[20:57] (Molly) **They take a carriage to the town square, which is a hive of merriment. The newlyweds are immediately congratulated and stand close together to meet their well-wishers. They can barely take their eyes from each other, his arm around her shoulder and hers round his waist. Molly gets down from the carriage and moves to the outskirts of the group, watching her friend and her friend's husband
[21:01] * @Morgan climbs down from the carriage, moving beside his wife
[21:01] (Molly) *Adalbrecht and the rest of Morgan's kin are nearest to where the archery targets and the large ring for sword fighting have been set up
[21:04] * @Morgan murmurs to his wife
[21:04] (@Morgan) you can see them clamouring to show their 'skills'
[21:05] * Molly looks at him with a smile before looking at Inga, who looks blissfully happy as HH kisses her cheek
[21:05] (Molly) Who, HeinzHarold and Inga?
[21:06] * @Morgan nods in the direction of his father
[21:06] (@Morgan) no, that lot
[21:07] * Molly nods slowly
[21:08] (Molly) Will you be joining them?
[21:08] (@Morgan) not unless I have to
[21:11] (Molly) Not even sword fighting?
[21:12] * Molly looks a little disappointed
[21:12] * @Morgan shrugs
[21:12] (@Morgan) I'm more likely to show them archery isn't _that_ important
[21:13] (Molly) I don't understand?
[21:13] * @Morgan smiles slightly
[21:13] (@Morgan) don't fret it, I doubt it'll be necessary
[21:13] (Molly) **Grunhelm (Sherriff) approaches
[21:14] (Molly) G: *he bows, taking out a list* My Lord, my Lady
[21:14] * Molly inclines her head, smiling briefly at Morgan
[21:14] (Molly) Sherriff
[21:14] * @Morgan looks mildly uneasy
[21:14] (@Morgan) Grunhelm
[21:21] (Molly) G: *he towers above Morgan as always* The Graf wishes to know which activities you will participate in
[21:22] (@Morgan) What is there?
[21:27] (Molly) G: *he remains straight faced* Archery or sword fighting
[21:28] (@Morgan) no juggling, pole arms, barrel balancing...
[21:35] (Molly) G: No... But I could suggest them to the Graf?
[21:36] (@Morgan) No, I don't think he'd approve... and I'll not be participating if I can help it
[21:36] (Molly) G: *he nods, looking skeptical* yes my Lord
[21:38] * Molly watches Morgan sidelong as Grunhelm bows and walks off towards Adalbrecht
[21:40] (Molly) And Grunhelm will say "He said neither if he can help it, my Lord" and your father will look over and raise a disapproving eyebrow, you'll sigh and relent to the swordfighting, and then we'll see who is better now, you or Claudia
[21:40] * Molly grins at him
[21:41] (@Morgan) I'd rather relent to the archery
[21:43] * Molly wrinkles her nose
[21:44] (Molly) You are afraid of Claudia?
[21:44] * @Morgan shakes his head
[21:44] (@Morgan) Not even slightly
[21:47] (Molly) But...?
[21:48] (@Morgan) Aside from her and HeinzHarold, no one here really understands how I fight, how different it is to the norm... and that is an advantage... Claudia would push me hard enough that I'd have no choice but to use it and reveal my style to all and sundry
[21:54] (Molly) I understand
[21:54] * Molly frowns as she watches Adalbrecht give Morgan the predicted looks
[21:55] (Molly) Will _he_ understand though?
[21:55] (@Morgan) I doubt it
[21:58] * Molly chews her lower lip
[21:58] (@Morgan) maybe I'll lose on purpose
[21:59] (Molly) Maybe Claudia would help?
