< 04Molly > Molly stands, leaving her fingers on his hand as long as possible < 04Molly > * Molly looks at him, her eyes intent on his. she bites her lower lip before looking away < 04Molly > I shall be but a moment... Can I get you anything? * Molly 10smiles softly < 08@Morgan > no, I'm fine with what I've got, thank you * Molly goes, returning after a few minutes with more coffee * Molly 10 sits back down across from him * Molly 10 Do you have any plans for the days we are here in Carleon? < 08@Morgan > I'm going to post a couple of letters at some point before I leave * Molly 10 looks down at her cup and raises it, savouring the warmth on her hands < 04Molly > I suppose I ought to write to my father, and all those I invited to the wedding... < 08@Morgan > it would be wise... I'm not sure I'd be all that keen on them turning up at the house * Molly 10 looks at her coffee intently < 04Molly > If you have the contact details for her, I ought to write to Captain Tsaylur < 08@Morgan > I'll let her know < 04Molly > It would be awful for her to arrive and expect to be bridesmaid... < 08@Morgan > was she expecting to be? Last I heard she was accompanying me * Molly 10 nods, still not looking up < 04Molly > I asked her at the monestary, for she seemed keen upon the idea < 08@Morgan > I see * Molly 10 speaks evenly, lightly < 04Molly > I am certain she will come to the house still, if you ask her * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly nods < 04Molly > I should hope to see her again, there are things I would with to discuss further with her < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly 10blushes < 04Molly > Ummmm... yes. The discussion we had was... informtive < 08@Morgan > and most likely inaccurate < 04Molly > Perhaps... but then surely slightly wrong information is better than none? < 08@Morgan > you think? * Molly 10smiles softly < 04Molly > I was intrigued by what she had to say, and would like to know more of her thoughts on the matter... It is nice to talk so forthright as I did with her, and in truth, Evie is no longer a source of knowledge for me < 08@Morgan > is she not? * Molly 10looks away < 04Molly > I believe she knows no more than I... < 08@Morgan > because your experience matches her own? * Molly 10blushes < 04Molly > In more ways than one, yes. * Molly 10 blows on her coffee, and sips it * @Morgan looks confused * Molly 10 spots his confusion < 04Molly > I...ummmm... both the level of experience, and how the experience was acquired is what I meant... < 08@Morgan > ah, I see * Molly 10 coughs slightly, looking awkward < 04Molly > I believe we have three or four days in Carleon before setting sail for Freiburg. < 08@Morgan > sounds about right * Molly 10 smiles < 04Molly > The Rose needs far less cleaning than I imagined. I might have time to sneak away and see another play I believe... < 08@Morgan > you have one in mind? < 04Molly > No, as always, I am easy to please * @Morgan sips his coffee, making a face at how sweet it is < 04Molly > I might see if that same writer has anything showing though, for All's Well was very good... < 08@Morgan > I've certainly seen worse * Molly 10 starts to quote, a smile on her face < 04Molly > 'T'were all one, That I sho...' * Molly stops, cheeks red, looking at her coffee < 04Molly > I thought it was very good... I hear he has done many other plays < 08@Morgan > doesn't surprise me... these scholarly types seem to have no gainful employ * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > So very true... perhaps I'd best abandon my book now then! < 08@Morgan > ahhh, but you're a lady now < 04Molly > And can therefore waste time as I please? * Molly 10 laughs < 08@Morgan > basically < 08@Morgan > 04*grins* < 04Molly > Colonel Kai said that there was obviously no end to my talents when I told him I was writing it * @Morgan 's face darkens * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > He expressed surprise, and I accused him of assuming a milkmaid was too stupid to know _how_ to write... * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > until... relatively recently, I had Captain Tsaylur convinced I was illiterate * Molly 10 looks at her coffee, blowing on it < 04Molly > I should imagine she is far from under that illusion anymore < 08@Morgan > I would suspect you're right * Molly 10smiles softly < 04Molly > I can not imagine how I filled my time without reading or writing. I have finally found an outlet for my wild imagination! * @Morgan coughs * Molly 10 's eyes sparkle < 04Molly > I would give you three guesses as to what it is about, and be amazed if you need all three! < 08@Morgan > I would require a clue * Molly 10 thinks for a moment < 04Molly > The sort of person I've spoken of being... < 08@Morgan > my lady, that doesn't really help < 04Molly > It is not set in Avalon... * Molly 10 grins < 08@Morgan > nor does that < 04Molly > It is set in a region of Vodacce... < 08@Morgan > soemthing about the life of a courtesan, perhaps? < 04Molly > Yes... though she is not quite a courtesan... she is married, but wilful, and behaves exactly as she pleases, with whomever she pleases < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > In truth, I have not gotten very far yet, and might abandon the idea completely, but it allows me a little time to let my imagination run wild where usually it is caged * Molly 10 sips her coffee < 08@Morgan > true enough * Molly 10blushes < 04Molly > It has not yet become... ummmm... raunchy < 08@Morgan > no? I would have thought, knowing your imagination, it would've been by page three * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > perhaps my imagination is not as you imagine? < 08@Morgan > its possible... < 04Molly > or perhaps I am struggling with my shyness < 08@Morgan > more likely, in my humble opinion * @Morgan sips his coffee < 04Molly > I have found it more troublesome here, I must confess < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > I believe it comes from socialising with the Eisen men, and Rebecca... I feel out of place * Molly 10 smiles shyly, it being in the fore front of her mind * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > you needn't... you're more noble than any one of them < 04Molly > Thank you, dear heart... I wonder what the Lieutenant would think if he knew what a lucky escape he had by virtue of Jaeger wishing to end the engagement also < 08@Morgan > I dont understand < 04Molly > That he did not have to be subjected to me flirting with him < 08@Morgan > subjected? you do yourself a disservice * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > Either that or you flatter me < 04Molly > Still, it is far better that it was unnecessary * Molly 10smiles softly < 08@Morgan > true enough < 04Molly > I am quite suprised that Evie has not been more upset < 08@Morgan > indeed... she loves any opportunity to be dramatic < 04Molly > That and I thought she may be disapointed not to be bridesmaid... she was keen on the idea, though a little uncertain about the old Avalon custom that goes with it * Molly 10 drinks her coffee < 08@Morgan > marrying the groom if the bride bolts? < 04Molly > Yes, does the same custom stand in Eisen? < 08@Morgan > no, it doesn't < 04Molly > Though honestly, I think had I actually made the arrangement to board the Rose at dawn and left, she would not have gone through with it < 08@Morgan > I suspect you're right < 04Molly > I doubt they would have made a good couple, and it is hardly a good way to start a marriage. < 04Molly > I don't think she knew of the custom when she agreed to it! < 08@Morgan > she's a remarkably naive girl when it comes down to it < 04Molly > I would not ever agree to being a bridesmaid, unless I secretly desired the groom! * Molly 10 laughs < 08@Morgan > I dont think Jaeger would have been all that impressed with having to marry Eiblinn either < 04Molly > I very much doubt it. I think maybe she hoped that he and I would both run off, and then she'd have to marry the best man... before she realised you had been asked... * Molly 10 sips her coffee < 08@Morgan > who knows what goes through her mind < 04Molly > I think she craves love so badly that she will fall in to the arms of anyone who asks her. I will be surprised if she is not mistress to someone within a few moons < 08@Morgan > but the very thought of being a 'mistress' disgusts her * Molly grins < 04Molly > I think she may have come round to the idea upon meeting our new friends < 08@Morgan > _our_ new friends? < 04Molly > You dislike them, dear heart? * Molly 10 looks intrigued * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > there are very few people I actually _like_ * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > I had noticed... it makes me feel special < 08@Morgan > you are special * Molly 10blushes < 04Molly > I do not think I am any more special than Evie, or Lady Siobahn, or Rebecca < 08@Morgan > the only reason Rebecca is special is because she's got her nose in the air... she's mostly devoid of personality unless you count the air of pompous self importance and indignation at anything less than exactly what she wants * Molly 10 nods < 04Molly > She is exactly the sort of Lady I dread becoming * Molly 10 looks thoughtful < 08@Morgan > something on your mind? < 04Molly > I just wondered if that was the way of most court Ladies, both in Avalon and Eisen < 08@Morgan > I think its down to the individual < 04Molly > Were there never any Ladies of the Eisen court that caught your eye when you were much younger? < 08@Morgan > some held my attention for a while, but given the time it was never really destined to be anything more than a passing interest * Molly 10 smiles, eyes sparkling < 04Molly > Another passing infatuation? < 08@Morgan > not even that * Molly 10 's eyes drop to her cup < 04Molly > I... ummm... wondered whether the most recent