< 04Molly > **They travelled home peacefully, and had a lovely evening. The next morning dawns very hot, making the walk around the grounds more tedious * @Morgan crouches on the wall in the main house' rose garden, watching the sun rice < 04Molly > **there is a soft clicking noise as Molly leads aurora down the path. she sees morgan, and leads the snow white mare to the garden. She ties the bridle to one of the stone supports * Molly stays quiet < 08@Morgan > good morning blossom * Molly moves nearer him < 04Molly > good morning, dear one * @Morgan looks over his shoulder < 08@Morgan > going for a ride? * Molly stands close < 04Molly > I need to give out the books today, and I shall be travelling alot. It seemed prudent in such heat to not walk * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > good idea < 04Molly > I'd rather not develop heat stroke! < 08@Morgan > no, quite * Molly looks back to the house, seeing no-one at the windows. She puts her hand very gently on his upper arm < 04Molly > And you, dearest one, what plans have you? < 08@Morgan > I haven't a clue... nothing out of the ordinary < 04Molly > I shall endeavour not to be too late * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I know it is important to you... take as long as is needed < 04Molly > I shall be visiting my mother first. I had intended to give her a teaching book, but... < 08@Morgan > she may find it useful regardless * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > I can write her another... it is still my hope that she will next learn Eisen * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > it would be useful if they decide to go with us < 04Molly > I really they shall. But, were it just you and I, I should still be more than content < 08@Morgan > did you want some company? * Molly looks unsure < 04Molly > It would be difficult to explain < 08@Morgan > a simple yes or no will suffice < 04Molly > I meant it would be difficult to explain to those I visit why you accompany me... * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > it is your choice Session Time: Thu Jul 02 00:00:00 2009 < 04Molly > In truth I'd rather get it over and done with... then I shall have far more free time. We can go walking out another day * Molly smiles softly * @Morgan nods, turning back to the sunrise < 04Molly > It is very beautiful this morning < 08@Morgan > indeed it is < 04Molly > I shall miss the Rose Garden < 08@Morgan > aye, as I will I < 04Molly > seems that in my memories, it is very present * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > understandable I suppose < 04Molly > I seem to have had a great many important conversations here < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly 's cheeks turn red like the sun rise < 04Molly > With you,with Lord Jaeger... < 08@Morgan > I see < 04Molly > Do you have fond memories here? < 08@Morgan > a few... before I went back to Eisen I could not see me leaving here < 04Molly > No? What made you feel so? < 08@Morgan > I was... fairly convinced that I would serve here until I died... * Molly nods < 04Molly > Unfortunately here, that might necessarily not be be very long < 08@Morgan > quite < 04Molly > I will always remember this place though * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > what is your fondest memory of this place? * Molly rubs his arm gently < 08@Morgan > I dont know really * Molly nods < 04Molly > I would struggle to choose < 08@Morgan > I would imagine so * Molly looks to him with concern < 04Molly > You seem a little out of sorts, does something trouble you? < 08@Morgan > no... no more than usual < 04Molly > You have seemed more carefree of late < 08@Morgan > I was giving thought to who will replace me once I have gone * Molly considers this < 04Molly > Bill perhaps? Or, with a little more training, David? < 08@Morgan > I dont know... I dont think either of them would do it for the right reason < 04Molly > Which is? < 08@Morgan > rather I think they'd do it for the wrong reasons. < 04Molly > Merely for the pay and security of employment? < 08@Morgan > because they find themselves impressive... < 08@Morgan > and believe me, there is no security of employment < 04Molly > only insomuch as the danger that seems to oft be here < 08@Morgan > aye... if you leave this job generally you dont need a reference for your next job * Molly nods < 04Molly > I don't believe you shall need a reference for your next job *she grins* < 08@Morgan > no... quite right * Molly squeezes his arm gently < 04Molly > I meant to be my husband... < 08@Morgan > that too * @Morgan grins < 04Molly > I ought to leave if I wish to have breakfast with my parents < 08@Morgan > indeed blossom * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > I shall be back this afternoon I believe * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > auf wierderschaun, mein liebstes * @Morgan smiles at her * Molly leaves his side, and goes to aurora, gracefully ascending to the saddle. < 04Molly > ************ < 04Molly > The bell of the chapel rings out over the Lower Tawstock valley, it's usual call marking midday. The heat has become untolerable. There is yet no sign of Molly, and at 2pm, when the storm hits that breaks the oppresive swelter, still nothing. The torrential rain continues, the 6pm bell barely audible against the thunder and lashing rain, bright flashes in the sky. The heat and rain continue. At 8pm, there is no sign of her * @Morgan trudges through the rain laiden down with sword belt and rifle towards the stables, saddling Xantha < 04Molly > **The flashes of light reveal the approach in the distance of a pale horse * @Morgan stops and walks just into the rain, watching carefully < 04Molly > **On closer inspection, he can tell its Aurora. Taking an odd route, the horse bypasses the barn, heading for the cottage, rider under many cloaks, but slumped slightly * @Morgan grabs his rifle and runs to intercept the horse < 04Molly > **Alerted by the noise, Aurora stops,and looks at him, clearly discomfitted * @Morgan slides to a halt and raises a hand and whistles to the horse < 04Molly > **She immediately goes to him, not guided or instructed to do otherwise * @Morgan holds the horse and checks on the rider * Molly is very very pale, unnatturally so. Her eyes are closed, bundled under cloaks yet still soaked through. The noise of her breathing is a rather disquietening rattle < 04Molly > **the rain and thunder continue, not lessening * @Morgan pulls her off the horse and into the house * Molly whimpers slightly as he takes her and carries her. Though her skin is pale, it burns against his. She does not struggle, even when they cross the threshold * @Morgan takes her into the lounge and places her on the sofa and turns to light a fire < 04Molly > **with the storm shut out, the laboured sounds of her breathing are intensified, a loud, ragged rattle as she breathes in and a high pitch wheeze as she breathes out. She doesn't move. * Molly 's voice is quiet, strained < 04Molly > M-Morgan? < 08@Morgan > Lie still blossom, I'm going to light a fire then we'll get you dried out < 04Molly > How-? *she begins to cough hard, deep in her chest it can be heard. It's slightly worse than it was the rainy day in Carleon. She closes her eyes, trying to breathe slowly* * @Morgan swears at the fireplace until it lights then takes off as many layers of her clothing as is respectable < 04Molly > **When he gets to just her shift, which is also soaked, she reaches up, her hand on his arm. She speaks barely more than a whisper as it seems to be the only way she can without the extreme coughing. Though her eyes are slightly glassy, she focuses on him, very solemn* < 04Molly > No...no more... the first time you see me so... not like this... not in a search either, I told her... *it makes no sense, but she obviously has a train of thought that it refers to* * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > ok blossom, I need some help... I'm going to get someone that can help, ok? * Molly looks at him, eyes slightly wide, slightly alarmed < 04Molly > There is a dry shift in the kitchen by the stove... I'm sure I could manage it, if you could fetch it? < 08@Morgan > you're sure? * Molly nods, coughing * @Morgan goes into the kitchen and fetches it, bringing it back < 04Molly > I... I would feel *cough* as if I *cough* ought to make some *cough* cakes, if someone were to *cough* come. *she smiles the best she can* * @Morgan frowns slightly < 08@Morgan > you will stay exactly where you are... until I return. < 04Molly > But Morgan, I- * Molly looks up, trying to read his expression < 08@Morgan > I'll say it again. You will stay where you are until I return. * Molly drops her eyes submissively < 08@Morgan > get changed * @Morgan goes upstairs to collect some blankets * Molly slips off the wet shift, replacing it with the dry one. her coughing can still be heard * @Morgan comes back down with the blankets stopping just short of the door < 08@Morgan > have you changed? < 04Molly > yes * @Morgan brings the blankets in * Molly is curled up, feet pulled up under. She is still very pale, but she smiles < 04Molly > thankyou * @Morgan places the blankets over her < 04Molly > I am very tired... < 08@Morgan > try to stay awake blossom... I'll be back soon * Molly looks slightly pained. It is apparent that hiding her true reactions is impossible for her in this state < 04Molly > Please be careful *cough* it is very dangerous out there < 08@Morgan > I'll manage. stay warm. < 04Molly > I shall not move, I swear. * Molly 's eyes are very serious * @Morgan nods and leaves the house, closing the door behind him * Molly waits as intructed. The rain continues to pour * @Morgan grabs aurora and runs for the stable. After ushering her into a stall and locking the door, Morgan jumps on Xantha and goes roaring into the rain towards lower tawstock < 04Molly > **the village itself it deserted as the rain drives its inhabitants indoors. The noise of dancing and singing comes from the pub, the Black Horse * @Morgan thunders along until he reaches Molly's parent's farm < 04Molly > **the hall is lit by candlelight, everyone indoors * @Morgan rides right to the door before dismounting. Thumping on the door he does not wait for an answer and forces the door open < 04Molly > **Hearing the noise, David comes to the door, armed with a rifle. Seeing Morgan, he looks puzzled < 04Molly > Uhh Good evening, Morgan * @Morgan stands dripping wet breathing heavily < 08@Morgan > I need... Martha... and you... to come with me... now < 04Molly > *he looks alarmed* What's happened, is it Molly?! MARTHA! COME QUICKLY, BRING YOUR CLOAK! < 08@Morgan > horses... you need one, Martha can ride.... with me < 04Molly > **Martha comes out of the palour, cloak over her arm.* I'm coming David, what on earth is- *she stops short, seeing Morgan* Morgan? < 08@Morgan > put your cloak on... come with me < 04Molly > *david nods, running out in to the rain, cloak forgotten, to get a horse* < 04Molly > What has happened? *she puts her cloak on, going to the door* < 08@Morgan > Molly's been caught in the rain... that cough of hers has come... with a vengeance... I need help to... make her better < 04Molly > *her eyes go wide, and she goes back indoors quickly, in to the kitchen, before returning with a large wooden box* I warned her this morning that a storm was on its way * @Morgan nods and climbs onto his horse, looking for David < 04Molly > *david waits at the head of the drive* *martha looks up at morgan* How bad is she? < 08@Morgan > bad... there's no time * @Morgan holds out his hand < 04Molly > *she takes it, and gets up on Xantha* She told me this horse was temperamental... < 08@Morgan > you've no idea, hold on tight... * @Morgan takes a breath and bellows < 08@Morgan > Xantha, Durchlauf! < 08@Morgan > **Xantha takes off at a dead run heading back to the estate < 04Molly > *she clings on, and david follows as fast as he can, a minute behind by the time they arrive < 08@Morgan > **Xantha slides to a halt at the entrance to the cottage * @Morgan slides down and offers aid to Martha < 04Molly > *she gets down, albeit awkwardly* thank you. She is not at the main house? < 08@Morgan > no * @Morgan leads the way into the lounge < 04Molly > *they follow. Molly is curled up asleep. Both parents look at Morgan.* < 04Molly > Martha: How long has she been home? < 08@Morgan > long enough for me to get to you and back < 08@Morgan > though the journey to you was faster < 04Molly > *david stokes the fire, aiding the sick not being his forte* I can scare believe the speed of your horse... < 04Molly > *martha kneels beside Molly, feeling her forehead with the back of her hand. She frowns.* < 04Molly > Martha: I need hot water * @Morgan nods and goes to the kitchen to boil some * Molly wakes at her mothers voice, and looks up at her. Her voice is rough, throat sore. < 04Molly > mama, no, please, I am just ill, it's nothing like John thinks! * @Morgan brings back two pans of hot water < 04Molly > Martha: hush Molly, you need to stay laying down, do not worry. * Molly is completely focused on her mother, tears streaming down her cheeks < 04Molly > Somethings wrong, I dont know... where am I? < 04Molly > Martha: you're here Moll, in the cottage, at Lady Torrington's estate * Molly looks utterly horrified and very frightened < 04Molly > Why, mama, why am I here? Can't I come home? < 04Molly > Martha looks to Morgan, quite afraid herself * @Morgan puts the pans down and kneels before the couch, still