(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)
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(Molly) **Sleep finds him again. The quill scratches the parchment. "I will be back in Eisen before you go into confinement, Mina, once this issue is resolved. I look forward to meeting our son or daughter after so long.
(Molly) Please pass on my love when she visits, tell her I will see her soon. Your continual kindness to her is a great source of happiness for me, many wives would not befriend their husband's mistress. Be safe and well, your loving husband, Morgan".
(Molly) With his signature done, he glances up at the maid with the red hair making his bed. What was it about her that drew him like a moth to a flame?
(Molly) It had been instantaneous four months ago when he arrived here at Foxcroft, soaked from his first swim in the lake and disrupting her singing and unpinning her hair. Within a week the mutual attraction and desire had resulted in her being naked, like this, in his room.
(Molly) He'd chastised himself over and over, for his betrayal of his wife and his mistress, but it hadn't stopped him. It was irresistible, unstoppable, like gravity. She smiles at him as she finishes the bed. "There,  no one would be able to tell at all".
(Molly) His heart skips a beat at her smile. He shouldn't be in love with her, but he damn well is. He wants to possess her, to keep her forever at his side, but he knows at best he can keep her as his second mistress here in Catterick and visit now and then.
(Molly) It's not enough, but it's better than letting her go. He gets up from the desk, a blue leather one generally found on certain Eisen ships, and picks her up.
(Molly) "I'd best take you against the door instead then, blossom". She giggles, watching him with a smitten expression as he carries her there, pinning her whilst he undoes the fall of his trousers and then slowly, inch by inch enters her whilst she begs for more.
(Molly) With roaming hands and kisses, and rapid, violent thrusts, he pounds into her possessively, knowing that soon he is going to have to leave her behind.
(Molly) He won't withdraw, it had taken years to get Mina pregnant, and his mistress never had been. He could risk it when it felt so good. She tightens as she climaxes around him, moaning against his neck. Predictably, the dawn watch chimes once, warning him that soon the full chime that wakes him will start, giving him the option of trying to wake from what he now realises is a dream.
** Closing Link: Molly[~androirc@Galaxy-S8.lan] by my.server.name (Excess Flood)
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** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667…
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(Molly) **Sleep finds him again. The quill scratches the parchment. "I will be back in Eisen before you go into confinement, Mina, once this issue is resolved. I look forward to meeting our son or daughter after so long.
(Molly) Please pass on my love when she visits, tell her I will see her soon. Your continual kindness to her is a great source of happiness for me, many wives would not befriend their husband's mistress. Be safe and well, your loving husband, Morgan".
(Molly) With his signature done, he glances up at the maid with the red hair making his bed. What was it about her that drew him like a moth to a flame?
(Molly) It had been instantaneous four months ago when he arrived here at Foxcroft, soaked from his first swim in the lake and disrupting her singing and unpinning her hair. Within a week the mutual attraction and desire had resulted in her being naked, like this, in his room.
(Molly) He'd chastised himself over and over, for his betrayal of his wife and his mistress, but it hadn't stopped him. It was irresistible, unstoppable, like gravity. She smiles at him as she finishes the bed. "There,  no one would be able to tell at all".
(Molly) His heart skips a beat at her smile. He shouldn't be in love with her, but he damn well is. He wants to possess her, to keep her forever at his side, but he knows at best he can keep her as his second mistress here in Catterick and visit now and then.
(Molly) It's not enough, but it's better than letting her go. He gets up from the desk, a blue leather one generally found on certain Eisen ships, and picks her up.
(Molly) "I'd best take you against the door instead then, blossom". She giggles, watching him with a smitten expression as he carries her there, pinning her whilst he undoes the fall of his trousers and then slowly, inch by inch enters her whilst she begs for more.
(Molly) With roaming hands and kisses, and rapid, violent thrusts, he pounds into her possessively, knowing that soon he is going to have to leave her behind.
(Molly) He won't withdraw, it had taken years to get Mina pregnant, and his mistress never had been. He could risk it when it felt so good. She tightens as she climaxes around him, moaning against his neck. Predictably, the dawn watch chimes once, warning him that soon the full chime that wakes him will start, giving him the option of trying to wake from what he now realises is a dream.
* Morgan continues to thrust, chasing his own release
* Molly sinks her teeth into his shoulder as she's overcome again. As it subsides she says softly, almost sadly "I love you"
(Morgan) as I do you
* Molly nods, climaxing again. As he gets almost to the plateau the watch chimes again, and it almost sounds like a knocking as well as a chiming
(Molly) **He wakes up, understandably very hard*
* Morgan grunts before rolling out of bed
(Molly) **Something feels wrong. There's a knocking in the bedroom door.
* Morgan covers himself
(Morgan) come
(Molly) **what is wrong is that he's alone in the  room. Sorgi opens the door, carrying a lantern
(Molly) Sorgi, sounding serious and concerned: Morgan, I need you to help me with Molly.
(Morgan) whats wrong?
(Molly) After being sick overboard, she's gone up in the rigging and won't come down.
** You're now known as Sorgi
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) give me a minute to get dressed
* Sorgi nods
(Sorgi) Can you bring a coat or shawl for her? She's been up there a half hour now, she must be freezing
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) get someone to make some tea would you
(Sorgi) Tried that, m'lord, doesn't want it
* Sorgi shuts the door quietly
* Morgan pulls his clothes on quickly
* Sorgi is out in the hall leading the way
(Sorgi) Quite worried about her, she's about as bad as you were in Zweibrucke
(Morgan) no idea whats going on?
