* Molly comes down a few minutes later. She wears tight linen trousers, knee high black leather boots, an open white shirt and a tight brown moleskin waistcoat, her pale # collarbone and cleavage exposed.On her head she wears a cap ith a feather, set at an angle. She poses, hands on hips, at the bottom < 04Molly > So, dear heart, can a woman dress like a man and yet still be alluring? < 08@Morgan > absolutely blossom * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I find it hard to believe it could be appealing at all... surely a womans attractiveness is in her feminiinity? < 08@Morgan > not necessarily... besides, just because such femininity is concealed, does not mean that it is not there * Molly fidgets with the hat < 04Molly > Are you ready, dear heart? * @Morgan nods * Molly goes over to the door. As she moves past him, her rose perfume drifts over, faint but noticeable * @Morgan puts on his great coat and settles it into place * Molly holds the door open with a grin * @Morgan goes to the door < 04Molly > How do you think it would be best to introduce them? < 08@Morgan > I'm not entirely sure... * Molly looks thoughtful < 04Molly > perhaps if we take different routes to that clearing on the western side, just before the lake, we can introduce them on neutral ground? < 08@Morgan > possibly the best solution * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I shall go through the woods, if you prefer? < 08@Morgan > your choice blossom * Molly looks at him softly < 04Molly > If you follow the brook, it runs through the clearing... * @Morgan nods * Molly nods, and goes to the paddock to saddle Aurora * @Morgan goes up to the stables < 04Molly > *** The brook runs from just behind the estate down into the woods. The sun has begun to shine, a warm gold highlighting parts of the trees here and there.It is very pretty and peaceful. The brook leads down to a large open clearing, ringed with trees. There are seven stumps, worn slightly in odd shapes from some form of use. * @Morgan gallops into the clearing, coat flaring out behind him, rifle tucked into a sheath on the saddle * Molly stands quietly beside Aurora. The contrast of the shimmering fire of her red hair and the purity of Aurora's coat makes the scene beneath the spring folliage breath-taking * @Morgan slides to a halt Session Time: Tue Jun 02 00:00:00 2009 * Molly looks up at him with a soft smile, eyes thoughtful < 04Molly > beautiful, isnt it? < 08@Morgan > very * @Morgan breathes heavily at the exertion of the ride along the brook * Molly watches his breathing for a moment, before flushing and looking at the previous years fallen leaves < 04Molly > I ummm... I could imagine living here < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > It is so pretty, so peaceful... < 04Molly > **Aurora looks up, and spots Xantha. She moves behind Molly shyly. Molly looks at Morgan, raising her eyebrows * @Morgan climbs down * Molly takes a step to her right, and whispers something softly before moving to one of the tree stumps to sit, leaving Aurora standing there < 04Molly > I wonder that leaving them to it is the best option? * @Morgan looks intently at aurora before whistling to her < 04Molly > **Aurora shuffles her weight from one side to the other, unsure * @Morgan walks slowly towards her < 04Molly > **aurora leans towards him, taking half a step. Molly watches Morgan briefly before looking to Xantha * @Morgan steps up to aurora and pets her gently before moving away < 04Molly > **aurora starts to follow him a few steps. Molly smiles * @Morgan walks further towards xantha < 04Molly > **aurora continues to follow, but slower < 08@Morgan > **Xantha stands still, occasionally sniffing at the air < 04Molly > **Aurora spots xantha again, and walks closer behind morgan, almost using him as a shield * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > She seems to feel safe with you, dear heart < 08@Morgan > so it would seem * @Morgan walks directly to xantha and pushes him gently aside, making it obvious who's in control < 04Molly > **Aurora stands very very still at xanthas unexpected movement. she is tense, waiting * @Morgan turns to look at aurora and whistles, holding out his hand < 04Molly > **she looks at him, big brown eyes wide, though doesnt move * @Morgan stands stock still, exactly as he was * Molly speaks softly < 04Molly > Go, Aurora... < 04Molly > **she looks to molly with a flick of her tail, and goes slowly to Morgan < 08@Morgan > **Xantha looks around slowly, flicking his ears < 04Molly > **aurora keeps Morgan between her and xantha * Molly watches them < 04Molly > this may be more difficult than I perceived... * @Morgan speaks quietly < 08@Morgan > come on now little one < 04Molly > **she nuzzles Morgan's arm, looking briefly at xantha * Molly gets up, and comes a little nearer * @Morgan pets her gently < 04Molly > **Aurora watches xantha closely. * Molly looks to