< 04Molly > **The next morning is cool but dry. Molly is out in the garden, washing their clothes in a large metal bucket. It is the first time she's washed both their clothes. * @Morgan wanders back into the house, hanging his sword belt by the door * Molly hears the front door open, and comes inside, skirt tucked in to the waistband raising it to the knees, barefoot, legs wet and soapy through her usual clumsiness. She grins broadly < 04Molly > Good morning < 08@Morgan > good morning blossom * Molly shrugs her shoulders < 04Molly > Much as I would like to embrace you, I am afraid I am rather wet < 08@Morgan > so I see... < 04Molly > I am doing some washing... I hope you do not mind, but I have done some of your things also... < 08@Morgan > I do not mind at all * @Morgan rummages for some bread < 04Molly > I thought it might make sense for me to do such things for you, if you wish it * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > probably a good idea * Molly bites her lip < 04Molly > I would not wish you to feel I was overstepping the boundaries < 08@Morgan > no blossom, you need not worry * Molly watches him < 04Molly > Are yo looking for something, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > just some breakfast * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Would you like me to make you something? < 08@Morgan > no no, just some bread will do * Molly gets him some bread < 04Molly > butter, tea? < 08@Morgan > please * Molly butters the bread on a wooden plate, and fills the kettle, setting it on the stove. She takes the plate to the table nd sets it down. < 04Molly > Is all well? < 08@Morgan > as well as it ever gets in this place * Molly smiles softly. She goes to cut some bread for herself, then seems to change her mind with frown < 04Molly > no, no, just tea... < 08@Morgan > something wrong blossom? * Molly blushes, and takes the kettle off the stove < 04Molly > No, I... I just thought I ought to try to be a bit slimmer for the wedding < 08@Morgan > dont be silly blossom < 04Molly > I would wish to look beautiful < 08@Morgan > you always do * Molly looks to the floor with an embaressed smile < 04Molly > If you're sure... < 08@Morgan > I am * Molly pours his tea and takes it to him. She lingers at his side a moment < 04Molly > Here we go < 08@Morgan > thank you blossom * @Morgan sits down < 04Molly > I would imagine the couch will arrive soon * Molly pours her own tea, and comes to sit beside him < 08@Morgan > indeed, it should not be long < 04Molly > Do you think the merchant will bring it himself? < 08@Morgan > I really couldn't say] * Molly sips her tea. She smells stronger than usual of the rose water, having added it to the hot washing water < 04Molly > he will probably be too busy. Did you still wish to see the blacksmith in lower tawstock? < 08@Morgan > no, I've covered everything I wanted * Molly looks thoughtful < 04Molly > I see < 04Molly > I wonder, when did you wish to tell Lady Catherine of the forthcoming wedding? * Molly sips her tea < 08@Morgan > I haven't decided whether or not I will yet * Molly looks surprised < 04Molly > I can not see she would object < 08@Morgan > perhaps not, but that is beside the point... as I've said, I marry as a lord of Eisen, not a servant of a house * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I can understand that... in your heart, which are you now? < 08@Morgan > I'm not sure if I'm truthful * Molly nods < 04Molly > To me, you are neither < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > To me, you are Morgan, my friend, my love... that means more to me than any other title you have, or will hold... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I think I understand * Molly looks thoughtful < 04Molly > When we discussed you being my master-at-arms, you told me you would happily accept _almost_ any title I would bestow upon you... < 08@Morgan > indeed I did * Molly looks at the table < 04Molly > Funny how things turn out... < 08@Morgan > isn't it < 04Molly > I thought at the time that there would be two titles you could not accept from me... * Molly idly picks up a biscuit, turning it over and over < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly blushes < 04Molly > I thought that Husband would have been the first that came to mind... < 08@Morgan > at the time you were quite right < 04Molly > I was not certain if there were any others... * Molly dips the biscuit into her tea < 08@Morgan > co-owner at the time * Molly looks surprised < 04Molly > That one had not occured to me, i must confess < 04Molly > I would not have expected you to be so troubled... < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > I would have been happy to give you a percentage < 08@Morgan > thats as maybe, but... you remember why I did not want any part of it? < 04Molly > fear that I would perceive your attentions to be motivated by such a desire for ownership? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > Those were the titles you would not have accepted? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly starts to look a little awkward < 04Molly > I am quite surprised my father did not jump to the conclusion that I was with child and you had to marry me, if I'm honest < 08@Morgan > it would have been a mistake < 04Molly > That, and I would hardly be foolish enough to put myself in such a position after what I have been through * Molly eats her biscuit < 08@Morgan > quite so * Molly looks over at him < 04Molly > It occurs to me that it oft seems I talk too much, and do not allow you to start conversations... * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > I'm a quiet sort of person < 04Molly > I would not wish you to feel you must listen to me talk incessantly without you being able to start any discussion you wish to < 08@Morgan > I do not feel that way, do not fret < 04Molly > I am pleased to hear it * Molly gets up, and cuts two slices of bread, putting butter and strawberry jam on them < 04Molly > would you still wish to introduce xantha and aurora after the couch arrives? < 08@Morgan > I think so... they'll need to know eachother * Molly comes back to the table < 04Molly > we shall be taking them both to Eisen? < 08@Morgan > I think so... I think Aurora will be up to it by then < 04Molly > I hope so... white horses are rather rare in Avalon, is that the same in Eisen? < 08@Morgan > it is indeed < 08@Morgan > white horses are just plain rare * Molly smiles, eating her bread < 04Molly > Perhaps that is why the knights in shining armour always have them < 08@Morgan > probably * @Morgan eats some bread * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > Perhaps I ought to get some shining armour, and rescue gentlemen in distress! < 08@Morgan > I've no doubt that would be well appreciated in Eisen < 04Molly > because so many need rescuing, or because I would be a woman in armour, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > mostly the latter * Molly shrugs with a smile < 04Molly > I shall have to disapoint them... as I've always said, I am a lover, not a fighter < 08@Morgan > quite so... * Molly smiles at him softly < 04Molly > Which do you believe you are? < 08@Morgan > a combination of the two I think < 04Molly > Perhaps that is the best way to be... I think I am too soft sometimes < 08@Morgan > sometimes perhaps < 04Molly > At least- * Molly gets cut off by a knock at the door * @Morgan stands and goes to the door < 04Molly > **The merchant waits patiently * @Morgan opens the door < 04Molly > MERCHANT: Good morning Master Hockridge, I have your couch... * Molly clears the table, and sets the kettle to boil < 08@Morgan > excellent, do you need a hand bringing it in? < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he looks far more cheerful today* Yes, please, it is rather a struggle alone < 04Molly > Would you like some tea? < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he looks at her a moment, though with a smile this time* yes, please, miss < 04Molly > Dear heart? < 08@Morgan > please blossom * Molly sets to the tea as the merchant heads outside * @Morgan follows the merchant < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he leads Morgan to the cart on which the couch is balanced, tied on with rope* It shouldnt take long to get in between the two of us * @Morgan nods and helps the merchant with the couch < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he unties it, and they lif in down on to the grass* good job its a dry day < 08@Morgan > indeed. I've spent far too many days in the pouring rain lugging things around < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *the couch is lighter than it looks, and they get it to the door with little difficulty* I wish to thank you, for yesterday.. < 08@Morgan > no thanks needed... < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he shakes his head* you have made me see sense * @Morgan nods * Molly comes and holds the door open for them. She smiles at the merchant, happy to be greeted more warmly than yesterday. Suddenly, she blushes, nd untucks the skirt, covering her legs. She looks to Morgan with a flicker of embarassment < 04Molly > Tea is ready, when you are. < 08@Morgan > thank you blossom < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he smiles at her warmly, easing the couch in* thank you, miss * Molly moves and holds open the parlour door, watching Morgan intently * Molly blushes hard when he meets her eyes, looking away guiltily < 04Molly > MERCHANT: Whereabout is this to go? * @Morgan looks mildly confused then looks to Molly < 08@Morgan > where do you