**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sat Mar 2 00:03:25 2024 Mar 02 00:03:25 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Mar 02 20:16:08 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Mar 02 20:44:58 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Mar 02 20:45:45 yes, it was. Izamelous seems to be in his element Mar 02 20:45:45 * Morgan nods Mar 02 20:45:45 He's got an unfair amount of talent Mar 02 20:45:45 * Molly nods Mar 02 20:45:45 He must have choreographed the sword fights Mar 02 20:45:48 * Morgan nods Mar 02 20:45:50 I'd imagine so Mar 02 20:45:52 That song was very rude! Mar 02 20:45:54 I'd put money on HeinzHarold remembering it word for word Mar 02 20:45:56 * Molly smiles Mar 02 20:46:00 And yourself? You have a good memory for music Mar 02 20:46:02 Probably but... its not my sort of song Mar 02 20:46:33 * Molly nods Mar 02 20:46:50 you tend towards profound or romantic Mar 02 20:46:55 * Morgan nods Mar 02 20:46:58 Yes, I do Mar 02 20:48:06 * Molly smiles, sitting on the bed Mar 02 20:49:00 I’d like to hear your others soon Mar 02 20:49:22 * Morgan nods Mar 02 20:49:30 We'll try to find time Mar 02 20:50:24 * Molly nods Mar 02 20:50:37 Are you undressing, or do you need to check the boys? Mar 02 20:51:32 No, I don't want to risk waking them Mar 02 20:51:44 * Molly nods, getting into bed Mar 02 20:51:54 Alright, my Lord be Mar 02 20:51:58 love* Mar 02 20:52:24 * Morgan lays down, getting comortable Mar 02 20:54:50 * Molly gently kisses his cheek, smelling nice. Her bump rests against his skin Mar 02 20:55:06 * Morgan puts his hand gently on her tummy Mar 02 20:56:04 * Molly smiles Mar 02 20:56:28 I think it’s time to say goodnight Mar 02 20:57:10 * Morgan nods Mar 02 20:57:12 Aye, I think so Mar 02 20:57:49 * Molly settles properly beside him, but so that he can still touch her belly Mar 02 20:58:43 * Morgan shifts, trying to settle to sleep Mar 02 20:59:43 * Molly sings quietly to him, in Avalonian Mar 02 21:00:15 * Morgan yawns, trying to sleep Mar 02 21:05:46 *he manages it. He dreams again of her and the baby named Hope. By lunch of that day, there’s been no clothing forthcoming from the priest. He’s mostly just stayed with them, rocking the baby who doesn’t do much other than sleep, but her little expressions and movements as she does are fascinating. He’s moved a more comfortable chair in, and he’s sat with her, feet propped up as she snoozes, Molly doing likewise Mar 02 21:06:44 * Morgan watches the baby quietly Mar 02 21:07:47 *She frowns a little, like she’s scared* Mar 02 21:08:10 * Morgan rocks her gently Mar 02 21:09:07 *The baby whimpers, and Molly startles awake* Mar 02 21:09:17 What is it? what’s wrong with her? Mar 02 21:09:30 Shhh now little one, you're alright Mar 02 21:10:11 *She does settle. Molly breathes a sigh of relief* I’m so glad you’re here Mar 02 21:10:30 * Morgan nods a little Mar 02 21:10:48 Its not where I expected to be right now I must admit Mar 02 21:12:37 * Molly nods Mar 02 21:13:25 What will you need to do now? Do you need to write to your bank, and get a new Master-at-arms? Mar 02 21:13:38 * Morgan nods Mar 02 21:13:52 I suppose so... though she'll need more than just a master at arms Mar 02 21:14:39 * Molly nods, watching him with the baby Mar 02 21:15:23 how long will it take to find out? Mar 02 21:15:49 A few days I expect Mar 02 21:17:38 I can take her if you need to do these things Mar 02 21:18:26 * Morgan nods, looking at the girl Mar 02 21:18:30 I suppose I best had Mar 02 21:18:53 * Molly smiles “have you always liked babies?” Mar 02 21:19:19 * Morgan shrugs a little Mar 02 21:19:23 I did Mar 02 21:20:50 You seem to like her Mar 02 21:21:04 I suppose I do... Mar 02 21:21:47 * Molly nods. The baby stretches, starting to cry. Molly gasps “Oh!” Mar 02 21:22:10 Oh its alright little one... you're probably hungry huh Mar 02 21:22:58 * Molly starts undoing her nightgown again Mar 02 21:23:46 * Morgan gets up, bringing the child to her Mar 02 21:23:56 I'll give you some privacy and get these letters sent Mar 02 21:24:37 *the baby continues to cry, that little tiny sound. Molly bares her breast, and it’s still hard to look away from. She takes the baby* Mar 02 21:26:28 I'll see you in a little while Mar 02 21:26:43 * Molly smiles “Thank you, for everything” Mar 02 21:27:26 * Morgan