**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sat May 17 09:57:10 2025 May 17 09:57:10 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.192) has joined May 17 11:15:52 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 17 16:49:10 * Morgan (~mads@192.168.1.192) has joined May 17 19:24:36 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined May 17 19:31:37 * Morgan shrugs May 17 19:31:37 * Molly nods, quietly helping with the meat. She doesn’t mention it when they get underway, and he feels her asleep once more. He expects they’re about half an hour before leaving the forest, He is going to need to decide if they’ll press on through the woods, or join with the road, because they will need to go east to reach Edward’s lands May 17 19:31:37 * Morgan risks the roads May 17 19:31:37 * Molly wakes when the daylight suddenly increases as the road opens up May 17 19:31:39 Oh! May 17 19:31:41 What do we do now? Will we find an inn for the night, and food? And another horse? May 17 19:31:43 I think that'd be sensible if we think its safe May 17 19:31:45 I thought we were already safe... so who knows? May 17 19:31:47 * Morgan nods May 17 19:31:49 *It only takes fifteen minutes to find a small town, he’d fought nearby, but knows no one in the town itself. it’s seven o’clock now. May 17 19:32:56 * Morgan goes in inquire about a room May 17 19:33:43 *Molly comes with him, looking around. There’s a man behind the bar, and he looks over their dishevelled, dirty clothing* May 17 19:33:51 Man: ‘Help you? May 17 19:34:31 Beg'n yer pardon, we're lookin' fer a room May 17 19:34:53 * Molly looks at them “Just one room?” May 17 19:34:58 * Molly is now known as Man May 17 19:35:05 * Morgan nods May 17 19:35:11 'S me wife... May 17 19:35:19 One bed or two? May 17 19:35:34 One sir May 17 19:35:53 * Man nods “How many nights?” May 17 19:39:02 Jus' one, we 'ave to be gettin' on fer Starke May 17 19:39:19 Food? May 17 19:42:10 * Morgan nods May 17 19:42:42 Three guilders then May 17 19:45:49 * Morgan sighs, rummaging in several pockets before producing three guilders May 17 19:46:52 *His pocket is worryingly light, considering the distance they must travel and their need for a horse* May 17 19:47:14 * Man gives them instructions to the last room down the hall May 17 19:47:39 * Morgan thanks him, leading Molly that way May 17 19:49:27 * Man is now known as Molly May 17 19:50:05 * Molly stays quiet and docile. the room is small, mostly taken up with the bed. It looks clean enough May 17 19:51:13 This'll have to do May 17 19:52:24 * Molly nods, looking lost with nothing to do, no progress to make May 17 19:55:14 I'll arrange some food shortly but you should rest May 17 19:55:31 * Molly nods, taking off her cloak May 17 19:55:52 You’ll stay, won’t you? May 17 19:57:55 * Morgan nods May 17 19:57:56 aye May 17 19:58:48 * Molly nods, sitting on the bed May 17 19:59:04 She was why you fell in love with me. May 17 20:00:46 She... got through to me where no-one else had May 17 20:00:58 * Molly nods May 17 20:01:23 Now she’s gone. What keeps you here? May 17 20:02:50 You do... May 17 20:03:46 * Molly looks at him with heartbreak “I just hope I can be enough just me” May 17 20:04:13 You are May 17 20:04:36 * Molly nods “Why are you staying away from me?” May 17 20:04:50 Because I need to keep you safe until we can get to Edward May 17 20:05:29 I need you to be close, not distant like this. May 17 20:05:51 * Morgan nods, moving to her and wrapping his arms around her May 17 20:06:09 * Molly holds on to him tightly May 17 20:06:48 I miss her. I miss the touch of her and her weight in my arms, and how she wanted to be held so much *she starts to cry* May 17 20:07:08 * Morgan nods, holding her tighter May 17 20:07:10 I know May 17 20:07:30 What do you miss? May 17 20:07:54 Everything about her... May 17 20:08:42 * Molly nods, gently stroking his back May 17 20:09:27 