[20:39] * @Morgan wanders through the house to his fathers study, pausing briefly before knocking
[20:39] ** You're now known as Adalbrecht
[20:39] (Adalbrecht) Kommen Sie
[20:39] * @Morgan enters
[20:40] (Adalbrecht) Good morning, Morgan. Coffee is just there
[20:40] * @Morgan nods, pouring himself a cup
[20:40] * Adalbrecht waves at the table, watching out of the window
[20:40] (@Morgan) hows your head?
[20:41] (Adalbrecht) Fine. And yours?
[20:41] * Adalbrecht smiles a little
[20:41] (@Morgan) Conflicted in all honesty
[20:41] * Adalbrecht gestures towards the chair, and comes and sits in his own
[20:43] (Adalbrecht) After the...upheaval of yesterday, I think it is time we take some of the station and nobility attitude out of our conversations. Let us just talk father and son, unless there's cause to do otherwise, yes?
[20:45] (@Morgan) If you wish
[20:46] * Adalbrecht nods
[20:47] (Adalbrecht) How is Molly? After her anxiety yesterday afternoon, how is she faring now that he is here?
[20:47] * Adalbrecht pours then sips his coffee
[20:47] * @Morgan nods
[20:47] (@Morgan) Not too bad actually
[20:47] * Adalbrecht smiles warmly
[20:47] (Adalbrecht) Good, I was worried.
[20:50] * @Morgan sips the coffee
[20:51] (@Morgan) She's spent a long time watching me... recover I suppose... it's understandable she was worried that that would come undone
[20:51] * Adalbrecht nods
[20:52] (Adalbrecht) And has it?
[20:53] (@Morgan) That remains to be seen... though his assertions have made it somewhat more unclear
[20:54] (Adalbrecht) He seems to have come along and really muddied the waters
[20:54] * @Morgan nods
[20:54] (@Morgan) Its left me with something of a quandry...
[20:55] (Adalbrecht) Oh?
[20:55] * Adalbrecht lights a cigar
[20:56] (@Morgan) Last night, I told him I wanted verification of what he says... he's given me a list of who was involved and when...
[20:56] * Adalbrecht looks interested
[20:56] (Adalbrecht) You have it to hand?
[20:57] * @Morgan nods, placing it on the desk
[20:58] (@Morgan) If it transpires that this is the truth... I'm going to think about intervening with Hapsburg...
[20:58] * Adalbrecht reads it, nodding slightly now and then before pushing it back
[20:59] (Adalbrecht) Well, it all ties in perfectly with the dates and people I suspected once he mentioned it
[20:59] * @Morgan nods
[20:59] (@Morgan) he was adamant that he does not lie to his graf
[20:59] (Adalbrecht) As for intervening...why?
[21:00] * Adalbrecht watches him with a serious expression
[21:00] (@Morgan) Because he loves her
[21:02] * Adalbrecht looks exasperated
[21:03] (Adalbrecht) You believe him?
[21:03] (@Morgan) On that, yes.
[21:03] (Adalbrecht) Why?
[21:04] * @Morgan looks puzzled
[21:04] (@Morgan) why do I believe him?
[21:04] (Adalbrecht) Yes.
[21:04] * Adalbrecht sips his coffee
[21:05] (@Morgan) The way he talks about her, how he misses her... the very fact he confessed what he'd done to her father...
[21:07] (Adalbrecht) A girl who he was supposedly in love with whilst bedding all manner of other women? Even if we allow the brothel girls as part of his plans to help Sudlachenburg, what of his cousin?!
[21:08] * @Morgan shrugs
[21:08] (@Morgan) I imagine she can be very persuasive, and Karsten no doubt had some hand in all of it
[21:09] * Adalbrecht frowns
[21:10] (Adalbrecht) Perhaps my idea of love is out-dated and old-fashioned.
[21:11] (@Morgan) You cant have coffee ever again... no matter what, coffee is off limits... would you drink tea?
[21:14] (Adalbrecht) Probably... But that is Reductio ad absurdum ((taking it to the point of ridiculousness))
[21:14] (@Morgan) Of course it is, but the principle is the same
[21:24] * Adalbrecht frowns further
[21:25] (Adalbrecht) It seems dishonourable to me. I wouldn't have done it to your mother...
[21:26] (@Morgan) ask him then.... if you're unsure of my judgement, ascertain it yourself...
[21:27] (Adalbrecht) I am just surprised you'd count that as love. I cannot see you would have treated either wife like that
[21:27] * @Morgan shakes his head
[21:27] (@Morgan) No...
[21:29] (Adalbrecht) Does Mina deserve such a husband?
[21:30] (@Morgan) she's very fond of him... and if needs be, I'll threaten him, that carries a fair bit of weight
[21:33] * Adalbrecht watches him
[21:35] (Adalbrecht) So because he loves her, you're thinking of rescinding the offer of betrothal to Lady Maubourg?
