------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Sunday, 13 September 2020 16:01:55 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic -NickServ- You are now identified for Molly. (Molly) C&p pls (@Morgan) coffee, please (@Morgan) **She gets him some, telling Molly she needs to wait for a bit longer. She then leaves them again (@Morgan) How do you feel now, liebling? (@Morgan) significantly better than any other point in the last hours (@Morgan) and you? (@Morgan) * Molly smiles (@Morgan) Grateful * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as am I at this point * Molly nods slowly (Molly) Even if it is to still happen, I am grateful we had this time where I am not in pain * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) We must hold on to hope, however * Molly nods (Molly) I know. The odds are so much better than they were just before you arrived * @Morgan nods * Molly looks at him (Molly) I would want you to remember this, not the pain. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) This and many other times you were lighting my life * Molly blinks, trying to stop the tears (Molly) Good (Molly) **Marta comes in, bringing back the empty bowl, and though she seems more relaxed Morgan can tell she is still keeping a very close eye on the situation (Molly) Ana told me they had found you work * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Frau Liebstern was not imperssed * Molly smiles a little (Molly) Are housekeepers ever impressed with anyone else's work? (@Morgan) She was more unimpressed that they'd let me do it (Molly) What were you doing? (@Morgan) I chopped some wood, gathered in some washing * Molly rests her cheek on his shoulder (Molly) You gathered in washing?! That is a most uncommon pursuit for a Lord * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm an uncommon Lord (Molly) **Marta smiles slightly, going out again (Molly) That you are, my sweet, that you are. (@Morgan) The armoury is organised now, also (Molly) Your note said you had made a friend there? (@Morgan) I may have removed the master at arms from the armoury (Molly) There is no longer a master at arms?! (@Morgan) There is, I removed him physically removed him from the armoury * Molly giggles gently, being careful not to tense her stomach muscles (Molly) He was unhappy that you were organising? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) he claimed he had a system, but I couldn't see one... and he complained about my reorganising his guards * Molly shakes her head slightly (Molly) People never learn. Mostly you mean well, and when you don't mean well, the recipient of your wrath generally deserves it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) generally (Molly) He did not? (@Morgan) I believe he did, but I mean generally people don't learn (Molly) Oh, I see! (Molly) You are wearing your father's cross... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) he insisted * Molly pauses a moment (Molly) As you can likely imagine, I have many, many questions * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm not sure I remember enough to answer them, though (Molly) No? (@Morgan) I was rather preoccupied * Molly nods a little against his shoulder (Molly) I can imagine it has been difficult for you * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) It was tough, wanting to hear the bell ringing, but not wanting to (Molly) I should have let you stay, I am sorry * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) It is done and passed now * Molly nods. She is quiet for a several seconds, just inhaling and exhaling slowly (Molly) **Marta comes back again, just watching. She frowns a little, glancing at Morgan * @Morgan looks at her, stroking Molly's hair (Molly) Marta: Molly, what's going on? * Molly opens her eyes, looking at Marta then Morgan (Molly) I am sorry, I was just breathing and enjoying the moment (Molly) **Marta nods {relief} smiling briefly "If there's any pain, or anything else changes, shout." She looks at Morgan a moment, the instruction more for him than Molly* * @Morgan nods (Molly) **Marta leaves them to it again (@Morgan) I think you rather worried her there (Molly) I did not mean to. If... If that must happen, I want to enjoy the time I have (@Morgan) I know blossom, I know (Molly) Is it strange, wearing his cross? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I have Edwards flask in my coat, also (Molly) That is nice. It is like they are with you to support you through this * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) They have been very supportive (Molly) Good. It comforts me to know you would not be alone again * @Morgan nods (Molly) It is also strange to wear a cross at all? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) It is not something I am used to (Molly) Did you used to, before...? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) though more because it was habit * Molly nods (Molly) I did before I had to leave my parents home * @Morgan nods (Molly) It belonged to my grandmother, on my mother's side (@Morgan) Do they still have it? * Molly sighs (Molly) No. I had to sell it to get food, before I arrived at Lady Torringtons * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles a little (Molly) If you're ever in Tawstock, and come across a rose gold cross with Andrews engraved on the back, do buy it and take care of it, please. ((He has not heard any of them say this name before, but he dreamt it carved into the Dracheneisen mine along with Forrester, Hockridge and Koertig)) (@Morgan) Andrews? * Molly nods (Molly) My grandmother's name was Nell Andrews. It is why my sister that I mentioned last night was called Cecily Nell * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I see (@Morgan) We'll keep our eyes open when we're there next * Molly nods a little (Molly) If I can, I will wear it again one day * @Morgan nods (Molly) I think Cecily is a much nicer name than Molly (@Morgan) I'm not inclined to agree (Molly) Molly is... plain. It's simple. (@Morgan) Its straightforward. It is earnest. * Molly smiles (Molly) And you think that suits me? * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) The only time I really liked it is when you said my full name whilst we sat in the coffee shop in Carleon ((Will prompt if he would recall)) * @Morgan nods, smiling slightly (@Morgan) and it still holds true * Molly smiles, responding in Avalonian just as she did then (Molly) And I by you, dearest one (Molly) It seems like a lifetime ago, not nine months... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed (Molly) **Marta comes to check again, looking more satisfied. He can see that Molly's lips have regained more colour again * Molly waits til Marta has wandered out (Molly) Has having the cross helped you today? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I haven't really noticed, if I'm honest * Molly smiles sadly (Molly) Given how hard it was for you to rebuild your relationship with Him, I can imagine that has been... complicated today? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) somewhat * Molly watches him (Molly) You would prefer not to discuss it? (@Morgan) not right now * Molly smiles a little, nodding (Molly) Another time, in the future * @Morgan nods (Molly) Well then I shall simply have to turn my Eisen Determination to being there, won't I? You know I cannot bear not solving puzzles *she smiles* * @Morgan nods again (@Morgan) Ana is rather impressed with our code writing (Molly) **he starts to be able to hear faint conversation in the hall * @Morgan tries to listen (Molly) She would be impressed with the one of those letters on the table that is entirely written in it then * @Morgan chuckles quietly (Molly) Ana: I haven't given anyone an update, I will wait until I am told to. But His Grace has asked for Morgan to come to him (Molly) That one is for the future, for when you Would be healed a little, and is very much not fit for anyone else to read! * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) Best wait and tell me yourself then blossom (Molly) Marta: I will let him know, wait there. * Molly smiles (Molly) If I can, I will tell you in all the glorious detail, many times over (@Morgan) I will hold you to that (Molly) You may hold me to anything you wish then, I swear it * @Morgan nods slowly (Molly) Marta: *She comes back in, looking at Molly first, whose colour has started to return to her cheeks slightly due to the blushing. She is still pale, but no longer scarily so (Molly) Marta: His Grace has asked for you, Morgan * @Morgan nods, looking at Molly (@Morgan) my attendance depends entirely on Molly's wellbeing at this point * Molly speaks quietly (Molly) Won't you get in trouble if you do not go? (@Morgan) Probably, but I shall not leave if I am needed here (Molly) I... I don't want you to go. If something happens, your face would not be the last thing I saw. * @Morgan looks to Marta (Molly) **Marta watches him back, and her expression gives away nothing (@Morgan) Unless you can tell me she is safe, then I would ask you send word I am not willing to leave (Molly) *Marta shakes her head* I cannot promise you that it isn't a possibility that she could suddenly haemorrhage (@Morgan) If you were me... what would you do? (Molly) **Marta frowns, looking unimpressed (Molly) M: I wouldn't even be asking that question. (@Morgan) No, you'd be sending word that you would come only when it was safe (Molly) Marta: I wouldn't leave. Though the risk is much less than earlier, I