* @Molly , true to her word, is indeed in the dining room before the dawn. She has a few candles on the table, around which are many sheets of parchment, and a quill and ink. She is sat, head down, pouring over one, writing, then crossing through. A pot of tea sits to one side, and her cup is still full and steaming. * Morgan walks in quietly through one of the doors into the room * @Molly looks up at him with a smile, and stands. She speaks quietly, respectful of the lateness of the hour < 04@Molly > 13Good morning... would you like some tea? < 14Morgan > please * @Molly pours him a cup, and takes it to him. She smiles softly. < 04@Molly > 13I must confess, I was unsure that you would come, for it is very early... < 14Morgan > I'm often awake by now * @Molly nods, returning to her seat < 04@Molly > 13It is slightly earlier than I would normally wake, though I wonder whether I shall rise later without needing to wake for the morning's cleaning... < 14Morgan > quite possibly, but I've found I sleep no more than normal wherever I am < 04@Molly > 13I find myself more and more looking forward to having my own little house in the village, the lie-ins, how little tidying there will be to be done... * @Molly smiles, her eyes lit up < 14Morgan > It certainly sounds very appealing < 04@Molly > 13I had nver thought that I might live alone, for it is so uncommon for a woman to do so, and yet the idea does not scare me. * @Molly sips her tea, pushing her papers aside. * Morgan nods < 14Morgan > its quite unusual,I must admit < 04@Molly > 13As you said, a Lady has no need to marry, if she does not wish to... I have other plans that will keep me just as occupied as a husband < 14Morgan > oh? * @Molly nods, though doesn't meet his eyes < 04@Molly > 13I think I know what I wish to do with the Rose, though in truth I am not sure that it is not a foolish idea < 14Morgan > and what is that? * @Molly nurses the cup of tea, talking quietly < 04@Molly > 13I would like to help the people of Eisen, by trading food and other essentials from Tawstock for whatever local crafts there are in the villages and towns I can help... * Morgan thinks about this * @Molly 's cheeks flush, and she does not look at him, instead studying the paperwork on the table. < 14Morgan > I suppose... that any Eisen man would be happy to see the Rose used in such a way * @Molly looks at him in surprise < 04@Molly > 13You do not think it a foolish venture? < 14Morgan > I'm not certain it would provide the income required to run the ship, but I'm hardly going to think something that helps Eisen to be foolish, am I * @Molly smiles and nods < 04@Molly > 13I would, of course, still use the Rose to transport passengers, to ensure the income. However, I would plan the route wisely to ensure that I could supply the areas I can forge a strong link with. < 14Morgan > I see no flaw in your plans... < 04@Molly > 13I am glad to hear it, for had you said otherwise, I would have given up on the idea entirely. I trust your judgement far more than mine own. < 14Morgan > I wonder if that is a good idea < 04@Molly > 13To trust your judgement? Of course it is, you are by far the wisest person I know * @Molly smiles at him, eyes soft < 14Morgan > Molly, the word of an Eisen man when it comes to the Rose, whomever that man may be, should be viewed as suspect * @Molly looks puzzled < 04@Molly > 13I fail to undrstand why I have anything to fear from you... < 14Morgan > Were you anyone else, I would have little hesitation in finding a way to get the rose to serve a purpose I desire... as would any son of Eisen... < 04@Molly > 13Might you tell me, if she were yours, what would you do with her? < 14Morgan > probably the same as you plan * @Molly drinks her tea < 04@Molly > 13Perhaps such a plan will be enough to persuade the Colonel to lend me the funds I need to establish her as a passenger vessel, without asking for a stake in her... < 14Morgan > given how fervent he was at dinner about it, I wouldn't be surprised < 04@Molly > 13I worry that perhaps it is an ill advised move to borrow from him when I must also flirt with him... it will appear to Lord Jaeger perhaps as a more serious threat than intended... < 14Morgan > indeed... * @Molly looks back to him < 04@Molly > 13I have had little opportunity to ask, with all the other things pulling at my attention.. how fare _you_? < 14Morgan > I'm fine. A little apprehensive perhaps... < 04@Molly > 13Because of your return home? * Morgan nods, taking a sip of tea < 04@Molly > 13I believe, given the circumstances, that it is to be expected. Can I help in any way to ease