(2021-06-17) Everyone Here Is a Senator's Daughter

Details

Author:	Athena
Summary:	During a gathering at the Ironforge Headquarters, several members discuss their families, obligations, and how they're related to a senator. 7k words.
Rating:	T for Teen

17:43:53 Colson knocks on the door of the HQ, despite the sign, before gently opening the door.
17:44:01 [Dane]: S'fair bit of time. Haven't seen you -
17:44:20 Dane looks upwards, squinting, listening carefully to the footsteps. "Who's that, then?" he inquires, voice booming.
17:44:24 Atley peers at Colson searchingly.
17:44:26 Colson pauses at the stairs, looking at the room like he's looking for someone. His face remains stoic. It's not clear if he's seeing what he wants or not.
17:44:34 Dane grunts as he recognizes Colson.
17:44:39 Ben glances over and nods at the stranger politely.
17:44:49 Ismene looks up at the knock, then over at Colson as he descends the stairs. Ever see someone literally have little hearts for pupils? You have now.
17:45:02 Colson bows at the assembled party. "Good evening, Mr. Atley." He turns to the others. "I am Colson Aspenwood."
17:45:17 Colson bows first to Ismene, then to Ben.
17:45:20 [Dane]: Y'met these new ones?
17:45:25 [Ben]: Mr Aspenwood. Ben Hazan.
17:45:43 [Colson]: I do not believe I have made your acquaintance. *he pauses* Any relationship to Miss Hazan?
17:45:50 [Ben]: Yessir.
17:45:53 Glynara stands at the top of the steps as though giving everyone the chance to admire her. Then she smiles and greets everyone in a rather gnome-pitched voice, but dwarven-accented. "Hullo everyone! Lively evenin'!"
17:45:56 Dane blinks, suddenly realizing. He peers at Ben.
17:46:03 [Dane]: …You're not her lad, are you?
17:46:04 Colson turns to face the new voice, sketching a bow.
17:46:09 Glynara bows before you.
17:46:24 Ben 's ears redden again as he turns to Atley. "Uh, no sir — Mr Atley. Her nephew."
17:46:34 Dane squints at Ben's face for a moment. "Aye. Look it."
17:46:34 Ismene ducks her head a little, sitting quietly, politely. She glances sidelong at Glynara.
17:46:35 Glynara surveys the spread on the table, nodding with approval.
17:46:39 Colson 's mouth turns up ever so slightly in a smile at the cute bow. "Colson Aspenwood. May I ask your name, my lady?"
17:46:42 Atley peers at Glynara searchingly.
17:46:50 Ben studies the newcomer as well.
17:47:25 [Glynara]: You may! I'm Glynara Craghart. If that sounds familiar, it's because of me da, Senator Falroy Craghart, with whom ye may be somewhat familiar.
17:47:35 Colson inclines his head. "Ah, yes."
17:47:39 Dane squints and briefly looks off to his left with a faint grimace.
17:47:40 Glynara nods, satisfied.
17:47:53 [Dane]: You in the Company, are you?
17:47:56 Glynara crosses her legs primly.
17:47:57 Colson walks up to Ismene. "Forgive me, I do not believe I caught your name, Miss…?"
17:48:11 Ben settles again and resumes drinking.
17:48:42 Ismene tilts her head and smiles prettily at Colson. "Ismene Callis, late of Southshore. A pleasure to meet you, Mr. Aspenwood."
17:49:06 [Dane]: *Southshore?*
17:49:07 Dane nearly barks.
17:49:43 Ismene starts slightly and leans away from Dane. "Uh… Yes, Southshore. My parents run an apple orchard up there."
17:50:08 Dane scoffs with amusement, the corner of his mouth dipping into a ragged smirk.
17:50:23 [Dane]: Y'know the Watersons? They've — used to grow beets. 'Taters.
17:50:49 Colson bows to Ismene again, holding it just a half extra beat. "My apologies for presuming, but…are you a priestess?" He gestures politely to her robes.
17:50:54 Ismene smiles and nods her head, then reaches up to tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. "I do know them. We don't…. they're not friends of the family, of course, but we do know them."
17:50:59 Colson takes a seat gracefully.
17:51:09 Dane squints at Ismene, looking quite angry for those who aren't used to his expressions.
17:51:15 [Dane]: How long've your folks held that land?
17:51:24 Ismene straightens her back a bit, though her posture is court-perfect. "I am, Mr. Aspenwood."
17:51:58 Colson inclines his head. "I thought as much. I am a paladin, myself. You have the Light's grace about you."
17:52:41 Ismene shakes her head and lowers her eyes modestly. "I am no great priestess, sir. Just starting out." To Dane, she says, "Goodness, generations at least. We make some of the best cider in the region, as my parents will gladly tell you."
17:52:45 Glynara remains quiet, but her brown-eyed gaze flits shrewdly from person to person as though she's taking detailed mental notes.
17:53:18 Dane scoffs with amazement, shaking his head as he leans forward, an elbow planted on his broad thigh as he points at her. "Where's the land? S'fair chance I've eaten crop from your very orchard."
17:53:23 [Colson]: That is very interesting. My family owns the Aspenwood Vineyard, in Stormwind. I believe they've considered business in Southshore, recently.
