**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon Jul 25 09:20:55 2022 Jul 25 09:20:55 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Jul 25 09:23:36 * MollyK (~igloo@2.218.57.166) has joined Jul 25 09:23:49 ((Test)) Jul 25 09:23:58 ((Yep)) Jul 25 09:30:04 *A maid escorts him up the stairs. As they get to the landing he sees a beautiful large oil painting of a young couple. With a bit of imagination he can see it is Hapsburg. The woman is lovely, some similarities with Mina, but even more perfect. It reminds him of Adalbrecht saying how they were the couple at Court everyone wanted to be, the epitome Jul 25 09:30:04 of grace and love. That was just before the War came and turned the lives of nobles and servants alike upside down Jul 25 09:31:56 * Morgan stops to look at it for a moment Jul 25 09:32:47 * MollyK is now known as Maid Jul 25 09:33:15 That was his Lordship and his Wife Jul 25 09:34:13 * Morgan nods Jul 25 09:34:45 I've heard them described as the epitome of grace and love Jul 25 09:37:01 My Mam said that too. Freiarrin Hapsburg passed away sixteen years ago, Theus rest her soul. Jul 25 09:37:34 I understand the Freiarr is not faring well Jul 25 09:39:10 * Maid looks like she's not sure what to say Jul 25 09:39:34 * Morgan looks at her Jul 25 09:39:39 Umm... well... he still does his daily walks, when it's not too icy Jul 25 09:39:49 Its alright, it'll go no further Jul 25 09:42:03 He gets a bit forgetful. Sometimes he asks us to make sure Maria has had her morning chocolate, or to take messages to her Jul 25 09:42:24 * Morgan nods Jul 25 09:42:47 And you nod and tell him she's had it, yes? Jul 25 09:42:59 * Maid nods Jul 25 09:43:32 Not at first, at first we were told to tell him the truth, but it was so upsetting for him that Lady Mina said to stop Jul 25 09:43:41 * Morgan nods Jul 25 09:43:47 The kindest option I think Jul 25 09:43:55 * Maid nods Jul 25 09:44:34 We all hope he will get better soon... Jul 25 09:44:42 But you doubt it Jul 25 09:45:22 People don't normally get better with senior decline Jul 25 09:46:56 No, not as far as I understand anyway Jul 25 09:47:59 * Maid nods Jul 25 09:49:04 It's good that Lord Koertig has come to live here, Graben needs a future. We all thought my Lady might have to marry her cousin Jul 25 10:10:59 * Maid has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Jul 25 10:12:08 * MollyK (~igloo@2.218.57.166) has joined Jul 25 10:13:14 [09:38:31] Maid: It's good that Lord Koertig has come to live here, Graben needs a future. We all thought my Lady might have to marry her cousin Jul 25 10:13:29 * Morgan nods Jul 25 10:13:41 I understand he is... less favourably thought of Jul 25 10:14:48 Really? I thought people liked him. He's always been a bit quirky, off wandering in the mountains, but he's kind Jul 25 10:15:19 My mistake then... wandering in the mountains? Is that wise? Jul 25 10:16:18 * MollyK is now known as maid Jul 25 10:16:28 He hasn't died yet Jul 25 10:18:29 I wonder if that's luck or judgement Jul 25 10:19:08 I don't know, your Excellency Jul 25 10:21:03 * Morgan nods Jul 25 10:21:11 He'll be here? Jul 25 10:21:28 * maid nods Jul 25 10:22:05 He is out in the gardens and will be joining your party in the wilderness tonight Jul 25 10:24:12 * Morgan nods Jul 25 10:24:22 I always enjoy meeting... quirky people Jul 25 10:25:03 * maid nods Jul 25 10:25:45 Shall I take you to your room, my Lord Jul 25 10:25:50 * Morgan nods Jul 25 10:25:56 please... sorry, I rather held you up Jul 25 10:28:10 * maid smiles Jul 25 10:28:21 It's no problem, your Excellency Jul 25 10:28:57 * maid leads the way. His room is on a long corridor of doors, and she takes him to a door Jul 25 10:29:11 Can I get you anything, your Excellency? Jul 25 10:31:19 Another coffee would be very gratefully received. Jul 