**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Fri Dec 27 11:08:29 2024 Dec 27 11:08:29 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 27 11:09:34 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 27 17:25:46 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 27 17:26:46 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 27 19:02:01 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 27 19:07:37 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 27 19:11:08 You’re a long way from your children flying the nest, marrying and having children though Dec 27 19:11:09 * Morgan nods Dec 27 19:11:09 Indeed... Dec 27 19:11:09 *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 27 19:11:09 * Morgan sips his coffee Dec 27 19:11:12 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 27 19:11:13 * Judith nods Dec 27 19:11:15 Sometimes the family we find can be closer than the family we’re born to Dec 27 19:11:17 * Morgan nods Dec 27 19:11:19 Indeed. Though, I am pleased to say I am much closer to the family I was born with than I used to be Dec 27 19:11:22 * Judith nods Dec 27 19:11:24 I’d heard your brother had married recently Dec 27 19:11:26 * Morgan nods Dec 27 19:11:28 He's been in love with Mina for -years- Dec 27 19:11:30 I have met her before, she’s very pretty Dec 27 19:11:34 * Morgan nods Dec 27 19:11:36 She's a lovely young woman Dec 27 19:11:38 *There’s a knock on the outside door* That will be them Dec 27 19:11:40 * Morgan nods, sipping his coffee Dec 27 19:11:43 I'll follow your lead Dec 27 19:11:45 * Judith nods. The three men get shown in. They’re all tidy, their clothes neat but not fancy. They bow to her Dec 27 19:12:11 * Molly is now known as Judith Dec 27 19:13:11 * Judith makes the introductions. The three men look a little ill-at-ease at the prospect of being summoned before a Duke, and stand hats in hands after bowing Dec 27 19:14:05 * Morgan nods to them, sipping his coffee Dec 27 19:14:55 Your Excellency, could you explain the problem to them? Dec 27 19:18:44 In short, poachers... now, I think I've made it well enough known that I aim to better the conditions for everyone in Gottkirchen and Sudlachenburg, so poaching in and of itself isn't the problem most see it as... its a sign that things aren't right, if people are having to poach to feed their families... Dec 27 19:18:47 * Morgan watches the men Dec 27 19:21:04 *the three men just wait. Noone’s expressions give any cause for concern* Dec 27 19:21:32 My issue is when it starts ending up in stores... then its clearly done for profit Dec 27 19:22:24 *they all nod* Dec 27 19:23:23 Which is what brings me here... animals are being poached from Gottkirchen and my own land and ending up for sale... here... Dec 27 19:25:50 *they look at each other* Dec 27 19:26:03 Overseer: Where, Your Excellency? Dec 27 19:26:30 * Morgan looks to Judith briefly Dec 27 19:26:51 My information so far leads the meat to end up in two restaurants and a gentlemans club... Dec 27 19:27:41 * Judith nods “It is disappointing “ Dec 27 19:27:55 *The men all look genuinely at a loss* Dec 27 19:28:15 Overseer: Sorry, Your Excellency, But we don’t know anything about stolen meat Dec 27 19:31:30 That is a pity...I'd have expected you to know about anything untoward ending up in the Graf's businesses Dec 27 19:33:13 ManOfBusiness: It’s a concern, but we oversee the books, not the suppliers... Dec 27 19:36:21 I'm sorry... what exactly is your job? Dec 27 19:38:28 MOB: Making sure the Graf gets value for money from his businesses Dec 27 19:40:50 I see Dec 27 19:41:50 Other man: we’d need to speak to the managers themselves Dec 27 19:43:22 evidently Dec 27 19:45:30 Overseer: What will happen to anyone who is 8nvolved? Dec 27 19:46:55 * Morgan watches them quietly for a moment Dec 27 19:47:03 What do you think will happen to anyone involved? Dec 27 19:48:08 MOB: I suppose they might be hanged Dec 27 19:48:45 * Morgan shrugs, sipping his coffee Dec 27 19:49:50 That could be what the Graf decides. Poaching is punishable by death Dec 27 19:50:56 For now I'm more interested in -why- its happening... its a dangerous thing to be happening, an objectionist