------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 13 January 2021 21:57:05 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** timtam.uk.eu.blitzed.org sets mode(s) +nt ** ChanServ sets mode(s) -o Molly ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan (Molly) **It's very nearly dawn when he gets on deck, the sky quite light. Sorgi is stood looking in the direction of the sun which will rise over the river mouth * @Morgan wanders up beside him, watching the horizon ** You're now known as Sorgi (Sorgi) Good morning m'Lord, I thought you were going to miss it (@Morgan) First time for everything (Sorgi) Did you sleep well? (@Morgan) remarkably, aye (Sorgi) Glad to hear that, m'Lord * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) all is quiet? (Sorgi) **the sun starts to appear. Sorgi checks a pocket watch** (Sorgi) Very quiet. Sea is fairly calm this first bit. Barometer looks good, wind is good but not too strong. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) excellent (Sorgi) We will start gun drills at 10, just the deck guns first, no live fire. * @Morgan nods (Sorgi) Koen is leading it (@Morgan) You trust he has the skills to? (Sorgi) Absolutely. But more than that, the crew are ex-objectionist navy. The drills I am used to would only be familiar to James at best. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I would like them to be integrated * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) They will learn that too, in time, but it makes most sense to refresh what they are familiar with first. Best we aren't taken by surprise because we were busy training different, m'Lord * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) agreed (Sorgi) **the sun emerges properly over the horizon* (Sorgi) It's getting noticeably later, m'Lord * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye (Sorgi) Do you want to the crows nest, or to participate in the drill? (@Morgan) I'll take the nest, lets get all of them involved (Sorgi) Claudia wants to give them weapons and hand-to-hand combat training too (@Morgan) You have an objection to that? (Sorgi) No, m'Lord. Not if you don't * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Its probably a good idea... you know how dangerous it can be at sea * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Everyone should be able to defend themselves, each other, and the ship * @Morgan nods (Sorgi) We can out-run most of whatever could be out here * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats always the better plan but... its not always viable * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Claudia and I will get a plan in place. I don't want her Excellency training with the crew (@Morgan) I'm not inclined to argue, but why? (Sorgi) A couple of weeks at sea without shore leave, and Claudia training her in that new technique... (@Morgan) Make it known that anyone behaving in an inappropriate manner towards her will answer to me directly would you (@Morgan) and that my reputation is deserved (Sorgi) I have already done that, m'Lord. But it's prudent not to make it worse. (@Morgan) absolutely * Sorgi looks at the horizon to the west, over the unbroken line of sea and sky (Sorgi) Never thought I'd see this again, m'Lord (@Morgan) no? (Sorgi) Must be seven or eight years * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) different times * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) What about you, m'Lord? Not seen it since the War? ((He saw it 10m agononnthe solemn wind after leaving the monestary)) (@Morgan) No, I've traveled since then... nearly a year ago I was here or herebaouts * Sorgi nods. The bell rings for breakfast (Sorgi) Early breakfast today, let's get some speed up before the drill and whilst the wind favours us * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) sound idea captain * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) I've told cook to save some for her Excellency and his lordship, it's earlier than they are usually up * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) they'll appreciate that (@Morgan) I think Varick would only appreciate it more if it was cake... * Sorgi smiles (Sorgi) He does seem to like it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye * Sorgi leads the way to breakfast. The crew there seem keen to get on shift, and they're all talking about what they did in the War. A few know each other, but it seems to be a bonding exercise. * @Morgan watches them from the corner as he eats (Sorgi) **It becomes a little boastful, but good natured. By the end of breakfast, he has about forty five minutes before he is supposed to be on the crows nest* * @Morgan fetches a coffee and a tea and heads back to his room (Sorgi) **Captain Ulysses opens his eyes from his position on the couch, stretching onto his back** * @Morgan puts his coffee down, rubbing the cats belly for a moment before going in to Molly * Sorgi wakes at the door opening blinking a moment and getting her bearings ** You're now known as Molly * @Morgan places the tea on a table by the bed (Molly) Good morning, liebes herz... (@Morgan) good morning my love * Molly smiles warmly, then tilts her head thoughtfully (Molly) When you woke up this morning, did I...? * @Morgan nods (Molly) Oh! *she blushes, smiling* I can only vaguely recall. I wasn't sure if I dreamt it (@Morgan) I believe we were dreaming together and I woke at an... inopportune moment * Molly nods slowly (Molly) I wonder what would have happened if you hadn't? * @Morgan snorts (@Morgan) the obvious, I would imagine (Molly) Like how I wake sometimes? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I expect so * Molly looks bemused (Molly) I did not know that could happen to men * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I cant say its happened before (Molly) You do not have dreams like that much? (@Morgan) Not really (Molly) When did you start dreaming with me? (@Morgan) fairly recently, I suppose (Molly) Oh, no, I meant where in the dream (@Morgan) You had just come to my cabin (Molly) Oh god... Did I give you a long speech about my feelings? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) you did * Molly blushes, covering her face with her hands (Molly) Oh dear * @Morgan chuckles * Molly takes a deep breath, uncovering her face (Molly) It was odd, I couldn't understand how you were suddenly talking about marriage so casually * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) aye (@Morgan) the advantages of knowing its a dream... * Molly smiles (Molly) And you woke up after taking my virginity, again? (@Morgan) except it didn't hurt... * Molly nods (Molly) I know. I know why too (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) Because I wasn't properly awake when I... *she bites her lip* I went straight back into the dream... it got even odder. But eventually we talked about why it hadn't been painful and I hadn't bled. (@Morgan) and... (Molly) The examination in Carleon. I hadn't fainted, I had just sobbed. He was much rougher, the pain was even worse, and I bled, badly. (@Morgan) I see * Molly shrugs (Molly) I didn't dream that bit, just telling you about it. *she smiles* It was a welcome interruption from you apologising and insisting that we would get married immediately * @Morgan laughs * Molly giggles (Molly) That was my fault. (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) at that moment of withdrawal, I could see the pleasure and adoration in your expression, and said something rather coarse. This disrupted your intended action and you uhh… didn't withdraw. * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) I see (Molly) Do you wish to hear the rest of it? (@Morgan) let me get my coffee and scarf * Molly frowns slightly but nods * @Morgan wanders back out into the study, picking up his coffee before looking for the cat (Molly) **he's still on the couch* * @Morgan makes a noise to attract his attention before tapping his shoulder (@Morgan) c'mon (Molly) *He climbs up, resetting in his usual spot* * @Morgan chuckles, wandering back into the bedroom * Molly sips the tea then giggles "I am beginning to think you love that cat as much as you love Varick and I!" (@Morgan) No... but he helped me more than I can put into words * Molly smiles (Molly) That's sweet * @Morgan nods (Molly) **the cat purrs loudly (@Morgan) I'm a sweet sort, really * Molly nods (Molly) "Until the tides no longer turn" * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (@Morgan) you were saying... * Molly gets comfortable (Molly) You apologised profusely for your loss of self-control, which I assured you was unnecessary, but you became adamant that you were going to marry me, because it was right, and incase you had made me with child. I didn't agree, so things were a little tense. Then Kurt appeared in the morning to find out if you had made the right choice. * Molly pauses for question or comment (@Morgan) I'm wondering why he is in your dreams so much * Molly shrugs (Molly) I have no idea. Does it trouble you? (@Morgan) its starting to... but I suspect its a combination of the two of us trying to puzzle him out * Molly nods (Molly) You have no need to be jealous. I did not want him then, and I do not want him now * @Morgan nods (Molly) Shall I continue? (@Morgan) aye (Molly) You didn't want to wed in Avalon, and wanted it done immediately, so we got a crew sorted at haste, and Kurt offered to call in a favour with the Objectionist priest at Anhalt by letter, though he could not attend himself. * Molly pauses briefly again * @Morgan nods (Molly) It took about a week after the first night to get to Anhalt. I was still reluctant to wed, and had decided that we should wait to see whether there were consequences or if I bled, and if I did you could stay being my Paramour. But when it came to it, I couldn't resist all the pleasure on offer, so each night for a week we were intimate, though either you withdrew or what we did did not end whilst you were inside me. And I started to wish to feel that, like the first time, and I relented to marriage. (@Morgan) d to wish to feel that, lik (Molly) Like the first time, and I relented to marriage. (@Morgan) Hear that captain, she _relented_ to marrying me * Molly giggles (Molly) I have no idea why I was so opposed!So we disembarked in Anhalt, and went to a tiny chapel up on the cliff tops. The wind was strong, and you laughed at how it tried to pull up my skirt and petticoats, promising that you would do the same as soon as I was legally your wife. It was pretty, quiet and the witnesses were a noble man and his wife. (Molly) The priest was kind and friendly, and gave us some Dracheneisen wedding rings. The ceremony was just the five of us. We watched them leave and then you took me on the grass in the sunshine, our bodies the only thing warm. (@Morgan) adventurous of us * Molly nods (Molly) It took us much less time to be so bold! And so we went back to the Rose, now yours, and started our married life. You immediately got rid of all Kai's men, replacing them with a crew Kurt recommended. Your Father was unhappy about the elopement and sulked for months. I had cleaved to you that first night, and with an unexpected sudden birth a month early, your son was born into your hands at sea. * Molly watches him (@Morgan) A very in depth dream * Molly nods (Molly) My dreams often are. He was christened by the Captain with holy water from the ship's bell ((perfectly acceptable)). Standing at the prow with him warmly swaddled, you were explaining to him how to tell the time by how high the sun was above the horizon by measuring with your fingers. That's when I awoke a few minutes ago * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee * Molly sips her tea (Molly) I suppose I should write that one down? (@Morgan) The last few bits perhaps * Molly smiles innocently (Molly) I don't know... I might like to write the rest, incase my memory fails me... * @Morgan smirks (@Morgan) of course * Molly sips her tea thoughtfully (Molly) Just a dream, or a route to the convergence? (@Morgan) tough to say... * Molly shrugs (Molly) Most likely a dream I think. I don't think I'd have ever been brave enough to approach like that and actually say those things aloud (@Morgan) aye, I think you're probably right * Molly bites her lip (Molly) I did consider it though... (@Morgan) brave of you (Molly) To consider it? * @Morgan nods * Molly laughs softly (Molly) I convinced myself you would be kind but firm, warning me of what my state of dress would look like to others, that it was inappropriate and that you had simply been making the comment in jest. After a few hours of brooding on it, I went to bed (@Morgan) probably just as well * Molly nods (Molly) Definitely. I'm not sure whether it would have made an unpleasant situation that took us far from where we are now (@Morgan) I think it might have, aye * Molly nods, pushing off the covers. The four red lines are still noticeable from the night before, though less intense (Molly) I'd rather have you where you are now * @Morgan nods * Molly shrugs with feigned nonchalance (Molly) Though ideally, it'd be where you were for around half a minute after waking... * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) you're incorrigable * Molly giggles (Molly) Recall that only one of us went through that wonderful, intense dream _and_ has achieved release since! (@Morgan) true, true * Molly kisses his cheek (Molly) I need to get dressed before I get distracted! (@Morgan) I think thats probably for the best, I'm due in the crows nest * Molly nods (Molly) And Varick will be awake any moment * @Morgan nods * Molly goes to put a shift on, briefly looking at the lines his fingernails had left (Molly) I thought they'd have faded by now * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) I had hoped so * Molly shrugs (Molly) I can't say I did (@Morgan) why? (Molly) Now that would be very difficult to express! * Molly pulls a shift on (@Morgan) interesting... * @Morgan sips his coffee (Molly) Is it? * Molly takes out her montaigne dress from the wardrobe * @Morgan nods quietly * Molly works on getting dressed (Molly) I'll think on it. If I can find a way to express it that makes sense, I shall tell you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) alright blossom (Molly) You should go, my love * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye, I should * Molly smiles as she pulls on her skirt (Molly) You do not wish to? (@Morgan) Its best I do (Molly) Oh? Because you are needed on the ship? * Molly ties the waist (@Morgan) They're going to be doing gun drills once we're properly to sea * Molly nods (Molly) You will enjoy that (@Morgan) I'll be in the nest, keeping watch * Molly starts to giggle quietly (Molly) Uh huh * Molly pulls her top on, still giggling (@Morgan) you find something amusing? (Molly) Just something about cannons releasing their shot... * @Morgan chuckles (@Morgan) incorrigable (Molly) You should go, it is very difficult for me to think like a Duchess when near you! (@Morgan) yes your excellency * @Morgan finishes his coffee * Molly nods, trying to focus on her lacing (Molly) I suspect I am in for a very long morning! (@Morgan) me too, I suspect... I'll see you later blossom * Molly nods with a smile (Molly) I daren't risk coming close enough to kiss your cheek at this point, you will just have to imagine I did! * @Morgan nods, heading for the door * Molly watches him go, tightening her laces ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Thursday, 14 January 2021 11:59:28 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** cantillon.be.eu.blitzed.org sets mode(s) +nt ** ChanServ sets mode(s) -o Molly ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan (Molly) **he's almost late to start his watch. The cat remains on his shoulders even as he climbs up to the crow's nest. Angled north now, there's only Montaigne on the starboard side, Castille gone. At the north and west is pure sea. It's a beautiful steel blue. The wind is good and fresh, the ship rises and falls only gently. After ten minutes, the sails are fully opened and the Rose is able to prove her reputation for speed is justified. (@Morgan) Captain, I'm going to miss this when its time to settle down ** You're now known as CaptainUlysses * CaptainUlysses miaows, rubbing against Morgan's beard (@Morgan) and what are we to do with you, I wonder (CaptainUlysses) **The cat meows questioningly. Armed with a spyglass, Morgan sees a couple of ships heading for the river, one Vodacce, one Castillean, but neither are as nice or fast as his. * @Morgan watches them (@Morgan) well, you do like being aboard the ship * CaptainUlysses continues to rub against Morgan's face so forcefully that he almost slips, claws digging in * @Morgan repositions him, wincing (CaptainUlysses) **The gun drills begin. Koen briefs them well, he seems to have a natural talent for leadership. He has them in teams, rotating through the duties of the blank fires. It's physically hard work, and something Morgan hasnt had to do for a long time. He did much in the first few years of his service before becoming a lieutenant and finding his niche in espionage, especially on the Basilisk, his first ship. The familiar scents of spent gunpowder, hot metal, charred wood, blood and sweat return to him from his memories. (CaptainUlysses) Hot metal, charred wood, blood and sweat return to him from his memories * @Morgan watches them for a few minutes before scanning the horizon again (CaptainUlysses) It becomes apparent that the men are still disciplined but out of practice, most having been working the six years since the War ended in peacetime fishing, shipping or dock work in Freiburg. Captain Ulysses watches from Morgan's shoulder. (@Morgan) I'd say they need more practice * CaptainUlysses purrs in Morgan's ear (CaptainUlysses) Gun drills continue until quarter before twelve. By then they have rotated and mixed teams. Claudia has joined Sorgi and Koen. It seems that they are fast becoming a team themselves. * @Morgan watches them (CaptainUlysses) It would be very difficult for anyone else to spot the link between Claudia and Sorgi. A little troublingly, though they are obviously not at odds, there is a tension developing that had been replaced with an ease in the days after they were intimate, which is exactly a fortnight ago. * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) what am I going to do about them? * CaptainUlysses sticks his nose right in Morgan's ear (CaptainUlysses) Recalling how only two weeks have passed leads to a little brooding about that, about how close he came to losing Molly, what she endured, and how frequently she has been in danger since coming under his protection. This is broken by the bell swapping the watches. * @Morgan blinks, looking round for his replacement (CaptainUlysses) **A man is waiting to come up * @Morgan stows the spyglass and vacates the nest * CaptainUlysses just lies placidly on Morgan's shoulders * @Morgan heads over to Sorgi (CaptainUlysses) **Claudia, Sorgi and Koen are still on deck when all the crew from the forenoon watch have gone below for lunch ** You're now known as Sorgi (Sorgi) M'Lord? (@Morgan) That seemed to go ok (Sorgi) They're out of practice (@Morgan) thats why it didn't go better * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) I think daily practice of dry fires would be best. (@Morgan) Since they're out of practice, perhaps introducing the other elements we spoke about would be worth doing as well * Sorgi nods a little (Sorgi) It can't help, m'Lord (Sorgi) C: The other watch should be doing combat training whilst the first is on gun drills. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I cans ee why you'd think so (Sorgi) C: *she watches Morgan* if they are this rusty on gun drills, what would they be like at close quarters? Most won't have used a sword regularly for years. * @Morgan nods * Sorgi watches the two of them (Sorgi) I agree with her * @Morgan nods (Sorgi) C: We will need to use the ballroom. (@Morgan) I wasn't intending to host any grand events (Sorgi) C: *she nods* I don't see the point in having a ballroom (@Morgan) it is something of an oddity on a pirate ship (Sorgi) C: It'd be useful for plunder, I suppose (Sorgi) **Koen excuses himself for lunch* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) probably * Sorgi glances around (Sorgi) We'll press on and speed up a little, get us out north west a bit before we get near the islands, m'Lord * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very well captain (Sorgi) *Claudia watches Sorgi a minute before looking at Morgan* Lunch? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia leads the way (Claudia) The crew training won't get in the way of Molly's training * @Morgan nods (Claudia) She's done well the last few days (@Morgan) good (Claudia) I want to get her onto proper swords. *they get below deck* (@Morgan) if you think she's ready to (Claudia) You had some concerns medically? (@Morgan) No, its just different using the real thing * Claudia nods * Claudia pushes the door open to the dining room, grimacing at the smell of unwashed, sweaty men (Claudia) Ugh (@Morgan) Throw them overboard once we've anchored to get washed * Claudia nods (Claudia) They need it. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) it was hard work for them this morning (Claudia) **The crew are seemingly not bothered by this, and Molly and Varick are sat at one end of the table. Molly and James are clearly working on something whilst eating, and Varick is asking questions of the crew. Captain Ulysses jumps down from Morgan and up onto the table by Varick, intent on stealing food. It's quite noisy (Claudia) Well yes, but still! (@Morgan) abandoned for food... (Claudia) **Varick feeds the cat, and some of the crew start calling to him to feed him too. Varick really enjoys this, and starts telling them in confident little voice about where Captain Ulysses came from. Very quickly, he has the attention of the men, who seem to be enjoying the tale, many stroking the cat as he passes. * @Morgan watches them (Claudia) **The crew listen til the end of the story , and when Varick is done they tell him it was good. He looks pleased with himself as he leans against Molly, looking tired. Captain Ulysses lays down on the map Molly and James have out. Molly smiles at Morgan a moment before trying to work (Claudia) **The crew head out to take their test before their next watch, leaving Claudia, James, Molly and Varick in the dining room * @Morgan eats his lunch quietly (Claudia) **Varick is almost asleep when he finishes. James and Molly are having an animated discussion about what would be best to trade * @Morgan gets up, picking up Varick (@Morgan) come on young man, time for a nap ** You're now known as Varick * Varick wraps his arms around Morgan's neck. The cat follows them. Molly looks up "Do You wish me to do it?" * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) you're busy (Varick) **She smiles* I won't be long * @Morgan nods, carrying the boy out of the room * Varick yawns (Varick) When will I be strong like you? (@Morgan) with exercise, when you're a bit older (Varick) Where is Captain Ulysses? * @Morgan nods at the floor (@Morgan) following us (Varick) Couldn't find him this morning (@Morgan) He spent the morning with my in the crows nest (Varick) He likes you * Varick waits to be put down in his room (@Morgan) I like him too * @Morgan puts him down on his bed (Varick) **the cat hops up on to the bed too* (Varick) He likes it when you talk to him, but he doesn't understand you * Varick takes off his boots and lies down (@Morgan) no? * Varick calls the cat to him, and he lays down beside the boy (Varick) He says you smelled calm up there * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I've always enjoyed being up there (Varick) When I am awake, can we teach him some things so he can understand you? (@Morgan) We can try I suppose, if you think it'll work * Varick closes his eyes (Varick) I think so (@Morgan) very well young man * Varick nods slowly, not talking * Varick is soon asleep * @Morgan leaves him sleeping and heads into the study ** You're now known as Molly * Molly isn't back yet. There's paper on the desk, but everything else is tidy * @Morgan looks at the paper (Molly) It says: Kurt- code of honour, being a gentleman. Is he a gentleman, or is my mind filling the gaps? Took it on himself to force marriage, not defer or report to Colonel. Cared greatly about protecting me. Referenced having tried to get me a different crew- accurate, but never introduced, why? (Molly) Favour from Priest in Anhalt- is he connected to the priest, or is it confirmation of his Objectionist beliefs. (Molly) Noble witnesses- who are they, rule Anhalt? unfamiliar but in my parents age group, very wealthy (more than should be for a minor noble?). Heraldry- draw it for M & crew. (Molly) Dracheneisen rings- insignificant or route to the convergence, despite unlikeliness of situation? Church- is it on cliff top? Anyone in crew know the area? (Molly) How does M know it is a dream? Why don't I know in his, or do I but forget? How long has he been able to recognise it as a dream? Is that only in my dreams? * @Morgan puts it to one side before going to lounge on the couch (Molly) **He starts to doze, once more in the schwarzenwald with a pretty compass and heading east South east. He gets a glimpse of the house with the water wheel before the noise of the door opening awakens him * @Morgan opens one eye * Molly goes to the desk, opening a draw and looking for something (@Morgan) What've you lost blossom (Molly) Oh! I was looking for Varick's coloured pencils, I need to draw something * Molly selects a few, and some paper and a hardback book (@Morgan) the heraldry? * Molly nods. She sits on the floor, her back against the couch, well within touching distance. (@Morgan) Your dreams have a yellowish hue to them (Molly) Do they? So that is how you know? * @Morgan nods * Molly puts a shield shape on the paper (Molly) That is rather practical * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I thought so (Molly) And you can change things, like when I realise I am dreaming? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I believe so (Molly) You do not try? * Molly splits the shield down the middle (@Morgan) No, I cant say I do * Molly adds diagonal lines on the right side (Molly) When I know I am dreaming, I can change anything. People, buildings, place, even the laws of physics (@Morgan) Not far off doing that when you're awake * Molly glances around at him (Molly) What do you mean? (@Morgan) healing people... thats pretty much against the laws of physics * Molly nods, still working (Molly) Even more so if I manage to do what I did to my arm in the dream in Dietmund * @Morgan nods (Molly) I haven't tried that... yet. (@Morgan) I'm not sure I see the value in knowing how to (Molly) Because I have to know if I can heal any damage I could accidentally do (@Morgan) I see * Molly finishes the first half, a striped background with what looks like a curve of a crown on it. It's vaguely familiar (Molly) You do not approve? (@Morgan) I worry that it might end up in something you cannot heal (Molly) Which is why I must do it carefully and be prepared to heal the normal way * Molly starts a strange shape on the left whilst they talk * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats looking familiar... * Molly smiles (Molly) That's good. Would you want to be present? (@Morgan) I think that'd be best * Molly nods (Molly) Soon. Before Freiburg * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very well * Molly is quiet as she finishes working. Then she shows him. He doesn't know who the crest belongs to, but he knows there was a small militia of men wearing that heraldy at the siege of Magdeburg, where Morgan and his company, alongside others of the objectionist side, failed to take the sieging Vaticine force from behind. Magdeburg fell, a big blow to the objectionsts, but he recalls this crest in amongst others on his side as they were forced to admit defeat and retreat. (Molly) Defeat and retreat to the camp (@Morgan) I've seen it... I've encountered them before * Molly nods (Molly) Does it help solve the mystery any? (@Morgan) They fought alongside objections forces at a siege in... Magdeburg (Molly) I have read about that one in the Eisen military history books * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) we got knocked sideways * Molly nods (Molly) A very bad week for our side, especially with Magdeburg being assumed impenetrable * @Morgan nods * Molly puts the drawing things down (Molly) Maybe one of the crew will know * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) possibly. * Molly rests her head back a little, eyes closed (Molly) How was your watch? (@Morgan) quiet mostly. It seems there's some tension building between Sorgi and Claudia again... * Molly smiles very slightly (Molly) In a positive way or a negative way? (@Morgan) the same as before they were intimate I think (Molly) Oh dear * @Morgan nods (Molly) What will you do? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I don't know yet * Molly keeps her eyes closed (Molly) Do you think it is inevitable? (@Morgan) I don't know yet * Molly nods (Molly) It is unfortunate (@Morgan) aye, it is (Molly) I suppose that is just the way for some people? (@Morgan) I suppose so * Molly sighs (Molly) As long as they don't end up hating each other (@Morgan) quite * Molly turns to look at him (Molly) If you could guarantee they wouldnt hate each other, would you permit it? (@Morgan) and that it would not interfere with our tasks... probably * Molly nods slowly (Molly) I see... (Molly) That surprises me... (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) They wouldn't be married, nor her his mistress... (@Morgan) No, but... some hills are not worth dying on (Molly) Because it's Claudia? * @Morgan nods (Molly) But you do not actually approve? (@Morgan) No, I do not * Molly nods (Molly) Do you find that troublesome with Edward and his history? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) though I understand it (Molly) Do you? *she looks confused* (@Morgan) He's explained his reasons for it, so I understand his point of view, at least * Molly shrugs (Molly) It's complicated, I think * @Morgan nods * Molly sighs a little (Molly) We will have to wait and see, I think * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think we must * Molly moves to see how he's sat * @Morgan is still lounging on the couch * Molly tries to assess if there's space to sit with him, but realises laying on him would be the only option. She smiles to herself a moment, not getting up (Molly) How was the drill? * @Morgan glances at her (@Morgan) would you like me to move blossom? * Molly blushes, smiling (Molly) No... I am fine here (@Morgan) sure? (Molly) I considered laying there with you, but it seemed forward * @Morgan shrugs (Molly) You do not think so? (@Morgan) I seem to recall us being married (Molly) I know, but there are still rules and behaviours and social expectations, aren't there? (@Morgan) probably but I cant say I've ever paid much attention to them (Molly) You would not mind? (@Morgan) i think I've made that clear * Molly nods a little. She kicks off her shoes. She's just abouts able to lie next to him if she stays very close, so this is what she does, her body inline with his. She watches him (Molly) I hope I am not hurting you (@Morgan) not at all blossom (Molly) Good *she relaxes a little* was it nice not having nightmares? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) it was indeed (Molly) I would not mind you dreaming of me like that every night instead (@Morgan) No, I cant say I'd complain * Molly giggles (Molly) Aside from the frustration? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed (Molly) I should imagine that is quite challenging? Like when you almost sneeze but don't? (@Morgan) very much like that, yes * Molly nods thoughtfully (Molly) Lucky I was still in bed then *she giggles* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) most certainly * Molly goes to say something, then stops herself, shaking her head briefly. She smiles wryly (Molly) I don't think I ought to keep on that train of thought! (@Morgan) Probably not, no * @Morgan chuckles (Molly) I am trying to behave myself... will you be taking Varick on deck this afternoon or coming to watch my training? (@Morgan) Varick and I have something planned * Molly nods, closing her eyes a moment (Molly) Something interesting? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) he was telling me that the captain likes it when I talk but doesn't understand me * Molly nods (Molly) Yes? (@Morgan) so we're going to try to remedy that (Molly) I.. I'm not sure how that could be done * Molly interlaces her fingers with his (@Morgan) Nor am I, but Varick is determined * Molly nods, watching him (Molly) It's a nice talent he has * @Morgan nods (Molly) Would you prefer that to yours? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) mine has proven useful * Molly nods (Molly) It certainly was needed for the boardwalk * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) and when the ship exploded... (@Morgan) when we get a quiet evening, I want several candles... I want to test a theory I'm working on * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) I think tonight will be quiet * @Morgan nods (Molly) Would you like to tell me, or just show me? * Molly bites her lip a moment (Molly) I did not mean that lewdly * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) I'm wondering if I could light more than one at a time * Molly smiles (Molly) Intriguing. Yes, I'd like to see that (@Morgan) if I could do it with candles... what about... canon fuses... * Molly blinks rapidly (Molly) Oh my goodness * Molly bites her lip, watching him (Molly) That would make you a very, _very_ dangerous man... * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) Not that you aren't already * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I was thinking how... advantageous it could be were a ship to attack for their cannons to fire prematurely... * Molly starts giggling (Molly) Oh goodness, sorry, I know you didn't mean like that! (@Morgan) No, I didn't * Molly tries to regain her composure (Molly) Yes, that would be very useful (Molly) Would you need to see it though? (@Morgan) I don't know if I can even light more than one at a time yet * Molly nods (Molly) I know, but it is exciting (@Morgan) potentially, yes * Molly smiles (Molly) I am glad you are more at ease with it now (@Morgan) I suppose it was necessary (Molly) To become at ease with it? (@Morgan) to have it at all * Molly nods (Molly) You intervened with the lusty wench? (@Morgan) I tried * Molly looks up at him earnestly (Molly) You saved my life (@Morgan) I'm not so sure about that (Molly) I wouldn't have managed to get Mr Gottlieb off the ship alone, so you did. * @Morgan shrugs * Molly smiles a little (Molly) Would it be so terrible just to let me express my adoration a little while, hmm? (@Morgan) I've always found it difficult to accept compliments (Molly) That is a pity * Molly watches him a moment before smiling sadly (Molly) I do appreciate you though. I should get some things done before it is time for my training... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye * Molly quickly plants a kiss on his lips before sitting up (Molly) I'll leave you to your relaxing (@Morgan) enjoy your training blossom (Molly) I need to get changed first... It's not as easy in dresses (@Morgan) No, I imagine not * Molly stands, picking up the bits she was drawing with, and leaves them on the desk as she goes through to the bedroom, leaving him in peace (Molly) ((What does he do?)) (@Morgan) ((lay on the couch humming)) * Molly comes back in a few minutes later, redressed and with her sword in the belt at her waist. She watches him with a fond smile (Molly) I will see you in a while. It may be longer than usual today (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) To burn off some energy *she grins at him, twisting her hair and pinning it* * @Morgan nods * Molly leaves the study, and once more he is alone (Molly) **about five minutes later, he suddenly loses all sense of her thoughts, feelings and location entirely* * @Morgan scrambles to his feet, concentrating on her (Molly) **As quickly as the sense of her disappeared, it reappears. He gets a flash of her thoughts as he tries to read her. She's trying to get that focus Claudia had told her to look for, and with it comes the thought of being very aware of her body, as she had in the dream last night where his mouth was on her lower stomach* * @Morgan mutters to himself (Molly) **he returns to being able to peripherally sense her, so he's subconsciously aware of her without being focused on her unless he tries * @Morgan sighs, going to pick up his guitar (Molly) **he finds it easily * @Morgan sits on the couch, playing quietly (Molly) **He gets interrupted by Varick about fifteen minutes later. He's carrying the cat, and poops on the couch beside Morgan (Molly) Plops * (@Morgan) How did you sleep? * Molly shrugs ** You're now known as Varick (Varick) There was a ship with lots of ghosts (@Morgan) oh? * Varick nods (Varick) They were all angry (@Morgan) thats unusual (Varick) They had their arms cut off, or their heads cut off (@Morgan) very unpleasant... * Varick nods (Varick) What are you doing? (@Morgan) playing my guitar while I waited for you to wake up (Varick) Will you play something I can listen to? * @Morgan tilts his head, thinking (@Morgan) tell you what, I'll play an Innish song for you * Varick nods, fussing the cat (Varick) Did the woman with the mace teach you? * @Morgan shakes his head, starting to play * Varick listens, still stroking the cat * @Morgan sings quietly * Varick smiles, watching his fingers * @Morgan plays his way through the song * Varick keeps the cat from getting in the way * @Morgan gets to the end of the song * Varick grins (Varick) That was really good! (@Morgan) its not bad (Varick) Did you learn when you were a boy? (@Morgan) no, I learned it when I was in Avebury (Varick) Where's Avebury? (@Morgan) Avalon (Varick) Is that where you met Molly? (@Morgan) Not in Avebury, no... Tawstock * Varick looks at the cat (Varick) He says he likes sleep songs best (@Morgan) I would imagine most cats do * Varick nods (Varick) Do you want to teach him to understand some hand signals now? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think that'd be a good idea, dont you? (Varick) What do you want to say to him? (@Morgan) I don't really know * Varick thinks (Varick) Maybe you could tell him you like him? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats a good idea (@Morgan) I would think he knows that already though (Varick) He does, but sometimes it's good to be told * Varick shows him a hand gesture. He then shows the cat, concentrating on him (Varick) Ok, I think he understands * @Morgan nods (Varick) You try now * @Morgan makes the gesture (Varick) *The cat immediately comes to him purring and stretching up to rub against his beard* * @Morgan rubs his beard against him (@Morgan) when I was here alone, he knocked something off the desk and broke it... can we teach him something that says its ok or I'm not angry? * Varick nods. Captain Ulysses comes to Varick. Varick shows him a different gesture, then looks at him a moment (Varick) Okay, I told him (@Morgan) we'll check to make sure he understands? * Varick nods, watching * @Morgan makes the gesture (Varick) **The cat rolls over, showing his furry belly to Morgan * @Morgan rubs it (@Morgan) How about you're safe? (Varick) *Again the cat returns to the boy, another gesture is taught* * @Morgan checks the cat understands it (Varick) **They do this for a while longer, including an instruction to stay, follow, hide, and go on to Morgan's shoulders. The hide command leads into a game of Captain Ulysses hiding in their quarters and Varick trying to find him. They then teach him a gesture for "find Varick" and the game is reversed. Doing these things, they lose track of time before it occurs to Morgan that it's almost four o'clock and Molly has been gone more than two hours. ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Friday, 15 January 2021 17:44:23 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) **Varick is still playing with Captain Ulysses when Molly returns. She looks happy but a little worn out. Her hair has started to come down. She unfastens her sword belt as soon as she gets in the room, giving Morgan a quick smile** (@Morgan) Blossom (Molly) Liebes herz... how has your afternoon been? (@Morgan) productive I think... yours? * Molly swaps her ankle boots for some leather slip on shoes, laying the sword belt down (Molly) Good, but exhausting! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) You started off by clearing your mind? * Molly nods (Molly) I needed to find that particular mindset without getting distracted by my daydreams * Molly stretches her shoulders * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thought so (Molly) Why, liebling? (@Morgan) all of a sudden my awareness of you just... stopped (Molly) Oh! Was that a problem? * Molly stretches the other side (@Morgan) No, it was just... unexpected * Molly nods (Molly) I'm here and fine. I would say you could come here and find that for yourself, but I _really_ need to get cleaned up! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) you made progress? * Molly nods (Molly) We worked on the new technique a while before sparring with the movements you first taught me... (@Morgan) I see (Molly) I think we both had energy to burn *she smiles, rolling her shoulders* * @Morgan nods * Molly retrieves the sword from the floor (Molly) I think you're correct about the tension * @Morgan nods (Molly) He popped in briefly (@Morgan) oh? * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) There is a look of familiarity and appreciation of her movements in that mindset. And she suddenly wanted to change style when he left... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Thought so (Molly) It's hard to explain. It's as if I didn't really exist for them for a moment. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) its troubling (Molly) It's not an antagonistic tension like you said with Kai and I. And it's not just... lust. It's like there's a tension of feelings too, unspoken emotions. Does that make sense to you? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) absolutely * Molly looks thoughtful a moment whilst she's quiet, before she shakes it off (Molly) Will you warn them, or wait? (@Morgan) I don't know yet * Molly nodd (Molly) How did you get on with your project with Varick? (@Morgan) quite well I think (Molly) That is good. Well, if you have no need of me, I will go and make myself presentable (@Morgan) of course blossom ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) (Molly) **All the things they usually do as afternoon passes to late night without incident. He's met with a little resistance when asking the provisions officer for candles, but it is soon righted once Sorgi has been found to approve it. There's a glass of blokners and one of cherry brandy on the desk, but the intended consumer of the latter is still in the bedroom. ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan (Molly) [20:04] (Molly) **All the things they usually do as afternoon passes to late night without incident. He's met with a little resistance when asking the provisions officer for candles, but it is soon righted once Sorgi has been found to approve it. There's a glass of blokners and one of cherry brandy on the desk, but the intended consumer of the latter is still in the bedroom. * @Morgan sets the candles up on the desk before sipping the blokners * Molly comes out, barefoot, and tying her robe. She comes to pick up the brandy (Molly) You would like me to stay at a distance? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I don't think I'm likely to be as bad as with a bow * Molly nods (Molly) It would be unfortunate if you accidentally branded me * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) quite * Molly sips her drink, smiling a little (Molly) So how will you do it? Lighting the candles, I mean (@Morgan) I'm not sure yet * Molly nods, sitting down on a chair (@Morgan) Possibly concentrate on it so it gets hot enough to ignite (Molly) One at a time, or all at once, perhaps (@Morgan) I suppose once I can do one I can start working on more than one at a time * Molly sips her brandy, watching him (Molly) That makes sense * @Morgan nods, drawing a deep breath * Molly watches the first candle light with ease * @Morgan extinguishes it (@Morgan) that was a bit easier than I expected (Molly) **it goes out the moment he decides he wants it out * Molly nods (Molly) Very practical * @Morgan nods, trying to get them all lit (Molly) **it's hard work, and often the first goes out when the others are lit (@Morgan) Thats a start * Molly nods (Molly) Very good. I am sure it'll cone, with practise (@Morgan) The thing is... it doesn't need to stay lit for long, just long enough to set the fuse going * Molly nods (Molly) That will be fine then. How will you know where to put the flame without seeing the fuse? (@Morgan) A bit of guesswork... if I can see the end of the gun I can more or less guess where the backend and fuse will be * Molly nods (Molly) I had not considered that. I do not think of cannons much * @Morgan nods * Molly goes to the book shelf and picks up a book (Molly) I was thinking I might spend some time asking the crew about the fake Kurt Cristoban tomorrow * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) if you wish to blossom (Molly) I wondered whether you could sketch him? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I reckon so * Molly smiles (Molly) It's an unsolved mystery that is starting to bug me * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) if you can find me some paper and kohl I'll do it now * Molly spends a few minutes doing so, and after giving them to him goes to take her book and brandy to the couch * @Morgan starts on the portrait * Molly doesn't disrupt him at all, and it's around half an hour later when he has finished * @Morgan picks up his drink and moves to the couch, handing her the picture * Molly has drifted off, book in her lap. It's then that he notices she is wearing the expensive black negligee beneath her gown as the robe hangs towards the floor * @Morgan takes her book, placing it on the floor before picking her up * Molly wakes up in his arms (Molly) Oh! Sorry liebling (@Morgan) Not at all blossom, lets get you tucked into bed * Molly nods slowly (Molly) I suppose so. Would you like me to walk? (@Morgan) Not particularly * Molly smiles warmly (Molly) Alright * @Morgan carries her through to the bedroom * Molly doesn't fidget, trusting him completely to keep her safe (Molly) Liebes herz? (@Morgan) yes blossom (Molly) I… uhh… If you dream like that again, and wake that frustrated…? *she pauses for acknowledgment* (@Morgan) mmm (Molly) I want you to feel free to wake me, or make use of me however would satisfy you… *she blushes, watching him* (@Morgan) if that is what you wish blossom (Molly) **she nods, starts to fidget a little, blushing further* Of course if you'd rather… ummm… deal with it yourself, I uhh… I don't mind... (@Morgan) unlikely * Molly nods a little, biting her lip (Molly) Then yes, that is my wish * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very well * Molly watches him as she waits to be put down * @Morgan places her on the bed (Molly) Does that trouble you? (@Morgan) no blossom, why would it? * Molly sits up to untie the robe (Molly) Because it wouldn't be obvious to you that it was what I was wanting... there would be no clear escalation (@Morgan) You've made it clear thats what you want * Molly nods, taking the gown off (Molly) I overthink things, I know (@Morgan) sometimes, aye (Molly) In this respect, probably because I would find that difficult if the situations were reversed * Molly stands up to put the gown away * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I see * Molly glances at him enquiringly (Molly) You are surprised or discomfitted? (@Morgan) surprised I suppose (Molly) Whyso? * Molly lifts the hem of the negligee to remove it (@Morgan) Because I dont see why you would find it difficult (Molly) I do not like to be demanding... and I cannot easily tell whether you wish it or not, even when we are fully awake. I would worry it was against your wishes, or not your desire, in that moment (@Morgan) I see what you mean * Molly nods, fully undressing (Molly) I am trying to be less cautious, less hesitant, but it does not come easily * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm... difficult to anticipate * Molly nods (Molly) Yes, you are. You are unpredictable. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I do not try to be (Molly) I know, liebling. I must learn that it is alright for me to be wrong, that if I misread you you will not think less of me. I have to learn to trust that I do not need to be perfect to be loved. * @Morgan nods * Molly takes a brush and brushes out her hair (Molly) The point remains though, that should you need me in that way, I wish you to do so * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very well blossom (Molly) Is that not how it should be with wives? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) it should be how we're comfortable with it being * Molly continues brushing. The lines on her stomach look more purple than red, almost bruised (Molly) You are comfortable with this? That I am available without question whenever you wish? (@Morgan) if that is what you truly wish blossom * Molly nods (Molly) Absolutely. It is safe to assume that if I am breathing, I am yearning for you *she smiles* * @Morgan blushes (@Morgan) very well blossom * Molly bites her lip (Molly) Have I embarassed you? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) in a good way (Molly) You did not know that already? (@Morgan) No, I suppose not * Molly shakes her head, smiling (Molly) And there was me thinking I was too obvious (@Morgan) apparently not * Molly sets down the brush, and climbs into bed (Molly) I am very fond of physical contact... It's *she frowns a moment, thinking of the right words* a yardstick by which I can establish how things are between us * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I can understand that * Molly frowns slightly again (Molly) I don't just mean... having sex. Generally. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats what I figured * Molly nods, smiling (Molly) I was not sure if I was unclear (@Morgan) No blossom * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) What about you? What are the yardstick by which you know you are loved? * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) I don't know really * Molly nods a little (Molly) Alright... (Molly) I can only hope that in that case you do not look to indicators because you do not feel a need to, rather than that you do not know the depth of my love * Molly looks vaguely concerned * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment (Molly) Were you coming to bed, or do you have things to see to? (@Morgan) I'm going to get things squared away out there and then I'll be in * Molly nods (Molly) Alright liebling * @Morgan nods, heading back into the study to tidy up (Molly) **it's a very quick job, the sketch and candles, glasses and book the only things out of place * @Morgan downs his blokners before getting the things he needs for his tea (Molly) **The jar of herbs is easily found, as is the last of the hot water in the kitchen (Molly) **By the time he gets back, Molly has fallen asleep again, giving him the option of waking her to do the oil or leaving her * @Morgan leaves her, trying to do the oil himself (Molly) **He feels he's probably done it well enough, though it's less enjoyable than her doing it * @Morgan drinks his tea and applies the balm before climbing into bed (Molly) **it seems very quiet without her singing him to sleep. She does stir enough to roll closer to him though * @Morgan smiles slightly, settling down against her (Molly) **it takes a little longer than normal, but he manages to fall asleep without very much difficulty ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Saturday, 16 January 2021 11:44:41 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) He falls asleep and has no idea that he is dreaming. It started with a ship off the Montaigne coast displaying the flags of the Konigsreich of Posen, along with distress flags. From a distance, the tiny flags spell out the ship's name, Love's Requiem. (Molly) She looks to be in trouble, sails partly burnt, and a damaged foremast. Much debate had been had about whether to lend the aid required, but eventually Morgan made the decision as owner that they should. (Molly) He was wrong. (Molly) It became apparent almost immediately that this was a very sophisticated ambush utilising clever painting techniques to deceive the eyes on the condition of the mast and sails. Within minutes, it is all hands on deck on The Rose as the attackers come thick and fast. (Molly) There's barely time to get the cannons ready. Surprisingly, the attackers are far superior, and amidst his brutal swings and stabs that kill many, he sees many of his crew die. (Molly) Seeing Sorgi beheaded is like a punch in the gut, but he is overrun himself and struggling, even as good as he is. He calls Claudia to him, and can feel her defending his back. But the noises of exertion are not hers, they are Molly's, who was commanded to stay below. ((Done)) (@Morgan) what the hell are you doing up here?! (Molly) My place is at your side! (@Morgan) Your place is below deck, safe, where you were told to be (Molly) **There's a brief pause whilst she runs through an attacker as he has to do similar (Molly) It won't be safe down there if we can't overcome them! *The background noise of clashing swords and shouting men is loud. Still more attackers pour onto the deck if the Rose which is becoming slippery with blood* * @Morgan swears, trying to fight them off long enough to be able to concentrate for a moment (Molly) **He manages it. He can sense from behind him that this is pushing her to her limits * @Morgan tries to set fire to the enemy ships sails (Molly) **it happens very easily, an instant inferno, and burns with a heat he can feel. The attacker in front of him thrusts a sword at his stomach * @Morgan swings his sword down to deflect it (Molly) **suddenly the man's throat develops a deep slash from nowhere, and blood pours out of it onto his shirt * @Morgan kicks at him (Molly) **He falls backwards, his head nearly separating from his body as he hits the ground (@Morgan) what the hell (Molly) **There's a smell of burning timber as the fire from the Requiem's sails meet the masts. Behind him, he can feel Molly is stood still, and there are agonized cries of attackers around them as they are rendered and torn at by the magical wounds. His neck prickles strongly now * @Morgan turns to look at her * Molly has her eyes closed, squeezed shut. Because of this, she misses the thrusting sword of the attacker. Morgan feels the tip of this blade sharply poke into his side, having passed right through her. The attacker dies horribly, his throat sliced. She opens her eyes, looking down at the sword sticking out of her. (Molly) Oh. (@Morgan) no no no (Molly) **he has two more attackers to deal with, both wielding hand held axes * @Morgan swings savagely at them (Molly) *He maims both savagely, and both retreat. Seemingly impossibly, even more invaders appear having scaled the ship. Molly is no longer stood behind him * @Morgan looks around for her * Molly has moved out of the way and is pulling the attackers sword out * @Morgan makes his way towards her * Molly grimaces as it comes out, and most disturbingly her dress starts to rapidly turn red, blossoming outwards * @Morgan crouches in front of her (Molly) **The burning wood smells stronger, and the bell of the other ship rings loudly alongside shouts of panic from its crew * Molly strokes his face, inadvertently putting her blood on his cheek. He can see her pain in her eyes, but she's trying not to show it. (Molly) "It's okay, it's okay…" * @Morgan searches her face (@Morgan) can you fix it? (Molly) No, we're overrun and they are too good, liebling. If I heal, I'll just endure this over and over, until I can't heal any more or they win… * Molly concentrates a moment, and he hears three bodies hit the deck close behind him * @Morgan surveys the deck * Molly is right. It's an ugly, bloody carnage, and his crew are dropping the bodies of the attackers overboard to try to dislodge their crewmates scaling the ship. In the background, the Requiem's deck is starting to catch fire * @Morgan starts to scowl * Molly breathes slowly, watching him (Molly) You know what will happen if I get taken prisoner and run out of magic... (@Morgan) I cannot lose you * Molly puts her hand over his heart (Molly) I'll always be here * @Morgan shakes his head (Molly) **Another couple of attackers approach him. She tries to concentrate. Nothing happens to them* Ah Damn. * @Morgan concentrates on them, frowning (Molly) **They catch fire. It's awful. The screams are not female, but they are familiar (Molly) Holy fuck! Liebes herz! (@Morgan) You cant leave me (Molly) What on Theah did you just do?! (@Morgan) I dealt with them * Molly inhales deeply (Molly) I don't think I can do anymore magic (@Morgan) blossom... (Molly) **The Requiem's wood is burning stronger. That smell of burning timber is getting stronger, almost as strong as when he got back to the cottage that day. Those memories start to pull at him (Molly) Yes, liebling? * Molly is starting to look pale, like with the cast (@Morgan) I've brought this to you... I'm sorry (Molly) No. I brought the Rose to you, and defied you. It is I who should be sorry (@Morgan) You cant leave me, I need you here (Molly) You'll be alright. You just need to hold out as long as you can and get the Rose as far away as you can (Molly) **The men on fire are screaming now. He can smell burning flesh. The Rose's crew throw them overboard to protect the ship. (@Morgan) I cant, not without you (Molly) **He can hear Claudia shouting extreme obscenities as she massacres anyone who gets anywhere near her. She's angry in a way he's never seen her before* * Molly concentrates hard. He feels the pain in his head and his calf that he has had before when she has had to use a great deal of magic to heal. He sees Claudia's sleeve become red, and her sword clatter to the floor. She's now unarmed and surrounded * @Morgan concentrates on the men surrounding her (Molly) **They all erupt in flames. It's like now that he has done it once, it becomes very easy for the magic to do it again * @Morgan looks back to Molly (Molly) **Claudia screams. Where her rage is unfamiliar, the terror is even more so. Molly still looks pale. (Molly) **the burning wood, the screams, the encroaching memories are starting to distract him and pull at him. He knows he needs to move to shake them off* * @Morgan move towards Claudia, kicking the burning men away from her (Molly) **the influx of attackers is starting to slow, and the corpses are piling up. Even James Schulz is dragging bodies one handed to throw overboard. The deck looks like it's been painted in blood. (Molly) **Claudia looks at him a moment. The terror defeats, and the rage returns. She simply says "Sorgi." * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I know (Molly) **He gets charged by an attacker, a man of superior height and weight, and is knocked overboard. The cold water is what shocks him into realising this is a nightmare. He tries to wake himself, but the water is heavy, and he's submerged. He tries screaming and kicking but the water insulates him. (Molly) If he can just disturb Molly, who he knows is not lying fatally wounded on The Rose but is sleeping beside him, she will disturb him and get him out of this slow drowning. Still he kicks and tries to make a sound fruitlessly * @Morgan goes still, concentrating on her (Molly) **He can feel her, like there's the tension of an invisible cord between them (@Morgan) [blossom] (Molly) **What wakes him up a second later is Molly sitting bolt upright beside him, sobbing and screaming "Papa, help! PAPA!" (Molly) ((Distress and desperation? Hehe)) * @Morgan sits up quickly, putting a hand on her arm (@Morgan) ((not as bad as you'd think)) * Molly takes a deep breath (Molly) Sorry, did I disturb you? (@Morgan) yes, thankfully * Molly lies back down (Molly) Nightmares again? (@Morgan) that one was particularly unpleasant... I'd realised it was a nightmare but couldn't wake up * Molly nods (Molly) I have had that before. Was it the schattenmann dream? (@Morgan) No... the Rose was attacked, you were dying, Sorgi was dead, I'd set people on fire... then I got barged off the ship, which is when I realised it was a nightmare, but I couldn't wake up * Molly nods along with this (Molly) That's very un-... hold on, you did what? (@Morgan) we were overrun, your magic was tearing chunks out of people but you got stabbed... you were dying and they were advancing on us * Molly frowns (Molly) That isn't nice at all (@Morgan) No (Molly) Do you have dreams like that often? (@Morgan) No, aside from when I first became able to do things like that, I've not dreamed it... and even in that dream it was not on purpose * Molly nods (Molly) Is it because we were talking about my powers to harm, and expanding what you can do with yours, do you think? (@Morgan) possibly * Molly strokes his arm (Molly) How do you feel now? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I'm alright * Molly nods (Molly) Could that happen? (@Morgan) what? (Molly) The Rose being under attack (@Morgan) we're at sea, it happens (Molly) Do you think we should make a note of it? * @Morgan nods (Molly) What can you recall? What season is it, where are we, what's the weather like? (@Morgan) I'm not sure on the season, the weather was... fine I suppose, it wasn't raining for icy... we were off the Montaigne coast * Molly nods (Molly) Good. What about the attackers, can you remember anything about them? (@Morgan) sailing under the Posen flag, the ship was called Loves Requiem I think (Molly) The Posen thing could link into our investigations into the fake Kurt Cristoban? (@Morgan) possibly (@Morgan) it could simply be that its been said a few times lately * Molly nods (Molly) Were they skilled enough to be Eisen? (@Morgan) easily... we weren't enough to hold them off * Molly nods (@Morgan) we'd gone to their aid, they had distress flags waving (Molly) That's good (@Morgan) Their sails and mast had been made to look damaged, with paint I believe (Molly) Huh... interesting (Molly) So it sounds like it was a planned attack? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) not necessarily against us, but it was definitely a trap (Molly) Is that common? (@Morgan) its not the first time I've heard of it (Molly) What would the aim be? Attack the ship, take it, crew it with your own crew or whatever prisoners you've left alive? (@Morgan) aye, I suppose... plunder the cargo * Molly nods (Molly) The Rose would be a bad choice for that unless lured in, she's too fast and too well known * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) but then could her being well known be part of it? (Molly) In what way? (@Morgan) Its getting to be known that its our ship... what if its not the ship that was targeted (Molly) That's... troubling * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I could be overthinking it * Molly giggles (Molly) Isn't that my job? * @Morgan laughs (@Morgan) aye (Molly) Why didn't I heal myself? (@Morgan) you were worn out from harming attackers... then towards the end you tried and those of us you've healed were injured... (Molly) I hate it when that happens * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) and then I was shoved overboard (Molly) That helped you wake up though? (@Morgan) No... I realised at that point it was a nightmare, but I was still drowning and couldn't wake myself, so was trying to disturb you to wake me * Molly nods (Molly) I certainly woke suddenly! * @Morgan nods * Molly sighs (Molly) If it's a warning, it's useful, but I hate to think of you suffering * @Morgan shrugs (Molly) I have no idea what I was dreaming (@Morgan) no? It was an interesting thing to shout when you woke (Molly) What did I shout? (@Morgan) Papa help (Molly) I really do not why I said that. I don't generally dream about my Father at all (@Morgan) no... (Molly) I'd rather have had a repeat of last night's dream ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan (Molly) [14:57] (Molly) I'd rather have had a repeat of last night's dream * @Morgan nods (Molly) We had best go back to sleep as you're on middle watch tonight... * @Morgan nods, sighing (Molly) Why do you sigh, my love? (@Morgan) I dread returning to sleep * Molly strokes his arm (Molly) I wish I could help you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as do I (Molly) I can sing to you, but that's all I can really do * @Morgan nods * Molly curls up to him, resting her cheek to his chest, and sings as usual. It's getting even quicker for him to drift off. He only just detects her saying "no more nightmares, my darling" in Avalonian as he falls asleep (Molly) **He dreams something he has dreamt before, following Molly across a beautiful beach as she gradually sheds her clothes, dropping them. It's completely empty. She disappears around a large rock, and as he is about to follow her there, the dawn watch chimes * @Morgan opens his eyes, drawing a deep breath * Molly is exactly where she was * @Morgan kisses the top of her head before climbing out of bed * Molly doesn't even really stir * @Morgan gets dressed * Molly still doesn't wake as he leaves ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia is on the deck on watch. It's busier this morning than usual, the open sea making it easier to sail with first light as there's far fewer obstacles. * @Morgan nods to her (Claudia) Good morning * @Morgan grunts, coming to watch the horizon * Claudia raises her eyebrows, folding her arms. She watches it too (Claudia) Problem? You're even grumpier than usual. (@Morgan) bad night * Claudia nods (Claudia) Maybe you need to pass out drunk (@Morgan) maybe (Claudia) Do you want to help with the sword training, or the gun drill? (@Morgan) I dont think I'd be much help * Claudia looks at him (Claudia) You're almost as good as me. (@Morgan) I'll follow your lead (Claudia) It'd be useful to have someone good * @Morgan nods (Claudia) **The sun peaks above the horizon* (Claudia) It's a shame Heinzharold isn't here and I have to make do with you * Claudia smirks a little * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) unfrotunate * Claudia watches him (Claudia) If you want to talk about it... * @Morgan shurgs (@Morgan) I led us into a trap (Claudia) In a nightmare? * @Morgan nods (Claudia) Doesn't sound like you (@Morgan) another ship, looked damaged, flying distress flags... I convinced Sorgi we should help (Claudia) Most would help (@Morgan) perhaps (Claudia) You're brooding about it? (@Morgan) Seeing my wife dying and my friend beheaded and half the crew killed and... burning the attackers alive... (@Morgan) it leads me to brood (Claudia) That's quite a bad nightmare * @Morgan nods (Claudia) Burning would be a bit risky (@Morgan) I dont think thats the thing that bothers me about it (Claudia) No, I was trying to distract you from the obvious ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan (Claudia) [17:17] (Claudia) No, I was trying to distract you from the obvious * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) You plan to push them hard? (Claudia) I need to see what shape they are in * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Given what the gun drill was like, my hopes aren't exactly high * Claudia shakes her head (Claudia) Mine either. This is the consequence of missing daily practise * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) and just not being as good as some * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) Few are (Claudia) We will start after breakfast * @Morgan nods (Claudia) Are you staying up here til then? (@Morgan) probably * Claudia nods (Claudia) I have things to do, don't brood too much, it's just a nightmare * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) do my best (Claudia) **he spends the time helping with the training after breakfast, hearing Sorgi and Koen run the drill up above. Claudia is an excellent teacher, but the crew are out of practice as expected and she gets frustrated. He is able to bridge this gap with a more patient confidence, but it does stick in the back of his mind that they would not be up to an attack like in his nightmare. (Claudia) He doesn't stop brooding on it by the time lunch is over, or when Varick has been put for his nap and Molly brings him coffee on the couch. ** You're now known as Molly * Molly sits beside him, kicking off her shoes and tucking her feet up (@Morgan) thank you blossom (Molly) You look burdened, my love * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) todays training has done nothing but confirm in my mind what would happen were we attacked (Molly) You are still troubled by the nightmare? (@Morgan) extremely * Molly takes his free hand (Molly) It might be nothing more than just a nightmare... and if not, it might not be soon * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I dont think that matters (Molly) Why not? (@Morgan) aside from the fact we aren't prepared... I led them into it... and what I did... * Molly watches him solemnly (Molly) Helping a ship with distress flags is the right thing to do * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) Claudia agrees (Molly) I don't think you can blame yourself for that * @Morgan shrugs (Molly) Or you _shouldn't_, at least (@Morgan) maybe (Molly) As for the other, I would say it doesn't matter because it wasn't real, but I suspect it's more complex than that... * @Morgan nods * Molly nods (Molly) I can understand that. Having used mine against the montaigne debt collector when I healed the blade in his leg to cause all that pain and internal bleeding... I didn't like what I had done * @Morgan nods (Molly) But it's even more than that... It's more than just using the talent for harm... * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him (Molly) Would you prefer not to talk about it? (@Morgan) I don't know just yet (Molly) Alright liebling. I just wish to aid you. I could try to use my talent to make you feel a little better? * @Morgan shakes his head * Molly nods (Molly) What triggered it? Was it accidental? (@Morgan) No... you were dying and they were advancing on us (Molly) So you were defending ms (Molly) Me * (@Morgan) but I chose to do it * Molly nods (Molly) But you had no choice (@Morgan) yes, I did (Molly) How so? (@Morgan) I could've used my sword... I chose to burn them (Molly) Using your sword would have left me alone and at risk though * Molly gently squeezes his hand (@Morgan) thats as maybe (Molly) That was not what motivated that decision? (@Morgan) I could;'ve fought them off and come back... I _chose_ not to * Molly nods slowly (Molly) Because you were angry? (@Morgan) maybe * Molly watches him for signs of evasiveness (@Morgan) I was angry, it was quicker * Molly nods (Molly) That makes perfect sense, liebling * @Morgan nods (Molly) I do not think less of you for that (@Morgan) I do * Molly frowns, shaking her head (Molly) You shouldn't. You did not think less of me for what I did to the debt collector, did you? (@Morgan) Not at all (Molly) Then this is no different (@Morgan) of course it is * Molly shakes her head (Molly) I did not _need_ to make his injury worse. I wanted him to suffer because I was angry and scared (@Morgan) and if my method of killing them had been tearing them apart, I would feel no discomfort in that * Molly frowns a little (Molly) But it's fire... * @Morgan nods (Molly) I... *she sighs* I appreciate that it's a particularly troublesome method for you * @Morgan nods (Molly) I am trying to understand it, in depth, but I don't want to distress you further * @Morgan nods * Molly sips her coffee (Molly) It would be best if I just leave it I think * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I agree * Molly takes a deep breath, exhaling slowly (Molly) Perhaps a focus on drilling and training would help you feel more confident * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) maybe (Molly) Would you wish to take on more crew in Freiburg, with more recent training? (@Morgan) I don't know yet... I'll discuss it with Sorgi and Claudia * Molly nods (Molly) I will ask the crew this afternoon about Anhalt, the heraldy and the sketch. I am sure Claudia will excuse me (@Morgan) We'll see * Molly looks at him questioningly (Molly) You object? (@Morgan) I'm not sure she will excuse you (Molly) I am not sure I won't make my own choices (@Morgan) she's trying to keep you safe (Molly) I know (Molly) You were gone when I woke, how did you sleep the rest of the night? (@Morgan) fine (Molly) Oh good, I am glad. It does seem that the nightmares happen earlier in the night most commonly * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye (Molly) I did not go back to whatever I was dreaming that had me calling for my Father! (@Morgan) very strange * Molly smiles a little (Molly) In fact, calling for my Father would have been incredibly inappropriate! (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) It was quite rude * Molly sips her coffee, smiling * @Morgan nods * Molly tries to read how much he is still brooding * @Morgan is still clearly brooding * Molly looks down at the surface of the liquid (Molly) Can I Do anything to help you? Do you wish to be alone a while? * @Morgan sips his coffee (@Morgan) Much as I am poor company, I do not wish to be alone (Molly) You are my favourite company, always. (Molly) Do you wish to show me your song? (@Morgan) show you? (Molly) Play it. (@Morgan) if you want (Molly) Only if it is amenable to you. I have been most eager to hear it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) would you fetch my guitar? * Molly puts her coffee on the floor before bringing the guitar very carefully as carefully as if holding a new born baby * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) It may wake Varick * Molly bites her lip (Molly) Given that he doesn't wake during certain... activities that occur here, I think we are safe * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very (@Morgan) well* * Molly sits back down with her coffee, giving him space * @Morgan puts his coffee down, making sure the guitar is in tune before taking a moment of quiet and starting to play * Molly watches him play, completely enraptured * @Morgan finishes the song * Molly nods vigorously (Molly) That... That is incredible! (@Morgan) I'm quite pleased with it (Molly) It is from the tune you had stuck in your head? * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) It's beautiful. Would you teach me to sing it, if that would be alright with you? (@Morgan) if you want, blossom (Molly) Yes please * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very well * @Morgan picks up his cup, finishing his coffee (Molly) **this is what they do for a little while. There's some amusement in the fact she can't match his octave right the way through, and by then end they have spent quite a bit of the time laughing as she's tried to pick her way through it in a more suitable one. For a little while the worries about the nightmare have moved to the back of his mind. * Molly sips her coffee with a smile (Molly) That was fun (@Morgan) I'm glad you enjoyed it (Molly) Very much! Did you start writing the lyrics before the melody? (@Morgan) No, I had the melody in my head first * Molly nods (Molly) The lyrics are lovely. The imagery is beautiful (@Morgan) You think so? * Molly nods (Molly) Oh yes! I love the bits about the sea, because it flows, wave-like. * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) You write wonderfully (@Morgan) thank you * Molly sips her coffee thoughtfully (Molly) Can I ask what the inspiration was? * @Morgan tilts his head (@Morgan) I'm not... entirely... sure (@Morgan) its fairly literal, really * Molly nods a little (Molly) I see * Molly sips her coffee (Molly) Thank you for playing it to me (@Morgan) thank you for listening (Molly) You do not need to thank me for that, it was my pleasure. It's nice to get an insight into you * @Morgan nods * Molly takes a deep breath (Molly) I should get ready for my training, perhaps I will squeeze it in before seeing the crew (@Morgan) A little training is better than none * Molly nods. She finishes her coffee (Molly) But if you need me, I will stay (@Morgan) No blossom, you need to train and get answers * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) None of those things will ever be more important to me than your happiness. (@Morgan) I know blossom... I'll be alright, and it'll do you good also * Molly stands up, kissing his crown, careful of the guitar (Molly) Alright * Molly goes into the bedroom, and she's gone about ten minutes before she passes back through to collect the sketch, crest, and some paper. She puts her boots on and checks her sword before looking at him (Molly) If it gets bad, call for me, alright? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I will * Molly smiles before heading out and leaving him alone, not even the cat for company ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Sunday, 17 January 2021 13:48:36 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) **He feels that abscence again at the beginning of her training but it's very brief. He spends the afternoon on deck sketching with Varick, and with Captain Ulysses generally making a nuisance of himself. It's quite peaceful, and frees Molly up for her training and to ask the crew about fake Kurt. But they don't get time to discuss the outcome until they are back in their rooms after dinner, about 3 hours before he is due to start the middle watch as Friday turns into Saturday. * Molly brings a wooden box full of herbs, smaller boxes, jars and vials to the desk along with some notebooks (Molly) How was your afternoon, liebes herz? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) reasonable (@Morgan) yours? (Molly) Quite good. I still do not know who he is, unfortunately * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) frustrating * Molly unpacks some things. He spots the bottle of pennyroyal with white and black hellebore that Alarice used to poison her, and also the bottle Alarice had hidden under the floorboards to fake her pregnancy (Molly) I know some more about Anhalt though (@Morgan) oh? * @Morgan raises an eyebrow, watching her unpack the bottles * Molly doesn't notice his expression. She gets out another bottle, placing it up against the pennyroyal (Molly) It was a Freiarrdom, the Freiarrdom Anhalt-Duessa. Then, about six months after the War ended, Anhalt became a Duchy. (@Morgan) how? (Molly) Eisenfurstin Posen * Molly continues unloading. She takes a bottle, holding it towards the light of the lamp and shaking it a moment (@Morgan) What are you doing? (Molly) For now, checking my inventory (@Morgan) for now? * Molly nods (Molly) Once I know what I have, I will spend some time checking my notes to see if I can make anything that works better for your sleep * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) anything more about Anhalt? * Molly nods (Molly) One of the crew has been there (@Morgan) thats useful * Molly checks another bottle (Molly) He's been to church there * Molly glances at him (Molly) It's on top of the cliffs... and it's set in a field. (@Morgan) I see * Molly takes more bits out (Molly) So it fits... * @Morgan nods slowly * Molly listens to a bottle as she shakes it, frowning (Molly) Damn. Ah well. What else...? (Molly) Oh, the heraldry! * Molly puts that bottle to one side (Molly) A different crewmate recognised the heraldry from Magdeburg too (@Morgan) oh? * Molly nods, smiling a little (Molly) Knew the family name too (@Morgan) the actual family name? * Molly starts getting out some very small boxes, checking them (Molly) Mmm hmm (Molly) Remembered the head of the Family. He'd told our crewmate that the Fall Of Magdeburg would be a significant event in the War, a real blow to the Objectionist forces, and it was important that all of Posen's noble families were seen there (@Morgan) right * Molly continues as she's talking (Molly) That family is the Ascania family, from what was then the Freiarrdom of Anhalt-Duessa, and is now the Duchy of Anhalt (@Morgan) that still leaves us with the questions of why he was in the fort and why he's pretending to be someone else (Molly) Yes. And whether he is a relative, servant, or contact of the Duke and Duchess Ascania of Anhalt, and whether he is a noble at all. (@Morgan) so we aren't really any closer to an answer * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) It's like a jigsaw. We don't have the piece we want, but we have more of the surrounding pieces that could help us find the right piece (@Morgan) I'm sorry blossom, its just frustrating * Molly looks at one small box, unscrewing a cap with puzzlement (Molly) Oh I know, liebling. But that is how puzzles usually are, I'm afraid to say (@Morgan) I'm more suited to just hitting them with an axe * Molly looks at what's in it (Molly) From this far away, that's not possible. If you wish to do that when we get to dry land, that is fine by me * Molly sniffs it (Molly) We could go to Anhalt, find the Duke and ask him? But it cuts down the time we have in Freiburg before we need to leave for Avalon, depending upon the plans * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) but it may put an end to this quandry (Molly) The alternative is do some investigating with Jarvie and at court? * @Morgan nods * Molly licks her finger before touching a few grains of the herbs and touching them to her tongue. She screws up her nose and then reaches for her cherry brandy (Molly) Either is fine (@Morgan) is that entirely wise? (Molly) Hmm? * Molly sips the brandy (@Morgan) tasting it like that * Molly shrugs (Molly) It was either bay leaf, thyme or oregano. They all smell very similar * Molly screws the lid back on * @Morgan nods (Molly) All three are safe to consume with no issues, but I wanted bay leaf * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very well... just don't go doing it with anything like _that_ one * @Morgan nods at the pennyroyal * Molly smiles (Molly) I wouldn't with either of the pennyroyals, don't worry * @Morgan nods (Molly) I don't like to throw them away though (@Morgan) no? (Molly) You never know what could be useful * Molly looks the table over with satisfaction, so many different things there (Molly) Are you looking forward to your watch? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye (Molly) Are you going to have a cat nap, so that you do not get so tired overnight? (Molly) *Almost as if he has recognised the word Cat, Captain Ulysses appears from their bedroom* (@Morgan) I might do... though I fear it wont be restful at all * Molly nods sadly (Molly) I won't be sleeping for a while. I could keep an eye on you incase you seem distressed? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) please * Molly nods (Molly) I wouldn't take the herbs, you may still be sleepy up there if you do (@Morgan) aye, I wasn't planning to (Molly) You'll sleep out here? (@Morgan) probably best... Don't want to get too comfortable * Molly nods (Molly) I am hoping that by the time you go on watch I will have sorted the new blend for you for tomorrow. I shouldn't imagine you'll have enough time between the end of the watch and dawn to come to bed * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) we'll see * Molly sits at the desk. The cat wraps himself around Morgan's legs * @Morgan bends down, fussing the cat (Molly) **he purrs and rubs against Morgan's hand * Molly picks up a notebook, flicking through to s certain point (Molly) Do you wish me to sing? (@Morgan) If you wouldn't mind (Molly) Of course not, liebling * Molly waits for him to get settled, the cat curling up on his chest. She sings to him, a couple of different things, but it's Kosk Yn Ta as usual that he falls asleep to. (Molly) **He dreams he is walking out of the clearing in Sudlachenburg where a cottage stands. Unlike in reality, the cottage here that belongs to David and Martha Forrester was not rebuilt on the site of the ruin, but is the original cottage, one that Morgan never lived in because he had never met Dietlinde. He leaves both of them stood on the door step, both have obviously been upset. (Molly) He himself feels distraught, the deep ache in his chest still strong. The only comfort is the warmth of the baby tied in a wrapping cloth against his broken heart. Her hair is the same dark red her mother's was. Molly had only briefly seen little Mädchen before the blood loss of the painful, long delivery was too much. Even the ring did not save her. (Molly) He watches the perfect little face, her mouth like a tiny rose bud as she pouts in her sleep. As he frequently has these last few weeks, he talks quietly to Molly about their daughter. He strokes the dark red hair softly, feeling the baby stir and make a little yawn. (Molly) He gets to his destination, the house of the seamstress, to ask about having a christening gown made for the infant. Seven weeks on from the funeral, he knew he had to face church again, face Theus despite his animosity. (Molly) The unfamiliar woman wearing a mourning dress and a man's wedding ring on a thong around her neck opens the door. She is about his age, blonde, pretty, but that does not matter as she cooes over the baby and he yearns to be back at Foxcroft, back months in the past where Molly was alive and eager to have his child even though they'd only just met. (Molly) Tears spring to his eyes and he blinks them away, a strong hand protectively stroking the small part of her that Theus had left him with. He misses her desperately. (Molly) Seeing his upset, Dietlinde says "I know it isn't usual, my Lord, but would you like to come in and have some coffee?". Before he can make his choice, he feels a soft touch on his shoulder that wakes him from a dream that feels incredibly real, as if he has lived it. (Molly) ...coffee? (Molly) ((Done)) * @Morgan drags a deep breath in * Molly is just in the fancy white chemise, ready for bed. She smiles affectionately at him as she rubs his shoulder. (Molly) Sorry, did I startle you? (@Morgan) something of a nightmare (Molly) *Captain Ulysses purrs on his chest, just as solid and warm as the baby was * Molly frowns a little (Molly) You looked very peaceful and were stroking the cat now and then * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) I see * Molly sits beside him (Molly) You've been asleep a good while. It's about twenty minutes until your watch * @Morgan stretches (Molly) **The cat leaps down* (Molly) I am sorry, if I'd known I'd have woken you * @Morgan nods (Molly) Was it the Love's Requiem again? (@Morgan) No, completely different * Molly nods, watching him (Molly) Do you think we need to write it down? (@Morgan) Unlikely, but I will do while I'm on watch * Molly nods again, slightly slower (Molly) Alright, liebling (@Morgan) I just don't wish to relive it right now * Molly shrugs slightly (Molly) If you do not wish to tell me, you need not. I won't intrude if it is something you want to keep private (@Morgan) No, I just don't want to go through it again right now * Molly nods. She stands up and goes to the table (Molly) Do you want coffee before you go? (@Morgan) please * Molly pours some. She brings it to him along with a bottle with a stopper (Molly) I have finished it (@Morgan) that was quick * Molly smiles (Molly) Forty five minutes. Aside from that I was tidying up and then tried the meditation again (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) It was fine * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good (Molly) The singing was still there * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) interesting * Molly nods (Molly) I haven't a clue I am afraid *she yawns* * @Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (@Morgan) oh well (Molly) It is what it is, hmm? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye (Molly) **Captain Ulysses jumps back into Morgan's lap* * Molly tilts her head (Molly) If you made coffee earlier in the evening, then let it cool, you could safely take it in a bottle with a cup up to the crows nest then heat it up (@Morgan) Yes I could (Molly) That would be nice, wouldn't it? * @Morgan nods (Molly) I should imagine it is very cold up there at night * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) usually * Molly smiles (Molly) It will not trouble you that I am tucked up warmly in bed, Mon petit chou? (@Morgan) No blossom, I don't begrudge you that, not after spending so long working in Tawstock * Molly smiles (Molly) You are very wonderful, my love (@Morgan) I have my moments (Molly) **Captain Ulysses curls up, clearly intending to sleep * Molly yawns again * @Morgan gently moves the cat (Molly) Do you need me for anything before you go? (Molly) **The cat looks offended* (@Morgan) No, blossom, I just need to get more coffee to take with me * Molly nods, then stands up (Molly) Alright. I shall bid you good night then * @Morgan nods, tucking the cat under one arm before standing up * Molly watches him (Molly) You're taking the cat? (@Morgan) No, but I'm going to keep him warm until its time for me to go (@Morgan) he looked offended at me moving him * Molly smiles (Molly) I suppose I could tolerate him in the bed (@Morgan) I'd have thought he'd sleep with Varick (Molly) I may open the door again for him * Molly opens the door to Varick's room, before leaving against the frame of the door to theirs (Molly) I'll see you in the morning if you choose not to come to bed (Molly) Leaning * * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) sleep well my love * Molly blows him a kiss before going in and shutting the door * @Morgan goes to make the coffee, fussing the cat before heading out onto the deck (Molly) **The cat follows. He seems to understand the process of the swapping of the watches, because he waits til the previous man is down before scaling the mast, and waits for Morgan up in the crows nest* * @Morgan hauls himself up the rigging, checking it as he goes (Molly) **Everything looks good, his eyes quickly adjust to the dark. As soon as he's up, he gains the familiar furry scarf. The cat meows* * @Morgan fusses the cat (Molly) *The middle watch is peaceful. Out here at sea, no ships move at night. He has a clear view of the night sky. He's been up there about twenty minutes when he starts to feel a sense of disappointment and frustration.* * @Morgan frowns (Molly) **he realises these feelings are not his fairly quickly* (@Morgan) [is all well?] (Molly) [I cannot get to sleep. It's okay, I have some ideas to try, it is just frustrating] (@Morgan) [I would imagine so] (Molly) **he hears nothing for a ten minutes until (Molly) [Liebes herz?] (@Morgan) [yes...] (Molly) [About your song… is it just abstract, about life in general?] (@Morgan) [some of it... some of it is about how I feel towards other people now] (Molly) [Alright, thank you] (@Morgan) [why?] (Molly) *he picks up the slightest hint of evasiveness* [It is going through my head and I just wondered] (@Morgan) [If you're going to hide, yet again, I'm not going to answer your questions] (Molly) *she sounds contrite* [I suppose I wondered if any of it is about me, about us...] (@Morgan) [yes] (Molly) [Alright. I will leave you to your watch, liebling] (@Morgan) [if you would like, I'll explain which parts and why in the morning] (Molly) [I would be very grateful, thank you] (Molly) **It's about fifteen minutes of quiet this time before she does this again* (Molly) [Ummm.... liebling?] (@Morgan) [yes... (Molly) [Could you... Ummm... just stay out of my mind a little while?] *he can almost hear the blushing* (@Morgan) [if that is what you wish] (Molly) [I'm not sure my thoughts would be of any help to you up there in the cold whilst you're supposed to be concentrating on being a lookout, that's all] (@Morgan) [alright blossom, I'll talk to the cat] (Molly) [Thank you, I am hoping it will help me sleep] (@Morgan) [hope so] (Molly) *Captain Ulysses is doing a very good job keeping his neck warm* * @Morgan fusses the cat, looking the ship over (Molly) **Only the moonlight illuminates the Rose. Everything looks good. It's barely three minutes later when he hears the quietest moan of his name, which if there had been any background noise he would have missed* * @Morgan keeps his mind to himself (Molly) **A few minutes later, he gets a flash of her thoughts. She's dressed in a deep satin green dress in a fancy ballroom, it's a masked ball yet she is barefaced. She looks out of place, scared in this noble environment, lost, searching the crowd for someone. Suddenly hands go over her eyes and she laughs. Then he loses her thoughts* * @Morgan sighs, rubbing the cats face ** You're now known as CaptUlysses * CaptUlysses meows questioningly (@Morgan) Its alright my furry friend (CaptUlysses) **he estimates it's about two when he loses all sense of her (@Morgan) She's going to be grumpy in the morning (CaptUlysses) **he knows this isn't normal because he once read her when she was asleep before they were married, just after he'd popped the magic bubble in the summerhouse* * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) [blossom] (CaptUlysses) **It's Almost like his sense of her is like a compass. His needle swings side to side, searching for her. And then just as suddenly as the sense of her disappeared, it reappears, and his needle settles** (CaptUlysses) [Hmm?] * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) [you... disappeared] (CaptUlysses) [Don't know. Sleeping. 'M okay] (@Morgan) [alright] (CaptUlysses) **He's left with the decision on whether to try to read her mind or location now, whether to check through the rest of the shift, or whether to leave her be* * @Morgan tries to get a fix on her location (CaptUlysses) **she's exactly where she should be, in their bed * @Morgan sighs, shifting his position * CaptUlysses tolerates this (CaptUlysses) ((Any more reading before the watch ends?)) (@Morgan) ((just to check she's ok)) (CaptUlysses) ((Location only?)) (@Morgan) ((wellbeing if possible)) (CaptUlysses) *She is in bed each time. She's peaceful mostly, though there are brief moments of happiness amd excitement mixed in. The sky turns slowly above him. He has nothing to do up there in the dark but just think and be. The night is peaceful but quite cool, much cooler than it would have been a month ago. The constellations progress through the heavens as he has seen many times before. Eventually, it is four oclock and time for the watches to swap.* * @Morgan takes a different route down from the nest, checking the rigging as he goes (CaptUlysses) **It's good. The crew are obviously taking good care of his ship * @Morgan heads back to his quarters * CaptUlysses gets down when he gets there, going to the couch. It's dark and very quiet * @Morgan tries to find the things to make coffee (CaptUlysses) **his innate time keeping tells him it's about quarter after four, with dawn at almost six thirty. He manages it, but the water is cold * @Morgan heats the water (CaptUlysses) **Nothing untowards happens (@Morgan) ((he's basically just gonna chill out til dawn)) (CaptUlysses) ((Does he write his nightmare down?)) (@Morgan) ((yep)) (CaptUlysses) **he finds the writing things in the drawer of the desk, and it doesn't take too long to pull up the details of the nightmare. As this recollection gets more unpleasant, the cat comes and lies on the desk, belly on show * @Morgan rubs the cats belly with his spare hand (CaptUlysses) **he manages to complete it to the end. He then has to decide where to put it (CaptUlysses) ((Would he leave it in the drawer, try to put it with the others, or something else?)) (@Morgan) ((with the other papers)) (CaptUlysses) **he finds them easily in a file on the bookshelf. He takes some time to polish and sharpen his weapons to kill the time. (CaptUlysses) **He gets out to watch the sunrise. There's more pink to the sky than either him or the crew would like, and he can hear Koen discussing the prospect of rain later with the watch that started at 4 when Morgan finished. It's decided that they will set off at first light and run the gun drills and weapons training a bit earlier to be safe** (CaptUlysses) *They move off swiftly. Captain Ulysses stands on the rail. He seems to be watching the coastline which is dotted with islands. They have been sailing about ten minutes when he suddenly jumps down, and runs at full speed below deck. * @Morgan surveys the horizon quickly before following him (CaptUlysses) **There's nothing in terms of ships. He can hear the cat yowling from yhe direction of their open study door before he gets there. * @Morgan picks up his pace (CaptUlysses) **Varick is still in his night shift, sat on the floor with the loud cat. Above this, he hears bang and then Molly say "Dammit!" in Avalonian * @Morgan follows the noise (CaptUlysses) **he arrives at the study just as Molly comes out of the bedroom. She's wearing one of his shirts roughly tucked into her modified trousers, barefoot and uncorseted. She's twisting her hair up untidyly * @Morgan looks her over, concerned * CaptUlysses continues to make this awful noise (CaptUlysses) **She's not impressed (@Morgan) whats the problem? (CaptUlysses) V: *he stares at the cat intently. He shuts up* (CaptUlysses) M: That awful noise! What on Theah is wrong with him? * @Morgan looks at Varick (@Morgan) whats his problem Varick? (CaptUlysses) V: *he looks up* we're near the treasure island! (@Morgan) oh are we now * CaptUlysses shoots off again, back out into the hall. A few seconds later, he hears Cook say "Damn Cat!", just as Varick had asked Morgan to say in different languages to work out where he was from (CaptUlysses) V: It's not very far! He wants to show us! (@Morgan) he needs to calm down (CaptUlysses) M: * she sits on the edge of the desk* Maybe you could ask him to be calmer Mauschen? (CaptUlysses) V: *he nods* Can we go and look for the treasure? * @Morgan looks at Molly (CaptUlysses) M: *she looks at Morgan questioningly* (@Morgan) Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? (CaptUlysses) M: Me? * CaptUlysses comes back, dropping a shiny coin at Morgan's feet * @Morgan nods (CaptUlysses) M: Only the one your Father arranged in the woods the Thursday before our wedding ** You're now known as Molly * @Morgan nods thoughtfully (Molly) *Varick fusses the cat* (Molly) How would we explain needing to take one of the pilot boats to an Island? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) we heard a rumour... * Molly nods, sticking pins in (Molly) Alright. Who do we take? (@Morgan) I'm not sure... we need to leave Sorgi and Claudia here to run drills... James? (Molly) For rowing? (@Morgan) I like going in circles... * Molly laughs then winces (Molly) I could row if you teach me (@Morgan) if we get the Rose close enough, James and I can manage it * Molly nods (Molly) Alright (Molly) V: should I get dressed? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'd say so... I think we'll need the captain * Molly stands, going into her room (Molly) V: *He laughs* which Captain? (@Morgan) The cat (Molly) V: *he goes to his room, the cat trotting along behind, still meowing (Molly) **Morgan is left alone for a few minutes * @Morgan heads up on deck to find Sorgi (Molly) **he finds him stood near the prow, stood beside Claudia, both leant on the rail facing out * @Morgan watches them for a moment * Molly was right, there's a definite tension there that's more lust than conflict, but they aren't doing anything inappropriate (@Morgan) Captain... (Molly) **They move apart with a degree of haste. ** You're now known as Sorgi (Sorgi) M'lord (@Morgan) I have a request... (Sorgi) Yes m'Lord? (@Morgan) I want to sail over to those islands and drop anchor * Sorgi looks confused (Sorgi) Why, m'Lord? (@Morgan) I want to go digging for treasure * Sorgi develops a little cough. Claudia just watches Morgan (Sorgi) Y- Yes, m'Lord, if it does not appear too risky to the ship (@Morgan) of course * Sorgi inclines his head (@Morgan) it troubles you? (Sorgi) Its... unexpected. Do you have a spot in mind, m'Lord? (@Morgan) not a particular spot just yet, no * Sorgi nods. He glances at Claudia before striding off to give the commands ** You're now known as Claudia (Claudia) Seems a bit fanciful. * @Morgan shrugs (Claudia) You'll want any shovels we can find? (@Morgan) That'd help, I'd reckon * Claudia nods, also walking off * @Morgan watches her leave a moment before heading back below deck looking for James (Claudia) **James is reading a book in his cabin ** You're now known as James * @Morgan makes himself known (James) Good morning, my Lord (@Morgan) James... how do you fancy doing something... fanciful * James nods (James) Yes, I don't mind having a hand in that * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) we're going treasure hunting and I'm going to need help rowing * James laughs (James) I'm probably not your best option for that! (@Morgan) I'll take the other oar... or you can man the tiller * James sticks some boots on (James) Sounds good, my lord (James) **The Rose is carefully guided towards the islands (James) **The cat is on the rail, watching. Varick alternates between watching the cat and watching the land. He speaks Wii (James) *quietly (James) V: He says it's not far ** You're now known as Molly * Molly wraps her shawl tighter around her, looking around with the hint of a frown (@Morgan) issue, blossom? * Molly tilts her head (Molly) I know this coastline (@Morgan) oh? * Molly looks to the boy, and then whispers something to him. There's a pause whilst he watches the cat. (Molly) V: Yes, that's the right one * Molly nods, blushing. She motions Morgan aside a minute * @Morgan follows her (Molly) You recall I said about not bothering to write down an inappropriate dream that started with us sheltering the Rose in a cove during a storm? * @Morgan nods (Molly) Well, that cove is where the Castillean pirate crew put their ship whenever they came to drop off or collect treasure * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) I see (Molly) The good thing is, I know how we got there and where the hazards are (@Morgan) excellent, that'll help massively * Molly nods, smiling (Molly) Should I go and speak to Sorgi? (@Morgan) probably, aye * Molly Does so. He's obviously trying to persuade her about something * @Morgan watches them (Molly) V: *he looks at Morgan* Do you think we will find it? * Molly is blushing, shaking her head. The encouragement goes on. (@Morgan) I really don't know (@Morgan) hopefully we'll have fun looking for it (Molly) V: *he nods* And we could find some shells * @Morgan nods * Molly appears to relent. Sorgi rings the bell to get the crews attention (Molly) **he can feel some nervousness and embarrassment from her* * @Morgan watches her, frowning slightly (Molly) **Sorgi tells them that as Molly has been here before, she will have command to lead them into the cove. She glances at Morgan a moment, watching his reaction* * @Morgan winks at her (Molly) V: *he whispers to Morgan* is that a good idea? * Molly blushes, smiling, and turns her attention to the job in hand (@Morgan) why wouldn't it be? (Molly) V: Because she's not a captain. And she's a Lady. (@Morgan) We need to get the idea that women cant do things because they're women (@Morgan) out of your head * Molly Does a good job at dispelling that idea, because she takes the command smoothly, using the benefit of what happened in the dream, but also the skills she was developing when she'd had to leave Morgan behind in Eisen to battle his demons. It's quite similar to how she was when In command of the servants of Lady Torrington when she was Housekeeper. * Molly leads them into the cove, which is well placed for very easy access to the shore with ease, giving the final orders to drop the anchor and furl the sails. She stands watching them do this, hands on her hips a moment, not yet returning to Morgan and Varick. ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Monday, 18 January 2021 19:51:30 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) **Sorgi comes to stand with her, saying something that makes her smile. She watches the crew with a look of satisfaction. (Molly) **Varick looks at Morgan* We didn't crash into anything * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) of course (Molly) **Sorgi starts giving commands to lower a pilot boat. Molly remains where she was, watching the crew, though she looks somewhat distracted* (Molly) V: Do we go in the small boat now? * @Morgan nods (Molly) **Sorgi comes to let them know it's ready, and James joins them * @Morgan catches the cats attention, signing to climb on his shoulder (Molly) **he does so. Sorgi and James look impressed * Molly comes over to Morgan (Molly) Do you wish to go first? (@Morgan) best had (Molly) **It doesn't take long for the four of them and the cat to get down the ladder and into the boat. The quiet waters of the cove make it very easy for Morgan and James to take them onto the sand, though with much joking from James about lending a hand or using his mouth for the second oar that has them all laughing. They haven't been on land since Monday morning, five days ago. The first thing Molly does is remove her shoes and then stand with her eyes closed a minute. * @Morgan makes sure the pilot boat is secure, before kicking at the sand (Molly) **It seems secure. The sand is gravelly but not compacted. Its nothing like the beautiful soft white sand he keeps dreaming of following Molly across whilst she undresses* (Molly) J: *he picks two shovels from the boat* now what, my Lord? (@Morgan) Stay here with the boat, enjoy some freetime (Molly) J: *he nods, handing over the shovels* (Molly) Alright, my Lord (Molly) **The sky is a light grey, though it's a little darker off to the west. Even from the land he can hear the shouting of the gun drill* (@Morgan) if we find something, we'll come get you * Molly doesn't put her shoes on, instead tying the laces in a knot and putting them over her shoulder. Varick is fishing through the grainy sand for shells * @Morgan moves to Molly (@Morgan) ready? * Molly glances back up at the ship then smiles at him (Molly) Yes, liebes herz (@Morgan) Varick... (Molly) *he comes trotting over* (Molly) V: is it time to look? * @Morgan nods (Molly) **the cat clambers down, and then goes off like a cannon ball down the beach. Varick starts chasing him, laughing * @Morgan follows them * Molly comes along beside him (Molly) You think we'll find anything? (@Morgan) probably not, but it doesn't hurt to indulge him (Molly) That was my thought too * Molly watches the cat and boy (Molly) Strange though, the cove I dreamt of * @Morgan tilts his head (@Morgan) is it though? strange? * Molly glances sidelong at him (Molly) A striking coincidence... * @Morgan snorts * Molly smiles at him, holding out her hand (Molly) ((Did he take the shovels?)) (@Morgan) ((obviously)) * @Morgan moves the shovels to his shoulder, placing his free hand in hers * Molly smiles, blushing, and squeezes it (Molly) I think it will rain * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) probably (@Morgan) we'd best move quickly * Molly nods. In front, the cat then the boy round a corner (Molly) I meant because it was stormy in the dream of the cove (@Morgan) I see (Molly) You disagree, liebling? (@Morgan) I wouldn't be surprised * Molly smiles. She walks at his pace. She's quiet but not ill at ease (Molly) **it takes them another minute to round the corner. The sight they see is deeply troubling. Varick stands with the cat close at his side. He is stood about thirty feet from a boar * Molly instantly loosens her hand from Morgan's, inhaling sharply * @Morgan breaks into a sprint (Molly) **Boy, cat and boar don't move. Molly follows at speed but is nowhere near fast enough to keep up with Morgan * @Morgan moves a shovel into each hand, starting to make a lot of noise (Molly) **All three now look at him. None move* * @Morgan slows as soon as he's in throwing range, watching the boar (@Morgan) [he can bloody talk to it, cant he] (Molly) [I... I assume so?] * @Morgan moves closer to Varick (Molly) **Captain Ulysses scales Morgan rapudlt (@Morgan) whats going on Varick (Molly) Rapidly. The boar's gaze follows the feline (Molly) V: He's hungry and wants to eat Captain Ulysses * Molly catches up (@Morgan) thats not acceptable (Molly) V: *he stares at the boar* the men left him hear to gore strangers * Molly glances at Morgan (Molly) [Now what?] (@Morgan) He needs to leave us alone, Varick (Molly) V: But he's hungry. All the animals here are gone, there's only birds sometimes * @Morgan drives one shovel into the sand, fishing in one of his pockets before bringing out an apple (@Morgan) Thats about all I've got (Molly) **The boar sniffs the air** (Molly) V: He does like apples, and roots, and nuts, and plants (@Morgan) this island must have those things... (Molly) V: *he nods* It does * Molly watches them quietly (@Morgan) so why hasn't he eaten them * Molly gives a quick glance to how armed Morgan is (Molly) V: He has, he just likes animals better * @Morgan isn't obviously armed apart from a sword (@Morgan) Can you persuade him to go off and eat the plants? He's not having the captain (Molly) [I could see if I can get your rifle with James? Or a bow and arrows?] (Molly) V: *he stares at the boar* (@Morgan) [no need] * Molly shrugs briefly [I'm a farmer's daughter, fresh meat would be useful for the next eight days of travel] (Molly) **The boar starts to back away* (@Morgan) is he leaving us alone? (Molly) V: *he nods* He wants the Apple though * @Morgan throws the apple towards the boar (@Morgan) [I'd rather not butcher the animal Varick is talking to] (Molly) **The boar sniffs it, picks it up, and runs away* * @Morgan tousles Varicks hair (@Morgan) well done (Molly) [Again, I'm a farmer's daughter. It's not so odd to me.] (Molly) You were very brave, Mauschen (Molly) V: *he shrugs, watching the cat jump down and run across the sand* Can we look again? (@Morgan) lets stick together though (Molly) **The cat stops where the boar was, scratching** (Molly) [Are you alright, liebling?] (@Morgan) [fine] * Molly glances at him to be sure * @Morgan blows his cheeks out, releasing his breath in a whoosh of relief * Molly exhales slowly, smiling a little (Molly) V: *he looks utterly unconcerned as he drops down by the cat and starts digging with his hands* (Molly) [That was rather more excitement than I hoped for!] (@Morgan) Varick... (Molly) V: Yes? (@Morgan) we have shovels... (Molly) V: not a little one for boys though (@Morgan) You have a point * Molly holds her hand out for a shovel (Molly) We'd best get started then * @Morgan hands one to her (Molly) V: he says it's here (@Morgan) very well... back up, we'll get to digging (Molly) **The cat watches them a moment before running off to the waterline (Molly) V: *he gets up, moving back * * @Morgan watches the cat a moment before starting to dig (Molly) **They start digging. It's good, physical work. They make decent pace for about three feet before Molly says "reminds me of our Polterabend" (Molly) **The cat appears to be in and out of the water catching fish and leaving them flopping on the sand (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) V: *he wanders over to the fish, looking at them* (Molly) You are I, working together, as a team (@Morgan) I was under the impression thats what we've been doing ever since * Molly nods (Molly) I meant in physical labour though * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) well, there's no other nobles around for me to harass into doing it * Molly starts to hum as she works (Molly) That is true. You've done an Eisenfurst, so doing a Duchess is no trouble? * @Morgan stops, raising an eyebrow * Molly smiles innocently (Molly) There's an issue, my Lord? (@Morgan) I've _done_ an Eisenfurst? (Molly) Getting him to service your needs... by building * Molly giggles (@Morgan) behave yourself (Molly) ((What's the tone?)) (@Morgan) ((playful)) (Molly) Of course, my Lord. I rather think you should go back to thrusting your shovel in and trying to touch the chest... *she smirks* * @Morgan goes back to digging, grumbling (Molly) Did you say something, my love? (@Morgan) Not a thing (Molly) You said "nothing"? *she giggles* * @Morgan flings sand at her * Molly squeals with delight at this (Molly) You're trying to get me dirty, my Lord? (@Morgan) trying... no... Succeeding... oh yes (Molly) You have always had a particular aptitude for that! * Molly flings some back at him (@Morgan) charming (Molly) You must just like me dirty, I suppose! *she shrugs with feigned nonchalance* (@Morgan) I've no idea what you mean blossom * @Morgan looks over to check on the boy and cat (Molly) *Varick is watching the cat collect fish still* (Molly) Oh you do... those times when I behave in ways a Duchess didn't ought to (@Morgan) like... sword fighting? * Molly sniggers (Molly) Sheathing the sword, yes *she blushes hard now* (Molly) *she starts to dig again* Like reading docking permits in Picante... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that was rather... unorthadox * Molly giggles (Molly) I am beginning to think perhaps I am quite unorthodox in some regards * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that is an astute observation * Molly nods. Her thoughts spill over, she's knelt naked with her hair unbound, and her wrists behind her back are quite the opposite. There's a sudden clang as her shovel hits something, shocking her out of the thought (Molly) Oh! (@Morgan) oh indeed (Molly) Surely not? *she looks down into the hole* (@Morgan) unlikely * @Morgan scrapes some of the sand out (Molly) **There's definitely something there, about two feet by one foot* * @Morgan digs around it (Molly) *after a couple of minutes, it becomes apparent it is a small chest * Molly watches him, biting her lip with amusement (Molly) We'd best not get over-excited (@Morgan) No... what are you finding funny? (Molly) I was simply being smutty, my lord (@Morgan) I noticed that * @Morgan sets about prying the chest out of its hideyhole * Molly smiles (Molly) **it comes out easily, it's obviously not been there long. It is landlocked, however (Molly) Padlocked * (@Morgan) just how recently was this buried (Molly) You'd need to ask the cat... * @Morgan hits the padlock with the shovel (Molly) **it's too solid** (Molly) Did you give me my picks back, or do you still have them? (@Morgan) when did I have them? (Molly) Fischler, when I taught you how to pick a lock * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) I don't recall giving it back, so... *he checks his pockets, pulling them out from an inside pocket* (Molly) In with enough cups to start a tea shop? (@Morgan) I've only got... two * Molly giggles (Molly) Two is all it takes, I find... (Molly) V: *he spots the chest and comes sprinting towards them, the cat hot on his heels, leaving a shiny pile of flashing fish doomed on the shore* (Molly) V: I told you there was treasure!! (@Morgan) easy now, we don't know what it is yet * @Morgan hands the picks to Molly * Molly glances briefly at Varick, before picking the lock (Molly) Many thanks to you, Mr Cristoban, or whoever the goodness you really are! * @Morgan watches (Molly) **The padlock comes undone. She glances at Morgan* You don't see anything on it that says Fyodor, do you? (@Morgan) I was just thinking that... I don't think it was complex enough to be one of his (Molly) [We followed the communications between a cat and a small boy, and navigated by an erotic dream... that's quite complex!] (@Morgan) [thats very true, but I don't think he's capable of setting that up, and I meant the box] * Molly nods, then smiles at Varick (Molly) Shall we see if there's anything in here? * Molly opens it up. She simply makes a Huh! of surprise whilst Varick whoops and hollers (@Morgan) chocolate cake? * Molly shakes her head, just gesturing for him to look * @Morgan does so (Molly) **It is packed with gold coins (@Morgan) I'll admit, I did not see that coming * Molly nods, taking some out (@Morgan) Varick, ask the captain if this is the only one, would you? (Molly) Montaigne Livre... that's got to be upwards for five hundred guilders (Molly) Of* (Molly) **The Boy crouches by the cat** Yes, only that one that he knows of (@Morgan) alright, lets get back to the ship shall we * Molly looks at him (Molly) You aren't leaving this here?! (Molly) V: *He takes his coat off* (@Morgan) absolutely not, but I'd rather not still be here if the people who buried it turn up * Molly nods. She shuts it and puts the padlock back through. Varick has made his coat into a bag, and fills it with fish (Molly) We don't need the excitement of a pirate captain coming to take us captive... (@Morgan) Not really, no... * Molly smiles, eyes sparkling with mischief. She looks like she may say something, before she blushes and glances away (Molly) **The cat leads the way, running back along the beach but not getting too far ahead (@Morgan) looks like someone learned from his previous encounter * Molly nods (Molly) Would you like me to carry the shovels? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good idea (Molly) V: *he runs towards them* Arrrrgh I can feel them all wriggling!! (@Morgan) thats generally what they do, yes * Molly starts giggling at this. She picks up the shovels, putting them on her shoulder as he had done (Molly) They won't be by the time we get back to the ship (Molly) V: Will Cook make them for us for dinner? (@Morgan) I would imagine so (@Morgan) if we ask him nicely (Molly) **it starts to drizzle on their way to the pilot boat, only slight, but the sky is getting greyer* (Molly) *Varick trots on a little ahead with the cat* (Molly) What on Theah are we going to do with that? (@Morgan) what? (Molly) The treasure? (@Morgan) we'll have to see how much is there before we decide * Molly nods (Molly) I really didn't think there would be any treasure * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) No, I wasn't terribly convinced (Molly) It was nice though (@Morgan) what was? * Molly smiles at him (Molly) Being with you (@Morgan) I would imagine that was rather lovely, yes * Molly giggles (Molly) It's always lovely when you take me places... (@Morgan) We'll be seeing a lot more places in the next few years (Molly) **There's quite a bit of surprise and intrigue when they get back to the pilot boat, and then on the deck. The rain has started to come down heavily by then, and the wind has picked up a bit too by the time the pilot boat is resecured. Having given the chest to Molly to take below with Varick, the cat and dead fish, Morgan is left with Sorgi in the rain. ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Thursday, 21 January 2021 20:08:55 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** You're now known as Sorgi (Sorgi) **The rain is increasing, the crew looking grimly resigned. The wind is still mild. Sorgi inclines his head to Morgan* (Sorgi) Looks like a successful venture, m'Lord (@Morgan) aye, somewhat surprising (Sorgi) Thought it was going to be a wild goose chase * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I dont often get opportunity to be fanciful * Sorgi glances at the stairs as Claudia comes up, wearing a tricorn hat and waxed coat with another set in her hands (Sorgi) Are we sheltering out the rain, or pressing on, m'Lord? (@Morgan) I'd like to put some distance between us and the island, but if you feel we need do wait out the rain... (Sorgi) No, m'Lord. The wind isn't bad, we can go. *he nods briefly at Claudia as he takes the hat and coat* (@Morgan) Then lets get underway * Sorgi rings the bell, and the crew spring to action. The rain continues ad the newly unfurled sails turn from dry to wet, and they progress out of the cove (Sorgi) **Claudia joins in the work. The rain steadily increases, but such is the peril of sailing life. He has the option to shelter below deck with Molly and Varick * @Morgan helps out on deck (Sorgi) **There's plenty of mopping to be done * @Morgan mops (Sorgi) **It only gets wetter as they move back into the sea, the rain hammering down on the timbers by the time lunch is called. The fayre is becoming more basic, as expected, and the sopping wet crew are much less lively than usual (Sorgi) ((Anyone he is particularly wanting to speak to?)) (@Morgan) ((nope)) (Sorgi) **By the time he's back to their quarters, the rain is pounding on the timbers and against the window. He's rather soaked. Molly and Varick are sat together, relaxed and under a blanket, both reading. Captain Ulysses is asleep on Molly's lap** ** You're now known as Molly * Molly and Varick look pleased to see him (@Morgan) well now (Molly) You're soaked, liebling! Let me get you some dry clothes! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank you * Molly puts down her book and gets out from under the blanket, heading into their room ** You're now known as Varick (Varick) After my nap, can we count the treasure? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) if you wish (Varick) It was fun on our treasure hunt! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) yes it was (Varick) The boar was big (@Morgan) it was huge! (@Morgan) I was very worried it would hurt you (Varick) Were you? * @Morgan nods * Varick shrugs (Varick) He was just hungry (@Morgan) yes but he was dangerous... (Varick) Why? (@Morgan) because he could've gored you (Varick) But he didn't want to (@Morgan) no, he wanted to eat the captain (Varick) **Molly comes out with a towel on her arm (Varick) I knew you would keep us safe (@Morgan) I would certainly try (Varick) You would, I know it (@Morgan) I'm glad you feel that way (Varick) *Molly looks at him* towels and dry clothes are ready, I'll get you some tea (@Morgan) thank you blossom * @Morgan moves to get changed * Varick is asleep on the couch when he returns, and Molly in on hands and knees drying the wet parts of the floor, tea on the desk (@Morgan) sorry blossom (Varick) No need to apologise, my love ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Thursday, 21 January 2021 21:28:19 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) No need to apologise, my love * Molly continues to work, moving from spot to spot * @Morgan goes to drink some tea (Molly) Did you wish to move him to his bed? (@Morgan) probably best had * Molly moves to their bedroom to dry in there * @Morgan gently picks Varick up to put him to bed (Molly) **he doesn't even stir * @Morgan lays him down gently before retreating back into the study * Molly is stood by the window, seemingly watching out, though the pinching of her lip implies it could just be day dreaming. * @Morgan goes and picks up his tea * Molly starts humming, she's clearly not realised he's back (@Morgan) well you seem happy * Molly jumps a little, then smiles warmly (Molly) I have you, liebes herz, of course I am happy * Molly looks out again (Molly) Will it storm, do you think? (@Morgan) possibly * Molly nods, smiling slightly, then comes to get her tea (Molly) That was rather more of an adventure than I anticipated (@Morgan) quite so * Molly 's eyebrows raise as she lifts her cup (Molly) I didn't foresee a boar encounter! (@Morgan) Nor I... Varick is completely unfazed about it * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) I think perhaps children do not understand danger like we do as adults? (@Morgan) Perhaps, though being able to understand that he was just hungry and didn't want to hurt the boy obviously helped that * Molly nods (Molly) I agree (Molly) Thinking about it, I'm not sure I was even scared when James and Peter put me up on Santana when I was 9, even though I should have been terrified on such a big and unpredictable horse! * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) My Father's face was most entertaining when I showed up alone in Lower Tawstock on him, having been left at home more two miles away and unable to ride when he had left that morning * @Morgan chuckles (@Morgan) I would imagine that was something of a surprise to him (Molly) He was shocked, then proud, then livid in close succession, but he did not want to look bad in front of the other market traders, so he kept it close until we were home * @Morgan nods * Molly goes to sit on the couch (Molly) I have seen him angry a few times, but never as bad as that * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment (Molly) You seem quiet, liebes herz * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) No, just not much to say (Molly) I thought perhaps you were brooding about the boar * Molly puts her cup on the floor and folds the blanket up (@Morgan) I was thinking that perhaps I should have killed it and brought it back (Molly) You did not wish to upset Varick though? * @Morgan nods * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) I suppose that isn't something he has ever dealt with; building a bond with an animal that you then slaughter. His upbringing has made that remote for him? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed (Molly) What about you, liebling? I cannot imagine that was something normal for you as a child? (@Morgan) No, not really, but I've always been fairly practical * Molly nods (Molly) You had chickens at the cottage though? ((He's not mentioned this to her)) * @Morgan nods (Molly) Do you wish him to learn, or do you think it isn't not fitting, given his station? (@Morgan) I think its something everyone should know... * Molly nods (Molly) When we are at Sunnymeade, we will see what we can do then? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) probably * Molly sips her tea, then smiles at him (Molly) I would bet he would have been quite tasty * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) probably aye (Molly) Did you want to sit with me? * @Morgan nods, bringing his tea over (Molly) How was your watch last night, aside from my interruptions? *she blushes* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) quiet... aside from the odd interrogating meow * Molly smiles (Molly) Good. I... uhh... hope you were not cross that I asked you to stay out of my thoughts? (@Morgan) No blossom * Molly nods {relief} (Molly) I am glad (Molly) I know that being shut out is generally displeasing to you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) generally (Molly) But it is not so troubling if you understand why? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed * Molly sips her tea (Molly) Thankfully I was able to get to sleep (@Morgan) good (@Morgan) I forgot how little there was to do (Molly) To get to sleep? (@Morgan) on watch * Molly nods (Molly) At least on patrol at Lady Catherine's you were moving * @Morgan nods (Molly) I am not sure I could do it! (@Morgan) it was more interesting during the war (Molly) Why? (@Morgan) there was a much greater chance someone would attack...or sneak aboard and slash the sails, or cut the ropes to the rudder (Molly) It was easier with greater risk? (@Morgan) aye, thats right (Molly) I could stand there all night, but I would be daydreaming * Molly smiles * @Morgan nods (Molly) What did you do? (@Morgan) talked to the cat mostly (Molly) That's nice, I'm glad you weren't brooding about your nightmares (@Morgan) I wouldn't like to think where my mind would have gone with all that time to myself * Molly watches him with compassion (Molly) I would have stayed awake all night to talk to you if you had needed. I would not have let you endure it alone. (@Morgan) I know blossom (Molly) Are you ready to tell me your nightmare from your nap, or would you prefer not to? (@Morgan) it was... strange. * Molly sips her tea (Molly) Stranger than another ship ambushing us? (@Morgan) You're probably going to want to write this down... you and I were married, before I'd ever met Dietlinde... you died in childbirth, and I was taking our little girl to a seamstress to get a christening gown made (Molly) ((Didn't he write it after coming off watch?)) * Molly nods, sipping the tea slowly (@Morgan) ((oh yes)) (Molly) That sounds very unpleasant for you (@Morgan) in fact... * @Morgan fetches the paper he'd written * Molly watches him (Molly) I suppose though, if what fate wants is a convergence, that would be enough? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I suppose so (Molly) Were we in Catterick, like with the dream you had where we met by the lake? * @Morgan hands her the page (@Morgan) no * Molly starts to read it ((how detailed is it? Is it as detailed as in the log?)) (@Morgan) ((yep)) (Molly) ((How much is he watching/reading her?)) (@Morgan) ((he's watching her)) * Molly reads it through slowly, her expression looking more saddened as she goes, looking almost tearful. There's surprise towards the end, and then she nods. She looks it over again as she says (Molly) I am sorry, liebling, this is just awful (@Morgan) it is what it is * Molly glances at him, looking very solemn (Molly) I know. That doesn't not stop it being upsetting * @Morgan nods * Molly looks down at it again, voice quiet (Molly) It's plausible that some elements predict the future, I suppose. More likely that it is an alternative path, or just a horrible nightmare * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I was thinking alternate path (@Morgan) rather than future... * Molly nods, inhaling deeply, then stands (Molly) Best keep it with the others * @Morgan nods * Molly goes over to the bookshelf where the file is (Molly) Well, we will just have to hope, I suppose * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) agreed * Molly puts it away, her hand lingering on the file a moment longer (Molly) Odd how this particular child is in our dreams though * @Morgan nods * Molly noticeably takes a deep breath before coming back (Molly) Maybe the new blend will be better for you? (@Morgan) maybe... we can hope (Molly) I think if it doesn't, we need to see the Nieblungen and see if they can do something about it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) probably (Molly) I known it means we may lose predictions of the future and the telepathy, but... (@Morgan) maybe they can... finesse it * Molly picks up her tea, shrugging slightly (Molly) Maybe. But we cannot go on like this. (@Morgan) perhaps... * Molly moves beside him, putting her cheek against his upper arm (Molly) I don't want this for you. I want you to sleep peacefully, and dream about us having a nice life (@Morgan) If it is what is required, it is what I'll do * Molly frowns, but doesn't move (Molly) Then I shall pray there is a solution that gives us the benefits without the nightmares * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) That sounds like a good way forward * Molly moves back, and picks up the blanket, wrapping it around herself (Molly) We shall see, as always * @Morgan nods (Molly) ((Leave it there I think)) (@Morgan) ((yeah)) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Monday, 25 January 2021 20:49:40 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic * Molly moves away a little "Is there anything about the nightmare that you need or wish to talk about?" * @Morgan shrugs * Molly nods a little (Molly) Alright (@Morgan) I don't think so, anyway * Molly nods (Molly) Interesting that my dream the other night about the storm was accurate enough to navigate safely from * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very * Molly smiles (Molly) I enjoyed that (@Morgan) I'd have happily stayed longer if it weren't for the run and the potential of someone coming to check on it * Molly nods (Molly) The rain would have caught us though, and I don't think Varick would enjoy that * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) quite (Molly) Do you think they will be awfully sad when they discover their treasure is gone? *she smirks* (@Morgan) terribly (Molly) What a pity(!) (@Morgan) I know, I feel quite bad for them * Molly giggles (Molly) I think we will need to put it in the bank in Freiburg? It will be difficult to spend livres in Eisen or Avalon, won't it? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very (@Morgan) Varick wants to count it after his nap (Molly) That is swnsoble, ready it for the bank. Unless you wish to spend a few days in montaigne, Mon petit chou... (Molly) Sensible* (@Morgan) Not especially, no (Molly) We could go to the Opera, the dress shops, Court... *she tries to look earnest* (@Morgan) we could... (Molly) We could stay in a lavish hotel with silk sheets, champagne... * Molly smiles, biting her lip, obviously trying not to say something rude (@Morgan) Silk sheets are overrated * @Morgan mutters *As is Montaigne* * Molly shrugs a little (Molly) I won't bother trying them then * Molly sips her drink * @Morgan sips his coffee (Molly) I dreamt I was at a ball ((he knows that because he picked it up, and she had looked lost in the middle of a masked ball, the only one unmasked, and she had laughed when hands were put over her eyes. He didn't pick it up again, but did pick up her being undetectable briefly)) * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) you.. disappeared from me shortly during that (Molly) That is strange. I wasn't meditating (@Morgan) I think you were asleep... I picked up some of that dream (Molly) I was looking for you, but I couldn't find you. Every time I thought I had, the mask came off and it was someone else (@Morgan) then someone covered your eyes.,.. * Molly nods (Molly) I have no idea who it was. I know it was someone familiar that I was pleased to have with me, but that's all I know * Molly smiles (@Morgan) Thats around the time I lost you (Molly) Strange indeed * @Morgan nods * Molly looks thoughtful, then finishes her coffee (Molly) I might go and start my training early, unless you need me? (@Morgan) No, thats fine if you wish to (Molly) I can stay, if you need me. You just need to say. (@Morgan) No blossom, I'll be fine... You are training in the ballroom? (Molly) Yes, it's an excellent space for it * @Morgan nods * Molly stands up, stretching a moment. Then she goes to put her boots on and straps in her sword belt (Molly) I will see you later, liebes herz (@Morgan) Have fun blossom * Molly nods, heading off ** You're now known as CaptUlysses * CaptUlysses wanders into Morgan's lap, purring * @Morgan strokes the cat (CaptUlysses) **Molly disappears and reappears several times in his perceptions in the first ten minutes after she's gone. Then Varick is awake and keen to count the coins. * @Morgan gets the chest and empties it out to count (CaptUlysses) **There's a lot. He and Varick make it into little piles and tally is up. It's around five hundred guilders worth. This takes them almost an hour. Varick is engaged in it and happy. Then there's a knock at the door* (@Morgan) Come in ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia comes in, carrying Molly's sword belt and putting it out of the way for the small boy (Claudia) Just dropping this off *she glances at the piles of coins, nodding* Good find. (@Morgan) You're done? (Claudia) She asked me to bring this back when I was done. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) how did it go? (Claudia) Good, she was much mote aggressive and decisive today. We trained hard for a while, then she wanted to get some fresh air. Is she not here? * Claudia seems curious rather than concerned * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) no, not yet * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) She'll turn up. *she inclines her head before going out* * @Morgan looks at Varick ** You're now known as Varick * Varick is trying to defend the piles from Captain Ulysses who is getting ready to jump on the desk (@Morgan) [is all well blossom?] (Varick) [I needed to be outdoors a while. I have a hat and a coat] (@Morgan) [Are you alright? Do you need me to leave you be?] (Varick) [I'm alright. Brooding on your nightmare has unsettled me, and I just need _be_ a little while] (@Morgan) [Try standing right at the prow. That always helped me] (Varick) [I will] * Varick catches the cat mid-leap (Varick) He wants our treasure! (@Morgan) I'm afraid he cant have it... he has his own stowed away in various places * Varick puts the cat back on the couch (Varick) It's a lot of money * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that it is (Varick) What will we buy? (@Morgan) well, it'll go in the bank for the time being (Varick) Oh, okay (@Morgan) They'll be pleased, since the ships are going to cost me an awful lot * Varick goes to sit with the cat (Varick) I thought we could buy him some clothes (@Morgan) The cat? * Varick nods (@Morgan) such as? (Varick) He would look good in a hat (@Morgan) I'm not sure he'd wear one (Varick) **There's a gentle roll of thunder. Varick flinches * @Morgan holds his arm out for Varick to snuggle into * Varick does so (Varick) Why is there a storm? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) thats just what weather does sometimes (Varick) How long will it last? (Varick) **The cat rubs against Morgan's legs * @Morgan pats his lap (@Morgan) Its hard to say... sometimes thats all we'll hear, sometimes not (Varick) **He comes and settles. There's no more thunder, but the rain becomes heavier (@Morgan) [Do you think its time you came inside?] (Varick) [It's good out here. I am fine] (Varick) Will you tell me a story? * Varick listens quietly, then asks for another, and another. Still Molly doesn't return (@Morgan) [I'm beginning to worry] (Varick) [It's just rain, liebling] * Varick gets up (Varick) Can we draw now? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) absolutely * Varick helps put away the coins before taking up position at the desk to draw. Captain Ulysses wraps himself around Morgan's neck (Varick) **It's about fifteen minutes of sketching later that Molly appears (@Morgan) blossom... ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) Yes liebling? (@Morgan) You are well? * Molly takes off her boots, which look quite wet, as does her hem and the collar of her shirt. The rest looks surprisingly dry (@Morgan) I see the coat and hat worked alright (Molly) Yes, surprisingly well, but I am going to get changed, if that's alright? (@Morgan) of course my love * Molly smiles, going in to the other room. Varick keeps sketching * @Morgan draws * Molly is back and dry before long. She gets involved with Varick's drawing, and together they are designing outfits for the cat. After a while, Varick asks what Morgan is drawing * @Morgan turns his book round, showing a sketch of the cat with an eyepatch, coat and cutlass in a scabbard * Molly and Varick both laugh. Molly whispers something to Varick, and he starts sketching. A few minutes later, he shows Morgan. It appears to be Adalbrecht's clothing and hair, but with the cat's face* V: can you guess who it is? (@Morgan) would that be Catalbrecht? (Molly) V: *He laughs like it's the funniest thing ever* (Molly) **They do more drawing up until it is time for Varick to go to bed. Even with a story and singing, Varick won't go to sleep until he has the treasure in with him and Captain Ulysses for the night. The rain doesn't let up even after they have dropped the anchor and had dinner with the others, or even by nine when it's time for Molly to make contact with Innesbruck * Molly picks up her fresh coffee, making a move towards the bedroom to do the link before looking over her shoulder at him (Molly) Did you wish to join me, or would you prefer to just know what has happened afterwards? (@Morgan) I'll come in * Molly nods. It takes a few minutes to get set up. If anything, the link seems stronger than the first time, because they can easily talk and see each other, him and Molly at one end, Jacques and Walder at the other, separated by one and a half countries, several hundred miles apart, and talking as simply as if face to face. ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Tuesday, 26 January 2021 19:33:35 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic * Molly brings a chair to the mirror. She watches Morgan's expression in the reflection, looking to see how tense and wary he seems * @Morgan rolls his shoulders briefly before sipping his coffee (Molly) ** A minute later, the mirror looks like it's covered in rain before suddenly clearing, and they can see Walder and Jacques clearly over a huge distance. They both look happy and quite at ease (Molly) W: Good evening Milady, Milord (@Morgan) gentlemen * Molly smiles "Good evening to you both, I hope you are well?" *They both nod* W: Got a few things to tell you * Molly glances surreptitiously at Morgan again, checking on how he's doing as it's the first time he's been around the Porte-ish since the very first one in Innesbruck where they could only communicate visually (Molly) W: *He ruffles Jacques hair* The Graf and his son arrived safe in Sudlachenburg as expected on Wednesday * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) good (Molly) W: Heinrich, Hildegarde, Rickon and Herr Forrester all came from Sudlachenburg yesterday, but Here Forrester went home again today * Molly sips her drink (Molly) How did it go with Sascha and Otto? (Molly) W: Very good. Apparently they doted on Rickon, and then introduced Hildegard and Rickon to your parents. Herr Forrester says he reminds him of one of his grandsons, and Hildegard reminds him of one of his daughters-in-law * Molly nods slowly, her gaze again flicking to Morgan * @Morgan blinks slowly, sipping his coffee * Molly brings her attention to Walder (Molly) What of the betrothal? (Molly) W: *He smiles* Heinrich got Otto's blessing, so it'll be soon I wager * Molly nods "And Heinrich is sending the books to Freiburg as requested?" *He nods* "Theresa has been working on that with him, getting the ledgers tidier. *he looks to Morgan* She's good at that, Milord." * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that doesn't surprise me (Molly) W: She's teaching Jacques when she has time too, milord * Molly slowly sips her coffee, thoughtful (Molly) That is good. When do you think the wedding might be? (Molly) W: *He shrugs* Objectionist, so three Sundays to read the banns at least. Probably not until late September after they come back from Sudlachenburg again, may be October instead * Molly nods again (Molly) The Graf agreed then? *Walder nods* There's talk of a memorial being put in the chapel too. * Molly becomes neutral before sipping the coffee. Her shoulders square slightly (Molly) I will look at our itinery, but it is unlikely we will be in Innesbruck for the wedding, I'm afraid. *Walder nods. They move on to talking about how the main house is now kept clean but it's all under dust sheets for when they return, and more gossip about the townsfolk. Jacques starts to look tired, so they wrap it up. She tells them she'll try again on Wednesday as usual and thanks them* anything else, liebling? * @Morgan shakes his head * Molly thanks them and says goodnight before drying the mirror. She inhales deeply (Molly) Drink? (@Morgan) please * Molly goes back out into the study (Molly) *he can hear the clinking of bottles on glasses, and then her sitting at the desk * @Morgan heads out into the study * Molly is sat in front of the desk. The bottle of cherry brandy is empty, and his glass has blokners in it. She removes her shoes. (@Morgan) whats wrong blossom? (Molly) Surprising that it works over such a distance (Molly) I was concerned about you, actually (@Morgan) oh? * Molly watches him, his body language (Molly) You dislike that talent (@Morgan) Realistically, that one is the least... bothersome (Molly) Compared to what we have? (@Morgan) compared to what I have * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) You are still troubled by that nightmare? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) partly (Molly) Only partly, liebling? (@Morgan) the fact that I _can_ still troubles me * Molly nods sadly (Molly) I can understand that * Molly sips her drink (Molly) His is very useful. It's good to know they got through the schwarzenwald safely * @Morgan nods, picking up the blokners (Molly) I would say it's nice to know what's going on in Innesbruck, but... (@Morgan) but... (Molly) It makes me feel almost homesick... It feels like I wish we could be part of it all * @Morgan nods * Molly shakes it off a little (Molly) We have duties and responsibilities. For them to thrive and go about their daily lives, we must work to make Innesbruck as stable and prosperous as we can * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed (Molly) Are you surprised he got Otto's permission? (@Morgan) Otto has no reason to withhold it * Molly nods (Molly) My Father, for his faults, is no fool. He will have spoken to Otto about what happened in the summer * @Morgan nods (Molly) And from what I heard from your Father, my mother and Sascha are very good friends now (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) Well, they are neighbours, and my Father and Otto bonded during the harvest * @Morgan nods * Molly sips the brandy (@Morgan) I suppose so (Molly) They're in and out of each other's houses regularly, surprisingly (@Morgan) Its nice that your mother has someone she's bonded with * Molly nods (Molly) She has your Mother too. The three of them are active in helping the poor and the sick in Sudlachenburg (@Morgan) I cant imagine that sits terribly well with my father (Molly) Why, liebling? (@Morgan) He's never been one for getting involved up close * Molly shrugs (Molly) I am not sure. I suppose though that your Mother and mine are both keen on such though. Certainly my Mother was active like that in Tawstock. *she smiles* A husband who wishes to rise in his community needs a wife who is pious and full of Christian charity * Molly swirls her drink a moment * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) its the right thing to do (Molly) Of course. But ambition in the common folk can be just as strong as in the nobility, and actions taken accordingly (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) You think my Father would have been so ruthless in his treatment of me had he not been at risk of losing everything he'd worked years for; improving his reputation enough to be recognised as a gentleman? * Molly watches him (@Morgan) Perhaps (Molly) You do not like that? (@Morgan) I just don't believe it was a manner in which a gentlemen should act (Molly) My Father has ambition, not aspiration. Or did, at least. I have not spent much time with him since he settled as Estates Manager. * @Morgan nods (Molly) If he had supported me and I had been with child, it would have struck a blow his reputation could not recover from. (@Morgan) Thats as maybe (Molly) Realistically, the best option would have been to send me away from Tawstock for six months until it became clearer, but for some reason he didn't... * Molly smiles slightly (Molly) A lucky coincidence, given that you were about to arrive there. (@Morgan) Coincidence... * Molly smiles (Molly) Wherever I went, somehow you would have found me eventually * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I reckon so, aye (Molly) Five hundred years of destiny reckons so too *she giggles* * Molly settles into the chair more (Molly) What thinks you now about Hildegard and Heinrich getting married? (@Morgan) I still have my reservations (Molly) Do you wish to intervene? (@Morgan) I would not stop her being happy * Molly sips the brandy (Molly) Would you be as concerned with any other woman...? (@Morgan) Probably not, no * Molly nods slowly (Molly) Perhaps he has changed his ways (@Morgan) He better have (Molly) You could write from Freiburg? (@Morgan) and say? (Molly) Oh, the usual big brother clauses *she smiles* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I may well * Molly shrugs (Molly) It is something, at least * @Morgan nods ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 27 January 2021 20:09:06 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic * Molly watches the lamp a moment before speaking (Molly) What thinks you about your Father giving them all permission to visit on the 21st? (@Morgan) He'll be thinking its the right thing to do * Molly watches him a moment, then sips her coffee (Molly) Yes, I agree * Molly stands up, stretching (Molly) Well, liebling, I think it's probably time to retire * @Morgan sighs, nodding * Molly smiles sadly (Molly) Maybe the new herbs will work * Molly finishes her coffee, leaving the cup on the desk (@Morgan) I hope so (Molly) Me too, liebling, me too. It's not good for you, and I suspect very soon you will start avoiding sleep altogether * @Morgan nods slightly (Molly) You won't need tea for this, you just put three drops under your tongue and hold it there a moment... (@Morgan) alright * Molly nods, going into the bedroom, and starts undressing * Molly brings the selection of sleep aids to the beside table, waiting patiently for him as she brushes out her hair * @Morgan heads into the bedroom, getting undressed * Molly helps him with the oil before settling (Molly) **outside, the rain is continuing to fall, a pleasant background noise * @Morgan settles down into bed (Molly) Would you have me sing? (@Morgan) please blossom (Molly) *she sings him to sleep, and as she has before when he is on the verge of sleep, she speaks quietly, assuming he can't hear. "If I could take your nightmares, my beloved one, I would in a heartbeat". He drifts off. (Molly) **He is fast asleep, and dreaming that Xsarlac makes shallow incisions on their palms, then binds his and Molly's hands together, their blood intermingling, with twisted rope that is made from a dark pink one and an orangey-red one. They are in the Schwarzenwald, it looks like dawn. The Mind Of The Mines is loud, and the Nieblungen watch on. (Molly) "You are the first link in the chain", Xsarlac says in old high Eisen. (Molly) Their friend is dressed in his monk's robe, but they themselves are dressed oddly, he in fancy medieval chainmail complete with Koertig tabbard. (Molly) She is wearing a long pale green dress of the same era, beneath a deep red cloak with an emblem he vaguely recognises but can't place. Above him it sounds like there are huge flapping wings, sudden and loud. It awakens him. (Molly) ((Done)) * @Morgan sighs, rolling out of bed and heading into the study (Molly) **There's another flash and boom of thunder. It illuminates Molly as she stands watching out of the window, no lamp lit. He notices that the window is open, blowing in cold air, and she has an open bottle of cherry brandy in her hand. She doesn't hear him * @Morgan watches her * Molly 's body language is tense. She continues to just watch the night sky and breathe in the cool air (@Morgan) whats wrong blossom? * Molly looks tenser (Molly) Nightmare. You need to stay away... (@Morgan) Why? (Molly) My fingers started throbbing and tingling like when you've been out in the cold and warm your hands by the fire… *there's a slow, lingering quality to the speech that makes it obvious she's drunk quite a bit* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thats what I got that time I threw myself into the harbour (Molly) I came out here so I don't accidentally use the talent on you, because frankly, I do not know whether it would harm or heal. * @Morgan nods * Molly drinks more from the bottle (@Morgan) at least mines fairly easy to predict in that respect... * @Morgan goes to a cupboard, coming back with scotch and two glasses, pouring some and putting a glass on the desk before moving away with his own (@Morgan) the brandy isn't going to do it I'm afraid * Molly turns, eyes not well adjusted to the dark room having stared at the lightning (Molly) What time do you think it is? * @Morgan thinks about it (Molly) **It's not far from three* (@Morgan) Somewhere around three * Molly moves to the desk once her eyes adjust, and pours some scotch before going back to the window (Molly) I hope to drink enough to be able to sleep again (@Morgan) I found last time, scotch and talking helped it go away * Molly nods. Thunder booms again (Molly) Did you wake because I was gone? (@Morgan) I had a dream that I wanted to write down, and draw something * Molly nods (Molly) I'll stay over here so you can (@Morgan) want to tell me about yours? * @Morgan moves to find paper and pencil (Molly) **he is going to need light* (Molly) I... *she sighs heavily* soon, perhaps * @Morgan stares at a lamp (Molly) **It lights just as he wants it* * @Morgan chuckles slightly before going back to looking for the paper (Molly) It's a good job we are out as sea in the middle of nowhere (Molly) **he finds some in the desk** (@Morgan) for you, yes... (Molly) I meant that I can stand at the window naked even with the room lit (Molly) **Thunder rolls again* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) there is that too (Molly) Yours wasn't a nightmare? (@Morgan) I don't think so, no (Molly) That is something, at least * @Morgan nods, writing down what happened in the dream * Molly doesn't disrupt him, just drinking, brooding and watching the storm * @Morgan starts sketching the emblem (Molly) **It's a dark green background with a large tree in black, and in front of that, a prancing white horse (@Morgan) What do you make of this? * Molly looks at it, then tilts her head (Molly) I know that one, I think. (@Morgan) I do, but I cant think where from * Molly thinks hard (Molly) Could you open the Eisen Military History book? Around 1150 or so? * @Morgan waves his fingers at it before looking disappointed, pulling it towards him * Molly looks confused (Molly) What are you doing? (@Morgan) I was hoping for some sort of ability to move things... * Molly smiles a little (Molly) We have enough trouble already! * @Morgan shrugs, opening the book and riffling through to find the right time (Molly) **it's not until he gets to 1156 that he sees the emblem. It's on an illustration of a battle between a decent size force of chainmailed medieval troops under this emblem and a band of what looks to be barbarians in furs. The caption under the image says "Graf Wilhelm Niedersachsen III leads troops against the invading Vestennavmanjar raiders at Quatre Bras, Wische. (Molly) ((How much of the Koertig family tree has he looked at?)) (@Morgan) ((no more than he'd have to)) (Molly) ((Okay)) (Molly) Did you find it? * @Morgan nods, reading the caption (Molly) Niedersachsen... that's right. They were very active in that era * @Morgan nods * Molly takes a large mouthful of scotch (@Morgan) in the dream we were getting blood bonded, I was wearing old mail, like that, and we were under that banner * Molly looks thoughtful (@Morgan) I could hear the Mind, and we were surrounded by Nieblungen (Molly) It's plausible that the Koertig line joined the Niedersachsen one. They had three generations concurrently where more than fifteen children survived to adulthood. That's why it stuck out when I was reading it. That's very rare (@Morgan) rare is starting to mean the same as coincidental * Molly smiles (Molly) I wish we had the family tree in your Father's vault to hand. That's around five hundred years ago, like when the first Koertig Graf was given the Sudlache ring (@Morgan) thats a coincidence * Molly nods * @Morgan raises an eyebrow, sipping his whiskey (Molly) I think the Niedersachsen's spread to Vesten and Avalon eventually, intermarrying and so on * @Morgan nods (Molly) If you look in the back, there's details about the families involved prominently * @Morgan nods, turning to the back (Molly) **The Niedersachsen paragraph mentions this fertile phase and marriages across the country, commenting that most noble families have some Niedersachsen blood from marriages of this era. It also has the family motto: Quae Fatum Est- meaning Destiny Is All. * @Morgan snorts * Molly drinks more, holding the cold glass within tingly fingers (Molly) Hmm? (@Morgan) Most noble families have Niedersachsen blood, and their family motto... Quae Fatum Est * Molly looks at him enquiringly * @Morgan glances at her (@Morgan) Destiny is All * Molly nods slowly (Molly) I suppose when your ancestor was a new Graf who had agreed to taking on a great burden of fate for hundreds of years of worth of his descendants, a marriage to a well-known, powerful noble family would be very sensible... * @Morgan nods * Molly frowns, going back to watching the storm (Molly) We could ask Jarvie, she might know (@Morgan) Probably, she's that sort * Molly nods (Molly) Blood bonding was done in Eisen then? ((It would be very common in pagan ceremonies in Avalon, and some traditional/rural Eisen places might still do it)) (@Morgan) It would seem so * Molly nods a little (Molly) Common in ceremonies of the Old Ways in Avalon still * Molly flexes her fingers a moment (@Morgan) Its certainly not common any longer (Molly) No... I should imagine Evie nd Ayden will have it * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) probably * Molly watches more lightning illuminate the sky (Molly) You should go back to sleep, liebling (@Morgan) I'll wait (Molly) I'm not good company right now (@Morgan) Then we're well matched, I'm never good company * Molly smiles a little, then drinks her drink (Molly) If it wasn't for the tingling, I would brood on it in bed where you would at least rest (@Morgan) The tingling has not subsided at all? (Molly) Not much. Certainly not enough * Molly frowns deeply, downing the remainder of the scotch (@Morgan) Maybe I'll get Claudia to talk to you, she helped mine without knowing it (Molly) I wouldn't want to put her at risk (@Morgan) Nor did I but I didn't think they'd tolerate me throwing myself overboard again * Molly smiles a little again (Molly) It's not very practical, is it? (Molly) You get it in your nightmares when you have been using, or trying to use, the talent? (@Morgan) it was worst the night I was without you... it seems to be dependant on how distressed I am when I wake * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) I had been using it, and was actively gathering its full strength when I woke suddenly * @Morgan nods * Molly looks at the desk (Molly) I need more scotch * @Morgan nods * Molly comes over slowly, carefully, keeping her distance where she can * Molly gets it, then returns to the window (Molly) I suspect it's just my own mind, but it is possible for the future… and that is deeply upsetting. * @Morgan sips his scotch (@Morgan) tell me * Molly sighs heavily, leaning her forehead against the cold glass of the window a moment (Molly) The short version is that I couldn't die. * @Morgan nods, sipping his scotch (@Morgan) troublesome in the long run * Molly nods (Molly) It was... *she shakes her head* it was just awful * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Its probably a fear you didn't realise you had * Molly nods (Molly) It's probably because I was distressed about your nightmare, so mine took it to the other extreme * Molly rubs her fingertips (@Morgan) If you could take my nightmares... * Molly frowns a little (Molly) What do you mean? (@Morgan) thats what you said... (Molly) Oh, you heard that... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm wondering if maybe you did * Molly shrugs slightly (Molly) If that is the case, I can bear it (@Morgan) I think I heard you say once about me not having them and resting, and I did... * Molly nods (@Morgan) Maybe stick to that sort of statement instead (Molly) You know I would always protect you, no matter the cost * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm thinking in this instance you don't need to * Molly flexes her fingers again (Molly) I suppose I had best tell you it all then. It lessened a little when I started telling you * @Morgan nods, emptying his glass before refilling it (Molly) I'll try to tell it in order... We had lived happily ever after in Eisen. You had asked me to stop using my magic on you when we outlived our children and grandchildren, and told me I gotten to have you for a long time and I needed to let you go. After that, a hundred years had passed of me being alone and waiting for death, but it never happened. *she pauses in the narrative just long enough to see his reaction* * @Morgan frowns, nodding (Molly) In the nightmare, I was going to sleep on your grave on the anniversary of your death, as I had every one of those years since, praying to not wake up. On that night, the 100th one, I used my magic to open up my wrists with the intention of bleeding out. *again she pauses, watching him* * @Morgan scowls (Molly) As I started to get close to death, I could hear your voice through the ground, saying you missed me, loved me and needed me, and it was time to come back home to you, where I belong... *heavy tears spill over and roll down her cheeks*. I finally felt like I was going to be with you and at rest. And then the magic automatically healed me. I was devastated and terrified * Molly pauses again (@Morgan) I can understand that being distressing * Molly nods (Molly) So I was gathering the full force of my magic to do as much harm to myself as I possibly could in the hopes it would be unfixable, and then I woke up with my fingers tingling, and left you sleeping soundly to keep you safe from me. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) its not whats going on in the dream, its the desperation when you wake up * Molly nods a little, just trying to regain a little control of her emotions (Molly) I know it's unlikely, in my head... but... (@Morgan) but you feel it may be a possibility * Molly nods (Molly) It would be unbearable (@Morgan) I don't think its something we need to worry about * Molly shrugs (Molly) And maybe in the morning, when it's light, I will agree with you... * @Morgan nods * Molly rubs her fingertips together (Molly) That's much better now * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I thought it might be * Molly sips the scotch (Molly) Seeing the graveyard in Die Dauerhaftigkeit all full up, and just that one space left next to you... *she shudders* (@Morgan) I can imagine how horrendous that feel * Molly nods, sipping the scotch (Molly) The Koertigs still lived in Die Dauerhaftigkeit... to start with each generation would have a couple of children that looked like you, or our children... but by the end it was very rare. I knew them all, and helped at every birth, but... It wasn't the same. They were too far removed from us, you know? * @Morgan nods * Molly sighs (Molly) Everyone I had loved, lived with, nurtured, were gone. It was just me, day in, day out. * @Morgan nods * Molly sips the scotch (Molly) Sudlachenburg prospered though. And Innesbruck, Koln, Gottkirchen. Fischler as a Konigsreich too. They all grew their populations back much quicker than elsewhere, and were healthier (@Morgan) Some good in your nightmare at least * Molly smiles a little (Molly) They thrived because I went searching for the sickest people I could find in the hopes of getting myself a disease I couldn't heal my way out of (@Morgan) ah * Molly smiles (Molly) Sounds familiar, perhaps? (@Morgan) somewhat, aye * Molly looks outside (Molly) I think the storm has passed * @Morgan glances at the windw (@Morgan) so it seems * Molly pulls the window shut, and finishes the scotch (Molly) You should go back to bed... (@Morgan) so should you * Molly nods (Molly) I think I can now... * @Morgan nods, getting up (@Morgan) come on then blossom * Molly nods, setting the empty glass down and coming to stand by the desk (Molly) Alright, liebling. Thank you for being here with me and listening (@Morgan) always blossom * Molly smiles, waiting for him to lead the way * @Morgan wanders back into the bedroom * Molly follows along, getting back into the now-cold bed * Molly sighs (Molly) Let's hope for a few hours with no dreams at all! * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed * Molly waits for him to extinguish the lamp * @Morgan glances at it (Molly) **It goes out immediately. She moves closer** Would you just hold me til I fall asleep? (@Morgan) of course * @Morgan wraps his arms around her * Molly relaxes, bringing her body back against him (Molly) Thank you * Molly falls asleep surprisingly quickly given the circumstances, leaving him to either try to sleep, or to stay awake with his own mind for company * @Morgan sets to dozing behind her ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Friday, 29 January 2021 21:32:38 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) **He wakes with the dawn watch chiming, having slept soundly. Molly is still curled up in front of him, and he manages not to disturb her as he gets up. The weather is fairer, the rain stopped, and dawn is clear. The crew seem to be less active, unsurprising as it is Sunday and all non-essential work has stopped for the Sabbath. (Molly) He has time to potter around and then have breakfast. Once that is done, he returns to the study, finding Molly reading to Varick. What she reads is familiar from his own childhood, Luther's small catechism, a book used to teach objectionist prayers and beliefs to children and adults simply. She is teaching him the Lord's Prayer* (Molly) No, it's not that sort of trespass… it's… *she frowns* (Molly) **Varick looks around when he hears Morgan. The cat leaps off his lap and scales Morgan rapidly (Molly) Liebes herz, how would you explain this? (@Morgan) Those who trespass? (Molly) What it is, to _trespass_ against someone... That it isn't about entering their property without permission (@Morgan) wrongdoings... its about doing something wrong to them, or them to you (Molly) **Varick nods** Like if they shut you in cupboards (@Morgan) exactly (Molly) V: And it's not actually bread is it? * Molly smiles, watching Morgan with the very-affectionate cat, sipping her coffee, * @Morgan rubs the cats chin (@Morgan) is it not? (Molly) V: *he shakes his head* it means everything we need to be happy, not just bread * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I see * Molly looks at Varick (Molly) Let's keep going *he shuffles closer to look at the book, and she continues reading it bit by bit and explaining it to him. It reminds Morgan of learning it in both Eisen and Avalonian, sat on Verity's lap holding the book, when he was even younger than Varick, baby Edward quietly sleeping in the crook of their Mother's arm* (Molly) *Captain Ulysses rubs against Morgan's beard* * @Morgan rubs his chin against the cat, smiling * Molly gets Varick to recite it with her, reminding him where needed. They both have their eyes closed as they do it (Molly) **when they are finished, Varick stands up* Can I go and write to my Daddy now? * Molly nods, sipping her coffee "of course, Mauschen" *he goes to his room* "Coffee, liebling?" (@Morgan) please blossom * Molly goes to the desk and pours him some before returning to the couch and flicking through the book again (Molly) At the very least, he should know the common prayers for when we are all at church * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think thats a good idea (Molly) I'm impressed with this though *she nods at the book* We don't have these in Avalon (@Morgan) no... (Molly) Did you have one growing up? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I was just thinking about learning from it when Edward was a baby * Molly smiles warmly (Molly) Would you tell me about it? I still feel I know so little about your early life (@Morgan) She taught me in Avalonian and Eisen... ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Friday, 29 January 2021 22:35:27 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** Molly has quit (Ping timeout: 245 seconds) (MollyK) Back (@Morgan) She taught me in Avalonian and Eisen... (MollyK) That is useful. You attended the church in Catterick when you were visiting as a child? Or you had a private chapel at Foxcroft? (@Morgan) There's a private chapel (MollyK) Do you like it there, at Foxcroft? * @Morgan tilts his head, thinking (@Morgan) I suppose I do... its been quite some time (MollyK) Are you looking forward to going again? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I rather think so * MollyK smiles (MollyK) I am glad I get to go there with you * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as am I * MollyK sips her coffee (MollyK) Did you ever think about living there? (@Morgan) No, not after the fire (MollyK) But before that? During the War? (@Morgan) No, not really... Sudlachenburg has always been my home * MollyK nods (MollyK) Would you have considered it for us? * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) if we had not returned here? (MollyK) Or if your Father had objected to you marrying me (@Morgan) I'd have considered it, aye * MollyK smiles, looking tjoughtful (MollyK) That could have been nice (@Morgan) maybe (@Morgan) I don't know that I would've been particularly happy... I think I'd either need to be at home, or away from anything to do with my family * MollyK sips her coffee (MollyK) I had not considered that * MollyK frowns slightly (MollyK) When we settle, we won't settle in Sudlachenburg, unless something dreadful happens... (@Morgan) I think, given that in three years I take over as Graf of Gottkirchen, I imagine we'll be expected to settle there * MollyK nods (MollyK) That is what I am anticipating * MollyK watches him (MollyK) But will you be _happy_ there, as it is not Sudlachenburg? (@Morgan) But that displeases you? * MollyK thinks on it (MollyK) No... It's just another change, I suppose. A new house, new people, new expectations. But it will be well, providing you are happy (@Morgan) as long as I am with you and Varick, I shall be * MollyK smiles (MollyK) That's lovely to hear (MollyK) How did you sleep? (@Morgan) like a log * @Morgan frowns (MollyK) Is that not good? (@Morgan) Its never occurred to me how nonsensical that is * MollyK tilts her head (MollyK) Is it? (@Morgan) logs don't sleep (MollyK) They also don't fidget or have nightmares (@Morgan) true... * MollyK sips her coffee (MollyK) Not that you fidget much... (@Morgan) I'd be surprised if I didn't * MollyK speaks quietly (MollyK) Generally you are just running your hands all over my body and kissing the back of my neck... * MollyK sips her coffee, but it doesn't hide the mischief in her eyez * @Morgan blushes * MollyK starts giggling (MollyK) I am teasing you, you don't do that (@Morgan) I should hope not * MollyK frowns (MollyK) Why? (@Morgan) it'd be unseemly for me to be doing that in my sleep * MollyK frowns further (MollyK) Unless you intend to share a bed with anyone but me, I do not see why it would be an issur (MollyK) Issue.* * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I suppose * MollyK sips her coffee, but she's obviously brooding about it (@Morgan) Dont fret on it blossom (MollyK) You would find this unseemly were I doing it to you? (@Morgan) No, but... I'm supposed to show virtue and restraint * MollyK frowns again (MollyK) Why? (@Morgan) Thats how gentlemen are supposed to be (MollyK) I see. *she sips the coffee* You are confusing me. What happened in the tavern in Paan was far more unseemly than that, and it did not trouble you, but having that level of open closeness in our marital bed does... (@Morgan) but I'm not in control of what I'm doing then... * MollyK frowns (MollyK) Is that so dreadful? (@Morgan) When I am not awake, yes... * MollyK shrugs (MollyK) We have differing views on this, I think. *she sips her coffee again, finishing it* (@Morgan) You seem determined to take exception to it * MollyK shrugs (MollyK) It is silly, but something about it troubles me, and I cannot put my finger on why. * @Morgan shrugs, sipping his coffee * MollyK stands up, going to put more coffee in her cup (MollyK) Are you staying a while? (@Morgan) I was planning to (MollyK) Then as it is Sunday, would you mind keeping an eye to Varick so I can pray a little while as usual? (@Morgan) not at all (MollyK) Thank you * MollyK takes her coffee with her into the bedroom, closing the door gently. Captain Ulysses wraps himself around Morgan's neck, making a big sigh ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Saturday, 30 January 2021 19:17:13 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) **he is left alone in the study with the cat around his shoulders, Molly at prayer and Varick writing to Karsten in his room* * @Morgan plays with the cat (Molly) **Captain Ulysses seems more intent on using him as a bed * * @Morgan sighs, fussing the cat (Molly) **he can faintly hear Varick saying a Hail Mary in Thean before he starts talking in Eisen. Morgan could make it out if he goes a bit closer * @Morgan moves closer ** You're now known as Varick (Varick) ...and let them be safe and well... and please look after all the people who have died, like my Daddy and my real mother and my grandmas and grandads, and all the ghosts I know, and Morgan's first wife and little girl... * @Morgan smiles slightly * Varick continues, praying for all the people in the world who are sad or scared or hurt * @Morgan moves away from the door, talking quietly (@Morgan) He's a good lad (Varick) **Captain Ulysses starts to purr loudly (@Morgan) I'm glad you agree (Varick) **he gets a little while to himself to read, or meditate, or watch from the window, pray, or just sit and think** (Varick) **he can hear the familiar rhythms of Vaticine prayers being recited by two voices in the Captains quarters* * @Morgan strains to hear who it is (Varick) **it appears to be Sorgi and James * @Morgan goes and sits on the couch * Varick comes back in, letter in his hand, but his attention seems to be caught by the Thean next door (@Morgan) Young man * Varick looks at Morgan (Varick) Can you hear that? * @Morgan nods (Varick) That's like I used to do with my Daddy * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Captain Sorgi is Vaticine (Varick) I didn't know that! * @Morgan nods (Varick) Why aren't you Vaticine? (@Morgan) Its not how I was raised (Varick) Oh. What about Uncle Edward? (@Morgan) Same as me, same as my father... (@Morgan) My cousin converted to Vaticine when she married your father (Varick) What will your children be? (@Morgan) They'll be raised objectionist, like me, but... I want them to understand that it doesn't define who they are * Varick comes to sit next to him (Varick) Don't understand (@Morgan) Do you know some of the differences between Vaticine and Objectionist faiths? * Varick shrugs (Varick) Our church is the proper one, then the objectionists wanted to change it so made a new one (@Morgan) Not quite that simple... * Varick watches him (Varick) Why? (@Morgan) several reasons... Do you think its the right thing to do to be able to pay for a bad thing you're going to do in the future, so you don't have to say sorry for it? (Varick) No... you should always say sorry (@Morgan) Well, there's a part of vaticine faith that says you can pay the church to be allowed to do something wrong without having to ask forgiveness from Theus... thats part of what the objectionists didn't like... and we believe that we don't have to go to church or see a priest to speak with Theus (Varick) Oh... *he thinks about this* But if Theus didn't like my church, he would tell the Pope to change it, wouldn't he? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) possibly... but what if the pope is too keen on staying rich and in power... * Varick frowns (Varick) But he is Theus' representative. Theus chose him. (@Morgan) so says... (Varick) Everyone. It's like how Theus chose you to be the Veisgraf (@Morgan) did he? Or am I just lucky in who I was born to? (Varick) God gives people the right babies to be the rulers (@Morgan) But that doesn't mean we should be able to do whatever we want, does it (Varick) No, but he chose the Pope (@Morgan) what if he changed his mind? The pope might not want to give up such a comfortable position (Varick) But someone has to be in charge (@Morgan) I suppose so... either way, the objectionists wanted to be able to speak with Him without needing a priest (Varick) But the priest helps us know what is good and bad (@Morgan) Do you think I know what is good and what is bad? * Varick nods (Varick) Yes (@Morgan) but I'm not a priest, and I haven't had a priest tell me (Varick) How do you know if what you do makes Theus disappointed? (@Morgan) I try not to do anything to make him disappointed... (Varick) But a priest tells you if you do, and what prayers to say for penance (@Morgan) I think we're quite capable of deciding if what we do disappoints him... and don't you think He'd rather hear from us whenever we can, whenever we need to feel his love? (Varick) But... we have the saints who can help persuade him to help us (@Morgan) I think he wants us to find our own way * Varick shrugs a little (Varick) Be easier if he just told us (@Morgan) I think thats part of what he wants for us, to learn ourselves (Varick) But who helps you know what to think? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I tend to wonder if my parents would be proud of what I do before I do it... (Varick) What do you do if they won't? (@Morgan) Then I generally try to decide if what I'm about to do is for the good of others... For example, I think its right that we work alongside the people we rule, whereas my father thinks we shouldn't (Varick) Like in the fields? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) and when I had the Eisenfurst and all the guests at my wedding helping to dig the foundations for the houses in Sudlachenburg (Varick) That was fun * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) my father was furious (Varick) Why? (@Morgan) because he didn't think that nobility should be working in the dirt... let alone that I'd gotten the Eisenfurst to do it (@Morgan) so, while he didn't approve, I believed it was the right thing to do (Varick) So you didn't care what he thought? (@Morgan) I cared, a great deal... but doing something that would help that many people was worth his... disappointment. (Varick) I would be sad if my Daddy was disappointed in me * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I was... * Varick hugs him (Varick) I was proud of you (@Morgan) Thank you young man... my father came to be proud of me (Varick) That's good. Was he disappointed you got me? (@Morgan) I think he was disappointed that it was necessary, but not that we got you, no (Varick) Was he disappointed you married Molly? (@Morgan) No, I don't think so (Varick) Okay. My Daddy would be disappointed if I stopped being Vaticine (@Morgan) You think so? * Varick nods (Varick) He would be sad (@Morgan) what makes you think that? (Varick) Because we always went to church every Sunday, and he was excited that when I was seven I could have my first communion. Except I am seven now, and he isn't here... * Varick holds on a little tighter * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I see... * Varick goes quiet, just holding on tightly (@Morgan) When we make land, would you like me to make arrangements for your communion? (Varick) Don't know. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) we'll think about it * Varick nods. He doesn't say anything * @Morgan rocks him gently, moving the cat to his lap * Varick strokes the cat (Varick) **Molly comes out of the bedroom, empty coffee cup in hand. She smiles at them a moment* (Varick) I would think it's almost lunch time (Varick) M* (@Morgan) sounds about right * Varick stays stroking the cat quietly. Molly looks at Morgan as if to ask what is wrong (@Morgan) [we've been talking about faith, and how his father would be sad if he wasn't Vaticine... and how excited his father was for Varick to receive his first communion... when he reached seven] (Varick) *she nods solemnly* shall I see if we can have lunch in here? (@Morgan) please (Varick) **she gets it sorted, even bringing out some of the chocolate from Picante, which perks Varick up well, and miraculously doesn't stop him taking his nap as usual, having had Morgan to just sit with him until he's asleep. Molly already has coffee ready for Morgan when he's back in the study. ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) Is he sleeping now? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye * Molly sits on the couch with her coffee (Molly) It's a complicated situation * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye (Molly) What thinks you? * @Morgan picks up his coffee and sits beside her (@Morgan) I don't know (Molly) I think we will be torn between his desires, our desires, and our duty * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) If he can grow up to be a Vaticine like the Eisenfurst, it'll be a decent result * Molly sips her coffee (Molly) Then we must consider the logistics of that. How to give him the education he needs in his faith, his attendance at church... *she sounds a little unsure* * @Morgan nods slowly (Molly) However... we made a vow on our wedding day that we would raise our children in the objectionist faith... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think its something we'll need to discuss with him some more * Molly nods (Molly) It is a big decision for a child to make, but one way or the other, he should be learning what he needs * @Morgan nods * Molly sighs (Molly) We will just have to keep going and being open with him, I think * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I think thats wise * Molly nods (Molly) I would say there is no harm in him learning what to expect at services he attends with us... (@Morgan) I agree * Molly nods (Molly) We have another week before Freiburg, but it might be wise to consider engaging a tutor for him tonsee to his religious education if he is to stay Vaticine * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Not a bad idea * Molly smiles a little (Molly) I just wish to get it right, to give him a solid grounding in his faith * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I just want him to be a happy, decent man * Molly smiles (Molly) He has you as a role model, I know he will be * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) we'll see (Molly) You do not have the faith in you that I do (@Morgan) No, I do not (Molly) I have enough faith for both of us (@Morgan) Just as well * Molly smiles (Molly) All things considered, you are most lucky to have me, liebes herz *she smiles, sipping her coffee* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I agree (Molly) I am glad. And I apologise for early, being... quarrelsome. It was badly done of me. * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) it happens (Molly) It was very silly, and now that I have had time to get some perspective over it I see it was unnecessary (@Morgan) it was unnecessary, yes * Molly nods (Molly) Do I have your forgiveness, liebes herz? (@Morgan) always blossom * Molly smiles (Molly) Thank you, I am also very lucky to have you * @Morgan shrugs * Molly kisses his cheek (Molly) There's no-one I would rather be spending the rest of my life with (@Morgan) I'm glad to hear that, since that die is cast already (Molly) I'm bound to you... *she smirks, sipping her coffee* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed * Molly watches him a moment, trying to decipher how relaxed and playful he seems * @Morgan stretches before sipping his coffee * Molly gets up and gets a book from the bookshelf (Molly) Do you want anything from here? I have a book on land management or science? (@Morgan) Science would be good I think * Molly brings it to him, and settles down to read quietly ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Monday, 1 February 2021 20:33:17 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic * Molly glances at him over the pages (Molly) May I put my head on your lap? (@Morgan) if you wish * Molly moves so she is laid with her head on his thigh, continuing to read. His book is talking about powered lighting and how it was invented * Molly relaxes a little (Molly) It was not so long ago that I would never have thought about reading a book like this, or at all! (@Morgan) oh? (Molly) Before Horatio taught me, I assumed I would never learn to read * @Morgan nods (Molly) Do you wish you had had the opportunity to teach me instead? (@Morgan) To a point, but I suspect he would be the better teacher anyway * Molly nods (Molly) It would have been special though * @Morgan nods (Molly) I suppose you taught me Eisen though. And sword fighting * @Morgan nods (Molly) Do you miss Horatio? (@Morgan) Sometimes (@Morgan) as much as I liked him, I was never convinced he could be trusted (Molly) No? Why not? (@Morgan) Just a feeling (Molly) He would have been a good tutor for Varick * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) yes he would (Molly) I suppose we could consider looking for him... * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I don't know I'm keen to have him journeying with us (Molly) It would interrupt his plans to find her, wouldn't it? (@Morgan) that too (Molly) That was not what you meant? (@Morgan) Not really, no * Molly glances up at him (Molly) What did you mean? (@Morgan) As I said, I never felt he could be properly trusted... and I will admit to being somewhat jealous (Molly) Having been jealous, or currently jealous? (@Morgan) mostly the latter, but I find the thought of him being near you sparking that feeling again * Molly nods a little (Molly) Then we will not seek him out, liebling. But he is of no threat to you... (@Morgan) you are right, however, that it would get in the way of his searching for his daughter * Molly nods (Molly) And I wouldn't want that, much as I think he would do a wonderful job with Varick * @Morgan nods * Molly goes back to her reading for a few minutes before saying (Molly) If we were to bump into him again, would you want me to keep my distance? (@Morgan) I dont know... probably not, I know I'm just being... overzealous (Molly) Isn't jealousy usually overzealous? I know certainly that mine is never particularly rational * @Morgan nods (Molly) You needn't be jealous, my love. There is no man for me but you *she smiles gently, watching him* * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles a little (Molly) That doesn't really help? (@Morgan) Would it help you? * Molly tilts her head, thinking (Molly) I... I am not sure. It's... complicated. *she shrugs a little* Though fortunately I do not get as jealous when you are around women as I used to * @Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment before reading her book again (Molly) **There's a clatter from Varick's room, followed by him running and shouting for Captain Ulysses to follow* * @Morgan lowers his book, looking over * Molly sits up quickly as Varick barrels out of his room, the cat hot on his heels. He is only in his socks. He looks excited rather than scared (Molly) **He doesn't stop for the adults, flinging the door of the study open and sprinting down the hall** * @Morgan scrambles up after him, calling for him to stop (Molly) V: No, I don't want to miss it!! * @Morgan runs after him, peeling off his waistcoat (Molly) *Varick runs up the stairs. Captain Ulysses is miaowing loudly. Morgan loses sight of him briefly* * @Morgan gives chase ** You're now known as Varick * Varick is stood next to Claudia, who is scanning the sea with a spyglass. He is jumping up and down excitedly (Varick) Over there! Look! (Varick) **Captain Ulysses is running around wildly, before spotting Morgan, running to him and then running back to Varick* * @Morgan runs over to Varick, draping his waistcoat around him (@Morgan) What on Theah is going on? * Varick looks excited (Varick) Pick me up! Look! Can't you hear them?! (Varick) **There are a few sounds to be heard over the sound of the water, a mix of pulsing calls, clicks and whistles** * @Morgan picks him up (Varick) *Claudia continues looking in the direction of the sounds, and then one leaps from the water, a huge black and white orca* (Varick) **Captain Ulysses jumps up onto the guard rail to watch* (Varick) Told you, look at that, it's huge! (@Morgan) That is... impressive (Varick) C: Looks like there's three, maybe four of them (Varick) **There's two of them at least, because they leap together. The crew are now all starting to watch too. Molly comes up behind Morgan, putting her hand on his lower back, though misses the marine acrobatics* (Varick) M: Everything alright? * @Morgan nods * Varick whispers to Morgan (Varick) There's seven of them (Varick) M: what's going on, liebling? (@Morgan) Orca's, blossom (Varick) M: *she looks at him* uhhh what are they? (@Morgan) A type of whale * @Morgan moves her so she can see better (Varick) **The pod appears to be coming closer to the ship, fins above the water. Molly glances at him, smiling and blushing before watching the water** * Varick whispers to Morgan (Varick) Do you want me to ask them anything? (@Morgan) I really don't know * @Morgan passes the question on to Molly (Varick) M: why are they coming near the ship? Aren't they scared? * @Morgan asks Varick (Varick) They are curious. They like humans. They think we ride on the body of our ancient grandmother as she still swims after death. They aren't scared. * @Morgan whispers that to Molly (Varick) M: *she inhales deeply, voice quiet, obviously awed * Isn't that just beautiful?! * @Morgan nods * Varick is busy concentrating on them. Then the littlest of of the pod makes a jump, it's obviously only a calf. Even so, it's easily as long as Morgan is tall (@Morgan) Those things are enormous * Varick glances at him before concentrating. Then the biggest orca jumps. The others click and whistle. This one is easily eighteen feet long. (Varick) She is the biggest. She's the head of their family. The others are her children grandchildren and the baby is her great grandaughter (@Morgan) I didn't realise they had family structures like us * Varick nods (Varick) But the females are the boss of their family. * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) why? * Varick shrugs (Varick) The mothers stay with their children, but the males go to look for new females (@Morgan) I see * Varick looks sad (Varick) They are sorry for me that I don't have my mother who birthed me * @Morgan holds him tighter * Varick watches them. There's an increase in the leaping and tail slapping of the pod, and it makes Varick and the crew laugh. It's almost like they are purposefully performing. Varick's upset is instantly forgotten. (Varick) **This fills up most of the afternoon, though after a while Molly has started talking to Claudia about Capperlucia and the matrilinear nature of the society there, clearly sparked by Varick's translation. Morgan hears the future trip there mentioned, but the discussion is ended by more orca antics * Varick speaks quietly (Varick) They have to go now, the biggest shoals of fish are west, not north * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) thank them for spending time with us, please * Varick concentrates. There's lots of whistling and clicking. Varick addresses Morgan again (Varick) Can you whistle something short ? (@Morgan) like... (Varick) A few notes (@Morgan) nothing in particular? (Varick) No, just something that humans might make * @Morgan whistles (Varick) **slowly, the orcas start to copy it* (Varick) M: *she looks at Morgan, brows raised and smiling* (Varick) They will remember us when they talk now * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) thats lovely (Varick) **The orcas head off away from the ship, leaping and whistling both their normal whistles but also the one Morgan did, beautiful and free heading out towards the shining sea to the west (Varick) **The crew seem happy, going back to work when Sorgi tells them to. He watches with satisfaction as they follow his commands. Claudia moves to stand beside him, speaking too quietly to be overheard. He nods in response** * Varick looks to Morgan (Varick) That was fun, wasn't it? (@Morgan) yes it was (Varick) Can we draw them now? (@Morgan) Once you have some clothes on... (Varick) **Captain Ulysses hops down from the guard rail and wanders to the stairs* * Varick starts to laugh (Varick) I didn't notice! (@Morgan) I did as you went flying through the room... * Varick laughs (Varick) Orcas don't wear clothes, they didn't mind (@Morgan) No, but we do (Varick) M: *she is shielding her eyes, watching the direction they went* Do you want me to take him, liebling? (@Morgan) If you wish to, blossom * Varick goes with her, waistcoat wrapped around him (Varick) [I'd best not try that myself, hmm?] *she sounds amused and playful* (@Morgan) [probably not, no... though I don't think the crew would object] (Varick) [But you might!] (@Morgan) [there is a good chance of that, yes] (Varick) **He can just feel her amusement, rather than hear anymore** ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Tuesday, 2 February 2021 20:43:46 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (Molly) **The orca pod doesn't return, but Varick does talk about them right up until he is asleep. Having had dinner and watched the sunset, Molly leaves him on deck with Claudia who has caught his attention. The anchor is dropped, the sails are furled, and first watch has begun with Claudia in charge. The reddish sky promises Monday's weather will be fine ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia watches to the East, over the Montaigne coast line (Claudia) Never seen so many orcas before (@Morgan) Nor I (Claudia) It was a good day * @Morgan nods (Claudia) I hear you're going much further afield soon (@Morgan) That is in my future, yes (Claudia) Long trip... * @Morgan nods, sighing (@Morgan) that it is * Claudia nods (Claudia) Does Sorgi know? (@Morgan) No, not yet... I'm still trying to decide who I want where * Claudia nods (Claudia) Tough decision * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) What will you want to do? * Claudia sighs (Claudia) I don't know (@Morgan) thats unusual * Claudia leans against the rail (Claudia) Yes. It's a long time not to be on dry land. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'll admit I am apprehensive (Claudia) Are you leaving Varick with your parents? (@Morgan) Thats something we've yet to decide... I don't know how well he'd deal with it * Claudia nods (Claudia) It won't be easy. You'll be fed up of fish by the time you get there (@Morgan) No doubt (Claudia) Molly said it's likely to be early January, after Edwards wedding * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye, I'll be around for the wedding (Claudia) You'll take The Rose rather than going on another ship? (@Morgan) Thats a choice yet to be made... She could do wonders for the shipping I'm trying to establish... on the other hand, she's grand enough to make her suitable for an ambassadorial role (@Morgan) and it doesn't hurt that she's fast * @Morgan scratches his nose (@Morgan) and a pirate ship * Claudia laughs (Claudia) I'd take her. 6 weeks at sea, you will want the space. (@Morgan) and if we run into trouble I'll want the speed * Claudia nods (Claudia) You will want Sorgi (@Morgan) Realistically, he's the captain of the Rose (Claudia) Yes he is (Claudia) It sounds like you have lots of planning to do * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I suspect that's going to be a constant in my life from here on out * Claudia smiles (Claudia) The burden of nobility (@Morgan) I've taken on quite a challenge I think (Claudia) A big adventure * @Morgan raises an eyebrow (@Morgan) Three years and I'll be settling in Gottkirchen (Claudia) That'll be am adventure too (@Morgan) _that_ is going to be a big challenge (Claudia) You'll wish you'd stayed on Avalon at this rate (@Morgan) Thats entirely possible, aye (@Morgan) I'm glad I didn't, though (Claudia) You would have come back when your Father died though (@Morgan) I'm not sure... * Claudia looks surprised (Claudia) Left it all to Edward? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I was completely broken (Claudia) Your Mother, Jarvie, Heinzharold and I, we'd have helped. Or they'd have helped and I'd have kept you trained. (@Morgan) I know you would... but I was beyond that sort of help... hell, I was trying to get myself killed * Claudia shakes her head sadly (Claudia) Makes you wonder why people ever risk being in love at all. The cost of it... (@Morgan) and yet, here I am again * Claudia nods grimly (Claudia) Except this time we all know to keep a closer watch on you if something happens. (@Morgan) Something best not happen (Claudia) There's been many close calls. Doesn't it scare you, caring like that? *she watches the stars appearing, still leant on the rail* * @Morgan nods slowly (@Morgan) aye, it does (Claudia) I wouldn't do it... I've had enough loss (@Morgan) I don't think you really get to choose... (Claudia) Yes, you do. You keep your heart closed and you get in with the tasks at hand until it passes. (@Morgan) Pass it may but you feel it all the same * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) I don't agree. * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) It makes everything... brighter somehow... more terrifying, absolutely, but its worth it (Claudia) I don't want that pain. I would rather avoid it all. I am at peace with being alone now. * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) you're missing out * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) You, one of the bravest men I know, was broken by it. Why would I risk that? (@Morgan) Because its worth it my friend. Its not just the loss that damaged me so, but even I can admit life is better with love in it (Claudia) Why? What is actually better? (@Morgan) I don't dread waking up anymore... I don't wish that I _wont_ wake up... There's more reason to strive for a better future, and those times when I fail, that love will still be there to cushion my fall * Claudia nods slightly (Claudia) I don't fail though (@Morgan) Nor do I very often (Claudia) Still seems like asking for pain down the line to me. (@Morgan) Perhaps... its still worth it * Claudia just shrugs, watching the sky again (@Morgan) its not so different to friendship... * Claudia glances at him (Claudia) One of my two best friends disappeared for more than two years without a trace, without saying goodbye, when I knew he needed support. Painful. That doesn't help your argument. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm sorry I caused you that pain, truly * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) I know. I'm over it. (Claudia) **One of the crew calls her to check on something. She pats Morgan's upper arm before going towards the man** * @Morgan watches them (Claudia) **It doesn't seem to be anything important, neither looks tense. It's starting to get quite dark * Claudia seems to find herself some things to do rather than return to the conversation * @Morgan sighs, heading towards his cabin ** You're now known as Molly * Molly already has tea waiting for him, and she's brushing out her hair in their room when he gets there * @Morgan takes his tea, thanking her (Molly) I was beginning to wonder if you had decided to take a watch tonight *she smiles gently* (@Morgan) No, I was talking with Claudia (Molly) She seems impressed with Varick's new friends... * @Morgan nods * Molly switches to brushing the other side (@Morgan) all the time we've spent at sea, none of us have ever seen a pod that large (Molly) Very fortunate he got there in time then! * @Morgan nods * Molly puts the brush down and sits on the end of the bed with her coffee (Molly) She seemed interested in Capperlucia and our plans... (@Morgan) she was asking me about them * Molly nods (Molly) I am sure meeting the women who lead the warriors will be wonderful for her * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I daresay you're right... whether or not she'd want to be aboard a ship for that amount of time remains to be seen * Molly nods (Molly) It's not a short journey (@Morgan) no... she was asking if we're leaving Varick with my parents (Molly) No, he is our son now, why would we? (@Morgan) I suppose it'd be the normal thing to do, for normal nobles * Molly smiles (Molly) But, my love, we are not normal nobles (@Morgan) indeed (Molly) Something you think we should consider? (@Morgan) not in the slightest, but we will have to consider how we're going to see to his education... I think we should take the Rose (Molly) I agree. I think we may need a governess or a tutor * @Morgan nods (Molly) I suppose we need to see whether Heinzharold and Inga want to stay in Eisen *she looks unhappy* (@Morgan) You hope they wont... (Molly) I would like to have Inga come along * Molly sighs (@Morgan) it wouldn't be fair to ask HeinzHarold to stay home * Molly smiles (Molly) I wouldn't ask any married couple to spend months apart... * @Morgan nods (Molly) We will see, I suppose. Do you hope they will come? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye * Molly finishes the tea (Molly) As you slept well last night, are you going to use my herbs again? (@Morgan) I think I will, aye * Molly smiles (Molly) There's something so pleasurable about knowing I have helped you * @Morgan smiles (@Morgan) again... * Molly looks confused (Molly) What do you mean? (@Morgan) I wouldn't be here if it weren't for you * Molly smiles warmly (Molly) I am very glad you are (@Morgan) as am I (Molly) Besides, I wouldn't be anywhere if it weren't for you saving my life every second minute, so it's only fair (@Morgan) I cant say thats accurate (Molly) Why not? (@Morgan) I saved you once... (Molly) From drowning... From the lusty wench... From being in the stable when there was the explosion... the cast... (@Morgan) I didn't save you from the cast (Molly) Yes, you did I think. The pain... *she shakes her head* ... I wasn t coping with that. ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** Morgan has joined #7thseaic ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 3 February 2021 15:23:19 Greenwich Mean 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 ** Molly has quit (Ping timeout: 250 seconds) ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 3 February 2021 16:12:24 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** 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 are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Wednesday, 3 February 2021 16:31:34 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to irc.blitzed.org:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** 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 ** mads_ has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ** mads_ has joined #7thseaic (MollyK) [23:45] (Molly) Yes, you did I think. The pain... *she shakes her head* ... I wasn t coping with that. (mads_) perhaps (MollyK) You are my hero, even if you do not believe I am correct * mads_ nods * MollyK smiles ** mads_ is now known as Morgan (MollyK) Did you enjoy the orcas? ** ChanServ sets mode(s) +o Morgan (@Morgan) very much, particularly their copying what I whistled * MollyK nods (MollyK) That was beautiful (MollyK) His talent is rather wonderful, isn't it? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that it is * MollyK gets the new herbs, oil and balm together before undressing for bed (MollyK) Do you think he will develop the ability to shift? (@Morgan) I would imagine so (MollyK) Does it trouble you? **she undresses* * @Morgan undresses (@Morgan) yes, it does (MollyK) Because of the risk to him if people knew? * @Morgan nods * MollyK nods (MollyK) It is a concern (@Morgan) indeed it is (MollyK) I suppose we might need a contingency plan * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) that'd be a good idea I think * MollyK nods (MollyK) I'd be happy anywhere, as long as you are there... * MollyK gets ready to do the oil, watching him (@Morgan) Hopefully if we are careful we won't need any backup plans * MollyK nods (MollyK) Harder with a small, enthusiastic boy and a ship full of Eisen crew though * @Morgan nods * MollyK is quiet through the application of the oil, then settles beneath the sheets (MollyK) By this time next week we will be almost in Freiburg * @Morgan nods (MollyK) It will be nice to see Jarvie * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I'm not sure how I'll feel facing her * MollyK watches him with concern (MollyK) How so, liebling? (@Morgan) My actions directly led to her sister dying (MollyK) Alarice's actions led to her death... (@Morgan) I brought them to light... (MollyK) She would have killed an Eisenfurst without you. * @Morgan sighs * MollyK lays a hand on his arm (MollyK) You should talk to Jarvie, but I would place money that she will think as I do (@Morgan) Given her letter demanded thats what happened once she tried to poison you, I've no doubt she would (MollyK) Then, my love, you must accept that you did no wrong here (@Morgan) I didn't say that I had (MollyK) Good * MollyK strokes his arm (MollyK) What troubles you, if not that? (@Morgan) I did no wrong, but I still had a hand in getting her killed * @Morgan scratches his nose (@Morgan) literally (MollyK) Then so did I, less literally * MollyK looks at his expression * @Morgan rolls his shoulders (MollyK) How can I help you with this, liebes herz? (@Morgan) I don't think you can blossom. I'll just have to wait and see how it turns out * MollyK nods solemnly (MollyK) And as always, I will be there for you however you need * @Morgan nods * MollyK gets settled beneath the covers * @Morgan joins her (MollyK) You are ready for me to sing to you? * @Morgan nods * MollyK kisses his cheek a moment, speaking quietly (MollyK) Goodnight, my love (@Morgan) goodnight blossom * MollyK sings to him, and he's asleep straight away. He dreams that Varick has filled the hold with water and has a pet baby orca in it. He's busy trying to explain why this is a bad idea when he gets woken by Molly moving against him, holding tightly to him * @Morgan moves slightly, trying to see if she's awake * MollyK is awake, purposefully breathing slowly (@Morgan) whats wrong blossom? (MollyK) Sorry. Just a nightmare. It's okay, I'm okay. (@Morgan) You are sure? * MollyK nods (MollyK) Just hold me close please, that's all I need * @Morgan wraps his arms around her * MollyK snuggles in close (@Morgan) Do you want to tell me about it? * MollyK shrugs (MollyK) Drowning in the pool. Nothing interesting (@Morgan) I dreamed that Varick had a pet Orca in the hold * MollyK nods (MollyK) At least it wasn't a nightmare. Sorry I woke you (@Morgan) Not at all blossom (MollyK) You should go back to sleep (@Morgan) I will, eventually * MollyK yawns (MollyK) Eventually? (@Morgan) Once you are relaxed and asleep, I shall do (MollyK) That's very sweet of you... I'll show you how much I appreciate that tomorrow... * MollyK starts to relax * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I look forward to it * MollyK nods. She's quite a minute before she says in a soft, slow voice (MollyK) Wonder what happened to that ivory dress at Lady Catherine's that looked like a wedding dress ((it's likely he would remember. She'd tried it on, and he'd said "You look wonderful, Blossom". It was the first time he'd called her it, and she almost tripped over the hem. Then she tried it on to show Jaeger who was awed, and he got a bit discontented for an undisclosed reason)) * @Morgan shrugs * MollyK sounds even sleepier (MollyK) Could have just worn that one... (@Morgan) he probably did (MollyK) *quieter, slower* No... me, marrying him...not the purple one from Carleon... (@Morgan) Not something you need to consider (MollyK) No... all done now... (@Morgan) for better? (MollyK) Hmm? (@Morgan) being with me, its better? * MollyK nods a little (MollyK) Mmmhmm (@Morgan) good * MollyK relaxes further against him, not saying anything. Very quickly he can tell she's asleep * @Morgan sighs, settling back down (MollyK) **He falls asleep easily (MollyK) ** He hadn't wanted to attend the feast for the opening of the Freiburg Court season, hadn't wanted to spend an evening with preening bores. (MollyK) He hated every moment of watching his wife get waltzed around and flirted with by Eisenfursts, crown princes, archdukes, all men who could use their status and political influence to try to make her their mistress. She's polite, flirty, but only as much as society would request of her. (MollyK) It doesn't matter. He's burning with possessiveness, a hard desire to prove she is his, mark his territory. Between songs he grabs her by the hand, striding out into the dark gardens, with her trying hard to keep up. He finds a dark, fairly concealed spot against a wall. (MollyK) He doesn't even give her a moment to object or question. His need is too strong. He yanks up the deep green skirt and petticoats roughly, not caring when he hears fabric rip, then pulls at his buttons. (MollyK) Lifting her leg, he hilts his swollen cock deep inside her, leaning his weight against her. "You are mine", he almost-growls at her. She nods, voice soft "I am yours, always". (MollyK) He holds her wrists above her head, fucking her mercilessly, needing just to possess her violently, show her, own her. He bites her neck hard before sucking on it deeply, wanting to bruise, wanting to mark her skin, mark her body as his and his alone. (MollyK) He continues this rough treatment of her body, pounding into her with long strokes, until his own pleasure reaches almost the crescendo, keen to mark her with his release, to fill her with his seed. And that is when he wakes, very hard. * @Morgan takes several deep breaths * MollyK is no longer curled up to him, but still on his left arm, facing away * @Morgan tries to get an idea of the time (MollyK) It's about an hour and a quarter before dawn * @Morgan rolls in, kissing her neck gently before extracting his arm * MollyK rouses a little at this (MollyK) Sorry, was I hurting you? (@Morgan) Not at all blossom (MollyK) Good. *she rolls back towards him, getting comfortable again* * @Morgan stretches * MollyK murmurs (MollyK) Are you alright? (@Morgan) Fine blossom... I'm going to get up (MollyK) It's so late already? (@Morgan) No, but I don't see I'll sleep any further (MollyK) Nightmares? (@Morgan) Not at all... we were... intimate (MollyK) That's good * @Morgan nods (MollyK) Will you tell me later? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) if you wish blossom (MollyK) Oh yes. In great detail please... * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) very well * MollyK pulls the covers back up to her shoulder (MollyK) If you do not need me, I'll go back to sleep... (@Morgan) Sleep blossom, I'll see you later (MollyK) Alright * MollyK spreads out in the middle of the bed as soon as he is out of it * @Morgan chuckles, getting dressed (MollyK) **he manages it without an issues despite the darkness * * @Morgan goes into the study, searching for a lamp (MollyK) **There's a couple waiting to be lit* * @Morgan lights one before carrying it to the galley to get coffee (MollyK) **There's a fire lit already in the stove, so it's no trouble at all to make the coffee* * @Morgan takes his coffee out onto the deck (MollyK) **As he gets out of the galley, he hears the door to Sorgi's chambers open quietly, in a stealthy manner * @Morgan extinguishes the lamp, moving into a shadow ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia glances around before coming out, she is silhouetted by the light from his study, which he ends up blocking a little as he follows her to the threshold. He speaks quietly (Claudia) S:Get some sleep, you've got the next watch and I don't want you falling overboard because you're exhausted (Claudia) Pah! That would never happen. Goodnight. **They stand there just a moment. The tension is almost palpable** (Claudia) ((Is he just waiting to see what happens?)) (@Morgan) ((yep)) * Claudia then inclines her head before walking away * @Morgan waits until Sorgi has closed the door before quietly going up on deck with his coffee (Claudia) **Sorgi watches her go a moment before closing the door. Koen is in charge and is keeping a watch, but with almost an hour til dawn, there's nothing to watch out here at sea but the stars * @Morgan climbs one of the masts, getting himself comfortable in the rigging to wait (Claudia) **Dawn comes and goes, a little later again as they move further from midsummer. The crew is prepared to move the ship as soon as it's light enough, and does so smoothly. By seven, they're on the move beneath a sky that promises a settled day (Claudia) ((What is he going to do?)) (@Morgan) ((wait to see who he sees first, Claudia or Sorgi)) (Claudia) **It's just before eight when Claudia appears** * Claudia talks to Koen, handing over, before starting to check in with the crew * @Morgan waits until her rounds are complete before attracting her attention * Claudia comes over (Claudia) Good morning (@Morgan) its definitely morning * Claudia nods (Claudia) Yes (@Morgan) sleep well? (Claudia) No, I had middle watch * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) in Sorgi's cabin? * Claudia watches him with cool directness (Claudia) No * @Morgan watches her calmly * Claudia just watches him right back * @Morgan pushes her (@Morgan) you're as bad as I am * Claudia rocks a little but maintains her seriousness (Claudia) What do you mean? (@Morgan) the staring... the inscrutable look * Claudia nods (Claudia) It's useful * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I know. I saw you leaving his quarters this morning (Claudia) I guessed. * Claudia watches him appraisingly (Claudia) And? (@Morgan) and I'm annoyed at myself for even questioning it (Claudia) Questioning what? (@Morgan) Whether or not you and he had... been together * Claudia frowns a little (Claudia) I said we wouldn't. (@Morgan) I know. Which is why I've not asked you to confirm it. * Claudia nods (@Morgan) Like I said... I'm annoyed at myself * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) Don't worry about it. *only her microexpression gives away that she's cross about it* (@Morgan) I'll stop when you've stopped being angry. * Claudia grits her teeth (Claudia) I was talking to him about me leaving when we get to Freiburg (@Morgan) Why? (Claudia) Because you have forbidden what you assumed, and I know that's where we are heading. (@Morgan) You're still trying to convince yourself there's nothing more than friendship and a bit of physical desire there? (Claudia) That _is_ all there is. (@Morgan) Claudia, I love you dearly... but you're full of shit (Claudia) I wouldn't expect you to understand that. * Claudia doesn't look amused (@Morgan) So you don't care for eachother, but you're leaving because you cant avoid jumping on eachother... (Claudia) We care for each other as friends (@Morgan) You and I care for eachother as friends (Claudia) Yes (@Morgan) regardless... its like you're admitting you cant control yourself, and that... isn't... you * Claudia grits her teeth a little again (Claudia) It's. Just. Friendship. And. Attraction. (@Morgan) Fine... my point remains. * Claudia shrugs defensively (Claudia) Makes no difference. (@Morgan) Bullshit. Thats what you're admitting to? That you couldn't control yourself? * Claudia doesn't look happy (Claudia) What do you want, Morgan? I don't want to get married. That is the end of it. * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) just some honesty (Claudia) I know it's hard to understand. People want marriage. It's what we're told is the only way. But the real world, it's not like that. (@Morgan) But you want more than _just_ friendship with him... (Claudia) Emotionally, no. * @Morgan raises an eyebrow (Claudia) I don't want any of that crap. The dependency, the vulnerability *she shudders* Yuck. * @Morgan laughs suddenly (Claudia) What? (@Morgan) yuck.... I'm sorry, it caught me off guard * Claudia smiles slightly (Claudia) Best way to explain how it makes my skin crawl. (@Morgan) It concerns me that you seem to be unable to control yourself with regards to him, but you're unwilling to acknowledge it (Claudia) I can control myself for now. That's all you need to concern yourself about. I won't break my word. (@Morgan) But in the long run his magnetic personality and roguish looks will overwhelm your ability to remain stoic? (Claudia) Don't be an ass. (@Morgan) I'm not... mostly. * Claudia looks at the crew checking the ropes (Claudia) It's not as straightforward as that, it's more like a pull... like how water runs out of a hole in a trough. (@Morgan) Its more than just physical, isn't it? Even if its not emotional... * Claudia shrugs roughly (Claudia) I don't even really like men that much. (@Morgan) must be confusing * Claudia nods (Claudia) Yes. Not love, definitely not any of that bullshit love-at-first-sight horseshit that people pretend exists. * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I understand... or I'm starting to. (Claudia) I don't understand it. At all. I've never met a man I wanted to have sex with more than once. (@Morgan) I have theories but none you'll want to hear (Claudia) If any are "he's your soulmate", you can fuck off. * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) No, nothing quite so... florid (Claudia) Good. I don't believe in that crap. (@Morgan) I know (Claudia) If you have an explanation that doesn't involve love or marriage, I'll hear it. * @Morgan smirks (@Morgan) I'll think on it some more * Claudia grimaces (Claudia) It happens. Nothing but friendship and desire. People don't always want to do the marriage thing like you (@Morgan) It didn't involve marriage, anyway * Claudia shakes her head (Claudia) I've got work to do * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) we'll talk later * Claudia nods a little, then inclines her head before walking off ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Thursday, 4 February 2021 00:52:28 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic ** Morgan has quit (Quit: This computer has gone to sleep) ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Saturday, 6 February 2021 20:02:56 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic