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!

Mairèad & Matteo: April 15

Matteo seats himself lightly.

Mairèad is magnetically drawn to benches. It happens. She rests her arms on her knees and leans forward, looking somewhat exhausted, and eventually asks, "Why'd you wanna train me, Mr. Crowe?"

Matteo says: I wish to train you so that you may be both successful in your own life and a paladin that serves faithfully those around her.
Matteo says: Why do you ask?

Mairèad says: But I mean, why me? What was it about -me-? I...I know this sounds all vain and demandin', but...

Matteo says: You wish to know why I believed you to be a worthy student?

Mairèad wrinkles her nose and eventually says, as if the words taste bad, "It wasn't 'cause you thought I'd be a good lay or somethin', was it?"

Matteo blinks stupidly, "The thought did not once occur, I can assure you."

Mairèad exhales and nods. "Alright. I...I guess I jest needed t'make sure that people see me fer more'n that, that's all."

Matteo says: I saw you as a youth earnestly faithful and passionately seeking knighthood for the right reasons, rather than the wrong ones, and I wished to help you.

Mairèad nods slowly, not exactly looking at Matteo. "So faithful and passionate about th'right things, then," she repeats, as if trying to convince herself of those words.

Matteo says: You wanted to become a paladin to defend people. This is the right reason.
Matteo says: I see plenty of recruits doing it to fight. It's unfortunate. A paladin must train and earn their strength and hope never to use it.

Mairèad says: That's what I hope. I don't like people like th'golem, folks what claim t'be palerdins but jest wanna fight...always thought they'd be better berserkers.

Matteo says: They would be.
Matteo says: They're usually following the light in their own way, but it is not my way. It is not Uther's way.
Matteo says: It seems to me to be treating the Light as a means to an end.

Mairèad says: Instead of a goal to be reached.

Matteo says: Or a method by which to live one's life.

Mairèad says: Have y'met th'golem, Mr. Crowe? She's a bit mad, rilly.
Mairèad laughs halfheartedly and distractedly.

Matteo shakes his head, "Afraid I have not."

Mairèad says: That's prolly fer th'best. She's...well, you'd not like her much. Stehlfire doesn't, though he defends her against idiots, like he does anyone else.
Mairèad hesitates a while before asking, "...Mr. Crowe, did you evarrr know yer father?"

Matteo says: I did.

Mairèad says: What was he like?

Matteo says: He was a military man by blood.
Matteo says: He was a man of honor and strength. Perhaps, a good deal like Genn Greymane.

Mairèad says: And a good man, then?

Matteo glances away, frowning faintly, "He was the best man that he could be. But perhaps not the best man that the would could see."

Mairèad says: Was he good t'you?

Matteo says: He was... good, I suppose, albiet distant. I was not, at the time, the warrior he wanted from me, but he left me to my devices without scorn.

Mairèad says: That's good of him. And y'turned out right good fer it, whatever th'case may've been.
Mairèad says: ...d'you think someone kin turn out good if their father...I mean, if their dad's kind of...well...-awful-?

Matteo smiles faintly and looks at Mairead once more, "My father was distant. He did not raise me. We are not slaves to our heritage. You, Mairead, are certainly good, if that is what you are asking."

Mairèad nods again, chewing on the inside of her lower lip. "And y'think there's more t'me than jest puttin' out, right?"

Matteo says: Mairead, you are soon to be a knight. There is much, much more to you than just that.
Matteo says: If we were all to be judged in such a fashion, would I not simply be a killer for my actions on the battlefield?

Mairèad says: Do people evarrr look at you as jest a killer?

Matteo says: Yes, of course.
Matteo says: But that does not mean they are correct.

Mairèad says: Jest...I been thinkin' a lot, y'know? Me dad came back to Stormwind a couple'a days ago, and he said...he said some thin's that...well. I feel out of sorts in a lotta ways.

Matteo says: That does not make him correct.
Matteo glances around from a moment before brushing his hand over his face lightly, "If you would desire to know, my father's life was cut short by his brother. This man married my mother and claimed himself to be my father. The things he said about me have not nor ever will be true."

Mairèad says: ...rilly?

Matteo nods.

Mairèad considers this, still chewing on her lower lip thoughtfully. "How'd you get over th'things he'd say t'you? How'd you learn t'tell what's true and what ent?"

