------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Sunday, 17 October 2021 18:23:46 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea * Morgan gets dressed before reading todays entry (HH) "Sunday, October 18th, morning. Good morning! Another sunday and another venture into the small catechism for our cottage. I have found this teaching useful myself for understanding more deeply our shared faith, something that is important to me. I will be praying for you, for your peace and happiness, and for your journey not to be much longer. I will pray with gratitude too that Theus brought you into my life and that you love me. I love you, endlessly. M xx" * Morgan packs it away with the rest of his things before heading downstairs (HH) **When he goes to open the door, he notices a shiny silver bangle on the floor with a slip of paper coiled around it * Morgan picks it up, unwrapping the paper (HH) **In Eisen, it says: For the Kaleidoscope Man, to give to your Iselilija. May your threads be forever intertwined. (Morgan) bloody Vodacce * Morgan wraps the note back around the bangle before tucking it safely in his bag (HH) **There's an open door at the end of the hall * Morgan wanders along to have a look inside (HH) **The fate witch is lying on the bed, her sightless eyes staring at the ceiling. She is just in a shift, rosary held in her hands. She looks perfectly at peace and neat, the blankets folded tidyly, her clothes and boots in a neat pile on the floor. On the nightstand is a bangle with a small piece of paper wrapped around it * HH sneaks up behind him and says "Whatcha d-... bah!" *he jumps* * Morgan sighs, going to check the bangle (HH) **it has a piece of paper, just like his* * Morgan unravels it (HH) **In Avalonian: For the Innkeeper to give to your wife. May you laugh that I did indeed tell you I would not be paying for today's breakfast. * Morgan wraps it back up, putting it down before shooing HeinzHarold out and closing the door (Morgan) go fetch the inkeeper * HH hands him a slip of paper * Morgan looks at it (HH) **In Eisen: For the Future Father, to give to the Mother of your children. May new life come with healthy old ones. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I got one too (HH) 'S have a look (Morgan) its in my bag... it says for the kaleidoscope man, to give to your Iselilija, May your threads be forever intertwined (HH) That's nice * HH goes off to look for the Innkeeper, leaving Morgan alone * HH comes back a few minutes later, Innkeeper with him (HH) IK: I can't do any discount for the cabbage smell. (Morgan) The fortune teller.... she's passed away. She's left a bangle with a note for you (HH) IK: *he nods* People die here all the time, not to worry (Morgan) That is not encouraging.... (HH) IK: **he opens the door** I packed some food for your breakfast, your lady friend has it * Morgan nods (Morgan) thank you (HH) **he goes in. HH walks down the stairs* He just call Claudia your Lady Friend? * Morgan nods (HH) Best get outta here b'fore he says it again, she's got a proper face on this mornin' (HH) **As they get to the bottom of the stairs, they hear the innkeeper laughing upstairs** (Morgan) has she? (HH) You'll see (HH) **their poor horses are looking tired after the solid days of travel, but Claudia looks worse. She has them all ready to go * Morgan watches her for a minute before going to mount up * HH and Claudia mount up too, and they start the trip back to the city in silence. HH gives it twenty quiet minutes before saying to Morgan (HH) Guess the fortune teller was right then (Morgan) Not now... * HH stays quiet for a surprisingly long time (HH) **The sun comes up. With Claudia volunteering nothing and HH doing what he is told, the silence is only broken by the rhythm of hooves on the road * Morgan moves close to Claudia, speaking quietly (Morgan) want' talk about it? (HH) C: Nope (Morgan) Know you can if you want? (HH) C: Yep * Morgan nods, nudging her slightly before moving away again (HH) **She inclines her head to him but stays quiet** (Morgan) How long to Ilchester? (HH) Rest o' today to Londinium, a days sail to Denholme, a day to Ilchester. Might not see the 'ouse til the next morning * Morgan sighs (Morgan) right (HH) Sorry man. Mebbie one day someone will breed 'orses ten or twenty times as fast and we could do the whole thing in a coupla days (Morgan) We live in hope (HH) Feeling 'omesick today? * HH gets a big chunk of bread from a bag, steering the horse with his knees (Morgan) Something like that * HH rips it in two, chucking some to Morgan (HH) 'Ow was your night? (Morgan) I've been asked to tell you Molly knows precisely what that means and you've a very dirty mind * HH laughs loudly (HH) Damn, didn' realise Inga woulda told her that (Morgan) apparently so (HH) Saint Morgan here t' tell me off for corruptin' his wife's mind? (Morgan) Something like... though I happen to know my wife is teaching your wife something (HH) 'Ope it's not a tin whistle (Morgan) Couldn't say... (HH) She told y' she's teaching Inga summat, but not what? Seems a bit weird (Morgan) oh I know what, I just ain't saying (HH) Go on * Morgan shakes his head (HH) Go on * Morgan shakes his head again (HH) Go on (Morgan) No, its to be a surprise (HH) Go on. I'll give you... *he rummages in the bag, then grins* one shiny red apple (Morgan) Give it up, you'll just have to wonder * HH takes it out. He spits on it, then shines it up on his chest, offering it to Morgan with a grin (HH) Apple, yet majesty? * Morgan leans over, spitting on it (Morgan) No, thank you * HH shrugs, biting it slowly whilst watching Morgan intently (HH) Us poor folk, we can't be wastin' no apples b'cause our betters slobbered on 'em (Morgan) at least you know your place I suppose... (HH) **Claudia turns in her saddle, then shake her head with disgust, though she's smiling faintly** (HH) Saw yer wife then? * Morgan nods * HH continues to eat the apple (HH) They all okay? * Morgan nods (Morgan) absolutely fine * HH nods (HH) Good t' see her again? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, it was (HH) How's my lil darlin? (Morgan) She's fine * HH nods (HH) Y' tell Molly about the fortune teller? * Morgan nods (HH) What's she think 'bout the third child thing? (Morgan) She doesn't think she's pregnant, but its not impossible... could mean Elsies child, but as I said, we've already made arrangements (HH) Mebbie that'll fall through. Mebbie we'll be taking a baby to Capperlucia * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) unlikely * HH nods (HH) Hoping Molly isnt? (Morgan) That is a tough question to answer... it'd be inconvenient. (HH) Gotta lot to be doing the next few years * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm... finding the prospect somewhat difficult * HH nods (HH) Prob'ly nothing to worry about. The woman mighta meant something else (Morgan) Probably. (HH) We're gonna be here for you, help y' through it, when it eventually happens * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know... though she'll probably be onboard one of my ships (HH) When you give her a child? (Morgan) No, Claudia... She'll be onboard a ship * HH nods (HH) Don' see her settling near you in Gottkirchen (Morgan) No... I can't say I blame her * HH laughs (HH) You having Maubourgs house or something nice? (Morgan) Probably somewhere else... I wouldn't appreciate being tuned out of my home... * HH nods (HH) Mebbie get it set up once we're back from Capperlucia, 'less you have plans to be elsewhere? (Morgan) No, not really * HH nods (HH) Summer next year then, back 'ome for a bit? (Morgan) hopefully (HH) Suppose if yer not ready for babies yet there's no reason to settle whilst she's th' ambassador and you're not th' Graf * Morgan nods (Morgan) true (Morgan) I don't know I'll ever feel ready... * HH nods (HH) Gonna be a lot of hard memories? (Morgan) aye... (HH) Didya ever feel ready t' get married again, or just had to hope it'd just work out? * HH finishes the apple, tossing the core into the bushes beside the road (Morgan) Tough one really... I don't know I felt ready, as such * HH nods, going back to the bread (HH) Wha' made y' decide to do it so quick, 'stead of waiting a bit? (Morgan) It wasn't quick, not really * HH shrugs "Can't criticise anyway, married Inga in under two months of meetin' her" (Morgan) I'd known Molly for a while... I was going to ask her to be my mistress * HH nods (HH) Far as I 'eard, you asked, she 'greed, but you never did the actual makin' her a mistress thing *he smirks* (Morgan) The only Montaigne person I've ever liked sort of forced my hand (HH) Eisened in to it. I 'ear a lot. * Morgan nods (HH) Yer Father would have shit a brick * Morgan nods (Morgan) I wasn't intending to come back at that point * HH nods (HH) Molly seems at 'ome in the cottages (Morgan) We lived there (HH) Maybe you'da written to Claudia and me, invited us to visit (Morgan) maybe, aye (HH) What made y' decide to go home? (Morgan) getting married, I think... (HH) Could have gotten married then left? Or stayed away an' gotten married? Coulda gone to live in Catterick with Molly (Morgan) it didn't feel right (HH) Inga's said before it wasn' easy for Molly, going to Sudlachenburg * Morgan nods (Morgan) going to the place full of memories of Dietlinde... * HH nods (HH) Can appreciate that being 'ard (Morgan) absolutely (HH) I don' really like going places I know Inga has mem'ries of her and Heinrich in * Morgan nods (Morgan) understandable (HH) Bit diff'rent, Inga doesn't love Heinrich, an' noone around us coulda been comparing me * HH goes back to eating his bread, again riding with his knees * Morgan nods (Morgan) There have been a few comparisons (HH) **Though being taciturn, Claudia does glance back at them before again looking back to the road** (HH) Villagers were gonna be funny about it. But o'erall I think they did quite well, considering she's not Eisen an' a lot of them are distantly somehow related to Dietlinde (Morgan) I think Otto helped that * HH nods (HH) Tha' was unexpected. Really thought 'e was going to make some trouble at that meeting. * Morgan nods (Morgan) You hear that Sasha attacked Molly? * HH nods (HH) Heard that you let it go * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) Mother got involved... (HH) Didn' hear that. What happened? (HH) **Claudia now drops back a little, curious** * HH looks at her back, smiling a little (Morgan) She talked to Sasha... about how she loves Edward differently to how she loves me, and that her love for one doesn't override her love for the other... * HH grins "She got them smarts" * Morgan nods (HH) Hard to imagine lovin' anyone but my lil darlin though (Morgan) I couldn't imagine loving anyone else... but here I am... (HH) C: Could you do it again, wife number three? (Morgan) I don't think so (HH) C: Why not? You did it once already (Morgan) I dont think Id ever want to (HH) C: You thought that before? Is it all this entwined strands horseshit? * HH glances at Morgan, looking a bit surprised by Claudia's attitude * Morgan looks at her (Morgan) Claudia, I love you, but back off. (HH) C: **she takes out her flask, sipping from it** * HH looks to Morgan (HH) Mus' be complicated (Morgan) very... and not at all. * HH frowns (HH) Now, I'm a smart man, smarter than you, by far... but even I don't know wha' you mean (Morgan) How I got to the