**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Tue Aug 23 00:00:55 2022 Aug 23 00:00:55 * Stef gets on with the job. It does take a good while before it is finally shaved and braided Aug 23 00:00:58 All done Aug 23 00:01:15 * Morgan nods, thanking her quietly Aug 23 00:02:47 Do you want the hair wrapped up to take with you? Aug 23 00:04:01 I don't know... Aug 23 00:05:11 * Stef nods Aug 23 00:05:32 I'll do it anyway whilst I tidy up Aug 23 00:06:28 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:07:48 * Stef gets it all seen to. It feels odd to have no movement whatsoever in his hair Aug 23 00:09:09 * Morgan rubs at the sides of his head Aug 23 00:09:38 *its very smooth. She's done an excellent job* Aug 23 00:10:18 Thank you for your help... I'm not sure how I would've coped with some unknown valet doing it Aug 23 00:10:56 * Stef smiles Aug 23 00:11:15 After what you went through it's better to have someone you trust do it Aug 23 00:11:41 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:11:43 Aye Aug 23 00:13:30 There's a mirror out in the hall Aug 23 00:14:34 * Morgan nods, going to look Aug 23 00:16:05 *it is well done, but very different than he is used to, not soft looking, but like a man who means business.* Aug 23 00:17:42 * Morgan looks at his hair for a couple of minutes before turning away from the mirror Aug 23 00:17:48 Thank you, Stef Aug 23 00:18:22 * Stef smiles Aug 23 00:19:08 Thank you. It's been more than six years since I last did that, and it's brought me just a little closer to him again Aug 23 00:19:42 It hasn't been too painful? Aug 23 00:20:59 * Stef shakes her head Aug 23 00:21:35 No. It's been nice. I've had something on my mind, and it's helped distract me Aug 23 00:22:14 Is it something I can help with? Aug 23 00:23:05 * Stef looks a little unsure Aug 23 00:23:14 I don't know... maybe Aug 23 00:23:26 * Morgan nods slightly Aug 23 00:23:44 I put no pressure on you to tell me, but if I can help you as you have helped me, I would do so gladly Aug 23 00:23:58 * Stef looks around to check they are alone Aug 23 00:24:10 I am pregnant again Aug 23 00:24:27 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:24:32 And you are worried Aug 23 00:25:09 Less than you might imagine, but I haven't told Kristoff Aug 23 00:25:24 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:26:36 I don't want to get his hopes up only to get hurt again Aug 23 00:27:11 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:28:23 How long? Aug 23 00:29:36 How long what? Aug 23 00:30:33 How far along are you? Aug 23 00:30:57 Almost three months Aug 23 00:31:16 I see Aug 23 00:33:32 I was two months when I lost the baby, but there will be no quickening for another month or two Aug 23 00:34:43 * Morgan watches her seriously for a moment Aug 23 00:35:15 What would you like me to do or say? Aug 23 00:35:18 * Stef watches him back Aug 23 00:35:32 Do you think I am doing the wrong thing? Aug 23 00:35:37 Not telling him? Aug 23 00:35:43 * Stef nods Aug 23 00:36:06 If the situation were reversed, how would you feel about his keeping it from you? Aug 23 00:36:59 I would understand his desire not to have me anxious for months Aug 23 00:38:14 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:38:17 But... Aug 23 00:38:54 But is it disloyal to keep him in the dark? Aug 23 00:39:29 And there's the rub... How about... I get you checked out by the best medic I know before you tell him? Aug 23 00:41:25 He will still worry Aug 23 00:41:49 But it might be some reassurance for you... Aug 23 00:43:50 I am more sure this time, but yes, I will let Molly examine me Aug 23 00:44:07 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:44:13 I'll make the arrangements Aug 23 00:44:44 * Stef nods Aug 23 00:44:56 But only Molly can know Aug 23 00:45:04 Of course Aug 23 00:46:26 * Stef nods Aug 23 00:47:20 That is what doing your hair was helping with. Six years with Axel and nothing, and I was pregnant by Kristoff immediately after losing the baby Aug 23 00:48:36 It must be difficult Aug 23 00:48:47 * Stef nods Aug 23 00:49:29 Yes, but in some