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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 27 September 2021 18:50:49 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
* Molly is wearing an apron and serving the others. Inga is pouring coffee. HH goes right up behind her and whispers something in her ear that makes her giggle. Molly watches them a moment before crouching to take off Varick's muddy boots. Morgan's own arent much better, and given the dirty foot prints across the floor, nor are Heinzharold's.
(Molly) It looks like you all enjoyed yourselves, liebes herz!
(Morgan) Well, we proved HeinzHarold can't hit anything he aims for if he throws something...
(Molly) **HH isnt paying attention**
(Molly) Oh? **she gets Varick's boots off**
(Morgan) kept lobbing pinecones at me... I didn't feel it was fair to retaliate given my aptitude for it
(Molly) V: We were playing in the woods! *he hugs Molly before going sock-footed and washing his hands*
* Molly looks up at Morgan with a smile
(Molly) You were?
* Morgan nods
** You are now disconnected (Connection reset)

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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 27 September 2021 19:54:15 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) That's good. Shall I take your boots off too? *she looks up at him*
(Morgan) I'll do it
* Molly nods, going to wash her hands
* Morgan sets about getting his boots off
* Molly soon has everyone settled, and pulls out Morgan's chair for him
* Morgan sits down, thanking her
(Molly) **It's noisy, and HH is regaling them with a tale from the Nautilus where they hazed the new recruits by stealing all their boots and stringing them up in the rigging, sending freshly arrived boys and men climbing up to find them
* Molly is quietly watching them all from a position leant against the cupboard
* Morgan does the same from his seated pposition
(Molly) HH: Th' best bit was when one of 'em got his trousers snagged and ripped the seat clean out of them, leavin' him dangling with his bum hangin' out
(Molly) **Varick finds this hilarious**
* Molly glances at Morgan, smiling a little before sipping her tea
(Morgan) heard about you lot playing games like that
(Molly) HH nods: Was always Naughty on the Nautilus! Wha' made me like that guy was that rather than bein' all embarrassed about it, 'e shouts out "Look up, lads, it's a full moon tonight!"
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Molly) **there's lots of laughing,  and Molly translates for Elsie who the laughs too**
(Morgan) You heard Sorgi's story of how the ship he was serving on got stolen?
(Molly) HH thinks: Don' think so
(Molly) C: I've heard it
(Morgan) They tried boarding an objectionist ship which was damaged badly... while they did that, the objectionist crew got on the vaticine ship and stole it
(Molly) HH grins: serves them right
(Morgan) how's this for a small world... it was my crew that nicked it
(Molly) **HH laughs** Weird coincidence!
* Molly frowns slightly, tilting her head, but says nothing
* Morgan nods slightly
(Molly) V: Are you friends with the man with the bum still?
(Molly) HH: *he slowly chews some bread* 'Fraid not. Died when my ship sank.
(Molly) V: *he gets down from his chair and hugs HH* I'll be your friend. I have a bum.
* Morgan chokes on his coffee
* Molly bites her lip trying not to laugh
(Molly) HH smiles at Varick: That's lucky, otherwise yer legs would fall off!
(Molly) **Varick stays on HH's lap whilst they finish eating. Molly sits in Varick's seat.  The women are about to clear away the table when there's a knock on the door. Everyone looks to Morgan**
(Morgan) its not me, I'm here
(Molly) Do you wish me to answer it, my love?
(Morgan) I'll get it
* Morgan gets up, going and opening the door
(Molly) **James Schulz is stood on the doorstep with a big bag slung over one shoulder** Good afternoon, my lord
(Morgan) James, come on in
** You're now known as James
* James does so. Molly clears all the used plates from the table. The only people who dont already know each other are James and Elsie
* Morgan makes introductions
* James bows to her. She smiles, talking to Morgan "Please tell him I would curtsey but if I do I will probably topple forward cos of my belly"
* Morgan does so
* James laughs, watching her "Could you tell her I'd try and catch her but there's a fifty percent chance I wouldn't manage it because of my hand?"
