'A marvellous device. There's one installed in the base; I'll show you later.'

OOC: I think Artemis has mentioned it.

Penny shuffled uncomfortably on her seat as Simon spoke of such private matters. She'd expected him to be a more delicate in his wording; there were euphemisms for 's's word after all. She'd steeled herself to be critical, expecting Simon to be prudish as some preachers were, but what he was said was actually quite reasonable. 'That's... quite reasonable,' she said, sounding surprised. 'I wouldn't know, myself, of course, and things are different in 2013, but that is good to bear in mind.' she fluttered away any connection to herself. 'One should expect a girlish infatuation with beings of such perfection and goodness, but it should pass with familiarity.'

She rounded inquisitively on the priest, looking through the window, 'What do you know of nephilim? The giants of the Bible?' she asked, seizing on the chance to discuss the supernatural as a distraction from more delicate matters, to chase away the image of her marrying Castiel. It seemed a good way to prepare Simon for the matter of Lily, though she would let Castiel decide on whether to tell him.

"Alright. I am comfortable with new things."



He grinned broadly. "I suppose I have been unreasonable at times." He laughed at himself and hoped she would as well.



He was thoughtful at her comment. "I...hope you find what you want Penny. You deserve happiness, everyone does. You are a good person."



Simon knew he was being steered but not the why. Penny was good at this, so whatever her reason he decided she would tell him or not in her own time. "Two different things, Penny, at least in my mind. We today would be giants to Greek or Roman people of Christ's time if museums have clothing right anyway. Giants are just inordinately large people. Nephilim are something else. They possess traits of both angelic and human parents. The Bibles speaks of 'Mighty men of great renown,' and while there are some scholarly differences on what this means, my thought is that it points to stories of men like Hercules and Gilgamesh. Men who were not totally men, and were ascribe to being half god and I am sure there are such women as well. Stories like the Amazons point to this. Understand, Penny this is speculation. I have never met either an Angel or Nephilim. I do not begrudge you your relationship with the Messenger, but I fully admit that I am envious of it. The simple fact that this Messenger appeared to you means you have a special place in God's design. Pay heed to it, Penny. God will speak to you, perhaps in those quiet hours when you are falling to sleep or waking, perhaps in dreams, perhaps in a vision - like I had, or in some other manner. On occasion God chooses something less subtle, like a burning bush that speaks but it not consumed by flames."

He paused trying to be more gentle than before as he sensed her discomfort with matters carnal. "Perhaps he already is? Your - 'girlish infatuation' - might be the door to a relationship that leads to...more." He paused searching for delicate language, "If you were to say be the mother of such a being, male or female, than that person would be extraordinary lucky to have such a good and honorable woman for his or her mother."

Penny had a small, crooked smile on the matter of being unreasonable. Perhaps they weren't clearing the air between them, not yet, but they were at least normalising their working relationship. She had things she wanted to say about their earlier dispute, that might even resolve the matter, but she didn't dare risk it.

She processed the priest's lore on nephilim, finding some clear parallels with Lily's great strength. "Women as well", indeed. She almost laughed at the idea she might have "a special place in God's design", knowing what she did about the changed history. In any case, any possible infatuation was minor matter, easily settled with time and treatment.

'No! I'm afraid that child would be doubly cursed.' Penny said with sudden vehemence, that shocked even herself. Her stress at trying to deal with Lily and keep her secret, combined with keeping her own, had all spilled out. It was with a pained expression that she explained 'Forgive me. It has been allowed to me to know something of such things, and please trust me that it would be a curse as well.' Lily had to know the truth, and Simon too as he was courting her. Penny dearly wanted to tell all, and it was hurting her to keep it inside and so hurt them and kept them ignorant. Penny buried her face in her hands, knuckles pressed into her brow. 'I have too many secrets! Secrets I must keep, as ordered by the highest authorities, for the good of others, though it hurts them sorely. And they eat away at me inside. How can I keep looking into their faces as they ask for help, and say and do nothing?'
This message was last edited by the player at 02:15, Tue 15 Sept 2015.

Simon was taken aback by her reaction to his attempt at compliment. "Cursed?"



He paused, not really knowing exactly what to say to this. "Penny, what do you meant cursed?" Then he said with confidence and authority, "There is no curse Satan or his minions can place that God cannot overcome, of this I have absolute confidence."



