*Molly smiles at Morgan, clearly pleased with her mother's inadvertant manipulation. Martha also grins at Morgan, slightly smugly. David is the first to speak*

Let us have something Eisen then, I'm sure I'll like it.

*David says something very quietly to Molly, who blushes very very hard, and looks to the floor. Martha looks to Morgan*

I shall help you, if you wish?

I won't need help, but would be grateful for the company

*she smiles.*
Of course

*she takes the eiderdown from Morgan, and goes to Molly*

Lie down Moll, lets get you warm.

*Molly complies automatically, though she remains watching Morgan, with a soft, wistful smile. The three of them make a very nice picture of a loving family, and it would be hard to tell the huge rift that Morgan's actions have mended, if he did not know of them.*

*morgan smiles at them briefly before moving to the kitchen *

*after half a minute, Martha follows. she immediately goes to put the kettle on*
Tea, Morgan?

Please.
*he starts rummaging for various pans*


< 04Molly > *she takes the wooden box from the table, and puts a sprinkling of dark green herbs in to one cup, before going to the cupboard and putting tea in the other three*
< 04Molly > >
< 04Molly > > I always like it when people do things that resolve problem situations without realising they have.
< 04Molly > Quite... Though i'm not convinced that it was inadvertant
< 04Molly > *she pours the kettle, hot water in to each cup. The room begins to smell of tea, and something absolutely awful, almost a grassy rotting smell*
< 04Molly > What makes you think so?
< 04Molly > ((done))
* @Morgan puts a pan on the counter and starts to rummage again
Session Time: Sat Jul 18 00:00:00 2009
< 08@Morgan > I'm not sure... he seemed very intent on it
< 04Molly > *she smiles, taking up two cups* he is like that on occasion
* @Morgan nods, placing a tray on the counter
< 04Molly > providing he believes the idea to be merit-worthy and of his own making, it is easy to lead him in the right direction
< 08@Morgan > most men are such
< 04Molly > *she nods, and takes the cups in to the other room. she returns a minute later, handing him his cup* she's sleeping now...
< 08@Morgan > good
< 04Molly > Let us hope her amnesia does not return on waking...
< 08@Morgan > I certainly hope not
< 04Molly > *she watches him* That must have been painful
* @Morgan nods, standing up
< 04Molly > I am unsure what it was that finally allowed her to remember
< 08@Morgan > I couldn't say
< 04Molly > Is there anything I can help with?
< 08@Morgan > you could peel the potatoes...
< 04Molly > *she smiles, and goes to the sink, back to him, and begins* What are you making?
< 08@Morgan > I was thinking of making something the cook made some months ago
< 04Molly > That sounds interesting...
* @Morgan shrugs, picking up spring greens and placing them on the counter
< 04Molly > Did your mother teach you to cook?
< 08@Morgan > in part... though I spent quite a time in the scullery being chased by the cook
< 04Molly > In Eisen?
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > I would have thought you were detained by more noble pastimes.
< 08@Morgan > such as?
< 04Molly > *she laughs* hunting, dancing, Thean ((latin))
* @Morgan pulls a container of butter onto the counter
< 08@Morgan > well... to a point, yes, but there's only so much fun to be had without the threat of retaliation from an incensed chef
< 04Molly > It sounds like an eventful childhood
< 08@Morgan > it was
< 04Molly > In comparison, Molly's childhood must seem provincial and dull...
< 08@Morgan > not at all
< 04Molly > I am pleased. It is probably a very different world that you are from
< 08@Morgan > to a point, yes... though, as I've previously mentioned, we were very involved in our community
< 04Molly > That seems not to be the case here...
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > It is rare to see the nobility at all in the towns hereabouts
< 08@Morgan > there is not much need for it here
< 04Molly > *she looks puzzled* and there is on your father's land?
< 08@Morgan > the war scarred the land in many ways... to have any hope of surviving, all must work
< 04Molly > I am afraid I know little of the war, it is something rarely discussed around women, and I have had no history books to learn from
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > to be frank, very few outside of Eisen really know much about it
< 04Molly > It had to do with religion, did it not?
< 08@Morgan > indeed it did
< 04Molly > It never ceases to amaze me that religion causes so much trouble
< 08@Morgan > its rediculous
