**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sat Aug 27 00:47:45 2022 Aug 27 00:47:45 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 27 01:50:36 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 27 11:42:00 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 27 14:26:35 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 27 15:17:25 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 27 16:31:14 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Aug 27 17:49:56 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Aug 27 20:44:20 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 27 20:47:40 *In the little chapel they fill the first few rows, Morgan sat between Verity and Molly. He must have been in his final year at the Academy, home on leave, when he last sat with her for a Prophets Mass service. The service is not particularly short, but a lovely recounting of how the son of the Lord was born, and how it was the promise of salvation Aug 27 20:47:40 for believers. Everyone behaves impeccably, singing the hymns and quiet in the prayers Aug 27 20:50:19 * Morgan participates properly Aug 27 20:53:00 *once it is finished, they head out into the dark courtyard. Snow is falling again. Joseff tells them they are welcome to stay up for a drink but he is going to bed. The ladies all seem to be retiring, which would give Morgan chance to speak to anyone he wants to Aug 27 20:54:31 * Morgan seeks out HeinzHarold Aug 27 20:55:32 *Heinzharold is whispering something to Inga as they cross the courtyard* Aug 27 20:56:32 * Morgan waits to see if he goes inside with her Aug 27 20:57:14 * MollyK is now known as HH Aug 27 20:57:26 * HH checks what Morgan's doing Aug 27 20:57:45 * Morgan looks to be waiting for something Aug 27 20:58:17 $you okay man?$ Aug 27 20:58:51 $Did you see Claudia?$ Aug 27 21:00:46 * HH gives Inga a little pat on the bottom before sending her up to bed. She leaves them alone Aug 27 21:01:24 Yeah, she's confused. I'm pretty sure she fancies him Aug 27 21:01:41 * Morgan nods Aug 27 21:01:51 I agree... but its complicated for her. But she ok? Aug 27 21:03:15 * HH nods Aug 27 21:03:37 Confused, I reckon. Think she needs t' get it out of her system Aug 27 21:04:09 Meaning? Aug 27 21:06:05 Just kiss th' guy an' get it over with Aug 27 21:08:54 Not that simple... she discussed women with Sorgi, but not men Aug 27 21:10:10 * HH sighs Aug 27 21:10:20 I dunno then man Aug 27 21:11:20 * Morgan nods Aug 27 21:12:14 Has she gone to bed? Aug 27 21:12:44 She was headed that way, dunno if she's still awake Aug 27 21:13:43 I'll leave it til tomorrow then Aug 27 21:14:38 * HH nods Aug 27 21:14:56 You walking round or going to bed? Aug 27 21:15:26 Thought I'd have a quick drink with whomever is staying for one Aug 27 21:17:55 I'll joke you for a quick one, then I'm gonna join my wife for one *he grins* Aug 27 21:18:26 No, you go on to bed man. Aug 27 21:20:50 * HH nods Aug 27 21:20:59 Alright man. Goodnight Aug 27 21:21:09 G'night man Aug 27 21:23:59 * HH goes upstairs. Potts, DeeDee, Witts, and Wonks are drinking whiskey and playing cards in the drawing room Aug 27 21:25:00 * Morgan sits down to join them Aug 27 21:26:16 *he's given a drink* Aug 27 21:26:22 * HH is now known as Potts Aug 27 21:26:40 I thought you'd be in bed with all the other married men! Aug 27 21:27:02 * Morgan smiles slightly Aug 27 21:27:07 I get nightmares Aug 27 21:30:17 D: As do I, Your Excellency. Would you like to try the special tobacco I have? It's very helpful Aug 27 21:30:35 * Morgan shakes his head Aug 27 21:30:40 No, thank you. Aug 27 21:33:16 D: Have you tried it before? Aug 27 21:33:43 No, I haven't Aug 27 21:35:04 It's good stuff. Like the relaxed feeling of being drunk without any loss of control or hangover Aug 27 21:36:29 So I understand... I appreciate the offer Aug 27 21:37:27 * Potts deals him in Aug 27 21:38:03 We'll be all headed to