Grafdom profiting from animals poached from a Vaticine one... Dec 27 19:53:09 *the men look serious about this, all old enough to have fought many years in the War* Dec 27 19:55:14 And regardless of the Grafdom's faith... -I- will not tolerate this happening any longer Dec 27 19:57:03 MOB: We could speak to the managers, and look closely at where they’re sourcing their meat? Dec 27 19:57:49 I would've thought the Graf's man of business would've been at least knowledgeable about all aspects of the Graf's businesses... you cant fix it if you don't know whats broken... Dec 27 19:59:27 Overseer: I admit, we’ve probably trusted the managers to keep running things as efficiently as they have been... Dec 27 20:00:42 It sounds that way Dec 27 20:01:43 Get to that, gentleman. I expect to hear from you within a few hours. Dec 27 20:01:59 *they bow to her and to Morgan* Dec 27 20:02:13 * Morgan inclines his head Dec 27 20:04:13 *they file out* Dec 27 20:04:43 * Morgan sighs quietly Dec 27 20:06:35 * Judith glances over Dec 27 20:06:49 I did not realise their grip was so loose Dec 27 20:07:11 It seems they are complacent Dec 27 20:09:48 * Judith nods Dec 27 20:10:43 Our Grafdom bounced back easily from the War because of our dock’s link to Freiburg, so they haven’t had to work that hard Dec 27 20:11:34 * Morgan nods slowly Dec 27 20:14:29 I -was- considering looking into establishing a travel route from here to somewhere near Innesbruck... Dec 27 20:16:56 * Judith nods Dec 27 20:17:14 Don’t let this prevent you Dec 27 20:17:26 We'll see Dec 27 20:17:44 Things will be changing Dec 27 20:18:43 That rather depends on your husband Dec 27 20:20:07 Someone needs to get a firmer grip, and the only things that interest him are girls barely of marriage age, drinking, and hunting Dec 27 20:20:27 So it seems Dec 27 20:23:09 * Judith sighs “I appreciate you bringing this to us” Dec 27 20:23:21 I wouldn't Dec 27 20:26:43 wouldn’t you? Dec 27 20:30:53 I'd be livid if this was going on and I was oblivious to it... and I didn't come here to bring this to you, I came to find out for myself... I've told you so much because I like you and get the feeling I can trust you Dec 27 20:32:05 * Judith nods Dec 27 20:32:48 I am only so composed because I am used to people disappointing me Dec 27 20:33:37 * Morgan nods sadly Dec 27 20:33:48 -that- I am sorry to bring to your door Dec 27 20:35:13 * Judith smiles Dec 27 20:35:36 You haven’t disappointed at all. Your cannot is refreshing Dec 27 20:35:43 candor* Dec 27 20:36:08 But you would not have endured this -fresh- disappointment... Dec 27 20:36:33 You'd probably be entirely unsurprised at how rarely people like my candour Dec 27 20:38:00 * Judith nods “I’m sure” Dec 27 20:39:47 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 27 20:40:19 People think they appreciate candour until they get it Dec 27 20:42:37 * Judith nods, smiling Dec 27 20:43:04 I think it’s better to be hurt by the truth than held by a lie Dec 27 20:43:23 Save for a couple of circumstances, I don't lie Dec 27 20:44:54 * Judith nods, intrigued “what -would- you lie for?” Dec 27 20:46:00 Tactical advantage... I did things in the war that required me to take on roles... and if its funny. Dec 27 20:46:32 * Judith nods slower Dec 27 20:46:54 You never lie to your wife or children? Dec 27 20:48:07 * Morgan smiles Dec 27 20:48:10 I don't lie Dec 27 20:58:09 * Judith nods Dec 27 20:58:41 Will you be staying longer, or are you leaving the situation in our hands? Dec 27 21:00:56 I think I'll wait until we get some word back later... then we'll see Dec 27 21:02:14 * Judith nods Dec 27 21:03:10 I have something to attend to at home, but do feel free to enjoy the city Dec 27 21:03:57 I'll try not to make a nuisance of myself Dec 27 21:06:06 * Judith smiles “Until later then” Dec 27 21:06:13 * Morgan nods, standing Dec 27 21:08:55 *a maid shows him the way out* Are ye taking yer horse, Exlency? Dec 27 21:09:04 * Morgan nods Dec 27 21:09:11 He'd be most put out if I left him behind Dec 27 21:09:50 *She tells him where the mews are* Dec 27 21:12:32 * Morgan thanks her, going around Dec 27 21:13:19 *he can already hear Xantha making a