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Outside the Stormwind Keep.
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Ah. Velrin, I have something to return to you.”
[Velrin Silverbloom]: “Hm?”
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “A young lady named Jenzelle said you left this at Bruuk's.” Cress withdraws a cloth-wrapped dagger from a bag and offers it over.
[Velrin Silverbloom]: “Oh, yes that.” She quickly takes the dagger and stows it away.
Cressidha Aspenwood nods.
Ben Hazan and Lady Niris Ference enter together. He is squiring her gallantly, her hand on his arm, and he looks about as solemn as it is possible for Ben to look, which is to say some effort has been made at combing his hair. His silver-and-blue armor has been shined impeccably and his Cobalt Company tabard is crisp; there is a new-bright silver emblem of the Argent Crusade pinned near his right shoulder.
Niris is wearing a dark blue gown and a chubby, black-haired infant in a sling that appears to have been made from the same fabric as the gown. The baby himself has made no particular effort to dress for the occasion.
Calduin Bennett searches the faces for anyone he recognizes. “Am I on time for the Atley knighting?”
Kitharian du Lac tries to lean against the castle wall. She’s in a rather polished suit of nice plate armor, so that makes it difficult. Over one shoulder is a blue and silver cape with the symbol of the Argent Crusade on it, and on the opposite shoulder is the hilt of a large sword, glowing ever so faintly in the sun.
Sandy Spellbond grabs a very long sword from his bag. How did that sword fit in that backpack? It's up to anyone's guess.
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “You are.”
Sandy Spellbond whispers. "I can't believe I'm early."
Niris drops Ben’s arm to put both hands on the baby’s back and jog him a little in place. She smiles benevolently at Sandy.
Mordecai Aspenwood smooths out imaginary wrinkles from his extremely fancy blue and gold robes.
Sandy Spellbond whispers again. "Is that what early feels like?"
Colson Aspenwood smiles faintly at Sandy. He can't believe Sandy is early. Great job, Sandy.
Sandy Spellbond sits down. "Early is boring."
Colson Aspenwood exhales slowly as Sandy sits down on the ground.
Ben gives Sandy a Look. It is kind of a resigned Look.
Calduin Bennett looks around for a place to stand and wait.
Cressidha Aspenwood smiles at Sandy. "Well. This is what early feels like."
Sandy Spellbond looks at Cress and sighs. "I'm never doing that again!" He grins wickedly at Cressidha. “Being early!”
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Never? When you're early, you get to watch everyone else arrive.”
Sandy Spellbond raises an eyebrow. "Or I could arrive somewhere and see everybody who's already there!"
Ismene scampers up, dressed in an immaculate gown of soft blue gauze over blue silk scarcely a shade darker. It is hand-embroidered with silver lions in mid-roar. “Am I late? I’m not late, am I? Oh good!” She hurries to Ben’s side and takes his hand, smiling up at him, then at everyone. “They all look so nice,” she whispers to her husband.
Ben squeezes Ismene’s hand and nods, smiling down at her.
Mattias glances past Atley. "One of yer lot," he says. "We'll go in and wait." He clamps an armored hand around Garrett's wrist and drags him into the keep.
Ivrianna Barlowe turns to see what Mattie meant. She smiles a little. "Look."
Dane Atley grunts and nods before he turns to meet the others. He takes Ivrianna's hand and marches over with Ivrianna and nods to those assembled. "Hullo' then, friends, comrades. M'honored by you attending."
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Ivri! Dane.” Cress smiles warmly.
Colson Aspenwood smiles at Dane. "It is an honor to be here."
Calduin bows before Atley.
Ben Hazan straightens and salutes Atley with respect, his expression aglow.
Dane stands straight and crispy returns the salute before he sharply cuts it, and extends a hand. “Crusader. M’grateful you’ve made it this day.”
Niris Ference beams and pats Little Dane’s back, stooping her head to whisper something in his ear. The baby gawps, confused but not necessarily impressed. He is drooling.