[21:59] * @Morgan looks skeptical
[21:59] (@Morgan) No, she enjoys it far too much
[21:59] (Molly) *Adalbrecht speaks to grunhelm, then sends the sheriff in their direction
[22:00] * Molly watches him approach, sighing softly
[22:00] (Molly) Oh dear
[22:02] (Molly) G: *he looks to Morgan* The Graf wishes his Veisgraf to participate in the swordfighting
[22:05] (@Morgan) that's unexpected
[22:06] (Molly) G: he said it would be unfair to insist you participated in the archery, he has made your brother do that
[22:07] * @Morgan nods briefly
[22:07] (@Morgan) understood
[22:09] * Molly watches Grunhelm leave, and takes Morgan's hand a moment. She speaks quietly
[22:10] (Molly) Tomorrow we'll be gone and no one will be able to make you do something you do not wish to
[22:10] (Molly) **The crowd slowly moves in the direction of the archery. Adalbrecht stands facing them all
[22:11] * @Morgan nods, moving to hear his father speak
[22:18] (Molly) Ad: Welcome everyone. We are here to celebrate the marriage of HeinzHarold and Inga *he pauses for the clapping then continues* As you know, HeinzHarold has been my eldest son's best friend for nearly two decades. He spent almost as much time in our house as his own, which is to say barely any, they've always preferred running wild *everyone laughs, including Molly as she watches him*
[22:20] (Molly) Ad: Because of this friendship, HeinzHarold has become very dear to our family. He is like another son to me. *people's attention shifts to HHs reaction*
[22:20] * Molly however watches Morgan's
[22:21] (@Morgan) **HH blushes, obviously pleased while Morgan looks like he's waiting for something**
[22:26] (Molly) Ad: So I have decided that for his loyalty and devotion to the Koertigs and Sudlachenburg, he will now be Sir HeinzHarold Lehenstreue, 1st Baronet of Sudlachenburg. *people clap and cheer, patting HeinzHarold on the back and shaking his hand*
[22:29] * Molly smiles at Morgan
[22:31] (Molly) Ad: And so, Lady Lehenstreue will have the honour of drawing the names for the swordfighting whilst we begin the archery. There is a prize of twenty guilders for each contest.
[22:32] (Molly) *the crowd are excited and hopeful, whispering loudly. Adalbrecht has finished talking and blends into the crowd whilst Grunhelm takes charge of the contest*
[22:32] * @Morgan heads towards his father
[22:33] ** You're now known as Adalbrecht
[22:34] * Adalbrecht stands smoking a cigar, looking pleased by the festivities
[22:36] (Adalbrecht) Yes Morgan?
[22:38] (@Morgan) Am I to assume I have no say in my participation?
[22:38] * Adalbrecht sighs
[22:39] (Adalbrecht) I want you to participate
[22:39] (@Morgan) just because I'm no good with a bow, doesn't mean I couldn't hit the target, you know...
[22:43] (Adalbrecht) I know, but then others will want to follow suit, and accidents would happen
[22:43] * Adalbrecht smiles
[22:44] (@Morgan) you know it's going to be Claudia wins the money for the sword fighting, dont you?
[22:46] (Adalbrecht) I thought you and she were at a draw when you last fought?
[22:46] * @Morgan nods
[22:46] (@Morgan) it's complicated, but she's going to win
[22:48] * Adalbrecht shakes his head in despair
[22:48] (Adalbrecht) As you wish, Morgan
[22:49] (@Morgan) it's a tactical error to make everyone aware of my fighting style, but if I don't use it, she'll beat me...
[22:50] (Adalbrecht) **The contest begins to heat up. He notices Molly flittering about confidently through the villagers like an elegant butterfly, full of laughter and social grace. He also spots Edward watching her between shots.
[22:50] * Adalbrecht nods
[22:50] (Adalbrecht) That is sensible, yes
[22:52] (Adalbrecht) **Rapidly Grunhelm announces people who are out until just four remain
[22:53] * @Morgan sighs
[22:55] (Adalbrecht) **Edward is one of the final four, alongside the bridegroom, Claudia and a man from the new settlement who Morgan vaguely knows of called Moritz
[22:56] (Adalbrecht) **Arrows are loosed by all contestants, all very good. Grunhelm tallies up the scores*
[22:56] * Adalbrecht looks to Morgan
[22:56] (Adalbrecht) Has your brother won, do you think?
[22:57] * @Morgan shrugs
[22:57] (@Morgan) HeinzHarold is very good with a bow
[22:59] (Adalbrecht) G: Very good scores, but we have a tie. Edward, Moritz, you both must shoot one more arrow to decide the winner.
