* Molly sits in the dining room, a single chair near the kitchen door. It is her usual spot for watching the guests in case service is required, but there is no-one waiting for her skills. In her left hand is a piece of dark blue fabric, and in her other, and emroidery needle with a paler blue thread. She is deep in concentration, biting her lip whilst trying to get the sticth in the perfect place.
* @Morgan clatters through the doors to the coach yard, down the steps and into the dining room. Approaching the table, the scowl on hsi face is obvious as he throws a pouch on the table and adjusts his sword belt
* Molly jumps at the unexpected noise, and inadvertantly stabs her finger with the needle. She cries out in pain
* @Morgan is seemingly unaware of anything but the pouch on the table as he stares at it coldly
* Molly stands up, dropping the fabric on to her chair. Sucking on her bleeding finger, she goes closer
< 14Molly >  13what's the matter, Morgan?
* @Morgan Morgan looks up suddenly
< 04@Morgan > what?
< 14Jaeger >  12*jeager enters the dining room by the door to the main house, a sheaf of documents in his hand*
* Molly looks taken aback
< 14Molly >  13I... I just wondered, what was wrong, I'm sorry
* @Morgan looks around the room, from Molly to Jaeger and back again
* Jaeger deep in his documents, Jaeger is blissfully ignorant of anyone else
* Molly goes to step away
< 04@Morgan > That... that IDIOT of a coachman has returned a letter I sent
* Molly looks puzzled
< 14Molly > Has taken it and brought it back, or has failed to take it at all?
< 04@Morgan > failed to take it at all
< 14Molly >  13was it urgent?
< 04@Morgan > urgent enough. I sent it a month ago, and he chooses now to bring it back
* Jaeger Jaeger shows almost supernatural awareness in finding a bench without taking his eyes from the documents
* Molly shakes her head
< 14Molly >  13 Can it not be taken to Carleon when you go on business perhaps?
< 04@Morgan > It could be. It should've arrived at its destination by now, and it'll be another month before it gets there
< 14Jaeger > hah!
< 14Molly >  13 Goodness!
* Jaeger jumps as he realises there are others in the room
* @Morgan fixes Jaeger with a stare
< 04@Morgan > hah?
< 14Jaeger > my god, i'm sorry i didn't.... i do apologise i was a little preoccupied
< 14Jaeger > i cannot apologise enough, i was reading a letter from my master
< 14Jaeger > i'm sorry if i interrupted anything
* Molly retrieves a strip of material from her sewing pouch, although just a pin prick, it is bleeding more than normal.
* Jaeger sees molly is bleeding
< 14Jaeger > what happened?
* Molly blushes
< 14Molly >  13 It was a silly accident, I was embroidering this handkerchief and accidentally caught myself on the needle. Do not concern yourself, I shall be fine
< 14Jaeger > these things will happen
* Jaeger notices a slight atmosphere
< 14Jaeger > did i interrupt something?
< 04@Morgan > No. Nothing. I was expressing my displeasure with the postal courier
* Molly wraps the fabric firmly around her finger, tying it off gently
< 14Jaeger > hmmm, i may be able to help ther. court letters are very rarely lost
* @Morgan speaks, his voice low and course, full of anger and... pain?
< 04@Morgan > I appreciate the offer. However, it needed to be there today
* Molly turns towards them, hearing the difference in his voice
< 14Jaeger > i can understand your frustration Morgan, but may I at least help it get there in less than a month?
< 14Jaeger > Molly my dear, do you have a candle?
* Molly moves to the kitchen
< 14Molly >  13 I shall get one
< 14Jaeger > thankyou my love. Morgan, may i?
< 04@Morgan > may you what?
* Jaeger digs out a small stick of sealing wax and a stamp
< 14Jaeger >I have a method of expidiating the mail
* Molly returns with a small, lit, beeswax candle in a holder
< 04@Morgan > There's little point. The time for the letter to arrive has passed
< 14Jaeger > you never cease to amaze me my dear molly
< 14Jaeger > would it not help now if you sent it?
* @Morgan looks at the small pouch on the table and then at the letter in his hand, folded neatly and sealed
< 04@Morgan > no, I think not. The appropriate time for its arrival is gone
* Jaeger sighs
< 14Jaeger > very well Morgan, you know better than i
< 04@Morgan > I would rather them think it that I had forgotten than believe I had been too uncaring to post it on time
* Molly sets the candle down on the table, and returns to her chair. She drags it forward to be near the others. Sitting, she picks up the needlework
* Molly looks lost in thought, as she does when working on the variety of puzzles the guests have requested her aid with
* Jaeger glances at molly lovingly before turning back to Morgan
< 14Molly >  13 Is there anything that can be done to improve the siutation?
< 14Jaeger > may i ask what it was? if it's not too personal?
< 04@Morgan > It's a letter to... my wife's parents
* Jaeger suddenly sees a conversational minefield looming
< 14Jaeger > i'm... sorry morgan i should not have asked
* Molly hesitates very briefly, then folds up the handkerchief and needle, slipping it in to the pocket of her apron.
