** You're now known as Karlsruhe * Karlsruhe can be found on the deck of the Lusty Wench, a ship Morgan has only been on whilst it was burning. He is talking to another man with a similar bearing of authority. * @Morgan calls up for permission to board (Karlsruhe) **The other man quietly talks to Karlsruhe a moment* OM: Granted, my Lord * @Morgan walks up the plank, touching the horseshoe at the top (Karlsruhe) **The man who seems to be the Captain is vaguely familiar. Karlsruhe inclines his head to Morgan* My Lord your family are well? * @Morgan looks the captain over, nodding (@Morgan) very well, thank you (Karlsruhe) **The Captain watches Morgan equally. He's a man in his fifties, wearing a leather waist coat. But in Morgan's head, he sees him wearing a mustard yellow one, and laughing with a group of equally finely dressed men at court in Freiburg during the War* (@Morgan) I've met you... (Karlsruhe) C: I should imagine so, young Veisgraf Koertig. I remember you. (@Morgan) In my experience, people remembering me isn't always a good thing (Karlsruhe) C: I didn't remember you, until the scandal. * Karlsruhe watches the Captain a moment, frowning a little * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) generally one of the two things I'm remembered for (Karlsruhe) C: *He nods* It was a great surprise. * Karlsruhe turns his attention to watching Morgan * @Morgan 's voice drops in pitch (@Morgan) so I'm told (Karlsruhe) C: You had seemed like predictable sort of young man, determined to do his duty. * Karlsruhe doesn't move much, but it's just enough to make it clear that he is preparing for any violence that may occur (@Morgan) I see... (Karlsruhe) C: Quite unexpected. *he seems to be watching Morgan assesingly* (@Morgan) I wouldn't wish to be predictable * Karlsruhe looks at Morgan (Karlsruhe) C: No-one foresaw that, certainly. Your brother was a relentless scrap of a lord, chasing us about all over Town. (@Morgan) in what respect? * Karlsruhe looks at the Captain, looking unimpressed now (Karlsruhe) C: Trade partnerships, wanting to keep our good graces for Sudlachenburg (@Morgan) _your_ good graces? (Karlsruhe) C: I was a Freiarr in Fischler. (@Morgan) was... interesting... tell me, do you meditate with the rest of the company? * Karlsruhe is now scowling (Karlsruhe) C: Occasionally (@Morgan) I suggest you look into the closing words more closely, particularly wisdom... (Karlsruhe) C: *He looks affronted* You are very outspoken for so young a man * @Morgan smiles slightly * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats been noted before (Karlsruhe) C: One would expect better from a noble son. (@Morgan) However, I wouldn't expect more from a former Freiarr... now unless you can keep your tongue civil while addressing a man of _much_ higher status, I'd suggest you go away lest I decide to remove it (Karlsruhe) C: *He huffs off* * @Morgan glances at Karlsruhe * Karlsruhe looks to Morgan (Karlsruhe) My deepest apologies, my Lord (@Morgan) Don't mention it, I'm used to that sentiment * Karlsruhe nods a little (Karlsruhe) It cannot have been easy, my Lord. I heard it was vitriolic. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) it caused a great deal of anger within my family. Other noblemen have, on occasion, been on the receiving end of the violence you were clearly predicting (Karlsruhe) I would not have stopped you, my Lord (@Morgan) I was fairly sure of that, but didn't wish to take that risk... or leave you without a captain. (Karlsruhe) He is only going to be Captain for another ten minutes. * @Morgan smiles slightly (@Morgan) Temperence... I''ve not practiced it often, but it seemed appropriate at this point * Karlsruhe smiles (Karlsruhe) I have something for you, my Lord (@Morgan) oh? * Karlsruhe takes a dark brown leather book from his pocket, handing it over * @Morgan takes it (@Morgan) you'll be needing this to lead your company in meditation... (Karlsruhe) I have another * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank you... I feel somewhat guilty about my reason for coming (Karlsruhe) Why, my Lord? (@Morgan) I was hoping to borrow something (Karlsruhe) If I can give it, I will (@Morgan) Aachen... * Karlsruhe looks thoughtful (Karlsruhe) What for? (@Morgan) I would like him to run an errand (Karlsruhe) You want to hire a mercenary as a messenger? (@Morgan) After a fashion... I was thinking he could carry my message about assisting with the Grafdom to his brother, which would happily coincide with him being able to see his family * Karlsruhe smiles (Karlsruhe) He would be overjoyed to see his Lizzie again * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've enquired how much pay he would lose being away from the company