< 04Molly > *the next morning is warm and clear, the chapel bell calling them to the service. So far, he hasnt seen Molly* * @Morgan wanders to the front of the house, looking around * Molly is walking on the lawn with Adalbrect * @Morgan stops, watching them < 04Molly > *Adalbrecht seems to be talking a great deal, and she walks quietly, almost solemnly beside him, nodding now and then * @Morgan narrows his eyes and starts walking towards them, feet quiet out of habit < 04Molly > *Neither notice his approach* < 04Molly > Adalbrecht: It isnt just duty, or his birthright... * Molly nods again, looking at the floor * @Morgan slows down, listening < 04Molly > we wish you to live here, to make this your home * Molly looks up at him with a smile < 04Molly > It already feels like home to me, I am very happy here < 04Molly > AD: I would hope my son feels the same. We want him here, but out of free will. I am not sure this is the case < 04Molly > Sir, for a great deal of time, I've have known how much it has pained him to stay away from you, from these lands... I can not imagine him not being happy to be here once more *she starts to sound slightly unsure, and looks back to the floor* < 04Molly > AD: Barring the memories of what he has lost, you mean? * Molly starts to look uncomfortable, fidgety < 04Molly > Sir, I do not think I should... it is not really... ummm... < 04Molly > AD: *he pats her arm* Do not be upset. No-one expects this to be easy. * Molly nods, looking at the chapel in the hopes of diversion < 04Molly > Will we speak to the vicar today, sir? * @Morgan scuffs his boot to make a noise < 04Molly > AD: Yes, time gallops away like-... *he turns at the noise* Good morning! * Molly , knowing him a little better, wonders how long he has been there, and blushes hard < 04Molly > good morning, liebes herz < 08@Morgan > good morning father, molly < 04Molly > AD: I was just discusing with Lady Forrester that it is time to speak with the minister * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles slightly, though distracted. They continue to walk to the chapel, and Adalbrecht sees the others come down the steps to the chapel, and goes over to them, leaving Molly and Morgan alone < 04Molly > are you well? * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > well enough < 08@Morgan > you? * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Yes, thank you. Do we speak with the minister, or your father? * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > I'm not entirely sure * Molly nods < 04Molly > *the others go in to the chapel. Due to work being done, it is the first time Molly has seen it. As they turn right to look down the nave of the church, dark wood pews on either side, she gasps. < 04Molly > It is... < 08@Morgan > isn 't it * Molly smiles < 04Molly > dark, but beautiful, quiet, but not uncomfortably so... *she looks at him* perfect * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I'm glad you approve * Molly grins < 04Molly > I do, very much so Session Time: Fri Nov 20 00:00:00 2009 * Molly stands close beside him, watching Adalbrecht go in to the side room with the clerk. The servants of the house are already seated at the back, and Verity leads them to the front pews. There is quietly excited chatter between her, martha and david. * Molly follows them, waiting at the pew for Morgan to choose where to sit * @Morgan follows * Molly smiles at him, somewhat wistfully, and sits down * @Morgan looks around before sitting down < 04Molly > *the door opens, and a stressed-looking Alarice holds firmly the hand of a lively Varick. At the sight of Molly and Morgan, he breaks away from Alarice and slips in to their pew, hopping up into the space between them * Molly looks at Morgan over Varick's head, amused < 08@Morgan > good morning Varick < 04Molly > VA: Good morning. Mother is annoyed with me. Always annoyed. rather be out playing < 08@Morgan > I hope you're not giving her trouble... < 04Molly > VA: *he pouts* she doesnt like me < 08@Morgan > now you know thats not true * Molly looks at varick, eyes soft < 04Molly > VA: Is so. Sends me to my guvness all the time. < 08@Morgan > dont argue with your elders... < 04Molly > VA: *he