17:54:41 Glynara definitely seems interested in Colson's talk of vineyard-owning.
17:55:45 [Colson]: I have been assisting them in their efforts to consider expansion. We've had several good years recently. I've been away, in the Alliance Army.
17:55:46 Ismene looks between the two men, and chooses to answer Colson first. "The land around the apple orchards my parents have isn't well suited to grape, I've been told. The hillsides farther east should do well, with southern exposure and easier drainage."
17:55:51 Dane notices Glynara's preferences. Silently.
17:56:12 [Colson]: No, they are considering a blend of…cider, I believe. But, as an investment opportunity, more than anything.
17:56:36 [Dane]: S'bold. That region's got its fair bit f'rotters these days.
17:56:37 Ben perks up at Ismene's specifics on farming, but has nothing to contribute and so just drinks some more.
17:56:43 Dane remarks bitterly.
17:56:48 [Glynara]: Oh goodness! *Glynara giggles.* Ye'd better warn yer family, miss, that competition's comin'.
17:56:54 [Ismene]: I'd be happy to write to my parents of the interest, so they might contact whomever manages that business for you.
17:57:21 Ismene blinks at Glyn. "Oh, I shouldn't think so. We manage partnerships quite well with several other families."
17:57:25 [Colson]: Please, have them address it to my sister, Cressidha Aspenwood.
17:57:40 Dane squints at Colson for a moment. "Which one f'you's older."
17:57:48 Ismene inclines her head at Colson, quite properly.
17:58:05 [Glynara]: Really? I wouldn't think there'd be enough market for cider to support a new player on the scene, but of course ye'd know best, wouldn't ye now? Silly me.
17:58:08 Colson looks over at Dane, with a faint, gentle smile on his face. "Cressidha. I am younger by nearly a full half hour."
17:58:18 Ben blinks.
17:58:30 Dane nods slowly, growling with recognition. "Ayyye. S'why you look the bloody same."
17:58:35 Colson inclines his head at Glynara. "It is, in fact, what has stopped them in the past, I believe. It may be an over saturated market."
17:58:37 [Ismene]: Unfortunately, there's always a market for cider. It might mean expanding our shipping, but that's easily managed as well.
17:58:51 Ben is doing some confused mental math, but realizes what Colson meant around the time Dane remarks. His expression clears.
17:59:09 [Glynara]: Hehe, cider-saturated! Like the gown I wore tae Senator Fellhew's party tha' time, hehe.
17:59:59 Dane settles back in his chair, and is simply unable to resist. He inquires with an excellent poker-face. "Say, you happened to be related to any senators?" he asks Glynara casually.
18:00:17 Ben makes a noise into his mug. It might be a little cough.
18:00:30 Ismene looks down at her hands, properly folded in her lap.
18:00:37 [Glynara]: Oh aye! *She looks at him, guileless and wide-eyed* Perhaps ye didnae hear when I introduced meself, but I'm Glynara Craghart, Senator Falroy Craghart's daughter!
18:00:53 [Dane]: Mm. Senator's daughter. Wot's that like.
18:00:56 Colson's face is very mild, very stoic.
18:00:59 Dane slowly sips, unaware of the reactions of others.
18:01:24 [Glynara]: Well, it's a great deal o' pressure at times, sir, makin' sure I represent him properly, but I do me best tae make 'im proud!
18:01:36 [Dane]: M'sure you do. Dane Atley.
18:01:41 Dane says, tilting the mug towards himself.
18:02:08 [Glynara]: Pleased tae meet ye, Mr, Atley!
18:02:16 [Dane]: Wot' you do in the Company?
18:02:41 Colson inclines his head at Glyn in solidarity of upholding a family name.
18:02:55 [Colson]: It can be difficult to live under the weight of a well known name.
18:03:10 Dane tilts his head for a moment, and seems to genuinely contemplate it. "Reckon it can."
18:03:11 Ismene tries to hide the fact that she looks confused. But she looks confused.
18:03:13 [Glynara]: Oh aye! *She gives him a big-eyed nod.*
18:03:34 Ben nods too, but it is a nod of a different quality.
18:03:37 [Glynara]: Like, I cannae even get too droonk in public!
18:03:38 [Colson]: You are always aware that you are not only representing yourself. It can be…trying. To need to maintain a certain image. *his words are mild, as though just making casual conversation*
18:03:55 [Dane]: S'like wearing a uniform, reckon.
18:04:06 [Colson]: Yes, indeed, the very same. Astute observation, Mr. Atley.
18:04:02 Ismene looks slowly over to Ben to see if he understands what's happening.
18:04:05 [Glynara]: Aye, except I cannae take it off!
18:04:07 Glynara giggles.
18:04:20 [Colson]: And well said, Miss Craghart.
18:04:29 [Dane]: Wot' you do for the Company?
18:04:31 Dane asks Glynara.
18:04:37 Ben is frowning into his beer, but he catches Ismene's glance and makes a wide-eyed face at her.
18:04:42 [Glynara]: I'm a rifleman! Er, riflewoman.
18:04:50 [Dane]: Mm. Any mountaineering in you?
18:04:55 [Glynara]: Been trainin' with the Mountaineers, aye, exactly!