for that time * Karlsruhe nods (Karlsruhe) He sends every cent back to them (Karlsruhe) Mark* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) so I understand, which hopefully should be eased once the lands are not at odds with the Grafdom * Karlsruhe nods (Karlsruhe) Graf Maubourg has a bad reputation, Theus knows what his successor will be like (@Morgan) Yes, he does... (Karlsruhe) When do you want Aachen to leave (@Morgan) Whenever would enable him to get home easiest... (@Morgan) I would like to see him though * Karlsruhe nods, smiling warmly (Karlsruhe) Best he leaves from here today. I'll fetch him * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank you * Karlsruhe goes and shouts down the stairs. A minute later, both Karlsruhe and Aachen are stood in front of Morgan and the latter bows (Karlsruhe) A: My Lord? (@Morgan) Aachen, Karlsruhe has agreed for me to utilise your services ** You're now known as Aachen (Aachen) For protection on your travels, my Lord? * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) No, the message to your brother... I'd like you to deliver it * Aachen looks shocked, then speaks quietly (Aachen) Lizzie... (@Morgan) Well, isn't that a pleasant coincidence... (Aachen) *Karlsruhe watches Morgan with an odd sort of smile* * Aachen nods rapidly (Aachen) Thank you, my Lord, thank you (@Morgan) I understand you send all your pay home... (Aachen) I do, my Lord. My brother has his own family to feed, and though it means I can't be there, I shed blood to feed her and my children. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) So you'll miss out on some pay from the next contract the company takes * Aachen nods,looking serious (Aachen) That is a problem, my Lord * @Morgan nods, fishing the pouch from his father, and the one containing the ten guilders he won from his pocket, holding them out (Aachen) My Lord! * Aachen looks just as shocked as before (@Morgan) Go home, Aachen, tell your brother to write to me, and spend time with Lizzie. Make sure your brother understands to send it directly to me (Aachen) I will my Lord. Thank you. You have no idea how happy this will make her * @Morgan smiles slightly (Aachen) She will be praying for you and your family til the end of her days, my Lord **Karlsruhe pats Aachen on the arm* * @Morgan nods slightly (@Morgan) go get packed, the journey isn't going to make itself (Aachen) K: Get your kit, Aachen, I want you on the road within the hour. **the man bows profusely before speeding off below deck. Karlsruhe watches him a moment before looking at Morgan* ** You're now known as Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe) That was a good thing you have done for him, my Lord. (@Morgan) It was the right thing to do, thats all (Karlsruhe) He deserves to see his wife again... * @Morgan nods sadly * Karlsruhe strokes his moustache a moment (Karlsruhe) If only it were always so simple, my Lord * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed. * Karlsruhe inhales and exhales slowly, looking out over the water in the Port (Karlsruhe) I've added your quote at the front, along with details of how to contact us, if you ever need our services * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'll keep that in mind... I've not given up on your lands just yet, either (Karlsruhe) My Lord, this life, it teaches you things. Being nobility... it's just land, its just title. There were only six things that had true and real value, and no power on Theah can restore them to me. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) You have friends, though. Its not much, I know, but its something * Karlsruhe smiles (Karlsruhe) "Cling tooth and nail to the following rule: not to give in to adversity, not to trust prosperity, and always take full note of fortune’s habit of behaving just as she pleases." * @Morgan looks at him (@Morgan) you don't need a book at all, do you? (Karlsruhe) I always need a book. In life, we are all Practisers, and none Masters. (@Morgan) Have you heard there is a warrant out for Colonel Dau? * Karlsruhe smiles (Karlsruhe) I had not (@Morgan) Crying shame (Karlsruhe) Indeed. We will see if the law catches him before you or I (@Morgan) The race is on... *he holds out his hand* I'd best be getting back, we need to sail before too long (Karlsruhe) *He shakes his hand* “If a man knows not which port he sails, no wind is favorable.” (@Morgan) Stay safe Karlsruhe (Karlsruhe) And you, Veisgraf * @Morgan nods briefly before leaving him and walking down the plank (Karlsruhe) **the dock is still busy, and he finds Molly, Edward, Adalbrecht and Varick stood beside The Rose. ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan (Karlsruhe) ((Here when you are)) (@Morgan) ((ok)) ** You're now known as Adalbrecht * Adalbrecht is shaking his head in puzzlement as he looks at the massive ship. The others are chatting quietly (@Morgan) problem, father? (Adalbrecht) I just cannot understand how a ship this size can be so fast * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) several reasons, not least of which is that the masts are afixed down low, almost to the keel... it can put up with more wind (Adalbrecht) She's a handsome ship *He smiles at Morgan* * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) You have done well * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) A ships captain was just giving me attitude and I didn't throw him overboard... I think I've matured... a little bit (Adalbrecht) A ships captain giving attitude to a Duke? * Adalbrecht runs his eyes over the highly coveted vessel (@Morgan) I don't think he realised that part yet (Adalbrecht) It won't stay quiet long * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I suppose not (Adalbrecht) Eisenfurst Hainzl knew of it before yesterday lunchtime (@Morgan) Interesting... * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) I can see why people were so desperate to own her * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) **above them, the deck is noisy with preparations and final checks (Adalbrecht) Odd for such a fine, Eisen ship to end up in the possession of an Avalon girl (@Morgan) It arrived in quite a roundabout way (Adalbrecht) It's been quite fortuitous for the family * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) You still do not intend to Captain her? (Adalbrecht) **The others come up behind them. Edward glances at Morgan with a smile at Adalbrechts words* (@Morgan) She has a captain * Adalbrecht smiles (Adalbrecht) I will do my best not to stand on the deck thinking how I would do it differently (@Morgan) Feel free to think that... Sorgi is a good man and I've no reason to doubt his ability * Adalbrecht smiles, patting Morgan's arm (Adalbrecht) Are you going to give us a tour before we sail? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) if you would like one * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) I certainly would. I want to know what your first impression of her was too (Adalbrecht) *Edward glances at Morgan, smiling* I think he means the ship, not Molly *he winks at her and she laughs * * @Morgan starts up the plank (@Morgan) I don't think you really want to know what my first thought of the ship was * Adalbrecht frowns (Adalbrecht) Me? (Adalbrecht) **The others follow a little slower * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) Now you have peaked my curiosity * Adalbrecht waits for Morgan to touch the horseshoe * @Morgan does so as he passes it * Adalbrecht does so too. Edward comes up next, Molly and Varick holding back to not crowd him. Adalbrecht motions Morgan aside (Adalbrecht) Are you not going to tell me? (@Morgan) I thought she was a pirate ship * Adalbrecht looks around (Adalbrecht) I can see that, I suppose (@Morgan) having inspected her hull, I am certain of it * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) As long as that's not what you will be using her for (Adalbrecht) **Molly leads the others below stairs and out of the way of the crew (@Morgan) as if I'd have time, let alone the inclination (Adalbrecht) I must admit, I would have spared little time or expense to get my hands on her if I had been you (@Morgan) She was not what I desired * Adalbrecht looks admiringly at the deck and the industruousness of the crew (Adalbrecht) No? * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) When Molly received her I had no intention of returning home, so a ship was of no use to me (Adalbrecht) I am surprised it was of any use to her (@Morgan) She intended to use it to help Eisen rebuild (Adalbrecht) Oh yes, I recall you saying when you suddenly brought her to us *he smiles* ** (MollyK) You did not plan to do that with her? ** You're now known as AdK (@Morgan) do what? (AdK) Rebuild Eisen on the ship (@Morgan) Once it came to me we were somewhat beyond that (AdK) I meant when she had it (AdK) **Sorgi seems to be keeping an eye on them* (@Morgan) I had my own work to do ** Adalbrecht has quit (Ping timeout: 245 seconds) * AdK nods, moving towards the stairs. Sorgi moves to Morgan ** You're now known as Sorgi (Sorgi) Do you have a moment? * @Morgan nods (Sorgi) I have a suggested itinery (@Morgan) oh? (Sorgi) If we leave in half an hour, we can make Picante this evening, a few hours tomorrow morning to deal with the cargo then sail mid morning for Starke to arrive tomorrow night. Then top up the provisions Monday morning to sail on the tide on Monday afternoon for the two