[21:31] (Hening) **the dawn was beautiful, and the early morning rushed past in a whirl of activity. Molly was disappointed when she discovered in a letter from Bauer that the supplies would not arrive until late afternoon, but quickly a plan to gather the townsfolk in the evening was hatched. 
[21:33] (Hening) **As arranged, Morgan met Hening on his farm. In the warm summer sun, the birds shone a glossy brown as they were carried across the field to Morgan. Hening looks smart, having clearly made an effort. He greets Morgan politely
[21:36] (Hening) Good morning, Milord
[21:38] (@Morgan) morning Hening... you are well?
[21:38] (Hening) Yes, Milord, and yourself?
[21:39] (Hening) **the curious birds, Grayson and Byron, watch Morgan
[21:39] (@Morgan) not bad... some of the villagers belongings, rings, jewellery et cetera, have been found
[21:40] * Hening looks interested
[21:40] (Hening) Wedding rings at all, Milord?
[21:40] (@Morgan) Could well be. I've got the new sheriff working on returning them
[21:41] * Hening nods
[21:41] (Hening) Hopefully my wife's will be among them. She was very sad to hand it over.
[21:43] (@Morgan) It wasn't right, that that was done
[21:44] * Hening shakes his head
[21:45] (Hening) No it wasn't. But there was nothing we could do. We couldn't even go to the Graf, what with her being family and all, Milord
[21:46] (@Morgan) You _might_ have been surprised, but I'll not wager anything on that
[21:48] * Hening nods
[21:49] (Hening) It's all worked out for the best, Milord, or it will once we get the harvest in and can put food on the tables
[21:49] * @Morgan nods
[21:57] (@Morgan) Hopefully it wont be long
[21:59] * Hening sets off  one of the falcons. It promptly soars into the air
[22:00] * @Morgan looks at the other bird
[22:00] (Hening) We'll all manage easier without Baroness Eldreich and her henchman
[22:01] (Hening) **it looks eager to follow
[22:01] * @Morgan launches the second bird
[22:02] (Hening) **both falcons fly with aggressive grace, swooping low overhead before ascending once more
[22:04] (@Morgan) its been a long time since I did this
[22:06] (Hening) Oh?
[22:08] (@Morgan) many years
[22:11] (Hening) You can't be more than 25, begging your pardon, Milord
[22:11] (@Morgan) 26, though thats a lot with the war
[22:12] * Hening nods
[22:12] (Hening) Many men didnt survive long enough to get to 26
[22:12] * @Morgan nods
[22:18] (Hening) **the birds dive and rise, twisting towards then away from each other
[22:22] (@Morgan) impressive creatures...
[22:22] (Hening) I've always liked them too Milord
[22:23] (Hening) **He starts to feel a deep seated unease that he can't place
[22:23] * @Morgan frowns, looking around
[22:25] (Hening) **there is nothing to see. It's warm, peaceful, pleasant
[22:27] (Hening) What were you planning to do with them, Milord?
[22:27] * @Morgan returns his attention to the birds
[22:27] (@Morgan) _do_ with them?
[22:27] (Hening) **he feels a sudden surge of adrenaline, and a feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach
[22:28] (Hening) Did you want them back with you now?
[22:28] * @Morgan shakes his head
[22:28] (@Morgan) No, if its alright with you, I'll leave them with you, at least until we've finished travelling
[22:30] * Hening nods
[22:30] (Hening) Of course, Milord
[22:32] * @Morgan nods, glancing around again
[22:32] (Hening) **he feels a sensation of fear, his chest feeling tight. His body kicks into gear inexplicably, and something deep in his gut tells him that there's danger
[22:33] * @Morgan turns slowly, surveying the surroundings
[22:33] (@Morgan) Hening, call the birds back
[22:35] * Hening does so. There is nothing to see. He feels a sudden flash of emotion, Molly's fear. She isn't just scared, not even terrified as was in the Torrington house, but absolutely petrified
[22:37] * @Morgan concentrates on her, trying to feel where she is
[22:38] (Hening) **he gets nothing. Although he still feels fear, he suspects it is just his own
[22:39] (@Morgan) I'm afraid I'll have to cut this short, I need to return
[22:39] * Hening looks surprised but nods
[22:39] (Hening) Of course, Milord
[22:41] * @Morgan nods, turning
[22:42] (@Morgan) thank you Hening, we'll try to do this again soon
[22:45] * Hening nods, going back to the birds
[22:45] * @Morgan heads off towards the house, quickly
[22:47] (Hening) **he knows it took him fifteen minutes to walk there. This sickening feeling of dread continues, heart racing
[22:47] * @Morgan runs, hard
[22:49] (Hening) **the pathway seems much longer, and although he doubles his speed, each minute seems forever
[22:51] * @Morgan keeps running
[22:53] (Hening) **he gets into the grounds of the house. He sees no-one.
