< 04Molly > The next morning is warm, sky clear and blue. After breakfast everyone has gone their own ways, Molly promising to return to find him before their four oclock meeting with the minister * @Morgan stands at the edge of the lawns, whirling his sword about < 04Molly > *David comes over to Morgan, watching him* good morning * @Morgan stops the sword poised over his head, not looking at David < 08@Morgan > good morning < 04Molly > things are progressing well? < 08@Morgan > moderately so, aside from the normal family disagreements < 04Molly > there are many? *he takes out a cigarette and lights up* < 08@Morgan > a few... I think my father is still unsure of me < 04Molly > why so? * @Morgan stands up straight and sheaths the sword < 08@Morgan > I'm not sure. I think my leaving in the first place disrupted his view of how people should react < 04Molly > *he offers Morgan a cigarette* react to what? * @Morgan shakes his head before looking at David < 08@Morgan > you know I was married before... the grief caused me to not wish to be here < 04Molly > *he nods* and that leaving has lessened you to him? < 08@Morgan > I think so < 04Molly > that is a shame * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I would suppose he will come round < 08@Morgan > we shall have to see < 04Molly > *david looks out at the lake* Your father has made me a proposition < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > *he inhales deeply* < 04Molly > He wants an estate manager < 08@Morgan > and he's asked you? < 04Molly > yes * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > you have reservations? < 04Molly > I wonder that the offer comes from duty < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > we are to be family... and he knows that we are not wealthy < 08@Morgan > an interesting view < 04Molly > you have no knowledge of this? < 08@Morgan > we've discussed the idea < 04Molly > and what thinks you? < 08@Morgan > on which particular part? < 04Molly > all of it * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > the wage is good, though the work is hard. As for doing it out of duty, I dont think you understand my father at all < 04Molly > and my farm in Tawstock? * @Morgan smiles faintly < 08@Morgan > that is _your_ concern. Dont get me wrong, I understand how hard leaving it would be, but I think your sons would be capable of maintaining it, especially given young James had the tenacity to threaten me < 04Molly > *he looks thoughtful* that could be an option < 08@Morgan > and if things go the way I hope, there'll always be a ship available to carry you home for a time if you wish < 04Molly > a valid point also * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I thought so < 04Molly > you think I should accept then? < 08@Morgan > I think I'm the wrong person to ask < 04Molly > why? < 08@Morgan > because your accepting would make Molly's leaving Avalon much easier on her < 04Molly > and that affects your opinion? < 08@Morgan > of course < 04Molly > and if that were not a factor? < 08@Morgan > its a tough choice < 04Molly > why? < 08@Morgan > first, it'd mean leaving your home. You could leave your sons to care for it, or bring them here. Second, there's your feelings towards Eiseners... < 08@Morgan > countering that, you'd still be near your daughter < 04Molly > Martha wants us to come here < 08@Morgan > that surprises me < 04Molly > does it? < 08@Morgan > frankly, yes. Your disliking of my countrymen is understandable, but hers even more so < 04Molly > she likes your mother and father a great deal, and is eager to be near Molly * @Morgan nods Session Time: Sat Dec 19 00:00:00 2009 < 04Molly > *he sighs* I dont think I have the heart to deny her < 08@Morgan > you dont wish to take the position? < 04Molly > i am torn * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > It would be a challenge < 08@Morgan > indeed < 04Molly > I suppose if I did not sell the farm, I could return if it was not to our liking * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > true < 04Molly > would your father accept such? < 08@Morgan > what you do with your farm is your own business, David... < 04Molly > *he nods* true < 08@Morgan > despite what my father may wish, it is not a decision to be rushed... < 04Molly > I think he hopes for a decision before you leave * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > most likely < 08@Morgan > the reasonable side of him does, at any rate < 04Molly > and the other side? < 08@Morgan > the day before yesterday, I think < 04Molly > *he laughs* possibly < 04Molly > &they talk about inconsequential things for a while. later in the day, about an hour before the set meeting, Morgan is in the stable brushing down Xantha. Aurora isnt there. The warm, horse-smelling barn's quiet is broken by two grooms voices < 04Molly > 1: Yes, fine horsemanship, she sits it well.... 2: I bet that isnt the only thing she'd sit well *they both laugh lewdly* 1: I wouldn't mind a ride of that one! *they laugh again* < 04Molly > *they lead aurora in by the reins, not seeing him, still laughing* * @Morgan brushes xantha, murmering quietly to him < 04Molly > 2: Never seen a woman ride and weep at the same time though *he becomes serious* < 04Molly > 1: *he carefully puts aurora back* no, you're right there < 04Molly > 2: Is she one of Lady Koertig's Avalon relatives then? < 04Molly > 1: *he shrugs, bolting the stall* None of the maids seem to know * @Morgan pats Xantha, before speaking < 08@Morgan > good morning gentlemen < 04Molly > *they look at each other, shocked, before bowing, their 'good mornings' slightly garbled * @Morgan comes out of the stall, closing the door < 08@Morgan > now... why dont you tell me the story from the beginning < 04Molly > 1: There sn't much to tell, my Lord < 08@Morgan > then it'll be so much quicker that I'll be able to think on your continued employment here... < 04Molly > *he looks at the hay covered floor* The young lady who owns the white horse went out earlier, and came back crying. We offered assistance, but she waved us away and ran into the house. * @Morgan nods * @Morgan starts walking towards the door, before turning back < 08@Morgan > incidentally... you must needs learn some respect. Show it from now on, or I will instruct you, understood? < 04Molly > *they both bow, speaking together* yes, my Lord * @Morgan watches them intently for a moment before turning and searching for Molly < 04Molly > *the house is eerily quiet, and she isn't in any of the downstairs rooms* * @Morgan looks upstairs < 04Molly > *the door to Molly's room is stood half a jar when he gets there. Through the gap, he sees her large trunk open on the floor, several dresses thrown in to it negligently. With her back to him, she packs other things into a smaller trunk that's on the bed ((lemme know if he pays close attention to anything* * @Morgan knocks on the door * Molly 's voice cracks a moment < 04Molly > y-yes? < 08@Morgan > may I coem in? * Molly 's tone is quite formal, speaking Avalon < 04Molly > If you wish to * @Morgan frowns, pushing the door open < 08@Morgan > you intend to leave, I take it? < 04Molly > I.. It is for  the best < 08@Morgan > because? * Molly 's back is still turned, but he notices then the dishevellment of her hair, torn lace at the shoulder of her gown, and a long line of what looks like mud down one side of her blue skirt < 04Molly > because I do not belong here < 08@Morgan > tell me what happened * Molly 's shoulders tense, and whlst still packing, it becomes apparent that her movements on purposely keep her back to him < 04Molly > I went to the village. < 08@Morgan > that much I gathered * Molly folds the final piece on the bed, putting it in to the case. Once shut, her hands remain on it a moment. < 04Molly > Must we discussed what occured? < 08@Morgan > if you intend so to leave me, then I deserve an explanation * Molly 's shoulder's slump < 04Molly > I have learnt that there is no place for me here < 08@Morgan > so you've said, but that does not explain anything * Molly turns her hands over, looking at them. He is a little too far away to notice anythng out of the ordinary < 04Molly > I know now that I am not welcome * @Morgan folds his arms * Molly picks up an armful of dresses, and moves to the other trunk, still careful not to face him < 04Molly > I should not have come here * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > repeating one of two statements over and over is not an explanation * Molly tenses < 04Molly > I was hoping to locate whoever could provide the herbs I required, I had not realised I had so little left * Molly refolds the other dresses. She winces, then clenches her left hand * Molly looks down at it, spreading her fingers slowly < 04Molly > I did not find