**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Thu Mar 28 00:03:56 2024 Mar 28 00:03:56 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Mar 28 17:35:43 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Mar 28 19:13:01 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Mar 28 19:14:05 I will stow my admonishment about eaves dropping. What did you intend to say? Mar 28 19:14:05 * Morgan watches him seriously for a moment Mar 28 19:14:05 That you should should stow your disappointment at the circumstance, and take joy in the fact you have a granddaughter. Mar 28 19:14:05 * Adalbrecht looks to where Mina is watching Edward, Alice, Heidi, and Molly Mar 28 19:14:05 The circumstances are far from ideal Mar 28 19:14:08 Yes. There is plenty of pain to go around, why cling to more than we must Mar 28 19:14:10 * Adalbrecht nods slightly Mar 28 19:14:12 *Mina does look a little lonely stood by herself as her husband, his former lover, her sister in law, and the princess laugh together* Mar 28 19:14:14 How about... we go and make -that-pain a little less... Mar 28 19:14:16 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:14:18 Are you going to tell Edward and Mina that Molly is in the family way? Mar 28 19:14:20 Do you have any idea how hard it was keeping it from mother while we waited for you? Mar 28 19:14:22 * Adalbrecht smiles “I do, in fact” Mar 28 19:14:24 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:15:56 * Molly is now known as Adalbrecht Mar 28 19:16:43 That was not an answer though Mar 28 19:17:32 I think, given their desire to start a family together, it would be unfair to let them find out with everyone else, don't you? Mar 28 19:18:01 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:18:16 you have beaten them to the post Mar 28 19:18:34 Their time will come soon Mar 28 19:19:01 I hope that is the case Mar 28 19:19:25 I have faith. Before we get to her... I was hoping you and I could take a walk tomorrow morning, the two of us... Mar 28 19:20:19 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:21:00 I imagine as we could not have separate rooms I will wake as early as your Mother Mar 28 19:21:19 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:21:23 I will be awake before dawn Mar 28 19:22:59 Do you sleep at all? That must be before five now Mar 28 19:23:33 * Morgan smiles a little Mar 28 19:23:43 I don't sleep much, no. Mar 28 19:24:23 * Adalbrecht sips his drink Mar 28 19:24:38 Are you liking your latest property? Mar 28 19:24:49 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:25:05 I'm slowly putting my mark on it. I have my office, which I like Mar 28 19:25:40 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:25:53 when David and I first came we were impressed Mar 28 19:26:05 The grounds are enormous Mar 28 19:29:26 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:29:55 You have a lot of water closets for a modest estate Mar 28 19:30:05 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:30:19 I noticed that. Yes, its not as grand as Kiev but... this is more -us- Mar 28 19:32:08 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:32:52 Edward’s friends look comfortable here Mar 28 19:33:16 * Morgan nods slightly Mar 28 19:33:26 The place is like a second home to them... they've all spent a significant time here Mar 28 19:34:33 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:34:55 I hope they can behave Mar 28 19:35:33 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:35:47 I've made it clear what I expect from them... and the consequences for upsetting my wife or my mother Mar 28 19:37:12 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:37:20 Your Mother is delighted Mar 28 19:37:33 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:37:36 And you? Mar 