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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Wednesday, 16 February 2022 12:23:15 Greenwich Mean Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Molly) **They get back to the others. HH and Claudia are both sizing up Morgan's expression**
(Molly) V: I ate octopus!
(Morgan) did you?
(Molly) V: *he nods** it was yuck
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that doesn't surprise me
(Molly) HH: $got a minute?$
* Morgan nods
(Molly) HH: Gonna try it? Better than... *he looks nauseated a moment* ... chicken porridge
(Morgan) May as well
(Molly) ** they wander in that direction, HH going slow to catch Morgan aside**
** You're now known as HH
(HH) How you doin',  man?
(Morgan) 'm alright
(HH) How come Rosie thinks you an' Molly aren't a love match?
(Morgan) I beg your pardon?
(HH) I know why he thinks it, but did y' give him that impression on purpose?
(Morgan) I don't know what you're talking about
(HH) Rosie thinks you're not a love match
(Morgan) yes you said that... why?
(HH) 'Pparently you were talking last night about being married before, how y' were in love, how it wasn't a match of standing
(Morgan) well, it wasn't, was it
(HH) Yeah. But then y' said about being friends with Molly, her helping you heal, and how you'd ended up where you are.
(Morgan) which happens to be the truth
(HH) Yeah, but y' see the difference in how y' talked about them?
* Morgan rolls his eyes
* HH shrugs "I haven' corrected it, just in case y'were doing it on purpose"
(Morgan) No, he asked, I answered
* HH nods "what y' want me to do about it?"
* Morgan rolls his shoulders
(Morgan) put  him straight, don't, whichever. I'm not putting you between us
(HH) 'Ardly putting me between you. I'll sort it, before it gets mixed up and back t' Molly
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I don't think she'd be too concerned with it
(Morgan) do me a favour... he's more likely to tell you... ask him if he has any weird dreams or nightmares, proper out of the ordinary
* HH nods, smirking "got yer kiss then?"
(Morgan) could say that
(HH) HH: glad you two are doin' better
* Morgan nods
(HH) **He gets given some fried octopus at the stall ((whether he likes it is your call)). Varick watches him expectantly. Molly is busy talking with Inga quietly**
* Morgan chews it for a while
(Morgan) its... it just doesn't go away
(HH) C: Like Heinzharold.
* Morgan snorts before coughing
(Morgan) ah, you're trying to kill me... I see...
(HH) C: *she snorts * you'd be long dead if I was
(Morgan) if that thought makes you feel better, you cling on to it
(HH) **people mill around them, noone seeming extra deferential given their titles. It's as if they are just more common folks**
* Morgan finally swallows the meat
(HH) V: It's yuck, isnt it?
(Morgan) seasoned right that could be nice, apart from the fact you've got to chew it for a week
(HH) **Molly and Inga are giggling**
* Morgan looks around trying to spot Seb
* HH watches his wife, smiling. Seb is hard to spot, but he's nowhere near
* Morgan looks at Claudia
(Morgan) watch Varick for a minute, I need to speak to someone
(HH) **The stalls where the cakes with the fish tokens are being given out are heaving with people, one set for women, one for men. HH excuses him and Inga to go, and over at the tables he can see the Rosenkrantzs all there too.
(HH) **Claudia nods, standing with Varick*
* Morgan makes a beeline for Seb
** You're now known as Seb
* Seb is stood patiently listening to two old women talking his ear off
* Morgan walks up and stands beside him, looking at the two women
(Morgan) ladies, would you excuse us? Matters of state to discuss...
* Seb inclines his head to Morgan briefly in acknowledgment before his full attention is on the women "Frau Fielder, I will pass that on to my Father, I am sure he will get to you as soon as he can. Frau Mensch, of course I will be back for Memorial Day, your son and all our comrades will be honoured as we usually do. I will say an extra prayer for him tonight. If you'll excuse me"
(Seb) **The women look happy, moving away**
(Seb) My apologies
(Morgan) for?
(Seb) You not having my full attention, which you now have
* Morgan waves it away
(Morgan) it never does to ignore your people
* Seb nods. "What can I do for you?"
(Morgan) You told HeinzHarold you do not believe Molly and I to be a... love match I believe was the term...
(Seb) That was the impression I got. If I have misread it, I apologise.
(Morgan) what prompted you to say that to him?
(Seb) I was discussing our interesting discussion last night, and my curiosity was peaked
(Morgan) I see... so there was no intent to cause issues?
* Seb 's micro-expression shows he is a little offended, but his general expression is simply serious
(Seb) Absolutely not
* Morgan nods slowly
(Morgan) Then your apology is not needed, but mine is... firstly, for offending you and lastly for giving you the impression that Molly and I are not utterly committed to eachother. That was not my intent.
(Seb) *he nods* I have no wish to cause any issues. You are our guests, and Molly is dear to my family. She has long been something of an enigma.
(Morgan) oh?
(Seb) They wondered whether she had survived, and how her family could be so unfeeling.
(Morgan) things have changed in that respect... they were concerned with their own reputation and gossip, though it is mostly resolved now
* Seb nods
(Seb) There was talk of bringing her to Insel, but they deemed it too risky
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I am glad that did not come to pass
* Seb nods
(Seb) I hope you were able to sleep again for the remainder of the night
(Morgan) More nightmares unfortunately
* Seb nods "Perhaps tonight will be better"
(Morgan) Maybe, but I'm not hopeful. I'm fairly used to it
* Seb nods "I am sure your wife must be a welcome comfort"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I wouldn't be here if it weren't for her
* Seb nods "I can understand the importance of finding a purpose after tragedy"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'll not keep you from the celebrations any longer, I just wished to clear that up
* Seb inclines his head "I hope you are enjoying the Fish Festival?"
(Morgan) I had some octopus... takes a lot of chewing, doesn't it
* Seb nods
(Seb) We use it for toddlers cutting teeth
(Morgan) I'll have to remember that
* Seb nods, smiling "You are welcome to bring your children here and try it"
* Morgan nods, looking for the old women Seb was talking to when he approached
(Seb) **They are busy gossiping
(Morgan) I think I will... I also think I'm going to thank those ladies for being so accommodating. 
* Seb nods, getting drawn away by a young man who looks like a farmer
* Morgan heads back over to the women
(Seb) **they watch his approach
(Morgan) Frau Fielder, Frau Mensch, I just wished to express my gratitude for your understanding my whisking Herr Rosenkrantz away
(Seb) **They both nod** F: You're welcome. He's such a nice boy is that Sebastian
(Morgan) I must admit, they do seem the most pleasant of families, particularly given their position, and safe to say I know more than my share of Freiarr's and whatnot
(Seb) M: We've been lucky here in Insel. I even remember back to Conrad Rosenkrantz  and his wife Etelka, back when I was a child. That's Sebastian's great-grandparents
(Morgan) I wonder if you might help me with something, actually... I read something about a noblewoman daughter who wanted to run away...
(Seb) F: *she shakes her head* Not that I remember. Rosenkrantzs don't make many daughters.
(Morgan) not one of the Vaticine Freiarrs children perhaps?
(Seb) M: That's going back a long time. Sebastian's grandparents, Diemarr and Romily, converted, they only had the three boys Bartholomew, Leopold and Joseff. Afore that, that's Conrad and Etelka, they only had Diemarr, and a few that died afore they were out of leading strings. Going back before that, Conrad was one of four boys. And afore them, you'd have to ask his Lordship
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I will do when we get together later, once I've put my favourite Freiarr to bed
(Seb) **Molly, Varick and Claudia are headed their way, Varick on Molly's hip**
(Seb) **They look confused by this**
(Morgan) my son...
(Seb) M: Your son is a Freiarr?!
(Morgan) would you care to meet him? 
(Seb) **They nod**
* Morgan looks to see how far away they are
(Seb) **They're close now**
** You're now known as Molly
(Morgan) Frau Mensch, Frau Fielder, this is my son, Freiarr Koln, Varick. Varick, these are some new friends I've made
(Molly) **Varick is very polite, and they fuss and coo over him where he is perched on Molly's hip. Molly glances at Morgan with a smile**
(Morgan) and of course, my wife, Duchess Molly Koertig
(Molly) **They look surprised by this title, curtseying and Your Excellency-ing. He can see in Molly's micro-expression a hint of discomfort** M: I am pleased to meet you both. Your homeland is beautiful.
* Morgan makes a ssshhh noise, glancing round
(Morgan) we're incognito, so keep it to yourselves...
(Molly) **They looks pleased, but it's almost certain that this will become weeks of gossip in a few days time**
(Molly) M: You must have been a very young bride to have a laddy of his size already!
(Molly) V: I'm adopted. That means I was already born and they picked me, not just waiting to see what child they got.
* Molly kisses Varick's crown, smiling at Morgan
(Molly) F: What a lucky young man you are!
(Molly) V: *he nods*
* Molly is very polite, obviously interested in what they are saying. She asks questions about them, their families, the history of the fish festival. Once it is time to move away, he hears the old ladies' gossip restarts "Now that is the sort of young lady I think our Sebastian  would be suited to"
* Morgan speaks quietly
(Morgan) hear that?
