Mar 27 00:00:53 I am following the rules. I am giving up _everything_ because you marry the mother of your child. That is what is right. Breaking the rules ruins everything! Mar 27 00:02:28 No. You are condemning Mina to misery, Graben to god knows what, and piling shame on Sudlachenburg. By putting Mina aside, you are showing you have no respect for the promises you made, no respect for the Eisenfurst, and any protection we have had from him will evaporate. You know how vulnerable that will make all of us? Mar 27 00:03:44 I would be a hypocrite to overthrow the rules now so I could bewith Mina as if principles don't matter, and codes of honour don't matter, and nobility doesn't matter! After everything I sacrificed, and all the pain we have all been through, you cannot as me to now give up the last thing that brings me self-respect. Mar 27 00:04:05 Ask* Mar 27 00:04:25 I'm not asking. You know its the right thing to do. Mar 27 00:06:14 You will be in no danger, because I will leave. I will relinquish my title if that will protect Sudlachenburg and you all. You can denounce me however you want. I will act with my principles, but I won't expect to face no consequences for them. Mar 27 00:08:20 You're running away. You can't face making the difficult choice, so you're hiding behind your principles because its what I wouldn't do. You think shouting 'I'm giving it all up' will spare everyone, but it will do no such thing. We're all going to be miserable, we're all going to be in danger, except you, hiding in another country. Mar 27 00:08:53 Making me like you? Mar 27 00:09:25 * Morgan smiles Mar 27 00:10:23 I didn't run away. I stayed, and mistakenly expected things could be fixed, that the damage _I_ did, could be undone in time. When I left, I went away to die. Mar 27 00:11:13 You now believe you should have left? Mar 27 00:12:16 It doesn't matter. I damaged the reputation and respect of our family and our home, and I paid the price for it. You will be doing as much damage and running away. Mar 27 00:12:48 It matters to me. Mar 27 00:13:33 * Morgan looks at him seriously, tears in his eyes Mar 27 00:15:08 I should have acted differently. I could have kept them safe, you safe, our home safe... if I'd relinquished my title, I could have stayed. Or I could have left. Mar 27 00:16:51 I could have come to you, told you what was happening. If I had kept my faith in you... Mar 27 00:17:58 Thats why I hoped you would tell Dekker... you have faith in him, have _reason_ to trust him Mar 27 00:19:49 I could not let him know that my days in the Army were the last time I wasn't a complete fuck up who has ruined everything I have touched, not when _he_ has so much faith in _me_. Mar 27 00:22:57 Then you should live up to the image he has of you, not hide from it. What would he say you should do? Mar 27 00:23:37 It would not matter. Don't you get it? I have killed two children of my blood already. If I don't keep Florrie safe by following the rules, I will end up destroying her too. She cannot pay the ultimate price for being connected to me. Mar 27 00:26:08 Edward... acknowledge her. All the rules that matter will have been satisfied. Graben will be safe, Sudlachenburg will be as safe as a place built by that lake can be, our standing will not be any further damaged. Don't you see that? Mar 27 00:27:28 It is not satisfying the nobility, as much as it is about satisfying God, Morgan. Mar 27 00:27:52 You are trying to convince him you are worthy of her? Mar 27 00:28:32 I am trying not to fail in his eyes anymore than I have done already. Mar 27 00:29:14 * Morgan sighs Mar 27 00:30:44 Perhaps she is Theus' way of giving me a second chance, perhaps she is how I can be washed clean of the sins that already stain me. Mar 27 00:31:26 Perhaps the test is that you do not give in to what you think the rules are again... perhaps the test is that you trust me... Mar 27 00:32:12 * Edward sits