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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 12 August 2021 12:37:59 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) **She sings Kosk Yn Ta to him. He thinks maybe she says something quietly to him but he's too far drifted off by then.
(Molly) **The clearing he once lived in in a perfect white and black cottage is yellow toned, and the day warm. That cottage is not there.  His familiarity with the trees and plants here tells him it's late spring. The ground doesn't look like there was ever a different cottage here to burn to the ground. Instead two neat cottages sit side by side. There's plenty of produce being grown.
(Molly) On the small lawn, he can see Molly laying on her side beneath a parasol, nursing a young toddler, perhaps just over a year old, with dark red hair. Despite the sound of Xantha's hooves,  Molly doesn't notice his approach.
* Morgan rides to a stop, looking down at Molly
* Molly smiles at him. She's wearing a simple common dress in pale pink, which is untied to allow the child access. She looks very relaxed here on a blanket in the sun
(Molly) Good afternoon, my love. We were not expecting you today. Has tonight's  ball been cancelled,  or will your wife be expecting you shortly? **He is indeed wearing a gold wedding ring. Molly wears none. Madchen who is attired in a thin white dress of cotton embroidered with forget me nots, doesn't relinquish her latch*
(Morgan) the ball...
* Molly smiles
(Molly) One of those fancy noble things where you all dance without touching each other more than a little and still call it fun!
* Morgan climbs down
(Morgan) I know what a ball is... 
(Molly) I should imagine so, my love. It's a little too grand for a girl like me. *she  nods for him to sit*
(Molly) It's been a few weeks. Your son has missed you, and your daughter is getting bigger every day. She had to have more shoes last week.
(Morgan) already?
* Molly nods, lifting Madchens foot to show him little red leather shoes
(Molly) I had the cobbler invoice you as usual
* Morgan nods, looking round
(Molly) **There's noone else there**
(Morgan) to be expected I suppose
* Molly nods
(Molly) Ehren went through a new pair every few months at this age, didn't he?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) scuffed them within hours
* Molly nods, smiling
(Molly) All that crawling around. They grow up too fast *she strokes Madchens hair*
* Morgan nods
(Molly) How is your wife finding her increasing? **It sounds polite, but there's jealousy and pain in her expression*
(Morgan) I expect she looks down and there it is
* Molly smiles slightly
(Molly) I should imagine she will have to stop hosting events soon to prepare for her delivery of your heir before autumn?
(Morgan) probably
* Molly watches Madchen come off the breast. She smiles fondly as she moves to hoists up Madchen to hand her to Morgan
* Morgan takes her
(Molly) **Madchen smiles at him. She's a little older now than in her dream of the Time Weaver, but not by much** papa
(Morgan) good afternoon little lady
(Molly) M: Maeshun. Girl.
(Morgan) thats right
* Molly leans her cheek to his upper arm** I miss you.
(Morgan) I'm right here
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I know you are now, but... things have been different than we hoped, haven't they?
(Morgan) I suppose life has a way of doing that
(Molly) When we came from Catterick, I really thought your Father would be persuaded that you could wed me. But he was always going to insist on Mina, was he not?
(Morgan) you know how obstinate he can be
(Molly) I do. Even then, once you were married, it was alright at first... but then you fell in love. I don't _blame_ you, noone can help falling in love, but...
(Molly) M: *she grabs and tugs his beard* Maeshun. Girl.
(Morgan) it is difficult...
* Molly nods
(Molly) I'm not sure how I am going to live my life now. I don't want to always be waiting on your occasional late night visit when you need the special sort of intimacy we have, rather than what you have with her.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) understandable for sure
(Molly) You will develop that for Mina, and you will want her in the same ways you want me. **its a mix of reassurance and resignation**
* Morgan frowns
(Molly) M: *she yanks really hard this time* papa!
* Molly watches his frown sadly
(Morgan) yes, little lady?
(Molly) M: Maeshun. Girl.
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) you're.. _the_ girl...
(Molly) M: *she grins, shrieking happily* Maeshun Girl!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
* Molly sighs a little
(Molly) We need to talk. I am sorry to take time from you and your daughter, but...
(Morgan) its fine... 
(Molly) **she looks at him with tears in her eyes* I don't want to be alone anymore. I want to share my days with someone, my nights. I… I think it's time for us to part.
(Morgan) that is what you wish?
(Molly) **she watches him closely* I have met someone. Someone who wants to be here everyday… someone who is free.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that is what you wish?
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) What use are wishes? I wished to be _your_ wife, they would not let us. I wished you to not love Mina, but you do. What I _wish_ is pointless.
(Morgan) That is not true... what you wish at this point means a great deal...
(Molly) Then I wish you and I to be married, and live happily ever after. I wish for Ehren to be your heir, not just an acknowledged bastard.
(Molly) M: papa!
* Morgan looks at the child
(Molly) **Madchen covers her eyes like peekaboo* Gone.
* Morgan watches her carefully
* Molly watches them, then stands
(Molly) Perhaps we could continue our discussion later
(Morgan) I wished that too, but you know I had no choice in the matter
* Molly nods
(Molly) I do. And we have to make the best of what life has given us. I want to be happy, Morgan. And I am not happy like this.
(Morgan) I would not keep you in an unhappy place
* Molly nods
(Molly) You will still be able to see your children when you are free to. I will not keep them from you
(Molly) M: **she looks at Morgan** mama, gone. *she covers her eyes*
(Morgan) and of us?
* Morgan watches Madchen
(Molly) I... I don't know. I will always love you.
(Morgan) and I you...
(Molly) *Madchen uncovers her eye* papa, find.
* Morgan speaks quietly to Madchen
(Morgan) I have to tell mama?
(Molly) M: Doll. Tell. Forget.
(Morgan) She has to forget after?
* Molly looks at her, smiling "That's a very big word for a very little girl"
(Molly) M: No. **she looks frustrated,  like she can't express what she wants. She starts to pout**
(Morgan) mama has to remember?
(Molly) M: No 'member.
* Molly looks at Morgan
(Molly) Remember what?
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) M: *she looks around a minute,  then looks more urgent* Mama. Doll. Tell. No 'member.
(Morgan) tell mama about the doll?
(Molly) M: *she nods* Cess. Gone.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) soon?
* Molly blinks a moment rapidly
(Molly) M: Soon. No 'member.
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) she doesn't remember?
(Molly) M: No 'member.
(Morgan) will it harm her?
(Molly) M: No. No 'member.
(Morgan) she wont remember it
(Molly) M: No. No 'member! *she looks frustrated again*
* Molly watches them, puzzled
(Molly) I do not understand what is going on
(Morgan) No... nor do I
(Molly) M: *she looks around again, then sighs*
* Molly looks towards the cottages
(Molly) I'm going to get coffee
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
* Molly wanders across the lawn. She trips, dropping a coin and not noticing it. In reality it would be exactly where the wall of David's cottage is, possibly where HH said he had buried the assassin half in half out of the new building.
(Molly) M: *she looks at Morgan* love.
** You're now known as Madchen
(Morgan) I don't understand
(Madchen) Love papa.
