**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Wed Aug 17 00:00:23 2022 Aug 17 00:00:23 * Morgan nods Aug 17 00:00:25 Yes it is Aug 17 00:01:20 * Molly sighs Aug 17 00:01:29 Perhaps church will help Aug 17 00:02:17 I think it usually does for him Aug 17 00:03:14 * Molly nods, letting go Aug 17 00:03:21 I will let you get on Aug 17 00:04:32 * Morgan kisses her knuckles Aug 17 00:04:47 I'm not just pushing it down... I'm really alright Aug 17 00:05:27 * Molly looks a little confused "You are changing, and I am off-kilter once more" Aug 17 00:05:42 * Morgan looks at her Aug 17 00:05:50 I am _healing_ my love Aug 17 00:06:00 * Molly nods Aug 17 00:06:05 I see that Aug 17 00:07:09 And I can only do that because of you Aug 17 00:08:01 * Molly nods a little. She looks a little vulnerable herself "And once you are, you will still need me?" Aug 17 00:09:46 You are a part of me. I will always need you. Even death couldn't keep me from you, and that's without you waving your fingers at me Aug 17 00:10:19 * Molly nods, biting her lip Aug 17 00:10:25 Thank you, my love Aug 17 00:11:44 * Morgan puts his hand to her cheek Aug 17 00:12:33 I love you. I am only who I am now because of you. I will be who I will be _with_ you. Always. Aug 17 00:13:05 * Molly puts her hand likewise and kisses him firmly Aug 17 00:14:07 * Morgan kisses her back before pulling away Aug 17 00:14:25 I'd better get moving. Aug 17 00:14:39 * Molly nods Aug 17 00:14:49 You will be alright? Aug 17 00:15:58 * Molly smiles Aug 17 00:16:03 Yes, I will Aug 17 00:16:10 * Morgan nods Aug 17 00:16:28 I shall see you soon... perhaps when I return we could have a look at those letters together? Aug 17 00:16:40 * Molly nods Aug 17 00:16:50 I would like that Aug 17 00:17:18 * Morgan nods Aug 17 00:17:21 We'll do that then Aug 17 00:18:48 * Molly nods, letting him out Aug 17 00:20:24 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 17 00:42:53 * Molly has quit (Ping Timeout) Aug 17 01:08:28 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 17 01:23:47 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Aug 17 09:38:44 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 17 10:58:52 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 17 11:31:01 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 17 14:05:36 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 17 14:05:54 * MollyK is now known as Edward Aug 17 14:06:42 * Edward is sat on the stairs, holy book in hand, just like during the cast Aug 17 14:07:56 * Morgan moves beside him, squeezing his shoulder Aug 17 14:08:50 * Edward stands Aug 17 14:08:54 Ready? Aug 17 14:11:04 * Morgan nods Aug 17 14:12:07 * Edward heads down through the halls Aug 17 14:12:11 How is she? Aug 17 14:13:03 More secure now Aug 17 14:13:38 * Edward nods Aug 17 14:13:49 She worries about you Aug 17 14:14:03 * Morgan nods Aug 17 14:14:06 Yes she does Aug 17 14:17:09 I didn't want you running off following me if you were needed Aug 17 14:18:31 * Morgan nods Aug 17 14:18:47 We're going to spend some time just the two of us when we return Aug 17 14:21:01 * Edward nods Aug 17 14:23:33 After lunch will be the quiet hour. It's a nice part of the day, and Mina looks forward to having me to herself. The time we have had just the two of us is still quite a novelty, although we did manage to dodge Danvers quite often in the first few weeks after we met. The house next door to the Hapsburg townhouse was empty, and there was a secret Aug 17 14:23:33 gate into it Aug 17 14:23:59 devious Aug 17 14:25:44 * Edward smiles Aug 17 14:26:19 Some of the happiest days of my life were spent there, pushing Mina on the swing Aug 17 14:26:40 Its strange how its the seemingly insignificant things that mean so much Aug 17 14:28:23 * Edward nods Aug 17 14:30:01 Do you know, I think Anhalt bought that house in the end Aug 17 14:30:41 Well, I suppose if you've got a duch... would