(Molly) **Oren and Lars are stood on guard still. Oren doesn't look at all like he suspects his comment was overheard* (Molly) F: **he heads down the stairs and towards the guards room. He waits til they are in a quiet spot before speaking** (Molly) Look, I suspect if I ask you'll tell me to just leave it, as I did with you. But if there is anything _I_ can do to help _you both_, please let me know. ** You're now known as Fuchs (@Morgan) Thank you. We're disagreeing about the way forward with my cousin. We'll be alright (Fuchs) That was what was going on before you saw the lawyer? * @Morgan shakes his head (Fuchs) **They see no-one in the corridors** (@Morgan) A disturbing thought, the contact between us was helping. Protocol be damned if it helps her * Fuchs looks a little surprised by Morgan's perceptive abilities. He becomes solemn (Fuchs) I can entirely understand that. * Fuchs looks a little distracted (Fuchs) Unfortunately not everyone sees it that way... (@Morgan) no? * Fuchs ponders momentarily on whether to open up any to him. He sighs (Fuchs) A few years ago, there was an incident here that triggered Stef's reaction to loud noises. I carried her home. It caused many raised eyebrows and comments. It was against "protocol", especially as I was on duty at the time. But I couldn't leave her like that. (@Morgan) I know * Fuchs 's jaw tenses (Fuchs) Wide spread gossip, is it? (Fuchs) **They get close to the guards room (@Morgan) Don't be daft. I'm good at what I do, and your general still feels guilty about what happened * Fuchs tries to look neutral, but it's clear to Morgan he doesn't feel at all troubled that Faulk feels guilty (Fuchs) It was years ago. * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) I suspect that's why I didn't lose my job over the beating I gave that guard. (@Morgan) Probably. Though it appears the Eisenfurst has a soft spot for those of us who take the action that we deem necessary * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) He's a good man. A little too soft, and a little too impulsive at times, but a good man nonetheless * Fuchs stops just before the door (Fuchs) Oh, you should know, the guards I posted to Sabine have been sent back. (@Morgan) By Isiah? (Fuchs) Yes (@Morgan) send them back * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Alright. He's decided he and Dieter will guard her themselves at her house. (@Morgan) Was that before or after I gave him a beating? (Fuchs) After (@Morgan) so be, keep the guards here and bolster the original plan * Fuchs inclines his head, taking him in to the main guard room. Though they acknowledge Morgan, there's a pensive, gloomy atmosphere developing there * Fuchs motions him to a table, and finds the hand written action plan (Fuchs) Here's what I thought we'd do. We have twenty guards. Five for guarding the Grafin, fifteen here at the house. They will arrive tonight at around ten. I'll take them to the jail, explain the situation and give them all instructions. * Fuchs watches his reaction * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) The new guards will start their watch at 9am, and be relieved at midday after the funeral and burials have taken place. (@Morgan) alright (Fuchs) You are happy to watch the jail alone? * @Morgan nods (Fuchs) Normally we have a Sheriff too, but he's on holiday this week (Fuchs) Anything you want to add or change? (@Morgan) No, I think that'll do (Fuchs) Your guard, Madame Regenstag, she is staying to keep watch? * @Morgan nods * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) Good. Will you still be at the b- *He looks around briefly* visiting your associate when the ferry comes in? (@Morgan) I'll be... around * Fuchs nods (Fuchs) **After partings are said, Morgan leaves the guardroom* * @Morgan heads down to the town to look for Yensid (Fuchs) **The town is quite empty, the taverns are loud, such as the Sword Of Redemption Inn where Mina and her father are staying. It reminds him that he has the contract guaranteeing Hapsburg's consent to the marriage. * @Morgan makes a detour (Fuchs) **The Sword Of Redemption Inn is quite busy, as one would expect on a Sunday night. There are lots of different groups of people. What strikes him first is the sound of a guitar and a whistled melody ((the intro to Patience)), and the smell of spilled blokners. * @Morgan glances in the direction of the music (Fuchs) **There's a young man with only one leg, playing. Most of the patrons are ignoring him, though a few at the nearby tables are listening. * @Morgan looks around for hapsburg (Fuchs) **He starts to sing. He's good, and the lyrics are sweet. There's no sign of Hapsburg or Mina. There is a group of about twenty or thirty men and women in one corner, all wearing either black or black ribbons pinned to their sleeves. At the other end of the room is what looks to be around ten members of a performing actors troupe, mostly in costumes but drinking and laughing. A few locals appear to have joined them. * @Morgan watches them (Fuchs) **when the song ends, one of the actors stands. He's wearing what looks like a pantomime dame's outfit, though his bald head and huge fancy moustache makes it look very odd.