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Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Tuesday, 22 September 2020 20:30:51 British Summer Time
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** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667…
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** You have joined #7thseaic
** Fuchs has quit (Ping timeout: 250 seconds)
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Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Tuesday, 22 September 2020 20:58:11 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** You have joined #7thseaic
** You're now known as Stef
* Stef is not far from the door when he exits
* @Morgan nods to her
(@Morgan) Stef
* Stef 's voice is quiet as always
(Stef) Are you going back upstairs?
(@Morgan) That was my plan, aye
(Stef) I thought I might walk with you, if that is alright?
(@Morgan) Of course, though I must warn you Molly was going for a nap when I came down
* Stef smiles
(Stef) Actually, I wanted to talk to you
(@Morgan) oh?
* Stef starts heading away from the guards room. She raises her shoulders a moment, then rolls them tightly back with a stretch, making a brief wince
* @Morgan smiles slightly
(@Morgan) Mine do that
* Stef smiles. Her doll like features make her look much younger than she is
(Stef) It is an occupational hazard as a seamstress
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I suppose so
(Stef) It probably wasn't helped by years following the drum and sleeping on the bare ground though
(@Morgan) I suspect you might be right there
* Stef smiles
(Stef) I couldn't do it again now. When you're young, you notice it less
* @Morgan nods
* Stef becomes quiet briefly, waiting til they're on a less busy part of the route
(Stef) How are you today?
(@Morgan) I'm alright. The majority of the stressors have been removed
(Stef) I'm pleased to hear it. And Molly...?
(@Morgan) Needs frequent naps, and is emotional but otherwise well
(Stef) Excellent.
(@Morgan) and you?
* Stef smiles
(Stef) I am well, thank you
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) good
(Stef) I wanted to check I did not upset you yesterday...
(@Morgan) when?
(Stef) When I saw you in the morning, and gave you the advice
(@Morgan) It upset me a great deal, but more the realisation that it was a strong possibility
* Stef nods a little
(Stef) I am most sorry for that. I wondered afterwards that I had been too honest and forthright
(@Morgan) It was important I realised it, and you have my gratitude for it
(Stef) I wondered if I had over-reacted,  and read more into the situation than there was
* @Morgan shakes his head
(@Morgan) according to Marta, she is not sure how Molly made it through
* Stef looks at him a moment
(Stef) I cannot imagine that is easy
* @Morgan smiles
(@Morgan) No... given my.... previous feelings towards Theus, it does not sit well with me to have to believe it is His doing...
* Stef nods, smiling also
(Stef) I can understand that
(Stef) I lost my faith for quite a while afterwards. Where Kristoff blamed himself for that damned off-course musket ball, I blamed Him
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) Then, eventually, I started to miss it. I missed Church, and having someone to take all my feelings to
(@Morgan) I suppose one day I'll reach that
(Stef) Perhaps you will, or perhaps you won't. My sister in law, the one married to my brother that that asshole Kaufmann got  killed, she never has.
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) She is at ease with that. She tries to act with good intent and live a good life. But she won't go to communion, and she won't step foot anywhere near a church.
(@Morgan) I've been in some since our betrothal... though out of necessity rather than a wish to
(Stef) It is always complicated when community events lead you there
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I think, given how much I pleaded with Him yesterday, I should probably make an appearance in church that isn't dictated by social tradition
* Stef smiles a little
(Stef) I think the Priest thought I was planning to move in to the church, given how long I spent there praying yesterday
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) It is likely I wouldn't have moved until he locked the doors, had he not gotten the note Molly wrote
(@Morgan) oh?
(Stef) She had written to ask that he would come here for the last rites. She strikes me as very committed to the objectionist cause
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) without forcing it upon me... 
(Stef) I would imagine she is... cautious?
(@Morgan) cautious?
(Stef) Of pushing you to find your faith after your loss
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) She made mention of having converted from the Church Of Avalon in advance of the wedding
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) it was more or less required
(Stef) I would imagine when it involves high society, religion becomes even more contentious
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) Although, I must say, you and Molly are far more down to earth than I ever imagined a Veisgraf and Veisgrafin being
(@Morgan) I'll take that as a compliment
* Stef smiles
(Stef) It was intended as one
(@Morgan) I think too many get blinded by their own birthright, forgetting that they are meant to advance the people, not take advantage of them
* Stef considers this
(Stef) That is a very uncommon view
(@Morgan) I'm an uncommon sort of person
* Stef smiles
(Stef) You remind me of Kristoff in some ways
(@Morgan) More ways than you'd imagine
(Stef) Oh? Why is that?
(Stef) **They start to ascend the stairs
(@Morgan) I've done a similar role...
(Stef) Did you enjoy it?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) it had its moments
(Stef) Kristoff likes his work. It reminds him of the camaraderie of the War,  just with much less bloodshed
(@Morgan) It'd be easier for him if certain people weren't hell bent on being awkward
* Stef smiles
(Stef) That is true of most jobs. Certainly I have customers who seem to think a seamstress can work miracles
(@Morgan) from what I've seen, you can
* Stef blushes, smiling
(Stef) I like sewing for Molly. She has enough knowledge to understand what is possible, and enough inspiration to know what it is she wants
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) I suspect if she ever needed a trade, it would be a good choice for her
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) my desires for alterations are quite simple normally
(Stef) It is very practical to have a wife who can do that, rather than paying each time
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) and extra pockets aren't the hardest thing to add
* Stef smiles
(Stef) I have noticed the frock coat you wore for the ball had been adapted
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) I am sure one day men will learn to sew,  and women will have to find other professions
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) I can sew... not particularly well, but enough to get by
(Stef) That is very practical, especially in field hospitals
* @Morgan nods
(Stef) **they get to the top of the stairs*
(Stef) Hopefully, none of us will have to do that sort of sewing again
(@Morgan) we can hope
(Stef) **Somewhere very nearby, though in the other direction to the nursery, something ceramic drops and smashes on the hard floor. It is loud, sudden, and exactly the sort of thing to trigger Stef
* Stef freezes beside him, rigid, eyes closed. Her breathing is slow and deep. She repeats a phrase to herself like a mantra
* @Morgan moves closer to her, shielding her with his body, speaking quietly
(Stef) He is at peace. He is at peace. He is at peace.
(@Morgan) you're safe, I won't let any harm come to you
* Stef continues saying it, but nods in response
* @Morgan stays where he is, offering his presence while she calms herself
* Stef manages to get control surprisingly quickly, given the various recountings he has heard of her flashbacks
(Stef) I am sorry *She opens her eyes, breathing still controlled*
* @Morgan shakes his head
(@Morgan) No need
(Stef) **Katherine comes along, broken vase on a tray. She glances at them before curtseying
* @Morgan nods to her
(Stef) K: Sorry for the noise,  my lord
(@Morgan) These things happen Katherine
(Stef) K: *She heads down the stairs with the remnants*
* Stef breathes deep and sighs
(Stef) It is getting better
(@Morgan) Can I ask about the... mantra?
* Stef smiles a little
(Stef) Yes
(@Morgan) He is at peace?
(Stef) Axel. Generally the loud sudden noises send my mind back to him getting shot, and him dying in my arms
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I see
(Stef) It came to me on Monday, after the explosion in the stable here, and it has helped me immensely. I don't fight against the memory, I try to let it wash over me.
* @Morgan smiles slightly
(@Morgan) you swim with the tide...
