**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Tue Dec 10 20:01:05 2024 Dec 10 20:01:05 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 10 20:04:08 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 10 20:05:02 Because I cannot prepare for it... I worry I won't realise its too far before it is Dec 10 20:05:02 too far for what? Dec 10 20:05:02 For me, for you... Dec 10 20:05:02 * Molly nods Dec 10 20:05:02 I wouldn’t want to hurt you Dec 10 20:05:03 Nor I you Dec 10 20:05:07 You wouldn’t hurt me, unless you stopped caring for me Dec 10 20:05:11 * Morgan nods a little Dec 10 20:05:13 * Molly stays standing, but leans down to kiss him softly Dec 10 20:05:15 * Morgan returns it Dec 10 20:05:17 Sleep well Dec 10 20:05:19 * Morgan nods Dec 10 20:05:21 * Molly heads towards the door. But then with her hand in the doorknob she pauses. The look she gives him is questioning, his last chance to keep her here with him Dec 10 20:05:23 * Morgan watches her Dec 10 20:05:25 * Molly licks her lower lip, watching him Dec 10 20:05:27 You are sure? Dec 10 20:05:29 No... but its for the best Dec 10 20:05:31 * Molly nods, taking a deep breath before unlocking the door Dec 10 20:05:33 * Morgan doesn't stop her Dec 10 20:05:35 * Molly lets herself out, gently shutting the door behind her, leaving him with both an empty silence and a body very unimpressed by his decision Dec 10 20:05:39 * Morgan sits where he is, picking up his tea Dec 10 20:05:41 *From her room, he hears what seems to be a flopping on the bed and a groan of frustration* Dec 10 20:05:43 * Morgan sighs, nodding to himself Dec 10 20:06:12 **he wakes up. Its only an hour since he went to sleep* Dec 10 20:06:58 * Morgan sighs, grumbling before trying to get an idea of the time Dec 10 20:08:40 *it’s not long after one* Dec 10 20:08:53 For crying out loud... Dec 10 20:11:07 *there’s no one to answer him* Dec 10 20:11:40 * Morgan rolls over, trying to go back to sleep Dec 10 20:13:09 *he starts to dream that again. He'd been surprisingly able to get to sleep, and had dreamt of her again, this time of her still sitting in his lap and kissing him. When he wakes it's due to the intense pleasure and relief of his body orgasming spontaneously, something he'd never had before. Dec 10 20:14:31 * Morgan groans before swearing Dec 10 20:15:13 *it’s about the time he’d usually wake anyway* Dec 10 20:16:03 * Morgan sets about getting himself cleaned up before getting dressed Dec 10 20:16:37 *he manages this without incident, though no doubt the maids will gossip about Dec 10 20:16:39 it* Dec 10 20:17:21 * Morgan scowls, getting ready to patrol Dec 10 20:18:48 *it’s cold outside, a morning lending itself more to Autumn than Summer Dec 10 20:19:16 * Morgan walks slowly around the house Dec 10 20:19:55 *he has time to think as the sun comes up, about what was said last night about leaving for Catterick, and the importance of him speaking to Catherine Dec 10 20:20:24 * Morgan checks the time Dec 10 20:21:20 *he’s been much longer than he thought, it’s after eight, and she’ll probably be having breakfast in her room Dec 10 20:22:14 * Morgan goes looking for Molly Dec 10 20:24:44 *He gets intercepted by a maid* Sir, Lady Torrington wishes to see you Dec 10 20:24:54 * Morgan sighs, nodding Dec 10 20:24:57 I'll be right there Dec 10 20:25:24 *she curtsies briefly before going back towards the kitchen* Dec 10 20:25:50 * Morgan mutters, going to find Catherine Dec 10 20:27:37 *A maid is just exiting the room with a tray* She’s up, sir Dec 10 20:28:13 Should hope so, she wanted to see me Dec 10 20:29:36 *The maid lets him in. Catherine has coffee and is sat at the small table by the fire. There’s a chair opposite her Dec 10 20:29:53 You wished to see me? Dec 10 20:30:24 * Molly is now known as Catherine Dec 10 20:30:31 * Catherine smiles “Take a seat” Dec 10 20:31:21 * Morgan sits down Dec 10 20:32:28 * Catherine pours him some coffee into a spare cup Dec 10 20:32:57 * Morgan watches her Dec 10 20:33:15 I wanted to ask you