nods a little Mar 02 21:27:31 I'll bring some tea when I come back Mar 02 21:28:10 * Molly nods, smiling “Milk too, please... We won’t want to drink this!” Mar 02 21:28:17 * Morgan nods Mar 02 21:28:19 Of course Mar 02 21:32:12 *But once he’s out in the hall, he can’t escape the thought of that, a mix of the memories of suckling at Dietlinde’s breasts in the months after Jana’s birth, but also how it might be to be wrapped in a similar embrace with Molly, a comforting contact, something soft and nurturing* Mar 02 21:33:30 * Morgan scowls, berating himself Mar 02 21:35:24 *It makes little odds. It comes back time and again whilst he utilises one of her messengers, paying him from the household accounts to take a ship to Carleon with a letter for the bank to find out how much of his savings from the War and from the money his Father had sent him to the Academy with remained. (Mtf) Mar 02 21:36:37 sent word to town to let it be known that Lady Torrington was seeking a new master-at-arms, estate manager, and gamekeeper, as he'd said he would. The thoughts follow him throughout the day, and so he decides to go to the village for clothing Mar 02 21:39:50 * Morgan looks for somewhere to find baby clothes Mar 02 21:40:51 *there’s a little fabric merchants, Mr Jameson’s, just off the square Mar 02 21:41:07 * Morgan goes there Mar 02 21:42:06 *the store isn’t too busy, but he can already hear gossiping as soon as he gets indoors Mar 02 21:42:29 W: -And they were right, weren’t they? Mar 02 21:43:05 C: I knew she’d come to no good, after what happened to her sister. I always knew she had the devil in her! Mar 02 21:43:30 * Morgan sighs Mar 02 21:44:02 W: It’s Martha and David I feel sorry for. It’s lucky their boys came up well, but that daughter of theirs is nothing better than a floozy Mar 02 21:45:05 Ladies... I'd recommend if you have nothing but barbed comments coming from forked tongues, you need to spend more time in your church, because judgement isn't within your remit. Mar 02 21:46:36 *The younger woman definitely doesn’t know who he is* We should always call out sin when we see it, and that Forrester girl sinned with half the boys in this village before she was sent away up north! Mar 02 21:47:46 I see... so you are happy to defy your god... I'm sure the priest will be interested to discover that miss... *he looks at her expectantly* Mar 02 21:49:08 C: It’s Miss Lamey. Who are you? Mar 02 21:49:21 *the other woman looks more wary* Mar 02 21:49:42 Miss Lamey... very good, I shall make your priest aware... Mar 02 21:51:21 C: Everyone knows that Molly Forrester is a fallen woman, and that she drowned her sister when they were girls! Mar 02 21:52:49 I'm sure God appreciates you saving him the effort of judging her himself, though I'm surprised a good woman such as yourself would elevate yourself to His equal... but again, I'll leave that as a matter for the clergy to deal with with you Mar 02 21:53:40 *She huffs, flouncing off. The other woman follows, whispering “Don’t you know who that is?!” Mar 02 21:53:50 * Morgan says loudly Mar 02 21:54:03 It is quite obvious she has no idea... you might wish to educate her Mar 02 21:54:52 *they disappear out into the street* Mar 02 21:55:10 * Morgan slowly looks around the shop Mar 02 21:56:10 *Mr Jameson comes over* Can I help you, Master Hockridge? Mar 02 21:56:24 * Morgan nods Mar 02 21:56:33 I need baby clothes suitable for a newborn Mar 02 21:57:30 *He nods* I heard there’d been a birth and that clothes were supposed to be collected for it by the church Mar 02 21:57:43 * Morgan nods Mar 02 21:57:46 None have been forthcoming Mar 02 21:58:56 * Molly is now known as Jameson Mar 02 21:59:21 They wouldn’t be, not once they start talking about who it is for Mar 02 21:59:33 * Morgan sniffs disdainfully Mar 02 21:59:51 They clearly aren't as pious as they claim Mar 02 22:01:12 *He nods* There’s a lot of bad things been said Mar 02 22:02:20 It does not surprise me of a lot of the harpies in these parts Mar 02 22:02:51 is the baby under your protection now, or is it going to the orphanage? Mar 02 22:03:45 I suppose she is under my protection... and I take that -very- seriously. Mar 02 22:03:58 * Jameson nods Mar 02 22:04:48 No one local will claim her anyway Mar 02 22:05:02 No, thats far too christian a thing to do Mar 02 22:05:39 what do