(James) **Molly picks up some more plates, but she's watching the two of them as she does**
* Morgan nods, translating
(James) **This has Elsie laughing too. Molly watches Morgan a moment*
(James) V: *he takes Morgan's hand* will you take me for my nap?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, I will
(James) **Varick leads him upstairs, then lies down on top of his covers** it was sad Heinzharold's friend died
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes it was
(James) V: I'm glad you didn't die in the war
(Morgan) so am I
(James) **he yawns** maybe we could look for Heinzharold's friend as a ghost one day?
(Morgan) maybe... I think he'd rather his friend was at rest though
** You're now known as Varick
(Varick) Why?
(Morgan) Better that than stuck here, needing to do something, don't you think?
* Varick nods
(Varick) I suppose so
(Varick) If you died, would you be a ghost?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) tough to know... I've got a lot to do, I wouldn't want to leave you and Molly
(Varick) I would still see you if you were a ghost
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(Varick) Would you be sad if someone else came to look after me like you have?
(Morgan) I'd want someone to look after you, keep you safe
(Varick) I wouldn't call him Daddy _or_ Papa though
(Morgan) no?
(Varick) No, I'd have to think of a new one if I liked him and Mama married him
(Morgan) lets hope you don't have to
(Varick) You wouldn't be sad though?
* Varick closes his eyes
(Morgan) As long as they loved you, I'd be alright
* Varick nods slowly
(Varick) If he was good to me and to Mama and our babies...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Varick curls up with his bear, half asleep
(Varick) You could be here as a ghost too
(Morgan) aye maybe
(Varick) You would all love me and be with me
(Morgan) aye
* Varick says nothing more, falling asleep
* Morgan kisses the boys forehead before leaving the room
** You are now disconnected

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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 30 September 2021 18:06:48 British Summer Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) **There's only Molly, James and Elsie downstairs when Morgan gets there. The women have hot drinks and James is eating. Molly appears to be the designated translator*
* Morgan gets some coffee, sitting down
* Molly smiles at him, just watching him a moment before she has to translate again. They are talking about Elsie growing up a parson's daughter and James growing up in a nunnery
* Morgan watches them talking
(Molly) **there's a knock at the door**
* Morgan goes to answer it
(Molly) **Peter is stood on the doorstep. He looks a bit awkward and out of place at the estate of a Duchess, his farming clothes tattier than the servants here wear.
* Morgan beckons him inside
** You're now known as Peter
* Peter comes in, inclining his head to the others. Molly gets up to hug him
(Peter) M: Is everything alright?
* Peter nods "Came to talk to your husband about what we talked about yesterday"
* Morgan heads towards the parlour, motioning for Peter to follow him
* Peter does so, looking around
(Peter) Cosy
(Morgan) its alright isn't it... take a seat
* Peter perches on the edge of the seat
* Morgan sits opposite him
(Morgan) relax man, its only a chair
(Peter) I'm a bit muddy. Beth and I have spoken about the adoption
* Morgan nods, waiting
(Peter) We will take the baby in and raise it alongside our one on the way
(Morgan) You are certain about that?
* Peter nods
(Morgan) I appreciate that greatly... 
(Peter) With having a bigger farm, we'll be able to provide food and shelter, won't be any harm to give Beth a break from having another baby for a bit longer
(Morgan) You will of course receive some help for doing this
* Peter tilts his chin up proudly, obviously a family trait
(Peter) We won't need your money.
(Morgan) I don't doubt it... its not mine. Its part of the restitution to be made. It has been agreed, regardless of who would adopt the child
* Peter nods a little
(Peter) Alright. If its restitution,  not charity.
(Morgan) We're family, it wouldn't be charity anyway... but no, its to be paid to the adopters regardless, for the childs future
* Peter nods
(Peter) Very well.
