**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun Dec 14 09:37:43 2025 Dec 14 09:37:43 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Dec 14 14:33:14 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Dec 14 14:34:17 * Morgan nods Dec 14 14:34:17 I'll look them over once we're done Dec 14 14:34:17 * Karlsruhe nods, drinking another mouthful Dec 14 14:34:17 What news from around the Grafdom? Dec 14 14:34:17 * Karlsruhe smiles “Things are fairly settled whilst they absorb the news of a change on the horizon” Dec 14 14:34:20 * Morgan nods slowly Dec 14 14:34:22 I'll be putting some information about soon about what changes I plan to make immediately Dec 14 14:34:24 * Karlsruhe nods “I think it would be a good time” Dec 14 14:34:26 * Morgan nods Dec 14 14:34:28 Lets just hope its well received Dec 14 14:34:30 * Karlsruhe nods Dec 14 14:34:32 Building good relations with the Freiarrs would be on my list, my Lord Dec 14 14:34:34 * Morgan nods Dec 14 14:34:36 Time to start writing letters then... Dec 14 14:34:40 * Karlsruhe nods Dec 14 14:34:42 Any aid I can give you I will Dec 14 14:34:44 I would appreciate your guidance alongside that of my father and brothers Dec 14 14:34:46 * Karlsruhe nods “Yes, my Lord” Dec 14 14:34:48 I suspect its going to be a difficult time of adjustment for a lot of people... it'd be understandable for them to view me with suspicion Dec 14 14:34:50 * Karlsruhe nods Dec 14 14:34:52 Rumours and stories of the post-Truce horrors still abound Dec 14 14:34:54 * Morgan nods Dec 14 14:34:56 All I can do is give reassurance, both by words and actions Dec 14 14:34:58 * Karlsruhe nods “Indeed” Dec 14 14:35:14 * Molly is now known as Karlsruhe Dec 14 14:35:51 Will you be going to see Graf Maubourg tomorrow, or will you wait until your family are leaving the day after? Dec 14 14:36:16 I'll wait I think... though I will send a message saying thats what I'm doing Dec 14 14:39:48 * Karlsruhe nods “What escort will you wish to provide to see them to their ship?” Dec 14 14:41:14 Something appropriate to the Graf and visiting nobility... Dec 14 14:43:07 * Karlsruhe nods “I’ll send Federest and Mainz with them” Dec 14 14:43:14 * Morgan nods Dec 14 14:43:19 My main concern is I want them safe Dec 14 14:44:45 * Karlsruhe nods Dec 14 14:45:07 What about Claudia? Dec 14 14:46:27 * Morgan nods slowly Dec 14 14:46:31 Maybe. I'll talk to her Dec 14 14:47:13 * Karlsruhe nods “Understandably you will want to remain here with your wife and children” Dec 14 14:49:58 Have to really Dec 14 14:50:46 doyou? Dec 14 14:51:24 * Morgan nods Dec 14 14:51:28 Things to be getting on with Dec 14 14:53:00 * Karlsruhe nods “Heinzharold will not wish to travel either?” Dec 14 14:53:25 No, we'll be hard pressed to get him away from his cottage for a while now Dec 14 14:54:49 * Karlsruhe smiles, though there’s a touch of pain there “I think we all know how that was” Dec 14 14:55:14 * Morgan nods a little Dec 14 14:57:10 * Karlsruhe drinks his coffee Dec 14 14:57:43 Do you want Federest and Mainz to accompany your party to the wedding in Fischler next month? Dec 14 14:58:27 What do you think? I wouldn't complain at having their aid... Dec 14 14:59:56 * Karlsruhe nods Dec 14 15:00:41 Until you have a team of guards, there’s no need for them to be working on supervising here when the family is away from home Dec 14 15:02:45 * Morgan nods Dec 14 15:02:47 Alright then Dec 14 15:04:10 will you be spending extra time there, or is the aim to stay only as long as the wedding and then return home? Dec 14 15:04:41 Providing it goes better than the last wedding I went to... I imagine we'll want to be on the move again fairly quickly Dec 14 15:04:54 Though my father is pushing to have us go straight to Sudlachenburg Dec 14 15:06:43 * Karlsruhe nods “This will cause friction with your wife?” Dec 14 15:06:52 Oh yes, definitely Dec 14 15:09:43 * Karlsruhe smiles “Family politics are the worst sort of politics” Dec 14 15:10:09 * Morgan nods Dec 14 15:10:15 I don't particularly enjoy them Dec 14 15:11:43 * Karlsruhe nods “What do -you- want to see happen?” Dec 14 15:12:52 I'd like to get there in good time for the birth, but she would hate being in confinement... and its a nonsense anyway Dec 14 15:13:46 * Karlsruhe nods Dec 14 15:14:12 I always took the middle road... Dec 14 15:14:21 Oh? Dec 14 15:16:16 In the final weeks, I asked Sarah to limit her more strenuous pursuits, and to have periods of rest through the day. But gentle walks in our grounds, time with the older children, and freedom to go about her home as she wished was important to me Dec 14 15:17:10 * Morgan nods Dec 14 15:17:16 That sounds about right to me Dec 14 15:18:51 * Karlsruhe nods Dec 14 15:20:30 I believe that a mother should be rested but -relaxed-. I for one would not be relaxed kept in a hot dark room for a month, and I think any man who says he would be is deceiving himself and others Dec 14 15:20:57 -exactly- Dec 14 15:40:38 * Karlsruhe nods “There will always be family pressure. Her sister was strongly against it, and they had been close” Dec 14 15:41:51 Unfortunate that it came between them Dec 14 15:42:50 for a time, at least. *he smiles faintly* I took all of the blame, naturally Dec 14 15:43:31 * Morgan nods Dec 14 15:44:36 * Karlsruhe sips the coffee “It was my duty and my pleasure to advocate for her” Dec 14 15:45:19 * Morgan nods Dec 14 15:45:20 Of course Dec 14 15:48:16 * Karlsruhe nods, looking at the pile of letters “Some of those will be more bills from the trip to Freiburg” Dec 14 15:48:41 So I should prepare myself accordingly... Dec 14 15:49:53 * Karlsruhe nods “I would, my Lord. Or if you prefer, I will just see to them as with the last set” Dec 14 15:50:14 No, it's fine.... Something I'd best get used to Dec 14 15:50:41 /me chuckles “It is a duty and a pleasure...” Dec 14 15:52:20 * Morgan laughs quietly Dec 14 15:52:25 Some of it anyway Dec 14 15:53:21 * Karlsruhe nods, finishing his coffee “I will draw up a loose timetable for the travel for the wedding, my Lord” Dec 14 15:54:39 Thank you Karlsruhe Dec 14 15:56:27 * Karlsruhe stands, bowing a little Dec 14 15:58:13 * Morgan inclines his head Dec 14 15:58:17 I'll see you shortly Dec 14 15:58:45 * Karlsruhe goes Dec 14 16:02:43 * Morgan sighs, starting to open the letters Dec 14 16:03:51 *there are two bills from dressmakers, that could realistically be more worse, then a letter from Catherine Dec 14 16:07:37 * Morgan puts the bills aside, opening the letter from Catherine Dec 14 16:09:13 *It says: Dear Morgan, Many congratulations on the news of your impending arrival! It came as a surprise, but I am happy to hear about it. I wish you and Molly all the happiness in the world. I am sure many of your former acquaintances will be happy to know too. I have a party planned for the start of summer, and then I am going to make a circuit of house parties (MTF) Dec 14 16:11:45 The Westbrooks have invited me to Staffordshire, so I will begin there. I am finding Richard Roberts to be a very good Estates Manager, and we have a new head of security and master at arms. Adalbrecht the cat is a sweet companion, and he travels well in a wicker box. Fond regards, Catherine Dec 14 16:12:51 *Odd that this noble family he’s only vaguely heard her mention once or twice is the one she was going to see in his dream last night* Dec 14 16:13:27 * Morgan smiles, considering the distance from Staffordshire to Catterick Dec 14 16:15:46 *it’s two days ride* Dec 14 16:18:36 * Morgan nods a little, putting it aside Dec 14 16:19:30 *there’s two more letters, and then the big parcel* Dec 14 16:20:30 * Morgan concentrates on getting the letters opened Dec 14 16:22:32 *theres another bill, for trousers for Varick, then a fancy looking letter with a Freiburg franking mark used to