* Molly walks down the stairs quietly, a smile on her face * @Morgan follows < 04Molly > 13It is _Lady Forrester_, not Molly, thank you very much, your lordship! * Molly laughs softly < 08@Morgan > I... I'm sorry, I meant no offense * 3235 in front of him, turning around. She speaks quietly < 04Molly > 13I meant Lord Jaeger... I have no objection to you calling me Molly, or... * Molly blushes * @Morgan nods slowly * Molly pushes open the door to her cabin * Molly looks to ensure Rebecca isn't there before holding the door open for him * @Morgan enters the cabin * Molly shuts the door and leans against it, forehead on the cool wood. She speaks quietly. < 04Molly > 13I did not anticipate that he would wish to stay in Tawstock... < 08@Morgan > nor I < 04Molly > 13I hope that it will not be so awkward as it is now... * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > I'm growing very weary of their self righteous glances * Molly turns back to the room, and goes to sit on one of the chairs < 04Molly > 13I confess, I am starting to dislike her attitude intensely < 08@Morgan > I may well inform her of some home truths if her attitude does not change * Molly looks at the floor < 04Molly > 13I wonder that it would take but a moment for her o seek retribution by informing Lord Jaeger of how she became involved in the situation. The engagment may be over, but there are still limits to how much I can risk earning his displeasure < 08@Morgan > It would not be wise on her part. Certainly it may gain her mometary advantage or pleasure but... she'd be admitting of her own volition that her affections toward a man were saleable < 04Molly > 13aye, but she could claim she were manipulated, begged, or in any other way forced. It is clear he does not trust my word, for otherwise he would not have believed that I had behaved inappropriately with another * Molly goes red and looks away < 08@Morgan > if she were a true lady, none of those things would have swayed her < 04Molly > 13Truly, yes. I dearly wish now that I had nevr involved her at all, for I believe it could have been called off far easir than I believed... < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > I may, before my leaving, have a word with Jaeger on the matter... and that perhaps his current behaviour is inappropriate < 04Molly > 13Do not add to your troubles on my account, please * Molly smiles at him tenderly < 08@Morgan > I would lose sleep over it were I not to < 04Molly > 13Really? It troubles you so much? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly looks to him < 04Molly > 13Are you truly well? You have seemed so distant when we have spoken today... < 08@Morgan > In truth I'm waiting for some sort of backlash from madam high and mighty and her new fop < 04Molly > 13Oh? < 08@Morgan > Perhaps I'm being overly paranoid but... she seems to think she is a victim in all this... as does he * Molly goes red < 04Molly > 13You know the truth of the situation, have I not made a victim of them both? She has been the target of Evie's displeasure at my request, and he has succumbed to a devious plan laid by the woman he believed held him highest in her heart... < 08@Morgan > and swiftly moved onto another * Molly nods < 04Molly > 13I would hope that everything can be amiable, for I wish no-one hurt on my behalf < 08@Morgan > It would be nice, but I do not hold my breath < 04Molly > 13Nor I... it is why I had hoped he would return to court... far less danger that way. Alas, he will only be in Tawstock. < 08@Morgan > I believe I may speak to Lady Torrington about it... though I'm loathe to push her hospitality further than I have < 04Molly > 13Please, do not risk your position on such. I would rather he lived nearby and you remained in her employ than you both be gone... < 08@Morgan > I'll discuss it with her and explain the... drawbacks * Molly nods < 04Molly > 13As you see fit... I hope she agrees to let me take Penlee Cottage, for it would be the prfect distance from the house < 08@Morgan > I see no reason why she wouldn't < 04Molly > 13I do not know of such a reason... and yet I worry that my spell of good luck is nearing it's end < 08@Morgan > I think it is not luck < 04Molly > 13No? To have the Rose, to have the betrothal ended without bloodshed, to have the friendship of Evie and you... * Molly smiles at him < 04Molly > 13I think I am one of the luckiest women in all of Theah < 08@Morgan > it is not luck... it is all deserved... except perhaps my friendship... I cannot imagine what horrendous trespass you must have committed to be lumbered with me * Molly laughs < 04Molly > 13Were I to know what you were my punishment for, I would trespass a thousand times over to ensure I was punished as much as I would wish! * @Morgan laughs hard * Molly grins broadly, pleased to have broken his mood, albeit briefly < 08@Morgan > I wonder if perhaps you have not considered the connotations of your statement < 08@Morgan > 04*grins* * Molly tilts her head to one side, as if running the words through her mind. Coming to nought, she looks at him < 08@Morgan > nevermind < 04Molly > 13I can think of none... tell me, if you will, what connotations _your_ mind perceived in it? * Molly smiles, her eyes playful < 08@Morgan > no, I think not * Molly drops her eyes, and her smile goes with them < 04Molly > 13I am