(Morgan) Three hundred guilders
* Peter looks surprised
(Peter) That's a lot of money
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) no denying that
* Peter nods
(Peter) What needs doing between now and then?
(Morgan) I'll see to it an adoption contract is drawn up for you all to sign, detailing the three hundred guilders a year and the final payment, then we just have to wait and pray the child survives
* Peter nods
(Peter) Is it likely?
(Morgan) I just don't know
* Peter nods
(Peter) We'll pray then
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) pretty much all we can do
* Peter nods
(Peter) Beth and I will prepare double then
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as soon as we have an outcome, I will organise the transfer of funds... you have an account with a bank?
* Peter nods
(Peter) I do
(Morgan) Good, I'd rather not have to find a messenger to deliver that amount of money every twelve months
(Peter) It wouldn't be ideal
(Morgan) No
(Peter) I hear you're sailing in the morning?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm going to find the man who hurt Elsie and bring him back here to face justice
* Peter nods
(Peter) I'll stop in on Moll every couple of days if you want?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) please... aside from all else, I think she'd like to see you
* Peter nods
(Peter) Just one more thing before I go on. Beth is thinking we might call ours Cecily if it's a girl. Do you think that'll be a problem for Moll?
(Morgan) No, I think that danger is passed
(Morgan) I think she'd love it
* Peter smiles
(Peter) Good to know
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) you could ask her, see how she feels
* Peter shrugs
(Peter) I will once I've told Beth
* Morgan nods
* Peter stands up "Best get on, gets dark early now"
* Morgan nods, standing up
(Morgan) won't be long before its dark ten minutes after getting light
* Peter smiles, offering his hand to Morgan
* Morgan takes it, shaking it firmly
* Peter goes back into the kitchen where the conversation is continuing. Molly watches for Morgan with curiosity
* Morgan nods ever so slightly
(Peter) **Molly makes introductions between peter and james, and peter and elsie. Peter is very polite, and apologises for needing to go. He tells Molly he will visit in the week before leaving. James excuses himself to get set up next door where he will be staying.
(Peter) **Molly cleans up**
** You're now known as Elsie
* Elsie , to Morgan: He seems nice, he's very tall
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) he's stubborn and proud, but he's a good man really
(Elsie) It must be nice to have a big brother to watch out for you
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I couldn't say... I _am_ the big brother
(Elsie) Do you have many siblings?
(Morgan) a younger brother
(Elsie) Does he live in Avalon?
(Morgan) No, Eisen... only my uncle still lives in Avalon, but thats because he is Avalonian
(Elsie) Near here?
(Morgan) Catterick
(Elsie) Never heard of it
(Elsie) **there's another knock**
(Morgan) its north a ways
* Morgan opens the door
(Elsie) **A servant is on the doorstep** Her Grace be wantin' ye, Master Hockridge
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll be along in a moment
(Morgan) [blossom, Lady Torrington wants me. I suspect its an interview]
(Elsie) [Alright my love, I have a few book entries to finish before Varick wakes]
(Morgan) Elsie, will you excuse me? Lady Torrington wants me
* Elsie nods
* Morgan puts his boots on, grabs a coat and heads off to find Catherine
(Elsie) **He finds Catherine in the library when he is summoned to help with the final two interviews. Neither man seems right for it, one has obviously run the land badly, the other is adamant Catherine should marry and neither is comfortable with Catherine running the land herself and with the focus she wants. Once the second has been shown out, she looks to Morgan*
(Elsie) I do not think either of them will be compatible, will they?
** You're now known as Catherine
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) Depends if you want things to go as you planned or not, really
(Catherine) I do think its important
* Morgan nods
(Catherine) Do I hire Mr Roberts? Or should I wait until you have heard from your family?
* Morgan watches her for a moment
(Morgan) Tell me what you think I would do
(Catherine) Hire him and start training him now, give him the benefit of the doubt so no time is wasted if it turns out he is genuine?