* Morgan nods
* Madchen strokes his face
(Madchen) Shhh... sleep. Love. Bye.
(Morgan) Thank you Madchen
(Madchen) **he then starts dreaming that he is stood by the Sudlache, skimming stones. Its peaceful, there are no thoughts. Splish, splish, splish, splash. Over and over, until splish, splish, chime. He realises he is dreaming.
* Morgan just continues skipping stones
(Madchen) **the dawn watch chimes three times shortly after**
(Madchen) **When he awakens, Molly is not in bed. As usual, he feels very well-slept from being in her dream*
** You're now known as Molly
* Morgan climbs out of bed, getting dressed before going looking for Molly
* Molly is stood at the window, drinking coffee.
(Morgan) blossom... are you alright?
(Molly) I had a strange dream, and couldn't get back to sleep
(Morgan) oh?
* Molly frowns
(Molly) I was your mistress, but you were married to Mina. It was not nice.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) me too
* Molly nods slowly
(Molly) I'm sorry
(Morgan) it served a purpose
(Molly) You saw her again **she smiles* I have no idea what the two of you were saying, it was very confusing
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) we need to talk
* Molly tops up her coffee, then pours him some, and sits on the bed
(Molly) Alright
* Morgan sips his coffee
(Morgan) I'm... anxious about this... 
* Molly holds out her hand to him
* Morgan takes it
(Molly) Whatever it is, it is alright.
(Morgan) maybe, but I'm concerned about the repercussions...
* Molly nods solemnly
(Molly) We will just have to find a way around it. I do not wish to divorce.
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) no, no, not that... 
* Molly nods a little
(Molly) What then?
(Morgan) You asked me about Cecily...
* Molly nods
(Molly) I keep meaning to ask Peter but then time gets away from me, and other things happen
(Morgan) He won't tell you... after it happened, you started getting nightmares, then insomnia... then you spent weeks either asleep until you woke up screaming or staring into space...
* Molly frowns, shaking her head
(Molly) No I didnt
(Morgan) Yes, blossom... you did... 
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) I vaguely recall having sedatives, but I would recall weeks of time disappearing
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) I've spent a long time dragging information out of people, I know when it doesn't ring true... and I've had this from two people now...
(Morgan) three, in fact
(Molly) Then why dont I remember, liebes herz? **she is clearly resistant to this idea*
(Morgan) because your mind wouldn't let you. It was too difficult for you
(Molly) I am not that sort of person. I _endure_. My unbreakable spirit is what you love about me.
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) look at me and tell me I'm lying...
* Molly is frowning
(Molly) You do not lie.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) blossom, I know what happened... I know about the imaginary friends you had... 
(Molly) I didn't have imaginary friends
(Morgan) yes, you did... 
* Molly folds her arms defensively
(Molly) I do not recall that.
(Morgan) I know... 
(Molly) **he starts to be able to feel fear from her, and anger, and confliction*
(Molly) I... don't... this does not _feel_ true.
(Morgan) because you've had years of hiding it from yourself... I know what happened... I got it from your mind.
* Molly frowns deeply
(Molly) How?
(Morgan) You dreamed it... and... I've confirmed it
* Molly sips her coffee slowly
(Molly) I hate this.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) How am I supposed to trust myself, my own recollections of anything?
(Morgan) The shock of it, any mind would recoil from that... and you were very young
(Molly) And since then? What else could have happened that I don't know about?!
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) you came around, you didn't remember it at all... since then you just carried on... what you remember from then is what happened
(Molly) I will use my magic then, and try to undo whatever happened to my mind!
(Morgan) No... 
* Molly looks desperate and upset
(Molly) Yes! I should not have such a gap as that, it is unnatural and awful!
(Morgan) I will tell you my love, but you must not force it...
* Molly looks very torn
(Molly) How we know I won't for get again, like that day I for caught in the storm and couldn't remember you! **he remembers the alarm and distress of the Foresters that evening, watching Molly's memory gap*
(Morgan) I don't know... all we can do is try
(Molly) If there is something in my mind that makes me prone to forget, I must be rid of it!
(Morgan) I don't know... and we won't know until it happens again, so we mustn't jump to conclusions... 
(Molly) I cannot just sit and wait, liebes herz! I cannot bear it!
(Morgan) There is no other choice in this. I will not have you rummaging around your mind like an old sack
* Molly looks at him obstinately, but he can see it is fear driven
(Molly) You are commanding me?
(Morgan) if you need it so
* Molly grinds her teeth
(Molly) Then I will obey, but I am displeased.
(Morgan) I hope one day that will subside
* Molly nods
(Molly) Tell me what you know.
* Molly puts her hand up
(Molly) Actually, wait a moment please
* Morgan sips his coffee, watching her
* Molly picks up a pillow and screams into it with frustration. Then she takes a deep breath, puts it down and sits properly again
(Molly) Alright, go on
(Morgan) You both went out to play and were... playing with a doll... it went flying into the pond... Cecily was trying to reach it and fell in.. you were going to go in after her but tripped... 
* Molly looks unreactive
* Molly says and does nothing
(Morgan) You started screaming for your father... by then it was too late
* Molly sits still again
* Morgan watches her
* Molly is still quiet
(Morgan) blossom...
(Molly) Yes?
(Morgan) I am worried what knowing will do...
(Molly) I'm sorry, I just don't remember that at all
* Molly looks at him
(Molly) It's very sad, and a tragic accident, but it is like it happened to someone else, or I have read it in a book
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm sorry to say there is more...
* Molly takes his hand
(Molly) Go on
(Morgan) Cecily has not passed over, she is not at rest yet, but I know how. She wanted me to tell you she loves you.
* Molly frowns a little
(Molly) Varick was trying to get to her, wasnt he?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she... she told him she was lonely and wanted to play with children
* Molly nods
(Molly) How do we help her?
(Morgan) I... have to give you the doll.
* Molly nods
(Molly) And then she will be ready?
(Morgan) thats all that remains to do for her... she can rest once you have the doll
(Molly) **The knob of the inner door between their rooms starts to twist, hitting the lock*
* Molly looks at it just as Varick says "papa?"
(Molly) She does not need me to remember?
(Morgan) Apparently not... let me see to Varick...
* Molly nods, sipping her coffee
* Morgan goes and opens the door
(Molly) V: *he hugs Morgan's legs* I'm hungry can we have breakfast now?
(Morgan) I need to ask HeinzHarold and Inga to take you to breakfast... I'm talking to Molly about... Cecily...
(Molly) V: I put my ear to the wall, but I don't _think_ they were awake yet, and I could hear you talking
(Morgan) shall we wake them up?
(Molly) ** he nods, opening his door into the hall**
* Morgan looks at Molly
(Morgan) dont go anywhere
* Molly smiles "I won't"
* Morgan nods, taking Varick into the hall and knocking on HeinzHarolds door
(Molly) HH: *he calls out** For God's sake Morgan, we talked 'bout this!
(Morgan) No we didn't... I need your help
(Molly) V: *he shrugs looking at Morgan* guess he woke up on the wrong side of the bed?