the person I was looking for * Molly sighs < 04Molly > It seems that there a few strangers come here < 04Molly > ((-a) < 04Molly > (there are*) < 08@Morgan > and... < 04Molly > and it makes it easy for people to establish who the stranger is, if she's the only newcomer of marriagable age with an Avalon edge to her accent * @Morgan sighs * Molly wraps her arms around herself for comfort, back still to him < 08@Morgan > dammit Molly, just tell me what happened will you? * Molly pauses briefly, her tone solemn < 04Molly > I met Sascha * @Morgan scratches his forehead < 08@Morgan > go on * Molly sighs, and turns to him. The redness from weeping is the least of the signs of altercation. Her left cheekbone is already very swollen, taking on a dark purplish tone that runs up to her eye which is starting to shut as the tissue around it swells. Her lower lip is split, bleeding slightly even still. Her hair is more dishevelled at the front, and across the open neck line of her dress, above the minor tears in the fabric, are four deep fingernail scratches, scarlet on alabaster skin. She keeps her eyes on the floor, filled wth tears. Her voice is quiet < 04Molly > it did not go well < 08@Morgan > was it only her? < 04Molly > yes < 08@Morgan > noone else was involved at all? < 04Molly > no * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I understand your desire to leave. I will not stop you if that is what you truly wish * Molly closes the trunk, and sits on it < 04Molly > She told me there was no place here in sudlachenburg, or your life, for a 'gold-digging, Avalon whore, no doubt passing off some bastard child as his to trick him into wedding you' * Molly looks at her hands, grazed and cut also < 08@Morgan > I see. * Molly looks up to him briefly, before lookng away < 04Molly > and that by stealing your devotion from them, I might as well have set the fire myself * @Morgan 's face darkens * Molly 's voice is filled wth pain, and the last word is almost a sob < 08@Morgan > I want your word that you will not leave before I return * Molly sighs softly < 04Molly > That is a great deal to ask,my Lord < 08@Morgan > if you still wish to leave, I will not stop you * Molly doesnt take her eyes off her hands, though her voice wavers < 04Molly > I will not leave before you return, you have my word * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I will send for a nurse * Molly shakes her head < 04Molly > I can tend my own wounds, possibly better than any other < 08@Morgan > as you wish * Molly nods, but doesnt get up < 04Molly > I do * @Morgan nods before heading to find his father * Molly is now known as Adalbrecht * Adalbrecht is in his study * @Morgan knocks on the door < 14Adalbrecht > Come in * @Morgan enters the room, leaving the door open * Adalbrecht 's sat at the desk, surrounded by papers < 14Adalbrecht > Good afternoon... you are cutting it  fine to see the minister! < 08@Morgan > We will not be seeing the minister * Adalbrecht looks confused < 14Adalbrecht > Whyever not?! < 08@Morgan > Molly went into the village. There was an altercation with Dietlinde's mother * Adalbrecht stands up, very serious < 14Adalbrecht > what sort of altercation? < 08@Morgan > Molly is upstairs with a torn dress, bruises and a split lip... if it had been a man who had called her an Avalonian whore, he would already be bleeding to death * Adalbrecht 's eyes blaze with anger < 14Adalbrecht > She did what?! * @Morgan absently runs his thumb along the edge of the axe blade * Adalbrecht pulls a bell pull on the wall < 14Adalbrecht > I will not tolerate this < 14Adalbrecht > *a moment later, a servant arrives* My lord? < 14Adalbrecht > Tell Grunhelmd that he is to go to the village and collect Sascha. She is to be brought to me under arrest if she will not come at my command. < 14Adalbrecht > *the servant bows* yes, my Lord * Adalbrecht waits til the servant is gone < 14Adalbrecht > Who is taking care of Molly? < 08@Morgan > at the moment, noone... she did not wish for a nurse * Adalbrecht frowns < 14Adalbrecht > how is she? < 08@Morgan > distraught. She wishes to return to Avalon * Adalbrecht looks at him < 14Adalbrecht > and how are you? < 08@Morgan > angry. I wish it did not have to come to this sort of thing, but I will not let it pass < 14Adalbrecht > Are you going to allow her to return to Avalon? < 08@Morgan > I cannot stop her if that is truly