[21:36] * @Morgan nods slowly
[21:38] (Adalbrecht) After what he did to them, to you, to this family?!
[21:39] (@Morgan) He chose the wrong option to resolve a problem of my making...
[21:40] * Adalbrecht crosses his arms
[21:40] (Adalbrecht) This isn't your fault
[21:41] (@Morgan) I appreciate your saying so, but ultimately the situation was of my making... all of us could have handled it differently.
[21:43] (Adalbrecht) Yes we could, but the only one who has blood on his hands is Edward.
[21:43] * @Morgan nods
[21:44] (@Morgan) I know... which is _why_ I'm struggling with it... can you understand?
[21:45] (Adalbrecht) Definitely. *he sighs, uncrossing his arms* It is a complete mess.
[21:45] (@Morgan) not completely
[21:46] (Adalbrecht) No?
[21:46] (@Morgan) We're getting stronger, have more influence, are for the most part happy...
[21:47] * Adalbrecht nods slowly
[21:48] (Adalbrecht) That is true. Certainly there is much more happiness and light in this house than I can ever recall before. Your mother is the happiest I've ever seen her
[21:49] (@Morgan) That's because I brought proper tea with me from Avalon...
[21:49] * Adalbrecht laughs
[21:50] (Adalbrecht) It's because you brought more than tea from Avalon
[21:52] (Adalbrecht) She and Martha are very close now, even with their varied backgrounds. Verity has needed that female company for a long time, I just did not realise it.
[21:52] * @Morgan nods
[21:53] * Adalbrecht watches Morgan
[21:53] (@Morgan) I'm glad Molly has Inga... which reminds me, Molly was going to offer HeinzHarold and Inga a home in Innesbruck, along with a trade...
[21:54] * Adalbrecht looks surprised
[21:54] (Adalbrecht) She is very organised
[21:55] * @Morgan smiles slightly, nodding
[21:58] (Adalbrecht) What do you want to do about it?
[21:58] (@Morgan) I don't know
[21:58] * Adalbrecht nods
[21:59] (Adalbrecht) It'd mean retiring HeinzHarold from service a little
[22:00] (@Morgan) I don't like the idea of him not having his baronetcy... he deserves it
[22:01] * Adalbrecht nods
[22:02] (Adalbrecht) What about if he has the baronetcy but lives and works in Innesbruck with you?
[22:02] (@Morgan) I think it'd need to be up to him
[22:02] (@Morgan) or them, rather
[22:06] * Adalbrecht nods
[22:07] (Adalbrecht) Alright, the baronetcy anyway, and we'll go from there after discussing it with them.
[22:07] * @Morgan nods
[22:07] (@Morgan) thank you
[22:08] (Adalbrecht) You're leaving tomorrow?
[22:09] (@Morgan) That is the plan I believe
[22:09] * Adalbrecht nods
[22:10] (Adalbrecht) Let us think on the situation with Edward and discuss it later tonight. We have much to do today
[22:10] * @Morgan nods
[22:10] (@Morgan) very true
[22:12] (Adalbrecht) After breakfast I want everyone at the building site. The wedding will be at 3 in the chapel, then there will be food and entertainment in the village.
[22:12] (@Morgan) why everyone at the building site?
[22:12] * Adalbrecht smiles
[22:12] (Adalbrecht) It's a surprise
[22:14] * @Morgan sighs
[22:14] (@Morgan) another one?
[22:15] * Adalbrecht nods
[22:15] (Adalbrecht) There isn't much fun in being the Graf, you take opportunities when you can
[22:16] * @Morgan nods
[22:16] (@Morgan) very well
[22:16] * Adalbrecht rises
[22:16] (Adalbrecht) I'll see you down there
[22:17] * @Morgan finishes the coffee quickly
[22:17] (@Morgan) I'd best go make sure HeinzHarold hasn't run off
[22:17] * Adalbrecht smiles
[22:18] (Adalbrecht) A wise plan
[22:27] ** You are now disconnected

[15:21] (Molly) **As he leaves Adalbrecht, he hears a quiet whisper in his mind* I'll be going to take breakfast with Varick in the nursery, if you wish to join us
[15:22] * @Morgan heads to the nursery
[15:24] * Molly literally bumps into him a little way from the rooms. She smiles, stepping back from the broad expanse of his chest.
[15:25] (Molly) I'm sorry, liebes herz, I wasn't paying attention
[15:25] (@Morgan) It's alright blossom... I thought I'd join you for breakfast
[15:26] * Molly smiles
[15:27] (Molly) That will be lovely. *she watches him a moment, walking slowly in the right direction* We had so little time and so much to say this morning I did not get chance to ask... How are _you_ feeling today?
