[19:29] (Molly) [19:01] (Molly) Re: withdrawal method [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...(mtf)
[19:30] (Molly) [19:04] (Molly) At least I wouldn't see the worry on my mother's face. She was already carrying my brother on her wedding day, you know? She believes I should have fallen pregnant the moment we consummated our marriage *she smiles, finishing her coffee*
[19:30] (Molly) ((Done))
[19:31] (@Morgan) They're disappointed?
[19:31] * Molly nods sadly
[19:31] (Molly) Very. They thought we would remain here if that had been the case
[19:32] * @Morgan shrugs
[19:32] (@Morgan) while I don't like seeing them upset, thats just tough
[19:32] * Molly nods
[19:33] (Molly) I agree. Your mother at least isn't worried, but I can't say I find hearing how long it took for various other people to become pregnant very pleasant
[19:36] ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o  Morgan
[19:38] (Molly) [19:33] (Molly) I agree. Your mother at least isn't worried, but I can't say I find hearing how long it took for various other people to become pregnant very pleasant
[19:40] (@Morgan) No, I would imagine not
[19:40] * Molly casts him a sidelong glance filled with amusement
[19:41] (Molly) Perhaps we should say we are following the instructions of the Graf and not to expect any children til after we're settled in Eisen?
[19:42] * @Morgan nods
[19:42] (@Morgan) possibly an idea
[19:42] * Molly giggles
[19:42] (Molly) I am still shocked he suggested such
[19:43] (@Morgan) he's a pragmatist, really
[19:43] * Molly goes to the finely carved dresser upon which is her mirror, looking plain and almost provincial in comparison
[19:44] (Molly) I suppose I'm mostly amused that he would think you need advice on marital relations
[19:44] * @Morgan shrugs
[19:44] (@Morgan) he's naive really
[19:46] * Molly sits, taking the tiara she was given by Eisenfurst Fischler from a drawer. The multitude of diamonds throw rainbows against one wall as the sunlight hits it. She smiles fondly at it
[19:46] (Molly) He's seen far less than you or I. It's not necessarily a bad thing I think
[19:48] * @Morgan nods
[19:48] (@Morgan) I dare say you're right
[19:48] * Molly sighs softly
[19:48] (Molly) There will never be enough occasions to do this tiara justice
[19:49] * @Morgan smiles
[19:51] * Molly puts it on, accidentally pushing one of the sharpened hair sticks out. It lands silently on the thick carpet. She smiles at her reflection
[19:51] * @Morgan moves to pick the hair stick up
[19:52] (Molly) Perhaps I should put it in the vault?  *this reminds him that he needs to write her and varick on the family tree, and put away varicks adoption certificate*
[19:53] * @Morgan picks the stick up
[19:53] (@Morgan) possibly... I need to put you ohn the family tree and put the adoption notice somewhere safe
[19:54] (Molly) **it is definitely from the pair he sharpened, still perfectly sharp
[19:55] (Molly) In that case, shall we ask for the key? I didn't get chance to have a proper look around before
[19:57] * @Morgan nods
[19:57] (@Morgan) good idea
[19:58] * Molly keeps the tiara on as they head out
[20:00] (Molly) I would wear it tomorrow, but I do not wish Inga to feel I am trying to upstage her
[20:01] * @Morgan nods
[20:01] (@Morgan) Probably for the best...
[20:01] * @Morgan looks at her sidelong
[20:01] (Molly) *the corridors and halls are still quiet. The house is soothingly peaceful, late afternoon light warming through the windows
[20:01] (@Morgan) what prompted you to use these hair sticks?
[20:02] * Molly smiles, raising an eyebrow
[20:02] (Molly) What prompted you to sharpen them?
[20:02] (@Morgan) I asked first...
[20:03] * Molly smiles warmly, and takes his hand in hers
[20:04] (Molly) We both wish me to be armed. It is a very clever and subtle way to be so
[20:04] * @Morgan nods
[20:04] (@Morgan) makes sense
[20:07] * Molly squeezes his hand
[20:07] (Molly) So...?
[20:08] (@Morgan) so?
[20:09] (Molly) Why did you sharpen them?