(Morgan) somethin' like that aye
(Molly) **There's rustling, then HH comes to the door doing up his belt. His hair is a mess, but it actually suits him, as does the stubble**
(Molly) HH: What's wrong?
(Morgan) I'm talking to Molly about her sister... Would you please take Varick and get him some breakfast?
(Molly) HH nods: Alright, let's go an' see if Claudia wants to come with us shall we Varick?
* Morgan puts his hand on HeinzHarolds shoulder
(Morgan) I'm sorry, my friend
(Molly) HH: *he nods* I'll forgive you, if you admit they were my apples *he grins*
* Morgan sniffs
(Morgan) never
* Morgan winks before turning and heading back into his room
(Molly) V: why were they your apples? HH: Now that is a very good story from a long time ago. One upon a time, there was a brave young blacksmith's son, the handsomest boy in all the land... **the conversation trails off*
* Molly is sat on the bed, waiting for him
(Molly) Everything alright, my love?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) they're going to get breakfast...
* Molly nods
(Molly) That's good of them
(Morgan) its important
* Molly nods
(Molly) Is it at Sunnymeade?
(Morgan) No... 
* Molly nods
(Molly) I do not know whether I should go to tell her goodbye first, or whether to let her rest...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I was wondering the same
* Molly nods
(Molly) What would you do?
(Morgan) but after all this time I suspect she just wants to be at peace
* Molly nods, tears starting to come to her eyes
(Molly) If it was a need for her, she would have said
* Morgan nods
* Molly takes a deep breath
(Molly) It could go wrong though?
(Morgan) There's a chance, aye but... I've been told I should give you the doll, soon...
* Molly looks at the window
(Molly) It isn't long til dawn. I do not take that time from you out of choice.
(Morgan) no, the choice is mine... like my speaking to Theus, things have moved on... 
* Molly bows her head, nodding slightly
(Molly) I had not realised.
(Morgan) Nor had I really...
(Molly) What made you realise?
(Morgan) That I am not that troubled to miss the particular time right now...
* Molly nods. She takes a deep breath
(Molly) Are you scared?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes
* Molly takes and kisses his hand
(Molly) No matter what, I will _always_ find my way back to you
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I have drawn her for you...
* Molly nods
(Molly) I would like to see. But I have a favour to ask...
(Morgan) what?
(Molly) Draw Eliza for John. Not for him to have just yet, because he is not ready, but whilst she is still fresh in your mind.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) of course
(Molly) And I will tell him in advance. I wont let it take him by surprise...
* Morgan nods
(Molly) But there are no paintings, or iconographs of her, and some day, I hope he can look at her and feel the happiness of their life together, not his sadness at its end.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) one day blossom
* Molly watches him a moment, then sips her coffee
(Molly) You have the doll?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Cecily kept stealing it when they tried to destroy it... I have it in my coat
* Molly frowns slightly
(Molly) What if I get like before and I cannot heal Elsie?
(Morgan) I don't know
(Molly) Then we must pray that is not the case.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
* Molly looks at him
(Molly) You'll pray with me?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) of course
* Molly puts aside her coffee and kneels beside the bed, her hands clasped
* Morgan joins her
(Molly) Heavenly Father, we ask you to protect my peace of mind whilst we try to deliver the spirit of my sister, Cecily Nell Forrester into your loving arms where she belongs. Please grant her serenity and ease, and for all those we love who have come before you ahead of us. Amen.
(Morgan) amen
* Molly smiles at him gently
(Molly) Alright liebling, I think it is time
* Morgan nods, fetching his coat
* Molly sits on the edge of the bed, waiting patiently. She finishes off her coffee
* Morgan sits beside her
(Morgan) ready?
(Molly) Yes
(Molly) Almost.
* Morgan nods, taking the doll from his coat and handing it to her
* Molly looks at it, blinking rapidly a moment. Then she's quiet
* Morgan watches her closely
(Molly) **What he does hear in the silence is a noise of a wooden wind chime. Molly blinks at the noise* That bloody wind chime!
* Morgan continues watching her
* Molly looks at the doll in her hands, gently stroking its red hair
(Molly) Lorelei. That is the doll's name.
* Morgan nods
* Molly looks to him
(Molly) That's an odd coincidence, isn't it...?
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) somewhat
* Molly goes back to looking at the doll
(Molly) We never knew where she came from. We found her one day when we were playing. There was some disagreement as to who found her and whose doll she was *she glances at him with a smile* as children do...
* Morgan nods
* Molly leans her cheek against his arm
(Molly) I suppose this implies she may have thought Lorelei was mine all along
(Morgan) aye, could be... what else do you remember
* Molly thinks hard
(Molly) A few things insignificant. Then Mama sending us out to play, I had my yellow dress on. She warned us not to be up in the fields or at the pond. Cess had Lorelei, we were in the gardens. And then the next thing after that is waking up one morning and Peter and James were really excited to talk to me and play with me, which they never did. That's all. No pond, no drowning. It's like it never happened.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) no 'member 
* Molly looks at him
(Molly) Have you been spending too long with Heinzharold again? *she smiles*
(Morgan) probably, actually... how do you feel?
(Molly) Sad, but alright. Maybe this is the best solution? I can remember her and having fun with her, but I don't remember the bad bit
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly leans back to look at him
(Molly) If you could do that, for the fire, would you?
(Morgan) I don't know...
* Molly nods
(Molly) "It's complicated?"
* Morgan nods
* Molly nods
(Molly) I am sorry I was cross with you
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) Do I have your forgiveness, liebes herz?
(Morgan) of course
* Molly nods
(Molly) Good.
(Molly) Now, there is one more important thing I need to ask you?
* Morgan watches her
(Molly) Are you ready to hold me whilst I cry a while about it?
(Morgan) of course my love
* Molly urges him to lie down, and then cries quietly on his chest a few minutes. The doll gets squashed between her stomach and his, but she doesn't seem to notice
* Morgan holds her tightly, gently rocking her
* Molly is soon quietened
(Molly) Is there anything else you need to tell me?
(Morgan) I don't think you'll want to hear it
(Molly) **she keeps her eyes closed, listening to his heartbeat* I do not want you to have to carry things alone, just as you did not want me to do about Elsie
(Molly) ((Heart rate change?))
(Morgan) ((yep, up abit))
* Molly gently strokes his chest with her hand soothingly
(Morgan) I know why you couldn't get to her... and why it would have made no difference if you had
(Molly) I was two years younger, I certainly would have drowned too
(Morgan) that and... something dragged her down
(Molly) Oh.
(Molly) Something like... the fair folk?
(Morgan) maybe... she didn't know. A monster
* Molly nods
(Molly) Poor Cess
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Strange, isnt it...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) the rock you tripped on, that stopped you getting to the water... it was the Nieblungen 
* Molly tilts her head
(Molly) I see.
* Morgan nods
* Molly sighs
(Molly) They are very... selective.
(Morgan) I wonder if their options were limited, but I damn well intend to find out
(Molly) Do you recall that in my nightmare of the Time Weaver, I have appealed to them to intervene?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) They told me "the convergence is all that matters"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I've felt... animosity, I suppose, since then.
