< 04Molly > 4 The serving girl places the hot cup on the table quietly, trying not to interupt, but failing. * @Morgan glances at her < 08@Morgan > thank you < 04Molly > 4 She curtseys and leaves * Molly 10smiles softly < 04Molly > I have completely forgotten what I was saying! < 08@Morgan > have you? < 04Molly > I shall have to start somewhere else and hope it comes back to me... Evie asked me whether I could think of a job she could take were her time at the house to come to an end... * @Morgan raises an eyebrow < 04Molly > I wonder that perhaps she realises that she needs to curb her behaviour somewhat to ensure her employment < 08@Morgan > possibly. I often grow weary of her attitude towards me and others < 04Molly > It is as if she does not understand the rules of polite society... or common courtesy < 08@Morgan > indeed. Perhaps they do not instill such things in their young in Innismore < 04Molly > I believe Maelwys manages it... < 08@Morgan > managed what? * Molly 10 looks thoughtful < 04Molly > Being polite and courteous... although he _did_ quite outrightly ask a woman he believed to be a Lady whether she was your Companion or mistress... * Molly 10 laughs < 08@Morgan > oh did he now? < 04Molly > It was whilst we were dancing, and he had the opportunity to whisper in my ear < 08@Morgan > devious little swine < 04Molly > I confess, I was a little surprised to be asked < 08@Morgan > Maelwys is... simple in some respects... or at least, puts it across that he is < 04Molly > It is only the same as I would have wondered, had I been in his position... * Molly 10 sips her coffee < 08@Morgan > and what did you tell him? < 04Molly > I told him that you were escorting me on business, exactly as you had... Much as I like gossip, I am not of a want to create it about myself * Molly 10laughs softly * @Morgan smiles and raises his cup < 08@Morgan > Maelwys could spin a story out of thin air if he was bored enough < 04Molly > If he wishes to believe something other than what I said, it bothers me not at all < 04Molly > Will you be passing through there upon your return? < 08@Morgan > I... I dont know. It will depend on the manner of my return, I expect * Molly looks slightly puzzled < 04Molly > I doubt Holzheim will dock in Tawstock < 08@Morgan > no, I know * Molly 10 drinks her coffee < 04Molly > If you _do_ pass through, I would be glad to hear news of them * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > It will be nice that you might now refer to me as a Lady and not have to feel bad for speaking untruthfully * Molly 10smiles softly < 08@Morgan > realistically, telling them you were a Lady was the least of my untruths to them < 04Molly > Thinks you that it would be easier now to stay away, and fade to the back of their memories, rather than continue the lie? * Molly 10 squeezes his hand softly < 08@Morgan > its quite possible < 04Molly > I wish I knew how to remedy it... I would not wish to see you lose touch with them, for the way you are around them is so charming < 08@Morgan > it is not the way I am with them that would change were they to know the truth * Molly 10 sighs softly < 04Molly > I shall give it thought, in case somehow an possible solution comes to me. Quite oft I wake in the night, my head full of ideas and thoughts < 04Molly > I meant to ask you something... < 08@Morgan > oh? * @Morgan sips his coffee < 04Molly > If, by the time we are set to leave Freiburg to return to Tawstock, Evie is well placed to stay on as mistress to the Colonel, Lieutenant or Captain, what would you have me do? < 08@Morgan > in what respect? < 04Molly > Should I demand that as an employee of the house, she returns with me, or should I let her stay with him? < 08@Morgan > make her aware that if she does not return to the house that her employment there ceases... however, the only thing that shall be held against her is that she did not tell me sooner < 04Molly > I think you shall see it before you leave, if it is to happen. I do not intend to stay more than 5 days or so there after you are gone *she sighs slightly* However I did not wish to make the wrong decision and face your annoyance... * Molly 10 sips her coffee, eyes on it < 08@Morgan > the house is a waystation, a stopover for better things in people's lives... I will not stand in the way of that * Molly 10 shakes her head < 04Molly > I do not think of it so. It is my home, and I still very keenly feel the pain at leaving it. I have been happier there than anywhere else. I have laughed, cried and grown in that house. I do not count what I shall have as necessarily better, just different * Molly 10 grins < 08@Morgan > I think I'm destined to stay there for a time yet < 04Molly > I hope so, for I would not wish for you to disappear from my life to rule your lands just yet < 08@Morgan > my original