**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Mon Apr 6 07:33:24 2026 Apr 06 07:33:24 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Apr 06 13:58:15 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Apr 06 13:58:41 absolutely Apr 06 13:58:41 * Lizzie smiles Apr 06 13:58:41 how long will you be away from home, your Excellency? Apr 06 13:58:41 If everything goes swimmingly in Linsbad it'll be five days... then weeks I'd imagine to the Eisenfurst and back Apr 06 13:58:41 You must miss your family? Apr 06 13:58:44 * Morgan nods Apr 06 13:58:46 From the moment I leave Apr 06 13:58:50 You have two sons, don’t you? Apr 06 13:58:52 * Morgan nods Apr 06 13:58:54 And one on the way Apr 06 13:58:56 * Lizzie smiles Apr 06 13:58:58 Congratulations, your Excellency. How is her Excellency doing? Apr 06 13:59:00 Very well, she's very much enjoying being pregnant Apr 06 13:59:02 * Lizzie smiles, and she and Dirk exchange a glance Apr 06 13:59:04 I did too Apr 06 13:59:06 * Morgan nods Apr 06 13:59:08 Its just as well in our case, our plate says we're having eight Apr 06 13:59:10 I had seven, though only six survived Apr 06 13:59:12 My condolences Apr 06 14:00:41 * Molly is now known as Lizzie Apr 06 14:01:18 It happens. We have to just be grateful for what we have, and trust that Theus knows what He is doing Apr 06 14:03:12 * Morgan nods Apr 06 14:03:15 I suppose so Apr 06 14:05:02 Mikhail: When do you take over the Grafdom, your Excellency? Apr 06 14:06:08 About two and a half years, there or there abouts Apr 06 14:06:45 That will give time for your child to grow up a bit *she smiles* Apr 06 14:07:14 D: I reckon they’ll have plenty of nursery staff for all that, Lizzie Apr 06 14:07:57 We've got one Apr 06 14:08:41 Just one, for three children? Apr 06 14:10:29 Well, two at the moment, yes... Apr 06 14:11:49 Will you have more before you take over? Apr 06 14:14:06 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 14:14:15 Possibly, we'll have to see how things go Apr 06 14:16:56 *there’s quiet whilst everyone eats. They seem fairly relaxed, and Mainz and Aachen catch up about the Company and what everyone is doing. There’s no fancy desert, just freshly gathered fruit, and when he’s offered port afterwards the ladies stay. Apr 06 14:17:21 You’re more like Dirk said you’d be than I thought you’d be Apr 06 14:18:54 Oh? How did you expect me to be? Apr 06 14:19:05 * Lizzie smiles Apr 06 14:19:51 More formal, definitely not chopping grass Apr 06 14:20:17 Only if needs be, really Apr 06 14:21:48 * Morgan sips his port Apr 06 14:22:10 How can I expect the people to relate to me, to know I relate to them, if I'm all stiff and distant? Apr 06 14:23:36 * Lizzie nods Apr 06 14:24:04 But most don’t want common people to relate to them, do they? They just want subservience and fear Apr 06 14:25:46 That'll stand them until trouble comes and they're expecting those people to fight for them Apr 06 14:27:22 * Lizzie nods Apr 06 14:27:46 They’ll rely on the people wanting to defend their homeland Apr 06 14:28:07 * Morgan nods Apr 06 14:28:43 Some people want to rule for the power and privilege it gives them Apr 06 14:29:37 * Lizzie nods Apr 06 14:30:23 I think many of them are still stuck that way, but so much needs rebuilding, but they’re not doing it Apr 06 14:31:59 No, they're not... but, unfortunately, I cant change that... I can only change the things within my sphere of influence Apr 06 14:33:31 but as Graf you can push for it Apr 06 14:33:39 * Morgan nods Apr 06 14:33:53 Once I get there, yes... mind you, not having that title hasn't stopped me pushing for it so far Apr 06 14:34:52 Susan (Mikhailks wife): Even now, you could, your Excellency Apr 06 14:36:38 Of course Apr 06 14:38:19 Susan smiles: If people think that they’re more likely to join your social circle if they rebuild their Freiarrdoms, they’ll start to do it Apr 06 14:40:08 