**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun Jan 18 12:14:36 2026 Jan 18 12:14:36 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Jan 18 13:49:00 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Jan 18 13:49:19 K: I think he will want to look into that Jan 18 13:49:19 F: Agreed Jan 18 13:49:19 * Morgan changes direction Jan 18 13:49:19 What am I wanting to look into? Jan 18 13:49:19 K: The mailcoach has only just arrived. Once you are Graf, I would advise making sure your post here is delivered earlier, or is specially brought to you Jan 18 13:49:24 * Morgan nods Jan 18 13:49:26 Definitely. In the meantime, have Frau Arendt make it known to the coach drivers that there will always be coffee and some food here for them before they carry on their rounds Jan 18 13:49:28 *Federest grins* A bit of gentle encouragement? Jan 18 13:49:30 Something like that, aye... I don't know about you, but I'm more inclined to help someone if I feel valued by them Jan 18 13:49:33 *Federest nods a little watchfully* Jan 18 13:49:35 K: Yes, my Lord. Where would you like all these? *he has a good stack of letters in his hand* Jan 18 13:49:37 I'll take them... Federest, do you have an issue? Jan 18 13:49:39 *Federest shakes his head* Jan 18 13:49:41 Karlsruhe, would you give us a moment Jan 18 13:49:43 *karlsruhe nods, going towards the kitchen p* Jan 18 13:49:45 Federest... there seems to be something on your mind... Jan 18 13:49:47 * Adalbrecht is now known as Federest Jan 18 13:49:49 I thought you might have been alluding to some help I have offered someone Jan 18 13:49:53 No, not at all... it's a genuine belief I have. Aside from being the decent thing to do, anyway Jan 18 13:49:55 * Federest nods, smiling “alright” Jan 18 13:49:57 She did ask my opinion, mind... Jan 18 13:49:59 * Federest nods “what is that opinion?” Jan 18 13:50:01 * Morgan looks at him seriously Jan 18 13:50:03 Are you sure you wish to know? Jan 18 13:50:50 * Molly is now known as Federest Jan 18 13:50:53 I am Jan 18 13:51:04 You know I will tell the truth, whatever it may be? Jan 18 13:53:22 I do Jan 18 13:55:19 I told her it was her choice... If I didn't think you a good man that I trusted, you'd be nowhere near my family Jan 18 13:56:34 * Federest inclines his head “Thank you, my Lord” Jan 18 13:59:10 No idea what she'll do, mind Jan 18 14:01:11 * Federest nods “That will be the lady’s choice, of course. There will be no hard feelings if she doesn’t wish to” Jan 18 14:02:13 * Morgan nods Jan 18 14:02:22 If you'll excuse me, its time I joined the others for dinner Jan 18 14:03:17 * Federest nods, bowing a little Jan 18 14:04:15 * Morgan inclines his head before heading to the breakfast room Jan 18 14:06:52 *Everyone else is gathered, though HH and Inga are missing as expected. Molly is chatting quietly with Alice, and Uinise seems to be making notes as James tells her about life in the nunnery. The servants are waiting to serve Jan 18 14:08:00 * Morgan moves to his seat Jan 18 14:09:43 *They wait til he’s sat before bringing the food. The lamb smells good, though not as good as Molly beside him who smells pregnant, and also of the oil they use. Jan 18 14:11:16 * Morgan thanks the staff, eating some immediately Jan 18 14:14:52 *The others also eat, and are interested in the stories of the little boy left in the nunnery. James keeps it mostly without jokes, though a few sneak in. Without his partner in puns, he seems a little more reserved. Jan 18 