Molly goes to her study with a huge smile on her face. She goes to her room, splashing rose water perfume (which she always wears) on her neck and cleavage, and redoes her long red hair so it falls beautifully around her face. She tightens her corset, and looks in the mirror. After a minute, she goes to the study and pours two glasses of brandy, leaving them on the desk as she looks out of the window and over the darkness of the dock. There is a knock on the door of Molly’s chambers she walks to the door, with a slight hesitation, not sure of the best etiquette for the situation. she opens it with a smile. Good Evening... “Ah… Molly… you look delightful ziz evening!” he says smiling and she can see his eyes take in her appearance with admiration. “I do hope I am not too early und disturbing you? Are you free to discuss some of ze matters that need consideration?” Although sounding polite, warm and genuine, the Eisen directness is unmistakable She watches him closely, and her cheeks flush at his compliment. She opens the door to let him in. The study is a good size, lined down the right side with book shelves. In the middle is a desk with one chair behind it, and two in front. Over by the window is a long couch. Her voice is polite but friendly, much more at ease than she has been Thank you, Colonel, you also look very well tonight. You are just in time, for I was doing nought but looking through the window and admiring the beauty of the dock at night. Would you like a drink? “Ja..” he beams “I vill partake in a drink. May I also see ze view?” he asks as a subtle reason for entering the room. he scans the room very quickly, but then his eyes return to Mollys “und vhat a vonderbah study! I zhink you vill enjoy many hours of entertainment in here...“ he says suggestively, before pointing to the books and adding “Ze’s vill keep you engrossed I ja?” She blushes more, and touches her lower lip. she goes to the desk and returns with two glasses of brandy. Yes, plenty of pleasant hours I hope... and I do love to read. If you wish, perhaps we might sit over by the window, and we can enjoy the view whilst we talk? She smiles at him, her eyes sparkling. “Ziz sounds like a perfect place to hold un ‘informal’ business meeting between friends” he says again smiling “After you!” Kai follows her over to the window and stands, waiting for molly to be seated. Molly lets her eyes linger at the view a moment before sitting. So very beautiful... She looks up at him from her place on the couch. Please, Colonel, make yourself comfortable. “danke” he nods in acknowledgement before sitting down close, but still a discreet distance away from Molly. He takes a quaff of the brandy, savouring its taste, but its also clear that he is taking in other senses too. “Ah… I love ze smell of roses!” “First of all, I vant to say how sorry I am over ziz whole regretable situation today. I feel responsible!” Molly smiles gently, and sips her brandy. She speaks fairly quietly. You need not apologise, Colonel. Eiblinn was at fault, and she recognises that completely. It is not so easy for girls like her, like me, when we grow up never expecting to meet fine noble gentlemen, much less to socialise with them... We were never taught courtly manners or behaviours, and must therefore hope to be naturally charming enough please. “Ah you both are very charming und vonderful company. Sadly, a line was crossed, und all lines, like boundries exist for a purpose!” “Still… ziz matter is now resolved.” She nods, and sips her drink So, where is it you wish to begin, Colonel? "Vell... zhere are a few things..." "So ze first i vill start vith is von of projection!" Molly fidgets slightly, turn towards him, so that she can concentrate on the conversation. Please, continue... "You must cease cleaning ziz vessel yourself!" he says in a friendly, yet typically direct way. "if ziz gets out that you have cleaned ziz yourself, any reputation you vant to build will be shattered before you can even begin" "Cleaning iz not vhat a Lady does, Molly. i council you immediatly to find cleaning staff tomorrow, before rumours abound throughout Carleon!" Molly suddenly squares her shoulders, and there is a noticeable shift in her demeanour, no longer as relaxed, and her eyes sparkle with the determination Kurt had commented on. I understand, Colonel. As you might have noticed, the essential parts of the living areas have been done now, and to my exacting standards. The other parts need cleaning, but they do not need to be done by mine own hand, and it was never my intention to deprive a crew of working for their earnings. Please, indulge me, if you will... Were you to take on a new venture in your company, would you feel fully happy trusting the most important areas of control to another, when you know well your own superior skills in the matter? Kai smiles, much as he does when any challenge is thrown his way. "In all honesty Molly, i vould. I have been taught, nnien trained, to rely on those around me. those of ranks far lower und to follow the commands of those higher." "For example... i fully trust Kurt und Helbrect, und my many, many other officers to run my company when i am not vith them. I do ziz because at ze heart, itz not just my company... it is OUR company!" "Our success rides on us vorking together, you know?" She smiles at him disarmingly, her voice soft You have been incredibly fortunate to have had others to rely upon... For the