**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun Dec 31 00:00:02 2023 Dec 31 00:00:02 You’re certain?! Dec 31 00:00:13 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:00:22 Yes, I am Dec 31 00:00:50 * Molly stands up, pacing Dec 31 00:01:43 You could introduce us! No, wait! That’s a bad idea!... But what if... *she throws her hands up* Oh, I don’t know! Dec 31 00:02:49 What if what? Dec 31 00:03:22 What if she’s right? What if there truly would be the most amazing love there? Dec 31 00:03:45 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:03:48 scary Dec 31 00:04:16 * Molly chews her lip, watching him Dec 31 00:04:43 What if I met him and he did not like me? Dec 31 00:05:05 I think you'd be horrified at who it is Dec 31 00:05:19 why? Dec 31 00:05:34 He's not very nice Dec 31 00:06:19 But I am supposed to be happy with him, and have his children. He couldn’t be too bad, surely? Dec 31 00:07:33 * Morgan shrugs noncomitally Dec 31 00:08:33 * Molly fiddles with her lower lip Dec 31 00:10:12 would he think I was pretty enough? Dec 31 00:16:43 Safe to say Dec 31 00:17:18 * Molly nods, taking a deep breath Dec 31 00:17:26 Should I meet him, do you think? Dec 31 00:17:38 Who's to say you haven't already Dec 31 00:18:07 I don’t know anyone Eisen... Oh wait, I knew an Eisen farmhand when I was about seven? Dec 31 00:18:38 Well, look... I can tell you... but... can you keep it a secret? -will- you keep it a secret? Dec 31 00:19:27 * Molly nods Dec 31 00:20:06 I don’t break my promises. Despite what my family believe of me, I am an honest person Dec 31 00:20:42 * Morgan nods, looking down at his hands for a moment Dec 31 00:21:50 So... one of the houses she was talking about, I asked her about it... asked her to tell me something specific a fortune teller could not know... she said the lake glows at night Dec 31 00:22:51 How can a lake glow?! Dec 31 00:23:00 * Morgan shrugs Dec 31 00:23:02 It just does Dec 31 00:23:14 * Molly nods a little Dec 31 00:23:51 You know of it? Dec 31 00:24:06 I do... *he takes a breath* its where I grew up Dec 31 00:24:19 * Molly nods slowly Dec 31 00:24:29 So you know the noble family Dec 31 00:24:40 Very well Dec 31 00:24:57 But the Veisgraf isn’t very nice, yet. Dec 31 00:25:36 No... he shouts at people, to get their jobs done, or if they're rude to their hosts... he's quite happy to shout at people apparently above him in status Dec 31 00:26:12 * Molly nods again Dec 31 00:26:44 I wouldn’t really like a husband that shouts a lot. Maybe he’d calm down Dec 31 00:26:59 Maybe. He used to be calmer Dec 31 00:27:11 * Molly nods, smiling Dec 31 00:27:29 Alright, maybe he would like being married and being a Father Dec 31 00:27:39 * Morgan nods sadly Dec 31 00:27:42 He did the first time Dec 31 00:27:49 Oh... Dec 31 00:28:14 His wife and daughter... died in a fire Dec 31 00:28:28 Me absently rubs his forearm Dec 31 00:28:50 Oh that’s very sad. He must have been heartbroken Dec 31 00:29:06 Yes, he was. It still haunts him. So... he ran away Dec 31 00:29:27 oh dear, how would you be able to find him?! Dec 31 00:29:38 I know -exactly- where he is Dec 31 00:29:48 * Molly nods Dec 31 00:30:16 Is he already looking for a new wife? Dec 31 00:30:49 No... its... well, quite a shock, but he knows that if a fate witch says its happening... Dec 31 00:31:11 * Molly stops her flitting around, standing stock still Dec 31 00:31:16 Ohhhhh... Dec 31 00:31:29 * Morgan lifts his head, watching her Dec 31 00:31:49 * Molly watches him back before blushing hard and looking away Dec 31 00:32:05 I didn’t... I wasn’t expecting that Dec 31 00:32:19 * Morgan nods, looking back at the floor Dec 31 00:33:02 * Molly moves to look out of the window at the moonlit valley Dec 31 00:33:11 I... Umm... Dec 31 00:33:25 Are horrified? Dec 