**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun May 10 08:51:30 2026 May 10 08:51:30 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined May 10 09:28:45 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 10 09:33:27 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined May 10 11:44:36 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 10 12:58:22 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined May 10 13:52:23 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined May 10 13:53:09 You ever get that feeling that things aren't right and you cant shake it? May 10 13:53:09 * HH nods “oh yeah. It’s any time you’re beatin’ me at cards” May 10 13:53:09 * Morgan nods a little, looking around May 10 13:53:09 *everything looks nice and orderly, people look happy and well-fed. Children are playing but not disruptively. All in all, it is like it has been created to be perfect for him May 10 13:53:09 * Morgan frowns May 10 13:53:12 Listen, I'll catch you up May 10 13:53:14 * HH nods “Da wanted me to invite you pair for dinner, you coming?” May 10 13:53:16 Yeah probably May 10 13:53:18 * Morgan starts concentrating on the Nieblungen May 10 13:53:20 *even when HH has gone back to his family there’s no sign of them* May 10 13:53:22 * Morgan turns, walking away from the village quickly May 10 13:53:26 *he doesn’t get too far before Dietlinde catches his hand having run to keep up with him* May 10 13:53:28 * HH is now known as Dietlinde May 10 13:53:30 I called to you, where are you going? May 10 13:53:32 I looks at her May 10 13:53:34 I need to get out of the village for a bit... May 10 13:53:36 Why? Everyone wants to see you May 10 13:53:38 I just need a little time alone May 10 13:53:40 * Dietlinde nods “I’ll see you at home in a while though, won’t I?” May 10 13:53:42 * Morgan nods May 10 13:53:44 aye May 10 13:55:29 D:Are you sure you’re alright? This is very out of character for you May 10 13:56:10 I'll be alright, don't worry May 10 13:58:46 Dietlinde smiles: Maybe you’ll not be too long? We could go upstairs, wouldn’t you like to? May 10 13:59:56 I won't long May 10 14:02:29 *she looks around to check they’re unseen before kissing him May 10 14:03:18 * Morgan holds her briefly before letting go May 10 14:03:29 Go on Schatzen, I'll see you in a while May 10 14:05:32 *she goes, leaving him all alone* May 10 14:06:18 * Morgan moves quickly away from the village May 10 14:08:40 *he has no trouble finding somewhere in the woods that’s private. It’s all much brighter and less scary than the woods really are May 10 14:09:35 * Morgan looks around May 10 14:09:45 Come on then... I turned my back on heaven, you think I'd stay here? May 10 14:11:43 *the voice sounds almost like the trees themselves, old, rustling, unmoved* She made this just for you... May 10 14:11:58 Who did? May 10 14:14:41 Molly May 10 14:15:16 When? She wouldn't, she knows this is not what I would want May 10 14:19:34 * Molly is now known as Voice May 10 14:21:07 It is a perfect world for you. You have a happy family and friends, Eisen is perfect. There will never be any strife, and you will have many children and live happily. In a few hours, you will forget everything else May 10 14:21:37 Who are you? May 10 14:25:35 Why must you fight this? It is everything that will make you happy May 10 14:26:51 So you're afraid to answer... because you think I'll come for you... May 10 14:30:54 The world will be mine now. You will be here in your oxbow lake and happy. That is the deal May 10 14:31:58 No, I don't think so... May 10 14:33:56 She wanted this for you and your friends May 10 14:34:36 No she didn't. I know that because we've talked about this before, after your last attempt at getting her to agree May 10 14:37:51 Soon you will forget. Go back to your wife and family, look at all the nice things she has given you May 10 14:38:24 Absolutely not. Who are you? May 10 14:45:09 *he can suddenly smell pine trees and fresh snow* May 10 14:45:32 * Morgan looks around May 10 14:48:17 *he can see Madchen stood watching him* May 10 14:49:15 Madchen... May 10 14:51:09 * Voice is now known as Madchen May 10 14:51:27 * Madchen runs to him with a smile May 10 14:51:59 * Morgan picks her