**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon Dec 25 10:14:32 2023 Dec 25 10:14:32 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 25 12:14:18 * Morgan has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) Dec 25 12:17:00 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 25 12:22:50 * Morgan has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) Dec 25 12:23:23 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 25 16:38:11 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 25 17:09:09 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 25 17:16:42 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 25 17:16:56 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:16:56 More than one I reckon Dec 25 17:16:56 * Alice nods Dec 25 17:16:56 It’ll be nice to hear and see your family grow Dec 25 17:16:56 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:16:59 My family will be relieved Dec 25 17:17:01 * Alice nods Dec 25 17:17:03 Everything is about what you breed and when with noble families Dec 25 17:17:05 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:18:10 * Molly is now known as Alice Dec 25 17:18:42 * Alice plays quietly before saying “should I check on them?” Dec 25 17:19:13 Do you want him to feel you do not trust him? Do you want to make her think -she- cannot trust him? Dec 25 17:19:23 * Alice sighs Dec 25 17:19:28 no, of course not Dec 25 17:19:43 No, I know... what is it you're worrying about? Dec 25 17:20:15 She’s getting more challenging, what if she’s wilful and it puts him off Dec 25 17:21:18 Do you want to spend the rest of her life as she grows mediating their relationship, in case he gets, as you say, put off? Dec 25 17:22:15 I’m protective, she’s my daughter Dec 25 17:23:04 I am aware... but would you rather it happens now and she's upset for a little while, or happens in years time when it devastates her? Not that I think that is even remotely likely. Dec 25 17:23:49 the former, I suppose. But he’d better not, because I won’t force her into a relationship with a Father who doesn’t like her. Dec 25 17:24:13 * Morgan shakes his head Dec 25 17:25:04 I would not expect you to. He loves her and does his best for her or he does not have her. Its one of the few areas there is no middle ground Dec 25 17:25:21 * Alice nods Dec 25 17:25:45 But you will want to maintain a relationship with her even if he doesn’t? Dec 25 17:25:55 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:26:20 And I am sure my parents would, too... but all of that is, as always, at your decision Dec 25 17:26:49 Thank you, I appreciate it Dec 25 17:27:30 That its your decision or that I would want to? Dec 25 17:28:51 both, actually Dec 25 17:29:07 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:30:00 I would, of course, be heartbroken if you chose to exclude us, which is.. honesty to the point of being vulnerable, and that is -rare- for me Dec 25 17:30:18 * Alice nods Dec 25 17:30:29 most in your situation would want her far away Dec 25 17:31:11 Perhaps. I want both of you closer by... I'm going to find it very upsetting when you leave. Dec 25 17:31:21 * Alice nods Dec 25 17:31:43 I feel bad about that, but I don’t want to live so far from the sea Dec 25 17:31:51 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:32:10 Me either. Dec 25 17:33:17 * Alice laughs Dec 25 17:33:34 When you think about it, I was better suited to you than Edward! Dec 25 17:34:03 * Morgan pauses, tilting his head Dec 25 17:34:26 You might be right... certainly in that aspect at any rate Dec 25 17:36:29 * Alice laughs again “if it wasn’t you I’d be a bit insulted” Dec 25 17:39:04 Sorry... I was... I was thinking that I don't think you'd have had that initial attraction to me anyway... like you said, I'm charming in a different way Dec 25 17:41:45 if I’d been as drunk as with Edward, you’d have been fine *she grins* Dec 25 17:42:09 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:42:15 I'm acceptable if you're