what she wants * Adalbrecht shaks his head < 14Adalbrecht > That must be prevented at all costs < 08@Morgan > prevented perhaps, but I will not forcibly stop her... and neither will you < 14Adalbrecht > The only time you will have the power to give such an order, I will already be dead. Do not forget I am your Graf. < 08@Morgan > Believe me, I have not forgotten... if she leaves, there is chance she will return... if you force her to remain, she and her family will hate you, and no good can come of that < 14Adalbrecht > Where _are_ her parents? < 08@Morgan > I dont know < 08@Morgan > you wish me to find them? * Adalbrecht rings the bell again, and when the servant arrives, he is given orders to find them < 14Adalbrecht > No, you go to her, and do _whatever_ it takes to have her ready to speak with me alone * @Morgan nods briefly < 08@Morgan > as you wish my lord * @Morgan heads back to Molly * Adalbrecht is now known as Molly * Molly sits at the dresser, looking at the mirror, their mirror, though not looking at the reflection * @Morgan knocks on the door * Molly 's voice is hoarse now < 04Molly > enter * @Morgan comes in, standing beside her * Molly looks up, but her eyes are guarded somehow < 08@Morgan > my father will wish to speak with you < 04Molly > Is it necessary? < 08@Morgan > I think so. * Molly nods, looking back to the mirror < 04Molly > I see < 08@Morgan > He is having Sascha bought to him * Molly bows her head slightly < 04Molly > He is the Graf, he knows what is best * Molly takes out a jar of a thick, opaque cream, and tries to unscrew it < 08@Morgan > may I? * Molly nods, looking sadly at her hands < 04Molly > I can not * @Morgan opens the jar, handing it back < 08@Morgan > my father is adamant you must leave, you know * Molly blinks, feeling the sting of tears once more. She dips in a finger, and rubs the cream on her other hand. Her epression shows just how painful the ointment is < 08@Morgan > ((not*)) < 04Molly > It is never as easy as just dont do it... < 08@Morgan > indeed < 08@Morgan > nothing worth doing is ever easy * Molly switches hands, and bites her lip to prevent crying out as the sting of the cream gets in to the cuts < 04Molly > Why does he want me to stay? < 08@Morgan > after his command that I come back here, I didn't think it wise to question him furhter * Molly nods, trying to use the mirror to put the cream on the bruising on hr face, but with her left eye swollen, she cant manage it < 04Molly > and you? < 08@Morgan > I imagine he wants me to stay, also * Molly smiles half-heartedly, trying the cream once more. she sighs with frustration < 04Molly > I meant are you also adamant? < 08@Morgan > I'm adamant that I do not want you to leave... * Molly nods < 04Molly > *after a minute of silence, she hands him the jar* could you...? < 08@Morgan > if you wish, though I struggle with my conscience if it causes you futher pain < 04Molly > I will not hal half so well without it < 04Molly > heal* * @Morgan puts the jar down < 08@Morgan > a moment please * Molly looks up at him < 04Molly > yes? * @Morgan leaves the room, coming back a few minutes later with a steel gauntlet * Molly looks puzzled < 08@Morgan > put it to the bruising... it'll reduce the swelling < 04Molly > The cream will work better, but perhaps both? < 08@Morgan > aye, both... I think its the temperature of the steel * Molly nods, watching him < 04Molly > I am ready as soon as you are * @Morgan placaes the cold steel against her lip, gently < 08@Morgan > where do you need the cream? < 04Molly > across my cheek bone and around my eye * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > hold the gauntlet * Molly holds it * @Morgan gently applies the cream * Molly winces, eyes full of pain, breathing rapid and shallow * @Morgan looks uncomfortable < 08@Morgan > I'm sorry blossom < 04Molly > No, Morgan, it must be done * @Morgan nods and continues * Molly tries harder to put a brave face on it < 04Molly > I did try to tell her... * @Morgan nods * Molly swallows hard, quiet til he's finished < 04Molly > Morgan... < 08@Morgan > aye * Molly takes up his hand in hers once the jar is put down, and looks up at him < 04Molly > If I am to stay, I can not continue as I have been < 08@Morgan > how so blossom? * Molly bites the undamaged part of her lip < 04Molly > I can't have this constant skirting around the things that might cause us to