[22:54] * @Morgan heads straight for the house
[22:55] (Hening) **by the time he gets to the main door, he can hear loud cries of pain
[22:56] (Hening) **the voice is masculine and unfamiliar
[22:57] * @Morgan heads quickly towards the sounds
[22:57] (Hening) **they are coming from upstairs
[22:58] * @Morgan hurtles up the stairs
[23:07] (Hening) **As he reaches the top, he's confronted with a small group. Sorgi has his back to Morgan, binding the hands of an unconscious stranger. Around them is a broken vase, pale fragments against the navy carpet. Behind them is another stranger who is screaming with agony and laying on the floor. About half way between these people and to Morgans left, Molly sits with her knees pulled up and arms crossed on them, face buried from sight, though he sees the slight movement of her shoulders.
[23:09] * @Morgan pushes his way through to Molly, crouching in front of her
[23:11] (@Morgan) *he speaks quietly* blossom
[23:11] (Hening) **she doesn't look up. She speaks softly.*
[23:12] (Molly) Yes?
[23:12] (@Morgan) I'm here, you're safe now
[23:13] (Molly) Thank you.
[23:13] * @Morgan places a hand on her arm
[23:13] (Molly) **Sorgi now ties up the other man
[23:16] (Molly) **he is hit by a strange almost dream-like vision. He sees her in the kitchen, happy. She puts on an apron over a dress she isn't currently wearing, ties up her hair and safely puts her ring and the Sudlache ring in a jar at the back of the cupboard. She goes out into the sunshine
[23:18] (Molly) She digs in the garden for potatoes, carrots and turnips. When she comes back in, her dress is muddy. She quickly washes her hands after putting down the basket, and goes upstairs to change. Once she's in the current dress, she leaves and is met in the upstairs hall by the two men now bound.
[23:21] * @Morgan looks round at the men
[23:23] (Molly) **Shes clearly surprised and scared. They're both armed, both somewhat rough looking, and have montaigne accents. The one now screaming grabs her from behind, twisting her wrists painfully in one hand whilst holding a short, sharp blade to her throat with the other. Her attempts to escape are met with contemptuous laughter, and the blade digs in. She's angry as well as scared. Angry for the intrusion and restraint, and angry for how it'll make Morgan feel if they kill her
[23:27] (Molly) **the other man looks at her assessingly. "where is your mistress?" he asks. She tells him she doesn't know who he means. "The Comte's pet Baroness, of course. She of the loose purse strings and looser thighs!". The men laugh. She wonders whether anyone will find her in time, and how to escape. She fights not to cry as he pinches her chin hard and he pushes the tip of his knife against her bodice
[23:30] (Molly) "tell me where she is, you stupid bitch! You'll regret it if you don't". She thinks of how unafraid Claudia would be, and her mind wanders to the family-crested knife in the holster on her thigh. She formulates a dangerous plan, knowing that if she loses it could be a fate worse than death
[23:34] (Molly) "I don't know", she says. He looks angry "we'll see how much it takes to make you talk, won't we Louis?" they laugh lecherously. She is certain of what she must do, but petrified. Scared of dying, or worse. The man infront of her uses his knife to cut open her bodice, leaving a careless and deep wound on her left breast. She struggles not to cry or faint. "perhaps we'll entertain ourselves first, and question you once we're bored" his grin is sleazy and repulsive.
[23:35] * @Morgan turns completely, removing his hand
[23:35] (@Morgan) Sorgi...
[23:36] (Molly) **the former sailor watches with a mix of anger and concern* my Lord?
[23:36] * @Morgan speaks slowly
[23:38] (@Morgan) would you kindly put _them_ somewhere secure... make sure they'll both survive...
[23:39] (Molly) **he nods. He drags the unconscious one first down the stairs
[23:39] * @Morgan moves to the other one, looking at him closely
[23:39] (Molly) **the other continues to wail and scream
[23:40] (Molly) **he is typically dark and montaigne, scarred, unattractive
[23:40] * @Morgan looks at the dagger
[23:40] (@Morgan) why aren't you dead
[23:41] (Molly) L: I wish I arrrrgh was!
[23:41] (@Morgan) Save that thought for later
[23:41] (Molly) **he continues to scream in agony
[23:42] * @Morgan turns back to Molly
[23:42] (@Morgan) blossom, let me get you somewhere quieter
[23:42] * Molly nods a little
[23:42] (Molly) I'll need your coat
[23:43] * @Morgan takes it off and drapes it around her
[23:45] * Molly pulls it tight. She sighs a little before standing, keeping her head bowed. Sorgi returns up the stairs. He looks solemnly at Morgan. "Jacques is preparing water for a bath, my Lord"
[23:45] * @Morgan nods
[23:45] (@Morgan) good. Would you make some tea, with some honey in it
[23:46] (Molly) **he nods. He drags the man down the stairs, whose cries of anguish become intensely agonised
[23:47] (Molly) **the noise lessens as they disappear
[23:47] (@Morgan) come, blossom, lets get your wound seen to
[23:48] * Molly goes along beside him to their room
[23:49] * @Morgan guides her to a chair, sitting her down
[23:51] * Molly looks up. The only wound he can see so far are red marks on her wrists and a very swollen cheek bone
[23:51] * Molly 's eyes are full of sadness, reserved, solemn
[23:53] (@Morgan) are you alright, blossom?