(Molly) No?
* Morgan repeats it
(Morgan) The family has a lot of respect doesn't it
* Molly nods "People here are happy, despite Doctor Rosenkrantz not being intended to be the Freiarr "
* Morgan nods
* Molly glances at him a moment, then smiles. Varick looks over her shoulder "Heinzharold has his cake"
(Molly) **They find a space that's not too crowded**
(Morgan) Wonder if it tastes like fish
(Morgan) [whats wrong?]
(Molly) [Nothing, my love]
(Molly) V: fish cake. Yuck.
(Morgan) [Those women are going to be absolutely awful in a few days, chatted with a duchess, asked us to keep it quiet...]
(Molly) [They will be the centre of attention, I'm sure]
(Molly) V, on Molly's hip: Why aren't you getting a cake, Mama?
(Molly) **she smiles at him** Because the only man I like to kiss is here. What do you think the chance is of him getting the same number as me?
(Molly) V: **He thinks about this, looking at Morgan* One in a thousand?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) one in five hundred
(Molly) V: but there's a thousand tokens
(Morgan) yes... but she's not trying to match against the other 999, just out of five hundred. 
(Molly) V: What if it was you or Heinzharold?
(Morgan) either of us? What do you think?
(Molly) V: That would be twice as many... so two hundred and fifty?
* Morgan nods, smiling
(Morgan) exactly
(Molly) V: Would you kiss Heinzharold, Mama?
(Molly) *she glances at Morgan with amusement* On the cheek, perhaps, like family
(Molly) V: What if he was dying, and he would survive if you kissed him?
* Molly looks perplexed "People don't die from not being kissed" *she glances at Morgan with a hint of mischief*
(Molly) [Though some moments it rather feels like it!]
* Morgan raises an eyebrow 
(Molly) V, with innocent curiosity: Why do people kiss with their mouths open?
* Molly blushes "Uhhh…"
(Morgan) thats a question for uncle HeinzHarold I think 
(Molly) V: He kissed Inga with his mouth open, I saw them
(Molly) [That explains the sudden curiosity]
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Seb accompanies HH and Inga back to them about ten minutes later. HH is grinning**
(Molly) HH, to Morgan: Ne'er guess what?
(Morgan) what?
(Molly) **HH holds up two tokens. Both say 323. This is the numbers Morgan and Inga had in the nightmare last night**
(Morgan) you got to kiss yourself?
(Morgan) Finally, your dream come true...
(Molly) HH: $only possible if y' lose some ribs$  No, I get to kiss the prettiest girl here
(Morgan) Frau Mensch?
(Morgan) [never did have decent eyesight, that one[
(Molly) **HH laughs. S, looking at Molly: Should I fetch you both cakes?
(Molly) **HH, Inga and Claudia are all suddenly watching Morgan**
* Morgan clears his throat
(Morgan) I'm afraid we've already kissed in the waves...
(Molly) **Molly nods, smiling, and easily says "I am one of those wives prone to extreme jealousy,  I am afraid, and I wouldn't do well seeing my husband kiss even the most unpleasant of other women! I must insist you all manage without us"
(Molly) **Seb nods "I have matched with a young woman for a change!"
(Morgan) You must be... relieved?
(Molly) **Seb shrugs** I am happy enough if it brings prosperity for Insel.
(Morgan) of course but... if it brings prosperity _and_ avoids kissing someone old enough to be your grandmother, that is the ideal
* Molly nods "It's preferable"
(Molly) S:*
* Morgan nods
(Molly) At least not your actual grandmother though **this is what she said in the nightmare**
(Morgan) $Maybe I should introduce him to Maubourgs daughter$
(Molly) **HH sniggers**
(Molly) S: Only because she died before I was old enough. No doubt otherwise I'd have ended up having to kiss her in front of all these people! **again, their dialogue is the same**
(Morgan) $Thats what they said in my nightmare, exactly$
* Molly laughs, looking to Morgan "Sounds like Forrester luck!"
* Morgan tilts his head
(Molly) **HH nods a little**
(Morgan) I almost think I should be offended by that... 
* Molly smiles, watching him fondly "But I'm not a Forrester..."
* Morgan sticks his tongue out
(Morgan) semantics
* Molly tilts her head, smiling "Indeed" [Sticking his tongue out could also make a lady imagine the misdeeds a Duke may also be inclined towards...]
(Molly) V: That's rude, Papa!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) aye
* Molly bites her lip, smiling "Yes, it is"
(Molly) **Seb watches the two of them a moment before excusing himself to help with the festivities**
(Morgan) $watching a bit closely there wasn't he$
(Molly) HH $Let's be honest,  man, she does look pretty cute doing that. He's only a man$
(Morgan) $oh, he fancies her$
(Molly) C: $hang on, just because he finds that cute doesn't mean he fancies her!$
(Morgan) $Fairly sure it does. Want a laugh?$
(Molly) HH smirking: $something other than Claudia sounding like she finds that cute?$
(Molly) C, smiling: $fuck you, Heinzharold$
(Morgan) $Ask Molly if she found what she wants to get her hands on$
(Molly) HH: Molly, did you find what you were wanting to get your hands on?
* Molly blushes hard, sucking the centre of her lip. HH and Claudia chuckle
* Molly rallies with a deep breath, and  glances at Morgan "I was going to ask, it was on the tip of my tongue."
* Morgan sniggers
(Molly) HH: What was she wanting to get her hands on, Morgan?
(Molly) C smirks: Yes Morgan, what was it?
(Morgan) _if_ I remember rightly... 
* Molly watches him, smiling fondly
(Molly) If something hasn't come up that has distracted you
(Morgan) $a set of balls$
(Molly) HH: I've got a pair, if she needs some
(Molly) C: *she sniggers, looking away from them*
(Molly) **The town cryer announces it is time for the kissing, and their party gets split up. They watch long enough to see HH and Inga kiss. This does have all the chemistry that he saw in the dream of HH and Dietlinde, and Molly and Seb. Molly smiles at Morgan
(Molly) Cute, aren't they?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) They are
(Molly) **Inga does sneak a second kiss. HH blushes a little at it. Molly  giggles**
(Molly) Good for her!
(Morgan) She's really coming into her own
* Molly speaks quietly "So is he"
(Morgan) hmm?
* Molly shakes her head "I'm not elaborating!"
* Morgan frowns
(Molly) [I was being exceptionally lewd, my love]
(Morgan) [oh, I see
(Molly) **In the sea it is Sebastian's turn to kiss a brunette of about twenty. Molly watches them with her head tilted**
(Morgan) what?
(Molly) Curiosity
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) **Seb kisses the girl quickly, just as Morgan had kissed Inga**
* Molly shrugs, smiling at Morgan "Shall we have a look around?"
(Morgan) what were you curious about?
(Molly) Whether I would feel any jealousy, or discomfort,  or anything at all
* Morgan looks briefly troubled
* Molly takes his hand "I don't"
(Morgan) Would you tell me if you did?
* Molly looks genuinely wounded by this
(Morgan) I know you wish to protect me
(Molly) You said you would want to know.
(Morgan) If you felt anything for him, I didn't think this would be under that 
(Molly) I am prone to jealousy and possessiveness.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) The fact that I feel neither is a good indicator that there is nothing and will be nothing. *she looks serious still*
* Morgan nods
* Molly nods too "The catching will start when this is done, let's look around"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **They wander around the stalls, eating a variety of odd fish dishes, some delicious, some not so. Molly pays attention to which Morgan approves of, then asks for the recipes which she writes in a notebook. The catching starts, it's all quite silly, the adults go first. This involves a lot of men in wet shirts and breeches, shouts about fish sizes and cheering. HH tells them it will be Seb's turn in a moment, and asks if they're coming to watch**
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) I suppose
* Molly looks to Morgan "I want to walk around a little more. I'll find you in a bit"
(Morgan) You don't wish me to come?
* Molly smiles "Do as you wish, my love"
(Molly) [You will not want me seeing him in wet clothing, that is all]
(Morgan) [Your affections lie with me my love, I am more comfortable with that now]
(Molly) [I am glad you understand. Still, it would be more intimate than I am comfortable being with with him]
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) [alright my love]
(Molly) **HH, Inga, Claudia and Varick are heading towards the little pond**
* Morgan kisses her cheek before following them
(Molly) **They get a good spot,  Varick on Morgan's shoulders. Seb does fairly well, and is absolutely soaked when he gets out, even his hair. He finds this humorous. The white shirt makes it easy to see the rest of the awful scar Morgan got a peak of last night. It runs diagonally up from right hip to left shoulder, and is dark red
(Molly) **Seb comes over to HH, shaking like a dog, one of HHs signature moves. HH just laughs**
** You're now known as Seb
(Seb) S: One of my better years
(Morgan) so you've got to catch the smallest fish you can barehanded?
(Seb) It has to be alive too
(Seb) V: That's a big scar, did you get it in the War?
