Mairèad, Orgo, & Lisa: April 30

Orgo plops down besides Mairead, giving her a poke. "Oi, Miss Palerdin."

Mairèad gives Orgo a hug around the shoulders. "Hey Gundorf. Is it okay that I'm sittin', even though I'm on active duty tonight?"

Orgo snorts. "Course it's fine. Stehl sits all th' time."

Mairèad says: Well that's good. Today's been kinda emotionally wringin', y'know? Like in a good way -and- a bad way. It's good t'jest sit with people y'like.

Orgo nods. "I understand."

Mairèad says: Did y'like the ceremony? I thought it went good, up 'til th'party at the end.

Orgo nods. "Yeah. I liked most of it."

Mairèad grins, nudging Orgo with her shoulder. "What didn't y'like?"

Orgo snorts. "Don't wanna say. Might hurt yer feelin's."

Mairèad says: Naw, go ahead and say. I'll bet I could guess, but go ahead and say.

Orgo snorts. "Didn't like th' singing."

Mairèad chuckles. "I'm not surprised. That was what I was gunna guess."

Orgo snorts again. "Where'd he run off too, anyway?"

Mairèad says: I dunno. To do... "stuff."

Orgo grumbles.

Mairèad says: ...yahar, that about sums it up.

Orgo scowls. "Yeh should dump 'is ass." There. He said it.

Mairèad rolls a shoulder and shakes her head. "We ent a couple, not rilly. He's... well. I think he feels strongly about me, but fer all I know, he jest doesn't wanna hurt me feelin's."

Orgo mumbles some more.
Orgo says: So. Ya get th' present I sent ya?

Mairèad says: Yahar! I did. Also, what'd you say jest now? Also-also, Colonel Hardcheese thinks I jest got married.

Orgo snorts. "Nothing. Just speculatin'. Bout other folks you could be seein'."
Orgo says: And yeh. Not sure th' Colonel knew what was goin' on.

Mairèad grins and leans against Orgo somewhat, winking at him. "Like you, y'mean."
Mairèad says: And it was good 'a him to come and give a speech either way.

Orgo grins. "Now that ya mention it, yeh."

Mairèad continues to lean, putting on an overdramatic sort of air. "I dunno, Gundorf. You'd probably find yerself disappointed by someone what couldn't keep up with even jest yer nightcap."

Orgo grins. "Eh, I'm sure you'll get better at holdin' yer hooch. Took me a few days t' get th' hang of it, too."

Mairèad chuckles. "Speakin' a', since someone gave me a bunch 'a hooch fer me ordinashun and I'm feelin' kinda down, y'wanna go somewhar and watch me get sloshed?"

Orgo grins. "Only if yer sharin'."

Mairèad says: 'A course! That's th'virtue 'a compassion.

Orgo grins. "See, knew ya'd make a good palerdin."

Mairèad chuckles and stands, hefting a large sack filled with the aforementioned alcohol over her shoulder. "C'mon, then. Better t'go somewhere that ent in front 'a the Cathedral if this is gunna be a gettin' used to experience fer me."

Orgo nods. "Lead th' way, then!"

Mairèad says: Hmm.
Mairèad says: Tryin'a decide if I feel bad enough fer th'sea or not.
Mairèad purses her lips and nods. "I do." She continues off harborwards.
Mairèad sets the booze bag down and sits, legs outstretched, inhaling deeply.

Orgo plops down, leaning back against the crate.

Mairèad fishes out two bottles from the bag and hands one to Orgo. "To... hmm. To dorfs."

Orgo grins, nodding. "I'll drink t' that!" He bites down on the cork, popping it free, following with a long pull.

Mairèad follows suit, taking a long swig. As per usual, it hits her pretty hard and she sets the bottle down, going back to leaning against Orgo. "Y'know, Gundorf. It's mostly unfair t'you. 'Cause I'd totally do you, but I think y'want more than that, huh."

Orgo sighs. "Suppose maybe I do. Not lookin' fer marryin' or anythin', but there's other stuff that'd be nice."

Mairèad says: Like love and cuddlin' and hand-holdin' and all that stuff people do when they're ~involved~.

Orgo snorts. "Cuddlin' and stuff ain't bad, no. Nice t' have someone t' sit on yer lap now an' again."

Mairèad considers this and then, taking another long swig of booze, half-sits on Orgo's lap. "Hmm. Dorfs're a different warm than wergin."

Orgo blinks, a little surprised. "A better warm, I'd say."

Mairèad says: How so?

Orgo shrugs. "I dunno. Just know it's better."

Mairèad has gone all glassy-eyed. "Have -you- evarrr snuggled with a wergin?"

Orgo shrugs. "Okay, I guess ya got me on that one. Nope."

Mairèad inadvertently bonks her forehead against Orgo's, chuckling. She just sort of sits there, though. "But you've snuggled with dorf ladies, I'd assume."

Orgo grins. "A few, yeah. Yer a diff'rent kind a warm than them."