[23:53] * Molly shakes her head a little
[23:53] (Molly) I don't think so
[23:53] (@Morgan) tell me
[23:55] * Molly swallows hard, and removes the coat. The pale yellow dress is cut from neckline to waist. Blood trickles slowly from the cut on her neck,  matching the deeper wound on her breast. 
[23:56] (Molly) They cut me... They wanted to know where Alarice was
[23:57] (@Morgan) what else?
[23:57] * Molly looks away
[23:58] (Molly) One of them touched my breast. I managed to convince them I would lay with them willingly if they let go of my hands...
[00:00] * @Morgan nods slowly
[00:01] (@Morgan) go on
[00:02] (Molly) When I raised the hem of my dress, they thought I was just eager and they laughed. I removed my dagger and stabbed the one behind me in the leg... *she looks more troubled, but then continues* I heard a noise downstairs and immediately Sorgi came up and hit the other with the vase.
[00:04] (@Morgan) You were aiming for his leg?
[00:04] * Molly nods
[00:04] (Molly) Yes
[00:05] (@Morgan) thats kinder than I would've done
[00:05] * Molly shrugs a little
[00:05] (Molly) There was a better chance of success in hitting the leg
[00:06] * @Morgan nods
[00:07] * Molly still doesn't make eye contact
[00:07] (Molly) I didn't know what else to do
[00:08] (@Morgan) You feel you've done wrong?
[00:08] * Molly nods
[00:08] (@Morgan) why?
[00:09] (Molly) In so many ways
[00:09] * Molly 's eyes fill up, and she looks at her hands
[00:09] (Molly) I should have thought of a better escape
[00:09] (@Morgan) I don't understand... why?
[00:10] * Molly closes her eyes a moment
[00:11] (Molly) Because then they wouldn't have had the opportunity to see me undressed, to touch me. I wouldn't have had to pretend I was going to be intimate with them
[00:11] (@Morgan) You did what you had to do to gain the advantage, to survive
[00:12] (Molly) At what risk though?
[00:12] (@Morgan) You think they'd not have forced you?
[00:13] * Molly nods
[00:13] (Molly) I think it was just empty threats perhaps
[00:14] (@Morgan) I don't. I think you did the best thing you could do
[00:15] * Molly looks unsure
[00:16] (Molly) I don't know what happened when I stabbed him
[00:16] (@Morgan) How do you mean?
[00:16] * Molly looks ashamed
[00:18] (Molly) That wound should have killed him. But it won't. The blade is partially healed within the skin. It bleeds, but internally, causing great pain.
[00:19] (@Morgan) You think he didn't deserve that?
[00:19] * Molly nods
[00:19] (Molly) Yes
[00:19] (@Morgan) He did... and worse
[00:20] (Molly) But _I_ did that. I _chose_ suffering and agony. I willed it to happen and the magic made it so.
[00:20] * @Morgan nods
[00:20] * Molly looks anguished
[00:22] (@Morgan) I think thats entirely reasonable
[00:23] (Molly) I could have just killed him and been safe. But I was too angry. Angry for what they'd done to me, and angry for Varick, my parents, Sudlachenburg. But mostly I was angry for you, how you'd feel if I'd been raped or murdered.
[00:24] (@Morgan) but he didn't _deserve_ an easy death... quite the opposite
[00:24] * Molly looks to the floor
[00:25] (Molly) And I wanted you to be able to have any vengeance you felt necessary
[00:25] * @Morgan nods
[00:26] * Molly looks at him frankly, eyes full of pain
[00:26] (Molly) I hate that I did this
[00:27] * @Morgan nods
[00:28] (@Morgan) I know... but by doing it, you've not only saved yourself, you've saved a source of answers...
[00:29] * Molly nods a little
[00:29] (Molly) I suppose you're right
[00:30] * @Morgan nods
[00:31] (Molly) I think perhaps the worst thing is I was absolutely terrified I would die...
[00:33] * Molly watches him
[00:35] (@Morgan) thats perfectly understandable
[00:36] * Molly shakes her head
[00:37] (Molly) It wasn't the knife at my throat or that you were so far away... All I could think was that I wasn't wearing the Sudlache ring so I wasn't safe.
[00:37] * Molly is deadly serious
[00:38] * @Morgan nods slowly
[00:39] (@Morgan) I think your time in Sudlachenburg has had an effect on you...
