**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun Jun 26 01:30:12 2022 Jun 26 01:30:12 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Jun 26 01:35:54 * MollyK has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) Jun 26 03:59:49 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Jun 26 04:03:02 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Jun 26 21:56:46 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Jun 26 21:57:19 *he starts to dream. Molly is now much further along in her accidental pregnancy, and it is late Spring. She is noticeably with child to anyone that sees her, and though a few clever women would spot the discrepancy between their wedding date and her increasing, it is not so rare for a woman to catch pregnant before the ceremony that anyone says Jun 26 21:57:19 anything. Jun 26 21:57:19 ** In fact, with the protection of Morgan's name and reputation, she has been able to reintegrate into the community. Her parents, her brothers and their families, have all gone to Eisen now, her old home at Sunnymeade now up for rent. Jun 26 21:57:19 **After their discussion about trying to turn their mutual caring and attraction into a marriage rather than a friendship, their closeness has increased greatly, though they have not quite taken that all the way to the act that created the child. In the evenings, Morgan often sits next to her now, one hand on his active child in her womb, and she Jun 26 21:57:19 sews, or he reads aloud. It is nice, and it feels more settled. Jun 26 21:57:47 **He had written to his Mother and Father about six weeks ago now, and each day he lingers in the courtyard until the mail coach has been, waiting for a reply. He had been honest; he had wed a local girl and was working as a Master-At-Arms, and there was a child due in the summer. He hadn't said about her Father being Freiarr Insel. With so much Jun 26 21:57:47 becoming out of his control since that night he made love with Molly, keeping her and his child away from Adalbrecht and Edward lets him retain some small measure of control. It lets him decide. Jun 26 21:57:47 **he is just getting his sword belt on when Molly comes to him, having to stretch up awkwardly because of the bump to kiss his cheek. He hasn't told her he had written. The separation of his new life with her and his old life with Dietlinde is very clear cut, only his letter to his family reaching across it.** Jun 26 21:57:48 Enjoy your morning Jun 26 21:59:32 I'll try. You are going to take it easy today? Jun 26 21:59:57 * MollyK nods Jun 26 22:00:26 I have a few things to do here, but yes, we will rest *she smiles* Jun 26 22:01:30 * Morgan nods Jun 26 22:01:31 good Jun 26 22:03:13 * MollyK watches him fondly a moment "I'll have the kettle on at ten for you" Jun 26 22:03:26 * Morgan nods Jun 26 22:03:30 alright blossom... I'll see you then Jun 26 22:04:19 * MollyK nods, getting the broom Jun 26 22:04:34 * Morgan smiles briefly before heading out the door Jun 26 22:06:56 *everything is peaceful, and his wait for the coach is not long before it rolls into the courtyard, the driver tipping his hat Jun 26 22:07:07 D: Mornin', Master Hockridge Jun 26 22:08:12 * Morgan nods Jun 26 22:08:15 morning Jun 26 22:09:21 D: Got some mail for ye this morn Jun 26 22:10:02 oh aye? Jun 26 22:10:13 *he leans down, handing it over* Jun 26 22:10:22 * Morgan takes it, looking it over briefly Jun 26 22:10:26 Anything for her ladyship? Jun 26 22:10:49 **There is a crisp letter on expensive paper, and the seal in blue on the back is the Koertig crest. It is addressed "The Master-At-Arms, Torrington Estate, Tawstock, Balig, Avalon". It feels like no more than two sheets. There are also three letters all for Catherine.