(Morgan) yes, I know
(Molly) Perhaps you are right, perhaps they could do no more. And without them, I would have died both then and with the cast. These events are building closeness between you and I I feel...
* Molly looks at him
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I've had a thought... if they were able to make everything right and good... they wouldn't need us in the first place...
* Molly nods
(Molly) Yes, that is true... but...
(Morgan) but...
(Molly) They have said before that I wander in my paths and at times they have had to take action that I do not go too far...
(Morgan) aye
* Molly continues to watch him
(Molly) If they could put _the rock_ there...
(Morgan) then...
(Molly) ...could they have put the doll there months before?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) maybe
(Molly) Even if they did, there is nothing we can do. What good would it do, trying to work against them?
(Morgan) None, really... and their eventual aims are... better
* Molly nods
(Molly) And the only way to thwart them would be to give up on one thing that we both really want
(Molly) The*
(Morgan) which is...
(Molly) The convergence. Me carrying and giving you a child.
(Morgan) eight, please
(Molly) Just because the plate says so? *she smiles*
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) but its said so
* Molly smiles
(Molly) But you do not like to do what you are told
(Morgan) no... I don't
(Molly) So only eight...? *she watches him with amusement*
(Morgan) Don't want to go overboard
* Molly smiles, raising an eyebrow
(Molly) Dont tempt me...
(Morgan) There is one other matter to discuss
* Molly nods
(Molly) Alright
(Morgan) Varick...
* Molly nods
(Molly) I know him...
* Molly giggles
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) he's asked if he could call you mama
* Molly nods, smiling
(Molly) He doesn't realise, but he's done it three times this week already by accident
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) I think it's just playing with the children. It slips out and he doesn't notice. I wished to give you time to adjust to your rather lovely new way of saying papa before mentioning it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as I said, he asked if you'd mind
(Molly) Of course not. I have felt those feelings since before we were married.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) We should probably go and have breakfast with them
* Molly nods slowly
(Molly) We should...
(Morgan) are you ready?
* Molly takes a deep breath
(Molly) I think so
* Morgan nods, sitting up
(Morgan) come on then
* Molly does likewise, gently putting the doll on her pillow. She offers Morgan her hand
(Molly) See, nothing to be worried about. I am fine.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll keep an eye on you all the same
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Whenever and however you wish
* Molly gives a last glance over the empty room, smiling slightly, and then shuts the door
** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout)

------------------------------
Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 12 August 2021 21:33:08 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
* Molly heads towards the dining rooms
(Molly) I think I only slept about two hours...
(Morgan) because of the dream?
* Molly nods
(Molly) I couldn't get back to sleep, so I got up. I read a while, came down for some coffee, watched you a little while
(Morgan) dreaming about skipping stones...
(Molly) No nightmares?
(Morgan) I was in your dream talking to Madchen... I know who she is
* Molly looks intrigued
(Molly) Who is she?
(Morgan) You had imaginary friends before Cess... a girl and a man... she was the girl
(Molly) I do not remember... I am not sure how I feel about that...
* Morgan nods
(Molly) That means she is neither mine and your daughter, nor mine and Sebastian's daughter...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I have a theory on who the man was...
(Molly) Oh? Who?
(Morgan) me
* Molly looks puzzled
(Molly) I am not sure how that would be possible
(Morgan) when you dreamed about what happened... you were chatting away to me... but if thats what happened, then you were chatting to your imaginary friend
(Molly) That's... confusing *she smiles* I suppose we will never know
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) It's a sweet idea though. So you met me as a four year old?
* Morgan nods
* Molly smiles
(Molly) What was I like?
(Morgan) precocious... wilful...
* Molly laughs
(Molly) I was not like that as a child!
* Morgan nods
* Molly frowns " That is not to say I am like that as a grown woman!"
(Morgan) of course...
* Molly watches him
(Molly) Are you teasing me, my dear Duke?!
(Morgan) would I do such a thing?
(Molly) Relentlessly *she giggles*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) true
(Molly) It is most lucky I have such an extremely tolerance for you
* Molly looks mischievous
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
(Molly) Mama always says that I was a good, gentle and calm child
(Morgan) not what I saw...
* Molly nods
(Molly) Does that trouble you?
(Morgan) why would it?
(Molly) You love my gentleness and sweetness... what if that is just how I became from the memory loss?
* Molly frowns slightly
(Morgan) I've no doubt I would love your precociousness and wilfulness.... though there's not exactly a drought of the latter...
* Molly smiles ruefully
(Molly) All summer, I've been worrying about becoming more Eisen-like, less sweet and more... obstinate. And it seems like that was just a part of me anyway
* Morgan nods
(Molly) On a different note, should we stay here again tonight, as we have the Christening tomorrow and Lady Torrington to visit todaym
(Molly) ?
(Morgan) Maybe... it depends on how things progress with Kit
(Molly) You may not wish to stay in Tawstock? *she frowns a little*
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I am done allowing Dau to run roughshod over the people here. We are going to find him.
* Molly glances at him
(Molly) And that will mean getting whatever information you need by any method... even if it means you are never welcome in Tawstock again?
(Morgan) no... but we will find him, and that'll mean moving around to do that
* Molly stops walking
(Molly) I will be coming with you, yes...? *she watches him*
(Morgan) I don't know yet
* Molly frowns deeper
(Molly) I see. *she resumes walking*
(Morgan) That displeases you
* Molly opens her mouth, then shuts it sharply
(Molly) I will submit to the command of my husband.
(Morgan) Come on... 
(Molly) **they get to the top of the staircase. She shows no intention of stopping**
(Morgan) blossom...
* Molly looks to him
(Molly) Yes?
(Morgan) talk to me...
(Molly) Well you tell me, liebes herz... you would let your loved ones find and fight a man who could do _that_ to another human being, when you're likely the best healer they could find, yet you're to be left at home waiting for any news?
(Morgan) You want to come in case one of us needs healing?
(Molly) Why wouldn't that be the most sensible choice?
(Morgan) And Inga? And Varick?
(Molly) They could not come.
(Morgan) and who would stay to keep them safe?
(Molly) Sorgi. Almost a hundred former navy men.
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) and what about when you cant bear to look at me because of the savagery I'll unleash on him?
(Molly) That is _not_ going to happen
(Morgan) which part?
(Molly) Me to being able to bear looking at you
(Molly) Not*
(Morgan) I'm not so sure
* Molly watches him solemnly
(Molly) I have already warned you that I should not be in touching distance of him. That is _not_ to prevent what he might do to me.
(Morgan) I am aware
(Molly) Do not think that his death would be any gentler were it coming from me.
(Morgan) I would save you from that
(Molly) It is clear to me that you have made up your mind in that I am not to be there.
(Morgan) Then you need glasses, I have not made any such decision
(Molly) You do not wish me to see what you do to him.
(Morgan) No...
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) There is little point in us arguing about this until we have any idea where you might have to go.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Perhaps we can put a pin in having a loud shouting match about it until after we have seen Kit?
