**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Wed May 25 09:40:32 2022 May 25 09:40:32 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined May 25 09:43:29 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) May 25 11:13:34 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined May 25 11:14:11 * MollyK has quit (Quit: Igloo IRC: https://iglooirc.com) May 25 11:14:17 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined May 25 11:14:22 **he starts to dream about the accidental pregnancy. Time has passed since the wedding, and if Molly is still crying about it he has never seen her do so since. In the 6 weeks since their marriage, they have lived peacefully, both Prophet's Mass and New Year's passing, bringing them into the dark short days of January. May 25 11:14:22 Molly has been working again since the sickness stopped. Their life is fine, they share meals and chores, and sit by the fire in the evening whilst she sews and knits things for the baby. There is a peace in the domesticity, and in living in a home again, not just a noble house. May 25 11:14:22 He assumes that by now, at almost five months into her pregnancy, her body must have changed from the sketch he made of her in the wet shift, but he never sees her in anything less than her full skirted dresses that would hide it. Their relationship is what she suggested it should be, a friendship. Though that doesn't mean he doesn't perceive some May 25 11:14:22 tension occasionally, such as if he passes close by her, or when someone makes a bawdy joke around them or even in some quiet companionable moments when their eyes meet. May 25 11:14:41 She has not mentioned again the notion that she will take lovers in future, but nor has she outright said she will not. Given how strong her conviction was when announcing to him that she was increasing and that they could have a marriage without any intimacy, it would be no surprise if she was still committed to that plan. May 25 11:14:42 He had kissed her cheek at midnight to welcome the new year, the celebration held in the great hall, surrounded by staff and guests, and that is all the physical contact he had made with her. She hadn't been welcome at Sunnymeade for the season, and rumour has it that her parents are away in Eisen anyway. May 25 11:14:42 They are sat by the fire, he is drinking the awful coffee of Avalon, and mulling over whether he should contact his parents to let them know his situation whilst she hems a small sheet suitable for a crib. When he has a mouthful of coffee, she suddenly says May 25 11:15:31 Is it normal to have strong urges of sexual desire at this point of increasing? May 25 11:15:31 *he recalls that there had been no real difference before and during her pregnancy with Dietlinde, she had been her usual loving, gentle self. He himself had been more cautious rather than more amorous, afraid that even their regular tender love-making might harm the baby that they had looked forward to for several months. Once she had felt the May 25 11:15:31 baby move, he was more confident in himself again, and things had then continued as they had before. May 25 11:16:48 * Morgan puts the coffee down gently May 25 11:17:11 I can't say so May 25 11:17:20 * MollyK doesn't look up from her sewing, blushing May 25 11:17:27 Oh. Alright. May 25 11:17:44 It is troubling you? May 25 11:18:25 * MollyK nods May 25 11:18:52 I will ask a midwife, perhaps. May 25 11:19:23 * Morgan nods, looking at her May 25 11:19:45 * MollyK still keeps her eyes studiously on her task May 25 11:20:09 I'm sure its normal given... May 25 11:20:16 Given...? May 25 11:20:35 well, most couples would still have been intimate, I think May 25 11:21:25 Would they? I assumed it was avoided to protect the child May 25 11:21:31 *So many long contained memories come back up from this, memories he has tried to squash, to lock away. Dietlinde's hair against his bare skin, her small hands on him with light calluses on the fingertips where the sewing needle was so often found. The scent of her beneath the lily of the valley perfume, the softness of her