**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Sun May 24 10:55:34 2026 May 24 10:55:34 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined May 24 19:13:38 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.101) has joined May 24 19:13:55 * Molly nods “I don’t know either. It won’t be my choice, will it?” May 24 19:13:55 Probably not May 24 19:13:55 * Molly sighs “At least you’ll have the choice whether to go to bed with someone else” May 24 19:13:55 * Morgan shakes his head May 24 19:13:55 Thats not happening May 24 19:13:58 Why not? Theus knows you have the skill and enjoyment of it! May 24 19:14:02 * Morgan shrugs May 24 19:14:04 Because I would not love them May 24 19:14:06 * Molly nods “That is not a choice I have” May 24 19:14:08 I know May 24 19:14:10 Does that trouble you? May 24 19:14:12 If I'm honest, yes May 24 19:14:14 I want your honesty May 24 19:14:16 Well there you go then May 24 19:14:18 * Molly nods May 24 19:14:20 It will never be like it is with you, because I do not love him. May 24 19:14:22 * Morgan nods May 24 19:14:24 * Molly pulls the sheets up May 24 19:14:26 You will take care of yourself for me, won’t you? May 24 19:14:28 It'd be easier if I didn't... May 24 19:14:32 As it would for me... May 24 19:14:34 * Morgan sighs May 24 19:14:36 But I wouldn’t, because I could not do that to you May 24 19:14:38 * Morgan nods May 24 19:14:40 good May 24 19:18:37 * Molly nods. It doesn’t take long for them to dress, and he gets to see her nude for the last time. Too soon, he is ready to leave, and she’s watching him sadly May 24 19:18:50 I am always going to miss you May 24 19:19:27 * Morgan nods May 24 19:19:29 And I you May 24 19:20:56 * Molly kisses him gently, seriously May 24 19:21:35 * Morgan presses his lips to hers May 24 19:23:10 * Molly moves back after a few moments. She looks upset “Take care of yourself, Morgan” May 24 19:24:48 * Morgan nods sadly May 24 19:24:49 And you May 24 19:25:14 * Molly nods, letting him go May 24 19:26:28 * Morgan sighs heavily, moving away May 24 19:26:46 * Molly gently shuts the door May 24 19:28:11 * Morgan scowls, moving down and out of the building and onto the street May 24 19:30:09 *Outside everyone is going about their business, so he goes to the dock. The ship heading for Tawstock is waiting, and he gets the same little cabin as on the way up May 24 19:30:58 * Morgan sits quietly, staring at his hands May 24 19:32:51 *he realises then that he no longer has her letters or her shawl, those little precious things that have kept him connected to her all these months* May 24 19:36:08 shit May 24 19:39:14 *With this, and with Horatio coming back for her, and the necessity of their goodbye, it’s going to be like she’s dead to him, yet also still alive and he can do nothing to protect her* May 24 19:41:09 * Morgan scowls, balling and unbarring his fists May 24 19:42:17 *the ship suddenly pulling away from the dock wakes him in the little room in the inn in Hellbad he’s staying in* May 24 19:42:57 * Morgan scowls, checking the time May 24 19:46:27 *it’s about half an hour before he’d usually wake May 24 19:46:45 * Morgan gets up, getting dressed and packing up all his things May 24 19:50:10 *it’s very quiet, and he’s able to get the horses ready before Mainz appears at first light. He seems to have brought food May 24 19:50:17 * Molly is now known as Mainz May 24 19:51:24 Morning May 24 19:52:29 Good morning, my Lord. Back to Aachen, or roughing it? May 24 19:54:21 Whats the time difference? May 24 19:56:26 We’ll arrive at lunchtime on Thursday to Hafenlohr roughing it, or late evening Thursday going to Aachen tonight May 24 19:56:54 Rough it then, I want to get home May 24 19:59:38 * Mainz nods, getting saddled up “Sounds good to me” May 24 19:59:52 * Morgan nods, hauling himself into the saddle May 24 20:00:59 * Mainz walks on. Xantha makes a long suffering sigh May 24 20:01:21 Whats your problem, huh? We'll be home sooner... May 24 20:04:17 *he starts walking. The morning starts off