up, hugging her May 10 14:53:43 * Madchen hugs him. She does indeed smell of pine trees and snow May 10 14:53:58 Nightmare May 10 14:54:14 * Morgan nods May 10 14:54:16 I tried to wake up May 10 14:57:12 I make wake up? Or stay here? May 10 14:58:10 * Morgan kisses her crown May 10 14:58:20 Its just a nightmare... we'll stay here for a minute May 10 15:00:22 * Madchen smiles “Baby surprise autumn” May 10 15:00:46 * Morgan nods May 10 15:00:48 It really was May 10 15:04:11 All happy May 10 15:04:22 * Morgan nods May 10 15:04:26 Aye, definitely May 10 15:06:37 * Madchen smiles “Mama have baby in tummy long time” May 10 15:06:46 * Morgan nods May 10 15:06:50 We had no idea at all May 10 15:10:39 * Madchen nods “Have a boy” May 10 15:10:49 * Morgan nods May 10 15:10:56 Not too long now May 10 15:12:29 * Madchen nods, cuddling him May 10 15:12:37 Maeshun one day May 10 15:13:18 * Morgan nods, rocking her May 10 15:13:21 Aye, thats right May 10 15:16:12 Maeshun miss Vati. Mama not dream Seb May 10 15:17:08 * Morgan nods May 10 15:17:16 I missed you too... its been a long time... May 10 15:18:39 * Madchen nods “Mama dream Seb, Maeshun see Vati May 10 15:20:52 * Morgan nods May 10 15:20:58 I wonder why she doesn't dream of him now May 10 15:21:46 * Madchen shrugs “Want dreams come back?” May 10 15:23:12 Not especially, but I do miss you May 10 15:25:06 * Madchen kisses his cheek “chimes soon” May 10 15:25:54 * Morgan nods, blowing raspberries on hers May 10 15:27:46 * Madchen laughs. The chimes do come, the first ones forty five minutes before dawn May 10 15:28:09 I'll see you soon my sweet girl May 10 15:30:06 Bye bye Vati May 10 15:30:51 Bye bye Madchen May 10 15:33:29 *he wakes up* May 10 15:33:49 * Morgan rolls off the bed, getting his things sorted May 10 15:35:45 *he notices that he feels a little feverish* May 10 15:37:01 * Morgan frowns, washing his face May 10 15:39:25 *It’s not too bad, but he’s not often unwell, so it feels a bit unpleasant* May 10 15:39:51 * Morgan checks his mirror May 10 15:41:50 *given it’s so early and she’d left a note at midnight, it’s no real surprise that there’s nothing new* May 10 15:44:31 "Morning love. We'll be heading back this morning. I love you" May 10 15:44:58 *nothing changes still* May 10 15:46:26 * Morgan packs it away, getting himself ready before going downstairs May 10 15:47:45 *he finds Mainz down here already drinking coffee. The twins are cooking, but both are in nothing but shifts May 10 15:50:21 Best hope that fat doesn't spit May 10 15:52:25 *they both giggle and smile at him* May 10 15:52:30 * Madchen is now known as Mainz May 10 15:52:49 I said the same, but they told me they’d just take them off May 10 15:54:39 * Morgan nods May 10 15:54:41 Figures May 10 15:55:15 *one of the twins says* we could cook naked if you like, your Excellency? May 10 15:55:44 No, you're alright thanks May 10 15:57:08 * Mainz smiles, sipping his coffee May 10 15:57:35 *she pouts, but isn’t stupid enough to argue with a duke * May 10 15:57:54 * Morgan sits down, rubbing his forehead May 10 15:59:27 was a late night, my Lord May 10 16:00:25 * Morgan nods May 10 16:00:35 Feels like I'm coming down with something May 10 16:01:33 * Mainz nods “we’ll try not to push too hard on the way back” May 10 16:02:35 It will be what it will be May 10 16:04:13 * Mainz nods. They get served breakfast. It’s not bad, but his appetite isn’t great May 10 16:06:36 * Morgan eats some then finishes his coffee May 10 16:08:00 * Mainz follows this cue, and is soon ready to go. They’re about to leave when the owner arrives. He looks over them, and then the barely dressed girls May 10 16:09:29 What do we owe you? May 10 16:10:53 *the owner looks to the girls, who shake their heads. He nods a moment* Ten guilders, your Excellency May 10 16:17:37 * Mainz has quit (Read error: EOF from client) May 10 16:25:32 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined May 10 16:27:35 * Morgan nods, paying him May 10 16:29:11 *the owner nods, thanking him and showing him out. It’s still early enough that no one seems to be around to discover the Bockdaemon is dead May 10 16:30:07 Reckon we should bit the mayor farewell? May 10 16:31:28 * Molly is now known as Mainz May 10 