[21:37] (Molly) [20:27] (Molly) **They head upstairs with eagerness. About halfway to their room, Morgan develops an odd prickling sensation, making the hairs on his neck stand up
[21:38] * @Morgan stops still, looking round
[21:40] * Molly stops also, watching him
[21:40] (Molly) Are you well, liebes herz?
[21:41] (@Morgan) Somethings not right blossom
[21:42] * Molly looks serious. He notices one of the bedroom doors is ajar
[21:42] (Molly) What would you have me do?
[21:43] (@Morgan) stay alert, stay back... Your safety is my primary concern
[21:45] * Molly nods, watching the hall and the stairs. The sensation doesn't leave him
[21:47] * @Morgan moves towards the door, hand close to the binding on his sword
[21:48] (Molly) **he hears nothing. She keeps watch.
[21:48] * @Morgan nudges the door open with his foot
[21:51] (Molly) **it opens. Inside the room is somewhat plain, currently allocated to farmers from Sudlachenburg. Jacques, the ten-year-old son of Walder is crouched on the floor looking into a bucket. In the mirror he's just washed, Morgan sees the boy's face looking at him from the inside
[21:52] * @Morgan blinks slowly, gripping the haft of his sword
[21:52] (@Morgan) What are you doing Jacques?
[21:54] (Molly) **he looks up from the bucket. He looks unharmed and unalarmed, just a little curious. As he moves back, the face in the mirror disappears, leaving only Morgan in the reflection
[21:54] (Molly) Cleaning, Milord
[21:54] * @Morgan nods to the bucket
[21:54] (@Morgan) and staring into that?
[21:54] * Molly speaks quietly to Morgan
[21:55] (Molly) Has the danger passed? *she's still watching the corridor. The odd feeling stops
[21:56] (Molly) J: *he stands up, brushing his trousers* Yes, Milord, it's very interesting, Milord
[21:56] (@Morgan) aye, its fine... come in Molly, we have things to discuss with this young man
[21:59] * Molly comes in. She looks around the room, frowning slightly at the wet mirror
[21:59] (Molly) Best dry that before it leaves streaks...
[21:59] (Molly) J: *he nods, looking for a cloth*
[22:02] * Molly looks to Morgan
[22:03] (Molly) What must we discuss?
[22:03] (@Morgan) Our young friend was looking at me... from _that_ while looking into _there_ *points*
[22:04] * Molly looks confused
[22:04] (Molly) That isn't possible
[22:05] (Molly) *Jacques dries the mirror*
[22:05] (@Morgan) Nor is leaving a room and ending up on a beach...
[22:09] * Molly 's expression becomes schooled as she tries to conceal her reaction
[22:09] (Molly) I see
[22:12] (Molly) *Jacques watches them* did I do something bad, Milord?
[22:12] (@Morgan) No lad, just unexpected... how long have you been able to do that?
[22:14] (Molly) J: *he thinks* ummm... Four weeks or so Milord
[22:15] (@Morgan) Has anyone else seen you do it?
[22:15] (Molly) J: *he shakes his head* no-one, milord
[22:16] * @Morgan nods slowly, looking to Molly
[22:17] * Molly nods, smiling gently at the boy
[22:18] (Molly) Does it scare or upset you?
[22:18] (Molly) *he shakes his head* no milady, it just interests me
[22:20] * Molly looks back to Morgan as if to say "now what?"
[22:20] * @Morgan shrugs slightly
[22:21] (@Morgan) best not mention it to anyone Jacques... you know how strange people can be
[22:23] (Molly) J: *he nods* should I tell my father, milord?
[22:24] (@Morgan) Not just yet, I'll talk with him about it first and let you know when to speak to him about it, hows that?
[22:25] (Molly) J: *he nods, smiling* would you like to see how it works, milord?
[22:26] * @Morgan bristles slightly
[22:26] (@Morgan) If you'd like to show me...
[22:27] * Molly comes to watch also, an idea forming in her mind
[22:28] (Molly) J: *he picks up the cloth, dipping it in the bucket before wetting the mirror* it only works when the mirror is wet, milord
[22:30] (@Morgan) any idea why?
