(Molly) **It's half after eleven when he leaves the bedroom to return to the parlour. Everything is quiet * @Morgan settles down to doze for half an hour before wandering the halls (Molly) **He passes all the guards he was expecting to according to the plan. They all look focused and alert. The house is very quiet (Molly) **Around one o'clock, something starts to feel off * @Morgan takes to skulking in the shadows (Molly) **as he's passing through one of the lesser used corridors that runs parallel to the courtyard, he hears the very faintest of noises * @Morgan stops still to listen (Molly) **The noise is best described as a Tink! sound * @Morgan tries to locate the sound (Molly) **It's coming from the window up above, and sounds like tiny stones being thrown at it. The courtyard is very dark * @Morgan tries to get a look into the courtyard (Molly) **He can see a hint of movement consistent with the throwing of said stones, but can make out nothing else * @Morgan waits, listening (Molly) **The noise continues for another minute * @Morgan moves two windows along before quietly opening the window (Molly) **The noise stops a moment (Molly) **It resumes, the tap of stones on the window one floor above, and it occurs to Morgan that given the layout he's aware of that the window the stones are hitting is the parlour of the nursery * @Morgan leans out to try to get a look at the thrower (Molly) **He can only make out the shape of a medium size man or tall woman, consistent with the footprint size of the montaigne girl's captor * @Morgan tries to gauge the drop (Molly) **It's about 16 feet * @Morgan sets off down the corridor at a run to reach the courtyard as fast as possible (Molly) **He gets there quickly, arriving at the same door they used when they went out to do Molly's training. It's locked from the inside * @Morgan unlocks the door and creeps out into the courtyard (Molly) **The noise of stones being thrown continues * @Morgan creeps along to near the thrower, drawing a knife quietly (Molly) **The thrower quietly mutters to himself (Molly) Fucks sake, open the fucking window already * @Morgan gets quite close behind the man ** You're now known as Yensid * Yensid throws another stone * @Morgan whispers (@Morgan) stop that immediately * Yensid jumps about a foot in the air (Yensid) Fucks sake! * Yensid drops the other stones, rubbing his hands on his trousers (Yensid) I was beginning to think I'd be stuck here til morning (@Morgan) You know they have these things called doors? Generally if you knock on one, someone opens it * Yensid nods in the dark (Yensid) Then you have to explain what you're there for, which wouldn't be good (@Morgan) whys? (Yensid) Because saying "I've come to tell the Veisgraf I've tied a montaigne woman to a bed for him" wouldn't look good, would it? *He grins* * @Morgan suppresses a chuckle (@Morgan) where? (Yensid) Out near the forest (@Morgan) under a bush? (Yensid) No, in an abandoned farmhouse. It's only a mile or so, if you're ready? * @Morgan nods * Yensid waits for Morgan to lead the way into the house * @Morgan does so * Yensid follows along quietly, in fact so quietly that anyone less perceptive than Morgan wouldn't know they were being followed. They see no guards, and get to a door that leads outside, which is locked from the inside, the key in the door * @Morgan unlocks it, leading outside before locking the door again (Yensid) **The night is quite dark, the moon shedding barely enough light to walk by. (Yensid) It's right on the edge of the Schwarzenwald (@Morgan) Fantastic (@Morgan) how did you catch her? (Yensid) It's a long story (@Morgan) I'm more interested in how you managed to catch her off guard enough to get your hands on her * Yensid nods, trudging through the gardens towards the boundary fence of the mine (Yensid) She's injured. She was in the process of retrieving her knives and struggling to turn one of the big guards over. I took the opportunity to sneak up and bash her over the head (@Morgan) classy * Yensid grunts (Yensid) If you wanted classy you'd have hired someone else. (@Morgan) can't argue with that * Yensid nods, not volunteering anything else. A couple of times they have to avoid patrols on their way to the fence, but easily manage it, their stealth skills far outweighing the perception of the guards * Yensid takes a moment to look up at the position of the stars before leading the way away from the fence and through recently harvested fields. The journey has taken longer than expected due to avoiding the guards and the low light. (Yensid) The Comte is dead, by the way. (@Morgan) oh? (Yensid) I was in the loft of the jail when you got the Comte's confession and made plans to move him out, so I was ready to follow her following him out of town. She however was taken by surprise, so had to leave without some of her things. She had plenty of opportunities to take out the escort you sent. (Yensid) However, she waited until he was long gone back to Fischler, and we all proceeded down the East Road a few hours. When he decided to stop to piss, she approached him from behind and strangled him with wire. As you'd only said you'd get him out of town, and that he'd be dead if you'd found him first, I didn't see the point in intervening. She dumped his body quite far back from the road. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm not exactly going to be crying over his grave. I'd like to know where he is, though, so I can get it tied up in the minds of the locals. (Yensid) I can show you once it's light, or retrieve the body with a cart (@Morgan) show me later, its not like he's a pressing concern right now * Yensid grins (Yensid) Not like he's going anywhere (@Morgan) probably not. * Yensid nods, picking his way though the fields and hedges. The land becomes more barren as they cross it, the forest in the distance. They're heading almost due South (Yensid) She's not a big talker, is she? (@Morgan) She wasn't when I last met her, no (Yensid) Did the guards get found? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) was the message your doing? * Yensid nods (@Morgan) That wraps that up nicely. (Yensid) The way they were talking, I knew they were originally navy men. Wouldn't have been right to leave them to rot out there. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank you. Its hit the community rather hard * Yensid nods (Yensid) I didn't see it coming. Probably would have taken her out before if I'd known. I thought she was leading them out there to make a decent escape (@Morgan) She's very good * Yensid nods (Yensid) If she wasn't injured I reckon she'd have had me too * @Morgan nods (Yensid) I hope you're planning to pay well for this one! (@Morgan) More than likely (Yensid) **The forest becomes clearer, and even in the low light he can see it's a mixture of normal and black-barked trees * Yensid watches the tree line a moment (Yensid) The Graf would hate this place (@Morgan) which Graf? (Yensid) Your father (@Morgan) I can't say I like it overmuch * Yensid heads towards the tree line (Yensid) They teased him about it the first few months after he signed up, you know? One of the privates used to put a burnt piece of wood in Adalbrechts kit bag and say it was from the Schwarzenwald. (@Morgan) Charming (@Morgan) clearly not someone who ever lived so close as we do (Yensid) No. From the north coast if memory serves. Just before we all got stationed all over the place, Adalbrecht finally had enough and laid him out. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good * Yensid gets to the tree line, then follows it roughly South and West. The proportion of trees that are black becomes higher (Yensid) Not far now (@Morgan) I'd hope not (Yensid) **It is undeniably creepy here. The town is far in the distance, no lights visible as it approaches two o'clock. The whole world seems to be cast in dark silvery shadows. The moon has fallen behind the trees, and those long shadows reach towards the farmers fields like eerie, monstrous fingers (Yensid) **It takes them another ten minutes of this. There are no sounds of wildlife at all here. * @Morgan mutters to himself * Yensid points to what seems to be a wooden structure about fifty feet away (Yensid) You want to deal with her alone? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'll be bringing guards to collect her later * Yensid nods (Yensid) **The abandoned farmhouse is mostly constructed from the dark wood of the Schwarzenwald. As soon as he gets close he can see a candle burning inside * @Morgan looks the place over before heading to the door (Yensid) **It doesn't look like it will collapse. It also doesn't look like it would be that good at containing a prisoner (@Morgan) you tied her to a bed? * Yensid nods (@Morgan) just as well, this place doesn't look like it could contain a loud sneeze (Yensid) I don't usually capture people, I had to use my recreational skills. * @Morgan shakes his head * Yensid grins briefly (Yensid) You want me to wait here? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) just in case * Yensid nods (Yensid) Alright. * @Morgan nods before going inside the building (Yensid) **The farmhouse is dilapidated inside, it clearly hasn't been lived in for decades. It's almost as creepy as the forest it is made from. * @Morgan looks around, searching for the woman (Yensid) **He finds her in the room with the candle, bound to an iron bed frame. She appears to be asleep. There's no sign that she is wearing anything beneath the blanket that has been thrown over her, but he can see the bindings at her wrists and the complex binding at her feet. Yensid clearly wasn't joking about his recreational interests. Some of the ties are nautical knots. * @Morgan kicks the bed frame (Yensid) **She jolts awake, disoriented for a moment and then frowns on seeing him ** You're now known as girl (girl) Oh no... * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) unfortunately, yes (girl) Where is that man? (@Morgan) which man might that be? (@Morgan) the Comte? or one of the four guards you killed? * girl 'S montaigne accent is very clear, though she speaks Eisen (girl) The wretch that tied me up and then cut my dress off (@Morgan) ah, the one who isn't a concern for you right now * girl looks a little