** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Sunday, 23 June 2019 13:02:29 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) **aside from a couple of patrols, he sees no-one on his way ** You're now known as Faulk * @Morgan knocks on the door (Faulk) Enter * @Morgan does so * Faulk is sat at his desk working. He looks up, surprised (Faulk) Morgan. I was not expecting you. (@Morgan) Very few people do * Faulk puts aside his work. He looks a little tense (Faulk) Are you well? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) well enough. I heard Isiah has returned * Faulk sighs (Faulk) Yes he is. And I would expect him back in here in the next five minutes. (@Morgan) Going well, then (Faulk) He is livid over the situation with Sabine (@Morgan) the one where we made sure she is safe? * Faulk nods * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) oh well (Faulk) One would think that would make him happy, however he is most definitely _not_ happy about her being guarded (@Morgan) If he wishes to take issue with it, I'm happy to explain the situation (Faulk) Oh I have no doubt that he intends to take issue with it (@Morgan) Then he should be made to understand the situation and the reasoning (Faulk) Reasoning with Isiah is generally ineffective. As with most with Vodacce blood. (@Morgan) I generally have little time for them * Faulk nods * @Morgan frowns slightly (@Morgan) and the vendel... and the montaigne... and the castillians... generally, I don't have time for people (Faulk) Nor do I. I wish I'd realised that before picking a Vodacce woman to bear my heir * Faulk sighs, watching Morgan (Faulk) I didn't want to risk seeing a child that resembled the children Maguerite and I should have had. Adding foreign blood saved me that pain. (@Morgan) I can understand that * Faulk nods (Faulk) I thought you might (Faulk) **There is the sound of fast, heavy footsteps in the hall approaching the door. Faulk mutters (Faulk) Brace yourself. * @Morgan shrugs looking entirely relaxed (Faulk) **Isiah flings the door open, and it bangs the wall. He has that angry reckless look of a man who needs violence and pain to overcome his emotional state. (Faulk) I: WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO MY OFFICE AND MY DESK?! * Faulk sighs (@Morgan) That would be me (Faulk) I: **He glares at Morgan, removing a glove from his pocket and flings it at Morgan's feet* YOU HAVE DONE ME A DISHONOUR, AND YOU WILL MEET ME FOR THIS! (@Morgan) I can see you're upset, so I'll let you take that back and we can discuss it like grown men (Faulk) I: I WILL DO NO SUCH THING! I WILL NOT STAND FOR IT. AND I WANT THAT LETTER BACK RIGHT NOW! * Faulk frowns, having no idea about Alarice's letter to Isiah and the suggestion that she is carrying his grandchild (@Morgan) I thought you wanted satisfaction (Faulk) I: I WILL HAVE BOTH SATISFACTION AND THE LETTER! (@Morgan) With respect, if you don't stop shouting at me, I'll fill your mouth with my fist (Faulk) **Through the open door, Morgan spots Ana walking past carrying a tray with the usual nonchalance of a snooping maid (Faulk) I: MEET ME WITH YOUR SECONDS AND I'LL GIVE YOU EVERY CHANCE TO TRY! * Faulk sighs (Faulk) Isiah, you are being unreasonable. (@Morgan) When you start acting like a gentleman, maybe. However, since you're acting like a petulant child, I shall do no such thing (Faulk) I: *He looks even more angry, but quietens* Fine. Name your time and weapons. (@Morgan) I'll tell you what... I'll tell you what went on, and then you can decide if you really want to fight with me * Faulk frowns deeply (Faulk) I: Nothing you can say will change that. (Faulk) Just shut up and listen, Isiah. (Faulk) I: *He moves his glare to his father a moment before moving it back to Morgan* (@Morgan) Dieter came to me worried for you because you'd taken flight, again. He asked me to help find you. (Faulk) I: *his eyes narrow in way that implies his old friend is likely to take a beating for this. He doesn't speak* (@Morgan) So thats what I did. And if your reaction to that is to fight with the people who worried for you after you behaved irresponsibly, I suggest you look to your own behaviour, rather than anyone elses (Faulk) I: He told you about Sabine? (@Morgan) Have a seat, Isiah. (Faulk) I: No. (@Morgan) This is important, and you'll hear it better if you're not shaking with rage (Faulk) I: *he scowls, but relents, thudding into a chair * ** You're now known as Isiah (Isiah) **Faulk also sits, aiming to diffuse the tension** (@Morgan) If Alarice set her sights on Sabine, she would have her killed in a horrendous manner... I would save you that pain. Thats why guards were sent (Isiah) I: Sabine was fine! I made sure Alarice knew she was nothing to me but a common girl I'd once drunkenly slept with and then gave over because she wasn't pretty enough to keep bedding! Sabine is plenty safe, and plenty able to defend herself! * Isiah glares at Morgan again (@Morgan) You underestimate my cousin. Badly. (Isiah) Now you have posted guards there, you have alerted all and sundry that she is valued! _You_ have put her in a position of risk, not me! * @Morgan sighs (Isiah) *Faulk shakes his head, warning in his tone * Isiah... (Isiah) I: *He ignores his father completely, focusing angrily on Morgan* Tell me you wouldn't be just as angry if it was me putting the woman you love in danger! (@Morgan) I would be, if that was the case. * @Morgan sighs again (@Morgan) fine, if drawing blood is all that was calm you down, so be it (Isiah) I: *He nods curtly, rising* Name your time and weapons. And you will give me that stolen letter back. (@Morgan) Now, swords, and only if you beat me (Isiah) I: *He nods* And your second? (@Morgan) in case I won't fight? Hardly likely now is it (Isiah) I: A duel must have seconds. That is how it is done. Surely you have had enough to know that! (@Morgan) I see no reason to... unless... _you_ don't plan to actually stand before me (Isiah) **Faulk rises from his desk* You're in the wrong here, Isiah. You underestimate your wife, just as you did when you foolishly ruined her. Sabine is safer this way. I am even thinking of having her brought here into the protection of my house... * Isiah glares at him, but Faulk holds his nerve, glancing at Morgan a moment before looking back to his son (Isiah) F: So go find your second, Isiah. Morgan has his. (Isiah) F: *he watches his son a moment before collecting his sword belt from where it is kept on a shelf behind the desk. Isiah looks murderous before storming from the room. ** You're now known as Faulk (Faulk) *he looks at Morgan. Though his tone is bemused, his eyes are solemn* Well then, let's get this resolved so we can all proceed with the important matters ahead of us. (@Morgan) You needn't have done that your Grace (Faulk) Yes I did. He has no concept whatsoever of the way he will feel if his choice gets her killed. He has no idea what it will be like to live without her. (@Morgan) He wouldn't believe it was anyones fault by mine (Faulk) If he had been left to his own devices, he could have gotten her killed. Alarice is devious enough to have pretended not to know. Given that you had somehow discovered it after being here four days, there's a food chance she'd have known after seven weeks. * Faulk gets his belt on, putting a sword into it * @Morgan nods (Faulk) What do you think about having her here? (@Morgan) Tough to say. Could make it easier for Alarice to get to her * Faulk nods (Faulk) Something to discuss with Fuchs. *he looks to the door as Dieter appears. He looks somewhat displeased and exasperated. He bows to them both* Isiah is waiting out on the lawn, your Grace, my Lord. * @Morgan nods, waiting for Faulk to lead the way * Faulk goes off ahead. Dieter speaks quietly to Morgan, walking beside him (Faulk) This is a bad business, my Lord. * @Morgan shrugs ** You're now known as Dieter (@Morgan) he won't have it any other way (Dieter) No. He never does when he's in this mood. I shouldn't really tell you this, but what he needs is a beating. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) He needs to realise he's not the be all and end all (Dieter) I've had to do it myself a few times. It's not about winning, he needs to fight and get it out of his system. He always thinks straighter after some pain. (@Morgan) Is this your way of saying not to hurt him too badly? * Dieter rubs his nose (Dieter) Actually the opposite. Fists would have been better than blades. He will feel much better once he's hurt. It's why he liked your cousin I think. *He grimaces.* Many apologies my Lord, I should not have said that. * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) she's a sadist * Dieter nods (Dieter) They usually are. (Dieter) **They get to the door that leads to the lawn* Can you win? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) we'll see (Dieter) I: *He is stood on the lawn, sword drawn, pointed downwards. He looks confident. The day has cooled and there's a good enough breeze to make a pistol duel far safer than it would have been. Faulk looks calm, waiting for Morgan* * @Morgan walks onto the lawn (Dieter) **Morgan notices Mia upstairs washing the windows as if she hasn't even noticed them, but he knows maids too well to fall for it** * Dieter looks between them (Dieter) Veisgraf Sudlachenburg, will you make an apology for the insult Graf Seeufer feels you have given to his honour? (@Morgan) I make no apology * Dieter nods. (Dieter) The duel is to the first cut. Should the Graf win, his property is to be returned. Do you have anything to add, Veisgraf Sudlachenburg? (@Morgan) If I win, he will admit the dishonour done to him was of his own making (Dieter) I: *he glares at Morgan* Fine. (Dieter) **Dieter and Faulk stand side by side at a safe distance. Neither of them look particularly happy about the duel. ** You're now known as Isiah * @Morgan reaches inside his coat, takes out the cup and places it behind him about ten paces * Isiah looks deeply confused, as do the others * @Morgan walks back towards Isiah, drawing his sword (@Morgan) Lets get it done then * Isiah salutes him as is expected * Isiah swings first, and it rapidly becomes apparent from the repeated strikes and parries that it will not be an easy fight. He's very good, better than Morgan may have expected, and in the same league as himself, Claudia and HeinzHarold. * @Morgan settles in to matching Isiah rather than trying to beat him * Isiah fights hard, somewhat impressed that Morgan is as good and unpredicatble as he is. The fight draws on, and after twenty minutes Morgan can see it is starting to push Isiah to the limits of his skills. By then, Faulk and Dieter have moved further away and are sat on the edge of a fountain, just waiting for one of them to yield. * Isiah has given no indication of being ambidextrous right until the moment he gets a very brief opportunity to punch Morgan in the face, which he tries to take * @Morgan sways backwards, before stepping into Isiahs reach and head butting him on the bridge of his nose * Isiah doesn't expect it. He blinks hard, nose streaming blood, lip split. He spits blood on the grass, and brushes the rest with the sleeve of his white shirt. He resumes his attack with the blade, becoming more focused and slightly more skilled * @Morgan starts to grin as he parries Isiahs blade * Isiah frowns a little at his expression, but digs deep, spurred on by it. He gets faster. (Isiah) **Morgan gets a second, then third opportunity to elbow him in the face in the next ten minutes * @Morgan takes the opportunities * Isiah sways on the third, looking a little dizzy. The remainder of the fight involves Isiah getting less and less able to parry Morgan's swings. Eventually, nearly forty minutes after the duel began, Morgan gets opportunity to make the strike he wishes to * @Morgan slaps Isiahs sword to one side before whirling his blade in front of him before striking the back of Isiah's leg * Isiah goes down hard * @Morgan stops, backing away a little * Isiah lies on the ground breathing heavily. Dieter and Faulk make their way over. In Isiahs expression, Morgan can see both relief and peace (Isiah) **Dieter comes to Isiah's side** Do you yield, Graf? **Isiah nods, looking up at his friend* I yield. * Isiah accepts Dieter's forearm to help him stand. He sheathes his sword, looking at Morgan. That anger is gone. * @Morgan watches them, face impassive * Isiah moves closer to Morgan, bowing slightly * @Morgan wipes his sword on the grass before sheathing it (Isiah) *Isiah waits til Morgan is finished and looking at him before speaking* I admit the dishonour I have taken is of my own making * @Morgan bows his head slightly (@Morgan) Can we have an end to this? * Isiah extends a hand (Isiah) Yes. * @Morgan takes it * Isiah shakes his hand (Isiah) **Morgan feels a hint of being watched** * @Morgan glances around (Isiah) **He spots Katherine's back at a window near the door they existed through. She is polishing a mirror that clearly reflects the activity on the lawn * Isiah lets go * @Morgan wanders over to pick up the cup, putting it back