* Morgan nods
* Molly moves towards the stairs ((stops her or lets her go?))
* Morgan sighs, following her
* Molly continues on down to the lobby. She whispers "I am not sure if I wish to kiss you, or shout at you right now. It's very confusing!"
(Morgan) I'm a confusing sort
* Molly nods
(Molly) Absolutely.
(Morgan) And deep down you know I'm just trying to keep you safe... and not make you think less of me
(Molly) I do. Just as you know that beneath my resistance to wait behind is fear of losing you.
* Molly watches him
(Morgan) Perhaps you will come along but not be witness to it?
(Molly) Perhaps. *she continues to watch him*
(Morgan) That I would not object to...
* Molly nods briefly before moving suddenly and kissing him
* Morgan wraps his arms around her, pulling her close for a moment
(Molly) **An interior door opens, and a man coughs politely to make his presence known*
* Molly pulls away a little, blushing [I am simultaneously the luckiest and unluckiest girl in the world!]
* Morgan smiles slightly, looking at the man
(Molly) *he is blushing more than Molly** Uhh...
(Molly) **he is wearing a servants uniform*
(Morgan) yes?
(Molly) Man: Your uhhh... party is in the uhh... private dining room, your Graces
(Molly) Man: *he bows a little, going back through the door*
* Morgan nods
* Molly smiles at Morgan
(Molly) Perhaps we may put a pin in that until later today too?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
* Molly holds his hand, leading the way
** You are now disconnected

------------------------------
Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 13 August 2021 14:27:18 British Summer Time
------------------------------

** You have joined #7thsea
* Molly glances at him sidelong
(Molly) I rather like "Your Graces"... it lets you imagine being an Eisenfurst a moment…
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I suppose
(Molly) Her Grace the Eisenfurstin Molly Isabella Koertig, Duchess, and Grafin von Sudlachenburg und Gottkirchen, Freiarrin Innesbruck… *she smiles playfully* Out of Martha by David.
(Morgan) Ambassador to Capperlucia...
(Molly) Oh I forgot that... and Lady of Catterick too
* Morgan nods
* Molly laughs
(Molly) I remember how impressed I was the first time you told me your title... we were in mine and Rebecca's cabin on the Solemn Wind **her micro-expression fires up with what could well be hate**
(Morgan) really? I recall you smirking at my middle name
* Molly giggles
(Molly) I very nearly did the same on our wedding day
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye...
(Molly) "It's truly a strong Eisen name" I believe you said
(Morgan) sure it wasn't unwieldy?
* Molly thinks hard
(Molly) That was Eisen as a language I think. Before you hinted at helping me wrestle my tongue into submission...
* Molly watches him for signs of embarrassment
* Morgan blushes
* Molly smiles, and pushes the door open.Their group is in a little private dining room, and the maids are very deferential. HH, Inga, Claudia and Varick are all watching Molly closely when they arrive.
(Molly) **HH and Claudia both gesture $Alright?!$
(Morgan) $so far$
(Molly) V: *he motions to Morgan to come to him*
* Morgan goes to him, leaning down
(Molly) Varick whispers in his ear: Is she okay? Do we still have to keep secrets?
(Morgan) She's fine... I told her about Cecily...
(Molly) V: **he gets out of his chair and goes to hug Molly who has sat at the table*I'm sorry about your sister, I don't have either of my sisters either, so I understand *she looks a bit confused*
(Molly) I... I am alright, Mauschen. Perhaps you would like to put some flowers on her resting place with me before we go.
(Molly) **Theres relief amongst the other faces at the table**
* Morgan looks at them
(Morgan) HeinzHarold... with me please
(Molly) [What does he mean about _sisters_?]
(Morgan) [I don't know]
(Molly) HH: Yes, yer majesty
* Morgan backs out of the room into the hallway
** You're now known as HH
* HH follows along after grabbing a sausage
(HH) **the hallway is empty*
(Morgan) What were you shouting at me for this morning?
(HH) I thought we were done with interrupting each other on purpose
(Morgan) It wasn't... but I'm sorry anyway
* HH shrugs, slightly evasive
(HH) It's fine, there's other days
* Morgan watches him
(Morgan) its not fine is it...
(HH) Was just taking the Morning Advantage... been a bit more difficult to get out of my head the last coupla nights **he looks a bit embarrassed*
(Morgan) because of Elsie...
* HH nods
(HH) But don't stop confiding in me.
* Morgan nods slightly
(Morgan) We're going to see her right, and her child...
* HH nods
(Morgan) [Do you think he means Jana?]
(HH) [Uhh... maybe? I...]
(HH) We will. I'll be fine, don't give it a thought. Sorry I snapped at you.
(Morgan) Its fair, given what you thought I was doing
* HH shrugs
(HH) Don' fret it. Stop thinkin' about my virility... *he slowly grins, then holds his hand towards Morgan* Sausage?
* Morgan thumps him
(Morgan) love you man
* HH shrugs
(HH) You an' everyone else.
* Morgan shrugs, going back into the dining room to eat
(HH) *He gets time to eat before they are interrupted. A letter is brought for Molly, and she reads it, nodding a little. Another letter is for Morgan, thicker.*
* Morgan opens it, looking inside the envelope
(HH) **It is a report from Mr Jeffries. It gives a figure of two thousand guilders if the Island was sold. Beneath that, it lists the work that should be done in minute detail. And below that, a recommendation for how to recruit people to repopulate the island and care for the animals.
(HH) **Doing so will cost him five hundred guilders up front, with another one hundred in year one, assuming that all produce grown, livestock raised, fish caught were owned and consumed by the islanders. The final option would be to sell the sheep and leave the island empty, which would make him approximately one hundred guilders.
* Morgan sighs slightly, drinking his coffee
(HH) The solicitor is ready for me to complete the purchase
** You're now known as Molly
(Morgan) I've got the options for the island
(Molly) Oh? What options, my love?
* Morgan tells her
* Molly nods
(Molly) Something to consider?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) **HH gestures $Depends if you are going to need somewhere very private away from people to deal with Dau. Like where noone can hear him$
(Morgan) $That may have occurred to me$
(Molly) I need my brothers and a witness, but the Solicitor can see me all morning.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) V: Papa, can I see the children again?
(Morgan) I imagine so, aye
(Molly) V: *he whoops, despite being sat to the table*
(Molly) HH: Want me an' Inga to take him over there, send Peter an' James here?
* Morgan looks at Molly
(Morgan) makes sense...
* Molly nods
(Molly) I will send a messenger to Lady Torrington asking her to let us know at Sunnymeade when she is ready and when Kit has arrived?
* Morgan nods
* Molly nods, standing up
(Molly) I'll go and see to it then
(Morgan) alright my love
* Molly goes. HH, Inga and Varick go to get ready, leaving him drinking coffee with Claudia
** You're now known as Claudia
(Claudia) No dawn this morning.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
* Claudia sips the coffee
(Claudia) Bad night?
(Morgan) No... enlightening... but you'll think I'm crazy
(Claudia) I think we're past that at this point, don't you?
(Morgan) Even I'm not sure about it...