(Sorgi) Says noone can come near her, and if we were docked somewhere safer than Carleon she'd be off the ship. Aside from that, she's barely spoken
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) very well. 
(Morgan) Find me some scotch
* Sorgi leads him up on deck
(Sorgi) Tried that, she wont have it, m'lord
* Morgan holds his hand out for the bottle
* Sorgi hands it over
* Morgan tucks it in his waist, looking up at the rigging
(Sorgi) **The sky is charcoal grey, and the brightest stars are still visible. Despite having admitted to not being a good climber, Molly is about fourteen feet up the main mast rigging
* Morgan climbs up the rigging, staying a good distance from her
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly doesn't even look in his direction. It's really cold, and Sorgi is right, she must be freezing in just her shift and barefoot
(Morgan) I've brought you a shawl
* Molly nods a  little, but she just looks utterly broken and despondent
(Molly) Alright
(Morgan) let me help you
(Molly) You can't
(Morgan) tell me whats wrong
(Molly) Nightmare
(Morgan) I figured that much
* Molly doesn't reply
(Molly) **Sorgi shouts up** Do you need anything, m'lord?
(Morgan) You would expect me to tell you whats going on, I think its only fair to return that...
(Molly) I _can't_.
* Morgan scowls
(Morgan) Then get yourself back to bed
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) I'm too dangerous right now
(Morgan) You won't let me help, you won't tell me whats going on... so you _will_ obey the instruction I've given.
(Molly) It is my husband's _command_?
(Morgan) If needs be.
(Molly) You must keep people away. You must stay away. I can't be near anyone, it's not safe. *she doesn't sound angry, she sounds defeated*
(Morgan) I will stay at the far end of the room until you are reasonable. Unless you wish me to take you into the city
(Molly) It's too risky in the city
(Morgan) Fine. Lets go
* Molly starts to very carefully climb down. There's noise from down below
(Molly) HH: On my life, Claudia, you owe me ten guilders!
(Molly) C: Bullshit. There is no way it worked.
* Morgan drops down the rigging quickly
* Molly glances at them, but doesn't look curious like she normally would, she looks unusually disinterested
(Molly) HH: Bah! Bloody 'ell Morgan!
(Molly) C: *she laughs*
(Molly) HH: **he looks at Morgan, then nudges Claudia** That's the face o' a man who caught 'ell an' you won't have to pay ten gee to!
* Morgan looks at the momentarily
(Morgan) Clear the deck, make sure there's a clear path to my quarters
(Molly) **Both know this tone, and immediately do just that. The deck is virtually empty anyway, and the corridor likewise. They get back to their rooms without incident. Molly goes straight back to the bedroom
(Molly) **HH touches Morgan's arm, speaking quietly** What's going on?
* Morgan looks at him, clearly conflicted
(Morgan) I don't think you want to know
(Molly) HH: Whatever it is, I'm here for you. Tell me what I need to know for now, and anything else can wait.
(Morgan) She's had a horrendous nightmare. THat'll do for now
(Molly) HH: You want me to wake Inga?
(Morgan) not just yet. I'll  let you know
(Molly) HH: **he pats Morgans arm* I'll hang round in th' hall, yell if you need me.
* Morgan nods before going inside and closing the door
(Molly) **the bedroom door is pulled almost closed but not fully*
* Morgan heads into the room
* Molly is lying on his side of the bed, wrapped around his pillow with her face buried in it, and is sobbing like her heart is breaking
(Morgan) Talk to me
(Molly) I _can't_. It hurts too much
* Molly 's words are fairly muffled by the pillow
(Morgan) Would you prefer to have Inga?
(Molly) No, it's not safe.
(Morgan) She can be told to keep her distance
(Molly) I can't talk to anyone, not yet
* Morgan sighs, sitting down against the wall
* Molly doesn't speak again for a long time until she says
(Molly) It must be nearly dawn, you should go
(Morgan) Dont tell me what to do
* Molly goes quiet again. She drops off his mental compass a few minutes later
* Morgan watches her
* Molly is still wrapped around his pillow, but she's lying very still
(Morgan) Would you like a drink?
(Molly) **It takes a moment for her to 'reappear'**
(Molly) Something strong
(Molly) **There's a very quiet tap on the door**
* Morgan rolls the scotch across the floor before getting up and opening the door an inch
(Molly) Sorgi: Just wanted to check if you need me to take over, m'lord, it's almost dawn
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) Best not. Not safe.
* Molly unstoppers the bottle. Sorgi nods, putting two and two together. "Like you get, but with the healing?"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) S: Are you staying down here today?
(Morgan) I think thats best
* Molly speaks quietly once Sorgi has gone "This is a special time for you, as you told me in the Rose Garden last year. It is the time you spend talking to her. I won't take up that time.
(Morgan) You don't get a say in it
(Molly) **Molly starts crying again at this, swigging from the bottle
(Morgan) she'd understand
* Molly gets off the bed, taking the bottle to the rear window, watching out at the lightning sky. She says sadly
(Molly) Talk to me, so I know you're here now...
* Morgan stretches
(Morgan) what about?