infatuation you had remains with you, or has also passed? < 08@Morgan > the most recent infatuation? < 04Molly > That we spoke of the other day? < 08@Morgan > oh... yes, it is * Molly looks puzzled < 04Molly > Have there been so many, dear heart? * Molly 10laughs softly < 08@Morgan > no, just one * Molly 10 sips her coffee, face perfectly and slightly unnaturally neutral < 04Molly > I must think of a good lie to tell to give me the time I wish to go off in to Carleon for the theater... < 08@Morgan > how about "I'm going to the theater" < 04Molly > I doubt I would be allowed to go alone < 08@Morgan > you do not want my company? < 04Molly > In truth I was unsure that you would wish to come with me < 08@Morgan > why would I not? < 04Molly > You may have more pleasant ways to spend your free time? Or plans of your own? * Molly 10smiles softly < 08@Morgan > I've no plans and, in all honesty, I think a distraction from the journey ahead would do me well * Molly 10 takes his hand in hers, wrapping her fingers protectively around it < 04Molly > Your journey will be a success, I know it. You will have my thoughts and prayers with you every moment * @Morgan flushes red and takes a sip of his coffee to hide his colouring < 04Molly > Though I can not be near you in body, I will be in mind and spirit, whether you wish it or not! * Molly 10laughs softly * @Morgan smiles < 04Molly > Unfortunately, were you to also be absent, it would soon arouse suspicions... unless... * Molly 10 pauses a little while, obviously mulling things over * @Morgan takes a sip of his coffee, watching Molly < 04Molly > I could just tell them that you were my... *she pauses, as if searching for the right term* < 08@Morgan > are you thinking 'escort' perhaps? * Molly 10 's eyes go wide, and she looks away, cheeks slightly red < 04Molly > I was actually thinking business advisor < 08@Morgan > if I've said something to offend you, I apologise... though, given that I have been your escort to dinner each night aboard the wind, I do not see how I have < 04Molly > No, dear heart, I would be proud to call you so, but I wonder that it would cause suspicion far quicker than if they believed what we have to be business related < 08@Morgan > if that is your wish... though, I suppose were people to think you needed an escort, no doubt Kai would wade in with his "I'm more suitable than you" speech again < 04Molly > Colonel Kai would very quickly find himself advised that I do not know him well enough to have him escort me without others thinking I am courting him < 08@Morgan > I wouldn't be at all surprised if that was his very idea * Molly 10 laughs < 04Molly > That people _think_ it, or that I actually _am_? < 08@Morgan > either... both < 04Molly > What people think and what is true are often two very different things, are they not? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > though, most often by design < 04Molly > Aye. Regardless, he will not find himself satisfied... * Molly 10smiles softly < 04Molly > For some reason, he does not appeal to me so < 08@Morgan > arrogance, perhaps < 04Molly > But then the Lieutenant is not so arrogant, and he does not appeal to me either... perhaps there is something wrong with me? < 08@Morgan > perhaps there is * Molly 10 sighs < 04Molly > I have free reign, a ship full of eisen men for company, and yet I have no intention to chase them... < 08@Morgan > but then, I suspect Eiblinn likes them enough for both of you < 04Molly > I doubt that. Six turns of the moon ago, I would have been fawning over them as if the sun would never rise again... Eiblinn is a poor comparison to the intensity of the chasing I would have done! * Molly 10laughs softly < 08@Morgan > so what is it that prevents you? < 04Molly > I am not sure I truly know... I do not feel the need for their affections and attentions, and there is no room in my mind for either of them * Molly 10 sips her coffee * Molly 10 slips her fingers between his slowly < 08@Morgan > oh, how wounded Kai will be < 04Molly > Do you believe so? < 08@Morgan > if I'm honest, unless he speaks badly of you for it, I don't care. < 04Molly > Morgan, would you rather be known as my escort than as my business advisor? < 08@Morgan > which would I rather? < 04Molly > Aye < 08@Morgan > I would much rather be known as your escort or companion, but I see the prudence of your idea * Molly 10 smiles, eyes full of mischief for a moment before resuming her normal gaze < 04Molly > I should imagine even that will inspire Kai's jealousy, for no doubt he would love to have a say in the running of the Rose... < 08@Morgan > he can whistle < 08@Morgan > if... * @Morgan looks at his coffee < 08@Morgan > I think I'll get another, do you require anything? < 04Molly > No, thank you * @Morgan nods before standing and heading to the counter * @Morgan comes and sits back down < 08@Morgan > they said they'd bring it over * Molly watched him, eyes lingering on him