**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sat Dec 28 00:05:27 2024 Dec 28 00:05:27 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 28 13:13:35 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 28 17:03:58 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 28 18:47:57 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.117) has joined Dec 28 19:18:59 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.127) has joined Dec 28 19:19:23 The whole village was in shock. They were so often out in the village with Sascha Dec 28 19:19:24 * Morgan nods Dec 28 19:19:24 Sascha's pregnant... due any time now Dec 28 19:19:24 * Greta looks confused Dec 28 19:19:24 How?! Dec 28 19:19:25 * Morgan smiles a little Dec 28 19:19:27 The usual fashion I would imagine... Dec 28 19:19:29 But she’s not young now Dec 28 19:19:31 No, she isn't, and yet here we are... she's got the best care we could arrange Dec 28 19:19:33 Could you pass on my congratulations, please? Dec 28 19:19:35 Of course... once I finally get back Dec 28 19:19:37 * Greta nods Dec 28 19:19:39 How is Heinzharold, my Lord? Dec 28 19:19:41 Very well... he got married... Dec 28 19:19:43 * Greta looks shocked “Heinzharold?! wow!” Dec 28 19:19:45 * Morgan nods Dec 28 19:19:47 I know... I was fairly convinced he'd be a bachelor for life Dec 28 19:19:49 * Greta nods, smiling “Me too” Dec 28 19:19:53 They are very well suited Dec 28 19:19:53 Who did he marry? Was it one of the Wenkler twins? Dec 28 19:19:57 No... Inga... Dec 28 19:19:59 Inga... No, I don’t think I know anyone called that Dec 28 19:20:03 She came from Mecklenberg Dec 28 19:21:06 * Molly is now known as Greta Dec 28 19:21:42 I definitely don’t know her. She must be really nice to get him to settle down Dec 28 19:22:40 * Morgan nods Dec 28 19:22:48 He's grown up... well, bit anyway Dec 28 19:23:18 * Greta smiles “good” Dec 28 19:24:13 * Morgan nods, halving the second peach and holding the flesh out to Xantha Dec 28 19:25:42 *Xantha eats this too. Someone else comes to the stall to buy food* Dec 28 19:26:47 * Morgan waits quietly, watching them discreetly Dec 28 19:30:08 *Greta is friendly, and clearly integrated. She gave up her community for love, but seems happy* Dec 28 19:33:57 * Morgan smiles as he watches her Dec 28 19:36:54 *more people come along. It’s easy to see why Heinzharold and so many of the other boys their age liked her so much, though Morgan had been more interested in making his parents proud of him at the Academy rather than looking at the local girls who were always going to be off-limits* Dec 28 19:37:52 I don't suppose you'd know of a butcher who supplies local restaurants? Dec 28 19:40:26 There’s ten just in the city walls, but I don’t know who supplies where. Dec 28 19:41:45 * Morgan nods, thanking her before wishing her well and moving along Dec 28 19:44:32 *There’s more stalls to look at, but nothing catches his eye. Soon he finds himself outside the gentleman’s club involved Dec 28 19:46:04 * Morgan stables the horse before slowly walking toward the entrance Dec 28 19:46:34 *There’s two men on the door, both looking very bored* Dec 28 19:47:32 * Morgan speaks slowly in halting Eisen Dec 28 19:47:35 Gentlemen... Dec 28 19:49:29 * Greta is now known as doorman Dec 28 19:49:44 * doorman looks him over “Morning” Dec 28 19:50:14 I would like to enter Dec 28 19:51:08 *They look at each other* Are you a member? Dec 28 19:51:46 * Morgan frowns a little as if concentrating Dec 28 19:52:02 I am in club at home Dec 28 19:52:48 * doorman smiles