------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 21 October 2021 10:08:46 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea * Morgan grumbles as he rolls out of bed to get dressed (HH) **rain batters at his window, it's still dark outside * Morgan opens the book for today (HH) Thursday 22nd, morning. Good morning, liebes herz. The end of the month will be rapidly approaching by now. This is certainly not what we intended, was it? By now, we were to be in Catterick, exploring your family estate. However, there will be time for that in our future. (HH) I feel so blessed that my future life is with you. You are the world to me, my love, my everything. I hope that if you are not yet on your way home to me, it will not be much longer! Yours Molly xx * Morgan packs his things away before heading down to fill his waterskin * HH and Claudia are stood drinking coffee watching from the window they were sat by yesterday. They have bags on the floor but no coats on. There's not much to see out there yet, not quite first light (HH) If we chance it, we migh' get stuck again, or end up out there with no shelter (HH) C: And we might not! We might get back to Denholme today * HH shrugs "we'll see what he says" (Morgan) leave me out of it * HH and Claudia glance at him (HH) But we are waitin' on your instructions, almighty overlord * Morgan fills the skin before getting a cup of coffee (HH) Bad night? * Morgan shrugs, sipping the coffee * HH watches him (HH) Y' sposed to be keeping us in the know, remember? * Morgan rolls his shoulders (Morgan) I tell you about the dream where it wasn't Elsie? Was Molly and it broke her mind? (HH) Prob'ly, but let's assume you did (Morgan) it was another one of those... I'd gone and killed him *he frowns* * HH nods (HH) Unnerstandable * Morgan shakes his head slightly (Morgan) I didn't _just_ kill him (HH) No? (Morgan) no (HH) Buggin' you that you are gonna lose control? (Morgan) I don't think I lost it. I was just cruel. * HH puts a hand on his arm (HH) I'm not gonna let you do that * Morgan nods, drinking his coffee (HH) Jus' think of me like the lil angel on your shoulder, making y' do the right thing. *he hoiks his thumb at Claudia* an' she's the little devil on th' other encouraging you to beat him witless (HH) C: *she rolls her eyes, watching from the window* * HH whispers with a grin (HH) 'Cept when it comes to swivin', then we swap roles * Morgan drinks his coffee (Morgan) How bad are the roads looking? * HH shrugs (HH) A bit dark to see much yet, but fr'm what I can see, it's gonna be 'ard (Morgan) didn't expect anything else (HH) We gonna wait longer, or risk it? * Morgan moves, looking out of the window (Morgan) We go. I want to get back to Denholme today * HH nods, getting his coat (HH) **They get underway to a storm-torn world at first light. It becomes apparent that half a day's ride is likely to take them most of the day. There are downed trees, rutted roads with deep silty puddles. The horses are unhappy, the rain is continual, it's still breezy. All in all, the day is miserable all around. HH, just as he had to keep up spirits in Quatre Bras, starts singing. Unusually, Claudia joins in with him. (HH) ((Joins in?)) They do this whilst they have to do hard physical work to remove huge branches from the way and pick through slow going stretches. They talk little, hats down collars up. The lunch they eat is wet and not enjoyable. They hear the lowing of a cow at about one o'clock (Morgan) ((no)) * HH looks around, trying to pinpoint the sound (HH) Where y' reckon she is? * Morgan closes his eyes, listening (HH) **he manages to work out she's about fifty feet north west of them* * Morgan points (Morgan) that way, fifty feet or so (HH) **HH moves off the road, going to look. The land drops from the high point of the road, rolling down towards a stream in the far distance. The cow has obviously wandered far from her field, and is in a ditch full of mud and water three feet deep.** * Morgan follows him * HH looks at Morgan "Lookin' like a rescue mission." Claudia calls to them: We don't have time for this, and it's still fucking raining (HH) **The cow sounds distressed (Morgan) for fuck sake * HH smiles slightly (HH) Got any rope? * Morgan nods, motioning to his horse * HH gets down, finding the rope. He spends ten minutes preparing the cow for dragging out, then hands Morgan the rope, going behind the cow to push her despite the three feet of mud and water (HH) Right, go on then! * Morgan starts pulling (HH) **The cow moves a fraction, but her noise of pain is very loud and agonised (HH) Ah fuck! * HH gets around the side of the cow, plunging his hands deep into the mud and water, feeling around (HH) Leg's pinned tight 'tween two big rocks under there! *he yells up to Morgan, the rain battering down on him* * Morgan trudges over to try and help move them (HH) **It's slippery and heavy, and the cow is getting freaked out and skittish (HH) **The rocks are just too heavy and too deep to move, even with them both working at it. HH looks up at Morgan** this ain't workin' (Morgan) No... * HH sighs heavily, patting the cow (HH) What we gonna do? (Morgan) try with the rope around the rock, have the horses pull... failing that... (HH) **this takes them another twenty minutes of effort but gains them nothing (Morgan) Its not working * HH shakes his head (HH) Nope (HH) C: Heinzharold, come and hold the horses * HH climbs back out of the ditch. Claudia calmly climbs down into it, coming to the cow whilst looking at Morgan (HH) C: Hold her head steady. * Morgan watches her for a moment before nodding and doing so (HH) **Claudia isn't at all affected as she places her pistol at the cow's temple** * HH looks then leads the horses further away from the inevitable noise (HH) C: Got her steady? * Morgan tries to keep the animal calm before nodding (HH) C: **she pulls the trigger. Though the cow jolts a little, the kill is quick and clean, and the animal collapses into the mud. Claudia climbs back out. * Morgan pats it for a moment before following her up * HH hands Morgan his reins "Fucks sake. Really thought we were gonna manage that" * Morgan nods, taking them and hauling himself into the saddle (HH) C: Then she'd have gone around and eventually gotten hurt anyway. Come on, let's get back to the ship. * HH climbs onto his horse, patting his hat down tighter with filthy hands (HH) Hey, Morgan? (Morgan) aye... (HH) Those hot baths still on offer? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I won't even ask you to share * HH nods (HH) Prob'ly best, I think some of this is shit (Morgan) I've no doubt (HH) C: **she urges her horse on, back into the strong winds and heavy rain** Have I told you that I hate this damn country yet? (Morgan) Might have mentioned it * HH waves a dirty hand nonchalantly "only about once or an 'undred times!" (HH) C: *she huffs* * HH just grins at Morgan (HH) Still a better country th'n Vendel. (Morgan) that crap on your hands is better than Vendel (HH) **They both laugh. They get back on the road, and HH comes up with a big list of awful things that are still better like Vendel. Eventually as three o'clock arrives, they see the sea, and soon after, the dock. Finally, the beautiful ship that has become a home away from home is visible. The horses are taken and tended, and Sorgi insists on them all getting dried off while he sorts a tub for bathing in Morgan's study and plenty of water. * HH starts stripping down in the centre of Morgan's room, trying not to touch any furniture. He's shirtless and barefoot when he starts to undo his trousers. (HH) C: You realise we're still here, right? * HH grins "Sorry, gotten used to just taking it all off with Inga around" * Morgan nudges Claudia (Morgan) come on, lets get some coffee (HH) **she nods, her boots off and trouser cuffs rolled to keep the mud contained, far less dirty than the others. The galley is empty but there's plenty of coffee ** You're now known as Claudia (Claudia) Glad to be back? (Morgan) glad to be off that fucking road * Claudia nods (Claudia) Maybe they got pinned down by it to, we might be only two days behind them still (Morgan) Does it seem that our luck is running that way?\ * Claudia snorts (Claudia) The way it's going I'm going to spend years chasing this swine through Vendel and Vodacce. * Morgan looks at her (Morgan) how are you doing? * Claudia nods (Claudia) I'm okay * Claudia drinks some coffee (Claudia) You? * Morgan sighs, shrugging (Claudia) Look, we'll get Thirlow done and get you back home, okay? (Morgan) I'll br alright. I've just had my fill of feeling like things are being stacked against us * Claudia nods (Claudia) Nine days. That's it. In nine days we should be back in Tawstock (Morgan) But not with him in tow * Claudia nods "beginning to feel like it, isnt it?" * Morgan nods, scowling (Claudia) But we might catch him there, if we dont find him in Thirlow (Morgan) which rather makes all of this pointless (Claudia) **There's a sound of crew dragging a metal tub and rolling a barrel of water towards his rooms (Claudia) Its not though, because it's given the three of us time together, time we haven't had since the War and might never get again (Morgan) since when were you the glass half full type * Claudia shrugs "I know the two of you want to be back with your wives, but for me, this has been good. You two are basically family to me, and I never thought I'd get to do this again" (Morgan) Something I want you to think about... * Claudia looks at him (Claudia) Yes? (Morgan) If you decide you want to be away from Sorgi... once she's afloat, there's the offer to captain the ship currently being built * Claudia nods (Claudia) I appreciate the offer * Claudia looks towards the door "Put a pin in this a minute, Heinzharold is going to need you first" * Morgan smirks before nodding, getting up and heading to his study * Claudia picks up a tray of coffee and some food, following "if we sit in your room, he can use the study, and we can all take turns like that" * Morgan nods (Claudia) **HH is tipping a bucket of water into the metal tub. It's not big, but it'll do them. The scars on his naked torso are few and far between (Claudia) HH: Heat up a bucket full too f' my hair, yeah? * Morgan nods, concentrating on the water in the tub (Claudia) **Its very easy. On the desk, HH has obviously raised Morgans room for towels, and has also taken three cream flannels ** * Morgan picks the flannels up, taking them back into his room * Claudia takes the tray to the bedroom, sitting on the footstool. She watches Morgan (Claudia) Probably need darker ones for this crap, otherwise it'll stain (Claudia) **HH shouts** hey, I needed one of them! * Morgan nods, finding darker ones and taking them back out to the study (Claudia) **HH thanks him** Best not ruin her Excellencies nice things, eh? * Morgan speaks very quietly (Morgan) She got those in case I needed them after reading the book in the evenings... (Claudia) **HH starts laughing. Then he suddenly stops laughing, looking at Morgan* They're unused, right? (Morgan) the one in the washing that got stolen wasn't... * Morgan wanders back through to his room (Claudia) **HH starts laughing hard, and is still laughing for most of his bath** ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 21 October 2021 13:45:33 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected (Network connection lost) ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected (Network connection lost) ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 21 October 2021 13:46:07 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 21 October 2021 14:12:55 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Claudia) He's cheered up I hear * Claudia sips her coffee (Morgan) Not for long (Claudia) Normal moping will resume shortly no doubt (Morgan) Sheer outrage I would imagine * Claudia looks perplexed (Claudia) Why? (Morgan) You'll see * Claudia looks at him, speaking quietly"what did you do?" (Morgan) Nothing at all (Claudia) Uh huh... Captaining does sound good. This trip has reminded me that I enjoy this life * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know you like to keep moving, but... I'd like to think you have _some_ stability, a place that you control, you know? * Claudia nods (Claudia) How soon? (Morgan) I'm expecting the first ship to be ready in about a month... but there's no deadline to this... If you want to stay around Sorgi for longer, thats no issue * Claudia sips the coffee (Claudia) I dont know. (Morgan) You don't know what? (Claudia) Staying... going... * Claudia sighs * Morgan nods (Morgan) I thought you meant you didn't know about captaining... look, there's no pressure or judgement either way, and no implying of anything, but that offer stands regardless. May i give my view of what I think you should do? * Claudia nods (Claudia) Yes (Morgan) Stay where he is. There's no commitment or compulsion to do anything, but he is good for you, he's helped you enormously and I would see _that_ continue as long as possible * Claudia nods (Claudia) It's like I have a reluctance to leave that makes no fucking sense. Captaining would be good. I'd be good at it, and I'd make you good money... * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know... * Claudia shakes her head (Claudia) Maybe you're right. I dont have to figure this all out right now (Morgan) No, you really don't... I know that that reluctance bothers you... but it doesn't need to make sense, there's no pressing need to be elsewhere. (Claudia) Fucking fate witch. My head hasn't been properly straight since her and her horseshit. (Morgan) She's been bothering me (Claudia) **In the other room, HH is still chuckling to himself (Claudia) Wishing that I would see clearly. Now all I'm doing is getting in my own head