13[10:30pm] <04Adalbrecht> *****The ride home is straightforward, though Molly being so close to him is very distracting. She takes Varick to the nursery, and everyone else goes to lunch.
12[10:37pm] * @Morgan goes in search of his father
13[10:38pm] * Adalbrecht is in his office
12[10:38pm] * @Morgan knocks on the door
13[10:39pm] <04Adalbrecht> Kommen
12[10:39pm] * @Morgan wanders in
13[10:39pm] * Adalbrecht is sat behind his desk, smoking
13[10:40pm] <04Adalbrecht> Ah Morgan, you found someone in the kitchen to fix your lip... they've done a good job
[10:40pm] <08@Morgan> its not bad
13[10:41pm] <04Adalbrecht> Come here
12[10:41pm] * @Morgan looks suspicious
13[10:42pm] * Adalbrecht waits for compliance
[10:42pm] <08@Morgan> why?
13[10:43pm] * Adalbrecht looks puzzled
13[10:43pm] <04Adalbrecht> I want a closer look
12[10:45pm] * @Morgan rolls his eyes and walks to the desk
13[10:45pm] * Adalbrecht looks at it
13[10:46pm] <04Adalbrecht> It's as if it never happened
[10:46pm] <08@Morgan> if you say so
13[10:47pm] <04Adalbrecht> I'm impressed. Take a seat
12[10:47pm] * @Morgan picks up a chair and wanders towards the door
13[10:47pm] * Adalbrecht sighs
12[10:48pm] * @Morgan smiles to himself, putting the chair back and sitting down
13[10:48pm] <04Adalbrecht> What did you need?
[10:48pm] <08@Morgan> I thought you'd want an update, thats all
13[10:49pm] * Adalbrecht nods, pouring a glass of port and pushing it towards Morgan, before pouring his own
12[10:50pm] * @Morgan inclines his head, picking up the glass
13[10:51pm] <04Adalbrecht> How was it?
[10:51pm] <08@Morgan> we arrived in time to see a disagreement between david and grunhelm, but in time to stop it going further
13[10:52pm] <04Adalbrecht> That reflects badly... what were they arguing over?
[10:53pm] <08@Morgan> a storm has been predicted by one of the new villagers, and they were arguing over roofing a shell, covering it or just leaving it to be washed out because they cant afford the delay
13[10:53pm] * Adalbrecht nods
13[10:53pm] <04Adalbrecht> What did you suggest?
[10:54pm] <08@Morgan> I had them roof it, and found another workgroup to take up the slack from the extra men needed to roof the buoilding before the rain
13[10:56pm] <04Adalbrecht> where did you find the extra workmen when they couldn't.... *he starts to frown and shake his head* Oh no... you didn't...?
12[10:57pm] * @Morgan sips his port
13[10:57pm] * Adalbrecht puts his glass down
13[10:57pm] <04Adalbrecht> You'd best tell me what happened
[10:59pm] <08@Morgan> I took the decision to roof the shell... Grunhelm disagreed with that, I told him I'd tell you I overuled him by the way
13[10:59pm] * Adalbrecht watches him closely
13[11:00pm] <04Adalbrecht> Yes
[11:02pm] <08@Morgan> the Eisenfurst asked for a tour of the works, during which time I explained that the roofing would put us further behind schedule, since you and I had stopped working on the site
13[11:02pm] * Adalbrecht raises an eyebrow
13[11:03pm] <04Adalbrecht> They know we've been working on it ourselves?
[11:04pm] <08@Morgan> did I not just say that?
13[11:04pm] <04Adalbrecht> Right
[11:06pm] <08@Morgan> the Eisenfurst said that was irregular, or unusual or some such, so I pointed out that, titles aside, we're all Eisen and we should all work towards a stable country, and we just happened to start that work here
13[11:06pm] * Adalbrecht nods, folding his arms
12[11:07pm] * @Morgan sips his port
13[11:08pm] <04Adalbrecht> go on
[11:09pm] <08@Morgan> the Eisenfurst seemed impressed, and I pointed out it was like Eisen all over, that what it needs is for people to stop preening and complaining about how it should be fixed and, basically, roll up their sleeves and fix it
13[11:10pm] <04Adalbrecht> Oh god...
