(Molly) **It takes longer than expected, but he does fall asleep. He dreams without knowing that's what it is. It is last october, in between the trip to Carleon where they kissed, but before they set off for the monestary. He's barely had chance to even speak to Molly because she's thrown herself into her work, and seems to have been avoiding both him and Jaeger. (Molly) He's brooding on this avoidance, on whether he's hurt her or damaged their friendship now by kissing her. Sat alone by candlelight in the post-dinner dining room, nursing a tankard of Avalonian ale, he wishes he had Heinzharold and some Blokners for consolation, when suddenly Jaeger slams a piece of paper down in front of him. "WHAT THE HELL IS THIS? !" (@Morgan) Paper ** You're now known as Jaeger * Jaeger does not look at all amused. In fact he looks murderous (Jaeger) I meant what is on the paper *he speaks through gritted teeth, resting both fists on the table* (@Morgan) I figured that much... *he leans forward to look at it* (Jaeger) **What it is is his sketch of Molly in the wet shift from the day she nearly drowned, the fabric clinging to her curves. The setting of the sketch is obviously her bedroom. The paper appears to have been ripped out of his sketch book. * @Morgan frowns ever so slightly (@Morgan) That would be a drawing, taken from somewhere you have no business being * Jaeger glares at him (Jaeger) That would be an erotic drawing of _MY_ BETROTHED! * @Morgan sips his ale (@Morgan) Aye, it is (Jaeger) EXPLAIN. NOW. * Jaeger looks very much like he would like to punch Morgan * @Morgan glances at him before swilling the ale round in the tankard (@Morgan) Where did you get it? (Jaeger) You know where I got it. (@Morgan) Then you're lucky I didn't catch you (Jaeger) I was investigating why, since she has come back from her little jolly holiday with you, she is behaving oddly. I looked for evidence. I found some. *his knuckles are white as he presses his fists into the table* (@Morgan) I think you'll find thats from a time when she nearly drowned * @Morgan takes another mouthful of ale (Jaeger) So you were in my betrothed's _bedchamber_ with her whilst she was nearly naked?! * Jaeger 's volume is escalating * @Morgan speaks quietly (@Morgan) you will maintain some decorum while you're a guest in this house (Jaeger) YOU SPEAK OF DECORUM WHILST VIOLATING MY BETROTHED?! HOW DARE YOU? (Jaeger) ((Attention?)) (@Morgan) (jaeger, completely) * @Morgan grabs jaegers head, slamming it into the table * Jaeger is dazed, but incandescent (Jaeger) I am an envoy of the Justicar's Office! Your assault is an assault on an employee of the crown! (@Morgan) I remind a guest of a lady the limits with regards to his behaviour. You wish to continue this quietly, sit down, you wish to continue loudly, it will be ended in the courtyard. That is your _only_ warning (Jaeger) **There's the noise of movement in the kitchen* * Jaeger glares at him again (Jaeger) What did you do to her in Carleon? (@Morgan) _To_ her... nothing. Accuse me of violating her again and I will have your tongue. (Jaeger) What did you do _with_ her? Why is she acting like she's been mistreated? * Jaeger straightens, snatching the drawing back up from the table (@Morgan) I did nothing she did not wish to * Jaeger brings his full fury to his expression (Jaeger) WHAT. DID. YOU. DO. TO. HER? * @Morgan puts his tankard down, standing up, turning his flat eyes on Jaeger (@Morgan) I kissed her, and its ruined our friendship. Now your choices are to leave, or I'll beat you * Jaeger doesn't back down, instead drawing up to his full but unimpressive height. He still looks murderous, dropping the drawing and shoving Morgan with palms on his chest. (Jaeger) YOU KISSED MY BETROTHED! SHE IS _MINE_! * @Morgan speaks barely above a whisper (@Morgan) she is her own, and belongs _to nobody_ (Jaeger) YOU THINK IT IS ACCEPTABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ANOTHER MAN'S FUTURE WIFE?! (Jaeger) ((Attention?)) (@Morgan) ((Jaeger)) * Jaeger clearly not going to let this go (@Morgan) You will stop shouting, or I'll shall make it so you can shout no more (Jaeger) **He doesn't hear Molly enter, but the movement as she approaches registers in his peripheral vision. She speaks quietly** What is going on? * Jaeger has his back to her * @Morgan stands exceptionally still, watching Jaeger (Jaeger) *he keeps his eyes on Morgan even as he speaks* You need to leave, Molly. Right now. (Jaeger) **She looks confused, glancing at his back, then Morgan. Her expression is very neutral* Why was there shouting? (@Morgan) Because Mister Jaeger cannot control himself in someone elses house * Jaeger speaks quietly "And Mister _Koertig_ cannot control himself anywhere * @Morgan grins before punching Jaeger square in the nose (Jaeger) **She sighs, looking at the floor. She spots and retrieves the paper, the plain side up * Jaeger hits the floor with a loud enough crash that giggling can be heard from the kitchen (Jaeger) **Molly glances at Jaeger, then at Morgan. She still looks neutral (Jaeger) M: I don't understand why you're at odds * @Morgan nods briefly at the piece of paper (@Morgan) in an effort to find out what was causing your quietness, he decided it was a good idea to invade my privacy * @Morgan looks back at Jaeger (@Morgan) and yet he lives * Jaeger turns the paper over. She becomes very still for a moment. Then she looks up at Morgan, expression solemn ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) What is this? (@Morgan) I seem to be surrounded by the blind * Molly frowns, still watching him (Molly) _why_ is this? * @Morgan frowns (@Morgan) it doesn't matter * Molly