* Molly looks at Morgan softly
< 04@Morgan > You weren't to know. I send them a letter once a year... possibly the only people who know who I really am who know _where_ I really am
* Jaeger sees the movement but decides his foot is already too far in his mouth to ask
< 14Molly >  13 Would they not understand if you explained that it was fault of the coachman rather than your own?
< 14Jaeger > it is a very noble deed morgan
< 04@Morgan > noble nothing. They lost their daughter because of me.
< 04@Morgan > That coachman has had this letter in his pocket for a month... He's even spent half of what I paid him to take it...
* Jaeger gives his full attention
< 14Jaeger > do you want to talk about it?
* @Morgan shrugs
* Molly stands, tidying the table
< 04@Morgan > not overly. Needless to say I'm annoyed.
< 14Jaeger > i shall have a talk, in my official capacity, with the coachman
* Molly goes to speak, then does not
< 04@Morgan > you may want to see if he's conscious yet first
* Jaeger grins
< 14Jaeger > did you have a word of your own by any chance?
< 04@Morgan > I'm sorry to say he tested my temper.
* Molly tries not to smile, knowing that he has gotten a fragment of what he deserved. None the less, she also knows he will no longer get any ale or good meat from the kitchen...
< 14Jaeger > in your position, i would probably have done the same thing
< 14Jaeger > ""is this the time?"
< 04@Morgan > You mentioned a letter from your master?
< 14Molly >  13 I believe the fact you have not hung him from a tree is admirable, for you show greater restraint than I would have
< 14Jaeger > yes, i agree my love
< 14Jaeger > hmm, the letter
* Jaeger he smiles softly
< 14Jaeger > it was a personal letter, we send them occasionally. the reason for my mirth was a reminder of an arrest we made on an illegal eisen bounty hunter in Birmingham about two years ago
* Molly looks at him, an eyebrow raised
< 14Jaeger > the man had postioned a water butt below the window of his room to break a fall if he had to escape. we took the precaution of moving it
* Molly smiles at him
* Jaeger shakes his head and laughs softly
< 04@Morgan > I should imagine he was... disconcerted to discover that
< 14Jaeger > the look on his face was memorable
< 14Jaeger > three years working together and we nver missed a mark
* Molly sits back down, and takes the embroidery back out
< 04@Morgan > I remember as a lad my brother did the same thing to me... I tied him to a tree in the forest and left him for six hours
< 14Jaeger > as is deserving of such a prank
* @Morgan pulls a chair out and slumps into it
* Molly 's face darkens slightly, her thoughts unpleasant
< 14Jaeger > Morgan.... i believe i owe you a debt of thanks
< 04@Morgan > and this would be because?
< 14Jaeger > For saving the life of my future wife
< 04@Morgan > she's done the same for me any number of times
* Molly looks at the floor, her face red
< 14Jaeger > so noted Morgan, but from the bottom of my heart: thankyou
< 04@Morgan > no thanks needed, my lord, it would've been a crime of the highest order to let that girl die
< 14Jaeger > agreed with gusto Morgan!
* Molly blushes harder, rethreading the needle to give her something to do
* Jaeger glances over at Molly
< 14Jaeger > i do believe i have embarrassed someone
< 14Molly > Between you, you will give my ego too much inflation, and I shall scarce be able to move under its weight..
< 14Jaeger > i do not believe your own sense of self would ever allow such a swollen ego my dear
* Molly still does not look at either of them, making another small stitch in the fabric
< 14Molly > I believe you are wrong, it takes few compliments to go to a girl's head...
< 04@Morgan > That depends entirely on the girl
* @Morgan concentrates momentarily
* Molly looks up at him
< 04@Morgan > correct me if I'm wrong... but we've had two sophia's here? The woman from Eisen and that... largish woman
< 14Jaeger > hmm, well the compliments are pleasant enough
* Molly looks puzzled
< 14Jaeger > two? well it is a fairly common name
< 14Molly >  13 I'm not sure I know of the woman you speak of? Perhaps it was whilst you have been adventuring on Lady Catherine's behalf?
< 04@Morgan > no, it was here... it was definitely here
< 14Molly >  13 How many moons ago?
< 04@Morgan > I couldn't say
< 14Jaeger > hmm
< 14Molly >  4Was is before Horatio left?
< 14Molly looks sheepish
* @Morgan looks at Molly
< 04@Morgan > no, since I think
< 14Molly >  4/me looks very confused
< 14Jaeger > it may just be my memory, but i only recall the Eisen woman so it must be bfeor i arrived here, so at least 5 moons ago
< 14Molly >  4What did she look like?
< 04@Morgan > dark hair, green eyes, red dress... large
< 14Jaeger > hmmm....
< 14Molly >  13Actually, come to think of it, I know who you mean... seemed quite friendly with Eiblinn
< 04@Morgan > thats her
< 14Molly >  13Yes, she was... sorry, what were you going to say about her?
< 04@Morgan > just a bit odd to have two sophia's here in quick succession
< 14Jaeger > i would agree yes
< 14Molly >  13It is a pretty name, I'll grant... much prettier than Molly
< 14Jaeger > there is nothing wrong with your name my dear, it's one of the things i love about you
< 14Molly smiles
< 14Molly >  13My middle name is a bit more unusual, a bit less Avalonian...