Ah, the problem there is I'm not keen on social climbers... the best way to get into my good graces, as it were, is to help the people you are responsible for Apr 06 14:41:09 * Lizzie sips her port Apr 06 14:42:38 But getting in your good graces -is- being a social climber. Anyone who wants better contracts or doors opening to new contacts will want to be thought well of by you so they can be respected by others Apr 06 14:43:55 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 14:43:57 I suppose so Apr 06 14:45:52 Susan: It’s just how it is, your Excellency. When people hear you stayed in Aachen, more people will want to be friendly with us Apr 06 14:46:24 How you utilise that is up to you... Apr 06 14:48:05 Susan: It will help us with trading with other towns, and attracting workers when harvest comes Apr 06 14:48:24 Then I'm glad to have been useful Apr 06 14:51:01 * Lizzie frowns “It’s not just that, your Excellency. We are happy to have met you, and you did so much bringing Dirk home” Apr 06 14:51:35 * Morgan smiles Apr 06 14:53:29 You misunderstand me... I don't doubt your being pleased to meet me, it was entirely obvious... but I am already certain that any benefit that comes from my coming here will be used to help everyone, and that is my being useful Apr 06 14:54:22 * Lizzie nods Apr 06 14:54:31 I didn’t want to think we were using you Apr 06 14:55:26 No, not at all, but if my presence can be used to improve life for your people, then so much the better Apr 06 14:57:00 * Lizzie nods “It will. We’re working hard” Apr 06 14:58:03 A Freiarr and his family out working the fields... everyone can see you're working hard for your people Apr 06 14:58:53 * Lizzie smiles proudly Apr 06 14:59:08 They look to us and rely on us, so it’s only right Apr 06 14:59:26 absolutely Apr 06 15:01:54 *they move back to chatting about Dirk and Mainz, and at nine he hears a faint chime* Apr 06 15:02:28 I’m retiring, it’s been a long day. Will you be leaving after breakfast, your Excellency? Apr 06 15:02:35 * Morgan nods Apr 06 15:02:52 We've still a ways to go and I want to get on with it so I can get home to my family Apr 06 15:05:28 * Lizzie nods, standing, and the others do too. Susan also goes to bed, but the men seem a little unsure whether they should stay up to entertain their guest or not Apr 06 15:06:51 I spent a while working in a farming village... it took me a week to scythe a particular field... I know it takes effort and time, and you must be tired so please, go and spend some time with your wives and get some rest Apr 06 15:09:02 *they both bow and go. Mainz drinks his port* Apr 06 15:09:07 * Lizzie is now known as Mainz Apr 06 15:09:29 It’s been good to see them Apr 06 15:09:51 * Morgan nods Apr 06 15:10:04 I wasn't expecting quite that much excitement at my being here, I must admit Apr 06 15:12:02 * Mainz smiles Apr 06 15:12:07 Nice though Apr 06 15:14:53 * Morgan nods Apr 06 15:14:56 I'm not used to it Apr 06 15:15:30 * Mainz nods Apr 06 15:15:46 I’d bet that by Linsbad none of them even know who you are Apr 06 15:16:53 Since I'm neither a goat nor a cousin? Apr 06 15:18:38 * Mainz nods Apr 06 15:18:44 That’s about the right of it Apr 06 15:20:46 * Morgan nods Apr 06 15:20:57 Well... lets hope I can persuade them Apr 06 15:21:25 * Mainz nods Apr 06 15:21:56 Here’s hoping, my Lord Apr 06 15:22:05 *he finishes his port* Apr 06 15:22:17 * Morgan does likewise Apr 06 15:22:27 Right, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to get some rest Apr 06 15:23:18 Goodnight, my Lord Apr 06 15:23:27 * Morgan inclines his head, heading up to his room Apr 06 15:26:08 *it’s all quiet upstairs* Apr 06 15:26:24 * Morgan locks the door, checking the mirror Apr 06 15:28:45 *nothing has changed, but it’s not quite half past nine yet* Apr 06 15:29:05 * Morgan gets changed, ready for bed Apr 06 15:33:56 *she’s packed the new sketchbook that