Matteo breaks eye contact once more, "I went through plenty of trials and tribulations. I came out of it a knight."

Mairèad says: So thin's like this...d'you think the Light sends them to us so we kin grow?

Matteo nods, "There is no doubt in my mind that without some push from the light, I would not be here today."

Mairèad says: Learnin' this sorta thing's hard. Feels like errybody in me life that I've looked to fer love's jest ended up usin' me and throwin' me out, save fer you, Shep, and Chad.
Mairèad says: ...well, and me mam, but she's me mam.

Matteo says: I certainly know the feeling, Mair.
Matteo says: After my uncle murdered my father, I ended up leaving my home. I've not seen any member of my family since then.

Mairèad says: D'you think they made it to Stormwind?

Matteo shrugs, "I wouldn't care if they had. They let me go, and I let them go."

Mairèad says: Kin y'do that?

Matteo says: I had to.
Matteo says: Otherwise I would've killed him myself.

Mairèad says: Doesn't it evarrr git lonely?

Matteo says: The years have been lonely, yes.
Matteo says: I certainly wouldn't lie about that. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone. It was... what I had to do, I suppose.

Mairèad says: ...kin you make a new family? One that you choose yerself?

Matteo says: I have tried to.

Mairèad says: Have you succeeded at all?

Matteo says: Unfortunately, lingering remnants of the war have prevented it, so far. But I will... hopefully rid myself of them, one day.
Matteo pinches the bridge of his nose, before rubbing his forehead lightly.

Mairèad says: D'you mean that yer afraid t'get close to people or that th'war's made it hard for people to git close t'you?

Matteo says: Both. And I don't sleep well at all.
Matteo says: There were things during that war, Mairead, that I would wish no one see. Not even my enemies.

Mairèad tilts her head, considering. "Shep doesn't sleep well either, though that's because he remembers errythin'. Why do those things keep you from havin' a new family?"

Matteo says: I remember things that I wish very much to forget. I can see them sometimes, when I close my eyes, or when I sleep. How can I care for someone else such as my child fully when I can hardly get rest?

Mairèad says: What if it wasn't a wee child, though? What if it was jest someone that...that you'd already done lots fer? And...I mean, fer th'record. I think you'd be a great dad.
Mairèad 's ears have gone bright red.

Matteo returns his gaze to Mairead, studying her for a moment before smiling slowly, "Thank you, Mair. What are you trying to get across?"

Mairèad continues to chew on her lower lip very hard, scuffing her toes on the ground. "Jest...well, I mean. Y'been kinda...kinda more of a dad t'me than me own dad's been. And, um." She trails off into mumbling, cheeks burning red still.

Matteo continues to simply smile, "I would consider you a daughter, Mairead, if your own father cannot see what a lovely young woman you are."

Mairèad looks up now, smiling a bit more widely. "Y'would?"

Matteo nods, chuckling lightly, "I will be here for you as much as I can be, Mair."

Mairèad says: And I'll do th'same fer you. If...I mean, if that's alright.

Matteo says: It is. It certainly is.

Mairèad smiles and, after a moment's hesitation, gets up and sits on the bench beside Matteo, hugging him from the side. Awkwardly.

Matteo returns the hug as best he can from his position.

Mairèad draws back after a moment, pushing some hair out of her face and grinning rather derpishly. "Well. That's. I mean. Yahar."

Matteo says: I hope this helps your self image, Mair. I certainly believe you are a wonderful young woman. You've made your mistakes, yes, but we all have. It's part of growing.

Mairèad says: I hope it helps yers, too. I dunno much about yer past, but...honestly, yer a good man, Mr. Crowe. I think y'sell yerself short a lotta th'time. I'm gladder to have trained under you than I would've been under anyone...save fer Tirion himself, 'a course.
Mairèad says: I mean, who'd pass that up?

Matteo says: Not I.
Matteo chuckles lightly, "You certainly do make me feel better, Mair. I was worried I'd make an awful teacher."

Mairèad shakes her head rather firmly. "You don't make an awful teacher. It's not jest about th'Light that I've learned under you... I mean. I guess that's why yer like a rill dad. Y'don't leave the lesson off at th'words of th'libram."

Matteo says: Leaving them off there would be a mistake. It would leave out half of being a paladin.