28 19:40:40 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:41:01 It is what I hoped for when you returned with Molly Mar 28 19:41:27 I hope you can be as happy when you meet Emil... and Florrie Mar 28 19:44:35 That will be somewhat different Mar 28 19:44:58 Florrie will be difficult... believe me, I know. Mar 28 19:45:52 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:46:25 when do you intend that to happen? Mar 28 19:46:58 I'll talk with Edward and Alice but... tomorrow probably. And Emil, definitely tomorrow. Its right you meet your grandson before the visitors do Mar 28 19:48:32 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:48:56 Your Mother says he’s a very amiable young man Mar 28 19:49:54 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:50:09 So far, yes. No doubt he'll have times when he's less so... Mar 28 19:51:19 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:52:06 You must be pleased about the next child after your heartache at Graben Mar 28 19:52:34 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:53:03 Its impossible to put into words how much it means to me. Of course, my readiness for it is down to Florrie... Mar 28 19:53:33 one would assume the opposite would occur Mar 28 19:54:32 * Morgan nods Mar 28 19:54:43 But... I couldn't avoid her like I did with every other young child Mar 28 19:57:13 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:57:57 Do you still avoid them on the whole? Mar 28 19:58:27 * Morgan shakes his head, smiling Mar 28 19:58:30 No, I don't Mar 28 19:59:13 * Adalbrecht nods Mar 28 19:59:28 There was something you wanted to say about her? Mar 28 20:00:05 We can talk about it tomorrow morning. Lets support our kin right now Mar 28 20:02:27 * Adalbrecht nods. Molly is still with Alice, Edward’s friends joining him and Mina Mar 28 20:04:26 * Morgan looks at Mina, inclining his head Mar 28 20:04:28 Lady Koertig Mar 28 20:07:28 *Mina smiles warmly* Your Excellency Mar 28 20:08:39 My father and I were wondering if we might impose on you for company for a little while Mar 28 20:10:30 *Mina nods, going to Morgan’s side* Mar 28 20:13:38 * Morgan looks around before speaking very quietly to her Mar 28 20:13:44 How're you doing? Mar 28 20:14:19 *Mina smiles politely* I am well, thank you. How are you? Mar 28 20:14:57 * Morgan watches her for a moment before nodding Mar 28 20:15:54 I'm well... a little apprehensive about all the guests we're about to have... Mar 28 20:19:14 *Mina nods* Hosting can be intimidating Mar 28 20:19:36 * Morgan nods Mar 28 20:19:45 Not really something I've done before Mar 28 20:22:22 *Mina nods* The first time is always scarier than subsequently. You get used to how hard it is Mar 28 20:22:37 * Morgan glances at her very briefly Mar 28 20:22:54 I'm sure. Mar 28 20:27:37 * Adalbrecht doesn’t seem to see any innuendo Mar 28 20:28:23 You should host frequently and then you’ll get used to it being so busy Mar 28 20:28:45 *Mina gives a brief glance to Morgan this t8me* Mar 28 20:28:55 * Morgan nods slightly Mar 28 20:29:09 How often did you host to begin with? Its not in the letters you wrote Mar 28 20:33:41 After your Grandfather died? Mar 28 20:33:51 * Morgan nods Mar 28 20:34:13 Not as often as I would have had I not been at war Mar 28 20:34:41 * Morgan nods Mar 28 20:35:02 I suppose I'll have to Mar 28 20:37:30 Your Mother hosted occassionally in my absence, but I’m sure you recall how dangerous travel was then, for women especially Mar 28 20:38:08 * Morgan nods, absently touching his flank Mar 28 20:38:12 Yes, it was Mar 28 20:38:45 M: *she nods* I remember our coachmen negotiating with troops for undisturbed passage, and soldiers arriving expecting provisions for their units Mar 28 20:38:52 [what is wrong?] Mar 28 20:39:32 [nothing, why?] Mar 