beneath him, at least May 25 11:21:31 until her increasing had made that position impossible and they had had to adapt, the gentle quiet sounds she always made…* May 25 11:22:18 No, I can't imagine that being the norm, as long as it was gentle May 25 11:22:58 * MollyK nods, turning a corner of the stitching May 25 11:23:32 I know very little about that, or about being with child. May 25 11:23:46 * Morgan nods slowly May 25 11:23:53 I am sorry about that May 25 11:24:19 * MollyK shrugs May 25 11:24:48 It was not just you that night that led to this situation. We both are responsible for how things are now. May 25 11:26:14 I don't know how to make things better for you May 25 11:27:04 It is not your problem. I will manage. I only wondered if it was to be expected. May 25 11:27:17 I meant in general May 25 11:28:47 I am not unhappy. It is nice here, I can make a home, and prepare for the child. Though I did not plan for them, and was initially very reluctant, I am now glad that I will be a mother. May 25 11:29:00 * MollyK looks up then, giving him a little smile May 25 11:31:00 This is not the place you should be May 25 11:31:29 * MollyK nods May 25 11:31:50 Nor should you. Your life has been well and truly ruined by this, and I am sorry for it May 25 11:32:08 No... no I don't think so May 25 11:33:14 Having to wed again was strictly against your principles, just as you said when Evie was pushing for that May 25 11:33:26 * Morgan shrugs May 25 11:33:37 I've grown used to it. May 25 11:33:53 * MollyK nods slowly May 25 11:34:26 But you had no intention of being alive this long, and we have taken that from you May 25 11:34:44 * Morgan shrugs again May 25 11:35:00 There is something we need to discuss May 25 11:35:07 * MollyK nods May 25 11:35:09 Go on May 25 11:36:06 When I went to talk with your father, he came out with this... story... that you were to be wed to a man in Eisen... that they had discovered family ties to a family there May 25 11:36:41 * MollyK nods May 25 11:36:50 I know May 25 11:36:58 do you know its a noble family? May 25 11:37:03 Yes May 25 11:37:18 that means you are... May 25 11:37:32 Technically noble. Yes, I do May 25 11:37:49 I kept you from that, that life May 25 11:37:58 * MollyK shakes her head May 25 11:38:46 And go back to being under my father's control, to marry who I was told again, even though my cousin could be some awful, immoral cheat or scoundrel? May 25 11:39:11 You do not resent me for that? May 25 11:39:20 * MollyK shakes her head May 25 11:40:05 No. I could not morally keep this child from you, and my mother is too clever to believe the child was my cousin's but very early. May 25 11:40:34 As I've said before, I would not want my child being raised by another May 25 11:40:40 * MollyK nods May 25 11:41:27 I know. I panicked at first, thinking Curtis a solution, but of course you wish a relationship with your own flesh and blood May 25 11:42:27 * Morgan sighs May 25 11:44:17 * MollyK looks at him enquiringly May 25 11:44:52 Have you nt taken a lover because you thought it damaging to the child? May 25 11:45:13 * MollyK shakes her head May 25 11:46:08 No... though that is a concern, I would not feel right taking a lover whilst carrying your child. It would feel... wrong, unsavoury. My body is not just my own right now. May 25 11:46:24 * Morgan nods slowly May 25 11:48:26 That is not to say I think it is wrong to be intimate at all whilst pregnant, but taking a lover is not something I would do until the child is here and thriving well. I cannot imagine you would be comfortable with my taking one whilst I was increasing anyway May 25 11:48:44 I don't think... I'm comfortable with the idea... at all. May 25 11:49:17 * MollyK frowns a little May 25 11:49:19 I see May 25 11:49:46 That is not to say I am forbidding you... I am... trying to explain how I'm feeling. May 25 11:50:01 * MollyK nods May 25 11:50:15 Do you think perhaps that is because of the baby? May 25 11:50:22 * Morgan shakes his head May 25 11:50:24 no, I don't May 25 11:50:32 What then? May 25 11:51:16 We're in this situation because we were