(@Molly) **having left Fuchs in the Guard room, the first clock he passes reads half after ten. The work in the house is starting to quieten as many of the staff prepare for the end of their day* * Morgan heads up to the nursery (@Molly) **On the way, he meets one of the two guards Fuchs sent to assist Claudia, the ones given the Idnil-hem password and Fuchs said he trusted with his life. They are travelling at a speed with which they will have to pass each other on the stairs * Morgan goes back to the bottom of the stairs (@Molly) *The guard comes to the bottom then bows* Good evening, my Lord (Morgan) is all well? ** You're now known as guard (@guard) As far as I know. It's my turn to swap off with Oren, and Claudia sent me for more coffee first. Can I get you anything, my Lord? (Morgan) some coffee would be good, if you don't mind * @guard nods and bows, heading off to the kitchen * Morgan tries the stairs again (@guard) **he gets to the nursery. To one side of the door, two upright chairs and a small side table have been added in preparation for the long night ahead. Claudia is stood in front of the door, already looking in his direction as he comes into sight ** You're now known as Claudia * @Claudia inclines her head in greeting (Morgan) all quiet? (@Claudia) It is now. Not so much a couple of hours ago. (Morgan) no? (@Claudia) How the sobbing didn't wake Varick, I don't know. And they went through a third of a decanter of his Grace's best brandy. (Morgan) ah, Mina? * @Claudia nods (Morgan) any issues otherwise? (@Claudia) No. The nanny arrived not long after nine, we got her settled as instructed. Molly was asleep fully dressed, but I thought it best to leave her to it for a little while * Morgan nods (Morgan) You heard the Eisenfurst lost some guards? * @Claudia nods (@Claudia) These... helpers I have been given gossip worse than old ladies * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm working on that... however, remember the montaigne girl I told you about? (@Claudia) No? (Morgan) threw a dagger at me in Innesbruck. Hellbent on killing the Comte de la fare... some sort of assassin as far as I can tell. They were following her (@Claudia) _she_ took down four ex-navy men alone? * @Claudia looks both savage and impressed (Morgan) Initially. It looks like someone overpowered her, but regardless... she's a real threat * @Claudia looks serious (@Claudia) A threat to Molly and Varick? (Morgan) I don't know. She's been tasked with dealing with the Comte, but Alarice is listed as a contact of his, so... * @Claudia nods (@Claudia) What does she look like? * Morgan takes the drawing out of his pocket * @Claudia takes a look (@Claudia) And if we see her? (Morgan) Ideally we catch her, but I don't see that happening (@Claudia) So one way or the other, she doesn't leave? * Morgan nods * @Claudia nods (@Claudia) Are you in for the night now? (Morgan) more or less. (@Claudia) We'll be rotating round so there's always two of us here. Any orders? (Morgan) be careful * @Claudia nods just as the guard returns with the coffee. He pours for Claudia first, looking slightly wary of her, then offers a cup and second jug of coffee to Morgan * Morgan takes the coffee and heads inside the nursery (@Claudia) **The main parlour is very quiet. Only one of the doors is slightly open, the others closed. * Morgan looks inside ** You're now known as Molly * @Molly doesn't notice him. She's stood side on to a long mirror, wearing what appears to be a shirt tied with one bow beneath her bust and one at her waist over drawstring waisted three-quarter length trousers. Both have been made from the pale yellow cotton delivered earlier. Her hair is pulled into one long braid that starts at her crown and runs down her back MTF (@Molly) With a look that is a mix of curious and impressed, she runs her hands down over her derriere, cupping and gently squeezing at the bottom of the curve before running her hands up diagonally over her hips. She doesn't notice him in the reflection (done) * Morgan watches her quietly for a few moments * @Molly continues running her hands over her bottom and hips appraisingly (Morgan) Seen something we like? * @Molly giggles, surprised (@Molly) You see what vain things we veisgrafinly types are prone to doing when left to our own amusements! (Morgan) evidently * @Molly turns towards him, clearly pleased and relieved to see him (@Molly) And you, liebling, did you see something _you_ like? *She giggles again* * Morgan nods (Morgan) Thats an interesting set of garments * @Molly laughs softly (@Molly) I thought it might be practical to have something to wear in bed * Morgan nods (Morgan) good idea * @Molly smiles, coming to him slowly (@Molly) At least whilst things are... complicated. * Morgan nods (Morgan) You should get some sleep blossom (@Molly) I slept for a while when Mina left. *her smile becomes less bright* are you leaving again? (Morgan) I'll go for a wander later * @Molly watches him closely (@Molly) But you'll stay a little while? * Morgan nods * @Molly