**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Fri Mar 20 12:24:34 2026 Mar 20 12:24:34 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Mar 20 14:32:33 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Mar 20 14:32:50 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:32:50 Any other instructions? Mar 20 14:32:50 The usual... keep them safe Mar 20 14:32:50 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:32:50 always Mar 20 14:32:53 Lets hope I don't get captured and sacrificed eh... Mar 20 14:32:55 * Claudia frowns Mar 20 14:32:57 Yeah... Mar 20 14:32:59 I'm not worried Mar 20 14:33:01 Yeah, just... that convergence stuff... Mar 20 14:33:03 What about it? Mar 20 14:33:05 That’s what the purpose is, right? Mar 20 14:33:07 What? Mar 20 14:33:09 You, and Molly, having a child Mar 20 14:33:11 Yeah... so... Mar 20 14:33:13 You’ve done that now Mar 20 14:33:15 Ah, you're worried I've done what I'm supposed to and less likely to be aided now Mar 20 14:33:17 A bit Mar 20 14:33:21 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 14:33:23 Not a lot can be done about that Mar 20 14:34:01 * Molly is now known as Claudia Mar 20 14:34:08 Sure you don’t need me? Mar 20 14:34:24 I'd prefer you with me, but its not an option Mar 20 14:34:35 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:34:57 I’d say we could take her too, but she could be difficult about it Mar 20 14:35:34 * Morgan nods Mar 20 14:35:36 Undoubtedly Mar 20 14:35:58 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:36:08 She wouldn’t understand Mar 20 14:36:39 No, I don't think she would Mar 20 14:37:11 At least you’ll be in touch Mar 20 14:37:46 * Morgan nods Mar 20 14:37:50 aye Mar 20 14:38:14 *They get over to the lake* Mar 20 14:38:24 You’re not swimming tonight, right? Mar 20 14:39:20 Wasn't planning to... why? Mar 20 14:41:05 Just wondered why we were coming this way Mar 20 14:41:40 Just walking... Mar 20 14:42:44 * Claudia nods. Ballard still watches the water warily Mar 20 14:43:15 * Morgan leans down to pat him Mar 20 14:43:17 Its alright boy Mar 20 14:44:33 You’d think it not glowing would make him realise Mar 20 14:44:58 Doesn't glow during the day though Mar 20 14:46:54 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:47:02 That would be impressive Mar 20 14:48:46 It'd be unnerving as hell Mar 20 14:49:05 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:49:28 You could let Heinzharold make up some shit about it’s healing powers and sell it Mar 20 14:49:35 * Morgan laughs Mar 20 14:49:42 That'd probably work actually Mar 20 14:49:49 * Claudia smiles Mar 20 14:50:05 Could work well if it was Molly handing it to them Mar 20 14:50:52 Quite the hustle Mar 20 14:52:10 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:52:39 You could be richer than any man alive Mar 20 14:54:12 I own a ship thats built around dracheneisen... I probably already am Mar 20 14:55:32 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:55:35 Good point Mar 20 14:56:14 * Morgan nods Mar 20 14:56:25 Need something to cover parts of my sword Mar 20 14:56:47 what parts? Mar 20 14:57:13 The visible parts when its in its scabbard Mar 20 14:58:24 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:58:48 You need a big flap? Mar 20 14:59:02 No, I'm going to put something like ribbon around it Mar 20 14:59:16 * Claudia nods Mar 20 14:59:27 your wife must have a few Mar 20 15:00:42 Most likely, aye Mar 20 15:02:02 * Claudia nods, moving further south Mar 20 15:02:14 People will want it if they see it Mar 20 15:02:57 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:03:07 I don't want it getting about that I've got it Mar 20 15:03:13 * Claudia nods Mar 20 15:03:32 It’s great, but risky Mar 20 15:04:32 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:04:42 But I refuse to leave it behind Mar 20 15:07:03 I wouldn’t Mar 20 15:07:44 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:08:52 *they walk a bit longer before she says* Did you see the drachenisen helmet at the Eisenfurst’s? Mar 20 15:09:06 