could not bear not being here if the worst happened. (@Morgan) Then please send word that that is what I intend (@Morgan) with my apologies (Molly) **Marta nods, checking the time* Fifteen more minutes until the danger is gone {anxiety, concern} * @Morgan nods, looking back to Molly * Molly watches Marta go before looking to him (Molly) I appreciate you defying an Eisenfurst for me, liebes herz *her lips quirk up with a playful amusement he's all too familiar with and has not really seen since the previous night* (@Morgan) Theus himself would have to wait if he called me now * Molly looks at him intently, then looks away (Molly) As soon as I am allowed to, you will discover how much I appreciate that sentiment! (@Morgan) I look forward to it blossom * Molly smiles (Molly) I wonder what he wanted though? (@Morgan) Probably... to ask after you (Molly) I think even 10% is too much risk to tell anyone yet... (@Morgan) I agree (Molly) Does everyone know? (@Morgan) Word has spread, but I do not know who knows what exactly (Molly) That is the way with a large household staff *She smiles, voice quieter* all the gossip * @Morgan nods * Molly looks thoughtful a moment (Molly) You never told me the scandalous gossip you heard from the maids about a certain Graf (@Morgan) ah, yes.,... very scandalous * Molly looks excited (Molly) Yes? * @Morgan tells her * Molly looks shocked and amused, and somehow manages not to laugh (Molly) He has an... unusual taste in women! * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) There is little I love more than scandalous gossip... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've noticed your liking for it... * Molly gives him a glance of mock innocence (Molly) Riding, perhaps... * @Morgan nods (Molly) And, of course, dancing... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye (Molly) And you. Definitely you. (@Morgan) I had noticed a sort of fascination you have with me (Molly) It is a dreadful affliction, to be sure * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) must be * Molly giggles again, then becomes more solemn, voice quiet (Molly) I am scared. (@Morgan) Is something more wrong? (Molly) No, nothing. Apart from feeling like I have been trampled by a horse, I feel quite well (@Morgan) Then what scares you blossom? (Molly) That it is not over yet. That everything could still go wrong * @Morgan nods solemnly (@Morgan) as am I (Molly) I want to stay. So very badly. * @Morgan nods, kissing her hand (@Morgan) We will know soon * Molly opens her hand, gently stroking his cheek (Molly) Each minute takes us closer to safety... but I worry that the Forrester Luck will choose this time to reassert itself (@Morgan) I understand. All we can do for now is hope and enjoy this time * Molly nods (Molly) I have enjoyed this, liebes herz. I have had twenty happy minutes with you, and that is better than twenty years with another * @Morgan smiles slightly (@Morgan) You needn't go through this again to spend time with me, you know (Molly) I believe you once told me I could have almost anything I wanted from you, just by asking. * @Morgan nods (Molly) That would seem like an option that makes much less work for the laundry * @Morgan nods again * Molly smiles (Molly) You have been an amazing husband, liebes herz (@Morgan) You think so? (Molly) I do. *she watches his expression, hers affectionate rather than playful* (@Morgan) I rather think the same about you... though wife, rather than, you know, husband (Molly) I am not nearly bossy enough in the bedroom to be a husband! *she smirks* * @Morgan shrugs slightly (@Morgan) in the stables, however... * Molly smiles, cheeks becoming slightly pinker again (Molly) In the stables, I will always be very bossy, if you wish (@Morgan) I may yet take you up on that (Molly) **Marta appears at the door checking again before looking to Morgan (Molly) His Grace said to say he will wait upon you, whenever you are feeling able, and you will find him in his chapel praying for Molly again * @Morgan nods, thanking her (Molly) **Marta goes again (Molly) His Grace has been praying for me? * @Morgan nods * @Morgan speaks quietly (@Morgan) and getting books thrown at him by his wife... * Molly looks confused (Molly) I... I don't understand (@Morgan) Varick has seen her * Molly whispers (Molly) In the house? * @Morgan nods (Molly) And she threw a book? (@Morgan) the holy book in the chapel, to a page marking a passage that was her favourite. She was trying to help me persuade him, I'm told * Molly looks intrigued (Molly) And now I have even more questions! * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) later blossom, when we won't be disturbed * Molly nods. In the parlour, a clock strikes five, the time in which they estimated a second midwife