slightly Dec 28 19:52:59 You have to be a member of -this- club Dec 28 19:53:26 I am visiting Dec 28 19:53:48 you can’t come in if you’re not a member Dec 28 19:54:21 * Morgan sighs, nodding Dec 28 19:54:35 How can I be member? Dec 28 19:55:51 You have to be a gentleman, firstly Dec 28 19:56:13 * Morgan nods Dec 28 19:56:18 I am more Dec 28 19:57:47 * doorman chuckles Dec 28 19:58:00 That would mean being a noble Dec 28 19:59:05 * Morgan nods Dec 28 19:59:06 I am Dec 28 19:59:30 *the other man says* Yeah, but you need to be an -Eisen- Noble Dec 28 20:00:04 I have Eisen noble family.. Dec 28 20:03:21 We’d have to get the manager... Dec 28 20:03:44 * Morgan wrinkles his nose Dec 28 20:04:11 You not trusted? Dec 28 20:06:06 We don’t decide about nobles. Come in to the lobby. Dec 28 20:06:58 * Morgan nods, waiting for them to lead the way Dec 28 20:10:03 *he does. It’s nice inside, not as fancy as Brucke’s, naturally, but nice nonetheless. He’s shown to a seat* Wait here, I’ll be back. Dec 28 20:10:23 * Morgan nods, managing to look a little awkward Dec 28 20:11:16 *the doorman leaves him alone and unsup Dec 28 20:11:39 * Morgan gets up, moving about to look around and snoop Dec 28 20:12:18 *he finds at the main desk menus and a list of staff* Dec 28 20:12:29 * Morgan looks them over Dec 28 20:14:18 *there’s Fresh And Local Pheasant listed for tonight* Dec 28 20:14:49 * Morgan looks over the list of staff Dec 28 20:16:38 *There’s a lot of them, many of them women. A suspicious number, in fact.* Dec 28 20:17:53 * Morgan takes the list of staff, tucking it in his pocket before going to sit back down Dec 28 20:18:30 *the doorman returns with a man who is almost as wide as he is tall* Dec 28 20:18:45 * Morgan stands up Dec 28 20:20:17 * doorman is now known as Manager Dec 28 20:20:34 * Manager sends the doorman back to work before looking Morgan over Dec 28 20:20:57 I am the manager here. Who are your family, sir? Dec 28 20:22:16 I am a Hockridge out of Catterick. Verity Koertig was Hockridge Dec 28 20:22:42 * Manager nods slowly Dec 28 20:22:50 And how are you related to her? Dec 28 20:23:12 My uncle is her brother Dec 28 20:23:21 * Morgan looks to think a moment before nodding Dec 28 20:26:25 * Manager nods Dec 28 20:26:33 We will accept you. Dec 28 20:27:25 * Morgan nods, smiling Dec 28 20:29:31 Thank you Dec 28 20:30:45 * Manager nods “Your name, my Lord?” Dec 28 20:31:06 Matthew Hockridge Dec 28 20:33:01 * Manager nods, smiling “Welcome to our club. Will you take lunch?” Dec 28 20:33:32 * Morgan nods Dec 28 20:33:45 And for dinner Dec 28 20:35:21 * Manager nods Dec 28 20:35:48 Very good. We also have rooms for travellers, would you like to stay with us? Dec 28 20:36:34 Thank you, I am staying with friends Dec 28 20:39:05 * Manager nods, glancing at the clock. It’s ten to twelve. Morgan will have to be quick with lunch if he plans to be there to see Molly in quiet hour Dec 28 20:39:43 Just small lunch Dec 28 20:42:42 * Manager nods, leading him through to a sunny room with open doors onto a terrace “Do you like it indoors or outdoors?” Dec 28 20:43:18 Inside please Dec 28 20:46:28 * Manager nods, finding him a seat where he can overlook the street. There’s a few other gentlemen there in little groups Dec 28 20:48:12 * Morgan sits, looking out over the street Dec 28 20:50:06 *he sees people come and go, and just after he’s been served lunch, which appears to be fried eggs, bread, and herby cubed potatoes, he sees the overseer speaking to a man in an apron Dec 28 20:50:34 * Morgan watches them Dec 28 