* Seb looks a bit surprised but nods "I did. Packed it with snow to stop the bleeding"
(Seb) ((Attention?))
(Morgan) ((seb))
(Seb) HH sighs: Siege of Erlangen. Lost eight good men that day. Almost nine, including 'im.
* Seb nods "Three wintry days trying to break the siege. We were thrown at it over and over, day and night. Exhausting"
(Seb) C: I'm going to keep an eye on Molly. **she just walks off*
(Seb) V: Then what happened?
(Seb) I think that's a bit gory for a young man. I got hurt, so I was in the field medic tent when the news came bit by bit about my friends. We were defeated and pulled back.
(Seb) HH: Then Claudia and I had a lot to drink, and in the morning we buried our friends, packed up and moved on. Well, I did, b'cause someone was busy being looked after by the pretty medic girls still
* Seb smiles "They were pretty, but what's more important was that they were really kind"
(Seb) HH: $one of them was kind to him _a lot_ after he was healed$
(Morgan) $Sounds about right$
(Seb) **HH starts taking off his coat** Right, let's catch a little fishie
(Seb) **HH is a big hit for the crowd  splashing and flailing around theatrically. Seb is laughing, as is Varick**
(Seb) V: why is Heinzharold being silly, Papa?
* Morgan rolls his eyes
(Seb) He's not changed much, it's good to see
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) He's still 12 really
* Seb nods
(Seb) **HH manages to catch a fish, but it's about eight inches long. People still clap him, and he still looks proud of it. Instead of shaking off on Seb, he comes and hugs Inga, who tolerates it**
(Seb) **a little while later, it is the children's turn. Varick has fun with the children before getting soaked in his own turn. His fish is quite small, but not small enough. He doesnt seem to mind, just enjoying the activity.
(Seb) [What's wrong with Claudia?]
(Morgan) [I suspect its a trauma response]
(Morgan) [want me to come talk to her?]
(Seb) [Yes, I think so]
(Morgan) HeinzHarold, would you watch Varick?
(Seb) **He nods**
** You're now known as Claudia
* Morgan approaches Claudia, circling round so he enters her eyeline
* Claudia and Molly are found sat on a wall, not talking, just watching out to see
(Claudia) M: Has Varick gotten wet yet?
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) M: I'll get him dried then
(Morgan) alright blossom
(Claudia) **Molly leaves them to it**
* Morgan sits down beside Claudia
* Claudia looks distracted as well as pissed off
(Morgan) I'm here for you
(Claudia) They weren't good men. They were fucking rapists and deserved to die.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) You know he wouldn't think that if he knew
* Claudia shrugs
(Claudia) Hearing it is bad enough
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) He wouldn't say it, either
* Claudia just nods
* Morgan leans against her slightly
(Morgan) what do you need of me?
* Claudia leans away
(Claudia) Not that. Sorry.
(Morgan) You never need to apologise for this. 
(Claudia) **It's starting to get colder** Didn't know Heinzharold well by then. Liked him though. Probably three weeks after I'd told him if he ever tried it on with me the only mouth his cock would ever end up in was his own.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Didn't really know Rosie. Heinzharold and a few others made an effort to talk to me, but I was a loner then. Same as usual.
(Claudia) Writing was on the wall by the second day of us trying to take down Erlangen *she shudders just saying the name* Made men stupid, frustrated.
(Morgan) Thats no excuse
(Claudia) I know. Commanders were throwing anyone who wasn't patching themselves up in wave after wave. It wasn't fluke that the eight of them all claimed to be too injured for a raid around three. Meant the camp was virtually empty, aside from the followers of the drum who were asleep, and a handful of sentries.
(Morgan) Rosie didn't...
* Claudia shakes her head "We wouldn't be here if he had. Him and Heinzharold were going on with that nonsense where Heinzharold keeps talking so he doesn't faint, so the pair of them went out again for the attack on the fortifications**
** You are now disconnected

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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Wednesday, 16 February 2022 17:57:59 Greenwich Mean Time
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** You have joined #7thsea
(Claudia) [17:39] * Claudia shakes her head "We wouldn't be here if he had. Him and Heinzharold were going on with that nonsense where Heinzharold keeps talking so he doesn't faint, so the pair of them went out again for the attack on the fortifications**
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) By the time the ones sent to the front fell back, it was over. By the time it was dark again, all eight were dead.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) You ever been in a situation where your mind just goes far away?
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) That's what I did. Go away, save my energy, wait.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Six of them, they'd have been dead before they got started, but eight? Too many, even for me.
* Morgan nods
(Claudia) Heinzharold cried a lot that night
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm not surprised
(Claudia) Maybe I should never tell him
(Morgan) That is of course your choice
(Claudia) It's not going to help me, and it's gonna hurt him a lot
(Morgan) Yes... doesn't mean he shouldn't know
* Claudia shrugs "what's the point?"
(Morgan) I think long term it'll help
(Claudia) I don't know.
(Claudia) It helps you, telling people?
(Morgan) It helps them understand why I am the way I am... but knowing HeinzHarold, keeping it from him will hurt him more
(Claudia) It's a hard thing to hear
(Morgan) What, my telling people?
(Claudia) No, what I've just told you
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes, it is
(Claudia) You're tougher than him
(Morgan) I think you underestimate him
(Claudia) If it helps, this is the one Sorgi found it hardest to hear
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that doesn't really surprise me
* Claudia watches the sea again
(Claudia) Should have seen it coming.
(Morgan) No... you carry no blame in this
(Claudia) Easy to say
(Morgan) Its utterly true
* Claudia just shrugs
(Morgan) I hope one day you'll see that
* Claudia nods
(Claudia) I know.
(Claudia) You need me in the next few hours?
(Morgan) We'll manage. Do what you need to
* Claudia gets off the wall. "I'll be back later"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) We love you, you know that?
* Claudia nods "I know"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) be safe
(Claudia) **Claudia nods, going off, leaving Morgan sat alone on the wall away from the festivities**
* Morgan sits on the wall for a few minutes before heading back to the others
(Claudia) **When the contest is finished and some unknown villagers has won, the musicians start to play in the square. There is dancing, fast and not noble. There's also a large buffet. HH made the unusual choice for him, dancing rather than eating. Varick, however, gets stuck in to the food. Lamps are lit all around now as the dusk settles in. It's pretty and lively.
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly is stood with him, holding a plate for them to share
(Molly) How are you, my love?
* Morgan scowls briefly
(Morgan) I'll be alright blossom
(Molly) Can I help at all?
* Morgan shakes his head, smiling slightly
* Molly nods, watching as Seb cuts in to dance with Inga
(Molly) It has been a reasonably good day
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I've had worse, certainly
(Molly) Some of it was wonderful
(Molly) **HH is dancing with Ilena whilst Seb and Inga dance. They all seem to be having fun**
(Morgan) some of it?
(Molly) The boathouse was interesting...
(Morgan) interesting...
(Molly) Mmmhmm *she glances at him* I was certainly engaged by it
(Morgan) I noticed that
* Molly nods. The song ends, and Seb comes towards them. Molly is too busy watching Morgan fondly to notice
(Morgan) incoming...
* Molly looks [oh dear]
(Molly) **Seb bows: My lady, would you like to dance?
(Molly) Oh, I...uhh... [what should I do?!]
(Morgan) [If you wish to blossom]
* Molly nods a little "Yes, thank you" **he offers her his arm, and she takes it**
(Molly) V: *he watches them go to the dance space, making up a set with HH and Inga* why don't you dance, Papa?
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) **Varick yawns. It's definitely dark now**
* Morgan picks the boy up
(Morgan) Once this dance is over, we'll put you to bed
(Molly) V: Okay
* Morgan nods, watching the dance
* Molly 's dance with Seb ends with him bowing and her curtseying appropriately, and soon she's back at Morgan's side. They say goodbye to HH and Inga, who are planning to stay out with the Rosenkrantzs, and get the horses to head back to the manor. With the horses sorted and a sleepy Varick in bed, Molly has gotten them food and drinks, sitting in the nursery parlour
(Molly) So, my love, now what shall we do?
* Morgan shrugs
(Molly) You need not stay, if you wanted to train or poke around, I haven't finished the Lightcliffe book yet
(Morgan) I poked around last night, and I've no-one to train with, so I'll just stay here with you
(Molly) Did you find anything interesting?
(Morgan) No, I cant say I did... Sebastien says there are signed copies of those books by Eckname, but I couldn't find them
* Molly smiles
(Morgan) though I wonder if there's anything on the areas history...
(Molly) Would you like me to have a look?
(Morgan) If you wish
* Molly kisses him softly "It's the best way for me to be useful to you right now"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright my love
(Molly) What were you hoping to know about the area?
(Morgan) I want to know about that young woman we dreamed about
* Molly nods, smiling slightly
(Molly) "Excuse me, might you know anything about a wayward noble woman who was or is left handed and who very greatly enjoyed being taken on a Vaticine altar?"
(Morgan) Not a million miles away from what I asked those women
(Molly) Nothing?