weeks to Freiburg * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that'd give Molly and I time to have a wander around... she's keen to look around (Sorgi) Do you want to make any stops in Castile or Montaigne on the voyage? (@Morgan) Worth checking... I've no interest in it, I've visited both * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) If you let me know Her Excellency's wishes... * Sorgi smiles * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) aye captain (Sorgi) How are you now * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) I'm well... well enough I didn't beat a man who probably deserved it * Sorgi looks impressed (Sorgi) He is lucky it isn't yesterday * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) He won't be captain about now, either * Sorgi smiles (Sorgi) Good. Do you want to be on deck when we move out? * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) aye... my father may wish to be as well, being a navy man * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Do you need to tie up any loose ends? (@Morgan) No, plans are submitted, Aachen is paid and sent home * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Very good. I will send for you when the time comes * @Morgan salutes (@Morgan) aye captain * Sorgi smiles, inclining his head * Sorgi goes back to what he was doing, leaving Morgan to find the others below stairs * @Morgan heads below deck (Sorgi) **The banister is a little dusty, as it was when Kai had said it to Molly and Evie and Evie had said if he knew so much about cleaning a ship she would get him a duster. They are all stood at the bottom waiting* ** You're now known as Molly -NickServ- This nickname is registered. Please choose a different nickname, or identify via /msg NickServ identify . -NickServ- You are now identified for Molly. * Molly looks the most pleased to see him, smiling warmly (Molly) Everything alright, liebling? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) just going over the itinerary... a little time and a few hours in the morning in Picante... Sorgi wants to know if you wish to stop in Montaigne or Castille on the way * Molly bites her lip a moment (Molly) I will give it some thought, if that is alright? (@Morgan) of course (Molly) *She nods* Do you want the honour of showing them your ship, as I had the pleasure of doing so with you? (@Morgan) I think I would like to show them a few areas, yes * Molly nods (Molly) Shall I take Varick back to our rooms? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) please * Molly gently squeezes his arm before taking Varick with her ** You're now known as Adalbrecht * Adalbrecht and Edward wait to be shown around ((what does he show them?)) (@Morgan) ((store, cabins and ballroom)) * Adalbrecht and Edward are clearly highly impressed by the ship, lots of compliments. Soon they get to the Captain's chambers and Owners chambers, the rooms having had to be switches to be able to make an antechamber to extend into a cabin for Varicks room. He can already hear Molly and Varick laughing (Adalbrecht) And this is your chambers? * @Morgan nods, opening the door (@Morgan) study, through the a bedchamber (Adalbrecht) Molly comes to Morgan's side. Varick is playing with Captain Ulysses (Adalbrecht) **Adalbrecht and Edward look around* (Adalbrecht) A: This is a very fine room, the finest on the ship? * @Morgan shrugs (Adalbrecht) **beside Morgan, Molly's fingers go to her lip, and she looks distracted. He can tell he could read her thoughts if he wanted to* (@Morgan) about on par with the captains cabin (Adalbrecht) ((Read her or not?)) (@Morgan) ((no)) * Adalbrecht goes to the empty books shelves (Adalbrecht) I see what you mean Molly! *she suddenly focuses* hmm? (Adalbrecht) E: *He glances at Morgan with a wink* (Adalbrecht) E: *quietly* she did that a lot on Thursday night * @Morgan blushes slightly (Adalbrecht) E: *He smiles* she's crazy about you (Adalbrecht) M: *she runs her hand over the book shelf* They were full the first time we came here... * @Morgan nods * Adalbrecht watches her with a smile (Adalbrecht) You haven't unpacked the new trunk yet? (@Morgan) _new_ trunk? (Adalbrecht) M: *she giggles* I was _very_ spoilt yesterday * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good (Adalbrecht) *she smiles at both Adalbrecht and Edward* (Adalbrecht) You will have the shelves filled in no time (Adalbrecht) M: *she looks to Morgan* when do we sail? (@Morgan) about half hour (Adalbrecht) M: *she nods* I will make a start on my unpacking then, unless you have a need of me? (Adalbrecht) ((Attention?)) (@Morgan) ((Edward)) (Adalbrecht) **Edward smirks slightly before going over to Varick** * Adalbrecht looks at Morgan (Adalbrecht) I