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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 17 August 2021 16:08:21 British Summer Time
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** You're now known as Cath
(Cath) **Catherine and Kurt are still to be found in the great hall, the butler is just leaving when they arrive, and they are shown in. HH and Kit are polite to each other, neither giving away their acquaintance from the Vaticine fort of Dietmund on the island of Insel. Catherine remains standing, making the others do likewise.
(Cath) The staff are being gathered so I can let them know what is going to happen
* Morgan nods
* Cath hands back the estate keys to him "welcome back, master-at-arms"
(Cath) **HH is doing his nice-but-dim expression, but Morgan can tell he's carefully watching Morgan's reaction**
* Morgan barely moves
* Morgan takes the keys
(Morgan) thank you your grace
(Cath) The House will provide nursing however you require, and will feed you all, unless you feel you would rather fend for yourselves.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I appreciate that
(Cath) A town meeting is being announced for Monday. Whilst you are here, I would like you all  to feel free to come and go as you please, but you are welcome to spend time training up the staff too.
(Morgan) I'm sure we can have things back to a good standard before long
* Cath nods
(Cath) I would like that
(Cath) My man of business is away until monday for answers about Rebecca's and Jaeger's property here, or whatever property Colonel Dau might have taken over the summer. Kurt tells me that Colonel Dau was dropped in Londinium  a few weeks ago, but the ship was sent back to Freiburg
(Morgan) He was in Avebury ten days ago, so unless he hopped on another ship, he won't have gone far
(Cath) K: I have a few friends looking for him on other matters, your Grace, and they know to write to me here should he be found
* Cath nods "I have had an RSVP for Lord Torrington's birthday on November 3rd from him and Rebecca, I would expect him then if not before."
(Cath) HH $That's your birthday too$
(Morgan) $is it?$
(Cath) HH $has been every year I've known ya$
(Morgan) $remarkable$
* Cath finishes her brandy
(Cath) Shall we go to speak to the staff?
(Morgan) Before we do... how much are they going to know?
(Cath) I don't know. What do you think?
(Morgan) Not all of it, certainly. I'll talk with them about the bare minimum first I think
* Cath nods
(Cath) I am happy to follow your lead in this instance
* Morgan nods
* Cath moves towards the door, Kurt and HH both making a rush to open the door, and Kurt just beats him to it.
(Morgan) now now children
(Cath) **they laugh. They get to the dining hall where the staff are all congregated. Some faces are familiar,  some aren't. All are watching and waiting
* Morgan looks them over
(Morgan) There's a few things to go through. Some of you I've met, others I will shortly. Those of you I do not know, look to those who have worked with me and ask them if I will allow you to stay if you cannot be trusted.
(Cath) **theres a murmur as this instruction is carried out. Everyone looks serious now
(Morgan) If any of you cannot be trusted with the information I will give you, you need to leave... now.
(Cath) **noone looks like they will go
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) good. I'm going to tell you who I am, what I am and what I'm doing here and that information is to go no further than this room. Is that clear?
(Cath) **there's a chorus of yes sir
(Morgan) My name is Morgan, I'm a Duke of Eisen and my family hold lands in Catterick.  From here on you address me as Morgan or master Hockridge, which is a family name. I will be acting as Lady Torringtons master at arms for the time being and will be working _with_ you in part to bring her household back into line. Now let me tell you _why_ an Eisen duke would do this... you are all aware of the working girl who was hurt?
(Cath) **there's surprise at who he is, and only about a quarter indicate they know about the girl
(Morgan) She's going to be staying in the cottage here until she gives birth. She was harmed by one of the people who comes here as a guest. Until she gives birth, you will accord her the same courtesy you would give any guest of this house. You are aware of the sentiment in Tawstock towards those of Eisen birth?
(Cath) **There's awkward looks that go round and most nod
(Morgan) how many have perpetuated that sentiment here?
(Cath) **a couple nervously put up hands, many more looking a bit guilty
(Morgan) That ends right now. I understand _why_ those bad feelings are there. Now, the reason I require you to be trustworthy... the man responsible for harming the girl, Elsie, is also in charge of the Eisen crew that has caused such bad feeling here. He must be punished and the best chance to do that is to catch him when he returns. I have investigations to make so I need to be able to do that without people knowing exactly who I am.
(Cath) **they yes sir him again**
(Morgan) To that end, I need you all to keep it to yourselves. If he gets wind of it, we could lose him and he goes unpunished which is, frankly, unacceptable to all of us. The other side of it... I'm going to rely on you all... we know household staff hear everything. Any rumours, rumblings, grumblings... I need you to bring them to me. Can you do that?
(Cath) **They sound more enthusiastic in their Yes Sir!
(Morgan) We will not allow this injustice to pass. Lady Torrington is going to be more involved with her people, and I need your help with that as well. She cant react to something if she does not know about it
(Cath) "Yes Sir" is once again the reply
(Morgan) There's a town meeting on monday. I'd like to know what the main grievances are so they can be addressed with more than just "we'll look into it". See what you can find out, even if its just from your own families. Now, are there any questions?
(Cath) NewMan: Can we have the some time off to find out?
(Morgan) That depends... are you chancing it or do you genuinely think you can find something out?
(Cath) NewMan: Mostly the first but maybe the second?
* Morgan nods slightly
(Morgan) We'll run just over a skeleton crew so everyone can have half a day to find out what they can
(Cath) **they cheer**
(Morgan) Take some time with your families, but I need you to be finding out what you can. Anything else?
(Cath) No Sir!
(Morgan) Alright, any of you I don't know, or anyone who wants a reintroduction, come see me, the rest of you back to work... 
(Cath) **There's excited chatter, and people going off to work. HH appears at Morgan's side** I hope yer Father knows how lucky it is y' won't try to usurp him
(Morgan) because I know how to get staff involved?
(Cath) **He nods* Got them eatin' outta the palm of your hand
(Morgan) as I've explained to my father any number of times... we're only able to rule because they allow it. I'm hoping he's taken my unorthodox approach back to Sudlachenburg and is trying to use it
(Cath) HH: Stranger things have ' appened **a few of the maids are gossiping and eyeing up HH, unsurprisingly**
(Morgan) he seemed to understand it once I'd explained it three times... but its true, you want information, you go to the staff, not the lord of the manor
** You are now disconnected (Network connection lost)

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** Cath has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer)
(MollyK) **He nods** Nothin' better for info than a chatty little maid or two... or three... *he smiles at them*
** You're now known as HH
(Morgan) Don't be getting yourself in trouble with Inga
(HH) Trouble with my lil darlin?! Bite yer tongue!
* HH grins at Morgan before wandering over to them, speaking Avalonian as best he can "Excuse me, please, do you have any apples?"
* Morgan snorts before covering it with a cough
(HH) **Several staff come to meet Morgan, and the housekeeper that was Molly's replacement comes to ask for help with getting accommodations sorted. By the time Morgan is ready to move furniture and pitch in with the work, HH is the centre of the maids attention, and has been given milk and bread and butter too. He's telling them how lovely his wife is, and rather than it putting them off, they seem to be more engaged
(HH) **He and Heinzharold pitch in with the cleaning and sorting the bedding, deciding that HH, Inga, and Claudia will share the old cottage, Varick, Elsie, Molly and Morgan will take the second. If they have to travel to track Kai, the Wives, Elsie and Varick can live together in the bigger house. They've been left alone in the small cottage, making the bed that was Morgan's"
(HH) It's like having to sleep in an 'ammock after you've slept in it! It'll be all shaped to the grooves of yer ass.
(Morgan) I wouldn't worry, I didn't sleep much so was rarely in it
(HH) Makes me glad yer such a saint!
* Morgan looks at him briefly
(Morgan) if it makes your sleep easier
(HH) Big white flappy sheet on yer wedding day said so. Not many could live t'gether and be'ave though
* HH tucks in the sheet corner
(Morgan) it was different then... 
* HH yanks it out again with a frown
(HH) Whysat?
(Morgan) tough to explain... I was different. Whats got your gander up
(HH) Inga likes it neat
(Morgan) Got you trained hasn't she
* HH chuckles
(HH) Wouldn' like t' say
(Morgan) really don' need to, its perfectly evident
(HH) Jus' want her happy, that's all
* Morgan nods
* HH looks happy with it the second time
(HH) What's all this shockin' stuff Claudia said you were gonna tell me then? Or was she shittin' me?
* Morgan scratches his nose
(Morgan) oh, probably about Molly and I having sex in the stables at the Eisenfursts house
* HH rolls his eyes
(HH) Pull th' other one, it's got bells on.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) suit y'self
(HH) Oh come on, y' wouldn' even believe it if I said it
(Morgan) Have I lied to you?
(HH) Only tha' they were your apples
* HH starts putting the covers on
(Morgan) thats merely a point of contention
(HH) Yer serious?!
* Morgan makes a mind blown gesture
* HH stares open-mouthed
(Morgan) nearly got caught
(HH) In _His Grace's_ stables! I'm not surprised  y' nearly got caught!
* HH is now starting to look impressed
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) not nearly so close to getting caught as in an inn in Paan, mind
(HH) Oh I've done stuff behind an inn before
(Morgan) no no... _in_ an inn... at a table...
* HH looks gobsmacked
(HH) _You?!_ You did that?!
(Morgan) If you could be a little less surprised, that'd be lovely
* HH starts laughing
(HH) Sorry. Gotta admit it's a bit shockin'!
(Morgan) I'm glad to see I'm seen as such an innocent...
(HH) 'Spose I did catch y' almost at it the first night on Morgan's Rock in yer study though.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
(HH) Figured tha' was maybe a one off
* HH grins
(Morgan) clearly that is not the case
(HH) How the hell did y' come up with a scheme as risky as that at His Grace's?
* HH sits on the corner of the bed, intrigued
(Morgan) it just sort of... happened
(HH) Not nearly caught by 'is Grace himself?!
(Morgan) worse
(HH) Yer Father?
* Morgan shakes his head slowly
(HH) Claudia?!
(Morgan) Edward...
* HH starts laughing uncontrollably, grasping his stomach
(HH) That woulda been 'ilarious!
(Morgan) the knowing look on his face was enough...
(HH) He knew?!
(Morgan) we came out flushed and rumpled... I cant imagine he didn't realise
* HH nods
(HH) I really didn't think y' had it in you!