18:05:03 Ismene widens her eyes as well, and shrugs just a bit.
18:05:08 [Colson]: Ah, a formidable organization.
18:05:16 [Glynara]: Me da thought it a bit odd, but he was willin' tae let me give it a try, an' so far, so good!
18:05:17 Dane admires Glynara a bit differently for a moment. He nods at long last.
18:05:25 [Dane]: Tough breed, them. How's it working for you?
18:05:48 [Glynara]: Really enjoyin' it! *She dimples at him sweetly.*
18:06:04 Colson inclines his head. "It is very good to go into service for others, as the daughter of someone responsible for the welfare of others. It is well done of you."
18:06:08 Dane frowns in thought. "D'you go about gettin' in their ranks?"
18:06:27 [Glynara]: Well, I had tae pass a shootin' test o' course. So I practiced til me fingers bled, haha!
18:06:48 Dane grunts, again, another sound of approval. He raises his mug. "Good on you. Seen mountaineers make the damndest shots you'd ever imagine."
18:07:01 Ben nods understanding of that, at least, at Glyn.
18:07:29 Ismene shifts just a bit, just to tuck her crossed ankles a little farther back.
18:07:37 Colson looks over at Ismene and Ben. He looks back at Ismene. "Miss Callis? Can I get you anything to drink? I believe there is…" He looks over at the keg. "Well. I have water, fresh and untouched, made by my sister, earlier."
18:07:52 [Glynara]: There's somethin' real satisfyin' abou' it! Watchin' somethin' twice yer size just… drop from a hundred yards away! *She giggles girlishly.*
18:08:02 Ismene smiles at Colson. "No thank you, Sir Aspenwood."
18:08:18 Colson inclines his head in return.
18:08:21 Dane grunts, and even scoffs with amusement, sharing in her amusement. "Aye, reckon. Never been more than an average shot myself. S'why I's never an archer."
18:08:33 [Dane]: Can hit the bloody target, but not its eye.
18:08:51 [Ismene]: It is 'sir', is it not? I must beg your pardon if I'm mistaken, but you did say you were a Paladin.
18:08:53 Glynara nods at Dane, her expression one of absolute and utter fascination!
18:09:16 Dane peers for a moment before he's forced to slowly shift his gaze elsewhere.
18:09:17 [Glynara]: So what is it ye do then Mr. Atley?
18:09:28 [Colson]: Indeed. I fear I have no great skill for it either. *he turns his attention to Ismene* I was a Knight Captain, and it is correct, as a Paladin. But, please, you may call me Aspenwood, or Colson, should you prefer.
18:09:33 [Dane]: Sellsword, now. For the Company.
18:09:44 Dane briefly side-eyes Colson very, very carefully as he explains this, before glancing back to Glynara.
18:09:59 Ismene murmurs quietly, so as to get out from the middle of the conversation, "Of course."
18:10:03 [Glynara]: Well ye picked the right comp'ny fer sure! All of ye! *She beams a bright smile at the entire room in one sweeping look.*
18:10:27 [Ben]: Okay, though, I got to ask — *He looks plaintively between Colson and Ismene* — Mr Ference, is he, like, 'Sir' or 'Lord' or 'Mr' or what? Because there's a lot of — a lot, there.
18:10:32 [Colson]: My sister has spoke highly of your skills, Mr. Atley. She has said you are very capable. Thank you, for your efforts.
18:10:33 Glynara then settles back into her chair, content to let the others chat for a bit.
18:10:55 Dane sobers up, peering at Ben. "S'both. Knighted and a Lord. Y'call knights 'sir,' 'less they ask you otherwise."
18:10:56 [Colson]: Oh, Sir Ference? Yes, that is correct. He was knighted, as well as a Paladin, and a Knight Captain in his time in service.
18:11:12 [Ben]: Right okay, but — okay. Sir. Okay.
18:11:13 [Colson]: But, I believe he goes by other names. Elo, for example.
18:11:14 Dane explains, gesturing with his mug briefly towards Colson, before he turns on the Paladin.
18:11:16 Dane grunts.
18:11:17 Ismene smiles at Ben, one that's not the least bit practiced. "Ben, I'm sure he's asked you to call him Elohad. Have you not spoken to him?"
18:11:32 [Colson]: He is also a noble lord, and it would be equally correct to call him simply, Ference.
18:11:42 [Ben]: I mean, he asked me to call him Uncle Elo. But — uh. That ain't seem right.
18:11:52 Dane buts in one more time with a small, informative grimace. "Sir Elohad's earned the Sir."
18:11:56 [Ismene]: I know. But it's only polite if he's asked you to.
18:12:09 [Colson]: I would suggest doing the complement of referring to him as he wished, but I can understand the discomfort.
18:12:16 [Glynara]: Oh, is he a relation of yours? *Glynara looks at Ben with new interest.*
18:12:27 [Colson]: He has, as Mr. Atley said, earned it in every way, the Sir.
18:12:30 [Ben]: I just call him 'Mr Ference, sir,' mostly. No, ma'am, he is not.
18:12:40 [Ben]: He's friends with my aunt, is all.
18:12:44 [Glynara]: But he asked you to call him — oh!
18:12:46 Dane raises his mug towards Ben and wordlessly grumbles his approval for the title.