14:15:05 [Are you well, my love?] Jan 18 14:17:33 [well enough, aye] Jan 18 14:17:47 * Morgan watches James for a moment Jan 18 14:19:40 *James is explaining about how the nuns encouraged his interest in shipping after the War* Jan 18 14:23:59 Did the nuns know much about shipping? Jan 18 14:24:27 * Federest is now known as James Jan 18 14:25:24 * James smiles “They grew produce and brewed beer, so in terms of commerce they had some knowledge. The men who bought from them knew more Jan 18 14:27:48 * Morgan nods Jan 18 14:27:56 He would do I suppose Jan 18 14:29:25 * James nods “I went to the docks a few times” Jan 18 14:29:52 *Alice smiles* That would have been a culture shock after being in a nunnery Jan 18 14:32:40 I would imagine so Jan 18 14:34:23 * James sips his wine “The big one was when I went to War. I’d never spent much time with men, and they were rougher than I expected” Jan 18 14:34:54 * Morgan looks solemn Jan 18 14:34:57 I -hated- it Jan 18 14:38:16 * James nods Jan 18 14:39:21 I expected that they would follow the faith... they were willing to die for it, but not willing to live according to it Jan 18 14:43:33 I just wanted to go home Jan 18 14:44:10 * James nods “I missed the vows of silence” Jan 18 14:44:47 I grew up with HeinzHarold, silence didn't exist Jan 18 14:45:40 *There are laughs and nods* Jan 18 14:46:14 Ad: I was at War with Yensid. Silence was common yet suspicious Jan 18 14:48:34 Thats reasonable Jan 18 14:49:39 *Adalbrecht nods* Jan 18 14:49:48 Molly: Where is Yensid? Jan 18 14:50:18 * Morgan shrugs Jan 18 14:50:20 Who knows Jan 18 14:50:27 *Adalbrecht shrugs* I have no idea Jan 18 14:51:36 He does that Jan 18 14:51:48 Molly to Adalbrecht : He -is- going with you tomorrow? Jan 18 14:52:01 Ad: Yes, he will be Jan 18 14:52:31 [we wouldn’t want him here to catch us up on the roof, again!] Jan 18 14:55:58 [no, we wouldn't] Jan 18 14:57:59 *Molly smiles as she eats, and this final meal is nice, though bittersweet in knowing that tomorrow it’ll only be him and Molly, Claudia and Uinise, and possibly Heinzharold and Inga Jan 18 15:00:30 * Morgan checks the time Jan 18 15:01:35 *it’s just before eight Jan 18 15:01:52 What time are you leaving tomorrow? Jan 18 15:04:50 Ad: I think we will go by nine. Baden is not too long a day, and we will stay at a hotel rather than asking hospitality Jan 18 15:05:02 * Morgan nods Jan 18 15:05:03 Good idea Jan 18 15:08:09 Christopher: Graf Baden is not very hospitable? Jan 18 15:08:35 He was fairly happy to host me... Jan 18 15:10:33 Adalbrecht: I do not know how he would be with Alice and Florrie Jan 18 15:10:54 I have a guess, so would prefer you stay in a hotel Jan 18 15:11:47 Alice: Do you think he would snub us? Jan 18 15:12:32 The opposite... though he has some weird notions about mothers Jan 18 15:15:39 Alice: does he? Jan 18 15:15:59 * Morgan nods Jan 18 15:16:13 Definitely. Though I'll need to write to him soon, I promised his wife she could come and see Bir Jan 18 15:17:39 Uinise: What does he believe about mother’s? Jan 18 15:18:23 * Morgan frowns Jan 18 15:18:29 I shan't say. Its unkind. Jan 18 15:19:14 Uinise: He wouldn’t last long in Capperlucia then Jan 18 15:19:31 *Claudia smiles* $sounds good to me$ Jan 18 15:19:54 No, he wouldn't Jan 18 15:23:43 *James smiles* I think Motherhood makes women more beautiful Jan 18 15:24:15 I'm inclined to agree Jan 18 15:27:16 C: $to a big degree!