16:31:34 We should May 10 16:32:13 * Morgan nods, heading in that direction May 10 16:33:57 *it’s peaceful, and it smells like toast being made when they get there May 10 16:34:32 * Morgan knocks May 10 16:35:58 *Ottilie answers the door. The pregnant smell isn’t arousing, it hits him with a wave of homesickness* May 10 16:36:25 Morning Ottilie... is Ned home? May 10 16:39:00 *she nods, letting them in* he’s putting his clothes on May 10 16:40:52 * Morgan nods May 10 16:40:59 We won't take much of his time May 10 16:41:58 *she calls loudly to him, and he comes down* May 10 16:42:01 * Mainz is now known as Ned May 10 16:42:25 Good morning, your Excellency, I didn’t expect visitors this early May 10 16:42:40 I wouldn't have interrupted but we're going to head back toward home May 10 16:44:27 * Ned nods “Have a safe journey, thank you for your help” May 10 16:46:31 * Morgan nods May 10 16:46:34 Perhaps we'll meet again May 10 16:47:09 * Ned nods with a smile “I hope so, your Excellency “ May 10 16:47:29 Ottilie: Do you want some bread? I have three loaves already! May 10 16:47:50 That'd be lovely, we can eat some on the way May 10 16:50:47 *she starts packing them up things into a cotton bag, adding some butter and meat in paper. She looks delighted to be doing it* May 10 16:51:21 * Morgan smiles a little, watching her May 10 16:53:15 *she brings it to him* You need to drink too, how about small beer? May 10 16:54:02 That'd be lovely, it was wonderful May 10 16:54:31 *she gets them two big glass bottles of this too May 10 16:54:41 O: Now you can go May 10 16:54:49 * Morgan nods May 10 16:54:56 Thank you Ottilie... Ned, take care... May 10 16:57:38 * Ned and Ottilie wish him all the best, and so they go to get the horses. Xantha sniffs him suspiciously when they get there May 10 16:59:00 Aye, I know, I'm not well... May 10 17:00:56 *Xantha puts his forehead to Morgan’s before huffing May 10 17:01:37 * Morgan nods a little, pressing his face to the horse May 10 17:01:41 Come on, lets go home May 10 17:02:57 *Xantha behaves better than normal, and they make solid progress. But even into the mid-morning Morgan still feels a bit unwell May 10 17:03:35 * Morgan drinks a little as they ride, checking himself for bites May 10 17:05:07 *he looks fine* May 10 17:06:24 * Morgan shakes his head a little, looking around May 10 17:08:08 *it’s much like many places this rural, not a lot to see but trees. They stop for lunch a bit later, and Morgan can hear a stream May 10 17:10:37 * Morgan excuses himself to go wash his face May 10 17:11:20 *Xantha follows along, stepping into the water and drinking May 10 17:11:35 * Morgan splashes his face and neck May 10 17:12:57 *he feels a bit on his neck that feels sticky May 10 17:13:26 * Morgan sets about washing it May 10 17:14:37 *he sees on his hand the same sort of gross sticky stuff on the creatures that we inside the Bockdaemon May 10 17:15:23 * Morgan strips off his coat, giving his neck a thorough cleaning May 10 17:16:02 *he finds a little more, and once that’s gone he feels immediately better May 10 17:16:55 * Morgan shakes his hands off, getting his coat back on May 10 17:17:36 *Xantha watches him* May 10 17:18:10 Better... May 10 17:18:56 *Xantha drinks some more before raising his head and spitting some water out* May 10 17:19:10 Got some of that huh? May 10 17:19:50 *Xantha gets out* May 10 17:20:33 * Morgan stands up, moving away from the stream May 10 17:21:32 *Xantha shakes his feet off May 10 17:24:45 * Morgan checks the mirror May 10 17:43:51 * Ned has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) May 10 18:29:52 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 10 18:54:51 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined May 10 19:10:34 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 10 19:15:41 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined May 10 19:20:53 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined May 10 19:22:08 *Xantha watches him* May 10 19:22:08 Better... May 10 19:22:08 *Xantha drinks some more before raising his head and spitting some water out* May 10 19:22:08 Got some of that huh? May 10 19:22:08 *Xantha gets out* May 10 19:22:10 * Morgan stands up, moving