< 14Molly >  13*she pauses, her face goes through serval moods and she settles on a wise look, one who something unusual has occured to*
< 14Jaeger > Molly?
< 14Molly >  4Yes?
< 14Jaeger > you seem to have a thought
* Molly blushes, caught out... she smiles to cover it
< 14Molly >  13I was going to tell you my middle name... it is Isabella
< 04@Morgan > certainly more palettable than mine... My lord, you have one?
< 14Jaeger > Do you promise not to laugh?
< 04@Morgan > I dont make promises I cant be certain to keep
< 14Jaeger > very well that is the best i can hope for
< 14Jaeger > it's...... Prudence
* Molly starts laughing, tears running down her cheeks
< 14Molly >  13oh god, I'm so sorry
* Jaeger goes beetroot red
< 14Jaeger > my parents have an... original sense of humour
< 14Jaeger > Curtis Prudence Jaeger. doen's really roll off the tongue does it?
< 04@Morgan > my brothers middle name is Jeremias
< 14Jaeger > Fairly sensible
* @Morgan looks around the room to make sure noone else is listening
< 04@Morgan > mine is... Adalbrecht
* Molly tries hard not to laugh, shielding it with a little cough
* @Morgan eyes Molly
* Jaeger freezes his face to avoid death
< 04@Morgan > its my fathers name
< 14Jaeger >  4and it is fitting that you should carry it on
< 04@Morgan > Its truly a strong Eisen name... rolls off the tongue with all the ease of a piece of shrapnell
* Molly meets his look
< 14Molly >  13However, Morgan is not a strong Eisen name, is it?
< 14Jaeger >  4Eisen has always been a very sharp language yes
< 04@Morgan > No... it isn't
* @Morgan stares hard at Molly
< 04@Morgan > but I suspect you have a suspicion of where its origins lie?
* Molly looks away, feeling chided
< 14Molly >  13I think it is a lovely name, regardless of it's origins
< 04@Morgan > You have no guess?
< 14Jaeger >  11i find it a very pleasant name
* Molly looks back at him, her eyes almost docile. Her voice is quiet
< 14Molly >  13yes, I have a guess, as you knew I would have
< 14Jaeger >  11it has some Avalonian origins i would wager, but perhaps not
* Molly continues stitching, concentrating on the fabric
< 04@Morgan > You agree with Lord Jaegers guess Molly?
* Molly looks at him, her eyes a mix of emotions
* Jaeger allows a look of slight pain to cross his face at the "lord"
< 14Molly >  13No, I do not, but that does not necessarily make him wrong and me right, does it?
< 04@Morgan > so what is your guess?
< 14Molly >  13I would guess it was an Avalonian name, mi señor...
* Molly looks at him, waiting for his reaction
< 04@Morgan > Then you do agree with your betrothed?
< 14Molly >  13I am sorry, I must have misheard, I thought you had said Eisen origins, my dear
< 14Jaeger >  11no matter my love
< 04@Morgan > well of course, you're right
< 14Jaeger >  11"damn"
< 04@Morgan > keep an eye on this girl, Master Jaeger, she's got intelligence in abundance
* Molly smiles at him
< 14Jaeger >  11that is something i am counting on. i have met plenty of girls with nothinfg but air in their heads.
* Molly looks at jaeger, her face serious
* @Morgan starts to laugh
< 14Molly >  13and if I lose that intelligence, what will you count on then?
< 04@Morgan > my dear man, I do believe you've just dropped yourself in it
< 14Jaeger >  11your devotion and love Molly
< 14Jaeger >  11i do not believe your wits shall ever desert you my love
* Molly smiles sweetly at jaeger and goes back to her work
* @Morgan coughs slightly
< 04@Morgan > My mother is Avalonian
< 04@Morgan > she named me so to remind her of home
< 14Jaeger >  11People do get homesick
* @Morgan blinks rapidly and repeatedly
< 04@Morgan > I suppose they do
< 14Molly >  13She must have found it hard to leave
< 04@Morgan > Who doens't find it hard to leave their home?
< 14Jaeger >  11Amen to that
* Molly looks lost in thought
< 04@Morgan > are you quite alright Molly?
* Molly shakes her head slightly, her eyes refocussing
< 14Molly >  13yes, yes, I'm fine, thank you
< 04@Morgan > You have something on your mind...
* Jaeger glances across, a little chagrined he didn't notice
< 14Jaeger >  11it would seem so yes
< 14Molly >  13I was just thinking about home, where home really is...
< 14Jaeger >  11home is where you make it my dear
< 14Molly >  13yes, I suppose so
* Molly continues stitching
< 04@Morgan > Something that mildly amuses me... I took care to conceal my name from people, giving them instead my mothers maiden name... yet it seems to have occured to noone that the Hockridge name is still of noble line...
* Molly smiles
< 14Molly >  13On my part, lack of knowledge of anyone of consequence is to blame, rather than a lack of astuteness
< 14Jaeger >  11Hockridge.... Hockridge.... was an ancestor of yours once the Lord Chamberlain to the previous queen?