I know so many people lose children to illness, or without reason... May 17 20:10:40 * Morgan nods May 17 20:11:39 But this... never this. May 17 20:12:00 I know love May 17 20:14:03 * Molly shifts, moving into his lap and curling up, putting her head under his chin May 17 20:15:28 * Morgan holds onto her, rocking her May 17 20:17:25 * Molly cries for quite some time, the light from the window moving across their room until it’s turned soft and gold and her sobs have been replaced with the occasional sniffle May 17 20:20:06 I'm going to get some food love May 17 20:22:25 * Molly pulls back, looking at him a moment. Then she kisses him again, like she had before in the forest May 17 20:23:43 * Morgan doesn't stop her May 17 20:26:35 * Molly strokes his hair gently, her body becomes less tense May 17 20:27:34 * Morgan carries on rocking her May 17 20:29:34 * Molly kisses him softer, less an outlet of emotion, and more a plea for distraction, for reconnection May 17 20:29:49 * Morgan still doesn't stop her May 17 20:30:54 * Molly brings her hand to his neck, licking his lower lip just as he had done to her so many times in the months of their marriage and the few weeks before May 17 20:31:48 * Morgan squeezes her to him a little May 17 20:33:38 * Molly encourages his lips to part by parting hers, her hand holding firm on his shoulder May 17 20:34:03 * Morgan kisses her back May 17 20:35:23 * Molly seems to show no signs of slowing or retreating. Whatever had happened in that tent, it doesn’t seem to have dissuaded her from him. May 17 20:35:46 * Morgan kisses her for a little while May 17 20:36:23 * Molly doesn’t break it when she moves a little to straddle his lap May 17 20:36:49 * Morgan carries on May 17 20:37:48 * Molly presses against him with a roll of her hips, their clothes between them. He knows the door isn’t locked May 17 20:38:02 * Morgan pulls away May 17 20:38:05 Stop, the door isn't locked May 17 20:38:35 * Molly looks frustrated by this May 17 20:38:39 Alright May 17 20:39:48 It'd be the last thing we need, getting caught May 17 20:40:11 * Molly nods, climbing off him May 17 20:40:20 We should probably eat anyway May 17 20:40:42 * Morgan nods May 17 20:40:48 It'll be a long day tomorrow May 17 20:41:15 * Molly nods, straightening her dress, the only one she has May 17 20:42:20 * Morgan sighs quietly May 17 20:42:41 what is on your mind? May 17 20:43:06 At the moment, getting to Graben without getting caught and before word reaches them May 17 20:43:15 *it’s likely to be eight days they need to travel for still* May 17 20:43:25 Will someone be looking for us? May 17 20:43:40 * Morgan shrugs May 17 20:43:42 maybe May 17 20:44:14 I should cut and dye my hair. May 17 20:44:34 * Morgan nods May 17 20:44:36 That'd make sense May 17 20:44:51 * Molly nods sadly May 17 20:45:15 And we should dress differently. May 17 20:45:24 That could be tough May 17 20:46:37 * Molly nods, going to the their bag. From it she removes a bracelet, one that Adalbrecht and Verity had given her at the wedding. It’s jewelled, probably worth about a hundred guilders May 17 20:46:41 I brought this. May 17 20:47:11 * Morgan frowns May 17 20:48:07 We can probably find someone to buy it May 17 20:48:16 * Molly nods May 17 20:48:43 We need a horse, and lodgings... I can’t bear to sleep hiding in barns again. May 17 20:50:40 If thats what it takes to stay safe... May 17 20:52:07 * Molly shudders May 17 20:52:38 We need to stop as little as possible to get ahead of the news? May 17 20:53:02 * Morgan nods May 17 20:53:03 Absolutely May 17 20:57:42 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) May 17 21:00:17 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined May 17 21:00:55 Absolutely May 17 21:01:44 * Molly nods May 17 21:02:06 it’ll be safe to travel on the roads at night? May 17 21:02:27 Mostly I'd imagine May 17 21:03:27 * Molly nods, moving away “Food then, and plenty to take. We’ll have to leave again in the night” May 17 21:04:20 * Morgan nods May 17 21:04:23 Alright May 17 21:06:44 * Molly nods. He’s able to get food for now and some more promised to be packed up and brought up later. They eat as they had many times before, but now there’s no child to keep an ear for. The food is fine, but it doesn’t touch that emptiness in him, not just his daughter but his parents, his best friends, the village he and Dietlinde grew up in, all ggood ne. May 17 21:06:47 gone* May 17 21:09:15 * Molly pushes the plate away, only half finished May 17 21:09:21 * Morgan does likewise May 17 21:09:41 * Molly sighs “Will we retire?” May 17 21:09:59 Best had I suppose May 17 21:11:10 You will sleep, not stay up to watch? May 17 21:11:33 Some, yes May 17 21:13:12 * Molly nods, starting to take off her dress May 17 21:13:22 Good. You need to rest. May 17 21:13:40 I know May 17 21:14:27 * Molly puts on the clean shift before getting in to the unfamiliar bed May 17 21:16:22 I’d normally sleep nude but... May 17 21:16:32 But? May 17 21:17:36 but what if we have to leave quickly? May 17 21:18:39 * Morgan nods May 17 21:18:42 You should be ready May 17 21:18:58 * Molly nods, waiting for him to get in May 17 21:19:52 * Morgan takes his boots off, climbing onto the bed May 17 21:20:01 * Molly frowns May 17 21:20:14 You want to be ready, but... May 17 21:22:23 But? May 17 21:23:08 But I miss your touch. I miss our closeness May 17 21:26:38 I know, but I cant risk not being able to protect you May 17 21:27:47 why wouldn’t you be? May 17 21:28:43 * Morgan sighs May 17 21:28:48 What is it you want? Plainly please May 17 21:29:02 To make love to you. May 17 21:29:17 No. It is too dangerous May 17 21:29:28 * Molly sighs May 17 21:29:30 Alright May 17 21:31:06 * Morgan nods a little May 17 21:31:59 Would you lay down in the dark and hold my hand? May 17 21:32:42 * Morgan nods May 17 21:32:44 aye May 17 21:35:07 * Molly waits for him to do so. In the dark, her hand cool in his, it seems like it’s only them in the world. And really, that is much how it is. Sudlachenburg is more distant from him now even than when he’d left it with vows never to return to the place or the people there. Now it is not his word, it is death that separates them. And this t8me there’s no going back. May 17 21:35:36 * Morgan closes his eyes, breathing slowly May 17 21:35:48 * Molly says softly May 17 21:35:55 It’s alright, I am here May 17 21:38:54 * Morgan nods a little, trying to control his breathing May 17 21:41:03 * Molly breaks the hand contact to gently stroke his head. Her tone is gentle “You can be upset with me, I am a safe person for you, love” May 17 21:41:23 * Morgan bites his lip hard before starting to sob May 17 21:42:17 * Molly moves closer, so that his head can reach her shoulder. She keeps stroking his hair gently May 17 21:43:30 * Morgan starts crying hard May 17 21:45:29 * Molly stays where she is, holding him close and tenderly, familiar. She doesn’t rush it, doesn’t try to soothe him, just embraces him through the storm May 17 21:45:45 * Morgan cries for quite a while before quitting May 17 21:45:47 quieting May 17 21:47:52 * Molly kisses his forehead gently “I love you.” May 17 21:48:45 * Morgan nods May 17 21:48:46 And I you May 17 21:49:09 * Molly nods May 17 21:49:36 we should sleep, I suppose May 17 21:50:47 * Morgan nods May 17 21:50:49 aye May 17 21:51:29 * Molly kisses his forehead again “sleep soundly, my love” May 17 21:51:57 * Morgan shrugs a little, closing his eyes May 17 21:55:06 *He does sleep well, dreaming of them, in another estate away from Sudlachenburg, somewhere with a lake that he swims in and a hammock they snooze in. She’s pregnant there, more than now, and he’s peaceful, happy, and aroused. Then there’s a gentle shake of his shoulder, and he wakes within the dream, in the tavern so far away from that