[20:53] (Molly) **having arrived at die dauerhaftigkeit early afternoon, he takes lunch in his fathers rooms whilst molly visits verity & martha. He's explained why they want to live in Innesbruck, and Varick's heritage. AD is unhappy re: edwards return and is letting Morgan choose his future. He's got something up his sleeve Re: HH but won't say. They've finished eating* [20:53] ** You're now known as adalbrecht [20:55] (adalbrecht) You're leaving the day after tomorrow for Starke? [20:56] (@Morgan) Thats the plan [20:57] * adalbrecht nods. He downs the last of his blokners [20:57] (adalbrecht) I...ummm... I have a little *ahem* advice for you. Well, umm, both of you. [20:58] * @Morgan raises an eyebrow [20:58] * adalbrecht flushes, fidding with his cigar tin [21:00] (adalbrecht) You're going to be away a long time and ummm as you're married now, it's uhhh likely that you'll ummm create a child. It wouldn't be ideal timing really. [21:05] * @Morgan watches his father impassively [21:06] * adalbrecht looks as awkward as when first explaining intercourse [21:07] (adalbrecht) I'm not suggesting that you ummm avoid all umm intimacy, but I umm think I might be umm able to help [21:08] (@Morgan) I see... [21:11] * adalbrecht clears his throat [21:12] (adalbrecht) You recall I had a friend in Carleon, she was a courtesan? We were just friends, but she ummm knew a great deal about ummm... [21:13] (@Morgan) I would imagine she did... [21:13] * @Morgan sits, watching his father impassively, much as he does when he's waiting for someone to incriminate themselves [21:15] (adalbrecht) She ummm... *he sighs, waving a hand as if skipping ahead in a story* a discussion arose about how a man could ummm... Prevent a child being umm conceived [21:16] * @Morgan leans back briefly [21:17] (@Morgan) I have a friend who's a courtesan, you know. We're rather close... [21:17] * adalbrecht watches him with a hint of relief [21:17] (adalbrecht) So you already know what I'm going to say [21:17] (@Morgan) I have to say thats not a topic we ever discussed.... [21:18] * adalbrecht fidgets uncomfortably [21:19] (adalbrecht) Ahh, well... Ummm. Sometimes odd discussions occur when drinking with Ussurans... [21:19] (@Morgan) I've drunk with Ussurans on a few occasions, and, again, thats not a topic that was raised [21:20] * adalbrecht taps his fingers on the tin [21:20] (adalbrecht) Minka was... Quite an unusual woman [21:21] * @Morgan says nothing [21:21] * adalbrecht shakes his head very slightly [21:22] (adalbrecht) As I was saying... There are ways to be ummm active without conception... [21:23] * @Morgan sips his drink, watching his father [21:23] * adalbrecht sighs, rubbing his forehead [21:24] (adalbrecht) Perhaps you'd be better speaking to HeinzHarold... Or Captain Holzheim [21:26] * @Morgan shrugs [21:26] (@Morgan) I'm sure we'll manage [21:29] * adalbrecht crosses his arms, obviously psyching himself up. He talks fast, keen to get it over with [21:30] (adalbrecht) Providing you withdraw at the right moment, Molly will be quite safe. [21:30] (@Morgan) I see... [21:31] * adalbrecht takes out a cigar, lighting it and drawing deeply on it. He relaxes a little. [21:33] (adalbrecht) Minka said it takes a great deal of willpower, but you are Eisen, and Eisenmen are strong of Will [21:33] (@Morgan) takes some practice, does it? [21:33] (adalbrecht) I have no idea. [21:35] * @Morgan smirks [21:35] * adalbrecht watches him. He refills his glass then downs it, offering to Morgan [21:36] * @Morgan holds his glass out to be refilled [21:36] * adalbrecht does so [21:36] (adalbrecht) It's worth a try though. You wouldn't want to cut your sailing short [21:37] (@Morgan) There's more than one way to skin a cat [21:37] * adalbrecht nods thoughtfully, refilling his glass [21:38] (adalbrecht) There is, yes [21:40] (adalbrecht) The Montaigne courtesans use some sponges with brandy... [21:40] (@Morgan) So I hear [21:41] (@Morgan) Though, I'm not sure why _you_ would know that [21:41] * adalbrecht flushes but doesn't stammer [21:41] (adalbrecht) Minka had travelled a lot [21:42] (@Morgan) and discussed all of it with you... [21:42] * adalbrecht sighs [21:43] (adalbrecht) Minka saw my resolve to stay a virgin as a challenge [21:43] * adalbrecht drinks a sizeable amount of his blokners [21:43] * @Morgan nods [21:43] (@Morgan) I see [21:44] (adalbrecht) She didn't win... [21:44] (@Morgan) as I would expect from an Eisenman [21:44] * adalbrecht taps the ash from