alarmed, and strains against the bindings, trying to bring her legs together (girl) What are you going to do to me? (@Morgan) I'm going to talk to you * girl looks confused (girl) Why? (@Morgan) Because you didn't tell me much last time we met, and I'd like to have more information this time * girl tilts her chin proudly (girl) I still will not tell you (@Morgan) I don't even want the information I asked last time... something else. (girl) What? (@Morgan) a couple of things... You've killed the Comte... I assume that was your task. Whats your aim now with his known allies, particularly Alarice? * girl eyes narrow (girl) If I answer, you will let me go? (@Morgan) Good lord no * girl watches him (girl) You plan to execute me? (@Morgan) I don't. Your murdering the Comte doesn't bother me in the slightest. Now answer the question please (girl) I have no aim now. The Comte is dead. (@Morgan) So my family is at no risk from you? (girl) Not at all. I have _helped_ your family by removing the Comte. (@Morgan) I doubt that * girl shrugs as much as her restraints allow, looking at the wall (girl) Now what? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) You won't tell me anything about your paymasters, so you've nothing more for me (girl) Don't you understand that I _can _not_ betray them?! They saved me. *She sighs* And still I end up like this, naked and bound to a bed. Again. (@Morgan) So they saved you from whoring in Montaigne... * girl looks genuinely upset by this * girl also slips back to speaking montaigne (girl) Whoring implies having a choice. Or being recompensed. * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) unless you're going to tell me something useful, we're done here (girl) I answered your question. Give me my necklace. (@Morgan) necklace? * girl nods in the direction of a pile of fabric on the table behind him (girl) That man took it off (@Morgan) whats so special about it? (girl) It has sentimental value * @Morgan goes and rummages in the pile of fabric looking for it (girl) **He finds it. It is a gold cylinder about an inch and a half long. It's engraved * @Morgan looks it over closely, testing for any latches or hidden parts (girl) **It has a small hole at either end, and what looks like a screw down end cap at the top. The links that connect it to the chain are mounted on the sides. The engraving says "323. 52.520043N 13.403887E" * @Morgan gently tries to unscrew the cap * girl speaks suddenlt (girl) You don't want to mess with that! * @Morgan pulls the vial from his pocket, holding it out to one side for her to see (@Morgan) something like this, is it? * girl frowns (girl) How did you get that?! (@Morgan) I'm good at throwing things * girl nods slowly (girl) I know. That is why I have an infected knife wound on my calf. (@Morgan) turnabout was fair play at the time (girl) If you don't want to die here, you'll leave both the necklace and the vial closed (@Morgan) acid? (girl) Arsenic mixed with nightshade * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that would certainly put a dampener on anyones day (girl) It would be near instant and almost painless * girl watches him (girl) I could have used that on you in Innesbruck (@Morgan) That would've brought you too much attention, so lets not pretend you chose the path you did for my benefit (girl) It would have damaged Eisen. (@Morgan) Now _that_ is an interesting statement. * girl turns her face away from him (girl) Now you know what is in the necklace, you won't let me have it, will you? (@Morgan) You understand that I can't... * girl looks back to him, eyes cool (girl) I wrote to them about you, and the seeds, and the dracheneisen scalpel your mistress has. (@Morgan) the what my who has? (@Morgan) should I be expecting a visit from them? * girl shrugs (girl) I do not know what they will do (@Morgan) I suppose it depends on whether it will damage Eisen or not (girl) **the coordinates on the necklace would be somewhere in Freiburg, and are detailed enough that it could refer to a specific building or street * girl just shrugs again (@Morgan) I take it they've no replied then * girl shakes her head (girl) They usually don't * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'll be back in a few hours * girl looks alarmed (girl) I helped you by stopping you poisoning yourself. I want something in return (@Morgan) such as? (girl) I want you to make sure that man doesn't rape me * @Morgan turns and walks out of the building, closing the door behind hi ** You're now known as Yensid * Yensid is stood outside smoking a cigar (@Morgan) You don't lay a finger, or any other part on her. * Yensid looks at him with a hint of disgust (Yensid) No matter what you think of me, I don't take women against their will. Ever. (@Morgan) Then why is she naked? * Yensid looks pretty angry (Yensid) Because last night she took a piece of wire from inside the hem of her shift and murdered a man with it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Then in this I've misjudged you, and offer my apologies * Yensid inclines his head, though doesn't look particularly forgiving (Yensid) You want me to stay here til