(Morgan) No, they think it was before the Rosenkrantz time
(Molly) Hmmm
(Molly) The church in the painting was in very good condition, which would imply it was more recent...
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I will see what I can do
(Morgan) thank you blossom
* Molly is gone a full hour. When she returns she has the books
(Molly) Noone has any idea, although Leopold's wife Rosaline did remarry a groom who worked here
(Morgan) that could be something
* Molly nods "Thought she is Objectionist and right-handed"
* Morgan frowns
* Molly sits down, handing him the books
(Molly) It's a mystery... I'd have no objection to finishing that dream
(Morgan) I'll bet
* Molly sips her drink
(Molly) Shall we open them?
* Morgan nods, sipping his drink
* Molly does so. Inside the cover, they both say "To the Rosenkrantz family, with love, D xx"
* Molly gets up, walking to the bedroom
(Morgan) with love... interesting
* Molly sits back down with the Lightcliffe book. The inscriptions are in identical handwriting
(Molly) Very.
(Molly) As to what it means... *she sighs*
(Morgan) who the hell knows
(Molly) Someone smarter than I, that's for sure
(Morgan) That'll be no-one then
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I'm touched
(Morgan) I seem to recall so, yes
* Molly slips off her shoes, getting comfortable. "You are good at that"
* Morgan shrugs
* Molly shivers "Shall we read?"
(Morgan) you are cold?
(Molly) No, remembering
(Morgan) ah
* Molly smiles
(Molly) I meant to ask, how did you feel about Seb and I dancing?
(Morgan) haven't decided yet. You?
(Molly) I feel nothing really. I've danced with plenty of men, he is just another. It doesn't compare to  dancing in the ballroom on the Rose with you a few weeks ago
* Morgan nods
* Molly starts reading the book, quickly engrossed
* Morgan starts reading the other ones
(Molly) **it's interesting,  very well written and in depth. These books could be incredibly useful if they were to encounter any of these things**
(Morgan) These aren't bad...
(Molly) **He's a few pages in when Molly lies on the couch with the book, her head on his thigh. He's a few chapters in when she drops the book on the floor as she falls asleep
* Morgan smiles faintly at her, stroking her hair as he reads
* Molly doesn't wake, but she smiles slightly
(Molly) **By the time the clock strikes ten, there's no sign of Claudia, or HH or Inga
* Morgan sighs, starting to become concerned
(Molly) **It's eleven when she turns up. She gestures $I'm okay, go to bed$
(Morgan) $This book is rather good$
(Molly) $What is it?$
* Morgan shows her
(Molly) **Claudia nods** $I'm going to try and sleep. You should too$
* Morgan nods
(Molly) **Claudia goes to her room
* Morgan rouses Molly gently
* Molly is all slow and sleepy. She goes in and undresses, and gets sorted for bed. After telling him she loves him, she curls up behind him, her body warm against his, and sings a few bars of Kosk Yn Ta before she is fast asleep
(Molly) **He falls asleep surprisingly easily, into the Star Girl thread. Adalbrecht and Verity had arrived at the chapel and he had had no chance to try to speak to Dietlinde, not that he had any clue what he would say to explain what had happened.
(Molly) **The day of Prophet's Mass and Boxing Day had been busy because Edward had returned later that night, and for the first time in years they had all celebrated together, noone away at War.
(Molly) ** Claudia had remained with them, and Heinzharold had dodged his family as much as he could. The last few days of dreadful weather meant HH has just returned soaked from a guilt-trip-ensured breakfast in the village on the twenty-seventh. Morgan has been constantly wanted for company by his family, he hasn't had chance to go to find Dietlinde at all.
(Molly) **When HH has his dry clothes on,  the three of them have settled to spar in the stateroom with strong coffee and cake, Verity insisting on spoiling them and fussing over them, which Heinzharold has lapped up and Claudia has been as wary of as a wild cat taken into a home. They'd invited Edward to join in, but he had claimed he had urgent correspondence to deal with.If Adalbrecht has received any letters from the Star Girl, he has not mentioned them.**
* Molly thrusts a short sword at Morgan's abdomen about twenty minutes in to their practicing
** You're now known as HH
(HH) ((Done))
* Morgan spins out of the way, slapping HeinzHarolds forearm
* HH grins, charging him
(HH) **Claudia watches them, drinking coffee**
* Morgan drops low before shoving upwards to drive HeinzHarold over the top of him
* HH hits the floor with an "ooof". Claudia laughs
(HH) Bloody 'ell. Need a break now **he gets up and sits on a table**
** You are now disconnected

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Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Wednesday, 16 February 2022 20:35:17 Greenwich Mean Time
------------------------------

** You have joined #7thsea
(HH) [20:20] (HH) Bloody 'ell. Need a break now **he gets up and sits on a table**
* Morgan goes to take a mouthful of his coffee
(HH) Guess who I saw this mornin' on my way back?
* Morgan shrugs
(HH) Dietlinde.
(Morgan) oh?
(HH) She said "Please give his Lordship my regards, and tell him I am glad he has returned safely from the fighting"
* Morgan looks guilty
(HH) **Claudia looks at the pair of them** This is the little bird tucked away in Sudlachenburg?
* Morgan nods
(HH) C: sounds complicated.
* Morgan nods
* HH finds his own coffee "When is the Star Girl due?"
(Morgan) Soon, though she was supposed to write to my father
(HH) She hasn' written?
(Morgan) he hasn't mentioned it
(HH) C: *she looks surprised* Sure she's coming?
(Morgan) I was
* HH grins "Hopin' out almighty leader has made sure that's happened already"
(Morgan) shut up
(HH) **Claudia shudders** not a mental image any of us needed!
(HH) HH: Gotta admit, still shocked by it. Ne'er thought you'd be the first of us to go all the way
(Morgan) Nor did I
(Morgan) Figured you'd have found some loving with some cow in a field...
(HH) C: **she just checks her sword for dents**
(HH) Could found plenty o' loving with lots of women, I'm just a good boy
(HH) **Theres a knock at the door**
* Morgan calls for whoever it is to enter
(HH) **Reinhardt the butler comes in** My Lord, the Graf wishes you to join him in his study, there is a guest he wants to make introductions with.
* Morgan nods, heading for the door
(HH) **HH sheaths his sword, grinning at Morgan** who might this be, eh?
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) who nows
(HH) HH: Sounds like our almighty leader might want some comp'ny for the walk, doncha think, Claudia?
(HH) **Claudia nods, also putting away her weapons**
* Morgan groans
* HH and Claudia start following him and Reinhardt
(HH) Hope it's someone good! Mebbie with red hair...
(HH) C: The star girl has red hair?
* Morgan nods
(HH) **HH grins** Oh yeah, very. Tried to give 'er some chat in Johstadt, turns out she liked 'im better!
(HH) *Claudia shrugs* At least he's quieter, so I can't blame her
(HH) **Reinhardt says nothing, pretending he cant hear the banter**
(Morgan) Be a dear, HeinzHarold, and shut up
(HH) **they go on with their nonsense as long as Morgan lets them walk with him**
(HH) ((How nearby does he ditch them?))
(Morgan) ((a decent distance))
* HH and Claudia sulk a bit, but don't follow
(HH) **Reinhardt shows him in when they get there. Inside, Adalbrecht and the Star Girl rise from the desk. She watches him with a polite smile, but the micro-expression of excitement and attraction is revealed to him. She looks a little different than he has seen her, her pink satin day dress and well-coiffed hair is precisely right for this situation, and she does look lovely.
(HH) ** But it is very different to seeing her in a basic Eisen common dress in Johstadt, in a skimpy orange leotard with Phoenix feathers on stage, or completely naked and reclining on navy satin sheets in her bed in Einsbaden. The images of her in these scenarios pop into his mind**
** You're now known as Molly
(Molly) **Adalbrecht looks quite proud and cheerful to be introducing a young woman who he has no idea is a spy, opera singer, and who took his eldest son-and-heir's virginity on a chaise about a fortnight ago.
(Molly) Ad: Ah Morgan, good morning. My Lady, this is my son, Lieutenant the Veisgraf Morgan Koertig von Sudlachenburg. Morgan, this is Lady Molly Rosenkrantz von Insel, youngest daughter of Freiarr Insel.
* Morgan bows his head
(Morgan) Insel... right on the coast?
* Molly curtsies deeply, again with perfect etiquette to their respective stations, and a warm smile "My Lord, I am honoured to make your acquaintance"
(Molly) It is indeed, an island on the north coast
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) A pleasure to meet you...
* Molly smiles "The pleasure  is all mine, I assure you"
(Molly) Adalbrecht is completely blind to the innuendo: Lady Rosenkrantz is looking for property to rent in the area. I have written to Alarice, and I think she and Karsten might consider letting out the manor house at Innesbruck now Jarvinia and her governess have moved to the Dower House. Until Lady Rosenkrantz is settled, she will have our hospitality.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) yes my lord
(Molly) Ad: Would you like to give Lady Rosenkrantz a tour of the house? She is apparently musically talented, so the music room might be of interest?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) as you wish... 
