* @Morgan heads down towards the armoury
(Molly) ** The house is very quiet, and he easily access the large room near the guards room
* @Morgan digs around for a back scabbard for the axe
(Molly) **The armory is huge and well stocked, but poorly organised, and he finds one after ten minutes of looking
* @Morgan mutters to himself, looking round the room before heading outside
(@Morgan) gentlemen, that is getting done before I leave
(Molly) **It is still dark, but not fully dark any more, stars fading
* @Morgan looks at the stars as he moves into open space 
(Molly) **they are familiar, the same as overhead on all the early morning watches on the decks of the Gottlieb ships he served on in the War, but a few different to those he used to watch at this time of day in Lady Torringtons rose garden
* @Morgan drops the scabbard to the ground before looking around, checking for onlookers 
(Molly) **he's all alone
* @Morgan rolls his shoulders before lifting the axe, practicing a few set moves, altered from the zweihander stances
(Molly) **The axe feels good, weighted perfectly and in line with his preferences
* @Morgan builds up a decent pace, moving the axe quickly hand to hand, thrusting it out and swinging, before rolling it back in and round, moving this way until he is out of breath
(Molly) **The morning lightens as his muscles become warm
* @Morgan picks up the pace, moving from learned stances to his own, brutal but efficient way of fighting
(Molly) **the sky turns towards blue at the horizon first, and the air around him starts to feel warmer already
* @Morgan slows down again, coming to a gradual stop and moving over to where he left the scabbard
(Molly) **The sky lightens further, peaches, yellow, and then the faintest edge of the sun over the city of Fischler in the diatance
* @Morgan fixes the scabbard in place, sliding the axe into it before heading back into the house
(Molly) **The house is bustling now, staff cleaning, setting up for the day, and the smell of breakfast cooking
* @Morgan wanders through the halls, humming to himself en route to the kitchen
(Molly) **a few staff members bid him good morning, not with that watchful respectfulness given to a noble guest, but more as the Torrington staff, when they weren't being outright cheeky or disobedient, did when he was Master At Arms
* @Morgan nods to each of them
(Molly) *He gets to the kitchen not long after six thirty
** You're now known as Katherine
* Katherine is just coming out as he gets there. She curtsies whilst balancing a tray of breakfast skilfully
(Katherine) Good morning, my Lord
(@Morgan) Katherine, you are well?
* Katherine looks briefly suprised
(Katherine) Yes my Lord, and you also?
(@Morgan) as well as can be expected. I've just come for some coffee
(Katherine) I could make you some after I serve His Grace? Or just help yourself?
* @Morgan smiles
(@Morgan) I think we both know the answer to that... best not keep him waiting
* Katherine goes
* @Morgan moves into the kitchen, fetching himself coffee
(Katherine) ** servants are busy at work,  but aside from acknowledgements, he isn't disturbed by anyone. It's as if They have just accepted his presence as normal now
* @Morgan watches them work for a moment before heading off to the dining room
(Katherine) **he finds Faulk in the breakfast room
(@Morgan) Good morning your grace
** You're now known as Faulk
(Faulk) Good morning
(@Morgan) may I join you?
(Faulk) Of course, please do
(Faulk) *a servant quietly arranges any breakfast Morgan wants*
(Faulk) How are you all this morning?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) given the occurrences to come today, I think... average. I've not seen my father or brother yet
* Faulk glances at the clock, it is quarter before seven
(Faulk) I have just had breakfast with your father, he is taking our dear Veisgrafin to church I believe..
(@Morgan) I'm surprised he's up so early... he is not one of natures early risers
(Faulk) It was a promise to Molly I believe
(@Morgan) she mentioned it this morning as I went out to train
* Faulk waits for the servant to serve breakfast to Morgan before eating
(Faulk) She did Sudlachenburg proud last night
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I thought so
(Faulk) We do not know the outcome of our Bundling yet?
* @Morgan shakes his head
(@Morgan) I didn't want to seem overbearing my knocking before I went out
* Faulk laughs
(Faulk) I had forgotten about the tradition
(@Morgan) I can't say I'd heard of it
(Faulk) Graben is far from Sudlachenburg, I should imagine you have different traditions for betrothals and weddings
(@Morgan) I would imagine so
(Faulk) You toss a special plate at your polterabends, do you not?
(@Morgan) generally we throw it at the floor...