* All there Jun 26 22:11:28 * Morgan nods, thanking him Jun 26 22:11:45 D: *he inclines his head* see ya tomorrow Jun 26 22:12:50 * Morgan nods, wandering away towards the house Jun 26 22:13:08 *he isn't interrupted* Jun 26 22:13:54 * Morgan sits in his office, sorting Lady Torringtons post first Jun 26 22:14:25 *one is marked personal, the others are related to the estate, nothing interesting* Jun 26 22:14:44 * Morgan sighs, opening his letter Jun 26 22:15:37 **The first sheet says, in his Father's handwriting: Morgan, I see you have chosen to follow along the same path as before. With that in mind, from the date of the receipt of your letter, May Fifth in the Year of Our Lord Sixteen Hundred and Seventy you are stripped of your title of Veisgraf… Jun 26 22:16:08 * Morgan scowls at it, carrying on Jun 26 22:16:16 **Your entitlement to all inheritances and positions accorded to it are forfeit, and you should use only that family name you have chosen for yourself. Your allowance will no longer be paid..." Jun 26 22:17:24 Figures... Jun 26 22:17:49 **It goes on: You are not banished from Sudlachenburg, at your Mother's request, but you are no longer legally my legitmate son or heir, and your status as a noble is no longer due to you. You have chosen dishonor, and we wish you your satisfaction in that. Edward will now be the Veisgraf, and his children the future Grafs. We are deeply Jun 26 22:17:49 disappointed, Morgan. Graf Sudlachenburg.** Jun 26 22:18:36 * Morgan screws it up, looking at the other sheet Jun 26 22:19:33 *The second sheet is his Mother's writing: Dear Boy, I have missed you. I am glad to know you are alive and safe, but I understand from your choice to marry as you have, that you no longer want to return to us to fulfil your duty. That is a hard thing for a mother to bear... Jun 26 22:19:56 * Morgan grinds his teeth, reading on Jun 26 22:20:11 I wish you happiness in your choice, and I will pray this life you have chosen fulfils your need to not live the life you were born into. I will pray that your wife has a safe and easy delivery, and that your child is strong and healthy. Do please write to me and tell me of that. I love you, Morgan. Mother xx* Jun 26 22:20:36 * Morgan puts it to one side Jun 26 22:21:14 *it's very quiet, only the clock in the hall ticking* Jun 26 22:21:38 * Morgan checks the time Jun 26 22:21:57 *It's quarter to nine* Jun 26 22:22:32 * Morgan stuffs the two sheets of paper in his pocket, taking the personal letter to find Catherine Jun 26 22:23:08 *he looks all over but he can't find her. A maid says she has gone to town* Jun 26 22:23:43 * Morgan heads back to his cottage Jun 26 22:25:12 * MollyK is sat in a rocking chair sewing in the kitchen, singing a lullaby, My Bonny Blue Eyed Boy, one Verity always used to sing him Jun 26 22:26:08 * Morgan flinches, going to make some tea Jun 26 22:26:24 * MollyK looks up Jun 26 22:26:51 Let me do that, liebes herz... I was not expecting you so soon Jun 26 22:27:11 I wasn't planning to be back yet Jun 26 22:27:48 * MollyK nods, standing up a bit awkwardly with the changed centre of gravity. She comes to the kettle Jun 26 22:27:56 I am not disappointed to see you Jun 26 22:28:18 * Morgan nods slightly Jun 26 22:28:45 * MollyK gets on with the tea Jun 26 22:28:50 Is everything well? Jun 26 22:29:32 * Morgan sighs Jun 26 22:29:46 I wrote to my parents. I have received a reply Jun 26 22:29:58 * MollyK looks concerned Jun 26 22:30:06 Are they alright?! Jun 26 22:30:21 * Morgan nods Jun 26 22:31:22 That is not the problem? Jun 26 22:31:33 I have been disowned Jun 26 22:32:16 Oh, my love... I am so sorry. *she looks concerned about him, not noticing that L word slipping out* Jun 26 22:32:41 I suppose I knew it would happen Jun 26 22:32:49 Did you? Jun 26 22:33:03 * Morgan shrugs Jun 26 22:34:08 They are angry about me... about us? *she subconsciously lays a protective hand over her belly* Jun 26 22:35:13 My mother hopes all will be well... she prays for a safe and easy delivery and that our child is strong and healthy. I'd be banished if it weren't for her Jun 26 22:35:29 * MollyK nods Jun 26 22:35:38 Perhaps in time they will relent Jun 26 22:35:44 * Morgan shakes his head Jun 26 22:36:19 No... my father is too pigheaded to go back on his decisions. Jun 26 22:36:40 * MollyK nods sadly, offering her hand to him Jun 