**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sat Jul 30 00:00:15 2022 Jul 30 00:00:15 I will try not to make such a hash of it that she needs to recount all the gory details Jul 30 00:00:35 You know full well that that is exactly what most women do regardless Jul 30 00:00:46 * Edward laughs Jul 30 00:02:21 I used to believe they didn't. But spend an hour in a brothel with your clothes on and you will hear an account of the foibles and fetishes of all the men who have recently passed through or stick in memory Jul 30 00:04:47 That doesn't surprise me in the slightest Jul 30 00:04:55 * Edward nods Jul 30 00:05:31 It is amusing until you start recognising your friends in their tales, not by name but by their likes and behaviours Jul 30 00:05:58 That sounds rather awkward Jul 30 00:06:12 * Edward shrugs Jul 30 00:06:32 You stayed away from the followers of the drum too, I assume? Jul 30 00:06:52 * Morgan nods Jul 30 00:06:56 aye Jul 30 00:08:58 It is close quarters in camps. You learn much of it there. You are all bored, drunk. You take it in turns to sit outside the tent and drink whilst the lucky on of your bunk mates has the more pleasant evening. Jul 30 00:10:00 I spent a few evenings sat outside brothels... but I spent good parts of the war moving about on my own anyway Jul 30 00:10:12 * Edward nods Jul 30 00:10:25 It's made you less jaded than the rest of us Jul 30 00:14:36 ((Test)) Jul 30 00:15:56 ((Sorry, was looking for something)) Jul 30 00:16:08 In some ways perhaps Jul 30 00:17:08 With women, certainly. You have not had women profess their love after you have swiped them once, just because they learn you are titled and could set them up as a mistress Jul 30 00:18:51 No, I haven't. Its quite tiresome at court when they're all either gossiping about that mad Veisgraf who's suddenly a duke or making doe eyes at me Jul 30 00:20:14 That will continue, especially once Molly starts increasing and removing to the country. A window of opportunity will be seen, a Duke lonely in town, a wife unavailable and enamoured with her offspring instead Jul 30 00:21:07 * Morgan frowns Jul 30 00:21:48 Like bollocks, they'll be divested of that fantasy sharpish Jul 30 00:22:14 * Edward drinks again Jul 30 00:22:27 You made yourself a target, becoming a Duke. Jul 30 00:23:21 I'm unconventional, I'm always a target Jul 30 00:23:48 Just bear it in mind, brother. Blackmail is a risk Jul 30 00:26:03 * Morgan nods Jul 30 00:26:11 Its easier when someone just wants to kill me Jul 30 00:26:19 * Edward nods Jul 30 00:27:20 Women's politics is infinitely more dangerous. With men's, you might lose a limb or your life. With women's, your honour or legacy. Jul 30 00:27:52 I'll start taking Claudia as a chaperone... that can only go well Jul 30 00:28:02 * Edward nods Jul 30 00:28:15 You would need to get her into a dress Jul 30 00:28:38 That's that idea out then Jul 30 00:29:12 Perhaps she could find a husband that way, and submit to the natural purpose of her sex Jul 30 00:29:34 She's happy as she is Jul 30 00:30:14 It does not strike you as unnatural? Jul 30 00:30:49 Claudia is a singular person. I've never known anyone like her. She could kick your ass Jul 30 00:33:05 It cuts me to admit you are likely right Jul 30 00:34:25 You should see this new style she's developing, its hypnotising and bloody lethal Jul 30 00:35:09 Was this the one I saw in Fischler's garden in Atemlos between her an Molly? Jul 30 00:35:39 Very... flowing? Sensual even Jul 30 00:35:53 * Edward nods Jul 30 00:35:57 That's the one Jul 30 00:36:27 A red-blooded man is most challenged watching his sister participate like that. Jul 30 00:37:46 * Morgan takes a mouthful of ale, just watching his brother Jul 30 00:37:56 * Edward starts laughing Jul 30 00:38:12 I had you there! Jul 30 00:39:02 You're an ass Jul 30 00:39:11 * Edward nods Jul 30 00:39:28 How do you tolerate watching that? Jul 30 00:40:12 It's... difficult. But despite what some may think, I'm fairly strong willed Jul 30 00:40:42 * Edward sips his blokners Jul 30 00:40:51 They don't like that, you know Jul 30 00:41:34 What? Jul 30 00:42:33 Strong will where they are concerned. It impresses men, but disappoints women. Jul 30 00:43:39 I had noticed that on occasion Jul 30 00:44:59 They are confusing