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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 21 June 2021 23:00:43 British Summer Time
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(Molly) Test
(Molly) **He knows where the church is from months of avoiding it, though Molly seems to be leading the way competently. She keeps hold of his hand. It's pretty enough, and the heavy oak door creaks as he opens it.
* @Morgan looks around the building
(Molly) **Its more ornate than either the chapel at Die Dauerhaftigkeit or in Sudlachenburg, the latter where a remembrance service is also being held today. It's completely empty and very quiet.
* Molly looks around, nodding to herself. Then she watches him.
(Molly) Would you like me to leave you alone a little while?
(@Morgan) If you feel the need to
(Molly) Only if you wish me to, liebling
(@Morgan) I think it might be an idea
* Molly nods
(Molly) I will wait outside
* @Morgan nods
* Molly nods once more, then opens the heavy door, closing it quietly behind her
* @Morgan heads over to the remembrance candles
* Molly doesn't interrupt him at all, giving him however long he wishes. ((How long does he stay in there?))
(@Morgan) ((ten minutes))
(Molly) **The door is just as creaky when he opens it, breaking the silence
* Molly is not sat on the steps, but beside a grave nearby
* @Morgan heads over to her
* Molly spots him, standing up and brushing off her skirt
(@Morgan) anyone we know?
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) No
* Molly looks up at the clock
(Molly) Do not rush on my account. Stay longer if you need to.
(@Morgan) No, I'm done
* Molly nods, looking down at the grave a moment before looking back to Morgan
(Molly) Alright
* Molly takes his hand tentatively
(Molly) Do you wish to go for a walk, or back to  the others?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) I'm alright to go back
* Molly nods, starting to walk
(Molly) My Father used to hate that
(@Morgan) what?
(Molly) When I was quite small, younger than Varick, I used to run off after service and pick a grave to sit beside
(@Morgan) why?
(Molly) I could talk to them, and they wouldn't scold me or think badly of me
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) makes sense
* Molly nods
(Molly) But he said it was unruly and unbecoming, and I wasn't to do it again
(@Morgan) He's rather... overzealous with how things might appear
* Molly nods
(Molly) I can still recall how tightly Mama would hold my hand as we left church, tight enough that my fingers would turn white, because they didn't trust me.
* Molly 's hand reflexively tightens around his
(@Morgan) Not something you need to worry about any longer
(Molly) No. I am very fortunate that you are more tolerant
** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout)

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(Molly) ((C&p from my last please))
(@Morgan) <Morgan> Not something you need to worry about any longer
(@Morgan)  <Molly> No. I am very fortunate that you are more tolerant
(@Morgan) I don't know about that
(Molly) Of me, at least
(@Morgan) I suppose so
* Molly frowns slightly
(Molly) You are displeased with me somehow?
(@Morgan) No... preoccupied I think
* Molly nods, staying quiet
(Molly) **The church bell is rung for three o'clock as they walk through the empty streets. The sound hurtles him back three years. There was a tiny hamlet in the woods northeast of Sudlachenburg. He's covered in blood; the mercenary's and Edward's.
(Molly) His fists burn and ache, the leather reins of the horse he took from his Father's stables loosely held in them. He doesn't care to hold tighter. If he's thrown and trampled, it doesn't matter. Nothing matters now, everything is lost.
(Molly) Though the day was nice this morning as he whirled Jana around in the yard, it's raining heavily now. Fitting, really. The three chimes are echo-ey, sounding as hollow as his heart. They sound like mourning, one for Dietlinde, one for Jana, one for himself as a husband, father and brother. Dead. All dead now.
(Molly) The rain is cold on his face, the tears are hot. The cottage will still be hot for hours. What's left of their bodies will still be hot. He can't be there. He must go and not come back.
(Molly) Soon the bell of Bahnhof will chime four, but he will be too far gone to hear it, yet the three rings linger in his mind, repeating, repeating, like they'll never cease. ((Done))
* @Morgan crumples to his knees
* Molly kneels down beside him, speaking softly
(Molly) Liebling... what's the matter?
(@Morgan) just... a memory
* Molly nods
(Molly) You're so very pale...
** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout)

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(MollyK) [22:14] (Molly) You're so very pale...
* @Morgan nods
** Molly has quit (Remote host closed the connection)
* MollyK squeezes his hand gently
(MollyK) What do you need?
(@Morgan) I don't know
(MollyK) **he feels the prickle of magic on the back of his neck*
(@Morgan) Don't do that please
(MollyK) I'm only assessing you, liebling. I am a _physician_. If you cannot tell me how to help, I must make sure you are well
* @Morgan nods
(MollyK) You can talk to me, if you wish, or not, if you prefer.
(@Morgan) I don't know what good it will do
* MollyK nods
(MollyK) Can you stand?
* @Morgan tries to stand up
* MollyK helps him. He can stand fine, he feels physically fine
(MollyK) Slowly now
(@Morgan) I'm alright
* MollyK nods, but he can see a protectiveness about her
(MollyK) Are we to go back to the party?
* @Morgan nods slightly
(@Morgan) I would not take you from enjoying the time with Eiblinn
* MollyK looks serious
(MollyK) My only concern is you, always.
(@Morgan) I know
* MollyK wraps her arm around his waist
(MollyK) Alright, let's go. Are you thinking of competing?
* @Morgan shrugs
(@Morgan) I thought I'd do the archery
* MollyK smiles a little
(MollyK) Mmmmhmm
(@Morgan) its never axe throwing, have you noticed that?
* MollyK nods
(MollyK) We should have had that at our wedding
* @Morgan nods
(@Morgan) unseemly, a Veisgraf lobbing axes... you remember my fathers reaction when I had one on my belt?
* MollyK nods,  smiling
(MollyK) He was not impressed
* @Morgan nods
* MollyK keeps up a fairly steady stream of talk about inconsequential things. When they get back to the square, Evie and Ayden are back. Areas have been cleared for the contests, and a few people are going around taking down names. Claudia is obviously watching for Morgan.
* @Morgan heads in her direction
(MollyK) *Claudia inclines her head. She looks serious* A word?
* @Morgan nods, disintangling himself from Molly
* MollyK lets go. She watches Claudia, then Morgan
(MollyK) You want me to go.
(@Morgan) No, we'll wander away a bit...
(MollyK) Stay. I'm going to find Anna.
* @Morgan nods
(MollyK) **Claudia watches them until Molly goes off into the crowd*
** You're now known as Claudia
(Claudia) Who is ¥the winter prince¥?
* @Morgan frowns
(@Morgan) why?
(Claudia) The dark haired woman was talking about him. I followed them.
(@Morgan) and...
(Claudia) They were talking Avalonian, I couldn't make it out. Seems like she owed him a favour and hasn't been able to pay him back?
(@Morgan) Dau?
(Claudia) No ¥the winter prince¥
(Morgan)  * Morgan nods
(Morgan)  <MollyK> **Claudia watches them until Molly goes off into the crowd*
(Morgan)  * MollyK is now known as Claudia
(Morgan)  <Claudia> Who is the winter prince?
(Morgan)  * Morgan frowns
(Morgan)  <Morgan> why?
(Morgan)  <Claudia> The dark haired woman was talking about him. I followed them.
(Morgan)  <Morgan> and...
(Morgan)  <Claudia> They were talking Avalonian, I couldn't make it out. Seems like she owed him a favour and hasn't been able to pay him back?
(Morgan)  <Morgan> Dau?
(Morgan)  <Claudia> No ?the winter prince?
(Morgan)  <Morgan> fantastic
** You're now known as Claudia
(Claudia) Noble?
(Morgan) you remember the Sidhe I was telling you about?
(Claudia) The F-word things that made you swear at Heinzharold and me?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) one of the very few things I couldn't beat...
(Claudia) Go on
(Morgan) he's one of them
(Claudia) Dangerous then?
(Morgan) extremely
(Claudia) That she owes him is bad for her then
(Morgan) bad for everyone
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) He didn't seem happy
(Morgan) I'm not surprised... You didn't happen to catch his price?
(Claudia) No, sorry
* Morgan waves it aside
(Morgan) she's a moron
(Claudia) Arrogant as hell. Him too
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) He can come and go at will, do what he pleases and has no concept of right or wrong... 
(Claudia) Dau?
(Morgan) The winter prince... Dau, he's arrogant, aye
(Claudia) **Anna is heading towards them, Gawain on her hip**
(Claudia) What do you want me to do? Keep an eye on them?
(Morgan) stay close... much as I want them watched, I want you nearby more
* Claudia looks at him
(Claudia) Everything alright?
* Morgan looks at her speculatively
(Morgan) I'm having... flashbacks I suppose
* Claudia inhales deeply, nodding
(Claudia) Keep distracted if you can. When it happens, breathe slow, count down from a hundred til it passes, outloud if you need.
* Morgan nods
* Claudia puts a hand on his shoulder
(Claudia) I'll be here, I know how flashbacks are
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm concerned... if I'm struggling with it, I'll be vulnerable and, more importantly, won't be in a place to keep Molly safe...
(Claudia) Safe from what?
(Morgan) winter prince, untrustworthy colonels...
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) You have me. And that Maelwys.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) And if you have him, you probably have half the guests on side. He know about today?
(Claudia) **Anna gets closer**
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Muster your troops them, for peace of mind. But Morgan...
* Morgan looks at her enquiringly
(Claudia) If you haven't fully dealt with what you went through, you need to.
(Morgan) I don't know how
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) No idea. I just know it wasn't for a long time that the flashbacks lessened then stopped
(Claudia) **Anna is almost upon them*
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) A: *she looks cheerful* Ah, there you are. Molly said you'd gone for a walk down to the church and back
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, we did
* Claudia looks at Morgan then Anna
(Claudia) Vhere iz Molly now?
(Morgan) She'd gone looking for Anna, actually
(Claudia) A: *she shrugs* She said she had lost an earring somewhere and was going to look for it, they are on loan from her mother-in-law
* Claudia rolls her eyes
* Morgan nods slowly
(Claudia) A: *she looks between them* She probably started at my house or in the tavern, unless she's walked back to Winterbourne Monkton?
(Morgan) we'll find her and help her look
(Claudia) A: They'll be signing up for the competitions soon, wont you be participating?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I was planning to
(Claudia) A: Oh good. I'm sure Molly will be back when she found it, she seemed enthusiastic
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) **Someone calls to Anna and she smiles before wandering off. Claudia turns a serious expression to Morgan* Is she upset?
(Morgan) Molly?
(Claudia) Yes
(Morgan) She seemed fine
(Morgan) [are you alright blossom?]
(Claudia) She was wearing both earrings when you came back.
(Claudia) **he gets no answer**
(Morgan) [blossom... where are you?]
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) dammit
(Claudia) [Anna's]
(Claudia) You need to stop her going off like this, it's fucking dangerous. Even Edward has mentioned it.
(Morgan) I know. Go and check Anna's house, I'm sure she'll be there
* Claudia frowns
(Morgan) [You need to stop wandering off alone]
(Claudia) Less than five minutes ago you warned me not to go far from you. If you're going to be dropping out of reality, you shouldn't be alone.
(Morgan) I'll manage... my concern was being able to keep her safe
(Claudia) [I needed to. I will be back]
(Claudia) And I care about keeping you safe too.
(Morgan) I know
(Claudia) Go into the tavern with Maelwys so I know where to find you. I'll find her.
* Morgan nods
* Claudia inclines her head, stalking off in the direction of Maelwys' house and looking none too pleased.
* Morgan wanders towards the tavern
(Claudia) **He gets to the tavern, and it's empty, the wedding guests outside in the sunshine. From further in is the noise of the kitchen at work. The smell of stew sends him back there, the smell of a very similar one, about half an hour out of Bahnhof.
(Claudia) He'd not eaten since breakfast when he'd toasted some bread for him and Jana. Dietlinde had said she hadn't fancied breakfast. It had niggled at him for a moment before he was distracted by a small sticky hand in his beard. That meal seemed long ago, and the thought of wanting to eat at all seemed like a lifetime away. He didn't even know whether he would stop riding to sleep, or just keep moving til he or the horse gave out from exhaustion.
(Claudia) ((Done))
** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving)
** You are now disconnected

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(Morgan)  <Claudia> He'd not eaten since breakfast when he'd toasted some bread for him and Jana. Dietlinde had said she hadn't fancied breakfast. It had niggled at him for a moment before he was distracted by a small sticky hand in his beard. That meal seemed long ago, and the thought of wanting to eat at all seemed like a lifetime away. He didn't even know whether he would stop riding to sleep, or just keep moving til he or the horse gave out from exhaustion.
* Morgan shakes his head slightly, moving towards the kitchen
** You're now known as Maelwys
* Maelwys has a few staff in there, but is doing most of the cooking himself
* Morgan leans against the door jamb and watches the activity for a while
(Maelwys) **Its about ten minutes later when Molly and Claudia can be heard from in the tavern room. Unfortunately, it sounds like Kai is with them, and they are all talking Eisen.
(Maelwys) K: We thought perhaps you and Morgan had snuck off somewhere for a romantic interlude!
(Maelwys) *Molly sounds calm* Are you trying to be crude, or do you just have no manners?
(Maelwys) *Kai laughs* You have become very Eisen and forthright, it suits you!
** You're now known as Molly
* Morgan rolls his eyes, heading out to them
* Molly is indeed wearing two earrings. She now has her shawl on, and it almost covers her sword in the sword belt
(Molly) **Kai looks at Morgan** Are you taking part in the contests?
(Morgan) Maybe
(Molly) K: K: I will be. Not the traditional Innish games, but I will be part of the sword-fighting.
(Morgan) Not going to move out of your comfort zone? Worried you'll be shown up?
(Molly) K: I don't need to prove myself with contests I will not enjoy. I will enjoy the sword fighting, providing there are competent opponents.
* Morgan glances at Claudia
(Morgan) We can hope
(Molly) K: Lady De-Burgh will be joining in, she is very competent, for a woman. *Claudia looks like she's imagine what his innards would look like spill on the ground
(Morgan) providing she has not acquired said skills through stupid agreements...
* Molly 's chin goes up, though her voice is quiet "I might participate…"
* Morgan looks at Molly briefly
(Molly) **Kai smiles, with a look that is both indulgent and patronising* Molly, I think you would be better clapping for your husband instead. You were clumsy on The Solemn Wind,  and it could be dangerous"
(Molly) **Claudia looks at Morgan*
* Molly 's eyes narrow slightly "I have practiced since"
(Molly) **Kai gives her that smile again* If you were my wife or mistress, I would not permit it.
(Molly) **Claudia is watching between Molly and Kai, noticing the hint of tension, then looks to Morgan again*
(Morgan) I rather think thats an inappropriate way to be talking to a duchess
(Molly) **Kai looks surprised by this,  looking at Morgan a moment. Meanwhile, Molly watches him with that studied neutral expression* If I were your wife or mistress, I would have drowned myself by now.
(Molly) **Claudia snorts with laughter. Kai seems to misinterpret this entirely, and assumes that Molly is joking. So he looks at her, laughing too. There's a touch of affection there, and he inclines his head* K: You are still a delight, your Excellency.
* Morgan sighs
(Molly) **Rebecca calls to Kai, and he excuses himself, leaving Molly, Morgan and Claudia alone. Neither of the women speak*
* Morgan scowls
(Morgan) Soon, I'm going to put him out of my misery
(Molly) C: Why isn't he dead already?
(Morgan) it would destabilise the area around prachtig too much... for now
* Molly pulls the shawl around her a little tighter, watching Kai and Rebecca. The brunette is making somewhat of a scene by acting smitten, and Kai is doing likewise. They really still out in their finery
(Molly) C: Politics then.
(Molly) Stand*
* Morgan nods slowly
(Molly) **A young Innish man approaches, asking Morgan if he will participate in the Innish challenges**
(Morgan) I'll need some guidance on it, I've never done them before
(Molly) I: Ah but th' men who arent Innish wull get t' practice first, ye'll be foine.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, I shall
(Molly) I: They'll call ye whun it's toime
* Molly translates quietly for Claudia and the young man goes
(Molly) C: *she looks at Morgan* You know I'm going to beat the hell out of anyone I fight, right?
(Morgan) I expect nothing less
(Morgan) in a way, I'd rather you face Dau than I do
(Molly) C: You won't stop me entering?
* Molly watches Morgan and Claudia's exchange
(Morgan) You would rather I do?
(Molly) C: *she grins* Not at all
* Molly speaks quietly, looking at Morgan
(Molly) And me?
(Morgan) If you feel you need to... I will support that
* Molly watches him closely, trying to identify his actual feelings on it
(Molly) C: *she looks at Morgan* As her teacher, I think she's capable enough
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) if that is what you wish blossom
* Molly nods
(Molly) Shall we find out where to sign up?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **There's plenty of names, and the call goes up for the traditional Innish games practice**
* Molly smiles at him
(Molly) You'll be going now?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) best had
* Molly nods. Claudia gestures "dont leave her alone?"
* Morgan nods slightly
(Molly) **The practice is over away from the main group. There's only a handful of Outsiders who are learning the techniques. There's a variety of games, but they all boil down to a test of strength and throwing. It's hard work, but it's obvious right away that Morgan easily outclassed the other Outsiders
(Molly) **The practice feeds almost immediately into the actual event. The area that's been cleared is pretty large, taking into account the tasks, and all around it people are watching and keen. Ayden and Maelwys are part of the group of twenty or so participants, and a loud local man is in charge of making the event run smoothly. A line forms that puts Morgan near the end, with Maelwys between him and Ayden
* Morgan frowns
** You're now known as Maelwys
* Maelwys spots it
(Maelwys) Second thoughts?
(Morgan) Just thinking its going to be an underwhelming end to this... 
* Maelwys shrugs
(Maelwys) Our folks like t' see Tulmairdh doin' a crap job o' it
(Morgan) I mean having those of us who have no idea towards the end... 
(Maelwys) **Up at the front, the men are taking their turns at tossing the caber, a massive log upright. It makes very little sense**
(Maelwys) Ye might, but I'm good a' this
(Morgan) Whats... the point of it?
(Maelwys) **There's lots of clapping and cheering*
(Maelwys) Shows off strength, attracts th' women
(Morgan) That works, does it?
* Maelwys laughs, slapping him on the back
(Maelwys) Just ye wait an' see
(Morgan) hey lass, watch me lob this stick...