and overthinking shit. That's not me, not what I _do_ (Morgan) You're not overthinking... you're working at understanding something you don't want to, and its bothering you... * Claudia nods (Claudia) How is she bothering y- *There's a big splash and a shriek from the other room* * Morgan grins slowly * Claudia looks at Morgan questioningly (Morgan) I'd guess he's just tried to do his hair (Claudia) HH: I'm gonna beat you black an' blue, Morgan! * Claudia laughs "what did you do?" (Morgan) just what I said... nothing (Claudia) You left the water cold? * Morgan nods slightly (Claudia) **HH can be heard muttering* * Claudia laughs (Claudia) Oh he's going to sulk now! * Morgan nods (Morgan) but he's not going to be moping * Claudia nods (Claudia) **HH opens the door, towel around his waist (Claudia) HH: Not funny, Morgan, you know what you are? * Morgan tilts his head a moment (Morgan) a bastard? (Claudia) HH: **He turns around, parting the towel behind him to show his backside* A total ass! (Morgan) possibly... but at this point I'm a highly entertained total ass (Claudia) **HH covers himself back up, laughing** * Claudia shakes her head (Claudia) C: A sight I thought I'd never have to endure again! (Claudia) HH: I got that from Rosie. You 'member him, Claudia? * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) Not if I've only seen his ass (Claudia) HH: I'm going to get dressed. You can bail the tub yerself, Morgan * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) worth it (Claudia) HH: *he gives him the finger with a grin before leaving them, laughing to himself again** (Claudia) Makes up for not getting him on his birthday * Claudia stands up * Morgan nods (Claudia) I'll give you a hand * Morgan nods, standing up and heading to the tub (Claudia) **It takes a little while to bail the water but soon the tub is wiped down and refilled** You wanna go next? (Morgan) sure? I don't mind waiting (Claudia) I'm going to need to lock the door for my turn, so makes more sense for you to get sorted first * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright (Claudia) **she waits in his room for him to get bathed and dressed, then the bail and refill once more. She lays out her clean clothes (Claudia) Any chance I could get _hot_ water for my hair? (Morgan) I'll even let you check it first... (Claudia) Thank you * Morgan concentrates on the bucket of water then the bath (Morgan) check that * Claudia does "Perfect. I have to admit I was wary at first, but it's pretty damn nice to have hot water so easy" * Morgan nods, putting the key on the desk (Morgan) makes things a bit easier, doesn't it (Claudia) Sorry about locking you out of your rooms. I wont be long, I just can't have anyone walking in on me with nothing on, you know? (Morgan) Don't give it another thought... I'll be in the galley, I want some coffee * Claudia nods. She locks the door behind him. Dinner is being prepared in the galley, its busy but not so busy he doesnt get given coffee. Claudia is done before dinner, the tub fully bailed and wiped down, the floor has been wiped down and everything is perfectly tidy when the three of them settle to eat. (Claudia) **Sorgi joins them after eight when his watch is over, taking a seat beside Claudia and accepting coffee whilst turning down alcohol. (Claudia) M'lord, Claudia said you would want to talk to me about going not to Whitstable but to Durham? ** You're now known as Sorgi * Morgan nods (Morgan) thats right (Sorgi) **HH gets the map out and starts writing the plan down** (Sorgi) Her Excellency spoke to me about you taking a turn at captaining while we were away. The charts look good, it should be a smooth sail. Do you want to take the helm tomorrow? (Sorgi) **HH looks up from the map a moment to watch Morgan's reaction* (Morgan) Be honest Sorgi... is that a good idea given the other night? * Sorgi sips his coffee (Sorgi) I trust you with the ship, m'lord (Morgan) the people on it? * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) I trust you with them too * Morgan nods (Morgan) and you two? (Sorgi) HH grins: Mebbie you shoulda asked me before making me tip a bucket of cold water over my head? * Sorgi and Claudia laugh (Morgan) I didn't _make_ you do that (Sorgi) HH: Seriously though, you've talked 'bout being a Captain since we were ten * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes I know (Sorgi) I didn't know you'd known each other that long, m'lord * Morgan nods (Morgan) been friends since we were children (Morgan) well, he still is (Sorgi) *HH leans back in his chair, grinning* (Sorgi) C: They're both as bad as each other at times (Morgan) I daresay the good captain has seen the effect being around you pair has had on me * Sorgi smiles (Sorgi) You're more laidback than when I first met you, m'lord * Morgan nods (Morgan) I didn't even hit that noble yesterday... (Sorgi) HH: what was tha' about anyway? (Morgan) Which bit? (Sorgi) The noble (Morgan) he's bought the house (Sorgi) C: why might you have hit him? (Morgan) He was telling me how Dau was an arrogant ass, but its what you expect since Eisen men are a bunch of savages anyway (Sorgi) **All three of them look irritated by this** ** You are now disconnected (Network connection lost) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 21 October 2021 17:30:56 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Sorgi) C: Good job I didn't hear it. * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) he thought he was talking to an Avalonian roofer at the time... I'm not sure what bit scared him more, reading my calling card or when I put my arm around him... he became very still * Sorgi and the others laugh (Sorgi) HH: Pretty accurate, but not th' point. _We_ can say that about Eisens, but noone else can (Morgan) I educated him that we were trained to be savage, rather than being savages. Apologies were forthcoming (Sorgi) Is Dau likely to be in Thirlow then, mlors (Sorgi) M'lord?* (Sorgi) **The plan is to sail to Durham, the closest port to Catterick, Morgan and Co go to Thirlow Friday and Saturday. Sorgi or Koen ride through Coleraine with a letter asking for a character reference for Richard Roberts to be done urgently and stent by the next day to the Rose in Durham. (Sorgi) **Hopefully Morgan's letter to his uncle will mean Sorgi or Koen escorting Christopher and Morgan's mirror package to the Rose for Friday and Saturday nights. Morgan and co, hopefully with Kai, will arrive Saturday afternoon. Then Christopher will go home and the Rose will set sail for Tawstock. * Morgan sighs (Morgan) its our last chance to catch him here I think * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) What are we going to Durham instead for? ((If he lays it out as is, just say)) (Morgan) ((yep)) * Sorgi nods "I can do that. I'll need you to write some things down in Avalonian for me incase I need it, m'lord" * Morgan nods (Morgan) what sort of things? (Sorgi) How to ask for directions, introduce myself, get a horse and so forth (Morgan) I can do that for you (Sorgi) Thank you, m'lord. We have a few minor repairs to make in the morning, but it won't take long (Morgan) repairs? (Sorgi) The wind has frayed some rope, a couple of sail holes need stitching. No problem * Morgan nods (Morgan) right ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 21 October 2021 17:55:59 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea (Sorgi) **The three of them say goodnight just before ten, and not long after he can make out Sorgi and Claudia in the study next door, but not the words. Ulysses comes to him, purring** ** You're now known as Ulysses * Morgan fusses the cat (Morgan) hello my little friend * Ulysses climbs on his chest, rubbing his face on Morgan's beard (Morgan) Been a rubbish few days hasn't it * Ulysses miaows questioningly * Morgan rubs his chin against the cat * Ulysses does this for a little while before looking for Morgan's bag * Morgan fetches out the negligee and book (Ulysses) **The negligee is starting to lose a little of the scent of her already * Morgan sighs, breathing it in deeply * Ulysses sniffs it too, looking at Morgan and miaowing (Morgan) I know, its not as strong anymore * Ulysses gets down, going to the wardrobe and scratching at the door * Morgan goes and opens it (Ulysses) **The scent of her is stronger here amongst the dresses she hasn't taken with her. At the front is the one she was wearing the evening he first kissed her** (Morgan) Well done captain... I hadn't thought of that * Ulysses meows * Morgan buries his face in the dress, inhaling deeply before backing away and closing the door * Ulysses rubs against his legs, then goes to settle on the footstool as usual * Morgan nods, getting on with his nightmare prep before getting undressed and into bed, opening the book (Ulysses) **The previous night's letter says: Wednesday 21st, evening. So, my love, this is my second night of writing, and I am noticeably calmer. Sadly, my love, I am running out of time to write such long letters for your nights. I do wonder how you are, whether you are coping alone with your needs, or whether you never feel fully satiated. (Ulysses) **I can quite imagine that no matter how I use my hands, nor where I find my pleasure, I will be left aching and yearning for you. (Ulysses) I imagine I will need you, need the way you push into me so deeply, the way my body welcomes you and fits you. I will need those deep, deep strokes, your rhythm. No matter how I pleasure myself, it never satisfies me like being intimate with you. My fingers are a poor substitute for the feel of you. (Ulysses) Tonight I shall simply yearn to take you inside me as I push my fingers into my core, trying to move them in all the wonderful ways you move. I shall think of how good it first felt, and how good it will feel once you are home and here to take me again. I will yearn for that so badly, to feel how you enjoy me, how my body pleases you. (Ulysses) I will yearn for how you slow and grind into me, and how you swell and the way you breathe as you release as deep into me as you can, just holding you in my arms and in my body. I hope that wherever you are tonight you can also imagine how good it will feel to join with me again. I pray that the time will be soon! Xx * Morgan sighs, closing the book * Ulysses opens one eye (Morgan) come on then * Ulysses joins him, going under the sheets, and falls asleep quickly * Morgan tries to follow his example (Ulysses) **It takes him a while, but eventually he drifts off** (Ulysses) **Morgan finds himself in the main entrance hall of Die Dauerhaftigkeit. Not only is it yellow tone, but it has been redecorated, lighter, more cheerful colours. There's newly arrived correspondence on a small table. In Morgan's arms there is a tiny baby, a week old at most, fast asleep. He has Morgan's hair colour and chin, wrapped in a beautifully embroidered blue blanket with the name "Hans" within the pattern. * Morgan tries to get a look at the correspondence (Ulysses) **They are all addressed "Graf Morgan Koertig, Sudlachenburg" * Morgan sighs, trying to flick one open to read it (Ulysses) **From outside, he hears talking. It sounds like Edward. It starts "Dear Morgan, I hope by the time this reaches you you will be a Father once more! My deepest congratulations and felicitations to you and your wife-" It is in his uncle's handwriting * Morgan nods, moving towards the sound of Edwards voice (Ulysses) **Edward opens the door for Molly. She looks very fashionable, hair high and made up, her royal blue day dress as fancy as many noble women's evening dresses. Edward looks very dapper too. He is very solicitous to her, and she thanks him with a warm smile. (Ulysses) **Edward is the first to see Morgan. There's a hint of tension but no hostility. He looks at the baby in Morgan's arms** The new Veisgraf Sudlachenburg? Or a new Lady Koertig? (Morgan) the former... ** You're now known as Molly * Molly curtsies a little to Morgan, smiling politely "Good afternoon, my Lord. Congratulations upon the birth of your son" * Morgan inclines his head (Molly) "Eddie and I did wonder if we would arrive to a baby or to the anticipation of an arrival. I hope the Grafin is well and resting?" * Morgan nods (Morgan) Aye * Molly comes nearer, looking at the baby. She smiles, looking up "Oh, Morgan, he is just divine!" * Morgan nods (Morgan) he is (Molly) **Edward comes to look too** He looks just like you, brother. (Morgan) he's not that unlucky * Molly looks to Edward, smiling "You're an uncle again". Edward nods, smiling back at her. He wraps an arm around her waist** Indeed, Taubchen **his nickname means little dove** * Molly looks to Morgan "How has Jana taken to baby…? *she waits for the name** (Morgan) Hans... she's taken to it more or less as expected (Molly) *She smiles warmly** Like your uncle! Your Father would have liked that * Morgan nods (Molly) I have some things for her in the carriage, new dresses from Freiburg, and a new doll. Shall I have someone fetch them? (Molly) E: I'll go *he kisses her cheek, making her smile. Edward wanders off outside, hands in his pockets * Molly looks to Morgan, biting her lip excitedly "May I please hold him?" * Morgan nods, handing the child over * Molly takes him so gently. She looks at the baby with a wistful sigh, and reverts to Avalonian without thinking "Look at you, little man, aren't you just gorgeous, hmm?!" * Molly rocks him gently side to side, and looks up at Morgan with a smile, going back to Eisen "I don't know how any woman can hold a baby without feeling broody!" * Morgan nods (Molly) **The baby fidgets a little, bringing his hand to his mouth. Molly sighs audibly, looking absolutely smitten** Oh, Morgan, you are so _lucky!