* Molly and Morgan rode the horses, who kept very close together, causing Molly and Morgan to laugh as their legs were banged together. They had a quiet dinner, and retired to the parlour, where they spent a fair while kissing. As it started to get very passionate, they called it a night, both a little unsure of the boundaries now the promise to her father was made.(mtf)
* Molly spent most of the next day teaching, out all day, and returned a little pensive, quiet for the rest of the evening. The next morning dawned bright and warm, and Molly was already awake and sewing when he left for his patrol. Upon his return, she is busy packing a wicker basket for the picnic and lesson they'd agree on. It is now thursday.
* @Morgan walks into the house, hanging his coat and sword belt by the door ebfore going in search of Molly
* Molly comes downstairs, fidgeting and adjusting the ribbons on the front of her dress, she stops when she sees him,looking at him head to toe. There is a slightly longeer than normal pause whilst she looks
< 04Molly > Can I get you anything?
< 08@Morgan > no, I'm fine
* Molly comes down the stairs, and comes to his side
< 04Molly > You're looking very well this morning
< 08@Morgan > I thank you... I've been exerting rather too much energy I fear
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > You look far happier recently... that tired, drawn, harrowed look, it has faded alittle I believe
< 08@Morgan > I think you're right
< 04Molly > It is wonderful to see, though has one drawback
< 08@Morgan > oh?
* Molly kisses his cheek
< 04Molly > It makes you even more irresistable to me
* @Morgan laughs
< 08@Morgan > I uhhh... I'm afraid I'm going to have to do something on the way that'll seem awfully like showing off... but I need to know if I can still do it
* Molly looks intrigued
< 08@Morgan >  04*grins* 
< 04Molly > I am fascinated. And I promise not to hold it against you, dear one
< 08@Morgan > good... if it goes wrong I shall look a complete fool
* Molly shrugs
< 04Molly > You could never look a fool to me
< 08@Morgan > oh give it time
< 08@Morgan > I've this tendancy to act foolishly at times
* Molly looks thoughtful, going to the table
< 04Molly > I would be interested to know how
< 08@Morgan > some of my friends said I was far too sentimental about Xantha
* Molly looks at him as she pours hrself a cup of tea
< 04Molly > But he is lovable... even though he can be standoffish... and looks like a brute... but then that has not stopped my affection thus far
* Molly winks
* @Morgan blushes
< 08@Morgan > indeed
* Molly sips her tea
< 04Molly > How did you respond to such an accusation?
< 08@Morgan > I didn't... they told my father
* Molly looks puzzled
< 04Molly > What could they gain from such?
< 08@Morgan > I dont know
< 04Molly > Who were they?
< 08@Morgan > I fought with them
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > What did your father say?
< 08@Morgan > he told them to mind their own business and that obviously they were poor friends indeed if I preferred the company of a horse to them
< 04Molly > Most definately. What happened then?
* Molly drinks her tea, fascinated by the story
< 08@Morgan > I've not seen them since...
< 04Molly > I would say that is no loss. How did you act foolishly?
* @Morgan shrugs slightly
< 08@Morgan > I lost friends in favour of a horse
* Molly shakes her head
< 04Molly > You lost several poor friends for one very good and loyal friend. That is not foolish at all
< 08@Morgan > they dont seem to understand... each of them lost horses, several... to them it was just a means to being higher than the opposing platoon...
< 04Molly > In the same way as if a sword, or mail shirt was lost? Just a weapon of war, not a living, thinking creature with a personality...
< 08@Morgan > indeed
* Molly shakes her head
< 04Molly > I can not imagine thinking of a horse so
< 08@Morgan > perhaps I am so fond of him because he brought me through each battle
< 04Molly > And for that I am eternally gratful
< 08@Morgan > I've never really seen them as I do now... but I've always had a kinship with them... since my latter teens at any rate
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Xantha is rather exceptional though. I admire him a great deal, though I don't think it's mutual
< 08@Morgan > has he bitten you?