* (Fuchs) A: A toast, gentleman! **something niggles at Morgan. The others of the troupe nod* “Here’s to a long life, and a merry one; **The troupe joins in, and Morgan feels a sense of deja vu* a quick death, and an easy one; **It gets stronger, he knows he's heard this before* a pretty girl, and an honest one; a stiff whiskey, and another one!” **They all make lots of cheering noises and table banging, and their accompanying locals do likewise* (Fuchs) **Their accents are all rural Eisen, but of inconsistent origin. They also remind him vaguely of the false rural accent he used in Avebury** * @Morgan frowns at them (Fuchs) **None of them notice him. He knows he's heard that toast before, and fairly recently * @Morgan thinks about it (Fuchs) **the barmaid he saw before approaches* Get you anything? (@Morgan) blokners please... and could you make Freiarr Hapsburg aware I wish to see him (Fuchs) **she curtsies and goes* (Fuchs) **He heard it the night they docked in Zweibrucke last week, from the tavern they moored the Rose beside. (Fuchs) **From the table, he hears the dame introduced someone to the locals** Gentleman, may I present Izamelous, a giant among men! He will delight in telling you his best joke! **They all laugh. A dwarf dressed as a king gets up on the table** ** You're now known as Izamelous * Izamelous watches around the room. He looks more drunk than Morgan can see He actually is, and though he seems bleary eyed he's clearly surveying the occupants. He briefly looks to Morgan (Izamelous) It isn't my best joke. It's my only joke! **he grins. It's clearly charming and disarming most of the patrons, aside from the mourners who aren't paying him attention (Izamelous) I once walked into a brothel with a honeycomb and a jackass... (Izamelous) **the barmaid brings the blokners * * @Morgan thanks her (Izamelous) The Madame said What can we do for you? (Izamelous) I said I need a woman to lay with, for mine has left me. (Izamelous) She said Whatever for? And what's with the honeycomb and the mule? (Izamelous) I said My woman found a genie in a bottle, and he granted her three wishes. The first was for a house fit for a queen, so he gave her this damn honeycomb. (Izamelous) **Hapsburg comes through the room, watching the dwarf, as are most of the tavern now* (Izamelous) **There's laughter* The second wish was that she have the nicest ass in all the land, so he gave her this damn donkey... *laughs again. Hapsburg sits beside Morgan, still watching* (Izamelous) The Madame asked And what about the third wish? (Izamelous) I said Well... she asked the genie to make my cock hang down past my knee. (Izamelous) ***everyone laughs, except Hapsburg who looks embarrassed, and glances to see Morgan's reaction* * @Morgan is still frowning (Izamelous) She said Well that one's not so bad eh? (Izamelous) I said Not so bad!? I used to be six foot three! (Molly) (Izamelous) **Aside from the mourners, the tavern erupts into laughter, and the dwarf bows. His troupe thrust a drink into his hand, and their lively chatter begins again** (Molly) (Izamelous) **Hapsburg shakes his head disapprovingly* I hope Mina did not overhear that! (Molly) * @Morgan shrugs (Molly) (Izamelous) **The barmaid returns, interrupting. She takes Hapsburg's order before leaving. ** You're now known as Hapsburg * Hapsburg looks at Morgan (Hapsburg) You wanted to see me? * @Morgan nods, taking out the contract and placing it on the table (Hapsburg) **the merriment continues amongst the troupe and their new friends.** * Hapsburg takes a look. He frowns, then looks at Morgan (Hapsburg) What is this? (@Morgan) You can see what it is (Hapsburg) Neither you or I know Mina will still want him after what he has done. (@Morgan) And that is her choice, of course, and I would not change that... this is not to usurp her choice at all (Hapsburg) Just to ensure I don't break my word? * Hapsburg looks displeased, even when given his wine by the barmaid (@Morgan) Think of it as a confirmation of the agreement * Hapsburg reads it again (Hapsburg) It does not commit your family or Edward to the marriage (@Morgan) It doesn't commit your daughter to it, either... (Hapsburg) Just myself? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) it is not any of us that objected to it * Hapsburg watches him (Hapsburg) Well... that is in the past now. I have to think of Mina's future. (@Morgan) Then you should not have any issue with signing it (Hapsburg) **The bar maid is at the Troupes table. One of the locals grabs her by the waist and slaps her bottom. She doesn't look happy. Several members of the troupe help disentangle her, and begin to quietly berate the man for his conduct ** * Hapsburg nods slowly (Hapsburg) You have something to sign with? (@Morgan) I'm sure this place will have something * Hapsburg gets up and goes to the bar (Hapsburg) **the disagreement appears to be resolved amicably. A few minutes later Hapsburg comes back with the innkeeper and a quill. (Hapsburg) We will need a witness... * @Morgan nods * Hapsburg sits down, the innkeeper nods to Morgan "Evening, my Lord" * @Morgan nods to the innkeeper (Hapsburg) **the troupe begin singing, it's more sea shanty than common Eisen song** * Hapsburg sighs, then dips the quill in the ink. He signs appropriately * Hapsburg pushes the contract along the table to Morgan to sign, and hands him the quill * @Morgan does so (@Morgan) If your daughter does not wish to resume their union, then of course I will ensure that is respected * Hapsburg frowns a little, though stays quiet whilst it is countersigned (Hapsburg) **the innkeeper looks to Morgan to dismiss him * @Morgan nods to the innkeeper before looking at Hapsburg (@Morgan) you have an