his cigar into a tray [21:45] (adalbrecht) Of course. *he watches Morgan a moment indecisively* [21:49] (adalbrecht) There are some activities that can occur without any umm... Risk [21:49] * @Morgan raises an eyebrow [21:50] * adalbrecht finishes the blokners [21:51] (adalbrecht) Things that can be done for a woman... [21:53] * adalbrecht laughs a little, relaxing further from the effect of the blokners [21:54] (adalbrecht) That probably would have been useful to you long before now... [21:55] * @Morgan watches his father curiously [21:57] (adalbrecht) Using one's hands and mouth can be quite effective... [21:57] * @Morgan nods [21:57] (@Morgan) I know [21:59] (adalbrecht) Oh! *he nods* your courtesan friend? [22:00] (@Morgan) As I've said, we never discussed such topics [22:01] * adalbrecht looks confused [22:02] (adalbrecht) HeinzHarold? [22:02] * @Morgan frowns [22:02] (@Morgan) is there some reason I shouldn't have found out myself? [22:02] * adalbrecht frowns [22:03] (adalbrecht) Well, no, I suppose not... [22:04] (adalbrecht) You didn't hear about it in the Navy? [22:04] * @Morgan shakes his head [22:04] * adalbrecht nods slowly [22:05] (adalbrecht) I doubt you really need my hel [22:05] (adalbrecht) Help* [22:05] * @Morgan shakes his head slowly [22:05] (@Morgan) Not in this matter [22:05] * adalbrecht nods [22:06] (adalbrecht) Perhaps I should have been more open about it before [22:06] * @Morgan shrugs [22:06] (@Morgan) who can say [22:06] * adalbrecht frowns deeply [22:07] (adalbrecht) I won't be telling Edward. [22:07] (@Morgan) I would imagine Edward already knows [22:08] (adalbrecht) About Minka and I? *he looks puzzled* [22:08] (@Morgan) No, about the... methods, lets say [22:08] * adalbrecht nods [22:09] (adalbrecht) You're both much more worldly than I expected [22:09] (@Morgan) well... I _have_ been married before... [22:11] * adalbrecht nods [22:12] (adalbrecht) That is very true, yes [22:13] * adalbrecht watches him [22:13] (adalbrecht) If there _is_ ever anything I might be able to answer though...? [22:14] (@Morgan) I' [22:14] (@Morgan) I'll come to you [22:14] * adalbrecht nods, looking proud [22:16] (adalbrecht) I have much work to do... I'll see you at dinner. [22:16] (adalbrecht) **they part** [22:22] (adalbrecht) **he heads up to the north wing, so silent until he enters. Even at the top of the stairs he can hear Molly and Inga talking* [22:23] (adalbrecht) "I know his experience gives you pause, but honestly, in that moment, the other girls won't be in his thoughts at all. He will be completely with you, mind and heart [22:23] (adalbrecht) I: Did their wild days in the Navy trouble you also? [22:23] (adalbrecht) M: *he can hear a hint of amusement in her tone* Not really, no. HeinzHarold didn't love them, but he does love you. That is the be all and end all. Besides, experience in that department isn't something that most men want in a wife. [22:24] (adalbrecht) *he has the option of interrupting or continuing to listen* [22:25] * @Morgan makes a bit of noise as he moves around [22:25] ** You're now known as Molly [22:26] * Molly comes out of her room into the hall to check the noise. She smiles at him warmly, and he feels in her emotions how pleased she is to see him. [22:27] (Molly) Liebes herz... [22:27] (@Morgan) blossom [22:28] (Molly) Do come in, we have coffee [22:29] * @Morgan follows her [22:29] * Molly heads back through the door. He notices her hair has been done with sticks, namely the ones he sharpened for the wedding [22:30] (Molly) **Inga pours coffee. She looks lovely, make up and hair perfect, they've clearly been practising for tomorrow [22:30] (Molly) I: Good afternoon, Morgan [22:31] * @Morgan bows his head [22:31] (@Morgan) Inga [22:31] * Molly takes her coffee. Inga passes Morgan one. She doesn't pour herself one [22:32] (Molly) I: I really must get back to work. Could you possibly take it down Molly? [22:32] * Molly sets to taking Inga's hair down [22:33] (Molly) I think it'll be perfect, don't you, liebes herz? [22:34] * @Morgan nods [22:34] (@Morgan) I'd reckon so [22:35] (Molly) I: *she looks to Morgan, blushing a little* Will he like it, do you think? [22:35] (@Morgan) I've absolutely no doubt [22:36] (Molly) I: *she nods, smiling. Molly brushes it back to normal* [22:37] (Molly) I haven't done that for a long time. Lady Catherine's hair is much like yours, but less pretty [22:38] (Molly) **they smile at each other, and embrace briefly, something that Molly