_ * Morgan nods (Molly) **Edward comes back in with their bags. He watches Molly with the baby, smiling. Reinhardt appears from an inner door and comes over, bowing to the visitors** Shall I take your bags, my Lord? **Edward nods** (Molly) Not the parcel, please, Reinhardt. I will take that up to the nursery myself, if that is alright with the Graf? *she looks to Morgan* * Morgan nods (Morgan) of course (Molly) Thank you, I am so excited to see her again **Baby Hans starts to fuss, and Molly says soothingly** Oh, sweet boy, you want your Mother, I imagine! Morgan, would you like me to take him back to her? (Morgan) since you're heading that way, please * Molly sings Kosk Yn Ta softly to him as she carefully carries him up, a song Morgan hasn't heard her sing in almost two weeks. (Molly) **Edward puts his hands in his pockets, watching her bottom as she goes** Things are still tense outside Sudlachenburg, but there's no major plots being hatched, and you having a son will settle some of it further. * Morgan nods (Morgan) anyone in particular to worry about? (Molly) Dreschler, Maubourg (Molly) Moll has helped though. She's such a little socialite. I tell her who at a party is a risk to us, and she wraps them around her little finger. **he smiles fondly** * Morgan nods (Molly) When the women are busy talking, I need to talk to you about the future ** You're now known as Edward (Morgan) alright... (Edward) If things do settle down, I am going to propose. (Morgan) I see (Edward) **Suddenly, Edward stops moving, breathing or blinking. The air that was circulating from the open window stills, and he can no longer hear birdsong or the clock in the hall ticking. Everything here seems paused. ** You're now known as Molly * Molly walks down the hall to the top of the stairs, looking around with a frown * Morgan watches her * Molly stands at the top of the stairs. Edward disappears. * Morgan makes a slight 'huh' * Molly watches him, frowning slightly (Molly) Liebes herz? (Morgan) blossom... (Molly) Are you really here? * Morgan nods * Molly smiles warmly, coming quickly down the stairs and takes his hands (Molly) Are you alright?! Are the others alright?! * Morgan nods, pulling her to him (Morgan) we're fine. Had a few issues, and the weather was atrocious, but we're ok * Molly wraps her arms around his waist tightly (Molly) I asked Kit if he knew anything about fate witches knowing they would die, he said they do, because their death puts a strain on the threads of those around them, particularly causing conflict and bad luck * Morgan nods (Morgan) explains a few things (Molly) I've been worrying for days! * Molly leans back enough to look up at his face (Molly) God I miss you, liebes herz! (Morgan) I miss you... its been very difficult (Molly) You have not found him yet? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) we missed him by two days * Molly nods (Molly) That is what is difficult? (Morgan) I've been having nightmares (Morgan) and the day the fate witch died we were all at odds (Molly) Oh my love, I am sorry * Molly strokes his cheek (Molly) The Schattenmann again? (Morgan) No... no... I told you of the one where Dau attacked you instead of Elsie, and it broke your mind? * Molly nods (Morgan) a further one from that. I'd butchered him... and another, Edward had come to me, back before it all, and told me he'd hired an assassin... but we were being banished instead... I left Dietlinde and Jana in Johstadt with HeinzHarold while I sailed to see my uncle in Catterick... when I woke up I still believed that to be the case * Molly frowns (Molly) The first, I think, is because you are worried about it. The second sounds just dreadful (Morgan) I think the first is maybe an alternate path... the second... blossom, the looks on their faces, trying to decide how to tell me... * Molly holds him tight (Molly) I should be there. I shouldn't be here. You need me. (Morgan) Elsie needs you, and you've got to keep Varick and Inga safe in case he turns up there * Molly nods (Molly) Yes. But still. I should be at your side. (Morgan) We've only got one more place to try * Molly nods (Molly) Thirlow? * Morgan nods (Molly) Yensid came to Tawstock. My Father passed on our message. * Molly watches him * Morgan nods (Morgan) good (Molly) He said if you are starting at the bottom working up, he will start at the top working down (Morgan) when was that (Molly) He left on Sunday to Carleon on the Ketch, he should have arrived in Thirlow today... yesterday? Whichever Thursday is. * Morgan nods (Molly) If Kai is there, Yensid will know about it (Morgan) so we need to make contact before we go rushing in * Molly nods (Molly) I asked him how he would find you, and he said he'd use his usual channels? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I see (Molly) I made it clear Kai is not to be harmed * Morgan nods (Molly) I apologise, that is not what we were discussing, but I thought important that you know he will be there already * Morgan nods (Morgan) its fine... it puts me a little at ease * Molly nods (Molly) Everyone here is fine, Varick is working on a painting for Lady Torrington's competition, I am giving the others Avalonian or Eisen lessons each day, I am training with Kit, I haven't heard from John, no signs of Elsie's baby still * Molly watches him, chewing her lip a moment * Morgan nods (Molly) There's one other thing I need to tell you... (Morgan) go on... (Molly) I... I have made a discovery I am not sure you will be happy about * Morgan sighs (Morgan) what? (Molly) Elsie has been sneaking out after Inga and I have retired, and spending the night next door with James (Morgan) I see (Molly) They arent... she cant... *she blushes* (Morgan) as long as she isn't being hurt and he isn't getting his hopes up (Molly) They are sharing a bed, but not laying together, because that is impossible. So there is no risk to the baby... * Molly shakes her head "No, noone is getting their hopes up. But they have something special there. It is like those last few warm days of summer, so brief yet so savoured. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I worry for him going forwards... * Molly nods (Molly) As do I, very greatly (Molly) But what do I do, liebling? How do I tell them they cannot be truly happy now, even given their sad histories, in the hopes that he will grieve less for it? (Morgan) You can't... just... make sure he understands what the probable outcome will be (Molly) He does. They talk about it, about her funeral, and what of her few possessions she wants him to take to remember her. They never talk about a future beyond the next few days * Morgan nods * Molly looks burdened (Molly) Do not worry, my love. They are not unaware, and will not be taken by surprise. They have time to say what they need to. (Morgan) Are you alright blossom? (Molly) It's difficult. She and I have talked about what we will do when her labour begins, what her priorities are and how to handle things. Its... *she sighs* I don't think I can do it. I dont think I am powerful enough. * Molly drops her gaze, looking to his chest (Morgan) You need to not think like that... look at what you've given her... (Molly) A lack of pain and a return of function. I know, liebling, and that _is_ good... (Morgan) you've given her a life she can enjoy... (Molly) But a birth is complex, it's a very involved process. I have spent hours with Beth, the local midwives, the doctors. I don't know I can do everything that needs doing and... *she looks up at him with a raw vulnerability* ...and I am scared I will fail them. * Morgan plants a kiss on her forehead, pulling her against him (Morgan) what does Elsie say about it? (Molly) Not to worry, to save the baby at all costs. All she asks is for a few moments to say goodbye to James, Inga and I * Molly rests her forehead to the centre of his chest * Morgan nods * Molly takes a deep breath in (Molly) I will do my best. It is all I can do, and even that is more than most could. At the very least, I can save them both any pain or fear, and make it gentle. * Morgan frowns * Molly can't see it (Morgan) I am... troubled * Molly looks up at him (Molly) Oh, I am so sorry, my love, I did not intend to dump all of this onto you when you have so much on your mind. (Morgan) I think perhaps you have not made the connection * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) I... I don't know. Perhaps I have... (Morgan) I met a fate witch powerful enough to see my pattern... * Molly nods (Molly) Yes? (Morgan) I know whats going to happen... * Molly frowns (Molly) Then no, I have not made the connection you have (Morgan) I know what happens with Elsie... * Molly frowns (Molly) What happens? (Morgan) you are sure you wish to know? * Molly nods (Molly) I wish to be prepared (Morgan) We lose Elsie * Molly sighs (Molly) It is not a surprise, but unpleasant nonetheless. Maybe if I had more experience, or more power... (Morgan) I doubt it * Molly nods (Molly) And the child? (Morgan) a boy... though.... * Morgan tilts his head (Morgan) The mother is going to have a difficult birth.... * Molly nods (Molly) She is (Morgan) she never said she'd die... HeinzHarold did... she said she couldn't see, it was... too hazy * Molly nods (Molly) Because I am sliepata liousa, and who know how I will wander from destiny's path this time... * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed (Morgan) so I could easily be wrong (Molly) Then I will learn more, try harder, until they both survive. That is all there is to it. *her chin tilts up* (Morgan) Remember what we've said... I can't lose you (Molly) At the cost of Elsie, and her son? * Molly watches him (Morgan) the son will survive... I cannot lose you. (Molly) At the cost of James losing the woman he is rapidly falling in love with? * Molly looks solemn (Morgan) I must lose another woman I love? * Molly shakes her head (Molly) I do not want that * Morgan watches her * Molly watches him (Molly) I am a healer... it's in my blood, it's been there since my birth. Not doing everything I can is going to be difficult. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know (Morgan) Hopefully we'll be back in time so you can draw on me * Molly nods (Molly) I hope so... but do you recall what happened with Otto, where I nearly took too much? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I do (Molly) I do not want to do that to you again... you were... *she frowns* you were slipping away from me. (Morgan) Its a fine line to walk * Molly nods (Molly) I will be bear in mind the consequences of my actions, if the time comes before you return * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright blossom * Molly takes a deep breath (Molly) You were telling me about how you awoke thinking the dream was reality * Morgan nods (Morgan) Sorgi said we we'd be in Denholme soon, and I was confused... he did admirably at getting me in the cabin while he fetched HeinzHarold and Claudia. HeinzHarold gave me a drink and got me to go back to sleep.... understanding came while I was asleep and when I woke I was back to normal... * Molly nods (Molly) That is good. I was hoping that if it happened again Sorgi could respond with calmness and kindness * Morgan nods (Morgan) when I woke I could hear Claudia outside my room crying * Molly looks confused (Molly) _Claudia_?! * Morgan nods (Morgan) they thought they'd have to tell me... break me all over again * Molly nods sadly (Molly) That would be awful * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) How are they now? (Morgan) HeinzHarold is missing Inga terribly (Molly) Oh, I meant in regards to that. She misses him a great deal too, especially in the evenings. We have used pillows and cushions inside one of his shirts to make it feel like he is there during the night *she smiles* (Morgan) They're ok... HeinzHarold said it was like having the old me around again (Molly) That must have been odd for them * Morgan nods (Morgan) I think so (Molly) Is there a message I need to pass on to her? (Morgan) just that he loves her... I drew a picture of her for his birthday... he's got it on the wall next to his bed so it looks like she's laid beside him (Molly) Awww that is so romantic * Molly tilts her head slightly, then smiles * Morgan nods (Molly) She asked me to send her love and to say he may sing to her every night for a week when he returns, and that she has a belated birthday gift for him (Morgan) what you've been teaching her? (Molly) I told you, my love. I told her how to use her mouth as the girls on the Coral told me * Morgan nods * Molly watches him (Molly) You disapprove...? (Morgan) Be a bit hypocritical if I did (Molly) Would it? You were worried I was telling her private things about how we are intimate (Morgan) thats different (Molly) Why, my love? * Molly watches him (Morgan) because... thats about you and I * Molly nods (Molly) I do not tell her anything about that. Not the stables, or Paan, or anything, aside from advising her the morning of her wedding about what to expect in the repose. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I have no right to ask that (Molly) It was nothing more than advice... it was not too detailed (Morgan) No, I have no right to ask that you don't tell her * Molly smiles gently (Molly) I understand that it is a hard topic for you, my love, given that long time where you had no such desires (Morgan) I grew weary of being teased and goaded... saint Morgan of Puritytown... * Molly bites her lip, trying not to smile, shaking her head (Molly) That is an unkind nickname. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I told them (Molly) Did they listen? I know Heinzharold has a fondness for nicknames (Morgan) I mean... I told them about the stables... Paan... * Molly blushes, a hand covering her cheek and mouth (Molly) Oh! * Morgan hangs his head * Molly tilts his chin up gently (Molly) It's alright, my love * Morgan shrugs slightly * Molly looks at him directly (Molly) I am not ashamed of my desire for you, of the passion we share. * Morgan nods slightly (Molly) Besides, Claudia is intimate with complete strangers in brothels, and Heinzharold... *she smiles* ... he is no saint! (Morgan) I know but... I'm getting funny about you helping Inga yet I've told them _that_ (Molly) That, my darling, is simple * Molly smiles warmly (Molly) Because when you tell them, you control what you say, how much you reveal. You cannot control _me_, my words or actions (Morgan) I suppose so (Molly) Also, I would imagine that perhaps such... activities are met with amusement from them, who are more experienced, but Inga you would assume to be more innocent (Morgan) Mostly they didn't believe me to begin with * Molly smiles (Molly) It is rather scandalous, my love * Morgan nods (Molly) She does know that some letters in the book are a little suggestive... *she smiles, biting her lip* (Morgan) a little?! * Molly shrugs playfully (Morgan) I should probably tell you... we got ambushed by bandits on the way back from Greenwich... (Molly) I am quite sure a Duchess could not write anything more than _a little_ suggestive, mon petit chou... how many died? (Morgan) None... they got away with some dirty laundry and some rocks... a part of the laundry was of a cream colour... * Molly smiles brightly feigning innocence (Molly) One of your cream shirts? A shame, but easily replaced (Morgan) No... * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) Heinzharold's swimming breeches, perhaps? *she watches him with mischief* (Morgan) you know very well what I mean * Molly bats her eyelashes "I am entirely at a loss, mon petit... I would rather you tell me" (Molly) Chou* (Morgan) No, I rather think you know * Molly shrugs teasingly, watching his mouth (Molly) Perhaps I just desire to hear it from your lips... (Morgan) that I had spilled myself onto one of those flannels? * Molly gasps, her eyes closing tight, brows coming together, and she bites the centre of her lip hard. He can felt her stomach muscles twitch with desire (Molly) Mmmhmm... yes (Morgan) well, yes, that cream item * Molly watches him, nodding, sucking her lip (Molly) I am nost envious of them, mein sehnsucht (Morgan) I daresay they were less than impressed when they opened the bags * Molly giggles (Molly) I am sure they were! (Molly) They have been useful? (Morgan) just the once... I've restrained myself otherwise (Molly) ((Twice. He still has one in his bag from the dream where she was teaching him dream control and stroking him)) (Molly) Why liebling? (Morgan) I don't know... I don't really want to without you * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) It does not trouble you how frequently I have done so without _you_? (Morgan) No my love * Molly nods (Molly) That is good, because I have kept up with the book (Morgan) I think I'm a day behind (Molly) Have we started on the day that I was in the wet shift? (Morgan) I haven't, no... * Molly smiles (Molly) Then yes, you are a day behind * Morgan nods (Morgan) I spent a night wandering Londinium.... * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) Oh? * Morgan nods (Morgan) the night after the fate witch passed on... we were all at odds, I needed time to myself (Molly) Perhaps we have an explanation for that now (Morgan) indeed * Molly smiles (Molly) And doing _that_ in the streets of Londinium would be very, very scandalous! (Morgan) Good job I didn't (Molly) I would recommend restraining yourself to our bed upon the Rose and various taverns along the way! (Morgan) I think perhaps we're talking about two different things * Molly giggles (Molly) What are _you_ talking about? (Morgan) Just that we fought and I didn't want to be around people (Molly) What were you fighting about? (Morgan) just about everything (Molly) That sounds like the influence of her passing * Morgan nods (Morgan) quite. Sorgi was... displeased that I wouldn't go back to the ship (Molly) He was worried for you, no doubt (Morgan) Upset that he couldn't keep his promise to you, I'm told * Molly nods (Molly) I asked him to keep you safe (Morgan) I know * Molly smiles (Molly) So I overestimated how many cloths to buy you? (Morgan) Somewhat... there's still a few days left * Molly 's brows come together again (Molly) Yes there is... and there is still plenty of entries to read... * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed (Molly) Slightly suggestive entries * Molly smiles (Morgan) slightly... (Molly) Would I do such a thing as to write anything more than slightly suggestive, hmm? (Morgan) absolutely you would (Molly) What reason could I possibly have? *she looks up at him* (Morgan) You know why * Molly smiles (Molly) Perhaps I would like you to tell me that also (Morgan) That you wish to arouse me? (Molly) Yes, I do... does it work? * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes it does (Molly) I suppose another reason could be to ensure you cannot take your mind from me... * Morgan frowns (Morgan) how do you mean? (Molly) That as you are enduring long, boring rides, your mind is here *she rubs her breasts to his chest* or here *she pushes her thigh against his crotch gently* (Morgan) it makes the miles seem shorter (Molly) Thinking of me and how I have been thinking of you alone in bed? * Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) Good. Has much surprised you? (Morgan) the brazenness of it... (Molly) That I write it, or that I think in such a way? (Morgan) both (Molly) Does that displease you? (Morgan) No, my love, not at all * Molly nods (Molly) I wondered if perhaps it would be too much for you (Morgan) Surprisingly, no * Molly nods (Molly) I thought if it was, you would just stop reading... * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed (Molly) It surprises you the intensity of my desire _for you_ (Molly) ? * Morgan nods (Morgan) still... * Molly smiles (Molly) You will perhaps one day become accustomed to it (Morgan) We can but wait and see * Molly nods (Molly) I think, my love, we could rather do with a holiday to the Golden Lantern again soon... * Morgan nods (Morgan) I agree (Molly) It will be difficult to find ourselves privacy when you return, and I long for that so badly * Morgan nods (Morgan) as do I * Molly smiles playfully (Molly) I could show you a specific place in the back garden that I mentioned in one of the letters... * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'd like that (Molly) Luckily, it was not raining that evening... * Morgan chuckles * Molly kisses his lips briefly (Molly) It wasn't the warmest of places I have ever done such... (Morgan) I would imagine not (Molly) Yes, do feel free to imagine it, mein sehnsucht * Molly smiles (Morgan) I shall... at length * Molly giggles (Molly) _With_ length too, one would hope * Morgan sniggers * Molly gently presses her thigh to him once more (Molly) Next time you are away so long, perhaps I ought to only write decent, respectable morning letters... (Morgan) or... not... (Molly) No? That would sadden you, my love? You would not wish me to be more prudish? * Morgan scowls (Morgan) no * Molly frowns, removing the pressure of her thigh (Molly) I am sorry, I have somehow upset you? (Morgan) just... a bad dream (Molly) Of me being prudish? (Morgan) something like, aye * Molly shakes her head (Molly) I'm not sure I have ever been prudish... innocent yes, but not prudish * Morgan nods (Molly) What happened, my love? (Morgan) I don't really want to take time talking about it when our time is so restricted * Molly nods (Molly) What would you rather do? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) take tea together... hold you close... * Molly smiles (Molly) That is far better behaved than I would be with you if I was only imagining you in a dream version of Die Dauerhaftigkeit * Molly closes her eyes a moment, creating a table with a tea tray on it * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know, but... I just wish to be with you * Molly nods (Molly) You would like a couch and not a bed then? (Molly) Alright... but once you have woken, me and imagination version of you are going to do something very scandalous indeed *she giggles* * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * Molly creates a blue couch in the middle of the entrance hall, getting seated and giving him tea (Molly) I shouldn't imagine we have long (Morgan) I wouldn't have thought so, no * Molly sips her tea, looking around (Molly) I like your new decor, Graf Sudlachenburg... (Morgan) This... is your doing * Molly nods (Molly) Do you like it? (Morgan) its nice, light... (Molly) Yes. It's very nice. Obviously the decor, not my being Edward's companion! * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) I'm sorry you had to endure that * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) Its just a dream... I do wonder where it was headed though (Molly) Why, my love? (Morgan) Mostly curiosity (Molly) I was knocking on the master bedroom suite door when I realised I was dreaming * Morgan nods * Molly sips her tea (Molly) You are thinking an alternate path? (Morgan) No, I'm not * Molly nods (Molly) Alright * Molly sips the tea again (Molly) The baby was very sweet * Morgan nods (Morgan) babies generally are * Molly smiles, glancing at him (Molly) Yes... until they, allegedly, wee on you. * Morgan nods (Morgan) that is unfortunate, yes (Molly) Which reminds me... * Molly sips her tea * Morgan looks at her, waiting (Molly) I am not with child. My course came as expected * Molly watches him (Morgan) I imagined so... I doubt you'd have been so calm were it otherwise (Molly) Actually I would not have mentioned it had it been otherwise * Morgan frowns (Morgan) why? (Molly) I would have wanted to tell you in person, so I could break the news gently * Morgan nods (Morgan) makes sense * Molly nods (Molly) Besides, I imagine you worry for me enough as it is, you would not wish to be worrying for our unborn child also * Molly finishes her tea, setting the cup down * Morgan nods (Morgan) that is a fair assumption (Molly) You needn't. I am safe and more than able to defend myself * Molly stands up, moving to sit across his lap and resting her head on his shoulder (Morgan) I know... HeinzHarold is worrying for everyones safety (Molly) Tell him that he has no need. I have spent time thinking and planning what to do if there is a problem, everyone is safe. * Molly smiles a little (Molly) I asked Yensid if he knew any good ways to restrain a knocked out assailant (Morgan) oh, I dread to think what he said (Molly) He is very knowledgeable about how to make manacles or shackles from rope * Molly manages to keep a straight face * Morgan nods slightly (Molly) So I have bought some, incase it is needed * Morgan nods (Molly) I would show you what he showed me, but I do not have any rope here, so you will just have to imagine that a little while whilst you are away *she shrugs playfully* * Morgan nods (Morgan) I shall * Molly smiles. She is about to speak when there is a single chime (Molly) Oh. * Morgan nods (Morgan) another day closer to being together again * Molly nods (Molly) It is friday, so 8 days? ((Except they've lost one due to the storm)) (Morgan) nine... thanks to a storm we've taken an extra day to get back to the Rose (Molly) Where are you now? (Morgan) Denholme, heading to Durham today (Molly) Oh! Where my mother is from *she smiles* * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) Will you go to Catterick? * Molly closes her eyes, snuggling up against his neck and inhaling deeply (Morgan) We're sending Sorgi to get my uncle to come to the ship * Molly nods (Molly) Mmhmm... please tell him I am most sore to be missing meeting him * Morgan nods (Morgan) next time my love * Molly nods, breathing him in (Molly) Oh I miss the smell of you and feel of you (Morgan) Your negligee no longer smells like you so much... the cat lead me to the wardrobe, which definitely does * Molly smiles (Molly) It means so much to you to be able to smell me? * Morgan nods (Molly) I am careful to keep your shirt beneath my pillow when I am not in bed so it smells of you longer * Morgan nods (Molly) Besides, it is a practical place to have it when the time of night comes for me to check the list of the book letters and know what to think of for you. I always have your shirt where I can be breathing you in as I do it * Morgan nods, blushing * Molly kisses his reddened cheek (Molly) You like that? * Morgan nods (Morgan) very much * Molly nods (Molly) Then, if it pleases you, I shall do that when I wake, like the other morning where you were in my dream? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'd like that very much (Molly) Then I shall, thinking of you spending yourself into the cream flannels... **she blushes, smiling* * Morgan nods, blushing * Molly sighs "It is time to say goodbye, I think. I hope you will find me again when you can" * Morgan nods (Morgan) I will keep looking my love * Molly nods, kissing him softly (Molly) Never stop looking for me, hmm? * Morgan nods (Molly) I love you, liebling. Be safe, and gentle with yourself (Morgan) I love you, my darling... I will be home as soon as I can * Molly smiles, licking his lower lip "I will be eagerly waiting" (Molly) **the dawn watch chimes three times* * Morgan kisses her quickly before trying to wake up (Molly) **he wakes up, even the cat isnt there ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 22 October 2021 09:51:30 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea * HH knocks on his bedroom door loud enough to be heard over the heavy rain. (Morgan) hang on * Morgan rolls out of bed, pulling his trousers on before going to open the door * HH looks at ease (HH) Rainin' again. Brought you coffee. * Morgan nods, letting him in (HH) Got a bit lonely, Claudia wasn' in her room, so I thought you'd have to do * HH sets coffee down on the desk before taking a seat (Morgan) Should I be offended you thought of her first? * HH shrugs (HH) Her room is closer (HH) I reck'n she's... *he tilts his head towards the wall that joins Morgan and Sorgis studies* (Morgan) I expect so... they were up late talking * HH nods (HH) Tha' would be nice! * Morgan wanders back into the bedroom, fetching a top and getting his boots * HH has coffee poured for them both when Morgan gets back. The rainy sky is turning slightly lighter (HH) How are y' this morning? * Morgan nods, sipping his coffee (Morgan) you? (HH) Missin' her. Hopin' to get on the move soon (Morgan) She misses you... sends her love. Misses you so much you can sing to her every evening for a week * HH grins (HH) You saw Molly again? * Morgan nods (HH) Lucky bastard. *he sips his coffee* They're all okay? (Morgan) Molly's afraid she won't be able to save Elsie and the child... * HH nods (HH) Seems pretty impossible... but the fate witch did say she sees me with a baby that's not Inga's (Morgan) she also didn't expressly say Elsie dies * HH thinks (HH) No, she didn't... she said it would be tough but the outcome wasn't seeable * Morgan nods (HH) What dya think? Will Molly save them? (Morgan) seems the child is a fairly safe bet... * HH nods, smiling (HH) Gotta take what we can get * Morgan nods (HH) Gonna be hard to save Elsie though (Morgan) very (HH) Can Molly handle it? (Morgan) I don't know...I want to get back before it happens, she can draw on me then (HH) Howdya mean? (Morgan) She can... I don't know, pull some energy from me... * HH nods (HH) That safe? (Morgan) To a point * HH nods (HH) She gonna need that? (Morgan) probably * HH nods (HH) Jus' gotta hope then * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (HH) 'Specially with the draw * HH sips the coffee (Morgan) at least we know that goes away on its own * HH nods (HH) Feel free t' tell me to mind my own business, but does it make it any diff'rent when you do it? * Morgan nods (Morgan) hard to describe though * HH shrugs (HH) Alright * HH grins (HH) If I'da known you were dreaming with yer wife, I'da left you to sleep longer (Morgan) I wake before dawn anyway (HH) Pity. Nice to 'ave time with her though? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (HH) Gonna need an hour of daylight to finish repairs, Koen says. * Morgan sighs (Morgan) nowt we can do about it * HH nods (HH) They know we're gonna be late? * Morgan nods (HH) Saves 'em worrying. Can y' imagine how broody they'll be with Elsie's baby being born? * Morgan nods * HH smiles (HH) Gonna be cute (Morgan) I like babies * HH nods (HH) Gonna have to fight over cuddles? (Morgan) probably (HH) Have to take him down to Sunnymeade quick though, wont we? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, best had (HH) Gonna be tough? (Morgan) in what respect? (HH) Handing him over * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) maybe (HH) All gotten attached to Elie, haven' we? (HH) Elsie* (Morgan) some more than others * HH nods (HH) Our wives are goin' to find it tough (Morgan) yes, they are... James, too (HH) In what way? (Morgan) He and Elsie have grown very close... she's been sneaking out to spend the night with him * HH looks a little surprised (HH) After everything she's been through I'm surprised she'd wanna be near any man again (Morgan) They don't do anything apparently... they're just together, close (HH) He's gonna be devastated * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes, he is * HH sighs (HH) Anythin' we can do for him? (Morgan) Just support him * HH nods (HH) And you? (Morgan) I will be sad, yes... * HH nods (HH) Me too. She's a nice girl. Resilient as hell. * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye she is (HH) Mebbie that's why she and James get on. Never heard her feelin' sorry for herself about all this, never heard him feeling sorry f' himself b'cause y' chopped his arm off * Morgan nods (HH) Churchy backgrounds too. Him in a nunnery, 'er in a parsonage. * Morgan nods * HH shrugs (HH) Heard that old sayin' about it being better to have loved and lost than never loved at all? (Morgan) I have (HH) Whatcha make o' that? (Morgan) come up with by someone who's never suffered the pain of a loss * HH nods (HH) Always thought it sounded like horseshit (Morgan) Its probably accurate in the long run (HH) Are y' there yet? (Morgan) Closer than I was... * HH nods (HH) Good (HH) **HH finds them breakfast, and the hungry cat follows. The repairs cause a little delay and he spends the time writing down all the recent dreams for the folder. Ulysses stays wrapped around his shoulders. It's about half an hour before they are due to sail when he's stood on deck with HH and Claudia, rain over. (HH) **At the other end of the dock is a ship, smaller than his, flying an Avalonian flag. It's seen better days. Upon her stern is her name; The Blessing Of The Angels. It is a ship he dreamt about where Molly was saying goodbye to him. (HH) **Claudia is watching the ship with a spyglass, meanwhile HH is drinking coffee and lounging against the guard rail** Y' know what would make this trip much better? (Morgan) what? (HH) That swine in our brig right now. **Claudia speaks quietly, her body language turned tense** (HH) Morgan, when you left Sudlachenburg, did you fuck anyone? (HH) **HH starts laughing** whoa, bit person'l, Claudia! (HH) **Claudia doesn't laugh or smile, still looking through the spyglass. She sounds serious** I am not fucking joking, Heinzharold. Did you? Anyone at all. A whore, some brief fling? Even some devious girl you spent yourself near? We won't judge you for it. (Morgan) no... what've you seen? (HH) **HH is frowning now and snatches up the big spyglass. He points it in the same direction Claudia's is. He quietly says** Fuuuuck. * Morgan holds out his hand (Morgan) either give me the glass or fucking tell me * HH looks pale as he hands it over "Just brace yourself, okay?" * Morgan frowns, looking through it (HH) **The little girl on the deck is older than the eighteen months Jana was when she died, but younger than the four and a half years she would be now. She looks to be not much more than two. But she is the absolute spitting image of his dead daughter, her straight flaxen hair blowing in the wind** * HH watches Morgan * Morgan puts the glass down, slowly sitting down with his back to the rail * HH sits beside him, offering him an opened flask * Morgan takes it drinking some * HH just waits for Morgan to talk (HH) **Sorgi comes on deck, giving instructions to the men up the rigging to start getting in place ready for their launch** * Morgan calls to Sorgi (Morgan) belay that (HH) **Sorgi looks over, then comes over to crouch down (HH) S: What's going on, Morgan? * Morgan opens his mouth to speak but nothing comes out * HH looks at Morgan then Sorgi (HH) There's a little girl on that ship that looks a bit like 'is daughter (Morgan) a bit?! (HH) Okay, a lot. (Morgan) there's no way... there's no fucking way * HH shakes his head "Completely impossible. That lassie is too young" (HH) **Claudia sticks away her spyglass* I'm going to fond out what the fuck is going on. (Morgan) I know the ship... I've seen it before (HH) Where? (Morgan) a dream (HH) Still not possible, is it? Looks maybe two, two and a half? (Morgan) No, its not... but I think there's something... I need to find out what (HH) **Sorgi gets up, looking through the big spy glass, then nods** We'll hold off on leaving just yet, m'lord * HH stands, offering Morgan his hand (HH) We all goin'? * Morgan nods, letting HeinzHarold help him up (Morgan) No... me and you * HH nods (HH) Come on then * Morgan nods, striding down the gangplank towards the other ship * HH walks beside him, keeping an eye on him. The ship has the look of one run by a struggling merchant, cheaply patched and dented. The gangplank is down * Morgan calls up, asking to come aboard (HH) **A female voice from up near the sails calls down permission to board. * Morgan climbs the plank, touching the horseshoe * HH follows up doing likewise. There's a couple of sailors on the deck, as well as the little girl. The female captain is descending the rigging * Morgan looks up at the captain (HH) **The woman is in her late twenties and he has never seen her before. She has straight blonde hair and large brown eyes. She has the same shape nose, eyes and mouth as Dietlinde did, though she overall doesn't look like her, face shape and complexion very different. She's very toned and lean rather than soft and curvy, and wears practical trousers. The little girl runs towards her, hiding shyly behind her legs but peeking out at them. ** You're now known as Alice (Alice) *she speaks in unaccented Avalonian* What can I do for you? (Alice) **HH watches all around** (Morgan) Just... wondering what you trade in... (Alice) Whatever I can get, often Vodka from Ussura, or beer from Vendel * Alice brushes her hands on her trousers. The girl continues to hide (Alice) Do you have something you need trading? * Alice sounds educated, a gentleman's daughter at least. There's no sign of a wedding ring. She's dressed in merchants clothing, masculine and utilitarian. Her boots have seen better days. She isnt armed and has no makeup on (Morgan) sorry, I... your daughter, is it? * Alice nods (Alice) This is Florence, she is very shy with strangers. She is my daughter * Morgan nods (Alice) **The girl stays behind her mother* (Morgan) she's the spitting image of my daughter... somewhat took me by surprise * Alice looks surprised (Alice) Are you Eisen? * Morgan nods (Alice) Her Father is Eisen. Maybe that's why (Alice) **HH looks at Morgan, checking how he's faring* (Morgan) Could be... you do bear some resemblance to my late wife... perhaps I know the father? * Alice dismisses the crew to below deck, asking one of them to take the child. Florence goes, but with glances back at them as she does (Alice) If you do know him, you have an advantage over me! (Morgan) you do not know the father? * Alice shakes her head (Alice) It was a drunken one night thing, I dont know his name (Morgan) I see... (Alice) HH looks to Morgan, struggling to translate: She doesn't know who he is? * Morgan shakes his head (Alice) HH: Ask her where and when? (Morgan) my friend is wondering where and when... (Alice) Numa, in Vodacce. It was the end of October sixty seven. * Morgan scratches his nose (Morgan) forgive me but... someone who'd recently had a broken nose fixed? * Alice nods (Alice) I'd forgotten about that (Morgan) you, uh... were supposed to have an arranged marriage with someone? * Alice frowns (Alice) How do you know that? (Alice) **HH watches Morgan** * Morgan sighs * Morgan points to a spot near his shoulder (Morgan) healing bullet wound about here? * Alice nods (Alice) You obviously know him. Who is Florrie's father? (Morgan) I do, very well... * Alice waits (Morgan) he's my brother * Alice nods (Alice) That's why she looks like her cousin then * Morgan nods (Morgan) quite so (Alice) HH looks at Morgan, gesturing $you okay?$ (Morgan) $she's my niece$ (Alice) $fucks sake Edward$ (Alice) Now what? Do you want to meet her? She'll be downstairs with her plants (Morgan) Would that be alright? Would you prefer she not know we are related? * Alice shakes her head (Alice) It's fine, she knows I dont know who her father is (Morgan) didn't... (Alice) I know he's your brother, but I dont know who _you_ are either (Alice) HH: *he smiles slightly* (Morgan) sorry, of course... something of a shock, I'm sure you understand... (Morgan) You know what a Veisgraf is? (Alice) No (Morgan) Eisen is separated into 7 areas, all ruled by a Eisenfurst... each of those regions is split up into areas, presided over by a Graf... a Veisgraf is the first son of a Graf, next in line to rule that area... * Alice nods (Alice) Okay (Morgan) I'm a Veisgraf... my names Morgan * Alice nods (Alice) I'm Alice Everheart. My brother is a Lord. * Morgan nods (Alice) Your brother's name...? (Morgan) Edward * Alice nods, shrugging slightly (Alice) Okay. Are you ready, or do you need a minute to talk to your man? (Morgan) Would you mind if I take a moment? * Alice shakes her head (Alice) Down the stairs, cabin at the stern * Alice goes down. A couple of sailors come up on watch but give them as much space as they can. ** You're now known as HH (HH) This could be a bad business, Morgan. She could 'old that child over his head for years **This is incredibly close to what he warned Morgan in the dream where Marie was pregnant and blackmailing him* (Morgan) I know * HH rolls his shoulders (HH) Sure y' wanna do this? (Morgan) No, but I think its the right thing to do * HH nods (HH) What do ya need from me? (Morgan) What am I going to do? * HH shrugs (HH) One thing at a time, eh? Ask Alice to stay a few hours, buy us time t' think. (Morgan) need to find out what she'd want.... * HH looks over towards the Rose, waving to Claudia who has the big spy glass. He gestures $we're okay, back soon, wait there$ * HH nods (HH) Aye (HH) Your brother has royally fucked up, hasn' he? (Morgan) It was after I'd half beaten him to death... Mina's father told him to get lost (HH) Shoulda been more careful * Morgan nods (Morgan) its done now * HH nods (HH) Need a hug? (Morgan) Not right now... I cant break down yet * HH nods (HH) Come on then * Morgan nods, asking one of the crew for directions (HH) **He gets them, and they are soon at the door * Morgan knocks gently (HH) **Alice calls for them to come in * Morgan enters (HH) **The cabin is full of plants in pots, every surface has several, there's pots on the the floor, on book shelves. It makes the room seem more like a greenhouse than a study. Alice is moving pots off seats. There's a variety of plant