** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) **He starts to dream. It's their first night in the little cottage, he has just returned from Londinium to Molly as his mistress. So far only Lady Torrington knows, the gathering where they will tell Evie and Captain Tsaylur a few days away.
(Molly) **After him kissing her again at long last, sat on the rug by the fire and alternating between passionate and tender, they have parted ways for bed. Though he is tired, he can't seem to settle, so is reading quietly, the new room warmer than in Catherine's house, especially in his pyjamas.
(Molly) **His sheets are crisp and new. The book is an intrigue about a shipwrecked Avalonian nobleman who ends up having to reclaim his identity after his enemies fake his death.
(Molly) **Morgan hears a faint sound. It sounds like Molly turning over. In the thirty minutes since they went to bed, he has noticed how thin the walls are. The noise from next door seems more like a rhythmic movement, like a hammock creaking as a ship is affected by waves. There's another sound that sounds vocal, like a shivery sigh, maybe a quiet, soft moan**
* Morgan gets out of bed, padding quietly to the hallway
(Molly) **The next sound is an "Oh!" of both surprise and pleasure, followed by a longer "Ohhh…" as if a new pleasure is being  explored**
* Morgan blushes, going back to his own room
(Molly) **She mustn't realise how thin the walls are, unless she does and she wants him to hear. But the sounds do not seem purposefully enticing, they sound like a curious young woman discovering herself. The walls are so thin he can even hear the catches of breath, the little Ahhs, and Mmms, and the continued movement of the bed**
* Morgan sits on his bed, trying to concentrate on his book
(Molly) **It's very difficult to concentrate, the sounds becoming more intense, closer together. He ends up reading the same line twice**
* Morgan puts down his book, laying back on the bed
(Molly) **Part of the sound clarity must be because both headboards are against the wall, so only half a foot of wood and plaster is between them, close enough as if they were in bed together. She moans louder this time**
* Morgan closes his eyes, listening
(Molly) **Her bed creaks quietly but more speedily. Her moans become more frequent too, and more intense. He can still hear not just the loudest bits, but also the way she breathes heavily too**
* Morgan massages his crotch
(Molly) **On the other side of the wall, the sounds of pleasure continue. She does not seem to be rushing, she seems to be savouring. There is a moment where she makes another noise of surprise followed by another, lower moan. She seems to be moving towards orgasm, rather than there yet
* Morgan continues
(Molly) **Her self-pleasuring continues, escalating both in her whimpering sounds of need and her moaning, and the movement of the bed against the far side of his wall. She definitely sounds closer now, vocalisations very frequent**
* Morgan starts to stroke himself
(Molly) **She starts to sound much like she will lose herself to it, the rhythm becoming less stable, her sounds becoming more intense but further apart, drawing in deep breaths between each**
* Morgan strokes himself more firmly
(Molly) **She stops moaning entirely, almost silent. It doesn't sound like she has peaked, more likely she has gotten scared of the intensity and whatever is approaching so rapidly. He can hear her slow, managed breaths, so close to him but yet so far away.
* Morgan gets up, going and knocking quietly on her door
(Molly) Uhhh just a minute!
* Molly gets up, pulling a shift on hastily and yanking her hair out of the neckline, trying to smooth it. After a glance in the mirror she tries splashing cold water onto her flushed face. Then she opens the door.
(Molly) Is something the matter, liebes herz?
(Morgan) I heard you making some noise, I wanted to check you are alright
* Molly somehow manages to blush further
(Molly) Ahh... I ummm... I hope I did not disturb  you.
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) no
* Molly glances at his pyjama top, biting her lip "I am sorry, I have woken you...?"
(Morgan) no, I was awake
* Molly 's curious gaze strays lower ((what sort of state is he in?)) I... uhh...
(Morgan) ((semi aroused))
(Morgan) what blossom?
* Molly glances back up at him, pupils wide
(Molly) I'll... I'll be quieter...
(Morgan) What's wrong?
(Molly) I am... I am wondering what you heard...
(Morgan) What do you think I heard?
* Molly blushes
(Molly) Something my mother says is entirely unacceptable and sinful. I am sorry.
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) don't apologise
(Molly) If I had realised you could hear I would have... I would have at least been more quiet
(Morgan) it's fine... you seemed to... I don't know, pull away from it?
* Molly looks torn
(Molly) You are not disgusted, or disapproving?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) why would I be?