am going to go up on deck. Very fine ship Morgan (@Morgan) Sorgi asked if we'd want to be on deck as we get underway... I said we would * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) I'll see you when you come up * Adalbrecht heads out ** You're now known as Molly * Molly speaks quietly (Molly) You can go with him if you wish, we are fine here *Edward is being introduced to Captain Ulysses and playing along as if he is a real captain* (@Morgan) You are sure? * Molly smiles (Molly) I just want to make you happy (@Morgan) You do * Molly blushes, smiling (Molly) I am glad to hear that * Molly looks thoughtful s minute (Molly) Could you just help me bring this trunk through before you go? (@Morgan) of course * Molly goes into the bedroom and to the other side of the room where the trunks are * @Morgan follows her through * Molly smiles at him, voice a whisper (Molly) Yes, it's entirely a ploy I am afraid... * @Morgan chuckles (Molly) I don't think I can bear another moment without kissing you! (@Morgan) nest make it quick before we're interrupted then * Molly moves quickly to him, wrapping her arms around his neck (Molly) Of course, Your Excellency * @Morgan smiles * Molly rises up on her toes to kiss him firmly * @Morgan returns her kiss * Molly presses against him a moment before moving away a little (Molly) I wouldn't want you to miss it because you were too busy here in the bedroom with me... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Why dont you join me? (Molly) I thought you would like to share it with your Father (@Morgan) I'd like to share it with my family... you couldn't help with the stern posts, you can be with me for this * Molly smiles (Molly) I am very touched (Molly) All of us? (@Morgan) I suspect Edward would prefer to remain below deck * Molly nods, moving away from him and picking up the cream shawl she always used to wear when sailing on The Rose (Molly) They can stay here then? (@Morgan) I've no issue with that * Molly watches him a moment (Molly) Best lead the way, my Lord * @Morgan nods, heading out of the room towards the deck * Molly follows on with quick instructions to Edward. She looks around, spotting Sorgi watching Morgan (Molly) S: Ready, my Lord? * @Morgan nods, walking to the bow (Molly) **Adalbrecht is already there, and Molly goes with him. Sorgi gives the command and the ship bustles with activity as everything comes together to get them underway. Adalbrecht looks relaxed in a way Morgan recalls from childhood trips * Molly looks up at him (Molly) Which of the ships is Kais? * @Morgan points it out * Molly looks it over (Molly) Not bad... (@Morgan) pity he'll never get to use her * Molly smiles slightly (Molly) I am most heartsore for the tragic loss of his fine ship... (@Morgan) oh she'll be sold to someone else, so she'll still sail (Molly) Good... I like The Destitution Of Arrogance as a name... * @Morgan laughs * Molly glances at him, smiling (Molly) Or The Lady's Revenge... (@Morgan) I like that... * Molly nods, watching as The Rose starts to move (Molly) Or simply, Karma. * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I think I prefer destitution of arrogance * Molly smiles (Molly) I shall let you buy the name from me, if you wish... (@Morgan) Wouldn't you rather donate it to the 'Kai getting his comeuppance' trust? (Molly) What sort of business woman would I be then, hmm? (@Morgan) There are some causes worth donating to... (Molly) Usually there is at least some recognition for those giving charity... * Molly smirks, watching the approaching walls (@Morgan) Well, recognition could certainly be given (Molly) A suitable recognition would certainly be aopreciated * @Morgan nods (Molly) Then you may have my name, if you think your tongue eloquent enough to do it proud * Molly is trying to contain the grin by biting her lip * @Morgan blushes (Molly) S: *He shouts to the crew* keep her steady, let's take it nice and slow! * Molly raises an eyebrow at Morgan, giggling * @Morgan leans out over the rail, looking along the side of the ship (Molly) **The crew are doing fine. Zweibrucke is an easy port to scrub the walls in, but neither he nor Adalbrecht are seeing any sign of it as the father copies his son * Molly watches the two men, and Morgan feels a warm sense of satisfaction come through from her emotions (Molly) S: *He gives more instructions, but the manoeuvre goes smoothly. Soon they are in the Great River, and the Port of Zweibrucke is behind them, with Eisen waters due to be likewise in a few hours. ((Attention?)) (@Morgan) ((the port)) (Molly) **The port looks much bigger without The Rose. It seems like years since they pulled in there just twenty two days ago, before the explosion, Alarice's treachery, Molly's