nods sadly* yes, sir < 08@Morgan > good boy... < 04Molly > Perhaps, if your mother does not mind, you would like to ride on Aurora with me today? * Molly shoots a look at Morgan, to see if it is acceptable to him * @Morgan nods briefly < 04Molly > VA: *he nods* yes please! * Molly smiles < 04Molly > But it is on the condition that you are to be good and quiet during the service. That is fair, is it not, Morgan? < 08@Morgan > I would say so < 04Molly > Va: *he nods* < 04Molly > *The door opens and Adalbrecht comes out, smiling. He goes down the aisle to where they are sat, and puts his hand on Morgan's shoulder* < 04Molly > It is set for an hour before noon on the 27th. You both must come to make arrangements with the minister on friday. * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > yes sir < 04Molly > *he goes to his pew, and the minister begins the ceremony. Molly raises an enquiring eyebrow at Morgan < 08@Morgan > the service.,.. * Molly whispers < 04Molly > yes? < 08@Morgan > hour before noon, 27th * Molly grins broadly, her face lighting up < 04Molly > VA: *he looks at them both, and whispers to Morgan* what is the 27th? < 08@Morgan > the day after the 26th < 04Molly > Alarice: *she turns in her seat, giving them both a disapproving frown* * @Morgan grins at her < 04Molly > *She shakes her head and turns back to the front. The minister continues to talk, the service is nice, but short. Soon they all file out in to the daylight. Varick runs around in circles, whooping loudly. Molly watches him with a smile* * @Morgan watches the boy, all but waiting for a confrontation with his cousin < 04Molly > AL: *she comes over to him, face like thunder. However, as she reaches him, she has not accounted for the appearance of Martha and Verity. They almost coo around him, and drag Molly back. < 04Molly > VE: It is so wonderful- < 04Molly > MA: less than three weeks! < 04Molly > VE: So much to do! < 04Molly > MA: *taking both their hands* Our babies are all grown up! < 08@Morgan > mother, please < 04Molly > *martha and verity both become teary eyed, and Alarice stalks sulkily at the edge of the group.* * Molly looks up at Morgan, a little overwhelmed < 04Molly > VE: I ought to have a new dress made, I haven't had one made si-... for a long time. * Molly looks over at the noisy Varick, watching Alarice approach him and crouch down to his level < 04Molly > *the slight awkwardness is broken by a few words that float acoross from Alarice's conversation* < 04Molly > AL: Making a scene-.... and very disruptive.... your father... as am I... inapprpriate and rude... should be ashamed! * @Morgan turns his head to look at his cousin < 04Molly > *Martha and verity look horrified.* < 04Molly > *Alarice doesnt notice him, still telling off the boy who looks far younger than his age, blonde head tipped down, looking at the floor, trying not to cry* * @Morgan looks back to his mother < 08@Morgan > will you excuse me for a moment < 04Molly > VE: *she nods* < 04Molly > Martha: Moll, let us have another look inside, and have a thought over how to use the flowers... * Molly nods, smiling at Verity, who looks a little fragile, and offers her her arm. The three go back in. There is no sign of Adalbrecht or david * @Morgan glances around quickly, taking in who is around < 04Molly > *The lawn is empty, the staff immediately having to return back to work* * @Morgan walks over and places a hand firmly on Alarices shoulder < 08@Morgan > Varick... go inside < 04Molly > VA: *he looks hurt, as if he assumes Morgan is angry wih him also. Tears run down his cheeks, and he runs back towards the  chapel < 04Molly > AL: *she rises and turns to him, clealy angry* Why do you encourage him to make a spectacle of himself?! < 08@Morgan > we've been over this... I give him the attention that he is lacking elsewhere... and, frankly, you are the last person entitled to talk about his being ashamed. < 04Molly > *she flushes with anger* He has attention! < 08@Morgan > from his governess, I know... I understand that you are, or rather, were busy lavishing your attention elsewhere. < 04Molly > *she scowls* How dare you! You have no idea what it is like having to raise a child alone! < 