Caoimhe ó Ceallaigh
Pronunciation: Key-va O’Kelly
When you need to be alone, where do you go?
The rear garden. I got good enough at my music that mum lets me play outside now and none of the neighbors minded either. Well, Mr. Williams did once but I think Father talked to him about it and he never complained again.
When do you cry, and where?
The drawing room. As long as Father’s on the job and Mum doesn’t have her friends over, no one ever goes in there. And I can play the piano, so no one’ll hear me even if I’m in the house.
What’s your favorite food in the cafeteria?
Definitely breakfast. Doesn’t matter what. Eggs, sausages, ham - okay, maybe ham isn’t as good as the rest but it’s still good.
Which teacher do you like/hate and why?
Professor Berwyn keeps giving me new pieces of music to learn. It’s really nice to have access to things besides Mum’s old collection.
Mr. Fitzpatrick is a nosy braggart, a boring has-been. The definition of ‘those who can’t do, teach’ sticks her tongue out at him behind his back
Who are you parents and why did they send you here?
Father is a corporal in the municipal constabulary. He’s been trying to make sergeant for a couple years now but they keep turning him down. Mum’s a…. a professional friend-haver. What was that word again? Oh! Socialite!
As to why they sent me here, doesn’t everyone? It’s kind of p…. well it’s famous and if I could get in then it looks good for everyone, right?
Who used to be your best friend and why aren’t they anymore?
When I was much younger, I met a girl in the park. We used to play lots of games together. Then one day Father came home and said I can’t play with her anymore. I don’t really know why. I tried going back once, but one of Father’s subordinates saw me near the park. I thought he just wanted to talk, but then Father showed up. He was quite cross and dragged me all the way home.
What are you picked on for that really gets to you?
I’m not stupid. I’m not!
What are you picked on for that you shrug off?
Who cares that I do my own washing up. It means that I don’t need to be so careful with keeping my clothes clean.
What are you praised for that makes you proud?
I really am quite good for my age with playing music. I do best with violin or viola, but I can play pretty much any music I’ve tried with a bit of practice.
What are you praised for that makes you upset / embarrassed?
That I’m always so polite or cheerful, or that I’m so grown up. Or that I make my parents proud.
Quirk
1. Memories of violence
Whatever the details of your youth and how you came to attend Russel Hall, you’re in a safe place for the first time. At least that’s what Mr. Rancourt tried to make clear when he welcomed you. You might even believe it at a rational level (up to you), but subconsciously you’re always on alert, always reading people around you and learning their tells, their escalations.
As a passive ability: you have a very finely tuned sense of potential violence in a situation. You’re always the first to see a fight break out in the mess hall, and know when someone is about to be shovel too hard during recreation.
As an active ability: twice, you may ask me if a character intends you harm and get a true answer. Some time afterwards, the quirk will evolve.
2. From the dark, returned
You can still use your unspent active skill, and your passive remains.
You gain a new ability: the calm of perspective. Outside of situations that are clearly mortal peril, you may choose to remain calm despite any effects that would alter that 5 times. This includes pushing through pain/fear/etc.