**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon Aug 4 17:17:05 2025 Aug 04 17:17:05 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Aug 04 17:17:49 well behaved? Aug 04 17:17:49 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 17:17:49 * Edward nods “That we can work on” Aug 04 17:17:49 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 17:17:49 I will not see her spirit broken Aug 04 17:17:51 why? Aug 04 17:17:53 Because she is her own person to be liked for who she is, not some pet to train Aug 04 17:17:55 * Edward nods, looking at him “You are very fond of her then?” Aug 04 17:17:57 I suppose so Aug 04 17:21:17 * Molly nods, finishing his own drink Aug 04 17:21:21 * Molly is now known as Edward Aug 04 17:21:29 Do our parents know? Aug 04 17:21:51 * Morgan nods Aug 04 17:21:54 yes Aug 04 17:26:17 And they’ve given permission? Aug 04 17:26:56 Father told me how to deal with the banns while we were waiting for Yensid to bring help Aug 04 17:31:04 * Edward nods, standing “I will write a retraction for the priest and have someone take it. I assume you are not leaving again?” Aug 04 17:31:49 Its undecided... but I am inclined to stay, if not here, nearby Aug 04 17:35:53 * Edward nods “I assume the reason you might not is me.” Aug 04 17:36:21 That is one of them, yes... I've only been here a couple of hours Aug 04 17:37:52 * Edward nods “I won’t uproot Maria. If it was just me, I would go, but my daughter -needs- the peace, security, and safety of the home and the family Aug 04 17:39:18 * Morgan nods a little Aug 04 17:40:33 I want to wake her to eat. Will you be at dinner tonight with Lady Rosenkrantz? Aug 04 17:41:34 Possibly. Aug 04 17:47:50 Would you prefer I do not attend? Aug 04 17:48:17 * Morgan sighs Aug 04 17:48:31 Probably... but we cannot avoid each other, particularly with father being injured Aug 04 17:48:58 * Edward nods Aug 04 17:49:12 Mother wouldn’t like it Aug 04 17:49:17 no Aug 04 17:53:22 * Edward nods “please convey to Lady Rosenkrantz that my refusal to marry her is not personal, I would be choosing not to marry any woman” Aug 04 17:53:54 * Morgan nods, standing up and moving to the door Aug 04 17:54:26 I will not harm that little girl... she is safe -from- me, and -with- me. Aug 04 17:58:13 * Edward nods “Thank you. Her life will be happier if she doesn’t have to be scared here” Aug 04 17:59:10 * Morgan nods Aug 04 17:59:14 She doesn't need to be Aug 04 18:01:21 * Edward nods, moving to open the door for him. Its not too close, but it means he’s letting Morgan be between him and the door to where his daughter is sleeping Aug 04 18:03:18 * Morgan inclines his head, leaving the room quietly Aug 04 18:08:13 *its quiet out here, his own childhood bedroom nearby Aug 04 18:09:54 * Morgan rolls his shoulders, slowly heading back to Molly Aug 04 18:10:23 *shes found where he left her, looking out of the window Aug 04 18:11:52 * Morgan sighs, going to sit down Aug 04 18:12:29 * Edward is now known as Molly Aug 04 18:12:53 * Molly comes to sit beside him “are you parents alright?” Aug 04 18:13:12 Assuming the doctor is correct, yes Aug 04 18:13:38 * Molly nods “I’m glad. Are you alright?” Aug 04 18:14:21 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 18:14:27 Better than I could be Aug 04 18:14:40 * Molly smiles “I’ll take it” Aug 04 18:16:52 * Morgan nods Aug 04 18:17:51 And your brother, and his daughter? Aug 04 18:18:49 That poor girl Aug 04 18:19:00 is she sick? Aug 04 18:19:52 Terrified... her mother and brother were murdered, she barely survived Aug 04 18:20:11 * Molly looks shocked “that’s terrible!” Aug 04 18:21:19 * Morgan nods Aug 04 18:21:27 She's terrified of... most things Aug 04 18:21:46 * Molly nods “I’m not surprised “ Aug 04 18:23:48 * Morgan nods Aug 04 18:23:50 quite Aug 04 18:24:16 is that why they’re so keen on him marrying