(Maelwys) **Its soon Ayden's turn. He's pretty good, but not as good as Maelwys. Morgan does pretty well too. With that finished and tallied, they move to the next, which is the hammer throw, a heavy weight on a stick that's whirled around and thrown. The men ahead come back from their turns sweaty but jovial, and the clapping and cheering increases. Shirts are starting to be shed. Ayden looks round Maelwys to Morgan* Careful ye don't hurt yerself,  Tulmairdh!
* Morgan speaks quietly
(Morgan) what does Tulmairdh mean?
* Maelwys chuckles
(Maelwys) Means Outsider, non- Innish. It's not an insult
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) So... throwing half a tree isn't impressive enough, the ladies like it if you can sling a hammer too?
(Maelwys) Again, ye will see. Jus' look a' my wife!
(Morgan) I thought that was a result of  boredom
(Maelwys) **Anna is indeed watching the event with interest, and the women near her are all clearly gossiping and eyeing up the men**
(Maelwys) Ye need to learn about women then!
(Morgan) clearly
(Maelwys) **Morgan sees Evie's interest become more acute when Ayden throws, and Anna's when Maelwys does. The latter man jogs over to his wife, pulls off his sweaty shirt and tosses it at her face before whooping loudly as Varick would. Anna looks happy rather than disgusted, and the shirtless tavern owner rejoins at the back of the line.
* Morgan shrugs, waiting for his turn
(Maelwys) **Morgan is very good at the hammer throw, probably because he's done similar with a Zweihander in the past, and he outdoes all the others in this due to his accuracy. There's lots of cheering. He starts to see why most of the competitors are now shirtless, the fabric sticking to his back*
(Maelwys) ((Attention?))
(Morgan) ((Molly))
(Maelwys) **Molly is stood with Claudia. They're talking, but it's obvious that Molly is far more interested in watching Morgan, not looking away from him as she replies, and an obvious flushing on her cheeks**
* Morgan rejoins the back of the line
(Maelwys) **The next is the shot put. The men are getting more boastful, but in a good natured way. Maelwys is clearly having a good time, and plays up to the crowd.  A glance at them shows that Rebecca is watching the half naked men avidly, and Kai looks a little put out. Claudia says something to Molly that makes Molly bite her lower lip and smile*
* Morgan rolls his shoulders, speaking to Maelwys
(Morgan) So... we're throwing a canonball
(Maelwys) Aye. Clans do this sometimes t' settle disputes, rather than beating each other
(Morgan) _that_ actually makes sense
* Maelwys nods
(Maelwys) Aye, til the losing clan lose a few o' their women an' inter-clan marriages an' bairns come along
(Morgan) eventually pushing the two clans into one and removing the need for conflict
* Maelwys nods
(Maelwys) 'ventually it's 'ard t' know where one clan's blood stops an' th' other's starts. Tha's why we 'av t' impress th' women, ye see?
* Morgan nods
* Maelwys takes his turn, he's not bad. Morgan is reasonably good at this too, and then there's a quick break whilst a high bar is set up for the next challenge where a heavy weight must be thrown up and over the bar. Many of the men make their way to the edges of the crowd where they receive plenty of praise from the women and non-participants waiting there. Claudia has moved a bit away, though still has her eye on Molly.
* Morgan heads over to Molly
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly smiles warmly
(Molly) Well, hello, you're doing very well!
(Morgan) makes no damn sense
* Molly smiles, running her eyes over him
(Molly) Must be all that time at War and training? Bulks out the arms *she smiles with mischief, this is what she said in the dream in the tavern in Freiburg where she boldly made a move on him*
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Are you enjoying yourself?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm not as much an embarrassment as I expected
* Molly blinks rapidly
(Molly) You expected to be?
* Morgan nods
* Molly shakes her head, smiling
(Molly) I didn't
(Molly) Claudia said she isn't going away, but couldn't stand this close to sweaty men, and you would understand?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly nods, watching the queue reform, then looks at him
(Molly) I suppose that's your cue *she giggles*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I suppose so
* Molly watches him a moment
(Molly) Goid luck
(Molly) Good *
* Morgan inclines his head, heading back over to the tryout area
(Molly) **Once he's in line, he sees Claudia back with Molly. Claudia gestures "no offense"
* Morgan nods slightly
(Molly) **The weight over height is a real challenge, pushing the men really hard. The noises the make are loud, the cheering more so. In the queue the men now sit on the grass after their turns,  sunning themselves.
(Molly) ** It's been years since Morgan saw so much male nudity, not since the last day of the war and the celebration of his unit at the river they were camped by. Heinzharold was one of the first into the water, the men playing like children. There was so much laughter. Morgan had sat one the bank, one of the few not shirtless, and just basked in the warm sun, planning his travel back to Sudlachenburg, and how with the end of the War he could finally, after nine months of courting her, marry Dietlinde and live happily ever after with her.**
* Morgan sits on the grass after his turn
(Molly) **Once everyone has finished, it's time for the tug of war. He ends up on Maelwys' team. The teams are well-matched, and everyone is digging in with their already-tested strength. It's so bloody hot now, and again the thoughts of heat tug at his mind, pulling him towards the thoughts of the fire, the hot wood, that burning smell.
* Morgan shakes his head briefly, trying to shake it off
(Molly) **He manages it, just. His team win, and everyone disperses to wait for the results.
* Morgan wanders in the general direction of Molly
* Molly and Claudia are stood upwind of the main group of people. Molly smiles at him
(Molly) You did so well! I'm so proud of you!
(Morgan) That was surprisingly difficult
* Molly nods enthusiastically, smiling
(Molly) It looked very impressive!
(Morgan) bit damn bizarre if you ask me
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) Well, I enjoyed it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) good
* Molly watches him again. Theres a fair few splashing noises going on behind him
* Morgan looks over his shoulder
(Molly) **Anna and some of the other women are throwing buckets of water on the men
* Molly tilts her head, watching them
(Molly) That looks like fun
(Molly) C: *she watches Molly then Morgan before gesturing "I'd make an escape if I was you"
(Morgan) $sometimes you have to take the indignity if it makes them happy$
(Molly) *Claudia shrugs. A minute later, Brenna brings over a bucket, handing it to Molly. Claudia stands out of the way. Molly watches Morgan with amusement* Oh dear, liebes herz...
* Morgan sighs
* Molly moves very close, lifting the bucket at full stretch, preparing to tip it over his head. She looks very happy and adoring, eyes sparkling
(Molly) Are you ready?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Are you _sure_? *she's trying not to giggle, sucking the centre of her lower lip*
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **From the corner of his eye, he can see Maelwys with his arm around Anna. Molly starts to angle the bucket, but Maelwys cheering her to soak him makes her jump and lose the balance of the bucket, tipping it over herself as much as her husband*
* Molly starts to laugh, watching Morgan
(Molly) Oh dear!
* Morgan laughs
(Molly) **Maelwys starts to cheer and clap, and he's not the only one. Claudia looks surprisingly amused as well. Brenna takes the empty bucket, giving Morgan a full one. Molly takes a step back, watching between the bucket and Morgan with a feigned wariness
(Molly) Even more "oh dear"!
(Molly) Anna speaks to Molly: He wouldn't
* Morgan raises an eyebrow
(Morgan) wouldn't I?
* Molly smiles at her, there is mischief in her voice though "oh of course not, don't worry. He's far too sweet for that"
(Molly) ((Attention?))
(Morgan) ((just around))
(Molly) **Claudia looks like she's remembering this to tell HH. Maelwys and Anna look relaxed. From further away, Kai is watching them whilst Rebecca talks at him. Aside from that, noones paying them much attention
* Morgan sloshes the water at her
* Molly shakes her head, grinning
(Molly) Is that the best you can do?
* Morgan hurls the rest at her
* Molly dodges it, bolting off with a laugh, which sets Maelwys, Anna and even Claudia laughing too
* Morgan shakes his head before pouring the remaining water over himself
(Molly) **Brenna brings another bucket, setting it down before getting out of the way. Molly watches him from out of range, nodding to herself
(Molly) **Kai is watching Molly, and Rebecca says something that causes him to look to her instead with a harsh gaze**
(Molly) **Claudia gestures "catch her for you?"
(Morgan) $you'll get soaked$
(Molly) $Catch her yourself then$
* Morgan sets off after Molly
* Molly shrieks, darting away but laughing nonetheless
* Morgan flings the water at her
** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout)

------------------------------
Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 22 June 2021 15:43:37 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667…
** You have joined #7thsea
* Molly manages to avoid it again, and again Brenna gives him another bucket. Molly is having a wonderful time, and  does well at staying out of reach ((does he take the bucket with him?)). But she doesn't have his knowledge of Avebury, and her clever move to duck into a little alley seems less clever to him who knows it's a dead end.
** Morgan has joined #7thsea
(Molly) [15:47] * Molly manages to avoid it again, and again Brenna gives him another bucket. Molly is having a wonderful time, and  does well at staying out of reach ((does he take the bucket with him?)). But she doesn't have his knowledge of Avebury, and her clever move to duck into a little alley seems less clever to him who knows it's a dead end.
* Morgan takes the bucket, following her
* Molly looks around the alley way, then quietly says "oh dear"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) rather cornered now 
* Molly turns, watching him. She wets then bites her lower lip.  "Well, now you have me well and truly captured, mon petit chou. But it would be very... unsporting of you" She tries not to grin
(Morgan) Not at all, my superior knowledge allowed me to get the better of you.. so... I'm afraid its just and right that you get soaked
* Molly shakes her head, batting her eyes lids. She walks backwards towards the wall
(Molly) You wouldn't be such a meanie, mein sehnsucht
(Morgan) sadly... I would... purely for appearances sake, of course
(Molly) Hmmm, I'm just not so sure about that. I could offer you a trade, for another day of course...
* Molly watches him as she comes up abruptly against the stone
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) No, I think not
* Molly looks confused, uneasy
(Molly) Have I done something wrong?
(Morgan) No...
(Molly) But...?
(Morgan) you're working very hard to get out of it...
(Molly) You are concerned that you will upset me?
(Morgan) I'm concerned you don't wish to
* Molly tilts her head
(Molly) We are talking about the water?
* Morgan nods
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I dont mind the water, I was just enjoying having fun with you
* Morgan nods
* Molly watches him
(Molly) So... I cannot tempt you with a trade for another day?
(Morgan) I suppose you could
(Molly) You would need to think of what you would like from me... *she keeps eye contact*
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I'm sure we can decide something 
* Molly moves very suddenly and fast to pass him, tipping the bucket as she does to slosh the water down the leg of his trousers with a laugh
(Morgan) Wonderful... 
* Morgan trudges out of the alley
* Molly watches him from just outside, standing still, watching him
* Morgan wanders slowly towards her
* Molly looks at him, trying to decipher his expression
* Morgan starts humming
* Molly 's eyes widen slightly
(Molly) Uh oh
* Molly smiles, still not moving "it's only fair that I take my punishment, I think." She shivers slightly.
(Morgan) I would, but the buckets empty... 
* Molly grins
(Molly) Oh no, what a shame for you, liebes herz! Now they'll know I bested you, hmm?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I find I can bear that
* Molly nods
(Molly) The only other solution would be to haul me back over your shoulder, I suppose
(Morgan) No, I would not do that here
* Molly looks confused
(Molly) Alright, liebling
* Molly looks up at the sky a moment, then squares her shoulders a little
(Molly) We'd better get back, I'm sure the results will be announced soon
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly wraps her shawl around her. Anna has given Gawain to Maelwys. The couple and Claudia are all watching them approach.
* Morgan shakes his leg
(Molly) Maelwys: Got her then?
(Morgan) She got me
(Molly) A: *she's watching Molly* You look cold
(Molly) M: 'Ow did she manages tha'?!
(Molly) Manage*
(Morgan) cunning and deviousness
* Molly shakes her head "I'm fine Anna. Did they announce the results?"
(Molly) Maelwys laughs: Ye'll 'av t' catch 'er off guard
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Anna links her arm with Molly's* It'll be soon, over here. *she leads Molly off*
** You're now known as Claudia
* Claudia watches whilst Maelwys excuses himself to check on the food, then looks to Morgan
(Claudia) Everything okay?
(Morgan) aye
(Claudia) You seem more subdued than when you went off. Flashbacks again?
(Morgan) No... 
* Claudia just levels a look at him
(Claudia) I cant keep you and her safe if I don't know what's going on
(Morgan) Its nothing
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) Fine.  Looking forward to the sword fighting?
(Morgan) I suppose so... you intending to show off your own style?
(Claudia) **they follow Anna and Molly, and the results are soon to be announced**
(Claudia) Haven't decided yet
(Morgan) You won't be killing anyone, right?
(Claudia) Probably against the rules, so no
* Claudia glances at him
(Claudia) You?
(Morgan) I doubt it
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) **The results are announced. Morgan was fourth, with Ayden just behind him and Maelwys just ahead. Theres more clapping, and Molly comes to his side and squeezes his hand, looking up at him. "Very well done, liebling!"
(Morgan) thank you blossom
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) Are you pleased?
(Morgan) I'm surprised
* Molly nods
(Molly) You are very strong though
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) its a lot of throwing, so it played to my strengths, so to speak
(Molly) **its announced that there will be some time for a drink and to prepare for the sword fighting, so that is what they do. A few people come to congratulate him, and Molly looks very proud with her hand in his.
(Molly) **There's more people in the sword fighting than there was before, and they are broken up into small groups. This sees him separated from Molly and Claudia, though with Maelwys.
(Molly) Molly assures him she will be fine, and every time he glances over she's doing well. It makes it hard to concentrate, but it also stops his mind wandering.
(Molly) He rapidly takes down the other three people in his group with ease, as do Molly, Claudia, Kai, Rebecca, Maelwys, Evie, and some other Innish man. There's some mumblings about foreigners, but nothing serious.
* Molly comes to stand back with him, smiling "Are you alright, liebling?"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) you?
(Molly) Yes. I'm doing quite well, I think
(Morgan) indeed you are
* Molly looks up
(Molly) Are you proud?
(Morgan) very
* Molly blushes
(Molly) I'm pleased
(Molly) **Names are drawn for the next fights; Molly vs Rebecca, Morgan vs Maelwys, Claudia vs the other man, and Kai vs Evie. Molly looks to Morgan.
(Molly) What thinks you?
(Morgan) Be careful... I don't trust her
(Molly) I am always careful, liebling
(Molly) You'll beat Maelwys,  Claudia will beat whoever he is... what about Kai and Evie?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I've no idea... I've not seen her use a sword
(Molly) Me either
* Molly looks thoughtful
(Molly) I'm surprised you did not teach her...
(Morgan) she was quite capable with her mace
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) You had so much time together last spring...
(Molly) **Claudia's match gets called*
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I suppose so
* Molly frowns slightly before turning her attention to Claudia
(Molly) I wonder what style she'll use
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) she wasn't sure
(Molly) **Claudia easily wins, and Kai easily beats Evie. Maelwys isn't particularly good, so Morgan beats him, which Maelwys seems to just find funny. Next its Rebecca and Molly. Claudia stands beside Morgan*
(Molly) You worried?
** You're now known as Claudia
(Morgan) Not especially. If I lose, I lose
* Claudia laughs
(Claudia) About her
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) only because I'd trust that woman as far as I could throw the Rose
* Claudia laughs
* Claudia salutes her opponent as is the Eisen way, but Rebecca just says something quietly. He knows her well enough to know it was politely malicious.
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly pauses for half a breath, then smiles, replying. Whatever is said is enough to enrage Rebecca, because she thrusts at Molly savagely
(Molly) *Claudia glances at Morgan*
(Molly) C: She can handle it
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) I'm sure
* Molly spins away just as Morgan had done during the training with her the other day. This makes Rebecca fall forward off balance. Molly slaps the flat of her blade quite hard across the back of Rebecca's thighs, making a loud slapping.
(Molly) **The crowd seems to enjoy this. Claudia looks at Morgan** I didn't teach her that.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Rebecca regains her balance, slashing at Molly in a way that is far too uncontrolled to be safe for a contest. **
* Morgan glances down before bending to pick up a rock
(Molly) C: *she alternates between watching her pupil and watching Morgan* She's alright
(Molly) **Molly is doing a good job. Rebecca looks angry now. She tries to slash downwards on the backhand. Its unexpected,  and Molly realises at the last moment that this is more than just sparring, luckily moving reflexively.
(Morgan) She's lost control
(Molly) C: Molly hasn't.  You want my advice?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Don't intervene. She needs to face a real opponent eventually. You intervene, you tell her you dont think she can deal with a real danger. She will doubt herself when real danger comes along then
* Morgan folds his arms
* Molly and Rebecca continue to fight. The crowd are loving it. Molly isn't looking troubled, she just looks focused. Its fast and fairly violent, but Molly transitions into the more fluid fighting style she's been learning. With flurried fast attacks, Rebecca is starting to become disorientated. The crowd seem to enjoy this even more.
(Molly) C: could you just try to look a little bit less worried?
(Molly) ((Attention?))
(Morgan) ((Molly))
* Molly looks very calm, almost peaceful. Rebecca is obviously struggling to keep up
(Molly) ((How angry/disapproving/worried does he look?))
(Morgan) ((mostly just looks grave))
(Molly) **the awful thought comes to him; what if both his wives shared the same anniversary of death date**
* Morgan looks away, putting a hand on Claudia's forearm
(Molly) C: *she looks at him momentarily* what?
(Morgan) Awful thought
* Molly puts her hand on top of his. The crowd are riveted, and still the fight goes on
* Morgan takes a deep breath, looking back to the fight
(Molly) C: Go and sit down somewhere
(Morgan) And make her feel I don't care?
(Molly) C: *she shrugs* better that than you fainting or throwing up
(Morgan) I'll be alright
(Molly) *Claudia nods. There's another close call a minute later that almost hits Molly's stomach. It's not that Rebecca  is good so much as she's fighting recklessly*
(Morgan) For the love of god, put her down
(Molly) C: She's trying to play by the rules
(Morgan) There's no sense in that when her opponent is trying to kill her
(Molly) **Claudia nods*
* Molly feints before striking the back of Rebecca's knee with the flat of the blade hard. Rebecca crumples to the ground and Molly places a boot on her stomach and the tip of her sword on Rebecca's sword arm. Loud enough for the crowd she says "Do you yield?"