you believe I knew that? Aug 17 14:31:31 Did you? Aug 17 14:31:40 * Edward goes down the stairs Aug 17 14:33:31 mmmm... dreamed that you and Mina had eloped the day I went to bribe the priest and I got dragged here and then made to sit outside while father and Joseff argued about it... Aug 17 14:35:14 * Edward nods Aug 17 14:35:33 I cannot say I did not consider it, in my weakest moments Aug 17 14:35:50 * Morgan nods Aug 17 14:38:18 I wouldn't have blamed you... if my dream is anything to go by, I'd have stood by you Aug 17 14:39:10 * Edward smiles Aug 17 14:39:20 Father would have killed me Aug 17 14:39:40 * Morgan nods Aug 17 14:39:46 Right up until he was shown he was being stupid Aug 17 14:40:07 * Edward laughs Aug 17 14:40:14 It worked out then? Aug 17 14:42:59 For you, yes Aug 17 14:44:00 He found you out? Aug 17 14:45:00 He collared me as I was about to leave to see the priest... I kept refusing to go but... then mother got involved and, obviously, I bowed to her pressure Aug 17 14:46:08 * Edward nods Aug 17 14:46:44 She has a sway over you. These dreams of yours are very detailed Aug 17 14:46:58 * Morgan nods Aug 17 14:47:07 exceptionally Aug 17 14:50:34 * Edward heads through the hall, then out into the courtyard and into the church he got married in three days ago. He looks less tense the moment they are inside Aug 17 14:51:10 * Morgan looks up into the rafters Aug 17 14:53:15 When I was little, I was convinced that Theus lived in the rafters of the churches Aug 17 14:53:28 * Edward glances at him Aug 17 14:53:34 What, hiding? Aug 17 14:54:20 He lives on high, and we always heard that in church so... I just assumed that he stayed in different churches and that's why I never saw him Aug 17 14:55:49 * Edward laughs quietly Aug 17 14:57:46 That is sweet Aug 17 14:58:12 Contrary to popular belief, I'm actually quite a sweet person Aug 17 14:59:08 How old were you when you stopped thinking he did that? *he sits in the front pew* Aug 17 15:00:52 * Morgan sits beside him Aug 17 15:00:55 Who says I have? Aug 17 15:01:50 * Edward looks up to the rafters Aug 17 15:01:59 You cannot still believe that? Aug 17 15:03:01 Then why are _you_ looking for him up there? Aug 17 15:04:36 Wondering how you could believe that Aug 17 15:06:02 I never did well with any sort of euphemism Aug 17 15:06:39 * Edward nods Aug 17 15:07:56 The Vaticines having to go to church where God is to pray must have been confusing for you. How do they know which one he is at this week? Do they go in, look up, and then get on their horses for the next one? Aug 17 15:09:04 _exactly_. Which is why I couldn't understand why they insisted on everyone only speaking to Him in church, we wouldn't all fit in the one He's in Aug 17 15:10:18 * Edward smiles Aug 17 15:10:33 That makes an odd sort of sense Aug 17 15:13:13 * Morgan nods Aug 17 15:13:24 I know Aug 17 15:14:06 Have you resolved your problem of Varick following the wrong path? Aug 17 15:14:36 I try not to think of it in those terms... but I'm working on it Aug 17 15:14:51 * Edward rubs his thumb over the closed pages of the little holy book he carries. There are markers in it Aug 17 15:16:27 * Edward nods "He will want to take their communion soon? He is old enough ((seven for Vat, but eleven to be Confirmed and start it for Obj)) Aug 17 15:17:16 * Morgan nods Aug 17 15:17:34 probably... though its tough to say Aug 17 15:17:50 * Edward nods Aug 17 15:18:54 If there is any help I can give..." Aug 17 15:18:56 ? Aug 17 15:19:23 I'll let you know Aug 17 15:19:29 * Morgan looks at him Aug 17 15:19:38 Its a connection he still feels to his father... Aug 17 15:22:36 * Edward nods Aug 17 15:23:06 I wonder if he knows how often Karsten skipped church Aug 17 15:24:36 No more than he knows the sort of man he was Aug 17 15:26:48 * Edward nods Aug 17 15:27:50 Have you considered letting Mother do some of the Small Catechism with