[22:24] (Molly) [22:17] (Molly) *she nods* the church of Avalon is more similar to the Vaticine church really. *she finishes tying her shoes*
[22:24] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[22:24] * @Morgan nods
[22:24] (@Morgan) I noticed
[22:25] * Molly frowns slightly
[22:28] (Molly) Its all I knew until I heard of the War of the Cross, I never gave question to whether the church was doing it wrong, just that it might not have been the true religion. 
[22:28] * Molly stands, smoothing her dress and hair
[22:29] * @Morgan shrugs
[21:13] (@Morgan) you're thinking of the more... spiritual activities?
[21:15] (Molly) The 'tributes' to the church absolving sins not yet done, being born tainted by sin simply because the parents make love to create them. I've heard these since I could understand words.
[21:16] (@Morgan) convenient, that... but then, most of the issues with any religion or church are based within its ruling clergy... or their influencers
[21:17] * Molly nods
[21:17] (Molly) I think I prefer the objectionist teachings
[21:20] * Molly watches him a moment
[21:21] (Molly) I ought to go down to dine. I shall ask them to wait to serve until you are ready?
[21:22] * @Morgan shrugs
[21:22] (@Morgan) I suppose that'd be best
[21:24] * Molly smiles
[21:24] (Molly) Itll give you time to wash and dress in peace
[21:27] (@Morgan) I wont be long
[21:29] * Molly nods, turning to the door. She leaves
[21:30] * @Morgan washes and changes quickly
[21:32] * Molly and Bauer are sat comfortably in the dinning room when he arrives, drinking coffee. 
[21:32] * @Morgan walks in, pouring himself a coffee before sitting down
[21:34] * Molly is busy reading, but gives him a brief smile. Bauer smiles warmly
[21:34] ** You're now known as Bauer
[21:34] (Bauer) Good evening, my Lord
[21:34] (@Morgan) Bauer... how are you?
[21:36] (Bauer) Quite well. How was your business?
[21:36] (@Morgan) progressing quicker than I expected, to be honest
[21:37] (Bauer) Is that not a good thing?
[21:38] * @Morgan nods
[21:38] (@Morgan) I dont suppose any rumour of my visit has made it back this way?
[21:40] (Bauer) Not that I have heard yet
[21:41] * @Morgan nods
[21:41] (@Morgan) the Eisenfurst granted me stewardship...
[21:42] * Bauer grins
[21:42] (Bauer) I am very pleased to hear that
[21:43] (Bauer) **the servants bring out their meals
[21:45] (Bauer) Do you have many changes you wish to make?
[21:46] (@Morgan) some minor ones perhaps, nothing much... certainly you shouldnt notice any difference in your remit...
[21:48] (Bauer) Perhaps tomorrow a proper tour of Koln and meeting the tenants would be useful, my Lord?
[21:48] * @Morgan looks to Molly
[21:48] (@Morgan) when did you wish to leave for Innesbruck?
[21:51] * Bauer looks up with a smile
[21:53] (Bauer) **molly: *she looks up with a smile* it's now friday so Monday at the latest really
[21:53] (@Morgan) Then a proper tour and meet and greet tomorrow would be an excellent idea Bauer
[21:54] * Bauer nods
[21:55] (Bauer) First thing in the morning I'll gather the household staff to announce it. 
[21:56] (@Morgan) it needs announcing?
[21:57] (Bauer) We don't get much cause for celebration here
[21:57] * @Morgan nods
[21:57] (@Morgan) as you wish
[21:59] (Bauer) M: there are a few things I must do here before going to the town, so might we leave an hour or so after breakfast? *she looks at both men*
[21:59] * @Morgan nods
[21:59] (@Morgan) fine by me
[22:02] * Bauer nods
[22:02] (Bauer) Of course, my Lady
[22:02] * Bauer looks to Morgan
[22:03] (Bauer) What happens to the Baroness now?
[22:04] (@Morgan) She's going to be living with the Graf of Seefeur, busy with being his wife...
[22:07] (Bauer) Theus help him!
[22:09] * @Morgan shrugs
[22:09] (@Morgan) I dare say he'll have her toeing the line before long
[22:10] (Bauer) I hope so. I've lived with more women than most and she's by far the worst!
[22:17] (@Morgan) Well, she does have a vindictive streak, but I dont imagine either he nor the Eisenfurst will tolerate that for long
[22:18] (Bauer) No. What are we to do with all her things?
[22:18] (@Morgan) Arrangements will have to be made to transport them to her new residence I suppose
[22:23] * Bauer nods
[22:23] (Bauer) I'll make the arrangements to have that done
[22:24] * @Morgan nods
[22:24] (@Morgan) thank you... I also need to look at Karstens family tree
[22:24] (Bauer) Ah.
[22:24] * Bauer frowns
[22:26] (Bauer) *molly sighs* would you not love to hear "oh yes, that's not a problem" for a change, liebes herz?
[22:26] (@Morgan) I'm planning on that being the response I'll be getting for a conversation in the near future...
[22:29] (Bauer) It isn't lost... I suspect it's in a particular cabinet 
[22:29] (@Morgan) Bauer, we've had a discussion before about straight talking...
[22:33] (Bauer) The key has been lost
[22:34] (@Morgan) is this cabinet made of dracheneisen?