(Molly) **Claudia is watching Morgan rather than the fight*
* Morgan appears to be holding his breath
(Molly) **When Rebecca has said yes, Molly says something very much not loud enough to be overheard, to which Rebecca nods sullenly before getting up. Molly is careful not to turn her back on the other woman even as she comes over to Morgan and Claudia
(Molly) **claudia says quietly before she arrives* see, she's fine
* Morgan nods
(Molly) C: are you?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Claudia looks at him* sure?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) C: Smile then, for fucks sake
* Morgan does so
(Molly) **There's clapping and cheering,  but Molly seems to not notice it. Her expression reveals that she desperately wants his approval.
* Morgan holds his hand out to her
* Molly puts her sword away before taking it
(Morgan) well done blossom
* Molly blushes
(Molly) Thank you, liebling. It took longer than I expected
(Morgan) That because she was trying to kill you
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Not very effectively
(Morgan) No... thankfully
(Molly) I did not want to be dishonourable
(Morgan) I think when someone's trying to do you in, its allowed
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Fortunately I had excellent teachers
(Molly) **Claudia looks at them both** One of us is going to be facing Dau.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) He's going to be very angry now, isn't he?
(Morgan) I'd imagine so
(Molly) C: What did you say to her to make her go off like that?
* Molly looks evasive, shrugging
(Molly) Does it matter?
(Morgan) I'd like to know
(Morgan) later, perhaps
* Molly doesn't say anything, instead listening as Evie pulls names from a hat
(Molly) *Evie announces that Morgan will be fighting Claudia*
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Molly) *Claudia looks at Morgan* How good is Dau?
(Morgan) he can take care of himself
(Molly) C: Can he beat Molly?
(Morgan) I would think so... he's had years of training
(Molly) C: You want to fight him yourself?
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) I... don't know
(Molly) C: Molly,  let him win. We'll deal with him
* Molly frowns
(Molly) I dont want to.
(Morgan) I don't want you getting hurt
* Molly frowns deeper
(Molly) You're commanding me.
(Morgan) You think you can beat him?
* Molly thinks about this
(Molly) Possibly. Probably, if I properly use the more sensual style
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) **Claudia is watching Morgan over Molly's shoulder, brows raised
(Morgan) If you really want to
(Morgan) If he oversteps the rules, I'll put him down
* Molly nods
(Molly) **Morgan and Claudia get called. She walks beside him.
** You're now known as Claudia
(Claudia) You want me to let you win?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) No... you are
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) You dont want to take the chance to beat the hell out of him?
(Morgan) No... because when I face him, it won't be for sport, and he wont realise how dangerous I am just before I shove my sword through his throat
* Claudia grins, saluting him "I hope to be there to see it"
* Morgan salutes her before attacking in what, to most, would look half decent but is well below par
* Claudia isn't messing around, and puts him down easily
* Claudia waits til he's yielded before helping him up "Heinzharold would have enjoyed seeing you drop like a bag of horseshit"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I've no doubt you'll enjoy telling him
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) You staying to watch her with Dau?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as I said, if he oversteps, I'll have him
(Claudia) Got anything to drink, take the edge of your nerves?
* Morgan fishes his flask out
(Morgan) funnily enough
(Claudia) Anything good?
(Morgan) drambuie
(Claudia) **Molly walks back onto the field, and Kai meets her there*
(Claudia) Ugh, no. Reminds me of Hannalore.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) tastes different to me
(Claudia) Like what?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) its hard to describe
(Claudia) It's just honey and scotch
(Morgan) I know
(Claudia) **Molly disappears from his mental compass*
* Morgan takes a swig, looking over
(Claudia) **She opens her eyes, the more sensual body language clear. When Kai salutes, she curtsies slowly and deeply. Claudia nods slowly
(Claudia) What's the deal with them, aside from the ship and the invoice?
(Morgan) He seems to think he has some claim to her
(Claudia) Wise for her to use this style on him?
(Morgan) it'll keep him distracted
* Claudia glances at him
(Claudia) I'd be jealous as hell
(Claudia) **The fight starts. She's obviously bringing her best to this, because it's like watching a dangerous dance, a bladed ballet. Claudia looks a little pleased. And Kai does seem very distracted by it. ((Attention?))
(Morgan) I didn't say I was happy about it
(Morgan) ((kai))
(Claudia) **Whatever attraction there was for Kai with Molly, its poorly concealed now. Though he tries to attack, she's too fast and fluid for his utilitarian military techniques.
(Claudia) If I ever see you fight her as distracted as that I'll be sick.
(Morgan) I don't intend to
(Morgan) besides... I'm better than he is
(Claudia) Good, its pathetic at best.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) **Kai manages to slice her dress, making a slit up to her upper thigh. He looks pleased, watching her
* Claudia shakes her head
(Claudia) What is he up to?
(Morgan) showing off, proving he is the gift that Theus gave all women
(Claudia) By undressing your wife?
(Morgan) he probably thinks he can tempt her away from me
(Claudia) You worried about that?
(Morgan) Not for a second
(Claudia) **He tries it again, but she sees it coming, using the flat of her blade to knock his sword from his hand and then knees him in the groin. Theres a mix of cheers and empathetic groans.
* Claudia grins
* Morgan grins
(Claudia) Not the contact with his balls he hoped for.
(Morgan) he's had that coming for some time
(Claudia) **Kai hits the ground, and Molly crouches over him, whispering. He says something in response before grabbing her sword from her hand, pushing her back and holding the sword tip to her solar plexus. It all happens very fast
(Claudia) Fuck
(Morgan) shit
(Morgan) Need to put that on her lesson list
(Claudia) **Molly looks up at Kai, and Kai looks down at her. There's a moment of quiet, even amongst the crowd. He says something to her, and she nods, then shrugs, replying.
* Claudia says quietly
(Claudia) What the fuck are they playing at?
(Morgan) I don't know
(Claudia) **Kai asks if she yields, then helps her up**
(Claudia) How badly beaten do you want him?
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) put him down... hard
(Claudia) My pleasure
* Morgan nods, looking at Molly
(Claudia) **Molly comes back, sheathng her sword as Claudia goes to sort out Kai. She stands beside Morgan, ready to watch
(Morgan) what was that about?
(Claudia) Which bit?
** You're now known as Molly
(Morgan) what you were saying to eachother
(Molly) Whilst I had him pinned, I offered to let him win and save face
(Morgan) why?
(Molly) Do you know where Roquetas De Mar is? ((Levels of Theah geography, or vaticine regions out of Eisen?))
(Morgan) I've heard of it, but thats about it
(Molly) Damn
(Morgan) why?
(Molly) **Kai and Claudia salute**
(Molly) That's where his sister is
(Morgan) He willingly told you...
* Molly doesn't glance away from the fight
(Molly) He didn't want to be humiliated by losing in front of all these people, I suspect
(Morgan) pity that'll only buy him a few minutes
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Yes
(Morgan) When we get back to the... I wonder...
(Molly) **Claudia is putting him down, over and over. Not enough to make him yield each time, but enough to be repeatedly very painful*
(Molly) Wonder what, liebling?
(Morgan) I'll... tell you later
* Molly nods
(Molly) When he had me pinned down, he told me if I'd been his mistress he'd have loved me.
(Morgan) I'm enjoying his being put down a bit more now
* Molly nods
(Molly) It was unexpected
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Id very much like to kill him now
* Molly glances at him
(Molly) I told him I'd never have been his mistress because I was always yours.
* Morgan smiles slightly
* Molly slips her hand into his
(Molly) **Kai gets put down very hard this time, eliciting winces from the crowd. Claudia stands above him** Yield. **he nods* I yield. **Theres a big cheer*
* Molly whispers in Morgan's ear slowly
(Molly) Just think, some day soon you will be able to put this man down forever...
* Morgan nods
* Morgan applauds Claudia
(Molly) **Claudia rolls her eyes** Worst part of these things is all the clapping and glory
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know, but I'm grateful 
(Molly) C: *she nods* he'll have an arse like two plus tomorrow
(Molly) Plums *
(Morgan) along with a tender set of plums right now
* Molly giggles
(Molly) I've never done that to a man before
(Morgan) satisfying?
* Molly nods. She goes to say something else, but then quickly decides better of it, blushing
(Molly) C: *she grins* Do it hard enough and they rupture
* Molly looks at Morgan
(Molly) Surely not?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) But not by accident?
(Morgan) if its hard enough...
(Molly) **Claudia rubs her forehead**
* Molly looks concerned
(Molly) Alright
* Morgan looks at Claudia
(Morgan) alright?
(Molly) C: I'm going to get a drink rather than listen to her worrying about breaking your balls!
* Molly is blushing. Maelwys rings a bell to let everyone know food is ready
* Morgan holds his arm out to Molly
* Molly takes it, thanking him. She walks slowly enough to avoid the crush.
(Molly) How are you?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright I suppose
* Molly looks at him gently
(Morgan) what did you say to Rebecca?
(Molly) You suppose?
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) She was being cruel, so I returned it.
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) It's not nice, and I dont think it will be of any use to know
* Morgan frowns
* Molly glances at him
(Molly) That displeases you
(Morgan) Yes, but good sense dictates I don't ask further
(Molly) Another day, perhaps.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) What were you wondering about a minute ago? **they are trailing the others enough to be virtually alone outside*
(Morgan) the society... had someone in place at Tawstock to watch me...
* Molly nods
(Molly) And you are thinking...?
(Morgan) Just wondering if they're still there... I need to send them a message, tell them we know where Dau;s sister is
* Molly nods
(Molly) Or write a letter with the stencils from the mystery box?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) probably the better option
(Molly) **The food is basic but good, and there's plenty of alcohol. It's very loud whilst they eat, and it briefly quietens for the speeches, which are sweet and heartfelt. During them Molly holds on to his hand beneath the table with both of hers, smiling. He spots Kai, but there's no sign of Rebecca**
(Molly) **The music starts next and is lively, the dancing is fast. Molly gives him the option of dancing with her**
* Morgan does so
* Molly has a fantastic time, as she usually does when she dances. It's a little dizzying, but it does mean his mind cant wander so easily
(Molly) Thank you, liebling, I do so love it when you dance with me
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) good
(Molly) **A close waltz is announced as the next dance whilst he and Molly are taking a quick breather and a drink. Maelwys, Anna, Evie Ayden, Brenna and Claudia are all near them. Kai approaches, bowing to Molly* "May I have this dance?"
(Morgan) Where's your... what, fiancee?
(Molly) K: She is recovering from the beating your wife gave her in the tournament
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) sure she's not asking some prince for another favour?
(Molly) K: **he watches Morgan for a few moments** She is seeing to her bruising
* Molly leans against the table "It will be most easy for you to keep her inline with domestic chastisement if she cannot handle a little slap like that to the back of her thighs*
(Molly) **Maelwys starts laughing, as do the others, except Claudia who has no idea what was said. Kai however just looks unimpressed**
(Molly) Claudia whispers to Morgan: What was that?
* Morgan tells her
(Molly) **Claudia frowns** You dont chastise Molly that way I hope
* Morgan glares at her
(Molly) *claudia just stares at him in her usual fashion when anyone glares at her*
(Morgan) You know me better than that
(Molly) **She nods** I do, but Molly seemed at ease about it
(Morgan) She knows I would not do that
(Molly) **Claudia nods. Kai asks Molly to dance again*
* Molly smiles politely "No."
(Molly) **Kai looks confused, as it's just not the done thing* You do not want to dance?
* Molly smiles again "Oh I do, just not with you."
* Morgan laughs hard
(Molly) **This sets off Maelwys and the others too. Kai looks cross. "I will bid you goodnight, Lady Koertig" he inclines his head
* Molly lets him get a few steps away, smiling to herself
(Molly) "Oh, Colonel Dau?"  He turns back "Yes?" Molly smiles at him "It's  'Your Grace'. Goodnight."
(Molly) **The others are in stitches whilst Kai shoves his way through the peolle. Molly smiles faintly, watching the parted crowd reform in his wake*
(Morgan) and _that_ will have hurt more than a knee to the groin
* Molly smiles at Morgan
(Molly) That was for all the crew of The Rose...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) and I didn't get to ask him if he'd had any ships blown up lately
(Molly) You could still catch him before he goes to Reb-... his bed *she giggles*
(Morgan) No, I'll save it for next time
* Molly bites her lip, smiling "I shouldn't think he'd be enthusiastic about anticipating his marriage vows after such a blow anyhow!"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Maelwys is clutching his stomach with laughter** Bloody 'ell, 'ow do ye keep a straight face when she goes from being a Dutchess t' talkin' 'bout swivin' and bashed balls like tha'?!
(Morgan) skill, my friend, skill
* Molly looks thoughtfully at Morgan "Swiving means...?"
* Morgan explains it
(Molly) **Maelwys has to sit down he's laughing so much. Claudia waits for Morgan to translate it to her**
* Morgan does so
* Molly nods slowly. "And earlier you called him a Prick and said you'd tell me what that means?"
(Molly) **Maelwys is still laughing
* Morgan whispers that to her
(Molly) ((Does he use manhood or cock, which he's had to explain to her before?))
(Morgan) ((cock))
* Molly blushes hard
(Molly) Oh! But... *she frowns* why is that an insult?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) it just is
(Molly) But... **Anna interrupts, winking at Morgan** Maybe you should take your wife to dance before my husband dies of laughter
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I suppose I should, for his sake
** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving)
** You are now disconnected

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** You have joined #7thsea
** Morgan has joined #7thsea
* Molly downs her cherry brandy and leads him to the dance floor. This waltz is slow but very close, and they hear mutters that there will be singing and music next. Evie and Ayden are also dancing, and with her cheek tucked to Morgan's chest she says "That turned out well, didn't it?"
(Morgan) I probably shouldn't have enjoyed it as much as I did
* Molly leans back to look up at him
(Molly) I'm glad you did, I was concerned it would be too taxing for you today. I'm sorry I almost stopped you coming to it
(Morgan) Its been... difficult
* Molly nods, returning to her former position
(Molly) I know, liebling
* Molly sighs
(Molly) I appreciate your sacrifice in coming with me
(Morgan) Probably worked out better this way anyway
(Molly) Whyso?
(Morgan) I dread to think what I'd have been like alone
(Molly) Aside from at the church, I think you're doing well
(Molly) **Noone around them seems to be caught in so serious a conversation, many now looking tipsy**
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I had a moment just before I competed, and a rather horrid thought when you were fighting Rebecca
(Molly) Would it help to tell me?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) No, I don't think so
* Molly just nods. The dance continues. It's almost at the end when she says
(Molly) Do you wish me to apologise for how I spoke to Kai?
(Morgan) Don't be ridiculous
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) It was rude and unladylike
(Morgan) and nothing short of what he had coming
* Molly nods
(Molly) Alright. As long as I have not disappointed you
(Morgan) Not at all
* Molly nods again. The dance finishes, and they make their way back to the table. Maelwys and Anna are sat there already, and Maelwys offers him some of his moonshine, the one that last night was making him hear her thoughts clearer
* Morgan takes some
* Molly is sat talking to Anna, but the background noise of some of the guests playing and singing drowns them out
** You're now known as Maelwys
* Maelwys is drinking ale, leant back a bit in the chair and scanning the room
(Maelwys) No' a bad weddin', all in all
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, not bad
(Maelwys) They're off to Innismore on honeymoon,  'pparently
(Morgan) Someone's got to I suppose
* Maelwys laughs
(Maelwys) Anna reckons they'll 'av a bairn by this time next year
(Morgan) Sounds like a reasonable assumption
(Maelwys) I told 'er we migh' be on our third by then
* Morgan raises an eyebrow
* Maelwys nods in Anna and Molly's direction
(Maelwys) Ye got some 'opes in tha' direction? Yer wife looks keen
(Morgan) eventually. We've got work to be doing first
* Maelwys watches the women, smiling
(Maelwys) There's always work t' be doin'. Doesn't stop 'em once th' ideas in their 'eads
(Morgan) Its a joint plan...
* Maelwys laughs loudly, clapping him on the shoulder
(Maelwys) Aye, well, good luck wi' tha'!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) we'll take whatever comes
(Maelwys) 'Pparently yer wife was askin' mine earlier all about being wi' child
(Morgan) oh?
(Maelwys) 'Ow she knew, whether she was scared,  'ow I reacted
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm not surprised
(Maelwys) Doesn' 'av many female frien's?
(Morgan) Not that've been in that position
* Maelwys nods, sipping his ale
(Maelwys) Ye left yer guitar 'ere
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(Maelwys) Fetch it for ye?
(Morgan) Why?
(Maelwys) Ye are gonna play for us, aren't ye? E'ryone norm'ly 'as a go
(Morgan) I was hoping you'd forgotten but... I have a song or two 
* Maelwys stands, stretching
(Maelwys) Reckon Molly will sing for us?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) worth an ask
* Maelwys shouts to her, to which she replies she will. Maelwys goes off whistling
(Maelwys) **He hears Molly's thoughts: Something simple tonight. Shame Inga isn't here to duet... or even just for company
* Morgan sips his drink, watching the others
(Maelwys) **Everyone is having fun.  Evie and Ayden are swarmed with well-wishers*  Maelwys has it in his hands, not being very careful with it, when he gets drawn into a conversation most of the way back*
(Maelwys) ((Goes to get it, or waits?))
* Morgan goes to get it
* Maelwys smiles, handing it towards him whilst still talking
* Morgan takes it over to Molly, sitting down to tune it
* Maelwys follows him, plonking down beside him. Morgan's mind wanders off. He holds the well-loved guitar. He hadn't remembered picking it up that dreadful day three years ago, but he can only reason that he must have grabbed it from his room after closing the door to Edward's. He doesn't know why it was there, not at the cottage. He'd also grabbed an old shirt he hadn't worn in years.
(Maelwys) It's dark now, his whole life seven hours travel behind him.
(Maelwys) The forest is sparser here, turning to pasture land. The little track he's on hasn't yet intersected with the main route outside of Baden where he plans to join it. He's in Gottkirchen, Grafdom of Maubourg, but he doesn't care for politics.
(Maelwys) Look what Birthright had bought him. Look at the disgusting "honour" that culminated in Dietlinde and Jana's screams. His back to a tree and weary horse tethered, the strings of the cradled instrument dig into his fingers. This pain snaps him back to the loud, happy tavern.
* Morgan blinks slowly
* Maelwys  looks at him "Ye look like yer about to cast up yer 'ccounts on me floor!"