me? Aug 04 18:24:56 Thats mostly political... though they seem to think it'd be good for both of them Aug 04 18:25:12 * Molly watches him Aug 04 18:25:22 is that what -you- think? Aug 04 18:25:46 No, and it was not something I was willing to entertain Aug 04 18:25:55 * Molly nods Aug 04 18:26:03 does he know about us? Aug 04 18:27:24 * Morgan nods Aug 04 18:28:05 He is writing to the priest to retract the banns Aug 04 18:29:26 * Molly smiles Aug 04 18:29:41 And the new ones will start being read the day after tomorrow? Aug 04 18:30:00 I suppose so... I assume there's no delay... Aug 04 18:34:37 * Molly watches him Aug 04 18:34:46 Are you not pleased? Aug 04 18:35:01 Of course... just... I wasn't expecting to see him Aug 04 18:35:24 * Molly nods Aug 04 18:35:34 It’ll be harder Aug 04 18:36:28 * Morgan nods Aug 04 18:36:29 aye Aug 04 18:38:38 * Molly takes his hand “You’ve given me so much support, how can I support you?” Aug 04 18:38:52 I wish I knew. I'll be alright Aug 04 18:42:41 * Molly nods “You’re brave, I know” Aug 04 18:43:12 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 18:43:14 I don't think so Aug 04 18:44:41 I do. Coming back was brave, and talking to him was brave Aug 04 18:45:39 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 18:48:42 * Molly squeezes gently before letting go “The view here is beautiful...” Aug 04 18:48:54 * Morgan nods Aug 04 18:48:59 Pity you cant swim in the lake Aug 04 18:50:51 * Molly smiles “Has anyone ever done it?” Aug 04 18:51:16 No-one that lived Aug 04 18:56:00 * Molly nods thoughtfully Aug 04 18:56:26 Interesting... Aug 04 18:56:53 Don't even think about it Aug 04 18:58:56 I’m not very good at doing what I’m told Aug 04 18:59:40 You need to in this instance Aug 04 19:02:59 * Molly sighs, going to the window to look out of the window “Just a paddle?” Aug 04 19:03:20 No, I'm afraid not Aug 04 19:06:29 * Molly nods Aug 04 19:06:43 What will we do for fun? Aug 04 19:07:02 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 19:07:11 I'm not given to having fun Aug 04 19:08:54 * Molly frowns a little “Then I am going to have to try very hard to make you happy” Aug 04 19:09:41 * Morgan nods Aug 04 19:14:09 * Molly shrugs, smiling “I’ve made you smile and laugh, how hard could it be?” Aug 04 19:14:52 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 19:14:55 Who knows Aug 04 19:16:32 I’m pretty persistent... Aug 04 19:20:09 I have noticed Aug 04 19:20:57 * Molly nods, grinning “So you think I’m pretty...” Aug 04 19:23:05 Not bad... Aug 04 19:24:12 * Molly laughs “Not bad?!” Aug 04 19:24:29 * Morgan smiles a little Aug 04 19:27:58 * Molly smiles warmly “There’s another smile...” Aug 04 19:28:45 What did you think of my mother Aug 04 19:30:12 Oh she’s so kind, and lovely! I just know I can learn how to be a good noblewoman from her! Aug 04 19:30:25 * Morgan nods Aug 04 19:30:30 She is a good example Aug 04 19:31:45 * Molly looks to him “would you be proud to have me as a wife if I was like her?” Aug 04 19:31:57 * Morgan nods Aug 04 19:31:59 I would Aug 04 19:33:43 * Molly nods “Then I am going to try really, really hard” Aug 04 19:35:18 * Morgan nods Aug 04 19:35:19 Alright Aug 04 19:36:07 * Molly nods “And I will make your family like me” Aug 04 19:37:01 Just be yourself Aug 04 19:39:36 * Molly nods slightly “And I’ll stay out of the lake...” Aug 04 19:39:46 * Morgan nods Aug 04 19:39:47 Thank you Aug 04 19:41:45 * Molly nods, and comes to him. She gently sits on his lap “I’ll make it so that you never regret bringing me here” Aug 04 19:43:31 * Morgan nods Aug 04 19:43:51 I wonder if it would've been better to stay away Aug 04 19:46:46 From me? Aug 04 19:47:28 From here Aug 04 19:48:05 But your mother’s so glad to have you home Aug 04 19:48:17 * Morgan nods Aug 04 19:48:21 It would appear so Aug 04 19:51:31 * Molly nods, looking at