hammered... Dec 25 17:43:12 Merry, maybe Dec 25 17:44:27 Enough to get past this *he makes a circling motion around his face*... of course, until I was married I wasn't exactly talkative when it came to those of the fairer sex Dec 25 17:45:08 * Alice nods Dec 25 17:45:48 We’re not encouraged to socialise with the opposite sex growing up like we did Dec 25 17:46:03 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 25 17:46:50 It goes a little beyond that. I was -crushingly- shy. When all my shipmates were in the brothels on shore leave, the closest you'd find me was sitting on the step at the side door, usually getting rained on Dec 25 17:47:16 * Alice nods Dec 25 17:47:31 I’ve spent long hours on deck when everyone else was in them Dec 25 17:47:54 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:48:54 I was almost physically incapable of speaking to girls, then women. Hell, it took me months to even admit I -liked- Molly, though of course there was a bit of wrestling with guilt there... Dec 25 17:50:25 But you’d already been married, didn’t that break you of it? Dec 25 17:51:54 It made me a bit more confident... and my time in Avalon was mostly me just shouting at people, which always went down so well Dec 25 17:53:03 But somehow you ended up together? Dec 25 17:53:24 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:53:40 It sort of... came out when I was escorting her to Carleon and back Dec 25 17:54:16 You just needed to interact with her without anyone else around? Dec 25 17:55:01 I was used to talking to her... I was her employer... but she's remarkably clever and I suppose I let slip a hint that I liked her Dec 25 17:56:57 * Alice smiles Dec 25 17:57:02 That’s nice Dec 25 17:57:17 * Morgan nods Dec 25 17:57:47 Very nearly lost her... Dec 25 17:58:48 Because you were so shy? Dec 25 18:00:00 Because... she was betrothed to someone... he minor nobleman who took an interest in a house servant, though her father was a gentleman by then Dec 25 18:00:41 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:01:09 she mentioned him. The Jaeger family, wasn’t it? Dec 25 18:01:27 Thats right Dec 25 18:02:14 I met them once. They didn’t seem like honest people Dec 25 18:02:47 No, thats the impression I got... Dec 25 18:03:46 How did you win her over then? Dec 25 18:04:08 Best to ask her... she has a much more romantic view of it Dec 25 18:05:23 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:05:43 Women generally do, though I’m not much of a romantic myself Dec 25 18:05:59 * Morgan looks at her, smirking Dec 25 18:06:15 Really? Tell me about a perfect day sailing... Dec 25 18:06:24 * Alice smiles Dec 25 18:06:34 Alright, I’m not a romantic for men Dec 25 18:07:06 * Morgan nods, ringing for coffee Dec 25 18:08:28 After a lot of talking, we eventually decided I could tolerate her being my companion... then, eventually, my mistress, but the fullness of that relationship would take some time... then of course, I told my friend and she Eisened me into marriage Dec 25 18:09:13 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:09:31 I’ e heard this. Always beware of female ship captains Dec 25 18:09:41 * Morgan nods Dec 25 18:09:59 Strangely, those are women I don't have issue talking to Dec 25 18:10:28 probably because many of us aren’t like regular women Dec 25 18:22:37 E nods Dec 25 18:22:46 You're all lumpy in the right places, mind... Dec 25 18:23:19 * Alice laughs hard Dec 25 18:23:30 Edward told you that, did he? Dec 25 18:23:51 No, he isn't one to kiss and tell... I'm just observant Dec 25 18:24:22 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:25:12 I’d be surprised if he remembers much anyway Dec 25 18:25:51 * Morgan shrugs Dec 25 18:25:56 Wouldn't be my place to say Dec 25 18:27:17 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:27:47 what do you think it’ll be like when she’s here? Dec 25 18:28:01 * Morgan sighs Dec 25 18:28:08 I'm afraid I just don't know Dec 25 18:29:19 