**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon May 22 00:37:27 2023 May 22 00:37:27 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined May 22 00:43:06 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 22 10:23:29 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined May 22 11:05:00 * Morgan has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 22 11:07:32 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined May 22 11:08:44 * Morgan has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 22 11:17:12 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined May 22 11:22:41 * Morgan has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) **** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon May 22 11:27:56 2023 May 22 11:27:56 * Now talking on #7thsea May 22 11:33:02 * log (logger@my.server.name) has joined May 22 12:27:30 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined May 22 12:30:39 *lunch and the afternoon speeds by, and they're well underway after he's had a nap to prepare. The evening shift is quiet, no preparation for her to sail, so he rolls into bed in the Captain's quarters not long after midnight knowing he's working again at four May 22 12:31:55 * Morgan concentrates on waking up at twenty past three before trying to sleep May 22 12:34:18 *he falls asleep quickly. **He recognises where he is, it's Wassermeer, on Insel, near the tidal crossing. Everything is the yellow tone of Molly's dream. His body feels strange, gangly, like he was in adolescence, tall but not having filled out with muscle. He feels a nudge in his ribs.* May 22 12:34:43 * Morgan glances round May 22 12:37:06 **HH beside him confirms for Morgan that he must be sixteen or seventeen here. It's been a full decade since he's seen his best friend this young, still handsome but caught between childhood and adulthood, still not needing to shave. He's wearing a pristine uniform, one that has obviously not seen a battlefield yet. As the weather is good, he May 22 12:37:06 thinks it's likely late summer 1660, which should make Molly ten. May 22 12:37:14 * MollyK is now known as HH May 22 12:37:33 Didn' expect t' get stationed with you straight away! May 22 12:37:52 Din' think you'd get that unlucky yet May 22 12:39:17 Yep. All th' troops in all th' country, an' I got you! May 22 12:39:45 They've only gone and put all their eggs in one basket here May 22 12:41:52 Yeah, only chance o' ending it, and we're just on this little island May 22 12:42:15 **They approach a large group of people who are strolling along much slower than them** May 22 12:42:21 * Morgan nods, looking round May 22 12:44:16 **Knowing that none of this is real, he can immediately recognize the oldest man, looking the same as in the painting of he saw in Insel’s gallery. This is Leopold, early sixties and the brunette and grey-haired woman beside him is about ten years younger. Despite being far older, he recognises her as Sophie, Molly’s Avalonian Grandmother. There's May 22 12:44:16 a younger man, David at 40, and Martha is a little younger. They dont look much different. May 22 12:44:20 **With them are a large group of children, ranging from Seb who looks to be his and HHs age here, even more awkward and gangly than his best friend, down to Ilena who looks to be about 8. He also spots Cecily, alive and well, but at 12 seems happier walking beside Seb and chatting than playing. May 22 12:46:17 What's the deal there? May 22 12:46:30 Where? May 22 12:46:41 * Morgan nods toward the children May 22 12:47:17 think it's th' Freiarr's family **A ball thrown by a boy Morgan doesn't recognise is heading right in his direction, as is Molly, looking up to try to catch it, though she clearly won't manage it. She barrels into Morgan* May 22 12:48:26 * Morgan staggers, trying to catch her May 22 12:50:03 *He manages it. She smiles, obviously at ease and confident, her Eisen completely Posen accented May 22 12:50:04 "Sorry, 'scuse me!" May 22 12:50:36 'S alright lass May 22 12:50:46 * HH is now known as Molly May 22 12:51:22 * Molly stands up straight, brushing down her dress "thank you. I like your uniform" May 22 12:51:52 It keeps the dust off May 22 12:52:01 Off what? May 22 12:52:06 me May 22 12:52:51 Oh! I'm Molly Rosenkrantz, who are you? May 22 12:53:11 