sorry, I spoke out of turn perhaps < 08@Morgan > no no, I would not wish to embarrass you so < 04Molly > 13Dear heart, you could not embarass me more so with the possible connotations than you do by denying me as if I ask too much of you... < 08@Morgan > truthfully, that I perceived such connotation when you do not embarrasses me, and I'm loathe to show my shame < 04Molly > 13I am certain, were I listening to the words spoken, rather than speaking them myself, I could easily have come to such a conclusion * Molly flushes * @Morgan looks about < 08@Morgan > would it be prudent to leave the bags on the ship until we secure entry to the Rose? < 04Molly > 13I would believe they will be safe with the crew... * Molly squares her shoulders slightly, and sits slightly straighter < 04Molly > 13Will you be leaving as soon as we arrive in Freiburg? < 08@Morgan > I'm not entirely sure... though I want my journey underway quickly... the thought of being away from your presence gives me cause for disquiet * Molly blushes < 04Molly > 13I confess, I dread the time you are away... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > 13To be in the house, to remember your presense so keenly with every corridor I walk through, every room I sit in, eveery cup I wash... * Molly sighs softly * Molly looks away, having not intended to say as much < 08@Morgan > I'm sure you'll be fine while I'm away... for not long after I return, if not before, you'll have your own house * Molly looks to him, but doesn't meet his eyes < 04Molly > 13Yes, I am certain you are right... time changes things I suppose < 08@Morgan > some things * Molly nods < 04Molly > 13I believe time can change everything, if you let it < 08@Morgan > you think? < 04Molly > 13I think so, yes... < 04Molly > 13Sometimes for good, sometimes for bad, but I do not think anything can remain constant without effort * @Morgan nods slowly * Molly looks to him < 04Molly > 13What do _you_ think? < 08@Morgan > truly I do not know * Molly smiles. < 04Molly > 13Will you not sit a moment? * @Morgan sits down < 04Molly > 13I wonder that perhaps whilst you are away, I might write to you, and have the Rose leave the letters with the harbour master at Freiburg? * Molly looks slighty unsure, as if expecting him to shoot her down * @Morgan looks thoughtful < 08@Morgan > I think... given my headstart, you might send them to my parents house * Molly looks suprised < 04Molly > 13Really? You would not fear Edward interecepting them? < 08@Morgan > and saying what? Objecting to my receiving missives from a lady? < 04Molly > 13still, I shall be careful what I say, for I would not wish them to get the wrong idea about me... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > 13I would not wish to cause you discomfort were they to read more in to our friendship than there is... But I shall write to you, if it pleases you. * Molly smiles softly < 08@Morgan > I would like that < 08@Morgan > just uhh... address it Koertig, not Hockridge * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > 13You might have thought I may have considered that already, but I could not possibly say... * @Morgan chuckles * Molly takes a deep breath, and leans back in the chair. She immediately becomes relaxed, as she hasnt been since meeting Jaeger in Tawstock. She breathes out slowly < 04Molly > 13Oh, that is better... So much has happened this last day, I had not noticed how much tenser I have been... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I know. I'm not in the least surprised how it has affected you * Molly smiles at him warmly < 04Molly > 13It is done now, and I am free to do as I wish. My future and my heart are mine own... < 04Molly > 13I hope I have not been too unbearable whilst I have been so taxed... < 08@Morgan > no... and even if you were it would be understandable * Molly looks thoughtful < 04Molly > 13Do you think you might be able to spare an afternoon in Freiburg before you leave? < 08@Morgan > I should think so... what do you have in mind? < 04Molly > 13I should like to walk a little, perhaps see the cathedral... I would like to get this looked at... * Molly touches the pendant at her neck, and turns toward him slightly to give him chance to look at it < 08@Morgan > ahh yes. Perhaps be careful about that, blossom. Most Eisen men would be quite unhappy to find dragon scales in the posession of a non Eisen owner < 04Molly > 13Which is why I thought it might be better were it presented for appraisal by an Eisener... < 08@Morgan > ahh, I see. * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13I could take it off for you to look at, though I am loathe to remove it... < 08@Morgan > then keep hold of it until I am to present it * Molly looks slightly puzzled, and sits back in her chair < 04Molly > 13You said earlier that only a fool of an Eisen man would have no interesting in controlling the Rose... < 08@Morgan > I did * Molly looks at him, and it is clear she tries to control her reaction < 04Molly > 13Do you count yourself a fool? < 08@Morgan > foolish, perhaps... but I'm not a fool < 04Molly > 13Then you would wish to control the Rose also? * Molly looks at the floor * @Morgan pauses < 08@Morgan > I... would see her run in a way that benefits Eisen. * Molly nods < 04Molly > 13I understand. The motivations for such a desire make sense. < 