point of being able to love again, it was hard, and it was complicated... now, though, its not something I even have to question. (HH) Ah, see that's not what I meant. But we have a long ride ahead, so y' tell me about that if you want. I only 'ear what Molly's told Inga (Morgan) What did you mean (HH) The Intertwined stuff you an' Molly supposedly 'ave (Morgan) oh... fate. (HH) Y' believe in fate? (Morgan) Not especially, but its probably the easiest way of looking at it... I think we were meant to be involved with eachother in some way, but _how_ was down to us (HH) That doesn' bother you? (Morgan) because if that was fated, so was Dietlinde? * HH nods (HH) You couldn't have had them both (Morgan) No. (Morgan) I didn't mean involved like that... (HH) **he chuckles** Not with Molly bein' the jealous type * Morgan nods (HH) I 'eard her and Inga brooding on whether there'd be lots o' pretty girls throwin' themselves at us while we were away... * HH grins at Morgan (HH) I said "Sadly not" (Morgan) not at _us_ no... (HH) I didn' say that. I said we wouldn' notice if they did, because we already have the prettiest women in Avalon in our beds... or stables... or taverns... *he grins again* (Morgan) you did not (HH) Might have. (Morgan) oh god * HH just smiles, watching Morgan (HH) Course, you wont know til we get back... it's a surprise! (HH) Y' know, how that thing Molly is teachin' Inga is a surprise *he grins* (HH) Like * * Morgan smiles brightly (Morgan) I can live with that * HH mutters under his breath (HH) Go back to this fate thing then (HH) You didn' mean involved like swiving? (Morgan) no... (HH) Wha' did you mean? * Morgan shrugs slightly (Morgan) just that we may well have known eachother anyway * HH grins (HH) Mebbie I'da married her (Morgan) unlikely... she's from Durham originally, not far from Catterick (HH) I was there last year on tour Mother's behalf. Maybe I'da bumped into her at the port (Morgan) maybe * HH grins (HH) Then I coulda read what's in th'book (Morgan) if she was suitably inspired, yes (HH) By me? Easily. * Morgan shrugs (HH) C: *she looks to HH* If he beats you I'm not saving you. Stop winding him up. * HH crosses his eyes at her (HH) **She rolls her eyes, looking back to the road** * HH looks to Morgan talking very quietly "You know I'm only messing with you, right?" * Morgan nods * HH looks a little relieved (HH) Good * Morgan narrows his eyes slightly (Morgan) you pair are being awfully... protective... (HH) Are we? * Morgan nods (HH) Jus' how we are. She's got a face on, I get more silly, she gets more grumpy, I get more silly. Eventually we wither get drunk or sleep (HH) Either* (HH) C: God knows you dont just get the hint and stop talking! (Morgan) You wouldn't really want him to.... * HH looks to Morgan "Cant, see? Just got one of those energetic mouths" (Morgan) as discovered by a man in a dress * HH laughs, then shudders (HH) I don't get why my wife likes kissing me when I haven't shaved, bloody scratchy! * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) women are strange (HH) No argument 'ere! (HH) **They see many churches and hear many bells in the morning, Avalon's mandatory attendance driving all classes of people into the buildings for services. Each town and village on their way to Londinium is much the same until lunch, after which the churches are mostly teeming with the very poorest awaiting alms. (HH) **HH is watching this, then looks to Morgan** Not much diff'rent, is it? (Morgan) If you don't go to church, the queen can have you for treason or some nonsense (HH) I meant poverty here, poverty at 'ome * Morgan nods (HH) C: **she huffs** They have a lot more men. (HH) **She's right, there are more men here seeking alms than in Eisen, because the crops and weather is the cause here, not the brother-on-brother killing like his homeland** * HH looks at Morgan, shrugging like he has no idea what her issue is today (Morgan) They haven't spent years killing eachother, thats why (HH) **Claudia just nods. They plow on, weary horses starring to slow despite breaks and water. It is dusk, and close to Londinium, the road empty due to the rain that's accompanied them an hour. Suddenly something feels wrong, like he is being watched. * Morgan reins the horse in, looking round (HH) **The first shot is fired from the tree line, missing Morgan barely. * Morgan launches off the horse, pulling it off the road, yelling to clear the road * HH and Claudia are immediately low in their saddles and riding hard off the road (HH) **Another shot is fired but hits noone. A small gang of five armed men walks out onto the road. The front one yells for them to hand over their valuables * Morgan yells back (Morgan) is that all? (HH) Man: Your horses look half dead, you can keep them * HH gets out of the saddle, patting his horse "You look fine, Greta" (Morgan) Could've just said, no need for the shooting (HH) Man: Hurry up, it's raining. Hand over your bags and noone gets hurt (HH) **Claudia gets down too. He's seen this look about her before. Claudia has obviously decided these men would be a good target for clearing her mood. * HH glances at her, then Morgan $looking like trouble$ (Morgan) well, now, look... I'll come out with the bags, there's no need to come near the woman... (HH) **They look her up and down, then look back to Morgan* Man: Alright (HH) **Claudia stands there watching them right back, almost begging them to give her an excuse for violence** (Morgan) Alright, let me get her out of the way first, just to be safe... (HH) **They put up no objection * Morgan turns to Claudia, speaking Avalonian * HH is busy untying bags and looking after the horses (Morgan) Alright love, just head back into the trees a ways, just so you're safe $circle round, I can take two$ (HH) C: *she nods slightly, doing so** * HH brings Morgan two bags * Morgan starts taking bags off of his own horse (HH) **his bags feel much lighter * Morgan frowns, shaking them * HH says in Londinium Avalonian to Morgan "here, Guv. All in 'ere" * Morgan takes them from HeinzHarold (HH) **they feel fairly heavy, and make a chinking noise * Morgan nods, taking them out to the middle of the road (HH) **one of the men holds out his hands (Morgan) ah... you'll forgive me if I don't wish to get too close, just to be safe... (HH) **They wait * Morgan puts the bags on the ground a couple of feet apart before taking a few steps back (HH) **One of the men grabs them and legs it (Morgan) ((legs it where?)) (HH) Man: Hang on! What are you playing at! (Morgan) best shoot him, he's doing you over (HH) **diagonally off into the trees on the bandits side of the road (HH) **The other men chase after him. There's lots of anger and shouting as they end up within the treeline * HH motions to Morgan * Morgan moves over to him (HH) Let them have it. It's rocks, balls, handful of cents, and whatever dirty washing you an' I had * Morgan nods, whistling low to call Claudia back (HH) **presumably, this would include a particular cream flannel...** (HH) C: *she comes back, looking none to happy* (Morgan) I know, but they're welcome to rocks and dirty washing * HH mounts up rapidly, Claudia does likewise (HH) **They ride off fast, and a few minutes pass before Morgan feels far enough to have a check of what is left in his bags. * Morgan does so (HH) **he has a waistcoat, a clean shirt, and a hunk of bread from this morning * Morgan sighs (Morgan) When did you do that? (HH) **theres no sign of the book or negligee (HH) When I was faffing with the horses (Morgan) HeinzHarold... where is my book? (HH) Oh shit. * Morgan looks at him (Morgan) and Molly's negligee... * HH grimaces (HH) Welllllll... (Morgan) This isn't the fucking time... * HH laughs (HH) They're up my shirt. (HH) **Claudia mutters* Fucks sake, Heinzharold. Imagine they had stabbed you. * Morgan nods slowly, closing his eyes and breathing slowly (HH) Want 'em back, before it smells of me instead? 'S very soft. * Morgan nods (Morgan) Now, please * HH hands them over (HH) You're welcome! Safer on me than anywhere else! (Morgan) I appreciate you keeping them safe... (HH) Good * HH watches him (HH) But dont ever touch them again? (Morgan) Don't fucking scare me like that again... (HH) C: You'd have managed. * HH rubs his forehead wearily, saying nothing yet (HH) ** The rain continues, the city lights visible now as the sky darkens (HH) C: *she looks at the pair of them a moment before increasing her speed** Come on, it's raining, I want a drink. * HH watches her before looking at Morgan "Sorry man, thought you'd know those were the first things I'd get out an' keep safe." * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) They're a bit too important for me to be able to see a joke about it, you know? * HH nods "Yeah. I'm sorry" * Morgan nods (Morgan) lets get out of the rain, I think we could all do with a drink * HH nods, urging on his tired horse towards the lights (HH) It's dark when they get back to Londinium, and Koen takes the horses on board, telling them that Sorgi has taken most of the men for an evening off to the Mariner's Rest, the fronted brothel Morgan and his friends were in before. (HH) **HH casts a sly glance at Claudia** (HH) **Her expression gives away nothing at all** (Morgan) Did the two of you want to go there and join the rest of them for a drink? * HH nods "Good idea, lets all go" (HH) C: *she nods* * Morgan frowns a moment, opening then closing his mouth (HH) K: Want me to take your bags down, my lord? (Morgan) Please... (HH) **he gathers up their things. It's busy when they get there, and many of the working girls look fed up and bored. What has the attention of the patrons is a man with an odd buzzing machine sat at a table with some of Morgan's crew and other sailors crowding around him** (HH) C: **she looks to Morgan** 'the fuck is that? * Morgan shrugs ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia goes for a closer look. HH goes and gets them drinks. Sorgi is sat at the far end of the room by a fireplace. He's talking to a brunette whore. They aren't touching, but there's something about this smiling woman making Sorgi laugh that gives Morgan deja vu** * Morgan frowns, moving closer (Claudia) **She's fairly pretty, and the deja vu remains... a friendly, smiling brunette whore... just like in his dream where he was confessing to Molly about ending up in a working girl's room and being blackmailed by her* * Morgan watches them for a moment before wandering over, whistling tunelessly (Claudia) **Sorgi is displaying no signs of anything but friendly conversation. The woman looks kindly, soft* ** You're now known as Sorgi * Sorgi smiles when he sees Morgan "Welcome back, m'Lord" (Morgan) cap'n (Sorgi) **The woman smiles at him, but turns her attention back to Sorgi** (Sorgi) Got the expected cargo? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) no... and we got bandied... (Morgan) bandited* * Sorgi 's micro-expression shows deep concern, but he keeps his expression light (Sorgi) Poor bandits! Everyone well? (Morgan) They got away with a few of our things... one of them stole the stuff from the bandits and ran for it, so we didn't have an opportunity to get our things back (Sorgi) **the woman looks at Morgan** You certainly look like a man who would have no problem in a fight anyway... * Sorgi smiles, sipping his ale (Morgan) I can't tell if thats a compliment or an insult... (Sorgi) **Morgan can feel the familiar sense of being watched** * Morgan turns, surveying for anyone looking at him (Sorgi) Compliment, I reckon. This is Marie, she only speaks a little Eisen, but we've muddled through. (Sorgi) **Claudia is watching not him but Sorgi** * Morgan looks back to Marie (Sorgi) **Marie laughs easily. It's a pleasant sound** And he speaks a little Avalonian, which helps! (Morgan) I suppose you get a lot of nationalities stopping in port (Sorgi) ((Language?)) (Morgan) ((Avalonian)) (Sorgi) M: Lots of handsome sailors coming and going, yes *she smiles* (Sorgi) **HH sets down a tray of drinks then pulls off his coat, flopping into a chair exhaustedly. The woman eyes him up** (Sorgi) M, in Avalonian: This one looks like he can hold his own too! *she smiles warmly at Morgan* (Morgan) Aye, but he gets upset at having to... (Sorgi) **Marie laughs again* What man doesn't? I think it's because your hands aren't soft enough. * Sorgi and HH are watching Morgan and the woman (Sorgi) M: *she gives Morgan a wicked smile** Your friend needs to rub it into his skin afterwards, makes your hands very soft and smooth (Morgan) There's only so much can be done when you sail a lot... (Sorgi) M: *she nods* It's lonely, far away from home comforts * Morgan leans over, picking up a drink from the tray (Morgan) Not so bad at the minute, we're able to restock with things other than fish to eat... (Sorgi) **Marie nods** Londinium has many fine places... many awful places too! (Morgan) such is the way in any big town (Sorgi) **she swaps to Eisen* This is the nicest tavern in Londinium though. We always have a warm welcome for you * Sorgi nods, looking to Morgan and HH "Been in a couple of nights whilst you've been away, the staff are friendly" (Sorgi) **Marie laughs, looking at Morgan** we are _very_ friendly * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know (Sorgi) **Claudia appears, taking a drink from the tray and downing half of it right off. She watches each of them a moment before saying** Tattoo machine. (Sorgi) ((Attention?)) (Morgan) ((Claudia)) (Sorgi) **She looks irritated, sitting back in her chair. She watches the woman, but there's nothing like desire there** (Sorgi) HH: Now tha's an idea... (Sorgi) **Marie looks at him** You like tattoos sweetheart? (Sorgi) HH: Not had any, yet... (Morgan) You can get that idea outta your head (Sorgi) HH: It's f' science though (Sorgi) **Marie looks to Morgan** How about you? Is there somewhere on you a girl might find a tattoo? (Morgan) just scars (Sorgi) **Claudia rolls her eyes, looking at the fire** (Sorgi) M: Ooh, scars are more interesting anyway. I have one on my hip (Sorgi) **Claudia mutters quietly** well of course... * Morgan glances at, smiling slightly * Sorgi is watching Claudia, starting to frown slightly (Sorgi) HH: Nope, gotta be done. *he takes his drink with him, going towards the machine* * Morgan sighs (Morgan) Sorgi, would you please stop him (Sorgi) **Claudia looks at Morgan** It's his body, let him do what he wants to it (Sorgi) **Marie is watching them all** * Morgan looks at Claudia appraisingly * Sorgi stands up, excusing himself (Sorgi) M: I'll come with you, Captain **he politely offers her his arm, which she takes with a laugh, and they follow HH** ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia watches them go before looking to the fire again * Morgan leans back in his chair (Morgan) Talk to me... (Claudia) I'd rather not (Claudia) **The blonde from the other night goes to Claudia, smiling flirtily** Didya want me again tonight? (Claudia) **Claudia seems to consider this a moment. Her eyes briefly flick to Sorgi, so fast noone less perceptive than Morgan would see it, then hands her a coin, shaking her head** Not tonight. (Morgan) Go and talk to him will you? (Claudia) **The girl looks to Morgan enquiringly** Me sir? (Morgan) No, sorry (Claudia) **she smiles at him** what about you, sir? Want to give it a go? Or are you waiting for Marie to be done? (Morgan) Neither, thank you (Claudia) **she shrugs, leaving them to it** * Claudia shrugs at Morgan, taking another mouthful of ale * Morgan stares at Claudia (Claudia) **Marie comes back, stroking a hand over Morgan's shoulders* Your Captain says your friend isnt listening... * Claudia watches the woman, her gray eyes cooling rapidly (Claudia) Take your hand off my friend. Now. * Morgan sighs, putting his drink down and standing up (Morgan) Claudia, come with me please * Morgan turns and walks towards HeinzHarold * Claudia downs the rest of her drink before following (Claudia) *HH is sat at the table, trying to explain that he wants it small** * Morgan grabs him, pulling him up and face to face, speaking quietly (Morgan) When we get home and your wife is upset because you did something permanent without talking to her, you remember I fucking tried to warn you. Remember that when she's looking at you with disappointment in her eyes. * Morgan lets go, pushing his way out to the street (Claudia) **Marie is the one who follows him out** You look like you need a friendly ear to bend... (Morgan) No, I'm fine. (Claudia) **Marie puts a hand on his arm* A drink then? (Morgan) No, thank you (Claudia) **Marie nods** Something else...? Something that will relax you, take your mind off how you're feeling right now...? * Morgan looks at her (Morgan) No. (Claudia) **she doesn't remove her hand from his arm, and the door swings open. Claudia stops on the doorstep, her narrowed eyes on them both** (Claudia) You should go back inside. (Claudia) **Marie turns towards her, fingers still lightly on Morgans arm* Me? (Morgan) Aye, head inside, there's nothing for you out here * Claudia looks at Marie, pointing "_You_ need to learn to read when men are only being friendly and dont want what you're selling" then she points to Morgan "You have upset Heinzharold. He's not doing it for anyones sake but your wife's." She goes to push past them. (Claudia) **Marie does go inside, casting a glance back at Morgan** (Morgan) stand fast Claudia... * Claudia grinds her teeth, looking like she'd like to tell him to go fuck himself (Claudia) **The door closes behind Marie, leaving them alone outside (Morgan) Come on then... you want someone to take whatever this is out on... (Claudia) No. We need to catch this bastard and you cant do it beaten. * Morgan shrugs (Claudia) I'm going back to the ship. * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) do as you want... seems the only fucker who can't make their own decisions is me... (Claudia) **There's a loud noise of drunken talking as Sorgi, HH and the rest of the Rose's crew come out. Sorgi looks at Morgan, then Claudia (Claudia) S: Come on, time to go back. * Claudia looks out over the river lit by and almost full moon and shrugs, walking behind the main group. Sorgi checks HH is still walking with them too before looking to Morgan * Morgan is stood where he was (Claudia) S: Coming, m'lord? There's a furry fiend who has been missing you... (Morgan) No, I'm not (Claudia) **Sorgi watches him appraisingly* What are you doing then? (Morgan) Go back to the ship, captain, I was her ready to sail at first light * Claudia sighs deeply ** You're now known as Sorgi * Sorgi sighs deeply (Sorgi) She will be. But I can't leave you here. (Morgan) just go, I'll be fine (Sorgi) Duchess's orders. Take care of you and keep you safe. * Sorgi smiles a little * Morgan moves closer to Sorgi, speaking quietly (Morgan) Then you need to let it go... go and talk to Claudia, she needs you I think (Sorgi) Let what go? (Morgan) this idea of sticking with me right now... * Sorgi looks at him firmly, almost paternally "I don't want to have to warn you. Come back to the ship, save us both the embarrassment, m'lord" (Morgan) Ready for first light, Sorgi... * Sorgi looks unhappy at best. "You should stay out of a place like that in a mood like this." * Morgan just watches him * Sorgi watches him right back. This isnt the soft, fairly easygoing Sorgi Morgan has come to know, this is the Sorgi who dragged an injured man savagely down a staircase for hurting Molly and looks like he would be more than willing to repeat that (Morgan) Go, Sorgi (Sorgi) Whatever you choose to do, I won't lie that I told you to go back to the ship before you hurt yourself or someone else. (Morgan) I've never asked you to (Sorgi) Be careful. * Morgan nods * Sorgi shakes his head grimly, walking off. (Sorgi) **This leaves Morgan with just the contents of his coat, everything else he had with him taken by Koen to his room. * Morgan rubs at his nose before starting walking, looking for a tavern away from the dock (Sorgi) **He finds a quiet one. There's only a handful of drinkers here, and no barmaids, just an old tavern keeper. It must be getting late * Morgan puts his flask on the counter, asking for it to be filled, and a large glass of scotch (Sorgi) **This is done. He's overcharged, but not by much** * Morgan downs the glass before heading back out (Morgan) ((he's basically just gonna walk around til an hour before dawn)) (Sorgi) **It becomes apparent quickly that the Londinium docks are no safer than the Carleon ones, and he has to avoid a far amount of violence and petty thieves until about two o'clock. There's two hours of peace then until the very earliest fisherman are up and out. (Sorgi) *six thirty is about an hour before dawn and he is deeply tired by this point use to the travel and the strain of the previous day** * Morgan walks up onto the ship, tapping the horseshoe as he does so * Sorgi is stood there waiting (Sorgi) We will leave in half an hour. * Morgan nods slightly (Morgan) good * Sorgi inclines his head "Very good, my lord." * Morgan holds out his hands, palms down, showing his knuckles (Morgan) Not a scratch... * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Yes (Morgan) Did you get anywhere with Claudia? (Sorgi) I did. Please be quiet below deck, both of your friends are asleep in my rooms. (Morgan) Anything I should know? (Sorgi) She will tell you if she decides to, my lord. * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) Once they're up, I want the three of you in my study (Sorgi) They were both up half the night drinking, I would expect it to be when I come off forenoon watch. I have put Gerand in the nest for it, you will not be needed to take your shift. * Morgan nods (Morgan) anything else? (Sorgi) No my lord, that is all. * Morgan nods, walking down to the galley (Sorgi) **Captain Ulysses is waiting for Morgan on the stairs, miaowing as soon as he can scent him** ** You're now known as Ulysses * Morgan picks him up on the way, putting him up on his shoulder while stroking under his chin * Ulysses purrs and rubs his face to Morgan's and seems genuinely delighted to see him (Ulysses) **The galley is quiet though a fire warms it** * Morgan gets a cup of strong coffee (Ulysses) **he gets it without interruption * Morgan sits int he corner of the dining room, drinking his coffee quietly (Ulysses) **Despite the coffee, he finds himself drifting off** * Ulysses miaows in his ear (Morgan) what? * Ulysses gets down, walking to the door * Morgan sighs, getting up and following him * Ulysses leads him to his study, jumping up on his desk and trying to get into one of his bags * Morgan sighs, opening it and pulling out the negligee * Ulysses purrs, swishing his tail in Morgans