would be essential. He estimates 25 minutes have passed since the lining came out (Molly) I wish I could pause this moment, just freeze it and stay here with you forever * @Morgan sighs quietly (@Morgan) I know exactly what you mean * Molly strokes his cheek (Molly) The moment before the dawn... ((pv)) * @Morgan nods (Molly) **He hears Marta talking in the hall (Molly) Marta: Tell Hilda and the Priest to be ready to come up immediately if the bell is rung * Molly hasn't heard, just quietly resting on his shoulder (Molly) I'm not sure I am brave enough to know there is no hope... * @Morgan strokes her cheek (@Morgan) I know how you feel * Molly gazes into his eyes (Molly) I... *her eyes fill with tears* (@Morgan) sshhh now blossom (Molly) I can't not kiss you, just in case * @Morgan places his lips to hers gently * Molly kisses him equally gently, and he can feel her tears on his cheek * Molly pulls away first (Molly) No matter how long we had, it was never, ever, going to be long enough... * @Morgan nods, looking at her solemnly * Molly watches him, swallowing hard (Molly) Even now, I regret none of it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm glad (Molly) Never forget it, okay? (@Morgan) Never, blossom, I promise (Molly) Thank you (Molly) **He can hear Marta approaching * Molly hears her too, inhaling deeply and squaring her shoulders * @Morgan takes her hand, holding it tightly * Molly squeezes it (Molly) **Marta comes in. Her quiet calmness would be reassuring to anyone less perceptive, but Morgan can see that she is also steeling herself** it's time * Molly nods, squeezing again * @Morgan follows her actions (Molly) Marta: *She looks to Morgan* Molly has to get up and move. It's only once she's walked a little that we can be entirely sure there will be no haemorrhage. I want you to hold on to her as she walks to the bathroom. Then we will give her a minutes privacy, and she can tell us whether there's bleeding. * @Morgan nods, moving so he can help her up * Molly breathes slowly, watching him (Molly) Marta: You will be tender, that's alright, it's only bad pain we need to worry about. * Molly moves gingerly to the side of the bed, placing her bare feet on the floor (Molly) ((Attention?)) (@Morgan) ((Molly)) * @Morgan holds his hands out, ready to help * Molly takes his hands, letting him help her up. She trembles, and though there is a smile, her eyes are solemn (Molly) **Marta leads the way slowly "You can't lock the door, just incase we have to open it in a hurry" * Molly smiles a little at Morgan, trying so very hard to be brave (Molly) It saves Morgan breaking a third door on this trip! * @Morgan smiles every so slightly (@Morgan) I do enjoy it, though (Molly) You do * Molly manages the short walk without incidence. She watches him a moment at the threshold (Molly) I love you, liebes herz (@Morgan) and I you blossom * Molly takes a deep breath, stepping in and shutting the door. Marta glances at Morgan to check on him * @Morgan looks at her, solemn and clearly scared (Molly) **She puts a hand on his arm, trying to give reassurance but says nothing. **Molly is quiet within the bathroom. The tension in Marta is clear and it is obvious that the danger is still present. (Molly) *He hears Molly's thoughts, a preparatory prayer "Heavenly Father, please, please do not put him through this again. Amen" * @Morgan closes his eyes, bowing his head slightly (Molly) **The silence is deafening until he hears Molly sob with relief (Molly) No bleeding! * @Morgan looks to Marta (Molly) **Marta puts one arm on the wall, her body almost folding around exhalation of silent relief head bowed, shoulders dropping, and it becomes all too apparent how very close to disaster this was. She crosses herself. (Molly) In her voice when she calls to Molly, there is no sign of this (Molly) "Excellent. You are now all clear and safe". ** You're now known as Marta * Marta looks at Morgan * @Morgan lets out a breath he didn't realise he was holding * Marta gives him a brief salute, smiling (Marta) We have won. The battle is over, stand down, soldier. * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) Thank you, Marta (Marta) Thank _you_, you got her through it (Marta) **there's the sound of the taps turning on then off as they talk (Marta) **behind him, there's an industrious sound of his three friendly maids rapidly remaking the bed. (@Morgan) She is to rest? * Marta looks hugely relieved (Marta) Yes, there's no bleeding risk now, but it was a huge blood loss so we want her to take it easy so she rebuilds her strwngth * @Morgan nods * @Morgan glances over at the maids (Marta) She isn't fragile, so don't be concerned , just tender. We'll discuss the rest of how we care for her now later. (Marta) **Ana, Katherine and Mia