(Molly) I don't know... something nice
(Morgan) Claudia owed HeinzHarold ten guilders
(Molly) Did he? Why?
(Molly) She*
(Morgan) He bet her he could get away with being in a fight and come out looking like a hero... and he did
(Molly) The fight last night?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) He is getting paid for his wife's faith in hi judgement?
(Morgan) realistically,  I was expecting for us to be chastised
(Molly) Why? There was a fight going on, and you were needed to restore the peace
* Molly takes another large mouthful of the scotch
(Morgan) I daresay the innkeeper _could_ have managed without us
(Molly) **There's another knock at the door**
(Molly) It was more for fun?
* Morgan gets up, opening the door slightly
(Molly) **Its Claudia this time* We need to know where we're going today, or if we need to tell the harbour master we're staying another day
* Morgan looks at Molly
(Morgan) do you need to stay in dock another day?
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) It makes no difference.
* Molly seems uncommonly disinterested in the itinerary
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) we're heading to the island just off the coast. Sorgi should have the location
(Molly) *Claudia nods, then gestures** You're done with that doctor?
(Morgan) $buy us a few hours, send someone to him. If he doesn't hold the standards I set, he'll pay$
(Molly) C: $just remind him, or beat him a little?$
(Morgan) $beat him. A lot. I hear he carries on, his life is forfeit$
(Molly) **he remembers that he needs to write to the Order of the Phoenix  and send them Kai's sister's location**
(Molly) $You look like you could benefit from beating him yourself$
(Morgan) $I'll need a letter sending shortly.$
(Molly) $I'll dwal with both. I've paid Heinzharold. She confirmed she'd kissed his injury better and he'd gotten away with it on account of being "so cute"$
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Morgan) $I'll call when I've written the letter$
(Molly) C: *she inclines her head, leaving
* Molly doesn't even notice the door closing. Wherever her mind is, it's not here
* Morgan takes a deep breath
(Morgan) where's the templates for writing to the Order?
* Molly points to the chest she's stood beside
* Morgan looks at her a moment
(Morgan) do you wish to help?
* Molly drinks from the bottle again. She's drink quite a lot already
(Molly) I will try, but I don't think I will be much use
(Morgan) If you don't wish to, that is fine... though you should switch to something without alcohol
(Molly) Not until my fingers stop tingling
(Morgan) Then give what you've had time to work
* Molly stoppers it. She slides the box with the stencils across the floor, then goes back to watching from the window
(Molly) I'll let you work in peace.
* Morgan gets setup to write
(Morgan) I wonder if I should include some sort of salutation, you know, like, greetings overlords
(Molly) **He hears movement in the other room, Varick, talking to someone
* Molly smiles faintly
(Molly) Dearest pawns of the Nieblungen... **theres a micro-expression of deep animosity at this*
(Molly) V: Oh, okay. I'll stay out here.
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) You know our dreams wasn't something they planned...
* Molly frowns deeply
(Molly) I know.
(Molly) V: Morgan?
* Molly looks back to the window
(Molly) V: Need to talk to you
* Morgan puts his things down
(Morgan) I'll be back in a moment
* Molly nods
* Morgan moves out of the bedroom
** You're now known as Varick
* Varick is playing with the cat, who runs over to Morgan and scales his leg as soon as he sees him. Varick looks relaxed
(Varick) Mae says Molly needs some time alone
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) alright. I'll get my things
* Varick sits at the desk
(Varick) We could draw
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll be back in a moment
* Varick starts opening drawers
* Morgan goes back into the bedroom, gathering his things
(Morgan) I've been told I need to leave you be
(Varick) **Molly has laid back on the bed. It's hard to tell whether she's fallen asleep or passed out from the scotch, but she's touching her wedding ring with the thumb and index finger of her other hand, both held close to her heart. She looks peaceful at least
* Morgan sighs, heading out of the room, closing the door behind him
* Varick is watching him ((expression?))
(Morgan) ((solemn))
(Varick) Are you sad?
(Morgan) No, just a bit worried
(Varick) Why?
* Varick gets some paper and a pencil
(Morgan) Molly had a bad nightmare and its made her very upset
(Varick) Can we cuddle her better?
(Morgan) Not as the moment, no
(Varick) What did she have a nightmare about?
(Morgan) I don't know. She can't talk about it yet, it makes her too upset
(Varick) I felt like that about my nightmares where my daddy dies
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm not surprised
* Varick looks like he's listening to something, then he says "Mae says when Molly got up, she told you she loves you before she left the room"
* Morgan nods
* Varick starts drawing quietly, then looks up
(Varick) Are you sad?
(Morgan) I suppose so
(Varick) I could cuddle you to make you feel better?
(Morgan) That would be nice
* Varick comes to him, hugging him tightly. He says Shh..., just like Molly had whennusuing her magic to soothe him from his nightmare of the fire
* Morgan holds the boy tightly
(Varick) Will she be happy again later?
(Morgan) I don't know
(Varick) **Later seems like a long time. He writes the coded letter, and watches Varick's sketch come together. Two hours after she went to sleep, Varick has finished his breakfast and his sketch, and shows him
(Varick) **Its Molly and Morgan dancing in a ballroom, very close together**
(Morgan) thats nice
* Varick nods, there's a knock and a wince at the study door
(Morgan) come in
(Varick) **Claudia comes in. She's grinning** Errands are all done, Sorgi wants to know if we're going on this tide or waiting for the next
(Morgan) Did someone need reminding?