Morgan Koertig May 22 12:54:11 * Molly nods, looking at Heinzharold when he hands her the ball "thanks. Do you want to meet my family?" May 22 12:54:50 * Morgan nods May 22 12:54:52 That'd be nice May 22 12:55:18 * Molly smiles "follow me then" May 22 12:55:35 * Morgan nods May 22 12:55:39 Lead the way young miss May 22 12:57:13 * Molly giggles, going straight to Leopold "Grandpapa! Look, I met some of our soldiers!" *he looks at her fondly, putting an arm around her shoulder* May 22 12:57:56 *HH whispers to Morgan* This one's gon' be trouble at Court, bet she grows up pretty May 22 12:58:18 * Morgan nods slightly May 22 12:59:02 Leopold looks relaxed, happy: Good afternoon, gentlemen May 22 12:59:11 * Morgan inclines his head May 22 12:59:13 My lord May 22 12:59:56 *the others gather around. He can see Cecily watching Heinzharold intently* May 22 13:01:05 I'm Freiarr Leopold Rosenkrantz. This is my wife Sophie *she smiles, the priest was right, this is definitely where Molly got her eyes. She's still pretty even in her fifties* May 22 13:01:15 * Molly is now known as Leopold May 22 13:01:48 * Morgan nods May 22 13:02:01 A pleasure to meet you. This is HeinzHarold, I'm Morgan May 22 13:02:44 * Leopold glances at his wife a moment with a brief smile. She raises her eyebrows back May 22 13:04:13 We're pleased to meet you. This is my eldest son David, his wife Martha, their youngest three children Cecily, Josiah, and Molly, who you've met, and my nephew Sebastian and niece Ilena May 22 13:04:36 * Morgan inclines his head to them May 22 13:06:09 S: Will you walk back to our house with us? We have space for more for dinner? May 22 13:06:30 If you wish, we'd be honoured May 22 13:07:55 *this seems to suit everyone, especially Cecily who has abandoned her cousins to walk beside HH and chatting to him as they go. Molly flits around the group, talking about with everyone. Her grandparents seem especially fond of her* May 22 13:08:27 * Leopold walks beside Morgan "Where are you from, Morgan?" May 22 13:09:06 * Morgan smiles slightly, repeating the names of various Grafdoms while mimicking the accent there May 22 13:09:15 Wherever I'm told to be from, generally my lord May 22 13:10:22 * Leopold smiles May 22 13:11:12 The one that sounds least natural is Fischler, like you are overcompensating May 22 13:11:45 Most wouldn't notice that my lord... May 22 13:13:20 * Leopold nods May 22 13:13:36 I have travelled extensively, especially in my younger days May 22 13:13:48 * Morgan nods May 22 13:13:59 I'm from Sudlachenburg May 22 13:14:08 * Leopold nods May 22 13:14:20 Ah yes, the home of the Schattenmann May 22 13:14:36 yes. Apparently. May 22 13:15:33 * Leopold smiles faintly "No apparently about it, young man" May 22 13:16:03 You actually -believe- it? May 22 13:18:02 * Leopold nods May 22 13:18:22 Generally once one sees a thing it is hard to not believe May 22 13:18:37 You've -seen- it? May 22 13:18:45 * Leopold nods May 22 13:18:51 Several times May 22 13:19:01 You're still alive... May 22 13:19:19 *Molly comes to Morgan's other side* May 22 13:19:31 As far as I am aware, yes May 22 13:20:35 * Morgan nods May 22 13:20:38 You look it May 22 13:21:17 * Leopold nods May 22 13:22:49 In sixteen nineteen I lived in a house in the Schwarzenwald for many months May 22 13:23:03 brave May 22 13:23:34 *Molly groans* Oh no, Grandpapa is telling the Schattenmann stories again! May 22 13:25:13 Its a superstition where I'm from, little lady May 22 13:26:54 *she shrugs* It's not that scary to me May 22 13:28:37 I can see that May 22 13:29:04 I took Molly there for a few days a few years ago May 22 13:29:23 I happen to think its terrifying May 22 13:30:48 * Leopold has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 22 13:30:52 * Morgan has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 22 13:39:20 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined May 22 13:40:25 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined May 22 13:40:59 I happen to think its terrifying May 22 13:41:07 [13:14:20] Leopold: M: you have to not be scared of it. Then it doesn't want to eat you May 22 13:41:32 It wants to eat you because you're scared it wants to eat you? May 22 13:42:03 * MollyK is now known as Leopold May 22 13:42:17 I strongly believe it