08@Morgan > no... I dont. That particular chore was taken from me, as I'm sure you'll recall... but ignoring him in favour of a man is damaging his development < 04Molly > So I must be commited entirely to child-rearing, and have no life of my own?! < 08@Morgan > no... but you must have _some_ commitment to child rearing. That boy is convinced you dont even like him, do you realise that? < 04Molly > *her eyes become pained, but it fuels her anger* You have no right to lecture me on anything! You can not dictate to me! I am now to wed your brother, so there is nothing _you_ can do to control me, or stop me having my own life! *she takes a step forward, not noticing the tears that start to run down her cheeks, and she bangs her fists on his chest, not hard, but in frustration* I do not wish to be trapped with an unruly child, a husband who go himself killed and no choice in my life! * @Morgan places his hands on her shoulders < 08@Morgan > he'll grow, Alarice... he'll gain the discipline you so yearn for him to have... but he needs your love, and he needs it now < 04Molly > *she turns away from him angrily* How am I supposed to love him when each day I see his father in him more and more? * @Morgan grips her shoulders and turns her back < 08@Morgan > thats exactly how. < 04Molly > *she looks up at him, blue eyes now a cloudy, darker blue. There is a slight, hesitant pause* I can not love that in him, I am still too angry < 08@Morgan > then love him for the fact he's not his father... love him for the fact that he is Varick, an impetuous young boy who needs his mother < 04Molly > I do not know that I can. The part of me that can love is gone, buried deep with my husband * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I understand < 04Molly > *she sighs as the fight goes out of her, but her eyes search his, unspeaking for a moment. There is a slight air of tension here* It would have been better had I died instead * @Morgan shrugs slightly < 08@Morgan > I know there is no use in disagreeing with you... wrong as you may be < 04Molly > I think perhaps I ought to leave him to be raised here, until I can find the part of me that can love him * @Morgan looks at the sky for a moment < 08@Morgan > lets have an end to this antagonism. Give me a day or so and I'll see what solutions I can offer < 04Molly > *she nods* Excuse me, I am going back to the house now. < 08@Morgan > a moment, Alarice... * @Morgan glances round furtively before producing a small flask < 08@Morgan > a reminder of better times... I may or may not have pilfered it from fathers cabinet < 04Molly > *she watches him. there is something slightly disconcerting in how intense her gaze is* < 04Molly > Thank you *she takes the flask, and drinks from it. Handng it back, she smiles* * @Morgan drinks some briefly < 08@Morgan > I'll keep the lad with me for the day. Take some time to think < 04Molly > *she nods* Thank you... *she turns, and goes back to the house* * @Morgan watches her leave before entering the chapel in search of the boy < 04Molly > **down by the pulpit, both sets of parents are talking to the minister. From one of the curtained off side rooms is a very quiet singing, comfoEs blühen Blümlein auf dem Feld < 04Molly > sie blühen weiß, blau, rot und gelb; < 04Molly > es gibt nichts Schönres auf der Welt. < 04Molly > **down by the pulpit, both sets of parents are talking to the minister. From one of the curtained off side rooms is a very quiet singing, comforting, familiar * @Morgan approaches the room < 04Molly > *closer, he hears Molly singing softly in Eisen, a lullabye he remembers from his own childhood. < 04Molly > Es blühen Blümlein auf dem Feld < 04Molly > sie blühen weiß, blau, rot und gelb; < 04Molly > es gibt nichts Schönres auf der Welt. * @Morgan pulls the curtain open slightly, peeking inside * Molly is sat on the floor, legs crossed, clearly unconcerned as to how dirty her pale yellow morning dress will be. She cradles Varck against her, his little arms around her neck, body turned towards hers, his head tucked against her neck (MTF) < 04Molly > *she rocks him gently, holding him tightly, his sobs subsiding slightly. Tears of sympathy fill her eyes as she leans her