him for a few inches away “I’ll follow you, anywhere you want us to go” Aug 04 19:53:24 * Morgan nods a little Aug 04 19:53:31 We'll see how things go here Aug 04 19:54:35 * Molly nods. She gently kisses him, and he wakes up Aug 04 19:55:00 * Morgan stretches, gauging the time Aug 04 19:55:31 *he’s been asleep only two hours. the rest of the bed feels cold* Aug 04 19:56:20 * Morgan frowns, shifting Aug 04 19:57:00 *It’s strange to not have her with him* Aug 04 19:57:55 * Morgan shifts down the bed, lying on his side Aug 04 19:59:45 *he starts to drift off again* Aug 04 20:00:04 * Morgan doesn't fight it Aug 04 20:03:27 *he starts to dream the same thing. Several weeks have passed, and in that time he’s slowly acclimatised to home, his parents including his father’s complaining about his injury, and Edward. He’s found his brother to be a devoted Father, and very good with Maria. Day by day, he’s started to earn her trust, just like with a wild animal. (Mtf) Aug 04 20:05:42 But the one she’s really bonded with is Molly, Who Maria has had an easier time adjusting to, and who Edward often spends time with. They’re out on the lawn nearly a month later, Molly sat playing tea parties, and Morgan beside Edward who is watching them speculatively. The banns have been withdrawn, but the new ones have not yet been ready, the priest insisting on a clear four weeks in between Aug 04 20:05:46 * Molly is now known as Edward Aug 04 20:06:33 I can feel you watching them Aug 04 20:06:50 I am, but probably not for the reason you think Aug 04 20:07:32 Tell me Aug 04 20:07:47 I am wondering whether they were right... Aug 04 20:07:55 * Morgan sighs Aug 04 20:08:04 About marrying her... Aug 04 20:08:35 Yes... Maria trusts her, perhaps even is coming to love her Aug 04 20:09:41 * Morgan shrugs Aug 04 20:12:32 * Edward nods Aug 04 20:12:55 * Edward continues to watch quietly Aug 04 20:13:23 Are we about to have a problem? Aug 04 20:14:54 Are we? I haven’t seen anything much between you... Aug 04 20:16:23 Leave it alone. Aug 04 20:18:29 * Edward glances at him “When we first discussed it, you seemed unsure that you were in love with her” Aug 04 20:19:03 That was a month ago... and lets be honest, why would I discuss it with you? Aug 04 20:20:57 * Edward nods “That is fair...” Aug 04 20:21:04 * Morgan nods Aug 04 20:23:46 * Edward smiles when his daughter laughs at something Molly has said “Sweet...” Aug 04 20:23:54 * Morgan nods Aug 04 20:23:58 She is very good with her Aug 04 20:26:14 * Edward nods “If you are certain about this, she will be a good aunt” Aug 04 20:26:55 You do not care for her as I do Aug 04 20:27:41 * Edward pauses slightly “No...” Aug 04 20:29:05 You don't sound certain Aug 04 20:30:01 I haven’t been a widower very long, and I am not intending to ever fall in love again... Aug 04 20:34:23 * Morgan nods Aug 04 20:36:03 But I can appreciate she is a beautiful young woman, kind to my daughter, funny, with a brightness that cuts through the dark clouds that surround me Aug 04 20:36:14 I see Aug 04 20:38:05 * Edward nods “How do you feel about that.” Aug 04 20:39:01 I cant say I'm happy about the prospect of losing her Aug 04 20:41:48 * Edward nods lBecause you love her?” Aug 04 20:42:09 * Morgan sighs Aug 04 20:44:51 * Edward watches the others as Molly pretends to have knocked over the tea cup, feigning an embarrassment that draws the little girl out of her shell and into reassurance. He waits patiently* Aug 04 20:45:59 * Morgan nods a little Aug 04 20:48:29 * Edward nods “Very well then” Aug 04 20:48:56 * Morgan sighs heavily Aug 04 20:50:20 * Edward watches him “what?” Aug 04 20:50:43 Nothing I want to say Aug 04 20:53:11 * Edward looks a little disappointed by this “I see” Aug 04 20:53:41 * Morgan frowns a little Aug 04 20:54:01 If she decided it was best for her, I would not stand in her