12[1:15am] * @Morgan rolls his eyes, striding to the door

13[1:18am] * Molly follows behind him.
13[1:19am] <04Molly> **After a little while, they're furnished with long waxed overcoats designed to keep the rain off. From the window, the rain appears still heavy, though not torrential
12[1:20am] * @Morgan sniffs disdainfully at the jacket
13[1:20am] * Molly looks to him
13[1:20am] <04Molly> Is there a problem?
[1:20am] <08@Morgan> no, no
13[1:21am] * Molly nods slightly, going and opening the door for him
12[1:21am] * @Morgan frowns slightly before heading for the door
13[1:23am] * Molly waits patiently for him to go out
12[1:24am] * @Morgan shrugs slightly, hunching his shoulders before walking out
13[1:24am] * Molly goes out, pulling the coat close around her
13[1:25am] <04Molly> I doubt it'll take too long, I'm hoping to see Varick before his bed time
12[1:25am] * @Morgan nods
[1:25am] <08@Morgan> I wouldn't have thought it'd take long, no
13[1:26am] * Molly nods. She walks quietly through the downpour over the wet grass to the chapel. Her hem is already turning muddy,
13[1:29am] <04Molly> Good
12[1:29am] * @Morgan raises his head long enough to glance around before slouching again
13[1:30am] <04Molly> **Eventually, they get to the chapel and inside
12[1:32am] * @Morgan stands straight once more
[1:33am] <08@Morgan> there's a knack to walking in that sort of rain without getting soaked
13[1:33am] <04Molly> I'd forgotten what it is like to be rained on so much. Obviously I'm doing it wrong
13[1:33am] * Molly looks down, skirts plastered to her legs
[1:34am] <08@Morgan> if you'd had trousers you could've used the leg straps
13[1:34am] * Molly smiles
13[1:35am] <04Molly> I only have two pairs... and I don;t think your father would approve of my wearing them
[1:35am] <08@Morgan> no, probably not
13[1:36am] * Molly removes her coat, hanging it up
12[1:36am] * @Morgan shrugs out of his own
13[1:37am] * Molly heads down towards the altar of the little chapel. Its darkened by the overcast sky. She looks around, then seeing no-one, looks at Morgan
13[1:39am] <04Molly> Perhaps we should have sent word ahead?
[1:39am] <08@Morgan> I think... I said that
13[1:40am] * Molly frowns slightly
13[1:40am] <04Molly> I'll knock on the office door
12[1:40am] * @Morgan nods
13[1:41am] * Molly walks off towards it. She taps quietly, and it's answered. The priest comes over to Morgan.
13[1:41am] <04Molly> P: My Lord, you wanted me?#
[1:41am] <08@Morgan> we did, yes
13[1:42am] <04Molly> P: *he smiles* What did you require?
[1:43am] <08@Morgan> Lady Forrester wishes to be baptised
13[1:43am] <04Molly> P: And the Graf approves?
12[1:44am] * @Morgan looks at the priest
[1:44am] <08@Morgan> its none of the Grafs business
13[1:45am] <04Molly> P: *he nods slightly, then turns to Molly* You understand all the implications of such, my Lady?
13[1:45am] * Molly nods with a smile
13[1:45am] <04Molly> I do.
13[1:46am] <04Molly> P: *he leads them to the font.* I'll have to put water on your forehead, is that alright?
13[1:46am] * Molly nods
13[1:46am] <04Molly> I'm already soaked from the rain
13[1:47am] <04Molly> P: *he slides the cover off the font, then looks at them both* We'll keep this nice and simple
12[1:50am] * @Morgan nods
13[1:52am] <04Molly> P: *he looks up at the alter. Molly stands facing him* Heavenly father, please be with us as we bring Molly into your church, to learn and teach as a good follower should. We ask that you cleanse her of her sins, and let her be reborn to your love and divinity...
13[1:53am] * Molly looks briefly at Morgan with a smile before returning her attention to the priest. He dips his fingers in the font, and draws a damp cross over the smooth skin of her forehead.
13[1:54am] <04Molly> P: In the name of Theus *he repeats the gesture* the prophets *and again* and the holy spirit that lives in us all. Welcome to the Objectionist church, Molly.
13[1:55am] * Molly takes a deep breath, smiling.
13[1:55am] <04Molly> Thank you, father.
13[1:56am] <04Molly> P: *he smiles* I'm glad you were both able to resolve the situation. We'll have no further trouble with that part of the wedding ceremony, my Lord?
[1:56am] <08@Morgan> The rest remains undecided as yet... though I'm honest enough to admit that its my being unreasonable that stops me at the moment
13[1:57am] <04Molly> P: *he recovers the font* In what respect?
