After the picnic, she swam a little more, and then they rode home. That evening, the swing was made and hung, and the weather so good, they ate dinner outside. Molly was a little more reserved, almost imperceptible unless paying attention. The friday she was up and dressed when he went on patrol, and after preparing his breakfast for his return, she mounted Aurora and left. She returned not long before sunset, just in time to make dinner, a little subdued and reserved once more, retiring early. This happened again on the saturday. Sunday she went to church with her parents, spending a few hours with them. She returned in the early afternoon with lots of food she had made with her mother, cloth-wrapped and put in the pantry. Again, she was quiet and reserved, starting to look drawn, dark circles under her eyes, smiling less. She turned in early. It is about 2am, the time that Morgan regularly wakes in the night. Her door stands open, bed made. *morgan searches the house for her, putting his customary walk through the house aside* In the kitchen, a solitary candle gutters as it reaches the last quarter of an inch. It is sat at the corner of the table, beside a no longer steaming cup of tea. Molly rests her head on her folded arms, deep in sleep, and judging by the candle and tea, has been a little while. in front of her are 4 books, the sort bought blank from a merchant in Tawstock. Each is open on a page with her handwriting, and there is a spread sheaf of loose papers immediately before her. To the left are two quills and 4 bottles of ink. *morgan carefully looks at the books and papers, careful not to wake her* The books are all written neatly, 4 copies of the same page. It begins 'The student knows the word sounds, and what they mean. They do not know what letters make the sounds or the words. They do not know how to use a pencil or quill to make these marks.' ((continue?)) The papers are all different, each marked 'front'or 'back' The 'fronts' continue with the instruction in simple language of _how_ to teach adults. The 'backs' are word lists, starting simple and getting harder, some placed underlined within sentances. Also instructtions on how to form the letters. This is clearly about 12 hours work, and obviously could not have been done on one night. She does not stir. *gently he shakes her, telling her to go back to bed* *she wakes slowly, with a look of brief puzzlement. She then looks up at him with a soft, tender smile. The reserve she's had with him the last few days has been in a romantic sense as well as general, voicing her feelings less, spending less time in his arms.* No, no, I must continue i know exhaustion when i see it blossom. you need rest. you're going to burn yourself out and, no matter how noble the cause, i will not allow that *she looks up at him from the chair, studying his face intently. She looks to his lips a moment, before shaking her head almost imperceptibly. Her eyes change a moment as her guard comes up and she tries to put her feelings in check.* In truth, it is not out of choice. I just can not rest properly when I retire. My mind races, too full, and I need to find something to do so that I do not go crazy! *he goes to the stove and begins boiling water to make fresh tea* then i will keep you company until such time as you can sleep Please, if you can sleep, you should. In truth, I do not know whether I will be able to sleep at all tonight again. *she coughs nervously, sorting the papers, having not wanted to reveal how bad it has become* *morgan fishes around in the back of a cupboard, coming out with a small container in his hand* coffee? proper coffee at that, not your run of the mill montaigne rubbish *he looks at her clear eyed, a decision to stay awake obviously already made* *she cant help but smile,reading his tenacity and determination. her gaze lingers a moment before the smile fades, and she looks back to her work.* Yes, please. Have you noticed that this time of night seems to last forever? *he smiles and sets about making the coffee* i rather thought that was the moment before dawn blossom. *Molly suddenly touches her lower lip thoughtfully, pinching it. Catching herself, she moves a book closer, blushing hard. She looks to him, trying to gather whether he saw it* I...uhhh... I'm not sure that lasts forever... you dont think? *he stretches slightly* so... where to start? Where to start? Oh,with the work. *she sits up a little straighter, shaking off the last remnants of long desired sleep* I need to copy these master sheets in to each of the books *he fetches a pencil qnd sits down* ok, which ones would you likr me to copy? *Molly keeps her eyes on the table* It would not be a nuisance to you to help? i expect the house can cope without being patrolled at this time of night... and this distress it causes you troubles me greatly *she nods, looking at his profile a momentt before looking back to the table. She stands, and goes to the drawer in the cupboard, taking out three candles. she brings them in their holders to the table, lighting each one from the other.