[15:28] * @Morgan shrugs
[15:29] (@Morgan) as I told my father... conflicted... I was speaking with Edward this morning about the whole situation with Mina...
[15:30] * Molly looks interested, taking his hand reassuringly
[15:30] (Molly) How did it go?
[15:31] (@Morgan) Not bad... though fathers raised some interesting points... if he loved her so much why was he dallying with the likes of Alarice...
[15:32] * Molly nods slightly, thinking
[15:35] (Molly) It is a good point, especially given the timings from the diary. I'd have been deeply displeased to have been told I was loved and then discovered there were other women in his bed
[15:37] * @Morgan nods
[15:37] * Molly shrugs
[15:37] (Molly) But then I was not raised to be a noble wife, so perhaps I think differently to other women
[15:38] (@Morgan) I think most would agree with you... certainly my father does
[15:39] * Molly smiles slightly
[15:40] (Molly) And you, liebes herz?
[15:40] (@Morgan) Its a good point...
[15:43] (Molly) Do you think it is feasible that he can love her so much yet act against her so easily? *she looks curious rather than in any way judgemental*
[15:43] (@Morgan) I find it a little difficult to believe, frankly, that someone would act that way
[15:44] (Molly) That could be because you are far too respectful and honourable to behave in such a way
[15:44] * Molly smiles gently
[15:45] (@Morgan) possibly, aye
[15:46] * Molly nods quietly a moment
[15:46] (Molly) This changes your desire to free Edward?
[15:47] (@Morgan) In all honesty, I don't know
[15:49] * Molly nods, looking at him sidelong
[15:52] (Molly) I suppose really you need to establish whether you feel that the love he has for her is good enough to warrant you going back on your word for.
[15:54] * @Morgan nods
[15:54] (@Morgan) more investigating to do then
[15:55] * Molly smiles, squeezing his hand
[15:55] (Molly) You could just ask him?
[15:56] (@Morgan) I suppose so... have more important things to do today though
[15:57] (Molly) Oh?
[15:57] * Molly smiles playfully
[15:58] (@Morgan) making sure HeinzHarold doesn't run off, for example...
[15:58] * Molly frowns slightly
[15:58] (Molly) He wouldn't, surely?
[15:58] (@Morgan) incidentally, my fathers quite willing to give his planned gift even if they want to come to Innesbruck like you'd planned
[15:59] * Molly smiles broadly
[15:59] (Molly) Wunderbar!
[16:02] * Molly watches him
[16:03] (Molly) Are you nervous about telling Varick about the adoption?
[16:03] (@Morgan) a little, aye
[16:06] * Molly nods
[16:06] (Molly) Exciting also?
[16:06] (@Morgan) absolutely
[16:09] * Molly smiles, squeezing his hand
[16:09] (Molly) Good. I was a little concerned Edward's arrival might have taken some of the joy of it from you
[16:10] * @Morgan shakes his head
[16:10] (@Morgan) No, not at all
[16:11] * Molly nods
[16:12] (Molly) We're to go to the building site after breakfast? Well, all of us except Inga, of course
[16:12] * @Morgan nods
[16:12] (@Morgan) father's got some flamboyancy to get out of his system
[16:14] (Molly) Oh dear, an Eisenman wishing to show off? *she giggles*
[16:14] (@Morgan) I know, I'm quite worried
[16:15] * Molly watches him to ascertain how serious he is
[16:16] * @Morgan smiles slightly
[16:17] * Molly nudges him playfully
[16:17] (Molly) What's the worst he could do?
[16:18] (@Morgan) I don't really want to think about that
[16:18] * Molly laughs
[16:18] (Molly) Just take solace that it'll probably be over by bedtime!
[16:19] (@Morgan) probably
[16:20] (Molly) And tomorrow we'll be on the road for Starke
[16:20] * @Morgan nods
[16:23] (Molly) **they get to the nursery** Ready, liebling?
[16:24] (@Morgan) I think so
[16:26] * Molly embraces him quickly before opening the door
[16:30] ** You're now known as Varick
[16:32] * Varick watches through the window. He looks a little bored, heels tapping. He doesn't hear the door
[16:35] (Varick) M: Good morning Mauschen *he jumps up, running to hug Molly then Morgan. She goes to speak to the maid a moment*
[16:36] * Varick continues to hug him
[16:36] (Varick) Is it time for the wedding now?
[16:36] * @Morgan hugs Varick
[16:36] (@Morgan) soon... we thought we'd have breakfast first
[16:37] (Varick) I like breakfast! Frau Forrester told me how to cook breakfast if I don't have any servants!
[16:38] (@Morgan) Did she now? Thats useful... remember we had to do that when we got stuck in the forest?
[16:38] * Varick pulls away, watching him
[16:38] (Varick) We ate baby chickens... Except they were actually pigeons.
[16:39] (@Morgan) How did they taste?