soaked < 08@Morgan > Molly... blossom... * Molly looks up at him, and doesn't seem to recognise him fully. She stares briefly < 04Molly > Wow! *she looks to martha, whispering* He is rather gorgeous Mama... < 08@Morgan > blossom... liebling, bitte * Molly looks to him, and the puzzlement intensifies < 04Molly > Ich kann Eisen gesprachen? ((I can speak eisen?)) < 08@Morgan > ja liebling... do you remember who I am? * Molly looks at him solemnly < 04Molly > There is something, yes...There is a ship... and a pool... and a mirror... and roses... and a fire? * @Morgan blinks momentarily * @Morgan looks to Martha < 08@Morgan > I shall leave her with you... no doubt I will cause her confusion < 04Molly > *Martha looks back to him shaking her head, and then to Molly* Moll, do you know what season it is? * Molly looks thoughtful, looking intently at Morgan. There is a look of shyness, a girlish attraction there < 04Molly > it is hot... there was a storm. I think it's summer... < 04Molly > Martha *nods at Molly* and how old are you? * Molly looks quickly to Martha before back to Morgan < 04Molly > we are friends? no...something else...liebling is darling... *she looks thoughtful* we talked lots, about... about people *she looks puzzled*.. about friendships, about men and women and... there was a journey? < 08@Morgan > answer your mother * Molly nods, though doesnt look away < 04Molly > I'm 19, nearly 20, my birthday is nove-... no, it isnt. *she frowns* * Molly watches Morgan intently < 04Molly > My birthday is July, isnt it? * @Morgan glances over his shoulder at David before looking back to Molly < 04Molly > *david watches from the fireplace, his eyes serious and sad. he nods to morgan* < 04Molly > Martha also looks to Morgan < 08@Morgan > Aye blossom, thats right * Molly looks pleased < 04Molly > gut. *she studies him* there _was_ a journey, and a mirror, and a feeling of sickness and nervouness... *she keeps her eyes on him* and... *her brow furrows* < 04Molly > *her parents watch morgan, waiting to see what he does* * @Morgan takes one of her hands gently < 08@Morgan > go on * Molly looks at her hand in his intently < 04Molly > There was something... I can not grasp it... I was nervous, very nervous. And then... hands on my shoulders... * Molly looks up at him, deep in his eyes < 04Molly > and then... *she looks puzzled, before her gaze drops to his lips, and her fingers touch her lower lip. She freezes in place, eyes going very wide* * @Morgan smiles briefly < 04Molly > *martha and david continue to watch him quietly* * Molly 's eyes suddenly focus, and she meets his gaze. Her rough voice is quiet, a slight rattle still, but much better < 04Molly > **the room is silent, bar the light drumming of rain, and crackle of fire. < 04Molly > Liebes herz... < 08@Morgan > yes blossom < 04Molly > *Martha and David merely look puzzled* * Molly suddenly breaks in to a huge smile < 04Molly > I remember you... I remember us... * @Morgan looks relieved < 04Molly > *Martha breathes a huge sigh of relief* Theus be thanked! David, let us make everyone some tea... *she raises her eyebrows at her husband, and they leave the room* * Molly blushes, left alone. She watches Morgan carefully < 04Molly > I...some of these memories... I'm not sure if they are real or imagination... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > how are you feeling? < 04Molly > strange... as if the world around me is a dream < 08@Morgan > you're very sick... you got caught in that storm * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > I was foolish to go... this... reaction... it could have been far worse < 08@Morgan > indeed. I... we... * @Morgan sighs slightly < 08@Morgan > I thought I'd lost you * Molly looks at him < 04Molly > I just had this overwhelming feeling of loss, of an emptiness, even though I could not recall why. I am so thankful I have remembered * Molly sits up a little more < 08@Morgan > you must be more careful blossom < 04Molly > I shall recover though < 08@Morgan > thats as maybe... you've scared me greatly... * Molly looks saddened < 04Molly > How so? < 08@Morgan > first I thought I may lose you entirely, then... when I returned... that you did not remember me, or us... < 04Molly > I would have fallen in love with you all over again... < 08@Morgan > thats as maybe but I could not have taken the pain < 04Molly > The pain of what, dear one? < 08@Morgan > of having lost you * Molly moves closer taking his other hand as well < 04Molly > You will never lose me < 08@Morgan > I truly hope not * Molly moves closer < 04Molly > I will do whatever it takes to stay safe for you * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > good < 04Molly > I would not put you through it again * @Morgan squeezes her hand * Molly smiles, speaking quietly < 04Molly > would you like to know what it was that made it all come back to me? < 08@Morgan > I would * Molly grins, and moves closer. she says very quietly 'this...', before leaning in and very gently kissing his lips * @Morgan smiles, kissing her briefly before pulling away * Molly pouts < 04Molly > It was not quite that way in my mind... < 08@Morgan > no doubt, but it is improper with your parents so close by * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I can't help but wonder if that perhaps was the reason for my mother's desire for tea, to give us a moment to be reacquainted < 08@Morgan > possibly * Molly squeezes his hands < 04Molly > later, perhaps. It may not be good for me to have my heart beat so fast whilst recovering < 08@Morgan > quite * Molly sighs playfully < 04Molly > unfortunately, that happns a great deal when you are with me * @Morgan smiles *Molly watches Morgan as he crouches in front of her. Just as she's about to speak, Martha walks in. Martha's face is serious. She takes up the box she brought, looking to Morgan* Martha: I shall brew some herbs that will hopefully make her a little better. David will sit with her, and I would have you help me bring down her eiderdown from her room. *morgan nods and stands up, going to fetch the eiderdown* *MArtha follows him, waiting til they're upstairs before speaking* Morgan, I believe we ought to discuss something, and I would prefer to have that conversation outside the presence of my daughter or husband. *he looks to her, apprehensive* go on *she watches him closely, noting every reaction* Molly is very good at housework, but she's always been a little forgetful with what to do with laundry once it is dry. * he watches her closely* I see *she stands at the top of the stairs, a quick sweep of her gaze survying the layout before turning her attention back to Morgan* I thought it prudent that you came to show me which bedroom was hers. It would be inappropriate for me to go in to the wrong room. *he sighs heavily* you have something to say, a point to make... make it. *she looks at him, and there is a brief flicker of compassion in her eyes, before her serious expression returns* I would like to know what the living arrangement is here... quite clearly it is not as clear cut as I was to believe. *morgan frowns* its fairly obvious. we both live here but have separate rooms. you have an issue with this i take it? *she sighs* I suppose given your status you have every right to take a mistress. This... arrangement can not be worse than that. arrangement? *his face becomes calm, blinking rarely and slowly* meaning? *she doesnt change her behaviour, obviously far more confident than Molly* Living together here, with nothing inappropriate occuring. It is probably a much safer solution than were she your mistress and you lived apart. most likely. *his voice becomes quiet* it has taken me a long time to find her and the thought of being apart from her again is intolerable... you understand? *her tone matches his subconciously* I understand. However, I know the risks of such an arrangement. Things can happen before either party realises its gone too far. I hope my assumption that you would stand by her and still marry her is correct. your assumption is beside the point. i gave my word that nothing will happen and so it will be. you may not appreciate it but the real men of eisen are not liars and scoundrels. *now she looks at the floor* My experience of Eisen men has done nothing to favour them to me, but I do like you. I am suprised by this arrangement, more for the fact I had not perceived it immediately. I recall that initial time when the obsession of love hits, and not wanting to be parted, very much so. I also know how it can progress if neither wills it to not enough. My Peter is testiment to that. I believe you are sincere and sesible though. you did not perceive it because i did not wish you to... while i did not lie to you, there is a wealth of difference between truth and honesty molly tells me that my truth is like a river... meandring. i'm not entirely sure what she means by that *she smiles* Molly has always been very good with her words. She'd make a fantasic writer. *she suddenly looks puzzled* Are