ways not. You'd have to understand Axel. He wouldn't feel betrayed by it, he would be happy for us Aug 23 00:51:58 * Morgan nods Aug 23 00:52:44 I am happy for you, though I know it doesn't look it/// Aug 23 00:53:36 I'm sorry, Molly did say that there were some obstacles in your way Aug 23 00:54:06 No, don't for a second feel bad... Aug 23 00:54:45 * Stef nods Aug 23 00:56:38 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 23 01:44:33 * Stef has quit (Ping Timeout) Aug 23 09:57:38 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 23 18:17:45 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 23 18:46:06 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 23 20:49:44 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 23 20:51:26 **Kristoff's return interrupts them. The Colonel tells him his hair looks very neat, and the couple bid him farewell. She is right, it is so much colder, but he has the scarf Molly and their friends knit for his birthday, and with it pulled up high he makes the walk back. He sees children playing in the snow, families greeting each other on Aug 23 20:51:26 footsteps, and hears carols being sung. Aug 23 20:51:26 *In that regard, it's like Prophet's Mass last year. He'd left his parents' home before that, the days spent on his own travelling slowly through the rural parts of the country, sleeping outdoors with just Xantha for company. His time to face who he was, and the first step back to his Eisen life. Aug 23 20:52:32 Though he'd been contemplating what he and Molly could have together, he could never have predicted them being where they are now, married, buying a home, one child already and hoping for another in the next few years. Could never have predicted he would be feeling discomfort at dreaming intimately of Dietlinde rather than discomfort at considering Aug 23 20:52:32 intimacy with Molly. Could not have predicted Florrie's existence in the world, or how important she would be for him. Aug 23 20:52:32 **The walk isn't very long, but it's unusual for him to be by himself with time to ponder* Aug 23 21:00:28 * Morgan trudges on Aug 23 21:03:01 **Everyone is gathered in the drawing room, drinking mulled wine and with bowls of snacks. HeinzHarold is telling a story about a cold Drachen who has lost his fire. He envies the celebration and goes into houses to eat the treats and gets warm, before eventually he eats some roasting chestnuts that are warm enjoy to rekindle his fire. Everyone Aug 23 21:03:01 seems happy listening to this. Varick and Diana are the ones most caught up in it, and Peaches is sat on the floor with them. Dekker is stood nearest the door alone, drinking his wine as he watches them. Aug 23 21:04:15 * Morgan moves quietly beside Dekker Aug 23 21:04:38 * MollyK is now known as Dekker Aug 23 21:04:58 * Dekker inclines his head, speaking quietly "wine?" Aug 23 21:05:34 Not got a proper drink? Aug 23 21:06:50 * Dekker shakes his head Aug 23 21:07:13 There's some in the library Aug 23 21:10:42 * Dekker finishes the last mouthful Aug 23 21:10:47 I'll join you Aug 23 21:11:49 * Morgan nods, heading that way Aug 23 21:12:29 * Dekker comes along Aug 23 21:12:59 Do you find Prophet's Mass particularly difficult? Aug 23 21:13:22 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:13:28 Aye Aug 23 21:14:12 * Dekker nods, pouring them each some whiskey Aug 23 21:14:33 Was your wife very fond of this holiday? Aug 23 21:14:49 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:14:56 Particularly once Jana came along Aug 23 21:16:08 * Dekker nods Aug 23 21:16:26 It's a special time for the young at heart Aug 23 21:16:54 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:17:08 definitely... Diana seemed quite enthralled by the storytelling Aug 23 21:18:41 * Dekker nods, sipping his whiskey Aug 23 21:18:51 She has always enjoyed that Aug 23 21:19:42 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:21:41 I've always liked that about her Aug 23 21:21:54 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:23:15 What about your wife? Aug 23 21:25:32 Its... difficult... she has