25 10:31:40 * maid curtsies and goes down the hall Jul 25 10:34:29 * Morgan goes into the room Jul 25 10:35:11 * maid is now known as Molly Jul 25 10:35:22 * Molly is watching from the window Jul 25 10:35:57 * Molly glances back at him Jul 25 10:36:13 Liebes herz, you are well? Jul 25 10:36:35 * Morgan nods Jul 25 10:36:40 I am. You? Jul 25 10:37:58 * Molly nods Jul 25 10:38:09 The view is astounding Jul 25 10:38:17 * Morgan goes to the window Jul 25 10:42:01 *the world from here looks cold and crisp, facing the rising white peaks. The green of the foliage is muted by its icy dress Jul 25 10:44:00 Lovely, isn't it? Jul 25 10:44:37 *the room itself is nice too, and there is a door partly open Jul 25 10:46:16 * Morgan nods, looking at the door Jul 25 10:46:18 What's through there? Jul 25 10:47:51 The dressing room, then another bedroom. For noble couples *she smiles at him* Jul 25 10:48:04 * Morgan snorts Jul 25 10:48:26 You are prepared for Uncle Christopher to make an almighty fuss of you? Jul 25 10:50:53 * Molly smiles Jul 25 10:51:05 I am used to men fawning over me Jul 25 10:52:14 I suppose so Jul 25 10:57:06 I was teasing Jul 25 10:57:45 * Morgan nods, looking out of the window Jul 25 10:58:15 Inga and Heinzharold have the other room, and Edward has seen to a bed in the dressing room for Varick Jul 25 10:59:52 I've got to write a speech Jul 25 11:00:18 Oh dear, will that be difficult? Jul 25 11:00:33 potentially Jul 25 11:03:36 You regretting being him best man? Jul 25 11:03:41 Are* Jul 25 11:03:58 * Morgan shakes his head Jul 25 11:04:04 It had not occurred to me, that's all Jul 25 11:04:18 * Molly nods Jul 25 11:04:48 You could ask Heinzharold? His speech at our wedding went well? Jul 25 11:05:44 * Morgan nods Jul 25 11:05:46 Might be an idea Jul 25 11:06:26 It might be difficult due to your prolonged estrangement? Jul 25 11:06:41 * Morgan nods Jul 25 11:06:44 Possibly, yes Jul 25 11:07:14 Would you like me to think about it tonight? Jul 25 11:08:06 No, I think you'll have your hands full... apparently Diana and Heidi must be kept apart... Jul 25 11:08:58 * Molly nods Jul 25 11:09:11 That will indeed be a challenge! Jul 25 11:09:25 * Morgan nods Jul 25 11:11:53 Wish me luck, mon petit chou! Be thankful you only have Edward's rakish friends to keep away from your Father! Jul 25 11:12:14 And Mina's cousin who my uncle described as an odd-bod Jul 25 11:12:42 * Molly smiles Jul 25 11:13:05 I am told he is the outdoors type, who likes his solitude and nature Jul 25 11:13:18 Wanders off into the mountains regularly Jul 25 11:17:56 Apparently so Jul 25 11:21:09 I hope that means he knows the terrain well enough to be a good guide. The place Grooms usually go is about six miles Jul 25 11:21:38 * Morgan nods Jul 25 11:21:59 We'll see I suppose... I've spoken to Edward about Hapsburg Jul 25 11:22:31 Oh? Jul 25 11:23:54 He says he's losing some of his faculties... Jul 25 11:26:07 * Molly sighs Jul 25 11:26:19 I will see what I can do Jul 25 11:28:10 According to one of the staff, he often asks if Maria has had her hot chocolate, and sending her messages Jul 25 11:28:22 * Molly nods Jul 25 11:28:38 Mina made mention that sometimes he thinks she is her mother Jul 25 11:29:08 * Morgan nods Jul 25 11:31:45 * Molly goes to their trunk, getting him some clean clothes, including breeches Jul 25 11:32:34 Edward thinks his decline may be so rapid that he and Mina cannot take time away Jul 25 11:32:46 * Molly nods Jul 25 11:33:00 That is quite possible, I am afraid Jul 25 11:36:11 A shame, after all they've faced to not be able to take some time away Jul 25 11:36:18 * Molly nods Jul 25 11:36:41 It is, but after so long I would imagine just being together would be enough? Jul 25 11:38:43 I would think so Jul 25 11:39:13 * Molly smiles Jul 25 11:39:35 Here