(Molly) Because it is not what women are supposed to do? Hands should only be between our legs for washing, and even then only in private
* Morgan snorts
(Morgan) religious nonsense
* Molly looks perplexed
(Molly) That is not what everyone thinks?
(Morgan) I doubt it
(Molly) It is not what _you_ think?
(Morgan) Hardly
* Molly nods slowly
(Molly) Yes, I pulled away. I have never done it before, and it started to feel very odd, like something was going to happen that I do not understand
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) I'm inclined to think you avoided the most intense part...
(Molly) That is good?
(Morgan) Many would say you've avoided the best part
(Molly) It cannot get any better than that, surely?! *then she blushes again*
* Morgan nods
* Molly tries hard to keep her gaze above his chest height, but he sees it stray towards his navel before she catches herself
(Molly) It would be safe were I to continue?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly nods
(Molly) Alright. Thank you, liebes herz
* Morgan watches her for a moment before nodding
(Morgan) would you prefer I go where I won't hear you?
* Molly watches him intently
(Molly) Would _you_ want that?
* Morgan blushes
(Morgan) not... particularly, but I would rather you be comfortable
* Molly blurts out "I want to kiss you." *then she winces* "that was clumsy of me"
(Morgan) cute, though
* Molly blushes "it was?"
* Morgan nods
* Molly takes a deep breath "Please, you needn't get up and go elsewhere, I won't disturb you further"
(Morgan) I was not complaining about it blossom
(Molly) Oh... *she looks intrigued* it was not unpleasant for you?
* Morgan shakes his head, blushing
* Molly smiles a little "I do not need to be quieter?"
(Morgan) Not at all
* Molly nods, and then she does move to softly kiss his lips
* Morgan presses his lips to hers
* Molly makes another soft sound of enjoyment, not dissimilar to what he has already heard tonight
(Morgan) I... should let you... uhh...
(Molly) Mmhmm... that's probably safer, isn't it?
(Morgan) safer?
(Molly) Than us continuing to kiss when I feel this way...
* Molly does kiss him again though, despite her statement
* Morgan moans gently
* Molly shivers against him, also moaning
(Molly) I should... go... to bed *her words are spoken close enough to his mouth that her lower lip brushes his as she does so*
(Morgan) aye
* Molly pulls away, running her gaze right over him this time
(Molly) ((State now?))
(Molly) Goodnight then?
(Morgan) ((aroused))
(Morgan) I... uhhh... aye
* Molly nods slowly. He can see how both her thumbs pinch and rub at the fabric at the sides of her shift
(Molly) Alright, my l-... **she catches herself** Liebes herz. Thank you for your help
* Morgan nods slightly, backing up
* Molly watches him a moment "sleep well"
* Morgan smiles slightly
(Morgan) I doubt it
* Molly frowns "Your nightmares... I'm sorry, that was tactless"
(Morgan) no no... I suspect I'll be awake for another reason entirely
* Molly looks confused "Why?"
* Morgan blushes hard
* Molly watches him, resting her hip to the doorframe "Are you sure it will not help if I stay quiet? I could explore at a more convenient time, like when you are not at home?"
(Morgan) No, its fine
* Molly nods moving back into the room "Goodnight then"
* Morgan nods slightly
* Molly shuts the door to, but not completely closed
* Morgan lets out a long slow breath
(Molly) **He hears a few moments later the shift hitting the floor and the creak of her getting back into bed
* Morgan goes back to his room
(Molly) **He very soon starts to hear that same rhythmic movement of the bed that he heard before, and a moan that sounds like desperation and need. Her door being slightly a jar only makes this sound more audible in the cottage with the thin walls**
* Morgan takes to stroking himself again
* Molly settles into her exploration again, the close together moans showing her arousal at this starting point is higher than before. With greater clarity, he can even her the little wet sounds of her movements.
* Morgan listens, slowly stroking himself
(Molly) **before long, he hears her reach that point that she stopped at before, the deep held breaths between the intense sounds of pleasure**
* Morgan smiles to himself
* Molly takes a very deep breath. He hears the bed groan as she arches under the overwhelming pleasure, and she groans too, her words loud enough to reach him easily, full of the ecstasy of her first orgasm "Oh god, liebes herz!"