on the ground Mar 27 00:33:39 I am scared of getting this all wrong. *his breath hitches* I don't know what to do. Mar 27 00:33:51 * Morgan sits in front of him Mar 27 00:35:05 _trust_ me Edward. For once I am thinking of everyone but me, my wants. Mar 27 00:36:45 I shouldn't have been given any responsibility for a child. Mar 27 00:38:37 If _anyone_ had right to think that, its me, isn't it? Yet I leave my son, my wife in your care... I have made arrangements for you to see, have a relationship with your daughter, because I _know_ you will be good for her, love her, support her, keep her safe. Mar 27 00:40:42 I have failed before, why trust that I won't fail her, or them? Mar 27 00:41:49 Because you know how it happens... how you get led down a bad path with good intentions. Because you will watch every step you make to make sure its the right one Mar 27 00:42:31 What if that is not enough? What if I am just cursed, or rotten at the core? Mar 27 00:43:17 You aren't rotten... Too many decent people love you for that to be true Mar 27 00:44:25 * Edward shrugs, opening his flask Mar 27 00:45:29 This another area you'll need to trust me. If you were rotten, I'd have dealt with you in a permanent way Mar 27 00:45:48 Perhaps you should have. Mar 27 00:46:35 No... Mar 27 00:47:09 It would have resolved everything Mar 27 00:48:25 No, it would've resolved things for you. I would've spent the rest of my life knowing I cost the lives of my wife, my daughter and my brother. *he smiles slightly* do you know why I didn't just beat you to death that day? Mar 27 00:48:43 Mother, you said. Mar 27 00:48:48 * Morgan nods Mar 27 00:49:13 I couldn't take you from her, even then. They need you. Mar 27 00:49:40 They needed _you_. Mar 27 00:50:07 Well... now they have us. We really can't fuck that up again. Mar 27 00:50:22 I would not wager on that. Mar 27 00:50:45 We _must_ not fuck that up again. Mar 27 00:50:58 * Edward offers him the flask Mar 27 00:51:12 * Morgan takes it, swigging it before passing it back Mar 27 00:51:58 *its Drambuie, tastes still of honey, scotch, and Molly's skin. Edward drinks some too* Mar 27 00:52:41 Father hates me already for how I have erred. Mar 27 00:53:33 * Morgan shrugs Mar 27 00:53:42 it'll pass. Especially if you get this right Mar 27 00:53:55 * Edward drinks more Mar 27 00:54:42 Mina is going to hate me. I don't know how to face her if it is not to tell her I have to end it to marry Alice Mar 27 00:55:31 With courage and understanding and acceptance of her reaction. Mar 27 00:56:41 I do not think I can bear to hear her reject me, deserved as it is. Mar 27 00:56:55 * Morgan nods Mar 27 00:57:08 It may take some time but I believe she will get past this Mar 27 00:58:07 I have asked too much already. How can she respect and follow a man like me? Mar 27 00:59:28 Because she loves you... because she can see how tormented you are, how badly you wish other choices had been made. Mar 27 02:00:30 It would be easier if I chose Alice and made the situation simpler. Mar 27 02:00:53 Koertig men do not run away from difficulty just because there is an easier option Mar 27 02:01:35 * Edward watches him, the lamp on the ground between them illuminating them both Mar 27 02:01:58 Is that what you told yourself when you got married? Mar 27 02:02:43 No... its something I've learned in the meantime. Mar 27 02:02:55 * Edward nods Mar 27 02:05:49 I just wanted to be a man Mina could be proud to wed. Within minutes of meeting her, that was my only hope and plan for the future. It didn't seem that difficult, after all, I had just survived a War. Aside from Father having mentioned Mina as a match for you, I thought he would give his blessing easily when he knew she and I also loved each other Mar 27 02:05:49 as well as being a good match. Mar 27 02:06:21 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:07:02 Then you must make sure your every action from here on makes