08@Morgan > indeed. But as I've said before, my affection for you is held under no sway by the desire to see the Rose put to that task < 04Molly > 13I am pleased to hear it. I do not know how much pursuit I will be given now that it is known that I am free to be wooed by our hosts, and I am pleased to know that I can rely on your friendship as genuine < 08@Morgan > I should imagine that Kai will pursue you tirelessly now < 04Molly > 13I am not so sure... I think perhaps he will fall for Evie, especially with her new hair... < 08@Morgan > A common girl with a propensity for swearing and backchat... or a noble in possession of the finest Eisen ship ever built * Molly blushes < 04Molly > 13It is little contest, to your mind? < 08@Morgan > to my mind there is no contest... but there wasn't one before the ship and the title * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13Ah, but once there might have been... * Molly blushes < 08@Morgan > but once I was not who I am now < 04Molly > 13Then I am truly glad I did not pursue you all those moons ago! * Molly laughs, having not really noticed what she's said < 08@Morgan > What do you plan to do while in Frieburg? < 04Molly > 13Find a crew for the Rose, look for an ambassador for my other venture... possibly some window shopping. I believe we shall spend a good deal of our days there socialising with the Colonel and the Lieutenant < 08@Morgan > ahh, window shopping... that's what I expected * Molly laughs < 04Molly > 13I doubt I shall be able to do any actual shopping there... < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > 13I remember how expensive shopping in Carleon was, I doubt Freiburg will be any cheaper < 08@Morgan > quite likely < 04Molly > 13Of course, once the Rose makes a good profit, I will go to Freiburg on a run and buy some dresses I think < 08@Morgan > you think you'll like the Eisen fashion? < 04Molly > 13I like dresses, so I should imagine the style would appeal to me also. Were I to own one and wear it at Lady Catherine's, my appearance would certainly make an impact < 08@Morgan > undoubtedly some would assume you had chosen to court Kai * Molly 's eyes go wide < 04Molly > 13How so? < 08@Morgan > oh, it wouldn't take much. Without knowing that the Rose is most likely Kai's primary interest, no doubt Eiblinn would see his attempts at wooing you as genuine, and were you to appear in an Eisen made dress, it would be easy to conclude you were accepting gifts from him as part of some courtship < 04Molly > 13Thinks you then that Kai was not interested _before_ the Rose? And assumptions could well be made, but I would make it plain that it were my own purchase, and not that of a potential suitor... * Molly quickly looks away < 08@Morgan > I think he was interested, but that his interest became more acute once you were gifted the rose < 04Molly > 13It is in some odd way quite sad... Now that I am in the right social circle to win the hearts of noble men, I can not do so by mine own charms alone * Molly laughs softly < 08@Morgan > your charms are plenty blossom * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > 13You are too kind < 08@Morgan > nothing more than truthful < 04Molly > 13I suppose I could bring Evie back an Eisen dress as well, to dispell rumours... though in truth, would it matter that people assumed I was courting him? < 08@Morgan > no... probably not < 04Molly > 13Then I shall buy myself an Eisen dress, when I can afford to, and wear it anyway. Do you think the style would look well on me? < 08@Morgan > I think anything would look fabulous on you * Molly bites her lip, having obviosuly thought something she shouldn't * Molly looks away, cheeks bright red * @Morgan looks confused < 04Molly > 13I told you I would find connotations that are not there far easier were it not I speaking the words < 08@Morgan > oh * Molly looks back to him < 04Molly > 13You seem very distracted today, have I done something to displease you? < 08@Morgan > no. As before the journey before me weighs on my mind * Molly adds up in her mind < 04Molly > 13It will be perhaps ten days before you leave us in Freiburg? < 08@Morgan > something like * Molly looks unhappy, though quickly covers it < 04Molly > 13I am certain it will go far better than you believe. I can not imagine that your parents will not be as pleased as I will upon your return < 08@Morgan > I'm not so sure * Molly looks to him < 04Molly > 13Will you tell the the truth of Edwards involvement if needed? < 08@Morgan > I'm uncertain. The matter is between he and I. < 04Molly > 13Once the journey is made, and all is well, as I believe it will be, will you visit regularly? < 08@Morgan > home? I'm not sure < 04Molly > 13I wonder that the longer one is away from home, the harder it is to go back? < 08@Morgan > to a point... but given the events that occured there, perhaps that is the reason < 04Molly > 13May be... Though perhaps I shall not stay too long in Numa when I visit there, just to be safe * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13I had thought I might spend a few weeks there in the summer... < 08@Morgan > in Numa? < 04Molly > 13Yes, I should like to see the sights, the dresses... *she blushes* perhaps read some books < 08@Morgan > some books? < 04Molly > 13I... ummm... There are certain books that contain passages missed