It hurt him to see anyone in such pain, but Penny was a friend if one he shared a somewhat strained relationship with. He really could speak to this as well. He was very gentle in saying what came next, "Penny, the confession is sealed. I hold more secrets than I can count. I am bound by vow to keep them. Anything you say to me here I must keep in confidence. If unburdening yourself will help, please do. No power in heaven would hold you to account for a confession, that is the most wonderful thing about it - it is sanctioned by God."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:20, Mon 14 Sept 2015.

'That, I fear, is where the problem arises.' Penny muttered despairingly. After all, it was certain forces in Heaven that threatened the nephilim, and revealing the truth in confession could risk Lily's identity. She held up a hand to forestall further questions. 'Please, do not ask, it is not for me to say. I– I will ask Castiel to explain it to you.' Penny fell silent, clasping her hands in prayer, but not sure what she could say. Her hands quivered, faith was wavering; was Heaven so fractious that rogue angels could threaten good folk like Lily for their bloodline?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:08, Tue 15 Sept 2015.

ooc: You guys keep going, no rush at all! It's quite nice to see the conversation running. Let me know if/when you want to summon Cas, if it is going to be done in private or if you will gather the others too and please do take your time, there is no need to hurry :)

Simon simply stopped talking when Penny began to pray. It would be rude of him not to stop at that point.

For now, Penny found only silence. Sighing, she released her hands. Perhaps later, with peace and quiet in her mind. Though she'd been reluctant at the idea of confession, she found this moment to offload her concerns and fears satisfying, or cathartic, as the priest had suggested. It was a necessary thing. After all, very soon, she could be going to the very Gates of Hells – she could be going home. She did not wish to bring baggage. But there was still the proverbial elephant in the room between them.


OOC: Actually, I'll let Simon direct the conversation next. Or would you like us to have another go at resolving Penny and Simon's earlier dispute? With Artemis's permission, of course. I think I have a better lead-in for that now.

Simon waited until her prayers had ended. He could see she felt some better, which met with his approval. When she was done there seemed still unresolved business. "If you can call on the Messenger, I would very much like to speak with him."

Simon has forgiven Penny and asked for forgiveness in return. I have as well forgiven you and have asked for your forgiveness. I don't hold grudges. If it would make you feel better I welcome the conversation.

'Yes, of course.' Penny said, rising out of the confessional. She looked back to Simon, wondering what, if anything, she should say to prepare him. What could she possibly say? She figured she had already mentioned the key points of Castiel's manner. For the rest, she would let the priest encounter the angel with no further preconception. She should not spoil the divine experience. 'Castiel!' she shouted to the rafters of the chapel, then added, in deference to Father Simon, 'In the name of God and Christ the Savior, we call upon the angel Castiel for guidance!'


OOC: And I forgive you too; I'm not a grudge-bearing person either. We'll leave it until after then.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:20, Wed 16 Sept 2015.

It takes several moments and for a minute you feel somewhat foolish but at last there is the soft fluttering sound you've grown accustomed to and you both turn to see a dark haired man in a white button up shirt, slacks and a light brown coat of strange design behind you. He is handsome, tired looking and to Simon's surprise, quite human looking though there is no denying the otherworldly manner of his arrival.

He glances around a fraction of a second and takes in Simon's presence as well with a slight look of approval. Nodding a polite greeting to the priest he turns to Penny, quick to business. Have you found Kate? What news is there?


(ooc: Here's a link Simon so you know what he looks like, don't bother reading up on him as it is crazy extensive, you can just scroll through the pics a bit if you like-http://www.supernaturalwiki.co...ex.php?title=Castiel)

Simon stood when he heard the strange noise and saw the Messenger. He was wide eyed, like a child who having believed in Santa all his life is finally able to witness him in the flesh. Simon is at a loss for words. He moves a bit closer, trying to get a good look at the Messenger. He looked, well, human. Where were the wings? Where was the halo?

Simon edged around to try and get a look at the Messenger's back, hoping to find feathers. Finding none his look changed. As if Santa had no reindeer, Simon looked disappointed to a point. He looked at Penny in confusion, as if to say "Is that all?"

Simon went around front and looked into the Messenger's eyes. There he saw what he expected and his face brightened. OF COURSE! he thought, many references to Angels moving in disguise. that must be it. He had so many questions, so many things he had simply taken on faith but now, with an actual messenger. He seemed tired, though. Do Angels get tired? Do they sleep? Do they dream? Simon knew for a fact Angels ate manna a flaky bread like substance.