your mind on the matter? < 14Morgan > I dont think so * @Molly puts her cup on the table, hands in her lap, giving him her full attention. < 04@Molly > 13I shall understand if you wish to hold your own confidance, but something you said gave me pause for thought... < 14Morgan > that being? < 04@Molly > 13That every time you try to resolve your problems, they are further exacerbated... I worry about you. * @Molly looks away, topping up her tea from the pot < 14Morgan > no solution I ever look to seems to work < 04@Molly > 13Sometimes the solutions find us, rather than the other way around... < 14Morgan > perhaps < 04@Molly > 13Can I be of any help in this matter? You always help me so much, I would wish to return the favour, if I can? < 14Morgan > I'm concerned about the consequences of seeing Edward * @Molly nods < 04@Molly > 13You fear that you might be unable to prevent yourself fighting him? < 14Morgan > or vice versa < 04@Molly > 13Why would he wish to fight you? < 14Morgan > I'm not sure... perhaps he would wish for retribution to the beating I gave him * @Molly looks puzzled < 04@Molly > 13You beat him? * Morgan nods * @Molly recalls other conversations < 04@Molly > 13and hence why you were concerned at your reception, given how you had departed? < 14Morgan > yes * @Molly speaks, her voice low and empassioned < 04@Molly > 13Surely he must see that the fault for such a beating lies at his own door! < 14Morgan > I think he sees no fault * @Molly shakes her head < 04@Molly > 13Because he protected the family name... I swear, I shall never understand the reasonings of some people... wht difference does it truly make, how any of us stand in life? It is hardly immutable, hardly fixed.... Tell me, I have a title, and a ship, were I to marry into a noble family, would I not be counted as equal, regardless of having very nearly beeing born in the barn on my father's farm? < 14Morgan > I'm not entirely sure what he woudl make of you... though I suspect the title you now hold would more than please him * @Molly looks away Session Time: Sun Dec 07 00:00:00 2008 < 04@Molly > 13I did not mean how Edward would see me, but more as the world would. I should imagine, were he to meet me, the lure of owning the Rose would be enough to make an Eisen man even with attitudes such as his ignore the original status of a woman... < 14Morgan > I'm not entirely sure... < 04@Molly > 13I shall be interested to know how others treat me know, for although technically a Lady, it is only Lady of a land unknown, and therefore would not necessarily be recognised as a title in many courts. < 04@Molly > 13(know=now) < 14Morgan > true enough, but there will have been a time when Avalon was considered a far off land that was rarely thought of < 04@Molly > 13You're right, of course. It does not matter though, for I have no desire to go to court, nor be compared to the Ladies there * @Molly smiles, drinking from the fresh cup < 14Morgan > just to live in a small cottage in tawstock? < 04@Molly > 13And do something to help the people of Eisen who are not fortunate enough to resolve the problems of their lands. But yes, a small cottage, probably in Lower Tawstock, so that I am nearer to my friends < 14Morgan > perhaps... I would have to check, but if I have it available... perhaps I could fund the rose * @Molly looks at him in suprise < 04@Molly > 13You would wish to? < 14Morgan > help a friend? of course * @Molly looks down, not meeting his eyes < 04@Molly > 13I could think of no-one I would prefer to be indebted to < 14Morgan > you would not be indebted to me < 04@Molly > 13You do me a favour far more than anyone else would consider... as soon as she makes profit, you can rest assured you will have your guilders returned < 14Morgan > if that is your wish I will not argue. < 04@Molly > 13It is far more appropriate that way, in case our friendship was to come to an end. < 14Morgan > I dont see that happening < 04@Molly > 13I would dearly not wish it to, for I should be very sore to lose your counsel and confidance. * @Molly looks at her cup, raising it to her lips < 08@Morgan > so, you anticipate being gone from m... tawstock for an entire year? * Molly stops the cup short, it not quite meeting her lips < 04Molly > 13I believe that to forge the links with somewhere in Eisen that will benefit from my help, I shall have to visit and make friends there... I would hope that such a link can be made quickly, and then kept by letter, but I am unsure how easy this will be... < 08@Morgan > Since the war, the people of Eisen aren't terribly trusting of foreigners * Molly smiles at