------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 17 February 2022 11:05:05 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea * Molly is still in the bedroom but Varick is awake and playing with Inga * Morgan carries the tea through to the bedroom * Molly looks serious, still reading. She's wiping her eyes with her favourite handkerchief * Morgan puts her cup of tea near her * Molly looks up, thanking him * Morgan finds somewhere to sit * Molly is frowning at the letter * Morgan waits quietly, sipping his tea * Molly continues to work through it before eventually setting it down (Molly) That was a great deal to take in * Morgan nods * Molly exhales slowly (Molly) They can't see this (Morgan) no? * Molly pulls her shawl tighter (Molly) He didn't exactly rape her (Morgan) right... (Molly) I know where my magic comes from. (Morgan) yours? * Molly nods (Morgan) go on (Molly) Leopold discovered he had healing magic on the beach at Alrington after a shipwreck. His lungs were full of water. He felt tingly and then better. Then he fainted... (Morgan) I see * Molly nods (Molly) She found him, with all that beach, one lantern and the full moon. He didn't know what we do, that she would have been drawn to him. **she sighs** He was sparkly. He thought in the moment that it was overwhelming mutual attraction. When it was over, she ran away. He couldn't find her, and realised she didn't want it. He walked out into the sea, hoping to drown. * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) that makes all kinds of sense * Molly nods (Molly) Two days later he washed up on a shore, and was taken in and looked after by a couple on the island of Lundy. (Morgan) that explains that link * Molly nods (Molly) In that time, he reasoned that surviving the shipwreck was impossible without magic, and experimented on healing himself. And then he realised that his knee pain that had bothered him since a childhood injury had disappeared after finding the ball at the waterwheel house (Morgan) silver, floaty? (Molly) This drew him back to Eisen. You see, the Nieblungen had appeared there after he had popped the bubble, the one that was in the drawings we saw in his papers Papa found at the house. * Molly is frowning again, so she picks up her tea * Morgan nods (Molly) They had sent him to Avalon, asking him to research the Sidhe. In return, he would get to go into the mine. (Morgan) They wanted to know about the Sidhe?! * Molly sips the tea, still frowning "No... they wanted Leopold on a ship that would sink at Alrington." (Morgan) is that what they told him, or what you are surmising? (Molly) That is what they told him when he turned up at the Niesfeld Mine demanding answers. They told him something very important was going to happen, and he had played his part in that. * Morgan nods * Molly looks at him, looking so very sad and angry "They told him he had to stay away, Liebes herz. They told him there would be a child, and that he must leave the girl and the child alone" * Morgan frowns (Molly) He told them to go to hell. He screamed and cried and told them he wished he'd never gotten involved in any supernatural investigations. He told them he would never stop trying to find them. They told him they couldn't allow it. He begged them to make sure she was loved, by someone who loved her as deeply as humanly possible for every day of his life. To make sure his child was safe. * Morgan nods (Molly) And George did, didn't he? To the point it destroyed him, and his second wife, and made my Father the man he is * Morgan nods (Molly) He warns that whatever their eventual goal is, they are ruthless in its pursuit, and that their weakness is a lack of creativity. There will be echoes in their meddling, things that happen similarly (Morgan) I think we can attest to that much (Molly) That makes sense, doesn't it. My Father's secret parentage, Varick's secret parentage (Morgan) You think they meddled with them? (Molly) They put Leopold there, and my Father was conceived. I have my magic because I "have needed and will need it" on the route to the convergence. (Morgan) That doesn't mean that every person with magic has been tampered with (Molly) No... maybe it is coincidence. * Molly sips her tea (Morgan) what else? (Molly) He apologises both at the start and the end for raping her. Whether or not he grasped that it was out of his control, he felt guilty. He had vowed to never touch a woman again, but then he became Freiarr. (Morgan) and didn't really have a choice * Molly nods (Morgan) Somehow... I would like to find a way to assuage the Rosenkrantz family that it was not his fault * Molly nods, handing him a drawing * Morgan looks at it (Molly) **It's dark, the moon is full in the background. The girl in it is familiar, not just because he has seen Sophie in a painting before, but because those eyes and that particular sensual smile are so close to Molly's. (Morgan) you favour her * Molly nods (Molly) I could hold this up beside the painting on the Rose, and it's clearly the same girl * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * Molly looks the letter over again "He prayed for her, liebes herz. Every day without fail, for decades. At the full moon, there was a strong longing to find her, to hold her and apologise. * Morgan tilts his head (Morgan) a longing... (Molly) She felt it too, perhaps. Every full moon she would wander the shore all night. * Morgan nods slowly (Morgan) thats where I was going with that... (Molly) It's like it is falling into place. But it's all so sad * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye (Molly) She loved George, I am sure. Certainly nothing Reverend Paulson said implies they were anything other than deeply in love, just young, quick to bed, and in hurry to be married before a child came. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I agree (Molly) Did George know, do you think? (Morgan) I would imagine so (Molly) I like that better than the alternative (Morgan) that what, he raised another child without knowing? * Molly nods (Molly) George adored her. He called her on the back of the painting "His heart and soul". A man who loves in that situation would protect her, wouldn't he? **Morgan himself has dreamt something like this, months ago. He had returned from Londinium to discover Molly had been attacked and was pregnant, and had resolved to take care of her and the child** (Morgan) well damn (Molly) What? (Morgan) I had a dream, months back.... came back from Londinium, you'd been attacked while I was away, and were with child... (Molly) **More recently he had also dreamt he had gotten her pregnant in Carleon despite withdrawing, and Molly was planning to marry Jaeger and pass the child off as his** (Molly) Oh that makes sense (Morgan) I swore to take care of you and the child... * Molly smiles (Molly) That's nice to hear (Morgan) I had one where we had made love in Carleon and you got pregnant... you were planning to marry Jaeger and claim the child was his... * Molly nods (Molly) You mentioned that. I assumed it was about Edward, Alice and Florrie (Morgan) So did I... but not necessarily * Molly nods (Molly) I suppose we will never know what George did or didn't know, but I like to think he would have stood by her. Though I suspect Leopold would have married her too, had he been permitted. * Morgan nods (Molly) The drawing is a comfort though. * Morgan nods (Molly) Unless it was his imagination, it is clear in that moment she was not scared or being hurt (Morgan) thats how the draw works, isn't it... (Molly) I assume so? You want me, genuinely, without feeling at all scared or pained by it (Morgan) leaving me aside... it is quite clear that others feel the desire, they don't feel... forced... * Molly shrugs "I have avoided most people in that situation. Perhaps Heinzharold or Claudia could answer from the position of those who have felt it despite actively wanting not to be attracted" * Morgan nods (Molly) The papers to acknowledge my Father are in a vault at the Bank Of Freiburg * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * Molly smiles vaguely "Under the name Susannah D' Onim" (Morgan) oh for crying out loud * Molly giggles (Molly) It feels good to laugh * Morgan nods (Molly) I think I have covered everything * Morgan nods (Molly) He's right, isn't he? The Nieblungen and their convergence... it overrides anything else. (Morgan) Looks that way, yes (Molly) It doesn't matter who is hurt or dies in the process. (Morgan) I'm going to see what I can do about that (Molly) **she nods** Like Cess, when they could have saved her too... * Morgan nods * Molly watches him, sipping the tea (Molly) I just don't know what to think anymore (Morgan) I'm going to ask (Morgan) but we cant do anything about