< 04Molly > ~The Rose has made good speed down Der Rotstrom, and with careful guidance is about to moor in the docks. Molly has been absent all morning. Breakfast has been and gone, and the day is clear but crisp, perfect for late november. There is the bustle of crew going about their business on the deck~ * @Morgan stands on the deck near the prow, watching the small rowboat intently * Molly comes up from below the deck, wrapping a large shawl over her navy dress, hair half up, looking far more rested. She watches him a moment before taking a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. < 04Molly > ~The Rose moors up as expected~ * Molly walks a few steps towards him, heeled footsteps noticeably on the wood < 04Molly > Good Morning... * @Morgan doesn't turn, watching the men on the dock < 08@Morgan > Good morning blossom * Molly smiles, and moves to stand beside him, also looking out over the city of Freiburg, its buildings imposing, masculine. Just behind the buildings of the dock is the high spire of the Wachturm * @Morgan views the city impassively * Molly speaks softly, distractedly < 04Molly > It is not much different from the dracheneisen city in my dream... < 08@Morgan > you still wish to tour the city before I leave? < 04Molly > If it is to your liking, yes, though I shall understand if you wish to depart now instead... * @Morgan looks pensive < 08@Morgan > no... I think I'd like to reaquaint myself with... the city first * Molly nods < 04Molly > And will you be staying another night upon the Rose, and setting off at day break tomorrow? Or will you leave later this afternoon? * Molly 's tone is neutral < 08@Morgan > I haven't entirely decided yet * Molly smiles softly at him < 04Molly > You are welcome to stay, if you decide to < 08@Morgan > thank you * @Morgan frowns at a man on the dock < 08@Morgan > if he doesn't tie that off properly, I'll use him to act as a buffer between us and the wharf * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > I would imagine he knows how it should be done... < 08@Morgan > his actions say otherwise * Molly smiles < 04Molly > You are quartermaster, dear heart, feel free to give him correct orders * @Morgan bellows at the man in Eisen < 04Molly > ~He looks up, nodding at Morgan, and follows his instructions~ * Molly watches with interest, though makes no effort to translate the words. She notices the loud thud as the gang plank is put in to place. * @Morgan shakes his head disdainfully < 04Molly > I am sure, with a little more experience, there will be fewer faults... < 08@Morgan > he knows his job... I rather suspect that he thinks that because the colonel and followers aren't actively watching him he can do a lacklustre job * Molly nods, looking once more at the city. < 04Molly > I shall endeavour to keep as few of the Colonel's crew on the Rose as I can without arousing his suspicions < 08@Morgan > it is your choice... I think they know that it is in the colonels interests to keep the rose safe and running * Molly sighs softly < 04Molly > He does not own her yet... though I doubt it will be long before I sign over at least part of her < 08@Morgan > if that is the only way forward, then yes < 04Molly > Long-term, it makes sense, for after a few years, I could push my plans to retire, and leaving the Rose in his command * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > or, as I've said... have someone competant run it and retain ownership < 04Molly > yes... So, where in Freiburg would you like to take me? * Molly pulls the gold bag over her shoulder < 08@Morgan > I was thinking the bone bridge... and the Cafe Kaffee... * @Morgan smiles ruefully < 08@Morgan > I'd like to show you the cathedral, but I wouldn't wish to insult your faith * Molly looks at him with a gentle smile < 04Molly > I would be happy to go with you, faith or none < 08@Morgan > it is... built of some rather special materials * Molly looks intrigued < 04Molly > Then let us away now, for I would not wish to spend the time we have left detained by the whims of the Colonel! * @Morgan laughs * Molly moves towards the gang plank, various members of crew bowing as she passes. She looks at Morgan, obviously a little embarassed by it * @Morgan follows on behind, barely acknowledging the crew * Molly leads the way down on to the dock, and then turns to watch him, hand shielding her eyes from the sun * @Morgan follows down, going to the man he yelled at, gripping the mans shirt and pulling him close. He speaks quietly for a moment then releases him and goes back to Molly * Molly has waited patiently, and doesn't comment on the exchange < 04Molly > Where would you wish to go first? < 08@Morgan > I think... though it will be some walk... the cathedral < 08@Morgan > it is the furthest away * Molly smiles < 04Molly > As you wish * Molly watches for him to lead the way * @Morgan begins to wander towards the bridge across the river * Molly walks with him, though slightly behind, reverting almost automatically to the demeanour of servitude < 04Molly > Have you been to the cathedral many times? < 08@Morgan > a few * Molly looks around, noticing the bustle, the busyness of the residents going about their lives, catching words here and there in the fast spoken Eisen < 04Molly > I should imagine the Colonel and Lieutenant will also wish to show me the sights of Freiburg * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > most likely * Molly smiles back < 08@Morgan > though I'd be surprised if the lieutenant doesn't take you to some tavern < 04Molly > He might seek to, though I doubt it would be counted wise for my reputation for there to be no chaperone accompanying us < 08@Morgan > for some reason I suspect that the lieutenant is not particularly worried about reputation < 04Molly > Perhaps, but the Colonel makes it his business to be concerned for mine, and it would be under this objection that he would prevent the Lieutenant from doing so < 08@Morgan > aye, I've noticed that