[22:59] * Adalbrecht looks surprised
[22:59] (Adalbrecht) I did not know he was so good nowadays
[23:00] (@Morgan) I imagine it's been a long time since there's been any real time spent together
[23:00] (Adalbrecht) *Moritz goes first after a coin toss. It's perhaps an inch from dead centre*
[23:00] * Adalbrecht nods
[23:01] (Adalbrecht) We haven't been close s-...for many years, even when he was home
[23:04] * @Morgan nods
[23:06] (Adalbrecht) *Edward momentarily touches the pouch that Morgan knows contains the feather before looking along the drawn arrow. Morgan sees the brief change in his body language, different from his shoot-to-win stance. His loosed arrow is half an inch further out than Moritz's. The crowd cheers and claps at the victory of the underdog
[23:09] * @Morgan frowns
[23:10] (@Morgan) out of interest... have you had him doing the archery to avoid the risk of he and I meeting in the sword fighting ring?
[23:12] * Adalbrecht frowns
[23:12] (Adalbrecht) No, I wanted one of you in each, but I did not state that he could not do both
[23:13] (@Morgan) but I can't do both... everyone would be perfectly safe if they stood in front of the target
[23:14] (Adalbrecht) I would have thought you would prefer people do not see
[23:15] (@Morgan) it's no secret I'm useless when it comes to archery
[23:16] (Adalbrecht) That is true. *He looks up to Grunhelm before turning back to his son
[23:16] (Adalbrecht) Excuse me a moment *he walks off to congratulate the winner and hand over the purse
[23:17] * @Morgan makes a move towards Edward
[23:17] ** You're now known as Edward
[23:18] * Edward is talking to Verity
[23:18] (Edward) **they both acknowledge Morgan politely
[23:19] (@Morgan) I wonder if I might speak with Edward
[23:20] (Edward) *verity smiles, heading off to Molly and Varick
[23:20] * Edward watches him
[23:21] (@Morgan) You threw that...
[23:21] (Edward) Did I?
[23:22] (@Morgan) Don't take me for an idiot, Edward. Why did you do it?
[23:22] * Edward looks quite at ease
[23:22] (Edward) I don't need the money, or the praise, or the glory
[23:23] (@Morgan) Then why make it that close?
[23:24] (Edward) I didn't want to let Father down
[23:24] * @Morgan nods slowly
[23:25] * Edward doesn't seem embarrassed or ashamed, just quietly confident in himself
[23:25] (Edward) Do you take issue with my conduct?
[23:26] (@Morgan) No, I'm just given to suspicion when I see something that isn't... right
[23:29] * Edward nods
[23:29] (Edward) You wouldn't have done it though?
[23:30] (@Morgan) In that circumstance, no... that's possibly driven out of my desire to be able to hit anything but myself with an arrow, though
[23:31] * Edward smiles slightly
[23:31] (Edward) You're still not any better?
[23:31] (@Morgan) as I said to father, the only safe place for people to stand is directly in front of what I'm aiming at
[23:32] * @Morgan shrugs slightly
[23:32] (@Morgan) I've compensated in other ways, though
[23:32] * Edward nods
[23:33] (Edward) I don't doubt that
[23:33] (@Morgan) I wanted to participate, but father didn't think it a good idea to give people the idea of throwing things at the targets
[23:34] * Edward smiles
[23:34] (Edward) He has a point
[23:36] (@Morgan) well, yes. Did you put your name in for the sword fighting?
[23:41] * Edward looks incredulous
[23:41] (Edward) Of course.
[23:41] (@Morgan) maybe I can get out of it then
[23:42] * Edward frowns
[23:42] (Edward) You do not trust me?
[23:42] * @Morgan smirks slightly
[23:42] (@Morgan) you see the irony in that, right?
[23:42] (Edward) **people are starting to move towards the swordfighting arena*
[23:42] * Edward looks serious
[23:43] (@Morgan) I didn't want to participate anyway, but father had Grunhelm tell me to do it
[23:44] (Edward) Why would you not participate?
[23:44] (@Morgan) several reasons... primary of which is it being a tactical advantage that people do not know my style of duelling.
[23:45] (Edward) You'll hardly be challenged here
[23:46] (@Morgan) Claudia will have put her name in, without a doubt
[23:49] * Edward smiles
[23:49] (Edward) As a woman, how good can she be?
[23:50] (@Morgan) Let me put it this way... if someone with her skill demanded a duel because I'd offended her, I'd damn well apologise
[23:51] (Edward) **there's clapping as Inga brings forth a hat and draws the first matches
[23:51] * Edward laughs
[23:51] (Edward) I'll have to watch out for her then
[23:51] * @Morgan nods
[23:53] (Edward) G: As is custom, we fight til first blood. Let's be sure to make that trickles and not spurts!