* @Morgan sips his coffee
* Faulk laughs again
(Faulk) It would be a good match, and I would like to see Graben stable
(@Morgan) I'd like to see them happy
(Faulk) They seem very fond of each other still. I recall seeing them on occasion many years ago at court here looking smitten
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) he is still besotted with her
* Faulk nods
(Faulk) He seemed much improved last night. He has been somewhat erratic and prone to duelling at court in recent times
(@Morgan) He takes the reputation of Sudlachenburg and the Koertigs very seriously
(Faulk) Yes he does
(Faulk) I should tell you, the marriage between Isiah and Alarice has been annulled
* @Morgan nods slowly
(@Morgan) to be expected
(Faulk) Indeed. It was unfortunate. But I intend for him to be married again very soon.
(@Morgan) oh?
(Faulk) He needs a steadying influence
(@Morgan) I hope it won't cut the ties of friendship we have developed
* Faulk frowns
(Faulk) Why would it?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) Call it a statement of how much I value your friendship, than a suspicion it would come to an end
(Faulk) I do not only count you as friend because my headstrong son married your cousin
(@Morgan) You count me as a friend because I can say I told you so?
* Faulk smile a little before becoming more serious
(Faulk) No, because I see something in you that I have not seen in most other nobles
* @Morgan looks at him, curious
(Faulk) Grit. Humility. Integrity.
* @Morgan bows his head slightly
(@Morgan) an inability to take himself seriously?
* Faulk smiles
(Faulk) An inability to let the circumstances of his birth exempt him from the messy work that making Eisen back into a place of stability and influence is going to take
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) thats what Eisen needs
(Faulk) It is. And most nobles do not see that.
(@Morgan) No, though I think I'm making an impact on one of them at least
(Faulk) Oh?
(@Morgan) My father... slowly, he's getting more willing to get his hands dirty, so to speak
(Faulk) That is positive. I know that Freiarrin Pfennig has taken her experience of building houses in Sudlachenburg and has been working on her own building projects with her townsfolk
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) That is good to hear. My father was, lets say, less than impressed when he learned of what I did
(Faulk) I recall you saying. But he had a plaque put up to honour it, once he had gotten over himself
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) _that_ surprised me
(Faulk) That was the right thing for him to do. If more nobles were like you, we would make much faster progress
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) The problem is I have a vision and have difficulty seeing any way but my own
(Faulk) Is that not what being Eisen is largely about?
(@Morgan) but generally speaking most Eisen men have a similar view of how to get there... I do not
* Faulk nods, finishing his breakfast
(Faulk) Perhaps it is time for your vision to become more widespread
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) wouldn't that be nice
(Faulk) Indeed it would. *he glances at the clock as it strikes seven* If you will excuse me, I have an appointment with the replacement magistrate
* @Morgan nods, rising
* Faulk does likewise,  inclining his head before leaving
* @Morgan sits back down, finishing his breakfast
(Faulk) **No-one else interrupts him, and for the first time in a while he has time to sit peacefully and enjoy his food
* @Morgan heads back up to his room
** You're now known as Varick
** You're now known as Claudia
* Claudia is back on guard duty
* @Morgan nods to her
(Claudia) Morning. Nothing to report here
(@Morgan) That does not surprise me, thankfully
* Claudia nods
(@Morgan) How'd you sleep?
(Claudia) Pretty well
(Claudia) You?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) about usual
* Claudia nods. Varick opens the door
(Claudia) V: Morgan, I could hear you talking!
(@Morgan) You must have the hearing of a bat
(Claudia) *he nods. He is covered in jam*
(Claudia) **He discovers the bed has been made, the clothes they stripped each other of and abandoned on the floor have been tidied. She isn't there
* @Morgan leaves instructions for Varick to be good and goes in search of Edward
(Claudia) **Edward isn't in either Mina's guest room or his own room. All of his weapons are missinf
* @Morgan goes in search of him, asking any member of staff he sees
(Claudia) **he is pointed in the direction of the rose garden
* @Morgan heads in that direction
(Claudia) **the sun is fully risen now. He can hear a conversation before he gets to it
(Claudia) **He can hear faint talking and the quiet swishing of Edward practicing**
(Claudia) Mina: The scar is no better than it was? Edward: *He breathes heavier through exertion*No, it is still very obvious. Mina: Have you told Morgan about it?
(Claudia) Ed: *He finishes his move before answering, serious* He saw it yesterday.  I have said it was from the War. M: You do not intend to tell him? E *he sighs a moment*: No, I don't intend to. We are making progress, I do not want to put that at risk. M: And about the tattoo?
(Claudia) E: He saw it weeks ago, but I do not think he realised, so not that either. M:well, it won't come from me, Eddie, you know that. E: I know, Mimi… I am nearly done, then we'll get breakfast
(Claudia) **There is only the sounds of weaponry being practised with
* @Morgan walks into the rose garden, leaning against a wall
(Claudia) **Edward spots him mid swing, almost losing his balance
** You're now known as Edward
(Edward) Morgan.