it right now * Molly nods (Molly) If I did not wish to give you children, I might be inclined to tell them to go to hell with their convergence too... It had best be very important! (Morgan) _they_ don't know that though * Molly nods (Molly) How are we to handle it? * Morgan snorts (Morgan) which part? (Molly) Any of it (Morgan) We'll think about the Nieblungen... as for Insel, I have an idea (Molly) Bad enough we need to go to Freiburg to tell Edward he is a father, now we have to go to Sudlachenburg to tell my father he is a son. (Morgan) I'll deal with it my love (Molly) I am reluctant to put it all upon you * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I may be able to use that to our advantage (Molly) Oh? I do not see how? (Morgan) The two of you are about to have the change in your history in common... perhaps it can be used to bring the two of you closer together (Molly) Edward and I? (Morgan) No, you and your father * Molly nods (Molly) His reaction will likely be even worse than mine * Morgan nods (Morgan) I expect so * Molly gets the raw dracheneisen for under the bed, holding it (Molly) It's strange... it feels different to yours (Morgan) I had a dream where they are put together... * Molly smiles a little (Molly) Yours is rather... phallic * Morgan nods * Morgan holds out his hand (Morgan) may I? * Molly hands it over * Morgan turns it over in his hands, feeling its texture (Molly) **It is still beautiful, and physically it feels the same. But it doesn't feel like it is _his_ as his piece does (Morgan) When you say it feels different, you don't mean its surface, do you... (Molly) No (Morgan) but about its... belonging * Molly nods (Molly) Exactly * Morgan nods (Morgan) how does it feel? (Molly) Right. * Morgan nods, handing it back (Morgan) I think we'd best go see the dr... * Molly holds it. She concentrates a moment, and it glows pink, like the walls of the Mine did (Molly) Alright (Molly) **the raw dracheneisen goes dark again (Morgan) Best pack that away, but... not with mine... * Molly smiles (Molly) Goodness knows what that might do (Morgan) quite * Molly packs it away before getting up (Molly) What about the letter? (Morgan) The dr said it was for Leopolds descendants, and since only they can open the box, I'd make an argument that its not for him to read * Molly nods "shall I bring the drawing?" * Morgan nods (Morgan) put it back in with the letter. I won't let them read it, but... I'm not planning on telling them we've opened it * Molly nods, doing so (Molly) I will follow your lead * Morgan holds his hand out for the box * Molly hands it over "Careful" * Molly smiles a little "Sorry" * Morgan pulls a face * Morgan tucks it in a pocket (Morgan) Come on then, lets get this done * Molly takes a deep breath, taking his hand (Molly) Alright, my love * Morgan leads her out into the parlour (Molly) V: Are we going home now? (Morgan) No, we've got some things we need to sort out... can you be brave and take care of HeinzHarold? (Molly) **The man in question is not back yet* (Molly) V: why? * Morgan kneels down, whispering (Morgan) I think he's homesick (Molly) V: Okay, I'll help him * Morgan winks (Morgan) thank you * Morgan stands up, looking at Inga (Morgan) we'll be back in a bit (Molly) **She nods. Breakfast is brought in just as they leave** * Morgan grabs a slice of bacon on the way out * Molly giggles "Awful timing, a man needs his appetite satisfying before a big undertaking like this." * Morgan stops (Morgan) Would you fetch the oil for nightmares? * Molly nods, going and returning with it * Morgan starts off towards Rosenkrantz chambers again (Molly) I need some carrier oil to make something similar * Morgan nods (Morgan) I'm sure we can find some * Molly nods. She pauses outside Rosenkrantz's room. Her shoulders are squared, her chin tilting up almost obstinately. Now he knows, it puts him in mind of the painting of the young Leopold (Morgan) just relax blossom and follow my lead * Morgan knocks on the door * Molly smiles, and Rosenkrantz calls them in. Politeness is done, coffee is served ** You're now known as Rosenkrantz * Rosenkrantz watches them all. Molly looks politely neutral, Seb looks tense. Rosenkrantz himself looks a little more relaxed * Morgan takes the box from his pocket, putting it on the table (Morgan) yours, I believe * Rosenkrantz nods "Thank you" (Morgan) Check it please, I wish you to be certain it is the box we were discussing * Rosenkrantz does so, but avoids the indent (Rosenkrantz) It is (Morgan) You have tried to open it in the past I assume? (Rosenkrantz) Four times (Morgan) But it would not open... you said it could only be opened by Leopolds descendant, as I recall (Rosenkrantz) Seb murmurs: Eleven times. (Rosenkrantz) **Molly bites her lip, trying not to giggle* * Rosenkrantz nods at Morgan * Morgan looks at Seb (Morgan) glutton for punishment or something? (Rosenkrantz) S: One for each finger * Morgan smiles (Morgan) eleven? (Rosenkrantz) S: Hurts on the tip of your nose much worse (Morgan) I can see why he likes you so much. Anyway... (Rosenkrantz) **Molly does giggle now* * Morgan looks back at Rosenkrantz * Rosenkrantz looks enquiringly (Morgan) I believe I know who it is, Leopolds child (Rosenkrantz) How? (Morgan) Because I pay attention, even to things that don't have any apparent significance. (Rosenkrantz) S: Leopold was right? (Morgan) Almost. The child was born early. So, I'm going to tell you how I'd like for this whole thing to be handled, and get your views on it... * Rosenkrantz looks intrigued. Seb just watches Morgan (Morgan) I need you to imagine something for me... imagine everything you know about your childhood, your family, those things you have been certain of your entire life... imagine you are told that, actually, none of that is true. Imagine the upheaval insecurity that would cause you... * Rosenkrantz nods. Seb sips his coffee. (Rosenkrantz) Heart-breaking, of course (Morgan) worse, your lineage isn't even totally Eisen, but half Vendel... * Rosenkrantz grimaces (Morgan) Everything you know has to change... thats going to take some time to adjust to... *he looks at Seb* wouldn't you say? * Rosenkrantz and Seb nod (Morgan) So what I would like to do... Things stay as they are, and I will talk with this person... help them come to terms with it... when that is done and they are comfortable with what it means, then we will get you together so you can jointly decide what will happen going forward. How does that sound? (Rosenkrantz) S: I would prefer a more direct approach. (Morgan) in what way, to what end? (Rosenkrantz) To meet them and to see whether they would be suited to taking the Freiarrdom. (Rosenkrantz) S** (Morgan) That can happen... once they have had time to adjust. I am not going to just let them stride and take over if it is not best for the people here. (Rosenkrantz) What makes you so sure this person is Leopold's child? (Morgan) Tell me if my proposition is acceptable and I'll explain * Rosenkrantz and Seb look at each other (Rosenkrantz) We need to move forward (Rosenkrantz) S: I want to be hands on, Father. * Morgan watches them (Rosenkrantz) We need Morgan's help (Morgan) what is it you wish to be hands on with Seb? (Rosenkrantz) Finding the child and discovering what is in the letter and papers (Rosenkrantz) S** (Morgan) The letter is, I assume for the descendant of Leopold, otherwise it would not be in the box... (Rosenkrantz) **Seb shrugs** Then my input is not needed. *he stands up* (Morgan) This doesn't work without your support Seb (Rosenkrantz) **Molly watches Morgan sidelong** (Rosenkrantz) S: You think you know of his child, Father will let you take the box. I am not necessary. * Morgan stands up, moving to Seb, looking him square on (Morgan) of all you've heard of me from HeinzHarold, has he ever led you to believe I am cruel? Or that I would enjoy this sort of upheaval? (Morgan) would he tolerate being my friend if either of those were true? (Rosenkrantz) S: No. (Morgan) so, I am asking you to stay, help me help your father, help Insel. I swear to you, there will be proof, and that I am not going to allow the people here to be let down. I know, for all your not wanting to be Freiarr, you care for them and wish to protect them. That is what I want too, which is why I'm here and not just going on ahead. ** You are now disconnected (Network connection lost) ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Thursday, 17 February 2022 15:27:03 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** Reconnecting to 192.168.1.82:6667… ** You have joined #7thsea (Rosenkrantz) S: *he just nods slightly* * Morgan spits in his hand, holding it out (Rosenkrantz) **Seb does it but he doesn't look happy about it* * Morgan gestures to the