* I may not have slept regardless, I'm afraid. But your offer is appreciated. and why would you not have slept regardless? *Molly comes back to her chair, handing him a set of papers marked 'back'. Again, she keeps her eyes on the table* I find I just cannot settle of a night. I can not quiet my mind enough. that i can relate to. you have a reason for this? *Molly picks up the quill, begining to copy at the front of one of the books. Her cheeks flush a little* The future...us... curiously, i sleee rather better with that in mind. *he starts copying* *Molly can't help but smile very braodly at his words, and looks at his profile fondly* That I am glad to hear... *she trails off, but doesnt look away* *he glances at her and smiles before setting back to work* how many copies do you forsee being needed? *At the eye contact, she immediately looks down to the table, blushing a little more. Her brows furrows at her thoughts a moment before returning to normal* I wish to make 4 books. The idea is to have the 4 best readers use them to teach others, and then their pupil can copy it out to teach others with it... *the quill scratches as she continues writing* a very good idea. *she smiles, looking down as she blots the ink fromthe paper* I'm glad you approve of the idea, even if the way Im carrying it out troubles you. *he takes a sip of his coffee* *she smiles softly* tis not the first time I have suffered long spells of sleeplessness... thats as maybe blossom, but you shouldnt have to lose sleep over it. *her expression becomes serious* please, do not misake me, it is neither cold feet nor a change of heart that keeps me awake. You need not worry but i do worry... even if your decision remains unchnged, i shall always worry about thqat which troubles you *molly looks puzzled* why,-.... why do you worry so? because i love you. when something causes you disquiet, it concerns me greatly. *her hand trembles, her last wordon the cream paper an indistinguishable tangle. She bites her lip* I.... *shesmiles briefly* hopefully I shall feel normal again soon... otherwise I shall have to sleep a little in the day. if that is what you feel you need to do... *her voice becomes quieter* no,it would mean being even further from you i cannot make you sleep... but it pains me to see you so tired *she looks at him intently a moment before picking up the quill.* It's never lasted more than 21 nighs when I have had it previously. I doubt it will this time. *he pauses, looking puzzled* 21 nights? of not sleeping... *she strikes through the error, putting the word down correctly* yes i gathered that... i was curious as to the cause *molly nods* the time between leaving the lodging house and arriving here.  Hiding in barns anticipating being found is not conducive to rest. Each bout has always been fear-related. understandable. still there is no need to be so worried over this. *she smiles slightly* this work... it fills the time I would nothave been able to sleep for regardless and it is not the work that causes you to not sleep? *she keeps her eyes on the book* no, it isnt then -what- is? *her voice lowers a little* that I can not keep mymind quiet, can not manage my imagination and memory *she blushes whilst writing* *he blushes* i see. *she sighs softly* You see why I have emersed myself in my work? I have resolved to behave precisely as your bethrothed should behave... *he speaks quietly* but you desire to act differently? *molly bites her lower lip* You deserve me to try as hard as I can to ignore my desires and behave appropriately, with respect and the distance that should be between an engaged couple... *he sniffs unceremoniously* blossom as long as my pledge to your father remains intact, then i am happy. *she looks up at him below her lashes, eyes soft and a hint of tears adds a slight sparkle in the orange candlelight* Morgan, I-.... *she takes a breath* There are things I wish to say, to discuss on the matter, but I need a little time to put the words right in my head. I would not have you upset by poor explaining... i shall wait for as long as is necessary blossom. *she smiles softly, and puts her hand on top of his* Thank you. *he smiles at her* at some point i really must sharpen my sword. oh, and we must collect the sword from tawstock. *sshe squeezes his hand briefly* Yes... and I must also collect the dress fabric from Mr Jameson...I'm afraid some of it had to be sent to Carleon for. elaborate then, i take it? *she lets go, taking up her quill and copying again. her writing is fast but tidy and legible* No, it is not because it is eleborate but-... I think perhaps it ought to remind a surprise, as is traditional... *she smiles* oh indeed, indeed... though i will point out that coming dressed as a dwarf with a beard, though a surprise, is not necessarily a desirable one *Molly laughs, probably the first time in a few days that she has.