the guards come? * @Morgan nods * Yensid nods, the tiny red light from his cigar seeming bright in the darkness. (Yensid) Head due north from here and you'll see the tree at the mine, follow the fence around. (@Morgan) Keep her safe and alive, if you can (Yensid) Alright. * @Morgan nods briefly before heading off North (Yensid) **The way back leads him immediately away from the Schwarzenwald. The land is rough and uneven, and picking his way through trenches and ruts takes some time* * @Morgan grumbles the entire way (Yensid) **He estimates it to be around four oclock when he reaches the mine fence, dawn still an hour away. The land around the mine is much smoother. He hears a patrol pair nearby as he gets to the edge of the gardens, which confirms the time as just before four * @Morgan wanders along the fence towards the guards * guard spots Morgan, though the light is too low to recognise anything other than an approaching figure (guard) Stop right there and put down your weapons! * @Morgan chuckles (@Morgan) that will take some time * guard doesn't recognise his voice (guard) I have all morning. (@Morgan) I'll come closer so you can see that I'm doing as you asked (guard) *Both guards take our their swords, prepared but not engaging (guard) 10 feet will be close enough. (@Morgan) lets not do anything rash, gentlemen (guard) Put down your weapons. * @Morgan closes the gap to the 10 feet (guard) **The second guard starts to scan around in case of accomplises * guard recognises him (guard) Oh! So sorry, my Lord, didn't know it was you, see? (@Morgan) quite so (guard) **Both put their swords away, looking embarrassed (@Morgan) Don't worry gentlemen, you were doing exactly what you've been asked to do * guard nods (guard) Thank you, my Lord (@Morgan) I take it all is quiet? (guard) Seems to be, my Lord. Shift change in an hour. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Make sure there's an overlap so there's no gaps in coverage * guard nods (guard) That's what the Colonel said too my Lord * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good (guard) **having left the guards to their job, the rest of the gardens are quiet. The sky is fractionally starting to lose the depth of dark it had had over night, though it's still a while before sunrise. * @Morgan sits on a wall, watching the sky in the direction of sunrise (guard) **It continues to slowly lighten until the sun starts to rise in the east, light flowing from behind the Drachenburg mountains where Mina's family home is before reaching the fifty miles to Fischler * @Morgan hops off the wall, stretching before heading inside to find Fuchs ** You're now known as Fuchs * Fuchs is in the Guard room, putting on his sword belt. It is busy, bustling, as the shifts change over and some of the guards head to the bunk room * @Morgan wanders towards him, getting some coffee on the way * Fuchs heads in Morgan's direction (Fuchs) Good morning (@Morgan) potentially, yes * Fuchs smiles (Fuchs) I was going to head up to the nursery to find you (@Morgan) you wouldn't have found me (Fuchs) I heard you'd been wandering around * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) quite. Though, wandering suggests I had no purpose * Fuchs laughs. Several guards bustle past to start their patrols as the guard room slowly becomes nearly empty (@Morgan) Your guards this morning were rather on point. It was good to see * Fuchs inclines his head (Fuchs) I am glad you think so. Let us hope his Grace is as enthused! (@Morgan) I was thinking that perhaps you, myself and, say, three guards, can take a stroll * Fuchs checks his pocket watch (Fuchs) I am due at the jail at six, and to check on Stef after that. I'll just send written instructions and a note. (@Morgan) No no, we'll go after you've seen your wife * Fuchs goes to a table, starting to write. (Fuchs) I can check on her later. She'll go to the neighbours if she needs anything. (@Morgan) as you wish (Fuchs) *After completing both but not folding then, Fuchs gets called to the door by a guard with a question, leaving Morgan an opportunity unwatched to read the notes * @Morgan does so (Fuchs) **The one to the jail is brusque, reminding the designated guard to get the ferry and chase the goatherd, someone to look again at fixing the hole in the roof above the loft of the jail, and urging vigilence. His note to his wife says "I am delayed. I will come by later today. Go next door if you need anything. Kristoff." * @Morgan steps away, sipping his coffee * Fuchs returns (Fuchs) Sorry, I was just arranging Mikkleson, his Grace's butler, notifying us of any calling cards as soon as they reach the house (Fuchs) **Aside from Fuchs and Morgan, the guard room is now empty * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) Did you need to get a message to Jann also? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) nothing at the moment * Fuchs nods, and a guard comes back in. Fuchs quickly folds and seals the notes * Fuchs hands them to the guard (Fuchs) Take these please. Remember not to knock at my house, just put it through the letter box as quiet as you can (Fuchs) Do not let the flap slam shut, understand? *the guard nods* * Fuchs watches him go (Fuchs) You want three guards for a stroll? * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) How long are you expecting it to take? (@Morgan) its only a mile or so, so an hour or so (@Morgan) .me sips his coffee * @Morgan sips his coffee * Fuchs nods, going and giving instructions in the bunk room. 3 guards come out, including the two that confronted Morgan, and quickly grab some coffee * Fuchs looks to Morgan (Fuchs) Where are we going? (@Morgan) oh, and we're going to want some clothes, trousers, coat et cetera (Fuchs) **one of the guards goes and grabs some spare kit * @Morgan finishes his coffee (@Morgan) there's an old farmhouse... you know of it? (Fuchs) **The guards follow his lead and do likewise (Fuchs) There are quite a few of those (@Morgan) I suppose so... well, you'll just have to follow me I suppose * Fuchs and the others nod, ready to go * @Morgan leads them out of the house towards the old farmhouse (Fuchs) **It is much easier in the light, and the guards stay a little behind to give the leaders privacy * Fuchs watches Morhan (Fuchs) Are you planning a surprise? * @Morgan chuckles (@Morgan) I found something interesting, thats all * Fuchs nods slowly (Fuchs) Alright. I have a favour to ask of you (@Morgan) whats that? (Fuchs) Tomorrow, at the end of the funeral, there will be musket shots fired. Do you think Veisgrafin Koertig would be willing to have Stef to visit at that time? * Fuchs looks genuinely troubled (@Morgan) of course, I've no doubt * Fuchs smiles (Fuchs) Thank you. I know it's a little irregular, having a common woman visiting a Veisgrafin, but his Grace's house is as far as I can get her from it whilst things are so busy * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) as I've said to some before, if nothing else our duty is to protect those under our care * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Thank you, I appreciate it (@Morgan) can I ask what started her issue with noise? * Fuchs inhales deeply and exhales the same way, speaking slowly. There's a degree of pain in his voice. (Fuchs) Stef was at Sennelager with us. She was one of the wives that followed along the navy when there was fighting on land. I'm not sure if you'd heard of it, but our camp was ambushed one night by a band of vaticines. It was about a sennight before the truce was called. * Fuchs looks up at the sky a moment (Fuchs) That's where the noise issue came from. * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) I'll send word to the garrison in Seeufer and ask them to send guards. I am afraid most of the Fischler guards, and likely most of the town, will want to be at the funeral (@Morgan) if needs be, I'll escort her myself. The town should be allowed to mourn together (Fuchs) You'd be made welcome at the funeral, as a fellow navy man (@Morgan) I know, and I appreciate it, but if my going meant someone who actually knew them could not, I could not allow that. I'll pay my respects by allowing someone closer to them to pay theirs in person * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) That's good of you (@Morgan) I'm not a bad person for the most part... particularly when there's a right thing to do * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) The jail is empty at the moment, which will make it easier * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) depending on how the situation stands here, I may be able to help with that if needed (Fuchs) That'd be useful. Seeufer should be able to spare at least 20 which will help * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) **They get near the farmhouse. Yensid is stood outside. He still looks a bit cross. * Fuchs looks at Morgan (Fuchs) You found an interesting but disgruntled middle aged man? (@Morgan) I did, as it happens... * Fuchs just nods, walking beside Morgan (@Morgan) lets not let him know I just admitted he's interesting though * Fuchs smiles a little. Yensid watches them approach, lighting up again (Fuchs) **The guards behind catch up (Fuchs) *Yensid looks at Morgan: She's fine. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) you've been speaking with her? (Fuchs) *He shakes his head* She won't speak * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats about right * @Morgan turns to Fuchs * Fuchs watches with interest (@Morgan) Now then... emotions will run high I expect, so I'll be wanting your word that the person you're about to meet won't be mistreated. * Fuchs frowns a little (Fuchs) Of course (@Morgan) I'm not doubting you, Colonel, but... you'll understand * Fuchs nods * @Morgan steps to the door, opening it * Fuchs looks to his men (Fuchs) Wait here til I call you. *They nod* * Fuchs follows Morgan * @Morgan goes inside (Fuchs) ** the house still looks dreadful in daylight, but less creepy. There's no noise (Fuchs) This place needs demolishing * @Morgan nods * @Morgan heads to find the bed (Fuchs) **The girl is still there. She stares at the ceiling blankly, though there are tear tracks on her face * Fuchs follows Morgan in. He stops, looking at her. For a moment