* @Molly leaves the diningrooom, pulling the door closed behind her. She takes a deep breath in the empty corridor, taking in the moment's solitude. She walks down towards the cabin she shares with Rebecca. Feeling immediately slightly better, she softly sings the song she sang with Evie. < 04@Molly > Lavender's blue, dilly dilly... * Morgan steps off the bottom step from the deck above, turning into the corridor facing away from Molly * @Molly speaks his name softly < 04@Molly > Morgan... * Morgan spins round * @Molly smiles < 04@Molly > I am sorry, am I interrupting you? < 14Morgan > no, no, not at all. I find myself at a loose end and decided to try to figure the layout of the ship < 04@Molly > I was going to the cabins to look for another stitch picker, if you were going in that direction... * @Molly looks at the floor, feeling slightly awkward < 14Morgan > its as good a direction as any * @Molly smiles < 04@Molly > This ship is so confusing, it is possible that we shall get lost and never be found! < 14Morgan > I can think of worse things * @Molly heads towards the cabins. She shakes her head < 04@Molly > As much as I have enjoyed the voyage so far, to be stuck aboard this ship forever would not be pleasant to my mind... < 14Morgan > The idea of being surrounded by my countrymen indefinitely puts me somewhat ill at ease * @Molly nods, turning the corner to the cabins. She goes to the door of hers. < 04@Molly > Morgan, would you stay and talk with me a little while? I shall understand if you do not wish to.... *She looks down at her feet < 14Morgan > If you wish * @Molly nods, opening the door for him < 04@Molly > I do... < 14Morgan > Then I shall * @Molly goes in to the room, which has two narrow beds and two wooden chairs. She sits in a chair, lighting the candle to give illumination in the windowless room * Morgan chuckles < 14Morgan > I think its rather amusing how the only illumination in a wooden ship is by fire * @Molly laughs softly < 04@Molly > I believe upon the Rose, the room set aside for the owner of the ship has a large window... as well as a study adjoining the bed chamber... < 14Morgan > towards the stern? < 04@Molly > 13yes, both my quaters and the captains quaters are at the stern * Morgan nods < 04@Molly > 13I look forward to discovering all these details by mine own eyes... Our arrival in Carleom seems like a lifetime away! * @Molly smiles, though it does not reach her eyes * Morgan 's eyes narrow < 14Morgan > you're avoiding something * @Molly looks at the flame of the candle, a gentle flicker < 04@Molly > 13Here on this ship, and in my own mind, I am probably avoiding many things... < 14Morgan > oh? * @Molly meets his eyes with diffiulty < 14Morgan > What is it blossom? < 04@Molly > 13Right this moment, I am avoiding Rebecca and Evie, because I find the need for privacy and some time to not be what everyone wants me to be quite an essential... < 14Morgan > you wish for privacy and some time, yet you ask for my company < 04@Molly > 13becaus I do not feel the need to be anyone but myself when I am with you... The troubles I currently bear are lessened by your nearness, rather than heightened by it * @Molly blushes, looking away < 14Morgan > What are these troubles? Perhaps I can help < 14Morgan > though truly I may not be much use, since my own problems seem nothing but exacerbated every time I try to resolve them * @Molly looks at him softly, makin a note to ask of his own worries * @Molly speaks quietly, slowly < 04@Molly > 13What troubles me, is that in a few short days, I shall rturn to Tawstock, there to tell a good man... that I shall not be his bride... < 14Morgan > have you properly considered it? * @Molly nods < 04@Molly > 13I believe so... < 14Morgan > what do you intend to do with the Rose/ * @Molly looks at her hands,turning her bracelet over and over < 04@Molly > 13I shall keep her, if I can... Even if I must borrow the funds from the Colonel, or perhaps Rebecca... < 14Morgan > and to what purpose will she be put? < 04@Molly > 13In truth, I have had so many suggestions, and so little time to think, that I am unsure.... * @Molly laughs softly, eyes on his < 04@Molly > 13I dreamt of her last night < 14Morgan > oh? * @Molly nods < 04@Molly > 13Though the dream has haunted me in my waking hours, for I feel that I am missing something... < 14Morgan > knowing nothing of it, I couldn't say * @Molly looks at the floor < 14Morgan > have you considered at all what Jaeger might do in response? < 04@Molly > 13I sailed her in to a great city, each building carved as if from a dark metal, but splintered, broken somehow. The