are your clothes, my love Jul 25 11:40:07 I note there are... breeches... Jul 25 11:42:36 * Molly nods Jul 25 11:42:52 Indeed there are... is that an issue, my love? Jul 25 11:43:08 _why_ are there breeches? Jul 25 11:43:44 Because I do not wish all and sundry to see your twig and berries *she smirks* Jul 25 11:45:37 There is something wrong with normal trousers? Jul 25 11:48:38 _I_ do not think so... but it is a noble event, and everyone else will be wearing them Jul 25 11:49:15 its... lunch... Jul 25 11:50:26 With an Eisenfurst, several Grafs... Jul 25 11:50:50 * Molly has quit (Quit: Igloo IRC: https://iglooirc.com) Jul 25 12:17:40 * MollyK (~igloo@2.218.57.166) has joined Jul 25 12:18:41 (C&p pls) Jul 25 12:18:59 _why_ are there breeches? Jul 25 12:19:00 Because I do not wish all and sundry to see your twig and berries *she smirks* Jul 25 12:19:00 There is something wrong with normal trousers? Jul 25 12:19:00 _I_ do not think so... but it is a noble event, and everyone else will be wearing them Jul 25 12:19:00 its... lunch... Jul 25 12:19:02 With an Eisenfurst, several Grafs... Jul 25 12:19:04 I see Jul 25 12:20:02 It is up to you, my love. I have trousers also Jul 25 12:20:26 Breeches are expected? Jul 25 12:20:50 I would imagine everyone else is in them Jul 25 12:21:18 * Morgan sighs Jul 25 12:22:00 right Jul 25 12:22:29 * she whispers* Would it help if I remind you I think you look very sexy in them? Jul 25 12:24:08 * Morgan stares balefully at them Jul 25 12:24:12 Not appreciably Jul 25 12:27:27 * MollyK giggles Jul 25 12:27:32 Oh dear Jul 25 12:28:19 Wear your trousers, my love Jul 25 12:28:38 Edward will be frowny Jul 25 12:28:45 * MollyK smiles Jul 25 12:28:55 That matters so much? Jul 25 12:29:26 * Morgan nods Jul 25 12:30:45 Then wear your breeches Jul 25 12:31:10 That would not be... true to me... Jul 25 12:31:54 *HH comes through the dressing room door, wearing his breeches and a frockcoat* this is am abomination an' I am blaming you! Jul 25 12:33:22 * Morgan shrugs Jul 25 12:33:29 I can live with that Jul 25 12:35:52 You look very handsome, Heinzharold Jul 25 12:36:27 HH: *he just grumbles* Jul 25 12:36:46 * Morgan sighs, fetching his breeches Jul 25 12:36:53 This is a show of solidarity for your suffering... Jul 25 12:39:12 HH: *he pulls at his stockings* these are not for real men. Jul 25 12:41:00 * Morgan nods Jul 25 12:41:02 I agree Jul 25 12:42:52 * MollyK kisses Morgan's cheek Jul 25 12:43:02 We will give you some privacy Jul 25 12:43:31 * Morgan nods Jul 25 12:44:29 * MollyK herds HH out, shutting the door Jul 25 12:44:49 * Morgan grumbles to himself, getting changed Jul 25 12:46:20 *he's not interrupted* Jul 25 12:48:19 * Morgan finishes up, going to find Molly Jul 25 12:49:44 * MollyK is in with Inga, HH, and Varick. The other room is much more traditionally masculine Jul 25 12:50:32 * MollyK looks him over "Very nice, my love" Inga smiles, nodding Jul 25 12:50:58 * Morgan grumbles Jul 25 12:52:24 V: Why are you wearing breeches, Papa? Jul 25 12:53:03 We're having lunch with the Eisenfurst and all kinds of nobility... its expected to wear these... things Jul 25 12:53:29 V: But I don't complain about my breeches Jul 25 12:53:50 * Morgan nods Jul 25 12:53:58 Because you're better behaved than HeinzHarold and I Jul 25 12:55:43 V: *he starts laughing* Jul 25 12:56:02 HH: Wasn't me nearly choked y' to death by saying Pop Jul 25 12:56:38 Just shows he's funnier than you too Jul 25 12:59:42 HH: Not sure how saying pop is so funny Jul 25 13:00:31 We had a... graphic demonstration from Florrie of how chickens lay eggs Jul 25 13:01:35 HH: *he laughs* That does sound funny Jul 25 13:01:41 * Morgan nods Jul 25 13:02:58 *Varick proceeds to show HH and the others, making them laugh. Adalbrecht opens the door to this sight, only to just