(@Molly) (Dreschler) D: *He frowns* It is a very old statute. Many wives bring significant financial value to a match, and compensation both monetarily and in justice is a prized asset to most noble husband's in these situations. You could pursue such a charge alongside Molly's,  of course.
(@Molly) (@Morgan) No.
(@Molly) (Dreschler) *Molly stands up, pushing her chair back in a way that makes it scrape the floor. Her expression is tight, cool.* You will both excuse me. *She doesn't even stop to curtsey before starting to walking out of the library*
(@Molly) **Dreschler just watches her without comment**
** mads_ is now known as Morgan
* Morgan places his tea on the desk before standing an following her out
* @Molly is stood right next to the door, leaning against the wall. Her breathing is purposefully deep and slow.
* Morgan watches her for a moment
* @Molly watches him right back. Her expression is schooled and neutral. She continues to breathe slowly
(Morgan) What, precisely, is your issue?
* @Molly frowns at his tone
(@Molly) I felt somewhat unwell, and did not wish to cast up my accounts with an audience.
* Morgan frowns at her
(Morgan) Would you like to try that again with a bit more truth to it?
(@Molly) It is not an untruth.
(Morgan) That was a tantrum and nothing short of it.
* @Molly frowns deeply, watching him intently
(@Molly) It was nothing of the sort. Yes, I am very unhappy with the situation, but I truly needed a moment as I felt unwell.
(Morgan) as you wish
* @Molly moves away from the wall and back towards the door, reducing the gap between them. She watches his expression closely to try to read his mood
(@Molly) We should return to our meeting.
* Morgan opens the door for her
* @Molly inclines her head to him, thanking him quietly before going to sit back down. Dreschler watches her.
(@Molly) D: I apologise if I have upset you, my Lady.
* Morgan sits down and immediately picks up his cup of tea
* @Molly shakes her head, smiling gently
(@Molly) Not at all, Herr Dreschler,  I felt a little unwell but I am absolutely fine now. Let us continue. If I were to push my case, as you suggest, do you feel it likely his Grace would convert her execution to a less dreadful method? *she looks between the two of them, keen for Morgan's opinion*
(@Molly) D: *He thinks this over a moment* I would be quietly optimistic, based on his past views, though I did not see any sign he is unsure whether to follow the current law in her case
* @Molly nods, looking at Morgan questioningly
(Morgan) He is not, but if the option were presented he may be willing to opt for it
* @Molly nods slowly, expression neutral
(@Molly) D: Take a few hours to think about it *He looks to Morgan* It would mean she was, in essence, getting away with murder.
(Morgan) No it wouldn't. It would mean that the punishment for the attempted murder was carried out first
* Morgan sips his tea
(@Molly) D: *he nods* There is another matter also, one connected to the outcome of her punishment. Once she is dead, her estate must be dealt with. *He's still talking to Morgan primarily *
(Morgan) go on
(@Molly) D: She has a house in Freiburg and whatever the worth of her personal effects, plus whatever she has in her savings account at the bank...
(Morgan) I assume it would depend on her will
(@Molly) Surely given the money she was giving to the Comte would have meant she could have no savings at all? *she looks at Morgan*
(Morgan) I wouldn't be in the least surprised if she's got something hidden somewhere... and she's been selling her assets since she's been here
* @Molly frowns
(@Molly) What on Theah would she need money for?
(Morgan) I haven't found out yet
(@Molly) D: She has no Will that I know of. You raised the possibility that Varick may not be her child when you came to see me last month. Did you manage to rule out that possibility?
(Morgan) Its an ongoing issue. We'd best hear what would happen in either case
(@Molly) D: Her assets would go to him automatically if he is her biological child. But if not, they would go to her husband.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Innsbruck and Koln would remain with him because they were his fathers?
(@Molly) D: No. The most complicated part of that is Innesbruck.  Innesbruck was never Karstens because it was Koertig land. His Grace has informed me that money was taken unjustly from Innesbruck to pay her paramour's debts. Therefore Varick would be her primary creditor. The creditors receive their money first, then the remaining assets go to the eldest child, or if there is none, her next of kin, which is her husband. But, if he is not, you are her primary creditor because you are Freiarr Innesbruck.
(@Molly) you are her primary creditor because you are Freiarr Innesbruck.
* @Molly sips her tea, watchful
(Morgan) I see
(@Molly) **Dreschler shuffles his papers a moment* Technically you would have become Freiarr of Innesbruck when your uncle died in June 1664.
* Morgan nods
* @Molly looks briefly sad before becoming neutral.
(@Molly) D: And that would mean that money she had taken unjustly from Innesbruck to would have been theft from you personally.
