< 04Molly > *they all ride together in the coach the next day, anticipating arriving in Sudlachenburg in the early afternoon. Though she does not mention the injury, she watches him with careful concern. She sits beside him, though lets him dictate how affectionate they are ith this gestures. The three of them make small talk in Eisen * @Morgan reads a plain covered book, glancing up now and then Session Time: Sat Oct 03 00:00:00 2009 * Molly briefly flicks her gaze to him, trying to see what he's reading. The conversation continues, and suprisingly, David has picked it up quickly, often helping his struggling wife < 04Molly > David: *he looks to Morgan, speaking Eisen* what time shall we arrive? * @Morgan looks up < 08@Morgan > not long now... < 04Molly > David: Good, after yesterday, I would not wish to be on the roads here much longer * @Morgan nods gravely < 04Molly > David: does that happen here often? < 08@Morgan > no... at least it didn't used to < 04Molly > David: Are there no officers of the sheriff here? * @Morgan smiles sympathetically < 08@Morgan > the struggle is healing Eisens wounds... that leaves little time for anything else < 04Molly > David: I have never been in such a situation before *he runs his hand through his har* I was scared... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > understandable < 04Molly > David: I have obviously led a much sheltered life < 08@Morgan > no... you have not lived with war, that is all * Molly slips her hand on to her thigh, resting the back of it against his < 04Molly > It is luck, Papa... no-one would think it beneficial had you suffered as the Eiseners have. What happened yesterday is something that it is right to be scared of. It is the sort of thing that th lucky people count as the worst experience of their life < 04Molly > Martha: *she looks slightly pale* You did not seem afraid, Moll, not even when you killed him! * Molly looks to Morgan, a flicker of pain in her eyes < 08@Morgan > necessity will often give you the courage to do that which scares you * Molly nods < 04Molly > I was afraid, very much so. But I knew that Morgan would protect us < 04Molly > David: Aye, thank you for that, we are very much in you debt * @Morgan shakes his head < 04Molly > Martha: I hate to think what could have become of us if it werent for you < 08@Morgan > then dont... it does noone any good < 04Molly > Martha *she nods* Will we go through the village, or straight to the house? < 08@Morgan > a bit of both... the only way to avoid going through the village is to go right around it < 04Molly > **a little while later, the carriage slows as the tree line breaks. The village they enter is simple, but pretty. A few people are in the square but most of them are old, unable to work the fields with their neighbours. The passing coach attracts a few stares. David and Martha chatter together, commenting on the merchants shops, the buildings. Molly however, watches silently, absorbing it all < 04Molly > Martha *she looks back in at Morgan* It is very pretty < 08@Morgan > aye, it is < 04Molly > Martha: And your family own all of this? * @Morgan nods his head modestly < 04Molly > **the coach winds through the narrow streets, passing houses, mostly wooden structure, mixed in with a few stone ones. Molly still watches quietly < 04Molly > David: It is a lot like lower tawstock, though more trees and less paasture land * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > aye < 04Molly > David: is farming here more difficult, what with so many trees? < 08@Morgan > very... though the fruit from the trees is fairly easily gathered * Molly pinches her lower lip < 04Molly > Martha: Is your parents house near? < 08@Morgan > fairly close... < 04Molly > Martha: *she nods* pretty isnt it, Moll? Moll? * Molly looks round < 04Molly > yes, it is very beautiful * Molly goes back to watching from the window, as does martha. david watches morgan < 04Molly > David: Are you pleased to be home? * @Morgan closes the book and looks out of the window < 08@Morgan > aye... I am < 04Molly > David: you have been gone long? < 08@Morgan > more than two years, apart from my recent visit < 04Molly > David: *he nods, watching though the window* * @Morgan begins to fidget < 04Molly > ** the coach leavs the village, heading towards the Sudlache. before long, they are just a familiar corner from die dauerhaftigkeit * @Morgan looks to the floor, speaking quietly < 08@Morgan > I hope you do not think less of me or my family for the house * Molly looks at him, finally tearing herself away from the window. she shakes her head slightly, and places her hand over his < 04Molly > David: Why would we? < 08@Morgan > maybe you would think us arrogant or showing off < 04Molly > David: Come now, it can not be so extraagant as to maake us think that < 08@Morgan > we shall see * Molly remains looking at Morgan as they round the corner. She squeezes his hand and smiles softly. * @Morgan speaks quietly, knowing the road well < 08@Morgan > behold... die dauerhaftigkeit < 04Molly > **The sight that greets the party as they broach the road towards his family home can only be desribed as magnificent. The huge cream painted building sits perfectly symmetrical, masses of windows, towers and turrets. It is nothing short of a castle, unbelievably large. behind it sparkles the Sudlache, movement of light on the water a gold flicker on blue with heightens the romantical image of the place. < 04Molly > David: *he cranes his head out of the window* Well Theus in Heaven if this isnt the biggest thing I've ever seen! < 04Molly > Martha: *she shrieks, clapping her hands togehther with a broad smile* It's so perfect! < 08@Morgan > its far from perfect * Molly looks at the house, eyes widening. She is completely dumbstruck, unable to look away < 04Molly > Martha: I doubt that! < 04Molly > **the coach winds towards the house, which gets larger and larger < 08@Morgan > there used to be a small boat... < 04Molly > David: Used to be? * Molly continues to look, though the grip of her fingers on his hand tightens slightly < 08@Morgan > as I said.,.. its been some time... < 04Molly > Martha: will we be able to go on the lake? < 08@Morgan > perhaps < 04Molly > Martha: Husband, look at all those turrets! < 04Molly > David: And it has those cuppola thingies like they supposedly have in castille! * @Morgan scratches his nose < 08@Morgan > they do < 04Molly > **The coach continues to the courtyard by the main doors, the Sudlache on the left, and six story castle on the right. The coach slows down. * Molly looks out over the sudlache, and shivers slightly < 04Molly > **the coach stops, and the huge oak heavy doors of die dauerhaftigkeit open. < 04Molly > David: Do we carry our bags and trunks in? < 08@Morgan > I think perhaps they are going overboard... no, leave the bags * Molly smiles a little at this, but remains quiet. < 04Molly > **Two footmen, dressed in silver and blue tabards bearing the family livery, a unicorn on a shield. They walk down the front steps to the coach solemenly * @Morgan frowns slightly < 08@Morgan > excuse me a moment * @Morgan clambers out of the coach and approaches the footmen * Molly closes her eyes briefly, squaring her shoulders. Martha hastily pulls out a small mirror and hair brush, handing them to Molly, who quickly retouches her makeup before allowing her mother the same priviledge < 04Molly > **both footmen bow. < 08@Morgan > Right... first things first gentlemen... I need you to inform my parents that we are here... then as soon as rooms have been agreed, the bags will need taking up < 04Molly > **the taller of the two, who was just an apprentice when Morgan first left, and who is a distant cousin speaks < 04Molly > My Lord, Lord and Lady Koertig are at present meeting with the farmers, and do not expect to return for some hours. Reinhardt ((the butler)) has been asked to welcome you and your party, My Lord * @Morgan nods slightly before lightly punching the man on the shoulder < 08@Morgan > I think we can dispense with the my lords for now, dont you? < 04Molly > **the other footman starts to unload the carriage, an older man, veteran retired from service a decade before the war ended due to old age. < 04Molly > **The first, Wilhelm, shakes his head. 'I'm afraid not, My Lord, tis your father's request' * @Morgan sighs slightly < 08@Morgan > I'll speak with him... I refuse to have a kinsman call me anything other than my name < 04Molly > Wilhelm: *he nods* Yes, My Lord < 08@Morgan > where's Reinhardt? < 04Molly > Inside, My Lord * @Morgan nods and turns to the carriage < 08@Morgan > it would seem my parents are not here * Molly nods, now seemingly perfectly composed < 04Molly > What would you have us do? < 08@Morgan > we'll go inside... Reinhardt's waiting for us * Molly nods < 04Molly > As you wish... < 04Molly > *David and Martha wait patiently as Wilhelm comes to open the door on the other side for them, helping Martha down* * @Morgan holds out his hand to Molly < 04Molly > **once down in the courtyard, they both look out over the Sudlache, talking very quietly together. Molly takes his hand, getting down carefully. She looks up at the mansion, towering up to blue sky. She keeps her hand in his. < 04Molly > It is big... < 08@Morgan > aye < 08@Morgan > takes an age to clean * Molly takes a deep breath, and is then interrupted by the sound of her parents coming back < 04Molly > David: We are to go inside now? < 08@Morgan > if you wish to... < 04Molly > David: It would be good to have to look our best before meeting your parents < 04Molly > ((have time to)) * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > as you wish * @Morgan leads the way into the house * Molly follows, loosening her grip on his hand, unsure of how to behave. Through the big dark oak doors is a beautiful entrance hall, walls smoothly done in pale yellow with polished sandstone flag stones. The arched windows let in golden rays of sunshine. Before them is stairs, leading up to a raised level, a door to the left, and to the right. Standing at the base of the stairs is a kind looking man in his late 60's. He bears years-old scars on his forehead and hands. Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, he bows deeply. His voice is low, gravelly, and something in it speaks of a misspent youth. < 04Molly > a door to the left, and to the right. Standing at the base of the stairs is a kind looking man in his late 60's. He bears years-old scars on his forehead and hands. Dressed in a white shirt and black trousers, he bows deeply. His voice is low, gravelly, and something in it speaks of a misspent youth. < 04Molly > My Lord and esteemed guests, welcome to die Dauerhaftigkeit. I am Reinhardt, and completely at your service for the duration of your stay < 08@Morgan > its good to see you again Reinhardt < 04Molly > Reinhardt: And you also, My Lord. Rooms have been prepared in the East Wing, and water heated in preparation * Joins: jimmybean (~mads@212.183.134.210) * Quits: @Morgan (~mads@212.183.134.128 ) (Ping timeout ) * Morgan [~mads@212.183.134.128] has left IRC * jimmybean is now known as Morgan * Morgan [~mads@212.183.134.210] is on IRC (00:00) * ChanServ sets mode: +o Morgan < 04Molly > Reinhardt: And you also, My Lord. Rooms have been prepared in the East Wing, and water heated in preparation < 08@Morgan > if you'd take Mr and Mrs Forrester up to the rooms, I shall take Lady Forrester along myself < 04Molly > Reinhardt: *he bows to Morgan, and then to David and Martha* Sir, Madam, please follow me. Your things will be brought up presently. Now, is it easier if I speak Avalon because... *his voice trails off as he leads them through the left door in to the east wing* * Molly stands in the hall, looking at the pretty window frames, in profile to him * @Morgan turns < 08@Morgan > are you ok blossom? * Molly looks back to him. Her eyes soft, affectionate, voice soft to match < 04Molly > Aye, it's just so... wonderful < 08@Morgan > you get used to it * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I am certain I will come to love it very dearly... Though we have spoken before on your heritage, I did not expect it to be quite so vast...quite so far from my own heritage < 08@Morgan > once we've freshened up and met my parents, we'll take a walk around the house * Molly nods < 04Molly > My parents will like that * @Morgan reaches out his hand, waiting for her to take it * Molly smiles, slipping her hand in to his, wrapping her fingers around his * @Morgan leads her up to the rooms < 08@Morgan > Willhelm, one of the footmen... is a relative * Molly nods < 04Molly > I can see how having family in solid positions would be beneficial * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I think my father's gotten carried away with himself though < 04Molly > Oh? Tis not always like this here? < 08@Morgan > not really... to a point it is, but I dont like this stilted formality from my family * Molly nods, squeezing his hand < 04Molly > Is it possible they seek to give us a good impression? < 08@Morgan > I should imagine so < 04Molly > Perhaps they will relax such efforts once they see that my parents do not require such fomality? < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly allows him to lead her through the corridors, all beautifully decorated. < 04Molly > And you, beloved, are you well? < 08@Morgan > well enough yes < 04Molly > you do not regret returning, or bringing us? < 08@Morgan > not for a moment * Molly bites her lip and smiles < 04Molly > I am glad to hear that. It seems strange to be here, after we have talked of it oft < 08@Morgan > does it live up to your expectations? * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > It is far more wonderful than I had imagined, I can only hope I am worthy of such < 08@Morgan > there is no question of that * Molly brings his hand gently to her lips < 04Molly > You will make a princess of me with your beautiful castle, noble bearing and strong steed, my knight in shining armour! < 08@Morgan > that... is kind of my plan * Molly grins broadly, briefly raising her eyebrows playfully < 04Molly > I shall submit to whatever plans you have for me, be it princess, or sailor, or teacher... * @Morgan laughs < 08@Morgan > and here we have... your room * Molly suddenly blushes hard < 04Molly > Th- thank you * Molly opens the door, looking in. The room is huge, a soft pink, white drapes and white wooden furniture. It is huge, as big as the cottage at Catherines. < 04Molly > Goodness < 08@Morgan > I hope it is... suitable for you < 04Molly > Will you not come in and see? < 08@Morgan > if you wish < 04Molly > Aye... * @Morgan wanders into the room * Molly follows, hand still in his < 04Molly > There must be hundreds of rooms here < 08@Morgan > not quite so many * Molly looks around, and letting go of his hand, goes to the window, pushing back the white drapes < 04Molly > Have you seen this view! *she laughs at herself* Of course you have... < 08@Morgan > indeed I have < 04Molly > You were so very lucky to have a home such as this < 08@Morgan > aye... I've been very priveledged * Molly goes to the pink screen, peering behind. She squeals with delight < 04Molly > Look at this bath tub! It is huge! < 08@Morgan > I think... the one on the fourth floor is larger < 04Molly > Any bigger than this and you could get two people in at once! < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > I.... ummmm.... will you be permitted to come and visit me here alone? < 08@Morgan > there is no chance that I wont be < 04Molly > I am not sure I understand < 08@Morgan > whether I am permitted or not... I will visit < 04Molly > I dearly hope so < 08@Morgan > I shall... there is no question * Molly nods, going to his side. She takes both his hands. She speaks low, quiet < 04Molly > will we have this room once wed? < 08@Morgan > no... this is a single guest room * Molly giggles < 04Molly > I hadn't looked at the bed * @Morgan scratches his nose < 08@Morgan > I believe... its larger than a single bed * Molly keeps one hand in his, and goes closer to it, pulling back the curtains < 04Molly > Yes, you're right... It-... It would be a little too small for two to sleep in < 08@Morgan > just... * Molly 's eyes flash briefly with some mischief, which she seems to decide against, straightening the curtain < 04Molly > Will a room have been chosen for us to share? < 08@Morgan > I dont know, actually * Molly nods < 04Molly > I am sure there will be a suitable room somewhere... I doubt it matters much * Molly blushes < 04Molly > Not that... I didn't mean... < 08@Morgan > no... I shouldn't imagine so < 08@Morgan > I mean... as long as we're together, the room wouldn't matter * Molly comes back to him, slipping her arms around his waist < 04Molly > As long as it's not a barn... rumours get started when Lords end up alone with girls in barns.... * Molly giggles * @Morgan laughs * Molly sighs < 08@Morgan > whats wrong? < 04Molly > The time is not going as quick as I would wish, I am so eager to not need to keep my affections quiet and well managed < 08@Morgan > it will not be long blossom * Molly nods, resting her cheek against his chest < 04Molly > Will you be meeting you parents alone before you wish to introduce me? < 08@Morgan > I think that might be best < 04Molly > I hope it will not displease them too much * Molly pulls away so she can look up at him < 08@Morgan > I shouldn't think so * Molly nods < 04Molly > I confess, I am very nervous, more so now I have seen the house < 08@Morgan > I had worried that may happen * Molly looks at him, totally unguarded < 04Molly > I have more than I ever dreamt of, I suppose it is natural to fear something taking that from me * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I suppose... < 04Molly > Why were you worried? < 08@Morgan > I do not wish you to be nervous < 04Molly > Liebes Herz, I am to be presented as the future daughter in law to one of the most powerful men in Eisen, of excellent breeding, and I just a normal avalon girl... nerves are inevitable * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > But if you desire to wed me, even without your parent's blessing, then I have nothing to fear < 08@Morgan > I am sure they will give their blessing * Molly nods < 04Molly > I shall do my best to make you proud < 08@Morgan > you already have < 04Molly > how so, my love? < 08@Morgan > by being you * Molly blushes < 04Molly > I do not think I am anything special < 08@Morgan > you are wrong * Molly smiles < 04Molly > perhaps, but I would still wish to be better... you deserve better * @Morgan sniffs loudly < 08@Morgan > nonsense < 04Molly > Not at all... you mean the world to me, I would give you every ounce of my body, mind, heart and soul, and still think it a mere fraction of what you ought to have * @Morgan blushes * Molly looks puzzled < 04Molly > Have I upset you some how? < 08@Morgan > no blossom < 04Molly > I worried that perhaps I had been too vocal in my affections... < 08@Morgan > it... the depth and strength of your feeling surprises me * Molly takes her turn to blush < 04Molly > I remember once being told that love is a cruel mistress... that I can feel so confirms that * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I do not wish to frighten you with such * Molly looks down at the floor < 08@Morgan > it does not frighten me * Molly nods < 04Molly > I am glad of that. I hope that in time my fears of demanding too much of you pass < 08@Morgan > I'm sure they will blossom < 04Molly > I ought to start preparing to meet your parents... * @Morgan nods * Molly moves closer to him, on tiptoes, and kisses him softly * Molly moves closer to him, on tiptoes, and kisses him softly < 04Molly > ((oops, was playing with settings)) * @Morgan encircles her with his arms < 08@Morgan > I should go and see if I can find out when my parents will return * Molly pulls away a little, disapointment which she tries to hide. < 04Molly > aye, that makes sense * Molly pulls her chin up a little, dropping her arms from his waist to her sides < 08@Morgan > dont worry blossom... it wont be long now * Molly nods < 04Molly > I know... Would you please tell one of the staff that I am ready to take my bath now? * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I will * @Morgan turns to leave * Molly follows him to the door, wanting to stop him, but not having the nerve * @Morgan turns at the door * Molly watches him intently, subconciously sucking slightly on her lower lip < 08@Morgan > I love you blossom... once things have been discussed with my parents, I will be much freer of distractions * Molly breaks in to a broad grin, and damn near leaps in to his arms. She kisses him quickly on the lips before pulling away < 04Molly > Then I shall be completely available to you in whatever time you can spare * @Morgan nods, turns, and walks away down the corridor * Molly watches him go, before shutting the door.