28 20:39:46 * Morgan nods Mar 28 20:40:23 Food was not in any way abundant Mar 28 20:41:32 [You were touching yourself] Mar 28 20:41:53 * Morgan lowers his hand to his side Mar 28 20:42:13 Mina: *she nods* It wasn’t much better in Graben, but we had to give over much of it Mar 28 20:42:17 [Sorry. Father was talking about how dangerous travel during the war was] Mar 28 20:42:37 [You were captured whilst travelling...?] Mar 28 20:42:58 [On my way to rescue HeinzHarold...] Mar 28 20:43:32 I spent most of my time alone, there wasn't anyone to give food to... if I had any Mar 28 20:44:17 [Do you need me with you, my love?] Mar 28 20:44:26 *Mina nods* Mar 28 20:44:39 [I'm alright blossom] Mar 28 20:45:07 Your Mother used to comment on my weight when I came home. She said I was much lighter and more bones Mar 28 20:45:31 *Mina glances at Morgan, briefly raising a single, neat eyebrow* Mar 28 20:46:51 * Morgan brings his drink to his mouth, sipping it Mar 28 20:51:07 *They are saved by Diana and Dekker arriving. Peaches isn’t with them. Diana seems to be looking the room over, and Dekker looks as relaxed as when they first came here in the Autumn * Mar 28 20:53:16 Best go do the host thing... excuse me... Mar 28 20:53:53 *they don’t stop him* Mar 28 20:54:10 * Morgan walks over to Dekker, inclining his head Mar 28 20:54:16 Sir Dekker, Lady Dekker... Mar 28 20:55:38 *Dekker bows slightly, and Diana curtsies a little* Mar 28 20:55:43 * Adalbrecht is now known as Diana Mar 28 20:55:53 Your Excellency Mar 28 20:56:19 Strange being back? Mar 28 20:59:00 * Diana nods “I thought you’d have more art or valuables on display” Mar 28 20:59:27 Whyso? Mar 28 21:01:09 You’re a Duke and you’ve just been to a new country. Didn’t you get souvenirs? Mar 28 21:02:12 Not really. A few little things, really. Time was spent securing relations with the royal family. Mar 28 21:04:11 * Diana nods “You know so many high up people” Mar 28 21:05:19 In Capperlucia, everyone is treated as part of one big family, from the Queen down to house staff Mar 28 21:08:09 I think that would be nice Mar 28 21:08:50 * Morgan nods Mar 28 21:09:02 It is, yes. Its very much suited to my way of thinking Mar 28 21:10:06 * Diana smiles Mar 28 21:10:25 Dekker: Can I get you another drink, Morgan? Mar 28 21:11:12 I wouldn't say no, thank you Mar 28 21:15:58 *Dekker goes to the cabinet where presumably it’s always been kept* Mar 28 21:16:07 Do you like it here? Mar 28 21:16:12 * Morgan nods Mar 28 21:16:29 I do. Its taking some getting used to... I always thought we'd return to Sudlachenburg Mar 28 21:18:01 We’re getting a new house In Wittenberg Mar 28 21:18:36 Oh? That'll be nice. I'd recommend asking Edward to paint something for it Mar 28 21:22:00 * Diana nods Mar 28 21:22:12 He paints well Mar 28 21:22:16 * Morgan nods Mar 28 21:22:27 Did you see the one hanging in the entry? He did that Mar 28 21:23:43 * Diana nods Mar 28 21:23:54 You must like it a lot Mar 28 21:24:29 * Morgan nods Mar 28 21:24:47 I do. I occasionally wanted to paint, but drawing is more my style Mar 28 21:26:44 * Diana nods Mar 28 21:26:55 I’m good at embroidery and harp Mar 28 21:27:29 * Morgan smiles Mar 28 21:27:55 I love the harp. Mar 28 21:30:14 I took it with me, but you could buy one? Mar 28 21:30:56 Oh, I'm not good with it. I love -hearing- it Mar 28 21:34:11 what if you got one for Varick and he could learn? That’s what I’d like to have done with a child Mar 28 21:34:32 * Morgan nods slowly Mar 28 21:34:40 Thats not a bad idea... I'll look into it I think Mar 28 21:38:14 * Diana nods Mar 28 21:38:45 You could have a little orchestra Mar 28 21:39:19 * Morgan smiles a little Mar 28 21:39:28 Wouldn't be so little by the time all of them are born Mar 28 21:39:43 * Diana nods, looking a little sad Mar 28 21:39:52 