[20:09] (@Morgan) So I was armed without it being terribly obvious
[20:10] * Molly nods slowly
[20:10] (Molly) Alarice?
[20:10] * @Morgan nods
[20:10] * Molly smiles softly
[20:11] (Molly) I don't think you need them anymore
[20:11] (@Morgan) No, probably not... since I' always visibly armed again
[20:12] * Molly nods
[20:12] (Molly) I prefer that
[20:14] * Molly nudges him gently
[20:14] (Molly) Though perhaps it is just that I like to see you dangerous and powerful
[20:16] * @Morgan shrugs
[20:16] (@Morgan) I'm always dangerous
[20:16] * Molly grins, voice lowered
[20:16] (Molly) And you always have power over me...
[20:17] (Molly) **they near adalbrechts office*
[20:18] (@Morgan) There is that, aye
[20:20] * Molly giggles. They arrive at the familiar door
[20:22] * @Morgan knocks on the door frame
[20:23] (Molly) *adalbrecht invites them in. After checking they are both well, he addresses his question to Morgan* is there something you wanted?
[20:23] * @Morgan nods
[20:25] (@Morgan) The key for the vault... we'd like to store the tiara... and I want to add Molly and Varick to the family tree
[20:25] * Molly fetches it from his drawer
[20:25] ** You're now known as Adalbrecht
[20:26] (Adalbrecht) Why are you storing it? It looks beautiful
[20:26] (Adalbrecht) *she blushes, looking to Morgan*
[20:28] (Adalbrecht) M: I don't wish Inga to feel I am trying to steal her limelight tomorrow
[20:28] * Adalbrecht smiles
[20:29] (Adalbrecht) I wouldn't worry. Enjoy it. You _are_ the Veisgrafin, it is fitting that you wear it, tomorrow as well as when you go to court.
[20:30] (Adalbrecht) *she looks a little unsure but nods. He gives Morgan the key*
[20:31] (@Morgan) Father, would you wear something that upstaged your friend on his wedding day? Or arrive in a grander manner?
[20:31] * Adalbrecht nods
[20:32] (Adalbrecht) Of course, I am the Graf. I traded a uniform of Navy blue for a uniform of finery. I have a job to do and an image to maintain
[20:32] * @Morgan shrugs
[20:33] (Adalbrecht) M: *she watches adalbrecht as he smiles at Morgan*
[20:33] (@Morgan) That is your choice I suppose... I take it whatever surprise you're planning for tomorrow won't upstage or embarrass HeinzHarold...
[20:34] * Adalbrecht smiles
[20:34] (Adalbrecht) I do not wish to embarass him, no
[20:34] (@Morgan) Then let us hope that you do so in your exuberance.
[20:35] * Adalbrecht inclines his head in amusement
[20:35] * @Morgan stares at his father
[20:36] (Adalbrecht) Molly, could you return the key to me when you're done? I'd like to speak with you.
[20:37] (Adalbrecht) *she curtsies* Of course, my Lord
[20:37] * @Morgan stands still, watching his father
[20:37] * Adalbrecht smiles
[20:37] (Adalbrecht) Yes?
[20:38] (@Morgan) I will not allow my friends wedding day to be ruined by some childish need for flamboyance.
[20:38] * Adalbrecht watches him, becoming more serious
[20:39] (Adalbrecht) You will trust me in this, as I trust you in other matters.
[20:39] * @Morgan nods slowly
[20:39] (@Morgan) as long as you understand this is just as important
[20:40] (Adalbrecht) I understand HeinzHarold is important to you.
[20:42] * @Morgan nods
[20:42] (@Morgan) excellent...
[20:42] * @Morgan moves to the door
[20:43] (@Morgan) a word of caution, father...
[20:43] (Adalbrecht) Oh?
[20:43] (@Morgan) try to have this conversation with Molly go better than the last... this door frame could do without more chunks removed
[20:44] * Adalbrecht nods brief, expression hard to read. Molly looks quite surprised and uneasy.
[20:45] (Adalbrecht) I'll bear that in mind
[20:45] * @Morgan nods, heading towards the vault
[20:46] * Adalbrecht smiles at Molly
[20:46] (Adalbrecht) I'll be here.