31 00:33:41 No, it’s just a lot to take in. Dec 31 00:35:00 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:35:21 * Molly stays there quietly Dec 31 00:36:28 I'll leave you in peace Dec 31 00:37:06 * Molly turns to look at him Dec 31 00:37:12 Tell me something... Dec 31 00:37:20 * Morgan looks at her Dec 31 00:37:21 Yes? Dec 31 00:37:25 Do you wish you had not heard it? Dec 31 00:38:24 Tough to say... its a change I was not expecting Dec 31 00:38:46 * Molly nods Dec 31 00:39:01 Knowing that it is you, you still think it is possible? Dec 31 00:39:29 My belief in the ability of fate witches has not changed Dec 31 00:39:52 I mean, do you still think it is possible we could fall in love? Dec 31 00:40:06 * Morgan sighs Dec 31 00:40:38 I wouldn't have thought so... but... she can see what's coming Dec 31 00:40:47 * Molly nods Dec 31 00:41:04 Alright. May I please be excused the remainder of the night? Dec 31 00:41:14 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:41:19 Of course Dec 31 00:41:26 Thank you, Sir Dec 31 00:41:45 I think... we may as well accept that you should call me Moragn Dec 31 00:41:47 Morgan* Dec 31 00:41:57 Should we? Dec 31 00:42:17 * Morgan shrugs Dec 31 00:42:23 Its my name Dec 31 00:42:58 I’m just a maid... you are my boss... we have no way of knowing if it’s even possible Dec 31 00:43:25 I'm not a bloody duke, but she says you'll be a duchess, so... Dec 31 00:43:48 So it could be nonsense Dec 31 00:43:57 * Morgan laughs quietly Dec 31 00:44:06 No... Dec 31 00:44:19 * Molly watches him thoughtfully Dec 31 00:44:45 I wish there was a way to tell Dec 31 00:44:59 * Morgan shrugs Dec 31 00:45:06 As far as I'm concerned, there already has been Dec 31 00:45:35 You can so easily believe that you would feel something that you don’t feel now? Dec 31 00:46:08 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 31 00:46:33 I've made a study of the types of magic employed by different countries... Vodacce's fate witches are legendary. Dec 31 00:46:49 * Molly nods Dec 31 00:47:19 I... I don’t know I can believe so simply, not until feeling more Dec 31 00:47:30 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:47:35 We'll see I suppose Dec 31 00:48:04 * Molly nods, watching him again before hugging herself once more Dec 31 00:48:11 I should let you go Dec 31 00:48:22 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:48:32 Is there anything I can do to aid you? Dec 31 00:49:04 * Molly immediately shakes her head “No, no I’m not sure it’d be wise” Dec 31 00:49:20 If you're sure... Dec 31 00:49:43 * Molly fidgets on the spot a little Dec 31 00:50:14 Well, I suppose you could... we could hug? Dec 31 00:50:36 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:50:38 If you'd like Dec 31 00:51:09 * Molly nods, watching him as she lets go of herself Dec 31 00:51:47 * Morgan stands up, moving closer before opening his arms Dec 31 00:52:51 * Molly moves into them slowly. Her head tucks neatly beneath his chin. She sighs, arms around his waist. Her hair smells of rose water Dec 31 00:53:15 * Morgan wraps his arms around her, holding her gently Dec 31 00:53:33 Ohhhh... That’s nice Dec 31 00:53:42 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 31 00:53:45 Its supposed to be Dec 31 00:54:20 I’ve not really been hugged much Dec 31 00:54:25 No? Dec 31 00:54:35 * Molly shakes her head Dec 31 00:54:53 I think I like it Dec 31 00:55:05 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:55:08 Good Dec 31 00:55:30 * Molly keeps holding him, looking up at his face Dec 31 00:55:33 and you? Dec 31 00:55:41 Always enjoyed them Dec 31 00:56:01 No, I mean... do you like this, with me? Dec 31 00:56:06 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:56:08 Yes, I do Dec 31 00:56:15 * Molly smiles shyly