[11:11pm] <08@Morgan> and that it was perhaps an idea to use one of the foundations to lay the symbolic first brick, so to speak
13[11:12pm] <04Adalbrecht> And then?
13[11:12pm] * Adalbrecht doesnt stop watching him
[11:13pm] <08@Morgan> the Eisenfurst thought it was a good idea and told me to persuade the other guests, since I'm the Veisgraf... I pointed out that I am Veisgraf _here_, but he's Eisenfurst everywhere, but he insisted I do it
13[11:14pm] * Adalbrecht nods slightly
13[11:14pm] <04Adalbrecht> right
[11:14pm] <08@Morgan> so I did
13[11:15pm] * Adalbrecht sighs slightly
13[11:15pm] <04Adalbrecht> And how was it taken?
[11:15pm] <08@Morgan> well, the axe helped them decide
13[11:16pm] <04Adalbrecht> Oh Morgan!
13[11:16pm] * Adalbrecht looks exasperated
12[11:16pm] * @Morgan starts laughing
[11:17pm] <08@Morgan> I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself
13[11:17pm] * Adalbrecht frowns
13[11:17pm] <04Adalbrecht> So you didn't use the axe?
[11:18pm] <08@Morgan> no sir... I promised you, remember?
13[11:18pm] <04Adalbrecht> I suppose I didnt exact a promise to not make us the laughing stock of Eisen...
[11:19pm] <08@Morgan> laughing stock of Eisen?
13[11:19pm] <04Adalbrecht> Making the nobility build houses in the mud
12[11:20pm] * @Morgan waves the comment aside
[11:20pm] <08@Morgan> I spoke to them of Eisens glorious past, our history, our triumphs and our pride
13[11:21pm] <04Adalbrecht> And if you'd failed?
12[11:21pm] * @Morgan frowns at his father
[11:21pm] <08@Morgan> iuf you'll let me finish...
13[11:21pm] <04Adalbrecht> Go on
[11:22pm] <08@Morgan> or would you rather berate me now, so you can get on with feeling foolish afterwards without the interlude?
13[11:22pm] * Adalbrecht 's frown deepens
13[11:22pm] <04Adalbrecht> get on with it
[11:23pm] <08@Morgan> I told them we aren't a world power anymore... that even the likes of the ussuran laugh at us because, despite our past... we're a broken country
13[11:23pm] * Adalbrecht nods slightly
[11:24pm] <08@Morgan> then I told them about my house... my quiet home that I loved and was content in... until it was destroyed, and lay in ruins until it had to be knocked down to be rebuilt in the form of another house
13[11:25pm] * Adalbrecht nods again
[11:27pm] <08@Morgan> and thats how it is with Eisen, but its not being rebuilt because too many people are too concerned with what title they hold... and what we needed were some good, honest Eisen men and women who _are_ of social status to put aside their titles and pick up a trowel and start rebuilding in the hopes that once someone does it, others will join in
13[11:28pm] * Adalbrecht sighs
13[11:28pm] <04Adalbrecht> I don't disagree with the ideal, my son.
[11:29pm] <08@Morgan> in the end I left the choice to them, picking up some bricks and started laying
13[11:29pm] <04Adalbrecht> and then?
[11:30pm] <08@Morgan> well, to draw a hard day short, there's a house built with a mortar layer with the signatures of every guest that went
13[11:33pm] * Adalbrecht shakes his head
13[11:33pm] <04Adalbrecht> You were lucky
[11:33pm] <08@Morgan> no, I wasn't
13[11:34pm] <04Adalbrecht> If it had gone badly, we'd be thought of badly now
12[11:34pm] * @Morgan frowns, putting his glass on the desk
[11:34pm] <08@Morgan> remind me where you were born...