most part, in the last few years I have had solely myself, to push forward my own goals and dreams. Sometimes it is hard to let go of the past, and embrace the future. I have always worked hard, and there is a certain degree of pleasure that comes with such work... To deny myself that is a great challenge indeed... "Ja... i am very fortunate" he smiles "Still... you have new challenges, und von of zhem, is a path of change. Like a butterfly ja?" She sips her brandy The challenge is to change a little, but not to lose who I am. Though I do not please everyone, I like who I am, I like how strongly I care for others, how willingly I listen to their problems, and how gently I try to soothe them. I would not wish to be so remote, cold and unyielding as some of the noble women I have met. I can change what I do, but I still wish to stay true to my heart. She looks at him, her eyes intent yet unguarded. Do you understand, Colonel? "Its not a case of changing who you are Molly. But it iz a matter of how you act und portray yourself, und are perceived by those around you!" “Your personality is an entirely different subject…” “Do you understand?” She smiles softly Yes, I understand. I shall try my best, Colonel, as I do with everything. So, no cleaning... no cooking? No learning to wield a blade? No making my own dresses? Her eyes sparkle and her tone becomes playful, though it is clear that underneath it there is a seriousness. “Ah… now you are teasing me, Ja?” he chuckles “Ziz iz not vhat I mean und you are aware of ziz!” “Let me dumb ziz down a little ja… make it simple…” “if you vant to hope to be accepted by higher circles, you must leave your former employment behind. This means no more cleaning und yes, no cooking vhere ziz can publically perceived.” “Learning ze vay of ze blade is common practice in Eisen und ziz I understand is spreading throughout Theah, und I know that sewing is a ladies art. Of course you can do somethings, but somethings you cannot!” “Tell me ziz… does Catherine ever clean ze house?” Molly laughs when he says about teasing him, and her broad smile remains throughout his words. No, Lady Catherine has never cleaned the house whilst I've been there, though I would not wish to say for definate that she never has, for it is not my place to. “Ah see… point und case! She might do things but you or others ‘vill not see it’ und zerefore comment cannot be made!” Ah but Colonel, you would be surprised the things that a simple maid in service can learn by virtue of being a persona non gratia... She grins and also the improper behaviour that Ladies clearly do display in company, if you pay attention. I am unsure how I am supposed to learn to act in a ladylike fashion when many of the Ladies I am meeting can not behave properly themselves... She sips her brandy, fiddling absentmindedly with her left earring. Kai issues a low rumble as he ponders the situation. “You are un interesting one… pulling in too many other examples to use as a shield to protect yourself vhen you feel…’threatened’ or challenged! Perhaps even being overly clever… Ja I see ziz!” he continues to study her, watching her mannerisms, her composure and specifically, the look in her eyes and the movement of her lips. “Vhat you heard skulking as a maid again has no bearing on vhat you have become now… You have been gifted a ship. You are about to become a business voman, who should be more concerned vith finances und provisioning, engaging the crew und setting zhem zere tasks und ensuring zhey deliver, und ze satisfaction of ze passagers, rather zhen chasing dust bunnies!” “I have tried to put ziz in an Avalonian vay, so let me try ziz in a more Eisen manner…If you continue to clean ziz ship, people vill perceive you as ze ships Cleaner!” “So decide… do you vant to be a business voman, und a voman who could sail onto a greater station in life, or be ze ships cleaner und trade ze estate for a boat?” Molly watches how intently he watches her, and her cheeks flush under his scrutiny. At the word 'skulking' her brow furrows and she inadvertently pouts slightly. She reverts back to a soft smile as he continues. You are right, of course. I wish to run the Rose well, I wish to finally be able to prove the Molly Forrester is worth far more than she was born to, far more than most believe her to be. I will endeavour to make these changes, as difficult as it may be for me. “Good!” he says with a gleaming smile. “Vith so many people around to assist you, I cannot see how you can fail!” “now… vhile vee are on matters of ‘perception’, vhat is your official stance regarding ziz?” I'm sorry, I don't understand... my official stance on _what_ exactly? She looks puzzled, biting her lower lip “Ziz ship..” he says sweeping his right hand in a grand gesture “What vill you say vhen people ask you about ze ship?” That she is a fine, proud well-built and fast ship, capable of transporting many passengers in comfort and luxury. She smiles innocently, as if her persuasive words were a simple description to be used in answer, rather than persuade the asker to take a trip. It is in her eyes where her sharp mind can be seen, a slight sparkle “nien… Eloquent as your description iz, ziz is not vhat I mean!” She blushes, not meeting his eyes You think me eloquent, Colonel? She smiles softly I wonder that perhaps you mean regarding the rumours of the Rose being cursed? “Ja… you are eloquent” he says with a smile “it is vastly clear that