frowns deeper (Molly) It matters to me. (@Morgan) Because... I liked what I saw. Because it was nice to draw something that wasn't a damn spider for a change * Molly returns to neutral, folding it and putting it in her apron (Molly) I see. * @Morgan frowns, looking back at Jaeger (@Morgan) I'm sorry that displeases you * Molly looks at Jaeger who is still unconscious, sighing heavily. Then she watches Morgan. (Molly) The consequences displease me. (@Morgan) He had it coming, he had more warnings than most (Molly) That is not what I mean. (@Morgan) I don't understand * Molly watches neither man, but out of the window into the dark night (Molly) The consequences to me. The loss of the safe future I have worked for. *she sighs* * @Morgan sighs (@Morgan) He believes it is all my doing, your future is secure * Molly pulls her shawl around herself tightly, still not looking away from the window (Molly) And when the staff tell Lady Torrington about this? I will be back out there, again. (@Morgan) No, you wont, because the staff look after their own... *he raises his voice* Don't you? (Molly) **there is only silence from the kitchen, though Jaeger starts to stir * Molly sighs, then turns her attention to him "I thought it could stay a secret. I deserve this. They're clearly right about me here in Tawstock..." (@Morgan) Nonsense, and were it not for him acting like a petulant child, it would've stayed a secret * Molly shrugs "Too late now. Excuse me, I wish to be alone right now" (@Morgan) as you wish * Molly walks out of the dinning room through the doors into the rest of the house, not even giving him a backwards glance. ** You're now known as Jaeger * Jaeger manages to sit himself up, very bloodied. "Now look what you've done." * @Morgan speaks quietly (@Morgan) You give her the future you promised, or you disappear (Jaeger) Why should I take on a girl you've ruined? (@Morgan) Don't be absurd, I kissed her, nothing more. (Jaeger) You were alone with her in a state of undress in her bedroom. You think Lady Torrington will see it your way, or her Father? (@Morgan) Then keep it to yourself * Jaeger gets up off the floor, wiping his face on a handkerchief (Jaeger) And know I have a wife who will kiss other men, let them see her almost naked? No. * @Morgan tilts his head (@Morgan) she nearly drowned, you fatuous moron... I stayed to make sure she was alright, and my looking was not her doing. (Jaeger) This is your screw up, Morgan. She's your problem now. You deal with it. *He storms towards the doors that lead to the courtyard* (@Morgan) Ah, I see you are so keen to appear to be a good man that you can't be bothered to actually _be_ one, you coward (Jaeger) I won't have a whore for a wife. *He shoves the doors open * * @Morgan picks up the tankard, throwing it at Jaeger (@Morgan) Face me, you snivelling little weasel (Jaeger) **it very narrowly misses him, breaking a pane of glass in the door* (Jaeger) I won't face you. A man who kisses a woman who is betrothed, ogles her and draws her almost naked is a man without honour * @Morgan tilts his head, looking at the broken glass (@Morgan) coward (Jaeger) I won't lower myself to a duel with a man who has disgraced himself (@Morgan) An easy out for a witless person with no backbone, I suppose (Jaeger) If I were you, I would pack your things. Lady Torrington will hear of this, as will your family's little spy master who has been skulking around Tawstock looking for you. Your Father will hear about this. * @Morgan grins, charging at Jaeger * Jaeger exits rapidly. The bang of the outside door is what makes him wake suddenly ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for Blitzed:#7thseaic on Sunday, 14 March 2021 11:46:23 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thseaic (@Morgan) I won't lower myself to a duel with a man who has disgraced himself (@Morgan) An easy out for a witless person with no backbone, I suppose (@Morgan) If I were you, I would pack your things. Lady Torrington will hear of this, as will your family's little spy master who has been skulking around Tawstock looking for you. Your Father will hear about this. (@Morgan) * Morgan grins, charging at Jaeger (@Morgan) * Jaeger exits rapidly. The bang of the outside door is what makes him wake suddenly (Molly) ((Distress and desperation levels pls)) (@Morgan) ((a bit but not much)) * Molly is curled up on her side of the bed, no physical contact being made * @Morgan rolls to her, pressing himself to her * Molly stirs, moving back to him. She speaks softly (Molly) Nightmares? (@Morgan) aye (Molly) Are you alright? * @Morgan breathes deeply (@Morgan) I will be (Molly) **he estimates about an hour has passed since he went to sleep (Molly) Do you want to talk about it? (@Morgan) Back at the Torrington estate.. Jaeger found out I'd kissed you and went berserk. I lost you, and he was going to inform Lady Torrington and my father * Molly nods slowly (Molly) That's rather odd. How did you lose me? (@Morgan) You decided your future was no longer secure and wanted to be alone, so I assume you would have left (Molly) That would have been very silly of me. There was nowhere for me to go (@Morgan) Yes well... thats how it felt * Molly reaches to find his hand, wrapping his arm around her (Molly) It doesn't sound like an alternate path... (@Morgan) I'm not sure (Molly) No? Why, liebling? (@Morgan) I don't know. Its plausible * Molly squeezes his hand (Molly) I'm not sure he could have found out. We were very careful (@Morgan) He found a drawing (@Morgan) You were acting strangely so he decided to investigate in my things (Molly) He'd never have managed to find your