* Molly returns to stand beside him after a few minutes
< 04Molly > I think it is lovely here, thank you for showing it to me
< 08@Morgan > you're quite welcome
* Molly smiles softly
< 04Molly > I can imagine the people of Freiburg are very proud of this wonderful place
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > Where do you wish to go next?
< 08@Morgan > if you'd care to walk through the city, we'll cross the bone bridge before going to the cafe
* Molly looks at him, eyes soft
< 04Molly > That sounds lovely, please, I am ready when you are
* @Morgan nods and leads the way back outside
* Molly follows him, though looks over her shoulder at the cathedral often
< 04Molly > Is it very far?
< 08@Morgan > it is a fair distance I'm afraid
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > I'm not..
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > Is Freiburg more dangerous a city for a woman alone than carleon?
< 08@Morgan > it wasn't when I left but... things may have changed
* Molly looks thoughtful
< 04Molly > Are the women viewed the same here in Eisen as in Avalon, that they are marginally weaker, less important than men?
< 08@Morgan > that, I'm afraid, is a custom the world over
* Molly nods, smiling wryly
< 04Molly > I wondered if it was more, or less, severe an opinion amongst Eiseners
< 08@Morgan > that depends on the Eisener
< 04Molly > From what I have gathered, Eisen women are valued for their strength, determination... the more masculine traits. Whereas we avalon women are valued for pretty faces, gentle personalities and easy charm...
< 08@Morgan > indeed, though some men seem to take it to extremes
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I had noticed...
< 04Molly > It seems that the Colonel is not impressed by my avalon qualities, and only favours the eisen-type ones
< 08@Morgan > I cant say that surprises me much
< 04Molly > Unfortunately for him, I naturally tend towards the softer, avalon traits
* Molly smiles, walking beside him, her demeanour relaxed
< 08@Morgan > that much I've noticed, yes
* Molly blushes
< 04Molly > To you, as an Eisen man, is that a disapointment?
< 08@Morgan > no, I cant say itis
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I am glad to hear it... I've noticed that oft in the company of the others, I feel inferior for my lack of hardness and forth-rightness
< 08@Morgan > there is far too much posturing and the likes amongst those who consider themselves nobke for my liking
< 04Molly > It is all very complex, the need to be perceived a certain way, regardless of who it is you are inside... Truly, the sparkle of noble life is beginning to lose it's shine for me
< 08@Morgan > its not all bad blossom
* Molly smiles at him
< 04Molly > The security, the fine clothes, fine food... good company... coffee in shops... being barefoot... sleeping late. Oh yes, there are many positives
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > but then you are forced to meet with the likes of Kai
* Molly wraps her cloak tighter around her
< 04Molly > There is a difference though, between wealth and nobility... to be wealthy, you could have all the comforts you sought, without needing to pander to the inflated sensibilities of some nobles
< 08@Morgan > inded
< 04Molly > I think that is my dearest wish... no, not my dearest wish, but a big wish, that I can have a life with the happiness and security of wealth, without the burden of noble aspirings
< 08@Morgan > realistically you could have that
< 04Molly > I hope so. A quiet life, but with safety and a few luxuries here and then... it sounds blissful
* Molly smiles broadly, eyes thoughtful
< 08@Morgan > I think if things go well for the Rose, that may be well within reach
< 04Molly > That would be lovely, wouldn't it?
< 04Molly > Do you miss noble life, dear heart?
< 08@Morgan > to a point, I suppose.
* Molly looks intrigued
< 04Molly > I am curious... what is it you miss?
< 08@Morgan > the ease of it... being able to say "I want to do this, and I can because this is who I am"...
* @Morgan looks thoughtful for a moment
< 08@Morgan > being able to stand my ground without others thinking me to be a serf
* Molly smiles softly
< 04Molly > You alwayshave the option...
< 08@Morgan > I know... though it has never been a viable one
< 08@Morgan > though, if I'm honest... I like the look of chagrin in someones eyes when they're told off by a servant
< 04Molly > Is it not a viable option now, or at least, upon your return? And you have a comanding presence, title or none
< 08@Morgan > I... I dont know
* Molly looks at him, eyes soft
< 04Molly > I am not encouraging you to do so, just merely stating that you have a choice
< 08@Morgan > I've always had a choice... I just felt that I could not take it
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > Whereas now, you would be quite safe to do so, were it your wish
< 08@Morgan > indeed... though safe, I still dont know if its _right_ to do so
< 04Molly > I am not sure I understand... not right to whom?
* @Morgan looks uncomfortable
* Molly reaches out and gently touches the back of his hand with hers
< 04Molly > You need not tell me, I should not haveasked, I'm sorry
< 08@Morgan > do not concern yourself with it blossom
* Molly nods distractedly, biting her lip
< 04Molly > As you wish...
* Molly walks along a little while, not speaking, watching the people as they go about their business
< 04Molly > Are there many merchants shops in Freiburg?
< 08@Morgan > any number of them
< 04Molly > Did you visit Freiburg often when you were younger?
< 08@Morgan > a few times... I stayed around the sudlache for the most part
* Molly smiles softly
< 04Molly > What is it like?
< 08@Morgan > the sudlache?
< 04Molly > Yes, and Sudlachenburg itself...
< 08@Morgan > Sudlachenburg is... picturesque I think you'd call it
< 08@Morgan > the sudlache is wet
* Molly laughs
< 04Molly > Did you learn to swim there?
* @Morgan shudders
< 08@Morgan > no... no, you dont swim in the sudlache
* Molly looks puzzled
< 04Molly > How very strange
< 08@Morgan > not particularly
< 08@Morgan > did I tell you of the schattenmann?
* Molly shudders
< 04Molly > yes
< 08@Morgan > you think forests are the only place where the dark elements of the world lurk?
< 04Molly > It does however seem more prevalent in Eisen than elsewhere...
* @Morgan smiles
< 08@Morgan > I'm not so sure... stories of black dogs and headless horsemen are abound all over Theah
* Molly laughs softly
< 04Molly > I have obviously led a very sheltered and naive life
< 08@Morgan > and of course the Sidhe are mostly isolated in their appearances to Avalon
* @Morgan smiles
< 04Molly > Very true
< 08@Morgan > perhaps not... I doubt even the likes of the colonel would know of the schattenmann... its a fairly localised to sudlachenburg
< 04Molly > Perhaps he would not. Hopefully you will have no further encounters with the schattenmann!
< 08@Morgan > I would hope not
* Molly has a look of sadness, which she quick covers
< 04Molly > And hopefully no further encounters with anything of a supernatural persuasion
* @Morgan smiles
< 08@Morgan > that would be nice, but...
* Molly smiles back
< 04Molly > It is possible... almost every hope is
< 08@Morgan > oh I'm sure its possible but unlikely
< 04Molly > I hope that nothing occurs in your absense
< 08@Morgan > I shouldn't think it would... the beasts seem to like me rather than the estate
< 04Molly > I am not so sure
< 04Molly > ~having walked for a while, the bridge remains obscured by one corner~
< 08@Morgan > not far now blossom
< 04Molly > I am not troubled by the distance, I am pleased for the extra time in your company
* Molly blushes, looking away
< 08@Morgan > as am I
Session Time: Wed Feb 18 00:00:00 2009
< 04Molly > Will we come back to Freiburg if we find opportunity for the Eisen tour, do you think?
* Molly smiles shyly
< 08@Morgan > if you would likle
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I am unsure that we shall find time and opportunity for the tour, but yes, if we can, I would like to
< 08@Morgan > then upon my return, i shall be at your disposal
* Molly smiles playfully
< 04Molly > I would not make such a promise, dear heart!
* @Morgan blushes
* Molly looks at the redness of his cheeks, and appears puzzled
< 04Molly > I am unsure as to how I might have caused you discomfort...
* @Morgan clears his throat
< 08@Morgan > a misunderstanding, no doubt
* Molly shakes her head with a sigh
< 04Molly > Sometimes, dear one, you confuse me intensely
< 08@Morgan > I have that effect on some
< 04Molly > I wonder that sometimes your imagination is more expansive than mine own!
* Molly laughs softly
* @Morgan laughs
< 08@Morgan > probably
< 04Molly > Perhaps that is due to my lack of experience...
< 08@Morgan > perhaps... or my own over active imagination
< 04Molly > It is a shame that you are not writing a book, for I suspect what your imagination contains would be very interesting reading! Ooooh!
* Molly looks surprised as the bridge come in to view
* @Morgan looks up and smiles
< 08@Morgan > as you've no doubt surmised... the bone bridge
< 04Molly > That is breath-taking... It is almost as if you might turn around and see the drachen's walking through Freiburg's streets
* @Morgan nods
* Molly walks towards it, the large white bones seeming to shine in the midday sun
< 08@Morgan > impressive, no?
< 04Molly > Most definately... impressive, beautiful, sad...
< 08@Morgan > sad?
* Molly nods, feeling a little awkward
< 08@Morgan > whyso?
< 04Molly > That they are no longer their former selves, best known in the world not for what they once where, but for the landmarks their corpses have become... do you understand?
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > the entire country of Eisen is built upon these creatures...our armour was once made entirely of their fossils... now only the eisenfursts control the mines
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I find that sad... but then perhaps I am too sentimental.
* Molly suddenly blushes at her thoughts, and fiddles with the shoulder of her dress
< 08@Morgan > no... I think not
* Molly speaks quietly
< 04Molly > We shall see... *normal volume* Do you know how old the bridge is?