it is impossible to predict his actions. * @Morgan watches him closely, ready to move (Fuchs) *hearing both sets of footsteps, she turns to look at them. She flinches, then turns her gaze to Morgan as if seeking his protection * Fuchs closes his eyes, rubbing his face wearily with a sigh * Fuchs looks to Morgan before stepping back out of the room a moment (Fuchs) **she continues to watch Morgan (@Morgan) I've had their word you won't be mistreated... but justice must be served (Fuchs) *she bows her head a little, speaking montaigne* I understand * Fuchs returns, eyes fixed in the middle distance (Fuchs) We will take her to the jail, and then speak to the Eisenfurst. (@Morgan) She will not be harmed * Fuchs looks to him, jaw tense (Fuchs) That does not even need to be said. (@Morgan) Not to me, no... (Fuchs) My men know how to treat prisoners, liet-... Veisgraf. * Fuchs still looks tense (@Morgan) You're missing my point colonel. She's going to give us less trouble if she's not scared out of her wits that she'll be raped... lets not make any loud noises, if you see what I mean * Fuchs somehow looks even tender. He looks to the girl (Fuchs) You will not be raped, harmed or manhandled by any of us. On my honour. (Fuchs) **tender = tenser (Fuchs) *she nods. She still looks a little afraid (@Morgan) we'll need the clothes we brought * Fuchs inclines his head to Morgan, going out of the door (Fuchs) **she looks to Morgan (Fuchs) You should have let me have the necklace (@Morgan) I thought about it (Fuchs) They may promise not to hurt me, but promises get broken. (@Morgan) I rather think this one will be kept * Fuchs shrugs ** You're now known as girl (girl) Either way, I'll end up dead. The outcome will be the same, only the torment I will endure in between will mark the difference * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) as I said... justice must be served, but you have his word nothing untoward will happen * girl frowns (girl) I do not trust the words of men. My mother used to say "Marcheline, the only time you can truly trust what a man says is when he says it naked" (@Morgan) Marcheline. Given your knowledge of a certain language, I'd say your mothers view of men to be... one sided perhaps * girl bows her head (girl) My mother was a good, brave woman. She fought and died trying to stop what my father did. (girl) **He can hear Fuchs footsteps approach ** You're now known as Marcheline * Marcheline sighs, looking back to the ceiling (Marcheline) F: *He enters, carrying the clothing. He looks from her bindings to Morgan * @Morgan looks to the bed (@Morgan) put them there, I'll deal with getting her ready (Marcheline) F: **He frowns deeply** Alright (Marcheline) F: *He puts the clothing down* * Marcheline speaks quietly (Marcheline) I can dress myself. (@Morgan) I've no doubt, but, given your talents, I'm not sure I want you up and about to do it (Marcheline) F: *looks to Morgan * I should stay * @Morgan looks at Fuchs (@Morgan) You're worried she'll get away? (Marcheline) F: Partly. (@Morgan) and the rest? (Marcheline) F: You could get injured. And it looks bad for any man of nobility to be attending to a naked woman alone. * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) as you wish (Marcheline) F: And given what you told me about your father, I suspect it would be adding a lit match to a gun powder barrel * @Morgan nods * Marcheline rolls her eyes, speaking montaigne (Marcheline) Bloody men! * @Morgan nods slightly, shrugging (Marcheline) F: *He clearly doesn't understand montaigne* (@Morgan) alright then, lets get her untied so she can get dressed (Marcheline) F: we'll need some of the ropes in tact (@Morgan) obviously (Marcheline) F: *He begins untying the ropes at her feet with the swiftness and skill of a practiced navy officer * Marcheline has a brief, calculating look on her face (@Morgan) I wouldn't... You've had his word you won't be harmed, but if you try to escape... * Marcheline sighs, still in montaigne (Marcheline) Force of habit (Marcheline) F: *He gets her feet unbound * Marcheline looks to Morgan (Marcheline) If you untie everything but the rope at my waist, I can dress myself under the blanket but will be unable to get up ** MorganK has joined #7thseaic (MorganK) C&p please (Marcheline) [21:37] * Marcheline sighs, still in montaigne (Marcheline) [21:37] (Marcheline) Force of habit (Marcheline) [21:38] (Marcheline) F: *He gets her feet unbound (Marcheline) [21:38] * Marcheline looks to Morgan (Marcheline) [21:39] (Marcheline) If you untie everything but the rope at my waist, I can dress myself under the blanket but will be unable to get up (Marcheline) (Done) * MorganK nods, stepping back from the bed (MorganK) Colonel, do as she suggests please (Marcheline) F: *He looks puzzled * I don't speak Montaigne. What did she suggest? (MorganK) Leave the rope at her waist tied, undi the rest. She can dress herself then (Marcheline) F: *He nods slowly. He undoes the ropes* * Marcheline stretches out the joints and muscles, and there is pain in her expression as she does, as would be expected after being tied up for more than 18 hours. ** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving) (Marcheline) F: *He watches her, waiting to see what danger she could now pose* * MorganK waits for her to get dressed * Marcheline slowly does. Once dressed, she removes the blanket, only the rope at her waist remaining * Marcheline makes no fuss as Fuchs cuts the rope from her waist, loosely binds her ankles so she can walk but not run, and binds her arms behind her back from elbows to wrists. With another rope around her waist to prevent her escape, they take her out into the early morning light. The nearest church clock strikes six am, and the second day of the wait for Adalbrecht feels like it's truly begun. ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Saturday, 18 May 2019 19:51:45 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** cantillon.be.eu.blitzed.org sets mode(s) +nt (@Molly) * Marcheline makes no fuss as Fuchs cuts the rope from her waist, loosely binds her ankles so she can walk but not run, and binds her arms behind her back from elbows to wrists. With another rope around her waist to prevent her escape, they take her out into the early morning light. The nearest church clock strikes six am, and the second day of the wait for Adalbrecht feels like it's truly begun. (@Molly) **The sky implies a fine, settled summer day ahead, a contrast to the previous morning's storm. Fuchs holds the rope to the prisoner, the other three guards walk along quietly. Yensid brings up the rear. They see no-one in the first ten minutes of the half an hour walk. ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic (@Molly) [20:57] (@Molly) * Marcheline makes no fuss as Fuchs cuts the rope from her waist, loosely binds her ankles so she can walk but not run, and binds her arms behind her back from elbows to wrists. With another rope around her waist to prevent her escape, they take her out into the early morning light. The nearest church clock strikes six am, and the second day of the wait for Adalbrecht feels like it's truly begun. (@Molly) [20:59] (@Molly) **The sky implies a fine, settled summer day ahead, a contrast to the previous morning's storm. Fuchs holds the rope to the prisoner, the other three guards walk along quietly. Yensid brings up the rear. They see no-one in the first ten minutes of the half an hour walk. ** You're now known as Fuchs * Morgan looks around warily * @Fuchs looks at one of the guards before handing the rope over, then moves closer to Morgan (@Fuchs) Problem? (Morgan) Not so far, no... just thought it'd be wise to keep our eyes open * @Fuchs nods, also looking around (@Fuchs) If we take her to the jail, we have to divide our guards tomorrow. If we take her to the guardhouse, there's a higher chance of her interacting with the Grafin (Morgan) I'd rather keep them apart if possible * @Fuchs looks at the sky (Morgan) as I said, if needs be I'll stay with her at the jail while the service is held * @Fuchs nods (@Fuchs) That reminds me, I need to be sure the loft space has been secured * Morgan nods (Morgan) we can call off the search for the goatherd (@Fuchs) Can we? * Morgan nods * @Fuchs looks at his pocket watch (@Fuchs) Damn, I don't think we'll make it in time. Alright, one guard down won't be a big issue. * @Fuchs nods over his shoulder (@Fuchs) That man is yours? * Morgan nods * @Fuchs looks Yensid over a moment. The man in question is busy using a toothpick * @Fuchs speaks quietly (@Fuchs) How the devil did _he_ manage to take her down?! (Morgan) He's better than he looks... and she's slowed down by an injury, and your men put up more of a fight than she expected * @Fuchs nods slowly (@Fuchs) Good. It will give the families closure to see her punished. * Morgan nods (@Fuchs) We'll take a route through the forest to the jail. If we walk her through the streets it'll draw too much attention. (Morgan) too right (Morgan) realistically, we need to keep her completely secret for as long as possible. We don;t want a lynching * @Fuchs nods (@Fuchs) Fischler is generally a law-abiding city. (Morgan) but its been deeply wounded by this * @Fuchs nods (@Fuchs) Indeed it has. (@Fuchs) **That is what they do. Skirting the outside of the town adds a little time. Fuchs goes back to leading the girl, and Yensid comes to walk behind Morgan. ** You're now known as Yensid (@Yensid) I'll be in Fischler a few more days, 'case you have anything else? (Morgan) I'll let you know. I'm going to try to to get the Koenigsreich to pay you something for your services here... * @Yensid shrugs (@Yensid) I don't care who it comes from, as long as I get my money. * Morgan nods (Morgan) stay out of trouble * @Yensid laughs, a sleazy, disreputable sound (@Yensid) Unlikely. You can send the money to the apartment the girl was staying in * Morgan nods (@Yensid) Oh, you might wanna let them know you can get up a drain pipe and through a hole in the roof into the loft of the jail to spy... (Morgan) I'll pass that along * @Yensid inclines his head (@Yensid) Unless there's anything else? * Morgan shakes his head * @Yensid nods, whistling as he wanders off towards the brothel that the apartment is above ** You're now