feel uncomfortable in discussions * @Morgan nods, wiping the cream off his fingers < 04Molly > As I told Sascha, I do not _want_ to take Dietlinde's place, not in Sudlachenburg, or in your heart, I never have < 08@Morgan > I know * Molly watches his reaction closely, voice soft < 04Molly > I would leave here, never intrude upon your lives further, if it would bring them back * @Morgan closes his eyes < 08@Morgan > but it would not. < 08@Morgan > so leaving is pointless * Molly swallows hard again, fighting tears < 04Molly > It matters to me that I can still be true to that. Some days... some days I almost forget * Molly looks away, almost ashamed * @Morgan squeezes her hand < 08@Morgan > please blossom... * Molly looks back, waiting for him to continue < 08@Morgan > There's little point in discussing this... the past cannot be changed. I stand here now for today and tomorrow... * Molly pauses, trying to make a decent sentance from the jumble in her head < 04Molly > I knew how things stood when this began, and I accept it. *her brow furrows* but here, what if they think, like Sascha does, that I aim to be anything more than *she pauses, rephrasing* than I can be * @Morgan sighs < 08@Morgan > They will have to accept that you will be their grafen, my wife... * Molly nods < 04Molly > I do not wish to be thought badly of here < 08@Morgan > I know * Molly looks at her hands, smiling slightly < 04Molly > This 'love' business... it's all very complicated * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > I'm fairly sure war is easier * Molly smiles < 04Molly > Looking at the state of me, I don't think I'd be much good at it either * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > once this is cleared up, I'll take you to meet a friend of mine... he was slightly more useless at war than a one legged man in a backside kicking competition < 08@Morgan > #7thseaIC Max: 2°C < 08@Morgan > #7thseaIC Min: -3°C * Molly laughs < 04Molly > I am staying then? < 08@Morgan > thats your choice, isn't it * Molly smiles playfully < 04Molly > You still want me? < 08@Morgan > of course < 04Molly > Aren't there rules against women relenting so easily? * Molly grins < 08@Morgan > I believe so < 04Molly > hmmmm then perhaps I ought to remain undecided for an appropriate length of time < 08@Morgan > perhaps so... it does my father good to have to wait for others < 04Molly > and you? < 08@Morgan > I'd wait until Theah stops spinning if needs be < 04Molly > Oh I'm sure you would have been able to persuade me somehow * @Morgan smiles slightly < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly smiles innocently < 04Molly > a new dress perhaps * @Morgan looks around < 08@Morgan > aye, perhaps * Molly grins < 04Molly > although I could hardly leave without the education I've been promised * @Morgan blushes < 08@Morgan > aye * Molly laughs < 04Molly > and looking like this, I could have been waiting a long time < 08@Morgan > you've seen better days my love < 04Molly > We may have to delay the wedding * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > I doubt you could kiss me like this < 08@Morgan > its probably not a good idea * Molly 's face flashes with pure mischief, and she stands up, leaning close to whisper in his ear softly < 04Molly > Not on the lips, no... * @Morgan coughs * @Morgan blushes * Molly giggles, and very gently kisses his neck < 04Molly > Ah liebling, a mark ((eisen coin)) to know what rakish thoughts are in your mind! * @Morgan laughs < 08@Morgan > sadly there were no thoughts... my mind was totally caught in the moment * Molly laughs softly again < 04Molly > Then I shall keep my coin, and you, my innocent knight errant, may keep this * Molly kisses his neck again, gently grazing his skin with her teeth * @Morgan squeezes her hand * Molly moves back to meet his eyes as if anticipating him speaking < 08@Morgan > I think... I got the better of that deal * Molly looks unconvinced < 04Molly > I'm not so sure... < 04Molly > These coins feel quite good to me * Molly grins * @Morgan laughs < 04Molly > and in comparison, solid coins versus a kiss I can not feel, I think th coins win * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly takes a couple of coins from her pocket and puts them in his hand. She then kisses his neck once more, slightly deeper this time, running her tongue briefly over his skin < 08@Morgan > this