[00:40] * Molly nods
[00:41] (Molly) I think so. If I'd had the ring on, I would have been confident of my survival
[00:41] (@Morgan) one of our less pleasant traits, I think
[00:42] * Molly sighs deeply, managing a little smile
[00:42] (Molly) It grows on you
[00:42] (@Morgan) like lichen on a stone
[00:43] * Molly nods a little more
[00:43] (Molly) Yes
[00:44] * Molly watches him
[00:44] (Molly) Thank you
[00:44] (@Morgan) I'm sorry, blossom... I thought you'd be safe
[00:45] * Molly shakes her head
[00:45] (Molly) It is not your fault
[00:47] * @Morgan nods
[00:47] (@Morgan) I'll be finding out who's fault it is
[00:49] * Molly nods
[00:49] (Molly) I do not doubt that you will
[00:52] * Molly watches him intently, then looks back at her hands
[00:53] (Molly) I'll get myself fixed up and dressed again. You do not have to stay , I shall be alright
[00:53] (@Morgan) if you'd prefer me to stay, I shall
[00:54] * Molly shakes her head
[00:55] (Molly) I'd prefer you to rest easy, which you won't be able to do til you have answers
[00:55] * @Morgan nods
[00:56] (@Morgan) you'll be alright?
[00:57] * Molly nods, handing him his coat
[00:57] (Molly) Yes
[00:57] * @Morgan puts it back on
[00:58] * Molly stands also
[01:00] (Molly)  I'll be here when you're done
[01:01] * @Morgan nods, kissing her cheek gently
[01:04] (Molly)  /Me wraps her arms round his neck, holding him very tightly a moment before pulling away. The warmth comes back to her expression, relaxing a little
[01:05] (Molly) Thank you. I'll see you in a while, liebling
[01:05] * @Morgan nods, heading for the door

[21:24] * Sorgi is stood outside the cellar with a face like thunder. The door is barred, and the cries of agony continue
[21:25] (@Morgan) Thank you Sorgi.
[21:26] * Sorgi nods curtly
[21:27] (Sorgi) I would have killed them, but I thought that any man who uses pirate punishments for acts of piracy would want his wife's attackers alive.
[21:27] * @Morgan grins
[21:27] (@Morgan) If you're at all uncomfortable, Sorgi, I'll be fine alone
[21:28] * Sorgi grins savagely
[21:29] (Sorgi) She saved me life, I wouldn't miss seeing these bastards punished for Theah itself
[21:29] * @Morgan nods
[21:29] (@Morgan) lets continue then shall we
[21:32] * Sorgi nods, unbarring the door. Inside, the unnamed man is slowly regaining conciousness, while the other who he knows is called Louis writhes on the floor, unable to pull out the dagger
[21:33] * @Morgan goes in, leaning against the far wall
[21:34] * Sorgi closing the door. He glares at the men, arms folded. Neither of them speak
[21:36] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[21:36] (@Morgan) Now then, what would you be wanting with the baronness?
[21:38] (Sorgi) **the newly concious one, who looks somewhat similar to the other, looks to Morgan
[21:38] (Sorgi) We are here to collect a debt
[21:38] (@Morgan) I see. What debt?
[21:39] (Sorgi) The Comte owes the Crown ten thousand guilders in taxes
[21:40] (@Morgan) Then I rather think the Comte should be the one to repay it, don't you?
[21:40] (Sorgi) **he glares at Morgan* what business is it of yours?
[21:41] * @Morgan moves swiftly, stamping on the mans knee
[21:42] (Sorgi) **he howls in pain, matching the continuing noise of his stabbed partner
[21:42] * @Morgan backs away
[21:42] (@Morgan) I think you'll find _I_ ask the questions
[21:43] (Sorgi) We can't find the Comte
[21:43] (@Morgan) So?
[21:45] (Sorgi) So his mistress has always paid in his absence
[21:46] (@Morgan) Seems reasonable so far. She's obviously not here
[21:46] (Sorgi) Where is she?
[21:46] * @Morgan stamps on his knee again
[21:47] (@Morgan) I've already told you about that.
[21:49] (@Morgan) You say he owes taxes to the crown... you are tax collectors? employed by the crown?
[21:49] (Sorgi) **he cries out again* you can't do this! I'm here on the Emporers business!
[21:51] (@Morgan) That answers that then... I'm sure the emporer will be rather annoyed to hear of your conduct
[21:52] (Sorgi) **he looks confused** the Emporer wouldn't care less about some fun with a servant
[21:52] (@Morgan) He'll care... because _she_ is _my_ wife...
[21:53] (Sorgi) **he shrugs** so?
[21:54] (@Morgan) My name is Morgan... Koertig, veisgraf of Sudlachenburg... You attempted to rape a veisgrafen
[21:54] (@Morgan) think your emporer will care now?
[21:56] (Sorgi) **he looks a little concerned** Ah, well, we did not know she wasn't just another maid
[21:57] (@Morgan) let me explain something... the difference between you attacking a maid, or serf or indeed a veisgrafen, isn't in the punishment... its in what leads to it. You understand me?