poisoning and near death, the Nieblungen, the ghosts... Before he and Edward became brothers once more... (Molly) **Adalbrecht goes to congratulate Sorgi. Molly watches her husband's expression* * @Morgan sighs * Molly slips her hand into his (Molly) We will be back, liebling. I won't keep you away from home forever * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles, bringing his knuckles to her lips (Molly) But for now, adventure awaits * @Morgan nods (Molly) I should go and check on Varick (@Morgan) aye, though I'm sure he's fine (Molly) You are so desperate to keep me at your side? *she watches him with a gentle smile* * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) you can't get far for now, so its fine blossom * Molly licks her lower lip, then bites it, speaking quietly (Molly) A captive... (@Morgan) behave yourself young miss (Molly) This _is_ behaving myself, Mon petit chou * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) go on, away with you to check on our boy * Molly smiles warmly {surprise} then curtsies deeply (Molly) As Your Excellency commands! *she giggles, making a rapid escape* * @Morgan walks across the deck, looking up at the crows nest ** You're now known as Adalbrecht * Adalbrecht heads to Morgan (Adalbrecht) Eleven. That's how old you were when you first disappeared up there. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) its a nice view from up there (Adalbrecht) My stomach disagrees * Adalbrecht looks out over the water (Adalbrecht) Are you going to tell me what the note to Molly was about now? * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) Have you ever woken from a dream, but your waking is a dream? * Adalbrecht nods (@Morgan) I woke from my nightmare to hear you and Edward talking about how my mind had broken, and that they'd died at the fire in the barn... that you'd have to make me see the truth, but not on Dietlinde's birthday... I couldn't bear to hear it and curled up to sleep again, then woke up again... it all felt so real. So I spent the last day convinced I'd lost them and had lost my mind * Adalbrecht winces (Adalbrecht) I am sorry, that sounds horrific * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) it was (Adalbrecht) Why didn't you ride back to Atemlos? (@Morgan) Because until I knew for sure, I still had some hope * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) Very bad timing (@Morgan) No-one is more adept at torturing me than me (Adalbrecht) You should work on that. The only person you are guaranteed to spend the rest of your life with is you. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm hoping after this year it will have eased (Adalbrecht) Why this year? (@Morgan) Because I have them, I have you, I have Edward... and despite my believing I had lost them, I have not * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) Your uncle Christopher once told me "I am a mosaic of everyone I have ever loved, even for a heartbeat" (@Morgan) What a hopeless romantic (Adalbrecht) It's a Hockridge trait. *he smiles* * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) They live on through you. As long as you have memories, they are there. * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) Is that what you meant, that you have not lost them? (@Morgan) I was more referring to Molly and Varick... as for Dietlinde and Jana, I am... sure now they are at peace * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) I never doubted that (@Morgan) I did * Adalbrecht frowns (Adalbrecht) Why? (@Morgan) The way they died, but mostly how badly I failed them. * Adalbrecht puts his hand on Morgan's shoulder (Adalbrecht) You did not fail them. (@Morgan) I am not ready to believe that yet * Adalbrecht nods a little (Adalbrecht) I hope one day you feel see that this was not your fault. * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) we'll just have to wait and see * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) One day, when you're ready, we will talk about it in as much length and detail as you need * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank you * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) Molly and Edward are getting on much better * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I had suggested they spend time together... apparently that was a good suggestion * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) They were up very late, and then yesterday it was very clear that whatever was making them both wary with each other had been overcome * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good (@Morgan) She has not had the opportunity to see how he and I had progressed * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) This