by literary discretion to be found in Vodacce I believe * Molly speaks quietly, cheeks bright red < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > 13I believe that I shall now be of a want of a written education in such things * Molly laughs softly, remebering the conversation it came up in < 08@Morgan > I see * Molly suddenly devlopes that studied neutral expression, his response stopping her laughter. Feeling chided, she stands < 04Molly > 13I wondered if you might come with me to see the harbour master... I could ask one of the others, but I do not trust them as I trust you < 08@Morgan > in truth, I would not trust any of them to do right by you in this * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13So you would come with me? < 08@Morgan > of course < 04Molly > 13I shall wish to find her in the docks first, and then find the harbour master, if that is amenable to you? < 08@Morgan > as you wish * Molly picks up one of her bags, and the mirror < 04Molly > 13I believe we ought to go back up to the deck * @Morgan stands and picks up the remaining bags < 04Molly > 13It will be nice to have my own space again... < 08@Morgan > no doubt... I've always found bunking with others quite unpleasant < 04Molly > 13It is probably not so bad if you grow up sharing with siblings... and I was too grateful to have a roof over my head at all when I came to the house to care who I slept with! < 08@Morgan > you know, I'd quite like my old room back < 04Molly > 13It is a nice room... perhaps you will get it? You could have mine if not, for once you have returned, I shall have no use of it < 08@Morgan > no, I've got my own in the servants quarters. * Molly smiles < 04Molly > 13You could have the pick of any room on the Rose, if you wish? < 08@Morgan > I shall sleep wherever you choose to put me * Molly blushes < 04Molly > 13There are many cabins to the best of my knowledge, so it should be an easy task. I do not know as yet which of the Eiseners will come on to the Rose with us < 08@Morgan > I think... it would be best if I bunk in the crew quarters * Molly squares her shoulders < 04Molly > 13No, I do not feel that would be right. You are a guest upon my ship, not a servant... * Molly looks quite set, and has the look on her that Kurt described as her Eisen Determination < 08@Morgan > but I am, to all observers, a servant nonetheless < 04Molly > 13So is Evie, yet I would no more allow _her_ to sleep in the crew quaters as I would you. < 08@Morgan > that is your choice * Molly looks at him, her eyes soft < 04Molly > 13It is. I wish for you to have the finest roo-... well, not the finest, because that is mine... * Molly laughs * @Morgan chuckles < 04Molly > 13I doubt even you could charm me enough to give up my bed! * @Morgan roars with laughter * Molly laughs, in the hopes that he doesn't see how much she's blushing at the possible connotation < 08@Morgan > As I said, my lady, I shall sleep wherever you choose to put me * Molly now looks slightly puzzled, and grins playfully < 04Molly > 13_wherever_? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly meets his eyes, hers intense < 04Molly > 13I doubt you've realised the possible connotations of your answer, dear heart < 08@Morgan > oh i have * Molly goes bright red, and bites her lower lip < 04Molly > 13That I might put you in mine own bed does not give you a moments pause? < 08@Morgan > several, actually * Molly looks away as soon as she's said it < 04Molly > 13Then I wonder that you might wish to compromise on me putting you to sleep anywhere that you will be able to sleep alone? < 04Molly > 13I would not wish to force you to take a bed mate when there are so many empty beds... < 08@Morgan > my own room would be a blessing. The thought of bunking down with barrel chested sailors does not exactly appeal to me < 04Molly > 13No, I doubt I would wish to wake beside one of the Colonel's men, even though they are Eisen! < 08@Morgan > no, it wouldn't be too high on my list of to-do's < 04Molly > 13So you shall have your own room... and I shall have mine * Molly laughs softly, her eyes deep < 04Molly > 13Of course, depending upon the size of the cottage I take, I could not promise the same were you to stay at my house... * Molly laughs again < 08@Morgan > then I suppose we should be grateful that Lady Torrington's house is but a short walk away * Molly rubs her nose < 04Molly > 13Unless I take a house in Tawstock, but then I wonder that perhaps the misrable thought of having to share might be enough to prevent you visiting me at all! *she laughs* < 08@Morgan > nothing could stop me visiting you, except for your desire for me not to < 04Molly > 13My desire would always be for you to visit... < 08@Morgan > then visit I shall < 04Molly > 13Though I shall try and take a house close to Lady Catherines, for I would rather have you visit frequently < 08@Morgan > I will, as often as I can < 04Molly > 13Good... and until then I have ten days before you leave, liberty to dine with whomever asks me, and almost the greatest thing to have been made in Eisen to explore * @Morgan smiles * Molly grins < 04Molly > 13Let us go, and see if she is the most beautiful thing in the docks of Carleon < 08@Morgan > lead the way my lady * Molly leads the way back out of the cabin. On the deck, she goes to speak to jaeger (as per the thread)