him? Aug 17 15:28:12 It hadn't occurred to me, no Aug 17 15:30:27 I always found her teaching made sense... although perhaps that was just to me, it seems it left you confused about the size and nature of Our Lord. *he smiles* Aug 17 15:32:49 Possibly. I'll speak to her later. Now you're calmer, how do you think it went? Aug 17 15:33:37 * Edward nods Aug 17 15:33:46 Setting aside the guilt, well. Aug 17 15:34:50 * Morgan nods Aug 17 15:35:11 Seeing you feel that... it tears at me. Aug 17 15:36:21 * Edward sighs Aug 17 15:36:26 Sorry. Aug 17 15:37:10 * Morgan shakes his head Aug 17 15:39:14 You don't need to be. You may have noticed that being open is difficult for me, so I am making an effort to be. I'd love to tell you seeing her doesn't still come as a shock but... I'd be lying Aug 17 15:51:57 * Edward nods Aug 17 15:53:08 It should be impossible for them to be that similar Aug 17 15:53:30 * Morgan nods Aug 17 15:55:37 I hope that it will not happen again Aug 17 15:56:02 I rather doubt it Aug 17 15:57:41 I hope for your sake all your children have Molly's hair Aug 17 15:59:54 why? Aug 17 16:00:36 That you do not have to face this again Aug 17 16:01:07 If I must, I must, and I will endure it with the strength I get from my love for them Aug 17 16:01:38 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:02:50 Thank you for facilitating the meeting Aug 17 16:03:34 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:03:35 Of course Aug 17 16:03:57 I was rather impressed that you didn't lose your mind at the mirror, though Aug 17 16:05:04 * Edward smiles Aug 17 16:05:27 I find it simultaneously deeply unsettling and very impressive Aug 17 16:05:35 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:05:39 Best get used to it Aug 17 16:07:05 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:07:14 I will need to talk to her often Aug 17 16:07:41 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:08:08 I'll have another mirror sent to her... I wanted to be sure this went well before suggesting it... and of course, you'll be talking to mother and me Aug 17 16:09:03 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:09:22 It won't be the same as living near each other, but it is better than writing Aug 17 16:09:41 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:09:44 Very much so Aug 17 16:11:02 Alice has found it difficult accepting money from you...or me, actually... perhaps it would be wise to acknowledge that you are not sending it out of charity or because you feel she cannot provide for Florrie Aug 17 16:12:07 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:12:18 How do you recommend doing that? Aug 17 16:12:59 Plainly. You noticed she looked a little uncomfortable about it, and wanted to reassure her that is not why you sent it Aug 17 16:14:02 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:14:36 I have a great deal of admiration for her for continuing her pregnancy and raising Florrie alone Aug 17 16:14:51 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:18:34 * Morgan watches the front of the church solemnly for a moment Aug 17 16:19:14 * Edward also seems to have lapsed into quiet contemplation, head bowed Aug 17 16:20:57 * Morgan speaks after about ten minutes Aug 17 16:21:02 Father is going to find it very difficult Aug 17 16:21:12 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:21:16 Absolutely Aug 17 16:22:17 * Morgan sighs Aug 17 16:24:13 * Edward puts his arm round Morgan's shoulder Aug 17 16:24:36 * Morgan leans against him Aug 17 16:27:08 It's difficult. It's going to get easier. Aug 17 16:27:42 It definitely does. just... slowly Aug 17 16:29:17 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:29:38 We can help Mother and Father through it Aug 17 16:29:53 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:31:01 y'know... I could see the exact moment you went from wanting to