**** BEGIN LOGGING AT Wed Jun 24 10:11:45 2026 Jun 24 10:11:45 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Jun 24 12:05:06 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jun 24 12:10:28 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Jun 24 13:33:55 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jun 24 13:51:35 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Jun 24 16:13:18 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jun 24 16:53:33 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Jun 24 17:44:57 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jun 24 17:49:21 * Morgan (~madisonst@192.168.1.129) has joined Jun 24 19:13:38 * Molly (~u931732@192.168.1.75) has joined Jun 24 19:18:10 ((instigates? enthusiasm and dominance level, anything he’d particularly insist on doing, quickly or drawn out?)) Jun 24 19:26:16 ((Yes, enthusiastic, not particularly dominating, no, drawn out)) Jun 24 19:30:02 *She seems quite surprised when he approaches the subject, but easily matches his desire. It’s very pleasurable, but more than that, it’s coming home. It’s even later by the time they’ve exhausted each other and are cleaned up for bed. She lies in his arms, head on his chest and belly again his hip. She sighs happily* Jun 24 19:30:07 That’s better. Jun 24 19:30:17 * Morgan nods Jun 24 19:30:19 Yes, it is Jun 24 19:30:29 I’ve missed you Jun 24 19:32:07 And I you, my love Jun 24 19:32:59 I hope you won’t have to be off without me again any time soon Jun 24 19:33:57 I hope not Jun 24 19:34:22 * Molly yawns Jun 24 19:34:38 will you let me take your nightmares tonight, so you can rest? Jun 24 19:34:53 * Morgan shakes his head Jun 24 19:34:55 no Jun 24 19:35:40 Please, liebling. You deserve to be rested Jun 24 19:36:13 Not at the cost of your rest in your condition Jun 24 19:36:21 * Molly sighs Jun 24 19:36:28 I won’t win, will I? Jun 24 19:36:46 I'm afraid not Jun 24 19:37:01 I will be here though, if you need me Jun 24 19:37:30 * Morgan nods Jun 24 19:37:31 Thank you Jun 24 19:38:11 * Molly nods sleepily “goodnight, my love” Jun 24 19:38:25 Goodnight blossom Jun 24 19:39:29 *she’s asleep quickly, the fidgeting of his son not keeping her awake Jun 24 19:39:54 * Morgan smiles, putting a hand to her tummy as he settles to sleep Jun 24 19:40:45 *he gets kicked twice, but the movement soon settles too, and Morgan starts to dream* Jun 24 19:43:15 *It’s March, ‘68. He has been a widower just six months, and this is the third new town he’s arrived in. He’d liked Avebury and Maelwys, and the work there had been honest and simple, as Dietlinde would have approved of. But he had to get ahead of Yensid before the poisoned tendrils of nobility snared around him and dragged him back to the place he was born, and where his brother would die. MTF Jun 24 19:45:26 He’d taken a boat from a little port down to Tawstock, where he was going to interview to be Master At Arms on a young noblewoman’s estate. If that didn’t work, maybe he’d go further west, or even up to Innismore, where no one would look. The big dock is quite empty when he arrives not long after lunch time, surprisingly just a couple of people working on boats Jun 24 19:46:48 * Morgan looks around, shouldering his bag Jun 24 19:47:53 *There’s a small stable with a sign that says ‘Horses for hire’ Jun 24 19:48:06 * Morgan wanders towards it Jun 24 19:48:56 *two men are gossiping* 1: I don’t know, she might get away with it Jun 24 19:49:27 * Morgan slows, listening Jun 24 19:49:40 2: Nah, flogging at least, then banishment Jun 24 19:50:14 Whats that? Jun 24 19:50:15 1: Never know, the Forrester boys might come back and vouch for her Jun 24 19:50:54 *both men look to him. They’re in their forties, neither seems bothered about being overheard Jun 24 19:51:11 1: Local girl has a trial today for theft Jun 24 19:51:23 Oh? What she steal? Jun 24 19:51:49 2: Blankets. Jun 24 19:52:06 What for? Jun 24 19:52:21 1: *he shrugs* Sell, probably Jun 24 19:53:38 No-one asked? Jun 24 19:55:42 *he shrugs* It’s all just rumour til the trial. Starts anytime now, if you’re interested. If they decide it’s Grand Theft, she’ll hang right after Jun 24 19:56:31 Where at? Jun 24 19:58:18 *He’s given directions to the courthouse* Jun 24 19:58:33 * Morgan nods, thanking them and heading in that direction Jun 