**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun Apr 5 09:46:52 2026 Apr 05 09:46:52 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Apr 05 10:34:59 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Apr 05 17:15:51 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Apr 05 18:01:23 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Apr 05 18:01:58 It’s better here now. Men have heard that we’re part of a Grafdom Apr 05 18:01:58 * Morgan nods Apr 05 18:01:58 good Apr 05 18:01:58 Hopefully word'll get about of what I do to people who force themselves on women Apr 05 18:01:58 Mainz: We could help that along... Apr 05 18:02:01 Might be worthwhile Apr 05 18:02:03 Nance: I’ll drop some comments on the way and around Baden then. Harsh punishments by the Duke for rape Apr 05 18:02:05 * Morgan smiles a little Apr 05 18:02:07 Something of an understatement but it should do the job Apr 05 18:02:09 *a clock chimes for midday* Apr 05 18:02:11 I suppose we'd best be getting a move on... get that cantankerous beast out of your stables Apr 05 18:02:13 * Margaret nods, standing Apr 05 18:02:15 Do you need any food or anything to take? Apr 05 18:02:17 Actually a little food would be wonderful, if you've enough Apr 05 18:02:21 * Margaret nods, her and Nance sorting some. Meanwhile, Mainz and Michelle quietly talk in the corner Apr 05 18:02:23 * Morgan watches them discreetly Apr 05 18:02:25 *it seems friendly, but there’s a definite attraction there* Apr 05 18:02:27 * Morgan nods to himself a little Apr 05 18:02:29 *food is soon packed, and Mainz looks a little reluctant to say goodbye* Apr 05 18:02:31 * Morgan thanks Margaret and Nancy, asking them to keep him informed before he goes to get the horses ready Apr 05 18:02:33 *this gives him a minute to check the mirror* Apr 05 18:02:35 * Morgan looks Apr 05 18:02:37 “It says: midday- all is well, and everyone else in the mirrors is well too, but oh how I miss you! I’ve already had to excuse myself from company due to my memories of you, and there’s still another hour until Quiet Hour. I doubt I’ll see you, but I hope just knowing what time it will be will make you think of me. I love you, M xx Apr 05 18:02:41 * Morgan smiles, packing it away Apr 05 18:05:44 * Molly is now known as Mainz Apr 05 18:05:57 * Mainz is smiling when he joins Morgan Apr 05 18:06:09 on to Aachen then, my Lord? Apr 05 18:07:00 * Morgan nods Apr 05 18:07:04 Aye, best had Apr 05 18:08:40 * Mainz gets back in the saddle Apr 05 18:08:55 * Morgan hauls himself into the saddle Apr 05 18:09:17 We should be there late afternoon. We -could- press on, but there won’t be anywhere decent to stay before Hellbad Apr 05 18:09:42 We'll be no good to anyone if we're knackered Apr 05 18:09:52 * Mainz nods, looking at Xantha Apr 05 18:10:16 It”s been a while since your horse has done a long journey too I’d wager Apr 05 18:10:34 *Xantha’s ears flick at the word horse* Apr 05 18:12:41 * Morgan nods Apr 05 18:12:52 A little while, yes... I've not wanted him to be away from his family Apr 05 18:13:31 * Mainz nods Apr 05 18:13:50 It shouldn’t take too long to get him back into condition Apr 05 18:14:23 *Xantha tosses his head at this* Apr 05 18:15:10 * Morgan chuckles Apr 05 18:15:17 You'll get yourself bitten, talking like that Apr 05 18:16:13 He can’t understand, surely? Apr 05 18:16:45 Oh I'm sure he does Apr 05 18:18:09 * Mainz watches the horse “Handsome beast though” Apr 05 18:19:16 * Morgan nods a little Apr 05 18:20:41 *they get underway, out of the village to the west towards where Mainz’ comrade now lives “I think Neukloster will be okay” Apr 05 18:20:45 He certainly thinks so Apr 05 18:21:01 * Morgan nods a little Apr 05 18:22:53 I hope so Apr 05 18:23:51 I admire the