protect her because of who she is to actually loving her... Aug 17 16:31:46 * Edward smiles Aug 17 16:32:04 How could you not love a child like that? Aug 17 16:36:46 Fairly sure its impossible Aug 17 16:37:17 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:38:00 It is a shame I have missed so much Aug 17 16:38:22 I don't think any of us would've done well with it before now Aug 17 16:39:46 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:40:46 Now we will all need to make up for the lost time Aug 17 16:41:20 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:41:44 I think before we leave we should make plans for when we will take mother and father to meet them... Aug 17 16:42:04 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:42:36 That would be wise... My concern is Mina. More specifically, Joseff. Aug 17 16:44:03 * Morgan nods, sitting up properly Aug 17 16:44:11 Has his Grace asked you to take over? Aug 17 16:45:01 No, but we have discussed the possibility Aug 17 16:45:54 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:45:56 He mentioned it to me Aug 17 16:47:14 I will speak to Joseff when he is lucid. I am reluctant to force it on him Aug 17 16:47:29 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:47:46 That is a good idea I think Aug 17 16:48:25 * Edward nods Aug 17 16:51:11 Graben needs a steady hand, and Joseff is no longer steady. I do not want to take over so soon, but I will do my duty Aug 17 16:51:55 I think that is probably for the best Aug 17 16:53:25 Mina is in agreement Aug 17 16:54:29 * Morgan nods Aug 17 16:54:31 good Aug 17 16:56:30 I need to speak to a solicitor in the new year about acknowledging Florrie. Until another child comes, she is my sole heir Aug 17 16:58:26 * Morgan nods slowly Aug 17 17:02:10 In a few days I will speak to His Grace again about it Aug 17 17:03:50 Thats a good idea Aug 17 17:04:57 * Edward nods Aug 17 17:05:32 Mina is dealing well with Rief's death. She is very saddened, but understands the necessity. Aug 17 17:07:20 That being he was trying to rip my arm off... Aug 17 17:08:04 * Edward nods Aug 17 17:08:12 Indeed. Aug 17 17:09:54 I'm wondering about introducing mother to Florrie... Aug 17 17:10:54 When? Aug 17 17:11:23 Before we leave Aug 17 17:13:29 I think that would be ill-advised Aug 17 17:15:20 Why's that? Aug 17 17:16:20 She will be upset, but will not be able to turn to Father Aug 17 17:16:32 * Morgan nods Aug 17 17:17:37 I wasn't thinking right before we left but... I see your argument. My concern Is that they don't really appreciate quite how jarring it will be... I told you over and over and you still weren't prepared for it Aug 17 17:19:33 * Edward nods Aug 17 17:20:11 But in person they will not be dealing with the nature of the contact as well. They will have more time to spend getting to know her Aug 17 17:20:52 * Morgan nods Aug 17 17:20:54 Very well Aug 17 17:23:29 * Edward nods Aug 17 17:23:44 I am glad you respect my decision Aug 17 17:24:47 It makes sense Aug 17 17:25:25 * Edward nods Aug 17 17:35:11 * Edward has quit (Ping Timeout) Aug 17 18:09:13 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 17 18:28:34 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 17 18:31:09 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Aug 17 18:36:49 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 17 19:14:28 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 17 19:15:22 *they stay a little while before Edward leaves him to go for a walk Aug 17 19:16:45 * Morgan spends a few minutes praying before heading off to find Molly Aug 17 19:18:33 * MollyK is back in the drawing room with the ladies, sewing. Diana is telling Verity about Dekker's children Aug 17 19:20:23 * MollyK glances up [are you alright?] Aug 17 19:20:44 [Aye. Did you wish to join me to look at those letters?] Aug 17 19:21:37 * MollyK kisses Varick's cheek before she follows