$ Jan 18 15:27:37 $shut up$ Jan 18 15:28:09 *Molly smiles* I was going to write to Elsie, would you like me to send a letter from you with it? Jan 18 15:28:47 * James nods “Yes please, I would like to let her know I am thinking of her and Thomas” Jan 18 15:33:06 *the servants bring out the dessert which causes a lull* Jan 18 15:33:46 * Morgan eats qiuietly Jan 18 15:34:28 *Molly smiles after she’s licked the spoon from the first mouthful of schwarzenwald gateau with thick cream on the side* Your wedding day was a very happy day for us all, James Jan 18 15:36:20 It was a very good day. I was lucky to meet her Jan 18 15:38:33 * Morgan smiles Jan 18 15:38:55 I wish I'd been around to see you growing closer Jan 18 15:39:08 * James smiles Jan 18 15:40:21 Those days were precious, even with the dark cloud we were living under. Perhaps that was part of why they were so precious, because we thought they were numbered Jan 18 15:41:24 * Morgan nods Jan 18 15:41:26 Quite possibly Jan 18 15:43:44 Molly smiles at Morgan: It was very sweet Jan 18 15:43:59 [though it made me miss you very much] Jan 18 15:44:00 * Morgan nods Jan 18 15:45:21 [I'm glad you weren't alone though] Jan 18 15:47:09 [No, I had plenty of company until those late nights just with myself] *she watches him sidelong* Jan 18 15:48:44 * Morgan nods a little, eating Jan 18 15:49:55 Alice: Thomas will have playmates close in age here, won’t he? Jan 18 15:50:14 There won't be a massive difference in ages, aye Jan 18 15:52:46 Molly: Only six months between him and Emil, and less than a year with Hirschen *she strokes her bump* Jan 18 15:56:57 * James nods “We are glad he will grow up with other children” Jan 18 15:59:17 *Adalbrecht looks to be pondering something* Jan 18 15:59:43 Something on your mind, my lord? Jan 18 16:00:42 Adalbrecht smiles: Last summer, when Molly and Alarice poured from the same cup, I reminded you of the superstition that if two women pour from the same cup one will have a baby within the year... Jan 18 16:01:05 I recall Jan 18 16:03:37 *Adalbrecht points to Molly’s stomach* I was right. Jan 18 16:04:06 coincidence Jan 18 16:05:40 *Adalbrecht scoffs* Jan 18 16:10:59 *Molly smiles at Morgan* You must admit, it was unlikely... Jan 18 16:11:06 * Morgan nods Jan 18 16:14:02 I will concede that Jan 18 16:17:48 *She nods, watching him with a touch of mischief* I thought you might... Jan 18 16:18:44 * Morgan rolls his eyes a little Jan 18 16:19:18 [there was the one about how I should not talk to my betrothed whilst sitting 9n a desk or table, because it would lead to me having a wayward and lusty temperament] Jan 18 16:21:16 [I'll concede that one too] Jan 18 16:23:53 [Are you glad I sat on so many tables?] *she once again licks the spoon, the others talking about superstitions Jan 18 16:24:16 [quite so] Jan 18 16:29:37 *She smiles, quietly watching the others. Nothing in her expression gives it away before he’s suddenly sent the image of her sat on the edge of a desk with him on his knees between her legs, from her perspective as she watches them in the mirror* Jan 18 16:31:09 * Morgan blushes, looking into his drink Jan 18 16:33:39 *If the others notice, nothing is said. It isn’t long before the usual offer of port for the gentlemen and the ladies going to the drawing room happens Jan 18 16:35:48 * Morgan takes some port Jan 18 16:37:48 *Molly and the others decide they’ll leave the gentlemen to it. She leans in to kiss his cheek gently, and again the dual scents of increasing and oil are noticeable Jan 18 