**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon Oct 3 09:22:36 2022 Oct 03 09:22:36 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Oct 03 12:08:06 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Oct 03 15:02:21 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Oct 03 19:32:24 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Oct 03 19:33:02 * Morgan (~mads@iMac-2.lan) has joined Oct 03 21:44:00 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Oct 03 21:44:32 If only we could be sure it wouldn't happen again Oct 03 21:44:49 * Morgan shrugs Oct 03 21:44:51 It is what it is Oct 03 21:45:17 At least you saw Madchen though? Oct 03 21:45:44 * Morgan nods Oct 03 21:46:32 Was there anything more to indicate when she will come? Oct 03 21:47:31 No, she doesn't seem to know. I know how we'll know its her though Oct 03 21:48:22 Oh? Oct 03 21:48:33 Red hair and a birthmark Oct 03 21:49:01 The red hair is always a risk, I am afraid... *she smiles* Oct 03 21:49:38 * Morgan nods Oct 03 21:49:43 But the birthmark isn't Oct 03 21:50:12 Do we know what or where? Oct 03 21:50:28 * Morgan nods Oct 03 21:50:29 She showed me Oct 03 21:53:05 * MollyK smiles Oct 03 21:53:31 It is nice that you already have a bond with her Oct 03 21:57:25 * Morgan nods Oct 03 21:57:35 I do rather look forward to seeing her Oct 03 21:58:15 * MollyK nods Oct 03 21:58:39 So do I, but there is a new world out there waiting for us first Oct 03 22:00:25 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:01:07 * MollyK kisses his crown Oct 03 22:01:52 I need to write some letter to Bauer and Heinrich, to let them know to speak to my Father should anything happen during our absence Oct 03 22:02:54 Oh? Oct 03 22:03:57 That way he can speak to us and advise as we would wish. Assuming, of course, the mirrors can handle such a distance Oct 03 22:05:04 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:06:15 But that will be done tomorrow. I would not trade time with you like this Oct 03 22:06:25 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:07:37 You did well at the funeral here, my love Oct 03 22:07:54 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:08:09 I finished the burial myself, with Claudia's help Oct 03 22:09:49 Did you? Oct 03 22:10:26 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:10:31 It felt the right thing to do Oct 03 22:12:17 Because we had been then when he passed? Oct 03 22:12:39 * Morgan shrugs Oct 03 22:13:02 HeinzHarold did the same for me. Mina is family now, so it was right... Oct 03 22:14:26 * MollyK nods Oct 03 22:14:39 It was so good of Heinzharold... Oct 03 22:14:48 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:14:51 Yes, it was Oct 03 22:15:44 Do you regret having not done it yourself? Oct 03 22:16:24 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:17:52 But they were is loving hands with him too, and that's important Oct 03 22:19:29 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:19:31 aye Oct 03 22:20:36 * MollyK strokes his hair Oct 03 22:20:48 Are you ready to sleep, my love? Oct 03 22:21:06 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:21:07 I think so Oct 03 22:21:19 You think so? Oct 03 22:21:27 * MollyK smiles fondly Oct 03 22:21:43 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:21:59 Here, like this? Oct 03 22:25:42 If thats alright Oct 03 22:26:06 If you like it like this? Oct 03 22:26:35 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:27:43 * MollyK nods Oct 03 22:27:50 Goodnight, my love Oct 03 22:28:06 Goodnight blossom Oct 03 22:29:01 * MollyK sings to him, but she is soon asleep Oct 03 22:29:41 * Morgan smiles, settling to try to sleep Oct 03 22:31:23 **he dreams in his memories. It is new years eve, the coming year of our lord sixteen sixty five being the first for many decades without a War. He's gone to the tavern to celebrate with HH and Claudia, knowing that Dietlinde will be there. He's careful only to dance with her once and to dance with others, but at five minutes before midnight he Oct 03 22:31:23 motions for her to follow him outside. The ground is cold beneath his knee when he goes on it to ask her to marry him. The nod and delighted