growling grumble of discontent* Dec 27 21:13:48 Yes yes, I'm coming Dec 27 21:14:20 *there’s a half hearted kick at the stall door, and two wary grooms* Dec 27 21:14:42 Gentlemen Dec 27 21:16:54 *they bow* Dec 27 21:17:34 * Morgan unhitches the stall door, backing up Dec 27 21:17:38 Come on then, lets go for a wander Dec 27 21:20:37 *Xantha comes out, looking very unimpressed with the lodgings. The grooms both back away Dec 27 21:22:15 * Morgan wanders away, clicking his fingers Dec 27 21:22:17 Come on then Dec 27 21:22:56 *Xantha goes on with him* Dec 27 21:23:12 * Morgan looks around as he walks Dec 27 21:26:45 *They’re in the nicer residential area, but he knows Baden fairly well as they frequently went from here when travelling in his childhood. He doesn’t know many people here though Dec 27 21:27:12 * Morgan heads toward the docks, just looking around Dec 27 21:29:01 *there are many stalls. He sees one selling items for children Dec 27 21:29:46 * Morgan goes to look at it Dec 27 21:34:18 *there’s an old man there, and he’s whittling. There are many things to look at, but what catches his eye is a beautiful receiving blanket made of grey, blue, and pale green weave linen, edged in very intricate white lace. It strikes him that both Molly and Dietlinde would have admired it, the later for the craftsmanship and the former for how the colours were like the sea with the lace as the breakers Dec 27 21:35:13 * Morgan clears his throat Dec 27 21:35:15 Excuse me... Dec 27 21:37:52 *the old man stands up* G’morning, Sir, how can I help you? Dec 27 21:38:49 This blanket... I would like it please Dec 27 21:40:33 *he smiles* My wife will be pleased, she made it all herself. It’s ten guilders though, Sir *This is quite expensive for a blanket, but it’s obviously taken some work* Dec 27 21:40:50 * Morgan watches him for a moment Dec 27 21:41:31 My late wife was a seamstress, I can appreciate the work it has taken... Dec 27 21:42:46 Man: My condolences. Yes, it took a long time for the dye, more for the lace Dec 27 21:44:10 Ten guilders is more than fair... perhaps you have something suitable for three boys, a nine year old, a seven year old and a one year old, and a two year old girl... Dec 27 21:46:14 *The man looks surprised* That’s a lot of children, how do you manage so many without a wife? Dec 27 21:47:38 My late wife died coming on for four years ago... I married again a year ago, and we've adopted two boys... we have my niece and one of my sons friends staying with us at the moment Dec 27 21:49:06 * Judith is now known as Man Dec 27 21:49:58 That explains it! what about this metal rattle for the baby? it makes different sounds by what end you shake Dec 27 21:50:13 * Morgan nods, testing it Dec 27 21:50:25 He has a rattle... one that I made, though nothing so fine as this Dec 27 21:51:12 *It does have two distinct sounds, one high one low* Dec 27 21:53:06 * Morgan nods Dec 27 21:53:14 Very good... I'll take that as well Dec 27 21:53:28 * Man nods Dec 27 21:53:52 For the older boys... hobby horses? Or I have a Quoits set? Dec 27 21:54:31 * Morgan nods Dec 27 21:54:38 Quoits sounds about right Dec 27 21:55:28 *He finds this. The board can be laid flat, hung from something, or with the stand on the back it’ll be free standing Dec 27 21:57:03 Wonderful.... Now, for the young lady... Dec 27 21:58:55 * Man finds a wooden doll, not a baby doll, but one that looks like a Lady, complete with pinned up blonde curly hair and a satin dress. Dec 27 21:59:32 I don't think she's -quite- ready for that yet Dec 27 22:01:10 * Man nods, looking around. He finds a wicker basket much like he’d had for Jana, complete with bedding, and the right size for her doll Aspen Dec 27 22:01:49 Ahah, thats perfect Dec 27 22:03:39 * Man smiles Dec 27 22:03:58 Do you want them bringing to you, Sir? Dec 27 22:05:20 Please, that'd be helpful... I'm staying at least until later today with Graf Baden Dec 27 22:08:57 * Man nods “That will be seventeen guilders, Sir” Dec 27 22:09:39 * Morgan nods, fishing out a purse and counting out twenty Dec 27 22:10:19 I just want to make sure I've got this right... your business increases if someone of a suitable