(Molly) **Adalbrecht dismisses them
* Morgan opens the door, holding it open for her
* Molly goes out into the corridor with him, and with a brief smile to the butler before a longer one at Morgan "Shall we, my Lord?"
* Morgan nods, leading the way
* Molly squeezes his arm, waiting until they are definitely alone before speaking quietly "I have missed you dreadfully"
(Morgan) is there a reason we were not meant to know eachother?
(Molly) It seemed simpler than explaining how well we are acquainted
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that makes sense
* Molly nods, smiling "how are you?"
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I am well... you?
(Molly) **his sharp hearing alerts him to the lurking of HH and Claudia in the corridor ahead. To avoid them, he will have to use a longer, quieter route**
(Molly) I am, and far better for seeing you once more
* Morgan changes direction, motioning for her to follow
* Molly does so. The corridor is narrow and very quiet
(Morgan) my friends are lurking the other way, hoping to get a look at you
(Molly) Your friends know of me?
(Morgan) a little... you've met one of them
* Molly smiles "Heinzharold"
* Morgan nods
(Molly) I saw a shooting star whilst I travelled
(Morgan) oh?
(Molly) **she smiles* I wished the same as before, that I could kiss you.
* Morgan glances around
(Morgan) I reckon that could come true
* Molly smiles up at him "Seeing you in there, all I could think of was how wonderfully you kiss, and how much I have craved that these last few weeks"
(Morgan) I am... gladdened to hear that. I have thought of you endlessly
* Molly smiles warmly, pushing him gently against the wall "I have thought of you relentlessly, on lonely nights, and travelling so many miles in a carriage..."
* Morgan nods, smiling
* Molly does move to kiss him, softly at first
* Morgan returns her kiss
* Molly escalates the intensity, full of desire and need, and is soon grinding against him.
* Morgan matches her intensity
(Molly) **He hears his Father's voice** Morgan!
* Molly takes a step back
* Morgan straights his clothes
(Molly) **Heinzharold, with his excellent impersonation, and Claudia crack up**
* Morgan rolls his eyes
* Molly glances at Morgan "that rather gave me a fright!"
(Molly) **HH and Claudia can't get themselves under control **
(Morgan) He'll grow up one day
(Molly) **HH glances at Morgan's crotch** Interrupting something?
(Morgan) that would be precisely none of your business 
(Molly) **He notices his arousal isn't settling any**
(Molly) HH: Want us to go away an' keep a watch? *he chuckles*
* Morgan turns slightly
* Molly glances at Morgan, smiling "Your friend is very forward!"
(Morgan) He was hoping you would be when we first met you...
* Molly smiles "Sadly, my attention was caught elswhere"
(Molly) **Claudia yanks Heinzharold by the arm** come on, let's get out of the way
(Molly) **HH waves** Bye, don't do anything I wouldn't do!
* Morgan sighs, shaking his head
* Molly watches them go, then watches Morgan, moving down the corridor "What is it your friend wouldn't do?"
(Morgan) He'd _claim_ there's nothing he wouldn't do...
(Molly) But that is not true?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) I don't think so, no
(Molly) It will be difficult, I think, being here and being on my best behaviour
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I daresay I will be in the same predicament
* Molly nods, smiling
(Molly) I will do my best to keep my hands off you
(Morgan) much as I dislike the idea, it is probably for the best
* Molly nods
(Molly) Otherwise they will say I am compromised and you will end up wed in weeks!
(Morgan) they?
(Molly) Your parents
* Morgan nods
(Molly) We may need to wait until I have my own house...
* Morgan nods, sighing
* Molly smiles "unless you know of anywhere here that is very private"
(Morgan) several places, but not with HeinzHarold around
(Molly) Then we will have to endure separately a while longer
(Molly) **They reach the music room**
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I suppose so
(Molly) Unless you have another suggestion...? *she wanders over to the piano*
* Morgan shakes his head
* Molly gets settled at the instrument
(Molly) Sit and play with me?
(Morgan) I don't play I'm afraid
* Molly watches him, smiling
(Molly) You mean the piano?
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Sit with me then?
* Morgan nods, sitting beside her
* Molly starts to play, her thigh against his, she doesn't look at the keys, instead watching him with open desire.
(Morgan) This is going to be difficult isn't it
(Molly) When I yearn for you so intensely,  absolutely
* Morgan nods
(Molly) A few weeks, perhaps. Can you handle it? *she smiles, raising an eyebrow*
(Morgan) I shall endeavour to
* Molly smiles "I think perhaps you missed my euphemism"
(Morgan) clearly
* Molly gets a look of mischief, playing with only one hand. The other runs up his inner thigh and over his crotch. "You  can _handle it_?"
* Morgan clears his throat
(Morgan) I suspect so
(Molly) **She smiles, rubbing him** Me too
* Morgan shivers
(Molly) **The dawn watch chimes, and he wakes up. Beside him he can hear Molly making quiet noises of enjoyment at whatever she is dreaming**
* Morgan stretches, easing out of bed
* Molly wakes, mid climax, with a soft moan
* Morgan watches her, smiling slightly
* Molly smiles warmly as it ends "Come back to bed?"
* Morgan nods, getting back in
* Molly is quickly straddling him, not taking him in her yet, but kissing his neck deeply "I want you, liebes herz"
(Morgan) I can tell
(Molly) Is that Yes?
* Morgan nods
* Molly takes him into her, riding him in the way he has shown her before, slamming onto him. She peaks quietly very quickly, continuing to move as he prefers.
(Molly) **Claudia knocks quietly in her familiar pattern just as he hits the point of no return**
* Morgan draws a deep breath
(Morgan) Be there in a second
(Molly) C: Okay. **Molly rhythmically tenses and relaxes her internal muscles around him but stops moving so much so that the bed doesnt creak**
* Morgan spends himself quietly inside her
* Molly smiles [That feels so good]
* Morgan nods
* Molly takes a deep breath, then dismounts from him "Good morning..."
* Morgan climbs back out of bed, pulling his clothes on
(Morgan) you slept well my love?
* Molly nods "Oh yes. I dreamt of you"
* Molly gets cleaned up before pulling on a shift
* Morgan nods, pulling on his shirt
(Morgan) I'm going to speak to Claudia, I'll be back in a bit
(Molly) Alright, my love
** You're now known as Claudia
* Morgan nods, picking up his boots and going to open the door
* Claudia is stood still in the parlour
* Morgan closes the door behind him, sitting down to pull on his boots
(Morgan) whats up?
(Claudia) Did you have Varick stay with Heinzharold and Inga?
(Morgan) No, he slept in his room
(Claudia) He's not there now.
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) Go get HeinzHarold, I'll check the room with the view
* Claudia out of the door of the nursery parlour
(Morgan) [Molly, get dressed quickly, Varick isn't in his room. I'm going to check the room with the view]
(Claudia) [I'll go to the staff]
* Morgan grabs his sword and runs up to the room
(Claudia) **He hears talking on the way to the tower, coming from a bedroom suite**
(Claudia) Seb: Let that be an end to it, Father. Uncle Leo was probably incorrect. Keep the money and title, give Ilena the dowry she deserves.
* Morgan stops, listening
(Claudia) R: He was absolutely certain.
(Claudia) S: It just seems like a wild goose chase. Insel is in good hands with you, and good but reluctant hands with me. That is where it should stay. Ilena should go to court as a Freiarr's daughter. There's no proof of anything.
* Morgan scowls, thumping on the door
(Claudia) R: Enter
* Morgan shoves the door open
** You're now known as Rosenkrantz
(Morgan) We will discuss whatever _this_ is later but now... my son is missing
(Rosenkrantz) **A look passes between them. Both are dressed, and look ready to help**
(Rosenkrantz) Where have you looked?
(Morgan) I'm on my way to the tower room, Molly is going to the staff, Claudia has gone to fetch HeinzHarold to help look
(Rosenkrantz) S: I'll sweep the lower floor. Father, take this one.
* Morgan nods briefly before setting off again
(Rosenkrantz) **They both move out, calling for Varick
(Rosenkrantz) **he's not up there
* Morgan swears, trying to remember if there are more rooms or another floor above
* Morgan runs back down a floor, looking for Rosenkrantz to check on his progress
* Rosenkrantz is going through the guest rooms
(Rosenkrantz) [Liebling, I've found him and he is fine... *she sounds a little hesitant]
(Morgan) [where is he?
(Rosenkrantz) [The library]
(Morgan) [I'm on my way]
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly is stood in the library, barefoot, still in the her shift and dressing gown, her hair completely down. Seb is stood with her and Varick. She looks a little shifty. Seb seems to be purposefully avoiding looking in her direction
* Morgan looks at him
(Molly) **Varick looks guilty**
(Morgan) Would you let your father and the others know he's been found?
(Molly) **Seb nods, going without a backwards glance**
* Molly looks to Morgan "We need to go back to the nursery. Now."