creatures. Your will needs to be weak enough to be swayed by them, but not so weak that you pant after them like a dog or overstep the bounds of decency more than is welcome. Jul 30 00:45:52 * Morgan nods Jul 30 00:46:00 I'm not too sure Molly would complain at the latter Jul 30 00:46:57 It is a little different with a wife, of course. Jul 30 00:47:25 * Morgan nods Jul 30 00:48:11 Then the rules change once again. Only they will not tell you the rules, you must intuit the rules. Jul 30 00:48:32 obviously Jul 30 00:49:05 But that is their right, I suppose, and brings it's own delights Jul 30 00:50:02 * Morgan nods, looking round Jul 30 00:50:05 I suppose you're right Jul 30 00:50:48 Father will no doubt be able to advise you well when it comes to marital pursuits Jul 30 00:51:19 By which you mean... Jul 30 00:52:58 It was sarcasm, brother. He cornered me this afternoon, fearing he might not get a word in edgeways before my "rakish" friends told me how best to deal with consummating my marriage Jul 30 00:53:11 * Morgan laughs Jul 30 00:53:32 Was it... quickly, with decorum? Jul 30 00:54:24 * Edward chuckles "With decorum, certainly. I should not importuned Mina for any of the baser acts I might have engaged other women in" Jul 30 00:54:43 * Morgan nods Jul 30 00:54:54 Do you plan to share a bedroom with Mina? Jul 30 00:55:02 * Edward nods Jul 30 00:55:51 Absolutely. As I said before, I will not cross the corridors of my own house at half-mast to find some respite from it. Jul 30 00:56:47 He wouldn't admit it, but father spent two nights in with mother... just sleeping, but he was in such a better mood in the morning, it was quite disconcerting Jul 30 00:57:00 * Edward laughs Jul 30 00:57:14 How did you learn of it? Jul 30 00:57:35 Overheard him telling mother I would be very smug if I learned of it Jul 30 00:58:44 And are you? Jul 30 00:59:07 I'm actually just pleased he is happier Jul 30 00:59:19 Especially after the... incident Jul 30 00:59:30 What incident? Jul 30 00:59:59 Uhhh, we encountered the schneeskald... Jul 30 01:00:53 * Edward nods Jul 30 01:01:07 Again? Jul 30 01:01:25 * Morgan nods Jul 30 01:02:39 You avoided them? Jul 30 01:03:11 Not exactly Jul 30 01:04:03 * Edward drinks some more Jul 30 01:04:10 What happened? Jul 30 01:04:54 It doesn't matter, I don't want you worrying about it for now, I'd rather you be happy and relaxed in preparation for tomorrow Jul 30 01:07:01 * Edward nods Jul 30 01:08:57 Most men celebrate their last night of freedom, I am celebrating an escape from the purgatory of the last six years. Jul 30 01:09:34 * Morgan nods Jul 30 01:09:40 How do your friends see it now? Jul 30 01:11:09 It varies, but they see that I am happier than I have ever been, save those few weeks in early sixty-five. Jul 30 01:11:40 * Morgan nods Jul 30 01:13:43 I think in time they will all start to look to settling Jul 30 01:14:01 Even Pottsdam? Jul 30 01:17:05 * Edward nods slightly Jul 30 01:17:24 He'll be the last of them. He's got a lot of demons to overcome Jul 30 01:17:32 * Morgan nods Jul 30 01:18:53 Angelique has ruined marriage for him, and he has a deep fear of an unfaithful wife. It's never stopped him being the reason wives are unfaithful though Jul 30 01:19:29 Thats... quite hypocritical Jul 30 01:20:11 * Edward nods Jul 30 01:20:55 It's like a bizarre sort of vengeance. I've long given up on an attempt at understanding it Jul 30 01:21:19 * Morgan nods Jul 30 01:21:23 Can't say I blame you Jul 30 01:21:31 * Edward nods Jul 30 01:21:42 Even our best friends are not flawless Jul 30 01:22:34 No, quite Jul 30 01:23:25 Potts is dear to me. I did not understand how you could care so much for Heinzharold until I had my own best friend Jul 30 01:23:49 * Morgan nods Jul 30 01:23:51 aye Jul 30 01:24:53 Will you try to keep Father from frowning too much at them? No doubt the conversation will get a little blue Jul 30 01:25:10 If you wish Jul 30 01:26:05 He cannot help but be how he is, and they cannot help being how they are. Jul 30 01:26:13 * Morgan nods Jul 30 01:26:25 He is incredibly happy for you, you know Jul 30 01:27:14 Mina is an asset to the family, and seeing me curb my excess will soothe both his heart and the balance of his accounts Jul 30 01:27:32 Well, yes, but that's not what I meant Jul 30 