* Claudia watches him, waiting
(Morgan) Molly dreams about a child... I believe its the imaginary friend she had when she was little
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Not the weirdest shit you've said latelt
* Morgan raises an eyebrow
(Morgan) what was?
* Claudia raises her eyes to the ceiling, exhaling audibly
(Claudia) There's so much, it's hard to know.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) She dreams of imaginary friends...?
(Morgan) evidently... weirdest thing is that that imaginary friend knew it was the imaginary friend I think. It told me, more or less, that I needed to tell her what had happened
* Claudia sighs
(Claudia) This is high kn the weird shit list
(Claudia) On*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) but, not as weird as those things on the island 
(Claudia) No... not that weird
* Claudia tops up her coffee
(Claudia) Is that as weird as it gets or have you got more?
(Morgan) y'know, I think thats about as weird as it gets for now... 
* Claudia nods
(Morgan) She remembers Cecily, the doll they had... but not the accident... oh, no, it gets weirder
(Claudia) Fantastic(!)
(Morgan) If it bothers you, I shall keep quiet
(Claudia) No, go on
(Morgan) Cecily was dragged down by something
(Claudia) What sort of something?
(Morgan) she didn't know... something monstrous. 
(Claudia) Still there?
(Morgan) No, its not
(Claudia) *she frowns* Pity, I could stand to break something.
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) are you alright?
(Claudia) Not happy that you aren't telling me what all this stuff with the brothel and the doctor is about. I think I can guess why, but it's not easy being left out like I'm not strong enough
* Morgan nods, watching her
(Morgan) You'd protect me back defending my back...
(Claudia) Always
(Morgan) thats what I'm doing. 
(Claudia) I know. But still. Wounds my pride.
(Morgan) I could tell you generalities, but leave specifics if that is preferable... 
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) It is
(Morgan) Its certainly not that I question your strength... I just wish to protect you from the harm it would bring...
(Claudia) I know. I get it
(Morgan) one of the girls in the brothel was hurt, badly... she's going to die in childbirth because of the scarring. The doctor is to inform Lady Torrington so she has grounds to deal with him... not that its going to matter.
* Claudia nods, eyes turning hard
(Claudia) Who did it?
(Morgan) You've met him... with a sword in your hand
(Claudia) And if I meet him again, the other end will be in him.
(Morgan) No... I'm afraid thats for me
(Claudia) This girl special to you?
* Morgan watches her
(Morgan) She had red hair at the time... he used my wife's name...
(Claudia) Holy fucking hell he is going to wish he was dead a thousand times over.
* Morgan nods slowly
(Claudia) What the fuck?! Why?
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) He wanted Molly... he wanted the Rose... he could have neither and, clearly, is the sort of monster who deserves to burn from the inside out
* Claudia frowns deeply
(Claudia) Dau?
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Fucking hell. *she is quiet a minute* The duel at the wedding... fuck...
(Morgan) if I'd realised then... 
(Claudia) **he can recall this very well*
(Claudia) He'd be dead. He could have killed her there and then before we had a chance to do anything.
(Morgan) He didn't want to kill her... he wanted to have her
(Claudia) What are you going to do about it?
(Morgan) I'm going to kill him
(Claudia) Where is he?
(Morgan) I don't know yet
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) I need to tell Heinzharold my history,  don't I?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) thats entirely up to you
(Claudia) If he says something and it gives me a flashback, he's gonna feel bad about it. It's on me to protect him from that
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) that being said... he has this innocent notion that none of the womenfolk should be told about what happened... so I suspect the chances of causing one are slim... but never zero
(Claudia) Has he ever treated me like womenfolk,   except the moment we met?
(Morgan) I think he is at the moment with this... without knowing, he's protecting you...  He thinks you're uncomfortable in brothels, incidentally
(Claudia) I should tell him that bit at least
(Morgan) if he can accept the shit I can do, he'll accept whatever you tell him
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) He's more worldly than you, at any rate
* Morgan shrugs
(Claudia) He ever told you what the first thing I said to him was?
* Morgan shakes his head
* Claudia smiles
(Claudia) I'll try and tone it down for you
(Claudia) Someone introduced us in a camp when he was on the Nautilus I was on the Obsidian. He did that charming-smile-hair-falls-in-his-face thing...
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) I told him if he ever even _thought_ about me in a sexual way, I'd make it so the only mouth his manhood would end up in was his own.
* Morgan laughs
(Claudia) Being Heinzharold,  he wasn't at all offended and thought this was hilarious. Then he didn't ever really go away again until our units were split.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) That was October 62, so almost six months before I met you just after Quatre Bras
(Morgan) that long?
(Claudia) That I've known him, or that I knew him before I knew you?
(Morgan) before me
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) October through December 62 with Heinzharold. Then we went back on ship. Heinzharold got blown up early Feb 63, then went on the Enchiridon with your new unit. Following month we got drenched at QB, and then it was in the aftermath I met you and kicked you in the chest.
(Claudia) On our ships*
* Morgan nods slightly
(Morgan) yes, I recall
* Claudia smiles
(Claudia) Good times
(Morgan) I don't recall it being that good
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) Depends on what you were missing at home. I had no home. At least I had a purpose.
(Morgan) I was referring to getting kicked in the chest...
(Claudia) Could be worse, he got it in the face
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) his poor, pretty face
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Used to be good though, getting the news that our units would be grouped and I'd have a few weeks or months with the two of you
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) You don't think I should tell him about the rapes?
(Morgan) I didn't say that... I don't think you need to right now, but you should tell him... if you're ready to tell him now, tell him now. You are right though that if he causes a flashback, he will feel awful about it
(Claudia) I very rarely get them now. I learnt how to get through them and then they went. That flashback nightmare was the first for more than a year
(Morgan) But if things are changing, its a possiblity
(Claudia) Hadn't considered that. We'll see. There's things I plain dislike, mostly I can avoid them.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) What does Molly know?
(Morgan) about what?
(Claudia) Dau
(Morgan) All of it... well, all of what he did
(Claudia) Including him calling her Molly?
* Morgan nods
* Claudia shakes her head
(Claudia) Did you tell her that?
(Morgan) you misunderstand... Elsie told Molly while she was being examined
(Claudia) That's not good
(Claudia) How's she dealing with it?
(Morgan) She's about as murderous as I am
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Not surprising. It's a violation in itself.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she blames herself, obviously
(Claudia) Need me to have a word?
(Morgan) You realise she doesn't know about that...
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) Figured you two tell each other most everything
(Morgan) We do, but thats not my story to tell... you told me that in confidence... she only knows about you liking other women because it was necessary to tell her about the draw...
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) How did that go?
(Morgan) confusion mostly
* Claudia smiles
(Claudia) Hard to get your head round if you don't feel it. Me liking to bed women  must be as confusing to her as her liking to bed you is to me!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) probably
* Claudia develops a look of distaste
(Morgan) don't think about it too hard
(Claudia) Just remembering hearing Dau having sex with that awful woman
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Solicitors, Sunnymeade and Lady Torrington and someone called Kit today? Island tonight or here again?