is the fear it feeds on May 22 13:43:03 Interesting theory May 22 13:46:54 * Leopold nods May 22 13:47:35 Molly and I are both very physically calm around it, and it shows no signs of aggression May 22 13:47:51 I see May 22 13:50:04 *Molly smiles* it's like the pumpernickel bread. It doesn't matter what flavour it is May 22 13:51:09 Cheese topped sourdough would be acceptable? May 22 13:51:55 *Molly smiles* oh that sounds good? Do you know how to make that? Will you make it with me? **** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon May 22 13:55:46 2023 May 22 13:55:46 * Now talking on #7thsea May 22 13:58:35 * log (logger@my.server.name) has joined May 22 14:00:58 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined May 22 14:01:27 * MollyK just smiles, again glancing at Sophie May 22 14:01:33 * MollyK is now known as Leopold May 22 14:01:36 I've seen it made, I could give it a go May 22 14:01:59 When you have time, you are welcome to visit May 22 14:02:28 * Morgan nods May 22 14:02:50 Thank you... May 22 14:04:42 M: I don't think the Schattenmann will like it unless we make it with fear May 22 14:05:16 Tough to be scared when making bread May 22 14:07:28 But when it is for the Schattenmann, isn't that a part of it? *he remembers Verity saying his Father had been in a panic this Shadowfayre that the bread had burned and more might not be ready in time* May 22 14:08:10 So it eats the bread because we make ti because we fear it... May 22 14:10:29 M: I think so. I think it'd eat it if you made it a mud pie, providing you made it because you were scared it would come if you don't May 22 14:11:01 Interesting... May 22 14:11:13 * Morgan looks around thoughtfully May 22 14:12:19 *Sophie catches his eye* you're good with Molly, do you have siblings? May 22 14:12:45 A brother, my lady May 22 14:14:06 S: just one?! That's a small family May 22 14:15:03 I think my parents would have liked more but... there is enough to fulfil the duties in the future May 22 14:15:14 * Leopold nods May 22 14:15:39 Sophie and I have eight. It's difficult to know what to do with them all May 22 14:16:47 * Morgan nods May 22 14:17:02 You should talk with my father, I've no doubt he could give plenty of ideas May 22 14:21:23 Five of our sons are fighting, but in a few years when the War ends it will be more challenging to settle them May 22 14:22:36 It'll be tough for those of us who have only known the war May 22 14:23:38 * Leopold nods May 22 14:24:03 It will, but the world is far too interesting and beautiful to spend killing each other May 22 14:24:29 * Morgan nods May 22 14:24:31 Yes my lord May 22 14:25:58 * Leopold takes Sophie's hand and kisses it. She smiles May 22 14:26:16 Love is what matters. Love and family. May 22 14:26:44 I'll keep that in mind May 22 14:28:16 * Leopold nods, smiling "I am certain you will" May 22 14:29:38 Something to do with the knowing glances when you heard my name, perhaps? May 22 14:33:07 * Leopold nods May 22 14:34:00 You believe in superstition, suppose I say to you that I have an inkling about things that are due to happen in the future... May 22 14:35:50 I'd be expected to say thats unnatural... and the looks indicate knowledge, not inkling. May 22 14:36:24 A high likelihood May 22 14:37:01 I see. May 22 14:37:06 *Molly gently tugs at his sleeve* Do you want to have a race? May 22 14:39:11 A race? I'm not sure anyone could beat you May 22 14:41:12 M: *she grins* well, if you're too scared to fail... May 22 14:41:37 Are you trying to goad me, little lady? May 22 14:42:41 M: is it working? May 22 14:43:20 * Morgan nods May 22 14:43:22 Come on then May 22 14:45:54 *Molly says three... two... but she's already running when she shouts one* May 22 14:46:12 * Morgan sets off after her, aiming to be just behind her May 22 14:48:53 *it occurs to him that it's time for him to wake up* May 22 14:49:01 * Morgan tries to wake May 22 14:51:10 *he does so, the room cool and very quiet May 22 14:51:31 * Morgan climbs out of bed, getting things sorted to go back on duty May 22 14:54:58 *he doesn't get chance to see Molly until he has finished at eight once they're underway again. When he does, she is alone and sat on the window seat feeding Emil* May 22 14:55:02 * Leopold is now known as Molly May 22 14:55:36 * Morgan moves