morgan < 04Molly > what thinks you? < 08@Morgan > I think she's as wary as you were < 04Molly > As I was of what? < 08@Morgan > of me, primarily... * @Morgan glances over his shoulder < 08@Morgan > Xantha... unten < 04Molly > you were not particularly easy company in the early days... < 08@Morgan > **Xantha flicks his ears and settles to the ground * Molly looks amazed < 04Molly > How on Theah...? * @Morgan smiles faintly < 04Molly > **Aurora comes around Morgan, and takes a few steps closer to xantha < 08@Morgan > training, blossom * Molly cant help but hold her breath, waiting to see what happens * @Morgan hums to himself, standing still < 04Molly > **aurora stops a few feet away from xantha, watching him, in particular his eyes, intently < 08@Morgan > **Xantha sits still watching Morgans back < 04Molly > **seeing he isnt paying any attention, she goes closer, her nose just a foot from his right ear * Molly looks to Morgan anxiously < 08@Morgan > he wont move... he'll sit there until I tell him otherwise < 04Molly > **aurora leans down, sniffing his head < 04Molly > It will give her opportunity to make the first move I believe < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > **she licks his head. Molly watches closely for a reaction < 08@Morgan > **Xantha slowly flicks an ear, still looking at Morgans back < 04Molly > **she licks down his face, grooming him * Molly tries not to laugh, speaking quietly < 08@Morgan > **Xantha snickers slightly < 04Molly > thats how rumours get started... < 08@Morgan > quite so < 04Molly > **aurora nudges him with her nose on the side of his face < 04Molly > She must think he does not like her in return... * Molly smiles at morgan cheekily < 08@Morgan > perhaps... Xantha, Aufenthalt < 08@Morgan > **Xantha glances at Aurora and turns his head slowly towards her, muzzle towards the ground < 04Molly > **she stares at him, moving hesitantly. she nudges him again * Molly moves closer to stand beside Morgan < 04Molly > Do you think this will work, dear one? < 08@Morgan > I think so, but only time will tell < 04Molly > **she licks his face cautiously < 08@Morgan > **Xantha moves his head and nuzzles against her neck < 04Molly > **she pauses a moment, looking into his eyes. There is something in her expression that implies a communication with him * @Morgan turns slowly and watches the two horses intently < 04Molly > **aurora suddenly gently bites his right ear, and bolts away, watching from behind a tree * Molly looks at Morgan, puzzled < 04Molly > Is that good, or bad? < 08@Morgan > I think its good < 08@Morgan > **Xantha flicks his ears, nuzzling at Aurora < 04Molly > I am amazed that he stays so still! < 08@Morgan > as I said, training < 04Molly > **she nudges him harder, and trots away, watching to see if he follows < 08@Morgan > I should probably have taken the rifle off before trying this, though * Molly looks intrigued < 08@Morgan > **Xantha leans forward, almost shuffling < 04Molly > Why so? < 04Molly > **aurora comes back, and gently bites his ear again before trotting away < 08@Morgan > well, the strapping is in addition to the saddle... and its slightly unwieldy < 08@Morgan > **Again Xantha shuffles slightly before glancing at Morgan < 04Molly > **weirdly, aurora follows his glance < 04Molly > I can understand that... but it would be strange to not have you rifle, would it not? < 08@Morgan > oh it would indeed < 08@Morgan > Xantha, herauf < 08@Morgan > **Xantha stands up and nudges aurora < 04Molly > **she nudges him hard back, and suddenly gallops off in to the tree line * Molly laughs < 08@Morgan > **Xantha half trots then stops, looking at Morgan * Molly looks to morgan as well, moving slightly closer to him < 08@Morgan > Xantha, gehen Sie < 04Molly > This looks like a good sign to me... < 08@Morgan > **Xantha steps twice then sets off at full gallop after aurora < 04Molly > **she weaves in and out of the trees, backtracking and tricking him < 08@Morgan > it looks as if they'll get on fine < 04Molly > Oh definately! < 04Molly > **aurora comes back to the clearing, and skids to a halt, having lost xantha. she looks around, puzzled * Molly giggles, smiling fondly at Morgan < 04Molly > They make a handsome pair < 08@Morgan > indeed they do < 08@Morgan > **Xantha comes bolting out of the trees, sliding to a halt < 04Molly > **aurora looks around, spotting him. She trots to him, nuzzling him < 08@Morgan > **Xantha nuzzles her and trots towards the stream < 08@Morgan > you realise, of course, that Xantha is an awful show off... < 04Molly > **aurora follows very closely < 04Molly > Is he? * Molly moves so she is standing closely beside him. < 08@Morgan > **Xantha trots to the streams bank then artfully prances into the water < 04Molly > **aurora follows, though being much shorter it comes far higher on her * Molly smiles up at Morgan < 04Molly > Wherever did you find him? < 08@Morgan > the last two campaigns I fought in the war... he was my war horse < 04Molly > were you assigned him, or did you buy him? < 08@Morgan > a bit of both... I bought him from the navy * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I dread to think quite how much he cost! < 08@Morgan > something fairly stupendous * Molly looks at xantha < 04Molly > He is worth every guilder... I have never seen such a well-trained horse < 08@Morgan > the barrack horse master was adamant he could not be trained < 04Molly > Did you train him yourself, dear heart? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > **aurora bites xantha gently on the neck. watching it, molly blushes < 04Molly > I...ummm... did it take a great many months? < 08@Morgan > not especially... I seem to have something of a knack with horses < 04Molly > Do you think you might train Aurora? < 08@Morgan > if you wish < 04Molly > **aurora gets out of the brook, shaking off < 04Molly > I think it might do her some good. My training is far less perfected... * @Morgan whistles at the horses < 08@Morgan > **Xantha climbs reluctantly out of the brook, trotting to Morgan before shaking himself off < 04Molly > **aurora immediately comes to Morgan * Molly laughs aas she gets sprayed with water from the brook < 08@Morgan > of course, I've never quite managed to rid him of that beligerrant streak * Molly giggles, looking at Morgan < 04Molly > I wonder why < 08@Morgan > probably because I haven't put much effort into it in truth < 04Molly > It is an oddly endearing trait * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > **aurora looks at Morgan before losing interest and nudging xantha < 08@Morgan > he's never shown that trait when its been important < 04Molly > that does not surprise me... you must have been through a great deal together... * Molly looks frommorgan to xantha < 08@Morgan > **Xantha sidles up to aurora, shoving her gently with his shoulder < 04Molly > **she bites his neck again * Molly again blushes, looking thoughtful * @Morgan pulls an apple out of his pocket, cuts it in half and offers one half to Molly * Molly smiles, holding out the apple for aurora, who takes it carefully. she looks at xantha, and drops it at his feet * Molly looks to morgan with a soft laugh < 08@Morgan > I actually meant for you... but still... * Molly blushes < 04Molly > oh, umm... sorry, dear heart < 08@Morgan > it does not matter blossom < 08@Morgan > **Xantha nudges the apple towards aurora < 04Molly > **she looks to him, and licks his face before eating the apple < 04Molly > Could you ever be parted from him? < 08@Morgan > no, I dont think so < 04Molly > I am not surprised... I think perhaps it would be tough to part the two of them also * Molly watches aurora nuzzle xantha < 08@Morgan > it would seem that way < 04Molly > Tis a good job that I would not intend to do so < 08@Morgan > indeed... i expect he would sulk until the world came to a halt if we did that * Molly slips her hand in to Morgans, though watches xantha, remembering his previous disapproval < 04Molly > I think then, Aurora, tis an Eisen life for you my little Avalon rose... * @Morgan smiles, squeezing her hand slightly * Molly squeezes back < 04Molly > I wonder, you have never told me, dear one, how old you are... < 08@Morgan > 26 * Molly nods < 04Molly > That would have been my guess < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > You are farmore sensible than I... and have done so much more with your life < 08@Morgan > I wouldn't say sensible < 04Molly > No? < 04Molly > **aurora wanders away towards the trees < 08@Morgan > no, far too many times I've tried to throw my life away < 08@Morgan > **Xantha wanders over to Morgan, nudges him before taking the remaining half of the apple and follows aurora * Molly smiles tenderly before turning her attention to Morgan < 04Molly > I'm not sure I would say youu tried to throw your life away, at least not whilst I've been pa- while I've known you < 08@Morgan > I've put myself in more danger than was necessary * Molly looks up at him, tenderly, though with close attention, there is fear in her eyes also < 04Molly > I dearly hope that you will not take so many risks now... < 08@Morgan > no my love... never again * Molly blushes, looking to the horses a moment < 04Molly > I am very glad... too many times have I healed you, feared for you. I do not know how much of that my heart could take * Molly squeezes his hand, though doesnt look back to him < 08@Morgan > I wonder that... perhaps this is not a suitable place for a couple to live * Molly looks around < 04Molly > You mean the clearing, or... < 08@Morgan > the estate * Molly nods, suddenly serious < 04Molly > I...ummm... I must confess, something you said many weeks ago made me think such < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly looks to him, and moves closer, pressing her side against his arm < 04Molly > When I mentioned that your mother could