26 22:36:43 I am sorry Jun 26 22:36:51 * Morgan takes it Jun 26 22:38:10 * MollyK puts it on her stomach, and he can feel the babe moving "We have what we need. You have your job, and I could find work as a wet nurse, or work as a maid again. We have a home here, and the baby..." Jun 26 22:39:26 * Morgan nods, scowling Jun 26 22:39:56 * MollyK frowns, looking concerned Jun 26 22:40:17 It's not much, compared to what you are used to, or what you could have had, I know Jun 26 22:41:20 * Morgan shakes his head Jun 26 22:41:55 No, I'm just... angry with them. The things our child should have but won't because he is being an ass Jun 26 22:42:05 * MollyK nods Jun 26 22:42:34 Our child will be loved, fed, clothed and housed. That is all he needs Jun 26 22:46:55 * Morgan nods Jun 26 22:47:01 I know but... Jun 26 22:47:52 * MollyK nods, watching him Jun 26 22:48:10 You wanted more... Jun 26 22:48:39 I hoped for some sort of reconciliation in the long term Jun 26 22:49:10 * MollyK nods solemnly Jun 26 22:49:33 I have taken that from you. I am more sorry than you could know Jun 26 22:51:08 No, you haven't... he has. Jun 26 22:51:55 *the baby kicks his hand* Jun 26 22:52:07 * Morgan smiles slightly Jun 26 22:52:10 no, not you Jun 26 22:52:22 I... it's a bad time, but I need to tell you something Jun 26 22:53:10 * Morgan watches her Jun 26 22:53:12 go on Jun 26 22:54:11 * MollyK looks at his hand on her bump Jun 26 22:54:33 I love you. *she looks up at him* I'm in love with you. Jun 26 22:56:05 * Morgan nods slowly Jun 26 22:56:23 I know blossom Jun 26 22:56:31 * MollyK nods Jun 26 22:56:53 Alright. I wanted you to know before the baby comes, that is all Jun 26 22:57:20 * MollyK pours the milk into the tea cups Jun 26 22:58:13 I love you, in case you were wondering Jun 26 22:58:54 Oh! *she watches him* do you? Jun 26 22:59:10 * Morgan nods slowly Jun 26 23:00:30 * MollyK puts down the milk jug, moving to wrap her arms around his neck and kissing him suddenly Jun 26 23:03:58 * Morgan kisses her back Jun 26 23:04:25 *he gets kicked repeatedly in the stomach* Jun 26 23:04:43 * Morgan pulls away, laughing Jun 26 23:05:08 * MollyK laughs too Jun 26 23:06:38 We have more than enough than to add in all the rules and restrictions of nobility. I would rather be happy than noble any day Jun 26 23:07:15 * Morgan sighs Jun 26 23:07:21 you still are, though Jun 26 23:08:03 * MollyK waves a hand Jun 26 23:08:09 I don't care about that Jun 26 23:12:16 * Morgan nods, sighing Jun 26 23:13:05 * MollyK puts his hand back on her stomach "Let's not worry about that now. Feel the baby, he or she is certainly active this morning, my love" She smiles as his hand is kicked again Jun 26 23:14:58 * Morgan nods Jun 26 23:15:02 Very Jun 26 23:15:48 *he wakes up in the dark bedroom. His hand is on her stomach here too, but what he feels is mostly flat and gently soft, not firm and full like in the dream* Jun 26 23:18:02 * Morgan checks the time Jun 26 23:20:25 *it's around two* Jun 26 23:21:32 * Morgan rolls out of bed gently Jun 26 23:22:23 * MollyK stirs anyhow "hmm?" Jun 26 23:22:53 Don't worry blossom, I just need some air Jun 26 23:24:57 Do you need me to fix it? Jun 26 23:25:17 No, I don't like to Jun 26 23:25:52 * MollyK sighs Jun 26 23:25:59 Alright, my love Jun 26 23:27:21 * Morgan pulls some clothes on, heading downstairs and outside for a little while Jun 26 23:27:55 *it is very cold tonight, but clear. The stars look amazing* Jun 26 23:28:45 * Morgan spends half an hour staring at the stars before heading back inside and up to bed Jun 26 23:30:10 * MollyK is very warm in the dark bed, sleepily wrapping herself around him. She murmurs "no nightmares. Stay with me" Jun 26 23:31:31 mmhmm Jun 26 23:31:50 * MollyK is fully asleep again in moments Jun 26 23:32:07 * Morgan settles to sleep Jun 26 23:32:48 *he finds himself in Molly's dream, in an unfamiliar church. It is busy, everyone in dark, sombre colours. The only flowers are white lily of the valleys. The scent of them is strong. He himself is all in black. Everyone