* The aim is to be beautiful and desirable, so no beard, I promise... *he chuckles* good Would you have been so very disapointed? I thought I might try a fairytale princess style rather than a dwrf though... i think i could stand fairytale just so long as we avoid beards *she sips her coffee, holding it in her left hand so she can still write* I'm actually quite fond of beards *she smiles, half playful, half unsure of herself* Would it make you not.... *she seems to change her mind, looking down to her writing* I am not sure why I copy this, I feel like I have read and reread it so oft I could do it from memory *he nods* i know... i've walked the halls of the house so often i dont actually think about where i'm going anymore... *She finishes off the last paragraph, blotting the page. She sets her quill aside* I can walk this cottage in complete darkness... I've had ample opportunity lately. I think the forest is just about the only place i cant do that. *she stretches slowly, and though unintentional, there is somehing sensual in the way she arches her back and her chest rises. The soft light serves to glow on her pale skin, cheeks paler for the tiredness* I can understand that. Was this the same upon your return to die Dauerhaftigkeit? Not so much. much of it is the same, but much has yet changed there *Molly nods, standing. she lays her hand softly on his shoulder* I am going to get some brandy and sit outside a little while. I have had enough writing, and my wrist aches. would you prefer i stay here and continue? No, I would enjoy your company greatly, but if you would prefer to stay, I shall not attempt to force you. *she strokes his shoulder gently* *he stands up, ready to go to the garden* *Molly takes one of the candles, handing it to him, takes one herself and blows out the third* We could sit on the swing, it should be big enough for us both, if we sit close *he nods, taking the candle and picking up his coffee* if you wish blossom *she nods slightly* Yes, yes I do. Would you like something stronger? no, coffee will do for me. *she goes to the cupboard, setting aside her candle for a moment. she takes the cherry brandy bottle, and pours a good measure in to her glass* At the very least, it might help me sleep * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > indeed it might * Molly takes the glass, and then decides to take the bottle under her arm, against the pale green gown that covers her shift < 04Molly > I shall probably need to buy more of this before long * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > we'll pick some up on the way to carleon * Molly smiles, and leads the way through the house to the back door * @Morgan gets up and follows, coffee in hand < 04Molly > Is cherry brandy not common in Eisen? < 08@Morgan > no more common than other types... I'd have thought you'd want it before we got there < 04Molly > It is hardly an essential though... * Molly puts her hand upon the handle, and then looks at the candle < 08@Morgan > regardless... we shall acquire some * Molly nods < 04Molly > I doubt the candles will be any use outside * Molly looks to him < 08@Morgan > probably not * Molly keeps her eyes on him as she softly blows out her candle, the light diminishing by half < 04Molly > I am still afraid of the dark... < 08@Morgan > you and I both blossom * Molly looks surprised in the soft orange half-light, one hand on the door handle as theother sets down the candle holder. < 04Molly > I believed it was spiders and forests,- < 08@Morgan > saw the schattenman in the forest... at night < 08@Morgan > lets say the darkness makes me... uneasy < 04Molly > I can understand that... * Molly leans in, and gently blows out his candle, setting the cottage to complete darkness. Now unable to read her face, it is in her voice that her expression comes in. She speaks softly. < 04Molly > I will not be far from you... < 08@Morgan > as you wish blossom < 04Molly > I know that I feel a little less afraid in your presence * Molly opens the door, which creaks slightly. She steps out in to the darkness. * @Morgan sighs slightly and follows * Molly 's voice sounds slightly pained < 04Molly > Why do you sigh so, dear one? < 08@Morgan > as I said, the darkness makes me uncomfortable < 04Molly > You need not accompany me < 08@Morgan > I will not leave you when you need my company < 04Molly > But- but I would not wish to cause you disquiet... < 08@Morgan > I would have it regardless for, were I not here, I would be roaming the house... in darkness * Molly 's tone changes, slightly less serious < 04Molly > I had not considered that < 08@Morgan > I thought not * Molly walks on to the grass, cool beneath her feet, though she has no concern for injury and feels no need to put shoes on < 04Molly > I do not recall being afraid of the dark until coming here < 08@Morgan > no? < 04Molly > I believe perhaps it is from the things I have seen here < 08@Morgan > most likely... truly I have grown more, not less uneasy in the dark since coming here * Molly gets to the swing, and sets the bottle down beside it. She sits carefully. < 04Molly > Perhaps that will ease wh-... in the future * @Morgan sips his coffee, glancing at the main house < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > Would you prefer to stand? < 08@Morgan > no no * Molly sips her brandy in the dark, only the slight noise of her lips on the glass a giveaway in the post-midnight darkness. There is no moon at all, but the stars glow, a cascade of silver points of the black satin of the night < 04Molly > I would have you sit beside me, if you would like? *she sounds nervous, hesitant, as if her former confidence with him has been dented* * @Morgan shuffles into place beside her < 04Molly > **Though he can't see it, she smiles in the darkness. She looks up at the stars < 04Molly > It makes the darkness a little more bearable < 08@Morgan > indeed it does * Molly sips her brandy again, savouring the warmness it brings in her throat against the slight night chill < 04Molly > What do you think they are? < 08@Morgan > the stars? * Molly giggles softly < 04Molly > Yes < 08@Morgan > who knows... * Molly keeps her head tilted < 04Molly > I used to sneak out at night and lay out in the grass, looking up at the stars... < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > I used to think that they were all wishes, from all places in Theah, and that the brightest ones were those most hoped for that could not come to pass... < 08@Morgan > an interesting view... < 04Molly > I always thought my dreams were the bright stars, too far-fetched < 08@Morgan > ever the romantic blossom * Molly feels her cheeks flush < 04Molly > perhaps. Now I don't know what they are... < 08@Morgan > perhaps its better not to know... * Molly downs her brandy, and pours another, drinking half the glass immediately < 04Molly > It would possibly rip down the organised religions... < 08@Morgan > possibly... though I was thinking more on a personal level.... if you dont know what something is, you cant know what a horror it can be * Molly speaks, seeming to choose her words carefully < 04Molly > But then is it better to be surprised by something awful than to be gradually introduced to it? < 08@Morgan > I wouldn't like to say * Molly sighs slightly < 04Molly > I wish I knew which was better... < 08@Morgan > whyso? Session Time: Tue Jun 16 00:00:00 2009 < 04Molly > It is something I have ponder for a while... * @Morgan waits quietly, sipping his coffee * Molly finishes the rest of the brandy in her glass, pouring another * Molly 's voice turns serious < 04Molly > I am finding myself having a change of heart, of mind * @Morgan holds his breath * Molly downs the brandy, and leans forward, putting the glass on the ground. She fidgets awkwardly < 04Molly > Something I have held dear for a while, I find my thoughts drifting from it, I am losing courage in my convictions... < 08@Morgan > you are making me nervous blossom * Molly looks puzzled < 04Molly > Why so? * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > think about your words * Molly goes quiet a moment < 04Molly > No, I still do not understand < 08@Morgan > something you held dear, change of heart... < 04Molly > and you think I refer to...? < 08@Morgan > me... marriage... * Molly turns slightly towards him, having to hold one hand with the other in her lap not to embrace him {No, Moll, restraint, remember?