16:40:36 [oil?] Jan 18 16:41:04 [yea it is] Jan 18 16:41:23 *Molly stands up, moving towards the door* Jan 18 16:42:26 [why?] Jan 18 16:44:37 [I thought the scent of it might arouse you] Jan 18 16:44:54 *she goes out with Alice, Uninse, and Claudia* Jan 18 16:45:13 [Could say that] Jan 18 16:45:51 [Pleasant memories, hmm?] Jan 18 16:46:28 [indeed] Jan 18 16:47:20 [And despite the superstition, you’ve never had me that way on or over a desk... You should have sat on more tables, mon petit chou” Jan 18 16:48:01 [perhaps] Jan 18 16:48:22 [I will leave you in peace now] Jan 18 16:51:18 [alright love] Jan 18 16:58:47 *The other men also have port. They mostly talk about the logistics of their journeys, which will see them all arrive in Freiburg in a few days, then James will get to work, and Adalbrecht will see off the Blessing which Christopher will be on. After that he’ll see Jarvie before returning to Hafenlohr on Sunday night, or possibly Monday. James will return closer to the time of the wedding, probably when the Rosenkrantzs make the same trip* Jan 18 16:59:42 * Morgan sighs Jan 18 17:06:47 Ad: When I return, I will spend a few days with you where we can discuss anything you wish to about running a Grafdom Jan 18 17:07:00 * Morgan nods Jan 18 17:07:06 I'd appreciate that Jan 18 17:10:58 *Adlbrecht nods* Then I will be home a few days before we meet you in Innesbruck on the way to the wedding Jan 18 17:13:16 * Morgan nods Jan 18 17:13:35 That's going to be a long way Jan 18 17:14:46 *Adalbrecht nods* Four days of travelling each way Jan 18 17:15:39 And time there... Jan 18 17:16:41 Ad: Yes, we should arrive with enough time to be not harried or exhausted, especially Molly Jan 18 17:17:12 * Morgan nods Jan 18 17:17:15 indeed Jan 18 17:20:38 A: I would say we should be there on the fifth, if not the fourth. Jan 18 17:21:51 Yes, I think you're probably right Jan 18 17:34:02 Ad: It will be nice to have the whole family there without any bloodshed Jan 18 17:34:16 That'd be nice Jan 18 17:45:54 Christopher: Have you been to stay with His Grace many times, dear boy? Jan 18 17:50:11 Several... it has never gone well Jan 18 17:51:33 C: Apart from the obvious time, why is that? Jan 18 17:51:51 The second time I had awful nightmares Jan 18 17:56:47 C: Would you expect that again “ Jan 18 17:56:49 ? Jan 18 17:56:52 Definitely Jan 18 17:58:58 Ad: Maybe you should stay elsewhere Jan 18 18:02:48 I don't think that'd do any good Jan 18 18:07:13 * James has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Jan 18 18:12:03 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Jan 18 18:14:53 I don't think that'd do any good Jan 18 18:15:52 *Adalbrecht nods* Jan 18 18:18:09 J: What is His Grace’s Home like? Jan 18 18:19:33 Grand, flashy... not as bit as Die Dauerhaftigkeit.... Jan 18 18:20:17 Adalbrecht smiles: Ours is one of the biggest houses Jan 18 18:21:40 -why- is it? Jan 18 18:22:18 A: It just is Jan 18 18:23:04 Because... Jan 18 18:23:26 * Molly is now known as Adalbrecht Jan 18 18:23:32 I don’t know Jan 18 18:23:45 * Morgan nods Jan 18 18:24:42 All of our ancestors have added something to it. You will be driven to do so in your own turn Jan 18 18:25:47 * Morgan shrugs Jan 18 18:25:51 Its plenty big enough Jan 18 18:27:08 I added the vault, your grandfather expanded the stables... Jan 18 18:28:05 * Morgan nods Jan 18 18:28:07 I recall Jan 18 18:30:22 * Adalbrecht blushes a little “the bath on the fourth floor was your great