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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Saturday, 5 February 2022 14:00:28 Greenwich Mean Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Morgan) <Morgan> alright blossom
(Morgan)  <Molly> Are you going to come with me?
(Morgan)  * Morgan nods
(Morgan)  * Molly smiles slightly, putting the empty glass on the desk
(Morgan)  * Molly holds out her hand "To bed then, my love, and we will hope for sweet, happy dreams"
(Morgan)  * Morgan nods, downing his drink and taking her hand
(Morgan)  * 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.
(Molly) **He falls asleep with her singing softly to him, something cheerful and Avalonian. "As I was a-walking one midsummer's morning
(Molly) I heard the birds whistle and the nightingales play
(Molly) And there did I spy a beautiful maiden
(Molly) As I was a-walking all on the highway". He drifts off.
(Molly) **He starts to dream. He's out skipping stones by the edge of the Sudlache with Jana the day after the redhead and her Father left for the house in the schwarzenwald, staff busy overseeing the stripping of the burnt maze. Her pink dress is wet around the hem as she frequently crouches on the shoreline to find him stones.**
** You're now known as Jana
* Jana digs around. The water laps at the shoreline, the pleasant day making the lake sparkle. To the right the trees begin, and as the lake edge bends for the south, he can see in the far distance where the Schwarzenwald starts
(Jana) **She brings him a handful of mixed stones, some good for skimming, some not** Nah-na give.
(Morgan) thank you sweetheart
* Jana stands patiently, watching what he does with them
* Morgan looks through them
(Jana) Good stones, Vati?
(Morgan) Some very good skimmers... some pretty ones too
* Jana nods, going to look for more. Her dress will no doubt cause displeasure below stairs tonight when it has to be hurriedly washed out and dried by the fire, her favourite
* Morgan watches her for a minute before looking back over at the forest
* Jana works industriously for five minutes, then brings him another handful. There's nothing to see. Everything seems peaceful. The birds are singing, and there's an occasional shout of staff from over where the maze is
* Morgan continues skipping stones
(Jana) **She looks at him with her big blue eyes** Nah-na want Muti.
* Morgan crouches down
(Morgan) I know you do
* Jana hugs him
(Jana) Muti gone heaven with God
* Morgan nods, holding her tightly
* Jana starts to cry in his arms
* Morgan rocks her gently
(Morgan) I know my darling, I know
(Jana) Nah-na be with Muti **she sobs*
(Morgan) No, I need you to be here with me
(Jana) Vati sad too? *the crying lessens a little*
(Morgan) Yes, I am, but its a bit better because you're here
* Jana strokes his hair and kisses his forehead "Nah-na look after Vati"
(Morgan) thank you my little one. We'll look after eachother
* Jana hugs him tight before letting go
(Jana) Okay Vati. Find more?
(Morgan) yes, lets find some more
* Jana starts digging again
(Jana) **she picks up another, and brings it to him. It is white but also filled with colours; dragon stone** Pretty stone.
* Morgan nods, turning it over
(Morgan) its lovely isn't it
(Jana) **he starts to be able to faintly hear the rhythm of horses at a trot**
(Jana) Like rainbow
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) its a dragon stone
* Jana peers at it
(Jana) Got dragon in?
(Jana) **the sound is coming from the direction of the forest, nearing the tree line**
* Morgan looks at the tree line
(Morgan) I don't know why they call it that actually
(Jana) Throw in lake?
(Morgan) We can do... you don't want to keep it?
(Jana) Keep.
* Morgan nods, tucking it into his pocket
(Morgan) we'll put it on the mantlepiece
(Jana) **There's the sound of singing from the treeline, a cheerful Avalonian tune. He can't quite make out the words yet**
* Jana looks then looks at Morgan** come back?
(Morgan) sounds like it, doesn't it?
* Jana continues to watch as they break out into sunshine, and the singing becomes clearer "O where are you going, my fair pretty lady? O where are you going so early this morn?" She said, "I'm going down to visit my neighbours, I'm going down to Tawstock, the place I was born". They both look uninjured and with all limbs present**
(Jana) Forest not safe.
(Morgan) No, its not
(Jana) **Molly and David have more bags than before, and ride onto the lawn. She waves at Morgan and Jana with a smile as they canter by at a distance and head towards the stables*
* Jana watches them do so, then looks up at Morgan to see what he is doing
* Morgan is watching them pass
(Jana) Giddy up, Vati!
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) hmm?
(Jana) Be Xantha, Nah-na ride stables
(Jana) **The others are now out of sight in the stable yard beside the house
* Jana holds her arms up
* Morgan nods, hauling her up onto his shoulders and setting off
* Jana uses his ponytail like reins, trying to make him go faster
(Jana) Good horsie
* Morgan gets a little faster
* Jana laughs and squeals at this. **David has already gone into the main house, but Molly is helping the groom see to the horses. She's obviously familiar with this and seems at ease in this setting. She's dressed as yesterday,  trousers and waistcoat,  hair in one long braid.
* Jana wriggles to get down
* Morgan lets her down
(Jana) **Molly spots them, giving them an approximation of a curtsey** My Lord, my Lady, good morning.
(Jana) **The groom takes over with the horses  and Molly moves towards them. Jana now wants Morgan to pick her up again**
* Morgan picks her back up
(Morgan) you are uninjured I see
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly smiles "Indeed we are not. You are both well, I hope?"
(Molly) **Jana nods, but says nothing**
(Morgan) Did you find what you were looking for?
(Molly) **she nods** It went well. We won't impose on your hospitality any further.
(Morgan) I would be interested in hearing what you found
* Molly waves a hand with a smile "Some books and things. There was a writer lived there sometime ago"
(Morgan) oh?
* Molly looks cheerfully nonchalant, but it's that same sort of cheerful nonchalance he has given in taverns  churches and over farm gates whilst engaged in espionage
(Molly) Mmhmm books about the supernatural  things in Eisen
(Morgan) Oh, we definitely need to talk about that
* Molly smiles, but there's a hint of curious watchfulness in it that others would completely miss "I am afraid we won't be staying, we will walk to town, then there is a coach to take us up through Gottkirchen to Hafenlohr, then onto Baden to get the ferry."
(Molly) J: Vati, show Xantha?
(Morgan) show Xantha what sweetheart?
* Molly smiles, watching the two of them
(Molly) J: Show Miss Forr'ster Xantha?
* Morgan nods, indicating a stall
(Molly) J: Be careful!
* Molly looks at Morgan "Is he bad tempered?"
(Morgan) He can be
* Molly approaches the huge grey horse. She speaks low, soft and rhythmically "Hi there,  gorgeous boy, look at you, aren't you handsome, hmm?" The horse  watches her with a look like he gets when Morgan scratches behind his ears for him
(Morgan) He can get funny around spy types, mind...
* Molly continues to sweet talk him, and the horse is very docile, letting her stroke his muzzle. She doesn't look at all afraid "protective, are you, sweet boy?"
(Molly) J, looking curiously at Morgan: Xantha not bite her?
(Morgan) No, doesn't look like it
* Molly smiles, but doesn't look away from the horse who looks smitten with her. Her tone remains "The trick is not to be afraid. They can smell fear coming off you, it makes them dangerous. If you are calm, they are calmer"
* Morgan frowns at the horse
* Molly gives Xantha a gentle pat and tells him he is a good boy before moving away. She smiles at Morgan. "The first two books are easy to find. Investigations Into The Supernatural, volumes one and two, by Darius Eckname."
* Morgan nods slightly
(Molly) **Jana watches Morgan, cuddling him**
* Molly watches the groom as he bows and leaves, then looks at Jana before looking back to Morgan
(Molly) Would you like me to check her over before we go?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) you can tell me about the other books while you do so
* Molly smiles, watching him closely "It will only take me a moment"
(Morgan) I've no doubt you can speak quickly
* Molly watches him appraisingly "You are... tenacious, my Lord"
(Molly) J: *she looks at her father* like handsome?
* Morgan smiles at his daughter
(Morgan) no, not really... it means I hang on to things
* Molly smiles warmly, watching Morgan and Jana "I meant that he doesn't give up. But yes, he is."
(Morgan) No, I don't give up
* Molly holds her hand out to Jana, and the little girl takes it. Molly closes her eyes, concentrating, and Morgan's neck prickles slightly.
(Molly) There was to be a third book. The author was researching the Schattenmann, and apparently the Nieblungen too.
(Morgan) I see...
(Morgan) was to be?
