< 04Molly > a little while after evie's departure, Molly has returned to the cottage. She sits on the grass in the back garden, skirts to her knees, feet bare in the cool grass, day still warm. (mtf) < 04Molly > She leans back, supported by her arms, face tilted to the sky, eyes closed, though the slight darker marks of her tear-run mascara can be seen. She sits quietly, relaxed, though she doesnt feel it. (done) * @Morgan walks through the door into the garden carrying a cup of coffee * Molly doesnt hear the door open, and remains with her eyes closed, sat on the grass * @Morgan wanders over < 08@Morgan > blossom... * Molly smiles before even opening her eyes. She shifts her weight to rest just on one arm, using the free hand to shield her eyes. < 04Molly > Is something the matter, dear one? < 08@Morgan > I'm concerned about you * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > I shall be fine, do not worry yourself < 08@Morgan > Eiblinns leaving has upset you * Molly nods < 04Molly > it has been a.... strange day. I knew eventually she would leave, but this was so sudden < 08@Morgan > she could not stay. Her actions made it impossible for me to allow her to remain < 04Molly > I do not blame you... in truth, I know she was thinking of going anyway, what with Siobahns offer... and Ayden * Molly smiles * @Morgan sighs heavily * Molly looks concerned, and shifts a little so she is turned completely to face him < 04Molly > What troubles you so? < 08@Morgan > I've lost a friend, I think. I'm not entirely sure why, either < 04Molly > Captain Tsaylur? < 08@Morgan > aye * Molly sighs softly < 04Molly > I truly could not be more puzzled by her than I am. Though she swears not to have feelings for you, something in me, in my heart, tells me that she is lying * @Morgan sips his coffee < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > But then I can not understand... *she shakes her head, and looks away* Perhaps you have time to reconcile with her before she leaves? < 08@Morgan > I doubt it... she was quite adamant in her efforts to avoid me < 04Molly > A letter perhaps? < 08@Morgan > no... I think if she is to come to terms with it, it must be on her own * Molly nods, eyes sad < 04Molly > I could not have done what she has... she is far stronger and braver than I... < 08@Morgan > that being? * Molly fiddles with a couple of strands of grass idly, avoiding eye contact < 04Molly > encouraging this... what is between you and I, when I believe her to care for you so greatly... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Still, it is done now... < 08@Morgan > that it is * Molly lowers herself to lie on the grass < 04Molly > It will take me a great deal of time to get the marks out of this dress, but I care not < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > I think I shall leave tomorrow's concerns for tomorrow, and today, concentrate on the things I wish to < 08@Morgan > probably a wise idea < 04Molly > Do you have plans for the rest of the afternoon? < 08@Morgan > I've brought my sword into the kitchen... I need to oil and sharpen it * Molly looks over < 04Molly > Would you like me to come inside? < 08@Morgan > no no, it can wait until later * Molly smiles < 04Molly > You have something you would rather do, dear one? < 08@Morgan > sit here with you * Molly 's cheeks flush < 04Molly > That sounds like a far preferable way to spend the time, I agree * @Morgan sits down on the grass, sipping his coffee * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > What a weekend! < 08@Morgan > quite < 04Molly > I believe the spirit was destroyed whilst... earlier. < 08@Morgan > whilst I was stumbling my way through a proposal? * Molly goes even redder < 04Molly > I fear it was not stumbling on your part, but my being blinded by the misperception I had < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > So that means I must send another letter in the hopes of it arriving with not too much delay < 08@Morgan > another... oh, to your.. friend in carleon? < 04Molly > yes... I doubt I shall hear anything further now... which is good, for I need no more complications < 08@Morgan > hmm... complications, I'm afraid, I may put in your future * Molly sighs softly < 04Molly > Then please, tell me straight, for I can not bear many more surprises... < 08@Morgan > though some things have changed, I would still like to take you to Eisen < 04Molly > I would still wish to go, regardless of everything else, we had initially discussed our tour before things got... complicated * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > things are not complicataed < 04Molly > You do not think so? < 08@Morgan > no, I do no < 04Molly > I have had a great many changes these last few months, and each time it takes a little while before it settles