whilst his back is turned, a faraway look on her face. As he turned, she very quickly looked away * Molly 10 nods < 04Molly > You were saying... Colonel Kai can whistle... if...? < 08@Morgan > I was being presumptuous * Molly 10 looks confused < 04Molly > I am not sure I understand < 08@Morgan > no, I know < 08@Morgan > if you wish to know, I will tell you, but I would not wish to offend you by assuming you wish to < 04Molly > Morgan, there is nothing you could say to me that would offend me... I remain, as always, your devoted confidant * Molly 10 grins playfully * @Morgan sighs heavily < 08@Morgan > I was going to say... if _I_ get no say in the running of the Rose, he definitely shouldn't * Molly 10 pauses, and a variety of reactions play across her face as she tries to decide what tack to take * @Morgan watches Molly's face, obviously worried about her reaction < 04Molly > And that is presumptuous how, dear heart? You only state that his opinion should have less sway than yours... < 08@Morgan > its presumptuous because... bec... *sighs heavily* I dont know * Molly 10 reaches out, and takes his hand in hers once more, squeezing gently * @Morgan grips Molly's fingers < 04Molly > Do not let it trouble you... There are many things I do not know, or understand, but rest assured, were you to voice a desire to see the Rose run a particular way, I would give it upmost consideration < 08@Morgan > advice, I would give... but what task the Rose be put to... is nothing to do with me < 04Molly > But as my business advisor, it would be < 08@Morgan > I would not wish to be your business advisor... it would be... confused by the affection I have for you * Molly 10 nods, her eyes soft on his < 04Molly > I would take your affections far in preference above your business advice... * Molly 10 giggles * @Morgan blushes and looks to the counter < 04Molly > I take it you would prefer I do not make the same offer to the Colonel? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly 10 strokes his hand, taking in the feel of it, the roughness from his work < 04Molly > Working hands... < 08@Morgan > unusual for one of birth such as I < 04Molly > Aye, but the best of both worlds, to my mind... You have the honour, the nobility of high birth, tempered with the realism and intensity of the common folk * Molly 10 's hands are far softer than they should be, given her work < 08@Morgan > I think, as I've told someone before, honour comes from ones actions, not ones lineage < 04Molly > But it is expected that it comes with the noble blood in one's veins... < 08@Morgan > expected or not, my brother has little honour because of the manner in which he acted... yet some would tell me that he has honour simply because of the virtue of his birth * Molly 10 's face darkens momentarily, before her smile returns < 04Molly > In truth, I am unsure whether I would ever wish to meet him... * @Morgan smiles slightly < 08@Morgan > he's... perhaps misguided is the word * Molly 10 nods < 04Molly > Perhaps he will mature with age < 08@Morgan > assuming I didn't do him permanent damage before my leaving < 04Molly > I doubt it... Do you think he'll take an interest in your new life? < 08@Morgan > you didn't see the beating I gave him... I dont know, perhaps < 04Molly > I have seen you tackle monsters who, apart from intruding upon the estate have done little to vex you... My imagination can adapt that to the way I would guess you were with him, and truthfully, had you killed him, it would not be less than he deserved < 08@Morgan > you're not the first to say that lately < 04Molly > Though I dearly wish for your sake that he had not acted so, I would never have met you otherwise... it is an awful feeling. * Molly 10 looks down at her cup, studying the coffee intently < 08@Morgan > Life has taken me along this path and I am grateful for the friends I have... * Molly 10smiles softly < 04Molly > All you can truly do is make the best of a bad situation, as I did when I had to leave home. I was telling Evie of it the other day < 08@Morgan > oh? < 08@Morgan > and what did she make of it? < 04Molly > As always, she only knows what I thought appropriate to tell. My life is a web of half-truths told here and there.. < 08@Morgan > you think perhaps she cannot be trusted with the whole truth? < 04Molly > I think she would not trust my innocence as you did < 08@Morgan > and you think she could not keep that to herself? < 04Molly > I am unsure... I told her of how I'd come to find myself at Lady Catherines, and the state I was in when I arrived... * Molly 10blushes , having never told him < 08@Morgan > I'm still not sure who let you stay * Molly 10 looks at the table, as if unsure whether to break the confidance < 04Molly > It was Mary... She took pity upon me, the day so awful. I was soaked through, dirty, broken. I had not eaten for quite some time, and was achingly tired. She took me in and fed me, and then afterwards stripped