[23:57] * @Morgan watches, waiting to hear who gets called
[23:58] (Edward) *Morgan feels a hint of anxiety that isn't his own. The fights rapidly begin, and he fights 4 villagers with ease, making only the slightest cuts to draw blood. Edward, Claudia and HH also beat their four initial opponents.
[00:00] (Edward) *Molly comes to him before the next round
[00:00] ** You're now known as Molly
[00:00] * Molly looks him over
[00:00] (Molly) Are you alright?
[00:01] (@Morgan) Fine blossom
[00:01] * Molly smiles gently
[00:01] (Molly) Be careful please
[00:01] * @Morgan nods
[00:01] (@Morgan) of course
[00:02] * Molly nods, leaving him to it, but that faint anxiety remains
[00:05] (Molly) **In the next round he is against HH whilst Claudia fights Grunhelm, Edward against Tobias (dietlindes second cousin on ottos side) and two of the new villagers fight each other. HH is alright but a little too distracted to fight well*
[00:08] (Molly) **HH walks away with the smallest hint of blood from a split lip which his wife promptly kisses better to the sound of applause and wolf-whistling
[00:09] (Molly) *Claudia easily takes out the older man, as does Edward with Tobias. Everyone watches as Inga draws the final matching.
[00:10] * Molly watches Morgan across the crowd, eyes on his, her expression closely contained
[00:12] (Molly) I: Edward vs Morgan! *this excites everyone but Molly who pales, and Adalbrecht who Morgan can't see. Bets are loudly made*
[00:13] * @Morgan looks a little dismayed
[00:14] (Molly) *Edward calmly takes his place and waits. He feels her emotions closed off, apart from a sense of support and love she sends to him
[00:15] (Molly) ((Morgan feels Molly's))
[00:15] * @Morgan takes his place opposite his brother
[00:17] (Molly) **The crowd watches intently, fascinated. They all know there was an argument that led to a broken nose and much bad blood. The prospect of a rematch is fascinating. Edward bows deeply, and his grey eyes meet Morgan's as he waits
[00:17] * @Morgan bows before briefly examining the edge of his blade
[00:19] ** You're now known as Edward
[00:21] * Edward is greatly improved and has a few techniques Morgan doesn't know. It's not an equal fight, but harder than expected. After a reasonable time frame, Morgan gets an opening to attack, but the injury would be across Edward's tattoo
[00:22] * @Morgan slaps the blade against his brothers tattoo, flat edged
[00:23] * Edward smiles briefly. The crowd murmur, clearly disappointed
[00:24] (Edward) G: *he waves them to continue*
[00:25] (Edward) *a minute later he has opportunity to strike at Edward's leg instead*
[00:25] * @Morgan takes the opportunity
[00:26] (Edward) **there is much cheering and clapping. Edward smiles slightly, talking quietly to Morgan
[00:26] (Edward) Thank you.
[00:26] * @Morgan inclines his head
[00:28] (Edward) *Edward's blood on his sword makes him feel nauseated in a way that blood usually does not. They're asked to vacate the ring whilst Claudia cleanly dispatches the final villager
[20:33] (Molly) **there are more cheers and applauding as she wins. Grunhelm announces that the final will be between Morgan and Claudia. There is a lot of whispering and wagering. Edward goes to stand beside Molly, leaving Morgan to return to the ring*
[20:35] * Morgan steps to the ring
[20:39] * Molly watches him, and spots the ribbon. He hears her thoughts leak through, feeling a hint of giddy infatuation "My favour! He still values it!"
[20:46] * Morgan smiles slightly
[20:47] * Molly blushes, eyes on him. Edward talks to her but she's clearly more interested in her husband. Claudia watches his approach
[20:47] ** You're now known as Claudia
[20:47] * Claudia looks amused
[20:48] (Claudia) You could conceed, and save face in front of all your people
[20:48] (Morgan) I'm considering doing that, but for a different reason
[20:54] * Claudia rolls her shoulders
[20:54] (Claudia) Why?