you need? Mar 02 22:05:51 The child has nothing Mar 02 22:07:17 * Jameson nods Mar 02 22:07:31 Will it be all new, or just secondhand? Mar 02 22:07:54 Second hand will do, she can have new things once we get where we're going Mar 02 22:08:22 * Jameson nods Mar 02 22:08:39 Are you leaving together? Mar 02 22:09:23 I'll be watching over them until they reach their destination Mar 02 22:10:22 You aren’t marrying her then? *he start picking things off a shelf* Mar 02 22:11:02 Why would I do that? Mar 02 22:11:34 If you’re going away together, people will talk, won’t they? Mar 02 22:12:57 Not if they know what's good for them Mar 02 22:13:24 Shouldn’t want to make her reputation any worse, or start her off badly in a new area Mar 02 22:14:41 She's going far enough it won't matter Mar 02 22:15:27 Far be it for me to tell you what the right thing to do is, Master Hockridge. Mar 02 22:17:41 indeed Mar 02 22:20:44 * Jameson says nothing further until the package of clothing, shawl, and nappy cloths are wrapped out Mar 02 22:21:03 I will send the invoice to the estate as usual? Mar 02 22:21:48 To me, thank you Mar 02 22:22:51 * Jameson nods Mar 02 22:23:06 where wil” you be taking them? Somewhere nice? Mar 02 22:23:44 Home. Mar 02 22:24:17 You’re not from around these parts Mar 02 22:24:28 No. I'm not. Mar 02 22:25:30 * Jameson nods Mar 02 22:25:44 No one from around here knew you, you see Mar 02 22:26:09 * Morgan nods Mar 02 22:26:13 Most of them do by now Mar 02 22:27:22 When are you leaving? Mar 02 22:27:55 A few weeks. I have to get my replacements installed Mar 02 22:28:11 I’ll put out word for you you, shall I? Mar 02 22:29:07 * Morgan nods Mar 02 22:29:19 She'll need a master at arms, game keeper and estates manager Mar 02 22:30:07 * Jameson nods “three full jobs?” Mar 02 22:30:41 * Morgan nods Mar 02 22:30:46 Turns out its a big job replacing me Mar 02 22:31:48 * Jameson nods Mar 02 22:31:58 “I’ll send up anyone interested “ Mar 02 22:32:15 * Morgan nods, thanking him and taking the package Mar 02 22:33:14 * Jameson says goodbye Mar 02 22:33:26 * Morgan does likewise, heading out Mar 02 22:35:20 *he gets back to the estate without issue, no one bothering him. *That afternoon he arranges a drawer on two dining chairs lined with blankets as a crib, but when her mother slept he'd been unable to relinquish the tiny baby to the cold cot, instead sitting in the chair and holding her for long hours, watching her little face. (Mtf) Mar 02 22:35:49 *The protective feelings that grow by the minute are as fierce as his pain and rage, but easier to bear. There are even times in that long day when his mind is not racing and darkly churning, times when his mind is as quiet as meditation. (Mtf) Mar 02 22:36:21 *When Molly is awake, he calls a servant to help with the more intimate post-birth needs, then sends her away. The quiet room where mother and child are is surprisingly restful, perhaps something in the air. The baby nurses little and often, and each time he finds his gaze drawn. (Mtf) Mar 02 22:37:01 *by evening he starts taking himself off whilst she does it, to walk around, or get food or pots of tea. The staff is restless, unsettled, gossipy, and the atmosphere isn't pleasant. Mar 02 22:37:25 *Eventually he feels himself starting to doze, the soft weight of Hope pulling him into the warm sea of sleep. He takes her to the makeshift cradle and gently sets her in before relenting to sleep in the chair, a blanket that now smells of baby and milk covering him (mtf) Mar 02 22:40:05 *He dreams of lying beside her, of her tenderly stroking his hair whilst he sucks and explores her breasts with his mouth, sensual, soothing. When he wakes within the dream, the baby is no longer in his arms, and he is more aroused than he’s been any morning since the fire* Mar 02 22:41:10 * Morgan frowns, looking round Mar 02 22:43:19 *she’s in the crib. Molly is getting changed, her back to him. The low glow of the firelight illuminates the back of her legs, bottom, and back as her shift comes off, glowing skin compelling Mar 02 22:43:46 * Morgan scowls, looking away Mar 02 22:44:23 *he hears her sigh* Mar 02 22:45:17 Is there a problem? Mar 02 22:45:56 Oh! sorry. no, just... nursing has made my shift wet Mar 02 22:46:27 * Morgan nods, still looking away Mar 02 22:46:33 That happens, I'm told Mar 02 