in his pocket * Isiah wanders into the house, and Faulk follows him. Dieter comes to Morgan ** You're now known as Dieter (Dieter) Thank you, my Lord * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I'd have rather not fought him, but he wasn't having it any other way (Dieter) He needed that. He's needed that since he found out the truth about her. (@Morgan) he needs to grow out of it * Dieter nods (Dieter) He does (Dieter) It won't do him any good to have his Grafs hitting him in the face on a regular basis once he's the Eisenfurst (@Morgan) He'll have the area taken from him before long if he continues like this * Dieter looks solemn (Dieter) Either by his father or brothers. He's... reckless. * @Morgan nods * Dieter sighs, looking at the house (@Morgan) If he needs a beating every now and then thats one thing... he's lucky I'm not the kind of person to hold a grudge. I daresay others would have tried to kill him for what he did * Dieter nods (Dieter) Probably, my Lord. If he doesn't curb the worst of his nature he won't live long enough to succeed his father. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed * Dieter bows (Dieter) I should get in to him, my Lord * @Morgan nods * Dieter jogs across the grass, ignoring the blonde maid who has been cleaning the mirror for much longer than it needs ** You're now known as Katherine * Katherine comes just outside the door once he's out of sight, watching Morgan * @Morgan speaks quietly (@Morgan) if you polish that mirror anymore, you'll wear a groove in it * Katherine smiles a little (Katherine) You hurt, my Lord? * @Morgan shakes his head * Katherine looks glad (@Morgan) Dying for a cup of tea, though (Katherine) I've got something for you, in there. *she motions to a door* Mia told me what was going on, see? (@Morgan) oh? * Katherine opens the door. The room is nothing more than a tiny office space. On the table is a bowl of hot water, towels, cloths, bandages, and a pile of his own, fresh laundered clothes, beside a tray with a tea pot, cup, and biscuits * @Morgan smiles (Katherine) We thought you might want these, my Lord (@Morgan) I'm impressed... and grateful * Katherine blushes, looking humbled (Katherine) You're welcome, my Lord. I'll leave you in peace. * @Morgan nods to her before heading into the room and get cleaned up * Katherine is long gone by the time he is finished (Katherine) **a clock strikes five times as he walks through the hall** * @Morgan goes to find Fuchs (Katherine) **On his way, he sees Mia, who is clearly looking for someone. She isn't sneaking** ** You're now known as Mia (@Morgan) Mia... * Mia turns, eyes lighting up (Mia) There you are, my Lord! We were proper worried about you! (@Morgan) oh? * Mia has a note in her hand (Mia) The Graf is very good with a sword, he never usually loses * @Morgan shrugs * Mia hands it over. It isn't sealed (@Morgan) I would imagine most people try to win * @Morgan takes it, opening it up * Mia looks surprised (Mia) You weren't even trying?! (Mia) **It says: Varick has asked me to ask you to come and read to him at bedtime if you can. I have sent Molly for a long warm bath and a rest. Everything is under control. Marta. (@Morgan) I was trying not to lose... let him get tired and frustrated * Mia looks impressed (Mia) You're proper good from what I saw! (@Morgan) I've had a bit of practice * Mia nods (Mia) Anything you need, my Lord? (@Morgan) just the colonel before I go read the young Freiarr a bedtime story (Mia) He's in the guard room, I just saw him. He was sending a guard to take a letter to his wife. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank you * Mia curtsies and goes * @Morgan heads off towards the guard room ** You're now known as Fuchs * Fuchs is in a small office off the main guard room, and calls for Morgan to come in when he knocks. He motions him to a chair in front of the desk. He finishes writing before speaking. (Fuchs) Sorry, it was important. Good afternoon. (@Morgan) Colonel (Fuchs) How is everyone? (@Morgan) You've missed all the excitement... * Fuchs looks serious (Fuchs) Anyone hurt? (@Morgan) Only the Graf, but he'll survive * Fuchs frowns (Fuchs) An attack by the Grafin? (@Morgan) Oh no, he threw a glove at me and demanded satisfaction... so he got it * Fuchs smiles slightly (Fuchs) And was he satisfied with that? (@Morgan) He seemed much more relaxed after