* Stef looks a little puzzled, but smiles
(Stef) Yes. When I fight to hold on to him, the memories only get stronger
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I hope it gets easier for you
* Stef smiles
(Stef) As do I
(Stef) **she starts to move in the direction of the nursery
* @Morgan moves alongside her
(Stef) I would like for Kristoff to not feel upset when he makes an accidental noise that shakes me
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) given his love and concern for you, I don't know that'll be anytime soon
* Stef smiles warmly
(Stef) Probably not. He is a very protective, loving husband. I just did not know it
* @Morgan nods
* Stef looks at him
(Stef) I don't think I ever would have, if it weren't for you
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) Perhaps... someone would have pointed it out
(Stef) Kristoff would have reacted violently, I suspect
(@Morgan) truth be told, I was more or less expecting that
(Stef) Your reputation precedes you, he wouldn't have wanted to go up against you. Also, he respects you
(@Morgan) the latter is much more important to me
* Stef smiles
(Stef) I thought it might be
(Stef) **they get to the door
(Stef) Shall I wait to see if she is ready?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I won't be long
* @Morgan opens the door, slipping inside
(Stef) **Marta is stood by their open bedroom door with a smile, though there's no noise. She looks at Morgan, beckoning him over
* @Morgan heads over
(Stef) **Molly and Varick are asleep on the bed, both facing the door. She has one arm under his head, the other protectively over his body. They look peaceful. Marta takes a step back to give him space to stand in the doorway
* @Morgan watches them for a moment, smiling, before stepping away
(@Morgan) I'll tell Stef that now is not a good time
(Stef) Molly should really be eating and drinking again, and if Varick stays asleep you'll never get him to bed this evening...
** You're now known as Marta
* Marta glances back at them with a satisfied smile
(@Morgan) Alright, so, we'll let Stef in and get them up...
(Marta) Sometimes, after all the awfulness of whatever the situation was, there's a moment where it really hits home that it was a job well done...
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) even if we cant quite explain how...
* Marta smiles
(Marta) It might not have necessarily been _our_ job well done!
(Marta) *She organises the cups on the table
* @Morgan chuckles
(Marta) Will you be staying, or taking Varick out, my Lord?
(@Morgan) I'll take him out... I expect that Molly could do with some female company for a time
* Marta nods
(Marta) I will give them some space and work on the recollections I promised to write for Varick about him and his birth father
* @Morgan nods, going to the door and motioning Stef inside
(Marta) **This is what they do. Having gently woken them, he takes Varick out with the intention of going to see his new pony in the stables**
** You are now disconnected

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Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 23 September 2020 13:55:46 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** You have joined #7thseaic
(@Morgan) * Morgan chuckles
(@Morgan)  <Marta> Will you be staying, or taking Varick out, my Lord?
(@Morgan)  <Morgan> I'll take him out... I expect that Molly could do with some female company for a time
(@Morgan)  * Marta nods
(@Morgan)  <Marta> I will give them some space and work on the recollections I promised to write for Varick about him and his birth father
(@Morgan)  * Morgan nods, going to the door and motioning Stef inside
(@Morgan)  <Marta> **This is what they do. Having gently woken them, he takes Varick out with the intention of going to see his new pony in the stables**
** You're now known as Varick
* Varick is happily chatting about his pony, and when they get to the bottom of the stairs they almost bump in to Katherine, whose tray now contains not broken ceramic, but coffee in a pot
(Varick) K: *she watches Morgan whilst curtseying* My Lords
(@Morgan) Katherine...
(Varick) K: I thought the Veisgrafin would like more coffee, my Lord
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) more than likely, aye
(Varick) K: Was that where Frau Fuchs was going, my Lord?
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) K: *She nods a little slower than usual* I'll be on my way, my Lord
* Varick watches between the grown ups
(@Morgan) is there a problem?
(Varick) K: No, my Lord
(@Morgan) you are sure?
(Varick) K: Yes, my Lord
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) very well
(Varick) K: *She curtsies before heading up the stairs*
* @Morgan carries on
* Varick looks at Morgan
(Varick) Why are some people maids and some people Ladies?
(@Morgan) Because some of them are born to noble parents, or marry lords
(Varick) Maids don't marry Lords.
(@Morgan) generally, no
(Varick) That's not allowed
(@Morgan) it should be
(Varick) Lords have to marry Ladies
(Varick) Why should it be?
(@Morgan) Why shouldn't people be allowed to marry whomever they love? 
* Varick shrugs
(Varick) Did my daddy love my real mother?
(@Morgan) I don't know Varick, I wasn't there... which reminds me, Edward would like to talk to you, he remembers your mother quite well
(Varick) How did Uncle Edward know her but not you?
(@Morgan) Edward used to spend time with your father and Lady Eldreich, so he met her
* Varick nods
(Varick) I would like to know more about her
(@Morgan) Thats what I thought. 
* Varick abruptly stops in the hallway as if hearing his name
* @Morgan stops, looking at the boy
* Varick seems to be listening, then nods, and carries on walking
(Varick) Why didn't you visit with my father?
(@Morgan) Mostly because I was in the navy at the time
* Varick nods
(Varick) Did you like being in the navy?
(Varick) **they get out into the sunshine
(@Morgan) mostly, I suppose. 
(Varick) Colonel Fuchs was in the navy
(@Morgan) was he?
* Varick seems to be listening to something briefly
(Varick) Yes, he was in charge of lots of people
(@Morgan) Who are you listening to?
* Varick 's eyes dart around, checking they are alone, which they are
(Varick) Mae.  ((Martas mum who had delivered him and his stillborn sister, and then whose ghost had helped Varick get off the ship and find the Eisenfursts secret passageways))
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I see
(Varick) She is staying to look out for me
(@Morgan) oh?
(Varick) She says people who can see them usually have a special one who keeps any bad ones away
(@Morgan) I cant think of any better than her to do that
(Varick) She is very kind, and she thinks you are very handsome
* Varick giggles
* @Morgan blushes
* Varick watches him, laughing harder
* @Morgan watches him for a moment before starting to walk again
(Varick) She also says *he seems to be reciting what he hears* She is right, he is at peace
(@Morgan) That is good to know
* Varick shrugs
(Varick) Dunno who she is talking about
(@Morgan) No, but I do
* Varick nods
(Varick) **They get to the stable, and Varick goes in. The smokey smell is even less than during their unexpected tryst the day before yesterday
* Varick suddenly stops right in front of Morgan
* @Morgan tries not to fall over the boy
(Varick) **He manages it, barely
* @Morgan moves around him, speaking quietly
(@Morgan) what?
* Varick is staring at the stall where Crusader, the chestnut horse with a white blaze is, his father's horse that bucked and killed him thanks to a nearby gun fire paid for by Alarice and delivered by the Comte De La Fere
* @Morgan puts his hand on the boys shoulder, trying to guide him away
* Varick speaks quietly
(Varick) No. Pick me up.