(Varick) **Claudia grins again** Oh yes
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) No, we'll sail on this one
(Varick) C: what's the deal with this island then?
(Varick) We're going to an island?
(Morgan) its mine
(Varick) C: You have-... never mind, it'll wait. I'll let Sorgi know. Do I owe you ten as well?
(Morgan) Keep it
* Varick shakes her head "Neither of you deserved to get away with it"
(Varick) Claudia*
* Morgan shrugs
(Varick) C: You coming up for setting sail?
(Morgan) Aye, we'll come up
* Varick whoops, calling the cat, and goes running off ahead.
** You're now known as Claudia
(Claudia) How is she?
(Morgan) Not good. Barely said two words to me
(Claudia) That unusual?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) You alright?
(Morgan) I'll manage
* Claudia nods
* Claudia leads the way
(Claudia) Heinzharold and I were up on deck this morning waiting to see how bad your nightmares were last night
(Morgan) mine were fine
(Claudia) **Varick and the cat are out of earshot**
(Claudia) Anything interesting and weird?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) not really
(Claudia) Maybe you gave her the bad ones
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) possibly
(Claudia) Heinzharold wants to know all about Avebury. Do you want to stay and chat with us, take your mind off it?
(Morgan) can do
(Claudia) **Leaving the port is smooth, and unlike pulling in to it, Sorgi luckily doesn't need Molly's guidance. It does seem a little odd to be setting off without her on deck though. Carleon is soon in the distance, and they head west, the day moving into late morning. Its dry but cloudy. HH and Claudia have pulled up some crates on the quiet part of the deck.
(Claudia) HH: Tell me again the bit where Morgan  let you beat him so he didn't have ti fight Dau
* Claudia smirks
(Claudia) I'd have beaten him anyway
(Morgan) it wasn't so I didn't _have_ to fight him
(Claudia) HH: Was it becoz yer worship finds 'im intim'datin'
(Claudia) **Varick laughs from Morgan's lap
(Morgan) no...
(Claudia) HH: did y' not want t' rearrange his face and upset 'is fair lady
* Morgan snorts
(Morgan) not exactly
* Claudia looks at Morgan with a smirk
(Claudia) Not a fair lady. Enough to put you off women for life!
(Claudia) HH: *he laughs* Not me!
(Morgan) No no, she's right
(Claudia) **Captain Ulysses appears on the rail soaked and with a fish, and Varick gets off Morgan's lap to go to him**
(Claudia) HH: No woman could be tha' bad!
* Claudia looks to Morgan again
* Morgan nods slowly
(Claudia) Imagine taking her understand that kissing stick thing! *she grimaces*
* Morgan shudders
* Claudia looks at HH
(Claudia) _That's_ how bad she is
(Claudia) **HH laughs** What's a kissin' stick, an'  where do I get one?
(Morgan) its an Innish tradition
(Claudia) **Inga comes up on deck, glancing at them before going to supervise Varick
(Claudia) HH: go on
* Claudia scoffs "It's a glorified excuse to be all over someone in a public place"
(Claudia) HH: *he winks at Morgan* I dont see an  issue wi' tha'
* Morgan shrugs
(Claudia) HH *he grins* Did Claudia scold you, tell you to be'ave like a gentleman?
(Morgan) No, but there was a lot of eyerolling
(Claudia) It served a purpose, in this instance.
(Claudia) HH: Public relations?
* Claudia shakes her head, looking at Morgan. She gestures with the hand HH can't see $your reserve$
(Morgan) You'd have liked the singing
(Claudia) HH: Did y' bring the old girl back wi' y'?
(Morgan) No...
(Claudia) HH: Our ears thank you
(Morgan) Edward bought me one before we left Eisen...
(Claudia) HH: *he fake groans*
* Claudia shakes her head
(Claudia) Dont be an ass. He's very good
(Claudia) HH: I know. But we need to keep his ego small
(Morgan) its rather eclipsed by yours
(Claudia) HH: That's becoz I'm a delight
(Claudia) He made Molly cry
(Claudia) HH: *he tuts* Under the kissin' stick? Poor show, Morgan, thought y' knew wha' you were doing b' now
* Claudia thumps him in the arm
(Claudia) HH: **he makes an exaggerated ouch, glancing in Inga's direction as if fishing for sympathy, but she's not looking** why then?
(Claudia) There were a couple of songs he sang that made her all weepy. I suppose it was romantic, from what I could understand of it
(Morgan) one of them was, aye
(Claudia) HH: I made Inga cry once
(Morgan) oh?
(Claudia) HH: I was ticklin' her
(Claudia) HH: 's good fun, y' should try it. With yer own wife, not mine! *Morgan did, whilst they were on honeymoon. It mostly arouses her as well as making her shriek with laughter*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I nearly got elbowed in the face doing that
(Claudia) HH: I'd pay ten guilders to see that!
* Claudia rolls her eyes "Yes, _my_ ten guilders!"
* Morgan chuckles
(Morgan) you took the bet...
(Claudia) HH: *he shakes his head* Only got five left. 'Ad to use five to bribe Inga into admitting it
* Claudia laughs
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) I should be surprised...