< 04Molly > *she finishes, wiping her hands on the tea towel* With faith, I think it is very personal to each person
< 08@Morgan > aye, I quite agree
< 04Molly > thats why fights occur I suppose
< 08@Morgan > amongst any number of other reasons I expect
< 04Molly > what else can I do?
< 08@Morgan > if you wouldn't mind, gently melt some butter in that large pan
< 04Molly > *she smiles* of course *she does so* Do you often talk so little, or are you afraidof making a bad impression upon me?
< 08@Morgan > a little both I suppose
* @Morgan thumps the ends of the spring greens into the counter
< 04Molly > *she laughs* I can not see you could make any impression on me that would change her feelings for you
< 08@Morgan > thats as maybe
< 04Molly > but...?
< 08@Morgan > but its taken a long time for you to accept that any Eisen man could even be remotely capable of being anything but a callous incompetant fool and I do not wish to test this new resolve
< 04Molly > I see your care, your tenderness with her... see the fear at her inability to recognise you... I like you, regardless of heritage
* @Morgan looks over at the pan to see if the butter has melted
< 08@Morgan > not many say that
< 04Molly > *she stirs the melted butter carefully* You are not well liked?
< 08@Morgan > I'm a man in a position of power and responsibility....
< 04Molly > It is not possible to be in that position _and_ be liked?
< 08@Morgan > not here
* @Morgan smiles ruefully
< 04Molly > Does that trouble you?
< 08@Morgan > not particularly, no
< 04Molly > Most people would be upset by that
< 08@Morgan > I'm not most people
< 04Molly > I do not think she'd love you so much if you were
< 08@Morgan > you're probably right...
< 04Molly > she is a very special girl
* @Morgan sidles over to the pan and dumps the spring greens in
< 04Molly > *martha steps away, allowing him to work*
* @Morgan swills the pan around before tipping it into a roasting tin and puts the potatoes in with it
< 04Molly > *she watches carefully* Is it a tradition Eisen dish?
< 08@Morgan > as close to it as you can get here
< 04Molly > What would you do different there?
< 08@Morgan > the vegetables... they're not quite what should be used
< 04Molly > I look forward to seeing the world you come from
< 08@Morgan > I only hope you like the place
< 04Molly > You think I will not?
< 08@Morgan > its hard to say realy
< 04Molly > *she smiles* will you feel reassured if I promise to go with an open mind and leave my prejudices here?
* @Morgan nods, leaning against the counter, sipping his tea
< 04Molly > then that is what I shall do. how long do you anticipae before I need to awaken her?
< 08@Morgan > perhaps twenty minutes
< 04Molly > I think the sleep will do her good
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I warned her not to stay out in the rain
< 04Molly > I do not blame you
< 04Molly > she has always had a headstrong streak... I think it comes from her father
* @Morgan sniggers
< 08@Morgan > you think?
< 04Molly > *she laughs* probably not, but its rather unflattering that it comes from me
< 08@Morgan > true enough... David did tell me that same streak was what attracted him to you, however
< 04Molly > *she looks suprised* did he indeed... what was it that first attracted you to Molly?
< 08@Morgan > her sweetness, I think
< 04Molly > *she smiles* she has always been a veery gentle girl, even when younger. It causes me concern when I hear the sort of people she has to deal with
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > She made mention of a Castillean Lord
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > Apparently he was awful
< 08@Morgan > sounds like the don... an arrogant ass of a man
< 04Molly > That sounds about right... I think she was quite afraid of him
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I would've been quite happy had the opportunity arisen to speak with him privately
< 04Molly > to what end?
< 08@Morgan > to teach him some manners
< 04Molly > dos it ever work?
< 08@Morgan > now and then
< 04Molly > *she smiles* Molly has had a far more interesting life here than we could have provided
< 08@Morgan > interesting is not necessarily better, however
< 04Molly > she would not have met you...
< 08@Morgan > that much is true I suppose
< 04Molly > *she smiles* she loves you very much...
< 08@Morgan > and I her
< 04Molly > I am glad of that
< 04Molly > *she drinks her tea* It is strange for me not to cook
* @Morgan leans against the counter
< 08@Morgan > do your maids not cook for you?
< 04Molly > *she laughs* No, they do the washing, cleaning and the milking... it would be expensive to have them cook also
