* Molly settles a bit. The carriage pulls out of the drive, and passes through the town she knows so well. She is quiet, watching the friends she lost and regained go about their business. something in her eyes shows a brief flicker of pain. < 04Molly > I can scarce believe I shall not live here forever... * @Morgan puts an arm around her * Molly leans against him, her hair smelling of roses, as always < 04Molly > I have already lived a very strange, very full life... for more than most girls my age < 04Molly > ((far*)) * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > very true, blossom < 04Molly > I think I am ready for a little quiet now < 08@Morgan > and you're coming with me?! * Molly laughs, looking up at him < 04Molly > Though you believe yourself to be the centre of all the bad things that happen, I truly do not think of you so * @Morgan shrugs * Molly leans up, and kisses his cheek < 04Molly > I am sure it will be wonderful < 08@Morgan > we can but wait and see < 04Molly > They climb the hill, the one that initially inspired so much excitement on their first trip to Carleon. Molly grins at him, remembering fondly. < 04Molly > You worry overmuch, dear heart < 08@Morgan > perhaps, blossom < 04Molly > I doubt that any of the things from the estate will follow us... and the sidhe dont leave Avalon... * @Morgan looks disdainful < 08@Morgan > I for one would like to see the winter prince deal with a drachen... * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I assume you mean as the drachen once were? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > That could be interesting... though I would not wish to see it in person! * @Morgan smiles * Molly closes her eyes briefly. she then looks out at the scenery. a few minutes later, they get to the bridge where they spoke of the end of the companionship. she looks from the window, speaking distracted. < 04Molly > Oh, yes, it was far too easy... < 08@Morgan > what was? * Molly blushes < 04Molly > I was thinking... something I said when we were last here, about how our companionship should be ended for it would be far too easy to fall in love with you, even knowing you could never love me in return * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > how differently things turn out * Molly touches her lower lip < 04Molly > truly amazing... wonderful * Molly slips her arm across his waist, pleased to have his arm around her < 04Molly > Can I ask something? < 08@Morgan > of course < 04Molly > The war... why did you fight for the Objectionist cause? < 08@Morgan > because... it was the right side... no, more than that... I have the right to believe what I wish to < 04Molly > Did your family agree? < 08@Morgan > with? < 04Molly > with you fighting for the Objectionst cause? < 08@Morgan > my mothers avalonian... the church of avalon belief is... similar to objectionist < 04Molly > and your father, dear one? < 08@Morgan > a man's beliefs is between him and god * Molly nods < 04Molly > I am sorry, I was just curious < 08@Morgan > it was my way of saying that I do not know < 04Molly > Oh! *she laughs* Is religion not spoken of often in Eisen, because of the war? * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > I dont know... all I know is that it was not oft discussed in my home < 04Molly > It was in mine, every day... I am not sure which is worse < 08@Morgan > I do not think I would like that < 04Molly > I can not say it troubled me over much, until I left and thought about how constrained it had made me * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > constrained? < 04Molly > I had no freedom to learn or experiement < 08@Morgan > ah < 04Molly > My religion was chosen for me, and I did not like that < 08@Morgan > and yet you return to it of your own volition < 04Molly > precisely, dear one... my own volition * Molly lets her eyes close, still talking and listening, but not interested in the surroundings < 08@Morgan > I think I understanfd < 04Molly > If someone tries to force something upon you, it makes you want it less... if you are given the option, but it is not pushed, you may find your way to it by yourself * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > quirew < 08@Morgan > quite* * Molly giggles < 04Molly > I had not thought of it like that * @Morgan chuckles < 04Molly > They travel through the long day, the warm sun coming through the windows. She stays with his arm aound her as long as he consents to let her. They talk of the scenery, of books, of travelling. The subject turns to Avalon as they get a few miles out of Bridgewater, the spring evening warm. < 04Molly > Where do the Hockridge family hold lands, dear one? < 08@Morgan > Catterick < 04Molly > That is on the north east coast, is it not? < 08@Morgan > it is < 04Molly > What is it like there? < 08@Morgan > windy mostly < 08@Morgan > I've only been a few times < 04Molly > Did you go before starting work in Avebury? < 08@Morgan > aye, I visited briefly < 08@Morgan > I think my uncle holds the land now < 04Molly > Your mother was not the eldest child then? * @Morgan peers at the ceiling of the carriage < 08@Morgan > aye... I think my uncle manages the land then... I know the last time I returned I did not announce my presence * Molly follows his gaze < 04Molly > So it will also be your land one day? < 08@Morgan > I would think so, yes < 04Molly > Oh my... < 04Molly > would that not make you a Lord of Avalon also? < 08@Morgan > a sir perhaps < 04Molly > I understand...It might be worth discovering quite how it stands at present, and what will happen in the future... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > one step at a time * Molly laughs < 04Molly > I would doubt you have perceived quite the possible use I had come to < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > If your brother is to prove himself difficult when you come to hold Sudlachenburg, such lands could be furnished upon his to keep him fromunder your feet < 08@Morgan > perhaps... I do not feel he will be an issue < 04Molly > I am glad to hear that. Do you think we might visit there, in the future? < 08@Morgan > if you wish to blossom < 04Molly > I would like to, very much. * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > When they pull in, the small market town is unchanged since october when they were last there. It is lighter now than then, and the folliage is green rather than burnished coppers and golds. However, the noise coming from the King's Arms is louder, but it does not trouble Molly, who smiles broadly. They disembark, and go towards the door. * @Morgan climbs out of the coach * Molly watches with a smile, and follows. She gives instruction to the coachman to be careful of the mirror < 04Molly > Shall we go inside? * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment before walking towards the door < 04Molly > **Inside the fire burns to take the chill off, the first day in may still cool in comparison to how it will turn in the next few weeks. The tables are half full with drinkers, though no-one pays them much attention. None but Custennin, slightly rounder than he was, but still short, dark gray hair little changed with the passing time. He smiles at them from behind the bar. * @Morgan nods to Custennin * Molly stands beside Morgan, looking a little lost. Custennin comes over to them < 04Molly > Custennin: well good evening Master Hockridge, it has been along while < 04Molly > Custennin:*smiles at Molly* < 08@Morgan > that it has Custennin... I trust you're well? < 04Molly > Custennin: I am quite well, yes. Can I get you something to drink? < 08@Morgan > an ale for me and the lady will have... * Molly speaks quietly < 04Molly > wine, please, sir < 04Molly > Custennin: Certainly. *he goes to the bar* * Molly puts her hand hesitantly on Morgan's arm * Molly 's voice is low, but urgent < 04Molly > I... I don't know how I should behave here, what is to be told, and what isnt... < 08@Morgan > it is your choice * Molly looks at him nervous < 04Molly > I am completely out of my depth. I willdo whatever you bid of me < 08@Morgan > if you wish it to be known that we are to be wed, I will not stop you from telling them < 04Molly > But what is it you want, dear one, what will make you happy? < 08@Morgan > it makes not odds to me... I'm not overly fond of people here < 04Molly > Then perhaps tell if anyone asks? < 08@Morgan > if you wish to * Molly looks to the floor < 04Molly > I do < 08@Morgan > then do * Molly nods,smiling a little. < 04Molly > Custennin: *he brings the drinks over* here we go * Molly takes hers, hand shaking slightly < 04Molly > thank you * @Morgan takes his < 08@Morgan > thank you < 04Molly > Custennin: So, Master Hockridge, what have you been up to since we last met? < 08@Morgan > travelling mostly... I spent some time in Castille, then Eisen < 04Molly > Custennin: Goodness, that sounds eventful! And you, miss? < 04Molly > I went to Castille and Eisen also, but have spent recent months quietly at home < 04Molly > Custennin: Ah... *he looks thoughtful a moment* So, where does this latest travel take you? < 04Molly > Custennin: *looks at Morgan* < 08@Morgan > we have a wedding to attend < 04Molly > Custennin: Oh, I always like a good wedding, even though my good lady wife cries right through them! My son got married just a few weeks back. Very expensive! < 08@Morgan > they always are * Molly