acceptance warms him, and the heat of her mouth as he kisses her as the church bells ring in the new year heats him more. This year, the year he is going to marry and live with her, is going to be the Oct 03 22:31:23 beginning of the rest of his life. He wakes suddenly* Oct 03 22:32:24 * Morgan sighs, checking the time Oct 03 22:32:39 *he's been asleep less than an hour* Oct 03 22:33:23 * Morgan sighs again, glancing round the room Oct 03 22:34:00 *it's all dark. His head is still on Molly's chest* Oct 03 22:34:13 * Morgan frowns, trying to go back to sleep Oct 03 22:34:56 **he starts to dream, the thread where Edward and Mina's elopement made him have to reveal his own plan to an annoyed Adalbrecht. After being asked to attend court by the Duke's Goddaughter next door, he is fully dressed, including in breeches, when he comes down the stairs. She is stood in the hallway alone, hair perfect and in a lovely deep Oct 03 22:34:56 green dress that suits her hair well, looking in the mirror and squeezing her breasts together a little with her upper arms to make more of a cleavage. Oct 03 22:35:29 You've no need of that Oct 03 22:36:03 ACTION looks at him "If I am going to attract some old gout-ridden lech, I should look the part" *she wiggles her bodice a little lower* I wish I was bustier. Oct 03 22:36:04 * Received a CTCP from MollyK (to #7thsea) Oct 03 22:36:56 Old gout ridden leches will stare without you making it so obvious Oct 03 22:37:33 * MollyK looks at herself in the mirror again before fiddling with a curl Oct 03 22:37:38 You look smart Oct 03 22:37:53 I suppose so Oct 03 22:38:32 ACTION dabs perfume from her little satin bag behind her ears and between her breasts. He can faintly smell it, it's exotic, intriguing, and expensive smelling. Quite grown-up, but it fits the make up. She looks closer to twenty like this. Oct 03 22:38:32 * Received a CTCP from MollyK (to #7thsea) Oct 03 22:39:31 Could I ask a favour? Oct 03 22:39:36 You can ask Oct 03 22:39:53 Come closer, and tell me if this is enough perfume or too much? Oct 03 22:40:13 * Morgan steps closer, sniffing Oct 03 22:41:17 ACTION smells good, just right. Adalbrecht appears in the hall, Morgan can see him over her shoulder. He inclines his head a little before going back the way he came** Oct 03 22:41:18 * Received a CTCP from MollyK (to #7thsea) Oct 03 22:41:54 You've got it about right Oct 03 22:42:36 * MollyK nods, smiling "not too girlish?" Oct 03 22:43:09 No, I don't think so Oct 03 22:44:03 Did I hear footsteps? Oct 03 22:44:17 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:44:22 My father thinks himself subtle Oct 03 22:44:36 What was he doing? Oct 03 22:44:50 Saw us standing together and backed away Oct 03 22:45:19 For what purpose? Oct 03 22:45:53 He seeks to pair us off I think Oct 03 22:46:50 Oh stuff and nonsense! You are at least thirty years too young and a hundred times too handsome for me! And you look positively _healthy_! No, it would not do at all! *she grins* Oct 03 22:47:14 * Morgan nods absently Oct 03 22:47:52 * MollyK watches him Oct 03 22:48:03 You're think of your girl back in Sudlachenburg " Oct 03 22:48:06 ? Oct 03 22:48:14 * Morgan nods Oct 03 22:49:51 * MollyK nods Oct 03 22:50:27 I think about Seb every second minute. At least there is still hope? Oct 03 22:51:04 No, I don't think so. My father is as stubborn as an ass. Unfortunately for him, so am I Oct 03 22:51:14 * MollyK nods Oct 03 22:51:48 You couldn't find some nicer older girl for a token marriage and have your girl as a mistress then? Oct 03 22:52:04 * Morgan frowns Oct 03 22:52:05 No Oct 03 22:52:33 * MollyK shrugs Oct 03 22:52:42 Maybe something will come along Oct 03 22:53:21 I doubt it Oct 03 22:56:30 *Edward and Mina come downstairs, their fine outfits matching. Soon the six of them cram into the carriage, Morgan having to sit squeezed up next to Molly thanks to Adalbrecht's machinations. She whispers to Morgan, sounding amused "I think you're right, he's a sneaky one" Oct 03 22:57:09 * Morgan nods slightly Oct 03 22:59:38 *Across the carriage, Edward and Mina look very in love, and Joseff seems to have mellowed to the situation. It takes about twenty close minutes