(Maelwys) **This catches Molly's attention, because she lays a hand on his upper arm, speaking quietly* Do you feel unwell, liebling?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) No... I'll be alright
(Maelwys) **Me 's micro-expression shows deep concern* Alright, liebling
* Maelwys laughs
(Maelwys) Think my 'ome brew is a bit strong for ye Eisenfolks!
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) Not even slightly
(Maelwys) **Molly tilts her head** By that reasoning, I should be able to drink it
(Morgan) Maelwys, tell her why she cant
* Maelwys laughs again
(Maelwys) Ye've obviously forgotten wha' I said last nigh' lass. He looks a bit delicate t' be ridden like tha' wi'ou' keelin' o'er
(Maelwys) **Molly blushes** Oh! Yes, I remember now
* Maelwys looks at her
(Maelwys) Ye goin' t' sing then?
(Maelwys) **She looks at Morgan* Unless I'm needed...?
(Morgan) No, its fine blossom
(Maelwys) [[But would he say that even if it weren't, because he doesn't want to spoil my evening, or so I'm not distressed]]
* Maelwys kisses his cheek "I wont be far"
* Morgan nods, resting his chin on the guitar as he tunes it
(Maelwys) **she gets up, going to where the musicians are. Anna moves up beside him* Are you going to play for us?
(Morgan) apparently
(Maelwys) S: Are you going to do seven deadly sins with Maelwys? He never sings it if you arent here?
(Maelwys) A*
(Morgan) Could do... I've got a couple of... ummm... slower, more personal songs as well
(Maelwys) A: That sounds- *she winces, rubbing a spot on her bump* -good
(Morgan) someone playing drums on your ribs?
(Maelwys) A: Aye. Its earlier and harder the second time round
(Morgan) unfortunate
(Maelwys) A: You want to feel?
(Morgan) if you're sure...
(Maelwys) A: **she nods, moving her hand. She smiles** of course
* Morgan puts his hand on her bump
(Maelwys) **He feels nothing a moment, then a series of taps against his hand. Anna says nothing, but in his memory Dietlinde says "There, do you feel it?!" He feels elated, grinning "Yes, Schatzen, I feel him" he winks, and she corrects him "Her." He shrugs, smiling at her "Whichever, so long as they're fine". Suddenly a singing catches his attention, and the memory pops like a soap bubble. Anna's baby kicks again.
* Morgan taps his finger gently against the kicking, looking to see the singer
(Maelwys) **The kicking increases. Molly is singing My Bonny Blue Eyed Boy, knowing it's popular here. She does well, but because she has sung an Eisen translation she and Inga made so often her accent leans even more Sudlachenburg. He's also starting to hear hints of Posen in it, an accent he's heard her with in her dreams where she is married to Sebastian*
* Morgan frowns briefly before tapping at the kicking again
(Maelwys) **This time the movement is bigger, like a shifting of position. Anna laughs
(Maelwys) A: Always makes my insides feel funny when they do that
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'd imagine so
(Maelwys) **Anna checks Maelwys is busy talking to someone, then looks at Morgan** It'll go no further, but...
(Morgan) but...
(Maelwys) A: Is Molly with child?
(Morgan) Maelwys said she's been asking... We don't know. She was poisoned, and the cast after was... brutal... she's missed her first course since then, but it could just be a result of the cast
(Maelwys) **She nods** Aye, she's been asking. Trying to make it subtle and stuff, but all young brides ask this of an older married woman at some point, usually for a reason
* Morgan nods
(Maelwys) A: Are you hopeful?
(Morgan) Tough to say. We've got a monumental amount of work to do before we settle down
(Maelwys) A: You'd find a way... unless you wouldn't be keeping it?
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) No, we'd find a way
(Maelwys) **The baby kicks his hand again*
(Maelwys) A: I'm not going to judge
(Maelwys) **Molly finishes, looking in their direction
* Morgan applauds
(Maelwys) **She smiles, getting stopped multiple times on the way back**
(Maelwys) A: I hope it goes whichever way will make you both happiest
(Morgan) I have Molly. I shall be happy whether we have children now or later
(Maelwys) A: *she smiles* I always suspected you were a romantic sort
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I have my moments
(Maelwys) A: Can you get my husband to be more Romantic? His idea of romance is grabbing my arse when I walk past him!
(Morgan) I'm not sure anyone can get him to do anything that doesn't come entirely naturally to him
(Maelwys) **Molly gets back to the table, sipping her brandy** Are you going to play, liebling?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I've been told so
(Maelwys) **Molly smiles, sitting down beside Anna** I'm glad
(Maelwys) **There's a cheer goes up as a pair of young Innish men take around a weaved arch of weeping willow, rosemary, and roses. Several couples kiss beneath it in turn. Maelwys nudges Morgan. "Nother Innish tradition. 'S called Th' Kissin' Bough. It's a decl'ration o' love, an' brings future passion an' fertility an' such. Supposedly th' more passionate th' kiss, th' better th' luck works"
(Morgan) How're you going to kiss the inn?
* Maelwys grins "Could lick th' walls"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) true
* Maelwys winks, going and scooping Anna up with some care, and carries her across the tavern, ordering people out of the way loudly. Molly looks confused, too short to see what's going on from her seat.
* Morgan leans over to explain it to her
* Maelwys giggles
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) Can you imagine your Father's reaction?!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) He'd not like this at all
(Molly) But it's a superstition... *she grins*
(Morgan) Not one he'd approve of, and superstitions don't count if they don't come from Sudlachenburg
* Molly nods. The music has stopped, but there's cheering
(Molly) Are you going to play?
(Morgan) You don't want to acceded to this superstition?
* Molly blinks rapidly a moment
(Molly) Ummm... well, yes... but...
(Morgan) come on then, we'll do that then I'll play
* Molly stands up, brushing off her skirt, waiting for him to lead the way
* Morgan leads her over
(Molly) **They bump into Claudia on the way. She is clearly taking drinks to the table*
(Molly) C: Alright?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) going to take part in a superstition, then I'm playing
(Molly) C: **She glances at Maelwys passionately kissing Anna beneath the bough. She rolls her eyes a little, and looks like she'll make a disparaging comment, then seems to think better of it* I'll take the drinks to the table
(Morgan) Good idea
(Molly) **Claudia goes. Molly looks at him* I thought she was going to disapprove
(Morgan) she does
* Molly nods. Maelwys starts wolf-whistling when he spots them
* Molly glances at Morgan's expression
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Morgan) he's always going to be fourteen years old
(Molly) **The bough is brought to them whilst there's already cheering. Molly is smiling at him. "How are we going to manage this if I start giggling?!"
(Morgan) quickly, I suspect
* Molly nods, taking a deep breath and squaring her shoulders. Maelwys shouts " 'e's not tha' bad, surely?!"
(Molly) ((Test))
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) ((Test))
(Morgan) ((yep))
* Molly winks at Morgan before looking at Maelwys "I could tell you how good he is, but I wouldn't want Anna feeling hard done by!"
(Molly) **Maelwys roars with laughter, and the others laugh too. She smiles, looking up at Morgan again
(Molly) Ready? *She bites her lip, smiling*
* Morgan smiles, pulling her to him and kissing her soundly
* Molly presses herself against him, holding fistfuls of his shirt, just as she did in Faulk's stable in the beginning of the passionate interlude that changed so much between them. Despite her general shyness, she's not reserved in how she kisses him now
(Molly) **there's a lot more wolf whistles now as well as cheering
* Molly waits for him to pull away, not making any move to do so herself, and he can feel the smile from the shape of her lips beneath his
* Morgan pulls away
(Molly) **There's a lot of clapping, and Anna comes to gossip with Molly whilst Maelwys claps Morgan on the back** Always suspected ye 'ad it in ye!
(Morgan) behave yourself you old dog
(Molly) **Maelwys just laughs. There's still no music*
* Morgan picks his guitar up and heads over towards the musicians
(Molly) **There's noone vying for the space, so he's able to start immediately
* Morgan rolls his neck, glancing around
(Molly) **about half of the people are watching him, the other half are with the kissing bough
* Morgan starts playing
* Molly , Anna and Claudia are watching him from the table. Molly tries to work out what the song is
(Morgan) ((Taciturn))
(Molly) **More and more people are paying attention. Molly is smiling, chewing her lower lip. Even Claudia looks impressed
(Molly) ((Eisen or Avalonian?))
(Morgan) ((Avalonian))
* Molly translates it for Claudia
(Molly) **Gradually everyone is listening, and when he finishes there's a lot of applause
* Morgan inclines his head
* Molly smiles warmly at him
(Molly) **The kissing bough has been put away, and people are settling in to drink and listen
* Morgan strums a few times, clearly thinking
(Molly) **everyone waits, talking amongst themselves
* Morgan hunkers slightly before starting to play
* Molly sips her drink whilst Anna asks her something
(Morgan) ((Now and Forever))
(Molly) **The room is absolutely silent as they listen, and he can feel all eyes on him
(Molly) **when he gets to the end there's clapping, stamping and cheering*
* Morgan motions for a drink while he checks the guitars tuning
(Molly) **He's given one ((attention?))
(Morgan) ((Molly and Claudia))
* Molly is smiling proudly but also mopping tears from her face with her handkerchief. Claudia is smiling, gesturing "good job"
* Morgan takes a swig from his glass before starting 'If I ever leave this world alive'
(Molly) **This one is familiar to the Innish folk, and there's singing along and clapping**
(Molly) **There's more cheering at the end of this one
* Morgan speaks to the musicians about playing whiskey in the jar
(Molly) **they know it well enough to play it with him, which goes down very well, and there's lots of singing
(Molly) **Evie and Ayden have moved towards Molly, as have a few others, and she seems to be getting all manner of compliments received on his behalf
* Morgan takes another drink
(Molly) **Claudia gestures "Maelwys has asked Molly if he can keep you as resident musician"
* Morgan shakes his head slightly before putting down his tankard
(Morgan) alright... last one...
(Molly) **Theres lighthearted booing at this
* Morgan looks to Maelwys, beckoning him over
(Molly) **Maelwys swaggers over*
* Morgan speaks quietly to the musicians about the song
(Molly) **They all look eager
* Molly and Claudia are talking, slightly seriously
* Morgan frowns briefly before raising his glass and speaking loudly
(Morgan) Sl?inte
(Molly) **A sizable portion of the crowd respond with "sláinte agatsa!" which translates "to your health as well"
* Morgan puts his drink down and nods to the musicians to start playing
(Molly) **They do as instructed
(Molly) ((What do they play?))
(Morgan) ((seven deadly sins))
(Molly) **This is familiar to both the Innish folk and the locals who have been here before when Morgan has been there. Maelwys is loud as usual, and everyone  joins in. Theres only a handful who don't seem to know it
(Molly) **they get to the end of it to a mass of cheering and clapping. Maelwys slaps him on the back**
(Molly) Tha' was good!
(Morgan) of course it was
(Molly) **One of the musicians comes to Morgan** Them first two, you got the sheet music for 'em? **the clapping is starting to reduce a  little**
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) No, I'm afraid not... I could get some to you though
(Molly) **he nods* Please, can see 'em being popular here
* Morgan inclines his head
(Morgan) thank you
(Molly) *he looks surprised, as does Maelwys* Ye wrote 'em?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) makes up for being terrible with a bow
(Molly) **Maelwys laughs** Ran outta time for th' archery
(Morgan) I wouldn't have done that one I'm afraid
* Morgan picks up his drink, taking a mouthful
(Molly) **The musician excuses himself to go back to his band mates**
** You're now known as Maelwys
(Maelwys) Didn' know ye could write songs
(Morgan) never really tried
(Maelwys) Ye 'ad yer wife weepin'
(Morgan) she'd not heard one of em
* Maelwys nods
(Maelwys) Good surprise then
(Maelwys) Ye finished 'ere?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll spare you all from anymore
* Maelwys makes his way through the crowd
(Maelwys) **When he heads back, Evie and Ayden are still with Molly, Anna and a couple of other merchant-types. Everyone else looks relaxed, but Molly looks a little tense. He's able to hear the conversation before he reaches it.
(Maelwys) E: And it'd be like, fecking look,  lovey, if ye don't like Bordeaux stitching on yer petticoats, get off yer titled arse and make it yerself! *Everyone laughs, but Molly sips her drink. Evie continues*
(Maelwys) It's not like yer doing much, just lazing around spoilt in yer grand mansion whilst all yer maids an stewards take care of everything! Y'have nothing but free time, ye can manage a bit of sewing. **There's laughter again, but Molly has slipped into a neutral expression. Evie looks to Molly* That's what it was like at Lady Catherine's, wasn't it?
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly looks, to Morgan who knows her well, like she's heard this fine, but her reply to Evie is simply "hmm?"
* Morgan sits down next to Molly
(Molly) E: All the noble people just wanting to have everything done for them while they lounged around enjoying themselves **Evie doesn't look accusatory, just tactless**
(Morgan) Dukes and Duchesses are the worst for that
* Molly sips her drink, moving a little closer to him
(Molly) **Everyone laughs at this*
(Molly) E: No offense, lovey, I don't mean you two!
(Morgan) I'm surprised you're working for Rebecca
(Molly) E: They're throwing money 'round Carleon, made sense to pocket some
(Molly) **Ayden nods* Puttin' it into jewellery too, an' gold.
(Morgan) I wouldn't be touching her money... couldn't trust it not to disappear when she cant pay her debtor
(Molly) E: I wouldn't give her credit, it's all coin upfront
(Molly) **Anna yawns** Sounds like dirty money they're trying to get clean
(Morgan) I wouldn't be surprised if her debtor came to get it... you've met him... big fella, arrogant... blue...
* Molly tilts her head, then glances at Morgan
(Molly) E: Hang on, you on about the winter prince?
(Molly) **A hush falls from Evie outwards like a rippling puddle**
* Morgan nods slightly
(Molly) E: What is she fecking doing with 'I'm?
(Molly) 'im*
(Morgan) couldn't say, but I do know she hasn't repaid her debt to him yet
(Molly) E: *she plonks herself down in a chair, nodding her head as if to send Ayden on his way. Morgan hears Molly's thoughts [[Go and be useful somewhere, Ayden... a bit like I said in that dream in the chapel to Sebastian]]
* Morgan puts an arm around Molly's shoulders, pulling her closer
(Molly) **Maelwys, Ayden and Anna all head for the bar. Evie gets comfortable** what do you know about the debt then, love?
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly smiles at him, nestling in a little
(Morgan) not much... just that he gave her a favour and she cant repay him... and that she was talking to him today... here...
* Molly moves away suddenly
(Molly) Hold on, what?!
* Morgan sips his drink, nodding slightly
* Molly keeps her mouth firmly shut, inhaling deeply through her nose, and moves back to her previous position, saying nothing.
(Molly) E: I dont know anything about it, sorry lovey. You dont know when she made the bargain?
(Morgan) No, but in your place I'd be wary of accepting anything from her
* Molly goes still, not even breathing noticeably
(Morgan) never know when the princes patience will run out
(Molly) E: Want me to find out and write to you, if I can?
(Morgan) aye, that'd be useful
(Molly) E: Molly, you alright, love?
* Molly nods slightly, eyes closed "Trying to remember"
(Molly) **He can almost feel her thoughts expanding, unfolding. He can either try to follow her train of thought, or try to keep it from overspilling
(Molly) E: **she just nods, trying not to interrupt*
* Morgan tries to follow it
(Molly) [[Okay, find something vivid, work back. Morgan and I are on the wall in the Rose Garden. He says "I would, were lady torrington to permit it, and were you willing, have you live with me." That's clear, go back. "*you realise you've not given me an answer, dont you?" Mmmhmm, I hadn't. Further. Horatio, the disappointment on his face. The happiness on his face. The walk down to the school house, Rebecca in the hall]]
(Molly) E: **she watches Morgan, looking vaguely concerned, speaking quietly* think she'll remember anything?
* Morgan shrugs slightly
(Molly) [[I offer her my assistance even if just for company. I dont want bad blood. She seems resigned, I worry she will end her life and it'll partly be my fault. She's ordered her affairs, she doesn't know when it will happen. It's not something to concern me or anyone else, she had to do it to get what she wished]] **Molly's eyes are still closed but she's frowning
(Molly) [[She was of sound mind when she made it, noone can intervene. There is always a choice I say, and I'm touching my lower lip because I'm thinking of him, and therefore thinking of kissing him. Dont get distracted Moll.]] **Evie looks really concerned now]]
(Molly) E: maybe I should leave you to it
(Morgan) Might be an idea while she thinks
(Molly) **He starts to feel Molly's feelings of discomfort
(Molly) E: *she gets up and wanders back to Ayden**
(Molly) ((Does he keep following her thoughts or not?))
(Morgan) [blossom, I don't want you feeling anything bad]
(Molly) [I'm alright]
* Morgan sip[s his drink
(Molly) [[I wanted her to feel there was a future, that she could still live. But she didn't believe it. "I might not have a tomorrow..." she said. "I have no choice...
(Molly) The bargain has been made and I do not regret it"]]
* Molly opens her eyes
(Molly) Ah damn. I'm sorry, I hoped perhaps she'd told me something of use
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) Not to worry
* Molly sighs
(Molly) The day after Curtis died, she said she'd made a bargain and didn't have a future, that she had put her affairs in order. And there was definitely *she whispers* the fair folk *stops* around that weekend
* Morgan nods
* Molly finishes her drink
(Molly) I don't know what it means though
(Morgan) No... it had been a little while since we had a fresh mystery I suppose
* Molly smiles
(Molly) At least half a day or so!
* Molly stretches a little
(Molly) Would you prefer to talk about you not telling me here, or back at our tavern?
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) later
* Molly nods
(Molly) Is there much you wish to do before we go?
(Morgan) No, not really
* Molly nods
(Molly) Then shall we just put that to one side for a moment, whilst we sit here so you can finish your drink? *she smiles warmly*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) please
* Molly rests back into his embrace further again
(Molly) Everyone loved your singing
(Morgan) you think so?
* Molly nods
(Molly) They were all clapping and cheering
(Morgan) thats what you do...
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) Not as much. Theres a difference between polite and enthusiastic...
* Molly tilts her head slightly
(Molly) with much in life, actually
* Morgan nods
(Molly) But of course noone loved it as much as I
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I should hope not
(Molly) Tell me about the second song?
(Morgan) what about it?
(Molly) Everything, as always!
* Morgan chuckles, sipping his drink
(Molly) Am I correct that you wrote it?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) When? What inspired it? Why haven't I heard it before?