warm, and before midday it’s sweltering been under the shade of the trees. They find a good size stream to let the horses in, and Mainz pulls off his shirt to soak it. Like most men of their age, he’s very scarred May 24 20:07:43 * Morgan takes his coat off, laying it on the ground before rolling up his sleeves May 24 20:07:51 They’ll be glad you’ve got a lake today! May 24 20:09:54 * Morgan nods May 24 20:10:02 I'd be quite happy bobbing along just below the surface right now May 24 20:11:57 * Mainz nods, squeezing the water out over his head May 24 20:12:34 You get used to not being out all day in it May 24 20:14:05 * Morgan nods May 24 20:14:16 I mostly remember it raining when I was out and about a lot May 24 20:16:32 * Mainz shakes his head “Fought a lot in the south west in the summers, very hot” May 24 20:17:21 * Morgan nods May 24 20:17:26 I got about a lot May 24 20:18:19 * Mainz chuckles “Didn’t we all?” May 24 20:19:06 * Morgan smiles May 24 20:19:25 Always seemed to be trudging to some far off place for the next fight... like... could they not have found one closer? May 24 20:20:51 * Mainz nods May 24 20:21:07 yeah May 24 20:22:44 * Mainz chucks off his boots, and wades in. He goes behind Xantha, not close enough for a kick, but Morgan has seen the nonchalant look Xantha is doing, generally right before he farts at the person about to pass him May 24 20:23:02 * Morgan smiles, watching them May 24 20:25:32 *Xantha does fart loudly, and it goes on and on. Mainz goes from a yelp of disgust to laughing* May 24 20:26:12 * Morgan laughs, leaning back against a tree May 24 20:29:17 *Xantha blows raspberries before returning to drinking, his mouth making splashing noises. A little clearing by a stream, the sound of splashing in the water, the tree against his back takes him back to last August and Molly in the sunlit water, a stolen few intimate minutes May 24 20:30:06 * Morgan sighs, just watching his horse May 24 20:31:30 *Xantha seems content. He hasn’t checked the mirror today* May 24 20:31:54 * Morgan pulls his bag to him, trying to discreetly check it May 24 20:35:41 *it says “Around two: I was hopeful you’d have dreamt the same and we’d see each other, but sadly not it seems. I miss you. Seven: Good morning, I hope your night was alright. I love you. Eleven: I thought I’d hear from you by now. Let me know you’re well please. Mxx May 24 20:36:34 * Morgan glances over at Mainz May 24 20:37:19 *he’s putting water on his horse May 24 20:38:32 * Morgan takes a piece of paper, scribbling quickly with a pencil "We're okay. Bad dreams. Roughing it tonight so probably won't see you. I love you" May 24 20:40:19 *she must be busy as nothing changes* May 24 20:40:31 * Morgan packs it away safely May 24 20:44:51 *they get moving again. Mainz ditches his shirt entirely by the time it’s late afternoon. They’ve eaten on the way, and they’re well off the regular road as they head diagonally towards Hafenlohr. He gets another chance to check the mirror then May 24 20:47:47 * Morgan checks it May 24 20:49:33 *it says “I’m sorry your dreams were bad. I wish I was out roughing it with you! It’s hot here today, in quiet time I napped nude with the windows open! I love you Mxx” May 24 20:51:31 "I don't blame you. I sat by a stream at lunchtime and was thinking of you. Hopefully we should arrive sometime Thursday afternoon. My love" May 24 20:54:14 *several more hours pass, and he’s left with those thoughts of them at the stream, and her pregnant and sleeping naked in their room, and also how he’d had to say goodbye in his dream. There’s not much to break up the thoughts until they find a spot of camp and they need firewood May 24 20:57:09 * Morgan looks around, keeping an eye out for appropriate bits of wood May 24 20:58:36 *he manages to find several decent bits, as does Mainz, who then goes to look for something to catch for them to eat May 24 20:59:22 * Morgan waits for him to be out of sight before glancing at the fire to light it May 24 21:02:48 *it lights perfectly