sea beneath her was red, and the prow cut through in crimson waves. The sky was dark and brooding with heavy thunder clouds. There was breeze, yet I made good speed. *she pauses, hearing his question* < 04@Molly > 13I think he will be upset, and return to his family before we return from Freiburg, but I believe he will heal quickly, for he will find another far better than I... < 14Morgan > Molly, he has the ear of an envoy to the Queen... do you understand how difficult he could make your life? * @Molly 's eyes go wide, and it is clear that this has not occured to her. Tears come to her eyes as her mind races. < 04@Molly > 13Then I have no choice. < 14Morgan > There is always a choice, Molly. < 14Morgan > Had you considered, perhaps, trying to get a privateers license? As loathe as I am to suggest it as a son of Eisen... < 04@Molly > 13That then the safety of Avalon dictates what happens to the Rose? < 14Morgan > indeed * @Molly looks intensely puzzled < 14Morgan > but it would be a relatively simple matter to get a license for precisely the same reason that not marrying him would cause trouble < 04@Molly > 13I can not see how having the license would remove my problem... < 14Morgan > it wouldn't < 14Morgan > but since the problem would remain either way, why not use the situation to your advantage < 04@Molly > 13So marry Lord Jaeger, and give my ship to the queen? * @Molly 's words carry an air of defeat < 14Morgan > You think I like that solution? To see you married and an Eisen ship potentially controlled by an Avalonian royal... < 14Morgan > I'm not convinced that Jaeger would do anything as retaliation, but it is something you should be aware of < 04@Molly > 13It does not change the fact that marrying him is not my wish < 14Morgan > no, it does not * @Molly stands, unable to sit still, walking the few steps back and forth in the cabin < 04@Molly > 13I might not be able to free myself from this tangled web, but I would sell the Rose long before she is chained to the whims of others as I will surely be. < 14Morgan > I would make the same offer as Kai, but it looks deeply suspicious, despite our... friendship * @Molly laughs softly, and her chest feels as if it will explode. Yet somehow, she holds back the tears. < 04@Molly > 13I do not know that it will be enough... Once I had decided what I would do, I started to think about the life I could have for myself... Even if the ship still remains mine, the life I hoped I could have would still not be achievable. < 14Morgan > how do you mean? < 04@Molly > 13I thought perhaps I would take a little house of mine own, in the village, or perhaps Tawstock itself. That I would travel on the Rose now and then, to oversee her use, and to explore the world... < 14Morgan > Perhaps that would be the wisest course... trading is nothing you need licensing for... in my opinion privateers are nothing more than legitimised pirates. < 04@Molly > 13But do you not see, I can do none of those things, for none of it can be my choice. It would be very unsafe for me not to marry him, and in doing so, he will have the power to control evry moment of my life... < 14Morgan > you think for a moment that he would be allowed to take retribution? < 04@Molly > 13If I tell him I can never be his, or if he discovers such once the union is made? < 14Morgan > I suspect his reaction would be worse were it the latter * @Molly sits back down, slightly heavily < 14Morgan > perhaps I phrased it badly... I find, being around the crew, that I've started to use the avalonian words with the eisen grammar < 14Morgan > do you honestly think that _I_ would allow him to take retribution? * @Molly looks at him, eyes intense < 04@Molly > 13It means more than you would ever know to hear you speak such... but there are things that not even you could overcome. If he takes knowledge to the queen, or worse, the inquisition, regarding my beliefs.... * @Molly stops short, knowing where such would lead < 14Morgan > your beliefs? * Morgan smiles, a cold expression < 14Morgan > my lady, _four_ lords of Eisen have seen you attend church service and say grace before each meal... only an idiot would believe a spurned suitor over such... opposition * @Molly can't help but smile < 04@Molly > 13And when the Rose is named as having committed an act of war? Or I an act of high treason? < 14Morgan > He's neither vindictive nor clever enough to do that * @Molly sighs < 04@Molly > 13Oh that he had never managed to fall in love with me to begin with! < 14Morgan > I rather suspect it wasn't entirely his choice < 04@Molly > 13It would be far better if it were as easy to