Zenchlerin the day after tomorro Aug 27 21:38:39 * Morgan nods Aug 27 21:39:32 I suppose it won't be long before celebrations are underway for his marriage... Aug 27 21:39:50 * Potts shakes his head Aug 27 21:40:08 Another one hoisted on the marital noose Aug 27 21:42:07 * Morgan glances at him before shaking his head Aug 27 21:45:46 One day you'll be ready to see it another way Aug 27 21:47:33 I am afraid not. Marriage is nothing but a misery, given enough time. Aug 27 21:48:05 * Morgan smiles slightly Aug 27 21:48:13 Its not about marriage... its about the people. Aug 27 21:48:20 *the others all take a mouthful at the same time* Aug 27 21:48:28 Then marriage is unnecessary Aug 27 21:49:19 Perhaps... Aug 27 21:51:57 Witts: I am sure he means no insult to your own situation Aug 27 21:53:44 * Morgan shrugs nonchalantly Aug 27 21:53:58 He's fairly safe... Edward wouldn't appreciate me beating him Aug 27 21:54:53 I did not mean to imply your wife was untrustworthy, nor Mina, or Heidi. Aug 27 21:55:21 I'm sure Aug 27 21:56:36 *They play cards, twenty minutes seeming to pass in the blink of an eye* Wonks: Never seen a woman that disgusted by the idea of kissing DeeDee. Aug 27 21:58:11 You've never met anyone like her Aug 27 21:59:17 D: *he smiles* He only thinks that because he doesn't spend much time with me anymore. I repulse women pretty often. Aug 27 22:02:20 * Morgan watches DeeDee for a moment Aug 27 22:03:08 D: *he doesn't seems to be whinging, it's completely light-hearted* Aug 27 22:04:22 Complete shit. Women have always liked him Aug 27 22:05:37 Its that whole respect thing... its a disgusting habit Aug 27 22:06:36 D: *he shrugs* Some of it is due to Tiggy Aug 27 22:07:04 Oh? Aug 27 22:07:40 Not sure Tiggy will appreciate the story being shared! Aug 27 22:08:32 * Morgan sips his drink Aug 27 22:09:35 D: to put it delicately, I was first smitten with a girl, and my manners were not what they now are. Tiggy corrected me. Aug 27 22:09:53 I see Aug 27 22:12:01 Witts: He makes it sound dreadful. All he did was grab her bottom before arranging payment Aug 27 22:12:35 You think that acceptable? Aug 27 22:13:06 Witts: Not at all, but it sounds like he'd raped her Aug 27 22:13:34 D: I'd hoist myself from an actual noose if I ever even considered it. Aug 27 22:14:25 * Morgan nods Aug 27 22:17:57 *they finish their drinks in the next few hands. The mantleclock says quarter after one Aug 27 22:18:54 Right gentlemen, time for me to retire Aug 27 22:19:18 *they all say good night* Aug 27 22:20:06 * Morgan heads up his his room Aug 27 22:22:14 *Molly is fast asleep on top of the covers, wearing the white expensive negligee* Aug 27 22:23:12 * Morgan looks at her fondly before getting undressed Aug 27 22:24:07 *Molly doesn't awaken as he undresses* Aug 27 22:25:22 * Morgan moves the covers, placing them over her before climbing into bed Aug 27 22:26:23 * Potts cuddles up to him, whispering sleepily "You're back... shhh... don't wake her" Aug 27 22:26:33 * Potts is now known as Molly Aug 27 22:29:15 * Morgan whispers back Aug 27 22:29:16 Who? Aug 27 22:29:39 Lorelai... I only just fed her... Aug 27 22:30:12 Ah...alright Aug 27 22:30:52 * Molly kisses his cheek, resting her head on his chest Aug 27 22:31:26 Goodnight Aug 27 22:31:39 G'night blossom Aug 27 22:31:57 * Molly doesn't say anything else Aug 27 22:32:10 * Morgan tries to go to sleep Aug 27 22:33:26 **He starts to dream, practising in the courtyard at Catherine's. He's still here, years on, still unhappy and not much moved on, still alive despite multiple run-ins with the Winter Prince. Molly had never fallen in the pool, and so Morgan had never suggested taking her to Carleon to be verified, and instead when she had been hurt in her Aug 27 22:33:26 * Molly has quit (Excess Flood) Aug 27 22:34:04 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 27 22:34:08 **He starts to dream, practising in the