concern was that Lady Torrington would eject me from the house once she found out I had lied < 04Molly > And now you have no need to worry on it < 04Molly > Apart from the passing of your father, you will only need to find a new home if you choose to * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Does it feel better, not having to be quite so careful any longer? < 08@Morgan > to a point... I'm not sure where I go or what I do now, though < 04Molly > I am not sure I understand... * Molly 10 sips her coffee < 08@Morgan > to most people I am Morgan Hockridge, cantankerous and often violent house servant... even to myself, that is who and what I am... < 04Molly > Is it who you wish to be? < 08@Morgan > I dont know anymore < 04Molly > But you wish to retain your job and home at Lady Catherine's? < 08@Morgan > I do < 08@Morgan > its part of who I am now < 04Molly > Then you have two options... refuse to be drawn on the subject of your true identity, or let it be know and behave exactly as you have done to date.. * Molly 10 shrugs < 04Molly > of course, there may be other options I have yet to think of < 08@Morgan > I think were my... no, _when_ my identity becomes widely known, I'll be expected to act as one of high birth < 04Molly > You think it is now too well known to stay secret? < 08@Morgan > I think so < 08@Morgan > Eiblinn knows and if she becomes close with any aboard that ship, I suspect it will come out before long... and though the Lieutenant has given me his assurances that he will not reveal who I am, he is a military man and if it becomes necessary... < 04Molly > Then perhaps it is better to tell everyone of your own choice? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly 10 strokes the back of his hand with her fingers < 04Molly > Will you be much different, if you have to behave as someone high born? * @Morgan raises an eyebrow < 08@Morgan > _have_ to behave as one? * Molly 10 giggles < 04Molly > Well, no, if you choose to behave so, for I truly doubt anyone could make you do something you did not wish to < 08@Morgan > oh, they could, but only a few... and none of our current acquaintances can * Molly looks intrigued < 04Molly > That sounds very interesting, dear heart, and almost like gossip! * Molly 10 grins < 08@Morgan > almost? < 04Molly > It is only really gossip if you could consider passing it to others, and I would never do so * @Morgan shakes his head < 04Molly > I confess, I am curious to know who could have such a sway over you... But I shall not ask * Molly 10 sips her coffee < 08@Morgan > there are very few... very very few < 04Molly > I believe I could guess _one_ of them < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > You talk so fondly of your mother... * @Morgan shakes his head slowly < 08@Morgan > no... * Molly 10 looks suprised < 04Molly > I am now even more intrigued! Not your mother, certainly not your brother, nor, I suspect, your father, and none of our current acquaintances... < 04Molly > It truly is a riddle! * Molly 10 sighs with mock drama * @Morgan watches with amusement * Molly 10 looks at him < 04Molly > You are enjoying that I can not guess, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > I am rather... its... refreshing to see you at a loss * Molly 10 pouts, feigning being hurt by his words < 04Molly > That is not very nice... * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > I'm not a very nice person < 04Molly > Oh you can be... you have been very nice to me on occasion * Molly 10blushes and looks away < 08@Morgan > well... some habits must be broken < 04Molly > You do not wish to be nice to me any more? * Molly 10 smiles playfully < 08@Morgan > did I say that? < 04Molly > No... < 04Molly > I... ummmm... So I should let Evie go, if she wishes to? * Molly 10 sips her coffee, feeling a little awkward < 08@Morgan > yes... I would not keep her at the house if she wished to be elsewhere < 04Molly > Of course, were it me, I would play hard to get... * Molly 10 smiles, her eyes sparkling < 08@Morgan > were it you, I would be very, very jealous * Molly 10 's eyes go wide, and her cheeks flush. Her voice is quiet < 04Molly > Would you really? < 08@Morgan > yes < 04Molly > I... I... goodness... * Molly 10 looks down at the table, not meeting his eyes < 08@Morgan > I'm sorry, I've spoken out of turn < 04Molly > I have no intention to become mistress to one of them.... You have not spoken out of turn, dearest one, I am simply surprised that you feel so * Molly 10 trails her fingers over his hand, and up on to the inside of his wrist, running her thumb lightly back and forth across the soft skin there < 08@Morgan > surprised that I feel so, or surprised that I say so? < 04Molly > Mostly the former... That you would speak them to me does not surprise me too much, for you have