(Molly) Molly) And your father certainly would not have permitted us doing it at Die Dauerhaftigkeit! (Molly) (@Morgan) No, absolutely not (Molly) * Molly bites her lip, grinning (Molly) (Molly) I definitely could not have managed it then! (Molly) (@Morgan) No, I don't think I could have either (Molly) * Molly 'S brows come together, pupils widening, and she makes a quiet sound that sounds like a whimper (Molly) (Molly) You have me at your mercy with words like that! (Molly) * Molly stands suddenly, looking for something (@Morgan) Lost something blossom? * Molly glances at him, taking in his position (Molly) I was looking for paper and a pencil (@Morgan) oh? * Molly pads across the wooden floor, barefoot, the floaty slip swishing against her bare legs, finding what she seeks. She writes something a moment (Molly) I wanted to make a note of the quote so I do not forget it * @Morgan nods, sipping his drink * Molly puts a very tiny amount of cherry brandy in a glass before sitting on the end of the bed, watching him (Molly) Was your father displeased about the bundling? (@Morgan) extremely * Molly giggles (Molly) Oh dear! * Molly swirls the dark liquid a moment before sipping it (Molly) I am surprised he did not forbid it (@Morgan) he can't... it is tradition... (Molly) And this is Eisen... (@Morgan) it could only be worse if it was a superstition as well (Molly) Then we would definitely have has to do it also! * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) Given how far we were from your family when you proposed, that would have been complicated (@Morgan) actually... if you recall, I proposed properly in the grounds of home... * Molly smiles wistfully (Molly) Both proposals were special to me, just in slightly different ways * @Morgan nods, sipping his drink * Molly frowns slightly, sipping her drink, watching him. Her voice is quieter (Molly) Liebes herz? (@Morgan) aye? (Molly) What would you have done if my father had not been a Gentleman? (@Morgan) Followed my heart wherever it took me * Molly bites her lower lip, looking both puzzled and solemn (Molly) Even if it meant none of this? *She gestures broadly to the room* * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) We'd have been together, in some manner or other, here or elsewhere. The important part is that we are together * Molly looks genuinely touched, hugging herself briefly, thrilled (Molly) That is so beautiful * @Morgan sips his drink (@Morgan) It wasn't bad for me, I'll admit (Molly) Still waters really do run deep *She smiles affectionately * * @Morgan nods slightly (Molly) I would have followed you anywhere, however you wanted me (@Morgan) I have to wonder if that would've been safer for you (Molly) Not being a Gentleman's daughter? (@Morgan) Not being here * Molly sips her drink, watching him over the rim (Molly) It is troubling you? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) No more than usual * Molly looks sad (Molly) I an sorry (@Morgan) It is far from your fault blossom (Molly) I do not like to think of you having to worry so * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) It is what it is (Molly) I would rather be at your side than safe elsewhere * @Morgan nods sipping his drink * Molly smiles a little (Molly) I will do everything I can to stay safe (@Morgan) Good * Molly watches him (Molly) Will you be leaving Edward to protect me again? (@Morgan) With it being quieter now that shouldn't be necessary * Molly nods (@Morgan) I assume you take issue with it * Molly shrugs (Molly) I am not entirely sure I trust him * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm not surprised (Molly) Do you? (@Morgan) Somewhat * Molly nods slowly (Molly) I do need some clarification of something... * @Morgan takes a mouthful of his drink (Molly) Last year, I promised I would not take any action against him, because the only one with the right to harm him is you... * Molly watches for acknowledgment (@Morgan) I recall (Molly) What happens now? If he became a danger to me, what should I do? (@Morgan) If he becomes a danger, you protect yourself (Molly) But I cannot guarantee he would survive * Molly watches him, solemn (@Morgan) Then he should not have proven himself a danger to you... (@Morgan) If you need to defend yourself, blossom, you defend yourself, regardless of who it is against * Molly looks a little unsure (Molly) And you would not hate me for it? (@Morgan) I would hate him for putting you in that position, and for caring so little about the chance we have to make things.. better * Molly nods (Molly) Do you think things can be better? (@Morgan) If the movement we have made so far proves to be genuine, then it appears so * Molly speaks softly (Molly) Would it help you to talk about your feelings about that? (@Morgan) I don't think so blossom * Molly nods (Molly) But you understand I am here to help you with that, in any way I can? * @Morgan nods, sipping the blockers (@Morgan) aye, I know * Molly smiles, raising her glass (Molly) Do you think they will manage to get through the night? *She giggles* (@Morgan) They better had (Molly) Or what? (@Morgan) Though it'd be an excuse to swing my axe about (Molly) This is a new one? * @Morgan nods, going looking for it (Molly) **it's behind the door * @Morgan picks it up in one hand, finishing his drink before putting the glass down * Molly watches him, biting her lower lip (Molly) Oh that is gorgeous ! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I rather like it (Molly) *She giggles* and the axe! * @Morgan laughs, examining the blade * Molly moves to lie on her stomach, careful not to spill the brandy, her ankles crossed and leaning her cheek on one hand, watching him (Molly) How did you come to acquire it? (@Morgan) A Montaigne man gave it to me (Molly) **it's very well made, and very sharp (Molly) It looks expensive (@Morgan) I daresay it was (Molly) Why did he give it to you? (@Morgan) A trade for information * Molly frowns a little (Molly) About what the debt collectors nearly did? (@Morgan) No, about the Comte de la Fere... * Molly nods, looking at the shine on the metal (Molly) Who was he? (@Morgan) The cousin of one of the men who came to collect the debt * Molly 's eyebrows rise, as does her gaze to his face (Molly) He is angry? (@Morgan) He was. He came to see my side of it (Molly) Did you have to tell him what they did? * @Morgan nods * Molly sighs heavily, drinking the brandy (Molly) Is it all resolved now (@Morgan) Almost, aye * @Morgan pours himself some more blockers (Molly) Almost? * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him pour the blokners (@Morgan) His cousin and his companion need to be dug up and sent home * Molly nods {distate} (Molly) Karl will need to return to Innesbruck in the next few days anyhow, he can take word to Heinrich? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Good idea (Molly) That is how I have made myself indispensable to you *She giggles* (@Morgan) certainly better ideas than my own (Molly) You do yourself a disservice, my love * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) my ideas tend to be threaten it, if that doesn't work, hit it (Molly) It's frequently very effective *She smiles, watching him with the axe* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats true (Molly) You will be swinging that around a little tomorrow? (@Morgan) I expect so * Molly sips her drink, a hint of mischief (Molly) It looks very sharp * @Morgan nods, sipping his drink (Molly) Best do it shirtless, you wouldn't wish to slice though your shirts *her tone is playful and teasing* (@Morgan) Thats deeply unlikely as its not an arrow... * Molly rolls her eyes melodramatically with a theatrical sigh (Molly) Must your ruin all my illicit fantasies with your Avalonian common sense? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) It was the Eisen thing to do * Molly giggles (Molly) Can you imagine how easily it would slice through this? *She runs her hand over the white organza covering her derriere * @Morgan nods (Molly) It would be a very quick way to undress me... *She sips the brandy, clearly playing* * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) No, I think a dagger would be quicker * Molly fidgets, closing her eyes a moment. She makes a brief Mmm-hmm of acknowledgement * Molly opens her eyes (Molly) That would be safer too * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment, then glances away (Molly) What about the horses? (@Morgan) We keep them * Molly looks surprised (Molly) How on Theah...? (@Morgan) They belonged to someone he didn't like (Molly) But they are worth thousands of guilders * @Morgan nods (Molly) What are we to do with them? (@Morgan) keep them, sell them, whatever we choose (Molly) What would you like to do? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I'm not particularly concerned either way (Molly) I'd like to take one on a nice fast ride once the situation with Alarice is concluded * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as you wish (Molly) I do love riding fast * @Morgan nods (Molly) Is there any more news on what His Grace will decide? * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) No, but he can't be seen to allow someone committing high treason to get away with it in any way * Molly frowns (Molly) Then it is completely out of our hands? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I don't know * Molly finishes the brandy in one go (Molly) But if he is pursuing a charge of High Treason... (@Morgan) That is what she did... (Molly) It is. And I care not for the consequences of that, aside for how it might effect you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye * Molly sighs (Molly) I am not sure what I can do to change that * @Morgan shrugs again (@Morgan) I have no idea * Molly watches him (Molly) Will you insist on going to it? (@Morgan) Perhaps. Sorgi floated the idea of having you and Varick sent on to the Rose so he is not around to even hear of it (Molly) If we have all left before then, that would keep you away * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) I think it is my duty to stay * Molly frowns deeply (Molly) You would send me away? *her voice is quiet, pained* (@Morgan) It might be best for Varick * Molly watches him a moment, scrutinizing his expression before speaking* * @Morgan watches her solemnly (Molly) Do you have any idea what you are asking of me? *she looks deeply unhappy* (@Morgan) I do * Molly continues to watch him (@Morgan) It is not decided yet. An option. (Molly) Could do it, were our situations reversed? Could you leave me here to face that alone? (Molly) Could you* (@Morgan) No, I don't think I could * Molly nods a little (Molly) Then you can see that is an option that I would only submit to if you commanded it? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I do * Molly nods, looking relieved (Molly) I am glad, truly * @Morgan nods, taking a mouthful of drink (Molly) I understand your desire to protect Varick, and I share that. But I would not leave you willingly. (@Morgan) We shall see what must be done at the time * Molly nods * Molly takes a deep breath, watching him intently again (Molly) If I begged you, would you stay away from the execution? (@Morgan) It would be unfair to do that * Molly nods slightly (Molly) Yes... * Molly continues to watch his expression * @Morgan frowns (Molly) Then I will not beg. Because I do not wish to be wilful with you * Molly looks serious, no amusement in her eyes (@Morgan) we'll see, blossom (Molly) I will, however, be very wilful with other people given the opportunity. (@Morgan) That is your choice (Molly) You do not disapprove? (@Morgan) Have I not always supported your right to make your own choices? * Molly smiles (Molly) Even when my choices were not sensible ones (@Morgan) even then (Molly) I did try to make sensible choices this evening *she giggles* (@Morgan) mostly successfully (Molly) Indeed. I asked myself "Is this action something anyone here would suggest I be put over my husband's lap for doing?" If the answer was Yes, I did not do it * Molly giggles (@Morgan) Thats not a bad way of thinking I suppose * Molly nods, smiling slightly (Molly) A sensible approach, I thought. I would not wish to disappoint you (@Morgan) How did you tell the Eisenfurst about Heidelburgs mistress being hostile? * Molly giggles (Molly) He introduced us, and I said "We have already been conversing about my husband's supposed preference for _rural_ things" * Molly watches him * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I see (Molly) I should not have done that? *she frowns a little* (@Morgan) There was some concerned you had... whats the expression... tattled * Molly shrugs (Molly) I suppose one could call it that. I will not tolerate things being said against you (@Morgan) I don't think we'll be seeing them again anyway (Molly) Oh dear, and I was so looming forward to it (!) (Molly) Looking * (@Morgan) I could probably arrange a meeting, if you really want to * @Morgan hefts the axe (Molly) A meeting of steel to flesh? *she giggles* (@Morgan) flesh, bone, flesh, air... * Molly nods (Molly) I am sure I could tolerate the half a minute I would have to be in their company for such a meeting. * Molly shakes her head, laughing (@Morgan) That long? (Molly) You are a bad influence upon me, liebes herz! (@Morgan) Probably, aye (Molly) A very enjoyable bad influence, to be sure * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I have my moments I suppose (Molly) In all manner of unexpected places! *she bites her lip, laughing* * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) aye, true (Molly) Although, that was entirely not of your making, you were simply being gentlemanly and obliging me in my time of need! * Molly 's eyes sparkle with mischief (@Morgan) that is true also (Molly) Perhaps it is I who is a bad influence upon you? (@Morgan) That is also entirely possible, thinking about it * Molly giggles (Molly) Thinking about it seems like a pleasant plan * @Morgan chuckles, taking a mouthful of his drink (Molly) Perhaps you ought to add it to the Reasons I Am A Bad Girl list you started whilst we were at the Golden Lantern * Molly rolls on to her back, staring at the ceiling, her hair fanned out around her * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I might do that (Molly) I think I feel sorry for Edward and Mina (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) It would be like torture, wouldn't it? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye * Molly smiles to herself a moment before speaking (Molly) It is a surprisingly forward-thinking tradition (@Morgan) Surprising that it should be an Eisen one, you mean? * @Morgan finishes his drink (Molly) Surprising at all. The decision is entirely Mina's now * @Morgan nods (Molly) It is up to her to decide whether his company was enjoyable and his behaviour honourable... (@Morgan) It'd best be... * Molly turns over to watch him (Molly) But that would be her choice, wouldn't it? (@Morgan) If his behaviour is not honourable, then, traditionally, it becomes my fathers issue, as he has brought shame to our name... * Molly smiles (Molly) How would you know? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I think its too important to them to try to bluff their way through it if he behaves inappropriately * Molly nods, conceding (Molly) It is the Eisen way * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) He is lucky Mina is as... biddable as she is (@Morgan) you think? * Molly nods (Molly) She is not the sort of woman would would be purposefully provocative in that circumstance *She raises and eyebrow, giggling* (@Morgan) unlike some we know... * Molly laughs softly (Molly) Do you think I would have done such a thing? (@Morgan) I think its interesting you assumed I meant you * @Morgan raises an eyebrow, smirking (Molly) Were you contemplating the possibility of a different woman trying to seduce you, liebes herz? *She also smirks* (@Morgan) No, I meant you, but the fact you thought so also shows I was right... * Molly bites lip, giggling (Molly) I am not sure I would have been tempting enough once you had cloaked me in your family name to have been successful at seducing you anyhow (@Morgan) Perhaps, but it would've been a close run thing * Molly watches him with a playful smile (Molly) Although, the rules are that they can't touch _each other_... (@Morgan) how very draconian (Molly) It leaves a lot of scope for those of us with... expansive imaginations (@Morgan) indeed * Molly giggles (Molly) I doubt that would count as "honourable" though (@Morgan) Probably not, no * Molly looks thoughtful, chewing her lower lip a moment, though he can perceive that he is entirely shut out from reading her thoughts (@Morgan) Whats on your mind? * Molly watches him with amusement (Molly) Oh, my Lord, you really do not want the answer to that question! * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) as you wish blossom (Molly) It is not that I distrust you liebes herz, I just would not wish to embarrass you over much, or shock your sensibilities (@Morgan) I appreciate your taking my sensibilities into account blossom, Theus knows what an innocent soul I am * Molly narrows her eyes, tilting her head, trying to decide if it is sarcasm * @Morgan tries to look innocent * Molly giggles * Molly takes the opportunity whilst he is trying to look innocent to attempt to shock him (Molly) I was simply pondering what I would need to do to ever persuade you to touch yourself whilst thinking of me! *She now feins her own innocent, almost nobchalant look* (@Morgan) Well, first there'd need to be time and no danger... * Molly sighs melodramatically (Molly) Another fantasy destroyed! * Molly glances at him, trying to read his embarrassment level (@Morgan) oh for shame * Molly watches him (Molly) After all, you have seen me do it... (@Morgan) Indeed I have * Molly starts giggling, and then blushes, covering her face with her hands (Molly) It is an uncommon occurance that I make myself blush before I make you do so * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I was a sailor... (Molly) And that made you less embarrassed about _that_? (@Morgan) it made me less shockable in general blossom * Molly looks for a moment as if she intends to test that vigorously, then blushes (Molly) There is lots of talk of such things when you are a sailor? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) Its close quarters, so its hard to keep anything private * Molly nods slowly, very distractedly. She then sighs a moment before looking back to him (Molly) I can imagine that is difficulr * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) it is what it is * Molly nods (Molly) I have had an idea about your father (@Morgan) oh? (@Morgan) I assume not along the lines of our previous conversation * Molly wrinkles her nose (Molly) No! The only person I imagine like that is you! * @Morgan laughs (Molly) When I married you, I married a man who happened to be a Veisgraf (@Morgan) aye (Molly) I did not marry "The Veisgraf" * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm not seeing where you're going with this (Molly) Perhaps you should be patient then *She giggles, double checking in his expression that he found it funny* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) That might be an idea (Molly) You gave me your vow of love and fidelity before Theus as a man, because that is the only way any of us can make a vow to Our Heavenly Father, as His son or daughter. * @Morgan nods (Molly) And therefore, your father's vow you your uncle was made as a man, not as The Graf * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm not entirely sure that'll make that much difference * Molly shrugs a little (Molly) Perhaps not. But what if we give him the option that he can satisfy his honour by