face, then gets off the desk again * Morgan watches him * Ulysses walks in to the bedroom, miaowing questioningly * Morgan sighs, following him in * Ulysses goes back to the desk * Morgan walks behind him * Ulysses sticks his head in the bag again, trying to pull things out * Ulysses pulls at the jar of balm, managing to roll it to the edge of the desk * Morgan picks it up * Ulysses tries to get the book * Morgan picks that up as well * Ulysses goes back to the bedroom again, lying down on the footstool curled up as he has done each night * Morgan sits on the bed, propped up on top of the covers (Ulysses) **The cat doesnt move** (Ulysses) **The ship starts to move out, and even from down hear he can hear the sails snap open as the wind catches them. The dawn has not yet come, but it is light enough to sail by, just. * Morgan puts some of the balm under his nose (Ulysses) **it smells of whatever the most relaxing scent he thinks of is** * Morgan opens the book to read that mornings letter (Ulysses) Monday 19th, morning. A new week begins, my love. And that means washing day. It will be strange not washing your things today, but the one I will not yield to hot water and soap is your shirt, which I am sure will be providing comfort. I hope you are all well. We will be thinking of you, as every day. My love, Mxx * Morgan puts his head back, closing his eyes * Ulysses opens one eye, miaowing * Morgan pats his lap * Ulysses jumps onto the bed, settling on Morgan's chest. He miaows enquiringly (Morgan) No, just a nap * Ulysses does it again (Morgan) No, just fora bit * Ulysses curls up, purring on Morgan's chest * Morgan nods, closing his eyes * Ulysses falls asleep around about the same time that Morgan starts to dream... ** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 18 October 2021 05:16:57 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 18 October 2021 05:56:54 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 18 October 2021 09:31:23 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) **He's gingerly retrieved his wedding ring from the Sudlache and is now back on the steps waiting for Molly to arrive after her regular abandonment. The summer sun is warm, but his body feels cold, chilled in anticipation of having to call out her behaviour, confess to kissing and spending time with Dietlinde, and to give Molly an ultimatum. (Molly) **Molly is wearing a silvery blue dress when she arrives. She's always done this, coming back to her life with Morgan dressed as a Veisgrafin, not Captain's wife. She looks well-rested, and her curls glow as they are pulled over one shoulder. Despite the decade that has passed, she is as beautiful now as the day he first saw her in a rural tavern in northern Eisen, clad in the black of mourning. (Molly) You did not wait out here the whole time I hope? (Morgan) No... * Molly gathers her skirts to sit beside him (Molly) Is everyone well? (Morgan) Mostly, aye * Molly nods (Molly) I have missed you (Morgan) have you? * Molly nods (Morgan) then why do you go? * Molly sighs (Molly) I am sorry. If the world was a fair place I would not choose to put you through this. (Morgan) but you do choose to * Molly watches the lake a moment (Molly) The pain takes the shape of the person you lose, did you know that? When you can no longer see, hear, or feel them, the pain of their loss takes the shape of them, and you sense them near when the pain is there. The pain-shape replaces them. It keeps you connected, it keeps them with you. * Molly glances at him a moment before her gaze finds the Sudlache again (Molly) But as time goes on, the pain is less frequent, and with that, so is their presence. The little tiny details of memory, they melt away like snowflakes. His scent, the way his hair fell when he ran his fingers through it, the particular way his marmalade had to be spread. The recollections melt, and only going to those cold painful places brings them back. (Morgan) So you leave me over and over so you can go bring his memory back.... tell me, how exactly am I meant to feel about that? You don't exactly look like you've been pained while you're away, you look perfectly rested * Molly holds out her hand to him (Molly) Soon there will be no more snow, Morgan. Soon the pain-shape of him will come no more. Soon I will have lost myself, not just as his wife, but as a mourning widow. Spring will come. Spring is nearly here. * Morgan looks at her hand (Morgan) and I am just supposed to wait... second best while that happens (Molly) I _want_ to be healed, for _you_, to have a life with you. I want the spring to arrive and the winter to be passed. I want to be the wife you deserve, the mother they should have. But I need you to hold my cool hand as I step from the frost to the grass. (Morgan) how much? How much more of this must I endure, alone... * Molly looks to him (Molly) I love you, I love you very much. (Morgan) that is not an answer (Molly) You put colour into my life again. You put the bulbs into the soil and have kept them covered and warm through the coldest days, and you will never know just how much that has meant to me, how much I have appreciated your enduring love, sacrifice and compassion. I... I hope not to need to go again (Morgan) I cannot... I will not be put through this anymore * Molly bows her head (Molly) I am sorry for the pain I cause you * Morgan sighs * Molly looks up to him "If I feel the need to go next year, would you come with me, help me to say goodbye?" * Morgan nods * Molly nods. She keeps her hand out even still * Morgan sighs, taking it * Molly intertwines her fingers with his (Molly) You sigh as if there is something you wish to say? * Morgan looks at her (Morgan) in my loneliness, I kissed someone * Molly nods slowly (Molly) I see. Do you care for her? (Morgan) to a point I suppose (Molly) I understand if you love her. It is, of course, painful to me. But I have no right to stop you loving her when I have asked you to not stop me loving Seb. I have no right to deny you making love to her when you have always had the knowledge of my having done so with him. (Morgan) I don't think so... I like her, I care for her, but... its not the same. * Molly nods (Molly) I will not stand in your path. If she is to be your mistress, I will make no fuss, and I will endure with the grace that you have. (Morgan) This is not the reaction I anticipated * Molly nods (Molly) It would be unfair of me to ask anything of you when I have asked so much, when you have given so much. (Morgan) But you wish to ask... * Molly smiles "Who wouldn't, really? You would ask me to not love him if you could, if I could do it at all? I can understand you wanting a simple relationship, to experience what he and I first had without the trouble and strain you and I have had." (Morgan) simple isn't what I want... consistent, present... not playing second fiddle, left here while you sail off doing god alone knows what every year (Molly) I have told you what I have been doing... sitting alone on my ship with my pain... I am doing nothing else (Morgan) You've told me _now_... (Molly) I assumed you knew that I am completely faithful to you (Morgan) I knew no such thing * Molly looks serious (Molly) I made you a vow. * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright (Molly) I won't go without you again * Morgan nods * Molly kisses his knuckles (Molly) I only hope that life spares you the pain of the loss of a spouse, that you never need to feel how I have felt * Morgan nods (Molly) His death still haunts me. When Seb died, we were two weeks out of port. It was stormy, and we were struggling. All hands on deck, you know? When he died… things seemed to happen in slow motion, but also simultaneously like tiny coincidences all stacking up together. * Morgan watches her quietly (Molly) He was hit by the yard arm. It… *she looks out over the lake, swallowing hard** it was so hard he was unrecognisable. He wouldn't have felt it, I know that now. (Molly) He'd slipped. My calling his name in warning made him move. The wind had whipped the loose yard arm. The man holding its rope had let go. The ships cat had sunk his claws into that man's leg. Lightning and thunder overhead had startled the cat. All so quick and so slow. (Molly) If there'd been no lightning, the cat wouldn't have scratched, the man wouldn't have let go, the wind wouldn't have caught it, I wouldn't have called. Seb's slip would have been a bruised bottom, not a mangled face and pulverised brain. * Morgan nods (Molly) I see it in my nightmares, so surreal and slow. I call. I don't. One way or another, he dies, and I sew him into a hammock with one last kiss, somewhere on his head that isn't just gore. We drop him overboard. (Molly) To Atlantis, he used to say. The Heaven of sailors. Then I sailed home. Two weeks sleeping in a room he should be in, eating at a table he should preside over, thinking of the jokes he would make. * Morgan places his other hand on hers (Molly) I've never felt that again since, the slowness and the speed at the same time. Sometimes when I go there, I wonder if I will feel it again, if I can understand it, explain it. * Morgan nods (Molly) Maybe it is unexplainable. Maybe I must simply accept that it is fate. It is how it was supposed to be. It was how I could end up here with you (Morgan) I find that possibility unpleasant * Molly nods (Morgan) you blame me (Molly) I do not. I imagine that would make you feel guilty, but you mustn't. All that remains is for me to let go of the Winter and embrace it, knowing that the beautiful blooms and shoots that grow from the soil can only grow _because_ of the frost. My joy can only be so joyful _because_ I felt that pain. Do you see? To be reborn, I had to die. And birth is never without its efforts. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I do * Molly nods (Molly) I will change. No more abandoning you here. * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright (Molly) You are _not_ second fiddle to him. I would have mourned you just as much. I love you just as much. Even if life gave me the chance to have him back, I would not leave you. * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright (Molly) What happens with the other woman is your choice * Molly puts her second hand on the top of the three hands they already have joined * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * Molly moves closer, watching his eyes and his lips. She pauses about two inches from his mouth, waiting for him to take what is offered. * Morgan nods slightly before pressing his lips to hers (Molly) **he can hear laughter of his friends, Heinzharold and Claudia (Molly) **More laughter from his study wakes him. The sunlight through the window shows it is around midday, and it is not riverbanks he sees but open water, heading north. He has slept for hours. * Morgan looks round for the cat (Molly) **he's still on Morgan's chest asleep (Morgan) you were supposed to wake me (Molly) **This makes the cat open one eye, the purring starting** * Morgan moves him to the bed, getting up and stretching (Molly) **there's a tap at the door ** You're now known as Sorgi (Morgan) come * Sorgi opens the door (Sorgi) Heard you were awake, m'lord. Coffee? * Morgan nods * Sorgi opens the door for him. The cat streaks out, and a moment later HH sneezes * Morgan follows the cat out, taking his seat behind his desk (Sorgi) **Claudia and HH are sat at his desk. There's a buffet lunch there, and the smell of Molly's recipe for hangover tea she made him after he'd played quinze with Edward, as well as coffee. The atmosphere here is quite relaxed, noone looking as strained as yesterday * Sorgi also sits, pouring Morgan and himself coffwe (Sorgi) You wanted to see us, m'lord (Sorgi) **HH sneezes again, then uses to meat to get Ulysses off his lap and onto the floor. Claudia sips the hangover tea, watching Morgan (Morgan) I appreciate that you are all trying to protect me, as has been asked by my wife... You need to understand I have no desire to do anything foolhardy... (Sorgi) C: You have also warned us about keeping an eye on you with Dau. And there was your dream with the blackmail... * Sorgi puts Morgan's cup in front of him (Morgan) A dream that took place after I killed Dau... (Sorgi) C: *she shrugs* Better to be safe (Morgan) Perhaps talking to me about it, rather than threatening the woman, and speaking to me like I'm a child... (Sorgi) **HH is the first to add food to his plate, which starts Sorgi doing the same** (Sorgi) C: She shouldn't have been touching you * Morgan pushes his chair back (Morgan) Since you have no intention of listening to me, there's no point continuing this conversation. Since you don't respect my self control or my decisions, I'll no longer be informing you of them. (Sorgi) **Claudia sighs** Look, I'm sorry. You had it under control, and I overreacted. (Sorgi) **HH looks at them, eating slowly. Sorgi feeds more meat to the cat** * Morgan shrugs (Sorgi) HH: Reck'n this is what she meant, about losing ourselves? * Morgan shrugs again * Sorgi sips his coffee "I've not seen the three of you all at odds like this before. Normally there's not a cross word between you that isn't in jest, m'lord" (Morgan) I would walk through hell for any one of you... I will _not_ be treated like a wayward child, I will _not_ be treated like I cannot be trusted with my own decisions. I will _not_ be berated for talking to one friend about another that we both care for just for those friends to do the same about me. (Sorgi) **They all nod** * Sorgi looks at Morgan (Sorgi) I wonder if we should head back to Tawstock, find some investigators to track down Dau, give the three of you time to sort things out. (Sorgi) **HH: Absolutely not! C: Fuck no! * Sorgi just sips his coffee in the face of these loud objections * Sorgi is watching Morgan as if HH and Claudia's opinions dont count (Morgan) We will return with Dau (Sorgi) Very well, m'lord (Sorgi) HH: We'll be alright (Sorgi) **Claudia nods, putting food on her plate** (Morgan) If there's anything you're holding onto, get it off your chests... (Sorgi) HH: My tattoo... * Sorgi and Claudia watch Morgan's expression * Morgan nods slightly (Sorgi) **He rolls up his sleeve. His arm looks normal, just his normal freckles and moles from working outdoors (Sorgi) HH: Come have a look (Morgan) why? (Sorgi) HH: y' can't see it from there * Morgan sighs, getting up to look (Sorgi) **HH points to one tiny mole, about one-tenth of an inch in diameter, that is darker than the others** (Sorgi) Jus' there, the black one (Sorgi) HH* ** You're now known as HH (Morgan) I see it (HH) When Molly was workin' on my scars, we were talking about whether she could remove tattoos, an' she said she'd love to find out one day * Morgan sighs, sitting back down (HH) If she can, it'll go. If not, it's not gonna be noticeable. Inga won't mind. (Morgan) me shrugs slightly (HH) C: **she sets down a bangle on the table, a bit of paper wrapped around it** (HH) It's not a big deal. I just want t' help Molly. (Morgan) as you wish (HH) **Claudia slides the bangle to Morgan* * Morgan glances at it (HH) **the paper has been unwrapped then wrapped back around it * Morgan looks at Claudia (HH) C: I found it under my door, like yours and his * Morgan grinds his teeth for a moment before picking it up and looking at the note (HH) **In Eisen: "For the Lost Girl, to give to yourself. May you see clearly what is within you, and clearly what is in front of you.** * Morgan puts it back down (HH) **Claudia just nods (HH) Sorgi finishes eating "Do you need me, m'lord? I didn't get a lot of sleep and I'm back on at four." (Morgan) No, I've made my position clear (HH) **Sorgi nods, excusing himself. The cat goes with him** * HH looks at Morgan "So now what? You're gonna be angry th' rest of the trip?" * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't see it matters (HH) 'Course it matters, f' fucks sake (Morgan) I don't think you realise how deeply I hurt over this. My wishes, my judgement, my trust... just discarded. * HH watches him (HH) Tell us what we can do. (HH) C: **she stands up** I need to get some air so I can come back to this with a cool head. (Morgan) as you wish (HH) **She goes. HH sighs heavily** (HH) Maybe we should go 'ome. (Morgan) If thats what you want, I'll have you dropped off at the nearest port (HH) About the only people I think could 'elp fix this shit are our wives. * Morgan shrugs slightly * HH looks at him "Seventeen years we've been friends, an' it's gonna end like this, af'er _everything_ we've been through?" ** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 18 October 2021 12:59:03 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea (HH) [12:49] * HH looks at him "Seventeen years we've been friends, an' it's gonna end like this, af'er _everything_ we've been through?" (Morgan) We've always been more than friends... I just need to stop hurting. (HH) Then tell me 'ow to help you. (Morgan) I dont know. I _want_ to retaliate, but its for no good reason other than I'm hurting. I feel... like you don't trust me, like what I want doesn't mean anything (HH) Y' think it didn't hurt when you finally told me why you left and didn't come back, didn't contact me at all? You think I felt trusted, your think I felt like you respected my judgement or self-control, or like what I wanted mattered? (Morgan) So what, this is punishment? (HH) 'Course it isn't. But you have got to accept that none of us are perfect. Sometimes y' get hurt and you have to be tolerant and forgive. (Morgan) I have... what I'm trying to do is not act out of pain and cause you more... (HH) Then what do you _want_? You want to hit me, go for it, I'll e'en let you land some blows. (Morgan) No... I want it to hurt less. Thats all. (HH) It wasn't anything against you. We weren't settin' out to piss you off (Morgan) if I thought otherwise, I wouldn't be here (HH) I'm sorry we hurt you. * Morgan nods (Morgan) The two of you are worried about me... talk to me. I can't put your minds at ease if you keep it to yourselves * HH eats some more (HH) I dont think it was mostly that yes'day (Morgan) I didn't mean yesterday... but tell me (HH) She was worried you were goin' to be manipulated by that woman. Sorgi was upset because he'd given his word to Molly to keep an eye on you if you got erratic and you forced him to break it (Morgan) If Claudia had spoken to me about it, I'd have told her what I was doing... which would've meant I hadn't felt the need to be alone all night... I wasn't erratic, I was calming down and taking some time * HH nods (HH) You know what she's like (Morgan) that doesn't make it any better I'm afraid * HH nods (HH) She's upset over that fortune teller and the bangle (Morgan) I figured (HH) Any idea why? * Morgan nods (HH) Gonna tell me? (Morgan) It would upset her, so no. * HH looks at him then shrugs, sticking a piece of chicken in his mouth (Morgan) Its a trust thing... its taken a lot for her to trust me with it, I'm not going to betray that. Do you understand? (HH) Trusts you a lot. * HH chews his food (Morgan) It'll make sense when she tells you (HH) Respects you'll use good judgment not to tell me... (Morgan) you'll understand. (HH) Obviously cares about you *he watches Morgan intently, chewing alowly* (Morgan) Cares about you more I think (HH) You're not gettin' this, are ya? (Morgan) No... my simple act is a bit more than an act (HH) She trusts y' with something y' can't tell me, yet yer worrying that you arent trusted or respected (Morgan) its my actions the two of you don't seem to trust (HH) She trusts y' not to take the action of telling me, on purpose or by accident (Morgan) she _did_... (HH) Also, we 'ave both trusted you with the fire shit. We're _Eisen_. What more can y' need from us? (Morgan) yet talking about me behind my back... how is that meant to feel? (HH) You do that with us. Everyone does tha' (Morgan) Not really... especially not when one of you has complained about that happening... its hypocritical (HH) We love you, we know it's hard for you leavin' Molly and Varick, especially after the nightmare in Zweibrucke, the stuff with Elsie's baby comin' and the risks to Molly, and not knowing whether Dau could be there. * Morgan sighs, sipping his coffee (HH) So yes, we are going to watch out for you and talk about how you're doin', anything that we mighta noticed. Feel free to love me so much t' be afraid of missing a warning sign. (Morgan) Talk to me... I don't want you double guessing me at a crucial time because you noticed something days ago that might mean nothing. I've already promised to be open with you if I'm having trouble * HH nods (HH) A'right (HH) You not comin' home last night was a worry, b'cause the book and negligee was here. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I just walked. I even avoided fighting (HH) Don't do it again, man. We'll leave y' alone if you tell us, but it's not safe. (Morgan) hopefully I won't feel the need to (HH) Sorgi says six men been found dead in the docks in five days we were gone (Morgan) not a one of them half as dangerous as any of us * HH nods (HH) I know, but... give us some peace o' mind not to be having to tell Varick we were wrong and his Papa is gone, eh? (Morgan) thats low man (HH) No, that's something I worry 'bout. You wanna know our worries, e'eryone being open * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * HH finishes eating (HH) I'm gonna get on with this window seat, wanna have it finished b'fore we get home (Morgan) At this bloody rate you've got plenty of time * HH nods (HH) Slippery bugger, ain't he? (Morgan) be even more so with his gizzards hanging out * HH laughs (HH) Lookin' forward to it * Morgan shrugs * HH gets up, picking up some wood "What y' reckon about this blackmail stuff in your dream? Plausible?" (Morgan) that was her in the inn... (HH) **He watches Morgan* I meant Dau and the criminals, implicatin' Sudlachenburg. (Morgan) I wouldn't be in the least bit surprised (HH) Anything we can do? (Morgan) I'd have thought it would've happened by now if it was going to. * HH nods (HH) She was pretty * Morgan frowns (Morgan) who? (HH) The woman in the tavern last night (Morgan) pick a blackmailer and stick with it will you... I suppose she was, I wasn't really paying attention to that * HH nods (HH) Surprised Claudia didn' go for her (Morgan) She nearly did (HH) I meant t' take upstairs (Morgan) She nearly went up with the girl she took upstairs last time... I think she stayed down to keep an eye on me * HH nods (HH) Brunette was prettier * HH starts screwing some bits together (Morgan) I suppose I'd best talk to Claudia * HH nods (HH) Probably back in her own room, not Cap'n's (Morgan) assuming