------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 21 December 2021 15:32:56 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (HH) **She comes and goes through the afternoon, fetching and carrying, clearing out the old sheets and putting fresh ones on. Elsie and James come to join them before Varick and the others get back after dusk. The boy is keen to spend time with Morgan which is what they do. It seems quiet without the presence of Alice and Florrie, especially at Varick's bedtime where Morgan has said good night to the girl too. (HH) **Varick goes to sleep easily after his story, and then it is the six adults once more for dinner. He and HH leave the wives with Elsie and James for the walk around, only drizzle now, though cold. * HH pulls his collar up, rubbing his gloved hands (HH) Enjoy yer day just th' two of you? * Morgan nods slightly (Morgan) mostly it was just dealing with things (HH) Inga thought mebbie you'd benefit from it * Morgan nods (Morgan) been a rough day in some respects (HH) Elsie? (Morgan) No... I've been having dreams where Jana survived the fire and we came to Avalon... last night before I woke I realised it was a dream. It felt like letting go, then having to say goodbye to Florrie today... * HH winces (HH) Bad timing, man * Morgan nods (Morgan) it was difficult... especially when she wanted to stay * HH nods (HH) Unnerstandable when they look so sim'lar (HH) Inga picked a good day t' give you two time alone then * Morgan nods (Morgan) very (HH) Nothin' really beats a bit of babyin' from the wife * Morgan nods (Morgan) mostly we just spent some quiet time together (HH) I'm lookin' forward to havin' the cottage just to ourselves again * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, we're having Elsie and James back with us * HH grins (HH) I know (HH) We 'ad Claudia for a bit, then James, then th' pair of them. Now we can play house for a few days * Morgan nods * HH pulls something out of his pocket, handing it to Morgan (HH) Alice's letter t' Edward * Morgan checks to see if its sealed * HH stops still, looking at Morgan (HH) Whatcha looking for? (HH) **It is a basic seal in red wax, unbroken (Morgan) Just wondering what it says * Morgan tucks it in his pocket * HH shrugs (HH) Me too, but I I wouldn' have opened it (Morgan) No, nor I (Morgan) she tell you what she wanted to see the solicitor for? (HH) Nope (Morgan) She asked me to be Florries guardian if anything happens to her (Morgan) she went to change her will (HH) That a good idea? (Morgan) I know... but she's family, and the least I can do is make sure she's alright in the future... besides, Alice trusts me with her and thats a rare thing * HH nods (HH) We'll help y', if it comes to that. Whatever you need. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know you will... I'm worried about how Edward is going to react (HH) Gonna be rough for him * Morgan nods (Morgan) he's going to feel guilty as hell (HH) 'Bout Jana, or about having an illegitimate child, or about Mina? (Morgan) All of them... though his having a child when he deprived me of the same... I suspect that's going to hurt him a lot * HH nods (HH) That'd feel like shit, wouldn't it? * Morgan nods (Morgan) absolutely (HH) Part o' me thinks it serves him right (Morgan) I thought you might... and not too long ago I'd have agreed. He's laid himself bare, I've seen how much he _hates_ himself for what he did, I've held him as his whole body was wracked with sobs... * HH glances at Morgan as they walk (HH) I dunno I could forgive him (Morgan) How can I blame him when its me I can't forgive... (HH) Wasn't yer fault, man * Morgan shrugs (HH) He's fucking lucky. (Morgan) how so? (HH) You didn' kill him, you kept it from me and Claudia so we didn', yer Da is letting it go, you're all keepin' it from yer Ma. He gets the girl of his dreams, then he gets a healthy, smart daughter (Morgan) my father is doing what I'm asking of him... there's a deep wound there... (HH) In yer Da? * Morgan nods (HH) He shoulda had a better grip on things, let's be 'onest * Morgan nods (Morgan) Even so... (HH) Even so what? (Morgan) He's lost a grandchild... * HH nods (HH) An' he's about to gain one that looks almost identical (Morgan) maybe (HH) You forgiven yer Da too? (Morgan) Aye, I suppose so (HH) Think y' might forgive yerself sometime? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) maybe (HH) I think y' should (Morgan) I'm working on it * HH nods (HH) Can't be a very high chance of getting Alice with child just on one night * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) only takes once (HH) Spose so. * Morgan nods (Morgan) bit cruel though (HH) Howdya mean? (Morgan) of life... she was conceived when he was there getting his nose fixed... its like a cruel joke (HH) Like he's been somehow rewarded ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 21 December 2021 18:27:35 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (HH) [18:02] (HH) Like he's been somehow rewarded * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) No, I don't think so (HH) Whatcha mean then? (Morgan) I think its a cruel joke on all of us. He gets a daughter who looks just like the one he had taken from me. I get to watch how Jana probably would've grown * HH nods (HH) Mebbie it ackshully gives him chance to do better, to atone (Morgan) maybe (Morgan) or he'll be haunted by how she looks... and having magic... (HH) If he shuns her, you'll beat some sense into 'im? (Morgan) I don't know what I'll do... (HH) Gonna hurt you if he does? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't know... I'm more concerned with Florrie (HH) Feeling protective? * Morgan nods (Morgan) realistically, though, you saw how I treated that boy with the flowers... * HH nods (HH) Part of who y' are. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm not the same as when you knew me before... there's a reason the people here are scared of me (HH) Thought it was jus' yer face to be honest (Morgan) No (HH) Gonna be tough leaving 'er Grace alone? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye... I was surprisingly upset when I handed the estates keys back * HH nods (HH) I can see why livin' here with Molly woulda suited you * Morgan nods (HH) Not planning to stay long after it's done with Elsie? (Morgan) I doubt it. I suspect its going to be too painful * HH nods (HH) Which of you need th' most watching? (Morgan) Molly * HH nods (HH) Flight risk? (Morgan) I... don't think so, but... she's already distraught worrying about it (HH) Lots o' pressure in her to fix it * Morgan nods (Morgan) Varick didn't help in that regard either (HH) Whysat? (Morgan) begging her to save Elsie (HH) Damn. That's gonna be hard to live up to * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (HH) We wouldn't all be looking to her t' sort it if it wasn' for the magic. Must feel heavy * Morgan nods (HH) Anything we can do f' her in the next few days? (Morgan) Just support her as much as we can * HH nods (HH) That's what we'll do then * Morgan nods * HH doesn't bring up much else on the walk around. The downstairs is lit in the little cottage, it reminds him of the night he came back from a week's trip to Londinium, knowing Molly was waiting for him there * Morgan smiles slightly,, going inside * HH says goodnight before going into the small one. Morgan's new cottage is not lit downstairs at all * Morgan makes his way up to the bedroom ** You're now known as Molly * Molly has obviously fallen asleep reading * Morgan puts her book away before getting undressed and into bed gently * Molly moves closer to him but doesnt really wake * Morgan settles down to sleep (Molly) **He starts to dream. It is January, 1672. It is snowing hard in this part of the north of Avalon. He is making his way from Durham to his home at Foxcroft where he has lived with his uncle for almost 4 years. He decided when word of Yensid reached him in Avebury that going to his uncle would keep the Eisen family at arm's length whilst buying him some peace and stability. (Molly) **These four years, and his uncle's support, have allowed him to heal quite a lot, and even to contact Adalbrecht to relinquish his Veisgraf title, instead opting to be the future lord of Catterick. The work he has done there to improve the lives of the poor has given him purpose and satisfaction, a job he knows Dietlinde would have been proud of him for. (Molly) **It is only fifteen miles but his gamble of setting off through six inches of settled snow has not paid off. It has been slow-going, and with five miles to go the afternoon is already very dark. His horse is getting fed up, and Morgan himself is grumpily covered in snow too. (Molly) **the snow is pushing three feet now, it's become dangerous to go on, and the blizzard continues** * Morgan swears * Morgan looks around for somewhere to shelter (Molly) **he spots a small cottage off the track, covered in white. The lit window has candles in it, almost like a lighthouse in an ocean of snow, and is reminiscent of the Fischler flag. There's nothing else in this grey, freezing world. * Morgan urges his horse towards it (Molly) **The path has been shovelled fairly recently. On closer inspection there is a stable attached to the cottage * Morgan makes for the door, knocking hard (Molly) **The young woman opens the door, and warm air rushes out of the little cottage. It smells like beef stew and Blackberry crumble. She has dark red hair, simply dressed. He's never seen her before** (Molly) You look half-frozen, dya want to come in? **her slight accent is not Durham, but still somehow rural* (Morgan) Would you mind? I don't want to impose, but if I try to make that beast walk another step, he'd trample me * Molly smiles (Molly) Not at all. Pop the lad in the stable, it gets good heat off the back o' the chimney * Morgan nods, doing that * Molly calls to him "let yerself in when you're done, keep the heat in" * Morgan ties the horse in the stable before heading inside as she's instructed * Molly is putting more wood on the fire. The cottage is small, very warm, but not homely. There's no knickknacks. There is a cloak stand and a pair of boots drying on a towel beneath it (Molly) I wouldn' think it'll be safe to travel on tonight (Morgan) I was reaching much the same conclusion * Molly offers to take his coat. She's younger than him, maybe twenty one or twenty two. She wears a gold wedding ring, and holds out both hands to take his coat * Morgan shrugs out of it, thanking her * Molly hangs it (Molly) Your feet will thank you for being rid o' your boots too * Morgan takes them off (Morgan) I wouldn't wish to track snow all over your floor * Molly laughs (Molly) I wouldn' worry, I've done that a few times today. Let me get you a blanket an' some tea (Molly) **There are two chairs by the fire (Morgan) I don't wish to impose * Molly shakes her head (Molly) It is no imposition at all. It will be nice to have some company whilst being snowed in * Molly directs him to a chair, first bringing him a towel for his face and hair, and then a blanket before going to sort the tea * Morgan looks around again (Molly) Honey? (Molly) **It looks like she has either newly moved in, or has very few possessions, but it is very clean and neat** (Molly) **there's a door at the end of the room, and no stairs** (Morgan) No, thank you (Molly) There's scotch I can put in it, if you prefer? (Morgan) No, as it is will be fine * Molly nods. Theres a clanging of a pot and the smell of beef stew intensifies * Molly brings two cups to near the fire, handing him one, then taking the other chair. The fire crackles * Morgan sips it (Morgan) You have lived here long? (Molly) Only three weeks so far (Morgan) your husband? * Molly sips her tea slowly (Molly) My husband died fourteen months ago today (Morgan) I'm sorry * Molly nods (Molly) Thank you * Molly looks at him (Molly) Do you live locally? (Morgan) Catterick (Molly) Not too far, but far enough on a night like this. Will your family be worriyin' about you? (Morgan) I wouldn't think so... they'd expect me to be smart enough to not travel in this sort of weather... * Molly smiles (Molly) Do you have a big family? (Morgan) I used to... I'm... estranged, I suppose, from my parents and brother, and my wife and daughter died a few years ago... so I suppose its just me and my uncle (Molly) I am sorry, that sounds hard * Morgan nods (Morgan) we've got a lot of people to care for though (Molly) That helps sometimes, doesn't it? (Morgan) most of the time aye * Molly nods (Molly) I did a lot o' charity work in my year of mournin' whilst I was waiting for my dowry to be released * Morgan nods (Morgan) mine isn't charity work as such (Molly) No? (Morgan) Its... duty, I suppose * Molly sips her tea (Molly) Like a callin'? Are you a churchman then? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) how well d'you know the area, who owns what... (Molly) Barely at all. My cousin is married to the Estates Manager at Coleraine, so I know the family there, an' my aunt has connections to the family at Durham * Morgan nods (Morgan) I see... (Molly) That is your duty? You're the Lord of Catterick? (Morgan) I will be... * Molly nods (Molly) I'm Molly, Molly Dagget. *she offers her hand to him* * Morgan shakes it (Morgan) Morgan * Molly smiles. Her hand is small and very warm in his (Molly) A beautiful name (Morgan) My mother thought so... I'm Eisen by birth, but my mother is from Catterick, so I got an Avalonian name * Molly looks surprised (Molly) You do not sound Eisen (Morgan) I can... mind you, I can sound like I'm from just about anywhere... I put it down to my mother teaching me Avalonian at the same time as Eisen * Molly smiles (Molly) My father dislikes accents, he says they sound too common * Morgan raises an eyebrow (Morgan) He's not been around nobility enough then... that stilted way of talking _is_ their accent (Molly) My Father forgets that he is really just a common farmer, as was his father, and my mother's family is even commoner than that. He got made a gentleman just after I married John (Morgan) a social climber? * Molly 's eyes sparkle, smiling (Molly) A _dreadful_ social climber. Myself and my brothers had our marriages chosen for us for his advancement * Morgan stays carefully neutral * Molly watches him (Molly) I should check the food **She puts her tea on the arm of the chair, walking past him** * Morgan nods, sipping his tea * Molly makes an Mmhmm sound before saying (Molly) I'd have made something a bit fancier if I'da known I'd have company (Morgan) I don't do fancy (Molly) But you're a noble * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) more than you know, but thats nothing more than luck of birth (Molly) Isn't much in life luck, really? **She starts to dish up the food* * Morgan nods (Morgan) apparently so (Molly) Not much of a comfort if you're prone to bad luck, mind you! (Morgan) No... (Molly) It runs in my family, 'pparently. (Morgan) oh? (Molly) Forrester luck, they call it in town. Accidents, problems during births, investments goin' wrong (Molly) Not this town, the one I grew up in down in the south west. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I could tell the accent wasn't a local one * Molly pulls a small table in front of him (Molly) My mother was born in Durham though, little house down on the docks. She an' my aunt are twins * Morgan nods * Molly comes back again with ale, stew and bread before settling on her chair to eat on her lap (Molly) Runs in families, havin' twins (Morgan) so I'm told (Molly) I... *she pulls a little of her bread apart* I had a little boy, back in sixty-nine. Thomas. (Morgan) had... * Molly nods (Molly) Something went wrong during his birth, an' he did not survive * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm sorry to hear that * Molly nods (Molly) I know. * Molly eats some food, the wind outside flinging more snow at the cottage whilst the burning logs keep the interior pleasant and warm. * Morgan starts eating (Molly) **The food is basically but very good. She seems in no rush, nor bothered by the long silence as they eat, but as soon as he is finished she offers him Blackberry crumble** (Morgan) please... * Molly does this, checking everything is right, and generally taking the time to see that he is happy and comfortable before cleaning up. She seems to enjoy the caretaking * Morgan stands, stretching, back making popping noises * Molly glances over (Molly) Evenin primrose oil would help that * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) Been this way for a bit long to have much hope of it ever changing (Molly) Slept on bare ground a lot, or chopped a lot of trees down without warmin' up? (Morgan) Bare ground... there was a war and I... I was busy. * Molly nods (Molly) You look like a man whose good in a fight (Morgan) well enough, at least * Molly smiles a little (Molly) Well enough t' survive it * Morgan nods * Molly dries off her hands (Molly) Can I ask... was that how you lost your wife and daughter? (Morgan) No... there was a fire, after the war * Molly nods (Molly) I'd say I am sorry... but we all say that, don't we, even though we know it doesn't change anything * Morgan nods * Molly watches him a moment before sitting back in her chair (Molly) John died in an accident too * Morgan looks neutral again (Morgan) oh? (Molly) He was a farmer. He was butchering a pig. He must have slipped on some ice, weather was cold and snowy then too. He tried to get home... **she picks up the cup, swirling the tea** the coroner said it was most likely he froze to death, combination of being facedown in the snow and so much blood loss... * Morgan nods * Molly sips her tea (Molly) I didn' think to check on him. He hadn' come in for lunch, but that's how 'tis on a farm sometimes, you get busy... With hindsight, I wonder if maybe he'd been callin' me but I was just tok far (Molly) Too* (Morgan) No way to know * Molly shakes her head (Molly) No. I've just had to accept it as it is. Maybe even if I'd been there I couldn' have done anything for him (Morgan) quite possibly * Molly nods, taking a minute to finish her tea, and a long silence develops ** You are now disconnected (Connection timed out) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 21 December 2021 23:02:53 Greenwich Mean 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 Wednesday, 22 December 2021 17:21:57 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Morgan) He was a farmer. He was butchering a pig. He must have slipped on some ice, weather was cold and snowy then too. He tried to get home... **she picks up the cup, swirling the tea** the coroner said it was most likely he froze to death, combination of being facedown in the snow and so much blood loss... (Morgan) * Morgan nods (Morgan) * Molly sips her tea (Morgan) I didn' think to check on him. He hadn' come in for lunch, but that's how 'tis on a farm sometimes, you get busy... With hindsight, I wonder if maybe he'd been callin' me but I was just tok far (Morgan) Too* (Morgan) No way to know (Morgan) * Molly shakes her head (Morgan) No. I've just had to accept it as it is. Maybe even if I'd been there I couldn' have done anything for him (Morgan) quite possibly (Morgan) * Molly nods, taking a minute to finish her tea, and a long silence develops (Molly) Have you lived in Catterick long? (Morgan) A few years, not many * Molly nods (Molly) Do you like it here? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I do... * Molly nods (Molly) Me too. There's more woodland than where I'm from, which is mostly farm land (Morgan) there's a lot of woodland where I'm from... can't say I'm keen on it * Molly looks interested (Molly) I like the woods. It's peaceful, there's birds and squirrels an' things. When it's spring again, I look forward to sitting 'neath the trees and reading * Morgan nods (Molly) Do you like to read? (Morgan) when I have chance, I've been known to... though normally I'm too busy (Molly) *she nods* I love to read. I started learning when I got married, my father did not permit his womenfolk to learn. * Morgan frowns briefly * Molly smiles (Molly) My husband was a good man, very generous, an' we had an agreement. He would get me a tutor, but it was on the condition I would use my reading to help him with the boring written tasks of running a farm as well as for frivolity (Morgan) sounds like a good idea... gets you into the details of running the farm, too * Molly nods (Molly) That was what we had planned * Morgan nods * Molly smiles "Now I read almost entirely for frivolity, though I have to say I find Shakespeare tedious" (Morgan) I found some of his work to be a bit salacious for me * Molly laughs softly (Molly) Yes, though I must say Marlowe, whose work I prefer, is also somewhat scandalous at times, but it isn't hidden by clever sneaky wordplay, it's more truthful but sweeter (Morgan) cant say I've read his work * Molly looks surprised (Molly) It's popular, lots of romance based on the old Vodacce heroes of old * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) never been keen on the Vodacce * Molly nods (Molly) I've not met any (Morgan) Seen a peacock? * Molly shakes her head (Molly) I know they're birds... (Morgan) big flashy things, colourful feathers, all arrogance and no substance... * Molly smiles (Molly) The Vodacce are similar? * Morgan nods (Morgan) basically useless unless its to make overly complicated clothes (Molly) I've never really seen much fancy. Tawstock, where I'm from, it's simple folks with simple tastes * Morgan nods (Morgan) sounds nice * Molly sips the tea, watching the fire (Molly) Yes... it is, I suppose (Molly) But everyone knows everyone else's business, an' you grow up and old with the same folks who knew you from childhood. There's no way to find _yourself_ when everyone's found you already (Morgan) I can relate to that (Molly) **she nods* I am still finding my feet alone. I have been alone but around people for months. Do you understand that too? * Morgan nods (Morgan) alone in a crowd * Molly nods "I think you can be incredibly lonely in company, an' not at all lonely in solitude." * Morgan nods (Molly) **she sips the tea* I went from being someone's daughter to being someone's wife. Now I am a widow, I wish to be my own friend, and to get to know who I am. (Morgan) it can be difficult to say the least * Molly nods (Molly) I am alright, certainly better than I was last winter. The grief comes and goes, but the love stays. * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed (Molly) What is grief, really? It is love that we feel just as intensely but cannot give to those we've lost. At first it's like it gets stuck inside your chest an' hurts. But then it lessens. It has to, or it'll destroy you. * Morgan tilts his head (Morgan) I've never heard it put like that * Molly sips her tea "sorry, I'm prattlin' on, preachin' to the choir" * Morgan shrugs, sipping his tea (Morgan) It makes a change to meet someone who understands * Molly nods (Molly) There were a few in Tawstock, but they were mostly older women, or ones with a bushel of children to raise. There was still _something_ left... * Morgan nods (Molly) I miss him every day. What I miss most is the touch though. I miss how he'd catch my hand as I passed an' squeeze it, or how his arm would come round me if we sat by the fire or steadying me over uneven ground. It's the absence of that that really strikes me, really reminds me of being alone. Don't really notice it til it's gone. * Morgan nods slowly (Molly) Even having family and friends, hugging them, it's so fleetin'. *she finishes the cup of tea* Another? I'll be havin' scotch, if you want some * Morgan sighs (Morgan) please * Molly looks rueful (Molly) Sorry, I've distressed you (Morgan) No, its fine... I just try not to think about it * Molly gets up, rinsing the cups before putting large measures of scotch into each then handing him one (Morgan) thank you (Molly) Does that help, dya think? (Morgan) not thinking about it? * Molly picks up a blanket before sitting. She wraps it very tightly so it applies pressure to her upper arms then around her waist (Molly) Aye (Morgan) No, I doubt it * Molly nods, sipping her scotch (Molly) **she's quiet a few moments. The snow briefly turns to hail** (Molly) Sounds dreadful out there * Morgan nods (Morgan) it wasn't very nice (Molly) Very fortunate you found me * Morgan nods (Morgan) very * Molly sips the scotch again, savouring it (Molly) Would you tell me about yerself? (Morgan) what do you want to know? (Molly) **the dawn watch chimes once, and he realises he is dreaming** (Molly) What are your hopes for the future? (Morgan) just to do the best I can for the people in my care * Molly nods (Molly) That sounds like a very decent hope (Morgan) I try * Molly sips her scotch, watching the flames once more. The watch chimes three times now * Morgan tries to wake up (Molly) **he awakens, and the room is very cold. The only thing warm is Molly's soft bottom against his groin** * Morgan glances towards the fire (Molly) **It lights how he wants it. She stirs a little at the sudden light * Morgan climbs out of bed, getting dressed * Molly turns over, blinking (Molly) What's wrong? (Morgan) Nothing blossom * Molly sits up (Molly) Gosh it's cold! * Morgan nods (Morgan) Yes... yes it is (Molly) Is it nearly dawn already? * Morgan nods * Molly sighs (Molly) Alright (Molly) Liebes herz? * Molly frowns a little (Morgan) yes blossom? (Molly) Have you ever been to die Eider river? (Molly) **This river runs from the water around the bay of the Insel island east through Posen to Ludwig where an Objectionist military academy is** * Morgan nods (Molly) What can you tell me about it? (Morgan) Runs through Posen to Ludwig (Morgan) why blossom? (Molly) A dream (Morgan) go on (Molly) You will not like it... * Morgan shrugs (Molly) It was summer, and I was in a little rowing boat on a river. Seb was teaching me to fish, and larking around... *she watches his expression* * Morgan nods, doing up his buttons (Molly) He lost his favourite hat into the water. It started to sink beneath the surface, so I cast my hook for it. He told me there was no way I could manage to get it, but when we pulled it in, I had caught the hat, and inside it was a minnow. * Morgan nods (Molly) That was how he came up with the nickname. I tipped the fish out, removed the hook, and set the sopping wet hat on his head… That's pretty much when you woke me. We were on die Eider * Morgan nods * Molly nods too, then says (Molly) I will have some hot breakfast ready for when you return * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright blossom * Molly watches the fire as he finishes dressing. Downstairs HH has already made coffee and is sat at Morgan's kitchen table. ** You're now known as HH (HH) Mornin' * Morgan nods, pouring a drink (HH) It's snowed (Morgan) Unusual here... * HH shrugs (HH) Seems to 'ave stopped for now, but I reck'n we'll get a few more inches today (Morgan) peculiar, I dreamed about snow (HH) Mebbie yer brain realising it was cold? (Morgan) Maybe * HH gulps the coffee (HH) Nightmare? (Morgan) No... * HH grins (HH) Bubbies don't like snow (Morgan) No, I would imagine not (HH) Anything we need t' worry about? (Morgan) No... it sort of helped me understand grief a bit better (HH) Sounds interestin'. We staying in, or bravin' the cold (Morgan) You can stay in if you want. I'm heading out (HH) Stay in an' look like I'm les brave than you? No thanks **he tops up his coffee and grabs a cloak and hat** ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Wednesday, 22 December 2021 20:15:33 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (HH) [20:11] (HH) Stay in an' look like I'm les brave than you? No thanks **he tops up his coffee and grabs a cloak and hat** * Morgan does the same before heading out (HH) **there's six settled inches, and the clouds look heavy still (Morgan) thats definitely going to snow again (HH) **he nods** Gonna have one happy boy today * Morgan nods (Morgan) I suspect he'll go wild * HH nods (HH) Not ideal if yer hoping to get a midwife or doctor up for Elsie * Morgan nods (Morgan) We'll have to keep an eye on it * HH nods (HH) Bad time t' have an emergency * Morgan nods * HH almost slips as they get off