(@Morgan) Edward
* Edward looks fairly relaxed, continuing practising. Mina has a cup of coffee and is sat on a bench watching Edward
(Edward) M: Good morning, Morgan. I hope you are well?
(@Morgan) Well, that rather depends I'm afraid
(Edward) E: * he stops with a frown* has something happened?
(@Morgan) Despite being near an awful lot of gun and cannon fire in my life, my hearing is still rather good...
(Edward) E: **he puts his sword back in his frog** Mimi, would you go on in and sort some breakfast, sweetheart? **She nods, doing so*
* Edward watches Morgan
(Edward) It is rude to eavesdrop
(@Morgan) I was coming to find you, your voice carries
(@Morgan) Also, I think lying is probably more rude...
(Edward) Exactly what are you talking about?
* Edward stands quite neutral, neither intimidated or aggressive, not evasive or open
(@Morgan) Told me it was a war injury... if its not, that makes _that_ a lie, doesn't it... 
* @Morgan continues leaning against the wall, hands clasped at his waist
(Edward) The shoulder damage and the pain was from the War. It was not entirely untrue
(@Morgan) But it wasn't entirely true, either
(Edward) No
(Edward) It also isn't entirely your business.
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) At this point Edward, you decide the level of trust you wish between us
* Edward frowns slightly
(Edward) I do not want any building of our relationship to be based on having played a sympathy card.
(@Morgan) I don't intend to give you sympathy. I want to understand you, to have that openness that we should and could have. Do you understand?
(Edward) I do understand. *he looks to debate this in his head*
* @Morgan leans over and smells a rosebush
* Edward watches him a minute
(Edward) The bullet wound was from losing duel
* @Morgan nods slightly
(@Morgan) fairly recently, by the looks of it
(Edward) Late February 1665 ((5 years ago, 1 month after he married Dietlinde))
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) What sparked it?
* Edward looks out over the grounds
(Edward) Someone said something they shouldn't have
(@Morgan) Are you being cagey because its embarrassing or to spare me guilt?
(Edward) I don't expect you to feel guilty. I just do not want it to seem like I am trying to make you feel pity.
(@Morgan) Then tell me
(Edward) Someone said you had shamed the Koertig name, I was defending your honour.
(@Morgan) I appreciate that. You say you lost?
(Edward) Badly. I missed him.
(@Morgan) Hurts, doesn't it
(Edward) Being shot, or losing?
(@Morgan) mostly the former
(Edward) The injury to my pride was worse than the injury to my shoulder
(@Morgan) I take it you've increased your abilities since?
* Edward glances at him
(Edward) I wasn't a bad shot then,  I was just... not fully in control
(@Morgan) Then you've worked on _that_?
(Edward) Yes
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) good. At least something good came of it for you. And the tattoo?
* Edward inhales slowly
(Edward) I would rather not get in to that
(@Morgan) why?
(Edward) It is... complicated
(Edward) ((Edward 's sleeve hits shoulder height, revealing a beautiful tattoo on his right arm; a grey wolf carrying a peacock feather in its mouth, two drops of blood from the nib of it))
(@Morgan) I'm good at complicated
* Edward looks torn
(Edward) The blood droplets on the tattoo has a symbolism. But again, this is not an attempt to manipulate you into feeling more... amiable towards me
(@Morgan) I don't see it as an attempt to, Edward
* Edward nods, staying quiet
(Edward) **the double churches of the city can be heard ringing for eight o'clock
* @Morgan waits patiently
* Edward watches him
(Edward) It is not obvious?
(@Morgan) Clearly not...
(Edward) They represent Dietlinde and Jana, and my regret
* @Morgan nods slowly
(@Morgan) you're a complicated man Edward
(Edward) I have been told that before. I did not hate them, I hated you.
(@Morgan) You hated me, or what I was doing?
(Edward) Initially the latter. But over time, when I felt my hand was being forced to take action, and then afterwards, when the guilt came, then I hated you.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) and now?
* Edward thinks on this a moment
(Edward) Now I realise I did not really hate you, I hated myself.
(@Morgan) There's a wonderful bit of irony here
(Edward) Is there?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I hated you for what you did... until fairly recently... but that changed to more hating myself for having put you in that position
(Edward) I should have chosen differently. None of this is on you, Morgan. The error and the guilt is mine.
(@Morgan) I think we'll disagree on that for a time yet... Safe to say we both could have handled it differently, yes?