24 20:00:36 *outside the big building there are crowds, all trying to get into the courthouse, though some seem happier to just get and hold their good position at the gallows that’s been built Jun 24 20:01:33 * Morgan looks around before shouldering his way toward the building Jun 24 20:03:19 *a few people make comments about him being rude. He gets to a place with a good enough view to see the magistrate and the two lawyers, but he can’t see the defendant Jun 24 20:03:55 * Morgan waits Jun 24 20:06:26 Magistrate: We are here for the trial of Molly Forrester, disowned daughter formerly of Martha and David Forrester of Sunnymeade. She is charged with Grand Theft from the household of Mr and Mrs Hayworth, as well as breaking and entering into their barn, consuming milk from their cows, and sleeping in the barn. She has also made allegations that Mr Hayworth tried to rape her. Jun 24 20:06:48 *the crowd makes disapproving and disbelieving noises* Jun 24 20:07:50 *The woman beside him says quietly to her female friend* We always knew she’d come to no good! Jun 24 20:08:11 * Morgan rolls his eyes Jun 24 20:09:29 Magistrate: Miss Forrester, do you understand the charges? Jun 24 20:10:12 *she sounds quite young when she replies, but her voice is clear and solemn* Yes, Sir. Jun 24 20:11:53 Magistrate: Defence, is there anything you wish to say to defend your client? Jun 24 20:12:22 *there’s more mumblings around him* Jun 24 20:12:32 * Morgan looks around Jun 24 20:12:39 If you cannot be quiet enough to listen, bugger off outside Jun 24 20:15:17 *the two women mutter about how rude he is* Jun 24 20:15:40 * Morgan stares at them for a moment before looking away Jun 24 20:16:28 D: Thank you, Sir. Molly, when the Sheriff arrested you, you said you took one old and tatty blanket that the plaintiffs had been going to give to their horse... Jun 24 20:16:48 I retract that statement. Jun 24 20:17:45 *the crowd mutter again. The Defence lawyer looks confused* You want to plead innocent of that charge? Jun 24 20:18:05 No. Jun 24 20:18:26 *the woman beside him says “what? can’t be both, can it?” Jun 24 20:19:00 * Morgan looks around briefly Jun 24 20:21:51 *someone in front of him moves, and he can see her now. She’s eighteen, at most, and has deep red hair the likes of which he has never seen. Perhaps it’s just the solemn expression on her face, or the way she looks like they’ve barely given her any chance to get presentable that makes his heart skip a beat in a way he’s only felt once before. It’s the injustice of such a young girl on trial, and nothing more, surely? Jun 24 20:22:16 * Morgan frowns Jun 24 20:22:44 Prosecutor: The Hayworths say you stole two brand new blankets that were an expensive gift. Jun 24 20:23:39 * Molly nods, but she also shrugs slightly, a tiny gesture many would miss “Yes.” Jun 24 20:24:37 *there are louder sounds of judgment and disapproval* P: So you admit to the crime of Grand Theft? Jun 24 20:25:19 *the other woman says quietly* She’s about to get herself hung Jun 24 20:26:35 * Molly takes a deep breath. She scans the crowd dispassionately, though when she meets Morgan’s eyes she looks slightly surprised “Yes.” Jun 24 20:27:14 * Morgan scowls, glancing around Jun 24 20:28:29 *the crowd look quite pleased with this* Jun 24 20:28:44 D: Magistrate, I need to speak to my client! Jun 24 20:29:11 *The Magistrate shakes his head* No, we will proceed Jun 24 20:29:45 * Morgan leans down to the woman next to him, muttering quietly Jun 24 20:29:48 Can you smell burning? Jun 24 20:30:42 *the prosecutor nods, smiling a little* Do you withdraw your allegation that Mr Hayworth tried to rape you? Jun 24 20:31:51 *The woman sniffs the air* No... Doris, can -you- smell burning? *The man on the other side says “What is burning?”, and then the man next to him says “There’s a fire!” Jun 24 20:32:28 * Morgan looks around as if looking for smoke Jun 24 20:33:30 * Molly glances in their direction again, but she blushes and looks away when she sees Morgan “Yes, I recant. It was a lie.” Jun 24 20:34:06 * Morgan shakes his head a little Jun 24 20:34:09 *the crowd is split between gloating and worrying about the non-existent fire* Jun 24 20:34:40 *people around him start to make towards the exit* Jun 24 20:35:24 *The magistrate nods* Very well. Is there anyone