[22:35] (Bauer) No but it was one of the baroness' favourites
[22:35] (Bauer) **he hears Molly thinking : damn, I left them in Sudlachenburg*
[22:36] (@Morgan) there's no locksmith here?
[22:38] (Bauer) No-one has really needed the things in there enough to open it
[22:38] (@Morgan) You're sure its in there?
[22:43] (Bauer) I saw Karsten put it in there and lose the key a day later
[22:43] (@Morgan) what else is in there?
[22:46] (Bauer) Old paintings, old letters. Family history things.
[22:46] (@Morgan) Then we'll need to open it... is there a locksmith in Koln?
[22:48] (Bauer) I doubt it. Maybe the blacksmith could?
[22:48] (@Morgan) You have any known thieves here?
[22:50] (Bauer) Molly: *she coughs a little* if you can acquire some strong hair pins, I could give it a try
[22:51] (Bauer) **he remembers that Karstens diary has a metal lock, yet was open by the time she gave it to him*
[22:56] * Bauer laughs
[22:56] (@Morgan) failing that, I've got an axe
[22:57] (Bauer) A veigrafin lock-pick?! **he looks to Morgan** where did you find this wonderful girl?
[22:58] (Bauer) *she giggles* the axe would be more amusing!
[23:03] (Bauer) You wish to do it tonight, my Lord?
[23:03] (@Morgan) The sooner the better, but I could wait until morning if there's a better chance of finding some hair pins then
[23:05] * Bauer nods
[23:05] (Bauer) That might be best
[23:06] (Bauer) **they all finish eating, and more coffee is served*
[23:07] (Bauer) **molly looks to morgan* I do not mind going up, if you wanted to take port together?
[23:22] (Bauer) *she stands, kisses his cheek, and then says goodnight to Bauer before leaving*
[23:24] * Bauer pours them some port each
[23:25] (Bauer) Are you enjoying your honeymoon, my Lord?
[23:25] (@Morgan) Its been more stressful than I'd hoped unfortunately
[23:25] * Bauer laughs
[23:26] (Bauer) I've never heard a bridegroom describe his honeymoon as stressful before!
[23:26] (@Morgan) I doubt they're normally out to usurp control of things at the time though
[23:30] (Bauer) Oh I'm not so sure, one of-...**he blushes, having forgotten himself* sorry, my Lord
[23:31] * @Morgan smiles, amused
[23:31] (@Morgan) go on
[23:34] (Bauer) It wouldn't really be very proper, for saying to someone of your station, my Lord
[23:34] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:35] (@Morgan) Bauer, I was a sailor and a master at arms in an Avalonian nobles house... you wouldn't believe the things I've heard
[23:35] * Bauer nods, looking happy with that
[23:37] (Bauer) I spent most of my honeymoon, hell most of my second marriage, trying to usurp control  of things in the bedroom, but I never truly won!
[23:38] (@Morgan) I think thats mostly a lost cause for men
[23:43] (Bauer) Both my other two wives have been sweet and bidable between the sheets, but not the second
[23:44] (Bauer) But no, I doubt many grooms are doing the sort of usurping you are!
[23:45] * @Morgan nods
[23:45] (@Morgan) I dare say
[23:49] (Bauer) Do you have much more usurping planned?
[23:50] (@Morgan) Not really, no... but I've now got to get Innesbruck in order, amongst everything else I wanted to do
[23:54] (Bauer) Do you want some advice?
[23:54] (@Morgan) pleaes
[23:57] (Bauer) Sack your overseer, sack your housekeeper. Replace them and overhaul the working practices. Once you have a fresh slate it'll be easier. I wouldn't bother giving second chances.
[23:57] (@Morgan) more or less what I had planned... I've already got a couple of people in mind, though one of them isn't available for a time
[00:00] (Bauer) If you are desperate, I could try to arrange help from here to come with you
[00:01] (@Morgan) I'll think about it... Though I'm loathe to take people from here so soon after taking over as steward
[00:02] (Bauer) Any help I can give, let me know
[00:03] * @Morgan nods
[00:03] (@Morgan) thank you, I will

[21:59] * Bauer and Morgan chat for quite a while about Koln and Innesbruck. Morgan learns that Molly has already asked him to find someone to track down yensid
[22:02] (Bauer) Was there anything else, my Lord?
[22:02] (@Morgan) I think that'll be all for now Bauer
[22:04] (Bauer) **the clock strikes midnight and he realises Molly has been upstairs nearly two hours
[22:04] (Bauer) Good night my Lord
[22:04] * @Morgan nods to Bauer, bidding him goodnight before heading towards the bedroom
[22:06] (Bauer) **molly is asleep, only half covered by the sheets. The bed is covered in decoding, and she still has a pencil in her hand
[22:07] * @Morgan smiles, setting about putting the decoding stuff on a table
[22:07] (Bauer) *she smiles in her sleep but doesn't awaken
[22:08] * @Morgan places the sheets to her shoulder before setting about getting ready for bed
[22:09] (Bauer) *molly doesn't even stir when he gets in beside her
[22:10] * @Morgan settles in and tries to get to sleep
[22:13] (Bauer) **he falls asleep quickly. He's riding along a coastal path on Xantha. It's green and familiar, as are the sounds of the waves battering the rocks far below. The wind whips up the sheer face of it, and batters man and horse alike.