fall out of love as it is to fall in to it * @Molly looks away < 14Morgan > indeed * @Molly looks thoughtful, chewing her lower lip < 04@Molly > 13I would continue telling you about my dream, if you will hear it. What we have discussed is of great import, and I need to think a little on it.Talk of easier things might help that. < 14Morgan > please, continue * @Molly smiles. < 04@Molly > 13Oh yes, the dock... I pulled the ship in to the dock in this strange place, and prepared to unload before I'd had a moment to study it closer. I began to bring up huge sacks from the hold, and though in the dream I was aware of what was in the sacks, I could not recall it. As I went down the walk way, heavy bag on my shoulders, I saw that the stone work of the dock was fractured, splintered in to many tiny pieces, huge fissures running to the centre of the world (mtf) < 04@Molly > 13fissures running to the centre of the world. In suprise, and about to step on to this broken dock, I dropped the bag. It split, and rich soil from the rose garden spilt over the cracks (mtf) < 04@Molly > 13The earth filled in these gaps, somehow one sack filled them all, and it all hardened, returning to stone. I remember being so suprised that I awoke. * @Molly smiles < 04@Molly > 13What thinks you? < 14Morgan > I really dont know < 04@Molly > 13I just can not shake the idea that there is something to it that I am not seeing. I never normally dream such things, my dreams are normally.. simple. < 14Morgan > describe the city again < 04@Molly > 13It was as if all the buildings, the shops, the dwellings, the cathedral, were all made of a dark coloured metal, darker than pewter, but they were all broken and splintered. It was a large city, though much was ruins < 14Morgan > sounds like... no, it cant have been * @Molly looks intrigued < 04@Molly > 13What are you thinking? < 14Morgan > the colour... was it similar at all to the panzerhands that the lieutenant carries? * @Molly closes her eyes briefly, recalling it < 04@Molly > 13Yes, actually... it is quite distinctively dark, now that I think of it < 14Morgan > do you know what it is made of? < 04@Molly > 13Dracheneisen... < 14Morgan > you can only get that in Eisen... < 04@Molly > 13So a city made of that would symbolise Freiburg? < 14Morgan > possibly I suppose < 04@Molly > 13Or Eisen itself perhaps? < 14Morgan > more likely, in my opinion * @Molly puzzles for a moment < 04@Molly > 13Perhaps somewhere in my heart, I have a burning desire to help fix the wounds of your homeland? < 14Morgan > I couldn't say, that is something for you to puzzle over * @Molly looks at the candle again < 04@Molly > 13I have heard it said that Eiseners get what they want, through whatever means necessary... < 14Morgan > not always true, but most often < 04@Molly > 13Do you believe it is acceptable to behave in a sneaky and underhanded manner to achieve your goals? < 14Morgan > if that is what the situation requires... * @Molly looks at him, almost hesitantly < 04@Molly > 13And if I feel I must behave so, to reduce a risk to myself, would you also feel that acceptable, or would you be unable to remain friends with me? * @Molly looks away, looking at her hands < 14Morgan > it depends, doesn't it... < 14Morgan > to what end would you act in an underhand way? < 04@Molly > 13To the end of not having to marry a man I do not love, without putting myself in danger of his vengeance < 14Morgan > I think I could contain my distaste * Morgan smirks slightly * @Molly watches him smirk < 14Morgan > in truth Molly, I don't particularly care for Mr. Jaeger < 04@Molly > 13If it were to in any way damage the affections you have for me, I would rather marry him and suffer it, than know that I pushed myself out of your mind with my cruelty to others.... * @Molly blushes, fiddling with her bracelet < 14Morgan > to whom would the cruelty by commited? < 04@Molly > 13To Lord Jaeger, though I would not wish to be cruel, just to turn his heart from me... < 14Morgan > as I've said, I do not care for Jaeger over much < 04@Molly > 13How so? < 14Morgan > how so? < 04@Molly > 13Why do you think it might be that you do not care for him? < 14Morgan > He favours flair over function, he has an arrogance I've rarely seen, he has no tact whatsoever, and is so blinded by his own desires that he does not see the desires of anyone else * @Molly smiles sadly < 04@Molly > 13He is certainly so overwhelmed by his love for me that it has not occured to him that I have never told him I loved him in return... < 04@Molly > 13It is a blessing, for I believe that of all lies, to tell someone you love them