her proud. You can't change what happened, you can only change the future Mar 27 02:07:23 She deserves better. Mar 27 02:08:05 So do better. Mar 27 02:08:51 It is too late to do anything about all the big mistakes I have made Mar 27 02:09:19 So... don't compound them by making another... Mar 27 02:10:18 * Edward nods, sipping the drink again before offering it Mar 27 02:10:31 * Morgan takes it again, sipping it before giving it back Mar 27 02:10:58 I would struggle to stay faithful to Alice, probably in body, but absolutely in mind. Mar 27 02:11:12 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:12:09 That is no slight to Alice. She is pretty, and we are physically very compatible, but... Mar 27 02:12:34 but your soul screams at you to be with Mina Mar 27 02:12:53 * Edward nods Mar 27 02:14:06 My everything screams for her, every minute of every day. There is nowhere on Theah far enough away that I would not feel drawn to Mina. Mar 27 02:14:25 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:14:47 Then you need to be with her. Mar 27 02:16:14 * Edward nods "I would never be able to see her again, or be in the same room as her. I could never trust myself with her not to be unfaithful to Alice" Mar 27 02:16:31 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:18:41 I am fairly sure He would disapprove of being unfaithful in my heart and my mind every day. Mar 27 02:18:51 I've no doubt of it Mar 27 02:19:30 * Edward sighs Mar 27 02:20:14 If this had only happened once we were already wed Mar 27 02:20:43 No point torturing yourself with if only's and what ifs, believe me Mar 27 02:21:16 I know that already Mar 27 02:21:31 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:22:17 I don't want to live another three years having lost Mina. I don't think I can endure that. Mar 27 02:22:27 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:24:11 Then work with me, Edward, work towards that Mar 27 02:25:04 * Edward nods, exhaling heavily Mar 27 02:25:52 Alright, but if it goes wrong, it is your fault too now Mar 27 02:26:08 Thats nothing new to me. Mar 27 02:26:27 * Edward nods Mar 27 02:26:48 This time we will stand together Mar 27 02:27:01 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:27:55 I am still not sure it is the right choice, or that it is good with God Mar 27 02:28:40 _I'm_ sure its the right choice, both for your heart, and for everyone involved. Mar 27 02:29:04 *he gets up* When you married Dietlinde, were you at all unsure? Mar 27 02:29:19 about _what_? Mar 27 02:29:35 Whether it was the right thing to do? Mar 27 02:30:38 No... but as Claudia points out, I was so much more naive then. Mar 27 02:30:52 * Edward nods Mar 27 02:31:43 You were too naive, I was too jaded. Mar 27 02:31:51 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:32:08 I'm somewhere in the middle now... I think its time you joined me Mar 27 02:32:45 I suppose the fact I am almost a virgin again helps. Mar 27 02:33:01 * Morgan blinks Mar 27 02:33:36 Are you trying to be funny? Because I have it on good authority that army men aren't any good at it Mar 27 02:35:01 You never heard that? If you don't swive a woman for more than a year, it's like you're a virgin again. All the nerves and potential performance issues like the first time. Mar 27 02:35:38 Oh... No, I never heard that. Don't recall that being an issue either Mar 27 02:35:53 * Edward shrugs Mar 27 02:36:17 No one likes a show-off, brother, Mar 27 02:36:45 Yes they do, they just don't admit it... though I was more trying to reassure you... though the nerves weren't great... Mar 27 02:37:36 Now I can add in an extreme fear of relying on the withdrawal method to prevent conception too. Mar 27 02:38:05 Have Mina talk to Molly... there are... other methods that are more effective Mar 27 02:38:56 * Edward nods "Providing she consents to still wed me, that will not be necessary for at least a year" Mar 27 02:39:54 