happy h9me* May 17 21:55:28 * Morgan frowns, looking around quickly May 17 21:57:17 It’s okay, but it’s been five hours... May 17 21:57:30 * Morgan nods May 17 21:57:32 Best move on then May 17 22:04:25 * Molly nods. They get up and dressed, collect the food and head out on Xantha into the night. They have to detour a little in Grenau to get a horse and clothes, and to get Molly’s hair shorter and dyed brown. She manages not to cry as it’s done, but once they are out of the town and she’s riding her own horse she silently weeps. The hours pass, the road smooth enough, their breaks minimal for her to relieve the pressure of the unneeded milk. MTF May 17 22:06:20 They stop another night in a tiny inn. She doesn’t ask him to make love to her, but again in the dark they shed tears together in each other’s arms. There’s no sign they’re being followed, and no sounds of rumours. They avoid the town of Papen itself, anywhere with a Freiarr is a risk. MTF May 17 22:08:56 As the days wear on, the tears lessen, but she still doesn’t ask again. It’s exhausting, being so vigilant and managing on five or less hours of sleep a day. They arrive in the town of Goren, almost a city really, on the eighth night since the massacre, and he needs information here about what news has come this far. It’s only three or four hours from Graben. May 17 22:09:13 Will we be safe in the town? May 17 22:09:27 * Morgan shrugs May 17 22:09:29 I've no idea May 17 22:10:21 * Molly looks around. She looks weary, and she’s lost weight since they set off, very little interest in eating. May 17 22:10:36 Where will we f8nd out whether the news has reached here? May 17 22:10:57 Taverns are normally a good place for information May 17 22:11:07 * Molly nods May 17 22:11:45 Somewhere nice, or somewhere basic? we still have a few guilders left from the bracelet... May 17 22:12:28 Basic... lets not waste what we have, or give any clues May 17 22:13:14 * Molly nods May 17 22:13:26 We might still need money to leave Eisen... May 17 22:13:51 aye May 17 22:14:58 * Molly nods, pointing to a tavern “How about the Golden Goose?” May 17 22:15:20 Good as any May 17 22:16:36 * Molly walks her horse towards it. A friendly groom takes their horses. Xantha is too tired from the long days to do more than bite one man’s and stamp on the foot of another, all in all a good interaction, for him. May 17 22:18:05 * Molly smiles at it. It’s been more than a week since he saw that smile that used to come so easily, which singing nursery rhymes and bathing their daughter. May 17 22:18:36 * Morgan looks around slowly May 17 22:19:04 *it looks safe enough. The food smells are strong, beef, onions* May 17 22:19:27 We’ll not stay long again? May 17 22:19:37 * Morgan shakes his head May 17 22:19:43 No, we need to get this done May 17 22:21:27 * Molly nods, waiting for him to lead the way May 17 22:21:56 * Morgan heads into the tavern May 17 22:22:46 *it’s quiet, a few people drinking and eating. There’s a woman at the bar May 17 22:24:00 * Morgan wanders toward the bar May 17 22:25:13 *She looks him over with a flirty smile* What can I get for you, handsome? May 17 22:25:50 * Morgan smiles a little May 17 22:26:14 Don' let my missus 'ere you say tha', I'll ne'er 'ear end o'it... May 17 22:27:49 *She glances at Molly, who has gotten distracted by a painting of a big White Castle by the mountains* May 17 22:28:56 W, giving him an even more flirty smile as she leans over the bar which displays her breasts better in the low cut dress: Tell you what, come downstairs after closing, and it can be our little secret... May 17 22:29:19 * Morgan winks at her May 17 22:30:00 Been on 'orseback so long, not sure owt works... 