* Morgan mutters
(Morgan) wasn't me had it in 'em
* HH starts laughing hard again, almost falling off the bed
(HH) Who nearly busted you in Paan?
(Morgan) everyone else in the tap room, I suppose
(HH) Hold on, there were people there?!
(Morgan) We weren't... y'know... 
(HH) In the stables, he says... in an Inn, he says... then he calls it "Y'know"
(HH) Be almost impossible to properly do it in a tap room, less you were really clever 'bout it
(Morgan) suffice to say I would've been... exposed rather than both of us
* HH laughs
(HH) Not a bit too risky for you? Would never  'ave expected that!
(Morgan) nor would I
(HH) From this Draw thing?
(Morgan) oh, no...
(HH) I nearly got caught with on of the camp followers one night on watch, but tha's about it.
(HH) One*
(Morgan) shocking behaviour
(HH) Not half as bad as yours! Oh, obviously in the garden at the Golden Lantern too... a lot.
(Morgan) obviously
(HH) Tha's not proper outside though, not really
(Morgan) no, it doesn't really count
(HH) On the beach counts, right?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Never try in a stream or th' sea, seems like a good idea but its not
(Morgan) oh?
(HH) Too much friction
* Morgan nods
(HH) Grass or sand is better.
(Morgan) I'll keep that in mind
* HH watches him, shaking his head
(HH) Who are you an' where is Saint Morgan Of Puritytown?!
(Morgan) I know, its completely out of character
(HH) Even back in June when y' got married if I'd suggested th' idea of doing it in His Grace's stable you'da been embarrassed and disapprovin'
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(HH) An' in the War... you'da blushed til y' fainted!
(Morgan) no doubt
(HH) Worth the risk for the extra excitement?
(Morgan) evidently, or it would've only occurred once...
(HH) Twice isn' tha' much
(Morgan) for me...
(HH) Aye. Dunno what's gotten into y'!
* Morgan shrugs
(HH) She's obviously good for you
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) been difficult letting go of that reserve I had though
* HH gets up, smoothing off the bed
(HH) Upbringing, y' reckon?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) maybe
(HH) Wanna talk about it, see if I can 'elp?
(Morgan) I just find it hard to be vulnerable... or particularly forthcoming about how I feel
(HH) Whatcha scared of 'appening?
(Morgan) I don't know
(HH) Just with Molly, or e'eryone?
(Morgan) everyone, but especially her
* HH nods a little
(HH) Scared you'll get laughed at?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) maybe
(HH) It's ne'er as bad as y' expect
(Morgan) I'm learning that
(HH) I get laughed at all th' time, I survived it all
(Morgan) thats because they think you're charming and funny
(HH) And they right *he grins*
(HH) They're
(HH) Yer wife loves it when I do my Loyal-hearted Knight thing. Kept it up all the way to Daggets.
(Morgan) aye, she told me
(HH) She's got a silliness streak in her, that one. Like with the Cabbage thing. You ever silly with her?
(Morgan) Thats one thing I've not managed to let go of yet
(HH) Shame, think she'd like it. You used t' be more silly, back in the War and before it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(HH) Be a shame for 'er not t' get chance to meet th' old you
(Morgan) I'm working on it
(HH) I spose though, I was al'ays the funny man, you were th' straight man...
(Morgan) too busy watching you to see what I was paying attention to
(HH) Were y' funny when you lived 'ere?
(Morgan) no... about as far from it as you can imagine
* HH nods
(HH) Remember my Da saying when I was about Varick's age: "Heinzharold" that  was my name, see? "Gonna be 'ard days in yer life, an' about th' only thing you can do about them is t' try to make someone else smile. They'll feel better when they're smilin', you'll feel better cos you're seeing a smile. Keep doing it til yer both smiling by yerselves"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) he was a remarkably wise man... not sure what went wrong with you
(HH) They dropped me. *he slowly crosses his eyes*
(Morgan) lobbed you more like
(HH) Was aiming me at th' big house so yer parents could raise us as twins.
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(HH) Non-identical,  obviously 'cos... **he makes some circles with his hand over his face to indicate it, then does the same towards Morgan's*
(HH) 'Sides, I'm not the sort t' be gallivanting and secretly swiving around Eisen, so we're not tha' similar! **he grins**
* Morgan snorts
(Morgan) shut up
* HH laughs
(HH) Jokin' aside, I'm ackshully kinda proud o' you for it!
(Morgan) what the hell for?
(HH) Not inheriting the Koertig stick-up-the-ass
* Morgan shrugs
(HH) Any other misdeeds y' need to confess to Father Heinzharold,  my son? Not made use of yer Father's coach house?
* HH grins
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) no, thats about the sum of it
* HH nods
(HH) I think... thirty of them Hail Mary things then...
(Morgan) have you got something less time consuming?
* HH shrugs
(HH) Y' got a key for the stables on that set on yer belt?
(Morgan) of course I have
(HH) Just wondered if I should hang on t' it, incase y' get tempted!
* Morgan rolls his eyes
* HH grins
(HH) I spose yer about to tell me I can't tell my lil darlin all o' this?
(Morgan) I'd rather you didn't
(HH) She prob'ly wouldn't believe me anyhow
(Morgan) it is fairly unbelievable
(HH) 'Sides, I'm sure she'd rather hear all the details from yer wife instead
(Morgan) not sure she will
* HH nods
(HH) Gonna be cramping yer style sharing an 'ouse with Elsie and Varick?
(Morgan) probably, but needs must
(HH) If it'd 'elp,  let me know and I'll make up a game or summat to buy you the three minutes you'd need *he grins*
* Morgan snorts
(Morgan) that'd do for the start of the first time
* HH laughs
(HH) Seriously though, I'll divert e'eryone for ya, you can do the same for me
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) most of 'em will be avoiding me anyway... its gon' be Elsie and Varick
* HH nods
(HH) Anytime, man
* Morgan nods
(HH) Gonna be a lot of interruptions 'ere from staff?
(Morgan) potentially, depends how helpful they're trying to be
* HH nods, then starts grinning
(HH) On the plus side, 's not like Elsie won't be used to certain night time noises anyway.
(Morgan) thats true I suppose
(HH) Gonna be difficult for you, her being here?
* HH has obviously turned serious
(Morgan) Elsie?
* HH nods
(HH) Aye
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) dunno... 
(HH) Spose we'll have to see. Be good for her not livin' in a place like that
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) at the very least it proves we're taking our promise to not let her child end up somewhere like that seriously
* HH nods
(HH) Where are y' thinking?
(Morgan) for the child?
(HH) Aye
(Morgan) Given what Molly's just done for her family, after all they put her through... I think they owe her enough to take the child... failing that, I'm going to ask Edward.
* HH nods
(HH) Both would be good options.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(HH) Think Beth and Pete will?
(Morgan) I don't know... if they refuse I suspect its going to be the final bit of damage they ever do Molly
(HH) Then there'll be hell to pay?
(Morgan) good chance
* HH nods
(HH) Think there's any chance Elsie will survive?
(Morgan) I really don't know
* HH nods
(HH) Gonna need to be away, even if we've found Dau by then?
(Morgan) Maybe. Molly will need to be with her anyway
(HH) I meant you from Elsie
(Morgan) I know
* HH nods
(HH) Wasn't sure if it'd be a bit challengin' is all
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) could well be
* HH nods
(HH) Not just cos it could have  been Molly, right?
* Morgan nods
* HH nods too
(HH) Cross that bridge when we get to it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) have to really
(HH) Saving either of 'em would be good. Savin' both... gonna be close on a miracle
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I just don't know it can be done
(HH) No. She's got some pretty big magic there, but...
(Morgan) its a tall order, undoing that much damage
* HH nods
(HH) Think she realises, or think she's gonna be horrendously disappointed?
(Morgan) I'm going to talk to her about it... she's got her head wrapped around the problem, but I want to manage her expectations
* HH nods
(HH) Suspect it's an atonement?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes
(HH) She prone to guilt?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Think that's one reason yer drawn to each other?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) possibly
(HH) Or just that yer both keen on stables? *he smirks*
(Morgan) also possible
* HH laughs
(HH) You're a lucky asshole.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(HH) Come on, let's get these beds done, 'fore our girls say they'll share it an' we have t' sleep on the floor!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(HH) Now, can I remember any rude songs 'bout stables...
(Morgan) probably
* HH goes into Molly's old room, whistling to himself
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(Molly) **Once the cottages are done and stocked with some food, tea and coffee, they walk Morgan's longest patrol, and HH spends most of the time quieter than usual, though not completely silent.
** You're now known as HH
(HH) Not a bad place here
* Morgan nods
(HH) How often did y' walk all this?
(Morgan) depends on the route I took... when that... magician had opened the portal, I was endlessly doing loops of the house and grounds
(HH) Ever think "I wish Heinzharold was here, he's just so funny and smart?"
(Morgan) No... much as I missed you, I was waiting for my fate to arrive and having you here would've made that harder to happen
(HH) 'Cos I'm just too good, and woulda saved yer ass _yet again_
* Morgan nods slightly
(Morgan) pretty much
(HH) What happened that stopped y' waiting?
(Morgan) Molly. Slowly I stopped wanting to die...
(HH) Was there like a day when you woke up and thought "I'm going to see Molly today" rather than "I might get to die today"?
(Morgan) no... more a realisation that I'd gone a few days without waiting for the next thing to  kill me
(HH) That before you went to Carleon with her?
* HH starts touching trees as they pass them
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) a little bit
(HH) She still with that noble guy then?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I took her to Carleon to be examined by a physician to prove she was still... untouched
(HH) So that she could marry someone else?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Bit hard if you already liked her
* Morgan nods
* HH pulls down a green spiky horse chestnut case from a tree
(HH) That's where y' kissed her first, Inga says. Surprising, you kissing someone else's fiancee
(Morgan) somewhat out of character
* HH chucks it to Morgan
(HH) Lucky y' didn't get a slap!
* Morgan catches it carefully
(Morgan) she was quite clear that she wouldn't object
* HH laughs
(HH) Oh aye? Invited, were ya?
(Morgan) Something along those lines
* HH pulls down another from the tree
(HH) He ever find out?
(Morgan) No
(HH) You coulda had another duel on yer list
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) he moved on quick enough
(Morgan) turned into a stereotype of his standing...
(HH) How come?