not had great experience of it, but that has very much changed this year... Aug 23 21:26:31 Then it is important to make it a good one this year Aug 23 21:28:34 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:28:36 indeed Aug 23 21:28:41 * Morgan sips his whiskey Aug 23 21:29:53 *theres a tap on the door* Aug 23 21:30:24 Come Aug 23 21:32:10 *Molly comes in* I wanted to see if you are alright... Aug 23 21:32:31 * Morgan smiles slightly Aug 23 21:32:38 Aye. More or less my love Aug 23 21:32:52 * Dekker tops up his whiskey before looking to Morgan "If you will excuse me, your Excellency, I will leave you to your wife" Aug 23 21:33:09 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:33:13 Of course Aug 23 21:33:58 * Dekker goes Aug 23 21:34:08 * Dekker is now known as Molly Aug 23 21:34:49 * Molly comes to look at his hair, going around the back of him Aug 23 21:34:56 She's done an excellent job Aug 23 21:35:19 * Morgan nods slightly, running his palm over the shaved skin Aug 23 21:35:27 Its still a shock Aug 23 21:36:04 * Molly nods Aug 23 21:36:10 It looks good, my love Aug 23 21:37:20 * Morgan nods slightly Aug 23 21:37:22 I suppose so Aug 23 21:37:53 * Molly smiles Aug 23 21:37:56 I like it Aug 23 21:38:03 * Morgan looks surprised Aug 23 21:38:05 really? Aug 23 21:38:27 * Molly nods, reaching up to touch the bare skin Aug 23 21:38:52 There's no artifice... there's something very natural and masculine about it Aug 23 21:39:11 * Morgan nods slightly Aug 23 21:40:59 Its bloody cold Aug 23 21:41:05 * Molly smiles Aug 23 21:41:28 You'll get used to it, my love Aug 23 21:41:43 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:42:48 * Molly takes a seat Aug 23 21:43:04 How are you feeling now it is done? Aug 23 21:43:30 * Morgan shrugs Aug 23 21:43:33 I'm not really sure Aug 23 21:44:16 * Molly nods Aug 23 21:44:47 It's a big change, but all things settle after time Aug 23 21:45:09 Aye, I suppose so. Aug 23 21:45:18 * Morgan takes a mouthful of whiskey Aug 23 21:46:14 I was wondering if you could take a look at Stef for me Aug 23 21:46:58 * Molly watches him Aug 23 21:47:01 Oh? Aug 23 21:47:54 She is pregnant... I think some reassurance, if we can give it, would be helpful Aug 23 21:48:03 I know. Aug 23 21:48:59 * Morgan sighs Aug 23 21:49:05 I should have figured Aug 23 21:49:52 She did not tell me Aug 23 21:50:22 That I _did_ figure Aug 23 21:51:41 Everything is fine Aug 23 21:52:34 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:52:44 Good... I had persuaded her to let you examine her... Aug 23 21:53:15 I can make a show of doing that Aug 23 21:53:31 * Morgan nods Aug 23 21:53:40 You think the baern will be alright? Aug 23 21:55:04 * Molly nods Aug 23 21:55:17 I can see no reason otherwise Aug 23 21:58:36 I would guess due in the middle of the summer Aug 23 21:58:53 She's nearly three months Aug 23 21:59:03 * Molly nods Aug 23 21:59:08 July then Aug 23 22:00:08 * Morgan nods Aug 23 22:00:15 I'll arrange for her to see you? Aug 23 22:00:36 Yes, I'll visit. It's nice, I am pleased for them. Aug 23 22:01:16 * Morgan nods Aug 23 22:01:19 He doesn't know Aug 23 22:01:45 Oh! That's an odd choice. Aug 23 22:03:12 Given their loss, she doesn't want to get his hopes up in case it goes wrong Aug 23 22:07:52 Hmm... I don't agree with it Aug 23 22:08:46 I can understand it but I can't say I like it Aug 23 22:09:49 * Molly nods, watching him Aug 23 22:10:07 I should imagine it sits uneasy with you Aug 23 22:10:13 Yes, it does Aug 23 22:10:45 I could gently encourage her to tell the truth? Aug 23 22:11:39 I think if she has some reassurance that all will be well, she'll come to that conclusion... I might work on her reluctance from another angle Aug 23 22:13:02 Oh? Aug 23 22:14:50 I know how it feels to be on the other end of her reluctance to tell him. I'm going to give her some knowledge Aug 23 22:15:48 * Molly frowns slightly Aug 23 22:15:57 If you feel ready to do so... Aug 23 22:16:45 * Morgan shrugs Aug 23 22:16:56 I'll manage... you'll support me Aug 23 22:17:26 * Molly smiles warmly Aug 23 22:17:39 Absolutely. You never need