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:40:03 You plan to have a child immediately... Mar 27 02:40:10 * Edward nods Mar 27 02:40:56 We would like to have a baby as soon as possible after we are married, yes Mar 27 02:41:02 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:41:33 Florrie may make her rethink that timeline... Mar 27 02:42:01 I would guess the opposite will be the case Mar 27 02:42:21 Possibly... but it is something you should be prepared for Mar 27 02:43:29 I know. But I have seen it happen with many women, being around babies and small children makes them very eager to become pregnant. Mar 27 02:43:41 * Morgan nods Mar 27 02:51:48 * Edward has quit (Read error: EOF from client) Mar 27 18:01:56 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined Mar 27 18:04:43 * MollyK picks the lantern up Mar 27 18:04:49 * MollyK is now known as Edward Mar 27 18:05:07 Are you ready to ride on? Mar 27 18:05:18 * Morgan nods Mar 27 18:11:55 * Morgan climbs into the saddle Mar 27 18:19:03 * Edward does likewise Mar 27 18:19:21 I hope you're right. Mar 27 18:19:57 About all of it, or something specific? Mar 27 18:21:35 All of it *he clicks his tongue, making the horse walk on* Mar 27 18:21:57 * Morgan nods, nudging his horse Mar 27 18:23:08 Only time will tell Mar 27 18:24:01 * Edward nods, walking on Mar 27 18:24:19 Father is going to go off the deep end Mar 27 18:24:38 Yes he is. Will you let me take care of it? Mar 27 18:29:35 He will see that as cowardice. Mar 27 18:30:14 Will you let me lead then? Mar 27 18:31:50 I should not allow that. I should take the punishment of his further disapproval Mar 27 18:34:46 His reaction can and should be tempered. I would have him know I stand with you, as he should have with Jarvie Mar 27 18:36:11 * Edward shrugs Mar 27 18:36:39 His disappointment in how I have turned out is understandable, though hard to bear Mar 27 18:37:07 Then he can express it like a decent human being Mar 27 18:38:37 * Edward nods Mar 27 18:39:28 Mother will be elated to see you and Molly again sooner than expected Mar 27 18:40:47 * Morgan nods Mar 27 18:40:51 I've missed her Mar 27 18:41:54 * Edward nods Mar 27 18:42:23 She will be unhappy with this too Mar 27 18:42:52 For a time Mar 27 18:51:21 * Edward has quit (Ping Timeout) Mar 27 18:59:04 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Mar 27 18:59:11 [18:50:08] Edward: Do you have any words of wisdom, having had to break bad news to them before? Mar 27 18:59:24 * MollyK is now known as Edward Mar 27 19:02:08 Don't rise to fathers temper, but stand your ground. There's a good chance he will not be willing to listen to reason and... he can be somewhat cruel Mar 27 19:05:04 That's how he was with you? Mar 27 19:05:29 * Morgan grinds his teeth a moment Mar 27 19:05:30 aye Mar 27 19:06:21 What did you do? Mar 27 19:07:04 Dug in. Mar 27 19:08:05 Was it helpful? Mar 27 19:08:53 * Morgan shrugs Mar 27 19:09:10 It told him I wasn't just going backwn Mar 27 19:10:01 * Edward nods Mar 27 19:12:12 And Mother? Mar 27 19:12:41 I didn't tell her myself Mar 27 19:13:10 I should tell her this, not let father do so Mar 27 19:18:08 Deal with father first Mar 27 19:19:08 * Edward nods Mar 27 19:19:44 Perhaps I will show him the tattoo at the same time, get it all out of the way. Mar 27 19:20:28 You're being defeatist... you need to not be Mar 27 19:26:02 * Edward watches him Mar 27 19:26:40 Morgan Adalbrecht Koertig, optimist at large. Mar 27 19:27:20 * Morgan looks at him Mar 27 19:27:38 If you are defeatist, you will buckle to his demands and temper Mar 27 19:29:01 The plan has been decided. There will be no buckling. Mar 27 19:30:04 Father has always had more sway with you... Mar 27 19:31:29 I do not relish being a disappointment to him, but your arguments do make sense. Mar 27 19:33:20 Then we will need to use them. His disappointment is something that will ease in time, and showing him the sense to what I say will help... Mar 27 19:34:50 * Edward nods Mar 27 19:35:30 Did you send the letter to Alice whilst we were in Baden? Mar 27 19:38:39 Don't worry about that. I will take care of it Mar 27 19:39:14 * Edward nods. He doesn't speak for a few minutes, then he say Mar 27 19:39:45 Why are you helping me so much? Mar 27 19:40:20 You're my brother and I love you. Mar 27 19:41:58 Most would take pleasure in me destroying my life like this Mar 27 19:42:50 * Morgan looks at him Mar 27 19:44:00 thats the last time you use that phrase. You have a daughter, a wonderful little girl. With effort, you will still have the love of your life, you will have Graben to guide.... Mar 27 19:46:24 You seem attached to Florrie Mar 27 19:47:25 * Morgan nods Mar 27 19:48:01 She is my niece... there is more to it but... you aren't ready to know about it yet Mar 27 19:50:19 *he frowns deeply* You tell me to trust you, then saying you are keeping something from me. I hate to ask this, Morgan, but is there an attraction between you and Alice. Mar 27 19:50:44 * Morgan pulls his horse to a stop Mar 27 19:50:58 * Edward stops likewise Mar 27 19:51:27 No. I have attraction for no-one but Molly. Mar 27 19:55:48 I am... aware that Alice has a few vague similarities with Dietlinde, but I see that is not what the situation is, and I apologise for the offence. Mar 27 19:56:53 We are beyond tiptoeing around here... from certain angles she did strike me as looking very much like Dietlinde. You have not offended me Mar 27 19:57:47 * Edward inclines his head Mar 27 19:58:04 I was not implying you would act on any attraction Mar 27 19:58:31 * Morgan nods Mar 27 20:02:05 * Edward moves his horse on again Mar 27 20:02:21 * Morgan follows suit Mar 27 20:03:43 That played no part in my attraction to her. I did not realise it until the morning after. Mar 27 20:03:56 I will admit I did wonder Mar 27 20:04:30 * Edward shakes his head Mar 27 20:04:44 It was not a conscious choice. Mar 27 20:08:29 * Morgan nods Mar 27 20:10:32 She is blonde, with hazel eyes. Her similarity to Mina was what caught my attention Mar 27 20:11:12 that makes a lot more sense Mar 27 20:12:19 * Edward nods Mar 27 20:12:39 I imagine that has been a difficult question in your mind, Mar 27 20:12:42 .* Mar 27 20:12:59 Once it came to mind, yes Mar 27 20:15:28 You could have asked me Mar 27 20:16:29 It... wasn't an important thing... I wasn't sure you'd even noticed Mar 27 20:16:39 * Edward nods Mar 27 20:16:58 Only after the fact. I was far from sober Mar 27 20:17:17 * Morgan nods Mar 27 20:19:27 I have spent years more drunk than was good for me Mar 27 20:20:01 The grief will do that to you Mar 27 20:22:08 * Edward nods Mar 27 20:22:13 You too? Mar 27 20:22:38 Some. Mar 27 20:23:46 * Edward nods Mar 27 20:24:16 I don't drink as much now, unless I am with my friends Mar 27 20:24:44 * Morgan nods Mar 27 20:27:45 What did you think of Heidi? Mar 27 20:27:54 * Morgan smiles slightly Mar 27 20:27:56 I like her Mar 27 20:28:44 They've been together years Mar 27 20:29:38 I can see why Mar 27 20:31:33 It started off when she was one of our hostages. We'd been given guard duty of her and the others, but within hours she had gotten right under his skin Mar 27 20:34:32 Why? Mar 27 20:35:58 Her cheekiness, her humour Mar 27 20:36:42 * Morgan nods Mar 27 20:38:49 * Edward smiles Mar 27 20:39:26 They love each other madly Mar 27 20:39:33 Its obvious Mar 27 20:41:05 He is going to have to wed soon though Mar 27 20:42:09 He cannot wed her because of her standing? Mar 27 20:42:34 That and she is Vaticine Mar 27 20:42:47 She would not be willing to convert? Mar 27 20:43:21 Maybe, but there's no point them considering that Mar 27 20:44:16 what title would be sufficient for them to wed? Mar 27 20:48:45 Ideally she would need to be nobility, a Freiarrin at least, not a title she can easily acquire. When his Godfather dies he is going to be a Graf