* Morgan listens quietly
* Molly 's vocal noises settle for a few seconds, though the rhythmic movement of the bed continues, before she says with surprise "huh!" and then climaxes loudly again
* Morgan lays still looking pleased with himself
* Molly again seems to calm a little before once more moaning as she peaks, though she definitely sounds rather spent with this one
* Morgan waits to see if she's done
* Molly does sound to be, the movement of the bed coming to a slow stop and her starting to catch her breath
* Morgan climbs out of bed, going to knock on her door once more
* Molly gets out of bed, just wrapping a sheet loosely around her. She doesn't bother with smoothing her hair nor the cold water, so she looks flushed, her hair mussed, and very well pleasured
(Molly) Liebes herz?
(Morgan) I wanted to make sure you're alright
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Yes, I am. Are you?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly nods "I did not embarrass myself, I hope?"
(Morgan) Not at all... I thought given how much more intense it might be, I'd check on you, that's all
* Molly smiles, blushing
(Molly) It certainly was a surprise!
* Morgan nods
(Molly) It surprised me it could happen more than once also
* Morgan nods
* Molly risks another quick perusal of his arousal whilst yawning into her hand
(Molly) I am rather tired now though!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright blossom, I'll let you get some sleep
* Molly kisses his cheek "I hope you manage to get some also"
* Morgan nods, heading back to his room
* Molly shuts her door. He hears her get into bed, and after a brief fidget she is quiet
* Morgan tries to go to sleep
(Molly) **A chime disturbs him, and he wakes up in the cottage next door. She is still laid on his chest, her hand on his navel, and the tip of his erection rests against  the side of her hand
* Morgan sighs
* Molly murmurs "hmm?"
(Morgan) Nothing my love
(Molly) What time is it?
(Molly) **the first chime means it's an hour ril dawn, and half an hour til first light**
(Morgan) about an hour before dawn
* Molly nods. Her fingers tighten on his stomach as she rouses, which brings friction across his head
* Morgan draws a sudden breath
(Molly) Sorry, did I hurt you?
(Morgan) quite the opposite
(Molly) Oh? Oh! **she gently brings her hand over him*
* Morgan thrusts involuntarily
* Molly moans at this, curling her fingers around him
* Morgan moans
(Molly) *she speaks softly* You know I will give you whatever you need...
* Morgan nods, pulling her on top of him
* Molly positions herself with her legs on either side of him and moves her hips until she has captured him within the heat of her body
* Morgan pulls her down, pushing as deep inside her as he acn
* Molly moans again, back arching. She grinds down on him when she gets as deep as she can
* Morgan starts grinding into her
* Molly raises up a little, and sinks back down onto him with more grinding, repeating it. She speaks softly "That's it, let me please you"
* Morgan continues his movement, growing more frantic in his movements
* Molly works with his movements, even when she starts to  peak around him, her fingers grasping at his skin as she whimpers
* Morgan swells, burying himself in her as his own orgasm hits
* Molly grinds down as deep as she can, purposefully tightening around him. She murmurs "God, yes!"
* Morgan tenses before his release hits, grinding into her until he relaxes back onto the bed
* Molly gently rests down on his chest, stroking his shoulder almost soothingly. She sighs happily
* Morgan sighs
* Molly places little loving kisses on his chest "Good morning, mein sehnsucht"
(Morgan) good morning my love
* Molly shivers pleasantly her body starts to settle. She gently moves off him but stays close beside him
(Molly) This is a magnificent way to wake up
* Morgan nods
(Molly) How did you sleep?
(Morgan) so so
(Morgan) you?
(Molly) I dreamt that Varick had lots of cats on the Rose,  then one had kittens. Heinzharold was trying to milk the mother, and he and Claudia were arguing about whether cat milk, cow's milk or breastmilk was the best for coffee
(Morgan) oh good lord
* Molly nods
(Molly) I assume it is from Elsie nursing yesterday
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) probably
(Molly) That is rather bizarre though. I do not think it's anything useful or an alternative path
(Morgan) No, I don't think so
* Molly continues stroking his shoulder "No nightmares?"
(Morgan) No
(Molly) Good... I ought to get up, I have much to do
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) me too
* Molly stays there a moment, then gives him a squeeze before slipping naked out of the bed "You are sure you do not mind Inga and I going to see John?"
(Morgan) No, its fine
* Morgan stretches before getting out of bed and starting to get dressed
* Molly starts brushing out her hair. She catches a glance of him in the reflection of the mirror, and he hears her thoughts "God, I love this man!"
(Molly) I think we will go shortly
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright blossom
* Molly isn't dressed before him, so he ends up downstairs alone briefly before HH appears looking cheerful in the kitchen, making himself some coffee as if it's as much his kitchen as it is Morgan's**
** You're now known as HH
(HH) Mornin'
(Morgan) I had noticed
(HH) That good, eh?