doubt that Aug 23 22:18:37 * Morgan nods Aug 23 22:21:11 * Molly smiles Aug 23 22:21:36 Should we join the others, or do you need any comforting? Aug 23 22:22:14 I think we should join the others... we've spent too many Prophets Mass' alone Aug 23 22:22:37 * Molly nods, offering her hand Aug 23 22:23:01 I should imagine it won't be long until presents Aug 23 22:23:04 * Morgan fills his glass before taking her hand Aug 23 22:23:56 Edward has arranged service at the chapel tonight Aug 23 22:24:24 I still think going to the service in town would be beneficial for him Aug 23 22:25:41 As do I, but he wants to enjoy his first Prophets Mass service with Mina, and she wants to spend what is probably her last with Joseff Aug 23 22:26:04 * Morgan nods Aug 23 22:26:10 Perhaps we should go on his behalf? Aug 23 22:26:30 If you wish, my love Aug 23 22:26:56 I'll speak to him Aug 23 22:27:10 * Molly nods, squeezing his hand Aug 23 22:27:21 I'll be happy as long as I am with you Aug 23 22:28:41 * Morgan nods Aug 23 22:32:03 *They head on through. Witts is storytelling now, Varick and Diana still watching, though the grownups are talking quietly amongst themselves Aug 23 22:32:56 * Morgan rubs at the bare skin on his head, watching them Aug 23 22:35:07 *Verity looks very happy with her brother, Edward and Mina, and Adalbrecht is talking with Jarvie and Grendlik. The former soldiers are sat together too Aug 23 22:36:00 [Do you think now would be a good time to get mother and Christopher alone to give them the mirrors?] Aug 23 22:37:45 [Yes] Aug 23 22:38:10 * Morgan nods, walking over to his mother, kneeling in front of her and speaking quietly Aug 23 22:38:27 Mother, do you think I could have a few moments in private with you and Christopher? Aug 23 22:39:36 *she nods, and the three of them go into the empty library* Aug 23 22:40:33 [Would you mind fetching the mirrors my love?] Aug 23 22:45:04 [of course] Aug 23 22:45:11 * Molly is now known as Verity Aug 23 22:45:37 Is something wrong Dear boy? Are you worried I will disapprove of your hair? Aug 23 22:46:14 * Morgan smiles slightly Aug 23 22:46:22 I might have been a little I suppose Aug 23 22:48:22 It very different, but I hope it will help you feel better about it having been cut Aug 23 22:49:24 * Morgan shrugs Aug 23 22:49:52 It'll get easier I suppose... no, I wanted to talk to the to of you about a gift... Aug 23 22:51:12 C: A gift for whom? Aug 23 22:51:36 * Morgan smiles slightly, sipping his whiskey Aug 23 22:51:46 For you... Aug 23 22:52:50 C: *he looks curious* what is it? Aug 23 22:54:41 well... before I tell you, I need to make sure you are on the same page... you know how... lets say provincial Eisen folk can be, particularly when It comes to anything even slightly supernatural... Aug 23 22:55:06 * Verity is now known as Christopher Aug 23 22:55:09 * Christopher nods Aug 23 22:55:33 It is sometimes endearing Aug 23 22:55:51 And oftentimes shortsighted Aug 23 22:58:01 * Christopher nods Aug 23 22:58:25 There is little to be gained from being afraid of magic Aug 23 22:58:34 * Morgan smiles slightly Aug 23 22:59:48 I am conflicted on that subject... but suffice to say that anything magic related really must not be mentioned. Aug 23 23:01:44 Of course Aug 23 23:02:11 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:02:37 I'm just waiting for Molly to bring your gift... then I will explain why I'm rambling on about magic Aug 23 23:04:28 *Molly does appear several minutes later, bringing him two pairs Aug 23 23:05:13 * Morgan smiles, taking them from her Aug 23 23:05:19 Perhaps you would lock the door blossom? Aug 23 23:06:58 *she does so* Aug 23 23:07:35 * Morgan puts one set of mirrors on a table before coming back and pulling his chair closer to his mother and Christopher Aug 23 23:07:53 Its actually a gift for both of you *he holds out the two wrapped mirrors* Aug 23 23:09:47 * Christopher lets Verity open them Aug 23 23:09:54 Broken mirrors? Aug 23 23:10:18 not... exactly... if you'd both care to hold them at arms length and look into them... Aug 23 23:11:11 *they do so* Aug 23 