** You have joined #7thsea (HH) **He starts to dream in the Star Girl thread again. Having ridden down through Wische and into Sudlachenburg, they arrive later than expected just after dark on Prophet's Mass Eve, with the Star Girl due to arrive in a few days after the celebrations. (HH) **The world seems so strange, passing through towns and villages celebrating the return of the heroes and mourning those that were buried on far away battlefields. A new Eisen, an Eisen broken but ready to rebuild, is blanketed with snow. Like thousands of others, he and his friends have slept beneath the stars, their cloaks forming beds on frozen grass. (HH) **They're still somewhat dazed from the War being over, all they had ever known. Elation and depression come and go like the tides he will no longer be sailing on, Sudlachenburg far from the sea. But this evening Sudlachenburg's streets have candles in windows to light the troops home. He is coming home at last. And beside him his grinning best friend is home too (HH) "Yeah, man! Good t' be back!" * Morgan nods (Morgan) going to be strange (HH) **They can hear the seasonal hymn-singing in the village chapel, the stained glass windows glowing. Claudia looks around. (HH) C: You sure it's not a problem for me to stay with you, Morgan? I will find myself somewhere to live as soon as I can. * Morgan nods (Morgan) it'll be fine (HH) Pretty sure 'e's got a room or twenty to spare! (HH) C: You're just sore to be going back to a house full of women, Heinzharold. (HH) *HH groans** Was 'oping I could stay the night with Morgan too, ackshully. (Morgan) I'm sure my father could be persuaded (HH) **HH looks at the chapel** Best put in an appearance though, let my Ma know I'm back * Morgan nods (HH) **They dismount and tie up the horses at the tavern across the road. There's a small amount of snow underfoot which HH brushes off his boots in the chapel entryway** (HH) Can always tell 'er and my sisters' singing a mlle away. (Morgan) they're not necessarily any good, but they're enthusiastic (HH) C: Must be a family trait. **Claudia looks a little wary to Morgan's perceptive eye** (Morgan) Whats wrong? (HH) C: Been on the march so long, not used to this *she rolls her shoulders* I'm good (HH) **HH pulls open the door. Undramatically, there's no stop in the music to announce their arrival, the choir singing about the tidings of comfort and joy** (HH) HH gestures: how's that for a welcome, noone even notices us! (HH) **But Morgan can see he is wrong, because in the front row of the choir the blonde seamstress' assistant wearing a light blue dress embroidered with dark blue snowflakes notices him with wide eyes of surprise and a sweet smile** (Morgan) $You're a bit wrong$ (HH) **Dietlinde doesn't approach him when the song finishes, maintaining a distance appropriate for a unmarried young woman and the Graf's son, her mother and father at her side. But she does glance at them on occasion. HH watches her then Morgan** (HH) Gonna be complicated, isn't it? She o'viously likes you. (Morgan) Yes, it is. I'm feeling rather guilty, actually (HH) Made a bit o' a bed for yerself * Morgan nods (HH) **Heinzharold's Ma and four sisters notice him. They come over and surround him, all much shorter and squawking like geese. The expression he gives Morgan from the middle of them begs for help. Meanwhile Claudia looks around the chapel with her cool grey eyes not much different to how he has seen her watch approaching armies** * Morgan goes and stands with Claudia (HH) **Other villagers come to welcome Heinzharold and this takes a bit of the pressure off the poor man. He's charming and friendly, these are people who have known him and his family since before he was born** ** You're now known as Claudia (Claudia) Busy. (Morgan) He's popular * Claudia nods (Claudia) Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. I haven't been part of a community since I went into basic training at fifteen. (Claudia) **Dietlinde's father goes over to HH, shaking his hand and welcoming him back. HH is a little more respectful with him, but still warm and friendly** (Morgan) Do you know what the most dangerous thing here is? * Claudia grins (Claudia) Us? * Morgan nods (Morgan) exactly * Claudia nods (Claudia) I should have told you before, but... I wasn't joking when I said I have nowhere to go back to. All my family and my community, they were destroyed. * Morgan puts a hand on her shoulder (Morgan) you have family... not by blood, sure, but family all the same * Claudia nods "Thanks" * Claudia glances at him "Might not be bound by our blood, but we're probably bound by other people's" * Morgan nods (Morgan) not wrong (Claudia) I know I've had a sword in someone at the same time Heinzharold has. That should count. * Morgan nods (Claudia) **Heinzharold is now chatting with Sascha and another local woman. There's a single chime of the dawn watch, and the light in the chapel seems blue toned. He realises he is dreaming** * Morgan tries to wake up (Claudia) **He manages it. The room is dark, and only Molly's foot rests against his shin, no other contact. The ship moves almost imperceptibly, the sea fairly calm. (Claudia) ((Distress and desperation?)) (Morgan) ((barely any)) (Claudia) **there's no tingling at all** * Morgan stretches, getting out of bed (Claudia) **Molly doesn't wake up. He easily gets sorted and up on deck where he can hear his best friends quietly talking, though not enough to hear what is said** * Morgan heads toward their voices quietly (Claudia) We'll just wait and see what Morgan decides (Morgan) what am I deciding? (Claudia) HH: Bah! A bit o' warning would be nice! * Claudia and HH are sat in the rigging (Claudia) You're early. * Morgan climbs up slowly (Morgan) Not really (Claudia) **HH moves to make room for him, then offers him a flask** T' take the cold off * Morgan swigs it, passing it back (Claudia) **HH passes it to Claudia** (Claudia) HH: Was tellin' Claudia we're gonna be having a tour of Eisen b'fore Prophet's Mass (Morgan) looks like it (Claudia) Decision is going to be what you want me doing. * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) What do you want to do? (Claudia) It will be hard to replace me here, but safer for you all if I go with you (Morgan) Tough one... * Claudia nods (Claudia) Something to think about (Claudia) **HH takes back his flask and drinks some before offering to Morgan again* (Claudia) HH: How was yer night, almighty overlord? * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) I've had worse (Claudia) HH: Inga had a nightmare about the Schattenmann (Morgan) Unusual (Claudia) HH: Yep, normally sleeps like a log. Dreamt we were in that waterwheel house an' were going at it by the fire * Claudia shudders, looking at Morgan "Already sounds like a nightmare without the Schattenmann!" (Morgan) horrific isn't it * Claudia nods (Claudia) HH: Shut up. It was when th' noise started that it got scary * Morgan shudders hard * Claudia makes a gagging sound though she's smirking at Morgan (Claudia) HH punches Claudia in the arm: It was weird, 'pparently. Like a branch being dragged over stonez (Morgan) Now how would she know that (Claudia) **HH shrugs** Molly told her? (Morgan) Maybe. I'll ask. (Claudia) HH: She was really scared, poor darlin * Morgan nods (Morgan) what happened? (Claudia) HH: It was walking past the windows, then it started trying to undo the latch on the door * Claudia shivers "That is actually kind of creepy" * Morgan nods (Claudia) HH: she went back to sleep after I gave her some cuddles, but then I couldn' sleep (Morgan) creeped out? (Claudia) HH: A bit. The noise sounds creepy as hell (Morgan) It is (Claudia) HH: Reck'n it'd still be near the 'ouse (Claudia) ? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) Who bloody knows with that thing (Claudia) HH: Spose Forrester woulda seen it (Morgan) No, that thing only gets seen when it wants to be (Claudia) HH: And it picked you?! (Morgan) I didn't say it was choosy * Claudia looks at HH "Has he shown you the sketch book yet?" (Claudia) **HH shakes his head** No? (Claudia) Pictures of it in there (Claudia) **HH looks to Morgan** I got time b'fore dawn * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'll go get it * Morgan drops out of the rigging, heading to his cabin to get his sketchbook (Claudia) **everything is quiet down there, and HH and Claudia are on deck when he gets back with the lantern, waiting for him** * Morgan opens the book to the appropriate page, handing it to HeinzHarold (Claudia) **HH shudders** Fucking hell. It's worse than I thought. * Morgan nods (Claudia) **HH flicks the pages** got anything nicer in here? **his hand stills on a page** Fuck. * Morgan glances at the page (Claudia) **HH just stands mutely staring that the cottage on fire, the one he watched over all through the night until in the morning he pulled their remains from. His hands shake** * Morgan gently takes the book from him (Morgan) sorry man (Claudia) **HH draws a deep breath** My fault, shouldn't 'ave been nosey * Claudia uncommonly wraps an arm around HH's shoulders * Morgan puts his arm around HeinzHarold, pulling him so their foreheads meet (Claudia) **HH hugs Morgan** I'm alright, man. You alright? (Morgan) as I get, aye (Claudia) **HH hugs him harder** Bit of a shock, tha's all * Morgan nods (Claudia) **He exhales then moves away** Got anything nice? Pictures of fluffy bunnies, maybe some ships? * Morgan flicks through the book trying to find something nicer * Claudia sighs "You can show him the one you drew of me in Kingston chatting up Gisele if you want" * Morgan nods, finding it (Claudia) **HH looks impressed** Niiiice... god, Claudia, you'd be really pretty if y' were a girl * Morgan snorts * Claudia thumps him "Based on Gainsbourg you can't tell the difference anyway!" (Claudia) **HH laughs** what was the lassie like then, Morgan? (Morgan) Gisele? (Claudia) **HH nods** * Claudia is smiling faintly (Morgan) She was sweet (Claudia) **HH watches Claudia** Pretty? * Claudia nods "Yep. You'd have liked her, back before Inga." ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Sunday, 30 January 2022 21:13:56 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Claudia) [20:38] * Claudia nods "Yep. You'd have liked her, back before Inga." (Claudia) HH: Prob'ly still think she's nice and pretty now, just wouldn't be interested * Morgan nods (Claudia) All those girls in the camps who used to flock around him like pigeons, and he found a girl living in his hometown (Morgan) You should've seen him when he saw her * Claudia grins (Claudia) Dreadful was he? (Claudia) **HH grins** 'e told me he was gonna shoo me off the doorstep with a broom if I didn't go away * Morgan nods slowly (Claudia) HH: *he makes a falsetto voice** He was just soooooo dreamy, with his beautiful golden hair and simpleton smile * Claudia snorts "the simpleton bit is accurate" * Morgan nods (Morgan) quite (Claudia) HH: Felt a bit simple, ackshully. Proper love at first sight. * Claudia huffs "No such thing." (Morgan) coulda told you that was coming (Claudia) **HH looks at Morgan then Claudia** Just b'cause you haven't felt it yet doesn't mean it doesn't exist (Claudia) It doesn't. Attraction at first sight, protectiveness maybe, but not love (Claudia) **HH rolls his eyes, looking at Morgan* * Morgan shrugs (Claudia) You're honestly telling me you'd have died to protect Inga the first moment you saw her? (Claudia) **HH nods** damn right. * Claudia rolls her eyes this time (Claudia) HH: Y' never know, mebbie one day you'll feel it and then you'll know I was right (Claudia) HH: cupid's arrow like Thwack! *he strikes his chest. She looks sceptical still* takes yer breath right out of you. Doesn't it, Morgan? * Morgan nods * Claudia folds her arms "I'm quite happy controlling my own breathing, thanks!" (Claudia) HH: Missing out *he grins* * Morgan raises an eyebrow (Morgan) like others controlling your breathing do ya? Something in common with Isiah Fischler then (Claudia) HH: He do something a bit weird in the bedroom like that? (Morgan) Just a hunch * Claudia takes out her own flask, drinking from it (Claudia) HH: Can't see how it'd be fun (Claudia) I'll leave you to your gossip, I'm going back in the rigging. * Claudia climbs back up, higher than before * Morgan watches her for a moment * Claudia sits up there not paying them attention ** You're now known as HH (HH) Wanna tell me about Edward an' Alarice now? (Morgan) Karsten encouraged them to have a thing... (HH) What, like a sex thing? * Morgan nods * HH looks disgusted (Morgan) What better way to have influence over Sudlachenburg... (HH) She'da needed to sleep with you for that (HH) How does that tie in with Molly sayin' yer Da is gonna be even angrier about Florrie b'cause of what happened with Alarice? (Morgan) because he got her pregnant... she tried to blackmail him, threatened to get rid of the child... he told her to do it... * HH doesnt seem to know what to say at first (HH) That's a lot of take in in one go, man (Morgan) you asked (HH) She did it? * Morgan nods (HH) Fucking hell. And yer Da knows? * Morgan nods (HH) Did he flip his shit? * Morgan nods (Morgan) absolutely (HH) Howdya fix that? (Morgan) I am skilled in the art of diplomacy (HH) So he's gonna be mad that Edward's knocked up a second woman outta marriage? (Morgan) I would imagine so (HH) Least he tried not t' get Alice pregnant (Morgan) I'm not sure that'll make much odds to my father (HH) When was this then? **Edward first started sleeping with Alarice in July 64, met Mina in Dec 64, Mortan got married Jan 65, the Arrangement between Mina and Edward was spring 65, he was sleeping with her until sept 65 when she had him tied up for sex and wouldn't get off him when he came despite him telling her to. She told Edward she just got carried away, until the seed forced her to tell him the truth. Abortion was dec 65. That baby and Jana would have been 3 months apart** (Morgan) mid 64 through to early 65... I would point out her getting pregnant really wasn't his fault (HH) He tripped and fell on her? (Morgan) She had him restrained and wouldn't get off him at the crucial moment (HH) Whoa... tha's awful * Morgan nods (HH) How did yer Da react t' that? (Morgan) he wouldn't listen (HH) Typical Koertig then * HH grins (Morgan) shut up (HH) What's Mina said about tha'? (Morgan) She doesn't know * HH grimaces (HH) Could get really bad, couldn' it? * Morgan sighs, nodding (HH) 'E was with Mina when Alarice stole his seed then? * Morgan nods (HH) Made a tough bed for himself... * Morgan glances at him (HH) What? (Morgan) You said that exact phrase in a dream I had (HH) Did y' also knock up a stranger from Avalon? (Morgan) Not... quite... * HH waits to see if he's got more to say (Morgan) I... got together with someone while we were away at war... * HH looks confused (HH) And? Compared to the weird crap y' normally dream that's pretty normal (Morgan) She was Avalonian... I'd been sweet on Dietlinde but we weren't together... while we were away I got all crazy over this girl and we got together.... dream last night was we'd gone home and I was going to have to explain to Dietlinde... you said I'd made a tough bed for myself... * HH winces (HH) Yeah, thats about yer normal level of bad * Morgan nods (Morgan) soon as I realised it was a dream I woke the fuck up (HH) Can't explain what y' did if her not there (HH) Yer * (Morgan) won't have to see the disappointment or hurt on her face... * HH nods (HH) Not something that ever woulda happened, not with you being Saint Morgan of Puritytown (Morgan) so you said, repeatedly * HH laughs (HH) Did I have a sweet little forrin lassie too? (Morgan) No. (HH) That's not much fun then (HH) Was I still funny? (Morgan) _still_? (HH) I'm delightful (HH) **It's gotten to first light, probably ten minutes til dawn. He'll get about fifteen minutes between dawn and needing to start his forenoon watch* (HH) Lucky y' realised it was a dream. Y' gonna tell yer wife about it? * Morgan nods (HH) Let's hope she hasn't dreamt of the Schattenmann like my lil darlin did * Morgan nods (Morgan) rather unusual (HH) Inga says Molly's nightmare was pretty awful the night before * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, very (HH) Says she had to manage her reaction like you did with goin' overboard * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (HH) I wouldn' like that (Morgan) I hate it (HH) I'd rather she hurt me than 'erself (Morgan) so do I (HH) Any chance she'll do it if y' ask? (Morgan) unlikely, but I'm going to anyway (HH) Could command 'er, but I don' really use husbandly commands on my lil darlin, so I dunno if it would work (Morgan) I don't like doing it (HH) I take the odd wifely command though *he grins* (Morgan) so I gather (HH) She's more likely to follow any commands I e'er have to give if she thinks it goes both ways * Morgan nods (Morgan) that makes sense (HH) She do it a lot? (Morgan) do what a lot? (HH) Hurt and heal to control it (Morgan) If its a bad nightmare... * HH sighs (HH) Gotta be tough on you, man (Morgan) it is.... (HH) Anything I can do? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I really don't know * HH nods (HH) You Cap'n Morgan this mornin'? * Morgan nods (HH) Good for you, I might keep an eye on our special girls, make sure they're cheerful * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'd appreciate that (HH) Going down b'fore you start watch? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * HH watches the sun come over the horizon in the direction of the island, though Lundy itself is a way behind them now * Morgan does likewise * HH goes with him below deck, and splits off at his own room. Morgan can faintly hear him say "wakey wakey, lil darlin, I've got some cuddles for you" * Morgan sets about getting his coat ready before going to check on Molly ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 31 January 2022 13:02:23 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea * Molly and Varick are knelt on the window seat watching the sea when he gets there (Morgan) morning (Molly) **Varick comes running over to hug him** Papa, I thought you were sailin the ship! (Morgan) I will be soon * Molly brings him half a cup of tea. There's a hint of lipstick on the rim "You cannot stay?" (Morgan) I've only a few minutes before my duty starts my love * Molly nods, watching him (Morgan) [is something wrong?] (Molly) Alright, liebling. We will be restarting schooling today. * Morgan nods (Molly) [No... how was your night?] (Morgan) Good idea (Morgan) [A dream, but nothing awful... you are sure nothing is wrong?] (Molly) [Just a dream, an alternate path. It is silly, but I feel a little bad about it] (Morgan) [A Seb path?] (Molly) **Varick lets go of Morgan, going to the couch where the cat is** (Molly) [Yes] * Morgan pulls her close (Morgan) You've no reason to feel bad * Molly hugs him tightly, speaking quietly "It was just a dream.. I'd not even met you..." (Morgan) Its alright blossom * Molly nods (Molly) [It was the summer of sixty five. He came with his father to Sunnymeade. We got on well immediately. He had that strange smokey tea you have. We took a teapot out into the garden, and he told me the face of revulsion I made was the sweetest thing he'd seen...] **The smokey tea, the stolen teapot, her reaction... this is almost identical to Morgan's first proper date with Dietlinde, except he'd said most adorable, not sweetest** * Morgan frowns briefly, before looking at her (Morgan) [We'll talk about it later my love, but you really needn't feel bad] (Molly) [Even though he kissed me?] **this hadn't happened in reality, Morgan hadn't been so bold so quick** (Morgan) [even though] * Molly looks relieved (Molly) Will you finish at lunch? * Morgan nods (Morgan) about that yes * Molly nods, letting go (Molly) Alright, liebling, I look forward to it * Morgan nods, kissing her cheek (Morgan) I'd best get on deck (Molly) Would you like us to pop up in a little while? (Morgan) If you'd like to my love (Molly) If we won't be a distraction * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) it'll be fine * Molly smiles (Molly) We will then * Molly nods at the tea cup, waiting for him to finish it * Morgan does so * Molly takes it back when it's empty "Smooth sailing, my dear Captain" she smiles playfully * Morgan nods before heading back up on deck ** You're now known as Sorgi * Sorgi is waiting for him. It's cloudy but dry. The crew are waiting to be given the instruction to set sail (Morgan) Captain... * Sorgi inclines his head (Sorgi) She's all yours, m'lord * Morgan nods, looking along the horizon before giving the order to set sail (Sorgi) **Everything looks good, and the crew are not unfamiliar with his control thanks to the days he captained whilst on the way back with Kai in the brig. This time though, he has Molly and Varick's safety in his hands more directly than normal. His decisions could be the difference between life and death ((though how much this would play on his mind is your call))** * Morgan regularly scans the horizon during his shift, being cautious but not overly so * Sorgi waits until they are smoothly moving and the course is set before coming to Morgan's side. The crew are all going about their jobs as they should be, which gives some privacy if talking quietly (Sorgi) Well done, m'lord, that was smooth (Morgan) thank you captain (Sorgi) It seems like a long time since you did this last (Morgan) definitely been a little while hasn't it (Sorgi) Been a busy few weeks for you, m'lord * Morgan nods (Morgan) doesn't look like changing any time soon * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) Claudia said you might want the Rose taking to Zweibrucke after Freiburg * Morgan nods (Morgan) Looking like we'll be making our way on foot * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) She will be alright going with you if you want her (Morgan) I've no doubt but... I promised her I'd arrange some time off for the two of you * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) I appreciate that, m'lord (Sorgi) I heard there was another night where you got stuck in a dream again * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Sorgi) Might be a reason to take Claudia with you (Sorgi) **there's a little drizzle starting, but nothing serious** (Morgan) We managed it without her... * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) It's up to you, m'lord (Morgan) I'll have a think about it * Sorgi nods (Sorgi) **The sailing goes well, and they are starting to turn to port so that they will be travelling south to round the farthest reaches of Balig when Varick and Molly come up on deck. However they are running closer to the shores than he would ideally like, and he is going to need to give a lot of attention to giving commands and corrections to get what he wants * Morgan shouts a few commands to get them further from the coast (Sorgi) **Varick waits patiently at a distance, watching Morgan. Molly holds Varick's hand whilst the ship is moved out to where Morgan is happy with it (Sorgi) **Varick comes over and hugs Morgan as soon as he is allowed * Morgan hugs the boy (Sorgi) V: That was really good! (Morgan) I'm glad you liked it (Sorgi) V: *he speaks quietly** We did the small catechism again, it wasn't as fun as sailing (Morgan) Not much is as fun as sailing (Sorgi) V: Can I be the Captain one day? (Morgan) You think you'd like that? (Sorgi) **He nods** I would have a lot to learn * Morgan nods (Morgan) there is a lot, yes (Sorgi) V: maybe when I'm a man? (Morgan) We'll see if we can arrange something before that... get a little sailboat and teach you how to do that first? (Sorgi) V: Can we?! *he grins* (Morgan) I reckon so (Sorgi) **Molly looks thoughtful** Mauschen shall we ask Doctor Rosenkrantz if there's somewhere in Insel you could do that? (Sorgi) **Varick nods, going back to Molly** Let's go now! (Sorgi) **Molly takes a look around the deck, then smiles at Morgan** [You clearly have everything well in hand, my love] (Morgan) [thank you blossom] (Sorgi) **With another smile she takes Varick below** (Sorgi) They seem very proud, m'lord * Morgan nods (Morgan) they do (Sorgi) **The final hour of his watch is also smooth, and Sorgi congratulates him as Morgan goes below for lunch, the rain a little heavier now** ** You're now known as Molly * Molly and Varick are in the study with HH and Inga when he gets there (Molly) HH: As we 'avent run aground, I guess it went well? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye well enough (Molly) **Inga and Molly go to fetch lunch. Varick watches Morgan** Doctor Rosenkrantz said he will find us a boat to sail (Morgan) Thats good (Molly) V: Could you teach Heinzharold too? (Morgan) he already knows how to sail (Molly) V: But not as good as you (Molly) **HH chuckles at this** (Morgan) Probably not, no (Molly) HH: Charmin', that is! (Molly) V: It's okay, you're good at something (Morgan) Don't know what yet... (Molly) V: He's good at pretending to be animals and making people laugh (Molly) HH: Vital skills tha' have taken me a long way in life *he grins* (Morgan) that is true (Molly) V: What do you think he's good at? (Morgan) Being a best friend... no-one does it as well as him (Molly) HH: He's right. I'm th' best best friend. * Molly and Inga come in and put the plates on the desk (Molly) V: Mama, what do you think Heinzharold is good at? * Molly briefly glances at Morgan before looking back to Varick "I think he is good at caring about people, thinking in ways others don't, and keeping other people's spirits up when they are sad" (Molly) **HH grins at Morgan, but he can see the praise has touched him" Keep their spirits up by handing them a glass o' scotch (Molly) V: **he goes to sit with Inga** What