you have a vay vith ze words!” “But no…” he says solemnly “Ze curse is not vhat I mean… zhough it may tie in vith it… Im talking about ze Rose coming into your possession as a gift, und itz nature!” She smiles at him, her eyes soft. That is very kind of you to say, Colonel. The Rose was a gift, but not entirely unexpected. Given the things that have occured at the estate there have been many, many occasions upon which I held the giver's life in my hands, and several of which times without my aid he would have died. Through the service of friendship and the art of healing, I earned this ship... I would have helped him regardless, but that is beside the point. I am fully aware that certain... people might interpret this gift as a mark that I am his mistress, or something similar. “Perhaps… but ziz ship was granted to you as a vedding present!” “Vhen ze vedding vas cancelled you vere obliged to return ziz gift. You should not even be using ziz gift!” he says sternly but then his demeanour changes to a more devious, mischivious manner “If ziz ship IZ to remain yours, zhen you should return ze gift, back to ze person who gave it to you, und zhen have him re-gifted to you!” “In truth… people vont care if you’re his mistress or not, only zhat ze etiquette of vedding gifts has not been followed!” “Do ziz, und you vill have no stigma attached to it… besides ze curse of course. A curse ve are yet to know ze effects of!” Molly chews on the inside of her lip, her shoulders squaring and her whole body becoming obviously more tense. Her eyes are steely blue, they almost seem to lose the colour slightly. She breathes deeply, and the passion and determination of her nature is visible. This fire suits her though it is hard to explain why. I am quite happy to ask Soverign Lord Elementay to provide documentation to support my sole receivership of the Rose, and am utterly certain this will be the case. If it eases your mind, and the endless gossip and displeasure of these others you speak of, I shall be pleased to put quill to paper this very moment. The ship was given as a 'wedding gift' to protect my reputation, and his, so that it was not considered that I might have seduced him in to giving it. Regardless, it seems my moral integrity is a matter for debate anyway, so why should it matter?! She struggles not to burst in to tears, not prone to anger and yet once more finding herself burning with it. Her hands tremble with it, and she sets her glass on the table beside the coach to prevent spilling the brandy. “What do you, knowing ze expectation of society, think iz ze best course of action to your own question?” he replies, much as a Teacher encourages a student to arrive at their own conclusions. “Perhaps ze simple answer is simply return ze gift, maybe…” he says with an air of innocence mixed with nonchalance. “Lord Elementay vent to Frieburg? Vouldnt zhat be convieniant?” *her eyes go wide, and for a brief moment there is clearly a look on her face as a rabbit trapped in headlights would have, surprised utterly by him. she watches him intently, as if her perceptions of him are gradually changing. Suddenly, aware that she has left slightly too long without speaking, she looks at him with an innocent smile* It is strange you should mention that, for I had a letter this afternoon from him, delivered by a very respectable friend and bearing the seal of his lands. Before he left the monestary he had discussed with me his travel plans, that he intended to travel to Freiburg before returning for the wedding. To take the Rose there to him would make perfect sense. *she bats her eyelids, and manages to look very sweet and innocent. The only thing that gives her away is a slight sparkle to her eyes* "So... all zhat remains to do iz?" *Molly looks puzzled, and unsure of herself. She drops her eyes from him* I... ummm... let it be known that Lord Elementay will be there and that I am going to return the Rose to him? *she looks up at him, eyes soft* A comfortable, satisfied smile appears on his face. "ver gud molly... ver gud" Molly breathes a sigh of relief and breaks in to a grin Finally, I do something right! This is a completely new world for me, and truly, it is not easy... I shall make the announcement at the party tomorrow evening, if that pleases you... She inadvertantly touches her lower lip without thinking. "Not everything i say is for ze benifit of me und mine you know!" "Underneath ziz Dracheneisen skin, zhere is a heart you know!" he says warmly *She looks at him intently* Colonel, I understand fully that you advise me for my own good, for my future and that of the Rose. I do appreciate greatly your sage wisdom and counsel. That it seems as if I do not is simply down to my inexperience and lack of understanding on the reasons for certain behaviours. *she looks as if she's going to say more, and decides against it, picking up her glass* “Vell… my door is always open for counsel!” Kai also picks up his glass and takes a sip of the brandy “Is zhere anything you would seek my advice about, rather zen my ‘offer’ my own opinion?” She looks thoughtful Regarding the ship, no, I do not think so. I am not certain I believe in the curse... When one sees as much as I have at Lady Catherine's house, things such as curses do not seem quite so definate. However, I am aware that others believe in it, and therefore some information needs to be spread to try and account for that. I was hoping to start