**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Wed Aug 7 17:37:43 2024 Aug 07 17:37:43 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Aug 07 17:41:27 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Aug 07 17:46:51 Da: Some are surprised he has a daughter, but that’s mostly the women Aug 07 17:46:51 * Morgan nods Aug 07 17:46:51 Its the way she looks... Aug 07 17:46:51 Da: That is what has most effected them Aug 07 17:46:51 * Morgan nods sadly Aug 07 17:46:53 Its understandable Aug 07 17:46:55 Da: They feel sorry for you Aug 07 17:46:57 * Morgan nods Aug 07 17:46:59 Should've seen that coming Aug 07 17:47:01 *David nods, handing him some tea* Aug 07 17:47:03 HH: Want me to get about a bit, put it out that you’re really okay? Aug 07 17:47:05 * Morgan nods Aug 07 17:47:07 Yeah... I'll put in an appearance soon Aug 07 17:47:09 HH stands up: I’ll drop Inga home first and catch up with you later Aug 07 17:47:11 * Morgan nods Aug 07 17:47:15 Alright man Aug 07 17:47:17 *Inga hugs Morgan* Aug 07 17:47:19 * Morgan hugs her firmly, kissing her crown Aug 07 17:47:21 *She whispers * you can always come and fetch me from Ma’s, for anything! Aug 07 17:47:23 * Morgan chuckles Aug 07 17:47:25 Alright love Aug 07 17:50:37 *Inga and HH go out. David and Martha let the older boys out to play, but Martha keeps Emil on her lap* Aug 07 17:50:53 Da: What do you think of our little homestead? Aug 07 17:51:57 Got a lot planted... I imagined my father would be running you ragged Aug 07 17:53:25 Da: It isn’t a difficult job if you are well-integrated. People bring their concerns to me, I don’t have to go looking for problems Aug 07 17:54:01 * Morgan nods Aug 07 17:54:06 You've really settled here Aug 07 17:56:19 *David nods* We have Aug 07 17:56:58 Ma: It’s been more than a year since we moved here now. I do still miss my boys and my grandchildren Aug 07 18:00:40 * Morgan nods Aug 07 18:00:52 I don't know if they'd be wiling to haul all the way here to visit... Aug 07 18:01:48 Martha shakes her head: it’s quite far Aug 07 18:02:17 * Morgan nods Aug 07 18:02:20 I recall... Aug 07 18:04:27 David: I thought in time we might see if the Rosenkrantzs would host us all Aug 07 18:09:38 * Morgan looks surprised Aug 07 18:12:31 Da: why is that surprising? Aug 07 18:12:50 I knew you were getting along fairly well but I didn't realise it was -that- well Aug 07 18:16:01 Da: *he nods* Despite the inauspicious start, I like them. Aug 07 18:16:11 * Morgan nods Aug 07 18:16:13 good Aug 07 18:16:53 Ma: I like Sebastian, he’s a handsome young man Aug 07 18:17:33 * Morgan nods a little Aug 07 18:17:44 Apparently he and I are quite similar Aug 07 18:18:35 *Martha nods* were you like him before the fire? Aug 07 18:19:16 I suppose so... though we share a few traits even now Aug 07 18:21:11 *Martha smiles* he doesn’t seem much of a family man Aug 07 18:21:37 * Molly frowns a little Aug 07 18:22:05 [calm down, thats not what she means] Aug 07 18:23:24 * Molly quietly sips her tea Aug 07 18:23:36 It just takes the right person Aug 07 18:26:02 Ma: he is your age? he’s getting quite old not to be married Aug 07 18:27:09 * Morgan shrugs Aug 07 18:27:13 It'll happen when it happens Aug 07 18:28:05 Ma: He’ll need a nice young wife so he has plenty of children Aug 07 18:29:32 Up to him, isn't it Aug 07 18:30:10 *Martha nods* Aug 07 18:31:24 Ma: Ilena is a pretty girl, they’ll need to look at husbands for her Aug 07 18:31:35 We're... helping with that Aug 07 18:34:29 Ma: You don’t want some unscrupulous man turning her head and ruining her Aug 07 18:35:11 No, not particularly. We're angling her toward the future Eisenfurst Aug 07 18:36:07 *Martha smiles* She’s beautiful enough for it, and a very good, pure sort of girl Aug 07 18:37:12 * Morgan looks toward the window Aug 07 18:37:32 * Molly says nothing, but her knee comes to his leg beneath the table Aug 07 18:38:06 Da: Would that be Fischler’s son? Aug 07 18:38:13 * Morgan nods Aug 07 18:38:16 Isiah, yes Aug 07 18:39:42 Da: Is he a good choice after