Mar 27 20:50:53 I'm not sure even I could swing that Mar 27 20:51:46 No. And think how she would suffer at Court. It is not the place for someone who doesn't follow rules well Mar 27 20:52:45 Thats a rather perfect get out clause for me then... Mar 27 20:54:24 You are doing well with it on the whole Mar 27 20:55:27 * Morgan shrugs Mar 27 20:56:33 Molly has been somewhat of a surprise Mar 27 20:57:15 She has taken to it surprisingly well... even dealing with your friends mother... Mar 27 20:57:36 * Edward nods Mar 27 20:58:36 When I found out her heritage, I must admit I was very concerned. But she is adept there, and I can tell Mother has had an influence there Mar 27 20:59:12 She's more adept than I am Mar 27 21:00:33 She will be a great asset to you Mar 27 21:01:00 * Morgan nods Mar 27 21:03:33 How does Molly get on with Florrie? Mar 27 21:03:47 Once she had adjusted, very well Mar 27 21:03:55 Adjusted? Mar 27 21:05:01 Its _really_ difficult to explain Mar 27 21:05:14 * Edward looks at him Mar 27 21:05:32 I don't understand Mar 27 21:06:30 They were all worried I was... that my attachment to Florrie was actually my attachment to Jana, but misplaced. Mar 27 21:08:20 I suppose she is not much older Mar 27 21:09:39 * Morgan nods Mar 27 21:10:32 That attachment has caused Molly some upset? Mar 27 21:11:18 It concerned her in the beginning... and I suppose it made her worry that my heart was not hers Mar 27 21:15:31 Something more complicated than just that you cared for Florrie? Mar 27 21:16:54 * Morgan rubs his forehead Mar 27 21:17:45 If my attachment to Florrie was misplaced from Jana... could my love for Molly not have been? Obviously that is not the case, but I can see why it would worry her Mar 27 21:30:49 * Edward has quit (Ping Timeout) Mar 27 21:37:00 * MollyK (~igloo@192.168.1.127) has joined Mar 27 21:37:12 [21:23:17] Edward: She is sensitive about not being enough like Dietlinde was Mar 27 21:37:33 is that a question or a statement? Mar 27 21:41:08 * MollyK has quit (Read error: Connection reset by peer) Mar 27 21:49:57 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Mar 27 21:50:05 * MollyK is now known as Edward Mar 27 21:50:11 [21:41:15] MollyK: A bit of both Mar 27 21:50:51 She spent a good amount of time believing that I only loved her enough... Mar 27 21:51:35 Enough for what? Mar 27 21:52:10 to be with her... not that I loved her completely Mar 27 21:52:28 * Edward nods slowly Mar 27 21:52:54 That is what you were rectifying at His Grace's house... Mar 27 21:53:06 * Morgan coughs slightly Mar 27 21:53:11 Yes. Mar 27 21:54:18 And now? Mar 27 21:54:33 She knows how I feel Mar 27 21:54:49 What took you so long? Mar 27 21:55:28 I hadn't realised thats what she thought. Mar 27 21:55:51 * Edward nods Mar 27 21:57:29 When she and I discussed some of this in Atemlos, it struck me that she has quite a complex and changing way of relating to your past Mar 27 21:58:31 oh? Mar 27 21:59:25 You recall at Heinzharold's wedding party where she, rightly, called me out for my insensitivity? Mar 27 21:59:52 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:02:14 When berating me in front of Father she made a point that they were almost like sister-wives are in other cultures. She was very protective, and almost more at ease than latterly in Atemlos. Mar 27 22:02:39 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:02:52 A lot has changed since then Mar 27 22:04:40 Yes, though I wondered in Atemlos whether that had been to Molly's benefit. She was finding that absence from you very difficult Mar 27 22:05:15 She thought my being away was a reflection of my not wanting to be with her then... Mar 27 22:05:29 * Edward nods Mar 27 22:05:32 Indeed Mar 27 22:05:46 I have explained to her about that, that she is wrong Mar 27 22:05:58 * Edward nods Mar 27 22:07:00 I have always prided myself in understanding women and how their minds work, but with Molly, I find