(Morgan) alright
(Molly) **Varick comes to Morgan** I'm sorry, Papa, but-
(Molly) We'll talk in a minute   Mauschen.
* Molly is very watchful as they head upstairs. They bump into HH, Inga and Claudia on the way, all looking at the three of them and asking what is going on
(Morgan) $Don't know yet$
(Molly) HH: $orders?$
(Morgan) $stand down, run interference for gossip$
(Molly) **they go. In the nursery parlour, Molly shuts and locks the door behind them
(Molly) **Varick hugs Morgan's legs tightly, crying**
(Morgan) alright, whats going on?
* Morgan pulls the boy up into his arms
(Molly) V: I... was... trying... to... get... it... Mae said... it was... important
(Morgan) alright, slow down... start at the beginning
* Molly takes something from her dressing gown, setting it on the table in front of them
(Molly) V: Mae said not to go and get it, but it was something you should see.
(Morgan) Mae said _not_ to get it?
(Molly) V: Not to go out of the nursery alone
(Morgan) so why did you?
(Molly) V: Wanted to get it for youn
(Morgan) You understand you should've listened to Mae?
(Molly) V: *he nods*
(Molly) Liebes herz... *she sounds serious*
* Morgan looks at her
(Morgan) what?
* Molly looks at the table
* Morgan follows her eyeline
(Molly) **It's a box, slightly bigger than his shard box, but otherwise identical **
* Morgan sighs, looking at it
(Molly) **It has an indentation like his, the right size for a finger**
* Morgan puts his finger on it
(Molly) **It feels like a hundred tiny needles stab into his fingertip simultaneously.
(Molly) **he starts to feel like the box isn't worth the time, but he can just about tell that's not natural for him
* Morgan lets Varick down, concentrating on opening the box
(Molly) **Nothing works. His finger is bleeding.
(Molly) V: Papa, you're hurt!
(Morgan) its alright, its just a little cut
* Molly looks at it
(Molly) Should I...?
* Morgan nods, watching the box
* Molly kneels by the table, putting her index finger on it. She draws a sharp breath
(Molly) Ouch!
(Morgan) should've warned you, sorry.... Varick, did Mae say anything about it other than I had to see it?
* Molly 's finger is bleeding, but the box opens with a click
(Molly) Oh!
(Molly) V: No, just said you had to see it
* Molly concentrates, her finger healing instantly
* Morgan watches her
(Morgan) I guess it doesn't like me
(Molly) **There's a knocking on the door**
(Morgan) Who is it?
(Molly) R: Doctor Rosenkrantz. We need to talk, urgently.
* Molly pushes the box closed again
* Morgan nods towards the bedroom
(Morgan) take Varick
* Molly takes the box and Varick into the bedroom
* Morgan closes the door before going to open the door into the hallway
** You're now known as Rosenkrantz
* Rosenkrantz looks serious but not intimidating
(Rosenkrantz) Would you join Sebastian and I in my chambers? We have coffee
(Morgan) I'll meet you there
* Rosenkrantz goes
* Morgan closes the door, heading into the bedroom
(Rosenkrantz) **Molly is comforting Varick
(Morgan) I think before I go for a conversation, I'd like to know whats in that box
(Rosenkrantz) **Molly retrieves it, and this time when she opens it there's no pain. She puts it on the bed, and she and Varick peer into it**
* Morgan looks
(Rosenkrantz) **Inside there is a thick letter, sealed, a key, and a piece of raw dracheneisen. It has a fissure, and Morgan knows it from a dream at the time he was first in the mine where he was slotting his piece into the fissure as Molly held this piece in her hands*
(Rosenkrantz) **HH and Inga are now looking for him in the parlour, calling for him**
(Morgan) hide it, I'll deal with them
(Morgan) you need Inga?
(Rosenkrantz) **Molly does so** Yes, please
* Morgan nods, heading out into the parlour
** You're now known as HH
(HH) Want us packing and a coach preparing?
(Morgan) We're about due aren't we
* HH nods
(Morgan) Then yes... Inga, Molly needs you please
* HH kisses Inga before coming with Morgan in the direction of his own room
(HH) What's goin' on?
(Morgan) Not entirely sure yet
* HH nods
(HH) I'll see to us being ready to go
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm going to go kick over some rocks, find out whats occuring
* HH claps him on the shoulder, going to his room
* Morgan goes to Rosenkrantz's chambers
** You're now known as Rosenkrantz
* Morgan knocks on the door
* Rosenkrantz calls for him to come in. He and Seb are sat at a table, coffee poured, a sugar bowl and milk jug nearby. Rosenkrantz looks more tense than his son, who just looks watchful
* Morgan closes the door behind him before sitting down and picking up a cup 
(Morgan) Lets start at the most important place to me... whatever it is, is it a danger to my wife or son?
* Rosenkrantz shakes his head
(Rosenkrantz) Absolutely not
(Morgan) You don't seem to be planning some sort of military insurrection...
(Rosenkrantz) No
(Morgan) And you seem... troubled by whatever it is...
* Rosenkrantz says Yes at the same time Seb says No
* Morgan smiles slightly, looking at Seb
(Morgan) you say no because you are not troubled, or because you don't wish to tell me?
(Rosenkrantz) **Seb smiles** The former, but I'm not overly keen on the latter either
(Morgan) and why is that?
(Rosenkrantz) S: It is a private matter
* Morgan looks to the older Rosenkrantz
* Rosenkrantz drinks some coffee
(Morgan) Then I suppose it is up to you
(Rosenkrantz) I hope you will recall the help given to you in the delivery of Elsie's child.
(Morgan) Don't try to influence me like that doctor, I have the feeling you're a better man than that
* Rosenkrantz looks thoughtful
(Rosenkrantz) Where to start...
(Morgan) Somewhere near the beginning... or at an easy point of reference...
(Rosenkrantz) My brother Leopold was, as a young man, filled with wanderlust. He was a gifted intellectual, going to the academy at just eight years old. He excelled in science, and had graduated university by the time he was seventeen. Then he went to enjoy the sights and experiences of other nations, for several years
* Morgan nods
(Rosenkrantz) Then in sixteen twenty, he wrote that he had come home and was taking up training in Heilgrund to become a priest. It was very confusing for my father and oldest brother.
* Morgan tilts his head
(Morgan) go on
(Rosenkrantz) He had a parish there, joined the army, came out, had a parish nearby, and then one at Wassermeer **He can recall getting HH out of Dietmund and riding past a grumpy priest at Wassermeer,  something he an HH were joking about in the first Star Girl dream** He lived a quiet, very private life.
* Morgan sips his coffee, waiting
(Rosenkrantz) We thought that he had just settled down, grown up. But once he became Freiarr his behaviour became more erratic,  starting with a urgent focus on having a child to inherit.
* Morgan nods
(Rosenkrantz) That didn't happen. He became very ill in 67, despite always being exceptionally healthy. On his death bed,  he made a confession to me, and gave me a task
(Rosenkrantz) **Seb looks unhappy about this*
* Morgan nods, waiting patiently
(Rosenkrantz) He wanted me to go to Avalon, and look for a child born in sixteen twenty. The mother would have been young, unwed. He had... *he sighs* He had raped her.
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) his move to the clergy was out of guilt?
* Rosenkrantz nods
* Morgan sips his coffee, nodding
(Rosenkrantz) Absolutely. Until he was forced to marry for the Freiarrdom, he was completely celibate.
(Rosenkrantz) S: *he sips the coffee, not making eye contact* He never hurt Rosaline, she told us that once he was dead. He was respectful and gentle, and focused only on getting an heir.
* Morgan nods
(Rosenkrantz) What you overheard was Seb and I discussing the end of the search. I have looked over the past two years, but I have exhausted all records. There are no babies recorded in the four weeks that are nine months after the specific date he says the conception occured born to unwed mothers. If there ever was a child, it must have been aborted, adopted far away or died.
(Rosenkrantz) S: That should be the end of the whole situation.
* Morgan looks at Seb
(Morgan) what is it that bothers you so much about it?
(Rosenkrantz) Who wants such an ugly family secret to be discussed outside the family?
* Morgan looks at the doctor
(Morgan) to what end?
(Rosenkrantz) To what end, what?
(Morgan) he has you looking for this child... to what end?
(Rosenkrantz) To find the child and the descendants, who would be the true heirs of Insel.
(Morgan) They would be, what... fifty?
* Rosenkrantz nods
(Rosenkrantz) Born in February 1620
(Morgan) where in Avalon?
(Rosenkrantz) The parish of Alrington, though we have looked in the parishes of Tawstock, as they are bigger.
(Morgan) You would give up Insel?
(Rosenkrantz) **This is the parish where Molly's grandmother Sophie played the organ, where she met George Forrester, a man she would have a hastily made marriage to, telling the priest Rev Paulson that they had anticipated their vows*
(Rosenkrantz) I don't know
* Morgan starts to frown
* Morgan looks at the doctor speculatively
(Morgan) Would it be.. feasible for a child to be born early and survive?