[22:15] * @Morgan looks around
[22:16] (Bauer) **in the distance he sees a large, red-brick building. Foxcroft, the Hockridge ancestral manor in Catterick, a place he hasn't seen since he was sixteen.
[22:17] * @Morgan steers Xantha towards it
[22:19] (Bauer) **hes there almost instantly. In the courtyard is a large fountain, and beside that a cherry blossom tree. The fountain is present at the real Foxcroft, the tree isn't
[22:21] * @Morgan eyes the tree suspiciously
[22:23] (Bauer) **there is a cat in the tree. She is brown and stripey, and watches him with unusual brown eyes. Her throat is marked by an old wound. Morgan suddenly realises he's stood, not sat, and Xantha is gone
[22:23] * @Morgan watches the cat, muttering to himself
[22:24] (Bauer) *it jumps down from the tree, and is suddenly a chocolate labrador. The wound remains
[22:25] (@Morgan) Natasha?
[22:26] ** You're now known as Natasha
[22:27] * Natasha transforms into her natural form. She is quite pretty, dark hair and eyes, a good five years old than he. She wears a yellow dress with a high collar, covering the scar
[22:27] (Natasha) This is an interesting place
[22:28] * @Morgan nods
[22:28] (@Morgan) its been a while
[22:28] * Natasha nods
[22:31] (Natasha) You were here on your mother's behalf to see your uncle Christopher. It was the first time you'd travelled alone.
[22:32] * Natasha looks up at the tree
[22:34] (@Morgan) I dont recall _that_ being here though
[22:35] (Natasha) I'd best explain the rules.
[22:35] * Natasha smiles
[22:37] (Natasha) I am only allowed to share certain information with you, and that has to be in response to you asking. You will sleep and dream this until you choose to wake. The time in your world will be unaffected by how long you remain.
[22:38] (Natasha) It is very rare for these dreams to be permitted.
[22:38] (@Morgan) So its important?
[22:38] * Natasha sits on the wall of the fountain
[22:40] (Natasha) Potentially, yes. That depends on you and the questions you ask. The Powers That Be decided this was a special case.
[22:40] (@Morgan) why is it a special case?
[22:43] * Natasha looks in to the water
[22:44] (Natasha) Because of your magic I believe. I'm not told everything
[22:46] (@Morgan) I found out what Karsten did... I'm sorry
[22:47] * Natasha looks to him
[22:48] (Natasha) Thank you. I am glad you discovered the truth. I had a feeling you would be the right people to do so.
[22:48] * Natasha looks back at the tree
[22:51] (@Morgan) Its difficult to choose a question without knowing what it needs to pertain to...
[22:53] (Natasha) There are no new horrible surprises. If you do not find out everything you can, you can find many of those answers elsewhere. Take your time, I have no pressing engagements elsewhere
[22:54] (@Morgan) The afterlife has a busy social scene?
[22:54] * Natasha smiles, watching a few tree petals dance in the breeze
[22:55] (Natasha) I do not know. Where I am, the place that is controlled by the Powers That Be is a temporary place for those that haven't passed on to whatever is next. We have very limited contact with other 'ghosts'
[22:56] (@Morgan) this doesn't stop if I ask a question you cant answer?
[22:58] (Natasha) No, I will just tell you either that I do not know, or am not permitted to say
[23:02] (Natasha) Nothing you ask will be in anyway held against you
[23:03] (@Morgan) that sounds ominous
[23:05] (Natasha) You are a worrier, you will no doubt be fretting that you'll damage you chances of a good afterlife by asking too much. It does not work that way.
[23:09] (Natasha) [23:05] (Natasha) You are a worrier, you will no doubt be fretting that you'll damage you chances of a good afterlife by asking too much. It does not work that way.
[23:09] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[23:10] (@Morgan) how does it?
[23:11] (Natasha) This dream?
[23:14] (@Morgan) that... the afterlife...
[23:16] * Natasha looks thoughtful
[23:18] (Natasha) You have to try not to do unnecessarily bad things, though there is forgiveness. You must accept that your life is at an end and be willing, or you become trapped as I have been
[23:19] * @Morgan grimaces
[23:19] (@Morgan) who decides what was unecessary...
[23:21] (Natasha) I'm sorry, I do not know. It is something other than the Powers That Be.
[23:24] * @Morgan sighs
[23:24] (@Morgan) No doubt I'll be in trouble then... What should I do about Varick?
[23:24] * Natasha watches him a moment
[23:25] (Natasha) There are worse men than you who suceeded.
[23:27] (Natasha) As to my son, what you do in terms of revealing his heritage does not concern me. I simply needed for someone to know the truth.
[23:30] * @Morgan nods, looking around
[23:30] (@Morgan) why here?
[23:31] (Natasha) Because it was the only place in your mind that reminded me of my former home
[23:33] (@Morgan) I need to know if Karsten has any living relatives
[23:39] (Natasha) I'm not permitted to tell you, I'm sorry
[23:39] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:40] (@Morgan) I'll find out... I assume the family tree would be accurate
[23:40] (Natasha) Yes, the family tree is completely accurate
[23:40] * Natasha smiles
[23:41] (Natasha) The rules are quite frustrating, aren't they?
[23:41] (@Morgan) but you cant tell me, even knowing that tomorrow I'm going to be seeing it anyway?
