< 04Molly > **port and cigars provide a background for simple, masculine talk. an hour passes before they retire. The next morning, Morgan is woken very early by a valet, and a quick breajfast sees him mounted and ready for the meeting. In the village hall, he sees many familiar faces, but their minds are occuoied by farming, crop loss, boundary disputes and other things, so very little is said. The morning winds on, all so familiar, seeing his father's skill with his people, remembering being taught this previously. It is interesting, rekindling his interest in being graf in the future < 04Molly > all so familiar, seeing his father's skill with his people, remembering being taught this previously. It is interesting, rekindling his interest in being graf in the future < 04Molly > By two in the afternoon, he is given leave to return to die dauerhaftigkeit * @Morgan canters into the grounds * Molly sits on a low wall, turning the sword in her hands, obviously waiting for him * Molly 's dress is simple, pale yellow, her hair loose * @Morgan climbs down from Xantha, approaching Molly * Molly looks up, obviously pleased to see him < 04Molly > Good afternoon, liebes herz < 08@Morgan > Good afternoon blossom < 04Molly > Have you plans, or might we take a tour of the house? < 08@Morgan > if you wish to blossom * Molly nods < 04Molly > it would please me greatly * Molly stands, sheathing the sword * @Morgan looks at the horse < 08@Morgan > Xantha, cant remember when they wanted to do it < 08@Morgan > ((woah, dunno what tahs about)) < 08@Morgan > Xantha, Haus < 08@Morgan > **the horse trots off in the direction of the stables** * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > So well-tamed... just as Captain Tsyalur recommends for those men of noble birth * @Morgan laughs < 08@Morgan > aye < 04Molly > Thank you again for the sword, it is lovely * Molly opens a side door in to the house < 08@Morgan > you're welcome * Molly waits for him to come in before shutting the door, heading in to the house. < 04Molly > I am unsure as to where it can have come from... < 08@Morgan > really? you were with me when I had it made * Molly laughs < 04Molly > It had not occured to me * Molly looks at him intently before blushing and looking away < 08@Morgan > as I recall the young smithy was not overly impressed with having to make an Eisen sword * Molly nods < 04Molly > And yet he has made something Eisen, and exquisite... rather like the gifter... * @Morgan blushes * Molly reaches up, touching his cheek, though there is something hesitant in her eyes, a slight wariness < 08@Morgan > what do you think of the house? * Molly moves her hand down to rest on his arm < 04Molly > It is amazing, truly a palace fit for a king < 08@Morgan > I'm glad you approve * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I do, very much so. Would you take me to see the paintings? * @Morgan grimaces * Molly smiles wryly < 04Molly > could you suggest an alternative that I would enjoy so much? < 08@Morgan > probably not... < 04Molly > We need not if you would prefer not to, but I would be greatly saddened if you were not to spend the afternoon with me, regardless of what we do together * Molly blushes a little at the thoughts < 08@Morgan > no, we'll see the paintings * Molly nods, allowing him to lead the way. * @Morgan wanders in the direction of the paintings < 04Molly > How does it feel to be back here, liebes herz? < 08@Morgan > unusual * Molly watches him closely, wandering down a long corridor < 04Molly > How so? < 08@Morgan > it feels... right I suppose * Molly bites her lip, and nods < 04Molly > Given your parents wishes, it is good that you feel so < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly stops him, gently holding his arm. She speaks quietly < 04Molly > I will follow you wherever you wish to go, whatever you chose for our life together * @Morgan nods, solemnly * Molly smiles softly < 04Molly > I just felt I ought to say so, I would not have you worry upon my thoughts < 08@Morgan > it is just as well... my father wishes us to live here permanently within three years < 04Molly > As I said yesterday, I had considered such an option already, and I am sure I would be happy heve < 04Molly > here* * @Morgan nods * Molly slips her hand in his < 04Molly > Is it much further? < 08@Morgan > just around the corner * Molly nods < 04Molly > *they get to the door. Her expression is mischieviously, thoughtful, and she pinches her lower lip* < 04Molly > Shall we go in? * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > if we must * Molly looks at him softly < 04Molly > Why does it trouble you