Mairèad says: You've also looked out fer me when y'didn't have to...like with Nerb and that whole mess, and other times. I know bein' a palerdin's a lifestyle thing, not jest a job, but...I guess I kin tell you actually give a damn about me, and that's somethin' new.
Mairèad says: ...fer me, at least.

Matteo chuckles lightly, "As we've established, you're a daughter to me. I couldn't help but care. You needed me and I could tell it. I wasn't going to fail you."

Mairèad says: And I'm not gonna fail you, either. Not you, not th'Light, not th'people what believe in me.

Matteo says: I know you won't.

Mairèad smiles and exhales slowly. After a moment, her smile fades somewhat. "I dunno how I feel about havin'...well. Havin' Cap'n Teach at me ordinashun."

Matteo says: He doesn't have to come.
Matteo says: Of course, if he says anything innapropriate, I'll have to politely ask him to catch my fist with his face.

Mairèad can't help but smile at this. "You'd do that?" she asks.

Matteo says: Probably twice.

Mairèad says: I'll jest have t'talk to me mam about it before...the onleh reason he's comin' at all's 'cause she threatened his stash 'a bewwy.

Matteo nods, "Sounds like a choice fellow. I'll support your choice, Mair, whatever it may be."

Mairèad says: Either way, I'm glad it's you that'll be doin' the ceremony and most errythin' about it.

Matteo says: It'll be a good ceremony, Mair.
Matteo says: And I'll be as proud as any father.
Matteo chuckles.

Mairèad 's cheeks flush, less with embarrassment and more with omg yey daddies. "I didn't tell you...th'smithy fucked up me armor. It won't be ready fer a while yet, so I'm gunna wear a white robe instead."

Matteo says: That'll work quite well, I think.

Mairèad says: D'you have ceremonial armor that you'll be wearin'?

Matteo says: Probably my officer's armor. The golden alliance armor, that is.

Mairèad says: That's th'stuff you were wearin' when I first met you, isn't it?

Matteo says: Yes.

Mairèad says: Oh! Speakin' of things that relate to when I met you...I finished th'poem fer you and Miss Ysolte, even if y'ent gittin' married anymore. Shep said it was rill good when I read it to him.

Matteo says: Did you?
Matteo loses his smile for a moment.

Kentolian sniffs Matteo.

Matteo looks at Kentolian.

Kentolian barks at Matteo.

Matteo says: Can I help you, sir?

You peer at Kentolian searchingly.
Mairèad says: Stand up.

Kentolian tilts his head, right ear hanging down adorably like a puppy.

Mairèad says: Y'ent doin' yer race any favors by actin' like this.

Kentolian barks at you.

Matteo twists his lips, "Hm."

Kentolian leans his head down, giving a puppy face to be petted.

Mairèad says: I am not pettin' you. Yer a wergin, not a puppy. Stand up and have some dignity.

Matteo says: Aye.

Kentolian whimpers.

Mairèad says: Dignity.

Kentolian leans his head against Mairead's lap.

Matteo says: I don't think he understands the concept.

Mairèad looks extremely upset to have a head leaning against her lap. "Yer not a puppy. Yer a wergin. Git off me and have. some. dignity."

Kentolian growls at Mairead.

Matteo stares Kentolian down.
Matteo says: Step back.

Kentolian barks at Matteo.

Matteo says: We've no interest in whatever you're trying to do.

Mairèad narrows her eyes at the worgen. "Don't you growl at me and don't you bark at Mr. Crowe."

Kentolian thinks and barks at Mairead then growls at Matteo, making it the other way around.

Matteo says: Proof enough that he understands what we're saying.
Matteo says: Well enough, understand this: Leave us be.

Kentolian blinks at Matteo.
Kentolian bites Matteo. Ouch!
Kentolian bites you. Ouch!

Mairèad says: Light's sake, you lot have th'potential t'be a proud race. A rilly proud race, one what's overcome a -lot- of advers-- HEY.

Matteo snaps his fist at the worgen's head.

Mairèad does the same from the other side.

Kentolian whimpers.

Matteo says: Leave.

Mairèad says: ...Light, I feel bad fer Shep.

Matteo says: Aye. It's like Death Knights: Some of them are quite proud and respectable individuals. However, some are... touched.

Mairèad says: Many're touched. I dunno how Stehlfire does it, sittin' around Cathedral Square all day and smackin' th'idiots.

Matteo says: I have no clue either.