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > I have often wondered what it would be like though... but then, I like things done a certain way
< 08@Morgan > aye, I know how you feel in that respect
< 04Molly > I should imagine you feel the same on leaving the security of Lady Torrington's estate to another
< 08@Morgan > quite... I dont think anyone else would go about it with as much dedication to it
< 04Molly > what is it the position gives you in return?
< 08@Morgan > continuity
< 04Molly > *she watches him* that is a very strange answer
* @Morgan grins
< 08@Morgan > I'm a very strange person
< 04Molly > *she laughs* I am sure I will come to know that more, in time
< 08@Morgan > most likely mama
< 04Molly > Do you cook for Molly often?
< 08@Morgan > no, most times she has the dinner ready when I return from my duties
Session Time: Sun Jul 19 00:00:00 2009
< 04Molly > At least I've taught her well!
* @Morgan laughs
< 04Molly > ** after a few mintes, dinner is closer to being ready. Martha watches him work**
< 04Molly > can I get anything to drink, or help in any way?
< 08@Morgan > no no, I can manage
* @Morgan throws the greens and potatos into a deep tray
< 08@Morgan > nearly ready
< 04Molly > I feel completely useless, you are so competant!
* @Morgan laughs quietly, collecting plates
< 04Molly > perhaps you could give David lessons?
< 08@Morgan > I think him accepting an Eisener into his home was a big step for him, I doubt he'd take instruction from one too well
< 04Molly > I think he'd see it as a means to have him do more in the house!
< 08@Morgan > another thing that wouldn't go down well
< 04Molly > no... he believes strongly that a woman's place is in the home, looking after her husband and children
* @Morgan chews the edge of his thumb momentarily
< 08@Morgan > if you wish to go and tell the others, dinner is ready
< 04Molly > I shall *she goes through, and returns after a few minutes, David steadying Molly. He sits her down, waiting for martha and morgan to take their seats. Martha sits opposite Molly
* Molly looks to Morgan with a soft smile, paler than normal
< 04Molly > David: What are we having?
< 08@Morgan > please, David, sit down
< 04Molly > *he does*
* @Morgan starts serving the food
< 08@Morgan > can I get anyone a drink? wine, cherry brandy... can I offer you some blokners comfort David?
< 04Molly > David: Is it from your homeland?
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > David: Well, it can not be any stronger than what we can make here... yes, please, I'll try it
* @Morgan nods and looks to martha
< 08@Morgan > ladies?
< 04Molly > Martha: I'll have wine please, and Molly can only have tea or coffee, the herbs are potent and she'll be drunk in no time!
* Molly smiles at him
* @Morgan laughs little changes then
* Molly suddenly blushes, glad they can not read her thoughts. Then she laughs, as do her parents, but it becomes a deep cough
* @Morgan finishes serving the food and fetches the drinks before sitting down
< 04Molly > David: would you do us the honour of saying grace, as you do in noble houses?
* @Morgan 's face clouds
* Molly looks to her father
< 04Molly > I believe, Papa, in the Koertig estate, the grace would be spoken in eisen, and you would not understand. Better that you speak it in Avalon, and save the eloquence of Morgan's words until you can appreciate them in their natural tongue
< 04Molly > David *nods* As you wish, little Moll. *he looks to Morgan* I would imagine you also know graces in Thean?
* @Morgan tilts his head slightly
* Molly presses her knee against his leg under the table
< 08@Morgan > why?
< 04Molly > David: I always wanted to learn Thean
< 08@Morgan > personally I'd prefer to learn something useful
< 04Molly > David: It always sounds very educated... and educated men are given far more opporunities than common farmers
* @Morgan smiles slightly, sipping his beer
< 04Molly > David *he says a very basic grace, but a heartfelt one*
< 04Molly > Martha: That was lovely David *she sips her wine, watching Molly with her tea*
* Molly starts to eat, albeit far slower than normal. She smiles at Morgan
< 04Molly >  11• 12Molly 11•  this is wonderful, dear one, thank you
< 08@Morgan > Murdudd made it a few months ago...
< 04Molly >  11• 12Molly 11•  I'm not sure I remember
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > it was the evening I returned to the house
< 04Molly > Oh, I was a little too distracted to notice the food...
< 04Molly > martha and david laugh, and david picks up his tankard
* @Morgan passes a napkin towards david
< 04Molly > *the women watch, puzzled, and david takes it*