[23:43] (Natasha) No. I don't understand why not, but I can't
[23:43] * @Morgan sighs
[23:43] (@Morgan) who chooses your form?
[23:44] (Natasha) As in cat, dog, woman?
[23:44] (@Morgan) as in Dietlinde
[23:45] * Natasha sighs
[23:47] (Natasha) I'm sorry about that. There are strict rules, even strictst than the information rules, about who we can and cannot appear to, and what form we are able to take. It was my choice, but my options were very limited.
[23:50] (@Morgan) It was cruel
[23:52] (Natasha) I know, though I did not realise you had magic to do so. In fact, even the Powers That Be did not know it
[23:53] (@Morgan) so noone seems to know whats going on with that
[23:54] (Natasha) No, though it is of great interest. If they had known you had any magic, I could not have selected you, it is against the rules
[23:55] (@Morgan) Why did you select me?
[23:55] * Natasha smiles
[23:56] (Natasha) In honesty, you were not my first choice
[23:56] (@Morgan) No?
[23:57] (Natasha) I had hoped to choose Molly, but the Powers That Be deemed it too dangerous for her at the present time
[23:57] (@Morgan) dangerous for her?
[23:57] * Natasha nods
[23:58] (Natasha) You have not noticed she has been acting oddly, not her usual self?
[23:59] (@Morgan) A little, but she has much on her mind... there's more to it?
[00:06] (Natasha) Being a second wife is much harder than you might think. I know this from experience. Too much exposure to death at present whilst she's still trying to work out her place in your life and heart now your wed would only complicate it. I do not make the decision on this, and I find the reasoning confusing, but this is what I'm told
[00:06] (@Morgan) thats the only reason you can give?
[00:06] * Natasha looks up at the tree
[00:08] (Natasha) That is all I am told. I've been told I must not dabble with her mind too much, so do not fully know what she is thinking or feeling
[00:10] * @Morgan looks confused
[00:12] (Natasha) I have dabbled in your mind, that is how I can control your dream and know all about your history. I can not control your magic, which is a shame.
[00:14] (@Morgan) is that normal? that you cant control magic in someone?
[00:15] (Natasha) Perfectly normal. One of the many rules about who we can choose is no magic users. Magic can be used to hurt us in dreams like this
[00:16] (Natasha) **a scatter of pinkish petals cascade from the tree on top the cobbled courtyard
[00:17] * @Morgan nods at the tree
[00:17] (@Morgan) whats that about?
[00:17] * Natasha grins
[00:20] (Natasha) That is entirely your creation, as was the favour in your last dream. You manifest your connection to Molly in a physical way, and that connection remains with you as you sleep. It is why your nightmares are lessening, your mind is drawing strength and protection from being near her when you sleep. I am quite curious as to what you could do with that tree if you try
[00:21] (@Morgan) in what respect?
[00:22] (Natasha) You use the object as a focus for your connection. You can usually read her mind to a limited degree. If you tried to read her mind whilst touching the tree, I wonder what would happen
[00:24] (@Morgan) interesting... you refer to the powers that be...
[00:24] (Natasha) Yes?
[00:24] (@Morgan) who are they?
[00:25] * Natasha frowns a little
[00:25] (Natasha) I do not know for certain, but I think they may be Angels
[00:27] * @Morgan places a hand on the tree and concentrates on Molly
[00:31] (Natasha) **he can feel she is sleeping. He can see in his mind that she is dreaming of the rose. Underneath that he can hear the words in her mind that create the dream, and beneath that her subconscious feelings and thoughts. At this lowest layer, he starts to feel uneasy, as if he's almost looking into her very soul
[00:32] * @Morgan stops
[00:34] (@Morgan) that was... a bit too intimate
[00:34] * Natasha nods
[00:35] (Natasha) Somethings are better not to know
[00:35] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[00:35] * @Morgan nods
[00:35] (@Morgan) I think so... some things, though...
[00:36] (Natasha) You have some thing in mind?
[00:37] (@Morgan) We found the secret room in Koln... and the 'plan'
[00:38] (Natasha) The secret room I knew of, which is why I took all the books off so you would find it.
[00:39] (Natasha) Karsten never told me about the plan
[00:40] * @Morgan nods
[00:41] (Natasha) No doubt he'd have killed me sooner had I known
[00:42] * @Morgan nods
[00:43] (@Morgan) probably
[00:44] (Natasha) He was not a very good man
[00:44] (@Morgan) No... I'm beginning to see that
[00:45] (Natasha) Yet he was permitted an afterlife
[00:47] (@Morgan) Some justice
[00:47] (Natasha) I believe he was a borderline case
[00:48] (@Morgan) I dont recall sitting in Theus' waiting room last time around...
[00:50] (Natasha) It was not your time. Essentially you were put on hold whilst the universe tried to workout what had gone wrong
[00:51] (@Morgan) the universe should really keep its monsters in order
[00:51] * Natasha smiles
[00:53] (Natasha) It has a lot of them. It is one of the essentials to the rules, we can only choose those who have been touched by the hand of death
[00:56] (@Morgan) touched? Slapped, more like
[00:57] * Natasha nods
[00:57] (Natasha) Yours was different to most
[00:59] (Natasha) Most people's is more like Molly's was
[00:59] (@Morgan) oh?