blushes < 04Molly > Custennin: High society is it? < 08@Morgan > not particularly... < 08@Morgan > gentlemans daughter marrying a man of station in a noble womans house < 04Molly > Custennin: *he looks very intrigued, and as if he may well have twigged* close acquainatnces of yours? * @Morgan looks noncomittal while he takes a drink * Molly can't help but smile at Morgan < 04Molly > Custennin: Would you be wanting accommodation tonight? * @Morgan nods, taking another drink < 04Molly > Custennin: *nods* same as before, or...? * @Morgan grins briefly < 08@Morgan > same as before, Custennin... proprieties must be observed < 04Molly > Custennin: *he looks briefly at Molly, who quickly looks away, knowing she msut hide her expression* < 04Molly > Custennin: Aye, of course... I'll get the coachman to take the luggage up... *he goes outside* * Molly drinks her wine < 04Molly > Do you think he knows? < 08@Morgan > I think he did... but I'm not sure < 04Molly > he has at least not blundered as he did the first time! < 08@Morgan > quite * Molly laughs, and finds herself quickly looking at his hands < 04Molly > would you like to keep the same room, or switch this time? * @Morgan shrugs * Molly smiles as Custennin comes back < 04Molly > Custennin: I took the liberty of asking for a bath to be drawn for you, miss, the wife says its the first thing women want when they finish travelling * Molly smiles < 04Molly > thank you, that sounds wonderful < 04Molly > Custennin: and I'll send someone to help you undress... for propriety... * Molly smiles, and in her eyes there is a wicked sparkle * @Morgan takes a drink < 04Molly > yes, that would be... more seemly < 04Molly > Custennin: *he laughs* I shall be behind the bar, if you need anything * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles, and watches him go. she finishes her wine < 04Molly > something tells me you do not like him overmuch < 08@Morgan > as I said, I've never been overly fond of people here < 04Molly > Why, d-... dear one? * @Morgan srugs * Molly smiles < 04Molly > shall we go upstairs? < 08@Morgan > aye, lets 12 [ 4:01am ] 11ERROR 12 > 421: Unknown command: 11 ME, * Molly , remembering from before, leads the way. She pushes open the door to the room that was hers before < 04Molly > it has not changed < 08@Morgan > very little does here * Molly opens the door to his room, propping the door open. < 04Molly > Now, before I decide if I whether I want my old room or not, I think I ought to do a throught test, dont you? < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly grins, and goes to the bed that was his. she lies herself down on it, looking up at the ceiling < 04Molly > It is quite comfortable, yet firm * @Morgan nods * Molly turns on to her side, propping her head up with her hand < 04Molly > It is certainly liveable < 08@Morgan > I thought so * Molly gets up, and takes off her cloak. she puts it tidily on a chair, and then goes past him with a littlesmile, and lies on the other bed < 04Molly > There is little to choose between them * Molly fidgets so that she can look up at him from where she is laying < 04Molly > did you want to test them? < 08@Morgan > but choose you must < 08@Morgan > I'll sleep in whichever... * Molly begins to grin, mind wandering to an old conversation. She gets up < 04Molly > I shall have the room you had before I think < 08@Morgan > as you wish blossom * Molly smiles cheekily < 04Molly > almost, yes * @Morgan chuckles * Molly smooths down the eiderdown she has crumpled < 04Molly > I'm sorry, I seem to have wrecked your bed now! * @Morgan looks unsurprised * Molly watches his reaction, puzzled < 04Molly > why do you look at me so? < 08@Morgan > you have a habit of disrupting the order in my life * @Morgan chuckles * Molly feigns offense < 04Molly > How so?! < 08@Morgan > there was I, plodding along nearly getting killed on a regular basis... and you disrupt that and give me a desire to live < 04Molly > Yes, truly that was a wicked thing for me to do(!) I rather think I should not fix your bed for you now, and make you sleep in a tumble of sheets I have already lain in! < 08@Morgan > oh you cad... you bounder * Molly laughs < 04Molly > Perhaps if you were to apologise, I would consider not wrecking your bed more!