18:12:46 Colson inclines his head at Dane, in support.
18:13:14 [Ismene]: Then it's properly either Lord Ference or Sir Elohad. Mr. Ference sir is a bit… unorthodox.
18:13:04 [Glynara]: And who's yer aunt, then?
18:13:12 [Ben]: Miz Niris Hazan.
18:13:17 [Dane]: She a senator or sommat', isn't she?
18:13:22 Dane deadpans Ben Hazan, staring him right in the eye.
18:13:48 Ben clears his throat and tries not to meet Dane's gaze, laughter threatening at the corner of his mouth.
18:13:51 Colson frowns ever so slightly. "I do not believe the Hazans have ever held a Senator's seat."
18:13:51 [Glynara]: Miss Niris Hazan is second in command to Sir Elohad, I believe. An abbey priestess.
18:14:03 [Ben]: She — yes'm, that's her.
18:14:10 Dane nods very seriously at Colson, grunting, before he looks to Ismene. "You nobility s'well?"
18:14:19 [Glynara]: And she's very close with Sir Elohad?
18:14:32 [Glynara]: She must be, if he wanted you to call him Uncle!
18:14:41 [Ismene]: Not properly, no, Mr. Atley. Just landowners. Of a very great lot of land.
18:14:44 [Ben]: They're — very old friends, yeah? First War.
18:14:58 [Glynara]: Oh that's a -long- time fer yer kind, aye. Goodness, they must have been -babies!-
18:15:01 Dane grunts in acknowledgement.
18:15:12 [Dane]: S'right. Sir Elohad n' Niris were about your age when the First War kicked off.
18:15:18 Dane gestures his mug vaguely at Ben and Ismene.
18:15:18 Glynara looks like she finds this image just ~adorable.~ Baby Elohad and Baby Niris!
18:15:26 [Ben]: I do not believe they was babies, ma'am. That's right, Mr Atley.
18:15:42 [Glynara]: Oh, well, I was speakin' figuratively, o' course.
18:16:00 [Glynara]: They'd be… *She does quick math* Eighteen and twenty-one?
18:16:13 Dane perks a bushy brow, glancing at Ben to see if Glynara's right.
18:16:14 Glynara has… done her homework on Cobalt Company leadership, it seems.
18:16:14 [Ben]: Yes'm, I believe something like.
18:16:19 Dane grunts.
18:17:08 [Ismene]: And your people, Mr. Atley? I believe I detected some Lordaeron in your accent.
18:17:28 Dane drinks, slowly rolling his eyes towards Ismene before he gruffly shakes his head. "My lot's not from there. I'm."
18:17:41 Ben raises his eyebrows. The Hazan Eyebrows.
18:17:59 Ismene pretends she understands and nods.
18:18:08 Dane grunts, content to leave it there.
18:18:19 Colson glances at the Eyebrows. He does not visibly swallow in fear, but one might detect a small hint of concern in his eyes.
18:18:58 Dane does offer just a bit, however. "Came up 'round Tirisfal. Good bit of time in the Foothills, s'well."
18:19:20 Glynara gives Dane a silent nod that is full of big-eyed sympathy.
18:19:25 [Colson]: You are of Cobalt Company, now, and that is perhaps the most important fact. Many of us were displaced in recent years. *he offers this mildly*
18:19:42 Dane briefly flashes a venomous look at Glynara before he clears his throat and shifts in place, trying to conceal it and stifle as quickly as possible.
18:19:55 Ismene ducks her head a little as if chastised.
18:19:50 [Dane]: S'right. S'good lot, the Company.
18:19:55 Dane tells his mug, drinking some more.
18:20:21 [Ben]: I was real glad to get in, I tell you.
18:20:32 Dane glances at Ben, grunting inquisitively.
18:20:35 [Colson]: Cressidha spoke of it months ago. You have done truly remarkable things in so short a time, Mr. Atley.
18:20:39 [Glynara]: Aye, it seems we dwarves are the only lucky ones! So far, at least! *She seems either unaware of or totally impervious to any venom directed her way.*
18:21:21 Dane blinks slowly, raising his eyebrows at the wall between Ben and Ismene, before he finally turns on Colson. It takes him a moment to respond.
18:21:31 [Dane]: Aye. Did it together. Not one'f us could've made it this far alone.
18:21:55 [Glynara]: The stories that're told of ye! It's truly somethin' special.
18:22:02 [Colson]: Of course. Much is true of great endeavors. We are all stronger, united, than alone.
18:22:07 Ben nods respectfully at Atley.
18:22:13 [Ismene]: The company's reputation is truly remarkable. Did your father approve of your decision to join them, Ms. Craghart?
18:22:15 Dane glances back at Glynara now, with a slightly tamer expression. "Wot've you heard?"
18:22:40 [Glynara]: Oh aye! Soon as I told him what ye did in Gnomeregan he was behind it one hundred percent! He has a real soft spot fer gnomes, me da'.
18:22:56 [Dane]: Aye, 've been a bad way themselves, haven't they.
18:23:00 [Glynara]: He campaigned real hard on the Senate floor in favor o' Tinkertown.
18:23:13 [Glynara]: I've done a fair bit o' charity work out that way meself.