[22:31] (Molly) *he bends over the bucket, concentrating a moment. Again, his image appears in the mirror
[22:31] (Molly) J: *he thinks* I think it's the water that's important
[22:32] * Molly crouches down beside him
[22:33] (Molly) Oh! You can see in the surface of the water what you would see from inside the mirror! *she smiles at Jacques. Morgan can feel that though not completely at ease, she is unafraid*
[22:36] (Molly) J: *he nods*
[22:36] * @Morgan frowns
[22:36] (Molly) Would it work if I have a look? *he shrugs* I don't know milady
[22:38] (Molly) J *he moves back to allow her to do so. She smiles slightly as she does. Immediately Morgan can see her in the mirror
[22:39] (Molly) Fascinating...
[22:40] (@Morgan) Jacques... have you tried with a mirror in another room?
[22:40] (Molly) J : *he shakes his head* not had time, milord
[22:41] * @Morgan glances at Molly
[22:41] (@Morgan) and you only need to concentrate on doing this?
[22:41] * Molly sees his movement from the mirror so looks up
[22:43] (Molly) J: *he shrugs slightly* I concentrate to start it, then it stops when I decide
[22:43] (Molly) Milord*
[22:44] * Molly stands, gently lifting the mirror. Morgan notices that she's careful not to touch the surface
[22:45] (Molly) Let's have a look shall we?
[22:46] * @Morgan frowns briefly
[22:46] (@Morgan) Jacques, will you be alright in here if I go with Molly?
[22:46] (Molly) J: yes milord
[22:47] * @Morgan nods slightly, looking out into the hallway to see if anyones around
[22:47] * Molly carefully carries the mirror to maintain the wet surface. So close to dinner there's noone upstairs
[22:49] * Molly puts it on the dresser. They can see the boy as if he were standing in front of them. He smiles
[22:52] (@Morgan) I guess that answers that question
[22:52] * Molly smiles, waving. He waves in return
[22:53] (Molly) Hmmm, yes... *she looks around the room a moment*
[22:55] (Molly) Liebes herz, could you fetch me that paper and a pencil please?
[22:55] * @Morgan frowns, going to pick up the paper
[22:57] * Molly takes it from him, writing something. She holds it up to the mirror. Briefly he sees Jacques return with his cleaning rag, displaying it.
[22:58] * @Morgan looks confused
[22:58] * Molly grins, turning to him. Her sign says "show me the cloth"
[22:59] (Molly) Wunderbar!
[22:59] (@Morgan) I'm not entirely sure what that achieves...
[22:59] * Molly smiles
[23:00] (Molly) Let me just return the mirror and send Jacques for dinner, and we'll talk whilst we dress. We only have fifteen minutes.
[23:01] * @Morgan nods
[23:01] (@Morgan) as you wish
[23:02] * Molly does so. In two minutes she is back, shutting the door behind her. She quickly begins to unlace, though watches him
[23:02] (Molly) How are you, liebling?
[23:02] (@Morgan) Frankly, deeply disturbed
[23:02] (@Morgan) I hated that sort of magic when I knew it took time and rituals to do...
[23:03] * Molly nods, her expression gentle
[23:03] (Molly) Given what we saw, that is to be expected
[23:06] * @Morgan nods slowly
[23:06] (@Morgan) I suppose so
[23:06] * Molly bites her lower lip
[23:07] (Molly) I'm trying not to get too excited about it as I wouldn't wish to discomfort you
[23:07] (@Morgan) excited? I dont understand
[23:08] * Molly drops her dress to the floor
[23:08] (Molly) Suppose we take the mirror and some of the water on the Rose...
[23:08] * Molly watches him
[23:09] * @Morgan chews on his lower lip for a moment
[23:09] (@Morgan) why the water?
[23:10] (Molly) Because Jacques thought the water was the important part
[23:10] (@Morgan) Is it _that_ water, or just that its wet?
[23:10] (Molly) I have no idea yet
[23:10] * Molly smiles
[23:12] (Molly) But just imagine being able to write a letter and it be acted up two hundred leagues away as if the reader was stood in front of you!
[23:12] (Molly) Upon*
[23:12] (@Morgan) I see the benefits
[23:12] * @Morgan frowns
[23:13] (Molly) If something that happened ten minutes ago could arrive somewhere that would take six weeks conventionally
[23:13] * Molly tries to hide her excitement but isn't managing it
[23:16] * @Morgan nods
[23:16] (@Morgan) I understand that...