Do you want a big family? Mar 28 21:40:07 * Morgan nods Mar 28 21:40:18 But I get no say in it... the plate has said how many we will have Mar 28 21:41:55 You’re very lucky Mar 28 21:42:15 * Morgan nods sympathetically Mar 28 21:43:28 How are the boys treating you now? Mar 28 21:44:09 My stepsons? Mar 28 21:44:20 * Morgan glances towards Edwards friends Mar 28 21:44:22 That lot Mar 28 21:45:30 I haven’t seen them much, we’ve spent more time with my friends and new acquaintances in Wittenberg Mar 28 21:45:44 * Morgan nods Mar 28 21:45:49 That must be enjoyable Mar 28 21:49:02 * Diana nods, smiling Mar 28 21:49:53 We’ve been to the Theatre, and to Museums and Galleries, and everyone treats me nicely now because I’m a Lady and my friends are nobility Mar 28 21:50:45 Have you been writing to Molly? Mar 28 21:52:19 Just once because I wasn’t sure when you’d be coming Mar 28 21:53:44 * Morgan nods Mar 28 21:54:01 Well, we're home now... you're welcome to write to me, of course, if you like Mar 28 21:54:43 Can I?! Mar 28 21:55:10 Of course, if you wish to Mar 28 21:57:57 Thank you! I can tell you what we will do with our new house. Charlotte is moving into our old house that came from her mother Mar 28 21:58:35 A new start for all of us, hmm? Mar 28 21:58:51 * Diana nods Mar 28 21:59:09 She’ll have her baby there *Dekker appears with drinks* Mar 28 22:03:36 * Morgan nods Mar 28 22:03:38 That is proper Mar 28 22:05:28 Dekker: What is? Mar 28 22:06:10 Lady Diana was telling me about Charlotte Mar 28 22:08:45 *Dekker nods* She is having a child Mar 28 22:09:50 * Morgan nods Mar 28 22:09:57 I gathered Mar 28 22:10:30 It’s very exciting Mar 28 22:11:09 *Dekker doesn’t look excited about the prospect of his only daughter giving birth after that is how he lost her mother* Mar 28 22:11:21 When is she due? Mar 28 22:13:53 In the first half of June Mar 28 22:15:01 * Morgan nods Mar 28 22:15:09 Not too long then Mar 28 22:20:52 *Dekker nods, handing him a glass* No Mar 28 22:22:48 [are we busy first half of June?] Mar 28 22:26:48 [yes, my love, it’s Zench’s wedding] Mar 28 22:27:46 [Damn. Dekker's daughter is due and he is, understandably, stressed about it] Mar 28 22:31:47 [that’s unfortunate] Mar 28 22:32:08 [Yes...] Mar 28 22:33:04 it’ll be nice for him to be a grandfather Mar 28 22:34:55 *Dekker sips his whiskey* It doesn’t seem long ago that she was only a baby herself Mar 28 22:39:02 * Morgan does likewise Mar 28 22:39:04 What's she like? Mar 28 22:41:25 *Dekker smiles fondly* She’s naturally calm and sunny-tempered Mar 28 22:42:36 * Morgan smiles Mar 28 22:43:08 Perhaps one day we'll meet Mar 28 22:47:08 Yes, you could all visit us in our new home! Mar 28 22:48:00 Dekker: We are having some renovations, I would say August onwards would be better Mar 28 22:48:19 We'll have to see how our calendars align Mar 28 22:50:48 People would be so impressed that you came to a party at my house Mar 28 22:53:13 * Morgan nods Mar 28 22:53:32 Probably less than you spending time with the Eisenfurst again... Mar 28 22:54:31 * Diana nods enthusiastically Mar 28 22:54:42 No one can believe I’ve spoken to him Mar 28 22:55:53 I'm told he should be arriving tomorrow... along with Molly's aunt, uncle and cousins Mar 28 22:56:55 * Diana smiles Mar 28 22:57:16 You’ve got more guests than we ever had Mar 28 22:58:31 Its a good opportunity to stretch my social legs, get to know the Freiarrs that will be working with me, that sort of thing Mar 28 23:00:20 Dekker: The big events bring people out Mar 28 23:03:44 * Morgan nods Mar 28 23:04:00 There'll be all kinds of incredulous and disbelieving looks going about over the next few days Mar 28 23:05:26 Why? Mar 28 23:05:49 Because some of the things that happened in Capperlucia are hard to believe Mar 28 23:07:57 Will you