!

You let out a long, drawn-out sigh.

Stehl says: Just maybe, with enough inaction!

Mairèad says: Mr. Stehl, kin ye either help 'r leave?

Stehl says: Your brand of 'help' won't help him. Just like whatsherface's didn't either.

Mairèad says: Don' compare me t'her!

Chadley says: Oh, we don't need to -hear- this.

Mairèad says: I akshully been tryin' stuff, a'righ'?

Stehl says: Too late. Already did,.

Chadley says: Stehl, was it?
Chadley says: Just get the fuck out and leave us alone.

Stehl says: Trying what? A light swat to the wrist when he does something actually wrong?

Chadley says: I didn't do anything wrong!

Stehl says: 'Bad Chadders!'

Mairèad just sighs, her shoulders sagging, and shakes her head. "Please go 'way. I don' wanna figh' wiff ye an' I don' wanna feel bad t'nigh'. Kin ye save this fer some ovver time?"

Chadley 's fist clenches, his nails digging into the table as it does.

Stehl says: Tell me, what time would be good? Doubt you'll listen at any time.

Mairèad says: ...jest no' t'nigh', please.

Stehl says: He'll be fixed with the power of LOVE and FRIENDSHIP.
Stehl fistpumps.

Mairèad says: I'll listen t'ye t'morrow. We kin talk 'bout i' firs' fin' in th' mornin'. Promise.
Mairèad says: I'll even buy ye breakfas'.

Chadley says: Are you just looking for a fight?

Stehl says: No. I'm not.

Chadley says: Then why do you continue to antagonize me.

Stehl says: Came here to fix something. Didn't know you'd even be here. Then I came here for water and you two just started whining about how I'm so mean and just going to be a jerk.

Chadley says: You can walk away at any time.

Stehl says: NOW I'm antagonizing you two because maybe, just maybe, it's possible that I'll be nice if people are nice to me!

Mairèad says: ...'m tryin' t'be nice. I wanna be nice. 'm...'m sorry, Mr. Stehl.

Stehl says: You want to be nice, but you- No.

Chadley says: Look. We're just here to relax. We'll shut up, and you can ignore us.

Stehl says: But you start out by assuring him I'm here to ruin his weekend.

Chadley says: Enough!

Stehl says: No! You've already pissed in my delightful breakfast!

Mairèad says: I'm -sorry-. A'righ'?
Mairèad says: I didn' mean t'git mad atcha. Ye were righ' before 'bout a lotta fin's, bu' I'd rilly rather jest have a good nigh' na' an' talk 'bout i' la'er.

Chadley says: Look. Apologies everywhere. Now please. Stop upsetting her.

Stehl grabs a chair and pulls it up, "Apology accepted."
Stehl is totally in a chair.

Chadley boggles at Stehl.

You blink at Stehl.

Mairèad says: ...hi.

Chadley says: I- what. No.

Stehl kicks up his feet, "How'd raptor wrasslin' go?"

Chadley says: We didn't say--

Mairèad says: ...wen' good. We killed a big red fin'...me dad go' mind controlled.
Mairèad says: Bu' he go' be'er.

Chadley says: Mairead, stop talking to him!

Stehl says: Excuse me.

You blink at Chadley.

Stehl says: I'm trying to hold a conversation.

You blink at Stehl.

Stehl says: Thank you.

Chadley says: No.

Mairèad says: A--

Chadley says: No, I'm not fucking putting up with this.

Mairèad drops her head to the table with another thonk and groans, covering her head with her hands.

Chadley stands, ignoring the chaos upstairs. He stares down at Stehl. "I aksed you nicely. Get the hell out."

Mairèad says: Chad, please--

Stehl says: I'm not leaving, though.
Stehl nods at Chadley, flashing a thumb's up.

You begin to groan.

Chadley kicks the leg of Stehl's chair. "Get up!"

Mairèad hears the kicking and the yelling and sighs. "Chad, please don' antagernize him anymore. Please, he kin stay."

Stehl 's chair tips to the side dangerously, before he manages to balance it the right way, "You heard the lady. Don't antagernize me. I can stay."

Mairèad says: ...please don' make fun 'a th' way I talk, Mr. Stehl.

Stehl says: ... I'm not.

Mairèad says: ...

Chadley kicks the chair leg again. "No, Mairead. I'm not putting up with this."

Mairèad says: ...he's gunna kick yer arse if ye keep doin' tha'. I kin't stop him wiff jest one good arm.
Mairèad is still thonked.

Chadley says: Then let it be between the two of us.

Stehl almost tips over again, "Chair'll break if you keep that up."

Mairèad says: ...fine. Come an' find me in Stormwind when yer done, if ye kin walk.

Chadley doesn't let the chair fall back down. He kicks it over -again-, mid-tilt.

Mairèad stands, looking at Chadley almost tearfully, and walks out of the bar, towards the flight masters.