[23:17] (Molly) The advantages of this in Warfare would be huge, communicating with troops on different battlefields, for reconnoitering...
[23:18] * Molly laughs softly
[23:18] (Molly) No more reading The Military History Of Eisen at bedtime I think!
[23:19] * @Morgan nods slowly
[23:19] (@Morgan) its not a terribly interesting read, anyway
[23:20] * Molly smiles
[23:20] (Molly) The point remains though. This could be the most important magical discovery we'll ever come across
[23:21] (@Morgan) in the middle of the most superstitious country on Theah
[23:21] (@Morgan) Hell, I dont like it and I can set fire to things
[23:22] * Molly nods solemnly
[23:23] (Molly) I understand. The primary concern is his safety
[23:24] * @Morgan nods
[23:24] (@Morgan) absolutely
[23:25] (Molly) But the potential uses are rather valuable. I for one would rest much easier whilst at sea to know that Innesbruck and Koln are safe
[23:25] * Molly pulls on a clean dress
[23:26] * @Morgan nods
[23:26] * Molly looks thoughtful
[23:26] (Molly) Is it Porte? Or a variation on Porte in the same manner as our magic?
[23:27] (@Morgan) a variation thereof as far as I can tell... as I said, Porte requires ritual, preparation, that sort of thing
[23:27] (@Morgan) also, he doesn't show any of the obvious signs of porte magic
[23:29] (Molly) Such as?
[23:29] * @Morgan glances round for a drink
[23:29] (@Morgan) blood on their hands for a start
[23:30] * Molly looks shocked. There's a bottle of Blokners on a side table
[23:30] (Molly) Blood?!
[23:31] * @Morgan moves to pour a glass of blokners
[23:31] (@Morgan) its not actually blood, but looks a great deal like it...
[23:31] * @Morgan looks at her
[23:31] * Molly frowns deeply
[23:31] (@Morgan) they're essentially tearing a hole through Theah...
[23:31] * Molly shudders
[23:32] (Molly) I don't like that idea much
[23:32] (@Morgan) Its something that doesnt seem to affect Jacques
[23:32] * Molly nods
[23:33] (Molly) But then your Fire is very different to Fire Magic. My Healing ability has unusual effects and uses that don't fit Healing Magic
[23:34] * @Morgan nods slowly
[23:34] (@Morgan) indeed
[23:34] (Molly) I think we have to accept that whatever we all have, it is utterly different than Theah is used to
[23:35] * @Morgan nods
[23:35] (@Morgan) I thinkk thats a fair assessment
[23:35] * Molly studies his expression closely, trying to gauge his feelings
[23:36] * @Morgan is obviously displeased about the situtation
[23:38] * Molly comes to him, wrapping her arms around him in a gesture of reassurance
[23:39] (Molly) If you wish it, I will handle the situation alone
[23:39] (@Morgan) No, it does not do to avoid that which makes us uneasy
[23:40] * Molly nods, pulling away
[23:41] (Molly) I need to ask him a few more questions, and we need to speak to Walder
[23:42] (@Morgan) definitely
[23:42] (Molly) But first we need to go to dinner
[23:42] * Molly goes to the mirror, repinning her hair
[23:46] (Molly) This was _not_ how I intended to spend our forty-five minutes alone!
[23:46] (@Morgan) No, nor I
[23:46] * Molly stands, ready. She takes a deep breath
[23:47] (Molly) Time to play the graceful Veisgrafin once more! *she smiles, trying to lighten his mood*
[23:48] (@Morgan) and a fine job you're doing of it
[23:52] * Molly blushes charmingly
[23:53] (Molly) Only because I am at the side of the most dashing and noble Veisgraf in all of Eisen
[23:54] * Molly opens the door, heading towards the stairs
[23:54] * @Morgan follows her, drink in hand

[20:47] (Molly) [20:34] (Molly) **She briefly speaks to Walder before sitting. Once they've been served, Molly makes an impromptu speech, thanking them for their dedication and success in fixing Innesbruck, and asking for their continued support. She likens their work to taking the baby steps for rebuilding their Motherland as a whole, including those like herself and her father who are Herzkind; children of Eisen's heart though not of her body. She raises a toast to Eisen, impassioned and confident. It perfectly deflects any from pondering on the subdued atmosphere the newlyweds have brought to the table.