seat before sitting down himself (Rosenkrantz) **Seb sits* (Morgan) so... are we an agreement? * Rosenkrantz nods. Seb is slower to nod but he does (Morgan) The child... though lets be honest, that term is used lightly given their age, is a man called David * Rosenkrantz nods (Rosenkrantz) He is from Alrington? (Morgan) ended up in Tawstock for a time * Morgan looks at the box (Morgan) You are completely certain that is your box? * Rosenkrantz nods (Rosenkrantz) I am (Morgan) Would you give it to Molly please * Rosenkrantz does so. They're both watching her (Morgan) Molly, try to open the box please (Rosenkrantz) **Molly glances at him taking a deep breath before putting her finger in the groove. The box clicks open** (Rosenkrantz) **Seb looks surprised. Doctor Rosenkrantz looks delighted by this** (Morgan) Molly, would you tell them your fathers name? (Rosenkrantz) M: My Father's name is David (Morgan) Close it please... and hand it to the doctor (Rosenkrantz) **She does so. Rosenkrantz is smiling, but Seb isn't** * Morgan looks at Seb for a moment (Morgan) Will you excuse us, I need a word with Seb (Rosenkrantz) **Seb goes out into the corridor** * Morgan follows him before moving further up the corridor (Morgan) Talk to me Seb... (Rosenkrantz) You've just told me my cousin is a man who left his daughter to die in a lodging house over something stupid. ** You're now known as Seb * Morgan nods (Morgan) He has come a long way... he has changed significantly * Morgan scratches his nose (Morgan) He's not had an easy life and has made some utterly shit decisions... he regrets them, deeply, that one in particular (Seb) *He nods* And he should. (Morgan) absolutely. I agree completely * Morgan digs in a pocket before holding out the balm (Morgan) Rub some under your nose, it'll help * Seb sniffs it "what is this?" (Morgan) I'll tell you if you swear to keep it to yourself * Seb nods (Morgan) Its a balm that smells nice * Seb laughs (Morgan) It helps calm me (Seb) *he rubs some under his nose* (Seb) I can see that from the smell (Morgan) fish, right? (Seb) Close. Sea spray. (Morgan) sailor at heart. * Seb nods (Seb) I was born at ses (Seb) Sea* (Morgan) My father says I might as well have been. *he looks at him seriously* David is a good man, I like him, HeinzHarold likes him... he's doing wonders with my father, but I will not let the people here suffer any reduction of quality of life, birthright or otherwise. * Seb nods "I am reserving judgement for the time being, rather than responding on instinct" * Morgan smiles (Morgan) I understand... thats admirable. My oath to you, however, stands. (Morgan) If you and your father do not think him fit to be Freiarr, I will abide by that... and this from a man who had the nobles of Fischler digging foundations in the rain * Seb nods (Seb) It is a decision to be made down the line, not rushed. Insel is my duty, no matter the cost. If I serve that best by being the Freiarr, or best by standing aside, I will serve it. * Morgan smiles (Morgan) titles are nothing but tools... all that matters are the people * Seb nods (Seb) I agree * Morgan nods (Morgan) Before we go back... I have something for you (Seb) Yes? * Morgan holds out the oil * Seb smiles, like Heinzharold would (Seb) I appreciate the offer, but I've always been inclined towards women * Morgan snorts (Morgan) You've spent too much time with HeinzHarold... this will help with your nightmares... (Seb) What do I do with it? * Seb opens it and sniffs it (Morgan) rub it on your temples when you go to sleep... * Seb nods (Seb) Thank you * Morgan nods (Morgan) shall we go back? * Seb nods (Seb) I imagine this means we are related (Morgan) My wife is your... second cousin I believe (Morgan) or... first cousin once removed * Seb nods, opening the door for him * Morgan inclines his head, going througjh (Seb) **Molly watches them enquiringly** (Morgan) We would've been quicker but we were attacked by goblins on the way back * Morgan sits down * Seb nods "Big ones... the smell... oh, god the smell!" * Morgan looks at him (Morgan) Realistically, they don't need the spears, the smell's enough to incapacitate you (Seb) **Molly shakes her head a little, sipping her tea** * Morgan looks back at Rosenkrantz (Morgan) where were we? ** You're now known as Rosenkrantz (Rosenkrantz) Molly is my great niece. You will speak to my nephew and from there we will work out what happens next * Morgan nods (Morgan) as I have assured Seb before we were ambushed, the well being of the people here is the overriding concern for me in this. * Rosenkrantz nods (Rosenkrantz) For me also. But the situation for Ilena is a concern (Morgan) go on (Rosenkrantz) She needs to be presented at court to be wed. At present, she is a Freiarr's daughter. If David if to take my place, she becomes the Freiarr's cousin. It will affect her matches (Morgan) You are worried for her future or her standing? (Rosenkrantz) Her future. It will be difficult to explain to a suitor or their family about Insel changing hands * Morgan nods (Morgan) we have some time to think about that * Rosenkrantz nods, topping up the cups (Rosenkrantz) How did you work it out? (Morgan) I'm very clever. (Rosenkrantz) **There are smiles at this (Morgan) We learned some things about Davids parents while we were in Tawstock... it all tallied up, with the exception of the date of birth but, as Seb told us, its possible with the proper care. * Rosenkrantz nods (Rosenkrantz) What happened to her? (Morgan) she married the man she loved and they lived together until she drowned (Rosenkrantz) *Molly sips her tea** (Rosenkrantz) Did she have more children? (Morgan) No, she didn't (Rosenkrantz) S: There are other descendants? * Morgan nods (Rosenkrantz) M: I have two brothers, two sister-in-laws, five nieces, and three nephews (Rosenkrantz) That's a lot of children from two brothers (Rosenkrantz) **Molly looks at Morgan* And that's only so far! * Morgan nods (Rosenkrantz) M: *she frowns a little, but quickly covers it* (Rosenkrantz) **Seb and Rosenkrantz take a moment to drinking their coffees** (Morgan) [what?] (Rosenkrantz) [I can no longer say my Father is one of seven... He wasnt, as such. George and Margaret weren't his parents] (Morgan) [it explains his not being so unlucky] (Morgan) [and besides, they were as much his parents as we are Varicks] (Rosenkrantz) [Yes, you're right. It explains how I can drink blokners] **she smiles, sipping the coffee** (Morgan) Will you want to be telling your wife and Ilena now? * Rosenkrantz nods "They are aware of the search we have been doing for David" (Morgan) I have told my captain we will not be setting sail for another day... if you are not comfortable with us here, we will of course stay on the Rose, but I thought perhaps your wife and daughter might like some time with Molly knowing they are related... * Rosenkrantz smiles (Rosenkrantz) You are very welcome here, of course * Morgan looks at Seb (Morgan) I would not discomfort you either (Rosenkrantz) **Seb shakes his head** I will be sailing out tomorrow myself, I have a trip to Vendel on my manifest so I am back for Memorial Day **This is December 5th, the day the War ended. It usually involves a candlelight parade and a church service to honour the War dead. The first was in sixty five. Morgan was there, Dietlinde's hand in his, knowing that the next year's parade would see Morgan carrying their child in his arms where this year Dietlinde had carried them in her belly. In sixty seven, he was in Avebury, sixty eight at Catherine's, sixty nine on the road between Freiburg and Sudlachenburg seeing a simple parade in a little village in Wische** (Rosenkrantz) [18:54] (Rosenkrantz) **Seb shakes his head** I will be sailing out tomorrow myself, I have a trip to Vendel on my manifest so I am back for Memorial Day **This is December 5th, the day the War ended. It usually involves a candlelight parade and a church service to honour the War dead. The first was in sixty five. (Rosenkrantz) **Morgan was there, Dietlinde's hand in his, knowing that the next year's parade would see Morgan carrying their child in his arms where this year Dietlinde had carried them in her belly. In sixty seven, he was in Avebury, sixty eight at Catherine's, sixty nine on the road between Freiburg and Sudlachenburg seeing a simple parade in a little village in Wische** * Morgan nods slowly (Rosenkrantz) **Molly looks at Morgan** what is this? (Morgan) usually a parade by candlelight and a church service to honour our fallen brothers (Rosenkrantz) **Molly nods, smiling gently** That sound important. * Morgan nods, frowning (Rosenkrantz) Those who lost a family member wear an armband of black ribbon. That is what Adara, Seb, Ilena and I do for my brother Bartholomew and his