* Molly lets go. The prickling stops but Jana's smiling continues. J "hand tingly and nice"
* Molly nods, looking at Jana then Morgan  "she's absolutely well and healthy"
* Morgan nods, looking relieved
* Molly smiles at him "shall we go outside in the sunshine?"
* Morgan nods
* Molly hefts a couple of bags onto her shoulders and leads the way
(Molly) The author's family have recently found  some of the manuscript for the third book, and are considering publishing it
(Morgan) I see... I take it their name isn't Eckname...
(Molly) No, it isn't.
(Morgan) bit too obvious to be his name
* Molly glances in the direction of the house "Indeed it is. I wonder what is keeping my Father"
(Molly) J: **she reaches out for Molly's braid, wrapping her fingers around it** Like hair.
(Morgan) my father could talk the backside off a mule... what is the family name? I assume they won't be publishing it under the Eckname title...
* Molly smiles at Jana "Thank you, my Lady. Yours is beautiful" She looks to Morgan "They're going to publish as Eckname still. It lends a reputation and prestige to it"
(Molly) **Jana suddenly pulls Molly closer to her and, inadvertently, to Morgan. Molly  looks a little surprised by this as she's suddenly only inches away from his chest** I... uhhh...
(Morgan) Jana... we don't pull peoples hair...
(Molly) No no, it's... it's fine. Don't worry. *she gives her attention to Jana, putting a hand on her back* Sometimes it happens if I help someone in that way, they can become fonder of me.
(Morgan) I see... so, you were saying the family name...
(Molly) J: **she isnt pulling now, but she's watching Molly, who glances up at Morgan with a smile**
(Molly) Won't be used. The family doesn't want the attention being connected to writing about the supernatural would bring here in Eisen.
(Morgan) so they are Eisen...
(Molly) Mmhmm
(Morgan) but not local...
(Molly) **David comes around the corner, also carrying a bag** Alright Moll, time we were getting on
(Molly) No, not local. I'll need my hair back, Hasechen **this means little rabbit. Jana lets go. Molly speaks quietly** I am sure my Father will leave our addresses with yours, he is always keen to make new friends. If you ever need help with your daughter's health, do feel free to write, my Lord.
(Morgan) I shall
* Molly and David share the bags out between them, and he thanks Morgan for the hospitality
* Molly smiles at Jana and Morgan once she is fully loaded up "It was a pleasure to meet you both"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) and you
(Molly) **Goodbyes are said. The Forresters walk down the path towards the village. Molly gives him and Jana a final wave over her shoulder. Jana waves back**
** You're now known as Jana
(Jana) Like her.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I could tell
(Jana) **They disappear in the distance, the trees making the light on the path look bluish. Then he realises everything is blue tone and therefore a dream. He's still holding Jana in his arms, the tiara that Molly got from Faulk askew on her flaxen hair**
* Morgan looks at the girl closely
(Morgan) I love you so very much 
* Jana looks back at him, his eyes rather than Edward's like when he holds Florrie. She smiles "I love you, Vati"
* Morgan kisses her forehead before trying to wake up
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly gently shakes his shoulder, helping to wake him "liebes herz?"
* Morgan nods, drawing a deep breath
(Molly) I'm… umm… sorry to impose upon you, but… ummm… *she trails off*
* Morgan blinks a couple of times
(Morgan) but?
(Molly) I wondered whether I might be able to ask if you would possibly be able to consider making love to me please? I know it's still early, and it's really not the done thing for a woman to so boldly ask her husband when he has given no indications of his desire, but...
(Morgan) whats caused that?
(Molly) A dream
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) if thats what you need my love
(Molly) That is alright?
* Morgan nods
* Molly nods "Please." She tries to urge him over her ((wasn't intending to play this out unless you're keen to))
(Morgan) ((not really)
* Morgan complies
* Molly is obviously very ready for him to take her and is orgasming within the first few thrusts. She encourages him to go faster and harder, her hands on his shoulders urgent and rough ((does what she asks?))
(Morgan) ((yep))
(Molly) **He leaves the encounter spent, and with a deep love bite on his shoulder from her climaxing as he did. She lays there breathing hard as he rolls back to being beside her**
(Molly) Th-... thank you... my love.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) You wish to tell me about the dream?
(Molly) Ummm... I could
(Morgan) You do not wish to?
(Molly) I'm not sure it would be of much interest
(Morgan) No, it is
* Molly nods, fidgeting the sheets around her
(Molly) I dreamt we were at the Winter Ball again, but whilst Eisenfurst Freiburg was about to make a speech you took my hand and led me out onto the terrace…
* Morgan nods
(Molly) You told me we probably had five minutes, and you were going to make me peak as many times as you could in that time…
(Molly) You told me that I had to be quiet  because we would be in a world of trouble getting caught there whilst you were pleasing me so close to the ballroom. So you pulled my skirts higher and used your fingers. I quickly undid your placket and was pleasing you with my hand...
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I peaked a few times, the speech droning on inside, and you said "You… need to stop… before I… spend myself… on your ball gown!"
* Molly smiles at the ceiling. He can only just see it in the moonlight
(Morgan) and then you woke?
(Molly) No
* Molly glances over, trying to make out his expression
(Morgan) what then?
(Molly) I used my free hand to gather the expensive silk and my top layer of cotton up high and pinned them between my back and the wall. I said "Onto my petticoat, noone in there will know".
(Morgan) and I did?
(Molly) You are sure this is of interest, mon petit chou? **she sounds teasing and playful**
(Morgan) \/me nods
(Morgan) I am
(Molly) After making me peak again, you withdrew your fingers, bracing your hands on the wall so you could push your hips further forward, almost against the fabric. Into my ear you groaned with quiet desperation "Hard. Fast. Please, Blossom." *she fidgets a little at this*
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I complied, tightening my grip and stroking you very rapidly whilst you swelled in my hand. You lowered your forehead to mine, I could feel you take a deep breath and grit your teeth as the pleasure assailed you.
(Molly) Then you spilled yourself onto my petticoat in strong surges. I slowed down as your pleasure subsided, and then the speech must have ended, because there was lots of applause that felt very appropriately timed!
* Morgan chuckles
(Molly) That set you chuckling and me giggling. You said "An excellent job, your Excellency, well done!" Then someone dropped a glass and I woke up, rather in a state of need.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Was that more unusual than you expected?
(Morgan) somewhat, aye
(Molly) It displeases you?
(Morgan) no blossom
* Molly nods
(Molly) That would be far, far too risky
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) indeed
(Molly) A pity you did not dream it with me
(Morgan) aye
* Molly exhales slowly  "So, my love, how did you sleep"
(Morgan) A dream rather than a nightmare for a change
* Molly nods
(Molly) That's good. What was it?
* Morgan explains it
(Molly) Oh. That's... are you alright?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Molly) You could have turned me down, my love. If I had known, I wouldn't have asked.
(Morgan) No, its fine
* Molly nods slowly
(Molly) If you're sure...
(Morgan) I am
(Molly) You are not upset at seeing her?
(Morgan) No, I don't think so
* Molly nods
(Molly) That's an improvement, isnt it?
(Morgan) very much so
(Molly) Does it help that you realise you are dreaming?
(Morgan) Aye, I think so
* Molly nods
(Molly) I think that's quite nice
** MorganK has joined #7thsea
** MorganK has quit (Quit: Leaving)
(Morgan) Aye, I agree
* Molly smiles "I am glad you're still healing, my love"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) me too
(Molly) Eckname is Eisen then, and not local to Sudlachenburg...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) thats what I gather
(Molly) I am certainly interested that there might possibly be a manuscript
(Morgan) indeed
(Morgan) on the Nieblungen 
(Molly) Mmhmm. He had sketched them in the book, they were near the waterwheel house...
(Molly) It does make me wonder...
(Morgan) what?
(Molly) What do the Nieblungen know of him... and what did he know of them?
(Morgan) indeed
(Morgan) I wonder if... he was the other man allowed into a mine...
(Molly) Mmm an interesting possibility
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Which then begs the question "why him?"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) quite
(Molly) We will ask, when we get to Niesfeld?
(Morgan) I think so
* Molly nods, rolling to him and kissing him gently
(Molly) It must be nearly dawn, it's getting lighter
* Morgan nods, stretching
(Morgan) time to get up then
* Molly nods "I'm afraid so, my love"
* Morgan nods, climbing out of bed
* Molly watches his back and bottom a moment with a smile
(Molly) I should get up too
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) I want to get things in order for teaching Varick. I wonder if we should look for a tutor whilst in Freiburg
(Morgan) Might be worth looking into
* Molly gets out of bed once he has had time to get dressed, and kisses him briefly he goes, her bare skin again his clothing
* Morgan smiles as he heads up on deck
** You're now known as Claudia
* Claudia is sat up in the rigging when he gets there, and Morgan can see that Koen is actually on watch. Claudia may not have active command, but she does have an open flask.