< 14Jaeger >  11the name tolls a bell
< 04@Morgan > oh I've no doubt had you had the resources to check, or the cause to know the name, you'd have spotted it straight out Molly.
< 04@Morgan > Someone from that side of the family has served in the royal household, yes
< 14Jaeger >  11i'm glad my memeory still serves
< 14Molly >  13Had the latter been the case, yes, but I would not have tried to discover it...
< 04@Morgan > oh I dont know... though I've no doubt you'd not have tried to discover it for any reason other than sheer curiosity
* Molly looks at him, her eyes intense.
< 14Molly >  13Once, perhaps, my curiosity controlled my actions, but I have grown a great deal since then, and value the need for secrecy more than ever
< 14Jaeger >  11oh yes! i remember a tale the monk told me, of a young Innish sailor getting on your wrong side
< 04@Morgan > o flannigan?
< 14Jaeger >  11i don't know the name
< 04@Morgan > He was a good man. He died in my service.
< 14Jaeger >  11very well, i hope he died well
< 04@Morgan > I believe the incident to which you refer, master jaeger, was an unfortunate bit of timing. He happened upon the same isle when Lady Torrington was missing and, while standing in a large group, strolled up to me and declared *he puts on an innish accent* ahhh good to see you mister koertig*
* Molly stops sewing, takes off the pale blue thread and rethreads with a yellow piece
< 14Jaeger >  11i gather this was a faux pas?
* Molly looks at jaeger, unsure that he could have even asked a question to which the answer was so obvious
< 14Jaeger >  11at least the poor boy survived to fight for you
< 04@Morgan > Well, considering I was with a group of people that I see a lot of here, yes...
< 14Jaeger >  11a very good point
< 04@Morgan > unfortunately, I hauled him off his feet and screamed that my name is Hockridge at him.
< 14Jaeger >  11i wager that drew some attention then
< 04@Morgan > most likely
< 14Jaeger >  11understandable
* Molly begins stitching again
< 04@Morgan > to say I was not at my best is something of an understatement...
< 04@Morgan > Lady Torrington had been missing for months, I'd had no more than 40 minutes sleep at a time for the months she was missing.
< 14Jaeger >  11ah yes, the portal
< 04@Morgan > you've heard of it?
< 14Jaeger >  11i believe you have recounted the story to me
< 14Molly >  13I think perhaps I have...
< 14Jaeger >  11a creature appearing every hour on the hour yes?
< 04@Morgan > yes, thats right
< 14Molly >  13However, I could not have told you the events of the voyage to the island, for I had to stay here
< 14Jaeger >  11i know nothing of the island
< 14Molly >  13But, I will not be staying behind on this latest adventure
* Molly smiles broadly
< 14Jaeger >  11i would not have it any other way, i hope we can go arm in arm
< 14Molly >  13I am even learning Castillean from a book in the library
* @Morgan coughs
< 04@Morgan > I'd noticed that, Molly
< 04@Morgan > I'm sure I need not remind you of the risk of social improprieties on this trip?
< 14Molly >  13I think, though the idea appeals to you, we shall have to travel apart, for a monestary would not be a fit place to display the intesity of your affections...
* Molly smiles at Morgan
< 14Jaeger >  11very true it would not be
< 14Molly >  13I am able to tell them that Castille is lovely, and ask where the privvy is... I'm sure I shall learn more with time
* Jaeger snorts desperately trying to control himself
* Molly shoots him a look
< 14Jaeger >  11i'm sorry my dear, i could not help but picture you asking the latter
< 14Molly >  13If I need to ask, I shall... monks though they are, they are still human
< 14Jaeger >  11i really am sorry
* Molly chooses to ignore it
< 14Molly >  13I am also ALMOST learning Eisen from a novel...
< 14Jaeger >  11well done my dear
< 04@Morgan > start running Jaeger
< 14Molly >  13How so?
< 04@Morgan > you're going to need a headstart just to keep up with this girl
* Jaeger looks confused
* Jaeger throws his head back and laughs
< 14Jaeger >  11i do beieve Molly can run circles around me on my best days
< 14Molly >  13I think I learnt how to ask if someone had a pleasant journey...
* Molly tries to prounounce the words from memory. Her eisen accent is not perfect, but it is greatly improved
< 14Jaeger >  11always a wonderful piece of manners
< 14Molly >  13 Legst du mit mir heute Abend meinen Lord?
< 14Jaeger >  11i assume that is what you just told me?
< 14Molly >  13Thats what it said in the book, and the lord said yes
* @Morgan translates without thinking
< 04@Morgan > will you lay with me tonight my lord?
* Molly goes bright red
< 14Jaeger >  11?me goes beetroot again
* @Morgan coughs
* Molly says quietly~
< 14Molly >  13Damn you Lady Daventry, and the horse you rode in on
< 14Jaeger >  11i agree
* Molly sees the funny side
< 14Molly >  13well, I shan't be saying THAT again any time soon...
* Molly laughs
* Jaeger shakes his head in good natured confusion
< 14Jaeger >  11not for a few months at least my dear
< 04@Morgan > Molly... what exactly was Eiblinn asking you for the other day?