are hard at work (@Morgan) ladies... (Marta) **they all stop, curtseying * @Morgan bows deeply (@Morgan) the four of you have saved my world, and I shall be forever grateful (Marta) **The maids all blush, looking relieved (Marta) Ana: congratulations, my Lord * Marta touches Morgan's elbow * @Morgan looks to her (Marta) I need to go and send Hilda and the Priest home, will you stay with her til I am back? * @Morgan nods * Marta curtsies, a general who has left the battlefield and returned at a world where normal social niceties resume * Marta goes. The maids watch him for instructions ** You're now known as Molly (@Morgan) Alright ladies, coffee and food please, she'll need to regain some strength (Molly) Mia: My Lord, what shall we do about your brother? I've proper tripped over him twice now (Molly) **Ana and Katherine leave (@Morgan) Tell him she is safe, and I will speak with him soon (Molly) *She curtsies, leaving. As soon as the main nursery door is closed, Molly opens the bathroom door. She's wearing a different gown, dark green that compliments her hair, and her face looks freshly washed and dried. * Molly just looks at him, utterly and uncommonly speechless * @Morgan looks her over for a moment (@Morgan) sit * Molly does so, in the threshold between the bathroom and the parlour * @Morgan raises an eyebrow (@Morgan) you know exactly what I meant * Molly stands, looking a little embarrased (Molly) Sorry, liebes herz * Molly sits on the nearest couch * @Morgan nods slightly (@Morgan) The maids are bringing coffee and food * Molly just nods * Molly watches him, her breathing slow, deep, trying to read him * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) Lets try not to do that again, shall we? * Molly speaks quietly (Molly) Come here, liebes herz * @Morgan goes to her * Molly motions for him to kneel in front of the couch, still quiet (Molly) Just there, please * @Morgan does so * Molly moves to the edge, parting her knees so She can get close enough to wrap her arms around him under his (Molly) Can... can you stay a few minutes? * @Morgan nods * Molly puts her head into the beloved curve between his shoulder and neck, and dissolves into a flood of relieved sobbing in his embrace * @Morgan holds her to him, murmuring platitudes (Molly) **the worst of the sobbing passes within a couple of minutes, until it is just crying interspersed with her telling him over and over how much she loves him (@Morgan) Its alright blossom, you are safe * Molly nods (Molly) I know, but I have a lot of feelings nonetheless (@Morgan) I know blossom * Molly starts to calm, and a few minutes later, she loosens her grip on him, moving away a little * Molly looks at him directly, almost disconcertingly so (Molly) How are _you_? (@Morgan) I am fine blossom (@Morgan) now... (Molly) **She continues to watch him for any signs that he is not fine* * @Morgan smiles slightly (Molly) Sure? (@Morgan) I am fine enough blossom * Molly nods slowly (Molly) You would tell me if you weren't? You wouldn't be all damnably Eisen about it? (@Morgan) I promise * Molly nods (Molly) The moment you stop being fine, I want you to come to me. It is very hard not to be able to give comfort in return. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as you wish blossom * Molly nods, and there's a knock at the door * Molly looks at him a moment (Molly) I had best get dressed * Molly stands up (@Morgan) Probably, aye * @Morgan stands up * Molly goes in to the bedroom, closing the door behind her * @Morgan goes to open the other door (Molly) **Ana and Mia have trays, and Marta follows on in their wake ** You're now known as Marta * Marta looks at Morgan a moment (Marta) Is she back in bed? (@Morgan) She's getting dressed, but she's spent until this moment sat down * Marta nods (Marta) Alright. I should imagine you are eager to go and put other people's minds at rest, and I won't be leaving again now (@Morgan) I'll wait until she's dressed... I don't wish her to come out and I've disappeared (Marta) **It takes a couple of minutes, but she appears still barefoot in the montaigne dress he buried his face in whilst taking it off the line * @Morgan smiles slightly * Marta nods to herself, pouring coffee (Marta) **Molly smiles a little. There's still a little solemnity in it, but she seems alright (@Morgan) Blossom, will you be alright if I go to the Eisenfurst now? (Marta) **She nods* of course * @Morgan nods, fetching his coat (@Morgan) I will try not to be long, though I suspect my father will want long winded reassurance (Marta) Molly: please Thank him for his kind note earlier. Tell him his lovely sentiment helped me get through it * @Morgan nods, moving to the door (@Morgan) I will blossom (Marta) *She watches him go* * @Morgan smiles at her before moving