types, but what they all have in common is that they are growing very well considering the low light common to ship's quarters. (Morgan) Now those are impressive ** You're now known as Florrie * Florrie is filling a water can from a bucket by the window. Alice looks at Morgan "She's got green fingers" * Morgan nods (Morgan) very * Florrie goes along in a line, watering the plants. She talks quietly to each one as she does, saying its name. * Morgan watches her for a moment before shaking his head then sitting down on the floor (Florrie) **HH goes to a chair near the door * Morgan looks up at Alice (Morgan) you have cargo to offload here? * Florrie continues in a strict order. She probably knows more plant names than actual words, some of which Morgan has only heard from Molly's herbalism. She doesn't look at him at all to start with, but it's almost like going back in time, watching her face as she smiles as she cares for each of her green friends. * Florrie shakes her head (Florrie) **Alice shakes her head** Loading tonight, sailing in the morning * Morgan nods slowly (Florrie) A: what brings you to Deholme? (Morgan) We're searching for someone... he needs to face justice (Florrie) A: *she nods** staying long? (Morgan) we were about to sail when we spotted Florrie... rather knocked me sideways (Florrie) A: Is your daughter on the ship? Would she like to meet her cousin? (Morgan) My daughter passed away with her mother... a fire at our home... (Florrie) A *she looks solemn* I'm sorry, I didn't realise. How long ago? * Morgan nods at Florrie (Morgan) not long before your little lady was conceived (Florrie) A: *she nods* I'm sorry. How old was your daughter? (Morgan) eighteen months (Florrie) **Alice looks sad* not much younger than Florrie then. This must be hard, I'm sorry * Morgan nods * Florrie now looks in their direction then picks up a plant pot that she carries to Morgan (Morgan) it is... (Florrie) You like plants? * Morgan turns slightly to her (Morgan) aye, I do * Florrie hands him the pot. It's a very healthy looking lavender. (Florrie) For you * Morgan takes it carefully (Morgan) are you sure? (Florrie) **Up close, the resemblance is even more uncanny. The only things that marks the two girls apart aside from being alive or not is that this little girl has eyes that are gray rather than cornflower blue, and her face is less full, though this could be because she is thinner everywhere* (Florrie) One hour on deck. Only rain, not sea. (Morgan) every day? * Florrie nods (Morgan) I'll make of it (Morgan) I'll make sure of it * Florrie leans into it, sniffing deeply "Lavender. Smell good" * Morgan nods (Morgan) I like lavender very much * Florrie smiles brightly "me too" * Morgan looks at Alice (Morgan) have you told her? (Florrie) **Alice comes to sit beside Morgan** Florrie, this is Morgan. He is your father's brother, so he is your uncle * Florrie looks at him closely, then touches his cheek bone, then her own (Florrie) Like me. * Morgan nods * Florrie goes to get some more pots (Florrie) **Alice looks at him* She doesnt normally take to people so quick (Morgan) I wouldn't imagine most people come down to her level (Florrie) A: Its not an easy life at sea for a child (Morgan) No, I wouldn't imagine so... * Florrie comes back with three pots, setting them in front of Morgan. There's a carnation, a rose, and what looks to be a hybrid of both he has never seen before * Morgan points at the third one (Morgan) whats this one? * Florrie smiles (Florrie) Made it. Rosenation. (Morgan) its lovely (Florrie) A: she likes to splice them and grow them and splice them again until they grow as she wants (Florrie) Want it? (Morgan) Don't you want it? (Florrie) Got more (Morgan) thank you (Morgan) do you like forget-me-nots? * Florrie nods enthusiastically (Morgan) they're my wife's favourite flower * Florrie gets up, getting another pot, and sits in front of him (Florrie) **its a forget me not, but some flowers are blue, some pink, and some purple (Florrie) You like? (Morgan) thats wonderful * Florrie tries to put this one in his hands too (Florrie) Have it (Morgan) I'll give it to Molly when I get back to her... she'll love it (Florrie) **Alice looks at Morgan** She will give you a whole ship full if you arent careful (Florrie) Molly wife? * Morgan nods (Morgan) Your aunt I suppose * Florrie smiles (Florrie) **HH catches Morgans eye* $need to go yet?$ * Morgan shakes his head slightly before looking at Alice (Morgan) I think we need to think about what happens from here on... (Florrie) **Alice watches him** In what way? * Florrie goes back to her watering, putting the other plants back but leaving Morgan with the three pots he is to take * Morgan scratches his forehead (Morgan) I'm not sure how to put it across without sounding like I'm suggesting you want something, which isn't the case at all... do you want for her to have anything to do with us, I suppose ** You're now known as Alice (Alice) I never thought about it. I've never looked for Edward * Morgan nods (Alice) What do you want? (Morgan) What I want is irrelevant and, given the shock, not something I can get a firm grasp on at the moment... I'd like to get to know the two of you, but I understand how difficult that will be with us both being at sea heading in different directions (Alice) Where are you going? (Morgan) Durham, then back down to Tawstock (Alice) Durham I know well, Tawstock is down in Balig? * Morgan nods * Alice watches Florrie a moment (Alice) We can follow you to Durham, I can make that work (Morgan) my friend and I will be travelling from there to Thirlow to, hopefully, catch up with our quarry... (Alice) But you'll be back to Durham within a few days? * Morgan nods * Alice nods (Alice) That's fine. * Alice stands up (Alice) If we are going to get there by nightfall I need to sail very soon * Morgan nods, getting up (Morgan) then we'll stop holding you up (Alice) **Florrie comes back, soil on her cheek. She looks at Morgan** leaving? * Morgan nods (Morgan) time for me to get back on my ship * Alice looks sad ** You're now known as Florrie (Morgan) But I'll see you later * Florrie smiles (Florrie) See my cactus later? * Morgan nods (Morgan) absolutely * Florrie goes back to her plants. Alice shows him and Heinzharold out (Florrie) A: We may be behind you, but we will be there * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) We'll see you there... ** You're now known as HH * HH leads the way back onto the deck then down the gangplank, letting Morgan carry all three plants. When they're on the dock he says (HH) Want me Claudia and Sorgi in your study, or give you half hour first? (Morgan) No, lets get on... and bring some coffee * HH stays on deck with the others, giving the instructions about sailing out, which leaves Morgan and his plants to go to his study where the cat is on the couch washing his front paw ** You're now known as Ulysses * Morgan places the plants carefully down on his desk before sitting down heavily * Ulysses climbs into his lap, miaowing (Ulysses) **Above, he can hear the sails snap open and shouted instructions * Morgan strokes the cat slowly * Ulysses stretches up, washing Morgan's hair at his hairline. The ship starts to move (Morgan) that got complicated didn't it? * Ulysses miaows again (Morgan) I agree (Ulysses) **They've been on the move fifteen minutes when HH and Claudia arrive with strong coffee and a very light knock at the door. By then the cat is asleep on his chest (Morgan) come ** You're now known as Claudia * Claudia opens the door for HH, and they get coffee dealt with (Claudia) Sorgi says he'll be down in half hour, he needs to be sure we're going well first * Morgan nods (Claudia) How you doing? *she watches him closely* (Morgan) I... I'm not sure * Claudia nods (Morgan) Heinzharold brought you up to speed? (Claudia) Edward fucked up. Now we're meeting them in Durham (Morgan) accurate enough I suppose (Claudia) What's your plan? (Morgan) I have no fucking idea * Claudia nods (Claudia) HH: Lots t' think about, but mebbie you need some time just to process meetin' her (Morgan) Its uncanny, isn't it (Claudia) HH: Aye. 'Cept she's got Edward's eye colour, not Dietlinde's (Claudia) It's just as bad close up then? * Morgan nods (Morgan) face is a bit thinner (Claudia) HH: Get th' feeling they're not as well-fed as they should be * Morgan nods (Morgan) hard work sailing for trade when there's no backing (Claudia) HH: Makes blackmail more likely... (Morgan) She seem the sort to you? (Claudia) HH: Seems more th' sort to tell y' she doesn't want anything and for you to fuck off * Morgan nods * Claudia sips the coffee (Morgan) exactly what I thought (Claudia) I like her already. (Claudia) HH: *he sniggers* * Claudia rolls her eyes "you have a mind like a gutter, Heinzharold." (Claudia) What's with all the flowers? (Morgan) She's got something of a green thumb.... * Claudia looks at them (Claudia) Seen lavender before, not the others though (Morgan) Forget me nots and a Rosenation (Claudia) Never seen pink forget-me-nots. What is a rosenation? (Claudia) Hh grins: when a rose and a carnation really love each other... * Claudia doesnt even look at him before punching him in the arm (Morgan) You deserved that (Claudia) **He nods** Jus' checking y' both know how babies are made, b'cause Edward seems to have forgotten (Morgan) It happens (Claudia) How is he going to react? (Morgan) he's going to lose his shit... I'm more concerned with Mina (Claudia) HH: Oh fuck. Hadn' got that far yet * Claudia watches Morgan (Claudia) Not good. * Morgan nods (Claudia) HH: Your Father is goin' to be livid * Morgan nods (Claudia) Assuming you tell them (Morgan) assuming... * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) As you say, Mina. Two months til the wedding. (Morgan) Not my place to tell her (Claudia) HH: So y' gonna stand quietly as his best man through the Any Objections part? (Morgan) They had an arrangement... it can't be that big a surprise (Claudia) HH: what sorta arrangement? (Morgan) That he they could be with others, basically (Claudia) HH: That's weird * Claudia rolls her eyes, sipping her coffee (Claudia) We can't give up on chasing Dau for all this (Morgan) We're not (Claudia) Good. We need to do Thirlow then get back to Tawstock as quickly as possible (Claudia) HH: *he sprawls in the chair** What's yer uncle gonna make of it all? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't know that I'm going to tell him (Claudia) HH: Hows that gonna work? Alice and Florrie following us to Durham, then Sorgis gonna go get Christopher, bring him to the Rose. (Morgan) Another ship in a dock... (Claudia) Do we need to stay an extra day in Durham to deal with this? ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 22 October 2021 16:01:32 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected (Network connection lost) ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You are now disconnected ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 22 October 2021 16:02:10 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 22 October 2021 16:10:57 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Claudia) [15:06] (Claudia) Do we need to stay an extra day in Durham to deal with this? (Morgan) I'm hoping to not have to (Claudia) **HH looks at Morgan with a shrug** not going to get much time with them. A bit tonight, then Saturday night Christopher will be here too, and we were supposed t' be leaving sunday morning (Morgan) Then I'll have to think fast * Claudia nods (Claudia) We have some time now. (Claudia) HH: any idea what Molly and Inga are doing today? (Morgan) Nothing particularly that she mentioned, but I've not checked the book yet (Claudia) HH leans back further: Gonna be seven hours o' sailing yet, I'm not going anywhere * Morgan nods, fetching the book and opening it to todays (Claudia) "Friday 23rd, morning. Today is Peter's birthday today, so I would imagine we will visit them for the day. I hope that you are back by your birthday as planned. It would be nice to have this all resolved by then. My love, Molly xx (Morgan) Probably visiting Peter, its his birthday (Claudia) HH: The best people are born in October (Claudia) Let's hope Elsie's baby isnt. * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Claudia) HH nods: won't be back til the 1st now * Morgan nods (Claudia) Assuming we don't stay longer. **She looks to Morgan** You want Heinzharold and I to go to Thirlow and leave you here with the family problem? * Morgan frowns (Morgan) No, I don't think so... * Claudia shrugs (Claudia) Alright (Morgan) Bringing him back is going to be much easier if I'm there to stab him in the ass (Claudia) HH: Not like y' can do much about the Florrie stuff anyway, gonna be weeks to hear back from Edward * Morgan nods (Claudia) HH: Thought about sendin' Alice and Florrie to Tawstock? (Morgan) I've thought about it... (Claudia) HH: Reck'n it'd work? Buy you some time? (Morgan) problem is it'd be losing her money the entire time (Claudia) HH: good point (Claudia) She wouldn't get there before us anyway, we're too fast * Morgan nods (Claudia) **Sorgi comes down a little later, and gets updated. The three of them eventually leave him to his own devices for a little bit** ((what does he do?)) (Morgan) ((not a great deal. Brood probably)) (Claudia) **After lunch HH is back for window seat building, then they do training with Claudia. By five, they are approaching a dock Morgan saw several times as a child on family visits to Foxcroft. It is large and very easy to dock in. They are settled in when Sorgi comes alone with the permits, interrupting Morgan's tin whistle practising* ** You're now known as Sorgi * Sorgi sets them down on the desk (Sorgi) Just a few signatures, m'lord (Morgan) anything of note in them? * Sorgi shakes his head (Sorgi) No, m'lord. How are you? * Morgan sighs, starting to sign where needed (Morgan) I can't say I really know right now * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Bound to be a shock. It would be even if she looked nothing like your daughter * Morgan nods (Morgan) She really is the spitting image * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) As close as twins, Claudia says * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Sorgi) Anything I can do, m'lord? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) I'll tell you if I'm having trouble... assuming I realise, of course * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) We're going to watch you even closer, especially with your nightmares? * Morgan sighs, nodding (Morgan) probably wise * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) It's only because we care (Morgan) I know... I'm sad to say I'm feeling like quite a burden at the moment (Sorgi) Never, my Lord. You're having a tough time, not causing a tough time. (Sorgi) M'lord* (Morgan) You shouldn't need to be on edge all the time waiting to see what tips me over the edge (Sorgi) You would do it for any of us. All we care about is you being alright * Morgan nods * Sorgi takes the papers back (Sorgi) Do you have the letters ready for me to take to Coleraine and Catterick? * Morgan nods, taking them out of the drawer and handing them over * Sorgi puts them in his pocket (Sorgi) I would expect the Blessing Of Angels to dock in another two hours, m'lord. Are they coming here? * Morgan nods (Sorgi) To the Rose, I mean (Morgan) oh... I'm not sure... I don't want to put them ill at ease * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Play it by ear, but have the ship ready just incase? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, probably best * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) I will get these back to the harbour master, m'lord (Morgan) thank you Sorgi * Sorgi does so. He's had more time to practise on the tin whistle and to play his guitar before HH comes down just before dinner ** You're now known as HH (HH) Ship's just docked * Morgan nods (HH) Y' want company? (Morgan) You want to keep an eye on me... * HH shrugs (HH) Not as much as I wanna give y' support * Morgan nods (HH) **Its sunset when they head to the other ship, the sky finally reddened and the storm gone. They're obviously expected because a crewman takes them down to the cabin again ** You're now known as Alice * Alice and Florrie are a bit smartened up. The ship smells of beef stew. The young girl looks more interested in a pansy plant than the visitors (Alice) Did you want some dinner? (Morgan) If you don't mind, that'd be nice * Alice gives the instructions for food and tea. HH takes a seat ** You're now known as Florrie * Florrie comes over to Morgan (Florrie) See Cactus now? * Morgan nods * Florrie goes over to it. It's something that Morgan has only ever seen in Castile whether the weather is hot enough. They do not thrive further north. Yet this green cactus with small pink buds looks very healthy (Florrie) Where* (Morgan) I've never seen one outside of Castile (Florrie) Cactus need dry * Florrie looks up at him with a smile * Morgan nods (Morgan) and warm? (Florrie) **she nods** Hot, dry. Cactus ouchies. * Morgan nods (Morgan) sharp points * Florrie nods (Florrie) Only one. Sorry. (Morgan) No, its fine, I have the three ou gave me * Florrie nods (Florrie) Cactus have flowers (Morgan) do they? * Florrie touches a bare patch of it. He feels a prickle on the back of his neck. The pink buds open into small flowers (Florrie) Flowers. (Morgan) very pretty * Florrie lets go and they close again (Florrie) See herbs? (Morgan) if you want * Florrie takes him around her various herbs, telling him the names. When the food comes, it is basic but not bad. Florrie eats surprisingly neatly for her age ** You're now known as Alice (Alice) What can you tell me about your family, Morgan? (Morgan) what would you like to know? (Alice) Do you have any more siblings? (Morgan) No, just Edward (Alice) Are your parents still alive? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, if my father had passed on I'd be the Graf, not the Veisgraf (Morgan) my mothers Avalonian, incidentally * Alice nods (Alice) That's interesting. Where is she from? (Morgan) Not that far from here, actually... Catterick. * Alice thinks (Alice) Hockridges? * Morgan nods * Alice nods (Alice) Does Edward have other children? (Morgan) No... he's not far off getting married... (Alice) That's nice. Are you close with his fiancee? (Morgan) Somewhat... Edward and I didn't always get along like we do now * Alice nods (Alice) Siblings often fall out. Are you going to the wedding? * Morgan nods (Alice) That will be nice, everyone loves a wedding * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) showing off, clothes that make you look like a peacock... not my idea of fun but, its important to Edward (Alice) Do you have any questions for me? (Morgan) Just the same... what happens from here... (Alice) I don't know. I've been thinking about it all day. (Alice) Do you want to have a relationship with her, or do you want to say goodbye here and let us go on as we have before? (Morgan) I don't wish to just say goodbye... * Alice nods (Alice) I can give you an address where we can be contacted and a list of places we often dock. What will her father want? (Morgan) I wouldn't like to guess... * Alice nods (Alice) But you will want to keep in touch even if he or your parents do not (Morgan) if thats alright * Alice nods (Alice) I'd like that. Do you have more children? (Morgan) We have a son we adopted. Magic runs in your family? * Alice shakes her head (Alice) No? (Alice) **HH is looking at him too** (Morgan) you didn't know ((this is a statement, not a question)) (Alice) Know what? (Morgan) that she has some sort of magic.... * Alice looks at her daughter with puzzlement then Morgan (Alice) Does she? * Morgan nods (Morgan) She was showing me the cactus... made it flower (Alice) **Florrie smiles "Cactus have flowers. Want flowers, flowers come" * Alice smiles "My brother is a botanist and will talk for hours to anyone who will listen. I assumed she picked up all this knowledge from him. Magic runs in your family then?" (Morgan) Its a sensitive subject in Eisen * Alice nods (Alice) It will go no further (Morgan) I have a magic of a sort... Eisen tends toward a dislike of magic, and my region in particular is... superstitious. The fact I have an ability is something very few know about (Alice) I understand. I've never heard of plant magic before, can you do that? (Morgan) I can't, no (Alice) Will it be a problem? (Morgan) being honest, I don't know... not a problem with me, mind... * Alice nods (Alice) And your wife and son? (Morgan) oh, no, definitely no problem for them * Alice nods (Alice) **Florrie looks at Morgan** Do magic? (Morgan) who, me? (Alice) **She nods* do magic, please ** You are now disconnected (Connection timed out) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 22 October 2021 19:38:07 British Summer Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea * Morgan looking around to find a candle (Alice) **Theres one on the table * Morgan winks at it, putting it out * Alice and Florrie are both very impressed * Morgan lights it again (Alice) **Florrie claps** again, again! * Morgan nods, doing it once more (Alice) That is impressive (Morgan) it comes in handy (Alice) Tell me about your ship. How does it go so fast when it's so big? (Morgan) She was a privateers ship... she does rather defy expectations on what she should be able to do (Alice) She's very fine. I would like to have a look around before you leave Durham * Morgan nods (Morgan) that can be arranged (Alice) Thank you (Alice) **They finish the food before she says* (Alice) Are your wife and son are at home? (Morgan) They're in Tawstock, waiting for us * Alice nods (Alice) You must miss them. Have you been away long? (Morgan) coming on for a fortnight... I miss them very much * Alice nods (Alice) How long have you been married? (Alice) **Florrie starts to yawn* (Alice) ((It's almost four months)) (Morgan) Not _that_ long... about four months (Alice) That's not long at all to be away for so long (Morgan) No... needs must in this case (Alice) **Florrie goes to lie on the couch. In less than two minutes whilst the grown ups drink tea, the grey eyes are closed. Flaxen hair frames her face, looking heartbreakingly like the last time he saw Jana, laid with Dietlinde for a nap as he was going to market. * Morgan watches her for a moment before looking back to her mother (Morgan) where will you go from here? (Alice) In a few days we will go back to Denholme then load for Vendel * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'd have liked for my wife to meet you. (Alice) Let me think about it. Do you have any trade connections in Tawstock? (Morgan) I have my commerce man there right now... * Alice nods (Alice) If I can make it not lose me much money, we will come (Morgan) With your current routes, you are able to take on extra? * Alice nods (Alice) I can * Morgan nods (Alice) Will we see you tomorrow before you go to Thirlow? (Morgan) I'm not sure... we want to get moving as soon as possible * Alice nods (Alice) And you will be back on Saturday? (Morgan) thats the plan * Alice nods (Alice) We will be here. Florrie talked about you the whole day today **she looks at the sleeping girl fondly** * Morgan smiles (Morgan) she is absolutely lovely * Alice nods (Alice) Indeed she is (Alice) You should know, I don't bear your brother any ill-will. We made a silly choice, but he did use the Vaticine method. Apparently if it's meant to be it will be, even if you do that. She is the light of my life, and I am glad every day that I met him and she came along * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) I'm glad to hear that... * Alice nods (Alice) From the moment I knew she was coming, she was wanted. It's not an easy life doing it alone, but she is worth it * Morgan smiles (Morgan) What would make it easier? * Alice smiles (Alice) A few good nights of sleep, less competition on trade routes, not patching the sails yet again, less mice. (Morgan) Unfortunately there's not a great deal I can do about the first thing... the second, well, I'm in the middle of having a fleet commissioned... perhaps a deal could be done... If you make it to Tawstock I'll see what I can do about the mice. The ships taken a few knocks? * Alice nods (Alice) Competition for good crew is high too, especially when there's press gangs in ports. You have to start with inexperienced sailors, scrubbing the walls happens * Morgan nods (Morgan) they still rough around the edges? (Alice) Getting there now, but could be better (Morgan) Would you replace some of them? (Alice) Possibly yes (Morgan) might be able to help with that * Alice nods (Alice) I would appreciate it * Alice finishes her tea (Alice) I'm sorry to send you off, but I need to put Florrie to bed * Morgan nods (Morgan) of course (Alice) **HH gets up, going to the door, and thanks Alice, who follows him, in broken Avalonian, for dinner * Morgan looks at the little girl for a few seconds before following them ** You're now known as HH (HH) **With good nights said, the walk back to the Rose is very dark, the night fully drawn in now. HH puts a hand on Morgan's arm** You alright, man? * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) I think so (HH) Getting on the road at firs' light? (Morgan) Aye... Yensid should be in Thirlow by now (HH) How come? (Morgan) I didn't want him rummaging around and finding out about the society, so I sent word for him to do something else. He got to Tawstock, and Molly told him what we were doing so he was going to, as he put it, start at the top since we started at the bottom * HH nods (HH) Gotta say, he's somehow distasteful, but I feel anlot better with him poking around * Morgan nods (Morgan) its like getting something sticky on your fingers, its that sensation ain't it * HH nods (HH) Or when ya get a hair at the back.of your throat * Morgan shrugs (HH) **They get back on the ship and below deck** (HH) You need company, or getting an early night? (Morgan) I think I'll go to bed... hopefully my head will be clearer when i wake up (HH) Find me if y' need me (HH) **They say goodnight. The cat is pleased to see him and soon on the footstool once Morgan has done his prep and packed his bag for the morning** * Morgan opens the book (HH) Thursday 22nd, evening. Tonight I shall remember the day I fell in the pool. Very quickly I realised my shift plastered to my body would be see through. I also realised that you might be inclined to glance, so I tried to not make you uncomfortable by watching for it. (HH) I've pondered since how I did not realise that the excitement and warm sensations in me were desire, but I was somewhat clueless! I was not clueless to know that I liked the intimacy of being there almost naked with you, the illicitness of being so revealed and on display to you. (HH) I was not clueless that I liked the feeling of you looking, or trying not to look. I wanted it. I wanted you to want to see me. (HH) I could (and, arguably, should) have asked you to wait outside. I could have managed alone. But… there was this desire in me to bare myself further, to draw your eyes to me, to show you myself in a way noone had ever seen. I wanted you to feel it too, that thrill, that excitement, the tension I felt. (HH) I turned my back because although you had turned away I wanted to give you the privacy I thought you would need to allow yourself to look at me so revealed if you were inclined to. (HH) It was exciting, lifting my shift to reveal my thighs, derriere and hips, yearning for you to look, to _want_ to