** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Monday, 14 September 2020 20:32:03 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** You're now known as Faulk (Faulk) **The house is fairly quiet, and he passes no servants on the walk to the chapel * @Morgan knocks on the chapel door * Faulk coughs a moment, clearing his voice (Faulk) Kommen Sie * @Morgan opens the door, going inside * Faulk watches him. It is clear this is a man who was widowed from a beloved wife due to illness who is expecting to discover the same has happened to someone he cares about. His expression is grim yet empathetic * @Morgan smiles slightly (@Morgan) Your vigil is over, your grace, all is well * Faulk exhales heavily, looking shocked and relieved (Faulk) When it got so late, I feared the worst (@Morgan) I wa... no, I _needed_ to wait with her until all danger had passed (Faulk) Of course, exactly as you should have done (Faulk) I certainly would not have missed being there for Marguerite at the end just for an Eisenfurst * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I am grateful for your understanding * Faulk smiles (Faulk) And how is our dear Veisgrafin now? (@Morgan) weakened, but she will be alright with rest (Faulk) Can I Do anything for her? (@Morgan) Not that I can think of right now, but I shall send word if she asks for anything from you. (Faulk) If there is anything she needs or wants, tell the staff and it will be hers * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) speaking of the staff... (Faulk) Yes? (@Morgan) Three in particular have gone beyond their duty to help us. They deserve something for that, I feel * Faulk smiles (Faulk) You have something in mind? (@Morgan) Not yet... I've had a lot of think about * Faulk nods, a hint of sadness in it (Faulk) I am very, very glad you have not lost her, Morgan (@Morgan) as am I, your grace... as am I (Faulk) How are _you_ managing now? (@Morgan) I'm alright * Faulk nods (Faulk) Good. (@Morgan) I think your housekeeper disapproves of me * Faulk speaks quietly (Faulk) I am fairly sure she disapproves of me also * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) then I am in good company * Faulk nods (Faulk) She is a very efficient and reliable housekeeper though, so I do not begrudge her it (@Morgan) I begrudge her admonishing one of the staff for something I asked to do... (Faulk) I will speak with her * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) and then she shall begrudge us some more * Faulk smiles (Faulk) Most likely. Now, loathe as I am to keep your from your wife, I wanted to talk to you about the magistrates recommendation * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Would you mind if we did that elsewhere, with coffee perhaps? (Faulk) If you can be spared that long, of course * @Morgan nods * Faulk leads the way to a small, drawing room that is far less fancy and formal as the rest. It appears to be his personal drawing room * Faulk rings the bell, telling Morgan to take a seat. He is watching briefly out of a window when Ana appears at the door and is given the instruction for coffee. She doesn't spot Morgan, but he recognises her voice (Faulk) **It takes a few minutes, but Ana brings in the tray, and then smiles when she sees Morgan. This is the most relaxed he has seen her since her worried confession early about Molly's sudden heavy bleeding * @Morgan smiles ather (Faulk) A: *She curtsies, unable to break the rules and ask the question she wishes to* My Lord * Faulk thanks her, pouring the coffee (@Morgan) Its nice to see you a little more relaxed now that all is well, Ana (Faulk) A: Thank you, my Lord * Faulk watches them a moment (Faulk) That will be all for now, thank you Ana. (Faulk) *Ana curtsies and goes* * Faulk hands Morgan coffee before sitting in an old chair that looks like it belonged in his original farmstead home (Faulk) Ana has been helping you? * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (@Morgan) I have an unconventional relationship with household staff * Faulk nods slowly (Faulk) So I see (@Morgan) That causes you concern... (Faulk) No * Faulk sips his coffee (Faulk) Will you be joining us for dinner? It is an enquiry, not a request (@Morgan) Possibly, though I'm not sure * Faulk nods (Faulk) We will excuse you, of course * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (Faulk) I assume our dear Veisgrafin will be resting in the nursery? (@Morgan) I would assume so, though she can be very... determined. * Faulk smiles (Faulk) It sounds like that determination must have paid off today * @Morgan nods * Faulk sips his coffee, obviously mentally changing topics (Faulk) The deliberation was a passionate one I am told, and concluded a while ago. The matter has now been given back to my final judgement * @Morgan nods, setting his coffee down * Faulk watches Morgan's actions and expression * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) what was their conclusion? (Faulk) The recommendation is that I prioritise protecting the Konigsreich's reputation over exacting retribution for Alarice's plotting of my and my son's assasinations (@Morgan) meaning... (Faulk) It was strongly recommended that providing Molly still wishes it, Alarice is to be executed for attempted murder, rather than murdering her late husband, or high treason (@Morgan) I would like to know the reasoning behind not punishing her for Karstens murder (Faulk) Because almost no-one knows about it, but it is already widespread knowledge that she poisoned a Veisgrafin. The recommendation is that this is the cleanest option, keeping all the unpleasant details out of the public eye, and