about replacing Molly as housekeeper as she’s going to be leaving Dec 10 20:34:35 * Morgan nods slowly Dec 10 20:34:45 You have a preference? Dec 10 20:35:38 No, I don’t speak to them much. You can decide Dec 10 20:37:12 Very well... Dec 10 20:38:46 It needs to be someone you can work well with Dec 10 20:39:02 * Morgan draws a deep breath Dec 10 20:39:04 About that... Dec 10 20:39:21 * Catherine sips her coffee “yes?” Dec 10 20:40:03 If things go as planned, I will be tending my resignation Dec 10 20:40:52 * Catherine frowns Dec 10 20:40:57 But I need you Dec 10 20:41:42 I appreciate that my lady, but there are others who would be suitable Dec 10 20:42:49 why do you want to leave? I can pay you more, or get a separate gamekeeper Dec 10 20:43:05 * Morgan sips his coffee Dec 10 20:44:22 Its not about any of that my lady... Dec 10 20:44:45 then what? Dec 10 20:45:07 * Morgan looks thoughtful Dec 10 20:45:24 I have grown to care for someone, and that cannot continue here... Dec 10 20:45:42 * Catherine looks surprised Dec 10 20:45:58 Who?! Lady Zella? Captain Tsaylur?! Dec 10 20:46:26 While I do care for the captain, its not like -that-. No, it is someone else entirely Dec 10 20:47:03 Oh. So you’re getting married?! Have you proposed yet? Dec 10 20:47:21 No... given my past, I am not ready for that just yet Dec 10 20:47:33 Who is she? Dec 10 20:50:23 A housekeeper in a noble household... she is to going to have a job in a nobleman home in the north Dec 10 20:50:48 You’re going to work there too? Dec 10 20:52:06 In the area, yes Dec 10 20:53:09 * Catherine smiles “I wish you lots of happiness then. When will you be going?” Dec 10 20:53:52 That needs to be confirmed my lady Dec 10 20:54:45 You need to ask your love? Dec 10 20:54:54 * Morgan nods Dec 10 20:54:59 Confirm dates and whatnot Dec 10 20:55:20 You’ve kept this very quiet! Dec 10 20:56:47 Its... something of a revelation to myself if I'm honest Dec 10 20:57:35 why? Dec 10 20:58:08 Its... something I've come to realise... I wasn't even sure I -could- care for someone anymore Dec 10 20:58:25 * Catherine nods Dec 10 20:58:45 I’m sorry you’re going to be leaving Dec 10 20:59:18 * Morgan nods Dec 10 20:59:58 As am I... I was looking forward to seeing the sort of confident young woman you are about to become Dec 10 21:00:11 * Catherine smiles Dec 10 21:00:36 Maybe I’ll impose on the hospitality of your new workplace. Who will you be working for? Dec 10 21:01:09 If things go to plan... Lord Ho... Hockridge of Catterick Dec 10 21:01:48 That’s a coincidence. Or a very distant relative? Dec 10 21:02:18 * Morgan sips his coffee Dec 10 21:02:20 A relative Dec 10 21:03:01 * Catherine nods “I’m sure they’ll be lucky to have you. Will you invite me to the wedding?” Dec 10 21:03:31 I wouldn't have thought you'd be wanting to go to a commoners wedding my lady Dec 10 21:03:56 * Catherine smiles “I would like to go to yours, you’ve been good to me” Dec 10 21:04:19 My lady, I've been -horrible- to you... for your own good, mind, but I was never pleasant Dec 10 21:04:48 You have been quite rude at times Dec 10 21:04:58 * Morgan nods Dec 10 21:05:01 When it was required Dec 10 21:05:42 * Catherine nods Dec 10 21:06:01 If you need any furniture for your future home, I can send some Dec 10 21:06:10 * Morgan smiles Dec 10 21:06:38 I appreciate that, truly... but I think we'll be alright... Lord Hockridge is a kind man, very loving to all Dec 10 21:07:02 * Catherine nods Dec 10 21:07:29 I wish you and the future Mrs Hockridge all the luck in the world Dec 10 21:08:33 * Morgan watches her seriously for a moment Dec 10 21:09:56 Yes? Dec 10 21:11:15 I... I will always offer aid, if you need it... advice, for example... Dec 10 21:12:18 * Catherine nods “Thank you, I appreciate that” Dec 10 21:12:47 *there’s a sound of a horse speeding down the driveway away from the house* Dec 10 21:12:57 * Morgan sighs Dec 10 21:13:03 If you'll excuse me, I'll go check -that- out Dec 10 21:14:04 * Catherine nods “Think about who can replace Molly