* Morgan nods, sipping his tea
(@Molly) D: It would be prudent to speed up the investigation of these rumours so that there is clarity. But as she is allegedly with child, it is likely her execution will not occur until April.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I'm told that is not a concern of the Vaticine faith
(@Molly) D: *he looks confused* I do not understand what you mean
(Morgan) I was told that her being with child wouldn't matter when it comes to her punishment
(@Molly) D: It would not allow her to walk free. It just means she will be kept imprisoned until the child is delivered. His Grace would not wish an innocent child to die alongside its guilty mother
* @Molly bites her lip a moment, looking at Morgan's reaction
* Morgan nods, neutral
(@Molly) D: This would buy some time for Molly to argue her case with his Grace
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I see
(@Molly) D: I doubt Alarice's new solicitor would argue against the primary charge being Attempted Murder, though I haven't and won't discuss it with him until I have your decision *He's
(@Molly) **he's watching Morgan when he says it*
(Morgan) Its not my charge, you'd best be asking the person involved
(@Molly) D: *He looks at Molly* As I said, give it some thought and talk it over. *He looks back to Morgan* is there anything else you need from me?
* Morgan shrugs, looking at Molly
* @Molly nods
(@Molly) Actually yes. *a hint if determination appears in her eyes* We are in the process of negotiating a betrothal between Lord Edward Koertig and Lady Mina Hapsburg. What I want you to do is draw up a contract between her father, Freiarr Josef Hapsburg and the Koertig family.
(@Molly) D: *He looks surprised and almost uncomfortable* That is a most irregular request... *He looks to Morgan for opinion and approval*
* Morgan looks at him with a well practiced blank expression
* @Molly smiles slightly before sipping her tea
(@Molly) It should read along the lines of " I, Freiarr Hapsburg,  vow to give my blessing upon the marriage of Edward to Mina should I be called upon to by Morgan or Adalbrecht. I will not obstruct or frustrate the marriage from taking place. I understand that this contract does not commit the Koertig family to proceed with the marriage in any way. The recompense I had asked for on the Koertig side of the bargain has been received in full. " Do pretty it up with legal jargon as needs be, of course.
(@Molly) The recompense I had asked for on the Koertig side of the bargain has been received in full. " Do pretty it up with legal jargon as needs be, of course.
* Morgan sips his tea
(@Molly) D: *He sits there looking at her, mouth open, then looks at Morgan* You give your consent and approval to that, my Lord?
* @Molly manages through sheer force of will to not roll her eyes
(@Molly) If you have any suggestions or rewordings,  liebes herz, I will be happy to hear them
(Morgan) I don't believe you require my approval to draw this up... my approval will be given or not when it comes time to sign it
(@Molly) D: *He nods, making  notes. Molly watches him*
(@Molly) I would like that contract ready for signing and in our hands within the next hour. It is a time-sensitive, as well as very private matter. Can you do that?  **He nods, though he doesn't look entirely pleased* D: I have a small office here, I will start dealing with that and your Wills immediately. Is there anything else, my Lady?
* @Molly shakes her head.
(@Molly) That will be all, Herr Dreschler.
(@Molly) **He again looks to Morgan, closing the folders and rising. He seems to be waiting to be dismissed*
* Morgan nods to him
(@Molly) **Dreschler leaves them alone in the library. Molly sighs heavily before refilling their tea cups. She watches his expression before speaking*
(@Molly) That was rather a lot to take in...
* Morgan nods
* @Molly sits back down, drinking the tea
(@Molly) Are you happy with the contract with Mina's father?
(Morgan) I'm not sure why you're doing it
* @Molly looks troubled
(@Molly) It is what we discussed. We do not want him to back out of the agreement you and he made once it become a public gossip about Alarice's actions
(@Molly) Becomes*
* Morgan nods
* @Molly chews her lip a moment
(@Molly) Will your father be livid?
(Morgan) I would imagine so. He'll get over it
(@Molly) When we were there for Inga's wedding he was keen on the match. He and I even discussed what the bride price should be. But I suspect he will dislike that we have not consulted him about the contract.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) he doesn't have to like it
* @Molly smiles
(@Molly) We have far bigger issues at present than your father's disapproval
(Morgan) I'm used to his being disapproving, it can wait
* @Molly nods
(@Molly) What thinks you about the Innesbruck situation?
(Morgan) Its difficult
* @Molly smiles
(@Molly) Oh yes
* @Molly sips her tea
(@Molly) I had not realised your uncle had passed away so long ago...
* Morgan nods
* @Molly looks to the table a moment
(@Molly) I cannot imagine it makes things easy for you
(Morgan) Not terribly, but it is what it is
* @Molly nods again, sipping her tea. There's silence briefly
(@Molly) Do you want to be truthful?
(Morgan) I have been
(@Molly) I meant about the heritage issue
(Morgan) to an extent
* @Molly nods
(@Molly) There is just something about Innesbruck that calls to me...
(Morgan) I know
* @Molly smiles slightly
(@Molly) I cannot even explain it. It just feels _right_ there.
* Morgan nods
* @Molly looks thoughtful,  staring out of the window. Her voice is soft and slow
(@Molly) When I think of us settling down,  giving you your next children, it is there that I picture
(Morgan) I suspect thats because its mine, rather than my family's
(@Molly) That could be it, liebes herz. You have a certain security and freedom there that we do not have elsewhere.