13[11:36pm] <04Adalbrecht> In the room that you will have in the north wing
[11:36pm] <08@Morgan> oh, so in Eisen then
13[11:36pm] <04Adalbrecht> yes
12[11:37pm] * @Morgan nods slightly
[11:37pm] <08@Morgan> so why is it, then, that you're more concerned with your reputation within a broken country rather than fixing the country you no doubt claim to be proud to be borne of
13[11:40pm] <04Adalbrecht> Because to rebuild Eisen, I have to rebuild Sudlachenburg's standing. I bear the responsibility of fixing the relations between us and the rest, so that we have good trade and business opportunities. You tell me how important the roof on the house in a settlement belonging to a district whose reputation is tarnished, who is not the first choice of trade and favours with our noble neighbours?
[11:43pm] <08@Morgan> How important? We proved that we will take those extra steps necessary to make it a safe and habitable place for those that live here... that already demonstrates the sort of people we are... _thats_ how important it was.
13[11:46pm] <04Adalbrecht> Eisen men are strange Morgan. It may have been assumed we could not afford, or did not have the business accumen to engage actual workers. It could have caused offence.
12[11:47pm] * @Morgan looks at his father
[11:47pm] <08@Morgan> I've said this before... I will not willfully hurt my home, or my family... but by Theus I _will_ do what needs to be done
13[11:49pm] <04Adalbrecht> I do not think you would have intentionally damaged our reputation, but perhaps did not see the possible implications
[11:50pm] <08@Morgan> I saw... it was a risk that needed to be taken, there and then.
13[11:50pm] <04Adalbrecht> Why?
[11:52pm] <08@Morgan> when was the last time someone had the opportunity to persuade an Eisenfurst _and_ other nobles at once?
[11:52pm] <08@Morgan> moreover, can you think of anyone who could express the situation as personally as I?
13[11:54pm] <04Adalbrecht> No, that is true. I think you're the only person in the country who could have pulled it off
[11:55pm] <08@Morgan> I know most Eisen men can be more obstinate than rock, but sometimes the only way to do things is quickly
13[11:55pm] * Adalbrecht nods
13[11:56pm] <04Adalbrecht> Though I would have highly objected had you told me beforehand, you did well to achieve the conclusion you did
[11:56pm] <08@Morgan> besides... the Eisenfurst told me to try
13[11:57pm] <04Adalbrecht> Was he humouring you perhaps?
[11:57pm] <08@Morgan> I dont believe so... his background is more humble than yours, so I dont know I could explain it to you
13[11:58pm] * Adalbrecht nods
13[11:58pm] <04Adalbrecht> True enough
Session Time: Wed May 11 00:00:01 2011
[12:00am] <08@Morgan> and anyway, we've already discussed why Maubourg got more trade than here
13[12:02am] * Adalbrecht looks away at last
13[12:02am] <04Adalbrecht> Yes, and we're fixing that
[12:03am] <08@Morgan> two other things...
13[12:03am] <04Adalbrecht> Yes?
13[12:04am] * Adalbrecht drinks his port
[12:04am] <08@Morgan> one... _you_ aren't rebuilding the status here anymore... _we_ are, which is why we need Edward home, soon.
13[12:06am] * Adalbrecht frowns
13[12:06am] <04Adalbrecht> Now?
[12:06am] <08@Morgan> no... as we discussed, but sooner rather than later
13[12:06am] * Adalbrecht sighs
13[12:07am] <04Adalbrecht> are you sure you will be able to be here with him?
[12:08am] <08@Morgan> I might make his life miserable for a time, but I'm not going to kill him
13[12:09am] <04Adalbrecht> What good will having him here do?
12[12:10am] * @Morgan frowns, picking up his port and sipping it slowly
[12:14am] <08@Morgan> he wont be elsewhere
13[12:15am] <04Adalbrecht> You want him here for good?
[12:16am] <08@Morgan> he needs to be reigned in and have his leash shortened, considerably
13[12:17am] <04Adalbrecht> So we're back to marrying him off?
[12:18am] <08@Morgan> locking him in a cupboard if needs be, but he cant be allowed to roll around deck like a cannonball
13[12:18am] <04Adalbrecht> And you think Alarice is out of the picture?