Dane turns and inclines his head to Niris, and he holds it for a moment. “You look fair. S’been some time as well, milady,” he says with his usual growl before green eyes flicker to Dane. He inspects the baby harshly before issuing a curt grunt. He keeps his distance, more so out of fear of accidentally harming the baby than anything else. “You’ve a handsome babe, there. M’glad to see him in good health, as well,” he states shortly but earnestly, tensing his jaw.
Ivrianna Barlowe holds Dane's hand. She has definitely lost weight, to those who know her, and has lost her habitual impish grin.
Some of Ben’s glow fades a little as he takes in Ivrianna’s appearance, and he scrutinizes her.
Sandy Spellbond gets up, grinning. "Hello you two!"
Mordecai Aspenwood nods.
Velrin Silverbloom nods to Dane.
[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Savage centaurs could not keep me away, Dane.”
Ivrianna Barlowe smiles a little at Cressidha, and lifts her other hand in a wave.
Cressidha Aspenwood waves back.
Dane Atley looks around to each of them and gives a nod before starts doing rounds. Auralind first. “Not much could, I wager.” Dane extends a hand.
Auralind Mistwalker smirks.
Jocoza waves.
Auralind Mistwalker clasps Dane's hand firmly.
[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Well done, my friend.”
Dane Atley gratefully inclines his head to Auralind.
Oranna Stormbreaker stands near Jo and Sandy, looking teary eyed and enthusiastic about everything.
Dane Atley nods firmly and moves to Calduin. "S'been some time. Good to have you."
[Calduin Bennett]: “I am pleased to be here.”
By the lamp post near the tunnel lurks a Death Knight in full armor, helm on. He's just lurking. Death Knightly.
Cressidha Aspenwood moves over to give Ivri a hug while Dane does rounds.
Ivrianna Barlowe leans into the hug and shows no signs of wanting to be free of it. “You look so beautiful.”
Dane Atley extends a hand to Colson. "Milord."
Colson Aspenwood takes Dane's hand in a firm grip, his smile warm. "Dane."
Dane Atley nods with stoic emotion before he bows to Mordecai. "Chaplain, my respects." He bows.
Mordecai Aspenwood returns the bow. "Thank you for the invitation."
[Dane Atley]: “M'honored to have you.”
Sandy Spellbond's eyes get tearier with each person shaking Dane's hand.
Oranna Stormbreaker sniffles and hands Sandy a handkerchief. Befound makes a purring sound, butting against her leg.
Sandy Spellbond takes the handkerchief and wipes his tears away, smiling at Oranna.
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Your hair is down for once!”
Ivrianna Barlowe laughs a little, and reaches up to touch it. "They wouldn't let me near the king with any weapons, so I had nothing to hold it up. Besides, it's Dane's day and he likes it down."
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Ah, yes. Of course.”
[Dane Atley]: “Velrin, looking sharp.” Dane extends a hand.
[Velrin Silverbloom]: “Thank you. As are you, Atley.” Velrin reaches to give Dane a firm handshake.
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “Yours is up, I see.”
Cressidha Aspenwood still has not released Ivri from the hug. "It's more manageable that way."
Ivrianna Barlowe seems content to be leaning on Cressidha's strength. "Ah yes. Of course."
Dane Atley inclines his head and meets the handshake before he looks over Sandy, glaring. He scoffs with amusement and clasps him hard on the shoulder, tugging him around. “Sanders.”
Sandy Spellbond runs away down the circle. "No, do the others first. I'm not ready!" His voice cracks a little.
Dane Atley blinks, but grunts softly in amusement. He steps in front of Jocoza and salutes.
Calduin Bennett spares a single glance for the huge lion right next to him. He salutes Jocoza with respect. “Captain.”
Jocoza salutes Dane with respect.
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “It's good to see you.”
[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Dane. I'm so proud to be here for you today.”
Dane Atley clears his throat and nods. "T'means more than I can say to have you with me. You've led us well."
Jocoza Sparkwire tears up a little. "Working with you since the beginning… if anyone deserves to be a knight, you do."
Dane Atley clenches his jaw and shifts briefly in place. "I aim to live up to the title."
[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “I'm sure you will.” Jo smiles up at him.