away from the stream May 10 19:22:12 *Xantha shakes his feet off May 10 19:22:14 * Morgan checks the mirror May 10 19:25:19 *it says: Wonderful news! Hurry home please, I miss you. I hope you are well, did you find it? My grandfather’s book says no one knew what made it, but some had suggested it was the angry spirit of goats that had been sacrificed to the old gods, or mistreated by humans. My love, M xx May 10 19:26:18 * Morgan nods a little, packing it away and goes to eat May 10 19:27:43 *the bread is excellent, the cheese a bit too goat-milky, and the small beer is good. Mainz eats some before saying* They won’t forget you in a hurry May 10 19:28:17 Reckon? May 10 19:34:23 Things will be different there from now on, no more lock ins May 10 19:36:10 I hope so May 10 19:36:28 * Molly is now known as Mainz May 10 19:36:47 those girls are going to lose their side trade May 10 19:37:18 I think thats a decent trade off May 10 19:37:59 * Mainz nods May 10 19:38:20 they offered to show me their breasts for five guilders May 10 19:38:48 Quite pushy, I found May 10 19:41:25 * Mainz nods May 10 19:41:49 They’d have done anything to have followed us out of Linsbad into civilisation May 10 19:42:10 Someone should set up a school May 10 19:44:13 * Mainz nods May 10 19:44:37 There’s quite a few children per family there May 10 19:46:03 * Morgan nods May 10 19:46:06 Might be worth looking into May 10 19:46:39 * Mainz nods May 10 19:46:58 That rate of offspring might lessen now though May 10 19:47:20 Now they can go out in the evening? May 10 19:51:04 * Mainz nods May 10 19:51:26 The tavern will suddenly turn a hefty profit too May 10 19:52:57 * Morgan nods, sipping the beer May 10 19:53:08 Ottilie could make a good amount of money with this stuff too May 10 19:55:22 * Mainz nods “I think there’s something in the water in this part of the country that makes for good small beer. We always had good small beer” May 10 19:55:52 Why is it called small beer? May 10 19:57:38 The lack of alcohol in it May 10 19:57:48 Huh... May 10 19:59:41 It’s fine for children too May 10 19:59:56 Its really good May 10 20:04:42 * Mainz nods “There’s a bigger brewery in Kirtorf, they could supply you. Or you could invest in them making an extra one in Kiev, have them pay you back the principle over time” May 10 20:05:36 Aye, maybe. Something to consider May 10 20:07:46 * Mainz nods, eating May 10 20:09:28 I reckon I'll feel better now May 10 20:10:35 Probably lack of sleep, didn’t sound like you had a good night May 10 20:11:30 Found some of the... stuff... from the bockdaemon on my neck. Soon as I washed it off I started feeling better. Lack of sleep doesn't bother me May 10 20:12:35 * Mainz nods “you shouted for your wife a couple of times” May 10 20:12:43 * Morgan nods May 10 20:12:46 nightmares May 10 20:14:53 * Mainz nods May 10 20:15:06 should be back to her in a few days May 10 20:16:16 * Morgan nods May 10 20:16:26 And then we're off travelling again May 10 20:20:12 * Mainz nods “Karlsruhe suggested Federest or I come along for your security “ May 10 20:21:10 Probably wise May 10 20:22:20 * Mainz nods “It can be dangerous still” May 10 20:23:04 * Morgan nods May 10 20:23:07 I agree May 10 20:23:35 With your family and children it makes sense to be as protected as possible May 10 20:26:56 * Morgan nods May 10 20:26:59 Absolutely it does May 10 20:32:08 *When he checks the mirror again late afternoon, it says “Alice has arrived in Insel and will see Seb tonight when she and Florrie go to the Rosenkrantzs for dinner. Also, your Father has just arrived from Freiburg, he’s only staying tonight and then he’ll be back to your Mother. Quiet Hour was a bit lonely, but I kept busy. I can’t wait to see you again. Mxx” May 10 20:32:41 "Just a couple of days now my love, then we'll be back together" May 10 20:36:33 *They arrive back in Hellbad in the early evening, and take rooms in the same inn. They’re served the same food, and he is left to his own devices as before, giving him more time to sketch May 10 20:37:14 * Morgan props the mirror up, sketching the bockdaemon May 10 20:43:17 * Mainz has quit (Read error: EOF from client) May 10 20:44:25 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)