* HH starts cracking the shell, fallen leaves crunching under his boots
(Morgan) turned arrogant "you will address me as _lord_ Jaeger..." 
(HH) Imagine him having to Your Grace you now!
(Morgan) can't say he'd have appreciated that at all
(HH) It bother you that she nearly married two other men?
* HH prises his conker out of the shell
(Morgan) hypocritically, yes
* HH nods
(HH) I'm like tha' with Inga. Nothing she did with Heinrich that I hadn't done elsewhere, but...
* HH tosses the shell over arm well out amongst the trees
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(HH) Worse when she's still around Dagget?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) very much so
(HH) How serious were they?
(Morgan) her and Dagget?
(HH) Yes, but the other too
* HH breathes on his conker
(Morgan) her and Dagget was genuine feelings, though she says she wasn't _in love_ with him. Jaeger was a convenient arrangement to keep her safe and taken care of
(HH) Y' sound like maybe you don't believe her
* HH polishes it on his sleeve
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) Its not that at all
(HH) Just a bit jealous?
* Morgan nods
* HH nods
(HH) Gonna be difficult at the Christening for it?
(Morgan) possibly aye
* HH nods
(HH) She know how you feel?
(Morgan) doubt it
(HH) Thinking you'll let her do the Christening then ask her to stay 'way?
(Morgan) maybe... or I'll just deal with it like an adult
* HH sniggers
(HH) Good luck wi' tha'
(Morgan) I'll tell her, but I'm not going to ask her to stay away... I know that there's no need
* HH nods
(HH) Not when she's as mad on you as she is
* Morgan nods
(HH) I'm glad I haven't 'ad to see Inga and Heinrich together
(Morgan) so am I
(HH) Cos you'd have to stop me beating him, and y' probably can't? *he grins*
(Morgan) something like that
(HH) 'E's marrying Dietlinde's cousin, I hear
* Morgan frowns momentarily
(Morgan) aye
(HH) Let's hope he treats her better than he did Inga
(Morgan) he'd best do. He hurts either of em and I'll beat the life from him
* HH nods
(HH) Family, innit?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Must be missin' his brain. Girl as pretty, kind and loving as Inga, and ya sneak off to swive a woman as mean as Alarice!
(Morgan) You underestimate how manipulative my cousin could be
* HH snorts
(HH) Ne'er thought her partic'ly pretty
(Morgan) unusual
(HH) Yer Da wanted you to marry 'er, you know?
* Morgan nods
(HH) She'da been better wi' Edward
(Morgan) I don't think he could've controlled her... and god knows what he'd have ended up doing at her behest
(HH) Sounds like she really lost grip on reality a' the end there
(Morgan) she had it all planned out, how she'd end up being an Eisenfursten, unrestrained by a husband
(HH) Prob'ly woulda restarted the War, someone taking so much power that way
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) probably
(HH) Lucky you got it all sorted
* Morgan scowls
(Morgan) aye
* HH looks at him
(HH) Problem?
* Morgan shakes his head
(HH) Think Heinrich and Dietlinde's cousin will be 'appy?
(Morgan) I hope so. She deserves to be
* HH nods. He still touches trees and collects more conkers as they go round
(HH) Odd being back here in yer old job?
* Morgan nods, watching him
(Morgan) aye, some...
(HH) You managed two nights without those keys
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Its different this time
(HH) Cos it's only temp'ry?
(Morgan) no... because I'm lying in wait... like in the war
* HH nods
(HH) Reckon he's coming?
(Morgan) I hope so
(HH) Spoken to Molly about stayin' behind?
(Morgan) I have actually
(HH) Any luck in 'suading her
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I've had to tell her it isn't up for discussion... I've explained my reasons, and since then she's also realised that she needs to stay with Elsie just in case
(HH) Spose it won't matter so much if yer bringing him here for justice rather than doing it yourself
(Morgan) also true
(HH) If we have to go off huntin' him, we might have to rough it. Don't think you want her  living like that even for a few weeks
(Morgan) no, nor your wife
(HH) No question o' that. Inga knows she wasn't gonna be coming along for it, I put my foot down, see
(Morgan) I mean I wouldn't want your wife having to deal with that either
* HH nods
(HH) You, me and Claudia,  we roughed it plenty
* Morgan nods
(HH) You've seen 'er shack, she's basic'ly feral *he grins*
* Morgan nods
(HH) Not gonna be dirtying her petticoats
(Morgan) she faced Dau in the duelling at the wedding... she put him down several times before finally deciding to finish it... he did not look happy being beaten by a woman
(HH) Wish I'd seen that. She hurt him much?
(Morgan) he looked a bit tender afterwards
* HH nods
(HH) Molly kneed him in the plums didn't she?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Bet that was funny
(Morgan) was rather satisfying
* HH nods
(HH) Wouldnt let her close enough to do it again
(Morgan) he's arrogant enough to think she's never do that to him again
(HH) With her magic, I reckon a knee to 'em would be getting off easy
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) agreed
(HH) Wouldn't need balls for a public execution any'ow
(Morgan) true, true
(HH) You'd never let 'er though
(Morgan) wouldn't I?
* HH looks at him
(HH) You'd worry she'd feel guilty about being so savage, I reckon
(Morgan) I don't think so
* HH shrugs
(HH) Lettin' her go to the execution?
(Morgan) no
(HH) Did you let her go t' Alarice's?
(HH) **Thanks to the Nieblungen memory potion, he can simultaneously recall the quick clean beheading, and the savage wood-warping hellscape that ended in him running his own cousin through*
(Morgan) No, she stayed with Varick
* HH nods
(HH) Gonna let Elsie go?
* Morgan tilts his head
(Morgan) I don't know... I can imagine it'd help her, but its going to be horrific...
(HH) Gonna be beheading, as he's noble?
(Morgan) No... no its not
* HH watches him
(HH) Hanging?
* Morgan shakes his head
* HH shrugs
(HH) Some weird Avalonian shit?
(Morgan) I'm interested to know what you think that might be...
(Morgan) ants maybe?
(HH) Drowning in what they call ale?
(Morgan) He's getting what I would've done to him anyway... I wouldn't have let it go if he wasn't going to suffer
(HH) Red hot poker up the ass would seem fittin'
(Morgan) that did cross my mind... he's being hung drawn and quartered
* HH grins, nodding
(HH) Mmmm painful and slow
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I was thinking of perforating his stomach and waiting, then just slicing him open so his innards aren't inner anymore and waiting for him to die
* HH nods
(HH) That would been good too
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) At least this way some good comes of it
(HH) The good is avenging them
(Morgan) This way we get that _and_ start things getting better here
* HH nods
(HH) Going to watch it yerself?
(Morgan) given half a chance I'll be hauling on his rope
(HH) I reckon you can persuade Her Grace?
(Morgan) probably
(HH) Gonna do all the gut spooling too?
(Morgan) no, I'll leave that to the executioner
(HH) Bit messy anyway
* Morgan nods
(HH) Me and Claudia will be there
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) good
(HH) **They spot the carriage from a distance. It's already dusk, the trip having taken about four hours. By the time they get there, the women and Varick are all waiting in the courtyard, some small trunks with them. HH goes to Inga, kissing her cheek**
* Morgan goes to Molly
(Morgan) any problems?
(HH) **Elsie is looking around at the house and the coach yard, mouth open**
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) No, there was much to do, that's all. Are you well? I missed you. *she smiles at him*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) well enough
(Molly) Do you think we should introduce Elsie to Her Grace and Lieutenant Cristoban now?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes
(Molly) V: Papa! **he hugs Morgan's legs*
* Morgan picks him up
(Morgan) you alright little man?
(Molly) **He rests his head against Morgan's neck** I'm hungry, I haven't eaten for a whole hour!
(Morgan) a whole hour?! Thats almost a week!
* Molly smiles at Morgan "Are the cottages ready? Perhaps everyone else can get settled in?"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) all sorted
* Molly smiles warmly
(Molly) Excellent, thank you, my love
(Morgan) perhaps HeinzHarold and Inga can take Varick to get some food while we see Lady Torrington?
(Molly) **They arrange for the others to get food for the cottages whilst he and Molly take Elsie to find Catherine. They are directed to the library
* Morgan leads the way
(Molly) E: This place is huge!
(Morgan) its a fair size, yes
(Molly) E: do I just keep quiet and say Yes, Your Grace?
(Morgan) show her respect, certainly, but she's a person... she is fairly innocent though
(Molly) **Elsie nods** I wont say anything bad
* Morgan nods
(Molly) ** the butler announces them. Both Kit and Catherine are reading by the fire and stand
* Morgan glances at the butler
(Morgan) arrange for some tea would you?
(Molly) **Butler goes. Kit looks at Elsie's hair a moment before looking gravelly at Morgan*
(Molly) C: *she looks at the woman who is probably a year or two older than she is** Good evening, Elsie. Welcome to my home. **Elsie curtsies as best she can whilst pregnant
(Molly) , much as Eliza had back in May when she met Morgan. Molly's micro-expression flashes with pain at this** E: Thank you, Your Grace
(Molly) **Kit isn't wearing his uniform, he's wearing a rather nice silver-grey frock coat set. He bows, and Catherine introduces him. Seats are offered and they are all sat by the fire when the tea tray arrives. Elsie looks quiet and out of place despite everyone being polite and solicitous. Catherine seems to be waiting for Morgan to help her with how to handle it all**
* Morgan sighs slightly
(Morgan) Elsie, the staff have been instructed to afford you the same courtesy as they would any guest, so if there is anything you need or want, you just need to let them know
(Molly) E: Yes, Master Hockridge
(Morgan) We'll be around anyway, and Molly will be keeping an eye on you in case you need any medical help
(Molly) E: Yes, Master Hockridge
(Morgan) is there anything you want to ask?
(Molly) E: No thank you, Master Hockridge
(Morgan) Lady Torrington, anything you wish to add?
(Molly) C: Do you have anyone you wish me to contact to let them know you are here?
(Molly) E: *she shakes her head* No thank you, Your Grace
(Molly) [I wonder if we should take Elsie for some food now?]
(Morgan) Are you hungry Elsie?
(Molly) E: Yes, Master Hockridge
(Morgan) come on then, lets get you something to eat.. Molly, would you take her through?
* Molly nods "Of course, liebes herz" . She gently shepherds Elsie from the library
** You're now known as Catherine
* Catherine looks at Morgan once the door is closed
(Catherine) She seems very young and sweet. How does these girls end up in such a place?