family. * Morgan nods * Rosenkrantz looks to Morgan "Heinzharold does so for his father?" **That first year, Heinzharold hadn't been able to find a ribbon. Dietlinde had found him one in the sewing box Morgan had given her. HH had blinked back tears when she'd pinned it on him with a gentle, empathetic smile. ((MTF)) (Rosenkrantz) **HH, a bit embarrassed by his emotions getting the better of him, had pulled out a cheap brown ribbon, looping it over Dietlinde's head then clinching it around her six-month belly and tying a knot in it, before holding it up to Morgan "Do it again in March, see 'ow much she has grown!" Dietlinde had smiled, not at all offended. Morgan had come over and rubbed her bump** * Morgan nods slowly, blinking rapidly (Rosenkrantz) **Molly is watching him, head tilted. She gently touches her knee to his** (Rosenkrantz) M: Perhaps we will be in Sudlachenburg again by then (Rosenkrantz) **a servant knocks, informing Rosenkrantz that breakfast is ready** * Rosenkrantz looks at them "I'm sure you'll need a few minutes to talk. Come down when you're ready. If we aren't at breakfast we will be in the library** * Morgan nods * Rosenkrantz and Seb lead the way out, and their progress downstairs leaves Morgan and Molly in the hall. She looks at him "Now what?" ** You're now known as Molly * Morgan puts his arm around her * Molly leans into him (Morgan) the doctor seems happy about it * Molly nods (Molly) I suppose bonds were forged years ago, whilst they nursed me, that are now seen in a new light * Morgan nods (Morgan) you were very brave. I'm proud of you * Molly bows her head, blushing (Molly) I did nothing, it was all you. It is I who is proud. (Morgan) I... didn't do anything * Molly looks up at him intently (Molly) You did! You did _everything_! **she smiles softly** You _are_ everything. * Morgan shakes his head * Molly nods, smiling "Yes" * Morgan sighs (Morgan) we need to tell the others we are staying another night * Molly nods (Molly) We don't have to. We _can_ go to the Rose if it makes you more comfortable to be away from him (Morgan) No, its important to be here I think * Molly nods, taking his hand "You made it very smooth, and I am profoundly grateful for that" (Morgan) I am glad it wasn't as tough as it could've been * Molly nods "There is a lot of pain here, I think" * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes (Molly) To the nursery then? * Morgan nods (Morgan) I asked for HeinzHarold to arrange horses (Molly) Thank you. Soon? After breakfast? * Morgan nods (Molly) **They head to the nursery, where Claudia, HH, Inga and Varick are all looking a bit fed up (Morgan) [Oh, we're going to have to tell them something aren't we] (Molly) [And you have already played the Goblins card...] (Morgan) [I might break with tradition and go with the truth] * Molly sits on the couch, and Varick sits on her lap (Molly) [I think so] (Morgan) [Would you take Varick into the bedroom and tell him while I tell the terrible trio?] * Molly does so * Morgan looks at his three friends (Morgan) You look pissed (Molly) **taking the couch now, HH sprawls in the middle, Inga sitting politely on one side, Claudia watchful on the other** (Molly) HH: Cmon man, what's going on? (Morgan) Noones injured, for a start... the doctor and his son have been looking for a lost family member for years... (Molly) HH grins: Now Detective Morgan is on th' case, ready to kick asses and solve th' mystery! * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) solved it (Molly) HH: Disappointingly quick! (Morgan) Leopold, the doctors brother, got a woman pregnant... they were looking for that child... they would, realistically, be the Freiarr of Insel (Molly) HH: Found a second kid wanderin' round the house? (Molly) I: Stop, Heinzharold. ** You're now known as HH * HH puts his arm along the back of the couch, staying quiet (HH) C: $never works when I say it!$ (Morgan) in the kitchen, under the pans.... *he takes a breath* Avalon, the ;child' would be around fifty. I figured out who it was, and was laying out the matter for the Rosenkrantz men... (Morgan) $probably something to do with breasts he can touch$ (HH) C: $not worth it$ (HH) Hang on, like Forrester's age? * Morgan nods (HH) I: what?! (Morgan) There's a box that can only be opened by Leopolds descendants... Molly opened it (HH) C: **she looks to be absorbing this quietly** (HH) I: Oh my! Does she know?! (Morgan) I told her before them... hence the crying (HH) Oh man, that's gonna be complicated as shit * Morgan looks shocked (Morgan) really? (HH) C: That's why we're staying, build a battle plan? (Morgan) battle plan? (HH) C: Dealing with Forrester, what's going to happen next (Morgan) I have an idea already, but I think Molly and the Rosenkrantz family could do with some time together with this new information * HH nods (HH) And us? (Morgan) I figure Seb will want to lean on you... but if you wish to go back to the ship, I'm not going to stop you (HH) Nah, if we can help, this is where we're gonna be * Morgan nods (HH) I: What else can we do, Morgan? (Morgan) I think Molly would benefit from your support... a lot has changed for her, she needs to see that we are not one of those things (HH) I: *she nods* (HH) She's part Eisen... (HH) C: She's nobility. (Morgan) by birth now, yes... (HH) Huh. Explains some stuff. * Morgan takes a flask from his pocket, sipping at it before putting it away (Morgan) such as? * HH holds out his hand for it * Morgan takes it out, throwing it to him (HH) Forrester, for one. He took to Sudlachenburg like a duck t' water. You know them forrins normally have to adjust to... well... **he hoiks his them at Claudia** people like that (Morgan) some of his attitudes, tendencies aren't exactly Avalonian, either... not that we're stubborn, of course just.... strong willed (HH) **Claudia snatches the flask before HH gets to drink, sipping it before reaching round to offer it to Inga** (HH) Who does tha' sound like? (Morgan) enlighten me (HH) Yer wife. (Morgan) obviously (HH) C: She's taken to a sword ridiculously well for an Avalonian. * HH points at Claudia, nodding as if to say she's spot on (Morgan) I figured that was just her wonderful tutor * HH grins, pointing at Claudia again (HH) C: No, too quick. I've taught enough to know. She's got a natural aptitude. * Morgan nods (HH) I: How quickly she learnt Eisen... (Morgan) our language isn't in our blood... (HH) I: *she shrugs* maybe it is, a little bit (HH) What about 'ow she tolerated the most Eisen version of you? (Morgan) but I'm a delight * HH grins then starts sipping from Morgan's flask** C: Or her rubbing your Father the wrong way so often? **HH starts to choke on the alcohol** (HH) **Claudia shudders, and Inga looks disgusted too** (Morgan) that is because he has, as certain people have mentioned, a stick up his backside (HH) I: What about her not having the Forrester bad luck? (Morgan) No, I'm with you on that one * HH chuckles, chucking the flask back (HH) Yesterday when she was talking about Forrester luck, she said "I am not a Forrester" (Morgan) She's a Koertig (HH) Through and through. *he grins* * Morgan nods (HH) C: how come the family lost contact? (Morgan) complicated. He was shipwrecked and drowned but felt all tingly and managed to survive.... (HH) Sounds a bit **he wiggles his fingers to imply magic** * Morgan nods (Morgan) exactly (HH) Inherited it then? (Morgan) Leopold didn't know he could do it... he washed up on the shore and was found by Sophie... you know how it goes when that particular talent is used like that... (HH) **HH and Claudia nod wearily** (HH) I: It wouldn't make a young girl in love cheat on her love with a stranger though? (Morgan) apparently it did (HH) **HH and Claudia look at each other a moment** (HH) I: That's sad for Molly's gr-... George. (Morgan) He's her grandfather... same as Varick is my son... (HH) I: *she nods* (HH) So the draw happened, and they resolved it like you pair do... * HH grins, trying to embarrass Morgan* (Morgan) indeed. After, they regained their senses.... he believed he forced himself on her and walked into the sea hoping to drown (HH) **HH and Inga look shocked. Claudia doesn't react** (HH) Aww man, that's not how it is with th' draw. Noone can control that shit * Morgan nods (Morgan) regardless, thats what he felt. He washed up two days later on Lundy (HH) I: That's an odd coincidence * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) thats where the current goes. Once he'd been nursed back to health, he entered the clergy until he became Freiarr * HH bolts up from the couch (HH) Fucking Eckname! * Morgan watches him (HH) David's fifty, so born th' same year y' said Eckname went off the map (Morgan) yes... (HH) Eckname became a priest, Leopold became a