lot of them Apr 05 18:24:57 * Morgan nods, looking around Apr 05 18:25:00 One in particular... Apr 05 18:25:56 I admit, she is very pretty Apr 05 18:26:19 I suppose so Apr 05 18:26:57 * Mainz smiles to himself “Funny too, and strong” Apr 05 18:27:33 * Morgan nods Apr 05 18:27:38 I think that can be said of all of them Apr 05 18:28:12 I agree Apr 05 18:29:49 I suppose we'd best get them in touch with Teresa to get the money side of it sorte out Apr 05 18:30:02 * Mainz nods Apr 05 18:30:06 You could Apr 05 18:30:38 Or... Apr 05 18:31:16 You put the profit they give you into an account and use that straight back into improving the place Apr 05 18:32:38 * Morgan chuckles Apr 05 18:32:40 I could Apr 05 18:33:41 * Mainz nods Apr 05 18:33:46 It”s what I’d do Apr 05 18:34:49 I'll take it under advisement Apr 05 18:36:34 * Mainz nods “they were pleased to see you” Apr 05 18:37:44 I don't know I'd go that far Apr 05 18:38:51 you could have destroyed their community Apr 05 18:40:26 I suppose so... or I could have ignored them like Baden and Maubourg do Apr 05 18:41:17 /me nods Apr 05 18:41:30 but you didn’t. that’s why they like you Apr 05 18:42:40 Easy to understand, I'm a delight Apr 05 18:43:38 * Mainz laughs “You make a good impression” Apr 05 18:45:09 Somehow... Apr 05 18:46:07 * Mainz nods “never take it for granted, my Lord” Apr 05 18:47:16 * Morgan nods, looking around Apr 05 18:47:20 I don't intend to Apr 05 18:49:52 *its a good day for travel, though the route they have to take is mostly tiny tracks. He does hear a distant bell mark one o’clock, his wife and loved ones settling to whatever they’ll be doing in Quiet Hour Apr 05 18:50:34 * Morgan closes his eyes, feeling around with his magic Apr 05 18:51:59 *there’s no one aside from many rabbits and other small creatures Apr 05 18:52:56 * Morgan sighs, settling into the quiet Apr 05 18:54:50 *with nothing better to do, it’s hard not to think of her and what she might be doing, or the times they’ve made the best of unsupervised rides and sturdy trees Apr 05 18:55:34 * Morgan just rides quietly Apr 05 18:58:55 *they only stop briefly a couple of times to pee and distribute the food, so there’s no time to check his mirror. By four they are riding through the tiny freiarrdom of Aachen. People are working hard in the fields, so no one notices them enough to wave Apr 05 18:59:26 We’ll go up to the main house, but I know an inn if they don’t have room Apr 05 18:59:54 Really small here huh? Apr 05 19:01:15 * Mainz nods Apr 05 19:01:37 It was bigger before the War, but you know how it is Apr 05 19:02:15 * Morgan nods Apr 05 19:02:21 Aye Apr 05 19:03:57 But Aachen and the Freiarr have been working hard on it since you intervened with Maubourg Apr 05 19:06:09 Wasn't so much an intervention as... an instruction Apr 05 19:06:56 * Mainz nods Apr 05 19:07:05 But at least someone gave a damn Apr 05 19:08:04 Small steps Apr 05 19:08:21 * Mainz nods Apr 05 19:08:33 It’s the only way sometimes Apr 05 19:09:22 * Morgan nods Apr 05 19:09:28 aye Apr 05 19:10:40 *they get to a Manor House that is not even as big as Innesbruck. There’s a little stable, but no staff there* Apr 05 19:12:04 * Morgan climbs down, fishing in his bag for the sugar before giving some to Xantha Apr 05 19:12:07 Go on, inside Apr 05 19:13:17 *Xantha gives Mainz a look of equine disdain before taking it and going in* Apr 05 19:14:23 I think you've offended him Apr 05 19:14:54 * Mainz rubs his bald head “Not sure I’ve ever offended a horse before” Apr 05 19:17:01 He's... singular Apr 05 19:17:33 * Mainz nods, putting the much more obedient Palomino in before grabbing his bag Apr 05 19:17:58 He’s probably missing his mare Apr 05 19:18:51 * Morgan nods Apr 05 19:18:54 I would imagine