further more out of the ears of our neighbouring Eisenfursts * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) that matches the feeling I'd picked up locally... and what are you thinking on it? (Faulk) It is challenging. I feel she ought to pay for her treason, but that could not have occurred had Isiah been... easier natured, or had I been more willing to ignore their indiscretions * Faulk continues to watch Morgan closely * @Morgan sighs, picking up his coffee (Faulk) You disapprove now also? (@Morgan) of? (Faulk) Of the recommendation (@Morgan) also? Can I take it from that you disapprove of it? (Faulk) No, in that Frau Liebstern disapproves * Faulk sips his coffee (@Morgan) My approval or otherwise is irrelevant, though it is concerning that you seem to take some of the burden for her treason. Indiscretions or otherwise, she was not _driven_ to make those plans. (Faulk) It put the Konigsreich in a vulnerable position (@Morgan) She'd have been a danger in some other way, if not with Isiah, with whomever she latched her claws into, making them subversive to her own plans (Faulk) But she would not have come within a hair's breadth of being a solo Eisenfurstin then * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) perhaps. Perhaps there would have been a coup. (Faulk) Who is to say? However, I want to know your opinions. * @Morgan sips his coffee, staring at the desk * Faulk waits patiently (@Morgan) What difference does it make? (Faulk) Because I value your views, and because as Molly's husband you are able to either press or withdraw her claim (@Morgan) No no, thats not what I mean... What difference does it make which charge she is punished for (Faulk) Because petty treason and high treason will both see her burnt at the stake, and last I knew, you were opposed to her suffering that fate * Faulk watches him (@Morgan) So... objectively, High Treason potentially harms the koenigsreich and its almost completely secret, petty treason barely anyone knew of, but the attack on Molly is widely known, has no ill effects to the koenigsreichs reputation. While this may seem an unusual question for me to be asking... what does it do to the reputation of Sudlachenburg, or the Koertigs? (Faulk) Little harm at all, if any. It is not hugely uncommon for family strife and ambition to lead to situations like this. Also, Sudlachenburg would benefit from a stronger, respected Konigsreich (@Morgan) And the ultimate difference in punishments? (Faulk) If I have a definite confirmation that Molly's suit will be pressed, I feel it is only right, given what she has suffered, that Molly can decide how she wishes the execution to be carried out, be it hanging or beheading. If I am left only the options of petty or high treason, then you know the method those incur. (@Morgan) But ultimately she will be executed. (Faulk) Yes. There is no question that Alarice can be potentially allowed to continue wreaking havoc. * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (@Morgan) Then, objectively speaking, where is the advantage of pursuing anything but the charge of attempting to kill Molly? (Faulk) There isn't one. But I can only do that with confirmation that that is the wish of Molly, or her Husband as one with authority over her. (@Morgan) So the question, really, is how much we wish her to suffer, and whether or not we are willing to put that aside to benefit our homes, assuming we would want her to suffer. * @Morgan sips his coffee, watching Faulk * Faulk nods, watching him (Faulk) That is the question. I appreciate that you have had a long day, and that Molly needs to rest, so you do not need to give me an answer tonight. However, I would like to have resolved this by the end of the weekend. * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) Molly would want her punished for her attempt to kill her (Faulk) You are certain, given what she has endured today? (@Morgan) I am. I told you earlier that she wished you to count what she endured as her plea to have her punishment changed to anything but burning. * Faulk looks thoughtful, drinking his coffee (@Morgan) It is not Alarice she wishes to spare from her burning... (Faulk) You are able to override her decision in this, if you want or need retribution. (@Morgan) I would not lose her respect, harm Varicks well being and damage your koenigsreich to see her burn... and besides, as much as I want her to suffer, I do not wish her to suffer _that_ * Faulk nods (Faulk) I understand. (Faulk) Then she will be sentenced to die for her attempted murder of a Veisgrafin. Do you need time to speak to Molly about whether she would prefer hanging ((likely to take several minutes of strangulation and pain)) or beheading ((instant unless the executioner makes a crap job of it)) * @Morgan shrugs slightly (@Morgan) I'd have to ask (Faulk) Unless you wish to make that decision on her behalf (@Morgan) How good is your executioner? (Faulk) He has never mis-struck so far (@Morgan) That'd be the most merciful * Faulk nods slowly (Faulk) It would. * Faulk sips his coffee (@Morgan) I'd imagine that'll be her choice, but I've been wrong before (Faulk) Then you would like to come back to me with an answer by breakfast? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think that would be the best option... I don't feel I should make the decision for her * Faulk shrugs a little (Faulk) You are her husband. It is rare for women to make these decisions for themselves (@Morgan) Rare it may be, but so is she * Faulk smiles (Faulk) Indeed. Her loss would have been a sad loss for the Konigsreich also. * @Morgan nods (Faulk) Do you have anything you would like to ask about the situation with Alarice? * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) In all honesty, I am sick of thinking about it * Faulk nods (Faulk) I would imagine so. *he sips his coffee* Something unusual occurred at the mine earlier (@Morgan) oh? (Faulk) Usually they work from sunrise to sun down. At not long after four this afternoon, work stopped... (@Morgan) Thats unusual * Faulk smiles slightly (Faulk) It gets more unusual * @Morgan sips his coffee (Faulk) All of the Nieblungen left their dwellings and went down into the mine * Faulk seems to be enjoying this tale, watching Morgan's reaction (@Morgan) You said they were already working... (Faulk) They generally work the Dracheneisen to it finished state above ground * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I see (Faulk) For over an hour, there were no hammer sounds, no smoke from chimneys, no smelting. Just silence. (@Morgan) What were they doing? (Faulk) I have no idea. Then as suddenly as They had stopped work, they came back out and started again. Since then it as if nothing happened (@Morgan) They are an unusual people (Faulk) Very. It has never happened before (@Morgan) They have _never_ stopped working? * Faulk sips his coffee (Faulk) They do not work in the dark, but there does not seem to be any specific religious holidays or events. They are busy each day (@Morgan) Peculiar (Faulk) Indeed * Faulk finishes the coffee, micro expression showing a little wariness (Faulk) Isiah is much less superstitious than most full blood Eisen men, as are my sons... (Faulk) Other* * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee, watching him (Faulk) Is this true for you, with being half Avalon? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) for the most part * Faulk looks at him frankly, becoming quieter (Faulk) Do you believe in ghosts? (@Morgan) If you ask me in public, no... however... * Faulk nods, though just watches him (@Morgan) I'm inclined to believe in them, aye (Faulk) I have never felt entirely alone in my chapel... I always thought it was because Theus was there. * @Morgan watches him (Faulk) But the holy book... (@Morgan) Alright, I'm going to be honest with you... I felt I was being watched in there. I've been in Vaticine chapels before and that has not been the case * @Morgan watchers Faulks reaction closely * Faulk looks slightly relieved (Faulk) When you mentioned it earlier, I wondered whether you could feel it too. And your beliefs about the presence of Theus within churches is likely to be less rigid than mine. (@Morgan) much less rigid * Faulk becomes quieter (Faulk) Do you think it plausible that Marguerite is still here, given that the particular passage was her favourite? (@Morgan) You think that was a message? * Faulk looks unsure (Faulk) I... I don't know. It would make sense, but I also do not know that I like the idea that she has not been at peace with Theus for the last thirty years (@Morgan) Perhaps she is at peace here, unwilling to leave yet * Faulk nods slowly (Faulk) I suppose that would be possible * Faulk seems to suddenly snap to attention (Faulk) My apologies, I am sure you have much to see to still this evening. * @Morgan waves it away (@Morgan) I would suggest rather than worrying she is not at peace with Theus, feel her warmth and comfort instead * Faulk smiles slightly, but it is clear this conversation has now become uncomfortable for him (Faulk) How long will your family need to prepare for the execution? (@Morgan) I'll find out. I'm of a mind to get it done quickly, but I am not of a common mindset (Faulk) Your father coming into line was extremely helpful * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think today affected him greatly. (Faulk) He was very upset when he came to me earlier, yes * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) we had come up with a way for him to protest the punishment but not stand against you as a Graf, but it seems it wasn't needed (Faulk) No, I think his concern about the consequences of what would happen if you lost Molly made him very disinclined to defend Alarice further * @Morgan nods (Faulk) He was very scared for you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I don't know how I would have reacted * Faulk nods (Faulk) It was a large concern of mine, I will say (@Morgan) I have promised to raise Varick (Faulk) That would have been important (@Morgan) I cannot say, however, that I would have been the same... * Faulk nods, a little solemn (Faulk) You're never quite the same ever again really * @Morgan nods, looking at the desk (Faulk) Still, that is thankfully not the situation we are finding ourselves in this evening * @Morgan nods (Faulk) You will let me know in the morning about the method, and how long is needed before the execution to prepare? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I will find out (Faulk) Good. *he smiles a little* Now I would suggest you make some time this evening to sit quietly and count your blessings * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I shall * Faulk nods, walking towards the door * @Morgan follows (Faulk) And anything the Konigsreich can provide, it shall (@Morgan) thank you, your grace * Faulk opens the door for him (Faulk) You are most welcome. Please give our dear Veisgrafin my very fondest regards, and tell her I am most relieved to hear she is recovering * @Morgan puts his hand on Faulks shoulder (@Morgan) Thank you, my friend. If you need to talk about anything, call on me. (Faulk) And you may count on that support from me also * Faulk smiles, inclining his head * @Morgan bows his head, heading off down the hallway