* Molly talks of other things, trying to alliviate his fears. The day passes by, but she remains sittng across from him, as is proper, though if he's watching carefull, he'll see her lookng at the seat beside him often. The journey flies by, and soon Molly finds herself looking at the standing stones thoughtfully, mind miles away. She pinches her lower lip.
< 04Molly > Did you wish to stop to gather your thoughts before we arrive?
* @Morgan shakes his head
< 08@Morgan > though if you wish to stop at the stones, we can
* Molly shakes her head
< 04Molly > I... it is not the same as it first was... I would also ease your burden by resolving this soon
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > ** When they reach Maelwys' tavern, it is the noise that comes before the sight of the place, and although still early evening, it is clear that the revelry has begun. Molly watches him, trying to read his reaction.
< 04Molly > We need not do this...
< 08@Morgan > no, we dont... _I_ do
* Molly looks puzzled
< 04Molly > I need to be there for you... my heart tells me so...
< 08@Morgan > that I dont doubt... but it is not _us_ that wronged them... so while I wont force you to be there, I must
* Molly leans over, and takes his hand
< 04Molly > I would go to the ends of Theah for you... this is nothing in comparison to that
* @Morgan looks to the floor
< 08@Morgan > I've faced a battalion of armed men, all baying for the blood of my plattoon... yet I felt less fear than I do now
* Molly squeezes his hand
< 04Molly > I may not fight well, but I shall defend you if called to
< 08@Morgan > you will not need to...
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I hope not
< 04Molly > **the carriage slows to a stop
< 04Molly > Standing outside, as he often does, Old Arthur props up the door frame, smoking a pipe. He watches the coach. The early evening is calm, very warm.
* @Morgan climbs down out of the coach, looking around briefly before turning and helping Molly down
* Molly gets down gracefully, smiling at him
< 04Molly > Arthur: *he looks to Morgan first* Well, look what the cat dragged in! *he looks to Molly* Lady Forrester...
< 08@Morgan > Arthur... still keeping the place upright I see
* Molly curtseys to him
< 04Molly > Arthur: Well, someone has to!
< 04Molly > You would not wish to be inside and dance, sir?
< 04Molly > Arthur: 'Ah, I used to dance, when I was younger, but all these young maids only have their dancing shoes on for men they wish to wed, so I don't dance any more'
* Molly looks to Morgan, then smiles at Arthur
< 04Molly > Then sir, if I dance tonight, I shall be honoured if you would dance with me
< 04Molly > Arthur:*he looks suprised, and pleased* 'well in that case, I'll be in shortly!'
* Molly nods, and moves towards the door, knowing that she must behave as a lady, regardless of what happens here
* @Morgan talks with the coachman for a moment before moving towards the inn
* Molly opens the door. Inside, Maelwys is behind the busy bar, Gawain on his hip, and pouring a pint with his free hand. There is a very celebratory mood. He is unchanged, huge, bear-like, dark hair and eyes, his accent still strong. He is merrily chatting with his village-mates. Anna is dancing in a quadrille, almost ended, that is familiar to Molly, one she learnt at the estate so many months ago. Molly smiles, having always loved the environment of these common people, their lust for life. She smiles broadly at Morgan.
* @Morgan looks around the room, taking in where people are
< 04Molly > **it is busy, but not packed, the villagers spread out. A few tables are empty at the back
* @Morgan motions towards a table
* Molly nods, following, head held high as it should be
< 04Molly > The dance ends, and Anna spots them. She comes over smiling just as they reach the table. She looks to Morgan "well, hello stranger!" she laughs.
* @Morgan bows his head to her
< 08@Morgan > Anna... you're looking wonderful
* Molly nods in agreement
< 04Molly > Motherhood suits you well...
< 04Molly > Anna: *she blushes* Thankyou... *she smiles at Molly* Thank you, my lady. Shall I get drinks, on the house, of course?