* Molly takes a deep breath, eyes on the table
< 14Molly >  13She wanted to know what childbirth was like
< 04@Morgan > childbirth?
< 14Molly >  13Yes
< 04@Morgan > Right. I think I'll be having a word with Miss Eiblinn about finding some business of her own and then minding it
< 14Jaeger >  11have you assisted in childbirth?
* Molly rotates the handkerchief to do more stitches
< 14Molly >  13Leave her be Morgan, she is afraid that she will never have a husband and bairns of her own to find out with...
* Molly looks at Jaeger with a shake of her head
* Jaeger take the hint and tactfully shuts up
< 04@Morgan > you're not _quite_ in a position to order me around yet... but I'll do as you ask regardless
< 14Molly >  13Even when I am in the position to, I doubt I ever will do, for you and I know I shall always be under you
< 04@Morgan > Like hell, you'll take the role and position you're entitled to...
* Molly fusses with a tangle in the thread
< 14Jaeger >  11to be perfectly honest, you shall be almost equal in society
< 14Molly >  13I am not the type of woman it comes easy to to give orders to men
* @Morgan laughs hard
* Molly looks at him, expression half anger, half pained
< 14Molly >  13Do you honestly feel I am a tyrant in this house, a hard task mistress
* Molly suddenly looks away
< 04@Morgan > no more than I... but I suspect David would be the best person to ask
< 14Jaeger >  11David?
< 04@Morgan > one of our serving lads
< 14Jaeger >  11ah right, ok then.
* Jaeger hunts for his pipe
* molly smiles at them
< 14molly > I can not imagine being the sort of woman who likes to tell men what to do... Yes, I shall confess, in my job I have had to, but I do not truly enjoy it
< 04@Morgan > I find that the orders I give are believed by some to be open to interpretation
< 14Jaeger >  11Blast! i must have left it in my rooms! my dear, nobody said you enjoyed it, but you are right it must be done
< 14molly > Not for much longer it seems
< 14Jaeger >  11will you be glad of that my dear?
< 14molly > It will be a very different way of life
< 14Jaeger >  11one i hope you will become accustomed to.
* molly looks to the fabric in her lap
< 14molly > I shall have more time for my hobbies
< 14Jaeger >  11just as it shouold be. you will have time to be a lady of leisure
* molly sews again
< 14molly > yes, I will
* molly looks at the darkness outside
< 14Jaeger >  11well, i believe it is now too late for a pipe, i believe i shall take my leave and retire
* @Morgan stands and nods to jaeger
< 04@Morgan > sleep well
< 14molly > It grows late, I shall pull the curtains now
< 14Jaeger >  11i feel you should do the same my dear
< 14Jaeger >  11and you morgan, not too unpleasant dreams
< 14Jaeger >  11goodnight to all
< 14molly > For now, I have work to do, but after Imbolc, I shall retire ealy as everyone else...
< 14molly > good night Curtis, til tomorrow
* Jaeger exits on his way to bed, positively glowing with pleasure at Molly's use of his mname
* molly stands, and goes to pull the curtains
< 04@Morgan > You seem ill at ease blossom
* molly pulls the first pair closed
< 14molly > I am, and I confess I do not know why... I feel restless, like a bird in a cage
< 04@Morgan > I wonder if perhaps Jaegers unerring devotion is a little stifling
* molly returns to the table, a few chairs closer to Morgan, and sits, leaving the other curtains undrawn. She sits, her voice soft
< 14molly > His attentions are nice, every woman likes to hear nice things said about them... but his love is so vast, so trusting, and guilt consumes me. I lie to him, and around him, so as to not hurt him
* molly looks ashamed
< 14molly > I also lied to you
< 04@Morgan > did you?
< 14molly > I told you that Evie wanted to hear the depths of my knowledge of childbirth, when I came to accquire such... that was not what she had requested, and had we been alone, hell nor highwater would have prevented me telling the truth, but we were not
< 04@Morgan > Then I hold no blame to you
* molly looks relieved
< 04@Morgan > if its what I think it was, the delicacies of someone such as Jaeger would've been mortally offended
< 14molly > Especially as it is most likely to be him who provides me with the knowledge...
* molly realises that she should have not phrased it so
* molly blushes
* @Morgan starts to laugh quietly
< 04@Morgan > at the very least he'll be enthusiastic
* molly looks away, blinking back tears
* molly picks up the embroidery and continues slowly
< 14molly > I am sure everything will turn out for the best
* molly knows this is fast bcoming her mantra, more to convince herself than others
< 04@Morgan > I would imagine so
< 14molly > Evie is convinced she will not get the knowledge elsewhere, and will no doubt pester me for it
< 04@Morgan > Then she and I will be having a serious discussion
< 14molly > I think at this moment in time, she probably already has the upper hand in experiences of passion than I...
< 14molly closes her eyes slowly, mentally kicking herself
< 14molly > Oh god, I'm so sorry, I should not have said that
< 04@Morgan > you're probably right
* molly blushes
< 14molly > If we are honest, my own record is not hard to beat... two betrothals, no passion in either...