[20:47] (Adalbrecht) *she follows Morgan, brow creased and eyes on the tiled floor*
[20:47] * @Morgan slows slightly
[20:47] (@Morgan) dont fret at it... he's had a fair bit to drink and I wanted to remind him you're not to be fooled with
[20:49] (Adalbrecht) I had hoped it had been forgotten. I'm not at all proud of what I said to him that day, nor have I ever forgotten your disappointment at that.
[20:49] * @Morgan shrugs
[20:52] (@Morgan) Sometimes he needs to be reminded he isn't infallible...
[20:52] (@Morgan) truth be told, he rather admired you for it
[20:53] (Adalbrecht) _I_ didn't admire me for it. I should have walked away.
[20:54] (@Morgan) It is what it is... its done, move on from it
[20:54] (Adalbrecht) **they get to the library with the vault. She moves the painting to allow him to unlock it.
[20:54] (Adalbrecht) I'll do my best
[20:55] ** You're now known as Molly
[20:55] * @Morgan unlocks the door
[20:55] * Molly smiles, watching him, trying to gauge his mood
[20:56] (Molly) Do I have _your_ forgiveness, liebes herz?
[20:56] (@Morgan) Always blossom
[20:56] * Molly smiles, relaxing
[20:57] (Molly) Good. I think I'll keep the tiara for now.
[20:58] * @Morgan nods
[20:58] (@Morgan) if you wish blossom
[20:59] (Molly) **the vault is as it should be, papers on one side,  three panzerhands in the middle, cabinets full of jewelry, documents and trinkets on the other side. She goes to look at the family tree. In the middle of the vault is a small desk complete with quill and ink
[21:00] (Molly) If I _have_ to meet Queen Elaine, I wish to look as prosperous as possible.
[21:00] * @Morgan nods
[21:01] (@Morgan) I cant say I'm terribly desperate to meet her...
[21:01] * Molly smiles, carefully bringing him the huge folded paper
[21:02] (Molly) Unfortunately, as a Capperlucian citizen by marriage, you might have to!
[21:02] * @Morgan nods
[21:02] (@Morgan) I know
[21:02] * Molly smiles playfully
[21:02] (Molly) You are as bound by my duty as I am yours
[21:03] * @Morgan nods
[21:03] (@Morgan) its a hard life
[21:03] * Molly nods. She unfolds the paper, surprised how many generations it spans.
[21:04] (Molly) This goes back to the original Koertig Graf five hundred years ago!
[21:05] * @Morgan nods
[21:05] (@Morgan) of course
[21:06] * Molly is utterly spellbound, impressed
[21:06] (Molly) Gosh, liebes herz! It does not amaze you?
[21:07] (@Morgan) Its impressive, I'll grant that
[21:07] (Molly) All that power, all that importance
[21:08] (@Morgan) ah, metatron
[21:08] (@Morgan) And what good does it actually _do_?
[21:09] * Molly looks to him
[21:09] (Molly) Your line has survived, Sudlachenburg has prospered.
[21:10] * Molly bites her lower lip, looking back to it
[21:11] (Molly) And now that responsibility is ours
[21:12] * @Morgan nods
[21:12] (@Morgan) I'm afraid so
[21:13] * Molly nods
[21:13] (Molly) Let's hope our bridal plate was correct
[21:14] * @Morgan nods
[21:14] * Molly looks to the bottom of the tree
[21:21] (Molly) **from Morgans name to the left is then Dietlindes, and from the line that joins them is Jana. He recalls coming home to tell his father and then defiantly filling in the tree, Adalbrechts tirade ringing in his ears. The silence of the vault is only broken by the familiar soothing noise of her breathing.
[21:23] * @Morgan carefully draws a line to the right before writing Molly's name, then one spanning down from the line with Varicks name beneath it
[21:23] * Molly lays a hand gently on his lower back, speaking quietly
[21:23] (Molly) Thank you
[21:25] * @Morgan puts the quill in the pot
[21:25] (@Morgan) for what blossom?
[21:25] (Molly) This. Writing my name here.