attracted to eachother, drawn to eachother... I don't feel that has changed for me. May 25 11:51:30 * MollyK looks surprised May 25 11:51:35 Oh... May 25 11:52:01 its more complicated, obviously... and the shock of the little one, and the guilt.... but, its still there May 25 11:52:41 * MollyK nods May 25 11:53:19 It is very complicated. We agreed that I would have that choice, but I also do not wish to hurt you May 25 11:53:35 * Morgan nods May 25 11:55:12 But I am not sure that I can be happy to know I can never experience anything like what we had that night again... May 25 11:55:28 * Morgan nods May 25 11:55:58 you do not feel the same... I understand. I will abide by your choice, as I promised May 25 11:56:47 That I am still very attracted to you? May 25 11:56:53 * Morgan nods May 25 11:57:22 I am. That is unchanged. May 25 11:57:53 * Morgan nods slowly May 25 11:58:21 then perhaps... we could... explore our relationship further? May 25 11:58:45 * MollyK looks a little puzzled May 25 11:59:01 But you did not want that... May 25 11:59:27 months ago, no... I don't think I was ready... May 25 11:59:42 * MollyK watches him closely May 25 11:59:45 And now? May 25 12:00:36 I think so... I think my not wanting you to take a lover because I would be jealous... May 25 12:01:02 Because I am technically your wife? May 25 12:01:25 No May 25 12:01:53 * MollyK chews her lip May 25 12:02:01 What is it you do want? May 25 12:02:14 * Morgan sighs May 25 12:02:31 I care for you... the feelings of attraction have not diminished. May 25 12:02:50 And you want my fidelity? May 25 12:03:44 I wish for us to be together... or to try at least... May 25 12:04:03 Together physically, or emotionally? May 25 12:04:23 * Morgan nods May 25 12:04:24 yes May 25 12:04:42 * MollyK nods May 25 12:05:00 And if it does not work? Where does that leave us? May 25 12:06:05 Where we are now I suppose May 25 12:06:53 * MollyK nods May 25 12:07:00 You will not leave us? May 25 12:07:26 No... you will always have my protection, no matter what happens with... between us May 25 12:07:55 * MollyK nods May 25 12:08:05 I appreciate that greatly May 25 12:08:14 * Morgan nods May 25 12:09:05 * MollyK folds up the sheet, putting it to one side May 25 12:09:18 I am not sure where we go from here... May 25 12:09:26 No, nor am I May 25 12:10:25 * MollyK smiles a little May 25 12:10:48 It's actually quite terrifying... I have gotten quite used to how things are May 25 12:11:04 Things can remain the same if thats what you wish May 25 12:11:20 * MollyK shakes her head May 25 12:12:08 No. I don't wish that. I would like things to be as they were, right before we made this child. May 25 12:12:49 * Morgan blushes May 25 12:13:05 * MollyK blushes too May 25 12:14:20 I did not mean the minutes right before... May 25 12:18:06 * MollyK has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 25 12:19:41 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined May 25 12:19:54 [12:04:03] • ​MollyK​ blushes too May 25 12:20:01 [12:05:18] MollyK: I did not mean the minutes right before... May 25 12:20:05 * Morgan nods May 25 12:20:36 Or... I mean... not necessarily right away... May 25 12:20:51 * Morgan nods again May 25 12:21:08 That is... you feel the same? May 25 12:22:08 I do May 25 12:22:29 * MollyK nods May 25 12:22:54 I am afraid I have no more idea about kissing and things than I did that night May 25 12:23:26 as I recall you were quite well versed May 25 12:23:46 * MollyK smiles May 25 12:24:01 I am glad it wasn't awfully disappointing for you May 25 12:24:13 oh no, not at all May 25 12:25:02 * MollyK nods, watching him, his body language and expression to try to gauge his intentions in this moment May 25 12:25:58 * Morgan looks tense, looking at his knees May 25 12:27:29 * MollyK tilts her head thoughtfully before standing up and moving to stand in front of him May 25 12:28:53 * Morgan looks up at her May 25 12:30:02 * MollyK gently puts her hands on his shoulders, just like he had hers in front of the wavy-edged mirror in the inn in Carleon May 25 12:33:06 * Morgan watches her May 25 12:35:07 * MollyK