[01:01] (Natasha) When she was so ill before she met you, there was a night that her illness was so.bad she should not have survived. It was only that she had such an excellent doctor that she lived long enough to meet you
[01:03] (@Morgan) serendipitous
[01:04] (Natasha) More so than I am permitted to explain.
[01:04] (@Morgan) Thats frustrating
[01:05] (Natasha) Very. You will discover it, but not for at least six months.
[01:12] * @Morgan nods
[01:13] (@Morgan) That suggests there's little point in my not knowing
[01:13] (Natasha) It isn't for you personally to discover. 
[01:14] * @Morgan nods
[01:14] (@Morgan) I see
[01:16] (Natasha) The rules are so strict. You would be shocked how many there are! *she goes quiet a moment, then nods slightly* apparently I am not supposed to try to hint at you to ask questions
[01:16] (@Morgan) what if I asked you to tell me what to ask?
[01:16] * Natasha laughs
[01:17] (Natasha) No, they don't allow that. You might get away with 'what can you tell me on the subject of ...?"
[01:18] (@Morgan) too many subjects to choose from
[01:19] (Natasha) It is a rare opportunity, isn't it, to speak to a ghost
[01:20] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[01:20] * @Morgan nods
[01:20] (@Morgan) If speaking to those with magic is not permitted... why are we speaking again, since you've learned I have it
[01:22] (Natasha) Because the Powers That Be find you interesting, I thought you deserved the chance to ask me things, and now that you know your magic hurt me, you wouldnt do it again
[01:24] (@Morgan) I'm sorry about that... why am I interesting? In fact, why is this magic not like any I've read about?
[01:25] (Natasha) Your magic is interesting, it does not appear to be the same as standard or even national magic. It has been speculated that it isn't of human origins
[01:27] (@Morgan) its certainly not national magic... though I dotn recall offhand what the Avalonian variation was... and if its isnt human, then what? I see two possibilities and I cant see either of them are great
[01:29] (Natasha) Avalon magic is the ability to change the appearance of things and people. I was rather fascinated with magics as an adolescent. What possibilities?
[01:29] (@Morgan) Syrinth... or Fae
[01:30] (Natasha) Either could be possible
[01:32] (Natasha) No conclusion has been come to here
[01:32] (@Morgan) I'm not keen on the idea of it being Fae... though I do know a few people who think the magic thats already known comes from the Fae
[01:33] (Natasha) I disagree, personally. I feel that it is far older than us, and older than the Fae. 
[01:34] (@Morgan) I think, though, the belief in its Fae origins refers to the more... generic magics of recent times
[01:34] * Natasha smiles
[01:35] (Natasha) Having not possesed a generic magic, I couldn't tell if it's any different
[01:36] (@Morgan) You know Varick sees you?
[01:37] * Natasha smiles warmly
[01:37] (Natasha) Yes. I miss seeing him here. He has a gift for the sight.
[01:39] (@Morgan) You know of my intentions with regards to him?
[01:40] (Natasha) Yes, I would be happy to see you adopt him. 
[01:42] * @Morgan nods
[01:43] (Natasha) That is why you asked about Karstens relatives?
[01:44] * @Morgan nods
[01:44] (@Morgan) they may hold claim to Varick and the lands
[01:45] * Natasha nods
[01:45] (Natasha) Quite probable
[01:46] * Natasha watches him, expectantly
[01:48] (@Morgan) What about your families?
[01:48] * Natasha smiles approvingly
[01:49] (Natasha) As in 'what can you tell me on the subject of your family?'
[01:49] (@Morgan) exactly
[01:50] (@Morgan) yours and your husbands
[01:50] * Natasha winks
[01:52] (Natasha) My husband was ten years older than me and had been wed before, unfortunately. Varick can only be Karstens child, I bled twice after his death before Varicks conception. His family never met me.
[01:53] (Natasha) They have no claim.
[01:53] (@Morgan) and your own family?
[01:55] (Natasha) My family are the Vronsky family of Levin, a similar  level of nobility as the Hockridges.
[01:58] * Natasha watches his reaction
[01:59] (@Morgan) How on Theah did you end up in Koln?
[01:59] * Natasha laughs
[01:59] (Natasha) You'll like this. I ran away
[01:59] * @Morgan laughs
[02:00] (@Morgan) Why?
[02:03] (Natasha)  My mother had died when I was 3, and I'd always seen her in our house. When my father married my step-mother, I was eight, and accidently told her I saw ghosts. She hated me for it, even though it runs in my father's family.
[02:04] * @Morgan nods
[02:08] (Natasha) She turned my older brothers Alexi and Tristan against me, and once I started to shape-change, it was a matter of time before I had a fatal accident. So at 16 I ran away. My father sent me money to start with, and I travelled from place to place, mostly working in traveling circuses
[02:08] * Natasha smiles
[02:09] (Natasha) I was a rather famous talking she-wolf for a while.
[02:09] * @Morgan chuckles
[02:10] (@Morgan) I'm mostly infamous for hurting people
[02:11] (Natasha) One day I received copies of my father's dead certificate as well as my own, and a brief note to say how lovely my funeral had been. 
[02:14] (@Morgan) well thats charming
[02:15] (Natasha) Very! Then I met a carpenter, I fell in love with him, he wanted someone to take care of, I needed to be away from Ussura before Alexi and Tristan made my death a reality, so we traveled to Eisen over the mountains and kept going until we found somewhere we liked.