do you think Heinzharold is good at? * Molly glances at Morgan as she hands him a cup of tea [Is all well?] * Morgan nods (Molly) I: I think he is good at many things, but he is excellent at being a husband **HH smiles at her** (Molly) V: Does that mean holding hands and kissing? (Molly) [Oh dear, should we rescue her?] (Morgan) [we _should_] (Molly) I: I meant more like being kind and looking after me really **HH winks at her, making her blush* (Molly) V: My Papa is good at sailing. * Molly smiles, giving Inga coffee "Your Papa is wonderful at many things, Mauschen" (Morgan) I'm not bad at making coffee (Molly) HH: $tricking people into thinking he's someone he's not... beating up people who need their arses kicked$ (Molly) V: Like what? * Molly smiles "Gathering information, helping to keep people safe from things that would hurt them..." (Molly) HH $she puts it nicer$ (Morgan) $yes she does$ (Molly) V: what else? (Molly) [We could be here a while...] (Morgan) [I doubt it] (Molly) He's good at looking after us, at caring about people's lives being happy, at doing the right thing. He's good at fighting, and riding, playing guitar and violin, and talking to children. He's good at sketching, teaching people things climbing the rigging. He's a very good man, mauschen. (Molly) **Everyone is watching Morgan now** * Morgan looks properly humbled (Molly) V: He's good at Thean, and bedtime stories and cuddles. * Molly nods, smiling (Molly) HH: Good a' throwing. **the others all nod** (Molly) I: He's good at listening and helping people solve their problems too * Molly smiles "yes, definitely" (Molly) **HH grins** Popular, aren'cha? * Morgan nods slightly (Molly) **They gather round to eat, and Varick moves on to other topics. It's not long til Varick starts yawning and HH and Inga start giving each other little intimate glances * Molly glances at them all, then smiles at Morgan (Molly) I think it's time for someone to go for a lie down (Morgan) and Varick * Molly giggles. Inga blushes but HH grins (Molly) HH: I am a little tired, was up early * Morgan nods slightly (Molly) **Varick asks Molly to set him down for his nap, which she does** (Molly) HH: See you in a bit then * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) **HH and Inga go. Molly is back shortly and topping up their cups, watching him a moment** do you have anywhere you wish to be right now? (Morgan) I think now would be a good time to go over your dream, and Inga's... * Molly nods (Molly) Where would you like to sit? * Morgan sjhrugs (Morgan) on a chair, probably * Molly smiles, sitting on the couch in the middle of the room (Molly) What was Inga's dream? (Morgan) the schattenmann * Molly tips her tea, slipping her shoes off and getting settled (Molly) Oh? That's unusual * Morgan nods (Morgan) they were in the house with the waterwheel... and then there was a noise... I've not asked Inga, but the way HeinzHarold said it sounded to her was fairly spot on (Molly) That's even more odd * Morgan nods (Morgan) isn't it (Molly) I'm not sure how she could know that (Morgan) no... (Morgan) I want to show her my sketch of it, find out if it looks right... but it rather freaked HeinzHarold out * Molly nods (Molly) But it would be good to know if she is somehow picking up these things... I've dreamt of being in the waterwheel house twice... *Edward had dreamt making love to a former acquaintance there too* * Morgan nods (Morgan) so did Edward (Molly) Hmm... was it similar to Inga's? * Morgan frowns before nodding (Morgan) aye * Molly tilts her head (Molly) That displeases you? (Morgan) Bit of a coincidence... * Molly smiles (Molly) Yes (Molly) Do you think it is something we ought to worry on? (Morgan) maybe... I don't know. I think I'll try to get hold of a Nieblungen when we get back * Molly nods (Molly) I was thinking perhaps take a trip across the river from Freiburg to Niesfeld * Morgan nods (Morgan) could work * Molly nods, sipping her tea (Molly) You wish to discuss my dream? **she looks a little discomfitted* * Morgan nods (Molly) What do you wish to know? (Morgan) Its more that... your dream was how things happened with Dietlinde... except the kissing... * Molly nods slowly (Molly) That's... hmm... I don't know what I should say about that (Morgan) odd... * Molly nods, sipping the tea again (Molly) Yes (Molly) Maybe it is something I have picked up from your mind somewhere along the way. (Morgan) could be... doubt it, but its possible (Molly) What were _you_ thinking? (Morgan) Nothing really... just wanted to tell you it was her it was with Dietlinde * Molly nods a little (Molly) If I had known, I wouldn't have told it to you (Morgan) its fine blossom * Molly nods a little (Molly) I wouldn't have been kissing him if I had any control over it (Morgan) If you'd known, no... don't fret at it * Molly shrugs a little (Molly) It makes me uncomfortable (Morgan) I know (Molly) I've never kissed anyone but you. It seems so wrong. * Morgan nods * Molly sighs "There is no point it troubling me. It is not the path we are on. I haven't kissed him, nor do I wish to. But even if I had kissed someone before you, it wouldn't make any difference" * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) quite * Molly leans her cheek to his shoulder (Molly) Your night was not that bad? (Morgan) a star girl dream... but it was awkward (Molly) Oh... I am not sure where I had gotten to... there was a mission to be done in Fischler, I think you said? * Molly sips the tea, resting a little more against him and closing her eyes to listen * Morgan nods (Morgan) Claudia HeinzHarold and I headed home... I was about to have to explain to Dietlinde that I had found someone while away when the dawn chimes came... I woke up as quickly as I could (Molly) Oh dear. * Molly sighs "thank goodness for the dawn watch" * Morgan nods (Molly) I do not see any way it is an alternate path though. Perhaps it is more about your own troubles (Morgan) I'm not sur eI understand (Molly) That perhaps you still feel you shouldn't have married again, perhaps? Or that you have betrayed her? I don't know. (Morgan) I doubt it... (Molly) Perhaps there is something in it that we are not seeing. But I wouldn't have been old enough to have been any use to any secret society during the War, I was only fourteen when it ended, and would have had no reason to be in Eisen at all... unless the Star Girl only looks like me, and is actually another woman you might have met? (Morgan) I hadn't thought of that... (Molly) Hmm... I cannot say I like it overmuch! (Morgan) no, I'm not terribly surprised (Molly) Because I have an unpleasant possessiveness? (Morgan) I figure thats the issue... * Molly nods (Molly) I think so... do you need any reassurance from me about my dream? (Morgan) No my love * Molly nods, looking up at him (Molly) You know you are the only man I have ever desired to kiss? (Morgan) Not even John Daggett? * Molly wrinkles her nose (Molly) Not like I kiss you. (Morgan) I see * Molly watches his expression closely (Molly) That displeases you? (Morgan) No, no, not at all... (Molly) Usually you say that when you are unsure or uncomfortable... * Morgan nods (Morgan) I suppose I do * Molly tilts her head (Molly) Were you teasing me? (Morgan) No my love * Molly frowns slightly (Molly) Sometimes you are impossibly hard to read, liebes herz * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) sorry * Molly smiles (Molly) I am not at all upset that I never kissed him as I kiss you * Morgan nods (Morgan) I am rather glad to hear that (Molly) You doubted it? (Morgan) no, but its nice to hear * Molly nods, smiling to herself (Molly) I certainly was in no real rush to be wed to him and discover my wifely duties *she smiles with mischief, watching him* (Morgan) no? (Molly) Uh uh... whereas with you... *she kisses his cheek then gives him a little innocent smile* * Morgan nods * Molly moves a little close as if she will kiss his lips before she says (Molly) More tea? (Morgan) please my love (Molly) Or something else? (Morgan) such as? (Molly) Hmmm... Drambuie? (Morgan) oh I could be tempted for that * Molly gets off the couch, and returns with a single glass, handing it to him (Molly) I'd rather like to go back to those dreams, where we... got acquainted in the Crossroads Tavern in Freiburg over a glass of this (Morgan) oh? * Molly sits back beside him (Molly) Mmhmm... they were fun **He can easily recall these dreams of hers he was in, where she boldly made a move on him and they ended up making love in the grass behind the tavern after he had licked the alcohol from her neck and chest. Drambuie