(Morgan) Remains to be seen... depends on the information I can get out of Kit... who, incidentally, goes by Kurt here
(Claudia) Why?
(Morgan) secret society spy stuff
* Claudia gives him a look of disbelief then rolls her eyes
(Claudia) What's the point?
(Morgan) of...
(Claudia) Asking if you're shitting me
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I don't lie... except the odd outrageous one... which, here, could well be true anyway
(Claudia) There's monsters in my forest that need human blood...
(Morgan) I don't normally go _that_ outrageous... usually just goblins..
(Claudia) KitKurt is a spy?
(Morgan) sort of
(Claudia) Do I need to know?
(Morgan) I wouldn't have thought so... I only told you so you'd know who I mean if we talk about him later
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Can Molly _do_ anything for the woman?
(Morgan) We're looking into it... HeinzHarolds been letting her practice healing scar tissue on him
(Claudia) He let her do magic on him?
(Morgan) No, she poured mud on him to see if it worked
(Claudia) I've tipped muddy water on him before
* Claudia sips her coffee
(Claudia) I might be able to help there.
(Morgan) oh?
(Claudia) I have some scars
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) want me to tell her?
(Claudia) Not from _that_. Just from early battles. Back when I was only as good as you.
(Morgan) I didn't imply anything...
(Claudia) Sounds like childbirth scars would be the best to practice on though. Mine are just *she thinks* knife, axe, glave, several swords, jam jar, couple of musket shots
(Morgan) Jam jar...
(Claudia) Running with it when I was Varick's age, tripped and fell on it
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) It's not pretty
(Morgan) I would imagine not
(Claudia) I've already been healed once, so I know what to expect. Curious about the other side of the coin though
(Morgan) other side?
(Claudia) That she can harm as well as heal
(Morgan) She's able to do it, certainly...
(Claudia) She done that to you?
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) What was it like?  **he can remember how the skin seemed to be sliced beneath her finger, a sharp and almost euphoric pain
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) sharp... it was like using the corner of a razor
(Claudia) She's very able to defend herself then
* Morgan nods
* Claudia sips her coffee
(Claudia) If it was anyone else, it'd be scary
(Morgan) you don't think its scary?
(Claudia) Scarier than monsters in the woods?
(Morgan) They're simple
(Claudia) This is simple. She has a weapon, all the time. If I had a weapon all the time, I'd be scary too
(Morgan) I'm more worried what she'd feel if she uses it
(Claudia) Same as we all did the first day we killed someone
* Morgan nods, sighing
(Morgan) I suppose so
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) **Peter and James arrive and they all go to do the purchase. Claudia waits outside. The solicitors office seems very full with the man himself, two Forresters and two Koertigs. Money in bags by the fifty are moved around alongside the signing of various documents.
(Claudia) **In total, the transactions and legal costs cost her 365G, a sizeable amount of money. He knows that the Restitution payment Kit made to her was 1921G, the amount of her invoice from Kai, delivered less than twelve hours after he extracted his pound of flesh from her surrogate in the brothel.**
(Claudia) Solicitor: It is a long way to go about it, but for Legal reasons it needs to be done
(Morgan) It is watertight?
(Claudia) S: yes, absolutely
* Claudia 's thoughts hit him suddenly ["Zere is no personal need for me to count it, but... for legal reasons zere iz!" he says not moving from the chair but Molly can feel kai watching her rather than the money. "We vill need to count this for two reasons. Von, ziz really should be brokered through our solicitors, und ziz is a dangerous amount of money for either you or I to hold onto. I would suggest, that this be placed into somewhere more secure! Secondly, it must be counted so that I can write a receipt und officially consider ziz matter closed!"]
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly 's thoughts hit him suddenly ["Zere is no personal need for me to count it, but... for legal reasons zere iz!" he says not moving from the chair but Molly can feel kai watching her rather than the money. "We vill need to count this for two reasons.
(Molly) [Von, ziz really should be brokered through our solicitors, und ziz is a dangerous amount of money for either you or I to hold onto. I would suggest, that this be placed into somewhere more secure! Secondly, it must be counted so that I can write a receipt und officially consider ziz matter closed!"]
* Morgan fights not to scowl
* Molly is utterly neutral
(Molly) S: That is all done. **he offers his hand to shake everyone else's** Congratulations, Mr Forrester. I hope you and your family will be as happy at Sunnymeade as the many generations of Forrester men who have owned it before you.
* Molly nods a little, thanking him briefly before walking out into the light drizzle. The others are slow to follow.
* Molly breathes deeply and slowly in the door step.
(Molly) On*
* Morgan stands in front of her
(Morgan) Are you alright?
(Molly) Yes... *she takes a deep breath* I am alright
(Morgan) A big change?
(Molly) No... to do with Elsie.
(Morgan) want to tell me?
(Molly) I... don't know. I do not wish to make it worse for you
(Molly) **There's a noise behind them* J: I bet they have!
* Morgan glances over her shoulder
* Molly takes Morgan's hand
(Morgan) I am not interested in that... I am only interested in helping you
(Molly) He has- *she gets interrupted* Hey, fireball,  have you ever had Champagne?
* Molly moves off the doorstep
(Molly) Quite a few times, yes. I prefer brandy or whiskey
(Molly) P: What's it like? Shall I get some to celebrate?
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I'll get some and meet you back at your house
(Molly) **Peter looks very happy about this. He picks her up and hugs her** Thanks, Moll!
* Molly watches Morgan over Peter's shoulder, watching his expression and body language
* Morgan is watching her carefully
(Molly) Put me down! I am a Duchess now, not a child! *it sounds almost like a childlike crossness, but not hugely serious*
(Molly) **Peter puts her down* Sorry, Red. We'll see you soon
* Molly watches her very happy brothers make their way towards tethered horses
(Molly) They're pleased.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes
* Molly looks around, seeing a couple of townsfolk watching them
* Morgan offers his hand
* Molly takes it, kissing his knuckles
(Molly) We should find some horses, we will need them to visit Lady Torrington
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) **Claudia joins them to do so. The three of them ride along a little while before Claudia tells Molly she has some scars Molly can take a look at, and Molly asks for descriptions and locations. She has quite a few, more than Morgan likely expects
* Molly and Claudia take the champagne in to the house when they get to Sunnymeade, leaving Morgan the horses
** You're now known as HH
(HH) **HH is waiting for Morgan at the stable, and takes the horses from the others** How are y' today?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) alright so far
(HH) How was your night?
(Morgan) weird but alright
(HH) Weird like a trap ship?
* HH starts unbridling
(Morgan) weirder, I'd say... either way, Molly knows what happened now
* HH nods
(HH) No issues?
(Morgan) Not so far, no...
(HH) 'Specting some?
(Morgan) I've no idea
* HH nods
(HH) She got th' doll?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye. She has some memories now, but doesn't remember what actually happened... 
* HH nods
(HH) Prob'ly for the best. Bit weird to remember some of it, not all of it. Like her mind has been blanked.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye.
(HH) That's squared away now then? She upset?