* Morgan clambers up beside her
* Claudia glances at him, then takes a mouthful from the flask before handing it to him
* Morgan swigs it before handing it back
* Claudia drinks another mouthful of the scotch, scowling at the horizon
(Morgan) When you're ready...
(Claudia) Nightmare.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) You?
(Morgan) Not really
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Lucky
(Morgan) wann' tell me about it?
* Claudia looks grim
(Claudia) Old memory.
(Morgan) flashback sort of memory?
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) About a year into my service on my first ship, we got a new Captain. He was a nephew of someone very high up in Command. Stadler, his name was. He is the reason I hate hearing my name whispered or being touched gently whilst I was asleep.
(Morgan) I see
* Claudia drinks again, and again offers him the flask
(Claudia) He would come to the crew room whilst everyone was asleep, and he would start touching me and whispering my name in my ear. He told me if I made a sound he would tell everyone it was me trying to get him into bed and would see me dishonourably discharged. I had no life or purpose outside my unit. Noone would have stood up for me.
* Morgan takes it, swigging again before passing it back
(Claudia) He died. Choked to death in a pool of his own vomit having drunk too much. **She sips the scotch** That's how it looked, anyway.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) It wasn't what happened, but it was meticulously planned, so there was never any question.
(Morgan) I should probably be disapproving of that... 
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) Be disapproving if you want. Doesn't change what happened to him, or what happened to me.
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) he deserved worse
(Claudia) Things were quiet, we were on sea patrol. It would have been six months more to wait for a battlefield where it could be
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) I wasn't putting up with it that long
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) That's what I dreamt of. Him, and his wandering hands.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) After Insel, I'm going to tell Heinzharold
(Morgan) Don't want him brooding on it when he sees Sebastien?
(Claudia) They had friends who died for what they did to me.
(Morgan) they deserved to
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) I know.  But Heinzharold will feel guilty as shit for even being around them
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) no doubt
(Claudia) I don't look forward to seeing the look on his face
(Morgan) No, I would imagine not. Will you want me there?
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) I can handle it. I'm not weak.
(Morgan) Never for a second suggested you were, or that you'd _need_ me there... 
(Claudia) He might need you there.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) You can be there, for him.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as you wish
* Claudia offers him the scotch
* Morgan takes a mouthful, handing it back
(Claudia) You had a good night?
(Morgan) so so
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Nothing weird to watch out for?
(Morgan) No... dreamed of Jana
* Claudia grimaces
(Claudia) Sounds bad
(Morgan) It was alright
(Claudia) Last time you were pretty bothered
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) maybe I'm healing
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Maybe you are
(Claudia) I'm happy for you. It's been a long time
* Morgan nods
* Claudia smiles, the sun coming over the horizon
(Claudia) Tomorrow evening we should be in Insel. You want me coming with you to the doctor's house, or staying on the ship?
(Morgan) there _shouldn't_ be any need from a safety point of view...
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Not going to be any violence on anyone
(Morgan) probably
(Claudia) Unlikely Heinzharold and Rosie will fall out
(Morgan) No, I know
(Claudia) I'll stay with the ship then
* Morgan nods
* Claudia goes down on deck not much later, starting the forenoon watch and taking the Rose back on the move towards Insel. Things seem smooth, and below deck in the study Molly and Heinzharold are working together teaching Varick whilst Inga gets on with some sewing. It's peaceful and easy, only interrupted by Sorgi asking Morgan if he wants to do the afternoon watch, which would mean him missing the hour where Varick is asleep
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye, I'll need a moment to explain to Varick
(Claudia) **Sorgi nods, heading up on deck*
* Morgan goes to speak to Varick
(Claudia) **Varick is working on sums at the desk**
* Morgan crouches down beside him
(Morgan) how're you getting on?
(Claudia) V: I don't like sums.
(Morgan) They're useful though
** You're now known as Varick
(Varick) I would rather draw or play
(Morgan) I know
(Varick) Are you going to sail the ship?
(Morgan) thats what I came to tell you... I'll have to miss your nap time to do it
(Varick) Okay, Mama can put me for my nap
(Varick) **Molly nods** that's fine
* Morgan nods
(Varick) **He gets time to grab lunch just before his watch. It's drizzly but not too bad. They see lots of other ships with varying national flags, but it's an easy time captaining, and Sorgi does almost nothing but be present as back up. It's very satisfying.  When he is done, Heinzharold wants to spar with him as Claudia is napping before her next watch.
** You're now known as HH
* HH flails around before they start as if the sword has a mind of its own and HH is trying to stop it
* Morgan watches him
(Morgan) if you're quite finished...
(HH) Whoa, calm down, y' steel idiot! *he puts his other hand on it, hugging it close. 'S okay, I got 'im!
(Morgan) well, if the sword has a mind of its own, at least it might be a challenge this time...
* HH flips him off
(HH) Y' ever thought about havin' some fun?
(Morgan) No, you take all of that
* HH swings the sword around properly now, grinning "Though fr'm what I over'eard, y' had fun this morning"
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) say again...
(HH) Our special girls were very giggly, an' I heard the term "wonderful way to start the morning"
* Morgan nods slightly
(HH) Hang on  y' thought I meant I'd heard it directly?
* Morgan nods
* HH laughs
(HH) No, I steer well clear of your rooms til I know yer up
* Morgan nods slowly
(HH) Af'er the morning at the cottage where I was askin' ya questions during it, I'm a bit more mindful that yer not Saint Morgan of Puritytown no more
(Morgan) things change...
* HH nods
(HH) It's not just a Sunday or Wednesday like Inga tells me is th' way you noble types usually go about it with yer wives
(Morgan) and yet she still holds the notion that I am... conventional...
* HH chuckles
(HH) Yep, she does. She thinks Molly knows a lotta stuff from being on that Montaigne ship  but that Molly hasn't told you most of it
* Morgan nods
(HH) I can tell 'er about the tavern and stables if y' like
(Morgan) Perhaps not
(HH) Wouldn' think you were conventional then
(Morgan) no...
(HH) She didn' even notice that bruise y' left on Molly's neck the day after we came back fr'm our trip.
(Morgan) does she walk around with her eyes shut?
(HH) To be fair to the lassies, Inga is mostly busy staring at me, and Molly did a good job coverin' it with her hair. If she didn't spend the time poking at it and smiling to herself she'da gotten away with it
* Morgan nods
(HH) Never seen a woman do tha' before. Bit like that habit of touching her lower lip when she's thinking about you
(Morgan) Helps her remember the activity, perhaps... like smelling something...
* HH nods
(HH) Could be. Yer obviously doing something right
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I suppose so
(HH) First time for e'erything, eh?
(Morgan) shut up
* HH laughs
(HH) Ready then? Or has yer wife exhausted you?
* Morgan flourishes his sword
(Morgan) come on then
* HH does spar with him for quite a while, still with plenty of mucking about. It's enjoyable, and the time slips away from them. It reminds him of easier days, when they were children and Morgan was in summer break from the academy, passing on his new skills from school and picking up ones from the locals in Sudlachenburg
(HH) **Varick is having tea when Morgan gets there, and then they play with his soldiers a while before bed. Another chapter in Thean sees the hero annoying yet another god and being delayed even more. Dinnertime is nice and followed by poker, which sees Molly cleaning up after the others have said goodnight** M: I'm not sure where today has gone!
** You're now known as Molly
(Morgan) No, it has rather flown by
(Molly) It happens when travelling, doesn't it? Not much seems to happen.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) quite so
* Molly cleans up
(Molly) How was your watch? it felt smooth
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) it went well
* Molly smiles "And you are enjoying it?"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) How was your practice with Heinzharold?
(Morgan) Its like sparring with a dangerous child
* Molly smiles "oh dear! He has been particularly silly today?"
* Morgan nods
* Molly sits on the desk "Did he tell you he has agreed with Doctor Rosenkrantz that we will spend tomorrow and Wednesday nights at the Rosenkrantz Manor?
(Morgan) No...
(Molly) Well, he has. The festivities on Wednesday sometimes run into the evening, apparently, and the manor is closer to town than the dock the Rose would be best suited to
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I can see I'm going to have to talk to him about that
(Molly) It is a big problem?