that much more challenging Mar 27 22:07:50 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:08:32 Have you had any word of Hannalore? Mar 27 22:09:22 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:09:24 I have Mar 27 22:15:21 * Edward has quit (Ping Timeout) Mar 27 22:19:30 * MollyK (~igloo@CrystabllesiPad.lan) has joined Mar 27 22:19:38 [22:07:33] Edward: How is she? Mar 27 22:19:42 * MollyK is now known as Edward Mar 27 22:20:40 Alright... her reunion with Federest is not going as well as hoped Mar 27 22:21:55 Why not? Mar 27 22:22:13 I suppose they aren't the same people they were when they fell in love. Mar 27 22:22:42 It's been six years, I suppose Mar 27 22:22:57 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:24:44 A pity after the trouble of their reunion Mar 27 22:24:56 * Morgan shrugs Mar 27 22:24:58 it is what it is Mar 27 22:25:59 * Edward nods, offering his flask again Mar 27 22:26:29 * Morgan takes it, sipping it before handing it back Mar 27 22:27:04 Did you like Diana? Mar 27 22:27:21 Would you be disappointed if I said no? Mar 27 22:27:28 No Mar 27 22:27:36 No, I didn't Mar 27 22:27:48 She is an acquired taste Mar 27 22:30:35 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:30:45 I liked Dekker Mar 27 22:30:54 * Edward nods Mar 27 22:31:29 He was the one who had me and Potts bucked and gagged when we tried to sneak the brothel girls into the camp Mar 27 22:33:19 * Morgan frowns Mar 27 22:33:55 Yet you think so highly of him Mar 27 22:34:18 * Edward nods Mar 27 22:35:11 We were idiots. No long term harm was done, and it taught us we weren't children at the Academy any more Mar 27 22:35:21 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:35:36 Bit different to Kaufmann punishing me then Mar 27 22:35:48 Entirely. Mar 27 22:36:37 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:38:21 He is a good man and a fine commander. I'll allow that his choice in Diana was unusual, but his mission in buying Hafenlohr was sound. Mar 27 22:38:34 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:39:22 I knew his third wife, briefly Mar 27 22:40:18 Must have been difficult for him Mar 27 22:40:49 * Edward nods Mar 27 22:43:20 It was a sad time for all of us too. She had followed the drum, she was there the first day Potts, Zench, the others and I went into battle. Mar 27 22:43:43 You were close? Mar 27 22:46:04 I didn't know her that well, but the care she took of me that day, and then the day I went back on to the field to bring back my friends and I... when I found out I had made it worse, she was there. Mar 27 22:48:31 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:49:11 You might not like Diana, you would have liked Vania Mar 27 22:50:50 generally speaking I like anyone who is a kind person Mar 27 22:51:40 She was very kind, and smarter than most men. Level-headed and unflappable. Mar 27 22:52:11 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:54:07 He was gone most of the winter when she got consumption. When he returned, it was without her Mar 27 22:55:19 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:55:21 he told me Mar 27 22:55:59 * Edward nods Mar 27 22:58:29 Then Diana turned up following the drum. Her father was in our platoon, rest of her family were gone. She needed nurturing, Dekker had just come out of nursing Vania, it fit. Mar 27 22:59:35 * Morgan nods Mar 27 22:59:36 I see Mar 27 23:01:08 He cares for her. Maybe the fact she is nothing at all like Vania helps that Mar 27 23:01:23 * Morgan nods Mar 27 23:01:26 I can understand that Mar 27 23:01:58 From what he has said, they have all four been very different Mar 27 23:02:48 * Morgan nods Mar 27 23:05:49 The first was passionate and idealistic. When the War came to their city, she died with a sword in her hand defending their daughter. The second was sweet, soft, and motherly, and childbirth took her. That was the one that hit him worst. Vania was