* Molly looks shocked
< 04Molly > No, of course not
< 08@Morgan > then he likes you
Session Time: Thu Jun 04 00:00:00 2009
* Molly laughs softly
< 04Molly > That is... odd
* Molly finishes her tea
< 04Molly > I shall be ready to leave for the lake when you are
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > I have made a picnic
* Molly smiles
< 08@Morgan > so I see
< 04Molly > Did you want to get changed, or have tea, before we leave?
* @Morgan shakes his head
< 08@Morgan > I got my things sorted before I left this morning
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > In that case, I shall get my cloak
* @Morgan nods and picks up the basket and goes to the door, donning his great coat and sword belt
* Molly follows him, taking down her blue cloak
* @Morgan opens the door and waits for Molly to pass
* Molly puts the cloak on, and goes out in to the hot sunshine. She laughs, and takes the cloak off, putting it over her arm
< 04Molly > Far too hot
< 08@Morgan > chances are you'll be glad of it later
< 04Molly > I shall take it, but I can't wear it in this heat
* Molly waits for him to shut the door
* @Morgan follows her out and closes the door
* Molly walks down towards the stables, looking around at the walls of the house, eyes thoughtful
< 04Molly > Is it this warm in Eisen?
< 08@Morgan > warmer, often
< 04Molly > That'll be nice, the weather in Avalon can be so changeable
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > it gets a bit much in the summer though
< 04Molly > I can imagine working the fields in such heat must be difficult
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > indeed it is
* Molly opens the stable door, and goes in to the cool darkness,the smell of horses a familiar comfort
< 04Molly > I always like stables
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > reminds me being a child
< 08@Morgan > I see
* Molly looks around, spotting the horses, leaning together
< 04Molly > Awww
* Molly smiles at Morgan
< 04Molly > I think perhaps we shall be riding side by side once more
< 08@Morgan > it would appear so... I think, though, that you need to tether aurora to the rail for the moment
* Molly looks puzzled, but complies automatically, and then turns to watch him
* @Morgan places the basket down out of the way then walks to Xantha, pressing his forehead to the horses face, murmering quietly in Eisen. After a moment he steps back and walks to the stable doors, pushing them wide open
* Molly tilts her head, intrigued
* @Morgan smiles faintly before turning back towards the horse
< 08@Morgan > Xantha... Durchlauf
< 08@Morgan > **Xantha immediately launches into a gallop, thundering out of the stables and off to the left
* Molly follows outside,leaning against the door frame, she smiles broadly
* @Morgan walks outside and watched the horse arc round at full gallop. As it starts to near the stables, Morgan sets off at a dead sprint on a rough intercept course
* Molly watches intently
* @Morgan sprints to Xantha's side, gripping the harness in one and and hurls himself into the saddle. Slowing, he rides back to the stable
* Molly watches open mouthed
* @Morgan sheds his coat and lays it over the front of the saddle
< 04Molly > That was amazing, dear one
< 08@Morgan > I did it once or twice in battle... it shocks people to find what they thought was a loose horse was actually waiting for a rider
* Molly looks thoughtful, and comes near to Xantha
< 04Molly > Were you worried, in the end, that he would get injured?
< 08@Morgan > always
< 04Molly > Was that why you left?
* Molly holds her hand out, palm flat to Xantha
< 08@Morgan > I'd done enough fighting... the people I fought weren't the ones that deserved it
< 08@Morgan > **Xantha sniffs her hand
* Molly keeps her hand very still
< 04Molly > I can undrstand that.
< 04Molly > Had it gone wrong, you could have been injured...
< 08@Morgan > it wouldn't have been the first time
* Molly looks briefly pained. She smiles at Xantha
< 04Molly > We can be friends, can we not, Xantha?
< 08@Morgan > **Xantha flicks his hears
* Molly looks to Morgan
< 04Molly > Is that yes, or no?
< 08@Morgan > he hasn't bitten you so its probably a yes
< 08@Morgan > try pushing him aside
* Molly looks unsure
< 04Molly > Is that not a little risky?
< 08@Morgan > realistically its the only way to know
* Molly nods,eyes tense. She very gently pushes him away
< 08@Morgan > **Xantha takes a step sideways
* Molly looks to Morgan
< 04Molly > What thinks you?