01:28:20 What did you mean? Jul 30 01:28:38 He's happy that you are happy, he's proud of you Jul 30 01:28:56 * Edward nods Jul 30 01:29:09 For once I am not screwing up. Jul 30 01:29:28 * Morgan frowns at him Jul 30 01:30:26 * Edward shrugs Jul 30 01:30:54 I am aware my behaviour these last three years has been disappointing to them both. Jul 30 01:31:32 When he hugged you after you threw the plate, were you as surprised as I was? Jul 30 01:31:45 * Edward nods Jul 30 01:31:50 Very much Jul 30 01:32:14 He wants to increase the closeness between you, and that's not me reading between the lines. Jul 30 01:32:27 * Edward nods Jul 30 01:32:33 I appreciate it Jul 30 01:35:02 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jul 30 02:50:53 * Edward has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Jul 30 09:48:24 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Jul 30 15:52:15 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jul 30 17:33:54 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Jul 30 18:34:04 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Jul 30 18:37:24 * MollyK is now known as Dekker Jul 30 18:40:47 *The men come back with a wild boar tied to a thin tree they have felled. Adalbrecht is tagging along at the back, Dekker in the thick of it with Potts, Zench, DeeDee, and Witts. Riefenstahl is getting sorted the deal with the carcass. The men are cheerful, somewhat boastful, but it's all good natured. Edward seems interested as they all try to Jul 30 18:40:47 take credit for the successful hunt Jul 30 19:07:12 * Dekker has quit (Quit: Igloo IRC: https://iglooirc.com) Jul 30 19:07:28 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Jul 30 19:07:44 * Morgan watches them quietly Jul 30 19:09:42 *tankards of blokners are poured and handed around. Edward is with Adalbrecht whilst the young men seem to be making some sort of circle with a stick in the snow. Dekker sits on a log watching them as he drinks his blokners* Jul 30 19:10:43 * Morgan moves over to Dekker Jul 30 19:10:47 Mind if I join you? Jul 30 19:12:39 * MollyK shuffles along Jul 30 19:12:43 * MollyK is now known as Dekker Jul 30 19:12:49 Pull up a pew Jul 30 19:13:13 * Morgan nods, sitting down Jul 30 19:15:40 He saw sense then Jul 30 19:16:14 It was a close run thing, nearly drove a permanent wedge between us Jul 30 19:17:23 You seem fine today Jul 30 19:17:59 * Morgan nods Jul 30 19:18:00 aye Jul 30 19:19:14 That must be a relief Jul 30 19:19:35 * Morgan nods Jul 30 19:19:39 Absolutely Jul 30 19:21:10 * Dekker watches the youngsters arguing over the size of the circle Jul 30 19:21:56 I haven't seen them all together since the War ended Jul 30 19:22:22 I am keeping you from them Jul 30 19:22:40 * Dekker shakes his head Jul 30 19:23:08 Not at all. I am happy watching them. It reminds me of my wife Jul 30 19:23:15 Oh? Jul 30 19:23:52 She loved these boys. They were all fifteen or sixteen when they came to us Jul 30 19:24:41 Were they always this boisterous? Jul 30 19:25:57 * Dekker laughs Jul 30 19:26:01 So much worse Jul 30 19:26:27 My father struggles with them somewhat Jul 30 19:26:36 * Dekker nods Jul 30 19:27:14 They aren't what many want young men to be. They're a product of the War Jul 30 19:28:02 Its difficult when what you were born into and raised to take part it is suddenly no longer something in your life Jul 30 19:28:58 * Dekker nods Jul 30 19:29:43 You do not want the War to go on, but it's part of who you are. You lose the purpose, even when that purpose is not a good one Jul 30 19:30:26 * Morgan nods Jul 30 19:32:27 For a lot of us it defines who and what we are, and coming away from that is very difficult Jul 30 19:33:03 * Dekker nods Jul 30 19:37:51 Those boys had that too. Edward gained a confidence and autonomy, Potts found a place where he could belong in a family, Zench... well, he is a complicated one. Witts got challenged to find out what he excelled at, DeeDee gained a sense of self-worth. Wonks lost a leg but gained charisma and is excellent at finding consensus between differing Jul 30 19:37:51 groups. Vania ((his third wife)) always said this group of boys was particularly special Jul 30 19:40:08 They're a family Jul 30 19:41:20 Missing a few members, but yes. Jul 30 19:41:48 I'm glad they managed