she doesn't throw me overboard, I'll be back in a bit (HH) Ask her to do it off th' stern, I'll wave to you on the way down * Morgan nods, taking the coffee to go find Claudia ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia isn't in her room, she's training in the ballroom * Morgan waits at the edge of the room * Claudia thrusts the sword savagely forward before stopping for a breath. She sees Morgan, then puts the weapon on a table, stepping away from it (Morgan) is that to reassure you or me? * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) Are you here to train? (Morgan) I'm here to talk to you * Claudia nods, sitting on a table (Morgan) I'm hurting. It felt like I wasn't trusted, like I was being dismissed. You were trying to look out for me, and I didn't see it. I'm sorry. * Claudia looks sad, unusually (Claudia) I do trust you, Morgan. I've told you things only one other person knows. (Morgan) I know. HeinzHarold has rather beaten me over the head with that point * Claudia smiles slightly (Claudia) He's good at that * Morgan nods (Claudia) I'm going through some stuff. It's making me tetchy (Claudia) More tetchy than normal. (Morgan) I noticed. I should've just spoken to you, told you what I was doing so you didn't have to get involved. Seems I've not learned to not push back when I'm being pushed * Claudia snorts (Claudia) You and me both. I feel like I'm being dragged kicking and screaming to deal with stuff I'd rather keep buried (Morgan) as I said yesterday... bloody Vodacce * Claudia nods (Claudia) I thought it was Horseshit (Morgan) I think they trade on it a bit... (Claudia) I'm sorry for saying you and Molly being entwined was just horseshit * Morgan nods (Morgan) I... tried very hard to leave that alone * Claudia nods (Claudia) It was rude of me. Everyone can see you and Molly have something special (Morgan) it opens up possibilities you aren't ready to deal with though * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) I don't need to know, do I? I just want you to know I don't look down on your relationship or how important Molly is to you after losing Dietlinde * Morgan nods (Claudia) It didn't seem to surprise you when she said it * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) No... (Claudia) You suspected it? Can you feel it? * Morgan looks torn * Claudia watches him quietly (Morgan) What I said about how we would've had some sort of involvement... * Claudia shrugs "I wasnt completely concentrating" * Morgan nods (Morgan) I think... there is a sort of fate... a big picture fate... the rest is down to us. (Claudia) Sounds confusing. Does it feel different than last time? (Morgan) yes, but I think thats because I'm different to last time... (Morgan) they aren't in competition, my loving Dietlinde does not reduce my love for Molly, nor vice versa (Claudia) No what I meant. I mean can you feel the fate thing (Claudia) Not* (Morgan) No, I don't think so... I'm just aware of it * Claudia nods (Claudia) That give you trouble? (Morgan) Why would it? (Claudia) Like it's not your choice, it's out of your control (Morgan) Its not out of my control other than love isn't something we control anyway... * Claudia huffs (Claudia) Well it should be (Morgan) perhaps... but I think I'd be truly lost if it were (Claudia) You don't need love to have a good life (Morgan) No, I'm not saying you do... but after losing DIetlinde and Jana, had it been my choice, I wouldn't have loved again. * Claudia nods (Claudia) Makes sense to me (Morgan) and I wouldn't be me... I'd have stayed a hollow, angry version of myself (Claudia) But you would have had control of it at least (Morgan) I'm not sure you understand how fundamentally different I had become (Claudia) Maybe not. I like you as you are now. Most of the time. * Morgan nods (Claudia) We good now? (Morgan) I suppose so... if you're worried, tell me... as I said to HeinzHarold, I cant risk you double guessing me at a crucial moment because you've noticed something days ago that doesn't mean anything * Claudia nods (Claudia) Okay * Claudia stands up, coming to Morgan (Claudia) Come here then * Morgan watches her curiously * Claudia gives him a hug * Morgan wraps his arms gently around her * Claudia stays there a few seconds (Claudia) Okay, that's enough * Claudia lets go of him * Morgan steps back a bit (Claudia) Want to get a sword? * Morgan nods, producing one from his coat (Claudia) **He and Claudia do some training before she goes on watch at four. He then stays on deck, watching off the port side. They have to stay quite far offshore due to unpredictable rocky crops, and by the time it gets to almost six, its becoming apparent to Morgan that it is going to be risky to press on once the light fades. * Claudia and Sorgi are talking quietly at the prow * Morgan sighs, whistling (Claudia) **they seem to be seriously discussing something * Morgan collars one of the crew (Claudia) **The man comes over** My lord? (Morgan) Its going to be too risky to carry on once the light fades, get the crew ready to be stopped by then (Claudia) **he nods** Yes, my Lord... should I tell Cap'n? (Morgan) I'll do it once he's finished talking to Claudia * Claudia and Sorgi come over a few minutes after the man has gone (Claudia) S: Two more hours to Denholme, m'lord, but the light will be gone by then and it's a risk I'm not happy with (Morgan) I've already called for a stop by the time the light fades (Claudia) **He nods** It adds a few hours, unfortunately. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I just hope its not the few he needs to evade us (Claudia) S: Me too, m'lord (Claudia) **He's still on deck when the ship is anchored half an hour before sunset where they could normally press on until half hour after. * Morgan glares at the horizon (Claudia) **the sunsets in the west, over the land. There's no red in the sky** ** You're now known as HH (HH) **Dinner passes and he, HH and Claudia sit in his study to play cards. (HH) Let's try some of this Avebury drink then * Morgan fetches it, pouring him some * HH sips it (HH) Very nice... strong though **he coughs briefly* * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (HH) 'Bout the only decent drink we've had that's Avalonian * Morgan nods (Morgan) Maelwys is keen to have blokners to sell (HH) Kill off 'is customers? (Morgan) Its not _that_ strong (HH) They're Avalonian (HH) **Claudia laughs, shuffling (Morgan) They're used to following the ale with whiskey... (HH) Y'need to, given how weak it is * HH looks at Claudia "Gonna try it?" (HH) **she shakes her head** I think that's all horseshit, but I also don't like the small chance it isn't (Morgan) I don't think its nonsense... much as he embellishes things, she doesn't * HH sighs, looking at Morgan "Guess we have t' wait to find out when we get 'ome, if we can't persuade Claudia" (Morgan) have to ask your wife nicely (HH) HH: She's already agreed (HH) C: Good, you wont persuade me anyway, I hate the idea of being out of control like that. (Morgan) To an extent, its a shame... its not bad tasting at all * HH nods (HH) Makes me glad I'm a man *he grins* (HH) C: *she rolls her eyes* barely * HH just laughs "Not what my wife says!" (Morgan) She's obliged to say that * HH shakes his head "She's a good judge of people, 'cept she likes you pair" (Morgan) of course she does * HH nods at the drink then looks at Morgan "Having one yourself? Or worried we'll drink it all b'fore you get chance to use it on Molly?" (HH) C: How did you know he hasn't already? * Morgan stays quiet * HH watches him (HH) He'd be blushing if he had (HH) C *she shakes her head* he didn't blush when he told me about the stables. * HH nods "tha's a good point ackshully" * HH and C are now both watching him * Morgan speaks quietly (Morgan) infuriating, isn't it (HH) C: what? (Morgan) Not being able to read me so easily anymore (HH) Yeah, Saint Morgan was much easier * HH grins "Though ackshully it sounds like you're really _easy_ now" (Morgan) If you say so (HH) Bet ya blush when you read the boom (HH) Book* (Morgan) Once so far * HH drinks more of the drink * HH looks to Claudia "We're curious now, arent we, Claudia?" (Morgan) thats a shame, isn't it (HH) **She just shrugs** No, I am good pretending Morgan has never had sex in his life. * HH laughs (HH) **She deals the cards and the game starts. They play cards, the winning fairly even until Ulysses jumps on the table scattering the cards everywhere** * HH sneezes (HH) **Claudia finishes her whiskey** I'm calling it a night. May as well have one night in a decent bed before we're off again * HH bids her goodnight, sipping his own drink (HH) **Claudia goes, and HH starts tidying up the cards whilst occasionally sneezing** Guess where she was last night (Morgan) up most of the night drinking, according to Sorgi... both of you. (HH) Some of the night, aye. Passed out on his couch around one. When I woke up around three she was not in the study... * HH smirks * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) he makes her feel safe, I've told you that before (HH) Can't begrudge her having someone. Bit unfair though, doncha think? * HH downs the rest of his drink (Morgan) Not especially (HH) We're married, but Claudia is the one 'aving all the fun and not sleepin' alone (Morgan) As you said... can't begrudge her that * HH sets down the glass "Can dislike goin' to my bed knowing my lil darlin isn't in it waiting though" * Morgan nods (Morgan) dislike that all you want * HH nods (HH) I plan t'. You too? (Morgan) soon * HH pats his arm "I'll leave you and your book and negligee to it the" *he grins* (HH) Then* * Morgan nods (Morgan) night (HH) G'dnight **he goes off singing to himself about peaches and cream, normality resumed** ** You're now known as Ulysses ** MorganK has joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 18 October 2021 18:40:09 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** MorganK has quit (Read error: EOF from client) ** Morgan2 has joined #7thsea * Ulysses spends time purring and playing and rubbing his face to Morgan's before heading for the bedroom. As usual Ulysses takes himself off to curl up on the footstool. Being back in his own room makes it more practical for having all his nightmare prep and then book and negligee in the familiar places. He takes the time to wash, shave, and repack his bag for leaving tomorrow, no dirty washing to leave for the crew. * Morgan2 settle onto the bed, opening the book ** Morgan2 has quit (Read error: EOF from client) ** Morgan2 has joined #7thsea (Ulysses) **The previous night's entry says: (Ulysses) "Sunday, October 18th, evening. I do hope you are enjoying these letters, if you are still reading them, and that the strength of my desire for you is not too much! (Ulysses) Tonight I will go back to my memories once more, to the night in your room at Die Dauerhaftigkeit where I first got to touch you properly. (Ulysses) It was such an exciting prospect, to be alone with you behind a locked door, and to know that you were keen to let me touch you at last. I was also so nervous I would get it wrong, despite the descriptions and instructions given to me on the Coral. I was worried that you had had many experiences during the War that I would not live up to! (Ulysses) Feeling you through your trousers was so arousing, the solidness of you, the idea that you were