(Morgan) I'm not sure... I don't think she knows how to feel about it yet, but it isn't hiding there to jump on us now
(HH) Unlike us waiting to jump on Dau?
(Morgan) I'm not sure we're hiding...
(HH) Gonna be honest with the contact about trying to find and remove him?
(Morgan) half of it, maybe...
(HH) Then we're sorta hiding, aren't we?
(Morgan) No, we're just standing very still in plain sight
* HH snorts
(HH) Handsome as I am, tha' doesnt work... you'd be fine though
(Morgan) You'd be surprised how well it works... I need to give you some information, actually
(HH) Go on then
(Morgan) You remember Elliot... something seemed off about him?
* HH nods
(HH) Nice lad though
(Morgan) spy... he's my contact. Goes by Kurt here
* HH nods
(HH) I'll keep quiet
* Morgan nods
(HH) Just gotta wait around for the Duchess to tell us she's ready for us?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) realistically, yes
* HH smirks "you prob'ly done that quite  a bit"
* Morgan watches his friend, completely straight faced
(Morgan) meaning?
(HH) Not that Duchess, your Duchess.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) her timekeeping is quite good
* HH nods
(HH) That's good then
(HH) Given more thought to us going huntin' him?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thinking about it... you think Inga would be willing to stay behind with Varick?
(HH) Of course. She'd miss me, but she'd be fine
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Molly flat refuses
(HH) To stay?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Why?
(Morgan) She has this wonderful way of using logic... what if one of us gets hurt and needs a healer... and she is the best one, lets be honest
(HH) Me, you, Claudia. Unless he has a thirty strong team of bodyguards, we should be fine
(Morgan) I know... I'm not finished talking with her, but I'd rather not command her to stay behind... given that it was only my contact that stopped it being her, there's a vested interest for her
* HH puts a horse in a stall
(HH) Some logic then. The biggest risk of you getting harmed is being distracted. If she's anywhere near Dau, you're gonna be so busy worrying about her that you could get hurt
(Morgan) In theory she's agreed to not be present, just... available nearby...
(HH) You need her far away?
(Morgan) I don't want her near him... I don't want her seeing what I want to do to him
* HH starts on the next horse
(HH) Gonna be four phases, unless he comes here. Phase 1- we travel and track him down. 2- we transport him to wherever you need to get it done in private, 3- actually doing it, 4- whatever the aftermath for you is gonna be like, whether you need to be with her or be alone.
* Morgan nods
(HH) Thought about tellin' her she needs to stay put with Elsie somewhere incase the babe comes early and she needs to try and save them?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) no... I don't know if she could tell, either...
(HH) What do you mean?
(Morgan) whether or not that thats likely to happen...
(HH) She might be able to know it isnt, so she doesnt have to stay behind?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Could take us weeks, maybe a month or two
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I hope not
(Morgan) I don't think I can be this angry for so long without it damaging me
(HH) Depends how far he is and how difficult  he is to find. If we have to travel a lot, if we have to spend time in phase 2...
* HH watches him
(HH) You have to. People are counting on you.
(Morgan) Are they? 
(HH) Yes, you idiot. Molly, Varick, Claudia, me. We're counting on you to get through it and not become like you were when you ran away.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I will
(HH) Yes, you will. It might take longer than we want to get to him, but you'll have your vengeance.
* HH pats the horse he's got in front of him
(HH) You need to think strategy. If you aren't just stabbin' him in the heart the moment you can get to him, you need to 'ave a plan.
(Morgan) There's merits to both arguments
(HH) In just stabbing him?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) or doing something more... appropriate for recompense
(HH) Up to you. First is quicker, but...
(Morgan) the latter is more fitting
* HH nods
(HH) The thought of Dreiser lying in agony whilst whatever remained of his cock and balls rotten away into stinking, putrid gore... Keeps me warm at night.
* Morgan nods
(HH) Just the Eisen in us.
(Morgan) or the husband...
(HH) A good point. No one hurts your girl.
* Morgan nods
(HH) Lets see what Kurt the Spy has to say. But if I was you I'd think hard about just commanding her.
(Morgan) I'll think about it
* HH nods
(HH) Anythin' else you need t' tell me?
(Morgan) I could tell you the dream, but... its not important...
(HH) I'm here if you need to
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) how're you doing?
(HH) I'm good
(Morgan) I've had to tell Claudia the basics of what happened with Elsie...she was feeling like I didn't trust her to be strong enough to bear it
* HH nods
(HH) It's Claudia, she's rock solid
* Morgan nods slightly
(HH) You know that blonde in the brothel that liked her?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) short lass
* HH nods
(HH) Claudia liked her back.
(Morgan) What makes you say that?
(HH) When they were cleaning they kept looking at each other
(Morgan) and thats it?
(HH) 'Member I said something had always seemed off to me about 'ow she behaved in brothels?
* Morgan nods
(HH) She was always either staring or very avoidant. But not embarrassed or giggly or curious like Inga would be
(Morgan) Is it possible thats just another of Claudia's... quirks, where she isn't like other women?
(HH) 'Member also that within five minutes of seein' them, I knew she'd slept with Cap'n Sorgi
* Morgan nods
(HH) Never saw 'er show any interest in men, not even me. Did think she might just 'ave no interest in anything like tha'...
(Morgan) I see... I suppose, then, the pertinent question... what difference does it make to you?
(HH) Means I won't feel so bad about all the bubbies she saw in my lap *he grins*
(Morgan) I'm serious... ifs you're right... 
(HH) The fact tha' you're asking me questions an' not just sayin' Shut Up, Heinzharold makes it obvious I am
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) jus' wond'rin
(HH) I don't care either way. Jus' be glad to know why it's always seemed off and I haven't been able to put my finger on it
(Morgan) I admit it makes a certain amount of sense, when you think about it
* HH nods, watching him
* Morgan watches him right back
(HH) You were with her in Kingston, anything happen that makes you think I'm right?
(Morgan) you mean like her taking a girl to bed, or something less obvious?
(HH) Anything at all
(Morgan) aye, she woo'd a young lass and led her astray upstairs, for hours...
* HH shrugs
(HH) Alright
* HH watches him
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) Ask her... I wouldn't be surprised if she says you're right... I wouldn't be surprised if she told you to shut the fuck up... 
(HH) Not mutually exclusive.
(Morgan) fair point... I wouldn't be surprised if she says you're wrong... 
* HH just watches him
(HH) Guess I'll just ask her if she likes bubbies then?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she laughed quite a bit when I said about that
(HH) Good. Always liked making 'er laugh
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) its a rare thing
* HH nods
(HH) Unlike you, with yer naturally sunny, cheerful disposition
(Morgan) I've been distinctly sunnier lately
* HH nods
(HH) Lets keep it tha' way. Now, shall we go in there and demand some drinks, on account o' you being a Duke an' all?
(Morgan) I think that'd be a reasonable thing to demand
(HH) No Grunhelm to carry us 'ome.
(Morgan) I'd rather stagger...
* HH mimics Grunhelm's booming voice  "Not today, little rabbits."
* Morgan chuckles
* HH is still chuckling about this memory when they get to the kitchen
** You are now disconnected