* Molly nestles against him
(Morgan) Recently... there's not a great deal to do in the crows nest at night...
* Molly nods
(Molly) I assumed you didn't really think at all
(Morgan) not very flattering
* Molly giggles
(Molly) No, you silly goose! I meant that you were just there and watchful, at peace, like meditating
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) Not always
(Molly) You took your guitar up there?
(Morgan) No... 
(Molly) ...but...?
(Morgan) Its a fairly simple tune
(Molly) It's a very beautiful tune
(Morgan) I'm quite pleased with it
(Molly) Should I ask what inspired it, or will I seem soft-minded if I do?
(Morgan) I thought it was rather obvious
* Molly nods
(Molly) I love that. *she moves a little to look at him* I love you.
(Morgan) and I you
* Molly nods, smiling
(Molly) I'm starting to get that impression
(Morgan) somewhat slow at times
(Molly) I can be very slow... *the raise of her eyebrows is slow, but unmistakably mischievous*
(Morgan) yes I recall
* Molly bites her lip
(Molly) I am very glad to hear that. Why haven't I heard you practice or play it?
(Morgan) I wasn't ready for you to hear it
* Molly nods slowly
(Molly) Why tonight?
(Morgan) because... I thought you'd enjoy it
(Molly) I did. And I will, every day for the rest of our lives, liebling
* Morgan nods, smiling
(Morgan) good
(Molly) **Anna and Maelwys are heading in their direction* You will sing it for me again soon?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) if you wish
(Molly) Tonight? And tomorrow morning... tomorrow lunch time, and then for Inga and Heinzharold, and then bedtime again...
* Molly grins
(Morgan) maybe not that much
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) I will just have to sing it to you instead then!
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Anna and Maelwys arrive at the table, interrupting them**
** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving)
** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout)

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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 24 June 2021 09:51:49 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
** Morgan has joined #7thsea
(Molly) **Anna looks tired, and Maelwys looks tipsy**
(Molly) A: I'm coming to say goodbye now, I can't stay up like I used to
* Morgan gets up and hugs her
(Morgan) Sleep well
(Molly) **He can feel the baby kick against his stomach as he hugs her. Again, it reminds him of Jana strongly*
* Morgan looks down at the bump
(Morgan) and you need to calm down
(Molly) A: *she laughs* It makes it very hard to get to sleep, even when I'm so tired!
(Molly) **Molly hugs Maelwys "I think we might be leaving before long so I'll say goodbye now, just incase"
(Molly) *Maelwys picks her up off the floor as he hugs her* I've never 'ad me 'ands on a Dutchess b'fore *he grins at Morgan*
(Morgan) You mean you don't see Anna as a duchess in your heart? For shame, Maelwys...
(Molly) **Anna blushes, and Molly giggles. Maelwys puts her down, and hugs Morgan** Nay, my Anna's no Dutchess...
* Morgan squeezes his friend
(Morgan) Take care my friend
* Molly gives Anna a hug, and Morgan can hear her thoughts spill over [[and watch over and protect her and the baby in the months ahead, amen.]]
(Molly) **Maelwys slaps his back** An' ye. Bring yer boy nex' time, aye?
(Morgan) aye, we will
(Molly) A: *she looks at Morgan* Don't stay away too long, you hear?
(Morgan) We'll try... lots to do
(Molly) M: Don' forget th' guitar
(Morgan) I've got one on the ship, a gift from my brother... I'll leave this one with you, gives me an excuse to come back
(Molly) A: You never need an excuse, our door is always open, no matter what
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Maelwys looks at Anna with a big grin. She watches him, looking amused but wary "what?" He continues to grin, then looks at Morgan "My Anna isn't a dutchess because she's..." Anna rolls her eyes, obviously bracing herself for something
(Molly) **Maelwys yells "QUEEN OF THE TAVERN!" and he scoops her up in a cradling carry. The people start to clap and cheer, parting to allow them through. A song starts up in Innish, the lyrics to which are rather rude about a queen and a lowly goatherd. With a nod of his head to Morgan, Maelwys walks her through the gap, the loudest singer of all. Anna waves to them over his shoulder.
(Morgan) I swear he gets worse
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I think you're right. They're so happy though
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **The crowd has refilled the gap. The room just feels a little bit smaller with Maelwys and Anna gone.
(Molly) I think perhaps we should go. I'd like to get on the road home early tomorrow
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as you wish
* Molly looks around. Evie and Ayden look very busy with a crowd of people. Evie gives them a quick wave in return to Molly's, and Molly wraps her shawl around herself tightly
(Molly) Where do you think Claudia is?
(Morgan) I've no idea actually
(Molly) Maybe she's with the carriage?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) best find her before we go
(Molly) **He spots Claudia coming down the stairs from the guest accommodation upstairs**
* Molly is still looking around the room
(Morgan) found her
* Molly nods. With a gesture to tell Claudia they're leaving, they're soon outside and getting into the carriage. It's very dark out now, but still dry. Molly sits beside him, closing her eyes. Claudia sits opposite, watching him
(Molly) $You owe me$
** You're now known as Claudia
* Morgan looks confused
(Morgan) $why?$
(Claudia) $Five guilders for a bribe, and fifteen minutes of listening to Dau screw that awful woman$
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) $fair enough$
(Claudia) $they had a row first$
(Morgan) $Any idea what about?$
(Claudia) $Molly, winter prince, someone called Curtis?$
(Morgan) $Molly's betrothed, before he died$
(Claudia) $Molly was betrothed?$
(Morgan) $Thats what I said$
(Claudia) $Later then. Sounded like he said something Castillean too$
(Morgan) $unusual$
(Claudia) $Another name, I think$
(Morgan) $what?$
(Claudia) $rocket-ess de mar$ ((this is probably Roquetas De Mar, the place Molly said Kai told her was where his sister is))
(Morgan) $Its where his sister is$
* Claudia nods $wish they'd been talking Eisen, but the only time he did it wasn't something worth knowing
(Morgan) $tell me anyway$
* Claudia has a look of disgust, even in the low light $just sex talk$
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) **The coach rolls on, noone talking. They alight in Winterbourne Monkton, and Claudia catches his arm.
(Claudia) I'll write down everything I can remember, but you should get some rest.
(Claudia) **Molly is thanking the coachman, out of earshot
(Morgan) I don't see that in my future just yet
(Claudia) Hows the flashbacks now? *she looks genuinely concerned*
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) they come and go
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Like this last year?
(Morgan) last year was different... monsters and such
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Alright. Wake me if you need me
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thank you
* Claudia clasps his arm as usual
* Claudia goes, and they get to their room. Molly is undoing her boots when she asks how he is faring.
** You're now known as Molly
(Morgan) I'm alright
(Molly) I am glad to hear it. Did you enjoy the day at all?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, I did
(Morgan) and you?
(Molly) I definitely did, but I'm tired now, in truth. I might even be too tired to try to take you to task over not telling me *she smiles, continuing to prepare for bed*
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) as you wish
(Molly) Unless you were looking forward to it? *barefoot, she starts on her dress*
(Morgan) Not paricularly
(Molly) You'll say you didn't want to worry me or spoil they day, I'll say I understand but I think you should have told me, we'd agree to disagree, and so on. *she smiles, yawning*
(Morgan) Not exactly
(Molly) No? Well, that is a surprise
* Molly makes swift work of getting down to her shift and ready for bed
(Molly) Another time then?
(Morgan) If you wish
* Molly frowns a little
(Molly) What do _you_ wish?
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly looks deeply concerned, brushing out her hair
(Molly) Liebes herz... what's wrong? What have I done?
(Morgan) Nothing... you have taken exception to something I have done, what is done about it is not my choice
(Molly) It doesn't matter, liebling. You will have had a reason, and I know your motives are always for my good
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I'm not cross
(Morgan) I'm glad to hear that
(Molly) Are you getting ready for bed, my love?
* Morgan nods, getting undressed
(Morgan) though I'm not looking forward to it
(Molly) I would imagine not. I wish I could help you, take it from you **Molly yawns again. She gets him set up with his nightmare preparation before sorting out pinning the cloth inside her shift. If she has any inclination towards intimacy, she gives zero indication of it. She blows out the candle and slips in beside him.
(Molly) Should I sing?
(Morgan) No, you should go to sleep
(Molly) I will when you are asleep.
* Morgan frowns but settles down
(Molly) **Molly starts to sing the Vesten song about putting the little bird to sleep** ((interrupts or doesn't?))
(Morgan) ((no))
(Molly) **He must be more tired than he thinks, because he's asleep immediately*
(Molly) **One or two? He can't decide how much bread they'll need. Jana must be having a growth spurt, because along with out-growing her shoes she's eating her bodyweight in toasted bread. He can still faintly smell the strawberry jam she smeared in his beard. The marketplace is fairly busy, the warm september day bringing out shoppers, so he doesn't spot Adalbrecht until he is right beside him.
(Molly) The conversation is polite and civil, especially as they are being watched, but Morgan is still aware of his Father's quiet disapproval. He tells him about Jana chasing the rooster, and how she needs new shoes, when suddenly whoever is stood behind him beside the bread stall stumbles into him, giving Morgan a fraction of a second to steady them.
* Morgan does so
(Molly) **The young woman is well-dressed, certainly noble. Her hair is a dark red, and the only thing he can liken it to is the colour of the flames when burning the black wood of the Schwarzenwald. He feels vaguely like he's seen her somewhere before. She looks confused, speaking Eisen but without much of an accent** Oh, excuse me, I am so sorry.
(Morgan) No, its fine... are you alright?
* Molly looks him over, seeming to linger on his neck and his left hand. She brushes down her skirt of royal blue satin. "Thank you, yes. I hate to bother you, my lord, but I've been travelling for more than two weeks… *she looks a little embarrassed* could you tell me what date it is?"
(Morgan) 21st
(Molly) Of...?
(Molly) **Beside Morgan,  Adalbrecht seems curious
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) september...
* Molly pales, glancing around the village square "Oh. Oh, I see."
(Morgan) is that a problem?
(Molly) Hmm? No... *she finds a rallying smile* I hoped to be at my destination by now, that's all
(Molly) **Adalbrecht looks her over, then bows* My Lady. I am Graf Sudlachenburg, this is my son… Morgan.
* Molly frowns a little, looking at Morgan's expression a moment
* Morgan looks slightly surprised 
* Molly moves her gaze, watching past Morgan to Adalbrecht
(Molly) Your _Veisgraf_, Morgan.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) *Adalbrecht nods briefly, not looking too pleased with the correction*
* Molly turns to Morgan, smiling "Good afternoon, my Lord. I am Molly- *he can tell from her micro-expression that she's going to give a fake name* Ascania, daughter of the Duke and Duchess Anhalt.
* Morgan raises an eyebrow
(Morgan) are you
* Molly blinks rapidly. Adalbrecht looks at Morgan
(Molly) A: You're being rude, Morgan. My lady, you have Sudlachenburg's hospitality. Your family is highly respected.
* Morgan tilts his head
* Molly looks at them a moment "My apologies, _I_ am being rude. I will leave you to your discussion. Good day"
(Morgan) I would of course never mean to be rude to a member of the Ascania family...
* Molly smiles at him, then moves away from them and the stall
(Molly) **Adalbrecht is still watching her over Morgan's shoulder** Something about Jana's shoes?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) SHe's grown...
(Molly) **Adalbrecht nods, vaguely agreeing that children do that and then Grunhelm is calling him. He gives another look to the redhead. She's sat on the well, frowning deeply, talking to herself.
* Morgan heads towards her
* Molly doesn't notice him approach  speaking quietly
(Molly) Three, two, one.
* Morgan slows, watching her
* Molly is running a piece of light blue ribbon through her hands, frowning
(Morgan) are you alright?
* Molly looks up, pausing a moment, then nods
(Molly) Yes, thank you. Are you?
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) a little confused perhaps
(Molly) You are in conflict with your Father. Most wouldn't be able to tell...
* Morgan nods slightly
(Morgan) and you are not who you say you are...
(Molly) What makes you say so?
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) **Noone comes near, but he can feel the eyes of the village people on them, almost hear the gossip*
(Morgan) the hesitation before you chose a name... the fact you then had to tell us who the family are...
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Hmmm you're good at that
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) not bad
* Molly , smiling, watches him a long moment, then theres a micro-expression of pain before she looks away
(Molly) I am looking for a house
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) It is in the Schwarzenwald
* Molly weaves the ribbon through her fingers
(Morgan) Theus knows why you'd want to find a house there
(Molly) Indeed he does *she smiles again*
(Morgan) he'd be about the only one mind...
(Molly) **The whispering is getting a little louder, and his sharp ears tell him people are wondering who she is and why he's talking to her* I need a guide. I have a map.
(Morgan) oh really?
(Morgan) you'll be lucky to find a guide here...
* Molly tilts her head, smiling again
(Molly) Be my guide?
* Morgan looks confused
(Molly) You've been out there, in the Schwarzenwald
(Morgan) I have
* Molly ties the ribbon around her wrist
(Molly) Who better then?
(Morgan) I'm not sure the rumour mill could handle my escorting you
* Molly looks to think about this
(Molly) Hmm... then I must impose on the hospitality offered by your Father, and insist that you do
(Morgan) Were you who you claim to be, I'd have to agree... 
* Molly frowns a little
(Molly) If I can tell you something you can see I'm not lying about, would you trust my right to keep my full identity secret?
* Morgan thinks about it
* Molly just watches whilst he decides
(Morgan) I think maybe is the best I can offer... depends on how it affects Sudlachenburg
(Molly) My future allegiance to Sudlachenburg will only be beneficial for you.
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) alright
* Molly looks at him
(Molly) I am a Duchess of Eisen. I want to find the house because there's something there I need to know. I can't tell you my true identity because I am here covertly
* Molly clearly is being truthful
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) alright
* Molly looks relieved
(Molly) Alright, thank you. We should be back tomorrow
(Morgan) best tell the Graf...
* Molly blinks rapidly
(Molly) Ah yes.
(Morgan) Don't want him jumping to the wrong conclusion...
* Molly 's micro-expression shows pain again, but she smiles
(Molly) I will collect my things a moment and meet you back here?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Adalbrecht is stood across the square, talking to Grunhelm, and watching them. Morgan arrives at Adalbrecht almost without realising he's even walked*
** You're now known as Adalbrecht
* Adalbrecht gives Grunhelm a nod that sends the sheriff out of earshot
(Adalbrecht) Well?
(Morgan) My Lord, the lady wishes to impose upon Sudlachenburgs hospitality in the form of a guide... me, specifically
(Adalbrecht) As she wishes. A trade alliance with the Ascanias would be very profitable.
(Morgan) very well
(Adalbrecht) *he looks serious* A Duke's daughter would have been an excellent match for a future Graf.
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) are we going to do this again?
* Adalbrecht folds his arms
(Adalbrecht) Make her inclined to pass on good word of our hospitality and respectability to her Father.
(Morgan) as my lord wishes
(Adalbrecht) Do not mess this up, Morgan. The friendship of the Ascanias could go a long way to undoing the damage to our reputation
* Morgan glares at his father
(Morgan) If I am not trusted to do this, feel free to do it yourself
* Adalbrecht nods curtly
(Adalbrecht) Report back to me when she has done with you. Bring her to Die Dauerhaftigkeit if she wants our hospitality for the night.
* Morgan nods slightly before turning and walking away
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly is waiting by the well, looking around. She has a purple leather backpack, and a bow of white with a quiver of arrows that look to be sporting crow feathers.
(Morgan) I trust you're not expecting my help with that thing
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I am somewhat capable with it
(Molly) Shall we go? I think horses will only slow us down
(Morgan) as you wish
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I think I have everything we may need
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) good
* Molly hands him the map. People are definitely interested and gossiping. The house is on the banks of the Sudlache, east south east of a small familiar clearing. To get there, they need to go through the grounds of Die Dauerhaftigkeit, and to get _there_, they can go by the main route from the village, or the path which has a turn off for his cottage
* Morgan nods before setting off down the main road
* Molly is quiet,  looking around. She doesn't seem unfamiliar with the area
(Morgan) you've been here before....
(Molly) Mmmhmm
(Molly) **He can see Claudia's shack in the distance. He had thought she'd been away somewhere training for some Freiarr, but there's a couple of shirts strung up between two trees in the dirt yard around it
* Molly looks in that direction too before turning her attention back to the road
* Morgan makes a 'huh' before carrying on
(Molly) Something wrong?
(Morgan) No, just something I wasn't expecting... how come you didn't tell the Graf you were here last time?
* Molly smiles
(Molly) It wouldn't be very covert if I went around announcing myself, would it?
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) can't say I like the idea of that
* Molly nods
(Molly) I'm not surprised
(Molly) **There's a big puddle in their path, strange as it's not rained since the day before yesterday**
(Morgan) odd
* Molly nods
(Molly) Aye
* Molly looks at it
(Molly) Looks deep too
* Morgan nods, looking at it
(Morgan) very odd
(Molly) What we need is... *she looks around at the edge of the path, concentrating* ... a fallen tree
(Molly) **he spots one on his side of the path
* Morgan nods and clambers over to it
(Molly) **its easily reached and moved
* Morgan drags it into place
* Molly smiles warmly
(Molly) Excellent
(Molly) **Theres a flutter of wings from up above
* Molly goes to the end of the makeshift bridge, and curtsies to him "Why thank you, your excellency!" And she giggles and she raises her skirt to just below knee height and crosses it with ease
(Morgan) sorry?
* Molly stops watching him over the puddle
(Molly) Oh! My husband, I call him that. Force of habit
* Morgan watches her as he crosses the puddle
* Molly continues walking on. Very soon they come to another fallen tree, except its huge and fully blocking the path. She frowns.
(Molly) We're going to have to go the other way, arent we...
(Morgan) Its looking that way... I'm surprised the Graf didn't mention this, though
* Molly nods. Above them, a crow caws
(Molly) Do we cut through the trees,  or return to the village?
* Molly obviously has a decent grasp of the local layout
(Morgan) Through the trees is quicker...
(Molly) But dont touch the trees...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) exactly
* Molly looks south, squaring her shoulders
(Molly) Alright
(Morgan) Where in Eisen are you from?
* Molly thinks about this, clearly cherry-picking
(Molly) Fischler
(Morgan) uh huh
* Molly picks her way through the woods, careful of the trees, and above the crow follows them
* Molly says something quietly to herself... five, four, three...
* Morgan glances at her, speaking in Avalonian
(Morgan) what are you counting?