think, blossom? * Molly looks to the wall opposite the fire, cheeks still reddened < 04Molly > over there, if it pleases you? * @Morgan nods at the merchant < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he holds the couch from underneath, taking a few steps backwards to where Molly wanted it* Just here? < 04Molly > Yes, that is perfect, thank you < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he puts it down at his end, brushing his hands off* There you go, miss * @Morgan puts the other end down < 04Molly > Will you be coming for tea now? *she smiles at them both* < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he looks to Morgan* if that is satisfactory, yes * @Morgan nods * Molly leads them in to the kitchen, where three cups are waiting on the table. She takes her usual seat, and the merchant sits opposite her * Molly smiles at him < 04Molly > I am afraid I did not catch your name, sir... < 04Molly > MERCHANT: Roberts... Richard Roberts * Molly nods < 04Molly > MERCHANT: The couch should easily be big enough for the two of you... *he looks to Morgan* < 08@Morgan > I should imagine so < 04Molly > MERCHANT: Though you could easily fit a third person, when the time comes... * Molly blushes * @Morgan sips his tea, face calm < 04Molly > I doubt that will be for a good deal of time, but it is good to know < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he looks at her, briefly puzzled, drinking his tea* I ould imagine it will last you long enough to find out, it is very sturdy * Molly smiles < 04Molly > It looks very well made, does it not, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > indeed it does < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he finishes his tea* I am afraid I must be going, I have two more deliveries to make yet * Molly stands, leaving her tea on the table, and goes to open the door for him < 04Molly > MERCHANT: *he shakes Morgan's hand, eyes intense* Thank you sir, thank you very much * Molly watches, puzzled, but remains quiet < 08@Morgan > take care of yourself Mr Roberts < 04Molly > MERCHANT: I shall, now I know there is hope *he looks to Molly briefly with a smile, letting go of Morgan's hand. He goes to the door* Good day, miss < 04Molly > Good bye, Mr Roberts * Molly watches as he climbs up onto the cart and eases the horse on its way. She shuts the door, turning to Morgan with a puzzled expression, though says nothing* * @Morgan smiles, sipping his tea < 04Molly > Am I missing somthing, dear heart? * Molly returns to the table, taking up her cup < 08@Morgan > I dont think so, no < 04Molly > He seemed rather... enthusiastic with his thanks... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > he's... discovered new hope < 04Molly > Now I am even more puzzled! Hope for what? < 08@Morgan > the future * Molly looks at him, brow furrowed < 04Molly > I see < 08@Morgan > do you? < 04Molly > It seems as if you do not wish to share the confidance with me, which I understand and respect * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > he has lost someone he loves... he saw that his life was pointless... < 04Molly > I can see how he could feel that < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > I've convinced him there is hope for the future < 04Molly > How so? < 08@Morgan > by giving him evidence of such * Molly nods < 04Molly > You would be the ideal person to do such, yes < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > Hopefully he will be inspired by your strength and resilience, and carry on to a new life < 08@Morgan > it would seem he has taken the example I gave him on board < 04Molly > That must be pleasing to you, dear heart * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > its unusual to see the hope in others caused by myself... * Molly takes his hand < 04Molly > You are an inspiration, whether you see it or not < 08@Morgan > I'm afraid I dont agree < 04Molly > That you have fought on where there was no hope, and brought yourself up from the depths of despair... that _is_ admirable * @Morgan nods * Molly squeezes his hand < 04Molly > Shall we try this couch, my love? * @Morgan sips his tea < 08@Morgan > aye, lets * Molly stands, leaving her nearly empty cup, and goes through. * @Morgan places his cup on the table and follows her * Molly smiles at him, and sits down on the couch, which is a three-seater * @Morgan sits at one end * Molly giggles, and bounces a little < 04Molly > oooh! < 08@Morgan > its, ummm... soft < 04Molly > I think this is plenty big enough... *she looks at the large space between them* < 08@Morgan > possibly too large... < 04Molly > I am inclined to agree there * Molly looks at him with a smile < 04Molly > I think it is possibly big enough to lie upon! < 08@Morgan > I think so * Molly giggles < 04Molly > I could try, if you would