[20:55] (Morgan) I'd explain it, but it'd take too long
[20:58] * Claudia nods. She takes off her uniform jacket, tossing it to a stranger. She shrugs as if to say she doesn't need the extra fabric as he is no danger. It's a tactic they've mentioned before* ((pm))
[21:01] * Morgan raises a finger before taking off his jacket and taking it Molly, placing it around her shoulders
[21:05] (Claudia) **Molly blushes hard, her eyes filled with pleasure. She speaks a very soft thank you whilst there is a mix of murmurs of admiration, awwws and wolfwhistles from the crowd. Edward watches Morgan with a bland expression
[21:06] * Morgan steps back into the ring
[21:08] * Claudia rolls her eyes, but speaks quiet enough not to be heard by anyone except her opponent
[21:08] (Claudia) Are you ready yet, Casanova?
[21:09] * Morgan closes his eyes for a moment, before shrugging and looking at her
[21:11] * Claudia stands with feigned nonchalance, waiting for him to act
[21:12] * Morgan steps in, swinging directly for her head
[21:14] * Claudia blocks it with ease
[21:25] * Morgan steps back, before stepping in again. What starts out as a simple tete et tete quickly becomes a vicious exchange, blades flashing in the afternoon light, each clash ringing out to an accompanyment of grunts. After several minutes of frenzied activity, they back away briefly, both breathing heavily. After the slightest of hesitations, Claudia raises her foot, aiming for the centre of 
[21:25] * Morgan Morgans chest, at which point he ducks slightly, kicking her other ankle out from under her
[21:29] (Claudia) **the crowd are focused on every movement. Silence is sliced only by the ring of steel on steel until Claudia hits the floor. Many seem surprised by this tactic, but all are still engrossed in the fight
[21:34] * Morgan raises his sword to her, pressing it against her sword arm
[21:34] (Morgan) yield, Claudia
[21:35] * Claudia looks at him from the dirt. It's hard to tell if it's anger or admiration
[21:35] (Claudia) I yield
[21:36] * Morgan moves his sword away quickly before holding out a hand to help her up
[21:38] (Claudia) G: Ladies and gentleman, we have a winner! **there is loud clapping and cheering. Claudia allows him to help, though it's unnecessary.
[21:38] * Claudia speaks quietly
[21:38] (Claudia) So, you've finally bested me.
[21:39] (Morgan) barely
[21:40] (Claudia) I didn't see it coming. Had it been in battle it could have been a fatal error.
[21:41] (Morgan) If it'd been in battle, you wouldn't have kicked your opponent in the chest twice in the past...
[21:42] * Claudia is disinterested in the well wishes of the crowd, serious as always. She doesn't seem disheartened, just matter-of-fact.
[21:42] (Claudia) It would have happened eventually regardless. You are good.
[21:43] (Morgan) I've had you to keep up with
[21:45] * Claudia nods straightfaced, then smiles
[21:45] (Claudia) That doesn't explain HeinzHarold
[21:45] (Morgan) frustratingly, he's just that good
[21:47] * Claudia watches Adalbrecht approach. He nods once to Claudia with respect, then looks to Morgan. He speaks loudly for the crowd
[21:48] (Claudia) A: Congratulations Morgan, here is your prize. *he hands over a small bag with coins in it*
[21:49] * Morgan takes it
[21:49] (Morgan) thank you my lord
[21:52] (Claudia) A: A very good fight. *everyone cheers* Food for everyone is in the Tavern, lead the way Sir Lehenstreue! **HH does as he's told, Inga on his arm. They are eagerly followed by the crowd. Molly hangs back, waiting for him
[21:52] ** You're now known as Molly
[21:53] (Molly) Are you well, liebling?
[21:53] * Morgan nods
[21:53] (Morgan) fine blossom. and you?
[21:54] * Molly comes to stand beside him, sighing softly with pleasure
[21:54] (Molly) Yes, I am quite well and happy
[21:54] * Morgan nods
[21:54] (Morgan) good
[21:54] * Molly watches him
[21:55] (Molly) I ummm brought you a spare shirt, if you want it?
[21:56] * Morgan smirks slightly
[21:56] (Morgan) No, this one is fine
[21:59] * Molly smiles
[21:59] (Molly) Alright. Are you pleased you won?
[21:59] * Morgan nods
[21:59] (Morgan) mostly aye
[22:00] (Molly) Mostly?