(Rosenkrantz) I'm not a midwife, but the end of January is possible,  and I did check unmarried women when I bumped into you
(Morgan) is there a midwife in the village?
* Rosenkrantz nods
(Morgan) Would you have someone fetch her, or even just get an answer... would eight weeks early be survivable?
(Rosenkrantz) **Seb looks at Morgan* where are you going with this?
(Rosenkrantz) **It is plausible from the time Molly has spent with Marta that she would know**
(Morgan) [Molly... I need you to get Varick to ask Mae something]
(Rosenkrantz) [What is it?]
(Morgan) [Could a child born eight weeks early survive. I'm going to send someone to fetch you so I can ask you face to face, alright?]
(Morgan) thinking about it... my wife spent time with Marta, a midwife, she may know.
(Rosenkrantz) [Alright]
* Morgan looks at Seb
* Rosenkrantz nods
(Morgan) Right now I'm not going anywhere in particular... but it occurs that it may be possible that the child wasn't born at the time it was expected
(Morgan) Would you wander down and fetch my wife? Or arrange for someone to?
(Rosenkrantz) **Seb gets up** I'll go
(Morgan) thank you
(Morgan) Hopefully she'll be dressed this time
(Rosenkrantz) **He blushes, then excuses himself**
* Rosenkrantz sips his coffee "He was close to Leopold as a child. I hope you can appreciate how harsh a shock this was for us"
(Morgan) Hence his animosity... its not easy finding out someone isn't as good as we thought
* Rosenkrantz nods
(Rosenkrantz) Leopold knew that. Having an heir in wedlock would have saved any of us knowing
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) While we wait... Darius Eckname...
(Rosenkrantz) [Yes, but it would be very, very unlikely. Only an exceptionally healthy child that is tended perfectly would make it]
(Rosenkrantz) Yes?
(Morgan) [alright. I've sent Seb to fetch or ask you about that]
(Rosenkrantz) [Should I read the letter, as we're off so soon?]
(Morgan) [not yet. I've got a feeling about something and want to talk to you about it first]
(Morgan) I believe that was Leopold...
* Rosenkrantz frowns
(Rosenkrantz) He used to say those books were tedious, sacrilegious nonsense written by an air headed fool
(Morgan) Have you read them?
(Rosenkrantz) Not for years
(Morgan) I was reading one last night... well written, engaging... Eckname suddenly upped and disappeared, supposedly going into the service of god... the same time Leopold did
* Rosenkrantz nods slowly
(Morgan) I heard that his family had a manuscript for a third book...
(Rosenkrantz) If there is one, I haven't heard about it
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) Would you mind my looking for it?
(Rosenkrantz) [Should I give Seb the nightmare oil? Maybe he could have nicer dreams, like you have]
(Rosenkrantz) No
(Morgan) [We'll talk about it in a little bit blossom]
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright... I'll keep you informed of course
* Rosenkrantz nods
(Rosenkrantz) Tell me more about Eckname? ((What does he leave in and keep out?))
(Morgan) ((doesn't mention Nieblungen, but I think thats about all))
* Rosenkrantz nods
(Rosenkrantz) I remember him sketching a house with a waterwheel once
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) that'll be the place
(Rosenkrantz) **this explanation about Eckname takes some time, so Seb is back. He looks miffed*
* Morgan watches him
(Rosenkrantz) S: She says "possible but not likely, unless they were very healthy and well-tended"
* Morgan nods
(Rosenkrantz) **Seb sits back down, looking at Rosenkrantz** The box is missing.
* Morgan looks at Rosenkrantz expectantly
* Rosenkrantz frowns "I only put it back this morning"
* Rosenkrantz looks at Morgan "you asked if your wife or child were at risk, and I said no..."
* Morgan nods
(Rosenkrantz) If they touch the box, they might be.
(Morgan) why?
(Rosenkrantz) It has a bit on the top that if it is touched will cut you
(Morgan) a sharp edge?
(Rosenkrantz) No, it is more like being stabbed
* Morgan frowns
(Morgan) whats in the box? 
(Rosenkrantz) A key. Somewhere, there is a vault that holds all the paperwork that would be needed to legitimise Leopold's child and transfer Insel. There is also a letter for his descendants. The box will only open for them
(Morgan) How do you know what is in it?
(Rosenkrantz) Because he told me. His request was that I found the child or descendants  and give them the box
(Morgan) An you only put it back, as you said, this morning... I assume you took it with you to Avalon...
* Rosenkrantz nods
(Morgan) Where was it?
(Rosenkrantz) In my bag
(Morgan) I mean where you put it 'back'
(Rosenkrantz) In the glass cabinet in the library
(Rosenkrantz) **Seb looks at Morgan,  but says nothing
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) visible?
(Rosenkrantz) On the top shelf
(Morgan) Ornate?
(Rosenkrantz) Quite plain, dark wood
* Morgan looks at Seb
(Morgan) you have a theory
(Rosenkrantz) The only people who have been in there are myself, my father, your wife, and your son
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) You are wanting to accuse one of us
(Rosenkrantz) S: I can understand curiosity
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm going to go and speak to him... given how traumatic his upbringing has been, I'd rather not have anyone accusing him when I can ask. Will you be satisfied with that?
(Rosenkrantz) Absolutely. There will be no accusations. I am.more concerned he will hurt himself
* Morgan looks at Seb
(Morgan) and you?
(Rosenkrantz) Of course. I would have been poking around the house by now at his age.
* Morgan smiles slightly
(Morgan) I went and poked around the library looking for those books after we spoke last night, so I'm not sure its limited to his age. Where did the box come from?
(Rosenkrantz) I have no idea, he didn't say, but he brought it with him when he returned to Insel.
* Morgan nods, standing up
(Morgan) alright. I'll be back shortly
(Rosenkrantz) **they both nod**
* Morgan leaves the room, sipping the coffee as he goes through the doorway and heads to find Molly
(Rosenkrantz) **He bumps into Claudia
** You're now known as Claudia
(Claudia) Carriage is ready
(Morgan) I'm not yet. Things going on
(Claudia) We're sailing this morning
* Morgan looks at her seriously
(Morgan) I need more time Claudia
(Claudia) Send someone to Sorgi, let him know we're sailing tomorrow?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) We may need to head to the ship tonight anyway
(Claudia) Keep them apart? Seemed like you were doing better after your walk yesterday
(Morgan) No, thats fine. *he grins quickly* I'm back to being me
(Claudia) Talking nonsensically? Yes, I see that
(Morgan) How're you doing?
(Claudia) Fine. I'll get a message to Sorgi. You need coffee and food sent up?
(Morgan) If its quick, aye.
* Claudia goes
* Morgan heads off to Molly
** You're now known as Molly
* Molly has their bags in a pile by the door. She's checking her hair in the mirror. Varick is asleep on the couch, HH and Inga are stood by the painting of Seb and Ilena
(Molly) HH: Don' see it, meself
(Morgan) Don't see what?
(Molly) HH: Inga thinks Ilena looks like Pete's kid Lila, but I think it's just that they're blonde and the same age
(Morgan) huh.... can you watch Varick, I need to talk to Molly
(Molly) HH: $shoulda taken the morning advantage, man$ Sure
(Morgan) $What, I cant take advantage twice?$
(Molly) HH grins: $can you? Figured you were a bit old$
* Morgan wrinkles his nose before leading Molly into the other room
* Molly sits on the bed
(Molly) What is on your mind, my love?
(Morgan) You want me to be honest with you in all things, yes?
(Molly) Almost all things, yes
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) where to start
(Molly) Have I displeased you? Did we get seen yesterday at the boathouse? **the little cough from outside the door reveals that the sound carries here despite the closed door**
* Morgan shakes his head
(Morgan) quietly blossom... I know who Eckname is and how his identity changes a few things
* Molly smiles
(Molly) Oh that's wonderful news
(Morgan) Yes... and no... You remember the dr talking about Leopold?
(Molly) The one with the very young wife
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) The Freiarr... went to the academy early, excelled in sciences, drew a picture of a house with a  water wheel, went to Avalon and when he came back, went into the clergy... sound familiar?
(Molly) Oh my god, he's Eckname?! Leopold Rosenkrantz is Eckname!
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) He then took his young wife to ensure an heir...
(Molly) He was really rather old, even with a young wife
* Morgan nods
* Morgan sighs
(Morgan) It was to cover an illegitimate child, conceived by rape
* Molly shakes her head "Wow, that's awful"
(Morgan) I'm afraid it gets worse
(Molly) Go on
(Morgan) He confessed it to Dr Rosenkrantz when he was dying, made him swear to try to find the child, the actual heir to Insel, thats what he was doing there. He gave him a box, inside is a key and papers to prove the birthright of the child, should they ever be found
* Molly just nods
(Morgan) The box Varick grabbed this morning
(Molly) Yes?
(Morgan) the key opens a vault, with all the paperwork... the letter, I assume is instructions... 
* Morgan looks at her intently
* Molly nods, not getting it
(Morgan) That box can only be opened by one of his descendants...
