* Molly comes out into the courtyard, a pale yellow dress floating around her as she moves. She shields her blue eyes from the warm morning sun, looking for someone. She goes to sit on the pillar, and takes out a book. She speaks softly, not expecting to be overheard. Oh how many morns did I wait like this!'. She smiles, and her eyes go back to her book. From a distance, she does appear to be reading.
* @Morgan stands in the flat courtyard by the ice house, sword swirling in the air as he spins and parries nothing
* Molly looks up suddenly spotting him. She watches him a little while, her face a picture of admiration. She doesnt realise the book she holds is upside down
* Molly looks around, shaking her head, glad to see her watching is unobserved. She walks up on to the courtyard, though keeps a good distance so not to be injured
< 04Molly > Good Morning
* @Morgan swings the sword round, spinning on the ball of one foot and dropping to his knees, bringing the sword out level beside him
* @Morgan looks at Molly, breathing hard
< 08@Morgan > good morning blossom
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > I am afraid I come to ask for a favour...
< 08@Morgan > so many do... what is it you require?
< 04Molly > I... ummm... wondered if you might consent to allow me to borrow one of the horses for a few hours... Lady Catherine has permitted such before, but I would not take wihout asking
* @Morgan nods
* Molly grins
< 08@Morgan > you plan to go riding?
< 04Molly > It has been many many moons since I last rode, and the need to be out in the open, to gather some speed is.... is near overwhelming
< 08@Morgan > then please, do as you will
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > I doubt it would take very long
< 08@Morgan > there's no hurry... there is no need for the horse just yet
* Molly starts to look a little sheepish, and fidgets
< 04Molly > I.... ummmm.... I wondered, I understand if you cannot, but.... I....
* Molly blushes, looking at the floor
* @Morgan watches patiently
* Molly keeps her eyes on the floor, voice quiet
< 04Molly > I am sorry, you are probably far too busy... I should not have asked...
< 08@Morgan > Molly, sooner or later you're going to have to learn to stop being quite so scared of me
* Molly flicks her eyes up, meeting his a moment
< 04Molly > If I was not quite so desperate for your company, I might not struggle so much to ask
< 08@Morgan > you need not struggle... there is very ikttle chance I would turn your request down
* Molly bites her lip, trying to contain a grin
< 04Molly > Then you would wish to come along?
< 08@Morgan > you'll give me a moment to stow by sword, I trust? I'm not overly keen on slapping Xantha's rump with it
* Molly 's eyes light up
< 04Molly > I shall meet you at the stable in ten minutes?
* @Morgan nods
* Molly nods excitedly, gathering her skirt, and disapears quickly down the stairs and into the house
* @Morgan stands, face pressed against that of a horse, talking quietly
* Molly walks up quietly, her footsteps slight, but noiceable to his trained ears. She smiles, wathing him with the horse
< 04Molly > Do you mind which horse I pick?
< 08@Morgan > take your pick
* @Morgan glances over, not taking his face away from the horse's
* Molly smiles, wearing trousers for the first time, tucked in to her knee high black boots. To match, she wears a white shirt and brown moleskin waistcoat, which show a reasonable amoun of cleavage. Her hair is loose, curls framing her face. Ove her shoulder, she has a bag.
< 04Molly > As you wish...
< 08@Morgan > Rosie is a predictable sort of mare... she's not the fastest, but she's certainly not going to throw you
* Molly nods, and goes into the stable, saddling Rosie, a beautiful brown mare with black hair and a white blaze on her forehead which match her feet. A minute passes as Molly saddles her and leads her out.
< 04Molly > I think she will do well.... certainly more docile than the horse I learnt upon!
< 08@Morgan > and I... she's a patient girl
* Molly slips her foot into the stirrup, and easily mounts the horse, obviously well practised
< 04Molly > I thought perhaps we might ride to the hill behind the village, if it pleases you?
< 08@Morgan > as you wish
* @Morgan pats the big horses head and climbs up into the saddle
* Molly waits for him patiently before having Rosie walk on... she keeps fairly quiet until they are past the schoolhouse
< 04Molly > I think it was the summer of my 9th birthday that I learnt to ride...
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > on the farm?
< 04Molly > Aye... my father had a horse called Santana, who my brothers called Satan... he was huge, easily 17 hands, and the darkest black I have ever seen....
* Molly 's brow furrows
< 08@Morgan > something wrong?
< 04Molly > They thought it would be funny to set me up on him, knowing I would be unable to get down... oh, they must have been *she pauses, adding* 21 and 17 I suppose....
* Molly shakes her head with a smile
< 08@Morgan > unless the horse was very predictable, it was a thoroughly stupid thing to do
< 04Molly > Oh most definately... I was up there 3 hours before I finally puzzled him out... he was a strange horse, many thought him a wild brute... eventually, I found that a kind and gentle tone, and he was as soft as a puppy...
< 08@Morgan > animals are often amienable to a soft tone
< 04Molly > I took him through the village to where my father was selling corn... and I rode him back. Santana and I were insepperable for 6 years until his passing, though he would have no other ride him. When I spoke to my father of how it had come about, both my brothers were whipped
* @Morgan nods grimly
< 08@Morgan > good
< 04Molly > I did try to stop him, as I recall. I knelt at my mothers side, and wept on her lap as he punished them....
* Molly shrugs
< 04Molly > perhaps I am indeed too soft-hearted
< 08@Morgan > perhaps... though I rather like that about you... tis one of the things that draws me to you
* Molly blushes, looking at the trees as hey pass underr them
< 04Molly > thank you, dear heart
< 04Molly > So, how did you learn to ride?
< 08@Morgan > my father taught me...
* Molly watches him ride
< 04Molly > I should imagine you took to it very easily
< 08@Morgan > good god no... I was out of my saddle with disturbing frequency
* Molly laughs softly
< 04Molly > I can not imagine that somehow
< 08@Morgan > for the most part... for a long time, horses and I did not get along
* Molly pats the neck of the mare
< 04Molly > I think I have always had an affinity with them
< 08@Morgan > that doesn't surprise me in the least
< 04Molly > no?
< 08@Morgan > you're that sort of person, Molly
* Molly smiles softly
< 04Molly > That I try to be liked by everyone, and everything?
< 08@Morgan > no, that you have affinity for big dumb animals
* @Morgan strokes his horses neck
* Molly laughs, and assumes a look of mock offense
< 04Molly > really, and what makes ou think so?
< 08@Morgan > _we_ get along
< 04Molly > You are hardly dumb, dear heart
* @Morgan shrugs
* Molly laughs again, and spots a low fence at the end of the path. Her eyes sparkle as she looks at him, and the back to the fence.
< 04Molly > Now _that_ looks like fun....
< 08@Morgan > you'll be lucky with her...
* Molly grins cheekily, and blows him a kiss, before gently kicking the horses flank, immediately galloping towards it. Rosie clears it quickly and gracefully, upon which Molly turns her around, and sops, waiting for Morgan to catch up
* @Morgan walks down slowly
< 08@Morgan > I'd run, but Xantha doesn't quite understand the theory of jumping fences
< 04Molly > I have never ridden a horse I could not get to jump.... perhaps my positive experiences lead to over-confidence?
* Molly smiles, eyes thoughtful
< 08@Morgan > possibly
* Molly looks at the next part of the path, which therre is a huge oak towards the end of. the path is flat, safe. She looks back to Morgan
< 04Molly > You will not jump, but will you race, dear heart?
< 08@Morgan > oh its not I that would not jump
* Molly grins
< 04Molly > Another horse, and another day, perhaps?
< 08@Morgan > quite possibly
< 04Molly > You see hat Oak down there? *she points*
< 08@Morgan > I do
* Molly smiles playfully
< 04Molly > If I get there first, I shall pick my prize.... and if you do, you might pick yours
< 08@Morgan > as you wish
* @Morgan leans forward and whispers into the horse's ear
* Molly giggles, obviously in high spirits... riding becomes her, and her cheeks are flushed, her eyes sparkle. She fidgets slightly, and then raises an eyebrow at Morgan
< 04Molly > Ready?
* @Morgan grins and thunders off along the path
* Molly laughs loudly, kicking Roise to a fast gallop, catching up quite quickly
* Molly catches him up at the half way point, a tight run race
* @Morgan rides with one hand on the reins, the other at his waist
< 04Molly > ~as they almost get to the tree, she subtly begins to drop pace, tiny bit by tiny bit to let him win
* @Morgan grinds to a half some thirty feet short of the tree, horse turning sideways in a spray of mud
* Molly begins to laugh hard
< 04Molly > Now _that_ really is sneaky!
< 08@Morgan > who knows the minds of these animals...
* Molly continues to laugh
< 04Molly > Ah but in that case, I can not hold you to a fault of your mount, and needs must declare you the winnder by default!
* Molly 's eyes sparkle with mischief
< 08@Morgan > oh no, quite clearly your horse was much faster
< 08@Morgan > despite your best efforts...
* Molly blushes
< 04Molly > I am afraid perhaps my plan has been foiled!
* Molly smiles
< 08@Morgan > such is the way of plans lain in mischief
< 04Molly > You realise, were I to cross the line first, my prize could be to know of you what prie you would have chosen!
* Molly lets Rosie slowlymove forward
< 08@Morgan > a pointless question I'm afraid... tehre is no point in having a prize in mind unless you are confident of victory
* Molly laughs
< 04Molly > So it would have been your intention to lose all along?
< 08@Morgan > oh not at all... but I'm familiar with Xantha's idea of propriety...
* Molly grins
< 04Molly > Are you certain this propriety would withstand whatever prize I enact? For truly, I would not wish to see you dehorsed!
< 08@Morgan > he rarely throws me... anymore
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > Then I fear one of us must conceed
* Molly trots off past the tree, and waits for him
< 08@Morgan > *without Morgan giving the horse any sort of prod, the big horse starts walking and stops just past the tree*
* Molly smiles gently, her eyes become serious. She pulls her horse up beside his
< 04Molly > You would know of me my chosen prize?
< 08@Morgan > Indeed I would
* Molly nods. Her eyes and voice ar both lowered, serious. The light coming through the leavs on o the path brightens and darkens in turn.
< 04Molly > I owe something to you which I have not given. Therefore, as my prize, I seek that you ask your question of me once more...
* @Morgan sighs slightly, looking nervous
* Molly hears his sigh, though doesnt see his look. A flash of fear and pain passes across her expression
< 08@Morgan > I would wish to have you as my mistress... is that... would you...
* Molly smiles with relief at his words. She looks up, though does not quite meet his eyes. For a moment, only the breathing of the horses, and the birds in the trees can be heard
* Molly 's voice trembles slightly as she speaks
< 04Molly > yes... yes, dear heart, a thousand times yes!
* Molly smiles broadly
* @Morgan flushes
< 08@Morgan > I'm glad, truly
* Molly leans over, placing her hand on his
< 04Molly > It reassures you to hear me speak the word?
< 08@Morgan > more than I can express
* Molly nods, and gently lifts his hand to her lips, where she kisses it softly
< 04Molly > You need not fear my feelings upon the matter
* @Morgan nods
* Molly returns his hand to its original place
< 04Molly > We ought to continue, I believe *she eases Rosie into a comfortable tro along the path*
* @Morgan nods, his horse moving to a canter without any apparent prompting
* Molly smiles, watching the path ahead
< 04Molly > I assume you thought my chosen prize would be something different...
< 08@Morgan > I did, rather
* Molly looks at him from the corner of her eyes, biting her lip with a smile
< 04Molly > I am curious to know what you thought I would ask for...
< 08@Morgan > I expected a kiss, if I'm honest
* Molly can't help but smile playfully
< 04Molly > Are you disapointed, dear heart?
< 08@Morgan > no... not in the slightest
* Molly 's eyes go wide
< 04Molly > oh... oh, I see
* Molly looks away, watching the path ahead
< 08@Morgan > when you compare the momentary pleasure of a kiss compared to the... happiness your answer has given me.... I would much rather have had things the way they went
* Molly laughs softly at her misunderstanding
< 04Molly > that makes a great deal of sense.... now, had we jointly won the race, we could have chosen a prize _each_...
< 08@Morgan > ahh... a possibility I had no thought of
* Molly grins
< 04Molly > A true shame, dear heart!
< 08@Morgan > these things are sent to try us
< 04Molly > ~the path starts to steepen as they progress up the hill~
* Molly smiles gently
< 04Molly > But now you have my answer, you now have as long as you wish to remedy that issue
< 08@Morgan > quite... and, with any luck, repeatedl
* Molly , having used up her bravado, now blushes hard
< 04Molly > I do dearly hope so...
* @Morgan slaps the rump of his roan
< 08@Morgan > stop that
< 04Molly > ~they reach the top of the hill, from which lower tawstock can be seen below. To the east, the town can be seen, and in the distance, the ocean. across the valley upon the hill sits the house of lady catherine, magnificent~
* Molly dismounts gracefully, and ties Rosie's reins to a fence post. She stretches slightly, and runs her hands through her hair
* @Morgan slides out of his saddle
< 08@Morgan > stay there Xantha...
* Molly takes the bag out of the saddle pack, and finds a flattish part of the hill with a good view. She rests the bag on the floor, and pulls out a thick blanket, spreading it on the grass
< 04Molly > Much as I love the house, I confess I am glad to be away, even if just for an hour or two
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I'm just glad to be away from... the guests
* Molly sits down on the blanket, looking up at him
< 04Molly > I ummmm shall be away for a week or so, from friday...
< 08@Morgan > oh?
* Molly shields her eyes
< 04Molly > Please, will you sit with me? Lady Siobahn hass asked Evie and I to go with her to Carleon for a week
* @Morgan sits down
< 08@Morgan > has she indeed
* Molly looks slightly puzzled
< 04Molly > Evie was to be leaving for Innismore anyway, so I would not have believed you would have objected to her absense
< 08@Morgan > most likely not, but that choice has been taken from me, hasn't it
< 04Molly > I have not told her of her invite, and nor has Lady Siobahn... therefore it is still within your power to insist she can not go
< 08@Morgan > she would be going regardless
< 04Molly > Aye, it would be impossible to get a ship from Tawstock to Innismore... far better to set out from Carleon
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > I ummmmm actually thought your objection might be more on my absence....
* Molly fiddles with the bag
< 08@Morgan > I do not control you Molly... where you choose to go is your decision... though know it will pain me beyond measure to be parted from you so soon after my return
* Molly sighs softly, eyes belying her own pain
< 04Molly > Truly, I go of necessity.. I would far rather be... here
* @Morgan nods
* Molly slowly unpacks all manner of foods and drinks from the bag, and lays them out on the blanket
< 04Molly > I wish dearly that I did not need to go, but I must speak with my solicitor, and also retrieve the logs of... the ship, from the harbourmaster, before another does so
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I understand
* Molly looks to him
< 04Molly > But you are unhappy, *she pauses ever to slightly* dear heart
< 08@Morgan > indeed I am
* Molly looks pained
< 04Molly > and for that, I am greatly sorry. I no more wish to be away from you than you from me... but....
< 08@Morgan > needs must
< 08@Morgan > before someone of Eisen persuasion gets their hands on the logs
* Molly offers him a sandwich
< 04Molly > Most definatly... Also, Lady Catherine is in her house in Carleon....
* @Morgan takes the sandwich
< 08@Morgan > aye, she does
< 04Molly > And correspondance travels much faster by ship than land... especially if then taken to the correct address by one who has a vested interest in its arrival
* Molly smiles innocently
< 08@Morgan > quite true... I wonder if perhaps you would carry a letter or two to Lady Torrington...
* Molly grins
< 04Molly > I had hoped it was still your wish
< 08@Morgan > someone needs to spoke that mans wheel
< 04Molly > I shall take them the moment we dock.... and with luck, return with a positive reply
* Molly smiles softly, taking up a sandwich
< 08@Morgan > we can hope
* Molly 's eyes become thoughtful, and she does not speak for a moment
< 04Molly > I... I wondered if perhaps you brought my book back with you?
< 08@Morgan > I did... it is in my room
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > I am glad... I would no wish for it to fall in to the wrong hands
< 08@Morgan > quite
< 04Molly > having considered it in your absence, I wonder that perhaps I ought not to have had you read it...
* Molly blushes, looking at the house
< 08@Morgan > oh?
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I think it might have been a little... inappropriate
* @Morgan laughs
< 08@Morgan > you needn't worry
< 04Molly > I still bear concerns that you would think bad things about me, if I am honest
* Molly looks slightly worried
* @Morgan mumbles
< 08@Morgan > I think _very_ bad things about you
* Molly looks puzzled, and slightly hurt
< 04Molly > then I am deeply sorry
* @Morgan grins
< 08@Morgan > you misunderstand me, my girl
* Molly looks up
< 04Molly > I'm not sure I.... Oh! *she goes bright red* bad things _involving_ me, rather than _of_ me....
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > oh yes
* Molly bites her lip, eyes lowered a little
< 04Molly > Due to my writing?
< 08@Morgan > well... that certainly increased said thoughts
* Molly swallows hard
< 04Molly > I hope I did not embarass you with the contents of my imaginattion
< 08@Morgan > no... you didn't
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > oh how dearly would I love to know the contents of yours in regards to me!
* Molly laughs
< 08@Morgan > perhaps in time you will find out
* Molly blushes again
< 04Molly > I think I recall something being said about something you might tell me in regards to my corset upon your return, my dear one
< 08@Morgan > possibly... many things have clouded my mind since and, unfortunately, it escapes me right at the moment
* Molly 's smiles becomes cheeky for a moment, knowing she could possibly jog his memory, but she lets it lie
< 04Molly > How were you received by your parents? Do not tell me if you do not wish to
< 08@Morgan > my mother went into hysterics
* Molly 's eyes go wide and her hand goes to her mouth
< 04Molly > That must have been.... interesting
< 08@Morgan > it was heartfelt to say the least
< 04Molly > I am sorry that my own reaction was far less demonstrative
< 08@Morgan > its probably for the best
< 08@Morgan > besides, assuming Lady Torrington consents, we can make up for that in our own time
* Molly grins
< 04Molly > I warn you dear heart, I may hold you to that
< 08@Morgan > I should hope so
< 04Molly > In truth, I would hav drawn far too much attention... and in all honesty, after Captain Tsaylurs reation to your absence, it did no seem wise
< 08@Morgan > oh?
* Molly sighs softly, and there is an air of defeat in it
< 04Molly > She was on the verge of tears.... I asked if she loved you, and she denied it... but...
* Molly looks dwn at her hands
* @Morgan sniffs
< 08@Morgan > it makes no odds
* Molly looks surprised
< 04Molly > It does not?
< 08@Morgan > of course not
< 04Molly > I... I just.... Thought maybe.... well...
< 08@Morgan > speak plainly Molly
* Molly looks down, speaking quietly
< 04Molly > I thought perhaps if you knew how she felt for you, it would reignite your infatuation for her
< 08@Morgan > regardless, what I feel for you, as I've expressed before, goes beyond infatuation
< 04Molly > But she is far more beautiful, far smarter, far more... experienced, than I
< 08@Morgan > I'll argue two of those points
< 04Molly > Still, I should have menioned it earlier...
< 08@Morgan > it still makes no difference
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I am pleased, I must confess
< 08@Morgan > good
< 04Molly > In the same way I should imagine you would be pleased to know I did not break the promise I gave you upon the Rose
< 08@Morgan > I'm glad to hear that
* Molly looks at him, eyes intense
< 04Molly > Surely you did not doubt me for a moment?
< 08@Morgan > no, I did not
< 08@Morgan > but hearing it sets my heart at ease, nonetheless
* Molly puts her hand on top of his
< 04Molly > I am very glad I did not promise that I would not spend all my time missing you greatly...
* @Morgan smiles
< 04Molly > So, dear one, was it strange to return to your parents house?
< 08@Morgan > very... in some ways nothing there has changed
< 04Molly > does the land fare well? are things running there as you would wish?
< 08@Morgan > more or less... the villagers are happy at least
< 04Molly > Were they surprised to see you?
* Molly squeezes his hand gently, reassuringly
< 08@Morgan > very... I just wish I'd had Xantha to ride in on
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Not a white steed?
* Molly 's eyes suddenly darken as something comes to her
< 08@Morgan > no... Xantha is the horse I rode in the war... I brought him with me from Eisen
< 04Molly > 'hides the dirt better...' *she shakes her head* Sorry...
< 08@Morgan > hmm?
* Molly takes a deep breath
< 04Molly > There is something I must tell you, of some importance... about somthing the Colonel said to me
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > It was friday evening, before your return... only a few hours after my rather public argument with Evie
* Molly blushes at the memory
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I heard of that
< 04Molly > I spoke a while with the Colonel, and the matter of his past came up. He spoke to me of having loved a common woman during the war... How he rode in to the village on a brown horse, which hides the mud better....
* Molly looks over at the house
< 08@Morgan > how practical...
* Molly smiles briefly
< 04Molly > I think that may have been my exact words... Anyway, he was vaticine, and on orders from his CO.... she was objetionist. aafter what I can conclude was a brief affair, he offered her conversion, which she refused... *Molly looks to the grass, tears in her eyes*
< 04Molly > and so... *herr voice wavers* he followed his orders...
< 08@Morgan > typically vaticine orders?
* Molly simply nods, not able to continue
< 08@Morgan > I see
< 04Molly > I...I thought it would be better to hear such from me
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > I think he regrets such a thing now... however, it does not encourage me to risk him developing further affections for me
< 08@Morgan > regret does not change the monstrosities we commit... and his affections for you will be very swiftly averted if he has any sense
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > until his... attitude after the Rose sank, I was fairly convinced that he felt quite strongly for me, for he had gone as far as saying that he seeks out my attenions....
< 08@Morgan > aye... his attitude was... suspicious
* Molly looks up at him
< 04Molly > you suspect him in the loss of the ship?
* @Morgan shrugs
< 08@Morgan > perhaps
< 08@Morgan > his unscrupulous presentation of his extortionate bill doesn't exactly lend itself to portraying him as a man of conscience, does it
* Molly again looks back to the house
< 04Molly > That he did not offer to destroy the invoice upon the discovery of the ships loss, to my mind, is very ungentlemanly conduct
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > But then perhaps I judge all gentlemen against too high a yardstick
< 08@Morgan > he brings shame on the men of Eisen
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I find my fondness for Eisen men rapidly dwindling
< 08@Morgan > somehow I am not surprised
< 04Molly > Though you will find, that does no apply in your case
* Molly smiles
< 08@Morgan > I'm glad to hear that
< 04Molly > Die Liebe wächst mit der Entfernung.
< 08@Morgan > you've been practicing
* Molly laughs, slightly embarassed
< 04Molly > I thought oft of the things I might say to you, had you not been away
< 04Molly > I think I shall make the Colonel an offer of settlement upon his invoice
* Molly looks at him, almost as if for approval
< 08@Morgan > I think you should demand payment for the rose
< 08@Morgan > but it is your choice
* Molly looks solemn
< 04Molly > It would not work, he is far too powerful an adversary for me
* Molly sighs
< 08@Morgan > for you, perhaps
< 04Molly > I seem to attract dangerous and powerful men
< 08@Morgan > it seems so
< 04Molly > I wonder that it is part and parel of the bad luck that plagues me
* Molly eats another sandwich
< 08@Morgan > or just terrible taste on your part
< 04Molly > I truly doubt it, for I have not sought out such attentions... well.... not really
* Molly blushes
* @Morgan smiles
< 04Molly > I suppose it could be argued that I sought out the attentions of one dangerous and powrful man....
< 08@Morgan > quite possibly
< 04Molly > I think it would be far easier to give him what I can, and fade in to the background somewhat... I have not ruled out the possibility that the Rose being sunk was not aimed to damage me
< 08@Morgan > I more think it was aimed at Jaeger... he'd made many enemies
* Molly chews her lower lip
< 04Molly > I hope that to be the case... however, I confess I am a little afraid
< 08@Morgan > Molly, my dear sweet girl... should anyone so much as raise their voice to you, let alone a hand, then I will visit upon them all the fury that is oft barely contained in me
* Molly looks at him, eyes soft
< 04Molly > Morgan, I... I am incredibly grateful for your protection
* Molly sighs
< 04Molly > I am afraid I have more news to displease you
< 08@Morgan > back five minutes and everything returns to normal
* @Morgan smiles wryly
< 04Molly > I shall need to go to Tawstock, tomorrow... and will possibly not return until wendsday evening
< 08@Morgan > because?
< 04Molly > I need to see how the investigation goes... I need to contact those I sent immediately to collect what could be salvaged, before.... anyone else did so... I must see my family.... I need to say goodbye to my cottage
* Molly offers him a jam tart
< 08@Morgan > that is your need and your wish... I would not stand in the way of that
< 08@Morgan > no, thank you
< 04Molly > But it means yet another few days w must be apart
< 08@Morgan > needs must
< 04Molly > I hope that the investigation is conducted quickly. After Carleon, I shall return, and will be here far more... though I will be in the village a great deal
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > I shall write to Freiburg for my documents... I truly do not think I would cope with another prolonged absence
* Molly blushes
< 08@Morgan > you would cope because you're a strong woman, Molly...
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > I am not as strong as I am believed to be... my grief at the loss of the Rose... *she shakes her head* I have not even begun to feel that yet, but I feel it, at the edges, and know it will come
< 08@Morgan > and you will endure it with the support of those that... adore you
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Oh I truly doubt that I am adored
* @Morgan looks solemnly
< 08@Morgan > you are
* Molly looks at him very intently, before looking at the floor
< 04Molly > How much a fool am I that I did not claim an additional prize as a forfeit upon your part....
* @Morgan laughs
* Molly pouts, obviously slightly annoyed with herself
< 04Molly > I shall have to remember, for next time
< 08@Morgan > quite so
* Molly sighs, and lies back, looking up at the clouds
< 04Molly > you see, yet again my bad luck prevails *she grins*
< 08@Morgan > bad judgement I'm afraid
< 04Molly > I thought the prize I chose of greater import... but very silly of me not to insist upon a sealing of such a deal... not a mistake I made last time *she smiles, closing her eyes again the warm sunshine*
< 08@Morgan > indeed, as I recall you were quite precocious about the sealing of said deal before
< 04Molly > I was so very afraid that you would not wish to kiss me...
* Molly flushes, but does not open her eyes
< 08@Morgan > not an issue that is ever likely to arise
< 04Molly > Oh I am not so sure... you do not seem quite so eager now
* Molly smiles
< 08@Morgan > I would not risk angering Lady Torrington by behaving... inappropriately in her home
* Molly laughs
< 04Molly > We are not in her home... and in truth, I can not even see it!
< 08@Morgan > thats as maybe, were we seen, word would reach her... this is far too important to risk in such a way blossom
* Molly suddenly becomes solemn
< 04Molly > I understand, dear heart
< 04Molly > But I must tell you how deeply I wish it were not the case.... 12 weeks, 4 days and 18 hours is a very long time...
* Molly smiles
* @Morgan smiles
< 04Molly > Perhaps it is for the best that I am away a little while!
< 08@Morgan > perhaps indeed
* Molly sits up, and begins to repack the bag
< 04Molly > we ought to go back
< 08@Morgan > it will give me time to sort out the mundane items that face me at the moment
< 08@Morgan > aye, most likely
* Molly looks intrigued
* @Morgan grabs an apple out of the bag and, taking a knife from his belt, carefully halves it
< 04Molly > Then I shall wait a little longer, dear heart.... thankfully, I have such a good imagination that hopefully will ease the wait
* Molly stands, finishing the packing
< 08@Morgan > indeed, your imagination is... formidable
< 04Molly > I am afraid that it is perhaps worse than it was, by pondering the very bad things you have thought of me
* Molly grins playfully
* @Morgan laughs and goes to his horse, speaking quietly to it in Eisen, feeding it half the apple
* Molly mounts her horse once more. With a smile, she looks to Morgan
< 04Molly > Of course, any races I win from now on will be prizes owed to me at a time when such is allowable!
< 08@Morgan > as you wish...
* @Morgan feeds the second half of the apple to Rosie before climbing his big horse
* Molly waits til he is mounted properly, and then taps Rosie gently
< 04Molly > I might even need to keep a list!
< 08@Morgan > quite possibly
* Molly kicks Rosie gently once more, and goes galloping down the hill
* @Morgan follows