What he really wanted was to touch the Messenger, but it seemed rude somehow. He was afraid even try and shake hands. He turned back to Penny with the childlike awe he had at first. Then he realized he needed to get out of the way and let them speak. His head dropped, "My apologies." He stepped to the side.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Wed 16 Sept 2015.

Angels flew in the blink of an eye, Penny had noticed, and as before she tried to keep her eyes wide open to try to catch Castiel mid-flight. Was that rude, or presumptuous of the divine? Or she should she be as God made her, observant and curious? Regardless, Castiel spoiled her efforts by appearing right behind her. Penny turned, smiling and looking warmly upon the angel. This was their first encounter in which she was not surprised, disbelieving, in fear, or suffering the dignity of being visited in the shower, and since speaking with Simon she'd settled her thoughts on how to view the angel. She found his presence reassuring, her faith renewed. 'Mister Castiel, good morning. I hope Heaven is going well. This is Father Simon Cole, he was quite anxious to make your acquaintance. Simon, this is Castiel, an angel of the Lord.' Penny smoothly handled formally introductions, though the etiquette books had surely not considered meeting angels. Perhaps their roles had reversed in this.

Noticed that Simon seemed a bit lost, even disappointed, Penny nodded to him with a small smile she hoped was reassuring. Where Simon might see an ordinary man, Penny's keen observant eyes saw a different kind of angelic perfection: there was no dirt on his shoes, no dust on his rumpled coat, subtly and certainly unreal. He was an ordinary man, who might have stepped out of a picture or a dream.

Introductions over, Penny moved to business. 'We have a lead on Kate's location; Emma Bently cast a spell for us – Dartmoor, England, the spring of 1863. We plan to travel there by magic soon. We know your eyes can pierce the veil of time – can you tell us what we might be walking into, what Belial intends in the past? What we should avoid? I fear there may be a connection to my birth or infancy.' Castiel surely already knew the Darkmoor connection, everybody else did.

Castiel turns to Simon at the introduction and extends a handshake which if taken is firm and feels disappointingly like human flesh. You note he has a deep almost gravely voice and his face is very serious though not unkind. Nice to meet you Father. he nods politely then turns to Penny. 1863? he frowns. I confess there are still many things hidden from me. Belial is no fool, he will not lay his plans out to see easily. I think it best I go with you. He's already altered the timeline far too much, if he tries to interfere with you then there's no telling what else may change and no doubt for the worse. I have no idea why Kate would be there. He needs her for his key I assume, I warned you about the darkness inside her. I couldn't read it yet but there's something familiar about it. I'm sure I will work it out. He looks tired but then there's no telling what he's been up to on the other side of time. When do we leave? I assume you are taking Lily with you? You will probably need her. He glances at Father Simon uncertainly, no doubt unsure how much to reveal.

Penny nodded grimly to Castiel's response. Supposedly, her own survival now depended on Belial's interference, and that was a loathsome thing to be thankful for. 'Emma Bently believes it is the Blaeden and Darkmoor bloodlines combined that will form the key. Kate must carry one or the other, or both.' she informed Castiel coldly, not certain how much to say on that topic with Father Simon present.

'Soon. Miss Green is making the preparations.' Penny cocked her head at Simon at the matter of Lily. 'I believe he should know.'

Simon was nearly in tears at the opportunity to shake the hand of a Messenger. It mattered little that the hand felt human to Simon. He was literally speechless for several seconds. He said, "It is my distinct pleasure to make your acquaintance. Lilly and I discussed how to address you and we came to the conclusion that it is your choice not ours. How does one address an Angel respectfully?"

After that he and Penny had to discuss things. He understood that there were things being kept from him. He did not understand, but like most things he accepted it without needing understanding.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:58, Thu 17 Sept 2015.

That makes sense he nods at Penny's theory of bloodlines. I sense a similar darkness in you though it was more concentrated in Kate. That is not to say I think either of you of evil intent of course, only that your bloodlines are...significant.

