**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Thu Dec 26 08:41:12 2024 Dec 26 08:41:12 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 26 11:25:16 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 26 11:29:20 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 26 13:03:35 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 26 14:17:18 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 26 14:18:18 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 26 17:43:26 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 26 19:08:52 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 26 19:09:29 I’ll arrange that, though we’ll want to do that in the city rather than here Dec 26 19:09:29 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 26 19:09:29 Oh? Dec 26 19:09:29 if he is involved, evidence will need to be gathered Dec 26 19:09:29 * Morgan makes a quiet huh noise Dec 26 19:09:31 what? Dec 26 19:09:33 Unusual for someone to be willing to gather evidence against their spouse... Dec 26 19:09:35 We are still married in name, but my husband left me in deed and heart long ago Dec 26 19:09:39 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:09:41 I do not wish to widen that estrangement Dec 26 19:09:43 Baden must thrive for my son and my grandson. To that end, this needs to be resolved. I hope my husband is not involved, but if he is then it should be dealt with Dec 26 19:09:45 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:09:47 Since we cannot fix it right now, shall we discuss nicer things? Dec 26 19:09:49 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:09:51 Do go on, your Excellency Dec 26 19:09:53 I would like you to visit... not just to meet my family but... I'd like you to see Captain Ulysses and Bir... Dec 26 19:09:57 who are they? Dec 26 19:09:59 Captain Ulysses is a cat that looks like a pirate... and Bir is a Nani bird from Capperlucia, with colours like you've never seen Dec 26 19:11:33 * Molly is now known as Judith Dec 26 19:11:59 I would like to see her, I’ve never heard of one of those Dec 26 19:12:26 She comes from Capperlucia... she's beautiful Dec 26 19:15:08 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:15:31 We would have happily given hospitality to your wife and children Dec 26 19:16:13 It wasn't a planned excursion... Dec 26 19:18:22 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:18:40 Are you close with your wife? Dec 26 19:18:53 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:18:58 I am, yes... why? Dec 26 19:21:13 I was wondering. People talk about your sudden reappearance and second marriage Dec 26 19:21:38 Do they? Still? Dec 26 19:21:51 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:22:03 Some of it is very cruel Dec 26 19:22:17 Of course it is... that is 'nobility' Dec 26 19:22:26 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:22:49 it’s a cutthroat world Dec 26 19:22:55 * Morgan shrugs Dec 26 19:23:29 Its full of guttersnipes too cowardly to say it where they'd face the consequences Dec 26 19:24:31 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:25:10 The more time I spend with people outside this life, the more I see it for what it is Dec 26 19:26:50 No... you see what some have made it...not what its meant to be Dec 26 19:28:01 I do not disagree with you Dec 26 19:28:30 What is being said? Dec 26 19:30:38 That you have an Avalonian wife because no match could be made for you in Eisen after what you’d done. There are also rumours that your first wife was murdered by your family to fix the situation so you could be remarried without the shame of divorce Dec 26 19:31:11 * Morgan nods a little Dec 26 19:31:15 And what do you think? Dec 26 19:34:16 The first is believable, although any baronet or gentleman would have accepted a Veisgraf for his daughter Dec 26 19:34:46 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:34:48 And the second? Dec 26 19:36:24 * Judith shakes her head Dec 26 19:36:43 I don’t believe anyone could forgive that, even family Dec 26 19:37:08 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:37:18 Neither particularly... cruel though Dec 26 19:40:15 I think they are very cruel. Aside from that, they say your wife had already been jilted at the altar twice, and some do say they obviously grow their women plumper in Avalon Dec 26 19:41:19 Well, they're free to come and discuss it with me at their leisure, should any of them grow enough of a spine to Dec 26 19:42:12 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:42:22 I wouldn’t hold your breath Dec 26 19:42:56 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:43:04 Maybe I'll make it known I think them cowards... Dec 26 19:45:04 * Judith nods “You could” Dec 26 19:45:25 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 26 19:45:37 I'm much -much- more relaxed than most think... to a point. Dec 26 19:47:05 * Judith smiles Dec 26 19:47:30 You seem down-to-earth Dec 26 19:47:50 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:47:52 I try Dec 26 19:51:32 *They see Enis and Scruff in the distance walking across their path a little distance away* What made you risk everything when you first married? Dec 26 19:52:04 Love. Dec 26 19:54:12 * Judith nods Dec 26 19:54:52 Love makes us do many things that we wouldn’t believe we were capable of, for good or otherwise Dec 26 19:55:10 * Morgan nods Dec 26 19:55:12 indeed Dec 26 19:55:52 Do you have any regrets? Dec 26 19:57:16 Yes... I regret the pain that was caused by my actions... Dec 26 19:58:21 * Judith nods Dec 26 20:00:35 Did your community mourn? Dec 26 20:00:43 * Morgan sighs Dec 26 20:00:51 Yes... without me. I ran away. Dec 26 20:03:27 do you regret that? Dec 26 20:05:22 Thats... difficult. I couldn't stay, I couldn't face it... I wish I hadn't abandoned the people who loved us in their mourning but... I had to. And if I hadn't, I'd not be where I am now Dec 26 20:06:12 Because you wouldn’t have met your wife? Dec 26 20:06:20 * Morgan nods Dec 26 20:06:33 Indeed... and I wouldn't have two wonderful sons, with a third child on the way... Dec 26 20:09:12 * Judith smiles “How is your wife enjoying pregnancy? This is her first?” Dec 26 20:10:26 It is, yes... she's very much enjoying it Dec 26 20:12:05 * Judith nods Dec 26 20:12:40 I enjoyed that stage, though it was during the War for me. Dec 26 20:13:14 * Morgan nods Dec 26 20:13:21 I am hoping to avoid missing too much of it Dec 26 20:14:47 * Judith smiles “Why not let your staff deal with all of this?” Dec 26 20:15:28 * Morgan shrugs Dec 26 20:16:02 Because its my duty... because... if my title -must- be thrown around, its heavier if I throw it... Dec 26 20:16:45 * Judith nods Dec 26 20:18:21 Hopefully we can get some answers this morning for you Dec 26 20:19:14 The problem is... answers and a solution or end to the problem aren't necessarily one and the same Dec 26 20:21:05 Very true. Shall we go to breakfast? Dec 26 20:21:16 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 26 20:21:18 If you'd like Dec 26 20:23:14 * Judith leads the way, asking the staff to serve them in the breakfast room rather than waiting for the Graf to wake up Dec 26 20:26:00 *They are able to sit and eat without interruption, and afterwards Judith excuses herself to prepare for their trip to the City. That makes it just after 8 o’clock Dec 26 20:28:42 * Morgan goes to check the mirrors Dec 26 20:31:40 *There’s nothing new on Edward’s. Molly’s says “Good morning, my love, I miss you and hope your night was quite easy. I’ll hope to see you in Quiet Hour, though I will be going to Sascha and Ottos. I am going to take Mama with me, just to ease any tension. My love, M xx” There’s also more text beneath it Dec 26 20:32:04 * Morgan tries to make it out Dec 26 20:33:25 *It looks to be written hastily “P.s. I have just looked in the mirror, and I appear to have had a growth spurt. The line is also darker. Now I am all hot and bothered thinking of you! Twenty weeks today” Dec 26 20:33:41 * Morgan smiles, writing a reply Dec 26 20:34:35 "I miss you greatly. I'll try to be here for quiet hour but I am about to head into the city to do some investigating. I love you" Dec 26 20:34:51 *nothing changes* Dec 26 20:35:51 * Morgan packs it away, writing a note for Edwards "Someones a complete ass. Doing some digging shortly. Miss you all" Dec 26 20:36:32 *that doesn’t change either Dec 26 20:36:55 * Morgan packs away carefully, making sure they're well concealed before getting ready Dec 26 20:39:25 *it doesn’t take him long. When he gets outside, Enis is helping Judith into her saddle. Her horse is completely black. Dec 26 20:40:18 * Morgan nods to him before going to his horse Dec 26 20:40:31 Now then, lets play nicely... Dec 26 20:40:57 *Xantha blows raspberries* Dec 26 20:41:19 * Morgan pats him, saddling him before climbing up Dec 26 20:43:07 *Xantha immediately starts pulling at the reins like he wants to run* Dec 26 20:43:39 No, come on, we're escorting Grafin Baden... be good Dec 26 20:44:11 *Xantha tries to toss his head* Dec 26 20:45:05 * Morgan nudges him into a walk toward the Grafin Dec 26 20:46:42 *Xantha walks, then keeps walking right past her* Dec 26 20:46:50 * Morgan pulls on the reins Dec 26 20:46:59 Come on, you big lug, you're the big bad protector here... Dec 26 20:48:03 *Xantha tosses his head proudly, but does stop. Judith rides up beside him* This is a very