when you do not if perhaps the worst lie you can tell... < 14Morgan > indeed * @Molly looks away quickly, cheeks flushed < 04@Molly > 13To divert him, I will have to be far colder with him than I would ever wish to be with anyone... < 14Morgan > that is your choice. In truth I suspect that it may be the wisest option < 04@Molly > 13To my mind, the only safe way for me to leave this betrothal is for him to call an end to it, because he no longer loves me * @Molly shakes her head in disgust < 14Morgan > could be tricky < 04@Molly > 13You believe so? I am not so sure. It is possible that he will quickly see the error of falling in love with me < 14Morgan > I think you're wrong < 04@Molly > 13I have said it before, I am not as good as he believes me to be, and the fact that I will go to such lengths to stop his love proves that < 14Morgan > no, I think you're wrong... it proves nothing but the fact that you felt you _had_ to marry him < 04@Molly > 13He is a good man, though misguided. He would have made a good husband, for a woman whose... dreams, had not run away with her. < 14Morgan > he is an easily led man, I suspect < 04@Molly > 13then hopefully to lead him away from his affection for me should be easy also. < 14Morgan > Let us hope so * @Molly looks at him, though does not meet his eyes < 04@Molly > 13It means he must come with us to Freiburg < 14Morgan > needs must * @Molly smiles slightly < 04@Molly > 13And that you will be unable to escort me to dine... * Morgan sighs < 14Morgan > I knew it would have to end... its just this way it'll end a little sooner < 04@Molly > 13I believe we have three more full days before we land in Tawstock, and until then, I am yours... * @Molly goes scarlet < 04@Molly > 13I... I... didn't, ummm, sorry.... * @Molly looks away from him < 14Morgan > then for those three days I shall bask in your company so that the memory of such warmth keeps me from the cold in the days beyond * @Molly looks back to him, biting her lower lip, which barely covers the grin on her face < 04@Molly > 13such warmth? I think you overestimate me... < 14Morgan > I think not < 04@Molly > 13To sit beside you at dinner was so pleasant... you seemed a little distracted though. Tell me, if you will, the flags on the walls...? < 14Morgan > We sat beneath the Fischler crest < 04@Molly > 13The church in the valley with the lit window? By far the prettiest, most welcoming... The Fischler crest? < 14Morgan > the flag of the district that Sudlachenburg is part of * @Molly 's eyes go wide < 04@Molly > 13I am sorry, had I understood the significance, I would have chosen another < 14Morgan > I think it seems somewhat... suitable, given the purpose of my journey * @Molly looks slightly saddened < 04@Molly > 13Though I shall be saddened to lose your affections, I am at least pleased that it with return you to your parents for a brief while < 14Morgan > Truly I don't know what I will say to them < 04@Molly > 13I believe they will just be happy to see your return... Simply 'I needed to be away from the memories here' should suffice. * @Molly smiles compassionately < 14Morgan > perhaps < 04@Molly > 13Do you think there will be animosity regarding your absence? < 14Morgan > possibly... my manner of leavnig was not exactly... well done < 04@Molly > 13I am certain that your return will be so celebrated that your departure is long forgotten < 14Morgan > perhaps... I'm not so sure * Morgan chews on his thumb * @Molly looks concerned, not used to his nervous habit. She moves, and kneels before his chair. < 04@Molly > 13If the welcome you receive is not as warm as you would like, return to Tawstock as soon as you can, for wherever I am, there will always be warm welcome at my hearth for you... < 14Morgan > I shall < 14Morgan > the, uhhh... lieutenant had some questions for me when we went to get tea < 04@Molly > 13I must have missed that, for I had gone to search, and sweet talk, for some breakfast for everyone * @Molly giggles < 04@Molly > 13What was it he wished to know? < 14Morgan > he told me that he believed me to be either a criminal on the run, or a noble that had fled during the war * @Molly sits back on her heels, hands in her lap < 04@Molly > 13He is a very perceptive man... What reply gave you? < 14Morgan > and that he could find out, but since I was present to tell him, it would be a waste of his time and that I may as well just come clean, as it were * @Molly nods * Morgan breathes deeply < 14Morgan > I could not fault his logic... he could find out if he wished, so I gave him my title < 04@Molly > 13I would have done exactly the same, though it would