blink slowly and then look to Morgan* Lunch is ready. Jul 25 13:03:43 We'll be right down Jul 25 13:03:55 *Adalbrecht goes* Jul 25 13:04:12 * MollyK and the others all look at each other, trying not to laugh Jul 25 13:04:47 I wonder if he'll expect me to explain that later Jul 25 13:05:40 HH: Reckon he doesn' know where baby chickens come from? Jul 25 13:05:58 that wouldn't really surprise me Jul 25 13:06:46 HH: Mebbie you need a birds an' bees talk with him Jul 25 13:07:01 V: What's a birds and bees talk, Papa? Jul 25 13:07:52 Something we'll have before too long I reckon Jul 25 13:09:17 V: After the wedding? Jul 25 13:09:32 * MollyK and Inga get their things together Jul 25 13:09:43 maybe Jul 25 13:10:04 V: Okay, Papa Jul 25 13:10:22 * MollyK lets them all out Jul 25 13:10:40 * MollyK has quit (Quit: Igloo IRC: https://iglooirc.com) Jul 25 13:23:52 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jul 25 16:53:37 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Jul 25 17:28:04 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Jul 25 17:30:01 **The antechamber before the dining hall is busy, and there is not a pair of trousers in sight. He recognises about half the people. There's music being played in the gallery above the dining hall, but not so loud that it drowns out the chatter of the hundred or so people here. He can just make out Edward's laugh, and he is stood with Mina, Jul 25 17:30:01 surrounded by guests. Potts, Zench, DeeDee, Witts, and Heidi are all familiar to Morgan, another man and woman with them. Seperate to that, Dekker is showing Diana around and pointing out the decor. Faulk is with Hapsburg, Fuchs and Stef. Christopher seems to be chatting with some nobles Morgan only vaguely knows. Jul 25 17:31:07 * Morgan looks for his father Jul 25 17:33:09 * MollyK is now known as Adalbrecht Jul 25 17:33:18 * Adalbrecht is right next to him Jul 25 17:34:17 * Morgan mutters quietly Jul 25 17:34:28 I'll try not to embarrass you Jul 25 17:35:25 I see you are in breeches Jul 25 17:35:35 * Morgan nods Jul 25 17:35:38 And hating every second Jul 25 17:37:42 * Adalbrecht nods, gesturing towards Christopher Jul 25 17:37:50 There's your uncle Jul 25 17:38:03 I know, I've met him before... Jul 25 17:39:55 * Adalbrecht nods Jul 25 17:40:19 Take your Mother to him please. I am going to see His Grace Jul 25 17:40:45 * Morgan looks at his father suspiciously Jul 25 17:42:13 It is polite Jul 25 17:42:51 Not angling for something? Jul 25 17:43:29 Like? Jul 25 17:43:38 * Morgan shrugs Jul 25 17:43:52 More land, extra titles, anything that benefits Sudlachenburg Jul 25 17:44:32 There are a few contracts I'd like to secure... Jul 25 17:44:38 Such as? Jul 25 17:46:49 Some timber. Now go on, please. Jul 25 17:47:00 * Morgan shrugs Jul 25 17:47:04 Just trying to help Jul 25 17:47:14 * Morgan moves away to collect his mother and Molly Jul 25 17:47:44 * Adalbrecht is now known as Molly Jul 25 17:48:37 * Molly and Verity are talking together, looking around. Verity appears to be explaining who is who Jul 25 17:48:51 Might I interrupt? Jul 25 17:50:34 * Molly smiles Jul 25 17:50:44 Of course, liebes herz Jul 25 17:51:39 Father has instructed me to escort mother to Christopher... would you like to meet him? Jul 25 17:52:24 * Molly smiles warmly Jul 25 17:52:34 Very much so. Jul 25 17:53:19 * Morgan offers his wife and his mother an arm each, taking them over to his uncle Jul 25 17:56:54 * Molly is now known as Christopher Jul 25 17:57:55 * Christopher seems to be having a wonderful time, wearing a more Avalonian style of attire. He has his back to Morgan, talking about greenhouses Jul 25 17:58:29 * Morgan clears his throat Jul 25 17:58:30 Excuse me Jul 25 18:01:16 * Christopher turns around, delighted to see them. He excuses himself from the noble to pay