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:29:37 I don’t want to make trouble, but I won’t have her upsetting Florrie Dec 25 18:31:39 I know, love. I'd suggest letting Edward deal with it if she does though Dec 25 18:32:36 Will he though? it sounds like she’s already run rings around him emotionally Dec 25 18:33:30 You're being unfair. There's much more to it than just him sleeping with you and having Florrie Dec 25 18:34:12 Tell me then Dec 25 18:38:12 Choices were made that should not have been... she agreed to activities for him but didn't actually want him to... she should have told him, and he should have asked... there's a lot of hurt there Dec 25 18:39:31 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:40:20 I wasn’t the only other woman, I was just the only one who conceived Dec 25 18:40:54 With you was a little different... but yes Dec 25 18:41:24 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:46:06 I won’t steal her husband, but if they weren’t staying together, I would consider making a family for Florrie with him on Morgan’s Rock Dec 25 18:46:38 * Morgan nods Dec 25 18:47:11 They've loved eachother for... well, she already liked him when I had a crush on her in my teens Dec 25 18:54:38 * Alice has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 25 18:55:48 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 25 18:55:53 They've loved eachother for... well, she already liked him when I had a crush on her in my teens Dec 25 18:56:01 * Molly is now known as Alice Dec 25 18:56:15 isn’t that awkward? Dec 25 18:56:52 No, she was never interested in me and it was just a teenage crush... and of course, once I met Dietlinde any thought of anyone else evaporated Dec 25 18:58:32 * Alice nods Dec 25 18:58:43 Everyone seems to revere her Dec 25 18:59:35 * Morgan shrugs Dec 25 19:00:05 There's been a lot for them to overcome... and, frankly, I love her. As I love you. Dec 25 19:02:49 Not his wife, your late wife Dec 25 19:04:02 Oh... I suppose... thats how it is when a loved one passes Dec 25 19:06:38 * Alice nods Dec 25 19:06:47 It sounds like she was a good woman Dec 25 19:07:16 * Morgan nods Dec 25 19:07:32 She was. Quiet, loving... Dec 25 19:09:11 * Alice nods Dec 25 19:09:39 Does it seem like a long time ago now? My life before leaving home does Dec 25 19:24:07 Feels like a different life, that happened to a different man Dec 25 19:24:50 is that easier. Dec 25 19:25:52 sometimes... I'm slowly reaching the point where I'm more at peace with what happened... I can remember the good, rather than it being obscured by the pain of it Dec 25 19:26:29 * Alice nods Dec 25 19:26:35 that’s good Dec 25 19:26:42 * Morgan nods Dec 25 19:26:47 Its been hard fought, getting there Dec 25 19:28:46 your life will be much better for it Dec 25 19:30:13 * Morgan nods Dec 25 19:30:41 Its still jarring now and then... Florrie, when she sleeps... when you're facing away, you have a similar build and hair to Dietlinde... Dec 25 19:46:28 * Alice has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 25 19:55:37 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 25 19:55:53 * Molly is now known as Alice Dec 25 19:57:11 Its still jarring now and then... Florrie, when she sleeps... when you're facing away, you have a similar build and hair to Dietlinde... I hadn't noticed it until you were in my office the other day Dec 25 20:00:49 * Alice has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 25 20:33:20 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 25 20:34:05 Its still jarring now and then... Florrie, when she sleeps... when you're facing away, you have a similar build and hair to Dietlinde... I hadn't noticed it until you were in my office the other day Dec 25 20:34:58 * Molly nods Dec 25 20:35:13 You’d have fancied me even sober then Dec 25 20:35:17 * Molly is now known as Alice Dec 25 20:35:44 * Morgan chuckles Dec 25 20:35:58 Just as well... it costs a stupid amount for me to get drunk Dec 25 20:36:57 live at sea enough