* @Morgan picks him up
* Varick holds out his hand towards the horse
* @Morgan moves towards the horse
* Varick puts his hand on Crusaders nose. Crusader's ears flick as if he recognises the boy
* Varick looks to Morgan
(Varick) This is my daddy's horse
* @Morgan nods
* Varick strokes him
(Varick) He was my daddy's favourite horse
(@Morgan) Yes
(Varick) **Crusader seems happy with this*
(Varick) We used to ride on him while my daddy was alive
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) My daddy was riding him when he died
(@Morgan) Yes, he was
(Varick) I had a nightmare about it
(@Morgan) To be expected I would think
* Varick nods
(Varick) I couldn't catch him. And there was a man in the clearing
* @Morgan nods
* Varick looks back at Morgan
(Varick) The man had a big cloak on
* @Morgan watches the boy
* Varick watches him back as if trying to decide what to tell him
* @Morgan waits quietly, letting the boy come to his decision
(Varick) The man had a gun
(@Morgan) in your dream?
* Varick continues stroking the horse
(Varick) Yes. But maybe in real life
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) We rode where my daddy died a lot. We rode lots of places. Crusader isn't scared of anything.
(@Morgan) no?
(Varick) Not trees, not birds, not people.
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) If there was a man with a gun...
* Varick looks at Morgan
(Varick) He might have been scared by the man
(@Morgan) you think so?
* Varick nods
(Varick) Can we ride Crusader?
(@Morgan) If you wish to...
(Varick) Can I ride him myself?
(@Morgan) I think you're a little on the young side... he's been quite flighty since your father died
(Varick) Rode him before.
(@Morgan) Did you?
(Varick) Yes. Daddy let me. *he looks thoughtful* Lady Eldreich said I shouldn't until he had more heirs...
(@Morgan) I see
(Varick) He said "Well that's on you, isn't it, Alarice?"
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) not very nice was it
* Varick watches Morgan as if he might be able to explain ir
(Varick) I don't know. Why was it on her?
(@Morgan) Sometimes people cant have children... a lot of people think that is always the womans fault
* Varick looks to think about this
(Varick) But he had me with my real mother?
(@Morgan) It happened to be true in this instance, I suppose
(Varick) Was my mother his Good Friend?
(@Morgan) his what?
* @Morgan sighs
(@Morgan) I suppose so, but its a little more complicated than that
(Varick) Adults are complicated. Horses are better
(@Morgan) Most of the time, young man, I agree with you
(Varick) So we can ride?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) let me get a rope to hold onto Crusader, and you can ride him
** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort)

------------------------------
Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 23 September 2020 14:58:39 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667…
-NickServ- Welcome to Blitzed IRC Network, MollyK! Here on Blitzed IRC Network, we provide services to enable the registration of nicknames and channels! For details, type /msg NickServ help and /msg ChanServ help.
** You have joined #7thseaic
* MollyK gets down, waiting patiently. Once this is done, they get out into the paddock with the young boy happily on the large horse confidently

------------------------------
Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 23 September 2020 15:00:01 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667…
** You have joined #7thseaic
* Varicck gets down, waiting patiently. Once this is done, they get out into the paddock with the young boy happily on the large horse confidently
(Varicck) **Morgan spots Adalbrecht heading in their direction
** Varick has quit (Ping timeout: 250 seconds)
* @Morgan leads the horse in his direction
** MollyK has quit (Ping timeout: 250 seconds)
(Varicck) ** Adalbrecht lights a cigar as he gets nearer
** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort)

------------------------------
Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 23 September 2020 15:10:36 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667…
-NickServ- Welcome to Blitzed IRC Network, MollyK! Here on Blitzed IRC Network, we provide services to enable the registration of nicknames and channels! For details, type /msg NickServ help and /msg ChanServ help.
** You have joined #7thseaic
** You're now known as Adalbrecht
** Varicck has quit (Ping timeout: 260 seconds)
* Adalbrecht watches man and boy, getting close enough to talk without shouting
* @Morgan nods to him
(Adalbrecht) Good afternoon. Everyone is well?
* Adalbrecht blows the smoke away from them, having been told off for smoking in the nursery a few days ago
* @Morgan nods  
(@Morgan) well enough
* Adalbrecht glances up
(Adalbrecht) Much bigger than the horse you and Edward had
(@Morgan) its his fathers 
* Adalbrecht nods briefly
(Adalbrecht) I remember Karsten liked horse breeding
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) How is Molly this afternoon?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Not bad... spending some time with Stef at the moment
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) I have something for her
(@Morgan) oh?
* Adalbrecht takes a small jewellery box from his pocket
(Adalbrecht) It occurred to me yesterday that we never gave her a gift when she converted
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) **Varick watches from his position on the horse, paying particular attention to the men and their expressions
(@Morgan) I'm sure she'll appreciate that
(Adalbrecht) It was all rather sudden and much else was occurring *he opens the box, and inside is a small silver Objectionist cross, it's obviously new and shiny*
(@Morgan) I think she'll like that
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) I always thought the design a bit more feminine than I would have picked, which is why I always wear the plain one
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) You aren't pretty enough for one like this
* Adalbrecht laughs
(Adalbrecht) You only are because your Mother is so beautiful
(Adalbrecht) **Varick starts giggling on top of the horse
(@Morgan) touche
* Adalbrecht smiles {guilt}
(Adalbrecht) I will take it up before dinner, I need to speak with her
(@Morgan) oh?
* Adalbrecht waves it away
(Adalbrecht) The Hapsburgs set off as expected
(@Morgan) Good
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) It will be a long few months for them now
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) It'll be worth it
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) I am sure Edward will feel the same in a few hours
* Adalbrecht exhales the smoke away from them again
(Adalbrecht) He's just brooding on it for now, I think
(@Morgan) understandable
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) The sudden reuniting and then sudden parting... but you know how emotionally closed off he can be.
* @Morgan chrugs
(@Morgan) I suppose so
* Adalbrecht nods thoughtfully
(Adalbrecht) Have you seen His Grace?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I've been here several days, it would be quite unusual to have not seen him in that time
* Adalbrecht frowns a little
(Adalbrecht) You know what I mean
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) I do
* Adalbrecht briefly glances towards Varick
(Adalbrecht) We will speak about it later today
(@Morgan) about having seen his grace?
(Adalbrecht) About all of it
(@Morgan) its taken care of
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) Good
(Adalbrecht) **Varick looks to Adalbrecht* Are you coming with us to see our ship?
* Adalbrecht looks to Morgan to see his reaction
* @Morgan shrugs slightly
(Adalbrecht) It would be a bit out of our way, but I have been curious to see it
(@Morgan) discuss it with Molly when you see her... We won't be leaving before monday at any rate
(Adalbrecht) ((3 days to Zweibrucke, then them having to sail to Starke to drop him off, then 3 more days to Sudlachenburg, vs 3 days ride back from Fischler))
* Adalbrecht smiles a little
(@Morgan) It is quite out of your way though
(Adalbrecht) It is a long way, but how often do you get to go on Eisen's greatest ship?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) true
(Adalbrecht) Also, I'd be proud to see you with it
* @Morgan looks intrigued
* Adalbrecht looks confused at his intrigued expression
(@Morgan) proud?
(Adalbrecht) Why would I not be? You are my son, and I am proud of you
(Adalbrecht) ((Attention?))
(@Morgan) ((his father))
* @Morgan nods
* Adalbrecht looks utterly genuine, maybe a little serious
(Adalbrecht) What man would not want to see his son sailing a fine ship?9
(@Morgan) I cant say I had considered it
* Adalbrecht frowns
(Adalbrecht) Why not? Did you think I would not be impressed that you owned the Purple Rose?
