< 04Molly > 13They walk a little while, sometimes in comfortable silence, sometimes commenting on the shops. Molly looks in every window, taking in everything. Her step is light, and she can not stop smiling. She keeps hold of his hand in hers, which are warm even though the day is not. Every now and then, she squeezes his hand. < 04Molly > 13Suddenly she stops at the window of a jewelers. It is an expensive shop, unusual to see outside the Embassy District. The window is lit with hundreds of candles, making the items laid out on red velvet sparkle like the jewels contain their own tiny flames. * Molly looks at a bracelet, a working in black stone, pearls, white gems and filigreed butterflies. It burns with reflected candlelight. < 04Molly > 13Oh my! Have you seen anything more _beautiful_ whilst we've been here? < 08@Morgan > yes, actually * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > and I shall travel back with her * Molly blushes < 04Molly > 13You really are a charmer, you know that? < 08@Morgan > no, I'm not * Molly looks back at the bracelet < 04Molly > 13Do you think it is terribly expensive? < 08@Morgan > I'd say there's a fair chance < 04Molly > 13I think I might go in and enquire regardless, I seem to have more guilders left than I anticipated... * Molly looks puzzled * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > if that is what you wish... < 04Molly > 13Might I have the contents of the purse, just in case it is not too dear? I should feel a fool to ask and then not have it if I can afford to * Molly smiles, thinking how different her ideas of money are here in Carleon < 08@Morgan > certainly * Molly takes the purse, and goes in to the shop. She has been gone only a few minutes when the hand of the merchant reaches in to the window, removing the bracelet. < 04Molly > 13As she leaves the shop, Molly takes the bracelet from its bag, unwraps and turns it over in her hands. She hands it to Morgan, holding out her right hand so that he could slip it on her wrist. * Molly smiles softly, her voice quiet, for his hearing alone. < 04Molly > 13Would you...? * @Morgan carefully places the bracelet about Molly's wrist * Molly smiles, twisting her wrist to make it sparkle in the light of the grey day < 04Molly > 13What do you think? < 08@Morgan > I think its beautiful < 04Molly > 13I am pleased that you like it. In some ways, I find it apt. I feel like a butterfly here, beautiful, free... * Molly starts to walk in the direction of the tavern slowly * @Morgan follows on < 04Molly > 13They walk back to the tavern, her walking close at his side. Half way there the rain begins again, torrents of water, suddenly, from none to all. Molly begins to laugh, the rains definately not dampening her spirits. She grins at Morgan, now soaked. She speeds up, hoping to get back to the tavern quickly. As they reach the door, the coughing begins, the legacy of the consumption that has weakened her resistance. * @Morgan guides her into a chair near the main desk before turning to the nearest unfortunate employee < 08@Morgan > YOU, get me a pitcher of water... NOW BOY < 04Molly > 13 4 The young lad, no more than 12 summers, immediately runs to the kitchen, and returns almost immediately. he hands Morgan a jug of water and a glass * @Morgan takes it and pours a glass, and sets the jug none too gently on a table, before handing the glass to Molly * Molly drinks the cool water, and the coughing begins to subside < 04Molly > 13Please, I would wish to get dry, I shall be alright to go upstairs * @Morgan nods slowly < 08@Morgan > ok < 04Molly > 13 4 The young lad watches, just in case he is needed again * Molly stands up, dripping rainwater from the hem of her dress. * Molly walks over towards the staircase * @Morgan watches her go * Molly goes up to her room * Molly quickly redresses, having given up on lighting the fire, and goes in search of Morgan * Molly returns to the lobby where she left him, dry dress covered with a large white shawl * @Morgan can be found talking to the poor boy who happened to be unfortunate enough to be close by upon their return * Molly listens without interrupting < 08@Morgan > ...and be sure to tell your master that if he has any issues with your delay from your duties, he is to seek me out most urgently. Understand? < 04Molly > 13 4 He nods 7 Yes, sir, thank you, sir... * @Morgan nods at the lad < 04Molly > 13 4 The young boy bows at his dismissal, and goes back to the kitchen * Molly comes over to where Morgan stands < 04Molly > 13Nothing recommends you more to me than the way you treat servants... < 08@Morgan > oh? howso? < 04Molly > 13Being a Lord, you have no need to go out of your way to even speak to those below