Dec 31 00:56:17 Okay Dec 31 00:56:35 I'd best get back... I've got rumours to spread about Warwick Dec 31 00:57:13 * Molly watches his face a moment, her gazes slipping to his lips. Then she loosens her grip Dec 31 00:57:16 yes, sorry Dec 31 00:57:27 * Morgan lets her go Dec 31 00:57:32 Will you be alright? Dec 31 00:57:37 * Molly nods Dec 31 00:57:52 I am going to go to bed Dec 31 00:57:57 * Morgan nods Dec 31 00:58:02 Alright. I'll see you in the morning Dec 31 00:58:17 * Molly nods “goodnight, sir” Dec 31 00:59:04 * Morgan frowns briefly before nodding and letting himself out of the room Dec 31 01:20:47 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 31 01:59:54 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 31 20:30:49 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 31 21:19:28 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 31 21:20:36 yes, sorry Dec 31 21:20:36 * Morgan lets her go Dec 31 21:20:36 Will you be alright? Dec 31 21:20:36 * Molly nods Dec 31 21:20:36 I am going to go to bed Dec 31 21:20:38 * Morgan nods Dec 31 21:20:40 Alright. I'll see you in the morning Dec 31 21:20:44 * Molly nods “goodnight, sir” Dec 31 21:20:46 * Morgan frowns briefly before nodding and letting himself out of the room Dec 31 21:21:37 * Molly follows just after Dec 31 21:22:25 * Morgan walks in the direction of the great hall Dec 31 21:25:56 * Molly catches his arm gently Dec 31 21:26:11 * Morgan turns Dec 31 21:26:34 I just... I wanted to say... I don’t -dislike- you Dec 31 21:26:52 * Morgan watches her a moment before nodding Dec 31 21:27:00 I appreciate that. God knows I could understand if you hated me Dec 31 21:28:13 * Molly shakes her head Dec 31 21:28:29 It’s not your fault, or mine. It sounds like it’s fate Dec 31 21:29:46 I meant in general Dec 31 21:31:31 * Molly shakes her head Dec 31 21:31:44 My Father is quite a bossy man, I’m used to it Dec 31 21:33:41 Being bossy is rather my job Dec 31 21:35:01 * Molly nods Dec 31 21:35:14 For what it is worth, I do think you are very handsome Dec 31 21:36:40 I... you are quite beautiful Dec 31 21:37:02 * Molly blushes hard Dec 31 21:37:12 really? you truly think so? Dec 31 21:38:05 * Morgan nods Dec 31 21:38:06 I do Dec 31 21:38:52 * Molly nods, biting her lip but smiling “Okay... well... I should ummm... I’ll let you go back to the others then” Dec 31 21:41:07 * Morgan nods Dec 31 21:41:19 Alright. Get some rest... maybe it won't seem so bad in the morning Dec 31 21:41:51 * Molly watches him a long moment “I don’t think it actually feels so bad right now” Dec 31 21:42:19 No? Dec 31 21:44:45 If I am going to fall in love with you, I won’t have to marry you against my will, because I’ll want it Dec 31 21:44:57 true Dec 31 21:46:52 * Molly nods, then impulsively kisses his cheek before stepping back “Oh! uhh... sorry” Dec 31 21:47:10 * Morgan nods Dec 31 21:47:15 That'll come in time I suppose Dec 31 21:47:30 What will? Dec 31 21:47:54 That closeness, physically Dec 31 21:49:31 * Molly nods “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done it” Dec 31 21:49:50 * Morgan shakes his head Dec 31 21:49:51 Its fine Dec 31 21:50:03 * Molly nods, smiling Dec 31 21:50:13 Goodnight, Morgan... Dec 31 21:52:27 Goodnight Molly Dec 31 21:53:04 * Molly smiles, curtseying. Her leaving means he’s left alone with his thoughts Dec 31 21:53:32 * Morgan rolls his shoulders, going back to work Dec 31 21:54:52 *There’s much more drunken revelry downstairs, but Catherine comes to find him* Dec 31 21:54:56 * Molly is now known as Catherine Dec 31 21:55:03 That was a disaster! Dec 31 21:55:14 Was it? Dec 31 21:56:54 Calling Charles a thief and all that nonsense with the maid! Dec 31 21:58:03 * Morgan watches her for a moment Dec 31 21:58:16 I'd recommend, my lady, you look into something