leans down towards him very slowly, watching his eyes, his mouth as she gets near. The only sound is the noise of crackling logs in the fireplace May 25 12:35:51 * Morgan leans towards her May 25 12:36:15 * MollyK kisses him gently May 25 12:37:14 * Morgan puts a hand to her face, kissing her back May 25 12:39:16 * MollyK moves her body, sitting in his lap carefully. She parts her lips like he showed her last time, that late September night seeming both long ago and also very recent. There's a sudden rumble of thunder outside May 25 12:39:56 * Morgan returns her kiss May 25 12:47:35 * MollyK breaks away just enough to say "I care for you, Morgan. Very deeply." May 25 12:48:29 * Morgan nods May 25 12:48:31 and I you May 25 12:50:16 * MollyK kisses him again, deeper this time. Another peel of thunder rolls through the night, bringing heavy rain against the parlour window. May 25 12:53:32 * Morgan follows her lead May 25 12:54:15 *the next crash of thunder awakens him in the dark stable* May 25 12:54:29 * Morgan rubs his face, checking the time May 25 12:54:53 *it is about five, he has slept three hours May 25 12:55:26 * Morgan stretches, getting up and brushing himself down May 25 12:56:29 *the thunder continues outside, rain pouring on the tin roof loudly May 25 12:57:36 * Morgan sets about saddling the horse again, grumbling about the rain May 25 12:58:56 *the box she gave him with the mirror in is in one of his saddle pockets, and the pouch he put the little corpse in is with it May 25 12:59:16 * Morgan looks at the mirror May 25 13:01:08 It says "half after ten. Liebling, all well here and in Innesbruck. Edward anxious but alright. I miss you. I hope you are safe and well. The bed is cold without you. MK xx" May 25 13:02:18 * Morgan takes some paper and a pencil from his saddle bag, writing a reply May 25 13:03:06 ((What does it say?)) May 25 13:04:49 {{five am. Just about to leave Seeufer. Got attacked by fairies, saw them off. I'm alright, I miss you.)) May 25 13:05:54 *understandably, there's no immediate reply this early* May 25 13:09:59 * Morgan packs it away, saddling the horse May 25 13:11:50 *The horse is more compliant in the stable than outside in the storm. Fortunately the wind is not high, but it won't be a pleasant ride. May 25 13:13:41 * Morgan spends some time rubbing the horses neck as he rides, talking to it May 25 13:16:07 *the dawn comes and finally he is back in daylight. As the morning goes on he is into flatter farm land and away from the forests, the weather improved. He starts to see more tradesmen and travellers on the road, keeping an eye out for Mina on horseback or by coach. May 25 13:17:18 * Morgan picks up the pace a little May 25 13:26:11 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) May 25 21:23:47 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined May 25 21:30:04 *he stops briefly in a tiny inn once he can no longer tolerate the hunger and rumbling of his stomach. It has been years since he has been so far east on this road, he and Molly having taken the ferry south to Fischler when they went to Seeufer at the beginning of their honeymoon, the evening he gave her a three thousand guilder kiss to settle May 25 21:30:04 their poker debt. He last saw this tiny hamlet with Heinzharold, on their way to a covert mission into another camp a little further north, their usual tactics the plan. Here there are no tactics, just a bag full of food. There is no Heinzharold either, nor would there be after the first trip to Capperlucia. The maid takes his money and hands him May 25 21:30:04 the sack. She's older than him by at least a decade, blonde, tired looking "Lookin' for somethin' else while yer here? Looks like you've been on the road a while, mebbie somethin' to take yer mind off yer worries" May 25 21:32:29 * Morgan smiles slightly, placing his flask down May 25 21:32:38 that full of coffee would be most welcome May 25 21:33:27 *she takes it, rinses it, and fills it before bringing it back* there ya go May 25 21:34:32 You hear anything about lights in the night? May 25 21:35:26 * MollyK is now