13[12:19am] * Adalbrecht sips his port
[12:19am] <08@Morgan> best wait on a discussion from one named Fischler on that I think
13[12:19am] <04Adalbrecht> Sorry?
[12:20am] <08@Morgan> one of the Fischlers intends to speak to you about Alarice's wedding plans
13[12:20am] <04Adalbrecht> Really, why?
[12:21am] <08@Morgan> they dont seem to approve... I had quite a discussion with Isiah Fischler... after he implied that perhaps Varick was mine
13[12:22am] * Adalbrecht looks shocked
13[12:22am] <04Adalbrecht> He did what?!
[12:22am] <08@Morgan> the really shocking thing is he's still walking, with no bruises at all
13[12:23am] <04Adalbrecht> How on Theah did that happen?
12[12:23am] * @Morgan shrugs
[12:23am] <08@Morgan> Molly was looking after the children after the work
13[12:23am] <04Adalbrecht> And?
[12:25am] <08@Morgan> and what?
13[12:25am] <04Adalbrecht> and why did he make that implication?
[12:25am] <08@Morgan> because she's good with Varick, and its obvious Varick likes her, I would imagine
13[12:26am] <04Adalbrecht> How does that make him _your_ child?
[12:26am] <08@Morgan> I was in the navy... I travelled
13[12:28am] <04Adalbrecht> I suppose you would have been nineteen or so when Varick was born
[12:28am] <08@Morgan> I put them straight, anyway
13[12:30am] <04Adalbrecht> Good. We can't have Varick's paternity questioned, his inheritance from Alarice alone isn't much
[12:30am] <08@Morgan> no...
[12:30am] <08@Morgan> secondly... had you heard this rumour that I left on a secret mission for the Eisenfurst?
13[12:31am] * Adalbrecht laughs
13[12:31am] <04Adalbrecht> No!
[12:32am] <08@Morgan> apparently so
[12:32am] <08@Morgan> now if that didn't come from you... and it wouldn't have come from the maubourgs
13[12:33am] <04Adalbrecht> that is very strange...
[12:34am] <08@Morgan> isn't i
13[12:37am] * Adalbrecht sips his drink
13[12:37am] <04Adalbrecht> I havent got a clue
[12:39am] <08@Morgan> I might ask around about that
13[12:41am] * Adalbrecht nods
13[12:41am] <04Adalbrecht> I'd be interested to hear the outcome
[12:42am] <08@Morgan> you'd be told whether you were interested or not
13[12:44am] * Adalbrecht laughs
13[12:44am] <04Adalbrecht> How did you get on at the chapel?
[12:45am] <08@Morgan> its all arranged for this afternoon
[12:45am] <08@Morgan> oh, and the priest thinks you're being a stick in the mud
13[12:47am] * Adalbrecht looks surprised
13[12:47am] <04Adalbrecht> Does he?
12[12:48am] * @Morgan nods
[12:48am] <08@Morgan> he thinks you're being too strict on Molly and I
13[12:50am] <04Adalbrecht> In what respect?
[12:50am] <08@Morgan> our being together
13[12:51am] * Adalbrecht frowns
13[12:51am] <04Adalbrecht> It's not really his place...
[12:51am] <08@Morgan> really? representative of Theus, purveyor of marriage and all therein
13[12:52am] <04Adalbrecht> I mean to dispute my word. He thinks it is acceptable to be intimate before marriage then?
[12:53am] <08@Morgan> its more or less expected... what if we're so nervous through not being allowed to be intimate, that we fumble the moment of the kiss?
[12:54am] <08@Morgan> and in terms of disputing your word... representative of Theus on Theah...
12[12:54am] * @Morgan smirks slightly
13[12:55am] <04Adalbrecht> Yes, Molly did make mention of that.
13[12:55am] * Adalbrecht chooses to ignore the last bit
13[1:00am] <04Adalbrecht> I assume you'll be practising the kiss in the rehersal then?