sketchbook, surely? (@Morgan) In the dream * Molly nods (Molly) He was angry about it? (@Morgan) Livid (Molly) You were livid too? (@Morgan) I was angry, yes (Molly) And I was livid as well? (@Morgan) You were very neutral * Molly laughs softly (Molly) Sometimes that's the same thing * @Morgan nods (Molly) I was angry with you, or with him? (@Morgan) I couldn't tell. Both. * Molly nods (Molly) Did my behaviour back then trouble you? (@Morgan) I worried I had damaged our friendship (Molly) Do you understand with hindsight why I was so avoidant? (@Morgan) Not really (Molly) I had to stay away from you, because I couldn't risk my feelings getting any stronger. I needed to properly set you aside and focus on my upcoming marriage (@Morgan) I'm sorry I made things so difficult (Molly) No. (@Morgan) no? (Molly) I don't want you to apologise for that. It was not your fault that I was so attracted to you (@Morgan) I should not have kissed you... it was not appropriate * Molly shrugs a little (Molly) If I had had any inkling it would have been wanted, I'd have kissed you first (@Morgan) I had no idea that you wanted to (Molly) I did not think that being open about wanting to kiss you would have done any good. I worried that you would not wish to be my friend and confidante if you knew, and you already had Evie for that anyway (@Morgan) Funny how things turn out isn't it (Molly) I wouldn't have you feeling guilty, liebling. I wanted you to kiss me, very much. I didn't think about the potential consequences, but that was a good thing. For once, I actually did what I wanted, not what I thought I should, or what was sensible and rational. * @Morgan nods (Molly) Do you regret it? (@Morgan) No... having the potential fallout become apparent has bothered me. A decent man would not have acted in such a way * Molly sighs slightly (Molly) I can't say I'd considered it. I knew I could trust you wouldn't tell anyone, and I knew I wasn't going to * @Morgan nods * Molly pulls his arm a little tighter around her (Molly) I know you'd have found a solution to the situation that didn't end in me working in a brothel somewhere just to have bed and board * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Absolutely * Molly is quiet a minute before shaking her head slightly (Molly) Anyway, _I_ didnt think less of you for kissing me. (Molly) I'm sure we could just put it down to the influence of destiny, if that would make you feel better *It sounds humorous, but he knows her too well to miss the solemnity in it* (@Morgan) Unlikely (Molly) That it was destiny? * @Morgan nods (Molly) I don't know how we could have ended up here without you kissing me then (@Morgan) Us being here wasn't necessarily the only possible outcome (Molly) No... *She squeezes his hand* Are you feeling as if that situation was entirely you at fault? * @Morgan nods (Molly) You shouldn't. (@Morgan) Perhaps (Molly) Don't think me completely innocent in that, liebling. _I_ could have refused the suggestion of going to Carleon (@Morgan) Maybe (Molly) The examination could have been done in Tawstock. It wasn't my motivation for going with you. (@Morgan) no? * Molly laughs softly (Molly) You didn't realise? (@Morgan) I had no idea (Molly) My motivation for going with you was because I wanted to go _with you_ * @Morgan nods (Molly) Your motivation was simply to get me examined, get some ale from Grendlik, and buy me a mirror? (@Morgan) I was trying to do something right for you for a change (Molly) Even if it meant me marrying a man you disliked (@Morgan) if it was right for you... (Molly) I... I didn't plan to kiss you. * Molly gently strokes his palm with her thumb (Molly) Please, don't feel that you took advantage of me, or feel bad about one of the very best moments of my life (@Morgan) I more feel that I should not have done it, but am glad I did... * Molly nods (Molly) It was I with the commitment. If anyone should feel bad, it is I, for the betrayal I committed (@Morgan) It was never about feelings with him (Molly) Not even slightly. I suppose that's quite awful. But my options were marrying him or always being one misstep away from sleeping in barns and going without food, so I made the choice I had to make. * @Morgan nods * Molly settles back against him further (Molly) There isn't a day when I am not grateful that I ended up here instead (@Morgan) a fact I am ever glad of * Molly nods (Molly) It's still early, I think. You should try to sleep (@Morgan) I suppose so, we know how well that goes * Molly nods and starts to sing. She sings the song he sang to Varick in the coach, the one in Vesten that is about laying the little bird to sleep (Molly) ((It's the one that is more to do with mourning and saying goodbye to a child, will try and find lyrics if you need it)) (@Morgan) ((no, I remember)) (Molly) ((Okay. He doesn't stop her?)) (@Morgan) ((no)) (Molly) **he slips into her dream, knowing that's what it is. The day is very warm, and they're sat out on the front lawn of die Dauerhaftigkeit not far from the chapel, treeline on their right, the Sudlache blue and sparkling straight ahead. There's benches and a small table with refreshments. He's stood beside Edward, with Molly and Mina in front of them on a bench each. They're all looking in the direction of the trees. (Molly) There are a group of children playing hide and seek in the trees. From a distance, it's hard to count or identify them clearly, though he makes out Varick with ease as he's so much taller than the others. He looks almost too old for these games, perhaps 13. (Molly) There's a boy of around 8 with straight blonde hair, a boy around six with dark blonde hair, a boy around five with