the grass onto the path (HH) Whoa! Watch yerself, it's icy too (Morgan) thats a surprise * HH nods (HH) Coulda cracked my head open, you coulda seen how huge my brain is (Morgan) made of cake * HH laughs. They get safely to the rose garden. Lower Tawstock and the farms out behind it for miles are all covered in snow (HH) Go on then, tell me about yer dream (Morgan) I'd left, as really happened but when Yensid got close, I went to Catterick... spent four years slowly healing, gave up the Veisgraf title... was going to be Lord of Catterick eventually. * HH nods (HH) Not a bad idea, that * Morgan nods (Morgan) was heading back there and it snowed, hard... took shelter at the only building I could find and it was Molly, widowed... she'd been married to John Daggett, and moved away after he died, back towards Durham (HH) Huh. What happened to Dagget? (Morgan) was butchering a pig, slipped and smacked his dead. Died in the cold. * HH nods (HH) Then what? (Morgan) Talked about how grief seems to be the love you had to give but couldn't... how its the little things you struggle to adapt to most * HH nods slowly (HH) Makes a lotta sense. You got a bit wiser in the future then? (Morgan) Was Molly came up with that * HH nods, watching the Valley (HH) Whatcha reckon? (Morgan) makes sense (HH) Think mebbie it's yer mind working on it all in yer sleep? (Morgan) could be * HH nods, drinking the coffee (HH) What's Molly said? (Morgan) haven't told her yet * HH nods (HH) Four years there, not here... spring '72? * Morgan nods (HH) How long'd she been a widow? (Morgan) a year (HH) But snowing? * Morgan nods (HH) ((It was mid Jan '72, she'd been widowed exactly 14 months)) (Morgan) fourteen months, sorry * HH nods slowly (HH) Lookin' pretty snowy over at Goodleigh from here * Morgan nods (Morgan) what're you thinking? (HH) Any chance this is like th' Love's Requiem? * Morgan looks skeptical (Morgan) Loves requiem was as we are, actually there... * HH nods (HH) Guess so. You have these dreams a lot, you an' Molly meeting in a diff'rent way? * Morgan nods (HH) Prob'ly means nothing then (Morgan) should check though... I'd feel awful if I'm wrong * HH nods (HH) Spose I'll get myself a shovel and an 'orse then (Morgan) I'd go but... (Morgan) though, we'll get Molly to check Elsie then decide * HH nods (HH) I'll go. You enjoy yer time playing with Varick in the snow (Morgan) Be careful * HH nods (HH) I'll say g'bye to my wife and be on my way * Morgan nods (Morgan) thank you * HH heads back to the cottages, leaving Morgan to the cold dawn * Morgan finishes his coffee before heading back to the cottage ** You're now known as Molly * Molly has the fire going in the kitchen as well as breakfast cooking. The heat hits him as he opens the door * Morgan stamps the snow off his boots before going to sit at the table * Molly brings him food (Molly) I cannot recall the last time I saw snow here (Morgan) Wasn't too long before we left... (Molly) Elsie is well but they are going to have breakfast in bed * Molly goes back to cooking * Morgan nods (Morgan) Are you alright? * Molly nods (Molly) Yes, are you? * Morgan nods (Morgan) you seem a little... wary (Molly) I was thinking, that's all * Morgan nods (Molly) Why would I be wary? (Morgan) I wondered if you were still thinking about your dream * Molly shakes her head (Molly) No, my love. I wasn't thinking of him at all * Morgan nods * Molly adds plates of food and coffee cups to a tray (Molly) _You_ are thinking of him? (Morgan) I was thinking perhaps you thought I was displeased by your dream * Molly shrugs (Molly) I would not blame you for it (Morgan) No... there's an academy on that river (Molly) Oh... I don't recall anything about that. *she takes the tray* I will be right back **she's gone barely at all before she is sat across from him with her own breakfast** (Molly) It is a shame Kit has gone. That might be the one he and his cousins went to? (Morgan) possibly (Molly) We were quite rural, from what I can recall * Morgan nods * Molly drinks some coffee (Molly) But you are not troubled? (Morgan) Not particularly, no * Molly nods, eating a little while (Molly) How was your night? (Morgan) I've had worse * Molly nods (Molly) That is good. **she says nonchalantly** Heinzharold seemed in a rush (Morgan) I had a dream that you'd married John Daggett, but was widowed... we were a little concerned it was another example of the loves requiem issue, so he's gone to check on him * Molly frowns deeply (Molly) What happened to John? (Morgan) accident while butchering a pig (Molly) That sounds like something I would be better suited to aiding with than just making breakfast (Morgan) Yes, but... If something should happen with Elsie... * Molly nods a little (Molly) I suppose so (Molly) Do you think it is likely that John is truly in danger? (Morgan) I doubt it * Molly nods, looking relieved (Molly) Good (Morgan) it was niggling at us, thats all * Molly nods (Molly) Perhaps the dream was a path rather than a warning? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I think so (Molly) Had we been happy, John and I? * Morgan nods * Molly nods as well, but asks no more (Molly) **Several minutes pass when she says* I wonder whether Catherine has any sleds. I know you enjoy that, and I would imagine Varick would too. (Morgan) She does.... they're in the attic * Molly smiles (Molly) Wonderful. I will go over and see they are brought down then * Morgan nods (Morgan) Varick will definitely enjoy it I'd say (Molly) Perhaps Her Grace will join us. Elsie should stay indoors though, with the baby due tomorrow * Morgan nods (Morgan) I agree * Molly stands up, passing by him on the way towards her cloak * Morgan finishes his breakfast * Molly gets wrapped up for the cold (Molly) I will be back in a little while (Morgan) alright my love * Molly nods, gently closing the door behind her. This leaves him ten minutes all alone * Morgan relaxes in the kitchen (Molly) **There's a clattering of an excited child from upstairs** Papa!! ** You're now known as Varick (Morgan) Down here * Varick comes running down (Varick) It's snowing! * Morgan nods (Morgan) your mama has gone to get the sleds brought down from the attic (Varick) Yay! Can we play all day in the snow? (Varick) **Inga, also wrapped up, lets herself in. There's snow in her hair** (Morgan) I don't know about all day (Varick) Most of the day? (Varick) **Inga looks to Morgan** Is Molly up with Elsie? (Morgan) She's gone to have the sleds brought down from the attic (Varick) **Inga nods, starting to clear up** (Varick) When can we go in the snow? (Morgan) You need to get dressed, and in warm clothes * Varick goes running upstairs ** You're now known as Inga (Inga) Is Molly alright this morning? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I think so, aye (Inga) Heinzharold said you said last night we should all be keeping an eye and supporting her * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm concerned she'll pour too much of herself into saving Elsie * Inga nods (Inga) It's the sort of thing she would do if she thought it was needed (Morgan) But we need her... (Inga) I know, but she can be headstrong, can't she? * Morgan nods (Inga) I'm worried about her too * Morgan nods (Inga) Have you told her you're worried she won't stop? * Morgan nods (Inga) Have you told her the pain you're going to suffer if you lose her, or that you're scared? (Morgan) to a point... you think I need to be more plain? * Inga watches him (Inga) Yes, I do. I think you need to be more open with her. * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright (Inga) Heinzharold says you've been getting better with him lately about how you feel * Morgan nods (Morgan) its been hard work * Inga nods (Inga) He's said as much (Inga) He's not telling tales on you, but he and I are really close, sometimes he needs a bit of a soft place to land * Morgan nods (Morgan) I've no doubt (Inga) I like that about him. He doesn't have to play the fool with me when he's sad or burdened. I think that's a good way for a marriage to be * Inga looks a bit embarrassed (Inga) I'm not saying you and Molly dont have a good marriage (Morgan) I know you're not (Inga) She loves you very much * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know (Inga) You're really lucky * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes, I am (Inga) I think with what she's been through in the past, you need to be really plain with her sometimes. Really hammer it home, you know? * Inga tries not to laugh, turning red (Inga) Not like that. It is a Heinzharold expression. (Morgan) Oh, you've definitely spent too long with him... * Inga smiles (Inga) I'd spend eternity with him if I could * Morgan nods (Inga) I think the two of you are making progress though, dont you? (Morgan) I do, very much so * Inga nods (Inga) Do you want me to get you two some time alone today? (Morgan) Maybe a little.... I think Varick would benefit from time with us (Inga) I could do dinner for Elsie, James, Heinzharold and I, give you the evening just the two of you? * Morgan nods (Morgan) that'd be nice * Inga nods (Inga) That'll be no problem. We just want to see the two of you happy. As happy as you were after Sabine's, he says *she looks confused* (Morgan) oh, he's getting a slap when he gets back * Inga laughs (Inga) He wont tell me what it means, so I figured it was an old navy joke (Morgan) No, it isn't (Inga) **Varick trots back down the stairs** I'm ready now * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright then (Inga) **All wrapped up warm, Inga calls up to Elsie and James, then they go out into the cold* (Inga) ((Leave it there)) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 23 December 2021 14:34:31 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) **Varick runs out, leaping around and trampling through the snow with glee. Inga closes the door, following Morgan onto the white-covered lawn. She watches Varick's excitement. ** You're now known as Inga (Inga) He reminds me of Heinzharold * Morgan nods (Morgan) I can see that (Inga) Once he's back from Goodleigh Heinzharold will be out to play too (Morgan) I've no doubt (Inga) Some people don't like that about him (Morgan) His easygoing nature grates on some * Inga nods (Inga) Mostly those who envy it I reckon * Morgan nods (Morgan) They have to be stoic and serious, so why shouldn't he... (Inga) Do you feel like that too? (Morgan) I wouldn't change it for the world... I wish I was more easygoing, like I used to be * Inga nods (Inga) They say people lose themselves when they lose a spouse. You can put the pieces back together, but it's never quite the same vase it was. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'd say that's true (Inga) That doesnt mean you can give up on finding those missing bits though * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) is that a command? * Inga smiles (Inga) I'd say no, but Heinzharold would be disappointed if he thought anyone had missed a chance to make you do something * Morgan nods (Inga) Maybe we could call in an appeal to you for the sake of all involved? * Morgan shrugs (Inga) I think Molly would benefit from some larking around **this is the term which Molly used to describe Sebastian's behaviour in her dream* * Morgan frowns briefly before nodding (Inga) It might take her mind off Elsie's due date tomorrow * Morgan nods (Morgan) thats a good idea (Inga) Of all the dates for her to be due, it has to be Friday thirteenth... * Inga gives a superstitious shudder * Morgan nods (Inga) Is it a bad omen, do you think? (Morgan) I've no idea... The sensible part of me wants to say no... * Inga nods (Inga) But the Sudlachenburg part... * Morgan nods (Inga) **Varick starts gathering up the snow** (Inga) Heinzharold is the same. He says he'd happily stay in bed all day tomorrow (Morgan) I'm amazed he's dealt with my... ability so well (Inga) He loves you. More than he loves his sisters, or his Ma. Maybe almost as much as he loves me. (Morgan) I find that difficult to believe (Inga) He says you're an idiot, in your own way *Inga smiles a little* * Morgan blinks slowly (Morgan) Been a long time since anyone called me that (Inga) Since Heinzharold did? Or did Dietlinde used to call you it? (Inga) **he recalls Molly calling him a Bloody Fool when he went off on his own poking around the summerhouse** (Morgan) Molly called me a bloody fool not _that_ long ago * Inga smiles (Inga) She doesn't really think that. She talks about you like you're Theus himself (Morgan) I was rather stupid at the time, so I deserved it * Inga nods "Don't most men do foolish things at times?" * Morgan nods (Morgan) at least when I do it, I do it properly (Inga) You dont seem that foolish to me * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) Oh I can be (Inga) Like when? (Inga) **Varick is putting the snow into a ball** (Morgan) This place... anytime a monster appears, I'm running right at it... * Inga shrugs (Inga) You wanted to die. Seems like a logical choice to me (Morgan) even after that had ebbed away... I still do it (Inga) Protective, not foolish. (Morgan) Saw a floaty ball of... something... I poked it... * Inga pauses for a moment, thinking (Inga) Curiosity, not foolishness (Morgan) Molly disagreed (Inga) I'm sure she has forgiven it (Morgan) I imagine so (Inga) It still bothers you though, by the sounds of it (Morgan) I used to think I was smart... its tough realising you're not * Inga smiles (Inga) I think you're smart. You couldn't have won Molly's hand otherwise * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) Still not sure how I managed it (Inga) I am, but then we talk about you a lot (Morgan) so I understand (Inga) She could probably tell you all manner of things about Heinzharold and I too (Morgan) ]No doubt (Inga) Molly wouldn't suit a dull-witted man. She'd run rings around him (Inga) **Varick starts another ball** * Morgan nods (Morgan) I suspect you're right (Inga) John or Curtis, she'd have bored of them within the year, and I'm not sure they could have kept her in one place (Inga) *Varick rolls the smaller snow ball to the other determinedly* (Morgan) Jaeger would have been for stability and safety * Inga looks at him (Inga) Let us be honest, she would have found neither of them with him, would she? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) He was childish and had a magic that he showed off a little too much (Inga) Molly says he was flighty, and would have been enamored with some other woman once the novelty wore off. And Molly wouldn't have done well with him having a mistress (Morgan) She's probably right * Inga nods (Inga) I think the inconstancy of her family meant that was what she was seeking really. Something she could trust in. * Morgan nods (Morgan) and yet she put her trust in a man who was lying and keeping secrets (Inga) Tell me, did she put much trust in you until you stopped keeping secrets from her? (Morgan) I'm not sure (Inga) Bit of a difference between lying and keeping secrets from the world, and lying and keeping secrets _from her_, dont you think? * Morgan nods * Inga nods too (Inga) I think maybe it might have been _because_ of the lies and the secrets that she liked you * Morgan frowns (Morgan) how so? (Inga) It gave the two of you something in common, didn't it? (Morgan) I suppose so (Inga) All couples need something in common to get them started. Sometimes it's just... physical attraction. Sometimes it's a shared unhappy past * Morgan nods * Inga smiles (Inga) Sometimes it's gossiping * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm very glad she has you * Inga nods (Inga) I'm lucky to have a friend like her... I do wish she trusted me with things a bit more though (Morgan) like what? (Inga) Well, sometimes, if we're talking about things others would say were scandalous, she looks illuminated, like there's things she wants to say but doesnt seem to feel like she can trust me with (Morgan) I think thats because I am a very private person, rather than not trusting you * Inga thinks about this (Inga) Maybe. Some things she tells me of that nature with ease, and other times she suddenly clams up * Morgan frowns (Morgan) such as? (Inga) What it was like on The Coral, all the things they were talking about, and what that was like for a very clueless girl * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I wonder why... (Inga) I mean, that's what she does tell me. You meant what she doesn't? * Morgan nods (Inga) I think you're right, it's anything about you. That explains it nicely * Morgan nods (Inga) In that case, I have no need to worry about her keeping anything from me, in all else she confides in me * Morgan nods * Inga smiles (Inga) Women need that more than men, I think. We have a lot more thoughts and feelings to contend with (Morgan) think so? * Inga nods (Inga) I do. Even when Heinzharold is at his most burdened and upset it doesnt compare * Morgan shrugs (Inga) You think otherwise then? (Morgan) I wonder if we just sort of... run roughshod over it * Inga nods (Inga) Until you can get through the day but are tormented about it by night. * Morgan nods (Inga) Heinzharold is better than he was, but he still has a particular nightmare that comes every few weeks. One day I hope he won't get it (Morgan) the fire? * Inga nods (Inga) The morning after, really (Morgan) the morning after? * Inga nods (Inga) Once the fire was out * Morgan nods (Inga) Being below stairs, I never saw Heinzharold come and go from Die Dauerhaftigkeit, but I know he did. I cant even tell you the quietness of the place in those days after though. We worked just as hard, but it was all so silent * Morgan nods (Inga) The village was no better when there were errands either. Then I suppose we just gradually went back to as it was before. You know how it is below stairs, there's enough drama down there that it becomes like a little village of its own * Morgan nods (Morgan) that is very true * Inga nods (Inga) The Family become a little like the furniture, if you're a scullery maid * Inga smiles a little (Morgan) like... the furniture... wooden and dull to look at? (Inga) Like they're just there, something you work around * Morgan nods (Inga) An odd mix of deep intimacy and being complete strangers * Morgan nods (Morgan) I don't like it (Inga) *she nods* Below stairs, you know a great deal about the Family, washing their sheets and clothing. Probably as intimate as spouses, maybe even more intimate. But they dont know your name, couldn't even recognise you in a crowd. (Morgan) That needs to change... I earned the consternation of his Grace's housekeeper for that very reason * Inga smiles (Inga) I don't think many nobles want that. The staff tend the Family as much as we would tend a small child. Not many want to be friends with the staff who are near as dammit changing their nappy cloths (Morgan) They don't need to be friends... they just need to show them respect (Inga) I don't think many of them can (Morgan) They need to... or they'll find themselves alone when trouble comes (Inga) Is that what you'll do in Gottkirchen then, be close to your staff? (Morgan) I don't know about close but... they'll know I respect and appreciate them at least * Inga nods (Inga) What are you hoping Heinzharold and I will do then? (Morgan) I don't actually know (Morgan) I cant drag you around all that time * Inga nods (Inga) Heinzharold would want to follow you (Morgan) It hurt him a lot when I left * Inga nods sadly (Inga) Very much * Morgan nods (Inga) He's forgiven you * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm glad to hear that (Inga) He says he understands now in a way he hasn't before *as in the past when she wanted to know about Elsie's injuries, this sounds like fishing* (Morgan) Inga, you're a bit obvious... (Inga) Heinzharold is still trying to teach me to be more devious * Morgan nods (Morgan) I don't like being tricked... (Inga) He says I need to get that skill Molly has, where she only answers the part of a statement that she wants to, and ignores the bit she doesn't want to answer * Morgan nods (Morgan) thats a very useful skill... * Inga nods (Inga) I just wondered why he went from being brutally hurt by it to so sanguine (Morgan) Because he understood why I had to go (Inga) He understood back in the summer you couldn't face Sudlachenburg and all the memories, but he was still angry you didn't even write to tell him that, or that you were at least alive (Inga) But something changed the day you and he had a big row about the magic. There was relief in his tears, a wife knows the difference between angry tears, or sad tears, or relieved ones. (Inga) The big row* * Morgan nods (Inga) Or, at least, she _should_. * Inga watches him * Morgan nods slowly * Inga watches him longer. After the moment has passed (Inga) Next you say "If he hasn't told you, it's not my place to, dont you think?" * Morgan watches her closely (Morgan) but it is my place, because what changed was something _I_ told _him_. * Inga watches him right back, unphased by his look as always (Inga) And if you wanted me to know, you'd have told him he could tell me (Morgan) How close are you to Claudia? * Inga shakes her head (Inga) I respect her but I don't really know her well (Morgan) I told HeinzHarold who had Dietlinde and Jana murdered... but Claudia simply cannot know. * Inga frowns (Inga) He told me it was arsonist (Morgan) I didn't say who set the fire... (Inga) You knew? (Morgan) I know who arranged for it to happen (Inga) And Heinzharold knowing made him understand why you couldn't contact him (Inga) ? * Morgan nods (Morgan) why I had to leave (Morgan) why I didn't tell anyone (Inga) Was it Alarice? * Morgan shakes his head * Inga watches him (Inga) Lord Eldreich? * Morgan shakes his head again, watching her speculatively (Inga) Worse than that? (Morgan) much (Inga) The Graf wanted you free to marry Lady Hapsburg (Morgan) You think the Graf capable of that? * Inga looks as wary as a rabbit happening upon a poacher (Inga) *she makes a non-commital sound* * Morgan waits (Inga) I would prefer not to answer. (Morgan) so you do... interesting... but no (Morgan) as stubborn as he can be, he isn't that ruthless * Inga nods slightly (Inga) You aren't horrified by the suggestion, so I'm close. (Morgan) You might not be devious, but you are clever (Inga) No, Heinzharold told me that you wont outright lie, so if you are going to dismiss something as ridiculous you'll do it plainly * Morgan nods (Inga) Your uncle was gone by then. Molly said you were Freiarr Innesbruck before you even married Dietlinde (Morgan) Not that any of us knew that * Inga nods (Inga) We wouldn't be here if you had (Morgan) no... (Inga) You'd have missed out on Molly, and I think she's good for you * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes, she is (Inga) Edward then. (Morgan) You think him ruthless enough? (Inga) I knew the maids that scrubbed his carpet, and that would make sense. (Morgan) Thats an interesting statement, whichever way you look at it (Inga) Why? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) seems... unrelated (Inga) If he had done it, it'd explain why you hit him and why they were having to scrub his carpey (Inga) Carpet * (Morgan) I see... what if I said that, in the state I was in, he said the wrong thing? * Inga shakes her head (Inga) Why would you have gone to Edward, not to the Grafin for comfort, or the Graf for aid? (Morgan) sree (Morgan) see... clever * Inga doesn't say anything (Inga) **In the snow, Varick has added a head to the snowball** (Inga) I don't know what to say * Morgan nods slightly, looking at Varick (Inga) None of you act like he's a murderer... (Morgan) No, we don't (Inga) That's very confusing. (Morgan) why? * Inga looks a little upset over it (Inga) Because of what he did! It's not normal for everyone to act like that's not a problem! (Morgan) My father didn't know until fairly recently... my mother doesn't know at all... nor does Claudia. (Inga) Does Molly know? She and Edward are very close, especially since the thing with Hannalore and Federest * Inga looks troubled (Morgan) You are worried for her safety... (Inga) I'm more worried for her sanity! * Morgan sighs (Inga) You didn't see what she was like when she came upstairs after being down there with them. How the hell could she have borne that knowing this! (Morgan) Because she's seen the changes, how... haunted he is by what he did * Inga stares at the snow (Inga) He held her when she cried, knowing what he had done. (Morgan) surprisingly, they are... close I suppose (Inga) Why? She should hate him. (Morgan) She doesn't. He hates himself for it (Inga) He deserves it. (Morgan) He'd say so, yes * Inga frowns (Inga) Why don't you hate him? (Morgan) I did... for a long time I did... we have worked on our issues * Inga shakes her head (Inga) This is a lot to take in. It's like I dont understand almost anything of what has happened the last few months! * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) Its no easier living it... (Inga) Florrie... (Inga) She was conceived at the time wasnt she? (Morgan) After I beat him, he ended up having to go to get his nose fixed... while there he met Alice (Inga) After doing that, he was meeting strangers to be intimate with them?! (Morgan) Not exactly (Inga) [I have the sleds, I'm on the slope by the dining room, it should be slower for starting off on] (Inga) How long will Heinzharold be gone? ** it's two hours each way to Goodleigh, so no earlier than lunchtime** (Morgan) lunchtime at least... Would you like to talk to Molly about it and I'll keep the young man entertained (Inga) No, I'll wait for Heinzharold * Morgan sighs (Inga) I thought she would be back with the sleds by now (Morgan) She's on the hill near the houses dining room * Inga nods (Inga) **Varick comes back over to them** can we make a really big snowman, Papa? (Morgan) Would you prefer to do that... or ride on a sled? ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 23 December 2021 20:44:16 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) V: Sled! * Morgan nods (Morgan) Come on then, round to the dining room of the big house * Morgan speaks quietly to Inga (Morgan) you wish I hadn't told you (Molly) **she shrugs** I'm not sure yet (Morgan) I should've kept my mouth shut (Molly) **Varick goes running off in the right direction** (Molly) I: *she shrugs again* I shouldn't have asked * Morgan starts walking after Varick (Morgan) if nothing else, take it as an indication of how much I trust you (Molly) **Inga follows along** yes * Morgan frowns as he walks (Molly) **Inga stays quiet, the snow crunching beneath their boots as they to the right place** * Molly is stood by the trees where the ground is a gentle slope, two sleds at her feet. She watches over the valley, or at least manages to make it look like she is, rather than revealing the daydreaming she is actually doing. The gentle snow lands on her hair. There's something about the quiet in her and the quality of the light that gives this scene the etherealness often seen in memorial paintings * Morgan scowls briefly before following Varick to her * Molly ruffles Varick's hair whilst he hugs her. She listens as he excitedly tells her they are going to make a snowman taller than his Papa when they've finished sledding * Molly looks to Morgan (Molly) You'll need to teach us, my love, I've never been sledding (Molly) ((Expression?)) (Morgan) ((serious)) (Morgan) ah... in my experience, you hold on for dear life and if you head for trees, bail out * Molly nods, glancing at Inga before looking at the sleds (Molly) Perhaps you should show us? (Molly) V: Take me, Papa! * Morgan nods, climbing onto a sled and putting Varick in front of him before shoving the whole thing forward down the hill (Molly) **Varick whoops and hollers all the way. He is less enthusiastic about the walk back up** That was fun! * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes it was (Molly) **They take turns taking Varick down on the sleds, and it is fun, but he can see that Molly has started to pick up that something isn't right. About half an hour passes, and she is stood beside him, watching Inga and Varick at the bottom** (Molly) Catherine said to say she will join us soon * Morgan nods (Molly) She was reading a new volume of Shakespeare's works in the library when I saw her (Morgan) Someone has to * Molly laughs (Molly) She said I may borrow it if she has finished it before we leave * Morgan nods (Molly) Perhaps I should read it to you one bedtime... (Morgan) It'd certainly send me straight to sleep * Molly brushes some snow from her hair (Molly) I could read another book if there's one you would like? * Morgan shrugs * Molly watches him (Molly) What is the matter? (Morgan) I fear I have damaged our friendship with Inga * Molly tilts her head (Molly) I doubt that, my love * Morgan shakes his head * Molly looks up at him (Molly) What happened? (Morgan) She was digging, none too subtly. In the end I've told her about Edward... (Molly) Oh! * Molly nods slowly (Molly) Are you alright? (Morgan) I'm fine.... just worried * Molly nods (Molly) She is angry with Edward? (Morgan) and us, I think... how could we have anything to do with him, sort of thing * Molly inhales slowly (Molly) Alright... (Molly) I should speak to her, explain it * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I suggested that * Molly looks wounded (Molly) She doesn't want to talk to me? (Morgan) She wants to talk to HeinzHarold... understandable really, but you could try * Molly nods (Molly) What do you wish of me? (Morgan) You know her better than I blossom * Molly nods (Molly) I will talk to her then, unless you need me here? (Morgan) No, its fine * Molly watches him a moment (Molly) If you are sure...? * Morgan nods (Morgan) its important blossom * Molly nods (Molly) Is there anything you wish me to say, or to avoid saying? * Morgan shakes his head * Molly nods (Molly) Alright, my love * Molly watches Inga and Varick as they come back up the hill. Inga doesn't seem that keen when Molly asks her to come back to the cottage for coffee, but she does go. Varick just shrugs, waiting for them to be gone ** You're now known as Varick (Varick) Can we go on the fast hills now there's no girls? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, come on * Varick drags one on the sleds (Varick) Did they get cold? (Morgan) I think they wanted some girl talk (Varick) That sounds boring (Morgan) they seem to enjoy it (Varick) Do they talk about dresses and kissing (Morgan) probably (Varick) Yuck * Varick puts the sled down in the steep part by the rose garden (Varick) Will we go really fast (Morgan) Probably... ride with me first so we can find out (Varick) Okay (Varick) **This hill is much faster, almost the fastest Morgan's ever tried** * Varick doesnt seem scared, and wants to go again. After five times, Catherine is waiting for them at the top ** You're now known as Catherine (Catherine) Good morning (Morgan) You grace (Catherine) Are you enjoying yourselves? (Morgan) I'd say thats a fair assumption... care to have a go? * Catherine nods (Catherine) Absolutely * Catherine gets on a sled before setting off down the hill at high speed. She's grinning when she gets back (Catherine) I haven't done this since before my parents died (Morgan) Its been some time since I did it last (Catherine) Heinzharold isn't with you? (Morgan) He's running an errand for me * Catherine nods (Catherine) V: Can we have a race? * Morgan nods (Morgan) if you want (Catherine) **Varick chooses to go with Catherine to even up the weights. Each race is close, and Varick really enjoys this. The snow continues to fall, and Morgan realises quite a while later that the sun is at it's highest and it must be time for lunch (Catherine) V: Can we go again? (Morgan) After lunch perhaps (Catherine) V: I dont want lunch, I want to sled! (Morgan) We can do one more, then its time to go get lunch (Catherine) **He nods, getting on. Morgan wins this time, and Varick is good about getting ready for lunch. As they walk back to the house, Catherine says (Catherine) Would you, Molly and Heinzharold like to join me for dinner? Cook has some new recipes and I'd like someone else's opinion too (Morgan) I'll find out, make sure Molly's comfortable leaving Elsie... * Morgan stops, looking at Catherine * Catherine looks at him (Catherine) What? (Morgan) Why the sudden interest in HeinzHarold? (Catherine) He's enjoyable company (Morgan) I'll ask, he may have had plans with Inga this evening (Catherine) She is welcome too, but I thought you'd want her to babysit * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) just making sure you aren't setting yourself up for some heartache, thats all * Catherine smiles (Catherine) If he wasn't married I might! * Morgan nods (Catherine) He's certainly handsome * Morgan nods (Morgan) no denying that (Catherine) I have bad luck for finding handsome men who aren't eligible (Morgan) Perhaps look at someone from your own lands * Morgan smirks slightly (Catherine) Have you seen the men here? (Morgan) I've met a few of em, aye (Catherine) Do any of them seem like a good match? (Morgan) Not so far (Catherine) I need a man that is Titled, Handsome, Avalonianx and Nice. I can't find any that are all four (Catherine) V: My Papa is all of those! (Morgan) technically, Varick, I'm Eisen (Catherine) V: He's three and a half of those! * Catherine smiles (Catherine) He is also happily married * Morgan nods (Catherine) V: *he nods* They're going to have babies * Catherine looks surprised (Catherine) Congratulations, Morgan (Morgan) Varick, do stop telling people that... *he looks at Catherine* its a superstition where I'm from, we have a special plate when we marry that we throw at the ground... the number of pieces is how many children we will have (Catherine) How curious! How many will you be having? (Morgan) Eight, nine with this young man (Catherine) V: Mama will be huge with eight babies! Elsie only has one and she looks like she is going to explode * Catherine smiles (Catherine) That is a lot of children! * Morgan nods * Catherine thanks them for the sledding before she goes in ** You're now known as Varick (Varick) We should find her a husband, shouldn't we? * Morgan nods (Varick) Could she marry James if Elsie dies? (Morgan) He's not titled or Avalonian (Varick) **he sighs** I dont know many people (Morgan) I know... you will one day (Varick) What about Mr Dagget (Morgan) No, he's still very hurting about losing his love (Varick) But you got married again and you are happy now. Maybe it would make John happy (Morgan) but it took a very long time (Varick) Papa, if you die, will Mama get married again? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't know (Varick) I could help her find someone nice? (Morgan) Maybe, aye (Varick) I dont think Mama would be happy alone (Morgan) No, probably not * Varick nods (Varick) Would she need to pick someone Avalonian, or someone Eisen? (Morgan) Eisen, I suppose * Varick nods, thinking about it (Varick) There aren't a lot of Dukes. Maybe just a Veisgraf or Freiarr would have to do * Morgan nods (Morgan) probably * Varick takes Morgan's gloved hand in his (Varick) Maybe you should just try hard not to (Morgan) I'll do my very best not to (Varick) If Mama dies, will you get married again? (Morgan) No I don't think so (Varick) But that's what made you happy again (Morgan) No, Molly made me happy... you made me happy... (Varick) But there would be no brothers or sisters for me if you didnt (Morgan) Hopefully that isn't something we need to think about (Varick) People die even if they're young. Especially if they are your parents. Parents die a lot (Morgan) I understand why you think that * Varick nods (Varick) But if my parents didnt die, I wouldn't have you * Morgan nods (Morgan) that is true (Varick) So I would be happy and sad * Morgan nods * Varick is quiet a few moments (Varick) Could Lady Torrington be Heinzharold's Good Friend? (Morgan) I don't think Inga would want that at all... besides, I don't think HeinzHarold would be even slightly interested (Varick) She is very nice though * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes she is (Varick) Maybe Inga could have a Good Friend too, then it would be fair (Morgan) No, I think perhaps they'll just be happy just the two of them (Varick) Will you and Molly have Good Friends? (Morgan) No (Varick) My Daddy had Good Friends * Morgan nods (Varick) Why do people have Good Friends? Is it because they love two people? (Morgan) I don't really know... (Varick) Will Uncle Edward have Alice as his Good Friend? He already made a baby with her (Morgan) I doubt it... I don't really know what'll happen with them (Varick) Do you think he should marry Alice, or Lady Hapsburg? (Morgan) I think he should marry Lady Hapsburg... they love eachother very much (Varick) I think she is very very pretty * Morgan nods (Varick) Maybe if Uncle Edward doesnt marry her I might marry her when I grow up (Morgan) oh? I thought you didn't want to get married (Varick) I won't have a choice not to, so I may as well marry someone who is pretty. Do you think she likes cats? (Morgan) I wouldn't be surprised * Varick nods (Varick) Okay. (Varick) ** fortunately for Morgan, they get back to the cottages * Varick goes on into the big one, not thinking to knock. He immediately starts giggling ** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 24 December 2021 16:35:35 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Varick) **Elsie and James both look a little embarrassed, sat beside each other at the kitchen table* * Varick looks to Morgan, clearly about to add to the couple's embarrassment (Morgan) Don't suppose either of you have seen my wife... (Varick) J: *he shakes his head* We assumed she was out with you * Morgan shakes his head slightly (Morgan) We'll see if we can find her * Varick looks at Morgan (Varick) Can we have lunch first? I'm soooooo hungry * Morgan sighs, nodding (Morgan) come on then, you can help me make some (Varick) **There's no sign of Inga either. James and Varick both help make lunch and the four of them eat together. When Elsie gets up to clear away her plate, it's really noticeable that her bump has dropped. It vividly reminds him of when it happened with Jana. (Varick) **One night he and Dietlinde had gone to bed with her bump high and prominent, Jana kicking his hand as he laid it fondly over her, the next morning he had awoken to his wife silhouetted by the pre-dawn light as she braided her blonde hair, her beautiful belly considerably lower. (Varick) **It had struck him at the time that he should sketch her just like that, but things needed doing, and by the time he thought of it again she was in labour, and he was sat outside the cottage alone waiting and praying for her safety. * Morgan gets up to clear the plates away, telling Elsie to sit (Morgan) [blossom, where are you?] (Varick) **Elsie does so. Varick helps with the washing up** (Varick) [In the small cottage with Inga] (Morgan) [is everything alright?] (Varick) [Mostly, yes] (Morgan) [that is not encouraging] (Varick) [I am dealing with it. Do not worry please] * Morgan makes tea for Elsie and coffee for himself and James (Varick) **After about ten minutes of polite chat, Varick goes for his nap, as does Elsie, and as Morgan is arriving back in the empty kitchen a snowy Heinzharold strolls in, looking pleased with himself** (Varick) Get the pan on, I got some fresh bacon for my troubles ** You're now known as HH * Morgan nods, doing so (HH) You owe me (Morgan) probably (HH) I'm gonna have an almighty bruise on my ass, an' it's yer fault (Morgan) fall over? (Morgan) or is Inga going to paddle you? * HH grins (HH) The former * Morgan nods (HH) Turns out there was a massive patch of ice 'tween the house and the butchery shed, hidden beneath the snow. If I hadn't been alert for it, I coulda cracked my skull open... * HH watches Morgan even as he unties the paper package (Morgan) I think you've saved someone there... (HH) You might have. Wasn't me that dreamt that * Morgan shrugs * HH brings the bacon to the pan (HH) Y' can tell my lil darlin I was a hero if you wa (HH) Want ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 24 December 2021 17:35:43 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea * HH puts the thick rashers in the pan (HH) Y' can tell my lil darlin I was an 'ero though (Morgan) Will do if she ever speaks to me again * HH starts laughing as if it's a joke (HH) Pissed off y' sent me off out in the snow? (Morgan) No * HH starts moving the bacon (HH) Where is she? Wanted to show her my meat *he grins* (Morgan) She and Molly are talking * HH shrugs (HH) Y'd think they'd be bored of that by now (Morgan) Inga was digging for information... she didn't like what she heard * HH looks at his friend with a concern for his wife clear (HH) She alright? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I told her about Edward * HH watches Morgan, bacon forgotten (HH) Pretty sure I said she wasn' to know. * Morgan sighs (Morgan) She kept digging, trying for information * HH nods (HH) Words will be had * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) its part of who she is... you wouldn't change that * HH seems to be strategising (HH) Where are they? (Morgan) Next door, talking * HH nods (HH) I'm telling your wife you wanted her. Don't eat my bacon. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm sorry, my friend * HH sighs (HH) I know. Wouldn' have been on purpose (Morgan) Go, I'll get the bacon cooked * HH does. It's almost done by the time Molly arrives ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) Heinzharold said you sent for me * Molly hangs up her cloak * Morgan nods, moving the bacon to keep it from burning (Morgan) He's angry with me... wanted to talk with Inga and needed an excuse for them to be alone * Molly comes over, laying a hand on the small of his back. She speaks gently (Molly) How are you? * Morgan shrugs (Molly) Liebes herz... (Morgan) how is Inga? * Molly sighs, removing her hand from him and putting a little distance between them (Molly) Disgusted * Morgan nods, hanging his head * Molly watches him, staying very quiet a few moments before busying herself with finding a plate (Molly) She will come around. We all felt this way about him at first (Morgan) I thought you meant with me * Molly sets the plate down firmly, coming to him (Molly) Come here, please. (Morgan) The bacon will burn (Molly) **she speaks with a hint of crossness** Oh bugger the stupid bacon! * Morgan glances at her (Morgan) I've let him down... I won't burn his bacon too * Molly watches him right back (Molly) Then take the pan of the heat, but for the love of god stop shutting me out when you clearly need me! (Molly) Off* * Morgan moves the pan * Molly wraps her arms around his neck (Molly) That's better. * Morgan nods slightly * Molly watches him. She looks serious and a little sad (Molly) It will all be fine * Morgan shrugs slightly * Molly frowns a little (Molly) Do talk to me, please * Morgan sighs (Morgan) there's no point * Molly shrugs, loosening her grip a little (Molly) If that is what you wish. (Morgan) I should've just kept my mouth shut (Molly) It's a big shock for her, that is all (Morgan) HeinzHarold didn't want her knowing * Molly nods (Molly) She has mused on it with him, and he has been vague enough to imply he did not know (Morgan) as I said, I should've just shut up (Molly) It will come right. She understands far more than she did at first (Morgan) We'll see (Molly) She understands that it is important for your wellbeing to forgive him, and how he and I can be so close despite it * Molly lets him go with reluctance (Molly) Let me make you some tea * Morgan nods * Molly gestures for him to sit * Morgan sits down heavily (Morgan) Catherine was hoping you, I and HeinzHarold would join her for dinner * Molly deals with both the kettle and the bacon simultaneously (Molly) That would be a nice break from cooking (Morgan) I... worried she was developing a crush on him * Molly glances at him, smiling (Molly) Really? (Morgan) She says she hasn't... I was concerned as she hadn't invited Inga... (Molly) I cannot see it, but I suppose it must have happened often when you were young and then at War? * Morgan nods (Molly) Someone would be needed here during dinner * Morgan nods * Molly makes the tea, leaving the bacon only long enough to bring Morgan his tea (Molly) Do you think Inga should join us? (Morgan) The only reason she wasn't included was because Catherine thought we'd need a babysitter * Molly nods, her back to him as she flips the bacon (Molly) I rather think James and Elsie can manage, Varick does not generally wake (Morgan) speaking of which... I think we should stay sober this evening * Molly looks at him with amusement (Molly) My love, you are almost never otherwise! (Morgan) No, true but... Elsie's bump as dropped, much as Dietlinde's did the day before Jana was born * Molly nods, turning the bacon once more (Molly) Alright * Molly drains the bacon before setting it on the plate and sitting across the table with her tea (Molly) You think it will be tonight or tomorrow then? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I do * Molly takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders (Molly) Alright * Molly sips her tea "Have you warned her and James also?" (Morgan) not yet * Molly nods (Molly) Should we? (Morgan) Probably, but... I'm loathe to upset the happiness I saw earlier * Molly nods (Molly) Would _you_ want to know? (Morgan) Probably, but... I'm not exactly normal (Molly) No... but that is precisely why your view is so valuable (Morgan) I would want to knwo * Molly nods solemnly (Molly) Then we should tell him, at the very least * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * Molly looks down at the tea cup, saying nothing a little while * Morgan sighs heavily, sipping his tea (Molly) We will endure. We must. (Morgan) and thats another thing * Molly blinks before looking up at him (Molly) Yes? (Morgan) I'm concerned you will pour too much of yourself into trying to save Elsie... no... I'm... _scared_ (Molly) **The front door opens. Molly looks faintly annoyed by it** (Molly) [Hold that thought.] (Molly) **HH wanders in** My bacon done? * Morgan lowers his head, nodding slightly * Molly stands up, fetching the plate (Molly) Warm it in your pan, or have it as is. We will have the plate back later on. (Molly) *HH nods* Thanks. **he goes off with it. Molly shuts and locks the door behind him** (Molly) Should we move somewhere more comfortable? (Morgan) If you wish (Molly) The parlour, or the bedroom? * Morgan shrugs (Molly) Upstairs then. * Molly takes her tea cup with her * Morgan follows her * Molly opens the door quietly. The room is filled with a soft grey light as the sun finally makes a brief appearance outside. She kicks off her shoes to sit on the bed, still holding her tea cup. She watches him calmly (Molly) Please, go on (Morgan) I'm scared I'm going to lose you * Molly sets her cup on the floor, then watches what he is doing. She says quietly (Molly) I have said I will be careful... (Morgan) I know... but what if you don't realise... * Molly holds out her hand (Molly) Your concern is understandable * Morgan takes it (Molly) Please, sit with me. It makes me ill at ease when you stay standing like this * Morgan nods, sitting down (Molly) I will be careful * Molly watches him solemnly * Morgan nods * Molly brings his hand to her face, resting her cheek to it (Molly) Something tells me that is not enough... * Morgan sighs, shrugging slightly (Molly) Liebes herz, please... do not make me beg from you to open up to me. You are burdened, and I would not have you bear it alone. (Morgan) I don't know what else I can say * Molly kisses his palm (Molly) You are scared... what worries you most? (Morgan) Losing you (Molly) That is very unlikely (Morgan) Thats as maybe, that is what I'm afraid of (Molly) **she watches his expression**Do you wish me to let her go? (Morgan) Not if we can help it (Molly) That would guarantee I could not die * Morgan nods (Morgan) but we promised to try (Molly) But you are concerned * Morgan nods (Molly) There is always going to be some risk, isn't there? (Morgan) I suppose so * Molly kisses his palm again (Molly) You would get through it, my love. I know it may not feel like it, but you would (Morgan) I know... I'd have to, but... please, don't make me (Molly) What is it you think I will do? *she watches his eyes* (Morgan) Push yourself too hard... (Molly) I want her to live. I want it so badly it hurts in my chest. I do not want James to go through what you have (Morgan) nor do I (Molly) And I could do nothing for your pain, but maybe I could do something for his * Morgan nods, sighing (Molly) I will be careful, but it is _important_ * Morgan nods (Molly) If it was not for you, and for Varick, there would be no limit on what I would try, the lengths I would go to... (Morgan) But we are here, and we need you (Molly) I know (Molly) I do not want to let her down, but I do not want my spell as your second wife to be only a brief chapter before you must move on again * Morgan nods * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) I think I have enough control not to be hugely at risk... (Morgan) You will draw from me... (Molly) A little, yes * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I'm stronger than you think (Molly) I know you are. You're so strong all the time... *she watches him, her expression a little pained* Doesnt that exhaust you? (Morgan) For the most part, no... I'm just... me. * Molly nods (Molly) I suppose so. It would tire me, I think * Morgan nods * Molly nods (Molly) Do you have reason to think I might die doing this? Dreams perhaps? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) No... just your stubbornness and desire to save her (Molly) I am not stubborn... * Molly frowns (Molly) Well, a little stubborn, I suppose. * Morgan smiles slightly * Molly smiles a little too, quietly holding his hand still for a few moments before she says (Molly) If your fear did come true, you would take me back to Sudlachenburg, wouldn't you? You would not leave me here in Avalon... (Morgan) I would take you home * Molly nods (Molly) Thank you * Morgan nods (Molly) I do not think it likely, but that is important to me * Morgan nods (Molly) Is there anything you need from me right now, my love? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) no, I'm alright * Molly sighs slightly, nodding "It is difficult for me to not be able to comfort you in any way" * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm sorry about that (Molly) You are not ready to be that vulnerable yet, I know (Morgan) I think perhaps you misunderstand... (Molly) Do I? (Morgan) I have laid the fact I am scared bare to you... I do not seek comfort because I do not need it, not because I'm unable to accept it (Molly) But _why_ don't you need comfort? * Morgan looks thoughtful (Morgan) I'm not sure (Molly) It seems sometimes that perhaps it is something I do, that perhaps you do not seek it from me because you know I would not be able to provide what you need... * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) I think perhaps I do not need to seek comfort because you already have provided what I need * Molly watches him "I am not sure how I have provided anything" (Morgan) I didn't say I understood it... * Molly nods (Molly) Did you always need so little cosseting, or only since closing yourself off? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) the hazard of being shipped off to the academy I suppose * Molly looks sad (Molly) I do not think I want that for Varick (Morgan) I've been trying to think of a way out of it that doesn't harm him (Molly) We have some time... I suppose if you are breeding military men, it makes sense to make them more remote from their needs for comfort * Morgan nods (Morgan) I suppose so * Molly nods (Molly) It is wrong to me to do that to a child. (Morgan) Its the Eisen way... prepare for war... (Molly) Yet Heinzharold was raised for War too, and he is very much more a fan of being cosseted (Morgan) We had different roles to play in life * Molly nods (Molly) Indeed * Molly kisses his knuckles (Molly) I should see to all the preparations if the baby is to come tonight. * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * Molly lets go, standing up (Molly) I will be over at the main house to start with * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright blossom * Molly collects up her cup, carrying it carefully out of the bedroom (Molly) **he is left alone in their bedroom, hearing the cup set down and then the front door behind her ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 24 December 2021 22:10:49 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea ** You're now known as HH * HH turns up after Varick has already appeared downstairs, watching out of the window for more snow. (HH) Think the snow is over for now * Morgan nods * HH looks around (HH) No coffee? * Morgan shrugs, moving to make some * HH catches his arm as he passes, pulling him in to hug him * Morgan lets him (HH) Inga might have some things she wants to ask y', but aside from that, it's all done. * Morgan nods slightly * HH lets him go (HH) Molly upstairs too? (Morgan) No, she's gone to the main house... preparations to make (HH) Another ball? (Morgan) No... * HH looks at him (HH) I gotta keep guessin'? * Morgan speaks quietly (Morgan) Elsies bump has dropped... Dietlinde's did the night before Jana was born... * HH shrugs (HH) My Ma had that with our Ruth a fortnight before (Morgan) Better safe... * HH nods (HH) Want Varick to stay next door with us? (Morgan) Might be an idea... though Catherine invited us for dinner toinght * HH nods (HH) Don't 'spose you ate any of my bacon? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) no (HH) Damn (Morgan) why? (HH) Gave it t' Inga as a peace offerin' * Morgan frowns (HH) I love bacon, but I love m' wife a bit more * Morgan nods (HH) She was cross with me, an' I dont like that (Morgan) my fault (HH) No, I decided she wasn' to know. Didn' make that clear enough to you, not yet fault. She knows it isn't. (HH) Yer* * Morgan shrugs slightly, putting a mug of coffee in front of him * HH looks relaxed (HH) Paid my penance, we're good (Morgan) and mine? (HH) Whatcha mean? (Morgan) My penance for telling her (HH) From me? * Morgan nods (HH) Think y' need one? (Morgan) I let you down * HH shrugs (HH) Wasn' on purpose * Morgan nods (HH) You'd forgive me if I'd upset Molly, wouldn' ya? (Morgan) of course (HH) There y' go then * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * HH nods (HH) Reck'n we can get some time in for sledding once Inga is dressed for it (Morgan) I imagine so * HH nods (HH) Molly alright? 