* Molly just shakes her head
(Molly) Doesn't matter. We're almost at the other path
(Morgan) uh huh
* Molly gets onto the path. There's immediately a smell of smoke, not something minor, something serious
* Morgan looks around, trying to gauge its source
(Molly) **The crow lands in the trees above them, cawing loudly, bigger than he has ever seen. Molly doesn't look at it. Instead, she mutters "Fuck" in Avalonian
(Molly) **There's smoke, and it's in the direction of his cottage**
(Morgan) what the hell
(Molly) "Vera farin martröð!" *She shouts, looking up around the tree cover.*
* Morgan looks at her, confused
* Molly is paying no attention to him. She looks genuinely panicked
(Molly) You are not strong enough, Iselilija **The crow replies in a human voice. The word is said Ee-suh-lily-yah. Ise means pure in old high Eisen and vesten. The voice is strong, male, older*
* Morgan moves off the path, back against a tree
(Molly) **The smoke is getting thicker, it doesn't smell like someone burning back shrubbery or tree branches, it's more acrid than that. Paint, treated wood... maybe linen too*
* Molly stays where she is, again shouting upwards
(Molly) I am! I have to be! **she looks like she might cry**
(Molly) **He has the realisation that noone else's house is close enough to smell like a burning house along this part of the path**
* Morgan swears, setting off at a run
* Molly chases him as fast as she can, and the crow follows
(Molly) Crow: You cannot do anything, it is too strong.  Your changes will only make it worse.
(Molly) **The distance seems so much longer, despite his speed. Somehow she's matching him, the crow likewise* M: I can't do nothing,  I have to end this for him! Crow: You will get hurt,  Iselilija. You will make it worse.
* Morgan tucks down his head, running faster
(Molly) **They reach the turn off for the cottage. She grabs his arm, tears down her cheeks* Stop, please.
* Morgan pulls away from her
(Molly) **Molly rapidly ties a blue ribbon to one of the branches, but there's crunching footsteps before she can explain.**
(Molly) **Heinzharold looks sooty, and absolutely devastated, his head bowed and shoulders sagging. He's obviously been crying.It reminds Morgan of the day he'd come to Die Dauerhaftigkeit to tell Morgan his Father had been killed. Beside Morgan, Molly winces**
* Morgan grabs hold of him
(Morgan) whats going on?
(Molly) HH: I'm sorry. We did everything we could, but the smoke… *he swallows hard, shaking his head*
* Morgan tries to get  past him
(Molly) HH: **he tries to hold Morgan back, but doesn't manage it
(Molly) **Even from a distance, he can see the damage to the cottage and the last of the smoke dispersing. It's not ruined, but it's obvious what has happened. On his lawn, his bedsheets cover the bodies completely. Knelt beside them, Claudia is even more sooty than HH, and some of her top is obviously burnt, as well as her arms. Just like his best friend, she looks heartbroken.
(Morgan) no... no no no
* Morgan rushes to them
(Molly) Crow: Undo it, Iselilija, before you accidentally set this in stone. Do you truly want him having this version instead?
(Molly) M: No, I don't think I want him seeing this. It's going to hurt, isn't it?
(Molly) Crow: Greatly.
* Molly closes her eyes, grinding her teeth together. He starts to feel very dizzy, like the ground is hurtling towards him. He wakes with a jolt.
* Morgan scrambles out of bed
* Molly wakes from his movement, before inhaling sharply and making an Mmm noise. Her voice is fairly calm and quietly
(Molly) Liebling?
(Morgan) what the _hell_ was that
(Molly) What was what? *she breathes deeply* Do you want me to light the candle?
* Morgan takes a deep breath
(Morgan) yes
* Molly sits up. The breath rushes out of her.
(Molly) Alright.
* Molly moves gingerly to the tinder box and candle, lighting it
* Morgan backs his way into a corner
* Molly stands, going to their bag. She glances over her shoulder
(Molly) Scotch?
(Morgan) aye
* Molly bends, rolling the bottle to him. For a moment as she stands she looks like she may faint
(Morgan) whats wrong?
(Molly) I'm alright. Talk to me. **she takes something from their bag, and disappears behind the small privacy screen**
(Morgan) You're clearly not alright... don't take me for an idiot
(Molly) I have a splitting headache, and  my course has started
(Morgan) can you do anything about it?
(Molly) **Theres the sound of water being poured into the wash bowl, the ceramics clanging together briefly**
(Molly) The headache, yes
(Molly) ((Distress and desperation?))
(Morgan) ((fairly high))
(Molly) **His fingers are tingling, and its gradually increasing**
* Morgan mutters pulling his clothes on
(Molly) **he feels the prickle of magic on the back of his neck
(Molly) **Molly is back out just before he's dressed. She doesn't sit, instead standing with a hand on her lower back. She watches him
(Molly) What's going on, liebling?
(Morgan) I need to get outside
(Molly) Do you want me to use the magic to help you?
* Morgan looks conflicted
* Molly looks compassionate
(Molly) I only wish to help
* Morgan nods slightly
* Molly comes to him, placing her hand on his chest
(Molly) You're like ice...
* Morgan shrugs slightly
(Molly) **a gentle warmth spreads from his chest, tingly like the back of his neck. She says "Shhh..." and his heart slows to normal, his body settling back down.  The magical tingling in his fingers disappears. He's still mentally upset, but the physiological responses have stopped*
* Morgan rubs his fingers before picking up the whiskey and taking a long drink from it
* Molly moves away, gently pacing the room
(Molly) I wonder what time it is ((is about five thirty, more than two hours til dawn ))
(Morgan) somewhere after five
(Molly) Oh good
(Molly) Can I do anything else?
(Morgan) did you dream?
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) No, I don't think so. It took me a long while to fall asleep
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) very well
(Molly) Why, liebling?
(Morgan) I had another of those dreams where... someone was trying to alter my nightmare
* Molly frowns
(Molly) That's strange. Like with the Schattenmann?
(Morgan) similar
* Molly goes to the window, lifting it. The cool night breeze comes in
(Molly) Do you wish to talk about it?
(Morgan) No. Because right now I'm very angry about it
* Molly nods
(Molly) Alright liebling. Would you like me to see if I can find some breakfast?
(Morgan) No, I think you need to rest more
* Molly nods a little
(Molly) Are you leaving?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I need to get outside
* Molly nods again
(Molly) Alright
* Morgan nods, heading towards the door
* Molly sits back down on the bed, watching him go
* Morgan heads out the door
(Molly) **Its still dark when he's made his way out of the tavern. There is enough moonlight to just about see by, but he knows Winterbourne Monkton fairly well
(Molly) ((Where does he go, how long is he gone?))
(Morgan) ((out into the fields for about half an hour))
(Molly) **The world is very quiet whilst he is out, and the work in the tavern they're staying at is just beginning when he gets back, quiet laughter in the kitchen
(Molly) ((He could go back to his room, find Claudia, go to the kitchens))
* Morgan heads to the kitchen
(Molly) **the servants there are making breakfast, but the smell that most hits him is toasted bread with strawberry jam
* Morgan shakes himself out of it
** You're now known as Claudia
* Claudia walks right into the back of him
(Claudia) Ugh
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) do you mind?
(Claudia) Yes, you're in between me and coffes
(Claudia) Coffee*
* Morgan moves out of the way
* Claudia goes in and gets some. She looks Morgan over ((expression and body language?))
* Morgan is slumped and looks miserable
(Claudia) Tell them I said sorry, it's an emergency,  would ya?
(Morgan) who? why?
* Claudia sticks two guilders on the counter, taking a jug and two cups.
(Claudia) The staff. I dont know how to say it in Avalonian
(Morgan) whats the emergency?
(Claudia) Your face
* Morgan sighs slightly, nodding
* Claudia takes it through to the tap room, thumping down two chairs from the table to the floor before flopping into one
(Claudia) So?
(Morgan) so?
(Claudia) What's up?
* Claudia pours the coffee, sliding some to him
(Morgan) rough night
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Get a coach, you can sleep to Carleon
(Morgan) maybe
* Morgan sips the coffee
(Claudia) You look like shit, no offense
* Claudia sips hers too
(Morgan) Thanks. I feel like it
(Claudia) Where's Molly? Why isn't she down here with you?
(Morgan) I went for a walk to clear my head. She's resting.
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Wanna trade? I kept hearing Dau making sex noises every time I drifted off
* Morgan says nothing, sipping his coffee
* Claudia raises her eyebrows
(Claudia) As bad as that then
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Heading off at first light?
(Morgan) Molly wanted to get moving early
(Claudia) Once we've had coffee, go and get some practice. I'll see to Molly and the horses, or carriage if you want it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
(Claudia) **This is what they do. By the time dawn has arrived, there's a coach and two loose horses in the coach yard. Molly and Claudia are waiting for him, watching him
(Claudia) **Molly gives him a gentle smile* I'm going to rude in the coach, but you can do whatever you wish, liebling
(Claudia) Ride*
(Morgan) I'll ride in the coach, maybe I can actually get some rest
(Claudia) **This gets arranged, and they pull away. Molly is sat facing backwards watching from the window just as she did when they first went to Carleon. She glances at him
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) Did you need to stay longer in Carleon,  or have you completed your business there?
(Morgan) No, best not linger
(Molly) Will we go to the island next?
(Morgan) I suppose we should take a look at it
* Molly nods
(Molly) That will be an adventure. *she takes a little book from her bag* I'll let you rest, my love
(Molly) **he dozes. It seems like only a few moments later that Molly gently shakes his shoulder** Liebling, we're back on the dock **his stomach rumbles loudly, and it must be around three o'clock**
* Morgan stretches
(Morgan) a;right
* Molly smiles, but there's a tension there
(Morgan) what?
(Molly) You slept a long time, you must have needed it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I suppose so
(Molly) **its the best part of seven hours, longer than he normally sleeps at night**
* Molly puts the book away
(Molly) Nightmares again?
(Morgan) last night, aye
* Molly shrugs a little, straightening her skirt
(Molly) I meant on the trip
(Morgan) No, none
(Molly) Oh. You said her name is all
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) strange. I didn't dream at all
(Molly) **Claudia opens the door** come on then
* Molly shrugs, getting out and thanking Claudia
* Morgan climbs out after her
* Molly looks up at the ship with a smile
(Molly) I'm glad to be back
* Morgan looks it over before nodding
(Molly) **Varick, Heinzharold and Inga are all on deck waiting for them. Molly goes on up, touching the horseshoe. Varick wraps himself around her legs, and she bends down to hug him tightly.
(Molly) **HH comes over to Morgan. He looks much more cheerful than the sooty, heartbroken version Morgan dreamt of*
(Molly) HH: And so, our almighty leader returned, swathed in glory and the the blood of his foes!
* Morgan rubs his forehead
(Morgan) its good to see you
(Molly) HH: *he hugs him, speaking quietly* 'Ow are you?
(Morgan) struggling a little... rough night
(Molly) **Molly lays her hand on the deck, saying something quietly. Then she goes to hug Inga, and they talk even quieter than that
(Molly) HH: Anything I can do?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Molly) HH: *he pats Morgan's upper arm* saw an apple tree in Regent's Park, if yer worship fancies it
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) I could stand to
(Molly) **Varick leaps at Morgan. Claudia doesn't stay on deck longer than to incline her head to HH and Inga before going below.**
(Molly) V: Morgan, I missed you!!
(Morgan) I've missed you... Have you had a good time?
* Molly glances at Morgan
(Molly) Inga and I are going to get some coffee and have a chat. I'll see you in a while?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) very well
(Molly) V: We played in the Park. I said please and thank you in Avalonian. We went to the church for you.
* Molly and Inga go below
** You're now known as Varick
(Morgan) Thank you... that means a lot to me
* Varick hugs him tighter
(Varick) Were you okay without me?
(Varick) **HH watches Morgan over Varicks shoulder*
(Morgan) I'll take you along next time, my friend Maelwys wanted to meet you
(Varick) Can Heinzharold come too?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'd say so
(Varick) I've been climbing the rigging, do you want to see?
* Morgan nods
* Varick wriggles to get down, and runs to it, scaling it quickly
(Varick) **HH looks at Morgan** He's 'ad a lot of questions whilst you've been gone
(Morgan) oh?
(Varick) HH: Dietlinde and Jana, what happened to them, why noone talks about them
* Varick goes higher
(Morgan) what did you tell him?
(Varick) HH: that there was a fire, noone knows why it happened, noone talks about them because they dont want to make you sad, and that he can talk to me if he wants
* Morgan nods slowly
(Varick) HH: Does he know about the arsonist?
(Morgan) I've not told him
(Varick) HH: He told me there's a body buried where the Forrester's new house is
(Morgan) he's said similar to us
(Varick) HH: There's only four people who knew that. I made sure noone dug it up during the building down there
* Morgan nods
(Varick) **HH looks at Morgan** Me, obviously. Claudia, the Graf, and Grunhelm. So where did it come from?
(Morgan) You won't like the answer I'll give
(Varick) *HH watches him. Suddenly, Varick loses his footing, making a yelp*
(Varick) **HH moves quick as a whip before Morgan's even quite had time to register it, putting himself between the falling boy and the deck.
(Varick) **HH does an excellent job as an impact cushion, landing hard but preventing Varick from hitting the wood head first. There's a moment of silence before both HH and Varick register it*
* Morgan rushes over
(Varick) **Varick starts to cry, reaching for Morgan**
* Morgan picks him up, holding him close
(Morgan) its alright... are you hurt?
(Varick) V: Scared *he sobs against Morgan*
(Varick) **HH gets up, looking fairly jovial, but Morgan can see two things; one, its shaken him, two, it's dislocated his shoulder
(Varick) HH: Not the first time I've had a Koertig drop from the sky on me!
(Morgan) Its alright, you're fine... we've got you
(Morgan) [need your help. HeinzHarold has dislocated his shoulder]
(Varick) [... alright, I'm coming]
(Varick) HH: Yer worship is too kind!
* Morgan shifts Varick so he can get a look at him while talking to HeinzHarold
(Morgan) I owe you
(Varick) HH: I'll take you tellin' my wife what a swoonworthy hero I am
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) done
* Varick looks okay, just scared
(Varick) **Molly comes up on deck with Inga. She's smiling as if nothing is wrong** Liebes herz, I wond-... Oh no, what's happened!
(Morgan) HeinzHarold has been heroic and, I'm instructed to say, swoon worthy, and has done his shoulder in
(Varick) **Inga goes to him, kissing him, and generally fussing over him. He looks happy with this, but can't move his left arm to embrace her
(Varick) **Molly looks at Morgan** We'd best get it back in then
* Morgan nods
(Varick) [Are _you_ alright?]
(Morgan) [bit of a scare]
* Varick holds his arms out for Molly who takes him. He doesn't cry again, but holds tight
(Varick) [Alright, my love]
(Varick) M: Heinzharold, can you manage to get below deck?
(Varick) HH: *he nods* yes, yer Ex'lency,  's not my good arm anyway
(Varick) *He winks at Morgan, and Inga slaps his good arm, muttering "stop it, Heinzharold" *
* Morgan smiles slightly
(Morgan) come on, below deck
(Varick) *Molly just shakes her head with amusement, carrying Varick below. They all end up in  the study. Varick seems to have perked up*
(Varick) Will we see his bones come out?
* Varick asks Morgan
(Morgan) No, its nothing like that bad
(Varick) I wanted to see his bones come out
(Varick) *Molly bites her lip, trying not to laugh*
(Morgan) guess we'll have to try harder next time
(Varick) **HH fakes a dramatic groan, but Morgan knows him well enough to see the hint of pain around his eyes*
(Varick) **Molly takes a deep breath* Varick, sit on the couch please. Heinzharold, in the chair, shirt off.
(Morgan) On the plus side, this'll 'urt less than having a field medic do it...
(Varick) **HH looks to Morgan, mouth opening to say something, and Morgan knows him well enough to know he should interrupt him**
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(Molly) **HH gets his shirt off with Inga's help. Molly averts her gaze, despite there being no reason as a physician for her to do so
(Molly) [Magic shouldn't be needed?]
(Molly) **Varick watches with interest** You have a lot of scars!
(Molly) HH: *he nods* Not as many as our glorious leader here!
(Morgan) [No, I don't think so]
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I seem to collect them
(Molly) **she braces HH, waiting for Morgan to do like he did with Edward.
* Morgan pulls his arm, shoving the ball back into its socket
(Molly) **It's smooth and straightforward, and HH doesn't complain, only pressing his forehead to Inga's clavicle and making a quick grunt.**
* Molly smiles at Morgan
(Molly) Well done, liebes herz
(Molly) HH: *he rolls his shoulder* Hang on, well done him!? I was the one sufferin'!
(Morgan) Stoically... quietly... admirably...
* Molly takes her hands off Heinzharolds skin
(Molly) HH grins: That's 'ow they make us navy men, bash us back t'gether, no harm, no foul
* Morgan nods
* Molly smiles "You can put your shirt back on, Heinzharold"
(Molly) HH grins again, flexing his muscles: An' cover up this work of art?
* Molly blushes,  obviously looking away, though she seems amused rather than offended
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Molly) V: When I'm a man, I'm going to do that!
(Morgan) do what?
(Molly) V: Show off and look silly
* Morgan laughs
* Molly and Inga laugh. HH inclines his head, putting his shirt back on
* Molly says to Inga
(Molly) Could you get us some food?  We didn't stop for lunch, and we didn't have breakfast either
(Molly) HH winks at Morgan: Reckon we ought to find an' feed Claudia too?
(Morgan) probably
(Molly) **HH grins the grin of a man who has been given permission to do something the granter hasn't realised*
(Morgan) What are you up to?
(Molly) **Inga goes out into the hall, and HH follows, hands in his pockets looking fakely nonchalant** Findin' Claudia, like yer worship said t'.
* Molly darts a look at Morgan,  biting her lip
(Molly) *quietly* what do you think he's going to do, liebes herz?
(Morgan) I can't help but feel I'm going to get blamed for whatever it is
(Molly) *HH nudges Inga towards the kitchen. Then he thumps loudly on Sorgis door before giving Morgan a grin and slamming the door to Morgan's cabin shut loudly.