(Edward) No, that is a point I cannot concede on at present. Perhaps in time, but not yet.
* @Morgan watches him
* Edward watches him back
(@Morgan) You say you should have chosen differently, then contradict yourself...
(Edward) I mean that I cannot concede that the responsibility is not entirely mine. I have spent many hours this summer examining my choices. You will grant me that time to finish doing that, I hope.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I see... I hope you can see that I no longer hold any malice towards you... and that _I_ don't hold you entirely responsible
(Edward) I do appreciate that. I cannot imagine it was easy to come to that point.
(@Morgan) No... it was not. Now, I have one more question, the answer to which could potentially result in violence...
* Edward looks wary
(Edward) Yes?
(@Morgan) You behaved in an appropriate manner overnight?
* Edward looks at him solemnly
(Edward) Of course.
(@Morgan) Had I doubted it, I would not have consented to play my role... I am glad.
* Edward smiles
(Edward) I will say, it is a cruel and unusual torture
(@Morgan) So, when we rule Eisen, enemies of the state can be interrogated using methods thought up by the Graben
* Edward laughs
(Edward) Or I will sell Graben's methods to the Inquisition, and people will miss the rack
* @Morgan shows a look of distaste
(@Morgan) No, I've dealt with them, they don't need any ideas
* Edward looks intrigued
(Edward) It isn't the lack of... dallying, as you often gently put it that is the real killer though
(@Morgan) oh?
(Edward) You get in to very deep, emotional conversations in the depths of the night. When she's crying, and you're trying not to, not being able to hold her is what really makes bundling brutal
(@Morgan) Thats... cruel and unusual...
(Edward) I would not wish it on my worst enemt
(Edward) Enemy*
(@Morgan) so it is official?
* Edward smiles, looking both relieved and happy
(Edward) Yes. Mina is now the future Lady Mina Edelweiss Koertig, Freiarrin Graben ((which is exactly what was written on the letter in Molly's nightmare))
(@Morgan) congratulations brother
(@Morgan) how about you go and get some breakfast
(Edward) Wait.
* Edward looks at him
(Edward) I need to thank you. This could not have come about without everything you did for us, and I am eternally grateful that you did that, especially as it must have been hard for you
* @Morgan smiles faintly
(@Morgan) What sort of hypocrite would I be if I only fought for love for myself?
* Edward looks solemn, even slightly guilty
(Edward) Still, you have our thanks.
* @Morgan inclines his head
* Edward nods to himself a moment
(Edward) Mina is going home today.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) probably best
(Edward) She and her father planned to stay until Sunday, but I am sending her away
(@Morgan) oh?
(Edward) I won't have her anywhere near what is to come
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) And as the future Freiarr Graben, I have more power to exert on Father now
(@Morgan) I wouldn't go gung ho just yet. Molly had an idea last night
** You are now disconnected

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Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Thursday, 10 September 2020 09:31:54 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thseaic
(Morgan)  <Edward> She and her father planned to stay until Sunday, but I am sending her away
(Morgan)  <Morgan> oh?
(Morgan)  <Edward> I won't have her anywhere near what is to come
(Morgan)  * Morgan nods
(Morgan)  <Edward> And as the future Freiarr Graben, I have more power to exert on Father now
(Morgan)  <Morgan> I wouldn't go gung ho just yet. Molly had an idea last night
(Molly) Which is?
** You're now known as Edward
* Edward starts slowly moving towards the house
(Morgan) Well... when she married me, she married a man who happens to be veisgraf... the vows we made before Theus were as man and woman... perhaps the promise father made Hans is the same, so he could object personally but not as Graf, which leaves Sudlachenburg not standing against the Koenigsreich
* Edward nods thoughtful
(Edward) I am impressed
(Morgan) I'm impressed but not surprised
(Edward) No?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) She's always had a critical mind... puzzles and codes seem to be her speciality
* Edward nods
(Edward) A critical mind is useful in Eisen where we have a tendency to act more instinctively
(Morgan) Where we tend to get spooked and overreact
* Edward smiles slightly
(Edward) Yes. Mother's rationality has always been of benefit to Father
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) She will be thrilled...
(Edward) About Mina?
* Morgan nods
* Edward smiles
(Edward) I hope so
(Morgan) She will, I am sure of it
(Edward) I suspect Father will be, once he gets over his anger about Alarice and the end of the pregnancy
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I've not given up working on him about that
* Edward sighs a little
(Edward) I do not think he will accept the truth of what happened. Given his prudishness, I am not sure he will even listen to what happened
(Morgan) Probably not, but realistically he doesn't need to. He just needs to move past it
* Edward nods
(Edward) I hoped if he knew it wasn't me choice he would be more lenient
(Edward) My*
(Morgan) perhaps in time
(Edward) Perhaps. Do you think Molly's idea will work?