< 08@Morgan > not off the top of my head, no
* Molly goes to the beginning of the bridge, reaching out, touching one of the bones, feeling the smooth, weather-worn surface under her hand
< 04Molly > I would imagine it was very long ago
< 08@Morgan > oh absolutely
* Molly slowly walks up the bridge, hand trailing along the bones
< 04Molly > I would never have imagined such a thing to exist
* @Morgan smiles
< 04Molly > Isn't it odd, that as I discover the world, I have been so fortunate to have such a good friend with me. Though you have seen it all before, you do not mock or belittle my childish enthusiasm...
* Molly smiles at him
< 08@Morgan > between you and I.... though i've seen it before... I'm still in awe of it
* Molly looks at him intently
< 04Molly > It is hard to imagine you in awe of nything, dear one
< 08@Morgan > my cynicism overrides all else?
* Molly shakes her head, brow furrowing
< 04Molly > no, because you are always poised, full of confidence... perhaps a little jaded
< 08@Morgan > mostly an act, I'm afraid
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Perhaps because I think of you so highly, I find it hard to think there would be anything to impress you
< 08@Morgan > much impresses me... awes me... humbles me
* Molly looks intrigued
< 04Molly > I confess my curiosity there
* @Morgan laughs
< 08@Morgan > these creatures that roamed the lands in the beginning of time... ruled the lands here, were intelligent and benevolent... and were of such a size that we can build places of worship within their ribcage
< 04Molly > It is truly magnificant... where do they live now?
* @Morgan sighs
< 08@Morgan > their descendants live in the wilder parts of Eisen... there's rumour that one or two live in the schwartzen walden... though as I understand it, most live in the forests to the east... the drachenwalden
< 08@Morgan > sadly they're shadows of their former selves... nowt but huge creatures with little intelligence
< 04Molly > Are they dangerous?
< 08@Morgan > only on account of their size and stupidity... they have a gentle temperament, though definitely that of a wild animal
* Molly smiles softly
< 04Molly > Have you ever seen one?
< 08@Morgan > once, years ago... I was on the edge of the drachenwalden in the pouring rain trying to convince my CO that the rifles would be useless in the weather... I saw one moving behind the treeline
* Molly 's eyes go wide
< 04Molly > Goodness! It must have been tempting to seek a further look
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > Did you persuade him in the end?
< 08@Morgan > my CO?
< 04Molly > yes
< 08@Morgan > I did... I levelled my rifle at his head and pulled the trigger
* Molly laughs
< 04Molly > I can not imagine he was impressed
< 08@Morgan > relieved and then angry would be the best description
< 04Molly > Were you punished?
< 08@Morgan > oh yes
* Molly goes very quiet, and turns away to look out over the river
* Molly looks totally lost in thought, her cheeks red, and breathing slightly faster
* @Morgan sighs slightly
< 08@Morgan > but then, it was worth it
< 04Molly > Hmmm? *she turns back to face him* Sorry, I was a million miles away
< 08@Morgan > thinking?
* Molly looks at the floor guiltily
< 04Molly > Aye
< 08@Morgan > of?
< 04Molly > I... ummm.... I think it would be very inappropriate of me to say
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I will not pursue it then
< 04Molly > Thank you, my shame is discouragment enough...
* Molly continues to walk along the bridge
< 04Molly > Shall we continue to the coffee shop?
* @Morgan follows on, running his fingertips over the bone
< 08@Morgan > indeed, lets
* Molly watches him, and moves to walk beside him
< 04Molly > ~As they leave the bridge a man comes from the other direction. He is short, wiry, and nearly bald. He carries several large packages. He is obviously a merchant of some sort, and Morgan would recognise him as Janus, a silk merchant from Fischler
* @Morgan coughs slightly
< 04Molly > ~He looks up, at the same moment that Molly looks at Morgan. He seems to study Morgan for a moment before realisation dawns upon him. He comes over, and bows
< 04Molly > (eisen = &) &Veisgraf Koertig, good afternoon&
< 08@Morgan > &Good day Janus... I did not expect to see you here&
< 04Molly > &Nor I you, my Lord. I believed you were travelling Theah&
* @Morgan nods briefly
* Molly smiles, as if trying to ascertain the relationship between the two
< 04Molly > &I was in Sudlachenburg but two weeks past, though I had not heard of your return&
< 08@Morgan > &No... I docked here only this morning... how is life in Sudlachenburg?&
< 04Molly > ~he smiles, shifting the weight to the other side &Quite peaceful, for it escaped a great deal of the troubles, and the time in between has done wonders to heal the ills of the land. It is more beautiful than ever&
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > &I am glad to hear it&
< 04Molly > ~he looks at Molly a moment, who simply smiles, which to the untrained eye would look completely normal, yet Morgan would recognise the hint of wariness in her eyes
< 04Molly > &Good day, my lady&
* Molly curtseys
< 04Molly > &Well met sir&
< 04Molly > ~he turns his attentions back to Morgan &the villagers will be pleased to see you&
< 08@Morgan > &I shall be some few days from there yet... I would wish my return to be a surprise for my mother... can I assume you will not ruin that surprise for her?&
< 04Molly > ~he nods &of course. Lady Koertig is a most wonderful woman, and customer indeed, and will be overjoyed at your return.& ~he smiles breifly at Molly before looking back ~ &I have business that takes me to Gottkirchen.&
* @Morgan nods
* Molly drops her eyes, and her body language becomes submissive
< 08@Morgan > &Do not let me keep you Janus&
< 04Molly > ~he bows to them both~ &safe journey, and perhaps I shall see you ((as its eisen, it's Sie, rather than Du, which is the plural form)) there.