hair that's a gingery red, and a girl with blonde curls around the same age. (Molly) Closer to the benches, two smaller boys sat on a blanket, maybe 3 years old, are playing calmly with a ball, both with sandy blonde hair though they don't look alike enough to be twins. A little brunette girl who is probably around eighteen months is trying to get the three year olds to play with a toy rabbit and babbling questioningly at them. * Molly interrupts his watching of the children by glancing over her shoulder with a smile. She looks genuinely happy. "Liebes herz?" (@Morgan) mmm? (Molly) Could you just hold Mädchen whilst I do my dress up? * @Morgan nods slightly * Molly passes him up the baby. He's seen her twice now, first in Molly's dream where she was getting the news that Morgan had died, and then in his own nightmare where her birth had taken Molly from him. Her hair is dark red, and her eyes are the same blue as his own. She's awake and smiling, wrapped in a light piece of sheeting. She looks to be around two months old. (Molly) Thank you * @Morgan speaks quietly to her (@Morgan) well hello again young lady (Molly) **Mädchen becomes even more smiley, kicking her legs and making an excited sound that isn't quite a laugh yet * Molly fixes her dress before pouring tea for Mina who is heavily pregnant. Edward looks at Morgan and his latest niece with a smile. "She's going to be a proper handful I reckon, like her mother" (@Morgan) I suspect you're right (Molly) I heard that, Edward! *she says with amusement* (Molly) E: I am sure you did, Schwesterlein *he pats Morgan on the back affectionately* We're hoping for another boy. * @Morgan nods (Molly) **Mädchen makes a little cooing noise that sounds almost like a question* (@Morgan) Well I don't know about that, we'll have to wait and see * Molly turns to glance at Morgan before she looks to Mina, then Edward "Would you like to know?" (Molly) **Mädchen reaches for Morgan's face* * @Morgan brings the baby closer to his face (Molly) *Edward looks to Morgan, amused but puzzled* Did you know she could do that?! * @Morgan glances at him (@Morgan) I can do that (Molly) **Mädchen gets a firm hold of his beard with her tiny fingers, making an excited shriek* (Molly) E: *He looks intrigued* You can? * @Morgan nods slightly (Molly) E: I assumed it was part of her healing magic * Molly and Mina are both watching the men talk (@Morgan) a reasonable assumption (Molly) **Mina smiles at him, waving a hand over her belly* What do you think then, Morgan, is it a boy or a girl? * @Morgan reaches a hand towards her, flexing his fingers (@Morgan) definitely (Molly) **They all laugh* * Molly smiles at him "You guessed well with ours..." (@Morgan) Guessed... (Molly) **the children on the floor are starting to squabble** (Molly) *Edward looks to him* Which do you think? * @Morgan shrugs (@Morgan) I've no idea * Molly lays her hands on Mina's very rounded belly, closing her eyes. He feels the prickle of magic on the back of his neck. She then looks at them all with a smile. "It's a boy. I think he'll arrive early next week" (Molly) **Mädchen makes a little pouty face at this, patting Morgan's beard* (@Morgan) You think a girl? (Molly) **she smiles, making a grab for his nose* (Molly) **Edward looks proud* I'm thinking Kristian, what do you think, Morgan? (@Morgan) No, definitely not Morgan (Molly) **The dark-haired little girl comes to Molly, being lifted up on to her lap. The smaller boys continue to play without her interruption. She looks a little sad, and Molly kisses her crown. They all laugh at Morgan's joke* (Molly) E *sipping his drinking and watching his brother*: Kristian Adalbrecht Koertig… to go with Josef Edward Hapsburg Koertig and Maria Brumhilde Koertig. (@Morgan) Father would like that * Molly speaks quietly to the toddler "Maybe Papa would like to, Hanna?" (Molly) *Edward nods solemnly* He would have been proud (Molly) **Mina reaches over the back of the bench, holding her hand out to Edward who takes it* (@Morgan) Aye, he would (Molly) *Mädchen watches Morgan, patting his nose. The little girl Molly called Hanna stands up on the seat of the bench to watch him "Papa want bun-bun?" She holds the floppy bunny out to him* (@Morgan) You don't want him right now? (Molly) **There's the sound of children laughing over by the trees. Edward kisses Mina's hand before letting go, sitting on the blanket with the two boys. Hanna shakes her head. She's very cute, with big blue eyes "Mäe want bun-bun?" * @Morgan holds out his hand (@Morgan) I'll have him then (Molly) **Hanna holds her arms out "Papa up?". One of the boys sits on Edward's crossed legs. Edward looks at ease with this, not at all formal like he can be** * @Morgan lifts Hanna up with one arm, cradling Madchen in the other (Molly) **Hanna wraps her arm around his neck. Unlike Mädchen who smells very much like new baby, Hanna smells like honey and sunshine. Mädchen makes that excited shriek again. The other little boy looks at Morgan "Me too, Papa!" * @Morgan bends down (@Morgan) grab on then * Molly , Mina and Edward laugh, watching the child-laden Morgan as the little boy runs around and scales his back with a laugh (Molly) **The little boy on Edward's lap then climbs up onto Edward's shoulders, laughing "I'm taller than you, Christopher!". The boy on Morgan's back chimes up with "No you're not!" (Molly) **Keeping hold of three children is no mean feat, and Mädchen is pulling his beard once more, making that worse. Hanna rests her forehead to Morgan's temple, then kisses his cheek* * Molly smiles at Morgan "Odd how they've come almost in pairs, isn't it? Ehren and Maria, Josef and Christopher, Mädchen