so? * @Morgan smiles wryly < 08@Morgan > it embarrasses me * Molly takes his hands < 04Molly > you need never be embarrased around me * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly keeps one hand in his, opening the door with the other. The room is huge, the walls covered in paintings, the oldest ones near the door going back many centuries, strong eisen men in many forms of armour. Molly looks at them all for several minutes. < 04Molly > Goodness! There are some rather dashing young men here! * Molly smiles at him playfully * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I suspect they're not so dashing any more * Molly shudders < 04Molly > quite * Molly continues down the inside wall, commenting often on the dress of the time, the severity or gentle looks of the object of the picture. After a little while, they come to a family portrait. There is a handsome couple flanked by two older boys, one being Adalbrecht, and two younger girls. She stops in front of it, squezing his hand. Her skirt rustles against his leg. < 04Molly > Your grandparents, liebes herz? * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles < 08@Morgan > the gentleman is... *he closes his eyes a moment* commadore Penn Koertig... I have his tankard < 04Molly > You favour him a great deal, the same stance, same commanding presence... < 08@Morgan > thank you blossom * Molly looks to him fondly < 04Molly > You are most welcome * Molly moves to the next picture, adalbrecht and verity on their wedding day nearly thirty years earlier. < 04Molly > They look so happy * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > they're well matched < 04Molly > In truth, I am suprised by how they are together < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly looks away < 04Molly > I expected that he would control the relationship, but all it takes is a few words, and he is neatly curbed to her desires * @Morgan laughs * Molly blushes < 04Molly > I am sorry, I've said too much < 08@Morgan > more or less accurate I'd say < 08@Morgan > but then... I think mother just has that effect on Koertig men * Molly nods < 04Molly > it is not just he... * @Morgan looks inquiringly at her * Molly drops her gaze < 04Molly > You value her happiness, her good opinion... it means that she is able to gently smooth out the sharp edges you both have and you quest to please her * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I've no doubt it has surprised certain people how swiftly I submit to my fathers will... * Molly moves on to the next portrait, the same couple with a toddler outside die dauerhaftigkeit * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > Myself included1 < 04Molly > Why is that, liebes herz? < 08@Morgan > because he is my father... he is the Graf and I am not * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I understand. I am just not used to seeing you so obediant to the commands given to you < 08@Morgan > in truth I am not particularly used to being so obedient to them < 04Molly > no? < 08@Morgan > not really, no * Molly looks at him solemnly < 04Molly > Why such a change? < 08@Morgan > how do you mean? < 04Molly > Why are you more obediant now? * Molly leans in, studying the small child in the painting < 08@Morgan > because... it is what I should be... * Molly nods < 04Molly > I would prefer you do not alter your behaviour with me, not that I give you commands, of course < 08@Morgan > There is little that could change my behaviour with you * Molly nods < 04Molly > I am glad of that... Is this you? * Molly points to the toddler in the picture* * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles < 04Molly > What a handsome family * Molly watches him as she moves to the next painting. As she looks to it, her eyes go very wide, and then puzzled as she studies the young boy sat alone in front of the Sudlache, blondish-brown hair, blue eyes. Morgan remembers having to sit for a long time in the summer heat to have it done when he was four or thereabouts. She stares at it, voice soft < 04Molly > but-... < 08@Morgan > but? * Molly shakes her head, looking back to him. < 04Molly > For some months now, I have been dreaming of a child identical to this picture... < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly nods < 04Molly > It took me by suprise to see such a likeness < 08@Morgan > I should imagine so * Molly turns away slightly. < 04Molly > In the dream, I am coming down a staircase, asking a maid if she has seen either the child or his father, speaking Eisen < 08@Morgan > how strange * Molly nods, biting her lip < 04Molly > I dismissed it as nothing, but