visit, and you said you would wish to prevent her from the risks and dangers here < 08@Morgan > that I did * Molly shuffles awkwardly < 04Molly > And it made me think, can I bear such a risk? < 08@Morgan > in truth I have been thinking of leaving the estate * Molly turns to face him. She speaks quietly < 04Molly > I would happily support such a choice. I know the last time things occured there, when I had to heal you, I... *her voice becomes strained aas the tears come to her eyes* I felt afraid, moreso than ever before < 08@Morgan > talk about wrong place wrong time... 12 [ 2:28am ] 11ERROR 12 > 421: Unknown command: 11 SHE * Molly wipes away a tear with her free hand < 04Molly > Aye, and if it were to happen again, but you were alone. *she shakes her head* it does not bear thinking of * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > If you decide we must stay, I shall abide by it, of course < 08@Morgan > it is certainly something that needs thought * Molly nods < 04Molly > Then that is what we shall do, my love... Though as long as I am with you, I could be happy anywhere < 04Molly > **aurora gallops right through the clearing, and out into the tree line at the other side < 08@Morgan > **Xantha quickly follows her * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > I have a feeling that there may be the patter of tiny hooves before long < 08@Morgan > it wouldn't surprise me < 04Molly > I should imagine they would be very beautiful foals... < 08@Morgan > and bad tempered, no doubt < 04Molly > Oh quite possibly... has he been bred before? < 08@Morgan > no < 04Molly > For a particular reason, dear one < 08@Morgan > I had considered breeding him, but circumstance dictated otherwise... besides, he's never really gotten on with a mare before * Molly squeezes his hand < 04Molly > I think it is safe to say he has finally found a mare he truly likes... < 08@Morgan > I'd say so < 04Molly > Perhaps he is just very particular about the females that he finds appealing? * Molly smiles, eyes sparkling < 08@Morgan > its possible * Molly nudges him gently < 04Molly > I wonder where he gets that from... < 08@Morgan > oh I should imagine its in his breeding < 08@Morgan > I cant imagine any other reason for it...# < 08@Morgan > what with his trainer being so even tempered and not at all temperamental * Molly tries very hard not to laugh, biting her lip < 04Molly > Perhaps though this is why he is so strong, handsome and appealing to shy females? < 08@Morgan > possibly < 04Molly > Did you have other horses before Xantha? < 08@Morgan > I had a small horse when I was younger... though it was really the family's... both Edward and I rode it < 04Molly > I would have imagined you would have had one each... < 08@Morgan > no... as we grew my father thought we might not enjoy riding... realistically I didn't enjoy it at all... Xantha was a necessity < 04Molly > And now? < 08@Morgan > its almost as if he and I are more than just horse and rider < 04Molly > You are friends? * Molly looks puzzled < 08@Morgan > something like, I suppose < 04Molly > I hope that Aurora and I may develop such a bond... however, I think for a few weeks at least, she shall have no interest in me at all < 08@Morgan > its tough to say... she's a flighty one < 04Molly > I think perhaps she is smitten, and in truth, I could hardly judge her for such... < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > I... ummm... am hardly at my most focused either * Molly blushes < 08@Morgan > perhaps not... < 04Molly > I have never seen such a strong bond before... was it always so between you? < 08@Morgan > no... I've always had a sort of kinship with horses, at least since I first joined the navy < 08@Morgan > I think generally the tactic to train an unruly horse is to break its spirit * Molly squeezes his hand < 04Molly > I can not say I am a fan of such,I prefer to befriend them < 08@Morgan > I'll admit it is often the only way to bring them in line... truly, several in my regiment tried to ride Xantha, both before and after I trained him... it did not go well * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > Perhaps I am prejudiced against such for the feeling that I have often been the one people wished to break the spirit of < 08@Morgan > perhaps so < 04Molly > I wonder that perhaps the method is different for war horses than farming or riding horses? < 08@Morgan > not really... war horses, though they need to be bred to know how to charge, still need to yield to the intent of their rider < 04Molly > I can see sense in that < 08@Morgan > what most dont understand is that the horse needs to know that your intent is calm, and with no malice toward it... some dont understand that, others cannot get the horse to understand it < 04Molly > Ahhh that I have never had a problem with! Perhaps I give off calming and pleasurable vibrations... < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > Most