20:53:07 *The man in the apron has body language that speaks of guilt. The overseer looks unimpressed Dec 28 20:54:18 * Morgan watches on, intrigued Dec 28 20:55:25 *The apron man appears to be getting strongly reprimanded* Dec 28 20:56:13 * Morgan pokes at his food, glancing around briefly Dec 28 20:57:34 *No one looks interested in him* Dec 28 20:57:43 * Morgan goes back to watching them Dec 28 20:59:16 *The man in the apron has gone* Dec 28 20:59:46 * Morgan checks the time Dec 28 21:01:14 *it’s quarter after twelve* Dec 28 21:01:28 * Morgan eats a little quickly before getting up Dec 28 21:02:54 *the food is very good, well worth coming back for* Dec 28 21:03:20 * Morgan goes to settle up Dec 28 21:05:18 * MorganK (~MorganKoe@5.80.13.222) has joined Dec 28 21:05:43 *The cost of membership and lunch is quite the shock, and he’s going to either need to get money from the bank, or have an invoice sent on to him* Dec 28 21:05:57 * MorganK has quit (Quit: Leaving) Dec 28 21:06:41 * Morgan goes to a bank Dec 28 21:08:47 *the queue is short, so he soon he’s seen and is able to withdraw the fifty guilders for the year’s membership and lunch Dec 28 21:09:20 * Morgan goes back to pay Dec 28 21:11:02 *The woman at the desk settles his bill happily, and tells him that dinner is at seven* Dec 28 21:11:18 * Morgan nods, asking where the pheasant is sourced Dec 28 21:11:58 * Manager is now known as Woman Dec 28 21:12:14 Oh, I’m sorry, I don’t know. I could get the head chef? Dec 28 21:12:31 * Morgan nods Dec 28 21:12:41 If you would... maybe lets not mention it to the manager Dec 28 21:13:50 * Woman smiles, and heads into the building. She returns with the man in the apron Dec 28 21:14:27 * Morgan moves closer, speaking quietly Dec 28 21:14:51 I'm given to believe the pheasant you serve is wonderful... can you keep a secret? Dec 28 21:15:00 * Woman is now known as Man Dec 28 21:15:08 * Man looks wary “yes” Dec 28 21:15:23 * Morgan nods, putting an arm around the mans shoulder and glancing around Dec 28 21:15:55 *there’s just the three of them* Dec 28 21:16:18 I've got my eye on this pretty young thing... I'd very much like to give her what I hear is the finest pheasant in Baden, but she wouldn't be welcome here, if you know what I mean... Dec 28 21:18:10 * Man nods thoughtfully Dec 28 21:19:17 Problem is, I’ve just discovered it’s not above board so we won’t be buying it in anymore, my Lord Dec 28 21:19:57 Oh, no, I wasn't asking you to get me some, I wouldn't put a hard working talented man such as yourself in that position... I'm happy to get it myself, if I just know where... Dec 28 21:22:24 * Man looks unsure “Sorry to say, it apparently is poached, so it’s dangerous to be buying. The Graf knows about it” Dec 28 21:22:46 Fast moving man, is he? Dec 28 21:24:49 I don’t know what you mean, my Lord Dec 28 21:25:11 The Graf... just wondering if I can get there ahead of him, as it were Dec 28 21:27:05 maybe... Dec 28 21:27:53 Course, if anyone asked, I'd keep this place well out of it... you notice I've not asked your name at all... Dec 28 21:28:05 * Man nods, looking reassured Dec 28 21:29:29 The man it comes from we meet in the dock by the Green Goose Inn. He’s got a cart with two trout drinking from a cup on it. He’s due at six o’clock tomorrow evening Dec 28 21:30:01 All legit, far as you were concerned? Dec 28 21:32:38 * Man nods slowly “Mostly... Not poached, but someone selling cheap for a quick guilder or two...” Dec 28 21:32:49 * Morgan grins Dec 28 21:33:07 Well then, you cant be held responsible