you, but every servant I see you speak to, you treat as an equal. It is rare among men of such high standing * Molly smiles at him < 08@Morgan > Two reasons... < 08@Morgan > any noble worth his salt knows his power, his ability to hold land, depends entirely on those below him. Mistreat your serfs, you incur the wrath of them * Molly nods < 08@Morgan > second. Their social station at birth is meaningless. I would rather sit at a table with honest peasants then duplicitous nobles < 04Molly > 13It makes perfect sense... * Molly looks thoughtful < 08@Morgan > its probably Dietlinde's influence, if I'm honest. < 04Molly > 13I can imagine that being very likely < 04Molly > 13As the rain prevents us from enjoying the outdoors, I wonder if perhaps a map of theah might be attainable? I have yet to see the lay of our world... < 08@Morgan > I have one in my room * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13Might I take a look? < 08@Morgan > of course * @Morgan goes towards the stairs * Molly follows him. She pushes the door open, the room having kept some residual heat, and automatically goes around the brocade covered couch to the fireplace, as is her job, pulling the tinderbox from the mantle above it. She strikes it, hoping to light it. There is a low, thick rumble, thunder rolling in the skies above the great Avalonian capital. * @Morgan finds the map and rolls it out on the table * Molly strikes again, still failing to get a spark < 04Molly > 13I am beginning to suspect that I am losing my touch at lighting fires < 08@Morgan > its the swearing < 04Molly > 13I do not understand... * Molly turns to look at him < 08@Morgan > I've never lit a fire without swearing at it, at least internally * Molly giggles < 04Molly > 13I confess, I have never tried that method * Molly manages to get the spark, and the fire starts slowly, building well. She stands up, brushing down her skirt, and walks to the table < 04Molly > 13Oh my, it is so _big_! < 08@Morgan > world sized, you might say * Molly smiles. She puts her finger on Carleon < 04Molly > 13So many places to go from here... Oh look, there is Numa! * Molly uses her other hand to point to the vodacce capital < 08@Morgan > indeed * @Morgan places a finger gently just left of the Lake Sudlache < 08@Morgan > thats where I'm from * Molly looks at him, her eyes and voice soft < 04Molly > 13So very far away... * Molly looks back down at the map < 04Molly > 13... and some day, it will be your home once again, when you must return to rule the lands of your father? * @Morgan nods slowly < 08@Morgan > indeed. < 04Molly > 13But hopefully not for many years yet, it will be a sad time... * Molly looks away < 08@Morgan > Ahhh, but when that happens, an invite will swiftly find its way to you < 04Molly > 13Then I shall see your home land, which will please me, for I am sure we will be able to visit you for a short spell * Molly turns to him < 04Molly > 13And we will always be able to write, will we not? < 08@Morgan > of course * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13I am glad, for the distance is great, and I should imagine the time we can spend in your lands will be far less than I would wish < 08@Morgan > I'm sure Jaegers work will bring him in that direction more often than you'd think < 04Molly > 13I would imagine you to be right... you often seem to be * Molly studies the map < 04Molly > 13Thank you for showing this to me < 08@Morgan > you're quite welcome * Molly smiles at him before turning away. < 04Molly > 13Might I stay here in your room for a while? < 08@Morgan > of course * Molly goes to the fire, sitting in front of it. She pulls off her shoes, stockinged feet curled up in front of her. She stares in to the orange and yellow flames, the soft smell of log smoke soothing her. < 04Molly > 13Oh, to sit beside a strong fire on a cold and wet day... there is very little I have experienced in life that has rivalled such pleasure... * Molly 's hand goes up, and she touches her lower lip again, a tell that she has, giving away her thoughts. She looks lost in her own mind. * @Morgan rolls the map back up and places it in one of the bags * Molly watches the flames, unusually quiet < 08@Morgan > something on your mind? * Molly looks around guiltily < 04Molly > 13Ummmm... no? * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > of course not < 08@Morgan > you realise, of course, that I'm rather good at spotting a lie * Molly blushes < 04Molly > 13Sometimes, it is one of your best traits... < 08@Morgan > only sometimes? < 04Molly > 13Other times you seem to see right through me, even though I do not know how I reveal myself * Molly looks back to the fire < 08@Morgan > no... I read people well... I've got a talent for saying just the right thing for them to reveal themselves * Molly giggles * @Morgan rolls his eyes < 08@Morgan > oh please < 04Molly > 13Then in your presence it would be advisable to keep quiet, less the content of one's mind is fully revealed? < 08@Morgan > most likely, actually < 04Molly > 13I would have been wise to remember that, before... * Molly 's fingers again go to her lower lip, though her eyes show she doesnt realise she's doing it < 08@Morgan > Most would, to be honest < 04Molly > 13I doubt that anyone has given their secrets to you as easily as I < 08@Morgan > the secrets of very few have intrigued me as yours have < 04Molly > 13My secrets are intriguing? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly looks at him, he stands so much taller from her position on the floor. She stands, and moves to the couch, pulling her feet up beneath her < 04Molly > 13What an intriguing answer, dear heart. I would have said my secrets were far less complex than those of other women. < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 08@Morgan > but those of other women rarely concern me * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > 13Concern you, or contain you? < 08@Morgan > either... both < 04Molly > 13You should have no need to be concerned over the secrets I have... I am very good at hiding myself from everyone, except you * Molly shakes her head, laughing softly < 04Molly > 13If only I could read you as well as you read me... < 08@Morgan > I dont know that anyone can < 04Molly > 13You are a hard nut to crack, I will confess, though I would never wish to force your confidance * Molly watches his reaction, feeling slightly ill at ease that he is still standing * @Morgan runs his hands quickly over his hair, stretching as he does so < 08@Morgan > everytime I come here... it rains < 04Molly > 13It must be you then... * Molly grins at him < 08@Morgan > I've no doubt * Molly looks to him, her eyes solemn < 04Molly > 13You seem out of sorts today, have I done something to displease you? < 08@Morgan > not at all, though your coughing has certainly got me worried * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > 13It is nothing to trouble yourself over, if I were to take ill, I am certain Curtis would not blame you < 08@Morgan > blame is not my concern < 04Molly > 13You worry more on account of my comfort? < 08@Morgan > of course < 04Molly > 13There is no need. I am more comfortable here than anywhere. It is a perk of the nobility I believe to have the luxury of going barefoot. I have too much work to do from dawn til past dusk to chance it. I believe I have been barefoot here more than I have at any other time in my life... * Molly wiggles her toes under her black stockings < 08@Morgan > thats as maybe, but I worry for your health. I should not want to lose you due to an ill-considered trip in the rain * Molly looks away < 04Molly > 13You will not lose me over something so simple < 04Molly > 13Would you please sit? You are far taller than me as we stand, but when I am sat it is hard to look you in the eye when you are so much above me * Molly smiles * @Morgan sits down < 08@Morgan > better? < 04Molly > 13Aye, much... * Molly looks at the fire < 04Molly > 13Morgan... < 08@Morgan > yes? * Molly speaks quietly < 04Molly > 13This morning, you said you were afraid of having abused your power over me... why would you think you had? < 08@Morgan > oh, I dont know... influenced what you believe me to be < 04Molly > 13What is it you think I believe you to be? < 08@Morgan > I dont know... honourable, trustworthy * Molly interlinks her fingers in her lap, not looking at him < 04Molly > 13And you believe you are not? Alone with me, with no intent to take advantage, and you think you have manipulated me to believe you honourable and trustworthy? * Molly 's face shows that she is puzzled < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > I fear your opinion of me is elevated unfairly < 04Molly > 13My opinion of you is based on what I have seen... I have had information from another source, I admit, but the things I genuinely believe are those that I have experienced * Molly goes to touch her lip, but catches herself with a blush, before interlocking her fingers again * @Morgan reaches down slowly and touches her bottom lip for her < 08@Morgan > awful habit you've got there blossom * Molly goes scarlet red < 04Molly > 13I... I have only just realised that I do it... and _when_ I do it < 08@Morgan > when you do it? * Molly looks away < 04Molly > 13It seems to happen when my thoughts drift to.. when they drift. < 08@Morgan > when they drift to... * Molly closes her eyes slowly, mentally chiding herself for