[02:17] * @Morgan nods
[02:18] (Natasha) Unfortunately Koln did not like us as much as we liked it!
[02:22] (Natasha) **there is the sound of a baby crying
[02:23] * @Morgan looks round
[02:23] (Natasha) **he can't see anything
[02:23] * @Morgan looks confused
[02:24] * Natasha waits patiently
[02:26] (Natasha) **the noise continues
[02:26] (@Morgan) I hear a baby crying?!
[02:27] (Natasha) Alarice's baby. She's here in the inbetween place with unfinished business
[02:27] (@Morgan) why?
[02:28] (Natasha) She has no name
[02:28] * Natasha looks sad
[02:28] (@Morgan) cant someone give her a name?
[02:29] (Natasha) Molly knows her name
[02:29] (@Morgan) you said she didn't have one
[02:29] (Natasha) Molly knows what name she should be given, sorry
[02:30] (@Morgan) how?
[02:31] (Natasha) I don't know, that is what the baby tells me. They have different rules than the rest of us
[02:32] (Natasha) **the noise stops
[02:32] * @Morgan nods
[02:32] (@Morgan) can she be named? set to rest?
[02:33] (Natasha) Yes, she has already seen to it that Molly will do so with her bunches of flowers
[02:34] * @Morgan nods
[02:35] * @Morgan looks uncomfortable
[02:35] (@Morgan) does anyone I know linger still?
[02:35] (Natasha) I don't understand
[02:35] (@Morgan) here, before passing on...
[02:36] * Natasha looks confused
[02:36] (Natasha) You aren't dead
[02:37] (@Morgan) I'm aware of that... I was asking if anyone I knew lingered on, as you do
[02:40] (Natasha) Eisen doesn't translate to Ussuran well. One of the rules about who we can appear to our chosen one is that the deceased loved one must never have come to the half-place. 
[02:42] * @Morgan mutters in ussuran
[02:42] (@Morgan) so they passed over immediately without sitting in gods waiting room?
[02:44] (Natasha) Your late wife and child had no reason to not start their new life after death. They were both happy and well loved enough to have no unfinished business
[02:44] * Natasha smiles
[02:47] * @Morgan nods
[02:47] (@Morgan) I'm glad
[02:47] (Natasha) It is how it should be. 
[02:48] * @Morgan nods
[02:50] (Natasha) **the blossoms on the tree start to shed pretty petals in droves. Natasha looks at Morgan a moment* excuse me a minute. *she goes to the tree, laying a hand on the bark and standing quietly, back to Morgan*
[02:50] (Natasha) ******** to be continued

[21:47] * Natasha speaks softly to the tree, then moves back to sit by the fountain
[21:48] (Natasha) You shouldnt feel sad that you weren't unfinished business
[21:49] (@Morgan) No, I wouldn't want them to feel unable to rest
[21:52] * Natasha smiles
[21:53] (Natasha) Though you don't seem to think it, you were a good husband and father
[21:53] * @Morgan hangs his head
[21:53] (@Morgan) I tried
[21:54] (Natasha) You suceeded. Not many men are as honest and genuine as yiu
[21:54] (Natasha) You*
[21:55] (@Morgan) I dont know there's any other way I could be
[21:57] * Natasha shrugs
[21:58] (Natasha) You could have been a manipulative bastard like Karsten, tricking women, deceiving them.
[21:59] (@Morgan) No... I couldn't
[21:59] * Natasha smiles
[21:59] (Natasha) It isn't in your nature
[22:00] * Natasha looks at the tree once more
[22:01] (Natasha) You're a good husband now too
[22:01] (@Morgan) the three said so?
[22:01] (@Morgan) tree*
[22:04] (Natasha) No, but I have had access to your memories
[22:06] (@Morgan) the tree obviously said something earlier...
[22:09] (Natasha) No, you spoke aloud in your sleep and disturbed Molly, I was encouraging her mind to sleep
[22:09] * @Morgan laughs
[22:10] * Natasha looks confused
[22:10] (Natasha) That's funny?
[22:11] (@Morgan) to an extent... in the dream in _my_ head, you're talking to a tree to convince Molly to sleep
[22:14] (Natasha) I suppose it is all a little odd. There aren't any rules about me affecting her mind through the tree or other object you create as your link to her, because it's almost unheard of for someone to have that
[22:15] (@Morgan) another of my peculiarities?
[22:18] (Natasha) Yes. From what I can see, you've been doing it since you first kissed her, but the connection is getting stronger and stronger as time goes on
[22:19] * @Morgan nods
[22:21] (Natasha) It was her, via the favour wrapping around you, that woke you last time
[22:21] (@Morgan) I remember
[22:22] (Natasha) You'd woken her then by talking in your sleep
[22:24] (@Morgan) I dont recall ever doing it before... though, I didn't sleep much for a long while
[22:25] * Natasha studies him a moment
[22:27] (Natasha) You said Dietlinde's name. It is why Molly was unsure whether you would want to be alone. These are the only two times you've spoken in your sleep
[22:27] (@Morgan) last time we spoke was very hard for me
[22:29] (Natasha) You and I?