[1:57am] <08@Morgan> I questioned my faith... now I realise I'm angry at my maker
13[1:58am] <04Molly> P: His almighty plan is not always clear to us...
[1:58am] <08@Morgan> I thought we all have free will?
13[2:00am] <04Molly> P: Of course we do, however, there are always things that progress whether we choose or not. Think of it that Theus sets the scene, the background, whilst we drive the plot.
[2:03am] <08@Morgan> I think my anger at Him is down to plot
13[2:04am] <04Molly> P: Then your anger is misdirected
[2:04am] <08@Morgan> and thats the worst thing... I know it is
13[2:05am] * Molly quietly moves away to give them privacy, and goes to look at a large plaque on the wall
08[2:05am] [2:05am] Molly (~ident@host109-156-227-41.range109-156.btcentralplus.com) is now known as Priest
13[2:06am] <04Priest> Bad things happen to good people. But you will find that Theus rewards those suffers with good...
[2:06am] <08@Morgan> and to the bad?
13[2:07am] <04Priest> damnation, usually
12[2:07am] * @Morgan frowns
[2:07am] <08@Morgan> what about the misguided?
13[2:08am] <04Priest> misguided?
12[2:09am] * @Morgan nods
[2:09am] <08@Morgan> those who act with best intentions
13[2:09am] <04Priest> The road to Legion is paved with good intentions...
[2:10am] <08@Morgan> so it doesn't matter that you thought you were doing good, doing whats right?
13[2:11am] <04Priest> No, it is still counted at the end of your days
12[2:11am] * @Morgan nods slowly
13[2:12am] <04Priest> Is there something specific?
12[2:12am] * @Morgan looks at the priest for a moment
[2:12am] <08@Morgan> yes, there is, and thats all I'll say on it
13[2:12am] <04Priest> **Molly is now out of earshot, happily looking at the things there*
13[2:12am] * Priest nods
13[2:13am] <04Priest> As you wish. From what you have told me, I think you need to work at forgiving Theus.
[2:14am] <08@Morgan> It isn't Theus at fault.
13[2:15am] <04Priest> No, it isn't. So any grudge you bear him, or reluctance to raise your children to follow him is unreasoanble
12[2:16am] * @Morgan smiles faintly
[2:16am] <08@Morgan> are you _trying_ to bully me?
13[2:17am] <04Priest> It is my job to steer you in the right spiritual path, is it not?#
[2:17am] <08@Morgan> but not to bully
12[2:17am] * @Morgan chuckles
13[2:20am] <04Priest> One man's encouragment is another mans bullying.
12[2:21am] * @Morgan takes a deep breath
[2:22am] <08@Morgan> I would imagine since Lady Forrester is now officially Objectionist, there'll be no issues in swearing to raise our children as such
13[2:22am] * Priest smiles
13[2:22am] <04Priest> I'm glad to hear that
[2:22am] <08@Morgan> just because I'm angry with Him, it doesn't mean His teachings are wrong.
13[2:23am] * Priest nods
13[2:23am] <04Priest> Yes
13[2:26am] <04Priest> * Molly watches them briefly, though maintains her distance
12[2:28am] * @Morgan nods briefly before looking around
13[2:28am] <04Priest> and you are ready for the wedding?
12[2:29am] * @Morgan nods
[2:29am] <08@Morgan> I think so
13[2:30am] <04Priest> I'm sure it will be fine.
12[2:30am] * @Morgan nods, looking to Molly
[2:30am] <08@Morgan> Molly...
13[2:30am] <04Priest> *She smiles, coming to his side* yes, liebling?
[2:31am] <08@Morgan> are you happy to make the oath about our children?
13[2:31am] <04Priest> *She blushes becomingly* I am if you are
12[2:31am] * @Morgan nods slightly
13[2:32am] <04Priest> *she smiles warmly at him* Then yes
12[2:33am] * @Morgan looks to the priest
13[2:33am] * Priest smiles a little, watching Morgan
13[2:35am] <04Priest> That's settled then. Was there anything else you needed?
12[2:36am] * @Morgan looks at Molly
[2:36am] <08@Morgan> I dont think so...