* @Molly smiles softly at him
* Morgan shrugs
* @Molly sighs
(@Molly) What do you think about pushing for the attempted murder charge as the priority?
(Morgan) I'm quite inclined to go for it. The outcome is the same but without the reprehensible method
(@Molly) I... *she sighs*
(@Molly) I am conflicted and uneasy.
(Morgan) go on
* @Molly frowns a little, clearly burdened
(@Molly) When the Konigsreich was executing her on it's own behalf for Karstens murder, it was easier. For me to push my case, I am having to take on the responsibility for her death. I still feel the weight of ending the life of the bandit who attacked us, I do not relish living with more of that
(Morgan) Then we'll not pursue it
(@Molly) But it is not that simple.
* Morgan smiles faintly
(Morgan) yes, it is
(@Molly) No it isn't. Because then she is burnt at the stake, and I must live with the responsibility of not stopping the harm that will do to you.
(Morgan) I'll manage. 
* @Molly frowns
(@Molly) I also do not want Varick to have to live with the knowledge of that. But if I push, he will one day know her death was my fault.
(Morgan) He won't have to know
* @Molly looks at her hands
(@Molly) That it was her crime against me that got her beheaded, or about the method of her execution were it to be the other?
(Morgan) the method of her execution. I'd rather have to keep that from him than have him feel you were in any way responsible
(@Molly) It will be gossip that follows him the rest of his life
(Morgan) and I'll teach him to be strong enough to deal with it... though if the truth comes out, it'll make no odds
* @Molly bites her lip
(@Molly) It is a big decision, with many consequences
* Morgan nods
(@Molly) What would _you_ do, liebling?
(Morgan) I think we should leave it as is, that she is tried for Karskens
(Morgan) murder
* @Molly frowns, looking unsure
(@Molly) Dreschler is certainly keen on the idea.
(Morgan) I don't care. I won't have you carrying that burden
* @Molly watches him
(@Molly) And I do not want you carrying the burden of her being burnt at the stake
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I'm not convinced I will
* @Molly is clearly formulating her response carefully
(@Molly) Until I voiced my uncertainty,  your words and actions implied otherwise
(Morgan) I'm formulating a plan
(@Molly) Oh? Are you able to share it with me?
(Morgan) As soon as it has any actual shape, probably
(@Molly) Could I be of any aid?
(Morgan) I don't think so
* @Molly nods sadly
(@Molly) Alright
* @Molly sighs
(Morgan) Either way... I've more or less bullied the Eisenfurst into being present
* @Molly frowns
(@Molly) Why would he not be present?
(Morgan) He never has been before. Its time he understood.
* @Molly 's frown deepens
(@Molly) If one is choosing death for another, one should be present to witness the consequences of that choice. Otherwise it would become easy to be complacent
(Morgan) Indeed. I've a suspicion that he won't be using that particular method again in a hurry
* @Molly takes a long inhale
(@Molly) By that logic, that means I will be present should I decide to press my claim for justice
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) I don't want you to
* @Molly bows her head
(@Molly) You would command it, as my husband?
(Morgan) I wouldn't command it. If needs be I would beg you.
* @Molly 's eyes dart up to his, intense
(@Molly) You never beg.
* Morgan nods
(@Molly) It would be my duty.
* @Molly watches his reaction closely
(Morgan) I would rather endure it a hundred times over than have you feel the burden of her losing her life
(@Molly) Just as I would endure anything other than having allowed your pain and suffering.
* @Molly holds out her hand to him
* Morgan takes it
* @Molly squeezes firmly
(@Molly) _If_ I do not press the claim, I do not want you anywhere near this place when it happens.
* Morgan looks skeptical
* @Molly 's brows come together with puzzlement at his expression
(Morgan) I'm not sure I can guarantee that
(@Molly) Whyever not?
(Morgan) Two reasons... I want to make sure Faulk actually attends. Second, I can make it... quicker
* @Molly 's shudder is clearly visible and can even be felt in her hand in his. Her eyes are serious
(@Molly) Someone else could ensure his attendance
* Morgan shrugs
* @Molly shakes her head a little
(@Molly) I deeply, deeply dislike even the thought of you being present, let alone having any involvement
* @Molly bites her lip, tears welling in her eyes
(Morgan) I know
(@Molly) I dread to think the harm that would do to you
(Morgan) I'd cope
(@Molly) I don't want you to cope, liebes herz, I want to protect you.
(Morgan) I know blossom, but... something has to be done
(@Molly) It does. I just do not know what yet.
* @Molly sighs frustratedly
(@Molly) I need a fast horse and several miles of open ground.
** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving)
** Morgan has joined #7thseaic
(Morgan) Why?
(@Molly) I do my best thinking when riding hard
(Morgan) I see
(@Molly) But you cannot allow that at present
(Morgan) Indeed
* @Molly sighs, chewing her lip
(@Molly) I understand.  I do not like it, but I understand
* Morgan nods
(@Molly) It is going to be a tough decision to make.
* @Molly squeezes his hand gently
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes, it is
(@Molly) **There is a gentle tapping at the door*