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I suppose not
* Molly watches him
(Molly) Liebes herz...
(Morgan) what?
(Molly) Talk to me, please...
(Morgan) I am uneasy about being there as it is, without him making arrangements for me without even consulting us
(Molly) He wants to see his friend, and he wants to show Inga off a bit
(Morgan) neither of which require arranging for _us_ to stay there
* Molly nods, chewing her lip "Varick wants to see the tower"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I don't think you need worry, my love. I am sure we'll be so busy we hardly spend any time with Seb at all
(Morgan) thats not the point
(Molly) It is that it is out of your control to keep he and I apart?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I suppose so
(Molly) You do trust me though?
(Morgan) of course
(Molly) Then us sharing the house a few days should be alright
* Molly watches him
(Molly) Do you dislike him, from what you have seen of him in my dreams?
(Morgan) I don't know... I don't think so
* Molly nods
(Molly) It is just that you dislike what he could have been?
* Morgan nods
* Molly nods "But he isn't my husband, nor will he ever be"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) There's every chance our personalities and hearts would be completely unsuited, given that we have come along different paths than the ones where we end up together
(Morgan) aye, maybe
(Molly) You do not seem sure... you are concerned?
* Molly watches him
(Morgan) There's still a chance you will feel something for him... even though you would not wish it
* Molly nods slowly
(Molly) I suppose so. If it were possible for mine and your souls to recognise each other and have a connection of some degree or another even if we had been wed to others, it is possible.
* Morgan nods
* Molly sighs
(Molly) I hope not, but if I do, would you prefer not to know?
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I dont know
* Molly nods "I can understand that"
* Morgan nods
* Molly watches him sadly "It's a tough situation, I know"
(Morgan) aye it is
(Molly) Maybe I should meet him alone first?
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) no
(Molly) It would save you seeing anything if there was anything to see
* Morgan starts to scowl
* Molly looks at the floor "I am offering to protect you from that pain and discomfort"
(Morgan) no
* Molly nods
(Molly) You will let me know when you have decided if you would want me to tell yoy
(Molly) You*
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I will
* Molly nods, hopping off the desk
(Molly) I will retire now
* Morgan nods\alright blossom
(Molly) You are coming now?
(Morgan) aye, I think I will
(Molly) You will wait for the morning to tell off Heinzharold?
* Molly takes off her boots, putting them aside
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly nods, going on through. She's in bed in record time. She kisses his cheek gently once he is in, and says "goodnight, liebes herz"
* Morgan sighs, getting undressed and into bed
(Molly) I should sing?
(Morgan) If you wish
(Molly) You do not wish me to?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) as always, when you withdraw from me, I am compelled to do the same
* Molly frowns
(Molly) How did I withdraw?
(Morgan) You practically sprinted to bed and bid me goodnight
(Molly) I apologise,  I had not realised it would seem so.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I was leaving the situation in your hands,  to decide how to proceed
* Molly turns on her side to watch him
* Morgan nods, stretching
(Molly) I am sorry. I do not want yo withdraw.  I am worried you will get hurt, that you will compare yourself and not feel secure.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) lets be honest, thats likely anyway
* Molly gently puts her hand on his arm
(Molly) Why?
(Morgan) It just is
(Molly) I did not think you inclined to such
* Molly tilts her head "perhaps I just haven't noticed it when you have compared yourself to others"
(Morgan) generally I dont but... 
(Molly) But the idea that he might be a better fit for me, make me happier, disappoint me less often, do a better job of being what I need...?
* Morgan nods
* Molly takes his hand
(Molly) This I do understand well...
* Morgan  nods
(Molly) The problem is is that you view you from your own perspective, with all the negative things you see in yourself.  To understand your value _to me_, you would have to understand you from _my_ perspective
(Morgan) I suppose
* Molly smiles a little
(Molly) If you will not take my word on it, I will tell you that that is what Peter taught me, and his experience is significantly longer than mine
* Morgan nods
(Molly) _You_ are the man I choose. I don't care whether he would be "better", or anything like that. You are my man, liebes herz.
(Morgan) even so...
* Molly moves so she is half laid on him "Kiss me, and I will spend some time showing you where you belong. If you wish, we will talk more tomorrow,  but tonight let's not waste words when our bodies can speak for us..."
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright blossom
(Molly) **True to her word, she does show him quite forcefully, and he acquires a mark on his neck that is going to be very obvious,  as well as more below the collar line. And when they are both completely spent, she lies in his arms and sings My Bonny Blue Eyed boy in Avalonian as he drifts off
** You are now disconnected

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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Sunday, 6 February 2022 17:42:30 Greenwich Mean Time
------------------------------

** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) **He falls asleep and again he is in the thread of their self-pleasuring. It is Friday, around three o'clock in the afternoon. His sleep had not been blighted by lingering arousal as on Tuesday night, but by her suggestion of him being in her room for a future night of self-satisfaction and also her whispered confession of love in what she assumed was complete privacy.
(Molly) **They are wandering the house doing last checks of locked doors, cleanliness and linens before the guests arrive. Mostly, it is just killing time. The house is perfect already.
(Molly) **Justicar Howe and his mistress had already arrived before lunch, possibly to catch the house off guard. He and Morgan had played chess whilst Molly had chatted with his mistress.
(Molly) **Molly had been polite but not like a servant, curious but not prying. On occasional glances between moves, he could see how Molly was studying this woman's mannerisms, and then starting to use a few of them. All in all, she had done very well in her first social interaction since becoming his mistress**
(Molly) **In the furthest reaches of the house, she seems quietly completive, walking beside him but not so close as to cause raised eyebrows,  not that anyone was often over here**.
* Molly goes into one warm guest room and opens the sash window a little "I think some air would be good..."
(Morgan) oh?
* Molly just makes a distracted mmm noise
(Morgan) Something on your mind Molly?
* Molly takes a rag from her pocket, cleaning a spotless piece of the glass
(Molly) I was mostly wondering if you had given thought to what I said last night…
(Morgan) I may have
* Molly fusses with the tiebacks
(Molly) May I ask what you were thinking?
(Morgan) I was trying to decide if I am ready for that
* Molly nods
(Molly) Have you come to a conclusion?
* Molly runs out of things to do with her hands, so has to sit on the windowsill with her fingers interlocked
(Morgan) I think so
(Molly) Is that the conclusion, or that you have come to a conclusion?
* Molly is blushing, not quite making eye contact
(Morgan) Both, I suppose
* Molly nods
(Molly) If it is impossible for us to take it forward yet, I am content where we are...
(Morgan) No, we'll... try it
* Molly smiles "Is there anything I can do that will make it less hard for you?"
* Morgan sniggers
* Molly blushes
(Molly) Oh! I...uhh... I didn't mean... **he can see a complicated mix of arousal and embarrassment in her expression**
(Morgan) I know blossom
(Molly) I meant how I might make you more at ease
(Morgan) I know you did
* Molly nods
(Molly) And you are not regretful of what has occured the last few nights?
(Morgan) No... I am not
* Molly looks relieved
(Molly) I am glad
* Morgan nods
* Molly stands up, running the cloth over the mantle that doesnt need it "And you do not think less of me?"
(Morgan) Not in the slightest
(Molly) When I was seven and my brother was fifteen, I heard my Mama take the wooden spoon to the back of his legs for doing such
(Morgan) Your mother is particularly religious?
* Molly nods
(Molly) Very much
(Molly) She would be horrified at the level of intimacy we have shared out of wedlock
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) figures
(Molly) My upbringing has been... sheltered. I know almost nothing
* Morgan nods
* Molly looks around "was there anything you needed to speak to me about or ask me?"
(Morgan) such as?
(Molly) I have no idea
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) Are you happy?
* Molly tilts her head
(Molly) I think so
(Morgan) You are not sure?
(Molly) I cannot think of anything that is making me unhappy, so I must be happy *she smiles*
* Morgan raises an eyebrow
(Morgan) interesting way of putting it
(Molly) Is there something I _ought_ to be unhappy about?
(Morgan) Only you can answer that one
(Molly) Are _you_ happy, liebes herz? **she watches him**
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'd say so
* Molly smiles warmly "I hope I have helped with that"
(Morgan) immensely... I do worry that this is not enough for you
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) I am happy to be with you
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Why would I not be? I knee how things stood when I acceptoed your request
(Molly) Knew*
(Morgan) I suppose so
* Molly watches him, nodding
(Molly) You do not need to worry. This is enough.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
* Molly watches him a long moment before she suddenly says "we should check how the kitchen is doing."