and you build a tolerance Dec 25 20:37:18 * Morgan shakes his head Dec 25 20:37:57 I've always been this way. Its probably why I was most able to fend off the drug when someone tried to kill us all before Edwards wedding Dec 25 20:38:40 lucky Dec 25 20:38:48 * Morgan nods Dec 25 20:38:50 Quite so Dec 25 20:39:29 Though, I daresay I'd have drank myself to death after the fire if I weren't as I am Dec 25 20:39:39 * Alice nods Dec 25 20:39:53 Everything you’d have missed out on if you had! Dec 25 20:40:02 * Morgan nods Dec 25 20:40:07 indeed Dec 25 20:41:15 you never know what life has in store for you Dec 25 20:42:22 * Morgan shrugs Dec 25 20:42:24 I suppose so Dec 25 20:43:44 * Alice soundly beats him then, smiling as she does Dec 25 20:44:41 You don't have to look quite -that- smug about it Dec 25 20:45:17 I know Dec 25 20:45:27 * Morgan laughs Dec 25 20:48:11 *They play a bit longer, until there’s a knock at the door and it is Dresden Dec 25 20:48:20 Yes, Dresden? Dec 25 20:49:17 D: Graf M-M-M-Maubourg has arrived, m-my Lord Dec 25 20:50:04 * Morgan nods Dec 25 20:50:21 Have him seen to my office, prepare coffee et cetera et cetera. I'll be along in a moment Dec 25 20:52:31 *Dresden nods* The sc-sc-acabbards you requested have also arrived, and confirmation from the carriage m-m-maker, m-my Lord Dec 25 20:52:44 Excellent, thank you Dresden Dec 25 20:54:24 *He inclines his head* Anything m-m-more, m-m-my Lord? Dec 25 20:54:44 Not for the moment, thank you Dec 25 20:55:58 *he bows and goes* Dec 25 20:56:30 Why do you let him keep calling you my Lord when it makes him stutter? Dec 25 20:58:42 He does seem to struggle with M's more than most letters now I think about it... he's used to not speaking at all, so I wanted to show him it doesn't matter how long it takes him to say something, I will wait until he's done, out of respect... Dec 25 20:59:31 * Alice nods Dec 25 20:59:41 I understand Dec 25 21:00:19 Now you mention it though... I do wonder if there's something else that would be easier for him... at the same time, though, there has to be that formality Dec 25 21:01:57 * Alice nods Dec 25 21:02:09 He can say Lord fine? Dec 25 21:02:15 Seems to be able to Dec 25 21:02:24 maybe drop the my? Dec 25 21:02:37 Iffy in such a religious country Dec 25 21:03:09 what about Excellency? Dec 25 21:03:50 Bit too formal for my liking Dec 25 21:05:06 it sounds like Ss could be a struggle too Dec 25 21:05:20 * Morgan nods Dec 25 21:08:16 Something to think about I suppose... try not to worry about Edward and Florrie, hmm? He'll keep her safe Dec 25 21:10:16 * Alice nods Dec 25 21:10:33 I’ll take a quiet bath, just by myself for a change! Dec 25 21:10:42 * Morgan nods Dec 25 21:10:47 I'll see you in a while Dec 25 21:12:16 * Alice nods, tidying away the billiards Dec 25 21:12:56 * Morgan smiles, moving to the door Dec 25 21:25:16 * Alice says no more Dec 25 21:25:33 * Morgan heads to his office Dec 25 21:29:49 *the coffee comes, and the shortly afterwards so does Maubourg. He looks well-dressed, and inclines his head when he is shown in “Your Excellency “ Dec 25 21:29:57 * Alice is now known as Maubourg Dec 25 21:30:20 My lord Maubourg, to what do I owe the pleasure? Dec 25 21:32:17 I have escorted the carriage I will loan to you here Dec 25 21:33:14 That is very kind of you... I am very grateful to you Dec 25 21:34:39 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 21:35:21 It has been cleaned, but it is not fancy. You may borrow the horses too, but you will need your own driver Dec 25 21:35:42 * Morgan nods Dec 25 21:38:07 Horses would be useful until I can get my Palamino's here... as I said before, I wouldn't even consider trying to hitch Xantha, and he's much too big Dec 25 21:38:26 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 21:38:51 My horses are steady Dec 25 21:39:17 * Morgan nods, offering Maubourg a seat before sitting Dec 25 21:39:35 I have a couple of... delicate things I was wondering if we might discuss... Dec 