Sandy Spellbond wipes his tears with the handkerchief again, then blows his nose. In the correct order.
Ivrianna Barlowe turns her head so she blinks a tear onto Cressidha's neck instead of her gown. "I wanted to break in and frighten your butler, but we've been busy. And I didn't want you to turn me into a sheep before you realized it's me."
Cressidha Aspenwood pats Ivri's back gently. "Just knock. Burglars don't knock."
Ivrianna Barlowe reluctantly straightens up and checks to make sure she didn't muss Cressidha.
Cressidha Aspenwood glances over. Dane is getting closer in the rounds. She clears her throat and stands next to Ivri.
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “Thank you for your letter. It meant a great deal.”
Dane Atley inclines his head and holds it before he steps before Oranna, nestled between Jocoza and Nunuzac. "Matron Stormbreaker."
Oranna Stormbreaker doesn't hesitate, practically throwing herself into a hug for Dane. "Oh, lad. I'm so proud of ye. Jus' look at ye." She beams up at him.
Befound makes a purring sound, practically begging for a head pat from Dane.
Dane Atley blinks faintly, but he gently raises his hands to pat Oranna on the shoulder, and Befound on the head.
[Dane Atley]: “T'means a great deal to've you here this day. Know that.”
Oranna Stormbreaker steps back, her eyes bright and happy. "Means the world ta see ye like this." She sniffles and brushes at her eyes.
A breathless messenger with the 7th Legion insignia on his uniform runs up to Atley and hands him a small sealed envelope, then gives a smart salute before hurrying away.
Befound licks Dane's gauntlet once.
Children with a field trip lesson in progress skirt around the group and don’t pass through the assembled party as though they were ghosts, absolutely not. They went around, normally, definitely.
Ivrianna Barlowe calls after the kids, "Pay your stonemasons! Just saying.”
Dane Atley grunts, and scoffs with amusement at Befound. He accepts the letter, but finishes his dues before reading it. “This one's been eating well, haven't they?” Dane gives Befound another head pat.
Befound doesn't look like she's been eating well. Pls, sir, Oranna doesn't feed her. Ever. She's starving.
Oranna Stormbreaker snorts. "None of tha', lass. Aye, she's been eatin' well."
Dane Atley grunts, and nods. He steps up to Nunuzac and extends a hand. "From wot' I've seen, you're a boon to your people. M'honored to have you here."
[Nunuzac]: “I get back only to hear Dane I just meet gets honors right away? How good I get to help out then see this. Happy day to you, human.” Nunuzac settles a very faint light over him with a sound like a distant chime.
Dane Atley growls with amusement. "And to you as well, milady. My thanks."
Nunuzac beams brightly.
Sandy Spellbond places the handkerchief in his pocket, closes his eyes, takes a deep breath and shakes his hands in the air.
Ivrianna Barlowe's hand reaches for Cressidha's.
Cressidha Aspenwood takes Ivri's hand and holds on.
Calduin Bennett continues to let his dishwater-gray gaze move placidly between the huge lion and the huge snow leopard.
Elu'shalla gives a happy, rumbling mrrrow at his old friend, Befound.
Befound huffs a hello, and stretches in Elu'shall's direction, blinking slowly.
Elu'shalla returns the slow blink, head held high, mane blowing majestically in the breeze.
Dane Atley turns and steps in front of Gausanders. "You."
Sandy Spellbond opens his eyes, and then his arms wide for a hug.
Dane Atley's still for a moment before he steps closer and wraps his arms around Sandy, giving him a couple of slams on the back. “One of my oldest and oddest of mates. Let's not tell the King we've engaged in fisticuffs, shall we?”
Sandy Spellbond hugs him tight. He chuckles. "I won't! At least not this time!"
Dane Atley leans back and clasps his shoulders. He clasps them again, loudly. "Decent sort, you," he compliments earnestly, but gruffly.
[Sandy Spellbond]: “I'm really, really proud of you, Dane!” He manages to keep his voice from breaking up until the second "really".