< 04@Morgan > I suspect that Eiblinn's passion is nothing more than a girls infatuation
< 14molly > Quite possibly, but passion from infatuation versus none, I know which I feel the better hand to be dealt
* molly grins
* molly drops the hankie on to the table in distaste
< 14molly > I like the results, but sometimes actually getting them feels like a lifetime
* @Morgan takes out a plain brownish coloured handkerchief and places it on the table
* molly looks at it, raising an eyebrow at him for permission to pick it up and look
* @Morgan nods slowly
< 04@Morgan > I had that made in the village
* molly picks it up, looking at the stitching and initials
< 14molly > It is fit for purpose, certain suitable for a master-at-arms
< 04@Morgan > but not for a veissgraf?
* molly smiles
< 14molly > No, not really
< 14molly > I think I might have done better, and my work is fairly poor
* @Morgan takes out two more hankies, both white, and lays them on the table
* molly looks them both over
* molly picks up the first, admiring the letters
< 14molly > Now, this one is very fine.. from before you came here, I'd wager by the initials... made in Eisen, or Carleon?
* @Morgan smiles and lays a pink hanky down
* molly smiles
< 04@Morgan > its fairly obvious I married a seamstress, no?
< 14molly > the work is so... /me stops short, realising the significance of the initials
< 14molly > They are absolutely lovely
* molly her voice sounds a little strange, full of emotion
* @Morgan takes out a smaller, vividly coloured hanky and sits down, turning it over in his hands
* molly gently sets the pink one down. she feels a shiver, almost like being watched
* @Morgan hands over the smallest handkerchief
< 14molly takes it from him, and looks at it. She feels overwhelmed, by the sadness, by the pain he must feel, by the importance of him showing them to her, and by the conclusion she has come to regarding the importance of letters to his lost wife's parents arriving today. She can't speak, and her hand trembles
* molly 's voice is strained as she replies
< 14molly > That is also very nicely done. Thank you for showing them to me
* @Morgan picks them up and places all four gently back into his pouch
< 04@Morgan > Dietlinde made them shortly after we were married
< 14molly > I should imagine that she had most free time then, before you daughter was born
* @Morgan nods
< 04@Morgan > I think she wanted to carry on in her work but didn't fancy the journey each day
< 14molly > Was it very far?
< 04@Morgan > far enough... she went occasionally, but we spent most of our time together in our house
* molly looks at him softly, the light from the beeswax candle on the table reflected therein
< 14molly > I can understand that
* molly 's voice is quiet, not much more than a whisper
< 14molly > Today must have been very taxing
< 04@Morgan > if the letter had come back tomorrow, it would've been easier
< 14molly > I do not think Curtis made the connection...
< 14molly > he is a man with a large heart, but it often surpasses his mind
< 04@Morgan > I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest.
< 14molly > Unfortunately, I think I am destined to have the opposite problem... my heart will never have full control because I have not been in a situation where I choose only for my desires rather than sense, and therefore I see connections where most do not
< 04@Morgan > and what is it you would choose, given the chance?
< 14molly > to know true passion and desire I suppose... I read about moments where people feel truly alive in another arms, ecstacy at the touch of another so much so that your head swims and you can scarce draw breath... oh, how silly does that sound said aloud?!
* molly looks embarassed and ashamed
< 14molly > I dream of something that is written in books for drama, rather than because it actually happens
< 04@Morgan > You may well be surprised... you may find before you feel the sparks fly when Jaeger touches you
< 14molly > I have granted him a few kisses on the cheek and to embrace me, and I feel nothing, barr the niggling guilt
* @Morgan sighs and takes Mollys hand
< 04@Morgan > have faith blossom
* molly smiles, but it does not reach her eyes
< 14molly > dreams are just that, just in your head, no more achievable than puling stars from the night sky. When considered, a lack of passion is really little to complain of. I shall have security, and be cared for. Many woman find happiness, even if they dont find love, and if that is the way it is to be, I am sure the benefits of a loveless marriage will outweigh the downfalls
* molly looks at him, mentally pulling her guard up
< 14molly > Do you have a day you intend to be in Carleon?
< 04@Morgan > you'll have to keep a tight rein on him... he's got a habit of putting himself in harms way
< 14molly > He is not the only one, is he?
< 04@Morgan > its my job
< 14molly > Tell me, does it make a difference to me whether you are killed in the line of duty rather than any other way?
< 04@Morgan > I dont know
< 04@Morgan > the difference is, however, I would die doing my job, protecting this house and Lady Torrington...
< 14molly > It would no less break my heart were you defending Lady Catherine than if you were to be trampled by a horse in the paddock
* molly looks away
* @Morgan squeezes her hand
< 04@Morgan > I've no intention of dying... but I must do my job
* molly squeezes back
< 14molly > I understand that, but by all the gods in Theah  Morgan, please be careful, if not for your own sake, but for mine
< 04@Morgan > for your sake?
* molly still doesnt look up at him
* molly bites her lip
< 14molly > I would be devestated if something happened to you
< 04@Morgan > I dont see why...
* molly takes a deep breath
< 14molly > because you are my truest friend, because I need you, need your confidance and counsel...
< 04@Morgan > I've no intention of leaving such a charming, beautiful and disturbingly clever woman to fend for herself in a world so cold
* molly blushes scarlet
< 14molly > Now now, what did I tell you both earlier reagrding flattery of a woman?