does not do usually* [22:40] * @Morgan smiles slightly [22:41] (Molly) *Inga bids him farewell, not curtseying or calling him My Lord, just genuinely polite* [22:42] * @Morgan sees her out [22:43] * Molly is watching from the window when he returns, pinching her lower lip [22:44] * @Morgan picks up his coffee, sipping it [22:44] (@Morgan) are you alright blossom? [22:45] * Molly nods [22:45] (Molly) Oh yes, just lost in thought. And you? [22:46] (@Morgan) Fine... what were you thinking? [22:46] * Molly blushes a little [22:47] (Molly) Nothing important. How did it go with your father? [22:47] * @Morgan rolls his eyes [22:47] * Molly picks up her coffee, sitting on the corner of the bed [22:47] (@Morgan) well, I had to tell him about Varick.... he wouldn't accept any reason for our staying in Innesbruck until then [22:48] * Molly sighs [22:48] (Molly) That is a pity [22:48] (Molly) How did he take it? [22:48] (@Morgan) It was neccessary... he's sworn to secrecy [22:50] * Molly looks surprised [22:50] (Molly) I do not doubt your judgement or his integrity, liebling [22:51] (@Morgan) He isn't happy about Edward returning but... he's left his future to me. [22:51] * Molly smiles [22:52] (Molly) He puts great trust in you [22:52] * @Morgan nods [22:52] (@Morgan) He does have a demand, though... [22:52] (Molly) Oh? [22:53] (@Morgan) He wants our first born born here [22:54] * Molly frowns slightly [22:55] (Molly) And you, liebes herz, what do you want? [22:55] (@Morgan) I think its a fair compromise. [22:56] * Molly nods slowly [22:56] (Molly) It is our duty... [22:57] (@Morgan) I'm afraid that is a factor that must be considered [22:58] * Molly nods, smiling [22:59] (Molly) It is fitting that the result of our union occurs in the same place our union was cemented [22:59] * @Morgan nods [22:59] (@Morgan) He's got something clever planned for the wedding, which rather concerns me [23:00] * Molly watches him, a look of amused curiosity [23:00] (Molly) Has he now? Intriguing... [23:00] * @Morgan nods [23:00] (@Morgan) Is it just me or was Inga much more... familiar than when we left? [23:01] * Molly smiles affectionately [23:02] (Molly) I've told her that formality is not required. Tomorrow she weds your best friend. We are at no need of pomp and ceremony. [23:02] * @Morgan nods [23:03] * Molly looks unsure [23:03] (Molly) Have I done the wrong thing? [23:04] (@Morgan) No, I don't think so... [23:05] (Molly) Good. She will be his wife, not my maid any longer. There is no work to be done with Varick and I gone away [23:05] * @Morgan nods [23:06] * Molly smiles sadly [23:06] (Molly) I shall miss her [23:09] * @Morgan nods [23:09] (Molly) Fortunately I will still have my closest friend at my side [23:09] (@Morgan) always [23:10] * Molly smiles broadly [23:10] (Molly) Good. I would not manage a day without you [23:11] (@Morgan) I'm sure you'd be fine blossom [23:11] (Molly) Not at all. I'd be like a rose without water [23:11] * Molly smiles [23:12] (Molly) Especially when faced with meetings with our mothers! [23:12] * @Morgan looks confused [23:13] * Molly laughs gently, sipping her coffee [23:14] (Molly) I was put off eating by the constant commiserations [23:14] (@Morgan) commiserations? [23:14] (@Morgan) Oh.... I see [23:14] (@Morgan) which brings us nicely to a rather awkward conversation with my father... [23:15] (Molly) Oh dear, he is disappointed also? [23:15] (@Morgan) No.... he was kind enough to give me some advice on how to avoid it while we're travelling, as it would be bad timing.... [23:16] * Molly laughs, shocked [23:16] (Molly) Really?! [23:16] (@Morgan) I've never seen him so uncomfortable [23:16] * Molly laughs [23:17] (Molly) What did he advise? [23:19] (@Morgan) At the vital moment, I should withdraw... though it took him a good five minutes of umming to get to that statement [23:20] * Molly blushes on his behalf, covering her face whilst giggling [23:20] (Molly) Oh dear! [23:21] * Molly watches him with teasing amusement [23:21] (Molly) If you wish, I can stop the herbs and you can do that instead [23:22] (@Morgan) pass on that, thanks... [23:22] (Molly) Thank goodness! *she giggles* [23:24] (Molly) I can not say I'd enjoy that at all! [23:25] (@Morgan) no? [23:25] * Molly shakes her head [23:25] (Molly) Definitely not. [23:27] * Molly watches him over the rim of her cup [23:28] (Molly) Next time I think _I'll_ see your father, and you can see our mothers! [23:28] (@Morgan) I'm sure that'd go wonderfully...