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:09:07 I did Mar 20 15:10:13 Is it as good as they used to tell us? Mar 20 15:10:36 * Morgan looks thoughtful for a moment Mar 20 15:10:44 Yes... but it does something weird to me Mar 20 15:11:07 * Claudia smiles slightly “It”s you, so there’s no surprise there” Mar 20 15:12:01 Well... yeah... Mar 20 15:12:49 What is it then? Mar 20 15:13:53 When I had it on, I could hear whispering Mar 20 15:14:49 that’s just the blood in your ears Mar 20 15:14:57 * Morgan shakes his head Mar 20 15:14:58 No its not Mar 20 15:16:40 what then? Mar 20 15:17:54 Something Nieblungeny Mar 20 15:18:49 I guess if it’s dracheneisen it shouldn’t be a surprise Mar 20 15:20:50 No, probably not Mar 20 15:21:35 My father used to tell me about the Imperator’s Dracheneisen Suit Mar 20 15:22:22 Oh? Mar 20 15:22:51 * Claudia shrugs a little Mar 20 15:22:58 On the rare times he was home Mar 20 15:24:10 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:25:16 It was my favourite bedtime story Mar 20 15:26:37 Because of the story, or because it was time with him? Mar 20 15:27:07 * Claudia draws in a long breath Mar 20 15:27:13 good question... Mar 20 15:27:57 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:29:49 Both, I guess. *she sighs* It was time just for me. Mar 20 15:30:03 That makes sense Mar 20 15:30:16 * Claudia nods Mar 20 15:30:47 My brothers were too old, then my half-sister and brother were too young. Mar 20 15:33:10 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:34:16 * Claudia says nothing for several minutes, just walking around the house with him Mar 20 15:36:27 Sure you won’t take Heinzharold? Mar 20 15:36:54 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:36:57 I'm sure Mar 20 15:38:43 * Claudia nods Mar 20 15:39:05 You going before training in the morning, or are you swimming instead? Mar 20 15:39:48 Going at first light Mar 20 15:40:46 I could get up early Mar 20 15:41:10 You don't need to worry... Mar 20 15:42:12 I’m not. But if you don’t train, I’ll have to train with Heinzharold, who will have had no sleep, and will have to be dragged out of his marital bed Mar 20 15:42:24 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:42:25 Alright Mar 20 15:42:29 * Claudia nods Mar 20 15:42:56 He needs to prioritise better Mar 20 15:43:34 You're onto a losing argument there... Mar 20 15:43:44 Yes, Bubbies and all of that. Mar 20 15:45:01 * Morgan nods Mar 20 15:45:02 Indeed Mar 20 15:46:07 That doesn’t keep me in bed Mar 20 15:46:39 He's always been dedicated to it.. Mar 20 15:47:19 * Claudia nods Mar 20 15:47:42 It’s his calling. Bubbies and bacon, and a little blacksmithing on the side Mar 20 15:50:14 Lets be fair, that little bit is better than most who do a lot Mar 20 15:50:29 * Claudia nods Mar 20 16:00:38 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Mar 20 16:11:34 * Claudia has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Mar 20 19:37:32 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Mar 20 19:42:27 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Mar 20 19:47:37 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Mar 20 19:47:42 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Mar 20 19:48:27 * Claudia nods Mar 20 19:48:27 He needs to prioritise better Mar 20 19:48:27 You're onto a losing argument there... Mar 20 19:48:27 Yes, Bubbies and all of that. Mar 20 19:48:27 * Morgan nods Mar 20 19:48:28 Indeed Mar 20 19:48:32 That doesn’t keep me in bed Mar 20 19:48:34 He's always been dedicated to it.. Mar 20 19:48:38 * Claudia nods Mar 20 19:48:40 It’s his calling. Bubbies and bacon, and a little blacksmithing on the side Mar 20 19:48:42 Lets be fair, that little bit is better than most who do a lot Mar 20 19:48:44 * Claudia nods Mar 20 19:49:52 are you still getting a forge for him? Mar 20 19:49:57 * Molly is now known as Claudia Mar 20 19:50:21 * Morgan nods Mar 20 19:50:23 absolutely Mar 20 19:51:35 It’ll keep him from being a pain in your ass Mar 20 19:51:56 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 