ensure important post is quick and safe* Dec 14 16:22:48 * Morgan frowns, turning it over before opening it Dec 14 16:30:05 Karlsruhe> *The script is very neat. “Your Excellency, I hope this missive finds you well. I write on behalf of an esteemed colleague in our Fine Arts department who would like the opportunity to paint Duchess Koertig. He was inspired to such by the Iconograph of her Excellency sat by the window, and feels that her beauty is wasted in black and white rather than proper oils. Dec 14 16:30:09 Should you be interested, he is willing to travel whenever would suit you. His name is Jean-Etienne Watteau, and correspondence can be sent for his attention here to the Universität Freiburg. Yours sincerely, Frengard.” Dec 14 16:32:21 Huh... Dec 14 16:33:59 *there’s no one to answer him* Dec 14 16:34:10 * Morgan sets it aside before looking the parcel over Dec 14 16:36:36 *it’s fairly squishy but heavy, around a foot by a foot by nine inches Dec 14 16:38:04 * Morgan carefully opens it up Dec 14 16:41:04 *It is waxed sheets, newly made and smelling like beeswax. They’ll go nicely n the new yellow bedroom, spread on the chair and the floor beneath it, ready to protect the floor from a lot of the fun they might get to have in there* Dec 14 16:41:58 * Morgan nods, setting them down on the floor before setting about writing a reply to Catherine Dec 14 16:42:49 *he’s not interrupted* Dec 14 16:43:38 * Morgan puts the letters in his desk, barring the one from the artist and gets up, going out and locking the door before going looking for Molly Dec 14 16:44:47 *he finds her in the nursery, rocking Emil whilst feeding him. Alice is supervising the other two* Dec 14 16:45:00 I've had some post... Dec 14 16:46:02 * Karlsruhe is now known as Molly Dec 14 16:46:15 * Molly strokes Emil’s hair Dec 14 16:46:19 have you? Dec 14 16:47:16 * Morgan nods Dec 14 16:47:33 You ever heard of Jean-Etienne Watteau? Dec 14 16:48:13 * Molly shakes her head Dec 14 16:48:18 I have not Dec 14 16:48:46 Some big artist at the university in Freiburg Dec 14 16:49:58 * Molly smiles “He’s writing to you?” Dec 14 16:50:34 A colleague of this esteemed person... Dec 14 16:51:25 * Molly smiles, looking curious “what for?” Dec 14 16:52:25 Apparently this Watteau saw an iconography from our wedding and wants to paint you Dec 14 16:54:01 * Molly blushes “oh!” Dec 14 16:54:22 I'll ask my father, maybe he's heard of him Dec 14 16:55:24 Or Edward? Dec 14 16:55:54 Oh he definitely would, but he's not here... Dec 14 16:57:15 * Molly nods Dec 14 16:57:36 What do you think of it? I find it hard to fathom he’d wish to Dec 14 16:57:46 * Morgan hands her the letter Dec 14 17:08:28 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 14 17:12:56 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 14 17:14:59 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Dec 14 17:15:46 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 14 17:16:05 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Dec 14 17:54:36 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Dec 14 17:56:03 A colleague of this esteemed person... Dec 14 17:56:03 * Molly smiles, looking curious “what for?” Dec 14 17:56:03 Apparently this Watteau saw an iconography from our wedding and wants to paint you Dec 14 17:56:03 * Molly blushes “oh!” Dec 14 17:56:03 I'll ask my father, maybe he's heard of him Dec 14 17:56:06 Or Edward? Dec 14 17:56:10 Oh he definitely would, but he's not here... Dec 14 17:56:12 * Molly nods Dec 14 17:56:14 What do you think of it? I find it hard to fathom he’d wish to Dec 14 17:56:16 * Morgan hands her the letter Dec 14 17:58:01 * Molly fidgets Emil So she can also read the letter. She’s blushing more by the end of it Dec 14 17:58:04 oh... Dec 14 18:04:25 mmhmm Dec 14 18:05:11 * Molly watches him, handing it back Dec 14 18:05:17 what thinks you? Dec 14 18:07:51 I'm not against the idea... Dec 