** You're now known as Edward * Edward knocks again before it's opened (@Morgan) Edward... * Edward checks Morgan's expression and body language * @Morgan looks mildly annoyed and frustrated (Edward) Is this a bad time? (@Morgan) No, its fine. What can I do for you? (Edward) I wanted to talk you about Father, and to see how you are * Edward is still stood in the doorway * @Morgan nods, beckoning him inside * Edward comes in (Edward) No Varick? (@Morgan) Varicks asleep so keep in mind he could hear... * Edward nods talking quietly. He spots the coffee, and helps himself (Edward) How _are_ you? * @Morgan refills his cup (@Morgan) I'm alright (Edward) **Molly's cup is still on the table, barely drunk due to her serious distraction (Edward) Good. *he sips his coffee* * Edward spots the cup with a hint of lipstick on the rim, then frowns (Edward) Molly is alright also? (@Morgan) She's fine. She's resting before the burial * Edward nods (Edward) Good. Father says he does not want to go to it (@Morgan) That surprises me * Edward sips his coffee nodding (Edward) He says the prayer he said just afterwards was enough * @Morgan shrugs, sipping his coffee (@Morgan) if that is his wish... (Edward) He is brooding on it. Her life. The circumstances that led to this. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) how are _you_? * Edward nods (Edward) I am sorry that it ended up this way, but I cannot see that any of us could have changed that with Alarice. * @Morgan nods (Edward) I am glad it went smoothly. I was concerned it wouldn't * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (Edward) I told Father about Atemlos, I hope that was amenable to you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats fine. What did he make of it? * Edward pauses a moment, only a fraction of a second (Edward) He is keen to see the finery of His Grace's town house, and pleased to be trusted to keep Molly and Varick safe in your absence (@Morgan) Thats all? * Edward looks neutral {evasive} (Edward) Pretty much. He is keen to spend money on Molly and Varick (@Morgan) Spill it Edward, I'm in no mood to chase the information out of you * Edward frowns (Edward) Actually, I am going to ask that you respect that Father and I spoke in confidence, and leave it at that. (@Morgan) You'll tell me if it becomes an issue? * Edward nods (Edward) I will (@Morgan) Very well. * Edward inclines his head, then sips his coffee (Edward) I have a favour to ask * @Morgan sips his coffee, watching him over the rim (Edward) Could you ask your crew not to sneak up on me where we are on deck, or on the dock? **he looks a little embarrassed** (@Morgan) As you wish (Edward) Thank you. I just cannot stand people getting too near me when I'm near the water's edge, and I have come to blows with people about it before. I wouldn't want to do that to your men. * @Morgan nods (Edward) It's stupid, but I haven't ever gotten over it. (@Morgan) Its understandable * Edward sips his coffee * Edward seems to remember something (Edward) I have a letter from Mina to Molly, from the first coaching inn on the way. The servant gave them to me on the way up. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'll give it to her when she has rested * Edward takes out two letters, still sealed, placing one on the table before opening the other and beginning to read (Edward) Thank you *distracted* (@Morgan) Everything is well? (Edward) Uh huh *he starts to blush* * Edward keeps reading, getting redder until he suddenly folds it with a cough (@Morgan) I imagine you're wishing you'd not opened that here * Edward nods (Edward) Indeed. I had no idea Mina would possibly even know about some of what it contains... {jealousy} * Edward sips his coffee (@Morgan) I see * Edward nods slowly, putting it away (Edward) They were safely at the first stop, and she intends to write again each day until they are back in Graben (@Morgan) I'm glad they're safe * Edward nods (Edward) As am I. Do you want me to stay here with Father, or come with you all to the burial? (@Morgan) Stay with father if he'll accept the company * Edward nods, smiling slightly (Edward) I think I will suffice. * Edward sips his coffee, watching him with amusement * @Morgan nods slightly, sipping his coffee (Edward) I am starting to think Molly might be his favourite child! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I daresay he'll dote on Mina once you are married * Edward smiles (Edward) Good. She deserves it * @Morgan nods (Edward) And having a mother-in-law will do a great deal for her * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm sure'll benefit from mothers gentle ways, too * Edward nods (Edward) She could have no better mother-in-law * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (Edward) Is there anything else? **he finishes his coffee** * @Morgan shakes his head * Edward inclines his head, walking towards the door (Edward) I will be with Father then * @Morgan inclines his head * Edward goes out through the doorway. Claudia watches Morgan * @Morgan gets up from his chair, walking to the doorway * Edward disappears off ** You're now known as Claudia (Claudia) Alright? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) you? (Claudia) Not bad. Feel a bit of a fool for being so edge and guarding down there all bloody night though *She looks uncommonly sheepish* * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I didn't trust it would be without issue either (Claudia) Do you still want me here? (@Morgan) No, go get some rest, spend some time doing something you enjoy... * Claudia nods (Claudia) Alright * Claudia goes too, leaving him alone * @Morgan closes the door behind her before going to check on Molly ** You're now known as Molly * Molly is sat on the bed sewing (Molly) Did you hit him, liebling? *She smiles* * @Morgan shakes his head, sipping his coffee (Molly) All is well? (@Morgan) I'm annoyed (Molly) Why, liebling? * Molly uses a stitch ripper on a seam (@Morgan) Edward told Father the plan for Atemlos... which is fine, but there's something they've discussed that Edward will not tell me... and its bothering me * Molly nods (Molly) I can understand that being frustrating * @Morgan nods, rolling his neck (@Morgan) never mind. I am going to try to let it pass me by * Molly nods (Molly) If you wish me to try to discover it from your Father, I shall do so (@Morgan) I've got to trust them at some point. (Molly) I know liebes herz, but I also know that it will be hard for you to trust them with things they wish to not share when they will be in unsupervised proximity with Varick and I * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment (Molly) He came to tell you he couldn't tell you something? (@Morgan) No, I spotted an uncomfortable expression, thats all * Molly smiles (Molly) You are far too good at that sometimes * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I know (Molly) You have a knack of making people reveal themselves * Molly looks at him (@Morgan) I suppose so * Molly tries to work out from his expression whether he is still brooding? (@Morgan) ((he is)) (Molly) Liebes herz, how can I help you with this? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I don't know. In the grand scale of things, it isn't even the worst thing I've dealt with since breakfast... * Molly 's brows raise (Molly) It would take much to top that. But this is different... it's closer * @Morgan nods (Molly) It is likely something personal, rather than something that poses a risk * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) probably * Molly holds out a hand to him * @Morgan takes it * Molly turns his hand over, pressing a kiss into his palm (Molly) Did Edward have much else to say? (@Morgan) Father was pleased that he was being trusted with your safety... oh, and there's a letter for you * Molly nods (Molly) Do you have it? * @Morgan wanders back into the parlour, coming back with the letter and fresh coffee * Molly takes it, and opens it. She reads it, giggling (Molly) Oh dear! (@Morgan) problem? * Molly giggles more (Molly) Edward's letter is... descriptive... (@Morgan) He spent a lot of time blushing and coughing (Molly) I should imagine so! She described for him certain things Stef and I had passed on, apparently! (@Morgan) He was wondering where she got that information... he got quite jealous * Molly looks guilty (Molly) Oh that is not good * Molly splits the other seam (@Morgan) What are you doing? (Molly) I need to take in the waistband of these trousers * Molly frowns (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) They're a little loose, and I think I am likely to wear them a great deal when we sail, unless it displeases you? (@Morgan) No blossom, thats fine (Molly) I know it isn't as pretty, but it is more practical (@Morgan) I'd rather you be able to move freely if you need to blossom * Molly looks like she will say something, but blushes insread (Molly) Your father will disapprove (@Morgan) He can disapprove quietly * Molly laughs (Molly) You will defend my right to wear what I please? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) of course (Molly) And if that is nothing? *She giggles* (@Morgan) There are limits, blossom * Molly checks his expression (@Morgan) I dont think even _I_ could get away with allowing that (Molly) You have a formidable reputation, but adding "keeps his wife banished to their quarters and naked" might be a bit too much! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) it'd have its perks I suppose * Molly feigns thought (Molly) It would be very cold... (@Morgan) it would, aye, unless we sailed south * Molly looks at him, trying to figure out if it is a euphemism * @Morgan watches her innocently * Molly blushes (Molly) Somewhere warm and wet? *She looks as if she can't believe she has had the nerve to say it * * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) aye, quite (Molly) Would you need a map? * Molly watches him with amusement (@Morgan) No, I suspect I could find my way (Molly) You _are_ a skilled navigator... * @Morgan nods * Molly purposefully touches her fingers to her lower lip (Molly) If you started here in Carleon... * Molly watches him intensely a moment * @Morgan watches her right back * Molly shakes her head a little (Molly) I really should behave myself... (@Morgan) You really should * Molly Still watches his expression (@Morgan) at least for today * Molly nods, withdrawing her gaze, and picking her sewing back up (Molly) Varick will likely be awake soon * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've been considering telling him who his mother is... since he's started drawing her and if Edward sees it... (Molly) Tell him that he has seen her? * @Morgan nods (Molly) Will he make the connection between her neck scar and method of death? (@Morgan) I don't know (@Morgan) I really hope not... (Molly) We could lie... (@Morgan) Which will work until he asks Mae to speak to her next time we're there * Molly frowns (Molly) Can she do that, even though Natasha passed over? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) She told him that Stef's first husband was at rest, so... * Molly smiles (Molly) I am glad he is, but that is an issue... (@Morgan) that he's at rest, or that she can find out? (Molly) The latter. I would be saddened for Stef and Kristoff if the former was not the case * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed * Molly threads a needle (Molly) If you wish to tell him, I hold no issue with that (@Morgan) We need to consider whether he will make the connection that since his mother could... shift, that may lie in his future * Molly nods {troubled} (Molly) He needs to know that before it happens to him * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) and before he makes the connection when Edward sees that drawing * Molly nods (Molly) I agree (@Morgan) so... when... (Molly) Besides, it might help him to make her more real to him, not just an imaginary mother we say he has * @Morgan nods (Molly) Soon. Before Zweibrucke and his developing friendship with Captain Ulysses (@Morgan) I'm thinking before Atemlos, since Edward is going to be spending time with him there * Molly nods (Molly) I had not considered that (Molly) Today or tomorrow then. If he is upset about it, he will need us both I think * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think you're right (Molly) Would you prefer I talk to him about our plans for the week, or would you prefer to? * Molly watches him solemnly (@Morgan) I think if you take that conversation, and I'll take the one about his mother * Molly nods (Molly) Alright * Molly resumes sewing (Molly) We should do it on different days, it is a lot of sadness for one small boy to deal with * @Morgan nods (Molly) We need to get the burial out of the way first (@Morgan) indeed * Molly sighs (Molly) He has had such a hard life so far * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) he has (Molly) I cannot imagine how much worse it would have become had we not come to Eisen to wed (@Morgan) But had I not spurned her in Sudlachenburg, would it have gone this way? * Molly glances at him (Molly) She was locking him in cupboards long before she tried to steal you from me, liebes herz * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I know (Molly) I hope you do not blame yourself for not marrying her instead! *It sounds playful, but in her eyes it definitely isn't, a mix of jealousy and seriousness* (@Morgan) Absolutely not... * Molly nods (Molly) Discovering that plot was definitely on my "moments I was too jealous to speak" list! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I was rather stunned * Molly nods {jealousy} (Molly) I should imagine her kissing you was very unexpected (@Morgan) extremely... I dont think I've ever moved backwards so quickly * Molly nods (Molly) I am glad * @Morgan nods (Molly) I suspect that my actions had that not been the case would have undermined the gentleness you're so fond of in me (@Morgan) Needs must on occasion I think (Molly) I would have been a very difficult fiancee *She smiles* (@Morgan) That would have been understandable * Molly nods (Molly) You had told me there would never be mistresses, so I think I would have seen it as breaking your word *She shrugs* * @Morgan nods (Molly) Marta and I discussed the day before yesterday what would happen if I was no longer to give you heirs (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) She asked how I thought I would feel if you had acknowledged children by them * Molly seems nonchalant, but it's not as convincing to him as it would be to anyone else (@Morgan) and... (Molly) And I said I would have to very carefully consider what I could and could not tolerate * Molly watches his expression * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) There would have been no acknowledged heirs (Molly) Even though it is your duty? (@Morgan) I have Varick (Molly) One child is not a guarantee. I cannot imagine your Father tolerating it * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) It was not his choice to make * Molly nods (Molly) I do appreciate greatly the sacrifice you would have made * @Morgan shrugs (Molly) I do not think I could have borne knowing that you were in another woman's bed, enjoying that with her *She frowns deeply* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) not something you need to consider any longer * Molly glances at him (Molly) And it would be the same for you, were the situation reversed? (@Morgan) I would not wish you in another mans bed * Molly looks at his expression * @Morgan looks at her, clearly being completely honest * Molly nods, thoughtful (Molly) I would not do that to you. I would not have you living with that * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles to herself a moment (Molly) I was just thinking of an old conversation on the Rose, and I had said "I can imagine you also would not be pleased to see another man's lips upon mine...", and you had said no... * @Morgan nods * Molly glances at him (Molly) It was so difficult not to reply to that with what first came to my mind! (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) What I actually said was something like "I don't think it will be a problem". What I wanted to say was "You ought to ensure yours are there frequently and save us both any concern!" *she giggles* * @Morgan laughs (Molly) I just was not brave enough or sure of you enough (@Morgan) That has passed... * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) Mostly, aye (@Morgan) only mostly? (Molly) I am still more timid than I would like, and I cannot always easily tell when such would be unwelcome. You are very difficult to read * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) At least you no longer doubt your importance to me * Molly smiles (Molly) No. But for the rest, I think I have always waiting for very clear signals, and it has led me to kiss you far, far less than I wished to * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Edward was asking what has changed this morning * Molly blushes (Molly) It was so obvious? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) apparently. We are not normally that playful * Molly nods slowly (Molly) And how do you feel about that? (@Morgan) I cant say it bothers me at all (Molly) Us not being playful? (@Morgan) No, the change... it being obvious * Molly watches him (Molly) You wish the world to see how madly in love with you I am? (@Morgan) and how deeply in love with you I am... * Molly blushes hard, biting her lip, and nodding (Molly) Ah, liebes herz... how I love to hear that! (@Morgan) Then I shall tell you more often (Molly) Only if you wish to, not because you feel you have to, please (@Morgan) of course blossom * Molly smiles warmly (Molly) Do you think Edward thought we did not really love each other so well? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I don't know * Molly nods (Molly) The moment I woke u-... no, not quite the moment I woke up...*She blushes, smiling* * @Morgan smirks slightly (Molly) Very soon after the moment I woke up, it all came back to me, what you had said in the hallway. I had to put a pillow on my face so my squeal of elation did not wake the others * @Morgan blushes * Molly looks confused at his reaction (@Morgan) I am... thrilled to have made you so happy (Molly) So, so happy, liebes herz! So happy it felt like my chest would explode with it * Molly grins at him * @Morgan smiles (Molly) It is why I had to take myself off so early to sing and play and think. My extreme happiness was unbecoming on such a tragic day * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I understand that blossom (Molly) You do? Have I ever made you feel that happy? (@Morgan) Every day * Molly smiles shyly, blushing. She wraps her arms around herself (Molly) Thank you * Molly watches him, clearly trying to read him * @Morgan smiles before looking away * Molly looks confused (Molly) Moments exactly like that... where I can't tell whether I can try to kiss you or not *she giggles* (@Morgan) I'm sorry blossom, the gravity of the day just hit me again * Molly gently puts her hand on his arm (Molly) Talk to me, liebes herz. Tell me what troubled you... * @Morgan looks at her for a moment (@Morgan) I had to stop her blossom. I couldn't let her continue * Molly nods, looking serious (Molly) Absolutely you did. She could have killed you all. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Did you see how it was... finished? * Molly nods (Molly) I can make a medics guess (@Morgan) I was down to my last option. I... I drove my sword right through her. * Molly is clearly not at all distressed by this (Molly) You saved yourself and your father, and Edward, Colonel Fuchs, and an Eisenfurst and Graf. She had to be stopped, before she killed someone. (@Morgan) What bothers me... I told her she'd won, that she'd made me suffer. (Molly) Why does that bother you? (@Morgan) After all she's done, the harm she's caused, what she did to you... My last act was to let her think she'd won... * Molly shakes her head, looking firm (Molly) You did that to protect Varick. * @Morgan nods (Molly) So she momentarily got some perverse joy from that. However, Varick will most likely have a lifetime of joy free from her because of it. You did the right thing, liebes herz. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) She stayed true to herself to the end... her last word was 'good' * Molly sighs, shaking her head (Molly) That is between her and Theus now. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think its time I be less... wary of Edward (Molly) In what way, liebling? (@Morgan) I always question his motives, whether or not what I see him doing is some show... but when it all went to hell, he was only two paces behind to stand with me, no questions, no arguments * Molly nods (Molly) He has proven himself to you? (@Morgan) and he doesn't even remember doing it * Molly smiles a little (Molly) I had not thought of that (Molly) It would have been nigh on impossible for him to have calculated your reaction enough during such a situation to play for an advantage * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) and when I told him to guard father, he immediately did. When I sent Claudia to get a medic, he sprinted to me (Molly) Edward isn't a medic... (@Morgan) No, he was worried for me, he came to check on me while I waited for a medic * Molly nods (Molly) This must be very hard to process? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very (Molly) You are doing well, I think (@Morgan) oh? * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) You are giving it an openness that I had not anticipated (@Morgan) Its quite hard to deny (Molly) What do you mean? (@Morgan) given the speed with which things happened, it'd be very difficult to assign any other meaning or intention to his actions (Molly) Oh! We are talking about different things. Yes, I agree (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) I was talking about Edward generally. The situation with Mina, learning more about his reasoning. You have allowed a space where you can feel and work on it. * @Morgan nods (Molly) It will sound strange, no doubt, but I am immensely proud of you for that * @Morgan bows his head (@Morgan) thank you blossom (Molly) There is no need to thank me. It is hard to explain the personal joy I get from seeing you not so closed off and emotionally isolated as when I first met you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've come a long way * Molly smiles (Molly) Further than I ever dreamed was possible for you * @Morgan nods * Molly squeezes his arm (Molly) But I would not stop being proud if you decided you did not want to have anything to do with him. My pride in you is not conditional * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) That means a great deal (Molly) You did not know that? * @Morgan shakes his head * Molly bows her head, looking sad (Molly) I am sorry that I have not made my pride, respect and faith in you clear enough, if you feel that in any way any of them are not absolute. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as I said to my father, I don't expect anyone's pride * Molly frowns (Molly) You have mine. And I know your father is very proud of you. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm just not used to knowing that. (Molly) Did you know it as a child? * @Morgan nods * Molly nods slowly (Molly) Your father knows he did not treat you as well as you deserved, liebes herz. * @Morgan shrugs * Molly is quiet a moment, then speaks softly (Molly) I'll leave that alone * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank you (Molly) You only ever need to say stop, liebling * @Morgan nods * Molly brings her hand down his arm to his, gently pressing her palm to his (Molly) I do not want you to feel you did wrong with Alarice today, liebes herz (@Morgan) Which part (Molly) Any of it. (@Morgan) My only discomfort about it was letting her think she'd won... she didn't deserve any mercy * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) But it was not mercy, it was protection? (@Morgan) I suppose so (Molly) Without getting into a religious debate, I am not sure I agree with you about mercy (@Morgan) no? (Molly) I believe in acting with mercy, not because the person deserves my mercy, but because I am a merciful person * Molly watches him * @Morgan nods * Molly thinks (Molly) You are troubled that after what I endured and how very nearly I lost my life that you should have acted more vengefully? * @Morgan nods (Molly) Then let me take that from you. If I had been asked, how you dealt with it would have been what I would have asked of you. * @Morgan nods slowly (Molly) You have done right by me and my suffering, liebling. You have nothing to feel bad about. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good * Molly smiles softly (Molly) What would you do without me, hmm? (@Morgan) Probably take on Theah's horrors... * Molly clearly cannot tell how serious he is * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) its the sort of thing I'd do * Molly smiles (Molly) I should imagine Varick and your next wife would object! * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) there would not be one * Molly smiles gently (Molly) It is an awfully tough one. I would hate for you to be so alone and unhappy again... (@Morgan) Without you I would not be happy with someone else. * Molly smiles slightly (Molly) Perhaps. But I know I would always hold a very special reckoning as the woman who made her desire for you unmistakably clear in the Eisenfursts stable! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) true, true (Molly) And there will be many, many more places I will do things that make me utterly unforgettable (@Morgan) I look forward to it * Molly nods (Molly) I think I am going to burn my goodbye letters (@Morgan) You are sure? (Molly) Yes. The things I would say today are not the same things I wanted to say the day before yesterday * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) I see (Molly) That makes you uneasy? (@Morgan) A little... the thought of what could have happened... (Molly) I do not understand? (@Morgan) That I could have lost you... that you did not know what you mean to me * Molly nods (Molly) That would have been a great tragedy. And yes, I suspect with hindsight that my letters would have harmed rather than helped you * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) Aside from the coded one... Although I suspect it would have been a bit too shocking for you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) what with me being such an innocent * Molly smiles innocently, voice quiet (Molly) You seemed fairly innocent on the night of our wedding when I took you into my throat... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that was rather memorable * Molly looks frustrated (Molly) I thought that would at least make you blush! *She giggles* * @Morgan chuckles (@Morgan) Not this time, it seems (Molly) But if I tell you that is all I could think about whilst playing poker in His Grace's finest drawing room last night...? (@Morgan) oh really? * Molly nods, watching his expression (@Morgan) Not too dissimilar to what I was thinking I suppose (Molly) Well, in the spirit of sharing, I think you should elaborate... *She raises an eyebrow* (@Morgan) Not today, I think * Molly laughs (Molly) You are a complete tease, Veisgraf Sudlachenburg! * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) I know * Molly sighs dramatically (Molly) If it weren't for Edward... * @Morgan nods (Molly) **There is the sound of movement in the parlour. She whispers quietly * I shall reserve the right to come to bed alone, as permission was given earlier... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as you wish blossom * Molly smiles with a little shrug (Molly) Though I'd prefer to be watched (@Morgan) oh? * Molly hops off the bed, moving towards the door, smile full of mischief (Molly) You'll have to wait and see, won't you, liebes herz? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I suppose so, aye * Molly goes out into the parlour ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Saturday, 3 October 2020 08:50:02 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** cantillon.be.eu.blitzed.org sets mode(s) +nt ** ChanServ sets mode(s) -o Molly