telling His Grace he opposes it personally, but that Sudlachenburg will stand with the Konigsreich? * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) its an option... its worth trying (Molly) And if needs be, I will unleash my wilfulness upon him * Molly giggled (@Morgan) _that_ may work * @Morgan chuckles (Molly) It is getting worse, I think (@Morgan) oh? * Molly smiles, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes (Molly) I am becoming... firmer in my convictions, more willing to manipulate to gain what I seek (@Morgan) You're becoming more Eisen... * Molly nods, biting her lip, frowning slightly (Molly) Perhaps so (@Morgan) Given the obstacles in your path, it is to be expected blossom. \ (Molly) It troubles me, I must say (@Morgan) I can tell * Molly nods (Molly) I worry I am no longer a good fit for you * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) we are growing together blossom * Molly frowns deeper (Molly) I am not sure that is something I want * @Morgan frowns (Molly) I want to still be that sweet, gentle Avalonian girl who pulled you back from the brink (@Morgan) You still are blossom (Molly) Not so much. I am changing, and I dread changing in a way that displeases you * Molly looks very solemn (@Morgan) I doubt that very much * Molly nods, glancing away. She takes a deep breath before speaking (Molly) What do you think about what Mina said early, about the thirteenth child of thirteen? (@Morgan) That fate cannot see your path? * Molly nods, expression a schooled neutral (@Morgan) Typically Eisen superstition (Molly) Do you think there is anything in it? (@Morgan) Clearly you do * Molly shrugs a little (Molly) I hate it. (@Morgan) why? (Molly) Why would I not? What happens when someone whose fate is unclear enters the lives of people with clear cut destinies? * Molly gets off the bed, and sits back at the dresser. She uses the flannel to remove her make up (@Morgan) What if... your influence is required to make those destinies a reality? Fate knows how it must end up, but not how it gets there * Molly watches herself briefly in the mirror. She frowns briefly before standing up (Molly) Too much drink has made me maudlin, I think (@Morgan) Possibly blossom (Molly) I need to be up early for church with your father * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) alright blossom (Molly) Would you come and undo my beautiful new necklace please? * @Morgan nods, moving behind her to undo the clasp * Molly moves her hair out of the way, tilting her head (Molly) Thank you (@Morgan) I wouldn't think on it anymore tonight blossom * Molly keeps her head tilted that way, even when the necklace is off, shifting her weight to her heels to rest her back to his chest (Molly) No, I won't * @Morgan wraps his arms around her * Molly sighs with soft pleasure * Molly puts her hands over his, interlinking her fingers with his. She rests back against him further (Molly) I love you, forever. No matter what. (@Morgan) and I you, blossom * Molly loosens her grip, moving away slightly ((does he let her go or keep hold of her)) (@Morgan) ((the latter)) * Molly relaxes back against him, turning her head so she can watch him (Molly) When did you buy the necklace? (Molly) ((I can check if you like)) (@Morgan) a few days ago (@Morgan) Had it made * Molly looks surprised (Molly) Even with all of this going on? * @Morgan nods * Molly looks really touched (Molly) It means more than you could know that you were still thinking of me even in the midst of so much danger (@Morgan) I'm always thinking of you blossom * Molly bites her lip (Molly) How did I get this lucky? * @Morgan looks sceptical * Molly watches him intently, narrowing the gap between her mouth and his (Molly) I am very, very blessed to have you (@Morgan) Strangely enough, I think the opposite * Molly 's eyes sparkle (Molly) That you are not blessed to have me? (@Morgan) No, that it is I am blessed to have you * Molly giggles (Molly) Well yes, I am rather glorious * @Morgan nods * Molly puts her hands over his, and slides them over the fancy organza over her stomach (Molly) Do you think there's still enough danger for me to need to be dressed for bed? (@Morgan) No blossom * Molly speaks softly (Molly) Good * @Morgan kisses Molly's neck * Molly moans softly. She runs his hands over her hips and onto the top of her thighs * @Morgan drags the hem of her shift upwards * Molly pushes her derriere gently back against him, a shuddery exhale of arousal * Molly slides their interlocked hands up and under the expensive fabric, over her stomach, her breasts, until eventually she is naked against him. She guides his hands back down, bringing his right between her thighs, and rests hers gently over his as he brings her to orgasm. Then he sweeps her off to bed, and they make love with a level of tenderness very different to their early passionate coupling in the barn. Satiated and exhausted, they settle to sleep naked for the first time in almost a week.