(Catherine) **Kit watches Morgan as he sips the tea**
(Morgan) She was promised marriage from the boy she loved, acquiesced to his desires and caught pregnant. Her family cast her out and she followed the man here, but then lost track of him. She had nowhere else to go.
(Catherine) How awful! Does it happen often?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) more often than you'd imagine
(Morgan) Could've happened to Molly when she was cast out by her family...
* Catherine looks surprised,  but Kit looks like he knows this already
(Catherine) I did not realise she was
(Morgan) She fell ill... consumption, but her family assumed it was that she had caught pregnant and threw her out... her job here may well have been the thing that stopped her ending up in a brothel
(Catherine) **Kit again looks surprised, but Catherine looks horrified* That's awful!
(Catherine) Unsurprised *
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes... it is
(Catherine) This must feel very personal for you
(Morgan) exceedingly
* Catherine nods
(Catherine) Do you have everything at the cottages that you will all need?
(Morgan) for now, aye. 
(Catherine) Was there anything else?
(Morgan) No, I don't think so
(Catherine) Goodnight, Morgan
(Catherine) K: Goodnight
* Morgan inclines his head
(Morgan) your grace
* Morgan heads out of the room
(Catherine) **he sees staff on the way, but this time of the evening most would be in the kitchens working. Getting dark outside, it's very familiar to be walking these same old corridors.
** You're now known as Varick
(Varick) **They have some food brought over and crowd around the table in the bigger cottage with chairs brought from next door, it's very informal and quite cosy once a fire is lit.
(Varick) **Servants bring in the tin bath into the big cottage to give everyone chance to bathe. Morgan is left alone with the boy whilst the others do jobs. Varick watches as the fire is stoked beside it ready to heat the water on.
(Varick) Why do I have to have a bath?
(Morgan) because you get dirty
(Varick) I only had a bath three weeks ago at Auntie Jarvies house!
(Morgan) and thats plenty long enough ago to need another
(Varick) Do you have to have a bath too?
(Morgan) I will do, aye
(Varick) **Molly comes back in, tipping the warmed water into the tub and then adding more water to warm* I suspect it's going to take all evening getting through all of us! Would you mind setting the fires in all the bedrooms, my love?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll take care of it
(Varick) **The fireplaces are all neatly laid ready for lighting
* Morgan concentrates on them as he passes them
(Varick) **Elsie is in the room that will be hers, reading a book. She appears to have no  other belongings
** You're now known as Elsie
(Elsie) I can light my fire, don't worry about me. I'm used to taking care of myself
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) no, I'll do it
* Morgan sets about starting the fire normally
(Elsie) Thank you. Her Grace was nice, and that Lieutenant
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) He's one of Dau's men... or was, I should say
* Elsie nods a little
(Elsie) Got no quarrel with him unless he tries to hurt my baby
(Morgan) He wont... not at all. Some arrangements have been made for your childs future
* Elsie nods
(Elsie) That's good. I think Thomas for a boy, but I don't know for a girl
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright...
(Elsie) What happens with laundry, do we wash our own things?
(Morgan) No, they'll go into the laundry and be taken care of. You have other clothes?
* Elsie shakes her head
(Elsie) No, but I need lots of cloths for my issues now
(Morgan) I'll arrange both
(Elsie) Molly already stopped by the miliner in Lower Tawstock on the way, he's making some alterations and sending some things up in the morning. But I've only had this one dress for ages
(Morgan) Then we'll have another made for you
(Elsie) That's really kind, thank you. If everything goes okay I'm going to keep getting bigger until my time comes
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thats generally how it works
* Elsie nods
(Elsie) **downstairs, he can hear Varick in the bath, and Molly telling him not to waste the water**
(Elsie) I'll try not to be  nuisance to your family
(Morgan) You do as you need... if you want company, we're here
(Elsie) Thank you. I'm not much good at making small talk with normal folks
(Morgan) its alright, we're not normal
(Elsie) [Could you tell Elsie it will be her turn next?]
(Elsie) You seem it. Husband, wife, child. Then your friends too.
(Morgan) nobles working in a house, taking interest in a working girl while asking for nothing... not that normal really... Once Varicks done in the tub, it'll be your turn
(Elsie) I hope maybe I can get to know you all a bit in the weeks I have left
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I expect so
* Elsie nods
(Elsie) **From downstairs he hears "Varick Karsten Koertig, you come back here right this moment!"
* Elsie smiles a little despite not knowing the language
(Elsie) **There's the sound of small feet running up the stairs**
* Morgan darts for the door
(Elsie) V: papa, where are you? *it sounds excited and sing-songy*
* Morgan opens the door, moving into the hallway
(Morgan) Varick, what are you doing?
(Elsie) **The naked boy gets close enough to shake himself like  a wet dog all over Morgan, just like he saw HH do on the beach at the island. He laughs wildly**
(Morgan) You've been spending too mjuch time with HeinzHarold...
(Elsie) V: He's funny. I'm funny too.
(Morgan) He _thinks_ he's funny
(Elsie) **Molly dries the stairs as she comes up** What on Theah is going on?!
(Morgan) Our son is taking a few humour lessons from HeinzHarold
(Elsie) V: I soaked him, it was funny! **Molly kisses his crown** Bedtime, Mauschen.
(Elsie) **She gives Morgan a towel for Varick with  a smile,  then takes Elsie downstairs**
** You're now known as Varick
* Varick goes into the little room. Hermann,  his raggedy bear is already on the bed, along with a night shirt and his story book. He waits for Morgan to dry him, standing like a scarecrow
* Morgan dries him off
(Varick) Why is Elsie staying with us?
(Morgan) she was hurt by someone and needs our help
(Varick) Why?
(Morgan) why what?
(Varick) Why did someone hurt her? Shouldn't hurt girls
(Morgan) No... the person hurt her because he's a very horrible person
(Varick) Are we going to kill him?
(Morgan) No... he's going to be prosecuted and they will punish him
(Varick) When will Elsie have her baby?
* Varick is now dry
(Morgan) I don't know. Shouldn't be for a little while
(Varick) Will I be able to see the baby?
(Morgan) I don't know... if its alright, maybe
(Varick) Will the baby wee on itself like baby Joseph did?
(Morgan) maybe... a lot of them do
(Varick) Where is Elsie's baby's Daddy?
* Varick puts on his nightgown
(Morgan) not here... 
(Varick) Will he come to see the baby?
(Morgan) No... he was the one who hurt her
(Varick) But they're having a baby. People have babies when they love each other, and that means not hurting
(Morgan) Unfortunately thats not the case this time
(Varick) Dont understand.  Molly said that babies are made when a man and a woman love each other
(Morgan) I know. Its very complicated and not something you need to know so young
(Varick) But papa, I need to know!
(Morgan) why?
(Varick) Because the other children said it's like when the sheep are trying to climb on each other, and that's how they make lambs
* Morgan blinks
(Morgan) I see
* Varick gets into bed
(Varick) They must know, because they have lots of babies. We have no babies.
(Morgan) Its not them that has the babies... they, like you, are guessing
* Varick sighs dramatically
(Varick) You'll tell me when I'm older
* Morgan nods
(Varick) You can read now
* Morgan nods, finding the book
(Varick) **He hears Elsie's door open and close just as Varick falls asleep. When he comes down, Molly and Inga aren't there. HH and Claudia are bailing out the water onto the grass outside. The water is slightly pink tinged when HH carries a bucket past him, and the man in question is scowling.
* Morgan offers to take his place
** You're now known as HH
* HH shakes his head, looking angry "What that swine did to her..."
(Morgan) Was a bit abstract til right now?
(HH) She couldn't control her bladder in the warm water, but the scarring means she of'en has infections and th' like, so pees some blood too. Surprised y' didn't hear her crying with it, I did from the parlour.
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) Inga and Molly?
(HH) Our girls 'ave gone out for a bit o' air. Think Molly found that a bit hard t' see.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Elsie?
(HH) Molly gave her something herbal to drink for the pain and t' help her sleep, so she's gone to bed
(Morgan) hopefully it'll do its job
* HH nods as Claudia comes back with more water from the well
(HH) Send Inga back would y', her turn next after Claudia
* Morgan nods, glancing at the water
(Morgan) gonna leave it long enough to warm?
(HH) C: Was wondering if we could cold fill it and you do the rest
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) since I did promise it...
(HH) HH: You can heat a whole bathtub?
* Morgan looks at Claudia
(Morgan) would you like to tell him what I did to the monsters?
(HH) **She does so, and he looks like he doesn't know whether to be horrified or awed** That's a lot of magic!
(Morgan) not really... when I was so distraught after that nightmare and threw myself in the harbour, I did a fair job of heating the water around me
(HH) C: Gotta admit, he's useful now
* HH grins "About bloody time!"
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Morgan) hurry up with the water, unless you want a cold bath
* HH and Claudia get it filled, and wait for Morgan to do his part
* Morgan leans against the door, concentrating for a few minutes
(Morgan) check that
(HH) **They peer at it, watching as the surface starts to steam slightly in the cooler kitchen*
(HH) C: **she puts her hand in* perfect!
* Morgan nods, looking at HeinzHarold a moment
(Morgan) I'm going outside
* HH checks too, nodding "I'll come with ya" He follows, shutting the door behind him to give Claudia privacy
(HH) How are y' doing?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) Varicks asking about how the baby was made if the man hurt her... 
(HH) He's a bit young to know the mechanics?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) and he's been spending time with the children of farmers who have a lot of children...
* HH smiles
(HH) Best education in the world, when it comes to the mechanics.
(Morgan) bit young for that yet
* HH shrugs
(HH) Grew up with sheep an' four younger sisters, never did me any-... hmm...
(Morgan) hmmm?
(HH) Mighta been better if I'd been a bit older before I knew about it
(Morgan) oh?
(HH) I was a bit more interested in girls at a younger age th'n you!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) could do without having to watch him quite _that_ closely
(HH) Sayin' that, I suspect yer Father wouldn't have even told you any of it til the night before your wedding
(Morgan) think I was eighteen when he told me girls existed
* HH laughs
(HH) My Da told me it was just something adults did, normally with who they'd married, but if y' did it before y' married, you'd be stuck with that person forever, so wait til you found a nice girl and married her
(Morgan) I'll have to keep that in mind
(HH) That was about th' time you went off to the 'cademy, so I was eleven?