[16:39] * Varick thinks
[16:39] (Varick) Like dry chickens
[16:39] * @Morgan nods
[16:40] (@Morgan) THey're not exactly my first choice to eat
[16:40] * Varick looks at him, lowering to almost a whisper
[16:41] (Varick) Frau Forrester knows _everything_. She knows if you hide cake, or if you haven't washed behind your ears. It's like magic!
[16:42] (@Morgan) she's very smart
[16:42] * Varick nods
[16:42] (Varick) Are we going on the ship tomorrow?
[16:43] (@Morgan) We'll be leaving to go to the ship tomorrow, yes
[16:44] * Varick nods
[16:45] (Varick) I don't want to stay behind anymore
[16:45] (@Morgan) No?
[16:45] (Varick) *Molly returns, the maid sent to fetch breakfast*
[16:46] (Varick) Did you have lots of adventures?
[16:48] (@Morgan) a few... they weren't as much fun without you, though
[16:48] * Varick goes to a shelf, pulling down a book. He takes it to Morgan
[16:48] (Varick) I made my book about my Daddy
[16:49] * @Morgan takes it, looking through the pages
[16:49] (@Morgan) has it made you feel better?
[16:49] * Varick nods
[16:49] (Varick) I had lots of memories! We drew a map too!
[16:50] (@Morgan) excellent
[16:50] (Varick) M: *she smiles at Morgan a moment before setting the table*
[16:50] (Varick) Do you want to see my map?
[16:51] (@Morgan) of course
[16:53] * Varick opens the front of the book. It has Koln, the village hall, the churches, the rivers, and even the clearing that Crusader gets skittish in, the place where Karsten died. On the opposite page, Innesbruck in similar detail, including the Toll road
[16:56] (Varick) Do you like it?
[16:56] (@Morgan) Its very good
[16:57] * Varick nods pointing to the woods near the clearing
[16:57] (Varick) My Daddy taught me to hunt and listen for the water here, like I did when we got lost
[16:59] (Varick) *Molly watches Morgan a moment before coming back over*
[17:00] * @Morgan nods
[17:01] (Varick) *she looks to Varick* Did you go into the woods often, Mauschen?
[17:01] * Varick nods
[17:02] (Varick) We had picnics in this clearing, it has lots of tall trees so your food stays dry
[17:03] (Varick) *she is about to continue when the food comes. Quickly they're all sorted and eating together.*
[17:04] * Varick looks to Morgan
[17:04] (Varick) Frau Forrester says Xantha and Aurora can't come with us on the ship
[17:04] (@Morgan) No, sadly not
[17:05] (Varick) She says Aurora has a baby horse in her tummy
[17:05] * @Morgan nods
[17:05] (@Morgan) indeed she does... and Xantha is the daddy
[17:05] (Varick) *molly sips her coffee a moment, watching them quietly*
[17:05] * Varick looks confused
[17:06] (Varick) How did the baby horse get in her tummy?
[17:06] (Varick) *Molly tries not to laugh*
[17:12] (@Morgan) A good question...
[17:16] * Varick looks to Molly
[17:19] (Varick) Do horses lay eggs? *Molly laughs then* No Varick, they don't. *she raises an eyebrow at Morgan, and he hears her amused voice in his mind "you aren't going to help me out of this, are you, liebling?*
[17:19] * @Morgan shakes his head slightly
[17:20] (@Morgan) perhaps we can come back to that another time, Varick... there's something we need to talk about
[17:20] * Varick shrugs, biting his toast
[17:21] (Varick) Is it about the tournament?
[17:21] * @Morgan looks puzzled
[17:21] (@Morgan) tournament?
[17:21] (Varick) *molly looks puzzled also*
[17:22] (Varick) For HeinzHarold and Inga's wedding. There's going to be prizes
[17:22] (@Morgan) Is there?
[17:22] * Varick nods
[17:23] (Varick) The Graf told the Sheriff so
[17:24] (@Morgan) and you were listening?
[17:26] * Varick shrugs again
[17:26] (Varick) They were talking loudly
[17:26] * @Morgan smiles slightly
[17:26] (@Morgan) No, thats not what I was talking about, anyway...
[17:27] * Varick watches, waiting. Molly tops up the coffee
[17:27] (@Morgan) Do you remember we talked about adoption, and adopting you?
[17:30] * Varick nods
[17:30] (Varick) Before Mother ran away again
[17:30] * @Morgan nods
[17:31] (@Morgan) thats right... so you'd live with us until you're grown up, and we'd take care of you...
[17:32] * Varick nods, grinning
[17:33] (Varick) And I could have lots of cake, brothers and sisters, and ride Xantha?
[17:33] * @Morgan smirks
[17:33] (@Morgan) maybe, maybe and maybe...
[18:13] ** Morgan has quit (Ping timeout: 265 seconds)
[19:34] ** You are now disconnected