she brought him back from Freiburg and a roll of kohls, as well as having put in a book, which is the same book of Eisen poetry as in his dream* Apr 06 15:35:03 * Morgan smiles, taking the sketchbook and sketching, leaving the mirror uncovered Apr 06 15:37:33 *It’s just before ten that she appears, wearing the black lingerie vest and shorts that he’d bought her in Atemlos. Her hair is down, but make up still on* Apr 06 15:37:37 * Mainz is now known as Molly Apr 06 15:37:40 Good evening Apr 06 15:38:14 blossom Apr 06 15:39:20 * Molly smiles Apr 06 15:39:23 How are you? Apr 06 15:39:41 Not too bad I suppose... and you? Apr 06 15:42:44 * Molly smiles, but she shrugs slightly Apr 06 15:42:48 I’m alright Apr 06 15:44:43 Sure? Apr 06 15:46:07 * Molly sighs, wrapping her arm around herself Apr 06 15:46:22 In truth, I’m lonely, but this is necessary and important Apr 06 15:46:54 * Morgan nods Apr 06 15:46:57 I'm afraid it is Apr 06 15:49:19 * Molly nods Apr 06 15:49:47 I will manage. The boys give me lots of cuddles Apr 06 15:50:13 * Morgan nods Apr 06 15:50:16 Good... how are they? Apr 06 15:52:21 They are fine, Varick understands why you’re away, Emil is just confused Apr 06 15:52:35 * Morgan nods sadly Apr 06 15:56:00 It’s only a few days... We’ll keep busy and it’ll soon be over Apr 06 15:58:59 * Morgan nods Apr 06 15:59:03 I'll be home as soon as I can Apr 06 16:00:19 I know, my love Apr 06 16:00:39 * Molly fidgets to get more comfortable “How has your day been?” Apr 06 16:02:17 Long... the women of Neukloster are doing well, though Nancy didn't know her daughter was pregnant. Apr 06 16:04:22 That’s unfortunate, but surely she’ll just come home now? Apr 06 16:06:00 And take a nobleman's child from him? Its going to be complicated Apr 06 16:06:16 * Molly sighs Apr 06 16:06:32 I feel for her, it’s always a risk, of course, but... Apr 06 16:07:31 But... Apr 06 16:08:42 Well, the only thing that can be done is both illegal and immoral Apr 06 16:09:42 * Morgan nods Apr 06 16:09:45 Thats up to them Apr 06 16:11:32 * Molly nods Apr 06 16:11:58 But they are doing well there? Men are not coming to hassle them anymore? Apr 06 16:12:18 Words gotten about they're under Gottkirchens protection apparently Apr 06 16:12:56 * Molly nods with a smile “Good, that’s how it should be” Apr 06 16:13:03 * Morgan nods Apr 06 16:13:25 I've arranged for Nancy to carry a letter to Grafin Baden for me, it should buy her some time to see her daughter and work out a plan Apr 06 16:14:12 * Molly smiles Apr 06 16:14:17 You’re very smart Apr 06 16:15:45 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 16:16:10 Mainz has suggested we take the money we would get from Neuklosters trade and use it to improve Neukloster Apr 06 16:17:39 * Molly nods Apr 06 16:17:48 You do not need it anyway Apr 06 16:18:53 True... Apr 06 16:20:03 I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. Are you staying in Aachen as you planned? Apr 06 16:20:29 * Morgan nods Apr 06 16:20:36 I've met Lizzie... she was thrilled we'd come Apr 06 16:22:12 * Molly smiles Apr 06 16:22:23 Are they still happy to be back together? Apr 06 16:23:44 * Morgan nods Apr 06 16:23:51 Incredibly happy Apr 06 16:24:58 That’s pleasing Apr 06 16:26:09 * Morgan nods, smiling a little Apr 06 16:26:11 Yes it is Apr 06 16:26:55 What is it like there? Apr 06 16:27:26 Poor. I've been out helping scythe Apr 06 16:28:47 * Molly smiles playfully “Oh really? I’m sorry I missed that” Apr 06 16:30:03 There was fairly universal surprise when I volunteered Apr 06 16:30:42 * Molly nods a little Apr 06 16:30:48 They don’t know you Apr 06 16:31:49 No... Mainz says once we get closer to Linsbad no-one will have any idea who I am Apr 06 16:32:41 * Molly smiles Apr 06 16:33:03 Hmm if only we’d thought to ask if they have a brothel... Apr 06 16:33:57 Considering what I've been told was "its all goats and marrying cousins", I