(Claudia) I think we're past surprise with Heinzharold! You able to tell us about the former betrothal now? ((He'd said he'd tell her about Curtis later))
(Morgan) Not a great deal to tell... 
(Claudia) HH: Hang on, when else were you betrothed?!
(Morgan) Don't be dense
(Claudia) HH: Oh, Molly's bethrothals
* Claudia looks at Morgan
(Claudia) Plural?
(Claudia) ((Need a reminder?))
(Morgan) two before me
* Claudia looks shocked. HH looks like a man who has already been told this
* Morgan looks at HH
(Morgan) you already know
(Claudia) HH: Inga knows so I know
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) How did she end up with you then? *HH looks surprised* Bit rude!
(Morgan) first one... she fell ill, and they decided she'd lain with someone and gotten pregnant... 
* Claudia looks shocked
(Claudia) That's harsh
(Morgan) too many people concerned with how things might look
(Claudia) HH: Must admit, I like the Forresters, I was shocked about that when I heard it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) its taken an awful lot to get to where they are now
(Claudia) He should have stuck by her, the fiance. That Curtis?
(Morgan) No, someone called John
(Claudia) What happened to him? **her expression implies that Claudia happen to him*
(Morgan) I believe he's married now
* Claudia watches him
(Claudia) So leave him alone?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I don't think she cares about him enough to want him hurt
(Claudia) HH: It doesn' make our almighty overlord jealous?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) there's nothing to do about it
(Claudia) Curtis is the second one then?
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) What happened to him?
(Morgan) Once Molly was given the Rose, she called off their betrothal. He then setup with Rebecca deBurgh, actually... til he got killed
(Claudia) I'd rather be killed than that
(Claudia) HH: *he nudges Claudia* Heaved 'im overboard cos she was wildly smitten with 'is ex'lency by then
* Claudia looks at Morgan as if she cant believe HH is being truthful
(Morgan) She had the chance to be free, without the constraints of him
(Claudia) HH: 'ead over 'eels, struck by cupid's bow an' arrow
* Claudia flexes her knuckles, a couple of which are split "Punch him, will you?"
* Morgan does so
(Claudia) HH: Ow! Unfair. I'm only tellin' y' what she told Inga
(Morgan) thats as maybe, but the lady asked
(Claudia) HH: She ain't no lady, she's the madame at arms
* Claudia rolls her eyes "I told you I hate that" HH just grins at Morgan
(Claudia) **HH and Claudia go on in their usual fashion whilst the Rose churns through the waves smoothly. They're due to make landfall at around three o'clock, and Morgan is the only one who has sailed to the island at all, and therefore he is going to be expected to navigate. But for now it's almost lunchtime, and Molly has been asleep three hours. He's left Varick with HH and Inga so he can check on her**
* Morgan goes to check on her
* Claudia is on her knees beside the bed praying when he gets there. Her eyes are closed, fingers touching the objectionist cross Adalbrecht and Verity bought for her
** You're now known as Molly
* Morgan speaks quietly
(Morgan) blossom...
* Molly says "Amen" before she looks at him. She smiles a little
(Molly) I'm not a danger anymore. That will do for now.
(Morgan) would you like me to fetch anything for you?
(Molly) I would like you to hold me
* Morgan nods, coming to her
* Molly stands, brushing off her skirt
(Molly) Thank you
* Molly doesn't instigate the contact, it's like she's waiting for him to
* Morgan steps up to her, wrapping his arms around her
* Molly settles in close to him, both arms around his waist, her forehead against his chest and breathing him in deeply, not speaking
(Morgan) what can I do?
(Molly) Be here for now. Just... let me know you love me. I just wish to forget it
* Morgan frowns slightly
(Morgan) very well my love
(Molly) Thank you, liebes herz. You are so good to me, and I really do love you so very, very dearly
(Morgan) I would hope so, you're stuck with me
* Molly sighs softly
(Molly) I hope so, liebes herz, I hope so
* Molly pulls away a little ((holds her or loosens her?))
* Morgan lets her move without letting go
* Molly looks up at him
(Molly) How awful of me, I haven't even asked how _your_ night was!
(Morgan) its understandable, don't fret at it
(Molly) How was it?
(Morgan) alright
(Molly) You did not have nightmares?
(Morgan) dreams
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I am glad. Was it anything nice?
(Morgan) May have been an alternate path, but its hard to see how we'd have arrived at it
* Molly tenses slightly
(Molly) But not a bad alternate path?
(Morgan) No
(Morgan) I wrote it down, obviously
* Molly looks pleased by this
(Molly) Oh good, that will be something nice, if I could read it?
(Morgan) of course
* Molly nods
(Molly) I suppose we might need some tea. Is Varick with Inga?
* Morgan nods
* Molly looks at him intently a moment
(Molly) You are _happy_, arent you?
(Morgan) Right now? No. in general, yes
(Molly) I meant in general. With me.
(Morgan) of course I am
* Molly nods
(Morgan) why?
(Molly) The nightmare. It's alright. I just needed to hear it
* Molly takes his hand
* Morgan nods slightly
(Molly) Would you read your dream to me? I wont make you do any special voices *she smiles*
(Morgan) if you wish 
(Molly) I would _love_ it *she smiles warmly*
* Molly looks in the dreams file whilst Morgan goes for tea and to bring lunch. He bumps into HH just outside the door
** You're now known as HH
(HH) Just stoppin' by to see how you both are?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright I think
* HH nods
(HH) Anything Inga and I can do?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) I dont think so
* HH nods
(HH) I was talkin' to Claudia and Varick about the island we're going to. They say you own it?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I do
(HH) Well, see, to us simple folks, that means you're King Of The Island... *he grins*
(Morgan) oh god
* HH bows
(HH) Your majesty
(Morgan) Don't you have somewhere else to be?