(@Morgan) I suppose given what most people think of me, having someone be proud of me is... unexpected
* Adalbrecht frowns deeper
(Adalbrecht) I am sorry you think that way. I thought you knew how proud your Mother and I am of you.
* @Morgan shrugs slightly
(@Morgan) I put you both through a great deal.
* Adalbrecht {tense, defensive, avoidant}
(Adalbrecht) We are proud of you.
* @Morgan bows his head
(Adalbrecht) **Varick sighs heavily, watching them
(Adalbrecht) V: If you are going to argue, can I go and play?
* Adalbrecht looks guilty
(@Morgan) We're not going to argue Varick... but if you wish to play, thats fine
(Adalbrecht) V: *he nods*
(@Morgan) come on down then
(Adalbrecht) V: *he lets Morgan help him down before running off towards some tree stumps he can climb and play on
* Adalbrecht sighs
(Adalbrecht) I am sorry, that was my fault
* @Morgan shakes his head
(@Morgan) No, not really
* Adalbrecht puts his hand on Morgan's shoulder
(Adalbrecht) I am sorry I let you down. You deserved better.
(@Morgan) You need not think of it like that
* Adalbrecht sighs
(Adalbrecht) No-one can undo the past. All we can do is move forward
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) Do you want me to watch Varick so you can take the horse back?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) better than wandering around with it
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) Does he know what will happen tomorrow yet?
(@Morgan) Not yet. I need to talk to him about it but didn't want to interrupt his bonding with his fathers horse
* Adalbrecht nods, the greyish smoke tendrils rising up into the blue sky
(Adalbrecht) Will he be upset? **At present, the boy in question seems to be having a good time*
(@Morgan) I don't know. He's a very pragmatic young man
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) I did not know his birth mother was Ussuran
* @Morgan nods
* Adalbrecht smiles slightly
(Adalbrecht) He'll be able to drink you under the table by the time he's twenty
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) perhaps
(Adalbrecht) A very strange situation. But perhaps a fortunate one.
(@Morgan) oh?
(Adalbrecht) Given Alarice's disposition, having no fruits from that branch might be a blessing
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) He seems happy with you
(@Morgan) I hope so
(Adalbrecht) You and Molly are good parents to him, he seems to be thriving
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) V: *he is jumping from stump to stump*
(@Morgan) Its certainly an experience
(Adalbrecht) It's an interesting age
(Adalbrecht) He is very perceptive for his years
(@Morgan) That is very true
(Adalbrecht) Have you decided whether to send a messenger to Jarvie, or whether to tell her yourself when you arrive in Freiburg?
* @Morgan smiles slightly
(@Morgan) I had a letter arrive from her... she has heard what Alarice did and dictated that I know what must be done and should not hesitate
* Adalbrecht smiles
(Adalbrecht) She is her father's daughter. She has his ruthless practicality
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) it was her warned me to watch Alarice in the first place
(Adalbrecht) I think we all wanted to believe that Alarice was a sweet, grieving widow who needed our love
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) I certainly saw no signs of anything that implies his death was her doing
(@Morgan) Had I not spurned her I'm not sure that I would have either
(Adalbrecht) **he suddenly recalls the first time he met her after arriving for the wedding:  *she turns this smile upon Morgan then* It has been a long time since we last met, perhaps since my wedding to Freiarr Eldreich, theus rest his soul *she crosses herself, a very vaticine gesture, as her husband was, but there is something mocking in those cool blue eyes*
(@Morgan) Then again...
* Adalbrecht looks intrigued
(@Morgan) just something that occurs to me, nothing of import
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) It's been a long summer
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) I would imagine your life away in Avalon was less complicated
(@Morgan) At least the things trying to kill me were fairly obvious about it
* Adalbrecht nods, frowning
(Adalbrecht) We would never have known...
(@Morgan) You would eventually... Alarice had Yensid looking for me
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) For all his faults, Yensid is a very capable investigator
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) I've known him a very long time
(@Morgan) I know... he was telling me about your time in the navy
* Adalbrecht sighs
(Adalbrecht) Oh dear
* Adalbrecht looks at Morgan sidelong
(Adalbrecht) He told you about the fake schwarzenwald wood?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) and the consequences
* Adalbrecht nods slowly
(Adalbrecht) Thankfully it stopped quickly. People never understand the dislike until they have been in it
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) It puts you off forests in general
(Adalbrecht) *he nods* I never understood the people who built in it.
* @Morgan shakes his head
(Adalbrecht) Thankfully, the War put a stop to the Koertig Grafs and Veisgrafs going to the houses to collect the tithes
* Adalbrecht watches Varick trying to balance on a stump on one leg
(@Morgan) Well at least something good came out of it
* Adalbrecht  nods
(Adalbrecht) I wouldn't enjoy sending you in to do it *he smirks a little*
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) give me a platoon and I'll consider it
* Adalbrecht shudders at the thought
(Adalbrecht) I suspect you'd need it to take down _that_
(@Morgan) that?
* Adalbrecht speaks quietly, as if not wanting to tempt fate
(Adalbrecht) The schattenmann
* @Morgan snorts
(@Morgan) I wouldn't take all the armies in Eisen against it
* Adalbrecht laughs
(Adalbrecht) Lets just hope we never have to
* @Morgan mutters
(@Morgan) if I never see it again it'll be too soon
(Adalbrecht) *Varick shrieks suddenly, making Adalbrecht jump
(Adalbrecht) What the?!
* @Morgan looks over
* Adalbrecht hops off the stump before crouching down in the grass
(Adalbrecht) **Varick
** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)
** Morgan has joined #7thseaic
** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o  Morgan
* Adalbrecht holds out his hands for the rope, assuming Morgan will want to go to Varick
* @Morgan hands him the rope before running over
** You're now known as Varick
* Varick is watching something intently
(@Morgan) what've you got there?
* Varick looks up
(Varick) A spider
* @Morgan looks at it
(Varick) **it's a giant house spider, with a legspan of around four inches
(@Morgan) Thats awfully impressive
(Varick) Her legs are huge!
(@Morgan) her?
* Varick nods
(Varick) Yes
(@Morgan) How can you tell?
(Varick) Dunno. Just know.
(@Morgan) What do you think we should do with her?
* Varick thinks about it
(Varick) What do you think?
(Varick) **The spider slowly climbs one of the tree stumps
(@Morgan) Well, I was thinking perhaps she lives in amongst these tree stumps...]
* Varick nods, watching her
(Varick) Probably. We could bring every one to see her
(@Morgan) Not Edward, though
(Varick) Why?
(@Morgan) He's rather afraid of spiders
* Varick 's eyes light up with all the pranks this could lead to, and he giggles
(Varick) Are you afraid of her?
(@Morgan) No, not particularly
(Varick) Would Molly be afraid of her?
(@Morgan) I'm not sure
* Varick glances to where Adalbrecht was
(Varick) Crusader still likes me riding him
(@Morgan) how can you tell?
(Varick) Dunno, just know
(@Morgan) I see
(Varick) Will he go back to Koln now?
(@Morgan) who?
(Varick) Crusader
(@Morgan) While we're travelling, probably. Why?
(Varick) Just wondered. *he watches the spider* Morgan?
(@Morgan) yes?
* Varick looks at him solemnly
(Varick) _I_ am proud of you.
* @Morgan puts an arm around him
(@Morgan) thank you.. I am proud of you too
(Varick) Why did it make Uncle Addie cross?