18:23:33 Colson inclines his head. "It appears that consideration of those who need assistance is a family trait."
18:23:34 Dane releases a heavy, but silent sigh, rubbing a large finger up and down the bridge of his nose for a moment, staring at the cerulean carpet.
18:23:51 [Glynara]: They're practically our cousins! If family's in trouble, ye give 'em shelter, don't ye?
18:23:58 [Colson]: Of course.
18:24:05 Glynara nods primly.
18:24:13 Dane drops the finger, glancing back at Glynara now before taking another drink.,
18:24:24 Ismene studies Dane's expression.
18:24:32 Dane looks dour, as per usual.
18:24:46 [Ismene]: Are you well, Mr. Atley? Is your mug in need of refilling?
18:25:07 Dane grunts inquisitively over at Ismene. "Mm. Aye, reckon," he says, peering down at his mug.
18:25:27 Ismene walks over and smiles at him, holding out a hand for his mug.
18:25:32 Colson inclines his head at Ismene in recognition of courtesy.
18:25:33 Glynara smiles at Ismene. "I wouldnae mind -one- wee drink meself, if it isn't too much trouble!"
18:25:40 Dane eyes her up and down for a moment, but it isn't lewdly. He hands it over. "Cheers, love."
18:25:53 Ismene smiles at Glynara. "My pleasure, Ms. Craghart. Anyone else?"
18:26:14 Colson stands gracefully. "Please, let me assist you," he says to Ismene. "Ben? Would you like more?"
18:26:25 Ismene murmurs, "How kind."
18:26:28 Dane eyes Colson with some sort of quiet amusement, but says nothing.
18:26:38 [Ben]: Oh, uh. I was thinkin' I should get goin' soon, but — I mean, I can get my own, if it's easier?
18:26:49 [Colson]: It is no trouble.
18:26:52 [Ismene]: Nonsense, we're up. Just relax.
18:27:01 [Ismene]: Though you really must explain what you meant earlier about leaving.
18:27:06 Ben looks distinctly uncomfortable, but nods.
18:27:17 Dane peers at Ben, leaning in.
18:27:17 [Glynara]: Yer not leavin' the Comp'ny surely, Mr. Hazan?
18:27:18 Colson moves to the table to secure Glynara's drink. He offers another hand to take Ben's.
18:27:22 [Dane]: You with that lass?
18:27:40 [Ben]: Oh, well. I just come by to make sure I didn't leave nothin' here, on account of I'm movin' out. Not — out of the Company, just — beg pardon?
18:27:40 Ismene hands it over, leaving her with just Atley's.
18:27:44 Bennarin peers at Atley searchingly.
18:28:00 [Dane]: You, with her.
18:28:03 Ismene refills Atley's mug from the keg of stout.
18:28:05 Colson fills Ben's carefully, ensuring it's not too much for someone about to leave.
18:28:20 Ismene smiles and hands Atley's mug back to him.
18:28:26 Ben glances at Ismene. "Iz-may-nee? Um, no, sir. We're friends?"
18:28:30 Colson passes Glynara's mug to her first, moving with an easy grace, and then hands over Ben's.
18:28:42 [Glynara]: Aren't ye an absolute darlin', thank ye, Aspenwood.
18:28:43 Dane peers up at Ismene, nodding as he accepts the refill with a grunt in thanks.
18:28:44 Ben nods his thanks to Colson, still looking awkward.
18:28:44 [Ismene]: Oh, gracious. Ben's a very dear friend. He's made me feel so safe staying here at night.
18:28:54 [Ismene]: I can't believe you're moving out.
18:29:07 Colson inclines his head at Glynara, and retakes his seat.
18:29:10 Dane 's emerald eyes glint somewhat mischievously as he peers at Ismene. "Aye, reckon. S'strapping sort, innit' he?"
18:29:14 Dane slooowly raises his mug to his lips.
18:29:15 [Glynara]: I didnae realize people slept here! Goodness gracious.
18:29:21 Ismene crosses her ankles and tucks her feet to one side.
18:29:22 [Ben]: My aunt got a place in the ci —
18:29:33 Ben 's ears turn red again as he glances at Atley.
18:29:36 Ismene blushes and ducks her head away from Atley.
18:29:49 [Ben]: Um, I'm stayin' in the city now.
18:29:52 [Ismene]: Well. I — I shan't miss the snoring, I suppose.
18:29:53 Colson looks mildly at Dane. "It is well that you were able to find shelter when you needed it."
18:29:56 Dane smirks out the corner of his mouth, eyes narrowing almost malevolently. Naturally he takes another sip.
18:30:19 [Glynara]: Oh, yer livin with yer aunt now! That's just lovely!
18:30:21 Ben looks abashed at Ismene.
18:30:33 [Ben]: … sorry, miss.
18:30:34 Ismene smiles at him and leans over to pat him on the arm to reassure him.
18:30:38 Dane glances between Glynara and Ben more soberly now.
18:30:50 [Glynara]: I imagine she needs all sorts o' help aroun' the house with heavy things an' such, bein' unmarried an' all.
18:30:53 [Ismene]: It's all right. I will miss you, though I'm sure you'll be very happy with your aunt.
18:31:09 Ben turns his head s l o w l y to stare at Glynara.