[1:00am] <08@Morgan> so I'm told
13[1:03am] <04Adalbrecht> by whom?
[1:07am] <08@Morgan> the priest, Molly...
13[1:09am] <04Adalbrecht> Then my hands are tied, aren't they?
13[1:09am] * Adalbrecht smiles
[1:14am] <08@Morgan> more or less, yes
13[1:15am] * Adalbrecht watches him
13[1:15am] <04Adalbrecht> And I suppose you want me to reconsider my stance on forbiding you to be alone together?
[1:15am] <08@Morgan> I understand it
13[1:17am] <04Adalbrecht> but....?
[1:18am] <08@Morgan> its difficult... I know you're not showing distrust in us, more that you'#re protecting against what could be perceived
13[1:18am] <04Adalbrecht> But perhaps it is a little excessive, yes?
[1:18am] <08@Morgan> i think so
13[1:19am] <04Adalbrecht> Perhaps if you were only alone at times that your absence wouldn't be remarkable, such as early in the morning, or after most people have retired...
[1:23am] <08@Morgan> if that is your decision
13[1:25am] <04Adalbrecht> Would you allow that, in my position?
[1:25am] <08@Morgan> yes, but I'm much more liberal than you... apparently
13[1:29am] * Adalbrecht smiles
13[1:30am] <04Adalbrecht> Apparently. Still, I know you'll use your common sense and discretion.
12[1:30am] * @Morgan nods
13[1:32am] <04Adalbrecht> And David will have your head on a pole if you consumate the marriage before the ceremony
12[1:32am] * @Morgan nods
[1:33am] <08@Morgan> and rightly so
13[1:36am] * Adalbrecht smiles
13[1:37am] <04Adalbrecht> I'm in a good mood. There aren't many days left anyhow. As long as you wait til others have made their excuses for bed, you can go off together as you see fit. Make sure you're gone before breakfast preparations begin.
12[1:39am] * @Morgan nods
13[1:46am] * Adalbrecht leans towards him
13[1:46am] <04Adalbrecht> Stay all night if you wish to
[1:46am] <08@Morgan> I seem to recall promising David I wouldn't do that...
13[1:47am] <04Adalbrecht> Staying the night?
12[1:47am] * @Morgan nods
13[1:47am] * Adalbrecht shrugs
[1:47am] <08@Morgan> that may have been before I berated you both like children
13[1:47am] <04Adalbrecht> I don't recall that
13[1:47am] * Adalbrecht nods
13[1:47am] <04Adalbrecht> Perhaps, yes
13[1:51am] <04Adalbrecht> And if you're discreet, he wouldn't be any the wiser
[1:52am] <08@Morgan> thats beside the point rather
13[1:52am] <04Adalbrecht> I don't recall that promise
[1:53am] <08@Morgan> I do
13[1:56am] * Adalbrecht shrugs
13[1:56am] <04Adalbrecht> Whatever, Morgan. You know my stance.
12[1:56am] * @Morgan nods
13[2:04am] * Adalbrecht finishes his port.
13[2:05am] <04Adalbrecht> Have you eaten?
[2:05am] <08@Morgan> not yet, no
13[2:05am] <04Adalbrecht> Lunch won't be for much longer
12[2:06am] * @Morgan nods, placing the half full glass on the table and standing up
[2:06am] <08@Morgan> I'd best get some then
13[2:09am] * Adalbrecht nods
13[2:09am] <04Adalbrecht> So you should
12[2:10am] * @Morgan heads to the door
13[2:10am] * Adalbrecht lights up again as he goes
[2:10am] <08@Morgan> you're smoking too many of those, you know
13[2:14am] * Adalbrecht rolls his eyes
13[2:14am] <04Adalbrecht> Yes, father.
12[2:14am] * @Morgan shrugs and heads to find some lunchy
13[2:23am] <04Adalbrecht> **lunch passes quickly, and shortly after its finished, Adalbrecht and Verity lead the guests out for the ride, leaving Molly, Martha, David, Inga, HH and Varick in the dining room
12[2:32am] * @Morgan stretches