looks him over (@Molly) Would you like to talk a while, or do you need to rest? * Morgan pours himself a coffee (Morgan) I'm fine blossom. Would you like a cup? * @Molly nods (@Molly) Please. *She smiles, sitting on the edge of the bed* No more brandy tonight! * Morgan places the cup in front of her before fishing the cup out of his pocket (Morgan) how was Mina? * @Molly laughs quietly (@Molly) You have a cup in your coat?! (Morgan) Don't be silly (Morgan) its on the table now * Morgan fills the cup * @Molly giggles (@Molly) Ah liebes herz, how you delight me! * @Molly sips the coffee, tucking her feet up to sit cross-legged on the bed (@Molly) Mina... *She closes her eyes a moment, then looks at him with a small smile* I dare say Lady Hapsburg has never downed shots of brandy before... * Morgan nods (Morgan) sometimes its the thing to do * @Molly smiles (@Molly) Indeed. *She sighs* Poor Mina (Morgan) I saw her father at the inn... he's looking rather sorry for himself * @Molly looks more serious, blowing on the surface of her coffee (@Molly) I have very little sympathy for him I am afraid * Morgan nods (@Molly) Mina asked me to keep her counsel, even from you *She watches his reaction closely* * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) I'm not terribly surprised (@Molly) But you and I both know I am awfully bad at keeping anything from you, and always have been *She smiles* (Morgan) Its not exactly your strongest talent, no. But I'll not ask if it makes it easier for you * @Molly smiles (@Molly) Do not worry on that. I know she would never discover from you that I had told you. * Morgan nods (@Molly) The problem, or at least the problem at present, isn't whether she still loves Edward. (Morgan) no? (@Molly) No woman cries like that over a man she doesn't love. *She smiles thoughtfully* (@Molly) In fact, I think almost all women have cried like that over the man they love at least once * Morgan nods (Morgan) so what is the issue? * @Molly looks at him sadly (@Molly) She needs her man, liebes herz (Morgan) I don't understand (@Molly) They had nearly three years of courtship before she was unexpectedly cut off from him. For three years she has adored a man that she hasn't even seen. She loves Edward, but she loves the Edward of three years ago * @Molly sips her coffee * Morgan nods (Morgan) That makes sense (@Molly) And now suddenly, she discovers that the man she loves has acted in a way she finds abhorrent, in a way that her Edward would not, to her mind, have done (Morgan) But she's wrong... because that was what she considered 'her' edward * @Molly nods (@Molly) Oh, I know. But since when has love been logical or rational? * Morgan shrugs, sipping his coffee * @Molly copies his action thoughtful (@Molly) She asked me if I could forgive you, had it been the other way around (Morgan) Impossible question, he and I have always been fundamentally different * @Molly nods slowly (@Molly) Indeed. (@Molly) She needs to see his remorse (Morgan) That might be somewhat difficult * @Molly nods (@Molly) I agree. Especially if he is going to behave as he did at Inga and HeinzHarold's after-wedding party *She frowns deeply* * Morgan nods (Morgan) I sometimes wonder if he has a death wish * @Molly nods (@Molly) There were times when I was in discussion with her whether I wondered why I was doing anything that might aid his happiness at all * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I was more concerned with her having the support she needed, rather than helping him. I've done what I said I would. * @Molly smiles affectionately (@Molly) As you always do, liebling * Morgan sips his coffee (@Molly) So, as I see it, there are two issues now. Firstly, will she still love him once she has become reacquainted with him and they have worked through it, and secondly will her father still agree to the match (Morgan) I'll be having words with him if he doesn't. * @Molly smiles slightly (@Molly) Without sounding a little Eisen about this, I would really like to nail him down with a proper contract to that effect to protect Sudlachenburg's interests (Morgan) Then thats what we'll do * @Molly watches him (@Molly) You don't think that a little... mercenary? (Morgan) Forcing him to keep to the agreement he's already made? (@Molly) Given that he was so difficult about the match last time, I am concerned quite how badly he will react when Alarice drags the Koertig name through the mud. * Morgan nods * @Molly sips her coffee (Morgan) I wonder what my fathers going to make of all of it * @Molly looks thoughtful (@Molly) You father, much as I adore him, is tough to predict at best! (Morgan) we'll see, I suppose * @Molly nods slowly (@Molly) In a few days... * @Molly watches him closely (@Molly) I think Edward will come with him. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm counting on it * @Molly looks a little relieved (@Molly) I'm glad to hear that * Morgan sighs (Morgan) Alarice sent a letter to my father * @Molly frowns (@Molly) From the jail? * Morgan nods * @Molly sighs (Morgan) That guard I told you about... he's been ferrying messages to her (@Molly) The security here leaves much to be desired, doesn't it? (Morgan) its getting better * @Molly smiles warmly (@Molly) Since you started influencing things? (Morgan) Since Fuchs has been allowed to influence things. (@Molly) That is the head of security who wanted to visit earlier? *she looks a little embarrassed* * Morgan nods (Morgan) he was very impressed with you * @Molly blushes (@Molly) Was he? * Morgan nods (Morgan) he had this notion that throwing his job title at you would get you to open the door * @Molly giggles (@Molly) I suppose he is unaware that I spent a long time watching a rather fantastic master-at-arms who took no nonsense from those throwing titles around? * Morgan nods (@Molly) *She shoots him a sidelong glance* And you, liebes herz? Were you impressed by my stubbornness? (Morgan) You did exactly what I thought you would, keeping yourself safe * @Molly blushes (@Molly) For you. * Morgan sips his coffee * @Molly frowns slightly, sipping her own coffee (@Molly) Is he good? Would you hire him to replace you at Lady Torrington's house, given the chance? * Morgan nods (@Molly) Is he nice? * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I suppose so * @Molly looks intrigued (@Molly) You do not know enough of him yet? (Morgan) its not something I normally consider * @Molly smiles (@Molly) Perhaps it's of a greater import for those of us of the fairer sex? (Morgan) more than likely blossom * @Molly nods (Morgan) his being nice doesn't really come into my considerations for whether or not he can do the job properly though (@Molly) But as a person, do you like him? (Morgan) mostly, aye * @Molly smiles (@Molly) Only mostly? * Morgan nods * @Molly sips her coffee slowly (@Molly) Will you be spending much time with him whilst we await your father? * Morgan nods (@Molly) So the related guard has gone to take a letter to your father? (Morgan) No, she had that sent by that solicitor... we may have been able to intercept it * Morgan grins * @Molly grins also (@Molly) How did that happen? (Morgan) Sorgi (@Molly) On the way? * Morgan nods, taking the letter out of a pocket * @Molly holds out her hand * Morgan gives the letter to her (Morgan) she's sent one to Jarvie, but we're chasing that one down * @Molly looks it over, reading Sorgis note first, then pauses to look at him (@Molly) Hmmm... Jarvie. Is she going to want to be here in case his Grace's solution is a permanent one? (Morgan) Probably, but I can't be certain * @Molly nods slowly (@Molly) Tough to say, isn't it * @Molly opens the letter which says "Dear Uncle Addie, I am in grave trouble. I ask you, on the deathbed promise you made to my father, and on your honour, to ride immediately to Eisenfurst Fischler and plead for my release. I have made huge mistakes, but I need your aid now. MTF (@Molly) I am carrying Morgan's child. He planned to take me as a mistress, and the baby was conceived in the library on the evening of the Musicale. Your staff can confirm we were there alone for several hours. If I am not released, I will die, as will your grandchild. MTF (@Molly) ease, please help us. If you command it, Morgan will acknowledge the child as his heir. But we need you to come to Fischler now and use all your political clout to save us. (@Molly) (@Fuchs) With love, your niece, Alarice." * @Molly 's expression goes through frowning, a brief eye roll, to a very deep frown, shaking her head as she folds it and hands it back (@Molly) It is very lucky it was intercepted. (Morgan) indeed. Convincing my father had he read this would be... difficult. * @Molly nods, still frowning (Morgan) That being said, she's contradicted herself with dates between that one and the one she wrote to the EIsenfurst * @Molly nods slowly (@Molly) And the reason you allegedly were intimate with her *there's a tightness in her jaw as she says it* * Morgan nods (Morgan) I suspect my father will remember those discussions * @Molly smiles slightly (@Molly) He would certainly know my resolve to stay a virgin was far from adamant as she stated in her letter to the Eisenfurst * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed * @Molly frowns (@Molly) He would go absolutely spare if he thought you'd taken her as a mistress * Morgan nods (@Molly) And add to that two days in the saddle with barely any sleep to brood on it, and he would be near murderous I would suspect! (Morgan) he's an awful person to be around when he's not slept properly * @Molly smiles a little (@Molly) He doesn't have the tolerance for it that you do (Morgan) few do (@Molly) I dread to think how he would have been facing a broken magical portal for weeks on end *She giggles* (Morgan) He'd have lost his mind, I suspect. Fortunately, mines known to have gone, so that saved me some time losing it in those weeks * @Molly smiles sadly (@Molly) I was worried for you then, you know (Morgan) oh? * @Molly looks thoughtful (@Molly) I was still rather afraid of you I think, but