Mairèad says: I'm warm? How'm I warm?
Mairèad says: I'm tiny and a girl. Those're two thin's what usually make warm not happen.

Orgo snorts. "Still warmer than nothin'. Dwarf women are, well...bigger. Take up more space."

Mairèad says: Is not bein' big a bad thin'?

Orgo snorts again. "Nope. I like it, m'self."

Mairèad says: I'm startin' t'wonder if there's anythin' about me y'don't like!

Orgo thinks for a minute. "Don't like that worgen fella o' yours. That count?"

Mairèad is still leaning her forehead against Orgo's. She doesn't move even when she brings her bottle of booze up for another swig, which makes things awkward. "That ent me, that's someone else."

Orgo says: Hrmmm. There's one freckle right there that I don't like too much.

Mairèad snorts and gives Orgo a light shove. "That doesn't count either, that's you bein' silly. C'mon, there must be somethin' I do what drives you nuts."

Orgo shrugs. "Guess I'm stumped, then. Have t' spend some more time 'round ya."

Mairèad says: I'm sure you're heartbroken about that.

Orgo says: Yep. It's gonna be hard work, but I'm gonna give it m'best shot.

Mairèad hugs Orgo around the shoulders with a gentle, albeit drunken laugh. "I always appreciate someone what shows dedication to his craft. If yer like that in th'sack, too, it's a wonder y'ent got thousands 'a women linin' up."

Orgo grins. "I prob'ly would, but I like t'be particular."

Mairèad says: And what's it about me that's got you decidin' t'wish ill on Shep and be determined that y'won't settle fer jest a one-night-stand? Which is totally on th'table, by-the-by.

Orgo grins. "Well, everythin', o'course." He snorts again. "An' I don't wish ill o' him. I wish 'im to be totally 'appy. With somebody else. Far away."

Mairèad sighs and pats Orgo's head, only it's more like one would pet a cat than any sort of pat-pat motion. "Light's sake, I dunno where all you blokes were th'rest 'a me life. Kinda depressin' t'think about."

Orgo grins. "Don't know about th' rest o' us, but I've been right 'ere."

Mairèad sighs and turns so she's resting her cheek against Orgo's head. "Shame I wasn't around Stormwind much, then. It's like as soon as I started livin' here, errybody and their grandmother was declarin' undyin' devotion t'me... which I ent sayin' you are."
Mairèad says: But y'know what I mean.

Orgo shrugs. "Guess ya just must be special. Knew it th' moment I met ya."

Mairèad says: ...if you say I'm yer firefly. I mean. Honestly, I'm not -that- special. I jest talk to errybody. And I'm kind of a slut. And I jest wanna find true love, is that so wrong.
Mairèad pouts drunkenly.

Orgo snorts. "Nah, ain't nothin' wrong with any o' that."

Mairèad says: And see, y'know what th'trouble is? Th'trouble is that... I dunno what th'trouble is.

Orgo nods. "Yeah...Guess so?"

Mairèad says: Gundorf, sometimes, I wish that y'weren't me commandin' officer. Jest 'cause sometimes, I think thin's about you that y'shouldn't think about commandin' officers. I probably shouldn't have said that.

Orgo grins. "Good thing we ain't on duty, then."

Mairèad leans back finally, smirking and sort of flopping somewhat. "What would happen if we -were-?"

Orgo shrugs. "Not much, prob'ly. Ain't no rules about such things."

Mairèad says: Like bonin' y'mean?

Orgo shrugs. "Bonin', cuddlin', whatever."

Mairèad says: That's so it doesn't get lonely on th'field, right?
Mairèad says: It must get lonely on th'field.

Orgo shrugs. "Guess it might be. But it don't normally get too lonely out there. Not enough time t' worry 'bout it."

Mairèad says: I think that if I loved someone I was in a unit with, th'first thin' I'd wanna do after survivin' somethin' was bone 'em.

Orgo grins. "That's prob'ly a good idea, yeh."

Lísa yells: Guuundooooorf!

Orgo facepalms.

Lísa yells: Hallooooooooo?
Lísa blinks at Gryphon Hatchling.
Lísa says: Nice rat with wings.

Mairèad blinks drunkenly. She is sitting on Orgo's lap, holding a half drunk bottle of some -really- strong alcohol, and it takes her a moment to recognize Lisa. "...Mam! It ent a rat, it's a gryphon, Imma ride him when he gets big."

Lísa says: Well shit, don't go squishin' it ennytahm soon.
Lísa smiles warmly at her drunk littlest palerdin. "How y'feelin', littlest palerdin?"

Mairèad raises her bottle cheerfully, standing up. "Drunk!" she answers.

Orgo sighs sadly as Mairead stands up.

Lísa says: Figger 's better 'n dead, yahar?
Lísa says: Hey Gundorf, y'got me gun?

Orgo nods. "Made it, yeh. Ain't carryin' it 'round with me."