18:31:11 Dane grunts, his voice lowering. "Niris' can handle her own."
18:31:21 [Ben]: Uh, you should meet my aunt, ma'am.
18:31:24 Glynara looks a bit confused.
18:31:30 Ismene abruptly realizes something and her expression just drops. Even her slender shoulders droop.
18:31:43 [Glynara]: Oh? Is she strong, then?
18:31:43 [Colson]: Priestesses of the Light are a formidable sort, and not to be underestimated. *he says this like he's almost reciting it*
18:32:01 [Dane]: S'right. Especially that one. She's dead hard.
18:32:06 [Ben]: She's … used to doin' for herself, aye.
18:32:07 Dane 's voice lowers so much it's almost a growl.
18:32:28 [Colson]: Even so. Those who channel the Light's powers are all worthy. *he glances at Ismene* In every way.
18:32:28 Ben nods appreciatively at Dane and smiles at him for probably the first time? His front tooth is chipped.
18:32:39 [Glynara]: Well, aye, I just — I'm not used tae thinkin' of 'em liftin heavy things an' such. Beggin' yer pardon!
18:32:40 Ismene folds her hands one over the other in her lap and tries not to pick at her fingernails.
18:33:02 [Ben]: Well, she come off a farm, too, ma'am, is all. She's used to hard work.
18:33:13 Ben glances at Ismene and his brows knit with concern.
18:33:35 [Colson]: You have not seen the Priestesses in combat, then perhaps. I have seen women half my size lift those twice the size of Mr. Atley here, when the need called for it.
18:33:45 Glynara blinks skeptically at Colson.
18:33:59 Ismene is unhappy.
18:34:05 [Colson]: Never underestimate a priestess of the Light.
18:34:09 [Glynara]: I always thought a priestess's gifts were more like… of the mind?
18:34:12 Dane 's eyes narrow again, and his tone becomes crueller, but softer, as if he's letting them in on a secret. "You lot ever seen an orc's eyes burn out'f its skull?”
18:34:30 Colson inclines his head at Dane. He has absolutely seen this.
18:34:32 Ben leans over and says quietly, "Izmaynee?"
18:34:32 Ismene blinks at Atley. That snaps her out of whatever she was thinking about.
18:34:41 Ben blinks at Atley.
18:34:43 [Dane]: S'Niris' work.
18:34:46 [Glynara]: Most o' the priests I know are not particular.. -built-, if ye know what I'm sayin'.
18:35:01 Ismene blinks rapidly, but decides to talk to Ben because eeeuch. She almost whispers, "You're leaving me alone with Ginny?"
18:35:02 [Dane]: Mm… Aye, you've a point there. Bit thin, most'f 'em.
18:35:12 [Colson]: Yes. But they are strong in many ways, and capable of using the Light's powers when they have great need. We are more than our physical forms.
18:35:17 [Glynara]: But I havenae seen Miss Hazan yet.
18:35:34 [Dane]: Takes a fair bit'f guts to step in front of an enemy with naught but a robe.
18:35:34 Ben stares at Ismene. "Aw, shit. Uh — shit, I beg your pardon, I mean — hell."
18:35:39 [Dane]: Wouldn't catch me.
18:35:49 Ismene makes pleady eyes.
18:35:55 [Ben]: Um.
18:35:57 Colson looks at Ben and Ismene mildly.
18:36:01 [Glynara]: Oh aye! *She nods in wide-eyed agreement at Dane*
18:36:15 Ismene sighs. "No, it's all right. Get out while you can."
18:36:28 Ismene offers him half a smile. See? Everything's fine. Just…. fine… sob.
18:36:47 Colson looks at Ismene. "Are you…particularly attached to staying here, Miss Callis?"
18:36:52 Ben looks physically pained. He -knows- Ginny.
18:37:08 Dane mutters something in his mug that vaguely resembles, "Staying *somewhere*."
18:37:18 [Colson]: My sister and I are not often at our family's townhouse. And there is room that is going very much unused.
18:37:26 Glynara looks to Ismene, a delicate line appearing between her brows.
18:37:43 [Colson]: If you would prefer to be closer to the Cathedral, we would be more than happy to assist a sister in the Light in being closer to her preference.
18:37:53 Colson has also met Ginny.
18:37:56 Ismene kind of rearranges her features into something that's supposed to be pleasant. "That's so kind, sir. But I do like to take care of this place as a way of helping out. I don't know what Elohad would do if I left."
18:38:12 Ben opens his mouth, closes it, looks at Colson, looks back to Ismene.
18:38:28 Colson inclines his head. He will not push the issue. But it's clear he is reluctantly letting it go, per the lady's wishes.
18:38:43 [Glynara]: Ye could find a nice place tae sleep an' then come here in the days tae clean?
18:38:57 [Dane]: This' a fine place.
18:39:05 Dane growls out as he normally does, but it's still a growl.
18:39:07 [Colson]: The tram is, indeed, quite useful in that way, for travel.
18:39:12 [Glynara]: Do ye want tae stay in me da's guest house fer a bit, just till ye get yer feet under ye?
18:39:20 [Ismene]: But then there'd be no one here at night, and what if a Bad Element should break in?