kind, smart and wise. Diana is childlike and lively. Mar 27 23:07:37 I imagine choosing similar women would just end up painful for all involved Mar 27 23:07:51 * Edward smiles slightly Mar 27 23:08:46 I get that impression, though I am not sure to what degree he chose to fall in love with them Mar 27 23:10:27 * Morgan nods Mar 27 23:12:24 He has always been open in telling people that he is a man who loves deeply. I think that was partly what made him a good commander Mar 27 23:12:54 * Morgan nods Mar 27 23:13:04 I can see why that'd be the case Mar 27 23:14:13 * Edward nods Mar 27 23:14:33 What does Molly think of her? Mar 27 23:15:38 about the same Mar 27 23:16:54 Women usually love or hate her, and not much in between Mar 27 23:19:03 I think she finds her... childish Mar 27 23:19:55 * Edward nods Mar 27 23:20:45 I do not doubt that Mina would feel the same. There is little in common between them Mar 27 23:21:03 * Morgan nods Mar 27 23:21:16 and that rat with a fringe... Mar 27 23:21:40 * Edward laughs Mar 27 23:22:04 Peaches is a dreadful name for a dog Mar 27 23:22:23 that thing is not a dog Mar 27 23:23:00 Father let's your dog into the house now and then, you know? Mar 27 23:24:11 Maybe he's beginning to mellow... that dogs been through a lot Mar 27 23:25:32 * Edward nods Mar 27 23:26:26 [Liebling, I think we might be getting to a mile away. Do you need me to stay and wait for you?] Mar 27 23:26:42 [We're on the move. We're ok] Mar 27 23:28:27 [Oh! Alright. And you do not need me just for you?] Mar 27 23:29:06 [I'll be alright until we get to you. I don't suppose she's responded?] Mar 27 23:31:08 [I have Varick asleep on me, I cannot easily check] Mar 27 23:31:36 [Alright my love] Mar 27 23:32:27 * Edward offers the flask again Mar 27 23:32:37 I need to see Mina. Mar 27 23:33:31 * Morgan drinks some, handing it back Mar 27 23:33:35 I know Mar 27 23:33:51 * Edward drinks some. It's rapidly getting empty Mar 27 23:35:40 I wrote from Freiburg, but it will still be days before she gets it. You are still happy for me to see her at Koln and for her to stay there? Mar 27 23:36:27 Of course Mar 27 23:37:36 * Edward nods Mar 27 23:38:03 I am hoping it will feel neutral enough for her. Mar 27 23:39:10 I'm sure Molly and Inga would be happy to spend whatever time she needs with her Mar 27 23:41:35 To consume a great deal of brandy, as last time? *he smiles a little* Mar 27 23:42:17 If that is what she needs Mar 27 23:42:30 * Edward nods Mar 27 23:42:47 She tells me they were quite inebriated Mar 27 23:43:25 Sometimes it is necessary Mar 27 23:45:40 *that was the night at Faulk's when Molly consoled Mina after her discovering Edward's orchestration of the fire, and when Morgan had returned he had found Molly checking out and squeezing at her changing derrière in the mirror, assuming she was alone. She'd drunk enough that Claudia had left her to sleep some of it off before he got back* Mar 27 23:47:17 * Edward nods Mar 27 23:48:15 Whatever she needs. I'd even tolerate the bundling if it meant I was with her tonight Mar 27 23:49:38 Shouldn't be too long? Mar 27 23:50:05 Until she gets to Koln? Mar 27 23:50:22 Til you see her Mar 27 23:51:36 A week, I would guess, if she comes as soon as she gets the letter. Thursday or Friday next week Mar 27 23:52:12 * Morgan nods Mar 27 23:53:31 Come on, let's get the last bit of speed out of these beasts. You, at least, can be with your special lady tonight! Mar 27 23:55:56 * Morgan nods Mar 27 23:57:13 *The others are found not long after, all dismounted. It must be almost eight in the evening, dinner time passed. HH spots them first* We were gonna press on t' the big house, but nature 'ad other plans Mar 27 23:59:09 * Morgan looks at him, concerned Mar 27 23:59:11 what do you mean? Mar 27 23:59:57 M: My horse is limping a little. Heinzharold is going to take Varick, if I can ride with you, liebling, and we will lead the horse beside