[21:59] (Sorgi) No
[21:59] * @Morgan nods
[22:00] (@Morgan) You're going to die for what you did and what you attempted... that would always have been the case.
[22:01] (Sorgi) You can't, I'm on the Emporers business!
[22:01] (@Morgan) I'll inform him, don't you worry
[22:02] (Sorgi) They'll kill you for it! **he looks worried*
[22:04] (@Morgan) They'll try. Once all of this has been explained to the Eisenfurst... did I mention he and I are friends? Once thats been done, I'm sure it'll be seen in a whole new light... I doubt very much your emporer appreciating Eisen debt collectors raping women folk in _his_ lands...
[22:06] (Sorgi) We didn't rape her though
[22:07] (@Morgan) You would have... tell me, what would _you_ do if someone tried to rape _your_ wife
[22:11] (Sorgi) **he shrugs** I do not care much for my wife
[22:12] * @Morgan shrugs, looking at Sorgi
[22:12] (@Morgan) I've found this opinion common amongst the montaigne men
[22:14] * Sorgi nods, folding his arms
[22:14] (Sorgi) They're a shower of bastards, my Lord
[22:15] (@Morgan) I cant say I've liked any of them that I've met so far
[22:16] * Sorgi shakes his head
[22:17] (Sorgi) Nor I
[22:17] (Sorgi) Man: I demand to be released.
[22:18] * @Morgan looks at Sorgi
[22:18] (@Morgan) I understand this one wasn't exactly hands on... perhaps we should send him back to his emporer, mostly all at once
[22:23] (Sorgi) Man: I deserve to be released. She was encouraging us to fuck her, it wouldn't have been rape. Maybe you should keep a closer watch on your beloved wife! 
[22:23] * @Morgan kicks the man in the jaw
[22:24] (Sorgi) **there is an audible and satisfying crunch of breaking bone. He screams as much as his damaged mouth allows before fainting
[22:30] * @Morgan looks at the other man
[22:30] (@Morgan) hey... you... stop screaming
[22:30] (Sorgi) **he quietens a little
[22:31] (@Morgan) was everything he said true?
[22:32] * Sorgi nods
[22:32] (Sorgi) Mostly
[22:32] (@Morgan) mostly... what wasn't correct?
[22:33] (Sorgi) L: I don't think she really encouraged us, she just tricked us so she could stab me *his words are hissed through gritted teeth*
[22:35] (@Morgan) I appreciate your candour... anything else?
[22:38] (Sorgi) L: pain makes it hard to concentrate, I don't know
[22:40] * @Morgan nods
[22:41] (@Morgan) I'm going to remove the dagger
[22:41] (Sorgi) L: **he nods*
[22:41] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[22:42] * @Morgan grasps the handle and wrenches the dagger out
[22:43] (Sorgi) **he tries. It doesn't budge
[22:45] * @Morgan tries harder
[22:47] (Sorgi) **it still doesn't move much
[22:48] * @Morgan moves back
[22:50] (Sorgi) **it appears to be healed within his thigh, and cutting it out would probably be the only option
[22:52] * @Morgan looks the man over
[22:56] (Sorgi) L: **he doesn't look too well*
[22:57] * @Morgan pulls out a pistol and shoots the man
[22:59] (Sorgi) **he dies almost instantly
[23:00] (Sorgi) **the gunfire revives the other man, who screams in horror
[23:01] (Sorgi) M: LOUIS! MON DIEU!
[23:01] * @Morgan calmly reloads the pistol
[23:02] (Sorgi) M: **he strains against the curtain ties that bind him, screaming and begging for mercy
[23:03] * @Morgan points at the dead man
[23:03] (@Morgan) _that_ was mercy
[23:05] (Sorgi) **he still tries to fight his way free
[23:11] (@Morgan) Whats your name?
[23:11] (Man) Marc
[23:12] (@Morgan) Well, Marc... would you like a chance to go free?
[23:12] * Man nods
[23:13] (Man) Yes
[23:13] * @Morgan nods
[23:14] (@Morgan) Sorgi, untie him. Now then, Marc... if you can best me with a sword, you can return to your emporer... if you run, I'll kill you. Understand?
[23:14] (Man) *sorgi does so, frowning deeply as he does*
[23:20] * Man stands, stretching. He looks very confident. Sorgi goes into the corridor, returning with a sword
[23:21] * Man takes it.
[23:21] (Man) Outside?
[23:22] * @Morgan nods
[23:24] * Man follows them out into the coachyard. Just as they arrive, Ghalen and Heinrich walk through the archway
[23:25] (Man) **Sorgi goes to them, speaking very briefly. Both stop to watch
[23:26] * Man watches Morgan, sword ready
[23:27] * @Morgan walks into a bit of space, turning to face the man
[23:28] * Man tests the weight and balance
[23:28] (Man) A duel then?