known as maid May 25 21:35:35 Oh yeah, loads May 25 21:36:12 Mind giving me an overview? May 25 21:37:27 People say there's something out there, something dangerous. People go missing roundabout 'ere May 25 21:37:39 * Morgan nods May 25 21:37:44 dancing lights in the trees? May 25 21:38:36 Yeah, that's the ones. Ye have to stay well away. May 25 21:39:47 come on, how dangerous can a few glow bugs be? May 25 21:40:51 Se'enteen people gone missin' in this year, so ye can take a guess. May 25 21:41:21 * Morgan nods May 25 21:42:19 Lets hope I dont encounter 'em then May 25 21:42:28 * maid nods May 25 21:42:50 Best be findin' yerself a nice warm bed afore then May 25 21:43:18 * Morgan nods May 25 21:43:21 best get moving then May 25 21:44:12 * maid goes to get on with her job May 25 21:44:37 * Morgan takes his food and goes back to the horse, preparing to move on May 25 21:48:08 *they get underway. People go about their business on the roads, though carriages are very rare compared to the common forms of transport. People are polite, tipping their hats, admiring his horse. It's around midday that he spots a couple of liveried riders* May 25 21:50:08 * Morgan mutters, heading for them May 25 21:51:36 *he recognises the crest, a black stag in front of white mountains on a blue background, the Hapsburg crest* May 25 21:51:57 * Morgan calls out to them May 25 21:52:03 morning gentlemen May 25 21:53:18 * maid is now known as guard May 25 21:53:47 Morning. *he says it casually, as if he will just ride on* May 25 21:54:07 I've been sent to accompany you May 25 21:55:50 * guard looks him over, taking in his attire May 25 21:55:55 Sent by who? May 25 21:56:25 the lady's betrothed May 25 21:57:26 * guard nods May 25 21:57:48 Coach will be along in a minute. Come far? May 25 21:58:01 from Koln May 25 21:58:52 * guard nods May 25 21:59:10 Not far then. *he waits for Morgan to fall into line* May 25 22:00:48 * Morgan moves beside the guard May 25 22:00:59 No, apart from having left last night May 25 22:01:50 Lordship got you running around like you're a plough horse then, they usually do May 25 22:02:30 when he heard the Freiarr was taken ill, he wanted someone he knew with her ladyship May 25 22:03:46 * guard nods May 25 22:04:08 Got people a bit worried, but I think he's just getting old May 25 22:04:20 Oh? May 25 22:05:28 Been a hard life, losing his wife and boy like that, raising her ladyship alone. You can't blame the old boy for starting to feel it now, he's nearly sixty May 25 22:05:49 No, I suppose not May 25 22:06:50 Think he'll be relieved to be in heaven with her when the time comes May 25 22:08:41 He's missed her for a long time May 25 22:09:15 * guard nods May 25 22:10:23 Riefenstahl always thought he'd marry again, have himself a son to inherit. That's my boss, see. Lady Mina's cousin, on her mother's side May 25 22:11:04 * Morgan nods May 25 22:12:10 He a decent sort? May 25 22:12:41 * guard nods May 25 22:13:08 Pays well, bit of an outdoorsy type, bit of a lone wolf May 25 22:14:10 oh? May 25 22:15:34 Doesn't have many friends May 25 22:15:56 Why so? May 25 22:17:39 * guard shrugs May 25 22:18:13 Dunno. Just prefers to go hunting alone, or camping out. Likes climbing in the mountains too May 25 22:19:17 bit strange for a noble type May 25 22:19:25 they usually like warm comfortable rooms May 25 22:19:31 * guard laughs May 25 22:20:26 They do. Rather send someone up a mountain to paint a picture of it to put on their drawing room wall than have to go there and see the view themselves May 25 22:20:43 * Morgan nods May 25 22:21:05 I'm gonn' hang back and say hello to her ladyship, met her once or twice May 25 22:22:55 * guard nods May 25 22:23:04 Beautiful, ain't she? May 25 22:23:16 * Morgan nods May 25 22:23:57 her betrothed is a lucky fella May 25 22:24:05 * guard nods May 25 22:24:08 Sure is May 25 22:25:59 * Morgan nods, reigning his horse to let the carriage catch up May 25 22:29:03 *It is liveried too, and a little mud-spattered. It has already travelled from Graben to Goren, Goren to Geratal, Geratal to Kreuzung, and now part of the way to