fine horse you have Dec 26 20:48:23 *Xantha’s ears flick, looking in her direction* Dec 26 20:49:07 He's... a handful at times Dec 26 20:49:45 * Judith smiles “He has a very good form. I imagine he’s very fast?” Dec 26 20:50:14 * Morgan nods Dec 26 20:50:20 Surprisingly so, given his build Dec 26 20:50:23 *xantha looks proud, head up, moving almost to posing* Dec 26 20:52:28 I’d like to draw him Dec 26 20:52:49 * Morgan nods a little Dec 26 20:52:55 I suppose we could -try- Dec 26 20:53:32 does he not like being drawn? Dec 26 20:53:44 he's... lets say spirited Dec 26 20:55:47 * Judith smiles “He looks intelligent” Dec 26 20:55:52 * Morgan nods Dec 26 20:55:54 He is Dec 26 20:57:30 * Judith nods “shall we go?” Dec 26 20:57:49 * Morgan nods, nudging Xantha into a walk Dec 26 20:59:50 *Xantha is fine until they get to where they need to turn off rather than stay on the road towards Hafenlohr. Then he just continues on Dec 26 21:00:04 * Morgan pulls on the reins Dec 26 21:00:14 We've talked about this... we need to go into the city... Dec 26 21:01:30 *Xantha growls* Dec 26 21:01:45 Yes, well, the sooner we get this dealt with the sooner you can go home Dec 26 21:03:11 *Xantha looks like he’ll happily stand there 8n the middle of the road obstinately * Dec 26 21:03:21 Is something wrong with your horse? Dec 26 21:03:34 * Morgan nods Dec 26 21:03:41 An overabundance of attitude... Dec 26 21:04:00 * Judith nods Dec 26 21:04:12 how do you move him? Dec 26 21:05:42 * Morgan tugs on the reins Dec 26 21:05:48 Come on man, I need you to work with me Dec 26 21:06:34 *Xantha huffs* Dec 26 21:06:45 * Morgan shrugs Dec 26 21:07:08 Or we can stay here all day and you -still- won't get to go home until this is dealt with Dec 26 21:07:38 *Xantha slowly moves in the right direction* Dec 26 21:08:38 * Morgan rubs his neck, looking at Judith Dec 26 21:08:43 He misses his mate and foal Dec 26 21:09:13 * Judith nods Dec 26 21:09:21 He has recently had it? Dec 26 21:09:28 * Morgan nods Dec 26 21:09:43 Almost a disaster... you ever hear of something called a red-bag birth? Dec 26 21:10:51 No, I haven’t Dec 26 21:12:02 The likelihood of survival is basically nil... between two of the most experienced men, they've had one successful delivery Dec 26 21:12:48 it does sound dangerous then Dec 26 21:12:55 * Morgan nods Dec 26 21:13:30 Xantha's foal was a red bag birth... due to a mixup there were no grooms on hand... we were camping and my dog roused me and lead me to the stable... Dec 26 21:13:52 *Xantha starts to move in the right direction* Dec 26 21:13:56 What then? Dec 26 21:15:41 I sent the dog to wake my brother... when he arrived I sent him for the Eisenfurst and my father in law, both accomplished men in this... but by then, the foal had been born... I had to cut her free of the bag, breathe for her. Its a miracle she survived Dec 26 21:16:55 * Judith smiles Dec 26 21:17:11 You must be inordinately attached to her Dec 26 21:17:25 * Morgan smiles Dec 26 21:17:59 Somewhat... but Xantha and I have been together years, aurora, his mate, is my wifes horse... they are all special to us Dec 26 21:18:28 * Judith nods Dec 26 21:18:57 Deapite appearances, my husband and I had such a life, once upon a time Dec 26 21:19:41 Oh? Dec 26 21:20:45 We were happy for a long time, but then as we got older I became the only one left in our marriage Dec 26 21:21:05 * Morgan nods sadly Dec 26 21:21:09 I am sorry about that Dec 26 21:21:17 * Judith nods Dec 26 21:21:33 So am I. I never thought it would come to this Dec 26 21:22:00 * Morgan nods Dec 26 21:24:12 * Judith smiles slightly “It is my fault for aging, I think. If I had just retained the face and figure I had before I became a mother, I am sure he would have remained interested” Dec 26 21:24:44 * Morgan frowns Dec 26 21:25:05 I'm sorry, my lady, but that is nonsense. The fault lies not at your door at all Dec 26 21:26:10 * Judith smiles Dec 26 21:27:10 I know. My husband is an old man with the mind of an adolescent when it comes to women. There are men out there who appreciate more than just youth Dec 26 21:27:50 Indeed Dec 26 21:29:32 *The micro expression on her face is briefly secretive but happy. She gives him a direction* Dec 26 21:29:59 * Morgan moves Xantha in that direction Dec 26 21:32:18 *they arrive at a small house, barely more than a cottage. There’s a man outside waiting for them, he looks like a groom* Dec 26 21:33:26 * Morgan climbs down before offering to help down the Grafin Dec 26 21:35:02 * Judith lets him help her, then thanks him Dec 26 21:35:33 * Morgan nods, holding the reins toward the groom before looking at Xantha Dec 26 21:35:39 Stay put, and don't bite anyone Dec 26 21:36:08 *Xantha