< 04@Morgan > I think your ego could use a little inflating
< 04@Morgan > my lady
< 14molly > I'm never sure whether you use tht as a trm of endearment or to remind us both of the status I will have...
* molly grins at him
< 04@Morgan > mostly the latter... You need to have the confidence that your position requires
< 14molly > Yes, I suppose so
< 14molly > I also think I will have to work harder on my languages
< 14molly > castillean seems easy, but eisen is not so much
< 04@Morgan > A little secret, my girl... most nobles know only their native tongue
< 14molly > then they are fools, for nothing shows a good education like a solid learning of something utterly useless to most people
< 04@Morgan > true. Ironically I would rather know how to sew a patch of vegetables than be able to curse in three languages...
< 14molly > Perhaps if you have time, you might teach me a little Eisen, for ideally I do not want to be asking every Eisen lord I meet to ravish me, do I?
< 04@Morgan > unless you travel a lot, you'll have no need for it... its a hard language, and since being here I've only met one person from eisen
* molly smiles at him
< 14molly > it would allow me to listen to conversations that others believed I could not understand though..
< 14molly > how long have you been in Avalon?
* @Morgan thinks
< 04@Morgan > nearly two years
< 14molly > why Avalon, with the world at your feet?
< 04@Morgan > my mother's home was here... though I needed away from Edward, I needed somewhere familiar...
< 14molly > That makes perfect sense
< 14molly > The problem with having lived one's whole life in Lower Tawstock- there is nowhere away that is familiar to run to
< 04@Morgan > perhaps you dont understand... I yearn to return home, but my house is gone, and the only place I could go would be back to my fathers home, but if I did Edward would surely die.
< 04@Morgan > I stay here not because I choose to but because I daren't face the consequences of my return
< 14molly > If he were dead, would you leave here?
< 04@Morgan > probably
< 14molly > And would you live peacefully, or would you feel the need to have revenge for not being able to rid the world of him personally?
< 04@Morgan > I dont wish him dead... but if he must die at the hand of another, I wish it to be mine
< 14molly > Even though his death would allow you to return home?
< 04@Morgan > even though
< 14molly > Where will you go if Lady Cathrine makes you leave?
< 14molly looks worried
< 04@Morgan > I may stay locally
< 14molly > If we were to take a farm, would you consider working for us?
< 04@Morgan > I'd think about it... though I hardly think master jaeger would appreciate me being so close by... I already feel he wishes us to be as we were a few months ago
< 14molly > I do not comprehend your meaning...
< 04@Morgan > he suggested you retire hours ago... rather than sitting talking with me... he wishes us farther apart I believe
* molly she looks at the wad of fabric on the table, but squeezes his hand slightly
< 14molly > He would be a fool to worry. Surely he sees that there could be nothing in it, for I am to marry him, and you are not in any frame of mind to fall in love with anyone, let alone a simple girl like me. What can he have to fear?
< 04@Morgan > my lady, it would be all too easy to fall in love with you... truthfully, for most it would be difficult not to
* molly sits incredibly still, barely breathing
< 14molly > You really do flatter me, estimado corazon....
* molly 's pronounciation is much better in castillean than Eisen, almost flawless
< 14molly > He has not spoken of any fear to me, and was perfectly amenable to you escorting me to Carleon
< 04@Morgan > Just something I picked up on when he went to bed
< 14molly > I am unsure as to the next move to make
< 04@Morgan > in what respect?
< 14molly > Whether I should ask him, or wait to see if he asks me or provides restrictions upon me
* molly her tone turns slightly cold at the last bit
< 04@Morgan > restrictions on what?
< 14molly > On spending time with you... on going to Carleon at all...
< 04@Morgan > you're my staff until you're married
< 14molly > do you think that will matter? If he dictates it, I would have to do as he bids lest he retracts his wish to marry me
< 04@Morgan > he should not wish to clash heads with me. Besides, if his family are to accept this marriage, you must go to carleon
* molly squeezes his hand again
< 14molly > You are right, as always
< 04@Morgan > I shall be very, very sorry to see you leave here
< 14molly > Perhaps not as sorry as I will be to go
< 14molly > I was never as happy in my father's house as I have been here
< 04@Morgan > this house is strange... it throws up problem after problem yet people always return
< 14molly > Maybe what they find here is more important than what they risk?
< 04@Morgan > possibly... though it makes me wonder what Charles Warwick and Captain Tsaylur had found...
< 14molly > Together, or seperately?
< 04@Morgan > both.. either
< 14molly > I confess, I have long been at a loss to comprehend the nature of their relationship
< 04@Morgan > from something she said to me, I suspect its nothing like we expect
< 14molly > She has spoken to me before regarding being his bodyguard, with no romantic interest... however, I find it hard to believe that in such close proximity, they would remain purely platonic
* molly giggles
< 04@Morgan > you and I work in a similar proximity for much of the time
< 14molly > I am not saying that its impossible for men and women who work together to remain friends rather than habour clandestine affections for each other, i just do not see that gap between them
< 14molly > Yes, you and I work very well together without any hinderance
* @Morgan stays quiet, staring at the table
* molly tries very carefully to not fidget and draw attention to her hand in his
< 14molly > Some of the other guests also have interesting connections
< 04@Morgan > such as?