Dane Atley clears his throat at the voice crack and rests a hand on his sword, nodding. "M'glad you're here today…" He pauses and concentrates. “'Sandy.'”
Sandy gasps at Dane.
[Dane Atley]: “L'right then, that'll do,” Dane light-heartedly growls, waving a hand.
Ivrianna Barlowe smiles a little at Dane and Sandy. She leans a bit and tips her head to rest her head on Cressidha's shoulder.
Sandy Spellbond's eyes widen, and he stays silent, in shock.
Nunuzac doesn't make the connection between Gausanders and the earlier discussions of soul ripping. She is just glad to witness friendship!
Mordecai Aspenwood leans over to Colson and says in a quieter voice, although probably still audible to Auralind and Velrin's hearing, "Excited?"
Colson Aspenwood leans his head closer to Mordecai. "Immensely," he says in a voice that might sound even and mild to most.
Mordecai Aspenwood beams happily at Colson.
Zeldanna Ambergris approaches from the direction of the cathedral.
Dane Atley bows before Zeldanna. “Milady. M'honored by your attendance.”
Calduin Bennett tries to keep track of Dane's movements while also keeping tabs on both giant white wildcats. It's challenging.
Zeldanna Ambergris nods at Dane "Honored to be here. Are you excited?"
Dane Atley grunts. "Properly. 'Ve rehearsed 'nuff times."
[Zeldanna Ambergris]: “Then I'm sure you'll do wonderfully.”
Dane Atley grunts gratefully and inclines his head. He turns towards Cressidha and bows again. "Lady Cressidha." He bows before Cressidha.
Ivrianna Barlowe lets go of Cressidha so she can speak to Dane unencumbered. UninIvried. DeIvried.
Cressidha Aspenwood lets go of Ivri's hand and curtsies politely. "Thank you for the invitation, Dane. This is an honor you have undoubtedly earned."
Dane Atley grunts and clears his throat, nodding. "M'properly honored by your words," he states earnestly.
Cressidha Aspenwood smiles. She starts to reach for Ivri's hand again.
Dane Atley turns to Ivrianna and holds out his palm. "Ivrianna."
Cressidha Aspenwood quickly steps aside. Ivri's turn.
Ivrianna Barlowe reaches out for Dane's hand. "Dane," she says.
Dane Atley raises Ivrianna's hand to her lips and kisses the back of it. "You are my great love." he growls.
Ivrianna Barlowe buh-links and looks around. Ivri finds a new smile. "I told you that a year ago."
Dane Atley grunts, and hesitates before letting her go. "Must've been onto somming'."
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “Go on. Don't keep the king waiting. He might go on another vacation and you'd have to let a little boy knight you.”
Dane Atley scoffs with amusement and nods, turning to the others.
Cressidha Aspenwood covers her mouth to hide a smile.
Calduin bows before Dane.
Dane Atley nods respectfully to Calduin.
[Dane Atley]: “Right then. Wager we've done 'nuff standing about.”
Ivrianna Barlowe steps back a bit.
Mordecai Aspenwood stands up straighter.
Colson Aspenwood steps forward, his motions crisp and precise.
[Auralind Mistwalker]: “So impatient, you humans.” Auralind smirks.
[Dane Atley]: “If you lot'll stand with the Barlowes.”
Dane Atley looks to Colson and nods. "I am on you, milord." Dane still has his helmet tucked under his arm.
Colson Aspenwood inclines his head politely to Dane, and begins the walk to the Keep, aiming for Elo.
Cressidha Aspenwood offers her arm out to Ivri, politely.
Sandy Spellbond is still in shock of the 'Sandy' and it takes him a second to follow the group.
Ivrianna Barlowe loops her arm through Cressidha's.
Elohad Ference waits for the crowd to finish assembling.
Niris beams at Elohad now.
Ben is doing Solemn again.
Sandy Spellbond smiles at Ivri, his eyes teary again.
Elohad Ference turns toward His Majesty and squares his shoulders, then kneels.
Kitharian bows low to the king and holds it a moment before straightening.
A shrewd but sober looking scribe waits far off to the side, observing the ceremony with a keen eye and a quill and parchment.