hard _for me_. It was surprising to me that I could make you that way. Getting to undress you was wonderful, and finally seeing you naked, seeing that part of you, was mind-blowing. (Ulysses) I had little idea of what to expect, but I thought you were magnificent. The raw intimacy of you being undressed and obviously aroused pleases me every time, but the memory of that first time still makes me ache with desire, and that is what I shall think of, your manhood so engorged and how it felt to take you in my hand and draw out sounds of desire and pleasure from you. (Ulysses) And then watching you those last moments before you peaked, knowing that I was making you feel good, that I was seeing to your needs was blissful. Your release delighted me. I had an idea what to expect, but I did not know it would be quite so forceful, so… inherently masculine and captivating. (Ulysses) Just thinking of you losing yourself in strong pulses and the heat of your release upon my hand has me struggling to not fidget in my seat as I write this, and I am sure will have me climaxing intensely the night you read this. I look forward to feeling your release upon my skin again soon. Sweet dreams, my love xxx" * Morgan2 closes the book, settling down to sleep (Ulysses) **Having waited quietly on the footstool once more, the cat joins him in the bed, snuggling into the warmth. Man and feline are both soon asleep** (Ulysses) **Morgan Koertig, husband of Dietlinde, father of Jana, born a Veisgraf but now somewhat estranged from his Father and Brother, is chopping wood outside his cottage, the rooster shrieking at him. The final September day in 1667 is still warm, and he's sweating from the exertion. The effort makes his blood warm and his muscles sing, like on the battlefield. (Ulysses) **He would consider putting the energy to use, were Dietlinde home, rather than with Jana at her parent's house for the afternoon. Instead he keeps chopping, preparing the wood shed for the coming winter. He suspects that it's more than just winter that is coming, because Dietlinde has been disinterested in breakfast the last few days, like she was with Jana. (Ulysses) **It's an exciting prospect, and all feels good in his little corner of the world, until he sees Edward walking down the sloping path towards the cottage. ** You're now known as Edward * Morgan2 sighs, watching his brother approach * Edward looks uncharacteristically rough, a few unshaven days, but characteristically disapproving as he looks around Morgan's tiny homestead. * Edward watches Morgan. He looks like he has a stick up his ass, as Heinzharold would say, his expression serious. He gets to about ten feet from Morgan (Edward) Are you alone? * Morgan2 nods (Edward) We need to talk. Now. **he doesnt seem upset or angry, he seems more disdainful* (Morgan2) why? (Edward) You have fucked things up, Morgan. Fucked them up more than I can keep fixing. * Morgan2 sighs (Morgan2) bit melodramatic don’t you think * Edward scowls (Edward) This is not the time for behaving like Heinzharold. (Morgan2) pack it in then... say your piece (Edward) There's several plans in play to annexe us, and they are starting to spill into one another. I've spent years soothing tensions, and I thought myself out of all options but one. (Morgan2) being? (Edward) Dietlinde and Jana are removed, and you sort yourself out to be the Graf Sudlachenburg needs in the future. (Morgan2) fuck off edward (Edward) No, Morgan. It's too late for you to keep burying your head in the sand, planting your pretty flowers and singing lullabies. You've avoided all the hell of the last three years and ditched it all on me while you play house. (Morgan2) they are not being ‘removed’ (Edward) Do you know what will happen to Sudlachenburg if we're annexed? Don't you know what happened in Karlsruhe? Hundreds of men will die, women will be raped in the streets (Morgan2) I will work with you, but that is not an option (Edward) I have done _everything_ I can. I _had_ hired a hitman, some poor soldier I knew with too many children and his brother's children too, and offered him a large sum to set fire to the cottage whilst you were out. (Morgan2) you clearly have decided your life is to come to an end... (Edward) You have left me no choice! I told Mina, Lady Haspburg, that is. She begged me to undo it, and to make you a deal. (Morgan2) what you come to me with is no deal... it is a demand (Edward) The deal is this: You take Dietlinde and Jana to Catterick. Father disowns you. I take on the responsibility of being the Veisgraf and making Sudlachenburg safe. (Morgan2) father acknowledges Dietlinde, I stay here and we work together to stop tthe he people who think like you... (Edward) You are so fucking naive! You have no idea what is coming for us! (Morgan2) no, because you’ve kept your secrets, thinking you know better than all others (Edward) I know that our home survived the War, and there have been more than thirty Freiarrs, Veisgrafs and Grafs plotting to take it. You have given them an excuse. We are humiliated and shames (Edward) Shamed* (Morgan2) so instead of trying to mend fences, you plot to kill my wife and daughter... some fucking hero you are, talking about shame... what shame would mother feel finding out you plotted to murder her granddaughter? * Edward puts his hands in his pockets (Edward) She knows, Morgan. They both know. I spoke to them this morning. (Morgan2) and yet you remain... (Edward) Because they understand what you have done, the danger you have put is in. Father has an obligation to protect Sudlachenburg from annexation, and the best way to do that is to fix what you did. (Morgan2) then you and he have nothing but th illusion of honour. you disgust me. my family, those who are not shades of what they claim to be, will be on our way in a couple of days. * Edward looks at Morgan "Why did you have to do this to us Morgan? You knew the rules. You were born a Veisgraf. I looked up to you" (Morgan2) nd instead of supporting me, plot against me. I stand true to myself, I do not claim to be a man of honour and plot to murder women and children, I do not drive people from their homes. (Edward) You'll just let hundreds of men and women and children die to save two. You'll let mother end up like Lady Karlsruhe, gang raped by soldiers and throwing herself from the roof! (Morgan2) go now. your presence taints the land upon which you stand. some man you are. I do hope no misfortune is visited upon you for your love... (Edward) Fine. Just get out of Sudlachenburg. Stop using the title or the Koertig name. You save those two, and as I have been the last three years, I'll save all the rest. (Morgan2) pray I never see you again, Edward... * Edward turns on his heel, making a move towards the sloping path "You won't, because you will be banished" (Morgan2) run, Edward, if I catch you, I’m going to kill you... * Morgan2 starts walking purposefully towards him * Edward speeds up faster * Morgan2 breaks into a run * Edward managed to evade him. Morgan had then received a letter from Verity, urging him to go to Catterick because she could still make sure her beloved son had a place in the world. He had taken his wife, daughter, and according to Dietlinde, his unborn child, to the safety of an old navy comrade he knew in Johstadt, where he'd had the notification of the end of the War. Only Heinzharold knew, because he had been sent there with strict instructions to make sure noone hurt them. (Edward) ** Then Morgan had boarded a ship, ready to go and pave the way with Uncle Christopher and prepare somewhere for his family to live. The ship was beautiful, fast but huge, and he had quarters as fancy as the Captain, a former Vaticine sailor. (Edward) The woman who owned the Purple Rose was not on board, and her background was a secret. The trip was pleasant, and he is only two days sail and half a day's ride from Catterick.** (Edward) **He wakes up, not realising he was just dreaming, still sure he is now Morgan Hockridge, formerly Koertig, and it is October 20th, but it is 1667, not 1670, and he is that man of the past. (Edward) It is barely before dawn, and he likes to watch the sun rise. The ship's cat follows him up onto the deck, miaowing insistently. It's a cute little chap, black and white with markings like a pirate's eye patch and beard. ** You're now known as Sorgi (Sorgi) **The cat leads him towards a man using a sextant, Captain Sorgenheim** (Morgan2) captain... how long now TIL we make land? * Sorgi smiles at him (Sorgi) We found a small tear in a sail this morning, so we will be sailing in about half an hour, making Denholme at about nine, m'lord (Morgan2) Denholme? why are we docking there? (Sorgi) To go to Ilchester? Have you changed plans? (Morgan2) I’m sorry, where? * Sorgi looks at him (Sorgi) To try and find Dau... * Morgan2 looks at him, confused (Sorgi) How much of the Avebury Moonshine did you all drink last night?! (Morgan2) excuse me captain, but... I don’t understand. (Sorgi) That drink you brought back from your friend there... Maelwys, was it? (Morgan2) I’ve... never been there... * Sorgi frowns (Sorgi) Do you know where Molly and Varick are? **the second name is familiar only because his cousin has a four year old son with it, but the name Molly is just an Avalon girls name* * Morgan2 scratches his head (Morgan2) I’m afraid I don’t know who you’re talking about * Sorgi draws a deep breath (Sorgi) Alright... Let's go to your quarters, I'll bring a map in a minute and we'll sort out this issue with the route, alright? * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) as you wish captain * Sorgi lets him lead the way, following along. The cat follows too, miaowing wildly (Morgan2) talkative little fella isn’t he (Sorgi) He is. Do you know what his name is? * Morgan2 shakes his head (Morgan2) can’t say I do (Sorgi) His name is Ulysses, like in the book The Odyssey * Morgan2 nods (Sorgi) **They get to the room, and Sorgi opens the door for him (Sorgi) I won't be long. Do you like being called m'lord, or do you prefer something else? (Morgan2) Morgan’s fine (Sorgi) Not Mr Koertig? * Morgan2 scowls (Morgan2) no, I’m not able to use that name any longer * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Very well, Morgan. I'll be back soon. Help yourself to whiskey or scotch on the bookshelf * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) thank you captain * Sorgi shuts the door, the cat staying with Morgan. ** You're now known as Ulysses * Morgan2 gets a scotch and sits on the wrong side of the desk * Ulysses rubs against Morgan's legs * Morgan2 leans down, stroking the cat * Ulysses sniffs his hand, then goes to the bed room. A few moments later there is the swishing sound of fabric being dragged along smooth floorboards, coming towards him (Morgan2) strange cat you are * Ulysses brings a black satin negligee to him, the sort of thing only wealthy courtesans wear. * Ulysses miaows (Morgan2) uuhhhh, no, best you put that back * Ulysses miaows again (Morgan2) no no, don’t want to be messing with someone’s luggage * Ulysses tries to put it on Morgan's lap insistently (Ulysses) **The scent of Roses and a woman reaches him. It smells nice, but it definitely doesn't smell like his wife and her lily of the valley perfume he buys her * Morgan2 takes it reluctantly before placing it on the desk (Ulysses) **It feels warm, not