has always tasted faintly of her skin since. In the second, they had woken next morning to him being hurried along by Karlsruhe despite their mutual desire** * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes they were (Molly) Certainly more fun than what we dreamt last night * Molly dips her fingertip in his drink before sucking it * Morgan nods (Morgan) very true (Molly) So, my love, speaking of a tavern in Freiburg where we were... intimate... *she bites her lip* (Morgan) yes... (Molly) Have you considered where and how you will talk to Edward? (Morgan) I was thinking... here (Molly) I should take Varick to Jarvie's then, unless I might be needed? (Morgan) No, thats a good idea (Molly) I wasn't sure if he might be distressed... the relationship between he and I is quite uncommon * Morgan nods (Morgan) thats a good point (Molly) I will leave it in your capable hands and follow your wishes (Morgan) difficult to know... you have comforted him before... * Molly nods (Molly) He and I can talk quite openly about it all * Morgan nods (Molly) Does that trouble you? (Morgan) No * Molly looks vaguely surprised (Molly) I am glad * Morgan nods (Molly) I know that my lack of openness at times with you is a source of unhappiness and frustration, I thought perhaps it may trouble you (Morgan) now you put it that way... * Molly grimaces (Molly) Sorry. (Morgan) Why is it easier for you to be open with him? (Molly) Because he is less likely to get hurt, and also because if I lessen his opinion of me at all it matters far less to me than lessening yours * Morgan nods, sipping his drink (Molly) It is because you are _more_ important that I was keeping my feelings quieter * Morgan nods (Morgan) that makes sense (Molly) There is much I would not tell him. I haven't told him anything of our... brazenness when we travelled down the east road (Morgan) I don't think he'd believe it (Molly) No, I agree. It will be odd to ride that way after Prophet's Mass, wont it? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye it will (Molly) The trees will not have leaves... there won't be the lovely warm sunshine to splash in the stream in (Morgan) No... (Molly) The season will put pay to our mischief, I think *she smiles* * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) maybe * Molly bites her lip, smiling (Molly) Heinzharold will be thrilled if we stop at the tavern, won't he? (Morgan) oh I've no doubt (Molly) I do not think we would be lucky enough for the conditions to align just right again (Morgan) No, I wouldn't imagine so... particularly with HeinzHarold around (Molly) Yes, I can imagine he would be... obstructive (Morgan) I need to decide if we're taking Claudia with us... (Molly) Mmhmm... I don't know... what thinks you? (Morgan) It'd be safer but... I'm aware she and Sorgi need some time alone away from the Rose (Molly) Do they? It's hardly been strenuous sat in harbour in Tawstock for weeks (Morgan) She wants to try actually sleeping in his bed by choice. To properly relax, they need to be away from the crew. * Molly looks confused (Molly) That seems rather strange, my love (Morgan) Why? (Molly) Well if they have already... been intimate, surely sleeping in the same bed is far less intimate than that? (Morgan) Being asleep, totally vulnerable... (Molly) Oh... I suppose so? * Morgan frowns (Morgan) When we were tracking Dau, we all napped in a single room. She said it's the first time she's slept in a room with men since the start of the war (Molly) What makes you frown so? * Molly nods slowly (Molly) It is like why you could not tell her all the horrors of what he did to Elsie? * Morgan nods * Molly frowns deeply (Molly) Poor Claudia (Morgan) you understand now? (Molly) There is a specific issue around sleeping that requires privacy for her to try to overcome * Morgan nods (Molly) It explains why she did not stay overnight with you and Heinzharold the night before the wedding * Morgan nods * Molly looks thoughtful "If we were staying a few days in Freiburg it could work there, failing that it would be possible in Zweibrucke" * Morgan nods (Molly) Which could happen even if she came with us (Morgan) I suppose so (Morgan) I figured though that if she stayed onboard they'd be in Zweibrucke in time to be able to do it before we got there (Molly) If you were comfortable leaving Koen in sole charge for a night, yes * Morgan smiles slightly (Molly) But if you wish to take the new ship on her maiden voyage, we would be in Zweibrucke a few days regardless (Morgan) will we have time? * Molly smiles (Molly) For that, we will make time * Morgan nods (Morgan) With any luck she'll be almost as fast as the Rose * Molly smiles (Molly) So, Picante, mmm? (Morgan) well, it'd be the closest to get to I suppose * Molly giggles (Molly) Awfully long docking permit though (Morgan) Yes, I recall (Molly) Thankfully I shouldn't need to read it out to you again (Morgan) Might need reminding... * Molly smiles (Molly) To hold your interest, I'd possibly need to make it more engaging... (Morgan) mmmm, possibly * Molly gets up from the couch, taking a piece of paper from the desk drawer. She gives him a teasing smile (Molly) Perhaps something like this? *she bends over the desk so she is face down, her forearms stretched out and holding the piece of paper between her hands so she can read it* * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes, that would make it more... engaging (Molly) What if there are words I cannot read? You'd need to stand behind me to you could lean in and read over my shoulder *she glances at him with an innocent smile* * Morgan nods (Morgan) Yes, that'd be wise * Molly nods, smiling (Molly) I am sure we could manage to get to the end together (Morgan) no doubt * Molly nods (Molly) If I do not move I don't know if I will even get to the end of Varick's nap before wishing for that! (Morgan) no? * Molly takes a slow deep breath, arching her back a little "Mmhmm" she straightens up * Morgan watches her, sipping his drink * Molly puts the piece of paper away before coming to sit back next to him "We could go up river to Ussura instead, to work on the next list..." (Morgan) next list? (Molly) Well, we checked off seven Konigsreichs... so now perhaps the different countries of Theah? * Molly watches him * Morgan nods slowly (Molly) Eisen, Vodacce and Avalon so far... one hopes her husband's interest will endure for many more countries to come... (Morgan) undoubtedly blossom (Molly) You might prefer to do something a little more conventional in Ussura than have me like that in the desk in Picante? (Molly) On* (Morgan) maybe... maybe not * Molly smiles "I'll have to wait and see, hmm?" * Morgan nods (Morgan) indeed * Molly moves, lying on her back with her head on his lap, eyes closed (Molly) In that case, I shall just lie here a little while and imagine both options (Morgan) alright my love * Molly nods, smiling happily to herself. Over the next five minutes she is very quiet, her face shifting through little expressions as if telling a story. And after that, she is still, falling asleep ** You are now disconnected (Connection timed out) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 1 February 2022 13:54:15 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Claudia) **The time whilst Molly dozed in his lap gives him time to ponder the situation with Edward, what to do about Claudia, and what to do with the Star of the Sea once she is ready to run. Varick and Molly are awake around the same time just before Claudia comes to suggest training. * Morgan nods (Morgan) sounds good * Claudia leads the way, waiting til it's just the two of them in the ballroom (Claudia) How are you? (Morgan) Alright I think... you? * Claudia nods "I'm alright. Wanted to ask you if you want me to continue the hand-to-hand training for Molly or if you're a bit too bothered by the split lip" (Morgan) hazard of training * Claudia nods (Claudia) Need to see how much her sword skills have dropped off the last two months too * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'd be much more bothered if she couldn't defend herself in future because I got precious about a bust lip * Claudia nods (Claudia) She's probably safer than any of the rest of us though. (Morgan) true, but using that bothers her * Claudia nods "keep the training up then" * Morgan nods (Morgan) absolutely * Claudia nods, taking out her sword (Claudia) You ready? * Morgan nods, drawing his * Claudia fights pretty hard today, and seems to enjoy it. Once they've put in twenty solid minutes, she says (Claudia) Do you want to fetch her, you can help me look her over? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye alright * Claudia waits for him to return. In the study he finds HH and Inga are also back, the women sewing and HH showing Varick a card game (Morgan) Molly... Claudia wants you for training (Claudia) **Molly nods, going to get her sword. HH looks to Morgan "need any help?" (Morgan) No, we're good (Claudia) **Molly is soon ready and they leave the others** I'm sorry I fell asleep earlier (Morgan) Thats alright blossom (Claudia) **she smiles at him** It was nice to have some time, wasn't it? It's been such a busy autumn * Morgan nods (Morgan) non stop really * Claudia nods, opening the door of the ballroom. Claudia explains she wants to see how much skill Molly has lost whilst being in Avalon, both in the style HH refers to as Fancy Schmancy Dancey, and generally. * Claudia looks to Morgan "Do you want to fight her or watch?" (Morgan) I'll watch * Claudia and Molly get on with it. He notices firstly that she has become more confident. Secondly, he notices she has several moves she didn't before. Some are familiar from his Academy training, some of them completely unfamiliar. She hasnt lost skill, she's improved and diversified. Claudia calls a halt after about ten minutes (Claudia) **Molly sheaths her sword, brushing her hair back from her forehead with a smile** How was that, liebes herz? * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) thats not bad at all... you've picked up some actions I don't recognise (Claudia) **She smiles** I trained with Kit every morning, he taught me some things * Morgan nods (Claudia) **Molly watches him with a cheeky smile** Would you like to fight me now, my love? I'll let you win * Claudia laughs, watching Morgan whilst rubbing her sword down (Morgan) Will you indeed (Claudia) *Molly nods, smiling* Absolutely * Claudia sits herself down * Morgan nods, drawing his sword (Claudia) **She still, unsurprisingly, nowhere near beating him. But she is a lot better than any time he has fought her before, and has a knack for transitioning unpredictably from the dancey style to other styles she has seen. More than anything, she seems to enjoy it far more than she used to, there's more self-assurance in her own competence now. * Morgan backs away, nodding (Morgan) very good (Claudia) **she smiles** I told you I'd let you win, mon petit chou * Claudia watches the two of them a minute but doesn't interrupt (Morgan) Yes, you did say that... (Claudia) **Molly nods** And then you won, so obviously... *she raises her brows* (Morgan) Clearly correct (Claudia) **She nods, watching him** mmhmm * Claudia looks at them again before smiling to herself * Morgan looks at Claudia (Morgan) seems our time away has done her no damage at all in terms of her training * Claudia nods "Unexpected. She has benefited from an extra tutor" * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'd say so (Claudia) **Molly shrugs** Last time he was away so long I couldn't bring myself to training at all, so this time I thought I should do it daily and try to remain at a reasonable level (Claudia) **Molly smiles at him** I practiced with a pistol too, so I might not shoot you again (Morgan) _that_ would be nice * Claudia looks at Morgan "She shot you?!" (Claudia) **Molly blushes but she's smiling too** * Morgan nods (Claudia) M: It wasn't on purpose * Claudia laughs "Tempting sometimes" (Morgan) charming (Claudia) More tempting to shoot Heinzharold though * Morgan nods (Morgan) no argument there * Claudia stands up "I'm back on watch soon. Good job, Molly." * Morgan nods (Claudia) **Molly thanks her, looking a little surprised by the praise. Claudia leaves them to it** ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 1 February 2022 15:56:25 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You are now disconnected (Ping timeout) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Tuesday, 1 February 2022 18:25:08 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea ** You're now known as Molly * Molly smiles "You are pleased?" * Morgan nods * Molly smiles warmly (Molly) Would you like me to teach you the things that are new to you? * Morgan nods (Morgan) please * Molly does so. Another hour passes as they go through these moves and soon he has a reasonable grasp of them. (Molly) You're a fast learner, my love * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I suppose * Molly smirks "you pick up new sword moves rapidly also" * Morgan sniggers * Molly watches him fondly (Molly) This was enjoyable * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, it was * Molly comes closer, kissing him softly before pulling back just a little after licking his lower lip "we should go back to the study..." *she looks up at him playfully* (Morgan) oh? (Molly) Mmhmm... they will wonder what is delaying us here in the ballroom... * Morgan nods (Morgan) probably * Molly kisses him again, just as before (Molly) We wouldn't want to get... diverted (Morgan) probably best not (Molly) Mmhmm... you'd best stop me kissing you then... *she kisses him once more, licking his lip the same way before retreating slightly** * Morgan backs up (Morgan) come on, lets get back * Molly sounds teasing "You're sure, mon petit chou?" * Morgan looks at her sternly (Morgan) come along blossom * Molly looks confused, as if she can't decipher whether he is playing with her or displeased * Morgan holds out his hand * Molly takes it (Molly) Yes, liebes herz. *she sounds compliant* * Morgan snakes an arm around her waist as he walks (Morgan) You've come a long way since I first showed you how to swing a sword my love * Molly leans into his side a little (Molly) On the deck of the Solemn Wind * Morgan nods (Molly) It was so hard to concentrate! (Morgan) why? * Molly smiles (Molly) You * Morgan blushes (Molly) I'd kissed you on the monestary lawn, thinking you were leaving imminently, you didn't seem to mind. But then you changed plans and joined us, yet never tried to kiss me or mentioned it. I had no idea why you suddenly chose to accompany us, I thought perhaps you hadn't felt ready for Sudlachenburg yet. I was close to you, focused on you, and it took a great deal of my self-control to maintain a distance when I wanted to kiss you again. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I didn't realise (Molly) That I didn't know why you came with us? (Morgan) and that I had made things so difficult for you * Molly frowns (Molly) How so? (Morgan) Testing your self control, not making things simple (Molly) You do not like that your proximity had such an effect? (Morgan) I should've explained myself * Molly shrugs, smiling (Molly) I wasn't unhappy, my love. I was perplexed, and smitten, and yearning from afar, but it was exhilarating and engaging. Really all the things a young woman in love for the first time is inclined to feel * Morgan nods * Molly watches his expression (Molly) You feel you have wronged me somehow? (Molly) ((What is his expression?)) ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Wednesday, 2 February 2022 17:25:36 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) ((C&p pls if u want to play)) (Morgan) I should've explained myself (Morgan) * Molly shrugs, smiling (Morgan) I wasn't unhappy, my love. I was perplexed, and smitten, and yearning from afar, but it was exhilarating and engaging. Really all the things a young woman in love for the first time is inclined to feel (Morgan) * Morgan nods (Morgan) * Molly watches his expression (Morgan) You feel you have wronged me somehow? (Morgan) ((What is his expression?)) * Morgan nods solemnly * Molly shakes her head, standing close to him just outside the door of their study. She holds his hand (Molly) I never felt toyed with, my love * Morgan nods slightly (Molly) That is what concerns you? (Morgan) I suppose so (Molly) You needn't be concerned, not at all. You did nothing you need atone for (Morgan) you are sure? (Molly) Would you prefer to have my absolution, or my reassurance? (Morgan) reassurance * Molly nods, squeezing gently (Molly) You did not hurt me, my love. You were not cruel, or unkind, and you took nothing that was not freely given or wished for. * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * Molly kisses his knuckles (Molly) I hope my behaviour then did not pain you or make you lose too much sleep *she smiles* (Morgan) No blossom * Molly nods, watching him fondly. She's about to say something when Heinzharold opens the door, watching them with a grin (Molly) HH: $interrupting something interessing?