< 08@Morgan > he must like you... he doesn't let people push him around normally
* Molly grins
< 04Molly > I am glad to hear about it. I would not have him think I was a rival to him for your affection
* @Morgan smiles
< 08@Morgan > shall we leave?
< 04Molly > I think so
* Molly goes in to the stable, and unties Aurora, leading her outside. Molly hitches her skirt up, and climbs into the saddle
< 04Molly > So much harder in a dress
< 08@Morgan > no doubt
< 08@Morgan > though... I cant say I've given it much thought
* Molly taps Aurora, and they head away from the village, down alongside the brook. The hot sun leaves golden blotches on the forest floor, and sparkles on the river's surface
* @Morgan rides along beside her
< 04Molly > I hope to one day be able to teach you something... so far you'e taught me to sword fight, and to speak Eisen, and now to swim...
< 08@Morgan > I'd say you've already taught me something...
* Molly looks over at him
< 04Molly > How so, dear one?
< 08@Morgan > you taught me that I was much too harsh on myself
< 04Molly > You do not think you came to that realisation yourself?
< 08@Morgan > no, I think I needed to be shown that
< 04Molly > **the soft clack of the horses mixes with the spring birdsong, and fluttering of the leaves in the gentle breeze, the only relief from the heat of the day
< 04Molly > In truth, I am not sure how I did such a hing, but I am honoured you could attribute such a momentous thing to me
< 08@Morgan > how does not matter, really... whats matters is that you _did_
* Molly blushes
< 04Molly > I am glad... you deserved better
* @Morgan shrugs
< 04Molly > **Aurora moves closer to Xantha, and Molly laughs
< 04Molly > Aurora! You shall have plenty of time alone together once we are at the lake!
< 08@Morgan > I think perhaps our concerns about their getting along were unfounded
* Molly nods, smiling at him
< 04Molly > Tis now parting them that seems to be an issue
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > **The stream curves a little on a steeper part of the route down to the lake, requiring a little concentration. They pass through the clearing they visitied the other day
< 04Molly > Tis not much further now
* @Morgan nods, patting xantha's neck
< 04Molly > **After another few minutes, they enter another clearing. The lake is quite big (think that resevoir we went to with T&S), and the sunlight shimmers on it. The tree line is well shaded but still very very warm
* @Morgan dismounts and runs his hand over Xantha's face
* Molly bring Aurora to a halt, and tries to get down, swearing softly.
< 08@Morgan > issues blossom?
< 04Molly > Aye, my skirt is caught in one of the buckles
* Molly tugs at the fabric, finally dislodging it
< 04Molly > Ah ha
* @Morgan smiles
* Molly manages to get both legs on the same side
< 04Molly > You should be thankful you need not wear dresses
< 08@Morgan > blossom, there isn't a day goes by that I dont fall to my knees and cry out with gratitude at not having to wear them
* Molly laughs
< 04Molly > sometimes you can be a little sarcastic, dear one
* Molly looks down at him
< 08@Morgan > only a little
* Molly jumps down, landing neatly
< 04Molly > Go on Aurora, off you go
< 04Molly > **Aurora looks at Xantha before galloping for the trees
< 08@Morgan > **Xantha flicks his ears and looks at Morgan
< 08@Morgan > Xantha, gehen sie
< 08@Morgan > **Xantha runs off after Aurora
* Molly smiles at Morgan
< 04Molly > So, dear heart, where do we begin?
* @Morgan looks slightly perplexed
< 08@Morgan > I'm not entirely sure
* Molly looks a little awkward
< 04Molly > I do not think I would swim well in this dress...
< 08@Morgan > no, you would not
* Molly blushes
< 04Molly > I ummm made something, I had to be creative, somthing light enough to swim in...
* @Morgan nods
* Molly looks to him
< 04Molly > I hope you will not laugh
< 08@Morgan > I shouldn't think so blossom
* Molly nods, biting her lip. She undoes the front of her bodice over her shift, avoiding his eyes
< 04Molly > It is not an activity I know of a particular garment for
* @Morgan nods slowly
* Molly slips the bodice off, and with it falls a piece of folded parchment with a seal
< 08@Morgan > I've not really paid much attention to ladies swinging garments
< 04Molly > Ah! I wondered where I'd put that!