time in Fischler and the trip here has been good for you both * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) it very nearly wasn't... I'm glad we avoided that (Adalbrecht) Given how you were this morning, I am not sure you would have survived her loss last Thursday (@Morgan) No, and how I was this morning was but a shadow of how frantic I was yesterday (Adalbrecht) What were you like yesterday? (@Morgan) utterly inconsolable... I think I drank about half a bottle of whiskey in short order * Adalbrecht shakes his head (Adalbrecht) I don't think you should come away like this again (@Morgan) At some point it'll be necessary (Adalbrecht) You are planning to travel without her? Or specifically in January ((wedding aniversary)), March ((janas bday)) and September? (@Morgan) Planning, no... but I wasn't planning to come away a duke, graf in waiting, or landowner... * Adalbrecht smiles (Adalbrecht) You already had a sizeable birthright... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) My children are going to have much work to do (Adalbrecht) Though with eight children, all of whom could be sons, you will be able to give a decent inheritance to each * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) More granddaughters would be nice, but we have Mina for that * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) We will have boys from Molly, I hope. I am looking forward to Edward and Mina's bridal plate (@Morgan) Do you think they will have one? That is a Sudlachenburg tradition (Adalbrecht) He is a Child of the Sudlache. All marriages of children of the Sudlache should have a bridal plate. * Adalbrecht grimaces (Adalbrecht) I apologise, that was tactless * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've spoken with him about it... he's considering it. Has he spoken to you about your sleeping outdoors with us? (Adalbrecht) No, he was busy squireing Molly around the City yesterday * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) pity (Adalbrecht) Why? (@Morgan) Its not my place to say * Adalbrecht frowns (Adalbrecht) I am just as hardy as the two of you. (@Morgan) I promise you that is not the subject of it. I will speak with him again. * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) It is good to see the two of you together * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I am rather enjoying it (Adalbrecht) **The crew start to settle a little, the imminent danger passed, and several go below as the watches return to normal* * Adalbrecht looks thought (Adalbrecht) I don't have your forgiving nature. Had it been my brother and your mother, he would be dead. (@Morgan) It nearly was. And that night he returned, it was possible then... in fact, until this week I didn't ever think I could be around him, let alone trust him (Adalbrecht) What change (Adalbrecht) Changed? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I suspect, once he'd calmed down from his outrage... Mina. He seemed to stop expecting me to attack... and that first visit with Alarice, I made it obvious I was going to make an effort to trust him, for you. * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) I admire your strength of character * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) it was what was required (Adalbrecht) Required by whom? (@Morgan) to move forward (Adalbrecht) Why is that so important to you? (@Morgan) Partly because its my duty. He felt like he'd had no other choice in his actions, that had to count for something * Adalbrecht thinks about this (Adalbrecht) Even though he did? (@Morgan) We've spoken about it. What he sees in hindsight could not be seen at the time, not through his eyes (Adalbrecht) I would say we would all have acted differently with hindsight, but I do not like the harm I have done when I have said that in the past * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) We are where we are, we can only move forward * Adalbrecht nods (Adalbrecht) You have a wife who has tolerated a lot of these thoughtless comments this summer * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) I suspect she might have done to Edward what she did to me in Fischler. He's certainly been more careful, even when we were at church yeaterday * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) As long as its helped, he'll just have to endure it * Adalbrecht nods, slightly grimly (Adalbrecht) Indeed he will (Adalbrecht) We have all been fortunate that after everything, we ended up with you meeting a person who could mend you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) yes we are (Adalbrecht) I thank Theus for that daily * @Morgan nods (Adalbrecht) **There is a call for lunch** ** You are now disconnected