------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Sunday, 8 August 2021 13:36:13 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea ** You're now known as Hh ** You're now known as HH * HH stops at 997,000 bottles when they get to the town. His commitment to his cause is admirable despite all versions of "shut up Heinzharold" he's heard. Sometimes he's sung it in his head, only to restart aloud minutes later. It has made the ninety minute trip seem shorter, though Morgan would have preferred silence whilst getting his thoughts straight. (HH) **At the town, Morgan needs to decide whether to look for Elsie, find the doctor, or go to the Ketch. There's only a bit over two hours of decent daylight left, and the sailing is ninety minutes. (Morgan) Right then... doctor, then brothel... *he rides off towards the doctors location* * HH follows him at speed (HH) Hang on, what?! * Morgan looks at his friend (Morgan) it never occurred to me I'd be giving back the keys... (HH) At the big 'ouse? * Morgan nods (HH) Howdya feel? (Morgan) I'm not sure yet * HH nods (HH) Bad enough to Brothel about it? *he grins* (Morgan) If I wasn't me, probably (HH) Good, b'cause I'd unman you b'fore lettin' ya do that. (Morgan) you'd try at least * HH snorts (HH) Nice try. Why are we goin' to a brothel? (Morgan) I need to speak to someone there * HH nods (HH) **The doctor's office is familiar to Morgan, but is unfortunately he is away from Tawstock for the day his secretary says. (HH) **The brothel is easily found on foot after returning the horses. Heinzharold is cheerful** (HH) Yer majesty, one is most humbled by the honour of attending the forbidden palace of the skyclad goddesses at yer side. * Morgan rolls his eyes (HH) My sore and tired eyes hath not see the glories of the bubbies of a fair maiden since the crow of my cockerel early on this morn (Morgan) bubbies... * HH cups his hands to his chest, but not until he's cast a quick look around to make sure they're alone (Morgan) you realise I have the right reputation here to stab you and no-one would bat an eyelid, right? (HH) If the thought of fair bubbies enrage thee so, my liege, we must hide us hence to thy palace (HH) Hie * (Morgan) Would it make any difference to tell you to shut up? * HH makes his cupping gradually bigger until he looks like he's carrying armfuls of huge breasts (HH) Has it ever? (Morgan) Not so far * HH nods, carrying his bubbies all the way. It's obviously a quiet part of the day, quiet enough that even from outside he can clearly hear a girl who sounds to be being genuinely pleasured moaning with approaching ecstasy. HH glances at Morgan's expression with a smirk, saying nothing (Morgan) Not quite the same as I was hearing yesterday evening... * HH grins (HH) Bout the same as I was. * Morgan stops suddenly (Morgan) you know Inga was telling you not to stop... * HH nods (Morgan) please ignore her advice... * Morgan continues walking (HH) What? Oh, you're gonna leave me out hear to listen to that?! (Morgan) No, just... stop. (HH) Bit vague. Gotta make your instructions explicit. **This is very similar to how Molly asked him to command her not to find her release before he returned** (Morgan) shut up HeinzHarold... * Morgan heads to the door of the brothel * HH nods. The woman in the room above peaks loudly, making HH chuckle quietly as he follows Morgan in (HH) **The brothel is almost empty, a few men nursing drinks and looking spent. It's very clean and airy. A woman comes over, looking at them, smiling** Hello boys, playing together today? * Morgan looks at her a moment (Morgan) No... I need to speak with Elsie (HH) **HH looks at Morgan and gestures ; she thinks we want to share her, doesn't she? (HH) W: Elsie dont work up here no more. She works in the kitchens now. * Morgan nods (Morgan) Its not a euphemism... I wish to speak with her (HH) W: *she nods* Come on then (HH) **The woman takes them downstairs to a clean kitchen. The first thing he notices is the faded bright red dye that's long grown out. It's a fair assumption that some months ago her hair would have been very red. She has her back to him, washing dishes. (HH) W: Elsie love, someone to talk to you. * HH leans against the wall, looking dumb ** You're now known as Elsie * Elsie dries her hands on a towel. The second thing he notices is that she's very pregnant, likely eight or so months. His maths puts her conception around mid-February, when Morgan returned from Eisen and Kai came to this brothel and hurt her (Morgan) Is there somewhere we can go quiet to talk? * Elsie and the woman exchange glances and eye rolls (Elsie) Here's fine. * Morgan nods (Morgan) The man that hurt you... I'm going to see he has retribution for it. * Elsie shrugs (Elsie) He's a friend of her Grace, and nobles protect their own. (Morgan) I've spoken to her grace about it. She wants you to see her personal physician so she can make sure his punishment is enough. * Elsie nods (Elsie) Alright. Won't do much to help me, but alright (Morgan) I'm still working on that. What do you need? (Elsie) Money. * Morgan nods (Morgan) how much? (Elsie) Enough to give my child a life. Birth's gonna kill me, but they can save the baby. It's going to need a life finding and something to give it a fair start. * Morgan frowns (Morgan) why are you so certain you'll die? (Elsie) Scarring. Baby can't come out how it went in. They'll cut it out, save one life at least * Morgan nods (Morgan) He hurt you that badly? * Elsie nods (Elsie) Couldn't walk for months * Morgan nods (Morgan) The doctor has been left instructions, he's out of town today, so tomorrow, visit him. As for money to get a future for your child, I'll sort something somehow. * Elsie nods (Elsie) Need to find it a home too, but who wants a whore's child conceived by rape? (Morgan) We'll find something. * Elsie nods (Morgan) if it were a choice, a home or money... (Elsie) Home. Doesn't have to be a lot of money, but if it's a girl I dont want her ending up like me. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'll do my best. * Elsie nods (Elsie) Was that all? * Morgan nods (Morgan) thank you for talking with me * Elsie nods, giving him a half hearted smile (Elsie) W: I'll show you out * Morgan nods, following her (Elsie) **She leads them upstairs and HH goes out onto the street. The noise of the woman above has stopped, and its quiet** ** You're now known as HH * HH doesn't look like he's going to dick around (HH) What's all that about? (Morgan) You notice her hair? (HH) Aye (Morgan) Would've been a similar colour to Molly's back in February time... * HH nods slowly (HH) Riiight (Morgan) Just after we left for Eisen, Dau did that to her... Dau always wanted Molly... (HH) Got her pregnant? * Morgan nods (Morgan) hurt her so bad she couldn't walk for months... scarred her so bad they'll have to cut the baby out, which is going to kill her * HH shakes his head (HH) Fucking 'ell. (HH) **The streets are mercifully empty** (HH) Where is he now? (Morgan) He was in Avebury when we were there... he'll probably be heading back this way soon (HH) Dead man walking. * HH looks like Morgan has rarely seen him; completely serious * Morgan nods (Morgan) I've had enough playing politics, he has to die (HH) Molly's safe though? She can hurt him if she needs to? * HH watches him as he walks * Morgan nods (Morgan) oh yes (HH) Even without weapons? (Morgan) especially without weapons... though she did best him in a duel (HH) _Will_ she hurt him though? Takes a lot to kill someone, even in self-defense * Morgan nods (Morgan) I think so. Claudia's there, too... * HH nods (HH) Now what? (Morgan) We've done what we can for today. Back to the ship * HH nods (HH) You need to get back now * Morgan glances at him (Morgan) because? (HH) I'm thinking you prob'ly need to just hold Molly for a little bit after what you've just uncovered (Morgan) That or break something * HH nods (HH) Stop at the old island dock, walk through the woods and wreck some trees on the way? * Morgan nods (Morgan) think so (HH) **Rousseau and the crew have food and drink, and this keeps HH quite quiet for at least some of the trip. The rest he spends telling fantastical stories to the crew about his prowess and heroism, and not ragging on Morgan for a change. He's obviously trying to cheer and relax Morgan. (HH) **She appears to him at five miles as usual, a familiar relief** (HH) **They're not far from the dock when HH starts talking** Need me, or want me to go back to the Rose? (Morgan) Go back. (Morgan) You don't need to see this * HH looks at him, and it reminds him of Claudia (HH) Dont bullshit me. You dont want me there, just say. Dont act like it's for my own good (Morgan) Not that. I don't want you seeing it * HH nods (HH) You know it's your choice an' I'm here for you whatever. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know (HH) **The ketch drops him on the old dock, the one he landed at the first time he came to Lundy. HH gives him a quick hug** What do you want me to tell her? **from this distance he could easily tell her telepathically* (Morgan) That I'm angry and need to get it out of my system (HH) Tell her it's not something she's done? Inga needs that sorta reassurance * Morgan nods * HH nods, waiting for him to go * Morgan trudges off up towards the tunnels (HH) **Nothing untoward happens to him. He has time to do what he wishes, not even Molly interrupts him ((can tell me what he does, or just how long he is, either is fine)) (Morgan) ((bout an hour)) (HH) **Its fully dark by the time he gets back to The Rose, and he can hear the loudness of dinner being served, which makes it around eight o'clock, only an hour until Molly is due to contact Innesbruck** (HH) **He finds Inga sat on the stairs waiting for him** ** You're now known as Inga * Inga stands up when he gets there (Inga) Are you alright? * Morgan nods slightly (Morgan) well enough (Inga) Molly sent me to wait for you * Morgan frowns (Morgan) why? (Inga) She's having to entertain the surveyor, but she wanted to be sure someone was here if you needed... *she looks unsure of something* (Morgan) needed... (Inga) Someone to talk to or get you tea (Morgan) some tea would be nice (Inga) *she hesitates* She's been in a really odd mood all day. Then when Heinzharold came back without you she got worse. I'm a bit worried about her to be honest (Morgan) antsy? (Inga) Yes, til Heinzharold came! Like she was restless and couldn't settle to anything. We went up to the church with the surveyor, and she kept tapping her feet and now and then she'd make a sigh of frustration. It's a bit like being around a hive of bees all day. * Morgan nods (Morgan) she's fine (Inga) She's been worse since he came back. It's like she's a hairs-breadth from snapping at someone. She's almost... *she grimaces* it's not very flattering, but she's almost sullen. And that's not normal. * Morgan nods (Morgan) She'll be fine Inga * Inga nods (Inga) I'll get some tea. Are you hungry? (Morgan) famished, actually (Inga) Do you want it in your study? (Morgan) please * Inga brings it to him a little while later. There's no sign of Molly, and Varick is sleeping soundly. (Inga) There we go (Morgan) Thank you. How's HeinzHarold? * Inga looks a little puzzled (Inga) Over-compensating * Morgan nods (Morgan) He's going to need some affection (Inga) It'd be nice to know why though. He's been really silly since he came back, and grabbing at me and saying he's missed his "bubbies" is not very helpful *she smiles though* (Morgan) An old adversary hurt one of the working girls in the town... Its affected him * Inga nods (Inga) I'll sort him out * Morgan nods (Inga) Do you need anything else? (Morgan) just Molly (Inga) Do you want me to fetch her? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) I'll find her (Inga) She's in the ballroom having dinner with Sorgi, the Surveyor, Claudia, Heinzharold and James * Morgan nods (Morgan) thank you * Inga leaves, shutting the door quietly (Inga) **The little clock shows it is half after eight by the time he has finished eating, and only half an hour until it is time for contacting Innesbruck * Morgan goes to find Molly * Inga is sat at the table with the others. From the state of her plate she's barely eaten, and in her hand is a glass of cherry brandy. It's hard to pinpoint exactly how, but it's almost as if that schooled neutrality is not just in her face, it's in her whole demeanour and body. Every movement is well-controlled, almost rigid. It's most like when she was first at Lady Torrington's and having to interact with noble guests, utterly reserved and contained. ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) **Sorgi and the others seem chatty, and Heinzharold is quite loud though unoffensive (Molly) **Sorgi is the first to offer Morgan a drink and a seat** * Morgan nods, sitting down (Molly) **Claudia gestures $you alright?$ (Morgan) $Sort of$ * Molly smiles very politely at him. It's about the sort of smile that a Duke is likely to receive from a Duchess, and very little like the sort of relaxed smile he usually gets from her (Molly) S: **he gives Morgan blokners* (Molly) C: $need anything?$ (Morgan) $Not today$ (Morgan) [are you alright?] (Molly) [I think so. Are you?] (Morgan) [I dont know. I have displeased you...] * Morgan takes a mouthful of the blokners (Molly) [No. You have not.] (Morgan) [You are angry] (Molly) J: My lord, I have conducted a thorough viewing of the island, and I will be able to return to Tawstock in the morning to draw up a conclusion of findings from my notes (Morgan) That was faster than expected (Molly) [I have gone past pleasant frustration and out of the other side of it, to the point of risk of losing all my self-control entirely] (Morgan) [conversing with your father will be a task then] (Molly) J: Lady Koertig has been very efficient in her escorting of me today. It is a valuable trait in a wife to have her this enthused and efficient (Molly) [Yes.] (Morgan) Because we work as one (Molly) J: It is very uncommon to see a competent woman. (Morgan) Only because we do not allow them to be. A mistake, I fancy (Molly) **he can see Molly breathe in a slow, controlled way* (Molly) J: Some of them perhaps (Molly) C: $no idea what he's saying, but its pissing Molly off$ (Morgan) $I know$ (Molly) C: $I can see her slapping him, or someone. She's been like it a while. If he wasn't here I'd have her training * Molly sips her brandy, still well controlled (Molly) *HH gestures $got it out of your system now?$ (Morgan) I should warn you, that view is not popular here... (Morgan) $enough for now$ (Molly) J: *he nods, eating* (Molly) HH $shall I ask Molly about what you wouldn't translate now?$ (Morgan) $Only if you don't value your life$ (Molly) J: *he starts talking about families in Tawstock that Molly obviously would know. She isn't rude, its almost the opposite, utterly polite and well-mannered, but he can tell she is just at the limits of her patience* (Molly) **HH is watching Molly, then gestures to Morgan $what have you done?$ (Molly) **Claudia gestures $How you be so successful with, yet so clueless about, women?$ (Molly) HH $wow, that was mean!$ * Morgan puts his tankard down (Morgan) Will you all excuse us, Molly and I have things we need to discuss (Molly) J: *he nods** Good night then * Molly stands up slowly, careful with her glass (Molly) Thank you for your hard work, Mr Jeffries. We will arrange to return to Tawstock in the morning so that you might continue your work. **He looks pleased, singing her praises, and that of the island, and the hospitality, and generally just delaying her with her own politeness.** (Molly) **Claudia looks at her, then Morgan** $keep him out of the way?$ * Morgan nods slightly (Molly) **HH gets up, opening the door speaking broken Avalonian** I'm going anyway, so after you, my Lady * Molly smiles a little at this, genuinely rather than politely. * Morgan gets up and heads towards the door (Molly) Thank you. Good night everyone **they say goodnight, and she goes into the hall** * Morgan follows her out (Molly) **HH grins once he's shut the door behind him, whispering seriously "Thought you were going to get tied up there all night". Despite there being no innuendo at all in his tone, a little high pitch whimpered mmm noise escapes Molly, at which she blushes hard** (Molly) **HH looks completely confused, as if he's imagined he heard it. He shrugs to himself** G'dnight * Morgan nods to him before leading Molly off to his study (Molly) **Inga is in there tidying away Morgan's plate** (Molly) I: Oh good you found her * Molly stays quiet, just holding his hand tightly * Morgan nods (Molly) I: Are you feeling a bit better now, Molly? * Molly just nods (Molly) I: *she looks to Morgan* Have you seen Heinzharold? (Morgan) he's heading to your room I believe (Molly) I: Was he a bit more normal? (Morgan) A little perhaps (Molly) I: That's good. Would you like some more tea making? (Morgan) Please * Molly stays quiet again, glancing at the clock. It reads five minutes before nine, their contact with Innesbruck imminent (Morgan) Actually... I think we'll be fine for the time being, I'll organise some later (Molly) I: **she brushes crumbs from the desk onto the plate** Alright, I'll see you in the morning then. Goodnight (Morgan) goodnight (Molly) **Molly says goodnight and Inga goes out, shutting the door. Molly lets go of his hand** (Molly) I need to set up the mirror. (Morgan) yes you do * Molly shakes her head, going into the bedroom (Molly) Embarrassing. (Morgan) what? (Molly) That, with Heinzharold (Morgan) something about being tied up... * Molly bends over the chest, feeling for the mirror right near the bottom of it. She's still wearing the yellow dress with the forget-me-nots from last night's dream (Molly) Yes (Morgan) where did you get that dress? * Molly pulls it out along with the water (Molly) I bought it in Tawstock yesterday evening. Do you like it? * Morgan nods * Molly sets up the mirror as usual (Molly) It's very soft and easy to move in * Morgan nods (Morgan) I had a dream last night where you wore that... (Molly) Oh? **she glances at his expression whilst she wipes water on the glass* something nice? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) Will you tell me later? * Morgan nods * Molly takes a deep breath as she fastens up the bottle, and her thoughts spill over. It's clear, the softly lit room he had a year ago in the inn in Carleon. His boots are by a chair and his shirt over it. His dexterous hands undo his straining placket to reveal his thick, heavily engorged manhood. On the inside of the flap is a mark of his arousal, the patch connected by spider-web-fine liquid threads to the precum-covered tip of his erection. It is graphic, but feels almost reverent. (Molly) **The image in the mirror starts to waver and change, and this distracts her, removing her thought from his mind. (Molly) Graphic, but feels almost reverent. * Molly takes a seat in her usual spot with a slight wince. She glances at Morgan a moment. (Molly) ((Expression please)) (Morgan) ((inquisitive)) (Molly) **she tilts her head with curiosity, then Jacques, Walder and David appear in the mirror, waving** * Molly smiles obviously trying to be light and cheerful. Small talk is made about Innesbruck, where everything is going well, and Sudlachenburg which is likewise. Though the others don't pick up on it, he can see that Molly is finding it hard to not fidget. (Molly) D: Where are you now, Morgan? (Morgan) Lundy (Molly) D: *he nods* How are your sheep? (Morgan) Stupid (Molly) D: They usually are. Have you been to Sunnymeade yet? * Morgan nods slowly * Molly watches David (Molly) I have also been to the solicitor. (Molly) **he nods, but it's Morgan's expression he's trying to figure out** Thank you. (Morgan) The news was not well received (Molly) D: I wondered whether my sons would be awkward about it (Morgan) Perhaps some forewarning would have been... thoughtful (Molly) **he can feel this feels like provocation to Molly, and notices how it makes her sit a bit straighter, almost like she's welcoming an argument* (Molly) D: I probably should have, so that you knew what they would be like. (Morgan) You really are utterly clueless aren't you * Molly inhales deeply "Interesting, the concern about how your _sons_ would behave, how your _sons_ would feel..." (Molly) **Walder looks at Morgan** We'll give the three of you a minute, shall we, milord? * Morgan nods (Molly) David waits til they're gone: Now Molly, you know the farm would never have been yours anyway. * Molly frowns: It was my _home_, its where I should be able to go back to to see family. Where I should-... *she grits her teeth a moment* doesn't matter. (Molly) **David sighs** You wanted us to come to Eisen with you, and for me to take the job, Molly. (Morgan) Molly, go through to the bedroom please, I need to speak to your father (Molly) **Both of them look at him a little surprised, but Molly complies, shutting the door firmly* ** You're now known as David (David) It is my farm. As you yourself said when I took the job, I should do what I wanted with it. (Morgan) David, what you do with that farm is beside the point. Its the only constant she's had, memories of better times before you cast her out. The only connection she has with the rest of her family, alive or otherwise, and she had to be told by a stranger it was being removed from the family, and then she had to go and explain that to her brothers who you _expected_ to be awkward. Have a think about what that made her think about how much concern you have for _he (Morgan) r_ (David) She's very capable in that regard (Morgan) I'm well aware of that... but that isn't the point, is it. That news should have come from you. It looks like you have no care for her feelings after working so hard to become closer (David) Of course I care for her feelings. Maybe I should have been gentler (Morgan) There is no maybe about it. You need to be less reserved in your telling her that. DOn't half ass an apology and explanation, David, I can't overstate the damage that would cause * David nods (David) I will try to explain to her (Morgan) Do better... now... I understand there was more than just my nationality that made you distrusting of me when I wanted to marry her... * Morgan watches David carefully * David nods (David) There was. (Morgan) That being said, keeping information from me about her that could be needed in future... do you think that wise? (David) Such as? (Morgan) bouts of insomnia for example... * David frowns slightly (David) Is she suffering with insomnia? (Morgan) Not right now, but she did when we married... (David) Why? (Morgan) No reason for it. At least, nothing at the time... but I am aware she has suffered with it before... (David) She has. (Morgan) This is your opportunity to tell me what I need to know, David. Don't squander it (David) What has Peter been telling you? * Morgan watches him (Morgan) About insomnia... some delusions... * David 's jaw tightens, and his micro-expression shows pain anger and guilt (David) Molly had insomnia when she was four. She developed delusions because of it. No treatments helped her. To the best of my knowledge it had never happened again, and there is no reason to think about ending the marriage or refusing to have children with her for it. (Morgan) Your concern is that I will put her aside? (David) Wives are put into institutions for such illnesses. We knew it would impact her ability to wed if it was known. (Morgan) You judge me poorly David. Especially now. There is nothing that could pull me from her side, I need you to understand that (David) I am pleased but not surprised to hear that * Morgan nods slightly (Morgan) I need you to understand that we are going to discuss what I bring up next. I know you won't wish to, but its important that you do * David nods (David) I understand. (Morgan) Cecily. (David) **The pain on David's face is unpleasant because it is so close to Beth's earlier when talking about Levi, and his own* (David) Yes. (Morgan) She's remembering, slowly... its there in her subconscious, and its trying to surface (David) Oh no. We do not want that (Morgan) I don't think we have a choice. (David) If she remembers, she may not cope * Morgan nods (Morgan) how to put this... I know what happened. (David) Peter told you? * Morgan watches him (Morgan) He told me enough (David) You have to understand, Molly was a very different child then than she was after. She was very impetuous and obstinate. I am sure she wouldn't have meant to hurt her sister, but she wouldn't have thought her actions through (Morgan) Tell me what you think happened (David) Molly and Cess **he has to take a deep breath just at saying his dead daughter's name* were told to stay close to the house. But Molly was forever breaking the rules. I never thought they would go up to the pond. But they did. When I got there, Molly was inconsolable and Cess... *he swallows hard, rubbing his nose* sorry... * David clears his throat (David) Cess was dead. Her dress was ripped, and so was Molly's. They were often rough-housing, usually because Molly had instigated it despite being younger. She just picked a bad place for it. (Morgan) You think they were tousling and Cess, what, fell in? Got pushed? (David) The former *he sounds firm in this, but his micro-expression reveals that the latter has not impossible* (Morgan) You hope it was the former... but aren't certain... * David considers this (David) I dont think Molly would have intentionally harmed her (Morgan) that isn't what I said... * David sighs (David) It is possible * Morgan nods (David) And I wonder if that's why she forgot, to protect herself from that * Morgan watches David (Morgan) I know what actually happened, but I cant explain how to you (David) Has she been talking in her sleep again? She used to do that a lot before... (Morgan) No... (David) What happened? (Morgan) They were playing with a mermaid... bickering, pulling at it and it fell into the pond. Cess was trying to recover it. When she fell, Molly tried to catch her but tripped. (David) That damned doll. (Morgan) regardless, it was not what you thought (David) No, it's not. (David) They were always fighting over it. But I assumed Cess had just had it with her. We tried to give it back to Molly but she wouldn't even be in the same room as it. * Morgan nods (Morgan) Is that why when she got sick you thought the worst? Because you'd already thought it was her fault? * David looks away (David) Molly used to be impetuous, thoughtless, and would rush in to any adventure. It seemed like something she would do... * Morgan sighs quietly (Morgan) I'm not trying to lay blame... just understand. You can set your mind at rest that it was a culmination of circumstance, nothing more. (David) It was easier to believe that she could do something wayward and stupid than have a side-effect of an illness that no doctor had heard if before. (Morgan) Its late to be learning that lesson, but you have. I'd like to give you some advice that may help with her... (David) What is that? (Morgan) Dont shy away from it... don't try to justify it. Admit you were wrong and you are and will always be sorry for it. Assure her of your love for her and that she'll not be given cause to doubt it again. And try to think ahead for things like the farm... it was inconsiderate at worst, but its hurt her a great deal * David nods (David) I didn't realise she'd care so much (Morgan) tell her that. Admitting your errors and non-understanding is a sign of trust * David nods (David) Thank you (Morgan) One last thing before I call her back... The dolls been found and buried... I'll deal with that as needs be, but there were some paintings found... Would you like me to bring back the one of your mother? * David frowns (David) What do you mean it's been found? (Morgan) In the loft... (David) That's impossible. A mermaid with red hair and a blue tail? (Morgan) I haven't seen it, but I assume so... Peter said it was _that_ doll * David looks like he might vomit (Morgan) You'd already disposed of it, hadn't you... (David) Morgan, I burnt that about six weeks after she died. * Morgan nods slightly (Morgan) I see (David) **The haunted look is clear across all the hundreds of magically compressed miles* I _watched_ it burn. There's no way... (Morgan) Lets be honest David, stranger things have happened here * David nods slowly (David) I need to go. Tell Molly I love her and I'm sorry and I'll deal with the farm and speak to her on Saturday. (Morgan) We've dealt with the farm. * David nods (David) Alright. Goodnight * Morgan nods (Morgan) goodnight (David) **David rapidly exits before Walder comes and looks quizically at the mirror, then shrugs at Morgan* Still there? ** You're now known as Walder * Morgan nods * Walder glances back out the doorway then shrugs (Morgan) Nothing to worry about Walder (Walder) Throwing up his dinner, milord. Where's her ladyship? (Morgan) stay put, I'll get her. She could do with some good humour... (Walder) **Jacques comes in, sitting with Walder* Can I show you the other mirrors? * Morgan nods (Walder) **Jacques spends two minutes demonstrating two pairs of broken mirror, both of them have a permanent link between the two halves. The two pairs are not the same though. ** (Morgan) Why are they different? (Walder) J: They were from two different mirrors, milord (Morgan) And they're permanently like that? (Walder) J: Can't stop them, milord (Morgan) interesting... potentially useful (Walder) What I was thinking, milord, is that we paint them over. (Morgan) whyso? (Walder) We could send them to you that way make them patterned and stuff. Then you could wash them see, and noone would think to wash them * Morgan nods (Morgan) good idea (Walder) *Jacques smiles : we tried it already to see, and it does work. (Morgan) excellent. Alright, get them painted and shipped (Walder) Do you want all four, or give one to Mr Forrester to have in Sudlachenburg? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, give one to him (Walder) Send them to your cousin in Freiburg for you to collect, or somewhere in Avalon? (Morgan) Best go to my cousin, by the time they got here... though we'll see if Molly has any better ideas * Walder and Jacques talk quietly to each other while they wait * Morgan goes to fetch Molly (Walder) **She's stood by the window looking out at the starry night* (Morgan) blossom... ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) Hmm? (Morgan) Walder and Jacques are waiting to talk to you... they've got an idea about those broken mirrors * Molly nods, coming back to the main room. Its decided that three will be sent to Catterick for them. Soon they're saying goodbye, with no further sign of David, and the magical effect is gone. She dries the mirror and packs it away before looking at Morgan* what happened to my Father? (Morgan) He wanted me to tell you he loves you and he's sorry he didn't think to tell you about the farm. He didn't think you'd be upset. * Molly rolls her eyes (Molly) Alright. I know what I am doing about it anyway, theres no point in worrying about it now (Morgan) I've explained to him, at some length, why the decision hurt you. At least, why I think it did. * Molly nods, pouring him some blokners and herself some cherry brandy (Molly) Thank you (Morgan) I believe he's going to speak to you about it saturday. (Molly) Alright my love *she kicks off her boots before sitting on the couch in the middle of the room* do you have much to do this evening? (Morgan) Aside from fetch some tea, no (Molly) Ahh if you had said but a moment ago, before I took off my boots * Molly smiles at him * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) I'll get it * Molly nods, lying down (Molly) Thank you * Morgan nods, heading off to get the tea (Molly) **The kitchen clock says nine fourty five, and the kitchen work seems to have finished. The tea is easy to sort, and he can faintly hear talking from HH and Ingas cabin on the way back ((listens or doesn't?)) (Morgan) ((listens)) (Molly) **HH sounds a bit emotional, and Inga is consoling him. They sound quite cocooned and he'd need to massively strain to hear words. * Morgan tries (Molly) HH: It's hard, because I don't want to tell he shouldn't, but I dont want him to get hurt. I: I know you don't. I don't think it's a good idea, things are going really well for them now, Molly is so much happier than she was before they went to Fischler. (Molly) Tell him he* (Molly) **there are faint furry footsteps behind him** (Molly) ((Keeps listening or stops?)) (Morgan) ((keeps listening)) (Molly) HH: She's good for him, makes him less of a prude and more easy going, like in the War (Molly) **the cat gets to him, purring** ((stops or listens)) * Morgan picks the cat up, listening (Molly) I: Was he prudish about Dietlinde then? (Molly) HH: He was always a bit prudish, compared t' most sailors, but very private where she was concerned. Bit like Molly is about 'im. (Molly) ((Stops or listens)) (Morgan) ((listens)) (Molly) **Captain Ulysses meows loudly** (Molly) I: You can tell sometimes though that she's being careful about what she says, not that there's nothing to say * Morgan fusses the cat before knocking on the door (Molly) HH: That's cos you got them smarts, lil darlin' (Molly) **Inga starts giggling** Uhhh. Just a minute!! (Molly) HH: *to Inga** Put this on. No, like that! Alright. **loudly** come on then * Morgan pushes the door open (Morgan) I'm sorry to disturb you... I need to talk to HeinzHarold (Molly) **HH is sat up in bed bare-chested. Inga only has on his shirt** (Molly) HH: *he smirks** Big risk o' someone seeing my bubbies if I send 'er out there. (Morgan) I'll wait for you in the ballroom (Molly) I: *she blushes, covering her face with her hands* For goodness sake, stop calling them bubbies! * Morgan closes the door and heads off to the ballroom (Molly) **There's chuckling in his wake. About two minutes later HH appears his clothes a bit untidy* ** You're now known as HH (HH) Bloody 'ell man. * Morgan watches him * HH grins "How do you say Cock Block in Avalonian?" (Morgan) You're holding out on me... (HH) About? (Morgan) I don't know... you don't want to tell me I shouldn't but dont want me to get hurt... * HH watches him (HH) You shouldn't see Dagget because you're only going to feel his pain and your own. I dont want ya thinking I'm saying you arent strong enough, just seems pointless to me. * Morgan nods (Morgan) Alright (HH) You're happy with Molly, and she's absolutely mad on you, despite the fact she could do much better. Why risk wrecking it? (Morgan) I didn't see it as a risk. I wanted to help him, but you already helped me see it probably wouldn't help * HH nods (HH) Got some theories about what might be driving your want to, but y' won't like 'em. (Morgan) go on... (HH) Sure? * Morgan nods (HH) It doesn' hurt as much as it did, but y've made hurtin' part of who you are all these years, an' yet scared to find out who y' are once that hurtin' stops being yer identity. So yer poking at it, cos it's safe an' familiar. (Morgan) I can see why you think so * HH shrugs (HH) Just dont want y' backsliding (Morgan) Nor do I... I know I need to move forward, and I'm not trying to sabotage it. Its just... difficult. * HH nods (HH) Wanna hear something that'll make you laugh? (Morgan) If its anything about your bubbies, no. (HH) Nope * Morgan nods (HH) When you went back t' school, after my Da died, yer Da came to visit us one day. I missed my Da, and he offered to give me a hug. Your Da, the Graf of Sudlachenburg. * Morgan nods (HH) Told me if I ever told ya, he'd lie an' say it never happened (Morgan) Cant be seen as a bit soft... * HH nods (HH) That all y' wanted me for? * Morgan nods (HH) I'll go back to m' bubbies then * HH grins * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * HH pulls him into a hug (HH) I love you, man. (Morgan) I love you, most of the time (HH) Horseshit. You love me all the fuckin' time, y' just dont always like me (Morgan) true * HH lets him go (HH) Don't listen in at my door though. I'll return th' favour, and I dont wanna waste hours hearing your wife tellin' you how sexy I am, cos I already know that (Morgan) Your voice carried... you sounded upset and I was worried (HH) I'm good, I was telling the bubbies all about it (Morgan) Shoulda told me... (HH) You aren't nearly as nice t' lie on * Morgan thumps his arm * HH laughs (HH) Go find yer own bubbies. See y' in the morning * Morgan nods, carrying the tea tray * HH opens the door for him, then heads the other way, singing some nonsense song about bubbies that he's obviously made up on the spot * Morgan heads back to his study ** You're now known as Molly * Molly sits up (Molly) Are you alright, you were gone a while (Morgan) Had to talk to HeinzHarold, thats all (Molly) Is he alright? * Molly lies back down * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, overall * Morgan sets the tray down, making the tea * Molly sighs (Molly) I would imagine we have a great deal to discuss (Morgan) probably (Molly) Shall we start with something nice? * Morgan nods * Molly watches him (Molly) It is now one year ago, to within an hour, that you first kissed me * Morgan nods (Morgan) that is indeed a nice thing to start with * Molly nods (Molly) Something changed then, in that moment too. Not the same as in the stable, but something big (Morgan) oh? (Molly) Theres a quote I read once... the decision to kiss for the first time is the most crucial one in any love story, because all else that will happen between lovers is from the seed planted in that moment. * Morgan nods (Morgan) thats right, I think * Molly nods (Molly) I would not have guessed then that it would grow to this (Morgan) No... I certainly wouldn't * Molly nods (Molly) I would ask if you're glad, but I do not need to, because I know you are... * Molly rolls to her side to sip her brandy before putting it on the floor * Morgan smiles (Morgan) aye, I am. I find it difficult to allow myself happiness at times. * Molly nods (Molly) I know. It is a shame, because I love to bring your happiness * Morgan sniggers * Molly whimpers (Molly) I didn't mean... well yes, that too, but that's not what I meant right this minute (Morgan) sorry, I've... I think its spending time with HeinzHarold. He says I'm more like I was, little by little (Molly) I am glad you've had a nice day with him * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) I