look, but also nervous that you would not like what you saw, that my body would displease you if you did look. (HH) My skin tingled. I told you something like "I am going to put on the dry one now, okay?". You asked why I was asking permission. I did not give the answer I wished. Tomorrow, I shall tell you what happens in my imagination if I had! (HH) But for tonight I will concentrate on that thrill of stripping myself nude with you watching me avidly as I take my comfort alone. Goodnight, mein sehnsucht xx * Morgan closes it, settling down (HH) **The cat joins him as usual. Unsurprisingly, it takes him quite a long time to fall asleep** (HH) **Eventually he is asleep. He is back in the dining room at Lady Torrington's, sitting with Heinzharold and Claudia after the last two years, and with a continual pull towards Molly upstairs. He is faced with the news of the annexation, not knowing what has happened to Molly, and her having just said about purposefully undressing the day she nearly drowned because it was intriguing and exciting. * HH is drinking a glass of milk (HH) What are y' going to do, Morgan? Sudlachenburg needs you. * Morgan sighs (Morgan) How the hell am I to raise an army? (HH) **the feeling of being drawn to her pulls at him again, but this time neither HH or Claudia seem to notice it** * HH shrugs (HH) We'll figure it out. Go to the Eisenfurst, get men from Innesbruck and Koln (HH) C: at the least, let's go to Catterick and see your parents. (Morgan) alright * HH stretches (HH) Any chance of findin' us rooms for a couple of hours sleep whilst you pack? * Morgan nods, standing up (Morgan) come on * HH and Claudia take their bags, following him. HH looks round "nice place" * Morgan leads them up to a couple guest rooms (Morgan) Its not bad * HH and Claudia thank him (HH) Give us a couple of hours th'n we'll be good t' go (Morgan) Don't wander about, don't want her ladyship getting alarmed * HH grins (HH) She's gonna be one happy lassie t' see a face like mine (Morgan) just do as you're told * HH salutes him then hugs him (HH) Its so fucking good to see you, man. (Morgan) and you * HH goes in, shutting the door. Claudia has gone into the other room. And he feels pulled again back to Molly, to check on her, to see her face and hear her voice** * Morgan heads towards her room (HH) **He hears a very faint noise when he gets near. It sounds almost like a soft sigh** * Morgan knocks gently (HH) **The next noise is louder, a mix of a gasp and a soft moan of pleasure. * Morgan blushes, not moving (HH) *He hears more little moans and whimpers, and the slight sound of the bed springs moving gently** * Morgan knocks again (HH) **The movement sound stops. She sounds a little breathless when she calls (HH) Who is it? (Morgan) Morgan... ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) Oh! Uhh... just a minute * Molly comes to the door, hair down and just in a shift, barefoot. Her cheeks and upper chest are flushed (Morgan) if I'm disturbing you... (Molly) **somehow, she blushes further. That sparkliness remains* Is... is something wrong? * Morgan looks at her (Morgan) I'm... I was... * Molly nods, breathing shallowly, and watching him closely (Molly) Yes? (Morgan) I feel like I'm being pulled to you * Molly nods (Molly) Do you want to come in? * Morgan nods (Morgan) but I don't know its a good idea (Molly) Then we should discuss it in the hall? (Morgan) not ideal.... * Molly wets her lower lip nervously a moment with the tip of her tongue, holding the door open * Molly 's divested dress is thrown over the only chair, near the bed. It looks like it was removed in a hurry (Morgan) I'm sorry, I've interrupted something * Molly blushes (Molly) I... uhhh... (Molly) It can wait... it matters not *she watches him* (Morgan) you are sure? * Molly nods, taking a deep breath (Molly) It is fine (Morgan) we were... interrupted earlier * Molly watches him, nodding. The softness of her voice matches the sparkliness well (Molly) We were. Are you coming in? * Morgan nods * Molly lets him in and softly closes the door behind him (Molly) Should I lock it again? (Morgan) If... you wish * Molly looks to him (Molly) You said I should keep it locked... * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes, I did * Molly turns, turning the lock with a click. Then she turns to face him once more, just watching him a few long moments, trying to read his expression (Molly) ((What is it?)) (Morgan) ((aroused, troubled)) * Molly finds his expression intriguing and puzzling (Molly) We were interrupted... * Morgan nods (Morgan) you were telling me something (Molly) Things have... taken my attention since... would you remind me where we were? (Morgan) You were telling me about getting changed with a wet shift... * Molly draws in a quick sharp breath, then her breathing speeds. She nods (Molly) And how it was... intriguing, to not be alone? (Morgan) I don't believe that is the word you used... * Molly sucks the centre of her lower lip (Molly) What word did I use? (Morgan) exciting.... * Molly nods, speaking quieter. She watches his eyes (Molly) It was exciting to me... it is... * Morgan nods, licking his bottom lip * Molly shivers slightly "It is exciting when I recall it...' * Morgan nods * Molly watches him again "that is why you came to me? To have me say it again?" (Morgan) I was... drawn to be near you * Molly nods (Molly) I am glad you are here (Morgan) you are? (Molly) I... can remove the dress so you can sit on the chair, or we can sit on the bed... * Molly watches his reaction (Morgan) I should sit on the chair * Molly tilts her head (Molly) "Should" is not the same as "Will"... (Morgan) no... it isn't * Molly puts the dress roughly folded on the dresser, leaving the seat free. The bed is not made, the sheets looking tangled from recent movement within (Molly) Now it is your choice... * Morgan sits on the edge of the bed * Molly sits on the edge bed nearest the pillows, her left leg tucked beneath her, the toes of her right resting on the floorboards, turned towards him (Molly) It pleases you that I found it enjoyable and exciting? * Morgan nods (Morgan) very much * Molly nods, fidgeting a little (Molly) How did you feel...? (Morgan) shocked... pleased... * Molly smiles (Molly) And now...? How do you feel here with me in just my shift now? (Morgan) much the same * Molly flushes a little, smiling again (Molly) I... find it intriguing (Morgan) oh? * Molly runs a finger along her lower lip thoughtfully (Molly) _You_ are here... I am barely dressed... it's... illicit, and fascinating * Morgan nods (Molly) I do not think anything will happen, but the potential for it to, the idea that you may be enjoying it too, that is very... fascinating * Morgan nods * Molly 's fingers move to tracing light circles idly on the fabric over her stomach * Molly watches him (Molly) You are quiet, have I overstepped the mark? * Morgan watches her fingers (Morgan) no... (Molly) Have I spoken more than I ought? * Molly 's fingers trail and swirl, caressing her stomach through the material (Morgan) No, I don't think so (Molly) Then what is making you quiet when you came to talk...? (Morgan) a couple f things * Molly 's middle finger pad strokes gently into the dip of her naval (Molly) Navel* (Molly) What things? (Morgan) first my... the level of desire I have for you... * Molly blushes a little (Molly) You have some? * Molly watches him, intrigued and smiling slightly (Morgan) a great deal * Molly bites her lower lip, the smile increasing and her eyes widening (Molly) And that keeps you quiet? (Morgan) partly (Molly) And the other things? (Morgan) I... must leave * Molly frowns, sitting back slightly (Molly) Oh! I am sorry. I really have made you discomfitted (Morgan) No... no... my fathers lands... * Molly nods, looking relieved (Molly) If you need to go, you must (Morgan) I don't know when I can return... if I can * Molly changes position, both legs on the bed, her knees bent. This puts her more reclined against the pillows (Molly) I will miss you (Morgan) and I will miss you (Morgan) more than I thought possible * Molly smiles sadly (Molly) I will think of you every single day (Morgan) I wish I could take you with me (Molly) I... *she inhales deeply* ... I need the security of not ending up destitute... I faced that once already, I could not face it again (Morgan) You know I would not leave you such? But it isn't safe... (Molly) I... I do. I do know you would not. And _here_ is hardly safe either! (Morgan) thats true * Molly nods, her hand trailing over her hip to her thigh with the same slow circles (Molly) If you wish me to, I will come (Morgan) You don't even know what I'm going _for_ * Molly smiles (Molly) You do not see that I would follow you anywhere you would lead me... (Morgan) you would? * Molly nods (Molly) I would, if you only made it clear that you wished me to (Morgan) I do... so very much * Molly bites her lip, nodding (Molly) Then take me with you (Morgan) Then you'd best get some sleep. We're leaving in a few hours * Molly shakes her head (Molly) I am not tired right now... * Molly bites the side of her lip (Morgan) You will be by midmorning (Molly) I am too... excited... to sleep * Molly watches his expression (Morgan) excited? * Molly nods, licking her lower lip (Molly) Yes... excited... like when you watched me undress... * Morgan nods (Morgan) me too * Molly jolts slightly, lips parting a little (Molly) How excited...? * Molly runs her hand down to mid calf then slides it up to knee, gathering the fabric of her shift ahead of her fingers (Morgan) very * Molly nods (Molly) Enough to want to watch my excitement? * Molly moves her hand higher up her inner thigh * Morgan looks at her hungrily, nodding * Molly watches him, her hand moving higher again until she makes a soft gasp as she reaches the apex (Molly) Like this? * Morgan nods (Molly) **if there was any doubt of what he was overhearing before he came into the room, the same little sighs and moans she makes as she strokes herself intimately confirm it. She watches his expression and his body language as she does so * Morgan watches her intensely * Molly 's pace and breathing builds, her body writhing beneath the pleasure. She runs her gaze to his crotch (Molly) If... you wish... to join me... you can. But you... do not... have to... (Morgan) You wish me to... ummm... * Molly nods enthusiastically (Molly) I would... offer to help... but I... would not know... how (Morgan) I... you would wish to? * Molly nods (Molly) Any comfort... or aid... * Morgan watches her for a moment before nodding (Morgan) I would like that * Molly nods (Molly) Just... hang on.... a moment... * Morgan nods * Molly takes a big deep breath, her back arching as she peaks against her fingers, her eyes tightly closed, biting hard on her lip. She moans softly * Morgan watches her, enraptured * Molly continues this for a little longer, climaxing with a shudder the second time, this time whilst watching him * Morgan continues watching her, brows coming together as she climaxes * Molly removes her fingers from beneath her shift, breathing hard. She makes a come hither motion, and pats the bed between her thighs (Molly) Kneel here... I don't have a clue how to do it, but I am a quick learner * Morgan nods, moving to where she indicated * Molly watches him a moment (Molly) You are sure? * Morgan nods * Molly undoes the placket lowering the flap. She smiles, watching her fingers wrap around him intimately. Softly she says "oh wow!" * Morgan watches her * Molly starts to stroke him gently, her other hand lifting her shift from under her and trying to get it off one handed * Morgan reaches down to help her with the shift * Molly has to pause to get the fabric off, but reclines completely naked and resumes stroking him, trying to work out how from his reactions, but it's clear she has no experience and very little idea of how to do it (Molly) Is this right? * Morgan nods, placing his hand over hers and demonstrating gently * Molly nods, pupils dilating further. She copies his movements and gentleness (Molly) _This_ is even more exciting and enjoyable * Morgan nods (Molly) You can touch me if you wish, however you wish. Direct me if I am not pleasing you well (Morgan) you are sure? * Molly nods (Molly) I am _very_ sure * Morgan nods, his thumb moving directly to her clit, stroking upwards * Molly continues exactly as he showed her, moaning deeply from the sensation of his touch (Molly) Oh god, that feels like pure bliss! * Morgan nods (Morgan) mmmhmmm * Molly is clearly gearing up to peak again imminently by how she moves a breathes, her fist becoming tighter around him (Morgan) thats it... * Molly nods, her body tensing, shuddering again and the intensity hits her, and though her grip firms further she doesn't lose the rhythm * Morgan begins to swell in her hand * Molly looks at him (Molly) Is that supposed to happen? * Molly continues the stroking as she has been (Morgan) it means... I'm about to... orgasm * Molly looks pleased by this, nodding (Molly) Yes, please! * Molly runs her fist over him as before * Morgan breathes deeply a couple of times before holding his breath and arching his back * Molly waits eagerly, maintaining things just as they were * Morgan shudders, spasms ripping through his manhood as he looses his seed upon her * Molly moans softly and encouragingly (Molly) **There's the first chime of the dawn watch and he realises he's dreaming* * Morgan revels in the feeling a moment longer before waking (Molly) *he's very hard when he wakes, and there's a knock on the door. HH says "Come on Morgan, thought you wanted to get off early" (Morgan) Get some coffee, I'll be out in a minute (Molly) HH: Alright * the outer door closes behind him* * Morgan rolls out of bed, getting dressed ** You are now disconnected (Connection timed out)