< 04Molly > ** a few minutes later he arrives at the stable to find a chargrinned groom watching a now-saddled Xantha whilst rubbing his arm** < 08@Morgan > are they paying you danger money? < 04Molly > No, I'm new here, my Lord... baptism of fire, they called it * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > lesson learned I'd say... now go back to the other grooms and tell them he took a shine to you. < 04Molly > *he goes* * @Morgan climbs up and rides into town < 04Molly > **the town is still quiet, though a few people drift back in from the fields, tired, dirty. A few tip their hats in deference to the heir of the lands* < 04Molly > *Once his business is concluded, the ride back is peaceful * Molly and her parents walk through the ornamental gardens, talking quietly. < 04Molly > MA: You worry too much little Moll, they seemed to like you... < 04Molly > Perhaps, Mama, but I would have hoped for some news were that the case. The longer I hear nothing, the higher the likelyhood that Morgan is having to fight with them to allow the marriage... *she wraps her arms around herself* < 08@Morgan > *slowly there comes the sound akin to thunder, though its too rhythmic to be anything made by the weather* < 04Molly > David: *he turns looking around, followed a few seconds later by Martha. Molly nevously chews her lower lip, fretting* < 08@Morgan > *twelve armoured horses with riders to match come thundering around the side of the house, more or less in step with the koertig crest snapping on the pennons* < 04Molly > David *whistles low* Would you look at that < 04Molly > Martha *she nudges Molly, who looks on in stunned silence* < 08@Morgan > *the twelve riders arc into a turn, spreading out until the forresters are surrounded* < 04Molly > David *he squares his shoulders, immediatly assuming the worst, as does his daughter, tears coming to her eyes < 08@Morgan > *a horse steps forward, snorting. The rider climbs down, two swords belted at his waist.* < 04Molly > *all three watch nervously* < 08@Morgan > *the rider kneels in front of Molly, clashes his fist to his chest and speaks in Eisen* < 04Molly > *she watches, intigued, barely able to breathe* < 08@Morgan > Lady Forrester, you have returned me to the man I am meant to be. You would do me the greatest honour and indeed, fulfill my life if you would agree to be my bride and become my veisgrafen < 04Molly > *she grins broadly, curtseying deeply* < 04Molly > My loyal-hearted knight, you do my far more honour than I deserve. I accept your suit and proposal most humbly, and am overwhelmed by your beautiful words. Nothing could please my heart, body and soul than to tell you that all three belong to you until the end of time. * @Morgan nods briefly and draws one of the swords and holds it out to her < 08@Morgan > I had this made for you. Will you accept it? < 04Molly > *Martha and David stand aside, watching quietly, trying to make themselves unnoticeable* < 04Molly > Of course I shall, it is beautiful < 08@Morgan > *it is identical to his own, but weighted differently* < 04Molly > *she meets his eyes, burning with a passionate blue flame. She takes the sword, feeling its weight, tipping the balance in her hand, pleased* It is perfect * @Morgan stands and turns to face her parents < 08@Morgan > Frau and Herr Forrester... will you consent to this union? < 04Molly > David: With all our hearts and blessings for your future together * @Morgan nods to the sound of the eleven horsemen classing their swords against their shields * Molly grins, and her parents join their hands with smiles * Molly curtsies to the horsemen < 08@Morgan > *the horsemen raise their swords in salute before slowly forming up and walking back towards the way they entered the grounds* * Molly and the others watch them leave. As they pass the side of the house, Molly turns to her parents < 04Molly > All is well! *she cries with joy, throwing her arms around them. They embrace her, marvelling at his showmanship, the conversation excited, noisy, as they talk over each other. This is how they still are when he is free of his arms* * @Morgan walks across the lawns towards them * Molly tries to regain composure, and casts her eyes towards the house. Seeing no-one at the windows, she runs to him, flinging her arms around his neck * @Morgan holds her tightly * Molly whispers to him < 04Molly > You were magnificent < 08@Morgan > thank you... I think Xantha enjoyed it more than anyone though... he always liked being in armour * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > No-one could possibly have enjoyed that more than I < 08@Morgan > I felt it shoudl be done properly * Molly pulls away so she can look at him < 04Molly > Not even my imagination could have created anything so utterly perfect < 08@Morgan > I'm glad you enjoyed it < 04Molly > Thankyou, liebes herz, with all my heart * Molly bites her lower lip, looking away < 08@Morgan > not long blossom * Molly smiles < 04Molly > until? < 08@Morgan > until we can stop being so restrained * Molly giggles, and lowers her eyes and voice, words for him alone < 04Molly > Every moment seems far too long! < 04Molly > David: *he nods at them before leading Martha back towards the house* * Molly nods once to her father, her attention straight back to Morgan < 04Molly > Did you speak with your father after we left? < 08@Morgan > I did < 04Molly > Did I do well enough? < 08@Morgan > apparently so * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I was very worried that perhaps he had denied our wish < 08@Morgan > no... he gave us their blessing * Molly grins broadly < 04Molly > Then it is a done deal? < 08@Morgan > it is * Molly slips her hand in his, turning back towards the house < 04Molly > Our wedding day will arrive before we know it, with any luck < 08@Morgan > I expect so blossom < 04Molly > Will you be sitting with me at dinner? < 08@Morgan > I would imagine so... * Molly nods, pleased < 04Molly > was... ws it difficult to persuede Lord Koertig to agree to this match? < 08@Morgan > not really... more difficult was getting an actual answer out of him * Molly smiles < 04Molly > They both seem very nice * @Morgan sniffs < 08@Morgan > its probably just as well that we arrived when we did... my father tried to convince me to marry my cousin... before he knew of our betrothal of course * Molly 's eyebrows rise* You have a cousin? < 08@Morgan > I have two < 04Molly > Goodness... I think it might have gone badly had he insisted upon you setting me aside * Molly shudders < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > he has made some... demands < 04Molly > *they get to a side door, rarely used. Molly sighs* I must be distant again? No more kisses? < 08@Morgan > of a more long term nature... he insists we move back to the house within three years < 04Molly > Ah * Molly 's expression is neutral < 08@Morgan > I take it you do not wish to < 04Molly > How do you feel about such? < 08@Morgan > It is my responsibility * Molly squeezes his hand < 04Molly > Mine also * Molly opens the door, leading in to a narrow corridor < 04Molly > In truth, I was considering such a move any way... < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly looks slightly awkward < 04Molly > Perhaps a year to travel aboard the rose, ensure a good crew and her safety, and then settle here. But I would not wish to make such an impoVtant decision alone * @Morgan nods * Molly looks around < 04Molly > it need not be decided now * Molly follows him to her room, to get ready for dinner