wish it had been (Molly) Has he been an ass? (Morgan) oh absolutely, but its been the tasks that have been difficult * Molly nods (Molly) Should we talk about something unpleasant, then something pleasant again? (Morgan) probably (Molly) Do you wish to sit beside me, or on the floor? There is no hope for any conversation if you lie on here with me, I am afraid * Morgan settles on the floor, picking up his blokners * Molly gently strokes over his hair (Molly) Would you like to pick the unpleasant topic? None of mine is strictly _unpleasant_. (Morgan) I didn't go to see John Dagget. I dont' think he'd actually benefit from it (Molly) No, he won't (Morgan) And HeinzHarold thinks I was mostly doing it to keep hurting... * Molly nods slowly (Molly) It's certainly... an experience, seeing him at present * Morgan nods (Morgan) I daresay (Molly) There's no talking to him, or reassuring him. It's just listening, again and again. But grief that is loud is always safer than grief that is quiet * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes, it is (Molly) I am thinking of going to see him again tomorrow (Morgan) You think that will help? (Molly) I have to give him an answer (Morgan) to... (Molly) Whether I will be Kathleen's godmother (Morgan) I see (Molly) What thinks you? (Morgan) Why does he want to? (Molly) Eliza asked him to (Morgan) I see (Molly) I know the feeling she must have felt, bleeding out like that, and how urgent and important it seems to have those last words organised... * Molly looks at him (Molly) It has not escaped me that we both underwent a similar process this summer... * Morgan nods (Molly) I am inclined to do it (Morgan) If you wish to (Molly) But you have reservations...? (Morgan) Nothing worth mentioning * Molly 's lips briefly purse (Molly) They are to me. (Morgan) Just a bit of unease about you having things to do with him, thats all (Molly) You do not like the tie it creates between John and I... * Morgan nods (Morgan) I suppose not (Molly) Because it makes you feel afraid I will leave you, or even wish to? (Morgan) Not particularly, no (Molly) Something else then? You are afraid he will hurt me? (Morgan) maybe... I don't know, I'm just... possessive I suppose * Molly nods (Molly) I do not mind that * Morgan nods (Molly) I am ashamed to admit I did wonder aloud to Heinzharold whether my having wealth and title may have been a factor in their choice, but it is very wrong and uncharitable of me to think that way. (Morgan) They couldn't have known about it anyway (Molly) Peter told them months ago. He doesnt live far from Goodleigh, it's why he went to the funeral * Molly moves to sip the brandy again still stroking his hair * Morgan nods (Morgan) I see... still, unlikely * Molly nods (Molly) Do you wish me to not see him, if it is making you possessive? (Morgan) No, its alright * Molly nods (Molly) It isnt as if we are having a good time. Either he is crying, Kathleen is crying or we all are * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know (Molly) Heinzharold told you? (Morgan) He said there was a lot of crying * Molly nods (Molly) It's to be expected * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed * Molly is quiet a moment (Molly) Anyway, if I am to be the godmother, the christening will be Friday or Saturday * Morgan nods (Morgan) right (Molly) So I must decide and sent word tomorrow, either by messenger or going myself * Morgan nods (Morgan) whatever you wish my love (Molly) You would come to the christening? (Morgan) I don't know that'd be a welcome idea (Molly) For you, or for him? (Morgan) for him * Molly shakes her head (Molly) Please, do not be offended, but he does not care right now about what happened that day in Tawstock * Morgan nods (Morgan) good (Molly) He's really just... numb. To almost everyone and everything * Morgan nods (Morgan) I would imagine so * Molly exhales slowly (Molly) It's very sad to see * Morgan nods (Molly) I... I suppose you were that way, in the beginning? *its said carefully, slowly* (Morgan) worse (Molly) John isn't angry yet... I think he's still somewhat in shock * Morgan nods (Molly) If we were staying longer... months, say, I think I eventually I could help him, in the normal way... (Morgan) I don't know I'd be comfortable with that (Molly) With me coaxing him out of himself ? * Morgan nods (Molly) Why? (Morgan) I don't entirely know. A lot of our closeness came about through that I think * Molly frowns a bit (Molly) I suppose so (Molly) You would feel so with Karlsruhe also? (Morgan) You have no prior affection for Karlsruhe (Molly) I had no prior affection for you... * Molly fidgets, picking up her glass and finishing what's in it (Morgan) That's not a particularly good supporting argument for your idea... (Molly) No, I see that * Molly stands up, fetching the brandy bottle and topping up her glass. * Molly looks around before finding her shawl and bringing that with her to the couch (Molly) We will not be here that long, so it is irrelevant really * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) Do you have anything else you wish to ask me about my visit to Goodleigh? * Morgan shakes his head * Molly wraps herself in the shawl, sitting with her knees up, and sips the brandy (Molly) What shall we move on to now? * Morgan sips his blokners (Morgan) I saw Lady Torrington (Molly) Is she well? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I've... handed the estate keys back * Molly tilts her head (Molly) That's... hmmm... * Molly watches his expression (Molly) What thinks you? (Morgan) what? (Molly) How do you feel about it? * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) I'd be lying if I said I was happy about it (Molly) Can you tell me why? (Morgan) Its like leaving an old friend... a closure of a part of my life * Molly nods (Molly) I can understand that. (Molly) It's a step further away too, I suppose * Morgan nods (Morgan) She was not happy * Molly nods (Molly) You have been very good to her (Morgan) I've been very dangerous to those who weren't good to her * Molly nods (Molly) She will miss you * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, and you * Molly nods, smiling (Molly) That's nice (Morgan) apparently Mr Black was getting ready to make himself plain to you... * Molly nods (Molly) He was plain enough in his face when I told him I was marrying you * Molly starts frowning (Morgan) what? (Molly) I am feeling a strange desire to make you feel jealous, and I do not understand why, and it's really not a nice thing to feel (Morgan) I'd really rather you didn't (Molly) No... * Molly sips her brandy (Molly) Has she decided to marry Lord Torrington yet? (Morgan) Not that she mentioned. She's hoping to make an... arrangement with Kit... * Molly nods slightly (Molly) Well, I hope she doesnt end up hurt (Morgan) as do I (Molly) He has always been very popular * Morgan nods * Molly speaks Avalonian with an approximation of Kurt's accent (Molly) " it is unlikely a voman vould vant to marry a mercenary! I travel to much, and ze pay is not quite enough to sustain a household in a proper fashion you know?!" * Molly smiles, sipping her brandy (Morgan) not bad, not bad... * Molly nods (Molly) "Zat is vhy i am often friends vith vomen, but nosing more ja?" (Molly) Of course, having a creatively acquired identity and an unusual job had nothing to do with it (!) (Morgan) absolutely not * Molly swirls the cherry brandy in her glass "strangely, that was the night I tried this for the first time" * Morgan nods, sipping his blokners (Molly) You were busy talking to Kai, I was watching the dock in Carleon, and Kit came on board to find me for some "intellectual conversation", I believe he said. (Morgan) I dread to think what that entailed * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) Mostly we drank cherry brandy and talked about my hopes for travelling the world * Morgan nods (Molly) He did not stay long * Molly starts pinching her lower lip (Morgan) no? * Molly shakes her head (Molly) Twenty minutes or so * Morgan nods slightly * Molly is quiet now, still pinching her lip (Morgan) Should I be concerned you were talking about him and now pinching your lip? (Molly) Only if you have forgotten that evening * Morgan shakes his head slightly (Molly) I was thinking about when you came in after seeing Kai and I said that he had not tried to kiss me , talking about you. I said something like "yet here you are, also not trying to kiss me" * Morgan smiles slightly (Molly) I may have felt somewhat sorry for myself when you made it clear you had no intention to, but I couldn't possibly confirm that. * Molly smiles * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I don't recall being stupid... (Molly) You don't recall saying you wouldn't? * Molly sips the brandy again, running the cool glass along her lip (Morgan) I didn't say that... just that I don't remember being stupid * Molly tilts her head "You did not notice that after that conversation, in the whole week that followed that, right up until you left the Rose to go home, I never once tried to kiss you again?!" * Morgan sighs (Morgan) clearly I was stupid. (Molly) It was most dreadfully difficult. I had had every intention of spending some time kissing you goodbye before you left, and you told me that you were trying not to because it would essentially weigh upon you. So I knew in that moment that I was going to be saying goodbye to the man I loved who might not come back without even kissing him once more. * Molly sips her drink * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I'm sorry * Molly smiles (Molly) You do