(@Morgan) Its hard to explain. 
* Varick sighs
(Varick) You'll tell me when I'm older.
(@Morgan) Its more that I'm not sure how to explain it
* Varick watches him
(Varick) Okay
(Varick) Do you want him to come on our ship?
(@Morgan) Father?
* Varick nods
(@Morgan) I'm certainly not against it
(Varick) That's not a yes or a no
(@Morgan) I don't really know. I'm happy for him to come with us, so its not a no, exactly
(Varick) What about Uncle Edward?
(@Morgan) I don't know what he plans to do
* Varick nods
(Varick) Should we ask him?
(@Morgan) Lets find out if Molly minds first shall we?
* Varick looks puzzled
(Varick) Might she?
* @Morgan shrugs
* Varick shrugs too
(Varick) We are going to our ship again on Monday?
(@Morgan) at the earliest... we need to let Molly rest and get her strength back
(Varick) Do you want to go soon?
(@Morgan) I'm rather enjoying not having to rush around all the time... but I'll be pleased to get back out to sea
(Varick) We haven't climbed the tree yet
(@Morgan) Thats true
(Varick) Maybe we could do that tomorrow?
(@Morgan) actually, no... there's something I have to do tomorrow
(Varick) What?
* @Morgan sighs
* Varick watches the spider climb back down
(@Morgan) You remember I told you about what Lady Eldreich did?
(Varick) That she poisoned Molly {anger}
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) well, the judges have decided that she should be punished for it
* Varick nods
(Varick) Is that why she was poorly and you were scared yesterday
* @Morgan nods
* Varick sits on a stump, giving Morgan his full attention with serious eyes
(Varick) Is she being punished tomorrow
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) Do you have to punish her?
(@Morgan) No, a man who works for the Eisenfurst will do it... I'm sorry, but she will die
* Varick thinks about this a while
(Varick) How?
(@Morgan) I don't think you need to know that
(Varick) Will it hurt?
(@Morgan) Very little if at all
* Varick looks thoughtful again
(Varick) Then will she go to heaven?
(@Morgan) Thats up to Theus
(Varick) My daddy is in heaven
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) If she goes to heaven, will they love each other again?
(@Morgan) I just don't know
* Varick nods
(Varick) Do you have to be there when she dies?
(@Morgan) I don't have to be, but I think I should be to support my father
(Varick) Have you seen people die already?
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) Was it was?
(Varick) Sad*
* Varick watches him, looking curious rather than distressed
(@Morgan) It was during the war, so we all did what we had to... I think it was sad
(Varick) Did you see people be born? Mae saw me be born?
(@Morgan) No, I've never seen anyone born
(Varick) I bet it's better than seeing someone die
(@Morgan) I've no doubt about that at all
(Varick) Maybe I could be a midwife like Marta?
(@Morgan) I think you'll have your hands full when you're older
* Varick sighs
(Varick) I have to be a Freiarr
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) and you'll need to be a good one
* Varick nods
(Varick) It's important
(@Morgan) absolutely it is
(Varick) And you have to be a Graf
(@Morgan) eventually, yes
(Varick) Who will be the Veisgraf then?
(@Morgan) Thats a little complicated... if I have another son by then, he will be... if not... you
(Varick) I don't want to be the Veisgraf
(@Morgan) no?
(Varick) I have too much to do already!
* @Morgan smiles
(@Morgan) that doesn't really change much either
(Varick) Will you see him be born?
(@Morgan) Probably not... the fathers are normally shuffled out of the way because we aren't much help
* Varick looks thoughtful
(Varick) Do you like babies?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) I suppose so
(Varick) My daddy liked babies
(@Morgan) They are rather adorable I suppose
* Varick nods
(Varick) A maid in Koln had a baby, I saw it one day
(@Morgan) oh?
(Varick) It couldn't walk, but it had chubby legs, and it smiled when I touched its hands
(@Morgan) Thats generally how babies are
(Varick) I like babies, like my daddy.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Thats good... we're hoping to have some in the future
* Varick smiles
(Varick) I would like lots of babies
(@Morgan) oh?
(Varick) I want a brother and two sisters
(@Morgan) Thats not that many
* Varick shrugs
(Varick) Never had any
* @Morgan nods
(Varick) How many babies do you want?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) I don't know... you know about the plate we smashed when we got married?
(Varick) Yes, it said eight and me
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) that'd do
(Varick) That would be lots. Would you be happy then?
(@Morgan) I'm already happy
* Varick smiles
(Varick) Me too.
(@Morgan) Good
(Varick) Will you have babies with your Good Friends, like my daddy did?
(@Morgan) No, just Molly
(Varick) But you could have lots more babies?
(@Morgan) Thats not what I want
(Varick) Okay. What do I do when Lady Eldreich dies,
(@Morgan) Well... I was wondering if you wanted to go when she is buried....
* Varick seems to be focusing several yards behind Morgan to his right
(Varick) To say goodbye?
(@Morgan) If thats what you want to do... or you could write a letter to bury with her. You don't need to go if you don't want to
(Varick) I will go to the burial
(@Morgan) If thats what you want...
* Varick nods
(Varick) *he speaks quietly* then I can know she won't be a ghost to us
(@Morgan) Wont Mae be able to tell?
* Varick looks thoughtful
(Varick) Spose so
(@Morgan) Its up to you, if you would feel better having been there yourself, I understand
(Varick) **he hears footsteps being him
(Varick) Behind *
* Varick nods
* @Morgan looks behind him
(Varick) **Adalbrecht watches them
(Varick) A: Edward has his paints out, and thought Varick might enjoy painting with him
* @Morgan looks to Varick
(@Morgan) what say you?
* Varick nods vigorously
(@Morgan) Go on then...
(Varick) **Adalbrecht gives instruction towards the Rose Garden, and then falls in beside Morgan as Varick runs off ahead
(Varick) I feel a bit sorry for him
(@Morgan) oh?
** You're now known as Adalbrecht
(Adalbrecht) After the six years between meeting your Mother and gaining the sense to propose marriage, I wouldn't have found a four month absence bearable
(@Morgan) oh, Edward...
* Adalbrecht nods
* @Morgan glances at his father
(Adalbrecht) Indeed
(@Morgan) but surely you, a strong Eisen man, would have found it easy...
* Adalbrecht remains straightfaced
(Adalbrecht) Leaving your Mother behind has never been an easy task for me, no matter how strong or Eisen I am
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) as much as I missed you, missing her while I was away was strongly felt
(Adalbrecht) I should be offended, but I cannot really argue.
(@Morgan) truth be told, I always assumed you preferred Edward
(Adalbrecht) To your Mother? *he looks confused*
* @Morgan frowns
(@Morgan) to me
* Adalbrecht smiles
(Adalbrecht) I _understand_ Edward more than I understand you
(Adalbrecht) But that is not a preference for him over you
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) You have a certain spirit of adventure and unconvential progressiveness that is a very Hockridge trait
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Thats a nice way of putting it
(Adalbrecht) You would put it otherwise?
(@Morgan) others would describe it as disrespectful and reckless
* Adalbrecht shakes his head
(Adalbrecht) I do not think of you as reckless. You have strong views on what is important, and to defend those things, you become more protective and belligerent. That is a Koertig trait.