25 21:41:16 * Maubourg nods, sitting Dec 25 21:43:19 I have spoken with Reverend Kassel in Kempton... Dec 25 21:44:50 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 21:44:56 I am familiar with him Dec 25 21:46:50 He was telling me one of the concerns he, and we assume the other Vaticine priests share, is the loss of funds through the church that are used for charitable works Dec 25 21:47:50 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 21:48:53 The Holy Mother Church does indeed supply much aid to the people, and it always has Dec 25 21:49:26 I understand a lot of the work it does here is with your donation... Dec 25 21:52:37 Yes, of course. That is my religious duty Dec 25 21:53:30 That will be lost once the Grafdom comes to me... Dec 25 21:56:33 It will be reduced by necessity, though I will continue to pay an appropriate tithe, of. course Dec 25 21:58:09 * Morgan nods slowly Dec 25 21:58:29 I do not want the church to be missing out on funds because I have taken over... it does not sit equitably... Dec 25 21:59:05 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 21:59:14 you would be resented Dec 25 22:00:31 Undoubtedly... but you cannot be expected to continue paying a Graf's tithe without a Graf's title... I was wondering... what would the political ramifications be if I were to make up the difference? Dec 25 22:02:08 Who would need to know? The only ones above your station are His Grace and his family Dec 25 22:03:14 You do not think it would get out? Even from someone within the church? Dec 25 22:06:19 I would be willing to serve as an intermediary if needed Dec 25 22:06:57 * Morgan looks pleased Dec 25 22:07:17 The new question, of course, is what that difference would be... Dec 25 22:08:56 three hundred guilders a year Dec 25 22:09:13 * Morgan nods Dec 25 22:09:34 I will look into the feasibility of it.... There is one minor wrinkle in the idea, of course Dec 25 22:10:55 yes? Dec 25 22:11:53 To those who didn't know... it would seem you were just still taking care of it... it could be seen that you were still protecting your people from the objectionist interloper... though that would be the -very- cynical view Dec 25 22:13:51 it would Dec 25 22:15:07 Something to keep in mind when making any decision I think. I want the people to trust me Dec 25 22:17:58 yes Dec 25 22:21:29 * Morgan sighs, nodding Dec 25 22:24:24 We'll see in time I suppose Dec 25 22:26:39 I suppose you saw my daughter yesterday? Dec 25 22:26:58 That is, of course, the -other-- delicate subject Dec 25 22:28:52 * Maubourg nods, drinking some coffee Dec 25 22:29:33 What would you like to know, my lord? Dec 25 22:31:56 Is she safe? Dec 25 22:33:26 * Morgan nods Dec 25 22:33:54 Yes, she is... she has integrated into her new community well, she is safe and happy Dec 25 22:34:00 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 22:34:12 Her husband is treating her well? Dec 25 22:35:41 As best as I can tell, very. He seems to be a good man Dec 25 22:38:04 I can not believe she would leave her life for that one Dec 25 22:39:20 I find it easier to understand, of course. But it cannot be changed... all that can be done is accept, adapt and move forward Dec 25 22:41:04 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 22:41:16 Our reputation is badly damaged by this Dec 25 22:42:04 * Morgan nods Dec 25 22:42:17 It has put the Grafdom and her people at a disadvantage... Dec 25 22:43:38 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 22:44:11 It would be in danger if it was not already changing hands Dec 25 22:44:40 Why did you throw your lot in with Karsten? Dec 25 22:46:29 we have discussed this before. Dec 25 22:47:33 yes... but I think we are less adversaries now... I want to understand so I can better protect Gottkirchen Dec 25 22:49:57 I wanted more power and influence, which is what most of us want Dec 25 22:52:58 * Morgan nods Dec 25 22:53:14 Perhaps we could make Gottkirchen stronger again before the hand over Dec 25 