isn't some rental service, you know * @Morgan grins * Molly laughs < 04Molly > Surely, liebling, it is I providing you a service, not the other way around! < 08@Morgan > and yet it is I with a stack of marks in my palm... < 04Molly > preparing, of course, to pay me for the attentions I am bestowing upon you * Molly grins * @Morgan laughs * Molly leans in closer, lips less than an inch from his neck < 04Molly > However, not even you have fortune enough to buy the attentions I would give you for free, if time and sensibilities allowed < 08@Morgan > hmm... and now yet more time must be waited... < 04Molly > well, if you were to rub the cream in frequently, we might still make our date < 08@Morgan > perhaps * Molly 's voice becomes slightly lower, more lusty < 04Molly > You'd be amazed some of the places that currently hurt that would benefit from such an application * Molly grins * @Morgan laughs < 04Molly > I rather think if you have to wed me with a black eye, it'll be worth it to prevent a delay * @Morgan smiles < 08@Morgan > aye... * @Morgan sighs dramatically < 08@Morgan > if only your father hadn't demanded such things from me * Molly smirks < 04Molly > yes, truly it is only your promise to him that prevents you bedding me here and now! < 08@Morgan > aye, it does... would you really have me break my word? * Molly pretends to deliberate over it < 04Molly > tempting, liebling... so tempting < 08@Morgan > I wouldn't be me if I did such, however < 04Molly > No? *she grins* who _would_ you be? < 08@Morgan > though... all I promised is that you would get to our wedding day a virgin... nothing else... * Molly looks intrigued < 04Molly > you must elaborate on that I think < 08@Morgan > I dont think so * @Morgan laughs < 04Molly > Oh you tease.... * Molly grins * @Morgan snorts < 08@Morgan > quite < 08@Morgan > though... think back to a conversation with my cousin, that should give you the idea * Molly 's eyes sparkle with mischief, and she goes up on tiptoes, her lips temptingly close to his, and very quietly she says < 04Molly > You are curious to discover the depths of my knowledge of the courtesans tricks, my love? * @Morgan shrugs < 08@Morgan > I was more thiknking the other way round, actually * Molly tilts her head < 04Molly > Now I am most definately intrigued...there are tricks for th other way around? < 08@Morgan > oh yes < 08@Morgan > things that preserve the... purity of the woman * Molly looks suprised, and her pulse visibly quickens in her throat < 04Molly > but... how? < 08@Morgan > I couldn't say < 08@Morgan > that might spoil the surprise * Molly pouts < 08@Morgan > but it would still require you staying * Molly laughs softly < 04Molly > That was decided quite some time ago < 04Molly > Would...would you truly wish to be so close to be before I am healed? < 08@Morgan > I _always_ want to be blossom < 04Molly > Your dracheneisen restraint implies otherwise * Molly grins < 08@Morgan > I know. * Molly whispers in his ear once more < 04Molly > I wish you had never made that promise... * @Morgan nods < 04Molly > or that my nearness provided a serious threat to your restraint < 08@Morgan > it does... though, given the other options available... < 04Molly > You tease me with these options I think... * Molly grins < 08@Morgan > perhaps once this is all sorted I will demonstrate... * Molly shivers a little against him < 04Molly > I rather hope you do * Molly looks up at him with a smile < 04Molly > For the moment, I need your help < 08@Morgan > oh? < 04Molly > This dress is ruined < 08@Morgan > aye * Molly smiles cheekily < 04Molly > I can not get it off alone < 08@Morgan > I donthink that would be a good idea blossom... my father could call for you at any time < 04Molly > I can not imagine him coming here himself * Molly laughs < 08@Morgan > you'd never know with him... besides, servants carry gossip faster than they carry trays * Molly rolls her eyes * Molly then grins < 04Molly > Admit it liebling, you do not trust yourself alone with me undressed, for fear of ravishing me! * Molly laughs < 08@Morgan > well... that too < 04Molly > That makes it even more a shame I can not undress myself! * @Morgan laughs * Molly grins < 04Molly > Soon, liebling, even if we find no time for you to demonstrate the tricks you know of upon me * @Morgan nods < 08@Morgan > aye blossom < 04Molly > *they get interrupted by a knock on the door*