through the doorway (Marta) *He gets to the top of the stairs before encountering Edward sat on the top step, his head bowed * @Morgan puts his hand on Edwards shoulder ** You're now known as Edward * Edward stands up, putting a small book in his pocket (Edward) I am glad she is alright * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as am I * Edward puts his hand on Morgan's shoulder, speaking quietly (Edward) How are you? (@Morgan) Relieved, and grateful... which reminds me * @Morgan digs the flask out of his pocket * Edward takes it, shaking it again, then puts it away (Edward) You're welcome * Edward stretches like a man who has been sat in an uncomerable spot far too long (Edward) It is all over now? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) she must rest but she will get better (Edward) Good. **Edwards shoulder, the one he took the duelling shot makes a sickening crunch* (@Morgan) I take it you've seen a physician about that? * Edward nods, looking solemn (Edward) I saw the barber surgeon on the day I first damage it. My own fault. (@Morgan) Have you seen anyone since? (Edward) After the shot, yes. The underlying damage cannot be fixed. *his Expression starts to look grim* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I see (Edward) The pain is infrequent, the noise not do much (Edward) So* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) my back is similar, but not so loud * Edward nods (Edward) How did you do it? (@Morgan) its a culmination of many fights, and many falls, often into things * Edward nods (Edward) My shoulder was from a fall whilst bearing a heavy load (@Morgan) that'd do it * Edward nods, looking away (Edward) We should find father. I left him and Claudia with Varick an hour ago when she came back so I could be here * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've also been summoned to the Eisenfurst * Edward nods (Edward) Father will want to see thatbyoure alright for himself * @Morgan nods * Edward waits for Morgan to pick a direction (@Morgan) Where is father? I must be quick (Edward) The library. He hides it well for Varick, but he's been beside himself all afternoon * @Morgan nods, setting off for the library (@Morgan) He cares for her a great deal (Edward) He does indeed. I suspect even if, Theus forbid, you were to divorce her, he wouldn't let her go * Edward follows along, his hour long vigil at the top of the stairs ended (@Morgan) Just as well that will never come to pass * Edward nods (Edward) He would go off the deep end at the thought of a Koertig divorce anyway * @Morgan chuckles (@Morgan) very true (Edward) That would be a good time to let him see my tattoo, it is about the only thing that would stop me getting thrashed I suspect (@Morgan) I suppose I could tell him we were divorcing if you feel such a pressing need to show him the tattoo (Edward) **They get onto the lower floor but not near the library, when Morgan hears quiet, tense voices (Edward) No, I'd save you the thrashing! * @Morgan motions Edward to be quiet * Edward follows the instruction * @Morgan listens, moving quietly (Edward) **It's Colonel Fuchs talking to someone (Edward) CF: I am sure His Grace will be accommodating (Edward) **The response is too quiet to hear * @Morgan frowns, speaking quietly to Edward (@Morgan) tense voices put me on edge at the moment (Edward) CF: He has done it for others before, and I am sure he will understand your reasoning * Edward just nods * @Morgan moves towards the voices (Edward) CF: I think we all are right now (Edward) **me gets to a point where he is just around the corner from Fuchs. Again, quiet reply then (Edward) CF: I can put it in there for you, same as before * Edward glances at Morgan, frowning * @Morgan walks round the corner (Edward) **Fuchs is talking to Stef. She still has a cloak on, and the same travelling bag as earlier. They both spot Morgan, their expressions equally showing deep concern and compassion, tense * @Morgan smiles slightly (@Morgan) all is well (Edward) **Both of them look massively relieved. Stef comes over, taking Morgan's hand just as she did earlier. She looks like she might cry* I am very relieved for you * Edward watches them, quiet (Edward) **Fuchs comes to stand by Stef* My regards to her, please. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) of course. You are both well? (Edward) **Stef lets go, moving into the protection of the arm the Colonel wraps around her. Stef: Much better for having your happy news * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) There is nothing wrong? (Edward) CF: *He excuses him and Morgan, leaving Stef congratulating Edward on his betrothal* The lawyers and other magistrates left around four thirty, and His Grace has received their recommendation. I am told he sent for you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I will be on my way as soon as I have set my father and Varicks mind to rest (Edward) **He nods** of course (@Morgan) So my friend, what is the issue here? (Edward) CF: The deliberations were quicker than anticipated. I have No idea what their recommendation is. (@Morgan) And that causes you and Stef tension? (Edward) CF: No, we were just worried about the Veisgrafin and yourself * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I am grateful to you both (@Morgan) Your wife was a great comfort this morning (Edward) Cf: There is no need. Stef wanted to be here, she was at the church when the Priest was sent for, and rode up with him so she could stay overnight to support you, anticipating the worst * @Morgan nods (Edward) CF: We will both be around, if either of you need anything at all. I will let you get on with your business (Edward) **He picks up a snatch of conversation* (Edward) It is a tradition in Graben, as it is the longest night of the year. * @Morgan nods to Fuchs (@Morgan) Edward... lets find father... Stef, if you'll excuse us... (Edward) **She curtsies, looking very relieved. Edward bows, heading towards the library ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia is stood outside and the moment Morgan comes into view, she gestures "are you okay?" (@Morgan) 'Fine. All safe' * Claudia nods slightly, opening the door * @Morgan grasps her forearm, locking eyes with her for a moment before nodding and moving into the room ** You're now known as Adalbrecht * Adalbrecht is up a library ladder whilst Varick is stood pointing at the top shelf * @Morgan walks towards Varick (Adalbrecht) V: No, the other blue one! (Adalbrecht) Both have their backs to him * Adalbrecht frowns (@Morgan) No, not _that_ blue one * Adalbrecht nearly falls off the ladder, which makes Varick laugh. Edward snorts before shielding the laugh with a cough * Adalbrecht gives Morgan a look of deep concern, solemn (Adalbrecht) V: *he runs over to Morgan happily the only one who has not endured the day's torture * @Morgan lifts the boy, cuddling him * @Morgan looks to his father (@Morgan) All is well (Adalbrecht) V: *He holds him tightly whispering in his ear* I already knew that * @Morgan whispers to Varick (@Morgan) I'm not surprised * Adalbrecht looks intensely relieved, and it takes him a moment to get down, eyes a little blurred. (Adalbrecht) V: *normal volume* It must be tea time now, it has been a reeeeeally long day * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) V: *with a perception beyond his years, he glances around the adults* Shall I go to the kitchen and see if the cake is ready now? * @Morgan puts the boy back down (@Morgan) you've not had your cake yet? (Adalbrecht) V: *He shakes his head* I was saving it for when Molly was better * @Morgan nods, smiling (@Morgan) good lad * @Morgan looks at his father (@Morgan) The Eisenfurst has summoned me (Adalbrecht) E: I'll take Varick and get him fed. We'll be in the breakfast room * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) V: *He looks happy with this, and says something quietly to Edward that Morgan can just overhear as they leave " He nearly fell off the ladder!" * Adalbrecht watches Morgan once they are alone (Adalbrecht) How is she now? (@Morgan) Tired, but she will be alright (Adalbrecht) And you? (@Morgan) Relieved. I'll also be alright * Adalbrecht places a hand paternally on his shoulder (Adalbrecht) Theus be thanked. When Claudia came back to us, after you were summoned, I really thought she wouldn't make it (@Morgan) It was extremely close. * Adalbrecht shakes his head solemnly (Adalbrecht) I cannot even fathom what you have been through today * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) once I've processed it all, I'll tell you (Adalbrecht) I am here for you, Morgan. And I am incredibly proud of you. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Thank you father. * @Morgan looks to remember something, undoing the chain around his neck (@Morgan) You must have this back... * Adalbrecht smiles (Adalbrecht) Thank you (@Morgan) and Molly sends her thanks for your note, and told me to say your lovely sentiment helped her through it * Adalbrecht takes the cross, fastening it back on (Adalbrecht) I am glad. Let us hope she is never in the situation where I need to loan it to you again! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Now, I really must see the Eisenfurst, I have already kept him waiting * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) Off you go then {heavily accented Avalonian} dear boy ((as Verity calls him)) * @Morgan tilts his head slightly (@Morgan) not bad, not bad.... * @Morgan turns and heads off to find the EIsenfurst