< 08@Morgan > not just yet Anna... I need to speak with you and Maelwys
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks puzzled* I'll be hard pressed to get him today, we've just been given some wonderful news!
< 08@Morgan > oh?
* Molly smiles broadly at her
< 04Molly > Anna: The Lord of the area has given us permission to extend the tavern, with space for more guests, and build a seperate house for us and Gawain
< 08@Morgan > congratulations
< 04Molly > That is wonderful news for you both, I am so pleased! And you shall need more space for siblings for Gawain in the years to come I should imagine.
< 04Molly > Anna: Yes, my lady. Unfortunately that means my husband has been in his cups for several hours, and will be neither use nor ornament! *she laughs, and it heightens her prettiness*
* Molly looks to Morgan
< 08@Morgan > perhaps we should leave it until tomorrow...
< 04Molly > I think perhaps drinks would be nice though, Anna...
< 04Molly > Anna: *she curtseys slightly* I shall be but a moment... and I shall see how Maelwys fares...
< 04Molly > Anna: *she goes to the bar ((tell me if he watches her))*
< 08@Morgan > ((he does))
* Molly touches her hand to the back of his. Meanwhile, Anna is talking to Maelwys who hands her drinks and Gawain, smiling. He nods to them with a smile
< 04Molly > Would it be easier to tell them together, or seperately?
< 08@Morgan > I dont know
* Molly watches him, tries to feel his mood, his reactions
< 04Molly > Do you wish me to stay beside you?
< 08@Morgan > that is your choice blossom
< 04Molly > That I know... I wish to know what you wish for, what you need...
< 08@Morgan > I would have you stay near by
* Molly nods, and fully takes his hand in hers
< 04Molly > Then that is how it will be
* @Morgan nods, squeezing her hand
< 04Molly > Anna: *she returns with Gawain on her hip, and two pints of ale. He has grown, and is a perfect combination of his parents, chubby, lively. He smiles often. Anna puts the drinks on the table, and keeps Gawain on her lap* Maelwys says he will come to us soon.
* @Morgan nods
* Molly nods, smiling at the baby
< 04Molly > Anna: So, what did you wish to say? *she bounces the baby a little, illicting a small shriek of laughter*
< 08@Morgan > it may be best to wait for Maelwys
* Molly studies her a minute, and then looks to Morgan with the slightest of shrugs. Anna watches them both, looking from one to another. Something in her eyes implies she is far smarter than she is given credit for
< 08@Morgan > very well...
* @Morgan looks intently at the child for a moment
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks at Morgan's arm, tracing it down, and then up Molly's, guessing the position of their hands* well now...
< 04Molly > Gawain *he watches Morgan with a gurgle*
* Molly fidgets a little under Anna's scrutiny, but then squares her shoulders a little, holding Morgan's hand still
< 08@Morgan > I've wronged you Anna... you and Maelwys
< 04Molly > **The music starts up once more, but this far away it is nothing but background noise, easy to talk over
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks intrigued* How so?
* @Morgan looks to her, eyes sad
< 08@Morgan > I lied to you both
* Molly strokes the back of his hand with her thumb reassuringly
< 04Molly > Anna: *she stops bouncing Gawain* Well, go on...
< 04Molly > **there is a loud laugh from the bar at something Maelwys has said
< 08@Morgan > quite simply, I am not who I claimed to be
< 04Molly > Anna: *she tries to hide a smile* I see...
* Molly goes very still, tilting her head, puzzled by the reaction she sees in the beautiful blonde
* @Morgan 's eyes narrow
< 08@Morgan > I make a living from seeing things that are not quite... as expected... I see you.
< 04Molly > Gawain *the babies eyes go wider at morgans reaction, his little mouth an O
< 04Molly > Anna: *she breaks in to a grin* I am less suprised than perhaps you expected
< 08@Morgan > apparently so
< 04Molly > Anna: *she shrugs* well, what is the truth?
< 08@Morgan > the complete truth?
< 04Molly > Anna: *she nods, bouncing Gawain, who laughs* Yes, the whole truth... in for a cent, in for a guilder
* @Morgan takes a breath
* Molly resumes stoking his hand
< 08@Morgan > ok... I'm an Eisen national, something akin to pirams son in terms of rank. My name is not Randall.
< 04Molly > Anna: *she smiles at him* well, two out of three aint bad...
* Molly looks very suprised.
* @Morgan looks confused
< 04Molly > Anna: *she watches him, laughing* I did not guess the Eisen part
< 08@Morgan > I suspect I, like everyone else, has underestimated you
< 04Molly > Gawain *with the unknowing wonder of babies, reaches out to Morgan*
< 04Molly > Anna: *she nods* perhaps. What else?
* @Morgan looks to anna before holding his arms to Gawain
Session Time: Sun Aug 02 00:00:00 2009
< 04Molly > Anna *she hands him over without a moments doubt, trust, although technically misplaced, still evident*
< 08@Morgan > what else?
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks between the two of them* There is something else you are not telling me
* Molly blushes hard
< 08@Morgan > tis true, yes... though, I would rather keep that until Maelwys can join us
< 04Molly > Anna *she nods with a broad grin* I think perhaps, my lady, you may _now_ be his Companion or mistress?
< 04Molly > *this should ring alarm bells, because molly never mentioned maelwys question in front of Anna
* @Morgan shakes his head, bouncing the baby
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > You are an incredibly smart woman, Anna
< 04Molly > Anna: *she blushes now* it was not so tough to work out
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > Gawain *he reaches up, grabbing morgans hand, and brings his fingers to his mouth
< 04Molly > Anna: I doubt it's of much interest
< 08@Morgan > I beg to differ
< 04Molly > Anna: well, some of it is old, and some newer... should I start at the beginning?
* Molly drinks from her tankard, taking long gulps
< 08@Morgan > please... as much as some enjoy puzzles, I am not one of them
< 04Molly > Anna: First, you came out of nowhere...
< 04Molly > Gawain *he bites Morgan's finger, not hard, but noticeably*
* @Morgan breathes in slowly, glancing at Gawain
< 08@Morgan > that much is true, yes
< 04Molly > Anna: And you disapeared just as quick. You worked hard, not taking the opportinity to waste the days as all other normal farm hands do
< 04Molly > Gawain *he looks up, wide eyed*
* @Morgan looks at Gawain
< 08@Morgan > upbringing showing through I suppose
< 04Molly > Anna: *she laughs* Yours, or Gawain's?
< 08@Morgan > both, I suppose
< 08@Morgan > though I cant recall Maelwys ever biting me
< 04Molly > Anna *laughs, blushing slightly* every now and then, your country accent because very formal, but very briefly. this was my first clue...
* Molly looks impressed and suprised. This is exactly the sort of thing that she usually notices
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > Anna: then there was the wedding ring, yet you never spoke of your past...
* Molly fidgets slightly
< 04Molly > Gawain *he bites Morgan, harder this time*
* @Morgan breathes in suddenly, sucking air between his teeth before looking to Gawain
< 08@Morgan > Stoppen Sie das
< 04Molly > Gawain *he laughs, and returns to sucking Morgan's finger*
< 04Molly > Anna: I can take him, if he is annoying you
< 08@Morgan > he isn't annoying me... slowly turning my finger to mulch, but not annoying me
< 04Molly > Anna: *she nods, pleased*
< 04Molly > Was there anything else? *something in Molly's tone implies she has noticed something suspicious
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks to both of them* well, yes, but I did not wish to cause embarassment...
* Molly looks to Morgan
< 04Molly > I am willing to hear it, are you?
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > Anna: *she sighs* I am sorry, my lady... when you were introduced, it was as a lady, yet he never appeared subservient to you... there was a closeness that did not seem to be that of employer and servant
< 04Molly > Anna:*she looks to Morgan, as if awaiting his anger*
* @Morgan looks thoughtfull
* Molly squeezes his hand a little
< 08@Morgan > right in the situation, wrong in terms of me... I work for Lady Torrington... I'm much the same with her
< 04Molly > Anna: but not how you would be if you truly were just a servant..
< 08@Morgan > quite
< 04Molly > Anna: but there was one thing that made me certain, though I'm ashamed to admit it
< 08@Morgan > oh?
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks to Molly* I am sorry.. *she looks bck to Morgan* When you were here last, just after Gawain's birth, I was suspicious.. so I asked Maelwys to ask Lady Forrester if she was your Companion or mistress...I expected that she would be horrified that she could be thought to be involved with a common servant...
* Molly sighs heavily
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks to the table, embarassed* But Maelwys said she was embarrased, and a little disapointed...
* Molly blushes hard
* @Morgan laughs
< 08@Morgan > another mistruth...
< 04Molly > And so you realised that I held no station above him, for only a noble man could take either Companion or mistress, and as I did not tell your husband this, he must also be noble?
< 04Molly > Anna: *she nods, though pained by Morgan's laugh* Another mistruth?
< 08@Morgan > there's an irony there... Molly isn't quite a Lady... least ways not by birth...
< 04Molly > Anna: *finally, she looks suprised* Really? Then how did she come by such a title?
< 08@Morgan > .me waits a beat or two, looking intently at Anna
< 04Molly > Anna: *she simply watches him. Gawain reaches up, and pulls his beard with his little stumpy fingers*
< 08@Morgan > she hasn't
* Molly laughs, watching the infant
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks puzzled*
* Molly shakes her head
< 04Molly > Technically I am a Lady of a land south of Castille, as yet unchartered, though I was awarded such through recent service of it's soverign prince
< 08@Morgan > aye, true
< 04Molly > Anna: *looks absolutely shocked*
* Molly looks to Morgan, as if waiting for him to continue. It is then that Maelwys stumbles to the table with a tray of drinks. He sets them down heavily, before sitting beside his wife.
< 04Molly > Maelwys: Sorry I took s'long, been celebratin', see?
< 08@Morgan > so I hear old friend
< 04Molly > Maelwys: I need'nt av brought drinks, you aint even done with them yet! Getting soft in yur ol' age, eh?
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks to her husband* I hoped you'd be a bit more sober...
* Molly smiles, though Morgan would recognise it was slightly forced
* @Morgan watches the two, occasionally bobbing his head as Gawain tugs on his beard
< 04Molly > Gawain *he fidgets in Morgan's arms, moving to nestle against him. With an enigmatic look, Molly lets go of Morgans other hand to let him better support the baby
< 04Molly > **the music stops briefly, before starting a new song, the announcer declaring the stripping of the willow before the music begins once more
< 04Molly > Maelwys: Are ye to stay 'ere again then?
< 08@Morgan > if you'll allow us Maelwys
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he drinks deep from his tankard, and though part of his mind nags at him, he doesnt notice the manner of speech* O' course. What brings you our way again then? More wenching in Carleon?
< 08@Morgan > Maelwys old friend, we need to talk in all seriousness
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he laughs* Ahhh go on, you haven't given up the wenching, surely? *he drinks again, and both the women follow suit. Gawain now lays snuggled against Morgan, falling asleep*
* @Morgan looks to Anna, trying to get a hint of what he knows
< 04Molly > Anna: Shush Maelwys, and listen for once. *something in her tone makes Maelwys become serious*
* Molly moves closer, her hip touching his when her hand cannot, comforting solidarity
< 04Molly > Maelwys: Go on, ol' friend *he puts the tankard down, pushing it away*
< 08@Morgan > you remember when I left... just gone, no word, just left?
< 04Molly > Maelwys *he frowns, remembering. it obviously affected him more than he'd let on* Aye, I remember
* @Morgan slumps slightly, guilt obviously weighing down on him
< 08@Morgan > I left because I could not bear to lie to you any longer
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he looks at morgan, face an easy neutral* about what?
< 08@Morgan > who I am. Everything I claimed to be was a lie
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *his face darkens, and his shoulders become tense* Who the bloody hell are you then?
* @Morgan hands Gawain back to Anna
< 04Molly > Anna: *she lays a reassuring hand on Maelwys arm, which he briskly brushes off, not taking his eyes from morgan. She takes the sleeping baby, holding him close*
< 08@Morgan > a man who ran from his past and needed a friend... and found one in you and still lied to him for fear of being found... a man who does not deserve your forgiveness
* @Morgan stands and goes outside
* Molly watches him go
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks to Molly* I wonder that you might be better placed to explain this, and I shall go and provide what reassurance I can outside.
* Molly looks to the other woman, and something passes between them. With a curt nod, Molly gives Anna permission, and takes on the burden. Anna leaves the table with Gawain, and goes outside into the darkening evening. For once, Arthur is not to be seen. She looks for Morgan
* @Morgan is sat on a low stone wall, staring at the floor
< 04Molly > Anna: *she goes to him, and from behind, lays a hand on his shoulder, not speaking*
< 08@Morgan > as soon as Molly is ready, we'll leave
< 04Molly > Anna: she is a little busy I think
< 04Molly > Anna*she sits beside him*
< 04Molly > Anna: I do not want you to leave
< 08@Morgan > Maelwys no doubt will say otherwise
< 04Molly > Anna: he is a fool, especially when drunk
< 08@Morgan > thats as maybe Anna, but he's still in the right
< 04Molly > Anna: I do not believe so. I care about you, your good heart. That you came here to explain, when you could have stayed away, or kept up the lie, it speaks volumes about who you are, more than heritage, or title, or owt else
< 04Molly > Gawain *he awakens, and once more holds out his arms to Morgan*
* @Morgan looks to Anna
< 04Molly > Anna: *she hands him over. She speaks softly, understanding the significance of the gesture** I trust you...
* @Morgan takes Gawain, rocking him gently
< 08@Morgan > I wonder if perhaps you shouldn't
< 04Molly > Anna: *she shakes her head* You have done all you can... what happens now, I can not say... You were going to tell us something else, about you and... Molly? Lady Forrester?
< 08@Morgan > aye... I didn't want to start a life on lies... she and I are to be wed
< 04Molly > Anna: *she squeals with joy* Oh that is wonderful! I knew, when you were here last that she was smitten with you, but I could not tell your feelings! And the wedding ring complicated my mind...**the music cuts out suddenly, and female shouting can be heard briefly before silence*
* @Morgan turns his head to the building, watching the entrance carefully
< 04Molly > Anna: *she looks worried*
MEANWHLE:
Molly watches Maelwys as he scowls at his beer. She looks at him firmly.' I understand your anger.'
Maelwys: no ye bloody don't. we' been friend for nearly three years, one of which we were very close, and 'e never bloody told me. How can ye understand tha'! *he shakes with anger*
Molly looks to him still, stern. 'I understand because I knew him a year before _I_ discovered such, and that was through my own wits. It does not mean he doesnt trust you.'
Maelwys *he slams down his tankard, attracting attention * The 'ell it doesn't! 'e doesnt give a crap for our friendship, or 'e wouldnae av lied!
Molly gets angry. 'You are being a damned fool, sir! You know nothing of what that man has been through, why he hid his identity as he did, the misery he has suffered whenever he thought of the lies he told you. They were as much to protect you and Anna as himself!'
Maelwys 'That is bloody stupid, and nonsense!'
Molly *she slams her fist on to the table, her eyes burning as the tears come, and her voice becomes louder* Damn you Maelwys! He lost his wife and child, does that mean nothing to you?! They were stolen from him, and he had to watch them burn to death! If that was Anna, and Gawain, crying out your damned name, pleading for you as the fires licked at their skin, the wailing cries of your only begotten child from the pain of the heat, whilst you could do nothing to save them, tell me, if you bloody can, that you would not have run away from that guilt, that nightmare, and sought the simple comforts of people you thought welcoming and soothing friends?!? **the music stops, but she keeps yelling** He loves you both, very very much, and has agonised on telling you for many years! But what pain is that to losing one's family, one's loves, for a future of misery and guilt, an exile!
Maelwys *he sits there, shocked by her outburst* I... bu-.... I...
Molly 'you what, sir?' *her eyes are a fiery challenge*
Maelwys: Oh Theus, I av been such a fool. That poor man... losing Anna and Gawain... that would kill me...
Molly: He survived, his faith in humanity fragile, but mended as much as was possible. You did that, you and Anna. Had it not been for your welcoming friendship and love, I truly think he would have taken his own life.
Maelwys: *he pauses a moment* I... Can.. can ye excuse me, I wish to speak to...?
Molly interrupts: Morgan
Maelwys *nods* Morgan... alone... *he stands and goes to the door. The music resumes*
< 04Molly > **After a few seconds, the door opens. Maelwys comes out. He walks over.*
< 04Molly > Maelwys: Back inside, Anna. I shan't be long, love.
* @Morgan watches him approach
< 04Molly > Anna: *she rises with a nod, and goes indoors, leaving Gawain in Morgan's arms*
< 04Molly > Maelwys *he watches her go. Standing before Morgan, he looks down at his tiny son in the other man's arms* So small, so fragile...
< 08@Morgan > and yet a remarkably strong bite
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he nods, looking serious* I am sorry
< 08@Morgan > for?
< 04Molly > Maelwys: For not listenin' to ya...
< 08@Morgan > if we're honest Maelwys, I'd understand if you were to belt me and tell me you never wanted to see me again
< 04Molly > Maelwys: Aye, that was my firs' thought, aye...
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he sits on the wall*
< 08@Morgan > and I would have deserved it
< 04Molly > Maelwys: No, ya wouldn'... That lady of yours... feisty little thing, ain' she?
< 08@Morgan > aye, that she is
< 08@Morgan > I suppose she spoke to you like a four year old
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he looks down at the baby* nay, she spoke to me like a 'damned fool'
* @Morgan chuckles
< 04Molly > Maelwys: Shame she's of such a fine 'eritage really... she'd make ya a good wife... if you wanted one, 'o course. She'd be a real firecracker I reckon
< 04Molly > Maelwys *winks*
* @Morgan laughs
< 08@Morgan > way ahead of you there
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he looks suprised* How on Theah are ya gonna manage that, eh?
< 08@Morgan > what did she tell you Maelwys?
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he goes red* She told me some stuff, aye, but nowt that'd get ya wed to a Lady!
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I'd say the time for half and concealed truths is well and truly past, wouldn't you?
< 04Molly > Maelwys: Do your worst, Morgan, ol' friend.
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I'm not avalonian, I'm not a serf... I'm from Eisen, though I do have family ties to Avalon... I'm something similar to Bran Piram in terms of rank...
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he laughs* well, I'll be a son of a gun! Then marry that lass, and don't let 'er out of your sight for a minute!
< 08@Morgan > I plan to old frined
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he nods, and offers his hand* We are still friends, that will not change, my lord! *he laughs again* Nah, I ain' callin' ya that all the damned time!
< 08@Morgan > I'd rather you didn't
* @Morgan takes his hand
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *his shakes his hand firmly, then bear hugs him, careful not to squash Gawain, and slaps his back* let's get back to those beautiful women of ours, there's plenty o' dancing to be done yet!
* @Morgan nods, smiling
< 08@Morgan > aye, lets
< 04Molly > Maelwys: *he looks at the baby a moment, before leading the way back in to the tavern. Watching from the table, the two women, remarkably similar in perceptions, smile easily at their men....* ((to be continued))
Session Close: Sun Aug 02 01:52:45 2009