what happened with your cousin? Aug 07 18:40:30 I'm hoping he has matured some Aug 07 18:44:14 *david and Martha nod* Aug 07 18:44:35 Ma: does Varick talk about her often? Aug 07 18:44:53 Not sure I even remember the last time he did Aug 07 18:46:11 * Molly shakes her head Aug 07 18:46:41 he had a nightmare about her in Innesbruck, but that’s all Aug 07 18:46:59 * Morgan nods Aug 07 18:47:04 We do a decent job Aug 07 18:48:09 * Molly smiles at him “you are a wonderful father, my love” Aug 07 18:48:27 * Morgan shrugs a little Aug 07 18:48:35 You're a natural mother Aug 07 18:48:58 * Molly blushes Aug 07 18:49:03 you think so? Aug 07 18:49:38 * Morgan nods Aug 07 18:49:39 I do Aug 07 18:50:14 * Molly looks touched Aug 07 18:50:16 Thank you Aug 07 18:52:28 * Morgan nods, putting his hand over hers Aug 07 18:54:01 Ma: It’ll be different this time too Aug 07 18:54:22 * Morgan raises an eyebrow Aug 07 18:54:24 Why? Aug 07 18:56:24 Ma: There’s a special bond when you’ve carried them so long Aug 07 18:57:01 Ah, you think she'll love a child she bore more than Emil or Varick Aug 07 18:58:45 Ma: I think she’ll have a deeper bond Aug 07 18:59:42 Well I won’t. Aug 07 19:01:05 Martha: You will, Moll. The bond starts in the womb, and the delivery helps it. It makes it deeper. Aug 07 19:01:19 *David glances at Morgan * Aug 07 19:02:43 * Morgan scratches his chin Aug 07 19:03:04 As the only person here who has had both natural born and adopted children... Aug 07 19:04:59 *they all look to him* Aug 07 19:07:02 I'm sorry t say you're wrong. My bond with Emil and Varick is just as strong as it was with Jana Aug 07 19:08:22 *Martha and David look surprised* Aug 07 19:09:30 Its not about where they started... its about what they make you feel here *he taps his chest*. As I explained to Elsie and James before we went to Capperlucia, that Varick is adopted makes no difference... he is -my son-, with all that entails Aug 07 19:10:49 Ma: Even when you see how little they look like you? Aug 07 19:11:18 They're my children, not my portraits Aug 07 19:14:35 Ma: Don’t you feel more of a bond to the new baby though? Aug 07 19:15:12 * Morgan shakes his head Aug 07 19:15:53 More that I am saddened I did not get to experience the same things with Emil and Varick... but I was really not ready for it when we adopted Varick Aug 07 19:16:12 Ma: why did you adopt him then? Aug 07 19:18:18 Couple of reasons. I cared about him, and it was easier with his being older... I hadn't been forced to confront everything I felt about children... and secondly, we could not stand by and let my cousins... mercurial ways and lack of attentiveness to her son continue to damage him Aug 07 19:19:54 Ma: But Adalbrecht and Verity could have adopted him Aug 07 19:21:09 And? Aug 07 19:22:57 Ma: wouldn’t it have been easier? Aug 07 19:23:14 Probably, yes Aug 07 19:25:36 I couldn’t have agreed to that... Aug 07 19:27:43 * Morgan nods a little Aug 07 19:29:50 Ma: You loved him from the get-go Aug 07 19:30:16 * Molly smiles “I love too easily” Aug 07 19:30:38 Just as well Aug 07 19:33:10 * Molly smiles Aug 07 19:33:21 It is fortuitous, really Aug 07 19:33:29 * Morgan nods Aug 07 19:35:36 Ma: I was hoping Beth would write to us, she’s usually the best of the four of them at doing it. Caro still doesn’t read and write that well Aug 07 19:36:46 * Morgan nods Aug 07 19:36:54 Nothing so far? Aug 07 19:38:52 Ma: Not for a month now, but it’s not uncommon, she’s busy with the children and Sunnymeade Aug 07 19:39:06 * Morgan nods Aug 07 19:39:17 Why don't you write, Alice can take it to her Aug 07 19:41:31 *Martha nods* I shall. Have you told them about the baby? Aug 07 19:44:01 No... Aug 07 19:46:48 Ma: I can do that for you Aug 07 19:47:16 [that alright with you?] Aug 07 19:49:43 [yes, my love] Aug 07 19:50:25 * Morgan nods Aug 07 19:50:28 If you'd like to Aug 07 19:52:04 *Martha looks pleased by this* They’ll be very happy for you Aug 07 20:01:27 Reckon you might be right Aug 07 20:01:55 * Molly nods Aug 07 20:02:49 Ma: it