it made me sad to see the strain you were under * @Molly sips her coffee (Morgan) It wasn't the easiest few weeks I've ever had, I'll admit (@Molly) Things are simpler now... in some ways *She smiles* * Morgan nods * @Molly sighs, motioning towards the letter (@Molly) It's clever, and cruel (Morgan) oh yes (Morgan) which sums her up rather nicely (@Molly) Not only would she have driven a huge wedge between you and your father, she likely thought it would damage our marriage irrevocably also * Morgan nods (Morgan) I agree (@Molly) On that night, I last saw you not long after midnight when your father said she was missing. You returned around three o'clock. It would be very easy someone to assume I would think the worst on hearing that. * Morgan nods (@Molly) And she was well aware of how afraid I was that you did not want me in that way. To then be told you had been intimate with her would have been devastating. (Morgan) she's such an awful person * @Molly nods (@Molly) She is. She is vicious and mean. She clearly meant it when she said she intended to destroy you. You could have lost your birthright, your parents, our marriage, the respect and friendship of his Grace * @Molly hops off the bed, refilling her coffee and offering to do his * Morgan nods, thanking her * @Molly returns to her former position (@Molly) So she tells the Eisenfurst that essentially you have no self-control or honour to your bride, tells your father you were already sneaking around his house and bedding a mistress two nights before your wedding when your father despises the very concept... * @Molly watches him a moment (@Molly) ... what on Theah could she have said to Jarvie? (Morgan) Given that Jarvie knew her so much better than I did, enough to warn me, I can't imagine (Morgan) maybe I'm stealing Dracheneisen and selling it to the Montaigne (@Molly) She trusts you too much for that *She smiles* though that piece in your pocket wouldn't look good, would it? *She giggles * (Morgan) I'm not worried about that, the Eisenfurst can back up my story of where it came from * @Molly sips her coffee (@Molly) I was trying to be playful, I am sorry * Morgan smirks slightly * @Molly giggles (@Molly) Jarvie would be here in an instant to call you out if she thought you were going to take Alarice as a mistress * Morgan nods (Morgan) I suspect so (@Molly) It is lucky she doesn't know Edward is in Eisen (Morgan) probably, aye * @Molly looks down at her cup (@Molly) There's plenty of mischief she could make there (Morgan) oh yes. If he comes with my father, we'll have to keep them well apart * @Molly nods (@Molly) Assuming our fathers are as smart as I think they are, and Edward is less pig-headed than I fear he is, he'll be here. * @Molly sounds very certain about this * @Molly watches him a moment (@Molly) In my letter to my father, I asked him to tell your father the Hapsburgs were visiting us here and that although I was unsure of their future plans, I was hopeful we would be seeing more of them in the future * Morgan frowns slightly (Morgan) trying to smooth out a path for the future? * @Molly inhales slowly, pondering on what to say (@Molly) I was confident my father would pass on the message, and very hopeful yours would read between the lines that I do not know for sure the marriage will be made but that I am hopeful that it can be, and that he would be wise enough to bring Edward just in case * @Molly watches his reaction carefully * Morgan nods slowly, sipping his coffee (Morgan) I see * @Molly looks unsure of herself (@Molly) You disapprove? (Morgan) No... its just another thing to deal with, thats all * @Molly frowns (@Molly) In what way? (Morgan) Edward, Mina, Alarice, the montaigne woman... it all adds up * @Molly stands, setting her cup on the floor before coming to him and taking his empty hand. She looks at him earnestly (@Molly) Let me help you. I will do anything you bid of me to ease your burdens, as always. (Morgan) you can help me by doing as Ive asked and keeping yourself and Varick safe (@Molly) But that is so little, when you have so much to be concerned by. (Morgan) it is my only concern (@Molly) But the other concerns are great, such as the damage the montaigne girl and her handlers could do to Eisen, or the Konigsreich. And the damage Alarice could do to the family. * Morgan shrugs * @Molly watches him (@Molly) And the situation with Edward and Mina _is_ important. (Morgan) it all is... just not _as_ important * @Molly closes her eyes briefly and opens them slowly (@Molly) For Sudlachenburg, it is important to resolve the situation with Edward and Mina. The sooner he is wed and producing heirs, the sooner the succession of the lands is safe... *her brow furrows deeply* (@Molly) If... if something goes wrong here, and something happens to Varick and I, I can not bear the thought of you being forced to wed again. (Morgan) It won't happen * @Molly looks to him (@Molly) It would be your duty, and your father would make your life hell until you did (Morgan) I'd tear this world