to sit by her, sipping his coffee May 22 14:55:50 Good morning, my Captain May 22 14:56:42 Morning love May 22 14:57:58 Did you need a nap? May 22 14:58:19 I'm alright for a bit May 22 14:59:58 * Molly nods. The baby pulls away to look at him with her nipple still in his mouth. She winces May 22 15:00:05 Good lord! May 22 15:00:39 * Morgan strokes Emil's head May 22 15:00:48 You really should stop doing that May 22 15:02:05 *he lets go with a pop. Molly laughs* that's an odd sensation! May 22 15:02:39 * Morgan nods May 22 15:02:48 I would imagine it is May 22 15:04:46 * Molly hands the eager baby over to him May 22 15:04:57 I think he's getting another tooth May 22 15:05:16 Oh? May 22 15:06:30 * Molly nods, covering her breast "on the top" May 22 15:06:41 * Morgan nods May 22 15:06:52 That'll be challenging soon then May 22 15:06:59 * Molly nods May 22 15:07:22 I do not relish being properly bitten. I might ask your Mother how to stop it May 22 15:08:18 * Morgan nods May 22 15:08:39 I don't think tapping him on the nose would be the best solution May 22 15:09:04 *Emil burps, and Bir copies him before laughing* May 22 15:09:14 * Molly giggles "oh dear" May 22 15:09:23 * Morgan smiles, sighing May 22 15:09:26 I'm going to miss her May 22 15:10:48 * Molly nods May 22 15:10:56 She brightens up the place May 22 15:11:54 * Morgan nods May 22 15:11:58 Yes, she does May 22 15:12:04 She has a sense of humour all her own May 22 15:12:47 * Molly nods, watching Emil trying to bounce May 22 15:12:52 She's unconventional May 22 15:13:32 * Morgan nods May 22 15:13:34 Yes, she is May 22 15:14:06 You like unconventional May 22 15:15:23 I suppose I do May 22 15:16:50 * Molly smiles May 22 15:16:55 You like me May 22 15:17:33 Even if you do cheat at races May 22 15:18:28 * Molly laughs May 22 15:18:30 Oh! May 22 15:20:17 * Morgan nods, smiling May 22 15:20:33 * Molly smiles, leaning against him May 22 15:20:47 You were cute, not that I fancied boys then May 22 15:21:14 No... you definitely have your grandmothers eyes May 22 15:22:40 * Molly looks sad then May 22 15:22:43 Yes, I do May 22 15:23:04 * Morgan strokes her cheek May 22 15:24:20 * Molly shakes her head, smiling sadly "silly, isn't it? Not my life." May 22 15:24:27 Not silly at all love May 22 15:26:33 They would have been happy. Their story was a love story, not one of magical accident, misery, and accidental drowning... they hadn't parted because he'd apologised, told her he would marry her and take care of her. May 22 15:27:14 * Morgan nods May 22 15:27:16 aye May 22 15:28:55 My childhood there was nearly perfect May 22 15:29:00 * Morgan nods May 22 15:29:03 Yes, it was May 22 15:30:55 And Cess... *she sighs* May 22 15:31:37 * Morgan nods May 22 15:31:49 She was very interested in HeinzHarold, unsurprisingly May 22 15:32:28 * Molly smiles May 22 15:32:51 You had that often, girls liking him? May 22 15:33:02 Only all the time May 22 15:34:58 He was already handsome then May 22 15:35:05 * Morgan nods May 22 15:35:09 Sickeningly so May 22 15:39:15 * Molly nods May 22 15:39:48 That was strange about the Schattenmann though May 22 15:39:54 * Morgan nods May 22 15:39:56 Indeed it was May 22 15:41:37 Could it be real? May 22 15:43:14 * Morgan shrugs May 22 15:43:16 maybe May 22 15:44:49 * Molly has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 22 15:47:43 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined May 22 15:47:51 *Emil plants his mouth on Morgan's cheek* May 22 15:48:22 You're not going to find anything there young man May 22 15:48:48 Oh, no, he's trying to kiss you, he's been doing it a few days May 22 15:49:42 Oh really? May 22 15:49:50 * Morgan turns, kissing Emil's cheek noisily May 22 15:51:01 *Emil giggles* May 22 15:51:21 He's an affectionate boy May 22 15:51:26 * Morgan nods May 22 15:51:30 Aye, he is May 22 15:53:52 *Emil does it again* May 22 15:54:12 * Morgan repeats his action May 22 15:54:16 He loves you very much. He often says Vah-eee now May 22 15:55:00 Do you little man? I'll be around more soon May 22 15:57:33 E: Vah-eee oww. *he tries to bounce* May 22 15:57:49 Wow? May 22 15:58:01 oww? May 22 15:59:31 Bounce, my love May 22 15:59:46 Oh... I see May 22 16:00:01 * Morgan takes him, letting him bounce on his legs May 22 16:01:44 * MollyK smiles May 22 