'ardly ken wha day 'tis May 17 22:30:55 W grins: I’ll help rub the feeling back in. what are you drinking? May 17 22:31:49 Jus' some ale Darlin'... any fin' 'appenin'? May 17 22:33:43 *she gets some* Well, the parson got caught swiving one of the farmer’s wine, and Pincher’s sheep got loose, which caused a carriage crash. Two people died. May 17 22:34:08 shame... anyone special? May 17 22:34:36 *she shrugs* Some friend of Freiarr Graben, and his guard May 17 22:35:25 Old man Hapsburg 'as friends? May 17 22:36:11 *She looks at him as if he’s crazy* The old Lord died a few weeks ago, it’s that new one now, married the daughter May 17 22:37:27 My sympafies... new ones some yokel int 'e, some backwater place... sud... sud... sudsummat May 17 22:38:34 W: *she puts his drink on the bar* Can’t remember what it’s called. The one with the Schattenmann May 17 22:38:42 * Morgan shudders May 17 22:38:47 Aye, that one May 17 22:39:30 W: Yeah, that’s him. Hasty marriage that was. *she leans over again* Anticipated their vows, by a lot. May 17 22:40:33 'ardly surprisin', y'know 'ow them country types c'n be May 17 22:41:11 W: *she smiles* Everyone’s got lust in them, just not many people know how to enjoy it May 17 22:42:02 True lass... any chance we c'n get some food? Been a long day May 17 22:43:25 *The woman goes to get them something. Molly joins him, a hand on his lower back. She whispers May 17 22:43:31 I don’t like her. May 17 22:43:59 No? May 17 22:44:09 * Molly looks very serious May 17 22:44:14 No. Not at all. May 17 22:44:19 Why? May 17 22:45:17 * Molly ‘s hand on his back tightens possessively, not something he’s experienced from her before “Because she was flirting with you.” May 17 22:46:48 * Morgan nods May 17 22:47:02 She was. Pointless exercise but she wasn't to know May 17 22:47:42 * Molly still watches where the woman had exited “Well I still do not like it. Not at all. You are -mine-“ May 17 22:48:22 Calm down please, we don't want to draw attention May 17 22:48:41 * Molly takes a deep breath, removing her hand from him May 17 22:49:12 *The woman brings them food, showing them to a table* You need rooms too? May 17 22:50:08 Jus' one lass May 17 22:54:01 *The woman nods a little, and tells them where it is. Molly is careful not to react to her when she tells Morgan that she hopes he enjoys his stay, and eats quietly* May 17 22:55:08 * Morgan thanks her, eating May 17 22:56:50 *the food is actually good, and for the first time in days Molly finishes her food “Have you found out anything?” she whispers May 17 22:57:44 * Morgan nods a little May 17 22:58:13 Hapsburg died, Edwards Freiarr now... one of his friends died and a guard in a crash May 17 22:59:32 Could his friend have been spying in Sudlachenburg? May 17 23:00:20 And gotten here quicker? Doubt it May 17 23:01:21 * Molly nods May 17 23:01:31 Will we rest now? May 17 23:02:31 *The w9man comes to collect their bowls, putting a hand on Morgan’s shoulder as if it’s casual. Molly looks away May 17 23:02:56 * Morgan thanks the woman before nodding to Molly May 17 23:03:09 * Molly stands, waiting to follow him May 17 23:04:36 * Morgan gets up, leading her to the room May 17 23:05:22 * Molly waits until the door is shut before she pushes him up against it and kisses him passionately May 17 23:05:47 * Morgan shifts sideways May 17 23:06:04 * Molly frowns, watching him May 17 23:07:07 You're doing this because you're jealous which is not acceptable... May 17 23:08:17 No, that might be the final straw, but that is not all. May 17 23:09:38 * Morgan shrugs May 17 23:09:57 You've made no mention of it in a week, and now someones made you jealous and you just -have- to act on it... May 17 23:10:27 You said no. I have been waiting for you to come to me. May 17 23:10:52 I've been busy concentrating on keeping us safe, alive, until I can tell my brother, who loathes me, that his entire family are dead May 17 23:11:18 * Molly looks like the wind has gone out of her sails May 17 23:11:20 Oh. May 17 23:13:44 * Morgan watches her May 17 23:14:00 I’m sorry May 17 23:14:25 * Morgan nods May 17 23:14:35 We're only