down before I let anything happen to you * @Molly wraps her arms around his waist, resting her cheek on his chest (@Molly) I know, liebling, I know. As would I with you. * @Molly pulls away quickly, stepping back (@Molly) Which is why it is so hard for me to stand by and not help you in this (Morgan) it is what it is blossom * @Molly nods slowly (@Molly) Aye * @Molly picks up her coffee cup (@Molly) In our statements, we will need to say how we know Alarice knows about Pennyroyal... * Morgan nods (@Molly) But to do that, we have to explain that she was pregnant with Edwards child (Morgan) do we? Or just that she had an affair and got pregnant? * @Molly nods (@Molly) That would work. Did we ought to tell Edward? (Morgan) I don't know. I think perhaps there's been enough change for him (@Molly) He would be hurt by it, I think? (Morgan) I think so (@Molly) The more reason to keep him away from Alarice. We may not be that cruel, but she surely is * Morgan nods (Morgan) absolutely * @Molly sits back on the bed (@Molly) Do you wish we'd stayed in Avalon? *She smiles slightly * (Morgan) And let that head case ruin Eisen even more? (@Molly) Alarice? Or the montaigne girl? *She giggles* (Morgan) The former, actually (@Molly) Perhaps when we're sailing, we could find a little island in the middle of nowhere and start our own country *She grins* * Morgan nods (Morgan) not a bad idea * @Molly sips her coffee (@Molly) It would be very quiet * Morgan nods (@Molly) Will you be away so much tomorrow? (Morgan) possibly, aye (@Molly) Is the house safer now you've changed things? (Morgan) a bit, I think (@Molly) But not safe enough to risk us wandering around? (Morgan) If you take Claudia with you, but stay inside * @Molly sighs (@Molly) I accept that is how it must be, but I must say, I'm not that fond of being constrained (Morgan) I know * @Molly smiles (@Molly) I suppose you'd gathered that from how ill at ease I was about marrying Curtis? * Morgan nods (Morgan) that would not have been a good match (@Molly) No, I would have been deeply unhappy. And I would have made him deeply unhappy also * @Molly smiles (@Molly) I would not have been biddable enough for him (Morgan) No, probably not (@Molly) I did not really know that then though. I think I was still too much in my father's shadow, even when estranged from him. * Morgan nods * @Molly watches him, biting her lip (@Molly) Does it trouble you that I have become more wilful? (Morgan) quite the opposite (@Molly) But my sweetness and gentleness was what you were always so fond of in me (Morgan) you're still sweet and gentle * @Molly giggles (@Molly) Your father may not agree * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) he can whistle (@Molly) Oddly I seem to clash heads with Eisen men, don't I? * Morgan nods (Morgan) they can't understand that a woman might know her own mind (@Molly) It is a burden, at times * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I rather like it, myself (@Molly) Knowing your own mind? (Morgan) that helps, too (@Molly) That was not your meaning? (Morgan) I meant you knowing yours (@Molly) Ahh... It can make me a little headstrong and too passionate, such as when dealing with your father... or Edward * Morgan shrugs * @Molly smirks a little (@Molly) Fortunately I temper most of my less desirable traits when dealing with you (Morgan) and I am grateful * @Molly looks a little concerned and troubled, unable to easily tell his tone. She sips her coffee * Morgan sips his coffee * @Molly looks unsure of herself before finishing her coffee and putting her cup on the table near him (@Molly) I suppose I'd best get some sleep * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye blossom (Morgan) get some rest * @Molly watches him, biting the corner of her lip (@Molly) You will try to rest, won't you? (Morgan) I'll get some rest, don't worry (@Molly) Worrying is what I do. It's something I have much practise at. *there's No amusement in her tone* (Morgan) I'd suggest another hobby, blossom. Worrying doesn't give you much to show for it afterwards * @Molly smiles a little (@Molly) Riding is also a hobby of mine, and what I have to show for it is a loss of softness here *She puts her hands on her derriere as she did when he first arrived* * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I rather like it as it is * @Molly smiles (@Molly) On a better night than this, in the future, I think that is something I'd like to have proven to me *She giggles* * Morgan nods (Morgan) once this is all done, I shall spend a great deal of time proving that to you * @Molly blushes, and climbs into bed (@Molly) I am going to hold you to that, liebes herz (Morgan) good * @Molly looks at him adoringly (@Molly) Take care of you for me, my love * Morgan nods (Morgan) I will blossom * @Molly snuggles down amongst the sheets before closing her eyes, touching her lower lip just as she always did (@Molly) I'll dream of you, liebling (Morgan) goodnight blossom * @Molly nods, already mostly asleep ** You are now disconnected