and yourself please” Dec 10 21:14:10 * Morgan nods Dec 10 21:14:13 Of course my lady Dec 10 21:14:20 * Morgan stands, moving for the door Dec 10 21:14:55 * Catherine doesn’t stop him Dec 10 21:15:26 * Morgan heads directly outside Dec 10 21:16:07 *the horse is already long gone* Dec 10 21:16:20 * Morgan heads for the stable Dec 10 21:16:29 * Catherine is now known as Sam Dec 10 21:16:40 * Sam the groom is mucking out the horses Dec 10 21:16:57 Sam... who's just gone off on a horse? Dec 10 21:17:28 Twas Lord Jaeger, Sir. I’m a fearful hurry were ‘ee Dec 10 21:17:32 in* Dec 10 21:17:40 Whyso? Dec 10 21:17:47 No idea, sir Dec 10 21:19:00 * Morgan nods, thanking him before going to find Molly Dec 10 21:19:23 *No one he passes has seen her Dec 10 21:20:05 * Morgan scowls, searching the house Dec 10 21:20:47 *he can only presume she must not have come down to work this morning Dec 10 21:21:16 * Morgan goes up to her room, knocking Dec 10 21:21:26 *there’s no answer Dec 10 21:21:34 * Morgan pushes the door open Dec 10 21:22:03 * Sam is on the bed, sprawled at an angle too awkward for sleep Dec 10 21:22:24 Molly... Dec 10 21:22:30 * Sam is now known as Molly Dec 10 21:23:58 * Molly doesn’t respond. It looks like her blouse has been undone, and there’s a mark on her apron that she’d bought last month when it was all she could afford, a mark that looks disturbingly like the one his own body had made this morning Dec 10 21:24:17 * Morgan moves to her, shaking her shoulder gently Dec 10 21:25:52 * Molly doesn’t respond. There are red marks around her neck that look like hand marks, and tiny red spots beneath her closed eyes, skin pale. He’s seen enough on battlefields to know those signs are from strangulation Dec 10 21:26:06 * Morgan quietly checks her pulse Dec 10 21:27:01 *it’s there, but very faint Dec 10 21:27:40 * Morgan goes to the nearest room with a bell pull, yanking it frantically before going back to her room Dec 10 21:28:09 *it seems like a very long time that he has to wait Dec 10 21:28:31 * Morgan takes hold of her hand, stroking her hair and talking quietly to her as he waits Dec 10 21:28:44 I need you to stay here, blossom, please... I'll fix all this... Dec 10 21:28:56 *A maid and a footman both appear at the same time* Dec 10 21:29:25 Medic and a doctor, right now, and I want Lady Torrington here... Dec 10 21:29:50 *they both hurry off to their tasks Dec 10 21:31:04 There we go, blossom, people are on their way now, you just need to hang on Dec 10 21:32:52 * Molly still doesn’t respond. Her dress is still undone, her apron still a glaring reminder Dec 10 21:33:05 * Morgan checks her pulse again Dec 10 21:33:35 *it’s hard to tell. It’s perhaps slightly stronger, or maybe the same. It’s definitely no worse* Dec 10 21:34:31 *It’s not Catherine that appears, but Evie, looking worried “What the feck has happened here?!” Dec 10 21:36:16 * Morgan looks at her Dec 10 21:36:44 I need you to find Jaeger, and bring him back here... he has to face what he's done and I don't care how hurt he gets doing that, do you understand? Dec 10 21:37:39 *Evie looks at Molly “Wait, she’s not...?!” Dec 10 21:37:59 She has a pulse, but barely. If you know of a healer nearby, get them first Dec 10 21:39:19 *Evie runs from the room to do this, going to chase down Molly’s potential murderer just as Morgan had caught Dietlinde’s and beaten him to death rather than trying to get into the house* Dec 10 21:40:03 * Morgan goes to ring the bell again, going back to Molly Dec 10 21:40:22 *A different maid appears* Dec 10 21:40:43 Find me a healer, then tell Lady Torrington she needs to be here -now- Dec 10 21:41:57 *The maid goes, leaving Morgan alone with her* Dec 10 21:43:12 Alright love, someones gone for help Dec 10 21:44:07 *Catherine appears, looking hurried* what? what is it? Dec 10 21:44:11 * Molly is now known as Catherine Dec 10 21:44:22 * Morgan looks at her Dec 10 21:45:14 Jaeger... forced himself on her and tried to kill her. I need a healer, and I need him brought back