to come back together Jul 30 19:42:39 * Dekker nods Jul 30 19:42:48 I wish she could see them tonight Jul 30 19:48:32 * Morgan nods Jul 30 19:48:51 It is difficult for you? Jul 30 19:51:14 * Dekker nods "I suppose it is. It's the bit no one warns you about. Even when you have moved forward, little things will catch you. There are times you expected her to be there for that come along long after she is gone, and you have to do them without her" Jul 30 19:51:53 * Morgan nods Jul 30 19:51:56 I understand Jul 30 19:52:03 * Dekker nods Jul 30 19:52:35 It is difficult for you? You expected to be at Edward's wedding with your first wife on your arm? Jul 30 19:53:33 * Morgan nods Jul 30 19:54:07 My marrying her caused a lot of conflict within the family, Edward bore the brunt of it I think. Jul 30 19:56:13 I don't think he really left the War when everyone else did. He was always active, always someone he was trying to speak to, some town he was off to. Diana and I hosted him at Hafenlohr now and then, but he was always on the move. Jul 30 19:57:03 He spent a lot of time trying to undo the damage I had done to the family reputation Jul 30 19:58:38 It was unfortunate for you all that your standings did not align Jul 30 19:59:23 * Morgan nods Jul 30 19:59:28 It is what it is Jul 30 20:00:18 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:00:39 If we start raging about the unfairness, we stop living. Jul 30 20:01:35 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:01:38 trye Jul 30 20:02:56 Besides, I gave my word I would not wallow in self-pity. Jul 30 20:03:04 Difficult, though Jul 30 20:04:58 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:05:21 You would think it is easier the third time than the first. It isn't. Jul 30 20:05:43 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:05:50 The thought of it terrifies me Jul 30 20:06:40 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:08:34 It isn't something that you can do much about either. But I would take that pain for those glorious days with each of them, Jul 30 20:09:28 * Morgan nods, sipping his drink Jul 30 20:10:29 What is it that particularly irks your Father about them? Jul 30 20:11:24 My father can be something of a stick in the mud... they don't behave in the way he thinks a gentleman should... and I suspect he feels they lead Edward astray. Jul 30 20:13:31 * Dekker smiles a little Jul 30 20:13:43 In my experience, he has needed no leading Jul 30 20:14:30 No... I take issue with Potts on a couple of things, but when they were needed to safeguard Molly at court, they were there Jul 30 20:16:19 He had a hard childhood, his family situation is brow-raising at best. Have you met his mother? Jul 30 20:17:00 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:17:54 She's a bloody menace Jul 30 20:18:04 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:18:29 She groped me once when I was visiting Jul 30 20:18:42 * Morgan shakes his head Jul 30 20:18:46 Is there something wrong with her? Jul 30 20:20:39 She was beautiful in her youth, settled for money and title. She spent most of Potts' youth chasing the high of men wanting her. Now she is older, men do not want her, and her husband has become fed up with being openly cuckolded. Jul 30 20:22:21 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:24:11 Avoid her if you can. She is usually in dire straits and looking for someone to take her on as a mistress Jul 30 20:24:37 She always seems to find my at court Jul 30 20:26:29 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:26:39 A Duke would be a step up for her socially Jul 30 20:27:32 She can dream on, frankly Jul 30 20:29:16 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:29:49 Intelligent, interesting wife like yours, you would have to be mad. Jul 30 20:30:24 That has been said of me from time to time, but I have eyes for no-one but her Jul 30 20:31:40 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:31:51 The best way to be Jul 30 20:32:02 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:34:19 I have never strayed or had my head turned. I have always been a one-woman man, unfortunately life has had other plans in store at times. Jul 30 20:34:58 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:35:11 Life