[21:26] * Molly watches him
[21:26] (@Morgan) Its the proper thing to do
[21:27] * Molly nods her head, looking back to the fresh writing
[21:27] (Molly) It is
[21:28] * Molly looks up at him, watching him
[21:28] (Molly) But it means much to me nonetheless
[21:28] * @Morgan nods solemnly
[21:31] * Molly gazes at him intently before she leans in a moment, then looks unsure. She turns a little to look at the piles of organised certificates
[21:32] (Molly) You have Varick's adoption certificate to add?
[21:32] * @Morgan produces it
[21:32] * Molly frowns a moment, looking through
[21:33] (Molly) I'm not sure where it should go
[21:33] * @Morgan looks through the paperwork, trying to find its place
[21:34] (Molly) **the dilemma appears to be whether it goes behind Jana's by date of birth, or in front by date of adoption
[21:35] * @Morgan sighs
[21:35] (@Morgan) I don't know I can make that decision
[21:36] * Molly takes it from him, putting it underneath Jana's. She smiles gently.
[21:36] (Molly) Is the ink dry yet?
[21:37] * @Morgan pats it gently
[21:37] (Molly) **it is
[21:37] * @Morgan nods
[21:37] (@Morgan) aye, its dry
[21:37] * Molly folds it, putting it away
[21:37] (Molly) Is there anything else you wish to do here
[21:38] * @Morgan shakes his head
[21:38] (@Morgan) no
[21:38] * Molly nods, leaving the vault
[21:38] (Molly) I'd best get to your father...
[21:38] * @Morgan locks it up
[21:38] * @Morgan hands her the key
[21:38] (@Morgan) since you're going that way
[21:38] * Molly whispers
[21:39] (Molly) Shall I tell him we made full use of the vault, following the kind advice he gave you earlier?
[21:39] * Molly winks
[21:40] (@Morgan) If he annoys you, by all means
[21:41] * Molly laughs, quickly becoming solemn. She wraps her arms around his neck, holding him tight a moment before letting go
[21:41] (Molly) I'll see you shortly. Varick will be back with HeinzHarold in an hour or so.
[21:42] * @Morgan nods
[21:43] (Molly) Of course, if you have nothing to occupy you, there is a certain sketch you could retrieve for me... *she smiles playfully*
[21:43] (@Morgan) I'll think baout it
[21:44] * Molly giggles, raising an eyebrow
[21:44] (Molly) Not half as much as I will!
[21:44] * @Morgan sniggers
[21:45] * Molly smiles, heading back to adalbrecht
[
[20:45] (Molly) **The house is very quiet. Knowing what life aboard a ship will be like, he strolls through the halls taking in the peace and having time to think about his plans for The Rose and her sister ships.
[20:47] (Molly) *As he looks out on the sudlache, he sees through the window Molly and Adalbrecht walking across the lawn in deep, serious discussion. Though he cannot feel her emotions, he can sense her poorly guarded thoughts are left accidentally accessible, able to be sneakily read if he decides to.
[20:48] * @Morgan frowns, watching them through the window, keeping his curiosity to himself
[20:50] (Molly) *she is clearly trying to explain something, often shaking her head. Her expression reveals her frustration with her father in law. He meanwhile crosses his arms, unwilling to concede.
[20:53] * @Morgan stays still, watching them
[20:58] * Molly 's shoulders drop, her head bowed. He looks pleased by her response.
[20:59] * @Morgan glares at him from his vantage point
[21:00] * Molly looks at him, adding something. Adalbrecht folds his arms, looking both shocked and annoyed.
[21:01] * @Morgan mutters briefly
[21:02] (Molly) *they continue to talk. She speaks a moment before he finally seems to give in.
[21:03] (Molly) **he asks her a question, to which she immediately looks to the ground, a tension visible in her body language. She replies with a single word.
[21:05] (Molly) *he looks concerned, a hand reassuringly on her arm as he replies*
[21:07] (Molly) *she looks up at him as she speaks, and he fold his arms as if adamant*
[21:09] * Molly turns to face Adalbrecht. She delivers a long, deeply empassioned speech. At the end, she once more drops her gaze, speaking a single and important sentence.