so Apr 05 19:20:32 * Mainz leads the way when the horses are safe, going to knock on the door. It’s answered by an elderly housekeeper Apr 05 19:21:43 Can you tell Mikhail that Mainz and Duke Koertig are here? Apr 05 19:22:42 *The housekeeper looks delighted, curtseying deeply to Morgan* Your Excellency! Apr 05 19:23:03 Uhhh... hello... Apr 05 19:24:05 *She beckons them into the hallway* If we’d known you were coming we’d have had more staff on! Apr 05 19:24:32 If I'd known I was coming I'd have let you know Apr 05 19:26:10 HK: There’s some chairs here, and I’ll get you coffee once I’ve told the Master you’re here Apr 05 19:26:57 We'd appreciate it... its been a long day Apr 05 19:29:06 *She goes through towards the back of the house before yelling “Mikhail, Dirk, Lizzie, you’ll never guess who’s come!” Apr 05 19:29:39 * Mainz smiles, sitting in a chair and brushing dust off his coat Apr 05 19:30:01 * Morgan wanders around the hallway, looking at things Apr 05 19:30:10 I can honestly say I've never had a housekeeper react like that... Apr 05 19:32:16 * Mainz nods. There is very little here, no trinkets, nothing more than the bare essentials. It’s nothing like would be expected in a freiarr’s house Apr 05 19:32:48 They put everything into the area and its people don't they? Apr 05 19:33:34 * Mainz nods Apr 05 19:34:22 It was hard for them, and Aachen had been away with the Company for years just to supplement the income of the area Apr 05 19:35:30 * Morgan nods Apr 05 19:37:26 *There’s the sound of rushing footsteps, multiple pairs Apr 05 19:39:28 * Morgan looks round Apr 05 19:44:55 *In through the door come a man he has already met, a similar looking man, and a woman with mostly silver hair in her early fifties. She comes straight to Morgan to curtsey Apr 05 19:45:12 L: I can never ever thank you enough, your Excellency! Apr 05 19:45:47 You must be Lizzy... Apr 05 19:47:53 *she nods, smiling. She’s not really pretty, but she has a genuine, humble sort of look to her* Apr 05 19:48:03 * Morgan offers his hand Apr 05 19:49:59 *she takes it, looking so grateful* I couldn’t believe it when you sent Dirk back to me, I And the children had missed him so much Apr 05 19:50:27 * Morgan bows his head over her hand Apr 05 19:50:57 My lady, the delight in his expression when he realised he was being sent to you was worth every mark Apr 05 19:51:45 *she blushes hard at this* You’ve been so good to us Apr 05 19:52:18 It was right that he came home to you Apr 05 19:53:10 * Mainz is now known as Lizzie Apr 05 19:53:23 * Lizzie smiles at her husband Apr 05 19:53:27 it was Apr 05 19:54:07 I'm sorry to call on you unannounced, you were almost on our way and we thought it'd be good to see how you're all doing Apr 05 19:55:58 It’s no trouble, your Excellency, but do you mind simple food? Apr 05 19:57:35 * Morgan smiles Apr 05 19:57:57 Not at all, I'm not overseen on the fancy stuff Apr 05 20:02:16 * Lizzie smiles “We’ve got a room too” Apr 05 20:02:41 I'd be very grateful, though Mainz says there's an inn if its an imposition... Apr 05 20:02:53 We’d be honoured Apr 05 20:03:58 * Morgan nods Apr 05 20:03:59 Thank you Apr 05 20:04:47 *her husband comes over, bowing. He looks like he’s been clearing grass* Thank you, your Excellency Apr 05 20:06:08 Oh don't be thanking me, its you doing me a favour now Apr 05 20:07:36 D: May I introduce my brother, Freiarr Mikhail Aachen? Apr 05 20:08:04 * Morgan nods, holding out his hand Apr 05 20:09:12 *The Freiarr shakes it. He also has bits of long grass in his hair* Your Excellency Apr 05 20:10:06 Its a pleasure to meet you Apr 05 20:11:09 M: Your aid has been invaluable to us. Aachen is going to get through this hardship thanks to you Apr 05 20:13:19 * Morgan