and the new baby" * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) odd indeed (Molly) *Edward looks at Morgan* Hannalore is the exception to the rule. No-one could have seen you having another child _and_ becoming Graf Sudlachenburg in the same month. (@Morgan) No, I suppose not (Molly) **The wriggling of Christopher on his back is threatening to over-balance him* (@Morgan) quit wriggling or you'll fall off * Molly sips her tea, glancing towards the treeline. The little boy laughs. Hanna tries to put her bunny with Mädchen, who looks unimpressed (Molly) Liebes herz, I think you're going to need to sit down! * @Morgan slowly lowers himself down (Molly) **Mädchen smiles, kicking her legs. Hanna laughs. From his back, he hears "don't drop me!" (@Morgan) Hang on tight then, you'll fall for days otherwise (Molly) **He gets off once Morgan is on the ground, trying to make a space to sit on Morgan's lap, but with his two sisters in Morgans arms its a challenge. The two children who seem to be around five run over hand in hand. He has Martha's gingery-red hair, and she would be the spitting image of Mina with her golden curls if it wasn't for Edward's grey eyes. She kisses her Father's cheek. "There's my little princess!" ** (Molly) **Ehren looks at Morgan. He has a sweet, serious face, and sits beside Morgan rather than trying to make a spot in his lap** Do you want me to hold Mädchen, Papa? * @Morgan looks at the baby (@Morgan) What do you think, would you like some cuddles with Ehren? (Molly) **She kicks and squeals happily* (@Morgan) I think thats a yes, don't you? (Molly) **He nods, holding out his arms* * @Morgan hands Madchen over (Molly) **He takes her and very carefully lays her on the grass between his legs, and starts playing peekaboo with her, which she clearly loves. Hannalore and Christopher sit one on each of Morgan's legs, both trying to chatter at him** * Molly watches them with a satisfied smile, particularly looking at Morgan (Molly) *Edward addresses Morgan, amused* And your plate says you have another four to go yet! (@Morgan) I clearly need to grow more arms (Molly) **everyone laughs** (Molly) E: Me too. *He nods towards Mina* That one, and one more afterwards. Unless there's a big gap, it's going to be hard work *He grins* (Molly) **Edward looks very relaxed for a man who in reality has been quite cagey about having children, and quite troubled about throwing a bridal plate at all* (@Morgan) I'd recommend getting used to hardly ever sleeping (Molly) **He laughs* I'm expecting to be back to that next week, given that my Schwesterlein expects that to be when he is coming * @Morgan nods (Molly) **Hanna curls up against Morgan, sucking her thumb. Christopher is watching the treeline* (Molly) **Mädchen alternates between watching Ehren and her Father* * @Morgan looks over at the trees (Molly) **Varick, the eight year old and six year old are laughing, still looking around the trees (Molly) Mina looks to Molly affectionately: I am so glad you'll be there again just in case. (Molly) **Mädchen starts to reach for Morgan** * @Morgan reaches down to tickle her tummy (Molly) **She looks surprisingly serious** * Molly smiles "I'm sorry we couldn't make it to Graben, but with our deliveries so close together it would have been too risky. Besides, with it being Hans' birthday and therefore the anniversary next weekend, I won't take him, Jana, or Morgan away from Sudlachenburg that day" (Molly) **Mädchen watches Morgan* * @Morgan frowns (Molly) *Mädchen reaches for him again* (Molly) Mina: *She nods* Oh of course, I wouldn't want that. *She looks back towards the children playing amongst the trees* I don't think Varick can see her up in the branches. She's so good at staying very still. * @Morgan puts a finger in her hand, looking up at the trees (Molly) **He can't see much from where he is. Mädchen pulls at his finger * Molly nods, smiling at Morgan "Just like her Father" * @Morgan looks at her (Molly) **Mädchen looks like she wants to be picked up * @Morgan does so (Molly) **Mädchen coos, watching him* (Molly) **Edward watches the children a moment, then looks at Morgan with a solemn expression* I wish _our_ Father were here to see this. * @Morgan nods (Molly) **Ehren picks up the ball, getting Hanna and Christopher to get off Morgan's lap to play with him, leaving Morgan just the baby. The boys by the trees are starting to look puzzled * @Morgan looks at Madchen then back to the trees (@Morgan) what do you know? (Molly) **She reaches up, tiny hands trying to get to his face. He can just spot a patch of yellow betwee the branches that doesn't match the leaves * @Morgan brings her close to his face again (Molly) *Mädchen tries to latch on to his nose * @Morgan looks back up at the yellow patch (Molly) **The six year old with dark blonde hair seems to get fed up with hide and seek, and comes over to join in the ball game. Varick and the boy with straight blonde hair who is around 8, and therefore quite plausibly conceived in the few months before Dietlinde died in reality, are looking around the trees. Morgan can just about make out that the yellow seems to have moved a little, and could well be fabric* (@Morgan) What do you reckon that is, Madchen? (Molly) **She makes a little cooing noise again, smiling and watching him* (Molly) What what is, liebling? (@Morgan) The yellow patch in the trees * Molly looks in that direction (Molly) Jana. She's pretty high. Do you want me to go and tell her to come down? (@Morgan) Jana * Molly smiles (Molly) Who else would climb that high? * @Morgan takes a deep, slow breath (@Morgan) quite (Molly) **Mädchen watches him, pouting, looking like