'Pparently there was crying as usual (Morgan) I think so (HH) Yer not sure? (Morgan) You know I hedge my bets (HH) Interestin' way to run a marriage (Morgan) She's alright. Worried about me, worried about Elsie... (HH) So we need to make her unworried for a bit (HH) What's she worryin' about you for? (Morgan) I told her how I'm scared she'll push too hard to save Elsie... * HH sizes him up a moment (HH) What did she say? (Morgan) we talked about it... she thought I was trying to put a brave face on it when... I was alright * HH considers this (HH) They're bloody confusing at times. Feel like I need a translator, someone to tell me the diff'rence between what my wife is sayin' and what she's meaning.. * Morgan nods (Morgan) Understandable in this instance... I've got form for hiding how I feel... (Morgan) now what was the look for? * HH smiles (HH) Because y' got form for hidin' how you feel from her, but you told her you were scared (Morgan) taking your wife's advice (HH) Inga told y' to tell Molly that? (Morgan) Told me to be honest (HH) Why'dya need prompting for that? I tell my lil darlin stuff like that all the time (Morgan) I hadn't been quite that... candid (HH) You two are gonna have to get over this stuff. You get mad b'cause she hides stuff fr'm you, but you aren't telling her stuff clearly either (Morgan) I told her... just wasn't quite that explicit (HH) Gotta be explicit with them, even if it's just in hopes they'll be clearer too (Morgan) I'm working on it... closer than I was * HH nods (HH) Oh, I'm being pushed t' explain what I meant by wanting you pair as happy as After Sabine's. Given that I kept something from 'er, I expect she's going to keep pestering (Morgan) Aye, she mentioned it (HH) Said you were gonna thump me for it. I said you wouldn' dare (Morgan) Oh, I'd dare alright * HH scoffs (HH) You couldn't e'en catch a cold, let alone catch me (Morgan) No doubt (HH) Want me to tell Inga, or y' prefer Molly to? (Morgan) Let me think on it * HH sniggers (HH) Well, there was prob'ly lots of hay, an' curious horses... that might help y' remember * Morgan thumps him * HH grins (HH) Hope there was no thumping! * Morgan sighs, sipping his own coffee (HH) **From the other room, Varick shouts* Wow, that one was really big! * HH watches Morgan, grinning more * Morgan rolls his eyes, heading to Varick ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Sunday, 26 December 2021 15:55:46 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Inga) **After a quick check in with Elsie, they wrap up and head outside when Inga comes. HH wraps an arm around her waist as they trudge through the snow back to near the Rose Garden where the sleds were fastest. Within minutes HH and Varick are shooting down the slope on one. It's hard to tell which of them is having the most fun. * Inga comes to stand with Morgan (Inga) I'm sorry about my reaction earlier * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) Its understandable (Inga) It's not on you that he did it (Morgan) I think we'll disagree about that, but I appreciate that you think so (Inga) Molly and I talked about it a lot. I think what he did was disgusting, but she says it isnt up to the rest of us whether to forgive it or not (Morgan) No, its not (Inga) What I don't get though... why didn't anyone know what he was planning? (Morgan) I don't think he did plan it... He'd been spending ages preventing annexation and things, so I wonder if maybe it came to mind, and he felt there was no other option so implemented it * Inga nods (Inga) Why didn't you tell Heinzharold about it before? Why leave him in Eisen so upset? **she sounds sad and protective** (Morgan) If I'd stayed a moment longer, I'd have murdered Edward... Dietlinde wouldn't have wanted that... I had to escape, and I had to go _now_ (Inga) Why not write to him then? (Morgan) I did not intend to live long enough for it to matter (Inga) It mattered to him. Wouldn't you have wanted someone to bury you with her? (Morgan) Where my body ended up wasn't important. As far as I was concerned, I'd failed them, deserved to die and was going to hell for it * Inga stays quiet whilst HH and Varick get back to the top, briefly waving when he waves to her, and continues talking once they are gone. (Inga) I suppose that didn't seem as irrational to you at the time * Morgan shakes his head (Inga) Do you still think that now? (Morgan) some of it perhaps (Inga) I think you are wrong (Morgan) One day, perhaps, I'll agree with you (Inga) If anyone deserves to die and go to hell for it, it's him, not you * Morgan shrugs (Inga) **the happy yelling from below continues** (Inga) Why didn't you just make her your mistress? When I asked Heinzharold and Molly, they both said "Because he's _Morgan_", and I don't really understand (Morgan) My father would have gone berserk. Besides, does that not scream that someone is not worthy? Yes, I love you and intend to spend my days with you, but you aren't really good enough to marry... (Inga) But that's the way things are done. Lords have common mistresses, not common wives. (Morgan) And Lords see common women as cattle, that its their right to do as they wish with them... (Inga) But Molly was your mistress... (Morgan) Not exactly... we lived together but... nothing happened until our wedding night. I wanted her as my mistress until I was shown I was being selfish (Inga) She says that was only lack of nerve on her part. I know she was happy being your mistress (Morgan) She deserved better (Inga) *she nods. Hh and Varick come and go again* The Graf would have understood if it had to be that or marry, wouldn't he? (Morgan) in which instance? (Inga) With Dietlinde, but could work as well for Molly (Morgan) No... he'd have been hellbent on me putting aside Dietlinde and marrying someone like Lady Hapsburg. With Molly... maybe, but I doubt it (Inga) Couldn't you have married Lady Hapsburg _and_ had a mistress? * Morgan scowls (Morgan) No (Inga) Not with Molly, because there's no way Molly could bear that *she smiles, once more waving to HH when they pass again* (Morgan) I wouldn't do that to someone I love * Inga nods (Inga) I don't understand how Molly can be so close to Edward after everything (Morgan) That isn't a question I can answer... he loves her, has sworn to protect her and, as I said earlier, _hates_ what he did. He regrets it immensely * Inga nods (Inga) Molly said she's seen him beside himself a few times. I dont know, maybe it's that pain that binds them? (Morgan) Maybe... I've seen the pain in his eyes, how much he despises himself for what he did (Inga) I would have thought with how deeply distraught she was when Hannalore and Federest were reunited Edward would be the last person she chose to show it to, knowing what he did (Morgan) She needed someone there and... well, I was not a suitable person... (Inga) Absolutely not. If I'd realised, I'd have sent Heinzharold instead (Morgan) It probably worked out for the best the way it was (Inga) Maybe Heinzharold couldn't have empathised in the same way (Morgan) Maybe (Morgan) Besides, he knew Hannalore so it made things... a bit easier (Inga) At the time I just thought it was sweet and brotherly for him to have nurtured her that deeply (Morgan) It helped them quite a bit * Inga shrugs (Inga) I suppose so. She was very upset when she came up. I felt bad, because Heinzharold and I could have supervised instead (Morgan) Its something I could never have, and it upset her * Inga nods (Inga) I know. I know that's what she saw with them. I should have stopped that * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) That was her choice (Inga) I'm not sure she knew it would happen * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't know (Inga) **HH comes jogging up the hill with the sled. He runs over, picking Inga up with ease, and man handling her towards the sled whilst she laughs** What are you doing, Heinzharold?! (Inga) HH: Bit o' kidnapping of a maiden fair from a hairy giant! **HH gives Morgan a wink* * Morgan nods (Morgan) fair... (Inga) **Varick comes to stand with Morgan. Inga gives a token fight against it, but Morgan can see she's playing. Varick doesnt seem to get it though* ** You're now known as Varick (Varick) Are we allowed to pull girls around? * Morgan kneels down (Morgan) No but... Inga's pretending (Varick) **HH deposits Inga on the sled, keeping one arm around her so she cant escape** (Varick) Why? (Morgan) Y'know, I've never thought about it (Varick) **Assuming they're at a safe distance, Inga playfully to HH "get your hands off me, you great brute" (Varick) I don't understand girls. (Morgan) Its... confusing, isn't it (Varick) **HH sits down behind her** Unlikely, need a tight grip on ya so y' don't fall off, see * Varick nods (Varick) Why are they confusing? (Morgan) Because if they weren't, they'd be boys (Varick) **Whatever grip he has, Inga giggles as they set off at speed** (Varick) That would be easier (Morgan) Its worth it in the long run though (Varick) Why? (Varick) **He can hear Inga screaming and HH laughing as they go very fast down the hill** (Morgan) Look how happy they are (Varick) Do girls make people happy? (Morgan) Some of them... my mother makes me father happy... Molly makes me happy... (Varick) Will a girl make me happy one day? (Morgan) I certainly hope so (Varick) How will I know? (Morgan) its difficult to say... it sort of crept up on me, I didn't realise I was much happier than I used to be (Varick) Do you think that girl is born already? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) could be (Morgan) could be older than you (Varick) You were already old when Mama was born. (Morgan) older... (Varick) You are _a lot_ older. Like really old. (Morgan) I'm not as old as you think I am (Varick) You're _twenty five_, Papa. That's really old. **he's also two years out, now that Morgan has turned twenty seven a few weeks ago** (Morgan) I suppose so * Varick stands patiently. It's very quiet (Varick) Do you think they fell off? (Morgan) No, they're probably throwing snow at eachother (Varick) We should have a snowball fight! (Morgan) Aren't I too old for that? (Varick) If you need a break you could sit on the bench and Heinzharold will play instead (Morgan) Come on then ** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving) ** Morgan has joined #7thsea (Varick) **HH and Inga return holding hands and grinning. A snowball fight in the Rose Garden begins, and Catherine joins them. Catherine is a surprisingly good shot, so HH and Morgan are on the same team against the others. It is cold but enjoyable. (Varick) **Molly backs out of the great hall, carrying a basket. HH is first to see her, and at short distance he is able to throw a snowball gently enough to cause little pain but with great accuracy to hit her on the bottom. When she yelps and spins around laughing, HH is pointing at Morgan. Molly raises an eyebrow at Morgan, looking amused. ** You're now known as Molly (Molly) Yes, my love? (Morgan) I am, unfortunately, innocent (Molly) **she smiles warmly** you'll have to be quicker off the mark next time, hmm? ** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving) ** Morgan has joined #7thsea (Molly) **HH laughs, going back to throwing snowballs at Catherine and Inga. Molly stands on the doorstep, thoughtful as she watches him** (Morgan) [what?] (Molly) [I have eggs in the basket...] (Morgan) [be a terrible shame if one bounced off his head] (Molly) [Wrap it lightly in snow, tell him to catch...] ** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving) ** Morgan has joined #7thsea (Molly) [18:35] (Molly) [Wrap it lightly in snow, tell him to catch...] (Morgan) [oh Ilike that idea] * Molly wanders over to him casually then subtly slips an egg into his hand, fingers lingering on his * Morgan crouches, packing it in snow * Molly watches him, smiling (Molly) Have you been enjoying yourself, my love? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * Molly nods. HH is busily getting pelted by the others * Morgan whistles at HeinzHarold before throwing the egg wrapped in snow (Morgan) catch (Molly) **HH automatically does so, the egg cracking and becoming a disgusting cold sloppy mess* Bah! What the fu-...! **Varick, Catherine and Inga are all laughing. Molly watches Morgan with a fond smile* * Morgan watches HeinzHarold (Molly) *HH looks at him** That's an egg?! (Morgan) is it? (Molly) **HH shows Morgan his hands, dripping with yolk** Its a bloody egg! * Molly glances at Morgan, desperately trying to keep a straight face (Morgan) Doesn't look bloody, looks like yolk (Molly) HH, grinning: I'm gonna kick your backside for that! * Morgan tilts his head (Morgan) You think so? (Molly) **HH makes a move in Morgan's direction with a grin, eggy hands out front** Better start runnin' * Molly smiles, going over to Varick and the women * Morgan waits until he's close before rolling into the snow and into HeinzHarolds legs below the knees (Molly) **HH goes sprawling on his face before quickly rolling over * Morgan rolls away, standing up * Molly gets up, launching at Morgan in an attempt to take him down (Molly) HH** * Morgan side steps him (Molly) **HH shoves him, though the time in the snow has removed most of the egg. He's grinning (Molly) HH: Spose you think yer clever (Morgan) I merely utilised the items at hand (Molly) HH: Where'd ya get an egg? (Morgan) Probably from a chicken (Molly) **The women are vaguely keeping an eye on them. Molly is crouching down talking to Varick (Molly) HH: Mebbie you should chuck a snowball at her backside next time, and I can throw you an egg (Morgan) Fairly sure I got the better end of the deal here (Molly) HH: *he nods* I'll get you back * Molly comes over with the basket, smiling at HH. He twigs, looking at Morgan (Molly) HH: You 'ad an accomplice... (Morgan) an instigator, more accurately * Molly comes to Morgan, HH watching her "I have things to be doing at the cottage, my love, I will get dry clothes ready" (Morgan) alright blossom * Molly goes on tip toes to kiss his cheek, bringing her arm up. She drops a small handful of snow down the back of his neck before pulling away with a cheeky smile * Morgan shudders (Morgan) you, my love, will pay for that * Molly smiles (Molly) I look forward to it, mein sehnsucht * Morgan nods * Molly wanders off in the direction of the cottages, humming The Bear And The Maiden Fair. HH watches her go, grinning (Molly) Got you good ** You're now known as HH * Morgan nods (HH) Intressing nickname y' got yerself there... better than cabbage * Morgan watches him a moment (HH) What? (Morgan) Contemplating telling you something (HH) Might as well, don'cha think? (Morgan) oh I don't know... might well regret it (HH) Go on, I'm curious now (Morgan) Varick says out loud this morning in Avalonian, that it means cabbage... so I had to explain it to Alice... Florrie pipes up telling us that Vendel ballheads are cabbages.... then says 'want toast ballhead' to me * HH creases up with laughter. It takes him a minute to be able say (HH) Finally, someone else sees what I've known about y' all along! * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) Knew I shouldn't have told you * HH grins (HH) Gotta admit man, that's brilliant * Morgan nods (Morgan) out of the mouths of babes, eh * HH nods, watching him speculativley whilst making another snowball (HH) Missin' her? (Morgan) Tough to say * HH nods (Morgan) Realised in a dream where Jana had survived that it was just that... then I had to say goodbye to the girl who looks just like her who held on to me saying she didn't want to leave * HH pats his arm (HH) That's rough, man * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes, it was (HH) Need a hug? (Morgan) I'm alright, but I wouldn't refuse one * HH hugs him (HH) **Varick comes running