called fate witches. Dec 31 21:58:56 why? Dec 31 21:59:51 Because... my telling you what they are and what they can do won't convince you Dec 31 22:00:29 You didn’t believe any of that rubbish, surely? Dec 31 22:01:56 Monsters run through your house, people around you have magic but -that- was where you draw the line of incredulity... Dec 31 22:03:09 A maid marrying a nobleman is impossible, doubly so for a Veisgraf or a Duke! He’d lose -everything- Dec 31 22:03:22 * Morgan tilts his head Dec 31 22:03:33 Do you actually know what a Veisgraf is? Dec 31 22:03:53 Yes, like the heir of an earl Dec 31 22:04:41 That surprises me. Regardless... fate witches see what is to come. Dec 31 22:05:33 * Catherine huffs Dec 31 22:05:55 if anyone is going to marry an earl’s heir it would be me! Dec 31 22:06:28 You think you would be allowed to marry an Eisen noble? Dec 31 22:07:17 More than some silly servant! Dec 31 22:07:33 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 31 22:08:03 Good luck persuading your Queen to allow some of her kingdom to become the property of an Eisen bloodline Dec 31 22:10:06 I am serious, Morgan. She can’t marry someone like that! I won’t permit it. Dec 31 22:11:42 Im afraid, my lady, that that decision is not in your remit. Particularly if she chooses to move to Eisen. Dec 31 22:11:54 She is my servant! Dec 31 22:12:18 * Morgan brings the entire dreadful weight of his gaze to bear on hers Dec 31 22:12:35 She is your employee, not your slave. You do not own her or any one of us. Dec 31 22:12:58 I pay her wages and give her a home. Dec 31 22:13:44 For which she is immensely grateful. Dec 31 22:14:44 She’ll be his downfall Dec 31 22:15:11 * Morgan looks around the room Dec 31 22:15:26 Fate witch says she'll be a duchess Dec 31 22:15:56 No nobleman is that stupid. She’s nothing special! Dec 31 22:16:13 * Morgan whips his head back round to stare at her Dec 31 22:18:01 * Catherine looks at h8m Dec 31 22:18:29 She isn’t. She’s got strange hair, and is far too plump to be beautiful Dec 31 22:19:29 Really? It is such a crime to be different, it is so desirable to look just like everyone else and, effectively, blend away into a grey, nondescript background. Dec 31 22:19:53 Are you saying I am nondescript? Dec 31 22:20:21 * Morgan turns so he is properly facing her Dec 31 22:21:36 You are trying so hard to fit in with these peacocks who are here solely to gain what they can and drink your wine cellars dry that you are in danger of losing your own light. You are young, and innocent, but you are better than this. Dec 31 22:22:04 You are insulting my guests and friends. Do not get above yourself, Morgan. Dec 31 22:24:40 * Morgan smiles slightly Dec 31 22:25:12 I'm insulting people who cling to your skirts in the hopes of being elevated by association. They are not your friends. Dec 31 22:25:41 You are being unpleasant Dec 31 22:27:51 I am being -honest-. All the preening and manoeuvring by the nobility here, and they still end up as yet another insignificant face in a long list of people trying to gain power. You shine against their backdrop, but not when you talk like this of your people. Dec 31 22:28:47 She is not one of my people, she’s one of my servants Dec 31 22:29:51 You are responsible for her, and everyone in Tawstocks well being. You are meant to keep them safe. Dec 31 22:30:41 She won’t be safe married to a nobleman. She’ll be destitute, and him with her for falling so far Dec 31 22:32:23 Heed my advice, Lady Torrington. Whether you believe it or not, a fate witch has declared it will come to pass. She would not be a Veisgrafin if it would cause the Veisgraf to fall... whether you like it or not Dec 31 22:34:10 I think it is all ridiculous! Dec 31 22:34:31 * Morgan shrugs Dec 31 22:34:42 Its not easy when