Morgan into the hall. She speaks quietly Aug 17 19:21:43 How is Edward? Aug 17 19:22:36 Better now Aug 17 19:22:52 * MollyK smiles "I am glad" Aug 17 19:23:54 * Morgan nods Aug 17 19:23:55 Me too Aug 17 19:25:03 Where is he? Aug 17 19:25:43 Gone for a walk Aug 17 19:26:03 * MollyK nods Aug 17 19:26:26 The men are all out to play croquet or some such game Aug 17 19:26:59 Utterly pointless game Aug 17 19:28:03 I am coming to the conclusion that the game played is rather irrelevant, the activity is _the competition_ Aug 17 19:30:28 You might be right there Aug 17 19:31:22 * MollyK glances at him with mischief Aug 17 19:31:35 In some ways, men are rather like children Aug 17 19:31:50 Most of them, aye Aug 17 19:32:38 Not you, my love, you are definitely a grown up Aug 17 19:34:32 A dullard you mean Aug 17 19:34:46 * MollyK shakes her head Aug 17 19:35:02 More that you are a big, strong man... Aug 17 19:36:21 I can't argue with that I suppose Aug 17 19:37:02 * MollyK squeezes his bicep "it's all that swinging a sword around..." Aug 17 19:37:26 Could be Aug 17 19:38:00 *he hears Claudia say his name. She doesn't sound happy* Aug 17 19:38:08 * Morgan turns Aug 17 19:39:05 C: A word. Aug 17 19:39:22 * Morgan nods Aug 17 19:39:29 Molly, I'll catch you up Aug 17 19:39:46 * MollyK nods, going Aug 17 19:39:51 * MollyK is now known as Claudia Aug 17 19:40:01 * Morgan looks at her seriously Aug 17 19:40:16 What's wrong? Aug 17 19:40:19 Did you speak to him? Aug 17 19:40:50 You asked me not to Aug 17 19:41:19 *she hands him a bit of paper* Aug 17 19:41:25 * Morgan looks at it Aug 17 19:43:08 "Madame Regenstag, My deepest apologies for my conduct last evening, and the distress caused. I will ensure I do not put you in such a position again and will keep my distance. With deepest respect, Lieutenant Dieppe" Aug 17 19:43:32 And you're angry with me because you thought I went against your wishes... Aug 17 19:44:05 I thought maybe the topic had come up and you had warned him off Aug 17 19:44:17 * Morgan shakes his head Aug 17 19:44:29 [you did not warn DeeDee off, did you?] Aug 17 19:44:49 No, I respected your wishes Aug 17 19:45:29 [I have not spoken to him at all] Aug 17 19:45:55 * Claudia nods Aug 17 19:46:14 * Morgan watches her patiently Aug 17 19:47:02 Right. Aug 17 19:47:25 * Morgan sighs Aug 17 19:47:49 Is that what you're angry about? Or that he will be keeping his distance without your needing to tell him? Aug 17 19:48:20 The first. Aug 17 19:48:49 I thought you knew me better than that Aug 17 19:49:09 * Claudia sighs Aug 17 19:49:25 Sorry. I'm just... this is messing with my head. Aug 17 19:49:33 * Morgan nods Aug 17 19:49:44 What do you need of me? What can I do to help you? Aug 17 19:49:57 I don't know Aug 17 19:51:19 Would you like Molly to take the edge off it? Aug 17 19:51:56 * Claudia shakes her head Aug 17 19:52:02 No Aug 17 19:52:10 Thought not. Maybe talking to her would help Aug 17 19:53:15 Do not take this as an offence, but the last thing I need is a woman, any woman, talking about love and feelings and so on Aug 17 19:53:27 HeinzHarold then? Aug 17 19:54:07 * Claudia shakes her head Aug 17 19:54:15 I'll be alright Aug 17 19:55:39 The thing you were angry about is not the case... he will not be bothering you, which you wanted... Aug 17 19:55:50 I know, I know. Aug 17 19:58:24 You wanna go for a walk? Train, some of it out of your system? Aug 17 19:58:38 * Claudia nods Aug 17 19:58:40 Good idea Aug 17 19:59:50 [Another disaster to fix] Aug 17 20:01:10 [oh. Alright, liebling. Later then] Aug 17 20:01:34 [I am sorry my love. Perhaps you can start the letters and fill me in later?] Aug 17 20:02:14 [I will do that] Aug 17 20:02:30 * Morgan looks at Claudia Aug 17 20:02:32 Come on then Aug 17 20:04:47 * Claudia goes with him, heading for the gazebo. They pass the lightly snowed lawn where the men are playing and fooling around. Claudia doesn't