14 18:09:04 * Molly looks surprised Dec 14 18:09:05 no? Dec 14 18:09:12 Of course not Dec 14 18:11:07 I wasn’t sure you’d like someone else painting me Dec 14 18:12:42 I'm not good with paint Dec 14 18:14:06 * Molly smiles with mischief, but seems to catch herself, looking away Dec 14 18:14:34 I would consider it, though I would like to know how much he’d want to charge us for it Dec 14 18:15:16 * Morgan nods Dec 14 18:15:33 Or perhaps having painted a duchess would be payment enough... Dec 14 18:16:58 * Molly nods Dec 14 18:17:21 That is true, there is certainly a lot of prestige for that Dec 14 18:17:54 * Morgan nods Dec 14 18:17:55 Indeed Dec 14 18:19:17 * Molly nods “I will do whatever you wish” Dec 14 18:19:38 *he notices Alice is watching them from across the room* Dec 14 18:20:15 * Morgan raises an eyebrow at her Dec 14 18:21:17 *Alice just smiles, going back to encouraging Florrie to eat* Dec 14 18:23:29 I've had a letter from Catherine... I'm going to suggest she visits Christopher Dec 14 18:25:08 * Molly smiles “That would be nice, I’m sure he’d enjoy the company” Dec 14 18:25:14 * Morgan nods Dec 14 18:25:16 I reckon so Dec 14 18:28:07 A: I could take her on the Blessing Dec 14 18:29:18 She's been invited to visit Staffordshire, and then she'll do a circuit of parties... but its not too far to Catterick... Dec 14 18:31:39 A: *she nods* the Blessing would be no use there Dec 14 18:33:18 indeed Dec 14 18:45:13 *Florrie gets down from the table* I want see my Vati. Dec 14 18:46:41 Oh? Dec 14 18:47:23 F: *she comes to him* where my Vati? Dec 14 18:47:55 * Morgan bends, picking her up Dec 14 18:48:07 He stayed in my house in Innesbruck sweetheart Dec 14 18:50:09 * Molly is now known as Florrie Dec 14 18:50:11 No. Dec 14 18:50:51 I'm afraid so Dec 14 18:51:54 I not want that. Dec 14 18:52:05 I know sweetheart, nor do I Dec 14 18:53:46 * Florrie frowns “I say go get Vati” Dec 14 18:54:26 * Morgan strokes her hair Dec 14 18:54:36 How about we go put a note on the mirror, maybe we can see him before bed? Dec 14 18:54:47 * Florrie nods Dec 14 18:55:13 Okay, come on then, we'll go do that now Dec 14 18:56:39 Okay. I got my Ballhead Dec 14 18:58:13 * Morgan nods, looking to Alice Dec 14 18:58:16 We'll be back in a minute Dec 14 18:59:19 *Alice nods, looking relaxed at entrusting her to him* Dec 14 18:59:35 * Morgan heads through to go get the mirror Dec 14 19:01:19 * Florrie looks at room “It yellow!” Dec 14 19:02:44 * Morgan nods Dec 14 19:02:46 Its nice isn't it Dec 14 19:03:25 * Florrie shakes her head Dec 14 19:04:21 No? Dec 14 19:05:02 I like pink. Dec 14 19:05:19 * Morgan nods Dec 14 19:05:37 Pinks nice, but it was a bit too pink for me Dec 14 19:05:43 * Morgan puts her on the bed Dec 14 19:05:48 Hang on while I get the mirror Dec 14 19:06:55 why you got big bed? Dec 14 19:08:31 Because me and Molly sleep in it Dec 14 19:10:21 * Florrie looks it over “Very big bed.” Dec 14 19:10:38 * Morgan nods, getting the mirror and some paper Dec 14 19:13:34 *Edward has left a note that says “Brother, let me know you have all arrived safely. Yours, Edward” Dec 14 19:14:26 Ok... lets see... Dec 14 19:14:41 * Morgan writes a note saying Florrie would like to see him before bed, and gives a time Dec 14 19:14:58 Do you want to draw a little flower on the note for him? Dec 14 19:16:04 * Florrie nods Dec 14 19:19:29 * Florrie does this, and draws a heart too Dec 14 19:21:20 Good girl, now we put it on here like this... wrap it up and then we'll come back when its time and hope he's seen it Dec 14 19:23:08 * Florrie nods “then I see Vati” Dec 14 19:23:24 Hopefully Dec 14 19:25:20 * Florrie stands up “I jump” Dec 14 19:25:35 * Morgan puts the mirror carefully away before coming back to her Dec 14 19:25:37 Go on then Dec 14 19:28:15 * Florrie starts jumping on his bed, grinnng Dec 14 19:28:37 * Morgan smiles, watching her Dec 14 19:28:41 Its good