(Morgan) You have something on your mind...
(Molly) I... *she blushes, speaking quieter* I wanted to kiss you
* Morgan looks around
(Morgan) probably safe
* Molly nods, biting her lip. She watches up at him intently, then suddenly presses her lips to his
* Morgan wraps his arms around her, pulling her close while he kisses her back
* Molly sighs happily, her arms going around his waist. Her kiss is soft and tender rather than either passionate or playful
* Morgan pulls away slightly
(Morgan) we should probably check on the kitchen
* Molly nods a little, eyes still closed as she runs the tip of her tongue just onto her lower lip before sucking it "mmhmm"
(Morgan) come along then blossom
* Molly takes a deep breath
(Molly) Alright...
(Molly) **Making their winding way back towards the dining room, Morgan starts to hear unfamiliar voices. It isn't uncommon for Catherine's guests to bring along new acquaintances, but the Eisen accents are immediately striking, perhaps Kai has brought some people**
* Morgan slows, listening
(Molly) **One male voice sounds younger, the male voice older, twenties and sixties perhaps, talking in Eisen**
(Molly) Younger: I would have stayed in town if I had known
(Molly) Older: I wouldn't have asked hospitality if I had known her ladyship was entertaining. But it will be a pleasant weekend nonetheless
* Molly watches Morgan curiously
(Molly) *whispering* do you know them? **the voices are unfamiliar**
* Morgan shakes his head, moving closer
(Molly) **the Eisen men turn from the corridor from the dining room into that where the servants stairs lead up. The young man is blonde with a moustache, the older man's hair has gone white. They resemble each other around the eyes. Both stop and bow, but the younger man's attention is on Molly**
* Morgan watches them before speaking in Avalonian
(Morgan) gentlemen... I don't believe I know you
* Molly curtsies automatically. The young man he doesn't know is Sebastian Rosenkrantz looks at her with admiration. She watches him right back, though her expression is undeniably attraction. The older replies
(Molly) R, in Avalonian: Good afternoon, I am Doctor Joseff Rosenkrantz, Freiarr Insel of Eisen, this is my son Lord Sebastian Rosenkrantz.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) long way fr'm 'ome
(Molly) S, glancing away from Molly to Morgan: My Father and Lady Torrington's were long-standing acquaintances
(Molly) R: And your name, sir?
(Morgan) Morgan, I'm the master at arms
* Molly is watching them quietly, blushing and averting her gaze when Seb looks at her
(Molly) R: Excellent,  we have just seen Lady Torrington in the dining room and she suggested looking out for you *he glances between his son and the young woman wearing an Eisen style dress* would you introduce us?
(Morgan) This is Molly, one of Lady Torringtons staff
(Molly) **The older man greets her first, then his son does, smiling warmly at her** S: I like your dress. **Molly nods, blushing again** Thank you.
(Molly) R: Morgan, which room would it be best for us to have? I know you are expecting many guests.
(Morgan) You are sharing?
(Molly) R, smiling: As we are unexpected and imposing, I think that is best, we do not want to be a nuisance
* Morgan tilts his head
* Molly glances at Morgan, watching him closely "I could take them up to the east wing, I am sure we can find something"
* Morgan looks at her seriously
(Morgan) If that is what you wish
* Molly frowns slightly as if there is something she is not understanding here. The moment draws out until the silence becomes awkward
(Molly) R: I do know the east wing. We can wait there until someone is available
* Morgan looks at them before nodding
(Morgan) You have luggage to be brought up?
(Molly) S: Only a bag each, the groomsmen said to leave them in the dining room. **his attention is still mostly on Molly, and hers is about split between him and Morgan**
(Molly) R: **he inclines his head** Your assistance is appreciated
* Molly watches them as they progress down the hallway. The house seems quiet, no nearby chatter or footsteps. The staff must all be busy
* Morgan watches her
* Molly looks back to him after they are out of sight
(Molly) Very odd
(Morgan) odd?
(Molly) Unexpected foreign strangers... intriguing
* Molly glances in that direction again
* Morgan closes his eyes for a moment, breathing slowly
(Molly) You are worried they are here from your family?
(Morgan) No... I am worried at your reaction to the younger one
* Molly blushes
(Molly) I... it's...
* Morgan watches her, obviously worried
* Molly watches him solemnly
(Molly) Liebes herz...
(Morgan) yes?
(Molly) Did you love her the moment you met her?
(Morgan) You're going to leave me...
* Molly frowns "I said nothing of the sort"
(Morgan) You lay eyes on him and _that_ is your first question... 
(Molly) Yes.  Because it is important.
* Morgan rubs at his neck
(Morgan) I don't know. 
(Molly) Surely that is something one knows, either way?
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) I suppose so
* Molly nods
(Molly) I see... that is what I thought.
* Morgan watches her
* Molly looks thoughtful
(Molly) We should go to the kitchen
(Morgan) Molly... 
(Molly) Yes?
(Morgan) talk to me please. What is going on? Do you wish to undo our arrangement?
(Molly) No, I do not wish that
(Morgan) then what?
(Molly) I... **she watches him warily*
* Morgan watches her
(Molly) He's certainly handsome,  but...
(Morgan) but...
* Molly chews her lip a moment
(Molly) But I... **She's interrupted by someone shouting "Master Hockridge!"**
* Morgan shouts back
(Morgan) WHAT?
(Molly) **The maid shouts "The ceiling in the dining room is leaking!"
* Morgan mutters
(Morgan) thats nice 
* Morgan looks at Molly
(Morgan) but you...
* Molly glances in the direction of the dining room
(Molly) You should see to that. I will go up to the East wing
* Morgan watches her
(Morgan) You will not tell me?
(Molly) Another time. When there isn't so much to do.
(Morgan) but you will not leave me?
(Molly) **Again he is called "Master Hockridge,  it's dripping on the floor!"
* Morgan watches her
(Molly) That matters so much?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) it matters that you wish to remain with me
(Molly) **The maid scurries out of the dining room, looking frazzled** Master Hockridge!
* Molly 's attention is diverted by the fretful servant
* Morgan looks at the maid
(Morgan) get a bucket, I'll be there in a moment
(Molly) **the maid looks frustrated, and turns on her heel towards the dining hall**
(Molly) They would not manage without you
* Morgan sighs, looking resigned
(Molly) **he wakes up at the feeling of Molly moving next to him in the dark, curling up to his back**
* Morgan scowls, grinding his teeth
* Molly rests her cheek between his shoulder blades, an arm gently coming around his waist, assuming he is asleep ((distress and desperation?))
(Morgan) ((moderate))
(Molly) **his fingers tingle, but it doesn't feel like an issue that won't settle**
* Morgan tries to get an idea of the time
(Molly) **he's been asleep less than two hours**
* Morgan grumbles quietly, trying to calm his mind
(Molly) **He eventually manages it, though her hair tickles his bare back
* Morgan tries to go back to sleep
(Molly) **he eventually manages to*
(Molly) **He slips into Molly's dream. He knows the stable, he's been in this dream thread of hers before, where she is the freiarr's daughter and he is the freiarr's groom, where she had taken him to the peach orchard and attempted to seduce him, interrupted whilst on her knees about to use her mouth upon him by Ulysses scratching at the real door. There's Xantha and Aurora, a horse she calls Inamorata, the Thean for beloved. A dream where she carries rosary beads.
(Molly) **Xantha looks pleased to see him**
(Molly) **He can hear her talking outside** Yes Father, I will tell him. I will be home in good time for dinner.
* Morgan gives Xantha some grooming
* Molly strides on into the stable, again in the blue riding habit and with her rosary at her waist. She watches him with all the self-possession of a fairly spoilt young noblewoman
(Molly) Hockridge, my Father wishes you to escort me to St. Elena's, he wishes an inventory done, and feels I should burn off some energy in the saddle.
* Morgan nods
* Molly waits for him to saddle their horses and help her mount up
* Morgan does so
(Molly) **She rides the opposite direction out of the stable yard this time, east not west. The coast in the distance is sandy beach and harbour for smaller ships to the north, and south is fields before turning to forest.
* Molly waits til they are off the estate and onto the track road before dropping her pounding pace to ride beside him
(Molly) Are you put out with me, Hockridge? It has been a week since that day with the peaches, and I have barely caught sight of you!
(Morgan) No, I've just been exceedingly busy
* Molly makes a hmph noise "I shall have my Father hire an additional undergroomsman then"
(Morgan) Not sure he'll see the necessity 
(Molly) **The land here is pretty, the air is fresh, slightly salty**
(Molly) I will find a way.