I now suspect that I might find that staircase in this house < 08@Morgan > most likely... there are quite a few < 04Molly > perhaps I somehow dream of you as a child... *she sounds unconvinced, as if holding back* * @Morgan looks at her solemnly < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly moves on to the next painting, one of adalbrecht, verity, morgan and edward < 04Molly > This is Edward? < 08@Morgan > it is * Molly nodsů * Molly looks at the last one, the two brothers both in uniform. It was sat for whilst Morgan was on leave, just a few days before the schatten fair which changed his life forever. * Molly swallows hard, looking at it < 04Molly > Uniform suits you... < 08@Morgan > apparently * Molly looks a little longer, then very suddenly moves away. Eyes thoughtful, she goes to a blank patch next to it, laying her hand carefully on the wall < 04Molly > I wonder what is to go here... the next chapter of this wonderful chronicle < 08@Morgan > I would imagine so * Molly smiles < 04Molly > I only hope I can do it justice < 08@Morgan > you will * Molly smiles, coming back to his side. < 04Molly > Thank you for bringing me here < 08@Morgan > thank you for coming blossom * Molly nods, looking at him intently, eyes searching his expression < 04Molly > I am honoured to be able to be so close to who you truly are * @Morgan smiles * Molly brings her hand to his cheek tenderly < 04Molly > it pleases me immensely to see you smile < 08@Morgan > its easier to do when I know exactly who I am... I know what is expected of me here * Molly smiles, eyes full of mischief < 04Molly > Oh I am sure you do... * Molly giggles * @Morgan laughs < 04Molly > Might I ask what task took you to the village this morning? < 08@Morgan > a tenants meeting... * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Preparation for being graf someday? < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly nods < 04Molly > At least it is not to be as we anticipated... you will no longer have to return here alone * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > a fact I am grateful for < 04Molly > I would have come just as a friend, had you asked < 08@Morgan > not something that we need to consider blossom < 04Molly > no... * Molly looks at him < 04Molly > what would you like to do now? < 08@Morgan > thats up to you blossom * Molly bites her lower lip with a smile < 04Molly > I would not make such an offer if I were you... * @Morgan smiles < 04Molly > However, it would probably make more people happy if we walk to look at the Sudlache instead... < 08@Morgan > probably * Molly makes her expression neutral < 04Molly > Then that is what we shall do * @Morgan nods * Molly goes back out of the door in to the corridor < 04Molly > That was not too bad, was it? < 08@Morgan > it cxould have been worse I suppose < 04Molly > Oh most definately! I feel awful that we were too poor to have any done when I was a child... * Molly 's eyes become sad, thinking on the awkwardness of the previous evening < 08@Morgan > that is not something you need worry about with our own < 04Molly > Our own...? < 08@Morgan > children < 04Molly > Oh! Ummm yes... * Molly takes a breath < 08@Morgan > you.... you do not wish to have them? * Molly starts to look a little nervous < 04Molly > Yes, I do wish to... * @Morgan nods * Molly looks to him with a smile < 04Molly > It is also a duty, is it not? < 08@Morgan > that is beside the point < 04Molly > It is? < 08@Morgan > it is... though it is a duty, that is _not_ what I asked * Molly bites her lip, and nods. She speaks quietly < 04Molly > Is it your wish? * @Morgan looks at the floor < 08@Morgan > it is * Molly stops walking, turning to face him < 04Molly > s... soon? < 08@Morgan > I'm not entirely sure * Molly nods, eyes deeply thoughtful < 04Molly > I see * Molly starts walking back towards the door to the grounds < 08@Morgan > what are your thoughts on it? * Molly bites her lip < 04Molly > It is complicated < 08@Morgan > whyso? * Molly exhales slowly < 04Molly > When you first spoke of taking me as your mistress, I sought advice as to how such a thing could be made less likely, for I was unsure how... that it was a good idea... * @Morgan watches her carefully * Molly very carefully avoids eye contact, voice very quiet < 04Molly > I... wanted-... I _want_ to go to your bed, but to risk bringing a child into the situation when we had not discussed what future that child might have seemed foolish * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I can see why you'd think that * Molly nods, still not meeting his eyes < 04Molly > I would need to discontinue this