* @Morgan looks intrigued
* Molly turns it over
< 04Molly > The mail coachman brought it as I was changing this morning
* Molly undoes the seal
< 04Molly > I believe it is from the Colonel...
< 08@Morgan > oh?
* Molly opens it, looking at the handwriting before reading it
< 04Molly > Yes, it is.
* @Morgan nods, looking far from impressed
* Molly reads it through, before looking up
< 04Molly > I discovered in my interview with Justicar Howe that he was aware of the Colonel's actions in the village of his love...
* Molly looks at him almost for confirmation
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > Given that I was the only one the Colonel had spoken of it to at Lady Catherine's, it seemed as if I had told the justicar to make trouble for the Colonel, particularly after voicing my feeling to Justicar Howe that the Rose's sinking may have been connected to the Schwert von Dornen company...
< 08@Morgan > someone suggested you were simply making trouble?
< 04Molly > **the breeze is less here by the lake, the heat more apparent. The horses are out of sight, but a lark and it mate provide a soft background noise with their singing, accompanied by the slosh of the lake on the shore
< 04Molly > No-one suggested it, but overall it seems far too many rumours and misperceptions are made of me. I wrote to the Colonel so that he would see that it was not my doing
< 08@Morgan > and his reply?
* Molly looks back down
< 04Molly > That it is not pleasant there, though gives him time to think. That he anticipates the authorities seeing his innocence and releasing him. That he does not know why he can not be traced.
< 08@Morgan > uh huh
< 04Molly > Also that he is glad people here are concerned for his well-being, and that if he can be of any assistance to me upon my planned business trip to Eisen, he will happily grant me any contacts or letters of introduction I might need.
* Molly folds it up
< 04Molly > It is signed 'kindest regards, Kai'
* @Morgan smiles
< 08@Morgan > contacts...
< 04Molly > In all honesty, were I to want his contacts, I would go to Prachtig and seek out his sister, if only to prove he is not who, and more importantly _what_ he claims to be..
* Molly looks at him, almost as if trying to read his reaction
< 08@Morgan > you do not believe him to be the honourable colonel in command of his honourable company?
< 04Molly > No, though I feel guilt at having become such a distrusting woman
< 08@Morgan > do you trust me?
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > with my life... with my heart...
< 08@Morgan > then you are not distrusting, are you?
< 04Molly > I am of others.You have proven your worth
< 08@Morgan > that is not distrusting, that is sensible
< 04Molly > Perhaps I was not sensible before... but I certainly trusted more, before losing the Rose
* Molly bends down, her shift revealing a great deal of clevage, and puts the letter under a rock to stop it blowing away
< 08@Morgan > you were awfully quiet last night...
* Molly nods, eyes sad
< 04Molly > I spent the day teaching, telling people that I would be away for the summer, knowing I may well not return, leaving their teaching half complete... I was thinking how I would go about ensuring they could teach themselves once I have departed
* @Morgan sighs
< 08@Morgan > its certainly a quandry
* Molly looks to him
< 04Molly > Would you prefer I do not reply?
< 08@Morgan > I would not tell you what to do or not do
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I see
< 04Molly > But, dear one, what you prefer
* Molly looks at him tenderly
< 08@Morgan > its tough... my instinct is to take these 'contacts' he speaks of...
< 08@Morgan > but you are not me
< 08@Morgan > besides, its not hard to find coconspiritors to add weight to your story
< 04Molly > I do not understand
* Molly puts her hands behind her at the waist, remembering why they are there, and undoes the tight knot that holds up the overskirt
< 08@Morgan > what do you not understand?
< 04Molly > about co-conspiritors for my story
< 08@Morgan > no... for _his_ story
* Molly slips the overskirt to the floor, blushing slightly,just in her shift
< 04Molly > But it may mean giving locations for wherein Eisen I am going, and to what end
< 08@Morgan > as I said, its what _I_ would do...