* Molly is trying so hard not to laugh that she has to sit down
(Morgan) Definitely getting the blame for that
(Molly) Mmmhmm
(Molly) *Varick looks innocently at Morgan* I dont get it
(Morgan) Thats a tough one to explain... tell me what else you did while we were gone
(Molly) V: In the church, I lit a candle. And the priest asked if I wanted their names said in the next remembrance mass ((this is a vaticine thing, not an objectionist thing))
(Morgan) and what did you decide
(Molly) V: I had to think really hard about it
(Molly) **Theres a knock on the door
(Morgan) Come in
(Molly) **Claudia comes in, frowning** Not funny, Morgan.
* Molly coughs, trying to conceal that she found it very funny
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
(Molly) C: That's not-... *she looks at Varick before gesturing* we weren't doing that
(Morgan) It wasn't' me
(Molly) **HH saunters down with the tray of food "Wasnt you what, strategic genius?"
(Molly) C: Morgan thought it was funny to do to me what he did to you in Freiburg
(Molly) *HH shakes his head forlornly* "Oh Morgan. How juvenile."
* Molly starts giggling
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) believe as you please, I've told the truth
(Molly) **Claudia stands aside to let HH put the tray down**
(Molly) V: *he stands on the couch* It wasn't Morgan,  it was Heinzharold!
(Molly) C: *she picks up a sandwich in her left hand* I know. *with her right, she slaps HH upside the head*
(Molly) V: *he finds this hilarious*
* Molly comes to Morgan "You must be famished, liebling. Please, eat.
* Morgan picks up a sandwich
(Molly) **They all settle in for the food. Molly manages to get Morgan aside once she's satisfied he's eaten. Inga and HH are playing a game with Varick. She shuts the bedroom door, looking up at him
(Molly) What happened, liebling?
(Morgan) Varick was demonstrating his climbing and fell... HeinzHarold put himself between Varick and the deck
(Molly) That was lucky!
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Was he high enough to have been hurt?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly nods slowly
(Molly) How are you?
(Morgan) alright
* Molly nods
(Molly) That must have been scary
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) very
(Molly) But you're alright, you dont need me?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm sorry I interrupted your time with Inga
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) I may take some time with her after Varick's bedtime, unless you wished to spend time with me
(Morgan) Its fine blossom
* Molly nods
(Molly) Alright. You may go now *she smiles*
(Morgan) as the duchess decrees...
* Morgan heads out of the room
* Molly follows a few minutes later
(Molly) The afternoon is fairly peaceful, HH and Inga staying with them, but Molly seems distracted. The bed time story chapter is full of characters they don't know after two missed nights, but Varick is too tired to explain. He holds tight to Morgan when he says goodnight.
(Molly) **Heinzharold suggests he and Claudia join him for a drink in the Badger and Ferret.
* Morgan agrees
(Molly) **Claudia is on board with this plan too. Its fairly quiet in the Badger and Ferret for a change. Heinzharold and Claudia both complain about the ale. They're both sat opposite him, and it starts to feel like an ambush
** You're now known as HH
(HH) We want to know how you are doing
* Morgan raises an eyebrow, sipping his drink
(HH) **They both watch him
(HH) C: Any unit is only as mobile as its least mobile member
* HH sniggers, and she punches him in the arm
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I'm alright
(HH) **They both chorus "horseshit" at the same time
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) suit yourselves
* HH looks at him "I can tell when my wife is worried, an' she's only worried about you if yer's is."
(Morgan) what do you expect? I convinced myself Molly and Varick had been killed last time I was away from them for a couple of days, and that was only Dietlinde's birthday
(HH) C: So stop being an ass and talk to us. We... we care about you.
* HH grins
(HH) She means we love you, she jus' can't say it!
(Morgan) Its difficult. I've been having flashbacks as well as nightmares.
(HH) Nightmares like with the trap ship that could come true?
(Morgan) No
(HH) **in the back ground, a glass smashes and a cheer goes up*
(HH) Just reliving it?
(Morgan) more or less
(HH) What can we do?
(Morgan) Nothing
(HH) Need distractions? To be alone? To not be alone? Gotta be summat we can do
(Morgan) .me shrugs
(Morgan) I don't know. It hits me seemingly randomly
(HH) C: Now that the anniversary is over, wont it stop?
(Morgan) Lessen, maybe... I've had them more or less every time I've slept since it happened
(HH) Unnerstanable. If it was Inga...
* Morgan nods, sipping his ale
(HH) C: what about taking a break from it all? Going somewhere out in the wilderness alone for a few weeks?
(Morgan) No time for that
* HH shrugs
(HH) We could manage wi'out you. Inga and me could help wi' Varick, Claudia could be security
(Morgan) I've no doubt. I just don't think it'd do any good
(HH) You could go and be a monk in a monastery for a few months *he grins*
(HH) **Claudia rolls her eyes*
(Morgan) I don't really see that happening
(HH) **They run out of suggestions, and gradually change the subject to easier things. After about an hour, a fight breaks out that cannot be talked down at all. Claudia looks at Morgan,  grinning
(HH) C: It'd be a peacekeeping mission…
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) wouldn't want this place getting trashed now
(HH) **HH grins too* Just our civic duty really
(HH) **Claudia and HH have a wonderful time putting down the miscreants on both sides. It's all fists and feet, no blades. HH catches a glancing blow that looks like it may become a black eye, but he just laughs*
(HH) ((How much does he get into the thick of it?))
(Morgan) ((enough to make a decent impact))
(HH) **He receives a pretty solid blow to his flank, and he knows it will leave an undeniable mark tonight and a good bruise tomorrow*
* Morgan whirls round with his elbow
(HH) **The man goes down easily. Very soon the peace is regained. They're thanked by the tavern owner, and their tab which, due to a combination of weak ale and hard Eisen stomachs, is sizeable is forgiven. HH and Claudia are much more cheerful now*
* HH looks up at the starry sky once they get outside
(HH) That was good
* Morgan prods at his side
(Morgan) I'm gonna hear about this in the morning
(HH) Whys tha'?
(Morgan) its gonna leave something of a bruise
* HH grins
(HH) Its all in 'ow you handle it.
(HH) C: What are you on about?
(HH) it's easy, like my eye. I'll tell Inga there was a fight an' I 'ad to keep the peace, give her a a bit of a sad look an' say it hurts an' could do wi' kissing better, she'll feel proud o' me, and I'm in the clear
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) Absolutely isn't going to work
(HH) C: *she scoffs* Bullshit. That would never work
* HH shrugs
(HH) It'll work on Inga, guaranteed. Might not work on Molly though
* Morgan nods
(HH) C: why not?
* HH grins
(HH) Have y' looked at my face?
(HH) C: **she rolls her eyes* I will give ten guilders to either of you if tomorrow your wives will admit it worked and you got away with it
* HH spits in his hand, offering it to Claudia. She does likewise, shaking on it
(Morgan) No point betting with me, I know it wont work... and I owe you money
* HH looks intrigued
(HH) What do y' owe her money for?
(HH) C: *she grimaces* Bribes and listening to sex, mainly
* HH looks at Morgan
(HH) Wha' th' hell did I miss?
(Morgan) quite a bit
(HH) Tell me tomorrow,  I'm going to bed to earn ten guilders
* Morgan nods
(HH) C: *she snorts, laughing*
* HH bows to them at the top of the gang plank before disappearing off
** You're now known as Claudia
(Claudia) He's an ass
(Morgan) yes... yes he is
(Claudia) But he's our ass
* Claudia looks more serious "Any time of night, wake me if you need me, alright?"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
(Claudia) Goodnight, Morgan
(Claudia) **He can already smell freshly made tea when he gets there. Theres a hint of lavender and chamomile to it
* Morgan walks into the room
* Claudia is sipping tea, watching the night sky from the couch by the window
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly glances round
(Molly) Tea, liebling?
(Morgan) please
* Molly gets up and pours him some before returning to her seat
(Molly) Did you have a nice evening?
(Morgan) can't be much to look at by now
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) No, just a few stars. The dark is fine.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I'll be in in a little while, if you're going to bed now
(Morgan) is something wrong?
(Molly) Just a lot on my mind tonight. How was your night?
(Morgan) anambush
(Molly) Oh? Howso?
(Morgan) They wanted to get me alone to tell me they're worried about me
* Molly nods
(Molly) What did you say?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) that I don't know how they can help
* Molly nods sadly
(Molly) I wish any of us could
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) whats on your mind?
(Molly) Lots of things. You. My Father. The winter prince
(Morgan) Don't worry about me... I'm in a better place than I have been the last few years
(Molly) I always worry about you, especially when you are as angry as this morning
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly looks away, swirling the tea in her cup
(Molly) My father was going to the waterwheel house this morning. He could be dead out in the Schwarzenwald, and I wont even know it until tomorrow evening, assuming the link even works over this distance
(Morgan) it'll work. Your fathers a sturdy man, he'll be fine
* Molly looks at him
(Molly) Against the Schattenmann.
(Morgan) He's an Avalon man, he'll instinctively know to run like hell if he encounters it
* Molly smiles a little
(Molly) I am worrying unnecessarily?
(Morgan) I think so
(Molly) I hope so
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Would you sit with me, or do you need to rest?
* Morgan sits next to her
* Molly rests her cheek on his arm
(Molly) I wish I could make your nightmares stop
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(Molly) Its hard sometimes
(Morgan) in my dream... you were trying to change my memory of it
(Molly) Like with the Schattenmann?
* Morgan nods slowly
(Molly) I don't recall doing either
* Molly leans away, looking up at him with a frown
(Molly) You're angry _at me_
(Morgan) I was... You've wanted to take that pain away before..
* Molly moves further "That's what you were telling me this morning, I just did not comprehend"
(Morgan) I needed to know if you were doing it
* Molly looks at her teacup, nearly empty, and stands
(Molly) I can't answer that, because I do not know.
(Morgan) You weren't doing it consciously... thats what matters. There are some things we need to look up though
(Molly) Mmhmm *she walks back to the desk to refill the cup*
* Morgan sighs, sipping his tea
* Molly pours slowly
(Molly) What things
(Morgan) A couple of names
(Molly) The meaning of them? Like how Heinzharold knew what Sebastian meant?
* Molly sets down the teapot a little unevenly
(Morgan) who or what they are.particularly
(Molly) And what are the names?
* Molly stirs her tea with a little ping of metal in porcelain
(Morgan) Iselilija... 
(Molly) **The tinkling noise abruptly stops*
* Molly says nothing
(Morgan) You know it?
(Molly) No...
(Morgan) sure?
(Molly) But it makes my skin feel strange. Like a strange shiver... In Avalon, we would say ¥like a goose walking over my grave¥
* Molly starts stirring again, the noise resuming
(Morgan) Have to see what we can find out about that
* Molly brings her cup back
(Molly) What is the relevance?
(Morgan) In my dream, a talking crow called you that... told you you weren't strong enough, and should put me memory back as it was
(Morgan) when we woke, your course had started and you had a headache... you'd asked if putting it back was going to hurt
* Molly blinks rapidly
(Molly) A talking _crow_...?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) That's... bizarre, liebling
(Morgan) No more bizarre than you shouting at the Schattennman and tying blue ribbons to keep it away
* Molly ponders on it, sipping her tea
(Molly) Why would I be able to affect the Schattenmann man one? Was there a crow in that?
(Morgan) Not that I recall, but shouting foreign words at it and it going away _are_ fairly bizarre occurances
* Molly nods
(Molly) As for my course... we were expecting that, weren't we?
* Molly watches him
(Morgan) well... I suppose so, but the timing...
* Molly nods
(Molly) You are concerned it is self-inflicted ?
(Morgan) a part of the pain the crow warned about
* Molly frowns
(Molly) Wouldn't I just try to wake you up?
(Morgan) in the other ones you've affected it so that I don't have it as a nightmare any longer
* Molly nods a little
(Molly) I dont think this is a mystery I can solve tonight! Do we need to stay and investigate the meaning of *her micro-expression shows distress, avoidance* that name
(Morgan) No, I dont think so... I know part of it is high Eisen
(Molly) It is? What does it mean?
* Molly finishes her tea*
(Morgan) Ise means... pure...
(Molly) I'm sorry,  I still dont have any idea
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) aside from that, neither do I
* Molly stands again
(Molly) I'll think on it, all of it.
* Morgan nods, stretching
(Molly) Maybe Theus will be merciful and let us have  better night tonight? *she smiles, but her eyes are sad*
(Molly) **the spot he got hit feels very sore
(Morgan) we can hope
* Molly offers her hand tentatively
* Morgan takes it
(Molly) Let's retire then, my love
* Morgan nods
** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving)
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(Molly) **They leave the conversation outside the bedroom. Already in just a shift, she doesn't undress as part of her preparation. She does prepare his herbs whilst keeping a side long glance of his undressing. Once his shirt is off, she says "Liebling, what happened to your side? Did you get hurt when Varick fell?"
(Morgan) No
* Molly watches him
(Molly) Did it happen whilst you were having the nightmare?
(Morgan) While I was being ambushed, a fight broke out... I had a hand in stopping it
* Molly looks concerned rather than cross
(Molly) Are you alright? Do you want me to take a look at it?
(Morgan) Its fine, it was just a lucky blow
(Molly) I could put some arnica cream on it, to reduce bruising?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that might be an idea
* Molly gets some from her box, and comes to kneel at his side. She gently touches it with her dry fingertips first
(Molly) **it's definitely tender, and likely to be more tender tomorrow**
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) thats goin' to hurt tomorrow
* Molly gives him a little sad look and unscrews the jar
(Molly) Oh liebling...
* Molly sets the lid on the floor
(Molly) I'll be as gentle as I can
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) its my own fault if it hurts
* Molly gets a fingertip's worth of the white cream
(Molly) You were trying to stop the fight, it's not your fault
(Morgan) That was the goal, yes
* Molly puts her finger to his skin. The cream is very cold
* Morgan flinches
(Molly) I'm sorry, I dont want to hurt you. *she looks very serious, more than the situation warrants*
(Morgan) its just cold and I'm being a bit of a wuss
* Molly smiles, rubbing the back of his leg with her free hand
(Molly) That's alright, I dont mind that at all
* Morgan nods
* Molly continues to rub in the cream, then sits back on her heels, hands on her lap. She looks up at him "all done?"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) its the only place anyone actually managed to get me
* Molly nods, smiling
(Molly) Alright, liebling, I'll get up then
* Molly watches him a moment
* Molly then stands, putting the cream away
(Molly) **The next step is his nightmare preparation, which she helps with* I wonder if this is even making any difference
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I don't know
* Molly nods and climbs into bed. She pulls her knees up, wrapping her arms around them
(Molly) I feel like each night is becoming something to dread, rather than a respite at the end of a long day
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm used to that though 
(Molly) I'm not
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) would you prefer I sleep elsewhere?
* Molly frowns deeply
(Molly) You do not wish to share a bed with me anymore?
(Morgan) of course I do, but I would understand if you wish to not have to deal with my nightmares
(Molly) I want you here.
* Morgan nods
* Molly watches him solemnly
(Molly) You are not a burden to me, liebes herz
* Morgan shrugs slightly
(Molly) Come to bed...? *the instruction turns to a question, betraying that shes not entirely sure he wants to be there*
** You are now disconnected (Connection timed out)

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(Molly) [10:25] (Molly) Come to bed...? *the instruction turns to a question, betraying that shes not entirely sure he wants to be there*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
(Molly) **she lies down, watching him**
(Molly) Goodnight, my love.
(Morgan) Goodnight blossom
(Molly) **she sings to him in Eisen, its sweet and rhythmic,  like a waltz, and he's asleep in moments despite having slept seven hours on the road**
(Molly) **He starts to dream. It's the opening ball of the winter session at court, Freiburg 1663. There's a brief gap in the fighting, and the stars have aligned that Edward is on a break too. Adalbrecht had demanded that they come, probably to parade in front of the debutantes, despite Morgan's protestations that he'd rather be in Sudlachenburg with Verity and Heinzharold.
(Molly) He didn't see the point of looking for a bride, he's not yet twenty, Edward only sixteen. What use could they be to wives when they wouldn't be home and might be killed any day.
(Molly) But the champagne is crisp and cool, the talented musicians are playing a minuet whilst dancers move  on the polished floorboards like a living rainbow of finery. He is in knee breeches, appropriate but displeasing. Everyone is having a nice evening.
(Molly) He's secretly hoping to catch a glimpse of Mina Hapsburg, who is beautiful,  and who would be a good marriage for Sudlachenburg.
(Molly) **Edward is watching around the room. He looks young, hard to believe he's already been at War for months. He's pointing out women he thinks are pretty by descriptions of their dresses.
* Morgan watches his brother for a moment
** You're now known as Edward
* Edward looks at Morgan
(Morgan) This is pointless
(Edward) Why? We're here to be seen, and to see the young ladies
(Morgan) whats the point? We could be dead in weeks
* Edward sips the champagne
(Edward) Could be, but probably won't be. One day the War will be done, and this will be our lives, like when our grandfathers were young men.
(Morgan) I'd rather be spending the time with mother
* Edward smiles slightly
(Edward) Rather than flirting. You must be mad.
(Morgan) pragmatic. Its unlikely anyone here will be the ones we settle down with
* Edward winks at a brunette in a red velvet dress, and she waves to him with her fan
(Edward) You're a Veisgraf. These balls are the only place you're going to meet someone Father would accept
(Morgan) Maybe I already have...
* Edward looks at him
(Edward) Who?
* Morgan smiles, looking across the room
(Morgan) that'd be telling
* Edward smirks
(Edward) Girls on shore leave don't count.
(Morgan) mind your mouth
* Edward sips his champagne. **Eisenfurst Trague is waiting at the bottom of the stairs greeting the guests. Edward subtly gestures towards him "I hear that he's searching for a new mistress tonight"
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) lack of decency
* Edward shrugs
(Edward) Emperor Leon has three, and His Grace is a follower of Montaigne fashion.
* Morgan snorts
(Edward) **The song changes, a quadrille,  and the dancers pair up again*
(Edward) There will be an Allemande à Dieu danced soon. **Not a follower of montaigne court fashion,  Morgan hasn't heard of it**
(Morgan) and you can get medicine for that?
* Edward laughs
(Edward) You should keep up with court fashion. It's your duty.
(Morgan) If we start following Montaigne's lead in things, my lack of knowledge about their ridiculous fashion will be the least of our worries
* Edward shrugs
(Edward) It's from Chartreuse ((Montaigne capital)). Its like a waltz, but you hold her against your body, not away from it
* Morgan glances at Edward
(Morgan) bit improper isn't it?