(HH) I do. A lowly blacksmith's son can only serve him monarch in simple ways, so I am working with the crown prince and the very comely wench to make a crown to delight your majesty's subjects
(HH) His*
(Morgan) Go away will you, the grown ups are talking
* HH laughs, going off down the corridor
(HH) **He manages to get tea and food with no further interruption*
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly is sat on the couch by the window, shawl around her. She helps with the food and the drink until they are set up at the sofa, where the written dream recollection waits on his seat
* Molly sits, sipping her tea
(Molly) Will Varick be alright with them for a while?
(Morgan) oh yes. They're designing a crown
(Molly) They're playing dress up?
(Morgan) No...
(Molly) What do they need a crown for?
(Morgan) I suspect you'll see once we arrive
(Molly) Intriguing, my love
* Molly fidgets,  getting comfortable
(Molly) Are you ready?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) ((How detailed is it, compared to the log? Is there anything missed out?))
(Morgan) ((No))
* Molly listens throughout. She's clearly enjoying it, enraptured. She waits until he finishes
(Molly) Oh liebling... that is so sweet
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly watches him fondly
(Molly) You don't think so?
(Morgan) I suppose so
(Molly) Aside from the fact that Edward made a move with Mina when you wanted her  *she giggles*
* Morgan nods
(Molly) It sounded quite romantic to me
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) it felt it, actually
* Molly smiles warmly
(Molly) That's a very lovely dream to have
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) Utterly impossible though
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as I said
(Molly) You didn't go to that ball ((his leave had been cancelled for the battle of Quatre Bras)), and I was thirteen, not fourteen then, nor had I flowered by then.
* Morgan nods
* Molly looks thoughtful
(Molly) I think my parents lost a baby the summer before I was born, a little boy near the end of her increasing...
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) I don't know much about it. But for your dream to have been a possibility, I would need to have been born the previous summer
* Morgan nods
* Molly sips her tea
(Molly) But even with that, my father could never have been friends with Duke Anhalt and Eisenfurstin Posen
* Morgan nods
* Molly swirls the tea
(Molly) Still, a sweet dream, especially with the inappropriate dancing
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thought you'd like that
* Molly nods
(Molly) It's much like waltzing in the taverns really
(Molly) I wonder what would have happened if you hadn't woken up when you did? I wonder if we would have continued an evening of flirtation and dancing
(Morgan) I don't know. The second dream was somewhat more intimate
* Molly smiles, raising an eyebrow
(Molly) That would be incredibly more forward than refusing Seb's cut-in!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
* Molly watches him, waiting
(Molly) I think I'd rather like to know more
(Morgan) It was just a dream
* Molly frowns slightly
(Molly) About me?
(Morgan) well, yes, but its complicated
(Molly) I will respect it if you say you cannot tell me.
(Morgan) There's nothing to tell really
* Molly nods
(Molly) I am sorry I was not there when you woke up
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) it doesn't matter. You were suffering
* Molly nods
(Molly) I know. But waking up with you after dreams like that is one of my favourite things to do
* Molly sips her tea, smiling
* Morgan nods
(Molly) So, liebling,  do you think you'd have wanted to kiss me by the end of the ball? *she giggles*
(Morgan) I reckon so, aye
* Molly nods
(Molly) I reckon from your recollection that I already did
(Morgan) it would seem so
* Molly tops up the teacups
(Molly) What should we expect at the island?
(Morgan) I've no idea... overgrowth, certainly... aside from that I don't know
* Molly nods
(Molly) But no elementals?
(Morgan) They were tied to the machine
* Molly nods
(Molly) I remember Evie was very firm in telling me not to tell you I knew about it all
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) why?
* Molly tries to recall
(Molly) I think it was because she did not want you to think she was gossiping about you
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) I see
(Molly) She was worried that she had broken a confidence in telling me you had nearly died twice,  and I think my upset made her think I could not be trusted with it...
* Morgan nods
* Molly smiles ruefully "which, given that I told you when we were in Bridgewater, was very reasonable of her"
(Morgan) perhaps
(Molly) I have never been good at keeping secrets from you
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly bows her head a moment, then sighs
(Molly) What is the house like there?
(Morgan) Surprisingly large
(Molly) Will it be dreadfully in need of a clean?
(Morgan) I would imagine so
(Molly) Are we to stay there, or on the ship?
(Morgan) I think on the ship would be best, just in case
* Molly nods
(Molly) It's exciting though
(Morgan) you think?
(Molly) Mmhmm. It's a place that is yours, not because of your birthright entitlement, but somewhere that belongs to you, as a man rather than a noble son
(Morgan) my own little kingdom
* Molly looks down at her cup
(Molly) I'm sorry, that was thoughtless of me
* Morgan looks confused
(Molly) It's not so new and novel to you, because you had that, before.
(Morgan) the thought hadn't occurred... I was thinking about HeinzHarold
* Molly nods slightly
(Molly) What about Heinzharold?