[23:28] (@Morgan) after a fashion, aye
[23:28] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[23:28] * @Morgan draws the falchion
[23:29] (Man) To the death?
[23:29] * @Morgan nods
[23:29] (@Morgan) I think that'd be the fairest outcome
[23:30] * Man nods arrogantly
[23:30] (Man) En garde
[23:30] * @Morgan stands relaxed
[23:31] * Man jumps to the attack. He is fast, aggressive. He isn't as good as Claudia, but equal to HeinzHarold
[23:32] * @Morgan darts sideways, slapping the blade aside
[23:33] * Man lunges again, a deep thrust aimed at Morgans side
[23:35] * @Morgan knocks the blade downwards before slamming his elbow into the mans face
[23:38] * Man splutters as blood pours down from his nose. His eyes flash with fury as he unleashes a barage of blows, a few connecting minorly with no injury. He tries to stab him again.
[23:39] * @Morgan shoves the man away, staring at him a moment before standing very still
[23:40] * Man stops also, staring
[23:41] (Man) Well?
[23:41] * @Morgan moves into a stance, face blank
[23:43] * Man looks confused, suddenly launching at Morgan, sword a blur
[23:44] * @Morgan moves decisively in the same fashion as when sparring with Claudia, short, efficient, brutal strokes
[23:45] (Man) **most connect with their target, gouging and slicing the montaigne mans flesh 
[23:46] * Man fights on as if unwounded, flamboyant yet fast.
[23:46] * @Morgan continues the style, before aiming for the mans groin
[23:48] * Man doesn't expect this, and fails to guard effectively. The thrust hits home. The man screams in pain, collapsing to the ground
[23:48] * @Morgan takes a few steps back
[23:50] * Man continues to scream, rolling in a rapidly spreading pool of blood
[23:50] * @Morgan cleans his sword off before sheathing it
[23:52] * Man begs for help
[23:52] * @Morgan draws his dagger, before kicking the mans sword away and crouching over him
[23:53] * Man is clearly in agony
[23:53] * @Morgan grabs the mans shirt in one hand, pulling him up slightly before speaking quietly
[23:54] (@Morgan) I'm normally a merciful, honourable man... today is not a normal day.
[23:54] * @Morgan drives the dagger into the mans abdomen, twisting it slightly before drawing it back out and standing up
[23:56] * Man screams, panic and pain. He screams over and over and over
[23:57] * @Morgan steps back, cleaning off the dagger
[23:58] * Man begins to cough up blood in between screams
[23:58] * @Morgan walks away from him towards Sorgi
[00:00] (Man) **Sorgi stands with the others. There's a look of grim satisfaction on his face. Beside him, Ghalen is shocked and pale. Heinrich looks simply curious
[00:00] * Man 's screams start to quieten
[00:00] (@Morgan) Ghalen, go inside and get a drink
[00:02] (Man) **he does. The screams quieten further
[00:02] * @Morgan puts the knife away
[00:02] ** You're now known as Sorgi
[00:03] (Sorgi) Bury them or burn them, my Lord? **though Heinrich seemed unalarmed at the fight, he becomes so now*
[00:04] (@Morgan) I'm half tempted to send them back to Montaigne with a letter of what happened
[00:04] * Sorgi nods
[00:04] (Sorgi) Walder could arrange that my Lord
[00:05] (@Morgan) I'll need to send word to the Eisenfurst, see if he wishes to bestow any punishment upon me
[00:06] * Sorgi nods
[00:07] (Sorgi) I'll find a messenger, my Lord
[00:07] * @Morgan nods
[00:07] (@Morgan) thank you
[00:07] (Sorgi) I'll start now, if you wish?
[00:07] * @Morgan looks back at the man
[00:08] (Sorgi) **hes dead*
[00:10] * @Morgan looks at Heinrich
[00:10] (@Morgan) perhaps you should go and get a drink too
[00:11] (Sorgi) **heinrich shrugs, but goes, suspecting he's been given orders
[00:12] (@Morgan) you're looking a bit wild eyed
[00:13] (Sorgi) **heinrich waits til Sorgi is out of earshot* I thought you might take offense at his suggestion to burn him
[00:14] (@Morgan) I'd rather considered it before he was dead
[00:15] (Sorgi) **he looks confused** what the hell has happened here?!
[00:15] * @Morgan sighs heavily
[00:15] (@Morgan) he and his compatriot in the cellar were attempting to force themselves upon my wife
[00:18] (Sorgi) **he looks horrified** is she alright?!