Ivrianna Barlowe leads Cress over to one side where three men wait. One is dressed in the armor of a Royal Guard, polished to a bright shine. Another wears the dress armor version of a city guard. The third is in dress clothes. All have black hair & blue eyes.
Ivrianna curtsies before King Varian Wrynn.
[Elohad Ference]: “I present myself to you, Your Majesty: Sir Elohad the Enduring of the Argent Crusade, Councilor of Darkshire, subject of the Crown. Today I serve as keeper of knighthood.
Colson Aspenwood kneels a moment after Elo finishes. "I present myself to you, Your Majesty. Sir Colson Aspenwood, fourth of House Aspenwood, Knight of the Argent Crusade. Today I serve as Knight's Witness."
Dane Atley steps forward and slowly takes a knee, bowing his head. "I present myself to you, your majesty. Dane Atley, untitled and unsworn."
King Varian Wrynn oversees the three with a stern brow before he nods his approval to continue.
Ben observes King Varian Wrynn equally sternly, his mouth set at a skeptical angle.
Niris elbows him and shushes the baby.
On Ben’s other side, Ismene elbows him. She’s staring starry-eyed at King Varian, as though she might swoon if he even glances her way.
Ben hunches his shoulders, doubly elbowed, and looks mutinous.
Elohad Ference rises.
The scribe off to the side jots down the titles.
Mordecai Aspenwood clasps his hands behind his back, standing at parade rest in what seems to be a reflex, except he's smiling at the group on the steps.
Colson Aspenwood stands, moving to Elo's side, his face solemn and serious.
Elohad Ference draws his sword, holding it firmly before him as he speaks.
Ivrianna Barlowe gets smooshed between Cressidha and the Barlowe Boy wearing a suit. She seems fine with this, and watches the ceremony quietly.
Ilanya Ravendusk stands behind the group, in the shadows. She is probably seen by the guards, but they pay her no mind.
Jocoza Sparkwire watches with a smile.
[Elohad Ference]: “Dane Atley, you have served this kingdom and the Alliance with distinction. I witnessed your courage during the second war, and many speak of your fortitude in the third. Since then, you have risen to become not only a fine soldier, but a leader and example to others.”
Dane Atley glares, peering straight ahead with rigid intensity.
[Elohad Ference]: “I am honored to be the one to formally bestow upon you the honor that you have already lived in word and in deed since you were too young to wield a weapon in your homeland's defense, but found any way you could to serve.”
Colson Aspenwood's eyes are gentle as he watches Dane. Everything about his posture says Formal and Stoic.
Dane Atley's throat rolls, but he makes no sound.
Elohad Ference raises his sword, hovering it over Dane's right shoulder.
Ivrianna Barlowe whispers, very quietly, into Cressidha's ear.
Dane Atley slowly takes a knee, peering upwards.
Cressidha Aspenwood whispers back to Ivri.
Auralind Mistwalker smiles with solemn pride.
[Elohad Ference]: “By the lion, I charge you to be fierce.” He strikes Dane's right shoulder with the sword.
Dane Atley sets his jaw.
Elohad Ference moves the sword to Dane's left shoulder, giving it another firm tap. "By the eagle, I charge you to be wise."
Sandy Spellbond sniffles.
Elohad Ference lifts the sword in a graceful arc to once again touch Dane's right shoulder. "By the shield, I charge you to defend. Stand, Sir Dane Atley the Red, and be recognized as knight of House Wrynn, protector of the kingdom of the Stormwind, and guardian of the Grand Alliance.”
Sir Dane Atley the Red slowly stands and puts on his helmet. He reaches for his sword, but waits.
Colson Aspenwood takes out his sword with an elegant perfection.
Sir Dane Atley similarly slides out his sword and raises it into the air between the three.
Colson Aspenwood raises his blade to the center, crossing it lightly with Dane's.
Elohad Ference crosses his sword with the others.
Sir Dane Atley raises his sword and crosses it with the others.
[Sir Dane Atley]: “For the Alliance!”