* Morgan nods
(HH) Inga knew more than that much younger, wasn' really avoidable there.
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) no...
(HH) What about Molly? I imagine Forrester being really prudish over it, but she's also a farm girl
(Morgan) I think she knew the theory but not the practice...
(HH) Set the bar nice and low for y' then **he grins, opening the back door into the gardens*
(Morgan) I'm just an over achiever
* HH snorts
(HH) Starting to get tha' impression
(Morgan) oh aye?
(HH) Locations.
* Morgan nods
(HH) **its almost dark outside, but he can hear the swing moving back and forth in the garden that was his, there's a little gap in the hedge
* Morgan heads in that direction
(HH) **They're talking very quietly, and stop when HH calls to Inga. She passes Morgan on the way with a smile he can only just see
(HH) I: *quietly* She's alright
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thank you
* HH has Inga giggling as soon as she gets to him
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly 's perfume as well as the scent of Cherry brandy can be smelled when he gets to the swing that he built
(Morgan) how're you doing blossom?
(Molly) I have been better. And you?
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) Do you wish to sit with me?
(Morgan) I don't think we'll both fit blossom
(Molly) We did before, and I believe my derriere has firmed up with all the riding since!
* Morgan chuckles
* Molly shuffles further over, sipping the brandy
(Molly) Did Heinzharold tell you what happened?
(Morgan) briefly skirted over it
* Molly nods
(Molly) Poor girl
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I think the herbs I have given her will help a little.  She also needs to be eating and drinking more frequently than in that place. The conditions there are not good. And apparently clean sheets are only a priority for the washing if you are taking paying clients upon them
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) She's going to feel spoiled rotten here
(Molly) I hope so, liebling. I will do my best to ensure it
* Morgan nods
* Molly sips her drink
(Molly) Mr Jameson is sending up new clothes tomorrow, new boots also. She needs everything really, it's awful how little she has
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she said... 
(Molly) I will pay for it myself
(Morgan) no you won't
(Molly) Whyever not? I can afford to
(Morgan) why should you pay for it?
(Molly) You know why
(Morgan) No... none of this is your doing
(Molly) She would be neither injured nor with child  if I had not brought him here
(Morgan) you did not bring him here... he came before that
(Molly) He became connected to this place because I accepted his help with the Rose
(Morgan) Thats simply not true... if it were, he'd have crewed the ship and then sailed off
(Molly) He was only here that weekend to make a business deal with me
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) He'd have turned up regardless, he was intent on wooing lady torrington
(Molly) You think so?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she told me today he'd made overtures toward her, which I was already sure of
* Molly sighs
(Molly) Alright. But it's only money, and I do not mind spending it on her
(Morgan) we will do it...
* Molly nods
(Morgan) when we approach your brothers about adopting the child, some arrangements have been made for finances... but I am not going to tell them that
* Molly nods
(Molly) Absolutely
(Molly) They should be willing to do it because it is right, not because it is financially beneficial
(Morgan) indeed
(Morgan) if they will not, I will ask Edward
(Molly) Do you think he will?
(Morgan) he'd offered for Jarvies child
* Molly nods
(Molly) He perplexes me
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) After everything he did, I was so sure he was a villain, and yet time after time he does things that are kind, loving...
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I suppose that is how life is. Very little is ever clear cut.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) in truth he surprises me
* Molly nods
(Molly) Do you miss him?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) Does it surprise you?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly leans her cheek to his arm
(Molly) One day, we will settle back in Eisen, see our parents and Edward and Mina frequently. We'll think about the tenants, the crop yield, how to space our children a few extra months apart so we can take a few weeks for ourselves at the Golden Lantern before I'm sick in the mornings again...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly moves away enough to look up at him
(Molly) You just need to stick it out beside me until we can have our Simple.
(Morgan) simple or otherwise, I will always be beside you
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I am going to hold you to that
* Morgan nods
* Molly kisses him softly before putting her head back on his arm
(Molly) Whilst we are having baths, I'll tell you what happened when I saw Beth at Sunnymeade,  but for now I'm content just to be close to you and quiet
(Morgan) alright blossom
* Molly is true to her word, and the next thing that is spoken is by HH about twenty minutes later
** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout)

------------------------------
Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 19 August 2021 12:45:14 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) **Inga and HH come to say goodnight, damp from their baths. HH says they've bailed and refilled the water for them, and he will help bail it again in the morning.
* Morgan thanks them, bidding them goodnight
* Molly takes her cherry brandy with her as they head into the bigger cottage
(Molly) I never considered that we would be staying the night on this estate again
(Morgan) no, nor had I
(Molly) I see you have your keys again
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) makes a certain sort of sense
(Molly) Do you feel more at ease with them? **she opens the rear door into the parlour*
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) its just a subterfuge until we catch our quarry
* Molly nods
(Molly) Is he expected?
(Morgan) no-one will be surprised if he turns up... though no-one actually knows where he is
* Molly nods, going into the kitchen
(Molly) Then he is arrested, tried and executed?
(Morgan) Got to get him to sign a will first...
(Molly) A whole network of spies across a country, and they need a genuine Will?
* Molly takes off her boots
(Morgan) I know. Kit was horrified when I suggested just making one
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) Is it a matter of honour?
(Morgan) not as far as I'm concerned... 
(Molly) How silly
(Morgan) its frustrating
* Molly nods
(Molly) It would be much simpler were you to just resolve the situation as planned
* Molly checks the cold water with her fingers
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) wouldn't help this place though
* Molly nods
(Molly) I could not understand the animosity when we first arrived
* Molly takes a little bottle from the side "could you please warm the water, my love?"
* Morgan nods, concentrating on the water
(Morgan) It seems the entire crew if more than a little badly behaved, but the rot definitely starts with him
* Molly nods
(Molly) Rowdy and rough is not quite as awful, despite being a nuisance, but to leave her in this state...
* Morgan nods
* Molly checks the water "That is good, thank you"
* Morgan nods
* Molly adds a little rose water to the bath, watching him with a teasing smile* There we are, now any woman who smells you will know who you belong to, mon petit chou!
* Morgan watches her
* Molly smiles "why do you look at me so, my love?"
(Morgan) just wondering if you're being playful or possessive... 
(Molly) Playful, in this instance
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright then
* Molly giggles
(Molly) Does that disappoint you?
(Morgan) no, it does not
* Molly nods
(Molly) Good
(Molly) Would you prefer to go in first?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) no, its fine
* Molly removes her clothing, uncommonly making no effort to tease him with it, and climbs into the water. She sighs with pleasure "oh, that is so good!"
(Morgan) I'm glad you approve
(Molly) Very much so. You're very good to me
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly takes the jug, tipping the water over her hair "I spoke to Beth about Elsie's conception date"
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) She says we should expect the baby around November thirteen most likely
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) in a normal pregnancy...
* Molly nods
(Molly) The baby possibly could survive from this point on but that would be extremely rare.
(Morgan) alright
(Molly) So around six weeks, normally
* Morgan nods
(Molly) My niece or nephew  is due around November 6th
* Molly soaps her hair, really working it in
(Molly) They conceived about a week apart. One with love and hope for a child, and the other…
(Morgan) did Kit talk to you about the financial arrangements?
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) He was busy being upset when I laid out the impact it's been having.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) What are the arrangements?
(Morgan) three hundred guilders a year until they reach eighteen
* Molly looks impressed
(Molly) A sizeable amount that would easily allow the child to be raised in a decent home
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) there's a final payment, too.. I didn't want your brothers knowing about it until they'd agreed to take the child
* Molly nods
(Molly) Definitely not
(Molly) Beth has already agreed to wet nurse in the first days if we cannot find a suitable wet nurse
* Molly spends a minute rinsing it out
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thats good of her
(Morgan) when will you be speaking to them about adoption?
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) I am not sure. I still hold hopes that such a step will not be needed
(Morgan) and what do you have in mind if it isn't?
(Molly) If she survives?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Oh there are several options, aren't there?
(Morgan) more than likely...
(Molly) Three hundred guilders a year, she could easily run a household anywhere on that. But Tawstock, Morgan's Rock, Avebury? Or we could find her work in Catterick or somewhere in Eisen.
(Morgan) I don't know she'd want to leave Avalon... thats a _huge_ upheaval
* Molly washes her face, neck, breasts, belly, before the flannel disappears beneath the waterline. Again, there's no teasing to it, just practicality.
(Molly) You're probably right, my love
(Morgan) usually am
* Molly smiles, nodding
(Molly) We can follow her lead on that
* Molly gets out, briefly towelling her hair whilst the fire light makes her wet skin gleam
(Molly) Your turn, liebling. You may wish it a little hotter
* Morgan splashes a hand in it before concentrating to warm it up
(Molly) **It's very easy to get it as he likes it
* Morgan undresses and unties his hair before climbing into the tub
* Molly watches him whilst she wraps her hair up
(Molly) Would you like me to wash your hair for you?
(Morgan) if you dont mind
(Molly) Not at all, my love
* Molly quickly dries, wrapping the towel around her body
(Molly) James and Caro are going back to Elmsleigh next week
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) **As she did with her own, she starts with his hair, careful not to get water in his eyes as she tips the jug over it
(Molly) They are not needed at Sunnymeade now it's new owner is there
(Morgan) I suppose so... Peter and Beth were living at her fathers farm?
(Molly) No, it's Peter's too  but they always had a tenant in line for it for when Papa passes away
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I see
(Molly) Everything will be smooth in that regard
(Morgan) about time something was
* Molly tips more of the hot water over the lengths
(Molly) Do you think you will no longer travel to find Kai?
(Morgan) I just don't know
* Molly massages the soap lather into his scalp slowly and deeply, spending time both on cleaning and the intimate connection of it
(Molly) I was thinking, if you might be going away, I would like to keep Rousseau and the crew for the Ketch. James Schulz also.
(Morgan) right...
(Molly) You think that silly?
(Morgan) no, why would I?
(Molly) You seemed unsure as to why I would want to
* Molly starts to rinse it out
(Morgan) well, you're going to need people, surely
* Molly nods
(Molly) We may wish to go to the island. And James learning Avalonian would be useful for trade in future
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) You are happy with that?