[21:11] (Molly) Adalbrecht laughs loudly, enough to make her look back to him. He waves a hand as if to dismiss her words, and smiles at her as one would a child having a tantrum.
[21:12] * @Morgan turns, thinking of the fastest way to the gardens
[21:15] (Molly) *Morgan can feel how deeply hurt and angry she is. As he passes through this corridor with large windows, he watches as she looks at Adalbrecht directly, shoulders back. Her words are visibly clipped and reproving.
[21:16] * @Morgan moves faster
[21:16] (Molly) *She curtsies deeply to him before turning on her heel, head held high, struggling against the tears, and walks back into the house, leaving Adalbrecht completely at a loss. He stands on the lawn, watching her go. Morgan gets interrupted  as Claudia opens the door he's about to exit through
[21:17] ** You're now known as Claudia
[21:17] (Claudia) Finally! I've been looking all over for you.
[21:18] * @Morgan frowns at her
[21:18] * Claudia 's knuckles are scraped and bleeding
[21:18] (@Morgan) what?
[21:19] (Claudia) I know Edward's location, as you requested
[21:20] * @Morgan looks at her hand
[21:20] (@Morgan) what've you been doing?
[21:21] * Claudia shrugs
[21:22] (Claudia) Turns out Edward had a man watching out for your return. He hightailed it into the woods as soon as you rode off, it seemed suspicious, I gave chase.
[21:24] (@Morgan) and beat Edwards location out of him?
[21:25] (Claudia) He was fast. I punched him in the head to take him off his horse. Once I prised his helmet off we had a discussion
[21:26] (Claudia) **on the lawn Adalbrecht rubs his head wearily, looking a little ashamed of himself. He can't read anything from her*
[21:26] (@Morgan) Where is he?
[21:28] (Claudia) In a little inn on the North Road. Allowing time for his messenger and time for him to arrive, I'd expect him around nine or ten tonight
[21:28] * @Morgan nods
[21:28] (@Morgan) thank you Claudia
[21:28] (Claudia) Anything else?
[21:29] * @Morgan shakes his head
[21:29] (@Morgan) I need to see Molly.
[21:29] * Claudia inclines her head
[21:30] (Claudia) You know where I am.
[21:31] * Claudia strides off
[21:31] * @Morgan goes in search of Molly
[21:36] (Claudia) **He finds Adalbrecht in his office doing paperwork
[21:37] * @Morgan watches his father from the doorway
[21:38] * Claudia looks up
[21:38] ** You're now known as Adalbrecht
[21:38] (Adalbrecht) Come in Morgan
[21:38] * @Morgan stays in the doorway
[21:39] * Adalbrecht raises an eyebrow
[21:39] (Adalbrecht) It wasn't a request. Come in and shut the door.
[21:40] * @Morgan moves slowly into the room, closing the door
[21:41] * Adalbrecht stands, pouring them each some blokners.
[21:41] (Adalbrecht) You're here to chastise me I assume?
[21:42] (@Morgan) Its not my place to admonish my graf. I would like to know what was said.
[21:42] * Adalbrecht sips his blokners
[21:43] (Adalbrecht) What has she told you?
[21:43] * @Morgan leans forward, placing his knuckles on the desk
[21:43] (@Morgan) Nothing, since I am unable to _find_ her
[21:43] * Adalbrecht frowns
[21:44] (Adalbrecht) I see..
[21:47] (Adalbrecht) A discussion was had, things were said that shouldn't have been.
[21:47] * @Morgan waits quietly
[21:48] * Adalbrecht frowns again
[21:48] (Adalbrecht) You do not need to admonish me, I am admonishing myself.
[21:49] * @Morgan shrugs
[21:49] (@Morgan) what did you say...
[21:49] * Adalbrecht looks at Morgan
[21:50] (Adalbrecht) I am not going to break her confidence
[21:50] * @Morgan stays very still, staring at his father
[21:51] * Adalbrecht shows no sign of relenting
[21:52] (@Morgan) She swore you to silence on the whole conversation?
[21:53] (Adalbrecht) No but nor did she tell me she was happy for me to discuss it
[21:53] (@Morgan) Hiding behind semantics ill suits you, Lord of Eisen.