smiles a little Apr 05 20:13:46 I could say that its just what any good Graf would do for his Freiarrs but... its just part of who I am. Apr 05 20:15:33 M: Dirk said you were nothing like your reputation made you out to be Apr 05 20:16:05 * Morgan smiles a little Apr 05 20:16:12 Crazy, violent madman? Apr 05 20:18:41 M: *he nods* There were many rumours about you Apr 05 20:18:52 * Morgan nods Apr 05 20:18:56 Mostly accurate Apr 05 20:21:06 M: I heard that you’d tried to kill your own brother, but that was far fetched Apr 05 20:22:28 Sadly, its not far off... I'd discovered my home ablaze and, he said just the wrong thing at the wrong moment and I snapped. Apr 05 20:24:00 M: I met him at Court a few times, long ago now Apr 05 20:24:15 * Morgan nods Apr 05 20:24:26 He was quite the socialite... Apr 05 20:26:17 M: *he nods* He was indeed. I saw him duel one night, no idea what for though Apr 05 20:27:48 * Morgan nods Apr 05 20:28:04 Unfortuantely, my actions have not aided my family reputation in the past Apr 05 20:30:04 M: People talk now about how you’re a Duke and how you went to a foreign island Apr 05 20:31:52 * Morgan nods Apr 05 20:32:10 Thats an understatement... -weeks- of sailing, and it was so hot... Apr 05 20:34:23 D: *he smiles* I don’t miss the job, but I miss sailing sometimes Apr 05 20:36:06 * Morgan nods Apr 05 20:36:08 Me too Apr 05 20:37:52 M: What brings you, your Excellency? Apr 05 20:38:10 We're on our way to Linsbad and you're... sort of along the way Apr 05 20:40:22 M: *he nods* We will give you Hospitality for however long you need Apr 05 20:42:43 I appreciate that, but we'll be heading off in the morning Apr 05 20:43:39 So soon? Apr 05 20:44:22 * Morgan nods Apr 05 20:44:44 I'm afraid so... little bit of an issue in Linsbad I want put to bed, then its time for me to head off for the Eisenfursts daughters wedding Apr 05 20:46:26 M: *he smiles* We aren’t important enough to be invited to that, but people are talking about it Apr 05 20:47:49 I'd not be going, I've got work to do, but since the Eisenfurst counts me as a friend and I'm at least in part responsible for the stress of the the wedding, I really should go Apr 05 20:48:46 * Lizzie looks curious Apr 05 20:48:57 What’s he like, the Eisenfurst? Apr 05 20:49:42 In my experience... kind, caring, funny, down to earth mostly... Apr 05 20:52:51 D: If you’re staying, perhaps we can talk more at dinner, your Excellency? We need to get the work finished before then Apr 05 20:53:43 Give me five minutes to put my things away and I'll join you Apr 05 20:54:44 M: We’re scything, your Excellency. It’s menial work Apr 05 20:54:56 * Morgan smiles Apr 05 20:55:04 Its -honest- work Apr 05 20:55:21 *they all nod* Apr 05 20:55:37 I’ll show you to your room, your Excellency Apr 05 20:57:25 * Morgan nods, thanking her Apr 05 20:59:28 * Lizzie leads upstairs. The room is small and plain, about on par with the servants rooms at Catherine’s. She looks a little embarrassed “I hope this will be alright for a night?” Apr 05 21:00:48 Its perfect, thank you Apr 05 21:02:00 we’re out the back, when you’ve had chance to get yourself ready Apr 05 21:03:14 * Morgan nods Apr 05 21:03:16 I won't be long Apr 05 21:04:15 * Lizzie goes Apr 05 21:04:48 * Morgan checks the mirror Apr 05 21:07:33 *It has a simple line sketch of her body; thighs, hips, mound, waist, and the curved shape of her bump, a lighter line up through her navel. Beneath it, it says ‘My body misses yours, I don’t satisfy it half as well as you do. I hope to see you tonight. Let me know how you are. My love, Mxx Apr 05 21:09:39 * Morgan smiles, writing a reply "I miss you my love, we've arrived in Aachen. I'll try to write this evening, but for now I'm going to help the