she might cry* * @Morgan looks at the little girl (@Morgan) I know (Molly) Certainly Hans is less adventurous than his sister, for now! * Molly looks at Mädchen (Molly) Oh dear, that's a very sad face (@Morgan) Indeed it is (Molly) **Edwards children both climb off him to join the ones playing ball** (Molly) **Molly stands up** I'll go and fetch the others, it's not long til tea time (Molly) **Edward joins Mina on the bench, one arm around her shoulders and the other hand on her bump, smiling at her (Molly) *Madchen just looks at Morgan, lower lip quivering. Molly looks to Morgan* Unless you want me to take Madchen? (@Morgan) No, I'll keep her with me * Molly nods, wandering off towards the trees, lilac dress contrasting with the green of the lawn. Madchen just watches Morgan * @Morgan speaks quietly (@Morgan) What do you know little lady, hmm? (Molly) **She just continues to watch him intently (Molly) E: Quinze and blokners tonight? (Molly) **He addresses Morgan* (@Morgan) Blokners, certainly, but not Quinze, unless you're needing more advice (Molly) E: *He looks confused* Advice about what? * @Morgan shakes his head (@Morgan) nothing, don't worry ** You're now known as Edward (Edward) You could invite Heinzharold, unless he will be out making the best of his bachelorhood? (@Morgan) we'll see (Edward) Claudia will still be in Freiburg with Fr- *He catches a very disapproving look from Mina* with friends? * @Morgan smirks slightly (@Morgan) maybe (Edward) **Madchen kicks her legs, watching him** (Edward) ((Attention?)) (@Morgan) ((Madchen)) (Edward) **She starts babbling at him. He can also hear the noise of the smaller children playing to his left. Then he hears Molly laughing from over by the trees * @Morgan glances over (Edward) **Molly is stood looking up into a tree where Morgan saw the yellow fabric. Varick is not far off Molly's height. She has her hand on the shoulder of Hans. The boys are looking up too (Edward) **Madchen makes a noise that sounds almost like a question* (Edward) **He can hear Molly talking, but can't make out what she says. Edward watches Morgan's expression ((What is it?)) (@Morgan) ((neutral)) (Edward) Everything alright, brother? * @Morgan nods slightly (@Morgan) just thinking * Edward nods, watching Molly too (Edward) Think she'll go up after her? (@Morgan) Tough to say. I might though (Edward) Mina: She shouldn't be climbing so close to her confinement (Edward) **Madchen watches him* (Edward) **He spots movement in the tree, the yellow patch getting lower* * @Morgan watches (Edward) **Molly and the boys watch. A pair of boots appears, swinging below a sturdy branch (Edward) **Madchen makes that questioning coo again* (@Morgan) Well, I don't know really (Edward) Ahh! No retrieval seems to be needed. Shall we head indoors? (@Morgan) I'll be in in a moment * Edward gives Mina a hand to stand, then calls all the smaller children to him. The boy with the dark blonde hair who hasn't been named so far is called Mattias, which is also Potts first name. (Edward) **Molly stands at the bottom of the tree, but Varick and Hans make their way slowly towards Morgan. Madchen watches Morgan solemnly* (@Morgan) So little lady, what do we both know, hmmm? (Edward) **behind them, he hears Molly laugh again, and then she glances over to Morgan, watching him almost quizically* (Edward) Behind the boys* (Edward) ((Attention?)) (@Morgan) ((Molly)) * Edward looks up into the branches, smiling, then takes a step back. More yellow skirt is visible above the boots. Then Molly tilts her head as if she can hear something. This coincides with madchen starting to cry (Edward) Molly* * @Morgan looks down at Madchen (Edward) *Madchen looks so sad, reaching for him. Then he hears the chiming.* (@Morgan) Time for me to go little lady. Its alright. (Edward) **Madchen quiets a little, watching him intently* (Edward) **Madchen gives him a final smile, just as he awakens* * @Morgan sighs before climbing out of bed (Edward) ((Distress and desperation levels pls)) (@Morgan) ((upset but not particularly distressed)) ** You're now known as Molly * Molly doesn't wake, but she quietly mutters "it's okay, it's just a dress" * @Morgan gets dressed quietly (Molly) **he's able to get to dressed and his usual weapons on without disturbing her. The deck is quiet, though he can just make out Claudia in the rigging again ** You're now known as Claudia (Claudia) Morning * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) aye (Claudia) Coming up? * @Morgan scales the rigging (Claudia) **the sky is already deep grey rather than black, and the sun will rise directly ahead this morning (Claudia) How was your Quinze match? (@Morgan) I'm still no better at it (Claudia) Stick at 11, that's what I do * Claudia watches the lightening horizon (Claudia) How did you sleep? (@Morgan) The usual * Claudia sighs (@Morgan) Ironically the one thats bothering me wasn't a nightmare (Claudia) You must be tired *He isn't, because as usual when he goes into her dreams, he feels physically like he's slept all night* (@Morgan) No, not today (Claudia) *She ferrets around in her pocket, passing him a flask* sintoure troubled by a dream? (Claudia) So you're * * @Morgan takes a drink, handing it back (@Morgan) Some time in the future... Father had passed on, I had children, Edward had children... Jana was still alive (Claudia) That's impossible (@Morgan) I know. * Claudia drinks a little of the scotch before handing it back (Claudia) That's probably harder than a nightmare * @Morgan takes another pull (@Morgan) Yes and no. I knew it was a dream, but still... * Claudia nods (Claudia) What did you do about it? (@Morgan) _do_? (Claudia) You