doesn't give a damn what plans we might make Jul 30 20:36:47 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:36:52 Very true Jul 30 20:37:35 I received your offer for Hafenlohr. Do you want to discuss that tonight, or wait until the wedding is done? Jul 30 20:37:57 Given that they are occupied, I'm happy to discuss It tonight Jul 30 20:39:07 The staff remaining is absolutely non-negotiable. Every single one of them I have known at least six years, and trust implicitly Jul 30 20:40:14 I had no intention of negotiating that... though I'm unsure why you would not want to take them with you Jul 30 20:44:42 Hafenlohr was a safe haven for them when the War finished. They are settled there after six years. Jul 30 20:44:54 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:46:55 What is it you like about Hafenlohr? Jul 30 20:47:42 Its light, airy, beautiful grounds... I like just about everything about it Jul 30 20:50:43 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:51:15 I got a good price on it on account of the last owner Jul 30 20:51:42 Oh? Jul 30 20:55:12 We commandeered his land during a nearby siege. Old man, easily in his eighties. His family had all been killed during the War. He wanted to join the fighting with us, High Command had turned him down. Jul 30 20:56:05 * Morgan nods Jul 30 20:58:06 * Dekker drinks Jul 30 20:58:51 He said he would rather die beneath the sky, sword in hand and surrounded by warriors, than in a bed forgotten by the world. Jul 30 20:59:10 * Dekker looks at Morgan "What can any man say to that?" Jul 30 20:59:34 You let him fight Jul 30 20:59:42 * Dekker nods Jul 30 20:59:45 I did Jul 30 21:00:56 * Morgan nods, drinkinh Jul 30 21:02:42 He got through the siege with a single sword slash to the arm Jul 30 21:03:33 He did well... you had much to do with that? Jul 30 21:03:42 * Dekker shakes his head Jul 30 21:04:02 The other men looked after him like he was their grandfather Jul 30 21:04:21 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:05:26 * Dekker takes a mouthful, then smiles "In the medics tent a woman in her fifties took a real shine to him. He took her back to Hafenlohr. They lived another ten years together before he passed away. Jul 30 21:06:13 Unusual place to find love Jul 30 21:07:30 * Dekker shakes his head Jul 30 21:07:47 That's where I meant Vania, Diana too. Jul 30 21:08:09 * Morgan nods slowly, drinking again Jul 30 21:09:03 I was injured and Vania told me if everyone ended up in the medic's tent for something so trivial there'd be no one on the battlefield Jul 30 21:09:17 * Morgan laughs Jul 30 21:10:12 * Dekker smiles "She was practical like that. And motherly too. Wise. Very wise." Jul 30 21:10:52 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:12:57 Edward was fond of her, I am sure he would have told you. Tell them she was gone was almost as bad as telling our sons. Jul 30 21:13:02 Telling* Jul 30 21:13:38 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:13:42 Difficult Jul 30 21:13:54 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:15:03 It has been. Vania was a special sort of woman, loved by all. She was impossible not to love, even if straight-talking wasn't to your tastes Jul 30 21:16:28 I tend to admire women of that type Jul 30 21:18:19 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:18:35 She was a rare one Jul 30 21:18:42 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:20:33 * Dekker nods, watching the fire Jul 30 21:21:01 I will accept your offer for one thousand Jul 30 21:21:39 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:21:56 Thank you. Once the festivities are done, I'll contact my solicitor to get the paperwork underway Jul 30 21:22:04 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:22:23 I hope she brings you the purpose she brought me. Jul 30 21:23:06 * Morgan smiles Jul 30 21:23:21 I've no doubt. Jul 30 21:25:01 Diana will be relieved to escape it Jul 30 21:26:09 She wants to be closer to where things are... happening? Jul 30 21:26:17 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:26:53 She likes a busy social life, and Hafenlohr is more suited to the naturally reclusive Jul 30 21:29:05 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:29:11 Definitely my sort of place Jul 