not find it improper < 08@Morgan > if you wish to blossom < 04Molly > The problem becomes that either I must rest my feet upon your lap, or my head < 08@Morgan > that is a problem? < 04Molly > Insomuch as I do not know which would be less troubling to you, yes < 08@Morgan > I would find neither troubling * Molly smiles. She fidgets until she is lying down, her head on his thigh. She looks up at him, eyes soft < 04Molly > it is long enough... < 08@Morgan > so it is < 04Molly > would you like me to move? < 08@Morgan > not particularly * @Morgan strokes her hair * Molly closes her eyes with a smile. Her lips part slightly as she relaxes < 04Molly > Oh I could get used to this! < 08@Morgan > I should hope so * Molly opens her eyes and looks up at him very fondly < 04Molly > I could stay here forever... * @Morgan smiles < 04Molly > Apart from my desire to introduce the horses, to travel to Eisen, to get married, to- well, all the things I would miss, were I to stay exactly here * @Morgan laughs * Molly blushes slightly < 04Molly > No, I am sure I would rather do those things * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > then this should be temporary < 04Molly > but frequent! * Molly laughs < 08@Morgan > indeed blossom * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I shall endeavour not to fall asleep here... < 08@Morgan > that would probably be best... there is still much to be done today * Molly lowers her voice slightly < 04Molly > nice as it would be < 08@Morgan > indeed it would < 04Molly > though I should imagine you might find it annoying to have to sit still whilst I used you as a pillow * Molly grins < 08@Morgan > I can think of worse things to suffer * Molly sighs softly, expression thoughtful, though she doesnt speak < 04Molly > Sorry, I was a little distracted... * Molly smiles * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > do not worry on it < 04Molly > where would you like to ride? < 08@Morgan > your choice... probably not far though, lest Aurora gets skittish < 04Molly > I shall walk her back if needed... I would not delay your work * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I wonder, when we eventually live in sudlachenburg, will you work at all? < 08@Morgan > I... I hadn't given it much thought < 04Molly > Are there specific tasks as veisgraf that you must attend to? < 08@Morgan > tithes, that sort of thing * Molly smiles up at him, her pupils dilating slightly < 04Molly > What is a veisgrafin expected to do? * @Morgan thinks for a moment < 08@Morgan > not a great deal, I dont think * Molly looks disapointed * @Morgan smiles slightly < 08@Morgan > public relations, perhaps < 04Molly > I am sure I can find something to fill the time, when the time comes < 08@Morgan > I expect so... and of course there are gatherings... * Molly smiles < 04Molly > that sounds pleasant... do you think I would be allowed to teach there? < 08@Morgan > I dont see why not < 04Molly > I did not know whether it is... inappropriate, for a veisgrafin to teach 'commoners' < 08@Morgan > elsewhere, perhaps... sudlachenburg isn't most places though < 04Molly > How so, dear one? < 08@Morgan > the graf and his family are much more in touch with the needs of the people who live in their district * Molly smiles, looking at him < 04Molly > I am pleased I shall not be too limited then * @Morgan smiles * Molly leans up and kisses him softly before laying back down < 04Molly > sorry... < 08@Morgan > I'm not < 04Molly > no? < 08@Morgan > why would I be? * Molly shrugs < 04Molly > It is merely my own hesitancy that makes me question it < 08@Morgan > you need not * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > well, in that case... * Molly sits up and kisses him again * Molly pulls away, but remains at eye level * @Morgan looks intently at her * Molly watches him, her eyes taking in every line, every detail, etching on to her mind forever. She smiles, her eyes soft, totally unguarded < 04Molly > I adore you... < 08@Morgan > as I you * Molly kisses him again gently, though she lingers a little longer, her hand moving up to his neck * Molly pulls away, slightly breathless < 04Molly > I believe we ought to get ready to take this ride, I can see otherwise we might remain like this all afternoon! < 08@Morgan > indeed blossom * Molly 's eyes sparkle, but there is a little disapointment in her tone. She sits up, and goes to the door to the garden, picking up her shoes < 04Molly > though ths evening... * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I think I may take off this dress * Molly blushes hard < 04Molly > I... Not... I did not mean I would take my dress off this evening, just... I thought maybe... * Molly sighs frustrated < 04Molly > I am going to put on trousers instead. < 08@Morgan > a wise idea * Molly goes upstairs