13[2:36am] <04Priest> *she shakes her head* No, thank you, father
13[2:36am] * Priest nods
13[2:36am] <04Priest> You can come to me at any time to discuss anything... *he looks to Morgan* either of you
12[2:37am] * @Morgan nods
[2:37am] <08@Morgan> thank you father
13[2:38am] <04Priest> If you'll excuse me, I have a sermon to write
[2:39am] <08@Morgan> of course
12[2:39am] * @Morgan bows his head and turns and get his coat

13[2:49am] * Molly holds it open for him
12[2:50am] * @Morgan shrugs it on before doing the same for hers
13[2:51am] * Molly smiles, though wrinkles her nose at the dripping fabric
13[2:51am] <04Molly> Let's get home, liebes herz
12[2:52am] * @Morgan hauls open the door
13[2:52am] * Molly follows him
13[2:52am] <04Molly> **The rain has turned heavier once more
12[2:53am] * @Morgan mutters and hunches over once more
13[2:54am] * Molly sighs, walking at a reasonable pace
13[2:54am] <04Molly> That was very straight-forward
[2:54am] <08@Morgan> unusual, isn't it
13[2:56am] * Molly nods, which makes little droplets fall from her hair
13[2:57am] <04Molly> Are you happy that it is done?
12[2:57am] * @Morgan nods
13[2:58am] <04Molly> I'm glad to please you
13[3:01am] * Molly smiles at him as they get to the main doors
12[3:02am] * @Morgan hauls the doors open
13[3:03am] * Molly steps inside, brushing her hand subtly against his side as she does. Her entrance is interrupted by a shriek
13[3:03am] <04Molly> *Martha stands with her hands on her hips* What on Theah are you playing at Moll, going back out in that?! Think of your health!
13[3:04am] * Molly looks surprised, then looks at Morgan
13[3:04am] <04Molly> *David appears, arms folded across his chest*
13[3:05am] <04Molly> I...ummm....
12[3:05am] * @Morgan turns to Molly and takes her coat
[3:05am] <08@Morgan> go and get bathed, get warm blossom
13[3:06am] * Molly nods to him with a grateful smile, disappearing before her parents can question her further
08[3:06am] [3:06am] Molly (~ident@host109-156-227-41.range109-156.btcentralplus.com) is now known as Forrester
13[3:06am] <04Forrester> What is the meaning of this?
12[3:06am] * @Morgan turns round, still dripping
[3:06am] <08@Morgan> you'll hold your tongue until we're alone
13[3:07am] * Forrester bows his head ever so slightly
12[3:08am] * @Morgan shrugs out of his coat and puts them away
[3:08am] <08@Morgan> my office?
13[3:08am] * Forrester nods
[3:08am] <08@Morgan> after you
12[3:09am] * @Morgan keeps an eye out for a servant
13[3:09am] * Forrester and martha walk on ahead, nearly bumping into a servant
[3:09am] <08@Morgan> ah... would you possibly have coffee sent to my office please
13[3:11am] <04Forrester> *he bows* yes my lord
[3:11am] <08@Morgan> thank you
12[3:11am] * @Morgan carries on to his office
13[3:11am] * Forrester and martha go with him
12[3:12am] * @Morgan unlocks the office, going inside and offering them seats
13[3:13am] * Forrester and martha take them, and then stay quiet til the coffee comes
12[3:13am] * @Morgan shuffles about the office trying to find something to dry his hair with
13[3:15am] <04Forrester> **he finds a towel just as martha finishes putting coffee in the cups
12[3:16am] * @Morgan sets about drying his hair
13[3:16am] * Forrester and martha wait patiently
[3:17am] <08@Morgan> Sorry David... the situation downstairs could easily have been overheard and sometimes alacrity is more important than civility
13[3:17am] * Forrester nods
13[3:17am] <04Forrester> I understand
12[3:18am] * @Morgan puts the towel aside
13[3:19am] <04Forrester> Now, why were the two of you running about like children in the rain?
[3:20am] <08@Morgan> I'm sorry, but I dont believe thats any of your business
13[3:20am] <04Forrester> You saw what happened last time she was out in this sort of weather. Do you not recall that she couldn't even remember your name?
[3:21am] <08@Morgan> Of course I do
13[3:22am] <04Forrester> Then why the devil would you risk that again?
13[3:22am] * Forrester frowns deeply
[3:22am] <08@Morgan> have you _tried_ stopping her from doing what she really wants to lately?
13[3:24am] <04Forrester> Frankly I'm surprised she'd be silly enough to do it
12[3:24am] * @Morgan sips his coffee, wincing
[3:25am] <08@Morgan> it could've been worse. At least she had a coat
13[3:26am] <04Forrester> She had a coat then too. I don't want something to happen to her.
[3:26am] <08@Morgan> I know... nor do I
13[3:35am] <04Forrester> 11•12Morgan11• especially when she is about to become a wife... such an illness would be very... unfortunate
13[3:36am] <04Forrester> martha*:
12[3:36am] * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee
13[3:37am] <04Forrester> **they sip theirs*
[3:37am] <08@Morgan> I dont think anything I say is going to be good enough for you
13[3:38am] * Forrester sighs, rubbing his chin
13[3:38am] <04Forrester> I suppose you think we should trust your judgement, as she'll be yours soon enough?#
[3:39am] <08@Morgan> I think you should trust me to keep her safe.