} < 04Molly > Oh Morgan,no, 'tis nothing like that. My feelings for you are... *she sighs* No, I did not refer to you. < 08@Morgan > then what? < 04Molly > Faith < 08@Morgan > faith? < 08@Morgan > is she a serving girl? < 04Molly > No, my faith, my beliefs * @Morgan sighs with relief * Molly hears it, and has to look away to prevent breaking her resolve < 04Molly > So you see, it was nothing to fear < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > what troubles you with your faith? < 04Molly > That I am no longer sure what the right path is, what I believe < 08@Morgan > I fear I'm not the right person to advise you on this < 04Molly > I do not seek advice at all, I ought not to have mentioned it at all * Molly picks up the glass from the ground and slips out the cork from the brandy. The thick liquid sloshes slightly in the glass and she restoppers it. < 08@Morgan > if you need talk about it, I am quite willing to listen... truly assuaging your troubles is a cause close to mein heart * Molly smiles broadly, though it is invisible in the dark. She moves slightly and her arm presses against his. < 04Molly > I just wonder that perhaps turning to the old ways was seeking something in a time when I had lost everything, family, fiance, future... < 08@Morgan > quite possibly * Molly drinks deeply from her glass ((3 and half glasses in about 10 mins btw)) < 04Molly > I found myself thinking in the chapel with Mama today, that when I was younger, before... the disagreement, I had no doubts * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I believed in Theus, in the Prophets and the divinty of their words, even though oft they were demonstrated inappropriately. < 08@Morgan > inappropriately? * Molly nods < 04Molly > Wars, killings, persecutions < 08@Morgan > indeed... such is the way of man... see what they want to... < 04Molly > The church of Avalon, and the other Theus religions... they are all very 'male', if you comprehend me < 08@Morgan > very... * Molly shrugs slightly, which rubs her arm against his. < 08@Morgan > you wanted a faith you could relate to < 04Molly > I uhhhh- ummm-... Yes, I wonder that perhaps at such a time in my life, it was the pull of the feminine nature of the old ways that drew me, when I felt forsaken by the men I'd held dear < 08@Morgan > understandable I think < 04Molly > I always liked the importance and respect it gave women * @Morgan sips his coffee < 08@Morgan > I can see why * Molly finishes the brandy. Her voices becomes slightly slower < 04Molly > But sat in the church today, I feel once more drawn to the church, to its teachings * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > There are proper rules there, which the old way does not have, and almost all of them seem sensible * @Morgan chuckles < 08@Morgan > almost? < 04Molly > Ummm... well, there is one that troubles me, because it confuses me in its contradiction * Molly pours another drink < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly downs it < 04Molly > The whole... ummm... lust and objectifying others < 08@Morgan > I dont know that I understand < 04Molly > Why I find it troubling, or what the church of Avalon's view is? < 08@Morgan > both * Molly 's voice has started to have slightly less finnesse where the brandy has set in < 04Molly > The uhhh view is that lust is a sin, as it causes one to objectify another, that the become just a ummm... you know...a *whisper* sexual */whisper* object... * Molly is bright red and grateful he can't see her < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > And I find it troubling because... Well, I think I ought not elaborate upon my reasons < 08@Morgan > I think... it is a difficult subject, since to be a complete married couple... lust needs to be there I think * Molly goes very quiet, unnaturally for her < 08@Morgan > I think perhaps... I shall get some ale < 04Molly > No, please, allow me < 08@Morgan > there's a flagon of blokners comfort in the cupboard with the coffee * Molly stands, slightly unsteady on her feet as the brandy goes to her head, and she giggles < 08@Morgan > will you be ok < 04Molly > Oh aye, just a little ummm... surprised by the effect it has had upon me < 08@Morgan > you have had rather a lot to drink in a short space of time < 04Molly > does that trouble you? < 08@Morgan > perhaps a little... it goes against your usual nature < 04Molly > hmmm yes... tis not the only thing... *she coughs slightly* excuse me * Molly turns and goes to the back door * Molly comes back a little later with his ale. Still dark, he cannot see her, but hears her soft laugh in the darkness shortly after an exclamation of pain < 04Molly > verdammt! ((Damn it!) < 08@Morgan > are you ok blossom? * Molly reaches him < 04Molly > Aye, I bumped my hip on the door frame. I doubt it is bruised, but it is in such a place as I will not be able to see! * @Morgan chuckles * Molly mutters something under her breath. < 08@Morgan > sorry? < 04Molly > I ummm.... I was just reminding myself * @Morgan looks confused < 04Molly > Do not let it trouble you, it was better not to be said...or done. < 08@Morgan > ummm... ok * Molly holds the bottle and glass towards him, not sure where his hands are in the darkness. * @Morgan reaches out and takes them * Molly sits back down, pouring more brandy < 04Molly > I would ask for some, but I recall its potency, and truly I would not wish to lose control * @Morgan