[Elohad Ference]: “For the Alliance!”
[Colson Aspenwood]: “For the Alliance!”
Sandy Spellbond looks at the others to know if he should say it too.
The two armored Barlowes slam fists against hearts, armor-on-armor ringing out. "For the Alliance!" they shout in tandem.
[Mordecai Aspenwood]: “For the Alliance!”
Ivrianna Barlowe raises up on her toes. "For the Alliance!"
Ben Hazan calls a hearty, “For the Alliance!”
Niris only nods smartly. The baby has crumpled his face up and looks prepared to yell too at all this other yelling, though possibly not for the Alliance. Niris murmurs something soothing and whisks him out into a side corridor.
[Auralind Mistwalker]: “For the Alliance!”
Sandy Spellbond nods. "For the Alliance!"
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “For the Alliance.”
[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “For the Alliance.”
Kitharian’s armored fist, too, clangs against her cuirass. “For the Alliance!” she says, loud and proud.
[Velrin Silverbloom]: “For the Alliance!”
Zeldanna Ambergris quietly murmurs "For the Alliance,” along with the others.
Elohad Ference sheaths his sword in time with the other two men and smartly turns toward the exit.
Colson Aspenwood sheaths his weapon smartly.
King Varian Wrynn oversees with a stern brow. He nods his approval, and looks to the scribe, who finishes his last work on the parchment before nodding in kind. "Go, heroes," says the King.
Dane Atley sheathes his weapon and nods before he turns and walks out.
Elohad Ference salutes King Varian Wrynn with respect.
Colson Aspenwood salutes King Varian Wrynn with respect.
Sandy Spellbond lets out one sob.
Ivrianna Barlowe smiles at Atley, bright and brilliant, all traces of sadness banished.
Ilanya Ravendusk turns and slips away into the shadows, having seen what she came to see.
Ivrianna curtsies before King Varian Wrynn.
Gausanders salutes King Varian Wrynn with respect.
Colson Aspenwood strides with Knightly Precision out of the Keep.
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “Should've taken the bet. Though he is wearing a helm….”
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “I don't gamble. But he might be.”
Ivrianna Barlowe grins at Cressidha.
Dane Atley steps out and clears his throat, reaching for his helmet. “Wager that'll do it, then.”
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Congratulations, Sir Atley.”
Ivrianna Barlowe doesn't leap into Dane's arms because Propriety. But she does smile at him, big and bright still.
Elohad Ference finally gets to break down in manly sobs. He dabs at his face with a handkerchief.
Colson Aspenwood turns to Dane as they get outside, a warm smile on his face, a hand extended to Dane.
Dane Atley yanks Ivrianna in tight and abrupt for a hug. His own eyes are slightly watered.
Sandy Spellbond wipes his tears with the handkerchief he puls from his pocket. "Yes, congratulations!"
Mordecai Aspenwood looks over, startled, at the woman who passes behind him.
[Calduin Bennett]: “Congratulations, Sir Dane.”
Ivrianna Barlowe laughs and hugs him back. Partly. Because big armor.
Mordecai Aspenwood puts his back up against the wall properly.
Ben pauses by Mordecai to offer a smile and a brief nod.
Ilanya Ravendusk offers Mordecai a very proper smile, but remains silent.
Velrin Silverbloom hangs back quietly.
Dane Atley holds Ivrianna for a moment before immediately turning to Colson, taking the hand firmly.
Zeldanna Ambergris now gives Dane a full curtsey "Congratulations Sir Dane."
Elohad Ference blows his nose loudly into his handkerchief.
Colson Aspenwood moves in for a Manly Hug, back pat and all. "Congratulations, Sir Dane the Red."
Dane Atley accepts the hug. Clang clang goes gauntlet on cuirass.
Colson Aspenwood nods firmly to Dane. Clang.
Ivrianna Barlowe lets go of Dane so she can go hug Elo.
Elohad hugs Ivrianna. Elo lifts her off the ground just slightly.
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “You were wonderful.” She kisses his cheeks soundly.
[Elohad Ference]: “Thank the LIGHT I didn't start crying. I mean, earlier.”