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) Edward is less Hockridge than you. He doesn't have your wanderlust
(@Morgan) I didn't wander before losing Dietlinde
(Adalbrecht) You have always enjoyed travel, either in the navy or when traveling to Avalon. As a small boy it was almost impossible to keep you below deck when sailing
* @Morgan frowns briefly
* Adalbrecht watches him
(@Morgan) Why sit staring at four walls when you can see for miles by climbing one ladder? If I wanted to stare at walls, we could have stayed at home
* Adalbrecht smiles and nods, clearly having experienced many years of such rationales from his heir in childhood
(Adalbrecht) And every second minute "Excuse me, what does this rope do?" "Why are there two pilot boats?" "What happens if a _really_ big wave comes?"
(@Morgan) Clearly, it paid off
* Adalbrecht smiles
(Adalbrecht) I went into the navy because it was recommended by a friend, but I suspected from early on that was where you were headed
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) It seemed like a good fit
(Adalbrecht) I can still recall disembarking in Freiburg  one day after we had been to Catterick, I think you were five, and Edward still a babe in arms, and you clung to the mast with all your might, shouting that you absolutely would not be leaving the ship because you never wanted to live on dry land again, and wanted Edward to be the Graf one day so you could be a Ships Captain! *he smiles in fond remembrance*
(@Morgan) You remember Kauffmen?
(Adalbrecht) **In the Rose Garden they can see Edward sat on a bench with paints and sketch pads, talking to Varick
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) I do
(@Morgan) I've discovered there was talk that once he retired I would be promoted to captain
* Adalbrecht nods, chest swelling with pride
(Adalbrecht) You would have been a fine captain
* @Morgan shrugs
(Adalbrecht) You are not pleased by that?
(Adalbrecht) **Edward picks up one of the pads, giving Varick a pencil, and sending him around the garden to find something to draw
(@Morgan) It is not something that came to pass...
(Adalbrecht) Your Mother will be thrilled
(@Morgan) oh?
(Adalbrecht) She always hoped you would get the recognition you deserved
(@Morgan) Hearing of your pride in me is more than enough recognition
* Adalbrecht smiles
(Adalbrecht) You have that. I am very proud of you. Your courage yesterday was commendable, I can honestly say mine would not have been, had it been your Mother
(@Morgan) I'd have been nothing but a hinderance had I behaved differently
(Adalbrecht) It takes a lot of strength to hold it together in the face of such, don't sell yourself short
(@Morgan) I did what was needed
(Adalbrecht) **Edward alternates between his painting and keeping a watch on Varick
* @Morgan snorts
(@Morgan) painting...
(Adalbrecht) What is wrong with painting?
(@Morgan) Not as useful as say... drawing...
(Adalbrecht) I can not say I have ever seen the appeal of either
* @Morgan smirks
(@Morgan) thats even worse
* Adalbrecht speaks very quietly
(Adalbrecht) I knit better than your Mother though
(@Morgan) I wonder what it would be worth for me not to repeat that...
* Adalbrecht looks deadpan
(Adalbrecht) I am sure you'd rather just keep my goodwill
(@Morgan) I think we've established that peoples goodwill, as pleasant as it is, is not _that_ high up on my priority list
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) My respect and trust then
* @Morgan laughs
(@Morgan) not bad, not bad
(Adalbrecht) **Edward looks up at the laughter
(Adalbrecht) Besides, knitting is just using two pointy metal sticks and tying nautical knots between them, so it is really a very Eisen pursuit.
(@Morgan) If that makes you feel better about it...
(Adalbrecht) It does
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) **Edward puts his sketch pad aside, waiting for them to approach. He smiles at them, but it's clearly forced
(@Morgan) Edward...
* Adalbrecht takes himself off to help Varick
** You're now known as Edward
(Edward) Morgan.
* @Morgan goes over to him
(@Morgan) You are well?
* Edward sits back down, picking up his painting again
(Edward) Well enough. And you?
(@Morgan) Given how I could be today, wonderful
(Edward) **there are another two pads on the bench. Edward nods* Today could have been horrendous
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) as it is, I'm just going to be quietly grateful I think
* Edward takes a moment to look up at the bright blue  cloudless sky through the gaps in the trelissed roses overhead
(Edward) I think we are all feeling that today
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Mina and her father got away safely I hear
* Edward mixes a dark grey colour with his brush
(Edward) They did.
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) She needed to be safely away from all of this
* @Morgan nods
* Edward sounds committed, but there's a hint of regret in it
(Edward) Still, it is done now.
(@Morgan) Not far from now you'll be married and happy
* Edward smiles
(Edward) It has been a long time in the making, given that I knew she was the one the night I met her
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) wasn't there an agreement that once you were betrothed there would be no other?
* Edward smiles, and he actually blushes
(Edward) You aren't the first to have mentioned that today
* @Morgan smiles
(Edward) **Adalbrecht and Varick are well out of earshot when Edward checks
(@Morgan) I have no doubt you will honour that commitment
* Edward laughs though still looks a bit embarassed
(Edward) I have been honouring that commitment advertantly and inadvertently since I saw Mina at court back at Prophet's Mass
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) Eventually I admitted to myself that there were difficulties because they just were not her, and until I had done all I could to get her back, it was only making me miserable to keep wasting my energy and money that way
(@Morgan) You continue to surprise me
(Edward) Do I?
* @Morgan nods
* Edward laughs a little
(Edward) Well, Yensid wasn't entirely wrong. I think I'd met every single brown eyed blonde woman who worked in those places in Vendel or northern Eisen.
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) you're nothing if not thorough
* Edward nods
(Edward) I suppose I was hopeful that one day I would move on. I knew it was a lost cause, that I did not deserve Mina, but once a preference like that sticks it is hard to break. I couldn't go back, and I couldn't go forward.
* Edward paints whilst talking
(@Morgan) That sounds remarkably similar to the story father told me of meeting mother
* Edward snorts
(Edward) Not very similar, unless he spent two years seeking out blue eyed brunettes in brothels!
(@Morgan) No, but he's not quite as straight laced as you might imagine
* Edward chuckles
(Edward) Are you going to shock me and say he once a year sleeps naked?
(@Morgan) No... but next time you need an advantage, ask him about his Ussuran.... friend.
(Edward) ** At the far edge of the garden, Varick is making Adalbrecht draw
* Edward looks intrigued
(Edward) He has an Issuran friend?
(@Morgan) had... before he married mother.
* Edward frowns
(Edward) Father was a virgin, he told me
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) If I tell you, it'll take all the fun out of you asking him
* Edward nods, amused
(Edward) But if I ask, is he going to know you have told me?
(@Morgan) and thats why you need to wait until you need an advantage... or if its really really funny
(Edward) **the direction of the wind brings Varick's words over "You are really bad at drawing!"
(Edward) Ahh! So it will be "Edward, what the hell have you had a tattoo for?!" followed by " Why Father? Did you Ussuran special friend have one also?"
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) that sounds fairly apt
(Edward) I'll  bear it in mind
(Edward) But yes, you do not need to worry that I will not keep my word to Mina, and she knows full well where my interest lies *he smiles to himself*
(@Morgan) as I said, I was not worried about it
(Edward) Good. Though the next four months will be long, I won't miss those diversions
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) However, four months without her now is likely to feel as long as the three years before
(@Morgan) Yet there will be no wondering what will be waiting at the end of those months
* Edward nods
(Edward) You must have left Molly in Avalon when you came to speak to Father about having her as a mistress for as long?