16:01:55 You're so good with him May 22 16:02:23 I'm glad you think so May 22 16:07:39 * MollyK has quit (Ping Timeout) May 22 16:08:35 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined May 22 16:09:06 I do, certainly enough to make lots more babies with you May 22 16:09:14 * Morgan nods May 22 16:09:15 good May 22 16:15:27 * MollyK kisses his other cheek when Emil kisses him again May 22 16:16:34 * Morgan sighs happily May 22 16:18:35 *Varick comes in from his room, then sits on Molly's lap* I want to join in! May 22 16:20:51 * Morgan turns, noisily kissing his cheek May 22 16:22:50 *Varick laughs. Eventually this ends up with Emil and Molly kissing his cheeks and Varick kissing his forehead all at once* May 22 16:23:54 Well, if that isn't the perfect start to the day I don't know what is May 22 16:26:17 * MollyK smiles May 22 16:26:30 Wait until there is ten of them all trying to do it! May 22 16:27:09 Thats going to be a challenge May 22 16:29:36 A lovely one May 22 16:30:18 * Morgan nods May 22 16:30:20 Yes indeed May 22 16:31:12 V: That will be a lot of children May 22 16:31:20 * Morgan nods May 22 16:31:22 Oh yes May 22 16:33:38 V: We will need a lot of beds and plates and shoes May 22 16:34:00 E: ooooes May 22 16:34:12 * Morgan nods May 22 16:34:15 Yes we will May 22 16:35:30 E: oooes! May 22 16:35:56 Yes, shoes May 22 16:39:25 I think he will need some soon May 22 16:40:15 * Morgan nods May 22 16:40:23 I suppose once we get back to Eisen we can look for some May 22 16:41:33 * MollyK nods May 22 16:41:40 That's a good idea... May 22 16:42:17 * Morgan nods May 22 16:42:20 I have them occasionally May 22 16:44:57 I wonder... would your Father like to be involved? May 22 16:46:49 * Morgan nods slowly May 22 16:46:51 I think he might May 22 16:47:12 * MollyK nods May 22 16:47:25 Would you like me to mention it to your Mother? May 22 16:47:40 * Morgan nods May 22 16:47:42 Yes, please May 22 16:50:51 You are working from midday until six today May 22 16:53:02 * Morgan nods May 22 16:53:12 Aye, I am May 22 16:53:31 You should take a nap then, my love May 22 16:53:49 V: Yes Vati, you should take a nap *he giggles* May 22 16:54:14 * Morgan nods, sighing May 22 16:54:16 Yes, I should May 22 16:56:15 * MollyK puts Varick down and stands up to take Emil May 22 16:56:39 Would you like me to keep them up so you can say goodnight to them? May 22 16:56:53 * Morgan nods May 22 16:56:54 please May 22 17:04:32 *more kisses are given before he goes back to the bed in the Captain's cabin. This sort of presence and absence cycle becomes commonplace once again in the next few days, them all being glad to see him but his visits always seeming too brief, or punctuated by his yawning. Once more, even when he isn't on shift he's tackling issues and crew May 22 17:04:33 squabbles. His dreams are unproblematic and insignificant, sometimes in his own bed after making love, sometimes in the Captain's, and it isn't until the next Saturday, one week out of Jura and newly west of Montaigne rather than Castille that he settles in the familiar Captain's bed just after four o'clock in the morning and falls asleep* May 22 17:06:14 **he starts to dream something new. Morgan had left Avebury after getting word of Yensid closing in, and accepted the fact that he was not destined to be happy. He had heard of a job as master-at-arms in a county two days' travel west. It was a suitable job for a man who had served in Eisen's War, and like a man serving in that conflict, there was May 22 17:06:14 a high chance he wasn't going to survive it, which was its biggest benefit. Dealing with lazy servants and arrogant nobles was not a benefit at all, but frequent encounters with the supernatural was. He just needed to find something more powerful. May 22 17:06:14 MTF May 22 17:06:40 **it is January 1670, and he has been there nearly two years. He hasn't made friends, and hasn't opened up. There'd been no Molly. People talked only when they wanted something, just like Catherine is doing first thing this morning over breakfast. May 22 17:06:40 So, if you could see that that bill is settled… also, I need you to go to a cottage on the outskirts of the village. (Done) May 22 17:06:45 * MollyK is now known as Catherine May 22 17:07:04 For? May 22 17:07:27 There is a tenant