18:39:26 [Ben]: Well, I can — um. Lemme figure somethin' out, maybe?
18:39:28 Colson inclines his head gratefully at Glynara.
18:39:33 Ismene mumbles, "Of course they might meet Ginny and it would serve them right."
18:39:48 [Glynara]: Well they can lock up at night, lass!
18:39:48 [Ben]: I mean, yeah, I reckon Ginny might -be- the Bad Element?
18:40:00 Ben looks a little guilty, having said this aloud. But just a little.
18:40:01 Dane 's features twist in slight irritation. "Who's this *Ginny* then?"
18:40:09 Ismene giggles at Ben, immediately touching her fingers to her lips to stifle it.
18:40:19 [Ben]: Gin-i-vee-ev, actually.
18:40:27 [Ben]: She's gonna turn me into a sheep on account of whistling.
18:40:31 Dane shakes his head, eyeing Ben. "Aye, who's it?"
18:40:37 [Ismene]: Oh yes, don't ever call her Ginny. She was going to turn me into a sheep because I was talking.
18:40:40 [Colson]: I do not believe Miss…Sweet would find it difficult to be on her own.
18:40:40 [Glynara]: Oooooh, a Testy Mage.
18:40:52 [Ben]: Mage girl who stays here. Real into sheep.
18:40:54 Colson 's face twitches at the mention of turning people into sheep.
18:41:00 [Colson]: Yes. I am aware.
18:41:05 [Ben]: And not into people.
18:41:10 Ismene nods a lot.
18:41:16 [Glynara]: Lotta mages are a bit on the cranky side. I think they get headaches or somethin?
18:41:27 [Ismene]: But I suppose she must be a very good mage.
18:41:29 [Colson]: Indeed. I…met her earlier. It was…*he trails off politely*
18:41:38 [Ismene]: I'm sure she has some good qualities.
18:41:45 Ben eyes Ismene dubiously.
18:41:49 Somewhere. Buried deep.
18:41:49 [Dane]: Wot's she, Kirin Tor?
18:42:01 [Glynara]: It must be -so- taxing to do all the things they do with only the mind! I can imagine why they might get a bit grouchy!
18:42:10 [Ismene]: No, and I wouldn't mention them to her either. She's a bit touchy about the Kirin Tor.
18:42:16 Colson 's face cannot get any more stoic. It is like he's Maxed Stoic,
18:42:19 Dane grunts curiously. "What's for?"
18:42:30 Ismene nods again at Ben's words.
18:42:38 [Glynara]: Perhaps the noise makes her head hurt? *Glynara looks sympathetic.*
18:43:01 [Colson]: Do not ask about her chicken.
18:43:15 Colson offers this wisdom as though recited from the Tomes themselves.
18:43:33 Ismene shakes her head. "Oh no, the chic — um rabbit is also off-limits. Just don't talk to her at all and you'll get along fine. Unless you whistle."
18:43:41 Ben winces and nods.
18:43:44 [Dane]: Wot', she mad or sommat'?
18:43:49 Dane inquires somewhat belligerently, and impatiently.
18:43:51 Colson inclines his head at this wisdom of Ismene's.
18:44:05 Ismene feels badly and searches for something positive to say. "She's very studious."
18:44:05 Glynara listens intently to all of these details about the resident Cranky Mage.
18:44:17 [Ben]: Yeah. I mean, if you mean angry. She's real mad. The other kind of — maybe?
18:44:24 [Dane]: Meant the other kind, aye.
18:44:57 [Glynara]: I read that the wizard Medivh couldnae keep an apprentice for -two weeks- before Khadgar. On account of… stuff like tha'.
18:45:01 Ismene thinks hard. "She likes Cal! She told me that once." Her face falls. "Sort of."
18:45:19 [Colson]: I believe she will improve upon acquaintance. My sister seemed to be willing to assist her. Cressidha may provide a…bettering influence on what Miss Sweet prefers in her company.
18:45:20 [Ben]: Cal's a good fella.
18:45:25 Dane raises his mug, proclaiming emphatically with authority, and a timely mug raise. "Now *that* bastard was mad."
18:45:39 [Ismene]: Cal's mad?
18:45:39 [Glynara]: Oh aye! *She raises her mug back, smiling brightly*
18:45:47 [Glynara]: No, Medivh!
18:45:54 Dane nods at Glynara.
18:46:00 [Ismene]: Oh! Oh. I…. wouldn't know.
18:46:21 [Glynara]: Mr. Bennett seems … agreeable. But he's no mage, is he?
18:46:43 Dane squints in thought. "Which'ns that. Blond lad, 'bout your age?" He again gestures vaguely towards the youths.
18:47:18 [Glynara]: Sir Elohad's assistant.
18:47:21 [Ismene]: I haven't had the pleasure of meeting him. From what Ginny's said, he's some sort of mage, I guess?
18:47:36 [Glynara]: I had no idea he was a mage!
18:47:47 [Glynara]: I suppose he was wearing a… sort of… robe…
18:47:49 [Dane]: He's … aye. Sommat'.
18:47:52 Glynara wrinkles her nose a bit.
18:47:52 Dane waves dismissively.
18:48:11 [Ismene]: Ginny said um… Oh, never mind, I oughtn't use that language.