Seeufer. May 25 22:30:02 * Morgan moves the horse beside it, tapping on the door May 25 22:30:42 *an old woman sticks her head out suspiciously* yes? May 25 22:31:48 Just wanted to say 'ello to 'er ladyship. We've met'afore May 25 22:32:27 * guard is now known as Mina May 25 22:35:31 ACTION encourages the woman to sit back, moving to the window. Despite four days on the road, Mina looks very neat, her gown a very flattering muted green that suits her colouring. Though he was a very young man when he first met her at Court long before he became so rebellious, he can clearly remember her in the same colour the first time he saw May 25 22:35:32 her, her blonde curls adding a hint of liveliness to her perfect composure May 25 22:36:15 Lady Hapsburg... you're looking lovely as always May 25 22:36:28 * Mina smiles May 25 22:37:14 Thank you, Your Excellency. What a pleasant surprise this is! May 25 22:37:49 I'd love to say I was in the area but, it'd be something of a falsehood May 25 22:38:49 Is there anywhere nearby to stop for lunch? This is most impractical for you. May 25 22:39:18 * Morgan shrugs May 25 22:39:50 it somewhat set Edwards mind at ease... there's an inn not a huge distance from here, I stopped to get some coffee on my way here May 25 22:40:50 * Mina nods May 25 22:41:04 Wonderful, and then we might sit and catch up May 25 22:41:25 * Morgan nods May 25 22:41:29 sounds remarkably like a plan May 25 22:41:51 * Mina smiles warmly May 25 22:42:21 I am pleased to see you, Your Excellency May 25 22:42:54 the feeling is mutual your ladyship. I'll go and inform your escort of the plan May 25 22:43:05 Thank you May 25 22:43:28 * Morgan inclines his head before going to the guard again May 25 22:45:06 * Mina is now known as guard May 25 22:48:05 * guard watches him May 25 22:48:12 All quiet back there? May 25 22:48:22 * Morgan nods May 25 22:49:10 her ladyship wants to stop for lunch and to talk with me... there's an inn not too far along the road May 25 22:49:21 * guard nods May 25 22:49:30 Safe place? May 25 22:49:50 With you lot, surely everywhere is safe May 25 22:50:19 Only three of us, and best to be sure May 25 22:50:43 You've got me, I'll keep you safe... it seemed alright when I was there earlier May 25 22:52:58 * guard nods. Everything is fine, and the inn staff are happy to accommodate the noble lady and her entourage. Soon he, Mina, and the old lady are in a small side room with lunch. The woman sits by the door. May 25 22:53:04 * guard is now known as Mina May 25 22:53:37 * Mina sips her wine. As always her body language is formal, polite May 25 22:54:02 I have not heard from Molly recently, I hope she is keeping well? May 25 22:54:08 * Morgan nods May 25 22:54:18 A great many things have happened, its been hard to keep on top of May 25 22:55:22 * Mina nods May 25 22:55:40 You yourself are well? May 25 22:56:00 * Morgan nods May 25 22:56:04 how are you? May 25 22:57:38 I am well, thank you. May 25 22:58:08 how is your father? When we got word he was unwell Edward wanted someone he knew to accompany you May 25 22:58:57 * Mina drinks another sip daintily May 25 22:59:54 He is very tired often, and has pain in his joints as the winter draws in. The travel all the way to Koln is too much to ask of him. May 25 23:00:11 * Morgan nods slowly May 25 23:02:33 The rest of you family are well? May 25 23:02:45 family, extended family, all fine May 25 23:03:12 * Mina nods May 25 23:03:17 Edward is well? May 25 23:03:35 * Morgan nods, covering his mouth as he yawns May 25 23:03:51 Aye, keen to see you as always May 25 23:05:17 * Mina looks slightly surprised, but manages to stay polite and courtly May 25 23:05:54 I was most perplexed at his command that I should come to Koln May 25 23:06:22 * Morgan nods May 25 23:06:28 I'm not surprised May 25 23:08:46 With the wedding just eleven days away, it is expected that the bride should be overseeing the details. May 25 23:09:11 Lady Hapsburg, would you be fishing for information? May 25 23:10:29 * Mina smiles a little May 25 23:10:52 Your Excellency must know no woman could admit such May 25 23:12:46 * Morgan smiles slightly May 25 23:13:13 What have you heard of the developments we've had along our journey? May 25 23:16:32 Molly wrote to me last about a young woman in her care who was enceinte *the old Montaigne word is a very discrete euphemism for pregnant, literally meaning an enclosure, or enclosing walls of a fortification* May 25 23:16:49 * Morgan nods May 25 23:17:50 We managed to save her and the child... Several coincidences later, we found ourselves in Insel May 25 23:18:04 * Mina nods May 25 23:18:38 That is a beautiful island, quite striking for a honeymoon May 25 23:19:47 * Morgan nods May 25 23:20:12 it turns out... Molly is actually descended from the Rosenkrantz line... May 25 23:20:49 * Mina smiles politely May 25 23:21:42 I am not well acquainted with the family, though I have met the Freiarr's son two or three times at balls in Freiburg May 25 23:22:05 * Morgan nods May 25 23:23:02 nice family... by chance, when Molly was ill when she was a bit younger, it was the Rosenkrantz family that cared for her May 25 23:24:38 What an interesting coincidence. How is she descended from the line? May 25 23:25:04 Something to do with her grandmother on her fathers side. May 25 23:25:33 . May 25 23:25:45 /me nods, sipping the wine again May 25 23:26:09 She is nobility in her own right? May 25 23:26:25 * Morgan nods May 25 23:27:51 That must please your Father May 25 23:28:13 I think he is relieved, but accepts his worries were unfounded May 25 23:28:49 * Mina nods May 25 23:29:07 Is Molly in Koln with Edward? May 25 23:29:42 * Morgan nods May 25 23:29:57 aye, when we got word last night of your father, I headed straight out May 25 23:31:06 And you cannot be prevailed upon to reveal why Edward has insisted on my attendance? May 25 23:31:37 I'm sorry, no May 25 23:32:02 If it is his intention to jilt me, it would be a kinder thing for him to have come to Graben to do so May 25 23:32:47 Oh dear lord no, if that were the case I would not have allowed him to ask you to come to him. No, that is not it at all May 25 23:34:36 * Mina nods. Her relief barely even shows in her micro-expressions May 25 23:35:48 I will wait then until I see him tomorrow evening. I will need to travel back soon after to finish the arrangements for the wedding May 25 23:36:05 * Morgan nods May 25 23:36:10 of course May 25 23:37:35 * Mina smiles, finishing her meal with impeccable manners May 25 23:37:49 Where do you commonly stay in Seeufer? May 25 23:38:02 * Morgan looks slightly uncomfortable May 25 23:38:31 I know of a place that might have room... though last time I was there I rather made an impact May 25 23:39:59 though thinking about it, I do know a place May 25 23:40:08 * Mina smiles May 25 23:40:22 I will be led by you. May 25 23:40:48 as your ladyship wishes May 25 23:42:54 Thank you for your escort. I know we are safer with your protection May 25 23:43:27 I'm sure your cousins men would've kept you safe May 25 23:43:37 * Mina nods May 25 23:43:59 They are very competent, but not as skilled as you May 25 23:44:27 * Morgan shrugs May 25 23:45:24 * Mina is soon ready to get back on the road, the carriage waiting May 25 23:45:58 * Morgan helps her into the carriage May 25 23:48:25 * Mina smiles at him, thanking him, and gets settled with her chaperone and some needlework. There's something very calm about her conventionality and predictability, her noble demeanour, utterly in contrast with the other women he has liked over the twenty seven years of his life. May 25 23:49:12 * Morgan closes the door before climbing up onto his horse May 25 23:49:31 Ready when you are gentlemen May 25 23:53:17 *the guardsmen walk on. At least the rain has stopped. The remainder of the day passes smoothly, though it is rather boring without Claudia's acerbic comments, Heinzharold's nonsense stories, Sorgi's wisdom, Adalbrecht's guidance, Varick's curiosity, and Molly's... everything. He misses them all. It's fully dark before they arrive at the Drachen's May 25 23:53:17 Eye where he spent part of the night asleep in the stables. May 25 23:59:25 * Mina has quit (Ping Timeout)