courtyard at Catherine's. He's still here, years on, still unhappy and not much moved on, still alive despite multiple run-ins with the Winter Prince. Molly had never fallen in the pool, and so Morgan had never suggested taking her to Carleon to be verified, and instead when she had been hurt in her Aug 27 22:34:08 examination in Tawstock it had not been Morgan who came to comfort her, but her future husband. Aug 27 22:34:08 *Molly and Morgan had remained close friends, and he had still developed a dreadful crush on her, but what was the point when she was getting married and he was still married in his heart anyway? So he had let her go, not objecting when she did not go to Castile, and walking her down the aisle in the Great Hall. Aug 27 22:34:38 *He'd had a pang then, leaving her at the altar. She was beautiful, sweet, kind, and far too bright for a man like Jaeger. Maybe if things had been different, if Morgan wasn't already married, maybe he would have been marrying her instead, considering having a child with her, a home. Aug 27 22:34:38 * He is thinking about how little he has seen her the last four years; years in which he knows she has had two children in close succession but has not been able to make himself visit. Their interactions had been little more than good-mornings when passing each other in town since she left. She had clearly moved on. This close to Prophet's Mass, Aug 27 22:34:38 her life is probably fun of children's happy laughter and tender kisses under the misletoe. Things he should have had with Dietlinde, and maybe could have had with Molly if their fates had been different* Aug 27 22:34:38 The dining room doors open onto the courtyard, two maids Aug 27 22:34:38 "Well, I never liked him" "Neither did I!" "I always thought he wasn't interesting enough for her" "so did I!" Aug 27 22:36:10 * Morgan trudges in, looking at them Aug 27 22:36:13 Who? Aug 27 22:39:39 * MollyK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Aug 27 22:41:08 * MollyK (~igloo@31.185.35.52) has joined Aug 27 22:41:24 M: You know that girl who used to be the housekeeper but got married to that lord? Aug 27 22:42:46 Molly, yes... Aug 27 22:43:19 M: Yeah. She got word yesterday that her husband had been killed in a duel in Carleon. Gamblin' debts, apparently. Aug 27 22:44:38 I see Aug 27 22:45:39 P: Well, I think it's sad, even if he was a colossal bore Aug 27 22:45:56 * Morgan nods Aug 27 22:46:19 Has she got friends to support her through it? Aug 27 22:48:42 M: Not that I know of. People thought she'd climbed too high above her station, too many airs an' graces. Then when she had to give up her servants and the nice house, people didn't know how to interact with her Aug 27 22:49:33 I see. I'll go and see her then Aug 27 22:49:49 M: we can go, if we had half day off? Aug 27 22:51:41 No, I'll go see her. I'll make arrangements for you to visit tomorrow if she's up to it Aug 27 22:55:41 *the two maids go to their work after giving him directions to a street he knows is not even suitable for a prosperous merchant. His horse, sadly not Xantha, who he hopes is being better treated at Sudlachenburg than he himself would probably be, is saddled easily. The ride to the town seems quick, arriving on Peony Street to find the green-doored Aug 27 22:55:41 terraced cottage. There's no smoke from the chimney, perhaps she is out, or away to her in-laws manor in Sussex, a week's travel away Aug 27 22:56:47 * Morgan ties up the horse, going to knock on the door Aug 27 22:57:02 *An older woman in an apron answers* Yes? Aug 27 22:57:20 I'm looking for Molly Aug 27 22:58:01 OW: *she looks him over* And you are? Aug 27 22:58:26 Hockridge, Morgan Hockridge... we're... we were friends Aug 27 23:02:20 *the woman looks at him again* come in then. *she goes through to the kitchen. The house is tiny, but it's clean. It is also colder than outdoors, and the two children within are