[22:29] * @Morgan nods
[22:31] (Natasha) I am truly sorry for that. There wasn't much choice because the rules about who we can appear as and what we can do to get you to help
[22:31] * @Morgan nods
[22:32] * Natasha watches him
[22:32] (Natasha) The rules about you having to ask makes this very complicated!
[22:33] (@Morgan) I tend not to ask people when i want information... I tend to threaten them. So I'm not used to having to ask specifics for information
[22:37] (Natasha) Yes, I see that. What can I tell you that you've already asked? Oh, if anyone you know is in the half-place?
[22:37] * @Morgan nods
[22:38] (Natasha) Your aunt, Alarice's mother, is still at Innesbruck. 
[22:38] (@Morgan) why?
[22:38] (Natasha) I don't know
[22:39] (@Morgan) what can you tell me about the rules?
[22:40] * Natasha nods
[22:41] (Natasha) The rules of who we can choose *she checks them off on her fingers* no children, no magic users, no-one it would damage, no pregnant women. They must have been touched by death. 
[22:42] (@Morgan) obviously those that make the decision of who can or cant be contacted aren't all knowing...
[22:44] (Natasha) The Powers That Be? They have never been wrong til you. There was so much uproar I thought they would pull their feathers out
[22:44] * Natasha briefly rolls her eyes
[22:44] (@Morgan) feathers?
[22:45] (Natasha) As I said, I suspect they're Angels, though it could be an illusion
[22:45] (Natasha) They have wings
[22:46] (@Morgan) that must make sitting down awkward
[22:47] (Natasha) I've never seen them sit
[22:48] * @Morgan nods
[22:49] (@Morgan) I feel some satisfaction at being their first incorrect decision
[22:50] * Natasha smiles
[22:50] (Natasha) That doesn't surprise me. 
[22:53] (@Morgan) one of my failings
[22:54] (Natasha) The rules of who we can appear as *she starts from the first finger again* they must be in the afterlife, they must have been loved by the chosen one, they must never have been to the half-place, they must not have been magic users. The   pregnancy rule doesn't apply to those we imitate
[22:54] * Natasha watches him
[22:55] * @Morgan frowns
[22:55] (@Morgan) Then how do you appear as you? I've never met you
[22:57] (Natasha) I am permitted to appear as me now, but I couldn't in our initial contact
[22:59] (@Morgan) so that rule doesn't apply after the first contact?
[23:00] (Natasha) It is very uncommon for there to be further contact, but we can only appear as ourselves once our business is resolved
[23:01] (@Morgan) so you're ready to move on?
[23:02] (Natasha) I will move on once we've finished talking, but I am in no hurry. You're a kind and interesting man
[23:03] (@Morgan) many would disagree with that assessment
[23:03] (Natasha) Like the hitman who killed your family?
[23:04] * @Morgan 's expression changes, eyes becoming flinty
[23:04] (@Morgan) he deserved what he got
[23:07] (Natasha) He definitely did. He isn't in the half-place or the afterlife
[23:08] (@Morgan) I was mroe referring to the people I met in Avalon... I was hard on a lot of people
[23:11] (Natasha) Jaeger?
[23:11] * Natasha looks thoughtful
[23:12] (@Morgan) the staff, most of the guests...
[23:13] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[23:14] (Natasha) Yes, you were
[23:16] (Natasha) But it was acceptable, given the circumstances
[23:16] * @Morgan sniffs
[23:17] (@Morgan) the 'guests' deserved no better for the most part
[23:18] (Natasha) Such as your montaigne captain?
[23:19] * @Morgan eyes her suspiciously
[23:19] (@Morgan) interesting turn of phrase you use
[23:19] (Natasha) She could have been yours I think
[23:21] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:21] (@Morgan) she'll be noones... she has prior commitments
[23:23] (Natasha) That is up to fate
[23:25] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:25] ** You're now known as Natasha
[23:25] (@Morgan) besides... she is my friend and nothing more
[23:26] * Natasha just smiles enigmatically
[23:26] * @Morgan raises an eyebrow
[23:28] (Natasha) I was just Karstens friend and nothing more for many years
[23:29] * @Morgan smiles
[23:29] (@Morgan) you know a lot about me, without understanding that much
[23:30] (Natasha) I've never understood enough about a man til it's too late
[23:32] (@Morgan) well, you can understand that about me
[23:33] (Natasha) Understand what?
[23:34] (@Morgan) That she'll remain nothing more than my friend...
[23:36] * Natasha smiles
[23:36] (Natasha) Why couldn't all the men in my life have been like you
[23:38] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:38] (@Morgan) why couldn't just one not have been like Karsten?
[23:41] (Natasha) I had a weak father, arrogant and violent brothers, a husband who promised me something he never intended to give and a lover who manipulated, tricked and eventually murdered me. I have bad luck with men
[23:41] (@Morgan) and then I set you on fire...
[23:42] (Natasha) That wasn't your fault. But it was rather painful.
[23:43] (@Morgan) still... bad luck with men
[23:47] (Natasha) I don't blame you. The Powers That Be were pleased to see your power in action
[23:48] (@Morgan) pleased?
[23:51] (Natasha) They're eager to know more about it
[23:53] (@Morgan) Things catch fire... story told.