even look in their direction Aug 17 20:06:48 * Morgan gets into some clear space, drawing his sword Aug 17 20:07:44 * Claudia does likewise. She doesn't hold back with him. They do this for fifteen minutes before Morgan notices that the others have gathered to watch Aug 17 20:09:40 * Morgan ignores them, keeping pace with her Aug 17 20:12:00 * Claudia keeps going a while longer too, way after the others have lost interest, all accept HH Aug 17 20:13:30 * Morgan calls a halt Aug 17 20:13:50 * Claudia does so Aug 17 20:14:35 * Morgan watches her for a moment Aug 17 20:14:41 Any better? Aug 17 20:15:27 * Claudia nods Aug 17 20:15:33 Yeah, thanks Aug 17 20:15:46 * Morgan nods, putting up his sword Aug 17 20:16:30 * Claudia does likewise Aug 17 20:16:44 *HH strolls over* Rude. Aug 17 20:17:40 Not inviting you to play? Aug 17 20:18:28 *He nods* damn right Aug 17 20:19:25 We were conducting serious work Aug 17 20:19:44 HH: whatsat then? Aug 17 20:20:06 * Morgan shrugs slightly, glancing at Claudia Aug 17 20:20:49 * Claudia shrugs too Aug 17 20:21:07 *HH looks at them both* Alright then. Aug 17 20:21:36 A worthwhile side effect is its shown those army types that the navy is _clearly_ more skilled Aug 17 20:22:33 *HH nods* that lieutenant was asking if I'd seen you Claudia, if you were okay. Think he's gotta bit of a crush Aug 17 20:23:35 * Claudia shrugs "I don't care what he has got. It's definitely not taste or a brain" Aug 17 20:24:35 HH: Can't blame him, you'd be pretty if you were a girl Aug 17 20:25:21 * Claudia rolls her eyes "You'd be prettier with a sword between your lips. Vertically." Aug 17 20:26:02 *HH laughs, looking to Morgan* Your morning stuff all sorted? Aug 17 20:26:29 Not quite... Aug 17 20:28:22 * Morgan looks at Claudia Aug 17 20:28:25 You wanna talk? Aug 17 20:28:44 * Claudia has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) Aug 17 20:31:32 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 17 20:31:37 * Morgan looks at Claudia Aug 17 20:31:38 You wanna talk? Aug 17 20:31:53 * MollyK is now known as Claudia Aug 17 20:32:00 No, I'm good Aug 17 20:32:40 * Morgan nods Aug 17 20:32:49 Then if you'll excuse me, I need to see Molly Aug 17 20:33:14 * Claudia nods Aug 17 20:34:54 * Morgan nods before heading off towards his room Aug 17 20:35:01 * Claudia is now known as Molly Aug 17 20:35:24 * Molly is sat on the floor, letters in piles. She looks engrossed Aug 17 20:35:48 * Morgan sits down quietly Aug 17 20:36:11 * Molly smiles Aug 17 20:37:15 Some of them are from people I don't know, but the ones from your mother and father are lovely... Aug 17 20:38:00 * Morgan nods Aug 17 20:38:18 I had a very brief look, but father was harrying us along Aug 17 20:38:28 * Molly smiles Aug 17 20:39:20 There are lots of stories about you and Edward, and how your mother and aunt were managing alone with ruling and having young children with their husbands at War Aug 17 20:39:35 * Morgan nods Aug 17 20:41:20 Some are your Father to his brother about seeing you and Edward like they were as young boys, and how he wants another child but that with the War and the plate saying just two he doesn't expect they will be successful Aug 17 20:42:38 * Morgan nods Aug 17 20:42:44 He said to me they always wished for more Aug 17 20:44:25 * Molly nods Aug 17 20:44:31 Two is not many Aug 17 20:45:45 * Molly smiles Aug 17 20:46:05 Perhaps do not remind me of that during the delivery of our second! Aug 17 20:48:03 * Morgan nods Aug 17 20:48:09 I shall be quite circumspect Aug 17 20:48:47 You will still be there? Aug 17 20:49:40 That depends on you and Marta... Aug 17 20:50:33 I will want you there, I think. I think you might find it difficult to wait unknowing Aug 17 20:50:50 * Morgan nods Aug 17 20:50:51 aye Aug 17 20:52:06 * Molly looks thoughtful a moment before looking back to the letters Aug 17 20:52:31 And these are from the late Eisenfurstin, who