him, eyes soft < 04Molly > 13That is understandable... perhaps there is a better way for me to aid those who need it, without my foreigness being a factor, but I confess, I can not think of one. < 08@Morgan > The only solution would be to have a mediator, an ambassador if you will... someone from Eisen * Molly 's eyes light up < 04Molly > 13That is a wonderful idea! < 08@Morgan > I dont know about wonderful... it just seems the most... simple < 04Molly > 13I think it is wonderful. I would need to find an ambassador in an area where my efforts would help people, and then correspond with them by letter, and need to make far less visits! I would definately not need to be gone a year... < 08@Morgan > if they need any sort of... confirmation of your intentions, I would be happy to vouchsafe them for you < 04Molly > 13I greatly appreciate that, you are very kind... * Molly sips her tea < 08@Morgan > I am not kind < 04Molly > 13You are far kinder to me than I deserve... < 08@Morgan > I think not < 04Molly > 13That you seemed so concerned for my safety were I to be away for a year shows that kindness, at least to my mind... < 08@Morgan > I should miss you greatly were you to be away so long * Molly moves her chair closeer, and takes his hand, though not meeting his eyes, as if unsure < 04Molly > 13I would miss you a great deal as well, the idea of having to be away so long certainly gave me pause upon the plans I have for the Rose... < 08@Morgan > but I take it your mind is made up on the matter now? < 04Molly > 13I dearly want to help the people of Eisen... More than many, I know what it is like to live purely on the luck of the crops in the field, and like fewer, I know what it is like to be scared, not knowing where your next meal would come from... I would help those that I can. * Molly looks at the table, memories flooding back to her of her time between the lodging and lady cathrines house < 08@Morgan > I've been remarkably lucky in that, for the most part, I've managed to persuade people to give me shelter and food when I've not found it for myself * Molly nods, biting her lip < 04Molly > 13I would not wish it upon anyone... < 08@Morgan > nor I * Molly forces it to the back of her mind. she takes her hand from his shyly, feeling that she has been too forward. she picks up her cup < 04Molly > 13I believe I might attempt to find an ambassador whilst in Freiburg, and if I am lucky, I might not _need_ to leave Tawstock at all * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > but leave you will... you yearn to experience travel before you settle down < 04Molly > 13I should still like to see the cities, yes, but the pull is not as great as it is to have my own cottage, and make it my home. I would not wish to live on the Rose, not for a few years yet. < 08@Morgan > you think perhaps Captain Tsaylur is a little... strange for spending all her time aboard her ship? < 04Molly > 13Captain Tsaylur is... different than any woman I have ever met... * Molly looks down at her cup, not meeting his eyes < 08@Morgan > no disagreement from me < 04Molly > 13She has very unusual ideas regarding the relationships between men and women... < 08@Morgan > that doesn't surprise me in the least * Molly nods < 04Molly > 13She has little faith in marriage, and does not believe that a woman in possession of hr own ship ever needs to marry. < 08@Morgan > thats her choice... her opinions should not dictate yours, however < 04Molly > 13Her opinion has not in any way affected my decision not to marry Lord Jaeger... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > good < 08@Morgan > that decision needs to be your own * Molly refills her cup < 04Molly > 13And as for marrying in the future... I still would not take her opinion to heart... < 08@Morgan > I think perhaps marrying would not be the right choice for her... < 04Molly > 13No, I am unsure that she truly likes men at all... * Molly looks at the cup, eyes thoughtful [ 1:41am ] ChanServ sets mode: +nt < 08@Morgan > I dont know... I would like to think she likes me... though she chooses to share so little of herself that I doubt even that is true * Molly looks back to him < 04Molly > 13I think that she likes you, but not as a man, if that can make any sense... She cares for your friendship, without the intentions women often have for men < 08@Morgan > I wouldn't like to say... she's spoken to me in the past about how nobles are to be directed... I wonder if that is her intention for me * Molly puts two and two together < 04Molly > 13Is that your wish? < 08@Morgan > to be directed? No, I shall make my own decisions... if