[20:53] ** New query from Morgan (Available on submenu 'Windows')
[20:56] * @Morgan raises his glass, joining the toast
[21:02] * Molly makes easy conversation with their guests, only her husband notices the tightness in her expression, the more controlled laughing. After a little while the farmers bring out their cards, and Molly, Morgan and Walder head to the drawing room, the maid bringing blokners. Once they are furnished with drinks, Walder looks to Morgan
[21:02] ** You're now known as Walder
[21:02] (Walder) You wished to speak with me, Milord?
[21:03] * @Morgan nods, sipping his drink
[21:03] (@Morgan) there's something quite serious we need to discuss, Walder
[21:05] * Walder nods, watching Morgan
[21:05] (Walder) Yes Milord
[21:06] * @Morgan frowns briefly
[21:07] (@Morgan) How superstitious are you?
[21:07] (Walder) A little, I suppose, Milord
[21:07] (@Morgan) but not as much as most?
[21:09] (Walder) I don't think so, Milord... It's hard to say really
[21:10] * @Morgan looks to Molly
[21:10] (@Morgan) Do you believe in magic, Walder?
[21:11] * Walder looks a bit unsure
[21:11] (Walder) Well, yes, I think so
[21:11] (@Morgan) does it bother you?
[21:13] (Walder) It is a bit scary I suppose
[21:13] (@Morgan) is a sword scary? on its own, I mean?
[21:13] * Walder looks completely genuine, as always
[21:14] (Walder) It depends if you're a clumsy person, milord
[21:14] * @Morgan smiles despite himself
[21:15] (@Morgan) Most people are terribly afraid of magic, of being able to do things that shouldn't be possible
[21:16] * Walder shrugs slightly
[21:18] (Walder) I can't say I gave it much thought til you just asked me, Milord. My Mariette, that's Jacques mother, Theus rest her, was quite scared of it though
[21:18] (Walder) *molly sips her blokners, watching Morgan over the rim*
[21:18] * @Morgan raises an eyebrow briefly
[21:19] (Walder) She had a cousin, killed in the revolution, she said he could do magic
[21:19] * @Morgan nods
[21:20] (@Morgan) I see
[21:20] * Walder nods
[21:21] (Walder) He was a bit older, see? Mariette's family fled, her cousin's stayed. It was a bad time to be in Charouse.
[21:21] (@Morgan) I would imagine so
[21:25] * Walder sips his blokners
[21:26] * @Morgan looks to Molly again
[21:26] (Walder) *she smiles gently at him, clearly feeling he's doing a good job*
[21:30] (@Morgan) The point I'm making, I suppose, is that it isn't inherantly bad or dangerous... that depends on what its used for, you see?
[21:32] * Molly nods
[21:32] ** You're now known as Walder
[21:32] (Walder) Like Blokners, Milord
[21:33] (@Morgan) You could say that, aye
[21:34] * Walder nods
[21:35] (Walder) Pieter used blokners badly, and it hurt him and everyone in Innesbruck. We are drinking it sensibly and it's just fine, milord
[21:35] * @Morgan nods slowly
[21:37] (@Morgan) that said, of course, you wouldn't go broadcasting that I, for example, had a weapon on me at any given moment because it might make people uneasy, you see?
[21:39] * Walder nods
[21:39] (Walder) Quite right, milord
[21:40] (@Morgan) In line with that, just because someone could do things most would believe to be magic, there's no reason for anyone but those who must know to know...
[21:41] * Walder frowns
[21:41] (Walder) No, definitely not
[21:42] (@Morgan) especially if others knowing would put that person at risk of their ire, for no other reason than they are afraid
[21:45] * Walder nods, clearly not reading between the lines
[21:45] (Walder) Yes milord
[21:45] (@Morgan) Now... if someone you knew could do some sort of magic, how would you feel about that?
[21:46] (Walder) It depends on if I trusted them, milord
[21:47] (@Morgan) lets say you do
[21:50] (Walder) Then I'd be fine, milord
[21:50] (@Morgan) And you'd not mention it to anyone?
[21:51] * Walder shakes his head
[21:51] (Walder) Never Milord.