tell us about them? Mar 28 23:08:26 Im' not sure you'd believe me Mar 28 23:11:19 Dekker: I would like to hear what you experienced there, I am certain others would too Mar 28 23:11:45 * Morgan nods Mar 28 23:12:08 Molly did all of the ambassadorial work... their society is entirely matriarchal Mar 28 23:13:22 Dekker nods: I can see a certain sense in that Mar 28 23:13:43 * Morgan nods Mar 28 23:14:19 The men look after the children. But the army are women, their commanders are women... Mar 28 23:16:01 Dekker: I’ve known a few women fit to command *He has previously described his first wife, when they were just teens, as such a woman* Mar 28 23:16:16 * Morgan nods Mar 28 23:16:35 Claudia is a woman I'd follow... and Captain Everhart is a fine captain Mar 28 23:18:10 Dekker nods: We haven’t been introduced Mar 28 23:18:27 Is she the one who went to bed with Edward and had his baby? Mar 28 23:19:51 * Morgan looks at her Mar 28 23:20:15 * Diana looks more envious than judgemental Mar 28 23:20:36 Generally, we wouldn't put it quite like that... noble types like to couch what they're saying in flowery language... but yes, she is Mar 28 23:21:03 * Diana nods “I’m sorry for my rudeness” Mar 28 23:21:16 * Morgan smiles Mar 28 23:21:28 Not at all, I'm just trying to help you along Mar 28 23:21:59 Obviously it is very upsetting for Edwards wife, so we need to be gentle about the whole subject Mar 28 23:23:22 * Diana nods Mar 28 23:23:36 I like Mina, we write Mar 28 23:23:42 * Morgan nods Mar 28 23:24:21 I have a great deal of respect and affection for her Mar 28 23:26:49 * Diana nods Mar 28 23:28:45 Dekker: How would you like us to support them? Mar 28 23:30:22 Show her the respect she's always had, without pity. Mar 28 23:31:19 *Dekker nods* Mar 28 23:31:31 It wasn’t her fault anyway Mar 28 23:31:54 no Mar 28 23:32:23 But Alice does not hold any blame either Mar 28 23:33:07 *Diana nods* Mar 28 23:35:52 * Morgan looks around at the various people Mar 28 23:36:01 Its been and continues to be difficult for many of us Mar 28 23:36:36 *There’s definitely two groups, one containing Mina, one containing Alice Mar 28 23:37:20 Anyway... it'll go fairly smoothly until I mention the dragons Mar 28 23:38:07 *they both laugh* Mar 28 23:38:30 *Molly catches his eye and smiles* Mar 28 23:38:42 * Morgan smiles, sipping his drink Mar 28 23:39:22 They've got climbing walls... one of them, only two of their men have ever managed to climb it, and only once, and no-one from away has ever managed it Mar 28 23:39:38 *Molly licks her lower lip a little before looking away with a smile* Mar 28 23:39:50 Dekker: How high is it? Mar 28 23:41:27 Hundred and fifty, maybe two hundred feet Mar 28 23:41:50 *he looks impressed* Mar 28 23:42:20 I got myself a new scar trying to climb it Mar 28 23:43:27 Dekker: It needs an extremely skilled climber? Mar 28 23:43:48 Only two had ever managed to climb it, and only once each... Mar 28 23:44:13 *He nods* Mar 28 23:44:27 Until I got there Mar 28 23:46:13 Did you get to the top? Mar 28 23:46:51 Eventually. Being the first foreigner to do it, they asked me to write about the experience so it could be displayed in their museum Mar 28 23:48:23 That’s exciting, imagine being in a museum! Mar 28 23:49:12 * Morgan nods Mar 28 23:49:15 I am quite honoured Mar 28 23:49:39 Dekker nods? I’d be proud of myself Mar 28 23:49:59 * Morgan nods Mar 28 23:50:02 Even prouder the second time Mar 28 23:51:08 *they both look impressed * Mar 28 23:51:40 * Morgan sips his drink Mar 28 23:52:41 *The door opens again* Mar 28 23:52:57 * Morgan looks toward it Mar 28 23:54:28 *Claudia lets Uinise in* Mar 28 23:54:44 And there's our Emissary Mar 28 23:57:32 *they look interested, but it’s Witts whose attention is most caught* Mar 28 23:58:15 * Morgan sighs quietly