she, or anyone else, wishes to give me counsel I will listen, but I will not be subverted into actions that are not my own < 04Molly > 13Oh.... I... * Molly looks away < 08@Morgan > you thought... what exactly? < 04Molly > 13I wondered that in the monestary, when you spoke of something you wished for being out of reach, perhaps you refered to her providing you direction * Molly goes pinker < 08@Morgan > direction? < 04Molly > 13That she is part of your life, your future, to guide and direct you as she wishes... * @Morgan laughs < 08@Morgan > no no no... that is not what I wish for * Molly goes bright red < 04Molly > 13I am sorry, it was a poor assumption... < 08@Morgan > it was fair, given my habit of clouding everything I say * Molly smiles, still looking at the cup in her hands < 04Molly > 13Sometimes you can be very confusing, and it can be easy to read in your words things that are not there... < 08@Morgan > such as? * Molly fidgets, looking uncomfortable < 04Molly > 13Such as at dinner, when you mentioned making the same mistake over and over... < 08@Morgan > and you think I meant... * Molly looks saddened, and her voice carries an air of defeat < 04Molly > 13That you have allowed your friendship with me to become too close for comfort, as with Evie... * @Morgan 's eyes narrow < 08@Morgan > it is true that my feelings for you have... grown beyond the limit I would have liked... but no... I was referring to my inability to protect those in my charge * Molly looks to the floor < 04Molly > 13I am sorry... Perhaps it is simply my fear that you will start to think so, and push my fiendship away, for I truly ask no more of you than that... < 08@Morgan > your fear is unfounded * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13Then I shall never mention it again... * Molly sips her tea < 04Molly > 13There is one thing I shall never agree with Captain Tsaylur upon... < 08@Morgan > and that is? < 04Molly > 13That a child could be raised upon a ship without a father... * @Morgan looks surprised < 08@Morgan > is there something, perhaps, she is not telling me? * Molly 's eyes go wide < 04Molly > 13no, no... it came up in conversation after she mentioned a schiffseignerin not needing a husband, that having a child would still be within a womans grasp * Molly blushes, remembering the rest of the conversation, and interlinks her fingers in her lap < 08@Morgan > she's right... though having a bastard son might be more a hinderance than she imagines < 04Molly > 13I can not imagine doing such a thing... It would not be an easy life, and certainly not for the child < 08@Morgan > though she may be schiffseignerin, her child would still be considered a peasant... and a bastard at that < 04Molly > 13Whether or not she would actively choose such a path, I do not know... * Molly looks at the floor, embarassed < 04Molly > 13Naive perhaps, but I was not aware that a woman would lie with a man, unless she was his mistress or wife * Molly speaks quietly, eyes downcast < 08@Morgan > If the woman is unscrupulous and chooses the man wisely, doing so can give you massive leverage over the man < 04Molly > 13To provide him with a child that, if acknowledged, would be his heir? Or through the nature of... the act.. itself? < 08@Morgan > both < 08@Morgan > or the third option... to provide her with a child that could well be the downfall of the man if it was publicly known... * Molly nods, as if processing the information < 04Molly > 13The world of nobility is far more complex than I had imagined... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > it can be a very dangerous place < 04Molly > 13It is in some ways, quite heart breaking... Nobles have all the money, all the power, and yet seem to derive pleasure in the misery of other nobles... Whereas commoners, like Maelwys and Anna, rejoice in the happiness of their peers... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > for most it is part and parcel of being born of nobility < 04Molly > 13I am not even sure where I belong any more... < 08@Morgan > me either * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > 13But you know where your life will take you, one day back to rule the lands you were born to rule... I am unsure where my future lies < 08@Morgan > I know no such things... for all I know my brother has had me declared dead < 04Molly > 13Thinks you that he would do such a thing? More tea? < 08@Morgan > please < 08@Morgan > I don't know... there was a time I thought Edward was not capable of murder... even by proxy * Molly picks of the pot, and pours more in to his cup carefully, meeting