(Morgan) he and Varick are making a crown...
* Molly starts to smile
(Molly) Oh... oh!
* Morgan sighs
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I am sure it will make them very happy
(Morgan) H'e already very impressed with himself for thinking of it
(Molly) That does not surprise me. Hmmm I'm not sure Queen Molly sounds particularly good though
(Morgan) no?
(Molly) I think I would need to use my middle name... *She puts on a fancy, drawling Avalon accent* Queen Isabella **The Isa comes out as ee-suh, like Iselilija**
* Morgan frowns briefly
* Molly frowns, wrapping the shawl tighter
(Molly) Maybe Molly
(Morgan) I've got to find out what that is...
* Molly looks distracted
(Molly) Hmm? I'm sorry, I was thinking about the island
(Morgan) doesn't matter
(Molly) It's called Lundy, isn't it? I remember Horatio saying so
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Gosh, he was so ill. I was certain it was consumption, and I just did  ot know how I could tell everyone how much help he  needed without revealing why I knew
(Morgan) aye, he was
* Molly sips her tea, frowning a little
(Molly) Still, that is in the past.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Do you like the name Lundy?
* Molly watches him
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) its as good a name as any for an island
(Molly) You would not prefer to change it?
* Molly 's eyes hold a flicker of mischief
(Morgan) to?
(Molly) Well, something whimsical, like the emerald isle, or the isle of a thousand kisses
(Morgan) please don't mention that to HeinzHarold...
(Molly) Or maybe Little Sudlachenburg...
* Molly bites her lip
(Molly) Or...
(Morgan) or...
* Molly tries not to giggle, watching him intently
(Molly) Koertig Kingdom.
(Morgan) oh good lord
* Molly giggles
(Molly) Heinzharold will love that
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Morgan) no doubt
* Molly tilts her head
(Molly) Before the nightmare, I was having a much nicer dream
(Morgan) it sounded like it
* Molly blushes, smiling
(Molly) Oh dear, what did you hear?
(Morgan) nothing much
(Molly) I was Queen of the Tavern in Avebury, and you had me over your shoulder, but my dress was unpetticoated. I thought people were looking and I was giggling. Every time I wriggled too much, you were slapping my bottom like everyone had done to Evie
* Morgan nods
* Molly watches him a moment
(Molly) What's wrong, liebling?
(Morgan) nothing... why?
(Molly) You seem... subdued.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) a little maybe
* Molly nods
(Molly) Would you prefer to be alone, or be kn deck?
(Molly) On*
(Morgan) I need to be on deck as we dock, but other than that, no
(Molly) You... you should do what pleases you
* Molly sips her tea
(Morgan) I'm fine right here
* Molly nods
(Molly) I wonder if the dream you had about Horatio and I being married will be useful
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) who knows
* Molly gets up, going to the file
(Molly) It might help a little for finding a deep enough place to dock her?
(Molly) ((Has he put the previous nights nightmare about the fire in there?))
(Morgan) probably... 
(Morgan) ((yes))
* Molly makes a little "huh" sound, before bringing the file over to look for the one she wanted
(Morgan) I can probably find the same dock we used before
(Molly) That would be best. I had not realised you had written yesterday's nightmare
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Did you want me to read it?
(Morgan) not now. I don't want you getting upset again
* Molly nods
(Molly) Another day. *she looks at the file* One day, I suppose I'll have to write mine
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm afraid so
(Molly) Not yet. Definitely not yet.
* Morgan nods
* Molly squares her shoulders a little
(Molly) Should we relieve Heinzharold and Inga, incase their are important marital things they need to discuss? *she smiles*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, we should
* Molly looks thoughtful, smiling, then says
(Molly) Will we?
(Morgan) in all honesty, I think Varick would be very pleased to see you
* Molly nods
(Molly) I'll read this, and then find him. It will be his nap time soon
* Morgan nods
* Molly starts reading it over. And then they do collect Varick. It's obvious that Varick thinks the crown will be a surprise because he keeps giggling but not saying why. He is pleased to see Molly and insists on her putting him for his nap. With Sorgi keen to have a knowledgable eye on navigating to the best spot on the island, Morgan gets drawn up on deck whilst Inga says she'll stay and sew with Molly. HH trudges on deck beside Morgan.
** You're now known as HH
(HH) And so, the hero of our story, the young blacksmith, didn't get to woo the comely wench, and was instead sent on a crusade for his Liege
(Morgan) I'm going to hit you, you realise that?
(HH) And the King was not always kind to his underlings, oh no
(HH) **Claudia comes up behind him* Knock it off Heinzharold, or we'll end up scuppered
* HH mutters to Morgan when she's out of earshot "His sheriff was none too friendly either"
(Morgan) Go make yourself useful and have a look at the coastline
(HH) But we arent even going that direction! *he grins*
(Morgan) so you'll need to be at the rear of the ship
* HH bows floridly before going off
** You're now known as Sorgi
* Sorgi comes to Morgan's side
(Sorgi) He's a real character, m'lord
(Morgan) thats one way of putting it
(Sorgi) The men love him
(Morgan) good
(Sorgi) Do you know where you want her?