18:48:23 [Dane]: Say it.
18:48:47 Glynara looks to Ismene with the expression of one prepared to be scandalized.
18:48:49 Ismene glances toward Colson, taking his lead on social etiquette over Atley's for some strange reason.
18:49:05 Colson inclines his head in agreement with Ismene. There is no need for such things.
18:49:24 Dane senses he has been overruled. He just smacks his lips and takes another drink.
18:49:28 Ismene smiles a little. "Let's just say she felt that Cal was the only person she'd met who didn't annoy her."
18:49:48 [Glynara]: Well he's… yes, very… pleasant!
18:49:53 [Ben]: I mean, it'd be hard to find Cal annoyin'. He's a pretty steady fella.
18:49:54 [Glynara]: Very polite!
18:50:01 [Dane]: Mm. Seems to have his own rightly, aye.
18:50:03 [Glynara]: Aye, steady, tha's a good word fer it.
18:50:21 [Colson]: He must be a very respectable person, to have secured the position of Sir Ference's assistant. Sir Ference has excellent judgement.
18:50:37 Dane grunts.
18:51:10 [Glynara]: I've been doin me best tae meet everyone in the Comp'ny an' get to know 'em but my -goodness- tha's gettin' hard tae do.
18:51:21 [Dane]: Mm. Aye. S'multplying quick, innit'.
18:51:25 Glynara giggles at Atley.
18:51:47 [Colson]: It is, indeed, much larger than I expected. My sister wrote to me no more than four months ago of joining a small mercenary group to assist the people of Stormwind.
18:51:53 [Ismene]: I'm used to finding no one here at all! Imagine my surprise to find so many tonight. Who was that odd man who was leaving as I came in? The one that gave me a handful of cookies?
18:52:09 Dane scoffs knowingly. "D'be Gausanders."
18:52:18 [Colson]: And now, it appears there are nearly a hundred strong of Cobalt, and the Company has become known even to Lady Jaina Proudmoore in Theramore.
18:52:24 Glynara nods at you.
18:52:27 Ben remembers the cookie in his pocket, and checks to make sure it's still there. It is. He takes it out and sets it carefully on the table beside him.
18:52:41 Dane discreetly looks away and glowers.
18:52:50 [Colson]: There are cookies somewhere? *he looks around like this might be very important*
18:53:09 [Dane]: T'was. Reckon Sanders took'm all with him. 'Sides that one, there.
18:53:12 Dane nods at Ben's cookie.
18:53:24 [Glynara]: Oh goodness, I'd better not have any. I got a swim party comin' up soon and I gotta stay fittin' intae me suit!
18:53:25 [Ben]: Um. Well, I got one here that gnome Cognisha gave me, but — I mean, you can have it? I don't exactly want it.
18:53:41 Colson looks at the cookie that has been pulled from someone's pocket. "Oh, ah. Thank you, but no. I am well enough. I do not care for sweets."
18:53:49 Ben nods somberly.
18:53:56 Ismene points at the table. "I dropped the cookies he gave me on the table. They were a little…sweaty."
18:54:13 [Dane]: Mage food… Ought to disappear 'fter a time, aye?
18:54:52 Colson inclines his head at Ismene, and looks at Dane. "Oh, conjured food? Yes, it does. That is well. I do not believe Cressidha would enjoy conjured cookies nearly as well."
18:55:10 [Dane]: You lot have cooks coming up?
18:55:40 Ismene seems apologetic. "I'm afraid I'm not a very good cook."
18:56:12 Ben looks sympathetically at Ismene. "Aunt Nir neither."
18:56:15 [Colson]: I am afraid I never mastered the art of cooking beyond the basics up to a point. I can make some simple dishes of pasta, that is all.
18:56:32 [Glynara]: Oh aye, hard tae go wrong wi' pasta!
18:56:47 [Ben]: I'm a pretty good cook. I been doin' the cookin' for us.
18:56:48 [Colson]: Yes. I enjoy making it from scratch. I find it meditative.
18:57:05 [Glynara]: See, I knew ye'd be a great help tae yer aunt! She's lucky tae have ye aroun'.
18:57:06 [Colson]: That is well done of you.
18:57:13 Ismene smiles at Ben. Isn't he just the best? He's the best.
18:57:34 Dane sighs softly, briefly looking away in thought.
18:57:40 Ben shrugs a little awkwardly and drinks again.
18:58:22 [Glynara]: Oop, speakin' o' cookin', I promised I'd do the dishes t'night a' home since ma cooked. I didnae mean tae stay quite so long, yer just all so delightful!
18:58:33 Dane grunts delightfully.
18:58:35 [Glynara]: I hope tae see ye aroun' again soon!
18:58:49 Glynara blows a kiss into the wind.
18:58:51 [Ismene]: Good night, Ms. Craghart.
18:58:55 Colson stands when she does, and executes a bow.
18:58:56 Ben nods at Glynara.
18:59:03 [Colson]: "Good evening, Miss Craghart."
18:59:05 Glynara trips merrily up the stairs!
18:59:08 [Ismene]: Mr. Atley, how did you come to join the company?
18:59:22 [Colson]: You were one of the original members, if I recall correctly?
18:59:25 [Dane]: M'a senator's son.