this in the morning, and Captain Helbrecht offered his assistance in the matter. She smiles softly, sipping her brandy The other thing I would seek your counsel on is both trivial, and not business related, though still pertains to my reputation. “Do not dismiss ze curses of Eisen so lightly Molly.” He says ominously “Zhey are very powerful. Ja, it iz true zhat belief lends substance, but ze fact is, ve need to ascertain ze true nature of ze curse!” “I have not told ze men zhat zere is a Curse, for ze simple reason zhat vee do not know ze nature of ze curse! Ze first mate of ze Vind vill captain ze vessel until a more permanent replacement if found, or he is appointed permanatly” he says sipping his brandy. “Vhat is ze other matters you speak of?” *she chews her lower lip a moment* I took the liberty of asking the monks at the monestary to copy and forward on to me at Lady Catherine's estate any documents they could finding regarding curses and the lifting of them. If the curse indeed does have any weight, I shall be one step closer to resolving it. I thought that it might be worth letting it be known that the curse has been lifted? I would like your thoughts on that, Colonel. *She sips her brandy, and looks to him. she takes a deep breath, carefully considering her words* I seek advice regarding the expectations of society. Lord Jaeger and I ended the betrothal for many reasons *she looks away a moment, her cheeks red, wondering what he's been told*. I would like to know what the appropriate time frame is before I could take up open affections for another, to court, to become someone's mistress... *she bites her lip keeping her eyes downcast* “Zhere is an adage… you know ziz vord? Like a saying… und itz ‘Need to know!’. At ziz time perhaps ze crew do not need to know. But I council against saying things that are not weighted with the truth!” “As for engaging in new romances vell… publicaly I vould say vait… privately, und discreetly, you can begin a romance vhen you vish!” If there is more he wants to tell, however his words, as usual are direct and to the point. *Molly blushes hard* Privately and discreetly... yes, I understand. I doubt it will be a factor for several months regardless... But it is good to have the advice of one who knows. "Ah... sometimes discretion is forgotten vhen it comes to such things. Love blinds i often find" She smiles, pinching her lower lip. I think perhaps it often increases vision, rather than reduces it. But discretion is important... It would not be fitting for a Lady to be caught behind her locked bedroom door with a gentleman, would it? She smirks slightly, her eyes sparkling. “Ja… you are right!” kai says adjusting his position “Ve should perhaps have a chaperone vith us!” *Molly's eyes go wide* Oh, I... Ummm... I... The door is not locked, and this is a business meeting... Though perhaps in future it would be wise for either Morgan or Evie to be present. I should not wish to damage either of our reputations by the gossip of others. *she drinks her brandy* “I know…” Kai says suppressing a chuckle “Im am teasing!” *she watches him intently a moment, before she drops her eyes, fiddling with the lace on her skirt. Her voice is quiet* Oh, yes, I understand... that makes sense. So, if I were to find someone whose attentions and affections I had won, when would it become acceptable for this to become public knowledge? "Ziz is down to personal choice... personally i vould vait a few months. ze vinter courts are always a good time to reveal affections for others, und make it public over a period of thime und social engagements. i vould suspect Avalon iz ze same!" She smiles softly, eyes thoughtful I understand. I would not wish for any affections I may have to negatively affect my reputation. It is of the utmost importance that people do not assume any affections I have *she pauses slightly* or develop were not the reason my engagement ended. Nor that I am thought to be the sort of woman who moves quickly from one conquest to another “Zhen I suggest waiting till ze new year to go public vith your new beau!” he says with nonchalance finishing his brandy She blushes, feeling a little awkward at having said more than she wanted to. I...ummm... Yes, it would not be for a few months. Would you like another drink, Colonel, for I fear I must turn the conversation back to matters of business. If Kai has read anything into her words, or lack of, e says nothing, but nods and hands Molly the brandy glass She pours him a drink, handing the glass back. She straightens in her seat, pushing aside other thoughts for those of business. She thinks a moment, and decides to be direct. I wonder whether you have given any thought to the possibility of an alliance between the Rose and the Schwert von Dornen company, Colonel? Kai nobs and offers a charming smile. "Ja ze thought had crossed my mind a few days ago, vell veeks ago. However, based upon my innital proposals und statements you have made, I am unsure of how any such accord can be reached und remain mutually benificial" he sips from his brandy "unless you ave a proposal?" She smiles softly In truth, my heart and mind has been through so much turmoil and change these last few days I scarce know my own stance on the matter. However, I would wish to create an alliance with you, but I think it would be wise for us both to consider what the required terms would, and could, be. she takes a deep breath, allowing the