before they get there, his assessment that her noticeable perfume is just right. She chats with a lively enthusiasm with Mina and Edward* Oct 03 23:00:06 * Morgan sits quietly for the journey Oct 03 23:00:44 **They get to Court. It's all the same nonsense he finds tedious, but she sails around the room like a beautiful ship, making port with young women and old men smoothly. She flirts and simpers and gossips. Oct 03 23:01:24 * Morgan watches the people Oct 03 23:02:48 *It's busy, full of finery, almost as if the War never happened. At one point, a hunched, doddery man who looks to be about eighty asks her to dance, and over his shoulder she meets Morgan's eye, subtly pointing at the man's back then giving Morgan a thumbs up with a slight nod and an expression of feigned approval. He's around her height so bent Oct 03 23:02:48 over like this** Oct 03 23:04:23 * Morgan nods slightly Oct 03 23:04:31 **she sticks her tongue out at him before grinning, then carries on dancing** Oct 03 23:06:05 * Morgan goes back to crowd watching Oct 03 23:06:12 * MollyK is now known as Edward Oct 03 23:06:27 * Edward has torn himself away from his bride Oct 03 23:06:45 Morgan, alright? Oct 03 23:07:09 * Morgan shrugs, looking bored Oct 03 23:08:38 * Edward looks in Molly's direction. She's dancing with a different old man when the music changes "She's certainly pretty and lively" Oct 03 23:08:57 * Morgan nods Oct 03 23:09:28 I imagine she'll make some old man happy for twenty or so minutes before he dies of exertion Oct 03 23:09:36 * Edward laughs Oct 03 23:10:04 Twenty?! Optimistic! A young bride like that, seven at best. Oct 03 23:10:25 I was accounting for the time it takes an old man to get his shoes off Oct 03 23:10:35 * Edward laughs again Oct 03 23:11:23 There's nothing better in the world than being married Oct 03 23:11:57 I wouldn't know Oct 03 23:12:57 You should get married, you'd like it. Oct 03 23:13:19 Yes, well, that is not on the cards Oct 03 23:13:48 * Edward gets champagne from a servant Oct 03 23:13:55 Why not? Oct 03 23:14:47 Because father has decided the woman I wish to marry is not good enough. So he'll have to rely on you for children. Oct 03 23:15:06 * Edward looks perplexed Oct 03 23:15:14 Youre' the Veisgraf Oct 03 23:15:29 * Morgan shrugs Oct 03 23:16:40 Take her as your mistress. You can provide for her, she can give you some children. Men do it all the time *he sips his champagne* Oct 03 23:16:52 _we_ do not Oct 03 23:17:28 * Edward shrugs "I considered it, a couple of years ago. I was only fifteen then though." Oct 03 23:18:38 Best not tell father, he'll have you baptised again for thinking such a thing Oct 03 23:18:48 * Edward laughs Oct 03 23:18:56 I am a reformed man now. Oct 03 23:19:18 Evidently Oct 03 23:20:20 ACTION nods. Older people introduce their daughters to him, and talk about the happy surprise of Edward and Mina's marriage. Adalbrecht and Joseff act like they were in on it, that a quiet wedding seemed more appropriate considering the gravity of all the lives lost to the now-ended War, and everything seems to be smoothed over** Oct 03 23:20:21 * Received a CTCP from Edward (to #7thsea) Oct 03 23:21:22 * Morgan makes vaguely polite conversation Oct 03 23:22:01 **It is tedious. After a while he is watching Edward waltz his wife across the dancefloor, occasionally catching flashes of deep green satin and red hair as Molly is waltzing with one of the potential husbands the Duke wants for her, Eisenfurst Trague. Despite how bored she looks, noone cuts in to take her, who would dare? Oct 03 23:24:12 *Adalbrecht comes to stand beside Morgan* Oct 03 23:24:18 * Edward is now known as Adalbrecht Oct 03 23:24:40 It is a good job we came to deal with this situation. Oct 03 23:25:29 Oh yes, you've done a massive amount about it Oct 03 23:26:06 I have been showing everyone how we are now one big happy family Oct 03 23:26:25 Ah, so you've been lying... I understand Oct 03 23:26:38 * Adalbrecht frowns slightly Oct 03 23:26:59 It is done and cannot be undone. Edward will have to go to Graben and one day be the Freiarr. Oct 03 23:28:37 The marriage could be annulled, and you well know that Oct 03 23:29:15 Joseff and I are