[21:54] * @Morgan turns, pulling the door open savagely
[21:56] (Adalbrecht) Enough. I upset her, and I will apologise. That is all you will hear from me.
[21:57] * @Morgan continues, step not faltering after flinging the door open, into the corridor to continue his search for Molly
[21:57] (Adalbrecht) **a clock strikes five as he passes it*
[22:06] (Adalbrecht) **he gets to the stables just as HH helps Varick down. Molly crouches down, embracing the boy tightly whilst he does likewise. He chatters all about his new friends at the settlement.
[22:08] * @Morgan goes to HH, embracing him briefly, before looking at Varick
[22:10] (Adalbrecht) V: *he looks overjoyed to have them back. He hugs Morgan tight* You came back!
[22:10] ** You're now known as Molly
[22:10] * Molly rises up, smiling warmly at Morgan
[22:11] * @Morgan picks up Varick, holding him
[22:11] (@Morgan) of course, I said I would
[22:12] (Molly) V: I missed you! I've been very good
[22:13] * Molly smiles, walking beside Morgan
[22:13] (@Morgan) Were you? I'm glad to hear that
[22:15] (Molly) V: I made friends at the settlement. We play tag
[22:16] (@Morgan) HeinzHarold and I used to play that
[22:18] (Molly) V: I know, he showed us. But it'll be better now you're here too. *he cuddles up to Morgan. Molly takes Morgan's hand. He feels that sense of belonging.
[22:19] * @Morgan squeezes her hand
[22:20] * Molly smiles up at him
[22:21] (Molly) It is time for Varick's dinner and bath. Would you wish to come with us?
[22:21] * @Morgan nods
[22:21] (@Morgan) aye
[22:25] * Molly goes up to the nursery. Varick is already nearly asleep in Morgan's arms by the time they get there, so feeding and washing him is a rushed but beautiful family event. He falls asleep quickly, and they do not get chance to tell him about the adoption. Leaving him under the watch of a maid, they go back to their own rooms to prepare for dinner.  Molly takes the tiara off, laying it on the dresser before looking to him
[22:26] (Molly) Are you well, liebes herz?
[22:26] (@Morgan) Not exactly, no... I saw you speaking with the graf
[22:26] * Molly nods a moment, then frowns
[22:27] (Molly) "The Graf"?
[22:29] * @Morgan nods
[22:29] * Molly watches him
[22:30] (Molly) We spoke, yes
[22:30] (@Morgan) I saw that... I saw how upset you were...
[22:30] * Molly takes the red dress he bought her out of the wardrobe
[22:30] (Molly) At least I did not break anything this time
[22:31] (@Morgan) I'd like to know what happened...
[22:31] * Molly looks at him
[22:32] (Molly) He asked me to confide in him, so I did. He laughed at my feelings so I told him i was displeased and then I walked away
[22:33] * @Morgan looks unhappy with the explanation
[22:34] * Molly watches him as she undoes her dress
[22:35] (Molly) There is a reason I do not confide in people. It was my mistake. Not all are as gentle with my feelings as you are
[22:35] * @Morgan frowns
[22:37] (Molly) It is what it is. *she smiles softly, doing the lacing of her corset*
[22:38] * @Morgan speaks quietly
[22:38] (@Morgan) you wont tell me?
[22:38] * Molly frowns
[22:38] (Molly) I did not say so.
[22:39] * Molly watches him
[22:41] * @Morgan sits down
[22:41] (Molly) He was asking me to tell him what you'd said on your feelings about Edward's return. When I refused he asked if I'd defy my Graf, which I said I would. He then asked about my feelings about Edward's return. I told him, he laughs, and I walked away before I said something I shouldn't.
[22:42] (@Morgan) And what _are_ those feelings?
[22:42] * Molly sighs
[22:44] (Molly) I wish it wasn't going to happen. But I know that for you, for the family and for the Grafdom it must be dealt with.
[22:45] * @Morgan nods
[22:45] * Molly bites her lip, eyes downcast
[22:45] (Molly) I'm scared for you.
[22:45] (@Morgan) Why?