like luggage, like it's been in contact with a body for hours * Morgan2 frowns at (Morgan2) strange * Ulysses gets up on the desk beside it, miaowing loudly (Morgan2) is it your bed? (Ulysses) **Morgan's sharp hearing picks up fast footsteps, three sets. There's also rushed talking** * Ulysses just watches him * Morgan2 gets up, moving to the far corner of the room (Ulysses) **The voices sound eerily familiar. One is the Captain, another sounds like his friend Claudia, who was supposed to be off training a standing army in Wische, perhaps Rheinpfalz? * Morgan2 watches the door (Ulysses) **Sorgi opens it. Claudia does come in, and following him is Heinzharold. Sorgi closes and locks the door. They all watch him ** You're now known as HH (HH) What's goin' on, Morgan? (Morgan2) what the hell are you doing here?! * HH frowns (HH) Helping you find Colonel Dau (Morgan2) you’re supposed to be in johstadt * HH and Claudia look at each other with confusion (HH) Why? (Morgan2) you’re supposed to be keeping dietlinde and Jana safe while I go sort things out wth my uncle... * HH looks like he's been punched in the gut. Sorgi rubs his forehead. Claudia throws him a flask "Drink." * Morgan2 watches them seriously (Morgan2) I think maybe you need to tell me what’s going on this time... (HH) **they all look at each other, their expressions both grim and worried (HH) **Claudia walks into his bedroom, meanwhile HH comes to him (HH) Morgan, listen to me. Like last time, in Zweibrucke, I think you've had a dream that's makin' you believe something that isn't true * Morgan2 frowns (Morgan2) I don’t understand (HH) I know, old friend. We're going to get you sorted, a'right? **he notices HH is wearing a wedding ring as HH takes his hand** (Morgan2) when the hell did you get married? (HH) **Claudia shouts from the bedroom** Found it * HH doesnt even smile "Tell y' what, let's have some scotch, maybe a bit more sleep, then I'll tell ya all about the special angel that fell from heaven into my lap, alright? (Morgan2) I’m not tired... I just want to know what’s going on... has something happened to them? (HH) **Claudia comes back in with a small jar, unscrewing it* (HH) Where they are, they're safe. (HH) **Claudia holds the jar to Morgan** Put a bit of this under your nose * Morgan2 blinks a couple of times (Morgan2) why? what is it (HH) Claudia holds it a little away from her, breathing shallowly: Just something that helps you feel calm * Morgan2 takes it, sniffing it reluctantly (HH) **Sorgi quietly calls Claudia and HH to him. It smells like whatever would smell most calming to him at this point** * Morgan2 smells it again, inhaling deeper this time (HH) **The three of them crowd together, whispering** HH: if we can get him to sleep, he might wake up okay... C: better yet, he might hop into Molly's dream and maybe that will fix it. S: Unless we just tell him... (Morgan2) tell me what (HH) **The three of them look at each other, they look deeply unhappy, HH looks bordering on scared. * HH and Claudia come to the couch by the window, waiting for Morgan to join them * Morgan2 does so (HH) Look, old friend, what date do you think it is? (Morgan2) October twentieth * HH nods, looking a little relieved (HH) C: what year? * Morgan2 looks at her like she’s lost her mind (Morgan2) sixty seven * HH and Claudia look at each other. They each hold one of his hands (HH) Morgan, its sixteen seventy. What did you dream last night? * Morgan2 shrugs (Morgan2) nothing * HH sighs (HH) Listen, if I ask you, will you have a big glass of scotch and a nap, for me? (Morgan2) why? you’re freaking me out (HH) I know, man, I know. But maybe you will wake up and all this will be less confusing * Morgan2 watches him for a moment (Morgan2) this is freaking you out too * HH looks very pale (HH) Yes it is * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) alright (HH) You'll do it? (HH) **The cat brings over the negligee, putting it at Morgan's feet * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) I’ll try * HH looks at Claudia, looking relieved (HH) **Sorgi brings Morgan a huge glass of scotch, handing it to him. The cat tries to drag the negligee up on his lap again** (Morgan2) why is the cat doing that? * HH looks at the cat, trying to think up an excuse (HH) It's mine. I... like the way it feels. (Morgan2) horseshit * HH picks it up, rubbing it to his face. Then he sneezes from the cat fur (HH) Mine, see. So soft. (HH) C: Drink your scotch. * Morgan2 does so (HH) **Heinzharold very carefully folds it up, putting it next to him (HH) Lets get you back to bed, eh? I won't model it for ya, so dont ask (Morgan2) lead the way * HH does so * Morgan2 follows him (HH) **On the bed is a book, but HH goes to close the curtains * Morgan2 sits on the bed (HH) I'll come back in an hour or so, see how you are * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) alright * HH spots the book on the bed, brows raising a little (HH) Ahh... * HH makes a move towards it * Morgan2 watches him (HH) I... dunno how my book got in here * Morgan2 shrugs * HH picks it up very carefully (HH) I'll take this with me (Morgan2) alright (HH) Take off y' boots, lie down * Morgan2 nods, taking his boots off and propping himself up against the headboard (HH) **he notices as he's doing so he's got the wrong wedding ring on * Morgan2 raises his hand (Morgan2) where’s my ring? * HH watches him a minute (HH) Left it behind for safe keeping. This is just a different one * Morgan2 frowns before tilting his head back and closing his eyes (HH) **The alcohol hits him, and his body relaxes. He is already half asleep when he hears HH shut the door behind himself** (HH) **He finds himself at the Sudlache, skipping stones. Its peaceful, and gradually he calmly transitions from thinking they are still alive to being in reality. It is so calm and tranquil here that it doesn't cause any severe distress. Finally he is back to normal and realises he is dreaming. * Morgan2 tries to wake up (HH) **he manages it. The room is dark, but the edge of the curtains is quite bright. The ship is moving. He can hear the faintest sound that could be crying * Morgan2 rubs his fingers together (HH) ((Distress and desperation?)) (Morgan2) ((fairly high but no mega)) (HH) **They're tingling but it doesnt feel urgent** (Morgan2) \me climbs off the bed, going out into the study (HH) **As he opens the door, Claudia who was sat resting against it falls onto her back, bumping her head on the floor ** You're now known as cla ** You're now known as Claudia (Claudia) Fuck! * Morgan2 crouches to help her up (Morgan2) shit, I’m sorry * Claudia looks up at him (Claudia) What year is it? (Morgan2) seventy (Claudia) Who is Molly? * Morgan2 sighs (Morgan2) I know what’s going on Claudia * Claudia 's breath rushes out with relief (Claudia) Thank fuck for that. **she rubs the back of her head then brushes her sleeve over her eyes** Hit the ground so hard my eyes are watering * Morgan2 looks at her (Morgan2) don’t lie to me... we both know you were crying at the loss of my ascerbic wit (Claudia) Shut up. * Claudia smiles slightly * Morgan2 helps her up * Claudia looks at him (Claudia) Jesus christ, Morgan, you scared the fuck out of us. (Claudia) **theres no sign of HH or Sorgi** * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) you had it easy compared to last time (Claudia) Only because you would cooperate (Morgan2) no, last time I was going through that visceral grief... I was a danger to myself... at least this time I was clueless (Claudia) We didn't know if it was going to be permanent, if we were going to have to tell you... * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) I remember (Claudia) Fucking hell. We need to find Heinzharold, he's busy working out the quickest way to get Molly here to try healing you * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) I’ll get my boots * Claudia nods * Claudia watches him do it, just stood in the doorway (Morgan2) alright, let’s go * Claudia nods, leading the way. There's no sign of the book or negligee (Morgan2) I assume he has mollys... nightwear, and my book? * Claudia nods (Claudia) He was putting them away incase you flipped your lid about her and destroyed them, then came to your senses * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) sensible * Claudia nods (Claudia) **They find HH in the ballroom with a map (Morgan2) you can put that away * Claudia pats his arm "I'll tell Sorgi" * Claudia goes ** You're now known as HH * HH looks exhausted and emotionally drained (HH) You alright? * Morgan2 nods * HH comes and hugs him really hard (HH) Scared th' shit out of me, Morgan. * Morgan2 hugs him tight (Morgan2) I know. I’m sorry. (HH) Not your fault. Sure you're okay? * Morgan2 nods * HH lets him go (HH) What th' fuck happened? (Morgan2) had a dream... woke up still in it, sort of (HH) Like in Zweibrucke? (Morgan2) sort of * HH nods (HH) Thought we'd have to give up on Dau, go home * Morgan2 nods * HH looks at him, harrowed (HH) I thought I was going to have to tell you * Morgan2 nods * HH sighs heavily (HH) What now? (Morgan2) you need to get some rest... how far out of denholme are we? (HH) Fifteen minutes (Morgan2) maybe you should stay on the ship this time (HH) And if that happens again out on the road somewhere and it's just you and Claudia? (Morgan2) I know what you’re saying but you’re exhausted (HH) I'll be alright. (Morgan2) at least get some rest before we make land (HH) Alright, I'll go and look at my lil darlin for ten minutes, if that makes y' happy. Coming to get your things? * Morgan2 nods * HH folds the map, leading the way. In the double room, the sketch of Inga has been pinned to the wall side on so he can see her as if she was lying next to him * HH gets down a dress of Ingas from high shelf and unwrap the negligee and book, handing it to morgan * Morgan2 takes them carefully (Morgan2) thank you (HH) Sorry I rubbed it on m' face * Morgan2 nods (HH) I shoulda just said it was my wife's, but I wasn' thinking straight (Morgan2) h@d a fair bit on your mind * HH kicks off his boots lying down (HH) I'll be ready to go soon * Morgan2 nods, heading to the door * HH turns to face the wall * Morgan2 goes off to find songs (HH) **he hears HH quietly say "Could really do with you bein' here today, lil darlin..." * Morgan2 sighs, going looking for the captain (HH) **Sorgi is busy getting the ship in a good position. The dock is faintly visible in the distance. Claudia is nowhere to be seen ** You're now known as Sorgi * Morgan2 goes to stand near sorgi * Sorgi looks at Morgan (Sorgi) Welcome back, m'lord (Morgan2) sorgi... (Sorgi) Still going to Ilchester? * Morgan2 nods * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Do you want to talk about what happened? (Morgan2) I’ll explain it another time... suffice to say I woke from a dream and thought it real * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) I guessed it was something like that * Morgan2 nods (Morgan2) you were very gentle with me * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Molly and I spoke when you both came to the ship, how to handle it if it happened again * Morgan2 nods (Sorgi) Maybe think about it whilst you're travelling; what do you want us to do or say, do we get you to sleep, or tell you the truth? ** Morgan2 has quit (Read error: EOF from client) ** You are now disconnected