* Molly turns in the saddle slightly, and watches him forthrightly
(Molly) Do you regret satisfying my curiosity?
(Morgan) curiosity?
(Molly) About what happens between men and women
(Morgan) why would I regret that
* Molly shrugs "Some might. My status puts you in a position of servitude. You might have felt resentful if that"
(Molly) Of*
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly doesn't seem to notice that the ride is far shorter than it ought to be. The grounds around the pretty church are empty of people, and the building itself looks unused, like a classic, older Vaticine church abandoned**
* Molly waits for him to assist her down
* Morgan does so
* Molly stays close to him as he does so, like last time, and watches up at him confidently
(Molly) You have thought of that day since?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) have you?
* Molly gives him a cheeky smile
(Molly) I think of you when I am ever left alone
(Morgan) oh?
* Molly moves towards the church doors, speaking as she does, her back to him. It's self-assured and teasing "I think of how I desire you and how you felt beneath my hands."
(Morgan) so _you_ don't regret it then?
(Molly) Oh no, not even slightly! **she uses a big key to unlock the doors**
(Molly) *she leaks into the heavy, squeaky door, using her weight to make it move* I am not doing the tedious inventory alone, Hockridge. Join me.
* Morgan nods, following her
(Molly) **Inside it is dusty and cobwebby, but it was obviously pretty before, big pale arches, beautiful stained glass windows. It does seem bereft of the usual Vaticine bits and pieces, the altar only graced with a red cloth, a candleabra and a single golden chalice**
* Molly looks around before shutting the door behind him
(Molly) Noone comes here
(Morgan) evidently
* Molly wanders down the aisle
(Molly) There does not look to be much to inventory
(Morgan) No, it doesn't look like it
* Molly watches him
(Molly) I dare say we could have it done in twenty minutes at most.
* Morgan nods 
(Morgan) probably
(Molly) **she looks at the stained glass that shines jewelled light onto her red hair** This was my grandfather's favourite church, but once he became the Freiarr he was too busy for it.
(Morgan) thats sat
(Morgan) sad*
* Molly nods
(Molly) That is duty.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **She watches him** I have no desire to be a Freiarr's daughter. I would run away if I had any clue how to live a normal life.
(Morgan) but you have a duty
(Molly) *with frustration* That is not why I stay! I am like a house cat, my food is brought to me, my bed is always made for me I sit beside a warm fire that others tend. I am coddled and petted and utterly unable to survive in the wild!
(Morgan) Then why don't you learn?
* Molly watches him. She looks pouty, filled with childlike crossness "Who would teach a noble girl such things?"
(Morgan) Anyone would teach you if you asked
(Molly) They would not. It would be deeply frowned upon. *she balls her fists* You cannot understand how I yearn to escape!
(Morgan) you'd be surprised
(Molly) **she watches him specutively* I know nothing about you, not where you're from, why you have an Avalonian name. I only know that I find you irresistible and you know how to please a woman, and that you have a clever sort of humour, you like horses, peaches, and find me pretty.
(Morgan) all true
* Molly takes his hand "You would prove the last to me, again?"
(Morgan) If that is what you wish
* Molly nods
(Molly) "Here, now. Please, Hockridge" Her chin tilts up "Don't make me beg for it. I've never begged for anything, I do not wish to start now"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as you wish
* Molly pulls him to the altar which she sits herself up on
(Molly) Take me away from all this a while...
* Morgan nods, taking her hand and kissing up from her wrist to her shoulder
* Molly sighs deeply, shuffling her skirt higher so she can make space for him to stand between her knees
(Molly) Yes, like that
* Morgan kisses his way up to her neck
* Molly moans, tilting her head to give him more access
** You are now disconnected
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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Monday, 7 February 2022 14:45:18 Greenwich Mean Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) ((C&p pls))
(Morgan)  * Morgan nods
(Morgan)  <Morgan> as you wish
(Morgan)  * Molly pulls him to the altar which she sits herself up on
(Morgan)  <Molly> Take me away from all this a while...
(Morgan)  * Morgan nods, taking her hand and kissing up from her wrist to her shoulder
(Morgan)  * Molly sighs deeply, shuffling her skirt higher so she can make space for him to stand between her knees
(Morgan)  <Molly> Yes, like that
(Morgan)  * Morgan kisses his way up to her neck
(Morgan)  * Molly moans, tilting her head to give him more access
(Molly) **The little church amplifies the sound, making her quiet sound of pleasure seem much louder, just as it once expanded the choral voices singing in Thean**
* Morgan sucks on her neck for a minute
* Molly moves back a little so she can get her mouth to his, kissing him roughly. Yet in contrast to her lips' urgent demand, her hand that cups his cheek is tender, cherishing.
* Morgan runs a hand up her thigh
(Molly) *she whimpers at this into his mouth before breaking the kiss* I want you to have me again. Once was not enough.
* Morgan nods, pulling her legs behind him
* Molly watches him as she wraps them tighter, pulling him hard enough to her that his thighs hit the edge of the heavy oak altar
(Molly) You're not Vaticine, does it trouble you taking me here on the altar?
* Morgan smiles slightly shaking his head
* Molly gives him a wicked little smile "Good." She pulls at the buttons of his placket with one hand whilst stroking him through the fabric with the other. Given the difference in the dexterity of both, she appears to be left-handed where in reality she isnt
* Morgan runs his hands up the inside of her thighs
* Molly 's breathing speeds. She gets the fabric out of the way and grasps him firmly in her left hand "Have you ever done this in a church before, Hockridge?"
(Morgan) can't say I have, no
* Molly fidgets her skirt higher whilst stroking him firmly "Forbidden, and so very bad" There's no guilt in her expression at all, if anything she looks more aroused by it
* Morgan nods
* Molly lines him up with her. The sun gets brighter, the colours of light coming through the window behind her and making her hair and skin glow with different shades. "Take me."
* Morgan nods, pushing himself into her
* Molly moans loud at this, and it bounces within the high arches, the architecture designed to make the loud speech of a priest carry to a full congregation. Her vocalised enjoyment carries likewise
* Morgan moans, thrusting harder into her
* Molly uses her heels to pull him to her in a very fast and hard rhythm, demanding and controlling, and she manages to knock the chalice off as she writhes with pleasure. It clangs on the stone floor, and sounds like the first chime of the dawn watch
(Molly) **he doesn't wake immediately, but he knows it won't be long before the three chimes come**
* Morgan growls, getting faster
* Molly moans even louder, their joint sounds filling the space where solemn and holy services had previously taken place, a special sort of sacrement taking place on the altar, one older than even the Vaticine church itself. She bunches the red altar cloth in her fists, yanking it out inadvertently from under the unlit candleabra that joins the chalice on the floor. She's visibly and audibly obviously close to orgasm
* Morgan pounds into her
(Molly) **What wakes him is not the dawn watch but Molly, moaning softly, her back against his chest as her body tenses mid-climax. He is very close to it also, his hardness pressed firmly between her bottom and his lower belly, only a few rhythmic thrusts required against her to achieve the release his body wants.
* Morgan does so
* Molly is just awake enough to murmur "oh god! I like that" whilst bringing her hand between her legs to rub herself fast and rough
* Morgan thrusts a few more times before spending himself against her
(Molly) **The feel of his release pulsing onto her skin makes her orgasm hard, making a suppressed Mmm sound as she presses her lips together firmly to contain it. He can feel the staccato presses of her fingers to her clit as the pleasure sweeps her along
* Morgan slows to a stop, laying still for a moment
* Molly slowly stills when this peak passes, breathing in then exhaling slowly
(Molly) Are you alright?
(Morgan) aye... you?
* Molly nods
(Molly) Just surprised
* Morgan nods
* Molly shivers a little before saying "I think we ought to clean up?"
(Morgan) Aye
* Molly pushes the sheets down to her knee height before rolling onto her stomach to reach the table beside the bed. Even with just the moonlight coming in, he can see the glossy shine where he has spent on her in contrast to the matte of her skin
* Morgan chuckles
(Morgan) definitely needed to clean up
* Molly hands him one of the cream flannels "hmm?"
* Morgan takes its cleaning her skin
* Molly giggles "that's kind of you, my love"
(Morgan) be a bit tough for you tor each that
* Molly nods "I rather think so" She waits until he's finished before turning on to her side to face him
(Molly) Good morning, my love
(Morgan) good morning blossom
* Molly smiles, pulling the sheets back up a little "it must be almost dawn"
* Morgan nods, cleaning himself up
(Molly) That was unexpected
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly sighs happily, smiling to herself in the darkness
(Molly) Will you leave a candle lit when you go?