(Morgan) Its tough to tell... you know how father can be
* Edward nods
(Edward) He is very Eisen. *he glances at Morgan* Can you imagine how awful he would have been with an Eisen wife instead?
(Morgan) I'm sure he would have been the even tempered, entirely reasonable and not at all reactionary man we know now...
* Morgan stares at Edward, not blinking
* Edward watches him stoically for a few second before sniggering
(Morgan) Come on, lets get you some breakfast... I want some coffee
* Edward heads in, still chuckling. Before they get to the breakfast room, they find Colonel Fuchs by a window,  not watching anything, but staring into the middle distance with a frown.
(Morgan) is everything alright Colonel?
(Edward) **he frowns deeper, but glances briefly at Edward before looking back to Morgan*
* Edward also looks at Morgan
(Edward) I'll meet you in there. *he heads off*
** You're now known as Fuchs
* Fuchs looks around to check they are alone
(Fuchs) The most frustrating thing about my job is when plans are changed and no-one will give you a proper explanation as to why.
(Morgan) Whats occurred?
(Fuchs) The magistrates will come here, to His Grace's state room, as will the lawyers. Usually this would be at the court house, and public.
(Morgan) Interesting...
(Morgan) The courthouse was having preparations made, though
(Fuchs) Yes, the change was only announced an hour ago
(Morgan) his grace?
(Fuchs) Indeed
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll see what I can find out
(Fuchs) Also, the magistrate who was too ill to serve is not unwell at all.
(Morgan) I heard he was having trouble... going...
* Fuchs nods slightly
(Fuchs) It appears he has just been replaced for unknown reasons
(Morgan) by whom?
(Fuchs) His Grace has approved the replacement
(Morgan) If its any consolation, its still easier than trying to protect a flighty young woman who thinks inviting a Montaigne magician to demonstrate his skills is a good idea
* Fuchs looks confused
(Morgan) During my time in Avalon, I worked for a noblewoman in much the same capacity as you...
* Fuchs nods
(Fuchs) It is a challenging job at times
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll go and ask whats going on
(Fuchs) **He spots Ana coming down the stairs,  and though she looks as polite and passive as maids are expected to be, he can see deep worry in her expression
(Fuchs) ((Attention?))
(Morgan) ((Ana))
* Fuchs excuses himself going towards the guards room. Ana has a metal pail with a lid in her hands
(Morgan) Ana...
** You're now known as Ana
* Ana looks like she has seen the one person she is avoiding
(Ana) Good morning, my Lord
(Morgan) Whats wrong?
* Ana looks deeply concerned
(Ana) I probably shouldn't tell you, my Lord
* Morgan leans against the window frame
(Morgan) whys?
(Ana) Because we aren't supposed to talk about such things. But also, I think you would want to know
* Ana looks worried and undecided
(Morgan) I'm not supposed to hang around in the kitchen drinking coffee, either... lets face the fact that how I am with you all isn't... usual
* Ana nods
(Ana) The Veisgrafin started bleeding this morning. And... and it's really bad *she looks very worried*
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) I see
(Ana) I mean, I've had it happen since I was fifteen, and I've never seen so much blood
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) understood. Where is she?
(Ana) The nursery. The nanny has sent the little Lord out with the guards with instructions to keep him away until at least lunchtime
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Get word to the Eisenfurst that I want to see him
(Ana) Yes my Lord. I hope she is alright
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as do I
* Morgan strides off in the direction of the nursery
(Ana) **It's quiet in the hall upstairs, and no-one is outside guarding
* Morgan walks into the room
(Ana) *Marta is cleaning the floor with a rag. Molly is nowhere to be seen. She stands up,  watching him* Good morning. Your wife is indisposed at present. *she has the to be of someone who is used to taking charge of a space in a crisis, almost like a ship's captain*
(Ana) Tone*
** You're now known as Marta
(Morgan) evidently. Where is she?
* Marta becomes firmer in her demeanour
(Marta) She needs privacy now.
* Morgan narrows his eyes
(Morgan) I am no backward noble, Marta, I need you to tell me where she is
* Marta watches him with all the serious confidence of a midwife who is used to dealing with distressed husbands
(Marta) She is dealing with an uncommon side effect of her pennyroyal ingestion. She is undergoing {deception} a little bleeding and pain. She needs some time. Once things are resolved, she will be just fine {concern, slight evasivness}
* Marta 's micro expressions are the only thing that give her away, she would seem calm and confident to anyone less perceptive
(Morgan) A word of caution, Marta... _never_ play poker with me. Do you understand what I'm saying?