method were you to wish me to bear you a child in the near future... * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I see < 08@Morgan > perhaps not just yet... the Rose will demand much of our attention first * Molly gets to the door, opening it out into the sunlight. She takes a deep breath of fresh air < 04Molly > As you wish < 08@Morgan > is that not what you want? * Molly looks around to ensure they are unobserved < 04Molly > I... I would prefer to delay for at least a year becau-... * Molly blushes hard < 08@Morgan > because... * Molly looks at the floor intently, voice barely audible < 04Molly > b... because I wish to enjoy being bedded without the risk that each time might lead to seveal months of not being able to be so... * Molly 's cheeks are now scarlet * @Morgan nods * Molly doesnt see the nod, still watching the floor < 08@Morgan > a sensible course of thought I suppose < 04Molly > It is an honest one... shameful though it must seem, I would rather be honest with you < 08@Morgan > what shame is there in it? < 04Molly > That I would insist upon a year of intimacy simply for the sake of lust rather than procreation * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > there are many that insist upon such outside of a marriage for much the same reason... < 08@Morgan > or for money * Molly nods < 04Molly > I suppose so. I just do not wish to upset you < 08@Morgan > you haven't blossom < 04Molly > and you are not annoyed that I sought out such a thing immediately after you voiced an intent to have me as your mistress? < 08@Morgan > no < 04Molly > It was a little presumptous... < 08@Morgan > I dont think so... * Molly smiles slightly < 04Molly > As it turns out, I did not need such haste... < 08@Morgan > no... indeed * Molly casts a quick sidelong glance at him < 04Molly > Are you pleased that nothing occured? < 08@Morgan > in some respects * Molly looks intrigued < 04Molly > only in some respects? < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > in all respects that make me consider myself a gentleman, yes < 04Molly > and in the others? < 08@Morgan > the others that mark me as a man, in my desires... no * Molly walks steadily over the grass to the egde of the lake, suprising herself when her legs feel so wobbly to her. She speaks quietly < 04Molly > Fortuntely fov you, the gentlemanly side won out... < 08@Morgan > I am a Koertig... though my father seemed to have forgotten, we are gentlemen through and through * Molly nods < 04Molly > I can only think of one occasion where that could have been even minorly debated * Molly shivers a little < 08@Morgan > oh? * Molly blushes < 04Molly > That incredible evening at the cottage... < 08@Morgan > ah yes < 04Molly > It could be argued that it was ungentlemanly...apart from the fact you were far fr the instigator of such misdemeanours... < 04Molly > from* * @Morgan laughs * Molly smiles, relieved by his laughter < 04Molly > I could most definately be accused of unladylike conduct... but it would not prevent me acting so again < 08@Morgan > before long there would be no grounds for such an accusation * Molly nods < 04Molly > unfortunately there are twenty eight long days, and twenty eight longer nights to bear before then! < 08@Morgan > true enough... though I suspect we'll both have plenty to keep us busy * Molly smiles a little < 04Molly > We will see little of each other... * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > and no time for the stolen kisses that were to be found in secluded cormers of the house... < 08@Morgan > indeed * Molly rolls her eyes with mock despair < 04Molly > we should have just had lord elementay wed us there and then! < 08@Morgan > quite * Molly bites her lip, considering the next statment, seeing if she has the nerve... She takes a step foward, looking at him through lowered lashes, her voice soft, sensual < 04Molly > then you could have spent the afternoon bedding me, rather than looking at old paintings.... * @Morgan blushes then laughs raucously * Molly laughs as well < 04Molly > It will no doubt be in my mind for the remainder of the day... < 08@Morgan > and mine * Molly looks thoughtful, and then suddenly blushes very hard at the images that come to mind < 04Molly > Not that it is far from my mind on most days, of course < 04Molly > Though more often my mind drifts back to the night at the cottage...it is a fondly held memory < 08@Morgan > and to me < 04Molly > I just wish-... *she shakes her head slightly* it does not matter * Molly changes the conversation, talking exclusively about the lake and the house until they return indoors and go their seperate ways