[22:45] * Molly speaks quietly
[22:47] (Molly) I'm scared for your feelings, for your healing... I'm scared it may bring back all the guilt and discomfort you felt when you first saw your feelings for me
[22:47] (Molly) This is what your father laughed at
[22:48] (@Morgan) He doesn't think... cant see anything past his own notions at what Eisenmen should be
[22:48] * Molly nods
[22:49] (Molly) I know
[22:49] (Molly) I should have known better
[22:49] (@Morgan) maybe I should nail his ears to his desk
[22:50] * Molly looks to see how serious he is
[22:50] * @Morgan looks as if he could be considering it
[22:51] * Molly tries not to smile
[22:51] (Molly) He certainly heard me when I admitted that under certain circumstances I would defy him as my Graf
[22:52] * @Morgan nods
[22:55] * Molly swaps her shift for a new one before replacing her corset
[22:55] (Molly) I won't make a fuss about it
[22:56] * @Morgan nods
[22:56] (@Morgan) Not much point, I suppo9se
[22:57] * Molly smiles
[22:58] (Molly) Don't let it trouble you. It won't be the last time my feelings get hurt. I am too emotional.
[22:59] (@Morgan) No, you're not... others are too callous
[22:59] * Molly smiles gently
[23:00] (Molly) You are too good to me
[23:04] * @Morgan nods at her corset
[23:04] (@Morgan) would you like me to tighten it?
[23:04] * Molly nods, smiling
[23:05] * @Morgan stands up, moving behind her and pulling the lacing
[23:05] (Molly) Are you upset or annoyed by my feelings, liebes herz?
[23:05] (@Morgan) your feelings, no... my fathers treatment of them... thats another story altogether
[23:06] (Molly) Many would also think it was "nonsense" as he did
[23:06] (@Morgan) many are quite clearly morons
[23:06] * Molly shrugs
[23:07] (Molly) They would say it is silly to worry about losing one's husband's regards. Once a marriage is performed, what does it matter
[23:08] (@Morgan) To a gentleman, it matters much
[23:08] * Molly tilts her head
[23:08] (Molly) I do not understand
[23:09] (@Morgan) I don't believe having that sort of... distance aids in a marriage at all
[23:10] * Molly nods
[23:10] (Molly) I would be miserable if that happened to us
[23:11] * @Morgan nods
[23:11] (@Morgan) likewise
[23:12] * Molly waits til the laces are tied before turning to him
[23:12] (Molly) You do not think it likely?
[23:12] (@Morgan) That he'll send me off the deep end?
[23:12] * Molly frowns slightly
[23:13] (Molly) That we'll end up as we once were, you feeling as if you were betraying them by caring for me
[23:13] * @Morgan smiles slightly
[23:13] (@Morgan) No, I don't think so
[23:14] * Molly studies expression a moment
[23:14] (Molly) Good. It would be hard for me to continue like that
[23:16] * Molly smiles a fraction before moving to the bed and picking up her dress
[23:17] (Molly) I wish it were over already
[23:17] (@Morgan) Sooner rather than later
[23:18] (Molly) Ideally, yes
[23:21] * Molly pulls the dress on, tightening it fully before tucking a silver shawl in to cover her shoulders
[23:22] (@Morgan) No ideally about it... he'll be here this evening
[23:22] * Molly nods solemnly
[23:22] (Molly) And how do _you_ feel about that?
[23:23] * @Morgan shrugs
[23:23] (@Morgan) it is what it is
[23:24] * Molly looks unsure
[23:24] (Molly) You are not worried that violence will ensue?
[23:26] (@Morgan) If he tries to be violent, I'll put an end to it, but I doubt he'd be stupid enough to incur my wrath again
[23:26] * Molly nods
[23:27] (Molly) Will you send for me, if something does happen?
[23:27] * @Morgan nods
[23:27] (@Morgan) if you wish
[23:27] * Molly brushes her hair
[23:29] (Molly) A long time ago, I made you a promise that I would heal him were there ever a need. Troubled as I am about what could happen to your wellbeing, I stand by that promise
[23:29] * @Morgan nods
[23:30] (@Morgan) I dont think it'll come to that
[23:30] * Molly sits, fixing her hair. She smiles
[23:30] (Molly) I believe you thought the same about kissing me
[23:31] (@Morgan) You have a valid point...