standing buys from you... that right? Dec 27 22:10:37 * Man smiles, thanking him “Oh yes, Patronage is very important” Dec 27 22:10:55 * Morgan holds out a calling card, face down Dec 27 22:11:08 Then feel free to use this, if you feel it would be helpful Dec 27 22:11:33 * Man picks it up, and reads it slowly. His mouth drops open Dec 27 22:12:10 I know my reputation hasn't always been well received. I'll not be offended if you choose to keep it quiet Dec 27 22:14:42 * Man bows to him “I’ve never seen a Duke before!” Dec 27 22:15:15 I hadn't until I suddenly was one Dec 27 22:16:16 I’ll get these to you right away! Oh my wife will be pleased that a Duke bought her blanket! Dec 27 22:16:54 Would you tell her I think its exquisite Dec 27 22:17:52 * Man grins “I definitely will!” Dec 27 22:18:11 * Morgan inclines his head, smiling Dec 27 22:18:22 Thank you... Dec 27 22:18:48 Thank you, your Excellency Dec 27 22:19:19 * Morgan smiles, wandering away humming to himself Dec 27 22:20:13 *Xantha behaves quite well until he sees a stall with peaches, to which he tries to pull Morgan that way Dec 27 22:20:52 You want a peach? Dec 27 22:21:15 *Xantha stares at the stall* Dec 27 22:21:51 * Morgan nods, walking to it Dec 27 22:25:02 *The woman there is familiar to Morgan, though he’d never spoken to her. She’s Greta, the daughter of the man whose Orchard he met Heinzharold in, and the first girl Heinzharold kissed. She’d run away from Sudlachenburg a few years ago to marry a former Vaticine soldier Dec 27 22:26:36 * Morgan watches her for a moment before speaking Dec 27 22:26:38 Greta? Dec 27 22:27:19 * Man is now known as Greta Dec 27 22:27:37 * Greta looks surprised, then curtsies “Lord Koertig!” Dec 27 22:27:55 Could I have a few peaches for my cantankerous friend? Dec 27 22:29:06 * Greta nods, getting four “It’s good to see you’re alive, my Lord” Dec 27 22:29:27 * Morgan smiles Dec 27 22:29:35 I've been back in Eisen a year now Dec 27 22:30:25 * Greta smiles, handing him the peaches “I haven’t been home in a long time” Dec 27 22:31:14 * Morgan nods, handing her some coins before cutting a peach in half, removing the pit and holding out the halves to Xantha Dec 27 22:31:33 A lots happened... Dec 27 22:33:13 You do look well, if that’s alright to say, my Lord Dec 27 22:33:28 * Morgan nods Dec 27 22:33:35 How are you? Dec 27 22:35:20 I’m happy, my Lord. I’m married now, and I have a baby Dec 27 22:35:36 Thats excellent. I'm very pleased to hear that Dec 27 22:40:30 * Greta nods Dec 27 22:40:49 I’m sorry about what happened to Dietlinde and Jana, that was very sad Dec 27 22:41:30 * Morgan nods Dec 27 22:41:47 Aye. Its been very difficult dealing with it Dec 27 22:43:46 * Greta nods Dec 27 22:44:15 It was such a shock. Things like that just don’t happen in Sudlachenburg, do they? Dec 27 22:44:30 * Morgan nods Dec 27 22:44:54 I never saw it coming... Dec 27 22:45:57 * Greta nods sadly Dec 27 22:46:31 The whole village was in shock. They were so often out in the village with Sascha Dec 27 22:46:42 * Morgan nods Dec 27 22:46:49 Sascha's pregnant... due any time now Dec 27 22:47:39 * Greta looks confused Dec 27 22:47:42 How?! Dec 27 22:47:53 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 27 22:47:58 The usual fashion I would imagine... Dec 27 22:50:03 But she’s not young now Dec 27 22:50:56 No, she isn't, and yet here we are... she's got the best care we could arrange Dec 27 22:52:39 Could you pass on my congratulations, please? Dec 27 22:52:55 Of course... once I finally get back Dec 27 22:53:54 * Greta nods Dec 27 22:54:03 How is Heinzharold, my Lord? Dec 27 22:54:30 Very well... he got married... Dec 27 22:56:27 * Greta looks shocked “Heinzharold?! wow!” Dec 27 22:56:48 * Morgan nods Dec 27 22:57:03 I know... I was fairly convinced he'd be a bachelor for life Dec 27 22:58:20 * Greta nods, smiling “Me too” Dec 27 22:58:37 They are very well suited Dec 27 22:59:59 Who did he marry? Was it one of the Wenkler twins? Dec 27 23:00:12 No... Inga... Dec 27 23:02:09 Inga... No, I don’t think I know anyone called that Dec 27 23:03:17 She came from Mecklenberg Dec 27 23:21:05 * Greta has quit (Read error: EOF from client)