May 24 21:03:57 * Morgan nods, checking on the horses May 24 21:05:08 *Xantha is watching the other horse suspiciously May 24 21:06:17 * Morgan goes over, rubbing Xanthas nose May 24 21:06:24 Its alright May 24 21:07:22 *he snorts, throwing his head proudly* May 24 21:08:21 Yeah well, maybe -I- want some affection... May 24 21:09:39 *Xantha glances around before nuzzling him* May 24 21:12:10 * Morgan pats him gently before moving away May 24 21:14:00 * Mainz finds some rabbits, so they cook and eat companionably. Mainz seems vigilant enough without being overly concerned May 24 21:14:10 Do you want to take watches? May 24 21:14:49 Proabably best, aye May 24 21:16:21 * Mainz nods May 24 21:16:28 first or second? May 24 21:17:05 I'll take second if thats alright with you May 24 21:17:53 * Mainz nods, getting settled with his cloak and falling asleep quickly May 24 21:20:11 * Mainz nods May 24 21:20:17 * Morgan goes to get himself settled to sleep May 24 21:25:37 *it’s easy now the temperature has dropped. He starts to dream again in that same dream. He gets back to Catherine’s without trouble. Weeks pass, and as expected, she doesn’t write. Nor does he to her. The new schoolmaster settles in, and there are children there again. On the anniversary of Dietlinde and Jana’s deaths, he hears the laughter of the children as they leave their confinement. Mtf May 24 21:26:51 The day is cooler than it was that day, and it seems like much more than three years ago. He’d chosen not to write to Otto and Sascha this time, lest Yensid or HH put two and two together. But now the day has come he has started to second guess himself. Will they think he no longer cares, that their daughter has been replaced in his thoughts? May 24 21:27:21 * Morgan kicks at the ground as he walks May 24 21:30:23 *he gets to do this a lot whilst he walks around, and there is a distinct lack of anyone working to notice him* May 24 21:31:04 * Morgan frowns, going in search of the staff May 24 21:32:11 *he finds no one in the kitchen* May 24 21:34:07 * Morgan frowns, carrying on looking May 24 21:36:21 *they are found in the pink stairwell and up the stairs. There seems to be whispered gossip passed down the line. Mary is right at the back May 24 21:38:24 * Morgan listens quietly May 24 21:39:14 *it sounds like no one knows what is going on* May 24 21:40:42 Alright, whats occuring? May 24 21:40:48 * Mainz is now known as Mary May 24 21:40:52 * Mary startles May 24 21:41:00 Master Hockridge! May 24 21:41:22 *this starts a chain reaction of people looking, and some up on the landing scurrying away* May 24 21:41:42 Back to work, all of you... except... you, Mary... May 24 21:42:39 *the dispersal is impressive and rapid, but Mary looks wary May 24 21:43:29 Explain. May 24 21:45:14 I heard in the village that Molly wrote to her parents that Mr Black never went to her, and she wanted to know where he was, but then no one knew, but now he’s just turned up, and then I mentioned the baby, and now he’s seeing Lady Torrington May 24 21:46:41 Should've kept that to yourself. Its nothing to do with us May 24 21:47:21 I wasn’t to know that, was I? She must have had it by now, and he should go to look after them, shouldn’t he?! May 24 21:48:30 * Morgan looks at her May 24 21:48:42 And what of that is -your- concern? May 24 21:49:14 It’s just right May 24 21:50:09 Since you're so sure you can be telling visitors what is right, you can pack your things... it's not your business to be telling guests of her ladyship what they should or shouldn't be doing. Thats not our purpose here May 24 21:51:15 that’s not fair! May 24 21:52:22 Then I expect a damn sight better from all of you from here on out. Am I understood? May 24 21:53:06 Yes sir May 24 21:55:32 * Morgan nods going looking for Lady Torrington May 24 21:57:24 *the door to her sitting room is closed May 24 21:58:00 * Morgan moves to listen May 24 21:58:27 *he can hear a back and forth talking, but not the words. it sounds like just Catherine and Horatio May 24 