confided in me on many things previously * Molly 10smiles softly Morgan says: i still feel some guilt over the affection i hold for you, if i'm honest I say: *she squeezes his hand* I can understand that, dear heart. I still, as before, expect and ask nothing from you. Morgan says: i dread to think what certain others would say were they to know of my feelings I say: Such as who? To my mind, your feelings are your business alone... *she sips her coffee* Morgan says: Jaeger, or Eiblinn... even Captain Tsaylur to a degree. And no doubt Kai would say it is a ruse to gain some sway over the rose I say: *she sighs softly* I think Jaeger would be hurt, and Evie I know would be devestated, for she and I have already spoken upon how she would feel were you to find an interest in another. And I care little for the Colonel's opinion. I do however worry that I should have been more careful to not encourage the feelings you hold for me *she looks away* Morgan says: to my mind you have not encouraged them. just not spurned them I say: In truth, I have expected them to pass, as your affection for Evie did, for I did not see them to be anything more than mild... *she bites her lip* Morgan says: mild? my feelings for you? I say: *Molly nods* I thought so Morgan says: *morgan sighs* nein, liebes herz. not mild at all I say: *Molly flushes, her eyes sparkle* I... I... It was not my intention, but I must profess my pleasure at such. Morgan says: intention or no, molly isabella forrester, i am enchanted by you I say: *Molly bites her lower lip, covering her grin* And I by you, dearest one Morgan says: really? and here i thought you only wished to gain sway over the... the... manner in which i catch pheasants *he laughs* I say: *she laughs softly* That and I needed to ensure my vegetable patch will be sown correctly. *she looks thoughtful for a moment* And yes... superior to _all_ others... *she blushes* Morgan says: *morgans face becomes serious* i am glad you will not marry Jaeger. though it brings you difficulties, i do not think i could have borne to see that i desired so keenly to be in the arms of another I say: *her eyes go wide* I could not have been in his arms knowing I wished to be *she pauses, looking unsure. Her voice becomes quiet, shy* in yours... Morgan says: *morgan raises his cup to his lips* i think that, despite her statements to the contrary, Eiblinn would not be so upset. i think she rather likes the eisen crew I say: I am not so sure... she loved you, I believe she probably still does. If you could not bear to see me in the arms of another, how much worse would it be for her to see you in mine? I say: *she blushes, and drinks her coffee* Morgan says: no, she thought she loved me. what she felt was passing infatuation and it'll pass when she finds another that interests her I say: Well she has the pick of them, for I have no interest in taking to their hearts or beds... Morgan says: *morgan lowers his eyes and speaks quietly* and of mine? I say: *she bites her lip, fiddling with her cup* The difference between interest and intent... I hold an interest in taking to your bed, though I know it could not be, and have for a while... and your heart is unwinable by far I say: *she drinks her coffee, avoiding eye contact* Morgan says: *morgan sips his coffee* your consideration to others is one of the things i like about you. I say: Rarely have I put my own wants and needs before those of others Morgan says: perhaps sometimes you should I say: *she smiles softly* and have you an interest in taking _my_ heart, dear one? Morgan says: in truth i'm not sure. were i not feeling guilt at my feelings for you, then yes. I say: *she nods, her eyes intense* what can I do to help you? Though I value your affections more than anything, if I must lose them to ensure your happiness and well-being, I shall endure... perelandrauk says: be as you are. it is your affections without demands that aid my healing. I say: *she strokes his hand* You shall have that for as long as you wish. I have no designs upon you, nor upon anyone else. I am quite contented as I am. perelandrauk says: then, were i able, you would not want to progress further? I say: I...ummm... I did not say that... *she looks away, cheeks burning* I say: Were you able, I still would not expect so. perelandrauk says: but what you expect is not what i asked I say: *she swallows hard* Morgan, I... I like you, I care for you far more than I would have chosen to, and were you able and wished to, then yes, I would be amenable to whatever could be between us. But I do not set my hat at having that, do you see? perelandrauk says: yes, i see I say: *she looks at him warily, trying to see if she's said too much, a submissiveness clear in her eyes* Molly:  *she drops her eyes, biting her lip. Her hand trembles in his* I'm