for that, thats just good business sense Dec 28 21:34:13 * Man nods Dec 28 21:34:31 If I’d known it was poached I wouldn’t have touched it, too risky Dec 28 21:34:50 * Morgan nods, handing him a coin and patting his back Dec 28 21:35:01 Lets keep this 'tween you and me Dec 28 21:36:20 * Man takes it, thanking him “Good luck with your special girl” Dec 28 21:36:47 * Morgan inclines his head before thanking the woman and heading off to get Xantha Dec 28 21:39:27 *Xantha is watching for his return* Dec 28 21:39:43 * Morgan pats his neck Dec 28 21:39:45 Ready? Dec 28 21:41:18 *Xantha tries to head butting him, which is probably a yes* Dec 28 21:41:48 * Morgan leads him out before climbing into the saddle Dec 28 21:43:26 *Xantha tolerates it* Dec 28 21:43:52 * Morgan walks him through the town, heading for the castle, letting him run once its quiet enough Dec 28 21:45:36 *Xantha relishes this, thundering along up the hill that the castle crowns Dec 28 21:46:10 * Morgan slows to a walk to let him cool down before getting there Dec 28 21:49:50 *Xantha does so, and starts looking to Morgan for more peaches once he’s in the stables Dec 28 21:50:47 * Morgan laughs, removing the stones and letting him have them Dec 28 21:50:49 Good boy Dec 28 21:52:18 *Xantha happily munches them* Dec 28 21:53:12 * Morgan gets him settled into a stall securely before heading inside to check the mirrors Dec 28 21:55:11 *Edwards says “You are missed here. Florrie asks for you. I need to discuss with Alice and Molly about when Alice is going home. Will you want to escort them to Baden, Freiburg, or as far as Morgan’s Rock?” Dec 28 21:56:05 "I miss you all, I would much rather there. I'll need to discuss with Molly what she wishes, and find out what Alice wants." Dec 28 21:57:00 *nothing changes. It’s five past one, Edward is likely taking advantage of the unfettered access he now has to Mina* Dec 28 21:57:12 * Morgan packs it away before checking Molly's Dec 28 21:59:00 *It hasn’t changed since her message from the morning* Dec 28 21:59:18 * Morgan sighs, propping it up to wait Dec 28 21:59:37 *there’s a knock on his door* Dec 28 21:59:49 * Morgan grumbles, covering and hiding the mirror before going to open the door Dec 28 22:00:43 *there are two footmen with his purchases from the toy stall Dec 28 22:01:27 * Morgan takes it, thanking them Dec 28 22:03:51 *they go. He’s left with the quoits, metal rattle, and wicker crib, as well as the linen receiving blanket. The latter feels lovely and soft, and just for a brief moment he can almost feel the soft-but-solid weight his newborn son would have swaddled in it in his arms Dec 28 22:04:36 * Morgan shakes himself briefly, locking the door once more before going back to the mirror Dec 28 22:07:03 *when he uncovers it, she’s waiting. She looks flushed but happy Dec 28 22:07:08 * Man is now known as Molly Dec 28 22:07:27 blossom.... Dec 28 22:07:38 * Molly smiles Dec 28 22:07:48 My love. I’m sorry I am late Dec 28 22:08:04 * Morgan nods Dec 28 22:08:09 Where were you? Dec 28 22:08:42 I’m not long back from the village, but your Mother was waiting to make sure I ate before Quiet Hour Dec 28 22:08:58 I see... you are being mothered... Dec 28 22:11:25 * Molly nods “I was being mothered at Mama’s also. She was asking if Varick and Jacques can stay the night with her” Dec 28 22:11:36 Why? Dec 28 22:11:53 She misses having grandchildren to spend time with Dec 28 22:12:17 * Morgan nods Dec 28 22:12:18 I see Dec 28 22:13:26 Woukd you rather they do not? Dec 28 22:13:34 * Morgan sighs Dec 