(Morgan) if you wish to blossom, thats fine
* Molly finishes rinsing it, then moves on to watching him whilst she washes his chest lovingly, smiling gently at him
(Molly) That is your hair all done, my love
(Morgan) thank you
(Molly) Shall I leave the rest to you?
* Morgan nods, setting about getting clean
* Molly takes the time to put on her shift and braids her hair
* Morgan climbs out of the tub to get dry
(Molly) **With the bath left to cool, fire and candles extinguished, they head upstairs. Once more they get settled into another unfamiliar room. She has more cherry brandy, and he has whiskey. She watches him undress ((how much would he take off to be ready for bed?))
(Molly) May I dry your hair?
(Morgan) ((he'd keep something on so he's able to just spring out of bed if needed))
(Morgan) if you'd like to blossom
* Molly must go through another couple of glasses whilst drying his hair in front  of the fire, because by the time it's mostly dried and the towels are hung in front of it to dry, she sounds more relaxed
(Molly) What shall we do about your herbs and things? You managed well last night with just the balm
(Morgan) give it a go I suppose...
(Molly) **That's what they do, and he reduces the fire right down. She settles into bed still in her shift and him still in a long shirt. When she has her head on his chest, she says slightly tipsy sounding but quietly
(Molly) Liebling? About what you said last night…
(Morgan) whats that?
(Molly) If this hadn't come to light with Elsie, do you think you still would have been unsettled about the nature of our love-making on Wednesday?
(Morgan) a little, but not so much...
* Molly nods
(Molly) There's… There's something I feel the urge to ask you, but I feel that it will possibly be unpleasant for you to answer and me to hear an answer.
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) do as you must...
(Molly) I know you were a virgin the first time you wed, but there are many things that can be done whilst staying that way… *she awaits his acknowledgment*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes there are
(Molly) I wondered if your worry about being too dominant with me comes from something that happened or was said in the past, about being too rough, at a camp somewhere in the War maybe?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) no...
* Molly nods. There's a long pause before she says
(Molly) That desire to be dominating with me… when did that start?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) a little while ago... moreso since the Eisenfursts stable
(Molly) **she takes a deep slow breath* And is that desire something that has always been a part of you, or is it something more recent?
(Morgan) more recent...
* Molly nods
(Molly) I think that is all I wish to know.
(Morgan) you think?
* Molly relaxes more against him
(Molly) Its... complicated.
(Morgan) whyso?
(Molly) There's much I wish to know and understand about you in that regard, but I also do not want to know at the same time
(Morgan) I don't know that I understand
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) I am coming to understand the things you seem to like, I do not need to really know about your past like that. We are finding our own way...
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) if it helps any, a good deal is new to me
* Molly nods a little
(Molly) And that surprises me
(Morgan) I'm a surprising sort of person
* Molly nods
(Molly) Dows it help you that I have no past?
(Molly) Does *
(Morgan) its more your hearts past desires that trouble me
(Molly) Rather than my body's past desires?
(Morgan) my body likes cake... but cake isn't something I yearn for
* Molly fidgets so that she is on one elbow and watching him
(Molly) You think I yearn for former entanglements?
(Morgan) Not rationally, no... 
(Molly) But irrationally...?
(Morgan) a possessive streak, I think
* Molly strokes his cheek
(Molly) You've no need, liebling. I _yearn_ for you... only you.
* Morgan nods
* Molly smiles gently
(Molly) I liked Curtis,  as a friend. We were... practical for each other.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(Molly) And John... that was a long time ago. It was our families' idea. It was a practical match for our families, and we knew each other. We had a shared community, shared interests and values...
* Morgan nods
* Molly smiles "But you, my love... You were something very special and different indeed. Falling in love with you was perhaps the most impractical thing I could ever have done
(Morgan) so I simultaneously will suffice and am impractical
* Molly frowns deeply
(Molly) What do you mean?
* Morgan smiles slightly
(Morgan) Edward said I will suffice for his bundling
(Molly) Oh I see. I worried that I had offended you
(Morgan) no blossom
* Molly nods, looking relieved
(Molly) I could never have felt for John or Curtis what I feel for you. To yearn for either has never crossed my mind
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I would spare you feeling that
(Morgan) you feel that, though?
* Molly looks surprised by the question, blinking rapidly
(Molly) That was not what I was implying
(Morgan) No, I know...
(Molly) I... *she shrugs* it's complicated.
(Morgan) I've no doubt
* Molly nods as if that resolves it, moving to lie her head back on his chest
(Morgan) You've no need
(Molly) **she barely nods against his skin** Are you sure you would still wish to attend the christening?
(Morgan) No, but you want me there, so thats where I will be
* Molly sighs softly
(Molly) I do not like to ask so much...
(Morgan) You haven't... I'm sure it'll be fine
* Molly nods
(Molly) If you need to step out, I am sure noone will mind
* Morgan nods
* Molly sighs softly
(Molly) I will miss this, if you must go
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) me too
(Molly) Did you enjoy showing Heinzharold around?
(Morgan) aye I suppose
(Molly) Are you finding it odd with them here?
(Morgan) a little actually
(Molly) Do you think it has surprised him how simply you lived?
(Morgan) aye probably
(Molly) Did he help you with the cottages?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she's got him well  trained
* Molly giggles
(Molly) Has she?
(Morgan) He made one of the beds twice because it wouldn't have been good enough for her
(Molly) Awww that's rather sweet
* Molly giggles "Although it seems like a rather futile endeavor for newlyweds..."
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
* Molly nods
(Molly) We are going to be here quite some time, aren't we?
(Morgan) its looking that way
(Molly) Does that trouble you?
(Morgan) somewhat, aye
(Molly) Will you let your uncle know we are not coming?
(Morgan) best had, though it disappoints me
* Molly nods
(Molly) We will get there, my love
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly nods slowly, sleepily
(Molly) We'll be out on the waves again one day
(Morgan) aye blossom
* Molly doesn't give more than a mmm… in reply before he realises she's asleep
* Morgan listens to her breathing a few minutes before trying to sleep
(Molly) **At first he dreams of Wednesday night. She's beneath and surrounding him. He covers her, controls her, holding her to the desk by their interlinked fingers, pushing her hands down, pressing her body down, thrusting into her violently with brutal slams of his hips as if he could nail her down into the wood itself.
(Molly) **He restrains her with his superior size, unable to escape, unable to move her arms or body, and she seems to relax utterly into it, revelling in the pleasure of being held down.
(Molly) **He's been forceful before, held her by the wrists to trees and doors, pounded her savagely, but this is something internal, something deeper and he is leaning his weight onto her in a way she would be absolutely unable to fight off.
(Molly) **She is _his_, _his_ possession, _his_ to take, to fill. He doesn't want her to move, he wants her to just take him inside her, to receive him. To moan and shudder and climax below him. He _needs_ to have her. No more waiting. He takes what he needs from her.
(Molly) **He wants to be even rougher, to bite, to pull her hair, to dig his fingers into her soft warm flesh. His urge is raw and primal and savage, and all there is in that moment is taking what is _his_.
(Molly) **he wakes suddenly, hard. Molly is next to him but they aren't touching. He estimates that only an hour has passed. Behind the drying towels from the earlier baths, there's still a faint glow of orange embers from the fire in the hearth**
* Morgan sighs, grumbling slightly
(Molly) **his grumbling doesnt wake her**
* Morgan tries to relax to sleep again
(Molly) **It takes him about ten minutes to fall asleep once more
(Molly) **It's surprisingly warm in the midday sun, December 9th 1664. It's been a few months since that strange night he kissed the redhead at this camp in Johstadt after seeing a shooting star. He and Heinzharold had been back on the Enchiridon for months, no orders, no infiltration or rescue,  just watches and lying in the hammocks.
(Molly) Even when they stopped to re-provision in ports where the crew brought in food and spent themselves in brothels, there's been no news, day after day. Speaking to men from other units, noone seems to have fought for weeks.
(Molly) **The camps were beginning to feel like a burial ground for sailors not yet dead but also not really living either. The local women are fed up with the lack of food and frequent rapes. The same stories in every port.
(Molly) Having left Zweibrucke on the south coast on the first orders for a month, they should be meeting up with Claudia's unit in Johstadt after the two week sail around the Montaigne coast. He and Heinzharold are even starting to get on each other's nerves at last by the time they disembark into the camp.
(Molly) **It's busy, but noone is doing anything but drinking, playing cards, or sitting around. There's no urgency, just relentless boredom. Kit bags on their backs, and the guitar HH calls Morgan's "Old Girl" tucked under its owner's arm, they find a patch of bare ground to sit on, and HH hands him a flask.
(Molly) HH: They probably wouldn't notice if we just went 'ome.
** You're now known as HH
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) the level of charm onboard would drop dramatically
* HH grins
(HH) Tha's true
(Morgan) course t'is
* HH rests back on his kit bag, hands behind his head
(HH) Sittin' by the fireplace in my 'ouse, drinking blokners, pretty lassie in my lap, maybe not wearin' most of her dress…
(Morgan) you'd only be wearing part of her dress?
* HH laughs
(HH) As a lap cov'ring. Reckon she's here?
(Morgan) your imaginary lass?
(HH) No, your star girl.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) who knows
(HH) **The sound of urgent hooves that would once have brought dread of another battle and another risk to life is just a welcome relief from the tedium. It's a whole unit that passes by, but they don't get a good view.
(HH) What's tha' about, you reckon?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) no idea
(HH) **he shrugs too* Lotsa pretty lassies in Sudlachenburg. Might go lookin' for Greta when we're on leave next.
(Morgan) tha's true, she might be blind enough to tolerate yer
(HH) Usually 'ad her eyes closed any'ow
(Morgan) couldn't bear to look at ye
* HH snorts
(HH) Sure, if tha' makes y' feel better that she kissed me an' not you
(Morgan) well, I spose she cant have good looks _and_ taste in men
(HH) Explains yer star girl too!
(Morgan) shu'p
(HH) **They kick their heels a while until finally the camp commander orders all troops to attention**
(HH) Summat to do for five minutes
* Morgan nods, getting into place
* HH gets up, shrugging his bag onto his back, and stands beside Morgan
(HH) **The camp commander has a booming voice but it still takes several Captains and Lieutenants to bring the thousand men to standing near enough to hear him, using the direction of the breeze to help his words travel
* HH grins at Morgan "Tonight's menu will be foy grass with cham-pag-knee"
* Morgan sniggers
(HH) **The crowd is generally noisy around them, and they're packed together well. Theres the sound of a hammer being banged on a metal shield that creates a call for attention**
(HH) CC: This comes from High Command, so you'll all want to listen.