Lísa looks crestfallen! "Awr, don't go breakin' me heart, Orgo."

Mairèad says: Mam, Gundorf wants t'bone me! Like me dad! Me -birth- dad, though, not Mr. Crowe. He's th'good dad.

Lísa blinks.

Mairèad drinks more booze and almost falls over.

Lísa says: Whutabaht tha' She- woah there.
Lísa jumps forward to catch Mairead.

Orgo sighs, loudly. This is not how he expected this conversation to go.

Lísa looks down at Orgo, her eyes narrowing. "Lissen 'ere, Gundorf. Y'ain't fuckin' me daughter. No sir." She patpats Mairead's head and tries to ease her back down to the ground.

Orgo glares right back. "I ain't lookin' t' cause no trouble, but th' way I see it, she's a palerdin an' a soldier an' can make 'er own decisions."

Mairèad is eased back to the ground and just sits there and giggles. This isn't how -she- expected anything to go, either, but she's also drunk so it's hilarious.

Lísa says: Yahar, she might be old enough ter make 'er own decisions but 'm pretty sure she's got a furry friend. So watch whar y'dick goes.

Orgo grunts. "Ya done lecturin' me, then?"

Mairèad says: Awww, mam, don't worreh 'bout Gundorf. He's a good dorf... you'd like him lots. He'd be a good meantime friend, while Shep's figurin' out what he wants t'do with his life. But that wouldn't be fair and he's too nice fer me t'do that secretly.
Mairèad pats Orgo on the head.

Lísa frowns slightly. "Okies, darlin'. Whutevarrr y'say. Reckon it ain't m'job t'do tha' ennymore."

Mairèad says: But I appreciate it jest th'same. I mean, at least you come from a place where y'ent tellin' random dorfs t'stay outta me skivvies 'cause you want in.

Lísa snorts, "Yahar." Okay. Now mom feels guilty. "Well Gundorf, can y'show me th'gun t'morrah?"

Orgo nods. "I can do that, yeh."

Lísa says: Much thanks, darlin'.
Lísa casts a worried glance at Mairead.

Mairèad gives Lisa a slanted grin. She's been drunker. "Don't worreh 'bout me, mam. Jest been a bad week's all. I'll be fine. I know yer probably shippin' out soon, though, huh?"

Lísa says: Uh- yar. That 's gun'ter be th'plan. Tell Chad 'n Shep I said hi. I reckon y'be wantin' 'yer privacy.

Mairèad says: Light bless, mam.

Orgo sighs.

Mairèad says: She jest lectures 'cause she cares.

Orgo grunts. "More sighin' 'cause ya said ya wouldn't be doin' anythin' with me. Gonna wait for yer worgan fella."

Mairèad frowns and then leans in, kissing the corner of Orgo's mouth. "I'm sorreh. If y'didn't want me t'love you, I'd take you right now, right here. But... it ent fair t'you. And y'mean too much to me fer that."

Orgo scowls, grumbling. "Well, how ya ever gonna love me if ya don't start somewhere?"

Mairèad kisses Orgo's cheek again. "It ent that. I could, I probably could, but see... Shep's gunna be there, one way or another, and he ent gunna go away any time soon. Even if he told me tomorrow that he didn't evarrr wanna see me again..."
Mairèad says: ...Light-willin' that won't happen.
Mairèad says: But if it did, even if it did, I'd still take a while gettin' over him, and you'd jest be hurt in th'meantime.
Mairèad says: 'Cause you'd be in his shadow, and yer too good of a person fer that.

Orgo sighs. "I'd better get goin', then. I like ya, Mairead, I do. But I'm tired of bein' that fella t' everyone I like."

Mairèad sighs and sits back, obviously feeling exactly as bad about this as Orgo does. "I'm sorreh, Gundorf, I rilly -rilly- am. Part 'a me wishes thin's weren't this way, but... look, if y'didn't mean s'much to me, I'd jest say 'fuck it' and ride you like a bear."

Orgo stands up, sighing. "Not really sure why that's supposed t' make me feel better."

Mairèad says: ...'cause I don't wanna hurt you.
Mairèad says: Is what I'm tryin'a say.

Orgo pats Mairead's head. "You gonna be fine out 'ere, girl? Or do I need t' help ya someplace?"

Mairèad sighs, looking down forlornly. "I'll be fine. Jest need a bit alone, yahar? I'm sorreh. I'm rilly, -rilly- sorreh."

Orgo sighs. "I understand, girl. Wish lots o' happiness to you an' yer fella."

Mairèad holds Orgo's hand on top of her head. "I want you t'be happy too, Gundorf. And we're still rilly good friends, right?"

Orgo says: We're still friends, yeh. Just gonna go be alone fer a bit, okay?

Mairèad says: Alright. Light keep y'safe, Gundorf.
Mairèad squeezes Orgo's hand.

Orgo grins. "Night, miss palderin."

Mairèad says: Night, Gundorf.

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!