$ (Morgan) c$Just talking$ * Molly smiles at HH "Do we need more drinks?" **he nods. She squeezes Morgan's hand once more before letting go and heading for the galley** ** You're now known as HH (HH) Everything okay? * Morgan nods (Morgan) fine * HH lets him in (HH) 'Ow was her ex'lency's training? (Morgan) very good. She didn't stop while we were away * HH nods (HH) Inga says she 'ad specific things she insisted on doing each day so you'd be pleased with 'er (Morgan) it shows (HH) Want me to give it a go t'morrow? * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * HH grins (HH) I'll show 'er how a real man fights (Morgan) oh she's going to eat you for breakfast (HH) $used to having ladies hungry for me, it's nothing new$ *he grins* * Morgan thumps him (Morgan) $I was thinking of asking Inga to look at the sketchbook, see if her nightmare matches$ * HH rubs his arm (HH) $Good idea. Warn her about the fire.$ (Morgan) $Wasn't planning her seeing anything but the Schattenmann$ (HH) $it's fine. God knows she's heard me recount it a time or ten in the middle of the night$ (Morgan) $Yes but seeing it...$ * HH shrugs $should show her that one of Claudia$ (Morgan) $You think?$ (HH) $it's good$ * Morgan nods (Morgan) $I don't want Claudia getting annoyed about it$ (HH) **Varick and Inga come out of Varick's room, and Molly comes back with more hot drinks. The rain taps the window** (HH) **Molly brings Morgan tea with gentle hand in the small of his back** Here we are, my love (Morgan) thank you blossom (HH) **Molly takes a seat at the window, watching out. Inga giggles at something HH whispers to her* (HH) You want a bit o' my wife's time now? (Morgan) if thats alright... (HH) I'll survive a few minutes without her beautiful face (HH) *Inga blushes at this* * Morgan nods (Morgan) Shall we go to the ballroom? ** You're now known as Inga * Inga nods * Inga follows him there before taking a seat (Inga) How can I help? (Morgan) I was hoping you'd be willing to tell me about your nightmare * Inga nods a little (Inga) Heinzharold and I were at a strange house in the Schwarzenwald. It had a waterwheel outside. It looked like it hadn't been lived in for a while, but there were books and things. Heinzharold wasn't interested in those things, so we didn't look at them. Then I heard a creepy noise. I think it was the Schattenmann. It passed by the windows around and around, then it was trying the door latch (Morgan) Did you get a decent look at it? (Inga) No... it was taller than the windows. I only really saw the legs and the arms (Morgan) I can work with that... I've got a sketch, would you look at it? * Inga nods * Morgan opens the book to the right page, handing it to her * Inga grimaces "It is similar to this, but more... do you have a pencil and a spare space I can draw?" * Morgan nods, handing her one (Morgan) just flip to the back * Inga does. Her drawing is quite childish, and because of that there's something almost more horrifying about it, all the childhood fears of insidious monsters under the bed, unexplained creaking of floorboards. It is shaped like a tall, thin person with long thin arms and four spindly fingers on each. (Inga) **from the quick sketch of the highly-accurate house and wheel, it is around twenty feet high. Between his encounter, his dream with the blue ribbons, his dream of Molly at the Shadowfayre, and Eckname's drawings, it seems to have an inconsistent size, shape, and density. (Morgan) interesting (Inga) It's horrible. It makes you feel so small and scared, like a little mouse in a hole * Morgan nods (Inga) And the noise! It was like it was trailing it's fingers over the the roof and the ground **she shudders** (Morgan) horrific isn't it * Inga nods (Inga) Heinzharold says you saw it * Morgan nods (Inga) What happened? (Morgan) I hid and stayed still... it passed me by, eventually (Inga) **the blue ribbons automatically come to mind, despite them having not existed in reality** (Inga) What do you think would have happened if it found you? (Morgan) well... I don't think I'd be here, thats for certain (Inga) Noone knows what it does to people though... does it kill them, or eat them...? (Morgan) maybe (Inga) But the man called Eckname drew it from up close? * Morgan nods (Morgan) must've done (Inga) It's very strange * Morgan nods (Morgan) something of an understatement (Inga) Have you been to that house? (Morgan) Not yet, no (Inga) Are you going to? (Morgan) seems foolish and dangerous, so probably * Inga smiles (Inga) Which means Heinzharold will want to be with you (Morgan) probably * Inga nods (Inga) He will want me to stay behind * Morgan nods (Morgan) I expect so (Inga) Everyone will say it is to look after Varick, but really it is because I'm not any use (Morgan) _that_ is nonsense (Inga) I can't fight, I can't do anything special like you and Molly, I don't have any experience with investigating or being stealthy, and I don't think the Schattenmann cares for souffles. * Morgan sighs (Morgan) Its not that you're not any use... we want to keep you safe (Inga) What use would I be? (Morgan) You're smart, you'd see things we'd miss * Inga shakes her head (Inga) I'm not smart like Molly and Heinzharold. It's alright, I don't really mind staying behind (Morgan) I don't want either of them going either (Inga) That's a very bad idea * Morgan shrugs (Inga) If it attacks, you need to be healed. Or Molly might be able to hurt it if you can't (Morgan) assuming its even there (Inga) Something I always wondered... * Morgan looks at her (Inga) The stories of it are really old, like hundreds of years... so either it lives a really long time, or there's at least a breeding pair. * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) Either could be true * Inga nods (Inga) Noone knowd (Morgan) no... (Inga) Are you still scared of it? (Morgan) you think I fear anything? * Inga nods (Inga) Absolutely * Morgan laughs (Morgan) damn right * Inga smiles "I dont think any loving husband isnt at least a little afraid" * Morgan nods (Morgan) there aren't a great many things that scare me (Inga) Losing Molly or Varick, disappointing them, or your family, or Heinzharold or Claudia... the Schattenmann, the Rose being destroyed... taking on too much with all the areas you have to rule? * Morgan tilts his head (Morgan) close (Inga) One of them was wrong? (Morgan) couple of them (Inga) Which ones? (Morgan) I'm not _scared_ of taking on too much... or the rose being destroyed. Worried, certainly, but not scared as such * Inga nods (Inga) But the others? (Morgan) you didn't include yourself in any of those... (Inga) No, of course not (Morgan) why? ** You are now disconnected (Software caused connection abort) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Wednesday, 2 February 2022 21:07:48 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea ** Inga has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) (Inga1) Because I'm just Heinzharold's wife and your wife's friend * Morgan shakes his head (Inga1) It's understandable that you care so much about the wellbeing and opinions of the others, but really mine are not important (Morgan) You are quite wrong * Inga1 smiles "Thank you. It's nice that someone cares" (Morgan) We all do, deeply (Inga1) I haven't had a family before (Morgan) hard work aren't we (Inga1) No, it's good. It's nice to feel like I'm not always alone anymore * Morgan nods (Inga1) That's what I really like about marriage, there's always someone who thinks of you and prays for you * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, thats very true (Inga1) That's where family starts, really, with two people who care for each other always, and then everything sprouts from that * Morgan nods (Morgan) see? smart * Inga1 smiles (Inga1) Maybe (Inga1) Have you sketched long? * Morgan nods (Morgan) Longer than I've played guitar (Inga1) What do you like to sketch most? (Morgan) I tend to sketch Molly (Inga1) That's sweet. I'm surprised she can sit still without talking for it * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) she cant (Inga1) Why do you like to draw her? (Morgan) Its nice to draw beauty.... makes a change from what I used to draw (Inga1) Aww that's sweet, you should tell her that * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye, I will (Inga1) What did you draw before you married her? * Morgan taps the book (Morgan) my nightmares mostly (Inga1) The Schattenmann (Morgan) amongst other things (Inga1) What else do you have nightmares of? (Morgan) Its changed recently... before it was the schattenmann, the fire... * Inga1 nods "Like Heinzharold" * Morgan nods (Morgan) but every... single... night... (Inga1) His is only once every few weeks now, but it was much more at first. What changed it for you? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I've changed some... (Inga1) How often do you dream of the fire now? (Morgan) not terribly often... *he smiles slightly* now I get new and interesting horrors... (Inga1) But not as bad as that? * Morgan nods (Morgan) sometimes (Inga1) I don't have nightmares often, but if I do they are generally silly and Heinzharold will cuddle me until I sleep agajn * Morgan nods (Morgan) its unusual for me not to have one (Inga1) That's sad. Molly has them quite often too, doesn't she? * Morgan nods (Inga1) They seem to often be about losing you * Morgan nods (Morgan) She said (Inga1) That's sad too. (Morgan) aye, it is (Inga1) Are you worried about her meeting Rosie? (Morgan) Some (Inga1) Are you worried they might have something like love at first sight? * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I worry there will be something... * Inga1 nods (Inga1) That's understandable. These things about the dreams where they are ways things could have been make it complicated, don't they? * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 3 February 2022 19:15:06 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Inga) ((C&p pls)) (Morgan) nga1> Are you worried about her meeting Rosie? (Morgan) Some (Morgan) Are you worried they might have something like love at first sight? (Morgan) * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I worry there will be something... (Morgan) * Inga1 nods (Morgan) That's understandable. These things about the dreams where they are ways things could have been make it complicated, don't they? (Morgan) * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes (Inga) I dont think anything could be done to stop them feeling it if they're going to * Morgan nods (Inga) But then, that could just happen anyway, couldn't it? (Morgan) aye, I suppose so (Inga) She's very loyal to you, I don't think she'd be tempted away (Morgan) I hope not (Inga) Are you badly worried about that? (Morgan) more than I wish to be (Inga) She doesn't have a special bond with him like she does with you (Morgan) but she could (Inga) What makes you think that? (Morgan) There was a time we did not have that bond, so... (Inga) Is it worse, because you were married before? (Morgan) probably, aye (Inga) She belongs with you, not with Seb * Morgan nods (Inga) I really don't think you need to be worried. I can't imagine even if there was an attraction it would be enough to break her vows or family over * Morgan nods (Inga) Maybe we could contrive to keep them separate? (Morgan) I think that would be unreasonable, realistically (Inga) Heinzharold has already accepted an invite to stay at their manor house and see the view * Morgan nods (Morgan) I cant blame him (Inga) It's only a couple of nights, isn't it? * Morgan nods (Inga) Does Molly know how worried you are? (Morgan) She knows it concerns me * Inga nods "do you want me to talk to her?" * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) No, she's assured me she wants no-one but me * Inga nods (Inga) If you change your mind though, the offer is there * Morgan nods (Morgan) thank you (Inga) Was there anything else you wanted to ask? (Morgan) No, I don't think so * Inga nods. They head back to the study. (Inga) **Heinzharold seems glad to have his wife back, and the evening progresses with the usual things. He decides to pop up on deck to get an update on their progress after dinner, which tells him that they are making good time, already directly across the channel from Quatre Bras, two more days of sailing will see them in Insel. Back in the study, he finds Molly alone and hanging up the painting of Sophie and the dog called Shep. ** You're now known as Molly (Morgan) are you alright blossom? * Molly nods, making it level (Molly) Just reflecting on the time in Avalon, mostly * Morgan nods * Molly looks satisfied with the painting, stepping back to look at it (Molly) I wish I could have known her * Morgan nods (Molly) My parents have hidden a lot from me, haven't they? * Morgan nods (Morgan) Yes, they have (Molly) I wish I could understand why... it feels like I am not trusted, that they think I am still a child. (Morgan) They're probably just trying to protect you * Molly shrugs (Molly) I would rather have known the truth about Cess, and Sophie, Margaret and George. And also about my mother's family in Durham. (Morgan) They thought knowing the truth about Cecily would do you harm, and you know that. Maybe the rest of it hurt them too much to talk about (Molly) Yes, I suppose so... (Morgan) maybe you should ask them outright * Molly nods (Molly) I might do when we are in Sudlachenburg * Morgan nods * Molly gives the painting a final look (Molly) How was your talk with Inga, my love? * Morgan nods (Morgan) informative (Molly) Oh? **Molly pours them both some Drambuie before sitting on the couch** * Morgan picks up the glass before sitting down (Morgan) she drew what she saw in her nightmare (Molly) It was close? (Morgan) No, not really (Molly) Oh? * Morgan points at his sketchbook (Morgan) she drew it in the back * Molly takes it, opening it very carefully and gently to the back (Molly) Oh that's rather creepy * Morgan nods (Molly) But it doesn't look like it did in Eckname's sketches, or in the dream of the Shadowfayre (Morgan) no... (Molly) Could it just be a nightmare? (Morgan) Maybe (Molly) What are you thinking? **she sips her drink** (Morgan) It might be able to change its shape... Inga pointed out there may be a breeding pair which, given what was found on the outskirts of Sudlachenburg, would make sense * Molly pales (Molly) A breeding pair... that would be bad * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes it would. Unless its always been that way * Molly shudders (Molly) Maybe it has * Morgan nods (Molly) I suppose there is little we could do about that (Morgan) No, not really * Molly rests her cheek to his arm (Molly) How are you, my love? (Morgan) I'm alright blossom... you? * Molly nods (Molly) I think so, yes (Morgan) you think so? * Molly nods (Molly) A little apprehensive about going to bed (Morgan) worried about nightmares? * Molly sips the drink (Molly) More about alternate paths. I would rather dream of the Schattenmann than Seb again. (Morgan) Why? (Molly) It is uncomfortable to me (Morgan) You needn't feel guilty about it blossom (Molly) You would, if you were dreaming of another * Morgan nods (Morgan) I imagine you will continue to dream of him until you've met him (Molly) That is what concerns me. What if I dream of more than him kissing me? (Morgan) Then you will wake and I will reassure you * Molly nods a little (Molly) And if I wake in that way I do sometimes when I dream you and I are intimate, that will feel like I have betrayed you. * Molly sounds very troubled (Morgan) It may feel that way but you will not have betrayed me at all (Molly) You will not feel that I have? (Morgan) no my love * Molly nods (Molly) Alright, thank you. That makes me feel a little better * Morgan nods (Molly) I do not want to dream of him that way. I would be very happy to dream of you that way though * Morgan nods (Morgan) I am still not relishing you meeting him * Molly nods (Molly) I can certainly understand that. I wish we didn't know what he could have been, so that it was just like meeting any other man * Morgan nods (Molly) Liebes herz? You do know how deeply I love you? * Morgan nods (Morgan) and you know the strength of my love for you? * Molly nods (Molly) I do... (Morgan) but... * Molly looks up at him with a smile "I could always stand to hear you tell me again" (Morgan) I love you to the ends of the world * Molly smiles, blushing "That much?" (Morgan) you realise of course the world has no ends... it is... endless... (Molly) And that is like your love for me? * Morgan nods (Molly) That, my love, is very touching (Morgan) I'm glad you think so (Molly) I do. Very much. Your sweet heart thrills me * Morgan nods * Molly finishes her drink (Molly) I am going to retire now... (Morgan) alright blossom (Molly) Are you going to come with me? * Morgan nods * Molly smiles slightly, putting the empty glass on the desk * Molly holds out her hand "To bed then, my love, and we will hope for sweet, happy dreams" * Morgan nods, downing his drink and taking her hand * Molly leads him there, taking the candle with her. The study is dark and quiet, moonlight from the window and a hint of candlelight beneath the door until a short while later only the silver glow through glass remains. ** You are now disconnected