wrapped in several knitted layers, both in woollen caps. The boy is three and a half, dark red hair poking out from his hat, the girl about two, with a few dark blonde Aug 27 23:02:20 ringlets around her face. They are sat at the table pulling the leafy tops from carrots, but their work is paused as they stare at him open mouthed. Molly isn't there. Aug 27 23:03:31 * Morgan looks at the woman Aug 27 23:04:14 OW: The mistress will be right in, no doubt Aug 27 23:04:20 * MollyK is now known as Boy Aug 27 23:04:31 * Boy looks at Morgan Aug 27 23:04:40 * Morgan nods, picking up some carrots and starting to pull the leafs from them Aug 27 23:05:33 We can't share Aug 27 23:06:27 No... thought I'd help Aug 27 23:07:19 *The little girl looks at his hands* Not dirty Aug 27 23:07:42 Not yet, no Aug 27 23:07:54 OW: *she looks at them* Children, enough chatter. Aug 27 23:08:06 * Morgan glances at the woman Aug 27 23:08:08 Its fine Aug 27 23:08:31 Ow: Children should be seen and not heard in company. Aug 27 23:09:13 * Morgan shrugs Aug 27 23:09:15 I disagree Aug 27 23:09:28 *The little girl moves closer to his side* Your mummy wash your hands? Aug 27 23:10:42 No, my mummy lives a long way away, I had to do it myself Aug 27 23:11:06 Our mummy scrubs our hands with the brush Aug 27 23:12:41 You get properly dirty then? Takes more to get off then... Aug 27 23:12:49 *He hears the back door, and Molly's voice before he sees her. She sounds worn* Alright, I found five, two are a bit green in places, but if we cut them we can mash them at least, and-... Aug 27 23:13:13 * Morgan stands up, carrots in hand Aug 27 23:13:24 * Boy is now known as Molly Aug 27 23:14:56 * Molly has some muddy potatoes in her pulled up apron. She's in a well-patched brown dress, not even in a mourning dress as she should be, but her hair is covered and contained by a dark grey woollen hat Aug 27 23:15:08 Morgan... I... this is unexpected Aug 27 23:15:15 * Morgan nods Aug 27 23:15:28 I... I'm sorry, if my visit is unwelcome... Aug 27 23:15:54 * Molly looks around the room. He can see the pain of shame in her expression Aug 27 23:16:12 If I had known, we'd have had a fire, and some tea. Aug 27 23:16:44 *the old woman huffs, then mutters* couldn't have afforded it Aug 27 23:17:12 * Morgan glances at the woman, a look that most in Tawstock would recognise as dangerous Aug 27 23:17:42 Not to worry, I was just getting acquainted with these two young industrious souls Aug 27 23:18:11 * Molly smiles a little, setting the potatoes down Aug 27 23:18:48 This is William, but he prefers Will, and Constance, who we call Connie Aug 27 23:19:16 *the children get down from the table to bow and curtsey Aug 27 23:19:35 Will and Connie... I'm Morgan... I prefer Morgan... Aug 27 23:19:50 W: That's the same name Aug 27 23:20:21 * Morgan nods Aug 27 23:20:35 A lot of people call me 'oh no, its you', but I prefer Morgan Aug 27 23:21:54 *Will laughs, then looks guilty* Not supposed to laugh Aug 27 23:22:06 Why's that? Aug 27 23:22:13 C: *the little girl looks to Morgan* Daddy died. Aug 27 23:22:21 * Morgan nods Aug 27 23:22:32 * Molly looks pained by this Aug 27 23:22:51 Do you think... your daddy would want you to be sad all the time? Or would he want you to laugh when you can? Aug 27 23:23:18 OW: definitely the former! Aug 27 23:23:40 * Morgan looks at her Aug 27 23:23:49 I don't recall asking you. Aug 27 23:24:12 W: Daddy _was_ cross a lot. Aug 27 23:25:07 * Molly squares her shoulders a little "Your Father loved you. He was here within a month of both of your births" Aug 27 23:25:40 *the older woman just looks at Morgan* Aug 27 23:26:11 I think we can manage without you for a few hours. Go find yourself something to do somewhere. Aug 27 23:28:08 * Molly looks to her "Maida, Morgan was acquainted with his Lordship, and no doubt is upset at hearing him spoken badly of" Aug 27 23:28:55 *the old woman shrugs* Well, if