sorry, I've spoken far more than I ought. Morgan: No, I pushed for the answer, if either of us should be sorry, it is I ... but I am not. *he smiles slightly* Molly: *She looks up to him, eyes unguarded, her voice soft* My only fear is that my feelings will push you away. I would hate to lose what we have because you feel I ask for more, when I do not. Morgan: fear not blossom, it has not pushed me away or caused me to be guarded. Molly: *she squeezes his hand gently* I am glad to hear it. There is nothing in the world I would trade our friendship for. Morgan: Nor I blossom. *he takes a sip of coffee* I can see me having to  discuss Kai's forthright manner with him before long Molly: *Molly watches him intently for a few seconds, before drinking her coffee* So far, he has not behaved in an inappropriate manner, but *she frowns* it is as if he wishes to get under my skin, and in to my mind with his constant questioning of my personality. Morgan: his arrogance and bullying tactics with you will not be tolerated for long. I think he's had far too long to be the king of the anthill. I think its time a bigger bully knocked him down a peg or two Molly: *She smiles* I would not have you put yourself at risk on my behalf... Morgan: *morgan looks intently at his coffee* the man shows no respect for others. he shames what it is to be eisen... and i will not have him bullying those i care for Molly: *she nods* I would prefer to like him, for I do not find pleasure in not getting on well with others, but I truly can not discern his intent, and it perturbs me somewhat. *she smiles, her voice playful* And I suppose that as you hold my favour, by the rules of medieval chivalry in Avalon, that makes you my champion... Morgan: I suppose it does, at that. *he pauses, looking thoughtful* i think that Kai's intent is to either make you 'see' that he would be better suited to running the rose or to bully you into submitting to his will where the rose is concerned. Molly: Luckily for you, Avalon has left the dark ages *she laughs softly* I preferred his company far more before he knew of the Rose, for his intent was far clearer. Morgan: Indeed, he only wanted your bed then, and not your posessions too. *his face darkens* forgive me, my lady, I speak out of turn Molly: *molly blushes* He stood no chance of gaining it, even then. I did not need the financial security, and do not now either. I would not be a mistress out of anything but my own desire... *she coughs* And you did not speak out of turn, for I value your opinion and perception of the situation. Morgan: Even when that opinion sounds as tainted as that of a jealous suitor? Molly: *She pauses, as if trying to decide what to say. She nods* Even when. I can clearly see that the idea of me taking to his bed troubles you... I would not have thought jealousy to be in your nature, dear heart. *she smiles softly* Morgan: It is. as is the distaste I feel at the reputation men like Kai bring to eisen Molly: *she smiles* That is good, for I would not have wished to inspire in you something that is not part of your nature. *she frowns slightly* The Colonel is... noticeable. He is very determined, yes, but it is not the quiet, steely determination like lies beneath my bosom, but something much more obvious, almost needy... Morgan: Needy? i suppose, it is as if he -must- be in control. *he sips his coffee* i wonder if that stems back to the war... Molly: Perhaps so. It still puzzles me that he and the Lieutenant are such good friends when the Colonel had fought for the Vaticine Church, troops who destroyed the Lieutenant's home and family *she drinks her coffee* Morgan: Indeed, especially when he has spoken so fervently against my brothers actions and told me how i should have exacted revenge.Though, much as Kai would like to think otherwise, he was not in control in the war. He may have been a commander, but he still took orders. Molly: From the little I know of it, no-one was in charge of the war, and certainly not those who suffered the most, for in any war, the innocents are the first to suffer and last to be remembered. *she bites her lip, eyes sad* I can not imagine how it must have been to live through. Morgan: *morgan shrugs* it broke eisen... but her sons and daughters remain strong of will and heart. Molly: *She smiles softly* I see that so truly in you... Did I tell you the the Lieutenant described my determination as being quite Eisen-like? *she giggles* Morgan: *he smiles* it doesn't surprise me in the least. I for one should hate to come up against your determination. Molly: *She laughs* I doubt I would ever need to use it against you to get what I sought! *She blushes slightly, eyes dropping to her cup* Morgan: *morgan blushes* no, i dont think so. for most things you need only ask. Molly: *She bites her