It takes Cas a moment to realize what Penny means and then he frowns in thought a moment later distracted by Simon's question. I will admit it is pleasant to be so respected Father. My current company in the future does not always remember my kind's place in things and though I cherish their friendship it is a bit...informal. I've grown accustomed to it and don't mind of course but it is nice to meet a human who acts with admiration for once. You may call me Castiel or simply Cas, others often do. He pauses then, glancing at Penny again. As for your request Penny, I normally would object but I suppose he is in more danger from her identity than anyone else. I trust you will be secretive on this matter? he looks at Simon for confirmation and upon receiving it will nod. Very well. The woman you know as Lily is in fact only half woman. She is a Nephilim, her father is an angel. He's actually a very good friend of mine and has taken it upon me to watch her from afar. What is not commonly known is that the creation of Nephilim has been long forbidden. The punishment is so severe that only a handful of Angels have dared to disobey. Lily is the consequence of such rebellion though my friend never intended things to go as far as he did when he fell in love with her mother. In order to protect her he pushed away her divine half, buried it within her mind and blocked her access to her abilities except in times of great passion or danger so she would be able to protect herself. If her existence is discovered she will be put in great danger, for this reason your silence is required.

Simon understood most of it, but there were parts he did not. "I do not believe God would order Lily's death. Please explain this in greater detail to me."

Castiel sighs and considers how best to continue. It's not that simple. You see, God has not been in heaven for some time, or at least has not revealed himself to us. Most of us think it is a test for us angels, to see if our faith is strong enough to make the right decisions on our own. There have been some disagreements over how to rule things in his absence and not all of the decrees are in keeping with what he would want unfortunately. It is a bit chaotic at the moment. I do not think he would order Lily's death either. In fact I mean to protect her as best I can, though she is stronger than I am when she's in her full strength.

Simon looked askance at Castiel, for the first time wondering if perhaps this was some kind of trick. "So God does not reveal himself to you and you take this as a test of faith. I understand that. I understand your protecting Lily. I can even perhaps understand chaos in Heaven without God's Voice to guide it. What I still do not understand is the secrecy, apparently from Lily herself. I am willing to accept your decree of silence if I understand it fully."

He looked down in sadness, "If it means protecting her I will not marry her. I do not think I could keep such a things secret from someone I marry."

Looking in sympathy and dismay to Simon, Penny interjected in support of Lily and her bond with the priest. 'Yes, not knowing the truth, her fear, and the ghastly consequences of the nephilim's actions when she blacks out, are all tearing poor Lily apart. Her emotional state makes the emergence of the nephilim more likely. Sooner or later, she shall work it out on her own, or someone unaware of her true nature will mention something, and that will expose her. She must know – something!' Penny pressed Castiel. 'A lie, a half-truth, whatever you think best, but she needs some information and reassurance. I can only go so far teaching her control and acceptance.'

Penny faced Simon with a serious, imploring look. 'Please, I urge you to reconsider, Simon. I fear Lily could not bear to have you flee her over this.'

Simon was greatly torn by what he had learned. "I cannot lie to someone, especially someone I am married to, Penny." He found himself sitting for fear of falling. "I do not know what to do."

Penny guided Simon into a pew. 'This was the secret I could not bear, because I must always reveal the truth. But for you I fear it will be far more difficult.' she noted sympathetically. There seemed no easy or good answers to the issue. 'Lily's other half herself has demanded we keep this secret from her human half. We must respect her wishes, as contradictory as they are. But her human half needs peace of mind.' She looked to the angel for an answer.

Simon nodded, "I understand why you seemed so heavy hearted and why you did not tell me. Honestly..." he stopped himself, "...no it is better that I know. What exactly are we not allowed to tell her, specifically? Perhaps we can craft something that tells her enough to ease her mind without giving away anything important?"

'She has demanded we tell her nothing about her true nature, and her actions during her blackouts. She has been threatening too, even at my small hints. Perhaps full knowledge will unite the two halves of her mind and expose her to her enemies?' Penny mused, looking to Castiel for confirmation. To Simon, she described 'She is a fierce-tempered and powerful woman, more so than Lily herself, but her manner is ruthless and cold as steel. The humanity is with the Lily we know. Nevertheless, she does act with goodness in her heart, I believe. You should speak with her – you are, after all, courting two women. I think we may excuse that in this instance.' she added with a tight smile at the irony.

Penny recalled what Lily's nephilim half had said when they'd first met 'She said the agents she killed were demons in disguise. The nephilim must have been aware of the demonic infiltration long before the rest of us. Telling her this will reassure her somewhat.'

'As for the rest... There are legends of warriors who enter black-outs and battle frenzies – the Viking berserker, the Irish ríastrad. I theorised this at first. Something similar may work, but I am not familiar with native legends. Or perhaps she needs something kinder and closer to the truth: an angelic blessing, a trance-like state to spare her?' Penny hated concocting a lie to keep Lily in the dark, it seemed crueller than the truth.