Sandy Spellbond nods at Elo. "Yes, me neither! I didn't!"
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “I bet Cressidha that Dane would. She didn't take the bet.”
Auralind Mistwalker smirks wryly. "Sir Dane the Red. I suppose you'll be turning quite pompous now."
Cressidha Aspenwood covers her mouth to hide a smile.
Dane Atley growls with amusement before he outright laughs at Auralind.
Auralind Mistwalker chuckles.
[Dane Atley]: “Aye, properly. S'time to be a real bastard and get away with it, innit'?”
[Elohad Ference]: “Yes, Atley, you have to hold your pinkie like this when you drink tea now.” He demonstrates.
Oranna Stormbreaker is quietly crying, standing near Befound, relaxed by the tree. "Is tha' a Knight thing?"
Sandy Spellbond laughs at Elo's joke, a laugh that turns into happy sobs.
[Dane Atley]: “No. I'm still Dane or Atley to each of you, unless the situation says not.”
[Colson Aspenwood]: “As you like, Dane.” Colson grins briefly, before the stoicism returns.
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Of course, Dane.”
[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Don't worry. If you do, I'll give you…how might you put it…a 'proper smack'?”
Ivrianna Barlowe shifts around to face Dane again. “Ah, thank you Aura. I'll need the help.”
Auralind Mistwalker's ear flicks toward Ivrianna, her head turning slightly and her lips pursing, but she gives no reply.
Dane Atley nods at Auralind and grunts. "Properly."
Calduin Bennett quietly slips away while the others are engaged in NHB.
Colson Aspenwood moves to stand by Mordecai, a hand extended for holding. He's still Aspenwood Neutral beaming at Dane.
Mordecai Aspenwood takes Colson's hand. His eyes flick towards the woman standing behind the tree again.
[Dane Atley]: “'Ve come a long way, sir.” He marches right up to Elohad and extends a hand.
Elohad Ference grabs Dane to aggressively hug him.
Dane Atley accepts it, unsurprised. He doesn't resist being let go, but he leaves a hand on Elohad's shoulder pad.
Elohad Ference lets him go almost as aggressively.
[Elohad Ference]: “I'm just — I'm so — “ Welp, he's crying again.
[Dane Atley]: “My brother, and captain.”
Elohad salutes Sir Dane Atley the Red with respect.
Sir Dane Atley the Red salutes Elohad with respect.
[Dane Atley]: “I'd not be half the man I am now if not for you. If not for any of you.” Dane glances around, nodding sternly, deathly seriously.
Elohad Ference looks to Niris.
Niris has, in fact, slipped back in unnoticed to stand at Elohad’s shoulder, jogging the baby again. The baby is now dozing, and still drooling, making a peaceful damp stain on his mama’s nice gown. “You are a man we are proud of, and proud to know, Mr. Atley.”
“Hear, hear,” murmurs Kit. She gives Dane a salute and a smile, before slipping away down the street. As much as one can ‘slip away’ when wearing metal boots.
The large Death Knight by the light pole near the tunnel is still there, though now he's facing the group. His helm still obscures his features.
Colson Aspenwood glances at the Death Knight, his face looking more serious as he makes an assessment of a Threat.
Dane Atley's gaze briefly flicks to the eavesdropping death knight.
Dane Atley steps to Ben to shake his hand.
Ben shakes Dane’s hand vigorously, grinning. “Reckon if I do ‘sir’ you now, though, it applies. Yeah? Man who taught me smithin’ told me so himself.”
Dane scoffs with amusement. “Aye, now I’d wager it’s proper. In the right circumstances, f’course.”
“You looked splendid!” Ismene says, smiling at Dane. “What a wonderful ceremony, I’m so happy I could be here.”
Dane Atley turns to Ismene and respectfully bows with a low grunt. “Milady. It means a great deal to’ve you attend.”
Elohad Ference nods warmly at Ben.
[Dane Atley]: “That said, that'll do for the ceremonies today. We're 'free to bugger off, now.”