cheek on his crown, continuing the song. (MTF) < 04Molly > Jetzt geh ich über Berg und Tal... < 04Molly > *It is stunning how naturally this mothering instinct comes to her, how well this small child fits her, how simple and sweet the scene he views unobserved* < 04Molly > da hört man schon die Nachtigall... * @Morgan knocks quietly on the wooden fram * Molly speaks softly < 04Molly > Kommen sie * @Morgan opens the curtain further < 08@Morgan > I need to speak with Varick < 04Molly > **though it is barely visible unless he is paying close attention, Varick curls himself closer to her as if anticipating trouble, and she reflexively smoothes his golden hair with her left hand. She looks up at Morgan, her expression almost completely neutral, closely watching his reaction as if trying to read him. There is a slight whimper from the boy. Molly beckons Morgan to come closer, down to their level * @Morgan crouches down * Molly gently untangles him from her. She speaks quietly < 04Molly > Varick, Morgan wishes to speak to you, he is not angry with you. *though her tone is full of confidence, she looks at him briefly to be sure* * @Morgan nods slightly * Molly kisses Varicks crown, and rises. She gently pushes aside the curtain, and disapears * @Morgan looks solemnly at the boy < 04Molly > VA: *he looks up, wary but silent* < 08@Morgan > I've spoken to your mother... you'll be staying with me for a few days. < 04Molly > *he nods with a sniffle* yes, my Lord * @Morgan holds out his arms < 08@Morgan > come here lad, there's no reason to be upset < 04Molly > *he looks unsure a moment, but then goes to Morgan, putting his short arms around his neck* * @Morgan folds his arms around the boy, standing up < 04Molly > *Varick holds on tightly* < 08@Morgan > we'll get you started learning how to use a sword tomorrow I think... today we'll go for that ride < 04Molly > *he nods, clinging. He is solid, but not too heavy, and still young enough to smell almost baby like. His hair is soft against Morgans neck* Yes, sir * @Morgan carries him out into the main chapel * Molly waits there, looking nervous * @Morgan carries him over < 08@Morgan > where did you hvae in mind to ride? < 04Molly > Perhaps through the village? I have yet to see it * @Morgan frowns momentarily before nodding < 04Molly > You would prefer to stay on the grounds liebling? Less stressful *she nods slightly at Varick* perhaps? < 08@Morgan > it might be best... perhaps a trot around the shoreline < 04Molly > Of course... Everyone has returned to the house. < 08@Morgan > we'd best follow suit... we'll need to get the horses saddled * Molly lays a gentle hand on Varick's back, and walks close beside Morgan on the other side. Though it is not far to the house, the journey seems longer as Molly doesnt speak, looking thoughtful. Every now and then, she casts a glance at the both. They meet reinhardt on the steps * @Morgan nods to the man < 04Molly > *he bows* Can I be of service, my Lord? < 08@Morgan > would you send word to the stables to get our horses saddled... and find some riding clothes for Varick < 04Molly > *he bows* very good, my Lord * Molly smiles < 04Molly > And sandwiches, and a little cake from the kitchen, please reinhardt, for a picnic. < 04Molly > *he bows* yes my lady *he goes immediately. Little is said, but gradually Varick loosens his hold on Morgan. Molly sits on the wall by the steps, watching them. After a few minutes, everything is brought to them, and Varick goes inside to change, insisting Morgan goes with him* * @Morgan goes in with the boy < 04Molly > *by the time they come back, the horses are ready. Molly hops up in to Auroras saddle, artfully arranging her skirt to maintain her dignity. She shields her eyes with one hand to watch them come down the stairs * @Morgan leads the boy down the steps and to Aurora * Molly smiles, shifting back to make space for Varick in front of her < 04Molly > Up you come, Varick * @Morgan boosts the lad up * Molly helps him get settled, and he leans back against her with a smile. Molly smiles at Morgan. < 04Molly > With food to take, we need not return until dinnertime, and I am sure the weather will hold Session Close: Fri Nov 20 03:10:21 2009