(HH) **Looks of puzzlement and curiosity spread around the expressions of the nearby men. HH shrugs questioningly at Morgan(*
* Morgan shrugs slightly
(HH) **The camp commander is virtually shouting so that everyone hears** "It is with pleasure that we announce on the fifth day of the twelfth month,  in the year of our Lord Sixteen Sixty Four, a Truce between the Vaticine and Objectionist forces-..." *There is a mass of cheering, clapping, whooping*
* HH looks at Morgan with disbelief
(HH) We're goin' home.
* Morgan blinks a few times
(Morgan) not what I expected
* HH puts a hand on either side of Morgan's face, looking shocked and elated
(HH) We're fuckin' going home!!
(Morgan) some mistake surely
* HH plants a big kiss on Morgan's forehead before letting go and cheering with the others.
(HH) **The commander fires a pistol to get them to quieten down.**
(HH) "The War is over, after thirty years. Your Church thanks you for your service, and gives honour to the men who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Anyone who wishes to earn extra pay may stay on to take down the camps. The rest of you are free to get your kits and go." The commander turns away from the cheering and clapping.
* HH is jumping around, hugging nearby men, part of the revelry around him, grinning like a small boy. It's so loud.
* Morgan takes part in the festivities for a few minutes before pulling HeinzHarold aside
* HH looks at Morgan with a even bigger grin, and drops his kit bag. He starts undoing his jacket
(HH) What?
(Morgan) How about... we get the hell out of here and go home?
* HH yanks his shirt over his head "Goin' for a swim first, my first time as a man in a country o' peace! Joinin' me?"
* Morgan laughs, shaking his head
(Morgan) no, I'll stop here
* HH shrugs "Suit yerself." He looks around at the happy, relieved men. There's open tears and back slapping and singing. "WHO'S FOR THE RIVER?!"
* HH isnt the only one excited about this idea, and very soon the river is full of naked men, the uniforms some have worn for years or even decades shed on the ground. They splash and play like children, no longer Troops, just Men with the hope of communities and families to go back to
* HH comes out of the river, shoving his trousers on his scarred, dripping wet body a moment before coming over to Morgan
* HH shakes himself off like a dog all over his best friend
(Morgan) must you?
* HH grins
(HH) Yes. Ne'er guess who I just saw
(Morgan) who? aside from all their dangly bits o' course
* HH points at an unclothed Sebastian, who is waist deep and has grown a moustache in the interim few months, then looks to Morgan "Isn't that the man who was  with 'er from before?"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* HH shrugs "She's prob'ly found 'erself someone else to kiss under the stars by now"
(Morgan) more'n likely
* HH shakes himself off a bit more before yanking on his shirt. Sebastian is now looking in their direction like he can't quite place them
(Morgan) any second now he'll go 'ah, I hate them...'
* HH looks over at him, waving with a dopey grin
(HH) Won't hate me, I didn' kiss his girl
(HH) **Sebastian still looks confused even as HH puts on his boots**
(Morgan) wasn't his anyway
* HH picks up his coat and bag "So  what are you doin', chasing the star girl, or going 'ome to the seamstress' assistant you have tucked away there?"
(Morgan) couldn't hurt to see if she's here...
(HH) **There's a distinct whistle, one that means "come to me", complicated enough not to be accidental. HH grins** CLAUDIA IS HERE!
* Morgan thumps him
(Morgan) come on, lets go find her
* HH bounds along like a happy dog, finding Claudia who is glaring at the nudity
(HH) C: Makes you never want to eat sausage again!
(Morgan) HeinzHarold seemed quite happy thinking about sausage earlier
(HH) C: **Despite her general demeanor,  her micro-expressions show she glad to see them** thirty years of this shit, now piss off home
(Morgan) not what you expected
(HH) **HH hugs her, and she puts up with it**
(HH) C: Not even sure where I go now.
* Morgan looks confused
(Morgan) you come with us
(HH) Yes! That is the only good idea out Almighty O'erlord has had all War!
(HH) C: *she sniffs* Could do, I suppose. Just for a bit.
* Morgan nods
(HH) Gotta bit o' a side quest first. See, there's this girl he met here before...
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(HH) C: *she looks at Morgan* Got some goodbyes to say, Casanova?
(HH) **The noisy splashing in the river continues behind him**
(Morgan) just someone I met
(HH) Kissed her underneath a shooting star and said 'e'd never forget her
(HH) C: *she snorts* Horseshit. Men say crap like that all the time.
(Morgan) some might
(HH) So we gotta find 'er, see?
(HH) C: *she sighs, looking at Morgan* seriously?
(Morgan) well, I'd like to
(HH) **The dawn watch chimes once, and he realises he's dreaming, the only difference to reality being the mention of the star girl**
(HH) C shrugs: Been on the road for years, what's another few weeks, eh?
* HH grins "Me and my sidekicks, on a quest!"
(Morgan) wouldn't wanna get there too quick
(HH) C looks at HH, then punches him hard in the arm: Shut up, Heinzharold.
* HH pouts, rubbing it better "What's your plan then, strategic genius of the east?"
(Morgan) Well, now, I thought we'd do this new thing called... using our eyes...
(HH) First one to find 'er gets the first kiss!
(HH) **Claudia suddenly looks away from them, and away from the river*
* Morgan tries to wake up
(HH) **He manages it. The room smells faintly of rose water and strongly of coffee
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly quietly lets herself back in, carefully shutting the door, not realising he's awake
* Morgan stretches, making some noise
* Molly speaks quietly
(Molly) Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you
(Morgan) you didn't blossom
(Molly) Good. Coffee?
(Morgan) please
* Molly brings it to him in bed, sitting on the edge
(Molly) How did you sleep?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) alright
(Molly) Still no nightmares?
(Morgan) no
* Molly frowns
(Molly) It seems the herbs and oil make no difference then?
(Morgan) seems so
* Molly nods
(Molly) I've been up an hour or so
(Morgan) whatever for?
(Molly) I could not get back to sleep, so I made coffee and checked on Varick and Elsie
(Morgan) how're they doing?
(Molly) Both fast asleep, as you were. You were smiling
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) not surprised 
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Something better than I dreamt then
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) We were hosting a fancy ball in Kiev with all the Eisenfursts, when Varick ran through the ballroom naked shouting "I am the king of Eisen!"
(Morgan) oh dear
* Molly nods
(Molly) It was horrendously embarrassing
(Molly) Yours was something nice?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly watches him a moment before saying
(Molly) I would like Inga's help getting ready for the christening, is it too early to wake them?
(Morgan) I doubt it
* Molly nods, getting up and pulling a dressing gown over her shift
(Molly) I'll leave you to get up
* Morgan nods, stretching
* Molly watches him a moment, then nods to herself
(Molly) Go and wake Inga
(Morgan) something wrong?
* Molly smiles a little
(Molly) Just distracted by you, my love
(Morgan) I see
(Molly) That discomforts you?
(Morgan) not at all
* Molly kisses his cheek
(Molly) I am going, before I get distracted even more!
(Morgan) alright blossom
* Molly watches him a moment, then takes a deep breath before leaving the room
* Morgan stretches again before getting out of bed and getting dressed
(Molly) **HH finds him a bit later in his familiar dawn-watching spot of the Rose Garden, plonking down on the wall beside him**
** You're now known as HH
(HH) Maybe we can 'ave a rule, noone knocks on my door until nine o'clock.
(Morgan) be too late then
(HH) For what?
(Morgan) for them to be ready in time
* HH huffs
(HH) We all goin' to Goodleigh?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I'm sure there's a plan
(HH) 'Appy to take Varick to the farm if it'll be easier
(Morgan) might be... I'm conscious of Daggets feelings...
* HH nods
(HH) Maybe just you an' Molly an' her brothers an' Beth? Caro is keepin' all the kids
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) probably a good idea
* HH looks over the valley
(HH) Good view
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) its not bad
(HH) E'eryone alright in yours this morning?
(Morgan) were when I came out, aye
(HH) And you?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I've had worse nights
(Morgan) you?
(HH) Same. Claudia said she'd come to hear about her nightmares in a few minutes
(HH) Yer *
(Morgan) None to report I'm afraid, sorry to disappoint you
* HH looks forlorn
(HH) Tha's the day ruined then
* Morgan nods
(HH) **they watch the sunrise, and Claudia does join them, also showing some dismay about his lack of nightmares
(HH) **The morning preparation is busy, and its decided for Morgan and Molly to meet Beth, Pete, and James at the Christening, and Inga, HH, Claudia and Varick going in Catherine's older carriage that she's leant them to Sunnymeade so Varick can play again whilst Elsie is left under the care of Mary the maid. With reminders to both Varick and HH to behave, they make the hour long ride over. Molly is quite quiet as they go.
** You're now known as Molly
(Morgan) how're you holding up?
(Molly) I don't know, in truth
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I am worried about John, and worried about you, and sad that Eliza will not be there as she should be
(Morgan) I'll be fine, so put that out of your mind please
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I will try
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I suppose I keep thinking about how I might have saved Eliza, and how I need to save Elsie.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) It will be hard on John, won't it?
(Morgan) very
(Molly) Can you suggest anything I could do? It's so hard being unable to aid him
(Morgan) I'm not exactly a model of what to do in that respect...
* Molly shrugs slightly
(Molly) Perhaps, but if anyone can help me help him it is you
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I don't know of any way blossom
* Molly nods
(Molly) I will just play it by ear
(Morgan) thats all we can do
* Molly nods
(Molly) Thank you for coming with me
(Morgan) of course...
(Molly) **The Goodleigh chapel is very similar to that in the village of Sudlachenburg. There's already quite a few people here, but there's enough space beside Beth, Peter and James for him to fit in a pew towards the back. They all seem very happy to see him. Molly presses his hand "I should go to the front. I'll see you soon"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright blossom
(Molly) **Molly goes over to John, talking quietly. The last few months have aged him, he looks tired and rudderless. But he holds Kathleen to him carefully, and is responsive enough to Molly. Morgan can see the gentleness in her, the way she is slow and thoughtful in their conversation. Beth, James and Pete make small talk with him whilst waiting*
(Molly) **Sir Dagget, who Morgan has previously referred to as a swine and who is quite well-known in Tawstock for being arrogant and disagreeable, a man who helped convince his son to turn his back on the girl he loved, stands with the priest at the front of the church. **
(Molly) **James to Peter: Reckon Dagget will cause a scene today?
(Molly) **Peter shrugs** Possible. He kept quiet at the funeral, but I hear he's not happy that Molly's a godmother.
(Molly) James: She's a Duchess now, he'd have to be mad to say or even look at her the wrong way.
(Molly) **Beth looks at Morgan** I bet it isn't her being a Duchess that'd stop him, it's her having you as a husband
(Morgan) if he's got more than half an ounce of sense...
(Molly) **The priest begins the ceremony. It's much the same as the Objectionist version
(Molly) **Molly stands beside John at the front where he cradles his motherless daughter, and on the other side a woman who resembles John, and her husband. Molly looks calm, maybe a little neutral, watching the baby. A little yawn makes Molly smile. He can see how John watches his child like he wishes to smile but has forgotten how. He takes Molly's hand.
* Morgan settles into being  very still
(Molly) **For a moment, his ears ring, and it almost feels like there are multiple layers of this scene. Molly and John here in their own parish church christening their own baby. He and Dietlinde in the church in Sudlachenburg christening Jana. Molly and Seb christening their child. And then finally Molly holding Madchen, looking adoringly up at Morgan just as Dietlinde had with Jana.
* Morgan breathes slowly
(Molly) **Beth puts her hand on his with a pat that could only be described as maternal, and whispers "deep breath,  you look like you're going to faint*
* Morgan nods slightly, trying to concentrate
(Molly) **The priest wets Kathleen's little blonde head and continues talking. Tears fall on John's cheeks. Morgan can feel a huge wave of Molly's compassion, and she removes her hand from John's to find and give him her handkerchief.
(Molly) **Molly does her part as appropriate, smiling at the baby in her arms despite the tears in her eyes. He overhears her thoughts [you're so much like her. She would have loved you so much]
(Molly) **Beth is watching Morgan again, whispering** She's doing well, considering.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she knew it would be difficult
(Molly) B: They were very close
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) **The ceremony comes to a close and Sir Dagget directs them all to food at his house, which seems to satisfy the attendants,  and Beth, Pete and James go too
* Morgan waits for Molly
* Molly is talking to John, the only two left now. He has the baby in his arms, and he looks upset
(Molly) **he can faintly hear her** Do you want me to do it, John?
(Molly) **John nods** I can't face it right now
* Morgan waits at a polite distance
* Molly holds out her hands, carefully taking the baby from his arms. John sits in the front pew, head bowed "I'll meet you back at the house, alright?" *he just nods in response*
* Molly carries little Kathleen down the aisle. The blonde baby, the lilac dress, the echoes of the ceremony, it's all familiar yet different.
* Morgan frowns
* Molly looks to him, then back at the ground
(Morgan) Do you want me to talk to him?
(Molly) I... I don't know.
(Morgan) You are taking Kathleen back to the house?
(Molly) I'm taking her to her mother's grave, it is what Eliza wanted
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) go on, I'll speak to him
* Molly looks at him a moment, then nods
(Molly) Alright, my love
* Molly takes the baby out into the cloudy morning
* Morgan approaches Dagget
** You're now known as John
* John is just sat staring at his hands in his lap
(Morgan) Mr Dagget... do you mind if I sit with you?
(John) Go ahead
* Morgan nods, sitting down
(John) **The chapel is very quiet**
(Morgan) I wanted to offer my condolences... but I imagine you've had enough of those
* John nods
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I understand
* John nods again
(John) The risk is always there, you just don't think it'll happen to _your_ wife and child.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye... and when it does people spend an inordinate amount of time telling you you'll get over it eventually, you just have to hold on...
* John nods
(Morgan) No doubt they've said you need to live for Kathleen now?
(John) Eliza was the first to tell me it, before she...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) its about the only part of it I agree with... 
* John nods
(John) Each day is just too much right now
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) You need to not think about days... you need to think about this hour and nothing further. Then when this hour ends, you think about the one you're going into.
* John nods
(John) Sometimes even that's too much
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(John) I hear her in my head sometimes, like she's just stepped out of the room
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thats entirely normal. 
* John nods
(John) The thought of all the years ahead, never hearing her laugh again, her not seeing Kathleen grow...
(Morgan) and thats when you need to think about the minutes... just one at a time. But take them you must, that little girl is going to need you.
* John nods
(John) I need her too. There'd be nothing without her
(Morgan) I know
* John nods
(John) I keep turning to tell her things, then remember she's not there
(Morgan) That'll happen for quite a while I'm afraid
* John nods
(John) I don't know who I am without her
(Morgan) You are the man that loves her still, the man that still works to honour her in everything he does... 
* John nods, swallowing hard
(John) Always
(Morgan) Then who you are hasn't really changed. There will be times you question it, and every time you will remember this... that her presence was not what made your love endure, because it will endure still. 
* John just nods
(John) **he's quiet a little while** How long til the anger goes?
(Morgan) like the grief, it never really goes away... it just gets easier to live with. And don't be thinking the anger is anything other than reasonable. Its not _fair_, and its ok to be angry about that. But you cant let it rule you
(John) Makes me angry to see couples. Happy couples, arguing couples,  doesnt matter.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that'll get easier too... you'll be angry at arguing couples because they don't realise how much they've got... 
* John nods
(John) Even the happy ones don't,  not really
(Morgan) no, but eventually that resentment lessens
* John nods
(John) I appreciate you letting Molly come to see me
(Morgan) I have to confess it wasn't easy... 
* John nods
(John) I hurt her, and I'm sorry I did
(Morgan) we've been over that, we don't need to again
* John nods
(John) Don't mess it up with her
(Morgan) doing my best not to
* John nods
(John) She's different with you than she used to be. She's changed from the girl I knew three years ago
(Morgan) how so?
(John) She's bolder and more self-assured
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) a lot of that started to come together when she finally realised her father and yours were completely to blame
* John nods
(John) She's had a hard time of it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes, she has
* John nods
(John) Thanks for talking to me.
(Morgan) I thought it might help to speak to someone who really understands what you're going through... almost
* John nods
(John) I have Kathleen.
* Morgan nods
(John) I'll be in when I'm ready
(Morgan) let me know if you want to talk again...
(John) I will
* John stays put in the chapel. It's still grey outside.
* Morgan heads over to find Molly
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly is laid on the grass beside a fairly  new grave, the baby in the crook of her arm
* Morgan kneels down beside her
* Molly looks up at him
(Molly) I was just telling Eliza how calm and quiet her daughter was in the ceremony
* Morgan nods
(Molly) She thought she was having two boys, do you remember when we saw her in April?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) It never occurred to me that I would not see her again
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) it never does
* Molly strokes the sleeping baby's hair
(Molly) She knew, John knew.  Like we did with the cast, I suppose
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I don't know it made it any easier for him
(Morgan) I don't know
* Molly sits up with the baby carefully
(Molly) We should get to the house
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) Could you take her until I'm stood up?
* Morgan nods, taking Kathleen
* Molly stands, brushing off her skirt. As Heinzharold said, she is a very beautiful baby, and very much like her mother
(Molly) I can have her again, my love
* Morgan nods, handing her back
(Molly) Has John gone to the house?
* Molly carefully leads the way, watching her step
(Morgan) he said he'd be in when he's ready
* Molly nods
(Molly) How are _you_?
(Morgan) For now I'm fine
(Molly) But later?
(Morgan) we'll see. 
* Molly nods a little
(Molly) Alright
(Morgan) and you?
* Molly shrugs
(Molly) Concerned for you, concerned for John, and sad
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) you needn't be concerned for me
(Molly) I am your _wife_.
(Molly) Being concerned for you is one of the important parts of that
(Morgan) I'm alright... concentrate on you, him and the baby
* Molly nods
(Molly) I am glad the christening is done now, he was dreading it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm not surprised
(Molly) He held up well, I thought
(Morgan) very
(Molly) He still has my handkerchief, I must remember to get it back
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) Its my favourite one
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) With the forget-me-nots. The one I sent you on the day of the cast
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) ah
(Molly) Will he get through it?
(Morgan) I think so, as long as he gets through the next few days and weeks
(Molly) Should I keep visiting, do you think?
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I'm not entirely sure... 
(Molly) It will not help?
(Morgan) it might do, but he needs to be able to get by on his own before long
(Molly) You worry he will become reliant on me?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) And I on him?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I doubt it
* Molly nods
(Molly) I wondered if you thought my desire to help and fix people's pain would tie me to him
(Morgan) You are already tied to him
(Molly) Through Kathleen...
* Morgan nods
(Molly) It troubles you?
(Morgan) No, not really
(Molly) Good
(Molly) Perhaps one day, when she is much, much older we will have her to visit us in Eisen and introduce her to high society?
(Morgan) you would wish to?
(Molly) Perhaps. Being God-daughter of a Duchess could see her into some very good matches
(Morgan) true
(Molly) That would've alright with you, wouldn't it?
(Molly) Would be*
(Morgan) of course
* Molly smiles briefly before watching her step again "In fifteen years or so we will likely have a whole houseful of children, we'll scarce notice an extra one for a few months"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) probably not, no...
(Molly) I will need a lot of new dresses for all those christenings
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly looks up at the house
(Molly) I always thought this was a very handsome house
* Morgan looks it over
(Molly) **it's not far off as nice as the one at Innesbruck*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) very nice
(Molly) Strange to think I would have lived here
* Morgan nods
* Molly looks to him as she pauses on the threshold
(Molly) I'm glad I don't
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) If I had married him, I would not have married you, and that is the best thing I have ever done
(Morgan) funny how much one little change can make...
(Molly) The consumption?
(Morgan) or if you'd worked past it with him...
* Molly nods
(Molly) All the ways we could have not ended up together, here in this moment
* Molly watches him
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) and yet...
* Molly smiles softly
(Molly) ...yet here we are... right now...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
* Molly blinks suddenly
(Molly) We should go in.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly waits for him to open the door
* Morgan does so
(Molly) [But in my imagination, you kiss me on the doorstep, and noone catches us]
(Morgan) after you blossom
* Molly goes in with the baby in her arms, everyone excited and wanting to see the child
** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving)
** You are now disconnected