lower lip, not meeting his eyes, speaking quietly* Perhaps, when opportunity presents itself, I may very well do so... Morgan: *morgan nods, finishing his coffee* would you care for another? Molly: *She fidgets awkwardly, avoiding his eyes, clearly feeling guilty for saying what she did. She nods* Please. I think it ought to be the last though, for we shall be missed... Morgan: *morgan nods and goes to the counter to order. returning, he sits* should be along soon Molly:*having had words with herself, when he returns she is sat a little straighter, her body language slightly more reserved* Do you have much planned for the rest of the day? Morgan: I thought, if its ok with you, I might survey the ship properly. I don't think I'd like to have no-one's word but Kai and his crew that she is or is not sailable Molly:*she smiles, her pride in the Rose visible* You are welcome to go wherever you please, and whenever you please, though you will need the key for my quaters, as I'd rather not have the others wander in and out of there as they please. Morgan:*morgan smiles wryly* yes I can see the attraction in that. I feel that, given Kai's interest in her, perhaps it would be wise to have the opinion of one that is not on -his- payroll Molly: I quite agree. I think though, I shall let you make your tour alone. Though the Rose is in far better condition than I pictured, it is far from as I wish to see her, and I shall still be on my knees scrubbing the deck and the floors for many hours. *The coffee is brought over, and Molly holds the cup in both hands for the warmth* Morgan: As you wish. hopefully I will not find any major issues. Molly: *She smiles and sips her coffee* I have a list given to me by Captain Helbrect regarding necessary supplies and equipment... I wonder, would you look the ship over for those things also? Before we leave Carleon, I shall have to restock her with what is needed, and it is a rather huge task I believe. If needed, I am certain that this evening I can accompany you around the ship in case there is anything you need to show me. Morgan: Certainly. If you wish to let me have the list so I can survey it as I go round, that's probably the easiest way. Molly: *she opens her bag, rummaging through the papers within. She pulls out two, and hastily stuffs one back in, before carefully handing the other over* I greatly appreciate your help. I shall clean the kitchen, dining room, ball room and whichever rooms you all choose first, so I shall need to know which you picked... Morgan: *morgan takes the paper* I'll point out the room I'd like to use. I'll give you any help I can with cleaning Molly: *She smiles softly, setting down her cup and looking at her hands* Though I'm happy to work my own hands til they're chapped and raw, I would rather not see you do so... Morgan: I'll help if needed. I've had raw hands from sowing the vegetable patches, and chopping wood... hard work is no stranger to me Molly: *she laughs softly* I think it might be addictive... Colonel Kai has told me I ought to hire someone to clean her, for I am above such tasks... Proof I suppose that he understands me not at all... Morgan: proof that he has always had things done for him. its like he doesn't understand the good feeling you can get from physical labour Molly: Some people are destined to never know hard work, and some destined to work hard and find themselves not needing to *she laughs softly* Once the cleaning is done, I believe I shall spend a few hours barefoot upon my ship! *she grins* Morgan: You're braver than I. The thought of going barefoot on wood fills me with apprehension Molly: I am not afraid of a few splinters, though perhaps I might only do so in my own rooms, for no doubt such a thing would cause scandal. Morgan: Undoubtedly. I dont think that the Colonel could stand, with his years of experience in bloody warfare, to see... dare I say it... ankles Molly: I should imagine that so many fighting men find their heads turned by even the most innocent glimpse of a woman. *she laughs* Morgan: As would most men, were the woman as entrancing as you Molly: *she blushes* You flatter me, dear heart. I don't believe  my ankles to be my best feature though... Morgan: *morgan blushes* no. *he sips his coffee* I'm hoping that i shall be able to steal time away from your... guests, long enough to survey the ship alone Molly: *she nods* I am certain you shall. I hope to write a little while this afternoon, though whether _I_ shall escape them is another matter! Morgan: I think it is more or less expected for the hostess to be available Molly: *she sighs softly* In truth, I am already looking forward to retiring to bed this evening to escape such duties! Morgan: The life of a noble isnt quite what you expected? Molly: *she shakes her head* It is far harder