will be our tenth grandchild, including Varick and Emil Aug 07 20:03:40 * Morgan nods Aug 07 20:03:53 Only another seven or so to go from us then... Aug 07 20:04:19 *Martha nods* Caro will have more, but Beth is getting old Aug 07 20:06:37 Reckon? Aug 07 20:07:31 Ma: She’s going to run out of time. Maybe one more. Aug 07 20:07:46 Whatever makes her happy Aug 07 20:10:14 Ma: It’s better to have more, nature isn’t kind to babies Aug 07 20:11:25 * Morgan nods Aug 07 20:14:26 *he notices the subconscious protective touch Molly gives to her belly* Aug 07 20:14:58 [we have all the advantages] Aug 07 20:16:07 [yes...] Aug 07 20:16:32 [but...] Aug 07 20:18:57 [I still worry, naturally] Aug 07 20:20:47 [I know my love] Aug 07 20:23:09 *Emil reaches for Molly, and she takes him, holding him close* Aug 07 20:23:51 Da: Are you staying the whole time, or going back to Hafenlohr during the wait, Morgan? Aug 07 20:24:09 I would imagine I'll have to go back Aug 07 20:28:14 Ma: We can look after Molly and the children Aug 07 20:32:20 [oh god, don’t leave me here to be fussed over!] Aug 07 20:32:34 [You cant come back with me...] Aug 07 20:34:58 [no, I know] Aug 07 20:35:23 * Morgan checks the time Aug 07 20:36:30 *they should probably go on* Aug 07 20:38:43 I think we'd best be getting on... Aug 07 20:41:00 *They nod* Aug 07 20:41:09 Ma: It’s been nice to have you Aug 07 20:41:44 We'll visit again soon Aug 07 20:45:08 *Martha nods, giving them a hug before letting them out. The boys are playing outside Aug 07 20:45:20 * Morgan calls to them Aug 07 20:56:38 *they come over* Aug 07 20:57:11 Time to go see Sascha and Otto Aug 07 20:58:58 *the children seem happy to move on, running up the path from the clearing. Molly carries Emil. It looks even less here like it first did when he bought the cottage that would one day burn to the ground* Aug 07 20:59:55 * Morgan sighs heavily Aug 07 21:00:30 * Molly takes his hand Aug 07 21:02:04 At some point you're going to have a blazing row with her Aug 07 21:03:44 * Molly sighs Aug 07 21:03:52 I know. Aug 07 21:05:46 Might it be worth just getting it done and over with Aug 07 21:07:13 I’ll consider it, my love Aug 07 21:10:07 * Morgan nods Aug 07 21:10:09 Alright Aug 07 21:12:28 * Molly keeps his hand as they walk with the boys, but as they get closer to Otto and Sascha’s she lets go Aug 07 21:12:57 * Morgan frowns Aug 07 21:13:03 Why have you done that? Aug 07 21:15:07 * Molly holds Emil a little closer Aug 07 21:15:17 V: which house is it, Vati? Aug 07 21:16:36 [Firstly, I want to be respectful, secondly, I do not want to hurt them, and thirdly I have bad memories from being here when she broke my rib] Aug 07 21:16:58 * Morgan takes a deep breath before pointing Aug 07 21:17:00 That one there Varick Aug 07 21:19:21 *Varick and Jacques go that way, waiting by the door where he’d first met Dietlinde more than seven years ago* Aug 07 21:21:02 * Morgan rolls his shoulders, knocking on the door Aug 07 21:21:48 *Otto opens the door with a smile. The house smells of apple pie* Aug 07 21:21:52 * Molly is now known as Otto Aug 07 21:21:58 Good afternoon Aug 07 21:22:35 Otto... I've brought the boys and Molly... Aug 07 21:25:20 * Otto smiles warmly at her Aug 07 21:25:41 Good afternoon, my Lady, you are looking well Aug 07 21:26:17 *Molly smiles politely, but he can see that she’s nervous* Thank you. This is Emil. Aug 07 21:27:31 *Otto nods. As usual, Emil is grinning happily* Aug 07 21:28:02 He looks like a cheerful boy Aug 07 21:31:05 *Molly nods* You have already met Varick and Jacques Aug 07 21:31:45 * Otto nods “Good afternoon, my Lord, Jacques. Are you hungry?” They both nod” Aug 07 21:33:52 * Otto lets them in, and they go right on ahead Aug 07 21:34:32 *Molly takes a deep breath* Alright... Aug 07 21:35:20 * Morgan moves in ahead of her Aug 07 21:39:03 *Molly follows into the unfamiliar house. Varick and Jacques stand nicely by the table as Otto helps Sascha stand. Aug 07 21:39:40 * Morgan moves to her, kissing her cheek gently Aug 07 21:39:48 