grandfather’s idea” Jan 18 18:30:56 Fairly sure he wanted a pool Jan 18 18:32:27 * Adalbrecht nods “Perhaps he did” Jan 18 18:35:05 *the clock chime for half before ten* Jan 18 18:36:50 Right, father, could I have a moment? Jan 18 18:38:00 * Adalbrecht nods, finishing his port and setting down the glass as he stands. He says goodnight to the others Jan 18 18:40:47 * Morgan nods to them, taking his drink and leading his father to go find the lantern with the fire from the drachen Jan 18 18:48:57 *it’s in his room, which smells more of the oil* Jan 18 18:49:04 We must be quick Jan 18 18:49:11 * Morgan nods Jan 18 18:49:15 I know.... Jan 18 18:49:21 * Morgan gets it Jan 18 18:49:36 *the flame is still static as expected* Jan 18 18:50:31 * Morgan holds it up so his father can see Jan 18 18:51:25 * Adalbrecht looks at it Jan 18 18:51:36 what is that? Jan 18 18:52:42 Its a lantern Jan 18 18:54:49 * Adalbrecht gives him a look “What is inside it?” Jan 18 18:55:35 Thats called -fire- Jan 18 18:57:40 * Adalbrecht sighs “Why is it not moving?” Jan 18 18:57:52 A drachen breathed on it Jan 18 18:59:20 * Adalbrecht looks at it closer Jan 18 18:59:28 So it is magical fire? Jan 18 19:00:08 Ummm... I suppose so... try blowing it out Jan 18 19:02:11 * Adalbrecht does so. As usual, it doesn’t change Jan 18 19:02:38 Oh, yeah, I've also seen a drachen Jan 18 19:05:08 have you? Jan 18 19:05:22 I was there when it did this... Jan 18 19:08:42 * Adalbrecht nods, taking the lantern and holding it up to the light Jan 18 19:09:14 this is the flame they breathe? Jan 18 19:09:32 Uhhh... no. Thats a flame I created that it then breathed on and froze in place Jan 18 19:10:18 That is strange Jan 18 19:10:32 * Morgan nods Jan 18 19:10:36 Edwards seen one, you know Jan 18 19:12:12 Has he? Jan 18 19:12:40 * Morgan nods Jan 18 19:14:39 what was it like? Jan 18 19:15:24 Massive. Breathtaking. Jan 18 19:17:02 * Adalbrecht nods Jan 18 19:17:06 where was this? Jan 18 19:17:45 Graben Jan 18 19:19:03 * Adalbrecht nods Jan 18 19:19:24 The Drachenwald has long been said to be their last home Jan 18 19:20:24 It was also said they're witless creatures Jan 18 19:22:19 Are they not? Jan 18 19:23:46 Its not the impression I got, no Jan 18 19:23:50 * Morgan checks the time Jan 18 19:24:44 *it’s ten before ten* Jan 18 19:24:59 You'd best go Jan 18 19:27:21 * Adalbrecht nods, handing it back “It’s very good. When we have time when I am back, we will look at it again” Jan 18 19:28:47 * Morgan nods, closing the lantern Jan 18 19:28:51 Of course Jan 18 19:29:14 * Adalbrecht smiles “I will give her your love” Jan 18 19:29:54 * Morgan nods Jan 18 19:29:55 Thank you Jan 18 19:31:30 * Adalbrecht pats his shoulder before going Jan 18 19:33:00 * Morgan puts the lantern away Jan 18 19:33:52 *this leaves him alone in their quiet room* Jan 18 19:34:49 * Morgan sighs, going to look out the window Jan 18 19:37:03 *he can just make out the sparkling of the lake in the moonlight* Jan 18 19:38:51 * Morgan watches the lake quietly Jan 18 19:41:02 *the door opens at five past ten* Jan 18 19:41:46 * Morgan turns to look Jan 18 19:43:54 * Adalbrecht is now known as Molly Jan 18 19:44:03 * Molly comes in, smiling Jan 18 19:44:20 I wondered where you had gotten off to Jan 18 19:44:59 I was showing my father the lantern Jan 18 19:46:32 * Molly nods, taking off her shoes as she’d done this morning in his office Jan 18 19:46:38 Did he like it? Jan 18 19:48:42 He was very intrigued Jan 18 19:51:17 * Molly nods, sitting on the big yellow chair Jan 18 19:51:26 But not too perturbed? Jan 18 19:52:55 Not at all Jan 18 19:54:32 * Molly nods, lifting her skirts Jan 18 19:54:50 that is good Jan 18 19:55:48 * Morgan nods Jan 18 19:55:49 Aye Jan 18 19:57:05 * Molly starts undoing her stockings Jan 18 19:57:11 How are you, my love? Jan 18 19:57:52 I'm okay I suppose Jan 18 19:59:10 You do not seem sure? Are you worried about Alice? Jan 18 19:59:32 More sad that they're leaving tomorrow Jan 18 20:01:37 * Molly nods Jan 18 20:02:50 That was what we expected... Jan 18 20:03:04 * Morgan nods Jan 18 20:03:05 Absolutely Jan 18 20:05:44 * Molly nods again, divesting of her stockings much quicker than she had been, and then starting on undressing in a manner more practical than sensual Jan 18 20:07:55 With any luck, our nights will be much more peaceful Jan 18 20:09:06 God I hope so Jan 18 20:10:02 me too *she gets down to her shift before she says* My dreams are oft better than yours, maybe you’ll come with me? Jan 18 20:12:14 * Morgan shrugs Jan 18 20:12:18 Perhaps Jan 18 20:14:10 * Molly goes through the process of preparing for bed, returning naked from the bathroom. Her skin looks shiny on her belly, which would explain the lingering smell of the oil this evening Jan 18 20:15:53 Oil on your belly? Jan 18 20:17:15 * Molly nods, smiling Jan 18 20:17:45 As earlier, I had hoped it would arouse you Jan 18 20:21:34 * Morgan nods, smiling a little Jan 18 20:22:29 * Molly climbs into bed Jan 18 20:22:45 I’ll remember it for the future, shall I? Jan 18 20:23:31 * Morgan nods Jan 18 20:23:32 Definitely Jan 18 20:24:51 * Molly smiles Jan 18 20:25:20 what thinks you about Alice and Federest? Jan 18 20:26:38 * Morgan shrugs Jan 18 20:26:41 Up to them isn't it Jan 18 20:27:55 * Molly nods, settling down Jan 18 20:27:59 Mmm indeed Jan 18 20:29:41 I can see why she’d be tempted though... Jan 18 20:30:14 No? Jan 18 20:31:26 She’s lonely, and aside from kissing DeeDee at the baptisms it has been a long time since she was desired Jan 18 20:31:50 Sorry, I thought you said you couldn't see why Jan 18 20:32:28 * Molly shakes her head Jan 18 20:33:47 I cannot say that I would have turned it down, had you offered me pleasure without any strings attached... the day I fell in the pool, for example Jan 18 20:34:00 I think you would've then Jan 18 20:36:13 * Molly shakes her head “I wouldn’t have known what you were offering to do to me, mind you! But a kiss would have tempted me, and after that... well, I’d have wanted your approval” Jan 18 20:36:36 * Morgan nods Jan 18 20:37:18 * Molly smiles playfully “Lucky that such an offer did not even cross your mind, hmm?” Jan 18 20:37:45 Uhhhh... yeah... Jan 18 20:37:56 what, my love? Jan 18 20:38:36 I think I was too busy feeling guilty Jan 18 20:39:30 * Molly nods sadly, turning to her back “no doubt it would have somehow caused trouble and ended in tears anyhow” Jan 18 20:40:18 Oh probably. Better that it went the way it did Jan 18 20:40:42 yes Jan 18 20:42:44 I’ll let you get ready for bed, my love. Then I will sing? Jan 18 20:43:38 That'd be nice Jan 18 20:44:38 * Molly nods, giving him time to undress and get cleaned up. But by the time he’s back from the bathroom she’s asleep cradling her belly in a hug Jan 18 20:45:15 * Morgan smiles a little, climbing in gently Jan 18 20:49:22 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Jan 18 21:39:23 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)