is stood up, and he is near the middle of the crowd. Up at the front as he peers between heads, he can just make out a coffin Jun 26 23:32:48 laid out. Jun 26 23:33:16 * Morgan murmurs quietly to himself, looking around Jun 26 23:33:34 *he spots a flash of dark red hair beneath a hat and black veil, followed by another, and then his and Dietlinde's son from Molly's Elritzelein dreams stood with them. On Otto's hip is Madchen, who is also scanning the crowd. Jun 26 23:34:34 * Morgan watches them discretely Jun 26 23:35:42 *Madchen shouts "Pa!" The whole atmosphere changes, people quietly commenting on how sad it is Jun 26 23:37:07 * Morgan moves quietly towards Madchen Jun 26 23:37:42 ACTION has taken Madchen back by the time he gets there. She has a handkerchief in her hand, and red eyes. She gives Morgan a small grateful smile as her reaches her Jun 26 23:37:42 * Received a CTCP from MollyK (to #7thsea) Jun 26 23:38:07 Thank you for bringing my daughter home, Graf Sudlachenburg. My family and I are immensely grateful for you coming. Seb… *she swallows hard* Seb would have been so grateful that you escorted Madelena and Otto here safely. Jun 26 23:39:19 Of course Jun 26 23:39:33 *Madchen reaches for Morgan. She is still about eighteen months old* Find Pa! Jun 26 23:40:01 ACTION draws a deep sharp breath, then exhales slowly "Sorry, she has found it confusing" Jun 26 23:40:02 * Received a CTCP from MollyK (to #7thsea) Jun 26 23:40:51 Here, let me take her... I'll keep her occupied for a bit Jun 26 23:41:17 ACTION hands her over, watching them. Madchen kisses his cheek clumsily, then whispers* love Pa. Jun 26 23:41:18 * Received a CTCP from MollyK (to #7thsea) Jun 26 23:42:11 She has always liked you, even from that day of the wedding rehearsal... *she bites her lip, trying not to cry again* Jun 26 23:42:39 * Morgan nods Jun 26 23:42:45 aye, she has Jun 26 23:42:55 * Morgan kisses the little girls cheek Jun 26 23:43:05 *Madchen cuddles him* Jun 26 23:43:09 ACTION dabs her eyes "I was so sorry to hear of your loss too. These illnesses are so cruel. I am glad Sudlachenburg was generally unscathed, but here in Insel we fared poorly" Jun 26 23:43:09 * Received a CTCP from MollyK (to #7thsea) Jun 26 23:43:40 * Morgan nods Jun 26 23:43:46 it is the way of the world unfortunately Jun 26 23:44:00 * MollyK nods sadly Jun 26 23:44:05 "I am only relieved that Seb had passed before I became ill and lost the baby. That would have been excruciating for him" Jun 26 23:45:13 Aye, I would imagine so Jun 26 23:45:41 *Madchen watches Morgan* Jun 26 23:45:44 "For our children to lose one of their parents each so close together… I am glad they live so close to you. Madelena was close to your wife, I know she also feels the loss of her mother-in-law greatly" Jun 26 23:47:33 * Morgan nods Jun 26 23:49:53 *Madchen snuggles into him. Molly watches her* she has missed those sort of cuddles... Jun 26 23:50:26 Its difficult for them to understand at this age Jun 26 23:51:36 *Her reply is lost as someone comes over to her, commenting on how brave she is to be facing into the future as Freiarrin Insel alone with eleven children, and she gets distracted, leaving Morgan with the girl* Jun 26 23:52:23 * Morgan moves away slightly ,talking quietly to the little girl Jun 26 23:52:32 * MollyK is now known as Madchen Jun 26 23:52:33 Well, there you are Jun 26 23:52:49 Mae, Pa. Here. Jun 26 23:53:03 * Madchen smiles Jun 26 23:53:39 Aye, we are Jun 26 23:54:11 Ma dream Jun 26 23:54:23 * Morgan nods Jun 26 23:54:28 not a very happy dream is it Jun 26 23:54:37 * Madchen shakes her head Jun 26 23:54:45 Seb die. Jun 26 23:55:07 * Morgan nods Jun 26 23:55:17 Very sad Jun 26 23:55:22 Ma sad Jun 26 23:55:35 * Morgan nods Jun 26 23:55:37 yes she is Jun 26 23:55:43 Pa sad? Jun 26 23:56:47 No, because its a dream. And I get to see you Jun 26 23:56:59 * Madchen smiles Jun 26 23:57:11 Pa and Maeshun. Happy. Jun 26 23:57:28 yes Jun 26 23:58:15 Miss Pa Jun 26 23:59:29 I miss you. I wish you could be with us when we're awake