Sascha Aug 07 21:41:01 *Sascha smiles* Hello, Morgan Aug 07 21:43:21 * Morgan moves a little Aug 07 21:43:52 You remember Varick... this is Jacques, Varicks friend... Aug 07 21:44:09 *Jacques bows politely to her* Aug 07 21:46:03 And of course Molly... and this is Emil... Aug 07 21:47:06 *Sascha is as watchful of Molly as Molly is of being in the house at all. Emil babbles before reaching for Morgan* Aug 07 21:47:49 * Morgan nods, taking him gently Aug 07 21:48:25 Otto, perhaps you'd get the boys set up with some food while the three of us have a little talk Aug 07 21:49:23 * Otto nods, doing so Aug 07 21:49:54 * Morgan moves the two women a little away from them, speaking quietly Aug 07 21:50:38 Right this minute the two of you need to make a decision... you can either let the hurt and animosity of the past continue to be an issue... or you can both leave it in the past. Neither of you wish the other harm, am I correct? Aug 07 21:53:10 *Both of them shake their heads. Emil copies this* Aug 07 21:54:59 So... how about this... Molly... this is Sascha, she was my mother in law and still a loved part of my family... Sascha, this is Molly, my wife who does all she can to honour your daughter and granddaughter and would very much like to have you in our lives... Aug 07 21:57:06 *Molly, in full pregnancy-hormone glory, starts crying* Aug 07 22:00:29 Hey now, come on Aug 07 22:02:00 *Sascha looks concerned. Molly wipes her eyes* M: Sorry... sorry... Aug 07 22:03:26 Its alright... its a lot to face into, given the past Aug 07 22:04:02 *Sascha puts a hand maternally on her arm* No one ever warns you about the crying... Aug 07 22:06:19 *Molly nods* It happens a lot lately Aug 07 22:07:02 Why don't the two of you sit down and Otto and I will make some tea, hmm? Aug 07 22:08:44 *the two women do so. He has to help Sascha with her huge belly lower back into her chair* Aug 07 22:09:55 * Morgan hands Emil to Molly before going to make some tea, keeping an eye to them Aug 07 22:12:46 *they seem okay, but it’s a little dizzying to see his wife and child sat at the table in here where he’d so often seen Dietlinde with Jana on her lap talking to Sascha instead* Aug 07 22:13:09 * Morgan shakes his head a little, concentrating on making the tea Aug 07 22:15:01 *he manages it without incident, the women talking quietly. Otto speaks quietly to Morgan* Is it going alright between them? Aug 07 22:15:34 I -think- so... I had to sort of push them to start over... Aug 07 22:17:15 * Otto nods Aug 07 22:17:45 There is a history there that is difficult for both Aug 07 22:18:20 * Morgan nods Aug 07 22:18:33 Aye... they need to start working on moving past that Aug 07 22:19:43 * Otto nods Aug 07 22:19:50 Dietlinde would want that Aug 07 22:20:05 Yes, she would Aug 07 22:21:37 * Otto nods Aug 07 22:21:56 can she help with Sascha’s hips? Aug 07 22:22:28 [Otto wants to know if you can help with Sascha's hips] Aug 07 22:22:35 That was her intention... Aug 07 22:24:11 [I can, but I am not sure how to do it subtly] Aug 07 22:24:52 Its going to be difficult to do without her noticing... Aug 07 22:27:11 [I suppose I could make a show of examining her and measuring her bump] Aug 07 22:28:08 [That might work... ask about the pain, apply pressure to the back of her hips and... oh, thats worked nicely...] Aug 07 22:29:37 [yes, alright] Aug 07 22:31:59 *Molly sets Emil down and he toddles to Morgan* Aug 07 22:32:34 * Otto smiles “It seems like only a few days ago that Dietlinde crossed this floor in such a way” Aug 07 22:33:13 * Morgan crouches down to pick up Emil Aug 07 22:33:27 It'll not be over-long before your twins are doing it Aug 07 22:35:05 * Otto nods, watching Molly help Sascha stand again Aug 07 22:35:20 We’ll both be glad when the delivery is over Aug 07 22:35:40 * Morgan nods, handing Emil to him Aug 07 22:35:47 She'll help, if Sascha lets her Aug 07 22:41:08 * Otto has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Aug 07 23:41:12 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)