priest. See where I'm goin'? (Morgan) go on... (HH) Leopold is in a Shipwreck ending up on Lundy. Eckname writes a book years later under another alias an' signs it to the owners of Lundy for their care an 'ospitality * Morgan nods (HH) Leopold can **magic finger waves**. Eckname poked a weird. * Morgan nods (HH) Leopold was a noble, educated, wealthy family. Eckname had t' be all them too (Morgan) uh huh * HH sits back down, grinning "Seems pretty o'vious to me, man" (HH) I: *she smiles at HH* you're so clever! (HH) **Claudia rolls her eyes at Morgan** * Morgan smiles faintly (HH) Rosenkrantz knows all this? (Morgan) I posited such (Morgan) He was skeptical (HH) I: He knows about the talent? (Morgan) No no no... * HH is obviously thinking hard (HH) I: I wouldn't think Molly would want them knowing so soon (Morgan) No... they don't need to know that (HH) C: We are sailing tomorrow? * Morgan nods * HH is nodding to himself now. Repeatedly. Drawn out. It's comical (HH) C: *she sniffs* You broke Heinzharold. (Morgan) quiet though, isn't it (HH) C: Bliss. (HH) Ever been stabbed in the guts? * Morgan tilts his head briefly (Morgan) yes (HH) Hurts like hell. (HH) C: **she looks at Morgan* He threatening us? (Morgan) I'm not entirely sure actually (HH) Reck'n yer gut stab woulda hurt less if Molly had numbed ya? (HH) C: If he's got a point, he's slow to get there (HH) $That's why my wife loves me so much$ (Morgan) I dare say so... why? (HH) Can y' imagine having hands in yer innards without being numbed? (Morgan) I assume you've got a point you're trying to make... * HH nods (HH) Elsie and Thomas, Adara and Ilena. Magic being used t' numb and get the babes out (Morgan) I'm not sure about Adara... unless the good doctor is keeping that well and truly quiet (HH) No, Leopold was at the delivery. He did all the stuff Molly did * Morgan nods (Morgan) you're right (HH) There's no way y' could do that to someone without agony, just didn' occur to me at the time * Morgan nods (Morgan) me either (HH) I: That means Molly's talent is really valuable, doesn't it? * Morgan nods (HH) **There's a knock from the inside of the bedroom door** (HH) V: Papa, can I come back now? (Morgan) Yes, you can (HH) **Varick comes back in** Mama fell asleep * Morgan nods (Morgan) did she tell you whats going on? (HH) $must have worn her out at the boathouse$ (HH) V: We're staying again tonight. You and Mama are going for a ride before lunch, then later we'll go for a walk (Morgan) Did she tell you why? (HH) The Rosenkrantzs' want us to stay * Morgan nods (HH) They planning to feed us again? (HH) C: You already had breakfast (HH) I could go again **He grins. Claudia rolls her eyes, but Ings blushes** * Morgan shakes his head briefly (HH) V: I could go again too. **he nods* * Morgan picks Varick up (Morgan) shall we get you something else to eat? (HH) Want me t' take him, you can wake up Sleeping Beauty and meet us there? * Morgan nods (Morgan) if the young man is alright with that (HH) **Varick goes onto HHs shoulders, and HH prances around pretending to be a horse. Claudia and Inga go with them, leaving Morgan to the quiet. ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 18 February 2022 13:02:26 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea * Molly is asleep, on his side of the bed * Morgan sits by her, stroking her hair * Molly stirs, murmuring "Sorry" (Morgan) You've had a lot to deal with, its understandable * Molly stretches, watching him (Molly) Is everyone alright? * Morgan nods (Morgan) concerned for you (Molly) I'm... *she nods* I'm going to be alright * Morgan nods (Molly) I did not mean to be rude earlier * Molly sits up * Morgan tilts his head (Morgan) when? (Molly) About my dismay at having Eisen blood. It was not meant to offend you * Morgan nods (Molly) It's a shock. I love Eisen, for months I have felt like I belonged here, not Avalon. I thought it was just that my future was here... * Morgan nods, saying nothing * Molly watches him (Molly) I have hurt you. (Morgan) Only a little (Molly) How do I fix that, liebes herz? * Morgan shrugs * Molly puts her hand on his thigh (Molly) Talk to me... (Morgan) my being upset is unreasonable (Molly) If it is in the way I think it is, then it isn't unreasonable at all (Morgan) Given what you had just discovered, it is understandable (Molly) It is not a rejection of you. I know you have always been fiercely proud of your heritage, both Eisen and Avalonian (Morgan) and that heritage, when you discovered it was yours, disgusted you (Molly) I was shocked, and it feels incorrect to me that I am anything other than Avalonian blooded. * Morgan nods slightly (Molly) Typical Eisen traits are not the traits I have aimed to retain and cultivate (Morgan) typical? (Molly) The ones everyone talks of (Morgan) the ones non Eisens talk of... * Molly nods "I suppose so" * Morgan sighs (Morgan) and the arrogant Eiseners (Molly) The ones who are not gentle and soft * Morgan nods * Molly smiles (Molly) It's so stupid. * Morgan shrugs (Molly) I love you, as you are, as you were, and as you will be. Eisen is part of that, in your blood. I love that about you * Morgan nods * Molly kisses his cheek "I'll adjust. I can be both soft and partly Eisen" * Morgan nods (Morgan) yes you can * Molly smiles (Molly) And you're soft in your own way (Morgan) you think? * Molly nods (Molly) I do * Molly smiles, resting her forehead to his cheek "I think you're getting softer, too." (Morgan) you think so? (Molly) Mmhmm (Morgan) what makes you say so? (Molly) The older ladies yesterday, your care for Varick and Florrie, that you cared about Seb's nightmares even whilst you wanted to be far away from him (Morgan) I figured they would be a decent source of information... * Molly looks at him smiling as she murmurs "are you trying to convince me or you?" * Morgan smiles slightly * Molly kisses him briefly (Molly) Does it trouble you that I think you are softening? (Morgan) No, not really * Molly nods (Molly) Good. You have a tender heart, though it is buried deep * Morgan nods (Morgan) I am becoming... more like I used to be, though less naive according to Claudia (Molly) How do _you_ feel about that? * Morgan shrugs * Molly watches him patiently * Morgan sighs (Morgan) I don't know... I'm certainly easier to be around (Molly) But something troubles you? (Morgan) I don't know... it feels like I'm not necessarily _me_ anymore * Molly smiles gently (Molly) I can understand that * Morgan nods (Molly) If you are closer to how you were, perhaps you are becoming you _again_ (Morgan) maybe (Molly) But you do not wish to? (Morgan) I don't know... its... frightening, being open to being hurt again (Molly) Why would being like you were before make that more likely? (Morgan) means I'm more likely to be more deeply wounded * Molly tilts her head, taking a moment to work out how best to convey it before speaking "You have blamed that old, gentler version of yourself for not being sceptical or suspicious enough when he needed to be?" * Morgan nods (Molly) And a return to that comes with worries of missing something important? * Morgan nods (Molly) The old you did not deserve your animosity. *she looks serious* * Morgan shrugs slightly * Molly watches him, wanting to reach out to him and make him understand, but also not wanting to push him. So she says nothing, just watching him with a helpless frown * Morgan shakes his head briefly (Morgan) the horses are arranged * Molly nods solemnly, standing up (Molly) I need to eat before we go * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright * Molly gets ready, and soon they're walking down the hall. She says nothing, but takes his hand, holding it firmly (Morgan) You did not tell Varick... (Molly) No, I did not (Morgan) why? (Molly) A few reasons. Firstly, I was not ready. Secondly, I couldn't find the words, and lastly I wasn't sure he would not blurt it out * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright. I've explained it to the others... HeinzHarold was very proud of himself for figuring out Eckname and Leopold are one and the same (Molly) I am somewhat disappointed that I did not. (Morgan) He only figured it out once I laid out the timeline.... which is when I figured it out too * Molly nods (Molly) Normally I'd have been... enquiring enough to find out more from Doctor Rosenkrantz about his family... (Morgan) but you were more concerned with my own stupid issues * Molly frowns (Molly) It isn't stupid to fear losing me. (Morgan) it clouded our minds * Molly nods (Molly) There was so much going on. Elsie, Florrie, Seb * Morgan nods (Molly) If I had discovered he had been a priest... * Morgan shrugs (Molly) My puzzle-solving skills are important to you. I should have worked this out. (Morgan) No, _you_ are important to me. Given, as you say, Elsie, Florrie, Seb, Dau, its not surprising we all didn't see it... * Molly blushes, smiling (Molly) I was distracted. * Morgan nods (Molly) **They get to the bottom of the stairs** This house, it feels oddly familiar now. * Morgan nods (Molly) That probably sounds silly (Morgan) why would it? (Molly) I've not been here, except in the stable before... you know. * Morgan nods (Molly) Maybe it's the Avalonian influences in the decor (Morgan) maybe (Molly) **They join the others for breakfast. Adara and Ilena have joined them too, though their lack of strong response implies they don't know yet. Molly sits next to Varick and starts to put food on her plate. The meal goes well, and afterwards Rosenkrantz wants to show Molly something in the library. He hangs back enough to talk to Morgan ** You're now known as Rosenkrantz (Rosenkrantz) How would you like to handle telling Adara and Ilena? (Morgan) The problem with asking me is I simply don't know them well enough to predict their response * Rosenkrantz smiles "they will happy" * Morgan nods (Morgan) then I suggest you tell them we have discovered who the child you were looking for is, and that they can meet that childs descendant * Rosenkrantz nods "I'll get them and bring them to the library. I've put the family tree on the table, I thought Molly would like to see it" ** You're now known as Molly (Morgan) [Molly, the doctor would like to show you the family tree and tell Adara and Ilena. Are you ready for that?] (Molly) [I think so] * Morgan nods (Morgan) Alright. I daresay she'll need to ride to clear her mind some afterwards though (Molly) R: Of course **he turns back the way he came** * Molly looks out of the library window over the pounding sea and the grey clouds (Molly) I could spend hours watching this. An ideal house for a sailor who must live on land * Morgan nods (Morgan) very useful for local forces too... or should've been * Molly smiles (Molly) Until you. (Molly) **The family tree is on a table close to Morgan, spread open * Morgan smiles slightly (Molly) And, I suppose, Heinzharold * Morgan nods (Morgan) couldn't have done it without him (Molly) You're always the hero in my stories * Morgan shakes his head (Molly) ((Resists the urge to look at the tree?)) (Morgan) I'm no hero blossom (Morgan) ((no)) (Molly) Yes, you are. (Morgan) sheepdog... no hero (Molly) **The tree is quite straightforward, what he expected from what he had picked up from Seb, Rosenkrantz and the village ladies. Seb is correct that his great-grandmother Etelka was a twin. And her twin has a familiar name. Lisette. * Morgan mutters (Morgan) son of a.... * Molly glances over at the almost-profanity * Morgan takes the flask out, drinking some (Molly) You are nervous about their reactions? (Morgan) No. * Molly looks confused. It doesn't last long because Adara and Ilena have obviously figured it out from Rosenkrantzs hint, and they run in excitedly to hug Molly (Molly) **Rosenkrantz and Seb follow, both looking more at ease than earlier * Morgan rummages in his pockets for a pencil and some paper * Molly smiles, talking with them. It doesn't seem forced, as if the happiness of the other women is rubbing off. Seb comes to Morgan. "I can find you a quill if you need one" * Morgan shakes his head (Morgan) No, I'll only make a mess... this is just for my own curiosity... * Molly nods, moving away and giving him some privacy (Molly) **Seb (Molly) **The others are so busy Morgan is all but forgotten, leaving him to his work * Morgan finishes what he is doing, putting the pencil away and watching the others (Molly) **They calm eventually (Molly) R: Molly, I wanted to show you our family tree. It goes back four hundred years * Morgan clears his throat (Morgan) a moment with my wife before you do, please (Molly) **They all nod, going out into the hall. Molly watches him** I'm alright, dont worry * Morgan holds out the piece of paper (Morgan) You'll want this before you look at that (Molly) If you've written me a note to profess your love, I promise, I know already *she smiles* * Morgan looks serious * Molly takes it (Molly) Oh. * Morgan watches her (Molly) That's... surprising... and not surprising. * Morgan nods (Morgan) To anyone not used to certain types meddling in things, I suspect it will be quite a surprise... * Molly nods (Molly) How will we explain * Morgan smiles faintly (Morgan) I'll do it * Molly nods, looking at it again (Molly) Then will we ride? (Morgan) oh I would think so * Molly nods (Molly) Alright * Morgan takes the paper back, tucking it into a pocket (Molly) **after being summoned, the others return, coming to stand near the family tree. * Morgan stands off to one side (Molly) **Rosenkrantz shows Molly the tree, explaining how a family tree works. Molly just smiles and nods along, far from needing the help* * Morgan watches them quietly (Molly) **Rosenkrantz finishes up, and Molly thanks him** * Morgan scratches his chin (Morgan) Etelka has a twin... (Molly) R: Oh yes, Lisette. I'm afraid I don't know their surname. (Morgan) She's my great grandmother (Molly) **They all look shocked** R: They are Koertigs? ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 18 February 2022 16:47:31 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) [16:45] (Molly) **They all look shocked** R: They are Koertigs? (Morgan) Weirder than that, Eldreich's too (Molly) S: Like your son? * Morgan nods (Molly) Rosenkrantz smiles warmly: Well then, that's rather fortunate, isn't it? * Molly smiles [they're happy about it, even if it is complicated] (Morgan) fortunate? (Molly) R: That we're all related, when the company is so agreeable * Morgan nods (Molly) S: *he smiles at Morgan* I wonder if one of the ancestors that connects yourself, Varick, and I was a very keen sailor? (Morgan) It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest (Molly) Seb grins: It would explain how we sprang up in families of landlubbers! * Morgan nods (Morgan) Very very true * Molly smiles "If you will excuse us, we've had the horses waiting for a while" (Molly) **They encourage them to get underway, so they head to the stables, the groom going to open the main gate. She waits until they are inside with the horses before quoting something she said in the first dream that started here, smirking. "Do you find me attractive, Hockridge?" * Morgan sticks his tongue out (Morgan) shush * Molly bites her lip, smiling. She gets mounted up, leading out of the yard. The groom pulls the gates shut behind them (Molly) Shall we go to the church? * Morgan nods (Morgan) lets have a look * Molly nods. The sky is getting greyer (Molly) How are you feeling about the latest revelation? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) I don't know * Molly nods (Molly) Five hundred years of work to make you (Morgan) I'm not sure... They let Leopold into the mine, and look what they did to him (Molly) Have him make me. For the convergence. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I will do what I do... or what I am made to do... (Molly) My bigger concern... they can meddle with all of this, all these people... so why do they need a sheep dog? (Morgan) I think its time we asked them * Molly nods (Molly) Will they answer? And will we want them to? * Morgan shrugs (Molly) We should tell Varick when we get back, shouldn't we? (Morgan) I believe so (Molly) It's his family too * Morgan nods (Morgan) it was anyway * Molly nods (Molly) I wonder who she was... (Morgan) Not entirely given up on finding out yet... (Molly) I mean Etelka and Lisettes mother. She isn't listed on the Koertig or Rosenkrantz trees, and on the Eldreich one the space where she should be is blank. * Morgan frowns (Morgan) sounds like... shenanigans * Molly smiles (Molly) It does. Goodness knows. You were right, you know? * Morgan looks at her (Morgan) what? (Molly) Last week, when I asked if we should come here, you said "but what if there's something there we need to know" * Morgan nods (Morgan) Thats my problem... I just can't help myself if there's something I don't know or understand * Molly smiles, looking playful "You only have one problem, mon petit chou?" (Morgan) hundreds, but thats probably my worst (Molly) Not being able to help yourself? *she giggles* * Morgan shrugs * Molly smiles (Molly) You're going to behave at the church, aren't you? * Morgan nods (Molly) Good. Me too. * Morgan nods * Molly smiles faintly, watching the track ahead. The sky is greyer but that's okay. They're okay. Revelations of hundreds of years of supernatural meddling and crises over their personal changes aside. (Molly) **The church is just like in her dream, and she wanders into it with a shiver** (Molly) Oh, this feels strange (Morgan) creepy... * Molly nods. She