(Morgan) Do you see a cup of coffee in my hand?
(HH) Nope *he grins*
(Morgan) Then it could be better, couldn't it
* HH licks the rim of his coffee cup before offering it to Morgan
(Morgan) One day I'm going to beat you to death
(HH) Good luck with that! *he grins*
* Morgan stretches
* HH gets him some coffee
* HH sips his coffee, glancing towards the ceiling when he can hear movement "Yer wife's up early"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Going to see John Dagget
* HH nods "Inga too"
* Morgan nods
(HH) **They chat a little about the plans for packing up, leaving, visiting the island and take their coffees outside to the rose garden for dawn** What was up with you las' night when I had to kick you?
(HH) **it's chilly but dry**
(Morgan) oh.... you'll think its stupid
* HH shrugs "Mebbie, mebbie not"
(Morgan) I was just marvelling at how peaceful he seemed... and how small his nails are. 
* HH glances at him
(HH) Bit broody are we?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I like babies
(HH) I think tha's a good thing. Shows yer making progress
(Morgan) Probably... I kinda got focussed on the baerns nails... 
* HH smiles
(HH) So tiny, man. Eyelashes too
* Morgan nods
(HH) Glad he's not got that swine's white ones, they don' need the reminder
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) agreed
(HH) Did y' get in trouble about the bums?
(Morgan) No, not at all
(HH) Surprising
(HH) L0
* Morgan shrugs
(HH) Was 'oping you'd get a smack on the ass for it *he grins*
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) not at all
* HH sips the coffee again, watching the sun come up
(HH) How was yer night?
(Morgan) alright
* HH nods "makes a change"
(Morgan) doesn't it
(HH) Inga says you an' Molly did a good job cleaning our cottage yesterday
(Morgan) it was literally our job for years
(HH) Gonna be a bit odd leaving tomorrow
(Morgan) you settled somewhat?
(HH) Yeah, gotten kinda used to havin' the same bed
* Morgan nods
(HH) Back to our cabin tomorrow night, be nice to 'ave Inga there instead of just being alone like when we were away
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(HH) Won't have to 'ave the sketch in the wall now
* Morgan nods, smiling
(HH) Think mebbie you can do one of me for 'er birthday next month?
(Morgan) I imagine so
(Morgan) something heroic?
(HH) Thinkin' I'll borrow one o' yer special flannels, cover the best bit, an' you can sketch the rest of me in all my glory
* Morgan blinks
(Morgan) I see
* HH grimaces "Ackshully, I hadn't thought that through! Mebbie a different flannel. Not liking the idea o' that on my balls!"
(Morgan) I'm sure we can arrange something
(HH) Might not be able t' do this body justice *he grins*
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Morgan) we need to practice today
(HH) Not out 'ere, bloody cold. I'd only need a spectacle cloth, not a flannel!
* HH grins
(Morgan) No, you prat, combat...
* HH nods "best get on it b'fore they go" *he gets off the wall** Y' ever drawn a naked man b'fore?
(Morgan) No, but I've got a magnifying glass 
(HH) To find yer talent for nudey pictures? Good idea
(Morgan) if I'm that untalented you'll not be wanting the one I did of Inga...
* HH frowns
(HH) You sketched m' wife naked?
(Morgan) No, you plum, the one I drew for your birthday
(HH) Ah! Was gonna say, go sketch yer own bubbies!
* Morgan rubs his nose
(Morgan) have done
* HH gives him a look of disbelief
(HH) No way y' got either of them t' agree to that
(Morgan) You'd be surprised
(HH) Mebbie I'll ask an check
* Morgan shrugs
(HH) Y' take all the fun outta it when y' do that
(Morgan) I know
(HH) C'mon, let's grab some swords
* Morgan nods
(HH) **Molly is singing happily to herself when they get there, making breakfast. She smiles at them** Good morning
* HH looks at her "Him or me?" **she smiles** I've already said good morning to my husband
* Morgan sniggers, going to pour himself some coffee
* HH looks at Morgan then grins "Good morning, yer ex'lency"
(HH) *upstairs the baby starts to cry*
* HH looks at Morgan "Think we should stay incase we're needed?"
(Morgan) We'll practice in the garden, we're within calling distance
(HH) **Molly smiles** Unless either of you have working breasts, I doubt Thomas needs you
* HH squeezes his pec "Might have. Always thought it was solid muscle,  but y' never know!"