Freiarrs family scythe" Apr 05 21:10:09 *there’s no reply* Apr 05 21:11:36 * Morgan packs it away, before going to find the others Apr 05 21:12:43 *they are indeed outside scything, clearing a space behind the house. A scythe has been left for him, and it’s clear to see where to work. They seem to be working hard Apr 05 21:13:20 * Morgan picks up the scythe, hefting it before going to work Apr 05 21:17:48 *the work is hard and hot, the last time he did this was at Sunnymeade, her lustful thoughts of him spilling over when she came back into his range* Apr 05 21:18:42 * Morgan works, humming Apr 05 21:20:41 *he gets a couple of solid hours in, it’s good and honest and peaceful, and by the time Mikhail calls a stop for the evening he’s hot and sweaty Apr 05 21:22:08 * Morgan shakes out his arms Apr 05 21:22:43 * Lizzie comes over Apr 05 21:22:54 Dinner will be in half an hour, your Excellency Apr 05 21:23:38 Perfect, that'll give me time to clean up Apr 05 21:24:49 * Lizzie gives him directions to the dining room before they all go separate ways Apr 05 21:25:57 * Morgan goes to get cleaned up Apr 05 21:28:18 *his body feels pleasantly warm from the exertion. Finding a clean dry shirt means he pulls out the mirror and also the jar Apr 05 21:29:58 * Morgan checks the mirror Apr 05 21:31:17 *The drawing is gone, and it simply says “I’ll check at ten and hope you have heard from you. My love, M xx” Apr 05 21:33:09 "Just heading down for dinner. I miss you" Apr 05 21:33:51 *Nothing changes* Apr 05 21:34:32 * Morgan packs it away, heading down to the dining room Apr 05 21:36:37 *the other four, plus an extra woman, are gathered there. Introductions are made to the Freiarrin Aachen, but she seems very shy, and it’s mostly Lizzie and Dirk that chat away to Morgan. They all seem like good people, committed to bringing Aachen back to prosperity Apr 05 21:37:38 * Morgan talks to them comfortably Apr 05 21:39:54 *the meal is a very basic stew, the meat quite cheap, but it’s been made well, and the bread is very good* Apr 05 21:40:33 This is lovely Apr 05 21:42:13 * Lizzie smiles “Thank you, it’s an old family recipe” Apr 05 21:42:59 I might request it... Apr 05 21:43:17 * Lizzie nods Apr 05 21:43:42 I’ll have it copied out, but you can have your staff use better ingredients Apr 05 21:44:26 Where do you buy your meat? Apr 05 21:46:02 Just in the village Apr 05 21:46:53 * Morgan nods Apr 05 21:47:18 I know some people who supply in Baden, but I'm sure they'd be willing to make some arrangements... Apr 05 21:48:23 * Lizzie shakes her head Apr 05 21:48:50 Thank you, but we support the other villagers when we all work and buy from each other Apr 05 21:49:15 * Morgan nods Apr 05 21:49:17 absolutely Apr 05 21:49:25 * Lizzie smiles Apr 05 21:49:46 how long will you be away from home, your Excellency? Apr 05 21:51:19 If everything goes swimmingly in Linsbad it'll be five days... then weeks I'd imagine to the Eisenfurst and back Apr 05 21:51:52 You must miss your family? Apr 05 21:52:02 * Morgan nods Apr 05 21:52:06 From the moment I leave Apr 05 21:52:33 You have two sons, don’t you? Apr 05 21:52:58 * Morgan nods Apr 05 21:53:03 And one on the way Apr 05 21:54:42 * Lizzie smiles Apr 05 21:55:07 Congratulations, your Excellency. How is her Excellency doing? Apr 05 21:55:58 Very well, she's very much enjoying being pregnant Apr 05 21:57:00 * Lizzie smiles, and she and Dirk exchange a glance Apr 05 21:57:04 I did too Apr 05 21:58:12 * Morgan nods Apr 05 21:58:58 Its just as well in our case, our plate says we're having eight Apr 05 22:00:32 I had seven, though only six survived Apr 05 22:02:11 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Apr 05 22:22:57 * Lizzie has quit (Read error: EOF from client)