was cousin to your aunt Aug 17 20:53:44 Huh... Aug 17 20:54:35 She writes about her happiness with him, and hopes for a long happy marriage. I thought he might like to have them Aug 17 20:55:46 * Morgan nods Aug 17 20:55:49 I would imagine so Aug 17 20:57:21 * Molly hands him one. It looks old Aug 17 20:57:37 * Morgan looks at it Aug 17 20:57:39 From your Father to your uncle Aug 17 21:02:40 "Dear Brother, I write to share the greatest news. This morning just after six, I was woken with the news of swift and easily delivery of a son. Verity is doing well, the doctors are pleased with her. My son is handsome, healthy, a good weight, and feeding well. He will be called Morgan Adalbrecht. Father even came to see him, and congratulated me. Aug 17 21:02:40 Maybe this will be the beginning of him thawing. Do visit, Verity looks forward to presenting him to you. Our prayers have been answered! Our love, A." Aug 17 21:03:20 * Molly watches Morgan Aug 17 21:03:23 * Morgan looks at it sadly Aug 17 21:03:32 I think... perhaps I will not show him this one Aug 17 21:03:40 No? Aug 17 21:04:17 I think it will make him feel bad about his treatment of Dietlinde and Jana Aug 17 21:04:45 Oh! I had not thought of that, just that you can feel the joy in his words Aug 17 21:04:55 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:05:39 There's another like this, for Edward's birth Aug 17 21:05:51 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:08:32 *Molly hands it over. It is similar, and recounts the tale Adalbrecht recently told Morgan of showing the almost-four year old his new brother, and Morgan asking if they had made him a friend. The only mention of their grandfather was of him holding Morgan on his lap and Edward in the crook of his arm, and telling them the story of Luther and his Aug 17 21:08:32 ninety-five objections nailed to the church door* Aug 17 21:10:44 Well, that's not something I'd think of recounting to a couple of children Aug 17 21:11:51 * Molly smiles Aug 17 21:12:13 No, but at least he was spending time you Aug 17 21:12:33 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:12:35 I suppose so Aug 17 21:17:17 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Aug 17 21:18:40 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 17 21:19:07 I know he was considered an excellent Graf Aug 17 21:19:23 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:20:01 I should imagine Edward cannot recall him at all Aug 17 21:20:28 I wouldn't have thought so Aug 17 21:20:46 * MollyK nods Aug 17 21:20:58 It is a nice collection Aug 17 21:21:49 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:22:06 I thought so... perhaps we can give the letters to his Grace for Prophets Mass Aug 17 21:22:22 That is a lovely idea Aug 17 21:23:28 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:24:15 * MollyK gives him all the letters that might be of interest Aug 17 21:24:49 * Morgan spends some time reading through them Aug 17 21:25:58 * MollyK stays quiet. They are mostly stories of the War and the boys' childhood, including his pride at Morgan going to the Academy Aug 17 21:28:00 * Morgan folds them back up when he's done Aug 17 21:28:16 Jarvies mother was adamant that we find these... I don't really know why Aug 17 21:28:30 * MollyK shrugs Aug 17 21:28:50 Maybe she wanted your parents to have them back? Aug 17 21:29:04 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:29:05 maybe Aug 17 21:29:16 * MollyK smiles Aug 17 21:29:46 I could live without some awful family secret coming to light right now! Aug 17 21:30:21 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:30:22 aye Aug 17 21:31:41 * MollyK watches him a moment Aug 17 21:31:54 Have you spoken much to Stef since we arrived? Aug 17 21:32:23 A little when my hair was cut... why? Aug 17 21:33:31 She and Kristoff lost a baby a few months ago. It was early, long before the