doubt it Apr 06 16:35:12 Pity, it could have been like Jura Apr 06 16:36:07 Bit risky really Apr 06 16:37:20 sadly so, hmm? Apr 06 16:37:37 * Morgan nods Apr 06 16:37:38 Aye Apr 06 16:39:13 * Molly smiles Apr 06 16:39:23 how are you faring in that regard today? Apr 06 16:39:52 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 16:39:54 Been busy Apr 06 16:41:14 * Molly nods “It’s always been easy for you to put from your mind” Apr 06 16:41:30 Not really Apr 06 16:41:52 You do not think so? Apr 06 16:42:52 I don't Apr 06 16:44:26 Why is that? Apr 06 16:44:56 It just is... I can ignore it but its not far from mind Apr 06 16:46:57 * Molly smiles “Thats nice at least. I’d like to be able to develop such a skill” Apr 06 16:50:10 It'd make life easier Apr 06 16:50:47 * Molly frowns a little “for you?” Apr 06 16:50:57 For you Apr 06 16:51:03 * Molly nods Apr 06 16:51:33 Perhaps I could just use magic for it, in fact... *she looks thoughtful * Apr 06 16:51:54 Careful, you don't want to break something... Apr 06 16:53:57 Yes... But it might mean I am a little less overly-motivated by it Apr 06 16:54:13 So you want to change who you are... Apr 06 16:54:56 No, but it would be nice to not have to excuse myself a couple of times during the day whilst you’re away Apr 06 16:55:53 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 16:55:56 Its up to you Apr 06 16:56:59 You do not have an opinion? Apr 06 16:58:00 I don't like it, but its your choice Apr 06 16:58:25 * Molly nods Apr 06 16:58:28 Alright Apr 06 17:00:53 * Morgan watches her Apr 06 17:01:22 * Molly smiles a little “do you see something you like, my dear Duke?” Apr 06 17:02:39 I do Apr 06 17:03:30 would you like to tell me what that is? Apr 06 17:03:37 Oh only everything Apr 06 17:04:54 * Molly smiles “Even my knees?” Apr 06 17:05:52 * Morgan nods Apr 06 17:06:57 They are at their best when I am on them? Apr 06 17:07:31 * Morgan smiles, blushing Apr 06 17:07:32 Indeed Apr 06 17:08:51 * Molly smiles “My legs are best around your hips?” Apr 06 17:09:09 * Morgan nods Apr 06 17:09:12 Absolutely Apr 06 17:13:06 mmhmm... and my feet against your flanks when you are spelling out the alphabet? Apr 06 17:14:37 * Morgan nods Apr 06 17:14:39 Exactly Apr 06 17:15:13 * Molly smiles Apr 06 17:15:26 And my hands? Where are they best? Apr 06 17:16:44 Several places Apr 06 17:18:39 * Molly smiles wryly Apr 06 17:19:00 I cannot tell if you are being coy or you are just ready to sleep... Apr 06 17:19:40 Its been a long day Apr 06 17:20:11 * Molly nods Apr 06 17:20:22 Alright my love, I will let you rest Apr 06 17:21:49 I don't want to but... Apr 06 17:23:44 * Molly nods “Perhaps another night, my love” Apr 06 17:23:52 * Morgan nods Apr 06 17:24:01 Hopefully it'll not be long before I'm back Apr 06 17:26:04 * Molly nods “I know, just as you know I will never turn down an opportunity to repeat what we did when we were parted when I went to Freiburg” Apr 06 17:27:18 * Morgan nods Apr 06 17:27:22 Perhaps tomorrow love Apr 06 17:28:39 * Molly nods “I’ll leave a note in the morning, but we will be going to Kempten for Church, and we may have lunch there. I am not sure if we will be back for Quiet Hour” Apr 06 17:29:29 * Morgan nods Apr 06 17:29:36 I imagine I'll be travelling most of the day Apr 06 17:31:31 * Molly smiles “I’ll just settle for imagining you handling matters at the roadside then” Apr 06 17:31:39 * Morgan smiles Apr 06 17:31:46 That is, I'm afraid, unlikely Apr 06 17:35:39 Shush, don’t spoil the fantasy! *she smiles* Apr 06 17:37:01 * Morgan chuckles Apr 06 17:37:04 Sorry Apr 06 17:40:25 * Molly smiles “Unlikely, but not impossible. I’ll take it!” Apr 06 17:40:44 * Morgan smiles Apr 06 17:40:50 As you wish my love Apr 06 17:40:58 ] Apr 06 17:43:06 * Molly sighs “I shall say goodnight. Sleep well, my love” Apr 06 17:49:24 And you my darling Apr 06 17:51:47 * Molly blows him a kiss before