pours some < 08@Morgan > as you wish blossom * Molly sips her brandy < 04Molly > You said something about the church, and marriage, I believe? < 08@Morgan > did I? < 04Molly > yes, before you wanted ale < 08@Morgan > oh yes... something about a complete marriage and a complete couple requiring a lust for one another < 04Molly > Yes, that was it... And that is where my trouble comes < 08@Morgan > whyso? < 04Molly > I... well, the church speaks that lust is a sin, because you objectify the inspiration of such desires, and that in some way diminishes them and harms them < 08@Morgan > does your desiring an apple do harm to the apple? < 08@Morgan > does it make it less an apple and more, say, a pear? * Molly sips her brandy < 04Molly > But the church would argue that an apple is designed to be eaten, and a person is not < 08@Morgan > I think that is beside the point < 04Molly > Why so? < 08@Morgan > your intention of what physical action would be taken does not change that you desire the apple < 04Molly > Do you believe then that the church is flawed? * @Morgan is silent for a moment < 08@Morgan > men's perceptions of what the church wants and should be... is what is flawed < 04Molly > I wonder that their defination of lust was more to condemn men like Kai and Kurt with their persitant dallying than... * Molly coughs slightly awkwardly < 08@Morgan > than you and I? < 04Molly > I... ummm... uhhh.... ummm... I... I didnt mean that I... or you... or... * Molly downs the rest of the brandy in the glass * @Morgan guzzles the ale * Molly looks to him in the dark, seeing barely an outline < 04Molly > I mean, do... do you feel that, in regards to me? < 08@Morgan > I do * Molly pinches her lower lip, doubting his night vision is good enough to see it < 04Molly > I see * @Morgan drinks some more < 04Molly > As a woman, are my sensibilities supposed to be upset by such? < 08@Morgan > I'm not sure if I'm honest... on the surface, probably * Molly sighs, pouring her brandy < 04Molly > They really aren't...if anything, upset is the last thing I feel at such * @Morgan laughs * Molly relaxes slightly < 04Molly > surprised, nervous... < 04Molly > but also thrilled, and those are the simplest feelings to label * @Morgan nods in the dark, drinking some more < 04Molly > I have made you uncomfortable? < 08@Morgan > no, blossom... * Molly breathes a sigh of relief < 04Molly > I am glad to hear it * Molly sips her brandy < 04Molly > I also feel a little less guilty < 08@Morgan > guilty? * Molly 's voice becomes slightly quieter < 04Molly > For the things I've thought, for my imagination < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > That you have feelings for me in such a manner, it eases my guilt * Molly sips her brandy * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > good * Molly giggles < 04Molly > perhaps I shall sleep better knowing such < 08@Morgan > I truly hope so < 08@Morgan > lack of sleep is something I would not wish on most people < 04Molly > and especially me? < 08@Morgan > especially you * Molly moves, and hesitates a moment, and then very gently and carefully puts her hand on his knee, the first time she'd have instigated such affection the last few days < 04Molly > I shall not miss laying in my bed, looking up at the ceiling, too warm, too... thoughtful to rest * @Morgan nods, taking a draught of his ale < 04Molly > I am pleased that you rest a little better now < 08@Morgan > as am I... it is truly something I am not used to anymore... after a time I just learned to deal with it... it became the norm * Molly squeezes his knee slightly < 04Molly > But you do not sleep the full night> < 08@Morgan > no... I dont know that I ever will < 04Molly > That could be *she pauses slightly* the case * @Morgan nods, pouring some more * Molly sips her drink, feeling her head swim < 04Molly > Such seriousness... < 08@Morgan > such is my manner I'm afraid < 04Molly > No, I meant this conversation... and my reserve < 08@Morgan > ah < 04Molly > it is very difficult, you know < 08@Morgan > it is? < 04Molly > yes... my head and my heart are pulling me in different directions < 08@Morgan > I'm afraid, as ever, I dont understand < 04Molly > In regards to the way I have been these last few days... though perhaps you had not noticed.. * Molly sips the brandy < 08@Morgan > I'd noticed and to be frank it was causing me some distress < 04Molly > Oh dear one, I am so sorry, 'twas not my intention to distress you... why did you feel so? < 08@Morgan > I was thinking perhaps your feelings for me had waned * Molly sighs heavily < 04Molly > No, it is the opposite that makes me behave so... * @Morgan drinks some more ale < 04Molly > I do not wish to overstep the boundaries, or be seen to be behaving wantonly or