< 04Molly > I will be guided by you, dear one, you are far smarter than I
* Molly stands handsby her side,looking awkward
* @Morgan snorts
< 08@Morgan > that is far from true
* Molly grins
< 04Molly > In matters of nobility at least
< 08@Morgan > perhaps... though you will indeed need to learn
* Molly blushes
< 04Molly > One of many things
* @Morgan declothes to his swimming gear
* Molly tries very very hard to not stare. She takes off her shift. What she has made is made of a cream linen. The straps are narrow, thin lines on her bare shoulders, accidentally cut a little low on the neck. The vest has ties half way down, which holds the fabric tight to her breasts but slightly looser covering her stomach. A thin section of her skin is on show at the hem (mtf)
< 04Molly > Below this, is a pair of shorts, that come about a quarter of the way down her rounded thighs, leaving the rest of her legs bare. She fights the urge not to cover herself with her arms
* @Morgan wanders over towards the shore of the lake
* Molly follows him, nearly tripping for paying too much attention to his broad, well defined back, and not enough to her footing.
< 04Molly > *softly* dammit
< 08@Morgan > well... I suppose its now or never...
* @Morgan turns
< 08@Morgan > are you alright blossom?
* Molly blushes hard
< 04Molly > I ummmm... yes...I...missed my footing...
* @Morgan nods and begins wading into the lake
* Molly stands at the edge a moment, hesitantly
* @Morgan speaks over his shoulder
< 08@Morgan > wait there a moment
< 04Molly > Is the Sudlache this big?
* @Morgan throws himself into the water and disappears beneath the surface
* Molly feels her heart pound a moment
* @Morgan breaks the surface, standing up
* Molly looks intensely relieved
< 08@Morgan > sorry blossom, you asked something?
< 04Molly > I asked if the Sudlache is this big...
< 08@Morgan > bigger
* Molly looks surprised
< 04Molly > I can not imagine it
* @Morgan walks back out to where she stands, dripping water
* Molly swallows hard, looking away to the treeline to her left
* @Morgan stretches out
< 08@Morgan > so then blossom... ready?
* Molly looks back to him, meeting his eyes to prevent looking lower. She nods
< 04Molly > I think so
* @Morgan holds his hand out to her, stepping backwards deeper into the water
* Molly places her hand in his and allows herself to be led, feeling the cool water pleasant against the day's heat. Up to her mid-calf, she takes a deep breath, the nervousness coming to her eyes
< 08@Morgan > you'll be fine blossom
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I could not trust anyone else enough to do this with them
< 08@Morgan > and I am honoured at that
< 04Molly > I do not think anyone else could truly understand my fear
< 08@Morgan > possibly not
* Molly inhales sharply as the cool water hits the back of her knees
< 04Molly > It feels strange... heavy against my legs almost
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > its near on impossible to fight in water
* Molly looks down to the water, finding herself instead looking at the broadness of his chest. She blushes, her fingers inadvrtantly tightening on his hand. Hearing him speak, she looks up, a slight hint of guilt in her eyes.
< 04Molly > Oh... yes, yes, I can Imagine it must be
< 08@Morgan > we'll need to get you in to about your hips I think
* Molly nods, taking a deep breath 'Now focus Moll, this needs to be done.' She follows him in deeper, eyes going wide briefly before taking a few more steps to get her at hip depth
< 04Molly > Now what, dear heart?
* Molly sounds nervous
< 08@Morgan > I'm going to put my arms out and I want you to lay across them.... you might want to get down and get your shoulders wet, otherwise the cold will be a shock
* Molly nods, the uncertainty making her submissive nature clearer. She takes his other hand, holding them tightly
< 04Molly > Yes, dear one
* Molly closes her eyes tight, and bends her knees until her shoulders are beneath the water. Even with her eyes closed the epression of fear is clear on her face
* @Morgan drops down with her, keeping his body fairly close to hers
* Molly 's expression changes, the fear lessened by his closeness, eyes still closed. She bites her lip
< 04Molly > This is quite daunting
< 08@Morgan > it will be fine blossom
* Molly nods, squeezing his hands
< 04Molly > What must I do now?