< 14molly > for example, Alexander seems to have a connection with Nattalia whilst at the same time she seems very affectionate with Inigo
< 04@Morgan > indeed... though Mr. Inigo bothers me
< 14molly > I have found him charming, he has always attempted to be pleasant to the staff, and even danced with me during the lesson, which I would not have been able to do, had someone not taken pity on this poor housekeeper
* molly laughs
< 04@Morgan > it takes a liar....
* molly raises her eyebrows and smiles, feeling that she might be about to find out something interesting about Inigo
< 14molly > what makes you think that?
< 04@Morgan > Just something baout him doesn't ring true
< 14molly > For a writer, he seems to do little writing
< 04@Morgan > exactly
< 14molly > I'd dearly love to find an opportune moment to discover the full contents of the book he carries
* molly giggles softly
< 04@Morgan > it could probably be arranged
< 14molly > I guess I don't have the much respect for secrecy after all
< 04@Morgan > I seem to be his trusted book carrier, what with not being able to read whats in it
* molly sniggers
* molly says with sarcasm -
< 14molly > Oh my dear Morgan, how truly awful not to be able to read... where else will you learn phrases is languages you dont understand that could cause major offense when said?
< 04@Morgan > frankly, one of the most enjoyable things about my life here... is managing to offend others without them holding it against me
< 14molly > But you can offend with intention... I cringe to think what would have happened had i said it to a monk at the monestry... or worse, Charles Warwick
* molly cringes
< 04@Morgan > I'm surprised Warwick understands Avalonian, let alone my native tongue
* molly laughs
< 14molly > As a language, i find it appealing
< 04@Morgan > because its large and unwiedly, like me?
< 04@Morgan > trust me, Eisen doesn't get easier the more you get to know it
< 14molly > it is very masculine and forceful, yes
< 14molly > I like the way it feels in my mouth
* molly blushes as soon as she's said it, realising how it could be interpreted
< 04@Morgan > oh, I see... you like having to wrestle your tongue into submission
< 14molly > Oh, that did not come out as intended
< 14molly > It's a little like having a mouth full of marbles
* @Morgan leans in close, conspiritorily
< 04@Morgan > its a wonderful language to curse in
< 14molly > That suprises me not at all.....and I am hardly powerful enough to wrestle anything in to submission, let alone a tongue that seem hell bent on getting itself in to trouble
< 04@Morgan > well, perhaps someone can help you with that
< 14molly > yes... perhaps
* molly gently smooths out the cloth with her free hand, obviously distracted by her thoughts
< 04@Morgan > whats on your mind?
< 14molly > I'm sorry, i was just a million miles away
< 14molly > Would you teach me some Eisen curse words?
* molly grins
< 04@Morgan > why?
< 14molly > You never know when you might need them
< 14molly > and telling somone to go forth and multiply is sure better than inviting them to try and do it with me...
< 14molly > My castillean is better than my eisen, at he very least, I understand what I'm saying
< 04@Morgan > well, the surprise would certainly render them immobile while they worked out if you'd ACTUALLY said it
< 14molly > very true
< 14molly > it _does_ sound better in Eisen than Avalonian though
< 04@Morgan > ok... try this
< 04@Morgan > hauen Sie ab
* molly imitates him, focusing on his mouth to get the pronounciation right.. it is fairly good, the accent slightly wrong, but she has a natural talent for it
* @Morgan chuckles
< 14molly > Hauen Sie ab
* molly giggles
< 14molly > What does it mean?
< 04@Morgan > it means go forth and multiply
< 14molly > I shall remember that one
< 14molly > I wonder... surely, as with avalonian, you could use words that mean similar in the structure of a normal sentance... therrefore with a combination of what you taught me, and the phrase I learnt myself, lady Daventry's intentions could have been stated much more crudely
* molly laughs
< 04@Morgan > very very true
< 14molly > I can see I am going to enjoy languages... whether I'll really use them, when I have no-one to talk to in them, matters little
< 14molly > it would have been nice to have known that Lady daventry was the most beautiful woman in the world just from reading it in Eisen
< 04@Morgan > it'll come with practice
< 14molly > Did it take you long to master Avalonian?
* molly smiles
< 04@Morgan > no, my mother taught me as soon as I started with Eisen... Its why I dont have an accent
< 14molly > You knew it anyway
< 14molly > I suddnly though as much after I'd said it
* molly notices over his shoulder that the curtains are still not closed
< 14molly > I think perhaps we out to go to bed, for it is now very late
* molly blushes
< 04@Morgan > I think I'm going to wander round the grounds first blossom
< 14molly > I shall bid you good night then, good sir
* molly goes to stand, not letting go of his hand, waiting for him to do so
* @Morgan stands squeezing her hand before releasing it
* molly looks at him, here face serene in the candlelight, her voice as soft and warm as it's glow
< 14molly > Good night, estimado corazon
< 04@Morgan > good night blossom
* molly smiles at him, wanting to linger, yet turns to go