13[3:41am] <04Forrester> Surely there was no good reason to be out in the rain though
[3:41am] <08@Morgan> There was
13[3:43am] <04Forrester> Martha: *she looks at him* Alright
[3:46am] <08@Morgan> I really dont like having you angry with me... or thinking that I somehow believe that I'll own Molly
13[3:46am] <04Forrester> Martha: *she smiles* In the eyes of the law, you will
12[3:46am] * @Morgan wrinkles his nose
[3:46am] <08@Morgan> ah, well... the law
13[3:47am] <04Forrester> And the church... You promise to keep her, she promises to obey ((not in the Eisen service iirc)
12[3:47am] * @Morgan pulls a face
[3:47am] <08@Morgan> I'm not so sure baout that
13[3:48am] * Forrester looks thoughtful
13[3:48am] <04Forrester> Do you know, I dont remember the priest making you say that...
12[3:48am] * @Morgan shakes his head
13[3:52am] <04Forrester> You'd have been angry had it been us letting her out in the rain though, wouldnt you?
12[3:52am] * @Morgan watches him carefully
[3:52am] <08@Morgan> I fully understand your anger, I really do
13[3:54am] * Forrester nods
13[3:54am] <04Forrester> Of course.
13[3:56am] <04Forrester> Was the Graf displeased about the work done earlier?
[3:58am] <08@Morgan> I thought he was going to slap me from one end of the house to the other
13[3:58am] * Forrester and martha laugh
13[3:58am] <04Forrester> But he didnt?
[3:58am] <08@Morgan> no, but it was a close thing I think
13[3:59am] * Forrester nods
13[3:59am] <04Forrester> It was needed really.
[4:00am] <08@Morgan> what was?
13[4:01am] <04Forrester> The nobles doing some work
[4:01am] <08@Morgan> I thought so
13[4:02am] * Forrester smiles
13[4:02am] <04Forrester> You're a worker at heart, aren't you?
12[4:02am] * @Morgan frowns slightly
[4:03am] <08@Morgan> I dont know... I picked up whats considered to be very unsavory habits while I was in Avalon
13[4:04am] <04Forrester> I don;t consider it unsavoury at all. I'm happier knowing that no matter what happened, you could fend for and protect my little girl
[4:05am] <08@Morgan> I dont know I'm a worker... I just do what needs doing
13[4:06am] <04Forrester> I count that as a good thing
13[4:12am] <04Forrester> martha: will we still be looking after Varick whilst you're away?
12[4:12am] * @Morgan nods
[4:12am] <08@Morgan> aye
13[4:12am] <04Forrester> and his mother?
[4:13am] <08@Morgan> Dont take any nonsense from her.
13[4:13am] <04Forrester> Things are still difficult?
12[4:13am] * @Morgan nods
[4:14am] <08@Morgan> she wont give him up willingly, and is trying to make amends with him
13[4:14am] <04Forrester> And how do you think that will end?
[4:14am] <08@Morgan> I have no idea
13[4:15am] * Forrester nods
13[4:16am] <04Forrester> I think we'll have to wait on the idea of taking him to the cottage with us,
12[4:16am] * @Morgan nods
[4:16am] <08@Morgan> At the end of it all, its up to Varick where he goes
13[4:17am] <04Forrester> Martha: I'm sure he'll want to stay with you and Molly
[4:17am] <08@Morgan> perhaps
13[4:18am] <04Forrester> Ma: He definitely is very attached to you both
12[4:18am] * @Morgan smiles faintly
[4:18am] <08@Morgan> perhaps that'll be enough
13[4:19am] <04Forrester> Do you _want_ him with you? Even if the baroness was parent of the year?
12[4:19am] * @Morgan nods slowly
13[4:21am] * Forrester and martha smile
13[4:21am] <04Forrester> I hope so for you
13[4:22am] <04Forrester> **The clock strikes 5*
[4:23am] <08@Morgan> thank you
13[4:23am] <04Forrester> Ma: I'd like to go and check on Molly really
12[4:24am] * @Morgan nods
[4:24am] <08@Morgan> as you wish
13[4:24am] * Forrester and martha stand up
13[4:25am] <04Forrester> You look like you ought to get warmed up yourself, Morgan
12[4:25am] * @Morgan nods
[4:25am] <08@Morgan> think I best, yes
13[4:25am] * Forrester and martha leave his office