(Morgan) No, solid ham, and they were talking about your bread
* HH grins "be useful if I did make milk though!"
(HH) **Molly rolls her eyes but she's smiling "Oh no, I've had enough of you and tour milk nonsense already, go on with you!"
* Morgan picks up his sword, heading out to the garden
* HH grabs one and follows him out
(HH) Any idea wha' that's about?
(Morgan) what?
(HH) My "milk nonsense"
(Morgan) Oh we've heard all about you asking the maids if you could milk yourself...
* HH laughs "Can't wait to tell Rosie about tha', he'll live it"
(HH) Love*
* Morgan nods
* HH gets on with training. It's a good, much needed session. Breakfast is done and dusted, the wives getting ready to take their husband's horses up to Goodleigh when Doctor Rosenkrantz and Catherine come over. Catherine asks if she can have a word with Molly, so they stand outside talking quietly, but not so quietly Morgan can't hear if he stands in the kitchen and strains**
* Morgan does so
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) C: I wanted your advice about marriage
(Molly) I will give any advice I can, but I haven't even been married five months yet
(Molly) C: How important is it to marry for love?
* Molly is quiet a moment, obviously thinking about it
(Molly) It's... that is tough to say. There are lots of things that are important in all marriages, and lots of things on top of that that have to be taken into account when in a position of nobility
(Molly) C: Queen Elaine refused to let me marry Kurt because he is without holdings and Eisen
(Molly) Marry... Kurt...?
(Molly) C: I like him. We wanted to get married, and we asked Elaine, back in the summer
(Molly) I see... certainly it will be important to have her blessing, especially as a Duchess. I would say focusing on finding someone who she will approve of who you like, can respect, and ideally feel some attraction to is most important...
(Molly) C: But you married Morgan for love
* Molly nods "Yes... but also because I respected and trusted him and am attracted to him. I knew he would be a trustworthy husband who would take care of me and had my interests at heart. Marrying for love is pointless if in a few years those feelings cool and you are left with a man you do not like.
(Molly) C: what if I don't find someone like that of a suitable station, or I find someone like that of low station?
* Molly sighs "It's complicated. Perhaps I am not the best to advise you in this"
(Molly) [Liebes herz?]
(Morgan) [yes?]
(Molly) [Catherine is asking me what she should do if she finds a man she wants to marry who the Queen will not approve of due to his station... I need to tell her she wouldn't be able to, dont I?]
(Morgan) [I'm afraid so, given the sort of woman the queen is]
(Molly) [Thank you]
* Molly takes a deep breath "Unfortunately, your choices will be limited because of the interest your match will hold for the Queen and the nobility generally. I'm sorry. It is unfair, but that is the burden of nobility, I am afraid"
(Molly) C: I will have to pick the best one of the men available. What are the three most important things I should look for, do you think?
(Molly) **HH glances at Morgan $eavesdropping?$
(Morgan) $aye$
(Molly) That will depend. But Loyalty, Protectiveness of his family, and being good company are vital, to me at least. Inga and other women might see it differently,  and men very differently again
(Molly) C: I will think about what things I most want then. Thank you
* Molly nods, letting Catherine back in
(Molly) C: Good morning, Morgan. I have come to see the baby
* Morgan nods, looking at HeinzHarold
(Morgan) go see if Elsie is decent and the baern is awake would you
(Molly) **He does so, returning to take Catherine up. Molly calls to Inga, who comes in from the parlour. Both husbands get kisses on the cheek before they go. Morgan can hear them outside. M: Inga, what three things do you think are most important in a husband? I: Kindness, Humour and *she whispers something Morgan can't catch. Molly sounds shocked but then they are both sniggering as they get out of earshot*
* Morgan rolls his eyes, going to make coffee
(Molly) **Catherine stays about twenty minutes before she leaves, saying goodbye to Morgan on the way out**
(Molly) **The morning passes peacefully with a walk around the estate with Varick, HH and two cats, but the afternoon comes with a crying baby and heavy rain. It's Morgan's turn to settle the baby, Varick and the cats have gone for  a nap, and Elsie is asleep on the couch.
* Morgan rocks the baby, humming to him as he walks around the kitchen
(Molly) **It reminds him of doing so with Jana in the first few days where Dietlinde was still recovering from a fairly easy but still tiring birth, the way Jana had smelled of new baby and breastmilk. The weather in early march in Sudlachenburg had been changeable, and Heinzharold's first visit had been extended by heavy rain. So it is dizzying when HH says from behind him the same thing he did then "Think we've all 'ad days like that!"