21:59:16 * Morgan knocks May 24 22:00:12 Catherine calls: Yes, you should come in, Morgan! May 24 22:00:33 * Morgan frowns, pushing the door open May 24 22:03:12 *They’re stood opposite each other. Catherine looks displeased, Horatio has his hands in his pockets, looking sheepish* May 24 22:04:28 My lady May 24 22:05:34 *Catherine nods* I am glad you’re here, I need a break. May 24 22:05:52 * Morgan frowns May 24 22:05:59 Is something wrong? May 24 22:07:57 C: You should ask him! May 24 22:08:07 *Horatio looks uncomfortable * May 24 22:09:05 * Morgan turns to look at him May 24 22:09:19 * Mary is now known as Horatio May 24 22:09:29 It is a difficult matter May 24 22:10:58 *Catherine lets herself out* May 24 22:11:56 * Morgan watches him May 24 22:12:58 I was going to go to Durham when I had word from a contact and had to go to Eisen May 24 22:13:36 I assume you wrote to her to tell her... May 24 22:14:45 * Horatio grimaces May 24 22:14:59 It is more complicated than that May 24 22:16:02 AH, so you were kidnapped and thrown on a ship and didn't have access to paper or a pencil the whole time until right now when you're stood here, having been kept blindfold the entire time... yes? May 24 22:16:55 No... *he looks at how to phrase it before saying* It seems my wife is still alive May 24 22:17:53 So you figured you'd just not bother telling her any of it, not even that you're going away to keep her from worrying... but why would you, given you abandoned her the first time with nothing... May 24 22:18:57 * Horatio looks deeply uncomfortable May 24 22:19:12 No, not Molly. My first wife. May 24 22:19:22 Yes, I know that. My point stands entirely. May 24 22:20:01 I have only just found out myself, and the situation is now legally complex May 24 22:21:48 Oh, so you -didn't- know before you decided to run off to Eisen without a word to Molly... you're a coward May 24 22:23:05 * Horatio sighs “Please try to understand, I never meant to hurt Molly” May 24 22:25:32 I don't care. Time and again thats all you've done. As I understand it your marriage to her is nullified on account of your bigamy. May 24 22:26:40 * Horatio nods solemnly “It never existed, and she is innocent of the crime” May 24 22:26:53 And you came here because? May 24 22:27:22 Because Lady Torrington is the one who will decide whether to prosecute me May 24 22:28:09 * Morgan nods May 24 22:28:58 Very well, I'll go and assist her. You can find accommodation at the inn in Tawstock until it's decided whether or not the sheriff will take custody of you. I'd advise you don't run because I'm very -very- good at finding people. May 24 22:31:32 * Horatio nods “I just believed them when they told me she had died, but I didn’t see her body...” May 24 22:34:38 * Morgan nods May 24 22:35:09 Very well. I'll speak with her ladyship May 24 22:35:45 * Horatio nods “How do you think Molly will handle it?” May 24 22:37:32 * Morgan shrugs May 24 22:37:40 I've no idea May 24 22:38:40 * Horatio nods “I have asked her Father to write for her to come back so I can see her” May 24 22:40:01 I wouldn't hold your breath May 24 22:41:40 * Horatio nods “She should know that Serena is not gone” May 24 22:42:02 I think you've bigger problems at the moment May 24 22:42:56 * Horatio nods May 24 22:43:29 I will stay in the Inn by the docks May 24 22:43:38 * Morgan nods, moving to the door May 24 22:46:11 * Horatio offers his hand to shake Morgan’s. He’s no longer wearing his wedding ring May 24 22:46:39 * Morgan watches him a moment before walking away, going in search of lady Torrington May 24 22:48:02 * Horatio is now known as Catherine May 24 22:48:34 * Catherine is in the room that overlooks the school house, door open May 24 22:48:44 * Morgan taps the doorframe May 24 22:50:17 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 24 22:51:09 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined May 24 22:52:50 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) May 24 23:07:43 * Catherine has quit (Read error: EOF from client)