have been preferable for your parents to know before it became public knowledge... < 14Morgan > he's agreed to tell noone for a time * Morgan smiles vaguely < 14Morgan > it has been quite some time since I used my full title * @Molly smiles, and there is something enigmatic about it < 04@Molly > 13I have never heard another speak it aloud... < 14Morgan > Veissgraf Morgan Adalbrecht Koertig von Sudlachenburg * Morgan speaks quietly * @Molly drops her eyes, and her voice is soft and quiet < 14Morgan > out of Verity by Adalbrecht < 04@Molly > 13It is a beautiful name... If I weren't already at your feet, I would curtsey... < 14Morgan > its unwieldy and not entirely regional * @Molly looks puzzled < 14Morgan > my first name isn't an Eisen name < 04@Molly > 13It sounds incredibly impressive, nonetheless... very noble... < 04@Molly > 13Possibly a blessing that we Avalonians do not sure the same rules, for I fear mine would show commonness to the core. * @Molly smiles up at him < 14Morgan > Isabella? I think thats far from common * @Molly looks suprised. She speaks quietly, barely more than a whisper < 04@Molly > 13You remembered? < 14Morgan > of course... I couldn't tell you your fathers or mothers name, mind * @Molly laughs < 14Morgan > but then, men that annoy me bear little importance to me until it arises that I must deal with them < 14Morgan > the lieutenant asked one other question, when I told him _why_ left Eisen < 04@Molly > 13Lady Molly Isabella Forrester von The Purple Rose, out of Martha by David * @Molly starts to laugh, then catches what he'd said < 04@Molly > 13You told him why? * Morgan looks at the floor < 14Morgan > we are both sons of Eisen, both lost our loved ones * @Molly nods < 04@Molly > 13I understand < 04@Molly > 13I should imagine this evening you will not be served last... < 14Morgan > he wanted to know why I hadn't killed Edward for revenge < 04@Molly > 13I think perhaps it is a fair question, for many would have < 14Morgan > as I've told you before, I couldn't do that... I could not force my mother to suffer as I had < 04@Molly > 13I think you have chosen the more honorable route... Do you anticipate seeing him whilst you are there? < 14Morgan > I don't know < 14Morgan > the lieutenant told me that, were I to choose to duel with Edward for the betrayal... he would be my second * @Molly looks surprised < 04@Molly > 13Now that is a huge compliment... < 14Morgan > isn't it just < 04@Molly > 13If such were to come to pass, I would hope that there would be competent healers to hand... anyone but I. < 14Morgan > I could not inflict that sort of pain on my mother... and I would not allow another to do so * @Molly nods < 04@Molly > 13If I ever have chance to meet him, and you wish him healed, from whatever injury, you can rest assured I would do as you bid, regardless of mne own opinions. It is more fear of not healing you were a duel to occur that would keep me away < 14Morgan > my concern, I suppose, is that, were he ever to turn up... someone _else_ would try to kill him < 04@Molly > 13I would do my utmost to ensure that did not come to pass, be it by bandage or sword... The right for vengeance is yours alone, and that you choose not to take it does not grant that right to another < 14Morgan > I wonder if Eiblinn would see it that way... or Captain Tsaylur < 04@Molly > 13My friendship with either of them will not be enough to prevent my intervention, if you wish it. You need but say the word... * @Molly blushes, looking at the floor < 14Morgan > no, I would not have you injured on my behalf < 04@Molly > 13I would not mind... < 14Morgan > mind or otherwise, I will _not_ have it... if I have to stand between them and he myself, I shall, but you will not stand in my stead * @Molly looks at him, eyes serious. Her voice is low, and she talks slowly < 04@Molly > 13are you ordering that were the situation to arise, I must take no steps to risk harm to myself to defend him? < 14Morgan > I am < 04@Molly > 13And not heal him, if there is a risk that I will be injured in the attempt? < 14Morgan > I would wish him healed, but not at risk to yourself... < 14Morgan > though, anyone that attacked him and then threatened you would wish themselves dead long before I finished with them < 04@Molly > 13Then I shall follow your desires, liebes herz... * @Molly looks up < 04@Molly > 13Even Captain Tsaylur? < 14Morgan > The fondness I hold for her does not extend to free reign to injure and threaten those I love and care for < 04@Molly > 13He is still your brother, and the love you bear for him is not changed by his actions. It would be wise for Siobahn and Evie to learn that. < 14Morgan > indeed * @Molly stands just after the candle dies. In the darkness, she says 'I shall be but a moment' before she goes out of the door 21:52:19  Rebecca  It's ok...I would not disturb your discussion    21:53:22   Molly  I am certain it could be continued at a later date, if necessary...    