19:52:02 He's already starting on fencing off his garden Mar 20 19:55:31 * Claudia nods “He’s settling” Mar 20 19:56:42 * Morgan nods Mar 20 19:56:44 I think so, aye Mar 20 19:57:25 You’ll both be happy here Mar 20 19:57:51 * Morgan nods Mar 20 19:57:53 I hope so Mar 20 19:58:32 * Claudia nods Mar 20 19:58:51 I’ll be happy on a ship somewhere Mar 20 20:00:47 * Morgan nods Mar 20 20:00:49 I'll miss it Mar 20 20:02:49 * Claudia nods Mar 20 20:03:11 Shame you can’t have it all Mar 20 20:03:37 * Morgan nods Mar 20 20:06:51 *They complete the route with everything looking safe and secure up on the landing* Mar 20 20:07:04 Hope your night is good Mar 20 20:08:39 We can hope. I'll see you in the morning Mar 20 20:09:52 * Claudia nods, going to her room Mar 20 20:10:00 * Morgan heads toward his own Mar 20 20:10:08 * Claudia is now known as Molly Mar 20 20:10:20 * Molly is fast asleep already Mar 20 20:10:49 * Morgan quietly gets undressed and into bed Mar 20 20:11:49 * Molly is warm, and smells good, but doesn’t even stir Mar 20 20:12:02 * Morgan tries to settle to sleep Mar 20 20:16:29 *he manages it, and starts to dream where Horatio had returned and saved Molly. The bans had been read immediately, and Molly had, at her family’s insistence, removed back to their house. Morgan had been out patrolling when she left, and there’d been no warning. It had stung, but then perhaps he’d read more into their friendship than what it was to her. He was still thinking of leaving, though the letters he’d sent enquiring about posts never got a re Mar 20 20:19:51 *Catherine had insisted he attended the wedding, though no more was said about him walking her down the aisle. Her father had done that, and her brothers and their families had been there too. Only staff had sat on Horatio’s side of the chapel in Lower Tawstock. She’d looked beautiful, and he’d felt it in his chest when the silence for objections came. After all, what could he object -to-? What could he have offered her instead? MTF Mar 20 20:22:38 *So he’d stayed quiet, and he’d watched from the Rose Garden as Horatio carried her over the threshold into the schoolhouse. He’d spent the next hour hacking at a tree at the other side of the estate. A month later, on an unseasonably warm mid-October day, the mail coach again brings him nothing, though has a letter for Catherine Mar 20 20:23:32 * Morgan wanders through the house to find her Mar 20 20:24:57 *Catherine is playing chess with a friend of hers, a young woman from a nearby estate* Mar 20 20:26:26 * Morgan taps on the doorframe Mar 20 20:26:30 My lady, your mail... Mar 20 20:28:17 *Catherine smiles, holding out her hand* Thank you, Morgan. Could you go to the Schoolhouse and see if Molly needs anything? Horatio is away for a few weeks, and she’s never lived alone Mar 20 20:28:38 * Morgan frowns Mar 20 20:28:39 Very well Mar 20 20:29:30 *she thanks him, going back to her game* Mar 20 20:29:59 * Morgan heads out, moving slowly toward the schoolhouse Mar 20 20:33:36 *the day is so warm it could still be summer. There’s flowers within the white garden fence that someone had been paid to put up for them, he knows Horatio didn’t do it himself Mar 20 20:33:57 * Morgan rolls his eyes, moving to knock on the door Mar 20 20:36:56 *the door opens to the sound of laughing children waiting to come out. There’s eight boys, surprisingly neat given they are all under ten* Mar 20 20:38:00 * Morgan moves out of the way Mar 20 20:39:29 *they all come running out into the sunshine. Molly calls to them* Be careful, watch out for people riding, and don’t tarry on the way home! Mar 20 20:40:32 * Morgan watches them Mar 20 20:42:49 *they go down the hill. She comes to the door. Her dress is tidy, nicer quality than she had as a maid, and suited to teaching. Her hair is pinned up aside from a few curls coming down in the heat. She smiles, which is very pleasing in itself, but what is really striking is that she smells absolutely amazing Mar 20 20:44:58 Lady Torrington wanted me to come and check on