you were to let him see the state of your back he'd soon change his tune! Aug 27 23:29:06 * Molly looks at the floor, grimicing Aug 27 23:29:11 * Morgan moves towards the woman, speaking quietly Aug 27 23:29:50 What good does your manner and tone do the children who have lost their father? None. You can go, take the morning off. Now. Aug 27 23:30:00 W: Daddy took the birch with him. Aug 27 23:30:33 * Molly dismisses her, and she leaves the house. Molly looks at Morgan Aug 27 23:30:42 I am sorry you heard that. Aug 27 23:30:55 * Morgan shakes his head Aug 27 23:31:42 Why don't we just sit down and help Connie and Will get these prepared, and we can talk Aug 27 23:33:12 * Molly does so. As soon as he is sat the girl is at his side again. Molly is directly opposite. Unlike the children's hands, hers are very muddy Aug 27 23:34:37 I am sorry I cannot off you something to drink Aug 27 23:34:51 * Morgan looks at the girl momentarily, before setting back to work on the carrot Aug 27 23:35:12 If I'd realised, I'd have brought some tea... Aug 27 23:36:05 We don't have a fire until the sunsets anyway I am afraid. Aug 27 23:36:33 C: Get sticks in woods. Aug 27 23:39:11 Difficult to find them anywhere else, really Aug 27 23:40:10 *the carrots are skinny, and soon plucked. They and the few potatoes would at best make two small adult meals of mash* Aug 27 23:40:50 * Morgan looks at Molly Aug 27 23:40:55 Will you let me help? Aug 27 23:41:16 You can wash the potatoes, but they will spoil cut so early Aug 27 23:41:32 Thats not what I meant Aug 27 23:42:09 * Molly looks at the children. "Shall we go and get some more sticks from the woods?" Aug 27 23:44:22 *the children seem excited by this, so they are soon underway, both in coats too small. Molly's cloak, a deep blue velvet, looks like it has endured four hard years since he remembers Jaeger buying it for her the Prophet's Mass before the wedding. It's threadbare in places, but for going out the back gate and into the woods it will suffice. The Aug 27 23:44:22 children are soon out of earshot for quiet conversation* Aug 27 23:45:17 * Molly looks tired and serious as she scans the ground for appropriate twigs Aug 27 23:45:34 I am both gladdened and humiliated to see you. Aug 27 23:45:53 I wasn't sure you'd welcome my visit Aug 27 23:46:39 I do... but much more so if it wasn't to see how badly wrong all of this has gone for me, aside from the children. Aug 27 23:46:58 You think that is why I came? Aug 27 23:47:59 No, I think that is an unfortunate effect. You would never come to say you told me so Aug 27 23:48:16 No... I came to see how you are... if there's anything I can do Aug 27 23:48:32 * Molly sighs heavily Aug 27 23:48:52 There are so many problems. I do not know where to start Aug 27 23:49:01 Who's the miserable woman? Aug 27 23:49:26 My housekeeper... though in truth she is more my keeper. Aug 27 23:49:43 She's... outspoken Aug 27 23:51:03 * Molly nods Aug 27 23:51:27 She hates... *she sighs* hated Curtis. Aug 27 23:51:52 It sounds like he deserved it Aug 27 23:53:29 I... I did not make him happy. He thought I was all he needed, but then he realised I wasn't... *she picks up a stick* It was his mistress that wrote with the news Aug 27 23:53:49 I'm sorry Aug 27 23:55:13 *she exhales slowly* It's alright, it's just... it's been awful... I should not speak ill of the dead. Aug 27 23:55:53 If its deserved, its fine. Aug 27 23:56:35 * Molly looks at him Aug 27 23:56:54 Tell me you won't think ill of me if I am too honest? Aug 27 23:57:11 Of course not Aug 27 23:59:38 I was pregnant again after Connie. He was home, I was about seven months along. He told me how badly indebted he was. My labour started, but he would not listen that it was not just practice pains, and set off for Carleon to her house that he has always paid for. The baby was stillborn. I sent a rider, he was only a day out. He wouldn't come back