over** Are you hurt, Papa? * Morgan kneels down again (Morgan) No, I'm not... just a little sad about Alice and Florrie leaving, thats all (HH) Varick hugs him: Me too. I like them * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know.... you were so very good with Florrie (HH) V: It was hard to share * Morgan nods (Morgan) I know.... you did very well, I'm very proud of you (HH) V: I have to practice for when I'm a big brother * Morgan nods (Morgan) I think you'll be an excellent big brother (HH) V: that could be soon (Morgan) not for a while * HH hands him the snowball "here's one to throw at Inga for me" (Morgan) I couldn't possibly do that * Morgan flings it at her (HH) *Inga giggles, and Varick goes to help her make more** (HH) You ever get to the bottom of what I said about the weird timin' of Molly's draw? * Morgan nods (Morgan) think so * HH nods (HH) If I'm right, got a few weeks to go b'fore it happens again * Morgan nods (Morgan) Indeed (HH) Elsie gonna have the babe before that though * Morgan nods (Morgan) most likely * HH nods (HH) Gotta make the most of the afternoon's fun then. Unless you got some revenge to get whilst the cottage is quiet (Morgan) Might have (HH) We're okay out 'ere if you need to go (Morgan) Might take the opportunity for some quiet time with her * HH nods, gathering up some snow. Catherine, Inga and Varick have gathered lots of snowballs and are looking pleased (HH) Go on then, ballhead *he grins* * Morgan thumps him, moving off to the cottage (HH) **In the big cottage, the kitchen is empty but he can hear Elsie and James talking in the parlour * Morgan whistles to himself as he heads towards it ** You're now known as Molly * Molly is in the kitchen of the smaller cottage, the one that was once their home. Water is boiling on the stove, and the kitchen table is covered with small bottles of herbs, fabric, and a selection of small knives and other tools * Morgan hums, walking up behind her * Molly glances over her shoulder, setting down a small glass jar (Molly) I was not expecting you so soon * Morgan nods (Morgan) Might not have much time just the two of us for a while... * Molly smiles (Molly) Well then... this can wait, if you needed my company... * Morgan nods * Molly takes the boiling pan off the stove (Molly) Did you have something in mind...? (Morgan) Not specifically * Molly nods, removing the apron (Molly) Would it be prudent to lock the door, just in case someone comes in and touches the wrong herbs before I could stop them? (Morgan) Might be, aye * Molly locks the front door (Molly) Do we need tea...? *she smirks slightly* you must be rather cold and wet... (Morgan) I'm sure you can find other methods to warm me * Molly smiles (Molly) Well, my love, you are able to create fire in the grate, so won't it be you warming me...? *she takes his hand, gently stroking his palm* (Morgan) perhaps (Molly) Of course, there is one fireplace down here, in front of the couch you bought that we never got much use of, or one upstairs in what was your bedroom but now stands empty... * Morgan nods, watching her * Molly smiles (Molly) Which fire would it most please you to stoke...? * Molly starts undoing the buttons of his snow-covered, rather soaked jacket (Morgan) oh I don't know... what do you think? * Molly looks thoughtful (Molly) I am spoilt for choice... I had thought it would be this house where you took my virginity, so I am at ease with the idea of spending time with you intimately wherever you wish (Morgan) the couch then? * Molly nods * Molly gets off his coat and hangs it (Molly) Your feet will thank you for being rid of your boots **this is what she said in his snowy dream last night where she was John's widow** * Morgan frowns briefly * Molly smiles (Molly) If your socks are wet also we can dry them by the fire. You won't be needing them * Morgan nods, kicking his boots off * Molly watches him a moment, smiling (Molly) Is anyone expecting us? (Morgan) No... (Molly) ...but...? (Morgan) it wouldn't be surprising if we were interrupted (Molly) Because we usually are? *she kicks off her own boots* * Morgan nods * Molly goes into the parlour, pulling the curtains and locking the back door * Morgan follows her, glancing at the fireplace (Molly) **It lights just as he wants it. She sits on the couch, watching him with a smile** You should warm up nicely now... * Morgan nods, sitting beside her * Molly watches him (Molly) Was the handful of snow refreshing, mon petit chou? (Morgan) it woke me up somewhat (Molly) Oh? Were you just sleepy, or busy daydreaming? (Morgan) mostly smirking at HeinzHarold having egg all over his hands (Molly) That was rather enjoyable, wasn't it? * Morgan nods * Molly moves, straddling his lap in her modified trouser skirt. She takes his left hand, bringing it to the right cheek of her bottom "More enjoyable than getting hit with a snowball here" (Morgan) quite * Molly runs her fingers to the back of his neck (Molly) Hmm, your skin is still very cold here my love. I hope you do not have frostbite! **she giggles** (Morgan) I certainly hope not (Molly) Of course, some bites on the neck are far more pleasurable, aren't they? * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes they are * Molly brings her lips gently to his neck (Molly) Such as here (Morgan) mmmhmmm * Molly nips him gently before swirling her tongue over it, settling closer to him (Molly) Do we have enough time for things like this? (Morgan) probably not (Molly) A pity, I think. What do you think we should prioritise instead, mein sehnsucht? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't know, I hadn't thought that far ahead * Molly licks down his neck to his collarbone (Molly) How far had you thought? (Morgan) we've already passed that point (Molly) Me removing your coat? *she buries her mouth to his skin, sucking deeply* (Morgan) somewhere around there, yes (Molly) Your intentions are surprisingly innocent then (Morgan) They were... * Molly bites him again, this time pressing her chest to his and resting more of her weight onto his crotch (Molly) They no longer are? (Morgan) that is a safe assumption (Molly) If you wish only to sit and talk, decorum in tact, I can yield to that... **she watches him with a mischievous smile, moving away just a little* (Morgan) No, I think not (Molly) **the look continues** You do not wish me to sit nicely beside you, keeping my hands to myself? (Morgan) If you wish to, I will accede to your wishes... * Molly moves, but it's obvious she is playing a game and teasing rather than rejecting. She runs a hand over her breast "Keep my hands to _myself_, like this?" (Morgan) If you prefer... * Molly twists in her seat so she's resting as much against the arm as the back, her hand training down the front of her bodice "After all, this would not prevent you making polite conversation..." Her hand runs lower, to the easy access these trousers have at the crotch. She watches his expression for signs of his reaction** (Morgan) Or perhaps you should put us both out of our misery... (Molly) Then you need only express to me what your misery is, my love, and how I might relieve it for you (Morgan) I rather think you know * Molly smiles, bringing her hand over his groin with a firm stroke (Molly) I should imagine this is the epicenter? * Morgan nods * Molly undoes the fall of his trousers, pushing the fabric away from his erection (Molly) And you would like me to deal swiftly with your desire? * Morgan nods * Molly straddles him once more, the opening of her trousers allowing the heat of her to glide along him teasingly. There's no doubt from her expression that this teasing is purposeful * Morgan leans back against the couch, watching her (Molly) **she continues to rock her hips like this* Hmm... I rather think I shall have to put snow inside your clothing more frequently if it inspires you so... (Morgan) it did not... more it provided an excuse (Molly) An excuse? For what, my love? (Morgan) for this... (Molly) To be intimate with me? *she angles so he is almost entering her before grinding along him again* * Morgan sighs with frustration * Molly smiles (Molly) **she does it again, then moving away a little (Molly) You do not need an excuse to be intimate with me... (Morgan) no... you are mine.... * Molly nods, looking both pleased and aroused by this, and watches him intently. "Always." She swiftly sinks down onto him, keeping eye contact with him * Morgan 's eyes widen before his head rolls back with a groan * Molly moans softly, riding rhythmically but slowly on him, her mouth on his neck again * Morgan groans, beginning to rise up to meet her * Molly takes his hands, putting them on her bottom. She murmurs in his ear "Guide me... show me what will best satisfy you right now, I wish to make you spend yourself hard" * Morgan does so, making her move quicker, landing against him more forcefully * Molly copies his movements, slamming down on to him as he wishes. Her quiet moans become very frequent, having to bring her hands to his chest to steady her balance. She watches his face, biting her lip to keep the volume down. * Morgan grunts, tensing up before swelling inside her * Molly grasps tightly at his shirt, somehow maintaining this rhythm whilst she peaks hard. Her resolve to stay quiet is lost to the glorious sensation of him inside her, moaning loudly as she throws her head back, loud enough that it would be heard if anyone was anywhere in the cottage with them. * Morgan loses himself in her, quickly being utterly spent * Molly climaxes once again before resting her forehead into the crook of his neck, not withdrawing off him just yet * Morgan lays still, breathing deeply * Molly stays close to him, just relaxing and having the intimacy of feeling him soften within her. She says quietly "Was that what you needed, liebling?" * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye... it was (Molly) Good... * Molly stays there a few more moments before saying "do you wish me to let you free now?" (Morgan) Not especially * Molly nods, remaining as she was, curled up to him and quietly savouring the closeness. The fire crackles in the grate. (Molly) It's nice to finally have made love to you here * Morgan nods (Molly) Not that we would have been likely to do it that way the first time... except if I had been your Star Girl... * Morgan nods (Morgan) true * Molly nods (Molly) Perhaps before we have to leave here again we can make use of your old bed, where I very much thought you would make me your mistress completely * Morgan nods (Morgan) Aye... tonight perhaps * Molly 's brows raise against his skin (Molly) Are we not to go to the main house for dinner? * Morgan sighs (Morgan) I suppose so (Molly) Although, if it is a choice between food and having you finally take me in that bed, I can stand to go a little hungry *she laughs quietly* (Morgan) Maybe we can manage both (Molly) Mmhmm... that will be a pleasant day dream through dinner... how would we explain to Heinzharold why we were in the bedroom in their cottage though? (Morgan) mmm, true (Molly) As for Inga, I would tell her the truth. She already knows that was your room and what I had spent so many nights longing for. If I told her I was going to make that dream a reality, she would just find a way to keep Heinzharold in our cottage next door. * Morgan nods * Molly nods as well. Though he gently slips from the warmth of her body, she doesn't move. She doesn't talk either. She appears to have drifted off safely close to him * Morgan lets her be for a few minutes (Morgan) blossom... * Molly murmurs "It's just snow, liebes herz... don't stop" (Morgan) Come on blossom, we need to make ourselves presentable (Molly) Hmm? Oh... **she sits up, tilting her head thoughtfully** (Morgan) what? * Molly smiles to herself before gently removing herself from his lap (Molly) I've never sat in your lap where our skin is touching without you being aroused before * Morgan watches her * Molly watches him back "what, my love?" (Morgan) You looked thoughtful like you had something on your mind (Molly) It is trusting, and deeply intimate. I should imagine that contact when hard is much easier on a man than contact when he is not. * Molly watches his expression * Morgan nods * Molly smiles adoringly (Molly) I like that you will allow me that, that you _can_ allow yourself to be vulnerable with me like that * Morgan nods (Molly) It means much to me, my love * Morgan nods (Morgan) I can tell (Molly) I do not think there is anything further I could do that would be me being vulnerable with you, but if anything occurs to you, please do let me know * Morgan nods (Morgan) I will blossom * Molly stands up "I'll find a towel, shall I?" (Morgan) best had I suppose (Molly) You would ideally remain cuddled up and napping by the fire together? * Morgan nods (Molly) Me too. *She watches him with a playful smile* I think I shall just start carrying around two or three cream flannels in my pockets, just in case (Morgan) It may be an idea (Molly) If it is possible you will seek me out to seduce me like this again, I rather think so * Morgan nods (Morgan) possible, no... likely... very * Molly smiles (Molly) I am, as always, at your disposal, your Excellency * Morgan nods * Molly goes into the kitchen. He can hear her put the pan back on the stove before throwing him a towel from the doorway, giving him one more satisfied smile before going back to her task * Morgan sighs, getting himself cleaned up (Molly) **From the kitchen she calls "If you wished to talk to Elsie, James or both about her bump and what it means, I wonder if now would be a good time whilst everyone is out?" * Morgan walks into the kitchen (Morgan) thats a good idea (Molly) I could come with you if you wish, but I thought it might be easier for you to be talking about Dietlinde's pregnancy without me (Morgan) I'd be alright, but... I'll do it alone * Molly gives him a small smile (Molly) Alright my love * Morgan nods, checking himself over before heading out to next door ** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Sunday, 26 December 2021 23:38:50 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected