The next morning the storm has passed, leaving a beautiful warm and sunny day in it's wake*
* @Morgan stands staring at the lake
* Molly spots him from her window, and seizes the rare opportunity to catch him alone. Dressed in a lightweight pale blue dress, she walks up quietly behind him, hoping to suprise him
< 04Molly > ((need to know if he reacts before she gets to him))
* @Morgan continues facing the lake
* Molly smiles to herself, and slips her arms around his waist from behind with a soft giggle
< 08@Morgan > good morning blossom
< 04Molly > Good mornng, dearest one. I am suprised to find you still on the grounds!
< 08@Morgan > oh?
* Molly comes to stand beside him
< 04Molly > Your duties take a good deal of your time
< 08@Morgan > indeed
* Molly looks out over the Sudlache
< 04Molly > I am glad you are here...
< 08@Morgan > as am I blossom... I do not relish the task ahead of me today
* Molly looks slightly saddened, though tries to hide it
< 04Molly > You were not allowed to have three free days?
< 08@Morgan > I was allowed but... my father wished to make the announcement of our marriage today... I've managed to persuade him otherwise, so I can at least forewarn Dietlinde's parents
* Molly becomes serious
< 04Molly > And you are to go today?
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > they attend the tenants meetings, so I shall speak to them straight after
* Molly takes a breath, and then looks to him
< 04Molly > I think that is wise
< 08@Morgan > indeed
< 04Molly > I knew the time must come, but it seems to have come so quickly
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > when must you leave?
< 08@Morgan > as soon as my father is ready
* Molly nods, and takes his hand
< 04Molly > My thoughts will be with you, dear one
< 08@Morgan > thank you blossom... I do not look forward to telling them
* Molly squeezes his hand
< 04Molly > It will not be easy, for any of you
< 08@Morgan > no, it will not
< 04Molly > However, I have complete confidence in you, that you will be as gentle with them as you can
* @Morgan nods
* Molly moves nearer, facing him. Her voice becomes quiet
< 04Molly > They must have anticipated such... you have heirs to provide, you have lands to rule, it is natural that you would need to consider marrying once more to fulfil that
< 08@Morgan > perhaps
* Molly watches him closely
< 04Molly > what is it you fear?
< 08@Morgan > I do not wish them hurt
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > I understand, dear one. Perhaps... *she looks away*
< 08@Morgan > perhaps?
* Molly looks guilty
< 04Molly > I do not wish anyone to be hurt or upset by this
< 08@Morgan > by what?
< 04Molly > by us... by marrying
< 08@Morgan > it is something that will happen... all I can do is try to prevent as much pain as I can
< 04Molly > You do not think we should perhaps postpone, or reconsider?
< 08@Morgan > no
< 08@Morgan > that is not an option
* Molly turns to look back over the Sudlache
< 04Molly > I hope that once this has been complete, you will get your free days
< 04Molly > ((completed*))
< 08@Morgan > I would imagine so
< 04Molly > I am missing the time we once had together, though Lady Koertig tells me I ought to get used to this pattern of absence
* @Morgan nods sadly
< 08@Morgan > I believe she may be right
< 04Molly > She is already teaching me a great deal about being a grafin
< 08@Morgan > she was telling me how much she enjoys your company
* Molly smiles broadly
< 04Molly > I am pleased to hear that
* @Morgan smiles
* Molly blushes
< 04Molly > She told me she was pleased that you had found me, and proud that I was to be the next veisgrafin
* @Morgan smiles
< 08@Morgan > she's said much the same to me
* Molly swallows hard
< 04Molly > I find that a huge compliment
* @Morgan nods
* Molly looks back at the lake
< 04Molly > It is so beautiful here
< 08@Morgan > I'd noticed
* @Morgan smiles slightly
* Molly laughs
< 04Molly > I am looking forward to our future here
< 08@Morgan > as am I
* Molly smiles at him
< 04Molly > three weeks today we shall be wed
< 04Molly > there is still much to be done
< 08@Morgan > aye, I've no doubt
* Molly sighs
< 04Molly > I still have a new dress to make
* @Morgan nods glumly
< 04Molly > Still, these things are sent to try us, just a shame to lose the fabrics I'd ordered especially from Carleon
< 08@Morgan > aye, that it is
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Is it hard, the work your father has you do?
< 08@Morgan > sometimes
< 04Molly > Are you happy here?
< 08@Morgan > mostly, yes
< 04Molly > only mostly?
< 08@Morgan > there are things left to do that I dread doing
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > Such as this task that befalls you today
< 08@Morgan > quite
< 04Molly > There are other things, dear one?
* @Morgan shrugs
< 08@Morgan > minor things... mostly this though
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > It was to be expected
< 04Molly > Do you know how you may broach the subject?
< 08@Morgan > no... I'm at a total loss at the moment
* Molly looks thoughtful
< 04Molly > It depends on whether it is better to explain that you wed for love, or better to say it is for the good of Sudlachenburg
< 08@Morgan > I will not lie
< 04Molly > It is not a lie, surely?
< 08@Morgan > I would marry you even if it meant giving away my rule
* Molly blushes, and bites her lip
< 04Molly > I would never be worth that
< 08@Morgan > you are wrong
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Though I would never wish to put you in such a position, it touches and warms my heart to hear you say such
* Molly slips her hand around his
* @Morgan squeezes her hand
< 04Molly > So you will tell them you wed for love?
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > I'm sure it will be well
< 08@Morgan > I hope so
< 04Molly > You have the ability to soothe people, to smooth things over. I can scarce believe you are on such good terms with your father
< 08@Morgan > nor can I if I'm honest
< 04Molly > And your mother adores you
< 08@Morgan > its been tough being away from her
< 04Molly > She is as lovely as you said
< 04Molly > I have hardly spoken with your father though
* Molly looks a little uneasy
< 08@Morgan > he is... difficult. I'm surprised he and David get on so well
< 04Molly > That is rather perplexing, especially as my father is prejudiced against Eiseners
< 08@Morgan > indeed
* Molly shrugs
< 04Molly > Although both are men who are used to being in control... perhaps their similarities work well together?
< 08@Morgan > perhaps... to be honest, as long as they continue getting along, why doesn't really matter
* Molly smiles, squeezing his hand
< 04Molly > It has almost been too easy...
< 08@Morgan > quite
< 04Molly > Perhaps we are just condtioned to anticipate trouble after our time at Lady Catherines?
< 08@Morgan > possibly I suppose
< 04Molly > I suppose I expected trouble, and almost feel out of my depth that there has been none
< 08@Morgan > give it time, there may yet be some
< 04Molly > How so?
< 08@Morgan > well, you can never tell really
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Perhaps we have faced our share of adversity and this is our reward?
< 08@Morgan > perhaps... perhaps we just face different adversities now
< 04Molly > I hope not, I am ready for peace and quiet... though part of me relishes the idea of being back up the rose, dancing in the ballroom once more
< 04Molly > **They are stood by the lake, tone of their conversation serious**
< 04Molly > will you be taking Xantha?
* @Morgan thinks
< 08@Morgan > possibly... I'm not sure... part of me thinks it would do some good to show that despite being away, I still have pride in my heritage
< 04Molly > Were it me, I would take him
< 04Molly > he will be good company to you upon your journey
< 08@Morgan > true, true
< 04Molly > would you wish me to come with you?
< 08@Morgan > I dont think its a good idea
< 04Molly > I agree, though I would have accompanied you if it brought you any comfort
* Molly smiles sooftly
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > I think I shall take Aurora out to the training field, I have not been as attentive as I should have been... to either of you
< 08@Morgan > I'm sure it'll do her some good
< 04Molly > I believe so
* @Morgan nods
< 04Molly > **there is a shout from behind them, a young valet that Morgan has been assigned** My Lord?
* @Morgan sighs slightly before looking round
< 08@Morgan > yes?
< 04Molly > Valet: Your father sent me to instruct you that he expects you to depart with him in fifteen minutes. Should I have the groom saddle your mount, my lord?
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > yes, get him set
< 04Molly > **He runs to the stable. Molly watches Morgan*
< 04Molly > and so we must part once more in haste
< 08@Morgan > as usual
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > Though I am becoming accustomed to it, it still pains me
< 08@Morgan > and I
* Molly comes closer, and on tip toes, softly kisses his cheek
* @Morgan raises a hand to her arm, squeezing slightly
< 04Molly > Take care, liebes herz, I should be most grateful if you would seek me out and tell me what has occured
* @Morgan nods
< 08@Morgan > I will blossom
* Molly pulls away and takes his hand, walking slowly towards the stables with him
< 04Molly > will you have more tme once ths is done?
< 08@Morgan > I would imagine so
* Molly nods
< 04Molly > Good
< 04Molly > **after a few minutes they reach the stables where Xantha and a mounted Adalbrecht wait. Adalbrecht tips his riding hat to Molly, and then nods at Morgan
< 04Molly > AD: Let us away then
* Molly smiles at Morgan, squeezing his hand reassuringly before letting go
* @Morgan nods at his father before turning to Molly and taking her hands
< 08@Morgan > be careful on that horse...
* Molly smiles
< 04Molly > As always, liebes herz
* @Morgan nods briefly before letting go and climbing up onto Xantha
* Molly shields her eyes with her hand as she watches Adalbrecht lead out of the yard