[Elohad Ference]: “Yes, I think Little Dane has about reached his limit of ceremonial tolerance, which is to say… he's woken up.”
Little Dane has, in fact, and is looking around blearily and a little crossly.
Velrin Silverbloom just kind of stands, awkwardly, not sure what to do and feeling a little guilty that she isn't feeling the joy with everyone else.
Nunuzac looks slightly tired and distracted by this point, staring off distantly. "Big king…" That's another one to check off.
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “If anyone would care for transportation, I can provide portals to Ironforge, Darnassus, the Exodar, Theramore, and Shattrath.”
[Dane Atley]: “Bit of pageantry goes a long way, in a few ways, doesn't it.”
[Elohad Ference]: “Someday perhaps he'll be Sir Dane Ference the Some Other Color. But for now, we take him home.”
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “I think that's my cue to take Big Dane home for feeding, too.”
Gausanders laughs at Ivrianna.
Oranna Stormbreaker makes several sounds at 'Big Dane' and ends up just saying, "Get him ta eat some broccoli!" to Ivrianna.
Ilanya Ravendusk says something, too quiet for anyone to hear, but if someone should happen to be looking at her, they may be able to see the word 'Congratulations' on her lips.
[Dane Atley]: “Mm, lastly, wager it's time for a bit of news. I shall be marrying this one next week.” Dane pulls Ivrianna against him.
Ivrianna Barlowe loses her smile.
Ben gives a (short, relatively decorous) whoop.
Niris gives him a reproachful look and then smiles serenely at the happy couple.
Jo smiles, but then notices Ivri’s reaction and her brows furrow slightly with worry.
[Cressidha Aspenwood]: “Oh! You'll let us know when, yes?”
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “Of course we will.”
[Dane Atley]: “F'course. It'll be at Northshire.”
Zeldanna Ambergris catches Elohad's eye just long enough to give him a small smile before she heads back into the city.
[Elohad Ference]: “Farewell, my friends. Thank you so much for being here.”
[Sandy Spellbond]: “Thank you for being there for our Da — for Dane, too, Elo!”
Niris nods her firm approval, and then slips out after Elohad, whispering to Little Dane again.
Dane nods to the leaving couple, gaze lingering fondly, but stoically on them as they depart.
Colson Aspenwood nods solemnly at Dane and Ivri.
Auralind Mistwalker's mouth forms a line.
[Sandy Spellbond]: “You're getting married, too?!”
Ivrianna Barlowe tugs at Dane's gauntlet. "Time to go, Sir Atley."
[Dane Atley]: “Aye. Stack all the important things on one week, ought not to forget that. M'being summoned. M'honored by all f'you.”
Ivrianna Barlowe looks back to smile at Gausanders. It's not a great smile.
[Sandy Spellbond]: “Do you two want me to die from all the happy crying?!”
Ivrianna Barlowe waves generally at Cobalt and assorted.
Ilanya Ravendusk quietly slips away.
Velrin Silverbloom nods to Dane and shuffles off without another word
[Nunuzac]: “I rest. Much happens today. Dioniss aca.”
[Sandy Spellbond]: “Cress I need water!” He starts crying again, a big smile on his face.
[Auralind Mistwalker]: “Hmm. I wish you a happy future, Sir Dane.”
Dane Atley nods and raises a hand to the Cobaltians, taking Ivri's hand.
Cressidha Aspenwood laughs and conjures some water for Sandy.
[Dane Atley]: “I trust you'll be there s'well, then, Sanders.”
[Sandy Spellbond]: “I sure will!”
[Dane Atley]: “Right.”
Ivrianna Barlowe interrupts to say, "We'll let you know when it is."
[Dane Atley]: “Travel well, Auralind.” Dane nods at Auralind.
Cressidha Aspenwood says her goodbyes and departs.
Dane Atley nods lastly in farewell to the Aspenwoods.
Sandy Spellbond waves goodbye to Ivri and Dane. "I'll see you soon then!" He sniffles, still smiling.
Dane Atley eyes Sandy fondly before clasping his shoulder again.
[Ivrianna Barlowe]: “Drink your water, Sandy.”