you are confronted with things that go against what you are comfortable with Dec 31 22:35:33 I will just not allow any Eisen visitors. Dec 31 22:35:55 Why does it matter to you? She's just a servant... Dec 31 22:36:33 Servants shouldn’t marry Lords Dec 31 22:36:51 She won't -be- a servant then. Dec 31 22:37:22 if I choose to release her from service Dec 31 22:37:55 I have such high hopes for you... you're better than to be that petty Dec 31 22:39:54 I wouldn’t expect you to understand. it goes against all the rules of the nobility Dec 31 22:42:17 Oh, I understand exactly how brutal and cruel nobility can be if things aren't -just- to their liking. I hoped you were better than that Dec 31 22:42:39 Why do you care so much about her? Dec 31 22:43:15 Ah, that doesn't matter Dec 31 22:43:33 * Catherine looks at him Dec 31 22:43:47 You aren’t in love with her yourself?! Dec 31 22:44:03 No, I'm not Dec 31 22:44:20 you’re very protective Dec 31 22:44:40 * Morgan shrugs Dec 31 22:45:09 Its the right way to be Dec 31 22:45:24 * Catherine shrugs Dec 31 22:45:31 I am going back to my party. Dec 31 22:45:52 I will require leave to visit home. I will arrange it. Dec 31 22:46:20 * Catherine looks puzzled, like it’s never occurred to her Dec 31 22:46:30 you have a home?! Dec 31 22:47:26 All of us have somewhere we grew up... where our family lived... you just happen to have remained in yours. Dec 31 22:48:14 how far away is it? how long will you be gone? Dec 31 22:49:01 A month or two Dec 31 22:49:19 No, too long. I need you here. Dec 31 22:49:46 No you don't. The staff have everything in hand Dec 31 22:49:57 * Catherine shakes her head Dec 31 22:49:59 No. Dec 31 22:50:16 That is your final word? Dec 31 22:51:09 Yes. I need my Master At Arms here. Dec 31 22:51:22 * Morgan watches her Dec 31 22:51:34 Very well. You will have my resignation in the morning. Dec 31 22:51:44 * Catherine laughs with the shock Dec 31 22:51:51 That’s ridiculous! Dec 31 22:53:31 * Morgan glances around Dec 31 22:53:46 *noones paying attention* Dec 31 22:54:23 I would rather not have to, but you are forcing my hand. I'm sure your friends here would be able to keep you safe, keep the estate running and the rents coming in... they'd do that for you, surely... Dec 31 22:54:49 * Catherine surveys them “maybe...” Dec 31 22:55:18 A hundred and ninety guilders... Dec 31 22:55:27 what is? Dec 31 22:55:55 The cost of the wine and food your friends ate and drank last time they were here Dec 31 22:56:07 As much as that?! Dec 31 22:56:53 On the cheap end for them, really... I recall Mister Warwick helping himself to a bottle of cognac that was thirty guilders alone last year Dec 31 22:57:22 That’s a lot Dec 31 22:58:49 * Morgan nods Dec 31 23:00:08 But I'm sure they'll happily stay and help you get the rents collected without dipping into them or drinking the cellars dry... as for the creatures, well... at least one of them must be decent with a sword and would be willing to stand in front of you, surely. Dec 31 23:00:32 I need you to stay Dec 31 23:01:18 That decision was taken from my hands Dec 31 23:01:25 Please stay Dec 31 23:02:09 Don't beg. Its beneath you. Make your request, state your reasons. Dec 31 23:03:01 Please do not go. I need you to run my estate and protect me. Your family can visit here Dec 31 23:03:19 Im afraid they cannot Dec 31 23:03:51 why not? Dec 31 23:04:21 It is too far for them to travel, and I'm not sure they would. If I am to see them, I must go to them. Dec 31 23:05:08 Besides, they have several Eisen men in their employ, you've already said you would not want Eisen men here Dec 31 23:06:23 Two months then, no more. If you leave tomorrow you will return by spring. Dec 31 23:07:17 I'll take the fastest route I can, but family politics can be... challenging. Dec 