(Morgan) y'know... you said that to me before
** You're now known as HH
(HH) Did I? When?
(Morgan) When I was wandering about my kitchen trying to calm Jana...
* HH puts a hand on his shoulder "Sorry, man"
(Morgan) its alright
(HH) Weird 'ow memories come up like that. I get that with my Da sometimes, find I say things like he would, it all comes back
* Morgan nods
(HH) Wish I'd known 'im as a man. Not the same when yer a kid. Missed him badly when you left, spent weeks making and breaking stuff in the forge, asking him what I should do
* Morgan nods, looking sad
(HH) He'da followed you, I reckon
(Morgan) give me a hiding for hurting you
(HH) Then he'da hugged you so 'ard you'd wish for the hiding!
* Morgan nods
(HH) Loved you, y'know?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) One of the most caring men I ever met
* HH nods
(HH) Gonna be 'ard, him never meeting my kids
(Morgan) aye, I know
* HH watches the rain
(HH) Was all much simpler back then, wasn' it?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(HH) Least we've got each other, man
(HH) **Thomas has started to fall asleep**
* Morgan nods
(HH) Girls are gonna be soaked, aren't they?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) undoubtedly
(HH) *with the baby asleep, they are able to make a start on packing up. James is talking to Varick about religion downstairs. Morgan's packing into the trunk includes finding the pretty blue rope in the drawer again, as well as the book she wrote him, and an odd little sponge in a bag with some brandy in a flask
* Morgan packs them away
(HH) **Molly gets back about an hour before dark, and she is soaked as predicted. HH whisks Inga off to get dried and changed**
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) I think I am.going to go in the pool.now, whilst I am soaked already
* Morgan nods, putting a coat on
(Molly) You needn't come
(Morgan) No, but I will
* Molly nods. She heads across the wet lawn and courtyard eventually up to the pool. She watches it a moment
(Molly) I am sure this seems quite strange...
(Morgan) You could say that
* Molly nods, taking off her coat, boots, stockings and dress until she is just in her shift
(Molly) It feels like something I need to do
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
* Molly looks at it again a moment before jumping in. Just like in Atemlos, she sinks down, even her hair pulled beneath the surface and stays there. Thirty seconds... forty seconds...
* Morgan waits
(Molly) **Fifty... fifty five... a minute...**
(Morgan) [Are you alright?]
(Molly) [Yes]
* Morgan nods to himself, waiting
* Molly pops up at one minute twelve, longer than in Atemlos. She gasps, smiling
(Molly) I'm getting better at it!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes you are
* Molly swims to the edge
(Molly) I've played it through in my mind... fifty five seconds is how long I would have needed to have gotten my dress off and saved myself
* Morgan nods
* Molly pulls herself out, standing up. The shift plastered to her body is very reminiscent of the one that day fifteen months ago, though it is cold and near dusk, not hot and midday
(Molly) It is good to know I could manage now
* Morgan nods, wrapping a cloak around her
* Molly smiles
(Molly) We didn't have a cloak last time...
(Morgan) No, we didn't
* Molly slips her boots on and gathers her things
(Molly) Lets go and warm up...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) how was John?
* Molly walks beside him
(Molly) Upset, as usual, but a little better, I think?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I managed to subtly warn him about transferring his feelings to seeking comfort
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) I thought it would be wise. But he will marry again one day, I am sure of it
* Morgan nods
* Molly looks at him
(Molly) How have things been here?
(Morgan) quiet... we've managed some packing
* Molly nods "Thank you. It's strange to be leaving again"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) HeinzHarold was saying the same
(Molly) Will you be alright?
* Molly watches him as she walks across the yard
(Morgan) I imagine so
(Molly) You were troubled at returning your keys before
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, I know... 
* Molly nods
(Molly) **Back in the house she gets changed. Thomas cries a little, and Varick tries to soothe him, sat beside Elsie. Varick gets bathed in a tin bath in the kitchen after his tea. When bedtime for Varick comes he asks for Morgan to do it
** You're now known as Varick
(Varick) We won't be here tomorrow night
* Varick strokes both the cats on his bed
(Morgan) No, we won't
(Varick) I don't like saying goodbye. It's too sad.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know... its difficult
* Varick yawns, lying down
(Varick) Will we ever see everyone here again?