off my ragged clothes and bathed me. * Molly 10 smiles, her gratitude plain < 08@Morgan > Mary... that girl will be the end of me, I swear < 04Molly > Please, do not scold her for it. I truly must have been a sight for sore eyes... < 08@Morgan > I could not punish her for allowing one of the few things in my life I am grateful for to be in the house * Molly 10 goes scarlet, and bites her lip < 04Molly > I... I... *she takes a breath* I cried and cried whilst she bathed me, so long it had been since anyone had cared for me at all. She was so gentle, so kind. Finally, I stepped out, clean, and waited what seemed like forever in the wine cellar whilst she found me new clothes * Molly 10laughs softly < 04Molly > I was so afraid someone would come in and find me... * @Morgan shakes his head < 08@Morgan > not in there... noone ever looks in there < 04Molly > A good job as well, for I should imagine there would have been embarassment for all concerned! * Molly 10 sips her coffee * @Morgan looks over at the counter < 08@Morgan > any day now < 04Molly > So, then she brought me clothes, I dressed, and she brought me to you, and I... well, you know the rest of the story... * Molly 10blushes < 08@Morgan > well, despite the fact she deserves a thrashing... * Molly 10 looks pained < 04Molly > The blame should be mine, and were your hand to fall anywhere, I would rather it be on me * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > its in the past now * Molly 10 smiles < 04Molly > I really must spend some time helping Evie become mistress to one of them... It has been nearly two weeks of their acquaintance, and she should have had them dangling upon her every movement by now... I certainly would hope to have had it by now < 08@Morgan > I've no doubt you could < 04Molly > She ought to wait another few weeks before actually taking to his bed, of course, but by now he ought to be at least making the offer, if not begging * Molly 10laughs softly < 08@Morgan > Eiblinn doesn't seem to understand how to attract men < 04Molly > And yet somehow, she managed to attract you < 08@Morgan > she gave the attention that was required at the time < 04Molly > Thinks you that her tactic would work again now? < 08@Morgan > no * Molly 10 looks intrigued < 04Molly > Really, why not? < 08@Morgan > because my attentions have been captured by another by her wit and charm * Molly 10 smiles, her eyes playful < 04Molly > She must be incredibly witty and charming to have captured you so < 08@Morgan > oh, completely * Molly 10 giggles < 04Molly > I hope that she will try harder, for she needs to secure herself a future, and being a mistress will do such a thing, with very little effort on her part * Molly 10 turns pink at the idea of the work done by a mistress < 08@Morgan > I suspect she thinks such things are below her < 04Molly > Perhaps. I think she will find it an easy job, for providing she desires the gentleman involved, it is far from unpleasant I would imagine. * Molly 10 sips her coffee < 08@Morgan > mind you... it gives me pause that someone who knows so much about me and the household would be so involved with one of Kai's crew < 04Molly > That is very true * Molly 10 sighs softly < 04Molly > Would it be better for me not to encourage it? < 08@Morgan > I'm not entirely sure < 08@Morgan > perhaps I'm too cynical and suspicious * Molly 10 squeezes his hand < 04Molly > may be just a little. I hope to see her happy, and with the love of another < 04Molly > She needs company, and to be the centre of someone's attentions, because it makes girls like u... her happy < 08@Morgan > are you happy? * Molly 10 looks at him, as if trying to read him < 04Molly > Yes, I am happy, I have my ship, and no need to fear Lord Jaeger * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > What makes you ask, dear heart? * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > it does not matter * Molly 10 reaches up with her free hand, and gently places her hand on his cheek < 04Molly > Everything you say and think matters to me, dearest one * @Morgan looks intently at Molly < 08@Morgan > apart from all else, I wanted to know if you were happy because of being the centre of someone's attention * Molly 10 looks deep in to his eyes, not noticing anything else around them < 04Molly > If you refer to your own attentions, then yes, I am happy... blissfully so. I had hoped for them for so long, and can scarce comprehend that I have been fortunate enough to receive them * Molly 10 blushes, dropping her eyes * @Morgan raises Molly's hand and kisses it gently < 08@Morgan > good * Molly 10 looks suprised, and pleased, though does not meet his eyes < 04Molly > And you, dear heart, are you happy even in some tiny way? < 08@Morgan > I think so * Molly 10 grins broadly < 04Molly > 4 The serving girl approaches, coffee in hand. Molly removes her hand from his cheek, but keeps the other in his as the girl interrupts the conversation.