animals like me * Molly comes back beside him, hand still in his < 08@Morgan > I've noticed that to be true < 04Molly > I used to get on very well with the sheepdogs we had when I was a child * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > we never really had pets... * Molly 's brow furrows < 04Molly > I do not believe many noble born children do... < 08@Morgan > no, I think you're right < 04Molly > I think that is a shame * Molly looks up to him < 04Molly > Shall we sit? I believe we are being ignored! *she laughs* * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > as you wish * Molly leads him to one of the stumps, where she waits for him to sit * @Morgan sits down * Molly sits besie him, watching him < 04Molly > Did you _want_ pets as a child? < 08@Morgan > not particularly... you cant really miss what you never had * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > I disagree < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > I believe if you can imagine something, you imagine the feelings, sensations, emotions that go with your perception... to not have it after you have imagined it, I believe you would miss that < 08@Morgan > perhaps but I do not believe you can truly imagine it properly < 04Molly > Until you experience it, you could never know. It could be far better than even your own mind can predict * Molly suddenly blushes hard and stands < 08@Morgan > indeed, which is why you cannot miss i < 04Molly > I shouuld check on the horses * @Morgan nods * Molly goes to the brook, looking. * Molly walks a few steps, pauses, looking at something shielded by the trees. She grins, and motions to him to join her * @Morgan stands up and slowly walks to her * Molly hold out her hand to him < 04Molly > look... * @Morgan comes to her side < 04Molly > **aurora and xantha stand in the cool stream, the soft noise of running water adding to the prettiness of the day. They stand with their sides together, white on dark gray,licking each others faces. Molly grins at Morgan < 04Molly > beautiful... < 08@Morgan > he's more sentimental than I, it would seem < 04Molly > Oh definately! Although... *she grins < 04Molly > You have your moments, dear heart... < 08@Morgan > most people have at least 1 moment < 04Molly > true... < 04Molly > **Aurora looks at them, suddenly stopping her attentions * Molly looks to Morgan, dropping her hand back to her side < 04Molly > I think perhaps they wish to be alone... < 08@Morgan > it would appear so... * Molly smiles wistfully < 04Molly > Ah, young love... * @Morgan takes her hand and pulls her out of sight * Molly giggles < 04Molly > I can understand their wish to be alone *she looks at him, eyes soft* < 08@Morgan > quite * Molly blushes and looks away < 04Molly > This is a very nice part of the area... have you ever been further down stream to the lake? < 08@Morgan > now and then... mostly when I was chasing some game Session Time: Wed Jun 03 00:00:00 2009 < 04Molly > It is very pretty... I was wondering, another day when it's warmer, would you teach me to swim? < 08@Morgan > if you wish to learn * Molly moves back to the stump, and sits beside it < 04Molly > I think it would be wise. I would not wish to risk drowning for a lack of learning * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Have you taught anyone to swim before? < 08@Morgan > no... in truth I'll have to put some thought into how... I doubt the way I learned would be wise * Molly looks up at him, intrigued < 04Molly > Which was, my love? < 08@Morgan > on a trip hunting one day, my father threw me in the river 12 [ 12:05am ] 11ERROR 12 > 421: Unknown command: 11 ME'S * Molly 's brow furrows < 04Molly > Why on Theah? < 08@Morgan > thats how he learned < 04Molly > Well I dearly hope th- *she looks away, blushing hard* I think it was far too risky < 08@Morgan > probably... *he smiles faintly* my brother was in the army... < 04Molly > and so missed the lesson? < 08@Morgan > no no... he cant swim < 08@Morgan > one of the reasons I was put into the navy was because I could swim * Molly looks puzzled < 04Molly > Did he never learn, or simply showed a lack of aptitude < 08@Morgan > an astounding lack of aptitude... its ironic that after a few months I could more or less swim in mail, yet my brother would try as naked as the day he was born and fail miserably * Molly smiles ever so slightly < 04Molly > You aree a strong swimmer then? < 08@Morgan > I'd say my inspection of the Rose' keel answers that * Molly looks uncomfortable a moment < 04Molly > I had not thought that you must have swum... I was distracted * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I was always afraid I would go overboard and not be able to swim... *she shivers* I suppose I shall always be afraid of drowning... < 08@Morgan > it'd be a fairly natural fear in all honesty < 04Molly > But I think perhaps experience has led me to fear it more than is normal < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 08@Morgan > after all my fear of spiders could be considered quite natural given the circumstances * Molly looks at him < 04Molly > I had not realised you were afraid of spiders... * @Morgan sits crosslegged on the ground < 08@Morgan > rather terrified actually * Molly looks to him tenderly < 04Molly > Tis hard for me to think of you being afraid of anything < 08@Morgan > may as well get used to it blossom... forests and spiders * Molly looks around < 04Molly > You do not seem perturbed here < 08@Morgan > it is not a particularly dense, or more importantly, dark forest * Molly smiles playfully, moving slightly closer < 04Molly > And there was I hinking perhaps your fears were lessened in my presense, dear one < 08@Morgan > distracted, perhaps < 04Molly > How so? < 08@Morgan > well, your beauty is rather captivating * Molly blushes, looking at the floor < 04Molly > I... thank you, you are too kind < 08@Morgan > no, merely honest < 04Molly > I do appreciate your honesty then, more than I could say * Molly smiles softly * @Morgan smiles < 04Molly > What would be easiest for me to learn to swim in... obviously not any sort of armour! * @Morgan 's brow furrows < 08@Morgan > I'm not sure... obviously I learned in a doublet... fully clothed < 04Molly > I tried the dress and petticoat method... it did not go well < 08@Morgan > no, quite so < 04Molly > Perhaps I could make something? * Molly leans her cheek against hi shoulder < 08@Morgan > aye, thats probably not a bad idea < 04Molly > I think we could make a day of it, if you wished... < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly smiles < 04Molly > A picnic perhaps... I relish the idea of being alone without the constant interruption of the estate... * @Morgan laughs < 08@Morgan > anything you want blossom < 04Molly > Anything, eh? * Molly grins * @Morgan blushes * Molly blushes also < 04Molly > I did not mean... * @Morgan coughs < 08@Morgan > no, of course * Molly grins < 04Molly > Athough I would not object were you to wish permission to kiss me... < 08@Morgan > correct me if I'm wrong, blossom, but I already have that permission? < 04Molly > Oh yes, but reminding you of it may make you wish to use it... * Molly grins at him * @Morgan looks thoughtful < 08@Morgan > perhaps... perhaps * Molly shrugs < 04Molly > It is your perrogative, of course * @Morgan leans over slightly and kisses her cheek * Molly looks very very pleased < 04Molly > Thank you * Molly looks up at him fondly < 08@Morgan > you're quite welcome < 04Molly > I could stay here forever * @Morgan looks around < 08@Morgan > I can see its appeal, I suppose * Molly looks at him < 04Molly > I see it also < 04Molly > I would like to have a swing from the oak in the garden... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > I am certain I could make one, if I could borrow your tools... < 08@Morgan > there's no need, I'll make one tomorrow * Molly smiles < 04Molly > It would not be a trouble? < 08@Morgan > of course not < 04Molly > Thank you, dear heart, I would be very appreciative * @Morgan nods * Molly goes quiet for a minute or so < 04Molly > Were many of the villagers of Sudlachenburg lost during the war? < 08@Morgan > quite a few... many went away to fight < 04Molly > And the war ended five summers past? < 08@Morgan > aye, it did < 04Molly > How long does it oft take for such a place to recover? < 08@Morgan > most likely generations... * Molly looks saddened < 04Molly > It must be hard for them to accept and recover from their losses < 08@Morgan > aye... tis hard for anyone to < 04Molly > It must be hard for you also, for I would imagine you must have known many of those lost? * Molly leans her head on his shoulder once more * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > many of my plattoon died... < 04Molly > I can not even begin to imagine the horrors you must have seen on the battlefield * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > How many of your plattoon survived? < 08@Morgan > a great many fewer than deserved to < 04Molly > Did you stay in contact with them in any way? < 08@Morgan > I wrote to one of my companions a few months ago... and spoke to another while I was in Eisen < 04Molly > Have they made lives for themselves, post war? < 08@Morgan > one of them finally got married... he has a little boy now < 04Molly > That is good. In such small ways, Eisen will rebuild itself... I should imagine in many ways you will be pleased to finally return there and help? * Molly fidgets < 04Molly > I mean in general, with the sowing, and harvesting < 08@Morgan > aye < 08@Morgan > there's something in honest hard work that does the soul good < 04Molly > How have they managed in the absense of so many men? < 08@Morgan > many women took to tending the fields... < 04Molly > That mut have been hard going,particularly for those who had just lost husbands or sons * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > Have things returned to normal in any way? < 08@Morgan > that depends on your view of normal... frankly the peace that exists at the moment is, to me, abnormal * Molly looks thoughtful < 04Molly > You must have been born in to the war... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I suppose perhaps it was anticipate that the conflict would be quickly resolved, and therefore there was no risk of bringing a child in to such < 08@Morgan > life must continue, regardless of the situation blossom... besides, Sudlachenburg was relatively untouched < 04Molly > I am not so sure... Still, that is a conversation for another day, after thought. Was it untouched due to it's location? * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > there are two routes into Sudlachenburg... down the river into Lake Sudlache... a bad idea... or throught the schwartzenwald... a worse idea < 04Molly > So in some ways, the best, and worst place to live? < 08@Morgan > quite < 04Molly > What do you like about it best there, dear one? < 08@Morgan > probably the quiet... or the fact that my position doesn't matter < 04Molly > But your position surely matters more there, commands more respect? * @Morgan laughs < 08@Morgan > that doesnt' stop some calling me an idiot when I do something foolish * Molly looks surprised < 04Molly > Who on Theah would try such a thing? < 08@Morgan > pretty much anyone really... title or otherwise, we are all the children of the Sudlache < 04Molly > That is a very interesting notion... So the lines of rank become almost blurred? < 08@Morgan > only in good natured banter... everyone is aware of where we all stand when it is important < 04Molly > Such as? < 08@Morgan > noble visitors... < 04Molly > Do you get many noble visitors? < 08@Morgan > not often... now and then is about as regular as it gets < 04Molly > Just Eisen visitors? < 08@Morgan > for the most part, though its not unheard of to have visitors from other nations... though Fischler isn't really that popular a destination for the nobility < 04Molly > I should imagine many nobles find Eisen too dangerous < 08@Morgan > quite so < 04Molly > Is it still dangerous? Is there still hard feelings between the castillians and the objectionists? < 08@Morgan > tis not only the castillians who share that particular religious conviction blossom < 04Molly > I thought that perhaps people had set aside thier differences... < 08@Morgan > no... merely learned to keep them to themselves... mostly < 04Molly > Is there much unrest in Sudlachenburg? < 08@Morgan > not as much as elsewhere < 04Molly > That is good... Have your family held the area long? < 08@Morgan > several generations I believe < 04Molly > are there many mementoes in your parents estate? < 08@Morgan > mementoes? < 04Molly > paintings, artwork? < 08@Morgan > a few I suppose * Molly looks up at him with a smile < 04Molly > Are there painting of you as a child < 08@Morgan > I expect so, somewhere < 04Molly > I would like to see them < 08@Morgan > we shall have to see what I can do < 08@Morgan > no doubt my mother will take great joy in showing them off < 04Molly > I am sure she will tell me many interesting stories, dear one < 08@Morgan > oh I've no doubt * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > It will redress the balance where my mother insists on embarasing me in frontof you * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > I suspect I shall suffer far more than you did < 04Molly > There are so many embarasing stories? < 08@Morgan > I wouldn't have thought so, but you can never be sure < 04Molly > What did you wish for in the future, as a child,dear one? < 08@Morgan > stability I suppose... < 08@Morgan > though as I grew older... I wanted to be someone my mother could be proud of < 04Molly > And do you think you have done that? < 08@Morgan > I dont know < 04Molly > I think she might be proud that you have survived... < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly looks to him with a soft smile < 04Molly > What do you wish for now? < 08@Morgan > truly I do not know < 04Molly > I seem to have been constantly wishing for different things all life... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > I can not remember many times where I have not had hopes and dreams for the future * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I am sometimes confused upon what dream to chase, but they are always there < 08@Morgan > and which dreams are they blossom? < 04Molly > Now, I have only two... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > That I stay here in Avalon for a few more years, or that I go to Eisen permanately in the immediate future... < 08@Morgan > ahh... the question, then, would be which dream would you prefer? < 04Molly > Tis not my choice to make < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > A great deal of the choice depends on you, and on if my family can bear it so soon, and whether I can wait so long before starting our lives together properly * Molly looks at the brook, biting her lip * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > it is certainly a lot to think about < 04Molly > I know, dear one. I could list reasons to both stay and go... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > being? < 04Molly > To stay... your employment, your need to protect Lady Catherine until she marries a suitable husband, my family... < 08@Morgan > I think Lady Torringtons trust in me is waning... < 04Molly > How so? < 08@Morgan > she refused to yield the justicars papers to me... < 04Molly > And how do you feel about that? < 08@Morgan > well, I'm not happy about it... I've only ever done what was best for her and the estate... < 04Molly > Do you find that makes you question staying, dear one? < 08@Morgan > it makes me question it more < 04Molly > Can you think of other reasons to stay I did not mention? < 08@Morgan > not really < 04Molly > And reasons to go? * Molly takes his hand < 04Molly > It is dangerous here... one of us could be killed < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > and we would stay in Eisen indefinately eventually,so my parents must lose me sometime... < 08@Morgan > I've been thinking about that * Molly pulls away so she can meet his eyes < 04Molly > how so? < 08@Morgan > well... you do not wihs to be so far away... they do not wish you to be... Sudlachenburg needs good farmers... * Molly looks slightly puzzled < 04Molly > I'm not sure I understand < 08@Morgan > what confuses you? < 04Molly > Well I think perhaps you are suggesting my family coming with us... < 08@Morgan > thats about the gist of it * Molly looks surprised < 04Molly > You would be amenable to such? * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > of course, your father would have to behave in a gentlemanly manner < 04Molly > assuming he would agree at all * Molly looks unsure < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > It is a wonderful gesture,my love, I appreciate it greatly * Molly wraps her arms around him < 08@Morgan > I worried that perhaps you would not care for the idea < 04Molly > I think it is very generous * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > That would make one less reason to stay < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > It is more my fear of losing you that makes me wish to go < 08@Morgan > I wish to return home * Molly looks to him < 04Molly > For what reasons? < 08@Morgan > I miss it < 04Molly > and a short visit will not be enough? * @Morgan flushes * Molly squeezes his hand gently < 04Molly > i can understand that * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I like the idea of being away from Charles Warwick... and Kai... < 08@Morgan > aye... I cant say I'm overkeen on being near them... for some reason they both make my fingers itch * Molly looks at him < 04Molly > And... I'm not sure I will feel like we are settled and starting our future until we are there * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I can understand that * Molly looks away awkwardly, voice alittle quieter < 04Molly > I believe that after marriage, children tend to follow shortly after, and truly, I could not risk that here... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > quite so < 04Molly > I have started to feel very unsafe here < 08@Morgan > I've felt unsafe here for a long time < 04Molly > But before, I did not feel I had much to lose, and now... < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly looks to him < 04Molly > I shall think about it, but in truth, my heart tells me it is too much risk to stay * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I would not ask you to go against your heart < 04Molly > I have followed it, and it has led me here... I often trust it < 08@Morgan > then perhaps we should make preparations to stay in Eisen * Molly nods < 04Molly > I wonder that we should tell my family once we are there... < 08@Morgan > you think they'll refuse to go if they know before hand? * Molly sighs < 04Molly > no, I had not thought of that... simply that once they see Sudlachnburg, they may like it enough to live there < 08@Morgan > we shall have to see... perhaps my father will win him over < 04Molly > Will your father want them to move there? < 08@Morgan > I dont know * Molly nods, looking at the trees, the sunlight more golden as the afternoon has passed < 04Molly > Time will tell < 08@Morgan > indeed it will * Molly kisses his cheek softly < 04Molly > I am content to be with you < 08@Morgan > I think you settle for too little < 04Molly > I think I have the most wonderful thing in the world, there is little extra I would want * Molly squeezes his hand * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > We ought to head home * Molly stands up, brushing the leaves from her trousers