30 21:29:19 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:29:50 Will your wife approve of your acquisition? Jul 30 21:30:15 We discussed it before I made the offer Jul 30 21:31:07 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:31:34 Edward said you have more of a marriage of equals Jul 30 21:31:55 Absolutely Jul 30 21:32:55 That is a rare thing Jul 30 21:33:02 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:33:08 Quite heavily frowned upon Jul 30 21:33:22 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:33:53 Some men find it an insult to their own manliness Jul 30 21:34:37 That is their loss Jul 30 21:35:34 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:35:55 Few men find a woman capable of being his equal Jul 30 21:36:13 Few men are willing to accept that a woman can be his equal Jul 30 21:36:52 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:37:24 Very true. Edward does not want his wife an equal to him Jul 30 21:37:59 If he thinks he will not be subject to her subtle direction, he is a fool. Jul 30 21:39:05 * Dekker laughs Jul 30 21:39:16 In that, every man would be a fool Jul 30 21:39:30 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:42:10 * Dekker watches Witts and DeeDee remove their coats and roll up their sleeves. Adalbrecht and Edward are helping with the meat preparation. Jul 30 21:42:22 Boxing then. Jul 30 21:42:49 Oh dear Jul 30 21:43:51 They've always enjoyed it. It did Tiggy, Potts and Zench good to be put down by the common boys straight out of basic. Jul 30 21:44:41 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:44:51 They need a bit of humility at that age Jul 30 21:45:19 * Dekker nods Jul 30 21:47:28 They were used to only being with their own. I remember telling them that the only time I would care who their daddies were would be when I was having to send their self-important bodies home after some Vaticine farmer's by-blow, who also wouldn't care about their titles, had run them through Jul 30 21:49:00 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:49:46 I imagine that went down well Jul 30 21:52:47 * Dekker chuckles Jul 30 21:53:03 No, there was posturing and protesting Jul 30 21:53:17 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:54:53 Eventually they realised they would all be treated the same Jul 30 21:55:33 * Morgan nods Jul 30 21:55:34 good Jul 30 21:56:36 *Witts lands the first punch, to the cheers of Potts and Zench* Jul 30 21:57:07 * Dekker smiles Jul 30 21:58:07 Were you navy men like this in camp, or too busy keeping yourselves pretty? Jul 30 21:58:20 * Morgan snorts Jul 30 21:58:28 Ah, you've met HeinzHarold then Jul 30 21:58:54 Briefly at lunchtime, but I had heard of him many years ago Jul 30 21:59:00 Oh? Jul 30 21:59:26 Edward told us stories of his brother and his brother's best friend Jul 30 21:59:59 I dread to think Jul 30 22:01:12 Truth be told, he always seemed envious Jul 30 22:01:45 He told me earlier he didn't understand the bond I have with HeinzHarold until Potts... Jul 30 22:02:14 * Dekker nods Jul 30 22:02:29 They were the closest of them all Jul 30 22:02:57 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:07:44 They're good men. Jul 30 22:08:11 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:08:15 Yes they are Jul 30 22:10:04 Potts will find his way one day. He needs to find a woman he can trust. Jul 30 22:10:49 He needs to stop tempting women from their husbands, he's not going to find one he can trust doing that Jul 30 22:12:01 * Dekker nods, drinking Jul 30 22:12:13 It reinforces his prejudices Jul 30 22:12:18 exactly Jul 30 22:14:59 Zench is in a bind. I feel for him. Jul 30 22:15:40 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:16:50 She was a prisoner of war, did Tiggy tell you? Jul 30 22:17:17 He mentioned it in passing Jul 30 22:18:38 We took her and some others left over in a village in Hainzl, and I let this lot guard them. I have never dealt with a worse prisoner than her. Jul 30 22:19:31 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:19:36 She's certainly spirited Jul 30 22:23:19 For the first week she pretended she did not speak any Eisen, only Thean. Then when Zench was guarding her, she would put an occassional Eisenword or phrase into the constant foreign