covering the mirror with a blank piece of paper Apr 06 17:52:15 * Morgan sighs, packing his mirror away along with the sketchpad and getting into bed Apr 06 17:54:43 *the sheets don’t have that expensive feel that his at home, or even on The Rose do, but they are clean and smell of lavender. It’s nice, but lacks the Rose-scent his beds normally have with her there* Apr 06 17:55:37 * Morgan tries to settle Apr 06 17:59:28 *he manages this, into the thread where she’s Horatio’s wife. He’d spent in her mouth, and then returned the favour on the kitchen table. He’d even surprised himself in that, he’d never really ventured out of the bedroom more than a couple of times. He’d taken her to bed then, and they’d made love slowly and tenderly MTF Apr 06 18:01:20 *Then they’d slept, and once more his night had been very peaceful with her in his arms. But all too soon the dawn starts to approach, and he wakes within the dream. She’s asleep behind him, her cheek against the whip scars that he’d protected Dietlinde from being upset by DONE Apr 06 18:07:14 * Morgan stretches, quietly getting out of bed and dressed Apr 06 18:09:05 * Molly stays asleep, naked in the bed she is supposed to be sharing with her husband, not a lover Apr 06 18:31:10 * Molly has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Apr 06 18:37:34 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined Apr 06 18:38:20 * Molly stays asleep, naked in the bed she is supposed to be sharing with her husband, not a lover Apr 06 18:38:29 * Morgan scowls, going downstairs to make tea Apr 06 18:39:43 *Almost everything is packed away. Tomorrow morning, whilst he is away, she’ll be getting on a ship and leaving all of this, including him, behind* Apr 06 18:41:28 * Morgan stands still, frowning Apr 06 18:42:01 *the kettle on the stove starts to whistle* Apr 06 18:42:25 * Morgan takes it off, brewing the tea Apr 06 18:45:29 *he soon has it ready* Apr 06 18:46:32 * Morgan sighs, pouring two cups and taking one upstairs Apr 06 18:48:49 * Molly is still asleep, but curled up in a little ball, the red hair over the pillow and her bare shoulder. She looks young and vulnerable, and it occurs that he doesn’t actually know how old she is. Apr 06 18:49:49 * Morgan puts the cups down, gently waking her Apr 06 18:51:36 * Molly blinks, then stretches. This pulls the sheet down, revealing her breasts, her soft skin. She smiles “Good morning” Apr 06 18:52:12 Morning. I've brought you some tea Apr 06 18:54:03 Thank you *she sits up. It’s then that it dawns on her, and her expression becomes anguished* Oh no... Apr 06 18:54:49 * Morgan watches her quietly Apr 06 18:56:22 * Molly bites her lip “You... you have to go now...” Apr 06 18:56:50 * Morgan nods Apr 06 18:56:52 I'm afraid I do Apr 06 18:57:41 * Molly nods, swallowing hard Apr 06 19:01:07 I tried to argue it was a bad idea, but she wouldn't listen Apr 06 19:01:30 * Molly nods Apr 06 19:01:51 We would have had to say goodbye tomorrow anyway... Apr 06 19:03:09 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:03:12 Yes, we would Apr 06 19:04:40 * Molly nods, but still the tears appear on her cheeks Apr 06 19:05:29 * Morgan looks at her sadly Apr 06 19:06:24 * Molly brushes them away with her hand “Sorry” Apr 06 19:06:42 There's no need... its... unpleasant Apr 06 19:08:33 * Molly nods “I never imagined anything as good as this could feel as bad as this” Apr 06 19:10:43 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:10:43 I know Apr 06 19:12:24 * Molly rolls to the side to reach something from the table, and he gets a few of the hollow of her back Apr 06 19:12:39 I am going to miss you very much Apr 06 19:12:59 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:13:01 And I you Apr 06 19:13:25 * Molly rolls back, handing him a letter “That’s the coding” Apr 06 19:13:54 Coding? Apr 06 19:15:21 So we can write Apr 06 19:16:17 