in agreement that this is preferable Oct 03 23:29:44 Well as long as _you_ are happy, thats what matters Oct 03 23:29:55 I am. As to you… *he sighs* I am disappointed. I wanted a match for you that would increase our standing and connections, and make Sudlachenburg more prosperous. I feel that you have abandoned that responsibility. Oct 03 23:31:03 Did _you_ marry for that? No, you didn't. So don't be such a hypocrite Oct 03 23:31:45 *Adalbrecht sips his drink, keeping his reaction to himself* To me, the best solution is for you to pick a noble bride, and take the girl as a mistress. Will you consider that? Oct 03 23:32:29 No. Your line will continue once the son you are suddenly proud of has children, since I am not to marry the woman I love. Oct 03 23:33:10 * Adalbrecht looks displeased Oct 03 23:33:13 Then what will happen is this. You will stay here in Freiburg with Edward and Mina, and attend all the social functions. If at the end of summer you have not found someone else, I will make her Father a baronet. After you spend a year in Graben with Edward, you may return and marry Dietlinde. Oct 03 23:33:36 * Morgan looks at him suspiciously Oct 03 23:33:49 What subterfuge is this? Oct 03 23:35:38 It is not. I _want_ you to find a suitable bride, as does your Mother, desperately. It is an olive branch and a compromise. I do not want you to marry Dietlinde, but I do not think you will do anything but rage against us if you do not get some agency in this. Oct 03 23:36:28 You wish me to spend a year following that pair around, rubbing my nose in it, showing me what you do not wish me to have? Oct 03 23:37:48 No, a year spent seeing the duties you will have, and how a noble wife would serve that, as well as socialising with eligible young women Oct 03 23:38:28 *From across the room, Molly is watching them, waiting for Morgan to make eye contact* Oct 03 23:38:52 * Morgan glances over Oct 03 23:39:05 *Molly mouths "need rescue?" Oct 03 23:39:35 * Morgan shakes his head Oct 03 23:39:56 It must grate on you... knowing that your family is not thought _good enough_ for me to marry her Oct 03 23:40:15 Marry who? Oct 03 23:40:28 The Dukes goddaughter... Oct 03 23:40:56 It is a disappointment, certainly, but I understand that she is in a position to strengthen their alliances Oct 03 23:41:25 Ah... I see... we're not family, we're tools to be used. Oct 03 23:42:09 You are _noble_. You have an obligation to your families and your people Oct 03 23:44:06 * Morgan puts down his glass suddenly and walks away Oct 03 23:45:14 * Adalbrecht doesn't follow. It's Molly who intercepts him a few minutes later out on the balcony in the cold night air, offering him a flask Oct 03 23:45:24 Stormy seas, hmm? Oct 03 23:45:24 No, thank you Oct 03 23:45:30 * Adalbrecht is now known as Molly Oct 03 23:45:42 * Molly shrugs, drinking a mouthful Oct 03 23:46:02 It's Drambuie, from Vesten. Much nicer than champagne Oct 03 23:47:24 I know it... how goes your hunt? Oct 03 23:47:59 That depends. Do you think intense halitosis is a good quality in a future spouse? Oct 03 23:48:34 I suppose it'd be a talking point Oct 03 23:48:39 * Molly smiles Oct 03 23:49:09 What about one who wants their corns and bunions tended each morning and night? Oct 03 23:50:28 Better than having to meet their needs each morning and night? Oct 03 23:51:08 I am not sure any of them are still capable of flying any flag above half mast Oct 03 23:52:33 That is preferable perhaps Oct 03 23:53:16 * Molly nods Oct 03 23:53:49 Trague probably could, but he would want that and as many children as possible. I would never escape Oct 03 23:54:44 * Morgan nods Oct 03 23:55:14 * Molly drinks again, offering again Oct 03 23:55:35 * Morgan takes it, sipping it before handing it back Oct 03 23:56:05 My lipstick long wore off, there's none on you Oct 03 23:56:49 Where is the rest of it? Oct 03 23:57:15 * Molly laughs Oct 03 23:57:50 On a variety of glasses. Were you hoping I'd say something more salacious? Oct 03 23:58:07 * Morgan shrugs Oct 03 23:58:09 Not especially Oct 03 23:58:35 Have you quarrelled with him again? Oct 03 23:59:41 More a continuation of how big a disappointment I am Oct 03 23:59:52 * Molly nods