28 22:14:00 No, its fine... I just get a bit prickly when she starts fussing Dec 28 22:14:15 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:14:43 I am trying not to. The animosity I am feeling cannot be good for our little one Dec 28 22:15:02 You need to sort that out blossom... its going to fester Dec 28 22:15:53 Ido not have the time at present. I think the twins will be here in the next few days Dec 28 22:16:02 * Morgan nods, scowling Dec 28 22:16:28 * Molly looks sad “You are not coming yet...” Dec 28 22:17:03 Not yet... but I haven't given up on it being soonish... it depends how much I trust the Graf and Grafin to deal with it Dec 28 22:19:34 * Molly fidgets, getting more comfortable. He can see from where she rests her hand on her belly that it is a little bigger Dec 28 22:19:40 What are they like? Dec 28 22:19:59 * Morgan sighs Dec 28 22:20:08 He's an ass. I quite like her. Dec 28 22:20:16 * Molly smiles Dec 28 22:20:21 why is he an ass? Dec 28 22:21:44 He takes young mistresses, right up until they get wrinkles... he's... pompous and shallow and disinterested Dec 28 22:22:56 Oh dear, that is not promising. Does his wife not mind? Dec 28 22:23:19 She hates it but has accepted it... I gather she has her own... dalliances since he is not interested in her any longer Dec 28 22:23:53 * Molly looks serious Dec 28 22:24:01 Just because she has aged?! Dec 28 22:24:07 And had children... Dec 28 22:24:38 * Molly ‘s hand on her belly becomes a little more protective subconsciously Dec 28 22:24:54 Oh... that’s not kind of him Dec 28 22:24:59 As I said... an ass Dec 28 22:25:24 is that common in the nobility?! Dec 28 22:26:57 * Morgan shrugs Dec 28 22:27:07 Couldn't say Dec 28 22:28:43 * Molly nods, the seriousness becoming insecurity, vulnerability“But that won’t happen for us, will it? You’ll still love me just as much when I’m older and have had so many children...” Dec 28 22:29:09 I will adore you til I breathe no more Dec 28 22:29:51 * Molly smiles shyly, it becoming a big warm smile “You’re sure?” Dec 28 22:31:15 * Morgan nods Dec 28 22:31:17 Absolutely Dec 28 22:31:29 * Molly nods, looking more at ease Dec 28 22:31:37 Is she no longer pretty? Dec 28 22:32:11 I think she is, I suppose, but she is not... well, his current mistress is very young Dec 28 22:32:25 How young is she? Dec 28 22:32:49 *She’s probably younger than Molly, who is almost twenty one* Dec 28 22:33:01 Younger than you Dec 28 22:33:10 * Molly looks disgusted Dec 28 22:33:48 He must be your father’s age, or older! *His youngest child is 22, his eldest as old as Morgan* Dec 28 22:33:55 * Morgan nods Dec 28 22:33:58 I'd reckon so Dec 28 22:34:09 But he's rich and powerful Dec 28 22:34:16 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:34:34 So he will give the mistress money and security... Dec 28 22:34:54 * Morgan shrugs Dec 28 22:35:16 At the very least he lavishes money on her Dec 28 22:35:53 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:36:17 So his mind is not on his gamebirds Dec 28 22:36:52 No, definitely not. The Grafin, however, was very interested... she wants to investigate but I'm not entirely sure I trust her Dec 28 22:37:54 Why not? Dec 28 22:38:17 * Molly suddenly smiles, looking down at her belly and rubbing in one spot Dec 28 22:38:29 * Morgan sighs Dec 28 22:38:38 She's got the brains to be behind it Dec 28 22:38:52 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:39:08 Does she have the connections to the businesses? Dec 28 22:40:07 They're her husbands... Dec 28 22:40:32 