babbling, but only with him. He kept telling us, but she kept the ruse with us. He was beginning to think he was losing his mind when one night I overheard her say to Jul 30 22:23:19 him "I could bite your bottom like a ripe, juicy peach" Jul 30 22:24:01 * Morgan laughs Jul 30 22:25:00 * Dekker laughs too Jul 30 22:26:04 They progressed from there. He was always hanging around, she was always telling him to go and pester the livestock. Jul 30 22:27:03 *Zench and Potts take a turn. The smell of cooking boar starts to be detectable* Jul 30 22:28:57 Its quite obvious they're mad about eachother Jul 30 22:30:20 Completely. Zench was one of those young men born in the wrong place in the wrong war. He was suited to a life of luxury and artistic pursuits, not gore and undignified deaths. Vania used to worry about him most, said we'd find him one day having hung himself, or having blown his brains out. You knew those sort of young men too, I bet? Jul 30 22:31:21 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:31:23 Oh yes Jul 30 22:32:23 They say a man stares into the abyss, and the abyss stares back... men like Zench stares into the abyss and the abyss fills them. The sheer fucking senselessness of it all guts them and steals away all their joy. That was Zench back then. Jul 30 22:38:05 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:38:24 I railed against the stupidity of those giving orders Jul 30 22:39:40 * Dekker nods Jul 30 22:40:26 Those were the men you knew would see the War out, if it didn't kill them Jul 30 22:40:47 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:41:35 It's the ones that blindly followed or retreated into themselves you had to watch Jul 30 22:43:46 Problem is, we were expected to trust those in command, to follow those orders even if we didn't understand or agree with them Jul 30 22:44:21 I tried to always explain _why_ I was asking it Jul 30 22:44:59 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:45:16 You heard what I did to earn a date with the captains daughter? Jul 30 22:46:10 No, I did not Jul 30 22:47:37 My commanding officer had us stationed in a field, lying in wait... pouring with rain. I was telling him we were going to get slaughtered, the rain was too heavy, we should retreat or use another strategy... the arrogant swine wasn't having any of it... he's in command, he knows best Jul 30 22:49:04 * Dekker nods for Morgan to go on Jul 30 22:49:58 He wouldn't allow us to even find cover, just... lie in wait, loaded and waiting. Eventually I lost my patience, grabbed his rifle, aimed it at his face and pulled the trigger. A resounding clack noise and nothing happened. Jul 30 22:52:02 * Dekker nods grimly Jul 30 22:52:12 Brave. Jul 30 22:53:48 It stopped my progression in its tracks... he tried to have me court marshalled, but when that option wasn't available to him, he chose the harshest punishment he could. Jul 30 22:54:57 Whipping? Jul 30 22:56:11 With a cat o'nine tails... very fine strips... Jul 30 22:57:03 * Dekker nods Jul 30 22:57:40 Some of officers got too much pleasure out of stamping their authority Jul 30 22:57:49 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:57:53 Kaufmann was one of those Jul 30 22:58:09 Take long to heal? Jul 30 22:58:59 * Morgan nods Jul 30 22:59:07 Absolutely Jul 30 23:00:18 Scarring must be bad. Jul 30 23:01:33 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:01:41 Less than it was over time, but... aye Jul 30 23:02:13 * Dekker nods Jul 30 23:02:42 I still have some like that. They burn when it's cold like tonight Jul 30 23:03:02 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:03:35 Nothing so heroic, mind you Jul 30 23:04:08 * Morgan frowns Jul 30 23:04:22 It wasn't heroic. It was... necessary Jul 30 23:04:37 * Dekker considers him a moment Jul 30 23:05:09 Yes, Tiggy has this same modesty about going back to the battlefield to carry off his comrades Jul 30 23:06:13 I faced punishment. He faced death. Jul 30 23:07:29 He acted outside his self-interest to save lives, as did you. Jul 30 23:08:13 * Morgan inclines his head slightly Jul 30 23:09:17 *There's an oof as Zench gets a fist to the stomach* Jul 30 23:10:21 How did you come by yours? Jul 30 23:10:55 Theft Jul 30 23:11:23 What did you take? Jul 30 23:12:22 