there who hasn't paid the full amount of rent for a year now. May 22 17:07:52 right. And you wish me to... May 22 17:08:09 Get the rent paid May 22 17:08:23 And if they cannot? May 22 17:08:34 * Catherine drinks some hot chocolate May 22 17:09:00 Then she will have to leave. I am getting impatient with it all. I have sent a couple of men of business out to see her, and they set out with best intentions, but when they come back all they have done is sat in her kitchen for a friendly chat, told her not to worry about it and then left empty-handed! May 22 17:09:18 * Morgan frowns May 22 17:09:22 thats... unusual May 22 17:09:27 * Catherine nods May 22 17:09:50 They're both saying they think she might be a witch, and that that would explain why they can't seem to press her for the money. They are scared of her now. I said you would tolerate no such nonsense, so if you could go in the next hour I would appreciate it. May 22 17:10:26 * Morgan nods May 22 17:10:27 Understood May 22 17:10:44 **he sets off into the cold with Catherine's directions and a little paper record of the missing rents. Molly Harrison, doesn't sound much like a witch's name. But perhaps Morgan would get lucky and she would be, and extremely powerful to boot. Powerful enough to send him to his maker. That would brighten his day immensely. The ride takes an hour, May 22 17:10:44 his face freezing by the time he gets to the little enclosed clearing he is looking for. It is surrounded by trees, a gate blocking the only gap in the growth. May 22 17:11:27 * Morgan ties the horse before making his way through the gate May 22 17:11:33 **The cottage is small, likely only three rooms at most. In itself it is nothing special. There's a well, a chicken pen, a tiny barn, so she probably has a cow or goats. What is surprising is the amount of flowers and produce growing there at this time of year. Everything should be barren, frozen. There's smoke from the chimney. May 22 17:12:07 * Morgan bangs on the door May 22 17:12:48 * Catherine is now known as Molly May 22 17:14:47 * Molly opens it. She is dressed as many of the common women are, her dress carefully patched and mended. She has a dark red hair he has never seen on anyone before, and blue eyes. The scent of lavender, rosemary and roses comes from inside the cottage May 22 17:14:49 Yes? May 22 17:15:16 Molly Harrison? May 22 17:15:22 Yes? May 22 17:15:32 You and I need to talk. I've been sent by Lady Torrington May 22 17:15:52 * Molly nods, letting him in May 22 17:16:13 Have a seat by the fire, it's far too cold to be out and about today May 22 17:17:19 * Morgan nods, moving near the fire May 22 17:17:42 I'll take your coat and hang it for you? May 22 17:18:05 No, thank you. I'm fine with it. I assume you know why I am here May 22 17:18:22 I assume it's about the rent again. Tea? May 22 17:19:04 Yes it is... no, thank you. I understand you have spoken with Lady Torrington's men of business about it. May 22 17:19:20 * Molly smiles slightly May 22 17:19:57 I have. Do you mind waiting until I have some? I've been rather busy this morning and haven't had time to stop for one May 22 17:20:13 * Morgan nods slightly May 22 17:21:18 * Molly sings as she works. She has a lovely voice, it's calming and cheerful May 22 17:21:33 * Morgan frowns May 22 17:22:59 * Molly sits in the other chair by the fire, the tea smelling like bergamot and orange. She smiles May 22 17:23:40 As I said to the other men, I have every intention of paying the outstanding as soon as I can May 22 17:23:53 It has been unpaid for a year now May 22 17:24:18 Yes, I know. I have meticulously kept a record of what I -have- paid May 22 17:25:04 And what is that? May 22 17:25:35 It is three fifths of the amount due for the time May 22 17:25:52 Why haven't you paid all of it? May 22 17:26:02 * Molly smiles slightly May 22 17:26:13 Because I cannot afford to May 22 17:26:35 That is unfortunate but it is not Lady Torrington's issue. May 22 17:27:00 Oh, of course. I am not asking never to pay it, only for a little delay May 22 17:27:59 There has been twelve months of delay so far. How much more do you propose?! May 22 17:28:27 Another month. I will be coming into a sum of money then May 22 17:28:57 And you will pay it in full then? And continue to do so? May 22 17:29:23 