*she grins* < 08@Morgan > apologise? < 04Molly > For complaining that I have disrupted your life... unless you like the idea of me having crumpled your sheets... * Molly smiles playfully * @Morgan laughs rawkously < 04Molly > I think I must straighten out my own bed, before I say something that will make you displeased with me * Molly moves towards the joining door < 08@Morgan > as you wish blossom * Molly goes in, and returns a few seconds later < 04Molly > It appears mine was far less wrecked than yours * @Morgan looks shocked < 08@Morgan > surely not < 04Molly > surely you can not think it was done on purpose? *she smiles, eyes sparkling* < 08@Morgan > I would not like to say.... truly no man could know the mind of a woman < 04Molly > but had it been done on purpose, it could have only have been done for one end... * Molly watches him, smiling < 08@Morgan > that being? * Molly lowers her voice slightly < 04Molly > a woman might be tempted to do such to ensure with the uneveness of his sheets, and the scent of her perfume in his bed, he thinks of her all night... but as you know, women are strange * Molly shrugs nonchalantly < 08@Morgan > that much is true... < 08@Morgan > though I think of you all night regardless < 04Molly > I doubt it is in quite the way such a technique would be intended to achieve * Molly laughs * @Morgan coughs and blushes * Molly goes to him,and kisses the heat of his cheek < 04Molly > If that is an answer, then I am far from displeased by such * @Morgan nods, still blushing furiously * Molly embraces him < 04Molly > I actually rather like the notion < 08@Morgan > I... Im glad * Molly 's voice becomes quieter < 04Molly > I would not have you afraid of me, of my reactions * @Morgan nods slowly < 04Molly > and yet you seem to be... < 08@Morgan > nae blossom... I'm am wary of my own < 04Molly > I am not sure I understand * Molly pulls away enough to make proper eye contact * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > nor I, not fully < 04Molly > because of the promise, or something different, dear one? < 08@Morgan > both * Molly nods < 04Molly > I can not claim to understand... My own feelings and reactions do not perturb me, for although strong, I understand they are natural for one so inexperienced as I < 08@Morgan > they're quite natural for one such as I... but... I do not fully trust my own resolve < 04Molly > You would prefer not to have such thoughts and risk needing to act upon them? * Molly 's eyes are serious, compassionate, a friends rather than a future wifes < 08@Morgan > I would prefer to keep them locked up tight until such time it is acceptable for them to be released < 04Molly > Though I find it painful, I will do what you ask of me to help that * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I appreciate that < 04Molly > you need to tell me what you need of me... < 08@Morgan > I need... I dont know blossom * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I am already trying to keep my own confidence on such matters, to write down my feelings and thoughts in my journal, in the hopes that knowing less of the... ummm... things in my mind will lesson yor burden * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > that is thoughtful of you < 04Molly > merely sensible. If your resolve slips from something I have described, you may be angry with me for such < 08@Morgan > I could never be angry with you * Molly looks unsure < 04Molly > I still would not wish to be responsible for damaging your honour so * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I am also trying to keep myself from kissing you... which is possibly the hardest part of the whole situation < 08@Morgan > aye, I know how hard depriving ourselves of that is... but it must be done I think * Molly pouts slightly, and then laughs < 04Molly > We have had plenty of practise at _not_ kissing I suppose... all those long months whilst I was waiting for the jaeger situtation, and all the time you were gone in Eisen. It is just much, much more miserable now * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles half-heartedly < 04Molly > you will not begrudge me to think upon it though? < 08@Morgan > no, of course not < 04Molly > I am glad of that... well, dear one, I am quite wearied from the journey, so I think I may go to bed. * @Morgan nods, embracing her * Molly holds him tight a moment, taking a deep breath. she pulls away < 04Molly > good night, dear one, sleep well < 08@Morgan > and you blossom * Molly smiles, and goes to her room Very early the next morning, not long past dawn, which has made a pale gray appearence, there is a gentle tap at the door joining their rooms. Come in *he sits on the floor book in hand* *she comes in, barefoot, but perfectly dressed in the pale yellow gown she often wears. Her hair is curled on top of her head, giving a soft height to it, and then casades in scarlet ringlets over her left shoulder. She wears slightly more eyeliner and lip colour than normal during the day, and her cheeks are flushed, almost as in fever. She stands, slightly awkwardly, in the door way* Good morning... Are you well? *she looks down at him, before looking away quickly* Yes, just a little trouble sleepingin an unfamiliar place You look a little flushed. Oh. Probably just from the restless night, I'm sure it is nothing to trouble yourself for. *she smiles* What are you reading? An eisen romance shockingly *she looks suprised* In truth, I am not sure which suprises me more, that there are eisen romances and I have never read one, or that you are reading one *she smiles playfully. There is something defintely different about her demeanour this morning, almost less tense, more confident* Well, tis obviously a shock that one so lowly as I can read so you should be allowed to get used to that first. *he smiles eyes sparkling* *she grins* Worse than that, is that lowly and having somehow acquired such a noble skill, you will squander such learnings on romance novels, of all things! Why they are rarely more than thinly veiled smut! *she laughs* Ah but this one.. Has a war in it... Shocking no? *molly laughs* Truly, I would have expected nothing less. *she comes in, and kneels in front of him, watching affectionately* What is the story about? Some pseudo noble who takes a serf for a mistress *she nods* and then what happens? *she glances down to see how far through the book he is* Or better yet, keep it secret from me, that I might read it after you? *he nods* as you wish. *she watches him a moment* what led you to choose such a book? It happened to be close at hand. *she nods, eyes thoughtful* Did you sleep at all, dear one? Some. Though I don't find sitting down all day while horses do all the work to be particularly tiring Perhaps that is why I slept so ill, I was not tired enough. *she seems pleased by this, almost slightly relieved somehow. then she turns more serious* I hope my disturbance of your bed did not contribute. It was in truth quite inappropriate of me, and shall not be repeated. Pity that. *he smiles* No ot made no difference. *she blushes and looks down at her hands, which she quickly interlinks* I... I am glad to hear that, though a little uncertain that a repeat would be either prudent or appropriate... *she regains the more confident air. It is clear now that it is tied to her slightly more formal way with him.It is reminiscent of the way she was in the cottage when she resolved to behave as a bethrothed future noble woman should* I wondered upon when you would wish to leave As soon as is reasonable. I have no particular desire to linger *she nods* I am completely at our liberty. If you wish me to summon the coach to be made ready, I shall. If we leave within the hour, we should arrive around five in the afternoon to Avebury... *she trails off, watching him closely* *he nods* I think that would be best blossom *Molly goes to curtsey, falling in to the age old habit after being set a task, and laughs a little self-conciously* I shall have to ensure I no longer do that Indeed. It would be quite embarrassing. *she smiles* For myself, or for you, dear one? Both realistically. *he sighs* I can't say I'm looking forward to arriving in avebury. *she nods* I understand. Once we are on the road, we shall have time to discuss it more. *she moves to the door* I shall summon the coach. *he nods* probably the best idea blossom. *suprisingly quickly, they are on the road. The sky is light, but not yet fully daylight. Cockrels crow in the fields as they pass through the flat, green farmland between their two rest stops. Rather than sit beside him, Molly is sat opposite. She watches him now and then, as if trying to read his reaction to such. Her gaze then falls to the countryside around* It's very pretty... Aye. That it is *she smiles softly at him* You were saying about Avebury, I believe? *he sighs* Aye. I'm not looking forward to it *she  nods, eyes compassionate* Have you thought upon how to breech the subject? No.. I'm really at a loss for how to do it without alienating them entirely *she nods* I agree. The only other options are either maintain the ruse fully, or to claim that you had amnesia and have since learnt about your true past... But neither is honest. Quite. They deserve more than that *she nods, sitting back in her seat. her hands are kept quite primly in her lap* Then it comes what will cause the least upset. Can you tell me exactly what they believe of you at present? That my name is randall. I've never told them I'm NOT a noble... I just... Left it *she shakes her head* You introduced me as being of a finer heritage than either yourself or Maelwys... So he must assume from that that you were not noble... Aye *she smiles slightly* At least you will not need to say that I am not a Lady... What do they believe of your nationality?