22:54:04 how do you propose to do that? Dec 25 22:54:30 * Morgan smiles Dec 25 22:55:11 If I had all the answers I'd be making all kinds of money. But... you have your contacts, I have some, and I am happy to work with you to build that strength again Dec 25 22:57:15 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 22:58:35 The baptism you are holding might be a good time Dec 25 22:58:52 Hw so? Dec 25 22:59:36 There are people attending who are disapproving of the developments of my family Dec 25 23:03:27 What do you propose? Dec 25 23:06:15 A united front Dec 25 23:08:39 You hold them down and I'll hit them? Dec 25 23:08:43 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 25 23:09:28 I imag8ne that will make it worse Dec 25 23:10:08 Okay.... You hold them down and I'll hit them politically? Dec 25 23:12:17 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 23:12:20 Yes Dec 25 23:14:24 * Morgan nods Dec 25 23:15:02 * Maubourg sips his coffee Dec 25 23:15:32 Did you pass my message to Teresa? Dec 25 23:16:56 Yes, I did. And I spoke to her of the pain I felt at the absence of a relationship with my own father. She is not ready yet, but in time she will be ready to rekindle that relationship. She does. Still hold love for you Dec 25 23:19:21 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 23:19:37 Thank you for speaking with her Dec 25 23:19:46 * Morgan nodos Dec 25 23:20:10 Of course. I have extended the same offer to her, to act as an intermediary... that offer still stands to you as well Dec 25 23:21:25 * Maubourg inclines his head Dec 25 23:24:38 * Morgan smiles faintly, sipping his coffee Dec 25 23:24:43 No-one could've seen this coming Dec 25 23:26:51 I would never have suspected she would do this Dec 25 23:28:00 I was more referring to you and I working to a common goal, let alone closely. She, however, seems to feel she gave you warning that something needed to be done Dec 25 23:28:47 You know how young women are, always forming and losing crushes Dec 25 23:29:15 You thought it was going to pass, and thats why you didn't act on it? Dec 25 23:30:59 What could I do? He is common, she is noble. He is Objectionist, she was not. He is a priest, and she has previously behaved indecently with a married man. Dec 25 23:32:05 She fell victim to a master manipulator Dec 25 23:33:44 She was raised better than that Dec 25 23:34:03 * Morgan shakes his head Dec 25 23:35:03 When that man set his mind to something... and its remarkably difficult to overstate just -how- manipulative he was Dec 25 23:36:02 I know that. However, this was beyond anything Dec 25 23:36:21 * Morgan shakes his head again Dec 25 23:36:32 His power over those younger was.... frightening. Dec 25 23:39:42 * Maubourg sips his coffee Dec 25 23:41:36 I was unable to help her anyway. Dec 25 23:42:07 Perhaps in time she will be able to understand that Dec 25 23:44:20 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 23:44:33 Maybe she will Dec 25 23:45:27 We can hope Dec 25 23:46:10 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 23:46:34 I thought Her Excellency might have returned already Dec 25 23:48:00 * Morgan shakes his head Dec 25 23:48:13 Not until Wednesday unfortunately. I'm missing her terribly Dec 25 23:49:45 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 23:50:02 I am sure your household runs smoother with her in residence Dec 25 23:51:01 To an extent, but thats more saying something about the staff I have, rather than my wife's ability. Dec 25 23:54:11 * Maubourg nods Dec 25 23:56:17 She will wish to oversee the preparations for the party, of course Dec 25 23:57:31 * Morgan nods Dec 25 23:57:48 I've been left to a lot of my own devices with that and, so far, we've only had to redo the sleeping arrangements the once... Dec 25 23:58:56 * Maubourg waves a hand Dec 25 23:59:16 All of that is my wife and housekeeper’s problems Dec 25 23:59:53 We work together in a different way... but as my wife is away, its my duty to step in