his eyes with a gentle smile < 04Molly > 13I do not believe you can ever truly know another... But it will be set right, whilst you are in your homeland, will it not? You can not be believed dead if you are there < 08@Morgan > it may not be that simple... some may think me an imposter * Molly looks deep in thought < 04Molly > 13That is troubling... < 04Molly > 13Morgan... * Molly looks at him, voice quiet, her eyes intense * @Morgan looks up to Molly < 04Molly > 13When you _do_ return to tend the lands, as I am certain you will, will you go because you wish to, or because it is your duty? < 08@Morgan > I don't know... it depends how things pan out... though I suspect mostly the latter < 04Molly > 13At least now I have the Rose, and will be unconstrained by the whims of Lord Jaeger, I might be able to visit you with more ease < 08@Morgan > indeed, and I should look forward to those visits * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13By then, you will definately be used to not seeing me every day! < 08@Morgan > and I shall hate it * Molly looks at him, eyes full of compassion < 04Molly > 13I believe you overrate my company... < 08@Morgan > I dont < 08@Morgan > and I should know, since it is I that rates it * Molly giggles < 04Molly > 13Will you come to dine in my cottage, if Lady Catherine can spare you an evening sometime? < 08@Morgan > as you know, Lady Torrington rarely requires much of my time < 04Molly > 13You would always be welcome, though I can not promise fancy tables or food... < 08@Morgan > I think the last year has shown that fancy tables mean little to me < 04Molly > 13I doubt I shall take anything more than a tiny cottage, possibly only just enough space to seat four to dine, but it will be mine to do as I wish with... * Molly smiles, and her eyes sparkle at the prospect < 08@Morgan > I've oft considered such a thing < 04Molly > 13There is nothing in your duties that would prevent you from having a place of your own, somwhere to call home < 08@Morgan > I know... but since I sleep so little, my time is better spent at the estate where at least I can be useful < 04Molly > 13True... as I've said, you will always be welcome at my hearth, even if you just come for a cup of tea... * Molly smiles softly < 08@Morgan > I shall < 04Molly > 13I hope so... I will also need your instruction on how to begin my vegetable patch... < 08@Morgan > well, perhaps since you are no longer to be married, my showing you cannot anger your husband < 04Molly > 13I should imagine, were I to marry in the future, the patch would be long established by then * Molly giggles < 08@Morgan > I should've thought so < 04Molly > 13I doubt I shall though * Molly suddenly looks srious < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > 13I will always have to think of the Rose, and not losing her... Unfortunately, I believe she will be a very unpleasing bed mate... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > splinters < 04Molly > 13I could be a mistress without losing her.. and also have children though... it is a possibilty, though it would be in my distant future rather than immediately I believe * Molly sips her tea < 08@Morgan > you would wish to be a mistress? * Molly holds her cup tightly, cheeks flushed < 04Molly > 13I could see that there would be many benefits... < 08@Morgan > true, I suppose < 04Molly > 13and with the Rose, it would be a choice purely for mine own sake, not for security... I do not see it as 'beneath' me * Molly blushes harder at the possible connatations, looking at the floor < 08@Morgan > unlike some we could mention < 04Molly > 13It is possible, that in the years to come, I meet someone I would wish to be mistress to, I would not rule it out based on warped moral views... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > 13The comfort appeals, to have someone to return to, someone to care for me when I am ill, to drawn the curtains and hold me in the darkness, a-... But, I may grow to enjoy the solitude more, and never seek out a companion. I truly do not know. * Molly looks away, embarassed by her rambling < 08@Morgan > solitude certainly has its appeal... < 08@Morgan > but not for long, I fear < 04Molly > 13I doubt that any of us are designed to live out of the company of others... < 04Molly > 13(without)) * Molly sips her tea < 04Molly > 13I can certainly see the blessings of solitude whilst here on the ship... I find it very hard to be so much more... social.. than at the estate... < 08@Morgan > I dont know... I found great comfort in my own company... or rather... I did not wish to have company * Molly