(@Morgan) about three months
** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep)
** You are now disconnected

------------------------------
Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Thursday, 24 September 2020 10:08:49 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** You have joined #7thseaic
** You're now known as Edward
(@Morgan) Morgan> as I said, I was not worried about it
(@Morgan)  <Edward> Good. Though the next four months will be long, I won't miss those diversions
(@Morgan)  * Morgan nods
(@Morgan)  <Edward> However, four months without her now is likely to feel as long as the three years before
(@Morgan)  <Morgan> Yet there will be no wondering what will be waiting at the end of those months
(@Morgan)  * Edward nods
(@Morgan)  <Edward> You must have left Molly in Avalon when you came to speak to Father about having her as a mistress for as long?
(@Morgan)  <Morgan> about three months
* Edward washes the brush in a cup of water
(Edward) Did it feel like longer?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Mind you, it would've been quicker had I not dawdled 
* Edward dries it on a rag before dabbing it on a tan colour
(Edward) Why would you dawdle?
(@Morgan) I suppose I was not ready to make those changes yet
* Edward nods
(Edward) Was she upset at being left in Avalon?
(@Morgan) She understood
(Edward) Was she already your mistress then?
* Edward makes some sharp strokes on the page
(@Morgan) No... 
(Edward) If Mina hadn't been noble born, I would have taken her as a mistress... *he frowns at the painting before adding a darker shade of tan*
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) makes sense
* Edward frowns, then sighs a moment before talking
(Edward) Were you waiting for father's permission before taking Molly as a mistress?
(@Morgan) Not exactly
* Edward glances at his expression briefly
(@Morgan) Things were changing for me, I felt the need to... reconnect, even if only briefly
(Edward) With Father?
(@Morgan) with home... with Dietlinde...
* Edward nods briefly, swirling his brush in the water again
(Edward) Were you planning on staying in Avalon?
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) You wanted to keep working?
(@Morgan) it gave me a way to feel connected to Dietlinde... and protecting someone made me feel a little bit less of a failure...
* Edward bows his head a moment, the clean brush being swirled longer than needed
(Edward) You said Molly was working there too, would she have kept working?
(@Morgan) Perhaps. There was a cottage we were going to live in
(Edward) You weren't going to live in the noble household?
(@Morgan) No, we wanted some space from the... we wanted our own space
* Edward runs his brush over a deep orange colour
(Edward) What made you decide to come back to Eisen?
(@Morgan) I had a friend who, lets say, alerted me to the fact that I did not want Molly as a mistress, but a wife. If I was to wed again, it should be at home, and efforts should be made to close the distance between me and home
(Edward) You needed someone to tell you that?
(@Morgan) She didn't tell me exactly
* Edward 's brows raise briefly, and he creates an orange square near the centre of the page
(Edward) Oh?
(@Morgan) Its complicated
* Edward nods
(Edward) Did Molly not mind leaving everything behind to come here?
(@Morgan) I don't know if you noticed, but she brought quite a bit with her
* Edward looks confused
(Edward) Her parents?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) They are closer than they were before, too
(Edward) They were not close before?
* @Morgan smiles
(@Morgan) there was some conflict due to an illness and an incorrect assumption
* Edward frowns
(Edward) I don't understand
(@Morgan) It is not something I feel I should discuss
* Edward inclines his  head
(Edward) Of course. Some things between husbands and wives should always stay between four eyes
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) suffice to say, that situation has been remedied
* Edward smiles to himself distractedly a moment before bringing his attention back to Morgan
(Edward) I am glad to hear it. If you had stayed in Avalon, would you have renounced your title?
(@Morgan) If thats what was required
(@Morgan) part of mt returning was because it is my duty...
(Edward) I can not imagine Father would have been pleased with the next generation being born out of wedlock
* @Morgan shrugs
* Edward smiles briefly, speaking quieter
(Edward) The prospect of having to tell Father the unintended consequences was what helped me perfect the Vaticine Method
(@Morgan) Funny how much we will do to avoid disappointing him
* Edward nods
(Edward) It has always been something I dreaded doing
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) yet something I always assumed I had always done
* Edward industriously builds up the orange colour, though his focus is marred by micro expressions of guilt
(Edward) I wouldn't recommend it
* Edward makes another orange square a little further over
(Edward) Did Molly have the ship when you came back to visit home?
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) You would not have chosen a life at sea instead of staying at the noble woman's house?
(@Morgan) I was still trying to stay... connected at that point
* Edward nods
(Edward) It sounds complicated
(@Morgan) it was
(Edward) You never actually had Molly as a mistress?
* @Morgan smiles
(@Morgan) no
(Edward) Did she know you intended to?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Then my friend got involved and it was all up in the air again
(Edward) And then you brought her to Eisen and proposed? Frau Forrester has told me about that
(@Morgan) I suppose I proposed twice...
(Edward) You got a no the first time?
(@Morgan) The first time was in Avalon... I felt it should be done at home also
* Edward cleans, then touches the bristles to some light blue
(Edward) Coming back to Sudlachenburg for the wedding must have been difficult
(@Morgan) extremely. Telling Dietlinde's parents was the hardest part
* Edward sits still a moment
(Edward) They were very upset, I would wager
* @Morgan stays quiet
* Edward glances at him before bowing his head, painting once more
(Edward) Molly did not want to wed in her own church?
(@Morgan) Given my standing, it was a requirement to convert before the wedding
(Edward) I meant in her home town
(@Morgan) She wanted to wed wherever I wanted to
* Edward nods,  thoughtful
(Edward) I understand
(Edward) Why didn't you go to Catterick, when you left?
(@Morgan) I needed to be away, alone. Apart from everything connected to the family
* Edward nods slowly
(Edward) And we would have found you there
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) I did not send Yensid after you to force you to return.
* @Morgan shrugs
* Edward holds the brush up a moment as he looks at Morgan
(@Morgan) It wouldn't have mattered if you had...
(Edward) I wanted to know you were alive and safe
(@Morgan) despite my best efforts, I was
* Edward looks confused
(Edward) Best efforts?
(@Morgan) I threw myself into every dangerous place I could be... especially in Tawstock. That estate makes Eisen look like a fairy tale
(Edward) Why?
(@Morgan) Why what?
(Edward) Why did you do that, why did it make Eisen look like a fairy tale?
(@Morgan) Because I wanted to be with them, but could not end things myself... and monsters
(Edward) What changed?
* Edward adds more blue to his painting
(@Morgan) Molly...
* Edward looks intrigued, glancing at him before putting the brush into a lighter blue
(@Morgan) She gave me reason to continue being... 
(Edward) How did that come about? You had both worked there a while before coming to Eisen to wed? ((They both started there in Spring 1668, it's now late summer 1670))
(@Morgan) Somewhere around two years
(Edward) But it took a long time for things to develop?
(@Morgan) a very long time... I actively fought against it
* Edward nods
(Edward) That does not surprise me
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) She was the same?
(@Morgan) More that she did not push for it... there was never any pressure from her 
* Edward nods slowly
(Edward) That's... unusual
(@Morgan) She helped me heal, as much as I could
* Edward paints a moment
(Edward) I am glad
(@Morgan) oh?
(Edward) I don't want you to suffer, Morgan.
* @Morgan nods
* Edward switches to a finer brush
(Edward) Was she pleased when you proposed marriage?