you... Mar 20 20:45:12 Morgan, good afternoon. Would you like a cup of tea? Mar 20 20:46:43 I wouldn't want to be a bother Mar 20 20:46:58 * Molly shakes her head, smiling warmly Mar 20 20:47:13 No bother at all, it’ll be nice to have someone to do it for Mar 20 20:48:29 * Morgan nods a little Mar 20 20:48:30 Alright Mar 20 20:50:01 * Molly leads the way through the school room into a parlour in the back. There’s no fire under the kettle, but the space is extremely neat and clean Mar 20 20:50:18 How do you want it? Mar 20 20:51:33 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 20:51:36 However it comes Mar 20 20:52:02 * Molly nods, pulling out a chair for him Mar 20 20:53:27 * Morgan thanks her, sitting down Mar 20 20:54:40 *Again there’s something about the scent of her that is absolutely captivating, rosewater, but something more. She goes to the kettle, kneeling on the floor to set the fire Mar 20 20:55:43 * Morgan frowns Mar 20 20:56:40 I haven’t seen you in a while, how are you? Mar 20 20:57:18 Fine thank you. You? Mar 20 20:59:00 I am. *she takes a moment to try the tinderbox, but it doesn’t catch* I am enjoying having my own home at last Mar 20 20:59:48 * Morgan nods Mar 20 20:59:51 I would imagine so Mar 20 21:01:01 It’s very quiet though *still no catch* Mar 20 21:01:15 Would you prefer I do that? Mar 20 21:02:09 It is normally fine, but yes, thank you Mar 20 21:03:28 * Morgan nods, getting and moving to the fire, taking out his own tinder box Mar 20 21:04:34 * Molly watches him a moment with a little puzzled frown. The smell of the fire will be a blessing compared to this very distracting scent of her Mar 20 21:05:50 * Morgan sets about starting the fire Mar 20 21:07:29 *it lights immediately. Molly stares at the developing flames* Mar 20 21:07:49 * Morgan puts his tinderbox away Mar 20 21:08:57 * Molly looks at him “I uhh... yes, thank you” Mar 20 21:09:29 * Morgan nods, moving away Mar 20 21:10:53 *She blinks a moment before standing up* Do you ever get Deja Vu? Mar 20 21:11:48 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 21:11:54 Not often Mar 20 21:12:34 I had the oddest dream the night before last... *She finds two cups from the dresser* Mar 20 21:12:56 Did you Mar 20 21:15:34 * Molly nods. She gets everything organised and brings the pot to the table. She sits across the corner from him, it’s informal and friendly, but it’s also closer than he’d have chosen Mar 20 21:15:50 I dreamt Horatio didn’t return, but I still fell in the pool Mar 20 21:16:08 I see Mar 20 21:17:20 * Molly nods, watching him with a smile “You rescued me instead” Mar 20 21:17:35 Right... Mar 20 21:18:17 * Molly blushes then, just a little “It was a little embarrassing, but you were very kind...” Mar 20 21:18:48 Seems unlikely Mar 20 21:20:49 * Molly shakes her head “It didn’t feel unlikely... it felt... like you cared about me” Mar 20 21:21:34 I see Mar 20 21:22:01 But you were gentlemanly... You didn’t look very much Mar 20 21:22:20 * Molly stirs the tea pot a moment Mar 20 21:24:08 Doesn't sound very gentlemanly Mar 20 21:26:11 * Molly shrugs, smiling “I think I quite liked it. We were going to go away to Carleon to see the doctor, and you wanted to buy me a mirror” Mar 20 21:27:15 I see Mar 20 21:28:27 *She puts some honey in one cup* And it had been you that bought my red dress, not Curtis Mar 20 21:29:49 I see Mar 20 21:31:41 * Molly shrugs again, smiling “dreams can be so odd. What have you been doing lately, finding someone to replace me?” Mar 20 21:32:20 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 21:32:23 Just been doing my job Mar 20 21:33:08 * Molly pours him some tea Mar 20 21:33:11 Honey? Mar 20 21:36:36 No, thank you Mar 20 21:37:40 * Molly puts it in front of him before doing her own Mar 20 21:38:06 Have you had word from Captain Tsaylur? Mar 20 21:38:48 Thank you. No, I haven't Mar 20 21:40:47 Oh... *she watches him* Have you... You were quite fond of her not so long ago... Mar 20 21:41:31 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 21:41:34 She was my