< 04Molly > david: what is that for?
< 08@Morgan > about eight seconds from you taking a sip
< 04Molly > *he laughs, and sips it. After a few seconds, he makesa face of part disgust, part suprise, yet he manages to swallow it. Molly laughs*
< 04Molly > It is quite strong isn't it?
< 04Molly > David *looks to Morgan, voice hoarse* You dont let her drink that, surely?!
< 08@Morgan > 'let'?
< 04Molly > *he laughs* It ought to be under lock and key! I've never tasted anything so strong!
* @Morgan smiles faintly, sipping his beer
< 04Molly > **they all start to eat**
< 08@Morgan > buttered wurst, its called... though the spring greens aren't quite the right ingredient
< 04Molly > Martha: It is lovely, thank you
< 04Molly > David *nods* What would you usually use?
< 08@Morgan > something similar... though a little... tougher
< 04Molly > David: Is it usually found in Eisen?
< 08@Morgan > oh yes
< 08@Morgan > it comes out much the same but... I cooked the greens for less time
< 04Molly > David: Perhaps whilst we are there, we can try it that way?
< 08@Morgan > if you wish
< 04Molly > David: I hope it does not impose, but I would like to take Martha by ship to Carleon, Molly said you may be coming over land, and I thought it about time she was treated
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > *Marthas eyes light up*
< 08@Morgan > if that is your desire, certainly... I wish to stop in a place to or two on my way
< 04Molly > David: Is that alright Martha?
< 04Molly > Martha *nods, grinning* Yes, wonderful!
* Molly puts her hand briefly on his knee with a soft smile
< 04Molly > I intend to leave on the 1st of the month, which is about two weeks from now
< 04Molly > *they both nod, and all three look to Morgan*
< 04Molly > Does that suit you, dear one?
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > **the conversation fades for a few minutes as they eat*
< 04Molly > Martha: *she smiles, clearing her plate* Tell us about your family, Morgan, we know so little
* @Morgan sips his ale
< 08@Morgan > what would you like to know?
< 04Molly > Martha: Were your parents very old when you were born?
* Molly watches quietly
< 08@Morgan > no, not particularly... certainly young enough to still be very active... it proved quite difficult to escape them on those occasions that I tried
< 04Molly > Martha *smiles* You were difficult to raise?
< 08@Morgan > I think I have the worst traits of both nations...
< 04Molly > Martha: how many siblings do you have?
< 08@Morgan > I've got a brother
< 04Molly > Martha and David look suprised
< 04Molly > Martha: just one?!
< 08@Morgan > just one
< 04Molly > Martha: And he is younger than you?
< 08@Morgan > he is
< 04Molly > Martha: I had 13 babies, though only 3 survived...
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > Martha: It is common in families such as ours, though I believe it is less frequent in noble families
< 08@Morgan > true enough, yes...
* Molly watches her mother closely, and knowing what Martha will say next, she speaks
< 04Molly > Mama, who will look after the farm?
< 04Molly > David: Peter is coming in a week.He is quite keen to see how well his sister has done.
* Molly frowns at this, and looks at Morgan
< 04Molly > Martha: He had wanted to come in February to see your ship, but... well, it was not to be *she watches Morgans reaction
* @Morgan sips his ale
* Molly smiles, and yawns.
< 04Molly > It will be nice to see him again, once I am better, don't you think, dear one?
< 08@Morgan > quite so
< 04Molly > I do not wish to delay our voyage, hopefully my recovery will be swift
< 08@Morgan > the trip will wait until you are well enough
* Molly smiles affectionately at him, and Martha looks between the two. She then smiles at David
< 04Molly > I'll leave the herbs... Morgan is more than capable of looking after her, and we are not far, if needed...
< 04Molly > David *nods, rising* That sounds wise*he goes to Molly, and kisses her crown* be careful, little Moll...
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I will Papa...
* @Morgan stands
* Molly and Morgan bid goodnight to her parents, and shut the door. Molly turns to him, taking his hands
< 04Molly > Thank you for being so good to them, and to me...
* @Morgan smiles
< 08@Morgan > it was my pleasure
< 04Molly > Much as I do not wish to be parted from you, I am very tired...
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > get some sleep blossom
* Molly goes closer, and wraps her arms around his waist
< 04Molly > good night, dearest one
< 08@Morgan > good night blossom
* Molly pulls away reluctantly, and goes slowly and carefully upstairs