huffs again* Dec 26 21:37:11 * Morgan pats his neck before looking to Judith Dec 26 21:37:15 Lead the way my lady Dec 26 21:38:36 * Judith does so, opening the door to the house herself. The hallway is cool and airy, the walls decorated with framed illustrations Dec 26 21:39:40 * Morgan glances at them Dec 26 21:39:44 This is your house? Dec 26 21:40:51 * Judith nods Dec 26 21:41:23 It is. I bought it to work in once I’d sold enough illustrations Dec 26 21:41:52 You don't work in the castle? Dec 26 21:43:38 Casually, but when I must really focus I come here. Also when my husband is at his most besotted with his mistresses Dec 26 21:43:58 * Morgan nods Dec 26 21:43:59 I see Dec 26 21:45:35 Every woman should have somewhere to go when her husband is extremely irritating Dec 26 21:45:59 I'll mention that to my wife Dec 26 21:47:03 * Judith laughs Dec 26 21:47:47 Are you an irritating husband? *she shows him through to a room that seems to be part parlour, part office, part studio Dec 26 21:48:13 Irritating? No, I dont think so... frustrating, definitely Dec 26 21:49:02 * Judith offers him a seat Dec 26 21:49:10 what do you do that is frustrating? Dec 26 21:50:50 I'm stubborn, don't answer questions straight, often doing what ever I'm expected -not- to do... sometimes just because I'm expected to do otherwise Dec 26 21:51:36 And your wife isn’t patient with your foibles? *she rings a bell pull* Dec 26 21:53:20 Definitely she is... but that doesn't stop it being frustrating Dec 26 21:54:45 * Judith nods “A nice little house somewhere might suit” Dec 26 21:55:26 Hafenlohr's got plenty of space to be uninterrupted Dec 26 21:56:41 * Judith nods. A servant brings them coffee and then goes Dec 26 21:57:03 When are you expecting your child? Dec 26 21:57:53 Mid september Dec 26 21:58:57 * Judith smiles “Still a while to go yet” Dec 26 21:59:40 * Morgan nods Dec 26 21:59:46 Aye, a while Dec 26 22:01:43 Is she feeling the pressure for an heir? Dec 26 22:02:41 Somewhat, yes... but not -too- much. We have faith it'll be a boy Dec 26 22:03:27 * Judith nods, smiling Dec 26 22:03:57 I have five boys and two girls Dec 26 22:04:44 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:04:51 How old? Dec 26 22:06:26 twenty eight, two are twenty six, twenty five, twenty four, and two are twenty two Dec 26 22:07:30 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:07:34 My sons are seven and one Dec 26 22:07:47 * Judith smiles Dec 26 22:07:59 Lovely ages. They grow too quickly though Dec 26 22:08:47 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:08:50 They do Dec 26 22:10:15 Boys are fun, though I enjoy a different relationship with my daughters Dec 26 22:11:02 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:11:29 I think that is normal Dec 26 22:13:15 * Judith nods “Mine are both married now, and moved away” Dec 26 22:14:05 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:15:00 You stay in touch I hope... Dec 26 22:15:06 * Judith nods Dec 26 22:15:30 I write to them both twice a week, my sons once a week Dec 26 22:15:52 * Morgan nods, sipping his coffee Dec 26 22:18:04 You’re a long way from your children flying the nest, marrying and having children though Dec 26 22:18:47 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:18:56 Indeed... Dec 26 22:20:31 *Yet with Elsie, and with Jana in his dreams, he has already experienced some of this. She sips her coffee, checking the time. it’s almost nine* Dec 26 22:21:03 * Morgan sips his coffee Dec 26 22:21:23 We have a friend who, for various reasons, sees me as something of a father figure... she got married recently. I gave her away. Dec 26 22:22:05 * Judith nods Dec 26 22:22:28 Sometimes the family we find can be closer than the family we’re born to Dec 26 22:23:16 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:23:34 Indeed. Though, I am pleased to say I am much closer to the family I was born with than I used to be Dec 26 22:24:34 * Judith nods Dec 26 22:24:48 I’d heard your brother had married recently Dec 26 22:24:54 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:25:00 He's been in love with Mina for -years- Dec 26 22:26:09 I have met her before, she’s very pretty Dec 26 22:26:19 * Morgan nods Dec 26 22:26:40 She's a lovely young woman Dec 26 22:28:49 *There’s a knock on the outside door* That will be them Dec 26 22:29:10 * Morgan nods, sipping his coffee Dec 26 22:29:13 I'll follow your lead Dec 26 22:31:26 * Judith nods. The three men get shown in. They’re all tidy, their clothes neat but not fancy. They bow to her Dec 26 22:35:19 * Judith has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 26 23:32:27 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)