here Dec 10 21:46:12 why did he do that?! they’re getting married soon! Dec 10 21:46:46 She was calling it off... Dec 10 21:47:10 * Catherine closes and locks the door Dec 10 21:47:12 why? Dec 10 21:47:36 Because she does not love him but has fallen in love with someone else Dec 10 21:50:05 * Catherine comes closer, and puts her hand on Molly’s forehead Dec 10 21:50:25 You can’t tell anyone about this. Dec 10 21:50:39 About what? Dec 10 21:51:31 That I can do this Dec 10 21:52:05 * Catherine concentrates, and Molly’s eyelids flicker briefly Dec 10 21:52:22 * Morgan watches them Dec 10 21:54:09 * Catherine removes her hand, and Molly frowns a little Dec 10 21:54:18 what... what did you do? Dec 10 21:54:29 Magic Dec 10 21:54:57 * Morgan frowns Dec 10 21:54:58 I see Dec 10 21:56:59 * Catherine looks at the apron, confused “What is that?!” Dec 10 21:57:29 * Morgan barely glances at it Dec 10 21:57:33 Proof he forced himself on her Dec 10 21:57:41 * Morgan looks at her Dec 10 21:57:56 I know its improper but...would you find her some clean clothes and a blanket please Dec 10 21:59:09 * Catherine nods, going to Molly’s dresser Dec 10 21:59:25 * Morgan crouches by the bed Dec 10 21:59:29 blossom... can you hear me... Dec 10 22:00:20 *Molly’s eyelids move again* Dec 10 22:00:37 I’ve got a shift and a dress, will that do? Dec 10 22:00:47 * Morgan nods Dec 10 22:00:54 Aye, thank you Dec 10 22:01:52 * Catherine puts them on the end of the bed Dec 10 22:01:55 Now what? Dec 10 22:02:22 Why isn't she waking? Dec 10 22:02:48 I don’t know Dec 10 22:03:08 * Morgan nods, taking Molly's hand and rubbing it Dec 10 22:03:12 Molly, love, come on Dec 10 22:04:34 Should we get rid of the apron? She won’t want to see that, will she? Dec 10 22:04:55 * Morgan nods, taking a knife and cutting the ties rather than move her to untie it Dec 10 22:05:43 *it comes off easily* Dec 10 22:06:13 *Molly frowns again, trying to swallow* Dec 10 22:06:39 * Morgan gently strokes her forehead Dec 10 22:06:43 We need some water Dec 10 22:08:00 *Molly must be able to hear him, because she nods slightly* Dec 10 22:08:11 * Catherine goes to the door “I’ll get some” Dec 10 22:08:22 * Morgan nods, thanking her Dec 10 22:09:01 * Catherine shuts the door behind her Dec 10 22:09:06 * Catherine is now known as Molly Dec 10 22:09:34 * Molly slowly opens her eyes Dec 10 22:10:20 * Morgan watches her Dec 10 22:10:23 Can you hear me? Dec 10 22:10:36 * Molly nods slightly Dec 10 22:12:12 I'm right here... Dec 10 22:13:10 * Molly smiles a little, then her eyes go wide, and she looks scared, her eyes darting around the room Dec 10 22:13:49 Its alright, its just me... You're safe now Dec 10 22:14:54 * Molly nods slightly. She slowly raises her arm, pointing to her throat Dec 10 22:15:12 I don't understand... you cant talk? Dec 10 22:15:32 *Her voice is quiet, croaky “Oww.” Dec 10 22:16:21 * Morgan nods Dec 10 22:16:31 I know love... it'll take time to heal Dec 10 22:16:56 where? Dec 10 22:17:16 He ran away. Dec 10 22:17:32 * Molly smiles, looking relieved Dec 10 22:19:03 He'll pay for this Dec 10 22:19:23 * Molly nods solemnly Dec 10 22:21:00 * Molly puts her hand on his Dec 10 22:21:32 thanks. Dec 10 22:22:20 * Morgan gently strokes her hand Dec 10 22:22:43 *Catherine returns with water and two maids* Dec 10 22:22:54 C: We’ll help her get dressed Dec 10 22:23:19 * Morgan nods Dec 10 22:23:22 Then we need to talk Dec 10 22:23:45 *Catherine nods* You can go Dec 10 22:24:07 * Morgan nods, going to the door Dec 10 22:24:10 I'll be nearby Dec 10 22:24:23 *Molly and Catherine both nod Dec 10 22:24:32 * Morgan goes out Dec 10 22:25:52 *He’s now left all alone, not knowing what other wounds she might have, what pain she’s in, whether this help will be humiliating. There’s no distraction for him from those thoughts, or from the thoughts of what he’ll do to Jaeger when he gets hold of him Dec 10 22:48:33 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 10 23:26:35 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)