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:16:18 Alright Apr 06 19:17:45 * Molly moves so she’s kneeling up, watching him “I wish things were different...” Apr 06 19:18:10 * Morgan nods, sighing Apr 06 19:18:11 Me too Apr 06 19:18:49 If you were mine, I’d never let you go... Apr 06 19:19:07 That isn't an option now Apr 06 19:20:30 No, I know Apr 06 19:20:49 * Morgan sips his tea Apr 06 19:22:04 * Molly sighs “You will write, won’t you?” Apr 06 19:22:17 If you like Apr 06 19:23:35 I do want that Apr 06 19:24:17 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:24:18 Alright Apr 06 19:25:30 * Molly gets up, coming to embrace him Apr 06 19:25:42 * Morgan holds her Apr 06 19:26:12 * Molly sighs “You’ll take care of yourself?” Apr 06 19:26:44 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 19:26:48 I suppose so Apr 06 19:27:56 * Molly nods, letting go so he can drink his tea whilst she pulls a robe on Apr 06 19:29:14 * Morgan sips his tea Apr 06 19:29:52 Last night was amazing Apr 06 19:30:18 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:30:19 It was Apr 06 19:31:19 You’ve taught me much Apr 06 19:31:37 You think so? Apr 06 19:33:09 * Molly nods “I know more about love-making now” Apr 06 19:34:01 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:34:03 I suppose so Apr 06 19:34:53 * Molly nods thoughtfully “And when I’m gone, will you look for someone else to teach those things to?” Apr 06 19:35:22 no Apr 06 19:36:02 But you enjoy it Apr 06 19:36:13 That doesn't matter Apr 06 19:37:05 Whyever not? Apr 06 19:38:39 Because no-one else would be you Apr 06 19:39:01 * Molly blushes, smiling Apr 06 19:39:09 That matters so much? Apr 06 19:39:44 Of courrse Apr 06 19:40:58 how will you manage alone though? Apr 06 19:43:42 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 19:43:44 Until the end Apr 06 19:45:03 I meant physically, but nevermind. When must you go? Apr 06 19:45:52 Soon... I should be on the move already really Apr 06 19:46:21 * Molly nods, moving to gently kiss him Apr 06 19:47:10 * Morgan lets her Apr 06 19:48:14 Goodbye, Morgan Apr 06 19:49:18 * Morgan sighs Apr 06 19:49:20 Goodbye Molly Apr 06 19:50:54 * Molly gently cups his cheek “I’ll hold you in my heart” Apr 06 19:51:34 And I you, always Apr 06 19:52:46 * Molly nods “I love you, more than anything” Apr 06 19:53:31 * Morgan nods, looking upset Apr 06 19:53:33 And I you Apr 06 19:55:44 * Molly gently strokes his temple with her thumb, looking compassionate “it’s only natural to feel sad” Apr 06 19:57:51 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:57:52 aye Apr 06 19:58:45 * Molly takes a deep breath “Alright... I’ll write as soon as I get there” Apr 06 19:59:46 * Morgan nods Apr 06 19:59:49 Alright. Be safe Apr 06 20:00:32 And you Apr 06 20:02:36 * Morgan nods, heading down the stairs, emptying the cup and going outside Apr 06 20:03:53 *it’s only half light now, and he really should be on his way Apr 06 20:05:13 * Morgan sighs heavily, going to get his things before going to find a horse Apr 06 20:09:05 *he gets underway, and as the sun comes up he’s left all by himself again Apr 06 20:10:29 * Morgan scowls, looking around as he rides Apr 06 20:11:54 *it’s peaceful for a few hours as he passes along the narrow tracks towards Piram’s until suddenly there’s a rifle shot Apr 06 20:13:07 * Morgan pulls the horse to the side Apr 06 20:13:28 *He can hear people flanking either side of the road Apr 06 20:14:36 * Morgan smiles, climbing down off the horse and tying its reins to a tree Apr 06 20:15:31 *one of the men shouts* Hand over your valuables and we’ll let you live! Apr 06 20:17:04 Behave man, look at me, do I look like I have valuables? Apr 06 20:19:28 * Molly is now known as Man Apr 06 20:19:39 You’ve got a horse, that’s valuable Apr 06 20:20:45 Weeeeeeell, you could have him I suppose... who are you? Apr 06 20:21:26 I’m not telling you