here to vouch for and take responsibility for this confessed thief and harlot? Jun 24 20:35:52 * Morgan sighs, raising his hand Jun 24 20:37:09 *this gets everyone watching him, all of the people in the town his prospective employer rules over. No doubt word would get to her even before he’d had chance to hire a horse. Jun 24 20:37:33 *The Magistrate watches him* Who are you? Jun 24 20:37:44 * Morgan smiles a little Jun 24 20:38:51 Someone capable of seeing through lies for a start... I'll be speaking with her ladyship about the conduct of her court... Jun 24 20:40:12 *The Magistrate looks offended* The court will not hand over a prisoner to any old Tom, Dick, or Harry who comes in off the street Jun 24 20:40:50 No, it will just miscarry justice through ignorance Jun 24 20:41:04 * Molly isn’t looking at him now, she’s stood with her hands together, eyes on the wooden rail in front of her Jun 24 20:42:21 *Magistrate considers, then says* We will take a break for twenty minutes, then the trial will resume. *He points at Morgan* You, in my chambers, now! Jun 24 20:42:48 * Morgan shrugs a little Jun 24 20:42:59 Come on then, I've got things to do Jun 24 20:43:51 *people looks angry at the interruption to their entertainment, scowling at Morgan as they pass him. The magistrate goes through a door, whilst the Defence Lawyer goes to the redhead Jun 24 20:44:27 * Morgan wanders through behind him Jun 24 20:46:11 *he hears her say to her defender “Please, just let it be over.” Jun 24 20:46:34 *The Magistrate is waiting for him in the room, stood in front of a desk Jun 24 20:47:02 * Morgan looks around Jun 24 20:47:04 Yes? Jun 24 20:47:21 * Molly is now known as Magistrate Jun 24 20:47:26 what is your name? Jun 24 20:47:40 You can call me Randall Jun 24 20:48:41 Randall what? Jun 24 20:49:04 No, not what Jun 24 20:49:17 Randall is your family name? Jun 24 20:50:09 Its as good a name as any Jun 24 20:51:23 And your residence? Jun 24 20:52:15 None of your concern Jun 24 20:54:46 * Magistrate shakes his head Jun 24 20:55:25 It is my concern. To take responsibility for her, I need to be assured that you can provide for her and keep her under control Jun 24 20:55:44 She will not be my charge. I stand in the stead of a landowner from the north Jun 24 20:56:11 Who, and where, and how are you employed by them? Jun 24 20:56:59 The estate of Catterick... I am their... lets say I get things done. Jun 24 20:57:16 What proof do you have of that? Jun 24 20:57:56 I carry no proof... I carry very little indeed. Jun 24 20:58:39 Then why would I take your word for who you are? I get lied to every day by people with much more convincing stories Jun 24 20:59:02 And yet you cannot see the most obvious lies... so clearly, you really aren't very good at it Jun 24 20:59:35 * Magistrate looks him over Jun 24 20:59:40 Are you married? Jun 24 21:00:05 * Morgan looks him over, trying to get a read of the man Jun 24 21:00:12 Might be Jun 24 21:02:03 * Magistrate looks to be doing much the same back to Morgan. He is in his fifties, has a well-worn wedding ring on, and as Morgan himself does, another on a necklace. He looks fairly healthy for his age, no signs of being a drinker, tidy, calm* Jun 24 21:02:28 I will release her to your care if you marry her Jun 24 21:03:02 Funny, you don't seem to have slipped into your dotage... Jun 24 21:04:33 No, I have not. But she would become your responsibility that way, and I could accept a vow made to the Almighty as proof that you are taking on the duty of preventing further lawlessness. Jun 24 21:05:11 I despair, its quite plain she acted out of desperation... the fact you are blind to that is a disgrace Jun 24 21:06:30 She has confessed to Grand Theft and to slandering a man to his whole community. She was already cast out in disgrace by her family for loose morals and fornication. Jun 24 21:07:39 She confessed under duress, and a desire for it all to be over... you are a widower, you must know that feeling... Jun 24 21:09:59 * Magistrate nods, gesturing Morgan to a chair Jun 24 21:10:44 * Morgan moves to it, sitting just after the magistrate does Jun 24 21:12:08 Under duress or not, she has made her choice. The only way out of this for her is for someone to take and keep her in a manner than is honourable Jun 24 21:12:43 She'll be put to work