(Marta) Morgan, I am going to tell you the same thing I tell all husband's. There are two things you can do to help your wife now. You can go to a tavern, or you can go to church *she is in no way intimidated *
(Morgan) If you will not let me see her, I am going to hold you responsible for her safety. Personally. Am I clear?
(Marta) Her safety is out of both of our hands. It is very likely that she will be fine.
(Morgan) Regardless, if something happens to her, you will be held responsible
* Marta watches him firmly
(Marta) I understand your distress.
(Morgan) No. You do not. You will send for me if anything changes, and that is _not_ a request
* Marta is about to answer when Molly opens the bedroom door. She looks very pale, barefoot,  wearing her navy trousers and the pale yellow pyjama top she made. She speaks quietly "Step out, Marta, I need to speak to my husband". Marta watches her with a disapproving head shake "Two minutes, no longer." She walks out into the hall, shutting the door
** You're now known as Molly
* Morgan moves to Molly
* Molly looks like she did after the examination by the doctor in Carleon, and he can see the strain and worry around her eyes. Still she squares her shoulders.
(Molly) Don't be cross with her, please
(Morgan) As you wish blossom
(Molly) Did you need me for something?
(Morgan) I am concerned for you, and so is she, despite her best efforts to not show it
* Molly breathes slowly, controlled, though he sees pain in her expression
(Molly) I know
* Molly rests her forearms folded on the door frame, then rests her head on them, escalating pain in her expression,  and he can see how close to agony this is
(Morgan) Whats going on Molly? How can I help?
* Molly continues to breathe deep and slow, riding out the pain for another ten seconds before she looks back to him
(Molly) It's from the pennyroyal. You recall I said on Friday the pain could be agonising, depending on all manner of things I can no control over?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) is there anything can be done?
* Molly looks {scared} sad
(Molly) Nothing at all
* Morgan speaks very quietly
(Morgan) will you be alright?
* Molly pauses before answering,  her eyes darting across his expression
(Molly) Probably.
(Morgan) There is nothing you can... do?
* Molly shakes her head resignedly
(Molly) Even if I could, it would possibly put me at greater risk than doing nothing
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) what would you have me do?
* Molly inhales deeply, again returning to the position against the door frame, gritting her teeth, brow furrowed.
(Molly) There's... Nothing... you... can... do. I... just...have... to... get... through... this...
(Morgan) If you wish it, I will sit with you and read to you all day, blossom. I will do anything you ask
* Molly breathes deeply and slow
(Molly) No. This isn't a place that will be pleasant
(Morgan) I'm not interested in what is pleasant... I'll do whatever you need me to do
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) I don't want you to have to see this. I will get through it. When the pain becomes unbearable, I will just retreat into my imagination and get comfort there. I will imagine I am on the Rose at sunset, and you'll come up behind me, wrapping your arms around me as we watch the sky change from red, pink, purple, to blue, and you will quietly tell me how much I am, and always will be, loved by you. And that will see me through what is to come.
* Molly smiles gently, but there is a hint of solemnity in it
(Morgan) As you wish blossom. I do love you, and will do whatever you need of me. I'll check in with Marta through the day
* Molly nods
(Molly) The pain... It's going to be close to the pain of birthing. But there will be no happy ending to focus on.
(Morgan) The happy ending will be us being together again.
* Molly smiles
(Molly) That is true. *pain flashes in her expression again*
(Morgan) To bed with you blossom
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) I have to keep upright. The pain lying down is much, much worse, and I don't want to feel that again
(Morgan) What would you have me do?
(Molly) Try not to worry too much *She smiles a little*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll try
(Molly) And kiss me before you go, please
* Morgan does so
(Molly) *She kisses him just as softly and tenderly as she did when they returned from Carleon and she asked to kiss him for the last time she would be able to*
(Morgan) Send for me if you need me
(Molly) If things do not go as Marta hopes, I will send
(Morgan) Then I hope to not hear from you
* Morgan smiles slightly
(Molly) *she laughs softly* I love you liebling, always.
(Morgan) and I you blossom. I need you to stay here with me.
* Molly smiles slightly
(Molly) I will do my very best
* Morgan nods, releasing her
(Molly) **Marta opens the door, looking at them both a moment, clearly waiting for Morgan to exit
* Morgan walks to Marta, looking at her
(Morgan) Don't try to deceive me in future Marta. 