a few hours away now May 17 23:15:00 * Molly nods, moving away to sit on the bed May 17 23:15:20 then we will know what happens next? May 17 23:15:47 * Morgan nods May 17 23:15:48 yes May 17 23:16:58 * Molly nods. It’s a few quiet minutes before she says “Should I write to Sebastian?” May 17 23:17:14 No. He thought she was mine. May 17 23:17:45 * Molly looks hurt “She -was- yours, Morgan. I meant about Heinzharold “ May 17 23:18:51 * Morgan sighs, nodding May 17 23:18:54 Yes, probably May 17 23:19:47 * Molly nods “Tomorrow then” May 17 23:20:05 * Morgan nods May 17 23:20:06 Aye May 17 23:20:18 * Molly takes off her shoes May 17 23:20:33 Will we stay in another inn in Graben? May 17 23:20:57 We'll see May 17 23:21:51 * Molly undoes her dress. The first one has been washed in an inn, and it’s decent enough to go to Edward’s May 17 23:22:00 what do you think will happen there? May 17 23:22:58 I don't know... I just have no idea May 17 23:24:08 * Molly nods. She waits until she’s under the sheets before she asks “are you scared?” May 17 23:24:25 * Morgan shrugs May 17 23:24:28 Not for me May 17 23:25:12 Then what? May 17 23:25:53 For you, and the baby May 17 23:26:10 * Molly nods solemnly May 17 23:26:31 Our child could be competition for his one day May 17 23:27:45 Not really... my title was removed May 17 23:28:09 Then why would they be at risk May 17 23:28:27 * Morgan shrugs May 17 23:28:31 Its the way of things around me May 17 23:29:05 * Molly watches him “Come, you should rest” May 17 23:31:49 * Morgan nods, going to sit on the bed May 17 23:33:03 * Molly waits til he’s settled before opening her arms to him, as on the other nights May 17 23:34:20 * Morgan moves to her, quietly May 17 23:35:24 * Molly sighs softly, lying close. She smells pleasantly pregnant, not enough to be stirring his desires by itself, but enough to be appreciated May 17 23:36:44 * Morgan sighs May 17 23:38:09 * Molly doesn’t cry tonight, but just holds to him “I don’t think I have any more tears left...” May 17 23:38:28 * Morgan shakes his head May 17 23:38:30 No... May 17 23:39:13 * Molly gently kisses his forehead as she has on previous evenings May 17 23:40:12 Just a few hours May 17 23:41:00 Then we’ll go? May 17 23:41:12 * Morgan nods May 17 23:41:13 aye May 17 23:41:33 * Molly nods “Sleep well.” May 17 23:43:06 * Morgan shrugs, closing his eyes May 17 23:46:17 *But he does sleep well. He dreams of being pushed up against t(e wall again, except it’s different, they’re in Eisenfurst Fischler’s stable, and her desperation for him burns hotly in his veins. He lifts her, pins her, and then takes her passionately. It’s risky, they don’t really have enough t8me, but they’re in a hurry of desire and the need to be spent. He wakes within the dream, her tucked beneath his chin. It feels like four hours have passe May 17 23:46:57 * Morgan yawns, getting up May 17 23:49:01 * Molly grabs at the sheet where he was before saying “oh! oh no.” May 17 23:49:14 Hey, I'm here May 17 23:49:30 I thought she was falling from the bed... May 17 23:49:43 * Morgan nods May 17 23:49:46 It'll take some time May 17 23:51:41 * Molly nods, sighing as she touches her breasts with a wince May 17 23:52:32 Best do something about that... I don't wish to be stopping before Graben May 17 23:54:09 * Molly nods, getting up to get a bowl. He hears the quiet crying before he hears the milk flow May 17 23:55:55 * Morgan waits quietly, getting ready May 17 23:56:27 * Molly says quietly May 17 23:57:00 I miss the closeness of it. I miss the nurturing feeling, so much, May 17 23:57:06 * Morgan nods May 17 23:57:08 So do I May 17 23:57:47 * Molly says “You are welcome to nurture me, if it would help” May 17 23:58:14 Later, perhaps, when I have at least some closure May 17 23:59:21 * Molly nods “The milk should stop soon. It can only endure so many days when there’s no suckling” May 17 23:59:51 * Morgan nods