known as Fuchs * @Fuchs watches him go, then looks to Morgan (@Fuchs) Alright, let's get her settled in. (Morgan) there's a hole in the roof that needs fixing as soon as possible. * @Fuchs watches him (@Fuchs) I'll get someone on it * @Fuchs frowns (@Fuchs) Your man was in our loft? (Morgan) it would appear that way wouldn't it * @Fuchs stares into the middle distance (@Fuchs) It's likely a crime in itself (Morgan) I'd suggest its worth overlooking considering the outcome (@Fuchs) Maybe it was just crows up there that made the hole... (Morgan) It sounded like the hole was discovered rather than made... though I feel compelled to tell you I wasn't aware of his being there * @Fuchs 's eyes narrow slightly (@Fuchs) I trust you. * Morgan inclines his head (Morgan) I appreciate that * @Fuchs nods, leading the girl into the jail, leaving the three guards outside. He takes her to the desk where two new, wide-awake guards are busy cleaning (@Fuchs) Good morning, gentlemen. We have a prisoner for you. Get her locked up tight. No visitors, no chit-chat. Is that clear? (@Fuchs) **they both nod, though curious eyes wander over the young girl in men's clothing* (@Fuchs) **she looks to Morgan with a look that says "I told you so" (Morgan) Gentlemen, this young lady has our word that nothing untoward will happen to her... do you understand? (@Fuchs) **they look at Morgan, nodding again* * @Fuchs nods, taking her up to the cell the Comte had (@Fuchs) **The guards watch Morgan * Yensid tale: I left the following morning. There wasn't much to go on for tracking her, so I tracked the Comte instead. Fortunately, he made a bad impression on many, by being arrogant and cheap. I tracked him through Seeufer where he'd been pestering a lawyer about Alarice, and then to Fischler where he was trying to pester Alarice herself. I found myself an abandoned farmers cottage on the border of the farmland and the schwarzenwald, due South of the tree . Then Comte was unexpectedly arrested. That made it nice and easy. Luckily for me, there was a brothel across from the jail to waste my evenings in. There was a room above that I persuaded the tenant to leave, and then I made it my business to go around all the taverns and businesses letting them know I was the owner and was looking for a short term tenant at a cheap rate, no questions asked. I knew she'd be interested in the jail, so I stuck one on their door so she'd see it. Then I vetted all applicants til I found a young woman with a hint of a montaigne accent and a keen interest in the view of the jail. My surveillance from the brothel made it easy to keep an eye on him, and my visits to check on bits and pieces in her room made it easy to keep an eye on her. Then you showed up, as household gossip had said you would, but I couldn't risk tipping her off by finding you *Morgan recalls feeling watched the first time he went to the jail*. The blow dart thing was clever, I didn't think it'd be possible. I'd been through her things, but she had almost nothing, aside from some knives. I was in the loft of the jail when you got the Comte's confession and made plans to move him out, so I was ready to follow her following him out of town. She however was taken by surprise, so had to leave without some of her things. She had plenty of opportunities to take out the escort you sent. However, she waited until he was long gone back to Fischler, and we all proceeded down the East Road a few hours. When he decided to stop to piss, she approached him from behind and strangled him with wire. As you'd only said you'd get him out of town, and that he'd be dead if you'd found him first, I didn't see the point in intervening. She dumped his body quite far back from the road. It was late by then, and I tracked her back to the apartment. I stayed in the brothel so I was ready for her departure. What I wasn't expecting was the arrival of armed guards around first light, but she was. She led them on a merry chase through town and out into the woods, even with a slight limp. She's very good. I figured she'd escape them and then it'd be nigh on impossible to track her, so I followed. She lured them to a clearing and took each one out with throwing knives, very quick and clean. I had to decide whether to try and catch her and stop her mischief, or let her go and possibly lose her. I decided the first. She was in the process of retrieving her knives when I knocked her out and bound her up. She was struggling to turn one of the bodies over, as he was a big man. I walked around to lay false tracks Then I took her to the road, and gave a goatherd 3 guilders to go to the nearest tavern and ask them to go to the jail and tell them about the guards. From there I carried her through the forest. I got her all tied up there, and once she came round I began asking questions. She is stubborn as a fucking mule though, so nothing was forthcoming. She was very eager to know who I was working for and why. I'm also stubborn as a fucking mule. I came to get you around seven, but the schedule for the guards had suddenly changed from what I'd been learning for weeks, so it's taken me a while to get in.