the colonel seems obsessed with giving his opinion where it is not wanted * Molly nods, discreetly watching two eisen common men yelling at each other in the bustle of the street * @Morgan glances at the men < 04Molly > I do not think I'd enjoy spending time in the tavern with the lieutenant any way < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > I should imagine I'd very quickly be left sat alone whilst he took upstairs with some pretty young lass < 08@Morgan > I suspect it'd be you he was trying to lure into a back room * Molly falters in her step, losing the rhythm, cheeks burning and eyes downcast < 04Molly > I seriously doubt he would have any interest in having me so < 08@Morgan > I think you're wrong, personally < 04Molly > I... I can not see how he might have given you that impression < 08@Morgan > just a feeling I have < 04Molly > I think perhaps you distrust all men's intentions where I am concerned because of the risk to the Rose < 08@Morgan > perhaps... though I rather think that I've known men like the lieutenant before < 04Molly > I haven't... please, enlighten me, if you will? < 08@Morgan > no... no I think I rather like the innocence you have intact * Molly continues to follow him off the bridge and on to the street. She laughs softly < 04Molly > I will not be so innocent forever... < 08@Morgan > no... I know < 04Molly > I believe it is human nature, to strive for knowledge and experience < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > Not knowing or having experienced things always leaves one in a position to be deceived and manipulated < 08@Morgan > quite so * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > whereas you see my innocence as something to be treasured, others may see it as a weakness to be pushed upon * @Morgan nods * Molly quickens her step slightly so she no longer walks slightly behind him < 04Molly > Innocence or none, I still would not go to any back room with him, though truly, I can not see that he would wish me to < 08@Morgan > I suspect we'll never agree on that score < 04Molly > Perhaps one day, when I am a little old lady in my tiny cottage, surrounded by grandchildren, you and I shall talk once more of these times, and the times in between, and by recollection, we shall see who is correct * Molly grins broadly < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > Am I the sort of girl men assume would be amenable to such activity? * Molly looks thoughtful, pensive < 08@Morgan > some men assume that of all women < 04Molly > And you believe the lieutenant to be such a man? < 08@Morgan > possibly... though I think he is more hopefully optimistic than... misogynistic * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Well, such hopes are futile to be spent upon me, I'm afraid * @Morgan smiles < 04Molly > I can not imagine that even when much younger, you ever had such an attitude to women as he does < 08@Morgan > no... quite < 04Molly > But perhaps he has been denied so infrequently that he sees it as natural that all women should want to... be affectionate with him * Molly blushes, fiddling with her bag < 08@Morgan > or that he finds it unreasonable that women to not find him devastatingly handsome < 04Molly > Just because a woman finds a man appealing, surely that does not mean she must act upon it.... < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly smiles at him softly < 04Molly > Why is the Cathedral special? * @Morgan smiles knowingly < 08@Morgan > I would not wish to spoil the experience < 04Molly > As you wish, dear heart * @Morgan nods * Molly listens to the Eisen chatter with a smile as peopl talk in the street with friends a neighbours, and children play < 04Molly > I like Freiburg so far < 08@Morgan > it can be awfully hectic sometimes < 04Molly > Haas it improved since the war ended? < 08@Morgan > to some degree... the people no longer look weary * Molly smiles, looking around < 04Molly > That must please you < 08@Morgan > immensely < 04Molly > ~they turn on to the street with the cathedral, which stands tall and impressive. The tail of the drachen bears a gold cross, rising high, and the immense ribcage is clearly visible~ * Molly stops, staring at the cathedral, eyes wide. < 04Molly > Goodness... < 08@Morgan > it is rather... impressive < 04Molly > It is very beautiful... very creatively designed * @Morgan smiles faintly < 08@Morgan > it was not designed * Molly looks at him, puzzled < 04Molly > no? < 08@Morgan > no... the cathedral was built up around the rib cage of a drachen * Molly looks amazed < 04Molly > Then... < 04Molly > It is so big... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > the drachen were a noble race... quick of mind... the dragons that roam this world now are mere shadows of their former selves < 04Molly > I'm not sure I understand... they possesed an intellect more like the human mind than thos ein the animal world? * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > That is... intriguing... What happened to them? < 08@Morgan > time, I suppose. < 04Molly > One more thing that time changes... * Molly fiddles with her bracelet distractedly < 04Molly > Shall we continue? * @Morgan nods * Molly walks towards the cathedral * @Morgan pushes open the door * Molly looks around, awed by the building. She follows him into the cool darkness of the cathedral < 04Molly > It is very peaceful < 08@Morgan > dracheneisen is made from the fossilised remains of creatures such as this * Molly looks around, letting her eyes adjust to the low light < 04Molly > And they are only found here in Eisen? * @Morgan looks skeptical < 08@Morgan > I think... there are other types of dragon... the drachen are more or less isolated in Eisen * Molly nods, particles of dust glittering in the golden shafts of light that come in through the narrow windows. Molly touches the pendant at her neck < 04Molly > Did anyone discover why it is that they are isolated to Eisen? < 08@Morgan > not as far as I know * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I would be very intrigued to know... Is the cathedral always so quiet? < 08@Morgan > except during sermons and mass... people come here for quiet contemplation mostly < 04Molly > I can see why, even for those for whom the words of the service mean little could find strength and wisdom from the power which such a magnificent creature would have once held * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly wanders down the aisle < 04Molly > You can have been but a child upon your first visit here, dear heart? * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > indeed * @Morgan looks around pensively < 08@Morgan > this is the first time I've been in a church since... * Molly turns, watching him < 04Molly > Even at the monestary, I am not sure I recall you being in the chapel itself... < 08@Morgan > I was not * @Morgan looks disdainful * Molly moves back to stand beside him, speaking quieter < 04Molly > Do you wish to leave? < 08@Morgan > not unless you wish to < 04Molly > No, I am quite content, I just do not like to see your discomfort * @Morgan shakes his head < 08@Morgan > the subject of religion is... murky at best, especially here < 04Molly > Nothing seems to invite the passions of men like religion... * @Morgan sniffs disdainfully < 08@Morgan > sheer stupidity if you ask me < 04Molly > I think that what a person believes is so individual and personal to them that they see an insult or question to that belief as being a matter of dishonour < 08@Morgan > frankly its a personal matter and should be kept as such, despite the 'insults' of others < 04Molly > A little tolerance goes a great way. It is not essential to me that others believe as I do < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > Lady Rebecca was trying to show that there are parallels between the colonel and I * Molly turns away, under the ruse of examining the carved ends of the pews < 04Molly > How so? < 08@Morgan > pride, conviction, that sort of thing... she made some speech about how we've seen Eisen brought to its knees and how he defends her from all attackers... * Molly looks back, brow crinkled < 08@Morgan > not seeming o realise that the war was an internal one, Eisen against Eisen... there were no outside attackers... just the arrogance and pride of men too stupid to keep a reign on their piety * Molly nods, dropping her eyes < 04Molly > She seems to oft speak of things she knows little of. I can be forgiven that, being of common and ignorant birth, but she has an education, opportunities I did not, and should know better < 08@Morgan > a fair point < 08@Morgan > though... the true politics behind the war aren't particularly widely known < 04Molly > Perhaps her education was simply in how to win a husband, without anticipation that the man she sought might be Eisen. Not that I... I'm not suggesting that... umm * Molly blushes * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > she does seem to be rather fond of Eisen men.... like some others I could mention * Molly looks at the floor, ashamed < 04Molly > It wasnot intentional... < 08@Morgan > fear not, it was not said in malice * Molly looks up with a smile, nodding < 04Molly > I am glad to hear it < 04Molly > My fondness for eisen men is not likely to make me forget my propriety and honour < 08@Morgan > I think that may be the difference between you * Molly bites her lower lip < 04Molly > Above all, I understand the importance of discretion * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Is it strange to be in a church once more? < 08@Morgan > it is... I'm still not entirely certain where my faith lies anymore * Molly looks intrigued < 04Molly > No? < 08@Morgan > why do you think I fought in the war? * Molly shakes her head slightly < 04Molly > Duty, the wish of your father... < 08@Morgan > partly... though thats more why I went into the navy rather than anything else < 04Molly > But you fought for belief? < 08@Morgan > no, my main reason for fighting was the belief that no man has the right to force their belief on another, and I will not stand aside and allow anyone to ride roughshod over the sons of Eisen < 04Molly > An honorable reason, dear heart * Molly moves to stand beside him, voice quiet < 04Molly > Belief is a hard thing to maintain in times of difficulty < 08@Morgan > I did not lose my faith... < 08@Morgan > I turned my back on it < 04Molly > And now? * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > nothing has changed * Molly watches him intently for a moment, seeming to come to a conclusion before looking away < 04Molly > Perhaps with time < 08@Morgan > nothing but time can tell * Molly nods < 04Molly > I doubt my faith will change... I always felt a disharmony in the teachings I had, always felt as if I did not truly understand them. Until I stayed briefly with Mrs Turner in my time between the lodging and the estate, I did not know that the instincts I had were shared by other * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > It is a secret that must become once again strictly hidden, and I must return to the ways which I was brought up with * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > people like the Colonel and, I suspect, certain others are inclined to persecute those with beliefs other than their own < 04Molly > Yes, and it would also reflect badly upon the Rose... < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > I took confession in the monestary... perhaps I ought to make prayer here also, and encourage the habit? < 08@Morgan > that is your choice, Molly < 04Molly > I can see it doing no harm. No-one can be certain that their belief iss the correct one, and there is no harm in being open to all options * Molly smiles * @Morgan shrugs < 04Molly > I shall be but a moment * Molly turns and walks to the altar. She kneels, shunning the pad and opting for the bare flagstones. She bows her head and is, for nearly two minutes, completely silent.