friend Mar 20 21:42:00 Oh... I thought perhaps you liked her, as more than that Mar 20 21:42:14 * Molly chews her lower lip, looking concerned Mar 20 21:43:30 * Morgan shakes his head Mar 20 21:43:32 No Mar 20 21:45:00 * Molly nods, watching him Mar 20 21:45:23 Do you think there will be someone one day, like Evie was to you? Mar 20 21:46:51 Not anymore Mar 20 21:47:30 Why not? Mar 20 21:47:42 * Molly sips her tea, looking curious Mar 20 21:47:43 All chance of that is gone Mar 20 21:49:49 * Molly looks sad “But for a little while, you did seem to be a little happier with someone to care for and be cared for by” Mar 20 21:50:58 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 21:51:00 And then it was over Mar 20 21:53:21 * Molly reaches for his free hand, giving it a friendly squeeze “You’re afraid of being hur-...” *she shakes her head, watching him intently* “You’re afraid of hurting someone again...” Mar 20 21:53:45 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 21:53:48 Its no longer a concern Mar 20 21:54:17 But why? You could take it slower, be more gentle? Mar 20 21:54:56 No, my chance at that is gone now Mar 20 21:55:36 * Molly frowns “There can be new chances for happiness and love” Mar 20 21:56:23 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 21:56:39 No, that is a lost cause for me now. The children keep you busy I imagine Mar 20 21:57:19 * Molly smiles faintly, using both hands for her cup “Yes, when I teach them, at least” Mar 20 21:58:53 * Morgan nods Mar 20 21:58:56 They looked lively Mar 20 21:59:06 * Molly nods, smiling Mar 20 22:00:02 Oh they are, but they’re all so bright! The things they say, the ideas they have, and watching their personalities and confidence grow... it satisfies something in my soul, you know? Mar 20 22:01:16 * Morgan nods Mar 20 22:01:22 Yes.... Mar 20 22:03:09 * Molly looks animated by all of this, almost giddy with it “Perhaps it’s the freshness of them, how unjaded and honest they are, but I am enamoured with them and their fierce, beautiful spirits” Mar 20 22:04:16 * Morgan nods, sipping his tea Mar 20 22:04:53 * Molly blushes “Sorry” Mar 20 22:07:40 Its alright... Mar 20 22:08:33 I can be too much at times, I know. We’re working on it. Mar 20 22:10:51 We? Mar 20 22:11:13 Horatio and I Mar 20 22:11:18 Why? Mar 20 22:12:01 Because it is better if I am a little less exuberant, people will treat me better Mar 20 22:12:42 * Morgan frowns Mar 20 22:12:43 Very well Mar 20 22:13:13 * Molly smiles Mar 20 22:13:14 what? Mar 20 22:14:06 I just don't think its right, expecting you to be different Mar 20 22:15:16 My family say it too. It wasn’t so bad when I was a maid, I tried so hard to keep it hidden, but now that I am myself, I am becoming too much myself, you know? Mar 20 22:15:36 No. Thats just wrong. Mar 20 22:16:21 * Molly smiles “Maybe everyone else doesn’t like that part of me as you seem to” Mar 20 22:16:53 Maybe they're idiots Mar 20 22:17:32 * Molly smiles playfully “Maybe you’re just more able to handle me!” Mar 20 22:19:18 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 22:19:30 Maybe I don't demand people be anything other than themselves Mar 20 22:20:01 * Molly nods, sipping her tea “I want to start another class of students...” Mar 20 22:20:51 You've still got one Mar 20 22:22:14 When Horatio gets home, he will take them back. They’re not -my- students. I am just the schoolmaster’s wife, not the schoolmistress Mar 20 22:23:10 I see... Mar 20 22:23:44 * Molly sighs, watching him frankly Mar 20 22:24:23 I want to teach -girls-, so they can read and write, and then one day teach their own children. The Mother is, after all, the heart of the home Mar 20 22:24:49 * Morgan nods Mar 20 22:24:53 Im/ Mar 20 22:25:01 I imagine you can convince her ladyship to allow it Mar 20 22:25:37 * Molly nods a little “Maybe...” Mar 20 22:25:57 * Morgan shrugs Mar 20 22:25:59 She's reasonable Mar 20 22:26:59 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Mar 20 23:15:13 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client)