I'd elbowed him in the face a couple of times * Fuchs laughs quietly (Fuchs) Was he completely relaxed and prone on the ground? (@Morgan) fairly (Fuchs) What was his issue? (@Morgan) we dared to guard Sabine, I dared break his door.... basically, I dared. * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) She was none too happy about it either. (@Morgan) oh well * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) It does split our guards a bit though. (@Morgan) The Eisenfurst is thinking of bringing her here * Fuchs appears to weigh this up (Fuchs) That could work. What do you think? (@Morgan) Makes her more accessible if Alarice chooses to target her, but I think she's a bit busy keeping me in her sights (Fuchs) Something further has happened? (@Morgan) I got a letter to her sister * Fuchs looks interested (Fuchs) Who is she pregnant by this time? (@Morgan) oh, no, this time my wife is pregnant by Alarice's at the time paramour, and she asked Alarice to obtain the pennyroyal for her... (@Morgan) I should point out at this point that said paramour cannot have children * Fuchs looks very solemn (Fuchs) You received this before I saw you in the corridor earlier? ** You have left #7thseaic ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Sunday, 23 June 2019 17:00:07 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (@Morgan) No, since... why? * Fuchs waves it off (Fuchs) It is illegal here to procure abortion. Molly would have been flogged and banished had it reached his Grace (@Morgan) oh, she took too much and then blamed Alarice to hide her guilt... * Fuchs shakes his head (Fuchs) And that would be high treason, and have led to her being burnt at the stake * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed * Fuchs frowns deeply (Fuchs) We need to ensure his Grace realises how many lies Alarice is willing to tell to achieve her goals * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've kept that bit of information to myself so far (Fuchs) We cannot risk him getting a bee in bonnet over it and doing something without due consideration (Fuchs) His* (@Morgan) something... * Fuchs sighs (Fuchs) He can be very vaticine at times, especially over things like the ending of a pregnancy, or suspicions of witchcraft * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Once he's seen the other letters that contradict each other, I would imagine he'll see that * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Most likely. He is generally reasonable, but occasionally very impulsive (Fuchs) Oh, I have a message for you from your... associate who helped with the montaigne assasin (@Morgan) oh? (Fuchs) He said: Tell Morgan I am back visiting my downstairs neighbours. Visit after 7 and I'll be available again. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good, I'll be needing to see him. Have you sent a guard with the letter to your wife? (Fuchs) Yes he set off a little while ago. If I had known you were going, I'd have sent it with you instead, I know I can trust you not to upset her (@Morgan) I was more going to mention that Molly asked you to take it * Fuchs shrugs a little (Fuchs) I have much to do, and I won't be back there til late tonight. I wanted to give Stef time to prepare. * @Morgan nods slightly * Fuchs watches him a moment (Fuchs) If you feel it necessary, I will apologise to your wife for not following her commands. (@Morgan) No, no need * Fuchs nods slowly (Fuchs) Good. (Fuchs) You visited the jeweller? (@Morgan) I did (Fuchs) What was the outcome? (@Morgan) The piece that caught my attention was just cheap, nothing significant about it... that being said, I know where the engagement ring went (Fuchs) She sold it? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) She's amassed enough money to run a ship for a fortnight... (Fuchs) Damn. That puts far too much money in her hands. * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) I have drafted an order for his Grace to demand her banking records and all funds in her accounts are handed over to us. It is very uncommon, but I think it is necessary. (@Morgan) I agree (Fuchs) Whatever she wants that amount of money for, it won't be anything that makes Molly and Varick safer. (Fuchs) So let's limit her options. * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) The guards from Seeufer will arrive at ten o'clock. I'll have some plans for them drawn up before then. In the morning I'll bring Stef myself at nine, then head down for the funeral. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) understood (Fuchs) I see Dreschler came to visit Molly. * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) He's a good lawyer... (@Morgan) no doubt * Fuchs looks to be holding back a little (Fuchs) He has served you a long time? (@Morgan) whats on your mind Colonel (Fuchs) I don't know. There's always been something that puts my back up about him, and I've never figured out what * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) What do you think of him? (@Morgan) I think he's a competent lawyer * Fuchs smiles slightly (Fuchs) He is a very passionate lawyer, that is true. He has some big ideas about changing Eisen's legal framework (@Morgan) oh? (Fuchs) He thinks all the Konigsreich's should follow the same laws as if it was a unified nation under one ruler (@Morgan) I can see the benefit of that (Fuchs) It is a fine ideal... (@Morgan) I think we can move towards it without giving too much up. (Fuchs) In practice it would take decades of the Eisenfursts arguing over the minutiae of laws, based on their own opinions, and their unhappiness at handing over their powers to a central body of justice * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) As an example, our General and his strict feelings about ending a pregnancy or even owning the herbs with which to do so, against Eisenfurstin Posen's view that what happens in a woman's body is her own business. (@Morgan) alright, but I think they could move closer on the punishment for the murder of ones spouse * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Frankly, I'd like to see any execution sentence be a swift, clean beheading. I saw enough people die agonising deaths in the War, Eisen needs no more of that *He stares off to the middle distance* * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) Some of it is just archaic and bordering on torture. (@Morgan) agreed (Fuchs) I think our General will move to a similar position in the near future (@Morgan) It seems so * Fuchs looks thoughtful (Fuchs) Although, he still is having the montaigne girl hung... (@Morgan) I can deal with hanging... just not burning * Fuchs nods slowly (Fuchs) I can understand that. I have similar feelings about firing squads. *Morgan's keen perception allows him to see that Fuchs breathing has become slower and measured. He then frowns* He is pursuing Petty Treason for the Grafin? * @Morgan nods * Fuchs sighs (Fuchs) Will your family raise an objection? (@Morgan) The problem is I don't agree with the method, not the outcome * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) I can understand why it would be problematic for you (@Morgan) indeed. * Fuchs watches him with his own keen perception to read Morgan's expression (Fuchs) I could try to reason with him, if you want me to? (@Morgan) I don't see it doing any good (Fuchs) Maybe not, but at least we'd have done something. (@Morgan) I've already tried * Fuchs nods slowly (Fuchs) Maybe Dreschler could push things in your direction? (@Morgan) His answer was to suggest my wife demands her attack be dealt with first... but I cannot allow that * Fuchs nods slower this time, thoughtful (Fuchs) It's a big responsibility, being so close to a death... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I don't think she could stand it, nor could she look Varick in the eye again (Fuchs) In the War, I killed far, far more men than I wanted to. But War is War, it's them or you. We knew that, they knew that. But when you make a choice that gets someone close to you killed, that's something that never leaves you. *He looks haunted a moment before doing the stare* * Fuchs shakes his head a moment to clear it (Fuchs) I need to get on with the plan for tomorrow *He glances to the clock, which reads five minutes before six, Varick's bed time* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've been asked to read todays bedtime story * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) I'll be here until around half past nine when I go to meet the guards, and then back in the morning. * @Morgan nods, standing (@Morgan) until then colonel * Fuchs inclines his head, returning to his paperwork * @Morgan leaves ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)