and kept out of trouble Jun 24 21:14:41 * Magistrate shakes his head Jun 24 21:14:52 It is not enough Jun 24 21:15:12 Why? Jun 24 21:16:00 Her name and reputation is tarnished. This will follow her wherever she goes. Jun 24 21:16:21 Marrying wouldn't help that. Going away, unknown, would. Jun 24 21:18:03 What life is that, Randall? She will have no community and nowhere she knows. This will always hang over her. I entirely understand her wish for the end of her life Jun 24 21:18:44 She can have that at Catterick Jun 24 21:20:04 Again you are asking that I trust a man who will only give me one name and who claims a connection he cannot prove. I have to be seen to be handing out justice on solid grounds. Jun 24 21:20:24 * Morgan shrugs Jun 24 21:20:44 Say there is... Jun 24 21:21:35 * Magistrate sits forward, watching him “Why should I lie for you?” Jun 24 21:22:29 Because you're in the business of being just... Jun 24 21:23:18 What would be Just is someone taking on the legal responsibility for overseeing a criminal, in the absence of their punishment Jun 24 21:24:25 You'd be giving her a chance at a life away from here, without the unjust punishment you were gearing up to implement Jun 24 21:26:24 I have a duty to ensure the public trust. I am sorry it does not suit you, but those are the terms. Jun 24 21:27:02 Thats fine, I'll go speak with her ladyship and have you removed Jun 24 21:27:15 * Morgan stands with the air of a man who knows he can get that done Jun 24 21:28:24 The trial will continue as planned. it takes two hours to Lady Torrington’s house. By then, you will no longer need to worry about the situation Jun 24 21:28:34 * Morgan smiles Jun 24 21:28:47 Then you, and your solicitors here, will face the same judgement... Jun 24 21:29:56 The punishment for Grand Theft is death, everyone knows this, including Lady Torrington Jun 24 21:30:06 * Morgan nods Jun 24 21:31:03 Oh I know, unless she is handed into my custody... your refusal will force me to have Lady Torrington remove you, which then opens you to the charge of murder which also carries a death penalty... we won't wait for the gallows though, as I said... I get things done. Jun 24 21:32:24 You seem to think a lot of yourself for some poor employee of an insignificant noble estate Jun 24 21:32:34 * Morgan smiles a little Jun 24 21:33:23 You have four hours to say your farewells to your wife... Jun 24 21:34:21 *There’s a knock on the door* Jun 24 21:34:50 * Magistrate calls to come in, and it’s the defence lawyer Jun 24 21:36:10 D: Sir, the prisoner would like to know if we can continue on with the proceedings, please. It seems she has more crimes she wishes to confess to *he looks harried and frustrated* Jun 24 21:37:53 * Magistrate looks to Morgan a moment “You see? She has no intention of going anywhere but to the gallows” Jun 24 21:38:07 Precisely. Jun 24 21:40:02 *The Defender looks to Morgan, offering his hand* Good afternoon, I do not think we’ve met? Jun 24 21:40:31 * Morgan nods, gripping his hand firmly Jun 24 21:40:52 Randall... Jun 24 21:42:34 D: I am Tom Arnsworth. Are you going to take responsibility for her? Jun 24 21:43:08 Yes, I am Jun 24 21:43:19 On behalf of the Catterick estate Jun 24 21:44:02 D: I don’t believe it works that way Jun 24 21:45:02 Well, if it carries on, she'll be confessing to the original sin, and this farce will look even more ridiculous Jun 24 21:47:00 I have offered that he can marry her and take responsibility that way Jun 24 21:47:12 *The defender looks at Morgan hopefully* Jun 24 21:47:50 You try to justify yourself to your staff... oh dear. Right, I'll see you in precisely four hours... don't bother dressing up Jun 24 21:48:59 *The defender grabs his arm* Please, if you leave she’s going to lose Jun 24 21:49:47 Yes, because the judge is inept and will pay for that with his life upon my return Jun 24 21:51:49 *The defender sighs* Perhaps if you talked to her... She wouldn’t be any trouble for you, all of this is not her fault Jun 24 21:53:29 This useless, corrupt sack of patheticness has made everyone's beds... so, I'm afraid, she's going to die. And then so is he, his family ruined, his property seized.... Jun 24 21:54:54 * Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) Jun 24 22:29:10 * Magistrate has quit (Read error: EOF from client)