(Molly) **She motions him into the hall, closing the door behind them
(Molly) Though you make think this cruel, Molly will get through this quicker and easier if she isn't having to put on a brave face for you. We both want the same outcome here.
** You're now known as Marta
(Morgan) I'm sure you're right, and if you'd been open and honest with me, it may not have come to that
(Marta) When it is over, the bleeding will stop, and I will send for you. And if it does not, I will also send for you.
* Morgan nods, speaking quietly
(Morgan) I cannot lose her
* Marta puts her hand on his arm, breaking all manner of of protocols
(Marta) You aren't the first widower who has had to endure this. The first birth I did was for a man who had list two wives and their babies during childbirth and his third wife was under my care. I understand the fear.
(Morgan) Honesty, Marta... I will do what is required if you are forthcoming about it, be it staying out of your way or cleaning the floors. Do you understand?
(Marta) I do. You must realise that honesty is something all husbands think they want before they have it, and almost none want once they have it.
(Morgan) I am not most husbands. The point stands. If my sweeping the kitchens would help, I would do it. I cannot bear to see her in such pain, but I need to know what is going on so I am not... unprepared
* Marta nods, looking very solemn, voice quiet
(Marta) _If_, and I stress _if_ you are going to lose her, I will send for you with enough time for you to be here.
(Morgan) Thank you
* Marta nods, squeezing his arm
(Marta) Have faith. Theus will be merciful, I am sure.
* Morgan nods
* Marta nods, going back in to the nursery, leaving him alone in the hall
* Morgan says a quiet prayer before heading downstairs
(Marta) **he bumps into a cheerful looking Edward on the way*
** You're now known as Edward
(Edward) Morgan.
(Morgan) Edward
* Edward watches him briefly
(Edward) Have you spoken to Molly?
(Morgan) I have
* Edward frowns deeply
(Edward) What has father done?
* Morgan shakes his head slightly
(Morgan) the lingering effects of the pennyroyal Alarice used to poison her have taken hold
* Edward pales
(Edward) What... But that was days ago!
(Morgan) I am aware of that
* Edward watches him
(Edward) Can I help?
(Morgan) No-one can
(Morgan) Say a prayer for her, thats all we can do besides wait
* Edward bows his head a moment
(Edward) I will do so. How long...?
(Morgan) There's no way to know
* Edward removes a flask from his pocket, opening it and handing it over
(Edward) Drink.
* Morgan does so
* Edward holds his hand out for it, it's expensive whiskey
* Morgan gives it back
* Edward shakes it, checking how much is left. He hands it back
(Edward) More.
* Morgan drinks more
* Edward waits for him to give it back when he is ready
* Morgan gives it back
(Edward) Do you want to go to Father?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) and then Ineed to speak to Faulk
* Edward checks it again, satisfied. He gives it back
(Edward) Hold on to.it, alright?
* Morgan tucks it into a pocket
* Edward spots a servant, going to speak to them quietly "Send a messenger to Lady Hapsburg at The Sword Of Redemption that something has come up here and she will stay again tonight and leave on the morrow". The servant goes off. Edward checks Morgan's expression again
* Morgan looks almost disinterested, his eyes flat
* Edward leads the way to Adalbrecht's room, thumping on the door. Adalbrecht opens it, looking and smelling freshly shaven and ready to scold Edward
* Morgan barges past both of them into the room, going to lean on a window frame
** You're now known as Adalbrecht
(Adalbrecht) What has happened? Has Alarice escaped? *he addresses Morgan*
(Morgan) Did Molly tell you her idea this morning?
(Adalbrecht) **Edward pours the jug of coffee into three cups**
* Adalbrecht nods
(Morgan) and?
(Adalbrecht) She begged, guilted, was brutally honest, and brow-breated me into submission
(Morgan) Good. Have you informed Faulk?
(Adalbrecht) Not yet, no. I was still deciding whether I would stand against it personally or not.
(Morgan) Were you with her when she was taken ill?
* Adalbrecht takes the offered coffee but doesn't stop watching Morgan. Edward forces a cup upon Morgan
* Morgan brings his eyes up to his fathers
* Adalbrecht frowns
(Adalbrecht) She is no better?
(Morgan) so you chose not to tell me...
(Adalbrecht) She became a little pale whilst we were at church, and she said she had slept badly. We returned immediately and I told her to go and nap
* Adalbrecht frowns, looking concerned
* Morgan looks away
(Morgan) as I told Edward, the after effect of Alarice's poison have taken hold
* Adalbrecht looks worried
(Adalbrecht) Will she be alright?
(Morgan) We don't know.
(Adalbrecht) Is there anything I can do?