* Molly shakes her head, laughing
(Molly) No, no, that must be wrong
(Morgan) blossom, what was my trade and stock in the war? 
(Molly) Oh, you're good at this, I know. But someone else is wrong
(Morgan) No... Leopold told Rosenkrantz himself... he just told me... that box is clearly from the Nieblungen. Now Inga thinks Ilena looks like Petes daughter.... George and Sophie married hastily, suddenly, having anticipated their vows...
* Molly stands up, walking around "No, I'm sorry, but this is absolutely preposterous!"
* Morgan watches her
(Morgan) No, it isn't. 
(Molly) Listen to what you're saying! *she shakes her head, her volume increasing* This is crazy!
(Morgan) blossom... quietly...
* Molly looks at him
(Molly) This is all some big, horrible joke. It has to be.
(Morgan) I'm sorry, but its not
* Molly shakes her head "I don't... I can't accept this!"
(Morgan) I felt the same about all of this
(Molly) All of what?
* Molly just paces the room now
(Morgan) the Nieblungen, this sheepdog business... but it is true
* Molly 's eyes narrow
(Molly) Well, I don't like it, not at all!
(Morgan) I didn't expect you to
* Molly makes a hmph,  still pacing
(Molly) It all feels wrong. That isn't my life! It's not who I am.
(Morgan) You are my _wife_. You are Molly Isabella Koertig, Duchess, Veisgrafen, mother to Varick. 
* Molly picks up her shawl, muttering "Molly Isabella Bloody Rosenkrantz!"
* Morgan glares at her
(Morgan) stop it
(Molly) I need to go out. I need to ride.
* Morgan looks pained
* Molly looks pained too, and lost, and scared, and very angry
(Morgan) I wish to hold you... will you allow that?
(Molly) Always
* Morgan stands up, opening his arms to her
* Molly comes to him
* Morgan wraps his arms around her
* Molly clings to him and absolutely breaks down in his arms, sobbing as hard as he did to HH when he found out Kai had called Elsie "Molly"
(Morgan) its alright my love. It may change some things, but it doesn't change who you are, not in the slightest, or what you are to me, or Varick, or Inga and HeinzHarold
(Molly) **It takes another minute of sobbing before she can even reply** It... changes... too... much...
(Morgan) No, it doesn't
* Molly just nods, crying again. She does this so much that her tears have seeped through to his skin, until she can no longer sob and shuddery breaths fill the space, until she is completely drained
(Molly) I... can't... do... this...
(Morgan) You just need to be you, my love
(Molly) Who even am I?! Even the blood in my veins is not what I thought it was! I've become a stranger to myself in just one swoop.
(Morgan) No, you haven't. You're the woman I love, who I would give my life for, who saved me from having to taste that porridge again. 
* Molly makes a little laugh that is almost a little sob
(Morgan) You're the woman I'm going to have children with, sail the the world with
* Molly nods
(Molly) But our children will no longer be one quarter Eisen, but three-eigths Eisen
(Morgan) You are Eisen, and have been since we married. 
(Molly) I am allegedly a quarter Eisen since birth.
* Morgan shrugs
(Morgan) You relinquished the citizenship, my love, you became wholly Eisen
(Molly) All this time since we wed, I felt bad that I was gaining Eisen traits
(Morgan) why? We're not _that_ bad
* Molly smiles slightly
(Molly) Superstitious,  head strong,  obstinate.
(Morgan) That could simply be being around me... hell, I'm getting more like HeinzHarold just spending time with him
(Molly) My Father...
(Morgan) is going to have issues with it...
(Molly) Is going to be hell to deal with.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I will deal with him if you wish it
(Molly) My life, weaved through with Eisen people... they said that.
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) it'd be nice if we could get a straight answer out of them for once
* Molly nods
(Molly) All the impossible paths in dreams... they aren't impossible when I am the granddaughter or daughter of Freiarr Insel, are they?
* Morgan shakes his head
(Molly) My Father and I at the winter ball, being  the Star Girl...
* Morgan nods
* Molly starts to shiver despite the shawl
(Morgan) that reminds me... star girls name is Molly Isabella Rosenkrantz... makes all kinds of sense now
* Molly sighs
(Molly) And Seb is my cousin once removed.
* Morgan nods
(Molly) A practical way to deal with a shaky hold on the inheritance
(Morgan) I dont understand
(Molly) Marrying Seb and I would have been a practical way to bring the two parts together again
* Morgan nods
(Molly) Is it cold? I'm freezing!
* Morgan rubs her back
(Morgan) its probably the shock my love
* Molly nods
(Molly) It is a big shock. My Father isn't the son of a common man, he is the son of a nobleman
* Morgan nods
(Molly) My grandmother... poor Sophie
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I know
(Molly) I need to lie down
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
* Molly does so, staring at the ceiling
(Molly) My head is full, and my heart is heavy
(Morgan) I know my love
(Molly) I know it is strange, but could you put some weight on me?
* Morgan nods, laying beside her and putting and arm and a leg across her
* Molly curls up into his chest
(Molly) What happens now?
(Morgan) I think... they should know... and the quickest way to prove it is for you to open the box in front of them
(Molly) So soon?
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I think its needs to be laid plain so they can come to terms with it too
(Molly) None of it was coincidence... not me getting sick, or Doctor Rosenkrantz helping me...
(Morgan) Maybe, but probably not
(Molly) I feel exposed, as if I've lost all my skin
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) I'm not surprised my love
(Molly) I am safe here, I know. It doesn't matter whose blood pumps through my heart, so long as it beats for you.
* Morgan nods
* Molly stays quiet a few minutes
(Molly) I will still want to ride
(Morgan) I know. Once we've dealt with them, we can ride together, assuming we can find some horses
* Molly nods
(Molly) It does not bother you, the way I have come into the world?
(Morgan) just that we go through the world together
(Molly) I couldn't go through it without you
(Morgan) We needn't think about that
* Molly nods
(Molly) More weight please, my love
* Morgan leans on her
(Morgan) We'll have to speak with them in a moment
* Molly nods
(Morgan) I want you to remove the dracheneisen from the box, though. I don't think them seeing that will help in any way
* Molly nods
(Molly) I wish to read the letter alone
(Morgan) Without me...
(Molly) No, but to myself rather than aloud
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) alright
(Morgan) probably best do that before we take it to them
(Molly) It was not theirs to read though?
(Morgan) If it contains instructions, they may wish to read it... and if its not there, they'll know its already been opened
* Molly nods
(Molly) Alright
(Molly) **There's a gentle tap at the door**
* Morgan sits up
(Morgan) come
(Molly) HH: *he sticks his head in** just wanted to check y' were okay
(Morgan) [He should probably know]
(Morgan) Aye. I'll explain it all later
* Molly sits up, pulling the shawl tighter
(Molly) [Yes]
(Morgan) can you find us a couple of horses?
(Molly) **HH nods** Aye aye, Cap'n
* Molly smiles a little, murmuring to Morgan "please hoist my mainsail"
* Morgan sniggers
(Morgan) Do you want to read the letter and hide the dracheneisen, I'll fetch some tea?
* Molly nods
(Molly) Good idea
* Morgan nods
(Morgan) you will tell me what it says?
* Molly nods
(Molly) You need to ask?
(Morgan) No... I suppose not. I'll get some tea
* Molly nods again
* Morgan kisses her crown before heading out of the room
(Molly) **HH is waiting in the parlour. Inga looks to Morgan** I: I heard crying, what can I do? Is it about Seb?
(Morgan) why would you think that?
(Molly) I: That's what's been worrying you both
(Morgan) Its not... I can't talk about it right now, but we will as soon as we can
(Molly) **Inga nods. HH leads the way downstairs**
** You're now known as HH
(HH) It's all gone a bit sail-y flap-flap?
(Morgan) you banged your head?
(HH) Nope
(Morgan) what the hell is saily flap flap
(HH) Y' know when it's really windy and some new guy let's go of the rope, then y' got a sail flapping lose, noone can catch the rope, everyone is going a bit spare
(HH) Loose*
* Morgan laughs
(Morgan) Something fairly big has occurred 
(HH) Did y' let go of the rope, or are y' chasing it?
(Morgan) Chasing I believe
* HH nods "Y' didn't make yer wife cry like that?"
* Morgan stops
(Morgan) I didn't cause it
(HH) Tha's what I mean
* Morgan nods
* HH nods
* Morgan starts moving again
(HH) Was expectin' some rude noises
(Morgan) I figured
(HH) Anything y' need 'cept horses?
(Morgan) No, I don't think so
(HH) Need a hug?
(Morgan) I'm alright man
* HH shrugs
(HH) Suit yerself. I wouldn' be alright if Inga was that upset
(Morgan) I'm busy caring for her... when things have calmed down I'll probably need one
* HH nods
(HH) Not going home today?
(Morgan) No. Too much to deal with
* HH goes to get on with sorting the horses, leaving Morgan to turn up in another busy kitchen in a noble house. Except this time, the noble house is arguably his father in law's.
** You are now disconnected (Connection timed out)