(Morgan) If you wish blossom
* Morgan stretches, climbing out of bed
(Molly) I need to pack what we will need for tonight and tomorrow away from the ship
* Morgan nods, pulling on his clothes
* Molly watches him fondly "Are you on watch in the nest, as it's Tuesday?"
(Morgan) I don't know actually
* Molly nods "it will be late afternoon when we make landfall I think"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **When he lights the candle he notices the water in the washing bowl is a reddish colour, a couple of wrung out flannels drying. Molly is in the process of finding a shift**
(Morgan) Molly... whats this?
* Molly looks
(Molly) Oh. I had to discharge some of the magic early in the night
(Morgan) You're doing that a lot
* Molly nods "I know"
(Morgan) I'm concerned by that
* Molly puts the shift on
(Molly) I do not wish anyone to get hurt
(Morgan) tell me about the dream...
* Molly sits on the bed
(Molly) It wasn't a nightmare as such, at least not to start with. We were being intimate, and I was atop you. You commanded me to use my magic to etch my name onto your chest, and I was to let it heal and scar naturally. You said it was to be a reminder of me if I ever went away…
(Morgan) unusual
* Molly nods
(Molly) So I did it. You seemed to enjoy the pain, pushing up into me eagerly. You bled some, but you said it didn't bother you. Then I finished the Y, and you finished within me. *she smiles a little*
(Morgan) and then...
(Molly) After catching your breath, you looked at it, and said "No, take it off. I am not yours, I do not want your name on me"
* Molly is frowning now at the memory
(Morgan) I see... and when you woke up you felt you couldn't control it?
* Molly nods
(Molly) I tried hard to heal it in the dream, but it wasnt working, and you were so cross. When I woke it felt out of control
(Morgan) You should've woken me
(Molly) I didn't need that sort of support, my love. I knew how to deal with it, and the dream was unrealistic enough I did not need comforting
(Morgan) I do not like how often you are hurting yourself
(Molly) It isnt that often really, my love
(Morgan) seems to be
(Molly) I am fine, you needn't worry
* Morgan watches her
* Molly watches him
(Molly) What is it?
(Morgan) I am worried that hurting yourself is becoming a need for you
* Molly frowns "It isn't. "
* Morgan watches her solemnly for a moment
(Morgan) alright
* Molly nods, getting back up and looking for stockings
(Molly) Will you be back before your watch?
(Morgan) I imagine so
* Molly comes to kiss his cheek, stockings in hand "til later then"
(Morgan) aye love
* Morgan heads out and up on deck
** You're now known as HH
* HH is sat in the rigging already
(HH) Time dya call this?
* Morgan climbs up into the rigging
(HH) **It's already past first light, dawn well on its way** Expected y' ages ago
(Morgan) aye, well
* HH watches him
(HH) Bad night?
(Morgan) on and off
(HH) Wanna talk 'bout it?
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) Molly met Seb... instant attraction...
* HH nods
(HH) Sounds hard
(Morgan) extremely
(HH) What 'appened then?
(Morgan) she wouldn't give me an answer when I was asking her what was going on.... and then I woke up
* HH pats his arm
(HH) Tough night then
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) seems she's had a bad one as well, had to use some of her talent...
* HH sighs
(HH) Hurt herself again?
* Morgan nods, scowling
(HH) Not good
(Morgan) No, I know
(HH) Spoken to 'er?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she assures me it was that she felt like she didn't have control of the magic...
(HH) Look, if y' need, she can come and hack  me up and heal me a bit. Better than her doin' this.
(Morgan) I'm going to tell her she needs to do it to me...
* HH nods
(HH) I would too
* Morgan nods
(HH) Think she'll do it?
(Morgan) I hope so
* HH nods
(HH) Never guess what Claudia saw las' nught
(HH) Night?
(Morgan) what?
(HH) Aurora
(Morgan) This low?
* HH nods
(HH) 'Bout three or so. Bit gutted.
(Morgan) I'm not surprised
(Morgan) I'd have loved to have seen that
(HH) Y' never seen one? **The only one he has seen was in a dream where he was  18 and on watch in a snowy camp, his dream visitor making it in the sky*
* Morgan shakes his head
(HH) Mebbie one day. Head up to Vesten, or Innismore
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) maybe
(HH) *He watches the horizon as the sun comes up** Inga says she told y' Rosie's Da invited us tonight an' tomorrow night
(Morgan) Molly tells me you arranged for us to stay there...
* HH nods "They got plenty o' space, we'll be well fed
(Morgan) I see
(HH) That a problem?
* Morgan grinds his teeth
(Morgan) Given my apprehension, what do you think?
(HH) She wouldn't leave y', man. Molly worships you.
* Morgan watches the horizon
* HH watches his best friend
(HH) You know that, right?
(Morgan) maybe
(HH) Fuckin' hell man, not like you t' be insecure
* Morgan shrugs slightly
(HH) You don' need to worry, man, that lassie is 'ead over heels for you
(Morgan) For now
(HH) She's young an' flighty?
(Morgan) had warnings before in my dreams
(HH) 'Er being attracted to him and her leaving you is a bit diff'rent
* Morgan shrugs
(HH) She loves _you_.
(Morgan) and I'm sure she still will, but... as much? Enough?
(HH) Course she will. She's your girl.
* Morgan shrugs
(HH) **Sorgi comes up on deck, calling ten minutes til forenoon and to get prepared to move off**
(HH) You on?
(Morgan) Haven't been asked. Best go find out I suppose
(HH) Might wanna put yer scarf on so noone sees that whackin' great bruise on yer neck
* Morgan pulls one from his pocket, wrapping it round his neck before dropping down out of the rigging to go speak to Sorgi
** You're now known as Sorgi
* Sorgi is talking to Koen
* Morgan waits for him to finish
* Sorgi does, looking to Morgan "good morning, m'lord"
(Morgan) captain... I was wondering what you have planned for me today
(Sorgi) You're in the nest, unless you need to swap off?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) do I have time to speak to Molly?
* Sorgi nods "be back in ten please"
(Morgan) aye cap'n
* Morgan heads below deck
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly and Inga are sat together on the window seat giggling and drinking coffee
* Molly bites her lip, blushing
(Molly) Ah, liebes herz, I wasn't expecting you
(Molly) **Inga smiles** Good morning, Morgan. You're wearing the scarf we all knit for your birthday
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) going to be up in the nest for the watch
* Molly nods "Alright, my love"
(Molly) [Is something wrong? Normally you would tell me like this]
* Morgan watches her for a moment before nodding
(Morgan) I'll see you in a few hours
(Molly) [Do you need me to walk up with you?]
(Morgan) [please]
(Molly) Inga, could you check Varick is dressing? I'll be back soon
(Molly) **Inga goes in to Varick, and Molly comes to Morgan** what's the matter, my love?
* Molly walks through the corridor with him
(Morgan) I don't want you hurting yourself anymore... you seem to be relying on it too much
(Molly) I have tried to wait for it to stop and things, but it doesn't work well
(Morgan) so wake me and use it on me
* Molly shakes her head "I do not wish that. You would not wish to do so to me were that the only way your lack of control can discharge"
(Morgan) No, but if you hurt yourself too badly and pass out, you can't heal yourself... 
(Molly) That would not happen. I do it lightly but many times to prevent that
(Morgan) please, Molly
* Molly frowns slightly "It is a command?"
(Morgan) if needs be
(Molly) It either is or it isn't. I have strong objections.
* Morgan turns to her
* Molly watches him right back
(Morgan) I have known people cope with stress, find release in hurting themselves. I am concerned that is where you are headed
* Molly shakes her head
(Molly) That is not how I cope with stress or get relief from my feelings.
(Morgan) You will not do as I ask?
(Molly) I will do as you command.
(Morgan) but not if I ask it...
* Molly looks unhappy about it "I will, but I have reservations, especially after my dream where you asked me to do such then were cross with me about it."
(Morgan) That is different
(Molly) That is not that different to me.
(Morgan) its entirely different. 
* Molly folds her arms "You are asking that I hurt the person I love above all others."
(Morgan) For your and everyones safety, not for... fun...
(Molly) But it isn't for _your_ safety.
(Morgan) My safety of mind...
(Molly) I fail to see how that is at risk as we are.
(Morgan) I've already told you
(Molly) **The bell rings for the watch**
* Molly looks towards the stairs
(Molly) I will do what you wish.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) we will discuss it later
* Molly nods
(Molly) I will be here
* Morgan nods, kissing her cheek before heading onto deck
(Molly) **Up there is cold and cloudy, but he can see the Eisen coast getting clearer. It reminds him of the final stretch from Zweibrucke to Johstadt, a day before he was about to discover the War was over. The cat joins him  ten minutes later and the four hours passes smoothly, moving diagonally across the channel to run closer to the Eisen coast. He sees many ships around  but nothing of much interest. It gives him plenty of time to brood on all the dreams and the upcoming stay with the Rosenkrantz family**
(Molly) **At midday the bell is rung to change watches, and  down on deck he finds Claudia giving instructions**
** You're now known as Claudia
* Morgan watches her for a moment
* Claudia inclines her head, beckoning him over
* Morgan goes over
(Claudia) Nearly came to knock for you last night
(Morgan) I heard you saw the aurora
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) On the north east horizon. Pretty.
(Morgan) I'm jealous
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Next time I'll get you
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'd appreciate that
(Claudia) See it a lot in the far north of Vesten. Hannalore had seen it five or six times as a child
(Morgan) I've never seen it
(Claudia) Me either til that
* Claudia gives some more orders,  then moves to the prow "How was your night?"
(Morgan) shit
* Claudia holds out her flask to him
* Morgan takes it, taking a good mouthful
* Claudia leaves him with it
(Claudia) Bad as that?
(Morgan) a combination of things really
(Claudia) Flashbacks again?
(Morgan) No... no
* Claudia nods, just waiting to see if he is going to expand on it
(Morgan) dreamed Molly met Sebastien... the attraction was fucking visceral. 
* Claudia nods a little
(Claudia) For you, that would be a big problem
(Morgan) what do you mean, for me?
(Claudia) For me, that isn't as big a problem
* Morgan nods slightly
(Morgan) she had another nightmare and ended up cutting herself with her magic
(Claudia) Why?
(Morgan) You know how I have to use it to regain control of it?
* Claudia nods "I get it. Happening a lot?"
(Morgan) more regularly than I'd like
(Claudia) Cuts and heals?
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Being healed feels good, maybe it helps her calm if she's upset
(Morgan) the healing part isn't the issue...
(Claudia) She can't heal if there's nothing wrong?
(Morgan) No.. You think I'm overreacting?
(Claudia) No, I can see why you'd want to protect her from harm and pain. Yes, because you should trust her judgement
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) how's my judgement when I hit that point?
(Claudia) Alright, point taken
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) What are you going to do about it?
(Morgan) Tell her if she needs to do it, to expend some of the magic, she is to wake me and do it to me
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Makes sense
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) she won't like it
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Noone likes being told what to do
* Morgan mutters
(Morgan) Isiah Fischler seems to
(Claudia) Just what we want in an Eisenfurst.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) You've picked a strong-willed woman. Great when what she wants aligns with what you want, but when it doesnt...
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
(Claudia) Still want me staying with the ship, or need me on your trip into enemy territory?
(Morgan) Come with us I think
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Incase you lose your rag, or so you have someone to talk to who isn't attached to Rosie?
(Morgan) yes
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Should be there around five, we've made good time
(Morgan) wonderful
* Claudia looks at him
(Claudia) Rather do Quatre Bras again?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) frankly, yes
(Claudia) Fucking hell. Does it really matter if they're attracted, providing nothing happens?
(Morgan) If it were anyone else, probably not
(Claudia) But because of the dream stuff...?
(Morgan) I suppose
(Claudia) I don't remember him being anything special
(Morgan) nor am I
* Claudia rolls her eyes
(Claudia) Think I'd have stuck around if that was true? Think I'd have come with you back to Sudlachenburg after the war, forgiven you for fucking off, and then traipsed around the world with you?
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) you think I'm special?
(Claudia) No, I love and confide in absolutely everyone, I'm well-known for it(!)
* Morgan looks surprised before looking at the floor
(Claudia) You're blind as shit sometimes though
* Morgan shrugs
(Claudia) I don't think you need to feel inferior to him. And to be honest, if she was  willing to cheat or to leave, you should let her go. You've got high standards, make sure she meets them.
(Morgan) Its... frightening. I was certain I'd never feel like that about someone again... 
(Claudia) And you did
* Morgan sighs
(Claudia) So what's your point? That she might fall for him like you fell for her or Dietlinde?
* Morgan nods
* Claudia shrugs "Possible, I suppose"
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Wouldn't make any difference though, really
(Morgan) no?
(Claudia) Still love Dietlinde, don't you? Didn't stop loving her the moment you fell in love with Molly.
(Morgan) no, that is true
(Claudia) There you go then. Even if she falls in love with him, not that I believe that's possible spending two days with someone, she's still going to love you just like you still love Dietlinde
* Morgan takes another drink before handing her the flask
(Claudia) Molly is with you now. She isn't with Rosie. And for all her strong-will and stubbornness, I don't see her breaking up your marriage and family to chase someone who she barely knows.
(Morgan) maybe
* Claudia does it up and puts it away
(Claudia) You either dont trust her, don't value yourself enough, or think they are going to have whatever made you lose your head over Dietlinde.
(Morgan) its not the first
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) Whatever you and Molly have, it's been enough for her to break an engagement, become a mistress, accept you with all your baggage, leave her whole life behind in Avalon to set up a life with you in the one place in the world it was probably hardest to do so, stay after a beating from Sascha, all of Alarice's shit, giving up her citizenship. If anyone's losing their head over anyone is all this, it's her over you.
(Claudia) In all this*
* Morgan nods slightly
(Morgan) I hope you're right
(Claudia) She'd have to be mad to go through all that crap just to be running off smitten and lusting badly for a guy who has more ass jokes than Heinzharold
(Morgan) or they're meant to be together
* Claudia watches him "Only possible if you and she aren't meant to, assuming you even believe in soul mates horseshit"
* Morgan looks at the horizon
(Morgan) I suppose we'll find out
(Claudia) You're going to use this as some sort of yardstick?
(Morgan) I don't get what you mean
(Claudia) If she's attracted to him, obviously you and she aren't meant to be
* Morgan rubs at his forehead
(Morgan) thats how you think I'll see it?
(Claudia) Will you?
(Morgan) I suppose it depends on the strength of it
(Claudia) That's really fucking stupid.
(Morgan) If its that visceral, there may be no denying it, which makes it fairly obvious
(Claudia) No, it makes it obvious that they're attracted. Maybe it's because you're a bit inexperienced,  but that happens to lots of people who arent even suited to being together
* Morgan shrugs
(Claudia) The idea that he might be the right person for her implies there's only one right person, yet you're living a life where you've had two women that we're both perfect for you at the time you were with them. Makes me wonder that if you believe that maybe you're questioning for yourself where _you_ are meant to be.
* Morgan speaks quietly
(Morgan) I will do what I will do
(Claudia) What the fuck are you on about?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) nothing, doesn't matter. I'm just worried about losing her
(Claudia) She knows that?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) it wasn't quite as bad until this morning
(Claudia) After the dream?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I've had any number of dreams where they're together... but last night, she was with me, and when she saw him... it broke my heart
* Claudia watches him
(Claudia) You really are as deep in the hole romantically speaking as last time...
(Morgan) I suppose so
(Claudia) Huh. You planning to brood on it all afternoon?
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) whats the huh for?
(Claudia) Surprising, really. You basically put your whole birthright, all your family, everything you'd ever known on the line to marry Dietlinde. And now you have put your heart on the line after piecing it back together again. I'm impressed by your bravery and possible recklessness.
(Morgan) wasn't really a choice
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) So are you going to brood?
(Morgan) Got other things to think about
(Claudia) Like?
(Morgan) Smoothing things with Molly about using her magic for a start
(Claudia) Want some advice? Admittedly it's coming from someone who doesn't have two proper relationships to rub together...
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Go and spend the afternoon with her as if it was the last afternoon you were going to get with her
* Morgan looks pained before nodding
* Claudia nods "don't argue with her about the magic crap. Tell her it's important and thank her for following your wishes. Treat it like she's doing something that makes you feel loved"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
(Claudia) If you tell Heinzharold I've given you any insights from the mind of a female, I'll never live it down, so don't.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Go on then. I'm on watch til four, I'll be getting my kit together after that, incase you feel the need to rant about him to a sympathetic ear
* Morgan nods, grasping her arm briefly before heading off below deck
** You are now disconnected