< 08@Morgan > &Perhaps... safe journey&
< 04Molly > ~he nods, and passes them
* Molly begins to walk slowly in their intended direction
< 04Molly > He seemed nice
* @Morgan begins walking
< 08@Morgan > aye
< 04Molly > Does he live in Sudlachenburg?
< 08@Morgan > in the village itself when i left
* Molly nods, biting her lip
< 04Molly > What are the chances of such an encounter in a city as large as this!
< 08@Morgan > it seems to be just my luck
< 04Molly > Do you trust him not to tell you parents of having bumped in to you here?
< 08@Morgan > not particularly... he's a good man but... awfully unable to keep his tongue from wagging
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I see
< 04Molly > That could be... awkward
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > I should imagine your mother might be hurt
< 08@Morgan > possibly... I shall talk with her about it if she gets wind before I arrive
< 04Molly > It would be far better if you could just arrive without her knowing you had been in Freiburg a little time
< 08@Morgan > that it would, but there may be little help for that
< 04Molly > Perhaps he truly will go about his business... though perhaps you might wish to leave earlier to be safe?
* Molly smiles sadly
< 08@Morgan > I shall give it some thought
< 08@Morgan > chances are I could get there before him anyway
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > Is he prone to gossip?
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > he gossips more than you
* Molly looks mock-offended
< 04Molly > How could you say such a thing?1
< 08@Morgan > it took some doing, I must confess...
< 04Molly > I am offended that you think it possible that I no longer gossip more han any other!
* Molly laughs
< 08@Morgan >  04*Laughs* 
< 04Molly > Although if my gossiping has reduced, you must take some of the blame...
< 08@Morgan > oh must I?
* Molly nudges him gently, playfully
< 04Molly > Yes, for until I had others secrets worth keeping, I could gossip all day long!
* @Morgan laughs
< 04Molly > So you see, dear heart, you have hindered my greatest asset!
< 08@Morgan > quite so... can you ever forgive me?
* Molly pouts slightly
< 04Molly > I think that depends on the penitance you were willing to undrtake
< 08@Morgan > hmmm... a tough question
< 04Molly > Is it?
* @Morgan points
< 08@Morgan > the cafe
* Molly looks puzzled
< 04Molly > I see
< 04Molly > Would you like to go in?
< 08@Morgan > oh definitely... I have yearned for proper coffee for quite a time
* Molly nods with a smile
< 04Molly > It sounds lovely
* Molly walks towards it
* @Morgan dashes ahead and opens the door
< 04Molly > ~the cafe is pretty, white with black details, and lots of pots of flowers, a sterotypical eisen country style building. Inside it is low lit with candles suplementing the natural light from the windows~
* Molly goes in, and takes off her cloak
< 04Molly > Where would you like to sit?
< 08@Morgan > lady's choice
* Molly looks around, and picks a little table by a side window. She smiles at him
< 04Molly > I think this will do us well
* @Morgan nods and holds out a chair
* Molly sits carefully. She puts her bag down on the floor beside her.
< 04Molly > Have you been here many times?
< 08@Morgan > a few... it has the reputation of being the finest in terms of flavour in Eisen
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > Is it the best coffee you've ever had?
< 08@Morgan > I rather think it is, yes
< 04Molly > ~a serving boy comes over, and bows~
< 08@Morgan > &Two coffee's, cream in both please&
< 04Molly > &of course, my lord& he turns and goes to the counter
< 04Molly > I confess, I am a little worried regarding the trouble you might now face based on out encounter with Mr Janus
* @Morgan shrugs
< 08@Morgan > if it happens it happens... though one man on horseback can travel faster than a wagon with goods
* Molly smiles softly
< 04Molly > And you are my employee after all
< 08@Morgan > indeed I am
< 04Molly > ~the coffee is brought over, steaming hot, and the cups placed before them. The bo leaves. This corner of the coffee shop is quiet, almost empty~
* @Morgan takes up his cup
* Molly wraps her hands around hers, enjoying the warmth after the chill of outside. She watches him closely