not need to be. You didn't know how strongly I felt * Molly shrugs with feigned nonchalance, obviously teasing him (Molly) If you had known, no doubt you would have given yourself over to my desires, out of the spirit of generosity... (Morgan) of course (Molly) That would have been most obliging (Molly) I should have just followed you down the gang plank and jumped into your arms and kissed you violently * Morgan nods (Morgan) That would have held my attention, yes (Molly) If I had realised I was not forbidden I might have * Molly sucks her lower lip a moment, fidgeting * Morgan nods (Molly) Would you like to continue telling me about your awful day, or shall I tell you about my challenging visit to church? (Morgan) Lady Torrington wants to see you and meet Varick... Kit's coming to see her friday, so... * Molly nods (Molly) We will do that * Morgan nods (Morgan) now... the church * Molly starts stroking his hair again (Molly) Have you ever been aroused in church before? (Morgan) I can't say I have, no * Molly nods (Molly) Its a very conflicting sensation (Morgan) howso? (Molly) Waiting around for Mr Jeffries to be finished, and with Inga and Varick making some drawings from the windows, all I could really do was just try to wait. But I kept thinking of you, intimately and relentlessly (Morgan) must've been difficult (Molly) **she nods** Of all places, church is the one place it is even more frowned up to be aroused and thinking lustful thoughts... it feels wrong. * Morgan nods (Molly) And the more you try to be good and not think it, the more you end up thinking it, and the worse it gets. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I would imagine so (Molly) The whole day has been challenging, but that was the worst part **she weaves her fingers into his ponytail** (Morgan) Not when HeinzHarold arrived back without me? * Molly smiles ruefully (Molly) I was trying not to make you feel bad * Morgan nods (Molly) That was upsetting (Morgan) I'm sorry (Molly) No, you do not understand (Molly) It was upsetting because despite being extremely frustrated and distracted, I had a fairly easy day. I assumed you were probably feeling similar, an easy day but where you couldn't take your mind from the thought of me being in such a state over you. * Molly sips her drink * Morgan nods (Molly) I was upset because I felt guilty that I had not thought you might be having a hard day (Morgan) You needn't be upset about it (Molly) No, but... *she searches his face* what was it all about? (Morgan) I needed to vent some rage (Molly) But why? You aren't mad at John because you didn't see him, you arent mad at Catherine for having her keys back... *she frowns* it seems unusual (Morgan) You recall the welcome the crew got in Tawstock? (Molly) That noone will associate with Eisens here (Morgan) It emerged that, aside from the general conduct of he and his crew, Dau had hurt one of the working girls. * Molly frowns (Molly) That is not good. He beat her? (Morgan) Thats what I initially thought... I arranged with Lady Torrington to have the girl examined by her physician. I'm hoping she banishes him and his crew from the area... but when I met the girl...he got her pregnant but in doing so caused such scarring, the baby will have to be cut out... this girl is going to die and she knows it. * Molly frowns deeply (Molly) Hmmm.... (Morgan) what? (Molly) Thinking. * Morgan guzzles the rest of his blokners before pouring more (Molly) I want to see her. (Morgan) There's more... * Molly nods a little (Molly) Alright, continue please (Morgan) Although its grown out, at the time... around the time I came back from Eisen... her hair had been dyed... she would've looked quite a bit like you... he couldn't have you, so... * Molly looks at her hands, speaking soft and slow (Molly) Oh. * Molly closes her eyes a moment (Molly) I still want to see her. * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * Molly nods, opening her eyes. She drinks some of the brandy (Molly) That's... I can see why you needed some time away * Morgan nods (Molly) What can I do to comfort you? (Morgan) I don't know there is anything. I'm just going to have to sit on it until I can deal with it (Molly) When did it happen? (Morgan) eight months ago I'd wager. When I returned from EIsen (Molly) The night when I was drunk and Kit saw me to bed... * Molly looks serious * Morgan grinds his teeth * Molly looks at him (Molly) I know. I was stupid. I nearly got myself hurt. (Morgan) Somewhat * Molly chin tilts up (Molly) However, I should have been safe there. My stupidity does not excuse his lack of honour. (Morgan) _exactly_ what I was thinking * Molly looks slightly puzzled (Molly) I was almost anticipating us arguing * Morgan snorts (Morgan) no (Molly) Your displaced feelings of anger and distress at the narrow miss, your frustrations with my naivety, could perhaps have resulted in us having a loud shouting match * Molly smiles a little (Morgan) No, I know precisely where the blame lies * Molly nods (Molly) But it has shaken you? * Morgan nods * Molly moves on the couch so that she's sat on the edge of the couch and can kiss his crown, wrapping her arms around his shoulders (Molly) And, knowing you, you feel guilty in some convoluted way? * Morgan nods * Molly leans her cheek on the top of his head (Molly) Beause you were away instead of here? * Morgan nods (Molly) Why do you think that would have changed anything? (Morgan) it wouldn't have, I know (Molly) Good, I am glad you see that (Molly) **he feels a wave of sadness from her** (Morgan) Don't be thinking that (Molly) I was thinking that one of these days, hopefully you'll will eventually be ready to be vulnerable enough with me that I can actually comfort you... (Morgan) You think I do not find comfort here? (Molly) I... *she sighs* not really. Not enough. (Morgan) More than you'd imagine (Molly) It feels like you tolerate me touching you this way, rather than _needing_ or _wanting_ it * Morgan sighs (Morgan) You don't realise that this is where I feel safe... (Molly) No, I do not * Molly rubs her cheek against his hair, almost nuzzling him (Morgan) Well it is * Molly speaks quietly "That to me feels like the final frontier of your reserve, the bit you use to shield your most vulnerable moments from me, the wall you keep that part of you behind..." * Morgan sighs (Morgan) I'm trying (Molly) I know. I will wait until Theah stops spinning if needs be, but I will not stop yearning to protect and nurture you (Morgan) You won't have to wait that long * Molly nuzzles his hair more boldly now (Molly) I am not concerned... (Morgan) good * Molly periodically kisses his crown amidst the rubbing of her nose and cheeks on his hair (Molly) I'm going to do my utmost to save that girl... (Morgan) I don't know it'll happen blossom, but I will hope you can (Molly) If anyone can, it is likely I * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * Molly moves her nuzzling to his temple (Molly) It is so difficult not to use my magic on John (Morgan) to help him feel better? (Molly) Mmhmm (Morgan) he won't thank you for it (Molly) I mustn't, I know. But the temptation is there, just to blunt it, to take the edge off... * Morgan nods * Molly moves to by his ear, nuzzling there, talking quieter to account for the proximity to his ear "It'd be like the soft muting feeling of a good measure of spirits..." (Morgan) blossom... no. (Molly) I know... I mustn't. I won't. (Morgan) good (Molly) But can you understand that desire to, the urge to relieve someone's pain? * Morgan nods (Morgan) very much so (Molly) Then imagine having the skill to, not just the desire... to know that it would be the work of but a moment to see that softness and ease slip through them... *she moves again, nuzzling the softness of her skin against his stubble* (Morgan) Then offer it to him. Make it his choice. (Molly) I cannot without being open about what I am, what I can do... (Morgan) tell him its herbs... (Molly) Then it is no longer his choice, not fully... (Morgan) Being avalonian, I doubt any objection would be to magic... (Molly) Maybe... yet you would never except it yourself, not for that. (Morgan) I'm mostly Eisen... * Molly 's nuzzling runs along his jaw, onto his neck (Molly) It is not that... you do not refuse it because you are Eisen. It is because you do not want it to be muted... (Morgan) A thought to consider... I purposefully wanted to feel it as I blamed myself for what happened... (Molly) Mmhmm. You did not realise that? (Morgan) No... not until HeinzHarold more or less pointed it out (Molly) **slowly, quietly, and against his neck* Your pain has always been like a shard of glass stuck in your palm, and you have wrapped your fingers into a fist and squeezed * Morgan nods (Morgan) its been a part of who I am * Molly nods (Molly) I know (Molly) All I asked of you was to unclench your fist... * Morgan nods (Molly) There's still much ahead of you... (Morgan) aye (Molly) But I have faith in you, I always have had. * Morgan nods (Morgan) we will get there together * Molly nods (Molly) Is there any more of your awful day you wish to tell me? (Morgan) HeinzHarold started singing nine hundred and ninety nine thousand, nine hundred and ninety nine bottles of beer on the wall when we left Lady Torrington... (Molly) That will take him forever! * Morgan nods (Morgan) when we got to Tawstock he was down to nine hundred and ninety seven thousand... * Molly continues nuzzling him. It seems to have a calming effect on her (Molly) Will he restart? (Morgan) I have absolutely no doubt (Molly) Has he ever done it before? (Morgan) something similar, aye (Molly) So he has been causing you some frustration today? (Morgan) He's been trying to raise my spirits. (Molly) Did it work? I might like some tips from him on that (Morgan) No, I spent most of my time thinking about you, something I said to you... * Molly smiles, pulling away from his neck to look at him (Molly) What was it? (Morgan) That the house was a way station for people on their way to something better, a furtherance of their future... * Molly nods, but she obviously isnt understanding why (Morgan) At the time I meant you... I never thought it'd apply to me * Molly kisses him spontaneously, then blushes (Molly) Sorry * Morgan shrugs (Molly) What I dont think you saw in that statement was that it seemed to be words of hope and encouragement, but how it often felt like you were saying goodbye to me, that I must go on my way without you, when you were the only place I wanted to be... * Morgan nods (Molly) I did not want to leave that house simply because I could not bear the thought of having to leave _you_ * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm glad you didn't * Molly nods (Molly) I couldn't have stayed away, I'd have been drawn back to you. But I am glad that you are no longer trapped there too * Morgan nods * Molly moves back to his neck but she doesnt nuzzle now, holding on suddenly very tightly (Molly) *her tears are hot on his skin, some running towards his back, some his chest, but all are shed in silence* (Morgan) Whats wrong blossom? (Molly) It's relief... everything that we saw and went through there, all the times you tried to get yourself killed... it's done. * Morgan nods (Molly) Just suddenly, all I could think of was that I'd thought that one day I would be having to take your keys from your body and return them... that you wanted and wished for that and we wouldn't have ever had this, and it all feels so much! * Morgan nods (Morgan) it was what I wanted for a long time (Molly) I know... and that's... it's difficult sometimes. * Morgan nods * Molly exhales slowly (Molly) I'm okay * Morgan nods (Morgan) good * Molly wipes her eyes on her shawl (Molly) Now we really do need something cheerful. How about you tell me about your nice dream about my dress? ** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 9 August 2021 12:19:03 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) (Molly) Now we really do need something cheerful. How about you tell me about your nice dream about my dress? (Morgan) Its a bit strange... back during the war, you just sort of... appeared, wearing that dress... (Molly) Like back in the summer when I appeared at Insel? * Molly sips her brandy * Morgan nods (Morgan) exactly (Molly) And the nightmare of the Schattenmann when I was wearing the same dress the next day? (Morgan) I think so * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) In that one, I hung up the ribbons to get rid of your nightmare... and then the next one you realised it was a dream and took me to your room and kissed me... * Morgan nods (Morgan) I remembered those dreams... I knew it was a dream... * Molly nods, puzzling on it (Molly) Its almost like you have some threads, tying dreams together * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed * Molly gets off the couch, going to the file of the dreams. The one where she tried to alter the fire nightmare and made it worse is in there, and he knows she hasn't read it yet, nor has he told her her role in it, only that HH had wrapped D&J in sheets. (Molly) I am wondering what threads we can see if we look for them (Morgan) You wish to look now? (Molly) I suppose we could look in the morning instead? * Morgan sighs (Morgan) I just don't think you'll like what you read (Molly) I have read most of them already... (Morgan) most, yes... * Molly takes it to the desk and opens it (Molly) I am pretty sure I can see one thread already (Morgan) oh? (Molly) The one with the Allemande. We meet at a ball. You receive a letter on the Enchiridon. You come to the ball and propose. Three dreams, all the same story. * Morgan nods (Morgan) Aye, there's more to that one too... (Molly) Is there? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I dreamed the ceremony... (Molly) You did? * Morgan nods (Morgan) Should be in there * Molly flicks through (Molly) Oh, very recently! * Molly reads it, tilting her head (Molly) Seb is in all of this thread... * Morgan nods slowly * Molly keeps her eyes studiously on the parchment (Molly) Interesting... * Molly digs out a few more, spreading them out * Molly reads through a different one (Molly) Heinzharold likes Dietlinde in this thread... * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) And then in this one, they marry, you and I are married and have Madchen. But we met in Catterick, not in a ballroom in Freiburg * Morgan nods * Molly gets another one (Molly) Theres a whole thread of Madchen ones... Though this one isn't about us, I think (Morgan) no? (Molly) It is where I had died in childbirth, and you were left alone with her, and you went to Dietlinde about a christening gown. * Molly glances at him solemnly * Morgan nods (Molly) Compare it to Eliza dying, John being left alone with Kathleen, and asking me, his previous love, to be her godmother at her _christening_. * Morgan nods slowly (Molly) It made no sense as a warning of the future, but it makes perfect sense as an allegory of the present. * Morgan nods (Molly) But the others with Madchen are mixed. Mostly she is our daughter, but in this one, the dream where Seb called me Elritzelein, she was mine and his daughter * Morgan nods * Molly sighs (Molly) The more I look for threads, the more I see a web of interconnected people and themes. * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) But the ones where I show you it is a dream, that started with the blue ribbons is a thread. The Allemande ones are a thread. The Madchen ones are scattered, but she seems to also know it is a dream? (Morgan) so it seems. Worse, the Nieblungen don't know who or what she is * Molly puts two side by side (Molly) It is strange, isnt it. Like she isnt part of the dream, she is in the dream. * Morgan nods (Molly) She is in this one, and another, where your older children were there. * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) Those were both my dreams, but the one on the lawn where Mina was pregnant and Jana was in the tree, you came into it (Morgan) That happens more than you might imagine (Molly) You coming in my dreams? * Molly blushes (Molly) Coming _into_ my dreams. * Morgan nods * Molly frowns (Molly) I dont know whether it is just my imagination or an alternative path when they are there. * Morgan nods (Morgan) difficult, isn't it (Molly) Very. Do you recall how upset I was the first time? * Morgan nods (Molly) Because I knew them, as well as if I had known them for years. And now, how do I know if I knew them as an alternative path? * Molly frowns even deeper * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't know (Molly) It worries me that you will find yourself there, and she wont be up the tree. * Morgan nods * Molly looks at the table (Molly) What's this one? I dont think I have read it yet * Morgan looks at it (Molly) **Its the one that starts off with them meeting in Sudlachenburg in the square whilst he's talking to Adalbrecht about the shoes, and goes on to them ending up at the cottage where the crow calls her Iselilija and warns her not to try to alter the nightmare because she will make it worse** * Molly is reading the beginning, and pulls the shawl tighter around her (Morgan) I'm not sure reading that one is a good idea right now (Molly) **That name is also what Cecily said Molly's imaginary friend called her** (Molly) Ahh, the shoes *she sighs* * Morgan nods * Molly hands it to him (Morgan) there's something in there that I don't want you reading just yet * Molly nods (Molly) Alright liebling *she puts it away* Did your Father ever tell you about the shoes? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I managed to pull it out of him at the Eisenfursts house (Molly) That he was in the process of writing to have some made when he heard about the cottage? * Morgan frowns, nodding (Molly) Why are you frowning? (Morgan) Its a difficult thing to think about * Molly nods, taking his hand and kissing his knuckles (Molly) You can show me that one whenever you are ready, or not. I understand why there are parts of it you may not want me to know. * Morgan nods (Molly) I am never, ever going to force your confidence there. Sometimes there are things we just cannot face looking at (Morgan) sometimes * Molly looks at the papers (Morgan) What if there's something I need to know from it, but doing so would harm my state of mind? (Molly) What would you need it for? Would it protect you or others from harm? (Morgan) No... just something I want to know... (Molly) I would rather you keep your state of mind healthy (Morgan) So what if you knew the information and I was asking you for it? * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) Like about whether she was with child? (Morgan) as an example, aye (Molly) I wouldn't tell you if I thought it would harm you (Morgan) and you would expect me to be alright with that? * Molly sighs (Molly) I would _hope_ you could understand that and trust me... * Molly smiles slightly (Molly) I would _expect_ you to be livid * Morgan nods (Molly) Would you be? Cross, like the other morning. (Morgan) Probably, but I'd have to trust your judgement on it * Molly nods (Molly) I hope after the Time Weaver nightmare, you understand that if I am keeping something from you I have a serious and genuine motivation for doing so * Morgan nods * Molly watches him (Molly) _Is_ there something you think I might know that you feel you need to? (Morgan) No... * Molly nods, going back to the papers * Molly looks at another "Hmmm… another new one. A campfire at Johstadt?" **This is after Insel, where he was busy ignoring HH so he could daydream about Dietlinde, until Molly's singing caught his attention and he ended up extricating her from Seb to kiss her beneath the shooting star* * Morgan nods (Molly) I can read this one? * Morgan nods * Molly does so, blinking rapidly bear the beginning before smiling as it progresses (Molly) Near* (Molly) Kissed many women in camps for a bet with Heinzharold, my love? (Morgan) one or two * Molly tuts, but she's smiling (Molly) Naughty boy * Morgan nods (Molly) Did you often tell them you were half in love with them? *she's smiling even more* (Morgan) Dont be absurd * Molly laughs (Molly) It looks like Heinzharold had made the opposite bet with Seb about you getting slapped so he wasn't out of pocket either way * Morgan nods (Morgan) he's always been a smart one * Molly nods (Molly) I've followed the drum with Seb before in dreams, haven't I? When I was sat by the campfire and he put his hands over my eyes, and when I was your field medic, and in the Elritzelein dream our daughter Madelena had been born in camp. * Morgan nods (Molly) I think she was the eldest of eleven, with him wanting even more? * Molly starts to tidy the papers * Morgan nods (Molly) That must have been unpleasant for you, seeing that I had lain with him on that path so many times? * Morgan nods (Morgan) extremely, though I did not really think about it while I was dreaming * Molly nods (Molly) If it helps, I do not recall any of that * Morgan nods (Morgan) good (Molly) It made you less jealous than the one where I abandoned you to go sailing in memoriam for him? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * Molly puts the papers in the file (Molly) Will you teach me this song about the soldier and the maid? * Molly puts the file away ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 9 August 2021 14:57:12 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) ((Test)) (Morgan) I can if you really want, though HeinzHarold knows it better than I do (Molly) If you do not mind him singing to me about a girl taking off her night gown and asking a visiting soldier if he's ready... *she smirks* (Morgan) There are worse things he could be singing * Molly giggles (Molly) Oh I don't know.. the bit where he lays his sword against the door is rather rude! (Morgan) thats true... but at least he wouldn't be talking about bubbies * Molly looks confused (Molly) What are bubbies? **She comes to perch on the desk in front of him* (Morgan) breasts... * Molly tilts her head then develops a look of feigned innocence (Molly) I still dont understand... * Morgan eyes her suspiciously (Morgan) yes you do * Molly smiles more (Molly) Uh uh... I think I need a hint * Morgan pokes her breast (Molly) Ouch! *she grins* (Morgan) Those... * Molly puts her hands on them (Molly) Oh these! (Morgan) aye, those (Molly) He talks about these *she squeezes* a great deal, does he? (Morgan) He has done today (Molly) These particular ones? * Molly giggles, squeezing them more (Morgan) No, just in general (Molly) That's wise of him, I think * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) I shouldn't imagine you'd tolerate anyone talking about these specific... bubbies *she giggles* * Morgan watches her a moment before shaking his head * Molly watches him back with a mischievous smiles (Molly) Whatever is the matter, my love? (Morgan) Nothing... (Molly) Does it distract you when I touch my... *she just raises an eyebrow* (Morgan) somewhat (Molly) You had best tell me about your dream then... I appeared in the War... was I fighting? * Molly keeps touching them, caressing them slowly and provocatively now (Morgan) No, you were wanting to kiss me (Molly) That sounds like reality, not a dream... * Morgan nods (Morgan) I do seem to sabotage myself in the dream though * Molly runs a finger around the square neckline (Molly) How so? (Morgan) People turn up, the ship came under attack... I even put a chastity belt on you * Molly laughs (Molly) I needed a chastity belt just to kiss you, hmm? (Morgan) as I said, I seemed to be sabotaging myself (Molly) Did you get to kiss me in the end? (Morgan) Somewhat more than that eventually (Molly) Oh really? What was that? * Molly looks amused, still playing with her breasts (Morgan) You were talking about taking my virginity but weren't able to... so offered to use your hand instead... * Molly bites her lip, blushing (Molly) And di you accept? (Molly) Did* * Morgan nods * Molly sucks the centre of her lower lip (Molly) I am _most_ sorry I missed it * Morgan nods (Morgan) unfortunately I awoke before... (Molly) Very frustrating for you, mon petit chou * Morgan nods (Morgan) very (Molly) Especially without me here... * Morgan nods again (Molly) And you had to get out of bed in a hurry ? *she raises an eyebrow* (Morgan) I did rather (Molly) It was a pity you did not have more time to yourself **she fidgets on the desk* * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * Molly watches him, smiling (Molly) I cannot say I haven't been imagining that and similar all day... (Morgan) no? * Molly shakes her head (Molly) From the moment you mentioned it on the dock this morning, I have found my thoughts straying back to you alone in our bed * Morgan nods (Molly) It has made it very, very difficult to follow your command (Morgan) Could have been awkward with having to deal with the surveyor (Molly) I could have found myself a minute without any trouble, but you _commanded_ me, and I would not break that * Morgan nods (Morgan) good (Molly) You doubted I could manage? *she smiles* (Morgan) No (Molly) I did! *she giggles* * Morgan chuckles (Molly) Although... I did only promise to wait until we were together again... * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes you did * Molly smiles, moving her hands from her breasts down onto her thighs, smiling at him (Molly) ... and we are together now... * Morgan nods (Morgan) we are * Molly starts gathering up the new dress and her petticoats with her fingers, drawing the hem up her calves, over her knees (Molly) ... so no rules would be broken... (Morgan) Indeed * Molly watches his expression as she moves the fabric higher til it barely covers her (Molly) ((Expression please)) * Morgan watches her calmly * Molly smiles, boldly bringing her hand between her thighs to stroke herself * Morgan watches her (Molly) **It takes less than half a minute for her to be climaxing against her fingers on the desk, moaning as quietly as she can. ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 9 August 2021 17:50:50 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected (Connection timed out) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 9 August 2021 18:26:05 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) **he removes her hand roughly with a grunt, standing between her knees and widening his stance to hold her legs spread open. He possesively cups her sex with a hard grasp. She gasps and whimpers, nodding. He flicks rough, rapid thumb strokes over her clit, skyrocketing the intensity of sensation, and leaning into her enough that she has to brace herself whilst she peaks even harder, noises turning more animalistic. (Molly) **She doesn't look at all afraid of the strength of his desire and control, she seems to melt into it, meeting his gaze with her own intensity of submission polarised to the intensity of his dominance. She murmurs "Yes, yes… oh god yes!". (Molly) **He roughly tugs open the buttons of his placket and uses his frame to push her back flat on the desk to cover her, before hilting his straining, aching manhood inside her with loud growl he had been take unawares by, his eyes boreing into hers underneath him. (Molly) **She climaxes at this, arching and almost mewling with pleasure, trying to get a good grasp on his hair, or shoulders or just anything she can cling to. This is why he grabs her arms and pins them either side of her head, fingers interlocked and holding her down. (Molly) **Her blue eyes roll back as if it feels heavenly, and when they open again they are full of absolute trust and adoration, completely unguarded and submissive. It feels incredible to have her so rawly, and to have gotten her to that headspace* (Molly) **This rapidly speeds up his own surrender, his urgent and desperate need to spend himself within her becoming unbearable. This is made much worse when she brings up her knees to his sides, tilting her hips to give him the hottest, slickest depth he can sink to. (Molly) **He growls with it, pounding into her even harder until as she climaxes yet again, he joins her in the ecstasy, pouring a huge volume of his seed into her with the violent pulses of his orgasm.** (Molly) **For a few minutes, they stay there on the desk as muscles stop twinging, hearts stop thudding, and breathing slows. Face to face, she gives him sweet, tender kisses on his lips, cheeks and forehead. (Molly) **Afterwards, he carries her very gently to the bedroom whilst she looks utterly blissful and spent. Though he was a little dominant with her in Paan, he wasn't anywhere near as dominant as tonight. He takes the time instinctively to embrace and take care of her before they exhaustedly fall asleep. It happens easily despite his day, though the image of his handed-over keys is in his mind as he does.