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:40:48 That could be a problem. What have you discovered so far? Dec 28 22:41:49 The head chef in the gentleman's club didn't know the meat was poached... but thats very much a "If I don't ask, I don't know" situation really Dec 28 22:43:18 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:43:30 But he knows how it gets to the club? Dec 28 22:44:45 Bought from a man at the docks.. due tomorrow evening... Dec 28 22:44:58 * Molly sighs Dec 28 22:45:06 Alright... Dec 28 22:46:01 If I decide the Grafin can be trusted to get to the bottom of it, I'll leave before then Dec 28 22:47:58 * Molly nods “And if you cannot...?” Dec 28 22:48:45 Then I'll be here a little longer I suppose... Dec 28 22:49:28 * Molly sighs Dec 28 22:49:47 And I shall continue to pull out my hair, I suppose *she smiles* Dec 28 22:50:00 I'm sorry my love Dec 28 22:50:20 It isn’t your fault Dec 28 22:52:15 Of course it is. I could've refused to come Dec 28 22:52:44 * Molly shakes her her head Dec 28 22:53:03 You wouldn’t be you if you could let an injustice go on Dec 28 22:54:39 * Morgan nods a little Dec 28 22:54:41 You're probably right Dec 28 22:55:50 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:56:03 I am not enjoying it, but I understand it Dec 28 22:56:23 * Morgan nods Dec 28 22:56:26 I'm hating being away Dec 28 22:57:32 * Molly nods Dec 28 22:57:41 I imagine you miss your boys Dec 28 22:58:35 Terribly. I've picked up a few things for the children Dec 28 22:59:41 Oh? Dec 28 23:00:27 * Morgan nods Dec 28 23:00:37 Bumped into an old friend... or rather, one of HeinzHarolds old friends... Dec 28 23:01:22 who was that, my love? Dec 28 23:02:17 Greta... Dec 28 23:02:25 * Molly looks surprised Dec 28 23:02:41 The one he first kissed?’ Dec 28 23:02:48 * Morgan nods Dec 28 23:03:40 Oh dear... Is she still very pretty? Dec 28 23:03:57 Fairly aye... she's well liked here Dec 28 23:04:12 * Molly nods Dec 28 23:04:50 I should tell Inga she’ll never be back to steal Heinzharold away then? *she doesn’t look serious* Dec 28 23:05:40 She was very pleased for them actually Dec 28 23:06:02 * Molly smiles Dec 28 23:06:25 That’s good. Inga measured my belly before I went out Dec 28 23:06:30 Oh? Dec 28 23:06:55 I am just a fraction over where I should be for twenty weeks. You son might be tall Dec 28 23:07:18 There's a shock Dec 28 23:09:08 * Molly smiles Dec 28 23:09:19 he doesn’t get that from me Dec 28 23:09:48 No, absolutely not Dec 28 23:09:50 * Morgan chuckles Dec 28 23:10:15 I can only assume your seed grows well in my garden... Dec 28 23:10:24 * Morgan blushes Dec 28 23:10:25 Quite Dec 28 23:10:48 * Molly smiles Dec 28 23:11:09 You’d prefer it was planting season, hmm? Dec 28 23:11:44 * Morgan nods Dec 28 23:11:47 Quite so... Dec 28 23:12:04 how was your night? Dec 28 23:13:30 rough Dec 28 23:13:49 * Molly sighs sadly Dec 28 23:13:55 I should be with you Dec 28 23:14:11 No, you're needed there Dec 28 23:14:58 I suppose at least you are not left too frustrated by it Dec 28 23:15:40 * Morgan shrugs Dec 28 23:15:48 Wouldn't say that... just harrowed along with it Dec 28 23:16:09 How can it be both? Dec 28 23:16:40 I am quite capable of feeling more than one thing at a time love Dec 28 23:17:05 Harrowed and aroused are two rarely mixed feelings though Dec 28 23:17:18 You didn't say aroused, you said frustrated Dec 28 23:17:41 * Molly smiles “for me they’re frequently the same!” Dec 28 23:18:04 * Morgan nods Dec 28 23:36:57 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client)