* Morgan smiles slightly
(Morgan) give him limited access to funds until he's proven himself trustworthy
* Catherine nods
(Catherine) I can do that
(Catherine) Thank you for your help, Morgan
(Morgan) Take the time while I'm away to foster the sort of relationship we had... You want and need him to feel able to tell you when he thinks you're making a mistake, and you should be prepared to explain and justify your wishes to him.
(Catherine) I will do my best, but I have concerns that you are irreplaceable in that regard
* Morgan smiles slightly
(Morgan) Not in the least.... 
(Catherine) I'm going to miss you. I didn't think you would leave for good.
(Morgan) I rather thought I'd die here
* Catherine nods
(Catherine) **Kurt knocks at the door, tempting Catherine with a horse ride. She looks to Morgan** Sorry, if that's all...?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) be careful
(Catherine) K: She'll be fine
* Morgan nods, heading out
(Catherine) **He gets some time after helping Catherine to play catch in the garden with Varick, Heinzharold and Claudia.  At six, with the boy fed and washed, it is time for Varick's bedtime, and he asks Morgan to do it. He trudges up the stairs. The women have gone to get dressed next door for the ball, except Claudia who is staying at the cottage for Varick.
** You're now known as Varick
* Varick drags his heels over getting ready for bed, obviously reluctant
* Morgan sits by the bed, waiting patiently
* Varick huffs as he gets into bed
(Varick) I dont want to stay here, I want to go with you.
(Morgan) I know... but you cant
(Varick) It's not fair. I will miss you.
(Morgan) I know... I'll miss you too
* Varick hugs his bear tight
(Varick) You should be here with us because we love you
(Morgan) I'm coming back
(Varick) So was my Daddy.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(Varick) Maybe you wont come back.
(Morgan) I will move heaven and earth to come back to you
* Varick nods briefly
(Varick) Can you read to me now
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) of course
(Varick) **The tale of Ulysses continues. Again the story's hero is once more diverted on his long journey home, and still his wife and son wait for him.**
(Varick) Will you be gone when I wake up?
(Morgan) probably, I want to get an early start
* Varick moves and hugs him tightly
(Varick) I love you. You have to come back for me, okay?
(Morgan) I love you too... I will come back
* Varick lets go,  getting under the covers
(Varick) I will see you again
(Morgan) Yes, you will
* Varick closes his eyes, and after a few minutes he is asleep
* Morgan kisses his forehead before heading downstairs
(Varick) **he can hear the giggling from Elsie's room. Downstairs HH is lounging in the parlour reading a book. He is wearing knee breeches and stockings, and looks completely at ease
** You're now known as HH
* Morgan sits down, scowling
* HH looks at him
(HH) What's in yer noggin?
(Morgan) Varick... he's scared I'm not coming back
* HH nods
(HH) Unnerstandable with what he's been through
* Morgan nods
(HH) He'll be alright
(Morgan) I know, I just hate to see him this anxious
* HH nods
(HH) Gotta just keep showin' him you'll come back. He's been through a lot, bound to be anxious still
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* HH looks him over
(HH) You not gettin' dressed?
(Morgan) Something wrong with what I'm wearing?
(HH) Bit under-dressed for a duchess's ball
(Morgan) I hate peacock clothing
* HH shrugs
(HH) Listen man, I normally agree with ya, but this is Elsie's wish, an' I'm gonna make it as good a night as I can fer her
* Morgan grunts
(Morgan) shut up being right will you
(HH) Never **he grins**
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I'll go get changed
* HH nods
(HH) Thought y' might
* Morgan nods, trudging off to his bedroom
* HH goes back to reading the book, and he can hear the women giggling still even once he's fully dressed and smartened up, just as fancy as for the winter court opening ball in Freiburg weeks ago. HH gives him a brief nod of approval, but beside him Claudia just rolls her eyes.
** You are now disconnected