[23:54] (Natasha) It's more complex than that apparently, but that's all I know
[23:55] (@Morgan) you know mroe than I do then
[23:58] (Natasha) I suppose so. They do not seem as if it is something bad
[23:59] (@Morgan) surely that depends on the wielder
[00:00] (Natasha) They do not seem threatened by you
[00:00] (@Morgan) They haven't crossed me... they've no need to feel threatened
[00:01] (Natasha) You have a good soul
[00:01] * @Morgan shrugs
[00:05] (Natasha) If you do tell Varick about me someday, will you tell him I always loved him and was proud of him always?
[00:06] * @Morgan nods
[00:07] (@Morgan) I dont imagine it'll remain a secret for long... he deserves to know whats gone on when hes old enough to understand it
[00:07] (Natasha) You love him a lot, dont you?
[00:07] * @Morgan nods
[00:09] (Natasha) I'm glad. He deserved better than the situation he was born in to.
[00:09] (@Morgan) he'll receive better...
[00:11] (Natasha) I know, I trust you
[00:15] (Natasha) Are there any messages you wish me to pass on when I get to the afterlife?
[00:16] (@Morgan) pass on my love to Dietlinde and Jana...
[00:20] * Natasha smiles
[00:20] (Natasha) Of course
[00:23] (Natasha) Anything else?
[00:24] (@Morgan) You could tell them about Molly
[00:26] * Natasha goes quiet a minute, looking in to the distance. Then she blinks and looks to him
[00:27] (Natasha) I'm not permitted to do so, I'm so sorry
[00:28] (@Morgan) why?
[00:28] (Natasha) They won't explain it further. 
[00:29] (@Morgan) Do they know about me what you do?
[00:33] (Natasha) Yes, they know everything about you
[00:35] (@Morgan) then I have to say they're not gifted with particularly good decision making skills...
[00:36] (Natasha) Apparently the way the afterlife works is not something I am permitted to know until I arrive there
[00:37] * @Morgan nods
[00:40] (Natasha) I am sorry. If I can tell them, I will
[00:40] (@Morgan) Thank you
[00:40] (Natasha) You're welcome
[00:42] (Natasha)  Is there anything else you wish to know?
[00:43] (@Morgan) what else can you tell me?
[00:48] (Natasha) I think I have probably told you.all that I can. I do have some advice though
[00:48] * @Morgan nods
[00:48] (@Morgan) go on
[00:51] (Natasha) Be aware that along with seeing ghosts, shifting runs in my family. Go gently with Molly, it's a confusing time for her and she isn't happy that she's feeling the way she is. Incidentally, her birthday is July 21st. 
[00:52] * @Morgan sighs
[00:52] (@Morgan) Varick might shift... Molly needs reassurance
[00:53] (Natasha) You have great burdens to bear, I agree
[00:54] (@Morgan) I dont know how I can help Molly
[01:01] (Natasha) Unfortunately they won't permit me to investigate her mind as I have yours, but from what I can see from your mind, she needs to know how much you care, but without pushing her to explain too deeply. Being the second wife is so hard. I always wished I'd been Vladimir's first wife. I always felt as if I was living in the shadow of perfection
[01:01] * @Morgan sighs
[01:04] (Natasha) I think you've already said several things that have lessened her troubles. The most important thing to remember is that she isn't wanting the thoughts or feelings she currently has, and is angry with herself. As I said, go gently. She'll likely overcome it in time.
[01:04] * @Morgan nods
[01:06] (Natasha) She is stronger than you think. I think you will benefit from working with her rather than above her. But that is just my opinion
[01:07] (@Morgan) I dont work above her...
[01:08] (Natasha) You're the man, the veisgraf, the noble born. 
[01:09] * @Morgan shrugs
[01:09] (@Morgan) she's smarter and more practical than I am...
[01:12] (Natasha) That is true, but she is shyer, less confident, less out-spoken
[01:12] * @Morgan nods
[01:14] (Natasha) You make a fine team
[01:16] * @Morgan smiles
[01:16] (@Morgan) I just do the leg work
[01:18] (Natasha) With her brains and your legs you'll do well
[01:19] * @Morgan laughs
[01:19] (@Morgan) aye, maybe we will
[01:21] * Natasha smiles
[01:21] (Natasha) I see a bright, happy future for you
[01:32] (@Morgan) once all the hard work si out of the way?
[01:36] (AndroUser) Hard work and happiness are not mutually exclusive. You would be unhappy being idle
[01:36] * @Morgan nods
[01:36] (@Morgan) true
[01:45] * AndroUser smiles
[01:45] (AndroUser) Well, if there is nothing else...?
[01:48] (@Morgan) *he speaks in Ussuran* its been a pleasure meeting you, Lady Vronsky
[01:50] * AndroUser replies in kind
[01:51] (AndroUser) And you, Veisgraf Sudlachenburg. Love my boy well for me, and enjoy life.
[01:57] (AndroUser) **xantha appears beside Morgan*
[01:57] * @Morgan clambers into the saddle
[01:59] (AndroUser) Goodbye, Morgan
[01:59] * @Morgan nods to her
[02:04] (AndroUser) **as he rides off, he hears the tinkling of a metal wind chime
[[02:12] * AndroUser is gone when he looks around. The sound is hauntingly familiar, and it brings back the memory of hearing it whilst the vicar paused for objections during their wedding vows. 
[02:13] * @Morgan sighs, riding on