[00:18] * @Morgan nods
[00:19] (@Morgan) more or less
[00:20] ** You're now known as Heinrich
[00:20] (Heinrich) Bastards. Did they...? **he looks a little awkward*
[00:21] (@Morgan) No, she managed to injure one and Sorgi stopped _that_ one
[00:22] (Heinrich) Thank Theus for that. **he looks at the body* he got off lightly
[00:22] * @Morgan nods
[00:22] (@Morgan) I rather think so
[00:25] (Heinrich) I'm not sure I'd tell Ghalen
[00:26] * @Morgan nods
[00:26] (@Morgan) good idea
[00:26] * Heinrich speaks quieter
[00:27] (Heinrich) I'm not sure if you've noticed, but he has a bit of a thing for the veisgrafin
[00:27] * @Morgan nods
[00:27] (@Morgan) I'd noticed
[00:28] (Heinrich) He'd take it hard that he wasn't here to protect her and rescue her
[00:28] * @Morgan nods
[00:28] (@Morgan) If it gets any more obvious, I'll have a word with him
[00:31] (Heinrich) I don't think it's anything to worry about, my Lord
[00:31] (@Morgan) No, nor I, but I'd rather she not be made uncomfortable and he embarrassed
[00:32] * Heinrich nods
[00:33] (Heinrich) It'll run its course. All of us had these sort of crushes when we were young
[00:33] * @Morgan nods
[00:35] (Heinrich) Would you like me to speak to him?
[00:35] (@Morgan) Not yet, we'll see how it goes
[00:35] * Heinrich nods
[00:35] (Heinrich) Very good, my Lord
[00:36] * Heinrich thinks
[00:36] (Heinrich) How keen are you on selling that Blokners?
[00:36] * @Morgan looks at him curiously
[00:37] (@Morgan) what've you got in mind?
[00:37] * Heinrich grins
[00:38] (Heinrich) Drinking it. A toast to armed women, justice and Eisen swordsmanship.
[00:39] * @Morgan nods slowly
[00:39] (@Morgan) I think that sounds reasonable
[00:40] * Heinrich nods, holding the door open for Morgan as Sorgi flings the bloodied body into the back of a cart.
[22:18] (Molly) **by the time his letters are written and the task of arranging delivery is complete, he still hasn't seen his wife. Ghalen & Heinrich clean the cellar, the prisoners clean the courtyard, Walder and Sorgi   have gone to the village for messagers.
[22:18] * @Morgan roams the house, looking for Molly
[22:19] (Molly) **he finally discovers that the only place she can be is in their room
[22:20] * @Morgan heads to the room
[22:20] (Molly) **its closed but not locked
[22:21] * @Morgan knocks on the door
[22:22] * Molly replies
[22:22] (Molly) Come in?
[22:22] * @Morgan opens the door, walking in
[22:26] * Molly is sat in the window seat, both windows open to the sunshine and warm breeze typical of an Eisen summer. It dries her wet hair. In her lap is the torn yellow dress, the bodice spotted in her blood. Her current attire, a cornflower blue dress she's had as long as he can recall, is low enough to show the wounds remain. 
[22:28] (@Morgan) How are you feeling blossom?
[22:29] * Molly looks up from her task, needle in hand
[22:29] (Molly) I'm trying to fix it
[22:29] (@Morgan) so I see
[22:29] * Molly frowns
[22:30] (Molly) It is badly damaged
[22:30] * @Morgan nods, closing the door
[22:31] * Molly watches him a moment, studying his movements, his expressions
[22:31] (Molly) It may be a lost cause
[22:31] * @Morgan nods slowly
[22:32] (@Morgan) That's a shame
[22:32] * Molly nods
[22:33] (Molly) I was fond of it. It was originally the late Lady Torrington's... As with most of my dresses
[22:36] * @Morgan nods sombrely
[22:36] (@Morgan) blossom, why haven't you done something about that wound?
[22:37] * Molly shrugs a little awkwardly
[22:37] (Molly) A couple of reasons
[22:38] * @Morgan walks slowly towards her
[22:38] (@Morgan) what?
[22:42] * Molly looks at the dress as she talks
[22:42] (Molly) Firstly, Sorgi knows of the wounds. If they disappear, it must be explained
[22:45] (@Morgan) that makes sense but could be worked around
[22:46] * Molly simply nods
[22:49] (Molly)  Possibly
[22:54] (@Morgan) and the other?
[22:56] * Molly frowns again. She looks somewhat tense, voice quieter
[22:56] (Molly) I am not sure that I should
[22:56] * @Morgan looks confused
[22:56] (@Morgan) why?