that! Apr 06 20:22:02 *The other man fires a shot in the air* Give us your money, or I’ll shoot you Apr 06 20:22:31 Who fired first? You or him? Apr 06 20:23:17 Me Apr 06 20:24:08 * Morgan laughs, drawing two pistols and walking towards them Apr 06 20:24:20 So you've both emptied your weapons... good to know Apr 06 20:25:01 *they’re easy to find in the bushes, both trying to reload Apr 06 20:26:19 * Morgan moves quickly, shooting at each of them Apr 06 20:27:29 *the other man is a clean kill, but the first is just clipped. He swings the button his rifle for Morgan’s head Apr 06 20:27:55 * Morgan ducks, driving an elbow toward the mans ribs Apr 06 20:28:41 *he gets winded by this Apr 06 20:29:49 * Morgan kicks his legs from under him Apr 06 20:30:02 * Man hits the ground, groaning Apr 06 20:30:51 * Morgan puts his pistols away, crouching down Apr 06 20:30:55 Who do you work for? Apr 06 20:31:06 * Man spits in his face Apr 06 20:31:27 * Morgan punches him in the face before asking again Apr 06 20:31:59 * Man manages a punch to Morgan’s flank Apr 06 20:32:03 Fuck you. Apr 06 20:32:36 * Morgan grunts, punching him again Apr 06 20:32:38 Last chance Apr 06 20:33:10 * Man spits blood before telling him to fuck himself Apr 06 20:34:31 * Morgan shrugs before punching him as hard as he can Apr 06 20:35:56 *For a moment in his mind’s eye this could be Horatio on the ground beneath Morgan’s fist instead Apr 06 20:37:37 * Morgan flinches before collecting their rifles and shot and walking away to collect his horse Apr 06 20:38:33 *he manages this. There’s no sound from either of the robbers* Apr 06 20:39:20 * Morgan takes a few moments to reload both pistols and both rifles before getting back in the saddle and moving on Apr 06 20:39:58 *his bloody hand will need washing. He finds himself wondering whether Molly would approve of what he’d just done Apr 06 20:40:50 * Morgan takes out his waterskin, rinsing off his knuckles Apr 06 20:42:13 *that’s easily done. Then it occurs to him that he wondered what -Molly- would think, not what -Dietlinde- would think Apr 06 20:43:02 * Morgan scowls, brooding as he rides along Apr 06 20:44:05 *He gets no more trouble on the way, and even Piram grudgingly hears the message he takes. The way back is also smooth, and he arrives a few days later back to Catherine’s Apr 06 20:44:54 * Morgan trudges into the house Apr 06 20:46:28 *there’s staff in the kitchen, so tea is soon made. Mary calls to him from the servants dining room* Apr 06 20:47:28 * Morgan wanders through Apr 06 20:48:00 * Man is now known as Mary Apr 06 20:48:38 * Mary has Molly’s shawl in her hands, the one she’d been wearing over the shift that he’d then told her to take off in the bedroom as well Apr 06 20:48:58 Molly left this, but we didn’t know where she’d gone to send it to Apr 06 20:49:56 * Morgan nods Apr 06 20:49:58 I'll take care of it Apr 06 20:50:12 * Mary hands it over, leaving the room Apr 06 20:53:10 * Morgan looks at it before bringing to his face, inhaling Apr 06 20:55:33 *It smells wonderful, Rosewater and pregnancy, and floods his mind with snippets of her, how she’d looked up at him when he was in her mouth, the innocence of her as she’d him in bed, the sight and taste of her spread on the kitchen table Apr 06 20:55:51 * Morgan sighs, bundling it up before going to find Catherine Apr 06 20:56:01 * Mary is now known as Catherine Apr 06 20:56:07 * Catherine is in the library Apr 06 20:56:43 * Morgan knocks on the door Apr 06 20:56:54 Come in Apr 06 20:58:06 * Morgan makes his way into the room Apr 06 20:59:39 * Catherine is reading in a chair by the fire. She closes her book. The thick shawl beneath his arm pulls at his senses Apr 06 21:00:10 Morgan, how did it go? Apr 06 21:00:41 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 21:00:53 Piram accepted what I told him... was set upon by two bandits... Apr 06 21:01:59 Of Piram’s? Apr 