looks at the altar a moment, then averts her gaze to the stained glass window (Molly) I suppose when Seb's grandp-... *she sighs* my great-grandparents converted the area to Vaticine, this church became a relic of an old way of doing things * Morgan nods (Morgan) probably * Molly tilts her head "In the dream, my grandfather had loved this church, until he became Freiarr and had no time for it * Morgan nods * Molly shakes her head, smiling (Molly) In the dream, I was the Freiarr's daughter... * Morgan nods (Molly) My grandfather was the Freiarr. * Morgan nods (Molly) Both in the dream, and in reality. * Morgan nods (Morgan) apparently so (Molly) Perhaps it is an alternate path? (Morgan) Could be, aye * Molly smiles (Molly) Goodness knows what the backstory of a groomsman who would risk everything to make love to an awfully spoilt and headstrong young noblewoman would be! * Morgan nods (Morgan) I doubt it'd be the first time, mind (Molly) Hmm? (Morgan) That sort of thing, much as people claim otherwise, happens (Molly) Really? It cannot be that common? (Morgan) common enough * Molly nods (Molly) It's close quarters, I suppose. Things happen before you realise how far they have gone... * Morgan nods * Molly brushes off a dusty pew with her hand before sitting (Molly) What happened earlier, when we were discussing Memorial Day? (Morgan) what? (Molly) You seemed distracted and ill at ease (Morgan) I have not honoured them properly (Molly) How so? (Morgan) I have not taken part in any of the services while I was away (Molly) You weren't ready to be at church (Morgan) No, but still... (Morgan) and then it brought back a memory * Molly nods "From the War?" (Morgan) No... Memorial day when HeinzHarold needed a black ribbon * Molly looks thoughtful "sixty five, sixty six? You were gone after that" * Morgan nods * Molly watches him (Molly) Not a pleasant memory? (Morgan) Dietlinde gave him a ribbon, pinning it on... he was a bit overwhelmed, wrapped a ribbon round her belly and told me to do it again in march, see how much bigger she got * Molly smiles (Molly) And did you? * Morgan nods (Morgan) was just an unexpected memory thats all * Molly nods, offering her hand * Morgan takes it (Molly) That happens often? (Morgan) Now and then, aye (Molly) It must be painful * Morgan nods (Morgan) it is * Molly nods (Molly) Is it worse than it used to be? (Morgan) its more often * Molly nods (Molly) Perhaps it means something, or there's a purpose to it? (Morgan) I like to think it means I'm now more able to deal with them * Molly nods slowly (Molly) I suppose I assumed you have lived with constant flashes of memory all these years (Morgan) Surprisingly, no... * Molly nods, thoughtfully (Molly) Perhaps this is part of the process then (Morgan) maybe * Molly squeezes his hand (Molly) I will do whatever you need to help (Morgan) I know my love * Molly smiles. She's quiet a little while. (Molly) I uhh... forgot to ask how you slept **she blushes at the memory of having boldly accosted him first thing, before Varick went missing** * Morgan tells her about the star girl dream * Molly giggles when he gets to the point of Heinzharold doing the impression of Adalbrecht (Molly) I am surprised you didn't hit him! (Morgan) I might hit him later (Molly) Even though he didnt actually do it? (Morgan) ah damn... I'm gon' have to tell 'Im about Lissy * Morgan shrugs * Molly smiles at the accent (Molly) Are you? * Morgan nods, flexing his jaw (Morgan) aye (Molly) Dont, it's adorable. (Morgan) no its not... I sound like a yokel * Molly smiles (Molly) I've always found it charming when you speak that way (Morgan) Is that because it fits with the idea of a noble woman seducing a common local? * Molly shakes her head (Molly) No, but if that piques your interest... *she bites her lip, mischief in her eyes* * Morgan sniggers * Molly tilts her head (Molly) It was when we alighted from the coach in Avebury that first time, and suddenly you were... completely different. It caught me off-guard * Morgan nods (Molly) You were... I don't know... extroverted, playful. * Morgan nods (Molly) Was it nerve-wracking, straddling them like that? (Morgan) straddling? * Molly smiles "Straddling those two personas, the cheerful common farm hand and the grumpy master-at-arms?" (Morgan) It was more that I felt awful for misleading Maelwys (Molly) We could have stayed elsewhere (Morgan) Nowhere that would've felt safe (Molly) You were very concerned about keeping me safe on the trip? (Morgan) of course * Molly smiles (Molly) I loved that trip (Morgan) oh? * Molly smiles (Molly) It felt special, precious * Morgan nods * Molly strokes her thumb over his knuckles (Molly) I was spending time with you, alone. For some reason, you were willing to take _me_, just a normal servant, away for weeks, giving me chance to get to know you when you always kept people at arms length * Morgan nods (Molly) I tried to store it all in my mind. For me, I was certain that when we got back to Tawstock, that brief interlude and freedom we had had was going to be finished forever (Morgan) Wasn't the case, was it * Molly shakes her head (Molly) Despite how hard I tried, it couldn't be over for me. (Morgan) no? * Molly shakes her head (Molly) I worked hard. Every time I thought of it, I tried to draw my mind away. I was getting married, whatever we had had in Carleon was temporary and finished. And then you made a comment about having (Molly) Friends I desired, and suddenly we were talking about it again, and all my hard work had been futile * Morgan frowns (Morgan) I'm sorry I made it so difficult for you * Molly shrugs "I was half in love with you, nothing you could have done would have changed that" (Morgan) Still... (Molly) No, I was in the wrong. I retreated when we returned. I suppose I thought... *she frowns* I thought perhaps it would be a relief for you (Morgan) Funny how that became a theme... * Molly smiles (Molly) Oh? (Morgan) hiding your feelings from me to spare mine... * Molly smiles (Molly) It is just who I am, I suppose... (Morgan) could be (Molly) Perhaps it is that I knew what could happen if I became a burden or displease those I cared for * Morgan nods, frowning (Morgan) understandable to think that way (Molly) Why do you frown? *she kisses his knuckles* (Morgan) that you believing that is a reasonable possibility is correct... (Molly) That had I not retreated I would have been a burden to you? * Morgan nods * Molly nods (Molly) That makes you feel guilty? (Morgan) a little... it makes me angry * Molly looks intrigued (Molly) At whom? (Morgan) David, mostly... for making you feel that that would be anyones reaction * Molly shrugs (Molly) Without it, I might have developed hopes and expectations where you were concerned (Morgan) Regardless * Molly shakes her head (Molly) I'm making progress, liebling * Morgan nods * Molly watches him intently "Everything I have been through, it has led me to this moment with you. It was worth it. _You_ are worth it. * Morgan lifts her hand, kissing it gently * Molly smiles (Molly) A wise choice, my love (Morgan) as I said to the doctor... I'm clever... (Molly) Yes, you are. I wouldn't trust me here either! * Morgan smiles * Molly kisses his knuckles too (Molly) We should get back before Heinzharold assumes we were misbeh (Molly) Misbehaving * * Morgan nods (Morgan) aye * Molly stands, giving the church a look over once last time, with a little smile (Molly) Maybe if the family had stayed Vaticine, perhaps that is how it was an alternate path? * Morgan nods (Morgan) could be * Molly heads out, smirking at him as she reaches the horse "Get me mounted, Hockridge?" (Morgan) you're getting as bad as he is * Molly giggles (Molly) He's rubbing off on us both * Molly goes bright red "Oh my god." (Morgan) oh dear lord * Molly swings up into the saddle * Morgan climbs up onto his horse (Molly) That is an image noone ever needed * Morgan nods (Morgan) quite * Molly urges the horse on "If that gets back to him, you are going to be in a world of trouble, mon petit!" * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) nothing new there (Molly) Not the sort of trouble you are usually in! (Morgan) 'm sure 'er excellent-sy wouldn' 'old me accoun'able, on account of 'er kind nature * Molly 's secretive little smile confirms that she would * Morgan huffs (Morgan) dammit (Molly) I could hold you accountable for hours on end (Morgan) ah, well, that kind of accountin', tha's another matter * Molly smiles (Molly) Or the worst kind of accounting... estate ledgers. (Morgan) I do believe I've served my time doing that... * Molly smiles, distractedly (Molly) Mmhmm * Molly looks back to him (Molly) Sorry, my mind wandered (Morgan) I could tell * Molly smiles (Molly) Nothing bad... even for you. * Morgan