< 08@Morgan > just move around a little... though you need to learn to swim, you need to be comfortable in the water first
* Molly tries to relax, gradually moving around, though still holding his hands. After a few minutes, she is able to open her eyes, they seem a darker blue, very serious
< 04Molly > is facing one's fears always so difficult?
* @Morgan nods
* Molly continues to get used to the water, trying to keep her mind empty of both memories of nearly drowning, and his bare chest
< 04Molly > what next, dear one?
< 08@Morgan > now I'll put my arms out and I want you to lay across them...
* Molly nods, and stands back up. It is at this point it becomes clear that cream was a bad choice, as it is now see through, and the tightening ribbons hold the soaked fabric tight against her breasts.
* @Morgan coughs
* Molly looks to him with concern
< 04Molly > fare you well?
< 08@Morgan > fine blossom... perhaps a different colour next time?
* Molly looks down, and blushes awkwardly
< 04Molly > I am so sorry
< 08@Morgan > dont be silly... we are to be married... at some point I'll likely see you in less
* Molly blushes harder
< 04Molly > I ummmm think you already have...
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > The ummm night when I could not sleep...
< 08@Morgan > semantics
< 04Molly > But that was before you made a promise to my father
< 08@Morgan > indeed it was
< 04Molly > And therefore I now ought to be more careful I suppose
* @Morgan nods
* Molly sounds a little sullen
< 04Molly > I seem to have to protect my modesty more now than when there was nothing between us...
* @Morgan laughs
< 08@Morgan > indeed...
< 04Molly > It was a little easier before, in many ways... this *she nods towards the see through vest* would have been no problem
< 08@Morgan > quite so... I think we have a choice of getting you back in the water or getting out and drying off...
< 04Molly > In I think...
* @Morgan lowers himself back into the water with his arms in front of him again
* Molly lays back across his arms, feeling the warmth of his chest against her arm, fighting hard to ignore the sensation of his skin on hers
< 04Molly > This is tolerable
* @Morgan starts swaying back and forth
< 08@Morgan > try moving your arms in the water, feel the resistence
* Molly tries it, feeling off balance, but gradually feeling less and less troubled by it
< 04Molly > It feels strange feeling so light, so easy for you to hold
< 08@Morgan > one of the joys of swimming... you are nearly weightless, even to yourself
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > It is about time!
< 08@Morgan >  04*Laughs* 
< 04Molly > What do we do next?
< 08@Morgan > next you try swimming with me supporting you
* Molly smiles softly
< 04Molly > Ok, dear one, just guide me and I shall do as you say
< 08@Morgan > try using your arms to pull you through the water
* Molly does so
< 04Molly > like this?
< 08@Morgan > thats it
* Molly continues, getting more and more confident
< 04Molly > This is not so bad
< 08@Morgan > I'm going to lower you a little now... I'll still have you so there's no need to worry
* Molly takes a deep breath, nodding
< 04Molly > As you wish
* @Morgan lowers her a little into the water
* Molly closers her eyes once more, and uses her arms as instructed
< 04Molly > ** after a little while,and careful coaxing and instruction, Molly successfully swims, and is comfortable in the deeper water. Having taken steps to be about 20 feet away, he encourages her to swim to him. She isnot fast, but is already competant. Getting to him and excited with her success, she wraps her arms around his neck, embracing him tightly
< 04Molly > Thank you, dear one, from the bottom of my heart!
< 08@Morgan > you are quite welcome blossom
* Molly pulls away, looking at him
< 04Molly > I think perhaps we ought to eat now, all this swimming has made me hungry
* @Morgan nods, starting to wade for the shore
* Molly follows
< 04Molly > I may come here to swim again in the future... perhaps alone so I do not have to bother with what to wear...
< 08@Morgan > I would not recommend that for the time being... not until you are more proficient
* Molly smiles a little
< 04Molly > And even then, perhaps you would not recommend swimming naked?
< 08@Morgan > no, I wouldn't
< 04Molly > Why so,my love?
< 08@Morgan > its inconvenient if people turn up
< 04Molly > Oh I doubt they would
* Molly gets out of the water, immediately wrapping her cloak around her
< 04Molly > **they sit down to eat
Session Close: Thu Jun 04 04:48:38 2009