knew it was a dream, did you make yourself wake up? (@Morgan) Knowing that occasionally something worth knowing comes up, no... * Claudia shrugs (@Morgan) but as I knew it was a dream, I'm not... distraught, just... bothered (Claudia) What do.you mean? (@Morgan) I didn't wake up having her presence ripped away because I knew it wasn't real * Claudia nods (Claudia) Would be much worse if you'd believed it was real (Claudia) **The sky is rapidly turning deep blue* (@Morgan) Indeed (Claudia) Ever had that before? * Claudia holds her hand back out for the scotch * @Morgan hands it back * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) occasionally * Claudia sips it (Claudia) With Jana? (@Morgan) Oh... no * Claudia nods (Claudia) So what's bothering you? (@Morgan) Opportunities missed (Claudia) You knew it was a dream. So it just your imagination, surely? (@Morgan) Probably (Claudia) Pretty vague there. What opportunities? (@Morgan) Her growing up, having siblings... * Claudia nods (Claudia) I think that about my siblings. What would they have done with their lives. Especially my half brother and sister * @Morgan nods * Claudia passes him back the scotch (Claudia) You wanna skip Anhalt? (@Morgan) No, I want answers * Claudia nods. The sky is much lighter, dawn imminent (Claudia) Should be there by ten. Sorgi has given instructions for some provisions for dinner as we're stopping anyhow * @Morgan takes another drink, handing back the flask (@Morgan) You ever think about commanding your own ship? * Claudia nods (Claudia) Now and then (Claudia) You? (@Morgan) Never going to happen... besides, I'm a lieutenant, not a captain, though there was talk of promotion once Kaufmann retired (Claudia) Asshole. You'd have been great. (@Morgan) I'm too unconventional (Claudia) Doesn't sound like you'll be settling on land permanently for a few years, why not captain something? (@Morgan) Too much to do (Claudia) Weeks at sea, what can you possibly be doing that is too busy? (@Morgan) trade rules, plans for my fleet, seeing to Varick/// (Claudia) You've got a wife for that, and James, and Inga. (@Morgan) and I wouldn't be away from them if I have a choice * Claudia watches him (Claudia) You're going to pass up the chance of a lifetime to captain a ship because you can't stand to be absent a few weeks? (Claudia) **The sun breaks the horizon (@Morgan) I don't need to captain a ship... I'm going to have a fleet, two grafdoms, ambassadorial things to do... * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) Your choice (@Morgan) Besides, I work, I don't command * Claudia grins (Claudia) That's the best bit, bossing around men (Claudia) You want to work now? Sooner we get underway the sooner you get answers *She puts the flask away, climbing down* * @Morgan climbs down (@Morgan) besides... no captain has any business being able to climb like I can * Claudia laughs (Claudia) True * Claudia starts giving orders to the crew, then looks to him (Claudia) You staying? (@Morgan) Lets get moving (Claudia) **She finds him plenty of good hard work for the next hour, and by eight they making good progress up der Rotstrom. Sorgi comes to her to hand over. The tension is fractionally higher again. * Claudia comes to Morgan "who is getting off in Anhalt?" (@Morgan) You and I and maybe Molly * Claudia nods "Alright, I'm going to take a quick nap, I'll see you shortly" * Claudia heads below deck, and with a change of watch he's got no task * @Morgan heads below to find Molly ** You're now known as Molly * Molly is found in the bedroom, dressed, and knelt praying beside the bed * @Morgan waits quietly * Molly opens her eyes, taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders before looking around and spotting him with surprise (Molly) Oh! Sorry liebling, I didn't hear you come in (@Morgan) I didn't want to interrupt * Molly gets up from the floor * Molly looks to him (@Morgan) You looked to be bracing yourself for something (Molly) No, it's alright. If you'd like to pray with me at some point, one day, you are welcome to (@Morgan) Absolutely... was it the dream? * Molly watches his expression (Molly) Your nightmare about Curtis? No (@Morgan) Your dream... * Molly sits down on the edge of the bed (Molly) How did you know? (@Morgan) The usual way... I was in it * Molly winces, looking guilty (Molly) I'm sorry (@Morgan) There's no need * Molly shrugs a little (Molly) They're not easy dreams to deal with (@Morgan) M?dchen was in it again * Molly nods (Molly) I wasn't pregnant with her like in the version I dreamt in Atemlos ((She had a dream there that she was very distressed about, and she'd told him about having a big family including his children, her son, and their children together)) (@Morgan) No... she always seems to know something... (Molly) Does she? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) as soon as I realised Jana was in the dream, Madchen started crying * Molly sighs sadly (Molly) If I could have kept you away from it, I would (@Morgan) It is what it is... I knew it was a dream so it wasn't... too jarring * Molly nods (Molly) I wish it was like that for me * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I wish I knew of a way to tell you * Molly nods, looking at her hands (Molly) It would be easier, no doubt. It feels utterly real to me * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I know it is horrid * Molly nods (Molly) It's not horrid in the dream, just when I wake * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I know * Molly frowns deeply (Molly) Do you think it's just my imagination? (@Morgan) Some of it (Molly) That probably better than the other option * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) the last time I was involved in a dream with Madchen... was the one where I had died and the floors got warped. I think it was a warning about Alarice * Molly nods slowly (Molly) And there was the one where I had died birthing her and you had taken her to my parents... ((need reminder?)) * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) I recall * Molly sighs (Molly) What are you thinking it means? (@Morgan) I've got no idea, but she seemed to be aware that its a dream... she watched me quite intently (Molly) That is strange (@Morgan) well, we wouldn't want anything too normal * Molly looks at her hands again (Molly) Do you think she is going to happen, in the future, or is she part of my imagination, or something entirely different? (@Morgan) I've no idea at all... I don't think she's your imagination, though (Molly) No? (@Morgan) I've no real reason for that... but she seems aware that I know its a dream... (Molly) Intriguing. Do you like her? * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) Interesting we'd chosen to call one of the girls Hannalore... * Molly watches him (Molly) Maybe that's because when you told me about the Federest situation I said it was pretty? * Molly looks thoughtful (@Morgan) Could be (Molly) In the Atemlos version, she wasn't there (@Morgan) No... * Molly is watching what he's doing, how he's stood (@Morgan) Why do you think that is? (Molly) I don't know. I also didn't have a illegitimate son after a drunken mistake with a guest at Lady Catherine's this time. * @Morgan nods * Molly smiles slightly (Molly) Which I would imagine you're glad about * @Morgan nods * Molly is puzzling over this (Molly) The age gaps and things weren't quite the same, and it was Innesbruck, and no Edward and Mina, but the general premise was the same. Varick, Jana and Hans, Mattias who we adopted, then Ehren, Christopher, and Madchen. * @Morgan nods * Molly sighs, standing up (Molly) It is what it is, I suppose. (@Morgan) There is little can be done about it right now (Molly) Maybe I'll try to work on a way to shield you from it like how I can keep my thoughts hidden. (@Morgan) Not a good idea if something comes of it (Molly) All that can come from that is pain (@Morgan) It warned me about Alarice, in a roundabout way * Molly sighs (Molly) You're right, I'm just being over-protective * @Morgan nods (Molly) I just don't want you waking like I do, with what feels like years of memories being destroyed. Even though I knew when I woke up this time that it was like Atemlos, it didn't make it less painful (@Morgan) I know blossom * Molly nods (Molly) I prefer the ones where we behave very inappropriately *She smiles a little* (@Morgan) Overall, so do I (Molly) Only overall? (@Morgan) It was nice to see Edward so... relaxed and happy * Molly smiles (Molly) They were very happy. And they had had a bridal plte8 * @Morgan nods (Molly) Plate * (Molly) But he doesn't want one at all in reality, does he? * Molly looks really thoughtful, puzzling hard (@Morgan) Its not quite as simple as that (Molly) No? (@Morgan) He's scared (Molly) Do you think that's because of Mina's mother dying in childbirth? (@Morgan) No... * Molly watches him (Molly) You do not know, or you do not want to tell me? (@Morgan) He's terrified the plate will show they'll have no children, and she'll have to remarry * Molly shakes her head (Molly) Mina wouldn't do that though (@Morgan) He would make her... he wouldn't hold her to a marriage if children were not going to happen * Molly frowns (Molly) But there's no good reason it won't break (@Morgan) Unless... (Molly) Unless...? (@Morgan) unless they are not to have children (Molly) But they're both young, both healthy. It's illogical. (@Morgan) and yet sometimes... (Molly) He conceived with Alarice... (@Morgan) That doesn't mean he could conceive with Mina (Molly) But it makes it highly unlikely that he couldn't (@Morgan) I know, but fear doesn't really take any notice of that sort of thing * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) I suppose so. Especially as you were concerned with ours * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) indeed (Molly) I would love to just say Silly Eiseners And Their Superstitions but... *She wiggles the finger with the Sudlache ring* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) quite * Molly takes a deep breath (Molly) I need to get Varick doing some more from the small catechism before we go to Anhalt * @Morgan nods (Molly) And we will need the sketch. Will we need weapons? (@Morgan) Better safe... * Molly nods (Molly) Are you happy for me to go? (@Morgan) It'll be the three of us, we'll be safe (Molly) Who are we taking? (@Morgan) Claudia (Molly) A good job we weren't planning to recreate what happened in my dream where we consummated the marriage in the long grass of a field behind the church then *She giggles* * @Morgan nods (@Morgan) sadly true (Molly) Very sadly. It would have ticked Posen off our list... * Molly smirks (@Morgan) We could probably send Claudia back to the ship * Molly frowns slightly, clearly trying to tell if he's serious * @Morgan winks (@Morgan) come on, lets get ready (Molly) You are a dreadful tease, my love * @Morgan nods * Molly walks out into the study, sending him the image of her lying on her back in the dress she's wearing on long grass, his hands pushing it up her thighs. She giggles (Molly) I'm just slightly better at it, Mon petit chou (Molly) Would you like to wake Varick, or do you need a moment? (@Morgan) I'll wake him * Molly nods, smirking, and gets the book from the shelf ** You are now disconnected