Mairèad says: I was thinkin' that maybe after I'd been ordained, I'd want to try an' serve th'Crusade as part 'a Stehlfire's unit. I know it's dangerous and all, but...well, isn't that what palerdins do? Stand between others and danger?

Matteo says: What unit is that?

Mairèad says: Th'Seventh Legion. I think they're called th'Ghost Division, 'cause they get in, get out, and get it done.

Matteo chuckles faintly, "The unit of which I am a member."

Mairèad says: You are?

Matteo says: Mmhmm.

Mairèad says: Well. I think that'd be another good reason t'join. I know that they do a lot of rill dangerous stuff, but...well. May's well do what I wanted t'be a palerdin fer, right?

Matteo says: Well, Mairead, I will warn that the division is nicknamed 'the suicide squad'.
Matteo says: And for a reason.
Matteo says: But... It is your decision. Do what makes you happy.

Mairèad says: Bein' happy's important, but doin' what's right's important, too.

Matteo nods, "Don't sacrifice one for the other, though."

Mairèad shakes her head. "I won't. Th'things that make me happy...you, Chad, Shep, me mam...I won't trade that fer what's right unless I absolutely have to."

Matteo says: Just remember a sacrifice like that is permanent.

Mairèad nods soberly. "I know. It's not somethin' to take lightly. And I know I've got a lot t'lose, if I did join a suicide squad. But...so d'you, so..." She bites on the inside of her lower lip again.

Matteo says: I have a lot more experience than you do, Mair.

Mairèad says: Suicide's suicide. And bein' on a ship doesn't count fer nothin', y'know. I mean...it ent th'Twilight's Hammer, I know, but...well, I've stared down death before.

Matteo chuckles faintly, "You really don't know war like I do, Mair. Being on a ship's not war."

Mairèad says: No, I suppose it ent. But...well, where'm I supposed t'get experience, if not by goin' to war?

Matteo says: By joining a much less extreme unit.
Matteo says: The division you're discussing will be fighting the biggest and best in this war.
Matteo says: You should start much smaller.

Mairèad tries not to make a face at this but she doesn't really succeed.

Matteo says: I know, it's not glorious.
Matteo says: During my first true battle, though, I was nearly slain.

Mairèad says: We all have to go through that someday, don't we?

Matteo shakes his head, "The confrontation with death is not the point here. The point is, my inexperience lead to such. If I had been combatting a lich, rather than regular footsoldiers, I would have most certainly died."

Mairèad still makes a face that suggests she's thinking "I didn't become a paladin to shoo people off the steps." Still, she reluctantly agrees, "I guess that's a good point."

Matteo says: If I were you, I would start with the Highlands.
Matteo says: Get accustomed to the fight, perhaps venture into Grim Batol, such things as this.

Mairèad relaxes some and nods. "That sounds better than what I thought I'd start out doin'...I mean. I know humility is important and there are no unimportant jobs fer th'Light, but..."

Matteo says: Aye, I understand that.
Matteo says: I'd just not make any hasty decisions such as joining an elite devision.

Mairèad says: I don't know if they'd take me, anyway. It sounds like, if it's such an elite division, they'd want people with more experience anyway.

Matteo says: Anyway, Mair, I should begin the trek home. I'm glad we had this talk -- all of it.
Matteo says: And aye, there's that as well.

Mairèad nods and wraps her arms around Matteo's shoulders again, less hesitantly this time. "I am too, all of it. Thanks fer...fer everythin'."

Matteo returns the hug, "Anytime, Mair. You know where to find me, don't you?"

Mairèad says: Not specifically, no.

Matteo says: Right, right.
Matteo removes a piece of charcoal and some scrap of paper from his belt, etching down an address situated in Lakeshire before handing the paper to her, "There you are. Feel free to drop by anytime."

Mairèad says: Alright. I will. I...I'm jest stayin' in the Cathedral until I kin get some coin t'gether to live somewhere else.

Matteo says: Do you need help?

Mairèad shakes her head. "Nah, it's good t'spend time with the other squires and novitiates. And when I don't wanna sleep there, I've been carin' fer Shep's estate while he's in Dalaran."'

Matteo nods, "Ah, of course. You're welcome to my couch anytime you should wish it, as well."
Matteo stands, smiling, "Good eve, Mair."

Mairèad says: Good evenin', Mr. Crowe.