looks at him, as if thinking each word over... she deliberates whether to ask... * Molly looks away < 04Molly > 13'did not wish to'... do you find your desires changing? < 08@Morgan > indeed... I find being alone less... necessary * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > 13I think it has done you good to have close friends around you < 08@Morgan > probably < 08@Morgan > though it brings me more to who I used to be... and I'm not entirely certain I wish to < 04Molly > 13No? < 08@Morgan > no... it feel slightly like I am forgetting... * Molly looks pained, and guilty, though she quickly covers it < 04Molly > 13I am not sure I understand < 08@Morgan > oh I think you do * Molly looks to the floor < 04Molly > 13I have a horrible feeling that some of that is my fault, for in many ways I have encouraged you to return to who you used to be. And although I believe that you would be far better without the self-loathing you have, I am not sure you wish that... * Molly keeps her eyes firmly fixed on the floor, cup in her left hand < 08@Morgan > Deep down I know that I _must_ change... but doing so feels wrong to me * Molly nods, though does not look up < 04Molly > 13I can see no way for you to ever be happy without changing at least a little, but it is your choice. < 08@Morgan > no, it is not my choice... I must change or be left behind by my life < 04Molly > 13I thought there was always a choice? < 08@Morgan > oh, there is... that _is_ my choice * Molly nods < 04Molly > 13I will support you in whatever way you ask of me... < 08@Morgan > thank you * Molly smiles gently at him, watching him < 04Molly > 13I believe you make the right choice... < 08@Morgan > I'm inclined to agree... but changing your habits after so long is difficult < 04Molly > 13I can understand that... I am so used to being present in gatherings but not being asked for my opinions makes it hard for me to converse with the others without feeling woefully lacking... subservience is a hard habit to break * @Morgan smiles gently < 08@Morgan > I dont know... I find subservience comes to me with difficulty < 04Molly > 13Perhaps because you were not born to be so? I was always expected to grow up to serve my family, and then a husband, and so it was ingrained in my from birth... < 08@Morgan > I dont know... I was never raised to be... lordly, if you will * Molly can't help but giggle < 04Molly > 13You are a complete mystery, in many ways... A man who is some many diferent things to so many different people... * Molly touches her lower lip, lost in thought < 08@Morgan > no, with a few exceptions, people see what they wish to see * Molly smiles, speaking quietly < 04Molly > 13I believe I see the real you, every now and then... < 08@Morgan > arrogant and pompous you mean? < 04Molly > 13You are hardly either, from what I have seen < 08@Morgan > I can be both * Molly looks intrigued < 04Molly > 13I will possibly see it one day... It is hard, trying to keep one's true nature hidden, is it not? < 08@Morgan > sometimes < 04Molly > 13I find it very difficult to be as they all wish me to be here on the ship... < 08@Morgan > I wish you to be nothing but what you wish * Molly smiles wryly < 04Molly > 13Be careful what you wish for, dear one, for it might not be as pleasing as you would hope < 08@Morgan > and that would be for me to deal with * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > 13but I would hate to suffer the consequences of your disapointment < 08@Morgan > mighty though my disappointment would be, I should rather see you for you and face disappointment than spend a lifetime not knowing you * Molly smiles, eyes sparkling < 04Molly > 13For the most part, you have me as I truly am < 08@Morgan > I suspect your behavior and attitude were most like your own when we were in Carleon * Molly nods. Her right hand moves towards her lip, though she catches herself, and rests it back on the arm of the chair, cheeks flushed. < 04Molly > 13It was far easier to be myself there than either here, or at the house. I hope that in my own home, I shall be able to be myself with ease. < 08@Morgan > I thnk now that you have your title, you can be as you wish wherever you are < 04Molly > 13I can be more like I was in Carleon, but even with a title, I must still be is expected. It is in my nature I believe, to try to please others. < 08@Morgan > I think so < 04Molly > 13Can I ask you something? You do not have to answer, of course... * Molly looks at her cup, head down < 08@Morgan > you can ask anything... whether or not I answer... < 04Molly > 13In the monestary.... what were you talking