stretches * Molly watches him do so, smiling a little (Molly) You do that sometimes when you are aroused, you know? **she gives him a sidelong glance** (Morgan) Do I? * Molly nods "Mmhmm. Just a little thing I have noticed" * Morgan nods (Molly) You did not know? (Morgan) No, I can't say I did * Molly smiles (Molly) It happens at other times too... just.. it's you, you know? A little quirk of yours * Morgan frowns (Morgan) do I do around others? * Molly raises an eyebrow, teasing him "Be aroused? Only you can answer that, I think!" (Morgan) No, have these... quirks... aside from rolling my shoulders, I know full well I do that * Molly thinks about it "Blinking slowly, that is your tell at poker, and also an indicator you are very surprised or troubled. You do not stretch around them" (Morgan) my tell that I'm bluffing... * Morgan smirks slightly * Molly nods (Morgan) lasts about five hands... (Molly) Oh, it is a trick! * Morgan smiles (Morgan) Used to clean up in the war... (Molly) Very clever (Molly) One would need an unfair advantage to beat you... * Morgan nods * Molly concentrates. What he sees is the back of her bare calves, her heels. A hair pin drops to the floor, then another, and another (Morgan) oh thats very clever * Molly giggles (Molly) Not even very rude (Morgan) You are distracting (Molly) You are welcome *she smiles* (Molly) Sadly, my love, you need to concentrate on riding, so you cannot see more (Morgan) You've not realised I can sleep in the saddle? * Molly smirks (Molly) Should I be offended, my love? * Morgan chuckles (Morgan) no (Molly) And no, I did not know that (Morgan) Of course, it relies on you not having a stupid horse * Molly nods (Molly) Xantha is good for it? * Morgan nods (Morgan) we have a... kinship * Molly nods (Molly) Aurora's foal will come in the spring. Like Jarvie's ** You are now disconnected ------------------------------ Logging started for 192.168.1.82:#7thsea on Friday, 18 February 2022 22:30:44 Greenwich Mean Time ------------------------------ ** You have joined #7thsea (Molly) [22:29] (Molly) Aurora's foal will come in the spring. Like Jarvie's * Morgan nods (Morgan) kids going to be known as the foal from now on * Molly giggles (Molly) I am keen to see them again * Morgan nods (Molly) I think the weather will hold, shall we have a little race? (Morgan) If you wish to... I know going fast helps your peace of mind (Molly) You help my peace of mind, very greatly (Morgan) I try * Molly smiles (Molly) First back to the stables wins? * Morgan nods (Morgan) very well * Molly smiles (Molly) Same stakes as outside Tannen? **This was that the winner got to choose the intimate activity the next time they were both in the mood. She hadn't cashed it in when she won that time until weeks later when she'd ridden him facing away so he could admire the combination of her hair and derriere* * Morgan nods (Morgan) alright (Molly) Three. Two. One. Go! **she kicks the horse into a gallop** * Morgan sets off at a trot * Molly assumes he has a strategy, so doesn't check on him, just pushing the horse within reason * Morgan pushes the horse into a run, letting her win by a long way * Molly is waiting in the stable when he gets back, already dismounted * Morgan climbs down as the horse comes to a halt * Molly smiles "A lady could get a complex that her husband has no curiosities or wishes he wants her to satisfy!" * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) what can I say, the horse was lame * Molly looks at him, shaking her head (Molly) I didnt see any evidence of that (Morgan) maybe he was just a bit sad at missing the view (Molly) What view would that be? (Morgan) I don't know, I have no idea what a horse likes looking at (Molly) And you, my love? Did you find anything of Insel worth admiring? (Morgan) I wasn't looking (Molly) No? Sleeping, hmm? (Morgan) No, since _he_ wasn't paying attention to where we were going, one of us had to (Molly) Staring straight ahead... nothing interesting to see there! * Morgan shrugs * Molly watches him a moment then smiles, heading towards the door "Come along, Hockridge." She manages to nail the tone perfectly * Morgan rolls his eyes following her * Molly giggles. She bumps, literally, into Heinzharold as she comes out. He grins at Morgan (Molly) HH: Saw Molly's 'orse come in. Wondered what was keepin' you pair! * Molly bites her lip, glancing at Morgan (Morgan) went to see a church (Molly) HH: *he nods* $you didn't...?!$ (Molly) I think it must be lunchtime by now * Morgan looks at him innocently (Molly) **HH stares at him** * Molly looks at both of them (Molly) I am rather hungry after that, aren't you liebes herz? (Morgan) I am rather (Molly) **HH looks even more surprised** * Molly glances at HH, then heads towards the house * Morgan looks at him ** You're now known as HH (Morgan) we need to talk (HH) Bloody right! * Morgan waves that aside (Morgan) seriously man (HH) Go on then (Morgan) You know how I'm related to Varick? (HH) Yep. Fourth cousin or something * Morgan nods (Morgan) by Lissy, my great grandmother * HH nods (HH) I 'member (Morgan) She had a twin, Etelka... according to the family tree I've looked at, Etelka is Leopolds grandmother * HH stops walking (HH) So you're all related?! * Morgan nods (Morgan) distantly (HH) Whoa. Bit odd * Morgan shrugs (HH) Okay, what do y' need? * Morgan smiles slightly (Morgan) just need to get my head around (HH) Need a hug? (Morgan) No, but I'll have one anyway * HH hugs him, slapping his back before letting go (HH) 'Ow's she doin'? (Morgan) Well... it'll take some adjusting (HH) Not cryin', at least (Morgan) No, thats been and done... I daresay her father will be worse (HH) Think he's gonna wanna be a Freiarr? (Morgan) Its tough to say... before he came to Eisen, without a doubt. Now... * HH nods (HH) Claudia said he has ideas 'bove his station. Turns out, he didnt. * Morgan nods (Morgan) I don't think he's as bad now * HH nods (HH) Pete ain't gonna want to do it though (Morgan) You think? * HH nods (Morgan) why? (HH) Imagine moving Beth and the kids here. Moving William away fr'm the connections with his Da. (Morgan) To the place that is rightfully his fathers... * HH shrugs (HH) More to life than tha' * Morgan nods (HH) What's Molly want? 'Cept you, by the sounds of it (Morgan) I don't know yet. I doubt she knows * HH nods (HH) Wait an' see * Morgan nods (Morgan) all we can do * HH nods * HH speaks quietly "Church though?!" (Morgan) Would I do that? * HH looks at him (HH) In the summer, I'da said hard no... * Morgan smiles (Morgan) it would've been wrong... I don't follow their faith but I can respect it (HH) Hang on, are y' saying y' don't respect His Grace? * HH grins (Morgan) his stables aren't a place of faith and worship... unless Isiah has some _really_ strange kinks... * HH laughs (HH) Not sure what's weirder, talkin' bout our future Eisenfurst having kinks involving barns, or that you know what one is! (Morgan) saint Morgan of Puritytown reads... * HH sniggers (HH) Prob'ly need pictures too (Morgan) Aye, you would (HH) 'Ard to work out where all the legs go! * Morgan nods (HH) Seb says y' gave him some oil * Morgan nods (Morgan) he was flattered but prefers women * HH snorts, then laughs loudly (HH) Did y' blush and stammer? (Morgan) As I recall I frowned at him.... means you';re out of luck though * HH chuckles (HH) Even if I was like that I wouldn' have chance to chase 'im. Soon as I catch my breath my lil darlin wants more. Balls are gonna look like raisins at this rate! (Morgan) you poor little lamb... * HH nods (HH) Y' shoulda warned me about women, man! (Morgan) its your own fault for being so cutesy (HH) How y' reck'n? (Morgan) cant keep her hands off you, thats clearly your own fault * HH does the charming grin, letting his blonde hair fall in his face in a way that Morgan has seen him do to many followers of the drum and some Sudlachenburg girls over the years (HH) Oh yeah, she def'nitly can't (HH) If that's th' secret of my success, wha' the hell is yours, b'cause... *he gives Morgan a once over, then makes a "dunno" shrug* (Morgan) I have a sweet disposition * HH starts laughing so hard he gives himself hiccups (HH) Seriously?! * Morgan watches him for a moment (Morgan) He has nightmares. I thought I could help with that (HH) Doesn't work on you though? * Morgan shrugs (Morgan) not really (HH) 'Ow was last night? (Morgan) alright * HH nods, opening the main door (HH) 'opefully more of the same tonight then (Morgan) we'll see * HH heads for the dinning room to have lunch with Morgan's very extended family. It's straightforward and relaxed, and Morgan and Molly decide telling Varick before his nap is wise, so they head back to the parlour ** Morgan has quit (Quit: Leaving) ** You are now disconnected