inappropriately... my head has been telling me to be more reserved with you... < 08@Morgan > I think perhaps that you have taken that too far < 04Molly > If it hurts you, yes * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > However, my heart tells me different than my head < 08@Morgan > I had feared that perhaps your heart had started a decline away from me < 04Molly > No, my love, not at all. My heart tells me to relax, and not be afraid of being inappropriate, and let what could happen between us happen * Molly sips her brandy, looking back to the stars * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > within the constraints of the promise I made to your father, I assume? < 04Molly > Oh of course... As I have spoken before, it is a gift I wish to bring to you upon our wedding night * Molly blushes hard < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > I mean... if it doesnt... well... ummm... it's not that important < 08@Morgan > please blossom, speak plainly < 04Molly > I fear it would upset you < 08@Morgan > no more than your silence... * Molly rubs his knee, slightly clumsy from the brandy, though not painfully < 04Molly > Just that were you not to wish to, upon that night, or any other in the future, I would understand < 08@Morgan > I do not see that being an issue blossom * Molly nods < 04Molly > I understand < 08@Morgan > do you? < 04Molly > I think so < 04Molly > although... < 08@Morgan > go on < 04Molly > well what I think you meant, and what you might have meant might have been different *she giggles, words slightly slurred* if that makes sense < 08@Morgan > not particularly * Molly laughs < 04Molly > I may have mis-interpreted your response < 08@Morgan > then tell me what your interpretation was... * Molly takes a moment, thoughts in the dark making a war within her mind. She comes to a decision, and takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders. She leans in against him, her warmth against his arm, and her mouth beside his ear, breath hot, words gentle,lingering < 04Molly > That upon the night we are wed, you fully anticipate taking me to your bed and doing with me as you will... < 08@Morgan > no, thats more or less what I meant * Molly moves back to where she was, sipping the brandy < 04Molly > at least we are on the same page... < 08@Morgan > quite * @Morgan takes a mouthful of ale < 04Molly > I must know something * @Morgan swallows hard < 08@Morgan > that being? < 04Molly > would you prefer I follow my heart and am not reserved with you? < 08@Morgan > I would < 04Molly > Then I shall do so... though I fear it may take time for me to return to being so expressive and affectionate * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I understand blossom < 04Molly > I would not have you deterred by that however * Molly giggles < 08@Morgan > and so I shall not be < 04Molly > If anything, it might be a little quicker for normality to return that way < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly smiles in the darkness, touching her lower lip < 04Molly > I would not have any lingering concerns of upsetting you were the actions yours < 08@Morgan > I see * Molly sips her brandy < 04Molly > I'm sorry * @Morgan takes her hand and kisses it gently < 08@Morgan > for what blossom? * Molly has to take a moment to respond, drawing her senses away from the feel of his lips on her skin < 04Molly > I... for making you afraid for my affections < 08@Morgan > think of it no more blossom * Molly moves slightly closer, leaning against him, noting the solid strength of his arm < 04Molly > You are far more resilient than I < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > I am afraid that had I suspected your heart had turned fromme, I would have cried < 08@Morgan > I dont think such a thing would be a terrible thing to suffer were it the case < 04Molly > That your heart turned from me? < 08@Morgan > aye * Molly shakes her head, and then leans it against his shoulder < 04Molly > I would be utterly and irrepairably broken by such < 08@Morgan > I think you're wrong blossom < 04Molly > Why so? < 08@Morgan > I'm not that important * Molly wraps her arm around his < 04Molly > I could only disprove that by saying things that would embarrass you < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > can you bear it, dear one? < 08@Morgan > I think so < 04Molly > Then you should know... you _are_ that important. I love you, the way I tried to love John, tried to love Jaeger, and thought I may never love anyone. You have changed my world, my perceptions, my dreams. I long to spend my life by your side, to be your wife, your veisgraffin *it sounds as if she's going to say more but doesnt* * @Morgan nods, drinking slowly * Molly looks up at him < 04Molly > Are you uncomfortable now, dear one? < 08@Morgan > not uncomfortable as such < 04Molly > but? < 08@Morgan > I was not expecting quite such a statement < 04Molly > I am sorry, I should not have said it < 08@Morgan > dont be sorry blossom... you said nothing wrong < 04Molly > but I have surprised you with the vehemence of my feelings? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly leans back against him < 04Molly > Does it please you to hear me speak such, I wonder < 08@Morgan > it does... very much so * Molly kisses his arm < 04Molly > Good, for I want nothing more than to please you * @Morgan blushes, sipping his ale * Molly giggles < 04Molly > I wonder that I am better now at spotting the possible connataions... < 08@Morgan > possibly, I suppose... * Molly drops her voice a little < 04Molly > The point stands regardless * @Morgan nods * Molly slips her arm around his waist < 04Molly > Dear heart, you will be very tired in the morning for staying up with me so * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > no more so than normal < 04Molly > I hope one day you will be able to sleep right through * @Morgan shrugs again < 08@Morgan > in the grand scheme of things, its not that big a sacrafice < 04Molly > perhaps it is because I am not used to it, but in truth I very much enjoy sleeping, and being in my bed < 08@Morgan > I take great pleasure in ten minute naps < 04Molly > Right now, even ten minutes sounds amazing < 08@Morgan > perhaps now that your mind is set at ease you will be able to sleep? * Molly giggles < 04Molly > Aye, rather than worry about the thoughts that I have, and how improper they are, I may just allow myself to think them without guilt * @Morgan laughs < 04Molly > That does not trouble you? < 08@Morgan > not even slightly * Molly laughs < 04Molly > Ah but if only you knew quite how bad the things I think are...! < 08@Morgan > even so I dont think they would trouble me * Molly nudges him gently, her voice becoming slower again with the brandy < 04Molly > Ah yes, but then if you knew, it may rob you of more sleep < 08@Morgan > perhaps, but the fact you have them does not bother me at all < 04Molly > I am glad... I would not have you worried that you have become an object of my lust... * Molly laughs < 08@Morgan > I'd be more worried were I _not_ the object of your lust < 04Molly > Object is perhaps the wrong word... intended target, perhaps * @Morgan laughs < 04Molly > But yes, you can rest assured that you are the only person I have such desire and passion for < 08@Morgan > that I am truly glad to hear * Molly squeezes him a little with her arm around his waist < 04Molly > I am not so sure it will take so long for my affections to return < 08@Morgan > I think perhaps the brandy assists in that matter < 04Molly > I do not believe so... It is that I am not afraid so much of you discovering the intensity of my desire and being annoyed < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > do you? < 08@Morgan > I think so < 04Molly > good. I do not wish to hide anything from you * Molly yawns < 08@Morgan > bed time for you I think < 04Molly > willyou be coming with me? < 08@Morgan > no, I still need to walk the house * Molly nods and stands. She laughs as she nearly falls < 04Molly > I ummm... wonder if you might stay long enough to ensure I do no break my neck walking up the stairs! < 08@Morgan > of course blossom < 04Molly > the glasses can wait til the morn, they'll be safe here... * Molly watches his vague shape in the darkness * @Morgan nods, standing up * Molly moves closer to him < 04Molly > I shall not keep you long * @Morgan offers his arm * Molly links hers through his, unsteady. She allows him to lead her < 04Molly > thank you, my love * @Morgan leads her to the door and through it * Molly is very quiet on the way upstairs, apart from the occasional laugh at her clumsiness * @Morgan reaches her door * Molly turns to face him < 04Molly > Well, I believe this is goodnight... *there is something in her eyes, a sparkle of mischief* < 08@Morgan > indeed it is blossom < 04Molly > In real life, at least... * @Morgan chuckles < 08@Morgan > for now * Molly grins and moves closer to him, wrapping her arms around him < 04Molly > Aye, I am eagerly counting the days until there shall be no parting for seperate beds < 08@Morgan > as am I blossom * Molly goes on to her tiptoes and kisses his lips very very softly * @Morgan holds her tightly * Molly presses herself against him, revelling in the scent of him, the strength of his arms. Her kiss becomes harder, less hesitant * @Morgan returns the kiss * Molly pulls away, looking up at him < 04Molly > Goodnight, my dear Morgan < 08@Morgan > goodnight blossom * Molly goes in to her room with a quick glance at him over her shoulder