there other things you are choosing not to tell me like this? such as? *she smiles slightly* If I knew, I would not ask. I would prefer to not have any more suprises. there is nothing that springs to mind... *she nods* I am pleased to hear that. I think it best that we do not mention this to my husband.He is far less understanding than I. *he nods* As you wish. *she smiles* which room is Molly's? *he points* *martha goes and opens the door. The bed is pristine, and she folds up the green and brown eiderdown neatly* This is a lovely little cottage... We rather thought so. *she smiles* I would have thought, given your heritage, that it was far beneath the usual homes you have. I'll grant its not as grand as my parenrs house but... It is warm, quiet and away from the guests and strife of the main house *she picks up the bundle, coming out of the room* Are your parents aware of Molly's station? Daughter of a gentleman? aye *she looks pensive* it is still far lower than you would be expected to marry,is it not? *he shrugs* Only someone tired of life will comment so *she smiles, and there is something almost predatory in it* Good. However, I was more concerned that your parents may yet forbid it. *she passes him the eiderdown* *he takes it, folding it over* I doubt it.. *she frowns* and if they do? They won't. *he sighs* You may as well be told... My first wife was a seamstress, not of even slightly noble birth. *she looks completely stunned* And they agreed to such a match?! I gave them no choice. *his voice becomes quieter * Never make the mistake of thinking that I am not willful enough to get what I want. *she looks at him solemenly* I hope for their sakes no-one makes an objection then. I think you would have proceeded without our consent, would you not? _I_ might have, but molly wanted it, needed it and her wishes are more important *she smiles at him* I think you'll be a wonderful husband... We'll see... *she leads the way down the stairs, and back to the living room. she smiles fondly at her husband and daughter. David sits upright, and cradles Molly against him very tenderly. He strokes her hair, and is oblivious to their return. It is quite clear in the concern in his eyes, and the way he strokes her hair that he loves her a great deal, and the trouble he felt at caring too much and her getting in to mischief is passed. He looks up then, smiling at Morgan and Martha. He speaks quietly* I believe, young man, that this is your place and duty, and that you will be far more able to provide comfort than I... *he looks at them seriously * I think you've both waited too long to be that close. I would not take that from you just yet *unusually, David blushes* That is my fault... *Martha looks to Morgan* I do not think Molly will be able to cook, shall I make some dinner so that you two actually eat this evening? *morgan obviously looks uncomfortable * I think it would be more appropriate were I to cook and for you and David to join us for our evening meal. *David tilts his head to one side, obviously deep in thought, whilst Martha grins* You can cook?! My Molly is marrying a man, nay a _lord_ to boot, who can cook?! *morgan watches david carefully* Perhaps I can tempt you with an eisen meal? And then I should return to the house. *David shakes his head* I don't think so, Morgan. *Martha looks at her husband, puzzled, and Molly pulls away from her father, sitting up* *morgans face remains calm* Because... *he watches Morgan, very certain* Because Molly needs watching, and her needs tended to. She trusts no-one as she trusts you. She is important to me, and I would not see her left alone, even if you must sleep on the floor. Therefore you ought not to return to the house tonight. *he speaks slowly* If that is your wish... *david nods* You gave me your word, and I trust in the honour and integrity of the nobility. I believe although it may raise a few eyebrows, if anyone notices you could claim her as your mistress due to your status. *he nods before looking to martha* And you? *she watches him for a few seconds more than is necessary* I think you ought to stay to look after Molly as long as is necessary to ensure she recovers. Such an illness could easily set the consumption started again, and that can be fatal. *she looks to David* It is better that she is thought to be his mistress than illness takes her from us for good, I think your suggestion was a very wise one. *she then looks back to Morgan for his reaction* *he Nods* Done then. Now, about dinner...