quickening, but i wondered if she had mentioned it Aug 17 21:34:28 * Morgan nods a little Aug 17 21:34:46 I was in such a state I thought maybe it was longer ago Aug 17 21:35:34 No, only October. It's very sad Aug 17 21:35:40 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:35:41 very Aug 17 21:37:34 * MollyK nods Aug 17 21:37:42 Poor Stef Aug 17 21:37:48 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:38:00 She deserves better Aug 17 21:38:11 * MollyK nods Aug 17 21:38:37 Marta has said it is just one of those things that sadly happens Aug 17 21:39:10 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:39:11 aye Aug 17 21:40:43 * MollyK nods, putting the letters in bundles again Aug 17 21:40:55 What happened with Florrie? Aug 17 21:42:43 It went quite well... we got her talking to Edward, which was something I wasn't entirely sure would happen Aug 17 21:43:48 * MollyK smiles Aug 17 21:44:01 That is good news Aug 17 21:44:36 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:45:02 If it wasn't for the strength of his guilt afterwards, I'd have said it a roaring success Aug 17 21:45:15 * MollyK nods Aug 17 21:45:29 The guilt will lessen, my love Aug 17 21:45:44 * Morgan nods slowly Aug 17 21:45:52 I dread to see how it affects my father Aug 17 21:46:32 * MollyK nods Aug 17 21:46:55 I might have to be on hand Aug 17 21:47:01 * Morgan nods Aug 17 21:47:22 Could I... possibly lay my head on your lap? Aug 17 21:49:04 Yes, always. *she moves to make this easier* Aug 17 21:50:11 * Morgan moves so he is lying with his head on her lap, turning on his side so he faces into her stomach Aug 17 21:51:06 * MollyK strokes his hair gently and slowly. Even her dress smells of rosewater Aug 17 21:51:52 * Morgan curls up slightly, weeping quietly Aug 17 21:53:03 * MollyK continues the touch, not pushing him to talk, nor trying to cajole him, just being with him Aug 17 21:54:20 * Morgan does this for several minutes before sighing heavily Aug 17 21:55:25 Do you want to talk about it, my love? Aug 17 21:55:52 His guilt, his anger... its so _raw_. He wouldn't accept reaso Aug 17 21:56:21 * MollyK nods Aug 17 21:56:31 He is further behind in the process Aug 17 21:56:41 * Morgan nods Aug 17 22:00:06 It does take time and lots of reassurance. You will say to him many times over that he does not need to feel that now, and it will feel very much like he is not taking it on board... Aug 17 22:00:53 The voice of experience... Aug 17 22:02:23 * MollyK smiles a little Aug 17 22:02:33 Eventually you wear him down Aug 17 22:03:11 * Morgan nods Aug 17 22:04:10 And when you do... it is so very, very worth it. Aug 17 22:04:38 * Morgan nods, sighing Aug 17 22:05:21 Should I speak to Mina, talk to her about how to handle this in the months to come? Aug 17 22:06:43 Tough to say... she doesn't know he's spoken to her Aug 17 22:07:16 Just that he is still pained by it all, and how to nurture him through that Aug 17 22:08:16 * Morgan nods Aug 17 22:08:23 Might be worth doing Aug 17 22:08:29 * MollyK nods Aug 17 22:08:59 I hope that he can come to be that vulnerable and emotional with her Aug 17 22:09:57 * Morgan nods Aug 17 22:10:06 Its... scary Aug 17 22:10:46 Why, my love? Aug 17 22:11:08 Letting someone see that depth of pain... Aug 17 22:11:51 * MollyK nods Aug 17 22:12:13 But she is his _wife_. That is one of our purposes Aug 17 22:13:16 Even so... Aug 17 22:14:20 They will develop that it time. And I am so pleased that we are at that point. I worried that it was never something you could have with me Aug 17 22:14:39 I still find it daunting Aug 17 22:15:04 * MollyK nods Aug 17 22:15:19 I will never turn you away, liebling Aug 17 22:15:26 I know Aug 17 22:16:08 You have no need to be afraid Aug 17 22:16:23 * Morgan nods Aug 17 22:19:17 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 17 22:22:11 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client)