21:55:10  Rebecca  *Rebecca looks a little awkward and then seems to give up her protests* Very well...I won't be but a moment....    21:55:23  Morgan:  *Morgan steps out the room, closing the door behind him    21:56:43  Rebecca  *Rebecca's eye's flick to Morgan, then to Molly*    21:56:44  Morgan:  Ladies    21:58:05  Rebecca  Sir...*Rebecca curtseys*    21:58:38  Morgan:  *a pained expression crosses Morgans face*    21:58:51   Molly  *Molly smiles* I have as yet not found another candle, but I did find Rebecca instead...    22:00:07  Rebecca  I will not interrupt your discussion...I will not be more than a moment... *She moves towards the door*    22:01:35   Molly  *Molly watches her, before turning to look at the lit candles in the corridor* Perhaps if I take one from here...    22:02:08  Rebecca  *Rebecca opens the door and head inside*    22:03:05   Molly  *Molly carefully lifts a candle away from the wall*    22:03:53  Rebecca  *slight rummaging can be heard inside*    22:04:25   Molly  Windows would be far preferable...    22:04:51  Morgan:  Indeed. Though, I've a horrible suspicion that we are actually below the waterline    22:06:30  Rebecca  *There is the sound of water being poured and the faint chink of glass on glass*o    22:07:27   Molly  *Molly shudders slightly* Below the water?!      22:09:34  Rebecca  *After a moment, Rebecca emerges, clutching a pencil.* Thank you...    22:10:22   Molly  *Molly smiles at her, trying to push the thoughts of being below the water from her mind*    22:10:59  Rebecca  I will detain you no further....*she curtseys to them both and makes to leave*    22:11:36  Morgan:  *Morgan clears his throat* do not leave on my account, m'lady...      22:11:36   Molly  *Molly curtseys back, though carefully for the candle in her hand*    22:12:38  Rebecca  I am not, Sir...I did...got what I needed. I should return to my sketching....    22:13:44   Molly  I am certain that Morgan and I could continue our discussion elsewhere, if you wished use of the cabin...    22:14:21  Rebecca  No no...it's fine...    22:15:05  Rebecca  *Rebecca seems a little agitated and begins to move towards the stairs, smiling politely*    22:15:51   Molly  *Molly looks saddened* I doubt I shall be long and will return to you for my sewing...    22:16:24  Rebecca  I mean no offence...I...I...    22:17:35   Molly  *Molly goes to Rebecca, and takes her hand, an unusual gesture for Molly, who is rarely physically affectionate with others* You have caused me no upset or offense, and hope that I have not caused you either also...    22:18:48  Rebecca  *Rebecca winces slightly as the gesture pulls on her shoulder, but smiles with genuine warmth* Not at all...    22:19:32   Molly  *Molly nods, her eyes on Rebecca's reaction*      22:20:24  Rebecca  Well....perhaps I will see you shortly...?    22:23:17   Molly  Yes, you shall    22:24:34  Rebecca  *Rebecca curtseys once more and head up the stairs* * @Molly goes back in to the room, placing the candle on the table. Although she'd been kneeling before him when she left, she now sits back in her chair. < 04@Molly > 13That was... awkward... < 14Morgan > indeed * @Molly watches him, waiting to see if he returns to sit * Morgan sits down < 14Morgan > what was she saying before I came out? < 14Morgan > she seemed most perturbed to see me < 04@Molly > 13Just that she had returned for more pencils, though I believe there is far more to her than she is telling. < 14Morgan > oh I've no doubt at all * @Molly nods < 14Morgan > she takes it upon herself to make me feel... comfortable < 04@Molly > 13This morning I observed that she suffered discomfort in one shoulder at breakfast, then again just then. She returned to the room with a small package, poured water into a glass and hen left having said she had 'done' what she needed to... To my mind, it was not collecting a pencil < 14Morgan > Something is not as she claims, I suspect < 04@Molly > 13But I can not help but find myself liking, and trusting, her.... *she sighs* she has already perceived my lack of love for Lord Jaeger, and come to the conclusion that I should not marry him... < 14Morgan > I happen to share that conclusion * @Molly looks at him, eyes intense. Her voice is soft, even more troubled by the possibility of interruption