[21:51] * @Morgan nods, refilling his glass before offering the same to Walder
[21:53] * Walder accepts
[21:53] * @Morgan sits down, quiet for a moment
[21:56] (@Morgan) Walder, I need to talk to you about Jacques
[21:56] * Walder nods, assuming it's a change of subject
[21:57] (Walder) I know he can be a little distracted at times, milord, but he is a hard worker
[21:57] * @Morgan smiles
[21:57] (@Morgan) I've no concern in that area, don't worry
[21:59] (@Morgan) Do you know anything about the magic that the Montaigne can potentially have?
[22:00] * Walder shakes his head
[22:00] (Walder) No, Mariette was too afraid to tell me
[22:00] * @Morgan nods
[22:01] (@Morgan) Alright... Normally they can open little... tunnels if you like, from one place to another. Like... Say that doorway was one end of it, and a doorway upstairs the other, so I could walk through there and appear upstairs... with me?
[22:04] * Walder looks thoughtful
[22:04] (Walder) Like they take away the space between them?
[22:04] (@Morgan) sort of, yes
[22:05] * Walder nods
[22:05] (Walder) Alright
[22:05] (@Morgan) It takes a lot of practice to do, and a lot of jiggery pokery with runes and smoke and... and whatever else they need
[22:06] * Walder nods
[22:06] (Walder) Very complicated, milord
[22:07] (@Morgan) very... however, Jacques seems to be able to do it, to a degree, without any of that fussing about
[22:07] * @Morgan watches Walder intently
[22:08] * Walder looks surprised, but not fearful or angry
[22:08] (Walder) It must come from his mother's side
[22:08] (@Morgan) Perhaps.
[22:09] (Walder) Why didnt he tell me?
[22:09] (@Morgan) The problem is the others here may well be superstitious, certainly those from Sudlachenburg are _very_ superstitious, and I don't like to think what might happen if they found out
[22:09] * @Morgan sips his drink for a moment
[22:09] (@Morgan) can you whistle?
[22:12] * Walder nods
[22:12] (Walder) Pretty well milord
[22:12] (@Morgan) why didn't you tell me?
[22:12] * @Morgan watches him
[22:14] (Walder) I showed him, when he was a baby, to help him sleep. I'm not much of a singer, and with Mariette gone... *he looks a little upset*
[22:15] (@Morgan) You're missing my point... at that age, its simply a novel thing he can do, not a big dramatic thing like we might see it...
[22:16] * Walder nods
[22:16] (Walder) I understand. Why did he tell you, Milord?
[22:17] (@Morgan) he didn't... during my time in Avalon I've gotten used to the feeling when things like this happen, and I happened to notice
[22:19] * Walder nods
[22:19] (Walder) What should I do now?
[22:20] (@Morgan) Talk with him, love him as you do. Dont tell anyone else, make sure he understands others cant know
[22:21] * Walder nods
[22:22] (Walder) He's a sensible boy, we'll be fine.
[22:24] * @Morgan nods
[22:24] (@Morgan) I'm glad to hear that
[22:25] (Walder) He can't walk through tunnels though?
[22:25] (@Morgan) not as far as I know, no... he can do odd things looking through mirrors and the like
[22:31] (Walder) **Molly watches Walder**
[22:31] * Walder nods
[22:31] (Walder) I'll have a talk with him, Milord
[22:35] (Walder) M: We're leaving early in the morning, but if you'd permit me, I'd like to come and speak to you before we leave about how Jacques' gift could benefit Innesbruck immensely, but very quietly. I'll give you chance to sleep on it, and I'll pop by at first light.
[22:36] * Walder nods, smiling
[22:36] (Walder) It'd be an honour, I'll make us all breakfast to get you prepared for the ride.
[22:38] (Walder) *she smiles warmly at them both, then downs her half a glass of blokners before rising* if you gentlemen will excuse me, I must retire. *walder stands, bowing*
[22:50] (@Morgan) You'll be alright?
[22:53] * Walder nods
[22:55] (Walder) Me and Jacques, we're a strong team. Life made it that it'd just be the two of us, we're closer than most fathers and sons for that, milord
[22:55] * @Morgan nods
[22:55] (@Morgan) good. If there's any way I can help, let me know...
[22:58] * Walder nods
[22:58] (Walder) Thank you, milord
[22:59] * @Morgan nods before finishing off his drink
[22:59] * Walder goes to the door