(@Morgan) I'd say so
* Edward nods
(Edward) I've never met a woman who doesn't want to get married, except Claudia
(@Morgan) I've met several, actually
(Edward) Oh?
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) Was Molly like that?
(@Morgan) No, not really
* Edward looks thoughtful
(Edward) I lie. There was a woman I met in Numa. She was a Ships Captain, Avalonian.
(@Morgan) oh?
* Edward smiles slightly
(Edward) She was escaping an arranged marriage made by her father, and Numa seemed like a good escape
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) She was too spirited for him, definitely
(@Morgan) I'd say any woman who captains a ship is probably too spirited for most men
* Edward nods
(Edward) Certainly for men like Father and I, you mean?
* Edward smirks
(@Morgan) I didn't, actually, but since the hat fits...
(Edward) Whereas men like you... *he chuckles*
(@Morgan) Me, I like the quiet life
* Edward snorts with laughter
(Edward) Father told me you lost half your fortune to Molly at cards
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) Did she captain her ship?
* @Morgan smiles slightly
(@Morgan) Might have
* Edward nods
(Edward) Doesn't surprise me
(Edward) Will you let her captain is again?
(Edward) It*
(@Morgan) The ship has a captain
(Edward) That's lucky then
(@Morgan) More to keep me from taking command...
(Edward) Why wouldn't you?
(@Morgan) Because... thats not what my purpose is, not what my role is
* Edward glances at him
(Edward) You do not _want_ to?
(@Morgan) I didn't say that
* Edward shrugs
(Edward) I don't picture you as a man who would let the rules hold you back.
(@Morgan) No, they don't... but sometimes what I want has to be set aside to allow me to work towards the bigger things I want
* Edward gives him his full attention sufdenly
(Edward) What _do_ you want, Morgan?
(@Morgan) Overall... peace, unity... _fairness_
* Edward nods
(Edward) And for your own life?
(@Morgan) Much the same, actually
* Edward nods
(Edward) That sounds reasonable
(@Morgan) I thought so
* Edward resumes his painting
(Edward) You will be settling in Eisen in the near future?
(@Morgan) I imagine so
(@Morgan) There is work to be done
* Edward nods
(Edward) Yes. I have decided I am going to spend the next four months in Sudlachenberg
(@Morgan) oh?
(Edward) Father has a very good Grafdom. It will benefit Graben for me to have spent some months learning from him
* @Morgan nods
(Edward) I take my future role as Freiarr Graben very seriously
(Edward) **The painting in Edwards lap starts to make sense, and though Morgan has only passed by it whilst at War, he recognises the house as the ancestral manor of the Hapsburgs
(@Morgan) Good... Though I might suggest that you dont get quite as stuck in tradition as he is
(Edward) Traditionalism is in my nature
(@Morgan) I know... but to adapt to change you need to be flexible
(Edward) Perhaps. {Defensiveness}
(@Morgan) We cant allow Eisen to continue so divided...
(Edward) No. The War must never, ever be repeated.
(@Morgan) And that will require change
* Edward smiles a little
(Edward) Are you intending to browbeat me as your wife browbeats Father?
(@Morgan) No... you know things need to change, I just want to support you in adjusting to that
* Edward nods
(Edward) I appreciate you wanting to help
(@Morgan) but shut up?
* Edward smiles a little
(Edward) No, I was thinking we are making good progress towards bringing most of the Konigsreich under Koertig control
(@Morgan) I suppose taking over Eisen would technically count as unity...
(Edward) It would. If you indeed do give us another eight children, there is great potential for alliances in twenty years
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Still, work must be done now to lay foundations for change
(Edward) Of course
(Edward) You will initially take up your Freiarrdom in Innesbruck?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) It needs stabilising, to recover from what Alarice did to it
* Edward nods slowly
(Edward) I am sure stability will be welcome there
(@Morgan) Once the last of the troublemakers realise they are not able to take advantage anymore, aye
(Edward) Would you like me to drop in there now and again whilst you are travelling?
(@Morgan) If it wouldn't be too inconvenient... we've put plans in place that you may not agree with, but I trust you'll not change that
* Edward frowns
(Edward) I would not undermine the choices of the Freiarr.
(@Morgan) I know... hence why I trust you won't...
(Edward) It is controversial?
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) fairly I suppose
(Edward) You prefer not to tell me?
(@Morgan) Its complicated, to do with rents and taxes, and not something I wish to discuss in this rare moment of peace
* Edward watches him
(Edward) Peace in activity, or peace between us?
(@Morgan) Mostly the former, though I am revelling in this moment, just.. talking, being...
* Edward nods a little
(Edward) Yes
(Edward) I hope in the years to come we can have more moments like this
(@Morgan) as do I
(Edward) When are you leaving Fischler?
(@Morgan) We'll be on our way Monday at the earliest... father is coming to see the ship
* Edward nods
(Edward) And then riding all the way back from Zweibrucke?
* Edward thinks
(Edward) Unless you will let him disembark at Starke and ride up the Great South road
(@Morgan) That makes most sense I think
* Edward thinks this over
* Edward looks like he might have objections,  but chooses not to voice them
(Edward) He will enjoying seeing your ship
(@Morgan) Apparently so... the choice of route bothers you?
* Edward shrugs a little
(Edward) It's close to the schwarzenwald, and I do not know how hard Alarice's death will hit him
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) Thats a good point actually
(Edward) I aimed to stay with him, but if he is coming with you...
(@Morgan) You do not feel you could join us?
* Edward considers this
(Edward) I would not want to overstay my welcome
(@Morgan) I understand. We'll think on it, I would not wish father to be alone
* Edward nods
(Edward) That would be wise
(Edward) **Varick seems to have finished whatever he is drawing with Adalbrecht, and comes running over**
(Edward) V: I need black, and grey, and dark brown! Oh, and green
* Edward gathers these for him in a little tray. Varick looks at Morgan, looking very pleased with himself
(Edward) I did my outline Morgan
(Edward) V:*
(@Morgan) excellent, what did you draw?
(Edward) **He starts giggling, and turns the sketchbook. There is a good rendition of the giant house spider on it
* @Morgan nods slowly
* Edward glances at it, wincing. Then he looks at Morgan with amused disapproval
(Edward) V: *he continues giggling*
(Edward) You told Varick then?
(@Morgan) Only when he found an enormous spider... 
* Edward looks a little alarmed
(Edward) Where?!
(@Morgan) Out on the green, a ways over there
(Edward) V: *he laughs* shall I go and get it?
* Edward laughs
(Edward) No, thank you.
(Edward) **Adalbrecht comes over {watchful} casually
(Edward) A: Morgan, would you like us to entertain Varick a whole so you can check on Molly?
(Edward) While*
(@Morgan) I suppose thats not a bad idea
(Edward) V: *He becomes engrossed in his painting, sitting beside Edward*
** You're now known as Adalbrecht
* Adalbrecht walks a few steps away  waiting for Morgan to follow
* @Morgan does so
(Adalbrecht) Your conversation looked a little intense at times, I thought you might need a little bit of a break
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) its fine
* Adalbrecht nods
(Adalbrecht) Good. It's good to see you together
* @Morgan nods
(Adalbrecht) If we do not see you again in an hour or so, we will bring him back to the nursery
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) sounds good
* Adalbrecht inclines his head, heading back to Edward and Varick, leaving Morgan to head back into the house in the direction of the nursery