23:11:56 Huh... very good, dear boy. Aug 23 23:12:56 The Montaigne have a sort of magic that means they can use mirrors to communicate over... well, as far as they can go... This pair means the two of you can speak whenever you wish Aug 23 23:13:48 * Christopher smiles Aug 23 23:13:59 As easy as that? How wonderful Aug 23 23:14:22 * Morgan nods, looking at his mother Aug 23 23:15:53 *Verity smiles* It's very clever Aug 23 23:16:14 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:16:38 I thought... perhaps this was the best thing I could give the two of you, you don't need to be waiting on messages for weeks Aug 23 23:17:15 *verity and Christopher hug* Aug 23 23:17:45 It will be nice to speak often Aug 23 23:18:18 V:*she nods* it will, very much. Thank you, Morgan Aug 23 23:18:33 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:18:42 You are most welcome... Aug 23 23:18:44 Yes, thank you, dear boy. I could not ask for anything better than this Aug 23 23:19:11 Obviously, we are behind closed doors because I doubt it would go down well with the others Aug 23 23:21:27 No, it will be our secret Aug 23 23:22:45 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:22:57 I'm glad you like them Aug 23 23:23:49 * Christopher nods Aug 23 23:23:56 How do we work them? Aug 23 23:25:27 You just uncover them, prop them somewhere so they're pointed at you and... talk... you can write notes and put the paper against the mirror for the next time either of you looks at it Aug 23 23:26:14 How long do they last? Aug 23 23:26:40 So far as I know, indefinitely. Don't break it, though Aug 23 23:27:11 And we wrap them up to store them? Aug 23 23:27:19 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:27:34 Keeps them safe, stops sounds coming through when you don't intend it... Aug 23 23:28:35 * Christopher smiles Aug 23 23:29:09 We will practise with them for a few days to make sure we have the hang of it Aug 23 23:29:30 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:30:01 Don't put them face to face... I can't describe the horrific sound it makes. Of course, if you need any help with it, we will be glad to help you Aug 23 23:32:04 * Christopher and Verity look happy. Then Morgan can see Christopher start pulling a silly face at Verity, much as Florrie and Varick were doing Aug 23 23:32:41 * Morgan smirks Aug 23 23:33:52 I am surrounded by children... Aug 23 23:35:54 *Verity smiles* I have my children, my daughter-in-laws, my niece, my grandson, my brother, and my husband here for Prophet's Mass, and I feel very blessed to have this time with you Aug 23 23:37:07 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:37:14 I am glad we are all together Aug 23 23:37:41 * Christopher nods Aug 23 23:38:03 As am I. What a wonderful year this has been for the family Aug 23 23:39:09 * Morgan sips his whiskey Aug 23 23:40:22 V: It has. To have Morgan -and- Edward -and- Jarvinia wed is a dream come true Aug 23 23:41:20 * Morgan smiles Aug 23 23:41:36 I see father and Holzheim are getting along better Aug 23 23:43:20 V: He is quick to anger but he knows they are well-matched in most ways. Having Jarvinia doing something settled pleases him Aug 23 23:44:03 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:44:30 I'm not sure how settled she will be... she is... headstrong with a. Passion for her work Aug 23 23:45:18 V: babies change us Aug 23 23:45:27 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:45:30 They do Aug 23 23:47:36 V: They make ladies want to settle down at home, and that is what I hope for Jarvinia Aug 23 23:51:28 * Morgan smiles slightly Aug 23 23:51:29 We will see Aug 23 23:53:04 *Verity nods* we will, dear boy Aug 23 23:53:58 M: would you like me to put the mirrors upstairs safely so you can rejoin the festivities? Aug 23 23:54:32 I think that would be a good idea Aug 23 23:57:50 *.molly does so, and Verity and Christopher go arm in arm to the others* Aug 23 23:58:11 * Christopher is now known as Molly Aug 23 23:58:18 * Molly smiles Aug 23 23:58:24 That went well Aug 23 23:59:40 * Morgan nods Aug 23 23:59:43 I was sure it would