not being more careful. Her voice is scarcely more than a whisper. < 04Molly > 13When they drift to your lips on mine... * @Morgan nods slowly < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > 13I am certain that now I know the habit, I will no longer react so < 08@Morgan > pity * Molly opens her eyes, and turns her face to him. Though she looks at him, she cant raise her eyes above the level of his chin < 04Molly > 13Is it? < 08@Morgan > I think so... I rather like it * Molly looks at him quickly, and drops her eyes back down < 04Molly > 13Will you still like it as much if I were to do it in company though? < 08@Morgan > I should think so < 04Molly > 13Then would you have me _not_ fight against it? < 08@Morgan > it is your choice, ultimately. I would not ask you to do anything that makes you uncomfortable * Molly looks at him shyly < 04Molly > 13Then I shall not... there is one other problem though... < 08@Morgan > being? * Molly takes a breath, and it is obvious by the catch in her voice that she is not sure whether to speak < 04Molly > 13That the memory of a single kiss might fade so fast that the reaction is lost quickly * Molly blushes, feeling a little embarassed that she spoke it < 08@Morgan > I dont understand your meaning < 04Molly > 13I am sorry, I spoke out of turn < 08@Morgan > no no, I wish to know < 04Molly > 13I simply meant that although the kiss was amazing, just one kiss would remain in my memory far less than two... but it was wrong of me to say it, and I should not have. I did not mean to be so forward, I... * Molly looks on the verge of tears * @Morgan leans down quickly and plants a kiss firmly on Molly's lips * Molly kisses him back after a brief moment of suprise. She shivers all over * @Morgan 's lips soften after a moment, parting slightly to allow his tongue to stroke her lips * Molly lets out a soft moan against his mouth, then strokes the tip of his tngue with hers. She moves slightly closer to him * @Morgan pushes his tongue fully into Molly's mouth, sweeping it gently across the top of her tongue * Molly runs her tongue up the underside of his, taking in all the soft warm sensations of his mouth on hers. Her heart races, and her body flares with pleasure * @Morgan 's hand comes to Molly's hair, exploring her mouth with his tongue before drawing out, biting her bottom lip gently * Molly keeps her eyes closed as he pulls away. As she feels his teeth graze her lip, she breathes out with a small shudder and whimper. She slips her hand in to his without looking, a good guess. < 08@Morgan > perhaps the memory will not fade so quickly * Molly opens her eyes, her breathing heavy < 04Molly > 13I believe a kiss like that will stay with me til the end of my days, for you do it so well... * Molly watches him, trying to gauge his emotions < 08@Morgan > I think you flatter me < 04Molly > 13I do not believe I do. I would have no reason to lie to you, for if your kiss did not please me, I would simply not seek it out < 08@Morgan > you seek it out? * Molly fingers go to her lower lip, and she laughs softly at her reaction < 04Molly > 13Oh! I did not mean that I am trying to manipulate you in to giving it, simply that it is something i desire... * Molly blushes, looking away < 08@Morgan > you need not manipulate < 08@Morgan > you need only state what you desire < 04Molly > 13I would not have you think that I have set my hat at seducing you... < 08@Morgan > no doubt * Molly smiles, looking relieved < 04Molly > 13Is it wrong that I want you to kiss me? < 08@Morgan > probably < 08@Morgan > does that stop you wanting it? * Molly looks him in the eyes, speaking quietly < 04Molly > 13Not for all the cows on the Torrington estate... < 08@Morgan > thats because they're skinny, underfed creatures * Molly giggles < 04Molly > 13Not for all the guilders in this fair city... < 04Molly > 13I have felt nothing like it in all my days, I did not believe it could feel like that... * Molly looks away shyly, embarassed at her forthrightness < 08@Morgan > Definitely worth doing more than once < 04Molly > 13I believe so... Did you kiss me because it was my desire, or because it was your own? < 08@Morgan > either... both * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13I am glad that it pleases you, for I have no experience of kissing in such a manner... < 08@Morgan > You do it well. * @Morgan stretches * Molly blushes < 08@Morgan > I believe it is time I retired * Molly stands < 04Molly > 13Then I shall bid you a very good night * @Morgan releases Molly's hand reluctantly < 08@Morgan > good night * Molly goes towards the adjoining door, before returning, and quickly kissing his mouth * Molly whispers < 04Molly > 13Good night, dearest one