06 21:02:07 * Morgan shrugs Apr 06 21:02:09 They wouldn't say Apr 06 21:02:16 Where are they? Apr 06 21:03:19 I left them beside the road... one may have survived Apr 06 21:03:38 * Catherine nods Apr 06 21:03:53 We’ll see what Piram does next. Thank you Morgan Apr 06 21:04:08 * Morgan inclines his head Apr 06 21:04:12 If you'll excuse me Apr 06 21:04:21 * Catherine nods, letting him go Apr 06 21:06:09 * Morgan wanders off to go to his room Apr 06 21:07:13 *it’s locked as usual Apr 06 21:07:28 * Morgan lets himself in, going to sit on the bed Apr 06 21:10:04 *his room is cold but quiet, the shawl on his lap warmer Apr 06 21:10:46 * Morgan sits still, just looking at it Apr 06 21:11:58 *the weave is not very intricate, it’s not the sort of very fancy shawl he could have bought her in his old life* Apr 06 21:13:38 * Morgan sighs, putting it on his pillow before going to get on with his work Apr 06 21:15:57 *he manages that, pushing through the regular tasks. The school house feels empty, almost heavy, when he walks past it in the evening. He goes through the motions of dinner in the servants dining room, then another patrol before bed. As soon as he opens his door he can smell her scent* Apr 06 21:17:21 * Morgan sighs, getting ready to sleep Apr 06 21:19:45 *the bed smells of her, but he manages to ignore the erotic memories enough to sleep soundly. The next night it’s much more challenging, and he tosses and turns a while before finally drifting off with the shawl held close, waking without the nightmares again the next day. At lunch time, he’s in the courtyard going through some training moves when the mail coach arrives Apr 06 21:20:06 * Morgan stops, waiting Apr 06 21:20:26 *The coachman gets down, looking for a servant to give the mail to Apr 06 21:21:18 * Morgan goes toward him, holding out his hand Apr 06 21:21:39 *he hands over three letters, two for Catherine, one for him* Apr 06 21:22:13 * Morgan thanks him, going to take the letters for Catherine before finding somewhere quiet to open his Apr 06 21:22:47 *his room seems sensible as that’s where he’s hidden the decoding sheet he’s going to need Apr 06 21:23:32 * Morgan goes there and opens the letter Apr 06 21:25:27 *it is indeed in code, and he has to sit to decode. Eventually the message becomes clear “Dear Morgan, I am in Stirling in the Highland Marches. The men wear skirts, and the whiskey is marvellous. I would send you some, but it would look suspicious!... Apr 06 21:26:28 “I have sailed a few days now, and have fallen madly in love with the smell and sight of the sea, and the sway of the hammock I have slept in! I wish you were here... Apr 06 21:26:39 * Morgan sighs Apr 06 21:27:38 “I miss you more than I thought possible, like my very blood calls for you. I left my shawl for you, I hope you have it... Apr 06 21:28:04 * Morgan glances at it Apr 06 21:28:37 *it’s tucked into his bed, but how long it’ll smell like her for is tough to guess* Apr 06 21:29:06 * Morgan takes it out, smelling it again Apr 06 21:30:17 *Again it smells so good, hitting his brain like the good whiskey she mentioned would, and travelling right through his veins. Her arms around him, her skin, her nipples in his mouth* Apr 06 21:30:49 * Morgan sighs, putting it away Apr 06 21:32:58 *the rest of the letter goes on “I think of you often, but the ways I think of you with my hands does make the hammock sway somewhat! I do not know how amorous sailors manage it for months at a time... Apr 06 21:33:45 * Morgan nods a little Apr 06 21:35:05 “I will write again when I arrive. I’ve added the address below. I miss you, I love you, my heart is yours. M xx” Apr 06 21:36:05 * Morgan sighs, scowling before hiding the letter Apr 06 21:36:44 *His room seems deeply quiet* Apr 06 21:37:52 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Apr 06 21:49:29 * Catherine has quit (Read error: EOF from client)