* Edward shrugs again
(Edward) Look around you. These are the people who decide what is proper and what isn't.
(Morgan) No, these are people who think they do... their judgement is not in their own hands
(Edward) **He sees blonde curls across the other side of the room, but he's not sure if it's Mina or not**
(Edward) Their judgement is is based on the other nobles' opinions.
(Morgan) passing judgement, not the sort that means anything
(Edward) **whilst he is still watching to establish whether it is indeed Lady Hapsburg, Edward suddenly stops talking, followed by
(Edward) Wow...
* Morgan glances at him
* Edward is staring in the direction of the Eisenfurst
* Morgan follows his gaze
(Edward) **The young woman is younger than Edward, young to be presented at court, but not unseemly young. The rules were above sixteen for a young man, and above fourteen and flowered for a girl.
(Edward) **His mother had refused to tell him what that meant when he was first allowed to court, but he'd heard it meant that a girl would bleed once a month when she was matured enough to carry a child, and that the flowering was the first time that happened. And if she was old enough to become a mother, that meant she needed to become a wife, in noble circles at least.
(Edward) **She has long deep red curls.  The dress she wears is a deep green satin, off the shoulder with long gloves. She's on her Father's arm, and smiling shyly at His Grace, who smiles warmly back.
(Morgan) huh... yes, I'll second that
* Edward 's mouth just hangs open, nodding
(Morgan) Shut your mouth, you look like an idiot
(Edward) **The girl blushes and smiles at something the Eisenfurst says, looking at her Father as if seeking his protection
* Edward 's mouth snaps shut, but he doesn't look away
(Edward) Who is she?
(Morgan) Go and ask
(Edward) **she curtsies and her Father bows. Hers is well practiced and perfected, his looks slightly awkward*
* Edward looks at Morgan
(Edward) Gentry, with well-connected friends?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) could be
(Edward) **Molly and her Father stand at the edge of the room. He gives her champagne, talking to her whilst she shyly looks around.
(Edward) Unusual, getting an invite to this
(Morgan) must know some people... no way they got an invite otherwise
(Edward) **She sips it, making a little nose wrinkle of dislike. Her eyes meet Morgan's, and she blushes as if aware she's been caught behaving in an unladylike manner, looking away*
* Edward nods
(Edward) A Duke at least. Not even a Graf could swing this
(Morgan) Not unless he has something on someone
(Edward) **She looks back at Morgan a moment, and blushes with a hint of a smile as her eyes meet his, averting her gaze again
* Edward looks around, and spots Eisenfurstin Posen approaching the redhead's father
(Edward) Friends in very high places...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) evidently
* Edward looks at Morgan
(Edward) That hair.
(Morgan) Its very unusual
(Edward) **Her Father and the Eisenfurstin look to be on very good terms, but aside from a brief nod, the girl is more interested in watching the room. She is looking at him the next time he looks at her, and she smiles as she looks away. But almost immediately, she's watching him again.
* Edward watches her, then Morgan
(Edward) Do you know her?
(Morgan) Yes, I met her while swinging from the rigging to board another ship...
(Morgan) she was in the crows nest, brandishing a sabre
* Edward rolls his eyes
(Edward) She keeps looking at you
(Morgan) I cant say I blame her
(Edward) **She sips the champagne again, managing not to reveal her dislike this time*
(Edward) You're becoming more like Heinzharold
(Morgan) Not a bad way to be... he's almost always happy
(Edward) **She bites the left side of her lower lip, her gaze darting back to him once more
* Edward sighs
(Edward) I don't get it. I'm more handsome than you, yet it's you she keeps looking at
(Morgan) Thats because I don't have a stick up my backside
(Edward) I don't have a stick up my backside!
(Edward) ((Need to know his level of eye contact))
(Morgan) ((quite a bit))
(Morgan) please, the stick even has a stick up its backside
* Edward snorts
(Edward) **she manages to hold the eye contact this time, smiling shyly.
* Edward sips his champagne, watching between them
(Edward) She's too far above you in attractiveness,  and too far below you in status.
(Morgan) I beg your pardon?
(Edward) You heard me
(Edward) **She's still watching Morgan, this time her gaze dropping to his mouth before she rapidly looks away, shaking her head slightly with embarrassment
(Morgan) Yes, I just thought I'd give you a chance to keep your opinion to yourself
(Edward) Why would I?
(Morgan) because its disrespectful and rude
(Edward) **she glances to see if he's still watching her**
* Morgan is still looking
(Edward) **she looks pleased by this, the shy smile turning warmer
(Edward) True though. The second bit, for definite. If she's only gentry, Father wouldn't approve of the match
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I cant say it matters
(Edward) I know, I know. Jumping the gun, you haven't even spoken to her. But Morgan...?
* Edward looks at Morgan
(Morgan) what?
(Edward) ((Attention?))
(Morgan) ((Edward))
(Edward) She's been blatantly flirting with you almost since she entered the room. Noone else is getting a look in. You should at least speak to her
(Morgan) I suppose so
(Edward) **In the time he's been looking away, she and her Father have moved**
(Morgan) well... damn
(Edward) Please tell me you've gained some experience in talking to women whilst you've been away?
(Morgan) Yes, there's _hundreds_ of them at sea
(Edward) *quietly* On shore leave... the followers of the drum...
(Morgan) Some of us were actually working...
* Edward shakes his head
(Edward) I despair.
(Morgan) Go back to looking at dresses
(Edward) *he mutters* or up them
(Morgan) Don't be disappointing the family, Edward, try to behave like a respectable man
* Edward spots her first, quite a bit closer
(Edward) On your nine o'clock
* Morgan looks
(Edward) **Her Father is talking jovially with another very well-dressed man whilst she is again watching the room. She doesn't look bored, just a little shy and reserved. She almost seems to be looking for someone
* Edward watches too
(Edward) She doesn't look like she's been to many balls.
(Morgan) unlike you...
* Edward rolls his eyes
(Edward) This is my third.
(Morgan) I know, you know all about balls... must be an army thing
(Edward) Maybe you should behave like a respectable man, or don't they teach you that when you're all in your hammocks
(Edward) **She spots Morgan again. She seems to give almost a little sigh of relief*
* Edward looks at her, then Morgan
(Edward) Go and talk to the girl, before she swoons over you. *he drinks some more*
* Morgan walks away from Edward toward her
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly sucks her lower lip as she watches him approach, her eyes widening. The correct social nicety would be to introduce himself to her Father first
* Morgan smiles at her before turning to her father, bowing his head
(Molly) F: **he bows, and the man next to him inclines his head** Good evening
(Molly) Man: **he looks Morgan over** You're Adalbrecht's son?
(Morgan) yes sir
(Molly) M: I am Duke Anhalt, this is my friend Herr Forrester, and his beautiful daughter, Molly
(Molly) Anhalt: David, Molly, allow me to introduce Lord Morgan Koertig, Veisgraf Sudlachenburg
* Morgan bows to them
(Molly) **bows are made again. She curtsies to him deeply, speaking softly "Good evening, my Lord"
* Molly speaks Eisen, and Morgan knows the sound of a tutor when he hears it. He picks up a hint of Avalonian, but most it sounds purposefully cultivated to sound more upper class.
(Morgan) Miss Forrester, a pleasure to meet you
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* MollyK gets tongue tied
(MollyK) I-... me too. I mean, it is a pleasure to meet you also, my Lord **she can't seem to look away**
(Morgan) Herr Forrester, would you allow me to dance with your daughter?
(MollyK) **he nods** Certainly, my Lord
* Morgan holds out his arm to her
(Morgan) if you'd do me the honour
* MollyK nods, taking it with a shy smile
(MollyK) Thank you
(MollyK) **The music changes as he leads her out to dance, a slow waltz. He hears the master of ceremonies announce the Allemande á Dieu, the very close waltz Edward mentioned. She's neither tall nor short for a woman, and she seems to be being careful of her footing
(Morgan) my brother tells me this is a very fasihionable dance in Montaigne
* MollyK nods as they get to a clear spot
(MollyK) My dance master has been teaching it to me all week
(Morgan) Then I'll have to trust your knowledge of it.... you are new to court
* MollyK smiles softly, gazing up at him
(MollyK) Tonight is my first night
* Morgan nods
* MollyK glances around them
(MollyK) You are supposed to hold me close, like they are, my Lord
* Morgan adjust his position
(Morgan) seems a bit over the top to me
(MollyK) **The dance begins. The waltz is standard steps, the closeness definitely not. The satin of her gown feels warm beneath his hand in the small of her back, and it's close enough that he can feel the corset boning. She smells of roses.
(MollyK) It's very close, isn't it?
* Morgan nods
(MollyK) It's... I mean... it's nice, I just... it makes it a little difficult to see your face, my Lord
(Morgan) No great issue really
(MollyK) I find it's easier to talk when you can see someone's eyes...
(Morgan) thats very true
* MollyK is quiet briefly. She obviously has been taught by someone very skilled as she dances well, not fighting his lead at all
(MollyK) You dance beautifully, my Lord
(Morgan) It surprises you?
(MollyK) I... well... no, but I suppose viscounts have lessons from very young?
(Morgan) viscounts?
(MollyK) Gosh, my apologies,  my Lord. I meant Veisgrafs.
(Morgan) Thats what I figured... we do. Takes up a surprising amount of time
* MollyK leans back just a fraction to see his face. She smiles softly
(MollyK) My lessons take up much time also. Eisen, and dancing, and politics, and piano. Do you play, my Lord?
(Morgan) Not piano... I dabble with the guitar
* MollyK looks surprised
(MollyK) I would not have thought a Veisgraf would play a guitar. Do you enjoy it?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I do... I suppose its unseemly to some
* MollyK shakes her head, watching him intently
(MollyK) Not to me, not if you love it and have a passion for it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) You enjoy the piano?
* MollyK 's face lights up
(MollyK) I adore it. I am not as good as I one day hope to be, but I will keep practicing whenever I am permitted to
* Morgan nods
(MollyK) I should like my own piano, in a music room that opens out into my gardens. The sun would warm my face as I played with my eyes closed, lost to the music, and my husband would lean on the closed lid, sketching me and considering me somewhat pretty… *she blushes, looking at his chest rather than making eye contact* I am prone to flights of fancy, please, pretend I did not say that!
(Morgan) I see... nothing to be ashamed of
(MollyK) My Father says it is unseemly for a young woman to talk so unreservedly with a man, _especially_ a noble man
* MollyK looks up at him again, those blue eyes looking serious now
(Morgan) I think all fathers think that
* MollyK smiles
(MollyK) Even yours?
(MollyK) **About halfway through the song, there's a tap on Morgan's shoulder. Molly glances at it's instigator before rolling her eyes slightly*
* Morgan turns to look
(MollyK) Excuse me, may I cut in? **The young man is smartly dressed, with dark blonde hair. He isn't familiar to Morgan**
* MollyK smiles politely, but there's a hint of disappointment "Good evening, Sebastian"
* Morgan looks to Molly
(Morgan) if you wish
* MollyK looks a little saddened, but nods
(MollyK) Thank you, my lord
(Morgan) another dance later, perhaps?
* MollyK nods, her eyes lighting up as much as when talking about the piano
(MollyK) I please. I mean, yes, please, I would like that, my lord *she blushes at her stumble again*
* Morgan bows his head
(Morgan) later then
* MollyK curtsies, and Sebastian takes his place, holding her close to waltz
** You're now known as Edward
* Edward must have been watching, because he appears at Morgan's side with a fresh glass of champagne
(Edward) I thought you were going to tell him to sling his hook for a moment
(Morgan) its not done
* Edward hands him the glass
(Edward) What's she like then?
(Morgan) charming, shy, innocent
* Edward watches Morgan to see what his expression is and what he's watching
(Edward) Not very courtly
* Morgan nods, watching Sebastien
(Morgan) indeed
(Edward) Who are her people?
(Morgan) Her father is a friend of Duke Anhalt
(Edward) **Sebastian is a competent dancer, and seems to be teasing her, making her smile in spite of herself*
* Edward whistles low
(Edward) Excellent connections.
* Morgan nods
(Edward) **Despite being waltzed around, every chance she gets when Seb isn't talking to her, she's watching Morgan
(Edward) But gentry?
(Morgan) I got that impression
(Edward) And who is the man she's dancing with?
(Morgan) Someone called Sebastien
(Morgan) He clearly knows her, but she rolled her eyes when he interrupted
* Edward watches them, smiling a little as he sees Molly smiling at Morgan as they pass
(Edward) I dont fancy his chances
(Morgan) no?
* Edward shakes his head
(Edward) Not a hope. *he looks at Morgan* Are you really that clueless?
(Morgan) I'm an intriguing person, of course she's paying attention
(Edward) *Molly smiles at him again, biting her lip. Seb says something to her, and she doesn't even notice*
(Edward) Do you think you'll ever see her again after tonight?
(Morgan) How would I know?
(Edward) *The song ends and she curtsies to Seb vaguely, watching Morgan
(Edward) You want to though?
* Morgan nods slowly
(Edward) **Molly stands there as musicians change instruments and people leave the dancefloor. She looks at him with the softest, warmest smile he's ever received from a woman.
* Edward inhales deeply
(Edward) Give me the glass back then. Off you go.
(Morgan) huh?
(Edward) I've known virgins with more clue about women! You need to learn to read them.
* Morgan hands him the glass
(Morgan) shut up Edward
* Edward just chuckles. She waits for him like she's waited for him all her life, smiling shyly
* Morgan moves to her
(Edward) Would it be terribly unseemly for a young woman to tell a noble man she might have missed him a little? **she looks up into his eyes**
(Morgan) in such a short time?
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly blushes
(Molly) Is that dreadful?
(Morgan) I don't think so, no
* Molly smiles, looking relieved
(Molly) Would you like to dance with me again now?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I would
* Molly bites her lower lip
(Molly) And later too, maybe?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I was hoping so
(Molly) **The musicians restart, oddly playing the same song again*
(Molly) I am very, very pleased to hear that, my Lord
* Morgan looks towards the musicians
(Morgan) I'm assuming they've forgotten everything else they know
* Molly giggles, not a courtly practiced laughter like he saw when she was with  Seb, but a genuine giggle
* Molly 's eyes go wide, and she covers her mouth with her hand, embarrassed
* Morgan chuckles
* Molly puts her hand in his upper arm as it should be for the waltz
(Molly) I'm not supposed to laugh like that anymore
(Morgan) why ever not?
(Molly) It's not seemly for a girl at court
(Morgan) Theus forbid you find something funny
* Molly moves even more smoothly in his arms this time
(Molly) I can laugh, but only like a lady
(Morgan) tosh
* Molly looks surprised at this word, and she giggles again
(Molly) I didn't know Veisgrafs said tosh
(Morgan) generally they don't
(Molly) You are special... *she looks up into his eyes again*
(Morgan) I've been telling people that for years, but noone listens
* Molly nods
(Molly) I would listen
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I rather think you would
(Molly) **from the corner of his eye, he spots Edward on the dancefloor waltzing Mina around**
* Molly nods
(Molly) I could listen to you talk all day
(Morgan) oh you wouldn't want to be subjected to that
* Molly smiles, nodding
(Molly) I would want that
* Molly frowns slightly
(Molly) I think Sebastian is planning to cut in again
(Morgan) What can be done about that I wonder
(Molly) My governess I had this summer would say it would be counted as quite forward for a nobleman to refuse to yield the dance
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) it isn't really the done thing
* Molly nods. She looks at him
(Molly) He's... *she sighs* it's complicated
(Morgan) how so?
* Molly looks like she doesn't know how to explain
(Molly) There's... there's politics and alliances at play...
* Morgan looks distasteful
(Morgan) can't say I'm keen on them
* Molly looks intrigued
(Molly) Isn't it how the noble life is? It's so much more complicated than I'm used to.
(Morgan) yes, it is... doesn't mean I have to like it
* Molly tilts her head, smiling
(Molly) This is unfortunate...
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) The dance is about to end, but I am very much not ready to stop talking with you, my Lord
(Morgan) What can we do about that, I wonder
* Molly blushes, smiling
(Molly) My governess would say we absolutely could not continue our conversation on the terrace, despite what romance novels say
(Morgan) eyebrows would definitely be raised
(Molly) **The song does end, and she curtsies
* Morgan bows
* Molly is about to say something when Edward comes over with Mina on his arm, smiling
(Molly) E: Morgan, may I introduce Lady Hapsburg von Graben to you? **Mina's gold dress has little brown flowers that match her eyes* Mina, my brother, Veisgraf Koertig von Sudlachenburg
* Morgan looks at his brother momentarily before inclining his head
(Morgan) Lady Hapsburg... 
(Molly) **Mina curtsies, utterly at ease here* Lord Koertig, a pleasant evening I trust?
(Morgan) surprisingly  wonderful
(Morgan) might I introduce miss Forrester? Miss Forrester, my brother, Edward, and Lady Hapsburg
(Molly) **Edward grins momentarily. Molly blushes, smiling. She curtsies politely, and she moves slightly closer to Morgan just as he had seen her do with her Father at the beginning of the evening* My Lord, my Lady, I am honoured to make your acquaintance. I hope you are also both enjoying the ball.
(Molly) **Mina looks at Molly, then at Morgan. She gives him a courtly smile* Are you enjoying the Allemande á Dieu? It's very new
* Molly watches him too
(Morgan) I can see its appeal
(Molly) **Edward snorts though tries to conceal it** I've heard it called improper
(Morgan) oh it is
* Molly says quietly, still looking at Morgan
(Molly) It's improperly wonderful
* Morgan nods slightly
(Molly) **Edward laughs, and Molly giggles. It's this sound that wakes him up in the dark of their bed on the Rose*
* Morgan takes a deep breath, looking round
(Molly) **its almost pitch black. He realises  Molly is giggling in her sleep.
(Molly) **it still feels very early, perhaps one o'clock
* Morgan fidgets, trying to get back to sleep
* Molly murmurs "liebes herz!"
* Morgan starts paying attention to her body language
* Molly seems fairly relaxed
* Molly murmurs again sounding amused "Everyone is looking at my bottom, liebes herz, put me down!"
* Morgan raises an eyebrow
* Molly giggles again, and then she's quiet
* Morgan smiles, settling behind her
(Molly) **It takes a little while for him to fall asleep, long enough for him to review his dream and set it into memory for writing it down tomorrow. She stays quiet even as he has to turn over because she's so warm.
** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving)
** You are now disconnected