[23:31] * Molly watches him in the reflection
[23:32] (Molly) I often do
[23:32] * Molly grins
[23:32] * @Morgan nods
[23:32] * Molly looks at the tiara
[23:34] (Molly) Best look the part I suppose
[23:35] * @Morgan nods
[23:35] (@Morgan) aye, probably best
[23:36] * Molly puts it on. It matches the dress rather nicely. As she stands, she looks elegant and poised
[23:36] (Molly) I won't let you down
[23:37] (@Morgan) The thought never entered my mind blossom
[23:37] * Molly smiles. She comes to him, taking his hand.
[23:38] (Molly) Thank you. Thank you for everything
[23:40] (@Morgan) I rather think I should be thanking you
[23:40] * Molly looks surprised
[23:41] (Molly) Thanking me?! Why?
[23:41] (@Morgan) if nothing else, getting me to the point where I can allow myself to feel again
[23:42] * Molly squeezes his hand
[23:43] (Molly) I think it's more credit than I deserve, but I'm touched, truly.
[23:45] (Molly) *the small mantle clock chimes the half hour, leaving them thirty minutes to dress for dinner
[00:05] ** You are now disconnected

*****
*As he looks for the sketch, he sees through his window Molly and Adalbrecht walking across the lawn in deep, serious discussion. Though he cannot feel her emotions, he can sense her poorly guarded thoughts are left accidentally accessible, able to be sneakily read if he decides to. 
M: *she looks frustrated* That I will not do. 
A: And if I command it, as your Graf?
M: *she sighs* I obey my Graf in all things...
A: *he looks pleased* good
M: ...except where it breaches my loyalty to my husband
A: You would defy me? *he looks shocked*
M: Yes father, if there ever came a time when such a cruel choice was forced upon me. I would hope that would not happen for so trivial a matter.
A: People do not go against their Graf, even Veisgrafins.
 M: I know, my Lord. I love this family, this town, this Grafdom. But I love that man with every single ounce of me. I have risked my life for him, I would let him go if he commanded it. I could never betray him.
A: So you will not tell me?
M: I'm afraid not. Our friendship was forged in a bond of the strictest confidence. We may not tell each other everything, but what we tell is always, always completely between us. I am sorry it displeases you, but that is how things are.
A: *he sighs* I can not say I like it, but I do understand. If you cannot tell me how _he_ feels about Edward's return, will you tell me how you feel?
M: *she looks to the grass at her feet* Terrified.
A: *he looks concerned, a hand reassuringly on her arm* He will not harm you. I will not allow it.
M: *she looks up at him* My safety is less of a concern to me than my husband's welfare.
A: He will not be harmed either. *he folds his arms*
M: *she turns to face him* You were not _there_ in Tawstock. You did not see how things were with him. For months I contained my feelings as best I could because I knew it would hurt him, make him feel guilty. I think he'd have left it all, left me, behind to save us both the pain. I seek to protect him. I would die rather than have him suffer again as he did. He has moved forward. Coming here in November put that at risk, put our fledgling relationship at risk, yet I did not attempt to persuade him not to,  because he wanted and needed that. We wed here, though it could have brought up the past in ways that prevented him being able to marry me, and I faced that fear for him. He faced Otto and Sasha, and I was afraid of how he'd feel afterwards. I'm scared for his peace of mind, and I'm scared for his healing. *she looks to the floor* And I'm scared bringing it all up with Edward could bring back his guilt and change his feelings for me 
A: *he laughs* Molly, you're being very silly and unnecessary! None of that nonsense will come to pass!
M: *Morgan can feel how deeply hurt and angry she is. She looks at Adalbrecht directly, shoulders back* I confide in very, _very_ few people. Ask my husband, he'll tell you. I do not expect you to understand my feelings, but I do expect you to respect me enough not to mock me when I open up to you and trust you, something which is exceptionally hard for me. I am sorry I did so. *She curtsies deeply to him before turning on her heel, head held high, struggling against the tears, and walks back into the house, leaving Adalbrecht completely at a loss. He stands on the lawn, watching her go*