than I thought, far more work. I like the security that should come with having my own ship, but I feel like I am constantly watched, constantly expected to perform. I am not sure where it is I truly belong... Morgan:*he nods* do your best. act with good intent and compassion and be happy with that... understand that not all can be pleased, so do things that puts your conscience at ease Molly: *she takes his hand* I will... In a few weeks, I shall return to Tawstock, and I shall take a little time to recover from this trip. Although you can give a shy milkmaid a title and a ship, I think deep down she can not be changed... Morgan:I would hope not. though lady torrington is mostly a kind natured woman, hers is an uncommon type amongst noble women. For a guage on what born noble women are like, you're better looking at rebecca... or that ashcroft-morrison woman Molly: *Molly wrinkles her nose in distaste* I think I would far rather be me... Even if it meant I had to stay being housekeeper or the rest of my days. Morgan: *morgan smiles* theres hope for you yet, blossom Molly: *she smiles softly* Hope is something I'm good at. I hope that once I have paid you back, I will be wise enough to save my profits from the Rose so that one day I can buy my own house, and never need to worry about having nowhere to go were something awful to happen. Morgan: Very wise. though I'm sure lady torrington would be amenable to you staying at the house until you were sorted if the need arose Molly: Perhaps. It is better that I am independent though, I would not wish to be a burden. Morgan: You would be no burden... and I simply wish you to know that you will not be alone and abandoned if misfortune finds you Molly: I am blessed indeed to have friends such as you, Evie and even Lady Catherine... I doubt any woman has been more fortunate in that respect. Morgan: I should hate for you to think otherwise. *he sips his coffee* are you sure you are happy to mind the house? if you are not, I'll send instructions to another Molly: Would you trust another in your stead, and rest with peace of mind were it anyone else? *she drinks her coffee* Morgan: Not particularly, but i do not wish for you to remain there if it is your wish to be elsewhere Molly: There is no other place I could go that has anything to make me wish to be there... At most I might have traveled to take my mind off... things. Yet if it would make your burden less by not having to worry about the house, I shall stay there. *she smiles* Morgan: if you feel you need to be away to keep your mind occupied, then do so. i shall worry about the house regardless. Molly: I think I shall concentrate on my writing instead. I do not feel it right to use the Rose for my own personal whims, at least until she has made back the funds put in to her. First and foremost, she is a thing of business rather than pleasure. So I shall remain in the house, and write to you often! *she grins, and sips her coffee* Morgan: I should like that. I would like to discuss a possible business arrangement, but now is not the time. Fear not blossom, I do not try to usurp your ownership of the rose. Molly: *she fidgets, settling in to her seat. Her eyes light up, her mind always awaiting a challenge* Ay me! How can you start such a statement and not follow it to completion! I am more than eager to here what this arrangement could be. And you need not worry that I suspect you of harbouring ill intent regarding the Rose, I trust you implicitly. Morgan:*nods slowly, chewing at his thumb* Once the rose is paying her own way... I would like a -small- percentage of the profits. my pay as a master at arms does not always cover my expenses and I'm loathe to dip into my or my family's savings. In return, I will lend my assistance, name and title to gain whatever documents, trade routes, cargo and safe passage that I can. I do not underestimate you, but some will refuse to listen to your business propositions based solely on your gender. Molly: *she sets her cup down on the table, and straightens up slightly. Her eyes become far more focused, and there is a clear distinction between her current business-like body language and the one she had to this point. It is a return to how she always used to be in the house, before they became friends.