31 23:07:28 * Catherine nods Dec 31 23:08:57 I imagine so Dec 31 23:09:52 * Morgan nods, looking around again Dec 31 23:09:58 I meant what I said Dec 31 23:10:30 You’ll leave if I don’t let you go Dec 31 23:11:20 Well... yes... but I meant what I said about you... you have such potential. You can be -great-, but you need to start shining Dec 31 23:11:33 * Catherine sighs Dec 31 23:11:42 I’ll consider it Dec 31 23:11:51 * Morgan nods Dec 31 23:11:59 I'll help you in that, as with all else Dec 31 23:12:17 * Catherine nods Dec 31 23:12:27 You will come back, won’t you? Dec 31 23:12:41 * Morgan nods Dec 31 23:13:16 I will not abandon my charge until she is ready to stand alone. Besides... the fate witch more or less dictated where I'll be for a while Dec 31 23:14:45 she didn’t even make a prediction for you! Dec 31 23:18:06 No, I had a little talk with her when everyone was crying into their wine about the elevation of a servant. She knew things no-one could know, which is how I know what she is. Things are in motion that require my presence Dec 31 23:20:02 * Catherine nods Dec 31 23:20:14 Then you can’t give your resignation either way Dec 31 23:21:41 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 31 23:21:46 Very good... wrong, but good Dec 31 23:23:11 you said the fate witch means you have to stay Dec 31 23:25:10 * Morgan nods Dec 31 23:25:34 Not necessarily -here-. Tawstock, Kingston maybe... I need to be... around. Dec 31 23:27:23 why? Dec 31 23:28:03 Because I know who she's going to marry, for a start Dec 31 23:29:52 how do you know any Veisgrafs?! Dec 31 23:30:00 I do Dec 31 23:32:19 You’re staying to marry her to a nobleman. Dec 31 23:32:53 I'm staying because its where I'm fated to be Dec 31 23:33:10 * Catherine nods, watching a woman wave to her Dec 31 23:33:31 Alright. But if there’s any trouble to me from it, I am holding you acco7nt Dec 31 23:34:12 That, my lady, is nothing new... I don't see it though, I know the location the witch said about, and its hundreds of miles from you Dec 31 23:34:23 * Catherine nods Dec 31 23:34:41 good evening, Morgan. Dec 31 23:34:54 * Morgan inclines his head Dec 31 23:34:55 My lady Dec 31 23:36:07 * Catherine goes off to be silly and noble with the other peacocks, the life he once knew and left for Dietlinde Dec 31 23:37:17 * Morgan makes his way to a corner to stand quietly and watch the guests Dec 31 23:38:57 *they continue on until the small hours before staggering drunkenly to bed, leaving the servants to clean up Dec 31 23:39:26 * Morgan corals them into getting on with it Dec 31 23:43:43 *It’s almost four when he can finally retire, his head swimming with the predictions of a marriage, her somehow a Duchess, the strange danger of one of his female relatives, and an accident with a bolting horse. And them having three children, his necessity to go home, and the impulsive kiss on his cheek, something he hasn’t received for a long time Dec 31 23:44:21 * Morgan lays on his bed, staring at the ceiling Dec 31 23:45:55 *somehow he manages to drop off. When he wakes in reality, it’s quite disorienting* Dec 31 23:46:27 * Morgan rolls out of the bed, looking around Dec 31 23:47:13 *It’s quite dark* Dec 31 23:47:55 * Morgan closes his eyes, breathing slowly Dec 31 23:49:13 *it all starts to fall into place, Molly the duchess, his third son on the way, Alarice and the poisoning, the long journey Molly was supposed to go on* Dec 31 23:52:15 * Morgan nods a little Dec 31 23:52:27 Okay... okay... Dec 31 23:53:48 *it’s still an hour before he’d usually wake* Dec 31 23:54:56 * Morgan contemplates going back to sleep Dec 31 23:55:43 *he feels like he could* Dec 31 23:57:09 * Morgan sighs, getting back into bed Dec 31 23:59:58 *the smell of rose water is faint but still soothing*