I will pay it in full then, but I will be leaving when it is paid May 22 17:29:47 * Morgan nods May 22 17:30:00 Very well. I'll inform her ladyship that is what is going to happen. May 22 17:30:38 * Molly smiles May 22 17:31:31 Will you have some lunch? I seldom get visitors May 22 17:32:05 No, I don't think so. Your previous visitors seem to think you are a witch... May 22 17:32:32 And so you will not eat or drink here, hmm? *she smiles* May 22 17:32:48 No May 22 17:33:41 * Molly smiles more "oh dear, that's not very good. I am not a witch, that would be a quick path to death here" May 22 17:33:52 * Morgan nods May 22 17:33:54 Yes, it would May 22 17:34:23 So, you are another of Lady Torrington's enforcers? May 22 17:34:35 I am the master at arms May 22 17:35:00 * Molly nods, sipping her tea "I have been assumed a threat then?" May 22 17:35:42 * Morgan shrugs May 22 17:35:50 By those idiots perhaps May 22 17:36:08 * Molly smiles warmly "do I seem much like a witch?" May 22 17:36:56 Yes. You have flowers growing in the depths of winter, the men of business came back bemused and without achieving their objective from having tea and talking with you May 22 17:38:02 Perhaps it is just that I am charming, pretty, and have green fingers? May 22 17:38:36 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 22 17:48:56 * Molly has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 22 18:45:25 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined May 22 18:52:16 * MollyK has quit (Ping Timeout) May 22 22:37:44 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined May 22 22:44:40 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined May 22 22:45:38 * Molly nods, sipping her tea "I have been assumed a threat then?" May 22 22:45:38 * Morgan shrugs May 22 22:45:38 By those idiots perhaps May 22 22:45:38 * Molly smiles warmly "do I seem much like a witch?" May 22 22:45:38 Yes. You have flowers growing in the depths of winter, the men of business came back bemused and without achieving their objective from having tea and talking with you May 22 22:45:40 Perhaps it is just that I am charming, pretty, and have green fingers? May 22 22:45:48 Unlikely in my experience May 22 22:49:14 * MollyK slowly sips the tea May 22 22:49:43 Well then... I would suppose the question is, what will you -do- about that suspicion? May 22 22:50:10 I have no proof May 22 22:51:06 * MollyK nods May 22 22:51:12 Absolutely none. May 22 22:51:28 * MollyK watches him over the rim of the cup May 22 22:52:08 * Morgan nods slightly, looking round May 22 22:53:32 *the house is small, which means the single log in the grate is doing an adequate job. There are herbs drying out. On a rack by the fire, thick plain nappy cloths are drying* May 22 22:53:53 You have a child? May 22 22:54:00 * MollyK nods May 22 22:54:09 I do. May 22 22:54:44 Why are you moving on? May 22 22:54:55 **The timing is good. There is a call of "Mama?" from upstairs. The girl sounds to be around the age Jana was, which explains why she sounds like her May 22 22:55:23 * MollyK looks to Morgan "I'll just fetch her and be right back" May 22 22:55:51 * Morgan nods May 22 22:56:34 **She isn't upstairs long before she returns with the toddler. The little girl's appearance is a shock. She is the spitting image of Jana, it is as if this woman is carrying his own daughter in her arms. May 22 22:59:29 * Morgan steps back, looking shocked May 22 22:59:44 * MollyK speaks to the child who looks worried "It's alright, my sweet, the man won't hurt you" May 22 23:01:00 What... what is going on here? May 22 23:01:19 *She is trying to get her hand into Molly's dress, and Molly starts to undo the shoulder tie as she moves and sits with the girl across her lap.