his attentions to the Koertigs Jul 25 18:05:07 Hello family! Don't you all look well! *he hugs Verity first, kissing her crown* Jul 25 18:05:28 *Molly watches Morgan with a smile, staying close at his side* Jul 25 18:05:32 * Morgan watches them, smiling slightly Jul 25 18:06:34 *Verity embraces her younger brother until he steps back to look at her* Two grown sons almost married and there's barely a line on your face! Jul 25 18:07:43 *Verity smiles, blushing a little* Thank you. Jul 25 18:08:58 * Christopher looks to Morgan, smiling "And you haven't changed a bit since I last saw you, dear boy" *This was only two months ago* Jul 25 18:10:01 I should hope not in such a short time... your tea has been very well received... Jul 25 18:10:34 * Christopher smiles "I am glad indeed, I have brought much of it" Jul 25 18:10:55 * Morgan smiles Jul 25 18:11:12 Might I introduce my wife, Molly... Molly, this is my uncle Christopher Jul 25 18:13:18 *she curtsies a little, and he bows over her hand* M: I am honoured to meet you. Jul 25 18:14:51 The pleasure is all mine. *he looks at her with a smile* My nephew is a very lucky man, he told me you were lovely, but I did not expect such radiance. Jul 25 18:15:46 *Molly blushes, taking Morgan's hand subtly, looking to him* You said I was lovely? Jul 25 18:16:20 I believe I was fulsome in my praise for you Jul 25 18:17:57 * Christopher nods "he was indeed" *he offers Molly his arm* "Let me walk you in and you can praise your husband to me" Jul 25 18:19:20 *Molly nods, letting go and going to Christopher's side. He looks relaxed but interested and warm as she begins to chat to him. Verity looks to Morgan* He hasn't changed, has he, dear boy? Jul 25 18:19:25 * Christopher is now known as Verity Jul 25 18:43:33 * Verity has quit (Quit: Igloo IRC: https://iglooirc.com) Jul 25 18:43:48 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Jul 25 18:44:04 * MollyK is now known as Verity Jul 25 18:47:48 * Morgan offers his arm to his mother, speaking quietly Jul 25 18:48:03 I thought perhaps he might like a new mirror for Catterick Jul 25 18:48:23 *the doors are opened to let everyone in. The dining hall is warm, yellow and cheerful. There are lots of liveried staff to help guests to their seats* Jul 25 18:48:39 I think that is a very wonderful idea Jul 25 18:50:16 I thought you might Jul 25 18:51:38 I would love to speak to him each day, as we did as children Jul 25 18:51:56 It'll take a little while but I'll arrange it Jul 25 18:59:12 ACTION nods. They are seated near the head of the table, with Hapsburg, Mina, Edward, and the rest of their family. Varick sits up proudly between Molly and Morgan. Dekker and Edward's friends are at the other end. At the other table, Faulk has Stef, Fuchs, and lots of nobles. The food is quickly served, hot but not too heavy. The chatter is Jul 25 18:59:12 lively, the family all catching up with events and plans. Everyone seems very happy, the weariness of travel forgotten. It is as if there was never any estrangements, no accident in Jarvie's pregnancy, Varick was always supposed to be here like this. Jul 25 19:00:27 * Morgan watches the others intermittently Jul 25 19:05:18 [Alright, my love?] Jul 25 19:06:08 [I'm not used to this] Jul 25 19:06:29 [everyone together?] Jul 25 19:06:50 [aye. Having to be on good behaviour ] Jul 25 19:07:40 [imagine, then, given my provocative nature, how hard it is for me!] Jul 25 19:13:29 [it also feels like... I'm treading water, waiting to get things done] Jul 25 19:14:20 [I am in no rush to be sending you off to the snow though] Jul 25 19:14:46 [but that will be such fun...] Jul 25 19:15:27 [will it?] Jul 25 19:16:05 [no] Jul 25 19:26:45 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jul 25 20:08:18 * Verity has quit (Read error: EOF from client)