(Morgan) if memory serves there's a decent place to weight anchor with a small dock on the far side
(Sorgi) Are you happy to take charge?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) if you are
* Sorgi nods. He rings the bell and tells everyone before standing aside and smiling at Morgan
(Sorgi) She's all yours, cap'n
* Morgan nods to him before shouting out orders to get them on the far side of the island
(Sorgi) **They get to a point where they could very easily scupper her on the rocks, and Morgan has to decide how loud and bossy to be
* Morgan gets very loud and very assertive
(Sorgi) **Next he has to weigh up the risk of getting her nice and close to the little dock so it's easier, versus the lower risk of damage by using row boats back and forth. ((I cant remember whose ship they took at the event))
* Morgan errs on the side of caution and has them weigh anchor a distance from the dock
* Sorgi looks around, nodding with satisfaction
(Sorgi) Well done, m'lord
* Morgan inclines his head
(Morgan) been a while
(Sorgi) Take the helm whenever you wish, m'lord
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) lets ready a shore party. I want someone to survey the rocks, see if we can get the ship closer
* Sorgi nods. There's soon much activity, and a preparing of a row boat.
** You're now known as Claudia
* Claudia looks at the rowboat
(Claudia) I'm up for that
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) good
(Claudia) **HH pops up too** Who's goin'?
(Morgan) At the moment, Claudia to see if we can get closer
(Claudia) **He rattles off the names of four crewmen** They all have experience of coastal fishing, should be good for it
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) **HH goes off to find them**
(Claudia) Going yourself?
(Morgan) No, I don't think so
(Claudia) Any natives?
(Morgan) No...
(Claudia) What has it got? Wild sheep?
(Morgan) used to have monsters
(Claudia) Used to? What happened to them?
(Morgan) I did
* Claudia nods
(Morgan) They were tied to some machine or other thats now in the hands of the explorers guild and is, apparently, inert
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) Alright. How long are we staying?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I need long enough to get a decent look across the island
(Claudia) Looks big. Got a map?
(Morgan) No... its not _that_ big
(Morgan) actually... I might have one
(Claudia) Might need that
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Any houses?
(Morgan) one that I saw
(Claudia) Big enough for a handful of us?
(Morgan) easily
(Claudia) Habitable?
(Morgan) it was last time I was here... probably needs a damn good clean
(Claudia) How long ago was that? ((19m I think))
(Morgan) nearly two years
(Claudia) Worth cleaning a bit if you want to be here a few days. Want me to get the map, or are you going to check on the women?
(Morgan) I'll go check on them. 
(Claudia) How is she now?
(Morgan) better, more cheerful, thank god
(Claudia) What was it all about?
(Morgan) a nightmare
* Claudia looks at him
(Claudia) Should we expect trouble, as with the Love's Requiem?
(Morgan) I don't know. She isn't up to telling me about it
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Is that why Inga is with her?
(Morgan) Maybe... though they are very close
* Claudia nods as HH and the others arrive
(Claudia) Probe for depth, see if we can tuck her in?
* Morgan nods
* Claudia gets on with arranging this, leaving Morgan to map finding
* Morgan heads below to find the map
(Claudia) **he can hear Molly and Inga talking just before he gets to the door*
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) I: What was it like?
* Molly sighs wistfully
(Molly) Oh Inga, it was just beautiful. It was so strange, but it felt so real
(Molly) ((Chooses to listen in, or interrupts?))
* Morgan waits
(Molly) I: I thought maybe it would feel a bit off-putting
(Molly) No, not at all. It's... it's magical. Like a real person
(Molly) ((Waits or interrupts?))
(Morgan) ((waits))
(Molly) I: Did it make you broody?
* Morgan makes some noise before opening the door
* Molly and Inga both look as if they were discussing something they shouldn't have been. Molly is fixing the dress that Kai sliced, and Inga is darning socks. They glance at each other before looking at him
(Molly) Is it time for us to be ready to go on land, liebling?
(Morgan) not just yet... I'm getting the waters checked to see if we can get closer, and I'm hoping to find the map that was sent with the deeds
* Molly puts aside the dress, going to the bookshelves. She finds him the letter with the deeds and map
* Molly speaks very quietly
(Molly) Are you well?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Good *she hands it over* Is there anything I can do to be useful?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) not at the moment my love
* Molly nods
(Molly) I shall stay here out of the way then. We probably have around four hours til dusk
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) very well
* Molly impulsively kisses his cheek before blushing
(Molly) I'll... see you later
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll come find you once we're ready to start heading onto the island
* Molly nods, retaking her seat
(Molly) Thank you
* Morgan nods to Inga before heading out the door
(Molly) **Inga stands up* I've just remembered where there's another pair of Heinzharold's holey socks. I'll be back in a minute
** You're now known as Inga
* Inga follows Morgan out, shutting the door gently
(Inga) I thought you would want to know how she is
* Morgan nods
(Inga) She seems fine, but she won't talk about this nightmare at all. She says it's not something we need to worry about, and she would rather just forget it...
* Morgan nods
(Inga) She was asking me if I think you seem happy though
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she was asking me earlier too
(Inga) I'll let you know if anything else is said, but I don't think trying to make her talk will get me anywhere
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I think it'd be too painful for her for the time being
* Inga nods
(Inga) Its a bit worrying
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
* Inga smiles
(Inga) I'll go back to keeping her company
(Morgan) thank you, Inga
* Inga lets herself in. Molly says "Where were we?" "Getting Broody" Inga replies
** You are now disconnected