(Morgan) I certainly hope so
* Varick closes his eyes "me too"
* Morgan strokes his hair
(Varick) **Varick falls asleep, as do the cats**
* Morgan heads back downstairs
(Varick) **Downstairs the tin bath has been refilled, and they are all gathered around it to bathe Thomas, who is watching the faces above him. Elsie holds him, and James washes him**
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly smiles at Morgan. HH has his hand on Inga's lower back, and she definitely looks broody
(Molly) I thought perhaps we'd have baths ready for setting off tomorrow?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) probably a good idea
* Molly gets the towel ready, and Elsie hands her the baby. The three women take Thomas in by the fire in the parlour to get dried and dressed. HH hands Morgan coffee**
(Molly) HH: Her dip in the pool go okay?
* Morgan nods
* Molly can be heard from the other room "Oh my goodness! Stop! It's going everywhere!"
(Morgan) that'll be someone peeing everywhere
(Molly) **HH starts grinning**
* Molly calls to him "Liebes herz, how do I make him stop?!"
(Molly) **HH creases up, having to lean against the counter**
* Morgan picks up a small towel, heading into the other room and dropping it on the baby's crotch
* Molly 's dress is soaked, as are her hands. The baby on the towel on the floor is cooing,  looking up at Morgan.
* Molly looks at Morgan "I didn't think of that"
* Morgan gets down on his knees, quickly putting a nappy on the child
(Molly) **HH comes in, seeing Molly's hands and dress and starts laughing**
* Molly looks slightly exasperated "I am going to need so much instruction before we have any!"
(Morgan) It takes some getting used to
(Molly) HH: *he brings Molly a towel* Me too. First time I tried puttin' a nappy on a baby was Jana's christening day. It fell off an' I got pee all down my trousers. Our almighty leader threatened to make me go to chapel like that an' to let everyone think I'd peed myself
* Molly giggles as she dries her hands, looking to Morgan "were you sorely tempted, liebling?"
(Morgan) given how he tests my patience at times, aye
(Molly) What did you do?
(Morgan) Let him get changed
(Molly) HH: 'ad to borrow some of his trousers.  Was a bit snug in certain places!
(Molly) **this makes the others laugh**
* Molly smiles at Morgan "bigger ass, perhaps?"
(Morgan) yes he is
* Morgan wraps up Thomas, picking him up
(Morgan) Bit undignified isn't it young man... 
(Molly) **The others laugh more. Molly watches Morgan with the baby a moment**
(Molly) I: Molly, do you want the bath and we'll sort dinner next door?
* Molly nods, and the others head on to the smaller cottage
(Molly) You needn't stay, my love, I will be quite fine
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) if you're sure
* Molly nods
(Molly) Then would you wish me to stay and wash your hair for you like before?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that'd be nice
(Molly) I'll be ready in *she has a think** maybe fifteen minutes
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright blossom, I'll see you soon
(Molly) **The fifteen minutes passes quite quick, the food prep going well. She is in a dressing gown when he gets back,  her wet hair braided. She seems to take great pleasure in the job of undoing and washing his hair and then watching him wash. Dried off and dressed, they return to the little cottage that was their first home and she helps with making dinner whilst Inga and Heinzharold go to bathe
(Molly) **Molly is having to keep the food warm forty five minutes later, waiting for them to return**
(Molly) We have much longer hair than them, what is taking them so long?
(Molly) **James looks clueless, but Elsie rocking the baby looks at Morgan with a knowing smile**
* Morgan looks at Molly
(Morgan) really?
* Molly looks at Morgan "Yours is far longer than Heinzharold's!"
(Molly) **Elsie looks at her son, but Morgan can see the amusement there*
(Morgan) What could two married adults be doing while they happen to be naked, I wonder...
* Molly looks at him "surely not"
(Morgan) You don't think?
(Molly) **Elsie and James look at each other before Elsie says** We shared this cottage with them a while, I think Morgan is right. The walls here are very thin!
* Molly nods "You can here someone turn over in the other room, or get out of bed"
(Molly) **Claudia had also complained to Morgan about being able to hear HH and Inga when they first arrived**
(Morgan) Claudia spent a few late nights with me when we first arrived if you recall...
* Molly nods "I didn't realise that was why!"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Should I go and knock on the door?
(Morgan) Give them five more minutes then we'll have to
(Molly) **Four minutes later, HH and Inga come in**
(Molly) HH: Sorry, water needed bailing
* Molly glances at Morgan's expression
(Morgan) of course
(Molly) **Elsie smiles* I think James and I will just do ours another night...