in... < 08@Morgan > that much is true < 04Molly > I believe my mind has only just caught up with the idea of being your mistress, let alone what you spoke of this morning, or whatever change I may now need to adapt to < 08@Morgan > I would not have you overwhelmed by my actions < 04Molly > I would not worry dear one, if you tell me of the latest change, I may be able to adapt to that and skip the step inbetween... * Molly 's eyes briefly look saddened, before she covers it < 08@Morgan > no particular change... though, I'm loathe to speak of it until I have your answer * Molly closes her eyes, voice softer < 04Molly > Then you do not regret what you said at the Gatehouse? < 08@Morgan > not for a second... I regret that it cost me a friendship to realise what I should have known all alon < 04Molly > She may have been the only one to see it so, and much as I was surprised by the logic used, I am grateful to her for that * Molly places her hands one on top of the other just below her bust * @Morgan sips his coffee, wincing slightly * Molly looks quickly to him with tender concern < 04Molly > Are you well, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > fine... a shot always makes me a little uncomfortable... though, my discomfort centres more around the coffee * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > If only you knew how afraid I was when I discovered you had been shot, you might have been a little more careful to avoid it in the future! < 08@Morgan > I hadn't exactly gone in search of having it happen < 04Molly > When will the coffee from Eisen arive? < 08@Morgan > not nearly soon enough * Molly sits up slightly < 04Molly > Shall I make you some tea instead? < 08@Morgan > no, I'll soldier on with this * Molly returns to laying down, her hair fanning out in red waves under her head < 04Molly > As you wish... < 04Molly > It might be easier to bring it back with us... < 08@Morgan > possibly so * Molly closes her eyes, and takes a deep breath < 04Molly > The blessing of having a second opportunity is that is you stumble on your first attempt, you can perfect it for the next effort... * @Morgan sips his coffee < 08@Morgan > meaning? * Molly smiles wryly, eyes still closed < 04Molly > Meaning that if you wished to make your proposal again, because you thought you had stumbled upon the first, you now have opportunity to do so < 08@Morgan > considering how often I had to ask you to be my mistress, I'm starting to think perhaps you string it out on purpose < 04Molly > No, but I find it difficult to conceive that I could be worthy of such, and therefore it takes a little while for it to be completely understood. *she giggles softly* 'tis because I'm soft-minded, you see... < 08@Morgan > perhaps then, rather than repeating it, I should just wait until you understand it completely < 04Molly > Oh I think I understand... < 08@Morgan > ah, then obviously you do not need it repeating * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I offered you a repeat for you seemed disheartened as to the way in which it was first spoke. < 08@Morgan > an answer is all I desire * Molly cant help but grin < 04Molly > I would have thought a _positive_ answer was all you desired, dear one < 08@Morgan > a positive answer is what I would prefer... but an end to this uncertainty is what I need * Molly looks at him, eyes intense < 04Molly > Of course I will, yes, I can think of nothing that would make me happier than to accept your proposal, for you mean the world to me * @Morgan smiles broadly < 08@Morgan > truly am I pleased and relieved to hear you say such * Molly smiles back < 04Molly > You doubted it? < 08@Morgan > constantly < 04Molly > Ah it has only been a few hours < 08@Morgan > it seems like much longer * Molly stretches out her hand, and takes his gently < 04Molly > I needed to be sure that my fears were trivial and unfounded < 08@Morgan > fears, liebling? * Molly smiles at the term < 04Molly > That perhaps the logic was flawed, or that you would suddenly realise it was the wrong step. And then I spoke to Evie, though she did not perceive my problem, she told me I must not be afraid, and must follow my heart, and not run the risk of one day looking back with regret. < 08@Morgan > it was a step I should have taken in the first place... but I was not ready < 04Molly > As I have spoken, I have no complaints at being your mistress at all, and I think had you wavered even slightly in your argument for marriage, I may have felt it wiser to continue as we were * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > So, my love, now that you have my answer, what did you wish to say? < 08@Morgan > I was giving thought to the fact that I must speak with your father * Molly 's brow creases < 04Molly > Yes, I am afraid so... I doubt that will go