22:46:58 * Jameson seems to realise then Mar 02 22:47:09 Oh, sorry, I Umm... you were asleep Mar 02 22:47:16 I was, yes Mar 02 22:47:25 * Jameson is now known as Molly Mar 02 22:48:42 I don’t have anything on Mar 02 22:49:08 Hence why I'm looking over here Mar 02 22:49:47 *there’s a rustling* Sorry... I’m covered now Mar 02 22:50:04 * Morgan nods, glancing at her Mar 02 22:52:09 * Molly is just in her shift. Her long dark red hair is pulled over one shoulder. Her breasts are covered, but her nipples, those he dreamt of the feel of in his mouth as he suckled upon her, are visible through the fabric Mar 02 22:53:24 * Morgan stretches his back Mar 02 22:54:38 * Molly watches him a moment before going to the crib “I didn’t know if you might drop her if you were asleep” Mar 02 22:54:58 * Morgan nods Mar 02 22:55:07 Its not likely in my experience Mar 02 22:57:12 * Molly nods, watching the baby Mar 02 22:57:23 did you have sons, or daughters? Mar 02 22:57:30 I had a daughter Mar 02 22:57:41 How old was she? Mar 02 22:58:36 A year and a half Mar 02 22:58:54 That’s so young. Was she sick? Mar 02 23:00:28 * Morgan frowns, looking at his hands Mar 02 23:00:45 No... she... died in a fire Mar 02 23:01:16 Oh no... I’m so sorry Mar 02 23:01:23 * Morgan nods a little Mar 02 23:03:56 was that long ago? Mar 02 23:04:29 Not especially... Mar 02 23:04:58 * Molly glances at him Mar 02 23:05:18 And you’re here alone in Tawstock? No family? Mar 02 23:05:33 * Morgan shakes his head Mar 02 23:05:53 I have an uncle in the north... but I have not been in contact Mar 02 23:06:40 * Molly looks sad for him “Aren’t you lonely?” Mar 02 23:07:03 * Morgan shrugs Mar 02 23:07:08 I've tried not to think about it Mar 02 23:07:20 * Molly nods Mar 02 23:07:41 sometimes that’s easier than to think about what was, and what never can be again Mar 02 23:07:50 * Morgan nods Mar 02 23:07:53 I find so Mar 02 23:08:56 * Molly watches the baby quietly Mar 02 23:14:16 Was she your only one? Mar 02 23:14:21 * Morgan nods Mar 02 23:14:30 Yes Mar 02 23:15:27 You wouldn’t ever want more? Mar 02 23:16:08 The thought never crossed my mind... all that did was joining them. Mar 02 23:17:23 What about now? Mar 02 23:17:42 * Morgan shrugs Mar 02 23:18:04 I don't know. I'd not expected to feel anything that wasn't... anger. Mar 02 23:18:20 * Molly doesn’t look at him Mar 02 23:18:26 now what do you feel? Mar 02 23:18:37 Protective Mar 02 23:18:59 She is very small and vulnerable Mar 02 23:19:13 * Morgan nods Mar 02 23:19:14 Yes she is Mar 02 23:20:06 * Molly nods “I worry for her future” Mar 02 23:20:39 * Morgan nods Mar 02 23:21:53 I can understand that Mar 02 23:22:23 * Molly sighs “I worry that she’s less safe with me than with a stable family” Mar 02 23:23:03 I think you'll be alright Mar 02 23:23:52 * Molly nods “Perhaps I’ll marry, if I can find someone I can trust” Mar 02 23:24:29 * Morgan nods Mar 02 23:24:36 Probably need to learn the language then Mar 02 23:25:03 If we go to Eisen... Mar 02 23:25:15 * Morgan nods Mar 02 23:25:35 * Molly shrugs a little “we’ll see” Mar 02 23:25:50 You do not wish to go... Mar 02 23:26:15 For now, we’ll come with you Mar 02 23:26:49 * Morgan frowns Mar 02 23:26:54 What's the problem? Mar 02 23:27:21 Things are very unsettled, and I’m anxious Mar 02 23:28:39 I see... what can I do to assist you with that? Mar 02 23:29:58 I... I know it’s a lot to ask, but would you hold me a moment? Mar 02 23:30:13 * Morgan looks uncomfortable but nods Mar 02 23:30:16 Alright... Mar 02 23:32:03 * Molly watches him “I Umm... I thought you might stand rather than me ummm sitting in your lap” Mar 02 23:32:15 * Morgan nods, getting up Mar 02 23:32:56 * Molly watches him in the firelight, and opens her arms to him Mar 02 23:33:09 * Morgan moves to her, wrapping his arms about her Mar 02 23:34:40 *me puts hers around his waist. She feels right, physically, despite all his misgivings, and she smells good, the lingering scent of pregnancy, the new scent of nursing. Mar 02 23:35:06 I'm going to keep you both safe Mar 02 23:36:14 Until we’re in Eisen? Mar 02 23:36:40 I'm not going to abandon the two of you Mar 02 23:37:15 *She seems to fit right under his chin, her body warm to his. It’s been a long time since he’s had such sustained touch* Mar 02 23:57:05 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client)