to see you smile Dec 14 19:29:32 * Florrie nods, just bouncing. The bed starts to rhythmically squeak Dec 14 19:30:21 Hmmm, will have to see to that... Dec 14 19:31:27 *he hears approaching footsteps, and then an embarrassed cough* Dec 14 19:31:44 * Morgan chuckles Dec 14 19:31:58 Quick, bounce to me Dec 14 19:32:02 * Morgan opens his arms Dec 14 19:32:52 * Florrie does so, jumping to him trustingly Dec 14 19:33:50 * Morgan catches her, moving to open the door Dec 14 19:34:25 *Adalbrecht is stood outside, blushing* Dec 14 19:35:17 Someone wanted to jump on the bed Dec 14 19:35:29 A: I see... Dec 14 19:35:51 VatiVati want jump on bed? Dec 14 19:36:07 * Morgan looks at his father Dec 14 19:36:38 Adalbrecht smiles: No thank you, I don’t want to break it, Morgan needs it Dec 14 19:38:08 Good point... maybe he can hold your hands while you jump, sweetheart? Dec 14 19:39:34 * Florrie nods, coming in “Where is Molly? I hoped she would be resting now that you are home again” Dec 14 19:40:12 She's relaxing with Alice... we've just come up to leave a note for Edward in the hopes Florrie can see him later Dec 14 19:42:16 *Adalbrecht nods, holding out his hands to take Florrie* Dec 14 19:42:51 * Morgan gently hands her over Dec 14 19:45:32 * Florrie starts chatting to Adalbrecht, and he looks pleased to have her attention Dec 14 19:46:17 * Morgan watches them quietly Dec 14 19:48:01 * Florrie bounces on the bed, and Adalbrecht helps her get higher. The bed does start squeaking again Dec 14 19:48:22 Ad: I think your nuts aren’t tight enough Dec 14 19:48:56 Father, are you familiar with Jean-Etienne Watteau? Dec 14 19:49:02 Yes, I suspect you're right Dec 14 19:51:33 *Adalbrecht thinks* Watteau... a painter? Dec 14 19:51:53 Apparently Dec 14 19:53:00 * Florrie giggles Dec 14 19:53:17 Ad: That’s all I know Dec 14 19:53:55 * Morgan nods Dec 14 19:54:02 I'll ask Edward at some point, he'll know Dec 14 19:54:40 *Adalbrecht nods* Have you heard from your mother? Dec 14 19:55:34 I haven't checked, I've had a bit going on Dec 14 19:56:51 *Adalbrecht nods* Have you moved the boys to the nursery? Dec 14 19:57:32 No, not yet Dec 14 19:59:44 *Adalbrecht nods* Dec 14 20:00:43 I suspect though it won't be too long... they need to get used to it before the baby comes Dec 14 20:01:18 Ad: It is sensible Dec 14 20:01:50 * Morgan nods Dec 14 20:01:52 I think so Dec 14 20:05:31 * Florrie continues to jump, and then the door opens, Molly has Emil on her hip Dec 14 20:06:00 *Molly nods slowly* I wondered why it was squeaking like that... Dec 14 20:06:46 Apparently my nuts aren't tight enough Dec 14 20:09:57 *Molly looks away* I’ll have someone come up and adjust it Dec 14 20:10:16 *Emil points at the bed* Dec 14 20:11:28 * Morgan nods Dec 14 20:11:32 I've left a note for Edward Dec 14 20:14:45 *Molly nods* I’m going to put Emil to bed Dec 14 20:15:32 Alright love Dec 14 20:17:52 *Molly takes him through. Adalbrecht watches as she goes* She should be resting, she seems tired Dec 14 20:18:01 Its been a long day Dec 14 20:18:34 *Adalbrecht nods* yes it has Dec 14 20:20:28 I not sleepy Dec 14 20:20:55 Are you not? Dec 14 20:22:50 I stay awake, see my Vati Dec 14 20:25:04 We'll see of he replies soon, okay? Dec 14 20:26:59 * Florrie nods, content to bounce with her grandpa Dec 14 20:28:25 * Morgan just watches them for a while Dec 14 20:30:02 *Molly reappears quietly a few minutes later, a gentle hand on his lower back* Dec 14 20:30:34 You alright love? Dec 14 20:32:53 M: Yes, are you? Dec 14 20:35:17 I suppose so, aye Dec 14 20:36:50 M: do you need a moment? Dec 14 20:37:29 No, I'm okay Dec 14 20:41:06 * Florrie has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Dec 14 20:48:36 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Dec 14 20:50:51 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Dec 14 21:41:17 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)