than before < 04@Molly > 13I shall not marry him, rest you well assured. If it means I might never set foot in my homeland again, I can not go to him as his wife... < 14Morgan > do not abandon your homeland so lightly Molly... believe me, it is not an easy thing to do < 04@Molly > 13It would be my last resort, of course, but if that is what must be done, then so be it. He can not have my heart, nor my mind.. or body... * Morgan nods slowly * @Molly blushes < 04@Molly > 13I wonder... Were he to become jealous, would it increase, or reduce his affections for me? < 14Morgan > I do not know... possibly, after the initial flash of jealousy, he would wish to push you away < 04@Molly > 13Thinks you that the idea bears further thought? < 14Morgan > definitely < 04@Molly > 13In my limited experience though, jealousy further increases the way one feels for another, rather than anything else. * @Molly looks at the floor < 14Morgan > I'm not sure... in many cases, yes... but I can't help but wonder if maybe he would then try to make _you_ jealous * @Molly laughs softly < 04@Molly > 13He would be free to try, for he does not hold my heart, and therefore it would be ineffective < 14Morgan > What other options are there/ < 04@Molly > 13I am unsure as to your meaning... what other options for reaction are there for him? O what other options have I to remove his affections? < 14Morgan > the latter * @Molly speaks slowly, thoughtfully < 04@Molly > 13I could be cool to him, gently avoiding being in his company, avoiding his embraces and kisses... * @Molly looks away < 14Morgan > is he bright enough to... get it, though < 04@Molly > 13Possibly not. Having only kissed me once, for me to continue to turn him away would not attract attention at all * @Molly colours slightly, looking at her hands < 14Morgan > Perhaps someone should have a word with him < 04@Molly > 13To persuade him not to like me? < 14Morgan > to appraise him of the situation * @Molly looks slightly puzzled < 04@Molly > 13I am not sure I understand < 14Morgan > To tell him how things stand < 04@Molly > 13That I can not love him, and wish to not marry him? Do you think that would prevent him from striking against me? < 14Morgan > quite possibly * @Molly smiles at him softly < 04@Molly > 13It is a nice idea, and certainly worthy of more thought * Morgan frowns < 14Morgan > do not speak to me as if I were a child Molly * @Molly looks pained < 14Morgan > It is a possibility that had not been considered and I believe it merits more consideration < 04@Molly > 13I am sorry, I did not mean to belittle the idea in any way. I am unsure that by talking to him I can simply dissuade him with my words, that is all < 14Morgan > I was more suggesting that someone _else_ speaks with him * @Molly works the idea over in her mind, brow furrowed slightly < 04@Molly > 13My father could do so... < 14Morgan > possibly < 04@Molly > 13Unfortunately, the hinderance with such a plan comes thusly... once spoken, the words can not be taken back. He will then know that there can be no hope, and he will be angry. If I seek to cool his feelings and fail, I still have the further option of more drastic plans, without revealing my hand * @Molly takes a deep breath to replace so many words < 14Morgan > true. Though I would rather be told outright were my love unrequited than be steered by subterfuge < 04@Molly > 13It is possible he would be happy to have me without my love... He would have to be told that the marriage was not to take place. * @Molly watches him, eyes soft < 14Morgan > quite possibly < 04@Molly > 13It is a strong option, were he likely to respect the words of the person they came from... < 14Morgan > you could... no, thats a bad idea... < 14Morgan > indeed. You have someone in mind? * @Molly raises an eyebrow. She speaks quietly < 04@Molly > 13What is a bad idea, liebes herz? < 14Morgan > it bears no merit, forget I said it * @Molly looks down at the floor, obviously waring within herself < 04@Molly > 13Though I desperately wish to know, I shall allow you to keep your own counsel... * @Molly looks back to him, eyes on his chest < 04@Molly > 13I do not know, in truth, who would be best to speak to him on the matter < 14Morgan > One of your new Eisen friends, perhaps... < 04@Molly > 13I believe he would view such with an extreme suspicion that I have fallen in love with whichever of them the task fell to < 14Morgan > Perhaps. But then, that may be enough to temper his reaction < 04@Molly > 13Knowing that I love another? < 14Morgan > indeed * @Molly studies the flame on the table, hoping to not draw attention to her words < 04@Molly > 13I... I can see such a thing ending in bloodshed... < 14Morgan > quite possibly < 14Morgan > I suspect Jaeger would say something that would offend one our Eisen companions sensibilities and he would, inevitably demand a duel to rectify such a grievance against their honour < 04@Molly > 13Perhaps one of the more subtle routes would ensure the safety of all concerned, for a sword duel would be no contest... < 14Morgan > Eisen men can be... rather over dramatic < 04@Molly > 13There is always an exception... < 14Morgan > true, but then I was raised in equal parts by my mother and father... even my name was given to bring my mother comfort at being away from her home * @Molly nods, remembering < 04@Molly > 13I remember you saying so... *She pauses, thoughtful* Do you think that making Lord Jaeger jealous would require much labour? < 14Morgan > no * Morgan smiles < 14Morgan > I suspect it would take none at all < 04@Molly > 13The problem then comes in how willing I am to trifle with the affections of others to make him so < 14Morgan > Explain it to those with whose affections you would be 'trifling' < 04@Molly > 13Who would you recommend? < 14Morgan > I dont know... perhaps Kai * @Molly nods, though she does not look at him. She speaks quietly < 04@Molly > 13And this would be acceptable to you? < 14Morgan > needs must < 04@Molly > 13I was... I wond.. Yes, perhaps needs must. * @Molly looks at the floor, flustered < 14Morgan > speak plainly Molly... did you have someone else in mind? * @Molly 's eyes go wide, having not considered there to be another option < 04@Molly > 13It was simply that I misread you.. I perceived discomfort when you spoke about my hand in Kai's. I am sorry, I have done you a disservice by my mistake. < 14Morgan > you were not mistaken * @Molly looks at him, though not meeting his eyes < 04@Molly > 13And yet you would tolerate such discomfort in the hopes that it wins me both freedom and safety? < 14Morgan > indeed < 04@Molly > 13You are a far better man than most, my lord... < 14Morgan > I think not < 04@Molly > 13Tell me, you mention the idea of me having another in mind for the task... would it be more tolerable for you were it someone other than Colonel Kai? < 14Morgan > Perhaps... though I know that he would rather just run Jaeger through rather than use subterfuge... so perhaps Kai is the better option * @Molly tilts her head to one side < 04@Molly > 13That sounds awfully like Captain Helbrecht < 14Morgan > I was thinking the Lieutenant actually... I have not spoken at all to the Captain * @Molly nods < 04@Molly > 13I believe Colonel Kai would be very amenable to aiding me. There is an easy rapport between he and I, and therefore it should take little effort on either part to achieve Lord jaeger's jealousy < 14Morgan > I quite agree < 14Morgan > I don't like it, but I see you are right * @Molly looks at him, eyes deep < 04@Molly > 13That it will cause you discomfort pains me greatly * @Molly feels awkward at his silence, and continues < 04@Molly > 13I shall endeavour to do as little as possible to achieve the desired results < 14Morgan > I appreciate that < 04@Molly > 13Would you have me wait until you have left for Sudlachenburg? < 14Morgan > I think I would prefer that, yes < 14Morgan > and it also removes me rather succinctly from the possibility of Jaeger demanding I have words with my countrymen * @Molly looks at him, blue eyes intense. < 04@Molly > 13I had not realised that it would be so... uncomfortable for you. I shall wait, of course. < 14Morgan > thank you * @Molly does not take her eyes from him, and moves her hand towards his as if to take it. Suddenly, she returns it to her lap and sighs * Morgan sighs heavily < 04@Molly > 13Oh to be on the estate where one can find a moment's privacy... * @Molly smiles at him, and leans over, touching the back of his hand softly, her skin warm < 04@Molly > 13I miss having the time and peace to speak with you alone. It is possible that we shall not have opportunity to do so again until we reach the Rose, and even then I predict constant demands upon my time. < 14Morgan > I've no doubt * @Molly moves her hand away < 04@Molly > 13I ought to return to the others < 14Morgan > indeed... we shall speak again before I leave your side * @Molly looks as if she would speak more, but simply nods. She stands, leading him to the door < 04@Molly > 13I shall eagerly await those times, dear one < 14Morgan > likewise * @Molly opens the door, letting him leave. * Morgan bows before leaving * @Molly curtseys, and watches him leave. Once he is out of sight, she shuts the door softly.