issue? (Hapsburg) By resume their union, I assume you meant courtship, rather than anything else... * @Morgan smiles slightly (@Morgan) Indeed. (@Morgan) Where _is_ Edward at present? (@Morgan) On his way with my father I believe (@Morgan) Your father is coming to Fischler? (@Morgan) * Morgan nods (Molly) Will he agree to the match, do you think? (@Morgan) my father? * Molly nods (@Morgan) I would imagine so... I can be very persusive * Hapsburg smiles sadly (Hapsburg) Maybe you can persuade my daughter to speak to me again (@Morgan) I'm more than willing to try (Hapsburg) It would be good to know what she plans to do about the betrothal * @Morgan nods (Hapsburg) When are you expecting them to arrive? (@Morgan) Tuesday morning * Hapsburg nods (Hapsburg) We will stay in Fischler until the weekend before we head home. That will give us chance to give them some chaperoned time to become reacquainted (@Morgan) we'll see what arrangements can be made * Hapsburg nods, looking around. The troupe seem to be moving around, and one man reaches into a bag. He's in his late twenties, shaved head, a few scars here and there. He looks relaxed, not looking out of his own little group (Hapsburg) I hear there is a big funeral here tomorrow * @Morgan watches the man (@Morgan) aye... the guards that were killed (Hapsburg) **He takes out three daggers. They don't look particularly expensive. He lays them on the table. His group start cheering and banging on the table excitedly * (Hapsburg) It's not usually so dangerous here. Do they know who did it? *He keeps his voice quiet, glancing briefly at the mourners* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) we caught the person responsible * Hapsburg nods (Hapsburg) That's good. Very dangerous times in Fischler. It's usually quiet here. (Hapsburg) **The man picks up the daggers and starts juggling them.** * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) trouble seems to follow me (Hapsburg) I hope for Mina's sake it isn't hereditary! * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) it seems to only be me (Hapsburg) **The man is good. But it isn't his talent that stands out to Morgan, it's that something just doesn't feel quite right* (Hapsburg) I could ask Mina to visit you tomorrow? * @Morgan nods, watching the juggler before glancing at his compatriots (@Morgan) It'll need to be after the funeral... (Hapsburg) **His friends are all clapping and cheering. The way the man throws and catches the blades is less art and more arms. It is the difference between juggling with performance skills and juggling with melee skills. This man clearly a very strong ability for knife-wielding** (Hapsburg) You are attending? (@Morgan) No... I'm standing guard so as many of those that knew them can attend * Hapsburg nods (Hapsburg) Very commendable * @Morgan looks at Hapsburg (@Morgan) its the right thing to do. * Hapsburg nods, smiling (Hapsburg) Yes it is (Hapsburg) **the juggling man continues. As the table banging speeds up, so does his juggling. He's very impressive ** * @Morgan turns his attention back to the juggler (Hapsburg) **The pace gets so fast is almost a blur of blades before he suddenly catches one between his teeth. With one in the right and one in the left, he bows, arms outstretched. There's lots of cheering. * Hapsburg watches Morgan (Hapsburg) Their language leaves something to be desired, but he's very good * @Morgan nods slowly (Hapsburg) **the juggler is given a tankard, and downs most of it. The dwarf begins to tell a story about a small town where the brothel they were staying in caught fire, and they all had to escape naked over the rooftops with 3 naked whores. The group seems to be settling in for prolonged reminiscences and drinking. * Hapsburg looks to Morgan (Hapsburg) Is there anything else I can do for you? (@Morgan) No, the contract is what I came for * Hapsburg nods (Hapsburg) I'll tell Mina tomorrow afternoon during visiting hours. * @Morgan nods * Hapsburg gets up, inclining his head. He takes the wine upstairs with him (Hapsburg) **The story continues, getting more and more far-fetched* * @Morgan watches the troupe, somewhat suspicious (Hapsburg) **they dont seem to be doing anything out of the ordinary, they are behaving just like one would expect a troupe of actors to behave. But something still niggles at him. Whether it is the slightly more gentlemanly phrases of speech, the mixed accents, the juggler's melee skills, the familiar toast, or the way they respected the barmaid, it's hard to say * @Morgan continues watching them, wracking his brain (Hapsburg) **Another toast is started by a different man who seems to be dressed as a jester. This one is one he hasn't heard since before he joined the war. In fact, on thinking about it, he last heard Adalbrecht make it the night before they rode out to take Morgan to the academy in Tannen when he was twelve. It's old, noble, and talks about the honour of having a son to continue the family name. The toast is unenthusiastically made, and Morgan can mouth read the moustached dame say "What the fuck did you say that one for?! You are bloody hopeless at this!" (Hapsburg) Morgan can lip read the moustached dame say "What the fuck did you say that one for?! You are bloody hopeless at this!" (Hapsburg) **The man making the toast looks sheepish* I uhhh... I heard it months back in some Graf's house when we performed there. (Hapsburg) **The dwarf starts another brothel related story