* Uhh... you asked me something? May 22 23:01:47 Where... she... she is -yours-? May 22 23:02:14 * MollyK gets her breast freed and the girl latched May 22 23:02:20 I have already said so May 22 23:02:35 * Morgan sits down heavily May 22 23:04:07 * MollyK smiles, stroking her blonde hair from her brow "there now... that's better, isn't it?" May 22 23:04:53 * Morgan rubs at his forehead May 22 23:05:44 * MollyK looks at him May 22 23:05:56 What had you asked me? May 22 23:06:31 Why... why you intend to move on once the rent is paid May 22 23:06:58 * MollyK holds her tighter, protectively May 22 23:07:24 This isn't a good place for us. I have some history here I'd like to leave behind May 22 23:07:48 What history? Why wait until the debt is paid? May 22 23:09:12 * MollyK looks at the pretty child in her arms May 22 23:09:53 My family are nearby but my relationship with them has fractured. And I have to be in this parish until the money comes. Then I will go May 22 23:11:00 * Morgan nods May 22 23:11:02 I understand May 22 23:11:56 Also, I want to see it paid and settled. I won't disappear before then, unless I or my daughter are out in danger... May 22 23:12:10 * MollyK glances up at him, watching what he is doing May 22 23:12:30 * Morgan is staring at the child, looking like he's seen a ghost May 22 23:13:11 * MollyK watches where his gaze is, then nods at his wedding ring "Been a while? You're rather staring at my breast! If you are having marital troubles I have herbs that can help." May 22 23:13:39 * Morgan looks away, looking ashamed May 22 23:13:45 No. May 22 23:14:34 Honestly, people come to me about private matters like that all the time. They know I'm discrete. There's no need to be embarrassed May 22 23:15:02 Its nothing like that May 22 23:15:49 * MollyK lets the toddler hold her finger May 22 23:15:52 What then? May 22 23:16:24 I -was- married. I had a daughter. May 22 23:17:13 Oh, I'm sorry May 22 23:17:33 My daughter looks... -looked-... exactly like her May 22 23:18:43 * MollyK 's tone is noncommittal, but she looks wary, maybe even scared, in her micro expressions "a strange coincidence" May 22 23:19:32 Isn't it... May 22 23:19:38 * Morgan watches her for a moment May 22 23:19:49 But that would not explain your sudden tenseness May 22 23:20:39 She is my daughter. No one will take her from me. May 22 23:21:15 Where is her father? May 22 23:22:18 * MollyK watches him "I don't know" May 22 23:23:16 You expect him to try to take her if he finds you. Correct? May 22 23:24:08 I have no idea. But he would need to be able to prove he is her father. May 22 23:24:49 Then why are you so keen to tell me no-one will take her? May 22 23:25:01 Because I am scared. May 22 23:25:16 Because? May 22 23:25:59 Because it is possible. Because I love her. Because you say she looks like your daughter, and I have no idea whether you might be her father. May 22 23:26:14 * Morgan frowns May 22 23:26:21 That makes absolutely no sense May 22 23:26:28 Why? May 22 23:27:36 How on Theah could -I- be her father? May 22 23:28:05 You have had a child before, you know how babies are made May 22 23:28:45 You did not -see- her father? May 22 23:29:40 No. I did not grow her, I assisted in her delivery and then helped her mother as a wet nurse until she died, now it is just she and I May 22 23:30:10 You know nothing at all about her father? May 22 23:30:50 Very little. May 22 23:30:59 What -do- you know? May 22 23:31:11 * MollyK looks at him May 22 23:31:36 You are asking me to trust you, and I do not know if I should. May 22 23:32:27 Do I seem the sort of man who would bring harm to a child? May 22 23:34:11 With all due respect, I cannot be sure of that, and what sort of Mother would I be to just assume on so short an acquaintance? Tell me -why- I can trust you, how I can be sure you wouldn't take her from me? May 22 23:35:24 Because I've already told you more about myself than I have anyone else since I've been here, and I've been in this job for. Years now May 22 23:35:59 * MollyK nods. She swaps breasts, moving the child May 22 23:36:34 I know he is Eisen, and Florrie was conceived in Vodacce May 22 23:38:28 Thats it? May 22 23:40:29 * MollyK nods May 22 23:44:53 That is all I know. He isn't important. They only knew each other three hours before, and an hour after May 22 23:46:14 * Morgan frowns May 22 23:46:31 There's -nothing- more? Where he was from, his name, some... feature? May 22 23:49:30 * MollyK shakes her head May 22 23:51:10 That is all I really know. Oh! He spoke and dressed like a noble... he paid for everything. He must have been able to speak Avalonian or Vodacce, she couldn't speak Eisen. It was October sixty seven May 22 23:51:37 Ah damn May 22 23:56:33 * MollyK watches him "no one can prove a thing." May 22 23:57:16 * Morgan puts his face in his hands, muttering 'this isn't -fair-'