* Would you technically be my employee? You are correct in that I will not be listened to, and I am more than aware that I shall need strong connections to make anything of her. I shall have many rivals in passenger transport, particularly upon my chosen route, and will need backing. I wonder that perhaps I would be wise to come to a similar arrangement with the Colonel and his company... Morgan: Employee, business advisor, consultant... call it what you will.though if you'd prefer an arrangement with the colonel, i shall bear no grudge. Molly: *She looks perplexed* I thought you were not comfortable being my business advisor due to your... ummm.. friendship with me? Morgan: I said I would rather not be known as such if I am not -actually- your business advisor... you see? Molly: *She nods with a smile. Her eyes show that her mind races, and she fiddles idly with her cup* Is it not feasible that I can make an arrangement with you both? Even to set up my own company in which you, the schwert von dornen privateer company and possibly Evie have a stake? Morgan: I think it would be risky at best. you barely know these men. as for eiblin what would you gain from her? Molly: *She sighs* I shall need to find some way of protecting the Rose on a larger scale. Can you think of another way in which it becomes clearly known that the Rose is not to be trifled with? I am but one woman, and a poor one at that. Having an alliance with the Schwert von Dornen would be a method in which this could be achieved. Were they to have some sort of interest in the Rose, it would dissuade them from taking any actions against her also. It would not be difficult for the Wind to corner the Rose, and by virtue of a crew picked in part by them, hijack her. And including Evie would be an act of friendship, merely a musing. Morgan: i see your point. i will consider it, i am not convinced that there is not another way.as for eiblinn, i think you need to hold off on that for now. Molly: *She sips her coffee, still visibly in business mode* It is business, regardless of how I feel about involving them, it might be in the Rose's best interest. There seem to be many tough decisions to make, all of which seem to involve using my head, and not my heart. It does not come naturally to me. Morgan: I know, dear one. perhaps my wish to -not- involve kai stems from my dislike of the man. Molly: *she relaxes at his term of endearment, her shoulders no longer so tense* I can not help but wonder if she would be better in the care of another. I do wonder, were it still Sigfried's ship, would Kai's involvement give you a moment's pause or... *she blushes, looking away* Morgan: I would say the same to xsarlac... theres something about him, other than his attitude towards the one i desire, that bothers me intensly Molly:*She bites her lip, clumsily knocking her cup slightly as she goes to pick it up. It wobbles, but doesn't fall.  Her eyes sparkle* I am sorry, I still find it strange to hear you describe me so... *she takes a deep breath* I do wonder what lengths he would go to to get what he wants, and whether it is better therefore to have an alliance to ensure he does not become a risk. Morgan:  quite possibly. i just dont wish to see you indebted to a man i dont altogether trust Molly: *she nods* In truth, I do not wish to be indebted at all, but I think that it might be necessary, even if just for a while to establish the Rose. I do like the idea of you being my business advisor though, providing it will cause no harm to our friendship, though I believe that it may have to wait until your identity is known, for such a thing will not be taken seriously unless it comes to pass. But I do not wish to be responsible for forcing your hand. Morgan: We shall see where life takes me in that respect. Molly: *She smiles sadly* Who knows where life will take any of us... do your parents know you are returning? Morgan: I wrote to them saying i would be coming, though i may arrive before the letter Molly: *She smiles* I should imagine, based on the location of your lands, that it takes a good while for correspondance to arrive... Morgan: *he smiles* a fair while is about the best estimate you'll get Molly: Then there is a chance I shall only be able to send to you once or twice whilst you are away. *she sips her coffee* I would wish to write more, so that I can keep you informed of the developments with the Rose Morgan: Write as oft as you wish. i shall arrange to have them sent on to me. Molly: I thought you wished for me to send to your parent's house...? Morgan: Yes, i shall arrange to have them forwarded in case I've left Molly: *Molly looks puzzled, and then nods.* As you wish. I intend to have the Rose ready to leave in a few days, and will host a party upon her the evening before we leave. Morgan: I shall be on my best behaviour. For a given value of me. Molly: *She grins* I only ask that you do your best. Were it later in the season, I would have procured some mistletoe for the occasion. Morgan: You dont need mistletoe in my case Molly: *She goes scarlet red* I...I... I actually meant for Evie and Kai or Kurt *she doesn't notice, in her surprise, that she doesnt call them by their titles. She speaks quietly, looking at him but not meeting his eyes* what _do_ I need instead? Morgan: Nothing but to express the wish to.