[22:58] (Molly) Because they serve as a reminder that I was not cautious enough to guard myself better, not smart enough to fully outwit them, and not controlled enough to prevent myself inflicting such an injury
[22:58] * Molly doesn't make eye contact
[23:03] (@Morgan) blossom, thats entirely silly
[23:05] * Molly looks saddened
[23:06] (Molly) Silly perhaps, but how I feel nonetheless
[23:06] (@Morgan) There's no reason you should have had to think that way... it was _their_ fault, not yours
[23:10] * Molly shrugs a little
[23:12] (Molly) I feel a little responsible. When I think of what nearly happened... *she shakes her head, looking very upset*
[23:13] * @Morgan puts a hand out to her
[23:15] (@Morgan) I can understand that blossom, but really, it wasn't your fault
[23:17] * Molly takes his hand
[23:17] (Molly) I appreciate your kindness
[23:19] (@Morgan) its not kindness, blossom, its honesty
[23:19] * Molly nods slightly, tears forming in her eyes
[23:20] (Molly) Thank you
[23:21] * @Morgan steps closer, pulling her hand to his chest
[23:25] * Molly feels his heartbeat against the back of her hand and the familiar feel of him. He can see some of the tightness in her shoulders relax
[23:30] (@Morgan) I'm sorry blossom, I never thought something like this would happen
[23:38] * Molly shakes her head, eyes on their joined hands
[23:38] (Molly) I do not blame you in any way
[23:46] (@Morgan) thats as maybe
[23:47] (Molly) You can not watch over me every minute of the day
[23:47] (@Morgan) No, but I think something like their incursion could've been anticipated
[23:49] * Molly squeezes his hand softly
[23:50] (Molly) Please, do not feel responsible, none of it is your fault
[23:54] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:54] (@Morgan) nor is it yours
[23:54] * Molly bites her lower lip
[23:55] (Molly) I disagree. I should have handled the situation better.
[23:55] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:55] (@Morgan) learn from it
[23:55] * Molly nods slightly
[23:56] (Molly) Yes, liebes herz
[23:57] * Molly sighs a little, eyes downcast
[23:59] (Molly) Will you still feel the same about me, knowing other men have seen me half naked? 
[23:59] (@Morgan) Of course, blossom
[23:59] * Molly nods a little
[00:00] (Molly) I know my innocence and purity was a large part of my appeal, and I feel that has been greatly lessened today
[00:01] (@Morgan) No, blossom... Your appeal comes from who you are, not from what you do or do not know
[00:04] (Molly) Who I am... I am just a common girl who seems to end up angering or displeasing most people she comes into contact with the moment she has any wealth or influence. *she smiles, but it doesn't reach her eyes at all, only solemnity is displayed there*
[00:05] * @Morgan raises an eyebrow
[00:05] (@Morgan) They'd have been displeased with anyone they'd encountered... and you've displeased noone else blossom
[00:08] (Molly) I displeased Lady Rebecca, Curtis, the Colonel, whoever destroyed the Rose. I have in the past displeased my parents. I displeased Sacha and Otto, Alarice. 
[00:12] (@Morgan) Rebecca and Curtis were going to be displeased with whichever event happened, regardless... Kai lives in a permanent state of displeasure... the Rose... I still have my suspicions. Your parents were displeased because of a mistake in conclusion that _they_ came to.
[00:14] * Molly nods, waiting to see if he continues
[00:15] (@Morgan) Sacha and Otto, they were displeased by the situation, which I think is understandable... Alarice could get upset at the sun rising, so I wouldn't worry about that one
[00:17] * Molly smiles at that
[00:17] (Molly) I am sorry for being so maudlin. I am still somewhat shocked by it all
[00:18] (@Morgan) thats understandable blossom
[00:19] * Molly speaks softly
[00:19] (Molly) I don't think I have ever been so afraid
[00:24] * @Morgan nods
[00:24] (@Morgan) I felt it
[00:25] * Molly looks surprised
[00:25] (Molly) I did not think it could be felt over such a distance
[00:27] (@Morgan) nor I, but I did
[00:30] (Molly) I am sorry if it ruined your falconry, liebes herz
[00:31] (@Morgan) It doesn't matter blossom
[00:32] * Molly nods
[00:32] (Molly) I need to learn to suppress it better
[00:37] (@Morgan) No, it was the only thing that alerted me
[00:38] * Molly nods
[00:39] (Molly) That is true. If Sorgi hadn't been here...
[00:44] * Molly watches his expression for any emotions that may be revealed
[00:46] * @Morgan nods
[00:46] (@Morgan) he's rather allayed any doubts I had
[00:50] * Molly takes a deep breath. He hears a flicker of her thoughts ;;pull yourself together Moll, there is too much to do for you to go to pieces over this"  
[00:50] (Molly) I am glad. I think he would make a good captain for the Rose, once we have to return
[00:51] * @Morgan nods
[00:51] (@Morgan) I'm inclined to agree
[00:53] * Molly looks at the clock on the mantle as the shorter hand pushes towards one o'clock. She puts down the dress and stands
[00:54] (Molly) I'll need to see to my hair. What happened to the men?
[00:55] (@Morgan) they were dealt with
[00:56] * Molly crosses the room and sits at the dressing table. She looks a moment at the mirror on it, less fine than the one he bought her. She picks up a brush.
[00:57] (Molly) With all due respect, liebling, I would prefer to not be shielded
[01:06] ** Morgan has quit (Quit: �I-n-v-i-s-i-o-n� 3.1.3 (May '10))