side of her personality that is direct to take over. She looks at him intently. To my mind, it is a question of how much of the Rose you would want, and how much I can stand to give. And truly, that deserves some proper thought, do you not agree, Colonel? "Vell... any alliance based on 'how much of ze Rose I vant" must be offset agaist vhat you vant from me und my company, and an accord struck!" "So... vhat is it you vant?" In truth, I am not exactly sure what it is I need. I would require your support in my interests against the competition, that it was widely known that the Purple Rose was under the protection of the Schwert von Dornen company. Obviously, I need to give great thought to it, for I simply asked to see whether it might be a possibility worthy of further consideration. She sips her brandy. “I believe it vill be, but im yet to hear vhat exactly it is your offer is! So do you vant time to consider an offer und come back to me, or vould you like to make some proposals und attempt to reach un accord today?” he responds with a smile If it is not to your displeasure, I thought perhaps we ought to both give the matter and terms some thought, and then arrange a meeting to discuss it upon the weekend that the wedding was supposed to be at the estate? If, of course, you are not otherwise engaged for that weekend? She fiddles with her earring once more. With a perplexed look Kai puts his drink behind him onto a nearby table and focuses on Molly "So far, ze only zing to zink over ist 'could zere be un alliance, yes or no, you see?" "Unless something is put on ze table so to speak, und offers made, zere can be nothing else to think about!" "So... vhy not give me somezing to think about!" Molly looks uncomfortable, turning the glass round in her hands. She keeps her eyes from him, looking at the amber liquid instead. She speaks quietly. This is far more your field than mine, Colonel, I would not even begin to know how to decide what would be a reasonable offer. I need to know simply, what percentage ownership of the Rose you would be seeking in order to aid me in the ways I have suggested, with your company's reputation and protection. Or if there is something else you would seek instead? "Very vell... let us start our negotiations zen." he says confidently but encouragingly. "To commit ze companies name und its reputation, to redeploy ze manpower required for ze investmaten und ongoing financial commitment und time, I would require at least forty percent ownership for the next three years. Ziz figure ensures I have a sizable und controling interest in ze future of ziz business endeavour." "I vill zen offer a re-negotiation period after ze three years, und depending on other investors... I will lower my stake, to a more comfortable und fitting figure as my own personal envolvement is required less!" he says observing Mollys actions "So... vhat are your thoughts?" Molly barely reacts at all, her face completely neutral, studied, slightly forced. I think that I would like some time to think about it. It is rather more than I had anticipated your mind to be set at. As for the financial commitment, I have other sources of funding, so that might not be as big a factor as you predict. Would you be comfortable to leave the proposal with me until we meet again in february, to give me a little time to seek advice from my solicitor? “Vell… Do I have a choice?” he says, with the merest hint of impatience mixed with amusement “Except to vait und see vhat you vant to do about YOUR own proposal?” “Enlighten me please as to vhat YOUR mind had anticipated?”. his eyebrows raise and though he poses the question, it seems he already has the answer. “Vith all due respect und ‘mystique’ aside, it seems to me that you vant far more than your prepared to give. So yes… you come back to me vhen you are ready!” he picks up his drink and finishes the brandy in one draught. “I will leave now und allow you to zink about MY offer, to YOUR proposal!” Kai nods his head and then begins to rise from his seat. Molly looks wounded, and stands also. Her voice is soft, obviously both confused and pained. She speaks, though doesn't meet his eyes, looking at the level of his chest. Colonel, I meant no offense or upset. It might have been better that I had not yet suggested it to you, and waited until I was sure of my own mind. I have not decided against your proposal at all, I simply wish to give it thought. Please, I know so little of what is expected of me as a business woman, as a lady, do please be as gentle with me as you can. If you wish to leave, I shall not detain you, but I would hate to see you go in anger at my natural instinct towards hesitancy. Kai looks pensive "I am not angry Molly, simply frustrated. You said you had an offer but make a half thought out suggestion." "I vill take my leave und allow you time to think ze matter over ja?" "Should you vish to see me, i vill be next door vith master Morgan for a short time. Zhen, after todays tiresome und troubling events, i shall retire... into town for entertainment." She curtseys submissively, reverting automatically to her previous way, eyes downcast. As you will, Colonel. I bid you a pleasant evening. "Good Night... I have enjoyed our time together greatly" He bows and then moves to the door, opening it. "Untill ze morning" he says then leaves through the door closing it behind him. A few seconds later there is a knock on the captains quarters door.