of, when you spoke of the thing you wished for? * @Morgan sighs deeply < 08@Morgan > someone... * Molly looks unsure of whether to speak and hesitates < 04Molly > 13Evie believes you were speaking of Captain Tsaylur... < 08@Morgan > and you? < 04Molly > 13I do not know what I _believe_ < 08@Morgan > what do you _think_ then? * Molly speaks very quietly < 04Molly > 13I can only tell you what I would _hope_... < 08@Morgan > that being? * Molly can't meet his eyes < 04Molly > 13That you were speaking of me, though I know it to be foolish * @Morgan nods slowly < 08@Morgan > well... Eiblinn is wrong * Molly nods, eyes downcast. She bites her lower lip * @Morgan watches Molly carefully < 04Molly > 13I confess, I am not displeased to hear you say so * Molly looks up quickly, curious to see his expression. Meeting his eyes unexpectedly, she looks back down quickly* < 08@Morgan > though Siobahn and I are friends, I am more than aware that she holds more of herself in shadows than I ever did... though we are close, after a fashion, it does not extend past friendship < 08@Morgan > if that < 04Molly > 13I doubt she would make a good companion, for she has told me that she finds kissing unpleasant and does not see that point in it... < 08@Morgan > truthfully it is simply her company that I seek < 04Molly > 13But she is so beautiful... < 08@Morgan > indeed she is... * Molly looks back to Morgan < 04Molly > 13I think Evie also hopes that you have turned your affections back to her, though that is based on my instincts rather than her words < 08@Morgan > her hopes are... unfounded < 04Molly > 13That is a problem inherent with hopes... they are so oft unfounded * @Morgan looks away < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > you have a knack, however... * Molly looks puzzled < 04Molly > 13a knack? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > you hoped to find a noble husband and you did... you hoped to be a lady in your own right, and you are... * Molly nods with a smile < 04Molly > 13I have a tendancy towards luck in my endeavours... < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly looks confused, as if she has half taken an idea, but isn't quite sure < 04Molly > 13And my hope on this matter? < 08@Morgan > as I said... you have a knack * Molly 's eyes go wide < 04Molly > 13oh... I.... ummmm.... * Molly looks at him, though not meeting his eyes < 04Molly > 13I believe perhaps I have already pushed your confidance too far... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > 13Had I not pushed, had you the intention to reveal such? < 08@Morgan > no... at least... not yet * Molly looks away < 04Molly > 13I shall push no further, but would have you know something... * Molly looks back to him < 04Molly > 13I still expect and ask nothing of you, even though I l- feel for you so strongly... * Molly forces herself not to draw attention by looking away * @Morgan nods slowly * Molly watches him, eyes linger on his * @Morgan sighs < 04Molly > 13I think that the time between now and you having to yield your escorting me to dinner to Lord Jaeger will go far too fast for my liking < 08@Morgan > likewise * Molly giggles < 04Molly > 13Of course, if you come to dine at the cottage, you shall _have_ to be my escort, for there shall be no other to do so < 08@Morgan > and I shall, gladly < 04Molly > 13I can think of none other in the world I would choose... < 04Molly > 13I hope we can find a moment's peace to talk again before we arrive at Tawstock, for I shall miss the closeness we have whilst I dissuade Jaeger, and you are in Eisen... < 08@Morgan > indeed... it shall be a difficult time for me < 04Molly > 13It might be the last chance we have in two turns of the moon... will it? < 08@Morgan > it may well be < 04Molly > 13then perhaps on the last eve before we get there, we might meet here again? * @Morgan nods * Molly rises, gathering her papers. < 04Molly > 13When it is a struggle for me to be so fr from you just upon this ship, I shall be desprate for your company by the time you return in february * Molly blushes < 08@Morgan > as will I... I suspect it will be more trying a time than I've had for many months * Molly turns quickly, and wraps her arms around his neck, embracing him quickly and tightly before letting go < 04Molly > 13Goodnight, dearest one... < 08@Morgan > careful blossom, you'll drop your papers * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > 13I care not for my papers... * Molly gathers up the papers that remain, and moves towards the door * @Morgan watches Molly go * Molly turns to him with a smile, before leaving