way Aug 04 20:54:58 To be frank with you, Morgan, that does not sound like love Aug 04 20:55:24 No... it sounds like someone who'd sacrifice their future for someone elses Aug 04 20:59:29 * Edward nods “I like how she is with my daughter, I want to keep that in Maria’s life, but I will not intervene if she truly means something to you” Aug 04 21:00:03 She does Aug 04 21:01:25 * Edward nods “I hope you will permit her to still be involved with my daughter even once you have sons and daughters of your own” Aug 04 21:01:43 * Morgan frowns a little, nodding Aug 04 21:01:51 I will not hinder that little girls growth Aug 04 21:02:27 * Edward nods “Just as you are no threat to her, I will be no threat to your children” Aug 04 21:04:32 * Morgan nods a little Aug 04 21:05:23 *Molly is pretending to make a cup of tea, watching him* Aug 04 21:07:19 * Morgan smiles a little Aug 04 21:08:49 *She smiles back warmly, then watches him over the rim of the cup as she pretends to drink from it* Aug 04 21:10:33 * Morgan glances at Edward Aug 04 21:10:51 I don't know if you've heard... father picked up something of an injury, but he's kept it very quiet, hardly ever mentions it... Aug 04 21:11:12 * Edward watches between the two of them, nodding slightly Aug 04 21:11:41 He has been admirably stoical, one would think it had never happened... Aug 04 21:12:17 Quite... Aug 04 21:19:37 *Molly hands the cup to the little girl then stands. Edward’s daughter stands too, and Molly offers her hand. Edward watches them* Yes, I hope I handle injury with his sublime peace and grace Aug 04 21:20:20 * Morgan nods, watching them Aug 04 21:23:47 *They hold hands as they walk over, Molly speaking quiet words of encouragement. The little girl walks all the way towards Morgan Aug 04 21:24:19 * Morgan glances at Edward before getting carefully and slowly down to his knees, sitting on his feet Aug 04 21:26:10 *She glances at Molly a moment, who nods* M: It’s okay, he’s safe Aug 04 21:26:59 *His niece brings the cup all the way to him, holding it out. Her hazel eyes are watchful, but she doesn’t look scared* Aug 04 21:27:21 * Morgan slowly takes the cup, thanking her quietly Aug 04 21:29:40 *She nods. Edward looks full of pride, and Maria watches him, her scar prominent Aug 04 21:31:19 * Morgan makes out to drink the tea Aug 04 21:31:22 Oh thats lovely Aug 04 21:32:43 *She has the cutest smile, much like Edward’s was when Morgan was a young boy and Edward was not much more than a toddler* Aug 04 21:32:52 Maria: Thank you Aug 04 21:33:17 *Molly watches Morgan, smiling* Aug 04 21:38:38 * Morgan smiles Aug 04 21:39:16 Maria: No hurting. Aug 04 21:40:25 No, definitely not Aug 04 21:43:59 *She lets go of Molly’s hand, moving closer. She says it again* Aug 04 21:46:07 * Morgan nods Aug 04 21:46:12 No hurting Aug 04 21:46:35 *She comes closer again, to one foot from him* No hurting Aug 04 21:49:14 * Morgan nods Aug 04 21:49:15 No hurting Aug 04 21:50:34 *She puts her small hand on his chest, watching his face “no hurting” Aug 04 21:50:47 * Edward is watching them too Aug 04 21:51:03 * Morgan nods Aug 04 21:51:07 No hurting, I promise Aug 04 21:53:21 *she moves again, putting her arms around his neck* Aug 04 21:53:57 Can I give you a cuddle? Aug 04 21:54:55 *she nods* no hurting. Aug 04 21:55:12 * Morgan nods, putting one arm gently around her, but not fully encircling her Aug 04 21:55:14 No hurting Aug 04 21:56:07 *he can feel the moment a few seconds later when she relaxes against him. Edward wipes his eyes with the heel of his hand, but Molly is beaming* Aug 04 21:56:25 Thats better isn't it Aug 04 21:57:02 *she nods* you not hurt me. Aug 04 21:57:29 No, never Aug 04 21:59:06 *she nods* Okay. Aug 04 21:59:40 * Edward nods, smiling. There’s a brief chime, and he wakes up Aug 04 22:04:37 * Edward has quit (Read error: EOF from client)