* Morgan speaks quietly
(Morgan) make your choice, and keep me away from my cousin
(Adalbrecht) I have already made my decision. Molly  told me that no matter what, either by Faulk, by you, or by her, Alarice is going to die. The only difference is how much I damage Sudlachenburg and you in the process.
(Adalbrecht) *Edward looks shocked, sipping his coffee*
* Morgan says nothing, still looking towards the floor
* Adalbrecht comes over,  placing a hand on Morgan's shoulder
(Adalbrecht) She will be okay, Morgan. She is strong.
* Morgan glances at his father
(Morgan) we will see
* Adalbrecht nods. He looks at his son with the same paternal calmness he displayed when Morgan was a child and injured or scared.
(Adalbrecht) Tell me how I can help you.
(Morgan) You cannot
* Adalbrecht rubs his shoulder before letting go
(Adalbrecht) When will you know?
* Morgan shrugs slightly
(Morgan) It takes as long as it takes, one way or another
* Adalbrecht bows his head, looking upset
(Adalbrecht) Then we will pray that she will be much better very soon
* Morgan nods slowly
* Adalbrecht watches Morgan
(Adalbrecht) **Edward*
(Adalbrecht) E: Would you like me to recite a prayer?
* Morgan looks at him
(Morgan) Please
(Adalbrecht) E: "Father, your love is as wide as the ocean, as deep as the sea, and as tall as the heavens. May your spirit rise like a mighty wave,  and come to restore Molly in this time. You are the water of life, you are a fresh spring. You are the healing rain to all those in need. Amen"
* Adalbrecht also says Amen
* Morgan says amen
* Adalbrecht drinks his coffee
(Adalbrecht) She will send for you with news?
* Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) Waiting is hard. *he looks to Morgan* Whilst I was waiting to hear your Mother was well after your birth, I chopped down fifteen trees.
* Morgan sips his coffee, not speaking
(Adalbrecht) E: Do you want to go out and destroy something whilst waiting?
(Morgan) No, I need to speak to Faulk, find out what the hell is going on
* Adalbrecht frowns
(Adalbrecht) Is that wise right now?
(Morgan) Needs must
(Adalbrecht) Let Edward and I deal with it, you have too much else to deal with
(Morgan) No, I need to keep busy, and this needs dealing with
(Adalbrecht) Where is Varick?
(Morgan) with the guards
* Adalbrecht looks at Edward
(Adalbrecht) Can you keep it together if I send you to keep him out of the way?
(Adalbrecht) *Edward nods, but he doesn't look happy about it*
* Morgan looks at Edward
(Morgan) Thank you
(Adalbrecht) *he inclines his head, leaving them to it
* Adalbrecht looks at Morgan when the door is closed
(Adalbrecht) I am sorry you're having to go through this
* Morgan nods slightly
* Adalbrecht looks thoughtful a moment
(Adalbrecht) Does Molly have the sudlache ring?
* Morgan nods
* Adalbrecht exhales, relieved
(Adalbrecht) Good
(Morgan) We'll see
(Adalbrecht) It has been so for five hundred years, it is unlikely Molly will not have the same protection
(Morgan) How many of those have had a family try to murder them
(Adalbrecht) That I know of? Two
(Morgan) I hope you're right
* Adalbrecht looks solemn
(Adalbrecht) As do I
(Adalbrecht) There aren't many women who would have the nerve to pressure a Graf with their determination
* Morgan nods 
(Morgan) it troubles her... she worries she is losing her sweetness
* Adalbrecht smiles
(Adalbrecht) She isn't. She just wields it effectively.
* Morgan nods, drinking his coffee
(Adalbrecht) She told me she would kill Alarice to protect you
* Morgan nods
* Adalbrecht removes the small gold cross he wears, and has worn for as long as Morgan can remember
(Adalbrecht) I want you to wear this. You need it more than I right now
(Morgan) No, it is something you wear. I do not wish for that to change
* Adalbrecht looks at him seriously
(Adalbrecht) This is a command from your father
* Morgan speaks quietly
(Morgan) yes father
(Adalbrecht) Thank you.
* Adalbrecht puts it on him, just as he had done other things, when he was a child.
(Adalbrecht) We are here for you, Morgan. And Theus is here with you throughout whatever is to come.
* Morgan nods briefly
* Adalbrecht moves away, finishing his coffee
(Adalbrecht) Do you want to see His Grace alone?
(Morgan) Its probably best
(Adalbrecht) Do you want me to wait up near the nursery in case there is word?
(Morgan) No, I'm going to commandeer someone from the staff to find me if needed
* Adalbrecht nods, bowing to him a moment
** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)
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