A wheel of cheese Jul 30 23:12:38 From? Jul 30 23:13:36 A shop in Bayern. I grew up in the slums there Jul 30 23:14:24 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:15:07 I was fourteen, I got caught, whipped, and sent off to the army Jul 30 23:15:52 I'm glad you ended up in the army Jul 30 23:16:05 * Dekker sips his drink Jul 30 23:16:46 Me too, with hindsight. But then I just wanted to be in the slums with the others still, find them something else to eat. Jul 30 23:17:20 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:18:38 I met my first wife there Jul 30 23:18:47 Oh? Jul 30 23:19:56 We were together only a few years. I was gone when the Vaticine troops came through Bayern, but she was not, Jul 30 23:21:09 * Morgan nods solemnly Jul 30 23:22:32 You would have liked her too. A little like your friend Claudia, by all accounts. Jul 30 23:23:01 Then yes, I dare say I would have Jul 30 23:23:40 I know she fought to her last breath, which was just like her. She had a fire in her soul. Jul 30 23:25:25 * Morgan nods, sipping his drink Jul 30 23:26:15 That was a long time ago, twenty five years now Jul 30 23:27:09 Feels more recent, doesn't it? Jul 30 23:29:19 * Dekker drinks some Jul 30 23:30:31 No, in that instance it's like it was another man's life. I was eighteen when she died. I've been a different man many times since. Jul 30 23:30:41 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:30:42 I see Jul 30 23:30:58 * Dekker looks at him Jul 30 23:31:12 You think that sounds callous? Jul 30 23:31:28 No, not at all. Jul 30 23:32:54 * Dekker nods Jul 30 23:35:02 I waited eight years after that to remarry. The War kept me busy Jul 30 23:35:10 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:35:17 It had a habit of doing that Jul 30 23:35:49 * Dekker nods Jul 30 23:37:59 Then I met Vania a few months after my second wife had died. I had thrown myself into the military way of life. It kept me away from my daughter Lottie, something I now regret but at the time I was glad of. Losing a wife in childbirth and the baby surviving is a particular horror of it's own Jul 30 23:38:53 That possibility scares the crap out of me, I must admit Jul 30 23:39:11 *Zench and Potts are more wrestling than boxing, rolling in the snow like children. They sound very happy, in contrast * Jul 30 23:39:42 People tell you there's a chance, but they don't tell you about the guilt. Jul 30 23:39:54 * Morgan nods, frowning Jul 30 23:39:58 I hadn't thought of that Jul 30 23:41:16 Nor had I. It took me quite some time to face the idea of taking a woman to bed again. My own pleasure seemed like it could be a death sentence. Jul 30 23:42:25 * Morgan nods, taking a mouthful of blokners Jul 30 23:42:59 There's every chance your wife will be fine Jul 30 23:43:18 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:43:20 Even so... Jul 30 23:43:33 * Dekker nods Jul 30 23:44:58 I know. Vania and I had been married six months when she came to me one day with the news she was with child. I've never felt my innards turn to liquid so quick in my life. Jul 30 23:45:48 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:47:34 I thought that was going to be the worst nine months of my life. Then the second time was no better Jul 30 23:48:17 * Morgan nods, drinking Jul 30 23:48:40 * Dekker smiles Jul 30 23:50:45 She used to say that I spent more time wishing those months away than enjoying them, and she was right. When she had consumption, I realised how much time I'd wasted wishing my life would hurry up, and there it was, slipping through my fingers whilst I wished it would slow down Jul 30 23:51:45 That is an awful feeling Jul 30 23:51:52 * Dekker nods Jul 30 23:54:51 I didn't know Viktorija was dead until after the fact, and it happened very quick with Mary. But watching Vania fade over a few weeks, that was torture. Each day I'd wake wondering if she'd rally that day. When it's sudden, it's agony, but when you're hanging on by a thread of hope not knowing how it will go... that's worse. Jul 30 23:55:50 * Morgan nods Jul 30 23:58:42 I was told I had to not wallow, get back to the boys, and find a purpose. I did what I was told. Diana came into my life as the daughter of a solider, newly orphaned and sixteen. Jul 30 23:59:56 * Morgan nods