(Molly) **HH shrugs, pulling out a seat for Inga, a little smile passing between them** I'm famished
* Molly busies herself with dishing up dinner, biting her lip
(Molly) **Dinner is pleasant, the six adults and the baby. About half way through, Inga says "Will we hear Varick if he wakes up?"
(Morgan) thats a good question
(Molly) It's highly unlikely he would wake, isnt it?
(Morgan) it'd be unusual
(Molly) **they do keep an ear out, but they have heard nothing. When it is time to dry the dishes, Molly stands leaning against the counter doing so, watching the others chat and laugh. Morgan spots her using the corner of the towel to wipe her eyes briefly
(Morgan) [Going to miss this aren't you]
(Molly) [Very much. This is what we didnt have here before, dear friends.]
(Morgan) [aye]
(Molly) [Also, look at Elsie, alive, with the baby that saw her through the constant pain and misery. They survived it, against all the odds, and they're happy...]
(Morgan) [yes they are]
* Molly finishes the dishes, and they say goodnight to Inga and HH. HH looks to Morgan "You want comp'ny for your last night walk?"
* Morgan stretches
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) **HH is relaxed, wandering along at Morgan's speed "Gonna tell Elsie about the mirror Alice has incase they need to get word to y' in an emergency?"
** You're now known as HH
(Morgan) Something along those lines... I might tell her grace... don't want James getting jumpy
* HH nods
(HH) Sounds food. Nice tonight
* Morgan nods
* HH yawns loudly,  jaw cracking
(HH) Need some more of th' mirrors for leaving in Capperlucia?
(Morgan) Probably... I'll have a word with Jacques
* HH nods
(HH) Any idea after Freiburg,  or gotta wait an' see what Edward wants t' do?
(Morgan) Need to know whats going to happen really
(HH) Can't go to a weddin' if there is no wedding
* Morgan nods
* HH keeps yawning loudly til they get back. He looks up at his window where there's still candlelight "Let's 'ope she's mostly asleep"
(Morgan) Wore you out at bath time did she
(HH) Who said we did anything a' bath time?
(Morgan) fifty minutes it took you...
(HH) Needed t' have a good scrub
* HH grins
(Morgan) evidently
(HH) Mebbie I'm just tired. Sometimes a man just needs a big snuggle, nothin' naughty
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(HH) **he is about to go in when he says* Hey, Morgan?
(Morgan) aye?
(HH) No bums were on the table.
* HH chuckles
(Morgan) I'll make sure Molly knows
(HH) Night, man
(Morgan) night
* Morgan goes into the cottage
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly is naked but finishing their packing,  clothes out for the morning
(Molly) Nice walk, my love?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye... are you alright?
(Molly) I am. I have had a note from Papa...
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) Edward was suitably concerned by the note, he and your Father have agreed he should meet you in Freiburg
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) good
(Molly) He will set off on Saturday,  stay at Innesbruck, then in Kiev and make a social call on Maubourg to see what is happening there, and then get the ferry up from Baden
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) right
(Molly) On Tuesday night he is excepted in Freiburg with Potts or Niesfeld with Zench. We should arrive on Friday or Saturday
* Molly closes the trunk. On the bedside table is the oil to stop him having nightmares
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I don't relish this task
(Molly) Telling Edward?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I will do it if you prefer?
(Morgan) No... it should be me
(Molly) I will aid you in whatever way you wish
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know my love
(Molly) I am feeling sad about leaving... would you aid me?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) what do you need
(Molly) May I use the oil on your back like we did before?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) if that is what you require
(Molly) It would help me feel restful
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
(Molly) I would have you do so on me, but alas that doesn't make me at all restful
(Morgan) no...
* Molly flattens the sheets off
(Molly) It makes me the opposite really, whereas you find it calming?
* Morgan nods
* Molly comes to him, undoing his shirt. It is sweet, not seductive
* Morgan waits until the shirt is off before taking his trousers off and climbing onto the bed
* Molly straddles his hips, warming the oil in her hands before working it into his shoulders and his back, using all the knowledge she has gained from the previous massages to make him relaxed and comfortable. She spends so long on it that he finds himself dozing off
(Molly) ((Let's himself fall asleep or roused himself enough to tell her?))
(Morgan) ((tells her))
* Molly rubs the excess oil into his buttocks in a way that would be arousing if he wasn't half asleep, kisses his cheek and settles down
(Molly) Goodnight, my love, sweet dreams
(Morgan) goodnight blossom
* Molly sings to him after he magically extinguishes the candle, but he barely has time to identify the song before he is asleep