down well * @Morgan sniffs < 08@Morgan > I doubt that is my problem < 04Molly > I merely hope that he does not prevent me seeing my mother * Molly squeezes his hand gently < 08@Morgan > I do not see that being an issue < 04Molly > He can be very determined < 08@Morgan > your fathers issues with men of foreign birth should be somewhat placated in my case < 04Molly > I think that will depend on what suits him! < 08@Morgan > I think it will depend on how much he wants to avoid a duel * Molly laughs < 04Molly > It might well be he is so relieved to have found a man with a good job and stable income willing to take me on that you could be vestennavmanjaar for all he'd care < 08@Morgan > I suspect that would be preferable to a man of eisen, to him < 04Molly > yes, a little * Molly closes her eyes once more, her voice low and serious < 04Molly > Permission or none, I wish to marry you, and be with you as long as you will have me. No-one can get in the way of that. * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee < 04Molly > when did you wish to see him/ < 08@Morgan > whenever I feel particularly belligerant, I suppose * Molly smiles < 04Molly > There really is no hurry * @Morgan looks unhappy < 08@Morgan > I think I'm probably about to upset you * Molly looks puzzled < 04Molly > Then tell me quickly *she sits up, and then moves closer to him* < 08@Morgan > I do not wish to marry as a servant of Lady Torrington < 04Molly > You do not wish to work here any longer? < 08@Morgan > thats not what I mean... < 08@Morgan > I would wish to marry as a lord, a son of Eisen... which I cannot do in Avalon * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I do not mind getting married in Eisen when the tim eventually comes, dear one < 08@Morgan > and that is my next problem... * Molly raises his hand, and kisses it gently < 04Molly > I doubt whatever it is is as bad as you believe... < 08@Morgan > I've spoken with Lady Torrington about my going to Eisen for a time... since she is to be away soon visiting the various courtly types, I was considering making a holiday out of it... < 04Molly > I think we need at least two weeks for thee tour < 08@Morgan > quite.... though I was thinking perhaps renaming the tour... < 04Molly > Renaming it? * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > To what, dear one? < 08@Morgan > perhaps... die Flitterwochen * Molly obviously thinks hard a moment < 04Molly > The.... oh! Oh my! * Molly looks shocked < 04Molly > That soon?! < 08@Morgan > you think it too soon? < 04Molly > No, but it is surprising < 08@Morgan > whyso? < 04Molly > I expected it to be next summer or so, not in the next few months... I am not displeased, of course < 08@Morgan > obviously I will arrange for your family to be there * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > My father will not go to Eisen, and my brothers are far too busy with their farms < 08@Morgan > then we shall take your mother alone * Molly smiles < 04Molly > She may wish to be there... < 04Molly > if he lets her < 08@Morgan > I'll see to it < 04Molly > You are far too good to me < 08@Morgan > I dont think so < 04Molly > No-one could give me as much as you have today * Molly squeezes his hand < 08@Morgan > I think you give too much credit * Molly shakes her head, tears coming to her eyes < 04Molly > no, I do not * Molly takes a breath to steady herself < 04Molly > I believe you must also tell Lady Catherine? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > I wonder what she will think of it all * @Morgan scratches his nose < 08@Morgan > who knows what she thinks of anything < 04Molly > I do not think the others will suspect... though I am certain that Evie has considered it, for she gave me her blessing < 08@Morgan > did she now < 04Molly > I was very pleased, for I can see how when it was marriage she sought from you, this could wound her deeply * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > There is of course, one problem... < 08@Morgan > that being? * Molly grins < 04Molly > I shall need a new dress, and rather quickly! < 08@Morgan > quite so... and a problem I anticipated < 04Molly > Oh really? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > I am certain I can find something in the next few weeks that will be good enough. < 08@Morgan > if needs be we will buy you one * Molly smiles < 04Molly > That would be wonderful < 04Molly > I wonder, will you write to your parents of me, so that they are not too surprised that you have someone special in Tawstock? < 08@Morgan > I expect I should do < 04Molly > I.... ummmm.... will we wed in Sudlachenburg? < 08@Morgan > would you like to? < 08@Morgan > I suppose, really... I should, given it is my home < 04Molly > I would hope that although Avalon, the people there would eventually come to like me, given that one day I'll live amongst them * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I expect they'll come to adore you * Molly looks slightly unsure, before smiling < 04Molly > You're probably right. Yes, let's marry there, if we can... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > it need not be anything too dramatic or spectacular < 08@Morgan > I was thinking something... intimate < 04Molly > I would like your parents to be there, if they will < 08@Morgan > so would I < 04Molly > and Edward? < 08@Morgan > I haven't decided * Molly looks at him with interest < 04Molly > at the very least, I would like to know he will not behave badly over it < 08@Morgan > given that chances are we'll be scuppering the chances of him and his offspring taking the land... * Molly suddenly goes very quiet < 04Molly > oh, aye... yes.... quite * @Morgan sips his coffee * Molly stands < 04Molly > excuse me, I feel a little faint, I shall just go and get some water < 08@Morgan > please, sit, I'll fetch the water * Molly sits back down < 04Molly > thank you * @Morgan stands and goes to the kitchen * Molly sits still, lost in thought * @Morgan returns a few moments later with a cup of water * Molly takes it gratefully, and sips the cool water, quiet as she puts her mind in order. Everynow and then, she sems to nod to herself < 04Molly > thank you, the water has helped a little < 08@Morgan > good * Molly smiles < 04Molly > How long might we stay in Eisen? < 08@Morgan > I dont know... a couple of months or so? * Molly grins < 04Molly > That sounds wonderful... much as I would like mama to come to the weding, I would like us to be able to travel alone * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > perhaps she could spend a little time with my mother before she comes home? < 04Molly > I think perhaps that would do them both good < 08@Morgan > quite probably < 04Molly > I think mama will be surprised when she sees your familys lands * Molly sips the water again < 08@Morgan > I think most people would be < 04Molly > worse perhaps for her... < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly blushes < 04Molly > sorry, it matters not < 08@Morgan > no, please... continue * Molly smiles half-heartedly < 04Molly > Until a few moments ago, I had thought only of marrying you, nothing of lands, title, heirs.... My moher has a daughter who hastechnically made a very good match, and as a surprise to both her and my father < 08@Morgan > I think really we should speak with them as soon as possible < 04Molly > tomorrow perhaps? I must also speak with Mr Black *molly looks deeply unhappy* * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Having met him again, I can see this will hurt him < 08@Morgan > he mad ehis choice * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > He had to try to find her, there could be no choice < 08@Morgan > there is always a choice < 04Molly > anyone would have done the same < 08@Morgan > thats as maybe, but the choice was still there < 04Molly > I think he made the right one... somethings ae worth more than others < 08@Morgan > most likely... but there were other options < 04Molly > his time away brought an end to something that would not have worked well < 08@Morgan > quite < 04Molly > and his return does not alter that, much as he may wish it to * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > i would not have you concerned that his affections may change my heart < 08@Morgan > I think I will always be concerned, for I should hate to lose you < 04Molly > Do not be, you shall never lose me. I love and adore you, no one else could even come close * Molly blushes and looks away * Molly speaks quietly < 04Molly > I'm sorry, I have said too much < 08@Morgan > you have not said too much at all < 04Molly > I took your silence for having hurt you... < 08@Morgan > no... I'm just not used to hearing such things so candidly < 04Molly > I have wanted to say it sin... for a long time... < 08@Morgan > then I am glad you finally feel you can < 04Molly > I believe that for the most part it would take a good deal for such words that I have spoken to cause unhapinness * Molly leans over, and kisses his cheek, pressing her cheek against hisfor a lingering moment < 04Molly > I shall speak with Mr Black now. * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > as you wish < 04Molly > It is one less obstacle that stands between us and the future < 08@Morgan > quite so * Molly moves away, and stands < 04Molly > I shall be back to make dinner before long... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I await your return most eagerly * Molly grins < 04Molly > You must be very hungry! < 08@Morgan > not especially < 04Molly > Then I shall be as quick as I can... * Molly gathers her skirts, and goes indoors